Mailbag - August 2016

Addiction takes its toll on mind, body and soul, say counselors who urge families to observe their teen’s behavior for signs of drug or alcohol abuse. (Illustration: istockphoto.com/Jayesh)

Tough but important story

I wanted to thank you for your article about the addictions that plague some of our children [Breaking the Chains: How two Buzz residents battled addiction, by Cathy Gordon, June 2016]. It was a difficult read for me, especially the list of warning signs that cut way too close to home. In any event, your passion given for the community and the love extended to Esmeralda and I are a blessing. Thank you.

Tim Henderson

Editor’s note: It was your beautiful and brave eulogy about your son Luke that gave me the idea to do this article. Too many families are dealing with this dreadful disease. As you know, addiction is still not often talked about openly or honestly. We want to encourage the discussion. I will always treasure our time with Luke. – Joni Hoffman

Archery piece hit target

Thank you so much for the article titled “Our Katniss” [Our Katniss: Young archer is one of the world’s best, by Cheryl Laird, April 2016] written about our daughter, Inga Pever. The feedback we received from our friends, family and archery community was very positive. Many stated that they felt a real connection to her and if they didn’t know her that they’d want to!

The author, Cheryl Laird, really gave her attention into capturing the intricacies of the sport and understanding Inga’s dedication to the sport. She was able to articulate the uniqueness of this Olympic sport, the work necessary to reach elite status, and availability of this amazing sport right here in Houston.

Melanie Pever

Motivating young adults

Thank you very much for a nice story on Ryan [Alam]. I think Ryan has a great heart to help the poor and contribute to society. The title of the story was awesome [Buzz About Town: Top idea in the world, by Annie Blaylock McQueen, July 2016]. It gave kids Ryan’s age the understanding they can do the same. I have raised my children on the Jewish philosophy (even though I am Muslim) that helping the needy is helping yourself in the long run. Notwithstanding, praising children – not criticizing – is the best way to help improve their egos. I want to keep him motivated, and people like you will help him do more and more. Your article showed your magazine cares about its community. Thank you again.

Sam Alam

Editor’s note: Ryan Alam, a St. Thomas’ Episcopal School alum, while working on his master’s degree in social entrepreneurship, helped develop a proposal to eradicate landmines from Angola and establish an agricultural industry for the country. Ryan and his team won first place in a worldwide Morgan Stanley-sponsored competition.

Congrats to Buzz writer

Congratulations to staff writer Jennifer Oakley, who won second place in the “Magazine Article” category of the Houston Press Club’s 2016 Lone Star Awards for her September 2015 Buzz story Ghost Bikes: White bicycles memorialize riders. The article was about the white-painted “ghost bikes” that raise awareness of bike safety and pay tribute to cyclists who are killed. We appreciate the volunteers who maintain the bikes and the Buzz residents who so openly shared stories of their loved ones.

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