Rumor Has It - June 2025

From funky park to gardens. On a warm breezy spring day, 38 Memorial Drive Garden Clubbers boarded a Harris County bus for a field trip arranged by Sue Shefman. Laughter and trivia not related to gardening was shared during the drive-by of the Orange Show and onto the neighboring whimsical Smither Park. Pete Gershon, curator of the Orange Show, enchanted them with the fascinating history. What’s a field trip without food? Beverly Mattern planned part two, an excursion to Charlton Park, where the gals scrambled for shade to enjoy box lunches. Two guides at the Houston Botanic Garden showed them the Culinary Garden (medicinal and edible plants) and the Global Collection Garden (plants around the world that thrive in the sometimes-unbearable Houston climate). 

TRIP TO THE BIG APPLE Anna Lumbreras (in front) shared a fun NYC weekend with girlfriends Lindsey Lumbreras, Stephanie Anderson, Kasey Briggs, and Erin Ingledew. (Photo: Kasey Briggs)

Unique New York trip. No one loves vintage shopping more than Anna Lumbreras, who shared a curated NYC weekend with gal pals Kelly Anzilotti, Lindsay Lumbreras, Kasey Briggs, Erin Ingledew, and Steph Anderson. The group gravitated to the iconic vintage celebrity preowned clothes at What Goes Around Comes Around. Reinvented as stars, they designed their own fragrance at Olfactory NYC and created a custom waffle robe with dye at Manhattan Bleach. Chatting about their purchases while reveling in a 270-degree view of the city was a great dining experience at Nubeluz by José Andrés. Back to earth, Houstonians.

PROM SEASON Kinkaid juniors and seniors enjoyed the Rio de Janeiro themed prom night. Pictured are a group of friends who kicked off the night with photos at Ian Goldstein’s house prior to dinner at Flora’s.

Prom 2025. Juniors and seniors at The Kinkaid School picked a vibrant Rio de Janeiro theme for prom, beating out Agent 007 and Alice in Wonderland. Sage Barreto and friends kicked off the night with photos at Ian Goldstein’s house, then headed to dinner at Flora’s. The dance was electric – live DJ, singers, dancers, and even teachers showing off on the dance floor! With a photo booth, face painting, a mock casino, and raffle prizes (Maithreyi Asthagiri scored a karaoke machine!), the night ended in formalwear at a movie theater featuring Minecraft. Other juniors that joined in the fun-tastic night were Eliya Gibson, Cynthia Cai, June Courville, Cate Schmidt, Abby Ahuero, Megan Wu, Kyle Yang, Irene Pletcher, Alejandro Ibarra, Charlie Assif, Jackson Chapoton, and John Patterson.

Nowhere to go for Easter? Never fear. Joni and John Zavitsanos hosted a Paschal Feast with roasted lamb for those that had no one to celebrate Easter with. An air-conditioned tent contained the overflow of 100 people that feasted on lamb and more. Father Michael Lambakis started with a Hymns of the Day ceremony before the guests hopped to the feast and to a huge array of desserts, which included a large chocolate Easter egg. Father Lambakis, who will be Dean of Students at Holy Cross School of Theology, is moving to “Mass” after 25 years in Houston. 

ON THE COVER The Henderson family – Lisa and Luke and children Lotti, Luke Jr., and Libby – were featured in Southern Living Magazine.

What – me? Imagine the surprise Lisa Mark Henderson received when Southern Living Magazine contacted her. Not only did they want to include her house in their May issue, but the brick-and-wood traditional home was featured on the cover with her two dogs, Lefty and Poncho. Lisa grew up in Memorial but moved to Dallas after graduation from Baylor. She and husband Luke have three children, Lottie, Luke Jr., and Libby. Lisa’s parents, Allyson and Dan Mark, still live in Piney Point with bragging rights. 

The party lasted an extra hour. Everyone walked over for the 19th annual Piney Point Manor Cocktail party, which was hosted by longtime residents Cindy and Brian Atlas, who have lived in the same home for 45 years or so (and they’re still young at heart). It has been remodeled and stretched over the years and used for HEB commercials featuring Roger Clemens. Approximately 30 gathered and met new neighbors while dining on appetizers and drinks. A few Piney Pointers were Kristin Waring, Kitty and Steve Oldham, Angie and David Habachy, and Amanda and John Atcheson, who moved into the neighborhood in August 2024, and the newest residents, Caroline and Wesley Knapp. 

Roofttop dining and a lively night scene. They wanted to improve their Spanish and immerse themselves in Mexican art and architecture, but they got even more. World travelers Carla O’ Dell and Stewart Vreeland unexpectedly experienced mi casa, su casa in San Miguel Allende. At the Spanish school, Academia Hispano Americana, they bonded with the instructors and other American students and used their newfound language skills at art and cultural tours.  They found themselves immersed in the heart of the historic district, steps away from renowned landmarks and within easy reach of the vibrant festivals that lit up the central square almost daily. A return is inevitable. Hasta luego.

SPRING SOIREE The Tanglewood Garden Club’s Spring Luncheon, chaired by club president Donna Ellis, was held at Houston Country Club. Pictured (seated, from left) Georgia Piazza, Liz Mann, Lillie Hutcheson; (standing, from left) Lindsey Wilson, Courtney Swanson, Liz Dinerstein, and Becca Gayle. (Photo: Stephen Traylor)

Blooms and big wins. The Tanglewood Garden Club’s Spring Luncheon, held at the Houston Country Club, was chaired by club president Donna Ellis. Guests were treated to an inspiring keynote by Brooke Bentley Gunst – former sports broadcaster and bestselling author of Sideline Confidential – who brought star power and substance to the day. Before and after the luncheon, attendees browsed curated offerings from local, women-owned businesses, adding a chic boutique element to the floral fête. A highlight of the afternoon was the spirited raffle, featuring covetable prizes from Houston’s favorite restaurants and shops. Proceeds benefited Homemade Hope, a local nonprofit that nourishes families facing food insecurity by reconnecting them with healthy food traditions – a true win for the community. Some of the younger attendees were Georgia Piazza, Liz Mann, Lillie Hutcheson, Lindsey Wilson, Courtney Swanson, Liz Dinerstein, and Becca Gayle. 

HERD AT HERMANN PARK Nancy McCormick and Marilyn and Steve Saks were among the many Houstonians who enjoyed The Great Elephant Migration at Hermann Park this spring.

Herd but not heard. The migration of 100 wild elephants seen in April at Hermann Park did not trumpet or snort, and no dung was found, as they politely stood in place. Thousands came to admire the giants made of the most invasive weed found in India, lantana camara, and were replicas of real elephants found in India. The sculptures created by The Real Elephant Collective of 200 artists are for sale from $8,000 for a baby to over $20,000. Nancy McCormick and Marilyn and Steve Saks were seen marveling at the quiet beasts. 

IN THE FAST LANE The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion in the Fast Lane Luncheon raised over one million at the annual Reflections on Style Fashion Show and Chic Boutique. Eric Lewis provided his 1968 Porsche 912 for an afterparty photo op.

Victory lap. Porsche racetrack videos revved up the attendees’ adrenaline at The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Fashion in the Fast Lane Luncheon. For the fourth year, they raised over one million at the annual Reflections on Style Fashion Show and Chic Boutique. In the driver’s seat was event chair Ann Ayre, who is passionate for fast cars and fashion. After lunch, ladies raced to be first in line to capture the prized runway fashions. Afterwards, for four days the "gently worn" donated clothes were sold to the general public at the Chic Boutique chaired by Stick Delaup and Maura Montgomery. To document this year’s success, Eric Lewis provided his 1968 Porsche 912 for an afterparty photo op.

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD Be An Angel’s 16th annual gala raised $750,000 for special needs children. Pictured are Dan Pastorini and Pam Morse.

Baseball and astronauts. Four hundred guests showed off their favorite baseball gear at the Be An Angel’s 16th Annual Gala, presented by CenterPoint Energy, which raised $750,000 for special needs children throughout Texas.  A lively live auction had a priceless Astronaut Dinner hosted by event chair Dot Cunningham, Apollo 7 Walter Cunningham’s wife, and astronauts Clayton Anderson (International Space Station), and Fred Haise (Apollo 13). Another inspiring item was the Insperity Astros Suite for 12 that included signed “Killer B’s” Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio baseball items. VIPS in the crowd were Jason Ryan, Steve Sigloch, Dan Pastorini, chairman of Be An Angel, Larry Dierker, Clay and Sue Ann Morel, George and Laura Pontikes, and David Voll and Cindy McDonald.

Seasons of change. The 30 smartly-dressed women gathered, intrigued at the personal invitation to attend a soiree at David Peck’s. Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber, and fashion designer David Peck hosted and moderated the debut of The Salon Series. Cocktails enlivened the unfiltered conversations that revealed advice from the intimate crowd. Don’t retire early, travel for growth and perspective, and always carry some cash. Articulate and artfully attired were Leila Perrin, Kelly Anzilotti, Sue Burnett, Sandra Porter, and Nancy Strohmer. 

CENTER YOURSELF Sarah Gish, with a handheld labyrinth, stands on a walking labyrinth, at The First Universalist Cuhrch of Houston’s arts festival this spring.

Feel like you are walking in circles?  The First Universalist Church of Houston’s arts festival celebrated Spring and Earth Day and World Labyrinth Day. To help get your mind centered, Sarah Gish laid out a vinyl indoor labyrinth to “receive, relieve and rejoice” as you walked to the center to relieve your troubles and rejoice as you left. You probably didn’t know there are handheld labyrinths too, which were on display. Food and arts and crafts were in abundance for more zen.

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