Spouse Program Tours and Seminars

From the outside, they look like many American country churches built around the turn of the last century, with arched Gothic Revival windows, facades clad in white frame siding or in stone, lone steeples rising up into the Texas sky. Once you cross the threshold of these particular Texas churches, you'll encounter not a simple wooden interior but an unexpected profusion of color. Nearly every surface is covered with bright painting, including exuberant murals that radiate from the apse, elaborate foliage trails the walls, wooden columns and baseboards shine like polished marble in shades of green and gray. Built by 19th-century German and Czech immigrants to this rough but promising territory, these churches transport the visitor back to a different era, a different way of life. The story of these buildings is the story of a people striving to succeed in a new country and still preserve the values and culture of their homelands. The churches are located about 100 miles outside of downtown Houston. You'll spend the day visiting a few of these beautiful structures and the scenic country that surrounds them. This tour will include a stop for lunch. Lunch is not included in the price of registration for this tour, so registrants will need to be prepared to pay for their lunch at this stop.

Your experience begins from downtown along Buffalo Bayou to the scenic River Oaks neighborhood, where you will visit Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. This remarkable home, managed by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, houses a collection of decorative art, paintings, and furniture. Bayou Bend is the former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg. The collection at Bayou Bend presently consists of approximately 4,700 objects that refl ect historic and stylistic periods from 1620 to 1870 installed in some 28 period room settings that showcase American decorative arts through these periods. Although not touring the home, guests will be allowed to enjoy the beautiful gardens of Bayou Bend and visit the new Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center and the Shop at Bayou Bend.

Finally, your experience will conclude with a driving tour of River Oaks. Established in the 1920s by brothers William and Michael Hogg, the community became a well-publicized national model for community planning. River Oaks is considered to be one of the wealthiest communities in Texas and has one of the wealthiest ZIP codes in the United States. Real estate values in the community range from $1 million to over $20 million

Join us for this seminar and learn about Sam Houston, a colorful and great American. Our speaker, Charlie Fogarty, will arrive in character as Sam Houston to speak to the group. Fogarty is a Texan who loves sharing his knowledge of the heroes of the Republic of Texas. Fogarty is the owner of the Steamboat House, a steakhouse that just happens to be a Texas History Museum. He also makes more than 80 speaking appearances each year to speak on heroes of the Republic of Texas. He was made an Honorary Member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and has received numerous awards for his work in preserving and sharing Texas history. Fogarty will make learning about early Texas history fun for all in attendance.

Yoga has been described as the science of self-exploration. Through its methods, we can come to a better understanding of how we work physically and how we can unite our mind and body to enhance our well-being. Come join Julie Byrd for a mindful exploration into yoga involving stress releasing twists, fl owing poses, soothing stretches, and breathing relaxation — all mixed together with a relaxed attitude and a generous helping of lighthearted fun. This class is designed for all fi tness levels, and pose modifi cations will be shown to suit beginner to advanced students. Bring your mat if you have it and prepare for a fun and relaxing hour. If you are unable to bring a mat, towels will be provided by the hotel in the Spouse Suite. To learn more about Julie Byrd's yoga instruction, visit her Web site, www.jbyrdyoga.com

As a beauty stylist at Nordstrom in the Houston Galleria, Flory shares her expertise in recommending different tips, tricks, and make-up regardless of product lines in order to fi t the individual needs of her clients. Flory teaches that it does not take money or a special occasion to look your best — it takes knowledge! At this seminar, join Flory as she shares solutions to different "issues" we may experience with our skin, teaches us how to do a 10-minute natural makeover, and highlights for us some of the newest and greatest cosmetic breakthroughs.

What do you feel is your personal style? Is it necessary luxury, timeless fashion, fast and chic, a guy thing, face value, or over-the-top-sensibility? Learn to cultivate your OWN style at this seminar! Get your fashion questions answered by Suzette M. Brimmer, fashion professional and division chair of Lifestyle Arts & Design Careers, and Professor Kenneth Simmons, fashion designer and lead fashion design professor.

For several years now, attendees of the Annual Meeting have enjoyed taking in the musical talent of SEG's past presidents and other talented SEG members at the Presidential Jam Session on Tuesday evening during the Annual Meeting. By popular demand, this group of talented musicians has put together a musical sampling especially for Spouse Program delegates! Join us at the luncheon, and treat your ears to some of your favorite tunes styled and performed especially for you by this elite group!