Rumor Has It - June 2024

Boot Scootin’ fun. Partiers dressed in bling boots and western hats enjoyed a VIP saloon, lively casino, and dancing at the Yellow Rose Ball – held at the Royal Sonesta to raise funds for the Spring Branch Education Foundation. Board president Jim Elliott welcomed everyone, and co-chairs Kim Huston, Rebekah James, and Kristin Thomas thanked Spring Branch ISD supporters for raising more than $316,000 for campus and district programs. Another $8,700 was raised for school supplies for economically disadvantaged students, and $24,000 were brought in for scholarships for the Class of 2024 graduates to pursue technical certificates or college degrees. 

A dog, cat and a baby. On April 2, 2024 – exactly a year and one day after their marriage – Liz and Matt Coffey had a precious baby girl, Josephine George Coffey, whom they call Jo or Josie. She has a protector, Norman, their dog who is obsessed with her and likes to rest his head on her chest. Meanwhile, the Coffey’s cat, Louise, thinks it is a game to steal Josephine’s pacifiers. Grandparents Morgan Coffey and Glenn and Lisa Kline love having another excuse to get to Charleston, South Carolina – to see their southern baby-gal.

Ancient ruins but he is not ancient. Mary Grace Landrum and her husband Michael Landrum celebrated Michael’s birthday with fellow Overseas Adventure travelers in Antalya, Turkey in April. The trip began in Istanbul and included a stop in Cappadocia, where they saw the dramatic terrain, cave cities, and fairy chimneys. The adventure ended at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ephesus to view what’s left of the Library of Celsus. The couple shared a meal with two local families in a rural village and in Antalya. A hot air balloon ride, sailing, and hiking along the Mediterranean coast for four days were some of the highlights that made the 14-day trip magical. 

FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS Chris Bergmann and his daughter Blaire (left) plus Margot Kline and her dad Kevin Kline (right) pose for a photo before a night on the town at Chapelwood United Methodist Church.

Daddy’s little girl. The Chapelwood (United Methodist) father-daughter dance created a happiness buzz. The girls got to wear a corsage and dressy-dress and get some special time with Dad. Kevin Kline attended with four-year-old daughter Margot, and Chris Bergmann brought three-year-old daughter Blaire. The girls twirled to a lot of Taylor Swift music. Craft-making was a hit, and a big frenzy was centered around the dessert candy table. Kevin and Chris, who grew up together, reminisced while the girls were busy dancing. Moms Hannah Kline and Allison Bergmann stayed home with their other children but couldn’t wait to hear about the fun. 

Totality. Stephen and Susanna Calvo Jeu have been interested in astronomy since they were young. In 1965, Susanna’s father (a professional photographer) purchased a Questar telescope with a solar filter to take photos of the galaxy’s wonders from their New York City rooftop. For the 2017 solar eclipse, Stephen adapted their digital cameras to use with that telescope. This year, while Stephen and Susanna drove their motorhome, friends Gerry and Mala Salvador drove their Range Rover to cross three state lines before finding the best spot at Petit Jean Mountain in Arkansas to capture the April 8 solar eclipse. Stephen took a composite photo from beginning to end using the telescope rig, with the corona and solar flares visible during totality. Astronomical!  

Authors and their Stories. A Celebration of Reading is one of the most anticipated events in Houston. During this year’s event, nearly 1200 guests heard authors Jean Becker, Chris Bohjalian, Brad Taylor, and Gary Gulman share snippets of their lives. The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation hosted the 30th annual event, which raised $2.2 million to promote literacy among children. Chairs Neil Bush and Doro Bush Koch, along with Julie Finck (president of the foundation) and Maria Bush (Neil’s husband) and key members of the Bush family also celebrated what would have been President George H. W. Bush’s 100th birthday year. A pre-event luncheon with the authors was held at Terri and John Haven’s home. A day well read.

Party of the Year so far. Neon lights and giant Rubik’s cubes added to the atmosphere as 500 partiers boogied at the Periwinkle Foundation’s 40th anniversary Back to the ’80s gala. President of the board Justin Goodman, wife Natalie, and friends Jim Herbst and Jesse Rivera dressed as the Kiss rock band. The event chairs were the Smith crew: Karen and David along with Amanda and Greg. They were ecstatic to raise $600,000 so children and teen cancer patients can attend the Periwinkle camp, for kids who are receiving or have received treatment for cancer at Texas Children’s. Susan and Mike Blaney and Craig and Karrie Yager were part of the enthusiastic crowd.

Tanglewood Garden Club Annual Spring Luncheon. Beauty on the Boulevard & Fashion Show by J. McLaughlin in River Oaks included a fireside chat by personal stylist Emily Elliott and president of Dress for Success Lauren Levicki Courville. Event chairs Ashley Sloan, Autumn Hunt and Rachel Kramer announced the slate of officers for 2024-2025 along with Tanglewood Garden Club President Donna Ellis and her board of Laura Winslow, Victoria Porter, Autumn Hun and Liz Deaton. If you are a homeowner in Tanglewood and interested in joining, go to Tanglewoodgardenclub.com for enrollment guidelines. Green thumb not required.

500 restaurants. It was hard to choose, but Susan and Martin Buckley managed to find great spots to eat in San Miguel Allende on their 10-day R&R trip. They joined free art walks in various neighborhoods and visited the Mask Museum owned by Bill LeVasseur, a collector of more than 1000 ceremonial masks housed next to Casa de la Cuesta, a beautiful B&B. The museum tour is free, but reservations are required. The couple also enjoyed a nature hike and an al fresco lunch with their host Misti in the El Sabino Grande region. Another highlight was a Tribute to Santana concert at the Teatro Angela Peralta. Whooah oh oh, Anywhere you want to go.

Glitter and Glam Carnival. If you have never been to the Mint Julep party, presented by Legacy Community Health and Quest Diagnostics, then don’t miss out on this year’s event on July 21. With the theme of Le Cirque du Mint Julep, attendees will cheer on a lineup of performances and dazzling spectacles. Creativity and high energy always come together to support Legacy’s mission to drive healthy change and to fight HIV/AIDS. Tony Bravo and Richard Werner, former Mint Julep chairpersons, will be honored at the event at the Bayou Music Center. Prepare for an entertaining afternoon and to smile the entire time. Must be at least 18 to attend.

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