The West University Buzz - September 2022

Recipes to Relish

by Andria Frankfort

Private School Directory An Alzheimer’s Journey Henry the Harvey Rescue Pup

Houston, TX Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Making a Difference in Tanzania Chef’s Corner: Degust 80 is the New 50 Learning Spots for Little Ones

EDITOR’S NOTE I should have a sign in my kitchen that says: “My favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations.” Over the past 20 years, The Buzz has featured countless incredible recipes. I have yet to make a single one – cooking is not my thing.

Thankfully, Michael doesn’t mind. But I enjoy reading about these recipes (I keep telling myself this will be the one I make) and I love reading about the talented chefs behind those recipes. Sometimes, neighbors share beloved family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation; other times, professional chefs have been willing to share their fivestar recipes with our readers. In this issue, we highlight some outstanding recipes from foodie neighbors Julia Hellums, who has worked alongside Martha Stewart, and Chris Catechis, who inherited his love of cooking from his dad. Whether you relish experimenting in the kitchen or prefer to peruse The Buzz while ordering takeout, we hope you find some delicious inspiration in this issue. Bon appétit. joni@thebuzzmagazines.com

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

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Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Cindy Burnett Andria Frankfort Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon Michelle Groogan Dai Huynh Cheryl Laird Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Pooja Salhotra Cheryl Ursin Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Jo Rogers

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On our cover: Chris Catechis shares his father’s recipe for Greek-style Fish Plaki in Red Sauce.

Cover photo by Michael Hart, hartphoto.com Food styling by Carla Buerkle, carlabuerkle.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 © 2022 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 4

Your smile can last forever

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

3642 University Blvd., Suite 102 Houston, TX 77005 www.westuortho.com 713-481-4885 WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Dream come true I have received nothing but positive feedback about being featured in this month’s issue [The Garden Code: Gifts grown in Grandpa’s garden by Michelle Casas Groogan, Aug. 2022]. Being on the cover of a magazine [The West University Buzz] has always been one of my goals. I am so grateful to the wonderful people at The Buzz who have made this dream come true.

Thank you for sharing my story.

As for Ivy [the app Jones created], it releases August 13, 2022 – the day after my 18th birthday.

Jones Mays Editor’s note: Jones, congratulations on your app and we appreciate you sharing your story with us! See thebuzzmagazines.com to read this story. Search the Apple store to check out Ivy.

Kudos on July issue I wanted to let you know I loved the July 2022 issue. It was absolutely marvelous. One of the best issues. I know people take the time to make complaints about things, but I think you ought to hear kudos. I loved the issue. It was gorgeous. The photography contest – I really enjoyed it. I believe in acknowledging. People will tell you what they think is wrong but not what’s right.

Carmelita Groff Editor’s note: Carmelita, we appreciate you reaching out and sharing positive feedback. We’re glad you liked seeing the winners of our 2022 Photo Contest.

View all of these photographs at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Past story hits home today Cindy – we don’t know each other, and I don’t make it a habit of messaging random strangers on social media, but I just ran across your “When I’m 64” article in The Buzz [When I’m 64: Comfortable in my own skin by Cindy Gabriel, Nov. 2018] and it hit me right on the gut. I am reaching the end of my 64th year and celebrating that Medicare birthday next month. I am also retiring from a job and career I love. So lots of changes.

Your article is exactly what I needed today. I know you wrote it three years ago, but I just wanted to let you know it still hits the mark. Thank you!

Dubravka Romano Editor’s note: Dubravka, we’re glad you stumbled upon this story and that it made an impression on you. See thebuzzmagazines.com to read (or reread) this story.

Peachy keen Hi Andria – your Just Peachy recipes in the July 2022 food section [by Andria Frankfort] look delicious! I tried the Apricot Raspberry Crumble WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 6

[submitted by Nancy Beck] with peaches and blueberries and a bit less of the flour than called for in the recipe, and it was good. However, I want to try it again with much less flour in the fruit mixture. Thanks for your Food section. I always enjoy the recipes and photos. Keep up the good work.

Marilyn McDonald

Celebrating a centenarian Thank you for the wonderful article about my dad, Damon Slator, and his 100th birthday celebration [Happy 100th birthday!, Buzz About Town

by Angie Frederickson, West University Buzz and Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz, May 2022]! The memories last, and your article stirred them up again, which I treasure! And since I live in Austin, it has been fantastic hearing from the friends I grew up with in Tanglewood who now know about his big milestone! A heartfelt thanks to you and The Buzz team!

Helen Young 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 feature.

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• Have a funny or sweet parenting story.

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 2022 7

SPORTS

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Staying Active to Stay Young 80 is the new 50

I

n Jack Levin’s world, 80 is the new 50. In fact, this 80-year-old CPA is more active than a lot of 50-year-olds. He’s working fulltime, playing tennis and padel four times a week (padel is a cross between tennis and squash), and he’s just returned from a trip to Israel, where he was a member of the American tennis team at the Maccabi Games. Jack says it’s all the activity that keeps him young.

“I’ve been hitting balls basically all my life,” Jack says. “My interest started at 12 or 13, in South Africa. As a teenager, I played competitive table tennis, and I drifted to tennis as an adult.” Jack and his wife Leorah moved to Houston 46 years ago and raised four boys here, all grown with families of their own.

“About 20 years ago, I started playing padel.

It’s not pickleball, which is all the rage, but it’s a sport [that’s] growing tremendously in Europe, Argentina, Mexico. It’s played on a smaller court, and you play outside, but you’re enclosed in glass on the sides.” Jack’s become a champion of the sport, both on the court and in the backrooms of competitive play.

Jack had already qualified to play tennis in this past summer’s Maccabi Games. Held in Israel, the Maccabi Games brought 10,000 Jewish athletes from 60 countries together to compete in what has been called “the Jewish Olympics.”

But as a padel enthusiast, Jack wanted the newer sport to get the placement he felt it deserved in the Maccabi Games. “In Spain, there are more padel players than tennis players, and that’s the land of [Rafael] Nadal and all those great tennis players,” Jack says of the sport that began in Acapulco in 1969 and has since become popular worldwide. “I pushed to get padel accepted into the [Maccabi] Games as an event, and it was a great success,” Jack says, sharing his excitement about the sport’s first appearance in the Games.

“There were four courts set up, 14 countries entered. I would have liked to play, but there was no age division for me, so I would have been playing against 25-year-olds.” Instead, Jack became the international chair of padel for the Maccabi Games.

Attending the 2022 Maccabi Games both as

a member of the tennis team and as the padel chairman was a dream for Jack. “I was really looking forward to it, had always wanted to do it,” he says of playing in the Games (he and Leorah had visited Israel many times before).

Sadly, Jack suffered a shoulder injury playing tennis three days before departing for Israel.

“I told him, ‘It’s like the Oscars – you tried out and you made it, even if you didn’t win the outcome you wanted,’” Jack’s daughter-inlaw Melissa Rubenstein Levin says. “Your bucket list still gets checked off.” In that spirit and despite not being able to play tennis in the Games, Jack and Leorah had a great trip.

“It was really exciting; President Biden attendTEAM PLAYER Jack Levin has been playing tennis since his teenage years and ed the opening ceremo- recently traveled to Israel as part of the US tennis team in the Maccabi Games. ny with all the countries ing. “I’ve been playing with the same tennis group marching in to music and fanfare. The activities for 30 or 40 years,” Jack says of Jorge Barer, Mark took place in five cities. We were in Netanya in Russell, Marc Mattsson, and Don Woo. “Jorge, I a hotel, and in our hotel was the US women’s met 46 years ago, and we’re still playing together. basketball team,” Jack says. “Leorah is beautiful “I’ve been blessed by these tremendous and looked really wonderful, and she and I startfriendships. We’ve vacationed together. About ed talking with these young women, she was four years ago, they all [and their wives] came to regaling them with stories. The girls just took a South Africa with me and I was the tour guide shine to her, so we would have breakfast together for Cape Town, where I’m from.” and went out together and watched them play.

Like the Olympics, the next Maccabi Games They got a gold medal and called us onto the will be held in three years (Covid changed the court for pictures.” Melissa says Leorah and Jack typical four-year schedule). Jack says he’s lookbecame the “unofficial parents” for the team. ing forward to competing. “By then they will The people were Jack’s favorite part of the have age divisions [for padel],” he says. “Maybe experience. “You make wonderful friendships not 80s, but 40s and 50s, so it won’t be too much and connections. We had a wonderful time.” of a drop for me.”

And the camaraderie is what keeps him play-

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PETS

by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer

Henry the Harvey Rescue Part one of a two-part saga

F

ive Septembers ago, just before meeting Stan-the-Man, I was in a relationship with a younger guy with more hair. We met in September of 2017, about a month after Harvey floods nearly drowned us all. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight. All I could see was a panting pink tongue dangling through a disheveled mass of mud and fur. It was all my petite next-door neighbor Donna Drennen could do to hold him standing on my driveway.

“I can’t keep him. I have a houseful of cats,” she rightly said. Donna basically runs a Senior Living Community for cats from back when she took it upon herself to collect the feral cats in the neighborhood and had them spayed or neutered. Those she couldn’t place remain with her to this day. Her niece Joanna Drennen has the same admittedly admirable “condition” only involving dogs.

Earlier that day, Joanna fished this shivering mass of fur out from under a car near her Meyerland home. She suspected he was a rare, expensive breed. Her first stop was to the vet, to see if he was microchipped.

No chip, no collar, no tags, and unneutered.

But the vet did confirm that he was indeed a Coton de Tuléar, known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar, an island republic off the coast of East Africa. These small fluffy dogs, known for being affectionate and intelligent, usually cost an average of $3,000.

Joanna’s dog-inn was full, plus I suspect, her home was reserved for those not so easily placeable. I felt honored to host His Royal Highness his first night inside in perhaps a month. “He acts like he’s never seen a leash,” Donna said, handing him to me.

“One step at a time,” I thought. His feet didn’t touch the ground until they were in the bathtub. Here he passively submitted to a longoverdue bath. Then, he let me plop his wet torso on a towel, in my lap for a clump-by-clump scissor cut, letting me move his legs back and forth, looking like an old man relaxing through his spa treatment.

Finally, he and Annie, the Yorkie-Poo, met on the floor, two blondes of the opposite sex, about the same height, noses touching, tails

wagging; I had a feeling this was going to be more than a one-night stand.

For some reason, the name Henry popped into my head. He fanned out on the floor spread-eagle, with Annie politely curled nearby. It was an almosthuman position, or maybe that of a double-jointed dog, with front and back legs splayed to each side. Henry had gone from frumpy to beautiful, but exhausted.

I wondered what his life had been like for the past IT’S A DOG’S LIFE This high-class pooch is living his best life five years post-Harvey. month. real owner showed up. But by month two, I gave Nobody claimed him, from pictures Joanna in, hoping he would calm down. He didn’t, but posted on Nextdoor, but somebody had seen it made it easier to try the dog park. Henry was him with another dog like him, only with grey by far the fastest runner, from end to end. Then markings. The two were crossing S. Braeswood he would skid into his turn like a racecar, leavwhen the other dog was clipped by a car. Joanna ing a cloud of dust. searched for his grey companion, most likely a About three months into this relationship, I littermate, to no avail. Perhaps they belonged to met Stan-the-(Hu)Man. It was my first date a breeder. since my husband, George, died in 2013. Stan My daughter Laura took it upon herself to had two mixed-breed waist-high dogs. We employ her social media skills to do a thorough would meet up with all four dogs most Saturdays online search. There were plenty of takers, but at the dog park to see how everybody got along. no actual owner.

“I like the name Henry,” Stan said. “My To put it mildly, Henry started feeling more father’s name was Henry.” But what he didn’t and more comfortable by the day. He acted as if say that we both knew, was we can’t have four he had never lived inside a house, jumping from dogs between us. Each week, Henry caught the sofa to the coffee table to the dining table someone’s eye who wanted to know more about and barking at that dog in the mirror, running him. There were many offers to take him. I to find him on the other side. And, as Donna couldn’t give up my little buddy to just anybody. warned, walking him on a leash was like having “One step at a time,” I thought. a hyena on a bungee cord.

Next month: How Henry finds his forever home.

I tried to leave him unneutered in case the

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hartphoto.com / Food styling by Carla Buerkle, carlabuerkle.com

FOOD

by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Recipes to Relish New dishes to try this fall

T

here’s something about a faint hint of fall in the air that makes some of us run to our kitchens. If you are thinking ahead to some cool-weather cooking, you are in the right place. Read on for a little inspiration from some neighbors.

J

ulia Hellums knows food. She’s been a cookbook editor, a food stylist, and a cooking teacher working in New York, London, and Houston. She’s edited local chef Hugo Ortega’s cookbooks, and she’s worked alongside Martha Stewart. Julia thoughtfully shared some favorite fall recipes.

“In Houston, we sort of have a second tomato season in the fall,” she says, “so I thought a Tomato Tarte Tatin would be a fun thing to make. And then I’m including a duck recipe that can be done in the oven or on the grill, because a lot of people will be duck hunting in the fall.” The salad she includes, she says, goes well with the Tomato Tarte Tatin to make a lovely vegetarian meal, or as a base on which to serve sliced duck.

Arugula and Endive Salad with Lemony Dressing “The sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and shallots in the Tarte Tatin are well balanced by this combination of peppery and bitter greens,” Julia writes, “which also works just as well with the richness of the crisp skinned duck breast.”

1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice 5 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 head yellow endive, trimmed* 1 head red endive, trimmed* 3 cups arugula leaves, washed ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced *If you cannot find red and/or yellow endive, use your favorite greens.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Separate the endive into leaves and, in a medium salad bowl, toss together with the arugula and red onion slices. Toss with dressing to coat all the arugula

TWIST ON A CLASSIC Food writer and stylist Julia Hellums has made a classic dish new by switching in tomatoes for apples in her Tomato Tarte Tatin.

and endive evenly; add more salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4-6.

Tomato Tarte Tatin Julia notes that the tomatoes and shallots can be roasted up to two days in advance of assembling and baking the Tarte Tatin. For the puff pastry, her favorite brand is Dufour. Julia adds that the Tomato Tarte Tatin can be made the day before and reheated in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes before serving.

15 to 20 ripe plum tomatoes (small to medium sized) 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper ½ cup sugar ¼ cup water 12 shallots, peeled 8 ounces prepared puff pastry, defrosted according to instructions on package ½ cup grated parmesan 2 tablespoons butter, melted Basil leaves, for garnish Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. With a sharp paring knife, cut the core out of each tomato and cut an X on the opposite side. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and pour boiling water over them to cover. Let the tomatoes stand one minute or less just until the skin peels easily; drain and peel all skins from the tomatoes.

Cut the peeled tomatoes in half length-wise and place cut-side down on an oiled half-sheet pan. Sprinkle the tomato halves evenly with 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Bake one hour.

Arrange the peeled shallots on a separate oiled

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half-sheet pan. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, salt, and pepper. Bake 20 minutes.

Line a 9 ½ inch round cake pan or Pyrex dish with parchment paper. Warm sugar and water in a heavy bottom sauce pan over medium heat, stirring until sugar melts. After the sugar has melted, raise the heat to high. Do not stir with a spoon but swirl the pan to prevent burning until the mixture turns a light golden brown.

Pour the caramel immediately into the parchment-lined pan.

Arrange the roasted tomato halves neatly over the caramel. Top with the shallots in between the tomatoes so the tart is tightly packed. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top of the vegetables.

Roll out the puff pastry into a circle slightly larger than the cake pan; prick with a fork to make holes for steam to escape. Place the pastry loosely over the tomatoes and shallots, tucking in the edges around the sides of the dish. Brush the pastry with melted butter. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.

Remove from the oven and cool for five minutes before turning the Tarte Tatin out of the pan. To do so, run a knife around the edge of the pan; place a warm plate over the top and turn the tarte upside down and onto the plate.

Gently peel off the parchment paper and garnish with basil leaves. Serve warm with a green salad.

Serves 4-6.

Crispy Balsamic Duck Breast Julia says this is a “delicious change of pace from the everyday burger or pork chop dinner.”

She likes roasting in a cast-iron pan in the oven because, she says, it creates a good sear and a crisp skin.

5 tablespoons balsamic (continued on page 14)

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hartphoto.com / Food styling by Carla Buerkle, carlabuerkle.com

A NEW FAVORITE Crispy Balsamic Duck Breast served over an Arugula and Endive Salad with Lemony Dressing is a beautiful change of pace. (continued from page 12) vinegar, plus extra for

drizzling 4 duck breast halves Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper With a sharp knife, cut diagonal parallel slashes 1-inch apart through the skin of each duck breast half. Cut slashes in both directions, making a diamond pattern. Be sure to make cuts in the skin only, being careful not to pierce the flesh. These slashes will allow the skin to crisp.

Put 5 tablespoons vinegar in a shallow dish just wide enough to fit the four breast halves. Place the duck breast halves into the vinegar skin side up. Cover and marinate 20 minutes at room temperature (or 2 hours in the refrigerator). Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Preheat a cast-iron skillet with an oven-proof handle over medium heat until almost smoking.

Add the duck breasts to the hot pan skin side down and cook until crisp, about five minutes.

Turn the breasts and place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes for medium-rare, 10 minutes for well-done.

After removing from the oven, cover the duck with foil and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into thin slices; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the slices on a plate and drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar to

taste. Serve with your choice of sautéed greens or over a bed of green salad (see recipe above).

Serves 4.

C

hris Catechis is a real estate investor and a great cook. Vietnamese Spring Rolls are one of his favorite “recipes” to make for his children (one in college and one who just graduated) and nieces, because “they’re easy, they’re fun, and there are really no calories.” He goes so far as to say eating spring rolls is “like eating a nice salad all wrapped up,” and then adds, “Each one at the grocery store will cost a couple of dollars. These can’t be more than 35 cents each, so pennies instead of dollars. My motto is saving money is making money, so the more I eat of these, the more money I make.”

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Chris’ recipe is supremely adjustable: “The ingredients are just about anything you want to fill the rice paper,” he says.

1 head Boston lettuce, leaves washed, separated, and dried 1 cup chopped cilantro 2 carrots, shredded 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks 4 faux crab legs 12 round rice papers (Chris buys his at Hong

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Kong Market) 1 package rice vermicelli, cooked according to package instructions until just tender and drained To prepare the rice paper, soak one sheet in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 20 seconds.

Do not over-soak, as it will become too limp to handle. When the rice paper is just pliable, remove it from the water and lay it out to remove any wrinkles. Add the ingredients: lettuce, cilantro, carrot, cucumber, and vermicelli.

Be sure to leave about an inch on either side of the paper. Slowly bring the bottom edge of the paper up and fold, squeezing the ingredients tight. Then fold the sides in like a burrito. Add 3 slices of crab. Fold the remaining paper over to form a log shape. It will hold together nicely for the finished product. Serve with Peanut Sauce (recipe follows). Serves 4.

Peanut Sauce ½ cup Asian-style salad dressing (Chris likes Newman’s Own Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing) 1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter Whisk the dressing and peanut butter together. Adjust the amount of dressing and peanut butter to achieve the consistency you like.

Serves 4. (continued on page 16)

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hartphoto.com / Food styling by Carla Buerkle, carlabuerkle.com

GREEK TRADITION Chris Catechis’ Dad’s Fish Plaki in Red Sauce is a family favorite passed down from generation to generation.

Chris also generously shared the recipe for his father’s Greek baked fish. “My father was born in Greece on the island of Corfu,” Chris says. “He immigrated to this country at the age of 13 and landed in New York during the… Great Depression. He was drafted into the service during World War II. Since he was Greek, he was assigned to work as a cook in the kitchen.”

Chris’ father, Anastasios (later called Bill, after someone in this country renamed him), passed down his love for cooking to his children.

“This is one of his truly great recipes for preparing fish for the family,” he says.

(continued from page 14)

Dad’s Fish Plaki in Red Sauce ½ cup olive oil 1 large onion, sliced thin 3 small or 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 15-ounce can fire roasted tomatoes, plus 1 can water Salt and pepper 1 bay leaf 1 ½- to 2-pound whole red snapper or redfish, or another white, flaky fish ½ cup white wine Juice of ½ lemon Cooked rice Chopped fresh oregano and/or parsley, for garnish

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion slices until they are translucent, then add the garlic, tomatoes, and water. Season with salt and pepper and add the bay leaf. Simmer on low for about 2 hours. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little more water.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spoon enough sauce into a glass baking dish to cover the bottom of the dish by about ½ inch. Place the fish on top of the sauce, then pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the fish is opaque or internal temperature reaches 130 to 135 degrees (larger fish will take longer).

Serve with rice, spooning the juices over the rice and the fish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh oregano and/or parsley. Serves 2-4.

I

f you are more of a meat-and-potatoes type, we’ve got you covered. Last fall we came up with a new favorite: Beef Bourguignon. As we tested this recipe, I thoroughly surprised a table full of die-hard steak-and-potatoes fans; they were delighted by the outcome.

This braise, steeped in red wine, beef broth, and fresh thyme, is fall food at its true best.

Layers of flavors that are complex and sophisticated, but also cozy and comforting. It’s delicious on a random Tuesday, or a company Saturday.

Either way, nobody will be sorry.

I do have one confession. You might want to serve the Beef Bourguignon over mashed pota-

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toes, or alongside some crispy ones. I tried passing off mashed cauliflower as potatoes (which I personally adored). Trust me and stick with potatoes.

Beef Bourguignon 2 ½ pounds chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes, patted dry Kosher salt Freshly ground pepper 1 teaspoon olive oil 6 ounces pancetta, chopped 2 onions, chopped 1 pound carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tablespoons flour 1 750-mililiter bottle dry red wine 2 cups beef broth 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon butter 1 14-ounce bag frozen pearl onions ½ pound cremini mushrooms, sliced thick Italian parsley, chopped, for garnish Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Season the meat with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Set aside. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it is crisp, about 10 (continued on page 18)

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hartphoto.com / Food styling by Carla Buerkle, carlabuerkle.com

FRESH AND SIMPLE Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce are portable – great for picnics – and require no cooking. (continued from page 16) minutes. Transfer to a

paper towel-lined plate.

Sear the meat in the same pot, in batches.

Increase the heat to medium-high, and in a single layer, sear each side of the meat until it is browned. Transfer the seared meat to a bowl and set aside, repeating with the remaining meat.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook the chopped onion and carrots in the same pot, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes or until the vegetables soften. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, and then the flour, and cook 1 minute more. Return the meat and pancetta to the pot, including any juices that have accumulated. Add the wine, broth, thyme, and bay leaf, and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a tight lid and cook in the oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until the meat is tender when you poke it with a fork.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and mushrooms, and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Let the onions and mushrooms sit, untouched, for about 5 minutes, until they start to brown. Stir them and repeat until they are soft and browned in spots. Add them to the meat.

Bring the stew to a boil on the stove, uncovered. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for another 15 minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serves 6.

T

he Almond and Plum Snack Cake from Gramercy Tavern pastry chef Miro Uskokovic is stellar, like This might be the best cake you’ve ever made stellar. It’s dense, moist, sweet but not too, and the plums on top sort of melt into jam-like fruit with a sweet-tart flavor.

This is a delicious cake to make for Rosh Hashanah, but it is also an excellent justbecause cake. Snack, dessert, even breakfast – this one is a winner.

Almond and Plum Snack Cake From Gramercy Tavern pastry chef Miro Uskokovic, published in Food & Wine, August 2020 1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, softened 8 ounces almond paste, at room temperature, crumbled, divided 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided 4 large eggs 1 cup sour cream 1 ¾ cups bleached cake flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 medium-sized red plums, cut into ¾-inch wedges Cooking spray ½ cup sliced almonds

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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine 1 ½ cups sugar, butter, ½ cup almond paste, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest in the bowl of a food processor. Process until light, creamy and smooth, about 45 seconds. With the processor running, add eggs, one at a time, incorporating fully after each addition. Mixture should look thick and fluffy. Add the sour cream, and process until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds, stopping to scrape the bowl as needed.

Whisk together the cake flour and all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Add the sugar mixture to the flour mixture; whisk just until all dry ingredients are incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, fold the batter to thoroughly combine ingredients.

Toss together the plums and lemon juice in a medium bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Line a 13-by9-inch baking pan with parchment paper; lightly grease with cooking spray. Spread batter in the prepared pan, smoothing it with an offset spatula. Sprinkle remaining crumbled almond paste over batter. Arrange plums over top, and sprinkle with almonds and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.

Bake the cake until lightly browned and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer the cake in the pan to a wire rack, and let cool completely, about 2 hours. Serves 12-14.

Editor’s note: For more recipes, see Andria Frankfort’s weekly blog, Back Porch Table, at thebuzzmagazines.com.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 19

NEIGHBORS

by Michelle Casas Groogan, staff writer

Remembering Jane An Alzheimer’s journey

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une 2, 2012. The day longtime Briargrove resident, Mary Moreland, experienced a profound change. It was the day her father died and her “third child,” Jane, was born. Jane is Mary’s once nurturing mother who transformed into a deeply dependent daughter.

Mary offers an intimate account of that difficult journey in her autobiographical book, The Gap Between: Loving and Supporting Someone with Alzheimer’s.

“She couldn't walk. She couldn’t get in and out of her bed by herself,” said Mary, an ethics lawyer and single mother rearing two young sons at the time. Describing her mom toward the end of her life: “She didn't know who I was, although I feel like she knew I was familiar. It really is a devastating disease to watch your loved one go through.”

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain cells to die. For many people it starts with mild cognitive impairment; a person could still live independently, and the disease could go unnoticed because changes are subtle at first.

“My mother lived so close (1.4 miles away in Tanglewood); I would see her all the time, but she would run errands and take a really long time,” said Mary. “We were also in denial, and we didn’t know about the first stage of Alzheimer’s.”

Jane P. Moreland was a teacher as well as a published poet and author of many short stories.

She was a past winner of the Iowa Review contest and judge for PEN America’s southwest fiction contest. She and her husband, Jon Moreland, lived in Tanglewood, an exclusive inner-city oasis. They were the original owners of their signature, sprawling ranch-style home on Shadywood, building it in 1976. Mary was just six years old when they moved in and that’s where Jane lived until 2015, about four years after the diagnosis when it became clear she needed more care. Jane moved to assisted living at Belmont Village.

“There’s actually a lot of joy for a long part of the disease,” said Mary. “You just have to meet your relative where they are even if you can’t enjoy exactly the same things that you used to.

MAKING MEMORIES Jane Moreland and daughter Mary Moreland focused on enjoying time together during Jane’s 10-year-journey with Alzheimer’s.

My mother, even after diagnosis, was still writing short stories. She was laughing; she was enjoying her grandchildren. She used to come to events at school, to see her grandsons in plays.

There still can be a lot of life, despite someone’s Alzheimer’s.”

Jane died in 2020. After her mother’s death, Mary met virtually with a therapist who encouraged her to write. With the support of her sons, Henry Prendergast, now a freshman at Rice who graduated from Kinkaid in May, and James Prendergast, a junior at Kinkaid, she took leave from her career of international law and cross border transactions to write about her family’s decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s.

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ary is blunt about the cruelness of the disease. The book takes you from diagnosis to deathbed touching on topics no one wants to

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talk about: behavior, diapers, caregiving, and grief. But there, between the chapters, she brings to life an elegant Southern lady who charmed everyone and gives us a glimpse into her brilliant mind. Mary was able to include a collection of unpublished poems she found among her mother’s belongings.

“I think the juxtaposition of a book about her losing her cognitive abilities next to these poems that are so thought-provoking and smart,” said Mary. “It’s just such a contrast.”

Mary and her family didn’t have to look far to get support when her family finally accepted the diagnosis. Jane had been longtime friends with Carolyn Wimberly, who founded the Alzheimer’s Women’s Auxiliary for Resources and Education (AWARE), a group that helps raise funds for caregivers. Carolyn’s daughter, River Oaks resident Sarah Ray, is on the (continued on page 22)

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(continued from page 20) board of directors for the

Alzheimer’s Association Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter. Sarah and Mary grew up around each other; the families would vacation together.

Sarah, a retired corporate securities attorney, knows the affliction of Alzheimer’s all too well, losing her dad to it in 2019.

“People who have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, you can’t control their behavior; it’s completely unpredictable and can be embarrassing,” said Sarah. “Even though my dad was extremely intelligent, he could still do math in his head, he then would turn around and think a poker chip was an Oreo and try to eat it.”

Mary is donating a percentage of profits from her book sales to AWARE. “I’m really proud of Mary for writing it,” said Sarah, who says it will take people like her to knock down a stigma that has persisted.

“It would be nice if people understood more, just like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum in the grocery store. Most moms who have had toddlers will empathize with that mom, rather than thinking, ‘Oh, that's a horrible child or a horrible mother.’ We're not quite there yet with Alzheimer’s.” Mary hopes a naked glimpse at Alzheimer’s will have a long-lasting effect.

“I put my feelings and heart on a platter and not everyone’s gonna like it, not everyone’s going to relate to it,” said Mary. “But hopefully it will help some people.”

HEALING WORDS Left: Mary Moreland titled her book The Gap Between after a line in one of her mother’s poems, A Visit, printed below. Right: Jane Moreland, pictured here in the ’80s, was a teacher, writer, and prize-winning poet.

Poems by Jane P. Moreland Jane P. Moreland was a published poet and author of short stories. In Mary Moreland's The Gap Between, she printed a collection of unpublished poems found among her mother’s belongings, including the poems below.

The Progress of Grief

like your heart, spill tears like rain to run widening through shallows and remembered crevices, abrade your inner landscape, wash you in cold currents over deep floors and out into sunlight, where you find yourself crossing fields on a murky fast canal that is the bold stroke across canvas that severs then from now, life as absolute before the blurry gold becoming.

three shades of red poppies in a blue vase, I put there half to mock her.

A Visit

Thrift

She comes in with a box of blue iris and white penstemon, wires and shears: the tools of control.

They ask why I speak when you can’t hear me, why I stay since even if you see you won’t remember. I should leave for fresh air. In your rarefied sky, you won’t miss me.

She tours my house, noticing dracaenas, angel wing begonias in terra cotta pots, soil visible, root hairs exposed at old fissures, doesn’t miss ivy, russet coleus rooting in muddy crystal bowls.

I know her silence: thick smoke of disapproval.

Grief is at first private, fallen acorns held tightly within lacquered shells, stone-hard pears and pomegranates that cannot release sweet tears.

It becomes the somber pigeon released every dawn and home by dusk to find you in umber shade of live oak, follow your escape through scars into the private hollow that could split

She cheers the hall arrangement,

She calls me to the kitchen as she arches stems to widths and heights defined by a porcelain urn.

I watch in silence my mother working at our shared obsession, thinking how in the gap between us, someone could plant sequoias.

Waste Not, Want Not is where it comes from, my grandmother’s cross-stitch sampler, code that raised me.

Bake with sour milk. Plait strips of outgrown skirts into rugs.

Save coins in secret jars. Don’t waste one precious drop of you.

Recognizing Alzheimer’s Early signs and symptoms include: Source: the Alzheimer’s Association • Memory loss that disrupts daily life • Challenges planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships • New problems with words in speaking or writing • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps • Decreased or poor judgement WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 22

• Withdrawal from work or social activities • Changes in mood and personality Resources Houston Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers support for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and works to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

See alz.org/texas.

The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline operates 24/7, with knowledgeable people available to talk anytime. Call 800-272-3900.

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inding the right fit for your child’s education is vital to their academic, social, 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 early learning through high school, has been a valuable resource to our readers since 2016, and has been even more beneficial in helping families navigate the changing landscape of in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning.

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all Houston private schools. Instead, our goal is to provide readers with a snapshot of each participating school, as a starting point in the research process.

Find and share the online version of this directory at thebuzzmagazines.com/private-school-directory.

Also, check out buzzworthy stories about local schools and students on our Schools section at thebuzzmagazines.com/schools and read stories written by local high school students on our School Buzz blog at thebuzzmagazines.com/columns/school-buzz.

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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, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Applications open and tour registration begins Aug. 15.

Annunciation Orthodox School offers an educational experience that extends beyond academic excellence and includes the development of strong character in an Orthodox Christian environment. Every day, we celebrate the distinct talents and diverse backgrounds of our students, cultivating empathy, resilience, confidence, and agape (unconditional love in action) while fostering a joy of learning. Our students mature into grounded and compassionate members of society, prepared for future challenges.

The Awty International School Early Learning / Lower School / Middle School / Upper School Co-ed • Est. 1956 7455 Awty School Ln., Houston, Texas 77055 713-580-0579 • admissions@awty.org • www.awty.org Erika Benavente, Acting Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Early Learning, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 2022, 11 a.m. Oct. 21 | Lower School, 9 a.m. Oct. 14 | Middle/Upper School, 2 p.m. Nov. 13; French Program (All Grades), 12 p.m. Oct. 20 The Awty International School, Houston’s premier international school, educates over 1,700 students, from PK3 through 12th grade, to become responsible world citizens. The leader in international education, Awty is a diverse community of students and teachers hailing from over 50 nations. In the culminating grades, our students pursue either the French Baccalauréat or the International Baccalaureate. Visit our website to learn more about Awty.

British International School of Houston Pre-K3 through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 2000 2203 North Westgreen Blvd., Katy, Texas 77449 713-290-9025• info@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 is an international and diverse private school with research based and contemporary pedagogy. Our internationally recruited teachers and caring and inclusive environment produce outstanding IB results and excellent academic progress. Serving children from Pre-K3 to 12th grade, learning and achievement are supported by collaborations with The Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and UNICEF. Inquire to learn more about the future of education today!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Academy Middle School Co-ed • Est. 2022 4600 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-364-8224 • admissions@dbahouston.org • www.dbahouston.org Eric Lerch, Head of School Open House Dates: Please contact admissions@dbahouston.org to schedule a visit.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Academy is an independent middle school providing students a truly unique and transformative learning experience. Built on the core values of teamwork, imagination, and courage, our innovative classroom engages young people through dynamic learning activities and outstanding WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 24

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individual support. With an emphasis on developing strong executive functioning skills, DBA’s exceptional academic program meets the unique needs of middle school students while preparing them for success in high school and beyond.

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 Ginger Montalbano, Head of Enrollment Management Open House Dates: Grades 9-12, Oct. 23, 2022, 1 p.m.; Pre-K3-8th Grade, Nov. 6, 2022, 1 p.m.

Leading and teaching with Sacred Heart values in mind, Duchesne Academy challenges students to embark on intellectual journeys and seek an active faith. As Houston’s only all-girls Catholic Pre-K3 through 12 school, our single-sex education fosters a vibrant campus community that provides the support, challenges, and freedom needed for our girls to succeed. At Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, backed by a global network, we teach our students the importance of community, how to put social awareness into forthright action, and how to develop independence.

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, Oct. 30, 2022; Upper School, Nov. 9, 2022 The Emery/Weiner School is a private, college-preparatory middle and high school offering an exceptional education in a supportive, hands-on, experiential 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. A robust Experiential Education program inspires collaboration, resilience, and camaraderie among students and faculty. Small class sizes allow for talented teachers to help students grow in confidence and competence. Emery students graduate with a profound sense of moral self-reliance, empowered to advocate for themselves and others.

Episcopal High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1983 4650 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-512-3400 • cwasden@ehshouston.org • www.ehshouston.org Carol Wasden, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Open House Dates: Oct. 26, 2022, 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.

Goldberg Montessori School 18 months through Kindergarten Co-ed • Est. 1977 4610 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-723-3856 • info@gmshouston.org • www.gmshouston.org Helene Lubel, Head of School Open House Dates: To be announced.

Goldberg Montessori School combines a rich Secular and Judaic Studies curriculum for children 18 months-Kindergarten. We offer a Year-Round Program.

Dr. Montessori emphasized that the hand and the brain work together. The specially prepared classroom environment supports the child’s independence, coordination, sense of order, self-discipline, and concentration. Teacher guidance and lessons support the child’s freedom to explore and discover, which leads to positive self-worth, self-direction, and self-advocacy. The overall objective is to foster a love of Judaism and joy in lifelong learning.

Holy Spirit Episcopal School Infants through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1962 12535 Perthshire Rd., Houston, Texas 77024 713-468-5138 • admissions@hses.org • www.hses.org Kelly Broaddus, School Director Open House Dates: Oct. 5, 2022, 9 a.m.; Feb. 1, 2023, 9 a.m.

HSES offers engaging, inspiring education for infants through 8th grade in the heart of West Houston. A place with vivid engagement and vibrant experience through hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, and exciting moments that spark curiosity, feed resilience, and fuel wonder. And our students carry that energy with them into high school, college, and life itself. HSES is a place where an early love of learning can last forever. (continued on page 26) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 25

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Houston Christian High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1997 2700 W Sam Houston Pkwy. N, Houston, Texas 77043 713-580-6020 • adalton@houstonchristian.org • www.houstonchristian.org Anne Dalton, Admissions Open House Dates: Oct. 3 and Nov. 7, 2022, 7 p.m.

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

The Joy School Kindergarten through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1997 1 Chelsea Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 713-523-0660 • admissions@thejoyschool.org • www.thejoyschool.org Shara Bumgarner, Head of School Open House Dates: See website for bi-weekly tours.

The Joy School prepares students with learning differences to return to traditional classroom settings by enabling them to reach their academic and social potential in a safe, supportive environment.

LEAH Schools North Academy Grades 6-12 Co-ed • Est. 1980 1130 W. 34th St., Houston, Texas 77018 713-880-3131 • admissions@leahnorth.org • www.lutheranhighnorth.org Courtney Adkinson, Director of Admissions and Marketing Open House Dates: Please call to schedule a private tour.

LEAH Schools North Academy (formerly Lutheran High North) is a fully accredited college-preparatory school presenting a newly developed sevenyear sequence of quality academics that provide a strong foundation on literacy and Christian education. North Academy is now enrolling students from 6th-12th grade for the fall ’22-23 school year. Students who enroll at North Academy join a diverse community and culture which will help develop them spiritually, intellectually and socially. We are ranked among the top 15 percent most diverse private schools in Texas. We welcome you to discover and join our community.

Montessori Learning Institute 3 months through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1987 5701 Beechnut St., Houston, Texas 77074 ● 713-771-5600 (3 months - 3 years) 5812 Maple St., Houston, Texas 77074 ● 713-774-3793 (3 years - 8th grade) Montessori Learning institute info@montessorilearninginstitute.com ● www.montessorilearninginstitute.com Developing outstanding, Confident scholars My Le Vo, M.Ed., School Director Open House Dates: 3 months-3 years, Sept. 27, 5 p.m., Beechnut Campus; 3 years-8th grade, Sept. 29, 5 p.m., Maple Campus. Please call for a school tour.

We respect each child’s uniqueness and inspire him/her to develop a strong mind and caring heart. Our safe, stimulating environment with small student ratios and dedicated, talented teachers nurture confident, responsible scholars. Our students have a record of high achievements and respectful conduct at distinguished high schools and colleges.

Pines Presbyterian Preschool 18 months through Kindergarten Co-ed • Est. 1970 12751 Kimberley Ln., Houston, Texas 77024 713-467-9358 • www.pinespresbyterianpreschool.com Connie Pike, Executive Director Open House Dates: Week of Jan. 23, 2023. Days/times vary depending on the age of your child. Please call the office for more information.

We share our Christian faith through an atmosphere of love and concern for our students and families. Our curriculum is age appropriate and holistic, focused on developing each child’s social and emotional skills, as well as academics. Our goal is to support each child in early development so he or she can become a confident learner and a self-sufficient and caring individual.

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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 • admissions@postoakschool.org • www.postoakschool.org Ashley Krug, Admissions Director Open House Dates: 14 months-Grade 6, Oct. 1, Dec. 1; Grades 7-12, Oct. 6, Dec. 6 Post Oak challenges the norm. We don’t teach to a test. Instead, we guide our students as they learn how to learn – not for the sake of grades, but to help them develop social and academic skills for creating their own bold pathways through life. Post Oak’s two campuses are engaging Montessori environments, culminating in the IB diploma program and year-round internships for high school students at partner institutions throughout Houston.

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 Open House Dates: TBD If you want your children to achieve and be happy while they do it, send them to Presbyterian School. It’s the future of education, with a faculty, curriculum, building, and location that make the most of the best new research about how students learn and how they can thrive while doing it. All of this in a Christ-centered setting. Come and see why we believe our way is not merely different – it’s better.

The Regis School of the Sacred Heart Pre-K / Lower School / Middle School Boys • Est. 1991 7330 Westview Dr., Houston, Texas 77055 713-682-8383 • questions@theregisschool.org • www.theREGISschool.org Steven R. Turner, Jr., Head of School Open House Dates: Visit www.theREGISschool.org/Admissions.

The Regis School of the Sacred Heart is Houston’s only all-boys 3 Pre-K through eighth-grade school, educating scholars and gentlemen in the Sacred Heart tradition since 1991. Through a unique mix of challenging academics and the values of the Sacred Heart, Regis empowers students of all faiths to become lifelong scholars and authentic, compassionate leaders.

River Oaks Baptist School Preschool / Lower School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1955 2300 Willowick Rd., Houston, Texas 77027 713-623-6938 • admission@robs.org • www.robs.org Kealey Johnson, Director of Admission Open House Dates: Visit our website for available dates and registration links.

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, apply now.

The Saint Constantine School Pre-K3 through High School Co-ed • Est. 2015 7177 Regency Square Blvd., Houston, Texas 77036 832-975-7075 • admissions@saintconstantine.org • www.saintconstantine.org Rebecca Rautio, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Private tours available by appointment. Applications for 2023-24 will be available Nov. 1.

With a commitment to small classes and outdoor learning and play, we are ready to handle the challenges of on-campus learning in our changing world. Because education is a pursuit for the whole person, our teachers provide students with excellent classroom instruction balanced with time to play, wonder, and explore. Students in our Lower School spend many hours outside in our natural playground and garden each day, and are not burdened with take-home busywork afterwards. Older students receive rigorous instruction in dual-credit courses, giving them a head start in college and preparing them for life as independent adults. (continued on page 28) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 27

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Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School Preschool / 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: For open houses and visit information, go to www.stes.org/visit.

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School (STE) is celebrating its 68th year as a preschool through 12th grade Christian college preparatory school offering a classical education. STE students have won recent state awards in quiz bowl, mock trial, language competition, soccer, basketball, 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 MIT, Cornell, Georgetown, Boston University, Rice, Penn, Colorado School of Mines, UT, and Texas A&M. Be sure to visit our renovated campus and new three-story academic building.

School of the Woods Preschool / Pre-K / Kindergarten / 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 is Houston’s oldest continuously operating Montessori school and is non-profit, independent, and non-sectarian. It is accredited

by Cognia, the Texas Education Agency, and is an American Montessori Society member school. The school provides students with a college preparatory Montessori curriculum from ages 2 1/2 through high school in an interactive learning environment, through individualized curriculum personalized by credentialed Montessori teachers. Educational programs encompass: Early Childhood-Kindergarten, Elementary, Upper Elementary, Woods Middle School, and Woods High School. Auxiliary programs include After School Care, Dance, Gymnastics, Music, Sports, and Summer Theater Camps. All children are eligible for enrollment regardless of race, color, creed, or national or ethnic origin.

Second Baptist School Pre-K3 through Grade 12 Co-ed • Est. 1946 6410 Woodway Dr., Houston, Texas 77057 713-365-2314 • admissions@secondbaptistschool.org • www.secondbaptistschool.org Andrea Prothro, Director of Admissions Open House Dates: Visit secondbaptistschool.org/admissions for information on tours and events for prospective families.

The mission of Second Baptist School is to equip students to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

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 and Development Open House Date: To schedule a tour, please contact the director of admissions and development.

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: Visit www.stannecs.org for information on tours.

Since 1930, St. Anne Catholic School has been committed to teaching the Basilian philosophy of “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, 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.

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St. Catherine’s Montessori 14 months through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 1966 9821 Timberside, Houston, Texas 77025 713-665-2195 • enrollment@stcathmont.org • www.stcathmont.org Lina Delgado, Head of School Open House Dates: In-person tours begin Sept. 19, 2022.

As a Catholic Montessori School, St. Catherine’s is dedicated to an educational experience which awakens in our students the awareness of their gifts and responsibilities as individuals in relationship with Jesus Christ and as stewards of the global community.

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. 29, 2022. 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 Piney Point Campus (Lower and Middle School): 335 Piney Point Road, Houston, Texas 77024 Couper Campus (Primary and Upper School): 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 Date: Nov. 5, 2022 (all divisions). Primary School Tour Dates: Sept. 26, Oct. 20, Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 9, 2023; Lower School Tour Dates: Sept. 30, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 8, Jan. 11, 2023; Middle School Tour Dates: Sept. 30, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 8, Jan. 11, 2023; Upper School Tour Dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 17, Nov. 15, Dec. 5, Jan. 12, 2023.

Founded as a parish school of St. Francis Episcopal Church, St. Francis Episcopal School is an accredited, college-preparatory school serving students age 2 through grade 12. We support growth not just in mind, but also in body, soul, and heart, in an environment that is at once challenging and supportive.

Our students develop a healthy tolerance for wise risk-taking, celebrate earned success and good choices, and learn resilience and reflection by turning occasional missteps into opportunities.

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: Primary and Lower School, Oct. 15; Middle School, Nov. 12. Visit our website for tour details.

At St. Mark’s Episcopal School, we strive to be a place where students from 18 months old through 8th grade cultivate intellectual curiosity and a fearless pursuit of knowledge. Encouraged to take ownership for their own learning, our students grow into confident young people who are excited to discover new passions and are able to advocate for themselves and others. We are an inclusive, diverse, and engaged community that believes in the partnership between home and school. Join us at St. Mark’s and be known and celebrated for the unique person you are.

St. Pius X High School High School Co-ed • Est. 1956 811 W. Donovan St., Houston, Texas 77091 713-692-3581 • mislehj@stpiusx.org • www.stpiusx.org Johnny Misleh, Enrollment Management Open House Date: Dec. 11, 2022 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. (continued on page 30) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 29

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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 • admission@ssesh.org • www.ssesh.org Office of Campus Life Open House Dates: Visit ssesh.org/admission/tours to sign up for a tour.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Houston is a private school located in the Montrose area near the Museum District and Rice University. We serve students from 15 months old through 8th grade. We are a progressive Episcopal school, rooted in our values, accepting families of all faiths, backgrounds, and lifestyles. At St. Stephen’s, students enjoy individualized work plans featuring hands-on, project-based learning founded on Montessori pedagogy and STEM in our makerspace – the da Vinci Lab for Creative Arts & Sciences. Our core curriculum is enriched with vibrant classes in robotics, film, fine arts, performing arts, and Spanish.

St. Theresa Catholic School Pre-K3 through 8th grade Co-ed • Est. 1947 6500 Durford St., Houston Texas 77007 346-335-1706 • K.mccarty@sttheresa.cc • www.sttheresaschool.cc Kelly McCarty, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Oct. 23, 2022; Jan. 29, 2023. Check website for times.

St. Theresa School is a diverse educational community rooted in the Catholic faith and committed to providing students with a comprehensive, creative, and challenging program of studies. In a nurturing environment, students are encouraged to discover their full potential and to generously put their gifts at the service of God and others.

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, Director of Admissions Open House Date: Dec. 4, 2022, 1 p.m.

St. Thomas High School is a Catholic college preparatory institution for young men in grades 9-12. With more than 120 years of teaching tradition, the Basilian Fathers’ sacred mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge inspires 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: Please visit our school website for admissions information.

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

Trafton Academy Pre-K / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 1973 4711 McDermed Dr., Houston, Texas 77035 713-723-5888 • admissions@trafton.org • www.trafton.org Olivia Jolet, Admissions Director Open House Dates: Open House coffees are Pre-K4-Grade 3 Oct. 25, 9 a.m.; Grades 4-8 Oct. 26, 9 a.m.

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.

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Veritas Christian Academy of Houston Preschool / Elementary School / Middle School Co-ed • Est. 2002 7000 Ferris St., Bellaire, Texas 77401 713-773-9605 • admissions@veritasca.org • www.veritasca.org Kim Berger, Assistant Head of School Open House Dates: Oct. 19, 2022, 9 a.m.; Jan. 25, 2023, 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 13051 Whittington Dr., Houston, Texas 77077 281-496-7900 • admissions@thevillageschool.com • www.thevillageschool.com Bill Delbrugge, Head of School Open House Date: Nov. 8, 2022 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 80 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 Nord Anglia Education’s network of schools.

Westbury Christian School Pre-K3 through 12th grade Co-ed • Est. 1975 10420 Hillcroft St., Houston, Texas 77096 713-551-8100 • admissions@westburychristian.org • www.westburychristian.org Nathan Wagner, Head of School Open House Dates: Oct. 23, 2022 and Jan. 22, 2023, 2-4 p.m. Please register at www.westburychristian.org/visit.

Westbury Christian School is a Christ-centered college preparatory school for students from age 3 to 12th grade. Since 1975, we have provided our students a safe and diverse environment with challenging academics taught from a Biblical worldview and personalized instruction. WCS strives to support families in Christian education and cultivate relationships that build a strong sense of belonging within our community. Students are encouraged to find their God given talents by participating in our student led clubs, athletics, and fine arts programs. WCS develops students to become Christian servants, compassionate leaders, and lifelong learners who are prepared for here and eternity.

Xavier Educational Academy Grades 5 through 12 Co-ed • Est. 2007 1001 West Loop South, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77027 832-533-2652 • info@xavieracademy.org • www.xavieracademy.org Richard de la Cuadra, Founder and Headmaster Open House Dates: Call for information.

At Xavier, our mission is to cultivate each of our students to realize their greatest potential through highly individualized learning practices that foster their passions by promoting a collaborative teaching experience that deeply respects and honors each child’s unique value while providing a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment that encourages every child to embrace their truest selves.

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. 26, 2023, 5-7 p.m.; Open House Coffee, Jan. 27, 2023, 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, tennis, 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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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Buzz Baby

Learning around town

Buzz Baby is a column about life with little ones.

Writer Annie McQueen is a mother of four children under the age of 8.

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eptember brings the start of fall and school time. We set out to find Houston places to visit that are geared towards a child’s learning, places where parents can bring their babies or toddlers to stimulate their imagination and engage their senses.

Mom-of-two Amy Ostfeld has taken her two kids to the Children’s Museum Houston for years. “The museum exhibits change all the time,” she said. “Every time I go, there is something new.” She says the museum always has something fun to engage all ages.

The popular Tot Spot inside the Children’s Museum, an open-play area for babies and toddlers only, up to age 35 months, has a muchanticipated reopening this month after being closed during the pandemic (be sure to call to verify the date, 713-522-1138).

The area allows babies and toddlers room to explore and interact with other little ones and their parents, focusing on developmentally appropriate sensory exploration, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

The Children’s Museum Houston offers exhibits and programs for a range of ages, including a “Kids’ Committee” (for ages 8-13), a program to help improve the museum’s programming and exhibits through the perspective and opinions of kids. (Museum admission is $15 for adults and kids ages 1+; free for kids under 1.)

There are countless outdoor educational spots for children, including a favorite of many Buzz families – Edith L. Moore Sanctuary. Driving down Memorial Drive, just west of Beltway 8, one might pass by without knowing an 18-acre nature reserve lies just west of Memorial United Methodist Church near Rummel Creek Elementary.

Edith L. Moore Sanctuary is privately owned and managed by Houston Audubon and admission is free to the public. The reserve allows visitors seven days a week and has walking trails with birding, and live streaming bird cameras. It is an excellent spot to take a tot to learn all about nature and birds in a toddler-friendly out-

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door environment.

One Buzz dad, who has three daughters who attend Rummel Creek Elementary, recently went on a nature hike at the sanctuary. He says he enjoys how easy the access is from their neighborhood. “We eat lunch, then stop by Edith Moore to see if we can find birds or other critters.

We have been coming here for years,” he said.

OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM Houston offers many educational places to visit. Benny Another favorite and Elliott Smith (pictured, from left) like to explore the trees and lake at Memorial Park. outdoor educationthing for everyone,” she said. “A lake with fish al spot is the sprawling Houston Arboretum. and ducks, trails to explore, an open field to kick The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a soccer ball, and food trucks.” tucked away, close to downtown Houston. It has Another educational spot great for toddlers over 150 acres of nature, and walking trails filled and small children is the Houston Museum of with outdoor learning. The Arboretum is a fanNatural Science. A toddler-friendly area is the tastic spot for a young child to learn all about butterfly exhibit – children can experience the plants, ecosystems, birds, and more, and it’s free lifecycle of a butterfly and walk through a towto visit. After outdoor exploration, there is a ering indoor exhibit where one might even land Discovery Room that has wildlife, and ways to on their shoulder. (Museum tickets are free for learn about plants and animals up close and perchildren ages 2 and under, $16 for kids ages 3sonal through exhibits, microscopes, and games.

11, and $25 for ages 12+.)

Two popular Bellaire-area spots are There are lots of free toddler and baby story Evelyn’s Park Conservancy, which has five times around town at local library branches. The acres of green space. The open outdoor space Spring Branch Memorial Library, located near allows families to escape from the city and Hedwig Park, hosts different story times each connect with family. Nearby, the Nature week, and has a “baby hour” reserved for babies Discovery Center has many programs to only. Discover the many events on the Houston instruct young children on the importance of Public Library website or on social media. nature including printable scavenger hunt A child’s desire to explore the world around pages for kids. them becomes even more fun when you visit One of Houston’s largest natural areas is exciting places that encourage learning. If you Memorial Park. Buzz mom Kate Smith says she look around the city, there are endless ways to is a huge fan of taking her three kids to head out on an adventure to spark learning, exploMemorial Park to check out the towering trees, ration, and a little adventure in day-to-day life. especially her 20-month-old who enjoys the Where will your next educational adventure be? freedom to roam. “There is a little bit of some-

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Cindy Burnett

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by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Buzz Reads

Five picks for September

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

The Codebreaker’s Secret by Sara Ackerman (historical fiction) – The Codebreaker’s Secret is a fabulous addition to the World War II historical fiction subgenre. After helping crack the German Enigma code, Isabel Cooper is sent to Pearl Harbor’s Station HYPO, its code breaking center, to help break the Japanese Magenta codes that are being grabbed from the airwaves in an attempt to win the war. Angry that her brother was killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, Isabel believes the only way she can avenge her brother’s death is to crack these codes, but she quickly learns that life may have more in store for her when she meets her brother’s best friend, a pilot with his own secrets. Two decades later, a young journalist is sent to Hawaii to cover the opening of the Rockefeller’s latest project, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and is roped into the hunt for a prominent guest who goes missing.

While searching for the guest, she uncovers a wartime secret that she must work to unlock.

This dual timeline tale merges together seamlessly, and the Hawaii setting and focus on breaking Japanese codes during the war make this a unique and worthwhile read.

Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah (historical fiction) – 20-year-old Jacqueline Bouvier spent her junior year abroad in postwar 1949-1950 Paris, and in Jacqueline in Paris, Mah brings to life Bouvier’s time there, and its impact on the rest of her life. Thrilled to be away from the societal pressure of New York and her mother’s prying eyes, Jacqueline falls in love with Paris’s social scene – the cafes, theatre, and art – while slowly realizing that the city is struggling with the aftermath of World War II. Spies abound while communism is taking a foothold in French politics, and no one is who they seem. Mah charts the beginning of Bouvier’s long love affair with Paris as well as bringing the City of Lights to life post-World War II. This beautifully written story transported me to a Paris with which I was unfamiliar and focused on a lesser-known time in Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s life that is

often glossed over; this book will appeal to those who love historical fiction.

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries (short story collection) – Story collections by a group of authors on a shared topic are either fabulous or unexceptional.

Marple: Twelve New Mysteries definitely falls in the former camp, WHAT TO READ This month's selections include a fast-paced thriller set on mainly because of the a Greek island, two historical-fiction titles, one set during World War II and all-star lineup of the 12 the other about Jacqueline Bouvier's time in Paris, a fun contemporary-fiction tale set in New York City centered around designer shoes, and a collection of authors who con- new stories about Agatha Christie's Jane Marple. tributed Miss Marple The short chapters, stellar pacing, and sun-filled tales – Naomi Alderman, Leigh Bardugo, Alyssa setting combine to make this page-turning Cole, Lucy Foley, Elly Griffiths, Natalie Haynes, thriller a compelling read.

Jean Kwok, Val McDermid, Karen M. A Shoe Story by Jane L. Rosen (contempoMcManus, Dreda Say Mitchell, Kate Mosse, and rary fiction) – Following college, Esme put her Ruth Ware. Each author creates their own take life and dreams of moving to New York City and on Miss Marple and the settings, additional pursuing a career at an art gallery on hold to care characters, and actual mysteries solved by Miss for her father when he had a terrible car crash.

Marple vary widely which makes the collection Seven years later, she is offered a month-long very engaging to read. The authors clearly did job dog sitting in a beautiful Greenwich Village their research on Miss Marple and the cases she apartment. Even better, the apartment’s owner solved, and it was so interesting to see the many has an amazing collection of designer shoes, different directions that they went with that which Esme asks to borrow. Every day, she tries knowledge. The definite standouts were the stoa new pair as she works to make friends, regain ries by Ruth Ware, Jean Kwok, and Elly her old life, and decide how much of her old Griffiths; a couple of the mysteries fell a little dreams are still relevant to her now. The added flat for me, but I think that is always the case in element of the fabulous shoes was a really fun collections like these. Overall, it is a highly addition, and each chapter is entitled a different engaging book, particularly for those who love pair of shoes, tying in that pair with what hapmysteries and Agatha Christie. pens in each chapter. The intergenerational One of the Girls by Lucy Clarke (thriller) – relationships, the focus on friendship, and the Set on a fictional Greek island during a bacheshoes make this a standout tale. lorette party, One of the Girls follows six women who slowly realize they are stuck on the island Editor’s note: Southside Place resident Cindy with a murderer. Lexi invites five women to celBurnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column ebrate her upcoming nuptials, an eclectic group at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts the Thoughts who all know Lexi well but who are not really from a Page Podcast, is co-creator of the Houston friends with each other. They all have their own literary event series Conversations from the Page, agenda, and as the story progresses, the women’s runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfromapage, secrets are revealed as it slowly becomes clear and regularly speaks to groups about books. that someone does not want Lexi to get married.

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TRAVEL

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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Making a difference in Tanzania

INAUGURATING A DREAM Sandy and Richard Jackson on the patio of the library and media center they founded at Promise Village School in Tanzania, surrounded by some of the Maasai children who will be making use of it.

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hen Dr. Richard Jackson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, he knew he wanted to use the time he had left to make a difference in the world. He and his wife Sandy had gone to Tanzania on safari in 2006, and they left that country grateful for the natural and cultural marvels they had experienced but haunted by the poverty and deprivation that they saw.

When the cancer diagnosis sharpened his focus on leaving a legacy, his mind went back to Tanzania, to an educational project he had collaborated with some years before. Years ago, a friend had put him in touch with a woman named Donna Gunn, from Austin, Texas, who had started a nonprofit called Africa’s Promise Village aimed at improving the lives of children in the indigenous Maasai territory of the

Manyara District in Tanzania. She was looking for help to ship some school uniforms for the village’s school. Richard was impressed with what the organization was doing and happily helped with that, but he wanted to do more.

The retired medical doctor had already founded his own non-profit in 2010, Mali Nieta, which translates to “looking ahead to the future,” focused on helping in education and health-related issues throughout Africa. Now he decided to join forces with Donna and help amplify her efforts to provide a better education to the Maasai children.

“When I came down with cancer in 2020, I wanted to do something big – I wanted to build a library for the school,” he said. And so Promise Village Academy was born as a project of the two respective nonprofits.

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or grandson Jackson Kane, 16, his grandfather’s cancer diagnosis came as a shock.

“We’re very close, and I’ve been traveling with him since Day 1,” said Jackson. Richard and Sandy had opened the doors of the world to him and to sister Shayley, 13. They had taken the kids to Mexico and to Costa Rica, and for Jackson’s 12th birthday, he got to choose the destination – he chose Switzerland, because he loves hiking in the mountains.

His grandfather’s cancer took a toll, especially during Covid. “It was really hard for a while, seeing him lose his hair, no energy, not being able to see him because of Covid – just doing Zoom calls, and he had to leave early because he didn’t even have enough energy to talk.”

But then, thanks to an excellent medical team and a determined (continued on page 40)

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(continued from page 38) spirit – and perhaps a

miracle – Richard’s cancer went into remission. In October 2021, a scan showed no trace of the cancer.

As he put his mind to the task of building a library for the village, Richard tapped into the Caring Bridge network – a social network for people with cancer and their families. “I had 170 to 180 people following me,” he said. He was able to tap the network to raise the money to buy books, and the solar panels necessary to power the donated computers. Ultimately, he was able to raise the money to buy 7,000 books for the library and procure 20 computers for the media center, powering the computers with solar cells and providing a satellite internet connection to the remote village.

The library building was started in December of 2020 and was finished in August of 2021. It was designed by Houston architects Keith and Harry Gendel.

And so it was that in June, at the close of the academic year, Richard and Sandy took the whole family to Tanzania to celebrate the library’s official inauguration. And then, since they would be in the middle of the Manyara Region south of Arusha, the family would go on safari.

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ackson was enchanted with the idea of going to Tanzania. “It’s the best trip I’ve ever been on,” he said. “Seeing all the animals in person, seeing the different cultures, going to the library, meeting the kids – it was all just amazing.”

Richard and Sandy invited both of their daughters, Emily Jackson and Tracey Kane, and Tracey’s husband Eddie Kane, and their two children, Jackson and Shayley. They also invited their longtime friend Gerald Merfish, an important supporter of the Promise Village Academy.

For Sandy, the trip was a real eye-opener, especially compared with the 2006 safari with her husband and some friends. She had seen some people of the Maasai ethnic group, but it was mainly in a tourism context, observing dances and handicrafts, but there was little interaction.

“The first time was more touristy,” she said.

“This time we saw more of the real Tanzania.”

The library’s grand opening was June 7, and the family was all there. A number of local government people turned out for the event, and the district commissioner oversaw the proceedings.

“We expected him to show up around 10 or 10:30,” said Richard, with some amusement.

“He was two hours late, which is apparently common for Africa time.”

The commissioner’s tardiness, however, was not an indication of his lack of interest. “He was so surprised at the quality of the classrooms, the books, the happy children,” said Richard. “When we took him to the library, he was so very surprised he didn’t realize what these people had – he spent 20 minutes telling them in Swahili, their native language, that he hadn’t seen this anywhere else in his district, that they had something that was so unbelievable that he hopes

TANZANIA IN THE HEART When it came time to inaugurate the new Promise Village Library and media center, Richard Jackson (far right) invited (pictured, from left) longtime friend and Mali Nieta supporter Gerald Merfish, son-in-law Eddie Kane, grandson Jackson Kane, granddaughter Shayley Kane, daughter Tracey Kane, daughter Emily Jackson, and wife Sandy.

they will send their children to school knowing it would be very, very beneficial to them.

“He said you’ve just done a wonderful job here and I’d like to bring more government people to see what you are doing.”

Tanzania offers a universal free education to all children, but the quality of that education is severely impaired by lack of funding. Students and teachers in the public schools commonly deal with class sizes of 60 to 80 children, and there are often only four or five textbooks for the whole class.

“The children are expected to take a test in English after fourth and seventh grade, and if they don’t pass, their education is over,” said Richard. “The professor speaks in English, and most children are at a disadvantage.”

Richard was delighted with the success of the library project, but he realized he had only begun to make a dent in the need that pervades the area. Most children throughout the region don’t have access to the school because there are no buses, and even if there were, the roads are terrible, especially during the rainy season, when they become impassible to anything but Land Rovers or something similar. The children are walking from one to five miles a day to reach the school, through the wilderness of Tanzania, sometimes among the same giraffes, cape buffaloes, wildebeests, and lions that the tourists come to observe from the safety of their Land Rovers.

So, Richard has already set his sights on the next project: to build a dormitory and more teacher housing, hopefully early next year. “And when that happens, we’ll be boarding children to allow them more school time, and we’ll fence the whole area so as to make it safe for them – it will be a wonderful oasis in the middle of absolutely nowhere.” His nonprofit is also working on a project with Procter & Gamble to donate thousands of packets of the company’s water purification product, to clarify the commu-

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nity’s muddy, contaminated water for drinking.

After the library’s dedication ceremony, the family was ready to climb into some Land Rovers and see some of those animals for themselves, so they headed on safari to Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara, home to huge herds that graze the lush grasses.

Gerald gave Jackson his camera. Jackson was entranced with the ability to zoom in and take pictures. They were able to see zebras and giraffes, cape buffalo and wildebeests, even a leopard in a tree and a lion tearing into a large animal.

“You see them on TV and it’s awesome because they are so beautiful,” said Jackson. “But you see them in person and they are just majestic.”

Richard had hoped to make an impact, and he clearly did – not only on the Maasai, but on his own grandchildren.

“I can just describe it as the most impactful experience of my life, so far – the best trip I could have had, and the best experience all around,” said Jackson. “It kind of opened me up to the other parts of the world and to other cultures, and made me feel grateful for my life and how I’m able to have all these things and have a great life. I would love to help just like my grandfather did later in my life.”

As for Richard, the project has been the best medicine he could have.

“To me, it really solidified my resolve to try and help people, and I just picked this part of the world to work in,” he said, smiling. “It makes my heart glad; it’s heart healthy. And it makes my retirement meaningful.”

To donate funds or gently used children’s books meaningful to African children, see www.malinieta.org.

Editor’s note: Buzz travel columnist Tracy L. Barnett is a Lowell Thomas travel journalism award winner and longtime travel and environmental writer. Email her at info@thebuzzmagazines.com to share your own travel tales.

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DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Chef’s Corner

Degust’s Javi Becerra and Rico Mackins

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egust seats only 20 diners and is among the new crop of multi-course tasting rooms that have opened in the past couple of years, joining the likes of March, Hidden Omakase, Neo, and 5Kinokawa. Some chefs credit the emergence of tasting-centric establishments to the rise of omakase, in which you leave multi-course choices of sushi and sashimi in the hands of the chef. These days, New York City is awash with omakase spots, and it’s trending in Houston. Hai Hospitality, Uchi’s Austin-based parent compa-

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n one end of the dining room is a blackframed picture of Dorothy – arms crossed, brows raised – and a quote at the bottom: “Go to sleep, sweetheart. Pray for Brains.” Nearby are photos of her cohorts – Rose, Sophia, and Blanche, i.e., “The Golden Girls.” Their familiar faces and witty quotes help set the tone and break the ice because expectations are high as couples and groups of four drift through Degust’s wooden-and-glass doors.

Maître d’ David Smith passes out glasses of a sparkling Spanish Cava to guests in the waiting room, with painted blue skies overhead and the walls lined with flowering plastic vines. Once everyone is accounted for tonight’s sold-out tasting, each party is escorted into the dark, adjoining dining room with cushioned high-top chairs around two gleaming white bars that form elliptical rings around an open kitchen with overhead lights.

Tonight, each person has paid $140 for dinner. Wine pairing is an additional $65. In times like these, there’s little room for error. Degust has one shot to captivate, and restaurants, whether prix-fixe or à la carte, rely on repeat business to thrive. Executive chefs Javier “Javi” Becerra and Erico “Rico” Mackins know this, and they reiterate that “guests are here for the food, but they’re also looking for an experience.”

In short, it’s food theater.

As diners savor honey-laced eggplant chips dabbed with silky red pepper Romesco sauce, the chefs – in unison – use long needles to plate crispy duck confit with fresh apricot and hazelnuts nestled in a swirl of avocado puree and peppery micro-greens: “It’s a ballet. Every step was planned and timed, so everything flows,” Rico says.

DEGUST Co-chefs Erico “Rico” Mackins and Javier “Javi” Becerra prep for their weekly tasting menu at Degust.

ny, announced plans to open a 12-seat omakase room at the former Southside Espresso space on Westheimer this winter.

Back at Degust (7202 Long Point Road), chefs Javi and Rico are surveying the 12-plot garden next to their squat pale-gray building encircled by iron fencing and a big parking lot: “I was thinking about getting a few go-karts and charging people to drive around the parking lot,” jokes Rico, who adds that the eastern end of Spring Branch is a tough location for highend food: “But we are up to the challenge, and the area is gentrifying.”

Along this scrappy stretch of fast-food restaurants, washeterias, taquerias, and apartments, it’s easy to drive by the nondescript restaurant. You must squint to see the small glowing emerald-green letter signage near the front door, with its triangleshaped “u” in Degust, a shortened version of the French dégustation, which means “tasting.”

Diners arrive 20 minutes before the 6 p.m. seating, followed by another service at 8:30 p.m.

But before the first guest arrives on Thursday night, Javi, Rico, and their sous chefs Morgan Conliff and Joaquin Mendizabal spend Tuesday and Wednesday prepping. Because the restau-

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 42

rant is open only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it can operate with a small team of six and no waitstaff. Javi and Rico plate the food and serve 10 courses plus an intermezzo, usually a refreshing fruit lollipop coated in homemade tajin seasoning. Javi and Rico appreciate the interaction with diners, allowing them to see guests’ reactions firsthand rather than rely on a waiter’s reports. It’s a nightly motivator to tweak and create new dishes to keep diners engaged, particularly regulars like Susan Brown, who has been to a dozen or more Degust tastings.

“It might be more. I’ve been to so many, I’ve lost count,” the chemist admits. “I’ve been to all the tasting rooms in town by myself and with large groups of friends, but I always come back to Degust. Some of those tasting places leave you feeling a little hungry. Do you know what I mean?

That’s not the case with Degust. I feel satiated.”

S

ince Javi and Rico took over Degust, they’ve charted a course that has earned them word-of-mouth buzz and kudos from Esquire. Last November, the magazine named March (1624 Westheimer) and Degust among the Best New Restaurants (continued on page 44)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 43

Tony Bullard

Tony Bullard Tony Bullard

CULINARY EXPERIENCE Top: Degust offers a front-and-center view of its four-member kitchen team preparing the dishes for 20 guests. Bottom left: The lobster ceviche with mango flower garnishes. Bottom right: Chefs Javi and Rico harvest vegetables and herbs from their garden. (continued from page 42) in America for 2021.

Esquire’s editors wrote that with its autobiographical menu, Degust “is just the right type of weird,” and that its imaginative olive babayogurt bread is “true brilliance.”

The multi-course menu mirrors the authors’ diverse backgrounds: Javi was born and raised in Mexico City, and Rico – proud of his Native American, Norwegian, and African American heritage – is a Midwesterner.

Rico, 45, washed and cooked in restaurants around Minneapolis since he was 16. Then, the graduate of Le Cordon Bleu moved to Houston to get out of the cold and landed in the kitchens of chefs Robert Del Grande and Ryan Pera.

Meanwhile, Javi, 35, spent his mid-20s as a successful but unhappy commercial lawyer in Mexico City. In 2012, Javi applied to the Culinary Institute Lenôtre in Houston and never looked back, landing his first culinary job

a year later as lead cook for chef Fritz Gitschner at his now-defunct 60 Degrees Mastercrafted.

He then spent about three years as BCN’s chef de cuisine, followed by a yearlong stint in Tokyo opening a high-end Mexican restaurant. Upon his return, Javi helped open MAD in River Oaks with BCN executive chef Luis Roger.

Last January, Javi and Rico started working as sous chefs at Degust, a concept from opening chef Brandon Silva and the Kirby Group, which operates Wooster’s Garden and Heights Bier Garten. Then six months later, Silva abruptly left, and the Kirby Group asked the duo to take charge. They agreed, but only if they could be co-executive chefs.

Javi is by-the-book and exact, while Rico thinks outside the box but relies on Javi to rein him in. Together, they come up with unique twists on familiar dishes, like ceviche, with an interpretation rivaling New York’s three-

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Michelin-star Le Bernardin, famous for its faultless seafood preparations.

Degust’s ceviche comprises plumb, juicy limecooked lobsters, and crispy cucumber batons bathed in a tangy coconut mole sauce. Teensy, tiny flower-shaped mango, and slivers of pearl onion and chili peppers add color and contrast: “Rico and I complement each other,” Javi said.

“Besides, I’m a twin. I’m used to sharing.”

Javi and Rico putter in their garden, harvesting ripe tomatoes, eggplants for their chips, and Fresno and jalapeno peppers for their menu.

Above them are fragrant rows of seven-foot-tall licorice-like Mexican hoja santa, which they use in the blue corn and Texas beans entrée on their vegetarian tasting menu. Holy basil, Mexican peppermint, marigold, green chives, fennel, elderberry, Malabar spinach, and lavender plants scent the humid summer day. For the chefs, Tuesday afternoon (continued on page 46)

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 2022 45

Tony Bullard

Tony Bullard

MULTI-COURSE TASTING MENU Left: Behind the white countertop with the peach gazpacho are honeycomb wall shelves with personal treasures the chefs bought back from their travels, from a pepper grinder from Turkey to Chef Javi’s cookbooks that once belonged to his mother. Right: A crowd favorite – oven-fresh herb roll topped with whipped butter.

Texas Peach Gazpacho

(continued from page 44) usually starts by surveying

what herbs and vegetables are at their peak.

More than half their dishes rely on the bounty from their garden.

Javi and Rico map out their menu’s specifics based on their harvest, with slight variations in their dishes each week. Degust’s menu has been described as Spanish- and Mexican-inspired dishes with a Japanese influence. Guests eat with chopsticks, but Degust’s food isn’t really Spanish, Mexican, or Japanese. The chefs hate to label their food because it’s eclectic and inventive, but with familiar flavors. If Javi had to describe their menu, he would call it Modern American because it encompasses many cultures and influences.

Gladys Knight’s soulful Midnight Train to Georgia is followed by disco era icon Vicki Sue Robinson belting out Turn the Beat Around.

Chefs Javi and Rico follow the rhythm as they ladle Texas peach gazpacho into wide-rimmed round soup bowls. Music helps the chefs to focus and calm nerves. Meanwhile, their guests bounce to the beat as they chat and smile, waiting for the next course.

Dinner is drawing to a close. Throughout the evening, Javi and Rico have taken turns introducing and explaining each dish. Rico takes the stage – normally cool, calm, and collected, but now laughing nervously: “This next dish always makes me nervous because there is always someone who doesn’t like blue cheese no matter what. So, if you don’t like blue cheese, please just take a bite just to ease my mind.”

Bite by bite, the room is silent, then diner Jeramy Roddy glances at a neighboring diner’s barely eaten Basque-style blue cheesecake topped with a dollop of preserved tomatoes, framed by tiny, thin slices of fresh red tomatoes.

“You don’t like it?” the Upper Kirby resident asks the nearby guest with an untouched cheesecake. “Oh man, I could have it for breakfast – every day.”

In June, the first freestone – the Harvester variety – kicks off Texas peach season. Other varieties – Flameprince, Parade, and Fairtime – wrap up the peach season in mid-September, but there’s still time to make and enjoy this refreshing, velvety third course from Degust, served chilled with a paper-thin slice of caramelized peach: 1 ½ cups Texas peaches – pitted, peeled, and sliced ¾ cup Roma tomatoes, seeded and skinned 1 ⁄8 cup yellow bell pepper 1 thin slice of day-old bread broken into pieces 3 small garlic, roughly chopped 1 ⁄3 cup sherry vinegar 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil In a blender, combine peaches, tomato, bell pepper, bread, garlic, sherry vinegar, and salt.

Puree mixture at high speed until relatively smooth. Reduce speed to slow and slowly add the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the gazpacho. Strain the soup through a sieve and chill for at least an hour or overnight before serving.

Makes 4 cups.

Marranitos de Piloncillo Degust guests get a bag of these to take home.

These compressed sugarcane “piglet” cookies are chef Javi’s favorite growing up in Mexico. Enjoy with a cup of coffee.

1 1⁄8 cups piloncillo or one sugar-cane cone ¼ cup water 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1 star anise 1 clove 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons baking soda 1 ¾ tablespoons baking powder 1 ⁄3 cup vegetable oil

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 46

1 ½ eggs 1 tablespoon milk Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Make the syrup by chopping the piloncillo into pieces and transferring the raw sugar to a saucepan with the water, cinnamon, star anise, and clove. Simmer over medium-high heat until piloncillo dissolves completely.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, allowing the spices to infuse into the liquid as it thickens. Remove syrup from heat and allow it to cool completely before adding the liquid to the cookie mixture.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, vegetable oil, and half an egg. Mix at low speed until everything is just combined. Incorporate syrup into the cookie dough, lightly cover the dough with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough with quick, short movements until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Using a pig-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many cookies as you can. Transfer them to the cookie sheet with a spatula, being very careful so they won’t break apart. Place cookies at least 3 inches apart to allow them to spread.

Gather up the remaining dough and roll out and cut out more cookies. In a small bowl, mix the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush cookies with the egg wash and bake for seven to nine minutes or until golden brown.

When the cookies come out of the oven, allow them to cool for at least 20 minutes on a rack and store them in an airtight container.

Note: Mexican piloncillo or panela is raw, pure cane sugar and can be used like other types of sweeteners. Unprocessed, golden-brown piloncillo has a rich, molasses-like flavor, although it doesn’t contain any molasses.

Editor’s note: Buzz dining columnist Dai Huynh is a James Beard food-journalism award winner and longtime Houston-based restaurant writer.

WELCOME TO OUR PRACTICE,

DR. ANTHONY J. WEIDO The Allergy Clinic is pleased to welcome Dr. Anthony J. Weido to our practice. Dr. Weido will be seeing patients in our Fannin, Pasadena and Pearland locations.

Our Fannin office is now open Monday through Saturday.

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SPORTS

by Todd Freed, staff writer Keith Wilson

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SportzBuzz A

fter winning its 12th district championship in the last 13 seasons, the Lamar Texans again have lofty expectations as the 2022 football season gets underway. “It’s definitely the best team talent-wise since I became the head coach here at Lamar five seasons ago,” said Mike Lindsey. “Our expectations are pretty high.”

Those expectations are bolstered by the return of senior all-district quarterback Kenneth Rosenthal, who also earned all-district honors in basketball this past season. “Kenneth is special,” said Lindsey. “He’s a polished passer and runner as well as a great decision maker on the football field. He is also one of only three quarterbacks across the area named to the Touchdown Club’s All-Greater Houston Pre-Season Football Team.”

In addition to Rosenthal, the Texans offense is spearheaded by talented junior wide receiver Tristen Brown, who already has collegiate offers from Texas Tech and UTSA. “Tristen is a great kid with a high GPA, who is very much an elite receiver and playmaker,” said Lindsey.

On defense, the Texans welcome the return of a pair of standout players in senior linebacker Carson Skotak and senior defensive tackle Jarvis Butler. “Carson is very athletic and one of our top leaders,” said Lindsey. “He’s being recruited by Ivy League schools and is just a super individual.” As for Butler, Lindsey says the 6-foot, 275-pounder is strong and extremely explosive. “Jarvis had a great season last year and is also one of our team leaders. He can squat 560 pounds and will also play college football.”

W

ith the return of 13 starters from a team that went 10-2 last season, it has all the makings of a big season ahead for the Stratford Spartans. “The whole focus of our off-season program was how do we go from good to great,” said Stratford head coach Todd Rankin.

“There’s a lot of really good mojo around here.”

The Spartans offense will be ignited by quarterback Nash Rankin, who broke legendary Stratford quarterback Andrew Luck’s single season passing records with 2600 yards and 26 touchdowns a year ago. “He has the ‘it’ factor when making plays,” said Coach Rankin when

TOUCHDOWN TEXANS Lamar Texans quarterback Kenneth Rosenthal is one of only three quarterbacks selected to the Touchdown Club of Houston All-Greater Houston Pre-season Football Team. Rosenthal is seen here scoring a touchdown in last season’s playoff game against Cy Fair.

talking about his son. “He’s had a knack for it his whole life. Nash can run, throw with accuracy, and has a special on-the-field leadership.”

Rankin will have a special target to throw to again this season with the return of tight end sensation Hawkins Polley. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound senior has committed to play college football at Baylor University. In addition, the Spartans are loaded with wide receiver talent in junior Luke Rives, senior Jake Brand, and senior Triston Williams. “It’s a great receiving corp,” said Coach Rankin. Also on offense, 6-foot-4, 260-pound lineman Hudson Perroni has collegiate offers from SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, and others.

On defense, the Spartans bring back linebacker Cooper King, who was the District 176A Defensive MVP last season. “Cooper is a tackling machine who gives 100 percent on every single play,” said Rankin. Other top players on defense, according to Rankin, include linebacker Antwone McDonald as well as linemen Hunter Jones and Austin LaRue.

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he Episcopal Knights enter the season with a lofty number two state ranking among all private schools across Texas. “To be a pre-season number two in the state is pretty special,” said Knights head coach Steve Leisz. “Our whole community is extremely excited.”

Per tradition, the Knights will feature an extremely large and dominating offensive line including 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior Hutch

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 48

Coward, 6-foot-4, 280-pound junior Billy Wheless, 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior Cullen Witt, 6-foot-2, 312-pound sophomore Alex Lozada, and 6-foot-3, 245-pound senior Makai Wong.

Elsewhere on offense, the Knights have added a pair of major playmakers in junior quarterback Karson Gordon and junior wide receiver Andre Thompson. “Karson is a dual threat quarterback with tremendous arm accuracy and an ability to score with his feet,” said Leisz. “He already has multiple offers to play at some of the nation’s top college football programs.”

As for Thompson, the junior receiver is also being heavily recruited by the nation’s premiere collegiate programs. “Andre is incredibly quick and agile. He has about 15 offers from so-called powerfive football conferences.” Leisz also says he expects fellow receivers Lane Linebarger and Jackson Chavis to play football on the collegiate level.

On defense, the Knights return one of their top players in senior defensive end Jason Otah, while Leisz had high praise for the defensive backfield foursome of Breylan Thompson, Sean Thompson, Brayden Crow, and Garon Sampson.

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

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 49

SPORTS

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by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

SportzBuzz Jr. W

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

Run for State Bellaire Little League’s 11U All-Star District team came together to win a series of games catapulting them to a run for the state championship. The team won the difficult District 16, then won Section 3, making it to the final game against Needville in Tyler. It was a close game with a final score of 5-6.

Even though it was not the outcome they had hoped for, their parents, families, and coaches are proud of their hard work and dedication. Pictured (front row, from left) are Colton Rich, Maxim Quintanilla, Ethan Phillips, Max Jones, (middle row, from left) Reid Taibel, Jeremiah Thomas, Jacob Braun, Brandon York, Jack Staller, Levi Moore, Charlie Dabney, Brooks Cannon, and Brooks Perry. Coaches (pictured, back row, from left) were Dan Braun, Brad Staller (manager), Jason Taibel, Cody Moore, and Jusef Frias.

Wave wins State The West University Softball Association Wave 8U Summer Tournament Team won the State Championship for 8U USA Softball in Santa Fe, TX. The tournament started out with 42 8U teams competing.

The girls played 11 games total that weekend – including three on Saturday and a tough eight games on Sunday to be the last team standing, winning state. The girls’ coaches were (pictured, back row, from left) Garth Beinart, Steve Roberts, Nick Palaskas, JB McAllister, Josh Landrum, and Nick Nicodemus, and players were (pictured, front row, from left) Savannah Beinart, Natalia Cotton, Hays McAllister, Valerie Pei, Nina Jalbryzkowski, Emma Hughes, Dillon Slay, Sloane Nicodemus, Olivia Palaskas, Kipling Roberts, Avital Goldberg, and Shiloh Landrum.

Double champions The Bellaire Little League Texas Bobcats brought home two championships this season after sharing the regular season championship with the Bearkats and winning out in the Texas League playoffs. The team was managed by Derek Sirmans and coached by Jeremy Crow, Jay LeJeune, and Peter Kim. The Bobcats had an epic seven-run comeback in the last inning of the semifinals against the Cardinals, and a seven-run comeback in the last two innings of the finals against the Tigers. The Bobcats thrilled fans and left every voice hoarse. Pictured (back row, from left) Jay LeJeune, Micah Taschery, Zachary LeJeune, Jack Mandel, Dillon Sirmans, Oliver Golenternek, Matthew Kim, Peter Kim, (front row, from left) Derek Sirmans, Connor Crow, Anthony LeJeune, Blake Whalen, Titus Huang, Max Mandel, and Jeremy Crow.

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 2022 50

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 51

NOT JUST HORSIN’ AROUND Dani Barg, a sophomore at The Emery/Weiner School, participated in several volunteer opportunities with SERVE & Sweat, including caring for horses at the Houston Police Mounted Patrol barn.

KIDS

by Dani Barg, age 15

Buzz Kidz

SERVE & Sweat

“Upper School students are required to complete 30 hours of service each year.”

At first glance, this was just another one of my new school’s graduation requirements, listed along with a slew of other courses, credits, and policies. But my view changed when I discovered Generation SERVE, a nonprofit that aims to empower youth to make a difference.

Through Generation SERVE, I began involving myself in small online projects, assisting nonprofits such as Meals on Wheels, Send a Smile Today, and Casa de Esperanza. However, it is my most recent project that truly impacted me: the very first teen SERVE & Sweat Camp.

SERVE & Sweat allowed me and 16 others to sample-volunteer for five different organizations, building relationships with nonprofits

together. Throughout the week, we went from caring for horses at the Houston Police Mounted Patrol, to packing food for distribution at Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, and even to assisting in running the first Rice Owlympics, in which Rice University partnered with YMCAs to give underprivileged children access to their top-notch sports facilities.

Additionally, we re-mulched pathways at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and served lunches and stocked grocery shelves for the homeless at the Emergency Aid Coalition.

Until then, taking the first step to initiate contact with an organization seemed impossible. Group volunteering helped alleviate that hesitation. Now I have five organizations with connections to return to!

Moreover, getting to interact with the beneficiary at every project made the work worthwhile.

Staying into a lunch break to finish a food assembly, taking an extra load of mulch, or joking with the YMCA kids as they raced through a soccer station became something I looked forward to daily.

SERVE & Sweat reinvented my outlook on community service, turning me into a confident volunteer. I encourage all teen volunteers, hopeful or hesitant, to sign up for Generation SERVE programs: you won’t regret it!

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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PETS

Neighborhood Tails Newton, age 3, Boston Terrier, Corondo Ct. Woof! My name is Newton, and I’m a Boston Terrier living in West U. Many mistake me for a French Bulldog, but I don’t mind. All pups are cute and lovable! I am the sole proprietor of my human’s love and attention right now.

My mom brings me to her gym most days of the week, where I watch all the humans exercise and judge their form (aka, I nap). When they’re done exercising, it’s my turn to play! I will play fetch for hours #ballislife. Ever since I was a pup, my mom and I have been working on lots of tricks. I can do handstands, parkour off walls (even humans), back stall, foot stall, read, and many more. I even got recruited on a pet talent show for my reading. Education is important! I also love to go on Vespa rides in my backpack, as you can see here. Follow my Instagram for my adventures @sirnewtonseverus!

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.

Create a buzz for your biz.

Est. 2002. Mailed to 58,000 homes monthly.

To advertise in The Buzz Magazines, contact us at 713.668.4157, ext. 11 or advertising@thebuzzmagazines.com

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 54

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Remarriage and estate planning Late-life marriage is proof that hope springs eternal. There are pitfalls which can be minimized but not eliminated. Some couples will prefer to cohabitate without marriage.

Heirs are a problem. Dad remarries, and the kids fear for the inheritance. The new wife fears she’ll be turned out on Dad’s death. Spouses that both bring money into the marriage can just disinherit the other.

But most couples pool resources, especially as they spend down in retirement. Leaving all to the surviving spouse is often a necessity. A trust can provide for the surviving spouse, delaying distribution of the decedent’s remaining assets until the survivor dies.

Whatever the preferred solution, community property is not intuitive, and thwarts casual plans. On death, the presumption is that every asset, both his and hers, is community property, and so is split 50:50. That sounds fair, but both spouses’ assets must be disclosed and divided, not just the decedent’s.

This is a great upset to surviving spouses, especially the wealthier ones. A marital agreement avoids the problem by defining all assets and income as separate, so that, dead or alive, what’s his is his and what’s hers is hers.

The financial disincentives to marriage can hit older couples hardest.

Spouses have a duty of support, which is ruinous at the end. A federal income tax bonus for couples with disparate incomes becomes a penalty for couples with similar incomes (think two retirees on Social Security).

Some pensions and Social Security benefits are lost on remarriage.

Not marrying can avoid the marriage penalties and the community property drama. No paper required, just a little discipline. Marriage, with all its

benefits and burdens, can be created casually.

Some states call it a common-law marriage; Texas calls it an informal one. All that’s required is an agreement to marry, cohabitation, and holding out as married. There is no common-law divorce. Do not casually call each other husband or wife if you’re not.

From 2015 until the Supreme Court’s recent Dobbs decision, we thought the same rules applied to same-sex marriage.

Regardless, the estate planning tools used before then still serve traditional and nontraditional couples that have committed to not commit: make a will to provide for the ones you love most, do medical and statutory durable powers of attorney to give your partner priority over next of kin, and sign an appointment of agent to control remains.

Over-achievers may consider a cohabitation agreement, to express the intention not to marry, and to provide for a division of property on death or other end of the relationship.

We write wills and go to probate court. Foreign nationals and international families welcome.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 55

Wilson Parish

NEIGHBORS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

Buzz About Town Everyone loves a manicure

Gabriela Hess (pictured, right), 13, treats a resident at the Medallion Jewish Assisted Living to a relaxing manicure. Along with members of her Woodlands Elite Cheer team, Gabriela, an eighth grader at The Joy School, visited residents for an afternoon of nail care that brightened everyone’s day. “My friends and I love getting our nails done, so I had an idea that maybe they would really like to have their nails done, too,” said Gabriela. The girls enjoyed visiting with the Medallion residents and spending time together as a team. In addition to practicing beauty techniques, the girls say the activity was a great social exercise to strengthen their communication skills and bond as a team.

An afternoon at Moulin Rouge

causes, but both hold a special place in their hearts for animals in need. Carruth is an award-winning children’s author and marketer who serves on the Houston SPCA board of directors and the capital campaign committee. Byington retired after 41 years with BP and has held leadership roles in more than 60 Houston-community organizations.

Both women have received the abc13’s Women of Distinction Award. For more information on the Houston SPCA’s Howl-O-Ween Ball, visit HoustonSPCA.org.

The Berckley sisters bring it on

Ready for Howl-O-Ween The Houston SPCA announced that Zane Carruth and Cheryl Byington (pictured, from left) will serve as the 2022 Ball co-chairs for the Houston SPCA’s Howl-O-Ween Ball that will be held on Oct. 28. Carruth and Byington are well known for their commitment to many notable

Daniel Ortiz

After a two year in-person hiatus, supporters of Legacy Community Health Services dusted off

their feather boas, gathered their tambourines and glow sticks, and danced the afternoon away at the 20th annual Mint Julep event. Lisa Foronda Harper and Cyndy Garza Roberts (pictured, from left) joined a packed house for “An Afternoon at Moulin Rouge” at the White Oak Music Hall honoring retired Legacy CEO Katy Caldwell and longtime Legacy supporters Domenic Cusano and Felicia aka Scarlett St. John. Roberts, Tony Bravo, and Ray Purser chaired the event that raised more than $120,000 for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment programs at Legacy. The event featured more than 25 performers including Alexa Bouvier, Ivanna Cupcake, Marcia Mink Gill, and Angela Mercy who welcomed guests with Lady Marmalade-Moulin Rouge. Crystal Rae Lee Love was a staple performer at previous Mint Julep events but passed away earlier this year. Her friends Kimberly Anne O’Neil and Martinique Bouvier performed a tribute in her memory to the song Send in the Clowns.

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The Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) production of Bring it On at the Hobby Center was a family affair for the Berckley sisters. Madeleine, Tallulah, and Lydia (pictured, from left) were all involved with the show, a dream come true for the entire family. Former Presbyterian School students Tallulah and Lydia had acting roles in the performance, and Madeleine was the show’s production stage manager. All three girls have been involved in their school arts programs and grew up surrounded by music and performing, as parents Jay and Monica Berckley both graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre (continued on page 58)

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 57

(continued from page 56) & Dance with degrees in

music performance. Madeleine is a student at the University of Texas studying design and technology in the Theatre School with an emphasis on stage management and a minor in communications. Lydia is a senior and Tallulah is a freshman at Episcopal High School where Jay is the Dean of Arts and Innovation.

Love in the hill country

One hundred shares Kathy Bennett and Julie Smith (pictured, from left) attended the One Hundred Shares Houston (OHSH) annual luncheon. Kathy is the 2022-23 chairman, succeeding Julie who was chairman for the 2021-22 year, and recognized OHSH’s support of two Houston organizations, Angela House and Street Grace. Each year, OHSH, a Christ-centered organization made up of more than 100 women, provides funding for local Christian ministries who serve people in Greater Houston.

Angela House, a post-incarceration facility for women, is working to formalize and expand its religious program and develop mentoring relationships with local churches. Street Grace, an organization that combats sex trafficking of minors, is

Diana Ascarrunz Photography

The Texas Hill Country was the perfect setting for Ben Proler and Shayna Goldblatt’s wedding.

After an evening of toasts at the Mandola Winery in Dripping Springs, the couple exchanged vows at Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin. Proud parents Cooky and David Goldblatt and Maureen and Jody Proler escorted the couple down the aisle to a chuppah, handmade by the groom’s aunt Becky Proler. Rabbi Dan Goldblatt (the bride’s uncle), Rabbi Oren Hayon, and Rabbi Gail Swedroe led the ceremony. After a honeymoon in France, the couple

will make their home in Houston where Shayna is an appellate associate at Yetter Coleman LLP and Ben manages sustainable low-carbon fuel partnerships for Shell and serves as a lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve.

translating materials into Spanish to further its mission. OHSH has given almost $1,000,000 to local organizations since its inception in 2014.

Charity Guild is No. 1

Charity Guild of Catholic Women president Elizabeth Jordan and publicity chair Kathleen Falcona proudly accepted an honor on behalf of the organization at the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best gala. The Charity Guild was voted the No. 1 consignment store and the No. 1 antique store in Houston. Members of the Charity Guild are especially grateful to receive this honor during Charity Guild’s centennial year celebration, commemorating 100 years of dedicated work for Houston youth. Pictured at the shop are (from left) board members Frannie Gary, Ellen Goodrich, Mary Broussard, Kelly Mooz, Judy Thompson, Rebecca LeBlanc, Jane Howerton, Clare Friedman, Margie Bacile, and Elizabeth Jordan. Charity Guild will celebrate 100 years of service at their festive Centennial Ball on Sat., Oct. 22 at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. See charityguildshop.org.

An education tradition Texas Tech University freshmen Barton Block, Will Doyle-Madrid, and Hobie Bernosky (pictured, from left) enjoyed (continued on page 60) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 58

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home. The three Curiosity Cruisers were purchased by the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild and are staffed and run by the Harris County Public Library with the goal of building children’s home libraries. Pictured are CCSC’s CEO Michelle Shonbeck (left) and Ladies for Literacy Guild member Sandra Shenkir (right).

Big brunch for children Dressed in their Sunday best and ready for the “best hat” contest, Steve, Lillian, and Laura Jones (pictured, from left) joined nearly 300 other guests at the Ballroom at Bayou Place for the annual Big Brunch: Building Blocks to the Future – a Celebration of Early Childhood.

Hosted by statewide organization Children at Risk, the guests enjoyed culinary creations from some of Houston’s best chefs from 1751 Sea and Bar, Ballroom at Bayou Place Catering, Bludorn, Calavera Golfstrommen, Chivos, Frank’s Americana Revival, and Heads & Tails Seafood. Children at Risk president and CEO Dr. Bob Sanborn and KPRC-2 journalist and meteorologist Khambrel Marshall emceed the program that honored champions of early childhood education, Collaborative for Children, SEARCH’s House of Tiny Treasures, and Small Steps Nurturing Center. Event chairs Steve and Laura Jones helped raise more than $150,000.

their new school, and were grateful to be around familiar faces. The three boys became fast friends in sixth grade at MPVA where they each played in the school band. After middle school, they all attended HSPVA and have remained close through the years. As they start the next chapter together, Barton will major in computer engineering, Hobie will double major in mechanical engineering and music (voice), and Will is majoring in music education with a minor in economics.

Service Center (CCSC) food fair. While parents received groceries, the children were surprised and excited to receive books to take

Sharing a love of reading

There was food for the body and books for the mind when the Ladies for Literacy Curiosity Cruiser pulled up at a Christian Community WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ SEPTEMBER 2022 60

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NEIGHBORS

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by Andria Frankfort, staff writer

Back Porch

What to watch: Award-wining TV behance.net/runamokstudios

W

ho else is overwhelmed by all the shows available to watch on TV (or should I say stream to our screens?)?

It’s hard to keep up when everyone is back-andforthing about how much they’re loving this show or that one.

With the 74th Emmy Awards airing Sept. 12 (NBC, 7 p.m.), our answer to what to watch is this: Tune in and learn about all the shows that are winning awards. And for free extra credit: Brush up on these shows before they win the big awards, because we’ve gathered some opinions on some of the best.

Currently in its third season, Succession garners the most Emmy nominations – 25 of them – for its look into the lives of a “highly dysfunctional dynasty,” as a family’s successful patriarch prepares for retirement. Four siblings have four entirely divergent plans for themselves and their family business, with drama ensuing. Shelly Blalock gives the thumbs-up to Kieran Culkin’s nomination for Supporting Actor, Drama, saying, “He is hilarious!” She adds, “Make sure you are caught up on your sleep when you start it! It is hard to quit.”

Both The White Lotus and Ted Lasso were the second top nominees, with 20 nominations each. With a recognizable cast, The White Lotus comically and insightfully breaks down a picture-perfect Hawaiian resort to get to the reality of the deeper emotions of its employees and guests. It’s a six-episode series spanning one week at the resort. In Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis is Ted Lasso, an eternally optimistic, disarmingly cheerful American football coach who goes to stiff-upper-lip England to coach a British soccer team. Laura McCullough says she especially loved this show. “[It was] so funny. A bright, positive light during the pandemic.” She also recommends the 17-time nominated Hacks, which is the story of a Las Vegas comedic legend and her offbeat, entitled, and much younger writer. “So funny,” she says, “Looks like they got a lot right on the Emmys list!”

Other series with nominations in the doubledigits are: Only Murders in the Building (17), Euphoria (16), Barry (14), Dopesick (14), Severance (14), Squid Game (14), Ozark (13),

SMALL SCREEN LINEUP The Emmy Awards are coming up – what are your picks for best TV shows of the year?

Stranger Things (13), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (12), and Pam & Tommy (10).

Mother and son Brooke and William Halverson say they are “on pins and needles waiting for new Only Murders in the Building episodes each week.” Martin Short (Oliver Putnam), Steve Martin (Charles-Haden Savage), and Selena Gomez (Mabel Mora) live in New York’s Upper West Side and share a fascination with true crime. It’s the perfect storm when someone dies in their building, and the three set out to solve who’s responsible. The Halversons would have applauded a nomination for Selena Gomez, but she did not receive one.

Number one on the list for Best Comedy, and again for Supporting Actress, Comedy (twice) and Writing in a Comedy Series is Abbott Elementary, which Barbara Catechis says she is enjoying. “It’s a clever show written by a young woman who also has a lead role. Charming, thoughtful, and funny. My daughter is a new second-grade teacher, so this show really rings true.”

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On the darker side, Anita Gaylor recommends Maid, about a young, single mother struggling to support her daughter and put herself through college by cleaning homes. “It was intense and a bit dark,” Anita says, “but wonderfully done. Andie McDowell plays the crazy, hippie, stoned mother, and her real-life daughter plays her daughter (the main character).”

And count on Tracy Pesikoff to lighten up a series about a financial planner gone awry, his family, and the Mexican drug lord he’s having to pay off. She quips, only half-joking, “As the self-appointed president of the Jason Bateman fan club for the past four decades – Derek Taylor of Silver Spoons fame was my first crush – I’m thrilled that Ozark is getting so much recognition. It’s dark and crazy with tidbits of subtle humor. But I could just as well sit all day simply watching Jason Bateman watch paint dry.”

So much to watch. So little time.

See the full listing of 2022 Emmy nominees at emmys.com.