Buzz Articles by the Numbers: Most-Viewed Articles of 2017

As always, we take time before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31 to look back at the past year and think ahead to the next. Today, we have rounded up the most-viewed Buzz articles of the year. The below list of Buzz articles is by the numbers from Google Analytics.

MOTHERLY LOVE Claudine Hartland (center) is surrounded by the love of the four moms in her life: (from left) Nina Hendee, Joan Hartland, Darla Stone and Norma Jean Moore. (Photo: lawellphoto.com) 

10. More Mothers, More Love: Pieced back together through prayer by Jennifer Oakley

“One moment she was a wife and mother of three young children enjoying a ski vacation with her husband. The next moment, she was only a mother. Edd K. Hendee died in 2010, the day before Valentine’s, in a skiing accident on a mountaintop in Vermont….” This beautiful Mother’s Day story about Claudine Hartland and her family struck a chord with many readers.

Bellaire High School graduate Jon Bass (pictured at the Baywatch premiere) is playing Ronnie Greenbaum in the remake of the popular '70s show. Baywatch is directed by Seth Gordon and stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Priyanka Chopra and Alexandra Daddario. (Photo: Alexander Tamargo /Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

9. Jon Bass: From Bellaire to ‘Baywatch’ by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld 

Actor and Bellaire native Jon Bass describes what it was like to play alongside Dwayne Johnson, Zac Eron, Priyanka Chopra and other stars in Baywatch the movie. Bass, a graduate of Bellaire High School and The Emery/Weiner School, shares memories about his childhood and inspiration from growing up in Bellaire.

This photo of John and Shari Greer in front of their famously decorated yard was the cover of The Bellaire Buzz in December 2003. Read the 2003 story here. (Photo: Jud Haggard)

8. Holly St., Lit with Memories by Karen Vine Fuller 

There's a house on Holly St., right across from Bellaire High School, that's well-known for their incredible Christmas decorations. Karen Vine Fuller, disappointed to see the house wasn't lit up for Christmas this year, went on a mission to find out what happened and the story behind the family who created this memorable Christmas tradition. 

7. Class of 2017: Teachers Who Made a Difference by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld 

As part of a survey to gather information for our annual “Where are they headed” article featuring high school graduates and where they’re heading to college, we included the question: Teacher who changed your life and why. Once again, the students’ responses were so heartwarming.

HERE’S JOHNNY Johnny Carrabba (along with his uncle Damian Mandola) helped found one of the most successful Italian chains in America.

6. Chef's Corner: Johnny Carrabba by Dai Huynh 

“Many restaurateurs can only dream of turning one restaurant into a nationwide chain. But it took work and being lucky enough to be born into a family where cooking comes from the heart – a lesson drilled into Johnny by his grandmother, Grace Mandola…..” In March, Dai Huynh talked to Chef Johnny Carrabba for her monthly Chef's Corner column. 

Benjamin Cohen (Senior photo: Paperhearts, Photography by Jessica Laviage)

5. Class of 2017: Where are they headed? by Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld 

As part of our annual tradition, we asked our graduating high school seniors to share their plans with. What are they most looking forward to? What advice would they give their kindergarten selves if they could?

Jeff Soffer and Allison Cohen

4. Campers for Life, Buzz About Town column by Annie Blaylock McQueen 

News of Jeff Soffer and Allison Cohen’s engagement was shared in the Buzz About Town column in May. The couple originally met at Camp Blue Star in North Caroline when they were 10 years old. Jeff popped the question this past March and they’re planning to marry in Florida in early 2018.

The James Coney Island downtown location was a popular lunch spot. (Photo: Houston 175: A Pictorial Celebration of Houston’s 175-Year History,” – The Houston Chronicle)

3. Restaurant Memories: A look back at Houston’s dining past by Russell Weil

This nostalgic article by Russell Weil was published in Nov. 2014 and continues to be one of our most-read articles online. We regularly receive comments on it from readers sharing their own restaurant memories. If you haven't yet read this article or shared your own memories, it's worth the read.

Volunteers working together to help at Lakewood Church. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar) 

2. Harvey Volunteer Opportunities, compiled by The Buzz team  

After Harvey hit our communities, The Buzz worked to keep readers constantly informed with news and helpful resources on our social media and website. This list of volunteer opportunities was updated and shared regularly.

A PHOTOGRAPHER’S LIFE Iconic photographs lining the hallway of Bob Gomel’s Memorial home reflect a prolific life behind the camera. (Photo: hartphoto.com)

1. Behind the Lens: The life of a LIFE photographer by Cathy Gordon 

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, Bob’s body of work is one heck of a read….” This story about LIFE Magazine photographer Bob Gomel was published in Nov. 2016 and was the most-read article of 2017. In this article, renowned photographer Bob Gomel shares some of his iconic photographs and the stories behind them.

Most-Read Buzz Pages

The above list includes Buzz articles. Some of our top-viewed pages this year include our Pet of the Year Contest page, our event calendar, our Photo Contest entry page (see this year’s winners here and check back in March for next year’s entry page), our magazine section, School Buzz blog, high school grads database, Buzzworthy blog and Buzz About Town column. Note: Voting for Buzz Pet of the Year continues through midnight, Dec. 31 so be sure to vote if you haven’t already. 

Take a look back at the most-viewed articles of 2016 and 2015 too.  

Share your favorite stories of 2017 with us by commenting below. Happy New Year!