Buisness News

Dr. Randy Mitchmore at LifeSmiles has been certified as an Invisalign provider. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners. The aligners have been proven effective in both clinical research and in practices nationwide. So whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart, or have shifted since wearing braces, you’ll have a new reason to smile. The aligners can also be used to whiten your teeth as they are being straightened. Contact Dr. Mitchmore at LifeSmiles at 2617 West Holcombe Blvd., Suite E, 713/592-9300.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has been named American’s Top Loan Originator of 2001, with a total loan volume of $194.44 billion, says Larry Broughton of Wells Fargo. The honor was recognized in the January 5 Insider Mortgage. For questions regarding mortgages or mortgage rates, call Broughton at 713/654-3085.

For 25 years, Hanson Galleries has been the gift headquarters for many Houstonians. Last month, gallery owners Art and Donna Milstein celebrated the grand opening of their newest location in Uptown Park. Known for their emphasis on fine crafts, Hanson Galleries has an ever-changing collection of sculpture, raku, jewelry boxes, blown glass, metal art, and fashion jewelry representing over 500 exclusively American craftsmen. The gallery’s grand opening last month benefited Carenet Pregnancy Center of Houston. Donations of baby-care items, including formula and baby clothing, are still being accepted at both gallery locations. Hanson Galleries is the only store in Texas to have the honor of being selected by Niche Magazine as a Top 10 retailer of American crafts. Hanson Galleries is located in Town & Country Mall and in the charming Uptown Park Lifestyle Center, 1101-10 Uptown Park Blvd. (by Café Express). Store hours are Monday—Friday 10 a.m.—8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.—6 p.m., and Sunday noon—5 p.m. For more information, call 713/552-1242.

Diverse Works is pleased to announce the award of $40,000 from the Rockefeller Foundation’s Museum Program in support of William Pope.L:eRacism, an exhibition developed in partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art and the Portland Institute of Contemporary Art. Scheduled to open January 10, 2003, William Pope.L:eRacism will be the first comprehensive look at the artist’s critical performance, installation, and object-focused art, which engages contemporary issues such as race, class, and consumerism His performances focus public attention on people, places, and problems that are ignored by society. His art installations use unconventional materials such as peanut butter, mayonnaise, and Pop-tarts to provoke a closer examination of the "stuff" of everyday life and raises questions about art as a commodity.

Sunset Bodyworks is proud to offer a Secretaries’ Day Special for the month of April. Show your appreciation for their daily efforts by pampering them with a facial and manicure for $90. For an extra $20, add a 15-minute chair massage. Too busy a schedule to give your secretary a day off? Sunset Bodyworks can also bring their chair massage to your office. Sunset Bodyworks is located downtown in the historic Rice Lofts, 909 Texas Ave., #206. Call Wilma Schindeler or Brad Brandt at 713/223-5900.

Jon Henderson of Jon Henderson Salon is please to announce the addition of makeup artist Kelly Lauren to his company of skilled professionals, offering makeup lessons, makeovers and touch-ups. Lauren’s 25 years of makeup artistry experience includes MAC special events artist, Yves Saint Laurent makeup artist, as well as fashion photography and theatrical production makeup. Jon Henderson Salon, 4621 Montrose, Suite B, 713/522-1585.

Well-known Galveston entertainer Myra Sanchez and business partner Charles Pena ("Sisters") have opened the Island’s newest club, Myra’s Cantina, with a grand opening planned for Saturday, May 11. Located at 813 21st Street (between Ball and Sealy), the Latin-inspired neighborhood cantina has a pool table, television, and jukebox, and offers beer, wine, and set-ups. An entertainment stage is under construction. On Saturday, May 4, Myra’s Cantina will present Misty Valdez’s pre-benefit show, leading up to the Misty Valdez 15th annual AIDS Benefit Show at Garza’s Kon Tiki, Sat., June 1.

Misty’s Blue Crew raised $28,500 for the AIDS Walk 2002. The crew of 130 walkers raised over $7,500 more than last year’s goal for the charity walk. Bill Erwin came in first place among the Blue Crew, raising $1,500. Second-highest fundraiser was Vick Sardesai, who also recruited the most walkers (20), and third was Anthony Garcia for raising $760. Honorable Mention went to Tony Wooley, who was also given the Canadian award for failing to record his $. The Misty Blue Crew is a volunteer organization that raises funds for the AIDS community. For more information, e-mail MBlue2301@aol.com.

Leland Van Deventer and Thomas Barzilla have opened Urban Fitness Center on Galveston Island. Located in the 1915 renovated historic landmark at 527 21st1 St., the gym features all-new, top-of-the-line equipment and a complete range of cardio and free weight exercise machines. Urban Fitness specializes in client fitness evaluations and custom-designed and assisted workout programs based on each individual’s fitness goals. The staff is not only friendly but also attentive and knowledgeable. Certified personal trainer Scott Rice has joined the staff, offering his expertise in health and fitness programs. Urban Fitness offers annual memberships as well as day, week, and weekend visitor passes and memberships. For further information, call 409/621-2878.

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