Rumor Has It - November 2024

Mustang weekend. Memorial Homecoming has a lot of moving parts to it. For one group of 13 pretty gals – Katie Briscoe, Maddox Morton, Chloe Cokinos, Nellie Newtown, Sophie Daniels, Alexis Wall, Sophia Edery, Lane McAnelly, Abby Higgins, Marcella Rincon, Lilia Beck, Gabi Gindorf, and Keaton Wolf – on a Friday night, there was a pregame party, mum exchange (of which several were custom made), and photos at Misty and Jeff Lindenberger’s home, followed by the Homecoming game. The score is not important. On Saturday, the high schoolers and parents met at Houston Racquet Club for a party and more photo ops. The teens stayed for dinner and afterwards joined their classmates at the homecoming dance at Memorial High School. 

I didn’t do it. The First Tuesday Group with its Memorial groupies met to hear retired attorney Richard Ginsburg speak on the Innocence Project, which is now a required project for law students. Teresa Winkler hosted 25 members to find out what happens when an innocent person needs representation. The project helps the wrongfully convicted. With DNA as new evidence, some cases go way back. The members were fascinated and worked up an appetite for the tasty snacks provided by Allison Stewart and Carlene Ginsburg.

CASINO, VINTAGE CARS, AND CIGARS The Home Safe Home event benefited ADVA. Pictured, from left: Stephanie Von Stein Schusterman and Dr. Mark Schusterman, Anna and John Reger, and casino meister Bob Nowak.

Home Safe Home casino night. At the home of Anna and John Reger, an evening of high-stakes excitement featured classic casino games and an unexpected cigar bar, private boxing ring, and an exclusive viewing of vintage cars. Appetizers were served in the champagne room and casino cookies in the wine room. The movie room had Casino on but the big action was in the party house main room, where the blackjack and craps tables were busy. Upstairs, bling by Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry was sold, with a portion being donated to the cause. Partiers supported AVDA’s vital work to help survivors of domestic violence and provide programs to break the cycle of abuse. Stephanie von Stein Schusterman (board chair) and Dr. Mark Schusterman, the Honorable Jacquie Baly, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Houston Rockets player Tari Eason and mother Teroya were supportive patrons.

HOUSTON SYMPHONY LEAGUE The September Symphony League Lunch held at The Junior League of Houston welcomed new and old members. Pictured are co-chairs Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon, HSL president Heidi Rockecharlie, and designer Christy Lynn.

Where to turn next? The September Symphony League Lunch at the Junior League of Houston welcomed new and old members with sign-up sheets for game day, foodie group, music day, volunteering to usher at a student symphony, and much more. Chairs Cynthia Wolff and Paige Cawthon introduced HSL president Heidi Rockecharlie for a few words and to introduce Houston Symphony Society board president Barbara Burger. The first chair violinist Sophia Silivos enchanted the room of exquisitely dressed members. The fashion show models Tracie Welch-Brenton, Cheryl Byington, Blanca Jolly, and Raquel Lewis featured a lot of pleather and a particular pleather skirt that got a lot of oohs and aahs, all by Christy Lynn. Members Barbara Files, Diane Davis, Rita Aron, Betty Tudor, Susan Davis, Kathy Evans, Donna Mello were getting oohs and aahs themselves. 

SWEET NEW YEAR Linda Buchman and Jeri Wollf (pictured, from left) hosted friends for a girls only dinner to celebrate the Jewish New Year.

Dinner, wine, and friendship. Fifty gals from many areas of their lives joined Jeri Wolff and Linda Buchman at Jeri’s home for a girls only dinner and to celebrate the upcoming Jewish New Year. Salmon and a variety of salads and Mediterranean dishes were served with L’Shana Tova and apple-shaped cookies to symbolize the sweetness of apples and honey. Nanette Putterman, Kari Krause, Terry Cohen, Candy Weinstein, Harriet Choice, and Joan Lebow were some in the crowd toasting to good things to come.

BEST DRESSED The Houston Junior Forum Fall Call Luncheon was attended by 181. Pictured is a group of active and sustainer presidents, some modeling a custom-made dress with embroidered detail. (Front row, from left) Janet Juban, Cecile Lambert, Betty Sirmons, Lauri Wasmuth, Nancy Taylor, Karen Hardin, Sherri Cooley, Lynn Gissel, Lynda Gilbreath, Paula Howeth, Judy Perkins, Carolyn Kares, Virginia Smith, Kay Newman, Mary Cooper; (back row, from left) Gayle Barnett, Debbie Berner, Susan Rosenbaum,  Kim Vidor, Krista Parker, Cindy Cochran, Lucia Street, and Jan Arrington.

Fall call. As 20 ladies in elaborate embroidered gowns filled the lobby of the Lakeside Country Club for the Houston Junior Forum Fall Call Luncheon, those that were around gasped at the beauty of the labor-intensive handmade dresses. Each president of the HJF had a gown made by volunteers with symbols of their interests. These were modeled at the luncheon by volunteers or past presidents. President Krista Parker welcomed the 181 in attendance. A few skirts were represented from each decade of the 78 years for the Houston Junior Forum (HJF). Exhibit Committee Members 2024-2025: Debbie Berner, Karen Conway, Gale Evans, Jane Holland, Janet Juban, Carolyn Kares, Joni McCants, Perry Jo McCollum, Kathleen O’Connor, Marcia Watson, and Roz Wise. Ex Officio Members: Krista Parker, Sharon Cook, Deanna Belanger, and Keleigh Sale.

Relatively speaking. Although Romina Sumpter visited her cousins in Antigua, Guatemala, she found lots to do to entertain herself. She treated herself to the charming boutique El Convento hotel where it was easy to walk to historic churches and sites. While she felt ancient at the ruins, she luxuriated with a spa day. And there was time to visit the relatives.

FOODIE FEST FOR A CAUSE The Chefs for Farmers Food & Wine Festival benefited The Houston Food Bank and Urban Harvest. Pictured: Chuck Monroe and Amy Chenevert bringing a stylish Texan flair to the affair.   

Foodie fun. The Chefs for Farmers Food & Wine Festival at Autry Park was hot in many ways, but there were plenty of cold drinks like alcoholic flavored teas and hard water to cool down attendees. The third annual event, attended by 3,000 foodies, benefited the Houston Food Bank and Urban Harvest. Fans, glasses, corkscrews, and personalized wine glasses were some of the many giveaways. Forty local vendors dished out fresh and interesting dishes. Music from a DJ, salsa lessons, lawn games, and fresh fruits and vegetables provided by Chefs’ Produce added flavor to the day. Stylish Chuck Monroe and Amy Chenevert in cowboy hats and boots were easy to spot. Tracey Workman and Rushi Sukhavasi found a shaded area near the Feeling Groovy Photo Bus to enjoy the many tasty street foods while Hayley Bordes and Rachel Pate found the cotton candy twirls.

Family, food, and faith in Italy. Sisters (not nuns) Christina Sacco, Julie Sacco, and Kathryn Sacco Smith, along with mom Nita Sacco and Kathryn’s daughter Mary Kate Smith, went on a private tour of the Vatican and were most impressed with the serenity when they saw the body of Pope John Paul II in state despite the throngs of people. For a contrast they loved the Ristorante Piperno with their specialty Jerusalem artichokes in the Jewish ghetto. The medieval city of Lucca in Tuscany, a day trip to Florence, the quaint Cinque Terre area, and sailing the Mediterranean were other blessed highlights. 

FOODIE FUNDRAISER The upcoming Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood event, benefiting March of Dimes, is co-chaired by Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill (pictured, from left). The event takes place Nov. 14 at The Revaire.

Culinary excellence. Bring an appetite to the annual Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood event, Nov. 14, to fill your soul and benefit nonprofit March of Dimes, the leader in the fight for the health of all moms and babies. The feast with 15+ tasting stations, signature cocktails, and an interactive auction at The Revaire is co-chaired by Kristen J. Cannon and Mignon Gill. Renowned chefs include Ryan Bouillet (A Fare Extraordinaire), Drake Leonards (Eunice), Ilias Gugole (Marmo), Jerrod Zifchak (Navy Blue), Sherman Yeung (Money Cat), and many more. Locally, March of Dimes supports over 10,000 NICU families annually and will soon be launching the first-ever Mom and Baby Mobile Health Unit in Texas that offers on-the-go maternity care in underserved areas. See signaturechefs.org/Houston.

Up, up and away. Hot air balloons filled with flowers sat on tables as centerpieces to announce the theme for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation Winter Ball, Jan. 18. The date was changed from Feb. 1 when a conflict with another gala was noticed. Co-chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow hosted the former Women of Distinction and the 2025 honorees at Elizabeth’s home. Guests were delighted upon entering the dining room where an entire dining table was set up as a giant charcuterie board.  

Unexpected, mischievous animals. Pam Eastwold and gal pals traveled to Costa Rica where a friend has a house, near Nosara, Costa Rica for six days. They were delighted to find a waterfall while walking the beach. Not only was the water sparkling and inviting, but hiking the hills offered unparalleled views. Their surprise visitors, monkeys, made them feel like inmates at the zoo as they watched them on the patio during happy hour, as they played cards, and when they swam. The last day there, Pam was bit by an unknown spider. Two weeks later, she could still see the “burn looking” mark but could tell that it is healing. 

Vodka made with honey? Guests sampled Queen Bee vodka shots and ate tuna tartare served in cones set in a candelabra at Tony’s. Catharine Faulconer and Kim Martin hosted the fun happy hour party to kick off the fall season as everyone is busy as bees with all the social and philanthropic activities to enjoy. KPRC’s Tessa Barrera, co-host of Houston Life, was buzzing around. 

Have some good news to share? Email us at [email protected].