… even after Ike and our coldest winter in memory, we have beautiful flowering trees and multitudinous flowers. Houston really is a beautiful city, and I am very proud to live here.

BETTY WHITE has nothing on Former First Lady, BARBARA BUSH. WHITE, at 88, has had a 60-year successful show biz career and in recent weeks guest-hosted Saturday Night Live. But, consider that MRS. BUSH has been in the spotlight as often, if not more so, than BETTY. MRS. BUSH had ‘em rolling in the aisles, 800 strong, at the American Heart Association Go Red luncheon. On a more serious note when asked, “What is your advice for raising children?” MRS. BUSH replied, “There are three things:
1) Set an example!
2) Unconditional love
3) “May your children just be happy!”
APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE:
CLEANING FOR A REASON

If you know any woman currently undergoing treatment for any type of cancer, let her know that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning one time per month for four months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. Their website is: http://www.cleaningforareason.org. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. Pass this information along.

Something in the water? JOE JAMAIL donated $1 million to Rice University Baker Institute in honor of his friend, JAMES BAKER, III; and energy mogul and philanthropist GEORGE MITCHELL donated $1.5 Million in the name of his late wife, CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL, to UT Health, formerly known as the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Wow!

“Mission Incredible,” benefiting The Mission of Yahweh, a homeless shelter for women and children, pulled off a totally fun event bringing out 250 people on a Sunday night. A great event!!

WARNER AWARDS

MOST ENTERTAINING:  The Tapestry Gala benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, which brings people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration and service. The evening was interwoven with beautiful music from vocalists KENNETH GAYLE and many others.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL EVENT: Let’s Hear it for the BOYS, the WALIPP Preparatory Academy Spring Luncheon. WALIPP (The WILLIAM A. LAWSON Institute for Peace and Prosperity) was founded in 1996 to initiate and implement programs designed to revitalize the inner city.

As head of Houston Endowment, Honoree JACK BLANTON recalled how exciting it was to give away Mr. JESSE JONES’ money.

MOST INTERESTING HONOREE: Holocaust Museum Houston’s “On Our Watch” Award dinner honored JOHN PENDERGAST, who has spent most of his adult life working to end genocide in the world. Working with actors like GEORGE CLOONEY and DON CHEADLE, he has called for the world to end the horrors of genocide in places like Darfur and the Congo.

BEST INVITATION DESIGN AWARDS:  Funk Shui, benefiting the Bayou Preservation Association on October 7. So clever!

BOOK IT
September 24 – for The Museum of Printing History Gala, featuring remarks from award-winning New York Times journalist, RALPH BLUMENTHAL, and honoring DR. MAVIS KELSEY for his contributions to the Houston community.

October 15 – Houston Humane Society Gala“ Fashonistas and Furry Friends” – 713.626.0570

October 28 – Communities in Schools Houston Gala – 713.654.1515

November 11 – Lunch with COKIE ROBERTS, The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command – 832.201.8026

November 13 – “Swinging on a Star” Trees of Hope Gala – 713.942.9733

GRAPEVINE
Bravo Television is looking for a cast of characters for a possible Houston Housewives television series. Could I ever cast that show!

Rave Reviews: KELSEY GRAMMER, a very favorite actor of mine since watching him in his reruns late night on Frazer, is wowing audiences in La Cage Aux Follies, the Musical in NYC. After suffering a near fatal heart attack, GRAMMER is on a crusade to warn people of the dangers of eating salt. He said there was a time when he would take a cube of butter and sprinkle salt on it. Now he’s urging everyone to give up salt and save their heart!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Hooray for TILMAN and PAIGE FERTITTA for surprising DAVE WARD on his birthday. They picked up DAVE and wife, LAURA, and flew them in their helicopter to the San Luis in Galveston for dinner.

Hooray for DAVE WARD, who surprised wife, LAURA, with an early birthday present: A new Bentley. Now, that’s a serious surprise!

April, May and June Happy Birthdays to MARY ANN HOFFER, SIDNEY FAUST, JOANN CRASSAS, CHARITY YARBOROUGH, REGINA ROGERS, NANCY STROHMER, DEBORAH DUNCAN, SHARON WILNER, MARY ROGERS, ALICIA SMITH and KIM MOODY.

BRINGING IT HOME
Did you know that the oldest person in the world is a Texan? Her name is EUNICE C. SANBORN and she lives in Jacksonville, Texas. Her secret? “I love everything about my life. I like everything about it.” Does that tell us anything about the Power of Positive Thinking AND The Power of Love? Maybe we should watch the salt.

And, from Gautama Buddha, “Teach this triple truth to all. A generous heart, kind speech and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

Have you done something for someone today?

photo courtesy Warner Roberts

APRIL .. and don’t let me hear anything about tax time. Let me hear about the beautiful springtime and flowers POLLY ANNA always talks about. Actually, I heard she’s pretty bummed out about all the plants she lost when we saw Houston’s temps plunge to the 20s in February.

BEAU TERRIOT, master design guru of the Brownstone Gallery and Brownstone Restaurant in Houston and The Oasis Restaurant and The Treasury in Austin, is now building a European village adjoining The Oasis Restaurant – Oasis Texas. . Last year Beau converted his Brownstone Restaurant into the lounge/bar Red Room which cried out to provide the background for a Valentine’s Tea. The 65 beautiful women in red raised their bubbly to Beau for the creativity and artistry that he has brought to Houston and Austin for the last 40 years. In the Red Room crush: Dallas Hill, Angie Roberts, Alicia Smith, Mollie Hill, Kimberly DeLape, Maryann Hoffer, Frann Lichtenstein, Leila Gilbert, Carol Sawyer, Liz Peckham, Betty Tutor, Mary Ann McKeithan, Diane Gendel, Laurette Veres, Anne Carl, Kim Moody, Sheridan Williams, Leisa Holland-Nelson, Patti Dale Tye and, and, and ..

The surprise party that MICKY FREEMAN hosted for his wife, Alden Hotel General Manager, SUSAN WARD FREEMAN, was a biggie. Celebrating her major 5-0 , MICKY not only succeeded in pulling off the surprise but pulling out all the stops. Over 200 friends toasted SUSAN and topped it off with a cake in the shape of SUSAN’S favorite design, a St. John knit suit courtesy of SCOTT EVANS and JEFF HENRY and created by Who Made the Cake’s NADINE MOON.

SPOTLIGHT: Look what our volunteers are doing .. cold or hot..rain or shine..night or day.

JEFF SHELL, Concho Honcho of Neal Hamil Agency, fell in love with the Recipe for Success Foundation and chaired the inaugural “In Love with Fashion” event at Tootsie’s benefiting RFS. You may know that RFS is at the forefront of a national movement to combat childhood obesity by delivering nutrition education to elementary students in their classrooms. The Foundation encourages long-term health by changing the way children understand, appreciate and eat their food. (Maybe this organization should team with First Lady, MICHELLE OBAMA!)

LYNN MCCARLEY and KIM MOODY chaired the “respond/react/results,Getting the Best Results for Life” luncheon benefiting The Joy School; this school prepares students with learning DIFFERENCES (not difficulties or disabilities) to return to traditional classroom settings by enabling them to reach their social and academic potential in a safe, supportive environment. Guest speaker and author, PETE HIMOJOSA, has created a student leadership program that has impacted thousands of students’ lives across the country. What I learned: Loving, understanding teachers allow children to think “out of the box.” And, Pete Himojosa’s father never let him leave his house starting at age 5 without answering the question, “What kind of day are you going to have?” Correct answer: I’m gonna have a great day!” Instilling these messages means something! February 18

SHANE and HEIDI BATTIER held an inaugural fundraiser in their home for their newly formed Battier Take Charge Foundation that benefits Houston children in need,. The Superstar RocketMan and his bride are quite the wine gurus and opened their private wine cellar for the event. TAD BROWN, Rocket CEO and LES ALEXANDER .. etc. February 19

The On the Move Luncheon Celebration benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and was chaired by FRANELLE ROGERS, with Honorary Chair, EMIL MESINGER. Beautiful ABC Channel 13 new anchor, MELANIE LAWSON, who herself suffers from M. S., was the featured speaker. March 3

On March 10, The Christus Foundation luncheon, chaired by Tom and Lu Caltigirone and honoring Ted and Lorraine Dinerstein, featured Laura Bush as guest speaker.

STYLIN’: March 23 .. Passion for Fashion Luncheon promoting Beautiful Lifestyles Through Design Education .. Chair LEISA HOLLAND-NELSON, co-chairs, GABRIELA DROR and NIDHIKA MEHTA, famed designer DANA BUCHMAN on stage at Hotel ZaZa interviewed by CultureMap.com, CLIFFORD PUGH. Houston Community College Foundation established The Design Society at HCC to engage Houston’s fashion and interior design community in support of HCC’s award-winning design education programs.

Have you heard about The Giving Gown Foundation? This project is SO great. It is a non-profit that collects donations of new and “like-new” formal gowns and accessories and provides them FREE of charge to high school girls who would otherwise be unable to attend their Prom. Most girls have to worry about a date, not a dress. Pick up the phone 832.381.6565 or e-mail: GivingGown.org.

BOOK IT:

The winner of four Tony Awards and Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, In the Heights, comes to the Hobby Center April 6-18. Call 800.982.2787 or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

April 6 marks the fifth annual Taping for the Blind Luncheon and Fashion Show, “Out of Sight” featuring dazzling jewelry from the vault of the Neiman Marcus Precious Jewels Salon. Email bteichman@tapingfortheblind.org fmi.

On April 9, Crisis Intervention of Houston will host its third annual gala honoring five fabulous women who have “answered the call: of service to the community. They share a name that begins with the letter “E” – ERICKA BAGWELL, ELIZABETH DELUCA, ELIZA DUNCAN, ELLEN SUSMAN AND ELLIE SWEENEY. Call 713.524.8170 fmi.

Spring IS in the air and on April 11 Mt. Carmel High inaugural fundraising event, Spring Fling, is scheduled at the Houston Polo Club. Chairs LISA MOSCARELLI and THERESA PIZZO BORDAGES promise a full-filled afternoon for the whole family. PAGE PARKES, founder of the largest modeling and talent agency in the Southwest will be honored with the “Never Say Never” award. Funds from the event will help the school purchase a van as well as to continue to serve these talented, working class and underprivileged children from Southwest Houston.

April 14 -April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the 11th Annual Spirit of Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show benefits The Children’s Assessment Center, designed to raise funds for programs that are critical to the healing of child victims of sexual abuse. Chaired by LISA HOLTHOUSE and AMY M. LEE, the fashion show features Fendi collections. Call 713.986,3370 fmi.

April 22 – The 8th annual Butterfly luncheon benefiting the Butterfly Program of Houston Hospice , a national leader for the advancement of pediatric hospice care. Chairing the luncheon are NINA and SMITH JOHNSTON, III. Call 713-467.7423 fmi.

April 23 – 2010 Power of Legacy Soiree features Nuttin’ by Stringz, those talented brothers from Jamaca who amaze with their urban pop violin sound. They were finalists on America’s Got Talent, performed at the inaugural ball for PRESIDENT OBAMA and are Emmy winners for their composition featured in the film Step Up. Chaired by MERELE YARBOROUGH and benefiting the American Heart Association. Call: 713.610.5000 for more information.

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE: GAYLA BENTLEY started her Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group with the goal of providing beautiful clothing for plus size women. Looks like dreams have come true for GAYLA who just won ABC’s Shark Tank, the Fashion Group International Star Award, Women Business Owner of the year in ’09, the Make Mine a Million winner in ’07, Texas Executive Woman on the Move in ’06. P. S. Her designs are now in Neiman Marcus. Go Gayla!

Put your hands together for the arrival of RACHEL REGAN and husband Tom’s baby boy who arrived on March 18. Wow! Rachel continued all her charity work or boards during her entire pregnancy. Congratulations! Here comes another volunteer! OK, so he’s only 22” long right now, but just wait!

KEN HOFFMAN, the Houston Chronicle columnist, is just plain funny,. How does he eat all those hamburgers and not gain weight? Life is not always fair, but KEN definitely makes it fun!

LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE: And, speaking of the Houston Chronicle, the new faces and writers of its society columns, DOUGLAS BRITT and LINDSEY LOVE, seem to have settled in and are doing a good job of covering many of Houston’s most important social events. BRITT moves over a few desks at the Houston Chronicle from his erstwhile assignment as an art writer and LINDSEY brings her sense of fashion and sense of humor to her new position.

Much beloved former society editor of the Houston Chronicle, SHELBY HODGE, has found that her magnanimous audience followed her to her new position as editor-at-large of CultureMap.com. She and editor-in-chief, CLIFFORD PUGH, are making Houston very proud with this new venture.

Baylor trustees, deans, chairs and center directors are all smiles because of Baylor College of Medicine’s unanimous decision recently to continue as an independent, autonomous institution.. Facing financial difficulties, due in large part to a declining economy, BMC was considering all types of solutions. After extensive discussions with several respected institutions exploring the possibility of partnerships, BMC also spent thousands of hours looking at their own organization; with the advice and counsel from their faculty, students, staff and alumni, Baylor College of Medicine found its solution – and, it’s Baylor College of Medicine. Yea!!

Path of Tea owners, THIA and CHRIS MCKANN will open a wellness center, The Path, April 15 at Timmons and Westheimer. The Center will include warm yoga with Jennifer Burgermeisteer and energy healing with Harry B. Happy; The Path of Tea and My Fit Foods partner to present the first totally organic store.

A BIG welcome back to Alex Brennan-Martin and his Brennan’s after a devastating fire started during Hurricane Ike. Brennan’s is back and beautiful after extensive renovations.

GRAPEVINE GOSSIP: JONNI HARTMAN ROGERS, national publicist to the stars, spent her March birthday at the Regency Hotel in NYC with husband, RAY feted at a birthday do hosted by famed artist, PETER MAX and his right hand (connected to the rest of him) GENE LUNTZ. Houston’s JOAN SCHNITZER LEVY jetted in to join the celebration.

Sex and the City star, Cynthia Nixon, quietly slipped into the city recently to visit with Houston friends.

ANGELS IN OUR MIDST: BILLY GRAHAM said, “Angels are spiritual creatures without a body created by God for the service of christendom and the church.” I believe there are angels walking around IN bodies.

Rienzi, the magnificent, art-filled home of the late CARROLL STERLING MASTERSON and HARRIS MASTERSON III, was bequeathed to the Museum of Fine Arts. The Rienzi Society holds an annual event to raise funds for the acquisition of antiques to compliment the current collection. Recently JACKSON HICKS, the well-respected catering genius, won the hearts of all for his unexpected purchase of a 1764 sterling silver and ivory tea urn for the museum.

ANNE VAN HORN with Baylor Teen Health Clinics, sent out an urgent request saying that the clinics have been seeing an increase in young men and women with special needs seeking services. These patients have a lower IQ and do not have the ability to make educated choices, particularly when it comes to sex. Ann’s request: Help fund Dr. Buzi’s special education program. By late afternoon, CYNTHIA PETRELLO had answered the call, flown to the rescue and the program is funded. Angels? No doubt about it!

LESTER SMITH, oil executive and philanthropist, with TRISH MORILLE, has a new book just out with this description, “a two-time cancer survivor and two-time national ballroom dance champion takes life for a spin.” Proceeds from the book, “You Gotta Dance Like No One’s Watching” are designated for breast cancer research, and SMITH will match all monies raised.

BRINGING IT HOME so, somebody said, “I just don’t believe they are going to start ANOTHER charity event.” And, I thought, “I can’t believe they are NOT going to start ANOTHER charity event .. when the need is So great!” It’s hard to see how all the non-profit organizations are surviving with the current state of the economy, but life has a way of working things out. People are good!”

When I interviewed the late Texas Senator, BARBARA JORDAN, she said something that I’ll always remember: “If you can sit and talk with someone long enough. you’ll find the humanness in that person; you’ll find something about them to like.”

Did you do something for somebody today?

At the Bo’s Place luncheon, CRAIG AND PATTY BIGGIO, marveled at guests “I’ve traveled all over the country, and I don’t believe there is a more giving city anywhere.” I echo that sentiment!

MARCH is GO TEXAN time! Since 1932, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has contributed more than $250 million to Texas youth. Chief Presentation and Operating Officer, LEROY SHAFER, seems to be having the time of his life!

SPOTLIGHT – Also, it’s OSCAR time! Here are our Houston charity awards:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – JONNI HARTMAN. The national pr exec works for charities all over the country. With her reputation among the Hollywood biggies, she secured a letter from ELIZABETH TAYLOR congratulating PAUL-DAVID VAN ATTA at his Legacy Community Health Services event. You may not know this, but DAME ELIZABETH just doesn’t do this; HARTMAN scored a real coup, and LA LIZ’S letter was the evening highlight. FYI: Filmmakers are putting together a documentary on her life.
BEST DIRECTION OF AN EVENT – The Social Book launch party and the those who made it happen: SCOTT EVANS, JEFF HENRY, PAUL-DAVID VAN ATTA, DAVID GUGINO, LESTER SORSBY and Aztec Events and Tents.

BEST SPEAKER – HANK AARON at the “A Conversation with a Living Legend” luncheon benefiting the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

The baseball legend had the filled-to-the rafters ballroom hanging on his every word, relaying stories of his early days in baseball and his joy of founding the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation.

BEST INVITATION DESIGN – The “Magnificent Marie” paper doll Ballet Ball invitation – inspired by KIMBERLY DELAPE, who suggested in a meeting she “loved paper dolls and what if we” …LINDA LIMB’s firm created the multi-dimensional invitation, suitable for framing.

BEST MALE EMCEE – DAVE WARD, the ever-popular ABC, Channel 13 news anchor, adds style to every event.

BEST FEMALE EMCEE – DEBORAH DUNCAN, host of KHOU, Channel 11’s “Great Day Houston,” mans a microphone with grace, charm and an abundance of humor, lifting spirits along the way.

STYLIN’ – Another OSCAR will create quite a stir at the Houston Chronicle Best Dressed luncheon, benefiting the March of Dimes, chaired by Sheridan Williams, Kristen Nix and Lauren Clark. The Neiman Marcus Fashion Presentation features…Tah-Dah … OSCAR DE LA RENTA.

APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE – MARTHA TURNER, was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame. TURNER is one of only seven women honored in the 27-year history. I think the secret to TURNER’S success is her genuine love of people. I bet, if you need her to, she’ll have coffee with you and tell you how to decorate your house.

TONY VALLONE’S TONY’S RESTAURANT was honored at the Texas Legends Gala as the venerable eatery turns 45. VALLONE has put Houston on the map as a five-star dining destination. Congratulations! Do you know you can order just about anything and Tony’s will prepare it? For a REAL treat, ask TONY VALLONE to make his famous meatballs.

LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE – CERON of CERON SALONS has opened another shop in Neiman Marcus, Dallas. Many of Houston’s top fund raisers joined him to celebrate: Karen Mayell, Marybeth Aspromonte, Becca Cason Thrash, Diane Lokey, Debra Grierson and Marcia Backus.

GRAPEVINE GOSSIP – A favorite celeb of mine, DAVID HASSELHOFF, left his position as judge on “America’s Got Talent” to help his two daughters, TAYLOR ANN and HAYLEY pursue a television reality show: “If I Can Open the Door,” HASSELHOFF says, “then they have to walk through it and do the rest.” Don’t you bet daddy will be a big part of the show?

BRINGING IT HOME – In the meantime, as I’ve always told my children, “Do Something Good for Somebody Every Day.” You don’t have to lead a Capital Campaign or chair a fund raising event. I have always believed we can serve each other by just flashing a friendly smile, expressing a word of encouragement or performing a small task for a friend, neighbor or stranger. We never know the difference these small gestures make in another’s life. Have you done something good for somebody today?

Fifth Aniversary Edition

by Warner Roberts / photography by Gittings

HTEXAS is pleased to present 25 Beautiful Houstonians who have been selected from past winners for their unflinching community service. Andy Cordes and the fine photographers at Gittings created the dazzling artwork.

Author, Warner Roberts

Ask one hundred people on the street the question, “What is Beauty?” and you’ll likely get one hundred different answers. Throughout history, literary interpretations include those by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not,” and John Keats: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into oblivion.”

Our 25 Beautiful Houstonians reflect the famed Kahlil Gibran quote: “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”

Singing sensation Pat Green on music, family, and the great state of Texas.

H Texas sat down with traveling crooner, Pat Green, the same day his eleventh album, “What I’m For” was released. His excitement overshadowed his exhaustion. He’d been touring for weeks promoting this album and was finally home in Fort Worth. The country star allowed this interview under one condition—he could take a time out when his two-year-old daughter and five-year-old son wanted Daddy to play.

A Texan through and through, Green was born in San Antonio and grew up in Waco. He graduated college from Texas Tech, moved to Austin, and now lives in Fort Worth.

One of nine siblings in a blended family, he remembers a “buffet of music” echoing throughout his childhood home. The family listened to everything from Motown to Mozart. He had heard Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, but he did not fall in love with country music until a friend urged him to listen to Robert Earl Keen. That was just before Green headed to Texas Tech. “I thought his songs were incredible; the stories were great and the music was so deep.” He was soon turned on to Jerry Jeff Walker and was inspired by the way these men used their music as a way of heartland storytelling.

Throughout college Green performed on any stage he could find. “Every Friday night I’d try to get a gig at Bash Rip Rock, County Line BBQ, or Depot Beer Garden,” he recalls. With money borrowed from his parents, 18 year-old Green recorded songs he had written and released a series of independently produced albums, including “Dancehall Dreamer” and “George’s Bar.” He had a day job working for his stepfather’s wholesale fuel business, but it was clear Green’s passion was elsewhere. “One day my stepdad called me into his office and let me go,” Green says. “He knew how much I loved music, and he wanted me to go for it. That’s when I made the total commitment to my dream; it’s music all the way.”

Green’s warm, rugged voice and charismatic connection with audiences earned him a rapidly growing fan base. He soon had the support of the same people who inspired him to sing country music. “Guys like Willie, Jerry Jeff, and Robert Earl were letting me open their shows which was amazing! I owe them all a debt of gratitude—not just for the platform, but also for their attitude and example.”

Green’s album, “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas,” was recorded during a performance at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Family Picnic. Soon after its release, Green was headlining his own shows and performing in front of sold-out crowds. His next album, “Songs We Wish We’d Written” was recorded in 2001 and within five years, Green sold 250,000 tapes, records, and CDs—an unheard of figure without backing from a major label.

“Going to Nashville and trying to become a star didn’t seem very appealing,” Green says. He believes Texas is the greatest place on the planet, so he avoided the frustrations of the Tennessee music business and found an audience here. While living in Austin, Green married his girlfriend Kori and earned a decent living doing what he loved—playing music. Though he was happy, there remained a large void in his music business. “I’d go to some towns and play for 1,000 people, but the local stores wouldn’t have my records,” he remembers. ”I needed a national company to put my music out so people could study my quirks and kinks just like I studied the people who inspired me.”

When Republic Records came knocking, Green opened the door, signed a contract, and released “Three Days.” His next album, “Wave on Wave” was a hit, and the single of the same name rose to number three on the charts. “That was the album that really made a difference,” he says. “It really got the ball rolling toward radio success and national recognition.” The record catapulted him to stardom. He was suddenly in the same ranks as Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, and Kenny Chesney; “Wave on Wave” won three Grammy nominations.

Green wrote eight of the ten songs on his new album, “What I’m For.” To him, this album is a “coming of age” vehicle. Looking back on the songs he wrote early in his career, he thinks they were good, but with the new ones, he feels like he has come into his own. “They’re written by a man, by a father, by a guy that kind of has a handle on the situation.” As far as Pat Green is concerned, this is the best album he has ever done. The critics say he is right; his single “Let Me” is already number 13 on the charts. His favorite song, “Footsteps of Our Fathers,” was written with his friend, Brett James; “it’s the best song I’ve ever been a part of writing.” This song is his legacy, his story to his children.

Green released his first book, “Pat Green’s Dance Halls &Dreamers,” last year. The coffee table book is a look at Texas’ legendary music venues and the musicians who made them great. Each chapter documents a venue’s history, atmosphere, and individual charm. Green shares memories of each venue and gives readers a glimpse into his favorite, Gruene Hall. Billy Bob’s Texas, Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, and Luckenbach (where Green was married) are also highlighted. Interviews with honky-tonk heroes like Ray Wylie Hubbard, Kevin Fowler and Jack Ingram add flavor to the book. “I love those old dance halls,” Green says. They’re where life slows down and people seem to have a better sense of reality. I see those great old hardwood floors and know that’s where a lot of our granddaddies walked. I love it!”

Despite performing for large crowds year-round, there is still one show that gives Green butterflies. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo still scares me to death, but I look forward to it,” he says. “I’ll never forget the first time I performed there … about ten minutes before I went on, Kori told me we were pregnant with our first baby. I swear I don’t remember that performance at all—I have no idea how I made it through.”

Pat Green believes in the American dream. He aspires to continue to grow and, “be involved in the everlasting chase to be bigger than I am, to be better than I am.” Though much of his life is spent traveling and playing his music, he has never lost his contagious enthusiasm for life or excitement for each new performance and audience. His music pays homage to those who have cleared the path and made him the man he is today.

Throughout history writers have tried to define beauty through poetry and prose. In the novel “Molly Bawn,” Margaret Wolfe Hunferford wrote, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and many writers and philosophers have expressed different versions of the same sentiment. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Beauty, like supreme dominion, is but supported by opinion” and in the words of Shakespeare, “Beauty is bought by judgement of the eye.” In a more eloquent description of the essence of beauty, John Keats wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Its loveliness increases. It will never pass into nothingness.” We at H Texas define beauty as the ability to spread joy, lift spirits, encourage and inspire, and we measure it through service to mankind. With that definition in mind, we present our fourth annual 25 Most Beautiful Houstonians. The men and women on our list for 2008 make our city a more beautiful place through their courage, talent, creativity and devotion to communities in need.

1. LACY BAIRD: Real estate manager and third generation Houstonian Lacy Baird has received regional and national honors for more than 35 years of devotion to Arabian horses. Her other passion is giving back to the community. At the Houston Polo Club, Baird has chaired events for the Sunshine Kids and Casa de Esperanza and fund-raisers for Friends of Hermann Park, Citizens for Animal Protection, Baylor College of Medicine and other organizations. Her newest endeavor is the fight against cancer. Her paternal aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer; her mother with breast cancer. Baird recently tested positive for a rare gene mutation called BRCA, which puts her at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She plans to devote her life to educating, writing about and raising money for breast and ovarian cancer research. With medical treatment and a positive outlook, she will fight to live a long life for her 2-year-old daughter, Stella.

2. MARIA BUSH: The always-busy wife of Neil Bush and mother of two young children finds time to work as a community volunteer. A bundle of enthusiasm and energy, she loves working with the charity started by her mother-in-law, The Barbara Bush Family Literacy program. She is also active in the March of Dimes, Kick Start, Arrow Project, Points of Light and the Children’s Assessment Center.

3. CONNIE COOKE: Well-known as a writer and equally notable for volunteer work, fund-raising and community service, Cooke has chaired the University of Houston Moores School of Music Gala, the Silver Grace Hope Foundation luncheon, the Lone Star Wildlife Rescue Evening, the Trees of Light for the Hospice at the Texas Medical Center, the Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston luncheon, the Houston Symphony Maestro Collection luncheon and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Gala. She co-chaired the Cancer League luncheon and the Symphony Scores Dinner Series and serves on the board of Summerridge Houston and the Houston Humane Society. This is her fourth year on the board of the Partnership for Baylor College of Medicine.

4. ANDY CORDES: “The shining light of Gittings” tries to avoid the spotlight, but has contributed greatly to the success of many charitable organizations. “I am just an ordinary guy from a small Midwest town who is privileged to be associated with an extraordinary company serving a notable clientele,” he says. “I cherish the opportunities to assist our leaders make a difference in our community, and we take every opportunity to do what we can to help.” That help has been showered on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Houston Children’s Charities, Baylor College of Medicine and many other organizations.

5. FRANCI CRANE: During her 20-year legal career, the Houston Press named her one of the “women lawyers who men fear.” Today she spends most of her time volunteering in the community. An ardent champion of the arts, Crane sits on the executive committees of the Alley Theatre, Houston Grand Opera, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Imprint, Inc. She is also a board member of Communities in Schools, Bo’s Place and the Episcopal Health Charities. She chaired the Alley Theatre’s Capital Campaign, and with help from her husband, Jim, the opera’s Heavenly Ball.

6. FULTON DAVENPORT: President of PWL Studio and one of Houston’s most respected and requested photographers, Davenport is committed to our charitable community. “Anyone can give money, but to give of one’s actual time and expertise is a much rarer find,” Fulton says. He helps the Boys and Girls Harbor, an organization providing safe harbor to child victims of family violence and abuse. Close to his heart is the Family to Family Network, which provides information, referrals, counseling, training and support to families who have children with disabilities and illnesses. Fulton supports arts organizations and urges everyone to get involved with one of his favorite projects, Elves and More. “The Christmas bicycle-giving soiree is an amazing event, and anyone reading this should plan on helping next year. It is so moving and is a perfect way to share your life’s blessings with those in need during the holiday season,” he says.

7. SYLVIA FORSYTHE: Many of Houston’s gala committee chairs and members call her a “fairy godmother.” While her job as public relations and fashion manager for Saks Fifth Avenue automatically involves her in a variety of fund-raisers and functions, she has personal favorites: Key to the Cure, supporting the Cancer Center at St. Luke’s, the Crohns and Colitis Winter Ball, The Bridge, The Trailblazer Committee luncheon, the Houston Ballet and Texas Children’s Hospital. Forsythe’s loving heart and passion for charity have endeared her to all who know her.

8. KENNETH GAYLE: As written in the Chicago Sun Times, “Neither scenery nor intricate lighting is required when a singing actor of his caliber takes the stage.” Hailed as one of the faces to watch, Gayle is accumulating accolades in his rising opera, concert and stage career. As a cast member of the staged concert Three Mo’ Tenors, he appeared on the TV broadcast of the NAACP Image Awards. Even with a packed 2008 performance schedule including stops in Baltimore, Bethesda, Seattle and Houston, Gayle makes time to volunteer. He served as artistic director/performer for Cabaret for a Cure benefiting AIDS Foundation Houston, performing artist for the Mukuru Arts for AIDS series, guest performer/student mentor for the Over the Rainbow fund-raiser supporting Yellowstone Academy, guest performer with KUHF Ensemble in fund-raising concerts at the Menil and the Evin Thayer Studios, and adjudicator for the NAACP Academic, Cultural and Technical (ACT) Scholastic Olympics.

9. KIRSTEN GUERRA: After graduating with honors from TCU, Guerra worked in New York and Dallas before returning to Houston to work in real estate. Inspired by her mother’s acts of community service, she began volunteering with Kappa Kappa Gamma for many charitable events and organizations. She volunteers for Special Olympics, Cystic Fibrosis, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Children’s Assessment Center.

10. JANET GURWITCH: Prior to founding Gurwitch Products, the company that produces, manages and markets Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Skincare, Janet Gurwitch was the executive vice president of merchandising for Neiman Marcus, overseeing ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes and cosmetics departments. She is on the boards of the University of Texas Health Science Center and the Girl Scouts of America. She chaired the Child Advocates luncheon fund-raiser and is active in the Alexis de Tocqueville Society. She co-chairs the March of Dimes Best Dressed luncheon next year.

11. LISA HOLTHOUSE: A native Houstonian, Holthouse devotes much of her time to the Holthouse Foundation for Kids, which serves at-risk youth through character education and life skills programs. The foundation has worked with the Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Achievement Place, KIPP Academy, YES Academy, Provision, Boys & Girls Club and Family Service Center. Holthouse served as a national board member for After-School All-Stars, as well as chair of the local board. She has served on the board of AIDS Foundation Houston and serves as vice chair and co-founder of Prepared 4 Life. She has chaired fund-raisers for both After-School All-Stars, Children’s Museum, AFH Houston and Prepared 4 Life.

12. VICTORIA NAU JOHNSON: A love of animals and the outdoors drives her to lend her talents, energy and resources to Citizens for Animal Protection, Ducks Unlimited and the Coastal Conservation Association. Johnson also serves on the Victory Committee of the American Cancer Society and the RNC Roundtable. She is a board member of Jr. VolunTIRR and The Good Samaritan Center and a member of the Junior League of Houston. Heavily involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Johnson serves as a committeeman on the Breeders Greeters and Parade committees and team captain on the Corporate Development Committee. She and her husband, Parker, chaired the Ben Johnson Memorial Cowboy Classic Cutting, raising record-setting funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

13. Jennifer Jumonville: Deciding at an early age to devote her life to children, Jumonville began her career as a third grade teacher at St. Francis Episcopal Day School. As director of development at the Westview School, she worked with children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PCD), such as autism, and other communication disorders. She volunteers for Camp John Marc, the Children’s Museum Family Night, Texas Children’s Hospital, YMCA Camp Rainbow, Diabetes Day Camp, Junior League of Houston and the Grace Bible Church. She also volunteers on mission trips to South Africa.

14. ROB LANDES: Pianist, organist, arranger, conductor and published composer, Landes is one of the best-known musicians in Houston. He was the keyboardist for the rock group Fever Tree, whose four albums are still heard worldwide. The Rob Landes Trio has performed in venues all over the country. Landes has been collaborating with Dr. Sidney Berger for eight years, writing musicals for the Children’s Theatre Festival at the University of Houston. He has been the organist/artist-in-residence at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston since 1996. Landes performs about 75 concerts each year, either as a solo performer or with his Trio, to raise funds for various organizations. His musical gifts, wit and generous heart contribute greatly to the hometown he loves.

15. CARMEN MARIA LECHIN: She is a former Miss Venezuela, Miss South America and was second runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant. An award-winning broadcast journalist, Lechin is on the advisory board of the Latin Women’s Initiative and chaired their Fashion Show luncheon. She chaired the fashion committee for the Mexican Women’s Initiative (MWI), is the president and founder of The Maecenas, MFAH, a support group for the Latin American Art Department, chairman of the concert committee of Virtuosi of Houston, board committee member of Success Scholarships Center, which raises scholarship funds for low-income Hispanic students, board member of Virtuosi of Houston, an organization raising funds for the education of young musicians, member of the Smithsonian Institute, chaired an event for The Rainforest Foundation, and created and developed Fundación las Misses, a fundraising organization helping pediatric hospitals buy equipment. She chairs the Institute of Hispanic Culture’s Gala de las Americas in October.

16. MICHAEL MCCLURE: Director of Tiffany & Company, Galleria, McClure grew up in Beaumont in a single-parent home. He attended nine schools in 12 years, and though going to college seamed like the impossible dream, he was determined to get a degree. After honorably serving his country in the US Navy, he moved to Houston, attended The University of Houston, and received his certification from the Gemological Institute of America in diamond and colored stone grading. In 1993 McClure joined Tiffany & Co. where he worked as a security officer for more than five years before becoming the operations manager. People often ask how he went from security guard to director of the whole store. His philosophy, which he teaches to kids in many community outreach efforts (which include the Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund and the United Negro College Fund, among others) is to “be determined, have a strong desire and jump-start yourself!”

17. MICA MOSBACHER: An advocate for abused children and former victim herself, Mosbacher gives a voice to those who have been hurt. She chaired the inaugural event for Texans Against Sexual Abuse in Houston. Her impact on our community is large; she serves on the boards or committees of an array of organizations and institutions. For more than 10 years she has been a member of the National Council of Best Friends, a character education program, and spearheaded the group that brought the program to seven schools in Houston. For many years she has chaired the Best Friends Gala in Washington, D. C. She has chaired many record-breaking charitable fund-raisers here and has hosted countless events in her home for the Houston Ballet, Museum of Fine Arts, Strake Jesuit Capital Campaign and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

18. DARRYL MURCHISON: Fourteen years ago Murchison started creating holiday floral arrangements in his parents’ garage. He sold them to apartment complexes and hotels. Today his company, Darryl Murchison Design, produces events all across the country. He gives much credit for his success to his “incredible” staff. Always wanting to give back to the community, Murchison donates his time, creativity and resources to the International Special Events Society and the National Association for Catering Executives. In addition, he donates and designs for Child Advocates, American Heart Association, Houston Children’s Charity, Citizens for Animal Protection, the Memorial Hermann Foundation, American Red Cross and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

19. JOEL OSTEEN: He has been called “America’s voice of hope” and recognized as one of The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2006 by Barbara Walters. Osteen and his wife, Victoria, are the pastors of America’s largest church, Lakewood Church in Houston. Through weekly televised sermons, his New York Times best sellers, sold-out international speaking tours and weekly podcasts, he inspires tens of millions of people in more than a hundred nations. While Joel and Victoria support many charities, they’re focused on building a shelter for troubled teens with Mercy Ministries, founded by Nancy Alcorn.

20. FRAN FAWCETT PETERSON: During her 18 years in Houston media, Peterson fought to get desperately needed coverage for charities and the arts. She grew up with a passion for fund-raising, collecting money for the March of Dimes at age four and selling turkey raffle tickets for her school when she was eight. She has helped the Houston Grand Opera, Opera in the Heights, Wellsprings, Stages, Susan G. Komen, CCFA, Northwest Assistance Ministries, M. D. Anderson Cancer Research Center and DARE. She serves on the executive board of the Symphony Society and is a member of the Houston Symphony League, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, the Ballet Guild and the fund-raising committee of Victory, a branch of the American Cancer Society. She and her husband, Phillip, are avid supporters of Rice University’s Baker Institute, The University of Houston Law School and the Moores School of Music. They chaired the 2004 Houston Symphony Ball.

21. RACHEL REGAN: “I get so much satisfaction from community, family and charity, because you get back so much more than you give,” Regan says. Motivated by a deep love of animals, she chaired the Citizens for Animal Protection Gala last year, served on the Capital Campaign Committee to raise funds for the new CAP shelter, co-chaired the first Derek Dog fund-raiser luncheon for CAP and served as honoree ambassador for the organization this year. She serves as the provisional chairman of the Junior League of Houston, member of the board of directors of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital Friends of Nursing, and is a founding board member of Women of Wardrobe, which supports Dress for Success Houston. She is a guild member of the Houston Ballet, the Zoo Friends Guild, the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society and the Baylor Women’s Association of Houston.

22. DANIELLE SHBEEB: Owner and president of The Perfect Face makeup and hair studio, Shbeeb travels often as the official makeup artist for Miss Texas USA, Miss Texas Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss Universe and many other beauty contests worldwide. She is a charter member of the Deaf Blind Children’s Fund and supports and volunteers for the Justice Foundation, DePelchin Children’s Center, Get Tough Project (campaign against childhood obesity) and the Sunshine Kids. She says giving back is her lifelong endeavor.

23. CAROL SAWYER: She started volunteering as a child, walking door to door with her mother collecting for various charitable causes. Sawyer has held every position on a fund-raising committee and believes they are all equally important, whether addressing envelopes, acquiring auction items, serving on boards or chairing events. Past president and current board member of The Partnership for Baylor College of Medicine, she serves on the advisory council of the Maxine Mesinger Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and is a member of the Cancer League Advisory Board. For three years she was vice chairman of the Wine Competition and Auction Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and has worked in many capacities for Houston Children’s Charity.

24. SUZANA BRENER DE STERN: From her parents who were involved community service in Mexico, Suzana Brener De Stern learned early to give to others. When she was only 8 years old she gave her bicycle to a poor child on the street. She has always known the vital importance of preserving the earth’s rain forests, which she has called “the lungs of the earth,” and it was when she chaired The Rainforest Foundation Gala in 2000 that her charity work and fund-raising blossomed. With a strong desire to make a difference, she has chaired the Institute of Hispanic Culture Gala and The Latin Women’s Initiative luncheon. A native Mexican, Suzana’s passion is helping Houston’s Hispanic community, but she is active in many diverse organizations, including Theatre Under the Stars, Hadassah, Victory, La Tremenda Radio, Keshel Elion School of Music, Challenge Aspen and her children’s schools. She and her husband, Juan, have opened their home to multiple organizations.

25. DELISE WARD: A native Houstonian, Ward discovered her love of photography while attending the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. When modeling in Paris, France, her interest in photography (behind the camera) was revived. She returned to Houston and built a strong reputation for fashion photography at both the Paige Parkes and Neal Hamil agencies. Known for her mastery of photography in natural light settings, she excels in fashion, editorial, commercial and family photography. In recent years, she has been an instructor and guest critic at the Houston Center for Photography. Known in the photographic community as generous and open-hearted, Ward commits her time and talent to worthy causes. Her favorite way to give back is by donating portraits to families at the Star of Hope Mission.

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