10-14 ARTS & EVENTS CALENDAR
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15
28-29 ANNUAL REVIEW FOR YOUR FINANCES
THE BUZZ
16-18 SKEETER’S MESQUITE GRILL 19
THE BUZZ
20-23 YEAR-END GIVING REPORT 24-26 NICK ANDERSON INTERVIEW
THE BUZZ
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
31
THE BUZZ
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
A Texas Legacy: Selections from the William J. Hill Collection Adolph Kempen, Desk, c. 1870–80, mahogany, pine, maple, black walnut, and cherry, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Bayou Bend Collection, gift of William J. Hill.
Bayou Bend Gardens
A
s 2016 comes to a close, there are reasons for optimism. A troubled election cycle will be over, and at least for awhile we can have some normalcy in our news cycle, whatever that may be. We have to cheer the recent efforts by our mayor’s determination in keeping a campaign promise to reform the city’s pension obligations. Also, while oil prices have risen from their bottoming out earlier this year, there is hope and belief among many that it will start its ascent soon. And for anyone claiming Houston's economy has diversified wholly from its dependence on the price oil and gas, I have some great ocean front property in Arizona I would like you to see. By the firefighters recently joining the police and municipal pension boards in approving cuts to their pensions, Houston may be on track to solve a 15-year budget stalemate that has threatened to implode our city's finances. Let’s hope the State Legislature can do its part in making it law.
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Despite slowdowns in many areas there have been pockets of growth. Construction, service and medical industries continue to grow as the aging population lives longer lives due to increased knowledge and better treatments for many diseases. One can Ronald A. DePinho, MD only hope for progress President, University of Texas on insurance reforms MD Anderson Cancer Center so people can get proper treatment. One disease that has not got the attention it deserves according to Ron DePinho, MD Anderson’s President, is pancreatic cancer. Monies are needed, and year-end giving for this cause can be used in furthering the research that is necessary to move the dial on this fatal disease. While the chances of contracting pancreatic cancer are less than 2%, it is the most lethal and growing in the number of cases compared to other types. Our year-end charitable giving report explores a few of Houston's other very worthwhile charities, and as always Intown continues to highlight the generosity of our beloved city.
David Michael Young BROKER, CNE, CLHMS, GREEN Young Realty Group (713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Val Arbona REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
Tiffany Palacios CNE Keller Williams Memorial (713) 289-9898 www.TiffanyPalacios.com
Julie Pistone Krampitz Owner TK Images Photography (713) 545-9177 www.tkimages.com
947 Queen Annes Road | Waterhill Villas
27001 Lenze | Spring
List Price $575,000 | MLS# 91981862
List Price $2,450,000 | MLS# 464524
$10,000 Bonus to buyer with accepted offer by 11/30/2016! Luxurious, Mediterraneanstyle town home located in a charming, gated community. With its highly sought aer Memorial location, this four story, high-end, low maintenance beauty features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and is situated on a large corner lot with private gated access to the street directly from your home. Gorgeous views as you sit atop the expansive roof top terrace resembling a town in Croatia! Visit today!
Unparalleled! is 5,944 sq custom built estate sits on 24 acres of secluded, unrestricted land. Nestled in the backyard of e Woodlands, and minutes from 99 Grand Parkway, this “Hidden Gem” has much to offer.
Tiffany Palacios | Keller Williams Memorial | Phone: 713-289-9898
Tiffany Palacios | Keller Williams Memorial | Phone: 713-289-9898
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
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Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community
8921 Lakeshore Bend | Hilshire Lakes Text 3943960 to 67299 Stunning 3-Story freestanding town-home with elevator servicing all three floors in the gated community of Hilshire Lakes in Spring Branch overlooking a natural spring fed lake located close to Downtown & Energy Corridor.
Wendy Cline CLHMS, SRES, ABR, CPRES Wendy Cline Properties Keller Williams Memorial (281) 858-3451 www.WendyClineProperties.com
James Brodnax CLHMS, ABR GRI CPA Realty One Group (713) 822-3423 www.westandloop.com
Weldon Rigby CRS, ABR Founding Member KW Luxury Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com
Genevieve Rowland REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Keller Williams Memorial (281) 904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com
Paula Hagerman ABR, CDPE, WCR, Realtor, member GHLHC and member ILHM Remax Vintage (713) 306-3557 www.paulah.remaxtexas.com
Sima Dalvandi Realtor Keller Williams Southwest (832) 630-7605 www.ezhomerealestate.com
Wendy Cline | Keller Williams Memorial | Phone: 281-815-0854
11730 Denise | Marian Oaks Text 3905849 to 67299 Wonderful Hedwig Village family home in Marian Oaks across from St Cecilia’s Catholic Church & School. 6,548 square foot home with 7-8 bedrooms, 7 full & 2 half baths. Grand foyer with curved stairs, two paneled offices - one in front with full bath & elegant formal dining and living rooms.
Wendy Cline | Keller Williams Memorial | Phone: 281-815-0854
18407 Hopfe | Hockley Text 3787611 to 67299 Long private gated drive leads up to this amazing one of a kind property with custom home, pond with dock, gorgeous outdoor entertainment complex on almost 10 acres. Home has a great open plan with fireplaces in the family room, master bedroom & outdoor living area.
Wendy Cline | Keller Williams Memorial | Phone: 281-815-0854
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
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Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community
Jennifer Fitts Fuller CLHMS Keller Williams Memorial (713) 927-9809 www.jfullerrealty.com
Debra Osborn Camino Realtor, ABR, AHSS, ALC, ALHS, CNE, WCR Keller Williams NE (713) 397-3867 www.LiveNEHouston.com
29003 Dobbin Hufsmith | Magnolia Text 3943960 to 67299 Spectacular 7,344 square foot equestrian estate in gated community of the Ranches of Pinehurst - close to e Woodlands - on 19 acres features a custom home constructed with Cantera Stone, an 18 stall horse barn built of Old Chicago Brick and an infinity pool overlooking the scenic lake.
Wendy Cline | Keller Williams Memorial | Phone: 281-815-0854
Moira Holden CHMS, CLHMS, CNE, GRI Better Homes & Gardens - Gary Greene (281) 460-9402 www.garygreene.com
Beverly Smith CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist Coldwell Banker United, Realtors (713) 569-2113 www.har.com/bevsmith
76 West Shore Lane | Bentwater on Lake Conroe List Price $1,595,000 | MLS# 69540000 Wonderful family home in gated community of Bentwater with excellent views of Lake Conroe. is home has a large family room that opens to the kitchen, formal living, & dining, game room, study, library & 4 bedrooms. Backyard with pool, 2 boat lis with upper deck for excellent sunset viewing.
Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United Realtors | Phone: 713-569-2113
Marlene Foad ABR, CRS, ePRO®, CLHMS 360 Property Agency (281) 686-4444 www.HoustonLuxuryEstates.com
Mariana Saldana Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. (713) 629-7771 www.uptownhouston.com
1921 Spann Street | River Oaks List Price $949,000 | MLS# 67115604 Gated, 3 story 2 Bedroom plus Study. High ceilings, crown molding, plantation shutters, hardwoods thru out, Sub Zero and Wolf appliances, second-floor living open concept great for entertaining, island kitchen, granite, two fireplaces, spacious master. HOA covers water, landscaping and area maintenance.
Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. | Phone: 713-629-7771
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing 9 intown
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ARTS + EVENTS
Julian Onderdonk and the Texan Landscape
Securing the Glow: Photographs of Clouds Julian Onderdonk, Blue Bonnets and Cactus in Ongoing through Jan. 29, 2017
the Rain, San Antonio, Texas, 1914, oil on panel, William J. Hill Collection.
Overhead and Under Foot: Contemporary Topographies on Paper Ongoing through Jan. 29, 2017 Julian Onderdonk and the Texan Landscape Ongoing through Jan. 2, 2017 A Texas Legacy: Selections from the William J. Hill Collection Ongoing through Jan. 2, 2017
Museums
Museum Of Fine Arts Houston
Asia Society Texas Center
Christian Marclay “Telephones” Ongoing through Nov. 8, 2017
In the Wake: Japanese Photographers Respond to 3/11 Ongoing through Jan. 1, 2017 3DPRK: North Korean Portraits by Matjaz Tancic Ongoing through Feb. 26, 2017
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Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait Ongoing through Jan. 29, 2017 Helen Levitt: In the Street Ongoing through Jan. 2, 2017
Grand Designs Neoclassical Taste in the 18th Century Ongoing through Feb. 20, 2017 Ancient Luxury and the Roman Silver Treasure from Berthouville Opens Nov. 6, 2016 through Feb. 5, 2017
A History of Photography: Selections from the Museum’s Collection Ongoing through Jan. 8, 2017 Degas: A New Vision Ongoing through Jan. 8, 2017 Emperors’ Treasures: Chinese Art from the National Palace Museum, Taipei Ongoing through Jan. 22, 2017
Degas: A New Vision Edgar Degas, The Dance Class, c. 1873, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, Corcoran Collection (William A. Clark Collection).
Houston Rocket James Harden
Hamman Hall OF Texas Coastal Ecology Hall of Ancient Egypt Herzstein Foucault Pendulum John McGovern Hall of The Americas Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault Morian Hall of Paleontology Starke Hall of Malacology Wiess Energy Hall Welch Hall of Chemistry
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Right Here, Right Now: Houston, Volume 2 Ongoing through Nov. 27, 2016 A Traveling Show Ongoing through Jan. 15, 2017
Amending America: The Bill of Rights Ongoing through Jan. 8, 2017 Art and the Animal (2016) Ongoing through Jan. 1, 2017 Mummies of the World Ongoing through April 30, 2017
Holocaust Museum Houston “Helene Berr, A Stolen Life” Ongoing through Nov. 13, 2016
Music & Dance
”Taking Flight: The Butterfly Project” Ongoing through Dec. 31, 2016
Da Camera of Houston Picasso and Music Nov. 14 - 15, 2016
”Genocide: Man’s Inhumanity to Humankind” Ongoing through Dec. 31, 2016
Cécile McLorin Salvant Dec. 3, 2016
Menil Collection
Cullen Theater Wortham Theater Center
Andy Warhol: Sunset Ongoing through Jan. 8, 2017
Jason Vieaux Dec. 9, 2016
Picasso The Line Ongoing through Jan. 8, 2017
Houston Ballet
Francis Alys: The Fabiola Project Ongoing through May 13, 2018
The Nutcracker The Jubilee of Dance Dec. 2, 2016
Holy Barbarians: Beat Culture on the West Coast Opens Nov. 18, 2016 through Mar. 12, 2017 Houston Symphony
Houston Museum of Natural Science Permanent Exhibits: Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals Earth Forum
Trifonov Plus Rachmaninoff Nov. 3, 5, 6 I Love Piano Nov. 11 - 13, 2016 A Mozart Thanksgiving Nov. 25 - 27, 2016
Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife
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River Oaks Chamber Orchestra
ARTS +
DECEMBER 2 Kanye West 3 Maxwell & Mary J. Blige 11 Andrea Bocelli 23 Trans-Siberian Orchestra
EVENTS Sports
12 Days of Christmas Upper Elementary It’s A Wonderful Life Dec. 9, 2016
The Australian Bee Gees Nov. 11, 2016 Illuminate Nov. 12, 2016
Andrea Bocelli Dec. 11, 2016 RIVER OAKS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (ROCO)
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Christmas Concert and Coffee Dec. 5, 2016 - 10a.m. Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens, 6003 Memorial Drive
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Concerts & Festivals Toyota Center
Handel’s Messiah Dec. 15 - 18, 2016
Tommy Tune Tonight Nov. 8, 2016
Brass Quintet on Cypress Creek FACE Series Dec. 13, 2016 - 3p.m. e Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Dr., Spring
NOVEMBER 4 SIA 6 93.7 Beat Bash 2016 8-9 Adele 10 Black Sabbath 20 Amy Schumer 22 Pentatonix 27 Barbra Streisand
Houston Rockets Toyota Center NOVEMBER 12 San Antonio 14 Philadelphia 17 Portland 19 Utah 23 Toronto DECEMBER 5 Boston 7 LA Lakers 10 Dallas 12 Brooklyn 14 Sacramento 16 New Orleans 20 San Antonio 26 Phoenix 30 LA Clippers 31 New York
MFAH Presents Holiday Brews on the Bayou Bayou Bend Gardens Photo by Rick Gardner
MFAH presents “Holiday Brews on the Bayou” A cra beertasting event at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. November 19, 2016, from 2 to 6 p.m. Add some hops to your holiday and enjoy seasonal beer tastings from 14 cra breweries at Holiday Brews on the Bayou. e festive event takes place inside Bayou Bend’s elaborate Spiegeltent from Belgium, the perfect setting for aernoon brews. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant sounds of AARON & ASHTEN, a local brother and sister singer/songwriter duo, and take a stroll through the museum estate’s beautiful gardens and historic mansion. 6003 Memorial Drive at Westcott Street. Houston Texans NRG Stadium NOVEMBER 27 San Diego DECEMBER 18 Jacksonville 24 Cincinnati
Broadway at the Hobby Center Jersey Boys Nov. 15 - 20, 2016
The Ensemble Theatre
Theater
The First Noel Nov 17 through Dec 30, 2016
A.D. Players Stages Repertory Theatre O Little Town of Bagels, Teacakes, and Hamburger Buns Nov. 30 through Dec. 23, 2016
The Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular Nov. 9 through Dec. 1, 2016
Alley Theater A Midsummer’s Night Dream Ongoing through Nov 5, 2016 Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Nov 19 through Dec. 29, 2016 David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries Dec. 1 - 31, 2016
The Music Box Theater The 80’s Mix Tape Diaries Ongoing through Nov. 27, 2016 A Very Beatles Holiday Concert Dec. 3 - 30, 2016
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Holiday Hotel Directory Hilton Americas-Houston e hotel’s renowned pastry team will be building a monumental two-story gingerbread house in the main Lobby rotunda. Handcraed from 500 pounds of gingerbread, 350 pounds of chocolate and 325 pounds of sugar, the structure’s exterior and the interior of the house will be decorated with confections. Outside the house will be chocolate children building a snowman, several Hilton Americas Hotel Lobby chocolate deer, a chocolate bare-branched tree covered with fresh fallen snow, icicles and lights, and mailbox with letter to Santa, adding an additional 725 pounds of milk and white chocolate. e interior of the house will be illuminated, allowing guests to see inside where there will be a fireplace with chocolate logs and sugar flames, rocking chair and Christmas tree decorated with lights, sugar ornaments and gis. It will be in the lobby from Monday November 28 through Wednesday December 28. Also new this year at the Hilton Americas will be Breakfast with Santa in the lobby level restaurant, 1600 Bar+Grille, every weekend between anksgiving and Christmas weekend.
Omni Houston Hotel Breakfast with Santa and Gingerbread House Decorating Saturday, December 10 • 10:00am – 12:00pm Santa Claus is coming to town and his first stop is the Omni Houston Hotel in Uptown. Santa will bring his gingerbread houses for party-goers to decorate while enjoying holiday refreshments and festive fun. Photos available with Santa before you head home with your edible gingerbread creation! $30 per child, Adults complimentary Tickets available online: omni-santaparty2016.eventbrite.com
Christmas Day Brunch Sunday, December 26 • 10:30am – 3:00pm Experience the legendary Omni Houston Hotel Holiday Brunch. Enjoy live music and feast on the creations of their outstanding culinary team in a beautiful holiday setting. $75 for Adults, $32 for Children 6-12, Children 5 and under dine free (Prices do not include tax and gratuity). Complimentary self-parking, reduced valet parking. For reservations: 713.871.8181
e St. Regis Houston
Call (713) 403-2631 for reservations.
anksgiving Day • 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Traditional St. Regis Brunch Buffet in e Astor Ballroom Seating times: 10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Live entertainment and activities for children Adults $79 (including sparkling wine) Children $35 (ages 5 – 12) Children under the age of 5 are complimentary - Reservations essential. (713) 403-2631 anksgiving Dinner in e Remington Restaurant e Chef ’s Special Prix Fixe anksgiving menu including traditional seasonal offerings. Includes amuse bouche $70 per person.
Christmas Eve • 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Prix Fixe Dinner in e Remington Restaurant Chef ’s special three-course holiday menu includes amuse bouche and sorbet intermezzo $70 per person.
Christmas Day Legendary St. Regis Brunch Buffet in e Astor Ballroom Seating times: 10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Live entertainment and activities for children Adults $79 (including sparkling wine) Children $35 (ages 5 – 12) Children under the age of 5 are complimentary. 14 intown
Photo Credit: Jenny Antill, Wilson Parish & Anthony Rathbun
HOUSTON SYMPHONY OPENING NIGHT CONCERT & GALA
Max and Rochelle Levit
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
A Celebration of ConocoPhillips’ 30th Consecutive Years of Supporting the Houston Symphony Opening Night Concert and Gala at Jones Hall and e Corinthian Honorary Chairs Lisa and Ryan Lance welcomed the more than 590 guests who attended both the concert and the Gala dinner. Concert attendance totaled almost 1,900 people. The evening featured Oscar®, Golden Globe®, Screen Actors Guild®, GRAMMY® and BAFTA-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley narrating Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Music Director, Andrés Orozco-Estrada led the musicians of the Houston Symphony in a concert program.
Peter and Caroline Billipp
The Richard Brown Orchestra took the stage, commencing the late night party that had guests dancing into the wee hours of the morning. The event raised an excess of $730,000 for the Houston Symphony’s Education and Community Programming, making it the second most successful Opening Night Concert and Gala in the history of the event.
Stephanie von Stein, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl
April Lykos, Frank Hood
Lisa and Ryan Lance Judith Vincent
Gabriel Salinas, Christian Garcia, Daniela and Manolo Sanchez
Kevin Kushner, Brittany Sakowitz Kushner
Christina and Mark Hanson
David and Ali Pruner, Marge Lowe, Harold Pruner
Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Sir Ben Kingsley, Ralph Burch
[Food] Owner Gary Adair
Photos Courtesy of Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill
Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill Just a little ol’ family spot … and so much more by Marene Gustin
Buffalo Burger with Mushroom and Grilled Onions
Mesquite Fried Pork Chop
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A
dair Concepts, a family run restaurant group, recently added three new restaurants to their empire: the widely received Adair Kitchen; Bebidas Juice, Coffee & Bites; and the more elegant Eloise Nichols Grill & Liquors at the edge of the trendy River Oaks District. e father and kids’ company also bought out the longtime (as in decades) popular Tex-Mex group Los Tios Mexican Restaurants.
But the success of this family food realm dates back 28 years to one simple, neighborhood spot that is still the epicenter of the empire: the original Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill on Weslayan Street. And although Skeeter’s now has three more locations in Sugar Land, e Woodlands and Kingwood, it’s impossible to think of the original as part of a chain. It’s a neighborhood hangout, an integral part of West University Place and Bellaire, the place where moms drop in for a glass of wine and pick up healthy food to take home for dinner, where dads bring the Little League teams for burgers and pizza aer the game, a lunch spot for area
Crispy Beef Taco
policemen and women and strip center shoppers. “I think about it all of the time,” says Gary Adair of his success with Skeeter’s. “I think it’s because we are so hands on.” In fact, Adair, who founded the company when his current partners — his son and daughter — were just little tykes, can oen be found at the original West University location, talking to all his regulars, checking on the kitchen staff and tweaking the menu. “When I started in this business (he’s been in it most of his life) kale was a garnish,” he laughs. “No it’s one of our best selling salads.” Adair says if you listen to your customers they will tell you what they want. Hence the addition of a rather nice wine list instead of just one red and one white back like in the old days, and the aforementioned kale salad as well as the new super health grain bowls: a meal of brown nice, veggies and delicious proteins like salmon and chicken. ey also serve breakfast seven days a week: think breakfast sandwiches on scratch biscuits and made-to-order omelets. One of the menu highlights, although not as healthy, remains the mesquite-grilled burgers, thick and juicy and paired with everything from guacamole to chili and pepper bacon. (e mesquite wood burned in the open kitchen is how the name Skeeter’s came to be.) Also of note are the Tex-Mex entrées. Real cheesy, stomach-filling combo platters of enchiladas, tacos, beans and rice, and sizzling fajita plates where the beef just melts in your mouth. It’s all amazingly good and mostly locally sourced from such companies as Krasmen Baking and Jakes Fine Foods. intown 17
Besides the updated menu, Skeeter’s also received a $100,000 make-over for its 28th birthday, a change in the exterior façade including more glass making the entire dining room bright and airy. So if you want to plan a business meeting for breakfast or lunch, a girls’ night out for margaritas and nachos, or a place to bring the little ones (there is a kids nook with games and a children’s menu) this is the place to be.
Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill 5529 Weslayan Street 713.660.7090 skeetersgrill.com Grilled Salmon
From Skeeter’s New Menu Southwest Grain Bowl Served with a Chipotle-Lime Dressing 1 ½ cup Brown Rice ½ cup Black Beans 3 slices Avocado ¼ cup Bell Peppers ¼ cup Slaw and Cilantro ¼ cup Pico de Gallo Garnish with Tortillas Strips
Skeeter Bowl Served with a Ginger-Lime Dressing 1 ½ cup Brown Rice ½ cups Kale ¼ cup Black Beans ¼ cup Almonds ¼ cup Cherry Tomatoes 1/4 cup Carrots 3 slices Avocado 3 slices Cucumbers ¼ cup Red Onions
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Photo Credit: Daniel Ortiz Photography
DRESS FOR SUCCESS HOUSTON CELEBRATES 18 YEARS OF EMPOWERING WOMEN WITH CUISINE FOR A CAUSE Co-Founder and President, Nancy Levicki, supporters of Dress for Success Houston, its Board of Directors and event chairs for the evening, Mary & Ben Patton and Rachael & Jason Volz, joined us in celebrating their 18th year of empowering women in the Houston community. The event began with an outdoor presentation with KHOU 11 News Reporter and Anchor Mia Gradney acting as emcee, highlighting Dress for Success Houston’s mission and featuring client success stories. More than 350 foodies proceeded inside to sample featured restaurants.
Gary Reaves, Rebekah Reaves
Graham Lowrey, Maria Lowrey
Proceeds from the evening’s festivities will allow Dress for Success Houston to continue and grow its mission of promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women. In addition to providing professional attire, its services have expanded to include added career development tools and workshops to help women thrive in their jobs and in their lives. As a result, of the 2,500 women who have been suited to date in 2016, an astounding 54% have landed jobs–other Dress for Success affiliates average at 26%. Funds raised from this event will help Dress for Success Houston reach its goal of providing more than 13,000 units of service to over 2,800 Houston area women. For more about Dress for Success Houston, visit: www.dfshouston.org
Cynthia Miller, Paige Gallaspy Dr. Crystal Wright, Mia Gradney, Rachel McNeill
Dr. Wayne Franklin, Dr. Randall Wright, Troy Clendenin
Nancy Levicki, Lauren Levicki Courville Ben Patton, Mary Patton, Rachael Volz, Jason Volz
Amir Molavi, Niloufar Molavi 2016 Cuisine for a Cause Chefs
Summer Smith, Nelia Blanton, Melissa Blanton
Sara Leighton, Valerie Dieterich
Laura Seibert, Ryan Bouillet
Think of New Places to Ease the Tax Hit by Giving
by Carole Keeney Harrington
M.D. Anderson has one of the first high-risk clinics in the nation targeting three risk groups: First are people with a geneticallylinked predisposition. Included are families where two or more members have had pancreatic or other cancers such as breast and ovarian and where the BRC2 gene is present.
The crazy election is almost over – we hope. It’s time to think about another bad experience – taxes. Instead of moaning, think instead about a multitude of opportunities to ease the hit with charitable giving at the end of the year. Causes abound, but this year think about lesser known causes with critical goals that deserve attention.
Pancreatic Cancer Research/ University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Winners are magnets that attract attention, whether in sports or in medicine. Pancreatic cancer, with its five-year survival rate at only five percent, is naturally a stepchild when it comes to research dollars. Aggressive and sly in its ability to avoid early detection, this deadly rogue engenders hopelessness that hampers funding. However, fueling hope are some of the world most talented cancer researchers at M. D. Anderson. “We have created a clear path forward through our Pancreatic Cancer Moon Shot Program where we are focusing on developing lifechanging early detection tests and safe, effective therapies,” said Dr. Ronald DePinho, president of the cancer center. Among the talented researchers is Dr. Anirban Maitra who leads the 20 intown
A world-renowned pancreatic cancer researcher, Dr. Aniban Maitra is in demand to speak throughout the world.
40-person, pancreatic multidisciplinary team within the Moon Shot Program, a 12-prong effort across different cancers. “The goal is to move answers from the lab to the clinic. One of the main challenges is that pancreatic cancer has had little funding,” Maitra said.
The second high-risk group are patients with pancreatic cysts. Like colon polyps, these can lead to cancer. “In the past, surgeons would whack out cysts, but what we are doing now is checking them with blood tests and biopsies,” Maitra said. The third high-risk group, identified in the last few years, are individuals with new onset diabetes. One percent or less may have pancreatic cancer, but the diabetes is the result of the cancer, not the cause. With millions of new onset cases each year, a blood test is needed to determine who might have a cancer.
Among research avenues within the Moon Shot Program are immunotherapy developed by Dr. Jim Ellison – turning the body into a fighting machine - and early detection such as a blood tests. Hiding DePinho is the among common Ronald A. DePinho, MD leader in hope. “We non-lethal complaints President, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have the expertise such as stomach or back pain, diagnosis of pancreatic in place, but lack the necessary cancer is extremely difficult. “How resources to convert these do you separate the grain from the opportunities into lifesaving chaff?” Maitra asked. “However, we advances,” he said. “This can change. With the support of do know about risk factors.”
visionary philanthropic partners, our internationally esteemed physicians and scientists are confident they will dramatically change outcomes for this disease in the coming years.”
Classes are offered in English and Spanish and at organizations such as Wellsprings, the Women’s Home, Harris County Jail, Northwest Assistance Ministries and local schools.
The Women’s Resource Center of Greater Houston
A program for teens, ninth grade through twelfth, educates students about options in post-secondary education, vocational training or job searches. “Equipping them with financial knowledge helps
Success breeds success at the Women’s Resource Center of Greater Houston. In 1990, a group of professional women saw that less than five percent of philanthropic dollars went to women and girl’s causes – and most glaringly missing - financial education. Today, the organization can look back at the 6500 women and girls who have the power of financial knowledge to undergird their lives. And all the classes are free.
them imagine a life that they’ve never imagined for themselves,” Powell said. The newest program at WRC is coaching. Participants work three to five months with a mentor. Typically, the goal is mending their credit or establishing credit. For one woman in her 30s, attending classes in financial literacy at Wellspring, for the first
Christine Powell is executive director of the non-profit. “We are the leading provider of financial education for women and girls in the city of Houston,” she said. “It is the economic issues that hold them back. Once they control their finances, they control their destiny.” Powell previously worked at the Houston Area Women’s Center where domestic violence and lack of resources kept women in danger. If girls learn financial independence early, they are less likely to stay until battering becomes deadly, she noted. WRC’s financial literacy classes teach women and girls about banking, saving, budgeting, credit, insurance and investment planning. Adults and teens who come from every socioeconomic class, from employed who struggle with debt to welfare recipients can find a way out of poverty and debt. intown 21
time in her life she saved $200. Another participant admitted her abysmal moneyhandling ability.
The Women's Resource Center's financial literacy work offers women a lifeline to a better future through its Your Life Program.
“I am finally mentally and emotionally mature enough to properly handle money. The weeks of courses that the Women’s Resource Center provided at the Women’s Home have been an invaluable and
absolutely necessary staple in my journey to self-betterment and striving toward an enjoyable life.” For more information and giving opportunities, go to their website: www.thewomensresource.org or call 713-667-4493.
Nora’s Home / Nora’s Gift Foundation To lose a child is a heartbreak that can never be totally mended. But it can be assuaged by acts of kindness. The generous heart of a fun-loving little girl who died tragically in an automobile accident at age 7 lives on in children to whom her parents donated Nora’s organs. Her compassionate spirit also inspired a haven for families who are facing transplant surgery. Dr. Osama Gaber, Nora’s father, is co-founder of Nora’s Home. Dr. Gaber is a transplant surgeon who directs the Houston Methodist J. C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center. Nora’s mother, Dr. Lillian Gaber, is a nationally renowned transplant pathologist. “When we lost our daughter, Nora, it was important to us to keep her memory alive,” Dr. Osama Gaber said. “It was important for us that whatever her spirit could do would be invested in the patients we take care of every day. This is how Nora’s Home came to be.” Nora’s picture looks over the home’s common area where patients gather. For families who come to the Texas Medical Center for life-giving surgery, Nora’s Home is where the field is level, where only someone who is at the same critical juncture can understand the emotions that come with facing a chance at a new, healthy life.
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The Texas Medical Center, as a conglomerate, has the largest transplant program in the country. Nearly 900 transplants are done there each year. Nora’s Home opened in November of 2013 and by February of 2014 had a waiting list. It has served more than 500 families in a homelike environment. Included are 16 guest rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, family room, meditation room, community room, play area for children, an education center and free shuttle service to and from the Texas Medical Center.
post lung transplant patients. To fund the expansion, Nora’s Home Board of Directors has launched a $6-million-dollar capital campaign. For more information, visit their website: www.norashome.org or call: 832-831-3720.
Nora's Home is a memorial to the daughter of Drs. Lillian and Osama Gaber who gave her organs so other children could live. Dr. Osama Gaber is head of the transplant program at The Methodist Hospital.
Kayla Lehman, executive director of Nora’s Home is a kidney transplant recipient herself. “The transplant process often requires guests to stay at Nora’s Home for weeks or months, and the majority (95%) cannot afford to pay the $75 nightly fee,” Lehman said. “Guests are accepted on a firstcome-first-serve basis. The Adopt-aFamily Program heavily subsidizes stays so that no guest is turned away because of inability to pay.” Plans are under way to add 16 new guest rooms, plus a communal kitchen where families take cooking/nutrition classes, a laundry room, expanded storage and administrative offices and a board/education room. Four of the family guest rooms will offer strict immune suppressed protocol for
Nora Gaber
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Nick Anderson Interview by Mike Lebashack & Barry Lamenack
Photos courtesy of Hearst Papers and gocomcs.com
Nick Anderson is an editorial cartoonist for the Houston Chronicle where he has created his iconic illustrations for the past ten years... Anderson began his illustrious career at the Courier Journal who recognized his talent aer a summer internship. He majored in political science at Ohio State University where he was editorial cartoonist for the school's newspaper, e Lantern. In 1989, he won the Charles M. Schulz Award for best college cartoonist. Aer 15 years with the Courier-Journal, in 2006 Anderson accepted a position at the Houston Chronicle. Anderson grew up in Toledo, Ohio, in a family that encouraged independent thinking in politics. His father was a scientist and “I had figured the chances of being an editorial cartoonist were pretty slim, but I didn't want to go to my deathbed without trying,” recalls Anderson. In 2005 Anderson won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning. Prior earned the Sigma Delta Chi award and the Fischetti Award, and three times was awarded first place in the Best of Gannett 24 intown
Awards. Among other papers Anderson's cartoons have been published in e New York Times, e Washington Post, USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. Anderson has pioneered a program by Corel that enables him to create his digital paintings and has been dubbed a “Painter Master” by the company. In his spare time, Anderson enjoys mountain biking, cycling, water skiing and rollerblading. He lives in Houston with his sons, Colton and Travis, whose names Anderson hides in each of his cartoons. Anderson is an avid cyclist and in 1988 cycled across country beginning in Oregon and ending in Massachusetts. Mike Lebashack and Barry Lamenack caught up with Nick recently in the SB Nation studio to talk about his new book “You Might Be From Texas If..." Mike Lebashack: First of all, how long you been in Texas? Nick Anderson: I’ve been in Texas over 10 years so I think I’m a valid Texan now. ’Cause a lot of us are transplants.
Barry Lamenack: I’ll allow it. ML: So, what compels a guy who's been here maybe a decade to put together a volume of cartoons about, ostensibly, what it means to be a Texan? NA: Well this actually, this idea, was pitched to me by a publisher and at first I just wanted to hang up the phone and run away because he was saying 120 cartoons in less than a year and I’m already doing about 220 a year for the Chronicle, so it would’ve meant a lot of nights and weekends. But, the more I thought about it, the more I thought that this mark is really rich for something like this. I mean, Texas is such a unique state and I did a lot of research and there’s a few websites that have things like this but there’s never been a compilation like this, and it just seems like the perfect market for it. BL: And let’s say if you did “you might be from Ohio” it would just be a bunch of crying jordans on every page. ML: (laughing) Scarves and gloves, lake effect. BL: And that would be... it wouldn’t be as interesting
NA: (laughing)I'm not gonna trash my whole state. BL: Hey, no. I have a question for you, ’cause... you've won a Pulitzer? Where is it? Do you keep it in storage? NA: I have it right here in my pocket, I have it around my neck most of the time, I le it in the car. It’s actually a very small thing, it’s not a huge award. It’s a Tiffany crystal trophy. It’s like a paper weight size, and it’s cracked. Because my ex wife—this is probably why she’s my ex wife—she was cleaning one and picked it up and dropped it and it has a crack in it. It may have been deliberate. BL: Hate, jealousy, that’s not nice. But that’s good that you have it, it’s not in storage somewhere or you lost it.
the material and again “You Might Be From Texas If...” you can pick it up at any fine place where you'll buy reading material. Have you in fact ever Christmas shopped at Buc-ee’s? NA: I have not. I’ve gone there and got Kolaches which are delicious. but I’ve not actually done the christmas shopping. A friend of mine gave me that ideas because he does. ML: I’ve seen it. NA: Yes, but i've been driving by there for years and finally stopped in at one and they are just mobbed with people. Never experienced something like that in Ohio. It really is something different
NA: at’s a good question and it’s hard to rewire myself, I showed some of my early sketches to the publisher and he’s like “ease up a bit...these are a little too political”. And my work tends to be edgy and satirical and usually ridiculing something or someone. So rewiring myself was a bit of chore and I don’t think I was as good at it at first, and it took me... well once I got into the zone and the flow of things it started to come quickly. ML: Okay now, getting into the book and
ML: Charles Schultz was probably an inspiration, what guys are more overtly political? Who do you look up to? NA: Oh, I love Bloom County. But as political cartoonist, Jeff MacNelly was a brilliant cartoonist. A conservative cartoonist. I lean more le but my real inspiration was Jeff MacNelly.
NA: You can get replacements but somehow I want the one that’s cracked. ML: I would do the same thing, I mean, if I lost a Superbowl ring or a Grammy or something and I lost it, I don't want a fake one I want the one they handed to me. Now anyone that follows your work and again you can see Nick’s work at chron.com and the Houston Chronicle in the Opinions section. What is it like, kinda, transitioning from the work you do that’s more political um, I’m sure the debates have been chocked full of new material for you, to move from something like that to something that's a little me lighthearted?
a biochemist, that I wanted to be a cartoonist and he just laughed and laughed. Actually the best laugh I think I’ve ever gotten out of a cartoon. And he told me the odds of getting a job as a “cartoonist are miniscule, you could fit as many people into a phone booth as do editorial cartoons in this country.” Well I told him “I’m not very good at math” so I just continued to pursue it. and uh, he actually became my biggest fan, and I’ve been really lucky I did it for the Ohio State newspaper and I landed a job right out of college and I’ve never had a real job and I plan to keep it that way.
BL: How did you get started as a cartoonist. NA: Yeah, it’s something I did as a kid. I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember and it was about the third grade, when I realized I had something of a knack for it. People accused me of tracing this picture, of another drawing and I was flattered because I hadn’t traced it and I was like “Oh, I must be pretty good at this!” And I bought a book on cartooning in 5th grade and I just drew all the time. Fortunately I didn’t have video games. So, you know 49 years old, we had pong, and I didn’t even have that. So I drew a lot. and it was freshman year in high school I did my first editorial cartoon for my high school paper. And I told my dad, he was
ML: Give us an idea of what they might find in “You Might Be From Texas If...” Your idea of a nightmare blind date. Guy in a longhorn shirt shows up, aggie on the doorstep. Have you somehow got locked into that? What was the first thing that made you feel more like a Texan than an Ohioan. NA: Uh, I don’t really remember the first thing, I think it’s been more of a transition I think it’s the people here are so engaging. People really disagree with my politics but they are so friendly they don’t let that get in the way. ML: One of the ones that reached out to me, and this especially spoke to my wife. Guy on the doorstep dying of thirst and being offered water as opposed to sweet tea. NA: He turns it down he was waiting for Sweet Tea. ML: And, I’m from the North East, now when you go back to everyone has sweet tea. Somehow word has gotten out from the Lone Star that this is a necessity. intown 25
NA: And when you go back to the North East you avoid Mexican food because it’s dreadful compared to what we have here! BL: You pioneered a way of coloring your cartoons? Can you explain that a bit to the listeners? NA: Yeah, when I started drawing, nobody worked in color. Some papers started to publish in color, and I remember sending out a message to other cartoonists and everyone recommended Photoshop, so I chose Corel Painter. And that was the year that I won the pulitzer. ML: Do you or do you not classify FunYuns as a vegetable? NA: I do not, my kids tried to, but sorry kids, not a vegetable? ML: Now you mentioned an Ex-wife earlier, would you or your children consult the football schedule before scheduling a wedding? NA: Actually I do. I’m engaged and I did exactly that. We’re getting married next november and I said it can not be during Ohio State Michigan. Because I am not gonna miss that game. ML: Where can people go if they want to get the book? NA: You can get it at all the Barnes & Noble, all the independents have it, easiest is Amazon.com ML: You have a little bit of a contest going on on Social media, possible contributions for a Vol. 2. NA: Yeah, we're running a weekly contest on my FB page “You Might Be From Texas If...” People are giving us ideas for Vol. 2 and the best one every week gets a free book. Also, I’d love to do one for Houston too. Houston is a great idiosyncratic city, it would be a great market for a book like this. BL: You know people are gonna think you called them an idiot because you said “idiosyncratic”. Look it up guys he wasn't being mean. NA: Don’t send me a mean email! 26 intown
LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH LUNCHEON The Wortham Theater was the site for this year’s Annual Legacy Community Health Luncheon. The luncheon honored Dr. Kelli Cohen Fein for her extraordinary leadership and commitment to providing compassionate medical care. Proceeds will benefit Legacy’s Little Readers, a new program promoting a love of reading in Legacy’s youngest patients and their families.
Mario Elie, Gina Gaston, Kelli Cohen Fein, Martin Fein
Legacy Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center that promotes comprehensive healthcare for its clients. It operates in three cities in Southeast Texas, providing services in 12 clinics, KIPP and YES Prep schools.for more go to www.legacycommunityhealth.org
Ileanna Trevino, Sheridan Williams Tripp Carter, Martha Turner
Phoebe Tudor, Y. Ping Sun
Phyllis Williams, Yolanda Green
Kelli Cohen Fein, Barbara Van Postman Todd Fiscus, Domininque Sasche, Ceron
Ray Purser, Katy Caldwell, Council Member Robert Gallefos
Venecia Dutton, Nicole Walters, Shenequa Animashaun
The Junior League of Houston’s Annual Opening Style Show was a stylish flashback to the 80s! This year, the theme, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, celebrated all that was the 80s and commemorated the building’s 30th anniversary along with the Greatest Hits of League accomplishments of that era. TOOTSIES showcased fall fashion and attendees received a swag bag stuffed with 80s inspired goodies from local favorites including TOOTSIES, Tenenbaum Classic Jewelers, Beauty Counter, Studio 3 and Vanity Salon.
Holley Rainwater, Kendra Moriarty, Iris Hail, Meredith Kajdan, Haley Urquhart
Hannah Swiggard, Kendra Smith, Jennifer Roost
Abbey Roberson, Megan Holder Fady Armanious
The League will contribute more than $2 million in trained volunteer time and direct financial support to 37 community projects and volunteer initiatives to the Greater Houston Area this year. The Junior League of Houston, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Whitney Walsh, Shelby Damiani, Amy Dunn
Roseann Rogers, Lara Bell, Suzanne Stiles
[financial focus]
When you need an annual review for your finances by Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Private Banking An annual physical checkup evaluates your health with recommendations to keep your body well and strong. An annual performance review assesses your work accomplishments including suggestions for advancing your career. But have you considered what an annual financial review might do for your financial health and long-term goals? Much like that physical checkup or performance assessment, an annual 28 intown
review can help you evaluate your current financial strength and motivate you to stay on track toward financial objectives you’ve set. If you’ve fallen behind on savings, debt management, or something else, the checkup is a good time to restart positive financial habits that can lead to the results you want to achieve. A knowledgeable and experienced financial professional will review and analyze your current financial
health, including debt, savings, investments, insurance protection, estate planning, and more, then point out gaps, potential challenges, and new opportunities you may not have considered. This professional can also help you fine-tune your comprehensive financial plan to accommodate any recent changes in your life, or if you don’t have a plan, he or she can help you create one that is designed for the objectives you’ve set for yourself.
The bottom line: The review is your opportunity to hit the pause button at least one time each year, step back from the “busyness” of your everyday life, and take a critical look at your plans and assets with your financial professional. Take advantage of this valuable time to ask questions, discuss your short- and long-term goals, explore some new possibilities, make changes in direction, if necessary, and prepare for another year. That includes talking through what is and isn’t working right now, and at the very least, answering these questions: •
What are your financial concerns right now?
•
What has changed in your life during the past year? How will that affect what you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve it?
•
What progress have you made toward your financial goals? Are you on track to achieve them or are you falling behind? If you’re losing ground, why?
•
What additional help or information do you need to continue working on your financial goals?
Would you like to talk to a financial professional? Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com.
Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. Investment and insurance products are offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Frost Brokerage Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Frost Bank. Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance. Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC. Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.
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GIFT GUIDE FOR THE DISCERNING
French Art Deco period palisander buffet circa 1930. Designed by famed Jules Leleu, the palisander has been hand cut to create an interlocking basket weave pattern. The mermaid inlay is from abalone shell or mother of pearl notable for its subtle reflective quality. This French buffet photograph does not display all its beauty. On sale at Carl Moore Antiques - 1610 Bissonnet.
A sparkling jewel for the ages. The beautiful peacock brooch pendant features 14.54 carats of colored diamonds, 2.87 carats of white diamonds, and 1.75 carats sapphires in 18kt white gold. The retail price is $120,000. Available at Valobra Master Jewelers. Valobra is a fourth generation jeweler originating in Italy in 1905. They have stores in New Orleans and Switzerland in addition to their Houston location in Highland Village at
4078 Westheimer.
Nothing is more lasting and handed down from generation to generation than desks. This large English mahogany writing table with gilt and blind tooled black leather top and writing slides on each side. There are three deep drawers with a finished back with three-drawer fronts. This late 19th-century masterpiece is available at River Oaks Antiques, a 9,000 square foot collection of some of Houston's finest antique dealers at 3461 W. Alabama.
Stingray humidor like one made for singer/rapper Snoop Dog. This will not only hold your favorite cigars, but can double as a large family jewelry box. Available in a number of other exotic skins at Tejas Custom Boots located at 415 Westheimer.
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Find the finest in Royal Highnies 400 thread count pima cotton boxers and sleepwear at Vincent Ford Custom Apparel at 1818 Fountainview.
Tilman J Fertitta, Laura Ward, Paige Fertitta, Dancie Ware
Photo Credit: Pete Baatz
HOUSTON CHILDREN’S CHARITY CELEBRATES “TWO DECADES OF CARING” WITH 20TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS LUNCHEON Houston Children’s Charity (HCC) with Chairman Tilman Fertitta and Mayor Sylvester as presenter hosted at the luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Houston. The event honored those who have made it possible for HCC to care for more than a 1.5 million children and assist more than 300 agencies. Mayor Sylvester Turner presented a proclamation, declaring it “Houston Children’s Charity Day,” to Chairman of the Board, Tilman J. Fertitta and President, Penny Loyd. Also, a $1 million check was presented to Texas Children’s Cancer Center. Maria and Omar Alaoui
Alan Becker, Diana Brackman
Laura Ward, Carol Sawyer Judge Ed Emmett, Shelby Hodge, Mayor Sylvester Turner
Monica Jones, Marcella Mitchell
Mayor Sylvester Turner, Laura & Dave Ward
Laura Ward and van recipient Jacah Jefferson
Dennis Lyon, Diane Lockey Farb, Wayne Smith 1st Sgt. Sonny Medina, Sgt. Seth Meade, Sgt. Eric Castillo
Gary Becker, Tama Lundquist
Lt. Paula Read , Officer Michael Enriquez, Officer Alvaro Vallejo, Officer Roman Conchola, Officer Dominique Moore, Sgt. Michael Tewold