Informing, Inspiring & Connecting Successful Women

Since 2004

E-NEWS Edition

Published Bi-Weekly

October 7, 2026

Volume 1, Number 13

Orange

and Pink

by Beverly Denver

Orange and pink have always been two of my favorite colors. As a child and “budding artist,” I would often reach for crayons in various shades of each and mark up the pages of a new sketch pad or coloring book or, when full of mischief, the walls of my childhood home. 

Later, as a teen and “budding fashionista,” I was attracted to clothes of orange and pink. When I went to a fabric store with my mother (a gifted seamstress), I would seek out bolts of bright orange wool or powder pink satin. Finding them, I would lug them over to my mother and beg her to buy the needed yardage to whip up something designer-like for me! Most often, she obliged, saying, “Well, these are good colors for you!”

Later still, I came to associate orange with autumn and all the things I see and so enjoy at this time of year. Most notably, orange pumpkins and orange fallen leaves! 

As a young bride and “budding Martha Stewart,” I would bring many orange things into my home to use as decorations. As fast as one could flip the pages of the calendar from September to October, my main living areas would be transformed by generous splashes of orange.

Then, in early 2005, after a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer, things changed! I still loved orange, but like so many others battling breast cancer, I began to associate the color pink with October. And, instead of concerning myself as much with in-house decorating projects, I became involved with initiatives to promote breast cancer awareness and research. 

Afsaneh Aayani

Scenic designer's latest staging delights all at

Main Street Theater

by Beverly Denver

Audiences and professional critics of Main Street Theater’s current production of Cold War Choir Practice, a dark and funny return to the 1980s, are raving about its story and cast of characters — as well as the artist, Afsaneh Aayani, who designed MST’s delightfully strange, yet familiar, stage set.

“Cold War Choir Practice, which runs through October 11, is a wonderfully kooky show, and I wanted the set to reflect that spirit," said Aayani. "My goal was to create an environment that felt familiar to the audience, reminiscent of the roller-skating rinks of the 1970s, while also feeling fun, strange and a little otherworldly. I had a lot of fun borrowing inspiration from the era's boom boxes and cassette tapes to help shape the visual language of the design. Neon lights, colorful signs and glowing carpet helped bring that world to life."

She continued, “I also designed colorful arches at the entrances so people would immediately feel immersed in the world of the show as soon as they walked into the theater. I love creating environments that are more than just a backdrop for the action. I want the audience to feel transported into another world, one that is playful, unexpected and full of surprises."

GUEST COMMENTARY

SINCE 2023

Average Harris County homeowner paying

41 percent higher taxes

by Bill King

In defending their recent property tax increase, Harris County Commissioners have argued the current increase only represents about a $190 increase for a homeowner with a $400,000 home. That statement is roughly accurate. However, it omits that the increase this year is the third year in a row that Harris County has increased its tax rate. The combined rate for all taxing entities in 2023 was about 53.5 cents per 100. The increase this year will raise that rate to 67.6 cents. That is a 26.3 percent increase in the tax rate in the last three years.

However, your tax bill is not just determined by the tax rate. It is also determined by how much HCAD raises or lowers the value of your home. Over the same period, HCAD has raised the value of our hypothetical $400,000 home by a little over 11 percent. Because these two increases compound, the total increase is just over 41 percent for our hypothetical $400,000 homeowner; that is an increase of about $642 per year. 

Upcoming Fall Events

Now - October 31

Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo.

Now - November 8

Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green.

October 9-11

Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park.

October 10 - November 29

Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville.

October 13

Houston Sports Hall of Fame Induction at Le Tesserae.

October 16

Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation Luncheon at Hilton-Americas Houston.

October 17

Watercolor Art Market at 1601 W. Alabama.

October 17

Houston Filipino Festival at Constellation Field.

October 17

Children's Museum Houston Gala at The Corinthian.

October 17-18

ARToberfest on Postoffice Street in

Galveston.

October 21

The Heritage Society's Evening of Heritage at Brennan's of Houston.

October 23

Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon at The Post Oak Hotel.

October 23-24

Oktoberfest at the First Lutheran Church in Galveston.

October 29

American Leadership Forum's Annual Joe Jaworski Dinner at The Revaire.

November 3

Election Day

November 5

Hope Clinic Luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club.

November 6

Night Market 2026 at the Asia Society Texas Center.

November 12

Inspire Women's 21st Annual Awards Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club.

November 19

Center for Houston's Future's Annual Dinner & Conversation at River Oaks Country Club.

^{HOUSTON WOMEN WHO MADE HISTORY}

CHRISTIA V. DANIELS ADAIR

(1893-1989)



Christia V. Daniels Adair, an accomplished civil-rights activist and suffragist, was born on October 22, 1893, in Victoria, Texas. She was one of four children of Hardy and Ada (Crosby) Daniels.

She attended a small school in Edna, then went to Austin with her brother in 1910 to attend high school at Samuel Huston College (now Huston-Tillotson College). She later went to Prairie View State Normal and Industrial College (now Prairie View A&M University), then taught at Edna and later at Vanderbilt, Texas. In 1918, she married Elbert H. Adair, a brakeman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

The Adairs moved in 1925 to Houston, where Christa became an early member of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Elbert Adair died in 1943, and for the next 16 years, Christia remained active in the NAACP and served as executive secretary for 12 years. The Houston branch brought suit against a local election judge in Smith v. Allwright for denying the vote to a local Black dentist, Dr. Lonnie Smith. The case, argued by the NAACP special counsel, Thurgood Marshall, was decided in favor of Smith by the United States Supreme Court in 1944. Smith was important in the history of civil rights law because it ended the use of race as a barrier to voting in Texas Democratic primaries. This and similar NAACP activities made the chapter a target for its opponents. Bomb threats were not uncommon. Although Christia was sometimes frightened and told people she kept a gun in her home, she was remembered by others as unafraid.

STATE NEWS

Texas Comptroller reports state sales tax revenue last month up 11.5 percent over same period in 2025he

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines has reported state sales tax revenue totaled $4.4 billion in September, 11.5 percent more than in September 2025. The majority of September sales tax revenue is based on sales made in August and remitted to the agency in September.

"Sales tax collections remain above prior-year levels, giving lawmakers reason to keep property tax relief as the top priority," Huffines said. "If collections continue to hold up, the Legislature will be well positioned to dedicate the surplus to meaningful property tax relief that eases the burden on homeowners, businesses and renters.

"Sales tax revenue growth was vigorous in the sectors driven by business spending, indicating the Texas economy continued to grow robustly despite headwinds of rising interest rates and elevated energy costs."

Double-digit growth in receipts was observed for the large sectors primarily influenced by business spending — mining, construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and real estate, rental and leasing. Those rates of growth were in some part attributable to last year's collections being depressed by higher-than-normal refund activity, but most of the growth reflects an increase in economic activity this year.

Growth in receipts from retail trade, the largest sector, was 3 percent compared with the same month a year ago, slightly below the 3.4 percent rise in the Consumer Price Index. Within retail, electronics and appliance stores and automotive dealers showed the largest gains.

Receipts from restaurants were up 2.5 percent, below the rate of inflation for food away from home.

Calendar year-to-date sales tax revenue was $39.6 billion, up 7.8 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Sales tax is the largest source of state funding for the state budget, accounting for 59 percent of all tax collections.

BUSINESS NEWS

Partnership to host State of the Port event

tomorrow afternoon a La Tesserae at East River

The Greater Houston Partnership is hosting a State of the Port event this Thursday, October 8 at a dynamic new setting, Le Tesserae at East River, located at 2940 Riverby Road, Suite F-500

Houston, 77020, in one of Houston’s largest mixed-use developments. Tickets are $180 for members and $205 for non-members of the Partnership.

For more than a century, Port Houston has powered global commerce, strengthened the Houston Ship Channel and helped position our region as a leading gateway for international trade.

Following opening remarks from Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean, Ric Campo, chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority, will join A.J. “Jim” Teague, the co-CEO of Enterprise Products Partners L.P., for a fireside chat.

Attendees should expect to learn about Port Houston’s newest major developments, infrastructure investments and long-term vision to keep the Ship Channel efficient, competitive and prepared for the evolving demands of global trade. Additionally, they will gain insight into how the Port’s growth continues to shape Houston’s economy, connect our region to the world and drive opportunity across industries.

The event begins with registration and networking from 4 to 4:30 p.m., followed by the program and a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

HOUSTON WOMEN MAKING SMART MOVES

Gillian Boyer has joined Welcome Group as its operational accounting director, bringing extensive experience in internal audit, financial controls, enterprise risk manage-ment and process optimization.

Shanta Eaden, CEO and chief change officer at Leader's Edge Consulting, has been named chair of Genesys Works Houston.

Carolyn Frost Keenan is the new chair of the UTHealth Houston Development Board. She has been a member of the board since 1994.

Vicki Hinesley has recently joined the team at Douglas Elliman Realty, bringing more than 20 years of residential real estate and relocation experience.

Tarryn Lankford has recently joined Kids Meals as its chief advancement officer. She will lead the organization's fundraising, donor engagement, communications and partnership initiatives.

Louise D. McCullough, MD, PhD, nationally recognized neurologist, physician-scientist, has been appointed executive vice dean for research at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. She is widely acknowledged for her clinical practice and research in cerebrovascular disease.

Laura McWilliams, a former banking executive and U.S. Foreign Service officer, has been appointed to the development board at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. 

Jennie Mook, an attorney, has joined the team at Reynolds Frizzell. She will focus on complex business and corporate disputes. Previously, she served as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Jeannine Ramirez has joined Houston Trust Co. as assistant vice president of Accounting. She is responsible for supporting accounting, household and institutional client service functions. Previously, she worked as an external auditor with Whitley Penn LLP.

Katherine Orellana Ross has recently joined the team at SULLTRAIN, a subsidiary of The Fields Companies, as managing director of Hospitality.

Ashnell Polimis has joined Houston Trust Co. as assistant vice president of Trust Operations. She is responsible for daily cash management, trust accounting and administrative, and investment support functions.

Elizabeth S. Swift has been promoted to senior vice president of Trust Administration at Houston Trust Co. She is responsible for personal trust and estate administrations, client service and special asset support.

If you have an item for this column, please send it to beverly@houstonwomanmagazine.com/.

"Women must try to do things as men have tried.

When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others."

~ Ameila Earhart ~

COMMUNITY NEWS

St. Luke's United Methodist Church and the Houston chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present internationally acclaimed organist Roger Sayer in concert on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. as part of his celebrated Interstellar 10 tour. The event coincides with World Space Week, making Houston's "Space City" the ideal setting for an evening inspired by one of the most beloved science fiction films of the modern era.

Sayer is the organist who performed on the soundtrack of Christopher Nolan's 2014 film, Interstellar, and collaborated directly with Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer during the recording process. What began as a special project marking the film's 10th anniversary in 2024 has evolved into an international concert tour, drawing sold-out audiences around the world, including performances at London's iconic St. Paul's Cathedral.

The concert will feature music from Zimmer's acclaimed Interstellar score, along with additional space-themed works, showcasing the power and versatility of the pipe organ in a unique concert experience that appeals to film enthusiasts, music lovers and space fans alike.

This performance does not include a screening of the film.

Statue of Barbara Bush to be unveiled this Friday!

The City of Houston Mayor’s Office, the Houston Public Library, the Houston Public Library Foundation and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation will dedicate and unveil a new statue of First Lady Barbara Bush this Friday, Oct. 9.

The statue, created by artist Chas Fagan, will stand as a tribute to the former First Lady on the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza in downtown Houston. It will honor Mrs. Bush’s enduring commitment to literacy and her connection to the city she called home.

Scheduled speakers include Nick Sawick. executive director, Houston Public Library Foundation; Sandy Gaw, director, Houston Public Library; Houston Mayor John Whitmire; Neil Bush, chair of the Barbara Bush Houston Literary Foundation and son of President George H.W. and Barbara Bush.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center to present ArBOOretum Family Fall Festival October 17

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is presenting ArBOOretum on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are invited to bring the kids out for the Houston Arboretum's biggest family event of the year, featuring fun activities for all ages. Arboretum members and children under three can attend for free; others pay either $25 or $30 (depending on the day you attend).

Little ghouls and goblins should head on over to ArBOOretum to play, learn and enjoy a special day of activities. The popular Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail will lead kids on an adventure of discovery where they will learn about creatures that live at the Arboretum, while collecting candy along the way. Other favorite ArBOOretum activities throughout the day include: Birds of Prey Program, Snake Encounter, Pumpkin Decorating, Face Painting, Story Time, Photo Booth, Carnival Games, Train Rides, Monster Mart, Bat Cave Cooldown Area, ArBOOretum Adventure Scarecrow Stilt Walker, Pumpkin Patch and Photo Ops with Spider Man and Moana, and food trucks and refreshments

"ArBOOretum is a favorite fall and Halloween tradition and the Arboretum's most popular family event for both parents and children," said Debbie Markey, Houston Arboretum's executive director. "Consider becoming an Arboretum member to support this great green space and enjoy year-round benefits, including free admission to ArBOOretum, free or discounted admission to other Arboretum classes and events, free parking and more."

Houston Woman Book Club

Selection for October

New York Times bestselling author Isaac Fitzgerald sets off into the heart of America on an epic journey that takes him far from home and brings him closer to it.

In American Rambler, Fitzgerald follows Johnny Appleseed's path, walking from Massachusetts to Indiana. On this journey, he turns a childhood fascination into a profound reckoning of loss and grief, ritual and faith, in grimy gas station bathrooms and scenic apple picking. He is followed by a mysterious creature, camps in hostile environments, trespasses more than once and is warmed by the generosity of strangers at every turn.

American Rambler is a moving blend of memoir, history and travelogue. It is an ode to the American heartland, a mediation on escaping the frantic pace of modern life and a clear-eyed look at the myths — often violent, sometimes hopeful, frequently romanticized — at the very core of American identity and history.

Note: If you'd like to join members of the Houston Woman Book Club at their October 21 dinner meeting, please email beverly@houstonwomanmagazine.com to request the details.

Discovery Green transformed to host

Houston Pumpkin Festival daily thru Nov. 8

Celebrate the magic of autumn in the heart of downtown Houston at Discovery Green - now transformed into a picturesque farmland of pumpkins, rides, food trucks and seasonal sights for delightful photo ops. The big event is open Monday to Thursdays from 3 to 11 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Houston Pumpkin Festival has been designed as the perfect destination for family outings, date nights, and fun and festive gatherings with friends. Guests can go around on he carousel, explore the lake on boats, race down the 30-foot slide, bounce around the Jumpkin Pumpkin and so much more.

Tickets are $18 per person on weekdays and $25 per person on weekends. All tickets include the on-site rides. Food, however, is sold separately.

Due to high demand, attendees are advised to purchase their tickets online and in advance. Walk-up admission will be based on capacity. Online tickets do not require a reserved time slot.

If you purchased tickets and are unable to attend because of rain, you may use your weekday tickets on any other weekday. Weekend tickets may be used on any day.

Discovery Green is a 12-acre park in downtown Houston with free admission, 600+ free events a year, gardens, public art and play spaces. It is located at 1500 McKinney in downtown Houston.

25 Simple Pleasures for October for Women

“Autumn is the season that teaches us that change can be beautiful.”

~ Author Unknown ~

HEALTH & FITNESS

Houston Health Department and partners receive

$12 million grant to support forthcoming

Respite, Recovery and Transitional Housing Center

The Houston Health Department, in partnership with local healthcare services and community organizations, has been awarded $3 million per year for four years from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The funds will be used to support the development and implementation of the Houston Health Respite, Recovery and Transitional Housing Center.

This community-based initiative is designed to help Houstonians experiencing concomitant homelessness, medical illness and serious mental illness or substance use disorder move toward recovery, stability and self-sufficiency.

The HHRRTH (pronounced “hearth”) Center will bring healthcare, behavioral health, housing and community-based services together under a public health model designed to connect individuals with the care and resources they need to move from crisis toward stability.

“I welcome the funding Houston will receive over the next four years through the STREETS program. This important funding will help the City’s Health and Housing Department continue to work to help our homeless community using a holistic approach. Delivering stability to the un-housed population we work with is the top goal in the work method my administration is implementing,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

Click on the image above to purchase your tickets to Cold War Choir Practice.

Click on the image above to get more information about the Night Market.

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Houston Woman Magazine was launched in March 2004. Since its beginning, its mission has been

to inform, inspire and connect successful women. E-News is now being published

every other Wednesday as an extension of its special printed issues.