Memorial 2017 0708 web

ON THE COVER Wrigley Field, Chicago

8-9

ARTS+EVENTS

20-21

UNDERSTANDING PALLIATIVE CARE

10-11

RESTAURANTS TO BEAT THE HEAT

22

A MAYORAL PROCLAMATION

12-14

JEFF LUHNOW: THE PROBABILISTIC MANAGER

24-25

SENIOR LIVING: A FAMILY DECISION

15

THE BUZZ

26-27

THE GAME: GEOFF BLUM

16-18

LOVE AFFAIR WITH WRIGLEY FIELD

28-29

HEALTH CARE AND YOUR RETIREMENT

19

YOUR PERFECT SUMMER STEAK

Memorial Villages 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. Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com Copyright 2017 by Memorial Villages Magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced with permission from Memorial Villages magazine.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

The Debate Should Go On It seems like building a wall is on everyone’s mind. Nationally we are trying to “keep out the Bad Guys” and so are the police for the Villages. They want to build a “virtual gate” with cameras. According to them, 99% of their crimes are from nonresidents. Sugarland, however, is the only city to use them currently. The cost is a big factor and so should the privacy issues be a concern. Remember the fate of the red-light cameras.

Summer is and always will be the fleeting moment when lifelong memories are forever etched in our minds. Whether it’s your first little league game as a kid, the summer family trip to Yellowstone National Park, or the annual visit to see grandma and grandpa, summertime is a great season. Think of all the possibilities that will have left an indelible mark on our children’s lives.

One of Houstonians’ favorite things is to travel north or west to Colorado, New Mexico, and California to escape sizzling summer heat and humidity. Favorite European spots include London, France, Spain, and Italy.

One of my favorite places is the windy city of Chicago. As you read about our favorite traveling guru Consul General Phil Berquist’s lifelong trips to Wrigley Field, he agrees. If you like baseball, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park are absolute musts.

On the home front, Houston offers many outdoor/indoor activities and staycations, whether it’s visiting downtown, Galveston/Clear Lake, enjoying a quiet night of dining, daytime shopping, or a poolside respite at a local Galleria or downtown hotel. A few of my personal favorites are the Omni, the Galleria Doubletree Hilton, St. Regis, and the Hilton Americas downtown. The new Marriott downtown is getting rave reviews and is close to the action at Minute Maid Park.

Healthcare is foremost on everyone’s mind today and has left many facilities, doctors, and insurance companies scrambling to figure out the best course. With no leadership in government, it appears that the private sector, or we the people, need to come up with solutions.

Jobs are being lost and people are struggling to get needed care. Sooner than later, let’s hope better minds prevail.

Market Square Tower’s Pool

6

12815 Hansel Lane | Memorial Bend • List Price $599,900 | MLS# 75346404 Beautifully maintained 3/2 on a large lot in Memorial Bend. Home is zoned to Rummel Creek, Memorial, and Memorial. Fully upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliance package. Study with built ins. Screened in porch. Tile and hardwoods throughout - no carpet. Easy freeway access makes for a pleasant commute.

David Michael Young | Young Realty Group | Phone: 713-320-6453

1310 Nantucket Drive | Westhaven Estates • List Price $1,535,000 | MLS# 48914054

Amazing free standing soft contemporary stone and stucco, 4 bdrms 4 1/2 bath, room for 4 cars, pool, 2 side gardens w/ waterfall, all bdrms with in suite bath,Venetian Marble thru out, floor to ceiling windows, chef’s kitchen w/ Poggenpohl finishes.

Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc. | Phone: 713-629-7771

4709 Bellview | Bellaire • List Price $1,125,000 | MLS# 18859848

Open first floor living with hardwoods throughout, high ceilings, formal living room, dining room and study (could be a first floor bedroom). Gourmet island kitchen with granite counters, Dacor appliances - gas stove, 2 ovens, meal warmer and built-in refrigerator. Wetbar with wine fridge. 4 bedrooms, den and laundry on the 2nd floor. 3rd floor gameroom (or fifth bedroom) with full bath. Large covered patio. Located in the heart of Bellaire with easy access to 610, shopping, and top schools.

David Michael Young | Young Realty Group | Phone: 713-320-6453

24 East Shady Lane | Memorial West • List Price $1,999,980 | MLS# 34161940

Unique with sweeping panoramic view from vaulted living area and wall of glass landscaped & manicured yard with gorgeous pool spa. Huge lot,2 outdoor pavilions w/kitchen & covered dining/sitting area. Impeccable throughout. 2 large walk-in closets, custom Cantoni shelves,4 garages, and extra parking. Water softener, wells, and Brazilian fence.

Sima Dalvandi | Keller Williams Southwest | Phone: 832-630-7605

804 Shady Bend | Friendswood • List Price $999,900 | MLS# 84068724

NOT your cookie cutter home. Unique design and large open living areas make this home wonderful for family and entertaining. Amazing private back yard with saltwater pool, spa, covered patio, covered outdoor kitchen, wetbar and 4 gas fire pits. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliance package. First floor master plus 2nd bedroom downstairs. Gameroom, media room and 2 bedrooms up.

David Michael Young | Young Realty Group | Phone: 713-320-6453

5524 Sturbridge Drive | Tanglewood • List Price $3,500,000 | MLS# 41895849

11414 Holidan Way | Houston • List Price $2,500,000 | MLS# 15185341

Beautiful home in Tanglewood that has been completely remodeled sitting on one of the largest lots on a quiet street. The open concept living, dining, and kitchen with grand views of the back yard is stunning. The big oak trees in the front and back are breathtaking with incredible landscaping to accent the yard. Covered open-air entertaining cabana by the pool is wonderful for your family and friends to enjoy the outside living area along with the putting green for some friendly competition.

Sima Dalvandi | Keller Williams Southwest | Phone: 832-630-7605

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

Magnificent custom-built brick home on a private cul-de-sac in desirable area.First floor wings feature master retreat w/luxurious bath and 2nd bedrm w/private bath.Formal living w/wall of glass, formal dining,den,gourmet kitchen&wine cellar.Separate staircase to second floor w/3 bedrms,each private bath,GameRM(media),exercise RM & computer area.raised beamed library situated at mid-landing off the staircase w/Built-in book cases.Outdoor kitchen w/fireplace,huge lot w/pool,spa and vegetable garden.

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 MUSIC & DANCE HOUSTON SYMPHONY 7/4 7/14 7/15

STAR SPANGLED SALUTE SUMMER SYMPHONY NIGHTS 2 FREE EXXONMOBIL SUMMER SYMPHONY NIGHTS: BRAHM’S SYMPHONY NO. 4

7/21-22 HARRY POTTER & THE

SORCERER’S STONE

THEATER A.D. PLAYERS GODSPELL Opens July 21 through Aug. 20, 2017

ALLEY THEATER ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE 39 STEPS Opens July 21 through Aug. 20, 2017

THE CATASTROPHIC THEATRE

CONCERTS & EVENTS TOYOTA CENTER JULY 6 ROGER WATERS 15 KENDRICK LAMAR: THE DAMN 16 NEIL DIAMOND 19 ACT III: MOTTE 22 SHAWN MENDES AUGUST 1 JAMES TAYLOR W/ BONNIE RAITT 4 LIONEL RICHIE & MARIAH CAREY 5 QUEEN 18 J. COLE 19 ED SHEERAN 22 LINKIN PARK 31 EMMANUEL Y MUARES

NRG STADIUM JULY 20 MANCHESTER UNITED VS. MANCHESTER CITY 30 VANS WARPED TOUR AUGUST 8 BRYSON TILLER 22 OUTCRY SUMMER TOUR 25 COLDPLAY

TAMARIE’S MERRY EVENING OF MISTAKES AND REGRETS

SPORTS

Ongoing through Aug. 12, 2017

HOUSTON ASTROS MINUTE MAID PARK

THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE

JULY 1-2 NY YANKEES 14-16 MINNESOTA 17-19 SEATTLE 31 TAMPA BAY AUGUST 2-3 TAMPA BAY 4-6 TORONTO 16-17 ARIZONA 18-20 OAKLAND 22-24 WASHINGTON 29-31 TEXAS

SIMPLY SIMONE Ongoing through July 30, 2017

HOBBY CENTER THE LION KING Ongoing through July 23, 2017

STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE Ongoing through Aug. 20, 2017

WOODY SEZ, THE LIFE & MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE Opens July 26 through Sept. 3, 2017

Video Games Live returns to Houston Symphony with brand new concert featuring music and video from popular video games July 14, 2017 - Jones Hall

HOUSTON DYNAMO BBVA COMPASS STADIUM JULY 5 MONTREAL 29 PORTLAND AUGUST 12 SAN JOSE 26 KANSAS CITY

Emmanuel Fratianni, guest conductor

The highly successful Video Games Live multimedia concert experience will return to the Houston Symphony for the fifth time at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 14, at Jones Hall. A brand-new show from years past, the entertaining spectacle will be led by guest conductor Emmanuel Fratianni.

Created by host and guitarist Tommy Tallerico, the concert will include live orchestral music, solo performers and exclusive video footage on three giant screens with synchronized lighting and live action. The program will include music from Final Fantasy to Zelda, Skyrim, Donkey Kong Country, Warcraft, Shadow of the Colossus, Pokémon, Mario and many more. The Houston Symphony Chorus will also appear on the program.

With a ticket purchase, a limited number of $100 Video Games Live Ultimate Gamer VIP Experience Passes are available, which includes a pre-concert production tour, a meeting with Tallerico, a free download card for the topselling Video Games Live: Level 3 album, front of line access to the Video Games Live post-show meet-and-greet, and a signed piece of sheet music from the performance.

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.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE Friday, July 14, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Fratianni, conductor Tommy Tallarico, host and guitar Houston Symphony Chorus

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Calle Cuauhtemoctzin, Mexico City, 1934 Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–1950 Shirin Aliabad, Miss Hybrid 3, 2008 Rebel, Jester, Mystic, Poet: Contemporary Persians—The Mohammed Afkhami Collection

Pixel Forest Transformer Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish

8

MUSEUMS ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER

PAINT THE REVOLUTION: MEXICAN MODERNISM, 1910-1950 Ongoing through Oct. 1, 2017

MODERN TWIST: CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE BAMBOO ART

REBEL, JESTER, MYSTIC, POET: CONTEMPORARY PERSIANS THE MOHAMMED AFKHAMI COLLECTION

Ongoing through July 30, 2017

Ongoing through Sept. 24, 2017

SANGRAM MAJUMDAR Ongoing through Sept. 2017

CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS HOUSTON

ATLAS, PLURAL, MONUMENTAL Ongoing through Aug. 6, 2017

RON MUECK

A BETTER YESTERDAY

Ongoing through Aug. 13, 2017

DECORATIVE ARTS IN THE AGE OF VICTORIA Ongoing through July 30, 2017

ARTS OF ISLAMIC LANDS: SELECTIONS FROM THE AL-SABAH COLLECTION, KUWAIT Ongoing through Jan. 28, 2018

PIPILOTTI RIST: PIXEL FOREST AND WORRY WILL VANISH Ongoing through Sept. 17, 2017

HOMELANDS AND HISTORIES: PHOTOGRAPHS BY FAZAL SHEIKH Ongoing through Oct. 1, 2017

Ongoing through Sept. 3, 2017

ANNABETH ROSEN: FIRED, BROKEN, GATHERED, HEAPED

MENIL COLLECTION RECOLLECTING DOGON Ongoing through July 9, 2017

BETWEEN LAND AND SEA: ARTISTS OF THE COENTIES SLIP Ongoing through Aug. 6, 2017

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

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE VANISHING ARTS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BEASLEY-HWANG COLLECTION Ongoing through Aug. 4 2017

GLADIATORS: HEROES OF THE COLOSSEUM

Opens Aug. 19 through Nov 26, 2017

Ongoing through Sept. 4, 2017

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON

OUT OF THE AMAZON: LIFE ON THE RIVER

VEDEM: THE UNDERGROUND MAGAZINE OF THE TEREZIN GHETTO Ongoing through July 30, 2017

Alfredo Ramos Martinez, Zapatistas, c. 1932 Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910–1950

Ongoing through Sept. 4, 2017 MAPPING TEXAS: FROM FRONTIER TO THE LONESTAR STATE Ongoing through Oct. 8, 2017

THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT

GEMS OF THE SEA: THE GUIDO T. POPPE COLLECTION

Ongoing through Dec. 31, 2017

Opens Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2017

Houston Dynamo

9

[Food]

Some New, Some Old and Hot for the Summer

by Marene Gustin

CHeCK OUT THeSe ReSTAURANTS TO BeAT THe HeAT Burgers, barbeque, new brunch spots and more — Intown is offering up some excellent choices for your summer snacking and sipping.

Here are some restaurants to check out before fall.

Chama Beef Rib - Photo by Chris Brown

Chama Gaúcha chamagaucha.com/houston | 713.244.9500 Not new this summer, but with some new additions, this Brazilian steakhouse now has a gorgeous covered patio complete with circular fire pits and lounge seating. If you’re one of those folks who doesn’t frequent all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat palaces because you just can’t eat that much, than you’ll really like the new menu at Chama Gaúcha that allows you to order à la carte. And there are lighter menu items as well. A cheese platter, soup or salad, shrimp ceviche and bacon-wrapped asparagus. And yes, they have a signature burger, too. The Pincanha burger is a big beef patty of USDA Prime grilled with a secret house seasoning.

FM Kitchen and Bar fmkitchenandbar.com | 832.804.6006 Chef Ryan Hildebrand has moved on from his fine-dining restaurant Triniti.

And when we say moved, we mean in both locale and concept. FM Kitchen and Bar is located in The Heights and there’s nothing fancy about it, but the food is just as delicious. There is a huge outdoor patio that is both kid and dog friendly and the whole family will enjoy the burgers — get a side of tater tots or fries with them — or the chicken fried steak. Smothered green beans and hush puppies are on the menu as well, plus plenty of cold beers, cocktails and a few wines. Or, to really stay cool, try the thick milk shakes. Desserts come from Cakes by Jody and a fine housemade bread pudding with vanilla cream. And Hildebrand celebrates Houston’s eclectic art scene with an outdoor stage for bands and space inside for curated artwork. A visit here is like a staycation in the heart of The Heights. Lunch and dinner are offered daily, plus the bar is open till midnight.

The Pit Room thepitroombbq.com | 281.888.1929 Other than burgers, nothing says summer like Texas barbeque and the new The Pit Room has landed on some of the top spots for ‘cue in the state. Michael Sambrooks and pit master Bramwell (Bram) Tripp have turned the old house on Richmond Ave., that long housed an adult bookstore, into one of the summer’s hottest eating spots.

Mounds of meat come from the dual smokers out back and you can order familystyle meals, or Feasts, as they are called on the menu, that include brisket, pork and beef ribs, pulled pork, turkey and sausage. Or you can get a pound or half pound of meat and some delectable sides such as mac and cheese, elote (Mexican corn) or mustard potato salad like mom used to make. They also have sandwiches, a loaded Frito pie topped with the afore mentioned pulled pork, and some of the best brisket tacos you’ve ever tasted. Save room for a slice of sugar cream pie or the ice cream sandwich. Oh, and loosen your belt before you chow down.

Double FM Burger - Photo Courtesy @houstonfoodphotography

10

Frank’s Crab Cake Benedict Photo by Erika Rubalcava (Blue Sky Marketing)

Frank’s Americana Revival frankshouston.com | 713.572.8600 Here’s another Innerloop favorite with a new look and new flavors. River Oaks’ Frank’s Americana Revival has expanded into the two former retail spaces next door to create a 2,000-square-foot private party area with its own kitchen. Owner Mike Shine says the expansion opens this month featuring two private dining rooms and a wine room for small parties. each room seats around 25 diners. And last month Frank’s finally started a much-requested Sunday brunch with a mouthwatering crab cake Benedict. Other menu items include NOLA barbecued shrimp atop stone-ground grits, big-as-your-head biscuits and gravy, sticky buns and avocado toast topped with blue crab. To wash down your brunch try the rum punch or the corpse reviver – a New Orleans’ favorite sure to revive you. Oh, wait, we forgot to mention the brunch burger. It’s an Akauashi beef patty drenched with a hickory smoke sauce.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations bosscatkitchen-houston.com 281.501.1187 What’s better with a burger than bourbon? Over at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations you’ll find the Whiskey Room with more than 300 brands of whiskey. Get your drink on in this rustic eatery and soak it up with chef Peter Petro’s wonderful comfort food like the cornbread madeleines with Huckleberry sweet cream butter.

There are also some spicy Nashville hot fried frogs legs (do not knock them until you’ve tried them), pulled pork hush puppies and a meatloaf like Mama never made, probably because it’s topped with tomato bourbon jam. And there’s an authentic Kentucky hot brown, a rarity on a Houston menu. The open-face roasted turkey sandwich with creamy mornay sauce is a must-try dish. And, of course, for the burger lovers there’s the Bosscat Burger; a hefty in-house ground beef patty dressed with all the fixings including bacon, cheese and black garlic sauce.

11

The Probabilistic Manager

Jeff Luhnow Interview

by John Granato & Raheel Ramzanali

With the Houston Astros’ momentous season well underway, there may be plenty of credit to go around, but none more deserving than entrepreneurturned-baseball preeminent general manager Jeff Luhnow. To say that he is an analytics guy is an understatement; he is reinventing the term. Whether it happened in business or baseball concurrently, there is no doubt about the stupefying role that analytics and big data play in today’s world. Jeff Luhnow is a pioneer among baseball operatives. Early in his career in St. Louis, some of the old guard shunned his analytic strategy and only recently has Granato: Jeff, we’ve been talking, and I don’t know if I’ve seen a team as good as this Astros team with the injuries to this pitching staff. Holy cow, have you ever seen anything like this?

Luhnow: Not really no. You know we expect injuries throughout the season 12

the Mexican-born-McKinsey and Company-trained executive gotten the accolades he deserves. Look at how the St. Louis Cardinals, his former employer, are doing without him - below 500 record. Not only have Luhnow and his team, through trades and the draft, navigated the waters of free agency, international signings, and the complicated Rule V draft to everyone’s envy, they are winning and maintaining the best record in major league baseball for most of the year. John Granato and Raheel caught up with Luhnow to discuss his favorite subjects before a recent series.

and that’s why we usually anticipate we’re going to need 8 or 9 starters. What we don’t expect is that they all go down together. I don’t know if guys remember, but there was a time, I think it was 2013, where we hadn’t had a catching injury in a long time and all of the sudden we

had two or three catching injuries in a row and we were bringing up guys who’d never been in the big leagues before to catch for us. That’s kind of what it feels like, but we’re in the middle of obviously a pennant race and a really special season so it’s tough. Our guys

are getting healthy and we think we’re going to get them all back by the All-Star break and then off we go.

Raheel: Yeah what’s the latest with everyone? What’s the latest with Dallas?

Is everything OK? What’s the latest with everyone else?

Luhnow: To be honest with you, when you look at Lance’s total workload now compared to what he’s done in his career and what he’s projected to do if we go deep into the post season, it may be a blessing in disguise that he’s taken a start or two off right now because we need him strong in September and October. Charlie Morton is about ready to get on the mound again, so that’s great news and everything looks good there so he’s probably the next guy coming back after Lance. Dallas remains to be seen.

I don’t expect a long absence. But right now he isn’t throwing, and as soon he starts throwing we’ll probably get him back pretty quickly. McHugh has already started off the mound, but since he hasn’t been in action this year it’s going to be a little longer rehab for him. So really all four guys are on their way back. Musgrove is already in the rotation again. So like I said, by or around the All-Star break all these guys should be back in action.

Granato: I want to talk about Elian Rodriguez. And this is more of a question.

This is a twenty year old kid, 6’4”, 205, throws in the 92 to 97 mph range. For a kid that age, how above average is that? Just in general, for a 20 year old, how advanced is that for a kid to throw that hard?

Luhnow: It’s pretty advanced. I mean we sometimes see kids 16, 17, 18 year olds in the Dominican and other places that throw in the low nineties. It’s not just the velocity on his fastball; it’s also his movement and his secondary stuff and the command of all his pitches. You know we spent a lot on the international market this year, and the market closes for the cycle for the year now, and so we wanted to get one last big signing in. And Elian was a great way for us to close off the year. We’re going to get him ramped up and he’ll probably pitch a little in the Dominican this summer and then we’ll see what happens after that. But this is a guy that could move pretty quickly based on his stuff and I think he’ll quickly evolve into one of our top ten pitching prospects by next year.

Granato: That’s awesome. You guys have just done what appears to be a spectacular job, Jeff, with the Latin 13

world we live in, and we’re going to make the moves that we think are the best moves. But then we have to roll the dice and see how it works out.

Granato: We’ve talked about Bukauskas and local guys that go to A&M and University of Houston, all great stuff, is there one guy who you were like “Oh my God, this guy is still here on the board?” Maybe middle rounds, that you were like “well this is a no brainer!”

American market. And a lot of people don’t know the rules about how much you’re allowed to spend and such, and you guys waited and waited and waited. And the market opened up with a lot of great players and you guys jumped on it.

Luhnow: We really did, and we like the inventory of guys that we added. And with some of these Cuban players they’re a little unique because they have experience pitching in these Cuban leagues, which is a much higher level than some of the minor leagues. So I think we’re going to get these guys to move fairly quickly. And you never have enough arms as we’ve proven at the big league level, and a lot of our emphasis was on getting some of these exciting arms. Our minor league system continues to be stacked; we’re going to stress it because we’re going to need players for trades and promotions. But as long as we keep it stacked we should be in good shape.

Raheel: How does that feel when you have a guy that you’ve seen develop not only perform at the lower levels, how cool a feeling is that?

Luhnow: It was pretty special, I’ve got to say. There were a couple of special moments this year. One of them was when Lance McCullers and Carlos 14

Correa both won pitcher and player of the month and both of them were drafted together a few years back. That was pretty special.

Granato: it always hurts to make a trade, otherwise it’s not going to be a trade, you’ve got to make some tough decisions on “this kid looks like he can be a great player” and other guys that you might have to trade away that could have great careers.

Luhnow: No question about it. And you just look at the Milwaukee Brewers right now, at Brett Philips and Josh Hader and Domingo Santana are all players that we had and we traded away to help us in the short term. It has to painful to get a player that you realize is going to help you. But we have to be cognizant of the whole picture. We want to win this year.

We know we have a special team. We want to do as much as we can to help that. But at the same time, we don’t want to put ourselves in a position where years from now we regret what we did and end up in a worse situation.

But the trades don’t always work out.

You look at the Rangers last year. They made a lot of trades coming down the stretch, and yeah they did get the division, but they didn’t get any wins in the playoffs and lost basically their top five prospects in those trades. So we have to be aware this is a probabilistic

Luhnow: Yeah I think Jake Adams. I’m not sure if this is just the nickname I’ve heard floating around, “Juiced” Jake Adams. He’s hit 29 bombs this year. He’s physical, he’s a big boy. From University of Iowa. Bill Porter sent me a text ten minutes after we took him to congratulate me. This is a guy that can help us follow leads not day one but day two and I think this guy has a chance to have some serious power in the big leagues. So it’s when you get guys like that you get really excited. We’ve had a lot of good picks in the 6th round in the past few years, and I think this could be another great one.

Raheel: So Jeff now the timeline, the draft is over, the international players signing day is over, so now it’s all about potential moves for this season, right?

Luhnow: Yeah, I mean we still got 9 minor league teams that we’re arming. And there’s a lot going on in the minor leagues, international operations and all that. Yeah, we’re going to be focused on keeping the big league team healthy, and doing anything we can to help support this team to win the division and win the championship, that’s our goal.

ANNUAL CELEBRITY SERVE BENEFITS ESCAPE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

Todd Ramos, Diane Lokey Farb

Houston Nonprofit ESCAPE Family Resource Center hosted their 36th Annual Celebrity Serve Benefit, Champions for Children with co-chairs Joan Schnitzer Levy and Gerald Franklin and raised over $272,000 to fund ESCAPE’s mission to prevent child abuse and neglect. This unique sportsthemed event, held during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, provided a place where influential local and national celebrities and individuals came together for a fun, intimate dining experience while supporting an important cause. Held at Tony’s Restaurant, guests enjoyed the sports-themed décor, including large gold trophy centerpieces crafted from balloons, and sipped on cocktails before savoring a delicious dinner provided by Tony’s. ESCAPE relies on community support to provide programming and classes to parents wanting to create safe homes for their children. For more information, visit www.learntoparent.org Lester & Sue Smith

Steve & Christine Johnson

Florence Rutherford, Dr. Frances Joans, Woodrow Holland

Fritz Guthrie, Larry & Roseann Ellis

Evelyn Franklin, Ernie Manouse, Gerald Franklin

Stefanie Powers, Jerry Heinz, Barbara Heinz, Joan Schnitzer Levy

Joe Ellis, Robin Young Ellis, John & Shelly Schumacher Gayle Williford, Barry Warner, Megan Cardet, Bob Sakowitz

Ed McMahon, Pam Morse, Dan Pastorini

Edward Sanchez, Lynn Wyatt

Jess Fields & Varda Dror Fields

[Travel]

My Love Affair with Wrigley Field

by Philip Berquist, Honorary Consul of Croatia to Texas

I

t was July 4, 1965, and, as a 17 year old, I was with my parents as we drove the 180 miles from Grand Rapids to celebrate the Independence Day weekend. I had planned this day for some time and as I was driving us around I ended up at that great intersection of Addison and Clark, the home of Wrigley Field, about a half hour before the Cubs were to play the San Francisco Giants. I was a Detroit Tiger fan of the American League, and I had never seen a National League game. My dad glanced somewhat suspiciously, he knew exactly the plan that I had hatched, reached into his pocket, gave me a $5 bill, and said, "OK, we will pick you up here after the game." What a guy, what an opportunity. I grabbed the fin and bought a ticket for a buck and a half.

That day I saw nine future baseball Hall of Famers - Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Billy Williams of the Cubs, and Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, Warren 16

Spahn, Gaylord Perry, Willie McCovey AND Willie Mays of the Giants. Are you KIDDING me? The Giants won the game, but I had finally ventured into the "friendly confines" of Wrigley Field.

Wrigley Field was small and did not have lights, that would begrudgingly come some 23 years later in 1988. The owner of the Cubs in World War II, Philip K. Wrigley, had planned to light the field in 1941 but donated the materials to the war effort after Pearl Harbor.

Back again to 1965, I got to hear Pat Pieper ("Piper") as the public address announcer. So what, you say? Well, Pieper had called all of the Cubs games since 1915, and would do so until 1974 (he missed 14 games!). Before there were loudspeakers, he was on the side lines by the dugouts with a 14 pound megaphone, running up and down the field announcing the players. He only started using electric microphone

systems in 1932! Once, he was so excited about a walk-off home run by Gabby Hartnett that he ran around the bases with the player!

Like everything else at Wrigley, Pat Pieper was old-school. None of the over-the-top announcing that we are used to today, "BOOOOOOG Powell” or “Jose CRUUUUUUUUZ” - no, Pieper simply would say at the beginning of every game, “Attention! ... Attention, please! ... Have your pencil ... and scorecards ready ... and I’ll give you... the correct lineup ... for today's ball game.”

He would announce the lineup for each team, then he would announce, “Play ball!” at the start of the game. During the actual game, Pieper would announce the batter only once. He would subsequently announce only replacements.

The Giants won that game 52 years ago.

The score and outcome did not matter, I had experienced Wrigley Field. I have continued to experience Wrigley many, many times since. I proudly wore a "No Lights at Wrigley” in the 1980's, I have seen and sat under the nets that had to be placed to catch falling pieces of cement as the stadium was beginning to

crumble, and I went to the first playoff game last season, saw a 1-0 win on a home run in the bottom of the eighth by the second baseman, Javier Báez, and grinned to myself while I imagined Pat Pieper running along with him. Of course, the Cubs finally won the World Series last year, the first Series win since 1908, to defeat the "Curse of the Billy Goat" (another article).

Now, it is 2017, and on Thursday, May 24, my buddy from college and fellow Indy 500 devotee, Jack Borowski, his son, Jake, my son Jack, and I attended my latest game at Wrigley Field - against the Giants!

Wrigleyville North Bar

WHERE IS WRIGLEY FIELD? Wrigley is in a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, bordered by four streets, Addison, Clark, Waveland, and Sheffield. Wrigley opened in 1914, and only Fenway Park in Boston, 1912, is older. The capacity is now a little over 41,000.

PARKING There is none. Take the Red Line train to the game. Period. You get off about a block east of the field.

TICKETS Not impossible, but not easy either. By ahead online or on the street. Standing room is usually available and, while not very comfortable, at least you are in the game. Trust me, you will get in.

THE PARK The outfield walls are covered with ivy.

At times balls get stuck in the ivy and the play is considered a ground rule double with the batter obliged to go no further than second base if the outfielder signals the umpires that he cannot find the ball. If he keeps looking without signaling, the play continues, usually resulting in a triple or an inside-the-park home run. It has been estimated that without regular pruning by the grounds crew, the ivy would cover the stands within five years!

The walls are also configured in a unique way in that there are "wells" in both left and right field corners where the field starts off a little deeper.

There is also a chain link fence that juts out at a 45 degree angle above the ivy as a sort of net for fly balls and to keep fans from falling onto the field. Balls that land in the "basket" are home runs. It is 355 feet to the left field foul pole, 400 to center, and 353 to right.

While those distances sound like it is a pitcher's park, the winds of nearby Lake Michigan really dictate the way the park plays. Once a ball is hit into the wind, it either is brought back to the outfielder or it is given a tremendous boost to lead to a home run.

The scoreboard in deep center field is manually operated and was added in 1937. There are three flag poles atop the clock, one for each division of the National League. The standings as of that day are displayed by flags, city name not team names. Also, following a Cubs win, a white "W" flag is flown, and a white "L" flag after a loss. No ball has ever hit the scoreboard although, in 1951, legendary golfer, "Slammin" Sammy Snead hit it with a golf ball from a drive at home plate!

In the last couple of years, purists be damned, two large electronic video boards have been added in left and right field. Located on Waveland and Sheffield the new video boards intentionally (?) block the roof top views from some of the houses that sell seats outside the stadium.

Banks and Mays at Wrigley July 4 1965- the day I went to the game.

Wrigley Field was the first baseball park to let the fans keep foul balls, beginning in 1915. Prior to that the fans had to return the balls to the ushers. Home run balls hit by the opponents are usually thrown back on the field.

I have four favorites bars in the area, the Cubby Bear, since 1953, (the NFL Chicago Bears used to play at Wrigley for 50 years, from 1921 to 1970).

Murphy's Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield and Vines, 3544 N. Clark. A couple of blocks up Kenmore is the Wrigleyville North bar. Fans without tickets particularly like to congregate on Waveland hoping to catch home run balls. They have to be careful, however, as a fire station is on that block of Waveland and is very active.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE KOSHER BALL GAME I strongly advise having a couple of hot dogs while watching the game. The 17

brand of my favorite dog is Hebrew National using kosher beef but these are sold on the lower level only. Upstairs the hot dog is called Vienna Beef. There is also a wide assortment of cold beers available by vendors. Buy a Green Line.

Thank me via email.

SEVENTH INNING STRETCH The famous baseball announcer, Harry Caray used to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” waving to the fans from the press box. Since his death, a celebrity at each game gets to sing like Harry. I have never heard the song sung in tune.

LAKE MICHIGAN SEAGULLS Near the end of day games, white seagulls come to Wrigley from Lake Michigan and circle the field in ever increasing numbers knowing that soon the occasional dropped Hebrew National or Vienna hot dog would provide them dinner.

ONLY WAVE ON WAVELAND Again, believe it or not, there is a strict "no wave" policy at Wrigley. Not sure of the origin or the reason, but don't even think about it! Also, no team mascot and Wrigley at night playoff game in 2016 - back of scoreboard

no girls dancing on top of the dugout pure baseball. Heaven.

THE GAME THIS YEAR Drop dead beautiful weather about 58 degrees with the wind changing directions throughout the game of course. The Giants scored a run in the first inning, the Cubs did the same with a solo homer run in the bottom of the frame. Two additional Cubs homers and a couple of unearned runs were scored resulting in a 5-1 Cubs win. White "W" flags were everywhere.

The seagulls waited until the bottom of the eighth. Go figure. I wonder if nine future hall of famers played.

I probably will not live long enough to find out. What a game, what a day, what a ball park.

A recognizable Cubs fan supporting his team.

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Your Perfect Summer Steak From Jonathan Levine and The Rub

by Marene Gustin Jonathan’s The Rub is a hub for Memorial Village families and it’s a real family restaurant with chef/owner Jonathan Levine working alongside his son and daughter. For almost a decade they have been serving up delicious American fare and Levine is set to open a second location in Memorial Green next year. Levine serves up plenty of pasta, thick pork chops, fried chicken and cheesy grits, but the best sellers are the Chilean sea bass and, of course, the thick steaks. The restaurant is well known for its 10-ounce filet and 20-ounce bone-in rib-eye steak, a meat eaters delight. So, with backyard barbecue season upon us we decided to ask chef for his tips on cooking the perfect steak at home

Steak the Jonathan Way 1) “Start with a good piece of meat,” Levine says. He only uses USDA Prime, with good marbling, those thin white lines of intramuscular fat. His favorite cut is the sirloin strip and his tip is to cut it against the grain to make it even more tender.

2) Seasoning: “Rub the meat with a little olive oil and season it well,” he says. Sure, you can use salt and pepper, but Jonathan’s The Rub sells bottles of their secret steak rub so swing by there before you start cooking.

3) And as for cooking, Levine says that everyone wants to grill outdoors this time of year. “But you really need to roast it in the oven first,” Levine says. He also adds to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, which will depend on how well done you want your steak.

4) Now you can throw it on the grill out back to get a good char on the steak. Get a hot fire going and don’t over cook the meat, you just want a few minutes to get that delicious crust.

5) “Then dig in!” Levine says. No need to let the steak cool if you serve it on a plate right away that will catch all the juices.

So get your steaks, buy some rub, turn on the oven (425 degrees) and fire up the grill. Your family and friends will be glad to tuck into some mouth-watering steaks this summer.

Jonathan’s The Rub jonathanstherub.com 713.465.8200

Jonathan Levine

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[Health Focus]

DR. SHIRA AMDUR Palliative Medicine Doctor Kelsey Seybold

Understanding Palliative Care Two experts in the field help navigate the waters Dr. Shira Amdur | Dr. Rupesh Nigam What is your training and background for your position as head of Kelsey Seybold's Palliative Care division?

Dr. Shira Amdur - After completing a residency in Internal Medicine, I did an additional year of training in a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. After that, I joined KSC’s section of Supportive Medicine and Palliative Care, where I’ve been since September 2016.

What are the steps a person and their family should take in the decision-making process before coming to you for care?

Dr. Amdur - Referral to Supportive Medicine and Palliative Care is like a referral to any other specialty/subspecialty: The patient can specifically request a referral through their primary care doctor (or hospitalist if they are hospitalized), or one of the doctors involved in their care. If a patient has chest pain believed to be heartrelated, she gets referred; she can hear what the cardiologist recommends and either consent to treatment or decline. So too with Palliative Care: If a patient is appropriate for referral, he or she can meet with a Palliative Care doctor and consent to or decline treatment.

The question becomes who is appropriate for Palliative Care referral. The short answer is any patient with a serious illness, chronic illness, multiple comorbidities or uncontrolled symptoms.

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by William Hanover

Palliativedoctors.org is a great resource to get a better understanding of palliative Care.

There’s a misconception out there—not only among patients but also among health care professionals—that Palliative Care is available when there are no other or, when active treatment no longer works, etc. We are perceived as being the specialty of last resort. Aside from being fundamentally inaccurate, that statement is detrimental to patient care. Palliative care can be given concurrently with active treatment. Studies have shown that patients greatly benefit from EARLY Palliative Care. As an example, patients with cancer who are getting chemotherapy can often have bothersome symptoms such as pain or fatigue; palliative care can help with those symptoms and enhance a patient’s quality of life.

I often hear “My patient isn’t ready for palliative care yet.” Patients don't have to “give up” any care to get Palliative Care. It’s low risk, high reward! There are a lot of patients who could benefit from our services who aren’t being sent our way due to a lack of understanding of what we do.

Is there a center or facility that one goes to or how does that work?

Dr. Nigam - Palliative care is like other specialty care at Kelsey-Seybold. Patients are evaluated in the clinic, and a care plan is developed with their

needs in mind. In case a patient is unable to come to us or has not been able to leave their house for a prolonged period, we can provide home care visits. So our care is delivered in an outpatient setting. Patients are not placed in any facility by us.

What should a future patient expect from his care with you and your team?

Dr. Amdur - We view patients a little differently.

Rather than focusing on a disease state or an organ system, we look at the whole person—as a patient in clinic and a human being at home—and determine how we can help to anticipate future issues and treat them via interventions or discussions centered around advance care planning. There’s that expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Well, a good amount of stress related to serious illness can be mitigated by advance care planning.

My initial appointments are pretty lengthy, an hour on average, as I try to get a feel for who my patient is (“what makes you-you?”), how he functions at home, what gaps in care there are, what needs there are, what their goals of care are.

I rely on Kelsey’s team of social workers to help determine what resources we can tap into; Palliative Care is a team-based approach and we’re all hands on deck. Rupesh and I have a very ambitious vision for growing the program and building the team, but that’s down the road. In the meantime, we’re working to streamline our process and improve our section.

Are there different levels of care and what services do you provide?

Dr. Amdur - Most of the work I do is clinic-based, but we do have a network in place for homebased Palliative Care for our truly homebound (per Medicare criteria) patients. The field of Palliative Care is ever-evolving, and there is a big

push for home-based Palliative Care. It’s unusual in that it is old-fashioned, bedside medicine. In Houston, which is my hometown, there is not yet much out there for home-based palliative care.

Kelsey-Seybold has the most comprehensive program. I think it benefits Houstonians (and patients of all cities) to have greater access to Palliative Care.

spectrum and any combination thereof. We are a bridge to hospice, which is a fair statement, but we also can see patients temporarily, addressing one or two symptoms, and then sending them on their way until they need us again, and sometimes they don’t.

What is the difference between Palliative Care and Hospice?

Dr. Amdur - Medicare often contracts out with palliative care programs. At Kelsey-Seybold, your Medicare Advantage plan covers Supportive Medicine & Palliative Care services. But I will see any Kelsey-Seybold patient regardless of insurance type. One of the nice features we offer is that we charge the same copay of primary care, which is significantly less than that of a specialist.

Dr. Amdur - At one end of the spectrum is aggressive care: if a patient needs surgery, he or she gets surgery; if a patient needs to be on life support, he or she is put on life support. On the other end of the spectrum is end-of-life care.

That doesn’t mean “give no medications.” It means to reduce suffering or enhance comfort.

That is hospice. Hospice is often thought of as “the place you go to die.” Not so. Hospice is a set of services that come into a patient’s home to help manage medications and patient care in their final months, and sometimes years, with the goal of enhancing comfort and quality of life. Way too often patients are referred too late to maximize its benefits.

Palliative Care is optimizing the quality of life and everything in between the two ends of the

How are patients charged and do most insurances cover this type of care?

Do you see this a growth industry for today’s young people?

Dr. Amdur - Absolutely! I am excited to be a part of it with. It’s a rewarding career and necessary work. I look forward to putting my thumbprint on Kelsey-Seybold’s section of Supportive Medicine & Palliative Care.

What is your training and background for your position as head of Kelsey Seybold’s Palliative Care division?

DR. RUPESH NIGAM Associate Medical Director of Hospital Services Kelsey Seybold

Dr. Nigam - I did my residency in Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. For the last six years I have been with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic taking care of patients at CHI St. Luke’s Health – Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. I have a special interest in Supportive Medicine and a strong advocate for maintaining the dignity and quality of life for our patients at any stage of their lives. I have been Managing Physician for Supportive Medicine and Palliative Care (SMPC) for the last year and a half and I have watched this section develop into a most valuable service for our patients.

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A MAYORAL PROCLAMATION CELEBRATION Honoring Dr. Ronald DePinho Co-hosts Dr. Kathryn Pulse and Mr. Dewey Stringer welcomed friends and associates to the fabulous new Market Square Tower to honor Dr. Ronald DePinho with a Mayoral Proclamation from Sylvester Turner. They celebrated the impactful legacy of Dr. Ron DePinho as the fourth president of MD Anderson. Dewey is a patient at MDA and has raised millions for MDA through his adopt a scientist’s program; he has plans to raise tens of millions more in the years ahead.

The impactful legacy of Dr. Ron DePinho as the fourth president of MD Anderson was a #1 ranking in cancer care, record donations, the decisive assault on cancer which became The Cancer Moon Shots Program and global expansion. He improved the care of millions suffering from cancer, engaged world leaders from the Vatican to the Great Hall to the White House, and made great enhancements in cancer science.

Jed Manocherian, inspired by his friend DePinho founded Act for NIH in 2014 to help restore the $8 billion inflationary loss to the NIH budget since 2003. Their efforts have been decisive in making NIH\NCI restoration a bipartisan Congressional priority and played a key role in back-back $2 billion increases to the NIH budget in 2016 and 2017, as well as the passage of 21st Century Cures Act. It is the proclamation that Ron DePinho is a change agent. His hatred drives a disruptor for cancer and his love for patients. He has the courage to pursue new innovative ideas and an urgency to apply those ideas to save lives. While change may bring anxiety to the status quo, it brings hope to patients and families. There are too many patients to be patient.

Ron’s Kids

Mel Cline, Jed Manocherian, Ron DePinho, Jack Christie, Dewey Stringer

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Dr. Marshall Hicks Pres ad interim looking through pool to street below

[Life]

Senior Living: A Family Decision

by Lynn Wallace Retirement Center Management

When is the right time for you or your loved ones to move into a senior retirement community? All across the country, senior retirement communities offer a safe and healthy alternative to staying at home. It can be difficult, however, to know the right time to make a move into such a c o m m u n i t y.

Family members looking to find their parents a new home and 24

seniors themselves often struggle with this decision. A recent national housing survey of adults 75 and older revealed that the primary reason for moving into a senior retirement community was due to having difficulty safely getting around their homes.

But, beyond that, how do you know when it’s time to move?

It goes without saying that

everybody wants to keep their independent way of life intact for as long as possible. But if one starts to need specific assistance with such basics as driving, taking care of the lawn, cooking, staying hydrated or maintaining the home, it might be time to consider alternatives.

The very idea of having that conversation can be difficult for everyone involved.

First, keep in mind that health and safety are paramount, so you want the absolute best!

What are the best options for a healthy and safe living? Be ready with some answers, always pointing out how each alternative and how it will help you in the next phase of life.

Imagine not having to worry about safety, home maintenance, security, housekeeping, transportation, or being alone. What is the expense to stay at home with help vs. moving to a senior retirement community – which do you believe is most cost effective?

Whatever you ultimately decide to do concer ning this difficult situation, know that, even if the initial reaction is negative, small steps such as these often turn large strides and soon will turn into success in getting the help you need and finding the perfect living arrangement.

provide excellence in service, thoughtful, individualized care in case needed in the future.

Choosing a truly healthier lifestyle is one of the secrets to how you and your family can enjoy quality time, peace of mind and a promise to each other to “Live Life Well�.

Visit us online at www.rcmseniorliving.com

Ask for a private tour and lunch to experience the difference retirement living has to offer.

Life Without Compromise is what RCM offers. Located in the premier neighborhoods of Houston and similar surrounding areas, Retirement Center Management (RCM) communities include spacious cottage and apartment homes to compassionate, individualized assisted living and memor y care.

They offer exceptional dining, transportation, a broad offering of services and high-quality amenities. Consider finding a community that hires a professional team that will 25

Geoff Blum Interview

[the Game]

Geoff Blum was a colorful player and has brought his entertaining antics to liven Astros broadcasts

by Joel Blank & Barry Laminack

Joel Blank: Blummer, this infatuation with star wars prompted me to ask you if you were a comic con fan overall or is it just Star Wars? Did you seem almost smitten and giddy with all those characters in the booth the other night?

Geoff Blum: I’m not quite to the comic con extent but I am a little bit of a Star Wars nerd. I’ve completely indoctrinated my daughters into the whole saga so, I take a lot of pride in that.

Joel Blank: That’s awesome dude. When are going to go with the whole costume? Are you looking for the authentic stormtrooper?

Geoff Blum: *Breaks in laughter* I’m not sure I’d be able to store it at my house. My wife might be in a panic but, If I could find an off-site facility to have all that kind stuff in, I might think about it.

Joel Blank: OK, back to baseball. Blummer did you see this kid Fisher in camp?

Because I mean look we know the prospect list is long, we know and have heard about all the guys that have been coming up in the last couple of years and while he has been relatively unknown he seems to be A1 on everyone’s list if there are any trades to be made with the Astros.

26

Geoff Blum: Derek Fisher for me is legit.

Francis Martes is interesting to me because he is twenty-one years old and I think he’s still pretty raw but Derek Fisher is one that has always stood out to me. Me and my broadcast partner Todd Kalas had a chance to watch these guys in spring training and he [Derek Fisher] was the one guy that really jumped at both of us, some of the things that stood out were his swing, the strike zone discipline and his ability to hit to all fields but the biggest question to me was if he going to be able to play in the infield? He obviously has enough speed but sometimes you put a guy out there with raw talent and he takes some funky routes and doesn’t really have a very good throwing motion but

Garry Pettis worked his tail off with him in spring training and Derek Fisher really reaped the benefits of that because his routes got better to the baseball and once he got to it he showed off a cannon just by switching up a simple little grip so not only is the guy talented, he also is very coachable.

Joel Blank: Alright Blummer, the pitchers are going to be on the DL until the all-star break, is it time to start pushing the panic button the starting pitchers and maybe looking to exploring trades? Or is it good because of the big lead to keep weathering the storm until the break?

Geoff Blum: I’m going to say no and yes. No to the panic button because I don’t think anyone should panic after what we saw as far as what our offense can do, the Astros have a very good offense no matter who AJ Hinch puts in there.and

these guys are going to put together great AB’s and when they’re going well they’re going to pressure starting pitchers. It's just a matter of what the starting rotation can do right now to suppress opposing offenses long enough stay in it. What I was saying yes to is I think they need to go out there and explore whatever options they may have as far as starting pitching because they have an opportunity to be the best team in baseball throughout the course of the season. if they did wait for the all star break but they have a chance to pick up a guy that will not just make them a playoff contending team but a world series contending team. The fact that they’re going to wait until the all-star break tells you a lot about how good they feel about their lead.

Barry Laminack: Alright, so we talked trades and some names always seem to come up you know Bregman, Martes, Kyle Tucker and of course Derek Fisher’s name, If you can only keep two which two do you keep?

Geoff Blum: Oh man, that’s a really tough call, it depends on team need and Bregman for me is in the line-up and on this roster and has the experience that’s the only thing, because if you unplug an Alex Bregman out of that lineup and you take him out of the defensive alignment you know and you move Gurriel back to third who do you put at first base? Does Marwin become your everyday guy? So I think that removing guys out of your everyday lineup that is already so good, that worries me and I’d hate to ruin the continuity in the clubhouse whereas some of these younger guys haven’t really established themselves.

They’ve proven their big league worthy but they haven’t really established themselves in the Astros clubhouse.

things you would do to spice up the uniforms a little bit for you?

Geoff Blum: Ah Man, I’m not sure as far as nicknames across the back, I mean in this day in age you’re probably going to see a couple twitter handles on the back of it but, umm, you know the white shoes always intrigued me. I love that Alex Bregman has been rocking those the past couple days and Paulino has even gone out there with the white shoes so that kind of interests me a little bit as far as breaking it up but the neon colors would be interesting.

Joel Blank: But once you’ve had the Max Headroom blonde spiked look, I mean all the rest is just details right?

Geoff Blum: Yeah I would probably be the guy that asks to play without a hat.

Barry Laminack: I think they need to make the game more appealing to the younger audiences out there and I think having some fun with the game and the sport by dressing up the uniforms. What would be on the back of your jersey and what are some other

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[financial focus]

Health Care and Your Retirement

by Patricia B. Green, CFP® Financial Advisor Senior Vice President - Investments Wells Fargo

As you set aside money for retirement, you’re probably thinking about planning for necessities, such as housing, food, and transportation. You may also be budgeting for some luxuries, such as travel, dinners out, and gifts for family members and favorite charities. But there’s another big expense to plan for: health care.

Even though Medicare kicks in at age 65, retirees still face hefty health care costs, because Medicare covers only part of the cost of services for beneficiaries.

Retires often must dig into their own pockets to cover co-pays, deductibles, premiums for additional coverage, certain prescription drugs, and noncovered necessities, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental care, and long-term custodial care.

The Cost of Care

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The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) estimates in order to be 90% certain they’ll have enough to pay for retirement health care, a 65-yearold couple would need to have $264,000 set aside just for health expenses.2 This doesn’t even include any long-term care expenses.

People with high prescription drug costs need even more, according to EBRI. For a married couple with high medication expenses throughout retirement, savings of as much as $392,000 would be needed for health care.

Geographic location affects your needs, too, because the price of health care can vary dramatically from state to state. For example, the average cost of assisted living in New York is 70% higher than in Missouri, government data shows.3

In fact, according to a 2015 report from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare beneficiaries pay an average of about $4,745 per year out of their own pockets for health care spending, including premiums for Medicare and other types of supplemental insurance and costs incurred for medical and long-term care services.1

No matter how you look at it, retirement health care costs are significant. But with good planning, you can be prepared. Here are six steps to make sure you have the coverage you need for retirement health care costs.

Trying to figure out how much money you’ll need to set aside for health care in retirement is complicated, though, and depends on many factors.

1. Maximize your savings. The earlier you begin planning and saving for retirement, the better off you’ll be. Make maximum contributions to 401(k), IRA,

6 Tips To Be Prepared

health savings accounts, and any other tax-deferred savings plans for which you qualify.

2. Don’t count on employer benefits. If you happen to be one of the few lucky people whose employers offer retiree health coverage, that’s great. But don’t count on it, because employers may modify or stop giving benefits. Save as if you don’t have retiree health coverage.

3. Consider long-term care insurance.

Medicare covers medical care in a skilled nursing facility for a limited amount of time. But if you need long-term custodial care — help with eating, bathing, dressing, and other daily living activities in addition to medical care — you’ll have to pay for it yourself. Care like this can cost as much as $84,000 per year or more, depending on the kind of care you need.

6. Get expert help. Planning for health care costs during retirement is complicated. “The most important thing is to sit down with a professional Financial Advisor and go through all of these issues,” Peterson says. “Few people

approaching this time in their lives have all the answers. Your Financial Advisors can help you make more informed and realistic decisions by providing a better understanding how health care costs can affect your retirement.”

This information is provided for educational and illustrative purposes only.

1

Source: http://kff.org/report-section/a-primer-on-medicare-how-much-do-beneficiaries-pay-for-medicare-benefits/

2

Source: https://www.ebri.org/pdf/PR1145.Hlth-Svgs.22Oct15.pdf

3

Source: http://longtermcare.gov/costs-how-to-pay/costs-of-care-in-your-state/

This article is sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided to you by Patricia B. Green, CFP®, Sr. Financial Advisor, Houston, TX at 713-403-7331.

Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2017 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

Long-term care insurance can be expensive. Try to buy it early, when you’re younger and healthier, because premiums are linked to age and health status. “It’s best to start looking at it in your 50s,” says Donna Peterson, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors.

“The longer you wait, the more expensive it is.” Premiums can range from about $900 per year when purchased at age 50 to $6,000 per year when purchased at age 75.

4. Look at “hybrid” insurance options.

A typical long-term care policy is pure insurance — you basically use it or lose it.

But hybrid products, such as life insurance policies that combine both a death benefit and a potential long-term care benefit, allow greater flexibility, because benefits can be used for longterm care or life insurance payouts.

5. Learn about the ABCs (and D) of Medicare. Medicare covers just about everyone starting at age 65. But there’s a lot it doesn’t pay for, and there are many choices to make and fees to pay for supplemental coverage and optional insurance to cover Medicare gaps. And don’t forget you’ll need to add the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) to help cover prescription drugs. “People think Medicare covers more than it does,” Peterson says. “But, one thing everyone should know is it doesn’t cover any custodial care.” (Learn more at www.medicare.gov.)

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