Mailbag - June 2023

BRICK BY BRICK Lego fan Jason Buchman constructed a colorful wall for son Max’s bedroom out of Lego bricks. This is the second Lego wall he has created; the first was for son Aidan and was inspired by the colors of the Houston Astros’ throwback jerseys. Here, Laura and Jason Buchman pose with son Max in front of the Lego wall. (Photo: hartphoto.com)

From LEGO experts 

We appreciate you for writing about the Buchmans and sharing their story with both us and your community [Pop Art: Jason Buchman inspires, brick by brick, by Jennifer Oakley, May 2023]! It's so wonderful how they've built so many memories together as a family with LEGO bricks. Their use of our products as furniture and decor is amazing and it’s opened my mind to the endless remodeling possibilities with LEGO bricks! We’re also so glad that they’ve shared their hobby and donated LEGO tables to those in need in their community.

LEGO Company Limited, United Kingdom 

Editor’s note: We are delighted that this story is inspiring those in our communities and even those across the pond! 

Soccer goals  

Our family totally enjoyed reading the article titled Grace Yochum: Reaching Goals [May 2023] in The Buzz Magazines. A big shout-out to Todd Freed for capturing all the details and telling her story from YMCA club soccer to Oklahoma State to the NWSL draft. We make it a point to recommend your magazine to our friends and business associates. It’s a terrific place to advertise for coverage in Buzz neighborhoods! 

A quick update on Grace since the article was published. After a great deal of thought and prayer, Grace elected not to go pro because of challenges with migraines and light sensitivity, due to shoulder and neck issues from all the years of headers. However, she is working in the soccer program at OSU. That is the happy ending for her, because she also always wanted to be part of a Power Five school given her long-standing goal of coaching.

Mary Kent and John Yochum

Editor’s note: Thank you for the kind feedback and for the update on Grace’s career. We are excited to hear she has further achieved personal and professional goals. 

Author and hero

Thanks to Cathy Gordon for sharing about one of our own local writing heroes [Pearls of Positivity: An author’s gift to children, May 2023]. From floods to flower-eating cows, Ellen Leventhal's stories continue to inspire a new generation of young readers and writers. Thank you for sharing this important story.

Gabrielle Nidus 

Extra, extra 

Last summer, I had the experience of interning at The Buzz Magazines. I received hands-on experience, learning to research and write news stories. Every day was unique. One day we were interviewing families at Evelyn’s Park, and the next we were commuting to The Health Museum for the showing of a new exhibit. 

Since my time at The Buzz, I became a correspondent for the School Buzz blog, and I was able to write stories based on what is going on in my school community at Incarnate Word Academy. One of the articles I wrote was about an event my school hosted during the 2022 World Series. Since we are located next to Minute Maid Park, we decorated the sidewalks with chalk to show our support for the Houston Astros. The story was published on School Buzz, and I sent my article to the Lone Star Writing Contest. I received second place in all of Texas in the small school division!

Next year, I am thrilled to be continuing my studies at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in journalism. My time as an intern at The Buzz allowed me to discover a passion for journalism and news reporting. I have everyone to thank at The Buzz for believing in me and inspiring me to continue writing.

Anna Galan 

Editor’s note: Anna, we are so proud of you and know your future is very bright!

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