For fans of the venerable ABC Channel 13 news anchor Dave Ward, Tony's wine room was the place to be earlier this week when his wife, Laura Ward, hosted a luncheon celebrating his 45 years with KTRK Ch. 13. That milestone makes his the longest tenure of any broadcaster at a single station.

Forty friends and family, current and past colleagues, gathered for the salutary luncheon that included a video of Dave's career, put together by the station.

Headliners sitting down for the luncheon included KTRK GM Henry Florsheim, Kitty Borah, Doug Brown, Don Nelson, Bob Allen, Gina Gaston, Ilona Carson, Travis Herzog, Wayne Dolcefino, Melanie Lawson and Tim Heller.

The entire crew then headed back to the station and Studio A for ice cream and cake and a surprise video greeting from Diane Sawyer.

In the stacks

Major donors to the Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners capital campaign got the first look at the beautifully-refurbished library during a trés elegant cocktail reception Wednesday. The unveiling of the $32.2 million restoration of the 1926 building drew a blue chip roster of city and philanthropic leaders. Welcoming supporters were preservation partners board members and chairman Phoebe Tudor.

While a jazz duo from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music played, guests toured the ornate spaces of the Spanish Renaissance Revival-style structure. The building's historic spaces are available for rental for meetings, receptions and special events. (Contact: preservationpartners@ideson.org)

Among those touring the building were Bobby Tudor, Peggy Brian, Mayor Annise Parker and Kathy Hubbard, Andrea and former Mayor Bill White, Beverly and Dan Arnold, Steven Arnold, Alice Helms, Susan Martin, Minnette and Peter Boesel, Margaret Lawler and Roy Flynn, Jo and Jim Furr, Marie and Barry Moore, Tony and Isaac Arnold, Molly Crownover and Susie and Mel Glasscock.

The building opens to the public on Dec. 5.

Talking points

It was a very chatty group that gathered at the home of Mady and Ken Kades with the intent of stirring up interest in City ArtWorks' Art of Conservation luncheon set for Monday at the Junior League of Houston.

Mady Kades and Cindi Rose are chairing the event that will feature table talk table hosts restaurateur Arturo Boada, KPRC meteorologist Frank Billingsley,Great Day Houston's Deborah Duncan, Houston's leading lady Lynn Wyatt and interior designer Bill Stubbs.

Fashion savvy

Houston READ Commission femmes flocked to Atrium Ready-to-Wear Wednesday night for a trunk show featuring pieces from the Agate Ranch + Marfa collection, the line created by Texas jewelry designer Kathy Bracewell. The artist was on hand to discuss the piece made from semi-precious agates that she finds on her West Texas ranch near Marfa.

A portion of sales from the champagne reception, hosted by Atrium owner Luvi Wheelock, benefited the READ Commission.

Who was there? Allie Fields, Molly Johnson, Annie Criner, Alex Heins, Lisanne Rogers, June Cullum, Emily Mannin and Laynie Bracewell.

High flying happy hour

Members of the Houston Zoo's young professional group, Flock, poured into the newly renovated Amazon Grill on Tuesday evening for a rousing happy hour hosted by chef David Cordua. He pulled out the stops offering guests ceviche, plantain chips, empanadas and margaritas.

The young and vibrant crowd mixed and mingled, generating excitement for the Flock’s next event on Nov. 30 at the Zoo. The hip crowd included Gloria Luna Bounds and Jesse Bounds, Denise Furlough, Carlos Meltzer, Bridget Johnson, Shawn Manderscheid, Tamar Mendelssohn, Drew Wilson and Meghan Miller.

Sight 'ems

Gregory Forticq, Sara Dodd Spickelmier, Keith Spickelmier, Elizabeth Petersen, Courtney Hopson and Ruth Gay dining at Up . . .

Patsy and Greg Fourticq and Karen and Mike Mayell cutting up in the bar at Tony's . . .

Deborah Duncan, Lara Bell and Melissa DeAyala sipping wine and sampling the wares at Olive & Vine in CityCentre where they and other Memorial area moms gathered for a tasting fete. Bistro Alex exec chef Roland Soza joined the party dishing up escargot with cornbread pudding and tempting guests with his Thanksgiving takeout and dine-in options.