January 2013- Absolutely Memorial Magazine

$2.95

JANUARY 2013

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

+ PRIVATE SCHOOLS &

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

To Improve Your Health Now

New Year, New You

5 Ways INVEST BETTER IN

2013

PROACTIVEORGANIZING TIPS

MEET024 GRILLE’S

DAGAN LYNN

INSIDE FRONT

INSIDE FRONT

The average time a patient spends in the emergency room is:

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With multiple pediatric subspecialties conveniently located on site, our expertsoffer top care for kids. From sports medicine to radiology to pediatric surgery, our specialist clinics are staffed by experts in their fields using the most advanced facilities – all designed specifically for children and their families.They’re one reason why U.S.News & World Report ranked us as the top pediatrichospital in Texas. The next time your child needs medical care, come to us.We’re all about kids.

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JANUARY 2013 l TO ADVERTISE CALL 281.690.42424

F E AT U R E S

C O V E R S T O R Y

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 3

10 A NEW LEAF, A NEW LIFEDr. Dian Ginsberg offers her expertise on how we can become active participants in our healthcare, including five new ways to improve your health now. Educating yourself is the first step in a lifelong partnership with your doctor to work towards a happier, healthier you!

16 RESOLVE TO BE A BETTER INVESTOR IN 2013

17 EXPRESS YOURSELF Why do you need a headshot on file?Find out here.

26 PROACTIVE ORGANIZING TIPSTips to help you avoid the clutter and get organized for the new year.

36 REJUVENATION AND WELLNESSFind Memorial’s finest providers to help rejuvenate you for the New Year! From medical to aesthetic to holistic remedies, this special section provides the resources you need to start 2013 refreshed and at your best.

46 PRIVATE SCHOOLSAND AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIESFind the best and brightest in private schools and after-school activities in the Memorial area.

C O L U M N S

14 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS!

18 WHAT’S INSIDE?Sue Shefman’s Hippo Car

27 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS:Is Getting a Divorce on Your List?

30 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOTMeet Briana Burns

34 PAWSITIVELY PURRFECTWhat’s New for the New Year

57 SPRING BRANCH SPORTS HIGHLIGHT Sponsored by Houston Texans Grille

Lydia Harlacher, owner of Zaaz Studios andStephen Solt, owner of Prestige Strength Fitness

Photography by Hallie Keller

52 absolutely! Memorial HOLIDAY SOIREEabsolutely! Memorial Magazine held itsfabulous annual Holiday Soiree at The Marque on December 5th.

Our leading Breast Care Centers have a singular focus – you.

At Women’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, we’re completely dedicated to delivering the very best breast care. From superior breast imaging technology, like 3-D digital tomosynthesis, to expert radiologists and timely reporting of results. We’ve also made scheduling simpler than ever with the ability to book appointments online.

To learn more about our amazing women’s hospitals or to schedule a mammogram using ScheduleNow, visit memorialhermann.org, or call 713.222.CARE for a personal referral to one of our affiliated physicians.

Memorial City • The Woodlands

Women do amazing things. We’re doing amazing things for women.

CONTRIBUTORS

N E W T O T H E N E I G H B O R H O O D

32 FORE!Memorial Welcomes TopGolf

N E W S W O RT H Y21 SUGAR LAND HOME AND

GARDEN SHOW

25 KATY RODEOCelebrates 70th Anniversary

45 SPRING BRANCH EDUCATION FOUNDATION Committee for 2013 Crystal Awards Gala

ALTHARETTA YEARGIN ART MUSEUMHosts Art Around the World Workshops

54 MEMORIAL WOMEN UNITEWomen of Courage Awards Featuring Elizabeth Smart

BOY SCOUT TROOP 599Honors Four New Eagle Scouts

55 OUTSTANDING WOMEN Volunteers of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

M E D I C A L & B U S I N E S S29 BUSINESS BRIEFS

a b s o l u t e l y !F I L M R E V I E W

20 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

35 HOME THEATREDoomsday BookThunderstruck

51 HOME THEATREThe Odd Life of Timothy Green

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 3 | V O L U M E 9 | N U M B E R 1 14

Debbie Clemens Memorial ResidentPage 14

a b s o l u t e l y !H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

40 THIRTEEN MILES TO THE FINISH

41 THE BEST AND WORSTNew Year’s Resolutions

28 absolutely! Q&ATexas Children’s Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About Plastic Surgery

a b s o l u t e l y !A U T O R E V I E W

50 2013 CADILLAC ATS

a b s o l u t e l y ! D E L I C I O U S

58 024 GRILLE

59 FRENCH COOKINGMeet Emmanuelle Denaclara

60 EAT YOUR VEGGIES

61 VINE SLEUTHWhat’s Your New Year’s Wine Resolution?

62 absolutely! DELICIOUS LISTING

I N E V E RY I S S U E 8 PUBLISHER’S PREVIEW

22 HEART OF MEMORIAL

33 EVENTS

42 MEMORIAL MENTIONS

63 AD INDEX

64 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORY

42

Suzanne Stilesabsolutely! Memorial MentionsPage 42

61

Amy Gross vinesleuth.com/uncorked Page 61

Stephenie Cox absolutely! Memorial Pages 58 & 6058

& 60

34

Jan GlennFreelance Writer Page 34

41

Jenny Gaal-McGooganSmartFit Personal TrainingPage 41

40&59

Jennifer Elliottabsolutely! Memorial Pages 40 & 59

10

Dian Ginsberg, OB/GYNMedical Director forWomen’s SpecialtyHealthcare and WellnessPage 10

27

Nancy Rommelmann PLLCHouston Family Attorney Page 27

50

Steve KursarAuto Enthusiast Page 50

20

Nick NicholsonEntertainment EditorPage 20

16

Mike RobertsonRobertson WealthManagementPage 16

ON THE COVER:Lydia Harlacher andStephen Solt.

Photography byHallie Keller.

26

Janine Godwin CPO®

Nooks and Crannies Professional OrganizingPage 26


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My team of experts in Katy focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my friends and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Katy. Find Your MD Anderson today.

When I had breast cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.

I chose MD Anderson

in Katy- Jeanne Zarazee

FindYourMDAnderson.comAppointments Available 713.745.9940

Bay Area

Katy

Texas Medical CenterSugar Land

The Woodlands

Facebook.com/MDAndersonKaty

Happy New Year! I can hardly believe it is 2013, but I could not be looking more for-ward to a New Year! Last year was fantas-tic, but it was kind of a blur. The magazine went monthly and grew beyond my wildest dreams, my baby started kindergarten in the fall and my third grader began a ton of extra-curricular activities, so my head was spinning with carpool, schedules, uniforms and so on! I’ve got it now. I’m in a groove, not a funk. It took me a year to figure it out and settle into my new routine, but I’m settled now.

In this issue, we are taking a look at health. I think we all – myself included – think we can do it all, be it all and survive it all, but January is always a good time to set the record straight with your health. Dr. Dian Ginsberg shows us what we need to do in our 30s, 40s and 50s to prevent future health related problems, and Stephenie Cox, our food editor, shows us foods that are not only good for us but actually taste good. I am making a conscious decision this year to watch what goes in my body and in my family’s bodies as well.

I’m also going to breathe. You know what I mean – deep breathing, inhale, exhale, relax. There is really something to it. You know the saying “Stay Calm and Carry On” that was so popular last year? That is my mantra this year, so when you see me out and about in Memorial, and I look frazzled from my kids teasing or bickering, please give me a wink. I’ll get it to “Stay Calm and Carry On.”

Make 2013 the happiest year yet!

Absolutely yours!

[email protected]

@larabell

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 400STAFFORD , TX 77477

281-690-4242

WWW.ABSOLUTELYMEMORIAL.COM

absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 400, Stafford, TX 77477. Copyright © 2013 by absolutely! focus media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. abso-lutely! MemorialTM Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. abso-lutely! MemorialTM Magazine welcomes editorial submissions from its readers.

Publisher, LARA BELL

Vol. 9 No. 1January 2013

EXCLAMATION POINTS!THE INSIDE SCOOP STRAIGHT FROM THE TOP

Subscription requests are free to all Memorial and Galleria addresses. Annual paid subscription

of $25 required outside the Memorial/Galleria area.

E X E C U T I V E P U B L I S H E R S Michael & Lisa Fredrickson

E DI TOR- I N - C H I E F Patti Parish-Kaminski

P U B L I S H E RLara Bell

S E N I O RAC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Andrea Rigamonti

AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E S Stephenie CoxJennifer Elliott

Melissa HuckabeeJessica Kij

Henry Pineda, Jr. Celia Rivera

A RT DI R E C TORGrace Belleza

A RT & P RODU C T IONC ON SU LTA N T

Joey Belleza

G R A P H IC DE SIG N E R SChristopher Hernandez

Jesse McPeek

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C O O R D I NAT O R

Sarah Greeson

A D M I N I S T R AT I V E D I R E C T O RErin Sanders

P H O T O G R A P H E RHallie Keller

C O N T R I BU T O R SDebbie Clemens Stephenie Cox Jennifer Elliott

Jenny Gaal-McGooganJan Glenn

Dian Ginsberg, OB/GYNJanine Godwin, CPO®

Amy GrossSteve Kursar

Nick NicholsonMike Robertson

Nancy Rommelmann, PLLCSuzanne Stiles

I N T E R NCamille Hay

I N Q U I R I E S281-690-4242

E D I T O R IA L SU B M I S S I O N [email protected]

Lara BellPhoto by Two Birds Photography

Publishedby

Happy Holiday Soiree Attendee"It was fabulous!"- Jeanine Piskurich

READER FEEDBACKReader Enjoyed The Clemens' Family TraditionsDecember Cover Story

"Love the traditions! Ready to drink some hot cider this season (if it would ever get cold)!!" - Moriah Butler

My team of experts in Katy focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Having MD Anderson in my community kept me close to my friends and close to home. I chose MD Anderson in Katy. Find Your MD Anderson today.

When I had breast cancer, the world’s leading care was right here.

I chose MD Anderson

in Katy- Jeanne Zarazee

FindYourMDAnderson.comAppointments Available 713.745.9940

Bay Area

Katy

Texas Medical CenterSugar Land

The Woodlands

Facebook.com/MDAndersonKaty

Often times, people wait until they are already sick or suffering symptoms that interfere with daily life to visit their doctors and address health issues. The new field of Interventional Well-ness has recently emerged as a revo-lutionary shift away from traditional disease treatment methodology toward a proactive approach to optimizing health. Interventional Wellness focus-es on balancing the four major dynamic components that affect how our bodies function: nutrition, physical activity, hormones and stress. Understanding the role these forces play in our bodies right down to the cellular level allows us to institute therapies to counteract negative effects and optimize function.

Cells are the building blocks of our bodies. The longer each cell lives, the better we look, feel and function. As cells divide and replicate, the DNA gradually degrades with each genera-tion becoming more susceptible to dis-ease and aging. The two elements most destructive to cell life are chronic in-flammation and oxidative stress.

Inflammation, or the body’s re-sponse to harmful toxins, is protective in small amounts. Chronic inflamma-tion, caused by poor food choices, lack

COVER STORY

By Lara Bell and Dr. Dian Ginsberg, OB/GYN

Medical Director for Women’s Specialty

Healthcare and Wellness

A New Leaf, A NewLife

I t is New Year’s resolution time again – our annual promise to our-selves that this year we are going

to eat nutritiously and exercise more, and this year, I’m taking it very seri-ously. As most of my career was spent in front of a camera, I paid special at-tention to my weight – especially since the camera adds a minimum of ten pounds. But, I didn’t pay particular attention to my health, and as I ap-proach 45 this year, I realize that must change now. I went to my long-time doctor Dian Ginsberg to get answers on what we all start going through as we age. “Most of us have a basic under-standing of the things we should do to live longer, more active lives. However, even people with healthy lifestyles can be vulnerable to life-altering diseases and chronic illness,” said Ginsberg.

But, there is good news! The latest science in anti-aging medicine has

given us new tools to suppress dis-ease and improve overall health.

Maximizing your individual cell health is the key

to achieving health, vital-ity and lon-gevity.


www.absolutelymemorial.com l JANUARY 2013 11

of sleep, loss of muscle mass and expo-sure to environmental toxins, can lead to cell damage.

Oxidative stress is caused by an im-balance between the production of reac-tive oxygen free radicals and the body’s ability to readily detoxify them. Hence, we get massive cell damage. The tox-ins around us, chronic stress and even excessive exercise can lead to increased oxidation and ultimately disease.

How do we combat these detrimen-tal forces? We start with an anti-in-flammatory diet as well as workout and stress reduction strategies designed to minimize oxidative stress. But lifestyle changes are only part of the answer. New advanced diagnostic testing al-lows us to identify specific deficiencies and customize treatment for patients at each stage of life.

In your 30s: This is the op-timal time to

take a look at your overall nutritional profile to make sure your body has what it needs as cellular aging kicks in. Due to intensive farming methods that have negatively impacted the food supply, even people who try to eat cor-rectly are still often lacking the essen-tial vitamins and minerals that keep us healthy. Micronutrient testing is recomended to detect low levels of spe-cific micronutrients at the tissue level. Recent studies link micronutrient defi-ciencies to a myriad of chronic illnesses and can cause DNA damage that may ultimately lead to cancer. In addition to increased risk for cancer and other disease, these deficiencies have an ef-fect on mitochondrial metabolism and thus accelerate cellular aging. Phar-maceutical grade supplements are an effective therapy to overcome nutri-tional deficiencies.

As mentioned above, another major risk to your DNA at any age is oxidative stress. A Spectrox test can measure lev-els of oxidative stress in your body and be used to identify and treat those with increased chance for disease.

Inflammation that develops in your 30s can lead to out of control weight gain in your 40s. The source of inflammation is often related to wheat and other food sensitivities. Simple blood tests from Cyrex Labs can determine which foods create problems for each individual.

1. Sleep 8 hours every night. Less sleep results in abnormal blood sugar metabolism as well as decreased appetite regulatory hormones. Sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity.

2. Eat 5 servings of vegetables(fresh, raw or minimally cooked) a day. Breakdown products of vegetables are used by your liver to remove toxins and fight oxidative stress.

3. Stabilize blood sugar every day with foods like proteins and healthy fats that do not cause rapid insulin swings. Sugars and carbs store directly to fat and produce massive inflammation.

4. Stay away from sugar AND artificial sweeteners. Sugar causes inflammation and artificial sweeteners confuse your satiety center, leading you to eat more. If you must use a sweetener, choose Stevia.

5. Consume an adequate amount of Omega 3 in healthy supplements – even if you eat fish – to decrease inflammation.

Ways to Improve Your Health Right Now!55


In your 40s: Mid-life is when we begin to see

fluctuations in hormone levels and weight gain in both men and

women. Saliva and blood hormone testing along

with salivary cortisol evaluation will show if hormonal imbalance is involved in unex-plained weight gain

or fatigue. This is also the time

we begin to focus on car-diac health. A recommended evaluation is the Lipoprotein

Particle Profile (LPP). This advanced cholesterol testing

measures both the density and number of lipoprotein particles

as well as inflammatory mark-ers – a more precise indicator of heart attack risk than traditional

HDL/LDL ratios. In conjunction with LPP testing, physicians often utilize a carotid artery ultrasound to identify potentially dangerous soft plaques in order to benefit from

early intervention.

In your 50s: All of the fac-tors that in-

fluence your health throughout your 30s and 40s play an even

bigger role in your 50s and beyond.

As we continue to monitor the effects of micronutrient deficiencies, inflamma-tion, oxidative stress, hormone balance and elevated cholesterol, physicians like to have a more specific idea of how your DNA is aging.

Telomere DNA testing is an exciting new technology for age management. Evaluation of telomere length is an in-dicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Telomeres are “caps” of genetic material at the end of each chromosome whose primary func-tion is to prevent chromosomal “fraying” when a cell replicates. As a cell ages, its telomeres become shorter. This is an excellent gauge of how your body is do-ing so far. When the caps are long, your DNA is well protected. If you keep up the same lifestyle, your golden years should be platinum! If your telomeres are short, then a closer, more aggressive look at altering lifestyle factors as well as therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length is necessary.

Heart disease, cancer, weight fluc-tuations, infections, failing cognition and low energy are not an inevitable part of growing older. Everyone should become an active participant in their healthcare. Educating yourself is the first step in what will hopefully be a lifelong partner-ship with your doctor to work towards a happier, healthier you!

Heart disease, cancer, weight fluctuations, infections, failing cognition and low energy are not an inevitable part of growing older.Everyone should become an active participant in their healthcare.


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BY DEBBIE CLEMENS

FabulousFinds!

Y ou may know me as a Memorial mom of four fabulous

boys and wife to Roger Clemens, but what you may not know is that I love finding cool and unique products because, let’s face it, in a house full of boys, a girl needs her girl stuff! So, here are some things I absolutely love... and hope you will too!

@debbieclemens

Pup Cakes TreatsI love my animals and was so excited to learn about this website where you can special order for your dog or cat! Pup Cakes Treats are all made with natural human grade ingredients and baked fresh to order. Check out their site – you will love what they have to offer, and you can follow on Facebook, too!www.pupcakestreats.com

Lancer Dermatology Polish

This amazing polish contains a blend of natural sea minerals and exfoliating enzymes, and it also helps with providing oxygenation while combating the effects of reactive oxygen species. Good for all skin types, it is anti-aging, Paraben-free and is made in the USA!www.Nordstrom.com

Power Thought Cards by Louise L . Hay

I know that after the holiday season, I am usually very tired and ready to slow down! I have these wonderful affirmation cards that one of my dear friends from high school gave to me. It has been great to pick a few at night and read before I go to sleep. They are positive, inspiring and were illustrated by five different artists.www.Hayhouse.com

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla

The finest quality vanilla bean paste, I discovered this during the holidays but wanted to share it with anyone who loves baking and making homemade ice cream. I encourage you to try this because everything I use it in enhances the recipe divinely! So yummy!www.Williams-Sonoma.com

Neat

Are you a neat freak? If you answered yes, this is one neat product! It’s time to get organized with this digital filing system. Neat transforms your paper clutter into easily managed digital files. You can scan and back up your data from anywhere – very cool!www.neat.com


Within two weeks of starting TMS I saw a major improvement in my mood and my energy level and it just kept getting better. By the end of the treatments I had my life back. I never would have dreamed I would ever feel this good again, especially after losing my son. I had thought my life was over. Not only do I have it back, I have it back better than ever thanks to Dr. Cress’ knowledge and experience. Her staff is wonderful, I think they are part of the road to recovery. – Ramona B.

I have suffered with depression for more than 25 years. At times, the normal stress of daily life became debilitating. Since, undergoing TMS treatments, those same stressful events have not put me over the edge as they had in the past. While I am still retraining my mind to think differently, what would normally send me spiraling downward no longer controls me. I can make it through emotional turmoil without losing hope and know that with every day, I am even stronger. The TMS Serenity Center has produced results where medications were unable to do so and for that I am extremely grateful. – Dana P.

Experience why we are Texas’ leading center for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Visit us at www.tmsserenitycenter.comto find out more about FDA-cleared

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Within two weeks of starting TMS I saw a major improvement in my mood and my energy level and it just kept getting better. By the end of the treatments I had my life back. I never would have dreamed I would ever feel this good again, especially after losing my son. I had thought my life was over. Not only do I have it back, I have it back better than ever thanks to Dr. Cress’ knowledge and experience. Her staff is wonderful, I think they are part of the road to recovery. – Ramona B.

I have suffered with depression for more than 25 years. At times, the normal stress of daily life became debilitating. Since, undergoing TMS treatments, those same stressful events have not put me over the edge as they had in the past. While I am still retraining my mind to think differently, what would normally send me spiraling downward no longer controls me. I can make it through emotional turmoil without losing hope and know that with every day, I am even stronger. The TMS Serenity Center has produced results where medications were unable to do so and for that I am extremely grateful. – Dana P.

Experience why we are Texas’ leading center for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Visit us at www.tmsserenitycenter.comto find out more about FDA-cleared

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Within two weeks of starting TMS, I saw a major improvement in my mood, and my energy level and it just kept getting better. By the end of the treatments, I had my life back. I never would have dreamed I would ever feel this good again, especially after losing my son. I had thought my life was over. Not only do I have it back, I have it back better than ever thanks to Dr. Cress’ knowledge and experience. Her staff is wonderful; I think they are part of the road to recovery. – Ramona B.

I have suffered with depression for more than 25 years. At times, the normal stress of daily life became debilitating. Since, undergoing TMS treatments, those same stressful events have not put me over the edge as they had in the past.While I am still retraining my mind to think differently, what would normally send me spiraling downward no longer controls me. I can make it through emotional turmoil without losing hope and know that with every day, I am even stronger. The TMS Serenity Center has produced results where medications were unable to do so, and for that, I am extremely grateful. – Dana P.


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Y es, it’s that time of year again. Time for those earnest reso-lutions we make each year to

be better at something. Maybe it’s to exercise more, lose weight or watch less television. Keeping any of those resolutions can make a big difference in your life. I would like to suggest an-other for your list: be a better investor.

In order to profit from the opportu-nities in the year ahead, it will be im-portant to be the best investor we can be. I’d like to share with you some of the advice I have given over the years that has helped me be a better investor.

Here are ten rules I go by:1) Control your emotions.2) Have an exit strategy before you

buy.3) Buy what you know.4) You never go broke taking a profit.5) A portfolio is like a bar of soap: The

more you handle it, the smaller it gets.

6) Learn from your mistakes. Better yet, work with someone and learn from their mistakes.

7) Rebalance your portfolio.8) Remember, a stock doesn’t know

you own it.

9) Practice patience, patience, patience.10) See number one.

I believe this year will present a world of opportunity. Commit yourself to being a better investor and it could be your best year ever!

Mike Robertson is Founder & CEO of Robertson Wealth Management. Tune into Mike’s radio show Straight Talk Money, weekdays 8-9 am on Busi-ness 1110AM KTEK.

Resolve To Be A Better Investor inBy Mike Robertson

Submit newsworthy items

[email protected]


Stephanie Barfield, D.D.S.Texas Dental Association • Academy of General Dentistry

American Dental Association

General, Cosmetic and Family Dentistry

915 Gessner Rd., Prof. Building 3, Ste. 660, Houston, TX 77024Located Next to Memorial City Mall

Call Today713-465-3626

[email protected]

Your complete care includesTooth whitening • Porcelain veneers • Porcelain crowns

Implant restoration • Implant supported denture • Advanced dental technology • Snoring treatment • Professional cleaning and polishing

Dentistry with a woman’s touch...

Express YourselfE veryone needs a headshot on file. Whether you want to

update your Facebook or LinkedIn page or you are going to try Match.com or you are one of those “always prepared” types, it is good to keep an updated image on file. Headshots previously came in the coat and tie or black dress with pearls variety. While there are still plenty of occasions when a con-servative headshot is in order, the world is “a changing.”

The first thing to do is to make a list of the reasons that you will need a headshot. Next, make a list of words that you want that headshot to say for you. If you are a trial lawyer during the day, the image that you project would be different than your night job of playing in a band. Recently, I was at a party where the bartender was a CPA during the day. You get the idea. Your dress and your demeanor would be entirely different.

Making sure that the photographer knows what you are using the image to say helps the photographer know how to shoot. Stern, professional and confident might be the look for the trial lawyer and hip and happening might be what you want for your boy band image. In today’s busy world, a headshot is worth a thousand words in five seconds.

By Cindy Crofford


What’s

AM When did your love of hip-pos develop?

SS I fell in love with Hyacinth the Hippo in Disney’s Fantasia

movie when I was a kid. I bought my first hippopotamus as a decorative piece for the coffee table about 40 years ago after I got married. I now have a collection of more than 2,000 hippos that grace my home and garden.

AM Where did you come up with idea to create a hippo

car, and did your family flip when you told them?

SS I loved the Art Car Parade from the time I first saw it,

and I knew one day I would participate. When the Toyota Rav 4 came out in

If you ever see a hippo car driving around Memorial, no, the circus is not in town! It’s long time Memorial resident Sue Shefman. We talked with Sue to find out what’s inside her hippo car.

1996, it looked like it would translate nicely into a hippo. I waited four years before I actually had it converted. Her name was Harmony the Hippo, and I had her for 14 years.

AM What is the funniest re-action someone has had

when they saw you driving around?

SS So many fun reactions! Lots of smiles, thumbs up and waves.

A lot of people nudge and point – people elbowing their neighbors to tell them they saw the car wink. People laugh when they see her tail wag, but the guf-faws are awesome when they see her pee! The funniest reactions? First, be-ing mooned by teenage boys after the car winked at them. Second, having a

low rider car across the road lower one side and then the other flirting with Har-mony after she winked. Finally, having a policeman stop me and tell me I needed a license plate in front to help identify the car if it was stolen. I looked at the car and then at him, and said I didn’t think there would be a problem recog-nizing the car, and he drove away.

By Lara Bell

Sue Shefman and her hippo car.

Sue Shefman’s

HippoC r


AM You must have a creative streak in you. Do you have

any other outlets that let your creative juices flow?

SS I didn’t actually make the cars myself. Art car artist Tom Ken-

nedy did that. But, I do have some cre-ative outlets: I write ditties or poems for invitations and installations, with lots of plays on words, and my home is my pal-ette. I rearrange and decorate for lots of

themed parties that I have about once a month! Also, my daughter, an artist, and I created a children’s book, The Active Alphabet, from a song I wrote for my kids 30+ years ago.

AM Any other “art” or “animal” cars in your future? They

sure put a smile on kid’s faces!

SS I will always have an art car, because it is just so darn much

fun. I love to put smiles on everyone’s faces! But whatever the car, it will always become a hippo. My current car is a red Rav 4 named Cheerio with two baby roof-riders. The one in back is called Aloha, and the one in front is named Shalom. All three names together mean “hello, good-bye and peace.” I belong to a group, “The Hippolotofus” – there are a lot of us who collect hippos – and we have a conven-tion once a year in different cities where we get to go behind the scenes at the zoos to learn more about our favorite ani-mal. Hippos rule!

Nick Nicholson is the Film and Entertainment Critic for CNN Radio, the Fort Bend Star and absolutely! focus media. In addition, his reviews can be seen and heard in numerous other print/media outlets in Texas and Oklahoma. Mr. Nicholson is in great demand as a speaker to both public and civic organizations on the subject of film and the entertainment industry. He is the co-founder of the Houston Film Critics Society and is currently the President of the organization.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected JourneyStarring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Andy SerkisDirector: Peter JacksonCompany: WarnerNow Showing: In Local TheatresMPAA Rating: PG-13Grade: A-

Photos Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

FILM REVIEW

By Nick Nicholson

William Kircher as Bifur, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, James Nesbitt as Bofur and John Callen as Oin.

Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Sylvester McCoy as Radagast.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings,

which Jackson and his filmaking team brought to the big screen in the block-buster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Bag-gins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Ere-bor from the fearsome Dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the Wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself join-ing a company of 13 Dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild, through treacherous lands swarm-ing with Goblins, Orcs and deadly Wargs, as well as a mysterious and sinister figure known only as the Necromancer.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Moun-tain, first they must escape the Goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever...Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even

him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s precious ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities. A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

One of the special aspects of The Hob-bit: An Unexpected Journey are the re-union of characters that take place. Mar-tin Freeman stars as Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen is back as Gandalf, Christopher Lee as Sauman, Hugo weaving as Elrond and an extremely brief cameo by Elijah Wood as Frodo. It’s also necessary to add

that Andy Serkis once again works his on screen brilliance as Gollum. The char-acters are all entrenched in their fandom and once again, the on screen chemistry is outstanding. Journey contains a spec-tacular amount of special effects, and the fantasy levels are at an all-time high. The action sequences are certain to keep even the most ardent viewers on the edge of their seats.

One of the few negatives in the film comes from the writing. Peppered throughout the film are a number of cli-ché one liners that, although intended to be funny, are simply not. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the first of another series of three films, and with the first in-stallment, Peter Jackson and his team are off to a fine start.

Gollum, performed by Andy Serkis.



NEWSWORTHY

T ransform your house into a dream home with the latest products and fresh ideas at the third annual Sugar

Land Home and Garden Show on Saturday, January 26th and Sunday, January 27th at the Stafford Centre located at 10505 Cash Road in Stafford.

The show will feature landscape by Crenshaw Landscapes, located in Fort Bend County for over 30 years. They will have beautifully designed outdoor living ideas on display. Richmond Farmers Market will offer fresh fruit, seasonal produce and homemade products. Enchanted Nurseries & Landscapes’ in-show Garden Center will feature fruit trees,

seasonal color, custom containers and show specials to buy at the show. S Home Décor will have special prices on floral arrangements and home décor items to give your living space a fresh look.

Speaker highlights include Randy Lemmon, host of KTRH 740’s GardenLine, and Michael Garfield, the High-Tech Texan®, who will broadcast from the show. Other speakers include Lisa Giesler, professional organizer; Catherine Falgoust, color specialist; Brenda Beust Smith, “The Lazy Gardener”; Fort Bend Master Gardener Boone Holladay; LaVerne Williams, green-build pioneer; Brandon Lynch, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and David Atkins, home staging expert.

Guests on Saturday will have the chance to meet the Sugar Land Skeeters mascot, Swatson. Other show features include Super Bowl Menu Tips, where culinary experts on the Whirlpool Cooking Stage will have quick and tasty recipe ideas for Super Bowl Sunday. The event will also include over 200 local home interior and exterior professionals. This is the one-stop shopping destination for homeowners who want to improve or remodel their homes and outdoor living areas. There’s something for everyone!

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IN THEHEART

M E M O R I A L

OUT&ABOUT

On Sunday, November 4th, a Wilchester Elementary fourth grade girl’s service group organized an in-store food drive at Wal-Mart on Silber Road to benefit the Blessings in a Backpack program at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and School, which supports Blackshear Elementary. They collected over 1,000 items in four hours! Because of their collec-tions, Blessings in a Backpack families received special holiday “add-ons” such as canned corn, green beans and pumpkin. Pictured are Wilchester Elementary students Sophia Jegi, Caroline Ashley, Alexi Ash, Maggie Vierra and Haley Syamken.

Jordan Bernstein of Stratford High School was selected as the 2012 Houston Touchdown Club Scholar Athlete of the Year. The 25 finalists at the luncheon on November 7th at the Marriot Gal-leria were definitely the most impressive scholar athletes ever assembled in one room. Jordan was humbled: his first word at the podium after receiv-ing this prestigious award was “wow!” Jordan has Texas, Penn, North Carolina, Columbia, Princeton and Stanford on his list of possible universities to attend. Pictured are Jason and Jordan Bernstein with Stratford Coach Elliot Allen.

A group of Senior Varsity Football moms for Memorial High School practiced and practiced to put on a great show at Memorial High School Football Pep Rally. Pictured are Beth Harp, Riham Baumgartner, Molly Vaughan, Laura Holland, Autumn Davidson, Debbie Clemens, Kim Munden, Monica McCloskey, TeresaWinkler, Melanie Christie, Cristy Jadick, Jan Wilde, Dana Strake, Nancy Hurley, Nicola Salazar, Barbara Holdsworth, Connally Vandiver, Yvette McMahan, Ticia Sauer, Karen Mageeand Cindy Wagner.


Debbie Clemens and Cindy Reeves celebrated their win at the Grand PinesClub Champ!

The Friends of the Stehlin Foundation hosted its 32nd annual gala themed “Celebrating Hollywood at the Movies.” More than 600 guests struck a red carpet pose and donned their finest attire to see music legend and movie-theme songwriter Kenny Loggins perform hits from his 12 platinum selling albums including “Footloose,” “Danger Zone” from Top Gun and “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack. Memorial resident and famed accessories designer Elaine Turner was honored for her continuous support of the nonprofit and Houston community. Pictured are Sally Anderson, Elaine Turner and Stehlin's Excecutive Director Bobby Anderson.

Tiffany McMillan and Maya Blanton had a great time hosting the Memorial Moms Association Holiday party where 80Memorial residents enjoyed kicking off the holiday season.

Coaches Victor Ho and Chris Chaffin could not have been happier with the win their little soccer players scored! Congratulations to teammates Kayla Blanton, Sarah Tesarek, Simone Williams, Jade Lawson-Ho, Cara Chaffin, Baker Berg, Kate Gentner, Bailey Bergen, Heather Ramm and Reagan Paulson.

Nik Bruel, the author of the Bad Kitty series, poses with Moira Hoffman, a student at Nottingham Elementary.


IN THEHEART

M E M O R I A L

OUT&ABOUT

Casey Reed, Assistant Principal Ms. Folger, Annette Zuanich, Michelle Barrett, Jeanine Piskurich, Shannon McCord, Michelle Putnik, Gina Gelber, Stephanie Banks and Maria Schick, all from Nottingham Elementary, enjoyed the High Heels and High Hopes Style Fashion Show at Lakeside Country Club.

Anne Cazelot, Wendy Mitchtell, Bill Rancic, Julie Comiskey and Ilena Trevino were pretty in pink at Memorial Hermann’s very success-ful Razzle Dazzle event.

Robin Udstuen, Nikki Thorton and Leslie Azios.

Memorial Residents Karen Kash Redden, President of the Board, and her husband, Joe Redden, along with Jordan and Paula Paust, Ex-ecutive Director of Women’s Home, had a great time dancing to famed Houstonian Mickey Gilley’s performance at their recent fundraiser.


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NEWSWORTHY

Katy Rodeo Celebrates 70th Anniversary

I t made history in 1943 as the first of its kind to be established on a local school level, and now, the Katy Rodeo

has grown to encompass three nights of rodeo entertainment for the whole family. Seventy years later, the Katy Rodeo is one of the few remaining youth and professional rodeos still supporting FFA.

In conjunction with the annual Katy ISD Livestock Show, the Katy Rodeo is an event that supports agricultural education within the Katy Independent School District. The livestock show, rodeo, carnival and parade draw sold-out crowds from Katy and many of the surrounding areas.

The Katy Rodeo has something for all ages. The Katy Cowgirl Mounted Drill Team opens each night’s performance while a Katy ISD student performs the national anthem. The rodeo consists of all pro events including Bareback and Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling, Ladies Breakaway, Calf and Team Roping, Bull Riding, and Barrel Racing while allowing Katy youth to participate in junior Calf Roping and junior Barrel Racing.

Young children can also participate in the rodeo events by joining the Stick Horse Race or the ever-popular Mutton Bustin’. The KISD FFA students have a chance to compete in the ever popular Calf Scramble. The carnival also delights spectators of all ages as well as the annual Saturday Morning Parade.

The 2013 Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo kicks off its historic 70th year on Thursday, February 21st and runs through Saturday, February 23rd. For more information on the rodeo, visit www.katyrodeo.org.


Organizing Tips PROactive

By: Janine Godwin, CPO®

Have A Goal & Make A Plan.Before beginning an organizing project, figure out what you are trying to achieve. This will help you have a clearer vision of what steps are needed to reach that goal. Buy-ing plastic storage bins and cutesy baskets to contain clutter isn’t nec-essarily the answer. Those are reac-tive solutions. Sometimes you have to dive deeper to figure out how to avoid the clutter problem, and nip it in the bud.

Edit Your Surroundings.Unfortunately, you can’t avoid this critical step, but what you do with those discarded items is what stumps many people. Unwanted items can be donated, recycled or repurposed. Know in advance where those items can be taken or reused prior to starting so you have a clear plan to eliminate them from stacking up in unwanted piles. Take advantage of charities and orga-nizations that offer free collection services. The trick is to keep theclutter moving outthe door.

Do You Need It?Proactively walk away from the temp-tation of items that lure you to buy them. Think of it this way – you will save money and eliminate bringing another item into the house, which will most likely prevent you from having to donate the excess down the road.

End Your RelationshipWith Junk Mail.Take the time to get your name off those direct marketing lists by visit-ing an on-line site such asCatalogChoice.org (for catalogs and junk mail) or calling the Fed-eral Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-888-5-OPT-OUT for pre-approved credit offers. The alternative is standing by the trash can tossing unwanted mail, or having it become an overwhelming task if it has stacked up.

Go Digital With Magazine & Newspaper Subscriptions. E-readers, tablets and laptops are becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy periodicals, so help bust clutter by considering going digital. No more worry about those piles of magazines and newspaper, or finding the time involved to recycle.

No More Banker’s Hours. Paying bills on-line is becoming a more popular way to save time. Look into setting up electronic pay-ments for utility bills, insurance pre-miums, your mortgage or car pay-ment. You will save time, postage, gas and cut down a tremendous amount of paper and time filing.

SPAM Isn’t JustA Canned Meat Product. Electronic clutter is quickly be-coming as much of a nuisance as unwanted piles of ‘stuff’. Get into the habit of unsubscribing from unwant-ed e-mail, such as newsletters, spe-cial offers, etc. Review your e-mail account settings and spam blocker and use it to your advantage.

Information Super-Highway.Create a centrally located message center for those important papers or children’s activity calendars that al-ways seem to get lost. A decorative bulletin board is a great way to keep track and display these items. The key is access and visualization.

Much of what you read about organizing tips are reactive solutions to the glaring problem of clutter. It’s easy to say, “put like things together” or “toss junk mail as

soon as it comes through the door,” but let’s think of alternative ways to get organized –

at the root of the problem. Although basic organizing tips can and do in fact work,

reality dictates that the cause of the problem isn’t addressed to prevent the clutter build

up from occurring. Instead of tired, redundant ideas, let’s explore ways to be pro-active against those problem areas or situations, so your time is more wisely spent in the

quest to becoming organized.


Paul S. Metz, DDS, MD • R. Kent Stobaugh, DDS, MSShelley Seidel, DDS, MD • John Orfanos, DDS, MD

713.464.2833 www.OMSH.us8800 Katy Freeway, Ste. 210 • Houston, Texas 77024

HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING YOUR SMILE?

We can help.Tooth Extractions • Dental Implants • Computer Guided Implant Surgery

Teeth in a Day • Bone Grafts • IV Sedation • Facial/Dental Trauma RepairOrthognathic/ Reconstructive Surgery • Oral Pathology

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• Divorce Planning• Divorce (Contested or Uncontested)• Child Custody• Child Support• Complex Property Division• High Net Worth Divorce• Parental Relocations• Post Divorce Modifications• Paternity and Parental Rights• Visitation Rights• Grandparent’s Rights• Pre- and Post- Martial Agreements• Adoptions• Collaborative Law• Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation and arbitration)

Nancy Rommelmann is regularly consulted by local media for her on-air analysis about family law.

Straight Answers • Strategic ThinkingCompassionate • Experienced

Memorial City Plaza – Tower Two820 Gessner, Suite 1630, Houston, TX 77024(across from Memorial City Mall)ph 713-622-3000www.attorneynancyrommelmann.comCall us today for a consultation!

nancy l. Rommelmann Pllc

FAMILY LAW

“Knowledge is power” - Francis Bacon

Plan for the worst and hope for the best…By Nancy L. RommelmannFamily Law Attorney

If getting divorced is among your New Year’s resolutions, consider the following to mitigate anxiety, fear and depression caused by

uncertainty in that process. Sleepless nights worrying about unanswered questions can be minimized when you better understand the process and have the tools to craft your plan.

Consulting an experienced family law attorney is an important first step in obtaining answers to your questions and understanding the divorce process.

Create an inventory that includes assets and debts; copy the source of the information and five years of income tax returns.

List of assets should include, but is not limited to:• residence (fair market value) • retirement accounts• other real property • defined benefit plans• mineral interests • IRA/SEP accounts• cash in financial institutions • motor vehicles• brokerage accounts • boats• stocks • airplanes• stock options • motor cycles• bonds • life insurance policies • 401K plans • antiques• business interests • artwork• patents • receivables• country club memberships • travel (frequent-flyer) award benefits List of debts should include, but is not limited to:• mortgages • credit card debt• liens • IRS debt

Financial responsibilities are often delegated to one spouse. It’s not uncommon for one spouse to be unaware of their estate’s details. A family law attorney can suggest resources to help you gather information and once a petition for divorce is filed, this can be obtained through the “discovery” phase.

I encourage parties to pursue reconciliation with a good marriage counselor, if at all possible. A counselor that “fits” both parties’ needs is ideal. Sometimes it takes several sessions to find an effective counselor. Unfortunately, many marriages deteriorate beyond repair due to addiction, infidelity or one party’s unwillingness to pursue counseling, thus making it all the more difficult to salvage a marriage. Divorce is a process requiring planning. Many clients exclaim with a sigh of relief after a consultation, “Good! I have a plan in place!” The plan might change over time – you might choose to remain married. Regardless, you need to know what your estate is worth, whichever path you choose.

Is Getting a Divorce on Your List?

New Year’s Resolutions:


Q: WHAT CONDITIONS DOES THE TEXAS

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL WEST CAMPUS PLASTIC SURGERY TEAM TREAT?

Our surgeons have vast experi-ence with the full spectrum of plastic surgical problems, from the routine to the rare. We treat prob-lems resulting from birth deformity, trauma/burns, tumors and cosmetic surgery.

Pediatric plastic surgery is an extremely specialized field. The major issue pediatric plastic surgeons have to confront is the fact that our patients are still growing. Any procedure we perform has to not only help the child at that time, but the procedure must be done without compromising future growth or potential issues down the road.

abso

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Q A&

Q: WHAT DOES THE CRANIOFACIAL TEAM DO?

Even a seemingly minor abnor-mality can throw new parents for a loop. So what about when an ab-normality involves the shape of their new baby’s head? When the skull bones fuse too early, an abnormal head shape occurs. This is called craniosynostosis. The treatment for this condition is aimed at restoring the normal shape and relationship of the forehead, orbital rims and skull. Without surgical intervention, the skull deformities caused by cranio-synostosis persist throughout the patient’s life.

If you have questions, or would like to schedule a plastic surgery consult, please call the pediatric sur-gery clinic at 832-227-2250 or visit westcampus.texaschildrens.org.

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carol peytonamanda peyton rutt

832-858-4365davidyoungteam.com

In 2013, our Houston real estate market continues to

change and grow.

BUSINESSBRIEFS

T o reinvent, as defined by Merriam Webster, is “to make as if for the first time something already

invented or “to remake or redo completely.” The David Young Team at Coldwell Banker United, Memorial defines reinvention as “taking a top producing business and adding cherry after cherry on top, keeping us at the top of our game,” said David Young, founder of the award winning team. “You cannot expect to stay on top by simply doing what you’ve always done. You have to add, subtract and shake things up a bit.”

From expanding to the downstairs of their beautiful Memorial Drive office to redecorating the lobby and turning it into a show stopper, the team has certainly shaken things up. “First impressions are something you can’t ever get again. We want people to want to be here. And, we’ve succeeded,” said Young.

In addition to a beautifully redecorated lobby and first floor domain, the team has added ‘cherries’ like a “Think Tank,” a comfortably furnished room for agents and clients alike to go and reflect, get creative or just breath amidst a hectic day. Young explained, “We are exposed to so much outside stimuli on a constant basis. We recognize the need for a ‘retreat’ if you will, within the office, for agents to step back and think, to plan, to get creative. And we encourage our clients to do the same. Major decisions need to be made with a clear head, and harried agents are not good agents. We love offering the peace of the Think Tank.”

The team’s wildly successful marketing department has also formed an alliance with Spring Branch Independent School District’s Guthrie Center. Students have begun interning on projects such as movie trailers featuring the team’s listings. “As long time supporters of Spring Branch ISD, we are always looking for ways to become more involved, and this is certainly mutually beneficial. The work we receive is bar none. If you want it done right, give it to a Spring Branch kid,” said Young.

Additionally, the team members have delved into their own passions with the reinvention, whether it be accessing a life coach, focusing on a business coach or jumping on the whole body vibration machine from Zaaz studios on Memorial. “We have all the tools for success. Choose your path, and we’ll help pave the way.”

For more information about the David Young Team, Coldwell Banker United Relators, call 713-722-6900 or visit www.davidyoungteam.com.

Reinventing Success


UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. ©2011 UBS Financial Services Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. 28.00_Ad_3.5x4.75_2H1222_JoyJ

Are you getting the financial guidance you need?

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Your Houston neighbor J.D. Joyce has been ranked by Barron’s magazine as one of the top financial advisors in the U.S.

Maybe it’s time to set up an in-depth conversation to discuss your financial goals and portfolio with a trusted local advisor.

J.D. JoyceSr. Vice President–InvestmentsWealth Advisor

4400 Post Oak ParkwaySuite 1700Houston, TX [email protected]

HOT SHOTHigh School

Briana

Meet Briana Burns

Briana Burns is an accomplished junior at Memorial High School who has big dreams of making the Olympic Swimming Team in 2016. Voted as Freshman of the Year, Briana is currently a member of Memorial High

School's Regional Choir and is active in her community by giving her time as a youth leader for the St. Mark’s Lutheran’s music service. Following in her mother's footsteps, Briana has a competitive spirit that allows her to excel as a swimmer for Memorial High School and compete with Dad’s Club Swim Team for USA Swimming. Briana has the busy schedule of a multi-national executive but somehow manages to stay “normal.” A family friend describes Briana as having a modest personality with an ever caring and giving heart. Briana Burns undoubtedly deserves the title of absolutely! Memorial's January High School Hot Shot.

absolutely! Memorial is excited to announce our new monthly High School Hot Shot Contest. Nominate your friends, sons, daughters and grandchildren by submitting a photo and a couple of sentences about why this person should be featured as a High School Hot Shot. Find out how to submit your nomination and prize details by visiting www.absolutelymemorial.com.

Nominees will be posted on Facebook. Tell your friends to vote for the most deserving person by “Liking” the nominee’s photo at http://www.facebook.com/2birdsphotography.com.

The winner will be chosen from the top three nominees with the most “likes” and will be featured as next month's absolutely! Memorial Magazine’s High School Hot Shot.

The deadline for submissions is the first day of each month, and winners receive a complimentary photo session from Two Birds Photography for themselves and a friend. This includes a photo to be used in the article, one 8 x 12 print, your very own photo app, plus a $250 credit towards a print package.

*No purchase necessary.

HOT SHOTHigh School

ContestCALL

FOR

ENTRIES

Briana Burns and family friend Cristina Feder.


BUSINESSBRIEFS

Dr. Brad Jennings, D.D.S., M.D.S.Orthodontics • 281.497.7920

2 Locations to Serve You

www.DrJenningsOrtho.com

14441 Memorial #24Houston, TX 77079

Monday - Wednesday8am - 5pm

21681 Kingsland Blvd.Katy, TX 77450

Thursday8am - 5pm

2012 Texas Monthly Super Dentist



One thing that won’t change is that no matter what the facts tell you, your real estate needs must

harmonizewith your family’s needs.

G overnor Rick Perry has named Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramos Jr. of Houston chair of the Texas State

Board of Dental Examiners for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor. The board oversees licensing and regulation of dental care providers in Texas and enforces state laws regulating the practice of dentistry.

Ramos is owner and president of Rudy Ramos D.D.S. P.C. He is a member of the Texas Dental Association, Academy of Dentistry International, Houston Dental Society and Memorial Drive United Methodist Church’s Guatemala Mission Dental Team. He is also a board member of the Spring Branch Independent School District and Memorial Spring Branch Rotary Club, an advisory board member of International Hands in Service and a past member of the U.S. Senate Conference Task Force on Hispanic Affairs.

Ramos received a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch at Houston.

Governor Perry Names Ramos Chair of Texas

State Board of Dental Examiners

Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramos Jr.


[email protected]


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Mark’s Clothiers

We are very excited to announce our

new location in the Wick Lane

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Custom Clothing … and More

New to theNeighborhood

T opGolf is a revolutionary sports entertainment complex, perfect for any occasion, event or pri-vate party located at 1030 Memorial Brook Bou-

levard in Houston. The idea for TopGolf was born by two brothers on a driving range in London. Bored of the rep-etition of hitting shot after shot, they wanted to find out how far their drives really went and how close to the pin their shots landed. And so, the concept for TopGolf be-gan. Each golf ball contains a computer microchip that tracks the player’s shot for accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets ranging from 20 to 250 yards away. Thanks to innovative golf games, a fun atmosphere and a great food and drink menu, TopGolf is far from the average bar or golf complex.

At TopGolf, every golf ball contains a microchip that efficiently tracks each player’s accuracy and distance on

Fore! Memorial Welcomes TopGolf

which their score is based as they aim to hit targets 20 to 250 yards away. While playing TopGolf, guests can enjoy an extensive cocktail menu and delicious food with a server directly assigned to each bay. The popularity of TopGolf has grown immensely on both a global and national level, with more than 200,000 people playing at TopGolf in Allen, Texas in 2011, its first year.

For more information, visit www.topgolf.com.


David Tang, DDS • www.HoustonChildrensDDS.com • 281.822.6600

Memorial Pediatric Dentistry

281.822.6600

David Tang, DDSBoard Certified - Pediatric Dentistry

Our mission is to provide the highest quality dental care for children. Dr. Tang and associates are committed to that mission.

Convenient to Shopping, Restaurants & Entertainment

• Fun & Exciting Child- Friendly Environment

• Latest Advancements in Dental Technology

• Trained and accredited to perform all forms of safe sedation

• Staff member of Texas Children’s Hospital

• Trained staff in Spanish & Vietnamese

• Kids & Teens love our custom mouth guard

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E V E N T SJanuary 11thAlley Theatre Presents The MountaintopTaking place on April 3, 1968, The Mountaintop is a gripping re-imagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. After delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel. A provocative maid arrives to seduce King, and he must decide how to respond to this temptress and confront his fate. Tickets start at $26. Contact www.alleytheatre.org for tickets.

January 18th, 7:00pmFight Night - How to Fight FairChapelwood is pleased to have Drs. Les and LeslieParrott back for a special one night only event, Fight Night - How to Fight Fair. The Parrotts have been presenting this topic at churches all over the country to rave reviews. Whether you've been married for 50 years, are recently engaged, in a serious relationship or somewhere in between, this event is for you! This event is for the entire community, and there will be a limited number of seats. Register at www.chapelwood.org/parrottsfightnight. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or call 713-465-3467. January 22nd Theatre Under the Stars Presents CamelotRediscover the grandeur of one of history’s greatest love stories in Lerner and Loewe’s Camelot. With one of Broadway’s most enchantingscores featuring the hauntingly romantic “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “I Loved You Oncein Silence” and “Follow Me,” tickets are now on sale. The show runs through February 3rd. For tickets and show times, visit www.tuts.com.

January 25th-27thStomp! At Jones HallThey have won many awards and receive rave reviews on their shows. This well-known band plays music with unconventional items such as matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms and garbage cans. They travel all over the world and will be making a stop here at Jones Hall. For tickets and show times, visit www.houstonfirsttheaters.com/joneshall.aspx.

January 26th Arbor Day Celebration Families are invited to celebrate Arbor Dayat the Houston Arboretum and NatureCenter. This special holiday in which wecelebrate the beauty, benefits and care oftrees is especially important because of ourresponsibility as an urban nature sanctuary in the center of Houston. This free family event features tons of activities for children and adults alike: a visit from Johnny Appleseed, stations for making crafts like pinecone birdfeeders, live owls from Wildlife Center of Texas, reptiles and other critters from Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition, professional advice from a tree expert and a sale of our selection of native plants. For more information, visit www.houstonarboretum.org.

Email [email protected]

12468 Memorial Dr.Houston, TX 77024713-465-8655

NeighborhoodDentist

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‘Pawsitively Purrfect’ Pet Page

What’s New forthe New Year

If you run, walk, stroll, meander or just enjoy spending time outdoors at Me-morial Park, then listen up! This is a

fabulous addition if you have considered adopting a new pet. Plus, if you are dog tired of running with your old running partner, here is a great program. A no kill shelter in the Heights called Friends For Life has a new program at Memorial Park called Running 4 Home. Here is how it works.

The Friends For Life’s Mobile Adop-tion Van (MAV) provides an air-condi-tioned, clean and quiet environment transporting up to 33 adoptable animals at a time to Memorial Park. Outside windows offer viewing under an awning while inside adopters get a hands-on visit. With the only city permit to oper-ate at Memorial Park, the MAV is parked near the running trail the second Satur-day of each month.

By trading an item such as their car keys or driver’s license, runners can “borrow” a dog to accompany them on the trail. This process helps potential adopters get to know the animal in order to see if they are a good fit. Hey, don’t want to run? Then have a nice walk in the park with your four-legged, new best friend.

Cat lovers, you haven’t been left out! The MAV has plenty of felines on board where runners can go inside and meet them. Knowledgeable volunteers are on-site at Running 4 Home to answer questions and get adoption paperwork started. Everyone wins!

If you aren’t a runner but love to see the animals at the Friends For Life shel-ter, it is located at 107 E. 22nd Street in the Heights. Their number is 713-863-9835 or visit the Friends For Life website at www.nokil1.org.

By Jan Glenn and Princess Grace Kelly (aka Crazy Gracie)


The Friends For Life’s Mobile Adoption Van at Memorial Park.


home theatre

DVD Release


Smart is the new rich.

Carol Peyton

Amanda Peyton Rutt

DOOMSDAY BOOKWell Go USA

K orea is ground

zero for an

undead

pandemic, as one

man’s rotten trash

brings on a zombie

apocalypse. A high-tech

repairman struggles

as a robot residing

in a Buddhist temple

finds his higher mind

and challenges the idea of consciousness. And

one family, one lost billiard ball and one misguided

Internet order bring on the end of the world.

By Nick Nicholson

THUNDERSTRUCKWarner

W hen Brian, a

hopelessly

uncoordinated

young fan magically

switches talents with his

basketball hero (NBA

Superstar Kevin Durant,

playing himself), he

becomes the star of his

high school team while

Kevin Durant suddenly can’t make a shot to save his

life. But with the playoffs approaching, Brian learns

that being a true winner involves working hard at your

own game, and he tries to make things right in time

to prevent a catastrophic end to his hero’s season.

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Located in the Energy Corridor, the studio offers a beautiful spa-like, friendly and relaxing atmosphere that is second to none. No expense is spared to provide clients with the ultimate luxurious “lashing” experience from start to finish.

While one of the many goals is to provide clients with the highest quality available in the industry, safety is of the utmost importance. The Xtreme Lashes® brand was founded by Jo Mouselli, a registered nurse. All of the products used at Houston Lashology are medical grade to include the adhesives that were developed by chem-ists in an FDA approved laboratory.

Houston Lashology offers two types of lashes: syn-thetics and the newly-released faux minks. Each exten-sion is applied one-by-one to each of your own lashes to ensure there is absolutely no damage or breakage that can result from other methods of lashing and/or brands of extensions.

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Please call 281-679-7050 to make an appointment or stop by our beautiful studio. Visit www.houstonlashol-ogy.com for more information.

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W ant to start 2013 with a health and wellness reso-lution that becomes your way of life? Then come

experience Zaaz Studios on Memorial Drive. Zaaz offers a unique form of exercise—Whole Body Vibration (WBV). Our FDA listed WBV machines use oscillating platforms that make exercising four times more effective than if done on a stationary surface.

When standing on the platform, the body experi-ences oscillating vibration—a side-alternating rocking movement. The energy from the vibration is safely trans-ferred without impact, deeply stimulating the cells of the body’s muscle, bone and soft tissue. Because the am-plitude and intensity of the vibration can be controlled, WBV is enjoyed by users of all ages and all fitness levels.

WBV activates an average of 97 percent of all muscle groups and produces up to 30 involuntary reflexes per second, all of which results in the burning of fat and the building of muscle. These factors combine to give you the equivalent of a one hour workout at the gym in a

Fulfill Your New Year’s Resolutions

mere 10 minutes—all this with minimal stress on the joints, ligaments and tendons.

Clients ranging in age from 14 to 92 insist that WBV has improved their lives. Both men and women rave about their powerful results enjoying weight loss and increased mobil-ity. Imagine – 10 minutes that actually can change the way you feel and look.

Zaaz Studios is located at 12645 Memorial Drive and is anx-ious to help you fulfill your New Year’s resolutions. For more in-formation, please call 713-529-9300 or visit zaazstudios.com.

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Working out these days can be so overwhelming and

complicated with all of the differ-ent fads and programs. Weighted or body weight? Running or weight lifting? Machines or free weights? No need to worry any more. At Prestige Strength Fitness, all the work is done for you.

From yoga and gymnastics techniques to athletic strength and conditioning, Prestige Strength Fit-ness believes in a well-rounded pro-gram that utilizes the full spectrum of training styles. Stephen Solt, the founder and trainer at Prestige, has a degree in Applied Exercise Physi-ology and certifications in personal and strength training. In addition to having trained clients ranging from middle school to 70 years, he has

Continued on page 38

Rejuvenation and WellnessAdvertorial


experience in training fitness competi-tors as well as personally competing on American Ninja Warrior 2012 and advancing through regionals to the na-tional stage in Las Vegas.

These experiences and education allow for the development of workout programs that are not only highly ef-fective and functional, but also exciting and 100 percent customizable to meet the needs of each individual. At Pres-tige, the exercises and style of workouts are different every day, so you never get bored and the results never stop!

The group work outs are big enough to contain people of all physical and athletic abilities, so anyone fits right in and thrives on that group energy, but small enough that the training remains personal, allowing the first time exer-ciser and the experienced athlete to work out side by side and be coached on proper form.

For more information, visit www.prestige-sf.com or call 281-732-2319.

Continued from page 37

E xperience fun and playful yoga classes at Yoga Soul at Memorial Dance Center. Classes are designed for all levels of practitioners, from the novice

to the seasoned. Jump start your 2013 wellness plan by joining classes that focus on deep breathing as you move through your yoga practice, creating a quieter mind and an awareness of the present. The deep breathing and oxy-genation will further enhance your health keeping your muscles, ligaments and joints supple and flexible.

Yoga Soul will be directed by Marizol Cabrera, who has practiced yoga since 1993. She fell in love with yoga and wanted to teach, Vinyasa being her main focus. Cabrera has been teaching all levels since 2006 and is excited to be part of the only studio that offers Yoga off of I-10 in the Memorial area.

Memorial Dance Center is a positive, encouraging and family friendly en-vironment where dance is taught with the finest quality and utmost integrity. They work to teach coordination of mind and body, cooperation with others through group training, and instill confidence and self assurance. It is one of the only dance studios of its kind in the area to offer a balanced approach to five of the main disciplines in dance with professional dance instruction for all ages in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Pointe and Hip-Hop.

Memorial Dance Center is excited to start the New Year with a new store, Memorial Dance Wear, that offers everything the dancer needs: clothes, shoes, accessories and work out wear in both adult and children’s sizes.

Memorial Dance Center is located at 9327 Katy Freeway. Call 713-468-4203 or visit www.memorialdance.com and www.myyogasoul.com.

Yoga Soul Comes to Memorial Dance Center

Rejuvenation and Wellness Advertorial


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Understanding Facial Fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic

A lthough the use of BOTOX® Cosmetic and Facial Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane have been in the market for over a decade, Michel Siegel

Facial Plastic Surgery still sees patients every day who are confused about how these work.

Before we understand the difference between these products, the most important thing for the prospective patient to understand is that the end result, whether be natural looking or overdone, is not because of what product was used but because of the injector. Facial Fillers are truly an art, and in the right hands, a natural and refreshed look can be accomplished.

BOTOX® Cosmetic, a muscle relaxer, is usually used in the upper one third of the face. It can minimize frown lines between the brows and smooth out forehead wrinkles and crows feet. A favorite use of BOTOX® Cosmetic is to perform a non-surgical brow lift. This takes literally two minutes and produces a brow arch, creating a rested appearance around the eyes.

Facial Fillers are “gels” designed to “plump” areas on the face as a result of volume loss. Fillers are injected under the skin, not on the skin. This is im-portant to understand as superficial wrinkles cannot be removed with fillers. Artistically done, fillers can create non-surgical facelifts, re-establish jaw lines, camouflage jowls, bring back your cheekbones and restore lips to their youth-ful appearance.

While there are many fillers on the market, the most important thing to keep in mind is to choose someone who has not only experience, but also an artistic eye to create natural looking results. For more information, contact Michel Siegel Facial Plastic Surgery at 832-358-FACE (3223) or www.HoustonFaces.com.

Make a NewStart

Y ou can overcome obesity and start living a healthier life with NewStart, Memorial Hermann’s surgical weight loss program. At Memorial Hermann

Memorial City Medical Center, affiliated weight loss surgeons, specially trained nurses, dietitians, a mental health professional and peer support groups work together to guide you through the various surgical options, insurance approval and paperwork, and nutrition and behavioral changes that will help ensure your success. The entire NewStart team is at your disposal, from pre-surgical counseling and information sessions to post-surgical recovery and support to help you get what you need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for the rest of your life.

Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery? To qualify, you should:• Have a body mass index of 30 or greater with comorbidities (medical problems or conditions that negatively affect your health)• Be between the ages of 18 and 70• Be able to show past attempts to lose weight through dieting or exercise• Have no significant problems – physical, medical, emotional or psychological – that would make surgery unnecessarily risky• Be able to participate in treatment and lifetime follow-upYour NewStart team at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center is

committed to your long-term success. We want you to live a long, healthy life. Make your new start today.

For more information about NewStart, call 713.242.4600 or visit MHNew-Start.org.

There can be serious risk with any surgical procedure. Consult your physician to determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. Physi-cians are affiliated with Memorial Hermann. Memorial Hermann Bariatric Programs are certified by either ASMBS or ACS. However, patients should request a physician’s personal certification, if any, and their experience and qualifications before proceeding with any bariatric procedure.


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hand, hot stone, manual lymphatic drainage, maternity, pre-wedding, sports and Swedish. Retreat & Relax has just opened its second location at 7951 Katy Freeway between Chimney Rock and Antoine, conveniently located only five minutes from downtown, five minutes from the Galleria and five minutes from Memorial Park, just off the freeway. Open seven days a week, the hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 am to 9 pm and Saturday and Sun-day 10 am to 6 pm.

The Retreat & Relax Difference:• Hour massages are not just 50 minutes, but last for a full hour for

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no extra charge.• iPods are in each room to provide individual music selection, or clients

can listen to their very own iPhone music. • Complete shower facilities are available.• Open seven days a week.• Experienced and professional massage therapists.• On-line scheduling is available for client’s ease in making appointments. Rooms at Retreat & Relax are extremely quiet, tranquil and large to accom-

modate two tables for couples massages. Plush robes are offered for those clients who wish to shower after their massage.

Visit Retreat & Relax at 7951 Katy Freeway, Suite D in Houston or call832-517-6904.

A bout twenty-five years ago, Leigh Ann Ranslem and I ran countless

laps around Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth as members of the cross country track team. Since then, we have been college roommates, bridesmaids in each other’s weddings and godmothers to each other’s children.

Most recently, we decided to run a half marathon together. I had never run more than a 10K before, but I be-gan thinking about this half marathon because the race benefited The Boot Campaign. Leigh Ann and four other women were inspired by Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell’s book, Lone Survi-vor, and endeavored to found The Boot Campaign to show appreciation for American troops and raise money to support their transition home.

The charity recruits celebrities to be photographed wearing combat boots. Some of the supporters who have “got-ten their boots on” are Nolan Ryan,

HEALTHY L IVING

By Jennifer Elliott

13Milesto the Finish

Leigh Ann Ranslem and Jennifer Elliott in high school in 1987.


Gary Kubiak, Rick Perry, Pat Green and Dolly Parton. Additionally, anyone can purchase a pair of boots on their web site, with all proceeds going to charity.

Inspired by this worthy cause, I told Leigh Ann I would try the half mara-thon. She suggested we train together. We ran most of the short runs on our own but went down to Memorial Park for the longer treks. It takes a long time to run eight to ten miles, so we used the opportunity to catch up on all kinds of things.

We actually had fun training and both acknowledged that having a friend helped us persevere and quite literally “go that extra mile.”

Many aches and pains later, race day arrived. The excitement kept us going, as well as the cheers from our husbands, daughters and parents. Crossing the finish line brought sweet relief and a huge sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The best part was finishing with a dear friend.

So neighbors, when you start your New Year’s exercise routine, grab a friend, and while you’re at it, “get your boots on!”

For more information about The Boot Campaign, visit www.bootcam-paign.com.

Jennifer Elliott and Leigh Ann Ranslem after the Boot Run half marathon on November 25th.

The Best-and Worst-

By Jenny Gaal-McGoogan

New Year’s Resolutions

of water . . . it all adds up to success!WORST RESOLUTION: Setting

unrealistic fitness goals, falling for the latest fad diet or resorting to exercise DVD’s that do not match your fitness level.

There is no magic pill or diet for permanent weight loss; consistency and commitment are essential to a healthy lifestyle. Equally as important is finding an exercise program that you can stick to and matches your personal fitness level. Use caution in selecting fitness DVD’s: Most are not customized to instruct the many different levels of personal fitness. Fitness DVD’s offer many promises to a better physique, but they also have the tendency to push many of us past a safe fitness base point, where one may compromise proper form to complete the workout. This increases the chance of injury, and nothing sets you back more than an injury.

With all resolutions, small setbacks are almost always inevitable. We’re human, so keep your focus on the journey, and make 2013 your most healthful year yet!

H appy New Year! So what is your resolution? Every year, many of

us set a resolution to improve a certain part of our life often involving weight loss or getting back into shape. As we all know, resolutions are not always easy to keep! Check the success of your resolution with this guide of the best and worst resolutions.

BEST RESOLUTION: Make a healthy grocery list before you head out to the store and stick to the list!

Set yourself up for success by organizing a detailed grocery list of healthy foods. Stock your kitchen with foods that are high in fiber and protein including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. To get the ultimate “healthy shopping cart,” go to www.smartfitpersonaltraining.com to print out the Smart Fit grocery list.

WORST RESOLUTION: Purchase foods just because the label reads “natural” or “organic.”

Natural and organic are great, but that doesn’t always mean they are healthy. Do your research and read labels carefully, making sure the foods that make it in the cart are vitamin-rich and low in fat.

BEST RESOLUTION: Buy a new workout outfit that you feel great in!

Sometimes small changes can provide that extra motivation needed to stay on course. Wearing exercise gear that makes you feel good is an encouraging step in the right direction.

WORST RESOLUTION: To stop buying clothes until you lose weight.

Enjoy the stages of your fitness journey, and reward your progress. Depriving yourself of rewards or disacknowledging your gradual accomplishments slowly reduces your drive.

BEST RESOLUTION: Do a little bit more!

Do one more set of weight training, walk one more mile, get in five more minutes of cardio, drink one more glass


BY SUZANNE STILES

MentionsMemorial

Daisy Troop 18454 attended the City Ballet of Houston Nutcracker Tea at Margo Marshall. They earned the Nutcracker Badge and enjoyed treats with the dancers. Pictured are Victoria Stokes, Tess Waggoner, Charlotte Odom, Ana Rizo-Patron, Ana Kate Mayhew, Jade Lawson-Ho, Brooke Maddox, Avery Basham, Anna Brandt, Ava Cox, Cora Howard, Charlotte Stiles, Annie Jones and Ava Dennis.

The SBMSA Freshman Flag Coltsteam from Valley Oaks played in the

Tullybowl on Sunday, November 18th. Pictured are Braden Dornier,

Mitch Autenreith, Corbin Comiskey, Preston Kyle, Cooper Gindorf, Jackson

Maddox, William Orton, Matt Lee,Owen Flemming, Christian Kiest,

Walker Green, Brent Dornier, Head Coach Matt Flemming, Assistant Coaches

Marc Kyle and Adam Green.

The Memorial Mother Runners recently ran a half marathon in San Antonio! Christy Engvall, Kristi Robishaw, Amy Hubbard, Kristin Martin, Anita Ramke, Melanie Beck and Heather Springer all meet at 5:30 am to train together.

Some lucky second and third grade SBMSA U8 girls soccer players won the division championship and got to walk out onto the field at the November 4th Dynamos playoff game for the pre-game ceremony. Pictured are Jordan Finkelstein, Mallory Sikes, Claire Wexler, Kate Consoli, Sarah Grace Raynes, Julia Baerenstecher, Camille Watson, Mia Abello, Claire Nockolds, Helen Wexler, Lia Bonet and Harper Paddock.


Bunker Hill Elementary friends enjoy some time in the outdoors on the farm. Pictured are Ava Cox, Catherine Stiles, Carolyn Blake, Megan Benz, Veronica and Drew Williams, Charlotte Goddard, Sarah Beth Rother, Rebecca Fleener, Mykaela Lawson-Ho, Jenna Kidd, Lily Katherine Cox and Lizzie Gissel.

St. Francis Episcopal Day School 5th graders Olivia Nance, Conlee Dull, Adelaide Ellington, Louise Jones, Ellie Zarr, Blair Barineau, Anya Bourenin, Claire Seinsheimer, Denise Pan, Renata Contreras, Mary Caroline Mitchell and Emma Sanchez worked together to make over 100 care packages for the troops. Enclosed in the packages were individualized cards to show support to our brave heroes. The care packages will be distributed by Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude.org).

Pilgrims, Indians and turkeys celebrated with songs and choreographed moves in honor of Thanksgiving at Rummel Creek Elementary. The school’s kindergartners played to a standing-room-only crowd during their annual program, which is followed by a Thanksgiving feast. These three pilgrims are Ferris Gooderham, Kate Kovacs and Nathan Yoder.

Chloe Hayes, a sixth grader at Spring Forest Middle School, attended the Veteran’s Day celebrations with

her grandfather George Torres, who is a Navy combat veteran of the Korean War.

Leah Mullins, a sixth grader at Spring Forest Middle School, attended the Veteran’s Day

celebrations with her father, Donald Mullins, an Army veteran who was stationed in Panama.

The Ninth Annual Houston Area Panhellenic Foundation Wine Tasting Event was held on October 26th at St. Cecilia’s Community Center. The

event honored Sharon Shelton-Pease, Delta Zeta and Tim Pease for their contributions to Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association and

Foundation. The annual event raises funds for fraternity women of Harris County in financial need for the purpose of continuing their education. A

$4,000 scholarship will be given in the name of the honorees at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon on May 2, 2013, at the Junior League. Pictured are

Robert and Shannon Shelton, Kelley Shelton O'Brien, Tim Pease, Sharon Shelton-Pease, Suzanne and Shelby Shelton and Stacia Seegar.


BY SUZANNESTILES

MentionsMemorial

Helping Renee Ridley celebrate her 12th birthday were her fellow Memorial Middle School friends Christina Funk, Tori Camden, Yujin Lee, Megan Hegemanand Maddie DeLongchamps.

Five Bunker Hill Elementary students, one from each class, were selected as winners in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program essay contest. Anna Van Os, Isabelle Nuzzo, John Grimes, Shaun Do, and Nicholas Ojeda are pictured with Officer O. G. Miller. Officer Miller has mentored these five children and the entire Bunker Hill Elementary 5th grade class in the D.A.R.E. program since they were kindergartners.

Congratulations Wilchester Jaguars who finished as runners-up in the gold division of Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association Boys 5/6 Soccer League. Pictured are Jackson Miller, James Millan, Coach Whitlock, Andrew Molina, Braxton Wakefield, Robert Latrobe, Aidan Burke, Coach Burke, Matthew Douglass, Mason Hallmark, and Thomas Thielemann. Not pictured: Luke Pine.

Memorial Boy Scout Troop 641 members Robbie Valach and Michael Walker advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout at a November 4th ceremony at

Chapelwood United Methodist Church. To be considered for Eagle Scout, they had to be active in the troop, hold leadership positions, earn at least 21 merit badges, complete a leadership service project benefiting the community and

receive letters of recommendation. For Michael's Eagle Scout service project, he built large cages to house orphaned and injured animals for the Texas

Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition. For Robbie's Eagle Scout service project, he replaced the second floor at the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in the 4th

Ward of Houston.

The Memorial Middle School International Club celebrated Thanksgiving at Sandalwood Park. Hostesses were Claudia Jarrard, Ana Lips, Amy Eggert and Sarah Ridley.


Co-Curators Kathy Goss and Leann Newton.

N E W S W O R T H Y

Mary Grace and Michael Landrum, chairs of the 20th annual Crystal Awards Gala, have named a commit-tee to help plan and execute the event. The Gala is slated for Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, 1200 Louisiana St. “An Evening of Cel-ebrating Teachers with High Hopes for Generations” will recognize four outstanding educators selected from the Greater Houston area, 46 Spring Branch Independent School District Teachers of the Year and two Spring Branch ISD Principals of the Year.

“The Crystal Awards is an outstand-ing way for the community to honor the teachers who do so much for our children,” said Mary Grace Landrum. “The incredible committee chairs and their members make this a truly spectacular evening for teachers from the Greater Houston area and Spring Branch ISD. In this 20th year of the event we want to recognize that teach-ers have had high hopes for our chil-dren for generations and will for gen-erations to come.”

The Landrum have named a com-mittee of parents and community lead-ers to plan each part of the evening: Debra Aitken, Publicity chair; Missy Balleza, Decorations and Style Show co-chair; Patty Busmire, SBEF Special Events chair; Melissa DeAyala, Decora-tions and Style Show co-chair; Maris-

The 2013 Crystal Awards Gala Committee: Cece Thompson, Mary Grace Landrum and Melissa DeAyala. Standing: Marissa Klussmann, Claudia Selzer, Debbie Slack, Patty Busmire, Missy Balleza, Hayley Stewart, Becky Robertson, Laura Tingleaf and Debra Aitken.

sa Klussmann, Teacher Appreciation chair; Donna Montalbano, Underwrit-ing chair; Becky Robertson, Auction co-chair; Claudia Selzer, Reservations chair; Debbie Slack, Raffle chair; Hay-ley Stewart, Auction co-chair; Laura Tingleaf, Clean-up chair and Cece Thompson, SBEF Executive Director.

Committee members are Charla Al-len, Kristen Arnett, Jennie Baker, Laura Cannaday, Diana Chenoweth, Katherine Dawson, Aimee Dodson, Suzy Godwin, Pam Goodson, Veronica Herrmann, Marty Herzog, Janet Horton, Robin Jensen, Lesley Krivan, Kay Kurisky, Re-nee Lange, Karen Lee, Susan Marks, Melissa Matthews, Elizabeth More, Wendy Moreland, Julie Moreton, Rob-in Nunley, Pam Overly, Dede Phillips, Suzanne Pittmann, Melinda Prewett, Michelle Putnik, Linda Ramos, Mary Ranger, Michelle Riddle, Tracey Rogan, Amanda Rutt, Lorrie Sanwald, Ruby Schaper, Lisa Schwartz, Julie Sheets, Inga Smith, Anne-Laure Stephens, Ju-lie Stratton, Kim Trimble, Michele Tura, Gigi White and Kathy Wiggins.

Tickets begin at $150; tables, spon-sorships and underwriting opportuni-ties are available. Call 713-251-2381 for tickets or information. Proceeds from the Crystal Awards Gala benefit educa-tional and enrichment programs in the Spring Branch ISD and the Chronicle’s Readers Are Leaders program.

Spring Branch Education Foundation Names Committee for 2013 Crystal Awards Gala

The Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum (AYAM), the nation’s only art museum located on a public school campus, is an art experiential destination for students of all ages. Spring Branch ISD first grad-ers enjoy the Museum’s Road Show as docents take a small portion of the art to classrooms and anticipate their second grade year when they take a field trip to the Museum. Special workshops are de-signed for all age groups.

AYAM’s fine arts pieces and artifacts represent cultures around the world from antiquity to the present. The Muse-um is the result of a vision by Altharetta Yeargin, the district’s first art teacher. As she and her husband travelled the globe, their collection grew. When she donated the collection to SBISD, the district partnered with The Smithsonian Institution to design the current facility, with its three galleries, resource library and kiva theater.

Co-Curators Kathy Goss and Leann Newton host a variety of hands-on work-shops. “First Saturdays are free and fun for the whole family,” Goss explained. “This year’s theme is ‘Art Around the World.’ Registration is open for work-shops scheduled for the first Saturdays of February, March and April.”

Community members can learn more about events, request a newsletter and register for all events at cms.springbran-chisd.com, click on Home and AYAM.

Altharetta Yeargin Art Museum Hosts

Art Around the World Workshops


Private Schools and After-School ActivitiesAdvertorial

P inkies Up offers “open” tea parties celebrating Eas-ter, Grandmother/Granddaughter Tea, Hawaiian Luau,

Happy New School Year and the infamous Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo tea party at Halloween. Sign up early! The seating al-ways fills up quickly.

The Pinkies Up Spot will offer special classes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings for children two and a half to four years old. Preschool Partners classes will em-phasize books, art, music and movement.

Pinkies Up devised the Mannerific After School pro-gram four years ago. Schools currently hosting Mannerific are River Oaks Baptist School, St. Francis Episcopal Day School and St. Mark’s Episcopal School. Mannerific also offers summer camps at St. Martin’s Episcopal School and West University Recreation Center. It will now be offered at the The Pinkies Up Spot along with Daisy, Brownie and Girl Scout Manners meetings.

Don’t forget to sign up in February for Pinkies Up’s sum-mer Mannerific camps and summer book clubs for elemen-tary age children.

Pinkies Up would love to help with your next celebra-tion. For more information, call 713-667-2103, email [email protected] or visit www.pinkies-up.com.

Pinkies Up: Parties for Children

Sharing one of life’s special blessings...friends.$100 off a party of 10 or more or 15% off a purchase of $50

or more if booked during January - March 31st, 2013Parties must be booked by coupon expiration date but can be reserved for a future date.

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Houston’s Premiere Party Service for Imaginative Themed Parties for Children

T he Alegría Culture Institute is Houston’s premiere cen-ter for acquisition of Spanish by children, employing

the Rodrigo Corzo Language Acquisition Method. This technique focuses on the language aspects that are not covered in depth in academic settings.

Too many language teaching methods are like computer translation programs, assuming that if words in one lan-guage are replaced by their rough equivalents in another, understanding will result. By contrast, the Rodrigo Corzo Language Acquisition Method recognizes that culture and language are inextricably entwined and that both must be understood together. Therefore, it exposes students to the art and culture of the Americas and Spain as a critical tool for learning the Spanish language. This approach will help students excel academically, socially and professionally.

The Alegría Culture Institute is operated by local pro-fessionals who understand the Spanish programs of local school districts, particularly the Spring Branch Independent School District, one of Texas’s premier college preparatory districts.

As a result, the Alegría program greatly targets the prob-lems local students deal with in their academic Spanish instruction. The program and the facilities are designed to appeal to students aged from 5 to 18.

Classes are offered on weekday afternoons for school-age children and teenagers. In addition, Spanish conversa-tion classes are offered on weekends for adults.

For more information, visit www.alegriainstitute.org or call 713-464-1335.

Alegría Culture InstituteOffers Unique Approach

To Teaching Spanish


Private Schools and After-School Activities Advertorial

Alegría Culture InstitutePremier After School Spanish Learning Institute

Bring your child in for a Free evaluation

Programs designed by Certified Teachers with experience teaching at Spring Branch ISD.

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Grace School is a Christian, independent school serving students from 20 months through eighth grade.

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F inding the right school for your child makes a world of difference. At Grace School, you will find an environ-

ment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, develops a joyful enthusiasm for learning and encourages deep-felt concern for others.

Grace School is committed to providing students from 20 months through eighth grade with a high-quality educa-tion enriched by an intentional and engaging learning envi-ronment. We enable our students to become independent thinkers—achieving true academic success.

At Grace School, our mission focuses on three major principles. We believe our educational program should be rigorous, embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ and pro-vide our students with a safe and inclusive environment. A great education—the kind offered at Grace School—re-quires that each principle be lived out on a daily basis.

We strive to develop thoughtful, compassionate young people eager to engage in the world around them. Primary School, Lower School and Middle School each have their own individualized plan for devel-oping life-long learners but work collectively to uphold the educa-tional integrity of Grace School. Our class sizes are intentionally small yet attentive to the individual learner. Our vibrant, welcoming community gives our students the confidence to do their best.

So whether you’ve just started your school search or are looking to change schools, make the choice of a lifetime—choose Grace School!

For more information, visit www.graceschool.org or call 713-782-4421. Grace School is located at 10219 Ella Lee Lane at the intersec-tion of Beltway 8 and Westheimer Rd.


Great Author Events! Visit BlueWillowBookshop.com.281-497-8675 14532 • Memorial Dr. @ Dairy Ashford

Details at http://www.bluewillowbookshop.comMeet the authors at the MAC in February

Private Schools and After-School ActivitiesAdvertorial

Martial Arts classes change lives in ways people never think possible or expect. Men, women and children

of all ages discover every day how martial arts classes help bring out their personal best, and Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios is the world leader in providing life-changing and character building experiences through world-class, per-sonalized martial arts instruction.

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios is completely unique as the only martial arts system that specializes in the Dynamic Mastery Method™ of instruction to personalize and cus-tomize the system to fit your individual needs and abilities.

Z-Ultimate’s Future Leaders Program helps children grow up and become successful, productive and resilient adults. Children need a strong foundation of values, along with rock solid self-esteem and powerful self-image. The program was created for children ages three to 15 to help teach values like respect, discipline, humility, perseverance and how to work with others.

Future Leaders develop these fundamental values in a safe, family environment that supplies the structure needed for chil-dren to grow and mature, all under the leadership of their Sen-

The Importance of Martial Arts Training

sei. Coming to their private and group classes and training con-sistently in the martial arts helps develop these key values and characteristics, which carries over to home and school.

At Z-Ultimate, we view ourselves as “coaches” who work with our parents to get the best out of our Future Leaders in the dojo, at home and at school. By fostering this relationship, children develop a strong foundation for future success.

Z-Ultimate’s Young Adults Program helps teenagers who are searching for an identity and group to belong to, with-out giving up their independence or individuality. Martial arts training helps teens bond with others and develop their iden-tity in a safe, structured and positive environment.

Z-Ultimate’s Adults Program helps adults, regardless of their age, ability or physical condition, with martial arts class-es that transform your body and change your life. Nowhere else will you find another type of training that strengthens your mind, body and spirit like the martial arts.

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio’s new location in Memorial is located at 12649 Memorial Dr, Suite A in Houston. Stop by or call 713-481-5548 to schedule your first free, introductory lesson.

See ad on page 13.

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delivered to your mailbox!

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Call 281.690.4242


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W ith seven affiliate master showrooms in the Houston

area including Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, Carpet 4 Less is your source to spruce up your home’s floor for 2013. And best of all, with Carpet 4 Less’ unique business model, they bring the showroom to you!

In business for nine years, Patrick O’Rourke, owner of Carpet 4 Less, discovered the value of serving the client at their convenience in their own home. “We are able to pass on a remarkable savings to our clients by serving them directly,” said O’Rourke. With fast, expert installation by master-certified installers, O’Rourke brings the best in wood flooring, carpet, stone, tile, laminate, bamboo and vinyl flooring along with granite and marble countertops directly to your door. Unlike retailers, Carpet 4 Less has a policy of “buy it today, we install it tomorrow” to provide the ultimate in customer service.

Whether customers need new installation or refinishing work on floors, Carpet 4 Less is a one stop shop offering a team of certified plumbers, painters and electricians in addition to their expert installers. With a free lifetime installation warranty, providing more value for less along with exemplary customer service is the Carpet 4 Less mission.

Carpet 4 Less is open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, 1 to 6 pm on Sunday, and is a member of the Better Business Bureau. Call Patrick at 281.444.0411 and let him bring the showroom of new flooring and counters to you.

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absolute ly!AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

T he all-new 2013 Cadillac ATS proves once and for all that this is not your grandfather’s car.

Aimed squarely at buyers of the BMW 3-Series, the ATS is a small, rear-drive luxury car that drives as well as any-thing the Germans can make. It was tuned and tested on the punishing Nürburgring course and it can hold its own against the best in its class. Finally, Cadillac truly has a car that doesn’t give an inch to any of its ri-vals.

For the last couple of decades, the Cadillac brand has been fighting a rising tide against the import brands that now rule the American luxury car market. It’s hard to remember the time when Cadillac was the number one luxury car in America and Mer-

CADILLAC ATScedes, BMW, Lexus and Acura were struggling for customers.

Nowadays, however, Cadillac is the number five luxury brand in the US, but they continue to reinvent them-selves in a bid to win back market share. The 2013 Cadillac ATS is their latest (and best) vehicle in their at-tempt to bring down the age of their average customer. The ATS is a car that’s designed to move fast and han-dle beautifully while doing just that. This is not a cruiser with a suspension system that hits one bump then keeps bouncing. Your grandfather may hate it, but you’ll love it.

For a starting MSRP of $33,095, the base ATS is powered by a 202 hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that doesn’t bring the car enough umph to really put it through its paces. The next option is a 272 hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged, direct injec-tion engine that really brings the right amount of fun to this car with a 0-60 time of just over 6 seconds. And final-ly, there’s a 321 hp, 3.6-liter normally-aspirated V6 that’ll get the car from 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds.

The interior is strictly high-tech with the optional CUE system as its fo-cal point. Operating via an eight inch touch screen mounted in the center dash, CUE, short for Cadillac User En-tertainment, operates like your smart-phone or iPad. Swiping, pinching, tap-ping makes the CUE system familiar and very user-friendly. It’s setting a new standard in automotive infotain-ment interfaces.

The 2013 ATS is without a doubt Cadillac’s best entry into the very competitive luxury performance car segment. If you’re shopping for a lux-ury car, put this new model on your list. It’ll change how you think about Cadillac forever.


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Meeting responsibilities of faMily and

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absolutely! Memorial Magazine

soireeabsolutely! Memorial Magazine held its annual Holiday Soiree at

The Marque on December 5th. Specialty drinks, delicious bites, vendorsbooths and, of course, the famous swag bags were enjoyed by all!

Hallie Keller of Hallie Keller Photography.

Michael Cox, J.D. Joyce, author of The Story of Rich, Andrea Rigamonti, Dina Rose and

Dean West of Barnes & Noble.

Kate Grossman, Arielle Lawson-Ho

and Aisling Haddon.

Kristen and Jessica Kij.

J.D. Joyce and Connie Inman.

Adam Stiles andWade Rigamonti.

Maureen Greig of John West Physical Therapy, Candace Helstrom and DesireeLonsway of Big Ideas Creative Services.

Millicent Moehlman, Kevin Baker, Louise Hansen and Laura Hall.

Debbie and Roger Clemens.Doug and Nancy Rommelmann, Cindy Crofford

of Cindy Crofford Photography, Gary Crofford and Ginger Moore.

Karen Mawyer, Roger and Debbie Clemens, Patti Parish-Kaminski and Lisa Fredrickson.


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N E W S W O R T H Y

Memorial women are powering up for Hadassah’s Women of Cour-age Awards, where world-renown child advocate and abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart will be the keynote speaker. In its ninth year, this award recognizes extraordinary women who have focused on important issues and gone the extra mile to make a differ-ence in the lives of others. This year’s honorees are Women of Courage Founder Debbie Levine, Hadassah’s National President Marcie Natan and Elizabeth Smart.

Making it all happen as luncheon co-chairs are Memorial’s Golda Baker and Ann Baker Ronn, along with Me-morial High School alum Marcie Baker Turrin. Co-chairing the silent auction preceding the luncheon are Memo-rial’s Melissa Horn and Memorial High School Alum Julie Handel.

Memorial Women Unite for Women of Courage Awards Featuring Elizabeth Smart

Hadassah, a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is the largest volunteer women’s organization in the U.S. For the unique opportunity to hear Eliza-beth’s Smart’s triumphant story first hand at the February 10th luncheon, register at www.houston.hadassah.org/womenofcourage2013.

Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Smart.

Luncheon Co-Chairs Ann Baker, Ronn Golda Baker and Marcie Baker Turrin.

Auction Co-Chairs Julie Handel and Melissa Horn.

Boy Scout Troop 599, chartered at Memorial Drive United Method-ist Church, honored four new Eagle Scouts at a Court of Honor on October 28th. All four Eagle Scouts have spent four to six years learning Scout skills, earning merit badges and advancing through the ranks of Scouting. Their experience culminated in planning and leading an Eagle Scout project in-tended to serve the community.

Grant Brann, a senior at Stratford High School, made three push-up mats for each of the 26 Spring Branch ISD elementary schools for his Eagle Scout project. These mats are used to teach students the correct way to do a push-up. Grant joins his brother Zach-ary Brann, uncle Michael Stokan and cousin Craig Brann in the rank of Eagle.

Milen Good, also a senior at Strat-ford, made shelving for the Depelchin

Children’s Home as his Eagle Project. Milen is joining his brother, Myles Good, in earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Grant Kirchhofer joins his great-uncle Tom Baumgardner, uncle Marty Baumgardner, cousin Caleb Baumgard-ner and brother Ben Kirchhofer in the

ranks of Eagles Scouts. A jun-ior at Memorial High School, Grant oversaw the construc-tion of an octagonal picnic ta-ble with attached seats for 16 kids at Thornwood Elementa-ry School for his Eagle Scout project. In addition, he water sealed the table and an exist-ing matching table.

Nikhil Kumar is also a jun-ior at Memorial High School. His Eagle Scout project in-

volved building and installing seven map display signs for the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary to replace the old signs that had been built many years earlier.

Congratulations to these outstand-ing young men for their service and their accomplishments.

Boy Scout Troop 599 Honors Four New Eagle Scouts

Eagle Scouts Grant Brann, Milen Good, Nikhil Kumar and Grant Kirchhofer.


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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Trailblazer Committee is hon-oring five women who have been se-lected for their contributions and spirit of volunteerism at the show.

The 2013 Trailblazer Award recipi-ents are Lynda Hartman, Kathleen “Kaki” Herd, Joan Lyons and Amy Sablatura, with the special Pearl Award presented to Barbara Jordan. These recipients are forward-thinking, productive volunteers who represent multiple committees and have shown a true dedication to the Houston Live-stock Show and Rodeo through their time, talent and generosity.

The 14th Annual Trailblazer Awards take place at the Royal Sonesta Hotel (formerly InterContinental Houston) on February 7, 2013, with a lunch-eon and fashion show for 750 guests. Local television anchor Dominique Sachse will preside as mistress of ceremonies. The festivities begin at 11 am with a reception, followed by the presentation of honorees, fashion show and lunch. For more information about the Crowning Accomplishment Trailblazer Luncheon and Fashion Show, please contact Michelle Wasaff, Trailblazer Chairman at 713.829.3364.

About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the area’s largest local volun-

Outstanding Women Volunteers of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

teer organization, with nearly 28,000 volunteers. The 2013 Houston Live-stock Show and Rodeo runs February 25th through March 17th.

The Show is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable event, committed to bene-fiting youth, supporting education and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Hou-ston Livestock Show and Rodeo has committed more than $330 million to scholarships, research, endowments, calf scramble participants, junior show exhibitors, school art participants and other educational and youth pro-grams. For more information on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit www.rodeohouston.com.


[email protected]

The 2013 Trailblazer Award Recipients: Amy Sablatura, Kathleen “Kaki” Herd, Barbara Jordan, Joan Lyons, Lynda Hartman and Michelle Wasaf.

9311 KATY FREEWAYHOUSTON TX 77024

713.461.2022

JANUARY

SALE


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The Shopaholic Martini

945 Gessner, Houston, TX 77024 • 281.501.4350 • www.facebook.com/024Grille

Allow 024 Grille to renewyour retail spirit with an exclusive

Shopaholic Martini

Ingredients

• Absolut Vodka: 1 oz.• St. Germain Elderflower Liquor: 1 ½ oz.• Lime Juice: ½ oz• Egg Whites: ¾ oz• Fresh Raspberries: 3-4• Splash of Sprite

Directions

Muddle the raspberries in a shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and ice to the shaker, shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel if desired.

Pair with 024 Grille’s Lemon Pound Cake Stack.

Sponsored by

Congratulations to the Flames Soccer Team with several kids from the Memorial area including Rummel Creek, Bunker Hill, and Wilchester Elementary schools. They

recently won the South Texas Youth Soccer Association Eastern District Championship in Beaumont, and now, the team will be competing in the state championship!

Way to go from your friends at Houston Texans Grille!

12848 Queensbury LaneOn the 2nd Level next to Eddie V’s

Houston, TX 77024713.461.2002

houstontexansgrille.com

Top Row: Coaches Steve Miller, Mike Catalano, Tim Flynn and Jim Spence. Second Row: Molly Miller, Gabby Monson,

Sloan Pyle, Sarah Flynn and Allison Fuller.Bottom Row: Jackie Catalano, Kate Young, Hannah Timmreck,

Katherine Latiolais and Brianna Honeycutt.

SprinG Branch

Sports

Spotlight

AM When did you know you want-ed to be a chef?

DL I have photos cooking with my mother dressed up as a chef

when I was eight years-old. I have fond memories of making fudge cake with my mother and barbequing hundreds of half chickens over charcoal with my father to help raise money for little league base-ball. It’s a well-known recipe in upstate NY called “Cornell Barbeque Chicken.”

AM Who are your biggest influ-ences?

DL Alain Ducasse, Thomas Keller and Doug Psaltis. I fell in love

with the playful nature of Keller’s cui-sine. The dishes that made him famous are ‘oysters and caviar’, ‘lobster peas and carrots’ and ‘Orange creamcicle.’ All simple in nature, but when paired together and executed properly are a

perfect marriage. Ducasse is all about simplicity and letting the products do all the talking. He uses proper cook-ing techniques to enhance the flavor of the product. While at the Alain Ducasse New York, we received only the best of the best from growers. In every one of Ducasses recipes and cookbooks, the flavors match perfectly, the plated is el-egant and simple

AM Do you have a favorite dish, and why is it your favorite?

DL Whole roast foie gras with dates, preserved lemon and

duck jus served with grilled bread. It is a perfect combination. I also am in love with caviar. Growing up with financial limitations, I have a profound love for the finer things in life.

AM What can guests expect from your cuisine when they come

to dine with you?

DLSimple elegance. I sought to work for Alain because of his

grassroots philosophy: 60% product, 40% technique, 110% passion.

AM What are you most excited about for 024 Grille?

DL The sky is the limit. We have a beautiful space equipped to

handle any style of private function with any budget. It really has become our cu-linary playground.

MeetChef Dagan Lynn024 Grille is a local bistro and

steakhouse at the Westin Houston Memorial City, in the heart of the Energy Corridor and Memorial. It offers a contemporary evolution of a Texas classic steakhouse in a West Houston hotspot sizzling with style, an energized lounge, and a savvy menu featuring only the finest ingredients available. 024 Grille is finished in natural red brick and cedar trim and fea-tures an inviting dining room with a lively open kitchen, rustic wood dining tables and a large backlit bar with leather stools, greeting guests with a modern yet rustic ambience. Complete with four intimate private event rooms, a sophisticated, yet approachable wine list and a signature cocktail menu, 024 Grille is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Executive Chef Dagan Lynn leads the team behind 024 Grille. Joining Chef Lynn is Justin Strang as Restaurant Chef and Jon Kuit as General Manager. 024 Grille’s dinner menu features the finest and fresh-est steaks, lamb and seafood available in Houston. A succulent veal porterhouse and rack of lamb are favorites. Equally im-pressive are the tantalizing seafood dishes such as Atlantic Salmon Meuniere and Wasabi Pea Crusted Ahi Tuna. You can also enjoy delicious side dishes like the mouth-watering Truffle Mac and Cheese and Sweet Potato Gratin. Locally-inspired appetizers range from shrimp bisque to pan sautéed shishito peppers and a tra-ditional steakhouse iceberg wedge salad to warm chicken liver pâté. The word on the street is that you cannot leave the res-taurant without trying the Texas Trail sticky toffee pudding. They also have a flourless chocolate cake, lavender crème brulee and a peanut butter chocolate mousse, complete with banana ice cream all wait-ing to be savoured by you!

Whether squeezing in a lunch during work or dining with friends, guest will enjoy a scrumptious meal.

024 Grille 945 Gessner, 77024 • 281-501-4350 • Facebook.com/024Grille


By Stephenie Cox

absolute ly!DELICIOUS

Grilled Sirloin “French onion style” with Gruyere Cheese Butter and Caramelized Onion Fondue

This recipe works with any kind of steak. Cook the steak, top with gruyere butter. Place under a broiler until butter is golden brown.

Caramelized Onion Fondue:•2 lbs sweet onions•4 oz butter•1 tbsp fresh thyme•4 oz sherry wine•4 oz beef sauce •salt and pepper to tasteCook onions, butter and thyme until

onions are tender and brown. Add

sherry wine, reduce by half, add beef sauce or beef demi, and season to taste.

Gruyere Cheese Butter: • 1 lb aged gruyere (grated) • 1 lb butter• 4 tsp black pepper • 1 tsp Tabasco • 3 tsp kosher salt• 1 tsp Worcestershire• 2 cups Panko bread crumbsSoften butter and mix all together.

Roll into log with parchment paper.


By Jennifer Elliott

absolute ly!DELICIOUS

I f you collected recipes from Louisi-ana, Dubai, Angola, Abu Dhabi and San Francisco, you would have quite

a unique cookbook. That is just what Em-manuelle Denaclara is working on writing. She and her French family have lived all over the world for her husband’s job, with Houston being their most recent stop.

They arrived in Texas in August 2009. “Houston is a very cosmopolitan city,” Denaclara comments. “I like the weather because it’s easy to live with. I like the greenery and lots of empty spaces. It’s spread out, so you don’t feel like you’re in a big city.”

When they came to Houston, they were looking for a home close to the kids’ school, Awty International, and close to I-10 and the Beltway so the commute would be easy for her husband, Hervé. And although the kids would be in private school to maintain their French, the Denaclaras wanted a home in a great school district so the house would be

easy to sell when it’s time to move on to their next destination.

They found a home in Memorial Hollow. “The location was perfect,” she says.

Denaclara is impressed with the Houston Zoo and museums. But the one place she takes all her visitors from overseas is Cavender’s Boot City. “I always tell them to look at the people’s shoes; they’re all boots.” She likes that Texans can have a Western identity, but are also open to sharing things with

Emmanuelle’s Galette

French Cooking

people from other parts of the world.When it comes to dining out in the

Memorial area, Bistro Provence is an obvious favorite, but she also likes Ra Sushi and Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse. Her children, Marie Carmen, 12, and Xavier, 10, like going to Fuddrucker’s.

Denaclara loves to cook and enjoys sharing her favorite recipes. A tasty French treat for January is galette. Traditionally served on January 6th for King’s Day, the baker hides a small trinket in the cake. The youngest child in the family hides under the table and names who will get each slice of cake as it is cut. The person who bites into the trinket becomes the King or Queen for the day. That person then discreetly places the trinket in the glass of whomever they chose to be their sweetheart.

Denclara tries to learn new recipes wherever she lives. She has a professional cooking background, but over the last fifteen years she describes herself as “a stay at home mom cooking for family and foreign friends.” Her current project is an ex-pat cookbook with recipes compiled from all the places she has called home.

Wondering what the Texas inspired recipe will be? She tells me she makes a wonderful soup with corn, peppers and crawfish. Sounds delicious!!

You will need A box of frozen Pepperidge farm puff pastry (defrosted in the fridge)1 egg and 2 teaspoons of water for the glaze

For the Crème Patissiere (Make First):1 and ½ vanilla bean(scratch the seeds out with a knife)2 tablespoons of corn starch1/3 cup of sugar1 1/2 cups of milk4 egg yolks

In a thick saucepan, combine the corn starch with half of the sugar and all of the milk. Bring to a boil. Add the seeds from the vanilla beans and stir well with a small whisk. In a large bowl, mix the rest of the sugar and the egg yolks together for 3 minutes. Add in a bit of the milk mixture until you have a smooth mix, then pour everything back into the saucepan and whisk gently until it becomes firm and starts bubbling. Pour the crème patissiere out of the hot saucepan and leave to cool down. You only need 4 ½ ounces of it for the galette, but you can pour the rest of it in little cups with fresh fruits or brioche for breakfast.

For the Crème Frangipane3 ½ oz. of butter at room temperature3 ½ oz. of powdered sugar3 ½ oz. of almond powder1 teaspoon of corn starch (Argo)2 eggs1 drop of almond extract4 ½ oz. of crème patissiere

In a big bowl, slowly mix with an electrical whisk the first six ingredients in that order. When smooth, add the 4 ½ oz. of crème patissiere. Roll both squares of the puff pastry with a rolling pin to even them nicely. Lay on a baking sheet covered with baking liner. Mix an egg and water. Brush on one square’s edges. Pour the crème frangipane in the middle of it and cover with the other square of puff pastry, sealing the edges together carefully. Brush the whole galette with the egg and water mix, and draw a nice geometrical pattern on it with the back of a fork. Bake at 425 degrees for about 35 to 40 minutes.

Emmanuelle Denaclarahosting a cooking workshop.


Photo Sources:http://austingastronomist.com/sriracha-roasted-brussels-sprouts-lemon-caramel-vinaigrette/

http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2012/05/baby-kale-greek-salad-recipe.htmlhttp://wbez.org

http://goddessandgrocer.com

Ewwww…what’s that? If you have kids, you may have heard this at dinner time. Okay, let’s be honest: You may have said that in your head as well a few times. What if this year we celebrate the New Year with a new outlook on fruits and vegetables? Think of them as nature’s gift to us. They are chocked full of phytochemicals, essential vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. They offer us the ability to build better

immune systems and to take our health into our own hands as a kind of a prevention plan.So, how can we incorporate more vegetables in our daily meals? You don’t have to look far. Many Houston

restaurants have brought back the dreaded brussel sprout. I am a big foodie and love a variety of foods, but brussel sprouts are on the “ewww list.” The chefs at restaurants like Uchi, Black Finn, Reef and many others have changed my mind with their tasty brussel sprout recipes. Now I look for the crispy savory side dishes everywhere I go. Just goes to show you that with the right preparation and presentation, those good-for-you foods can become a favorite.

Serve veggies raw. The natural flavor of the vegetable is often the most pleasant. Sometimes cooking brings out the more pungent flavor in some of the vegetables. Put a plate of raw, sliced veggies on the dinner table every night. Yes, carrot sticks, but also sweet red peppers, celery, fresh peas, cauliflow-er, broccoli and tomatoes. They are really quite deli-cious on their own. It’s not the end of the world if you have a bit of Ranch dress-ing on the veggies. In fact, there are organic versions if you prefer this option.

Shop as a family. Pick out the fruits and veggies you will be eating together. Try new ones, look up recipes and let the whole family be involved in preparing them. Perhaps make a day at the local markets. Once you have invested all that time, who wouldn’t want to munch on all that goodness?

Add organic butter. Butter just makes everything better, and honestly, many of the veggies need a little oil so the nutrients are better absorbed by our bodies. Corn on the cob … need I say more?Roast the vegetables. Slice or dice the veggies or

potatoes, lightly toss with organic olive oil, salt and pepper lightly. Lay on a foil covered baking sheet and roast for about 30

minutes on 350 degrees. This can be done with just about everything from sweet potatoes, summer and winter squashes, cau-liflower, carrots and many more vegetables.

Here are a couple of ideas to sneak those veggies in for both kids and adults:

EAT YOUR VEGGIES

Add cheese. Top with shredded cheese, crumbles of cheese or cheese sauce. Take some time to explore the won-derful world of how cheese can make veggies the star of your meal. There are so many recipes and versions that everyone will love. You may find that you start to plan your meals around the veggie dish when you start adding cheese to it.

Baby kale. Mix baby kale into your regular salad. It is not as bitter as kale but packs a lot of nutrition. Kids’ taste buds are not as developed as adults. They taste bitterness less acutely than we do. My daugh-ters don’t even notice that their salads are half romaine half baby kale. And, it doesn’t just have to be baby kale. Most grocers stock several baby green varieties that you can try.

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I know I do! I want to continue trying new wines and learn even more about what I like. Until

something better comes along, the best way to find what you like is to taste, taste and taste some more. And I must admit, I’m enjoying all the research and hope you are, too.

Last year I had the opportunity to try hundreds, or maybe even closer to thousands, of wines through several tasting events, samples and yes, by just buying new wines myself and giving them a try. Each and every time I taste a wine, I grow closer to understanding what I like, and do not like, in different wines. Often, I also feel as though I am

exploring a new land or revisiting a favorite vacation with a new

bottle, depending on where it originated.

At the Wine Blogger’s Conference in Portland, Or-egon and at a tour just before

it at King Estate, I learned that I really do enjoy Oregon

Pinot Noir and that there are some luscious options at affordable

prices. Of course, I also enjoyed the beautiful mountains and gorgeous

colors in the landscapes and will re-call those with every sip of Or-

egon I take. While judging for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Inter-national Wine Competi-

tion, I learned that I needed to give more

Petit Syrah’s a try, as I tasted glass

after glass of de-liciousness. I

also came to

appreciate the breadth of the Riesling grape through many trips to the Fin-ger Lakes of New York this past year. Did you know that not all Rieslings are sweet? New York winemakers at such places as Anthony Road, Hermann J. Wiemer and Fox Run are making some outstanding dry Rieslings in addition to sweeter ones.

What’s Your New Year’s Wine Resolution This Year?You do have one related to wine, right?

could proceed without any guidelines to try an eclectic mix of wines.

Be intentional when you order wines and order more flights or wines by the glass before you settle on a bottle to give your palate a good workout, and see if you discover something new before set-tling on an old favorite.

Another way to try a lot of wines at one time is to attend a wine festival, or better yet, something like the Rodeo Uncorked! Best Bites Roundup, where you can taste hundreds of medal-win-ning wines from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s International Wine Competition paired with some of the best dishes Houston restaurants have to offer. Tip: Remember to spit and not swallow all those wines if you want to be able to remember what you are tasting! Or, arrange for a safe driver and take it all in, not worrying about details.

As I said before, until something bet-ter comes along, you won’t know what you like unless you taste a lot of wines. Sure, you are bound to come across a few that will not be to your liking, but you’ll also come across some that you’ll love.

I am often asked about wine recom-mendations for other people, and my best recommendation is this: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You’ve got to taste a lot of wines to find your new fa-vorites. And once you do find your new favorites, don’t be afraid to explore to find even more. You never know what is out there unless you go exploring!

So, back to those New Year’s resolu-tions... I’d like to suggest that you make it a point to try lots of new wines this year. Set a number of wines or a number of varietals to try and go for it. It’ll be an exciting year, I promise! Cheers!

By Amy Grossvinesleuth.com/uncorked

This has also been a year of explor-ing bubbles for me, and I even found a very affordable sparkling wine from Tasmania (Jansz), that is my latest bubbly love.

Sure you could say that I get to try so many wines in my line of work as a wine writer and blogger, but you can also try new wines yourself and discover new loves. Invite friends over for wine tast-ing parties and ask everyone to bring fa-vorite bottle, or better yet, challenge ev-eryone to bring a bottle they have never tried. You could set a price parameter and the varietal (grape type) so that all the wines have some similarities, or you


AMERICAN

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Sharky’s American Grill serves a variety of everyone’s favorites from the freshest seafood dishes to mouthwatering burgers. Recently named by the Houston Chronicle as “one of the best restaurants for dining in the Energy Corridor,” Sharky’s provides a casual atmosphere for professionals to relax after work, and a fun place for families to enjoy. Sharky’s is committed to offering West Houston the best dishes and highest quality ingredients at affordable prices.

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Here at Brunch Kafe, you’ll enjoy a laid back, diner atmosphere with a heaping helping of home-style breakfast specialties such as eggs benedict, wings with waffles, creative omelettes and more. Chicken fried steak, chicken pot pie and burgers top a list of lunch and dinner picks at Brunch Kafe. Brunch Kafe also has a beverage menu that includes specialty coffees, smoothies, flavored tea and tapioca. Be sure to save room for a slice of apple, cherry or pecan pie.

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Harvest Organic Grille is a new, healthy restaurant in the Houston area. We serve healthy foods, natural, organic products, free range chicken, wild caught seafood and certified natural angus beef. From freshest selections on our unlimited salad bar to the natural grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and wild caught seafood cooked over flames by our grill-masters, we are serious about providing you with a fresh new take on the way you dine out.

GRILLE

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024 Grille combines the atmosphere of a local bistro and the classic tradition of a Texas steakhouse. This contemporary restaurant provides a full menu of locally-inspired foods for freshness and classic dishes with a twist. Complete with four intimate private dining rooms, a sophisticated wine list and a signature cocktail menu, 024 Grille is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Four generations of recipes. Home-style Italian cuisine. A Carrabba family eatery.

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At Piatto, you’ll taste the Carrabba family’s lifelong passion for food in every delicious bite. John Marion Carrabba, owner of Piatto, has family recipes that have been handed down through four generations; you’ll enjoy authentic Italian cuisine made the old-fash-ioned way – from scratch! These delicious dishes are served by a superb staff in a warm and relaxing environment. From boxed lunches to a large dining banquet, Piatto can help make your next event a delicious success! Piatto offers catering for all occasions – so-cial, business or ‘just because.’ Extensive on-site banquet rooms and off-site catering available.

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MEXICAN

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Cantina Laredo specializes in authentic Mexican dishes in a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere. The entire lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch and Cantina menus are all available for take-out, some delivery and catering. Selections such as Ensalada de Cilantro y Pollo, Cascabel Ribeye and Tacos al Carbon are divine, not to mention the Mexican apple pie that is served with a warm brandy butter and choice of cinnamon or vanilla ice cream.

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ALPHABETICALAD INDEX


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On October 15, 1907, Woodland Heights, an addition developed by William A. Wilson Realty Compa-

ny, officially opened to the public with 600 lots for sale. The new addition, situated on high ground north of downtown near White Oak Bayou and Houston Avenue, was a new “streetcar suburb” of Houston, made possible by the establishment of new street car lines and the extension of old lines during the early twentieth centu-ry. The land was subdivided into 600 lots, which ranged in price from $300 to $750. In addition to the prime location offered by Woodland Heights, buyers benefited from other amenities.

The William A. Wilson Realty Com-pany piped water to every lot in the ad-dition, added sewers, graded streets and sidewalks, and proved their dedication to green space by planting shrubs, oaks and sycamores. William A. Wilson was one of the earliest, if not the first, residential de-veloper in Houston to plant live oak trees in rows along Bayland Avenue and other streets in the addition to shape a sense of community space. Entry gate piers were added at Bayland and Houston Avenue to mark the entrance to the addition. Resi-

dents enjoyed the proxim-ity of both Highland Park, now Woodland Park, and Beauchamp Springs Pub-lic School, now William B. Travis Elementary School.

Woodland Heights saw a building boom of both residential and commercial buildings from 1907 to 1925. Many of the homes were de-signed in the Queen Anne, craftsman and English cot-tage style. The building ty-pologies included bungalows,

cottages, and four squares. As was the necessity with residences built in Houston before the introduction of air conditioning, many of the homes included spacious front porches. In addition to the residential construction in Woodland Heights, busi-ness centers emerged. Five main business centers were developed along Houston Avenue north of White Oak Bayou, along Beauchamp Avenue to North Main, along White Oak Drive from Houston Avenue to Studewood, along Studewood from Lit-tle White Oak Bayou to 11th Street and along Teetshorn and North Sabine. The

Highland Park Hotel, which was located on Houston Avenue, was home to not only a hotel, but also a theatre, saloon, restau-rant and beer garden.

Today, many of the historic Woodland Heights structures still stand. The Wil-son Home at 205 Bayland was occupied by William A. Wilson and his family un-til his death in 1920. Wilson was the only original Woodland Heights developer to construct a residence in the addition. His home was the largest home in the neigh-borhood and the only one to exemplify prairie style architecture. The home un-derwent a major restoration in 2007 to return it to its former glory. In addition to the historic homes, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Pecore and Zion Lu-theran Church on Beauchamp can be seen today. Woodland Heights now includes approximately 2,000 homes in 61 differ-ent developments. The original neighbor-hood boundaries have expanded to include Highland Park, Woodland Heights An-nex, Grota Homestead, Norhill, Woodland Terrace and Willborg.

Notable residents who have called Woodland Heights their home include ac-tress Nan Grey; ballet dancer Li Cunxin, whose life story was told in his autobi-ography turned feature film Mao’s Last Dancer; American short story writer Wil-liam Goyen; world renowned artist Dor-othy Hood and the first female elected to Houston City Government, former mayor Kathryn Whitmire.

On June 29, 2011, Houston’s City Council voted to approve the historic des-ignation application prepared by Wood-land Heights residents, thereby creating the Woodland Heights Historic District. The district includes roughly 386 homes and contains examples of the neighbor-hoods’ variety of architectural styles.

HistoricWoodland Heights

Houston’s

3222 Morrison Street.

612 Woodland Street.

INSIDE BACK

INSIDE BACK

J a n u a r y 2 6 - 2 7Merrell Center & Robinson Pavilion - Katy

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January 2013- Absolutely Memorial Magazine