December 2013- Absolutely Memorial Magazine

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DECEMBER 2013

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HOLIDAY Gift Guide

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ChristmasCOOKIE SWAP

Gifts from the VineElf: The Musical

Memorial’s Rising Stars

INSIDE FRONT

INSIDE FRONT

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

Four Hours and Seven Minutes,an increase of 31 minutes since 2002, according to the 2010 Emergency Department Pulse Report by Press Ganey, a hospital consulting firm.

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DECEMBER 2013 l TO ADVERTISE: 281.690.4242 or www.absolutelymemorial.com2

C O V E R S T O R Y

D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 3

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS TWO STARS ARE BORNMeet the cute-as-a-button stars from Elf: The Musical, a production that’s sure to warm hearts of all ages. Plus, gather the family for an abundance of holiday happenings produced by local art and entertainment communities.

8

F E AT U R E S

33 FOCUS ON WORSHIPDiscover nearby churches for your family to celebrate this special season.

34 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDEFind fabulous gifts for loved onesfrom local retailers.

C O L U M N S

10 absolutely! FABULOUS FINDS

12 HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOTMeet Aja Knott

18 JAN GLENN’S PAWSITIVELY PURRFECTPet Therapy: Man’s Best Friend as a Healer

27 FAMILY LAWFrequently Asked QuestionsRegarding Paternity

31 GIVE THE GIFT OF INVESTING

39 SPRING BRANCH SPORTS SPOTLIGHTMeet the Spring Branch MemorialSports Association Stallions

Promise Facciponte and Lauren Dodds.

Photography by Hallie Keller.

© 2013 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WC296 08/26/13

Texas tradition.Sports Medicine

The Sports Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus

scores in Houston as one of the best pediatric programs of its kind. With our

comprehensive array of services, we run offense to successfully treat acute and

chronic sports injuries, concussions and other conditions affecting performance

for all sports and physical activities. In addition, we help athletes with

wellness, injury prevention and return-to-play treatment plans. Our all-star

lineup of sports medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists,

sports-focused physical therapists, dietitians and other pediatric subspecialists

huddle up to deliver the best possible care. To find out how we score a

touchdown for Houston’s young athletes, visit texaschildrens.org/sportsmed.


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

21 CAMPBELLWELLNESS CENTERHas It All Under One Roof

N E W S W O RT H Y

22 ALLEGRO BALLETA Houston Treasure

24 THE WINTER BALL Announces the 2014 ABC-13 Women of Distinction

33 HERLETH CHILDRENFind Forever Friends

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

40 absolutely! Q & A Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus Answers Your Questions About Endometriosisin Adolescents

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

42 GIFTS FROM THE VINE

43 VINE SLEUTHConsider a Vintage Winefor the Perfect Gift

44 A CHRISTMAS COOKIE SWAP

46 absolutely! DELICIOUS LISTING

I N E V E RY I S S U E

14 SEEN ON THE SCENE

28 OUT & ABOUT IN THEHEART OF MEMORIAL

36 MEMORIAL MENTIONS

41 COMMUNITY EVENTS

48 A LITTLE PIECE OF HISTORYThe Saga of Henke and Pillot

CONTRIBUTORS

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | V O L U M E 9 | N U M B E R 1 2

ON THE COVER:Promise Facciponteand Lauren Dodds.Photography by Hallie Keller.

Jennifer Elliottabsolutely! focus mediaPage 42

42

Jan GlennJournalistPage 18

18

Suzanne Stiles absolutely! Memorial MentionsPage 36

36

Debbie Clemensabsolutely! Fabulous FindsPage 10

10

Nancy L. Rommelmann, PLLCFamily Law AttorneyPage 27

27

Stephanie Valtasaros ContributorPage 41

41

Gabriel Al-Rifai2birdsphotography.comPage 12

12

Stephenie Coxabsolutely! focus mediaPage 44

44

J.D. JoyceThe Story of Rich:A Financial Fable ofWealth and Reason During Uncertain Economic TimesPage 31

31

Amy Gross VineSleuthUncorked.comPage 43

43


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This month marks the second year that I have been publisher for absolutely! Me-morial Magazine and celebrates my 25th issue. As I sat down to write this month’s preview, I could not believe it has been two years. I could not be more proud of my staff, the growth and direction the magazine has taken. I get approached in grocery stores, restaurants and even in public restrooms (which I could do without!) about an arti-cle that ran in last month’s issue, a photo I should run in upcoming issue or a com-munity story that needs to be told. Simply stated, that is what we do and that is what sets us apart. We are your eyes, ears and voice in the community.

In this issue, we are highlighting two adorable and talented Memorial cuties who are truly making their dreams come true by appearing in the Theatre Under the Stars production Elf. Also in this holiday issue is a feature that tells readers any and everything they need to know about wine, as more wine is sold in the month of December than any other month throughout the year.

Finally, last month we ran a story about Stratford teacher Megan Mennes and her son Quinn. As we close out this year, I want to share a letter from a reader about this story, and the inspiration it created.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy New Year! See you in 2014!

Absolutely! yours,

LaraLara [email protected]

4655 TECHNIPLEX DR. STE 700STAFFORD , TX 77477

281-690-4242

WWW.ABSOLUTELYMEMORIAL.COM

absolutely! MemorialTM Magazine is published by absolutely! focus media, 4655 Techniplex Dr., Ste. 700, 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. 12December 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.

Publishedby

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

E DI TOR- I N - C H I E FPatti Parish-Kaminski

P U B L I S H E RLara Bell

S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V EJessica Kij

AC C OU N T E X E C U T I V E SStephenie Cox

Susan DannhausJennifer Elliott

Kay GarrettAndrea Rigamonti

Suzanne StilesBonnie Bell Woodrow

A RT DI R E C TORGrace Belleza

G R A P H IC DE SIG N E RGinger Garza

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

Sarah Bearden

W E B DE SIG N E R Joey Belleza

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

C O N T R I BU T O R SGabriel Al-RifaiDebbie Clemens Stephenie Cox Jennifer Elliott

Jan GlennAmy GrossJ. D. Joyce

Nancy L. Rommelmann PLLCSuzanne Stiles

Stephanie Valtasaros

I N T E R NVinicius Soares

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]

@larabell

READER FEEDBACKDear Lara,

The Houston Buddy Walk is a fundraiser and awareness event organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Houston (DSAH) that took place at Minute Maid Park on November 9, 2013. When the Stratford Junior Girls Club heard about the walk and that Mrs. Mennes, an English teacher at Stratford, would be walking with her son Quinn, we wanted to support her! Our philanthropy officer, Emily Fishman, helped register us as walk monitors, and the Friday before the walk, we got together to make encouraging signs to cheer the walkers on. The turn out at the event was overwhelming, and I was so proud of all of the girls who attended and encouraged the walkers!

Anna Powell, President

Brent, Dylan, Brooks and Lara Milam.

Good Morning,The holiday season is starting out great! We got the magazines and are thrilled with this month’s publication!Thanks,Meredith Clark



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T hirteen-year-old Lauren Dodds and ten-year-old Promise Fac-ciponte will perform in Theatre

Under The Stars’ (TUTS) production of Elf: The Musical, running December 6th – 22nd at the Hobby Center. Dodds and Facciponte will appear along with six other young local actors as the cast of elves in the musical.

Based on the movie of the same name starring Will Ferrell, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who mis-takenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Buddy is raised unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s per-mission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and his step-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

“I’m really excited to be on stage for Elf. I love acting and the theatre,” said Dodds, who is a student at Memorial Middle School. Dodds previously ap-peared on the stage as a Lost Boy in TUTS’ presentation of Peter Pan last year. She also has performed in sev-

eral productions with Wildfish Theatre, Playhouse 1960 and Mosaic Theatre Company.

To train, the girls attend TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, the official training wing of TUTS that offers technique-based curriculum in the three main elements of theatre: singing, acting and dancing. When TUTS offers a locally produced show that includes roles for children, the Humphreys School is always the first place the casting team looks to find tal-ented actors and actresses for the roles.

“We have more than 175 students who train with us each year in our au-dition-based programming, and when roles for children are available, we al-ways have an impressive number of students who give great auditions,” said Shay Rodgers, an Education Manager for TUTS who runs the Humphreys School’s programs.

“The Humphreys School is so much fun. I really like dancing, singing, and taking part in all the activities at the school. Plus, I get to be a part of Elf!” said Facciponte. This season will be Fac-ciponte’s first appearance on the TUTS stage. She has performed in many pro-ductions with Cypress Academy Per-forming Arts, as well as Second Baptist Church, where she attends school and church.

There are hundreds of things about Houston that I love, but I am particularly proud of the many holiday happenings

the city’s art and entertainment communities produce. If youhave the television on at all in December, you see commercials for all of the holiday productions, and one recently caught my attention: the cute Memorial girls on our cover have starring roles in Theatre Under the Stars upcoming production in Elf: The Musical.

Just in Time for Christmas Two Stars Are Born


Lauren Dodds and Promise Facciponte.

COVER STORYBy Lara Bell

Photography byHallie Keller

The NutcrackerAnother holiday favorite is the Houston Ballet’s The Nut-

cracker. When my daughter Dylan was born, we started a fam-ily tradition by attending each year. This will be our eleventh year as her first time to go she was just eleven months old!

The Nutcracker is the story of Clara and her journey from the family party to the Land of the Sweets. Each year, no matter how many times Dylan has seen the show, when she sees the Christmas tree as it grows to magnificent heights, watching her eyes sparkle with amazement is worth the cost of the ticket alone. Honestly, it just wouldn’t be the holidays in the Milam house without The Nutcracker.

A Christmas CarolThe Alley Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is another play I

rarely miss during the holidays. How can you miss something written by Charles Dickens. It is recommended for children five and up, and as you probably know, it is the inimitable Dickens’ tale spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present and future.

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve and instills a powerful mes-sage about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season. The special effects in this show are great, and Brooks, my seven-year-old son, loves this show.

A Civil War Christmas:An American Musical CelebrationEach holiday season, Main Street Theatre has a different

holiday production, and this year it is A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration. It’s 1864, and Washing-ton, D.C. is settling down to the coldest Christmas Eve in years while in the White House, President and Mrs. Lincoln plot their gift-giving. On the banks of the Potomac, a young rebel challenges a Union blacksmith’s mercy. In the alleys

downtown, an escaped slave loses her daughter just before finding freedom. This show is recommended for audiences 13 and up and is on the top of my must do list this December.

The Best Christmas Pageant EverAt Main Street this holiday season more for the younger

kids is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is the story about The

Herdman kids who are the most horrible children imagin-able. They are disrespectful, they lie, they even smoke cigars and are every parents’ worst nightmare! When they show up at church one Sunday and decide to participate in the an-nual Christmas pageant, everyone is worried, to say the very least, but Christmas miracles can happen and do! This play is for the littlest of theatre goers and is recommended for Kin-dergarten and up.

Great AmericanTrailer Park Christmas Musical

I am always wanting to see new productions, and new this year, Stages Repertory Theater is holding the world premiere of the Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical. It is holiday time down in Armadillo Acres, which is North Flori-da’s premier mobile living community, and everyone is filled with holiday cheer and beer. But, when a freak bout of amne-sia strikes Darlene, the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. We will be witness to Betty, Lin and Pickles along with some new neighbors in an all-new holiday tale.

While I haven’t seen this show yet, I understand it is for mature audiences, so leave the kids at home for this one, but be prepared to laugh out loud!

We hope this gives you some fun ideas this holiday season for you and your family. Meeting these two little Memorial stars on our cover, once again, reminded me the magic of the holiday season. I hope it reminds you, too.

Photography by Am

itava Sarkar courtesy of Houston B

allet.

Charles-Louis Yoshiyama performing in The Nutcracker.

Holiday Happenings



BY DEBBIE CLEMENS

FabulousFinds

You 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

Peace Printed Pillow CoverFind peace this Christmas by addinga beautiful metallic gold peace pillow to your favorite couch for the whole year or for the holiday season. It will warm your heart in more ways than one because each pillow solddonates 50 percent to St. Jude’s Children Research Center.www.potterybarn.com

Garrett Popcorn ShopsChristmas is always a good time to send popcorn as a gift, and our favorite popcorn is in Chicago at Garrett. You can smell it walking down the street! They have a mix of caramel and cheddar that is to die for! It is very cool that you can create and purchase your own tin for gifts or parties online.www.garrettpopcorn.com

NewtonRunning ShoeIf you love to run or know someone who would love a great shoe for Christmas, my vote is for this Newton Gravity shoe. Not only is it colorful, but it has function that is brilliant, and it’s great for interval training, too. You have to get a pair and try them!www.newtonrunning.com

Heated Shaving Lather DispenserYou know I have a house full of guys, so I’m

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dispensers for them for Christmas. The soothing lather opens up pores and softens the hair for an

easier cut. I know they are going to love this!www.hammacherschlemmer.com

Exhalation Hoodie by AthletaWhat a wonderful jacket, great for everyday wear and by far the most comfortable! It has a two-way front zip with lots of pockets and is so warm and cozy! I have the green one, and it is perfect for 45 to 50 degree weather. I really love this jacket!www.athleta.com


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HOT SHOTHigh School

Meet Aja KnottBy Gabriel Al-Rifai

A ja Knott is completing her final year at Memori-al High School, and she is wrapping up her high school career strong. “I’m taking two sciences

this year, chemistry and aquatic science,” said Aja. “I’m a huge fan of aquatic studies, but not so much a huge fan of chemistry. I’ll also be in my first art photography course, and I’m on the yearbook committee as a photographer, which takes up all of my electives! Then, I just have my other basic core classes. How-ever, my main love and devotion will go towards my photography classes because it will for sure be my favorite!”

Aja is a member of an environmental conservation club, and she was on an improve comedy group for a short time. “I’m also part of the Democrat Club and the Mustang Key Club, which is essentially a volunteering club.” Aja shares that she has a passion for makeup and all things regarding cosmetology, and most of all, a love for learning. “I’m proud to say that I’ll go to any lengths to accomplish something that I want to do,” said Aja. “Learning something new ev-ery day is the key to a productive lifestyle. In order to find inspiration, I always turn towards fashion and travel mag-azines like Vogue and National Geographic. I love things with a vintage, classic feel.”

Of all of the activities she is involved in, Aja’s favorite is the Mustang Key Club. “At least twice a month, I volunteer either with a group of friends or with the Key Club. We have volunteered at the Target Hunger organization, the Houston Food Bank and Comp-U-Dopt. At the Target Hun-ger and Food Bank facilities, we’ve packaged and handed out fresh food to families in need in the Houston area. At the Comp-U-Dopt events, we take in elementary school children, give them a basic computer lesson and then give them their very own desk top to use at home free of charge. Volunteering has to be one of my favorite hobbies because there isn’t anything more rewarding than helping others in my opinion. It also gives me a chance to meet a lot of great people and learn things about my community.”

Aja’s hobbies include volunteering, photography and she loves to read. Additionally, she and her sister foster, reha-bilitate and prepare dogs for adoption. “We have fostered and adopted out two pit bulls in the past six months.”

Looking toward the future, Aja’s number one choice school is Texas State University. She plans on being a com-munications major with an emphasis on photo communica-tions. “My main goal is to go away to college and get my degree in four years,” said Aja.

Congratulations Aja on being absolutely! Memorial’s High School Hot Shot! We are looking forward to your fu-ture accomplishments.

Aja

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Memorial OfficeCHICAGO TITLE

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Jan Glenn’sPawsitively Purrfect

W hat if you were in the hospital and your doctor asked if you would be interested in the

hospital’s animal-assisted therapy pro-gram? You might think that medicine is going to the dogs, but you agree to do it anyway. An assistance dog and its han-dler visit your room and stay about 15 minutes. After the visit, you realize you are smiling and feeling happier. You have just experienced the incredible world of Pet Therapy. It is becoming very popular in today’s health care. Animal-assisted therapy uses dogs and other animals to help people of all ages cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders.

Studies have shown that physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure and improve survival rates for heart attack victims. There is also evi-dence that petting an animal can cause endorphins to be released that suppress pain response. Bringing a pet into a nurs-

ing home or hospital can boost peoples’ moods and enhance their social interac-tion. Because pets are non-judgmental, they just make folks feel safe and happy when they are around them.

Faithful Paws Pet Therapy Program in Houston is a team of organized vol-unteers and trained animals specifically designed to administer unconditional love and therapy to adults and children in hospitals or nursing homes. One of the 300 certified human pet teams is long time Memorial resident Ann James and her pal Chrissy. They have been volun-teering for seven years and brought lots of love and compassion to Houstonians.

Chrissy is not just any pooch. She and all therapy animals are trained before they ever go out to visit and must pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test. According to Ann, “Chrissy’s golden re-triever sweetness made her a natural for this type of volunteer work. Sometimes, it takes weeks or months of training, but Chrissy took only one class and passed the CGC Test the very next week to be-come a Certified Therapy Dog.”

One lucky recipient of Chrissy’s vis-its is 99 year-old Elizabeth Stevens. Ann said, “At 99 years of age, Elizabeth’s world is very small. When Chrissy walks in her room, it is the highlight of her oth-erwise lonely and routine day. She grins from ear to ear the entire time we are there!”

Elizabeth adores Chrissy and says she can sleep on her bed anytime! She added, “She is such a beautiful, nice and gentle dog. It makes me so happy when she comes to see me.”

Therapy dogs instinctively react to the situations put before them. The big-gest of the breeds will softly lay its head on the side of a patient’s bed, while a smaller one might curl up gently on someone’s lap. Nothing brightens up the staff’s day like a tail-wagging dog mak-ing its way through the hallway or the nurse’s stations.

The animals give of themselves tire-lessly and selflessly and through soulful eyes convey a universal message: “We sense your pain, and we are here to lift your spirits and make your day a little better!”

Pet TherapyMan’s Best Friend

as a Healer

If Chrissy could talk, she would say, “Oh how I look forward to my weekly pet visits. I get to ride in the car and spend time with people like Elizabeth, who pet me and give me an occasional treat. I would say we are gifts to one another!”

Visit www.faithfulpawshouston.com for more information about Pet Therapy in Houston.

Chrissy has brought love and compassion to Houstonians for seven years.

Elizabeth Stevens enjoys routine visits from Chrissy.

As a pet therapy dog, Chrissy visits people ofall ages to help them cope with health problems.



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13132 Memorial Dr. • Houston, TX 77079(Near Beltway and Memorial Drive)

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New to the Memorial area is the Campbell Well-ness Center, a progressive health facility which may very well be the only one of its kind in the entire United States. Campbell Wellness is a unique, com-prehensive wellness facility integrating medical doctors, registered dietitians, personal trainers, yoga, zumba and spinning instructors all under one roof. Additionally, Campbell Wellness offers a spa with massage therapy and highlighting cosmetic procedures. Services are pro-vided by a highly skilled physician, Dr. Akihiro Izumi, and include botox cosmetic, dermal fillers, platelet rich plasma, autologous fat transfer enhanced with platelet rich plasma, sclerotherapy and mesotherapy.

Campbell Wellness Center Has It All Under One Roof

The transformation pro-gram brings the many areas of the center together to re-ally create what it is to be well. Offering many package deals and affordable options, Campbell Wellness Center is conveniently located just

north of I-10 at 1446 Campbell Road. Campbell Wellness Center prides itself on being a

prestigious facility, equipped with a beautiful home-style kitchen, private massage studios, an amazing fitness fa-cility and a yoga studio designed to achieve optimal well-ness results.

Register for services by going to www.campbell-well-ness-center.com or calling 281-740-4550. Start living “your healthiest lifestyle.”


5 Cam CourtHouston, Texas

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Making Space for Living.“From the initial meetings with the architect to finishing the last items on the punch list, Erin and her team always exhibited the highest levels of integrity and pride in their craft. Her straightforward discussions we had throughout the process, exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality, and most of all her open transparency with respect to

project costs made our project seem easy. Stetzer Builders created a warm, beautiful, comfortable, and functional home for our family. Our home is not just a place to eat and sleep; rather, it is an extension of our family, a place to enjoy life, a place where friends and family can gather together, and a place of peace.” Client Testimonial

Erin StetzerGMB, CR, CGP

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Auto Repair & Maintenance State Inspections H Air Conditioning

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NEWSWORTHY

Twelve years ago, Allegro Ballet start-ed a new West Houston holiday tradition by presenting a full length production of The Nutcracker Ballet. The costumes are beautiful, the props and scenery lovely and the audience continues to grow each year. With snow right in the the-atre, dancers from the Houston Ballet II are featured, and at the end of each per-formance, audience members are invited to the stage to meet the dancers for au-tographs and photos.

To complement the ballet, there is an especially “sweet” event: Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Sugar Plum Market. This is the 11th year for the breakfast at Lakeside Country Club. An elegant breakfast is enjoyed while the Sugar Plum Fairy and some of her friends from the ballet interact with the children. After breakfast, excerpts from The Nutcracker are performed. The ac-companying Sugar Plum Market is a perfect way to start Christmas shopping. Unique vendors create wonderful holiday memories that will last a lifetime.

The Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy & Sugar Plum MarketDecember 7th 9:30 am to 1 pmLakeside Country Club$35 per person; $50 per person for specialty tables

The Nutcracker BalletDecember 21st - 2:30 and 7:30 pmDecember 22nd - 2:30 pmJames E. Taylor High School in KatyTickets: $20, $25 and $30

Visit www.allegroballetofhouston.com to purchase tickets. For more informa-tion, contact Allegro Ballet at 281-496-4670.

Allegro Ballet:A Houston Treasure


8800 Katy Fwy., Ste. 220Houston, Texas 77024 713.461.1509 www.smiles-for-kids.com

Q&AWith Dr. Kasia Lindhorst

Dr. Kasia Lindhorst

Q When should I worry about

my child sucking his or her thumb or finger?

A Thumb sucking is a very natural

habit for many young children. There is little that can be done about it before the child comprehends the need to stop. Before three years of age, we do not advise for parents to worry about it. However, many children will continue the habit well into their child-hood. From the dental stand point, it is im-portant to quit thumb or finger sucking by the time that permanent teeth are getting ready to erupt by six years of age.

Q How can I help my child work on quitting this habit?

A Each child will respond to some-thing different. At Smiles For Kids

we like to keep the process positive and supportive. At first we encourage parents to utilize our “No More Thumb Sucking For Me” charts. They are available for printing on our website. Daily stickers and prizes can reward youngsters tangibly. Physical barriers such as gloves, hand puppets or “thumb guards” can serve as a reminder for your child. Finally, if none of these ef-forts work, we recommend a thumb/finger sucking appliance done in our office. These appliances are easy to wear and they do a great job preventing the fingers from get-ting suction in the mouth thus effectively stopping the habit. We recommend that they are worn for six months in order to fully extricate the habit. Finally, we always want parents to not stress too much and realize that all “damage” done by thumb sucking can be resolved either spontane-ously or with orthodontic treatment to get the smile back to perfect!

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The Winter Ball, an annual event founded in 1986 by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) and under the volunteer leadership of Norma Myers and others, honors eleven outstanding women who are chosen from nominees throughout the Greater Houston area. The Women of Distinc-tion are selected on the basis of community leadership, events and/or projects chaired, board membership and committee participation. These women have shared their time and talents to make Houston a better place. Since the Winter Ball began twenty-seven years ago, over nine million dollars has been raised to provide funding for critical research, patient support programs and an eventual cure for inflammatory bowel dis-eases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

An estimated 1.4 million Americans have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. This includes approximately 67,000 in the Houston Gulf Coast/South Texas region, ten percent of whom are under eighteen. These diseases can be life-threatening; nearly 75% of patients require surgery to remove diseased segments of the bowels and/or colon. A cure for IBD is yet to be discovered. While research projects supported by CCFA are bringing doctors closer to finding a cure, CCFA is dedi-cated to helping those currently living with IBD by providing general education, support and treatment information. A sup-port group for patients in the Memorial Area meets at 7:30 pm on the second Tuesday of the month in Room 103 of the Hope and Healing Center at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

The 2014 Winter Ball, the largest fundraiser of the year for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Chairmen De-nise Monteleone and Franelle Rogers, of the Italian themed Carnevale di Venezia, will be joined by Honorary Chairmen Betty and Jess Tutor, and La Patronessa Straordinaria, Rosa-nette Cullen. The 2014 ABC-13 Women of Distinction are Jane-Page Crump, Winell Herron, Penny Loyd, Joella Mach, Bobbie Nau, Roz Pactor, Rachel Regan, Lisa Simon, Nancy Strohmer and Beth Wolff and Beth Madison as the Women of Distinction Ambassador.

absolutely! Memorial Magazine is a proud media partner of this event. Contact Michelle Stoddard at [email protected] or 713-572-2232 or visit ccfa.org for more information.

The Winter Ball Announces the2014 ABC-13 Women of Distinction

Franelle Rogers and Denise Monteleone with Jess and Betty Tutor.


Call for appointment: 713-468-2030

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YFrequently Asked Questions Regarding PaternityBy Nancy L. Rommelmann PLLC

Q: How do parties that are not married but have a child together obtain child support

and visitation rights?

A: A Petition to Adjudicate Parentage needs to be brought in the county where the child resides.

Q: Who has standing to bring this cause of action?

A: The mother and alleged father of the child. In specific circumstances, other individuals can

bring the cause of action.

Q: If an acknowledgment of paternity (AOP) was signed that acknowledged that an in-

dividual is the father of the child, what rights does a parent have?

A: An AOP does not give a parent automatic rights and duties. Only an order signed by a

judge gives rights and duties to a parent.

Q: If an AOP was signed, can a parent of the child automatically get child support from

the parent not in possession of the child?

A: No. Child support has to be ordered by a judge.

Q: Can a parent who is not in possession of a child who is an infant have any possession

of the infant?

A: Yes. A court can order possession to an infant.

Q: At what age can a standard possession order (SPO) be ordered?

A: In Texas, a SPO can be ordered when a child is three years of age or older. Some judges order

a SPO when a child is younger than three-years-old, but it is fact specific and must be shown to be in the “best interest of the child.”

Q: How can a father positively establish that he is the father of the child?

A: DNA testing can be done taking blood samples from both the child and the father.

Q: What if an alleged father refuses to take a blood test or a woman does not allow the

alleged father to take the child for a blood test?

A: File a Petition to Adjudicate Parentage and request the court to order a DNA test.

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IN THEHEART

M E M O R I A L

OUT&ABOUT

The Haunted House on Halloween at the Treemont Retirement Community was full of tricks and treats. Treemont resident Charles White, reception extraordinaire Linda Parra andresident Doris O’Reily joined in the fun.

Our own Suzanne Stiles, along with friends Catharine Faulconer, Shelley Barineau and Laura Heard, visited the gardens at Kensington Palace in London, England this fall for a girl trip to remember!

Nearly 500 guests attended the Friends For Life Annual Gala, including Meredith Wierick, Gaby Quiroz and Sara Arola. Termed “True Colors,” the colorful fundraiser was a Night of Art for the Animals.

Payton Long attended a Memorial High school game with cheerleader Lauren Malloy.

Teddy Rutt of Meadow Wood Elementary performed with the Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) Fiddlers at their annual “Freaky Friday” costume concert. The concert is the joint effort of the fiddler programs at many SBISD elementary schools. Teddy isa well-roundedboy – from football to fiddler!


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Hope you are all smiles this holiday season!

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Dr. Carin Domann Dr. Angela Orfanos


From the heart of Houston, JJ Design Group brings you the finest in traditional & antique designs. With vast experience in interior decoratives, we offer a plethora of design services ranging from interior decoration, furniture restoration, and custom pillows! Please visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter to see our latest works and featured products!

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Over 40 Years of Serving the Memorial AreaThe Darsey - Krivan Orthodontics Team

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• Dr. Drew Darsey & Dr. James Krivanare Board Certified Orthodontists.

• Friendly and Experienced Team• Flexible Hours and Payment Plans• Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® Preferred Provider• Located in the heart of the Memorial Villages at I-10 and Campbell Rd.

Looking for a gift idea that might offer long term benefits for that special child in your life? Con-sider investing in shares of stock on behalf of the

recipient. If personalized to their taste, the child might even find some excitement in this piece of paper rep-resenting stock ownership, if not now, perhaps later in life.

Several years ago, my wife and I first did this for our children. We invested in a publicly traded children’s clothing company they frequented. This exercise provid-ed an introduction to economics, capitalism and stock ownership in a way a child could appreciate – all things any good investor would love to teach their children. Of course, I couldn’t help but chuckle as our young inves-tors entered the store where they owned a few shares and spoke as if they owned the entire chain! Today, we laugh at the story, but we also enjoy the investment re-

Give the Gift of

InvestingBy J.D. Joyce

turns, and more importantly, the lesson learned by investing in something relatable and understandable to even a child.

As with all investments, it behooves one to do their re-search. If contemplating a meaningful gift, please consult your tax and legal advisors. If under the age of majority, it might involve opening a custodial account, which might have added fees or costs.

You may have dreamt about a retirement house in Colorado or just a vacation home. You may want to consider a master planned development that offers much

needed utilities. This beautiful waterfront lot with picturesque mountain views in Pagosa Springs is close to the family-owned Wolf Creek Ski Area and the mineral springs that made Pagosa Springs famous. This lot is approximately .24 acres in the Pagosa Lakes development that has all utilities as well as several fishing lakes, a golf course and other amenities. $89,000

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Putting Greens • PlaygroundsSynthetic Turf Lawns

Take the holiday fun outdoors from clean, soft attractive lawn surfaces to home golf greens like the pros use to safety rated fall zones under playscapes, let Green Links help beautify your home and take the games outside.

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2014 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION2014 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

CHAIRMENDENISE MONTELEONE

FRANELLE ROGERS

HONORARY CHAIRMENBETTY AND JESS B. TUDOR

2014 AMBASSADORBETH MADISON

2014 LA PATRONESSA STRAORDINARIAROSANETTE CULLEN

CHAIRMENDENISE MONTELEONE

FRANELLE ROGERS

HONORARY CHAIRMENBETTY AND JESS B. TUDOR

2014 AMBASSADORBETH MADISON

2014 LA PATRONESSA STRAORDINARIAROSANETTE CULLEN

JANE-PAGE CRUMP

WINELL HERRON

PENNY LOYD

JOELLA MACH

BOBBIE NAU

JANE-PAGE CRUMP

WINELL HERRON

PENNY LOYD

JOELLA MACH

BOBBIE NAU

ROZ PACTOR

RACHEL REGAN

LISA SIMON

NANCY STROHMER

BETH WOLFF

ROZ PACTOR

RACHEL REGAN

LISA SIMON

NANCY STROHMER

BETH WOLFF

WINTER BALL 2014WINTER BALL 2014

BENEFITING CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA • PLEASE CONTACT MICHELLE STODDARD AT 713.572.2232 OR [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION.BENEFITING CROHN’S & COLITIS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA • PLEASE CONTACT MICHELLE STODDARD AT 713.572.2232 OR [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Proud Media SPonSor:


NEWSWORTHY

It was over a year ago that the Her-leth family said goodbye to their beloved Labrador, Tyler, a significant loss for the lot, but especially their three boys, Pay-ton, Preston and Parker. Since that time, the family would not even consider a new pet. They were not ready to open their hearts to a new four-legged family member. Not until this year did the fam-ily decide that it was time for Santa to bring the boys a new dog! That was the plan, until a post on Facebook struck a cord.

There they were, needing a new home: Angel and Pepper Berry. The dogs that belonged to the Berry family had been living temporarily with the kind neighbor who took them in after an ac-cident and now needed to find them a forever home. It was like the message was directly for the Herleth Family; it was meant to be. They were ready to open their home and hearts, and here were two beloved dogs needing just that.

The transition was an easy one. Angel and Pepper fit in like they had been part of the family the entire time. The Herleth boys quickly assumed their duties as caretakers and dog walkers. All is well with Angel and Pepper Berry this holiday season. They are loved, settled and ap-preciated every day.

If you are looking for a forever friend, contact the Houston SPCA at 713-869-7722.

Herleth Children Find Forever Friends

The Herleth kids with their new pets: Peter, Aaron, Angel, Payton, Preston, Parker, Pepper and Willa.

Focus on Worship

Celebrate the Season atGrace Presbyterian Church

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‘Tis the season at Grace Presbyterian Church! Grace is all about fam-ily and giving with a greater purpose, while keeping Christ’s birth and mission at the center of it all.

Music and worship have long been the highlight of the Christmas season, with opportunities for everyone to worship in personal and transformational ways. From concerts to the worship band and Grace Kids Music to the Chan-cel Choir with an orchestra, both families and individuals will find the perfect event or style to celebrate our Savior.

At Grace, we embrace the traditional gift-giving inspired by the wise men so many years ago. We understand that the Christmas season isn’t just about gifts – it’s about giving. In that spirit, we offer the Joy to the World Alterna-tive Gift Market where profits go directly back into the communities from which our mission partners come. Simultaneously, those on your list are blessed by your generosity to these mission partners. Gifts ranging from $3 to $150 include livestock, school supplies, sewing machines, carpenter’s tool kits, yarn, fair trade products, eyeglasses, tuition, medical services, wheelchairs and more!

Remember to join us for our Christmas Eve services: 3 pm Traditional communion service 5 pm A service for our children and families led by the worship band 7 pm Contemporary candlelight service with the worship band 7 pm Grace en Español communion service 9 pm Traditional candlelight service with choir and orchestra 11 pm Traditional candlelight communion service with choir and orchestra For more information about Christmas at Grace, visit www.gpch.org.

HOLIDAY TREATS AT NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

Step into Nothing Bundt Cakes, and letthe aroma of freshly baked bundt stir your senses. Choose from 10 bundt flavors and40 unique cake designs while you browse unique gifts, charming cards and inspired decorator items. Nothing Bundt Cakes, 5000 Westheimer Road, Suite 108 in Houston Uptown. Call 713-552-9100.

HOLIDAY

GREAT GIFT FOR GOLFERS – FORE!

Take the holiday fun outdoors from clean, soft, attractive synthetic lawn surfaces to home golf greens that look and perform like country club greens. Let Green Links help beautify your home, and take the games outside. Green Links. Call 713-932-9997; www.greenlinksinc.com.

TRAVEL IN STYLE

Stay organized and in style when traveling this holiday season. PurseN makes it easy with their beautifully designed jewelry organizer, travel case and earring stays. Luggage & Leather offers a great selection of gift ideas. Luggage and Leather.www.luggageandleather.com.

PILATES REFORMER FORA HEALTHY, STRONG BODY

Make someone special on your list top priority all year with a gift of fitness. Enjoy three free Reformer classes at a convenient location. Dominic's Ultimate Pilates Studio,821 Frostwood Drive. Call 713-647-0708; www.dupilates.com.

FRESH FOOD DELIVERY

Simplify your life by having local produce, clean meats and artisanal food products delivered to your doorstep. It also makes a great gift for the foodie in your life! Farmhouse Delivery. www.farmhousedelivery.com.


COZY UP IN A CUSTOMOUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Texas Custom Patios designs andbuilds custom outdoor living spaces all over the Houston area, including patio covers, outdoor kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, decorative patios, room additions, screened rooms and more. Call today to schedule a free design consultation. Texas Custom Patios.Call 281-265-1994;www.texascustompatios.com.

GLOWING SKIN

Enjoy the beauty benefits of LED Light Therapy while relaxingat Zaaz Studios. Receive a November Special with this ad only: $40 for 30minutes (reg. $65).Zaaz Studios,12645 Memorial Drive. Call 713-529-9300.

GIVE THE GIFT OF BEAUTY

Blow Dry Bar, Houston’s original blowout salon, is the premiere destination for gorgeous hair and fabulous

makeup. Gift cards and packages are available!Blow Dry Bar, 3264 Westheimer and 1347 S. Voss

in Houston. www.Blowdrybarhouston.com.

NEW YEAR,NEW LOOK!

2014 is the year to embark on the remodel or custom home you have been dreaming of. Contact Erin Stetzer to planthe home of your dreams,the perfect holiday gift!Stetzer Builders,9339 Katy Freeway,Suite 334 in Houston.Call 832-527-6968;www.stetzerbuilders.com.

HOLIDAY GOLD

Mary Esses multi-strand beaded cuff with shaded ruby and 18k gold beadsis secured with a pavé diamond and gold bar, all set in 18k gold, with a lobster clasp. IW Mark Jewelers,3841 Bellaire Boulevard in Houston.Call 713-668-500; iwmarks.com.

A GIFT FROMTHE HEART

This holiday season, make a difference in the life of a child.

Make a donation in honorof someone special to the

Zina Garrison Academy.To donate, call 713-857-3167;

[email protected] Lerner and Ruthie Lingat the Zina Garrison Academy.



BY SUZANNE STILES

MentionsMemorial

[email protected] eighth Annual National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Roundtable Discussion was hosted by Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association (HAPA). Participating alumnae panhellenics included HAPA, Clear Lake, Fort Bend, Greater Katy and Northwest Harris County. Pictured are Kathryn Vernau, Laurie Vaughn, Polly Kent, Cherie Roche, Carol Stevens, Merry Adamcik, Joni Fichter, Melanie Frank, Lorie Coffelt, Tracey Nelson, Leslie Lampi, Karen Ledbetter, Sherry St. Aubin and Susan Banks.

Eighth graders Clark Faulconer and Vincent Green celebrated after their win for St. Francis Middle School.

Jessica Dickson, Julia Wozencraft and Conlee Dull were ready to hit the dance floor at the St. Francis Middle School Dance.

Megan Benz had fun goofing around at the Memorial Drive Presbyterian pizza party for 4th and 5th graders.


Girl Scout Troop 18336 decorated pumpkins at their monthly meeting. Pictured are Regina Herrera, Charlotte Goddard, Megan Benz, Yazmin Hernandez, Victoria Chiravanich, Ashley Serna, Avery Breed, Vanessa Nunley, Josie Grossman, Avery Clynes, McKenzie Clynes, Alyssa Bommer, McKenzie Weimer, Amitis Malik, Ruby Kate Singletary, Allison Stokes, Kate Hebert, Olivia Hall, Erin Johnsen, Charlotte Greene and Mullen Duty.

Friends enjoyed a weekend away to Napa, California to celebrate Clay Rabel’s 40th birthday. Pictured are Oliver and Beth Jones, Patrick and Melissa McCown, Clay and Kristen Rabel and Paul and Brittany Schaefer.

Hunters Creek Elementary student Vivian Darnall and Spring Branch Middle School student Annie Valicek participated in the One Day “Hugs Got Heroes” 4-H project through the West Houston 4-H chapter. They made no sew fleece blankets to be delivered to wounded warriors.

Two first grade teachers at Rummel Creek Elementary recently completed the infamous “Tough Mudder” race, a 12-mile obstacle course run entirely over mud and water. Susan Wilson and Meredith Ramey competed in the event in Baytown, Texas.

Enjoying the 2013 Stratford Homecoming were freshmen Katie Augenstein, Jack Barry, Elizabeth Cohnand Jake Johnson.


MentionsMemorial

Memorial Middle School 7th Grade A Team District Champions were Jessica Mayer, Rylan Saleh, Emma Stephenson, Clair Johnson, Sydney Schroeder, Lousie Crite, Emily McCown, Emily Scofield, Eileen Gex, Grace Looney, Margaret Frederking, Meredith Frederking and Olivia Green.

Lee (former University of Texas Cowboy), Linley and Merritt Norris with Bevo were at the University of Texas Golf Club Friday Night Tailgate Party.

Jason and Davis Miller enjoyed the Dads and Donuts event at Wilchester Elementary.

Lilly Kathryn, Annsley and Riley Smith attended Baylor University Homecoming.

Paula Mentz, Diane Zdunkwitz, Tiffany Smith, Emily Weingiest, Shelley Barineau and Sheila Mayfield got in touch with their inner Audrey for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s soiree in honor of Tiffany Smith’s birthday.

Emily Crosswell, Ned Torian, Lynn Baird, David Poplack and Stephen Arnold celebrated Poplack’s 20th year as Medical Director of the Texas Children’s Cancer Center.


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Q: WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

In the most basic sense, endometrosis is defined as the presence of endome-trial glands and stromal tissue outside the uterine location (pelvic and abdomi-nal visceral surface lining and pelvic or abdominal organ surfaces). Over time, the presence of these glands and stro-mal tissue outside the endometrial lining of the uterus may result in adhesions, scarring, infertility, endometriomas of the ovary and/or adenomyosis of the uterine wall.

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Q A&Endometriosisin Adolescents

Located at I-10 and Barker Cypress, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus houses multiple subspecialty clinics, the only 24/7

pediatric emergency room in the Greater West Houston area, four surgical suites and a minor procedure room, inpatient services and advanced imaging services including ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. Visit www.westcampus.texaschildrens.org.

Experts:Dr. Xiomara

Santos, pediatric and adolescent

gynecologist at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and

Jennifer Kurkowski, WHNP

Q: DO ADOLESCENTS GET ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Believe it or not, endometriosis affects adult women and adolescent girls. The prevalence of the condition varies be-tween 4 to 17 percent worldwide among adolescents alone. Adolescents with a first-degree relative with the condition have a higher predisposition toward de-velopment as well. In addition, congenital reproductive tract abnormalities are just a few examples of types of reproductive tract problems associated with endometri-osis, but other types of reproductive tract problems are associated with a higher prevalence of associated endometriosis.

Q: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The main symptoms include progressive-ly worsening pain with periods and be-tween periods. Among adolescents with chronic pelvic pain symptoms, it is esti-mated that nearly 40 percent may have endometriosis as the underlying cause.

Q: WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

There are several theories as to why endometriosis may occur. The most commonly discussed theory is that of retrograde menstruation. This means menstrual blood may flow backwards from the fallopian tubes into the pelvis or abdomen in addition to having menstrual flow from the typical location of the vagi-na. Other theories focus on the possibility of autoimmune processes, embryologic cell rest transformation, movement of ab-normal cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic system or even environmental exposures. Unfortunately, no single the-ory completely accounts for all cases of endometriosis; therefore, most experts now believe the process is multifactorial.

Q: HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?The diagnosis of endometriosis

cannot be definitely made with exami-nation, blood tests or imaging studies alone. The only way in which to make the diagnosis definitively is surgically. At the time of surgery, the types of lesions and location of the lesions is recorded to determine the extent of the disease. Once a diagnosis is made, there are a number of treatment options available to adolescents, including depot medroxy-progesterone injections, depot leupro-lide injections or continuous combined hormal therapy. Educational information is available at endometriosisassn.org.


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EVENTSBy Stephanie Valtasaros

December 14thHow the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Houston Symphony will tell the beloved Dr. Seuss tale of the grouchy creature with a heart “two sizes too small,” his loyal dog Max and their encounters with the merry and warm-hearted Whos. A guest vocalist from the Houston Grand Opera Studio will join a local high school chorus and the musicians of the Houston Symphony to take guests into the world of Whoville. Visit www.houstonsymphony.org for more information.

December 15thYuletide Family Day“Historic Holidays” at Bayou Bend

December is a time of celebration across cultures, and Bayou Bend is the place to immerse yourself in the holiday season! Enjoy music and crafts before taking a house tour of America’s holiday past. Have a cookie and a cup of wassail, and join carolers to sing your favorite holiday songs. Admission is free. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is located at 6003 Memorial Drive at Westcott Street in Houston. Visit www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/ for more information.

If you don’t know a person’s preference, is it bet-ter to give red or white wine?Chuck Jenkins: If I have no idea, and the wine is not go-ing to be paired with a food item, I always go with bubbles. You really can't go wrong with bubbles!Amy Gross: When you have no idea of a person's prefer-ence in wines, consider giving sparkling wine or Champagne. Two sparkling wines I especially like to give are J Cuvee 20 Brut from Sonoma County and G.H Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne.

Do you have any specific white wines you recom-mend for gifts?

CJ: A California Chardonnay for around $15 and $30 should both be welcome. Ask someone at your wine

shop what they've had lately for "unique" selections.

AG: Naia Verdejo, a crisp wine with a nice, long finish that sells for about $15. GreyWacke Sauvignon

Blanc from New Zealand sells for about $15, and Laurenz V Singing Gruner Veltliner sells for about $14.

Do you have any specific reds you recommend for gifts?

CJ: I'd go with a nice Pinot Noir from Sonoma for under $20, and perhaps a Pinot from Oregon for

something over $20. Your wine shop staff is your ally here. Don't be afraid to ask for suggestions!

AG: Rodney Strong's Symmetry. It's a Meritage or Bordeaux-style blend that I enjoy both with food

and without. The price is about $50. Etude Pinot Noir is full-bodied, but not too full, and sells for about $45.

What is your opinion of the screw cap versus the traditional cork? Is it okay to give a bottle of wine with a screw cap?

CJ: Screw caps are our friend! There is zero percent chance the wine can be spoiled by a bad cork if a

screw cap is used. Bring 'em on!

AG: It's definitely okay to give a wine with a screw cap! There are some fantastic wines

which use other closures than corks, and a screw cap is not any indication of lesser quality.

How do you feel about wine of the month clubs?

CJ: Clubs from wineries can be a fun activ-ity, but I'm wary of clubs that send you

unfamiliar wines. However, you can generally can-cel a club membership any time if you're not hap-py with the selections, so it's worth a try if you want an easy way to expand your wine knowledge.

AG: Wine of the month clubs can offer vari-

ety and help to explore new wines, bringing fantastic new options to your door, but they can also bring wine you may not enjoy. I am a mem-ber of one, but I also don't mind trying a few wines that won't be my favorites.

Gifts From The VineBy Jennifer Elliott

I love giving wine as a gift, but I am frequently unsure and overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the perfect bottle. So, we asked two experts for advice this holiday season. Amy

Gross and Chuck Jenkins shared some great tips.

Experts:Amy Gross is the author of VineSleuthUncorked.com, the wine blog for casual wine drink-

ers who are looking to have fun, learn more and enjoy delicious wine.Chuck Jenkins has been in the wine industry in Houston for over 15 years, has certifica-

tions from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators and was Texas’s first scholarship recipient/graduate from Napa Valley’s Wine Educators Academy. He is cur-rently the wine liaison for members at Nos Caves Vin.



Special offer for Memorial City Residents: Reserve your Holiday event in one of our Private Dining Rooms during the month of December and receive a complimentary champagne toast for all your guests.

PRIVATE DINING

Conveniently located across from Memorial City Mall and nestled within the Westin Memorial City Hotel.

Valet parking is complimentary.For reservations call 281.501.4350

or visit us at www.opentable.com/024-grille-reservations-houston

Experience 024 Grille,a modern and seasonally inspired Texas steakhouse where you can enjoy the ambience of a lively open kitchen or host an intimate gathering in one offour private dining rooms.

Savor the flavor of the locale cuisine, Chef Justin Strang will personally meet with you to custom design a menu that celebrates the bounty of the seasons and meets all your entertaining needs.

With the holidays here, I am getting more and more questions about what wines make a perfect gift wine. My answer, most often, is that a perfect gift wine is

one you know the receiver will enjoy. That is a tough call if you don’t know exactly what the receiver loves – and neither does the local sommelier, or sales guy at the wine shop. Crit-ics’ scores just reflect what the critic likes, so what do you do?

How about giving a wine that represents a memory or spe-cial event in your life that was shared with the one with whom you are sharing the wine? Consider giving a wine from a year that had a special event that reminds you of your recipient.

Sure, some vintage years were better than others in terms of wine quality, and going to a specialty shop like the Houston Wine Merchant can help you with that, but your gift is still go-ing to be more of an emotional connection than a perfect wine connection. So, don’t feel like you have to sweat the wine’s year that much to end up with a perfect gift. Instead, I’d suggest going with a specific wine or variety (grape type) you know you or the receiver likes, and select a meaningful year.

Choose a wine from the year you met, the year you began working together, the year your recipient’s child was born or graduated from high school. Select a year when a big deal was made or that you both made it through something, together.

Remember a significant date in your relationship that is worth celebrating, select a wine from that year and attach a note reminding your recipient how important that event, and he or she, is to you. She’ll celebrate it again when the bottle is opened.

So, which wine should you choose? I hate to do this to you, but that is really up to you. But here are a few ideas:

Jordan makes a Cabernet that I absolutely love every single time I taste it. It’s a luscious Sonoma wine that can stand on its own and also be enjoyed with food. To me, Jordan says “luxury,” so that’s one wine I would be comfortable buying from any year. The last time I checked at the Houston Wine Merchant, they had the 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2009 vintages in stock.

Looking for a white wine instead of red? Antonio Gianola of the Houston Wine Merchant suggests Mayacamas Chardon-nay from Mount Veeder, also in California. The Houston Wine Merchant currently stocks several vintages.

Spec’s Smith Street location can also be great place to find several vintages of wines you’re sure to love.

Still stumped? Check out www.VineSleuth-Uncorked.com where I have tons of easy to find but clever gift ideas for the wine lover in your life. Cheers!

Consider a Vintage Wine for the Perfect GiftBy Amy Gross

A Christmas Cookie Swap

If you are unfamiliar with the idea of a cookie swap, it goes a little like this: Invite a group of friends and neighbors who bake to come to your home. Have each one bring 10 to 12 dozen home-made cookies. Bake up a big batch of your family’s favorite holiday treats, and exchange baked goods together in a cheery, festive environment. Every-one leaves with a variety of goodies to stash away for Christmas entertaining – and perhaps a new recipe or two.

Mark the beginning of the holiday season by bringing your friends to-gether for cocktails, conversation and a cookie swap. Hosting the party is a great way to slow down, spend valuable time with friends and enjoy the bless-ing of friendship.

M y favorite part of Christmas is the food. December is full of baking, cooking, party

planning, shopping, decorating and fun crafts, which all revolve around food. My favorite gift to give is home-baked goods, made with love, care and a de-lightful heart right from my kitchen. It seems with each passing year, it is harder to find the time to bake all of the delights I would like. In fact, if you received a gift from me last year, it was a jar of muffin mix, prepared in my kitchen, but jarred and unbaked.

I love getting in the kitchen and baking; it’s a family tradition with my girls that I look forward to each year. Their favorites are the gingerbread cookies that they decorate. They also appreciate all the “fancy” cookies that come out of the oven as well. With fam-ily schedules running from morning to evening, it is a challenge to get it done in a festive manner without rushing or grumbling about time.

I love searching out new recipes, and I am coveting some of my friend’s and neighbor’s recipes. In an effort to have a house full of baked goods, the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through my halls, and lots of happi-ness, I think it’s time to think about a cookie swap. This way, I can spend an afternoon in my kitchen with the girls creating beautiful, delicious treats and be able to have a pantry full of cook-ies for guests, events and my family throughout the entire season.

Recipe from Amy’s Finer Things: http://amysfinerthings.com/reeses-peanut-butter-cup-cookies

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)• 1/2 cup sugar• 1/2 cup brown sugar• 1 egg• 1/2 tsp. vanilla• 1 1/4 cup flour• 3/4 tsp. baking soda• 1/2 tsp. salt• 40 something mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Beat butter, peanut butter, sugar and brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Add to wet ingredients. Roll into 1 inch balls. Place in greased mini muffin pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 min-utes. When done, place peanut butter cup onto cookie and press down. Let cool in pan before removing. Yields around 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

absolutely!DELICIOUS

By Stephenie Cox

Benefits of an old-fashioned cookie swap:• Save valuable time during the bus-

iest season of the year. It is much faster to make multiple batches of the same cookie than to purchase ingredi-ents for seven or eight different reci-pes, and prepare each one.

• Provide a wonderful selection of homemade baked goods to serve your guests over the holidays.

• Introduce new types of cookies to your palate and unique recipes to your rep-ertoire.

• Provide a fun, casual social event that is easy to host – the guests bring the goodies!

• Offer an opportunity for a charitable outreach. Guests can be asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to a local food bank.

No holiday cookie plate would be complete without my favorite cookie:


for hosting our Annual

Holiday Soiree!The Ladies and Gents

had a great time.

We are looking forward

to next year!

Your friends at

Thank YouThank You

www.marquehouston.com


A B S O L U T E LY ! D E L I C I O U S L I S T I N G

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CUISINE

MASRAFF’S1753 Post Oak Blvd.Houston, 77056713-355-1975www.masraffs.com

Hands on proprietors, Russell and Tony Masraff, recognized premier Houston restaurateurs, offer affordable elegance, attentive yet unobtrusive service and exquisitely fresh American cuisine prepared with the best ingredients from around the world. Located in the heart of the Galleria, Masraff’s, features the perfect ambience for business and social gatherings. Whether dining in one of the elegant dining rooms, stunning bar area with the elevated fireplace or The Patio on the Boulevard by the waterfall, Masraff’s impeccable service is sure to offer a dining experience to remember.

CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN CUISINE

THE WYNDEN1025 South Post Oak Lane, 77056281-768-6070www.thewynden.com

Masraff’s has long since been known for excellence and uncompromising quality, and this tradition continues with our event venue, The Wynden. Nestled in the center of the prestigious Galleria area, The Wynden features a picturesque courtyard along with a Tuscan setting for indoor events. Perfect for corporate or social, wedding or fundraiser, Masraff’s exquisite cuisine and impeccable service will ensure that your next event will be a memory made to last a lifetime.

GRILLE

024 GRILLE945 Gessner, 77024281-501-4350Facebook.com/024Grille

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.

John M. Carrabba, Proprietario

Full-Service CateringPrivate Banquet RoomsBox Lunches & Delivery

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Royal Oaks11693 Westheimer281.759.7500

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ITALIAN

PIATTO RISTORANTE 11693 Westheimer @ Royal Oaks Club Dr., 77077281-759-7500

4925 West Alabama @ Post Oak Blvd., 77056713-871-9722 www.piattoristorante.com

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-fashioned 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 – social, business or ‘just because.’ Extensive on-site banquet rooms and off-site catering available.

A B S O L U T E LY ! D E L I C I O U S L I S T I N G

MEXICAN

CANTINA LAREDO11129 Westheimer, 77042713-952-3287www.cantinalaredo.com

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.

Email [email protected]

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

NeighborhoodDentist

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Southwell ’sHamburger GrillBuy one hamburger, fries and drink, get another hamburger

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Memorial713-464-52689410 GaylordTX 77024

281-497-867514532 Memorial Dr.

@ Dairy Ashford

Details at: www.bluewillowbookshop.com

Great Texas booksfor a Texan Holiday!

Angels• Wreaths • Reindeer Sleighs • Star & Trees

Various Sizes Available

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302 FM 359 off Hwy 90-A • 281-342-3211Serving Fort Bend Countywww.franks-nursery.com

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Many a young man has arrived in Houston seeking to make his way in the world and achieve success. In the summer of 1872, 21 year-old Henry Henke

arrived in Houston. He had spent the previous six years in New Orleans learning all aspects of the grocery business. He had hoped to go into business with a friend in Galveston, but this didn’t work out. Although the area had an abundance of grocery stores, he decided to try his luck in Houston. On Sep-tember 15, 1872, he established Henke’s New Orleans Store at 811 Congress Avenue across from Market Square. Although he had three male employees, Henke did all of his own hauling, clerking and most of his porter work. The small store was a mere 1,500 square feet, and Henry lived over the store. In 1882, Henke hired young Camille G. Pillot to take charge of the com-pany books of H. Henke & Co. Camille did such a good job that Henry offered him a small interest in the company and eventu-ally made him a full partner. The firm’s name was changed to Henke & Pillot.

A LITTLE PIECEOF HISTORY

By The Heritage Society

Phot

os b

y Th

e H

erita

ge S

ocie

ty.

in a grocery store, the company offered home delivery and had a large hotel and restaurant sales and delivery department. Deliv-ery of goods necessitated the maintenance of a wagon yard, em-ployment of blacksmiths and wheelwrights and a herd of mules.

In 1922, Henke & Pillot celebrated its silver anniversary and “fifty years of progress” with an open house that lasted all day. Management touted that the success of the store was based on its motto, “The Most of the Best for the Price.” By this time, the firm’s sales averaged $13,523, and annual sales soared to almost $5 million.

Henry Henke left Houston in 1901 due to ill health. Camille Pillot took charge of the business and served as the active head of the firm. He was assisted for many decades by C.H. Kuhl-mann, general manager and brother-in law to Henke. Pillot’s son, Norman V. Pillot, served as buyer.

Camille Pillot understood that good transportation was cru-cial to the city’s commercial development, so he pushed hard for a deep-water port. He served as one of the first three commis-sioners for the Harris County Houston Ship Channel Navigation District and one of the five original members of the City Harbor Board. Before 1900, Pillot would build a handsome mansion on McKinney Avenue. As a result of his work on the development of the ship channel, Pillot became a water sportsman. His sumptu-ous 103 foot yacht, the Augusta, had been built in the Nelson Shipyard in Harrisburg and included a fine mahogany interior and numerous modern conveniences. The Augusta was leased by the Navy in 1917 and spent the duration of WWI on patrol duty in Galveston waters under the command of Camille’s son, Ensign Norman V. Pillot. The yacht was returned to Pillot after the armistice. He died in 1953 at the age of 92.

In May 1955, the Cincinnati-based Kroger Company acquired Henke & Pillot, and the logo was changed to look similar to the Kroger logo. By 1956, the chain operated 27 stores in Houston, Galveston, Pasadena, Velasco, Beaumont, Port Arthur and Or-ange. In 1966, six years short of its 100th anniversary, Kroger announced that it would retire the Henke & Pillot name.

The Henke & Pillot firm at one time claimed the unique dis-tinction of being the largest distributor of groceries in America under one roof. As often happens, a successful business serves as an attractive acquisition for a larger company. Such was the fate of this well-known and well-respected regional grocery company that had become a part of everyday life in Houston. For more information about the Camille Pillot, contact The Heritage Soci-ety, www.heritagesociety.org.

The Saga of

Henke and PillotHenry Henke Camille G. Pillot

The property at Milam and Congress was purchased in 1892, and a new two-story building was erected. By 1910, another sto-ry was added to this building. By 1921, the company occupied the entire ½ block with a full front on Congress. The store sold at both wholesale and retail basis; a consumer could buy at whole-sale prices if he bought in unbroken lots. By 1925, there were two locations, one at 302 Milam and another at 2800 Travis. A large warehouse at Railroad and Second streets was added, and the total holdings encompassed 101,300 square feet.

In 1922, the firm had over thirty departments and operated 21 wagons and 17 trucks. The work force included 183 white and 62 black employees. In addition to the usual departments

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December 2013- Absolutely Memorial Magazine

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