Mailbag - July 2025

HOUSTON ROYALTY Joanne King Herring emerged as an international figure in Houston’s Boomtown days in the early 1970s. (Photo: Peter Moody Meyer)

From a renowned Houstonian 

I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to Michael and Joni Hoffman and to the brilliant Cindy Gabriel for her warm overview of my life [Charlie Wilson’s War: The Houston woman behind the whole thing by Cindy Gabriel, May 2025]. I was truly honored to be featured. It is rare for a local magazine to be so far reaching. I even heard from an Esquire writer in Chicago.

Thank you for remembering me and my television career. That experience played a significant role in shaping my future, especially during the years I was actively involved in planning and executing wars. The skills I gained from speaking on television gave me the confidence to communicate comfortably with heads of state and other influential figures. Cindy thoughtfully reminded us that the work we do in our early years often shapes our future.

You have an extraordinary magazine that you’ve built for the love of your neighbors and your city. 

Since the article was published, I’ve been flooded with calls from friends and loved ones, as well as over 100 messages from strangers. I've been deeply moved by the positive responses and how accurately and thoughtfully you depicted me. Thank you and the brilliant Cindy Gabriel again.

Joanne King Herring

Timely travel tale 

This month’s article on Bob Parsley’s family visit to the Vatican and Italy [Vatican Secrets and Tuscan Villas: Following the Parsleys to Italy by Tracy L. Barnett, June 2025] was not only interesting but timely. Who could have predicted when you wrote the article that its publication would immediately follow the election of Pope Leo XIV? Having read O’Neal’s book of how George Strake Sr. funded the Vatican’s secret plan to find S. Peter’s bones, it was fun to read of his grandson’s family visit to the completed project, the Scavi. Your article on the Vatican and their restaurant experiences makes us want to return to Italy to visit the Scavi and enjoy the great food. 

Kelly Frels

Connecting through aspirational career path 

I really enjoyed reading the June issue of The Buzz about local high school grads [Class of 2025: Where are they headed? by Caroline Siegfried]. One girl, Olivia B., expressed interest in a career in music therapy, the field I have loved for 50 years. I’d be happy to offer her counsel if she wishes. 

Ginger Clarkson, Music Therapist

Editor’s note: Ginger, thank you for reaching out. We shared your correspondence with Olivia and love when neighbors connect with other neighbors – especially young adults like Olivia – through The Buzz.

Words and wisdom 

I praise Ben Portnoy for his extraordinary May contribution [What’s the Word?: And what would Mr. Hickey say by Ben Portnoy, May 2025], devotion to the love of language, and to the memory of his teacher Mr. Hickey. May Mr. Portnoy continue to enlighten us!

Walter Mark Buehler 

Can’t resist the print magazine

Although I don’t receive the West U Buzz at home and although my elderly house is a fire hazard full of printed goods, I usually can’t resist picking up a Buzz magazine from the stand. I love it! I write to request a copy of the Oct. 2020 issue. I’ve kept many back issues but can’t find that one – and I need to share Dr. Marco’s story [When Life Has Other Plans: A spine surgeon’s journey with quadriplegia by Cathy Gordon] with someone. 

Thanks also for the story on Joyce Pounds Hardy [The Bubble Gum Lady: The story of a fierce Rice fan by Cindy Gabriel, March 2022] some time ago. She was a fine lady, a fine friend/fellow poet, and I love her book you spoke of. Keep up the great output! 

Geraldine Greig

Editor’s note: We were happy to send a copy of the Oct. 2020 issue to Geraldine. The stories she references can be read online at thebuzzmagazines.com. But trust us, we understand the power – and pleasure – of holding a printed magazine in our hands. There are Buzz racks at select Walgreens around town. 

Email us at [email protected]. Or send to Mailbag, The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet St., Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters or emails addressed to The Buzz Magazines become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use for publication. Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Views expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Buzz Magazines, and The Buzz takes no responsibility for the content and opinions expressed in them.