Intown Magazine - March-April

March-April 2012

Asia Society Texas Center Opens to Fanfare in April

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www.intownmag.com • Intown September-October 2011

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CONTENTS

10 THE GAME

Wayne Graham Rice baseball coaching legend chases another title

16 THE GAME Jeff Luhnow: Is he Houston’s new “Moneyball” General Manager

18 LIFE Dr. Sally Ann Holmes

12 Cibolo Creek Ranch-

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One man's dream of owning a Big Bend Texas ranch.

21 FINANCIAL

ART

24 HOUSTON

Asia Society Texas Center Opens to Fanfare in April

15 THE BUZZ www.intownmag.com

March - April 2012

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20, 28

FOCUS

Make the most of wealth opportunities with a private banker

RENOVATOR Latest Trends in Kitchen Design

26 ARTS & EVENTS

www.intownmag.com • Intown September-October 2011

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EDITORIAL

Publisher M.A. Haines Editor Lisa June Production

THE GREAT DEBATE

Web Design: Melaroo

In 2003 Houston voters narrowly approved a referendum for a light rail system and there were hopes of jobs, less traffic and a modern inner city rail system rivaling any in the country. Fast forward to 2012 and Houston is again struggling to build a consensus on funding and building light rail. The construction of the Richmond (University Corridor) and Uptown Corridor light rail on Post Oak Boulevard are receiving the most push back.

Art Director & Layout Design: Alona Preskovsky

Most businesses on Richmond and Post Oak do not want to suffer the same fate as many businesses downtown did when they built the initial Red Line on Main Street. However, some businesses now say they have prospered in Midtown because of the rail.

Contributors Buddy Bailey Marene Gustin Katheryn Houk Brenda Jackson Nancy Kershen

Many Galleria landowners would love to see a rail coming and going into their property to alleviate the congestion and enable more people to shop.

Also, many argue that without the light rail project we will loose federal funds and jobs.

U.S. Congressman John Culbertson from the 7th District of Texas recently called a meeting in his Memorial office inviting mostly rail opponents in his district to look for “air cover’ following his recently filed amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs act of 2012. The amendment filed with the Rules Committee seeks to restrict federal funds for light rail on Richmond and on Post Oak. Further he states that Metro would be required to include the Richmond and Post Oak rail on a ballot as part of a comprehensive plan. He faces an uphill battle as many influential business groups, including the Greater Houston Partnership, support the building of light rail.

Culberston rants that Metro should be dismantled and become part of Harris County’s jurisdiction due to mismanagement and the amount of tax money they eat up. He cites other examples such as the I-10 corridor as a success story on tax money well spent.

What great city does not have some form of a mass transit rail? Opponents argue that we have mass transit and it is our bus system. However, there is a certain bias toward buses unlike with the rail.

The idea of an above ground rail system like in Chicago and other cities has been floated around and would not interfere as much with the businesses and traffic flow. This rail system is deemed too costly to build.

At the rate that our rail project is progressing, most people that were in the meeting will not likely see either line completed in there lifetime. Maybe we should have the younger generation weigh in rather than only politicians and business owners.

M.A. Haines

Web Design: Jay Ford

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www.intownmag.com WEB EXCLUSIVES Photos, Videos, Features

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ART

by Marene Gustin

Asia Society Texas Center Opens to Fanfare in April A New Addition in the Museum District Just when you thought the Houston Museum District couldn’t get any better - some of the finest museums in the world nestled around the verdant Hermann Park with galleries and restaurants dotted about - well, it does.

Adding another jewel to the crown, the $48.4-million Asia Society Texas Center is set to open with four days of festivities April 12 through 15.

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Fritz Lanham, director of communications and marketing, says the building, the first permanent structure for the society, is the “difference between being a small institution and a major one that can have a major impact in the community.”

Since its founding in 1979 to increase understanding of Asia and forge cultural, educational and policy ties between Houston and Asia, the society has held functions at various venues. That all changes now as the 38,000-square-foot center opens with a performing arts theater, a gallery, an education center, two-story grand hall, office spaces, a café and gift shop.

“All spaces except the gallery, where we’ll feature traveling exhibits, will be available for rent to the community,” adds Lanham.

As far back as the mid 90’s the Asia Society Texas began talking about a building but planning began in earnest in 2000, raising the funds and then hiring renowned Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi in 2004, the same year his redesign of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City opened. “We knew we wanted a theater, an exhibition space,” Lanham says. “And the building committee had input, but Taniguchi was hired because of his work and designs.”

The result is an elegantly restrained multi-use building that fits beautifully into the tree lined landscape. Not only is the design lovely but also the materials used are amazing. The sleek exterior and interior walls are made up of Jura limestone that began as a shallow seabed in Germany during the Jurassic period. Taniguchi was so demanding of his materials that he rejected 90 percent of the limestone offered, all from only two of the 27 levels in the quarry.

Then there’s the exquisite cherry wood paneling in the dazzling Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall and the 280-seat Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater, all from a single 100-year-old cherry tree from North America.

The ground level floor is of the volcanic Basaltina Italian stone while the 3,000-square-foot education center boasts a floor of fine grain Appalachian white oak.

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But the most stunning feature is the second-floor lounge and water garden terrace overlooking the Elkins Foundation Water Garden with its infinity pool. Lanham calls it the “serene heart of the building.” And you can see all of this yourself during the opening celebration.

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“We’re thrilled to be opening this beautiful, landmark building and are eager to share it with all of Houston and Texas,” says Asia Society Texas Center Executive Director Martha Blackwelder who adds that the opening will be the most important day in the organization’s history.

It begins with the annual Tiger Ball April 12 where an expected crowd of 700 to 1,000 gala-goers will sip champagne and nibble Asian bites while touring the building then dine under a block-size party tent on the grounds. Friday will see a cocktail party for society members and invited guests and then the public is invited for a free open house Saturday and Sunday featuring an official ribbon cutting, tours, food, performances and children’s activities.

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Adv

Job

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The festival also marks the opening of the first art exhibit in the 4,000-square-foot Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery where Treasures of Asian Art: A Rockefeller Legacy will be hung.

The exhibit culls 60 masterpieces from the Mr. And Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection housed at Asia Society New York. Rockefeller founded Asia Society in 1956 and bequeathed his collection to the society upon his death.

The entire collection of less than 300 classical pieces is considered one of the most notable collections of Asian art in America and this is a rare chance for Houston to see part of it through September 16.

Already there are programs and events lined up for the spring including a reading by Rumi translator Coleman Barks, a musical concert by Biwa master Yoko Hiraok and a lecture on Vietnam’s economic growth.

So, whether you’re looking to be educated or entertained, or just what to marvel at the beauty of the Museum District’s newest jewel, check out Asia Society Texas Center and enjoy Asia without ever leaving Houston.

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2/23/12 2:01 PM

The Game

Wayne Graham Rice baseball coaching legend chases another title

John Granato of 1560 The Game Radio interviews venerable coach

John Granato: Rice baseball season is upon us. Tell us a little about the team we’ll see this year.

Wayne Graham: Well, we’re real optimistic so far because we feel like we have a lot of experience coming back. We have some pitching, a little depth, so you never know what’s going to happen, but we feel good about it right now.

JG: Who are your aces coming back?

WG: Austin Kubitza has done well in the past and is good this year again. Matthew Reckling is going real well. Freshman, Jordan Stephens, is pitching well. We’ve got J.T. Charqios and Tyler Duffey in the bullpen who are outstanding.

JG: Pitching’s the name of the game, no doubt, but do you have enough [all-around] depth to hold up over the season?

WG: We think so. There are some players who are rehabbing injuries like Chase McDowell, but we think by April, he’ll be sound again.

JG: Last year, power-hitting Michael Ratterree struggled playing second base and throwing the ball from second to first. How will he adjust to moving to left field?

WG: Oh, he’ll be a fine left fielder and he does have a strong arm. I think he’ll relax out there and it will probably help his hitting a lot. He’s an outstanding athlete, obviously.

JG: How about losing Anthony Rendon [who was drafted by the Washington Nationals]? What does that do to your lineup?

WG: Well, he had an off-year last year but he carried us for two years. I feel like getting back Jeremy Rathjen, Michael Fuda, and Chase McDowell will all compensate for the loss of Anthony.

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JG: What about the schedule this year? What are the highlights for you?

WG: We’re going to open against some good teams. The [premier] names in baseball are not always the same as the ones in football. Florida International, for example, is a coming program. They were in the regional playoffs last year. have an outstanding coach in Turtle Thomas, and have a lot of players coming back. So we’ll be tested early. [Update: Rice swept the opening series with FIU, 3-0] JG: What does all of the conference realignment mean for Rice baseball?

WG: It’s really hard to know. We don’t worry about what we can’t control. I think it’ll be okay because we’ll still have some teams on our side of the league that are outstanding like East Carolina, Southern Mississippi, and Tulane. I think it’ll work out fine for us but we’ll have to wait and see.

JG: It seems that out of this conference realignment, some teams have gotten their feelings hurt so teams like Texas/ Texas A&M and Pittsburgh/West Virginia are refusing to play one another. Will you continue to play Houston?

WG: Oh sure, we’ll play anybody. That’s an economical games for us because we don’t have to travel. I think we should definitely keep playing one another.

JG: What about your schedule with Texas A&M? WG: A&M only wants to play us once a year and it varies. This year, we’re traveling to play them, which will be nice because they have a new stadium and I’d like to see it.

JG: You’re not scared of playing anyone, so you want to play the biggest schools, right?

WG: I think you grow from the competition and it only helps.

We’re going to try and schedule as well as we can. We don’t want to go on the road all the time but sometimes you have to do that to get a good schedule.

JG: The game changed drastically last year with the new regulations on bats. You won a national championship playing “gorilla” ball. You had to have power and hit the ball out of the park to win games. Which style do you like better?

WG: In all truth, the year we won, we led the nation in fielding and pitching so it never really changes. There’s less power in the game now and the kids have adjusted to that. I think there will be more home runs in the game this year and a little more offense, but not as much as there used to be.

JG: Well, we’re certainly looking forward to seeing what Rice does this season.

Does this team have what it takes to be something special?

WG: I think it does but it’s all in the “doing.” We have to get after it. There’s going to be ups and downs but I really think we have the talent to make a splash this year. www.intownmag.com

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LIFE

Cibolo Creek RanchOne man's dream of owning a Big Bend Texas ranch.

It can be yours and your friends for a weekend Houston's own John Poindexter and how he got there.

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John Poindexter is a third-generation Texan, a military veteran and a businessman who lives in the Big Bend region of West Texas and in Houston. In 1966, John received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with Honors, from the University of Arkansas. Subsequently, New York University conferred a Masters degree in Business Administration in 1971 and a Ph. D. in Economics and Finance in 1976. He taught economics and finance as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Long Island University while completing his doctoral dissertation at New York University.

Following his undergraduate education, John volunteered for the U.S. Army and for Officer Candidate School. After serving as President of his class and of the Student Brigade at Fort Knox, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in armor. In addition to two Purple Hearts, John was awarded a Silver Star, the Soldiers’ Medal, two Bronze Stars, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and several other decorations.

After his military service and a portion of his graduate education, John began a financial career in New York City.

He joined Salomon Brothers as an investment banker in 1971, but within a few years transitioned into private equity investment as a principal. Later, he became a partner at Smith Barney Venture Corporation, an affiliate of Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co. Later still, in 1983, he became Managing Partner of two investment partnerships, KD/P Equities and J.B. Poindexter & Co., L.P., which acquired companies with aggregate revenues of more than $1 billion.

Today, John is the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and sole owner of J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc., a diversified manufacturing company headquartered in Houston, Texas.

JBPCO has six profitable subsidiaries with revenues approaching $800 million and approximately 4,850 valued team members. The company is the largest producer in the world of commercial truck bodies through its Morgan Corporation subsidiary. Its Leer, Century, Raider and Pace Edwards brands are prominent names in pickup truck caps and tonneaus, an industry of www.intownmag.com

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which it also is the world leader. JBPCO’s Morgan Olson subsidiary is the largest worldwide fabricator of high capacity delivery vans for UPS, FedEx and others.

Through its remaining subsidiaries, J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. produces highly machined components for energy and industrial applications; limousines and hearses; and, engineered packaging.

John’s home, the 30,000 acre Cibolo Creek Ranch, is a popular resort and the site of three restored adobe forts and other historical structures built beginning in the 1850s by Hispanic and Anglo pioneers.

It has been awarded three listings in the National Register of Historic Places, displays five Texas State Historical Markers and has received three national and state awards for architecture among other honors. The ranch is utilized by local and statewide cultural, academic, business and civic organizations for meetings and other functions. On display is a wide range of Hispanic, Native American and pioneer artifacts as well as items recovered during the the restoration of the property. John actively directed the development of the ranch from 1988 and has written a book, now in a second edition, describing its history.

In West Texas, John is a member of the Director’s Advisory Council of the Museum of the Big Bend and was Chairman of its Development Committee. Also, John has served as a member of the Board of Visitors of the McDonald Observatory, on the Council of Overseers of the Jones School of Management at Rice University, and as a Director of the YMCA of the Greater Houston Area, where he was Chairman of the Financial Development Committee.

John Poindexter Businessman and owner of Cibolo Creek Ranch.

What did your military experience teach you that has helped you succeed in business?

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I learned in the military the value of organizational structure,attention to detail and exercising great care in selecting your colleagues. In the military your were selecting subordinates in so much as it allowed me. organizational structure is important and never more important as it is today because of the complexity of running business enterprise. Attention to detail is not always on someone’ list because we always think of ourselves as big picture people. But in fact the big picture is a sum of the details. Those of us who are successful care about the key details. And finally the selection of good colleagues..

No amount of care is too great in selecting your colleagues and subordinates.

What advice would you give young people today to be successful in business?

In choosing your business activity or business career don’t choose something that simply provides an income. Choose something that you are genuinely interested in or excited by. For me when I began in investment banking and later in venture capital, I was not markets or logically oriented. When i began my career in leveraged buyout I really found myself wanting to excel and perform my job. Now later in my career I am far more fascinated with building and running successful enterprise rather than buying.

How and why did you end up buying Cibolo Creek ranch?

I believe the desire to own large tracts of rural land was an inherited genetic deficiency on my father’s side. When he

retired from a large successful business in Houston he bought a couple of ranches in Arkansas. When I returned from my career in New York City as an investment banker and venture capitalist back home to Houston where I was born and raised, my priority was the acquisition of a ranch.

I looked around the state and found nothing until I encountered Big Bend, where it was love at first sight Then it was really a question of choosing the right ranch and that was Cibolo Creek Ranch for many reasons. For me it was principally the weather, highway access, historical appeal and scenery.

What do you enjoy the most about Cibolo Creek and what should visitors not miss when they come there?

I enjoy the development of the place and the demanding role both financially and from a time standpoint . Guests get to enjoy tall the development of restored ruins, landscaping and lakes.

Guests should pay careful attention to the buildings which have been restored to their historical authenticity. Also enjoy the horseback rides, ranch tours, messages and hunting.

You are known for your hunting. What type of hunts are available?

Most popular are the mule and white tail deer hunts. We also offer elk hunts as well as mountain lion, javelina, varmints, Morrocan mountain sheep and even buffalo. For bird hunting which is my favorite we offer guided blue quail, pheasant, chukar and white wing dove hunts. These can be very special.

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The

BUZZ

by Roseann Rogers

After the Houston screening of the film, Red Tails, the cast and crew flocked to Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse to mix and mingle after the film’s Houston debut at Edwards Greenway Cinemas.

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1 Linda Lorelle and Anthony Hemingway 2 Arthur Mooradian, Anthony Hemingway and Mae Jemison 3 Jason Few and David Oyelowo

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Winfield Gate Kick-off development event benefiting the Pin Oak Horse Charity Horse Show, which also doubled celebration for the Willis Real Estate, Rohe & Wright Builders and Sudhoff Properties with nearly half of the 21, River Oaks area townhomes – averaging $1.7million each - already spoken for.

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4 Matthew Emory 5 L-R, Pin Oak President - Lynn Walsh,

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Guest from Timbercreek Stables, Onyx, Rider - AnaKate Long, Trainer - Robyn Schmidt, Owner - Cassie Long, Rider - Caleigh Fults, with Divide’s Freedom Spirit 6 Jennifer Smith, Bruce Smith 7 Francie Willis, Jack Ray, Diane Ray 8 Mark Willis, Don Willis, Harrison Heck, Ally Willis

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Tootsies hosts famed jewelry designer Stephen Dweck with Champagne Cowgirls

9 Jennifer Fitts and Shelley Reeves 10 Ellie Francisco, Susan Krohn and Elizabeth Stein

Photo Credit: Kim Coffman

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The Little Bird hosts a sassy soiree to benefit Camp for All

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11 Keele Loyd, Robin Mueck 12 Kara Mueck, Jana Canfield

Photo Credit: Daniel Ortiz

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intown-

10 Intown September-October 2011 • www. mag.com

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The

Game

Jeff Luhnow:

Is he Houston’s new “Moneyball” General Manager

by Craig Shemon of 1560 The Game Radio “ The last time the Astros had that many rookies was 1991 and the team that emerged from that had guys like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Luis Gonzalez, Steve Finley, and so forth, who went on to form the core of Astros” Craig Shemon: Let’s talk about the culture of the Astros.

I know you haven’t been the “head guy” for long, but can you tell if the culture is changing yet or is it too early to say?

Jeff Luhnow: The reality is, when you lose 106 games, it’s due to a combination of a lot of things that went wrong at the same time, and it’s not one person’s fault.

There’s a lot of great people in this organization, from the coaching staff, to the players on the field, to the people in the minor leagues. Having gotten to know a whole bunch of people that I didn’t known before, as we really try to understand the situation, I’m bullish on the future of the Astros. Now, how quickly we can get to the point where we’re competing for division titles, I can’t really answer that. I do want to put the best product on the field that we possibly can on opening day and try and compete as soon as possible but our plan is to build this thing for the long haul so any decision we make is considerate of that strategy.

CS: Certainly everyone here realizes that it will take some time to rebuild but, was last year rock-bottom or do you expect another 100-loss season during the process?

JL: No, this team is on the rise and we’re going to show market improvement on the field and its going to start right away. We have competition at a lot of [roster] spots.

We had 21 rookies come up [from the minor leagues] last year...and those guys are going to have a lot more experience this year. They’re going to start to form the foundation of a group that’s going to be around for awhile. The last time the Astros had that many rookies was 1991 and the team that emerged from that had guys like Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Luis Gonzalez, Steve Finley, and so forth, who went on to form the core of Astros

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team that went to the playoffs 6 out of 9 years. I’m not saying its going to be an immediate thing but I think [our] rookies are going to have more experience; we’ve added some veterans where we could, and I’m expecting a much better outcome this year than last.

CS: You could have come in here and made wholesale changes including your manager but you decided against that, keeping Brad Mills. What do you like about Brad Mills?

JL: Brad’s a good baseball man, he’s level-headed, he understands where we are, he understands what it takes to win, he’s been part of a championship environment, he’s got experience with the American League and the National League, he doesn’t mind letting the young players play, and he knows what he’s doing. It didn’t take long for me to come to that decision that Brad was the right guy going forward for the Astros.

There’s a lot of optimism about the future and a lot of pieces [already] in place that make a lot of sense. We’re excited about where we’re going from here.

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CS: I’m sure you’ve dreamed of running a team for a while but, as is normally the case with General Managers, your first opportunity is with a struggling team.

What are your thoughts on taking over a team that is (as phrased earlier) at “rock bottom,” versus taking over a team that’s just mediocre? Are you okay with this position?

JL: I think that’s a good question. There’s a lot of considerations that go into that.

For me, one of the big things is the city and the market. I think Houston’s a terrific market/city and it’s going to be fun to watch this team go from where it was last year back to the point where we can compete for division titles on a yearin, year-out basis, as well as compete for a championship. That’s the goal. You might go into another situation with a winning team like Philadelphia or St. Louis and reach that goal more quickly ,but I think its going to be much more satisfying for all of us when we get [it] here and realize where we came from.

I’m energized about it and I hope our fans get excited about it as well.

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LIFE

Dr. Sally Ann Holmes This Highland Village resident, despite having a debilitating disease in high school is a hero and an inspiration to many as she treats veterans recovering from their own spinal cord injuries upon their return from war.

The Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. Debakey Veterans Affair Medical Center are proud to call her one of their own.

What is your current position at the hospital and how did you end there?

I completed my residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in 1994, and started at the Houston VA Medical Center that year. I am also on faculty at BCM in the Department of PM&R. I have been the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Care Line Executive at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) since 2001. The SCI Center at the MEDVAMC follows approximately 600 Veterans with SCI from the Houston area and the South Central VA Network including Arkansas,

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Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and the panhandle of Florida. At the MEDVAMC, I oversee forty inpatient beds, a SCI outpatient clinic, and a SCI home care program.

Have you seen a big increase in patients returning from the Iraq or Afghanistan wars and what are the causes of most injuries you treat?

but rarely SCI. The MEDVAMC SCI Center follows approximately 10 Veterans who have sustained SCI during these conflicts from gunshot wounds or Humvee rollovers. Mental health issues faced by Veterans, who have served in these conflicts, including post traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse, are treated frequently at the Houston VA.

The MEDVAMC treats many Veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The most common traumatic injuries are from explosive devices that result in head injuries and amputations

The treatment for many diseases and conditions have improved greatly over the last decade. What can you tell us about the progress of treating spinal cord injuries?

At this time there is not a cure for SCI. Historically, persons with SCI were rarely able to live outside of a hospital or nursing home and had a short life expectancy. The good news is that with the advances in medical management since World War II persons with SCI now live in the community, have active lifestyles and a nearly normal lifespan. These advances include the triage and management of traumatic injuries in the combat theater, treatment of urinary tract infections and prevention of kidney disease. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies including flu shots, smoking cessation, active lifestyle and good nutrition are keys to quality of life and longevity after SCI.

What do you like most about living in the city of Houston?

I love living “inside the loop� with quick access to the Texas Medical Center, great food, theater and sports. My Mom and I are proud Texans season ticket holders. I met my husband here and married at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in 2010. My immediate family is in Houston and it just feels like home.

What motivates you day in and day out to do what you do?

I am motivated by the ability to have a positive impact on our patients, staff and trainees. As a person who requires access to medical care and adaptive equipment including a power wheelchair, adapted van and other medical equipment, I know how important it is to provide care and services to the Veterans we serve.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Ensuring the Veterans we serve have timely access to state of the art rehabilitative, medical and surgical care as well as the adaptive equipment that they need to maximize their quality of life. I also enjoy the opportunity to teach and participate in clinical research.

We are currently participating in a multi-center VA study designed to assist Veterans with SCI in returning to work.

What can you tell young people today that may look at your success as an inspiration?

Find a career that builds on your strengths and interests and never dwell on your limitations. www.intownmag.com

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

Make the most of wealth opportunities with a private banker

By Corey F. Powell, Frost Bank

From the 1990s through most of the 2000s, the number of high net worth individuals in the U.S.—those with investable assets of $1 million or more—grew at nearly three times the rate of GDP growth. How did this remarkable growth happen? A nearly 20-year bull run in the equity markets and skyrocketing real estate values fueled almost unprecedented wealth creation. It seemed as if the American Dream of being rewarded for hard work was coming true for more people than ever before.

Then, things got really interesting, and as we all painfully remember, that incredible expansion, considered the longest economic boom in U.S. history, swiftly ended with a period of market turbulence and confusion.

The 2008 market crash, a lingering recession, political uncertainty and a roller coaster stock market that dented portfolios left Americans with new wealth indecisive about the management of their assets and plans for retirement.

Factor in high unemployment, a longer life expectancy, millions of Baby Boomers hitting the historical retirement age of 65, vanishing pensions, and Social Security concerns, and it is no surprise that today there is significant anxiety surrounding the future.

You may be searching for a way to navigate more confidently through the uncertainties of the current economic environment and make the most of

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your new wealth opportunities. If so, one financial solution can seamlessly address the full range of your unique needs.

Given the unknowns of today’s markets and a slow economic recovery, more and more people in your circumstances are turning to a single, trusted private banker to provide comprehensive financial guidance and advice, and to streamline and reduce the number of advisors needed for various financial activities. There are good reasons to seriously consider this option.

No longer just a luxury, working with one trusted and knowledgeable private banker as your point of contact offers multiple benefits. As your personal advocate, this professional has the advantage of seeing your complete financial life clearly by taking the time to know you, your family, and your personal and professional goals.

This comprehensive approach enables your private banker to provide you timely, relevant, and valuable advice with more depth and latitude than you have experienced with other advisors.

By identifying opportunities and obstacles early, your private banker can use his or her knowledge about your circumstances to offer the right financial solution at the right time, delivering it personally or through a vast network of organizational or third party contacts.

As your most effective advocate, your private banker is not bound by the products of his or her organization or by the markets, instead focusing solely on you and recommending only the products and services that further your own goals and potential. In short, your private banker’s primary job is to help you build, monitor, and modify your life plan by understanding your situation and desires and recognizing your potential and goals.

The bottom line: Whether your need is banking, investments or insurance, a private banker is your portal to diverse financial products and services that are customized to your own needs and address your short- and long-term concerns.

Corey F. Powell is a Relationship Manager at Frost Bank’s River Oaks location, 2443 Westheimer, 713-388-7643

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that takes your money, but not your phone calls. We believe that service can’t be automated. That’s why we have an actual person on the other end of each of our phones. Hard to believe? Try us.

frostbank.com/switch River Oaks 2443 Westheimer Houston, TX 77098

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HOUSTON

RENOVATOR

Latest Trends in Kitchen Design

Elizabeth Koval, ASID, CKD, CAPS

>> The growing trend in kitchen design is to create a highly efficient

space for everyday living as well as entertaining purposes. High tech appliances and gadgets are the growing trend. Homeowners are looking for a more sleek, updated, clean design yet they still long for ease of use and comfort. I am seeing more and more clients ask for spaces that remind them of their favorite vacation, from large verandas that boast outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and even pizza ovens.

Discerning clients are choosing high end, high-performance appliances that cater to a variety of functions. The warming

drawer is still a very popular request for busy families with active schedules. Many homeowners are incorporating items to assist them with everyday efficiency such as built in steamers, induction cooktops that boil water in a matter of seconds and the Franke Little Butler that filters instant hot and cold water .

Another growing trend is multiple dishwashers, dishwasher drawers and built in coffee systems and i-Pod docking stations hidden in the kitchen design.

Elizabeth Koval Designs, Inc 1973 West Gray St. Suite 4 Houston, TX 77019 Tel: 713-344-1080

>> Homeowners still have an eye to affordability and long-

term value, less likely to go for the “latest thing.” Simple and timeless features such as “Shaker style” cabinets in shades of white or off-white with distressing or glazed finishes. Natural stone and quartz countertops remain favorites.

Rob Hellyer of Premier Remodeling. www.PremierRemodel.com

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Here at Bentwood of Houston, >> we are noticing an increasing trend

towards textured elements in kitchen design, and we are excited to offer an innovative new finishing technique called Strata. This technique is a great way to add a tactile aspect to your kitchen cabinets. Whether the finish is a stain or a paint, Strata’s linear waves provide a beautiful natural element to a structured contemporary décor.

Poggenpohl Kitchen Design Studio Design trends now: 1/2” thin countertops in stainless or quartz. Best for food prep. That is why we are in the kitchen, no? >> Counter height seating, more comfortable for people of all ages. >> Mixing multiple finishes of cabinets within the kitchen. >> Functional backs plashes with shelves, paper holders & knife storage.

>>

>> >>

LED lighting Concealing outlets and switches, by use of Plugmold and Trufig.

Cheryl Carpenter I Designer I Studio Manager Poggenpohl Kitchen Design Studio 5002 Westheimer Road Suite B, Houston, Texas 77056 m: 201.654.2265 I o: 832-582-2620 I f: 832-582-2621 e: cheryl.carpenter@poggenpohl.com www.houston.poggenpohl.com

Maria Frank

Cabinet & Designs Inc.

>> One of the hottest trends in kitchen design right now is the concept of the “invisible kitchen”. The concept can be implemented in a variety of ways such as concealing appliances, using sliding doors and using hoods that look like sculptures. For instance modular refrigeration allows for more convenient storage, but also “hides” refrigeration units under the counters. “Invisibility” can be created in a variety of ways, from small to large scale within the greater kitchen design.

For more info go to www.cabinetsanddesigns.net

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Arts &

EVENTS Museums Museum Of Fine Arts

LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST Featuring John A. Daugherty, Jr. President/Chief Executive Officer

John Daugherty Realtors

LUXURY AND LEADERSHIP WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14TH 7:30 AM - NETWORKING 8:00 AM TO 9:00 AM - BREAKFAST & PRESENTATION

HOTEL GRANDUCA 1080 Uptown Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77056

Call 713-629-5555 for Tickets or go to www.galleriachamber.com

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Ongoing-3/11 new Formations: Czech Avantgarde Art And Modern Glass from the Roy and Mary Cullen Collection Ongoing -4/8 Elegant Perfection: Masterpieces of Courtlv and Religions Art from the Tokyo National Museum-essential themes and traditions in Japanese and Culture Ongoing-4/15 Tutankhamun; The Golden King And The Great Pharoahs-spanning 2000 years and 30 dynasties that reigned in Egypt Ongoing-3/18 Vision Of Saints-Images from the late 16th through 18th centuries Ongoing-5/6 Snail Mail March 4 through June 3 Shifting Paradigms in Contemporary Ceramics:The Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio Collection over 160 objects of ceramics and works on paper March 11 - May 28 Elegance and Refinement:The sStill-Life Paintings of Willer van Aelst paintings celebrating the negelcted 17th century master March 11-June 10 utopia/Dystopia: Construction and Desruction in Photograph and Collage-From 19th century to the present this exhibit celebrates Fotofest 2012 Bienial (3/16-4/29) March 18-June 29 Egyptiomania-exploring the Egyptian Revival of the 18,19th and early 20th century

Contemporary Arts Museum

Ongoing- 04/01 - Perspectives 177: McArthur Binion Ongoing -04/15 - The Deconstructive Impulse: Women Artists Reconfigure the Signs of Power, 1973-1991

Holocaust Museum

Ongoing- 8/05 The Impact of Racist Ideologies: Jim Crow and The Nuremberg Laws 2/17-8/12 - Returning: The Art of Samuel Bak The Health Museum 3/12- 17 Cells 3/24-4/1 NanoDays

The Menil Collection

03/02-06/21 Richard Serra Drawing: A Retrospective 03/30-07/29 This World Is Not My Home: Danny Lyon Photographs Ongoing-3/18 Imprinting the Divine: Byzantine& Russian Icons form The Menil Collection

Houston Museum Of Natural Science

Ongoing-3/16 Experience Titanic 100 Years LaterOngoing Ongoing-4/29 Discovering The Civil War

Arts & Events A. D. Players Theater

2/15-3/25 Whatever Happened to the Villa Real? A comedy by Jeannette Clift George

Company OnStage

3/09-4/14 Cactus Flower CHILDREN’S THEATER 3/10-4/14 Rapunzel & the Frog Prince

Main Street Theatre

04/26 - May 13 Richard III

By William Shakespeare 03/05 - 04/05 How I Became a Pirate. Book, Music and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman Adapted from the book by Melinda Long 04/16 - 05/25 Superfudge Book by Michael Slade, Music by David Evans, Lyrics by Faye Greenberg. Adapted from the book by Judy Blume

Broadway Across America 2/28-3/4 Million Dollar Quartet 4/10-15 Come Fly Away

The Hobby Center

2/28-3/4 Million Dollar Quartet 3/1-3/ The Sound of Music 3/9 La Resurrezione 3/10 10 Kingwood Dance Theatre: Ballet Gala 3/20-4/01 Annie

Jones Hall.

4/25 Catalyst Quartet, a Sphinx Ensemble.

Cullen Theater, Wortham Center.

Toyota Center

3/3 Radiohead 3/8 Red Hot Chili Peppers 3/15 Romeo Santo 3/23 The Winter Jam 3/31 Monster Energy AMA Supercross

new construction in the historic heights 2-Bedrooms/2.5-Baths from $437,000

Bayou City Art Festival. Memorial Park FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY March 23 - 25

Sports Houston Aeros 3/23 Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo Duo 3/24 From Russia with Love 3/31 Musiqa at the Keyboard 4/9 Virtuoisi’s Concert featuring Competition Winners 4/10-29 Menopause the Musical 4/10-15 Come Fly Away 4/24-30 La Cage Aux Folles

Houston Ballet

March 8, 10, 16, 17 Rock, Roll & Tutus April 20-21 Academy Spring Showcase

Houston Grand Opera

March 2 Studio Showcase March 16 and 17 Recitals at Rienzi April 13, 15, 19, 22, 28 Giusepe Verdi DON CARLOS April 21, 27, 29, May 2, 4 Gaetano Donizetti MARY STUART

Houston Symphony

3/8 Earth, Wind & Fire 3/9-11 Bowfire!

3/10 Symphony Under the Sea 3/16-18 Petrenko Conducts Prokofiev 3/22, 24, 25 Mozart’s A Little Night Music 3/22 Ball After Party 3/29-4/1 Hahn & Enigma Variations 4/5-7, 13-15 Music of John Denver 4/27-29 Great American Songbook

Society For The Performing Arts

3/2-4 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Jones Hall | Tudor Family Dance Series 3/14 Itamar Zorman, Violin - Tchaikovsky Competition Winner.

Cullen Theater, Wortham Center 3/16 SpokFrevo Orquestra. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center 3/23 Shatner’s World. Jones Hall.

4/16 Celtic Woman. Jones Hall 4/20 Marcel Khalife and Al Mayadine Ensemble. Jones Hall.

4/21 Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway.

03/10-11 - Grand Rapids 03/13 - Abbotsford 03/16 - Rockford 03/17 - Abbotsford 03/18 - Oklahoma City 03/29 - Lake Erie 03/31 - Hamilton 04/06 - Chicago 04/07 - Peoria 04/08 - Milwaukee 04/14 - San Antonio 04/15 - Texas

• W ell-appointed residences with open floor plans • S pacious balconies with panoramic views of Downtown and the Galleria • R ooftop pool pavilion with saltwater pool, Jacuzzi and fire pits overlooking Downtown • Controlled access and garage parking

Contact Karen Gillespie at 281.827.2958 or kareng@personetteproperties.com

personettegroup.com | Brokers welcome

Astros

04/06-08 - Rockies 04/09-11 - Braves 04/20-22 - Dodgers 04/30 - Mets

Rice Owls Baseball Houston College Classic 03/07 - Texas A&M Corpus Christi 03/13-14 - Arizona 03/17-18 - Grambling St. 03/20 - UTSA 03/21 - Lamar 03/30-31 - Southern Miss 04/01 - Southern Miss 04/03 - Sam Houston State 04/10 - Texas State 04/20-22 - East Carolina

Houston Rockets 03/02 - Denver 03/04 - LA Clippers 03/14 - Charlotte 03/20 - LA Lakers 03/22 - Golden State 03/24 - Dallas 03/26 - Sacramento 03/30 - Memphis 04/01 - Indiana 04/11 - Utah 04/13 - Phoenix 04/16 - Denver 04/21 - Golden State 04/26 - New Orleans

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1 2

Grand Opening Celebrating the Restoration of the Historic Julia Ideson Library 1 Jim Daniel, Margaret Alkek Williams, Jim & Jo Furr 2 Judy Nyquist, Cyvia Wolff 3 Barry & Marie Moore 4 Molly Crownover, Dan Arnold 5 Harper & Kelley Trammell 6 Steve & Betty Newton 7 Chris Knapp

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Photo Credit: Jenny Antill

“T4T Posse” party and kick off to the “Targets for Tourettes” clay shoot in True Texas Style March 23rd at Greater Houston Gun Club benefiting the Tourettes Syndrome Association of TX 8 Catherine Bowers 9 Jyl Calcote, Leah Nicholson & Keith Calcote 10 Vicki Rizzo 11 Suzy Bergner & Joan Allen 12 Pam Davis, Dr. Aashish Shah & Lisa Liles

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Photo Credit: Chinh Phan

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