Rumor Has It - September 2024

Nearly neighbors. Michael Anzilotti and Carla Martinez lived near each other but met on Hinge in Dec. 2021. They discovered they share a passion for travel, food, and that they both work out at The Houstonian. Michael proposed to Carla at the Rose Garden at the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The Sante Fe, New Mexico wedding ceremony was at Our Lady of Guadalupe and the reception took place at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, surrounded in desert shades with a hint of citrus colors. A flamenco dancer entertained at dinner and a tequila donkey added flavor while late night s’mores were served. S’more love was in the air as parents Juan Carlos and Carla Martinez and Kelly Anzilotti and Michael Anzilotti gave their farewell wishes. 

GIRLS NIGHT OUT The Houston Symphony League’s Girls Night Out was themed Summer Dresses and Hats. Winners and honorable mentions of the hat contest were (from left) Cathey Granello, Terri Romero, Angela Doucette (grand winner), chair Donna Mello, and Barbara Files, assistant chair.

Summer dresses and hats. That was the theme for the Houston Symphony League’s Girls Night Out at Guadalajara Hacienda. It was a rainy July night but after the umbrellas and raincoats were put away, the margaritas and generous array of food helped dry everyone out. Event chair Donna Mello and assistant chair Barbara Files announced the winners of the hat contest: Angela Doucette (grand prize) and Cathey Granello and Terri Romano received honorable mention. Everyone jotted other activities on their calendar: Sept 18 is the Fall Luncheon and Casino Night is Oct 23. Never too late to join.

Don’t bring a suitcase to the museum. Maria and Jordan Oakum strolled the streets of Paris a few months prior to the Olympics for a mother-daughter trip. The fun-tastic week was Jordan’s first Parisan adventure. While the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay were must-sees, their favorite site was the La Galerie Dior (museum), which inspired some fabulous shopping but had rules about suitcases. The beautiful flowers and architecture made a lasting impression.

DRACULA’S CASTLE Mary Reed Lankford and son Charles had a scarily fun time at Dracula’s Castle. Here Mary is pictured exiting the narrow passageway at the castle.

No vampires in sight. Mary Reed Lankford and son Charles Reed experienced Trafalgar, Romania, Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia on a 14-day journey. They listened to Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula as they were being driven to Dracula’s Castle. As they climbed the narrow castle passageways, they had visions of a refreshing bloody Mary. Although lamb tripe (lamb organs) was on the menu at the restaurant located at Dracula’s Castle, they went for the pork neck. 

MOMENTOUS MILESTONE Jean Wilson celebrated her milestone birthday like a star. She turned 70 with two parties. 

Two parties, one honoree. The dinner invitation featured Jean Wilson’s face with a pout, and it read, “I don’t want to turn 70,” and in another photo, she featured a smile with the caption “but I get presents.” She wore a birthday crown of candles to celebrate at a seated gourmet dinner with eight friends hosted by Rosanne Kaufmann. Friend Walter Viali aka Elvis sang Happy Birthday in Elvis style, which made the party really swing! The second party was a Board Bash hosted by Dr. Tung Giep and his wife Michelle Ngo where the guests brought a charcuterie creation. The magnificent array of foods included: sushi, wild meats, Bánh mi, butter burgers, and more. Lots of photo ops were in front of the blue and white balloon bouquet with gold star accents. All agreed Jean will always be a star. 

FOURTH OF JULY At the parade in patriotic dress were Vivian Chen, Yvonne Chen, and Gweiling Brandt.

Fourth of July Villages Parade. On a hot dry summer day, 100+ Villagers and friends turned out on Piney Point to watch the Village Police, Village Fire Department, veterans, Boy Scouts, the Ferrari Club, students, and at least one dentist participate in the drive from Gaylord. Decked out in patriotic dress were Vivian Chen in a red, white, and blue tutu on roller blades too with mom Yvonne Chen in a flag print shirt and daughter Gweiling Brandt also in a tutu. Sitting on the sidelines were Pierre Espejo and Dianna Kopelman in an exceptional stars and stripes outfit and Cari Curtis with her rescue dogs, Balton in a bowtie and Olive in a bandana. David and Mary Van Grindle wore red with almost matching hats. 

Lost in Turkey. Missy (Melissa) Campbell was on a group tour of Morocco to Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and the desert when she found a stunning green ceramic tile fountain in Pez. The outdoor Moroccan fountain made it back in one piece to adorn her patio. She was on her own in Istanbul with a guide to take her to the main sites and the Grand Bazaar, however, he had to leave her as she had not finished shopping and figured she could find her way back to the hotel on her own. After wandering around lost until her toes twerked, she found her way the most “bazaar” way – she had to get a taxi.

SHE LIGHTS HIS FIRE Connie Cooke, author of Cayman Heat, married retired fire captain Ken Bingham at their home on Lake Travis. (Photo: Dallas Gannon Photography)

Sparks! Their eyes locked at the Caddie Shack Sports Bar at the Point Venture Golf Club on Lake Travis on Jan. 31, 2020, and they’ve been together ever since. Ken Bingham proposed to Connie Reeves Cooke on the beach in Cancun, Mexico at Le Blanc Spa & Resort surrounded by seven friends all dressed in white ready to shout Surprise. This year, on July 6, 2024, the intimate wedding and reception were held at their home on Lake Travis until 1:30 in the morning. They honeymooned in Cancun with a symbolic ceremony on the beach where Ken proposed. Connie is the author of two novels. Ken is a retired captain with the Austin Fire Department but managed to still light Connie’s fire. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TONY Missa Sutton, Tony Sirvello, and Barbara Moore (pictured, from left) celebrated Tony's 80th with friends.

So young and good looking. When Tony Sirvello walked into Fratelli’s to celebrate his 80th with 12 longtime neighbors and friends, he exclaimed, “What are all those almost naked men doing on the table?” They were indeed photoshopped centerpieces of Tony’s face on a macho cowboy, sexy surfer, and a body builder, created by Missa Sutton. Barbara Moore and Tony were chatting about their recent cruise to Mexico and the Panama Canal as Cheryl Kaminski brought the Italian Cream Cake out with candles.

Good neighbors. Pine Shadows, near the Galleria, was hit hard by Hurricane Beryl. Neighbor Noble Carl came to the rescue of many whose property was covered by trees, branches, and leaves, operating a crane on a grapple truck lifting the bigger pieces into the Slide Steer roll-off truck. David Hoffman was handy with his chain saw clearing a fallen tree on the street. A nearby friend, Charlie Geiss, just a hair out of the subdivision, let Mary Maxey charge her devices. As Mr. Fred Rogers said, “Real strength has to do with helping others.” 

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