JULY + AUGUST 2020
bestofheights.com
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
BETTING ON THE WRONG TEAM… DOES YOUR WEALTH MANAGER HAVE THE RIGHT PLAYERS?
Chairman & CEO, J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®, discusses the importance of having a team of experienced individuals to offer client-centered advice with Wealth Advisor, Lantz Bowman, CFP®. WHAT DO YOU MEAN -- “THE RIGHT PLAYERS?” A recent industry survey of the top 50 independent broker-dealers highlighted the number of CFP® practitioners relative to the total licensed brokers (those selling products or giving advice) at these firms. The percentage was under 25% for most, far below our number at L&W (70%+). The majority of our advisors have multiple credentials, including CPA, JD, and other advanced designations.
WHAT WHAT ELSE SHOULD FAMILIES LOOK FOR BEYOND CREDENTIALS? Deep experience. Firms with less real-life experience tend to offer the “standard prescription” or template solutions when addressing client needs. Tried and true is great, but only the experience of living with the ultimate outcome of advice develops the perspective needed to create
client-centered solutions families have a right to expect. It is (borrowing the famous book title) “What They DON’T Teach You at Harvard Business School.”
IS IT HARD TO FIND EXPERIENCE OUT THERE? Unfortunately, many advisors with deep experience are within the big Wall Street banks, and conflicted by business models that involve the sale of investment products. They do not adhere 100% to the fiduciary legal standard of placing the client’s interest first. (Families should never compromise regarding 100% fiduciary compliance.) Even in fiduciary firms, experienced investment managers may try to broaden advice by hiring young CFP® practitioners, but the experience is nonetheless confined to investments.
PRESUMABLY, LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS IS DIFFERENT… We have all the important credentials, and 49 years certainly provides some experience! However, the key is a team, combining industry veterans with young and energetic talent. Imagine how the combination of professionals with different backgrounds and levels of experience can work together and re-define the client experience. For a family looking to re-define their wealth management experience, we are ready to have a no-cost, no-obligation exploratory conversation at our office in the Houston Galleria area.
For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
July + August 2020 Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com
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ON THE COVER
Images from The Breakfast Klub mural on Travis just outside of downtown Houston
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STAY AND PLAY & NOT FAR AWAY
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M. A. Haines EDITOR
Lisa June
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6 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2020
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Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne
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Publisher’s Letter
s a high school basketball player, our racially integrated team was aboard a bus arriving to play a game in Pulaski, Tennessee, where the town welcoming sign proclaimed, “Home to the original KKK.” A sign of pride in a public display of enmity. Was it possible for people to be that insensitive, or sensitive as it may be, to the color of one’s skin? That display no longer exists as the sign was turned around by a local group, which finally bolted it facing the wall, never to be seen again. Under the Christian doctrine of “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets,” we learn the vital lesson. Another verse from “the good book” says, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” also called The Golden Rule that most of us learned as early as kindergarten. It is one of the common denominators that connects most — if not all — faith communities. It is found in the Bible in Matthew 7:12 and proclaimed the “great principle of Judaism” as early as the second century. Placing credence in this doctrine can solve many of our problems, including racism and a pandemic. There is a sophisticated yet straightforward way out of the hatred that seems rampant today. It is to remember America’s great freedom, that all men are created equal. The Golden Rule is in our blood and the Declaration of Independence. Let us hope posterity can instill wisdom in a better way than the last. Hatred and animosity benefit no one in our society. Stop and listen. Wouldn’t it be nice to make this pandemic disappear so we can all return to our normal lives and the many things we took for granted? There may be only one way out of this pandemic, as we have seen in other countries; it may linger until there is a vaccine or treatment. It is not okay if someone stands two feet behind somebody else in the store when there is tape on the floor to show people where to stand. Keeping neighbors or family from getting COVID 19 is about not being selfish and doing the right thing. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to travel and hug friends and family again. In the meantime, we must remember the Golden Rule once again — what a good lesson. 8 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2020
Val Arbona
REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS
RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
David Michael Young
BROKER, CNE, CLHMS, GREEN
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
(713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
Beverly Smith
CLHMS Lake Conroe Specialist
Coldwell Banker Realty
(713) 569-2113 www.lakeconroebeverlysmith.com
10 Magnolia Woods Drive | Deer Ridge Estates
265 Promenade St. E | Lake Conroe
Grand 12,708 SF estate on 3.85 acre lot in guard gated Deer Ridge Estates with guest house and pool house. Backyard playground features a large pool, secluded hot hub, many covered patios, 2 outdoor kitchens, fountains, fire pits, palapas and walking trail through the woods. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
Open water paradise in the exclusive Estates of Bentwater. Light & bright with water views from natural light throughout the home. Open concept chief 's kitchen comes with all stainless steel appliances and granite. Private balconies off four bedrooms. The outside living area has lush landscaping, vanishing edge pool/spa, and outdoor kitchen creates a resort-style living along with a covered boat dock and 4 jet ski lifts. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
List Price $3,500,000 | MLS #91653116
List Price $2,200,000 | MLS #81793985
Th e G r e at e r H o u s t o n L u x u ry H o m e C o n n e c t i o n w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Weldon Rigby
CRS, ABR Founding Member KW Luxury
James Selig
Broker Associate, CLHMS, CRS
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
(713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com
Lisa Fay
CLHMS, GRI, ABR, The Woodlands Specialist
Coldwell Banker Realty (832) 447-7718 lisafayrealestate.net
Keller Williams Realty Memorial (409) 256-1274 www.GreaterHouston LuxuryRealEstate.com
Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner
Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com
Dan Monson
Joanne Naponic
Branch Manager/ Mortgage Banker/NMLS 302692
Broker/Owner
Naponic Properties
Sente Mortgage
(713) 515-3805 JoanneNaponicProperties.com
(713) 480-1061 dan.monson@sentemortgage.com
Debbie Strudler
Broker, ABR, CNE, CLHMS, GRI
Debbie Strudler Fine Properties, LLC
Michelle Hinton
RealtorÂŽ, CRS, MCNE, CLHMS
(713) 254-2806 www.dstrudlerhomes.com
Compass Real Estate
(832) 795-2246 www.hintonhometeam.com
114 Starlight | The Woodlands
407 Hickory Post Ln
Beautiful award-winning CA mission style home on large lot on a cul de sac- backing up to the preserve. Every detail upgraded in this custom Rueby home. Features include- beamed ceilings, arched doorways, custom light fixtures, gourmet kitchen, stone floors, granite & marble tops. Features a saltwater pool, & spa, full home generator, recently replaced AC units, a well, mosquito system, accent lights, & lavish gardens. Lisa Fay | Coldwell Banker Realty | 832-447-7718
Impeccably renovated with every detail in mind, this 4BR Nottingham Forest home is the perfect blend of Mid-century beauty and timeless design. Tucked away behind tall oaks and swaying palms is a lush private backyard oasis, on a desirable cul-de-sac street just steps to the Nottingham Forest Club. Michelle Hinton | Compass Real Estate | 832-795-2246
List Price $1,850,000 | MLS #78829913
List Price $$925,000 | MLS #79336503
Real Estate Professionals Serving the Houston Luxury Home Community w w w. g r e a t e r h o u s t o n l u x u r y. c o m
Dan Monson
Mortgage Banker | NMLS# 302692
713.480.1061
dan.monson@sentemortgage.com
Ken Jacobson
Genevieve Rowland
CMPS NMLS# 215044 Branch Manager
REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM
Republic State Mortgage (281) 369-5535 www.kenjacobson.com
Keller Williams Memorial
(281) 904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com
Mariana Saldana
Carrie Ousley
Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
Luxury Home Insurance
Broker Associate
(832) 338-4040 Mariana@uptownhouston.com
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1010-F Nantucket | Galleria Area
List Price $1,175,000 | MLS #20563680
• VA Loans • Jumbo Loans • Fannie/Freddie Loan
Pristine 3 story home with elevator and grand spiral staircase in gated community. First floor master and study look out to the large landscaped patio. Second floor open living areas include gourmet island kitchen, formal dining, wine room and butler’s pantry. Third floor gameroom and 3 bedrooms plus balcony. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
153 Promenade St. E | Lake Conroe List Price $1,795,000 | MLS #59569061
Fabulous Home in The Estates of Bentwater with 186 feet of water frontage & 196 feet on the signature hole of the highly acclaimed Weiskopt course No. 12.. Fantastic Lake views from every room. Remodeled in 2017. Two master bedrooms, an outside entertaining area with a large pool, new dock, lifts, and remote control boat cover. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
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STAY & PLAY And Not Too Far Away
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
About The new location is known as Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe, and is now officially open. Margaritaville Holdings owns the property along with the Atlanta, Georgia-based Songy Highroads, and the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based The Wampold Cos. They have 16 branded hotels under the Margaritaville name with seven more openings soon, including a New York and Belize resort. The resort has 360 guest rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, tennis facilities, outdoor pools, and an ample outdoor meeting space. Grill. Location Just a little over an hour from Houston north of The Woodlands is the newly minted property from Jimmy Buffet’s newest resort. It was previously Del Lago and, more recently, La Torretta. Rooms There are a total of 360 guest rooms with two 55” flat screens. The Executive and Presidential Suites offer a larger space and views from the top of the resort. There also are Lake Cottages, which are standalone and can sleep your whole family.
Food Start your day with a cup of Starbucks coffee at Joe Merchants Coffee & Provisions. The License to Chill Cafe & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Those not wanting to leave the pool can dine and sip at the Lone Palm Pool Bar. Last but not least, the Land Shark Bar and Grill has over 50 boat slips. Amenities The resort features an 18 hole golf course that is also open to the public. 12 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2020
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Lake Resort by Lake Conroe Facade of Brenham Airbnb in downtown Brenham
Brenham winery
The course was redesigned in 2007 and consists of 18 holes, a driving range and practice putting green. The St. Somewhere Spa offers its signature message in addition to foot scrubs, back scrubs, and a deep tissue massage with CBD oils. The resort has up to 72,000 feet of event space 19, meeting rooms, and an exhibit hall for businesses.
Living room, Brenham Airbnb
Brenham Airbnb
About Sitting on the second floor of one of the oldest buildings in historic downtown Brenham is a quaint and cozy two-bedroom and two bathroom apartment. Enjoy a panoramic view of the town while relaxing in classic style. A few steps outside the front door have instant access to dining, shopping, bars, and the local arts & music scene in downtown Brenham.
EAT. DRINK. ENJOY. OPEN FOR DINE IN, TO-GO & DELIVERY SERVING UP LOUISIANA FRESH SEAFOOD SINCE 1974
THE ORIGINAL 4302 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77027 (713) 623-6321
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RAGIN-CAJUN.COM July + August 2020
| HEIGHTS | 13
HOUSTON HEIGHTS LISTING
2019 Cortlandt St. (MLS#: 55754646 )
$630,000
Location Only 70 miles northwest of Houston, Brenham is located in Washington County, known as the “Birthplace of Texas.” It contains the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. in the town of Washington-on-the-Brazos. Rooms Large master and a small double bed plus pull out sleeps a total of six. The rooms have beautiful views with large windows in a very well maintained home built over 100 years ago.
Just SOLD! CALL KELLY, for OTHER GREAT LISTINGS ! Travel down one of the most beautiful streets of Houston Heights to your new home at 2019 Cortlandt St. This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a beautifully landscaped front and back yard. It sits on a large lot and features great entertaining space. Original hardwood floors, recessed lighting in living room, a remodeled Master bathroom with double vanity, Granite counter tops, shower and large walk-in closet with builtin drawers. There is an added bonus of a nook. Highly desirable neighborhood and centrally located. Steps away from Halbert Park, shopping, dining, walking trails and so much more!
KELLY GUREVICH Expertise in Home Buying, Leasing and Selling
For an appointment, call 832-640-3550 kelly@rossdunnrealty.com
WWW.ROSSDUNNREALT Y.COM 14 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2020
Food In addition to cheese and wine samplings, there is Cody’s Pit Stop for barbeque and Las Americas for Latin and Volare Italian. Amenities Located in the heart of Bluebonnet country. It also is home to Blue Bell ice cream. For a mini wine country tour, take a short drive to the Pleasant Hill Winery and Windy Hill Winery. It is worth the trip. Enjoy wine and cheese and some Texas wine. For shoppers, there is the Lavender Farm full of a variety of plants. Don’t miss the beer garden and a few homemade ales, beer or IPA’s at the Brazos Valley Brewery. Got to .https://www.airbnb.com/brenham-tx/stays
Port A
About Peachy Pelican, formally known as California Dreaming, is a meticulously decorated home with a private boardwalk over the dunes to the beach. The apartment can accommodate 12 guests and boasts an island-style interior with open living, dining, and kitchen combo, out the back door for morning coffee and swimming pool. The spacious open living area offers two couches with a flat screen TV. A dining table seats 6 with an additional two spots at the breakfast bar. The beautifully designed kitchen Peachy Pelican, Port A
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has granite counter-tops with stainless steel appliances. Just off the dining area is the relaxing sunroom with a twin daybed and twin trundle for additional sleeping. Port Aransas is on the northeast tip of Mustang Island with direct access to the Gulf. Golfers can enjoy the spectacular beachside Palmilla Golf Course. Inshore
and offshore fishing is accessible by piers wading or boat rental or guide service. Location Located in a private community Royal Sands in historic Post Aransas, Texas. Head due south just 200 miles on Highway 59.
Work, Live and Play
Amenities Free Golf Cart, Flat Screen TV’s, Shared Pool, Wifi, Ocean Views, Private Beach Walkover, Washer/Dryer, BBQ Grill, Towels & Linens, Private Balcony, Private Deck, and concierge service available. Property and photos provide by Silver Sand Vacation Rentals in Port Aransas- 361-749-2600. https://www.silversandsvacationrentals.com/port-aransas-rentals/ peachy-pelican
2906 at One Park Place Houston, TX One Park Place luxury unit available for short term lease. Tastefully decorated with all the amenities of home. Work and play or just relax in the heart of downtown Houston. Enjoy a resort-style pool with Discovery Green in your front yard. Dine in the Brasserie Du Parc French restaurant or shop at the award-winning Phoenicia Deli and Grocery both located on the ground floor. Other amenities include 24-hour concierge service, complimentary valet for residents and guests, a pet walking and grooming service and personal assistants are available. Fitness room, a club room, business center and live music and drink at the market bar. Contact Leasing Agent Joanne Naponic at 713-515-3805 to view this outstanding address.
PROPERTIES
Joanne Naponic | Broker/Owner
JoanneNaponicProperties.com | (713) 515-3805 | joannenaponic@gmail.com
Food Rollin’ Tide Boil Co. is known for their beach boils and bonfires, and bring their quality seafood right to you, on the beach. Their philosophy is that you shouldn’t have to spend time in a crowded restaurant for good food, so they’ll bring it to you. Boils will include Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, smoked sausage, and even Adirondack chairs to get comfy around a bonfire. FinsLocated on the water the Fins Grill and Icehouse is the perfect spot to enjoy waterfront dining and offers a menu full of fresh seafood, burgers, and more.
FOR LEASE
$7,000 a month
Walkway to beach, Port A
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Catherine Van Zutphen cath@cathvz.com 843-276-5271
Claudia Hellmund Chellmund@kw.com 832-309-9390
Colette Franz colettefranz@kw.com 713-416-4257
Genevieve Rowland genevieve@ rowland-properties.com 281-904-7014
James Selig james@theseliggroup.com 409-256-1274
Bell Property Team teambellsells@kw.com 214-763-2762
Jen Tran jentran@kw.com 832-646-2674
Lauren Taylor teamtaylor@kw.com 713-465-6105
Melonee Piperi mel@movinghouston.com 713-705-6029
Montse Foster Montse@kw.com 713-965-3019
Tara Kordula Anderson tarakordula@gmail.com 713-202-4101
The Property Joes joseph@diosanagroup.com 281-650-4658
Keller Williams Memorial 950 Corbindale Rd #100, Houston, TX 77024 Phone: (833) 533-6400 Fax: (713) 467-6226
The “Sunset Limited”
Wanna Get Away? Traveling by Rail through West Texas May Be the Ticket By The Hon. Philip Berquist
M
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas
Berquist relaxing after dinner The dining car
y generation, the Boomers, saw the end of traditional rail travel. Yes, it still exists with AMTRAK, but aviation knocked the dickens out of rail. My first train trips were solo. At the age of 14 I returned from visiting my brother, Paul, and his family in Colorado Springs via the Burlington Northern. All the way to Chicago, where I switched stations to the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) to Grand Rapids. I did this the next year as well. In my senior year of high school, our class took the C&O to Washington, D.C. and back. That was the last regular train service that I took in the US. I should also mention that I spent one college summer as a “track man” laying and maintaining tracks for C&O in Grand Rapids. I maintain my battle scar, a painful back pain, to this day. I have taken advantage of rail travel many times in Europe - England, France, the Alps, even the Soviet Union and Russia (two different trips). Also through East Germany to get to and from West Berlin in the old days of the Cold War as. G.I. Now, I am taking AMTRAK, again to visit my brother, Paul, living in Tucson, Arizona. Why, well, why not? I have the time, and it takes a lot of time to get to Tucson from Houston and I wanted to experience the trip on the “extreme cheap.” One way to Tucson on the “Sunset Limited” which runs three times a week from New Orleans to Los Angeles. I am leaving on a Monday evening, hopefully at 6:55pm and arriving at 7:45pm the next night in Tucson. The fare is $125 for coach but as a Senior, my cost is reduced to $108. The same reduced fare is available for veterans. I will return on Southwest Airlines. 18 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2020
HOUSTON HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
1125 Lawrence St., Houston, TX 77008 | Grades 9 - 12
Sleeping compartment options are available, but they do not fit into my “extreme cheap” category. There is a limited menu in the dining car. I recall on the Burlington Northern there was a fully functional dining car with stewards, table clothes, china, etc. I do not expect my dining experience on the “Sunset Limited” to in any way resemble the Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint scene in North by Northwest.
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I have heard that the scheduled times of arrivals and departures are “flexible.” I arrived AMTRAK Houston off Washington Avenue, just west of downtown, at 6:30pm. The “Sunset Limited” is already late, scheduled now to depart at 7:06pm instead of 6:55pm. Update at 6:45pm - 7:21pm departure. Looks like 15 minute delay every 15 minutes! Now 7:41pm. Train arrives at 7:15pm. I am in the “caboose”, the last car, upstairs. I am assigned seat 1, window, right side. Actual departure is 7:31pm. I made my reservation a few weeks in advance, securing a “coach seat - upper” meaning the second floor of the car. You do not know where exactly you will be sitting, or sleeping if you get the sleeper, until immediately before boarding, on the platform, from the conductor who has an official list of what is available. Being coach, The conductor, noting my height, said, “looks like you could use some extra leg room!” He put me in a “bulkhead” seat and he also never had anyone sit next to me the entire way. What a saint!
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PANTHER PRIDE SINCE 1999
July + August 2020
| HEIGHTS | 19
US-Mexico border wall at El Paso
AMTRAK coach seats are very large, probably the equivalent of a first class seat on an airplane. There are four reclining options, the last one to the 35 to 40 degrees, exactly as promised, and the foot rest extended continuously from the window to the aisle. So far this was much more comfort than I expected. The layout of the train, front to back, includes two engines, two sleeping cars, the dining car, the lounge car and the final coach. The sleeping cars consist of four options roomette, small with no private facilities, to bedrooms and bedroom suites, which have facilities. Following the sleeping cars is the dining car. It is located on the second deck. Many tables, nicely set with silverware(!) and two stewards / waiters. On my journey they were Heather and CC, both friendly and conversational. On the lower deck of the dining car is the kitchen manned by a chef and a souschef. The food is actually pretty good, a little on the expensive
side, but tasty and served by a very friendly staff. They offer a full breakfast, burgers for lunch and even a steak dinner at night. They ask passengers to make reservations as there are probably only some two dozen seats at a serving. If you are alone, you will not be eating alone, they fill the tables. Next comes the lounge car. On the upper deck are many seating options, all facing the windows directly or at an angle. There are also ceiling windows to enhance the view. On the lower deck is a snack bar, with soft drinks, chips, etc. and microwaveable delicacies such as nuked chicken parts (nuggets). I declined. You should too! Then comes my car. The top deck has many rows of two seats on either side of the aisle. On the lower level are a few more coach rows, and some roomettes as well as lavatories. Upon departing, I feel like the Sunset Limited achieved its highest speed in the immediate Houston area. I would estimate that the rest of the journey averaged no more than 50 mph. Schulenburg at 9:45pm, San Antonio at midnight. There we waited a couple of hours to hook up with the Texas Eagle from Chicago. Two cars were added at the back of our train and we departed at 2:45am. Del Rio - 7:00am, and a stop at Sanderson to take on passengers at 9:15am. Sanderson would seem an unlikely place to pick up passengers since, according to an announcement by the conductor, it is a nearly 2 hour drive to the nearest grocery store! We also stopped in Alpine and several travelers with back
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packs de-trained to hike in Big Bend National Park. We arrived in El Paso at 2:30pm and stopped for passengers for about a half hour. As the Sunset Limited crew had predicted, a woman, Juanita, “The Burrito Lady,” met the train and sold fabulous burritos for $2 each. What a treat! As we left El Paso the tracks were literally on the US/Mexico border and we saw several miles of a very imposing border wall built in the early 2000’s. An hour and a half later we are in the New Mexican “oasis”, Deming - that is one ugly town! Now the final run to Tucson. Unfortunately the Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle would now break down about 30 miles west of delightful Lada, New Mexico. An electrical problem. How did they solve the problem? Well, urban legend has it that is why they use two engines - the second one being the backup. Following the hour that it took to “repair” the electrical problem, we were again on our way. Another set back, however, as we had to go to a siding for over an hour and wait for a freight train to pass. We finally arrived in Tucson, some 5 hours late, about midnight. The Sunset Limited would proceed without me to Los Angeles. Things to consider if you are interested in the Sunset Limited - freight trains have priority over passenger trains so expect quite a few unscheduled stops on sidings waiting for the freighters to pass. I traveled in January and the train was
Alpine, Texas wall
about 60% occupied. While not being full was a plus, the fact that it was dark for long periods was a negative. Much of the daylight portion of the trip was foggy. Arriving so late in Tucson, it was impossible to see the mountains and the beautiful and unique saguaro cacti on the mountain sides. I would think that summer travel would allow more viewing options but I have been told that the train is packed with passengers. If you have no concerns about time and about NOT being on time, AMTRAK is a great option. Only one passenger (not me) was frustrated about the constant delays. Everyone else took the journey in stride and seemed to totally enjoy the Sunset Limited. Would I do it again? Yes, definitely, and I plan to go again, this time round trip!
July + August 2020
| HEIGHTS | 21
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Financial Survival in the Time of COVID-19
W
hen 2020 began, few, if any, of us could have expected that in just weeks our lives would be turned upside down by a mysterious virus that causes a dangerous disease called COVID-19. Now, like the rest of the world, we have been living with a viral threat to our physical health as well as our economic wellbeing for most of this year. What is clear is that our ability to survive now and thrive later depends on how well we take care of ourselves physically and financially. Keeping yourself healthy and safe is always your first priority, but maintaining your financial health now is also vital to ensure you stay prepared for whatever happens while the world waits for a vaccine and effective treatment. • Expect the unexpected. With so many still unanswered questions about the disease and its effects on the economy, financial experts caution to be more careful than usual with your household 22 | HEIGHTS | July + August 2020
finances. Look for ways to cut expenses, even if only temporarily. • Manage stress appropriately. Resist the temptation to soothe anxiety or boredom by indulging in online retail therapy or a big splurge, such as a new car. • If you’re still working, consider boosting your emergency fund; if you’re not working, use your emergency fund as you need it.
By Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Bank
• Seek help when you need it. Although much of the economy has reopened, we’re now watching cases spike across the state, exacting an increasing economic as well as physical toll. If the pandemic has affected your income, proactively reach out for help from lenders, landlords and utilities before you miss payments and damage your credit score. • Take care of business. If you own a small business and took advantage of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), you can soon apply for loan forgiveness if you have met the program’s requirements. The president has also signed a bill
extending the PPP program through August 8. Contact your bank for information about the PPP assistance application or loan forgiveness application process. And if you need additional financial help, consider your bank’s own small business lending programs. • Stay calm. If you are an investor, the current volatile stock market may have you on edge, but investment decisions made out of negative emotions, such as fear and confusion, can actually hurt you financially. Take a deep breath, think about your goals and talk to your financial or wealth advisor for guidance.
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. Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank. Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors 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.
WE ’RE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS. W E J U S T H A P P E N TO B E A B A N K .
Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for. Now, how can we help you today? Visit us at our River Oaks Financial Center, 2443 Westheimer or call at (713) 388-1059.
MEMBER FDIC
July + August 2020
| HEIGHTS | 23
10 Magnolia Woods Dr/Kingwood $3,500,000 MLS# 91653116
1010-F Nantucket Dr/Galleria Area $1,175,000 MLS# 20563680
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845 E Friar Tuck Ln/Sherwood Forest $1,999,000 MLS# 68603547
10902 Memorial Dr/Hunters Creek $1,995,000 MLS# 46885169
11406 Chartreuse Court/Royal Oaks CC $1,495,000 MLS# 23495530
2619 Newman St/Upper Kirby $839,000 MLS# 63293249
4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $809,900 MLS# 66254848
14510 Tivoli Dr/Terraces on Memorial $585,000 MLS# 66293976
803 Walkwood Cir/Memorial Thicket $485,000 MLS# 10567277
5718 Winsome Ln/Galleria Area $465,000 MLS# 3073589
4010 Childress St/West University $465,000 MLS# 7161863
Proven Performance – Year After Year Over 18 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.
David Michael Young
713-320-6453 david.young@elliman.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com 2001 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77061. 281.652.5588 © 2020 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
