Intown Hoston

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MAY + JUNE 2019

11414 St Germain Way / Royal Oaks $1,695,000 MLS# 2885218

11406 Chartreuse Court/Royal Oaks $1,495,000 MLS# 55197677

4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $849,900 MLS#41726749

11514 Royal Ivory Crossing/Royal Oaks $799,900 MLS# 92310748

1025 S Shepherd #307/River Oaks $789,500 MLS# 26909284

1406 W Brooklake Dr/Lakeside Place $699,900 MLS#80241278

1302 Tracewood Cove/Parkway Villages $699,900 MLS# 25014065

803 Walkwood Cir/Memorial Thicket $575,000 MLS#91373941

1917 & 1919 Rosewood/Museum District $550,000 28998343

1915 Rosewood/Museum District $479,900 MLS# 82315839

Woodcrest Court/Lowell Heights $375,000 MLS# 630444595

Proven Performance – Year After Year

Over 16 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.

David Michael Young

713-320-6453 davidmy@johndaugherty.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com

Luxury urban living combines modern sophistication with custom contemporary finishes and amenities above the rest. We invite you to love where you live and live where you love.

Call today to learn more about our exclusive Charter Club Membership.

Information Office NOW OPEN! 5615 Kirby Drive, Suite 640 Houston, TX 77005

281.712.2116

Intown

/ May + June 2019

Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com

14

ON THE COVER 12

A HEALTH ISSUE

24

21

16

Our Health Issue provides some great advice to reverse a 3-year decline in average US life expectancy

9-10 ARTS + EVENTS

12-13 FOOD: BRUNCH

WITH PARENTS

14-15 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

REP. LIZZIE FLETCHER

16 HEALTH FOCUS:

DR. KOH INTERVIEW

18-19 CLOSING THE GAP &

OP-ED ON VACCINATION

20

CANCER PREVENTION

21 MEDICAL PERSON

OF THE YEAR

22-23 ARTIST LAUREN LUNA:

BEHIND THE CANVAS 24-25 TEXAS MUSIC FESTIVAL

26-27 FINANCIAL FOCUS

30 THE BUZZ

PRODUCTION

Intown houstonintown.com

PUBLISHER

M. A. Haines EDITOR

Lisa June

CONTRIBUTORS

Lindsay Mowad William Hanover Marene Gustin Evans Attwell Philip Berquist Minnie Payne

Web Design CSS Art & Design Layout & Graphic Design CSS Art & Design

For advertising rates and information: 713.525.8607 intownmagazine@gmail.com Space reservation deadline is 15 days prior to publication.

Graphic Designer Cris Bell Photographer Wells Brown

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, self-addressed envelope to Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com. Copyright 2019 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown magazine.

4 | Intown | May + June 2019

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

Carrie Ousley CIC, CISR Luxury Home Insurance (281) 224-0762 www.carrieousley.com

CHUBB • PURE • AIG • CINCINNATI

10902 Memorial Dr | Memorial Villages List Price $2,150,000 | MLS#22426798

In heart of Memorial, this Hacienda/Villa, is updated with Spanish style interiors and European architecture. 5,652 SF masonry BRICK stucco walls (1 ft. to 16 inches thick throughout the entire house!), Peaceful and Private. 5 wonderful bedrooms with a resort 3 car garage. Never flooded and convenient to all destinations

David M. Young | John Daugherty REALTORS | 713-320-6453

Luxury Home Insurance . . .

Discover the Difference!

LUXURY HOMES - VALUABLES - VEHICLES - UMBRELLA LIABILITY

CARRIE OUSLEY | 832.681.5020

www.greaterhoustonluxury.com

Mariana Saldana Broker, CIPS Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. (832) 338-4040 Mariana@uptownhouston.com

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

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

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

Joanne Naponic Broker/Owner Naponic Properties (713) 515-3805 JoanneNaponicProperties.com

Genevieve Rowland REALTOR, MCNE, CLHMS Multimillion Dollar Producer, ILHM Keller Williams Memorial 281-904-7014 www.rowland-properties.com

Kasteena Parikh BROKER, CLHMS, LUXE Keller Williams Metropolitan (713) 581-0677 www.Kasteena.com

Wendy Cline Broker/Associate Wendy Cline Properties Group Keller Williams Memorial (281) 858-3451 www.WendyClineProperties.com

12427 Honeywood Trail | Ashford Forest Lake

4019 Driscoll St | Montrose

An oasis in the Energy Corridor boasts a King-Sized home with 4 bedrooms 2-1/2 baths plus a HUGE 1/1 Guest Suite. This lovely home has one of the largest lots in the neighborhood with a resort RESORT STYLE pool, BRAND NEW HARDWOOD floors and new paint. Plenty of space for older parents, kids, guests, or mancave or she-shack. Located in the prestigious Lake Section, you can feed the ducks, go fishing, or get on one of the many hike/bike trails down the street. LOCATION is King, and here you will be close to all points in Houston.

Impeccably finished mix of Creole townhouse and contemporary design in Montrose / Upper Kirby. Four bedrooms plus gameroom with wetbar and 3 balconies. Elevator installed. Hardwoods and tile throughout – no carpet. Open living areas with high ceiling. Island kitchen has bar seating, stainless steel Wolf appliances. Great space for city living and views. Radiant barrier, tankless water heater. Refrigerator, W/D included.

List Price $535,000 | MLS # 68088988

Genevieve Rowland | Keller Williams Memorial | 281-904-7014

6 | Intown | May + June 2019

List Price $849,500 | MLS# 41726749

David M. Young | John Daugherty REALTORS | 713-320-6453

www.greaterhoustonluxury.com

Leslie Sjurseth Realtor Boulevard Realty (281) 794-2177 Leslie.Sjurseth@gmail.com www.yourblvd.com

George Renfro Broker Associate Keller Williams Metropolitan (713) 898-9187 georgerenfro@kw.com

Ken Jacobson CMPS NMLS# 215044 Branch Manager Republic State Mortgage (281) 369-5535 www.kenjacobson.com

Dionelle (Don) Davis Designated Broker Don Davis Luxe Realty (832) 831-6137 www.ViewAllHoustonHomes.com

Sharon Harris Realtor Keller Williams (832) 527-5240 sahhomes@gmail.com

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

Barbara Kobza Realtor, CLHMS, Million Dollar Guild Keller Williams Premier Realty (832) 215-7533 barbarakobza.com

Angela White Agent, Circa Real Estate, LLC (713) 825-0231 www.angelawhitehomes.com angela@angelawhitehomes.com

9358 Shady Lane Circle / Piney Point Estates

16607 Churchhill Falls Ct. | Northwest Houston

This elegant traditional home has been meticulously maintained and features hardwood floors, stained cabinetry and island. Lots of room boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 and 1/2 bathrooms and 2 car garage. Very large master bedroom is located downstairs with a huge closet. Generous formal dining room. The large game room is up and perfect for a home theatre.

Lovely custom home located in a quiet, gated neighborhood. Luxury home features include fabulous finishes, Master and Guest suite on the 1st floor, Media and Game rooms and a spacious island Kitchen designed for the cook. The backyard is an oasis with a sparkling pool with water features, a covered Patio area that accommodates casual and dining furnishings and an outdoor Kitchen with stainless grill and refrigerator. Many recent improvements to the Roof, Pool & AC. Easy access to Vintage Park, Raveneaux CC and walking trails.

List Price $839,000 | MLS#5072217

Joanne Naponic | Joanne Naponic Properties | 713-515-3805

List Price $730,000 | MLS#55977454

Val Arbona | RE/MAX Vintage | 713-562-4903

Publisher’s Letter

S IMPLE FIX y new mantra is a simple fix. While it may not apply to complex problems such as fixing our healthcare system it does apply more times than not. Fuses went out in the morning in my new place affecting my microwave and computer. No time to seek out the fuse box. Move both. Simple fix. For years engineers and city planners have worried about the flooding in saucer flat Houston. Developers have finally found a simple fix for even a 500-year flood. Build homes and subdivisions 3 feet higher. People selling dirt right now in Houston are making a killing.

The more one starts to think about things they would like to change there is usually a simple fix. Much of our overall health as illustrated in this issue is about taking a common sense approach. Maintaining a healthy weight is consuming more healthy food overall and exercising more. Sounds simple but I know first hand how hard it is for someone cursed with a huge appetite. Sticking to an extended regimen of altered eating is difficult at best. One of my tricks is not to have the foods that I really like around the house. If I want ice cream or a donut, two of my absolute killers I make it where I must go out to have them.

Our health and prevention of disease are mostly related to our lifestyle; however, it can also be affected by where we live according to Dr. Koh of Harvard, an expert on employee health. Disturbingly over the last three years, the average life expectancy in the US has gone down after rising every year previously. While moving is not a simple fix not living near the plants is a must for many asthma sufferers. I knew a family that their kid suffered terribly as a child and recently ran into him as a grown man who had moved away from his previous surroundings near the ship channel and he now has no problems. Not always are people able to move but where you live matters. Of all the 52 states Hawaii has the best life expectancy now at 81 and Mississippi the worst. Read more in Dr. Koh’s interview inside this issue. Our health tips on vaccinations and cancer prevention while not always foolproof can be taught at a young age and provide our children with much better long term outcomes. Little did most of us know as a child the dangers of massive sun exposure. A pretty simple fix for stifling one of the most deadly cancers. Same is true for most lung cancer and many other diseases caused by poor diet and immoderate alcohol consumption. Check out our vaccination/cancer prevention article “Closing The Gap on Knowing and Doing” from one of world’s leading cancer authorities, Ron DePinho and our newest contributor an op-ed by his daughter Alexis.

8 | Intown | May + June 2019

Arts +

EVENTS

Artupdate houston published every two weeks by houstonintown.

Go to website and sign up for newsletter to receive free update.

FARMERS MARKET Wednesdays Saturdays 8am - noon

City Hall 2752 Buffalo Speedway MUSEUMS Asia Society Texas Center

Super Sarap

Ongoing through July 21

Site Lines: Artists Working in Texas Opens April 13 - August 18

Museum Of Fine Arts Houston

Eye on Houston High School Documentary Photography Ongoing through August 11

William Forsythe: Choreographic Objects Opens May 23 - September 15

Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography

Opens June 23 - September 22

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Shapeshifters

Ongoing through June 16

Stonewall 50

Ongoing through July 28

Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait

Holocaust Museum Houston

Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings

Ongoing through May 15

Ongoing through December 29

Ongoing through May 27

Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture, 1963-2017 Ongoing through May 27

Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art Ongoing through June 27

Dinner Menu: May 7 & 8 Starters Ouisie’s Spud 8.

with garlic oil, fresh dill, sour cream, black caviar, green onion, with belly of the salmon.

Tomato Salad with Mozzarella 5.

with crispy crouton, fresh basil tossed with lemon vinaigrette and drizzled with house garlic mayonnaise.

Entrees Fruit Salad with Pork Tenderloin Paillard 12.

with spring mix , cantaloupe, blue berries, strawberries , gala apple, orange sections, pineapple, feta cheese tossed with spicy lemon vinaigrette.

Mediterranean Tuna Pasta 12.

with artichokes , capers, frerh basil, kalamata olives and parmesan cheese.

In The Country Of Numbers, Where The Men Have No Names Coexistence

Opens May 2 through May 30

Menil Collection Roni Horn: When I Breathe, I Draw, Part l Ongoing through May 19

Collection Close-Up: John Cage

Ongoing through May 12

Contemporary Focus: Trenton Doyle Hancock Ongoing through May 19

Houston Museum Of Natural Science

Permanent Exhibits Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals Earth Forum Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife Hall Of Ancient Egypt Hamman Hall Of Texas Coastal Ecology Herzstein Foucault Pendulum John McGovern Hall of The Americas Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault Morian Hall of Paleontology

Dinner Menu: May 14 & 15 Starters Crispy Fried Oysters 6.

with jalapeĂąo tartar and cocktail sauce.

Spinach Salad 4.

with bacon, spicy peanuts tossed with sesame dressing.

Entrees Atlantic Salmon with Romesco Sauce 9.

Served with rosemary new potatoes and green beans.

Chicken A La Juanita 8.

Grilled chicken with poblano pesto, Monterey cheese, topped with roasted corn, with sundried tomatoes and green onions, drizzled with sriracha sauce topped with pico de gallo and sour cream.

May + June 2019 | Intown

|9

Starke Hall of Malacology Wiess Energy Hall Welch Hall of Chemistry Special Exhibitions Death by Natural Causes Trains Over Texas Curator’s Choice: Recent Acquisitions of the Houston Museum of Natural Science Life in Stone Microsculpture: The Insect Photography of Levon Biss Tourmaline Treasures Biophilia: A Dialogue of Nature, Art and Science

MUSIC & DANCE Da Camera

A.D. PLAYERS

The God Committee

May 17 - June 2

May 1 A Little Day Music 10 Weinberg and Mendelssohn

West Side Story

HOUSTON SYMPHONY

ALLEY THEATRE

May 3-5 Beethoven’s Eroica 9-11 Rachmaninoff’s The Bells 16-17 Bluebeard’s Castle 24-26 The Best of Broadway 30 How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

Previews on June 26 & 27 June 28 - July 28

Crimes Of The Heart

Ongoing - May 5

Constellations

May 3 - June 2

Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers May 31 - June 30

MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER STAGES REPERTORY THEATER

Murder for Two

Ongoing through June 16

Sex with Strangers

May 22 through June 9

THE ENSEMBLE THEATER

Pipeline

May 9 through June 2

Theatre Under the Stars

Jerome Robbins’ Broadway

May 28 through June 9

SPORTS Houston Astros

Minute Maid Park

May 6-8 Kansas City 9-12 Texas 20-23 Chicago White Sox 24-26 Boston 27-29 Chicago Cubs June 7-9 Baltimore 11-12 Milwaukee 14-16 Toronto 25-27 Pittsburgh 28-30 Seattle

Houston Dynamo

BBVA Compass Stadium May 4 FC Dallas 15 Portland 18 DC United June 1 Kansas

10 | Intown | September May + June- October 2019 2018

Build . Live. Play.

Come see why the Houston Chronicle says Bluejack National residents live where it “must feel like the vacation of a lifetime, every day.” tiger woods-designed golf course

www.bluejacknational.com

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custom home sites from the upper-200’s

| (281) 475-2166 | 4430 south

fm 1486

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private memberships

montgomery, texas 77316 May + June 2019

| Intown |11

OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Policy for achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

FOOD Honor thy Parents

! h c n u r B h t i W

by Marene Gustin

W

here would you be without your parents? Dear old Mom and Dad. Just think of all the sacrifices they made for you, all those late nights caring for you when you were sick as a child, or love sick as a teenager. Even as an adult, they probably are still always there if you need them. So why not treat them on their big days this year with a nice brunch out.

Good food, no dishes to do, and time well spent with loved ones. Mother’s Day is May 12 and Father’s Day is June 16, so make reservations early. Here are a few spots you might enjoy

For Mom: Ouisie’s Table 3939 San Felipe St. ouisiestable.com Slow-turning ceiling fans, white tablecloths, and elegant service will dazzle Mom at this Southern classic restaurant.

Start with some crispy fried oysters and then get a carafe of mimosas for Mom to pair with that Georgia country ham and spinach omelet. Or go really Southern and order the shrimp and spicy cheese grits. This is a very popular place so do make a reservation early, maybe you can get a table on the lovely porch.

12 | Intown | May + June 2019

Dish Society 1050 Yale St. dishsociety.com A more casual spot that is known for healthy, locally sourced food, they normally don’t take reservations for brunch so show up early. (They open at 8:00 a.m.) And if you’re thirsty that early they serve craft beers, cocktails and wine along with delicious egg scrambles, breakfast tacos, sausages and some yummy red velvet pancakes with cream cheese frosting.

Dish Society breakfast skillet

B. B. Italia Kitchen & Bar 14795 Memorial Dr. bbitaliakitchen.com This restaurant wasn’t even open at press time, but we feel fine recommending it since it comes from Benjamin Berg of B&B Butchers and B.B. Lemon fame.

And the spot is a Memorial area classic.

Berg bought Carmelo’s, owned and operated for 37 years by Carmelo Mauro, last year and closed it for remodeling this January. The new restaurant will feature BB Italia roasted beet salad

Better Luck Tomorrow

an updated dining room, new outdoor patio and a horseshoe-shaped bar. The word is that they will be open for Mother’s Day with a pre-fix brunch and then will have a full brunch menu later in the month. Also, in the space will be a soon to open B. B. Pizza eatery.

For Dad: Better Luck Tomorrow 544 Yale St. betterlucktomorrowhou.com We bet Dad would love to be taken out for brunch to this bar in The

Heights. Regulars call it BLT and it’s just a neighborhood bar with a cool vibe, but on weekends they open early, at 11:00 a. m., and roll out some interesting morning-after food. Like a spaghetti sandwich or fried chicken with a spicy honey butter. And you know he’ll enjoy the freshly made glazed doughnuts and a bloody Mary.

State Fare Kitchen & Bar 947 Gessner, Ste. B190 statefaretx.com Oh, my! The burgers here will be Dad’s new favorite. A half-pound of Akaushi beef on a mustard sizzled potato bun with a ton of extras. The Big Brunch Burger comes with house-made sausage, spicy brown sugar bacon, American cheese, hash browns and a fried egg.

There’s plenty more on the menu, everyGrace’s thing from chili Frito pies to fried chick3111 Kirby Dr. en, so we’re pretty sure Dad can find gracesonkirby.com Mom would also like the dining room something he’ll love. at this Johnny Carrabba-owned spot, but if you can snag a reservation in the bar Dad will love the dark wood paneling, cozy booths and big screen TVs tuned to the games. Food is delicious and hearty.

Try the chicken fried chicken biscuit smothered in jalapeño cream gravy or the waffles and wings. And the big fajita steak with eggs, refried beans and breakfast potatoes is enough for any hungry State Fare pop on his day. burger

PINCH YOURSELF!

TEXAS BLUE CRABS ARE BACK!

BBQ BLUE CRABS marinaTED in homemade creole bbq sauce & deep fried BOILED BLUE CRABS SeRVED WITH 2 NEW POTATOES, CORN & LEMON GARLIC BUTTER

WWW.RAGIN-CAJUN.COM May + June 2019

| Intown |13

Exclusive interview

Congresswoman Fletcher Takes A Seat

We have been trying to catch up with Mrs. Fletcher since she stunningly defeated incumbent John Culberson to win Texas’ 7th Congressional seat. Our diligence paid off as she offers some insight into what we can expect from her representation in this year’s Congress. Congresswoman Fletcher represents nearly 800,000 people in her district.

14 | Intown | May + June 2019

Q: What is your impression from the first few months in

Congress?

Serving in Congress is an incredible privilege, and I have seen the ways members of Congress can serve their communities in these first few months. While I continue to have concerns about getting our government working together in a bipartisan way, I am impressed by many of my colleagues and their thoughtful approach to accomplishing things for the people.

Q: What are some of your initial and long-term priorities?

Health care remains a top concern among district residents, and working on short and long-term solutions is a top priority. There is also much discussion of our energy future and our changing climate in Washington. It is critical to me that our district have a leading voice in that conversation. After all, energy is what we do. Working on issues on committees—for me committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Science, Space & Technology—is an important way to lead on legislation, and working on short term assistance and longterm rebuilding of a more resilient infrastructure are priorities.

I am a member of the New Democrat Coalition, which is a problem-solving, common sense, centrist caucus within the Democratic Caucus. There, I serve on a task force on health care and co-chair the task force on trade. These are all critical areas for our district.

Q: How do you decide what is important in your far-reaching and divergent district?

By listening to constituents. Representative is a title and also a job description. We have received more than 13,000 pieces of correspondence, had hundreds of constituent meetings, and sought out advice and feedback from many residents. Feedback from those activities help shape my priorities and perspective.

Q:

How much time will you spend in Washington versus Houston?

The Congressional calendar is loosely structured for members to spend three weeks in Washington and one week at home each month. I will be working at home during those district work weeks, and home just about every weekend. I also have a full time staff in my office in Houston here to help constituents any time.

Q: What kind of changes are you recommending for improving with Health Care?

Congress is approaching health care improvements from many angles: addressing affordability of insurance premiums, shoring up the individual markets, bringing down the cost of prescription drugs. Cost is a major impediment but not the only one to accessing quality health care. That’s why I was happy to host a round table in the district last week and to take those thoughts back to Washington. Our NewDem health care task force has begun making recommendations and will continue to work on further specific proposals.

May + June 2019

| Intown |15

HEALTH FOCUS

Improving Employer and Employee Public Health

An Interview with Dr. Howard K. Koh Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H., is a leading authority on employer and employee health and was in Houston to speak at Hilton Americas to community and business leaders about their roles in improving the nation’s overall health who was in Houston on behalf of the American Heart Association.

Dr. Koh is with the Harvey V. Fineberg, Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Kennedy School. Intown caught up with him on the morning of his conference.

Intown: You worked in the US Department of Health and Human Health and Human Services Department as a physician. What got you into this line of work?

K: Early on in my career, I saw that treatment was critically important and was only part of the solution to keeping people healthy and we needed more attention on prevention because so many people are suffering preventable and quite frankly dying avoidable deaths. I started looking into other ways to contribute to health for society overall. That led me into policy and then into government service as commissioner for public health in Massachusetts for 5 and a half years and later the Assistant Secretary of Health at Department of Health and Human Services under President Obama. If you look at the leading cause of death from cancer is lung cancer for example, it’s almost all preventable because of tobacco. We like to point out that we have a sick cure system and not an actual health system.

I have worked closely for several decades with the CDC, and I’m here today with the American Heart Association to talk about the culture of health and how that can involve business leaders. All businesses are in the health business whether they realize it or not.

I: How do you get started on improving employees health?

K: First and foremost it is making sure that the leaders of the companies uphold that value that our employees are essential to us and the complete well being of our employees are vital to our success both long term and short term. Asking employees about how they feel about their work environments and how it affects their physical and emotional well begin is essential. We have national polls that many employees feel that the workplace is not suitable for your health in terms of eating habits and stress levels and affecting the quality of sleep.

I: What are some suggestions you’ve made 16 | Intown | May + June 2019

to companies to help improve their employee’s overall health?

K: Too often in the health discussion in our country, people say that’s up to the health experts and or that’s up to the government. Private business has a significant role in impacting health populations. We’ve seen for example financial service organizations say that financial security and reducing feelings of financial stress are essential for our employees and having seminars and communication to advise on the financial health of employees by auto-enrolling them into 401 k and Roth accounts. You’ve heard of traditional ways such as smoke-free workplaces and having good nutritional options for employees but also extending into respect in the workplace and encouraging diversity in the workplace.

I: We have recently had some dangerous incidents in Houston that adversely affected many Houstonians air and water quality.

How meaningful is government oversight?

Dr. Koh: People don’t realize how interconnected and interdependent we all are and often the view of people is I’m living my own life and don’t bother me but what we don’t realize is we all connect in ways we don’t understand until something like an incident you described. In times of crisis,

everyone looks to the government for coordination and prevention. Businesses need to think about not just doing business today but what about tomorrow and are we doing enough for the next generation to take over and make our society stronger than it was in the past.

I: What role do health insurers play with employers to provide better long term health outcomes?

K: Traditionally health insurers reimburse for services but in this day and age with health care costs so high and health outcomes not nearly what anyone would like it to be health insurers are becoming innovative leaders. There is more attention to care coordination and team-based approaches for care, not just individual clinicians but a greater emphasis on prevention and then very importantly a focus on paying for outcomes and value and not just for volume.

I: Are there improvements to be made to the current Affordable Health Care System that may improve affordability and high deductibles?

K: Okay Well (Big laugh) We could have many hours of discussion on that alone. I was in the Department (Health and Human Services) when the Affordable Care Act was born. I think the debate about where we are in this country with health has to advance.

More than 20 million people now have health coverage through the ACA. I would like to see advancements and demonstration projects continued and explore innovations in a collaborative and bipartisan fashion.

There are no easy answers, but everyone agrees that the status quo is not acceptable.

So much of these costs can be avoided by keeping people healthy.

In closing I would like to point out a critical study published by JAMA Journal of the American Medical Association on the global burden of disease on the United States and it showed among other things that life expectancy in our country varies by state being as high as age 81 in Hawaii and as low as 74 in Mississippi. Life expectancy in our country which everyone expects to go up year after year has been dropping for the last three years in a row. The study indicates a lot about where people live labor, learn, play and pray for all impacts health dramatically.

Connected for you. Connected to you.

At Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, we have a forward thinking, interlinking approach to healthcare. Our medical staff works closely together on your behalf to deliver the most personalized treatment.

Isn’t it nice to know you have connections?

kelsey-seybold.com/cares May + June 2019

| Intown |17

HEALTH FOCUS

Closing the GAP

A

Dr. Ron DePinho and daughter Alexis

18 | Intown | May + June 2019

by Dr. Ronald A. DePinho

s the father of three children and a physician, educator and scientist, I always make sure to impart my health and wellness knowledge to my children (currently 15, 16 and 18 years old) – doing everything possible to mitigate risk for disease later in life. When it comes to cancer, it is notable that up to 50% of all cancers can be prevented worldwide simply by applying the knowledge in hand today into simple practices. Despite this amazing opportunity, there is a widening GAP between “knowing and doing” that places the future of our children in jeopardy. More importantly, most parents do not appreciate that many of these preventive actions must take place during childhood in order to avoid cancers decades later. Closing this GAP will dramatically protect the health of current and future generations and reduce the burden of disease.

Comprehensive prevention policies, strategic coordination across an uncommon table of stakeholders, innovation, technology and engagement of our youth are key strategies to bridge the GAP ultimately saving millions of lives and trillions of dollars. This especially rings true when it comes to vaccinations.

Alexis, my first born, is a senior at St John’s and will be headed off to Fordham University in New York this fall. I always enjoy my conversations with Alexis – she is bright, educated, curious, and a gifted writer. Recently, while watching the news together, our conversation turned to health (see tips below to stay strong and healthy and reduce your risk of getting cancer) and specifically the recent measles virus outbreaks. In the course of that conversation, she shared with me that she had written an article about vaccination for her US Government and Politics class. As a nation, we must address vaccination and protect our youth – it is a childcare responsibility. But don’t take it from me – take it from an 18 year old whose future is at stake.

OP - ED

HEALTH FOCUS

Measles Vaccination

by Alexis DePinho

O

n January 25, Washington state officials declared a state of emergency due to an ongoing outbreak of measles spreading across Clark County, an anti-vaccination hotspot in Washington, one of the 18 states that allows parents to refuse school-mandated vaccines due to “philosophical exemptions”. As of April 16, more than 73 cases have been confirmed in the county alone.

The measles virus was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, to the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, as well as the regulatory efforts of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But in recent years, CDC data suggests that measles is resurging: as of April 11, 555 individual cases have been reported across 20 states, including Texas.

There is no legitimate empirical evidence of vaccines doing more physical harm than good. The original conspiracy, which linked vaccines with higher rates of autism, has long since been invalidated. Despite this, the belief in such myths still persists to the point where the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the top 10 global health threats of 2019.

Choosing not to vaccinate a child isn’t a choice with isolated consequences. Every single unvaccinated child admitted to a public school, despite a parent’s intentions, is a liability to themselves and others.

Policies allowing unvaccinated children in public schools endanger immunocompromised individuals (such as chemotherapy patients, transplant patients, and those who suffer from HIV/AIDS), those allergic to vaccine ingredients, and vulnerable populations (such as infants too young for vaccination, pregnant women, and the elderly) Because of the different policies across states, unvaccinated individuals have clustered in states with lax regulations, forming so-called anti-vaccination hotspots, where vaccine-preventable diseases have the potential to devastate communities.

Opponents of compulsory vaccination for public schools raise varying objections. The most legitimate of those objections, however, often implicate infringements on the Fourteenth Amendment right to due process. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court has maintained that it is well within the police power of states to compel vaccination in the interest of the public health. For example, in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the Supreme Court upheld that “upon the principle of self-defense, of paramount necessity, a community has the right to protect itself against an epidemic of disease which threatens the safety of its members.” In addition, the right to privacy, like all other freedoms granted by the Constitution, is subject to limitation.

For example, as stated in Schenck v. United States, the right to freedom of speech “would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre.” Likewise, the right to privacy dictated in the Fourteenth Amendment does not protect actions which jeopardize the lives of others. Though opponents might disagree, regulations on religious exemptions are not in violation of the right to religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment, which, as stated in Prince v. Massachusetts, “does not include liberty to expose the community or the child to communicable disease or the latter to ill health or death.”

It is true that states reserve a Constitutional right to determine policy regarding public education, safety, and health.

However, the elastic clause dictates that the federal government holds power to oversee such policies so long as it is necessary and proper to maintaining the general welfare.

The ability of parents to deny a child healthcare is dubious in itself, and the legal right of parents to make healthcare decisions has never been—and never should be—absolute.

Generally, when a parent puts a child at risk of physical harm, we recognize it as abuse or neglect, regardless of whether the parent believes they have the right to do so. Depriving a child of proper healthcare shouldn’t be any different—especially if it interferes with the safety of others.

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HEALTH FOCUS

by Dr. Ronald A. DePinho

Remember these best practices to stay strong and healthy and reduce your risk of getting cancer.

Get Vaccinated

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) account for many cancers globally and collectively account for more than 1 million deaths worldwide. Safe and effective vaccines now exist for these viruses. Since nearly all adults will become infected by HPV, boys and girls should be vaccinated, optimally at age 11. HBV vaccination is also critically important, particularly in endemic areas such as Asia.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking and tobacco use are responsible for most lung cancer deaths and one-third of all cancer deaths and can shorten your life by a decade or more. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.

The single most important prevention initiative would be to reduce tobacco use through youth prevention and adult cessation as 88% of adult smokers start before the age of 18 and 95% before age 21.

Take Daily Aspirin and Vitamin D

While studies are ongoing concerning the long-term health benefits of aspirin, a daily baby aspirin (81 mg) appears not only reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke but may also reduce a number of cancers including colon cancer. As with all medicines, you should consult your physician before adopting its use.

In the case of supplements, one should check Vitamin D levels checked and consider Vitamin D supplementation (1000IU). Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with numerous diseases including neurological conditions, cardiac disease and some cancers Multivitamins and other supplements have not been shown to impact the risk of cancer and, in some cases, have been shown to increase cancer. So keep the focus on healthy balanced diet, not vitamins and supplements.

Remember Sun Safety

Eat Well

Chronic Stress

Stay Active

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The primary cause is excessive ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from tanning beds.

UVR protection is especially important for children because exposure at a young age can pave the way for cancers in adulthood, including melanoma. Avoid tanning beds, adopt sun safety habits (sun screen), and get an annual skin exam from a board-certified dermatologist.

Chronic unrelenting stress accelerates aging and increases incidence of age-related diseases including cancer. Proper sleeping habits, coupled with coping strategies such as mindfulness training, are effective in quelling stress.

Many diets come and go but certain core principles remain. First, limit overall calorie intake to maintain your BMI in the normal range.

Weigh yourself daily with a scale that measures weight and percent body fat. Second, diets should be rich in whole grains fruits, fish and vegetables, minimize salt, red meat particularly charcoal-charred meats, and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

Just 15 minutes of daily moderate exercise (brisk walk) can increase your life-expectancy by 3 years and reduce cancer and other age-related diseases. 30 minutes is even better.

WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS RE-THINKING ROTH IRAS… Roth IRAs are not exactly new. What is there to “re-think?”

More to the point: Some people should re-think the use of Roth IRAs. Start by remembering two key differences between Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. First, money contributed to a Roth has already been taxed.

BUT, if you conform to the rules, everything you ever withdraw, including earnings that might be many times what was contributed, is completely tax-free. Second, unlike traditional IRAs, there is NO requirement to withdraw minimum distributions from a Roth IRA after reaching age 70-1/2.

You said “some people” might need a rethink. Who specifically?

After 48 years of working with clients, we’ve now advised through the full cycle of IRA drawdowns for some of our longertenured families. Oftentimes, we encounter meaningful balances left in these IRA accounts when the estate passes to the next generation. Those clients were well enough positioned for retirement that they did not “need” all the funds in their IRA. That is the opportunity.

So, how does that connect to the Roth IRA? Phillip Hamman, CFP®, CFA, chairs our Wealth Planning Committee, a group of our professionals with multiple professional backgrounds, including attorneys and CPAs. He summarized the connection in this way: “Clients approaching or just starting retirement may forecast that IRA accounts will not be fully withdrawn during their lifetime, leaving a balance for heirs. Until seeing the numbers, it is difficult for them to imagine the potential wealth enhancement from a Roth conversion. The strategy of converting all or a portion of a traditional IRA and paying some tax now is counter-intuitive, but the savings accumulated over many years can be substantial.” Each person’s situation is unique, and running the numbers is critical What are the pitfalls?

Make sure you have experienced and well-trained eyes preparing the analysis.

This is an area where it is essential to rely upon an advisor who is 100% committed to the fiduciary business model, which puts the client’s interest first. Do not rely on “analysis” from anyone with a product selling

motivation. Our experienced team of financial professionals are ready to sit down at our office in the Houston Galleria area to visit about the potential.

For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams or J. Harold Williams at 713 840 1000, or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.

Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.

Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.

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HEALTH FOCUS

Intown’s Medical Person of the Year

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Dr. Huda Zoghbi

ur 2019 Medical Person of The Year is Dr. Huda Zoghbi. She is a Professor, Baylor College of Medicine and founding director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital. Her persistent and lengthy research has led to remarkable contributions to the study of the brain have earned her many awards, prizes accolades and research funds for her institution. She began her career at the place she is today an unusual feat in this day and age of highly coveted talent often leaving for a better deal.

Some of her prestigious awards include: • Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science, 2009 • March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology 2014 • The Shaw Prize Laureate in Life Science and Medicine • The Shaw Prize Foundation, Hong Kong, Dr. Hogbhi on left accepting her 2017 life sciences award 2016 • 2017 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences This discovery provided a definitive genetic diagnosis for the • Canada Gairdner International Award, 2017 condition and also opened the door to a biological understandBorn and raised in Beirut Lebanon she later enrolled in ing and a search for treatment. Zoghbi demonstrated that Rett medical school at American University in Beirut. The Lebanese syndrome causes a deficiency in a protein called MeCP2 and that Civil War forced her parents to move her to Austin, Texas where each patient with the Rett mutation has a different pattern of she later applied for med school at Vanderbilt. Her application healthy and mutant cells, explaining some of the variability of turned down due to their policy of not accepting transfer stu- Rett symptoms. dents. Ironically, in 2015 she was awarded the Vanderbilt Prize In 2016 her a team of scientists at Baylor College of Medin Biomedical Science. Instead of Vanderbilt, she attended near- icine and Texas Children’s Hospital discovered the protein

by Meharry Medical College also in Nashville. Upon graduating, TRIM28 could promote the accumulation of two key proteins she went to Texas Children’s Hospital at the Baylor College of that drive the development of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and relatMedicine where she still is today. Initially interested in becoming ed diseases. The discovery offered a new understanding of these a pediatric cardiologist she was convinced by a department head diseases. the brain was a more interesting study. As it turned out that “Our work shows that by reducing the activity of TRIM28 became a game changer in the field of neurology. we can reduce the accumulation of tau and alpha-synuclein in Breakthroughs began after many years of research on her pi- fruit flies and mouse models of the disease,” said Zoghbi. “These oneering work on Rett syndrome, a genetic neurological disease results encourage us to consider the possibility of developing that affects young girls (males with the condition usually die in drugs that could reduce the levels of TRIM28 to help prevent the infancy). development of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and related diseases.”

“Dr. Zoghbi’s contributions to our understanding of several The Breakthrough Prize Foundation awards Breakthrough entirely different neurological disorders, including her finding Prizes in Fundamental Physics, Life Sciences, and Mathematics. of the genetic basis of Rett syndrome, have opened new areas of Instituted in 2013 the winners receive a cash award of $3 research,” says Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, senior vice president for million, Research and Global Programs at the March of Dimes, where It is a scientific award, funded by internet entrepreneurs: she was awarded their top prize in biology development in 2014. Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan of Facebook; Sergey Brin “Her work influences the entire field of autism and other neuro- of Google; entrepreneur and venture capitalist Yuri Milner; and psychiatric disorders,” stated Simpson.

Anne Wojcicki, one of the founders of the genetics company Zoghbi was committed to searching for the genetic cause of 23andMe. the syndrome, and after a 16-year search, in 1999 she succeeded The award is for research aimed at curing intractable diseases in identifying the Rett gene. and extending human life and was awarded to Dr. Zogbhi in 2017. Moreover, the work continues.

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LAUREN LUNA Fine Art Painter

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n 2011, Lauren Luna relocated to Houston, Texas, from her native Ohio after the realization there was more opportunity for professional artists in Houston. One of her favorite haunts and subject of her art is the heights.

Born in Columbus, Ohio and a graduate from Kent State School Of Fine Arts with a focus on painting she then moved to New York City where she developed her love for big city life. She began teaching Special Education for New York City schools and entered a Masters program at Manhattan College. Upon graduation, Luna was forced to put art on a back burner. It wasn’t until much later while participating in a local arts festival that her artistic flame was reignited, and she enrolled in the Academy of Art University where earned her second Master’s degree, this time in Fine Arts.

Luna continues to work actively as an artist, showing her paintings nationwide, and spreading her knowledge while inspiring future generations as a junior high art teacher and adjunct art professor at Alvin Community College.

What is it about Houston that made you relocate here?

Being from the North, I have had my fill of frigid temperatures and snow. It was the Columbus, Ohio snow storm of 2010 that was the figurative nail in the coffin in terms of living up in that climate. I also was preparing myself to not need a day job, and wanted to make sure that were I moved was more populated, and an affordable cost of living. I was also wanting to make sure that there was an active art scene. Houston offered all of that and more!

Describe your style as an artist?

I teeter between Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. My work contains formal order and structure but also I try to use a realistic use of light and color isn’t necessarily for symbolism. Some famous artists within these styles would include Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

You also teach at a college and a middle school. How does teaching art compare with the actual creation of your works?

Teaching art is a different challenge in itself. My job is to help people learn to see and then take what they see and render it on to a surface.

Behind the Canvas

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artist, I started taking art classes at the local art college, and it just continued from there. I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Kent State University, and then a Masters of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University. I have been chasing the dream of being a professional artist since I moved to New York straight out of undergrad.

What are your favorite places in Houston to get inspiration for your art?

Be Someone bridge will always be my favorite. When I moved here almost eight years to pursue being a professional artist, seeing that sign meant so much to me. I felt as though that was exactly what I was trying to do.

Midtown Spraycation Love, oil on canvas

When a person learns a language, whether it be their primary or beyond, words are taught as labels. Therefore, the brain goes into autopilot drawing what ever the label’s association, not the object in which the person is actually observing.

This is the challenge that all of my students, and honestly, all artists face when trying to draw/paint/etc from observation.

When it comes to creating my personal work, is like breathing. I have quite literally been making art my entire life, and it is second nature.

Where are your favorite places to paint?

I like to paint iconic places in Houston; the Heights Marquee, the Be Someone sign, as well as the hidden gems like Main Street Square. These examples, are why I’m “Your City Painter”.

I also like to paint the scenes of New Orleans. I love the energy that comes from the city and I try to incorporate the same into my works.

At what age did you begin creating art and when did you know this was your career path?

I can remember my one of my first art classes at 5 at the local recreation center. I also can recall my mother gardening and digging up clay from the ground, that I would then use to sculpt.

I believe it was after her death when I was nine, that I really honed into the desire to create constantly. I remember drawing a picture of what I believed was her in heaven, and how I cried when I accidentally split grape juice on it. By the 5th grade I knew that I wanted to be an May + June 2019

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TEXAS MUSIC

By The Hon. Philip Berquist

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas

P

hilanthropy sometimes creates odd partners. Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite and horrific weaponry used in war, established the Nobel Prizes. What most people do not know is that when his older brother Ludwig died, a blistering obituary was printed, entitled, “The merchant of death is dead!” It mistakenly was about Alfred Nobel, who obviously had not died, his brother had. Not married, he was correctly concerned about his own reputation after his own death, some years later. Unknown to his colleagues and friends, the vast majority of his estate was dedicated to the Nobel Prizes.

In Houston, Immanuel Olshan was known for demolition and foundation repairs. He and his wife, Helen, left a significant portion of their estate to set the foundation for what became the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival (TMF) at the University of Houston.

Oh, what a foundation the Olshan’s laid!

The brain-child of the then Director of the University of Houston School of

General and Artistic Director Alan Austin

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Music, later renamed the Sara and John Moores School of Music, Dr. David Tomatz, was to establish a major annual summer music festival in Houston. The year was 1990, and the TMF was born.

The Olshan Foundation provided full scholarships for orchestral students. It began, naturally, modestly, but it has now grown to be one of the major festivals in the United States. This June, the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary.

I attended my first TMF in 1994, the festival’s fifth year. This was before the building of the Moores Opera House and all concerts were held at the Cullen Auditorium on campus. I recall, in all honesty, that the playing was spotty, but the stage was full of aspiring student musicians. Having attended all festivals since, I can attest that the growth has been steady and most impressive.

David Tomatz retired as the Director of the Moores School of Music in 1999 but stayed on several years to oversee TMF. Dr Tomatz has since passed away.

MUSIC

FESTIVAL Pianist Kenny Broberg

Dr. David Tomatz

PHOTO: Courtesy of University of Houston

The TMF leadership has been successfully turned over to Alan Austin, who currently serves as General and Artistic Director of TMF. Here is the annual format for TMF - four June Saturday night orchestral performances, led by four different conductors. On Tuesday evenings, chamber music is featured with performances by professional musicians who participate in the festival with instruction for the students.

The first concert of the festival is always in early June. This year it runs from June 7 through June 29. The leadoff conductor on June 8, 2019, is Franz Anton Krager, Professor of Conducting at the Moores School leading the orchestra. Usually Franz only has about five days with the new TMF musicians to prepare this important first orchestral performance. Also, to get the Festival off to a roaring start, the music performed is always a large spectacular piece, such as a Mahler or Tchaikovsky symphony, a Strauss tone poem, etc.

This year the featured work is “Sheherazade” by Rimsky-Korsakov. The program will also feature the always popular, “Rhapsody on a Theme by Paginini”

by Rachmaninoff.

The other three orchestral Saturday night programs are conducted by various guest conductors. This year they are Rossen Milanov, director of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Carl St. Clair, director of the Pacific Symphony, and concluding with Josep Cabellé-Domenech, Music Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Bogata, Colombia. Recently, Hans Graf, former Music Director of the Houston Symphony has been appearing every other year. Past conductors of note have been Maxim Shostakovich, son of the great Russian composer, Dimitry Shostakovich, Horst Förster from Germany, Carlos Spierer, Germany, Leon Spierer, his father, former concertmaster with the Berlin Philharmonic un-

Conductor Franz Anton KragerMei-Ann Chen, Guest Conductor

der Herbert von Karajan, and Mei-Ann Chen, among others.

The members of the Festival Orchestra are selected following an intense audition series with only 20% of applicants being accepted. Their tuition, living and food expenses are provided. What is particularly remarkable to me is that they perform four orchestral concerts with four different conductors with a very limited time to learn and rehearse very difficult pieces of the orchestral repertoire.

Here is the link to the full orchestral schedule. http://www.uh.edu/kgmca//music/tmfIn addition to the orchestral part of the Festival, there is a “Perspectives” series of faculty chamber music each Tuesday evening at UH. “Perspectives can be found on the Internet at: http://www.uh.edu/kgmca//music/tmf/ season-schedule/perspectives-series/ There is a special opportunity during this 30th Anniversary TMF season to hear

a most special Moores School alumnus, pianist Kenny Broberg. Mr Broberg was a silver medal winner at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He is currently preparing for the illustrious Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow.

On the opening orchestral concert of TMF on June 8, Mr Broberg will be playing the Rachmaninoff “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,” with the orchestra conducted by Mr Krager. On Wednesday, June 12, he will be in recital as part of an extra “Perspective’s” event. He is a talent not to be missed. https://kennybroberg.com/ The entire program for TMF can be found online at http://www.uh.edu/ kgmca//music/tmf/season-schedule/perspectives-series/.

The Olshan’s would be very proud to see that their philanthropy has provided the city of Houston. Please consider attending and supporting this great organization this June in its 30th anniversary year.

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Financial

FOCUS

H OW T Y P I CA L A R E YO U R

T

RETIREMENT ATTITUDES?

hanks to syndicated television, regardless of your age, you may well remember what was once the most popular game show on American television: Family Feud. Two families competed to name the most popular responses to survey questions in order to win cash and prizes. After the competing guesses were recorded, the host introduced the correct response by saying, “Survey says…”

A Senior Living Community provider recently released their survey1 of 2,000 Americans on the subject of how to define the “ideal retirement.” The answers from the national survey are interesting, and they might contrast significantly with your responses.

What is the right age to retire? Survey says: age 60. The answers varied based on the age of those responding. Boomers answered with an average age of 64, while Millennials answered with an average age of 56.

Maintaining lifestyle in a retirement starting at age 56 is a considerably great-

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er financial challenge than starting at 64.

The reason is simple: fewer years to save money and more retirement years to be funded.

More than 1 in 5 Americans desire to retire and live abroad. What is their top choice for a country to live in? Survey says: Italy. Apparently, the draw of the Tuscan wine country is powerful. We have a few clients who have pursued this course and learned that the legal and paperwork requirements for Americans to live abroad can be challenging and certainly require advance planning.

Name the top 5 cities Americans prefer as a retirement location. Survey says: (this might be surprising, but here they are, in order…) – Miami, San Diego, Denver, New York, and Orlando. We know from much experience with this question that these particular cities are not on the list for many of our Houston-based clients.

Whatever your personal leanings, however, retirement location is an important variable in your financial plan. Miami is 24% more expensive than Houston, for example2. San Diego is 41% higher, Den-

ver 27%, and New York is double. Only Orlando is reasonably close, but is still about 7% more expensive. Clearly, when planning the ideal retirement, WHERE you intend to retire can have as much or more financial significance than WHEN you desire to retire.

How much in savings would be ideal by the time you retire? And how much do you realistically expect to have? Survey says: To supplement Social Security and pensions, an ideal savings target would be $610,000. Unfortunately, the second half of the question on expected savings leaves a big gap: $276,000. This is less than half of what would be desirable.

In an unrelated survey3 conducted for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) by Heart + Mind Strategies of 1,000 voters on election day, 2018, there were a couple of important insights which bear upon this last question.

• 60% of the respondents indicate they expect to work with an advisor for planning their retirement needs.

• However, 23% intend to wait until just 3 to 5 years before retirement to engage a professional financial planner.

• 82% want someone who can provide a comprehensive plan that takes their holistic financial situation into consideration.

• 79% believe their financial advisor should always work in their best interest (the “fiduciary” business model).

In our nearly 50 years of helping clients plan their own “ideal retirement,”

we think there are three key elements that transcend the various visions of what might be ideal: 1. If you don’t have a well-conceived plan for your ideal retirement, the best time to start working on it is today. Unless you are willing to do considerable homework on your own, seek the help of a qualified professional financial planner sooner rather than later.

2. Choose a planner that is well experienced and qualified. Credentials can be important indicators. Look for the key 4 credentials: CFP® certification, CPA, Chartered Financial Analyst, and JD (Juris Doctor).

3. Choose a planner that commits, in writing, to always interact with you as a fiduciary, with a legal obligation to work in your best interest. https://www.provisionliving.com/americas-ideal-retirement-lifestyle/ https://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/ 3 https://www.cfp.net/news-events/latest-news/2018/11/15/new-electionnight-survey-even-with-booming-economy-consumers-are-not-on-track-to-retire-on-theirterms 1 2

by Phillip Hamman, CPA, CFP® President, Linscomb & Williams

May + June 2019

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Spend Some Island Time This

Snaidero Vision

N

ow is the time for that new kitchen when there is no hurry to greet your Thanksgiving Day guests or entertain family for the Christmas or Hanukkah season. You and your builder/designer can take the necessary steps to ensure a perfect resolution for your new modernized kitchen.

During the summer allows you to move the whole cooking and dining experience outside to allow for the inside disruption for your future kitchen. Even better spend some island time away and come back to your new modern island kitchen.

Kitchens are many times the centerpiece of a home and deserve your full attention as an organizer of all things social. Having an island kitchen seems to welcome people into the fray and really can be a useful way to present your unique room and impact spaces. Here are a few selections from some popular cabinetry brands sold in Houston stores.

Ordering your new kitchen now is going to make your island time this summer and beyond even more special.

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Why Summertime is the best time to remodel a kitchen

Gramercy Park by Wood-Mode As with the historic architecture surrounding the famous New York City park, this kitchen flexes elements from the beginning to the late 19th century and blends the modernizations of the 21st. Colors drawn from the Victorian Second empire in jade green and cream are set off by the rich quality of stained cabinetry. Furniture styled islands create the appearance of the Victorian period yet incorporate the neo-Classical canted leg.

Summer VISION, by Snaidero

Is the latest Snaidero-Pininfarina kitchen design collaboration was a 2018 GOOD DESIGN Award winner.

With a company history that dates back to 1930, Pininfarina has always drawn inspiration from the values of creativity and innovation, without forgetting the strength of tradition. Its designs have always combined the most futuristic and avant-garde stylistic forms with functionality-driven technical solutions. This design philosophy and manufacturing sensibility found a perfect match in Snaidero has been Pininfarina’s exclusive kitchen design partner since 1990.

In the island/peninsula, the visible mark takes the form of a sculpted base in stratified and shaped solid ash wood – the product of advanced industrial technology and the skilled work of Snaidero’s craftsmen. The base also features an integrated silicone LED strip that further enhances its visual appeal.

The island incorporates a wooden shelf that mirrors the shape of the base, bringing a sense of lightness to the room.

Models are available at Studio Snaidero Houston 3801 Kirby #120 | Houston, Texas 77098 832.426.4764

Oceanside by Wood-Mode Backpainted metallic glass cabinetry creates a shimmering backdrop in both sunlight and moonlight for your open living space. An aquatint for the linear work islands blends and minimizes their impact on the view. Reclaimed Saxon wood in combination with ultra-thin porcelain creates a beautiful contrast.

Models are available at Cabinets & Designs, Inc Shoppes at Memorial Villages 1022 Wirt Road #308 Houston, Texas 77055 713.627.8970 May + June 2019

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Connie Connie Wallace, Wallace, Mary Mary Maxie Maxie and and Debby Debby Leighton Leighton

Cynthia Allshouse, Anne Duncan and Elise Joseph

Gina Saour President Major Melody Davies

THE SALVATION ARMY WOMEN’S AUXILIARY Hosted their annual Reflections on Style, Prancing with a Purpose, Luncheon, Fashion Show and Chic Boutique at River Oaks Country Club. Leading the helm of this year’s event was Chair Darlene Clark and the special Honoree was Judi McGee. The Luncheon, Runway Show, Silent Auction and Shopping in the Chic Boutique featured new and gently worn designer clothing and accessories from some of Houston’s finest closets.

Co-Chairs Leigh Newton Alvarez and Lynn Clayton have spent an entire year collecting treasures from some of the best and most stylish philanthropists for the event.

About The Salvation Army: In this community since 1889, a United Way of Greater Houston agency, The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command serves Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties through youth programs, shelter, disaster relief, counseling, senior programs and rehabilitation.

The mission of The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command is to meet human needs without discrimination. For more visit SalvationArmyHouston.org.

Marla Hurley

Ginger Blanton and Penny Wright

By Lindsay Mowad Will and Caroline Shoppa

Rylie Schroeder, Jamie Randgaard and Christian Boehm

Whitney Sharman, Annie Daugherty and Nicole Fertitta

Shivam Thakkar and Vraj Shah

THE PR BOUTIQUE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS In festive style at Houston hotspot B.B. Lemon, located in the Washington Corridor.

Karen Henry and Gretchen Brice founded The PR Boutique in 2004 following accomplished careers spanning other agencies and their own individual firms. The two seasoned PR pros had one thing in mind when creating this female owned firm: work-life balance. Combined, Henry and Brice have eight children.

“After years spent working for others and ourselves, Gretchen and I realized that two were better than one and our work ethic aligned,” says founding partner Karen Henry.

After working together to cultivate the Houston office’s success, the partners expanded their expertise to the Central Texas market and spearheaded the launch of offices in Austin and San Antonio.

The firm’s forward-thinking team of women offer media relations, event management, community involvement, influencer programming and social media management.

Shelby Hodge and Karen Henry

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WE’RE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS. WE JUST HAPPEN TO B E A B A N K .

Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for. Now, how can we help you today?

Visit us at 2443 Westheimer or call (713) 388-1367.

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