Rumor Has It - July 2025

Hats off to style! The Houston Junior Forum Style Show was a dazzling parade of color and flair, both on the runway and in the crowd. Guests and models alike turned heads with fabulous fashion – and fabulous hats. Stealing the spotlight was Mistress of Ceremonies Melva Meronek, radiant in pink and pearls, crowned with a feathered, rose-covered showstopper. Now that’s how you top things off! The committee with chair Susan Fisher included Karen Darnell, Karen Conway, Julia Heller, and Lisa Laumbach. The models that weaved through the crowd were Debbie Berner, Sharon Cook, Karen Darnell, Gale Evans, Susan Fisher, Julia Heller, Krista Parker, Joyce Pelton, Cindi Salas, and Sally Schwarze. The fashions by Unique Boutique by Jeanette donated a portion back to the HJF. 

MILESTONE PARTY Sam Abraham was toasted and roasted at his 80th birthday. Pictured, from left: Samuel Colombowala, Gabriel Duvvuri, Samuel Abraham, David​ Colombowala, Elizabeth​ Abraham, Omana Abraham, Kiran Duvvuri, and Moriah​ Thomas.

A swinging India-Brazil themed party. An exotic setting with stone baby elephants and columns of colorful flowers greeted 130 partiers to celebrate Sam Abraham’s 80th. The dinner was hosted by his glamorous wife, Omana, and beautiful Abraham daughters and sons-in-law, Annie Abraham and Abraham Thomas, Elizabeth Abraham and Dr. Ilyas Colombowala, and Rachel Abraham and Raj Duvvuri. Emcees Elizabeth and Ilyas added their splash of humor after dinner and before the slideshow. A touching toast by longtime friend Judge Alvin Zimmerman and a roast by Biki Mohindra added to the laughter in the carpeted tent surrounded by rugs on the wall and flowers cascading from the ceiling. A Brazilian group of dancers surprised everyone with a grand finale of samba dances. Sam was content to join them in a photo but not on the dance floor. 

HARRISON’S HEROES Harrison’s Heroes hosted its 8th Annual FUN-raiser, The Sunset Soiree on the Ranch. Pictured are St. Francis Episcopal moms who attended the soiree. From left: Nicole Epstein, Barbara Prior, Amanda Ollison, Anna Goodman, Stefanie Carper, Christine Williamson, Taylor Bregman, Kristi Calloway, Cassie McKinney, and Lindsay Amburn.

Fun-raising for kids. Harrison’s Heroes hosted its 8th Annual FUN-raiser, The Sunset Soiree on the Ranch, where guests rocked western flair. Emcees KPRC 2 Justin Stapleton and Daniella Guzman energized the crowd as the nonprofit raised a record amount to “comfort kids and create smiles” in Houston hospitals. Co-founder Sandy Kothari unveiled three new projects for 2025, while daughters Paige and Hannah and husband Shanoop worked behind the scenes. Auctioneer Rusty Mertink boosted donations, and facility dogs Dexter and Pilot stole hearts. Memorial High School volunteers also pitched in to support the cause.

50 YEARS LATER Susan and Dick Hansen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends on a cruise. On the day of their anniversary, daughters Brittany Hansen Cassin and Dr. Brooke Hansen Spanos surprised their parents with a big “50” balloon in their yard.  

Love Boat 2025. When Susan and Dick Hansen planned a Spain-Morocco cruise for their 50th anniversary, 35 friends jumped aboard. Mary Maxey, Deborah Dunkum, and Martha Jamison turned it into a luau, honoring Susan and Dick’s Honolulu meet-cute at Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor in 1972. Guests rocked leis, chuckled at a bobblehead cake topper, and roared as waiters in Farrell’s hats paraded out a flaming Baked Alaska. Applause erupted from Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Linda and Roy Arterbury, Billy Hitchcock, Robin and Danny Klaes, David Mendez and Tamra Inglehart, Pam and Bill Sengelmann, Joyce and Tom Standish, Cynthia and Fisher Trigg, and Bonnie and David Weekley. The adventure continues – there’s still time to book the 2026 cruise!

PAWSITIVELY SWEET. Nancy McCormick hosted an engagement party for Aron Saks and Emma Adelson. A surprise reveal was a whimsical portrait of the couple’s dog that Marilyn painted. Pictured, from left: Steve and Marilyn Saks, Karem Hocking, Nancy McCormick, Emma Adelson and Aron Saks.

Engaging party. To celebrate good friends, Marilyn and Steve Saks, Nancy McCormick hosted a love-ly engagement party for their son Aron Saks and his fiancée Emma Adelson. The weather cooperated for the enchanting poolside affair with a variety of passed hors-d’oeuvres and a hearty buffet. A surprise reveal was a whimsical portrait of Aron and Emma’s dog that Marilyn painted. Mixed in with the 60 guests were true friends that drove from Lubbock and Dallas to be there for a champagne toast with the couple. The destination wedding will be in Puerto Rico 2026!

Western night. Cowboy hats, a yellow mini sombrero, and a hint of bling enhanced the Western Night Out with the Houston Symphony League at King Ranch Texas Kitchen. About 30 cowgirls came out to enjoy fried chicken sandwiches and bites. Barbara Files and Donna Mello greeted the polished Western belles. In the crowd were Sassy Stanton, Harriet Gertner, Diane Davis, Beverly Mattern, and Roz Cooley, all big Symphony fans. 

Facials and massages? Never enough. Health food? Maybe too much. But for Randi Patel Steinmetz, Frances Rubin, and Barbara Marcus, their spa getaway to Ixtapan de la Sal – planned by Marcia Katz – was packed with daily walks, yoga, and endless laughter. Post-spa, the trio took their Houston-and-Bentonville walking tradition to Mexico City, where they wandered through Frida Kahlo’s vibrant home, questioning her devotion to Diego Rivera. They were mesmerized by the Madrid-born musical Malinche and soaked up history on guided tours. After her friends headed home, Randi’s husband, John Steinmetz, joined her for a jaunt to San Miguel de Allende. Between charming cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture, they fell hard for the city’s magic. A trip full of relaxation, adventure, and just the right amount of indulgence!

DAR ART CAR Members of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) worked to turn a 2011 Scion into a piece of art for the 2025 Art Car Parade. Pictured (from left) Gigi Kady, Christina Manero, Christine Smith Andrews, Sydney Flores-New (driving the car), Kellie Menz Laurion, and Kim Raben.

They became experts. Christine and Ben Andrews purchased a 2011 Scion for a dazzling makeover as an art car for the Brazos Valley chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution). Christine and a powerhouse crew – Sydney Flores-New, Kim Raben, Gigi Kady, Kellie Laurion, and Christina Manero – spent three weeks in a River Oaks garage, fueled by YouTube tutorials and AutoZone runs. With extra help from Natalie Benestante and Christina Frewin, the DAR Car rolled into the 2025 Art Car Parade. Next up? A giant birthday cake addition in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th! Talk about patriotic flair on wheels.

CELEBRATION Friends and family celebrated Robyn Steinman’s birthday at a lunch hosted by husband Fred and daughter and son-in-law Haley and Justin Vincent. Pictured, front row, from left: Gwen Ennis, Carolyn Karp, Robyn Steinman, Heidi Dreyfuss, Lou Mizis; Back row, from left: Sharon Brier, Cynthia Vincent, and Tricia Rauch.

Family and friends. Robyn Steinman was the celeb of the moment when her husband Fred Steinman and her daughter Haley (Steinman) Vincent made her the center of attention at an intimate birthday lunch that included new and old friends. The Steinmans moved to Houston about two years ago but had lived here many decades ago before their careers took them to Georgia. Their son-in law Justin Vincent, who’s in medical residency, was recruited to create mimosas for the guests. Robyn mentioned her connection with each guest. A story that brought much laughter was about her and one of the guests who met when they dated brothers. The brotherly relationship ended but the girl friendship stayed.

SEVENTH GENERATION Texas Coastal CattleWomen kicked off their annual Fundraiser Luncheon and Style Show (Sept. 23rd) to honor seventh-generation rancher Mary Kathrine White Moursund as a True Texas Cattlewomen 2025. There was no campfire, but these ranchers swapped great stories. Pictured, from left: Leroy Ezer, Mary Katherine White Moursund, Jim Hodges, and Sassy Stanton.

No campfire, but plenty of great stories. Texas Coastal CattleWomen had a kickoff for their Annual Fundraiser Luncheon and Style Show (which takes place Sept. 23), to honor seventh-generation rancher Mary Kathrine White Moursund as a True Texas Cattlewoman 2025. Chair Sassy Stanton – sporting a bandana and embroidered Western shirt – welcomed ranchers and industry insiders for a lively lunch where Leroy Ezer shared Bill White’s hurricane rescue, and historian Jim Hodges introduced Dave Scott, who knew White – Texas beef’s legendary guru – for 40 years. Patrons’ table talk included topics around Herefords, Angus, mama cows, horse trainers, and ranch-to-table. The organization champions beef nutrition facts and supports ranchers through droughts, fires, and floods. 

DERBY BIRTHDAY Amir, Orly, and Alon Steinberg took their mom, Lea, to the Kentucky Derby for her milestone birthday. They all won but Orly won the grand race. Pictured, from left: Amir, Lea, Orly, and Alon Steinberg.

Kentucky Derby. Everyone was a winner: Amir, Orly, and Alon Steinberg took their mom, Lea Steinberg, to the Kentucky Derby for her milestone birthday, May 4th in Louisville, Kentucky. On their flight to the Derby, they spotted Simone Biles, the celebrated Olympic gymnast, who was in the Derby’s Opening Ceremony. While there, they had a homerun on the visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum, where they each scored a free small bat souvenir from the factory. What is a visit to Lexington without a visit to a bourbon distillery? The Stitzel-Weller Distillery included several samples with a little history on the side. Hiccup. Extreme excitement occurred when Orly won in the last race after betting on Sovereignty, the winner of the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

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