8-9
ARTS+EVENTS
20-21 UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE
10-11 RESTAURANTS TO BEAT THE HEAT
22
12-14 JEFF LUHNOW: THE PROBABILISTIC MANAGER
24-25 SENIOR LIVING: A FAMILY DECISION
15
26-27 THE GAME: GEOFF BLUM
THE BUZZ
A MAYORAL PROCLAMATION
16-18 LOVE AFFAIR WITH WRIGLEY FIELD
28-29 LESSONS IN EDUCATION FUNDING
19
30
YOUR PERFECT SUMMER STEAK
THE BUZZ
Val Arbona REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com
Mariana Saldana Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. (713) 629-7771 www.uptownhouston.com
James Brodnax CLHMS ABR GRI CPA Realty ONE Group (713) 822-3423 www.westandloop.com
Beverly Smith CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist Coldwell Banker United, Realtors (713) 569-2113 www.har.com/bevsmith
1310 Nantucket Drive | Westhaven Estates
5524 Sturbridge Drive | Tanglewood
List Price $1,535,000 | MLS# 48914054
List Price $3,500,000 | MLS# 41895849
Amazing free standing so contemporary stone and stucco, 4 bdrms 4 1/2 bath, room for 4 cars, pool, 2 side gardens w/ waterfall, all bdrms with in suite bath,Venetian Marble thru out, floor to ceiling windows, chef ’s kitchen w/ Poggenpohl finishes.
Beautiful home in Tanglewood that has been completely remodeled sitting on one of the largest lots on a quiet street. e open concept living, dining, and kitchen with grand views of the back yard is stunning. e big oak trees in the front and back are breathtaking with incredible landscaping to accent the yard. Covered open-air entertaining cabana by the pool is wonderful for your family and friends to enjoy the outside living area along with the putting green for some friendly competition.
Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. | Phone: 713-629-7771
Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United Realtors | Phone: 713-569-2113
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing intown 5 intown 5
W W W. G R E AT E R HOU STON LU X U RY. C OM
Vi sit O ur Website
intown 5
Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community
Paula Hagerman ABR, Realtor, GHLHC, ILHM RE/MAX Vintage (713) 306-3557 www.har.com/paulahagerman
Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com
Sima Dalvandi Realtor Keller Williams Southwest (832) 630-7605 www.ezhomerealestate.com
Weldon Rigby CRS, ABR Founding Member KW Luxury Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com
Wendy Cline CLHMS, SRES, ABR, CPRES Wendy Cline Properties Keller Williams Memorial (281) 858-3451 www.WendyClineProperties.com
Ken Jacobson CMPS NMLS# 215044 Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Hometrust Mortgage Company (713) 369-4040 www.kenjacobson.com NMLS# 149932
11414 Holidan Way | Houston
24 East Shady Lane | Memorial West
List Price $2,500,000 | MLS# 15185341
List Price $1,999,980 | MLS# 34161940
Magnificent custom-built brick home on a private cul-de-sac in desirable area.First floor wings feature master retreat w/luxurious bath and 2nd bedrm w/private bath.Formal living w/wall of glass, formal dining,den,gourmet kitchen&wine cellar.Separate staircase to second floor w/3 bedrms,each private bath,GameRM(media),exercise RM & computer area.raised beamed library situated at mid-landing off the staircase w/Built-in book cases.Outdoor kitchen w/fireplace,huge lot w/pool,spa and vegetable garden.
Unique with sweeping panoramic view from vaulted living area and wall of glass landscaped & manicured yard with gorgeous pool spa. Huge lot,2 outdoor pavilions w/kitchen & covered dining/sitting area. Impeccable throughout. 2 large walk-in closets, custom Cantoni shelves,4 garages, and extra parking. Water soener, wells, and Brazilian fence.
Sima Dalvandi | Keller Williams Southwest | Phone: 832-630-7605
Sima Dalvandi | Keller Williams Southwest | Phone: 832-630-7605
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing
W W W. G R E AT E R HOU STON LU X U RY. C OM
Vi sit O ur Website
Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community
David Michael Young BROKER, CNE, CLHMS, GREEN Young Realty Group (713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com
4709 Bellview | Bellaire List Price $1,125,000 | MLS# 18859848 Open first floor living with hardwoods throughout, high ceilings, formal living room, dining room and study (could be a first floor bedroom). Gourmet island kitchen with granite counters, Dacor appliances - gas stove, 2 ovens, meal warmer and built-in refrigerator. Wetbar with wine fridge. 4 bedrooms, den and laundry on the 2nd floor. 3rd floor gameroom (or fih bedroom) with full bath. Large covered patio. Located in the heart of Bellaire with easy access to 610, shopping, and top schools.
David Michael Young | Young Realty Group | Phone: 713-320-6453
Marlene Foad ABR, CRS, ePRO®, CLHMS RE/MAX Professional Group (281) 686-4444 www.HoustonLuxuryEstates.com Professional Group
Debra Osborn Camino Realtor, ABR, AHSS, ALC, ALHS, CNE, WCR Keller Williams NE (713) 397-3867 www.LiveNEHouston.com
804 Shady Bend | Friendswood List Price $999,900 | MLS# 84068724 NOT your cookie cutter home. Unique design and large open living areas make this home wonderful for family and entertaining. Amazing private back yard with saltwater pool, spa, covered patio, covered outdoor kitchen, wetbar and 4 gas fire pits. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliance package. First floor master plus 2nd bedroom downstairs. Gameroom, media room and 2 bedrooms up.
David Michael Young | Young Realty Group | Phone: 713-320-6453
12815 Hansel Lane | Memorial Bend List Price $599,900 | MLS# 75346404 Beautifully maintained 3/2 on a large lot in Memorial Bend. Home is zoned to Rummel Creek, Memorial, and Memorial. Fully upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliance package. Study with built ins. Screened in porch. Tile and hardwoods throughout - no carpet. Easy freeway access makes for a pleasant commute.
David Michael Young | Young Realty Group | Phone: 713-320-6453
Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing 7 intown
W W W. G R E AT E R HOU STON LU X U RY. C OM
Vi sit O ur Website
intown 7
ARTS + EVENTS THE CATASTROPHIC THEATRE TAMARIE’S MERRY EVENING OF MISTAKES AND REGRETS
Henri Cartier-Bresson, Calle Cuauhtemoctzin, Mexico City, 1934 Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–1950
Ongoing through Aug. 12, 2017
STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE
NRG STADIUM JULY 20 MANCHESTER UNITED VS. MANCHESTER CITY 30 VANS WARPED TOUR AUGUST 8 BRYSON TILLER 22 OUTCRY SUMMER TOUR 25 COLDPLAY
Ongoing through Aug. 20, 2017 Shirin Aliabad, Miss Hybrid 3, 2008 Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians—The Mohammed Afkhami Collection
Pixel Forest Transformer Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish
THEATER A.D. PLAYERS
MUSIC & DANCE
GODSPELL Opens July 21 through Aug. 20, 2017
HOUSTON SYMPHONY 7/4 7/14 7/15
STAR SPANGLED SALUTE SUMMER SYMPHONY NIGHTS 2 FREE EXXONMOBIL SUMMER SYMPHONY NIGHTS: BRAHM’S SYMPHONY NO. 4
7/21-22 HARRY POTTER & THE
SORCERER’S STONE
ALLEY THEATER ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE 39 STEPS Opens July 21 through Aug. 20, 2017
THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE SIMPLY SIMONE Ongoing through July 30, 2017
HOBBY CENTER THE LION KING Ongoing through July 23, 2017
8
WOODY SEZ, THE LIFE & MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE
SPORTS
Opens July 26 through Sept. 3, 2017
HOUSTON ASTROS MINUTE MAID PARK
CONCERTS & EVENTS
JULY 1-2 NY YANKEES 14-16 MINNESOTA 17-19 SEATTLE 31 TAMPA BAY AUGUST 2-3 TAMPA BAY 4-6 TORONTO 16-17 ARIZONA 18-20 OAKLAND 22-24 WASHINGTON 29-31 TEXAS
TOYOTA CENTER JULY 6 ROGER WATERS 15 KENDRICK LAMAR: THE DAMN 16 NEIL DIAMOND 19 ACT III: MOTTE 22 SHAWN MENDES AUGUST 1 JAMES TAYLOR W/ BONNIE RAITT 4 LIONEL RICHIE & MARIAH CAREY 5 QUEEN 18 J. COLE 19 ED SHEERAN 22 LINKIN PARK 31 EMMANUEL Y MUARES
HOUSTON DYNAMO BBVA COMPASS STADIUM JULY 5 MONTREAL 29 PORTLAND AUGUST 12 SAN JOSE 26 KANSAS CITY
MUSEUMS ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER
PAINT THE REVOLUTION: MEXICAN MODERNISM, 1910-1950 Ongoing through Oct. 1, 2017
MODERN TWIST: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE BAMBOO ART
REBEL, JESTER, MYSTIC, POET: CONTEMPORARY PERSIANS THE MOHAMMED AFKHAMI COLLECTION
Ongoing through July 30, 2017
Ongoing through Sept. 24, 2017
SANGRAM MAJUMDAR Ongoing through Sept. 2017
CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON
ATLAS, PLURAL, MONUMENTAL Ongoing through Aug. 6, 2017
RON MUECK
A BETTER YESTERDAY
Ongoing through Aug. 13, 2017
DECORATIVE ARTS IN THE AGE OF VICTORIA Ongoing through July 30, 2017
ARTS OF ISLAMIC LANDS: SELECTIONS FROM THE AL-SABAH COLLECTION, KUWAIT Ongoing through Jan. 28, 2018
PIPILOTTI RIST: PIXEL FOREST AND WORRY WILL VANISH Ongoing through Sept. 17, 2017
HOMELANDS AND HISTORIES: PHOTOGRAPHS BY FAZAL SHEIKH Ongoing through Oct. 1, 2017
Ongoing through Sept. 3, 2017
ANNABETH ROSEN: FIRED, BROKEN, GATHERED, HEAPED
MENIL COLLECTION RECOLLECTING DOGON Ongoing through July 9, 2017
BETWEEN LAND AND SEA: ARTISTS OF THE COENTIES SLIP Ongoing through Aug. 6, 2017
FRANCIS ALYS: THE FABIOLA PROJECT Ongoing through May 13, 2018
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE VANISHING ARTS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BEASLEY-HWANG COLLECTION Ongoing through Aug. 4 2017
GLADIATORS: HEROES OF THE COLOSSEUM
Opens Aug. 19 through Nov 26, 2017
Ongoing through Sept. 4, 2017
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON
OUT OF THE AMAZON: LIFE ON THE RIVER
VEDEM: THE UNDERGROUND MAGAZINE OF THE TEREZIN GHETTO Ongoing through July 30, 2017
Alfredo Ramos Martinez, Zapatistas, c. 1932 Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–1950
Ongoing through Sept. 4, 2017 MAPPING TEXAS: FROM FRONTIER TO THE LONESTAR STATE Ongoing through Oct. 8, 2017
THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT
GEMS OF THE SEA: THE GUIDO T. POPPE COLLECTION
Ongoing through Dec. 31, 2017
Opens Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2017
Houston Dynamo
9
[Food]
Some New, Some Old and Hot for the Summer by Marene Gustin
CHeCK OUT THeSe ReSTAURANTS TO BeAT THe HeAT Burgers, barbeque, new brunch spots and more — Intown is offering up some excellent choices for your summer snacking and sipping. Here are some restaurants to check out before fall. Chama Beef Rib - Photo by Chris Brown
Chama Gaúcha chamagaucha.com/houston | 713.244.9500 Not new this summer, but with some new additions, this Brazilian steakhouse now has a gorgeous covered patio complete with circular fire pits and lounge seating. If you’re one of those folks who doesn’t frequent all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat palaces because you just can’t eat that much, than you’ll really like the new menu at Chama Gaúcha that allows you to order à la carte. And there are lighter menu items as well. A cheese platter, soup or salad, shrimp ceviche and bacon-wrapped asparagus. And yes, they have a signature burger, too. The Pincanha burger is a big beef patty of USDA Prime grilled with a secret house seasoning.
FM Kitchen and Bar fmkitchenandbar.com | 832.804.6006 Chef Ryan Hildebrand has moved on from his fine-dining restaurant Triniti. And when we say moved, we mean in both locale and concept. FM Kitchen and Bar is located in The Heights and there’s nothing fancy about it, but the food is just as delicious. There is a huge outdoor patio that is both kid and dog friendly and the whole family will enjoy the burgers — get a side of tater tots or fries with them — or the chicken fried steak. Smothered green beans and hush puppies are on the menu as well, plus plenty of cold beers, cocktails and a few wines. Or, to really stay cool, try the thick milk shakes. Desserts come from Cakes by Jody and a fine housemade bread pudding with vanilla cream. And Hildebrand celebrates Houston’s eclectic art scene with an outdoor stage for bands and space inside for curated artwork. A visit here is like a staycation in the heart of The Heights. Lunch and dinner are offered daily, plus the bar is open till midnight.
The Pit Room thepitroombbq.com | 281.888.1929 Other than burgers, nothing says summer like Texas barbeque and the new The Pit Room has landed on some of the top spots for ‘cue in the state. Michael Sambrooks and pit master Bramwell (Bram) Tripp have turned the old house on Richmond Ave., that long housed an adult bookstore, into one of the summer’s hottest eating spots. Mounds of meat come from the dual smokers out back and you can order familystyle meals, or Feasts, as they are called on the menu, that include brisket, pork and beef ribs, pulled pork, turkey and sausage. Or you can get a pound or half pound of meat and some delectable sides such as mac and cheese, elote (Mexican corn) or mustard potato salad like mom used to make. They also have sandwiches, a loaded Frito pie topped with the afore mentioned pulled pork, and some of the best brisket tacos you’ve ever tasted. Save room for a slice of sugar cream pie or the ice cream sandwich. Oh, and loosen your belt before you chow down. Double FM Burger - Photo Courtesy @houstonfoodphotography
10
Frank’s Crab Cake Benedict Photo by Erika Rubalcava (Blue Sky Marketing)
Frank’s Americana Revival frankshouston.com | 713.572.8600 Here’s another Innerloop favorite with a new look and new flavors. River Oaks’ Frank’s Americana Revival has expanded into the two former retail spaces next door to create a 2,000-square-foot private party area with its own kitchen. Owner Mike Shine says the expansion opens this month featuring two private dining rooms and a wine room for small parties. each room seats around 25 diners. And last month Frank’s finally started a much-requested Sunday brunch with a mouthwatering crab cake Benedict. Other menu items include NOLA barbecued shrimp atop stone-ground grits, big-as-your-head biscuits and gravy, sticky buns and avocado toast topped with blue crab. To wash down your brunch try the rum punch or the corpse reviver – a New Orleans’ favorite sure to revive you. Oh, wait, we forgot to mention the brunch burger. It’s an Akauashi beef patty drenched with a hickory smoke sauce.
Bosscat Kitchen & Libations bosscatkitchen-houston.com 281.501.1187 What’s better with a burger than bourbon? Over at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations you’ll find the Whiskey Room with more than 300 brands of whiskey. Get your drink on in this rustic eatery and soak it up with chef Peter Petro’s wonderful comfort food like the cornbread madeleines with Huckleberry sweet cream butter. There are also some spicy Nashville hot fried frogs legs (do not knock them until you’ve tried them), pulled pork hush puppies and a meatloaf like Mama never made, probably because it’s topped with tomato bourbon jam. And there’s an authentic Kentucky hot brown, a rarity on a Houston menu. The open-face roasted turkey sandwich with creamy mornay sauce is a must-try dish. And, of course, for the burger lovers there’s the Bosscat Burger; a hefty in-house ground beef patty dressed with all the fixings including bacon, cheese and black garlic sauce.
11
The Probabilistic Manager
Jeff Luhnow Interview by John Granato & Raheel Ramzanali
With the Houston Astros’ momentous season well underway, there may be plenty of credit to go around, but none more deserving than entrepreneurturned-baseball preeminent general manager Jeff Luhnow. To say that he is an analytics guy is an understatement; he is reinventing the term. Whether it happened in business or baseball concurrently, there is no doubt about the stupefying role that analytics and big data play in today’s world. Jeff Luhnow is a pioneer among baseball operatives. Early in his career in St. Louis, some of the old guard shunned his analytic strategy and only recently has Granato: Jeff, we’ve been talking, and I don’t know if I’ve seen a team as good as this Astros team with the injuries to this pitching staff. Holy cow, have you ever seen anything like this? Luhnow: Not really no. You know we expect injuries throughout the season 12
the Mexican-born-McKinsey and Company-trained executive gotten the accolades he deserves. Look at how the St. Louis Cardinals, his former employer, are doing without him - below 500 record. Not only have Luhnow and his team, through trades and the draft, navigated the waters of free agency, international signings, and the complicated Rule V draft to everyone’s envy, they are winning and maintaining the best record in major league baseball for most of the year. John Granato and Raheel caught up with Luhnow to discuss his favorite subjects before a recent series.
and that’s why we usually anticipate we’re going to need 8 or 9 starters. What we don’t expect is that they all go down together. I don’t know if guys remember, but there was a time, I think it was 2013, where we hadn’t had a catching injury in a long time and all of the sudden we
had two or three catching injuries in a row and we were bringing up guys who’d never been in the big leagues before to catch for us. That’s kind of what it feels like, but we’re in the middle of obviously a pennant race and a really special season so it’s tough. Our guys
are getting healthy and we think we’re going to get them all back by the All-Star break and then off we go. Raheel: Yeah what’s the latest with everyone? What’s the latest with Dallas? Is everything OK? What’s the latest with everyone else? Luhnow: To be honest with you, when you look at Lance’s total workload now compared to what he’s done in his career and what he’s projected to do if we go deep into the post season, it may be a blessing in disguise that he’s taken a start or two off right now because we need him strong in September and October. Charlie Morton is about ready to get on the mound again, so that’s great news and everything looks good there so he’s probably the next guy coming back after Lance. Dallas remains to be seen. I don’t expect a long absence. But right now he isn’t throwing, and as soon he starts throwing we’ll probably get him back pretty quickly. McHugh has already started off the mound, but since he hasn’t been in action this year it’s going to be a little longer rehab for him. So really all four guys are on their way back. Musgrove is already in the rotation again. So like I said, by or around the All-Star break all these guys should be back in action. Granato: I want to talk about Elian Rodriguez. And this is more of a question. This is a twenty year old kid, 6’4”, 205, throws in the 92 to 97 mph range. For a kid that age, how above average is that? Just in general, for a 20 year old, how advanced is that for a kid to throw that hard? Luhnow: It’s pretty advanced. I mean we sometimes see kids 16, 17, 18 year olds in the Dominican and other places that throw in the low nineties. It’s not just the velocity on his fastball; it’s also his movement and his secondary stuff and the command of all his pitches. You know we spent a lot on the international market this year, and the market closes for the cycle for the year now, and so we wanted to get one last big signing in. And Elian was a great way for us to close off the year. We’re going to get him ramped up and he’ll probably pitch a little in the Dominican this summer and then we’ll see what happens after that. But this is a guy that could move pretty quickly based on his stuff and I think he’ll quickly evolve into one of our top ten pitching prospects by next year. Granato: That’s awesome. You guys have just done what appears to be a spectacular job, Jeff, with the Latin 13
world we live in, and we’re going to make the moves that we think are the best moves. But then we have to roll the dice and see how it works out. Granato: We’ve talked about Bukauskas and local guys that go to A&M and University of Houston, all great stuff, is there one guy who you were like “Oh my God, this guy is still here on the board?” Maybe middle rounds, that you were like “well this is a no brainer!”
American market. And a lot of people don’t know the rules about how much you’re allowed to spend and such, and you guys waited and waited and waited. And the market opened up with a lot of great players and you guys jumped on it. Luhnow: We really did, and we like the inventory of guys that we added. And with some of these Cuban players they’re a little unique because they have experience pitching in these Cuban leagues, which is a much higher level than some of the minor leagues. So I think we’re going to get these guys to move fairly quickly. And you never have enough arms as we’ve proven at the big league level, and a lot of our emphasis was on getting some of these exciting arms. Our minor league system continues to be stacked; we’re going to stress it because we’re going to need players for trades and promotions. But as long as we keep it stacked we should be in good shape. Raheel: How does that feel when you have a guy that you’ve seen develop not only perform at the lower levels, how cool a feeling is that? Luhnow: It was pretty special, I’ve got to say. There were a couple of special moments this year. One of them was when Lance McCullers and Carlos 14
Correa both won pitcher and player of the month and both of them were drafted together a few years back. That was pretty special. Granato: it always hurts to make a trade, otherwise it’s not going to be a trade, you’ve got to make some tough decisions on “this kid looks like he can be a great player” and other guys that you might have to trade away that could have great careers. Luhnow: No question about it. And you just look at the Milwaukee Brewers right now, at Brett Philips and Josh Hader and Domingo Santana are all players that we had and we traded away to help us in the short term. It has to painful to get a player that you realize is going to help you. But we have to be cognizant of the whole picture. We want to win this year. We know we have a special team. We want to do as much as we can to help that. But at the same time, we don’t want to put ourselves in a position where years from now we regret what we did and end up in a worse situation. But the trades don’t always work out. You look at the Rangers last year. They made a lot of trades coming down the stretch, and yeah they did get the division, but they didn’t get any wins in the playoffs and lost basically their top five prospects in those trades. So we have to be aware this is a probabilistic
Luhnow: Yeah I think Jake Adams. I’m not sure if this is just the nickname I’ve heard floating around, “Juiced” Jake Adams. He’s hit 29 bombs this year. He’s physical, he’s a big boy. From University of Iowa. Bill Porter sent me a text ten minutes after we took him to congratulate me. This is a guy that can help us follow leads not day one but day two and I think this guy has a chance to have some serious power in the big leagues. So it’s when you get guys like that you get really excited. We’ve had a lot of good picks in the 6th round in the past few years, and I think this could be another great one. Raheel: So Jeff now the timeline, the draft is over, the international players signing day is over, so now it’s all about potential moves for this season, right? Luhnow: Yeah, I mean we still got 9 minor league teams that we’re arming. And there’s a lot going on in the minor leagues, international operations and all that. Yeah, we’re going to be focused on keeping the big league team healthy, and doing anything we can to help support this team to win the division and win the championship, that’s our goal.
ANNUAL CELEBRITY SERVE BENEFITS ESCAPE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Todd Ramos, Diane Lokey Farb
Houston Nonprofit ESCAPE Family Resource Center hosted their 36th Annual Celebrity Serve Benefit, Champions for Children with co-chairs Joan Schnitzer Levy and Gerald Franklin and raised over $272,000 to fund ESCAPE’s mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. This unique sportsthemed event, held during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, provided a place where influential local and national celebrities and individuals came together for a fun, intimate dining experience while supporting an important cause. Held at Tony’s Restaurant, guests enjoyed the sports-themed décor, including large gold trophy centerpieces crafted from balloons, and sipped on cocktails before savoring a delicious dinner provided by Tony’s. ESCAPE relies on community support to provide programming and classes to parents wanting to create safe homes for their children. For more information, visit www.learntoparent.org Lester & Sue Smith
Steve & Christine Johnson
Florence Rutherford, Dr. Frances Joans, Woodrow Holland
Fritz Guthrie, Larry & Roseann Ellis
Evelyn Franklin, Ernie Manouse, Gerald Franklin
Stefanie Powers, Jerry Heinz, Barbara Heinz, Joan Schnitzer Levy
Joe Ellis, Robin Young Ellis, John & Shelly Schumacher Gayle Williford, Barry Warner, Megan Cardet, Bob Sakowitz
Ed McMahon, Pam Morse, Dan Pastorini
Edward Sanchez, Lynn Wyatt
Jess Fields & Varda Dror Fields
[Travel]
My Love Affair with Wrigley Field by Philip Berquist, Honorary Consul of Croatia to Texas
I
t was July 4, 1965, and, as a 17 year old, I was with my parents as we drove the 180 miles from Grand Rapids to celebrate the Independence Day weekend. I had planned this day for some time and as I was driving us around I ended up at that great intersection of Addison and Clark, the home of Wrigley Field, about a half hour before the Cubs were to play the San Francisco Giants. I was a Detroit Tiger fan of the American League, and I had never seen a National League game. My dad glanced somewhat suspiciously, he knew exactly the plan that I had hatched, reached into his pocket, gave me a $5 bill, and said, "OK, we will pick you up here after the game." What a guy, what an opportunity. I grabbed the fin and bought a ticket for a buck and a half. That day I saw nine future baseball Hall of Famers - Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Billy Williams of the Cubs, and Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, Warren 16
Spahn, Gaylord Perry, Willie McCovey AND Willie Mays of the Giants. Are you KIDDING me? The Giants won the game, but I had finally ventured into the "friendly confines" of Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field was small and did not have lights, that would begrudgingly come some 23 years later in 1988. The owner of the Cubs in World War II, Philip K. Wrigley, had planned to light the field in 1941 but donated the materials to the war effort after Pearl Harbor. Back again to 1965, I got to hear Pat Pieper ("Piper") as the public address announcer. So what, you say? Well, Pieper had called all of the Cubs games since 1915, and would do so until 1974 (he missed 14 games!). Before there were loudspeakers, he was on the side lines by the dugouts with a 14 pound megaphone, running up and down the field announcing the players. He only started using electric microphone
systems in 1932! Once, he was so excited about a walk-off home run by Gabby Hartnett that he ran around the bases with the player! Like everything else at Wrigley, Pat Pieper was old-school. None of the over-the-top announcing that we are used to today, "BOOOOOOG Powell” or “Jose CRUUUUUUUUZ” - no, Pieper simply would say at the beginning of every game, “Attention! ... Attention, please! ... Have your pencil ... and scorecards ready ... and I’ll give you... the correct lineup ... for today's ball game.” He would announce the lineup for each team, then he would announce, “Play ball!” at the start of the game. During the actual game, Pieper would announce the batter only once. He would subsequently announce only replacements. The Giants won that game 52 years ago. The score and outcome did not matter, I had experienced Wrigley Field. I have continued to experience Wrigley many, many times since. I proudly wore a "No Lights at Wrigley” in the 1980's, I have seen and sat under the nets that had to be placed to catch falling pieces of cement as the stadium was beginning to
crumble, and I went to the first playoff game last season, saw a 1-0 win on a home run in the bottom of the eighth by the second baseman, Javier Báez, and grinned to myself while I imagined Pat Pieper running along with him. Of course, the Cubs finally won the World Series last year, the first Series win since 1908, to defeat the "Curse of the Billy Goat" (another article). Now, it is 2017, and on Thursday, May 24, my buddy from college and fellow Indy 500 devotee, Jack Borowski, his son, Jake, my son Jack, and I attended my latest game at Wrigley Field - against the Giants!
Wrigleyville North Bar
WHERE IS WRIGLEY FIELD? Wrigley is in a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, bordered by four streets, Addison, Clark, Waveland, and Sheffield. Wrigley opened in 1914, and only Fenway Park in Boston, 1912, is older. The capacity is now a little over 41,000.
PARKING There is none. Take the Red Line train to the game. Period. You get off about a block east of the field.
TICKETS Not impossible, but not easy either. By ahead online or on the street. Standing room is usually available and, while not very comfortable, at least you are in the game. Trust me, you will get in.
THE PARK The outfield walls are covered with ivy. At times balls get stuck in the ivy and the play is considered a ground rule double with the batter obliged to go no further than second base if the outfielder signals the umpires that he cannot find the ball. If he keeps looking without signaling, the play continues, usually resulting in a triple or an inside-the-park home run. It has been estimated that without regular pruning by the grounds crew, the ivy would cover the stands within five years!
The walls are also configured in a unique way in that there are "wells" in both left and right field corners where the field starts off a little deeper. There is also a chain link fence that juts out at a 45 degree angle above the ivy as a sort of net for fly balls and to keep fans from falling onto the field. Balls that land in the "basket" are home runs. It is 355 feet to the left field foul pole, 400 to center, and 353 to right. While those distances sound like it is a pitcher's park, the winds of nearby Lake Michigan really dictate the way the park plays. Once a ball is hit into the wind, it either is brought back to the outfielder or it is given a tremendous boost to lead to a home run. The scoreboard in deep center field is manually operated and was added in 1937. There are three flag poles atop the clock, one for each division of the National League. The standings as of that day are displayed by flags, city name not team names. Also, following a Cubs win, a white "W" flag is flown, and a white "L" flag after a loss. No ball has ever hit the scoreboard although, in 1951, legendary golfer, "Slammin" Sammy Snead hit it with a golf ball from a drive at home plate! In the last couple of years, purists be damned, two large electronic video boards have been added in left and right field. Located on Waveland and Sheffield the new video boards intentionally (?) block the roof top views from some of the houses that sell seats outside the stadium.
Banks and Mays at Wrigley July 4 1965- the day I went to the game.
Wrigley Field was the first baseball park to let the fans keep foul balls, beginning in 1915. Prior to that the fans had to return the balls to the ushers. Home run balls hit by the opponents are usually thrown back on the field. I have four favorites bars in the area, the Cubby Bear, since 1953, (the NFL Chicago Bears used to play at Wrigley for 50 years, from 1921 to 1970). Murphy's Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield and Vines, 3544 N. Clark. A couple of blocks up Kenmore is the Wrigleyville North bar. Fans without tickets particularly like to congregate on Waveland hoping to catch home run balls. They have to be careful, however, as a fire station is on that block of Waveland and is very active.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE KOSHER BALL GAME I strongly advise having a couple of hot dogs while watching the game. The 17
brand of my favorite dog is Hebrew National using kosher beef but these are sold on the lower level only. Upstairs the hot dog is called Vienna Beef. There is also a wide assortment of cold beers available by vendors. Buy a Green Line. Thank me via email.
SEVENTH INNING STRETCH The famous baseball announcer, Harry Caray used to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” waving to the fans from the press box. Since his death, a celebrity at each game gets to sing like Harry. I have never heard the song sung in tune.
LAKE MICHIGAN SEAGULLS Near the end of day games, white seagulls come to Wrigley from Lake Michigan and circle the field in ever increasing numbers knowing that soon the occasional dropped Hebrew National or Vienna hot dog would provide them dinner.
ONLY WAVE ON WAVELAND Again, believe it or not, there is a strict "no wave" policy at Wrigley. Not sure of the origin or the reason, but don't even think about it! Also, no team mascot and Wrigley at night playoff game in 2016 - back of scoreboard
no girls dancing on top of the dugout pure baseball. Heaven.
THE GAME THIS YEAR Drop dead beautiful weather about 58 degrees with the wind changing directions throughout the game of course. The Giants scored a run in the first inning, the Cubs did the same with a solo homer run in the bottom of the frame. Two additional Cubs homers and a couple of unearned runs were scored resulting in a 5-1 Cubs win. White "W" flags were everywhere. The seagulls waited until the bottom of the eighth. Go figure. I wonder if nine future hall of famers played. I probably will not live long enough to find out. What a game, what a day, what a ball park.
A recognizable Cubs fan supporting his team.
18
Your Perfect Summer Steak From Jonathan Levine and The Rub by Marene Gustin Jonathan’s The Rub is a hub for Memorial Village families and it’s a real family restaurant with chef/owner Jonathan Levine working alongside his son and daughter. For almost a decade they have been serving up delicious American fare and Levine is set to open a second location in Memorial Green next year. Levine serves up plenty of pasta, thick pork chops, fried chicken and cheesy grits, but the best sellers are the Chilean sea bass and, of course, the thick steaks. The restaurant is well known for its 10-ounce filet and 20-ounce bone-in rib-eye steak, a meat eaters delight. So, with backyard barbecue season upon us we decided to ask chef for his tips on cooking the perfect steak at home
Steak the Jonathan Way 1) “Start with a good piece of meat,” Levine says. He only uses USDA Prime, with good marbling, those thin white lines of intramuscular fat. His favorite cut is the sirloin strip and his tip is to cut it against the grain to make it even more tender. 2) Seasoning: “Rub the meat with a little olive oil and season it well,” he says. Sure, you can use salt and pepper, but Jonathan’s The Rub sells bottles of their secret steak rub so swing by there before you start cooking. 3) And as for cooking, Levine says that everyone wants to grill outdoors this time of year. “But you really need to roast it in the oven first,” Levine says. He also adds to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, which will depend on how well done you want your steak.
4) Now you can throw it on the grill out back to get a good char on the steak. Get a hot fire going and don’t over cook the meat, you just want a few minutes to get that delicious crust. 5) “Then dig in!” Levine says. No need to let the steak cool if you serve it on a plate right away that will catch all the juices. So get your steaks, buy some rub, turn on the oven (425 degrees) and fire up the grill. Your family and friends will be glad to tuck into some mouth-watering steaks this summer. Jonathan’s The Rub jonathanstherub.com 713.465.8200
Jonathan Levine
19
[Health Focus]
DR. SHIRA AMDUR Palliative Medicine Doctor Kelsey Seybold
Understanding Palliative Care Two experts in the field help navigate the waters Dr. Shira Amdur | Dr. Rupesh Nigam What is your training and background for your position as head of Kelsey Seybold's Palliative Care division?
Dr. Shira Amdur - After completing a residency in Internal Medicine, I did an additional year of training in a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. After that, I joined KSC’s section of Supportive Medicine and Palliative Care, where I’ve been since September 2016. What are the steps a person and their family should take in the decision-making process before coming to you for care?
Dr. Amdur - Referral to Supportive Medicine and Palliative Care is like a referral to any other specialty/subspecialty: The patient can specifically request a referral through their primary care doctor (or hospitalist if they are hospitalized), or one of the doctors involved in their care. If a patient has chest pain believed to be heartrelated, she gets referred; she can hear what the cardiologist recommends and either consent to treatment or decline. So too with Palliative Care: If a patient is appropriate for referral, he or she can meet with a Palliative Care doctor and consent to or decline treatment. The question becomes who is appropriate for Palliative Care referral. The short answer is any patient with a serious illness, chronic illness, multiple comorbidities or uncontrolled symptoms. 20
by William Hanover
Palliativedoctors.org is a great resource to get a better understanding of palliative Care. There’s a misconception out there—not only among patients but also among health care professionals—that Palliative Care is available when there are no other or, when active treatment no longer works, etc. We are perceived as being the specialty of last resort. Aside from being fundamentally inaccurate, that statement is detrimental to patient care. Palliative care can be given concurrently with active treatment. Studies have shown that patients greatly benefit from EARLY Palliative Care. As an example, patients with cancer who are getting chemotherapy can often have bothersome symptoms such as pain or fatigue; palliative care can help with those symptoms and enhance a patient’s quality of life. I often hear “My patient isn’t ready for palliative care yet.” Patients don't have to “give up” any care to get Palliative Care. It’s low risk, high reward! There are a lot of patients who could benefit from our services who aren’t being sent our way due to a lack of understanding of what we do. Is there a center or facility that one goes to or how does that work?
Dr. Nigam - Palliative care is like other specialty care at Kelsey-Seybold. Patients are evaluated in the clinic, and a care plan is developed with their
needs in mind. In case a patient is unable to come to us or has not been able to leave their house for a prolonged period, we can provide home care visits. So our care is delivered in an outpatient setting. Patients are not placed in any facility by us. What should a future patient expect from his care with you and your team?
Dr. Amdur - We view patients a little differently. Rather than focusing on a disease state or an organ system, we look at the whole person—as a patient in clinic and a human being at home—and determine how we can help to anticipate future issues and treat them via interventions or discussions centered around advance care planning. There’s that expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Well, a good amount of stress related to serious illness can be mitigated by advance care planning. My initial appointments are pretty lengthy, an hour on average, as I try to get a feel for who my patient is (“what makes you-you?”), how he functions at home, what gaps in care there are, what needs there are, what their goals of care are. I rely on Kelsey’s team of social workers to help determine what resources we can tap into; Palliative Care is a team-based approach and we’re all hands on deck. Rupesh and I have a very ambitious vision for growing the program and building the team, but that’s down the road. In the meantime, we’re working to streamline our process and improve our section. Are there different levels of care and what services do you provide?
Dr. Amdur - Most of the work I do is clinic-based, but we do have a network in place for homebased Palliative Care for our truly homebound (per Medicare criteria) patients. The field of Palliative Care is ever-evolving, and there is a big
push for home-based Palliative Care. It’s unusual in that it is old-fashioned, bedside medicine. In Houston, which is my hometown, there is not yet much out there for home-based palliative care. Kelsey-Seybold has the most comprehensive program. I think it benefits Houstonians (and patients of all cities) to have greater access to Palliative Care.
spectrum and any combination thereof. We are a bridge to hospice, which is a fair statement, but we also can see patients temporarily, addressing one or two symptoms, and then sending them on their way until they need us again, and sometimes they don’t.
What is the difference between Palliative Care and Hospice?
Dr. Amdur - Medicare often contracts out with palliative care programs. At Kelsey-Seybold, your Medicare Advantage plan covers Supportive Medicine & Palliative Care services. But I will see any Kelsey-Seybold patient regardless of insurance type. One of the nice features we offer is that we charge the same copay of primary care, which is significantly less than that of a specialist.
Dr. Amdur - At one end of the spectrum is aggressive care: if a patient needs surgery, he or she gets surgery; if a patient needs to be on life support, he or she is put on life support. On the other end of the spectrum is end-of-life care. That doesn’t mean “give no medications.” It means to reduce suffering or enhance comfort. That is hospice. Hospice is often thought of as “the place you go to die.” Not so. Hospice is a set of services that come into a patient’s home to help manage medications and patient care in their final months, and sometimes years, with the goal of enhancing comfort and quality of life. Way too often patients are referred too late to maximize its benefits. Palliative Care is optimizing the quality of life and everything in between the two ends of the
How are patients charged and do most insurances cover this type of care?
Do you see this a growth industry for today’s young people? Dr. Amdur - Absolutely! I am excited to be a part of it with. It’s a rewarding career and necessary work. I look forward to putting my thumbprint on Kelsey-Seybold’s section of Supportive Medicine & Palliative Care. What is your training and background for your position as head of Kelsey Seybold’s Palliative Care division?
DR. RUPESH NIGAM Associate Medical Director of Hospital Services Kelsey Seybold
Dr. Nigam - I did my residency in Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. For the last six years I have been with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic taking care of patients at CHI St. Luke’s Health – Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. I have a special interest in Supportive Medicine and a strong advocate for maintaining the dignity and quality of life for our patients at any stage of their lives. I have been Managing Physician for Supportive Medicine and Palliative Care (SMPC) for the last year and a half and I have watched this section develop into a most valuable service for our patients.
Premium Dry Cleaning at Reasonable Prices Worth a Short Drive! PARK AVENUE CLEANERS 4038 South Braeswood Houston, TX 77025
(713) 669-9493 $
15 OFF $5 OFF 10% OFF Dry Cleaning Service of $50 or More
Dry Cleaning Service of $25 or More
Any Laundry Including Shirts
Not to be combined with other offers or specials. Exp. 8-15-17
Not to be combined with other offers or specials. Exp. 8-15-17
Not to be combined with other offers or specials. Exp. 8-15-17
21
A MAYORAL PROCLAMATION CELEBRATION Honoring Dr. Ronald DePinho Co-hosts Dr. Kathryn Pulse and Mr. Dewey Stringer welcomed friends and associates to the fabulous new Market Square Tower to honor Dr. Ronald DePinho with a Mayoral Proclamation from Sylvester Turner. They celebrated the impactful legacy of Dr. Ron DePinho as the fourth president of MD Anderson. Dewey is a patient at MDA and has raised millions for MDA through his adopt a scientist’s program; he has plans to raise tens of millions more in the years ahead. The impactful legacy of Dr. Ron DePinho as the fourth president of MD Anderson was a #1 ranking in cancer care, record donations, the decisive assault on cancer which became The Cancer Moon Shots Program and global expansion. He improved the care of millions suffering from cancer, engaged world leaders from the Vatican to the Great Hall to the White House, and made great enhancements in cancer science. Jed Manocherian, inspired by his friend DePinho founded Act for NIH in 2014 to help restore the $8 billion inflationary loss to the NIH budget since 2003. Their efforts have been decisive in making NIH\NCI restoration a bipartisan Congressional priority and played a key role in back-back $2 billion increases to the NIH budget in 2016 and 2017, as well as the passage of 21st Century Cures Act. It is the proclamation that Ron DePinho is a change agent. His hatred drives a disruptor for cancer and his love for patients. He has the courage to pursue new innovative ideas and an urgency to apply those ideas to save lives. While change may bring anxiety to the status quo, it brings hope to patients and families. There are too many patients to be patient. Ron’s Kids
Mel Cline, Jed Manocherian, Ron DePinho, Jack Christie, Dewey Stringer
22
Dr. Marshall Hicks Pres ad interim looking through pool to street below
[Life]
Senior Living: A Family Decision by Lynn Wallace Retirement Center Management
When is the right time for you or your loved ones to move into a senior retirement community? All across the country, senior retirement communities offer a safe and healthy alternative to staying at home. It can be difficult, however, to know the right time to make a move into such a c o m m u n i t y. Family members looking to find their parents a new home and 24
seniors themselves often struggle with this decision. A recent national housing survey of adults 75 and older revealed that the primary reason for moving into a senior retirement community was due to having difficulty safely getting around their homes. But, beyond that, how do you know when it’s time to move? It goes without saying that
everybody wants to keep their independent way of life intact for as long as possible. But if one starts to need specific assistance with such basics as driving, taking care of the lawn, cooking, staying hydrated or maintaining the home, it might be time to consider alternatives. The very idea of having that conversation can be difficult for everyone involved.
First, keep in mind that health and safety are paramount, so you want the absolute best! What are the best options for a healthy and safe living? Be ready with some answers, always pointing out how each alternative and how it will help you in the next phase of life. Imagine not having to worry about safety, home maintenance, security, housekeeping, transportation, or being alone. What is the expense to stay at home with help vs. moving to a senior retirement community – which do you believe is most cost effective? Whatever you ultimately decide to do concer ning this difficult situation, know that, even if the initial reaction is negative, small steps such as these often turn large strides and soon will turn into success in getting the help you need and finding the perfect living arrangement.
provide excellence in service, thoughtful, individualized care in case needed in the future. Choosing a truly healthier lifestyle is one of the secrets to how you and your family can enjoy quality time, peace of mind and a promise to each other to “Live Life Well�.
Visit us online at www.rcmseniorliving.com
Ask for a private tour and lunch to experience the difference retirement living has to offer.
Life Without Compromise is what RCM offers. Located in the premier neighborhoods of Houston and similar surrounding areas, Retirement Center Management (RCM) communities include spacious cottage and apartment homes to compassionate, individualized assisted living and memor y care. They offer exceptional dining, transportation, a broad offering of services and high-quality amenities. Consider finding a community that hires a professional team that will 25
Geoff Blum Interview
[the Game]
Geoff Blum was a colorful player and has brought his entertaining antics to liven Astros broadcasts by Joel Blank & Barry Laminack
Joel Blank: Blummer, this infatuation with star wars prompted me to ask you if you were a comic con fan overall or is it just Star Wars? Did you seem almost smitten and giddy with all those characters in the booth the other night? Geoff Blum: I’m not quite to the comic con extent but I am a little bit of a Star Wars nerd. I’ve completely indoctrinated my daughters into the whole saga so, I take a lot of pride in that. Joel Blank: That’s awesome dude. When are going to go with the whole costume? Are you looking for the authentic stormtrooper? Geoff Blum: *Breaks in laughter* I’m not sure I’d be able to store it at my house. My wife might be in a panic but, If I could find an off-site facility to have all that kind stuff in, I might think about it. Joel Blank: OK, back to baseball. Blummer did you see this kid Fisher in camp? Because I mean look we know the prospect list is long, we know and have heard about all the guys that have been coming up in the last couple of years and while he has been relatively unknown he seems to be A1 on everyone’s list if there are any trades to be made with the Astros. 26
Geoff Blum: Derek Fisher for me is legit. Francis Martes is interesting to me because he is twenty-one years old and I think he’s still pretty raw but Derek Fisher is one that has always stood out to me. Me and my broadcast partner Todd Kalas had a chance to watch these guys in spring training and he [Derek Fisher] was the one guy that really jumped at both of us, some of the things that stood out were his swing, the strike zone discipline and his ability to hit to all fields but the biggest question to me was if he going to be able to play in the infield? He obviously has enough speed but sometimes you put a guy out there with raw talent and he takes some funky routes and doesn’t really have a very good throwing motion but
Garry Pettis worked his tail off with him in spring training and Derek Fisher really reaped the benefits of that because his routes got better to the baseball and once he got to it he showed off a cannon just by switching up a simple little grip so not only is the guy talented, he also is very coachable. Joel Blank: Alright Blummer, the pitchers are going to be on the DL until the all-star break, is it time to start pushing the panic button the starting pitchers and maybe looking to exploring trades? Or is it good because of the big lead to keep weathering the storm until the break? Geoff Blum: I’m going to say no and yes. No to the panic button because I don’t think anyone should panic after what we saw as far as what our offense can do, the Astros have a very good offense no matter who AJ Hinch puts in there.and
these guys are going to put together great AB’s and when they’re going well they’re going to pressure starting pitchers. It's just a matter of what the starting rotation can do right now to suppress opposing offenses long enough stay in it. What I was saying yes to is I think they need to go out there and explore whatever options they may have as far as starting pitching because they have an opportunity to be the best team in baseball throughout the course of the season. if they did wait for the all star break but they have a chance to pick up a guy that will not just make them a playoff contending team but a world series contending team. The fact that they’re going to wait until the all-star break tells you a lot about how good they feel about their lead.
uniforms a little bit for you? Geoff Blum: Ah Man, I’m not sure as far as nicknames across the back, I mean in this day in age you’re probably going to see a couple twitter handles on the back of it but, umm, you know the white shoes always intrigued me. I love that Alex Bregman has been rocking those the past couple days and Paulino has even gone out there with the white shoes so that kind of interests me a little bit as far as breaking it up but the neon colors would be interesting.
Headroom blonde spiked look, I mean all the rest is just details right? Geoff Blum: Yeah I would probably be the guy that asks to play without a hat.
Joel Blank: But once you’ve had the Max
Barry Laminack: Alright, so we talked trades and some names always seem to come up you know Bregman, Martes, Kyle Tucker and of course Derek Fisher’s name, If you can only keep two which two do you keep? Geoff Blum: Oh man, that’s a really tough call, it depends on team need and Bregman for me is in the line-up and on this roster and has the experience that’s the only thing, because if you unplug an Alex Bregman out of that lineup and you take him out of the defensive alignment you know and you move Gurriel back to third who do you put at first base? Does Marwin become your everyday guy? So I think that removing guys out of your everyday lineup that is already so good, that worries me and I’d hate to ruin the continuity in the clubhouse whereas some of these younger guys haven’t really established themselves. They’ve proven their big league worthy but they haven’t really established themselves in the Astros clubhouse. Barry Laminack: I think they need to make the game more appealing to the younger audiences out there and I think having some fun with the game and the sport by dressing up the uniforms. What would be on the back of your jersey and what are some other things you would do to spice up the 27
[financial focus]
Lessons in Education Funding by Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Private Banking
Another school year is beginning, an unmistakable reminder that if you have school-age children or grandchildren, they have grown another year closer to college. No doubt, you want to give them every opportunity in life, and if you’re like many people, you believe that a college education is the gateway to those opportunities. A recent College Board study confirmed that belief, reporting that 28
Americans with a college degree earn as much as $1 million more during their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. But this advantage doesn’t come cheap. Between 2011-12 and 201617, published college tuition and fee prices rose between 9 percent and 13 percent, after adjusting for inflation, outpacing average increases in personal income. Despite harsh economic realities,
saving enough for college costs is possible, say financial experts, but families must do their homework first. Three “lessons” lay the groundwork for achieving this goal.
Start early Every year you postpone education planning and saving, you could be limiting your child’s options. They may not be able to attend the school they has their heart set on,
or you—or your child—may have to take on substantial debt to pay college costs. Still, you can do something significant in terms of saving and investing for college, especially if you start early and use compounding to your advantage.
Focus on an attainable goal Instead of worrying about the unknown, get clarity about your goal by defining what you want— and are able—to fund. How long do you have before your child is ready for college? Do you want to fund 100 percent of costs or a smaller percent? Consider additional factors, such as other children in the family, your own retirement
planning, and possible financial help from grandparents.
Would you like to talk to a financial professional?
Get professional help
Contact Evans at 713.388.1367 or evans.attwell@frostbank.com.
With so much at stake, the most effective planning requires someone who knows the right questions to ask and understands the wide range of funding options— from tax-advantaged saving and investing to scholarships, grants and other financial aid—available to you. A financial professional can work with you to uncover issues and resources you may not have considered and help you define a clear-cut education goal and a plan to achieve it that fits your individual needs.
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.
29
Photo Credits: Wilson Parish, Priscilla Dickson and Anthony Rathbun
2017 HOUSTON SYMPHONY BALL: STIR IT UP IN VEGAS
Rodney and Judy Margolis, Lori & Scott Wulfe
Held at the new Marriott Marquis Houston and chaired by Christina and Mark Hanson, the Ball raised more than $1.6 million for the Symphony’s Education and Community Programming – making it the second most successful in the history of the Houston Symphony. Honorary Chair was Marie Taylor Bosarge. Phillips 66 was Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Upon arrival, guests were instantly transported back to the glory days of old Las Vegas. More than 630 black-tie attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while perusing one-of-a-kind silent auction items.
Patty Hubbard, Mike McLanahan
The décor, created by Richard Flowers of The Events Company, also one of the honorees for the evening, transformed the space into Houston’s own Las Vegas strip. As guests entered the ballroom they were greeted by the famous “Welcome to Vegas” sign along with paintings of iconic hotels. The room was adorned with 3,700 peonies, and 30 rose balls – in two colors –containing 150 roses each. During the performance, guests enjoyed a seated dinner created by the Marriott’s Executive Sous Chef Brian Bailey and his banquet team and along with special wines selected by Lindy and John Rydman and Lisa Rydman of Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods.
Margaret Alkek Williams Julia & Andrés Orozco-Estrada Beth Wolff, Farida Abjani Brian & Candace Thomas Sheridan Williams, Richard Flowers
Robert & Jane Cizik
Lisa Rydman, Eric Lindsey Lindy & John Rydman Christina & Mark Hanson
Danielle & Joshua Batchelor