Mailbag - May 2022

LIVING LARGE Naomi Friedman, who decorated her apartment herself, says, “It’s me.” (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

From the filmmaker and grandson

The piece [Naomi at 100: Champagne and kazoos by Cheryl Ursin, March 2022] is really lovely, Cheryl. Thanks for stitching her life [Naomi Friedman] together into a cohesive tale. There’s so many stories in her life, I didn’t even attempt to approach her past in my film . . . well, I tried in [the] interview and then just left it on the cutting room floor to focus on the present.

Michael Koshkin

Editor’s note: Michael Koshkin’s award-winning short film, “Ode to Joy,” features Naomi and her kazoo band. Click here to read about Naomi and watch Michael’s film.

15 minutes of fame at 100

Cheryl Ursin did a wonderful job capturing my personality. Never would I have imagined being featured in a magazine, at any age. I am indebted to Cheryl for her effervescent article and to Nikky LaWell for the great photography.

Naomi Friedman

Inspirational centenarian

I lead art history discussions at several senior communities around Houston and have had the privilege of Naomi Friedman being one of my regular “senior peeps.” She is quick, bright, and an inspiration with her great attitude and interesting perspectives.

Thank you so much for highlighting this amazing senior citizen. Hopefully this article helps folks realize how much our older population can contribute to our lives!

Wendy Adler

A special story

We wanted to thank The Buzz for writing Our Brother Jake: Siblings helping siblings [by Michelle Groogan, April 2022]. It really captured our message and goals. The article has helped us gain opportunities and raise awareness for our nonprofit, Special Siblings Connect, and its book, By Siblings, For Siblings. It also meant a lot to us personally. We’ve had many neighbors and friends reach out to support us after reading the article. You share so many wonderful stories about Houston, and we’re glad to have been one.

Nicole and Natalie Hampton

On the pickleball court

Just a little shout out from the pickleball story in last month’s issue [A Big Dill: Pickleball is on the rise by Jennifer Oakley, April 2022]. Several people have reached out to me at the Bellaire Recreation Center and are glad to see me playing again. After a group lesson there, my confidence has increased, and I’ve been trying to follow my own advice for injury avoidance. So far so good!

Dr. Barry Zietz

Crawfish fans

Andria, I love the crawfish boil article [Crawfish Boils: Bringing the party to Houston by Andria Frankfort, April 2022]! You really captured the spirit of our crawfish boil and Becky’s [Eisenberg]. My phone has blown up from people telling me how much they enjoyed your article. Everyone I know is now asking for an invitation to our annual boil! Thank you!

Laura Favaloro

Disconnecting to connect

Thank you so much for sharing the family adventure story, “Unplugged at a West Texas ranch” [Travel Buzz by Tracy L. Barnett, March 2022]. For several decades now, guests have visited Chandler Ranch to enjoy the great outdoors and excellent hospitality, but today the experience is more meaningful than ever as people need that time to reconnect with their families. Our fast-paced world makes that such a challenge.

Nan Chandler

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