Discover Something New

Experience the world outside at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

We are lucky in Houston. In addition to having an exceptional symphony, an entertaining free outdoor theater and a top-notch ballet company, we have world-class museums that offer innovative permanent exhibits, as well as traveling exhibits from around the world. The Houston Museum of Natural Science resides in the company of the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History as one of the most heavily attended museums in the country. The museum is constantly providing fresh, engaging educational exhibits and films, so visitors always have something new to discover.

Consistently entertaining
Located on four floors of the museum, there are wonderful permanent exhibit halls offering inspiring education. From the age-old carnivores in the Paleontology Hall to the exceptional display of minerals in the world-renowned Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, guests find a wealth of enlightening opportunities. In addition, the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, the expansive Wiess Energy Hall and the interactive displays of the Welch Chemistry Hall are also available to visitors all year long.

Something new
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a look into an array of traveling exhibits from all over the globe that stop in Houston for only a short while. To Houstonians’ delight, some of these have included The Dead Sea Scrolls, Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World, and Secret World of the Forbidden City. The museum also creates temporary exhibits of its own – to much acclaim – including Gold! Natural Treasure, Cultural Obsession and The Human Genome: Reading the Book of Life. The wonderful temporary exhibits offer the museum’s many regular visitors something new and exciting.

Big screen discoveries
As one of only two museums in the world that produce and distribute large-format films, the Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a unique IMAX experience. The museum has distributed five films since 1994, including “Africa: The Serengeti,” “Amazing Journeys,” “Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa” and “Australia: Land Beyond Time.” The film “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” was nominated for an Academy Award in 1997. The IMAX films offer both adults and children the opportunity to feel they are inside the films and are a part of the action.

On the wings of a butterfly
A unique feature of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is the live exhibit in the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Featured in a naturalistic rainforest setting, hundreds of live butterflies surround visitors upon entering the center. Filled with tropical plants and exotic butterflies, the three-story glass cone serves as a central conservatory. Visitors can expect to view 50-60 species of the largest and most colorful butterflies from around the world – one might even land on you. Raised in Asia and North, Central and South America on butterfly farms, the museum receives each butterfly in its chrysalis form. If you’re lucky, you can see a butterfly emerge in the Chrysalis Corner!

An Insect Zoo is also included in the Butterfly Center, which houses an array of creepy-crawly relatives of the butterfly. Hundreds of butterfly, moth, beetle and other insect specimens are preserved and housed in the center’s Entomology Hall, as well.

One of the center’s main goals is to promote butterfly watching, gardening and conservation. You can learn how to grow a garden that provides sweet nectar to attract the many butterfly species here in Houston.

Science comes alive

The museum offers a variety of programs for children and families to bring science alive for school children. From special events to birthday parties, Saturday Xplorations to VIP overnight events, there is always an assortment of activities for children and families at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. In fact, students in fourth through seventh grade in the Houston Independent School District enjoy instructional field trips to the museum as part of their school curriculum. Many of the special exhibitions offer Xplorations Stations designed to capture the childrens’ interest in the various exhibits.
One Hermann Circle Drive,
(713) 639-4629, www.hmns.org

The Ride of a Lifetime

MS fundraiser kicks off from Houston

Every hour, an American is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. A chronic disease of the central nervous system, MS often strikes during the prime of life – ages 20-50. The disease affects the brain and spinal cord, and the symptoms come and go, leaving the patient to wonder what each day will bring.

The Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is determined to end the devastating effects of this disabling disease. The BP MS 150 is the premier fund-raising event in Texas for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This year, the registration for the 2006 BP MS 150 race reached capacity in record time! A limit of 13,000 participants was established after considering the feedback of riders, volunteers, sponsors and organizers – so, the last rider applied in mid-January. Approximately 150 miles, the race begins here in Houston and finishes in Austin. There are eight breakpoints each day with food, drinks, portable restrooms, medical support, bike mechanical services and a place to rest. These respites occur approximately every 8-12 miles throughout the route, and many of them are sponsored by corporations and manned with exceptional volunteers.

The Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers those affected by MS information, referrals, equipment loans, emergency financial assistance and an array of other services. With all of their funds privately raised, for every dollar raised, 83 cents is used to provide services to those affected by MS.

Natural Excursions

Houstonians learn about nature in local sanctuary

As one of Texas’ first nature education facilities geared toward the education of children, the Houston Arboretum &Nature Center (HANC) is easily found by Houstonians on the western edge of Memorial Park. Encompassing 155 acres, this urban nature sanctuary boasts more than 5 miles of nature trails through the forest, pond and meadow habitats. HANC serves as an essential sanctuary to native wildlife, as well as an important educational facility for children and adults. Serving as a safe haven to native plants and animals, the arboretum is dedicated to educating the public about the natural environment and how everyone can help to protect it.

In peacetime and in war
The site that is now Memorial Park and the arboretum served as Camp Logan from 1917 to 1923. A World War I Army training camp, Camp Logan was deeded to the City of Houston in 1924 with plans of creating a park in memory of the fallen soldiers of World War I. Robert A. Vines, a local ecologist and educator, advocated using a piece of the Memorial Park land to serve as a nature sanctuary; and in 1951, the City Council agreed. At that time, 265 acres were set aside for the arboretum and botanical garden. Since then, roads and their rights-of-way have decreased the area to 155-acres.

A wealth of species
Throughout the sanctuary’s acreage, visitors can find various native plant and animal life in the three distinct habitats: forest, pond and meadow. If you’re searching for plant life, such as the parsley hawthorn, snowdrop tree or showy sesbania, the arboretum has got you covered. Many bird-watchers love this space, which is home to myriad species of fowl, including the Carolina chickadee, yellow crowned night heron and great horned owl. Southern flying squirrels, evening bats and nine-banded armadillos can be spotted throughout the 155-acres. Amphibians and reptiles are present, as well; so, whether you’d like to spot a broad-banded water snake or a five-lined skink, this is the place to go.

Discovering wildlife
The Discovery Room offers insights into Houston’s urban wildlife and natural habitats. Here, visitors can see what is not always easily seen in the forest, learn what lives in ponds and discover the stories the trees have to tell. This interactive environment includes things to touch, puzzles, mysteries and exploration possibilities. The expert naturalists at the Discovery Room help you with the many activities, microscopes, field guides, Discovery Boxes, puzzles and games.

Educating our children
As one of the original missions of HANC, more than 10,000 children are taught about science and the natural world here annually. For children ages 3-5, the Tadpole Troopers offer stories, games, crafts and walking tours through the forest. Naturalist Explorers, who range in age from 5-8, begin to learn about natural history and basic ecology while having fun with hands-on interactive activities. The young naturalists of EcoTrackers (ages 9-12) are inspired through forest explorations that deepen their natural world knowledge.

In addition, Summer Nature Discovery Camps consist of weeklong sessions offering a closer look at natural science and a variety of ecology topics. More than 300 students, ranging in age from 5-12, participate in the camps annually. The arboretum also serves as an obvious place for local Boy and Girl Scouts to explore nature.

Also, families are invited to the free Urban Nature Series programs, offered two Sundays of each month, and Night Adventures, where you are invited to learn about the nocturnal animals here and experience a short presentation with live owls.

Nature in the schools
The arboretum offers many programs for classrooms, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. The Guided Field Experience allows children from kindergarten through fifth grade to use the nature sanctuary as a sort of hands-on laboratory to learn about science that relates to their school work. The Discovery Room teaches about the three major habitats here through interactive exhibits. Offering a wealth of information about local watersheds, the center allows the students to do water sample testing (under supervision of staff naturalists) and pond life surveys. Designed to improve the environmental awareness of Houston students, Discovery Boxes provide activities that help students understand important ecological concepts.

Conserving our resources
You can help the environment and HANC just by recycling! The arboretum invites you to recycle your paper, including magazines, shopping catalogs, newspapers, office and school papers, and mail, at the Abitibi Paper Retriever in the HANC parking lot. You can drop it off anytime the gates are open. (8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Getting a new inkjet cartridge for your printer? Come by the front desk and get a postage-paid envelope to use to recycle that old cartridge. HANC receives a small monetary donation for the paper and inkjet cartridges recycled, so be a friend of nature – recycle! H

4501 Woodway Drive
(713) 681-8433
www.houstonarboretum.org

Telluride in the Summer

No matter the season, adventures abound at this Colorado hot spot

The mountains of Telluride are the perfect backdrop for a summer getaway. There is something to do for the most discriminating traveler in your family. Whether you like group activities or exploring solo, the magic of Telluride transcends every season. Life in Telluride is lived outdoors. Mild summer temperatures and low humidity provide an incredible environment for outdoor adventures. Just be aware of the change in elevation. The town of Telluride sits about 8,700 feet above sea level. There is less oxygen in the air here, so a little time in the gym or on the jogging trail prior to your vacation will alleviate fatigue.

We started our adventure at the Inn at Lost Creek, located in the center of Mountain Village. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the summer concert series each Wednesday. Locals and tourists bring coolers, blankets and chairs to enjoy the cool mountain air and live music. We experienced an exquisite meal at 9545 while we listened. The rustic interior of the rooms with a private steam bath and individual fireplace make this a cozy, tucked-away place. This small hotel pays top attention to its guests to ensure your stay is memorable. They sent us on hikes, biking excursions, rafting, fishing – and even booked our tee time.

“I’m scared as my mountain bike skids down the rocky road. No matter how gently I tug on my hand break, I can’t get any traction. I’m basically skidding down Telluride Trail (a blue ski slope in the winter time) on a mountain bike. It’s bumpy, it’s steep, and (Did I mention?) I’m scared. I’m going to kill the guy who rented me this bike. What was he thinking? I feel a little better when my 14-year-old companion, and seasoned mountain biker, topples right over his handle bars, well maybe I don’t feel better. At least it’s not just me.”

From the town, you can see a beautiful waterfall. Although it seems very far away, we’d like to see it up close. The hike, called Bear Creek, took most of the morning. Friendly people smile at you while going up and down, and a fantastic waterfall is your reward for spending the morning hiking. The mountain biking didn’t go so well, as they sent us down a blue ski slope (read: “steep”). And since I hadn’t been on a bike in 15 years, this probably wasn’t the best time to hop back on. In search of extreme thrills, we rafted the Lower Dolores River. It was a lot of fun, unless you are looking forward to falling out of your raft – no one seems to.

For those who prefer less dangerous activities, the free-flowing rivers around Telluride hold plenty of rainbow and big brown trout, waiting for the perfectly flown fly to land near them. Lessons are fun and educational.

There is only one golf course here, and it’s at The Peaks Resort. The environmentalists in this town are very protective; and getting approval for one golf course is probably all that will ever happen. (This is great if you’re looking to ensure the value of your golf-course home.) The 18-hole, par-72 golf course winds through the mountains and provides spectacular views of terrain and wildlife. The only drawback is you have to cross the main road many times, stopping along the way to allow traffic to pass.

All this together time might make you run for the spa. And when it’s the Golden Door at The Peaks Resort, the jog is well worth it. The latest offering here is a cellulite treatment. They claim it can reduce the appearance of cellulite. (Closer inspection reveals the only way to reduce cellulite is to eat right, eat less and exercise more. Darn.)

The entrance to the spa was interesting. For the first time in my spa career, no one greeted me, I just picked up my own slippers and robe. The Roman bath and steam room, complete with mountain views, make this spa stellar. After the mountain-biking fiasco, I definitely needed a massage. ? LMV H

Essentials:
Telluride, 1 (888) 605-2578, www.visittelluride.com Inn at Lost Creek, 1 (888) 601-5678, www.innatlostcreek.com The Peaks Resort, 1 (866) 282-4557, www.thepeaksresort.com

My Four Days in Telluride, Colo.
By Greg Flynn, age 14

Day One
When I got to Colorado, the first thing I noticed was all the views: snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear streams, all kinds of wildlife and more. Our drive to the hotel was nice. It was all curvy with mountain views, trees and creeks. We arrived at the Inn at Lost Creek to great service. Barb, the hotel manager, took us right to our room. We went out to eat, and everyone was so nice. We went to Skiers Union, where I ordered a burger, and it was great; the best I’ve ever had. After we ate, we took the free gondola from the village to the town of Telluride. Everyone there was saying how hot it was. It was only in the 80s, so I was thinking they obviously have never been to Houston. We shopped around the downtown area and found a mosquito repellent shirt. I think we need those in Houston.

Day two
I woke up at 8:00, and about 30 minutes later, we were in the gondola headed to town to go on a hike up a mountain to see an awesome waterfall. Two and a half miles later, I was at the first waterfall I had ever been to. I got down close to it to take a picture, and the mist from the waterfall crashing into the water below was freezing cold. We went to the hotel, changed and then went to a golf course (the only golf course in town) to play some golf. It was a really nice golf course, surrounded by mountains, forests and nice houses. On the ninth hole, you could order food, so I ordered a chicken sandwich and a coke. Then, I picked it up between the 9th and 10th holes and ate it right there.

Day three
I woke up and went downstairs to the lobby; our guide was already there to pick us up to go white-water rafting. The rafting was a really fun hour and a half paddling on a river, looking at forests and mountains and going over tons of rapids. I got soaking wet, and all that water was melted snow, so it was really cold. After that, we ate some lunch; then, we went mountain biking, which would have been fun if the trail we picked wasn’t going down a blue ski slope the whole way. It was scary with loose gravel and rocks. We were walking our bikes a lot of the way when a group of 9-year-old kids passed us, on unicycles. We laughed after that.

Day four
My dad and I got picked up by the same company that took us rafting to go fly fishing. We got to the river, and the guide showed us how to cast. My dad and I are already fishermen, so we picked it up pretty quickly. Then, we tied on some flies, put our waders on and went off down the river. It was fun, even though I got out-fished by my dad. He caught two rainbow trout, and I didn’t catch a thing, but I learned how to fly fish.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride in the Summer No matter the season, adventures abound at this Colorado hot spot

The mountains of Telluride are the perfect backdrop for a summer getaway. There is something to do for the most discriminating traveler in your family. Whether you like group activities or exploring solo, the magic of Telluride transcends every season. Life in Telluride is lived outdoors. Mild summer temperatures and low humidity provide an incredible environment for outdoor adventures. Just be aware of the change in elevation. The town of Telluride sits about 8,700 feet above sea level. There is less oxygen in the air here, so a little time in the gym or on the jogging trail prior to your vacation will alleviate fatigue.

We started our adventure at the Inn at Lost Creek, located in the center of Mountain Village. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the summer concert series each Wednesday. Locals and tourists bring coolers, blankets and chairs to enjoy the cool mountain air and live music. We experienced an exquisite meal at 9545 while we listened. The rustic interior of the rooms with a private steam bath and individual fireplace make this a cozy, tucked-away place. This small hotel pays top attention to its guests to ensure your stay is memorable. They sent us on hikes, biking excursions, rafting, fishing – and even booked our tee time.

“I’m scared as my mountain bike skids down the rocky road. No matter how gently I tug on my hand break, I can’t get any traction. I’m basically skidding down Telluride Trail (a blue ski slope in the winter time) on a mountain bike. It’s bumpy, it’s steep, and (Did I mention?) I’m scared. I’m going to kill the guy who rented me this bike. What was he thinking? I feel a little better when my 14-year-old companion, and seasoned mountain biker, topples right over his handle bars, well maybe I don’t feel better. At least it’s not just me.”

From the town, you can see a beautiful waterfall. Although it seems very far away, we’d like to see it up close. The hike, called Bear Creek, took most of the morning. Friendly people smile at you while going up and down, and a fantastic waterfall is your reward for spending the morning hiking. The mountain biking didn’t go so well, as they sent us down a blue ski slope (read: “steep”). And since I hadn’t been on a bike in 15 years, this probably wasn’t the best time to hop back on. In search of extreme thrills, we rafted the Lower Dolores River. It was a lot of fun, unless you are looking forward to falling out of your raft – no one seems to.

For those who prefer less dangerous activities, the free-flowing rivers around Telluride hold plenty of rainbow and big brown trout, waiting for the perfectly flown fly to land near them. Lessons are fun and educational.

There is only one golf course here, and it’s at The Peaks Resort. The environmentalists in this town are very protective; and getting approval for one golf course is probably all that will ever happen. (This is great if you’re looking to ensure the value of your golf-course home.) The 18-hole, par-72 golf course winds through the mountains and provides spectacular views of terrain and wildlife. The only drawback is you have to cross the main road many times, stopping along the way to allow traffic to pass.

All this together time might make you run for the spa. And when it’s the Golden Door at The Peaks Resort, the jog is well worth it. The latest offering here is a cellulite treatment. They claim it can reduce the appearance of cellulite. (Closer inspection reveals the only way to reduce cellulite is to eat right, eat less and exercise more. Darn.)

The entrance to the spa was interesting. For the first time in my spa career, no one greeted me, I just picked up my own slippers and robe. The Roman bath and steam room, complete with mountain views, make this spa stellar. After the mountain-biking fiasco, I definitely needed a massage. ? LMV H

Essentials:
Telluride, 1 (888) 605-2578, www.visittelluride.com Inn at Lost Creek, 1 (888) 601-5678, www.innatlostcreek.com The Peaks Resort, 1 (866) 282-4557, www.thepeaksresort.com

My Four Days in Telluride, Colo.
By Greg Flynn, age 14

Day One
When I got to Colorado, the first thing I noticed was all the views: snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear streams, all kinds of wildlife and more. Our drive to the hotel was nice. It was all curvy with mountain views, trees and creeks. We arrived at the Inn at Lost Creek to great service. Barb, the hotel manager, took us right to our room. We went out to eat, and everyone was so nice. We went to Skiers Union, where I ordered a burger, and it was great; the best I’ve ever had. After we ate, we took the free gondola from the village to the town of Telluride. Everyone there was saying how hot it was. It was only in the 80s, so I was thinking they obviously have never been to Houston. We shopped around the downtown area and found a mosquito repellent shirt. I think we need those in Houston.

Day two
I woke up at 8:00, and about 30 minutes later, we were in the gondola headed to town to go on a hike up a mountain to see an awesome waterfall. Two and a half miles later, I was at the first waterfall I had ever been to. I got down close to it to take a picture, and the mist from the waterfall crashing into the water below was freezing cold. We went to the hotel, changed and then went to a golf course (the only golf course in town) to play some golf. It was a really nice golf course, surrounded by mountains, forests and nice houses. On the ninth hole, you could order food, so I ordered a chicken sandwich and a coke. Then, I picked it up between the 9th and 10th holes and ate it right there.

Day three
I woke up and went downstairs to the lobby; our guide was already there to pick us up to go white-water rafting. The rafting was a really fun hour and a half paddling on a river, looking at forests and mountains and going over tons of rapids. I got soaking wet, and all that water was melted snow, so it was really cold. After that, we ate some lunch; then, we went mountain biking, which would have been fun if the trail we picked wasn’t going down a blue ski slope the whole way. It was scary with loose gravel and rocks. We were walking our bikes a lot of the way when a group of 9-year-old kids passed us, on unicycles. We laughed after that.

Day four
My dad and I got picked up by the same company that took us rafting to go fly fishing. We got to the river, and the guide showed us how to cast. My dad and I are already fishermen, so we picked it up pretty quickly. Then, we tied on some flies, put our waders on and went off down the river. It was fun, even though I got out-fished by my dad. He caught two rainbow trout, and I didn’t catch a thing, but I learned how to fly fish.

Lauren Lanning

Confessions of a Beauty Queen

Lauren Lanning represents Houston as Miss Texas USA

A tomboy at heart, Miss Texas USA Lauren Lanning moved to Houston 15 years ago.

Architectural know-how in building forts as a child transformed into a distinctive eye for fashion as an adult. An affinity for running around with the neighbors has morphed into a disciplined work-out routine – and a sincere commitment to health. Lanning is the girl next door – approachable, amiable and energetic – yet this Houstonian is a bit different from your everyday neighbor: She’s competing to bring home the Miss USA crown on April 21.

Lanning started competing in beauty pageants about five years ago. Since then, she’s become quite the success story with a number of titles under her belt, including Miss Bay Area Teen USA, Miss Bay Area USA, Miss Houston USA and, of course, Miss Texas USA. “My family thought it would be really great for me and might possibly build up my self-esteem if I entered (a beauty pageant),” she says. “I entered my first pageant because my mom had a great opportunity through her hospital. All the contestants that entered had the opportunity to raise money for a charity. I ended up entering, and, much to my surprise, I won!”

After tip-toeing into the pageant limelight, the whole Lanning family jumped on the bandwagon. Incidentally, Lanning’s lovely younger sister, Taylor, is now part of the beauty pageant circuit, as well – she currently reigns as Miss Houston Teen USA and won third runner-up for Miss Texas Teen USA. Extremely supportive of her daughters’ pursuits, Dianne Lanning is always eager to help, waiting in the wings to let her girls have the light.

Shining a positive light on the Houston area, Miss Texas USA is proud of her home and honored to represent the city she loves so much. “The Miss Houston USA pageant is the largest preliminary pageant in the United States; it is a very difficult pageant to win,” she reveals. “I felt very proud to represent Houston at Miss Texas USA and ultimately bring the crown home to this great city!” Showing a true pride, Lanning divulges that her favorite Houstonian is actually the mayor. “I believe Mayor Bill White has accomplished so much while he has been in this leadership position,” she says. “He had many great goals for the city of Houston before he was elected, and it is nice to see him putting his plans into action. I really have a lot of respect for him and am very excited to see where he will take Houston in the future!”

Lanning’s future is as bright as the lights under which she competes. Spending thousands of hours volunteering each year, as Miss Texas USA, Lanning has served as a goodwill ambassador throughout the city and the state. “Most of the things I do are with the Shriners and the Masons, especially the Masonic Lodge of Sugar Land,” she says. “You will always find me at the burn center in Galveston, the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Ronald McDonald House in Houston, or the Shriners children’s hospital. I love kids, and I enjoy having the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.”

Not only that, but the Lanning sisters have founded a charity that benefits the Nellie B. Connally Breast Cancer Center at M.D. Anderson. “Coins for the Cure is a non-profit organization that I started with my sister to help raise money for the prevention, detection and a cure for breast cancer,” she says. “Because I have had four generations of breast cancer in my family, I really have a passion for educating the public about this disease – and I can really speak from the heart because I have personally seen the effects it can cause.” Regularly working speaking engagements about breast cancer and the need for early detection into her busy schedule of supporting the charities of the Miss Texas USA organization, Lanning truly believes that the cure for breast cancer is just around the corner.

Additionally, Lanning hopes to launch a career in public relations or broadcast journalism in the professional sports field. Studying communications with a specialization in radio and television, she should graduate from college in two years. “I just simply love sports! I understand them very well, and part of that is because my dad is a huge sports buff,” she explains. “I have just grown up around the sports arena, and I developed a love for them early on.”

Her everyday life is active, as well. Lanning works out with a trainer and at a gym to keep her body in peak form, but she tries not to take her diet too seriously. “I really just try to watch my intake of food, drink plenty of water, and I will have a protein shake or two during the day, as well,” she says of preparing for the upcoming pageant. “I will keep a positive mindset, surround myself with people who believe in me and support my goals, and continue to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Miss Texas USA truly believes in making a difference every day. “It is the most exhilarating feeling knowing that I influenced someone in a positive way, especially children,” she asserts. “I love kids, and can’t wait to have some of my own one day, but there is nothing better than helping them to feel good about themselves and telling them to follow their dreams.”

Race Day

Local racetrack offers an array of entertainment

For truly exciting entertainment, Houstonians flock to the races at Sam Houston Race Park. Since April 29, 1994, the park has featured first-class live thoroughbred, Arabian and American quarter horse racing, offering a truly unique experience. Texas only has one casino (Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass), but many come to the race park to wager on their favorite horses.

A horse, of course
To those new to horse racing, the breeds of race horse can be a bit confusing. Thoroughbred horses are a light (in weight) horse, also known as the English running horse. The first pedigreed horse, thoroughbreds originated in England. They can run just under 40 miles per hour for a mile, making them one of the fastest horses and the undisputed king of race horses. At more than 16 hands tall (that’s 64 inches) and 1,100 pounds, they are pure beauties on the race track.

The American quarter horse earned its name in the quarter-mile races. In a short competition, the quarter horse is faster than the thoroughbred due to its ability to spring into a full-speed run. In addition to quarter-mile racing, quarter horses are used, almost exclusively, in cutting, roping and barrel racing at rodeos. These beauties stand 15-16 hands tall (that’s 60-64 inches), weighing 1,000 pounds with thick muscular shoulders and short necks.

Arabian horses were most likely the first true domesticated breed. Arabians are prized for their beauty, speed and stamina, and are often used as parental stock for American saddle horses, quarter horses, standardbred horses and thoroughbreds. Averaging 14-15 hands tall (that’s 56-60 inches) and 1,000 pounds, these graceful beauties often sport a bay coat with white markings.

Getting in
Sam Houston Race Park offers entertainment at a very affordable price. Admission is only $1 for seniors, free to children 12 and younger and $3 for general admission and simulcast admission. The large park can accommodate 18,000 fans and is available for catered and private events. The park features three levels of seating, ranging from the paddock to luxury suites and press boxes. Simulcast wagering is available 364 days a year, allowing Houstonians to wager on races around the world. The track offers 1,200 TV monitors!

The wagering kind
For those new to horse racing, there are many kinds of wagers you can put on a race. The “Win” wager, in which you bet that your horse will win first, is the most obvious wager most beginners know about. In the “Place” wager, you wager that your horse will finish first or second. The most conservative wager, and also one of the smallest yields, is the “Show” wager. In this bet, you win if your horse finishes first, second or third. “Across the Board” or “Combination” wagers are a combination of all three. To win, your horse must win, place or show. The “Daily Double” bet has you select the winners of the first two races. This bet must be placed before the first race begins.

In a “Quinella” you place a $2 wager that two particular horses will finish first and second. It doesn’t matter which horse finishes first or which finishes second. In an “Exacta” bet, you pick the first and second place winners of the race. They must finish in that exact order for you to win. The “Trifecta” wager goes even further. You pick the first three horses to cross the finish line. “Superfecta” bets call for you to select the first four horses in a given race. There are many variations of bets and other types, but these are a few to get you started.

For information on schedules and driving directions, visit www.shrp.com.

Harriet Gertner Kicks Out Kidney Disease

Local lady helps Houstonians

Harriet Gertner is passionate about defeating kidney disease after watching her first husband, Larry Rosmarin, suffer and eventually die from the disease.

She describes Larry Rosmarin as, “the catch of the city.” They met as she was heading to The University of Texas and he was graduating. He started a record distribution company and wooed her home to marry him in 1957. They soon added Lance and Marci to make a family of four.

The stylish couple hob-knobbed with all the recording stars of the day and traveled extensively, “having a wonderful time!” Larry had a passion for big-game hunting.

Tall tales
South Central Africa still buzzes with the story of the two Texas ladies who hired a private plane to fly from the safari to Victoria Falls to get their hair washed. Harriet’s friend, author Catherine Lanigan, fictionalizes the tale in her novel, “All or Nothing.”

“I’d had my hair done once a week all my life, and I’d already gone two weeks!” she says. There is nothing “diva” in that statement, but there is a bit of “princess.” You can see it in the perfect hair, perfect shoes and perfectly matching couture ensemble, including the perfect jewelry, most of it really big.

This five-week safari was the last of Larry and Harriet’s travel adventures. Shortly after returning, Larry went on the kidney dialysis machine three times a week. Two years later, he died.

The 38-year-old widow confronted “how fragile life is,” but she didn’t retreat into a darkened world of grief. She made up her mind “to be good for whatever time I had left – and to give back to Houston for the beautiful, happy, healthy life I’d been given.” Harriet has learned the hard way, “You can’t buy health. If you have your health, you have everything.”

The merry widow
For the next 10 years, she was, in her words, “the merry widow.” What else would you expect from a third generation Houstonian whose father was part of the Gordon Jewelry family? Even as a child growing up on Rosedale and going to Sutton Elementary, Harriet Sampson laid out her clothes, shoes and jewelry the night before. Something she does to this day.

Harriet “loved life as a child.” She says she had “fabulous parents” and remembers with glee dressing up in hats, gloves and heels as a 12-year-old and taking the bus downtown with her girlfriends. Houston proud

“Everyone watched out for you,” she recalls. “Houston was a small wonderful place to live a happy childhood. Nobody locked doors.” And she gushes about what a “beautiful downtown” Houston had in the 1950s.

Finally, she married transplanted New York businessman, Gil Gertner, who appreciates her organizational skills exercised through charity work.

Harriet says her volunteer efforts really revved up when the American Diabetes Association honored her late husband. (It was diabetes that led to his kidney failure.) She has chaired events for Moores School of Music, Child Advocates, The March of Dimes and FotoFest Houston, among others.

Now, with friend Philamena Baird, Harriet is co-chairing the Kick-Out Kidney Disease Luncheon on May 19 in memory of Anne O’Neil, who succumbed to kidney failure in February. The luncheon and Neiman Marcus fashion show, featuring Cole Haan shoes, bags and coats, will be held at the Houston Country Club. Harriet beams as she announces, “The luncheon will be generously underwritten by Royce Builders, so all the proceeds will go directly to Houston’s effort to kick-out kidney disease.” Harriet says, “Wear fancy shoes!”