Int 2017 1112 web

CONTENTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

8-10

ARTS + EVENTS

11

THE BUZZ

12-13

NOVEMBER EATS: BEST OF THE NEW AND OLD

14-15

HEALTHFUL HOLIDAYS - IT AIN'T EASY

16-17

THANK YOU, JIMMY

18

A HERO TO THE HEROES

19

THE BUZZ

20-21

TAKING A HILL COUNTRY WINE TOUR

22-23

ENTERTAINING KITCHENS

24-25

THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT HURRICANE HARVEY

26-27

THE TOP 5 ATHLETES IN HOUSTON HISTORY

28-29

FINANCIAL ADVICE: PHILANTHROPY

30

THE BUZZ

PUBLISHER’S LETTER The Good American-born author, filmmaker, philosopher, cultural critic, essayist, and poet Suzy Kassem, in her first book Rise Up and Salute the Sun wrote “To know the good from the bad, study a man or woman’s history of actions, not their record of intentions.”

Harvey dumped over a trillion gallons of water, more than Katrina and Superstorm Sandy combined, enough to lower the land level from its sheer weight. But it did not sink Houstonians’ spirit of kindness, love, and determination in a crisis situation.

How about the two brothers and two high school friends who braved hazardous conditions rescuing over 50 people and numerous pets in a small fishing boat. Seventeen-year-old Thomas Edwards, along with his brother Declan and friends Richard Dickason and Liam Connor are beyond praise.

FEMA’s search and rescue teams came early and often with their experience from Katrina to save over 3,000 lives.

Houston SPCA organized more than 220 reunions while Special Pals reunited close to 200 pets with their families.

Big-hearted Jim McIngvale, better known as “Mattress Mack,” opened his company’s showrooms. NPR reported that as flooding began, McIngvale shared an online video and offered his personal phone number and invited people to sleep on hundreds of mattresses and chairs throughout his store.

His delivery truck drivers picked up stranded people.

J.J. Watt Foundation initially set out to raise two hundred thousand dollars after Hurricane Harvey. Today, with over 37 million dollars raised “from across the country and around the world,” according to Watt, he will shepherd his contributions to a number of charities and also help rebuild homes.

A leader in community outreach after Harvey was the Second Baptist Church.

The congregations’ six locations and Houston Strong tagline to “Mobilize to serve, Motivated by love.” motto took them to a level that most small (and even large) businesses would envy. Their Needs Assessment Team (NAT) with the help of companies deployed over 40,000 volunteers resulting in a staggering list of accomplishments: 2,405 homes/schools/churches cleaned – valued at $36 million, 37,429 bags of groceries distributed and 84,706 hot meals served.

Keller Williams sent 48 buses carrying 2,121 people from Austin over a threeday period to assist with cleanup and food bank efforts.

It makes me proud to be from Houston.

Send us your stories to intownmagazine@gmail.com and go to houstonintown.com for more.

The Bad - Harvey’s Devastation Totals Hurricane Harvey damaged over 200,000 homes. There were 738,000 people who registered for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Texas officials say more than 15,500 homes were destroyed during Hurricane Harvey.

Flooding in Harris County led to the destruction of 835 homes. The total number of homes damaged now stands at 113,136.

In the Gulf area, 1 million vehicles were ruined beyond repair, according to auto data firm Black Book.

Moody’s Analytics estimates damages to be in the 150 billion range.

Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope to Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2017 by Intown Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown Magazine.

4

Go to page 24 for the ugly.

Second Baptist Volunteer

Val Arbona REALTOR, CLHMS, CRS RE/MAX Vintage (713) 562-4903 valarbona.com

David Michael Young BROKER, CNE, CLHMS, GREEN John Daugherty, Realtors (713) 320-6453 www.youngrealtyhouston.com

Paula Hagerman ABR, Realtor, GHLHC, ILHM RE/MAX Vintage (713) 306-3557 www.har.com/paulahagerman

James Brodnax CLHMS ABR GRI CPA Realty ONE Group (713) 822-3423 www.westandloop.com

Marlene Foad ABR, CRS, ePRO®, CLHMS RE/MAX Professional Group (281) 686-4444 www.HoustonLuxuryEstates.com

Beverly Smith CLHMS, Lake Conroe Specialist Coldwell Banker United, Realtors (713) 569-2113 www.har.com/bevsmith

Wendy Cline CLHMS, SRES, ABR, CPRES Wendy Cline Properties Keller Williams Memorial (281) 858-3451 www.WendyClineProperties.com

Professional Group

Members and affiliates of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing intown 6 intown 6

W W W. G R E AT E R HOU STON LU X U RY. C OM

Vi sit O ur Website

intown 6

Real Estate Professionals Serving the Greater Houston Luxury Home Community

Marilyn Arendt Broker - Owner Marilyn Arendt Properties (281) 433-9113 mma@castle2sell.com

Mariana Saldana Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. (713) 629-7771 www.uptownhouston.com

265 Promenade | Bentwater List Price $2,725,000 | MLS# 93425734 Open water paradise on Lake Conroe in the exclusive Estates of Bentwater. e entire home is light & bright with gorgeous finishes. Elegant staircase in the entry & water views from the lake can be seen creating natural light throughout the home. Open concept chief 's kitchen comes with all stainless steel appliances, beautiful granite & makes it a joy to prepare your meals. e outside living area with lush landscaping, vanishing edge pool/spa, and outdoor kitchen creates a resort style living.

Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United Realtors | Phone: 713-569-2113

Debra Osborn Camino Realtor, ABR, AHSS, ALC, ALHS, CNE, WCR Keller Williams NE (713) 397-3867 www.LiveNEHouston.com

Sima Dalvandi Realtor Keller Williams Southwest (832) 630-7605 www.ezhomerealestate.com

804 Shady Bend | Friendswood List Price $999,900 | MLS# 84068724 Never flooded. NOT your cookie cutter home. Unique design & large open living areas make this home wonderful for family and entertaining. 1st floor master. Gourmet kitchen. Private back yard with saltwater pool, spa, covered patio, covered outdoor kitchen, wetbar & 4 gas fire pits. Premium location at back of community by green area.

David Michael Young | John Daugherty, Realtors | Phone: 713-320-6453

Ken Jacobson CMPS NMLS# 215044 Vice President/Sr. Mortgage Planner Hometrust Mortgage Company (713) 369-4040 www.kenjacobson.com NMLS# 149932

Weldon Rigby CRS, ABR Founding Member KW Luxury Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan (713) 621-2555 www.weldonrigby.com

5722 Arabelle Lake | Cottage Grove List Price $599,900 | MLS# 2452618 Never flooded. Energy efficient home with large rooms, high ceilings in gated community with lake, dog park, walking trail & pool. 3 balconies, large patio with lake view. Master on 3rd floor with enormous closet and balcony. Hardwoods & tile thruout, no carpet. 3 car garage with AC wall unit. Elevator capable.

David Michael Young | John Daugherty, Realtors | Phone: 713-320-6453

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

ARTS + EVENTS

HOBBY CENTER

DA CAMERA

RIVER OAKS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (ROCO)

THEATER

NOVEMBER 1-5 ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE 9-12 PAW PATROL 15 HOUSTON BALLET: JUBILEE OF DANCE 17-19 TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME 21-26 ON YOUR FEET DECEMBER 12-17 SLEEPING BEAUTY 19-24 SLEEPING BEAUTY 30 HOUSTON BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

NOVEMBER

COURAGEOUS CATALYST

A.D. PLAYERS

JONES HALL

10 TIEMPO LIBRE

Nov. 11, 2017

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

UNCHAMBERED: MUSICAL PARFAIT

Opens Nov. 3 through Nov. 5, 2017

SHEN YUN

16-18 PROUST SONATA

Nov. 19, 2017

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Opens Dec. 1 through Dec. 23, 2017

MUSIC & DANCE

DECEMBER 1-3

VERY MERRY POPS

ARS LYRICA

2

A GRINCH CHRISTMAS

NOVEMBER

14-17 HANDEL’S MESSIAH

12 ITALIAN SIRENS DECEMBER

29-30 HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS IN CONCERT

9 NO BULLY HERE (RESCHEDULED) 11 FLAMENCO LEGENDS BY JAVIER LIMON: THE PACO DE LUCIA PROJECT 17 ELF MOVIE 19 THE HILLBENDERS PRESENT THE WHO’S TOMMY: A BLUEGRASS OPRY

31 NEW YEAR’S IN BERLIN

DECEMBER 1

SONGS OF FREEDOM

12 FROM RENAISSANCE TO REICH: MAHAN ESFAHANI, HARPSICHORD

NIGHT OUT ROCO + BRENNAN’S Nov. 19, 2017

ALLEY THEATER

ROCO CONNECTIONS: A SEASON OF THANKS

Open Dec. 22 through Dec. 27, 2017

STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE A MIDNIGHT CLEAR

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dec. 31, 2017

Nov. 30, 2017

Opens Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, 2017

NOVEMBER

MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE

THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE

10-12 BROADWAY TODAY

NOVEMBER 2 TSURU (RESCHEDULED) 4 SING ALONG WITH THE MUPPETS MOVIE 8 MOVING MYTHS (RESCHEDULED)

THE SOULFUL SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS

LA TRAVIATA

Nov. 11, 12 & 15, 2017

THE NUTCRACKER

THE FIRST NOEL

Dec. 10-23 - Smart Financial Centre Dec. 30, 2017 through Jan. 6 - Hobby Ctr.

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

11

HOOK’D: PIRATES IN CONCERT

17-19 RACHMANINOFF’S RHAPSODY 24-26 A SCHEHERAZADE THANKSGIVING

Opens Nov. 17 through Dec. 3, 2017

WORTHAM CENTER (alternate venues) Through Nov. 11, 2017 - George R. Brown

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MUSEUMS ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER NOVEMBER 2 TSURU, IN COLLABORATION WITH HOUSTON BALLET 3 SCREEN ASIA: ABOVE THE DROWNING SEA 8 NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA: HOW WORRIED SHOULD WE BE? 11 ARCHITECTURE TOUR / ART TOUR 11 LEO BAR: FILIPINO KAMAYAN FEAST

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON ARTS OF ISLAMIC LANDS: SELECTIONS FROM THE AL-SABAH COLLECTION, KUWAIT Ongoing through Jan. 28, 2018 THE GLAMOUR AND ROMANCE OF OSCAR DE LA RENTA Opens Oct. 8, 2017 through Jan 21, 2018

DAVID LEVINTHAL: PHOTOGRAPHS 1972-2016 & CHRISTIAN MARCLAY: CHEWING GUM Ongoing through Dec. 3, 2017 HOME -SO DIFFERENT, SO APPEALING Opens Nov. 17, 2017 through Jan. 21,2018 BESTOWING BEAUTY: MASTERPIECES FROM PERSIAN LANDS Opens Nov. 19, 2017 through Feb. 11, 2018

CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON NOVEMBER 2 SCREENING: ON THE WATERFRONT 4 OPEN STUDIO: FINGER-PAINTED PATTERNS’ 8 2017 ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT UNDER THE PALMS 9 PERFORMANCE: MUSIQA PRESENTS “ANNABETH ROSEN: FIRED, BROKEN, GATHERED, HEAPED 17-19 TRAVEL WITH CAMH TO PROSPECT NEW ORLEANS DECEMBER 15 OPENING RECEPTION: CHRISTOPHER KNOWLES: IN A WORD 16 IN CONVERSATION: ANTHONY ELMS

A BETTER YESTERDAY

MENIL COLLECTION FRANCIS ALYS: THE FABIOLA PROJECT Ongoing through May 13, 2018

THIRTY WORKS FOR THIRTY YEARS Ongoing through Jan. 28, 2018

MONA HATOUM: TERRA INFIRMA Opens Oct. 13, 2017 through Feb. 25, 2018

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE GEMS OF THE SEA: THE GUIDO T. POPPE COLLECTION Ongoing through Dec. 31, 2017

MAPPING TEXAS : FROM FRONTIER TO THE LONE STAR STATE

Ongoing through Sept. 3, 2017

Ongoing through Jan 15, 2017

ANNABETH ROSEN: FIRED, BROKEN, GATHERED, HEAPED Ongoing through Nov. 26, 2017

VANISHING ARTS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BEASLEY-HWANG COLLECTION

TELEPATHIC IMPROVISATION

Ongoing Exhibit

Ongoing through Jan. 7, 2018

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT Ongoing through Dec. 31, 2017

NEW DIMENSIONS IN TESTIMONY Ongoing through Mar. 31, 2017

CONCERTS & EVENTS TOYOTA CENTER NOVEMBER 7 FALL OUT BOY 8 JAY-Z 10 GUNS N’ ROSES 12 IMAGINE DRAGONS 16 ENRIQUE IGLESIAS & PITBULL DECEMBER 3 LADY GAGA 21 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA 27 XSCAPE

NRG STADIUM NOVEMBER 8-12 DISNEY ON ICE: REACH FOR THE STARS

CABINETS OF CURIOSITIES Ongoing Exhibit

FACES FROM THE SOUTHERN OCEAN Ongoing Exhibit

TOURMALINE TREASURES Ongoing Exhibit Antonio Ruiz, Bicycle Race, 1938

9

ARTS + EVENTS SPORTS NRG STADIUM DECEMBER 2 SWAC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 27 ADVOCARE TEXAS BOWL

HOUSTON TEXANS NOVEMBER 5 INDIANA COLTS DECEMBER 10 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 25 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 15 CLEVELAND BROWNS

TOYOTA CENTER HOUSTON ROCKETS NOVEMBER 1 KNICKS 3 HAWKS 5 JAZZ 9 CAVALIERS 11 GRIZZLIES 12 PACERS

14 RAPTORS 16 SUNS 18 GRIZZLIES 22 NUGGETS 25 KNICKS 27 NETS 29 PACERS DECEMBER 3 LAKERS 7 JAZZ 9 TRAIL BLAZERS 11 PELICANS 13 HORNETS 15 SPURS 16 BUCKS 18 JAZZ 20 LAKERS 22 CLIPPERS 25 THUNDER 28 CELTICS 29 WIZARDS 31 LAKERS

Broadway Today

New Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke Opens The 2017-18 Pops Series With Unforgettable Music From Hit Broadway Musicals

Houston Symphony Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke opens the 2017-18 BBVA Compass POPS Series with Broadway Today, at 8:00 p.m. Nov. 10-11 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Jones Hall.

Broadway stars Betsy Wolfe and Jeremy Jordan join Reineke and the orchestra in an evening filled with unforgettable music from hit Broadway musicals.

Broadway powerhouse, Betsy Wolfe, will make her Houston Symphony debut before starting as Elsa in Broadway’s Frozen. Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan, best known for the role of Jack Kelly in the 2012 musical Newsies, will also make his Houston Symphony debut. Jordan currently stars in the CW drama series Supergirl. The program will feature music from hit Broadway musicals including The Book of Mormon, Once, Miss Saigon, Little Shop of Horrors and the 2017 Tony award-winning Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen. In addition, the Houston Symphony will perform music from classic Broadway shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and Cats.

The concert will take place at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana Street, in Houston’s Theater District. For tickets and information, please call (713) 224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Houston Symphony Patron Services Center in Jones Hall (Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). All programs and artists are subject to change.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey on Jones Hall, the Theater District Parking Garage is closed until further notice. Visit www.houstonsymphony.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Directions-Parking/jones for a list of nearby alternatives.

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.

Steven Reineke, conductor Betsy Wolfe, vocalist Jeremy Jordan, vocalist Tickets from $40

Jeremy Jordan

10

Betsy Wolfe

NANCY OWENS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION HOSTS JOAN LUNDEN The Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation hosted its 16th Annual Luncheon with celebrity guest speaker, Joan Lunden at the Hilton Americas – Houston.

Over 750 guests attended that included Ilona Carson who served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Joan Lunden inspired the crowd as she shared the story of her battle against breast cancer and the transformative effect it has had on her life, as well as her work on Capitol Hill as an advocate for patients across the country.

“I once heard a quote that there are two great days in our life, the day we are born and the day we discover why,” said Lunden. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit breast cancer research and a donation of $105,000 were presented to Matthew Ellis, Ph.D. with the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine, Elizabeth Mittendorf, M.D., Ph.D. with the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and Alessandro Grattoni, Ph.D. with Houston Methodist Research Institute. For more information, visit www.nancyowens.org

Pat Medors, Kristi Breaux, Elva Akin

Brenda Barzilla, Claudia Nunley, Evelyn Kassey

Laura Ogbourne, Leah Leggett, Maggie Weinberg

Jennifer Hernandez, Julie Krampitz

Mary Piper, Ellie Rainey

Bob Hale, Cheri Fama, John Daugherty

Amy Bernstein, Katherine Stewart

Alyson & Colton Haas

Chita Craft, Joan Lunden Roseann Rogers, Richard Ray Amy Bernstein, Ilona Carson, Terri Guerra

Chantal Froehlich, Tamara Mannen, Nicole Goulet, Kelley Walls

[Food]

November Eats

Frank’s Lamb Wrap

Smith & Wollensky Clock Room

The best of the new and old restaurants to eat at right now Roka Akor Frank’s Crab Cake Benedict Smith & Wollensky

Photo courtesy Erika Rubalcava - Blue Sky Marketing

Photo courtesy Erika Rubalcava - Blue Sky Marketing

T

Roka Akor

by Marene Gustin

he hospitality industry in Houston was hard hit by Harvey, several favorite restaurants closed — either temporarily or permanently, jobs were lost and both employees and employers struggled. Many hotly anticipated openings were pushed back, some, Like Bryan and Jennifer Caswell’s Oxbow7, for good reason. The husband and wife duo were busy with their charity Southern Salt Foundation feeding first responders and flood victims as well as raising money for relief efforts.

But as things slowly drift back to normal, or what may be the new normal in Houston, some restaurants, both old and new, are not only surviving but also thriving. We chose six to highlight here with a look at what make them successful.

Old is New

Here are some oldies but goodies. If you haven’t been to these three in awhile it’s definitely time to check them out again, or even for the first time.

12

SMITH & WOLLENSKY

smithandwollensky.com This high-end steakhouse chain turned 40 this fall although the local outpost in Highland Village isn’t quite that old.

But it was recognized this summer as one of Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence 2017 winners for its wine program. But it isn’t just the wonderful wines that keep people coming back to this establishment. It’s also the exceptional quality of service and the perfectly cooked USDA Prime steaks hand-cut daily. Can’t make it to Grandma’s house this month for Thanksgiving? Than book a table here for a real turkey feast with all the trimmings.

FRANK’S AMERICANA REVIVAL & WHITE STAR BAR

frankshouston.com Restaurateur Mike Shine bought the River Oaks hotspot Frank’s Chop House in 2012 but even though he and his son Chris changed the name slightly and younger son chef Colin

updated the menu, they knew not to tinker too much with a good thing.

Regulars flock here for the famous chicken fried steak and the restaurant now serves a Friday special of buttermilk battered fried chicken that is drool worthy. Neighborhood retirees, nearby office workers and politicos and hotshot lawyers can all be seen here on a regular basis and, just in time for the holiday party season, the Shines have expanded to create a 2,000-square-foot special events space with its own kitchen. The restaurant won’t be open on Thanksgiving Day but they do cook up a turkey and fixings feast you can order and pick up on Wednesday.

CARRABBA’S THE ORIGINAL

carrabbasoriginal.com What can you say about this Kirby Drive legend? Family owned and operated for 31 years (not to be confused with the national chain that bears the same name) Carrabba’s has been dishing up Italian American dishes like their classic Chicken “Bryan

Texas” for generations of diners. Good food, and plenty of it, the portions are huge here, keep the regulars coming back but it’s more about the family feel here. Owner Johnny Carrabba often walks the floor talking to diners and his father, know affectionately as Mr. C., still arrives once a week with his special blend of spices for the Italian sausages.

Some of the staff has been here for 30 years, which says a lot about the environment in an industry where turnover can be high. Come here a few times and you will be warmly greeted, just like on Cheers! Insider tip: Many of the dishes can be ordered as half portions, and always ask about offmenu specials.

And New is Good, Too

And here are our three picks for best brand new spots you need to visit at least once before the new year.

Although it’s far too early to tell, it looks like these may, hopefully, become new classics for Intown.

ROKA AKOR

rokaakor.com The long awaited opening of this upscale Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar didn’t disappoint. A rich wood décor with sleek lighting let you know that this is one of the new see-and-beseen spots in Upper Kirby. Occupying the ground floor of 2929 Weslayan, the tallest residential building in Houston, Roka Akor features a Robata grill for cooking certified Kobe beef, an open kitchen format and a highly coveted (there are only six seats) sushi bar. A fine sake selection as well as a full bar enhance the dining experience. A musttry is the omakase (chef’s selection) meal for two or more where the sushi chef will feed you the best and freshest fish dishes of the day.

A’ BOUZY

abouzy.com Sure, this location on Westheimer Road has been the Bermuda Triangle of restaurants for years, but this concept just might stick. Nestled in the Upper Kirby/River Oaks ‘hood, a’Bouzy’s concept is sparkling. Literally. Because

it’s all about the bubbles here, the wine list goes for pages and pages of Champagnes and sparkling wines. And the dishes here are exactly what you would expect to dine on with such elegant bubbles: lemon sole, baked oysters and a lovely oven-roasted Cornish game hen plated with blue corn grits.

FRESCO CAFE ITALIANO

frescocafeitalian.com There is absolutely no shortage of Italian and Italian-American food in this city but we welcome one more: Fresco Cafe Italiano. It’s just a little place, along 59 and Edloe Street, and it’s BYOB (they will provide you a wine glass) but it’s the fresh made pasta here that is just delicious. Chef Roberto Crescini, a native of northern Italy prides himself on making everything from scratch while keeping prices reasonable: The most expensive dish on the menu is the grilled octopus at $16.

Do try the five-layer lasagna and the fresh cannoli for dessert. Oh, and don’t forget to take home some pasta and some sauces to-go.

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[Health]

Healthful Holidays - It Ain't Easy

by Carroll (CK) Chrisman

eeping the pounds off during the holidays is a challenge for just about everyone. Travelings take place in November for the Thanksgiving holidays and as we slowly make our way towards a wintery Christmas (Not really, we live in Houston, TX guys) the food continues to show up in an overabundance. Maw-maw always brings the pies; Dad hooked on frying turkeys with the new infrared slow cookers, the auntie who is famous for her apple cinnamon and strawberry pastries (amaaaaaazing!) it’s no wonder it’s so difficult to lose or manage our weight during the holidays.

K

Here are a few suggestions for keeping the weight in check this holiday season.

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Portion Control While I seem to struggle with this more than I should portion control can be a huge factor in whether or not you maintain your weight thru the holidays. When I was a kid, I would have two giant plates of all sorts of food and then a third helping for dessert itself. Ah, how amazing it was to have a metabolism as fast as the speed of light and in return that would allow me to burn everything I could put in my stomach. Well, not today. Today I'm 31, and my metabolism is different and much slower than those blissful childhood days. I have started to implement a system for when the holidays come around to help minimize the amount of damage I know I'm about to create.

I choose the smallest plate, lean meats and limit my fat intake. This will aid in the digestion of red meats which process slower than chicken or lean ground turkey (keep in mind fats do help us sleep better but can also pack on the weight so don’t overdo it!) Pile up as many greens as I can to ensure I intake enough fiber to help process my food. Lastly, choose the smallest dessert or if they do not have a tiny dessert then stick the three bite rule. Bite #1 allow my brain to process the perfection, #2 is just the satisfying middle one and #3 is the lingering third bite.

Implementing small adjustments should minimize the amount of food I prepare for each sitting and ensure I should get enough lean protein to continue promoting muscle growth and plenty of micronutrients

(vitamins and minerals) and fiber for digestion. Come up with a system that will help you with portion control and keep your goals in mind.

Minimize exercise time If you're anything like me, then you regularly spend at least an hour at the gym (www.the-g-y-m.com) putting the work in for that day. With friends and family in town coming and going there's not much time for anything else.

Even if you only exercise 20 minutes then at least you can help just maintain your fitness level and minimize fat gain until you return full speed (and quit being a bum for the holidays). Any exercise will do just as long as you are moving a little every day. Take a walk after the big Thanksgiving dinner, go for a bike ride with your kids, throw the baseball in the yard, yoga, pilates, group classes. Anything! Something is better than nothing which brings me to my last point.

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Effort Think of the holiday season as not only an opportunity to put others first but an opportunity to prepare mentally for the coming year. Some years go by faster than others, and some seem to feel like an eternity. No matter how quickly time goes or how crazy the year has been one thing is always needed to move to the next step.

Effort. Effort to make this year better than the last. The effort is required to meet financial goals. Effort is needed to survive mentally from one day to the next. Everything we truly want in life is going to take work and consistent effort. So, while that soft fluffy cupcake screams your name or you hear the whispers from the ice cream in the kitchen don’t give in. Use your willpower that I know you possess. Keep your fitness goals in mind through the holidays and always cherish precious holiday moments with friends and family. Life is too short not to worry about your health so stay focused through the holidays and remember to have everything in moderation.

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[Life]

Thank You, Jimmy

by Melissa and Rebecca Moriarty, Gold Star Sisters

J

immy Moriarty, a Houstonian and Strake Jesuit alumnus, was a soldier, a brother, a son and a comrade. He was everyone's best friend. He was KIA last November 4, 2016 in Jordan on a CIA secondment with the U.S. Army Special Forces. He was just 27 years old.

As his older sisters, we had the special opportunity to see him throughout all his chapters in his life. To be totally frank... he was a pain in our sides for a long time. He was stinky. Annoying. He embarrassed us in front of our cool friends. We dressed him up in our clothes, painted him with our mom's makeup and paraded him around the house. He was our play toy, and he loved every minute of it because he got 100% of our attention.

As he grew up, he slowly started to turn into his own person. We were by his side as he went from West University T16

Ball to playing lacrosse at Strake Jesuit. As the baby he got all the attention from our parents, he broke all the rules without castigation, and the funny thing about it is that no one cared; Jimmy was the type of person that was so transparent and unabashedly honest, that you would always go to bat for him. Even his older sisters. We went from hating his guts to loving him so much, to even dare I say, looking up to him.

Over the past couple of years, since he joined the Army and passed course after course, until he was selected to join the elite U.S. Special Forces as a Combat Diver, we noticed him change. He transitioned from frat boy to soldier.

He was always fun loving, but he became more serious. More focused. As his sisters, it was a ego-check of sorts. We would think to

ourselves, "wait a second, he's the younger one and we're supposed to set the standard...to be the ones he looks up to", but in recent years the tables had turned. We started to lean on Jimmy and treat him like our peer. We turned to him for his wise relationship advice ("he's not good enough for you"), to his training advice ("run intervals to get faster") and even to his business advice ("you're doing great, keep trucking").

Last Thanksgiving we were due to spend the holiday together in Bogota, just the three of us. We received the call Friday night, November 4th. And just like that, Jimmy was taken from our trio.

Since November 4th our hearts have been broken into a thousand pieces.

Our breath has been sucked from our lungs. Our little brother, our hero, was gone.

If anything has come from the loss of our brother, it is what he taught us through his love, his leadership, his

loyalty and his honor. He led by example. He taught us how to be a good friend, a good sibling, a good teammate and a good guest by showing us. He was kind to everyone he met. He made everyone feel important by asking them questions about how they were...how they really were. He showed up when he was invited. He signed a contract to fight for our country and he followed through on his commitment, like he always did.

He never missed a commitment. We miss him so hard, in every moment of every day.

With Veteran's Day being this month we would also like to share our appreciation to all active duty and retired military and their families. You are our family and we are grateful for you and your service to our country. Thank you.

Strake Jesuit has setup the James F. Moriarty Endowed Scholarship to honor Jimmy's memory. If you are interested in donating to the fund you can reach out to Colin Matheny, Director of Advancement online at cmatheny@strakejesuit.org or call 713-490-8236.

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[Profile]

A HERO TO THE HEROES NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RALEY RELISHES HER ROLE

November 11, 2017, is Veteran’s Day. Kelly Raley recently moved from her law practice to become Executive Director for Helping a Hero, a Houston based national nonprofit that strives to make a difference in the lives of our country’s wounded warriors by building adapted homes designed for their individual needs. To date, they have awarded over 100 homes in 22 states. Kelly’s legal background, coupled with her lifelong commitment to volunteerism, makes her highly qualified to assume the reins of this outstanding organization and continue its positive impact on disabled combat veterans and their families.

Kelly after becoming Executive Director in May - with two board members (Rhonda Walls Kerby and Sunil Sharma) and Helping A Hero recipient CPL Robert Engelbrecht, USA (Ret)

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Since becoming the Executive Director, Kelly has kept a fast pace with all the HAH programs, resulting in awards and accolades for Helping a Hero locally and nationally. Helping a Hero was one of only 12 charities to receive the Award of Distinction from the Greater Houston Better Business Bureau for its transparency and accountability. On Memorial Day, the TODAY Show featured the unveiling of a Helping a Hero home to MSgt (Ret) Zac Rhyner, USAF, who received the Air Force Cross for his valor, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among other medals.

Some of the most meaningful times for Kelly in her new role have been getting to spend time with veterans and their families and listen to their struggles and successes. Every time she meets a Helping a Hero home recipient, she becomes inspired by their story of bravery, courage, resilience, and sheer fortitude. For over a decade, Kelly has been a donor to Helping a Hero. As Executive Director, she has been able to see how far the charity can stretch a dollar and has a new appreciation for its financial stewardship.

Shortly after Kelly assumed her new role, SGT Daniel Cowart, who lost his leg in an explosion in Iraq, received the keys to his new home. That particular day was also his 10th “Alive Day.” (The Alive Day is the day a soldier was injured.) SGT Cowart asked Helping a Hero to hold his key ceremony on his 10th Alive Day so that he would have a positive memory to celebrate with his fellow veterans who were with him that fateful day. Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA” as three planes did a flyover and the hundreds of patriots waved flags and sang along.

The homes designed by Helping a Hero allow amputees and wheelchair-bound veterans to regain their independence with more accessible and wider doorways and hallways, an adapted toilet area, roll-in shower, roll under sinks, flush entryways, etc. Burn victims, who are no longer able to regulate their temperature since they have lost their sweat glands, have their needs addressed. Helping a Hero

empowers wounded warriors to thrive, not just survive, by incorporating new interests into the home. One home now has a recording studio instead of a 4th bedroom. Commercial quality appliances are installed for a budding chef.

Craft rooms and offices for small businesses when the budget can accommodate them.

These wounded warriors receive a fixed disability income from the government-- taxfree. 100% disabled veterans in Texas are property tax exempt.

Helping a Hero implements a philosophy similar to Habitat for Humanity. The charity requires a veteran to live in the home for ten years and to invest a minimum of $50,000.

The on-average $300,000 homes are paid for through veteran investment, labor, and material donations, Helping a Hero cash donations, and lot donations or discounts. Most of the time the VA provides an adapted housing grant. Even with the $50,000 mortgage, the monthly payment for Texas veterans is less than a one bedroom apartment.

In her spare time, Kelly is pursuing her certification in Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership from Rice University. She and her husband, John Raley have three children and reside in Memorial.

Helping A Hero wounded veteran (SSgt. Daniel Gilyeat (ret) with Kelley Raley (left) in Williamson County

MIAMI VICE GALA GARNERS NEARLY $1 MILLION The Children’s Museum of Houston took Houston’s philanthropic community out for a hot ’80s throwback to Miami at the Museum’s “Miami Vice” gala, which took place at the Corinthian presented by BB&T and Phillips 66. Event co-chairs Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia and Molly and Matthew LaFauci hosted a sizzling hot “pachanga” to continue development of educational and outreach programs at the Museum.

More than 500 guests, who were spotted sporting white suits, Ray-Bans and kinetic colors and The Museum also put on display a white Ferrari Testarossa (just like the one in the TV show), which was generously donated by Valobra Master Jewelers.

Gala Co-Chairs Dr. Devinder Bhatia and wife Gina, and Molly and Matthew LaFauci

To keep Houston’s children strong, the Museum, in conjunction with the Houston Food Bank, devoted part of its live auction proceeds to help alleviate the needs of families affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Mary Catherine Blanton-Jones and Bailey Jones

This past year, the Museum welcomed more than 817,000 on-site visitors and impacted more than 329,600 children and parents through outreach programming. The Museum’s mission is transforming communities through innovative childcentered learning.

Josh and Lisa Oren, Carolyn and Garry Tanner

Honorary Gala Chairs Millette and Haag Sherman

Isabel David, Carolyn Tanner and Kristy Bradshaw Jennifer and Chris Laporte Evelyn and Francisco Uzcategui

Courtney and Bill Toomey

Dr. Jim Johnston and Vanessa Sobers

Georgia and Rick Harmon

Gina Gaston and Mario Elie and Co-Chairs Gina Bhatia and Dr. Devinder Bhatia

Cameron Neal, Morgan Allen, Laura Sellingsloh and Dustin Selzer

[Travel]

T

TAKING A HILL COUNTRY WINE TOUR

by Minnie Payne

Photos courtesy of Texas Department of Agriculture / Go Texan

ip your glasses and make a toast to Texas Hill Country’s 62 wineries and vineyards. They attract more visitors to the area from north of Fredericksburg to San Saba, and west to Menard than any other.

In about 1659, Franciscan priests established the first North American vineyard in Texas.

European settlers followed suit with the development of mission outposts, bringing more grapevine cuttings and further developing vineyards through the 1800s.

Through trial and error, Texas grape growers learned what varieties do well in Texas climate and soil and take pride in sharing awardwinning Texas wines made with Texas grapes.

According to www.txwines.org, 38 varieties of Texas wine exist.

Overall, records show that the Texas wine and wine grape industry contributes more than $13.1 billion of economic value to Texas; 104,267 full-time jobs paying $4.3 billion in wages; 1.7 million tourist visits to Texas wineries, spending $716.6 million, and 436 wineries.

Texas has eight officially recognized winegrowing regions known as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Climate, soils, and topography are considered in characterizing winegrowing regions.

Before refrigeration, grape growing was believed to be more conducive to cold climates because you had cooler fermentation.

However, with refrigeration, fermentation can be controlled everywhere, including Texas.

Winemakers of a young 35-40-year-old Texas wine industry are still experimenting with which grapes will grow in Texas. Fortunately, hot summers and cold winters allow their grapes to achieve full ripeness, excellent skin color, and rich concentrated flavors. Texas Hill Country winemakers show great success with Tempranillo, a common Spanish variety.

(Texas Tempranillo is amazing.) Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Viognier are also popular Texas varietals.

Whether you visit Texas Hill Country wineries on your own or with a tour group, it’s a fun/educational trip. If you choose a selfguided tour, it’s wise to choose a designated driver; however, it comes with a lot of advantages. It’s more affordable and gives more flexibility. Check for hours of operation, distance from one winery to another, and where you can stop for lunch.

Happy wine tasting.

THE GUADALUPE WINE TRAIL

A fairly small wine trail with six boutique wineries, but with expected growth over the next few years. The boutique wineries are: Singing Water Vineyards, Kerrville Hills Winery, Dry Comal Creek, The Chisholm Trail Winery, Sister Creek Vineyards, and Bending Branch Winery.

THE COLORADO RIVER WINE TRAIL

This trail starts just north of Marble Falls and heads into Burnet, Lampasses, and San Saba, ending at Lake Buchanan. Just as with the Guadalupe Wine Trail, there are a few family-owned boutique wineries. They include Flat Creek Estate, Perissos, Texas Legato Winery, Lorneta and Fiests Winery, Alamosa Wine Cellars, Wedding Oak Winery, and Fall Creek Vineyards.

TEXAS HILLS VINEYARD

texashillsvineyard.com You will find welcoming grounds, a tasting room with excellent 100 percent Texas wines, and a knowledgeable staff. It is the 20

largest Texas producer that uses 100 percent Texas fruit with an Italian influence. Sangiovese is a specialty. It is located one mile east of Johnson City on Ranch Road 2766, the road to Pedernales Falls State Park.

WILLIAM CHRIS VINEYARDS

www.williamchriswines.com Family owned, topnotch, boutique winery that specializes in 100 percent Texas wines.

Owners/winemakers Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett grew grapes and made wine for other companies until 2008 when they started William Chris Vineyards. The small tasting room was formerly a small barn, which was remodeled to a new, open tasting room with wonderful views overlooking the outside seating area and vineyard. An attendant outside the tasting room welcomes you as you leave the parking area and helps space people at the tasting bar to prevent overcrowding inside.

William Chris Vineyards are located at 10352 U.S. Hwy. 290, Hye, Texas 78635.

PEDERNALES CELLARS

pedernalescellars.com A boutique winery that produces 100 percent Texas wines, Pedernales Cellars offers two tasting options. The first tasting – general wines; the second offering –

reserve wines. Reserve wines feature the opportunity to taste wines exclusively available to wine club members – library wines, estate blends, and older vintages. The geothermal barrel cellar can be toured free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays. Breathtaking views of the Pedernales River valley can be seen from a huge, treecovered deck. Pedernales Cellars is located at 2916 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671.

BECKER VINEYARDS

beckervineyards.com In 1993, Mr. and Mrs. Becker planted their first grape vines, hoping to create a 1,500case winery in the Texas Hill Country.

Today, it’s a 100,000-case per year winery that has received numerous awards.

Weekends are often standing room only, but large indoor and outdoor spaces provide numerous tasting stations. An onsite restaurant satisfies your taste buds and multiple tables with covered seating area throughout the grounds provide restful/sociable qualities. You can find these niceties at 464 Becker Farms Road, Stonewall, Texas 78671.

MESSINA HOF

messinahof.com As a result of producing wonderful wines, Messina Hof, is the most awarded winery in the Southwest. Presently, 28 vineyards, 1,050 acres produce more than 85 wines from 27 varietals. Paul Bonarrigo and wife Merrill produced their first vintage in 1983. Paul is the first-born son in a family that has been making wine outside Messina, Sicily since 1800. A first generation Italian-American, he studied and practiced physical therapy, but wine was in his blood. When he moved his practice to Bryan, Texas, he teamed up with Ron Perry and planted 13 vineyards all over Texas with 50 varietals to see where certain varietals should be grown. The tasting room, restaurant, and Manor Haus B&B at the Fredericksburg location is a must-see if you are in the Texas Hill Country, but there are two additional tasting rooms you can sample Messina Hof wines in Grapevine and Bryan.

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ENTERTAINING KITCHENS

[Design]

An open will improve your home’s appeal for guests and allow for the hosts to enjoy their guests while cooking. We have chosen a few designs from reputable brands that feature some very entertaining kitchens.

For more home design tips check out the home improvement section on www.houstonintown.com FASCINATING SURFACES

by Poggenpohl Houston Photo Credit: Poggenpohl Houston

It is not surprising that many homeowners plan kitchen remodeling projects around their holiday plans. It is frequently a gathering place and a way to show off their cooking. Be mindful of the holidays and choose features for an entertaining kitchen. Consider space planning and cabinetry features that improve how the kitchen functions every day. Keeping your side dishes warm while the turkey roasts justify installing a warming drawer.

What is at the top of your wish list for an entertaining-friendly kitchen?

An open kitchen design is the most popular solution for inclusive hosts. Most kitchens designed with entertaining feature a work island, beverage center

and breakfast area, and is open on three sides to a living or dining room.

Consider the activities that go on when you are entertaining. Two sinks can prevent traffic jams just as having your drink area away from the cooks.

If your kitchen is enclosed, consider opening it up by eliminating walls and allowing the kitchen to flow into the living and dining spaces with an island or peninsula instead of a wall. The new cabinetry will define your cooking station while inviting visitors to gather round. It also doubles as a serving buffet. Don’t skimp here so to allow enough counter depth to handle any sized dishes.

Carattere by Scavolini offered by Pro Remodel

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The kitchen, more than any other living area, embodies people’s own personal standard of living and lifestyle. The requirements placed on upmarket kitchen design are accordingly diverse.

Poggenpohl has long distinguished itself in this segment by individual planning schemes on the highest level, perfectly tailored to customers’ wishes.

This year, New, chrome-plated high gloss lacquers are the focus, 14 spectacular metallic shades among which diamond white, champagne gold, night blue and the dazzling petrol green are available both in a contemporary, straightforward front design and as conventional framed fronts.

In the image to the left, Poggenpohl is demonstrating the unique effect of the new high-gloss metallic surfaces among other aspects in an impressive kitchenPhoto Credits: Cabinets & Designs

planning scheme with fronts in petrol green metallic, combined with matt black lacquer, polished stone and stainless steel.

CARATTERE

by Pro Remodel Carattere is an elegant, meticulous yet sophisticated model: the frame door is the model’s signature, a type of door designed to bring together classical proportions and contemporary, clean-cut shapes. And its international appeal allows Carattere to speak to a public that appreciates elemental silhouettes without wishing to sacrifice refinement, let alone functionality.

Furnishing both limited spaces and large expanses with style.

OPEN KITCHEN

by Cabinets & Designs This Edison Heights home provides the opportunity to incorporate an open floor plan with decorative and functional lighting, as well as the latest cooking technology, including multiple appliances

to accommodate multiple cooks during meal preparation and clean up.

The open kitchen and living space offers the ability to adjust the ambiance of the space with well-placed lighting for memorable entertaining and socializing with family and friends. Tall cabinetry provides easy access to storage that is well lit for supplies and small appliances.

The refrigerator, freezer, steam oven, and warming drawer are integrated into the built-in wall of cabinetry.

A large island with a stainless steel top allows the cook to interact with guests or family members. One side of the island is designed for food preparation activities with illuminated specialty storage options while the other organizes dinnerware, serving pieces, and table linens for maximum visual accessibility. Rounded corner pieces soften the size of the island. This detail is repeated on the wet bar area and the breakfast nook.

POGGENPOHL HOUSTON 832.582.2620 | houston.poggenpohl.com 5002 Westheimer, Suite B Houston, Texas 77056 CABINETS & DESIGNS, INC. 713.627.8970 | cabinetsanddesigns.net 1022 Wirt Road Suite 308 Houston, Texas 77027 PRO REMODEL 713.965.0100 | proremodel.net 5701 Almeda Road Houston, Texas 77004

Photo Credit: Poggenpohl Houston

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The Ugly Truth About Hurricane Harvey By: Justin D. Burrow of Clark, Love & Hutson, GP

Throughout its four-day waltz across Texas, Hurricane Harvey generated unprecedented catastrophic flooding and wind damage, leaving a swath of destruction in its wake for property owners. Now, two months postHarvey, the recovery efforts for many Texans are barely underway and normalcy is still a faraway dream. With property losses reaching

historical levels, the pressing question becomes, who will pay for the restoration?

Truth be told, property owners suffering flood damage from Harvey are more likely to be on the hook personally for losses compared to victims of prior storms – a potentially crushing blow to personal finances and in some instances the ever-prevailing Texas spirit. Only a fraction of flood victims maintained flood insurance.

The reality is that many property owners may be forced to shoulder the financial burden alone.

There is, however, a flickering light at the end of this tunnel. By and through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), government grants, inverse condemnation claims, and U.S. Small Business Administration

(SBA), some federal disaster relief is available to uninsured property owners and renters that will hopefully lessen this daunting burden. For example, SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-profit organizations to cover the cost of repairing or replacing lost or damaged structures and personal property, including compensation for economic injury losses for businesses and private non-profits.

The Internal Revenue Service is providing special tax relief for individuals who reside or have businesses in affected areas.

The minority of property owners, who had flood insurance, have learned or will soon discover the discomforts in undergoing the flood claims process with the National Flood Insurance Program (“NFIP”), which was statutorily created under the National Flood Insurance Act in 1968. While administered by FEMA and supported by federal taxpayer funds, many property owners are forced to dance with the NFIP and will learn the strict statutory requirements that govern all flood claims, most importantly the submission of an executed sworn proof of loss that lists specifically each item of loss with the necessary supporting documentation. Following a catastrophic storm, some are eager to take immediate action in their cleanup efforts, but then fail to document and preserve damaged property before discarding it. While this conduct is unintentional, it is often fatal in the process of

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successfully submitting and recovering on a potential flood insurance claim, and especially so when a flood adjuster has not inspected the damaged property.

Consequently, if flood victims are dissatisfied with the claims handling process because their claim was wholly or partially denied and/or undervalued, their sole available remedy is through federal court, whereby federal law substantially limits one’s potential recovery of damages. With no right to recover attorneys’ fees, penalties, and/or interests in federal court litigation, flood victims will never be made whole if their only option is pursuing litigation.

Meaning, the potential recovery of overall repairs costs in dispute will ultimately be reduced by any incurred attorneys’ fees and legal expenses, leaving property owners with insufficient funds to complete all necessary repairs.

is comprised of a “pod” of insurance companies operating in Texas, who have joined TWIA to spread the high risk of damages occurring along the Texas Gulf coast. In 2011, Section 2210 of the Texas Insurance Code was passed, which, again, made it more difficult for

With strategically passed legislation in place, it will now make it even easier for insurance companies to delay, deny, and refuse to defend valid claims.

property owners to submit a claim and recover funds owed by TWIA. The statutory pitfalls essentially allow TWIA to adjust Harvey claims with little to no consequences, leaving properties owners with fewer options to be made whole.

Regardless of your dance partner, Texans and Houstonians have access to a multitude of resources to help flood and wind victims rebuild. As the late Darrell Royal once said, “Dance with who brung ya.” Nothing could be truer here – unfortunately the ugly truth is that sometimes the dance is just not satisfying.

Switching partners to the handling of nonflood related property claims, such as windstorm damage, property owners who have a homeowners’ insurance or a commercial general liability policy, encounter a variety of other pitfalls. Last Spring, the Texas Legislature changed insurance law making it harder for a homeowner, business, or non-profit organization to recover on a storm claim. Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1774, also known as the “The Hail Bill” or “The Blue Tarp Bill,” enacts a new section of the Texas Insurance Code, Section 524a, which will govern and apply to all “forces of nature” Harvey related insurance claims. Notably, the new law reduced penalties for the underpayment on a claim from 18% to 10% and made it more difficult for property owners to recover attorneys’ fees by mandating compliance with numerous statutory requirements on submitting pre-suit notice letters. In addition, carriers are now allowed to accept liability for their agents/adjusters/employees, which, in turn, will result in the potential abuse of forum shopping to avoid state court. Bottom line, this new law took away any leverage a property owner previously had in holding insurance companies accountable.

With strategically passed legislation in place, it will now make it even easier for insurance companies to delay, deny, and refuse to defend valid claims.

To further complicate matters, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), will often lead this dance of improper claimshandling with most people and businesses who submit claims along the Texas coastal counties. TWIA is a semi-public entity, which 25

[the Game]

The Top 5 Athletes in Houston Sports History Texas is known for having some of the most talented athletes from across the world. College coaches consider Houston to be one of the best recruiting hot spots every year, so it's no surprise that some of these incredible players would wind up playing professionally in Houston.

Not all the players on this list are from Texas originally, but they got here as soon as they could. This list is only five players deep —see who made the cut.

5. Craig Biggio Craig Biggio comes in at No. 5. Biggio became the first player to be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Houston Astro in 2015, and he finished his career with 3,060 hits. He began his career with the Astros in 1988 as a catcher, and he eventually moved positions several times over the years. Biggio made the All-Star team as a catcher and a second baseman, something that had never been accomplished in the history of baseball.

His seven All-Star appearances and his 668 career doubles ranked him fifth in major league history and are the most ever by a right-handed hitter.

His career averages were very impressive as well, as he was able to rack up 105 runs, 17 homers, 38 doubles, 67 RBI, and 24 stolen bases on average per season.

Biggio's No. 7 was retired from the Astros in 2008, making him the ninth player in Astros history to have this honor. He has a strong relationship with the Astros front office and players and will always be remembered as the first player to be inducted into Cooperstown as an Astro.

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By Joshua Jordan

Hakeem Olajuwon changed sports in Houston. Photo by Tim DeFrisco/ALLSPORT/Getty Images

3. Earl Campbell

4. Jeff Bagwell The last two spots are reserved for the most famous of the Killer B's: Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio. The order of these two players is clearly subjective, but Jeff Bagwell ranks ahead of Biggio for one big reason: power. This decision is mostly based on statistics, and which player I thought was better in his prime. Bagwell, on average, was much better than Biggio in some of the most important offensive categories, such as runs, home runs, RBIs, and batting average. He finished with a career season average of 114 runs scored, 34 home runs, 115 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and a .297 career batting average.

Yes, he averaged those numbers for his entire career.

He won Rookie of the Year in 1991 and made the All-Star team four times. That's saying something when you consider the Hall of Fame first basemen he was competing against throughout his career.

Albert Pujols, anyone? Bagwell also has a National League MVP on his resume from the strike-shortened 1994 season in which Bagwell already had 39 bombs and 116 RBI through only 110 games.

He was a member of the only Astros team to play in a World Series, but didn’t have much left at that point in his career. The team was swept by the Chicago White Sox, and Bagwell’s severe shoulder injury would eventually end his career. Bagwell was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017, and remains one of the most revered athletes to ever play in Houston.

The third name on the list is one of the best running backs in the history of college football and the NFL, Earl Campbell. Earl was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1978 and had a rookie season for the ages. Campbell won the Rookie of the Year award and was named to the All-Pro team after rushing for 1,450 yards with 13 TDs in his first season.

Campbell's best season was two years later when he rushed for a mind-boggling 1,934 yards and an unbelievable 5.2 yards per carry. Not to mention, Campbell won the MVP in 1979 with 1,697 rushing yards and a whopping 19 TDs. His overall resume is incredibly impressive: He finished his college career with a Heisman trophy at the University of Texas in 1977, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1978, five Pro Bowls, three Offensive Player of the Year awards, and the MVP of the National Football League in 1979.

His career was short-lived due to the pounding he took in college and the pros, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 after only eight seasons in the league. “The Tyler Rose” is still a local favorite in Houston for being a big part of the Luv Ya Blue Oilers teams that just couldn't get past the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. He remains one of the most iconic players to ever play in front of a Houston crowd.

2. Nolan Ryan The second spot on the list goes to the iconic Nolan Ryan. Nothing says badass more than Nolan Ryan, and maybe Chuck Norris. His combination of talent and intimidation is something that every young pitcher dreams of. A 100 mph fastball and a willingness to throw inside made him a legend, and racking up Ks at a never-before-seen pace sure didn’t hurt his reputation.

For a pitcher, strikeouts show just how nasty your stuff is, and Ryan is the alltime king of strikeouts, with over 5,000 in his career — talk about a record that will never be broken. One of his biggest achievements was throwing his recordbreaking fifth no-hitter for the Astros in 1981 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was already 34 years old at the time, but nobody knew he had another decade left in that right arm.

His other super human ability, besides his blazing fastball, was his longevity. He was able to pitch until the age of 46 and was still considered a power pitcher upon retirement. Ryan played on some great Astros teams, particularly in 1980 and 1986. Both teams came very close to a World Series appearance, and Ryan was a huge part of those teams.

their second championship in a row.

The Rockets are the only Houston team to win it all in modern times, and that feat places Olajuwon in a lonely tier of all-time Houston athletes. We’ve had some talented HOF players over the years, but it's all about winning in the end, and no other athlete comes close to the achievements of Olajuwon.

just short in an all-time upset against North Carolina State in 1983. Dealing with that failure may have been a critical learning experience that eventually led to back-to-back championships with the Rockets. Olajuwon is still a big presence in the Rockets organization and is well-known for helping young players develop their skills in the post.

He almost captured a college championship as well for the city of Houston, but he and the University of Houston Cougars fell

He finished his career with the Texas Rangers, but will always have a special place in the hearts of Houston fans. The Astros were not interested in bringing him back after the 1988 season, and didn’t foresee he would have so many more quality years left. You can still catch Nolan at the ball park quite often, and his Nolan Ryan Beef is a huge hit at Minute Maid Park, especially on Wednesday nights for dollar hot dogs. Oh, and by the way, his son is the president of the Astros. Pretty amazing considering the Astros might have the blue print for one of the best run teams in Major League Baseball.

1. Hakeem Olajuwon When we’re talking about the best Houston player of all-time, championships have to be the first thing considered. No offense to Robert Horry or any of the other guys, but it was very clear which player was the driving force behind the Rockets’ back-to-back NBA championships. Look no further than “The Dream,” Hakeem Olajuwon.

Hakeem was drafted by the Rockets in 1984 and started his career with a bang, being voted runner-up as Rookie of the Year finishing just behind the GOAT, Michael Jordan. Olajuwon ended up making the All-Star team 12 times, was voted Defensive Player of the Year twice, and finished as the regular season and finals MVP in 1994. He was also voted finals MVP in 1995 when the Rockets won 27

[financial focus]

Philanthropy: Your Power To Do Good

by Evans Attwell Senior Vice President Frost Private Banking

I was trained from the beginning to work, to save and to give.

- John D. Rockefeller

Rockefeller’s words resonate with many, if not most, of us. Woven through American life are the ideals that working hard and saving for the future can lead to a better life for ourselves, and giving to others can lead to a better world for everyone.

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The desire to give to others finds an outlet in philanthropy—as simple as dropping coins into the Salvation Army kettle during the holidays or as complex as bequeathing an estate to an alma mater.

Whether or not you have the resources of a Rockefeller, philanthropy is for you if you want to put your financial resources to work for favorite causes and organizations.

Gifting financial assets directly is the most straightforward way to benefit a charitable organization or cause. Currently, you may make gifts of financial assets directly to a qualified charitable organization and could receive a tax deduction for your generosity, within certain limits, if it’s properly documented.

Generous options for giving But a direct gift is not the only way

to be generous. Actually, several interesting options exist, but complex rules govern their creation and maintenance. You will need the help of your wealth, tax and legal advisors to determine which could be appropriate for you.

Three Common Options: • A charitable remainder trust benefits a qualified charity for which the donor receives an immediate charitable deduction.

The donor also retains the right to receive an income stream generated from the trust’s assets for a specified number of years or for life. At the donor’s death or the end of a set period, trust assets go to the designated charity.

• A charitable lead trust is used to make a “temporary gift” of annual income from trust assets to a qualified charity for a specified number of years.

Ultimately, ownership of trust assets passes back to the donor’s heirs, with no federal gift and estate taxes on appreciation of the trust’s assets.

• A donor-advised fund enables an individual to make charitable donations to a professionally managed pool of assets and receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction. Assets are managed for growth and ultimately transferred to charities as grants from the fund.

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 advisor. Both companies are subsidiaries 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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JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HOUSTON CELEBRATES BEAUTY IN THE COMMUNITY After Devastating Storm Hits Houston, the Annual Opening Style Show with Tootsies. The Junior League of Houston, Inc., invited guests to celebrate at the annual Opening Style Show, fittingly themed Style En Pointe: Beauty in Motion. In light of the damage Hurricane Harvey left behind in Houston, the League showcased the beauty of the massive outpouring of support. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket were donated to the Junior League of Houston’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will be distributed to organizations in their Community Program. Guests enjoyed a glamorous fall fashion preview presented by Tootsies.

Sarah Snyder, Amanda

Leslie Keyes, Chanel Perkins

Kathy Steadman, Josie Morgan

In addition to continually assessing the needs of their community organizations, the Junior League of Houston has announced nine grants totaling more than $40,000 already given out for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Visit bit.ly/JLHHarveyDonate Barbara Collie, Martha Ann Snyder, Cynthia Nelson

Beth Zdeblick, Julie Danvers

Bethany Buchanan, Christina Fredrick, Selby Bush

Amy Dunn, Mitra Woody, Alicia Lee (Communications Director)

WAG TANTRUM HITS IT OUT OF THE DOG PARK FOR SAV-A-PET Puppy love was in the air as humans and furry friends alike gathered to celebrate the launch of Wag Tantrum.

Based in Houston and made from completely organic, human-grade ingredients, the unique dog food ensures dogs receive the nutrients they need for a happy, healthy life, along with flavor that gets their tails wagging. Co-founders Barbara Marshall and Lisa Marshall hosted guests, family and friends at the Owl Bar, where they enjoyed an open bar, delicious bites and swag for their well-trained pups, including samples of the newly launched product. The crowd enjoyed the fall breeze on the outdoor patio as they learned the benefits of Wag Tantrum and had the opportunity to purchase product from the recently launched website. The party benefited local nonprofit Sav-a-Pet, which the co-founders partnered with in the beginning stages to test recipes and simultaneously help rescue dogs heal.

Mary Kueser & Lucas Fertitta with Pippin Christina Kelley & Houston Miller with Kota

Nicole Fertitta with Otis

Lisa Marshall & Barbara Marshall with Boule, Panga and Destin

Annie Daugherty with Lulu

AC Senteno, Kris Abercrombie Karen Henry, Janice Hall

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