The Memorial Buzz - August 2026

Matt Strange and kids

Family

Top Spin: On Cue

Dinners

Fever Pitch: A Family Affair Houston, TX

Permit No. 2047

August Events

by Andria Dilling

PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Teen Slang

EDITOR’S NOTE I admit, I had never watched a soccer match until the World Cup landed in our backyard. Quickly, I became a die-hard fan.

I joined passionate fans on Fan Walks, attended the FIFA Fan Festival, and didn’t miss a game – even while traveling. I was proud that visitors experienced Houston as a warm (okay, hot) and welcoming city. It was fun to watch international tourists discover Texas barbecue, Buc-ee’s, and Whataburger. By the time this issue arrives in mailboxes, the World Cup will be over, but the positive vibes remain. In these pages, meet a family of avid soccer fans who have traveled for the love of the game. Plus, meet a student who’s making a name for himself at the pool table, locally and internationally. This month, as families settle back into school-day routines, you’ll also find inspiration for easy family dinners. Now, the World Cup may be over, but these stories remind us that world-class inspiration can be found right here in our own neighborhoods. 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, Instagram, and X thebuzzmagazines.com Editor-in-Chief Publisher Editor Editorial Assistant Design Manager Staff Writers

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Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Mackenzie Malveaux John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Cindy Burnett Andria Dilling Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon Michelle Casas Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Ben Portnoy Cheryl Ursin Meena Dost Andrea Blitzer Jo Rogers Caroline Hricik, Amina Khalil-Zegar, Emily McDowell, Lucy Walker

On our cover: Dad Matt Strange is the cook in his family. Here, he's pictured with kids (from left) Adelaide, Ainslee, Annabelle, and Matthew.

Cover photo by Michael Hart, hartphoto.com The Buzz Magazines has made all reasonable attempts to verify the accuracy of all information contained within. Advertising claims are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Copyright © 2026 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

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MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Honoring Honor Flight Wow! What a beautiful story [The Journey Back: Honor Flight’s lasting gift

by Cathy Gordon, July 2026]! You hit a home run for veterans and for Honor Flight Houston and the National HQ. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for HFH. Alan Montgomery

Bravo for Travel Buzz We just got back from our recent trip to a flurry of messages and emails about the beautifully written article [Bucket List in Reverse: A Houston Family’s Journey to Ecuador and the Galápagos by Tracy L. Barnett, July 2026]. Our neighbors and friends have received the copy of The Buzz and were reaching out to us to comment on how well the story is written.

Thank you so much! All of that credit goes to you!

Rupesh Nigam

Highlighting students’ work I just got The Buzz delivered to my house yesterday, and I was so excited to see my work published [“Students taking the lead” by Jessica Wang, age 17, Buzz Kidz, July 2026]! I also saw it on the website under Buzz Kidz, which is amazing.

I wanted to say thank you so much for supporting me throughout the process and making my dream of publication a reality. It was a pleasure working with you! Many thanks!

Jessica Wang Editor’s note: If you’re a student who loves to write (18 and under), email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com to inquire about submitting a Buzz Kidz story. Buzz Kidz includes 350 words written in first-person perspective and a high-resolution photo.

Interesting history I much enjoyed Ms. Cindy Gabriel’s essay on Tex-Mex History [Unmixing Tex-Mex History by Cindy Gabriel, May 2026]. Her research is amazing, finding those statements from Stephen Austin. I note her comment on new country (1821) Mexico’s anti-slavery stance. I was born and raised in a small town in the Rio Grande Valley. It was not until decades later after I left Raymondville in Willacy County that I read about the trial in the 1920s where some law enforcement and farmers were convicted of peonage, a federal crime. Police had arrested hundreds of men for vagrancy.

Local “friendly” farmers paid their fines as they had no money, but they were required to work off the payments by picking cotton and other work.

Spain in its conquest of Mexico and Caribbean countries implemented peonage in the New World in the 1500s, requiring some natives to work on farms and ranches and in mines for not enough pay to move on. These workers were stuck, owing their soul to the company store. Many consider the mass indentured servitude in British America to be a form of peonage.

At the time of the empresarios in Texas, peonage was still in Mexico, especially with the hacienda enterprises. To sum up, those who are praiseworthy MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 6

of Mexico for banning slavery after gaining independence from Spain and before Texas became a republic in 1836 – should perhaps be less laudatory.

B. Fisher

The most exciting two minutes in sports Enjoyed Halliday’s reminiscing about the family horse racing hobby [Horsing Around: My family’s fascination with the Kentucky Derby by Halliday Mafrige, May 2026]. Nice photos and cool info about purchasing the horse shares.

Pavan Siebert

Correction In The Journey Back by Cathy Gordon, July 2026, veteran Eileene Grozier was incorrectly referred to as a Vietnam-era Air Force nurse. She was a medical and mental health technician and was stationed at the Tachikawa Hospital in Japan from 1974-1977 during the Vietnam War. Email us at mailbag@thebuzzmagazines.com. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters or emails addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use for publication. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.

What’s your story?

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

• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.

• Were recently married and would like to participate in our Wedding Buzz column.

• Have an interesting travel tale.

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

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hartphoto.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

26

Inside This Issue August 2026

Back to the Kitchen: Family dinners that bring the family together

4 Editor’s Note 6 Mailbag: Letters from Readers 10 Consider the Bagel: Bread to keep around

by Ben Portnoy

Writer Ben Portnoy ponders the beloved breakfast staple.

12 Getting Our Hearts Right: Change one child’s world – change the world

by Cindy Gabriel

Nonprofit HeartGift Foundation provides life-changing medical treatment to children with congenital heart defects who wouldn’t otherwise receive treatment.

16 Home Pitch: Where soccer is a family affair

by Cathy Gordon

Zeyad Metwalli, Hanna Zaghloul, and their three children are avid soccer fans. Bucket-list moments include meeting Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi in Miami and, recently, witnessing soccer hero Cristiano Ronaldo make history in the World Cup here on home turf.

20 Niche Nonfiction: Intriguing deep dives

by Andria Dilling Back-to-school season often means back to the kitchen. Find inspiration for family dinners from these Buzz neighbors.

36 Rumor Has It

by Sharon Albert Brier

38 Buzz Reads

by Cindy Burnett Book reviewer Cindy Burnett recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.

40 SportzBuzz

by Todd Freed

42 SportzBuzz Jr.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen

44 Event Roundup

by Mackenzie Malveaux Find Buzzworthy events to add to your calendar this month.

by Cindy Burnett

Narrative nonfiction on a specific topic often provides a glimpse into an entire world.

22 Top Spin: For the love of pool

by Cheryl Ursin

Shane Petrick, a junior at Strake Jesuit, is making a name for himself in competitive pool, locally and internationally.

32 From Our Archives: Twisted Logic: The Rubik’s Cube is back

by Cheryl Ursin

The Rubik’s Cube first hit the market in 1980. In recent years, the threedimensional, twistable puzzle came back into play. This article was originally published in Aug. 2021.

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46 Buzz Kidz: Learning and leadership through the FFA

by Claire Bernadac

48 Neighborhood Tails

by Bentley

50 Buzz About Town

by Angie Frederickson

54 Back Porch: Lost in Translation: A field guide to the latest slang

by Andria Dilling

Low key gain an understanding of teen slang today.

FOOD

by Ben Portnoy, staff writer

Consider the Bagel Bread to keep around

I

was recently in Los Angeles visiting my daughter and her family. My grandson, a college freshman at University of Southern California, invited me to tour his campus and see his dorm room. After the stroll around campus and inspecting a malodorous dorm room, we went to a food-court-like hall to order lunch. My wife and I each had a hamburger, thinking that would make us look like we fit in, but then I looked around and saw two cute young women students eating bagels and chatting in what I assumed was Chinese. I glanced in another direction, and there was a group of Ethiopian students wearing backpacks with their country’s flag embroidered on the back and all but one student carrying a plate with a bagel. I mused.

I grew up eating bagels for breakfast, bagels for lunch, or bagels for supper as a part of my Eastern European heritage. Bagels have always been part of my life, and it both pleases me and distresses me to observe the bagel’s current popular presence in our society. What distresses me most in this popularization of the bagel is the sloppy use of “bagel” to designate a baked circular bread with a hole in the middle. More on that later.

The word “bagel” or “beigel” is said to derive from a German dialect and later from Yiddish, where it meant a ring or bracelet. OK, that makes sense. But there are precursors to the ring-shaped bread in 13th-century Syria, where a roll called “ka’ak” was baked. In royal family accounts in Poland in 1394, there is reference to a ring-like bread called “obwarzanek.”

Neither of these sound much like “bagel.” The bagel, by whatever name, came into its own in 17th-century Jewish communities in Poland. It is referenced in the Community Regulations of Kraków in 1610 as a gift for women after childbirth. Strange.

The bagel arrived in America in the late 19th century brought by immigrants. In 1907 in New York, the International Beigel Bakers Union was formed. That provided some definition of what constituted a bagel, and New Yorkers to this day are passionate about what ring-shaped bread is a bagel.

A bagel is made with high-gluten flour kneadMEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 10

ed into a yeast dough that is prepared often with some sweetener such as barley malt, corn syrup, or sugar. After shaping it into a ring, the dough is cooled, then boiled briefly, and finally baked. The result is a chewy dough with a slightly crisp exterior. The water used for boiling may be salted or sweetened. New Yorkers swear that their bagels are the best due to the local water used for the boiling step.

I believe that our Houston bagel bakeries can com- BAGEL BELIEVER Ben Portnoy ponders the beloved breakfast staple. pete credibly with bagel with cream cheese and lox, perhaps also any New York bakery. But watch out. Creeping with tomato, onion, and capers. This is a brunch into our supermarkets are bagels that do not staple for many of us. I would be shocked to be deserve the name. A less-involved process of present at a synagogue buffet that did not producing bagels became popular in the 1960s include such fare for an event early in the day with the infamous Lenders bagels that used or, really, any time of the day. machine-made dough rings and a steam process Back to my observation of the students at instead of boiling to prepare the bagel. These USC who were most likely not Eastern bagel lookalikes are not so chewy, are fluffy, and European Jews eating bagels: I could not get come out distressingly uniform in their plastic close enough to see if they were dining on gropackaging. Alas, there are many brands of such cery-store bagel imitations or the real things. imitations available now.

They seemed pleased, or maybe they were just The bagel is clearly an integral part of the taking a break from cheeseburger and fries.

Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish heritage.

After lunch, my grandson went back to class, It is so prominent that the bagel pops up in a and my wife and I drove back to our daughter’s Yiddish curse. To wish someone ill, you might house. On the way, we stopped at New York say in Yiddish that you wished that your target Bagel & Deli on National Boulevard to pick up person would “Lign in drerd un bakn beygel.” a dozen fresh warm bagels. We try to watch our This translates loosely as you wish that person weight, so when we got home, we split a poppy would be “underground in a place as hot as a seed bagel to get the taste of the hamburger out bagel bakery.” of our mouths.

In a lighter mode, consider the traditional

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NEIGHBORS

by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer

Getting Our Hearts Right Change one child’s world – change the world

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Paul Tepikian

I

don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to throw in the towel on the human race.

There is something basically good in most of us. We want the people of this world to learn, grow, and thrive. We want good things for each other. Okay, perhaps not all of us, all of the time. These are dark times, for sure. That makes stories like this one all the brighter. A single good idea can release its own synergy.

This story starts with two guys fishing for Peacock bass in the Amazon, and as fishing stories go, it grows. Warning: There are lots of moving parts to this story.

Ray Wilkerson and Chip Oswalt have called themselves brothers from another mother since they first met in an Austin running group decades ago. Each has thrived in their chosen professions in Austin. Ray owns a venture capital real estate firm. Chip is a heart surgeon. They have taken several exotic trips together over the years, fishing and hunting around the world. On one of those fishing trips, in 2000, along the Amazon in Brazil, after having a few beers, they hatched a plan. As Wilkerson recalls: Chip wouldn’t stop talking about these six little kids from Kosovo and how they came to Dell Children’s Medical Center for heart surgery. It changed their lives, and Chip’s too, says Wilkerson.

Backstory: In 1998-99, hundreds of American medical professionals were sent to the Balkans to treat a massive wave of Kosovar Albanian refugees from the Kosovo War with Yugoslavia. In the process, some doctors discovered a handful of kids with a not-so-rare congenital heart defect, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), which is usually curable after one surgery. They are commonly called blue babies, born with a hole in the heart. Over 1 million children with variations of this disease are born every year. Yet only 10 percent live in places where they can access the necessary medical care. The rest face childhoods of low energy, stunted growth, and generally, fail to thrive.

Dr. Oswalt was able to help arrange for these six Kosovo kids to get to Austin for surgery.

Basically, these kids were dying, says Oswalt. And after one surgery, they turned into normal kids. He told Wilkerson: If we could just find more kids (worldwide) we can bring them here and change

OUT OF THE WOODS HeartGift patient Sterling Aleman emerges 10 days post-surgery a new kid.

their lives. Wilkerson quickly got the picture and says, I’m in. Let’s start a foundation. I can handle the business part and you take the medical side.

That same year, 2000, the HeartGift Foundation was formed in Austin with the successful treatment of one child from Honduras.

Today, HeartGift has branches in Houston, San Antonio, and New Orleans. Over the past 26 years, more than 3,000 children have been treated from over 40 countries. Virtually all medical fees are waived. Throughout the process, each child and one parent will stay with a host family.

In Houston, Paul and Elizabeth Tepikian have hosted three HeartGift children and their moms for a surgical process that typically lasts about

three weeks. Host families are also supported by volunteers who translate, bring food specific to their guest’s ethnic or religious preferences, and, in some cases, donate airline miles to help bring a child and one parent along for the trip. The entire process is free for the child and parent.

Many have never flown on an airplane. Some have never seen running bathwater.

The Tepikians’ most recent visitor was 5year-old Sterling Aleman and his mother, Bertha Aleman Meji, who arrived from a tiny village in Honduras this past March. They bonded quickly with the Tepikians. Sterling was a wiz with Lego, Paul says, but was very quiet and would turn blue when he (continued on page 14)

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Courtesy of the HeartGift Foundation

than his 3-year-old brother. Kids like this often don’t eat much. It’s just too tiring to chew and digest food.

Two central Texas doctors, Rosy and Monte Horne, first advocated to get Sterling to Houston. Rosy was born in Honduras and is still licensed to practice there. They found Sterling through a small clinic, Sal y Luz (Salt and Light Clinic) in Honduras. His case had been turned down the previous year, judged too high risk.

But this year, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston agreed to take Sterling.

Sterling’s surgeon, Dr. Damien LaPar, says children born in Houston with VSD usually receive surgery within the first year of life. But HeartGift kids are discovered later in their childhood, often making post-surgery recovery more complex.

Sterling, at 5, was older than most kids we see, says LaPar. We were all sitting around in the ICU (after surgery) ready to help him have a good outcome….

His lungs had never seen that much blood before. It’s a remarkable thing to watch. It’s part of what draws us to HeartGift. These kids are true warriors. They battle things in life from an early age, physically, emotionally, mentally at such a young age. They’ve had to do it in an environment with no support at all.

Finally, after 10 rough days, it was time to take the bandages off. Sterling was out of the woods.

Paul took Sterling’s first thumbs-up picture.

The Tepikians and Sterling’s mom, Bertha, spent their remaining days in Houston chasing Sterling, first, around the hospital, then in public places like Kohl’s department store while shopping for family back home. Paul’s videos of Sterling full of energy earned him the reputation as the running boy.

Back in Honduras, Sterling’s mother Bertha reports that he is eating everything in sight, going to school, playing in the ocean, and basically catching up on being a kid. Drs. Rosy and Monte Horne got to see a normal, healthy Sterling back in Honduras.

Bertha relayed how she felt in Spanish.

Monte’s translation: Before the surgery, Sterling was always tired. Now, I’m the one who is tired.

You can see how this kind of volunteer work can be addicting. Monte works with the parents, hospital, and U.S. Embassy in Honduras on the paperwork to get these kids through the system to their surgery and back home. No small feat.

In the past year, they have identified 11 kids who have had successful surgeries through HeartGift with eight more waiting in the wings.

The U.S. Embassy (in Honduras) has been great to work with, says Monte. He wanted you to know that. A friendly embassy is critical.

Even the way HeartGift raises money will pull at your heartstrings. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m., the home of Brittany and Richard Owen in Houston will take on the flavor of the iconic Nashville Bluebird Cafe where singer-songwriters gather to share their songs and tell the stories behind them. For the past 11 years, Danny Myrick and Megan Linville and their Nashville friends have shared songs you may have heard

Courtesy of the HeartGift Foundation

(continued from page 12) walked. He was smaller

FROM THE HEART Top: HeartGift founders, who consider each other "brothers from another mother," Ray Wilkerson and Chip Oswald, M.D., celebrate 26 years, over 3,000 HeartGift surgeries from over 40 different countries and growing. Bottom: Nashville award-winning songwriters play, sing, and tell stories each year as pocketbooks open for HeartGift. Pictured, from left: Tim James, Danny Myrick, Megan Linville, and David Lee.

from well-known artists. The idea, like that original fishing trip, was hatched across a Thanksgiving table between Danny and his cousin Jan Larsen, a HeartGift board member.

Jan says, I was always so proud of my cousin, and his commitment to writing music from his heart.

Then, when I thought of how it fit with HeartGift, it was like a spark went off: Songs for the Heart was born. Danny says it’s one of their favorite gigs of the year. What draws you is the feeling that this is the way you wish the world actually was, but actually, I guess that is the way the world is. Sounds like a new song to me. This is who we are.

And the story keeps growing. In recent years, since the Covid pandemic, HeartGift has also

started traveling with a team of medical staff directly to countries. Janna Altmann, executive director of HeartGift Foundation, says she had the opportunity to go on a trip to Bolivia. She describes: On the first morning of clinic (actually every morning, but the first day has the most people), families gather long before sunrise, waiting together on the stairs, along walkways, and in the nearby park. When the van arrives full of American doctors, nurses, technicians, and HeartGift volunteers, the crowd begins to cheer!

Goosebumps. Tears. Grassroots diplomacy.

The stories never end.

For more information on HeartGift and the Songs of the Heart fundraisers, see www.heartgift.org.

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SPORTS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Home Pitch Where soccer is a family affair

T

he shortest life expectancy in this home belongs to anything left sitting on the mantel. Because even a house-approved Nerf soccer ball carries enough zip to send things flying when your foyer and part of the den double as an indoor pitch.

“Too many things can get broken,” says Zeyad Metwalli with a grin. His three children – Malek, 12, Nadim, 10, and daughter Maya, 9 – sit quietly by, restless legs hinting that they’d rather be cushioning a pass, spinning away from a defender, or practicing headers into a net.

“We have this whole space clear for them to practice their moves,” says their mother Hanna of the home zone. “My poor mantel. Such an uncluttered mantel. You can’t keep much on it.

We’ve learned that lesson!”

Around here, soccer doesn’t wait for kickoff. It spills into conversations, reshapes vacations, fills the foyer with the tap of quick feet, and somehow finds its way into nearly every ordinary day.

This day, a World Cup matchup between the Netherlands and Sweden flashes on their TV as Nadim waves a black and white ball overhead, his finger burrowed into its well-worn foam like a worm.

“It has a way of bringing people together like few things can. It’s the most loved sport in the world,” explains Zeyad, an interventional radiologist. He was born and raised in Egypt where soccer is a passion, woven into the country’s identity. He grew up playing the sport in local leagues but doesn’t play much these days.

“I wanted to save my knees. Whenever I’m doing these minimally invasive surgeries, I’m on my feet. And I walk fast. I’ve got to preserve them.”

He loves that the World Cup arrived at their doorstep in Houston.

“I remember when I was a kid, depending on where the World Cup was being played, it wasn’t always convenient hours for me to watch.

The timing was off. But this is perfect with the World Cup being here. We get to watch and keep up with a lot of the games.”

“But I make a note not to check the scores if it’s a game I can’t see as it happens,” notes Hanna.

Hanna was born in the States, her parents immigrating from Egypt in 1978. Zeyad came to MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 16

ROOTING FOR RONALDO The Metwalli children pose with their parents at the World Cup match between Portugal and Uzbekistan, wearing jerseys bearing one of the family’s soccer heroes – Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo – who made history that day, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments.

Front row, left to right: Maya, 9, Nadim, 10, and Malek, 12, have inherited the soccer gene from (back row) parents Hanna and Zeyad.

the U.S. at 18 to attend Rice University, then the Baylor College of Medicine. Each was on vacation in Egypt when they met. They clicked.

The subject of soccer between the two inevitably came up.

It’s never left.

“It’s been kind of our theme,” says Hanna, the scientific director for a pharmaceutical company. She has a reputation for standing throughout a game. “I feel more immersed in it that way. I just can’t sit!”

“I think for us, being immigrants, and children of immigrants, and for our children, seeing these players who have the opportunity to represent things that are bigger than themselves, it’s a wonderful thing,” says Zeyad. “The World

Cup especially is so international. All these people from different backgrounds, all walks of life, come together from around the world to entertain people with their skills. It brings the world together. It’s such a positive thing.”

For the couple’s kids, trying their hands – well, nearly any body part but hands – at soccer seemed as natural as sunrise. It’s so assimilated into family life that it made sense to eventually land at their feet.

All three started out in recreational leagues, then moved to competitive teams. Malek, a seventh grader at Pin Oak Middle School, plays for the RISE Soccer Club, a competitive league, as will Nadim and Maya, Horn Elementary fifth and fourth graders, respectively, this fall.

HERO IN HOUSTON It was another soccer bucket-list experience for this family. They attended World Cup 2026, watching one of their favorite teams, Portugal, play Uzbekistan. Malek, Zeyad, Nadim, Hanna, and Maya (pictured, from left) stand outside the stadium where soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to a dominant 5-0 victory.

“I play right back,” explains Malek, of the defensive position. “It’s a position where you have to be fast.” Lately, he’s been practicing his back kick, typically called a backheel, a flashy skill where a player hits the ball backward with

the heel of their foot.

“Sometimes we watch Malek playing around and learn from him,” says Nadim. “We learn a lot of skills that way.”

“It’s fun,” says Maya. “I really like it.”

Their devotion to the game eventually carried them across an ocean. During Christmas 2024, the family made a pilgrimage to Liverpool, where more than a century of football – what the rest of the world calls (continued on page 18) MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 17

FOLLOWING THE KING The family’s pilgrimage to Liverpool to watch the team’s Mohamed Salah – dubbed the Egyptian King – didn’t disappoint, despite dense fog that swallowed half the pitch. Hanna, Maya, Zeyad, Nadim, and Malek show devotion in their apparel. The drive there was a white-knuckle affair with blinding fog that lingered at Anfield Stadium. (continued from page 17) the game, long before

Americans attached the name to helmets and touchdowns – seeps from the bricks of Anfield Stadium. There, they watched Liverpool defeat Leicester City 3-1, but the score was almost beside the point. They had come to see Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah – dubbed the Egyptian King – whose brilliance at the sport long made him a hero to this household.

“We became huge Liverpool fans because of him. Seeing someone from our family’s background and heritage rise to that level in soccer …. It was great to watch him in person,” explains Zeyad.

“We made it a big family trip. My parents went, my brother and his wife, and then we have a few cousins who live in England, so we saw them there, too,” he adds.

The trip was as pins-and-needles as the game.

A tire blowout, roadside repair, and a blanket of fog so thick they could barely see half the pitch only added to the drama they saw play out on the field.

Christmas Day, the day before the game, they were en route to visit Zeyad’s cousins in Birmingham when their rental car tire blew. No spare. “Unlike here, where things are business as usual, things shut down in the UK on Christmas Day and the day after. Even the public train system isn’t running,” Hanna explains.

“So, I’m driving this car and I’ve never driven on that side of the road before,” says Zeyad. “I’m used to driving on the right like here. I’m trying to get used to the car, the road, and just a few minMEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 18

utes from the hotel we get this flat. I didn’t see a curb that was very high. I’m driving and feeling ‘Something’s not right.’ I pull over and it’s blown.

I Googled what was available for help and this nice Afghan gentleman with a mobile tire service comes, changes it, and we were on our way.”

“The World Cup especially is so international. All these people from different backgrounds, all walks of life, come together from around the world to entertain people with their skills. It brings the world together. It’s such a positive thing.”

They made it in time for dinner with his cousins, despite a dense fog that turned every mile into a leap of faith.

It continued into game day.

As they rolled toward Anfield, it swallowed

the road whole. “I’ve never experienced anything like that!” says Hanna.

Then there’s the fun of where to park.

American stadiums announce themselves with acres of parking. In Liverpool, it’s the norm to rent out someone’s driveway. And then it’s still a mile and a half walk through cobblestone streets, arriving at a stadium so shrouded in mist that they couldn’t make out half of the pitch.

“Hanna and the two younger ones sat higher up and Malek and I were near the corner, very close, like seven seats up from the ground. You should have seen the fog inside the stadium,” Zeyad recalls. “Experiencing the game over there is nothing like here. It takes it to a whole other level. And there’s no big screens showing replays. If you miss it, you miss it.”

Watching the match in Liverpool was like inheriting a tradition, the family says. Generations of supporters pack the stands, singing and chanting, lyrics passed through the ages from parent to child. As much heritage as sport.

“We unfortunately didn’t know the chants. If I were to go again, I’d study them ahead of time,” Zeyad says. “They were singing at the top of their lungs and had a song about Salah. I would really like to have known that one. This kid behind us, probably 10, knew every word of every chant and song. I was listening to him, trying to pick it up.”

If Liverpool gave the family a glimpse of soccer’s history, another trip gave them something even rarer – a chance to meet one of its greatest players.

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF Inter Miami CF

WISH COME TRUE Malek was among 23 kids who met Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami team via the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Malek and his family traveled to Miami where he was welcomed onto the field like a VIP. Top left: Malek poses with a jersey signed by the team. Bottom left: Messi gives Malek a congratulatory pat on the back. Top right: Malek runs onto the field with a line of applauding soccer players flanking him on both sides. Bottom right: The rest of Malek’s family also got to meet Messi. Left to right: Hanna, Nadim, Maya, Zeyad, and Messi capture the moment with grins.

In 2025, the Make-A-Wish organization saw to a wish that Malek requested: meeting Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi.

Malek was diagnosed with a rare inflammatory condition in 2023, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and became eligible for Make-A-Wish, which fulfills wishes for children facing certain medical challenges.

“They got his name through Texas Children’s, where he was treated for it. It manifested in shoulder pain. He’s good now,” explains Hanna.

Apparently, a lot of kids wanted to meet Messi.

Malek was part of a group of 23 who met the soccer icon and the entire Inter Miami team that April. The kids were treated like royalty. Each was introduced like a hometown hero, their name flashing on a billboard as they ran past a tunnel of applauding players onto the stadium field.

“It was really special,” says Malek. “I didn’t really want that much attention, but it was cool.”

“The kids were photographed with the whole team,” says Hanna. Messi stopped by and took pictures with every family.

“I cried. It was emotional for me,” she says.

“Each kid got a jersey with their name on it, signed by all the players. I have it framed upstairs now in his room.”

“Messi is obviously a soccer superstar but there’s like three or four guys on that team who are also international stars, so it’s awesome that he not only got to meet Messi but the whole team,” says Zeyad. “We are such huge Messi fans. It’s amazing that he will have that memory, that experience to remember his whole life.”

Yes, this family’s heroes wear cleats instead of capes. Meeting Messi and watching Salah represented dreams fulfilled. And seeing Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2026 World Cup was another pinnacle.

They attended the World Cup match between Portugal and Uzbekistan on June 23 here in Houston and witnessed history with Ronaldo becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments. He netted two goals in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan and was named Man of the Match.

“This was the experience of a lifetime,” says Hanna, whose favorite part was the massive

crowd, filling essentially every seat in Houston’s NRG Stadium (called Houston Stadium during the World Cup). Every roar was amplified beneath the stadium roof.

Ronaldo’s history-making performance made it “the perfect game to see in person,” agrees Malek. “The energy was awesome.”

Nadim didn’t care for the Houston heat on the way to the game, “but I knew that we would see Ronaldo and that would make me feel better.” All the walking to the game didn’t impress Maya, “but it was worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says.

Attending a World Cup match had been a lifelong dream of Zeyad’s. The fact that he shared the experience with his wife and children transformed it into something even greater, he says.

From an indoor pitch at home, to Liverpool, to Miami, to a World Cup in Houston, the family has always been following the same thing: a rolling ball that gathers more than grass stains.

It carries the family’s best stories.

A flat tire and wall of fog included.

“We can laugh about it now,” says Hanna.

“The things you do to get to a soccer game.”

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 19

Cindy Burnett

ARTS

by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Niche Nonfiction Intriguing deep dives

N

arrative nonfiction on a specific topic or interest often provides a glimpse into an entire world or pastime. I enjoy learning about topics with which I am unfamiliar, finding connections between events, and filling in gaps in my knowledge base. Here are some interesting and page-turning narrative nonfiction books that have come out in the past few years: The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal about Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power by Deirdre Mask – The Address Book is a deep dive into the importance of having a street address. Inspired by a letter she mailed to her father, Mask stumbled upon an initiative called “Addressing the World, An Address for Everyone,” where she learned that most households in the world do not have street addresses (even places in rural areas of the United States).

Intrigued, she headed to West Virginia to investigate this phenomenon herself by meeting with a friend of a friend who had recently petitioned his local county government for an address.

From there, she fell down a rabbit hole of research and eventually ended up writing this history of how streets are named, how street names are about wealth and identity, who counts and who doesn’t, and what happens today when someone does not have an address.

Bad City: Peril and Power in the City of Angels by Paul Pringle – Bad City is a riveting and horrifying look at the way University of Southern California’s administration prioritized the school’s reputation over its students and the surrounding community. In 2016, an LA Times reporter received a tip about a woman who overdosed at a local hotel and the role that Dr. Carmen Puliafito, the dean of USC’s Keck School of Medicine, played in the overdose.

Journalist Paul Pringle began looking into the event, unaware of the can of worms he would ultimately open. By the time he was finished several years later, he had exposed corruption at the highest levels at USC and at the LA Times. The dean not only did meth and other drugs regularly himself (and was so sure he would not be punished he videoed and photographed himself doing so), but he befriended women in their 20s and MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 20

provided them drugs and money. Repeated complaints to USC’s Provost C.L. Max Nikias yielded not even one response except to the editor of the LA Times – who then scolded the reporters. Subsequently, Paul and his group IMPORTANT REPORTING Bad City, written by journalist Paul Pringle, is a learned about a male riveting and horrifying look at the way USC’s administration prioritized the school’s gynecologist who reputation over its students and the surrounding community. worked at the student women’s rights. Come Fly the World will reframe clinic and had been molesting students for the way people view stewardesses from this era decades with no punishment. The reporters then of transcontinental flight and show instead how proved that the administration was aware of this progressive many of these women were and how behavior as well. After the stories ran, the group they paved the way for future generations of ended up winning a Pulitzer Prize for bringing the women to easily negotiate traveling around the second story to light. While it is a tough read at world. Cooke interviewed scores of women who times, Bad City vividly demonstrates the continserved as stewardesses for Pan Am and tells sevued importance of investigative journalism. eral of their stories in-depth. She relays their stoThe Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love ries while weaving in historical details, such as ed. by Alice Hoffman – Anyone who has ever the way in which the role of flight attendant been fortunate enough to share their life with a changed over the years and the women’s help in dog knows the experience is both life-changing staffing American soldiers’ R&R trips between and unparalleled. Here, 15 celebrated authors Saigon and Hong Kong. It is a truly awe-inspirshare unforgettable tales of their dogs who left ing and captivating read. pawprints on their owners’ hearts. With contriDogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of butions from Chris Bohjalian, Emily Henry, Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show by Ann Leary, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Strout, Amy Tommy Tomlinson – Dogland is enthralling and Tan, and Adriana Trigiani, The Best Dog in the entertaining as well as thought-provoking and World captures the full range of the canineeducational. As a longtime dog lover, I was fashuman connection, from the joy of welcoming cinated by some of the questions Tomlinson a new puppy to the heartache of saying goodbye raises. Are show dogs happy? And what about to a beloved member of the family. As an ardent pet dogs – are they happy? These questions sent dog lover, I love that the essays provide such the author on a three-year quest to better underpersonal glimpses into the lives of the contribustand the dog show world and its inhabitants tors and emphasize what important roles dogs and to gain insight into the relationship play in human’s lives. I laughed, I cried, and I between humans and dogs. Dogland mainly folremembered every dog I have had the privilege lows a champion show dog named Striker as he of sharing my life with over the years. Have tiscompetes at the Westminster Dog Show in New sues at the ready.

York, but the author includes how dog shows Come Fly the World: The Jet-Age Story of began, who participates and why, how the relathe Women of Pan Am by Julia Cooke – Julia tionship between humans and dogs has evolved, Cooke chronicles the women who worked as and how to evaluate the happiness of dogs. stewardesses (she uses this term since that was The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People's in use then) for Pan Am Airways and their conHistory of Afghanistan by Lyse Doucet by Lyse tributions to the Vietnam War effort and

Cindy Burnett

Doucet – When the Inter-Continental Kabul opened in 1969, Afghanistan’s first luxury hotel symbolized the dream of a modernizing country now connected to the rest of the world. More than 50 years later, the Inter-Continental is still standing. It has endured Soviet occupation, multiple coups, a grievous civil war, a U.S. invasion, and the rise, fall, and rise of the Taliban. Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, has been checking into the InterContinental since 1988. And here, she uses its story to craft a richly immersive history of modern Afghanistan. I loved how she framed the history of the country against the backdrop of the InterContinental and those who have a connection to it – a creative way to tell the country’s history.

The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon – On November 10, 1975, as the “storm of the century” threw 100 mile-per-hour winds and 50foot waves on Lake Superior, the Edmund Fitzgerald, the biggest and most profitable ship on the Great Lakes, found itself at the worst possible place and time. When she sank, she took all 29 men onboard down with her, leaving the tragedy shrouded in mystery for a half-century. Bacon crafts a definitive account of the disaster, often weaving in lyrics from Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song. Not only is the history of the ship interesting, but Bacon also chronicles the history of the Great Lakes, Michigan, and the ship’s namesake Edmund Fitzgerald. This one is a true page turner, and the audio production is fabulous.

Gemini: Stepping Stone to the Moon, the Untold Story by Jeffrey Kluger – “Without Gemini, there would be no Apollo.” This sentence encapsulates the profound importance of the Gemini program on the subsequent Mercury and Apollo programs. In Gemini, Kluger chronicles the history of the Gemini (pronounced Geminee) program from its origins, highlighting both its numerous successes and failures.

Consisting of 10 flights over the course of just 20 months, Gemini sent men into space for the first time, but also led to deaths and near deaths and all sorts of other failures that at times will have the reader marveling at how a moon landing ever happened at all. Kluger manages to bring a very human element to this riveting story as he details the challenges and dangers faced by the Gemini missions and the astronauts who participated.

Rob Reiner narrates the stellar audio production.

Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park by Conor Knighton – In this gem, Knighton chronicles the year he spent traveling to every national park in the United States. The parks are grouped by theme instead of location, and the book is interspersed with humor and intriguing details. Knighton highlights the importance of our national parks, how various parks received their designations, and how climate change and over-visiting is impacting many of these beautiful places. In the epilogue, Knighton discusses how the National Park System continues to

HAUTE COUTURE AND HISTORY When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow tells the stories of Hortense Odlum of Bonwit Teller, Dorothy Shaver of Lord & Taylor, and Geraldine Stutz of Henri Bendel while providing a brief history of department stores and how they changed the world of shopping and opened up employment opportunities for women.

expand and quickly reviews three parks that achieved the designation after 2016 (the year Knighton made his journey).

On the Grid: Life Behind the Scenes of Formula 1 by Luke Smith – Formula 1 has only 20 drivers in its elite ranks (soon to be 22), but behind each one is an army of professionals working hard to support these drivers, including engineers, mechanics, party planners, statisticians, and more. In On the Grid, F1 journalist Luke Smith brings to life the behind-the-scenes stories that don’t make it to viewers’ screens – both on and off the track. I love these deep dives into worlds about which I am not familiar, and this one is outstanding. He covers the gender gap in F1, the fan base, carbon emissions, climate change, the growing popularity of the sport, and more. There are a number of books out about F1, and this one is the best by far.

Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton – During the Covid lockdown in the English countryside, Dalton stumbles across a leveret (a baby hare) and brings it home. As she learns to feed and take care of it with little guidance because raising a hare is quite rare, what results is an unlikely relationship between her and the hare, a development that completely changes the way Dalton views the world. This book contains so many beautiful passages that I stopped to absorb and reflect on and helped me evaluate how I move about in the world.

Valley So Low: One Lawyer’s Fight for Justice in the Wake of America’s Great Coal Catastrophe by Jared Sullivan – Valley So Low details the tragedy of the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill in Tennessee and the subsequent cleanup

(which cost more than a billion dollars), while relaying the stories of the workers and everyday people who were directly impacted by the coal ash. While the spill itself was horrific, the manner in which the company ran the cleanup led to the death of 50 individuals and exposed countless others to toxic materials. This is such a compelling and heartbreaking read, and one that sadly feels all too familiar – it reminded me of how the tobacco industry, Johnson & Johnson, and DuPont behaved when confronted with their malfeasance.

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion

by Julie Satow – When Women Ran Fifth Avenue tells the stories of Hortense Odlum of Bonwit Teller, Dorothy Shaver of Lord & Taylor, and Geraldine Stutz of Henri Bendel. It also provides a brief history of department stores and how they changed the world of shopping and opened up employment opportunities for women. At a time when most working women were nurses or teachers, the department store created a new career path for women in sales and business. This glimpse into the department store phenomenon and its impact on our culture and shopping habits is fascinating, especially in light of their slow demise as online shopping popularizes.

Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett also writes our monthly Buzz Reads column and weekly Page Turners column. She hosts an award-winning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page Podcast (www.thoughtsfromapage.com), runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regularly speaks to groups about books.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 21

Ultimate Pool USA

SPORTS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Top Spin For the love of pool

W

hen Shane Petrick was 12 years old, he told his mother that he wanted to join a league to play competitive pool.

“I said, ‘I don’t know what that is, but no,’” remembers his mom, Shannon.

Images from the very grim 1961 movie The Hustler, starring Paul Newman, and its somewhat less grim 1986 sequel The Color of Money, starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, danced in her mind. Smoky bars. Excessive drinking. Illegal gambling. Con games. Crime. Even violence.

She didn’t want to put Shane off the game of pool entirely, though. The family had just installed a pool table at home, “as a fun thing to have,” says Shannon, “and I’d find him after his homework was done playing pool. It was his quiet meditative time.”

She hit upon a plan. She told him to write her a report about what a pool league is, why he wanted to play in one, and what would be involved.

“I thought that would be the end of it,” she confesses.

A day or so later, Shane presented her with his report.

Then, she told him that he’d have to call the pool league and set up the meeting himself.

Since the youngest generation is loath to use phones to make actual phone calls, Shannon figured, “There’s no way he’s going to do that.”

Shane set up the meeting for the following Saturday at a pool hall in Montrose.

“He put in so much work and he did everything I asked,” says Shannon, so off they went.

“All the while I was thinking, I’m a horrible mom, what am I doing?”

Mother and son remember that the first thing they saw as they pulled into the parking lot was a group of men standing around the entrance, smoking, which did not allay Shannon’s concerns. But, says Shane, now 15, “Our mindsets soon completely flipped.” The people Shane plays pool with are now “practically family,” he says.

“They are raising him to be a solid player on and off the table,” says Shannon. “It’s a community.”

But that day, when 12-year-old Shane showed up, the league players didn’t quite know MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 22

ON THE BALL Shane Petrick, who has been competing in pool since he was 12, is pictured here playing at an Ultimate Pool USA tournament in Kansas City, Mo. in 2025.

what to do with him. “It wasn’t ‘Yay, we have a 12-year-old,’” says Shane. Some of the teams said no to having him on their team, “which we totally understood,” says Shannon.

Phil Trieu, the operator of the league, HTown Central USA Pool League, jokes adult players didn’t want to play Shane at first because they didn’t want to beat a kid and make him feel bad, but “Now, they don’t want to play him

Phil Trieu, the operator of the league, jokes adult players didn’t want to play Shane at first because they didn’t want to beat a kid and make him feel bad, but “Now, they don’t want to play him because they don’t want to get beat.” because they don’t want to get beat.”

Shane, now a junior at Strake Jesuit, plays a lot of pool, and he’s really, really good at it. He plays on two teams, “Shot for Shot” and “No English,” in the league on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Shannon accompanies him because otherwise, since he is still only 16, he wouldn’t be allowed in because of the bar. “This is not a dropoff-and-go activity,” quips Shannon.

Phil remembers one of Shane’s first local tournaments, where the play went on from 9 in the morning to 4 a.m. the following morning. Phil says, “Shane’s parents were probably thinking, ‘What have we gotten ourselves into?’ But all the way through, Shane was all about it. He was the energy his team needed.” And his team won.

The league adjusted to having a young player.

Now, that particular tournament is played over two days, not one, and Shane’s team captains are aware of when Shane’s playing on a school night and schedule him accordingly.

“Shane was our first junior [a player 18 years old or younger], and we’re super proud of him,” says Phil, adding that when Shane plays, he often draws a crowd. “He’s just enthralling to watch,” Phil says.

The league has since attracted a few more junior players, and at league nights, Shane takes special care to build a relationship with these new young players and make sure they are comfortable.

Shane travels to compete with his teams when they qualify for their national tournament in Las Vegas, which they most often do. Shane has gone to Las Vegas four times now, the first time when he was 12. “That first national tournament just really sparked my love of the game,” Shane remembers. “It was room after room, 350 tables, of people playing pool. I really loved the atmosphere.”

Shane also now competes as an individual, both in junior tournaments and in tournaments’ open divisions, which include adults. His pool nickname is “TopSpin,” which came about when he was trying to teach his mom how to put a top spin (see glossary) on her cue ball. “I told him, ‘Words are coming out of your mouth, but I don’t understand them,’” says Shannon, “and I started calling him TopSpin. It caught on in the league.”

ROLL WITH IT Dad David also enjoys playing pool and plays scotch doubles with Shane in a competitive league. "I thought I was a pretty good player, until I realized what good really was," he says with a laugh. "Shane can wipe me out." Left: Shane at the 2026 WPA Heyball World Junior Championship in 2026; right: Shane and his father David competing at scotch doubles in Puerto Rico in 2024.

Last year, Shane qualified to represent the U.S., on Team U.S.A. Juniors, and played in the 2025 Predator WPA (World Pool Association) World Junior 10-Ball Competition in Gandia, Spain. It was his first world tournament, where young players from over 30 different countries competed in the junior division. In other countries, pool doesn’t have the same seedy “pool shark” image it has in the U.S. It is a fully accepted and popular sport, which kids start playing seriously at a young age. Shane made it almost to the quarterfinals. In a recap he posted on his Facebook page, “Shane Petrick TopSpin,” Shane enthused about “playing the sport I love on the world stage,” and wrote, “I learned so much and now have a game plan for what I need to make the next one even better.”

Shane plays in local tournaments about every other month and in bigger tournaments every few months during the school year, in addition to three to four over the summer. Recent results include placing in the Top 8 at the 2026 Predator Pro Billiard Series – Las Vegas Junior Open and, at a weeklong juniors event held in Quincy, IL. by the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF), he placed third in 10 ball, which qualified him to represent the U.S. in Spain, third in 9 ball, and second in straight pool. (10 ball, 9 ball, and straight pool are different pool games.) He placed second in the 2025 Ultimate Pool USA for juniors in Boston and won first place several times over the last year all over the country.

This June, he represented the USA in the WPA Heyball World Junior Championship in Norway. Players came from more than 42 countries to compete. Heyball, or Chinese 8 ball, looks similar to regular pool but is played on a different table, with different shaped pockets and rails and a different kind of felt. These details

make a big difference. “It’s a whole other game with different strategies and tactics,” he explains.

“You could really tell who was used to heyball and who was not.” Shane was not used to heyball and did not do as well as he had hoped.

Right after the heyball tournament, though, Shane played in a 9-ball tournament, also in Oslo.

He placed third out of 50 players. “It felt great to shoot on normal pockets,” he wrote on Facebook.

Shannon marvels at Shane’s love of the sport and how easily he makes friends with competitors. “As soon as they are not playing, win or lose, they will get together at another table and just be playing pool,” she says. Shannon and Shane spent time sightseeing with other junior players in Norway. “Everyone spoke different languages, but that didn’t matter,” Shannon wrote on Facebook. “Watching them stroll through the streets of Oslo, laughing and joking together, was refreshing … He has formed friendships that I believe will last for years, all because of a common passion and love for the game.”

M

ost of us have knocked balls around a pool table in someone’s rec room at some point and are dimly aware of the rules of 8 ball: One player tries to get in all the striped balls, the other player all the solids, in any order, and then finish the game by sinking the black eight-ball.

But there are many different pool games.

Shane’s favorite game to play is 10 ball on a nine-foot table, which is what he played in Spain. “10 ball involves every aspect of pool,” he explains, “and the 9-foot [larger, professional-sized] table makes it more challenging and more fun.”

In 10 ball, a player must hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table (from one to ten), though that low-numbered ball may hit another or the cue ball may hit that low ball first and

then another ball, making that second ball go in. The players must also “call their shots”: which ball they’re going to sink and which pocket it will go into. As long as the player is making their shots, his or her turn continues, but if they miss, if they sink the wrong ball, or if they sink their ball into the wrong pocket, then the other player goes. This means that a player can sink balls one through nine, miss the ten, and the other player can simply make that one shot, sinking the ten ball, and win.

This level of pool is often compared to chess.

“At Shane’s level of play, putting the ball in the pocket is the easiest part,” says Phil, the league operator. Players think several shots ahead. If they put one ball into a certain pocket, how will the balls be positioned for their next shot and their shots after that? And sometimes if they are uncertain they can make a shot or leave themselves good shots for the rest of the game, players will purposely miss in order to leave their competitor with a difficult table to play.

David Petrick, Shane’s father, plays scotch doubles with Shane in a competitive league. In scotch doubles, there are two players on a team and they take turns taking shots, so the game is about making your shot and setting your partner up with a good shot to take after yours. “Shane sets me up for an easy shot and then I set him up for a bad shot,” jokes David.

David has played a lot of pool. “I thought I was a pretty good player, until I realized what good really was,” he says with a laugh. “Shane can wipe me out.”

Still, the father/son team wins in their local league and, in 2024, qualified to compete in a scotch doubles tournament in Puerto Rico.

It was there that David experienced something else about competitive pool: the mental pressure. “One of the amaz- (continued on page 24) MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 23

(continued from page 23) ing things about Shane is

how he can be very calm under extreme pressure,” he says. Often in competitions, players will be surrounded by spectators and even by television cameras and lights.

In a live-streamed match at the Kansas City Shootout last January, Shane played Tom Cousins, one of the top pool players in the world. One of the commentators noted that he can often see players shake from nerves during play, but that Shane was “completely and utterly still.” Noting that Shane “knows he’s a massive underdog,” the commentator continued, “This is a major test for this young man, but he relishes the challenge.” Cousins won, five games to two.

Losing is part of the game. “To be good at the game, you need a lot of heart,” says Phil Trieu.

“You have to be able to make mistakes, learn from them, and go on to your next shot. I’ve seen grown adults unable to let a mistake go.”

Phil says Shane had to “take his licks pretty hard” when he first started at the age of 12.

“There he was in a dark pool hall, surrounded by adults, consistently losing,” Phil remembers.

“I was so impressed and have the utmost respect for him that he could do that, keep his good attitude, and keep coming back.”

“Something I didn’t expect is how much Shane has grown as a person because of pool,” his father David says. “He’s very comfortable with adults, he communicates clearly, and he learned how to stand up for himself even as a young kid.”

There’s also the camaraderie. Pool is social.

Shane’s teammates in the league are now family friends. Calling pool “an analog game in a digital world,” Phil Trieu credits playing pool with helping him meet people, socialize, and “break out of an introverted mindset.” “You’d never guess that Phil was ever an introvert,” jokes Shane.

And it remains a family activity for the Petricks. Not only does David play scotch doubles with Shane, but Shannon has joined a team in the league. “I am literally the lowest player on my team,” she says.

The family often plays together at home, including Shane’s older ALL TOGETHER NOW The Petrick family often plays pool together at home.

From left: Shane's older brother Joshua, 19, Shane, David, and mom Shannon, brother Joshua, 19, who also joined a team in the league. though they have to going to win.” While becoming one of the best come up with creative ways to handicap Shane to players in the United States would be “a really keep the game somewhat competitive. “If I miss, amazing thing,” he says, “For the most part, I’ll I get to shoot again,” says Shannon. “Otherwise, see where this goes.” it would just be me watching Shane play.”

With the confidence, focus, and nerves of Shane says he likes pool “because it’s personsteel honed by pool, whatever happens, Shane al. Everything’s on me. There’s a direct correlaPetrick is on his way. tion between the work I put in and whether I’m

A glossary of pool terms Ball In Hand: When a player fouls and the other player is allowed to place the cue ball where they’d like. The umbrella term for all cue sports. Pool is a type of billiards, as are carom billiards, snooker, heyball, and English billiards.

Billiards: The umbrella term for all cue sports. Pool is a type of billiards, as are carom billiards, snooker, heyball, and English billiards.

Bottom Spin: The player hits the cue ball below its center. This causes the cue ball to reverse direction and come back toward the player after it has hit another ball.

Break: When the first player shoots at the assembled (or racked) balls at the start of a game.

Break ‘n’ Run: When the player who starts the game by breaking keeps making their shots and the other player doesn’t get to take a shot.

Double Tap: If a player touches the cue ball twice during their shot; a foul.

Dry Break: When no balls go in when a player breaks.

Fargo Rating: A fluctuating ranking system of players, though it’s not used by all tournaments. The highest ranked player, Joshua Filler of Germany, has a Fargo rating of 863; an average, but serious player ranks 300 to 450. According to some rules, a player becomes professional when they reach 720. Shane currently ranks 595, though he now plays many tournaments that do not record players’ performance with Fargo.

Frozen: When a ball is touching the cushion, or side of the pool table, or another ball or balls.

Golden Break: When the 9-ball is pocketed during the break of a game of 9 ball, winning the game.

Hanger: When a ball is practically hanging in the pocket but hasn’t gone in. Bad for the shooter; an easy shot for the other player.

Hill/Hill: A hill is when a player is one game away from winning. Hill/Hill is when both players just need to win the current game to win.

Hit the Point: The ball hits the cushion that sticks out a bit in front of a pocket and doesn’t go in.

Jump Shot: When a player makes the cue ball jump over another ball.

Lag: Determines which player does the break. Both players hit a cue ball from one end of the table, the head, to hit the cushion at the other end of the table, the foot. Whoever’s ball comes back closest to the cushion at the head goes. Sometimes, the break is also determined by a coin flip.

Massé Shot: A rarely used trick shot where the player puts such a strong spin on the cue ball that it curves or even reverses direction.

Object Ball: The first ball the cue ball hits during a shot.

Pool Glove: Some players wear a glove on their “bridge hand,” the hand that steadies the cue stick on the table, to allow the cue stick to slide smoothly and quickly.

Rack: A single game of pool, also called a frame.

Slop Shot: A lucky shot.

Top Spin: The player hits the cue ball above its center. This will make it continue rolling in the same direction as the ball it hits.

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MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 25

mattlitphoto.com

FOOD

by Andria Dilling, staff writer

Back to the Kitchen Family dinners that bring the family together

T

he start of a new school year signals more than new teachers, new textbooks, and stricter schedules. For parents, it’s a back-to-reality moment when kitchens reopen and having dinner on the table takes precedent over pool time.

Jessica Levy meets the challenge by involving her three girls in the cooking.

Jessica, who works in healthcare administration, moved to Houston with her husband David in 2019 “to be by my twin sister and have our kids grow up together,” she says. With six children between them, Jessica and her sister Jackelyn Silverman, a teacher, are now neighbors, and they often feed their families together.

Jessica says she does most of the cooking, explaining that Jackelyn is more focused on Little League than making dinner.

While Jessica gets assistant chef vibes from all her girls – Ruthie and Tillie, identical twins who are 8 ½, and Izzie, who is 6 – her youngest is the biggest helper. “She’s been cooking with me since she was little,” Jessica says. “Well, I guess she still is little.”

“Little” means Jessica was giving 9-month-old Izzie cups of ingredients to pour into recipes.

“She’s very advanced,” Jessica says, half-jokingly, explaining that the twins would “go off and do their own thing,” so Izzie would stay behind and help. “I actually think she wants to be a chef when she grows up,” Jessica says.

Izzie says her favorite things to make are chicken noodle soup and pasta. “Normal pasta,” she says, meaning basic white, not whole wheat or anything fancy, “with olive oil and garlic and salt.” She adds that she likes to go to H-E-B to pick everything out, and, she says in a barelyaudible whisper, “to get candy.”

Jessica asks Izzie what happens if she doesn’t help with dinner preparations. “It doesn’t taste good,” is Izzie’s answer.

Jessica says her girls like making things they can be involved in: meatballs, salad dressing, croutons, brisket. “A lot of things that seem hard to do are actually really easy,” Jessica says. “I let my kids participate in all the steps, seasoning the proteins, sauteing them in the pan. I’ll put a glove on them, and they can pour in broth.

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They’re proud of themselves.”

Plus, “If they help make it, they will want to eat it,” is Jessica’s motto.

“Involving kids in the process of cooking gives them a stake in the game. If you ask Will you help me salt COOKING BUDDIES Izzie Levy, 6, has been cooking with her mom Jessica all her life. these Brussels 4 garlic cloves, minced sprouts, they will be willing to try them. And my 1 whole yellow onion, peeled kids like them.”

8 cups kosher chicken broth Jessica says she doesn’t typically go to the 2 cups water store with a list; she likes to see what inspires her 3 tablespoons chicken consommé powder, or in the moment. A tip: “Use technology to your more to taste advantage. If you put in ChatGPT or Google ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for the ingredients you have, like I have zucchini and garnish rice and I don’t want it to be the same thing I always 2 bay leaves make, what are some suggestions, it can make 1 cup alphabet pasta some good suggestions. Even if you just vary slightly on what you usually make, it’s more excitSeason the chicken breasts with salt and peping and they won’t get bored.” per on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large Jessica says that chicken noodle soup, a weeksoup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. ly staple, is good for multiple meals throughout Add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per the week. “If you pull out some chicken, you can side, until lightly golden. Remove from the pot repurpose it for other things later on.” and set aside.

“I love cooking for others,” Jessica says. “It’s In the same pot, sauté the carrots and celery my love language. My kids would rather eat at for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly softened. Add home than go to a restaurant. They would really the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. love for me to open a restaurant, but my husReturn the chicken to the pot. Add the band thinks that’s a poor financial decision.” whole onion, chicken broth, water, consommé powder, fresh parsley, and bay leaves. Bring to a Levy Family Chicken Noodle Soup boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and Jessica says, “I leave the onion whole instead of simmer for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to chopping it. It adds wonderful flavor to the broth, develop and the chicken to become fork-tender. but since my family is sensitive to onions, it’s easy Remove the chicken and shred it using two to remove before serving. And don't be afraid to add forks. Discard the onion and bay leaves, then a little extra consommé – the richer broth is what return the shredded chicken to the soup. Bring makes this soup taste like home." the soup back to a gentle boil and add the alpha1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts bet pasta. Cook according to package directions, 1 teaspoon kosher salt about 6 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is tender. ½ teaspoon black pepper Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish 1 tablespoon olive oil with additional fresh parsley and serve warm.

3 large carrots, peeled and diced Serves 6 to 8 3 celery stalks, diced

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LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER Jessica Levy loves to cook with her sous chef, 6-year-old Izzie, and (not pictured) twins Ruthie and Tillie. Left: Izzie samples Chicken Noodle Soup; right: Izzie scoops turkey meatballs onto a tray.

Easy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs & Garlic Pasta “My kids love helping with this recipe,” Jessica says. “Everyone gets involved mixing the meatball ingredients or scooping the meatballs onto the tray, which makes dinner feel like a family project.”

1½ pounds ground white turkey (or any ground protein of your choice) 1 large egg ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano 1 24-ounce jar tomato basil sauce 1 pound pasta of choice 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil Garlic salt, to taste Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and basil or oregano. Mix until just combined.

Using a cookie scoop, portion the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Transfer the meatballs to the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.

Meanwhile, warm the tomato basil sauce in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to come together.

While the meatballs cook, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the olive oil and garlic salt, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated. Serve the pasta topped with meatballs and sauce.

Serves 4 to 6

Variations: Add more veggies: Sauté a bag of fresh spinach directly into the tomato basil sauce before adding the meatballs. It cooks down quickly and adds an extra serving of vegetables.

Make it Asian-inspired: Swap the Italian seasonings for sliced green onions, a splash of soy sauce, and a little sesame oil in the meat mixture. After cooking, toss the meatballs in a simple sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and garlic. Serve over rice or noodles for a completely different take on this family favorite.

Mix up the protein: This recipe works beautifully with ground chicken, beef, or pork, making it easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand.

C

ourtney Solleveld makes a roast chicken every week, then maximizes her effort by repurposing the bones for stock, and then the stock for two kinds of soup. “I cook every single day,” she says, “so my kids love all types of food.”

Her 12-year-old son Jack received a cookbook as a gift for Christmas and enjoys being in the kitchen. Teddy, 10, “enjoys the eating part,” Courtney says.

Jack’s specialty is penne alla vodka, a recipe he found in Knife Drop: Creative Recipes Anyone Can Cook by Nick DiGiovanni, the book gifted to him. “This seemed like an easy recipe for him to try on his own. He tried it on a Tuesday, and it’s become a staple,” Courtney says. “He does everything. I’ll just stand there and supervise.”

Juggling lacrosse and golf practices, Courtney has a plan for most weeks: “We will have roast chicken one night and the next night homemade chicken soup, Bolognese one night, panko crusted chicken breasts with orzo and salad, and steak on Friday.” Steak night means Courtney’s husband Bas is cooking. “He can make a steak better than any restaurant!”

Rigatoni Alla Vodka From Nick DiGiovanni’s Knife Drop: Creative Recipes Anyone Can Cook 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 yellow onion, grated 3 cloves garlic, grated ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ½ cup vodka 1 28-ounce can crushed San Marzano tomatoes ½ cup heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese 12-ounce package penne or rigatoni Add the olive oil and butter to a large pot over medium heat. Add the grated onion and garlic, and stir until translucent (don’t let the garlic burn). Add the crushed red pepper flakes.

Add the vodka and reduce, about 10 minutes.

Add the crushed tomatoes and cook on medium low, partially covered, for 30 minutes.

In another pot, cook the pasta. Here you can blend your sauce if you prefer it smooth, but that is not necessary. Reduce the sauce to low heat and add cream, season with salt and pepper (you can also add a little butter here for an extra-velvety sauce). Cook for 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Mix well and serve with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Serves 4 to 6

Courtney Solleveld’s Roast Chicken 1 4- to 5-pound roasting chicken 1 onion, quartered 4 carrots, cut in half 2 sticks celery, cut in half 1 lemon 1 head garlic, skin intact, cut in half 3 tablespoons butter, melted Salt and pepper Cooked wild rice, for (continued on page 28) MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 27

EASY AND DELICIOUS Courtney Solleveld cooks most days of the week, and her 12-year-old son Jack is learning to love it, too. Jack makes Rigatoni Alla Vodka (left), and Italian Wedding Soup is in Courtney's weekly rotation. (continued from page 27) serving

Minced fresh parsley, for serving Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours (not necessary, but if you have the time, this leads to extra-crispy skin).

Toss the onions, carrots, and celery with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon and garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with melted butter and season liberally with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast the chicken for 1 and ½ hours, or until the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve over wild rice and sprinkle with parsley.

Serves 4

Homemade Stock Courtney says she saves and freezes any bones she has left over from the week – chicken, pork, steak. “I’ll add all of these to my stock. But if you don’t have a frozen back-stock of bones, you can simply roast two chickens, remove the meat, and set it aside (you will add this to the soup once the stock has been made), and use the bones.

2 whole chicken carcasses 1 large onion, quartered 4 stalks celery, cut in half 4 carrots, cut in half 2 heads garlic, skin intact, cut in half 1 rutabaga, peeled, cut in half 1 turnip, peeled, cut in half 1 bunch parsley MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 28

1 bunch dill Juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon turmeric, optional Add all ingredients to a large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 4 to 6 hours. Skim off any foam. Strain the stock, discarding the bones and vegetables, and taste for salt and pepper.

Chicken Soup Homemade stock 2 carrots, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped Roast chicken, shredded Your favorite noodles 1 bunch parsley, chopped 1 bunch dill, chopped Add all the ingredients to the stock and simmer on low.

Italian Wedding Soup Consider adding chopped spinach when adding the parsley and dill.

8 ounces ground beef 8 ounces ground veal 8 ounces ground pork ½ cup panko breadcrumbs ½ cup chopped parsley

1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 1 large egg Salt and pepper Stock 2 carrots, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped Small shaped pasta ½ cup chopped parsley ½ cup chopped dill Olive oil Lemon Preheat the oven to 420 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the beef, veal, and pork together gently with a fork. Use your hands to mix in the breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, egg, and salt and pepper. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes.

In the meantime, warm the stock in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the meatballs are cooked, place them directly into the stock. Add the carrots and celery, and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley and dill. Serve topped with parmesan cheese, lots of cracked pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon.

Serves 6 to 8

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att Strange, a commercial real estate broker, is the chef in his family. “Cooking has always fallen to my side of the ledger, so to speak,” he says. “In college, when Katherine and I were dating, and now. We’ll go out once or twice a week, but usually I cook every night.”

With four children – Annabelle, 20, Adelaide, 17, Ainslee, 13, and Matthew, 5 – and two careers – Katherine is a lawyer – the Stranges are continuously balancing sports practice pick-ups with dinner. “Katherine carries the heavy load, but we do a good job about seeing what each other’s schedules look like, making it happen as it goes,” Matt says. “One of us gets pulled into a late meeting, and an hour later, I still want everybody to eat in time to be settled down at a reasonable hour. That’s why most of my menu items are simple. Bolognese, burgers, steaks, pork chops. Crispy tacos is always a big hit. I could give you my steak recipe, but it’s probably the same as everyone else’s – salt, pepper, and cook it.” Matt’s grandmother’s pinto beans and his own recipe for carne en su jugo – bite-sized pieces of steak cooked in salsa verde and mixed with bacon and beans – are weeknight favorites.

“I want to make things that make everybody feel good when they come home,” he says. “I’ll get in a bit earlier than everyone to get my grill ready or prep whatever I need to. That way I’m hanging out with my family and not just running around the kitchen with my hair on fire. I’m intentional about getting everything ready, so we can enjoy each other.”

Matt says cooking is calming for him. “I’ve always been passionate about it,” he says. “Both of my parents worked, and my dad did a lot of the cooking when I was a kid. It was a way for us to connect when he came home from work and I was home from soccer practice.

“My kids aren’t really helping, not because they’re opposed, but because they’re chatting and hanging out, and I can stick them with the dishes and trash duties after dinner so I can watch the World Cup or baseball or whatever.”

One exception: Adelaide is famous for her cornbread. “She’s always in charge, and I don’t even know what she does,” Matt says.

“My dad used to make what was in the [Hill Country Fare] package, and I started wanting to help when I was 10,” Adelaide says. “I thought This is good, but how can we make it better? I’d go to a restaurant and try their cornbread and think this one has cheese, this one has jalapeños, this one has bits of corn.” Her concoction: “I use applesauce instead of butter, which makes it more moist and sweeter. Then I add ¼ can of creamed corn, ½ can of corn, and a small can of diced jalapeños if I want to make it spicy.

“I wanted to do what tastes best instead of plain and boring, so I have just tried some things out.

It’s making my mouth water talking about it!”

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M

FAMILY DINNER Adelaide, Ainslee, Matt, Annabelle, and Matthew Strange gather around Matt's familyfavorite slow-cooked chicken tacos with all the toppings.

Matt Strange’s Grandmother’s Pinto Beans This is a no-recipe recipe.

6 strips bacon, chopped 1 white or sweet onion, chopped 2 jalapeños, chopped 1 serrano pepper, chopped 1 pound dried pinto beans 1 15-ounce can stewed tomatoes Chicken broth

A lot of garlic, chopped Serve with Adelaide’s cornbread Matt says, “People will tell you that you need to soak the beans overnight, but I don’t think you need to do that. Just put them on first thing in the morning. Brown the bacon, throw in the onions and peppers, and add the beans, tomatoes, broth, and garlic. I let everything simmer in the pot on low until I’m home and it’s time to serve. Serve with Adelaide’s cornbread.” (continued on page 30) Serves 6 to 8 MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 29

Strange’s

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Matt Slow Cooker Tacos

(continued from page 29)

Ten minutes of prep and six hours in the slow cooker yields a family-favorite dish.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 16-ounce jar salsa verde (Matt uses H-E-B’s fresh Mi Tienda Salsa Verde), divided 1 green pepper, chopped 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and chopped (optional, for extra kick) Tortillas or crispy taco shells Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, extra salsa

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Pour half of the jar of salsa (about 1 cup) into the bottom of a slow cooker and spread it evenly.

Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the salsa. Evenly scatter the chopped green pepper, diced green chilies, and jalapeño, if using, over the chicken. Pour the remaining halfjar of salsa verde over everything, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours).

With 30 minutes left of cooking time, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker.

Shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to fully coat it in the remaining flavorful juices.

Cover and finish cooking for the final 30 minutes.

Spoon the chicken into tortillas or crispy taco shells. Top with fresh cilantro, cheese, tomatoes, and extra salsa to taste.

Serves 6

Matt Strange’s Carne en su Jugo You can simplify the ingredients list by using storebought salsa verde: Omit the tomatillos, serranos, and garlic. Matt likes H-E-B’s refrigerated Mi Tienda Salsa Verde.

6 slices bacon 3 cups water 4 fresh tomatillos, husks removed 3 serrano peppers, seeded and chopped 1 clove garlic, peeled 2 pounds flank steak, cut into half-inch squares 1 cube chicken bouillon 2 15 ½-ounce cans pinto beans Half an onion, chopped 6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Ground black pepper, to taste 1 lime, cut into 6 wedges Place the bacon slices in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until evenly browned. Drain the bacon on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the water, tomatillos, serrano peppers, and garlic over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Set aside. (Alternatively, you can substitute store-bought salsa verde.)

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high.

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A MENU STANDARD Carne en su Jugo appears often on the Strange family's weeknight dinner menu, cooked by dad Matt Strange. Adelaide, Matt, Annabelle, Matthew, and Ainslee dig in.

Add the flank steak cubes and cook, turning so that all sides are completely browned.

Pour the salsa verde directly over the browned beef and bring to a boil. Stir in the chicken bouillon cube, and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and simmer until the meat is tender, about 30 minutes to one hour.

While the meat simmers, place the pinto beans in a separate saucepan and heat over medium until warm. Stir the crumbled bacon

and warmed pinto beans into the flank steak mixture. Divide into six bowls and garnish each with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, black pepper, and a lime wedge.

Serves 6 Editor’s note: See Back Porch Table by Andria Dilling at thebuzzmagazines.com every Friday for more recipe inspiration. And search thousands of recipes at thebuzzmagazines.com/recipes.

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Jenna Mazzoccoli

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Twisted Logic The Rubik’s Cube is back This article was originally published in Aug. 2021.

Editor's note: Over the last 25 years, we have printed thousands of stories spotlighting inspirational neighbors and interesting topics. Now, in our From Our Archives column, we are highlighting some of our stand-out articles from over the years. For some, these stories may be new to you. For others, a familiar story may resonate in a different way now. Find all Buzz articles online at thebuzzmagazines.com.

W

hen the Rubik’s Cube, that six-color, three-dimensional, twistable puzzle, first hit the American market in 1980, we were all basically on our own when it came to solving it: twisting the rows and columns of smaller cubes that make up the whole until each side of the puzzle was one solid color. It’s been calculated that a standard Rubik’s Cube can be placed in over 43 quintillion (that’s 43 followed by 18 zeros) positions.

Only one of them is correct.

Mine was never solved.

The cube’s inventor, Erno Rubik, a Hungarian architecture professor, wrote, in his recent memoir, Cubed: The Puzzle of Us All, that attempts to do it entirely by “intuition” are usually “doomed.” It took him a month to solve his own puzzle. That makes me feel a little bit better.

But when things come back into fashion – think bell-bottoms and maxi dresses – they are never quite the same as they were originally.

And so it is with the Rubik’s Cube and all its descendants, now often referred to generically as “twisty puzzles” since they are manufactured by multiple companies under multiple brand names.

Of course, even back in 1980, some people, including groups at MIT and Caltech, did figure out how to solve the Rubik’s Cube. They developed algorithms, sets of instructions or formulas, that can be used to solve the puzzle.

These days, you can learn those algorithms from YouTube videos. (Google videos on how to solve a Rubik’s Cube and you will get about 590,000 hits.)

That’s not to say that it’s easy. Comments on a popular 10-minute beginner’s tutorial by a

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NEW TWISTS Twisty puzzles now come in a variety of shapes. From left: a Megaminx, a Pyraminx (above), the standard 3x3x3, a 1x3x3 or Floppy Cube, and a Windmill Cube.

Canadian competitive speed cuber called J Perm, include: “This has to be the most rewinded video on YouTube;” “Me* following every step and actually solving the cube: WHAT IS THIS SORCERY;” and “Oh, so this is how parents feel when you try to explain new technology to them.”

Joseph DePinho, currently a junior at St. John’s, brought a Rubik’s Cube with him on a family vacation the summer before sixth grade. He gave up and left it on a table. When he came back, it was solved. His cousin had done it but wouldn’t show him how. “I spent about three hours watching videos,” said Joseph. “It’s hard to learn. It requires a lot of focus and determination, but once you do, it becomes easy, like riding a bike.”

He added, “My dad thought I was a genius.”

Eleven-year-old Morgan Norris got a Pyraminx, shaped like a pyramid, as a party favor. “Morgan was instantly hooked,” said his mother, Julia Oh. He went on to learn how to solve a host of these puzzles, including Megaminx (a dodecahedron, which, with its 12 sides, looks something like a sphere made up of flat planes) and mirror cubes, which are all one color, usually metallic silver, but each row is a different height. When a mirror cube is twisted, it changes shape, which makes it even more mind-boggling than a regular cube.

Morgan can solve other “exotic” cubes as well, including the Skewb, each side of which features a square, turned onto its corner, in the center, surrounded by four triangular pieces, and the Ivy Cube, which has curving pieces, two triangular corners and an oval-shaped center, on each of its faces. He can also solve the more traditional cubes.

The original Rubik’s Cube has three rows of three “cubies,” as Erno Rubik calls them. The edge and corner cubies rotate around a central

pivot to which the six center cubies are attached.

Those center cubies, therefore, can only rotate.

They do not move and are always in the same position relative to each other: the white center, for instance, is always across from the yellow one.

This original configuration is now called the 3x3 and is considered the standard cube. But, in official competitions, speed cubers race to solve cubes that range in size from 2x2 to 7x7 as well as some of the exotics. One cube enthusiast even made his own unofficial cube (and then solved it on YouTube) that is 33x33.

Once a cube enthusiast learns to solve a cube, the next challenge involves solving it as quickly as possible – and the times speed cubers achieve seem unbelievable. For instance, the world record for solving a 2x2 (two rows of two) is under half a second. The current world record for solving a 3x3 is less than three and a half seconds.

Sounds impossible, right? In compilation videos of the top five solves of the 2x2 and the 3x3, it looks impossible. (Note: Competitors have up to 15 seconds to examine the scrambled cube before starting.)

Thirteen-year-old Gabe Kalina is Morgan Norris’s next-door neighbor. The two boys spent an afternoon solving cubes of varying sorts and trying to explain to me how they were doing it.

As their fingers flew and their cubes clacked – and they were moving slower for my benefit, mind you – it looked like magic to me.

Gabe brought his first cube to summer camp, and a friend taught him how to solve it. At one point, during the pandemic, he was practicing four hours a day.

This hobby, Gabe said, requires memorization (competitive speed cubers know hundreds of algorithms), rapid pattern recognition, and muscle memory. Both your brain and your hands have to be fast. Gabe showed me how, while

Dylan Aguilar

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CUBE YOUR ENTHUSIASM Joseph DePinho (at left) and Morgan Norris and Gabe Kalina (from left) have spent many enjoyable hours solving Rubik's Cubes.

most people start by twisting the cube using their whole hand, his much-faster twists involve using just one finger. “I play the piano and that helps,” he said.

The cubes used by speed cubers are different from the original ’80s version. The original Rubik’s Cube was meant to be a toy. Speed was not a concern. The corners of the cubies had 90degree angles. Speed cubes have rounded corners to make them a little faster. Speed cubers disassemble them and lubricate them with “cube lube.” At the same time, some of the latest cubes have magnets, which can be swapped out and adjusted, inside the cubies, so that, when a speed cuber twists the puzzle, the rows snap into place.

“It’s a balance between them being fast but not spinning out of control,” said Zack White, a delegate for the state of Texas with the World Cube Association, and the lead delegate for the Southern United States. “People choose their cubes and adjust them based on their preference.”

A recent development in cubes are ones that are Bluetooth-enabled. An app can then keep track of a player’s moves and times, kind of like the exercise app Strava for cube-solving.

The cubes do not have to be expensive. Zack said you can get a “pretty good” speed cube for $4-10, though some cost $70-80.

The World Cube Association (WCA) is a global nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers like Zack. It does not run competitions itself. “Literally anyone can organize a competition,” said Zack; the association certifies compe-

titions and makes them official. You can search for upcoming official competitions near you on the WCA website. Some are held in private homes – the last one Zack attended was in a cabin in the woods – and also at schools, universities, community centers, churches, and libraries.

Most of the events at official competitions focus on solving a specific type of cube as quickly as possible, but there are other permutations, including solving them one-handed and solving them while blindfolded.

In “multi-blind” events, players are given one hour to solve a certain number of 3x3 cubes.

They are allowed to spend as much of that hour as they’d like looking at the scrambled cubes, but then they must don a blindfold and solve all of them, one after another, without looking. The world record for this event is held by American Graham Siggins, who correctly solved an astonishing 59 cubes out of 60 while blindfolded.

Zack, now 23, was in middle school when he got his first Rubik’s Cube as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. He taught himself to solve it, using a CD that came with the toy, on a road trip his family took the next day. By the next year, he convinced his mother to drive him six hours to Brownsville (“Somehow, she agreed,” he said) to attend his first competition. Zack, who now works in information technology for the city of Beaumont, has attended 78 competitions, including the 2013 World Championships in Las Vegas and the 2019 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

The Australian competition is the setting for a documentary called “The Speed Cubers,” now playing on Netflix. It’s about the heartwarming friendship between two top cubers, Australian Feliks Zemdegs and American Max Park.

It was that documentary and the fact that the Houston toy store she works for, Big Blue Whale, began selling Rubik’s Cubes, that got my 25-year-old daughter, Diana Thomson, interested. “I thought if the speed cubers can do it that fast, I can at least solve it,” she said.

Often at the toy store, children will scramble the twisty puzzles on display. “People don’t like to buy cubes that have already been scrambled, even though the first thing they’re going to do is scramble it themselves,” Diana explained.

(This probably says something about human nature, although I don’t know what.) Everyone else at the store now knows to hand those scrambled puzzles to Diana.

Zack says that if you can solve a cube at all, you should come to a competition. (Another place to look for nearby competitions, he said, is the Facebook page Texas Speedcubing.)

“Going to a competition is so much fun,” he said. “We’re competing and we’re rivals, but at the same time, the atmosphere is very welcoming and encouraging, and we’re all friends.”

MORE ONLINE See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for links, plus a video of Gabe completing a Rubik’s Cube in 28 seconds.

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NEIGHBORS

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by Sharon Albert Brier, staff writer

Eat, drink, and listen. The Houston Symphony League President’s Luncheon at Lakeside Country Club demonstrated that classical music pairs perfectly with breaking records.

Chairs Gayle Eury and Donna Shen curated pure elegance, while president Leslie Nossaman shared an inspiring overview of their historic year. The League hit its highest membership in 33 years and generated massive revenue. They launched a 2030 Strategic Plan – proving they plan further ahead with a drumroll. After celebrating significant impact with schools, the Young Associates Council (YAC), the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, and HLSR Trailblazers, 23 past presidents passed a gavel down the line. Leslie Nossaman officially handed it to incoming president Jerre Williams. No eardrums were harmed.

Who will water the tree? Dee Dee Dochen and Paul Grossbard conquered a marathon vacation that included whimsical architecture, Ginja liqueur, and medieval towns and rock formations during their Portuguese adventure to Porto, the Douro Valley, Lisbon, Sintra, and the Algarve. Next, they flew to Israel to visit Paul’s family in Zichron Ya’akov, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

A major highlight was visiting the Younited School where Paul received a birthday surprise: a tree planted in his honor. They also paid sobering, gripping visits to Nova Festival sites before Dee Dee flew home and Paul stayed longer with family.

Family ties are stronger than jet lag.

May bloomed with love. A Houstonian duo made it official. Dr. Richard and Anne Frachtman hosted a spectacular engagement party for their son, Dr. Steven Frachtman, and Lindsay Testa Stewart.

Together, they share a blended family of two sons and two daughters. Guests stepped through a whimsical balloon arch into a vibrant wonderland of exotic floral arrangements and lively music. Richard, Anne, and Lindsay’s parents, Mitch and Annie Testa, shared heartfelt words while toasting the couple. The absolute showstopper? Nine-year-old Davis Frachtman wowed the crowd by crushing Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” dance moves. Chocolate frames of the couple’s photo were a delicious takeaway.

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Mark Katz Photography

Rumor Has It

With Steven analyzing guts as a gastroenterologist and Lindsay inspiring minds at Kinkaid, this powerhouse couple is truly the perfect match.

Surf’s up. Their fifth Maui getaway proved that paradise isn’t always sunny. Judy and Gary Gondzur CHEERS Friends and family raised a glass to love, legacy, and perfectly coordinated traded crowds for isola- couples at Steven Frachtman and Lindsay Stewart’s engagement party. Pictured, from left: Hosts Dr. Richard and Anne Frachtman, Dr. Steven Frachtman and Lindsay tion when they biked Stewart, and the future bride’s parents, Annie and Mitch Testa. down the Haleakala Museum Houston. Meanwhile, Christian is on volcano. This year, rain turned that 30-mph the lookout for real-life gators on swampland descent from "scenic" to "pure terror." To recovadventures and coordinates for Celebration er, they tested a new luau and ate fresh pineapCompany West. Their proud parents, Vikki and ple straight from the dirt at Maui Gold farm.

Rich Evans and Pamela Gahn and Thaddeus Hypnotized with poolside piña coladas and hula Fontenot are completely over the moon and dancers at the Marriott Ocean Club on utterly spellbound by this wildly unique union.

Kaanapali Beach, they found watching surfers Prime time. The Texas Coastal and parasailers is way more relaxing when you Cattlewomen’s Happy Hour demonstrated that aren’t hurtling yourself down a volcano. ranching isn't just a job; it’s a lifestyle spurred on Move over, Runway magazine. The by grit and laughter. Houston Rodeo Auctioneer About Town Houston Junior Forum group comGlenn Beckendorff kicked things off, sharing pletely outstyled the silver screen at Star how he was gifted a heifer calf at birth.

Cinema Grill CityCentre. Ringleader Melva According to Glenn, a true rancher needs just Meronek marshaled her fashionable entourage three essentials: baling wire, duct tape, and a gun for The Devil Wears Prada 2, showing that for snakes. Advocates across 13 Gulf Coast counHouston style easily rivals Miranda Priestly’s. ties shared Yellowstone-worthy tales. On Sept. 22, The ultra-chic committee included VP of 2026, the TCCW Luncheon will honor the Activities Susan Fisher, along with Marian Historic Port City Stockyards alongside Sugie Catechis, Karen Conway, Karen Darnell, Sartwelle, Lavinia Sartwelle Owen, and Elise Kathi Guillory, Julia Heller, Susan Loberg, Sartwelle at Lakeside Country Club. Legendary and Carolyn Staples. After outdressing the cattlemen Bill Sartwelle, Dave Scott, and Jim Hollywood cast, the gang traded haute couture Sartwelle III will spearhead a panel. They’ll be chatter for hot salsa, heading over to Natalita’s joined by heavy hitters Dr. Clay Mathis, Dr. Jim Mexican Grill to wrap up the night.

Mazurkiewicz, Dr. Jason Cleere, Dr. Billy Starstruck. Under a dazzling meteor Zanolini, James Deatherage, Dr. Jeffrey Savell, shower at Sam Houston National Forest, John Malazzo, and Dan Hunter. For tix, see Christian Fontenot proposed to Rachel Evans. www.texascoastalcattlewomen.com.

This wonderfully quirky couple bonds over intense Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, messy baking sessions, and taking the absolute longest See Rumor Has It at thebuzzmagazines.com for scenic routes on nature road trips. Rachel, a foradditional photos. Have some good news to share? mer spooky ghost hunter on the Travel Email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Channel, now directs marketing for Holocaust

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MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 37

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by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Buzz Reads

Cindy Burnett

ARTS

Five picks for August

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

Desert Heist by Alex Dekker (thriller) – Nate Wilde is a former Green Beret and aspiring Harvard archaeologist. Leaving the military after a catastrophic deployment, he chooses to pursue his passion for history. When his dissertation proposal to search for the legendary lost city of Ubar in Saudi Arabia is rejected, Nate resolves to continue his research, recruiting a group of former commandos to assist him. The group becomes involved in a race to discover whether the city truly exists, as well as uncover a deeper geopolitical mystery with resounding global ramifications. This fast-paced thriller contained the perfect mix of history and intrigue, which was unexpected for me. While I love a standard thriller, the addition of such a strong setting and the search for a lost city made this an engaging read. This one is a great fit for fans of genre mashups and intelligent tales.

The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (historical fiction) – Set against the backdrop of Sardinia’s coastline, The Half Life follows Eileen O’Malley, who relocates from Charleston to the Mediterranean island of La Maddalena with her husband, Navy lieutenant Paul Archer. What begins as a romantic adventure soon reveals underlying tension, as Eileen navigates the rising conflict surrounding potential nuclear contamination in the waters, igniting protests on the island. I was completely unfamiliar with the nuclear tensions in the Mediterranean during this time period and was fascinated by what occurred. Beanland’s portrayal of Sardinia is deeply informed by her own childhood experiences, having lived on the island during her early childhood due to her father's naval service.

Eileen’s reckoning with the cost of staying silent feels very timely. Readers who love a strong sense of place and learning about lesser-known events in history will devour The Half Life.

The Seekers of Deer Creek by Thao Thai (fiction) – This beautiful book tells the story of two estranged sisters who embark on a quest to find a painting by a forgotten Vietnamese artist MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 38

that holds the truth to their family’s fractured past. Months after the two fall out, Calla appears at the museum where Viv works as an art conservator with a sketch and a letter she found in their father’s belongings. The sketch is an exact copy of “Blue Mirror,” a striking painting by a Vietnamese painter named K.P. Lý, whose story gives the reader insight into Vietnamese art and culture. Against the back- WHAT TO READ This month's selections include a compelling time-travel tale, two riveting thrillers, a family drama set mainly in Vietnam, and historical fiction drop of the art mystery, that takes place in Italy in the 1950s.

Thai weaves in an examTime to Burn by Ellery Lloyd (speculative ination of Vietnamese history, the complex relafiction) – Inigo Frank has perfected commercial tionships between family members, and the irretime travel, though it is tightly regulated and so sistible pull of the past, enduring across time and expensive that only the very wealthy can afford generations and never fully buried. It will appeal it. His company, Tempus Tours, has been to fans of art, family sagas, and lyrical writing. approved to visit just one place: London in 1941, Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla during the Blitz, allowing clients to experience McTiernan (mystery/thriller) – Three Reasons the aerial bombardment of the city. To immorfor Revenge opens with a young woman walking talize his achievement, Frank enlists Phoebe into a Melbourne police station to report a Hunt to create a documentary, but on her first crime...and then she vanishes without a trace. In day she captures a group returning from London the days that follow, three carefully wrapped bloodied and traumatized. As Phoebe races to packages arrive on separate doorsteps, and each untangle the truth in this propulsive and creative gift will tear apart the life of its recipient. page turner, she begins to realize all is not as it Detective Sergeant Judith Lee is smart and expeseems. I enjoyed the way this book weaves in hisrienced, but as the case rapidly spills into the tory, the butterfly effect, and the manner in volatile ecosystem of social media, where deepwhich the uber-wealthy impact our world, often fakes, AI manipulation, and viral spectacle blur behind the scenes. Time to Burn will appeal to the line between truth and fabrication, Judith fans of creative premises, timely stories, and a must navigate not only a criminal investigation strong sense of place. but a media firestorm with no clear rules. Timely and relentless, this thriller poses urgent questions Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett about belief, accountability, and retribution in also writes our weekly Page Turners column at the digital age when reputation can be dismanthebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-wintled in an instant and the truth is whatever goes ning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page viral first. It is destined to leave readers questionPodcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the ing every unopened package left at their door.

Instagram account @thoughtsfromapage, and regFans of original thrillers and masterfully crafted ularly speaks to groups about books. plots will enjoy this one.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 39

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz

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@flagfootballnationofficial

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n its first-ever season of girls flag football, the Memorial Mustangs advanced to the title game of the inaugural Girls Flag Football Texas State Championship. At the state tournament on the campus of the University of North Texas, Memorial defeated Round Rock High School and then Eastwood High School to win the Houston Texans division, before falling to Dallas Cowboys division winner East Rockwell in the state title game.

“The whole experience was unimaginable,” said Texans flag football coach Zoe Korman.

“Our team had dreamed about playing in the Texans practice bubble for the regional championship, but it was hard to imagine that we would be on the field for the state finals. We’re so grateful to the Houston Texans for starting the program and giving the girls the opportunity to be a part of football.”

In the Texans division final of the state tournament, Memorial running back Brooklyn McGill scored three touchdowns and was named the game’s MVP. Sophomore quarterback Angelyn Rau along with wide receiver and defensive back Reese Listengart were also major contributors to the Mustangs success all season, according to Korman. “Angelyn had several touchdown passes at the state tournament while Reese is just an amazing player on both sides of the ball.”

In advancing to the state tournament, the Mustangs owned an undefeated 10-0 record including a district title and a regional championship secured at the Houston Texans practice bubble. For the season, the Mustangs finished with a 12-1 overall record.

“Most of our girls are dual sport athletes in sports ranging from basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field,” said Korman. “The soccer players were actually in the playoffs during our season, so they were going back and forth from soccer to flag football practice. Our girls are just incredible athletes, and it shows on the field.

The other thing that made this team special was that the girls prioritized their friendships.

We made sure we had regular team lunches as well as team dinners every Friday night. They are an extremely close-knit group and, of course, being amazing athletes doesn’t hurt.”

HISTORIC SEASON The Memorial Mustangs advanced to the championship final of the inaugural Girls Flag Football Texas State Championship tournament.

For some of those amazing athletes, playing flag football has created opportunities beyond the playing field. “After our state final, we were already receiving emails from various colleges who were interested in offering scholarships to our players. The sport has just brought so many opportunities to the girls, which is also so exciting,” said Korman.

The Mustangs inaugural season also culminated in exciting fashion for Korman, who was selected as the Houston Texans Flag Football Coach of the Year. “It’s such an incredible honor,” said Korman. “I can’t put into words what this flag football program has meant for my athletes, as these girls have made history and broken barriers by showing that football is for everyone. I’m so grateful to the Texans She’s Next program for creating a place for girls in the football community and allowing us to pave the way for future generations to build something even bigger.”

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or a remarkable ninth consecutive season, the Episcopal Knights captured the SPC Softball Championship. The Knights defeated rival St. John’s 2-1 in the SPC tournament final to secure this year’s championship, while also finishing the season as the top ranked private school in Texas.

“We have tremendous support from our administration and an incredible coaching staff,” said Knights outgoing head coach Caitlyn Cain.

“Our hitting coach Shaylon Govan was a twotime All-American at Baylor, Kim Randolph was the former head coach of our softball program who coached our pitchers and catchers, while long time Episcopal coach Kary Kemble

also did an outstanding job for us.” Cain led the Knights to SPC Championships in all eight of her seasons as the Knights head coach before making an out-of-state family move this summer.

On the field, Sacramento State signee Jordan Bey had a sensational season on the mound with a 1.62 ERA including the complete game victory in the SPC final over St. John’s. “We knew anytime we scored at least two runs, we were going to win the game when Jordan was on the mound,” said Cain. “She’s an amazing pitcher.”

At the plate, graduating senior Elliot Loper led the way with a lofty .429 batting average while leading the teams in runs scored and stealing 34 bases on 36 attempts. “Elliot was our table setter who always seemed to find a way to score,” said Cain.

Packing a powerful punch for the Knights was centerfielder Alexis Johnson, who belted seven home runs to go along a .329 batting average while scoring 30 runs and stealing 27 bases in 27 attempts. In addition, graduating senior catcher Claire Johnson boasted a .329 batting average while making good on all 24 of her steal attempts.

“We broke our own stolen base record with 186 steals in 205 attempts,” added Cain. “One thing we worked on this year was putting a lot of pressure on the other team’s defense and it worked. It was a lot of fun.”

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.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 41

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.

Sharks go undefeated The Memorial West Sharks made a big splash this summer, finishing with an undefeated 4 and 0 season and a team of 220 swimmers, one of the Sharks’ strongest seasons yet. Swimmers from every age group contributed to the team's wins, making it a summer to remember. Members of the 11/12 and 13/14 girls relay teams included (pictured, from left) Ella Melconian, Audrey Zander, Madeleine Bose, Blair Huff, Gebreyella Amdemariam, Claire Bui, and Emma Oatman. The Sharks learned under an outstanding group of assistant coaches from Stratford High School, who helped mentor and encourage swimmers all season long. Congratulations to the Memorial West Sharks on an undefeated season and summer memories in the books.

Back-to-back champs Congratulations to Team Gray, the eighth-grade Westchester Summer Basketball League team, on winning its second consecutive league championship. Pictured (from left) with league founder Richard Brewer (back) are Lincoln Curl, Will Rausch, Matthew Hodge, Beau Teare, and Nicholas Nowak. Also on the team were (not pictured) Charlie Amis, Robbie Huffman, Xavier Janicki, Ravi Morris, and Franco Padua. The four-week summer league gives players the unique opportunity to coach themselves, build teamwork, and learn to manage their team on and off the court. Team Gray is made up of rising eighth-grade students from St. Michael Catholic School, The Regis School, and Hamilton Middle School.

WSBL begins in fourth grade and continues through eighth grade.

Champion swimmers The Memorial Spring Branch Swim Conference held its annual Meet of Champions at the Spring Branch Independent School District Natatorium.

The Memorial Forest Club Killer Whales, made up of girls from Bunker Hill Elementary and Frostwood Elementary, had a great showing. The 7-8 girls relay team including Kennedy Kleiderer, Helen Persson, Louise Lail, and Brooke Wischoff (pictured, from left) were undefeated during the regular season and earned two first-place Meet of Champions finishes, breaking the 100-yard medley relay Meet of Champions record by more than 4½ seconds and the 100-yard freestyle relay Meet of Champions record. Both relay records had stood for 12 years. Louise Lail also broke the 7-8 girls 25-yard butterfly record, set in 1998 by Elizabeth Trice, which had stood for 28 years.

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

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ENTERTAINMENT

by Mackenzie Malveaux, staff writer

Houston Astros

Event Roundup H

ouston is closing out the summer with a lineup of events that celebrate everything that makes this city so special.

August offers a diverse array of can’t-miss experiences, from flavorful food, cultural celebrations, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a sampling of some Buzzworthy events this month: Houston Shakespeare Festival Thurs., July 30-Sat., Aug. 8 The Tempest: July 30, Aug. 1, 3, 5 & 7; The Comedy of Errors: July 31, Aug. 4, 6 & 8; all performances at 8:15 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre Free The Houston Shakespeare Festival returns to Miller Outdoor Theatre with free performances of two Shakespeare classics: The Tempest and The Comedy of Errors. Produced by the University of Houston, the festival is a professional extension of the UH School of Theatre & Dance in which UH students perform alongside seasoned professionals. The Houston Shakespeare Festival has brought high-quality performances to the Houston audience since 1975. See the full Miller season schedule at www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Houston Restaurant Weeks Sat., Aug. 1-Sept. 7 Varying restaurants across Houston $25+ The most anticipated Houston foodie event of the year is here! Houston Restaurant Weeks offers 38 days to explore the variety of cuisines within Houston’s most popular restaurants for a great cause. Participating restaurants offer a prix fixe menu featuring brunch ($25), lunch ($25), or dinner ($39 or $55). A portion of the proceeds go towards the Houston Food Bank. See houstonrestaurantweeks.com for participating restaurants and menus.

3rd annual Comin' In Hot Pro-Am Hot Sauce Competition Sat., Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hope Farms MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 44

DOG DAY AT DAIKIN Bring your four-legged friend to cheer on the Astros as they take on the Athletics during Dog Day, featuring dog-friendly activities, a special Dog Zone, and an exclusive Astros dog toy for the first 500 dogs each day.

$10 for general admission; $25 for the Family 4Pack Hope Farms hosts the third annual Hot Sauce Competition, in which Houston chefs and home cooks compete in a blind tasting for the titles of Judge’s Choice and Fan Favorite.

Sample every hot sauce entry, cast your vote, and enjoy free beer from Saint Arnold Brewing, live music, kids' activities, snow cones, and farm-fresh produce, all while supporting Recipe for Success Foundation’s mission to teach Houston children healthy eating habits.

White Linen Night in the Heights - 20th Anniversary Sat., Aug. 1, 6-10 p.m.

Houston Heights, W 19th Street $20 White Linen Night returns to Houston Heights for its 20th year, inviting guests to dress in their best white attire and stroll along W. 19th Street. Enjoy live music, street performances, local eats, and more than 50 vendors as the neighborhood transforms into a lively summer street festival. Inspired by a festival in New Orleans in which attendees don their finest white attire, the event in the Houston Heights began in 2006 to celebrate and support local artists and businesses.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: GlowN-Fire Sat.-Sun., Aug. 1-2, times vary Toyota Center Ticket prices vary Toyota Center welcomes monster trucks, never-before-seen stunts, and family-friendly excitement at the Hot Wheels event. Fans can see the debut of the all-new Rhinomite truck, and thrilling FMX rider stunts, including the No-Handed Front Flip. Arrive early for pre-show party options offering an upclose look at the trucks before the action begins.

City of Bellaire Dive-In Movie Thurs., Aug. 6, doors open at 7:15 p.m.

Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center $20 online; $25 at the door The City of Bellaire and PATRONS for Bellaire Parks invite Bellaire neighbors and families for an end-of-the-summer celebration at the annual Dive-In Movie Night. Cool off with a swim while watching the live action How to Train Your Dragon (PG), with food and a complimentary pool noodle to complete the evening. The event has been a favorite community tradition since 2011. Proceeds benefit PATRONS for Bellaire Parks.

Sunset Bingo at Levy Park Fri., Aug. 14, 6 p.m.

Levy Park $10/bingo packet (eight games); $1/dauber (or bring your own dauber) (cash only) Enjoy an evening of bingo, music, and community at Levy Park's monthly Sunset Bingo, offered every second Friday of the month. Play eight rounds for the chance to win prizes while DJ Del Sur plays soulful tunes, then grab dinner, cocktails, or ice cream from within the park. Sales begin at 6 p.m. and the first game starts at 7 p.m.

Miller Summer Mixtape Sat., Aug. 15, 8 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre Free Celebrate the diverse music scene across Houston with the 6th Annual Miller Summer Mixtape, featuring performances from various artists like Sara Van Buskirk, Saint Judas & The Black Hymns, and Rodell Duff, plus more. Hosted by Kam Franklin, lead singer for the Houston soul group The Suffers, with music from DJ Mikey Drag between sets, this free concert highlights the local talent within our city. See the full Miller schedule at www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Family Nature Night Wed., Aug. 19, 6:30-8 p.m.

Nature Discovery Center $12/person Discover the fascinating world of bugs during Family Nature Night: Creepy Crawlies: Insects & Spiders. Designed for ages 3 and up, the interactive evening includes themed crafts, a nature walk, and an interactive program featuring live animals and specimens led by head naturalist Eric Duran. The night will allow guests the opportunity for up-close, hands-on animal encounters with the invertebrate animal ambassadors, the Madagascar hissing cockroaches, a Chilean rose hair tarantula, and a giant African millipede.

Cardboard Boat Regatta Sat., Aug. 22, 9 a.m.

Evergreen Pool Free

Jeff Myers

Harry Potter DroneArt Show Fri.-Sat., Aug. 7-8, 9 p.m.

Constellation Field $51.90 (ages 12+); $30.90 (ages 3-11); $46.90 groups of 8+ Experience an open-air spectacle featuring 1,200 illuminated drones recreating iconic characters and moments from the beloved Harry Potter films. The night will showcase a live electric violin performance featuring music from the soundtrack, themed treats and drinks, exclusive merchandise, and a nighttime display under the stars. The show begins at 9 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.

SUMMER AT MILLER Miller Outdoor Theatre is packed with free entertainment this month, including the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival produced by the University of Houston, plus performances from local musicians, kid-friendly theatre, and more. Grab a blanket, settle in on the lawn, and spend an evening under the stars.

Get creative as you race to the finish line with handmade boats constructed entirely from cardboard and duct tape. Awards will be presented for top finishers in three age divisions (ages 10 and under, ages 11-15, and ages 16 and up), as well as Best Costume and Boat Design.

Dog Day: Houston Astros vs. Athletics Sat.-Sun., Aug. 22-23, 6:10 p.m. and 1:10 p.m.

Daikin Park Ticket prices vary Bring your furry friend to Daikin Park for the Astros' annual Dog Day, where pups can cheer on the Houston Astros while our team takes on the West Sacramento Athletics. Four-legged fans can enjoy special dog-friendly activities, visit the Dog Zone and "Barking Room Only" area. The first 500 dogs through the gates each day will receive an exclusive Astros dog toy.

Proof of vaccination is required for all participating pups.

Express Children’s Theatre at Miller Outdoor Theatre Tues.-Thurs., Aug. 25-27, all performances at 11 a.m.; Aug. 25: The Invisible Dragon; Aug. 26: The Adventures of Sinbad the Sailor Girl; Aug. 27: Freedom Train Miller Outdoor Theatre Express Children’s Theatre returns to Miller Outdoor Theatre with three interactive productions designed to entertain, inspire, and encourage learning amongst the youth through live performances featuring The Invisible Dragon (Aug. 25), The Adventures of Sinbad the Sailor

Girl (Aug. 26), and Freedom Train (Aug. 27).

See www.milleroutdoortheatre.com 2026 Houston Mariachi Festival Fri-Sun., Aug. 28-30, times vary Wortham Center - Brown Theater $35+ Experience a weekend of music, dance, and culture at the 2026 Houston Mariachi Festival, showcasing celebrated mariachi ensembles from Houston's collegiate and high school performers to world-renowned ensembles and professional dance troupes and the 20-time national champions from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Each performance offers a unique lineup, including the University of Houston Mariachi Pumas, Mariachi Imperial de America, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Mariachi Aztlan, and more.

Cirquetacular: The Art of Circus Sat., Aug. 29, 8 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre Free Miller Outdoor Theatre caps off the month as works of Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Picasso come to life through acrobatics and dance. Featuring stunning costumes, an exhilarating musical score, and world-class performers, this production creates an unforgettable evening.

Editor’s note: Events are subject to change. See this article at thebuzzmagazines.com for links. Find more events at thebuzzmagazines.com/calendar and see our Weekend Roundup online every Friday.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 45

SEEDS OF SUCCESS Claire Bernadac, an incoming junior at Stratford High School, has always had a love of caring for animals. Through joining the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and becoming president of her chapter, she has not only learned about agriculture and animals, but what it means to be a leader.

KIDS

by Claire Bernadac, age 17

Buzz Kidz

Learning and leadership through the FFA

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rowing up, I was always asking my parents for pets. Lizards, turtles, dogs, cats, or even frogs. Their answer was always: “It’s too much work.” While they may have been right, I wasn’t ready to give up on my dream of caring for animals.

I was nine when I first heard the phrase “FFA.” Our family friends were members of Spring Branch Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, and after seeing how much I loved animals, they invited my mom and me to attend a meeting. I had no idea what the organization was or how much it would impact my life. During that first meeting, a student walked behind the speaker with a lamb following closely at their side. The bond between them was undeniable, and in that moment, I knew I wanted that experience.

Since then, FFA has given me countless opportunities. I have cared for a variety of animals, including chickens, turkeys, pigs, and lambs.

Through every early morning, late-night feeding, and long day at livestock shows, I learned responsibility, dedication, and the importance of hard work. Caring for animals taught me that success comes from consistency, patience, and a willingness to put others’ needs before your own.

When I entered high school, I was given the opportunity to attend the National FFA Convention. While I expected to learn more about agriculture, the experience showed me that FFA wasn’t just about growing livestock – it was about growing leaders.

Inspired, I immersed myself in Career and Leadership Development Events; each pushed A

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me to become a stronger communicator and more confident leader. Through my public speaking experiences, I researched issues such as food insecurity and explored innovative ways agriculture and biotechnology can help feed a growing population. These opportunities strengthened my ability to think critically, advocate for meaningful change, and communicate complex ideas. FFA taught me that leadership is not about having a title – it is about serving others and helping them succeed.

FFA has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for every lesson, challenge, and opportunity it has provided along the way.

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

L

Safer banking, dead or alive Once upon a time, we ran our households on paper checks, which we signed and mailed, and every month we reconciled our statements against our check registers. Now, ever fewer account holders even know what that means, much less do it. Ironically, written checks are now an invitation to fraud, given check washing and the ease of an unauthorized remote ACH payment.

Paying the yard man or housekeeper by check? You just shared your account name and number as well as your bank’s name and routing number.

That’s more than enough information to create an unauthorized paper check or an ACH debit. Imagine a couple of small test transactions before a third one clears your account out. Your rights and your remedies against your own bank can vary dramatically.

Banks are allowed to offer more generous protection, but by default, you must inform the bank yourself and on a deadline; otherwise, there is no bank duty to refund. For a counterfeit paper check, your notice deadline to the bank is “reasonable promptness,” but never more than a year.

For some unauthorized ACH debits using only your check’s preprinted numbers, the notice deadline is 60 days (but you eat the first $500). If you give notice of the same unauthorized ACH debit within two days of learning of the loss, you bear only the first $50 yourself and the bank becomes responsible for the rest.

These are very different results, all depending on whether or not the fraud was paper or electronic. It is an understatement to say the law is complicated and banks know it better than you do. For estate planning and probate purMEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 46

poses, it’s enough to know that there may be less protection for trusts and estates. If you read the law closely, even a revocable trust that’s disregarded for income tax purposes may have less consumer protection.

What to do? Set alerts for email and text messages for every transaction over a dollar?

Thorough but annoying. Reconcile accounts monthly? That would be prudent. Consider segregating the rainy day fund from the household account, which probably should never have much more than one month’s expenses in it.

For big one-off expenses, e.g., a new roof, pay by cashier’s check or bank check. ACH is too convenient not to use, but initiate it through your bank’s online portal, not the vendor’s. Explore a Zero Liability debit or credit card.

Zero Liability or not, every credit card caps consumer liability at $50, provided the charge is disputed before payment.

Trustees and executors: Ask your business banker about Positive Pay and ACH Filtering, products not available to consumers.

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

Russell W. Hall, Bellaire Probate, Attorneys at Law, 6750 West Loop S. Ste. 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401, 713.662.3853, bellaireprobate.com

Competitive opportunity for high school writers:

hartphoto.com

Apply for our School Buzz team.

Limited spots available.

Now accepting applications for reporters in the 2026-2027 school year. DEADLINE AUG. 13.

The Buzz Magazines offers a unique program, School Buzz, in which high school students write about what's happening at their schools from their perspectives.

As a School Buzz reporter, you'll: • Gain experience writing, reporting, and taking photographs • Share a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at your school with the wider community • Receive invaluable writing samples for college applications • Earn a byline at thebuzzmagazines.com

See thebuzzmagazines.com/school-buzz for more information and to apply for the 2026-27 school year.

Questions? Email Mackenzie Malveaux at mackenzie@thebuzzmagazines.com.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 47

PETS

Neighborhood Tails Bentley, age 2 1/2, Labrador Retriever, Myrtlea Drive Hi! My name is Bentley (like the English car brand), and I’m a 2½year-old English Lab. I live in Memorial in the Wilchester area with my family. If you're a frequent Buffalo Bayou visitor, you may have seen me and my dad playing fetch there every morning and evening! I love tennis balls and have chewed through at least 30 of them. I enjoy sprinting after them and never seem to know when it’s time to take a break. I’m extremely non-confrontational and love everybody. Whenever I see a new dog, I lie down on the pavement to show I’m not a threat. My family says I have bad posture because I like to sit hunched over with one leg sticking out, but oh well! I also love puddles and always seem to find the perfect muddy one to splash in right after I’ve had a bath.

Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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NEIGHBORS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

Buzz About Town partnership with the Memorial Villages Police Department and Village Fire Department, got together for a fun run, bike ride, and parade that traveled down Piney Point Road to the festival at Ecclesia. Memorial friends and neighbors celebrated with food, music, games, and a “cool down” from the Village Fire Department ladder truck. See more Fourth photos at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Radiant women

Daniel Ortiz

Paige, Jane, and Matthew Ellis (pictured, from left) enjoyed the Fourth of July at the annual Memorial Villages Independence Day Parade.

Neighbors were in a patriotic state of mind for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Family fun was had by all when the six Memorial Villages, in

Ellie Francisco, Mark Rivers, Chree Boydstun, and Fady Armanious (pictured, from left) joined supporters of Legacy Community Health for the inaugural Radiance Luncheon. The sold-out event at Tootsies was created to raise funds to support women’s health initiatives.

Chree Boydstun, Legacy Community Health’s Chief Development and External Affairs Officer, emceed the luncheon and spoke to the crowd about the need for comprehensive healthcare for women of all ages. Guests enjoyed shopping and cocktails before the luncheon and heard from guest speakers Mark Rivers and Dr. Erica Giwa about women’s health and wellness.

From teacher to author Fifth-grade math teacher and first-time author Scott Cunningham (pictured) published a new novel, First Loser. The Fay School educator wrote the book-club genre novel about a high school wrestler who will do anything to make his late father proud. First Loser is rooted in Cunningham’s own experience as a two-time state championship wrestler and tells the story of an athlete determined to win at all costs. “It’s not really about wrestling; it’s about trying your whole life to earn something from someone who will never give it to you,” says Cunningham about the coming-of-age story. Writing a novel has been Cunningham’s dream, ever since his own fifth-grade teacher inspired him years ago.

First Loser is available on Amazon.

World Cup fan walk Courtesy of Susan Hoffman

Emily McDowell

Fourth of July Fun: The 250th

All dressed in orange, Susan Hoffman, David Hoffman, Heather Ortiz, Debbie Ortiz, and Garrett Lepow (pictured, from left) joined a crowd of 25,000 excited fans for the Netherlands Fan Walk from Rice University to Houston Stadium. It was particularly special for Susan, who attended high school in the Netherlands and enjoyed celebrating with the melting pot of Dutch and American fans at the walk. In addition to the walk before the MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 50

Jacob Power

Netherlands v. Sweden match, Houstonians also joined international fans for walks leading up to the Portugal v. Uzbekistan and Brazil v. Japan matches. Fans have raved about Houston’s fantastic hospitality and generosity as a host city, and the festive Fan Walks are a big part of that praise. For more World Cup fan photos, search “The World Walks” at thebuzzmagazines.com for an article

by Buzz summer interns Amina Khalil-Zegar and Caroline Hricik.

Katy Anderson

Jazz supper club

Steve and Anne-Laure Stephens (pictured) chaired the DACAMERA 2026 Gala: Music Salons and Jazz Supper Club. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, the night of music raised nearly $400,000 to support the organization’s production and presentation of chamber music and jazz concerts. This year’s event honored Elaine Finger for her longtime dedication to DACAMERA, and featured a cocktail hour, wine pull, musical caricatures, chamber music salon performances by DACAMERA Young Artists, and a gourmet seated dinner with a selection of curated wines. Three-time Grammy Award-winning vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant took center stage for a performance that included songs “Alfie” and “Obligation.”

Anthony Rathbun

Evening under the oaks

Butterfly wishes Karen Harberg, Kay Mansfield, Paul Mansfield, and Christine Mansfield (pictured, from left) supported Houston Hospice at the 25th annual Butterfly Luncheon. Chaired by Tami Jorden, the event welcomed 200 supporters to The Junior League of Houston and raised more than $190,000. KRIV Fox 26’s Chelsea Edwards emceed the program that honored Houston Hospice volunteers Sue Gaines, Susan

Sarah and Tim Neuhaus (pictured) celebrated at the Houston Arboretum’s 2026 Alfresco Gala. Evening Under the Oaks, hosted on the Arboretum’s Nature Center courtyard and lawn, welcomed more than 400 guests for dining and dancing under the live oaks and raised $500,000 for nature education and conservation. Board president Stephen Newton greeted guests at the event chaired by Katherine and John Plumb

and Katy and Sandy Shurin. Supporters enjoyed a seated dinner inspired by the Arboretum’s pollinator gardens, including honey, fresh herbs, and seasonal ingredients.

After dinner, the conservation and education staff led guests on a guided hike through the trails where they explored the grounds and listened to a very loud chorus of frogs.

Lights, camera, inclusion!

Henrich Perez

Richards, and Rosa Estraca for their efforts supporting the butterfly program’s end-of-life care for children. Dr. Tasha Faruqui, award-winning pediatrician, public speaker, medical advocate, and USA Today bestselling author of Keep Your Head Up: A Mother’s Story of Chasing Joy in the Face of Grief, shared her daughter’s journey as a pediatric hospice patient and her family’s intentional pursuit of joy in the face of hardship.

Heidi Ham and Lyn Woodhouse (pictured, from left) joined Spectrum Fusion supporters at the Filmmakers Showcase at River Oaks Theatre. The second annual event, Transition to Adulthood, highlighted original films created by autistic adults who are members of Spectrum Fusion’s Media Team. In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the showcase began with a red-carpet entrance to celebrate the Media Team followed by a (continued on page 52) MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 51

greeting from founder and CEO Dr. Heidi Stieglitz Ham. More than 175 guests filled the theatre to learn about the short films that were created to share insight into the lived experiences of autistic adults. The evening concluded with a Q&A session where Media Team members discussed their own journeys and goals for the future.

(continued from page 51)

Jacob Power

An afternoon in Havana

gathered in the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom for the Havana-inspired afternoon coordinated by luncheon committee chair Julie Garza.

Latin Women’s Initiative president Vicky Dominguez and emcee Daniella Guzman of KPRC greeted supporters for a shopping marketplace, tequila tasting, raffle, Latin music, and program honoring María Moncada Alaoui. The fashion show, directed by Fady Armanious, highlighted Latin designers and featured styles from Tootsies and Festari. Viva la Comunidad, Viva la Moda raised more than $550,000 for nonprofits Sunshine Kids, The Rose, Prelude Music Foundation, Finca Tres Robles, a Small Places Farm, and BridgeYear.

Book buddies

Michelle Watson

Mary Theresa Derr, Sandra Smith Cooper, and Trini Mendenhall Royalty (pictured, from left) celebrated at Viva la Comunidad, Viva la Moda, the 24th annual Latin Women’s Initiative fashion show and luncheon. More than 900 guests

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 52

Margaret McCoy and Fran Serena (pictured, from left) are among the board of officers installed by the Friends of Spring Branch-Memorial Library. The 2026-2027 officers are: Margaret McCoy, president;

Fran Serena, vice president; Ben Hulsey, treasurer; Kristen Buck, recording secretary; and T.J. Beck, corresponding secretary. Serena has served as president since 2014 and is now the vice president.

Board members thanked her for serving the library for more than 30 years and for her tenure as president. Founded in 1962, Friends of Spring BranchMemorial Library raises funds for building needs, educational programs, and cultural activities for library patrons through events including the annual Plant and Book Sale, the Buy-A-Book program, and the Lobby Books project.

Champions for literacy The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation welcomed more than 1,100 guests at The Hobby Center for the 32nd annual A Celebration of Reading: Literacy for All. Maria and Neil Bush, co-founders of the Foundation, chaired the evening program that raised more than $2.2 million for childhood and family literacy programs.

Guests heard from New York Times bestselling author Leon Carroll, Jr., Admiral William H. McRaven, and Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Rob Riggle. Houston’s own four-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams performed her hits “I Gotta Believe” and “Hope.” Before the evening event, Maria and Neil Bush and Terri and John Havens welcomed 40 guests for an authors’ luncheon at the Havens’ home. Pictured are (from left) Kevin Joseph, Lizzie Andrews, Admiral William H. McRaven, Leon Carroll, Jr., Rob Riggle, Maria Bush, Neil Bush, Sarahbeth Bush, and Pierce Bush.

Be seen in Buzz About Town. Send your high-res photos and community news to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

Items are published on a space-available basis. Also share your upcoming-event listings on thebuzzmagazines.com.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 53

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Dilling, staff writer

Back Porch

Lost in Translation: A field guide to the latest slang

I

can’t count the number of tables I’ve sat at over the years, listening to my children as I scrounge for a pen and an old envelope in my purse – or scramble to the Notes app on my phone – to write down what I’m hearing. Sadly for my children but to my great amusement, that’s how so many of these “Back Porch” stories get started.

Last week was a case in point. My older daughter and I have become players in a biweekly, mother-daughter game of Onze. It’s a spirited group – three spunky 20-something girls and their moms, who are pretty spunky in their own right. Add some heavy snacks and a couple bottles of wine, and these nights get lively in a hurry. At last week’s game, we’re all juggling fanned-out cards, cracker-thin slices of margarita pizza, and chilly glasses of rosé, talking about whatever gossip is happening in the girls’ world.

One of the girls tosses off a description of an older woman, saying she saw her zipping a box thing, no flipping, no, it was ripping her box mod. I put my cards down and looked at her sideways and said, “That was a whole bunch of words I don’t understand.”

One of the moms understood all the words, and of course the girls knew what was being said, so they translated that this woman in question was smoking a vape (I’m not even sure that’s the right way to describe what she was doing, but you get the idea). We all had a great laugh – one of many that night – and I realized it was time to write another field guide to the ever-changing slang words that have become the language of the young.

Here is the latest, as far as I understand it.

Box mod – This is not a card game term. Nor is it a modification of a cardboard box, as my husband guessed. It’s a boxy, rectangular vaping device. The phrase that started this story.

Girl dinner – A casual meal assembled from (usually unrelated) snacks. Small, thin slices of no-cheese pizza, cheese and crackers, storebought dumplings, leftover lemon meringue pie.

See: our game table. The concept went viral when TikToker Olivia Maher posted a video of a plate of bread, cheese, grapes, and pickles and called it a “girl dinner.” It caught on.

MEMORIAL BUZZ AUGUST 2026 54

Low key – “Kind of means ‘kind of,’” my niece and her friends tell me. Like I low key want ice cream after my girl dinner.

High key – “Kind of the same as ‘low key,’ but the opposite,” she says. Actually, I high key want that ice cream.

Hits different – When something feels unexpectedly great.

Onze hits different with girl dinner and wine and ice cream.

Mid – Middle-of-the road, mediocre, underwhelming. That hand of cards you dealt was so mid.

Fade that – When there is a party, but you’d rather be home playing cards, you might say Fade that, let’s go to Lucy’s house.

KEEPING UP Things change fast in the world of young people’s vocab. We can I’m dead – Say I’m only try to keep up. dead when something is Hornets basketball player LaMelo Ball. So many super funny. We laughed so hard that Andria was elementary- and middle-school kids started so confused about the box mod – we were dead. using it that Dictionary.com gave it “word of the Mog – My soon-to-be UT freshman niece year” status for 2025. NPR reports, “Gen Alpha describes this one as when you look better than typically delivers it in a slow drawl with an other people. Which, being 18 and adorable, she accompanying hand motion; raising one usually does. You might say she totally mogs her upturned palm at a time for each number.” boyfriend. Also, you could use it in a way more Apparently, it means nothing. akin to winning: You totally mogged me in Onze RIP – My sister chimes in that RIP is a slang tonight. (Google this one…there are tons of artiterm we can add to our list, meaning something cles and conversations about its origins and curis over. But her daughter, the soon-to-be freshrent ubiquity.) man, shakes her head and says RIP is so over.

Touch grass – This one is sort of an insult, Do I fully understand all these words? telling people to take a break from being online Definitely no. I’m not even sure my examples and go outside, kind of like hang up and hang out. fully work. But I’m having a good laugh at them 6 7 – Most 20-somethings are not going to and at the fact that I’m old enough to be conuse this one, but it’s gone so viral it’s worth menfused. And having that laugh with my 20-sometioning. Originating in a rap song by Skrilla, siiix thing daughter and my 18-year-old niece and seeeven went crazy on TikTok with people using their friends hits different. the term to describe 6-foot-7-inch Charlotte behance.net/runamokstudios

.