Arlene Nisson Lassin

An Inspiration by Example

May 2012
Dr. Sally Ann Holmes provides care for injured veterans.

Memorial Day, which is May 28 this year, is the day we honor fallen heroes from military service and war, remembering their efforts on our behalf.

In Houston we have a well-regarded medical facility to care for wounded heroes, at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, which most of us call “The VA.”

Among the doctors here is Dr. …

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Gifts for a Lifetime

May 2011
Shari Fish thoughtfully documented and bound her children’s history and milestones in letter form and presented them as gifts at their High School Graduation. (Photo: ##http://www.lawellphoto.com##www.lawellphoto.com##)

I am a mother and a writer, and like the shoemaker whose children went barefoot, I have not written anything to mark the years of my own children’s lives. They’ve made do with cheesy greeting cards and embarrassing reminiscing in my blog.

Other mothers put me to shame. They archive their thoughts and family stories and give the recollections to …

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They’re Back

January 2011
Each of the Bormaster children have returned home to the family nest for temporary stays, delighting their mom, Leslie. Pictured are (from left) Brian, Leslie, Alli, Kelly, Kim and Scott Bormaster.

Adult Kids Return to the Nest

No sooner did I adapt to being a true empty nester than the unthinkable happened.

He’s back.

Yes, I’m talking about my adult son, along with the dreaded words, “What’s for dinner tonight, Mom.” (True story. First words out of his mouth.)

Brett recently finished law school, but, due to a severe injury and …

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Empty-Nester Moms

September 2010
Debi McNabb just sent her son, Robbe, off to college, and she awaits new adventures with husband Bob.

My backyard trees seem to be a hub for nesting birds. Recently, while watching mama birds prepare their nests and then tend to their tiny chirping babies, and, eventually, watch their brood fly off, I couldn’t help but compare it to myself and other empty-nester moms.

This cycle in nature is not unlike our own, except we get a bit …

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Class of 2010: Then and Now

June 2010
Class of 2010 pic

Our former lawn boys, babysitters and grocery sackers are all grown up.  Take a walk down memory lane as we spotlight some of our neighborhood high school grads, looking back at their early interests that, for some, may become their lifelong passions.

1. Al Fallick – Wilchester Elementary, Memorial Middle and Stratford High
Once Al Fallick gave up on his sky-high plans …

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It’s Complicated

May 2010
Now that Elissa Riesenfeld is all grown up, she and her mom, Buzz writer Arlene Lassin, have a loving, warm relationship.

As many a woman can attest, one of the most complex relationships is that of the mother and daughter.

Moms can be – and I speak from experience – totally unprepared when their compliant, doting, little princess grows into a hormone-fueled, stubborn, independent teen.

My relationship with my daughter, Elissa, now 22, was so positive throughout her younger years. It …

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The Greatest Gift of All

May 2010
Bonded for life are, from left, Sallee Loeser and Bonnie Goldberg. Bonnie, who lives in Kansas City, donated a kidney to Sallee, who lives here.

When first asked about her extraordinary gesture, Bonnie Goldberg deflects credit from herself and instead praises her late mother as “the most wonderful, giving person.”

“I was raised with the philosophy that if you are capable of doing something good, you should do it,” Bonnie said. “It was my mom’s generous nature. My brother is also the type to give …

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Tea Time

December 2009
Getting in a festive holiday mood with an elegant tea party are (from left) Dana Harris, Sophia Harris, Dee Avioli, Amanda Taylor and Gina Taylor. (Photo: ##http://www.hartphoto.com##www.hartphoto.com##)

When manners were genteel and socializing was done in person rather than on cell phones and Internet networks, ladies attended tea parties. Women in their best finery crooked pinkies on teacups, with lace hankies to use after each delicate sip.

Everything old is new again as teatime may be having a resurgence.

Mavis Sanders, retired from the financial industry, is …

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Ka-ching

September 2009
Dylan Guthrie, 16, left, can benefit from the experiences of older brothers Stuart and Cameron when it comes to learning about financial responsibility for college.

Extra college expenses add up

With two children in college, sometimes I feel like an ATM machine. After paying for tuition, textbooks and rent, you might think you are done. You aren’t.

Think of it this way. You are setting up another household – in some cases two or three – with all of the costs to match. And, parentally …

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Houston Greeters

June 2009
Houston Greeter Meera Buck reaches new heights by giving tours of Houston by plane.

With economic troubles perhaps hitting home this summer, many are electing to forgo a family vacation and entertain themselves right here. That’s great news for a group of volunteer Houstonians just waiting to take them on an adventure around Houston.

Called the Houston Greeters, the non-profit organization was founded by Susan Borches in 2005. Susan, who had worked in communications …

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Women of Courage

March 2009
Nina Proler Brown is leading the way towards a cure for Parkinson's.

Many of us are tested with health challenges – either our own or a family member’s – but two special women decided to devote time, energy, and financial resources to help others, despite their own situations. The Houston Chapter of Hadassah will recognize Nina Proler Brown and Eve Lapin this month as Women of Courage.

It’s difficult for Eve Lapin …

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Age of Consent

February 2009
Friends Kimberly Cohen, Lenni Nagler, and Michelle Midlo celebrate their adulthood.

F-R-E-E-D-O-M. That and more are on the minds of some area teens who are turning 18. It’s a milestone birthday anticipated as an independence day, as most are looking to spread their wings as they prepare to go off to college. It’s also that magical age when everything seems not just possible but, well, legal.

Though they may still be …

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Be Alert, Not a Victim

January 2009
Alert

We are fortunate to live in our comfortable neighborhood enclaves with just about everything we need just a short drive away. For that reason, many of us approach shopping and errands with a certain sense of safety, and that’s exactly what some criminals are counting on.

That’s why Leah Gross left her purse in an unlocked car with her driver’s …

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Playing in the Band

December 2008
Case Bell, Clint Bracher, and Nathan Rigney serve up a slice of Americana music in their band Emory Quinn.

Nathan Rigney and Case Bell were longtime friends growing up, but through all those years they never knew that one day they would be making music together.

Attending the same schools and playing Little League baseball together, they hung around each other for years. But their mutual love of music and musical talent was never part of the equation.

That …

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A Blended Family Holiday

November 2008
Whether celebrating Thanksgiving with their mom, Tina Freeman, or their dad, Scott, Madison and Avery enjoy a special holiday thanks to their parents working together.

Aside from the great food, everyone looks forward to family time at Thanksgiving. This becomes a bit complicated, however, for single parent and blended families. With a little flexibility and compromise, a happy holiday is ensured for all family members.

Kirsten Coco’s three children follow a two-meal routine. She cooks a big meal, even accommodating her son’s vegetarianism, and then …

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