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intownmarch/april 2010

The Last Great American Cantina

top ten breakfast joints arts & entertainment art car fanatics streets of trove gerald d. hines intown 1 2 intown intown 3

intownintownmag.com

Publisher M. A. Haines LETTER I was thinking about what I should put in this column as I got ready to go out Editor with friends on Friday and as I pulled on my “new” Ralph Lauren sweater—a hand-me-down from my friend Susan, I marveled at how far downhill, in this Tess Regan recession, modern luxury has slipped. This thought stayed with me all throughout the weekend until I went to the Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Com- petition at Reliant. I’ve heard the crowd was around 3,500, but I swear there must Web Design have been even more people than that mingling in the . At a hundred dollars Jay Ford a head, it’s clear the Rodeo, and , will not be thwarted by the economy.

In keeping with this, we’ve included a story on the history and the characters Layout & Design behind the Rodeo, one of Houston’s best moneymakers. And speaking of mon- Irene Yang eymakers, there is also a feature on visionary architect Gerald Hines, the master- mind behind another of Houston’s most prized assets, .

Contributors On the lighter side, we also rate the best places to catch breakfast in town, from healthy to cheap to classic to five-, it’s all here. Meredith Wierick has a Buddy Bailey piece on a neighborhood that is decidedly one of Houston’s hidden gems, and April Canik for those looking to invest, Buddy Bailey has some info that will put you on the Marene Gustin olympic level. We also take a look at the life CCA founder Walter Fondren, III, who passed away recently, and Marene Gustin wraps things up with a story on Roseann Rogers Blanco’s bar of River Oaks fame—a true treasure or, as Intown publisher Meredith Wierick Mike Haines refers to it, “the last great American cantina.”

Photographers Colt Cubillos Tammy Price Cover photo taken by Colt Cubillos Advertising See page 14 for more details. 713-525-8607 [email protected]

Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media at 1113 Vine St., Suite 220, Hous- ton, TX 77002. Articles are welcomed and will be given careful consideration for pos- sible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited ma- terials. Material submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self addressed en- 2010 Houston Livestock Show velope. You can also email intownmagazine@ and Rodeo International Wine gmail.com. Copyright 2010 by Intown Maga- Competition Champions - Top zine. All rights reserved. Content may not be Value Wine - Napa Landing, reprinted or otherwise reproduced without Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa written permission from Intown Magazine. Space reservation deadline for all issues is Valley, 2006 the 15 days prior to the publication date. Final closing deadline for ads that are not camera- ready is the 5th of the preceding month.

4 intown intown 5 The Last Great American Cantina Mobilizing a Masterpiece intown Reliving the Rodeo Ride intownmag.com Arts & Entertainment [email protected] Walter Fondren III Gerald D. Hines Streets of Trove The Buzz Investing

6 intown intown 7 The Buzz 5 By Roseann Rogers

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9 Hila Grahm at Muse - Muse and local jewelry designer, Hila Graham played host to a help raise money for Texas Children’s Hospital. The bubbly bubbled and jewels sparkled as guests shopped for a good cause and previewed the acclaimed designer’s new collection. #1 Andrea Osborne and Jake and Hollie Landrith #2 Lexie Boudreaux and Nicole Fertitta #3 Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist-Faust #4 Christina Hoffer and Celina Stabell #5 Susan Sanders, Cindy Garza and Mary Hart

The Assistance League of Houston held it’s annual “Celebrates Texas Art” show on recently at Williams Tower in Houston. The art will hang on display until February 26 for viewing by the public. Admission is free. #6 Chairperson, Martha Skow; Juror John Zarobell; ALH President, Mary Roediger #7 1st place winner, Sergio Garcia and Juror, John Zarobell with the winning sculpture, It #8 2nd place winner, Jane Honovich with her winning acrylic, Yesterdays #9 3rd place winning piece, Fear of Elevators, Strong Winds, and the Number 999 by Gail Gibbs

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo held its 7th annual International Wine Competition followed up by the Rodeo Uncorked! Round- up and Best Bites Competition at Reliant Center. Over 3,500 food and wine enthusiasts roamed Reliant to the sounds of the Wild River Band, sampling nibbles from more than 50 Houston restaurants and culinary institutes and libations from more vineyards than you can count. #1 Kelly & Bubba Beasley #2 Ursula Van Dam and Suzanne Hiller #3 Messina Hof’s Paul and Merril Bonnarigo #4 Bubba Beasley, Butch Robinson, Paula Robinson, Steve Roe #5 KTRHs Gardenline Randy and Yvonne Lemmon #6 Kim Padgett, Michael Briggs, Susan Dietz.

Texas Legend, Tony’s Gala - More than 400 fans and friends packed the Omni Hotel for the eighth annual Galleria Chamber of Commerce Gala in honor of Tony Vallone. The celebrated restaurant turns 45 this April. #7 Tony Vallone’s Table #8 Donna and Tony Vallone.

intown 9 Reliving the Rodeo Ride Where and how it all began in a hotel By Tess Regan About 80 years ago there was no Houston Livestock Show and structure built to house the 1928 Democratic National Convention, Rodeo, there was the Fat Stock Show, and if you didn’t happen also a milestone, as it was the first convention held by either party to be breeding cattle, you didn’t care. Now the near month-long in the South since the Civil War. Hall was located at spectacle is the world’s largest livestock exhibition, drawing an 801 Bagby. It was torn down and built up repeatedly into the cur- average of 2 million attendees a year, and generating an estimated rent Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. $344 million in business revenue for the city, mostly through res- The first star entertainer appeared in 1942, in the form of taurants and hotels. Aside from the internationally famed perform- Gene Autry, the most popular country and western musician of the ers and the livestock, there is the of trail riders at time and still the only celebrity to have five stars on the Hollywood Memorial Park, the Downtown Rodeo Parade, the ConocoPhillips Walk of Fame. The calf scramble was added that same year. The Rodeo , the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and tradition of the trail ride began 10 years later with the Salt Grass the Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition. Needless to Trail Ride out of Brenham. The Salt Grass Trail goes back to the say, it is a Houston institution. But what few recognize is the his- late 19th century, to the early days of cattle driving. Those in the tory behind it all and the prominent names and colorful characters beef industry found that the cattle that passed through that area that went into the making. of Texas and fed on the salt grass grew fatter and healthier than It all began as the Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Ex- other cattle. The inception of Salt Grass Trail Ride, just as the ro- position, formed in 1931 over lunch at the Texas State Hotel at deo itself, began over lunch. Arthur Laro (then managing editor of 720 Fannin, now the Club Quarters, by seven men who intended the Houston Post, later the president of the Chicago Tribune-New to use the event as a way to establish the city of Houston as the York Daily News Syndicate), Nelson, Charles Gizendanner, cattle marketplace. It was also meant to benefit the youth of Texas Jr., Reese Lockett (clothing store owner, former mayor of Bren- by providing prize money for those associated with FFA and 4-H. ham and boss of the Salt Grass Trail), Ralph Johnson (wealthy The first show was held in 1932 at Sam Houston Hall, a wooden oil magnate, insurance executive, banker, rancher and president of 10 intown what became the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from 1951 – 1954, to name only a few) and Archer Romero (chairman of the first Go Texan Committee) were sitting down at lunch. They were discussing Reese and Clark’s trip to the Orange Bowl in Florida. The airplane had been grounded several days due to bad weather. Reese commented that he would never make another trip where he couldn’t ride back on his own horse. From there the talk turned to the old Salt Grass Trail, and they decided that bringing it back would be great publicity for the Fat Stock Show. So, with the company of Pat Flaherty (KPRC newsman who filmed the ride), E.H. Marks (longhorn rancher and owner of the LH7 Ranch) and LH7 Ranch foreman John Warnasch, off they went. Just 13 more people joined the ride along the way. Today the Trail Ride encom- passes 30 wagons and over 1500 riders.

The Salt Grass Trail goes back to the late 19th century - Those in the beef indus- try found that the cattle that passed through that area of Texas and fed on the salt grass grew fatter and healthier than other cattle.

One of the original motives behind the rodeo found broad- er fruition in 1957, with the award of the first major educational scholarship, $2,000. Four years later the name of the event was of- ficially changed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, more pop than ‘fat stock,’ to say the least. In 1966 it was moved from the old Sam Houston Hall to the brand new , with the Astrohall built just for the Livestock Exposition. Four years later it launched a program committing $100,000 annually to support research studies at universities across Texas. 1974 brought two more feats: the genesis of the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest and the monumental performance of Elvis Presley, who set the attendance record of 43,944, breaking his own record with a second show on the same day, with 44,175—a one-day record of 88,119 total, something never before seen. From there the fame of the rodeo grew and with it the reach of the scholarship program, with four-year scholarship programs upgraded to $10,000, retroac- tive to students already on scholarship. From 1993 on, Latin superstar Selena set another milestone by breaking Elvis’ attendance record for three years running. From 1950 Grand there, as before, the scholarship amounts and education programs Champion Steer grow exponentially. Millions in 4-H and FFA scholarships are awarded annually, with 2001 bringing the largest presentation of scholarships to date: 300 four-year $10,000 awards, totaling $3 million. Two years later the event was moved to its present loca- tion, Reliant Stadium and Reliant Center. Last year Ramon Ayala set the all-time paid Rodeo attendance record on Go Tejano Day, with attendance for Rodeo action, concert, and the Mariachi finals. This year when you’re watching the trail riders pass or lust- ing after coveted Cook-off tent tickets, watching a band or making the rounds at the Carnival, appreciate all that went into making the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo what it is today—a colossal annual undertaking, that, with the help over 21,000 volunteers, en- tertains us all. And to think, it all began over lunch.

intown 11 Gerald D. Hines Still Going Strong and Still Going Green

By Marene Gustin

Pennzoil Place

Gerald D. Hines is one of those legendary Houston figures whose story looms as large as the multitude of buildings he has created, his name synonymous with skyscrapers and megamalls.

e arrived in Houston in 1948, a time Robert A.M. Stern, he is also known for being an early proponent of when the city was busting at the seams sustainable building. with a bustling port and big oil. But it “Since I was trained as a mechanical engineer,” Hines said from was big buildings that caught Hines’ his London headquarters where he spends most of his time these fancy. What started as a one-man op- days, “I have always been interested in how buildings can be more eration grew, along with Houston, into efficient and energy. There were sustainable elements in the an international powerhouse. early Richmond Avenue buildings I did and I am happy to see that Today, more than half a century most of them are still standing. later, the privately owned Hines real- “Our first major push into full-building sustainability was One estate company operates in 100 cities Shell Plaza, which was finished in 1970,” he recalls. “Shell knew worldwide with offices in 17 countries in advance that they were going to be moving people around a lot and has built, acquired or managed more than 1,000 properties from within the building. So we implemented systems that made it faster, Houston to Hong Kong. The company portfolio boasts skyscrapers, cheaper and easier for them to reconfigure. The building recently corporate headquarters, mixed-use centers, industrial parks, medical received a LEED Gold designation, which is really something for a Hfacilities, master-planned resorts and residential communities. Cur- 40-year-old property. And tenants still love going to work there every rently the firm controls assets valued at approximately $22.9 billion. day.” While Houstonians may think the name Hines synonymous with In 2004 Hines became the first real estate firm to ever be recog- the shopping mecca The Galleria, which Hines opened in 1970, nized with the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR the man and his eponymous company are also responsible for the Sustained Excellence Award. Even before that, Hines was named downtown Shell Oil Company headquarters, Pennzoil Place and ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year three years running, from the Williams Tower (the former Transco Tower), just to name a few 2001-2003. And, just lat year Hines was again recognized with the here in our city. And while he’s well known for using such stellar ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award. architects as I. M. Pei, Philip Johnson, Cesar Pelli, Frank Gehry and Hines was a founding member of the German Sustainable Build-

12 intown ing Council and is currently engaged in the creation of a Russian Green Building Council. He is also active in the BRE Environmental Assessment Method program in the United Kingdom and the Haute Qualité Environnementale program in France. Just this January, another Hines building — the 75-story JPMor- gan Chase Tower, built in 1982 — also received a Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for Existing Build- ings Rating System. Green features include low-flow water fixtures, reclamation of non-potable water for irrigation, the use of energy efficient lighting with reduced mercury content, environmentally sensitive cleaning products, a comprehensive recycling and waste diversion program and green build-out guidelines for tenants. “Sustainability in design, construction and operations makes good sense economically but it’s also the right thing to do,” Hines said. “With climate change and lower carbon footprints on every- one’s radar screen, it is imperative that the built environment does its part to preserve the natural environment. Our building under con- struction in downtown Houston, MainPlace, will set a new standard for green buildings in our city.” The 46-story Pickard Chilton-designed MainPlace, at 811 Main Street, is set to open next year and will feature a host of green concepts including a rooftop garden. Such gardens can help reduce flooding, clean the air, reduce the expenditure of energy and reduce the so-called heat island of the city. The first Houston sloping roof garden is the one atop the Burdette Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Center at the ’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, named, of course, for Hines himself. “I am thrilled that the Gerald D. Hines School of Architecture has expanded their scope to include interesting and productive explora- tions into sustainable designs for the future,” Hines said. “It’s a great tribute to Burdette who was a pioneer in Houston architecture.” Hines even has a park named for him; the former Waterwall Park in Uptown is now the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. The iconic 2.77-acre greenspace at the foot of the Williams Tower has long been a well-loved spot of tranquility with its live oaks and cascad- ing Philip Johnson-designed waterfall. Long popular as a setting for engagement and wedding photo shoots, Hines sold the property to the city below market value last year, ensuring that the space will be preserved as a public park for generations. But the octogenarian Hines shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to direct the company he built as founder and chairman and remains physically active perusing sailing, hiking and biking. It’s a personal philosophy of health that he extends to his buildings. “I have always actively pursued cardiovascular health through exercise and healthy eating,” Hines said. “Through better indoor air quality, buildings are definitely becoming healthier places to be. For instance, our 717 Texas building pumps filtered air that is also cleaned by UV lights like in a hospital. Anecdotal evidence indicates that tenants feel better in green buildings and have less respiratory issues.” And he’s forward thinking about advances in building. “There is an explosion of technology in our civilization and there’s no reason the building industry shouldn’t be right there at the forefront,” Hines said. For all of his buildings, the architectural school and awards named for him, Hines says his greatest legacy will be the worldwide team of professionals who care passionately about quality in the built environment. And while he spends much of his time in London these days, the international headquarters of the com- pany, there’s one thing he misses. “The people, of course!” Hines exclaimed. “Houston will always be home.”

intown 13 The Last Great American Cantina

by Marene Gustin

It’s just your basic honky tonk, dive bar and burger joint. That Barnes remembers. “He loved to dance. He would dance with ev- just happens to be in the middle of tony River Oaks. ery women in the place, asked every women, even the ones other men weren’t asking.” Blanco’s Bar & Grill has been packing ‘em in for almost three decades. It’s a spot known for boot scootin’, great country bands DeBakey’s black and white photo, showing a rakish fellow in and some pretty decent grub, too. a cowboy hat, is displayed behind the bar, along with two deer heads: one with a ’s snout, the other sporting red wax lips. The ramshackle powder building sits on a huge shell- Patrons like to throw beer tabs over the antlers. Which pretty crushed lot on W. Alabama at in the shadow of much sums up Blanco’s. It’s a place to have fun, toss back a few high-rise apartments and new office buildings. Pretty prime real and feel like you’re in a real county joint. estate for a country bar. But it didn’t start out that way. “I love working here,” says new bartender Jerri Huston. “I know About forty years ago the one-story wooden structure was built as we’re in the middle of the city but it feels like we’re out in the a child daycare center. country.”

“So it hasn’t really changed much,” quips manager and co-owner Huston is sort of the baby of Blanco’s family. Most of the staff Karin Barnes. has been here for years, if not decades. Jack-of-all-trades Raul Anaya has been with Blan- Along the way it turned from co’s for 21 years. But if you babysitting kids to adults really want to get to the heart nursing beers, first as Hondo’s of this historical dive, just and then Blanco’s when Barry chat with Barnes. A German- E. DeBakey, son of the late, born gal who’s embraced great heart surgeon Michael all things Texas — she’s the DeBakey, bought the business petite blonde in the cowboy that sits on land owned by the hat and matching western Taub family. Ben Taub and shirt — Barnes had just lost Dr. Michael DeBakey worked her job at a downtown bar 28 together to build Baylor Col- years ago when DeBakey was lege of Medicine into a major There you might see opening Blanco’s. Gary P. Nunn, one of medical institution; the two Texas’ finest country acts, “I was driving by on my way families go back a long way. Bonnie the bartender and Barry DeBakey, Jr. to meet some girlfriends at “Barry was a great guy,” Molina’s for lunch,” she says. 14 intown Barry E. DeBakey, son of Dr. Michael DeBakey opened Blanco’s almost 30 years ago in River Oaks. The bar and grill is now a local landmark.

intown 15 “And here was this “Hiring” sign out front so I pulled in.”

She spent about two years waitressing before moving up to man- ager and, when DeBakey died in 2007, became co-owner with his son Barry C. DeBakey.

Karen -- Barnes can tell you that it was one of the Taubs that brought the long-time Director stuffed buffalo here years ago because Blanco’s sits near Buffalo of Fun at Speedway. Slightly moth-eaten, the huge creature still lounges Blanco’s near the wall by the beer cooler.

And why is the bathroom door so hard to find?

“We just kept putting up stickers and signed photos on the wall,” Barnes laughs. “And it got to the point the door was all covered up. Nobody in here the first time can find it.”

Things always seem to get added to the décor here. Like Kevin Foley’s tropical shirt. He was the only male bartender and when he retired his shirt was hung over the wooden bar.

And then there are the crowns of cowboy hats. A popular hangout for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committee members, it’s a tradition that when they make director they sign their hat and add it to the wall collection. The brims are signed by other commit- tee members, cut off, and taken home as souvenirs.

But for the most part, things are still pretty much as they were almost 30 years ago. Don’t come here expect- ing a fancy wine list or free Wi-Fi. There’s not even a computer on site. Barnes says if she can’t do it by hand, it doesn’t get done.

One of two cigarette machines, one But there’s one thing that did change in front and one in back- in case early on. When Barnes noticed business was they run out of your brand or one isn’t working. slow on weekends, she closed Blanco’s and of- fered the space for private parties-- a move that turned out to be very fortuitous.

“There was a private party and they had booked Gary P. Nunn,” Barnes says of the man Gov. Rick Perry called The Music Ambassador of Texas. “And he fell in love with this place. He wanted to play here but we couldn’t afford him so he played for the cover.”

And Nunn still comes back to play at Blanco’s. He also got a lot of Austin’s so-called outlaw country bands to play here and now Blanco’s Buffalo Bill is home to such acts as Cory Morrow, Jake Hooker, Chris Wall and Bobby Flores.

16 intown Larry Parcell, Honky Tonk Heroes’ singer and lead guitarist and master of ceremonies for Wednesday’s open mic night at Blan- co’s, has been playing here since 1993.

“It’s not Jones Hall by any means,” he says. “But the music sounds good in here. And the crowds are great, anything from cowboys to French tourists.”

But there’s more to Blanco’s than just live Texas music Wednes- days through Fridays. There’s a whole flock of neighborhood folks who hang out here during the days.

“It’s like an alcoholic Rotary Club,” says Larry Nix. “We have a great group of old codgers who come here every day about 11:00 a.m. and hang out, accountants to handymen. There’s always someone here who knows something about a subject.”

And some come for the food.

“They have the best burgers here,” says Shirley Meadows, a lunchtime regular, of the barbeque and Monterey Jack cheese Blanco Burger.

Monday through Friday business folk from the area nosh on country favorites like chili cheese fries, stuffed jalapenos, beef tacos and the daily specials that range from chicken fried steaks smothered in gravy to meatloaf and fried catfish. Wayne Newton has eaten here and actor G.W. Bailey — often in town for his work with the Sunshine Kids Foundation — is a semi-regular.

The kitchen is open continuously Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can pop in for a chopped steak and curly fires or just order a plate of nachos and a cold one. And, yes, you can order a Cosmo here and not get thrown out, but beer is the drink of choice, with cold longnecks and buckets of beer for ten bucks.

Blanco’s is like a Texas Cheers, there are pool tables and every- one knows your name. But there are also some decidedly Texas touches, things you’d never find in Boston, like the stuffed coyote with a snarl and a ribbon collar perched atop an ancient cigarette machine. It’s all about Texas culture here — beer, boot scootin’ on the dance floor and Texas bands.

“It’s been a wonderful ride,” Barnes says of her nearly three de- cades at Blanco’s. “I’ve enjoyed it, it’s like family. I’ll stay a few more years, I can’t stand being idle.”

And, hopefully, Blanco’s will stay around even longer. A little piece of Houston’s history, just an old-school honky tonk in River Oaks.

Blanco’s Bar and Grill www.houstonredneck.com 3406 West Alabama Street Houston, TX 77027-6004 713-439-0072

intown 17 Wild on Wheels Mobilizing a Masterpiece Photos provided by Edward Schipul By April Canik

They could be adorned with marbles, mirrors or their works of originality.” Mardi Gras beads. Overstated vehicles dis- guised as giant peacocks, alligator heads, genie A Houston First bottle-- even an operational toaster replica -- There’s a story behind every car. That’s why local producer have long thrilled crowds in excess of 300,000 Delmonte Films is filming a documentary on Houston’s largest along a five-mile stretch along . free art event, tracking several cars throughout the construction Houston’s quirkiest tradition will include one process. Along with the inside look at this creativity-infused of Hollywood’s quirkiest celebrities this year, when Dan Ackroyd event, the film will shed light on what kind of people turn cars Tcomes to town as the Grand Marshal in the 23rd annual Art Car into giant shoes, hamburgers or bugs. Most agree that these cars Parade on May 8. Ackroyd will be riding in an open-air art car provide a means of social connection-- a way to make an environ- alongside the Crystal Head Vodka art car. mental, religious or political statement or just solicit attention (to interact with this unique community see artcarthemovie.com on March 19 is the deadline to enlist a mobile masterpiece in what Facebook). is nationally considered the “mecca” of Art Car Parades. From human-powered skaters and bicycles to modified classic and junk To others, they provide a unique educational opportunity. Veteran cars that have undergone “automorphosis,” this celebration of parade participant Rebecca Bass has worked with local students “rolling art” is the nation’s oldest and largest event of its kind, to build art cars for over 20 years. “Our student cars are sought spotlighting creativity in the form of almost 300 wacky originals. out by Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum,” she says. “They have The event’s mobile masterminds will be competing for trophies, put them in museums from Texas to Malaysia.” Rebecca’s current cash prizes and coveted titles such as the People’s Choice and high school art class, comprised of predominantly low-income Mayor’s Choice, as well as awards for the best “Daily Driver,” students, is at work on this year’s entry, “Lucy in the Sky with “Low Rider” and “Contraption.” Most assume the parade is the Diamonds,” as a tribute to the Beatles. “I buy the car and the stu- sponsored by the Art Car Museum, but surprisingly, it is the dents learn to work as a team in planning, drawing and building enterprising project of a sister organization, for the exhibit,” she says. “Then they get to be famous for five days Visionary Art. “While the Orange Show doesn’t own any of the during the activities of Art Car Weekend.” cars,” explains spokesperson Stephen Bridges, “we like to think of the parade as a gallery we provide for the artists to display Entrants and enthusiasts come back year after year. “The people

18 intown and cars are tightly entwined,” says Reverend Bryan Taylor, an “The Garage Mahal.” It is located on Heights Blvd. and contains ordained minister and “original parade veteran.” The Reverend an assortment of artistic items in addition to several art cars. has performed a half-dozen art-car-related weddings ranging 4. Art Car Weekend involves: an Orange Show Art Car Ball on from ceremonies to nuptials involving a couple sport- Thursday, Sneak Peak (open to public at on ing a firework-shooting metal hat shaped like a wedding cake. Friday), the parade (and VIPit Party) Saturday afternoon and He has also been involved with five art car creations including: ceremonial awards brunch on Sunday. Gangway 4 God, the Jeffrey Jerome Memorial Pig car, Machete 5. Celebrity parade participants have included Dusty Hill of ZZ Bettie Command Car and several Santa-themed cars including Top, legendary B movie director Roger Corman, Ed “Big Daddy” the Lincoln he drives daily and fondly calls the Santa is Coming Roth of California’s hotrod culture, George Clinton of Funkadelic To Towne Car. Adds Bryan, “The art car community is a perfect and Kinky Friedman. The last few parades have included classic manifestation of the outlaw spirit of Houston.” In May he will cars (including the Batman Forever car and Williams’ Sil- share his vast knowledge of the cars and artists by providing ver Dollar car) from the world famous John O’Quinn collection. street-side commentary at the beginning of the parade near Taft 6. The Houston Art Car Klub (www.HoustonArtCarKlub.com) and Allen Parkway. was formed in 1993 and boasts a membership of over 200. HACK produces several events in coordination with the Orange Along with most non-profits in recent years, the biggest challenge Show. for event organizers in 2010 is a reduction in sponsorships and in- kind donations. With a pricetag exceeding $260,000, this parade is far from a fundraiser. According to Orange Show Executive Di- rector Lynette Wallace, “It costs $8,000 alone for port-a-potties, and the rest is spent on insurance, security, bleacher rentals, street closings and other related expenses for a large scale event.” On the plus side, however, to support Houston’s can-do spirit in this way, she says that sponsors receive hours of visibility as the pa- rade passes upwards of 300,000 spectators and gleans high profile media coverage.

“Most of the actual parade day event jobs are done by volunteers on skates,” adds Reverend Bryan. According to longtime volun- teer and current Parade Committee Chair Paul Spana, “Volunteers can also help with trophies, logistics, planning, running the gift shop, helping judges and much more.” At the Orange Show’s Art Car Ball, dozens of extra volunteers are needed to assist with parking and other needs, adds Bryan, “and they get to meet some of the most interesting folks at one of the best parties of the year.”

Even corporate geeks get in the art car game. The B&B - header is the result of two Exxon employees (Brian Thomas and co-worker Bob) with a crazy notion that brewed for decades before they took action. The team of B&B cut two ‘89 Dodge Caravans in half, welded the front ends together, and completely rebuilt both the inside and out. “We entered the Doubleheader in 2004 and won first place,” says Brian Thomas, adding, “It can drive in either direction! It still makes people laugh to this day.” The duo is currently working on a stretch limo Doubleheader to enter in the 2010 parade (see www.bbdoubleheader.com).

Fun Fun Facts 1. The parade originated in conjunction with the International Festival in 1988 and was called “Roadside Attraction,” featuring 40 vehicles. 2. There is no pre-selection process; the parade is open to every- one (register by March 19). To register, sponsor or volunteer, go to www.orangeshow.org. 3. The Art Car Museum has been located in the Heights since the late with a distinctive chrome dome yielding the nickname,

intown 19 Streets of Trove By Meredith Wierick

iding between two of our primarily for GIs returning from World to downsize. But you won’t find just sea- cities busiest and bus- War II. The houses were sold from $15- soned citizens in this neighborhood. tling roads, Westheimer 18,000 with most families in the neighbor- “We have been successful in getting and Richmond, lies the hood earning a salary of around $5,000 some younger people to move in here and Oak tree-lined street of a year. The neighborhood was family- either build a new house or buy an older Ferndale. The street has oriented and organized military style; each house. What this has done has brought Hbecome a desirable spot for both residen- household having assignments to keep the some new families with children in here tial dwellings and businesses. neighborhood in good shape. rather than this just turning into an old There aren’t many places in our city “We used to have parties and folks home. It has brought flavor to the where retired World War II veterans, about every third month we had a sup- neighborhood and a continuous repopula- growing families, young professionals, per club at someone’s house. The ladies tion,” said Charlie. empty nesters and business owners can brought different dishes and we were Townhouses and newer leasing options reside together. Yet this area manages just required to wear coats and ties. It was part have also made way for Houston’s up and that, existing inside the loop and adding a of the military influence,” said Charlie. coming residents to enjoy Ferndale. quaint, nostalgic feel to our mega me- These days, Charlie still helps to keep The Belle Meade at River Oaks, a tropolis. the neighborhood friendly and family-ori- modern-day boutique luxury apartment Charlie Pendegraft, a retired engi- ented by acting as a welcome wagon. Each building with 119 units is located between neer and resident of the David Crockett time a new person moves into a house in Sackett and Ferndale. Grayco Partners, the neighborhood that occupies a section of David Crockett, Charlie hand draws a map developer of The Belle Meade, incorporat- Ferndale, moved to the area just after the with each neighbor’s name and the loca- ed details into the design of the building to Korean War. In April, he will have lived in tion of their home. David Crockett is deed maintain the classic charm of the area. The his house 50 years and notes that the most restricted (which Charlie and two neigh- six-story building stands out as mid-rise significant repair the brick house has re- bors accomplished) and prohibits commer- living but blends in with the area’s original ceived is a driveway redo. He remembers cial use of housing and allows only single appearance. “We tried to design the build- using Kirby Drive to get to the neigh- family homes. ing in a manner that resembled turn of the borhood when it was just “a black-top Adding to the interesting dynamic 20th century structure,” said Jeff Gray, road with open side ditches.” The David of homeowners in the area, a trend has President of Grayco Partners. Crockett neighborhood was developed in occurred in the last few years of empty The Belle Meade at River Oaks along 1949. Housing construction began in 1950 nesters moving from River Oaks in order with the newly built West Ave develop-

20 intown ment off Kirby attracts the younger popu- lation in search of inner-loop living, with What’s in the soon-to-be dining and retail options within Neighborhood? a walkable distance. Christmas Rocks Businesses benefit from this unique 2931 Ferndale area as well. Companies such as law of- It’s yuletide year-round at this unique fices, art galleries, restaurants, medical decorations and gift store. Not only offices and home decorating stores, have is there a sleigh-full of ornaments, set up shop in the non-deed restricted tree-toppers and wreaths, but the store areas of Ferndale. Exchanging industrial also boasts other holiday decorations storefronts for chalets, many of the Fern- including Halloween, Thanksgiving, dale business owners find doing commerce Americana,Valentine’s, Easter, spring from a house or small building is benefi- and Western decor. cial. Sharon Perry Wise, architect and Jas A. Gundry, Inc. owner of the new antiques and home ac- 2706 Ferndale cessories shop OBJECTS…Lost & Found This Ferndale resident has had his fine at 2815 Ferndale, swapped sky-scraping antiques shop for over 35 years. Inside downtown for the narrow lane. you can find treasures from the 18th and “When I moved to Ferndale, I made early 19th centuries, in the Georgian, a commitment to refurbish an existing Continental and Oriental periods. 1930’s cottage and maintain it for use as my office and ultimately my shop. The Kirby Antiques freestanding house nicely re-enforces the 2927 Ferndale nature of my residential design firm and This Ferndale Antique shop features my antiques and accessories shop,” said a beautiful range17th to 19th century Sharon Perry Wise. “Displaying antiques French and Italian antiques and fine art. and accessories in a house makes it easy to visualize how the items will look when Made in France 2912 Ferndale my clients take them home. Also, the This little French county antique shop proliferation of shops on Ferndale makes is owned by the Paris-born Laurence it a design “district” which is attractive to Anderson, who personally selects all clients and beneficial to all of the shops of the furniture herself during her trav- on the street. This is completely contrary els to France. Her inventory includes to the strategy in most shopping centers country French furniture and bibelots that make an effort to avoid duplication from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. amongst their tenants.” “Ferndale is unusual in that its mix Phyllis Tucker Antique Silver of residential and commercial properties 2919 Ferndale creates an interesting and vibrant neigh- This antique store, a fixture on Fern- borhood and community without any of dale since 1979, specializes in Ameri- the detrimental factors that can sometimes can silver from the 19th and early 20th occur in mixed use. The street is narrow centuries. Among their customers are which means that traffic moves relatively major museums and collectors. slowly and gives visibility to the business- es. Ferndale is also a pedestrian friendly Quenton Elliot Jewelers street, which gives good support to the 2943 Ferndale businesses,” said Wise. These jewelers, who have over 50 Inside this busy metropolitan city, it’s years of experience, can take your nice to know that there is still a homey, bling dreams to reality with their cus- protected area like Ferndale, where tom design services. The jewelers also original bricks and aging oaks remind us specialize in engraving and repairs. that the past is worth preserving, where businesses flourish in troubled economic W. Gardner, Ltd. times and residents take pride in their 2930 Ferndale neighborhood just as their predecessors. Antique furnishings to complement Ferndale truly is a street for all generations just about any home can be found at of Houstonians. this Ferndale favorite.

intown 21 Best Breakfast Joints

Voice at Hotel ICON

Voice in Hotel Icon Breakfast Klub 220 Main Street 3711 Travis Street (713) 224-4266 (713) 528-8561 www.hotelicon.com Native Houstonians sometimes forget that a If you’ve seen the line of people around the first-rate breakfast can often be found at one block waiting for admittance to this soul of the city’s top hotels. Icon’s Voice offers a food favorite, you might have suspected the wide range of mouthwatering choices, but food was something else. And you would if you’re looking for a quick, first-class all- be right. Marcus Davis’ Breakfast Klub is in-one, go for the ICONic Breakfast, two not just a breakfast joint, it’s a breakfast eggs any style with your choice of bacon, epiphany. Try the signature Katfish & Grits ham, duck, pork or chicken sausage, rose- or the Wings & Waffles, and you’ll be a mary potatoes, choice of coffee, tea or hot klub member in no time. chocolate and fresh-squeezed juice. Ruchi’s Taqueria LePeep 3102 South Shepherd Dr. 3810 Farnham St. (713) 524-6993 6128 Village Pkwy. 3202 South Loop West Fwy. 4702 Westheimer Rd. (713) 667-3131 www.leepeephouston.com Another dark horse for breakfast in the city If you’re into eggs, this place has absolute- is Ruchi’s. Better known as a late-night ly the best selection in the city. From their spot for a bite after the bars have closed, healthy Mini Veggie Omelet to Eggs Bene- this place actually has some great food. The dict, poached, smoked, seared and smoth- staff is quick and attentive, the portions are ered in creamy hollandaise—they’ll surely large, and best of all, you can eat whenever clog your arteries, but who cares, it’s worth you please. Come in at 4 or 5am if that’s it. Pancakes, toast and crepes round out the what your schedule is like, and you’ll be menu with French flair. sure to get good food and service.

22 intown 59 Diner Lola’s 3801 Farnham St. 1102 Yale St www.59diner.com (713) 426-5652 This new heights hangout is quickly gain- 50’s kitsch and breakfast served all day ing popularity amongst breakfast buffs. long—how can you go wrong? For that old The atmosphere is modern yet cozy and the school flavor, try the Big Country Break- food is comforting without being greasy. fast, chicken fried steak or biscuits topped When stopping in, be sure to try the omelet with pork sausage links and rich country and potatoes— they’re some of the best in gravy. It comes with eggs, hash browns and the city. buttermilk pancakes, a deal at $8.99 Empire Café Kenny & Ziggy’s 1732 Westheimer Road 2327 Post Oak Boulevard (713) 528-5282 (713) 871-8883 www.empirecafe.com www.kennyandziggys.com This Montrose hotspot is known for its This New York style delicatessen and res- fresh and delicious Sunday brunch, but the taurant has been a Houston pretty much weekly breakfast menu is excellent as well. since their opening in 1999. Huge portions From Irish Oatmeal to Italian Toast to Eng- and courteous staff don’t hurt, and their lish Muffins and Italian-style hot cereal, breakfast is to die for. The menu is so ex- this place really runs the gamut. The atmo- tensive it’s hard to know what to get, but sphere is refreshing patio-style and the egg when in doubt, order the potato pancakes white frittatas are not to be missed. and fresh-squeezed orange juice. You won’t be sorry. La Madeleine 6205 Kirby Drive El Rey 2047 West Gray 233 Main St. www.lamadeleine.com 910 Shepherd www.elreytaqueria.com Both La Madeleine locations are always Several intown locations make this Cuban/ busy, and for good reason. The coffee is Mexican taqueria convenient, but don’t be incredible, the food, while French, retains fooled by the drive-thru or fast food effi- some healthy aspects and is comforting ciency. Almost all of the menu is outstand- and decadent without any trace of grease. ing and ready in minutes. As for breakfast If you’re not convinced by now, here is a tacos, it’s hard to find better. If you’re not in final example: their oatmeal is celebrated the mood for coffee, try the fresh-squeezed by those who usually abhor the oft tasteless lemonade, also top notch. mush.

La Madeleine American Breakfast

intown 23 Are You an “Olympic” Investor?

By Buddy Bailey

In February, skiers, skaters, hockey players and other athletes will be swarming into for the Win- ter Olympic Games. As spectators, most of us can only dream of duplicating the feats of these world-class athletes — but as investors, we can learn quite a bit from the traits that distinguish these Olympians.

Here are a few of these winning • Long-term focus — Many years ago, characteristics: skaters, skiers, bobsledders and other athletes started training, while keeping Discipline • — To reach the top of their their eyes on the prize — the 2012 Olym- sports, Olympians train diligently for pic Games. As an investor, you may also years. Along the way, they also train them- want to focus on a distant goal — such selves to ignore distractions and avoid as a comfortable retirement — to guide negative behaviors that could detract from your daily, monthly and yearly investment their performance. As an investor, you too, decisions. need the discipline to avoid those emo- tional decisions — such as taking a “time • Ability to overcome obstacles — Most out” from investing when the market is Olympic athletes had to overcome ob- down or chasing after today’s “hot stocks” stacles at one time or another. But whether — to help you reach your goals. it was a series of bad performances or a 24 intown career-threatening injury, they persevered. When you invest for decades, you will also encounter obstacles along the way, such as market downturns, recessions and investments that just don’t pan out. But if you’re resilient enough to bounce back from these setbacks, you can keep pro- gressing toward your financial objectives. • Willingness to take reasonable risks — When you watch ski jumpers at the Olym- pics, you might think that they are taking incredible risks with their lives and limbs. Yet, because they have practiced so many times, have studied the angle of the jump, have mastered the position of their bodies in the air and taken all other factors into account, they have substantially reduced the risk associated with their jumps. And, of course, if they were to eliminate all risk, they’d have no sport. As an investor, you also need to incur some risks. But like the ski jumpers, you can help control risks. How? By familiarizing yourself with all aspects of your investment choices and by building a portfolio mix that reflects your individual risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals. • Confidence — Above all else, Olym- pians must have self-confidence; they must believe that they can succeed. And when you invest, you need confidence in yourself and in your decision-making. While you can’t control the movements of the financial markets, you can control your response to them. You can avoid panic when prices are down and you can avoid complacency when things are going well. You can structure your investment portfo- lio to meet your needs and you can make changes when necessary. By believing in your ability to succeed, you will free your- self to act in your best interests. You may never stand on the victor’s platform at the Olympic Games. But emu- lating the best qualities of the Olympic athletes can help you reach your invest- ment goals.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Fi- nancial Advisor. Edward Jones does not provide tax or legal advice. For more in- formation, contact Buddy Bailey at buddy. [email protected]

intown 25 Lawndale Art Center museums Dirty Secrets from the Cataract Cinema

Bayou Bend 3/23 Evening with Genetics Ongoing -- 5/23 Eye on Third Ward: Jack Yates 1 Westcott St. Holocaust Museum Houston High School Photography 713.639.7750 www.mfah.org 5401 Caroline St. Ongoing – 5/23 Sargent and the Sea 3/4, 11, 18, 25 Twilight Tour 713.942.8000 www.hmh.org Ongoing – 5/9 Prendergast in Italy 3/5 – 7 Azalea Trail Ongoing-3/21 Besa: Muslims Who Saved Museum of Natural Science 3/12 – 14 Spring House and Garden Days Jews During the Holocaust 1 Hermann Circle Dr. 3/21 Bayou Bend Family Day: Bayou Bend Ongoing – 4/4 A Blessing to One Another: 713.639.4629 www.hmns.org in Bloom Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People Ongoing – 4/25 The Chronicles of Narnia: 3/23 The Carol and Les Ballard Lecture Series: Ongoing – 4/25 The Book of Memory The Exhibition Beyond Goddard and Townsend: Furniture- for Photography Ongoing – 7/25 Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to Making in Eighteenth-Century Rhode Island 1441 W. Alabama St. the Tsars 4/18 Bayou Bend Family Day: 713.529.4755 www.hcponline.org Ongoing – 9/6 Magic: The Science of Wonder A World of Music Ongoing – 4/16 Landscapes: A Photography 3/2 Distinguished Lecture: “Ancient Greek Children’s Museum of Houston Exhibit by Houston and Texas Artists Magical Gemstones” 1500 Binz www.cmhouston.org Lawndale Art Center 3/6 HMNS Gala 3/13 Happy Birthday, CMH! 4912 Main St. 3/9 Family Fun Workshop: Eggs-traordinary 3/14 Happy Pi Day and Happy Birthday, 713.528.5858 www.lawndaleartcenter.org Faberge Cyverchase! 3/12 – 4/17 Dirty Secrets from the Cataract 3/9 Distinguished Lecture: “Pharaonic Magic 3/15 Happy Birthday, Matter Factory! Cinema by Dan Havel and Chuck Ivy in Ancient Egypt” 3/16 Happy Birthday, Kidtropolis! 3/12 – 4/17 site: interventions, observations, 3/23 Cultural Feast Dinner: Imperial 3/17 Happy Birthday, Dragons and Fairies! & simulations by Caroline Gore Dining with the Tsars 3/18 Happy Birthday, Invention Convention! 3/12 – 4/17 Tip Toe by Jonathan Leach & Ongoing – 3/28 Spirits & Headhunters: 3/19 Happy Birthday, PowerPlay! Ariane Roesch Vanishing Worlds of the Amazon 3/20 Happy Birthday, Flow Works! 3/12 – 4/17 Laureate by Anne Allen 3/30 Hands-On Class: Magic 101 3/21 And One to Grow On! 4/8 Paint a Pet Workshop with Dawn Black Museum of Printing History Contemporary Arts Museum 4/10 11th Annual Midtown Visions Cultural 1324 West Clay Street 5216 Montrose Blvd. Arts Tour 713.522.4652 www.printingmuseum.org Ongoing – 3/13 Taller Michaocan 713.284.8275 www.camh.org 4/21 Design Fair 2010 Ongoing – 4/18 Ongoing – 3/20 QWERTY: A Typewriter Barkley L. Hendricks: Birth of the Cool Menil Retrospective Ongoing – 5/2 1515 Sul Ross Street Ongoing – 4/24 Flashed of Hope Perspectives 169: Odili Donald Odita 713.525.9400 www.menil.org 3/12 – 4/24 Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey 3/4 Slide Jam! Joseph Cohen and Maria Ongoing – 8/15 Maurizio Cattelan Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom Guzman 3/7 The Artist’s Eye: Michael Bise 3/25 – 8/14 Printing with Light 3/10 Art Essay Reading Group 3/19 – 8/8 Leaps into the Void: Documents 4/8 – 7/24 Underground in H-Town 3/13 Artists/Scholars Talk: Valerie Cassel Oliver of Nouveau Realist Performance 4/8 – 5/29 AIGA 50 Books/50 Covers 3/25 Slide Jam! Cory Wagner and Mat Wolff of 4/2 – 7/25 Steve Wolfe on Paper Rienzi 4/10 The Artist’s Eye: Jillian Conrad on Rene DumpTruck 1406 Kirby Dr. Magritte Health Museum 713.639.7800 www.mfah.org 1515 Hermann Dr. Museum of Fine Arts 3/5 – 7 Azalea Trail 713.521.1515 www.thehealthmuseum.org 1001 Bissonnet St. 3/12 – 14 Spring House and Garden Days Ongoing – 5/9 Backyard Monsters 713.639.7300 www.mfah.org 3/18, 4/15 Gallery Talk 3/7 Naturally Wild at The Health Museum Ongoing – 5/23 Feathers. Fins, and Fur: Natural 4/18 World Music Through the Ages 3/15 – 19 Health & Wellness Expo History Illustration of the 19th Century 4/24 – 25 Divas World Productions Song Salon

26 intown arts & theater University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance 133 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center A.D. Players Houston Grand Opera 713.743.3003 2710 West Alabama St. 510 Preston St. www.theatredance.uh.edu 713.526.2721 www.adplayers.org 713.228.6737 www.houstongrandopera.org Ongoing – 3/7 Big Love Ongoing – 3/20 Laura Ingalls Wilder, Voice 4/16 – 5/1 Tchaikovsky’s The Queen of Spades 4/16 – 25 Dangerous Liasons of the Prairie 4/30 – 5/14 Handel’s Xerxes 4/30 – 5/1 Spring Dance Concert Ongoing – 3/28 Ret. Houston Symphony- Jones Hall University of Houston Blaffer Gallery 4/23 – 5/30 The Little Foxes 615 St., Ste. 101 120 Fine Arts Building Alley Theatre 713.227.3974 www.joneshall.org 713.743.9530 www.class.uh.edu 615 Texas Avenue 3/5 – 3/7 Mozart’s Requiem Ongoing – 3/13 2010 School of Art Annual Stu- 713.220.5700 www.alleytheatre.org 3/18, 20, 21 Hannu Lintu Conducts Sibelius dent Exhibition 3/5 – 3/28 Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps 3/19 The Beach Boys Upstage Theatre 4/1 – 4/3 The Gershwin Songbook 4/16 – 4/30 Harvey 1703 Heights Blvd. 4/8, 10, 11 Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony Broadway Across America in Houston 713.838.7191 www.upstagetheatre.org 4/14 Eschenbach and Lang Lang The Hobby Center Ongoing – 3/6 The Sunshine Boys 4/16 – 4/18 Franck’s Symphony in D Minor 800 Bagby St. 4/24 – 5/9 Wonderland: A Fun, Zany Trip with 4/22, 24, 25 Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique broadwayacrossamerica.com/Houston Alice 4/30 Pink Martini Ongoing – 3/7 Cirque Dreams Illumination Wortham Center 4/6 – 18 In the Heights Main Street Theater 500 Texas St. 2540 Times Blvd. Company OnStage 713.237.1439 www.worthamcenter.org 536 Westbury Square 713.726.1219 713.524.3622 www.mainstreettheater.com Da Camera of Houston: Ongoing – 3/14 A Double Bill of Murder and www.companyonstage.org 3/3 A Little Day Music Alienation in the Face of New Technology: A 3/12 – 4/17 Coming Back to Jersey 3/20 Brandon Lee Quintet Number by Caryl Churchill and Machinal by DiverseWorks ArtSpace 3/26 The Romantic Cello Sophie Treadwell 1117 East Freeway 4/7 A Little Day Music 3/27 – 4/25 Driftwood 713.223.8346 www.diverseworks.org 4/24 Esperanza Spalding 3/12 Allison Hunter – Zoosphere Opera in the Heights Bayou City Performing Arts: 3/1 – 4/3 Catastrophic Theatre: Our Late Night 1703 Heights Blvd. 3/23 We Can’t Stop the Beat 4/30 Keeping it Slick: Infiltrating Capitalism 713.861.5303 www.operaintheheights.org Society for the Performing Arts: with The Yes Men 3/26 – 4/10 La Boheme 3/26 Gilberto Gil Foto Fest Radio Music Theatre 3/27 Marvin Hamlisch & Joel Grey In Concert 1113 Vine St., Ste. 101 2623 Colquitt 713.522.7722 4/9 Soweto Gospel Choir 713.223.5522 www.fotofest.org www.radiomusictheatre.com 4/11 Interpreti Veneziani 3/12 – 4/25 2010 Biennial Ongoing – 5/8 4/20 Bach in the Saddle 3/23 FotoFest Fine Print Auction at Doubletree Birthday from Hell Again: Hotel Houston Downtown Texas Repertory An Evening with P.D.Q. Houston Ballet Theatre Company Bach 501 Texas Ave. 14243 Stuebner Air- 713.227.2787 www.houstonballet.org line Ongoing – 3/7 La Bayadere 281-583-7573 3/11 – 21 American at Heart texreptheatre.org 4/16 – 17 Academy Spring Showcase 3/25 – 4/11 Barefoot in Hobby Center the Park 800 Bagby St., Ste. 300 713.315.2400 www.thehobbycenter.org Ongoing – 3/7 Cirque Dreams: Illumination 3/1 John Banville & Abraham Verghese 3/4 Night Court Twenty 3/7 Spring Dance Fusion 3/9 – 3/21 South Pacific 3/20 Springtime in Paris 3/25 – 3/28 Je’Caryous Johnson’s Cheaper to Keep Her 3/26 Steven Isserlis: The Romantic Cello 4/3 Imaginary Scenes 4/6 – 18 In the Heights 4/9 – 18 The Full Monty 4/28 – 5/9 Little House on the Prairie

University of Houston Big Love intown 27 3/5 – 7 Spring Antique Show 2010 4/16 – 18 International Gem & Jewelry Show events 3/18 Government Procurement Connections 4/17 – 18 Bridal Symposium 2010 4/17 2010 All Earth EcoBot Challenge Fourth Annual 5K Walk/Run 3/20 – 21 1st Festival of the BOBY Awards 4/24 Boy Scouts of America Conference Host by Methodist Hospital System 3/20 – 21 Corvette Expo 2010 See website for complete event listings on March 6. 3/26 – 28 2010 Arena Theater 3/27 – 28, 3/10 High Caliber Gun & Knife 1409 Sul Ross St. 7326 Southwest Freeway Show 713.524.9839 www.rothkochapel.org 713.772.5900 www.arenahouston.com 4/1 – 3 FIRST Robotics Competition 3/4 MURAL in Concert 3/5 Professional Boxing: Russian Invasion – 4/9 – 11 Houston Home Show 3/11 Nelofer Pazira Speaks on Afghanistan: USA vs. Russia Boxing 4/11 National College Recruitment Fair Fact or Fiction 3/20 Legacy Fighting Championship 4/17 I-SWEEP 2010 3/25 In the Sufi Tradition: Poetry and Music 3/26 Angie Stone & Joe 4/23 – 25 32nd Annual Bargain Book Sale Celebrating a Face that Does Not Bear the 4/22 Kenny G 4/24 7th Annual Rise & Shine 5K Walk and Footprints of the World American Marketing Association Run 4/29 Encountering the Jewish Future www.amahouston.org 4/24 – 25 4/10 High Caliber Gun & Knife 3/15 Marketer of the Year Awards at Alley Show Salute to Our Troops Day 4/30 – 5/1 Texas Towman Expo Theatre See website for complete event listings Discovery Green International Festival 1500 McKinney St Center Stage at City Hall www.ifest.org 713.434.7465 www.discoverygreen.com 4/16 Free iFest Preview Day with Opening 3/1 - 31 Houston Area Youth Art Month Ceremony and Lunchtime Concerts Exhibition 4/17 – 18, 24 – 25 iFest 3/13, 20 Young Writers Workshop 3/13, 20 Bicycle Repair Workshops 3/14 Sundays in the Park: Umbrella Man 6200 Course Dr. 713.533.6500 www.houstonzoo.org March 10th is Salute to Our Troops 3/14, 21 Houston Hooper Stahs Meetup Day at the Rodeo, an event that honors 3/17 Zumba! 3/6 Member Morning – Giraffe the brave men and women of the U.S. 3/17, 24, 31, 4/7, 14, 21, 28 Burgers and 3/25 Lecture – Cristina Mittermeir Wildlife Armed Forces for their service. Veterans, 3/19 HEB Movie Night Photographer 3/21 Persian New Year Festival 4/10 Breakfast with the Animals – Tigers military personnel, families and friends 3/23 – 4/25 Art Bike 2010 presented by Na- 4/11 Member Morning – Aquarium will be in attendance. Please come out tional Multiple Sclerosis Society: Lone Star 4/30 22nd Zoo Ball – A Way to Africa dressed in red, white and blue to show 3/26 – 28 Shell Eco Marathon Reliant Park your appreciation for our troops, past 3/27, 4/2 Screen on the Green 1 Reliant Park and present. For more information visit 4/3 Earth Day Houston 832.667.1400 www.reliantpark.com www.salutetoourtroopshoustontexas.com 4/4 Sundays in the Park: Two Star Symphony 3/2 – 3/21 Rodeo Lineup or www.rodeohouston.com 4/10 Disco Green: Electronic Music Festival Visit www.rodeohouston.com/concerts for 4/13 Discovery Green 2nd Birthday Celebra- more information Sam Houston Race Park tion 3/26 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West 4/18 Sundays in the Park: The Julian Jaynes Championship South Regional (Sweet 16) 281.807.8700 www.shrp.com 4/23 Murals Under the Stars 3/27 Mike Epps and Friends 3/4 – 4/3 Live Thoroughbred Racing 4/25 Sundays in the Park: Beetle Band 3/28 NCAA Division Men’s Basketball Cham- 3/19 Constellation Wine Event George R. Brown Convention Center pionship South Regional (Sweet 16) 1001 Ave. De Las Americas 4/7 Texas Technology Summit 1510 Polk St. 713.853.8000 4/10 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 713.758.7130 www.houstonconventionctr.com 4/11 Cheer America Spring Championship www.houstontoyotacenter.com 3/3 – 7 35th Annual Fishing Show 4/13 Chronicle Job Fair – Healthcare 3/6 John Mayer 3/5 – 7 Houston National Invitational 4/14 – 18 Disney on Ice “Let’s Celebrate” 3/11 Scottish Spectacular 3/18 Muse 4/3 Alicia Keys 4/30 Celtic Woman Verizon Wireless Theater 520 Texas St. 713.230.1666 www.livenation.com 3/11 David Gray 3/13 The Go Tejano Committee Presents the 19th Annual Mariachi Invitational 3/25 Megadeth – Rust in Peace Tour with Testament and Exodus 4/16 Owl City 4/23 Chelsea Handler: Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang 4/24 Jeff Beck 4/25 Choo Choo Soul 28 intown 3/6 vs. UCF music sports Baseball at Reckling Park: Anderson Fair Houston Aeros 3/2 vs. Houston 2007 Grant St. www.aeros.com 3/9 vs. Sam Houston State 832.212.4057 3/5 vs. Rampage 3/11 – 14 vs. California www.andersonfair.com 3/12 vs. Peoria Rivermen 3/16 vs. Texas Folk music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 3/20 – 21 vs. Milwaukee Admirals 4/1 – 3 vs. Houston Big Easy 3/26 vs. Lake Erie Monsters 4/6 vs. Dallas Baptist 5731 Kirby Dr. 3/31 vs. Chicago Wolves 4/14 vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi 713.523.9999 4/2 vs. Chicago Wolves 4/23 – 25 vs. East Carolina www.thebigeasyblues.com 4/6 vs. Rockford IceHogs University of Houston Live music nightly 4/10 vs. www.uhcougars.com Blanco’s Basketball at Hofheinz Pavilion: 3406 W. Alabama St. www.houston.astros.mlb.com 3/3 vs. Rice 713.439.0072 3/4 vs. Baseball at Cougar Field: www.houstonredneck.com 3/6 vs. 3/24 vs. Stephen F. Austin Wednesdays open mic, Thursday and Friday 3/8 vs. Blue Jays 3/26 – 28 vs. UCF live country music 3/10 vs. Florida Marlins 3/30 vs. UTSA Continental Club 3/13 vs. Washington Nationals 4/6 vs. Sam Houston State 3700 Main St. 3/14 vs. Atlanta Braves 4/9 – 11 vs. TCU 713.529.9666 3/16 vs. 4/16 – 18 vs. Memphis www.continentalclub.com 3/17 vs. Washington Nationals 4/28 vs. Lamar Live music nightly 3/19 vs. Toronto Blue Jays Goode’s Armadillo Palace 3/20 vs. 5015 Kirby Dr. 3/21 vs. 713.526.9700 3/22 vs. St. Louis Cardinals www.thearmadillopalace.com 3/26 vs. House of Blues 3/27 vs. 3/30 vs. 1204 Caroline Street 4/1 vs. 713.652.5837 4/2 vs. Toronto Blue Jays www.houseofblues.com Last Concert Café 4/3 vs. Toronto Blue Jays 1403 Nance St. 713.226.8563 www.nba.com/rockets www.lastconcert.com 3/1 vs. Mango’s 3/3 vs. Sam Houston Race Park 3/13 vs. New Jersey Nets 403 Westheimer Rd. 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W. 3/15 vs. 713.522.8903 281.807.8700 www.shrp.com 3/17 vs. www.mangoscafehouston.com 3/4 – 4/3 Live Thoroughbred Racing 3/19 vs. Wired Live 3/19 Constellation Wine Event 3/25 vs. 1503 Chartres 3/27 vs. Come out to Sam Houston Race Park 713.225.1717 3/30 vs. March 8, 15, 22 and 29th for afternoon www.meridianhouston.com 4/7 vs. Jazz racing. Their new Monday matinee Mink 4/9 vs. Charlotte Bobcats racing offers free admission and $1 3718 Main St. 4/14 vs. New Orleans Hornets draft beer. Post time is 1:20pm. 713.522.9985 www.minkonmain.com riceowls.cstv.com Mucky Duck Basketball at : 2425 Norfolk Street 713.528.5999 www.mcgonigels.com Live music nightly Rudyard’s British Pub 2010 Waugh Dr. 713.521.0521 Scott Gertner’s SkyBar 3400 Montrose Houston, TX 77006 713.785.1840 www.scottgertner.com Warehouse Live 813 Saint Emanuel Street 713.225.5483 www.warehouselive.com intown 29 Walter Fondren, III 1936 ~ 2010 Sportsman and CCA founder who made a difference

I believe the year was 1988, in the spring, when then Texas Houston’s Methodist Hospital, at Rice Univer- Fisherman editor Todd Woodard mentioned that Walter Fondren sity), not Walter. By his teens he had already made a name for wanted to meet us for lunch to discuss what we could do to help himself as a star athlete. In 1953 he led the Lamar High School the CCA and our standing in the fishing community. The ensu- football team to the High School State Championship. He con- ing lunch at the old Jack’s on Woodway had the feeling of a tinued this streak through college at UT, where he was selected mob heads meeting-- trying to secure control of the local fishing ‘First Team All ’ and ‘All Southwest advertising market. At the time Texas Fisherman (now Texas Fish Conference Halfback,’ playing both offense and defense. Fondren & Game) was one of the most popular and successful magazines still holds the record for most minutes played in a . After of its kind. Because of the size of the fishing market and the Lone graduation he was drafted by the L.A. Rams in the 1958 NFL Star State’s rightful place as one of the biggest outdoor markets Draft, but turned down a professional football career to stay in in the country, Texas Fisherman had as many as 12 ad pages an Texas with his wife Frances Leland. issue, from the likes of Academy and Berkley fishing tackle. Wal- Fondren’s family had been famous for their philanthropic ter had a magazine called efforts where Texas was Tide that went out to all of concerned since before his the CCA members but had birth. Walter the third chose only three or four advertis- to carry on this endeavor in ers at the time. His proposal the form of conservation. to me was for us to sell the His passion for fishing and ads, which seemed to me love of Texas were united a conflict of interest but I in the Gulf Coast Conserva- thought about it and decided tion Association, which he why not. Our CEO Mike became founding chairman Henry agreed and the deal of in 1977. The organization, was done that I would sell which later became known advertising in both Tide and as the CCA, was formed by Texas Fisherman. That suc- Fondren and 13 other anglers cessful relationship lasted in reaction to the commer- 21 years and during that cial over-fishing of redfish time the CCA became the and speckled trout. The CCA most influential conservation now has over 100,000 mem- organization responsible bers in 206 chapters in all for so many important laws Walter Fondren, III, pictured 17 of the continental United protecting the rights of the sportfisherman and here with other titans of fishing, States’ coastal states. putting more fish in the water. Walter was soft at the signing of the executive When it came to fishing, Walter was more spoken but knew what was important and how order making striped bass and than a visionary in the conservation movement. he wanted to do things. After many years of dis- red drum gamefish in federal He also had a reputation for sportfishing that cussion, only recently has the West Coast joined waters in 2007. borders on the mythic. He made it to the family the Atlantic and Gulf States with the ideas and fishing camp in Port O’Connor every chance he structure that Walter insisted on to pursue the goals of protecting could, and formed the Poco Bueno Invitational Fishing Tourna- and replenishing the resource. - M.A. Haines ment in that same Texas town in 1969. Thirty-five years later he was inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall Walter Fondren, III was born in 1936 to wealth and privi- of Fame and named one of the 50 legends of fishing by Field & lege by way of Humble Oil (now Exxon Company, USA), co- Stream magazine in 2005. founded by his grandfather in 1911. Some would have coasted Walter is survived by his wife of 53 years, their six children, along on the renown of the family name (see Fondren Rd., 18 grandchildren and a legacy that will surely linger long in the Fondren-Sterling and Ella F. and Walter W. Fondren buildings of minds of conservationists, fisherman and Texans alike.

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