Lakes On Eldridge

LAKES ON ELDRIDGE

Lakes Designer Answers Your Questions

L OE

may + jun 2023

The Lakes Group Magazines

Lakes On Eldridge, Lakes On Eldridge North, and Twin Lakes Magazines are published bi-monthly by sns media and mailed to above neighborhood residents vis USPS

Important Numbers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6

Designer Uses

Math and Art for Timeless Space

8

Fratelli’s: Always Fresh, Always First Class

10 Art for the Islamic Worlds at new MFAH Gallery

14

LOEN

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Gaynor Richardson President

Gar y Fehsenfeld ....................... Vice president

Sue Strebel ......................................... Treasurer

Jim Wynn Secretary

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LOEN Lakes on Eldridge North is part of THE Lakes Group of Publications that includes LOEN, LOE and Twin Lakes

CONTRIBUTORS

Lindsay Mowad

William Hanover

Marene Gustin

Evans Attwell

Philip Berquist

Minnie Payne

Virginia Billeaud Anderson

Focus: Evading Online Fraud LOEN

Experienced Designer Uses Math and Art for Timeless Spaces

Jessica Kolter and her family moved to Lakes on Eldridge North in the Spring of 201, following a new job relocation for my husband. We relocated with our son, Jack, who was a year and a half at the time. We started renting as we wanted to get acquainted with the city first. However, we quickly fell in love with the people and community and, after a tear and a half, found a home to purchase just three doors down from our rental. We spent about four months renovating the space to make it our own. The dramatic transformation of our home helped me grow my design business here, as I was able to show clients my work and grow my design business by word of mouth.

Designer Jessica Kolter was born and raised just south of Detroit Michigan, where her parents both were raised and worked as nurses. Although the medical field was close to home, Ms. Kolter realized early on that she had a love for creating beautiful spaces. In school she excelled in both mathematics and art, and this sparked a drive to utilize both of these skills. This passion drove her to enroll into the Interior Design program at Michigan State University. The Interior Design college is a CIDA accredited program, which sets it apart from many design schools and allows it to be selective for enrollment. Upon completion of her degree, Ms.Kolter went on to work in Design Sales while studying for the NCIDQ Exam, a licensing exam for Interior Designers. After receiving her certification, Kolter worked at a commercial architecture firm in the Washington D.C. area specializing in government sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) spaces, Google facilities, and other types of commercial spaces. Kolter became active in trying to better her community, which drew her to join the Loundon Preservation Society, where she was recognized as one of Loudoun Counties 30 under 30 young professionals to watch. While working there she met her now husband, Evan, who was working as a financial consultant. They lived in the D.C. area for a couple years before relocating for his work to Toronto, Ontario.

Where she worked for a high end residential interior design firm, and was mentored by one of Toronto’s top designers. After five years in Toronto, Kolter and her husband moved to Philadelphia where she started her own design firm. She joined the Washington Square Civic Association to volunteer to be a part of the community and help keep the historic block clean. Later after moving to Philadelphia, she and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Jack. After about 3 years in the Philadelphia area, her family relocated to Houston where she has been an active member of the architectural committee in her neighborhood and volunteers with her son’s sports.

Intown: With the trends constantly changing how do you design to be more timeless?

Kolter: I have a great appreciation for classic architecture and design. When there are classic details such as moldings, trim, cabinetry done in a way that reflects history, it’s easy to embellish the timeless elements with more fun trends such as tile, light fixtures and hardware. The “bones” will give the home a classic aesthetic, while the fixtures and furnishings can be more edgy to play up trends. It’s easy to change out a light fixture or furniture piece in a few years without having to endure a major renovation. This allows for the home to be contemporary, yet classic all at the same time.

Intown: What are some of the new latest and more long-lasting trends?

Kolter: Some of the newest and long-lasting design trends are curves, arches and organic shapes. We’ve long seen the hard square lines in homes, but now, it’s all about adding softness with an arched entry or window. Playing up softness with curved sofa or chair, and adding elements of organic lines with playful shapes of mirrors and tables. It adds personality and creates whimsy interiors.

Intown: What part or parts of the house do you consider most important in looking for home value or saleability?

Kolter: It’s no secret that the kitchen is

the heart of the home, and I feel this space truly reflects the home. It’s the space we spend the most time in, whether it’s entertaining, cooking for our family or just enjoying a cup of coffee alone, we all spend endless hours in the kitchen. It should be inviting, incorporate some natural light, offer tons of storage, and have a strong focal feature. Open concepts are highly desirable, as they encourage us to entertain and draw family near.

Intown: How much do you incorporate visual and tactile textures in your design?

Kolter: Textural interest is a MUST in every design. It can make or break a design. You need to have a variation of textures, tones, and the scale of each should compliment each other. This gives the space a more interesting feel. You may not even realize what draws your eye to your favorite space in the city whether it be coffee shop, restaurant, or spa but I guarantee each space has something in common, they have a great mix of tactile textures that make them shine. The same is true in your home. We add texture in so many ways for example, with tile, wallpaper, natural woods, and furnishings.

Intown: What types of cabinet updates are you making and recommending for clients?

Kolter: I’m in love with natural wood cabinetry at the moment. Doing white oak or walnut cabinetry is a great way to create

a warm inviting space. I also find that doing drawers over cabinet doors have become one of my design staples. Not only do we find them aesthetically pleasing, but they are highly functional and make for spaces that are easy to access and keep spaces tidy.

Intown: Why is it important to hire a professional?

Kolter: Making design decisions is overwhelming, and making them in hast, can be extremely costly when it comes to making mistakes. Design professionals offer expertise in this area, they know how to explain the pros and cons of each decision. They have experience and can help educate so that you aren’t just choosing from an assortment of finishes at showrooms, but can explain how it wears, maintenance, style trends, how each item will impact the look and feel. Also, we take the time to show you to scale drawings, and take the guessing game out of design. Making sure you maintain proper clearances, have ample storage and lighting are some key design points we often correct. But mostly, it’s so that you can enjoy the process, design should be fun! That is what we are here for, take the pressure off the client so they can enjoy seeing the transformation, its the best part of my job.

Jessica Kolter Interior Design

609.820.3717

kolterdesign.com

FRATELLI’S

Always fresh, always first class

by Marene Gustin

Looking for some great pasta, a sip of a delicious Tuscany red wine, and maybe listening to some live music in a piano bar?

Fratelli’s has all that; it even has a fascinating piece of Houston history.

Owner Barbara Marquis knows her way around a restaurant and has created a world of beautiful yet comfy décor, mouthwatering menus, entertainment, and a true neighborhood gathering spot in Memorial.

“My family had restaurants when I was very young,” says Marquis. “El Patio and Loma Linda, both Mexican food. I started as a bus girl when I was just ten years old. In the 1980s the family split up, and most of the restaurants were sold.”

But those work experiences never left her.

“At that point, I knew everything about the daily running of the operation but nothing about P&Ls (profit and loss statements),” she says. “So, I went to work at Landry’s. My first job at Landry’s was at the Cadillac Bar ‘You are never too far from the Cadillac Bar ‘ We made a club and did big banquets.”

She went on to Las Vegas and the Golden Nugget casino. But, she says, all Texas girls have to come back to Texas, so she soon wound up at the Downtown Aquarium. After 13 years with Landry’s properties, she felt she had a great education on the business of the hospitality industry and started counting her own pennies, with a dream of opening her own place one day.

In 2010 she opened Fratelli’s in Spring Branch. There were a lot of reasons she chose that restaurant, but one, in particular, was that it was a perfect fit for a piece of Houston history, a piece that was part of her own childhood.

“While looking at what restaurant to buy I came across the bar from the Shamrock Hotel,” Marquis says. As any Houston history buff knows, the Shamrock Hotel was the lap of luxury. Built by wildcat oil tycoon Glenn H. McCarthy (the real-life model for James Dean’s character Jett Rink in Giant) and opened with true Hollywood hoopla in 1949 on the site of what is now part of the Texas Medical Center, the 18-story, 1,100room hotel was nicknamed the Houston Riviera. It was known for its fan-shaped pool — a 165-foot-long pool known for hosting celebrities and water-skiing exhibitions.

“That restaurant was closing, and everything in it was for sale,” noted Marquis. Including a gorgeous vintage bar. An original bar from the Shamrock Hotel.

“When I was a kid, I went swimming at the Shamrock Hilton,” Marquis says. “Never thought I would ever own such a magnificent bar from there. Now we have music every weekend at the Shamrock Bar. We have an older crowd, so I hear many stories of the movie stars, proms, and weddings held there in the glory years starting from the 1950s. I bought the bar before I had a restaurant to put it in, just hoping it would work out and it did!

“Now we have been here for 13 years,” says Marquis. “We have chefs from all over the city and are very proud of what we have created here. We have the bakers from Ashland House, staff from the great chef Mark Cox’s restaurant, and many more fine restaurants in Houston.”

If you drop in for dinner, you can start off with the chipotle glazed fresh quail or roasted crab cake and corn pudding, move on to a Neapolitan stone oven pizza, delicious pasta, or one of the house specialties such as melt-in-yourmouth beef tenderloin or the roasted

rosemary chicken. Of course, Marquis has her own favorites.

“My favorite dishes are the redfish, the Chilean sea bass, the veal piccata, and the truffle pasta.”

Whatever you order, chances are you’ll be back for more.

The story began as a quest to create the perfect boxer short. We viewed it as locating the perfect home for the family jewels. It needed to be a custom home, handmade, including a spacious ballroom with full seating and a sturdy front entrance so that no one slips out unexpectedly. This home should be built with the finest 400 thread count Pima cotton with virtually no shrinkage (on our part).

These boxers have been personally tried and tested for over 5 years on family, friends, acquaintances and a few rock stars. enjoy your First

So behold, we present to you the “royal highnies”, the only place that deserves to house the family jewels.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Opens Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds

Afifteenth century Iranian blue and white dish with the image of a lion in Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds revealed itself incrementally. First I saw the animal’s rump, then noticed its implausibly angled facial features. It wasn’t until I spotted the sun disc symbol hovering above however that I understood its spiritual implications. The Koran emphasizes God’s meticulous ordering of the cosmos, with stars above and humans and animals below. It tells us animals like that lion know God created them. To call the lion dish’s blue coloring “vibrant” would be an understatement. Interestingly, the cobalt, lapis lazuli, and turquoise used in Persian ceramics were exported globally, some crossing trade routes into China.

I previewed MFAH’s new Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds. While showing us around, either Director Gary Tinterow or Curator Dr. Aimée Froom said the opening of the new galleries was “an extraordinary event in the history of our Museum.”

If I can’t recall who, it’s because I was distracted by a late sixteenth century Iranian carpet, and in all honesty by the interesting people, which happens every time I attend one of those things. Regardless, there’s no denying the collaboration with Hossein Afshar is an extraordinary event in the history of the Museum. Think about it. A Kuwait-based bigwig with one of the most extensive collections of Persian art in private hands “endowed” six permanent galleries with nearly 6,000 square feet of space for art from historic Islamic lands, and forked over a thousand objects on long-term loan. Who wouldn’t call that extraordinary?

MFAH committed itself to displaying Islamic art years before opening the new galleries. In 2007, Tinterow’s predecessor Peter Marzio got the ball rolling when he realized the size and diversity of Houston’s Muslim community. Marzio roped in “Houston philanthropists with strong cultural-heritage links to historically Islamic lands.” Reading between the lines, this means high rollers with international connections and fundraising clout. It was Tinterow however who steered a “landmark” partnership with the renowned al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait. In 2012 Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah and the late Sheikh Nasser Sa-

By Virginia Billeaud Anderson

bah al-Ahmad al-Sabah placed several hundred artworks from Islamic lands dating from the 8th to 18th centuries on extended loan into dedicated galleries. All the while, MFAH “strategically” added to the permanent collection. Now the new Hossein Afshar galleries nearly double space for Islamic art. Extraordinary indeed.

The Koran in my library has English translations alongside the Arabic verse. Arabic speakers would judge the translation pathetic. For them the English lacks the subtlety and lyricism that gives Koranic verse its extraordinary beauty. Moreover, a conspicuous publisher’s note warns that only by reading the Arabic will I get the full meaning of the revelations. Arabic. Yea, right.

Iran, Bookbinding, late 16th century, watercolor, gold colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard.

Iran, Torch Stand (mash ‘al), 16th century, brass; cast, engraved, and inlaid with black compound.

Photos courtesy of The Hossein Afshar Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Moroccan, Qur’an Manuscript in Maghribi Script, 1318, ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on parchment. Museum purchase funded by the Honorable and Mrs. Hushang Ansary, the Brown Foundation Accessions Endowment Fund, and the Alice Pratt Brown Museum Fund.

Yet, when I read my Koran’s English “light” verse which begins, “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” it doesn’t seem to suffer. This Sura poetically equates God with light, and stretches the association to lamps. Metaphorically and literally, light is a big deal in Islam, which explains the elaborate hanging lamps and standing candle holders typically seen in mosques and religious complexes. Hence, the beauty of the galleries’ sixteenth century Iranian brass torch stand (mash ‘al.) Safavid Empire (1501-1736) craftsmen engraved and inlaid such stands to hold candles in religious and courtly settings. Its inscription resonates with Sufi mystical expression. Sufis are Muslim mystics who seek one-

ness with God through disciplined practices such as asceticism and meditation. The inscription references a moth’s dying love for a candle, a metaphor for knowing God. A moth’s rush to death, in my interpretation, approximates ego annihilation consistent with the enlightened awareness some call God.

Muhammad was an illiterate caravan merchant who had a doozie of a mystical experience at forty years old in the year 620 AD. In a cave on Mount Hira, he perceived an otherworldly being ordering him to be God’s messenger. “Recite,” it commanded, which naturally freaked out Muhammad who hadn’t a clue what to recite. Things got spookier. On the horizon was a presence so overwhelming

and terrifying, he crawled trembling to his wife Khadija and begged her to hide him. Ultimately, Muhammad submitted to God’s will and spent the next 23 years transmitting messages, often sweating and dropping his head between his knees. Devout Muslims believe he received divine revelations. Another possibility is he transcended the sensory self to a non-ordinary state of consciousness in which apparitions and clairvoyant downloads aren’t necessarily mysterious. Across the ages, all cultures have had similar experiences, usually interpreted in mythological or religious terms.

Regardless of if Muhammad channeled direct messages from an external deity, or drew awareness from a level of self akin to pure consciousness, his experience was so profoundly transformative it resulted in a mind-blowing piece of literature and a world religion. After the Prophet’s death in 632 his contemporaries recorded the revelations, presumably without the editing and redactions of other holy books. Notably the Koran includes God’s promise that the words the Prophet passed on to his followers are unaltered and free from falsehood and misinterpretation. It’s important to remember Qu’ran means “recitation.”

Accordingly, the Holy Book of Islam is prominently displayed in the galleries. See the fourteenth century Qur’an from Morocco. Its North African origin underlies the fact that Islam spread vast distances after becoming a religion. Written in Maghribi script on parchment, the illuminated manuscript has a colophon dating it 718 AH/1318 AD. “AH” means “after Hijra.” Hijra is the journey Muhammad and his followers made from Mecca to Medina in 622 with persecutors hot on their heels. One reason was the monotheism Muhammad preached threatened the economy tied to Mecca’s goddess cults. Historian Karen Armstrong wrote Muhammad’s enemies offered a reward of a hundred she-camels to anyone who brought him back dead or alive. Once in Medina, the Muslim community cohered. As a pivotal event in the spread of Islam, Hijra anchors the Islamic calendar. Thereafter, Muhammad’s polit-

ical and military maneuvering helped spread the faith.

The Koran is the fundamental core of that faith. So it’s unsurprising Muslims venerate the calligraphic writing that transmits God’s messages. No wonder Islamic calligraphy is the most elevated form of Islamic art. Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” Although even secular calligraphy has an aura of sacredness. It imparts blessings. Naturally, writing implements and accessories can be quite opulent. For instance the 16th century Iranian lacquer and gold pigmented Book Binding with depictions of figures seated and hunting on horseback in a garden reminiscent of a Koranic paradise.

Textiles are also a key component of the galleries. There is a stunning Shakhrisyabz Suzani (c.1800) from Uzbekistan. Traditionally made by female members of a bride’s family for her dowery, they essentially bring good fortune. This suzani’s silk thread embroidery renders floral and vine scroll motifs. Many include embroidered pomegranates to symbolize

fertility. The day I visited, scarfs based on the Uzbek suzani were flying out the gift shop, which made me curious. Not sure how Museum agreements get hashed out, but will Hossein Afshar share profits from the merch?

Uzbek textiles are bewitching. I have a theory. Historians say that when Alexander the Great defeated the Sodgians in the Central Asian boonies (328 BC) and married their princess Roxane, she was the most beautiful woman the

Macedonians saw while conquering the known world. Predictably after Alexander kicked the bucket, Roxane and her son Alexander got whacked to ensure the half-barbarian heir didn’t inherit the empire. Sodgia is part of modern Uzbekistan. I’m convinced Roxane’s colorful tunics and turbans dazzled Alexander. Researching Uzbek traditional costumes, I read the Sodgian regional style has embroidered motifs rooted in pre-Islamic Zoroastrianism.

Iran, Carpet, late 16th-early 17th century, cotton warp, and weft; wool pile.

Evade the Evolving Threat of Financial Fraud

For years, the public has been warned about the dangers of identity theft and financial fraud. By now, you probably know to be wary of opening unsolicited email attachments or sharing account details with strangers. But make no mistake – the fight against fraud is never over. Criminals are always inventing new scams to steal money and today’s fraudsters are more organized, technologically advanced and convincing than ever. Safeguarding your finances requires constant vigilance.

While scams come in many forms, here are four increasingly common cons to keep on your radar:

Spear phishing

With phishing, perpetrators send an attempted scam to the masses through email, phone or text, hoping someone will bite. Spear phishing is more sophisticated and may target you specifically, using personal details (often found online) to impersonate a trusted party like your banker or broker. Think twice before complying with any urgent requests to supply your account information or move money around.

By Robert May Assistant Vice President Frost Commercial Banking

Electronic payment scams

As more people use services such as Zelle, PayPal or Venmo to transfer money, scammers have devised countless tricks to get you to pay them. As a rule of thumb, only send money to people/businesses you know and trust to be legitimate.

Package delivery fraud

If you shop online often, you’re used to seeing emails/texts about your pending delivery. But if the message asks you to verify information such

as your address or credit card number, it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, ignore the request and visit the merchant’s or shipping company’s website to contact customer service.

Mobile malware

Many phone users unwittingly install malicious apps that can capture data from their screen or skim information from other programs (including banking apps). Only download

apps from your phone’s official app store, and close all other apps before using your banking app.

What else can you do?

While it’s not always possible to prevent fraud all together, catching it early and acting quickly can minimize the damage. Get in the habit of monitoring your credit card and bank accounts for any suspicious transactions. You can also set up fraud alerts

to have your bank contact you regarding abnormal activity. Finally, make sure to bank at an FDIC-insured institution, which limits your liability to just $50 if you’re a victim of fraud.

Would you like to talk to a financial professional?

Contact Robert May at 713.388.7821 or Robert.May @frostbank.com.

Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value.

Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank.

Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank.

Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance.

Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC.

Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.

Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for.

Now, how can we help you today?

Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.