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Design
George Springer
Greenest House of All
Arts & Events
Introducing BETHIELIFE
Ragin Cajun Turns 40
SO
LD
Lance Rosmarin Realtor
2701 Westheimer – River Oaks Penthouse The Regency House in River Oaks has four distinctive Penthouse suites available for purchase. The loft-like 3 bedroom North suite (SOLD) features spectacular views of River Oaks. The 3 bedroom East suite, architecturally crafted by Carlos Jimenez, has a dynamic view of the downtown skyline. The 2 bedroom West suite features a gas fireplace and amazing sunsets. The 1 bedroom South suite has a balcony overlooking the private 2 acre park. Regency House residents are only steps away from Upper Kirby’s finest restaurants and shopping, including West Ave directly next door.
713.446.6846
Lrosmarin@cbunited.com
CONTENTS
Publisher’s Letter 6
Staycations 8
Arts & Events 10-12
The Buzz 13
8 24-27
28-29
The Game 14 - 15
Special Feature 18-19
Ragin´Cajun 24 - 27 40 and Fabulous
Charitable intentions: 28 - 29
18-19
ON COVER
Using your assets to do GOOD
Three anonymous ladies off the grid somewhere in south Texas
PUBLISHER M.A. Haines
houstonintown.com JULY/AUGUST 2014
EDITOR Lisa June
Donald Williams
PRODUCTION Web Design: Melaroo Layout & Graphic Design: Cristian Paris Photographer: Wells Brown
The Buzz 30 CONTRIBUTORS Lindsay Mowad William Hanover John Granato Evelyn Hurtado Maren Gustin Evans Attwell Sean Salisbury
For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.
Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2014 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced with permission from Intown magazine.
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Life Lessons:
Exit the G
B
y law, all workers in countries part of the European Union have four weeks paid vacation. Whether or not this is a good thing is debateable.The Union includes powerhouse economies such as Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Switzerland to name a few. It also includes economic laggards France, Italy, Spain
and Greece. While in the US vacation days are not mandatory, the days of your life spent on vacation, generally are the most memorable. While the average holiday season in the mighty USA is sixteen paid vacation days, one in four workers receive no paid days off. An average US employee takes half of their allotted vacation time and 15% take no vacation. Nearly 60% still do work on their vacation. According to Ernst & Young, for every ten hours of vacation that their employees took their performance increased by 8%. Those that took vacations also had a lower turnover rate. An Oxford report claims if workers used their allotted paid time off to travel that it would be worth 160 billion to the leisure industry. Heading across country to visit grandma and grandpa, staying at home to visit our fabulous museums and parks, or traveling to a destination far away is what summers are about. Houston and Galveston have so much to offer, it should be mandatory for at least a staycation in the city. Getting away from the regular job or routine and doing something out of the ordinary will be the days you treasure the most as time passes. One more sale or report is not as important as it seems. Spending a few days away with family and friends and completely unplugging for a while is where it’s at. So here’s to getting off the grid for awhile.
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Top Ten Reasons for a Galveston Summer Vacation - not in any particular order: Born in 1836, Galveston Island’s history and architecture of Victorian style mansions, such as The Moody Mansion, is evident everywhere. For religious buffs you must check out some of the fabulous churches in the church district, including the St. Mary Cathedral Basilica built in the 1840’s. Fabulous grand hotels The Tremont House and the Hotel Galvez & Spa Shopping on The Strand. Check out Colonel Biggies Army Surplus for great wartime memorabilia and for the women Tina’s Boutique. Fishing for trout and redfish in the bay system should be at an all time high according to early netting results from the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Cruises of short and longer durations on major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Navigator of the Seas. Sightseeing and bird watching on High Island on the Bolivar peninsula and a cruise on the Bolivar Ferry. Galveston Arts Center hosts numerous exhibits throughout the year and supports local artists. The Grand 1894 Opera House. Maybe best of all is the food. Our favorites include Rudy & Paco, Waterman and relative newcomer Number 13 located at the Pelican Rest Marina. Oh yes, and Gaido’s Pelican Club is now open to the public for more go to houstonintown.com
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STAYCATIONS If opting for a healthier lifestyle vacation, Deer Lake Lodge & Spa sits nestled in piney woods only an hour from Houston near Lake Conroe. This tranquil and uncomplicated spa boasts a very green theme. From roads of manufactured recycled asphalt and insulation made from recycled blue jean material, their goal is for a cleansing and new living experience. There are daily classes on life enhancement, yoga and nutrition, along with their cleansing program. Packages for 3 days 2 Nights for Cabin $1,200 Suites $1,000 Also offered is a Day Pass for for 5 days at $175
For information call 936-647-1383 or go to deerlakelodge.com
If intown is your thing the Omni Hotel, tucked in a beautiful setting just off Woodway is only minutes from the Galleria and Memorial Park. They are offering a great summer weekend package with a fabulous spa and world class pool and nightlife in the Black Swan. Package Details: · · · · ·
Luxurious accommodations One time $100 cuisine & cocktail credit Concierge pre-call to assist with local activities requests Omni Sensational Kids backpack filled with fun items and milk & cookies Late check-out, 1 p.m.
For a day treat yourself to Omni’s Mokara Spa for $89 and receive Mokara Massage, or Mokara Facial, or Mokara Manicure/Pedicure. (Monday thru Friday) Appointment includes full access to the facility including use of fitness center and hotel pool. Complimentary valet parking included.
For more call 713-624-4828 or got to omnihotels.com
The downtown central business district ‘s Hilton Americas Hotel is Houston’s largest and one of the nicest in town. In addition to many other happenings at this posh hotel they are having “We Are Family” summer programs to include additional recreational events for guests and their families this summer. The program runs from June 6, 2014 through September 1, 2014 and includes: · Children 10 and under eat free in The Café (when accompanied with an adult, maximum of four) · Expanded pool hours · Noodles, kickboards and other swim accessories at the pool · Games available at Concierge Desk (variety of popular board games) · Complimentary refrigerators and microwaves available upon request (based on availability)
For information call 713-577-6151 or go to americashoustonhilton.com
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Design
AIA Houston Design Awards will be announced on July 23. The Houston chapter of The American Institute of Architecture will award prizes for a number of categories based on criteria including quality of resolution of the program, idea,sustainable responsibility, thoughtfulness and technique. Category awards include Outdoor and Indoor Interiors above and below 50,000 square feet. Other awards include residential and interiors. Here are a few ideas from two standouts from last year’s winners:
Markets fluctuate. Relationships shouldn’t. We’re with you every step of the way.
Pat Green, CFP® Financial Advisor Senior Vice President – Investments 1300 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 400, Houston, TX 77056 713-403-7331 p.green@wellsfargo.com wfadvisors.com/p.green Insurance # 773481 Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value
Architect: kinneymorrwow Architects Building Contractor: Building Solutions Photographer: Luis Ayala
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2010, 2014 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0214-02717 [74029-v5] A1675 (1200641_386843)
Award: Best Renovation/Restoration under 50,000 feet Located just blocks from the beach this house originally did not reflect its seaside proximity and they maximized the light and ventilation to give it a seaside feel original windows were preserved and shutters were added for protection against the elements.
Architect: Karen Lantz, AIA Contractor: Lance Full Circle Build Photography: Hester + Hardaway Photographers Award: Best Design Renovation/Restoration Full‐height windows now improve light quality and strengthen the connection to the trees and lake. The site plan reintroduces native plantings and restores retaining walls and patios with limestone harvested from the property. The replacement of impermeable asphalt with a porous recycled glass composite filters runoff before it absorbs into the landscape. Finally, the addition of a generous steel‐ framed deck doubled the living space allowing for large gatherings and impressive sunset.
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ARTS &EVENTS MUSEUMS MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON Recent Accessions in Design Ongoing through August 10 Soto: The Houston Penetrable Ongoing through September 1 Alexander Archipenko: The Berlin Drawings Ongoing through August 17 Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris Ongoing through September 14 Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House Ongoing through September 21
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Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait Ongoing through August 31
“Life: Survivor Portraits” Opens June 26 through October 12 Permanent Exhibits
Europe 1900 -1975 Selections from the Museum’s Collection Ongoing through January 2015 Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House June 22 through September 21
CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON Trenton Doyle Hancock: Skin & Bones, 20 Years of Drawing Ongoing through August 3 More Real Than Reality Itself Opening June 27 through September 21 Art On The Lawn: Joseph Havel July 19 through April 3
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON Current Exhibits “The Rescuers: Picturing Moral Courage” Ongoing through August 31
Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers World War ll Holocaust Railcar
Dario Robleto: The Boundary of Life is Quietly Crossed August 16 through January 11
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE Special Exhibits
Destroyed Community Memorial
Battleship Texas Ongoing through November 16
Danish Rescue Boat from World War ll
Gemstone Carvings
THE MENIL COLLECTION
Magna Carta Ongoing through August 17
Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary 1926 - 1938 Ongoing through June 1 In the Midst of Things-Fred Baldwin and Wendy Watriss Ongoing through July 6 Memories of a Voyage: The Late Work of Rene Magritte Ongoing through July 13 fresh: Haim Steinbach and Objects from the Permanent Collection June 28 through August 31
Bulgari: 130 Years of Masterpieces Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters Ongoing through August 14 Permanent Exhibits Alfred C. Glassell,Jr. Hall Hall of Ancient Egypt Morian Hall of Paleontology Cullen Hall of Gems & Minerals Wiess Energy Hall
Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife Welch Wall of Chemistry Earth Forever Strake Hall of Malacology Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife
ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER
2nd Annual Day of Music July 12 Star Trek July 18-19
Noche Caliente featuring Candido July 6
The Music of Led Zeppelin July 26
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas July 15 - 20
Steve Martin July 31
Exhibits Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurence of the Divine Ongoing through September 14
THEATER
Permanent Exhibit Lee Ufan: Relatum - Signal
ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights: A Star Spangled Salute July 4
Mariachi Cobre July 25
Donor Appreciation Concert August 28
Urban Asia: Kirk Pedersen Ongoing through January 4
MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER
HEB Presents Theatre of Harlem July 23
A. D. PLAYERS THEATER Godspell Opens July 9 through August 17
MAIN STREET THEATER
Children’s Hilltop Festival July 22 - 25 Houston Shakespeare Festival 2013: Cleopatra August 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Houston Shakespeare Festival; As You Like It August 3,7, 9, 11
MUSIC
Pippi Longstocking: The Family Musical Ongoing through August 8
The Chucho Valdes Quintet August 13
HOUSTON SYMPHONY
Fallen Angels July 10 through August 3
Journey Through China lll August 14 and 15
RePLAY: Video Game Concert July 5
Branzi - Prototype
Archipenko - Women IV
Tradition Matters
To us and your business. For the last 50 years, we’ve focused on building our community through personalized service, helping small businesses grow and by supporting local organizations. Tradition Bank…where business relationships still matter. Charlie Norris, President of Tradition Bank’s Plaza location with Dimitrios Fetokakis, owner of Niko Niko’s
TraditionBank.com
|
713.666.2511
Alief | Bellaire | Fry Road | Grand Parkway | Pin Oak | The Plaza | The Woodlands
Robert Glasper Experiment August 16 Tale of Kieu, a Vietnamese epic poem by Nguyen Du August 17 and 18
THE HOBBY CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS The Village July 12 and 13
THE MUSIC BOX THEATER High Standards Ongoing through July 26 Deborah Duncan August 1 and 2 Next to Normal August 8 through 30
SPORTS HOUSTON ASTROS MINUTE MAID PARK July Home Games Seattle Mariners July 1 - 2 Boston Red Sox 11 - 13 Miami Marlins 25 - 27 Oakland Athletics 28 - 30 Toronto Blue Jays 31 August Toronto Blue jays August 1 - 2 Texas Rangers 8 - 10 Minnesota Twins 11 - 13 Oakland Athletics 25 - 27 Texas Rangers 28 - 31
HOUSTON DYNAMO BBVA COMPASS STADIUM July New York Red Bulls 4 Toronto FC 19 Aston Villa 26 August D. C. United 8 Philadelphia Union 15
July 9 - Aug. 24
713-526-2721 ADPlayers.org intown 12
Dynamo captain Brad Davis who is on US national team in Brazil
The
BUZZ By Lindsay Mowad
Stephanie Chitek, Carly Kim, Marc Dupre, and Elizabeth Dupre
Kelly Baker, Laurie Meredith, Pam Allen, and Susan Ferrari Joy Bauer addresses the crowd
Robert Trainer Jr., Myra Robinson, and Randy Walker
Michelle Stein and Myra Robinson
Gina Gaston, Philamena Baird, and Cyndy Garza-Roberts
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON RAISES NEARLY HALF A MILLION
Karen Miller, Jean Chapman, and Susan Whitacre
The American Heart Association hosted its 11th annual stellar Go Red for Women Luncheon at Hotel Zaza. More than 350 women dressed in red attended the event, which featured keynote speaker Joy Bauer, NBC’s health and wellness expert from the Today Show. Gina Gaston, KTRK-TV’s evening anchor, emceed the event. Heart disease and stroke survivors were the guests of honor at the event – each wearing a tiara.
Sharla Flores and April Graham
This year’s heart disease passion speaker was Shannon Nickel. Nickel faced near death after an open heart surgery at just one month old. Subsequently she’s had two additional heart surgeries – both less invasive than the first due to cardiovascular medical advancements funded in part by the American Heart Association.
PHOTOS: Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design Shannon Nickel and Susan Blease
Katie Gallagher Pryor, Kristin Rodriguez, and Shataria Greene
Leigh Ott, Liz Ambriz, and Abbe Maltz
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The Game
Despite not being called up to the big club until the second month of the season, George Springer recently hit his 16th homer. He also landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated, only the fourth Houston Astro to claim that distinction. Oh yeah, and the Astros are winning again.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH
GEORGE SPRINGER Despite not being called up to the big club until the second month of the season, George Springer recently hit his 16th homer. He also landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated, only the fourth Houston Astro to claim that distinction. Oh yeah, and the Astros are winning again.
the big club. What has been the toughest so far at the big league level, the hitting, the fielding, or the base running?
Granato: Your minor league numbers were ridiculous and there were many people clamoring for you to get up to
Granato: How hard is it when you are scuffling a little bit to keep your confidence high?
Springer: Just the overall game. Obviously the game is much, much faster up here. I think what separates everyone up here is the experience. Everyone who is here obviously has tremendous talent.
Springer: It’s one of those things where it’s an extremely hard game. You have to understand that you’re not going to get a hit every single time. You have to go out, play hard and have some confidence in yourself. Salisbury: How important is it to get on the computer every single day and study pitchers’ tendencies. Springer: It’s big. It provides you with an idea of what he is going to do or how his ball moves or whatever he does. At the same time, there is no substitute for experience. I can watch all the film I can and be armed with all the information, but ultimately, at the end of the day, it can all change. Granato: What was it like when you went through that stretch where your homering at least
once a day for a at least a month straight? (laughs). Springer: I can’t really explain it. It got to the point where I hit my eighth or ninth straight home run and I told my dad I said ‘dad, I have no idea what I’m doing here.’ I’m swinging and just trying to hit the ball and good things are happening. But it’s just one of those things that I was happy to contribute by hitting home runs. Granato: While you were down in the minors, this organization was losing 100 plus games every year, and recently, you guys have shown you can play some baseball. This has go to be fun watching this team win no matter who you’re playing. Springer: This is an extremely talented team. We just go out, have fun and we’re playing hard
and it’s starting to show what these Houston Astros can do. Salisbury: Was there a guy you patterned yourself after or you looked at and said ‘man, that’s the way it’s supposed to be done?’. Springer: Torii Hunter. Salisbury: One of the best men in all of sports. Springer: Yes, yes. Granato: Have you met him? Springer: I have and it was a very surreal experience to be standing three inches from your childhood idol and a guy I try to be like and play like. It is just incredible.
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Weldon Rigby
Betty Bezemer
Marlene Foad
Broker Associate
KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS Keller Williams Memorial
ABR, CRS, ePro
Keller Williams Dawn Realty Metropolitan Gervais
713-621-2555 REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR
(713) 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com
Keller Williams Realty www.weldonrigby.com (832) 752-6114 www.dawngervais.com
Real RE/MAX 360 Bruce KinkEstate 281-686-4444 Mobile CEO / Team Leader
Professionals the G David MichaelServing Young
KW Luxury Homes BOD www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com
REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
(713) 320-6453 www.davidyoungteam.com
Keller Williams Metropolitan
(713) 621-8001 www.kwmet.com
Dawn Gervais
Mariana Saldana Beverly Smith Shane Kidwell Realty Marilyn Arendt Keller Williams Broker, CIPS CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist CLHMS, GRI, TRLP Broker Owner (832) 752-6114 Mariana Saldana Ken Jacobson CMPS Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Coldwell Banker United, Keller Williams Metropolitan Marilyn Arendt Broker, CIPS ViceProperties President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home andRealtors Condo Insurance www.dawngervais.com (713) 629-7771 (713) 569-2113 (713) 303.1413 Val Arbona Betty Bezemer C: (281) 433-9113 Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance www.uptownhouston.com www.har.com/bevsmith www.har.com/TheKidwellTeam REALTOR®, CLHMS,mma@castle2sell.com CRS KW(713) Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CRS (713) 629-7771 369-4040 (832) 681-5020 RE/MAX Vintage
Members and
www.hubousley.com (713) 562-4903 www.valarbona.com
Keller Williams Memorial www.kenjacobson.com (713) 461-9393 www.bettybezemer.com
of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
W W. G R E A T E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M
Lane Mabray
CRS GRI CLHMS 1600 Post Oak Blvd. | #1105 77056 Lane Mabray Home Team List Price $930,000 | MLS # 87415707 (281) 925-3023 Barcelona unit -beautiful 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath withwww.lane2houston.com galleria and downtown views. 2 Assigned parking spaces and spectacular building amentities featuring; 24 hr concierge, fitness center, conference rooms, party room with catering kitchen. Absolutely a must see in the heart of uptown! Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Phone: 713-629-7771
www.
Bruce Kink
CEO / Team Leader Marlene FoadHomes BOD KW Luxury ABR, CRS,Williams ePro, CLHMS Keller Metropolitan
REALTOR® Consultant, CLHMS, GRI, ALHS, ABR
www.uptownhouston.com
REALT Ma
RE/MAX (713)360 621-8001
Weldon Rigby (281) 686-4444 www.kwmet.com
www.houstonluxuryestates.com Founding Member KW Luxury Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
(713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com
ABR
(
www.hous
Visit our web site
Arbona ValValArbona REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS Mariana Saldana REALTOR®, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage Broker, CIPS RE/MAX Vintage Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. (713) 562-4903 www.valarbona.com (713)562-4903 629-7771 (713)
www.uptownhouston.com www.valarbona.com
Members and
Carrie Ousley Betty Bezemer CIC, CISRCIC, CISR Ke Carrie Ousley KW Luxury Consultant, CLHMS, CR Luxury Home and CondoInsurance Insurance Vice Pres Luxury Home and Condo HUBInternational International Personal Insurance HUB Insurance KellerPersonal Williams MemorialHomet (832) 681.5020 ( (832) 681-5020 (713) 461-9393 www.hubousley.com www www.hubousley.com
www.bettybezemer.com
of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
W W W. G R E A T E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M
6450 Adams Flat | Drake’s Pond List Price $1,700,000 | MLS # 11448546 Luxury ranch estate with controlled access, on 38 acres w easy access to I-10. Custom ranch house & pool, four stall barn w turn outs, loafing sheds, arena, chutes & equipment barn w full apartment on the second floor. 5,500 SF 4/4/3 home has 2 masters, formals, great rm & more. Wendy Cline | Wendy Cline Properties Phone: 281-213-6271
Lane Mabray
Mariana Saldana
23 N. West Oaks #3 CRS GRI| Drive CLHMS Broker, CIPS ListLane PriceMabray $1,640,000 | MLS # 65337864 Home Team Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. Spectacular home,925-3023 pristine condition. Meticulous in every detail. Hardwood floors, (281) (713) 629-7771 crown molding, 2 story great room overlooking formal garden with lighted fountain www.lane2houston.com www.uptownhouston.com & water wall. Elevator capable. Luxurious master bedroom & two guest bedrooms on second level & fourth bedroom/media room on third level. Zoned heating & cooling on each floor. Luxury upgrades! Weldon Rigby | Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan Phone: 713-621-2555
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
Members Visit andour Website
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of the In
W W W. G R E A T E R H O
Greater HoustonLuxury LuxuryHome HomeCommunity Community reater Houston
David Michael Young David Michael Young
Shane Kidwell Jennifer Larsen
Wendy Cline
David Michael Young Shane CLHMS, Kidwell REALTOR, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, REALTOR®, GRI, CNEDollar Guild, SRES, ABR Broker, Million CLHMS, Five Star Professional REALTOR®, CLHMS, GREEN, CNE REALTOR®, CLHMS, GRI, CNE Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Wendy Cline Properties Keller Williams Memorial Properties Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Martha Turner Properties (281) 460-9360 (713) 320-6453 (713) 320-6453 (713) 320-6453 dmyoung@cbunited.com www.davidyoungteam.com www.davidyoungteam.com
(713) 303-1413 (713) 724-2844 (713) 303-1413www.wendyclineproperties.com www.larsenrealtor.com www.thekidwellteam.com www.thekidwellteam.com
Carol Ann FaKouri ASP ePRO GRI MCNE John Daugherty, Realtors (713) 553-7272 www.carolann-realtor.com
Steve Kyles NMLS# 278675 Legacy Mutual Mortgage (713) 844-8060 Steve.kyles@legacymutual.com
Weldon Rigby
Moira Holden Marlene Foad CHMS, CNE, Foad GRI Marlene ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS CRS Founding Member KW Luxury Better Homes and Gardens ABR, CRS, ePro, CLHMS Founding Member KWMetropolitan Luxury S 357 West Pines Dr. Keller Williams Realty Real EstateRE/MAX GARY GREENE 360 Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan RE/MAX 360 Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (713) 621-2555 (281) 460-9402 List Price $949,500 | MLS # 92812440 (713) 621-2555 (281) 686-4444 (713) 621-2555 (281) 686-4444 www.weldonrigby.com www.MoiraHolden.com Outstanding custom designed 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home nestled in a private enclave www.weldonrigby.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com www.weldonrigby.com www.houstoncondosandtownhomes.com setting on the shores of 22,000 acre Lake Conroe. 45 minutes to Houston’s major industrial hubs. Bentwater is the only gated 54 hole golf community.
m
Weldon Rigby CRS,Rigby ABR Weldon Founding Member KW Luxury
Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United, Realtors Phone: 713-569-2113
Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR
Ken Jacobson CMPS
(832) 681-5020
(713) 369-4040
Jacobson CMPS Planner Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR ViceKen President/Sr. Mortgage Luxury Home and Condo Insurance President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Luxury Home and Condo Insurance Mortgage Company HUB International Personal Insurance Vice Hometrust Neuens Rd | Shadow Wood Hometrust Mortgage Company HUB9917 International Personal Insurance List (832) Price $749,000 | MLS # 93223929 (713) 369-4040 681-5020 www.kenjacobson.com www.hubousley.com Rare 1 AC estate w pool in Spring Branch area.www.kenjacobson.com 4/3.5/2 w circle drive in tranquil www.hubousley.com setting. 2 masters - 1 down, 1 up. Most rooms with view of pool/deck/yard. Pool house w AC, sink and full frig hook up. Master up w office, fireplace & private balcony. No MUD or HOA.
37703 FM 1736 | Restless Horse Ranch List Price $1,150,000 | MLS # 46425864 34 acre luxury ranch w 3,184 SF 3/2.5 home, pool, Guthrie RV/storage barn with quarters, housing largest RV on market, 3 stall Barnmaster barn, 5 paddocks, loafing sheds, 2 ponds, 2 seasonal creeks. Granite, hewn wood, operating transom windows & exquisite details throughout.
Wendy Cline | Wendy Cline Properties Phone: 281-213-6271
Wendy Cline | Wendy Cline Properties Phone: 281-213-6271
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing nstitute for Luxury Home Marketing
Visit our Visit our
web site OUUS STTOONNL LUUXXUURRYY. C . COOMembers M and affiliates web siteof the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing M W W W. G R E AT E R H O U S T O N L U X U R Y. C O M
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Special Feature
DONA LD WILLIAMS And The Greenest House Of All
Arriving at the meeting
with M-CoGen CEO Donald Williams, the first thing you notice is the similarity in his appearance with our current President Barack Obama. Mr. Williams has just returned from an analysis of an installment of his newly created heating and cooling system. The installment took 30 days and will be the third unit of its kind installed in Houston.The significance of these units may be very well be a game changer in the energy industry. His recent home collaboration’s goal is no net electric utility bills. One can only imagine. The Venezuelan native comes from the oil city of Maracaibo and studied International Business at Schiller International University in London, England. Williams, an entrepreneur at heart, started his first business at the age of 25. Employed in the oil field by the Larson Group as the Director of International Business Development for Latin America, he helped redesign and launch a new line of auxiliary power units. It was there he found the skills and passion for a healthier environment, which led him to found M-CoGen. Houston based M-CoGen manufactures micro combined cooling, heat and power systems (also known as MCCHP) designed to provide power for residential, commercial, light industrial, military and government markets. M-CoGen’s MCCHP systems help reduce energy costs, increase energy efficiency, balance existing renewable power generation systems all while offering a clean and continuous source of power. M-CoGen has products available to their customers in natural gas, propane, diesel and gasoline models. The company places a primary emphasis on building cutting-edge, micro-sized, green technology. M-CoGen’s systems are the foundation for micro-grids capable of controlling and balancing the load requirements of all existing energy sources, including alternative energy forms such as solar, wind and hydro. Combined heating and power principles have existed since the late 1800s. Thomas Edison used these principles to power the world’s first commercial
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power plant. Micro combined is more modern and has been done in other countries, but just for heating. Seven years ago while looking to become a distributor of similar units from Japan, he decided to create his own.
“We decided to build our own from scratch for a Texas size home six years ago and when we did that we decided to include cooling and we realized incredible savings were possible from this technology,” Williams said. “How the project got underway was with incentives created during the recession to support the new renewable energies that would work and be a part of our future,” states Williams.“70% of the energy generated is wasted before it gets to your home. If we can reduce this efficiency then use the waste why don’t we? This is what M-CoGen’s products do. We use the wasted energy and help save energy in the process.” Cell phones changed the whole landscape in a short amount of time in the telecommunications industry. M-CoGen founder Donald Williams hopes to achieve the same with his sustainable products.
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Kitchen and spaces Home Design FOR HOME
Scavolini Store Houston is a kitchen & bath design studio near the Galleria Scavolini is a world wide recognized kitchen cabinetry maker, and a favorite for Italians since 1961. The pride of being Italian is also the commitment to "make" in Italy, with Italians. It offers waterproof, and environmentally friendly materials. They offer a wide range of door styles and materials "*La cucina più amata dagli italiani"*
Designed by Michael Young who brings “a brand-new point of view for the kitchen world.” The Tetrix kitchen for Scavolini, unveils the core and style of an innovative kitchen area, essentially based on modules and colors, which use logic and color patterns to revolutionize the concept itself of living.They offer a wide range of door styles and materials. For more go to houston.scavolinistore.net
Cabinets and Design Inc., located inside the loop on Westheimer has been designing kitchens and homes for over 40 years. A family owned business with a beautiful showroom and invaluable knowledge from designers to walk you through your new kitchen design.
2439 WESTHEIMER ROAD HOUSTON, TX 77098 TEL>> 713.520.7167
www.spacesforhome.com intown 20
Penthouse View - Like the city that inspires it, this kitchen comes to life like black glass skyscrapers, the perimeter cabinetry rises above these islands of white much like the city streets. This kitchen made up of glass, steel, tile and stone could not have found a more appropriate stage. Solid durable surfaces that will last, clean lines and minimal detail make maintenance a breeze. Kitchen Perimeter – Wood-Mode Vanguard Back Painted Glass, in Black Gloss on Anodized Aluminum Frame. Kitchen Islands – Wood-Mode Vanguard MDF, Nordic White High Gloss. For more go to www.cabinetsanddesigns.net
Madeval is cabinet design manufacturer based in Ecuador. Their American sales office and showroom is located at 3897 Southwest Freeway. Their design philosophy is the kitchen is the heart and social cornerstone of any home. Their kitchen designs are beautiful, functional and exclusive. They will create a space that is personalized to your lifestyle and home.Their first design from one of their design team members is complementary.
DUO Kitchen Two. The number that captures the essence of this minimalist, but surprisingly complex design. Duo's aesthetic beauty is born from the juxtaposition of two distinct volumetric elements, uninterrupted by handles and whimsical details. The Duo is a straight-shooter look is visually simple, but highly functional. For more go to www.madeval.com
frederickbuilders.net
Designing Houston Kitchens for 40 Years
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Fashion Design Introducing Bethielife
Houston-based fashion writer and philanthropist Beth Muecke is also founder of the website Bethielife.com. Ms. Muecke has been a fixture on the Houston scene for many years, serving on the Board of Houston Ballet. She has been honored with the Woman of Distinction Award and chosen as one of the Houston Chronicle’s Best Dressed. Known for putting together trendy outfits with a unique edge, she is becoming a goto source among Houston’s women for tips on shopping on a budget and finding the best beauty and anti-aging products. BethieLife.com her website/blog, highlights Beth’s passion for fashion with Houston as the main backdrop. The site features sections on fashion, beauty and “what’s trending.” Additionally, the site’s “Bethie about Town” section features interviews with industry professionals and covers fashion events, shows and openings. In her “Woman Crush” section Beth spotlights some of the top tastemakers in Houston.
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The newest section of the website is the SHOP pages, which feature items chosen personally by Beth. The SHOP pages allow readers to score unique, fashion-forward pieces from Beth’s favorite stores. One tip she offers up for summer style: “This summer is about floral with an edge. A lot of the young girls are wearing floral rings around their hair (saw that in Paris recently and at several summer music concerts). They are also wearing bold floral or floral with a black background,” according to Bethielife. Tip 2 - Bold lip colors - making a different choice in lip color is in this summer... I was recently in Paris and the young Parisian girls are wearing tousled beach hair with little eye makeup and bold lips... They wear this at night with black short dresses or during the day with jeans. Tip 3 - It's so humid in Houston during the summer that most women are not happy with
their hair... Summer hair tips include putting on a little cute hat, throwing your hair up in a bun with a flower accessory or at night an embellished headband. Also, during the day a scarf or bandana tied around as a wrap. Tip 4 - Sheer black hose are always a go-to for when you want to wear really short skirts, dresses or shorts during the summer and not show too much skin. They are flattering to
every woman's legs and are not hot so can be worn during the day or night in the warmer temperatures. The trend is to wear them with denim shorts. Tip 5 - A big trend this summer is the short pleated or circle skirt. This is popular because you can wear it high waisted with a crop top or little blouse and look flirty and feminine. This "Clueless" look is the girls' way this season
of saying "as if you really like wearing those super tight bandage skirts!" And finally, “The choker necklace is back in style.. They go from super casual- to bohemianto punk - to dressy jewel or pearl detailed for evening.” For more go to bethielife.com.
As we raise our glass to celebrate 47 years of Ouisie’s Table... ...we toast to the next adventure!
Ouisie with co—Owner Wafi Dinari
Elouise Adams Jones Proprietress/Chef
Award Winning ● 3939 San Felipe ● (713) 528-2264 ● www.ouisiestable.com 2810 Westheimer ● 713-528-2473 ● www.thebirdandthebearbistro.com intown 23
Special Feature
RAGIN’ CAJUN
40
and fabulous
Luke Mandola, Frank Messina and Don Nelson
by Marene Gustin
At Ragin’ Cajun it’s all about family. It’s family owned and operated and they want you to feel just like family when you visit. And you will.
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Maintenance Free Artificial Turfs Never Water or Mow Again
The building on Richmond Avenue with the giant mudbug on the roof was once home to a U-Tot-Em convenience store. The Mandola liquor store was next door and when U-ToteEm went out of business the Mandolas took over the space and opened a little place called Ray Hay’s Cajun Poboys.
“Ray Hay, and me and Frankie B. Mandola opened it on June 17th, 1974,” says Luke Mandola Sr. “I’d worked at a poboy shop in
Louisiana in college and when I came back to Houston there weren’t any poboy places so we decided to open one.” Mandola’s son Dominic wasn’t even born then. But he knows the story well.
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Unsurpassed Quality & Experience! “About 1976 they started having crawfish boils in the parking lot during the season,” he says. “They were so popular they put crawfish on the restaurant menu two years later.” The first
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or call 713-304-8575
restaurant locally to offer them, and today the
Tomas Picazo Oyster shucker since 1995
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largest restaurant server of crawfish in the
16,000 pounds a week — there’s also a
restaurant became even more popular.
country, the humble but spicy mud bug
full menu of Cajun delights, from fried
In 1981 Mandola partnered with Frank
put the place on the map.
shrimp to muffalottas and Hurricanes to
Messina to buy out Frankie B. and Hays
bread pudding.
and changed the name to Ragin’ Cajun,
And while the low country boil crawfish
a nod to his alma mater. The rest is local
life
are wildly popular — during Lent the
During the 80’s oil boom, as more folks
restaurant
from Louisiana moved to Houston, the
goes
through
12,000
to
There’s more to
food history.
AT THE GARDENS OF BELLAIRE!
Dominic, worked as a busboy during summers in high school, and joined his father as an owner in 2000. He worked at expanding the brand and the family now owns five Ragin’ Cajun
locations
including
one recently opened in The Woodlands. A little over two years ago the liquor store closed
and
the
Mandolas
started to build the space out for special events.
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“But then we saw that it could be a really nice restaurant with a bar and everything, so we turned it into LA Bar & Restaurant,” Mandola explains. It’s like the fancy sister of Ragin’ Cajun. Connected by an open doorway, the original is kitschy and comfy with counter style service and communal tables while the LA side offers table clothes and booths with table service and a full bar.
“We have second and third generation guests coming in,” says Mandola. “Little kids that
4620 Bellaire Boulevard • Bellaire, TX 77401
713-665-3888
www.GardensOfBellaire.com SNF #000233 • ALF #000579
Pet Friendly
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©2014 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.
came in here at the beginning with their parents are still coming in now with their kids and their kids’ kids.”
Dominic attributes the success to great customer service and quality ingredients. “Even during the
oil spill in the gulf, when a lot of restaurants started serving shrimp from China, we were still serving only Gulf Coast seafood,” he says. “We use the best ingredients and put all our spices right into the boil instead of just dusting the shrimp and crawfish after they’re cooked.” So what’s ahead for the next 40 years?
“I’d like to be here in 40 years,” laughs the jovial
Dominic B. Mandola and father Luke Mandola
senior Mandola, “but I don’t think I’ll make it!” So the future maybe left to Dominic, who just wants to keep serving the best Cajun food and adding a few more locations. Oh, and if you get there before the end of the crawfish and soft shell crab season, do enjoy. But leave some room for the bread pudding from Mandola Sr.’s wife’s recipe. It’s pretty amazing, too.
Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Park Place Financial, which is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. SagePoint Financial, Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Legal advice provided by Christopher J. Maurer. 6750 West Loop S, Suite 920, Bellaire, Texas 77401(713) 667-4884.
FINANCIAL FOCUS Charitable intentions:
Using your assets to do GOOD Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Private Banking Evans Attwell
Of course, you don’t need to be an ultra-rich celebrity to put your money to work for your favorite causes and organizations. Philanthropy is for everyone, whether you have significant wealth or more modest assets.
Charitable giving is woven into the fabric of American life—whether it’s dropping coins into the Salvation Army kettle during the holidays or bequeathing a major endowment to a college alma mater. Today, there is fresh attention on doing good with money, thanks to super-philanthropists, such as Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and activist rock star Bono.
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For many donors, gifting financial assets directly is the most straightforward way to benefit a charitable organization or cause. Currently, you may make gifts of financial assets directly to a qualified charitable organization and receive a tax deduction for your generosity, within certain limits, if it’s properly documented.
Generous options for giving But a direct gift is not the only—or always the most advantageous—way to be generous. Actually, several interesting options exist, but complex rules govern their creation and maintenance. You will need the help of your wealth, tax and legal advisors to determine which could be appropriate for you.
Among the most common options: A charitable remainder trust benefits a qualified charity for which the donor receives an immediate charitable deduction. The donor also retains the right to receive an income stream generated from the trust’s assets for a specified number of years or for life. At the donor’s death or the end of a set period, trust assets go to the designated charity.
A charitable lead trust is used to make a “temporary gift” of annual income from trust assets to a qualified charity for a specified number of years. Ultimately, ownership of trust assets passes back to the donor’s heirs, with no federal gift and estate taxes on appreciation of the trust’s assets.
A donor-advised fund enables an individual to make charitable donations to a professionally managed pool of assets and receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction. Assets are managed for growth and ultimately transferred to charities as grants from the fund.
The gift of a life insurance policy can be a simple, cost-effective and tax-efficient way to make a substantial donation to a qualified charity. The donor gifts an existing policy or applies for a new policy, but does not retain any ownership in it.
A private foundation is considered the most flexible and enduring of these options, and can be established and maintained for smaller amounts because of advanced technology and outsourced services.
Evans Attwell is a registered representative of and investment products are offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC. Investment management services, financial planning, and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank. Investment products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Frost does not provide legal and/or tax advice; please seek advice from qualified legal and tax professionals before making gifts to charitable organizations or causes.
Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 evans.attwell@frostbank.com. intown 29
The
BUZZ By Lindsay Mowad
Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux Angela Sturm O’Brie, Jake Obrien, and Stephanie Bundage
Jason Ryan, Simon Tipper, Katie Tipper McWhorter, and Ed Townend
James Ryan and Sydney Marquis
Stacy and John Andell
Matt and Lindsay Sturm; Erin and Mike Maggi
Josh Governale, Sam Governale, and Todd Eason
The Annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year campaign raised a record $900,000 from 19 candidates who competed to raise money for blood cancer research in honor of local children who are cancer survivors. Nina Gutierrez Garcia, Maidie Ryan, Sarah Welch, and Lauren Hoffer
Brent and Melanie Baxter
Taft McWhorter
Hasti Taghi and Nick Stefanakis
Sheldon Kramer and Mike Mahsteldt Kandace Sheehan and Angie Guiberteau
THE ORIGINAL COOL
速
SINCE 1926.
6100 Westheimer Road 713.977.2544 | thepalm.com/Houston Serving Lunch Weekdays and Dinner Nightly Private Dining Rooms Available
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