Twenty-One Years Later: A Buzzworthy Celebration

Posted by The Buzz | December 9, 2022

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Pictured at our 2022 holiday party, held at Evelyn’s Park: (front row, from left) writer Dai Huynh, account manager Andy Blitzer, editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, editor-in-chief Joni Hoffman, publisher Michael Hoffman, writer Sharon Brier, writer Jennifer Oakley, writer Cindy Gabriel, writer Karen Vine Fuller; (second row, from left): writer Michelle Groogan, writer Claudia Feldman, writer Cheryl Ursin, design manager John Duboise, writer Russell Weil, editorial assistant Caroline Siegfried, account manager Jo Vogel, writer Angie Frederickson, accounting and contract administrator Leslie Little, writer Cathy Gordon, writer Annie McQueen; (back row, from left) writer Todd Freed, writer Don Mason, photographer Michael Hart, illustrator James Arturo, photographer Nikky LaWell, and writer Pooja Salhotra. Not pictured: Writers Tracy Barnett, Cindy Burnett, Andria Frankfort Dilling, Cheryl Laird, and photographer Dylan Aguilar (behind the camera).

Last January marked a big milestone here at The Buzz Magazines: our 20th anniversary. In our January 2022 issue, we reflected on the two decades of The Buzz, digging through thousands of photos (literally, as many were taken way before the smartphone era) and asking our team to reminisce and share favorite memories and standout articles. We were looking forward to toasting the special occasion with our team at the 2021 holiday party.

But then Covid happened. Again. It had seemed like life was beginning to resemble pre-pandemic times. Our team, like most everyone else, hadn’t been together in person since our 2019 holiday party, which took place shortly before the pandemic hit. So we were especially excited to be together – in person – and catch up with our staffers and writers and toast to 20 incredible years together. The party was planned but when a strain of Covid surged, it felt safer to postpone the celebration.

The January 2022 issue of The Buzz reflected on 20 years of The Buzz Magazines. The team celebrated together in person, belatedly, at our Dec. 2022 holiday party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

So last week, it was particularly sweet to gather together at Evelyn’s Park, where our 2019 party was also held, to hug and laugh and finally toast our milestone occasion together. Our upcoming January issue will mark our 21st anniversary (it’s fitting that The Buzz could now legally get out those champagne glasses). Cheers!

A huge thank-you to our team, our readers, our advertisers, our vendors, and all who have supported and trusted us over the last 21 years. Special thanks to our fabulous party vendors: Adair Concepts, Any Occasion Tents & Events, Charlie’s & Co. Events Catering, Elaine’s Florist, and Evelyn’s Park.

During their toast, Michael and Joni Hoffman recognized the longevity of The Buzz team. It was special to celebrate all together in person for the first time since 2019. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Here’s to many more Buzzworthy years ahead!

Editor’s note: For some favorite stories over the years, see Through the Years, and get a glimpse of what it’s like behind the scenes at The Buzz through photos in A 20-Year Snapshot. Have a favorite story you want to share? Comment below or email [email protected].

Evelyn's Park provided a beautiful setting for our team to gather and celebrate. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Michael and Joni Hoffman celebrating 21 years of The Buzz.
The party was a Buzzworthy occasion and specialty cocktails, including an espresso martini and the Buzz Button Verbena (featuring a "buzz button" flower), added to the festive atmosphere. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Sharon Brier, who contributes our popular Rumor Has It gossip column, and Buzz staff writer Cindy Gabriel. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Writer Jennifer Oakley and photographer Nikky LaWell catching up. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Karl Vogel and account managers Jo Vogel and Andy Blitzer. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Andy Hoffman (on left) became friends with James Arturo (on right) during their college years at SCAD in Savannah. James, a professional designer/illustrator, contributes illustration for our monthly Back Porch column written by Andria Frankfort. Andy and James reunited at The Buzz party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Being together in person and celebrating a milestone anniversary called for champagne. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Michael Hoffman and Dave Little toasting. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Jo Vogel, Leslie Little, Andy Blitzer, and Michael Hoffman.
Since The Buzz provides all the "local buzz" around our neighborhoods, party decorations included flowers using a Local Buzz beer can. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Front: Annie McQueen and Nikky LaWell; back: Jennifer Oakley, Angie Frederickson, Joni Hoffman, Pooja Salhotra.
Michelle Groogan and Bryan and Angie Frederickson. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Buzz editorial team (from left): Caroline Siegfried, Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, Joni Hoffman.
Michael and Joni Hoffman with design manager John Duboise.
Frank Demeris lighting up the room with a delicious bananas foster dessert. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Festive desserts. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
Don Mason, Scott Bowers, Claudia Feldman, and Dai Huynh. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)
The January 2022 issue commemorated 20 years of The Buzz Magazines.

Evelyn's Park provided a beautiful setting for our team to gather and celebrate. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Michael and Joni Hoffman celebrating 21 years of The Buzz.

The party was a Buzzworthy occasion and specialty cocktails, including an espresso martini and the Buzz Button Verbena (featuring a "buzz button" flower), added to the festive atmosphere. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Sharon Brier, who contributes our popular Rumor Has It gossip column, and Buzz staff writer Cindy Gabriel. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Writer Jennifer Oakley and photographer Nikky LaWell catching up. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Karl Vogel and account managers Jo Vogel and Andy Blitzer. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Andy Hoffman (on left) became friends with James Arturo (on right) during their college years at SCAD in Savannah. James, a professional designer/illustrator, contributes illustration for our monthly Back Porch column written by Andria Frankfort. Andy and James reunited at The Buzz party. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Being together in person and celebrating a milestone anniversary called for champagne. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Michael Hoffman and Dave Little toasting. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)

Jo Vogel, Leslie Little, Andy Blitzer, Michael Hoffman,

Jo Vogel, Leslie Little, Andy Blitzer, and Michael Hoffman.

Since The Buzz provides all the "local buzz" around our neighborhoods, party decorations included flowers using a Local Buzz beer can. (Photo: Dylan Aguilar)