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SixpentzBand From The 60’s

PERSON OF THE YEAR

BUCKET LIST 2010

TONY’S TURNS 45

GREEN LEADERS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

jan/feb 2010

RODEO UNCORKED!

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Pioneering Green BuildersArts & EntertainmentPerson of the YearBoys in the BandRodeo UncorkedTony’s Turns 45Bucket ListThe BuzzInvesting

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LETTER This issue Intown pays homage to the things that have always made Houston great and to those that are just beginning to leave a mark on our city. The New Year is about moving forward. In keeping with this, we’ve included a piece on the emerging green building scene—something that will improve the health of our city and the way we live. There is a piece by Morgan Stanley’s Brenda Jackson on the new conditions of a Roth IRA—a way to turn nondeductible contributions into additional savings that can end in tax-free income-- information that will keep your wallet healthy, so be sure to read. We’ve also decided to feature our new mayor, Annise Parker, as Intown’s person of the year. Her integrity and talent epitomize the progressive direction in which we hope this city will continue to move. Also featured this month are institutions that define our city. From Greenway Plaza’s iconic Tony’s to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to Roseann Roger’s social “Buzz,” we take a look at the die-hard anchors that typify Houston culture. The cover shoot is a case in point. Rodeo fixture Michael Briggs, Intown publisher Mike Haines and Premiere model Meagan VanZandt visited Goode’s Armadillo Palace, the place to go for country in town. They had a great time goofing off with the camera while passing motorists on Kirby Drive honked and rubber-necked. They also took a tip from Rodeo Uncorked’s Stephanie Earthman Baird and sampled some of the restaurant/bar’s best vintages. Writer Marene Gustin learned the history behind not just Tony’s but the Hous-ton scene pre-Galleria and Reliant, an amusing contrast between the city’s plethora of upscale restaurants and the way it used it be. April Canik and Susan Murphy wrap things up with their “Houston Bucket List,” classic and contemporary endeavors that delineate the best of our divergent city. In keeping with new for the New Year, Intown now has an online counterpart to our printed magazine, our off-month e-dition. This new feature, together with the website and the bi-monthly you are now holding, completes our triad of repositories on Houston life. If you are not already on our list, send an email to intownmagazine@gmail.com and we will gladly add you.

EDITORTess Regan

ON THE COVER:Model – Meagan VanZandt / Premiere Models

Outfit provided by Cavender’s Boot City /www.cavenders.com

Photographer – David M. JacksonArt Direction – Michael Briggs / AD IN Marketing

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PublisherM. A. Haines

EditorTess Regan

Web DesignJay Ford

Layout & DesignIrene Yang

ContributorsApril Canik

Marene GustinBrenda JacksonSusan Murphy

Roseann Rogers

PhotographersDavid M. Jackson

Colt CubillosTammy Price

Advertising7��-���-8607

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Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media at ���� Vine St., Suite ��0, Houston, TX 7700�. Articles are welcomed and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolic-ited materials. Material submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. You can also email in-townmagazine@gmail.com. Copyright �0�0 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from Intown Magazine. Space reservation deadline for all issues is the �� days prior to the publication date. Final closing deadline for ads that are not camera-ready is the �th of the preceding month.

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PublisherM. A. Haines

EditorTess Regan

Web DesignJay Ford

Layout & DesignIrene Yang

ContributorsApril Canik

Marene GustinBrenda JacksonSusan Murphy

Roseann Rogers

PhotographersDavid M. Jackson

Colt CubillosTammy Price

Advertising7��-���-8607

intownmagazine@gmail.com

Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media at ���� Vine St., Suite ��0, Houston, TX 7700�. Articles are welcomed and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Material submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self addressed envelope. You can also email intownmaga-zine@gmail.com. Copyright �0�0 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from Intown Magazine. Space reservation deadline for all issues is the �� days prior to the publication date. Final closing deadline for ads that are not camera-ready is the �th of the preceding month.

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The Buzz

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By Roseann Rogers

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Art of Conversation - The CityArtWorks Art of Conversation was all the buzz at the Junior League of Houston. More than 30 well-known celebrity con-versationalist and close to 300 guests helped raise money for at-risk children in the Houston area. 1) Connie Reddy, Roseann Rogers,Vicky Dyer-Smtih,Ann Boss. 2) Skip Wagner, Roseann Rogers, Mia Bering. 3) Sheriff Adrain Garcia and Kathy Schenck.

Red Hot Ferrari Festival at Highland VillageMore than 1,000 car aficionados perused a rare assortment of 50 pre-emi-nent Italian automobiles ranging from vintage Ferrari classics to sleeker new models. 4) Haidar Barbouti, Rebecca Spera and Michael Kemper. 5) Festival Shot. 6) Lynn and Bob Keener. 7) Lisa McCoy. 8) Nancy Valobra. *Photo credit: Fulton Davenport. Festival Shot Photo credit: Aaron Courtland

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Stehlin Foundation Gala - More than 500 guests dusted off their cowboy boots and gathered at the Westin Galleria for The Friends of Stehlin Foundation 29th Annual Gala. 1) Robert Earl. 2) Sam and Wendy Aquillano, Rachel Bibb, Darrell and Peggy Delahoussaye. 3) Brad Kaufman, Taylor Hood, Travis Goff. 4) Kathryn McCarter, David Hartland. 5) Katie Clifford, Jacki Evans, Kendelle Tekstar.

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Dress for Success - The event was held at River Oaks Country Club. More than 350 guests attended the event, raising $370,000 to support this year’s theme of “Pinstripes + Pearls = Success.” 1) Mark and Cristiana Anderson. 2) KPRC Local 2 anchor Rachel Mc-Neill and Roseann Rogers. 3) Holly Thompson and Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary.

World AIDS Day Luncheon - Close to 300 guests attended the luncheon at the Four Seasons. Houston’s Channel 55 Lara Bell co-chaired the luncheon that raised more than $120,000 for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. 4) David Underwood, Jr, Diann Lewter, David Underwood, Sr. 5) Joan Marshak, Bob Devlin, Liz Zaruba. 6) Imogen Papadopoulos, Ed Smith, Lorraine Wulfe. *Photo credit: Dalton DeHart.

Galleria Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cuttings -7) Joystix- Charles Kalas, Don Sweat, Linda White. 8) Bennie Ferrell Catering- Amber Boyd, Mary Joyce Murray, Jack Younger, Cynthia Ferrell, Renee Ferrell, Kevin Wright, Claudene Greenwood, Don Sweat. 9) Prime Lending- Dana Zimmerman, Karol Dooley, Don Sweat*Photos and names provided by Galleria Chamber of Com-merce.

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f The TIRZ of Upper Kirby District celebrat-

ed “Finished At Last,” on Kirby Drive with a ceremonial lighting of the new trees planted along the widened heart-of-town thoroughfare. Pictured Chairman, Buddy Bailey, and Director of the Upper Kirby District, Jaime Brewster. *Photo credit: Night Sky Creative

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The Sixpentz Members

Lead Guitar + Vocals RogerRomano

Drummer MikeCemo

Keyboards JimAskins

Bass JohnT.Bonno

Guitar PaulGuillet

Guitar HaroldKingham

oday when we think of the local music scene we think Beyoncé, hip-hop and Lyle Lovett.

But if you were in Houston in the mid 60’s, maybe hanging out at the La Masion Au Go Go club (in an old church in what we now call Midtown), you

may have been swaying to the sounds of Sixpentz. It was a typi-cal 60’s rock and roll mop-haired boy band that had a top �00 hit in “Summer Girl,” and was described on the charts as “a sunny little combo with a sound that’s like some of the best California artists of their generation.”

But so many one-hit-wonders end up disappearing into the abyss of music lore that it makes you wonder, where are the Sixpentz today? Two of the original members took very different paths: lead singer Roger “Rock” Romano stayed in the music industry and today has his own recording studio while drummer Mike Cemo is the retired president and CEO of AIM Distributors, Inc. and a former University of Houston regent (as in the about to open Cemo Hall). And, oddly enough, they have a new CD out.

The Boys in the Band WhateverHappenedtothe60’sSixpentz?You’dbeSurprised. byMareneGustin

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Houston in the 60’s was a booming place. The increased busi-ness at the port during World War II was spurring growth and the world spot light shone bright when NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center opened here in ��6� in what is now the city’s Parks and Recreation Department headquarters and again with the opening of the world’s first domed sports stadium — the Astrodome — in ��6�.

It was a time when the city’s opera and ballet were beginning to thrive and also a time when rock and roll was seeping into the mainstream.

“We were just right there when the whole Beatles phenomenon hit,” says Romano. “Thousands of kids where sitting in their rooms with guitars and we were right there in the middle of the whole culture change.”

At the band’s zenith it played country clubs and high school proms, cut singles and even opened for the likes of Paul Revere and the Raiders. But before all that the key boys in the band were just high school kids trying to get girls.

“In ��6� we were at St. Thomas,” Cemo remembers, “sitting in study hall thinking why we weren’t dating enough girls and we thought starting a band would help.”

Cemo went out and bought a snare drum and took a few lessons. Jim Askins played keyboard and Romano played guitar. A few other friends rounded out what they called the Jim Askins Com-bo. It was fun but after graduation they drifted away, most into serious study mode. Cemo went to UH while Romano went off to seminary then returned to Houston to study at the University of St. Thomas. But by midyear he realized that just wasn’t for him.

“That’s when we got back together and started playing seriously,” says Romano.

They called the band Sixpentz, although there was some confu-sion over the name after some early posters spelled it Six Pents. But that didn’t matter because Houston was suddenly in love with the guys who sang Beach Boy covers and did five-part harmo-nies. Romano recalls that it was a pretty heady time. “We made a $�00 a night, twice a week. That was a lot of money then. We paid for our garage apartments and college.”

Cemo was making three times as much money as his dad, a barber, and drove a 66 Corvette Coupe. They played gigs in Texas and Louisiana, recorded a few singles and yes, got a few girls. Both Cemo and Romano remember playing gigs where girls went crazy and swamped them and where some country boys took offense to the girls throwing themselves at the longhaired musicians. Once the highway patrol had to keep watch while they loaded out, although that, and some similar stories may have grown over the years.

“I guess the thing I remember most,” says Cemo, “was opening for the British Invasion Tour with Herman’s Hermits and The Animals at the old Coliseum. They had ��,000 screaming fans in there.”

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Left Photo:Clockwise from top left: Harold Kingham, Roger “Rock” Romano, John Bonno, Jim Askins, Paul Guillet, and Mike Cemo. All photos provided by Mike Cemo.

“All I remember was the girls screaming,” says Romano. “I couldn’t hear a thing. Mike had to take the count because the mic was up by the drums on this plat-form.”

“I was about �� to �0 feet above the stage,” Cemo recalls. “It was wonderful. We played six songs and it went really well. At the end I threw my drumsticks into the audience and leaped off the plat-form.”

And almost onto the main attraction.“I’m falling through the air and I see Peter Noone below me. All I can think is that ‘great, I’m going to be known as the guy who killed Herman!’ I fell right at his feet and rolled across the floor as he gave me a dirty look!”

“Maybe that story has gotten a little ex-panded over the years,” laughs Romano. “But he did jump off that platform!”

After college the group split up. Bass play-er John T. Bono went into law, Cemo into finance, Askins into the mortgage business in Colorado. Only Romano stayed with the music, having some success with a band called Doctor Rocket and the Sisters of Mercy. “But it stopped being fun after awhile,” he says. That’s when he returned to Houston and opened The Red Shack in ��88 in what is, literally, a red shack in the Heights, where he’s produced jazz, blues, R&B, techno, rap, commercial voice-overs and sound effects ever since.

And that might have been the end of the band. But as the St. Thomas group was planning it’s �0th high school reunion Romano thought it would be fun to get the guys together and record a CD to give away to their classmates, even though some of them hadn’t touched an instru-ment in decades. But they did it, and then five years later they recorded The Six-pentz: Summer Girl the Complete Record-ings and sold it on the Internet.

“Those songs just pull you back into the past,” Cemo says. “You remember where you were when you first heard them, they’re the songs we grew up with.” Plus, Romano says, they’re great to dance to.

And the record sold.

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Last year they got together again and recorded a new CD under the name Jim Askins Combo — Looking Back: Songs of the Sixties. It’s doing pretty well in Internet sales with both boomers and new audiences.

“But we’re all turning 6� this year,” Cemo says. “I think we’re probably done.”

Or not.

“The biggest blessing in this is that we’ve all gotten to be good friends again,” Romano says. “Hanging out and playing music.”

“I don’t want to wait so long to cut an-other one.”

And the beat goes on.

Looking Back: Songs of the Sixties is available at www.jimaskinscombo.com. The Sixpentz: Summer Girl the Complete Recordings is available on several Web sites including amazon.com.

JohnT.BonnoPaulGuillet

Mike Cemo

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ony Vallone’s eponymous eatery turns 45 this year and is still going strong, wowing foodies and hosting par-ties, ladies who lunch and anyone who just enjoys the

ambience and service that is synonymous with Tony’s. And this year the Galleria Chamber of Commerce recognizes this milestone by awarding the restaurant its 2010 Texas Legend accolade at a February 19 gala.

“Tony Vallone was a charter member and either he or Donna have served on our board since the Chamber was formed,” says Chamber President Don Sweat. “It was a natural choice.”

Renowned food and wine critic John Mariani will be the keynote speaker at the event, he’s been a Tony’s fan for more than a quarter of a century. “Early on I rec-ognized he was one of the most important restaurateurs in Houston,” Mariani says. “He has some of the finest Italian food in the country. He’ll do anything, pay any-thing, to get the finest ingredients.”

And while Tony’s is known for such delica-cies as the shaved white Alba truffles that grace the pasta each fall and the simple but divine lobster bisque as well as an unparalleled wine cellar, one thing many

Tony’s Venerable Eatery is a Texas Legend at 45

by Marene Gustin

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Tony’s on Post Oak

What do eight presidents, Pavarotti and Princess Margaret have in common?They — along with about half of Texas — have dined at Tony’sGalleria Chamber to honor 2010 Texas Legend at February Gala

Everyone Goes to ...

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diners don’t know is that the original Tony’s was just a casual hole-in-the-wall Italian joint on Sage Road where Macy’s now stands.Vallone, a native Houstonian of Neapolitan ancestry, did most of the cooking and pretty much everything else, including stuffing quarters into the utility meter out front to keep the juice to the icebox flowing. It was a time when oil was king, the Astrodome was opening and southwestern cuisine wasn’t even a twinkle in foodie eyes. Dining out meant Tex-Mex or steakhouses, and that might have meant that Tony’s would have stayed just a simple place for lasagna except for two things.

First, Vallone is a workaholic who just happens to love food. He studied, he ate, he cooked. And he spent every day in his restaurant. “You can’t run a restaurant from a boardroom, a computer or a golf course,” he says. And he didn’t.

The second thing was that his landlord, Ger-ald Hines, had a vision for an indoor mall. And, like everything Hines did, it was going to be Texas-sized. So when he started to clear the land to build the Galleria he moved Vallone and his little eatery to Post Oak Blvd.

“He was very influential in what I am today,” Vallone says. “He kept telling me I could do so much more. He took me to Chicago to all the best restaurants and he moved me to Post Oak.” And that’s where the legend really began. Vallone started to up the culinary talent in Houston, he added white tablecloths and trained his staff to be perfection in person. Houston took notice and so did the influential columnist Maxine Messinger, who became a personal friend and for years brought celebrities to Tony’s and wrote about the restaurant in bold face almost daily.

“He could have coasted along on the society crowd,” says Mariani. “But he didn’t. He kept getting better and better and opened new restaurants.”

In fact, Vallone begat an eatery empire: La Grigila, Grotto, Vallone’s and Anthony’s - all foodie havens and see-and-be-seen places. He also inspired an entire generation of chefs who sprang from his kitchen and have now opened their own eateries including such celebrities as Mark Cox and Monica Pope. Health problems slowed him down

and in 2004 he sold off most of the empire to Landry’s Inc., but he kept Tony’s and moved it to a new spectacular designed-from-the-ground-up location in Greenway Plaza.“I slowed down for awhile but now I’m back!” Vallone exclaims. And indeed he is. As Tony’s turns 45 this year he now shuttles back and forth between the famous foodie haven and his new Ciao Bello restaurant, while also serving on several nonprofit

boards and co-chairing galas with his lovely wife Donna. But on most days you’ll find the couple at Tony’s.Despite the white tablecloths and white truffles, the real appeal is that diners know they will get the best Italian food in Texas and the added benefit of being treated like neighborhood regulars. No matter if you’re a president or princess, you’ll be treated like royalty while tucking into a plate of the best pasta this side of Roma.

“We opened in 1965, I was the first to do seafood pasta. We had to buy our calamari from bait shops.”

Tony’s on Sage, 1965

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Do something...beneficial.

aTake control of your money. Learn financial principles at Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University in classes held throughout the Houston area. Hear testi-monies of changed lives that include free-dom from debt, paid off mortgages, com-pletely funded retirement and improved marriages. $�� for a lifetime membership. CONTACT: www.daveramsey.com

aConquer your fear of public speaking. If you would rather die that speak before a group it is time to shed your inhibitions and become more secure and marketable. Find your courage at one of many Toast-masters groups. CONTACT: http://www.toastmasters-d�6.org. Jody White, ACS, ALS, publicrelations@toastmasters-d�6.org

Do something...picturesque.

aFocus on photography. Houston photography enthusiasts, FotoFest �0�0 Biennial runs from March �� through April �� and includes exhibitions, forums, talks, film and video programs on con-temporary U.S. photography. CONTACT: 7��.���.����, http://www.fotofest.org

aBehold, a beautiful sight. The Wil-liams Water Wall in Houston’s Galleria area has been a lovely backdrop for pho-tographers, both professional and amateur since ��8�. Brides, prom goers, picnick-ers and out-of-towners have visited this spectacular 6�-foot-tall urban waterfall. CONTACT: �800 S. Post Oak Boulevard

“I have not yet begun to procrastinate.”

Think about it. What works as a thought-provoking t-shirt slogan can also describe an entire life-style. As �0�0 unfolds, perhaps it is time to stop with the ‘someday’ comments and focus on a few life goals: from lofty aspirations about changing the world to realistic and simple tasks to do for your own good (or just for fun).

If a true-to-life “Bucket List” is too much to tackle before the eggnog is completely gone, consider forming a ‘Houston Bucket List’ of things you have been meaning to do for months, years or even decades. Brainstorm a “To Do” list by yourself, or include the family in exploring your hometown.

There are new sights to see and old ones to revisit, and what better time than the present to get started.

Here are some ideas to jump-start your list:

Do something...retro. aTake a trip down memory lane. The Yale Street Grill in the Heights is a diner where you fondly remember – or will experience for the first time– gathering at the local soda fountain. Sit at the counter for breakfast, lunch, or stop in for a root beer float or strawberry soda. CONTACT: 7��-86�-����, ��00 Yale Street aVisit a one-room 1898 schoolhouse. A schoolmarm brings history to life with lessons as they may have been taught to our great-great grandparents. West Bay Common School Children’s Museum in League City offers a hands-on pen and ink lesson, reading at the recitation bench, slate lessons and spelling bees, with recess in the Barn Museum. $� admission. CON-TACT: �8�-���-����, www.oneroom-schoolhouse.org Do something...ethnic.aGo Greek. Houstonians can experi-ence authentic Greek food, wine, dancing exhibitions and artifacts at the ��th An-nual Houston Greek Festival on October 7-10 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. $� tickets; �� and under free.CONTACT: 7��-��6-��77, www.greek-festival.orgaRoad warriors, make it your way. At Kublai Khan’s Crazy Mongolian Stir-Fry, feast like Gengis Khan and his warriors did centuries ago. Pick your noodles, veg-gies, protein, zesty spices and sauces to build your own bowl of stir-fry and release them into the hands of capable chefs at the enormous sizzling grill. CONTACT: 7��-6�0-����, ��708 NW Freeway, www.kublaikhanstirfry.com

Houston’s Bucket List by

April Canik and Susan Murphy

ThenandAgainin2010:

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456 experience with lane-side bistro food

service, floor-to-ceiling video screens, light and video shows, private lounges and trendy bar. CONTACT: 7��-�6�-��07, bunkerhilllanes.com, ��� Bunker Hill

Do something...thoughtful.aGive the gift of time to cancer patients. Cancer Counseling Inc., a non-profit organization that offers free counseling to Houston area cancer patients and their families, needs volunteer clerical help for as much or little time as you can spare. Located inside Loop 6�0 on Richmond Avenue. CONTACT: Elizabeth Wilson, 7��-��0-�87�, www.cancercounseling.info

aFill out simple tax returns for low income Houstonians. If you like to work with numbers and help families and indi-viduals who need tax preparation assis-tance, this opportunity is for you. Volun-teers are trained as certified IRS volunteer tax preparers and are needed as little as three hours per week during tax season. CONTACT: Register online at http://www.neighborhood-centers.org

Do something...outdoors. aTake Rover to one of the 20+ area dog parks. Designated and built specifically for your dog to socialize and exercise safe-ly, these fenced, off-leash dog parks have a variety of amenities including swimming ponds, agility equipment, shaded seating and walking trails. CONTACT: info@houstondogpark.org or www.houstondog-park.orgaSoak up the beauty of the Houston/Galveston Bay area aboard a dinner cruise. One of the nicest, newest and larg-est luxury yachts in the area is known as the FantaSea and offers family-friendly and romantic excursions ranging from $�0-$70/person, including special music and cuisine. CONTACT: �8�-��8-�600 or www.thebigwhiteboat.com

Do something...savvy.aLet good deals come your way. From Houston Symphony tickets to personal training packages to healthy, ready-to-eat meals, Groupon delivers an e-mail to your inbox offering a heads up each day on ways to get what you want, generally for more than half the price. CONTACT: www.groupon.com/houston/aMore good deals for Houstonians. Fol-low Vicki Powers, Houston on the Cheap blogger, for fabulous deals on everything on food, magazines, movies, books, ad-mission fees and more. CONTACT: www.houstononthecheap.com or @HOUcheap on Twitter.

Do something...educational. aLearn something about your body. The Museum of Health & Medical Science is an interactive haven for the young and young-at-heart. Exhibits include a large walk-through view of the human body called the ‘Body Pavilion.’ Discussions and interactive talk sessions also feature the pros and cons of smoking habits, importance of a healthy lifestyle and many other workshops to educate visitors of all ages. CONTACT: 7��-���-����, info@thehealthmuseum.org, ���� Hermann Dr.aUpdate your computer skills. Feel like you are being left behind in the technology dust? The United Way of Houston offers one-day classes in Excel, Word, Quick-Books, PowerPoint and Dreamweaver – among others. Basics are taught in computer labs for a mere $70, sometimes as low as $�� during off-peak dates CON-

TACT: rchitty@unitedwayhouston.org

Do something....courageous. aView Houston from a hot air balloon. Several companies in town will take you up, up and away on a sunrise or sunset adventure some �00-�000 feet off the ground. Prices start from $�70 and op-tions range from basic to those complete with picnics or a grand finale champagne toast. CONTACT: Al Muir, Aeronaut, �8�-�6�-0080; AL@bearcreekballoons.netaPaint a masterpiece. Enjoy an evening of hands-on fun, friends and fine art at Pinot and Picasso. You bring the drinks and they provide the can-vas and the artist that will help you create your own version of the featured painting. A fun date night, family event or girls’ night out! Two-hour classes on Thursdays available for $��/painter; �-hour classes on Fridays are $��/painter. CONTACT: fun@pinotandpicasso.com, ��06 Taft, 7��-���-�76�

Do something...wacky. aCelebrate Halloween 2010 with a visit to the National Museum of Funeral His-tory. Visit a ��00s casket factory exhibit or learn how embalming was handled dur-ing Civil War times at this most unusual destination that is simultaneously creepy and fascinating. Open until � p.m. on most days for admission price of $7/child or $�0/adult. CONTACT: info@nmfh.org, ��� Barren Springs Drive, �8�-876-�06�.aEnjoy a “strikingly different” bowling experience. Several new bowling alleys in Houston are giving the nation’s most pop-ular indoor sport a new twist. AMF �00 Lanes in the Memorial area and Lucky Strike at ��0� San Jacinto offer an upscale

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n a culture where ‘going green’ is a growing concern, Houston is following the movement to its foundation—green build-ing. For those who don’t know, green building entails not just

energy and environmental efficiency but economic responsibility as well. It re-volves around a few key concepts, the first being conservation of energy and natural resources. Green homes use less energy and water by way of innovative design meant to use less and save more. That is to say, these homes are built with the mantra, ‘form follows function,’ and are meant to interact with their environment in a practi-cal way. Allow me to demonstrate. In a climate like our own—gruelingly hot and humid with the occasional hurricane thrown in, it makes little sense to build an East coast-style brownstone or spacious Southern ranch house. Bricks hold in warmth while

modern metal-sided homes reflect solar heat. Following this same line of thinking, it would be imprudent not to install solar panels and a rainwater collection system. Suffice to say green building takes advan-tage of a structure’s natural surroundings while treating them gently. Another principle has to do with the selection of materials that go into the building process. Selecting those readily at hand in your locale reduces energy, cost and damage to the environment. As Blake Horton of Dovetail Builders puts it, “in green construction, the elements of design and the materials selected create a synergy that ultimately yields a home that is not only of better quality, but also better for the environment.” Aside from the environment, building green saves money. Green homes garner lower insurance rates, friendly financing and government incentives for those that are LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy

and Environmental Design). They also cost you a lot less on utilities, as most of these are self-sustaining by the home. There are a handful of green builders in the city. Durable Residential Build-ers formed in 2008 (but represents over �0 years of building industry experience), part of a partnership with Texas A&M to find out how to build a home the ‘right way’ – and green. What they came up with is a building system that emphasizes strength, durability, comfort, safety and ef-ficiency-- all while staying cost-conscious. Their main focus is strength, something we can all appreciate in this hurricane prone city. Durable Residential’s system uses ICF (insulated concrete forms) walls that put six and a half inches of reinforced concrete between you and the environ-ment. They use Pella Hurricane Windows and the DECRA metal panel roof is a ��0mph, �0-year roof that sports a backup generator and offers comfort and safety to

Houston’s

Green Leaders

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fHCI uses ICF to strengthen walls, lessen noise and improve energy efficiency in their townhomes.

Durable Residential Builders’ rainwater collection systems and attics that maintain temperature for more useful storage.

by Tess Regan

Virginia Point Home

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the homeowner. Not only are these roofs built to last, but they are excellent insula-tors as well, saving that much more on electricity costs. Durable’s green connec-tion extends to every detail of the build. They utilize low-odor, no VOC (volatile organic compound) paint, sealer and finishes, Energy Star appliances (more money off your electric bill), and Ma-sonite Safe’N Sound doors, whose interior is composed of pre-consumer recycled content. Rainwater is harvested from about 70% of the roof and collects in a sealed underground cistern. Durable Residential employs Moss Landscaping for the lawn, which is drought resistant and relies on lo-cal species of plants. They even go so far as to worry about green pest control. Their homes feature a pest control system with a sodium based product that acts as a drying agent, desiccating insect’s exoskeletons, and it is �00% non-toxic. If you’re looking for more evidence of the smart techniques employed by green buildings, stop here: you can enter the attic of a green home during the midst of summer with no ac on and find it room temperature. Since ���8, Dovetail Builders, has been in the practice of recycling all materials they can. They began incor-porating more and more green building techniques into their process, their to-date masterpiece culminating in September of �00� with the Virginia Point home owned by Dan and ��th Court of Appeals Justice Adele Hedges. That home, which was the first certified LEED Platinum home in Houston, boasts ��% site energy generated (140 Solar Panels, 28KW system), 45% less energy consumed (high-efficiency HVAC and hot water) and zero utility water demand (rainwater collection and purification). The next on the list is Home Corpo-ration International, or HCI. They have been building in the Houston area for five years, including town houses in the Inner Loop area and Memorial Park. To stay green, HCI uses low-flow plumbing fixtures, tankless water heaters, systems to maximize energy efficiency and steel strapping that allows the structure to with-stand winds over �80 mph. To learn more you can visit their current project at www.reserveathamman.com. The green building scene in Hous-ton doesn’t end there. Emerging Green Builders, a group composed of students and young professionals aimed at educat-

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ing the public about the green building movement is quickly gaining popularity. Habitat for Humanity is another green resource. They provide an outlet to both donate and purchase building materials. That extra door or removed stove can now be recycled, and thus kept out of our landfills. The next generation of green

builders continues with the University of Houston. Goeff Brune of GBA Architecture and Design spear-headed the construction of the Burdette Keeland Design Exploration Center at the college, the first and only structure with a green roof in the city. The emphasis of the

fHouston’s first green roof at the University of Houston. Same structure, ����, pictured above.

project centered on energy conservation, including recycling of the materials pres-ent in the old structure, originally built in ���7. Now the all-green remodeled build-ing houses students from the Gerald Hines College of Architecture, learning new ways to build and design without harming the environment. Buildings consume �0% of energy in the U.S., and construction of those account for �0% of the nation’s waste. It is time we look to the future and change the way we build, remodel and think about the homes we live in.

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Because they allow qualified investors to withdraw all contributions and those earnings that meet certain require-ments without federal income tax, Roth savings vehicles now appeal to a growing list of investors. Previously, Congress limited Roth conversions to those whose modified adjusted gross income was under $�00,000. Under the new rules, however, the conversions will be available to inves-tors at any income level, starting in �0�0.

So if you’ve maxed out your 401(k) or 403(b) contributions and don’t qualify to make Roth IRA contributions because of your income level, you still can make non-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA in �00� and �0�0 and then convert it to a Roth IRA in �0�0.

Then, when needed during retirement, investors can make withdrawals from the Roth IRA tax-free. Taxes will not be owed on the original nondeductible contribu-tions because they’ve already been paid, although the previous earnings on those contributions will be taxable. Those who convert in �0�0 only have the extra incen-tive of being able to spread the tax liability over the following two years. Thereafter, all future earnings in the Roth IRA will be available for tax-free distributions if cer-tain requirements discussed below are met.

With a traditional IRA, account holders

IRA

CONVERTED TO

ROTH IRA

=

TAX FREE

MONEY

Thanks to some recent tax law changes, high-net-worth individuals who are exploring additional ways to build retirement savings may want to take a closer look at tradi-tional IRAs. In May 2006, the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA) revised some of the guidelines covering IRAs. As a result, high-income investors whose earnings level would previously have restricted them to a traditional IRA can now convert those to Roth IRAs start-ing in 2010 and reap the long-term tax advantages if they will be in the same or a higher tax bracket in retirement.

By Brenda Jackson and Patrick Lesley

MorganStanley Smith BarneyGalleria Office

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are taxed on both their original contribu-tions and their investment earnings when they start withdrawing money. Essentially, the tax responsibility has been deferred, not eliminated. The tax responsibility for a Roth IRA comes at the front end with nondeductible contributions. One of the advantages to account holders, however, is that they do not have to pay any taxes — even on investment earnings — at the time of withdrawal. And that means that Roth IRAs essentially can make invest-ment income tax-free income.

The opportunity to translate nondeductible contributions into additional savings that could result in a tax-free income stream for retirement is especially attractive for high-net-worth individuals who can afford to pay the conversion taxes without using funds from the account itself. By doing so, an investor can avoid paying taxes on the distribution as well as an early distribution penalty of �0 percent. This assumes that a Roth IRA has been open for at least five years and the investor is at least age ��½. Moreover, because high-net-worth fami-lies often have retirement income from other sources, they may not need to tap into their converted Roth IRA for many years, if at all. (Unlike traditional IRAs, there are no mandatory withdrawal rules for Roth IRAs if individuals are 70½.) So investors who choose the conversion op-tion can theoretically shelter their earnings for years — an attractive advantage in estate planning.

Here is a simple example of the potential advantage of doing a Roth conversion: A married couple where both spouses are under age �0 can make nondeductible contributions of up to $10,000 ($5,000 per spouse) to traditional IRAs in �00� and later. That amounts to $�0,000 in addi-tional savings, excluding earnings, in �00� and �0�0. When the couple converts their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs in �0�0, the taxes due will, unless elected otherwise by the client, be paid for in equal installments

in �0�� and �0��. All future earnings, however, will accumulate tax-free and all withdrawals from the Roth IRA will be tax-free as well, if the distribution require-ments are met (i.e., later than age 59½ and five years after Roth IRA is established). And that’s something all investors can appreciate. For more information, please contact Brenda Jackson or Patrick Lesley of the Lesley & Jackson Team at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Houston Galleria Office. Call 713-968-3092 or 713-968-�0�7.

Note: If you already have a traditional IRA with pre-tax dollars (i.e., deductible con-tributions, rollovers from qualified plans), you should consult your tax advisor about the aggregation rules that will apply if you convert any traditional IRA assets to a Roth IRA.

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is based on cur-rent federal tax laws in effect at the time this was written. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended nor written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penal-ties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are urged to consult their per-sonal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and related consequences of any actions or investments described herein.

Articles are published for general infor-mation purposes and are not an offer or solicitation to sell or buy any securities or commodities. Any particular investment should be analyzed based on its terms and risks as they relate to your specific circum-stances and objectives.

Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, mem-ber SIPC.

© �00� Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

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eventsArena Theater7��6 Southwest Freeway7��.77�.��00 www.arenahouston.com�/8 Patti Labelle�/� Willie Nelson�/� Steve HarveyArt 4 Life���� Vine Street7��.6��.67�61/24 Silent and live auctions benefiting AIDS Foundation HoustonCabaret for a Cure�600 Lamar7��.7��.8000 www.hilton.com�/�� �nd Annual Cabaret for a Cure@ Hilton AmericasDiscovery Green��00 McKinney St7��.���.7�6� www.discoverygreen.com�/� Jazz On Ice�/� Ice Day presented by Capital One Bank1/9 Magnificent 7 Ice Carving CompetitionOngoing - �/�8 The IceOngoing - �/�8 Administaff Holiday BalloonGalleria Chamber of Commerce7��.6��.���� www.galleriachamber.com2/19 Annual Gala honoring Tony ValloneOmni Riverway at the Grand SalonGeorge R. Brown Convention Center�00� Ave. De Las Americas 7��.8��.8000 www.houstonconventionctr.com1/2 - 3 High Caliber Gun & Knife Show�/� HHF - ��th Annual Career & Education�/�� - �6 Metal and Muscle Expo�/�� - �7 �0�0 Houston Marathon�/�0 Counting on Quality of Place Symposium�/�� - �� TRI-STAR Collectors Show �/�0 College Preparatory Conference�/�0 - �� Health Baby & Child Expo�/�7 Houston Wedding ShowcaseSee website for complete event listingsHouston Hispanic Book Festival6780 Southwest Freeway7��-�77-7��� www.hispanicbookfestival.com�/�� at Hilton Houston SouthwestHouston Zoo

6200 Golf Course Dr.7��.���.6�00 www.houstonzoo.org�/�8 Call of the Wild Lecture Series: Interna-tional Rhino FoundationInternational Holocaust Remembrance Day��0� Caroline St.7��.���.8000 www.hmh.org�/�7 @ Holocaust Museum HoustonPhoto Collection of Choreographer Mark Morris6�� Louisiana Street7��.��7.�77� www.spahouston.orgOngoing - �/�� @ Society for the Performing Arts Reliant Park� Reliant Park 8��.667.��00 www.reliantpark.com�/8 - �7 Houston International Boat, Sports & Travel Show�/� Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam1/22 - 24 International Gem & Jewelry Show�/�7 - �� Houston Auto Show�/� – � Construction Expo�/� – 7 Sesame Street Live�/6 Monster Jam2/7 Quince Girl: Bridal and Quincenera Expo�/�0 - �� Houston RV Show2/12 - 14 Texas Home & Garden Show�/�� H-Town Blues Festival�/�� – �7 World’s Championship BBQ ContestSee website for complete event listingsRothko Chapel��0� Sul Ross St.7��.���.�8�� www.rothkochapel.org�/�� Song Salon: Tonal Transcendence - Com-posers and Human Rights�/�0 Chanting in the ChapelSaint Arnold Brewery���� Fairway Park Drive7��.686.���� www.saintarnold.com�/�� �rd Annual Saint Arnold One Pot Show-downSam Houston Park��00 Bagby St.7��.6��.���� www.shrp.com�/� – �/�7 Live Thoroughbred RacingOngoing - �/�/�0 Thoroughbred Horse Racing

the auction gala, too, describing the winning wines. But before the winners can be awarded the inscribed saddles and belt buckles they will receive, there’s a whole lot of work to be done. “Very long hours,” Baird says of the work in-volved. “No less than �0 hours per week, most weeks hover around �0 to �� hours, we have about ��0 volunteers on our committee year-round. As head judge this year, I actually did not taste any wines unless asked to discern if a wine was technically sound — corked? Oth-erwise off? — but the 7� judges seated across our �� panels each tasted about ��0 wines, plus an additional �0 to �0 for the super panel on Sunday to decide the top ten winners.” Nearly

�,800 bottles were entered in the inter-national competition and judged last No-vember. Grand Cham-pion Best of Show went to Davis Family Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Val-ley, �00�; the Reserve Grand Champion Best of Show was Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, Nadia Red Bordeaux Blend, Arroyo Grande Valley, �00� and the Top Texas Wine was Flat Creek Estate’s Mistella. Money raised by the Wine Competition, the Rodeo UnCorked Round-Up and Best

Bites Competition, February ��, and the Champion Wine Auction and Dinner, March 7, goes to the rodeo’s scholarship fund. As for the hundreds of volunteers who help pull this off, well, they have a lot of fun doing it. “Our backroom volunteers create their own sub-par-ties with food and decorative wine glasses and aprons, their creativity and spreads are quite the scene.” Baird says. “One team had two huge briskets on hand! Some very funny wine glasses on the scene as well. So while some backroom jobs may not be glamorous, the fun injected makes them coveted jobs.” So while you’re enjoying the big name acts like Brooks and Dunn and Rascal Flatts this year, watching the calf roping and nibbling those funnel cakes, you might also want to stop by the wine garden and taste some of the best wines in the world, including some from Texas.

by Marene Gustin

hampion steers, bronc riders, coun-try acts, funnel cakes and award-wining wines? For old-time visitors to Texas rodeos, wine events may

seem out of place. But not so for Stephanie Earthman Baird and members of the popular wine committees of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Baird, who formed BevCo International, LLC — a wine and spirits import company — with her husband David in �00�, is chair of the Wine Competition Committee. “I’ve been around wine and rodeo my en-tire life,” Baird says. “Put the two together and voila!” Baird began drinking wine in college. “It started in ��8�, but I knew nothing and could not afford any-thing serious. Guys in the Aggie corps hunt-ed —venison, geese, dove — and I cooked and provided wine for the dinner parties.” Baird says mostly they drank Chianti from straw bottles but in the late 80’s she started to travel with Exxon on a grass-roots plant develop-ment project. The project manager was a wine aficionado; she paid attention, got interested and asked a lot of questions. In ���8 she began to volunteer with the rodeo and when Houston became one of the first stock shows and rodeos to judge wine as well as cattle in �00�, she jumped at the chance to volunteer. Wine competitions and rodeos aren’t re-ally an odd mix when you realize that grape growing and wine making are a booming part of Texas agriculture. Today there are �8� win-eries in the state, generating �.� million gal-lons of vino and more than �,000 jobs with an economic impact of $�.�� billion. Last Octo-ber the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo launched its first annual wine competition and will auction the champions — just like cham-pion steer and sheep and fowl — at the rodeo in February. Houston’s wine committee has become so popular over the years that it has split in two: the competition committee and a separate one for the gala Champion Wine Auction and Din-ner on March 7. Even though most of Baird’s work is behind her, she’ll be helping out at

UnCorking the RodeoHouston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Wine Events Rock

C

Stephanie E. Baird, Chair of the Wine Competition Committee

& Steve Roe, Officer in Charge of WCC

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The 32nd Annual “Original” MLK Parade�/�� - �8 The Black Heritage Society has planned several events for the weekend of The ��nd Annual “Original” MLK Parade, themed “Dreamkeepers �0�0.”Toyota Center���0 Polk St. 7��.7�8.7��0 www.houstontoyotacenter.com�/� Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show�/�0 Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, & Larry the Cable Guy2/5 - 6 The Harlem Globetrotters�/�� Jay-Z with Young Jeezy�/�8 The Lipizzaner StallionsVerizon Wireless Theater��0 Texas St. 7��.��0.�6661/16 Eddie Griffin�/�� American Carnage Tour: Slayer and Megadeth with Testament2/12 Jim GaffiganRodeo Events:1/9 Diamonds and Scrubs Gala at the Wortham Center�/8 – � Chili When It’s Chilly Cookoff at San Jacinto Mall1/10 Go Texan Beauty Pageant at San Jacinto College1/15 SuperStar Rodeo at Galena Park ISD Agriculture Facility Complex1/16 Nacogdoches Go Texan Dance�/�� – �6 BBQ Cook Off at Texas Saloon�/�7 Judging Contest Committee Fundraiser at Dave & Busters�/�� Spaghetti Western at Big Texas�/�� Kick Off Dance at Whites Park1/30 Navarro County Area Go Texan Steak Dinner and Live Band at Knights of Columbus Hall�/�0 Boots and Buckles Ball at Humble Civic Center1/29 – 30 Washington County Go Texan Weekend�/6 Steak Dinner Dance at Brazoria County Fairgrounds�/6 Rodeo In the Park at Kelsey Seybold Clinic�/6 Bowling Tournament at Armadillo Lanes�/�� Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition at Reliant Center�/�� – �� Top Hands Horse Show at Reliant Arena�/�� Trailriders Dinner/Dance at NASA John-son Space Center�/�� Rodeo Roundup at City Hall�/�6 Trail Rides Meet in Memorial Park�/�7 Parade with a Perfect Point of View at Jones Plaza�/�7 Downtown Rodeo Parade in Downtown Houston�/�� – �7 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at Reliant Park�/� – �� Houston Livestock Show and RodeoVisit www.rodeohouston.com/events/ for com-plete listings

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Bayou Bend� Westcott St.7��.6��.77�0www.mfah.orgOngoing – �/� Yuletide at Bayou Bend1/17 Bayou Bend Family Day: Asian Influ-ences�/�� Bayou Bend Family Day: Love is in the AirChildren’s Museum of Houston��00 Binzwww.cmhouston.org�/� – 6 Kick Off the New Decade Wonder-week�/7 – �� Family Fit Wonderweek�/�8 MLK Day Celebration�/�� – �7 Bubble Wrap Bonanza�/�8 – �/� Rhythms of the Heart Wonderweek�/�0 – �/�� Building BrainstormContemporary Arts Museum ���6 Montrose Blvd. 7��.�8�.8�7�www.camh.orgOngoing – �/�7 Matthew Day Jackson: The Immeasurable DistanceOnging – �/7 Perspectives �68: Anna Krachey, Jessica Mallios, and Adam Schreiber�/7 Perspectives Talk: Toby Kamps1/14 Artists/Scholars Talk: Daniel S. Gold-berg, JD, PhD�/�7 Matthew Day Jackson: The Immeasur-able Distance closes�/�8 Perspectives Talk: Kurt Mueller�/�� Opening reception: Barkley L. Hen-dricks: Birth of the Cool�/�0 Artists/Scholars Talk: Barkley L. Hen-dricksHealth Museum���� Hermann Dr.7��.���.����www.thehealthmuseum.orgOngoing – Jan. � Surviving: The Body of Evidence

Holocaust Museum Houston��0� Caroline St.7��.���.8000 www.hmh.orgOngoing-4/4/2010A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish PeopleOngoing-3/21/2010 Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust�/� – �/�� The Book of MemoryHouston Center for Photography���� W. Alabama St. 7��.���.�7��www.hcponline.orgOngoing – �/�6 Landscapes: A Photography Exhibit by Houston and Texas ArtistsOngoing – �/�0 Prime YearsLawndale Art Center���� Main St.7��.��8.�8�8www.lawndaleartcenter.org11/20-1/9/2010“Blow Up Heart” by Monica Vidal, “Grotto” by Kia Neill, “Moonlight Towers” by Andy Mattern, “Vicious Venue” by Shawn Smith, “Negotiation” by Jasmyne Graybill, “Snack Projects” featuring Claire Chauvin.Menil ���� Sul Ross Street7��.���.��00www.menil.orgOngoing – 1/3 Joaquin Torres-Garcia: Con-structing Abstraction with WoodOngoing – �/�� Cy Twombly: Treatise on the VeilOngoing – �/�8 Body in Fragments�/�� – 8/�� Maurizio CattelanMuseum of Fine Arts�00� Bissonnet St.7��.6��.7�00www.mfah.orgOngoing – �/� Arts of Ancient Viet Nam: From

River Plain to Open SeaOngoing – �/� Building the Master Drawing CollectionOngoing – �/� Chaotic Harmony: Contempo-rary Korean PhotographyOngoing – �/�0 The Moon: “Houston, Tran-quility Base Here. The Eagle Has Landed”Ongoing – 1/18 Joaquin Torres-Garcia: Paint-ings in Houston CollectionsOngoing – �/�� Collecting the Past: �� Years of Documenting Museum HistoryOngoing – �/�� Your Bright Future: �� Con-temporary Artists from KoreaOngoing – �/�� Recent Accessions in Design�/�� – �/�� Sargent and the Sea�/�� – �/� Prendergast in ItalyMuseum of Natural Science� Hermann Circle Dr. 7��.6��.�6��www.hmns.orgOngoing – �/� Under the Sea �DOngoing – �/� Dawn of the Space AgeOngoing – �/�� The Chronicles of Narnia: The ExhibitionOngoing – �/�8 Spirits & Headhunters: Vanish-ing Worlds of the AmazonOngoing – �/� Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars�/�6 – �/6 Magic: The Science of WonderMuseum of Printing History���� West Clay Street7��.���.�6��www.printingmuseum.orgOngoing – �/�� Paper & InkOngoing – �/�� Taller MichoacanOngoing – �/�0 QWERTY: A Typewriter RetrospectiveRienzi��06 Kirby Dr. 7��.6��.7800www.mfah.org2/19 – 20 Houston Grand Opera Studio Recitals

museums

Museum of Natural Science: Faberge/ Spirits & Headhunters

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�/�6 – �/7 Big LoveUniversity of Houston Blaffer Gallery��0 Fine Arts Building 7��.7��.���0 www.class.uh.edu Ongoing – �/6 Josephine MeckseperOngoing – �/6 Jon Pylypchuk�/�� Foundation for Modern Music Concert�/� Artist’s Talk with Jon Pylypchuk�/�6 Opening Reception for Annual Student Exhibition�/�7 – �/�� �0�0 School of Art Annual Student ExhibitionWortham Center�00 Texas St.7��.��7.���� www.worthamcenter.orgSociety for the Performing Arts:1/15 – 16 Mark Morris Dance Group

arts&theaterA.D. Players�7�0 West Alabama St. 7��.��6.�7�� www.adplayers.org �/�8 – �/�8 Ret.Alley Theatre6�� Texas Avenue 7��.��0.�700 www.alleytheatre.org�/�0 – �/�� Wonderland�/�� Inprint – David Wroblewski�/� – �/�8 Mrs. MannerlyArt League Houston���� Montrose Blvd.7��.���.���0 www.artleaguehouston.org�/�� – �/�6 A Wishing Well for HoustonBroadway Across America in HoustonThe Hobby Center800 Bagby St.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Houston�/�-�7 A Chorus Line�/�� – �/7 Cirque Dreams: IlluminationCompany OnStage��6 Westbury Square 7��.7�6.����www.companyonstage.org�/�� – �/�0 Thunder Rock�/�6 – �/�0 Snow White & the Seven DwarvesDiverseWorks���7 East Freeway 7��.���.8��6 www.diverseworks.org�/�� The New Normal�/��, ��, �� Company Clare Dyson – The Voyeur�/�� – �� So Percussion – Imaginary CityHouston Ballet�0� Texas Ave.7��.��7.�787 www.houstonballet.org�/�� – �/7 Lay BayadereHobby Center800 Bagby St., Ste. �00 7��.���.��00 www.thehobbycenter.org�/� Musiqa�/�� Inprint – Mary Karr�/�� – �� Tuna Does Vegas�/�8 – �� The Screwtape Letters�/� – �0 Miss Saigon�/�� – �� Romeo & Juliet�/�� – �� CamelotHouston Grand Opera��0 Preston St.7��.��8.67�7 www.houstongrandopera.org

�/�� – �/7 Puccini’s Tosca�/�� – �/�� Britten’s The Turn of the Screw�/� Concert of AriasHouston Symphony- Jones Hall6�� Louisiana St., Ste. �0� 7��.��7.��7� www.joneshall.org�/7 – �0 Marin Alsop’s Mahler’s First�/�� – �7 Rhapsody in Blue�/��- �� The Planets – An HD Odyssey�/� – 7 Red Carpet Oscar Party�/�� – �� Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony�/�� Frankie Valli�/�6 - �8 Cavanaugh’s Billy Joel & More�/�7 Beauty & the BeastMain Street Theater���0 Times Blvd. 7��.���.�6�� www.mainstreettheater.com�/� – �� Master Class by Terrence McNally�/�� – �/�� A Double Bill of Murder and Alienation in the Face of New Technology: A Number by Caryl Churchill and Machinal by Sophie Treadwell�/�� – �/�7 Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey BusinessOpera in the Heights�70� Heights Blvd.7��.86�.��0� www.operaintheheights.org�/�8 – �/6 Un Ballo In MascheraRadio Music Theatre�6�� Colquitt 7��.���.77�� www.radiomusictheatre.comOngoing-1/16 A Fertle Holiday�/�� – �/8 Birthday From HellTexas Repertory Theatre Company����� Stuebner Airline Rd �8�-�8�-7�7� www.texreptheatre.org �/� – �� Romeo and JulietTheatre Under the Stars800 Bagby, Ste. �007��.��8.�600www.tuts.com�/� – �� Miss SaigonUniversity of Houston School of Theatre and Dance��� Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center7��.7��.�00� www.theatredance.uh.edu

The fiendishly funny theatrical adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel opens at the Hobby center on January 28 and runs until the 31st. The Fellowship for the Performing Arts production stars award-winning actor Max McLean as Screwtape. Photo credit: Johnny Knight

C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters

Hobby Center

Wonderland Alley Theatre

Sargent - En Route pour la Peche

Museum of Fine Arts

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Anderson Fair2007 Grant St.8��.���.�0�7www.andersonfair.comFolk music on Thursday, Friday and SaturdayBig Easy�7�� Kirby Dr.7��.���.����www.thebigeasyblues.comLive music nightlyBlanco’s��06 W. Alabama St. 7��.���.007�www.houstonredneck.comWednesdays open mic, Thursday and Friday live country music Continental Club�700 Main St.7��.���.�666www.continentalclub.comLive music nightlyDean’s Credit Clothing��6 Main St.7��.��7.���6Gallant Knight���� Bissonnet 7��.���.���0www.thegallantknight.comLive music Fridays and SaturdaysGoode’s Armadillo Palace�0�� Kirby Dr.7��.��6.�700www.thearmadillopalace.comHouse of Blues��0� Caroline Street7��.6��.�8�7www.houseofblues.comJet Lounge���� Pease St.7��.6��.�000www.thejetloungehouston.comLast Concert Café��0� Nance St.

7��.��6.8�6�www.lastconcert.comMango’s�0� Westheimer Rd.7��.���.8�0�www.mangoscafehouston.comMeridian��0� Chartres7��.���.�7�7www.meridianhouston.comMink�7�8 Main St.7��.���.��8�www.minkonmain.comMucky Duck���� Norfolk Street7��.��8.����www.mcgonigels.comLive music nightlyNumbers�00 Westheimer Rd.7��.��6.6���www.numbersnightclub.comRudyard’s British Pub�0�0 Waugh Dr.7��.���.0���Scott Gertner’s SkyBar��00 MontroseHouston, TX 770067��.78�.�8�0www.scottgertner.comUnder The Volcano���� Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 7700� 7��.��6.��8�Warehouse Live8�� Saint Emanuel Street7��.���.��8�www.warehouselive.comWalter’s on Washington���� Washington Ave.7��.86�.����www.����washington.com

livemusic LA folk Irish rock’n’roll seven piece, Flogging Molly, plays the House of BluesFebruary 10th

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Houston Aeroswww.aeros.com�/� vs. Abbotsford Heat�/8 vs. Rockford IceHogs�/�0 vs. Rockford IceHogs�/�6 vs. Toronto Marlies�/� vs. Abbotsford Heat�/� vs. Peoria Rivermen2/12 - 13 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins�/�� vs. Chicago Wolves�/�� vs. Manitoba Moose�/�7 vs. Texas Stars

Come downtown this Winter and get your sports fix with the Houston Aeros. For as little as $�� a ticket you can experience the tenuous amalgamation of family fun and brawling on the ice. The Houston Aeros take on rivals the Texas Stars February �7th.

sportsHouston Dynamowww.houston.mlsnet.com�/� – 6 InterLiga �0�0 Soccer Tournament2/5 – 6 The Harlem Globetrotters at Toyota CenterHouston Rockets www.nba.com/rockets �/� vs. New York Knicks�/�� vs. Minnesota Timberwolves�/�� vs. Miami Heat�/�8 vs. Milwaukee Bucks�/�� vs. Chicago Bulls�/�� vs. Atlanta Hawks�/�7 vs. Denver Nuggets�/�� vs. Portland Trail Blazers�/�� vs. Phoenix Suns2/2 vs. Golden State Warriors�/6 vs. Philadelphia 76ers�/�6 vs. Utah Jazz�/�0 vs. Indiana Pacers�/�� vs. Orlando Magic�/�6 vs. San Antonio SpursHouston Texans www.houstontexans.com�/� vs. New England PatriotsNFL Superbowl�/7 South Florida Check your local TV listingsRice University

riceowls.cstv.comBasketball at Tudor Fieldhouse:�/6 vs. Cougars�/�6 vs. Memphis Tigers�/�0 vs. SMU Mustangs 2/3 vs. Tulane Green Wave �/6 vs. UAB Blazers�/�0 vs. ECU Pirates�/�� vs. Marshall Baseball at Reckling Park:�/�� vs. Texas State�/�� vs. Lamar2/26 vs. Elon (Rice Invitational presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors)�/�7 vs. Nebraska2/28 vs. Texsa A&M Corpus Christi (Rice Invitational presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors)University of Houstonwww.uhcougars.comBasketball at Hofheinz Pavilion:�/6 vs. Rice Owls�/� vs. Tulsa�/�� vs. UTEP�/�0 vs. UCF�/�0 vs. Marshall�/6 vs. Southern Miss�/�� vs. SMU�/�� vs. MemphisBaseball at Cougar Field:�/�� - �� vs. Texas State�/�6 - �8 vs. Santa Clara

person of the year

he newly elected mayor is not only an inspiration but a lesson and testament to what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Annise Parker was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth but to the owner of a fish camp in Biloxi,

Mississippi—a business that eventually went under, leaving the family anything but rich. While attending three different junior and senior high schools, Annise became an athlete in long and high jumping and track while earning a merit scholarship, thus allowing her attendance to Rice University. Upon graduation she found employment with Texas Gulf Oil and Gas and later Mos-bacher Energy, where she used early information technology and the then cutting-edge software to work with economic modeling. Parker’s political ambitions began early. In 1986 she was elected president of the gay political caucus, volunteering for Kathy Whitmire among others. In 1991 and 1995 she unsuccess-fully ran or city council, until 1997, when her determination paid off with an At-Large council seat. Upon the expiration of those term limits, Annise ran and won the position of city controller. Term limits again prompted her to seek higher office, this time for the city’s most prestigious office, mayor. That race pitted her against some pretty tough odds. Here at Intown, we felt Brown was the candidate to beat, what with the vast sums of money at his disposal, and Locke’s far-reach-

ing connections made him a heavy contender as well. This notion was soon dispelled with our witness of a debate held by the Gal-leria Chamber of Commerce at Houston’s Junior League. There the tide began to shift. Parker easily trounced both Brown and Locke. Her stellar performance made us understand that, not only was she bright and truly concerned for her city, but she had what it takes to overcome the advantages held by both her competitors. It was clear then and now that her hard work, determination and honesty have led her to become the person most qualified to face the coming challenges for this great city we call Houston. Annise Parker certainly has ambition, and no one will argue that she has a first-class mind. Perhaps it is a bit cynical, but we were interested to learn that, while she is a politician, Ms. Parker also has a first-class heart. In 2003, she and her partner adopted two older African-American girls. Wanting to share their lives with children is nothing new for couples, but most choose infant. Mature children come with more problems and parenting them requires vast reserves of patience and love, two qualities that Parker obvi-ously has a great deal of. Annise and her partner also took in a teenager who had been thrown out of his home, raising him as their own until he was an adult. Intown names Annise Parker as person of the year, since as far as finding a leader with honesty, integrity and heart goes, Houston would be hard-pressed to do better.

Annise Parker. Hard work, determi-nation and honesty have led her to be-come Houston’s next mayor and Intown’s person of the year.

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Fiscally conservative yet progressive, Houston’s openly gay mayor has gar-nered national attention.

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