Mailbag - April 2020

PARTY TIME Erin Koren's nonprofit Birthday Bundles collects party supplies for families in need. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

Spreading the birthday love 

I live in Hedwig Village and just saw your article [Better Birthdays: Donating leftover party supplies, by Deborah Lynn Blumberg, March 2020] in The Buzz. What a great idea! I have kept a ton of miscellaneous items from birthday parties over the years and, for some reason, I thought, "I'll find something to use them for." Well, my kids are 20, 18 and 15, and I still have them. I will get everything together to donate to Birthday Bundles.

Candice Corzo

Editor’s note: We were happy to hear this story encouraged lots of donations to Erin Koren’s nonprofit, Birthday Bundles, which collects party supplies for families in need. If you’d like to donate your gently used or new party supplies, search for the Facebook group Birthday Bundles for Kids or contact Erin at [email protected].

Beautiful tribute

I am so proud of you [Paige Buddeke Dominey] and honored to know you and your mom [Susan Buddeke, featured in Rodeo Keepsakes: Stirring up sweet memories, by Jennifer Oakley, March 2020]. What fabulous people you are! Keeping your daddy’s [Richard Miles “Bud” Buddeke] memory and spirit alive through your cherished keepsakes and following his footsteps into volunteerism is such a beautiful tribute to his life well lived!

Deb Christensen-Braid

Editor’s note: Thank you, Deb. See this story at thebuzzmagazines.com for more sweet rodeo images and stories.

Remember Strawberry Patch?

I recall getting a large flower pot, filled with salad to be shared with all at table. If this was ordered, it would be served with plates, for all at table. Anyone recall this? [referring to Restaurant Memories: A look back at Houston’s dining past, by Russell Weil, November 2014]

Ben Levine

Editor’s note: This 2014 article by Russell Weil is still one of our most popular stories to date. In response to this letter, Russell confirmed this took place at Strawberry Patch, which was on Westheimer where Pappas Steakhouse is now. Russell says: “I do remember the clay pot salad that came to your table. I don't remember much else except the hamburger, the bar – wood and brass – and the long lines!” Russell wrote about Strawberry Patch, among other restaurants, in “Menu Memories: Favorite restaurant meals” in May 2017. See thebuzzmagazines.com for his stories. If you have restaurant memories, share them with us at [email protected]. 

Smart event – Whataburger a bonus

Thank you for hosting such an important, informative event [Stop the Madness: Safety Awareness Seminar]. The apolitical nature of this conversation was reaffirming, especially in this day and age. These are conversations that can be difficult, but they’re conversations we need to have with our friends and neighbors, especially about safe gun storage. And providing Whataburger meals – how very Texan of you! It was so generous of you to provide comfort food in such a comfortable setting while having a conversation that can sometimes be uncomfortable. Thank you!

Donna Gershenwald

Editor’s note: Thank you for attending and for your feedback, Donna. This community discussion was hosted in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Houston and addressed questions ranging from how to keep guns out of schools to the warning signs for self-harm. Public safety panelists were Chief of Bellaire Police Byron Holloway, Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious and volunteer leader with the Texas Chapter of Moms Demand Action Swati Narayan. Mental health experts on the panel were Angela Koreth and Leslie Wood from The Menninger Clinic. Sydney Zuiker, Safe Community Institute Manager at Crime Stoppers, moderated the panel. If you missed this event, see a recap and list of resources by searching “Powerhouse Panel Discusses Safety and Mental Health” by Pooja Salhotra at thebuzzmagazines.com.

Send letters to [email protected]. Please include your name, address, phone number and email address for verification purposes. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and space. 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.