H-Texas Magazine » Scene

Discovery Green Gala leaves other galas green with envy

Laurette Veres — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:36:51 +0000

The popular downtown Houston park has been getting rave reviews since opening in spring 2008. The 12-acre park designed by Hargreaves Associates with design team PageSoutherlandPage and Lauren Griffith Associates features natural green spaces, dynamic programming, and a one-of-a-kind destination restaurant, The Grove. In 2009, the park marked its one millionth visitor, achieved LEED gold certification, and added helium-filled balloon rides to its seasonal menu including outdoor ice skating.

Proceeds from the biennial Gala on the Green benefit the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy to support the operations of the downtown park as well as the 400+ free events per year. Co-chairs Carolyn and Matt Khourie and Bobbie and John Nau and the Discovery Green Conservancy Board hosted VIP guests for a 7 p.m. cocktail reception on the Grace Event Lawn and then join more than 1,000 guests for an 8 p.m. dinner feast prepared by Jackson & Company and dancing to the tunes of Fried Ice Cream under the magnificent tent set up on the Jones Lawn of the park.

Dr. Rossman’s Birthday

Laurette Veres — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:31:40 +0000

Dr. Lucho Rossman celebrated his 40th birthday at Bombay Pizza Co. 914 Main tonight. The highlight of the evening was the karaoke machine. Dr. Franklin Rose got the party started by performing to Lady Ga Ga. He was outdone by sister of the birthday boy Jessica Rossman who serenaded her brother with her own rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”

Notables in the crowd: Gordon Bethune, Channel 11’s Courtney, Channel 13’s Miya Shay, Cindi Rose

Roseann Rogers

Assistant Editor — Sun, 02 Mar 2003 01:13:45 +0000

1. Cadeaux means “gift” in French, and that’s exactly how to describe this adorable shop with the same name. Owned and operated by one of my former colleagues, Paola Furber, who recently opened up her own advertising and PR agency called Furber Villarreal, Cadeaux offers handbags, jewelry, candles and more. Pictured (l to r) are: Cadeaux co-owners Paola Furber and Jonathan Stup

2. The sixth annual luncheon for the Society for the Performing Arts was a huge success at Houston Country Club. The authors of the best-selling novel “The Nanny Diaries” were the guest speakers for the event. Hollywood is in the process of turning the popular book into a motion picture. Pictured (l to r) are: Chair Marcy Taub Wessel, authors Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus and SPA’s Toby Mattox.

3. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at West Alabama and Kirby is buzzing with business. The California-based restaurant officially opened its doors with a benefit for Child Advocates, Inc. One hundred percent of the proceeds went to the nonprofit group that provides a voice for abused children. Fleming’s also offers 100 wines by the glass. Pictured (l to r) are: Lisa Lin, Fleming’s operating partner Maeve Pesquera and Mike Mangum

4. Halliburton’s Professional Women’s Group has sponsored an event benefiting Dress for Success Houston for the past two years. Recently, Ocean Energy came on board as another sponsor. More than 200 women attended the event that raised $10,000 – enough to purchase 200 suits. Pictured (l to r) are: Halliburton community relations manager Ellie Francisco, Dress for Success co-founder Nancy Levicki and Ocean Energy vice president of communications Janice White

5. The Stanford Group USPA Silver Cup was celebrated in grand style at the Houston Polo Club. Top players from around the world, including actor Tommy Lee Jones, joined the best local talent for a match. The three days of activities even included a dinner at The Palm restaurant and a huge “Bayou Bash” at John and Leigh Anne Hall’s polo ranch. Pictured (l to r) are: Stanford Group’s Jay Comeaux, Dawn Laurel Jones along with her husband, Tommy Lee Jones

6. The future is big for the Alley Theatre. Its new, innovative Center for Theatre Production, covering 75,000 square feet, includes five floors devoted to the workshops, rehearsal halls and offices for artistic, production and administrative personnel, making it one of the largest contiguous theater support spaces in the country. Pictured (l to r) are: Composer and songwriter Frank Wildhorn and the Alley’s Gregory Boyd.

7. St. Joseph Hospital Foundation’s 36th annual gala, “Imprints of Paris,” was held at the Westin Galleria. The gala raised a record $375,000. The foundation presented Dr. James and Mary Barden Keegan with the first-ever Bishop Claude M. Dubois award. The Keegans have been a part of the Christus St. Joseph Hospital family for more than 40 years. Pictured (l to r) are: Michelle and Greg Elliott and Larry and Lyn Jones

Roseann Rogers

Assistant Editor — Thu, 02 Jan 2003 00:40:08 +0000

1. The Houston Polo Club and The Children’s Assessment Center Foundation hosted the 3rd Annual Polo Italia & Risotto Festival. First place in the risotto competition went to Melange Catering & Special Events. More than 500 guests attended the event, which raised $96,000 for the organization that helps sexually abused children. Pictured (l to r) are: Stephanie Millika and Dasha Scherfarberg.

2. One of Houston’s leading businessmen and philanthropists received the Ethical Leadership in Action Award from the University of St. Thomas during a special luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel. Pictured (l to r) are: University of St. Thomas president the Rev. J. Michael Miller, honoree Jack Blanton and chair of the Greater Houston Partnership, Jim Kollaer.

3. There’s a new boutique in town that?s all the buzz! Tracy Huffor and Michael Todd Smith design timeless dresses and evening gowns. Neiman Marcus is picking up their collection for several of its stores. Plus, one of their designs will be featured in the upcoming April edition Neiman Marcus catalog. If they were alive today, you?d probably see Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly shopping there. Pictured is Atelier Tracy & Michael located at 2015-B West Gray.

4. After having a $14 million face-lift, The Sam Houston re-opens its doors as a modern, luxury boutique hotel. The hotel offers 100 guest rooms, nine suites and a new home for chef John Shelly’s acclaimed Riviera Grill. Pictured (l to r) are: General manager Sam Schorr, VP and CEO of Spire Realty, Bill Franks, Mayor Lee Brown and owner Barbara Smith.

5. Houston Grand Opera supporters were transported to France and the Reign of Louis XIV to kick off the Opera’s annual white-tie gala, which will be held April 5. Pictured (l to r) are: Host Robert Taylor and gala chairs Shelly Anne and Irv Marks.

6. Treviso is open in the Texas Medical Center. The new restaurant, by the same folks who created Zula, hosted its grand opening with some 1,000 guests. Treviso is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. It?s located in the new John P. McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons Building. Picture (l to r) are: Mandy and George Ciotti, restaurateur David Edwards and Jennifer Ashkinazo.

7. A new sports newspaper hits Houston in February. Sports Scene will feature personal interviews with professional and amateur athletes, including high school. Sports personality Craig Roberts is a contributing editor. A launch party is set for Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Frankie Mandola’s on Kirby. Admission is $10, and proceeds benefit the Touchdown Club of Houston. For more information, give them a buzz at (713) 523-4499. Pictured (l to r) are: Publisher Nolan Ackman and Frankie Mandola.

Roseann Rogers

Assistant Editor — Wed, 02 Oct 2002 03:46:44 +0000

1. The 2002 National Cancer Survivors Day Luncheon celebration was hosted by the Friends of CanCare. The annual luncheon is more of a spirit raiser than a fund-raiser for those who’ve been affected by cancer. The event raised more than $10,000 for the cancer support network. This year’s guest speaker was actress and cancer survivor Barbara Barrie, who starred in the NBC sitcom “Suddenly Susan.” Pictured (l to r) are: CanCare board member Jane Lehto, CanCare president Nancy Tucker, Barbara Barrie and luncheon chair Cathy Harris.

2. The Covenant House Texas Guild put on another record-breaking event at the Westin Galleria Ballroom with this year’s spring gala, “Mosaics and Mirrors.” A crowd of more than 700 attended the big event, which brought in more than $420,000 for Covenant House Texas, an emergency crisis shelter for homeless and runaway teens. Pictured (l to r) are: Dana Strake, CHT board chairman George W. “Trey” Strake III and CHT executive director Ronda G. Robinson.

3. She’s making her way to the top of the charts and all over the country. Latin singing sensation Shakira sported a ripped “Led Zepplin” T-shirt when she stopped by the 104 KRBE studios to visit the morning show. She chatted about fame, fortune, her new single, as well as her U.S. tour that included a concert in Houston. Pictured (l to r) are: KRBE’s Lesley Brotamante, Tracy Austin, Shakira, Leslie Whittle, Epic Records’ Mark Neiderhouser and promotions coordinator Tony Bracy.

4. Close to 500 guests gathered in the garden at Sally and Nathan Avery’s home to honor Josephine Powell Smith and to help raise money for Teach For America. Smith has worked hard to help children growing up in low-income communities get a good education. Teach For America founder and president Wendy Knopp came in from New York to recognize Smith’s contributions in the Houston area. Pictured (l to r) are: Kara and Ray Childress. Photo by: Jeff Fitlow
5. It was an action-packed grand opening for Community National Bank in Bellaire. Highlights included performances by cheerleading squads, a flag ceremony and dance routines by the Bellaire Belles. Bellaire City Council member Cynthia Siegel presented a proclamation declaring “Community National Bank Day.” Pictured (l to r) are: bank president Randy Dobbs, Channel 13 consumer reporter Marvin Zindler and CNB CEO Frank G. Cook.

6. The National Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners awarded Houston’s own Page Parkes-Eveleth from the Page Parkes Corp. with its highest honor. Parkes-Eveleth was named 2002 Business Owner of the Year. For 21 years, the Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting has been a household name both locally and nationally in the fashion and commercial industry. Pictured (l to r) are: Todd Ramos, Shannon Fergason, Tabitha Pagel, Page Parkes-Eveleth, Michelle Rogers, Myrna Phillips and Rachel Duran.

Roseann Rogers

Assistant Editor — Fri, 02 Nov 2001 04:04:22 +0000

1. The Palm celebrated its 75th birthday with its loyal customers. Guests feasted on the Palm?s signature Surf ?n Turf, also with all the trimmings. The highlight of the evening was the birthday cake and a champagne toast by general manager Jim Martin. Server Joe Malheiro, who?s been with the Palm for nearly 25 years, entertained everyone by telling stories about the restaurant and its many celebrity visitors. Pictured (l to r) are: Jennifer Knobloch, executive chef Everardo Aviles, general manager Jim Martin and Mark La Rue.
2. Wells Fargo takes “center stage” at this year?s Ballunar Liftoff Festival. It?s 100 feet tall, 90 feet from the front wheel to the back wheel. It weighs 850 pounds without air and without the basket. It takes a crew of 25 just to inflate the balloon, and it can carry two passengers plus the pilot. But guess what, ladies? They actually ask your weight! This was the second year the financial service company participated in the festival. Pictured: Wells Fargo?s balloon “Cent?r Stage”
3. A.D. Players premiered the new Tony-winning Broadway musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” It?s, of course, based on one of America?s all-time favorite comic strips. A.D. Players is a professional company made up of about 40 members. The adult theater performs four major productions throughout the year. This month you can check out a new work created by the company?s artistic director, Jeannette Cliftgeorge, called “Christmas at Grace.” For ticket information call the box office at (713) 526-2721. Pictured (l to r) are: actors Adam Estes and Rebekah Dahl.
4. The Houston BMW Group, which includes Advantage BMW Clear Lake and Downtown, BMW of Houston North and Momentum BMW, honored local heroes for their outstanding efforts in the fight against breast cancer. Nine Houston-area groups and individuals were honored at the Fifth Annual BMW Ultimate Drive Breakfast at the River Oaks Country Club benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Pictured (l to r) are: previous honoree Linda Grayson, North Houston BMW?s Joe Irpino and previous honoree Carolyn Farb.
5. Rice Bar?s grand opening celebration was a one-hit wonder with a packed house. The event also was a fundraiser for the Downtown Houston Historic District Association. The night began with a ribbon cutting with proprietor Jeffery Yarbrough and general manager Raul Herrea. Rice Bar is located at 909 Texas Ave. in the historic Rice Lofts next door to Liberty Noodles. It offers specialty drinks and cocktails. Pictured (l to r) are: Guy Mahaffey, Temy Johnson, Jessica Marquez and Marie Myers.
6. The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program’s project to help control animal overpopulation on the Navajo Nation was profiled in the documentary film “Desert Dogs.” SNAP held the premiere of the film by Austin filmmaker Julia Hilder with a special event at Studios at the Lakes. The Navajo Nation spans 18 million acres across three states. With poverty and unemployment at all-time highs, the lack of funding for veterinary programs has created a dog and cat overpopulation crisis on the Nation. Pictured is a member of the Navajo Nation bringing in her cat for wellness care.

The Buzz by Roseann Rogers

Assistant Editor — Tue, 02 Oct 2001 03:50:48 +0000

1. Wining and dining with a national food writer. John Mariani, food and travel columnist for Esquire magazine, restaurant columnist for Wine Spectator magazine and author of several food-related books, was the special guest at the Remington Grill at the St. Regis Hotel. The evening was inspired by his latest cookbook, “The Italian-American Cookbook: A Feast of Food From a Great American Cooking Tradition.” Remington Grill executive chef Toby Joseph created a multi-course menu from the book for all the guests to enjoy. Pictured (l to r) are: St. Regis’ Susan Ward and John Mariani. Photo by: Kim Coffman.
2. Former WWF superstar takes over the Houston airwaves. Shawn Michaels is big and bulky, but he’s also a really nice guy. Better known to wrestling fans as “The Heartbreak Kid,” he?s no longer in the WWF ring but is still wrestling. Actually, he’s formed his own wrestling school in Texas. As busy as he might be, he came by KRBE to talk on the radio about his new ventures. Pictured (l to r) are: KRBE’s Maria Todd and Shawn Michaels.
3. The Society of the Performing Arts hosted its 2001 Ball, “An Enchanting Evening,” at the Double Tree Hotel on Post Oak Boulevard. All the proceeds from the annual gala benefited the SPA. Cartier not only provided gifts for all the guests, but stunning models strutted their stuff during the cocktail reception wearing an array of Cartier jewels. The event raised more than $450,000, a new record for the fundraiser. Pictured (l to r) are: Honorees Dick and Belle Johnson and chairpersons Steve and Leticia Trauber.
4. Local little girl hits the big time! Skye McCole Bartusiak has three feature films and two television movies to her credit. Her latest release will be “The Affair of the Necklace,” featuring Academy award-winning actress Hillary Swank, Jonathan Pryce and Christopher Walken. The other two feature films are “Riding in Cars With Boys” with Drew Barrymore and “Don’t Say a Word” with Michael Douglas. The two television movies are “Beyond The Prairie II,” which was shot in Austin, and “Firestarter Part 2.” I first met Skye a couple of years ago after she worked with Mel Gibson on “The Patriot.” This talented 10-year-old definitely is on her way to becoming a big star. Pictured (l to r) are: Skye McCole Bartusiak and Pat Richardson on the set of the made-for-television movie “Blonde.”
5. Gotta have the shoes! Velvet Slipper, a new specialty boutique in Uptown Park, opened its doors with a fun and festive fashion show. Owner Vivian Wise cleverly created a runway where you could only see the models from their knees down. Wise is a native Texan who recently closed her store of the same name in Boulder, Colo., to relocate to Houston, where her family resides. Among the lines she features are Badgley Mischka, Moshino, Graye and Dolce Gabbana. Pictured (l to r) are: Cathy Borlenghi and Vivian Wise.
6. The Sweetwater Country Club celebrated the sport of golf at a recent meeting of the National Association of Catering. To get into the spirit of things, the director of catering decided to really dress the part. She sported a costume made out of fake grass with golf balls. Pictured is: Sweetwater Country Club Director of Catering Amber Fraser.