The West University Buzz - March 2025

Family Ties

by Cathy Gordon

A Happy Place: RodeoHouston Houston’s Snow Day Over the Moon: Amateur Astronomers Spring Break Books

Houston, TX

Chef’s Corner: Local Foods Group

Munevver Duran

Permit No. 2047 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD

Travel Buzz: Hawaii

EDITOR’S NOTE It started first thing in the morning, the day after our February issue arrived in mailboxes. This message was on my voicemail at 7:30 a.m.: “Joni, I tore a recipe out of your recent Tanglewood/River Oaks Buzz. The pound cake sounds wonderful, except you left out the flour, and I'm standing here trying to make a cake. Could you let me know how much flour to use?” That message was just one of the dozens of calls and emails we received about an ingredient missing in last month's article, Recipe for a Sweet Space. Our editorial team strives to be perfect, but we are human, and yes, we do make mistakes sometimes. The mistake was immediately fixed online. However, I did call her back, along with everyone else that reached out. Our error turned out to be bittersweet, as it allowed me to connect with so many kind, conscientious Buzz readers, all passionate about pound cake – and who are devoted fans of The Buzz.

The missing ingredient is 3 cups of flour. Thank you to all our readers for your close read. This month, we spring into Rodeo season, remember magical snow-day moments, and take a look up at the stars. Enjoy the (hopefully error-free) March issue! 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 Associate Editor Design Manager Staff Writers

Account Managers

Joni Hoffman Michael Hoffman Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld Caroline Siegfried John Duboise Tracy L. Barnett Sharon Albert Brier Cindy Burnett Andria Dilling Angie Frederickson Todd Freed Cindy Gabriel Cathy Gordon Michelle Groogan Dai Huynh Annie Blaylock McQueen Jennifer Oakley Ben Portnoy Pooja Salhotra Cheryl Ursin Andrea Blitzer Leslie Little Jo Rogers

On our cover: Munevver Duran models one of many creations that her mother’s aunt Gulten Turhan, 91, of Muğla, Turkey stitched over the decades. Gulten sewed this dress from her husband’s ties 50 years ago.

Cover photo by Dylan Aguilar 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 © 2025 Hoffman Marketing & Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine by any means without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 4

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 5

MAILBAG

Your letters, thoughts, opinions Inspirational story I was blown away by the Buzz feature story about Jeffrey Feinstein [Rolling Forward: With help from family and community by Pooja Salhotra, Feb. 2025].

Such a beautifully written piece about this amazing young man and his community of support. A story of love, resilience, and courage! Thank you for sharing such high-quality journalism with your readers!

Carol Brejot

Correction: Ingredient missing How much flour do I put in the pound cake [Charles Alford’s Favorite Pound Cake, featured in Recipe for a Sweet Space: Mary Alford designs a meaningful room by Jennifer Oakley, Feb. 2025]?

Ann-Marie Hedberg Editor’s note: Ann-Marie, thank you for letting us know an ingredient was missing, and we apologize for the omission. The recipe calls for 3 cups of flour, and it has been updated on our website.

As mentioned in Joni Hoffman’s editor’s note this month, Ann-Marie was just one of many messages we received from readers requesting the missing ingredient from this recipe – many of whom called the day after the issue was delivered to homes. We were regretful about the error but happy to see the story – and recipe – resonated with so many, so quickly. Thank you to Mary Alford for sharing this special recipe and story.

It was something special There were a few tears while reading this [70 is Not the New 50: Thank goodness by Cindy Gabriel, Jan. 2025], and while I always enjoy your articles, this one was something extra special. “20s in the ’70s and 70 in the ’20s” indeed!

Suzanne Smith Wright

ested in connecting with Ann, email us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com and we’ll pass it along. In the meantime, find lots of book recommendations from Buzz book reviewer Cindy Burnett at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Making a difference The story featuring my family as well as Steel Magnolia Moms [Resilient Heads and Hearts: Moms supporting other special-needs moms by Michelle Casas Groogan, Nov. 2024] is one I am still getting compliments and positive feedback from! What a tremendous impact and outpouring of love we as a family have received. In fact, someone just this week was complimenting my husband and I on the article, which appeared over three months ago. The Steel Magnolia Moms also benefitted by having your readers support us at our Annual Holiday Market. We had a record turnout this year and that is at least in part due to this feature. It was a pleasure working with Michelle and she produced a wonderful, heartfelt article.

Emily Scherman 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.

With age comes wisdom In response to 70 is Not the New 50 by Cindy Gabriel: How we love your articles, Cindy! Keep them coming! You look fantastic. Your articles continue to bring out so many emotions as we contemplate the profound truths of aging!

Carol Moshier

Creating a book club?

I read your article, Book-Club Books [by Cindy Burnett, Jan. 2025], with interest! I am interested in helping create another Bellaire-based book club.

I am a retired nurse who lives on Evergreen Street. I am hoping that you know of other Bellaire residents who are interested in participating in a book club. Perhaps others, like myself, have contacted you? I am open to your ideas, suggestions, and advice as to how to invite other book lovers for monthly gatherings.

Ann Strang Editor’s note: Thank you for reaching out, Ann! If any Buzz readers are interWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 6

We are looking for residents for upcoming articles who: • Have a high school senior graduating in the Class of 2025 who would like to be part of our annual “Where are they headed?” feature. (Submission deadline: April 25) • Were recently married and would like to participate in an upcoming Wedding Buzz column.

• Know a Buzzworthy neighbor to feature.

• Love to read and would be interested in sharing favorite books.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

22

Inside This Issue March 2025 4 Editor’s Note 6 Mailbag: Letters from Readers 10 Cindy and Snow: A very short story

by Cindy Gabriel

Cindy Gabriel reflects on a snow-deprived childhood and how a rare blanketing of snow can create feelings of peace.

12 A Happy Place: Rodeo as a family affair

by Andria Dilling

For Stacy Stidham Anderson, RodeoHouston is a happy place, and daughters Emma Carr and Sarah Grace Carr have followed in her footsteps of volunteering with HLSR.

16 Saddle Up, Houston: A guide to 2025 RodeoHouston

by Annie Blaylock McQueen

Ready to rodeo? Find a guide to the 2025 rodeo, from parking and transport tips to how to plan your day.

20 Spring Break Books: Suggestions from Buzz readers

by Cindy Burnett

Whether you’re heading out of town or planning a staycation, get ideas for your next read here.

26 Ties that Bind: A family matriarch’s legacy of love

by Cathy Gordon

Gulten Turhan, 91, inspires with her handmade clothing items, such as a dress she made from her husband’s ties 50 years ago.

Over the Moon: Amateur astronomers in Houston

by Cheryl Ursin Meet Buzz residents passionate about astronomy and find resources to get started.

36 Chef’s Corner: The Chefs Behind Local Foods Group

by Dai Huynh

Dai Huynh spotlights the talented culinary team behind Local Foods Group and their concepts: Milton’s, Maximo, Lee’s Den, Local Foods, and Local Foods Market.

40 SportzBuzz

by Todd Freed

42 SportzBuzz Jr.

by Annie Blaylock McQueen

44 Buzz Kidz: The Puppet Girl

by Eleanor Spalding

30 Snow Magical: Winter wonderland, Houston style

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld

A recap of Houston’s magical snow day: Jan. 21, 2025.

46 Neighborhood Tails

by Annie

32 Buzz Reads

48 Buzz About Town

34 Travel Buzz: Last Hawaii Hurrah

54 Back Porch: Oscars Eats

by Cindy Burnett

by Tracy L. Barnett

The Allen family traveled to Hawaii with extended family.

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by Angie Frederickson

by Andria Dilling

What to serve at an Oscars watch party.

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

3642 University Blvd., Suite 102 Houston, TX 77005 www.westuortho.com 713-481-4885

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Rick Roberts

NEIGHBORS

by Cindy Gabriel, staff writer

Cindy and Snow A very short story

P

ardon me while I pull out my Texas twang.

I know our cusins up nawth around Dallas, Amarillo and the Panhandle get their share of snow. But those of us down here around the Gulf of Mexi… America, have been downright snow-deprived at least since I’ve been on the planet. My childhood snow story began in 1960. I was 5. The TV weather guy said it would snow and IT DID, leaving me with the mistaken expectation that this magic called snow would be part of my childhood, like Christmas.

By the age of 10, still no snow. I fixated on a popular TV weatherman named Sid Lasher who must have realized that mentioning chances of the 4-letter “s” word, however slight, was good for ratings. What a tease. I clung to this man’s every word, crossing fingers, arms, and legs, rain dancing for snow, and downright begging God to make it snow.

By the time I reached high school, my 5-yearold snow memory had faded like the black-andwhite pictures of that day in 1960. I had given up on snow, and praying, for that matter.

But then, my senior year, on January 11, 1973, as documented in our high school yearbook, I kid you not, IT SNOWED. An entire high school of snow-repressed teenagers got a couple days off to do all the usual snow stuff along with probably some extracurricular making out. It was the perfect last hurrah for high school seniors, more magical than any prom.

As an adult, I tried to get my snow fix on ski trips to Colorado and cruises to Alaska. It wasn’t the same. It was just there. It lacked the element of surprise.

As a recent traveler to France, our flight home was scheduled for 8 a.m., Thursday, November 21st amid warnings that a rare snowstorm was about to shut down Paris. The adult in me knew we were fortunate to make one of the last flights out, an hour before headlines screamed “Chaos in Paris! Heavy snowfall buries Paris airport!” I pretended to be glad to leave like most adults. I didn’t want to appear uncool in front of the Slatkos. Our travel friends, Bart and Betty Slatko, recent Houston transplants from New York, would be happy to never see snow again.

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PARIS IN THE SNOW Cindy Gabriel wasn’t there, but experienced it vicariously through a conversation at Houston’s downtown Y.

Back to Houston reality, back to my exercise routine at the downtown Y, I overheard a man named Rick Roberts describing a delightful experience in Paris in the snow. Turns out he had arrived the day before the snow and was able to take in its magic in a semi-jet-lagged dreamlike state. He said all the shops were open as people dipped in and out for croissants and hot drinks.

He said even the stoic French were surprisingly surprised over their first real snow in 56 years.

Months later, I was still feeling sorry for myself when, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, as you know, IT SNOWED in Houston! I bet you were there! I'm happy for you, me, and all the people in H-Town, especially those who, like me as a child, didn’t go on fancy ski trips. I was so happy seeing the sledders on cardboard at Hermann Park, snowmen dotting parks and esplanades, and animated people as snow melted Houston hearts into a strange togetherness.

But the snow day that sticks most in my mind was in Hunt, Texas on the last day of 2020. Stan and I and two dogs ended a rough Covid year in the quiet of our country cabin. As we woke up that morning, tiny white flakes were starting to stick to the back deck; slowly each window from inside the house had its own unique scene as our landscape took on the look of an exclusive winter resort. Stan started cooking soup and I built

a real wood fire in the stone fireplace. Our day ended in the glow of fire and a peaceful inner stirring. I picked up my laptop and pounded out some words for the February 2021 issue of The Buzz Magazines called Just Love.

The more I listened to Rick’s story of Paris in the snow, the more I realized that my best snow experiences include the feeling of being at the right place at the right time. Ten years ago, Rick happened to be standing in his yard when his neighbor fell to the ground in the process of a heart attack. Rick called for an ambulance and administered CPR on the spot. This neighbor believes Rick saved his life. The neighbor also happens to have an apartment in Paris, which he said Rick could use. And while it took Rick 10 years to get around to it, he managed to time it for the most magical snow day in Paris in 56 years.

I don’t know what inspired me to write Just Love after a day of watching snow transform my world. I guess I was just feeling it in an abstract universal way. But it occurs to me that a more concrete way is found in the story of Rick, a grateful neighbor, and a day in Paris in the snow.

Editor’s note: Find photos from this January’s epic snow day in this issue. And read Cindy Gabriel’s poignant Just Love: It’s a no-brainer [Feb. 2021] at thebuzzmagazines.com.

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lawellphoto.com

NEIGHBORS

by Andria Dilling, staff writer

A Happy Place Rodeo as a family affair

S

tacy Stidham Anderson calls the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo the great equalizer.

“Where else can you get that many people who have completely different backgrounds to volunteer together?” the educational consultant says, referring to the 43,000 volunteers who make Houston’s Rodeo – the largest in the world – happen every year. “We’re all there working for the same purpose, which is raising money for the kids,” Stacy says, “but it’s bigger than that.

It brings every kind of person together.”

Stacy started volunteering for the rodeo in 2003, when a friend she met volunteering at The Junior League of Houston brought her along. “It was the inaugural year of the Gatekeepers Committee, and my friend Elizabeth Morrell invited me to come out to the rodeo with her,” Stacy says. “I fell in love with it.”

Since then, Stacy has never not been involved. She’s still on the Gatekeepers Committee, as well as the Mutton Bustin’ and Houston Metro Go Texan committees, the Board of Directors, and the Grand Entry Committee. “That’s the group that makes the entry parade happen,” Stacy says. “The energy is electric as you pop out of the breezeway on the firetruck or on horses. It’s that way every night.”

Last year she wrapped up four years as chairman of the Special Children’s Committee.

“Special Children’s is my passion,” Stacy says of the committee that organizes events for children and adults with special needs – the community she has worked with since she earned her master’s degree in educational psychology in 1993. “For me to be able to combine my passion – Rodeo and my real world – is really amazing.”

And now, she’s not only melded her passion and career, she’s also roped in (so to speak) her two daughters, making the whole thing a family affair.

“Rodeo was something my mom looked forward to every year, so she always made it fun for us too,” daughter Emma Carr, who graduated from The University of Texas in 2021 and now works in HR, says. “She’d put us in the cute outfits and take us to the concerts.” Emma rememWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 12

LET’S RODEO Stacy Anderson (middle) has instilled a love of RodeoHouston in her daughters Sarah Grace (left) and Emma Carr (right).

bers seeing Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus (a.k.a.

Hannah Montana), and Selena Gomez. “All the Disney people,” Emma laughs.

As much time as Stacy spent volunteering at the rodeo, away from her family, Emma says she never thought of Rodeo as something that took her mom away. “It was just so much fun for her so we would look forward to it, too,” she says.

Emma’s sister Sarah Grace Carr, a 2023 UT graduate, agrees. “We love it for her,” she says.

“It’s her happy place.”

Having her girls around has been important to Stacy from the beginning. Emma recalls one year when her mom was set to ride a horse in the Grand Entry Parade. “She was super nervous,” Emma says. “We got to come down and surprise her, so she saw us as she was riding by.

She looked a lot calmer after she saw us.”

Stacy’s husband Ron Anderson, who works in steel sales with IKG Industries, picked up the

slack at home when the girls were little.

“Luckily, he wasn’t involved,” Stacy says, noting that he’s recently joined the Calf Scramble Committee. “He knew how important it was to me, so he helped a lot.”

This is Emma’s third year as an official Rodeo volunteer, and her first serving on the Special Children’s Committee with her mom. “It’s something fun for my mom and I to do together,” she says. “And I’ve watched her. Some of her closest friends are people she’s met through the rodeo.” Emma is thankful that her company, Insperity, gives employees time to volunteer.

Sarah Grace, a second-year student at South Texas College of Law, says she’s always loved the rodeo. “It’s so different from everything we do every other day of the year,” she says. While she’s still in school, Sarah Grace has postponed committee work, but she’s looking forward to joining her mom and sister (continued on page 14)

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lawellphoto.com

lawellphoto.com A FAMILY MISSION Left photo: Stacy Anderson has been volunteering for RodeoHouston for more than 20 years; right photos: Sarah Grace and Emma Carr, Stacy's daughters, grew up learning about all things Rodeo from their mom; today, Emma (right) is a Rodeo volunteer, and Sarah Grace plans to be as soon as she graduates from law school. (continued from page 12) in the future. For now,

she’s happy to go for the rodeo itself, the fried Oreos, and the shows. She, Emma, and Stacy are planning to see Journey together this year.

“I always felt like a celebrity with my mom when I was younger,” she says. “She has a way WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 14

of doing that, because everyone knows her,” Sarah Grace says. “She really makes friends wherever she goes.”

Last year, for the first time in a long time, Stacy says she wasn’t in charge of anything or anybody. But just because she wasn’t in charge

didn’t mean she wasn’t working day and night for the event she holds dear. “I pretty much collapse every year after Rodeo, so last year I told my husband I was going to live my best Rodeo life,” she laughs. Still, she couldn’t stay away: “I have such serious FOMO!”

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NEIGHBORS

by Annie Blaylock McQueen, staff writer

Saddle Up, Houston Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

A guide to 2025 RodeoHouston

RODEO ACTION During rodeo season, the arena will host tons of exciting competitions and events, including barrel racing.

T

he Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of Houston's most anticipated annual events, drawing millions each year. Since its start in 1932, it has grown into a crown jewel of the city’s culture. Volunteers from across the region dedicate their time to this beloved event. This year, the festivities are scheduled from March 4-23. The fun commences with the World’s Championship Bar-BQue Contest from Feb. 27-March 1 and the Downtown Rodeo Parade and Rodeo Run taking place on March 1.

Buzz mom Kelly Lee has been attending the rodeo since childhood. She says she remembers creating artwork for the school art program and now enjoys taking her kids to see it, too. The winning art is displayed each year in the Hayloft Gallery, located on the first floor of NRG Center. The school art program began in 1964 to promote artistic creativity and Western herWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 16

itage. Each year, students from kindergarten through high school submit artwork. “It is always a highlight of my year and a true Houston tradition,” she said. “My kids love to go check out the art and see if they can find their friends’ artwork.”

Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned rodeo-goer, planning your visit will help you make the most of your experience. Here, we put together a guide to Rodeo 2025 with everything you need to know, from morning to evening.

another great alternative. Park in one of the free lots along the line and ride the train to the NRG Park stop, which is near the entrance. See rodeohouston.com/plan-your-visit/park-and-ride.

Parking at NRG: If you choose to drive, you can park in one of the official lots surrounding NRG Park ($20-30). It is a good idea to arrive early, as they fill up quickly.

Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft have designated drop-off and pick-up zones at NRG Park.

Getting There: Parking and Public Transit Tips

Morning: Start Your Day with Rodeo Fun

Rodeo Houston is held at NRG Park. While driving and parking is an option, there are other ways to get there.

Park and Ride: METRO’s Rodeo Express bus service offers round-trip rides from locations across the city.

METRORail: The METRORail Red Line is

Kick off your visit at 9 a.m. to AGVENTURE in Hall A of NRG Center. AGVENTURE is an interactive, family-friendly exhibit that showcases Texas agriculture through hands-on activities and live animal displays. Next, take a stroll through the Livestock Show at NRG Center to see prize-winning cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals. (continued on page 18)

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Dylan Aguilar MEMORIES AT THE RODEO There’s something for everyone at RodeoHouston. From fried Oreos to thrilling rides that shoot up, down, and all around, to the excitement of Mutton Bustin’, the fun never ends. Pictured, left photo: Siblings Collette Finch and Walker Finch having fun at the carnival at Rodeo 2024; top right photo: Georgia McQueen after competing in Mutton Bustin’; bottom right: Funnel cake with whipped cream and strawberries is a classic treat at the Rodeo carnival.

Lunchtime: Food and Carnival Rides

(continued from page 16)

By midday, sample some delicious food.

RodeoHouston is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from deep-fried foods and huge turkey legs to classic Texas BBQ. Some must-try items include corn dogs, funnel cakes, brisket tacos, smoked sausage on a stick, chocolate-covered bacon, and elote (Mexican street corn). Stephanie Finch, a real estate broker and longtime volunteer for the Calf Scramble committee, says her kids’ favorite thing is eating sweet treats at the rodeo. “They love the ice cream treats as big as their head,” she said. Stephanie has sponsored a high school student in the Calf Scramble Program. “The kids who raise animals are so responsible with a bright future,” said Stephanie.

After eating lunch, head over to the Carnival.

Download the app, “RODEOHOUSTON” prior to your visit, to load up your tickets ahead of time.

Beloved carnival rides include the Ferris Wheel, Drop Tower, roller coasters, mini coasters, and funhouses for younger kids. Test your luck at the carnival games to win prizes like giant stuffed animals.

Afternoon: Rodeo Action and Shopping It is quite an experience, whether your first or 50th, seeing the live rodeo competition inside NRG Stadium. Watch events like bull riding, WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 18

barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Mutton Bustin’ is always a crowd favorite. To sign your child up for Mutton Bustin’ outside of NRG Stadium, visit the Mutton Bustin’ area in the carnival. Spots are filled on a first-come, firstserved basis for kids aged 5-6 years old and weighing under 55 pounds.

For shopping, head over to The Hideout or RodeoHouston Marketplace, where shoppers will find everything from cowboy hats and attire to handcrafted jewelry and home decor.

Evening: Concerts in the Big Arena and More After a day of food and entertainment it is time to enjoy an evening at the rodeo. The Champion Wine Garden, located outside NRG, is a popular spot to relax and enjoy wine before the nightly concert. This year, the area will feature a dedicated tent with clear sidewalls to accommodate larger crowds.

RodeoHouston has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and 2025 is no exception.

After an 18-year hiatus, Reba McEntire will make her appearance on March 4. First-time performers for RodeoHouston include Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, Carin León, AJR, Warren Zeiders, Grupo Frontera, Charley Crockett, Zach Top, and Post Malone.

A unique experience for visitors of all ages is to meet rodeo professionals at Rodeo's Fan Zone.

The Fan Zone is in sections 103 and 124 on the main concourse of NRG Stadium.

After the concert, if you still have some energy, take one last lap around the carnival or grab a final snack before heading home.

Strollers and More Strollers and wagons are allowed (there are “parking areas” at the North, West, and Southeast Guest Services Booths for strollers and wagons if needed), and there are plenty of family-friendly areas to take breaks. The rodeo does not have a clear bag policy on the grounds or in NRG Stadium; small purses or backpacks are allowed, so be sure to pack water, an umbrella in case of rain, and anything else you might need for a comfortable day.

See You at the Rodeo Whether you are watching the rodeo action, enjoying delicious food, carnival fun, shopping, or concerts, there is always a new memory to be made at RodeoHouston. See RodeoHouston.com for the schedule and more details.

Editor’s note: Share your Buzzworthy Rodeo photos and stories with us at info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

ARTS

by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Spring Break Books Suggestions from Buzz readers

S

pring Break is a fabulous time to read a good book, whether you are traveling or enjoying a nice staycation. Reading over Spring Break is a lot like summer reading – all genres are fair game, and there is no genre that should be ruled out because every reader is unique. Instead, the quality of the writing, the plot, and the overall enjoyment of the story are the important factors to consider. I polled Buzz residents who love to read about their recommendations for engaging Spring Break reads, and relished perusing the wide range of suggestions that these voracious readers made.

Emily Wolf, author of My Thirty-First Year (and Other Calamities): “If you are heading to Florence, Italy, Still Life by Sarah Winman will make the plane ride pass in a flash and give you an insider's appreciation for the region before you disembark.

Through the eyes of its nuanced, endearing characters, Still Life gives readers a window into Florence's soul as it has evolved throughout the generations. The novel would be a triumph set anywhere, but Florence imbues Still Life with a unique magic and spiritual quality that sets it apart and above. I haven't been to Florence for 18 years, but Still Life has made me keen to return.”

Carla Buerkle: “I think The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray would be a great read if you are visiting New York City and the J. P. Morgan Library. To see the collection that the book chronicles along with the story of Belle da Costa Greene would be amazing. This ‘based on real life’ story is about the life of a young African American woman who passes for white and gets a job as the personal librarian for J.P. Morgan. She is brave and cunning and is responsible for curating his great collection of manuscripts, books, and art.

“And for anyone going to Europe, I think The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel would be enlightening. Since most European visitors visit multiple museums, it would be interesting to ponder how this person pulled off so many art heists at various museums with such ease.”

Celeste Connally, author of the Lady Petra Inquires series: “If you’re going to Vermont or skiWEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 20

EMMA IN NYC Celeste Connally recommends Emma of 83rd Street by Emily Harding and Audrey Bellezza for readers heading to The Big Apple or for anyone who loves a good Jane Austen retelling.

ing, had a favorite boy band, and love a good romance then I recommend The Lodge by Kayla Olson. Eight years ago, one of the most famous boy bands had a highly publicized, yet mysterious, breakup. Now, ghostwriter Alix Morgan has her big break writing the memoir of one of the band members and is sent to a swanky Vermont lodge to work on her writing. While there, she learns to step outside of her self-imposed shell with the help of a handsome ski instructor – and with love might just come the unraveling of secrets from the band’s mysterious downfall. The setting is amazing, the main character is one you want to root for, and the banter is excellent.

“If you’re going to New York and love a Jane Austen retelling, then I recommend Emma of 83rd Street by Emily Harding and Audrey Bellezza. This has to be one of my favorite

retellings of Jane Austen’s Emma – and if you’ve ever wanted more than just a kiss between Emma and Knightley, then this is your slightly spicy book. Set in modern-day New York, it follows Emma Woodhouse as an Upper East Sider hoping to get an art internship at the Met on her own merits and not her family name. In this close retelling, we meet all our favorite characters from Emma and walk alongside her as she makes mistakes, learns to grow up and stand on her own two feet, and finally recognizes her feelings for George Knightley. I loved how all our favorite moments from the book were updated to fit modern times, without losing what we all love of the original. The dialogue is sparkling and the longing and romance is really well done.

“I have an audiobook recommendation if you’re going to England and love Antiques

UNPUTDOWNABLE Celia Anderson recommends taking Horse by Geraldine Brooks on a Spring Break adventure. She says the Pulitzer-Prize-winning author has released another hard-to-put-down historical fiction read.

Roadshow and Agatha Christie-esque mysteries.

I suggest The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller. Once an up-and-coming antiques dealer, for the past 20 years, Freya Lockwood has stayed away from the business and the English village where she grew up, until her mentor, Arthur, dies under mysterious circumstances. He’s left his antiques shop to Freya and her eccentric Aunt Carole – and left them clues to his own murder as well. Determined to discover who killed her mentor, Freya and Aunt Carole follow Arthur’s clues and attend “antique enthusiasts” weekend, where they must unmask a killer before it’s too late. Note: This mystery has a good bit of world-building up front and starts a bit slow (though charmingly so), but the pace picks up satisfyingly around midway. The narration is excellent, too.”

Sally Mason: “If you are headed to Europe, I have two recommendations. I suggest The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel [as Carla Buerkle did above], which is nonfiction but reads like a novel. It is a fascinating true-crime account of Stéphane Breitwieser and his account of over 200 heists across Europe. It’s fascinating.

“All The Broken Places by John Boyne follows the life of 91-year-old Greta. For decades she has lived a quiet, comfortable life in London despite the fact she escaped Nazi Germany at age 12. She doesn’t talk about living with her mother and their grim life in post-war France nor her father’s job as a commandant with the Reich until she is forced to confront her fears to save a little boy.

“If you are traveling to New York City or Egypt, I propose reading The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis, a historical fiction novel which will transport you from ancient Egypt, and its secrets, to the inner workings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I learned a lot about art and an amazing female pharaoh.

“If you want to armchair travel, try reading The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri.

It is about a beekeeper and his artist wife who live a quiet, simple life with family and friends until the war in Syria destroys all they love.

They must escape to Britain but to do so they must confront their own loss and pain as well as unforeseen dangers as they try to find their way back to each other and an unknown future.

“If you are traveling in the South, try The Girls in the Stilt House by Kelly Mustian, which is set in 1920s Mississippi. Two poor teenage girls are forced to become partners because of a murder. One is white and one is Black but they must come together to find what ‘family really is’. The isolation of the area keeps secrets hidden and the law of the land favors whatever white people say.”

Jen Fink: “My new book club recently read A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey. It’s set in Beaufort, NC and really captures what it was like to live in a historic seaside town both in the 1960/70s and present day. The book is a fun read with some twists and turns and really makes you think about finding your happy place. It would make a fun spring break book pick for those exploring quaint towns or seaside destinations!”

Celia Anderson: “If you are traveling to a

dude ranch or planning a gallop on the beach, Geraldine Brooks’ latest book Horse is a must!

The Pulitzer-Prize-winning author has written another hard-to-put-down historical fiction book. With three timelines and well-drawn characters, the book reads like a mystery with pre-Civil War horse-racing, world-class art lost and recovered, and behind-the-scenes antics in the Smithsonian Museum thrown in as well.

Based on a real champion horse and the people who touched his life and legacy over the decades. A lovely read for animal lovers, art lovers, and great story lovers!”

Carol Goolsby: “If you are doing a staycation and want to be entertained with juicy gossip and fun stories, then I recommend Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women as I Knew Them by Frank Langella. This book is years old, but oh so fun! If you watched the show The Americans, he played a featured role in this show. He is a star of stage and screen (Dracula), and he has the most wonderful voice. I suggest listening to the audiobook for this one. Each chapter tells his encounters with famous people or movie stars.

First chapter is Jackie and John F. Kennedy!

Good spring break fun!”

Have a wonderful break and let me know which stellar reads you enjoyed.

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

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 21

Dylan Aguilar

NEIGHBORS

by Cheryl Ursin, staff writer

Over the Moon Amateur astronomers in Houston

I

f you think astronomy means being alone in a dark, remote, and probably cold place, straining to see some smudges and dots of light through the eyepiece of a telescope, guess again.

There can be a lot more to it.

And there are hundreds of people right here in Houston who can’t wait to tell – and show – you all about it.

According to the American Museum of Natural History, astronomy is the study of “everything in the universe beyond the earth’s atmosphere,” from the (relatively) close moon to the most distant galaxies and nebulae (clouds of gas and dust).

Especially in recent years, the technology available to amateur astronomers has enabled them to see more clearly than ever before, even from their own backyards. It’s the only science hobby where amateurs “can observe the same test subjects as the professionals,” says Stephen Jones, president of the Houston Astronomical Society (HAS), which has approximately 600 members. “You can’t do a lot of amateur chemistry, and amateur nuclear physics is a bad idea,” he jokes. Sometimes, amateurs are even the first to see something new in the sky, such as a supernova (an exploding star). In 1999, for example, Brian Cudnik, a HAS member, reported the first confirmed real-time observation of a meteorite impacting the moon.

Jimmy Newland, a long-time HAS member, established the first astronomy course at Bellaire High School, where he taught for 28 years.

(Bellaire’s astronomy class is now taught by Reena Chopra.) Jimmy, who has a Ph.D. in science education, developed the curriculum for the class, which is now an International Baccalaureate (IB) course taught in high schools around the world.

“I would say there are four types of amateur astronomy,” Jimmy says. “There’s the good oldfashioned, as old as telescopes, kind where you put your telescope outside and look through it without any kind of electronics or anything like that.” That’s called visual astronomy.

“Then, there’s astrophotography,” he continues, which uses specialized telescopes attached to specialized cameras to capture beautiful images of very distant objects.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 22

Ajay Mandke, who has been doing amateur astronomy for 10 years, grew into astrophotography. “I started with a manual telescope and used star charts,” he says.

“It’s how most people start. Then, when I got good at that, it was, what else can I see?”

EYES ON THE PRIZE Ajay Mandke with the telescope he uses to take These days, Ajay’s astrophotos. astrophotography rig – stars, creating “light curves,” which they send to telescope, camera, tracking mount (which keeps the American Association of Variable Star the telescope pointed at the object Ajay’s phoObservers (AAVSO), which shares them with tographing as the earth rotates) – weighs about professional scientists.

140 pounds and resides in its own mini-observaJimmy is working with Bellaire High School tory, a small structure with a retractable roof, that junior, Sara Kannan, on another citizen-science Ajay built himself. project, this one involving computer science as When Ajay took a photo of the Heart Nebula well as astronomy. Through a national program (pictured, next page) in the constellation Cassiopeia called NITARP (NASA/IPAC Teacher last fall, it took 25 hours of exposure time, producing Archive Research Program), Sara and Jimmy almost 900 images of two minutes each. Ajay then have been paired with a CalTech astronomy pro“stacked” these images using specialized software and fessor, Luisa Rebull. Basically, astronomers now assigned different colors to the different wavelengths have vast amounts of data from telescopes both of light, some invisible to the human eye, that his in space and on the ground, and high-school stucamera had captured. “Astrophotography is science dents and their teachers can help analyze it. Sara merging with art,” Ajay says. and Jimmy’s project involves data from young “The third kind of astronomy, which is brandstellar objects (baby stars) in a certain section of new and growing rapidly,” Jimmy says, “is smart the constellation Cepheus. By compiling and astronomy, where you’ve got a telescope that graphing the data from multiple telescopes, each uses machine learning and sensors to figure out looking at a particular wavelength of light comwhat it’s looking at and will gather light over ing from these specific young stellar objects, cittime and generate a really cool astrophoto, but izen scientists like Sara and Jimmy can provide you don’t have to do any work.” The most popinformation that can help astronomers learn ular smart telescope, which can send the images about the age of stars and their life cycles. it produces to your phone or to an iPad, is the Sara, 17, now runs the astronomy club at Seestar, which retails for about $500.

Bellaire High School and its public star parties, “The fourth kind of astronomy is citizen sciwhich she hopes to hold monthly. Last ence,” says Jimmy. “There are ways amateur Thanksgiving, she borrowed one of the school’s astronomers can be part of actual scientific telescopes to bring on a family vacation to Big research, just doing their hobby.” Some amateur Bend, renowned for its dark skies, and recently astronomers, for example, watch what are called got her own pair of astronomical binoculars, variable stars, which, as their name suggests, which are more powerful than regular binocuvary in brightness over time. There are far too lars. “I’m out with them most nights, when it’s many variable stars and far too few professional not cloudy,” she says. “The Pleiades (a star clusastronomers to track them all. Amateurs chart ter) is very beautiful through binoculars. I call it the variations in brightness of “their” variable

Ajay Mandke Backyard AstroImaging FAR OUT Ajay Mandke took this photo of the Heart Nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. He created the image with a specialized telescope and camera, using filters to capture specific wavelengths of light. He carefully combined over 900 images (each made with a two-minute exposure) to produce the final picture. The Heart Nebula is 7,500 light-years away from Earth and is not generally visible to the naked eye.

the little question mark in the sky.”

There is a passion amongst amateur astronomers that can be downright poetical. For Ajay Mandke, the astrophotos he creates are a chance “to marvel at the beauty and the vastness of our shared universe” and to share that beauty with others. Joe Khalaf, who can’t remember not being fascinated by the sky and who asked for his first telescope at age five, says, “I think about that small fuzzy dot, how its light travelled years to trigger a nervous-system response in my eye to be processed by my brain.”

He, also a HAS member, was involved in starting the organization’s monthly public “star parties” in Memorial Park back in 2019. Joyce Almaguer-Reisdorf, who now runs those parties, says, “You can see time. Academically, of course, I understand time, but to see it, in the changes you see in the sky, is just incredible.”

Joyce and Jimmy both say astronomy is more than natural history; it’s also intimately entwined with our cultural history. It’s in our myths, our religions, our historical events.

“Astronomy is one of the oldest practices of mankind,” says Jimmy. He points out that Disney’s Moana movies accurately show the characters using the methods Polynesians used to guide their journeys over the ocean to tiny islands using the stars. The characters use their hands to measure the position of the constellation called Maui’s Fish Hook (also known as Scorpius). Joyce points out that Lewis and Clark carried a telescope on their two-year plus expedition in order to determine where they were, using the stars, the moon, and the sun.

At the Memorial Park star party I attended, people were comparing the different names for the constellations they had learned growing up in dif-

ferent countries even as we all watched Stephen Jones’s Seestar telescope generate a bright, clear, and colorful image of a distant nebula that we otherwise would have been barely able to see.

It was pretty wonderful.

Amateur astronomers also sometimes travel to get to the best skies, unsullied by manmade light, to see stars. That’s been called astrotourism or dark-sky tourism. Despite its “Space City” nickname (because of the Johnson Space Center), Houston, like most big cities, is not ideal for astronomy because of its light pollution.

Luckily, some of the best places in the United States for astronomy, are in Texas, particularly West Texas. In fact, Texas boasts the largest DarkSky International certified dark-sky location, the more than 15,000 square miles of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, which encompasses not only Big Bend National Park but three entire Texas counties – Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio – as well as the municipalities of Santa Elena, Ocampo, and Del Carmen across the border in Mexico.

Not that you always have to travel so far.

Ajay takes beautiful astrophotos from his backyard, and when Houston’s conditions aren’t good enough, “We just get in the car and drive west,” says his son, Aditya, a high-school freshman at Spring Branch Academic Institute.

Amateur astronomy can be surprisingly social.

Most say the best way to start in the hobby is to join a club. Members teach each other – Joyce calls it “communal learning,” Joe calls it “shared astronomy” – and they can be a wealth of information, such as on what equipment to buy.

Joyce, who went to a Memorial Park star party soon after joining HAS, says, “I remember thinking, ‘There are people at the park, looking

up at the sky.’ I had no idea. I was so excited.”

She advises those who think they might be interested in the hobby to “go to a star party and just be prepared to hang out and learn, talk to people about their telescopes and what they are looking at.” Now the coordinator of the Memorial Park star parties, Joyce says they have had people show up with their brand-new telescopes still in the box. “We’ll help them set them up and start showing them how to use them,” she says.

Amateur astronomers love to share their passion for their hobby even with, or maybe especially with, non-astronomers. Clubs do many “outreach” events at schools and in public places. Joe chaired HAS’s outreach and education committee for several years. He can remember his first outreach event. “It was with a Girl Scout troop,” he says. “I was nervous at first, but then I saw the girls’ enthusiasm when they looked through the telescopes.” Joe now also volunteers as a “Solar System Ambassador” for NASA, giving talks to groups about all things NASA, space, and astronomy related.

Astronomers even have a name for the impromptu star parties they hold by bringing their telescopes out to their front yards or to parks to entice other people to have a look at the sky: “sidewalk astronomy.”

When I first asked to speak to Jimmy about the subject, he replied, “I'd love to talk about amateur astronomy. With pretty much anyone.” That seems to be the common feeling among amateur astronomers, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Looking Good While all the types of telescopes and other equipment and all the astronomy (continued on page 24) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 23

Joyce Almaguer-Reisdorf

lawellphoto.com

STARS IN THEIR EYES Left: Jimmy Newland and Sara Kannan with a telescope used by the Bellaire High School's astronomy club that Sara runs. Right: A recent public star party in Memorial Park held by the Houston Astronomical Society. (continued from page 23) nomenclature can seem

overwhelming at first, astronomy does not have to be a difficult – or expensive – hobby to get into.

“All you need is curiosity, an inexpensive pair of binoculars, and your smartphone,” says Jimmy Newland. Astronomy phone apps use your GPS coordinates and your phone’s builtin compass and gyroscope to figure out where in the sky you are pointing your phone. They will then produce a celestial map from your viewpoint. Sara Kannan recommends the app Stellarium. (See sidebar.)

Most amateur astronomers recommend against running out and buying equipment first thing. Do

research – YouTube channels abound – and talk to people at your local clubs to determine what objects you are most interested in seeing and what equipment would be best for that. One astronomer recommended searching “What can I expect to see with” and inserting the type, size, and brand of telescope you are interested in in order to see videos of exactly that. Some astronomy clubs even have loaner programs where you can try out a telescope model before buying.

What experienced amateur astronomers do say is to avoid the inexpensive telescopes sold by general big-box retailers. “They have turned a lot of people away from the hobby,” says Joe

Khalaf. He can still remember his disappointment as a five-year-old when his first telescope showed him “a little smudge” rather than the colorful and detailed images shown on the box.

Astronomy has “seasons,” when certain objects – galaxies, planets – are visible or more easily seen. This is an area where the online presence of the amateur-astronomy community, from local clubs to sites like cloudynights.com (see sidebar) can be helpful. “It’s the sort of original promise of social media – to build communities, learn, and support each other,” says Jimmy, “so, instead of scrolling and looking at what the algorithms want you to see, you engage.”

Feeling Starstruck?

Here are some resources to get a closer look (sorry) at amateur astronomy: American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), www.aavso.org American Astronomical Society, aas.org Cloudy Nights, www.cloudynights.com/index Fort Bend Astronomy Club, fbac.org Houston Astronomical Society, www.astronomyhouston.org Their monthly public star parties in Memorial Park are listed on their events page and can also be found on Memorial Park’s social media, such as on Facebook and Instagram.

Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society, www.jscas.net Land Sea & Sky, landseaskyco.com, a popular optical shop amongst amateur astronomers located right here in Houston (1925A Richmond Ave.). Land Sea & Sky has a short video on its website explaining the main types of telescopes.

Late Night Astronomy, one of the thousands of YouTube channels devoted to amateur astronomy, youtube.com/LateNightAstronomy Tips from NASA for sky watchers, science.nasa.gov/skywatching NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors program of volunteer speakers, science.nasa.gov/engage/solar-system-ambassadors Night Sky Network, NASA’s nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs, science.nasa.gov/skywatching/night-sky-network NITARP, nitarp.ipac.caltech.edu, the education organization though which Jimmy Newland and Sara Kannan are doing astronomical research.

North Houston Astronomy Club, astronomyclub.org/newnhacwp Largest Facebook page for the owners of Seestar smart telescopes, facebook.com/groups/seestar/about Stellarium, a phone app that helps you know what you are looking at in the night sky, stellarium-labs.com Teaching Astronomy, a Facebook page originally started by Jimmy Newland for teachers, www.facebook.com/groups/teachastronomy Texas Star Party, texasstarparty.org, a week-long star party held annually in Fort Davis, Texas, featuring day-time speakers and nighttime stargazing under some of the darkest skies in Texas. Next party will be held April 20-27, 2025.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 24

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 25

Dylan Aguilar

NEIGHBORS

by Cathy Gordon, staff writer

Ties that Bind A family matriarch’s legacy of love

T

ies. An endangered accessory. The neckpiece has been heading toward extinction since the workplace practice of Casual Friday. Then came the coronavirus pandemic, a remote workforce, and the careening of neckties into the abyss.

In 2022, the universe took note when seven world leaders posed tie-less for a photo at the G7 Summit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

News focused on their lack of neckwear as much as politics.

Tie talk abounds this day at Cihan Duran’s West University kitchen table, with conversation centering on family matriarch 91-year-old Gulten Turhan, 6,500 miles away in Muğla, Turkey, homeland of Cihan’s family. Ties relegated to the style gallows have found new purpose today as DIY projects – crafted into pillows, headbands, handbags, bracelets. But Gulten found an alternative use for the necktie 50 years ago, even as her husband still wore them daily for his banking job.

She made them into a dress.

Social media’s DIY fashion influencers have nothing on Gulten.

“My oldest daughter shared a post last year from Instagram or something about a dress made of ties and I was like ‘Oh! My Aunt Gulten had that idea 50 years ago! That was her idea way back then!’” says Cihan of her mother’s sister.

Gulten, a prolific knitter and think-out-ofthe-box seamstress, has kept family and friends in stitches, both literally and figuratively, for decades, with her wink of soft humor and timeless creations. She’s never met a fabric scrap she didn’t like.

The dress, in a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns – stripes, dots, geometric shapes, flowers – preens from a hanger at Cihan’s home, a fun frock culled together in 1975 from Gulten’s long-since deceased husband’s stash of ties.

Lucky for him, he owned a lot of ties, so could still abide by a mandatory dress code.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” says Cihan whose daughter Munevver, 24 – affectionately called Moon – is the current guardian of the dress. It fits her perfectly. “It’s just so interesting to look at, all the detail and how she put it all together,” raves WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 26

Moon, her fingers gliding over vertical bands of colors.

Gulten sewed the dress for her teen daughter Tuba Amca, now 61.

“In another life, with the right opportunities, Aunt Gulten could have been a renowned fashion designer, her creations gracing runways and magazines worldwide,” says Cihan. “Yet she remains content in her role as the family’s beloved artisan, her legacy woven into the fabric of her community.”

Gulten’s artisan journey started decades ago in a modest home where resources were scarce. But GULTEN’S GIFT Munevver Duran models one of many creations that her mother’s aunt Gulten Turhan, 91, of Muğla, Turkey stitched over the decades. While ties are her imagination wasn’t. repurposed these days in a manner of ways, Gulten was ahead of her time, sewing “Despite the lack of this dress for her daughter from her husband’s stash of ties 50 years ago. formal training or “No, there was not anyone. I just look at opportunities, Aunt Gulten’s talent was undesomething and I know I can make it,” Gulten niable. Her home became a gallery of her work,” responds with a laugh. “I’m a natural born talexplains Cihan. “She found joy in transforming ent.” Giggles ensue and turn into laughs when the ordinary into the extraordinary.” she raises her arms to reveal fingers attached to Cihan and her siblings were lucky recipients knitting needles, yet another sweater in the of many sweaters and other knitted treasures. making. Yes, knitting carries on by phone.

Gulten and Cihan’s families lived in the same Daughter Tuba, a judge, sits beside her. The town, Sivas, in central Turkey, for many years. apple doesn’t fall far from the proverbial tree. Tuba “I saw her every week. We were always going to loves to knit, too, when not wielding a gavel. each other’s houses. She was always cooking and Gulten is wearing a sweater of her own creentertaining us. ation. “I got the inspiration for this from a man’s “She was always making clothes for her own sock,” she explains. “I don’t spend five cents to kids, and we were lucky to get to wear them also buy these materials. I use scraps to make it.” when they outgrew them,” Cihan continues. She “I think it’s part of growing up in a culture recalls a pink sweater that Gulten made for her, that doesn’t have that much and so whatever upon the birth of her first child. Its soft warmth. you see is art,” explains Moon. “She says she gets “The tie dress symbolizes her ability to see her ideas from lots of things. She’s made things beauty and potential where others might see out of socks, curtains, random scraps of material, only remnants.” rugs. It just comes to her. She is inspired by All this talk of Gulten warrants a FaceTime everything she looks at.” call. Moon translates, asking the elder how she “Yes, she can make any- (continued on page 28) started on her crafting path. And who taught her?

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 27

Dylan Aguilar CRAFTING A LEGACY Top left: Gulten Turhan, a prolific knitter, is a family legend, with her heirloom-quality pieces treasured by family and friends. Right: Gulten’s niece Cihan Duran, no slouch herself in the creativity department, wears a lavender sweater she knitted for herself decades ago, with daughter Munevver by her side in the tie dress. Bottom left: Cihan wears a knitted top Gulten made for her upon the birth of her first child, Alper. Bottom right: Gulten (right) poses with her sister, Ulker, long ago at their home in Turkey. (continued from page 26) thing out of anything,”

says Cihan, a radiologist, who moved to the U.S. with family in 2010 at age 45. She and businessman husband Ahmet envisioned better educational opportunities here for their three children.

Her first-born, Alper, went to medical school in Turkey, and came to the States for his fellowship and residency. He’s a neuroradiologist in Miami.

Oldest daughter Elif is in her psychiatric residency at California’s UC Davis School of Medicine.

Moon, the youngest, was 10 when they moved to the U.S. She’s also on a medical path at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.

Cihan is a professor of radiology at McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston).

“We are an educated family,” says Cihan.

“But it’s one thing to be educated, it’s another great thing to create. One day when I retire, I need to make more things.”

It appears that Cihan also possesses the knitting gene.

Moon models a soft lavender sweater that her mom made for herself at age 24, when graduating from Hacettepe University Medical School in Ankara, Turkey. She was engaged to be married. “I wore that sweater my mom made to Rice all the time when I was in college. People always WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 28

commented on it. I will never get rid of it!”

As for a thick wool sweater that Cihan knitted for her husband during their engagement, Moon offers to take it, too. Maybe she will give it to a husband one day, she says. “I am most certainly single right now. But maybe one day!

I mean, can you believe the detail on that?

That’s incredible!”

Of the tie dress, Moon says, “It’s definitely something I would wear on a date.”

“A conversation-starter for sure,” quips Cihan.

Like Gulten, the culture of Turkey is known for its caring, hospitable culture, she stresses.

Cihan’s home is testament to this hospitality.

This day, she’s offering heaven on a plate.

Kalburabasti. This marvel of Turkish gastronomy hits the spot with its ground-walnut filling and pistachio topping, pairing perfectly with a spot of Turkish tea.

They pore over pictures of her aunt’s creations and recall Turkish traditions like Gold Days, a social gathering in Turkey where women friends come together in rotation at one another’s home to eat, drink, share stories, and just generally get up to speed on each other’s life.

Each guest brings a golden coin for the hostess, a way to strengthen bonds, show solidarity, and help with each other’s financial needs.

“I love coming from a culture where people are so extremely giving,” says Moon. “My mom’s aunt has made things for everyone she knows with no thought of anything in return. She does it out of pure love.”

Moon loves that tactile connection, too. “I think sometimes ‘Oh, I should create something.’ But I don’t think I have the time. But when I look at things my ancestors have created out of nothing basically, without any sort of privilege, it’s inspirational for sure. Then I’m like, I have no excuses. At all.”

A camera and camcorder are Moon’s needles and yarn. “I love photography and my dad’s Canon is mine now. I’ve been taking a lot of photos and editing and making videos. In the same way my mom’s aunt knits, I make videos to a song that reminds me of the person I’m making it for, then I gift it to them. It brings me a lot of joy.”

“See there? It’s about the loving and caring,” stresses Cihan. “You can buy anything for anyone, but it’s not the same. When you make something, that’s from your heart. Aunt Gulten is a legend. She’s a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring impact of a single, gifted individual on the hearts and lives of those around her.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 29

NEIGHBORS

by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, staff writer

Snow Magical Winter wonderland, Houston style

H

Larry Garmezy

ouston woke up on Tues., Jan. 21, to discover a fresh blanket of snow covering our city. And the snow was still falling. It was surreal. Prior to Winter Storm Enzo’s arrival, there was an air of nervous anticipation around the city. We remembered all too well the crises that resulted from the freeze in Feb. 2021. We all prepared to hunker down. Just in case.

But thankfully, the weather events were different, and what resulted this time was pure joy.

For many, this marked the first time experiencing this kind of true, stick-to-the-ground snowfall right outside our doors. For some, this marked the first time experiencing snow, ever.

Houstonians eagerly grabbed snow gear (some with borrowed or just-bought clothing items) and headed out the door. Families formed snowballs and had snowball fights with neighbors; built snowmen; went sledding (some creating makeshift sleds from laundry baskets or pool floats); brought out skis and snowboards and found nearby hills; made snow angels; tasted snowflakes; sipped hot chocolate; and stared out the window in wonder. It was magical.

Snowfall totaled more than six inches in some areas, though most of Houston saw two to four inches. It marked the highest annual snowfall Houston had seen since 1973.

Upon returning to reality, heading back to our workplaces and schools, we all excitedly shared our snow-day experiences with one another. We shook our heads in disbelief. Did that really happen?

It did, and it’s something we will remember forever.

The Buzz gathered snow-day photos and videos on our website. Below are some Buzzworthy moments from neighbors. See more at thebuzzmagazines.com (search “Snow Magical).

Editor’s note: See Cindy Gabriel’s Cindy and Snow: A short story in this issue for more on the magic of snow days.

WALK IN THE SNOW Photographer and Bellaire resident Larry Garmezy (Archway Gallery) shared this beautiful photo, A Walk in the Snow, taken looking west down Pine St. from Alder St. He woke up bright and early to capture the fresh powder. He said, “What was really cool was that Houston, in four days, experienced fall, winter, early spring (mud season), and late spring. Growing up in Minneapolis, this took seven months.”

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 30

Nora Campbell experienced her first snow day with her family at just two weeks old (here, pictured with oldest brother Landon).

Aleena Gilani

This crew of Bellaire Little League players and parents built a gigantic snowman on Weston Field. Pictured (back row, from left) Bubba Crosby, Rohan Wagle, Todd Stern, Tommy Crosby, Adam Davidoff; (front row, from left) Hudson Crosby, Oliver Stern, Seth Davidoff, Fitz Stern, Asher Wagle, Miles Davidoff, Reid Crosby, and Silas Kwok.

Dr. Jennifer Taylor took a ski trip down the street.

Tamarisk neighbors, including the Zeid, Hayek, Akkad, Mooma, Nasreddin, and Ayoub families, had a blast in the snow.

Jennifer Liu boogie boarded down the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Henry Moncrief, Cal Aimone, and Lucas Moncrief (pictured, from left) built an 80-inch snowman with help from neighbors and friends in Memorial.

Juliana, Stephen, Kelley, Alex, and Ben Eubank posing with their snowman in West U.

Dr. Marian Zinnante with grandchildren Elliot and Abigail Ward and their mom Dr. Jennifer Taylor (from left) were delighted by snow-day fun in Bellaire.

Snowball fight: Neighbors (pictured, from left) Lucas Puig, Rafael LaMadrid, Luis LaMadrid, Jude Dahdel, Gabriel Leung, and Miles Marx enjoyed battling it out in the snow.

Parker Magaziner, 4 months old, made his first snow angel.

Clara Moncrief helped Memorial neighbors build a tall snowman.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 31

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by Cindy Burnett, staff writer

Buzz Reads

Cindy Burnett

ARTS

Five picks for March

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

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (thriller) – Camilla’s life is about to change in the blink of an eye. Her maternity leave is ending, and she plans to drop her baby daughter at daycare for the first time and resume her literary agent job. Instead, when she wakes, her husband Luke is gone, and he has left her a mysterious note. As she watches the TV while she gets ready, she hears that a hostage situation is developing in London and, moreover, the police tell her that Luke is in the midst of it all – as the gunman. McAllister returns with another pageturner that subverts the usual thriller conventions. There are some great twists and turns that kept me guessing. Famous Last Words will appeal to those who like intelligent thrillers that keep the reader guessing and for those who enjoy new takes in standard tropes.

Follow Me to Africa by Penny Haw (historical fiction) – This fantastic book is historical fiction inspired by the story of Mary Leakey, who carved her own path to become one of the world’s most distinguished paleoanthropologists.

It is a dual timeline tale that explores the consequences of our choices, the wisdom that comes with time and reflection, and the relationships that make us who we are. The sense of place is outstanding; Haw transported me to the plains of Africa. This book is a great fit for fans of wellcrafted historical fiction based on fact and trailblazing women.

Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell (fiction) – When Ciara Fay makes a split-second decision to grab a few clothes and her two young daughters and flee, she knows that leaving is the right thing to do, but she finds that staying away is much harder than the leaving was. With no job and little support, she struggles to find a home for her girls and herself as her emotionally abusive husband Ryan launches an unrelenting campaign for her to return home. Navigating the broken Irish housing system and constantly second-guessing herself, Ciara bravely fights the odds in this compelling tale of survival and the WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 32

effects of enduring the long-term consequences of emotional abuse.

O’Donnell’s vivid prose brings to life the unsettling brutality of gaslighting and coercive partner control where the bruises are not physical and keeps the suspense taut and gripping. This beautiful book will appeal to those who enjoy character-driven tales focusing on making your own way, trauma, loss, and love.

Raising Hare: A Memoir by WHAT TO READ This month’s selections include a memoir about an unexpected relationship, two historical fiction books, one about Mary Leakey and the other about Chloe Dalton family secrets and books, a clever thriller, and a page turner about a woman finding (memoir) – During her way. the Covid lockCarolina. At age 12, Bronwyn amazed the world down in the English countryside, Dalton stumwith a book written in an invented language bles across a leveret (a baby hare) and brings it that became a sensation across the country. By home. As she learns to feed it and take care of it 1952, Clara is raising her own daughter when a with little guidance because raising a hare is stranger contacts her from London claiming to quite rare, what results is an unlikely relationhave discovered a handwritten dictionary of her ship between her and the hare, a development mother’s lost language. She heads to London to that completely changes the way Dalton views investigate the found dictionary. I reveled in all the world. This book contains so many beautiful of the literature-related references, including a passages that I stopped to absorb and reflect on cameo from Beatrix Potter, as well as the mysand helped me evaluate how I move about in tery and Clara’s search to understand her famithe world. I loved Raising Hare from beginning ly’s legacy. This book will appeal to fans of books to end. This book is good for readers who enjoy about books and family secrets. a strong sense of place as well as for fans of stories about nature, animals, and making connecEditor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett tions. also writes our weekly Page Turners column at The Story She Left Behind by Patti thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-winCallahan Henry (historical fiction) – This ning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page beautiful book is inspired by a true literary mysPodcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the tery. In 1927, Clara Harrington’s childhood Instagram account @thoughtsfrompage, and regshatters when her mother, Bronwyn Newcastle ularly speaks to groups about books.

Fordham, disappears off the coast of South

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 33

TRAVEL

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by Tracy L. Barnett, staff writer

Travel Buzz

Last Hawaii Hurrah: A Family’s Full-Circle Journey

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hen the Allens arrived at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park one afternoon in December, they had no idea they were about to witness something spectacular. They had just finished an arduous 4.5-mile hike through the crater and had returned to the lodge, tired and hungry. That’s when they heard the news: Kilauea had just started erupting.

“People in the lodge were saying, ‘Oh my gosh, the volcano is erupting right now,’” recalls Joseph Allen. Daughter Victoria rushed to gather her scattered family members. Through the foggy afternoon, they watched in awe as Kilauea put on its show – a once-in-a-lifetime sight that set the tone for their extraordinary family vacation.

This wasn’t just any Hawaiian getaway.

Nineteen years earlier, Joseph and Amy Allen had visited these islands when Victoria was just a baby and Amy was pregnant with their son Nathaniel. Now, they were returning before Nathaniel heads off to college in the fall. Their daughter Victoria, 19, is a sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C. Amy’s sister Anne Briggs, who lives in Brenham, and her two sons, Garrett and Beck Briggs, came along, as did the family matriarch Carol Dinkins, a retired environmental attorney who was the first woman to serve as Deputy Attorney General of the Department of Justice from 1984-85 under President Ronald Reagan.

“The whole extended family has been wanting to take a trip together,” Joseph explained. “Carol really wanted to spearhead a big family vacation celebrating life and celebrating all of us... It’s getting harder and harder to all get together.”

The eight-day adventure, split between the Big Island and Kauai, balanced ambitious excursions with moments of family connection.

While some activities required creative planning to accommodate everyone from 79-yearold Carol to the four cousins (ages 18-23), others brought unexpected opportunities for multigenerational bonding.

Their exploration of the Big Island revealed Hawaii’s dramatic diversity. While snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay, Victoria was particularly fascinated to find a memorial of Captain Cook, given her recent college coursework on the WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 34

British explorer. The bay offered what became one of her top three memorable experiences, including an enchanting encounter with local marine life.

“I almost swam past IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF KINGS The Allen/Briggs family on the Pololu Valley what I thought was just Lookout Trail, at one time a government road to ‘Āwini, a splendid cliffside overlook where ali’i (or Hawaiian royalty) once lived. Pictured (back row, from left) Amy, a rock, but then it Nathaniel, Victoria, Beck; (second row) Joseph, Garrett, and Anne. moved,” Victoria smog) of the volcano we had seen earlier in the recalls. “When I realized it was an octopus, I week; we realized it was creating this infrared kind of freaked out. My dad and I had recently haze that showed up on camera.” seen My Octopus Teacher, which completely The family’s aquatic adventures proved equalchanged how I look at octopuses. I grabbed my ly memorable. On an evening snorkeling expedad and showed him.” dition on a large flotation device off the Big The family spent about 10 minutes gathered Island, they encountered a group of massive around the creature, watching as their eightmanta rays. The water was rough and turbulent, armed acquaintance gradually became more and they were getting banged around in the comfortable with their presence. “The longer we waves. Their guides shone a penetrating light stayed, the more it emerged from the coral to down into the dark waters about 30 feet down. look at us,” Victoria says. “It was this small, redAnd suddenly, there they were: elephant-sized dish-brown creature, and except for its two eyeand swimming right under them. balls, it blended perfectly with the rock.”

The animals’ proximity and the suddenness The trip’s timing proved especially meaningful of their appearance made it an especially as Nathaniel had just received life-changing news. intense experience.

“He had just found out 10 days before that he had “They were shocking,” said Amy. “They’re gotten into Northwestern, and we were all super down there eating plankton, and the water is happy,” Victoria recalls. “The stress of college was very cloudy so you can’t see them coming.” gone, so he could fully enjoy this trip and my parJoseph chimed in, “And so it’s cloudy, and ents could tell everyone, ‘My son's going to you can’t see anything… and the next thing, Northwestern.’ It made the trip a lot happier.” there’s a 12-foot manta ray six inches from you.”

Their stargazing experience with an excellent Some of their most special moments came guide on Saddle Road near Mauna Kea became from veering off the beaten path. On New Year's another highlight. “There's no light pollution, Day, they tackled a challenging drive and hike so you could see the Milky Way just as clear as to Makalawena Beach. day,” said Joseph. The guide had brought a large “We had to drive on this horrendous 4x4 road telescope, and the family was able to observe for about a mile,” Joseph recalls. “And then we Saturn, Jupiter, and the Andromeda Galaxy. had to hike another mile over a lava pathway to “When you’re there and it’s so dark,” Joseph get to this absolutely beautiful and secluded, explains, “it’s like there’s a thousand stars in powdery soft sand beach.”

Orion that you just can’t see in Bellaire.”

The adventure turned slightly chaotic when Victoria captured a remarkable photo of her their second car couldn't handle the terrain: brother against the night sky, with an unexpect“Amy’s mom stopped, not even halfway to the ed detail: “My brother was sitting on a bench, park. And so, Amy’s sister Anne and her boys had with stars all around him, and there was a redto actually walk another half mile to come join us.” dish glow. It was not light pollution or a warping The cousins – Victoria and Nathaniel Allen, of the camera. It was from the Vog (volcanic

TROPICAL VISTAS Left photo: Joseph, Amy, Victoria, and Nathaniel took a boat to get to the isolated, jaw-dropping Na'pali Coast. Right photo: While others were surfing, Carol and Anne (front row, from left) and Amy (back row) paid a visit to the verdant landscape where Michael Crichton, the author of Jurassic Park, was married – at the Allerton Garden, which is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai.

along with Garrett and Beck, from Brenham – have always been close. “These are memories that they will have together as a family that will last,” Joseph reflects. “And hopefully with these shared experiences, they will continue this tradition with their own children.”

For Victoria, the trip offered a new perspective on family time. “We don’t see each other as often as we used to," she says. “It was really nice to catch up with them, to do our own thing, to share college memories, and what's happening in our lives in a more adult way.”

The family then flew to Kauai to start the new year, where they drove through Waimea Canyon, also known at the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. They then embarked on a powerboat tour of the Na’pali coast that is only accessible by boat or kayak. Its mountainous terrain has been featured in numerous films including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and King Kong. Spinner dolphins, the Hawaiian triggerfish or humuhumunukunukuapua’a, and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal all paid a visit

to their snorkeling excursion on this unforgettable aquatic adventure. Carol, Anne, and Amy also visited the Kauai Botanical Gardens, where Michael Crichton, author of the Jurassic Park series, held his wedding ceremony.

Their final evening on Kauai brought one last marvel at Poipu Beach, where the Allens had vacationed 19 years before, when it was just Amy, Joseph, and baby Victoria. It was a beautiful memory, but this time was different.

During Covid, when the whole island was shut down, Poipu Beach became a haven for Hawaiian green sea turtles, explained Joseph.

The Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu, is one of the only species that engages in a behavior called “hauling out.” Most sea turtles only go ashore to lay their eggs and leave, while the honu regularly basks on the beaches.

“So I thought we would go there and maybe see a sea turtle or two swim in,” said Joseph. But when they got there, they were lined up by the dozens.

“And we're like wow, this is way more impressive than what I thought it was. One of the park rangers

said they had as many as 60 turtles at nighttime.”

Victoria noted the significance: “I think it says something about how safe the beach is and how much Hawaii cares.”

The whole experience, Joseph reflected, “from a naturalist point of view with all these beautiful animals we saw – the fish, the Hawaiian monk seal, the turtles, the manta rays, the spinner dolphins – it’s just amazing.”

Now, as Victoria hopes to study abroad in Scotland and Nathaniel prepares for Northwestern, the Allens are already planning their next adventures.

“I put the cart before the horse because she’s not there yet,” Joseph says with a laugh about Victoria’s potential Scotland semester, “but I’ve told her, ‘you need to get this through because I’m ready to go see you in Scotland.’”

Their Hawaiian journey may have marked the end of one chapter, but for this close-knit family, it's also the beginning of new adventures together – just with a few more frequent flyer miles between visits.

Tips from Our Travelers From Joseph, Amy, and Nathaniel Allen Worth the splurge: Snorkeling with manta rays, stargazing with a guide near Mauna Kea, private surfing/boogie-board lesson Don’t miss: Na'pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Favorite restaurants: Foster’s and Harbor House on the Big Island. L&L Barbecue or Gill’s Lanai were also amazing.

Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen and good water-compatible shoes (Chacos, KEENs, or Crocs will save your feet from the lava rocks and can take the beating from hiking) What to avoid: Find places to eat away from the touristy places; eat where you see the locals go for better food, better prices, and authentic Hawaiian hospitality.

Local favorite: Shave ice, without question Beware travel rating scams: Ocean view vs. Oceanfront – check Google Earth to make sure if you truly want the view your place claims they have.

Unexpected hits: Kekaha Kai State Park had the worst road, but Makalawena was an amazing beach and a lifelong memory after the 1-mile off-road drive and 1.3-mile lava rockfield hike. The food trucks in Koloa of Kauai offered amazing food and Hawaiian hospitality that were second to none despite looking a bit shabby.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 35

DINING

by Dai Huynh, staff writer

Carla Gomez

Chef’s Corner

The Chefs Behind Local Foods Group And mastering the art of transformation

CULINARY MINDS Local Foods Group owner Benjy Levit and culinary director Seth Siegel-Gardner opened Italian-American concept Milton’s this fall. Seasoned chef Kent Domas executes their vision. Benjy describes Seth and his team as the “strongest group I’ve worked with in 30 years.” Pictured is the team behind Milton’s.

S

eth Siegel-Gardner’s biceps are as thick as tree trunks, sculpted from lifting heavy pots and stirring gigantic bowls. My visit to the Italian-American restaurant Milton’s (5117 Kelvin Dr.) marked the first time I saw the 45-year-old chef in a moment of stillness.

He has always been a whirlwind of activity, previously at the now-closed, critically acclaimed The Pass & Provisions and later at his former pizza joint in Marfa. We had never exchanged a word; he has always been fully engrossed in his culinary tasks.

Benjy Levit exhibits a similar intensity.

Whenever I spot his trim, silver-haired figure at Local Foods Market (2424 Dunstan Rd.) in Rice Village, he seems deep in thought or WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 36

focused on the food displays. I avoid bothering him and prefer catching up on the phone.

The two native Houstonians – each with decades of experience, expertise, and unique talents – eventually teamed up in the fall of 2023 to build a highly skilled crew in the fourthlargest city’s vibrant and hyper-competitive international dining scene. “Milton’s culinary team is so smart,” says James Beard award-winning chef and TV food host Chris Shepherd.

“The other night, I felt like I was attending a symphony of parm. I was at Milton’s with my wife. On one side, a guy was eating chicken parmesan. I was having the veal parm. Next to me, a friend was having an eggplant parm. It’s classic, old-school Italian and Milton’s is truly

hitting on all cylinders.”

Despite Milton’s immediate success, challenges can still arise, given that Local Foods and Milton’s are not the only venues operated by Local Foods Group. This enterprise, established

by Benjy 30 years ago and now led alongside chef-partner Dylan Murray, boasts a diverse portfolio. Benjy relies on Seth, his former consultant, and current culinary and creative director, to oversee menu development, staff, and food quality across the operation, which includes five farm-to-table delis, Local Foods, and two dine-in gourmet grocers, Local Foods Market.

For nine months, Benjy and Seth have navigated a timeline of openings and closings that

Julie Soefer MILTON’S Siegel-Gardener says at Milton's, "...there is something for everyone. It’s easy to connect with this crave-worthy style of food. After being in the restaurant business as long as I have, certain things will stand the test of time." Pictured are an array of Milton's dishes, including their signature three-day fermented sourdough garlic knots with burrata and truffles, which sell out quickly; their chicken parm, served with spaghetti and tomato sauce; and cresta di gallo pasta, which was a fan favorite at the now-closed, critically acclaimed The Pass & Provisions.

would leave many operators reeling. Last April, their team launched the Mexican concept Maximo (6119 Edloe St.). In June 2024, they closed their once highly anticipated French restaurant, Eau Tour, just a year after it switched on the burner. That was when Seth proposed opening an Italian restaurant. By September, Milton’s occupied the second floor of the all-day Local Foods Market (LFM).

Shortly after, Benjy’s laid-back wine bar, Lees Den – named after his mother and located next to Milton’s – closed. A week before Thanksgiving, a second LFM opened on the Rice campus. In January, Benjy’s team relaunched Maximo after a three-week hiatus, debuting a refreshed menu and a new chef. In tandem, Lee's (now with an apostrophe) opened with stylish cocktails crafted by beverage director Máté Hartai, earning it the nickname “The Lounge 2.0.” The space traded its tropical aura for an airy atmosphere reminiscent of an art gallery loft, evoking memories of the upstairs lounge at Benjy’s iconic restaurant.

Known for creative concoctions, Benjy’s lounge was a training ground for bartenders who would shape the cocktail renaissance, including Bobby Heugel of Anvil (1424 Westheimer).

The trend of rapid rebranding has accelerated because of Covid-19. It continues to flourish thanks to the real-time feed and increased visibility offered by platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Restaurateurs must remain agile and responsive to stay relevant and competitive in this fast-paced digital landscape. But Benjy is

used to repositioning. Covid forced restaurateurs like Benjy to be resilient and adaptable. He sold produce and grocery boxes at Local Foods locations to boost revenue and support his farmers and suppliers. Midway through the pandemic, the University of Texas marketing alumnae closed his 25-year-old, pioneering namesake restaurant. He remodeled and reopened it as Local Foods Market, aligning with demands and tastes shaped by the pandemic. LFM continues to offer daily specials, unique and hard-to-find staples like olive oils and jams, and curated foodie gifts, all carefully sourced by Benjy, whose background in the grocery business has made him adept at finding these specialty items.

His grandfather founded Grocers Supply, Texas's largest wholesaler, which the Levit family sold in 2014. Benjy, the youngest of six children, entered the culinary world to stand out to his father, Milton. He worked as a host at Bennigan’s and a fry cook at James Coney Island. After college, he went to culinary school in New York, where he dreamed of opening a vegan restaurant. His mentor, the legendary Tony Vallone, encouraged him to pursue his vision. However, the mid-90s weren't ready for a vegan concept, so Benjy pivoted to a farm-totable menu, a trend he helped pioneer before it became mainstream. Additionally, he introduced handcrafted specialty drinks at his upstairs lounge long before the modern cocktail movement took off. Today, artisanal, fresh-ingredient cocktails are a staple.

These days, Benjy and his team are asking questions like: Will the new Maximo captivate?

Can Lee’s recapture the allure of Benjy’s oncefamous lounge? Will the secret get out about the recently opened Local Foods Market in the Brochstein Pavilion at Rice University? And how many sourdough garlic knots does Milton’s talented baker need to make to avoid selling out almost every night?

While some see Wednesday as an off-peak night in the restaurant industry, diners flock to this dinner-only trattoria midweek. The aroma of simmering red sauce warms the air, and the decor of mid-century brass, mahogany accents, brick walls, and framed black-andwhite photos of the Levit family creates a nostalgic, unpretentious vibe. With stately Corinthian columns and arches, a Brunswickstyle pub bar leads to a bright, bustling kitchen where chef Kent Domas presides over the action. Plates of handmade pasta zoom out of the kitchen – bucatini amatriciana, ricotta gnocchi, linguine alle vongole, butternut squash agnolotti.

Teal velvet banquettes encircle diners facing a row of tables on the opposite wall. Above are abstract green-and-gold stained-glass panels by Chicago artist Ben Houtkamp and emerald plaid curtains. The décor combines elements of the ’50s and early ’60s Rat Pack with ’70s preppy influences, yet it comes together seamlessly.

Lively chatter and laughter fill the air. By 7 p.m., Milton’s signature three- (continued on page 38) WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 37

Carla Gomez MAXIMO Chef Adrian Torres leads the kitchen at Maximo, recently rebranded as a progressive Mexican restaurant. In addition to fragrant artisanal corn tortillas, Adrian showcases the prized nixtamalized masa in various applications on the menu under the “Masa y Más” section. Dried heirloom corn kernels from Oaxaca, Mexico soak in an alkaline solution overnight to enhance their flavor and texture before being ground into masa. Pictured are Cochinita Pibil Sope, Tikin Xic Papillote, Masa Cornbread, and Nixtamal Tortillas. (continued from page 37) day fermented sourdough

garlic knots with burrata and truffles had sold out despite the price tag of $36. “For now, we’re busy, and that, for me, is a success. We’re a really good restaurant. We’re working on becoming great,” Seth says.

After the failed Eau Tour, Seth was determined to minimize any setbacks. Seth concluded that the problem wasn’t Eau Tour’s food. It was the genre. Houstonians perceive French food as too high-end and reserved for special occasions.

“It wasn’t a buzzy opening, whereas with Milton’s, there is something for everyone. It’s easy to connect with this crave-worthy style of food. After being in the restaurant business as long as I have, certain things will stand the test of time,” Seth says.

For example, the golden triad – bolognese, lasagna, and chicken parmesan – draws guests year-round. For good measure, Seth also included the cresta di gallo pasta with roasted mushrooms in a froth of toasted yeast and parmesan cream. "It was a huge hit at Pass & Provisions, and I knew people would come for it," he says.

"Of course, I asked my old partner, Terrence (Gallivan), for permission."

Seth already had the right chef to execute the food: Eau Tour chef Kent, a seasoned kitchen veteran Seth describes as the "real deal." "The way he thinks about food is smart,” he adds.

"The idea to expand on the parm was all his. We were going to do just chicken parm, but Kent said, ‘Hey, how about eggplant and veal, too?’"

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 38

With a lifetime of experience around cooks, Seth can instinctively spot talent. He started at 14 years old at the original Tony Mandola’s, rolling napkins. His journey landed him in some of the world’s top kitchens, where he cooked for renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Nuno Mendes. In 2012, he returned to Houston to open the dual concept The Pass & Provisions, which quickly garnered fans. When the restaurant closed in May 2019, he moved to Marfa and opened a deli pizzeria and the highly regarded Marfa Spirit Co. However, his three growing kids' need for better healthcare and education paved the way back to Houston.

Benjy describes Seth and his team as the “strongest group I’ve worked with in 30 years,” so he didn’t hesitate to rebrand Maximo from modern Tex-Mex to progressive Mexican.

Former chef-partner Tony Luhrman stepped away from the day-to-day operations, and they promoted 26-year-old sous chef Adrian Torres to executive chef. “He’s so mature for his age,” Seth says. “We took many of the same steps in formulating Maximo’s menu as Milton’s. But this is his menu. I nudge and give advice, but he creates and executes. His food is very soulful for a brand-new restaurant. He uses a lot of traditional ingredients, combining them with modern techniques. In Mexico City, you can have amazing Japanese food with Mexican ingredients. There are a lot of interesting crossovers.

You’ll get that at Maximo.”

In addition to fragrant artisanal corn tortillas,

Mexican-born Adrian showcases the prized nixtamalized masa in various applications on the menu under the “Masa y Más” section. Dried heirloom corn kernels from Oaxaca, Mexico soak in an alkaline solution overnight to enhance their flavor and texture before being ground into masa. Adrian uses the masa to crust halibut and make cornbread, tostadas, and tetelas – triangular-shaped pockets stuffed with beans, herbs, and salsas. On Maximo’s new brunch menu, the Xochi and Belly of the Beast alumnae created an eggs benedict with sopes, short rib, and mole hollandaise. Caviar is optional.

“The way he combines flavors is unique. He’s going to be a rock star,” Seth says of Adrian.

Seth and his team like to use the Local Foods Market on Rice campus as their office. It’s a hybrid gem for Local Foods fans because the menu features all its signature dishes, with the bonus of a few pastas from Milton’s, tacos made with tortillas from Maximo, pizzas, and a great coffee bar. But the best part is the surroundings.

“It’s located in the Brochstein Pavilion, which is like a beautiful glass jewel box in the middle of campus,” Seth says. “It’s just fun to bring the family there on a beautiful day, get some food, and then sit on the grounds or inside, surrounded by these smart college kids. They haven’t been jaded by the world yet. It’s a legitimate spot.”

Seth, Benjy, and their team can breathe a little easier after all the closings and openings.

However, there are always new ideas floating, but “we haven’t signed any leases,” Seth says.

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 39

SPORTS

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by Todd Freed, staff writer

SportzBuzz I

t’s a new era for Memorial High School with the hiring of Brooks Haack as the Mustangs head football coach and campus athletic director. The 31-year-old comes to Memorial after helping lead Richmond Randle High School to the 5A Division II State championship last season as the team’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. As a football player back in high school, Haack was the quarterback for the 2008 State Champion Katy Tigers before going on to play college football at the University of Louisiana.

For Memorial, Haack replaces legendary coach Gary Koch, who retired after 31 years as the Mustangs head football coach, which included 19 playoff berths and a state semifinal berth. “Growing up down the road in Katy, I was familiar with the great tradition that Coach Koch established at Memorial,” said Haack.

“There’s a lot of reverence for Coach Koch and the tradition he built here. It’s going to be tough to follow, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to build on that success and be a part of a great community. The administration and staff at Memorial and Spring Branch ISD have been great and it already feels like a home environment to me,” said Haack. “It’s just been an amazing process.”

As a state champion both as a player and then as an assistant coach, Haack brings a unique pedigree to his first head coaching role.

“Winning a state championship is extremely rewarding for the entire community. It was an unreal season last year at Randle,” said Haack.

“When you have talented coaches and athletes, a lot of great things can happen. I’ve talked to the kids about what it takes to go through the process of an undefeated 16-0 season and a state championship. I understand the work it takes and how high the bar has to be set, and our job as coaches is to set that bar,” said Haack.

Setting the bar begins in the weight room, according to Haack. “You’ve got to be able to move people up front on both the offense and defensive line, so we need to be physically ready to compete at a highest level. The other big thing is developing leadership from within and having our guys go out there and rely on

WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 40

LEAD EAGLE The St. Thomas Eagles will head into the upcoming football season under the direction of firstyear head coach Raymond Davis. Davis had been the Eagles defensive coordinator for the last eight seasons.

each other both on and off the field. I’m excited for the opportunity of taking the energy and culture of things here at Memorial to a whole new level.”

W

ith the departure of longtime St. Thomas High School head coach Rich McGuire to the collegiate ranks, Eagles defensive coordinator Raymond Davis has stepped in as the school’s new head football coach. “I’m just extremely excited to take on this position,” said Davis. “I came to St. Thomas when Rich became the head coach in 2017 and he’s been a mentor in the entire process.”

Under McGuire as head coach and with Davis as defensive coordinator, the Eagles owned a lofty 52-19 overall record over an eightseason stretch including a historic berth to the TAPPS Division 1 State Final in 2023. “I’ve told the kids I want to double-down on the attributes that make St. Thomas so special. Our motto is: teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge.”

Along with his football know-how, Davis brings a notable military experience to the table.

The Army veteran retired in 2021 as a Major in the National Guard, which led to a fairly remarkable juggling act during the Eagles 2018

and 2019 football seasons. “I was a commander along the border in the Brownsville sector stretching up to Kingsville for 14 months before being transferred to Austin for another 14 months. So, I was on location for my military duty Monday through Friday every week then made the long drive to Houston in time for Friday night’s games. I then stayed the weekend to break down game films with the kids on Saturdays followed by our Sunday coaches’ meetings. Right in the thick of all that in the 2018 football season, we knocked off a highly touted St. Pius team to wrap up an undefeated district championship.”

Moving forward, Davis has high expectations for the Eagles program. “We have loads of experience coming back including seven starters on offense and another seven on defense. Our plan is to definitely carry on the success we’ve had in recent years.”

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.

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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.

Bump-set-spike The Houston Volleyball Academy’s 12U Red team began play in January and made an immediate impact, placing first in their first Power tournament with a 3-0 record. Despite many of the players having never competed together before, they performed exceptionally well. The team is composed of 12 sixth- and seventh-grade athletes from 10 different middle schools including Pershing Middle School, Lanier Middle School, St. Vincent de Paul, The Emery/Weiner School, The Kinkaid School, St. Thomas’ Episcopal School, Dulles Middle School, Trafton Academy, St. John's School, and St. Mark's Episcopal. Pictured (back row, from left) are Caitlyn Yearwood, Lily Flinders, coach Laura Welch, Sonia Dalal, Farrah Olajuwon, Carmen Prado; (front row, from left) Maddie Taibel, Audrey Alvarez, Aeryn Hill, Savannah Beinart, Hensley Grothues, Karis Lim, and Ella Fleishman.

Softball in full swing West University Softball Association kicked off the spring season with a record number of players. Coaches adapted to the unpredictable Houston weather by moving their spring player evaluations indoors this year. Cold temperatures and rainy skies did not dampen the spirits of the young athletes, especially the 8U players, who were relieved to avoid fielding, throwing, and hitting in 35-degree weather. This year marks a milestone for WUSA, with a record-breaking 1,080 players registered across the 6U to 14U divisions. The impressive turnout reflects the growing enthusiasm for youth softball. Pictured (standing, from left) Emily Pacetti, Savannah Pederson, Catherine Rahmn, Reagan Roe; (front) Luiza Rodilosso.

All-stars Every season, beginning with Minor A division, two West University Little League All-Star teams are formed – National and American. At the end of the season, every manager, assistant coach, and all 150 players vote for the best players in each league, forming two All-Star teams. The West University Little League 9U American All-Star team learned a lot along the way and made friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

Pictured are (back row, from left) manager Lance Walters, assistant coaches Cody Marcum, Alex Jackson, and Will Thomas; (second row, from left) James Riewoldt, Ander Walters, Jack Kelly, Will Huang, George Dols, Cooper Marcum, Brooks Jackson, Christopher Loftus, Preston Kiser, James Walter, Mac Gannon, and Wesley Thomas.

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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PULLING THE STRINGS Eleanor Spalding, an eighth grader at St. Mark’s Episcopal School, found out about ventriloquism on America’s Got Talent and was hooked. She’s performed at her school talent show every year since third grade.

KIDS

by Eleanor Spalding, age 14

Buzz Kidz

The Puppet Girl

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hen I first started ventriloquism, I was living at my grandparents’ house, because my house got flooded during Hurricane Harvey. My grandma, who I call “Booboo,” was obsessed with America’s Got Talent.

One day she showed me a video of Darci Lynne Farmer doing her first ventriloquist performance on the show. I got hyperfocused on trying to start this new hobby that looked like so much fun.

My first performance was in third grade. It was at my school’s talent show, and I used a whale puppet that Booboo gave me. My first performance was ventriloquism to the song Raining Tacos

by Parry Gripp. People were very excited and supportive of my act. That is when I started to be known at school as the “Puppet Girl.” The next performance was Dance Monkey by Tones and I.

Then, in fifth grade, I graduated from the whale puppet to a girl puppet, which I named Chris after my grandma Booboo (her real name is Christine).

In fifth grade, I performed the song There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back by Shawn Mendes. In sixth grade, I did the song My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews. After that, in seventh grade, I performed The Man by Taylor Swift.

By the time I got to eighth grade, my last year at St. Mark’s, I knew I had to do a remix of all the songs I have done in the past, plus a new song at the end. The new song I decided to do was I’ll Always Remember You from Hannah Montana, and I think it was my best performance yet. I have been going to this school since I was three, so many faculty, staff, and students know me super well. I think I made about 20 or

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more people cry, and I almost did too!

I don’t know how far ventriloquism will take me, but it’s a fun hobby that I plan to continue!

Editor's note: You can watch Eleanor's performance on the online version of this article at thebuzzmagazines.com Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to info@thebuzzmagazines.com.

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Community property surprises on death Texas is one of nine states where marital assets and income are treated as jointly owned by both spouses, i.e., community property. On death, the surviving spouse retains one-half of community property. The decedent’s will controls the decedent’s half; otherwise the decedent’s one-half community property interest passes according to the laws of intestacy. For a nuclear family, dying without a will leaves the surviving spouse 100% of community property. For a blended family, on intestacy, the decedent’s children or descendants share 50% and the surviving spouse keeps 50%.

Here's the kicker: all marital assets and income in Texas are presumed community. It doesn’t matter how much money the husband has, or what the wife does or doesn’t know. On death, all community property, husband’s and wife’s, is thrown in the pot and split 50:50. Rich husband can have a fat IRA, and half is deemed the wife’s. Poor wife can have a small savings account, and on death, half belongs to her husband, not her children from a prior marriage (but those same children can take half their stepfather’s assets!).

Separate property is not split on death. One spouse can leave 100% of their separate property to someone other than the surviving spouse.

What’s separate property? In theory, everything you own before marriage, plus anything inherited or received by gift during the marriage. And using gifts and marital property agreements, it’s possible to convert community to separate property.

Why the “in theory” caveat about assets owned before marriage? Because the presumption of community property can be overcome only by clear and

convincing evidence. A public deed or will is clear and convincing evidence regarding real property, such as the home, rental property, or mineral interests. That doesn’t work so well for marketable securities, like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. No one publishes any of those monthly statements, much less all of them. Broker-dealers only have a sixyear record retention requirement. Without a complete paper trail, it’s hard to overcome the community property presumption.

This system works well to protect the poorer spouse. There is also a significant income tax benefit to both spouses that is not available in the 41 states without community property. On death, both halves of the community, survivor’s and decedent’s, can qualify for a new basis as of the date of the first spouse’s death under Section 1014 of the Internal Revenue Code. This allows the surviving spouse to sell the house and downsize, or to sell the family business, without a big capital gain income tax liability. And on the surviving spouse’s death, eligible assets receive yet another new basis.

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/blog

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Importance of transparency

Neighborhood Tails Annie, age 4, Saint Bernard, Kingfisher Dr. Hi, I’m Annie! You might have seen me trying to rescue people during the snowstorm – I’m a Saint Bernard, so that’s my specialty! I’m four years old and was adopted from a rescue a year ago. I am an excellent napper and sleep for most of the day, though I love my two daily walks when I can see all my friends – human and canine. I also enjoy trips to Willow Waterhole and visiting my grandparents in Galveston.

My orange kitten brother, Flap, likes to share my big bed and stand next to me when I drink out of the bathtub faucet; he thinks he is a Saint Bernard too. I don’t play with toys much, except my tug toy and tennis ball. I love dinnertime and sometimes dance and talk while my food is being prepared.

I also love snacks; apples and carrots are my go-to since I’m watching my girlish, 130-pound figure.

Got a cute critter? Email a picture of your pet with approximately 150 words to info@thebuzzmagazines.com or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.

It’s understandable that family members may be in denial when confronted with the possibility that a parent or relative needs long-term, professional, in-home care. If this is the first time dealing with something like this, it’s expected that you would be confused and uncertain about what to do next.

Because it’s such an emotional time for family members tasked with exploring options, you need help from a caregiving service that will look at the situation objectively.

That’s why transparency and open and honest conversations are essential between family members and the firm placing an in-home caregiver. That openness allows an experienced caregiver to see what’s down the road, and honesty allows you to create a practical and well-researched plan together, preparing you for the worst-case scenario.

Transparency also ensures the best decision is made for the family member who needs care.

It’s also important, though, that transparency be mixed with professional experience to guide the very best decisions. Sid Gerber, owner of Personal Caregiving Services, is an expert in the field and has been through this process thousands of times. He’s able to sit down and openly and honestly talk with clients and their families to come up with recommendations and the best plan.

S. Gerber & Associates, 3730 Kirby Dr., Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77098, 713.857.3227, sid@personalcaregiving.com

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Why allergy shots don’t work Claritin, Zyrtec, Xyzal, Allegra, Nasonex, Flonase, Singulair. All treat allergy symptoms, but none actually makes you less allergic. You stop the medicine, and it soon stops working. Allergy shots are unique in that if taken at the right dose for at least three years, they can continue to provide beneficial immunologic effects after you stop taking them. Frequently, though, people say allergy shots don’t work. Why is that? Most likely, it’s an inadequate dose.

To a point, the higher the dose, the better the protection it gives you. Ask your allergist, “How many micrograms of Der p 1 does my maintenance dose for dust mites contain?” Higher doses are associated with increased side effects, but most reactions are mild – itchy arms, local swelling. Taking antihistamines before getting the shot or applying ice to the site of the shot usually works.

Rarely, high effective doses of allergy shots can cause serious reactions – wheezing, throat tightness, hives all over, even anaphylaxis.

That’s why we monitor each patient with a digital timer after each shot and then send patients out with their own EpiPen or Auvi-Q to use if they have a late reaction.

Why else don’t allergy shots work? It’s important to split up some components into separate vials. For example, mold extract can digest grass extract.

If you are allergic to several things, but your allergy serum is all in just one vial, it is possible that some of its contents are being degraded. There is enormous variability in how allergy shots are formulated, and how they are dosed.

Many allergists continue to follow recommendations made 30 or 40 years ago.

At The Allergy Clinic and Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic, we base our recipes on the most recent guidelines. Maybe that is why we hear “these

shots have changed my life” more often than “these allergy shots don’t work.” Need quick relief? Look into our RUSH procedure.

Don’t like needles? Allergy drops that go under the tongue may be a good choice.

Though drops are not FDA approved (and therefore not covered by insurance), they are safe, effective, and legal. When dosed properly, allergy drops are expensive, but consider the time you save by not having to go to the doctor’s office to get shots, and that you can take them with you when you travel. Bootleg allergists may offer drops for less money, but you have no certainty that their recipes have any input from physicians certified by the American Board of Allergy & Immunology, or that they use doses proven to be effective in evidence-based literature.

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

David B. Engler, M.D., The Allergy Clinic, 7707 Fannin, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77054, 713.797.0993, *1200 Binz, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77004, 713.522.9911, www.allergyclinic.com, *Operating as Houston Allergy and Asthma Clinic

“For all the things my hands have held, the best by far is you.” - Andrew McMahon Photographing treasured moments for over 25 years A Portrait Remembers

713.542.8040 nikky@lawellphoto.com www.lawellphoto.com

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Daniel Ortiz

NEIGHBORS

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by Angie Frederickson, staff writer

Buzz About Town Buzzing about The Beehive Jackson Yi, Edie Mahan, Meredith Otness, and Rosemary Moore (pictured, from left) started a new social group for teens with special needs. The Beehive is an organization that hosts social events for teens of all abilities.

Memorial High School freshman Meredith Otness’ brother, John, has a rare genetic disorder and related developmental disabilities.

After seeing how much John wants to be included in social events, but has fewer opportunities than she does, Meredith worked with Jackson, Edie, and Rosemary to create The Beehive. Teens and volunteers meet monthly for themed events like game night, pool parties, holiday parties, and sports events, and are now collaborating with community churches to use their spaces to accommodate the grow-

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ing group. In addition to social events, The Beehive publishes a blog called “Share the Rare,” dedicated to educating readers about rare genetic diseases. To learn more about The Beehive and social events available to all teens, visit thebeehivehtx.org or follow @the.beehive.htx on Instagram.

Houston Tri Delta gives back Candace Thomas, Leah Rausch, Nina Rand, and Bethany Buchanan (pictured, from left) shopped ’til they dropped at The Sale at Bayou City Event Center. Presented by Houston Tri Delta Philanthropies, Inc., The Sale raised more than $425,000 for pediatric cancer research at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. Event co-chairs Lynn Ramos, Barbara Towne, Britta Christenson, and Renee Craig welcomed a record-breaking 1,700 shoppers who

searched for unique finds from more than 50 of Houston’s favorite boutiques. Since 2015, The Sale has raised more than $2.5 million for cancer projects including sarcoma studies, acute myeloid leukemia research, menin inhibitors, stem cell transplantation, supportive care, and more.

Special delivery for preemies Kinkaid School student Morgan Tannery (pictured, center left, with hospital staff) completed an Eagle Scout project that has a special meaning for his family. After being born prematurely and receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas, Morgan, now an 11th grader, provided “assistance kits” to families who are cur- (continued on page 50)

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Deadline May 15.

To submit photos, and for contest rules, visit thebuzzmagazines.com/photocontest Winning photos will be published in our July issue and on our website.

To view our 2024 winners, visit thebuzzmagazines.com/2024-photo-contest Our grand prize winner will receive a Weekend Getaway Package for Two at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa which includes luxury accommodations on Friday and Saturday evening, a $150 Credit at TRIBUTE Restaurant, access to the exclusive Houstonian Club and three temperature-controlled resort pools.

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 49

Running to end brain cancer The 21st Annual Run for the Rose, hosted by the Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation (DMRF), takes place on Sunday, March 30 at Helix Park.

Established by the Rose family in 2002 to honor the memory of their beloved daughter and sister, a pediatric physician and brain cancer patient, DMRF supports research and awareness efforts for pediatric brain cancer. This year’s event features a certified 5K Run, Family 1K Run, Survivor Stroll, and Post-Race Party for all participants. Through fundraising efforts, including the annual Run for the Rose, DMRF has donated more than $7 million to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Pictured, from left, at last year’s Run for the Rose are Lanie, Myles, Kendall, Deborah, Lexie, and Madison Rose. For more information or to register for the event, visit runfortherose.com.

Up, up, and away

(continued from page 48) rently experiencing the

same situation with their own preemies. Morgan is a member of Scout Troop 354, affiliated with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. He raised more than $5,000 to assemble toiletry kits and gifts for families who are spending time at The Woman’s Hospital with necessities like toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, comb, razor, deodorant, and snacks. In addition, the gifted kits provided baby items like socks, hats, and a special children’s book. Morgan delivered the kits to the hospital with help from fellow Scouts Harris Lingle, Henry Evans, and Graham Erwin on a special day…World Prematurity Day.

Shoppers, get ready!

Nancy Brown, Lisa Laumbach, Susan Fisher, Julia Heller, and Kathi Guillory (pictured, from left) are preparing for The City Market, hosted

by Houston Junior Forum (HJF). This year’s spring shopping extravaganza is the fourth annual event and takes place Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12 at POST Houston. Shoppers WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 50

will find a variety of vendors offering seasonal décor, clothing and accessories, jewelry, original art, and more. Special events include Friday’s Sip ‘n’ Shop party with wine and bites, Saturday morning’s Market Brunch, and Saturday afternoon’s Bubbles and Bargains with sparkling cocktails. Proceeds benefit HJF’s two primary initiatives: the college scholarship program and the community grants program. For more information, visit thecitymkt.org.

Alice Mao Brams, Bincy Abraham, Sharon Albert Brier, Jacquie Baly, Julie Baker Finck, and Stephanie von Stein Schusterman (pictured, from left) were named Women of Distinction at the 2025 Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Winter Ball. The ladies were honored for their dedication to philanthropy in the community. Bayle Goldman was named Honored Hero and Keith Fiman was named Healthcare Partner Honoree for their contributions to care and awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). More than 270 supporters gathered at the Up, Up, and Away-themed event at the Omni Houston (continued on page 52)

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Gittings

benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. The event was co-chaired by Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow, and Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman served as mistress of ceremony.

enforcement and community leaders to rescue people in the community, and then provides Jesse Green

(continued from page 50) Hotel, raising $575,000 to

Family day of service

survivor support including safe housing, medical attention and counseling, and life-skills training.

Singing on the national stage

Eyes on the streets Sylvia Forsythe, Tena Lundquist Faust, Marge Lundquist, and Laura Whalen (pictured, from left) gathered for an evening at Magpies & Peacocks benefiting Freed People, an organization working to end human trafficking. Eyes on the Streets: A Freed People Event was chaired by Lundquist Faust and featured speakers from law enforcement and Freed People leadership who talked about their efforts to rescue adults and children from trafficking situations with the use of private agents. Freed People partners with law WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 52

Annie Mulligan

While enjoying a day off to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, families (pictured) gathered at Christian Community Service Center (CCSC) for a day of service. Working together in groups, families assembled 1,200 hygiene kits for families who will visit CCSC’s emergency services food pantries. The packages included shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and a first-aid kit. In addition to the service project, volunteers took a tour of CCSC’s clothing and food pantries and learned about how the organization helps people in the community who are facing poverty and joblessness.

Members of the Advanced Chorus from Parker Elementary School were invited to perform at the American Choral Directors Association

(ACDA) conference in Dallas, March 18-22.

This Title 1 magnet school in Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the only elementary school in the United States to be chosen to perform in the conference’s history.

Parker’s chorus is under the direction of Marianna Parnas-Simpson, founding member of the Houston Chamber Choir. Along with elite choral groups from middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities, the Parker group will perform in Dallas’ Winspear Opera House and Meyerson Symphony Hall.

Community members can donate to help the students attend this prestigious event at www.parkerfriends.org/donate/.

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WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 53

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by Andria Dilling, staff writer

Back Porch

behance.net/runamokstudios

NEIGHBORS

Oscars Eats: The Academy Awards of couch snacking

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he 97th Academy Awards are airing Sunday, March 2, on ABC and Hulu.

(Do we even say that anymore, now that we’re living in the age of everything-can-belivestreamed?)

And the nominees for Best Picture are: Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked.

Except for Conclave (worth seeing) and Wicked (deservedly, an instant classic), these movies are complete unknowns to me. No matter, I will be perched on my couch watching the red carpet and Conan O’Brien and all the stars and loving it. And I will probably make a list of the movies I need to see, and then promptly lose the list.

That’s okay. Because I am going to be serving some grand refreshments this year, thanks to a few friends who shared a few clever ideas. We might be in our PJs, but our snacks are going to sparkle.

Chris Powers says her husband Joe, a retired architect, will be enjoying popcorn “popped in a heavy pot and sprinkled with truffle salt.”

She’ll also probably put some Bright Side Crisps out in a bowl. Made from pineapple pulp, they’re Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman’s new creation. Proceeds support the nonprofit Brighter Bites, which Lisa founded to give fresh produce and nutrition information to families in underserved communities.

Chris adds, “Not sure if it’s Oscar-worthy, but Joe has been making us appetizers from our garden. Almond crackers with a smear of Boursin cheese, a slice of radish, and micro greens on top. We have so many radishes, we have to get creative!” The almond crackers Chris refers to are Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers from Costco, but any cracker or toast will do.

Every year, Julia Humphreys, who retired from a career in public relations years ago to raise her children, gathers with Camp Mystic friends for an Oscars watch party. What began as a one-night event in college has turned into an annual reunion weekend. “Maybe one person has missed once,” Julia says. Food for the entire weekend is another story, but for the actual watch party, Julia says they’ll put together a WEST UNIVERSITY BUZZ MARCH 2025 54

“giant” charcuterie board, to be nibbled on alongside their requisite Grapefruit Margaritas, made from an Ina Garten recipe. And of course, because the night is about movies, Julia’s party will be flush with movie theater candy: big boxes of Junior Mints, Nestle Crunch Buncha Crunch, Milk Duds, Skittles, Hot Tamales, and Whoppers.

Cortney LaCorte is not a personal friend, but the Nashville host STAR SNACKS The Super Bowl of movies, the Academy Awards show calls of the YouTube show for next-level noshes.

“Cheese Gal” and the covered. Then dip all sides of the cheese in the face behind the Instagram account @cheesegal panko, covering evenly. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, feels like she could be a neighbor. My daughter or until golden. calls her the “couch caviar girl,” because she Use a spatula to transfer the cheese to a servunapologetically eats salt and vinegar chips ing plate, drizzle generously with the hot or spicy topped with crème fraiche, caviar, and minced honey, and serve with crackers. chives…in her pajamas on the couch. A satisfying Oscars snack in itself. Cortney’s Crispy Ina Garten’s Pink Grapefruit Baked Blue Cheese with Spicy Honey has a spot Margaritas on our Oscars spread this year.

1 lime, cut in wedges, optional Hoping this gives you some wicked good ideas Kosher salt, optional for your own spread.

1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (4 limes) Cortney LaCorte’s Crispy Baked 1 cup orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec Blue Cheese with Spicy Honey 2 cups ice 5 ½ ounce wedge of blue cheese 1 cup white tequila 1/3 cup flour 1 egg, beaten If you like a salt rim on the glasses, rub the 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with a lime around the edge of the glass and then dip sprinkle of salt and pepper the rim of each glass lightly in a plate of kosher Hot or spicy honey salt. Set aside to dry.

Combine the grapefruit juice, lime juice, Line a baking sheet with parchment and preorange liqueur, and ice in a blender and puree heat the oven to 420 degrees. Set up three until smooth. Pour into a large pitcher and stir bowls; put the flour in one, the beaten egg in in the tequila. If you’re not serving the margarone, and the panko in one. Dredge the cheese itas in salted glasses, stir ¼ teaspoon of salt into in flour, dusting off any extra. Dip the floured the pitcher of margaritas. Serve ice cold. cheese into the egg, and make sure all sides are