HOUSTON GYM Houston Gym announced the grand opening of their newly constructed fitness facility.

Their new facilities, located at 1501 Durham Street between the River Oaks/Memorial/Montrose neighborhoods and the Houston Heights, contain over 7,500 square feet of exercise area with new state-of-the-art equipment and expanded locker rooms. Houston Gym will also have extended operating hours.

Erected by Pinnacle Construction, the metal-finished building was designed with a vaulted single-slope roofline to expand the interior space of the structure and to allow members to exercise in a comfortable, yet expansive space. The air-conditioning ductwork, electrical fixtures, and the steel super-structure remain exposed to complete the clean industrial loft-style appearance. The architects designed the structure to complement the surrounding neighborhoods, which include a variety of brick/stucco and metal-framed townhomes. The project was fully financed by Comerica Bank-Houston.

The most notable equipment addition is the new 12-station state-of-the-art cybex VR2 equipment. This equipment is designed to accommodate users of all sizes and exercise levels, from rehabilitative work to competitive bodybuilding. All staff members have been thoroughly trained on the use of this equipment and will be instructing members old and new on the proper techniques and benefits of these exciting new machines. "This new equipment will enable Houston Gym to tailor-make 30- to 45-minute exercise programs for active Houstonians who want to shed a few pounds, and build and tone their bodies," says Troy Daniel, club manager. "Then we always have free weights to add different exercises to routines over time."

"Over the past seven years, Houston Gym has become a local institution with a solid reputation and has attracted a wide range of clientele from absolute beginners to nationally known competitive bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts," says Johnnie West, program director. "In addition, we’ve attracted some of Houston’s top personal trainers who can offer our clients an unparallel level of professional instruction on the use and benefits of exercise and nutrition. Our new facility will enable us to attract more members and ensure that they are properly trained on the wide variety of equipment that is now available to them."

During January, Houston Gym will be offering a variety of attractively priced grand opening specials to ensure that each individual interested in starting and staying with an exercise program has the opportunity to do so now. With obesity, diabetes, and heart disease on the rise in the United States and in Houston, what better time than right now to reverse that trend for you? For more information, call 713/880-9191.

BRIGID’S PLACE

Brigid’s Place, a nonprofit-ecumenical organization supporting the spiritual development of women, announced the hiring of Corren Domingo as the new program director. Domingo, born in Karachi, Pakistan, has worked for organizations including D.A.R. E., M.D. Anderson, and The Women’s Center.

Brigid’s Place, housed at Christ Church Cathedral, offers classes, lectures, discussion groups, weekend workshops, and retreats where people can ask questions relating to their spiritual journeys, address their doubts, and become empowered to meet the challenges of life.

The organization, named after St. Brigid, a fifth-century Irish Celtic saint who founded a double monastery of nuns and monks, is based on the social concept of equality between men and women. The group was known for their wisdom, compassion, hospitality, and healing.

Both a gay man and a lesbian are included in upcoming events. March 8 & 9: "Mystical Paths to Wholeness" with Andrew Harvey, gay mystic, author, speaker, and future director of the "Center for the Divine Feminine" in Anselmo, California. Harvey is the author of The Essential Gay Mystics, as well as several other books. May 10-12: Workshop with lesbian/feminist priest, Reverend Carter Heyward, author of Saving Jesus from Those Who Are Right. Brigid’s Place is located at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue. For more information, call 713/590-3333.

BUNNIES ON THE BAYOU

Bunnies on the Bayou, Inc., is planning their annual Easter party and seeks deserving organizations to benefit from the 2002 fundraising event scheduled for March 31. What started out 23 years ago simply as a small gathering of friends sharing good music, cocktails and conversation on Easter afternoon, has evolved into a spectacular benefit attracting thousands.

To be considered as a beneficiary of the event, the organization requires details of the proposed project or activity their organization’s funding would support, including the specific dollar amount requested, a copy of the organization’s IRS determination letter recognizing 501 ©(3) status, along with current financial statements (profit/loss statement, balance sheet) and a summary of the organization’s purpose or mission statement. Brochures, press clippings, and other types of information will also be helpful in the evaluation process.

The deadline for receipt of the information is Friday, February 8, 2002. The organization will make their selection and notify all candidates by mid March. All selected beneficiaries will be required to provide a brief follow-up report six months after receipt of funding summarizing the expenditures made with the money received.

Please send all proposals to: Bunnies on the Bayou, Inc., P.O. Box 66832, Houston, TX 77266, Attn: Charities Committee. Please contact Jim Taylor with any questions. Day phone: 713/313-1671, evening phone: 713/526-9213.