Mv - Memorial Villages Magazine

march + april 2019

You know what you want. We know Memorial.

We

welcome the opportunity to be of service

Since 1985, Bernstein Realty has assisted individuals and families with all of their real estate needs.

Let us assist you in making a smooth and successful move to, from or around the city.

W NE

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30 Patti Lynn Lane

7 Lochtyne Cr.

Memorial/Sandalwood · $3,750,000

903 Creek Wood Way

Hedwig Village · $2,374,000

MLS #8064621 | 713.932.1032

Hunters Creek Village · $1,789,000

Susan McCauley | 713.858.4532

CE

W NE

2 Dunnam Lane

Memorial Villages · $2,300,000 MLS #80007311 | 713.932.1032

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W NE

12127 Broken Arrow St.

314 Magnolia Heights

Memorial/Magnolia Heights · $1,685,000

Julie Brann | 713.594.8736

MLS #79812823 | 713.932.1032

2819 Carriage Hollow Ln.

7526 Awty School Lane

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Cinco Ranch · $499,000

Memorial Forest · $1,425,000 MLS# 14670110 | 713.932.1032

Judy Levin | 713.204.8807

Spring Branch · $1,200,000 MLS #51356158 | 713.932.1032

ED IST L ST JU

2431 Potomac

Galleria Area · $950,000 MLS #41245785 | 713.932.1032

12802 Park Royal Dr. Energy Corridor · $389,900 Estelle Elles | 713.819.1346

12122 Broken Bough Dr. Memorial Forest · $1,349,000 MLS #40040817 | 713.932.1032

3724 Tangley Road

West University · $2,200,00 MLS #68818297 | 713.932.1032

7 1 3 . 9 3 2 . 1 0 3 2 | B e r n s t e i n Re a l t y. c o m

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.

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/ March + Apri 2019 Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com

contents

12

ON THE COVER “At Dusk”, mixed media painting

by Julio Garcia

10 26

15 8-9 ARTS + EVENTS

10-11 FOOD: EATING

IN THE HEIGHTS

12-14 AVONDALE HOUSE:

UNDERSTANDIG AUTISM

24-25

15-23

30-31 THE BUZZ

REAL ESTATE FOCUS: SPECIAL REPORT

MUSIC: HJO HOUSTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA

26-27 THE GAME: INTERVIEW WITH

ASTROS’ JEFF LUHNOW

28-29 FINANCIAL FOCUS

PRODUCTION

PUBLISHER

M. A. Haines EDITOR

Lisa June

memorialvillagesmagazine.com

Web Design CSS Art & Design Layout & Graphic Design CSS Art & Design Graphic Designer Cris Bell Photographer Wells Brown

CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

Memorial Villages magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Memorial Villages 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 2018 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown magazine.

4 | Mv | March - April 2019

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

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

11514 Royal Ivory Crossing/Royal Oaks $850,000 MLS# 92310748

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

1915 Rosewood/Museum District $479,500 MLS# 82315839

109 Palm Forest/Lakes of Parkway $429,900 MLS# 58625287

Woodcrest Court/Lowell Heights Coming Soon - From $360’s

With over $2 Billion in sales and over 45 years of combined experience, David and David have the knowledge and skills to provide the highest level of service to buyers and sellers of residential real estate.

Our complete digital marketing portfolio includes: Professional Photography * Drone Photos * Brochure Design 3D Tour Technology * Individual Property Websites * Social Media Marketing & Management

David Michael Young

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

Publisher’s Letter

yself and many others particularly those living in the northern US favor this time of the year. Our weather goes from cold and rainy to warm sun while the winter thaw has just begun in the north. In Texas with the coo of the mourning doves comes the precious spring and the reminder that now is the time to enjoy really enjoy the outdoors before the summer heat arrives.

It is only days before the boys of summer return from spring training for Opening Day at Minute Maid Park. After their record-breaking season of 103 wins it seemed to me the Astros management was not that active in adding players in the offseason. In our spring training interview with the incomparable President of Baseball Operations, Jeff Luhnow, makes his case that they got a lot better in the offseason with just a few acquisitions.

The Houston real estate market broke records in 2018 with over 83,000 sales totaling 83 billion! Read about all in town neighborhoods by our expert panel of realtors who provide some great insight into Houston’s most desired places to live.

If you are longing for some cool jazz and unable to make it for the annual New Orleans Jazz Fest look no further than downtown Houston. Our music writer Philip Berquist recommends a visit to see the Houston Jazz Orchestra playing its regular monthly gig at the House of Blues.

Before heading downtown check out a few new places to dine from Marene Gustin’s Heights food revival article.

Carole Keeney Harrington, former Houston Chronicle feature writer and the first woman ever to sit on their Editorial Board and past president/CEO of The Living Bank, writes about the Avondale House she started. Harrington tells the story of a family and the positive training

by Avondale House and its pivotal role in the Houston community in helping individuals and their families facing autism. The school operates a year-round TEA-approved day school where they serve over 75 students from more than 20 different school districts, up to the age of 21 years old.

Check out our arts and events calendar and our website www.houstonintown.com for updates on how to enjoy the best time of the year!

6 | Mv | March - April 2019

CHUBB • PURE • AIG • CINCINNATI

Luxury Home Insurance . . .

Discover the Difference!

LUXURY HOMES - VALUABLES - VEHICLES - UMBRELLA LIABILITY

CARRIE OUSLEY | 832.681.5020

1025 S Shepherd #307 | Gotham Lofts

7827 Bobbit Heights Lane / Bobbit Heights

Prime location 3rd floor corner loft with 18ft wide terrace with sweeping unobstructed views of Downtown, Med Center, and Upper Kirby. Large open living areas with 17 ft ceiling. Island kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliance package. Large bathrooms and closets. 2 assigned parking spots. Easy access to restaurants and shops in River Oaks Shopping Center and Buffalo Bayou Park.

Building has pool.

Gorgeous free-standing home with custom finishes throughout located in Bobbitt Heights, a gated community developed by master developer and builder Lovett.

Amazing location close to the beautiful grounds of the Awty International School.

Impressive exterior, welcoming courtyard, open floor plan, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, rich stone and marble surfaces. Spacious island kitchen with upgraded appliances. app

List Price $789,500 | MLS # 26909284

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

3333 Allen Parkway #2804 | River Oaks

List Price $2,750,000 | MLS#91799728

Take Luxury living to new heights in this 4761 sq.ft. Penthouse with breathtaking panoramic views of Downtown, Medical Center & Buffalo Bayou Park. This stunning 2-floor custom-designed plan with exquisite premium custom finishes throughout was completed in 2013. Twenty ft. ceilings, Lutron controlled lighting & window coverings and incredible sound system. Get ready to be pampered at The Royalton with its 24-hr Concierge & Security, Valet Services, Wine Cellar, 3000 sq.ft Fitness Center, Town Car Service, Infinity Pool, conference rooms, two Guest suites, private theatre, ballroom & 3 Assigned Parking Spaces w/ additional parking included on 1st floor garage.

Barbara Kobza | Keller Williams Premier Realty | 832-215-7533

List Price $699,495 | MLS#60341059

Don Davis | Don Davis Luxe Realty | 832-831-6137

11414 St Germain Way | Royal Oaks Country Club List Price $1,695,000 | MLS# 2885218

Designed by renowned architect Robert Dame, built by Tuscany Estate Homes and located in the Estates section of Royal Oaks overlooking the 12th fairway. Amazing kitchen with two islands and wine bar. Open floor plan that has huge family room with soaring ceiling, master suite down, private study above master. Second floor wing has 3 bedrooms, game room and another study.

Versatile private casita with bath off the courtyard. Two wonderful outdoor entertaining areas – loggia with outdoor kitchen, fireplace and TV by pool with a golf course view.

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

July - August 2018 | Mv

|7

Arts + Events

Art Colony Association’s Bayou City Art Festival Memorial

SPECIAL EVENTS

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park March 29-31

Benefiting local nonprofits on Friday-Sunday, March 29-31, 2019 The Art Colony Association, Inc.’s (ACA) the Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park 2019 featured artist is Julio C. Garcia, a 2D Mixed Media artist from Jacksonville, FL. Garcia, along with 300 artists from around the country representing 19 different disciplines, will showcase their art at Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park.

The featured artwork for the 2019 Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park is titled “At Dusk” by Garcia. Using the human figure as a landscape, Garcia combined his passion for nature and self-expression.

During the past 48 years, attracting crowds of 35,000 annually, the Bayou City Art Festival has raised more than $3.6 million in support of local nonprofit organizations and provided a venue for over 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world.

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Feb 25 through March 17

MUSEUMS Asia Society Texas Center

New Cartographies

Ongoing through March 17

Museum Of Fine Arts Houston

Eye on Houston High School Documentary Photography Ongoing through August 11

Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait Ongoing through December 29

Artupdate houston published every two weeks by houstonintown. Go to website and sign up for newsletter to receive free update.

Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings

Shapeshifters

Opens March 2 through June 16

Collection Close-Up: John Cage

Opens March 3 through May 27

Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture, 1963-2017

Holocaust Museum Houston

Contemporary Focus: Trenton Doyle Hancock

Opens March 3 through May 27

Broadway’s Amazing Mastersons

Opens March 2 through July 31

Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art

Opens March 10 through June 27

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Cheryl Donegan: GRLZ+VEILS

Ongoing through March 31

8 | Mv | January - February 2019

In The Country Of Numbers, Where The Men Have No Names Ongoing through May 15

Dimensions In Testimony Menil Collection Selections from the Permanent Collection Ongoing through May 5

Roni Horn: When I Breathe, I Draw, Part l Ongoing through May 5

Ongoing through May 12 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 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 & Science

April 4-7 Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff 10 Indigo Girls 19 Music of Led Zeppelin 26-28 Cirque de la Symphonic

MUSIC & DANCE Ars Lyrica

THEATER A.D. PLAYERS

San Giovanni Barrista - March 30 Da Camera

March 1 Tous les Matins du Monde: Jordi Savall 18 Elias String Quartet Purcell,

C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters March 5-17

Jeanette Clift George Legacy Series April 10-14

Juan, Su Historia

Britten, Schubert 19 Elias String Quartet: Beamish and Schumann 23 Mark Guiliana Space Heroes 29 New York Philharmonic String Quartet

April 18-20

April 2 The Veil of Orpheus: Cy Twombly

April 12-May 5

and Music 12 Dave Douglas Dizzy Atmosphere: Dizzy Gillespie at Zero Gravity 30 Ashberyana: Amusical Celebration Of Poet John Ashbery HOUSTON SYMPHONY March 15-17 22-24 29-31

Bell Plays Beethoven Star Wars: A New Hope-in Concert Carmina Burana

ALLEY THEATRE

Quack - Ongoing through March 10 The Humans - March 1-24 Crimes Of The Heart MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER

One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & The Works March 15 at 8 p.m.

DIAZ: Noche Caliente featuring Wichy Camacho March 16 at 8 p.m.

Anything Goes

March 28, 29 & 30, April 4, 5 & 6 at 8 p.m.

STAGES REPERTORY THEATER

NSFW - Ongoing through March 3

FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday Rain or Shine 9am - 1pm

Hunters Creek Village at First Congregational Church Little Shop of Horrors

Houston Rockets

Murder for Two

March 8 Philadelphia 11 Charlotte 13 Golden State 15 Phoenix 17 Minnesota 22 San Antonio 28 Denver 30 Sacramento

March 6 through April 28 April 24 through June16 THE ENSEMBLE THEATER

Freeda Peoples

March 21 through April 14

Theatre Southwest

Ongoing through Nov 1

Theatre Under the Stars

Mama Mia

Ongoing through March 3

Ragtime

April 16 through 28

SPORTS Houston Astros

Minute Maid Park

April 5 Opening Day vs Oakland 6-7 Oakland 8-10 NY Yankees 22-24 Minnesota 25-28 Cleveland

Toyota Center

April 5 New York 7 Phoenix 9 Milwaukee 11 Cleveland 14 Memphis 16 Brooklyn 19 LA Lakers 25 Toronto 27 Orlando 29 New Orleans

Your home.

My mission.

Let Alex guide you home.

Alex Loyd Realtor® 713.851.2521 alex.loyd@compass.com

Heights Dining Revival New places to dine

Truth BBQ desserts

H

by Marene Gustin ouston Heights, known to locals as simply The Heights, dates back to the 1890’s and sits just northwest of downtown. Long known as an eclectic and quaint neighborhood, the area has been changing in the last few years, not always to the delight of longtime residents.

Charming cottages and old Victorians have been torn down and replaced by townhomes and macmansions, but one of the benefits to well-heeled millennials flocking to the area has been an influx of hot new eateries.

There have long been some popular spots to dine in the area, mostly Tex-Mex and casual joints, but in 2006 a wave of dining hit The Heights, starting with Glass Wall, and it became the “new restaurant row.” And now there’s been a resurgence, once again making the neighborhood one of the hot dining locations in Houston. Here are some of the newest ones to try.

The Flying Fish platters

The Flying Fish

Opened in late December of last year, The Flying Fish is a Dallas-based chain that harkens to longtime fishing camp eateries serving up platters of catfish, oysters, shrimp, crab and gumbo. Most come from the Gulf of Mexico, although the catfish is farm raised, but the food is good, the service fast and the atmosphere funky. There is a Liars Wall were patrons can post photos of their own catch (and lie about the size) and a Billy Bass Wall. You remember the Big Mouth Billy Bass singing fish from the late ‘90s? If you have one of those silly decorations, you can donate to the wall at The Flying Fish and get a free basket of fried catfish. Not a bad deal.

1815 N. Durham Dr. | 713.377.9919 | flyingfishinthe.net

Dish Society breakfast Elliot’s Table steak

Dish Society

This locally owned small chain focuses on farm-to-table fare, sourcing ingredients from area farms and ranches. It serves up breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, and the new Heights location, opened this past January, sports a larger bar area with a bigger selection of craft beer, cocktails and wine.

The inside seats 85 and there’s a large patio for good-weather dining. Come early, and hungry, for typical Texas fare like biscuits and fried chicken, breakfast tacos and yummy Nutella French toast topped with seasonal berries. The lunch and supper menu offers up a delicious deconstructed chicken pot pie with fresh carrots, potatoes and peas, as well as varied soups and salads and a very filling brisket, stuffed baked sweet potato.

Looking for lighter fare? Try the citrus glazed salmon or the shrimp tacos.

1050 Yale St. | 713.861.3474 | dishsociety.com

10 | Mv | March - April 2019

Elliot’s Table

The Elliot at Elliot’s Table is Elliot Roddy whose restaurant opened in The Heights in December Elliot’s of lastTable year to serve simple Southern fare with a family flare. Bring your family or friends and grab a table in this cozy spot with a cute patio for al fresco dining. Expect to share big plates, family style. There are two delicious steaks from local 44 Farms and a platter of Gulf shrimp and grits as entrées, but there are plenty of sides and starters and even a burger on the menu. Don’t pass up the deviled eggs topped with spicy chorizo and hot sauce, or the lamb tacos.

Desserts are from Jody Cakes and Fat Cat Creamery with bread provided by Cake & Bacon company. Nothing fancy here, just good, real food and a sense of community.

465 T. C. Jester | 713.485.0340 | elliotstable.com

Food

Mastrantos fresh pastries

Truth BBQ dining hall

Truth BBQ

tic design with a cafeteria-style line along one wall. Grab a tray and move down the line inhaling the scent of smoked meats like turkey, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausages, and that melt-in-your-mouth brisket. As good as it all is, try to save room for a slice of a big homemade cake.

110 Heights Blvd.

832.835.0001 | truthbbq.com

Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV temporarily closed his Brenham barbeque spot last December to open a new location in Houston Heights. Brisket fans were salivating over the January opening here, anxious to taste the smoked meats and his popular tater tot casserole and corn pudding. Like any barbeque joint on a Texas top ten list, expect to wait in line Mastrantos and don’t go too late or the barbeque will For husband and wife Xavier and run out! The restaurant is a charming rus- Mari Godoy, Mastrantos is their fourth

child. The restaurant is a labor of love and their love of food. The menu is globally inspired, some ingredients are locally sourced while pasta flour, coffee, and tomatoes are imported from Italy. And the kitchen is open, as in no walls at all. Patrons are right there watching the cooks prepare their food. Even the dough lab is transparent, although the fresh breads and pasta are made behind glass. The neighborhood has taken to this spot because it offers excellent coffee and pastries for breakfast and then becomes a full-service dinner restaurant complete with beer and wine. Attire is casual but the food is anything but that.

927 Studewood St. p.346.227.845 | mastrantos.com

LOUISIANA CHAR-GRILLED BOILED CRAWFISH OYSTERS Farm to table New OrleaNs Style

THE ORIGINAL 4302 Richmond Ave Houston, TX 77027 (713) 623-6321

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9600 Westheimer, #80 Houston, Texas 77063 (832) 251-7171

Avondale House

By Carole Keeney Harrington

F

or Stacie Williamson, 52, a West University resident and president of Friends of Avondale House, life after son, Paul, 19, was born came at her like a boulder rolling down a mountaintop, delivering crushing blows. Until she and her husband, Tim, 62, found Avondale House, a non-profit established by a group of six parents in 1976 to serve their children with autism, the search for peace was one long stretch of lonesome highway. The Friends group, an Avondale auxiliary Stacie has led for the last three years, organizes fundraisers, celebrations for students and staff appreciation events.

Autism is a developmental disability characterized by lack of eye contact and speech, impaired socialization and often ritualized behavior. Affected children are said to be on the autism spectrum – a bell curves with high functioning on one end and extremely severe on the other.

Avondale was the first and only community program in Houston to offer parents 12 | Mv | March - April 2019

a break from the mental and physical intensity of caring for a child with autism.

Paul was born with brain damage from a virus called CMV. Often carried by toddlers, it appears to be a typical cold, which goes away without permanent impact. It is only dangerous when a pregnant mother like Stacie is exposed.

Told to expect some delays in Paul’s development, the Williamsons enrolled their baby in physical and speech therapy beginning at six months.

Paul was late to walk and babble. At age two, the babbling faded, and he began to lose eye contact. Then started the trek from one medical appointment to another. Texas Children’s Hospital delivered the dreaded word, “autism,” and told the couple that CMV and autism were two separate issues.

Typically, children are diagnosed with autism between ages 2 to 4 years. “You immediately go into work mode to find every resource to help your child,” Stacie said. “I was trying to create a climate that

was good for my girls and search for a place for Paul to get therapy.” The Williamson children also include Camille; 20 and Laurel, 17.

First stop was a program at Texas Children’s where therapists and parents modeled behavior hoping to have the child imitate. After a year, Paul made little progress. While searching for other programs, the family focused on private therapies.

Next stop was Westview School. Its children were on the higher end of the autism spectrum and after a short period, a second blow: Paul did not fit in; his behaviors were too severe. “I was literally in a fetal position for several days after he got kicked out,” Stacie said. After that demoralizing hit – a third stop: Paul went to a Houston Independent School District elementary school program from 9 a.m. to noon, where he had speech therapy only once a week. After school, Stacie took him on rounds of private treatments for two years.

Understanding & Educating Families With Autism The fourth stop on the journey – the University of Houston’s Texas Young Autism Project established in 2001 by Dr. Gerald Harris, a UH psychologist, and professor. It offered ABA, Applied Behavior Analysis, a protocol developed in the 1980s. “We were very pleased with the results in behavior and potty training,” Stacie said. “Paul stayed there until he was eight and continued to see Dr. Harris until he was age 16.” The program also trained psychology students as therapists.

The UH project could enroll only a handful of children whose parents paid tuition of about $57,000 a year. By the time their son was eight, the Williamsons estimate they had spent close $1 million.

The Texas Young Autism Project continues on a private basis, and ABA programs have emerged in Houston, including the one at Avondale House.

ABA was developed in 1987 by Dr. Ivar Lovaas at the University of California at Los Angeles using behavioral techniques of repetition with rewards for responses from the child. Lovaas’ original research project followed a group of Stacie and Tim Williamson with their son, Paul

children through age 13 and resulted in 47 percent of the participants recovering who began treatment at age three or earlier and received 35-40 hours a week of one on one therapy.

Insurance did not cover the treatment in Texas until the passage of The Texas Autism Insurance Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2008. Health benefit plans now must provide services to an enrolled child up to age 10. After age 10, the insurance companies have an option to continue coverage. Services covered include evaluation and assessment, ABA, behavior training and management, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medications or nutritional supplements.

Ideally, ABA should begin as soon as a diagnosis is made. While some children recover all or most of their abilities, many do not. Paul is one who is struggling to do essential communications. Since Avondale, he has made the most progress ever in his life. And peace reigns now in

the minds of his parents who know there is a place for Paul in this world.

“I was Googling programs for autism and had never heard of Avondale,” Stacie said. “We toured and were impressed. We felt like the population was a lot like Paul.

The people who work there almost have a calling.” Paul Kandola, the new school principal, echoed that sentiment. “I have a special passion for students with disabilities,” he said. “I like to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

It gives me great satisfaction to help these students to reach their individual goals.”

His biggest challenge is hiring quality staff and keeping them on the job.

Paul Williamson will continue working on his communication board (he has no speech) so that his frustration from being unable to express his wants and needs will ameliorate outbursts and repetitive behavior. He reads 500 words using an iPad program called ProLoQuo. Now on the weekends when the family asks him what he wants to do, he points to “school” on the board.

“Until we found Avondale, we did not look beyond a year,” Stacie said.

Avondale adult program participants, left to right, Ian Smith, B.J. Johnson and Alex Whitcomb, proudly show their ribbons for completing a SIRE course, a therapeutic horseback program.

January - February 2019

| Mv |13

Left picture: School students celebrate and support Avondale House’s annual fun run to raise money for services at the facility for children and adults with autism. Right, Avondale students participate in a drumming activity

“Now when we look at the day habilitation and residential programs (for adults) it gives us peace to know that he is going to have a place.”

Avondale House started with a facility on Avondale Street. Its first program provided only respite and some residen-

tial care for five children. Later, a small school program began in a carriage house on the property. Today the school teaches 76 students with autism from school districts as far away as Wharton and Galveston. Children age six through high school receive intensive, highly individ-

ualized education. An adult day program teaches vocational and socialization skills.

As the demand grew, Avondale moved for more than 20 years to Central Presbyterian Church. In 2008, the non-profit built a $4 million, 33,000 square foot facility near Stella Link at 3737 O’Meara to handle evermore increasing demand.

It has also bought 3.5 acres of land adjacent to the facility and plans to add more classrooms, a pre-K program, a possible satellite school, and parent resource center. For adults, more group homes and an employment program are needed as many children age out of free education.

Steve Vetrano, CEO of Avondale, came to the job after 25 years at the American Red Cross. “What keeps me up at night,” he said, “is having to turn away families who require our specialized services.”

Friends of Avondale is currently holding a shoe drive for Funds2Org, an organization that teaches small business owners how to set up shop and sell goods.

Gently used shoes will go to Nicaragua and Haiti to be cleaned up and sold. For every 25 pairs, Avondale receives $10.

Drop off sites are at Avondale House; Episcopal High School; and St. John’s High School.

On April 8, 2019, Avondale House holds its annual fundraising luncheon at Bayou City Event Center featuring Ron Suskin, father of a son with autism and author of a book and Oscar-nominated documentary called Autism Animated.

For more information or tickets to the luncheon, please contact Sarah Beasley, Avondale House, 713-993-9544 or email: sarahb@avondalehouse.org.

Carole Keeney Harrington is a Houston writer and filmmaker and was one of the founders of Avondale House.

14 | Mv | March - April 2019

real estate focus BR IA RG

S • MEMORIAL C T H LO EIG Bellaire H SE • The City of Bellaire, also referred to as the -IN E “City of Homes”, has much to offer with its mostV residential in nature appeal, great public schools, • RO CitylyGovernment, local Police and Fire Departments and 2018

BELLA IRE •

Neil Silverman, a local neighbor for 25 years, with Bernstein Realty who lists and sells homes in Bellaire, welcomes the opportunity to be of service, please contact him for all of your real estate needs at 713.725.9750.

after 2000

73

1,453,245

$

# of SOLD

5

Avg. SOLD Price

1,056,800

$

T WES IAL OR EM M

numerous recreational amenities. From Bellaire’s beginnings # of Avg. Avg. in 1908, the city has grown from a sleepy little community to BUILT SOLD PRICE Sq.Ft. a city of over 6600 homes and over 18,000 in population. There are almost 20 Parks that offer an assortment of amenities and vary Before 1999 156 $658,630 2,739 in sizes, 1 Public Library, 4 Tennis Courts, Aquatics Center, Evergreen After Pool, Recreation Center with basketball and fitness room, multiple 2000 101 $1,249,392 4,745 baseball and softball fields. Construction continues to 2019 develop in the community! The City of Bellaire has re- Built # Active Listings Avg. List Price Avg. Sq.Ft. $ cently finished the construction of the Municipal Complex before 71 675,772 2,497 adding more than 55,000 square feet of flexible space in two 1999 # of SOLD Avg. SOLD Price Avg. Sq.Ft. SOLD $ 10 647,675 new buildings – the Police/ Municipal Courts Building and 2,860 the City Hall/Civic Center Building.

Built # Active Listings Avg. List Price Avg. Sq.Ft. 4,911

Avg. Sq.Ft. SOLD

4,982

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.

March - April 2019

| Mv |15

TANGLEWOOD • UP • S K PER OA R E KIR IV R BY • S •W E G ES A L L TU I V NI L A I

Melinda Gordon, a local neighbor, with Bernstein Realty who lists and sells homes in Briargrove, welcomes the opportunity to be of service, please contact her for all of your real estate needs at 713.256.9145.

M E M OR

16 | Mv | March - April 2019

miles west of The Galleria in Houston as far south as Westheimer as far north as Woodway just west of Fountainview, the north section boarders Tanglewood.

There are many wonderful local restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Briargrove Elementary is a highly ranked HISD school. The community has just over 900 homes total with a very strong HOA which provides a 24 hr. Security Patrol. Briargrove has a neighborhood playground 2019 with a pool which offers a swim team # Active Listings Built in the summer months. You can always before 9 find neighbors out front hanging in # of SOLD 1999 2 their Adirondack chairs!

2018

real estate focus

CE A L Briargrove P Y Briargrove IT is a wonderS R ful neighborhood E V conveniently located 2

Built after 2000

# Active Listings

10

# of SOLD

5

BUILT

Before 1999

45

After 2000

14

Avg. List Price

832,989

$

Avg. SOLD Price

931,485

$

Avg. PRICE $

Avg. Sq.Ft.

730,237 2,551

1,561,644 4,768

$

Avg. Sq.Ft.

2,860

Avg. Sq.Ft. SOLD

2,602

Avg. List Price

Avg. Sq.Ft.

Avg. SOLD Price

Avg. Sq.Ft. SOLD

1,559,285

$

Heights

Jim Olive Olive Photography Photography Jim

# of SOLD

0

4,596 0

The Heights, a diverse small town community “Inside the Loop” and in the heart of Houston, was developed in the 1890s as a result of electrification of street car lines. With electrification, real estate developers could expand farther from city centers, so a group of midwestern investors banded together to purchase Houston’s street car system to ensure its extension to the Heights. The area became the city’s first large, planned community and existed separate from Houston until it was annexed in 1918. The Heights has much to offer its residents, including one of Houston’s grandest boulevards, celebrated architecture ranging from Texas Victorians to turn-of-the-century bungalows, exemplary schools, acres of parks, miles of trails, countless restaurants, antique stores and offbeat boutiques. In recent years, the area has seen a renewed vitality and interest in preserving the historic fiber of the community; as a result, attracting new res-

idents and businesses. If you are thinking or have bought into the Heights you’ve made a wise decision. In fact, a recent CNN study ranked the Heights the #4 big city neighborhood in the country. Single family homes range from $300,000 to close to $2M with standard lot sizes up to 7,500 sf. The amount of single family sales for 2018 was 1300+ with an average price per sq.ft. of $250. Townhomes mostly exist on the outer boundaries of the Heights and range from the upper $200,000’s to $500,000. There are not as many townhomes/condos in the Heights with a total of 141 transactions and a price per sq.ft. of $182. Lots are becoming fewer and far between in the Heights with prices from $250,000-$1,500,000 depending on location and lot size with an average price around $64 a sq. ft. In 2018, 54 lots sold in the Heights area. There are also plenty of rental properties to choose from and those range from $850 for garage apartments to $6,500 for single-family homes.

Memorial Close In

With something this important, trust in your Realtor® is everything.

Amanda & Rich Anhorn | Greenwood King Properties Top Producer 2004-2018

By Shelly Porter Memorial Close-In is home to some of Houston’s most exclusive neighborhoods including Stablewood, Bayou Woods, Pine Wood Estates and Sherwood Forest. This area has amazing proximity to Memorial Park, Downtown and the Galleria, and is surrounded with restaurants, entertainment, access to outdoor activities and shopping. Additionally, many of the neighborhoods are zoned to the Spring Branch school district, making it a highly sought after location. In addition to the neighborhoods that boast an average lot size of over 20,000 square feet, the area also includes access to several luxury high rise buildings and patio home communities. MLS records show 11 single family homes sold in the last 6 months at an average sales price of $2,267,091 and a record sale of $4,712,500.

As a Native Houstonian and having raised her family in Memorial, Shelly Porter understands the “big picture” of Houston’s real estate market and knows the Neighborhood!

Shelly has been a Top Producer at Heritage Texas Properties for five consecutive years. While she specializes in the luxury market, Shelly gives the same unparalleled quality of service regardless of price level and has a soft spot for helping young families and first-time home buyers. Shelly has earned a reputation for excellence among her peers and clientele, handling transactions with grace, friendliness, and expertise.

Shelly will be happy to assist you in all your Real Estate needs and can be reached at 713.446.2473 or sporter@heritagetexas.com.

“Serving Families in Memorial and Beyond”

real estate

Memorial Close-In

SHELLY PORTER A Proven Top Producer

Serving Families IN MEMORIAL AND BEYOND

5-STAR CLIENT RATING n CERTIFIED NEGOTIATION EXPERT ACCREDITED LUXURY HOME SPECIALIST

713.446.2473

sporter@heritagetexas.com shellyporter.com n

March - April 2019

| Mv | 17

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Memorial Villages Looking to live in the best neighborhood in Houston? Well, look no further than the Memorial Villages. There are six Memorial Villages-four located south of Interstate-10 (Hunters Creek, Piney Point, Bunker Hill and Hedwig) and two villages located north of Interstate-10 (Spring Valley and Hilshire Village) each with their own city managers but sharing police, fire and water services.

These Memorial Villages were first developed in the 1950’s and 1960’s as Houston grew and expanded with many of the original ranch style homes still occupied. There is everything from mid-century architecture to new and re-

cent construction. There is something for everyone with exceptional Spring Branch Independent Schools for all.

The Memorial Villages has maintained its original rural feel with large, heavily wooded lots and commercial properties surrounding the Villages.

Many streets have cul-de-sacs with few main travel arteries so most of the traffic in the Villages is local traffic.

The Memorial Villages has always been attractive not only as a wonderful place to live and raise a family, but also as an excellent place to invest in real estate. Many current residents grew up in Memorial and after college have returned to raise their families there!

Per HAR MLS, there were 114 single family sales in Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, Piney Point Village and Hunters Creek Village in 2018. The prices ranged from a low of $710,000 to a high of $5,200,000 with an average of $1,946,200 and an average price per square foot of $393/SF. There were 32 of the 114 homes built since 2000 (28% of the sales). In Spring Valley Village and

Hilshire Village there were 31 single family sales in 2018. The prices ranged from a low of $470,000 to a high of $1,982,500 with an average of $1,049,826 and an average price per square foot of $307/SF. There were 9 of the 31 homes built since 2000 (29% of the sales).

Written by Karen Robinson Harberg with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Phone: 713-558-3203 e-MAIL: Karen.

Harberg@SothebysHomes.com

Memorial West Memorial West encompasses a wide variety of neighborhoods that are located North of I-10. Some of the most popular neighborhoods inside the Beltway are Frostwood, Memorial Forest, Memorial Bend, Tealwood, Sandalwood and Fonn Villas. The area also extends outside the Beltway to Memorial Glen, Gaywood, Nottingham, Nottingham Forest, Wilchester and beyond. It is convenient to City Centre, Town and Country and Memorial City Mall and a short commute to

Spring into a

New Home!

BUNKER HILL VILLAGE | 316 Bunker Hill Road

BUNKER HILL VILLAGE | 12014 Tall Oaks Street

Off Bunker Hill road on a private drive with circular and gated drives, game room, media room with wet bar and 3 car garage.

Extensively renovated 2016-2018, on ± 51,955 sq. ft. lot with library, game and media rooms, pool, spa and putting green.

4-5 BEDROOMS | 4.5+ BATHS Offered at $2,145,000 MLS 2143433

6 BEDROOMS | 4.5+ BATHS Offered at $3,625,000 MLS 93319295

Karen Harberg REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Circle of Excellence, Hall of Fame

281.546.9444 karen.harberg@sothebyshomes.com karenharberg.com

KATY | 2715 Silverhorn Drive

TANGLEWOOD AREA | 111 Glynn Way Drive

Estate on 1+ acre with tennis court, putting green, pool with pool side sports bar/pavilion in Lakeforest of Kelliwood.

Located at the end of a cul-de-sac street with island kitchen, 2-story entry and living room and elevator installed.

7 BEDROOMS | 6.5+ BATHS Offered at $2,000,000 MLS 11228828

3 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHS Offered at $600,000 MLS 87359523

20 | Mv | March - April 2019

the Energy Corridor. Memorial West is also home to one of Houston’s largest parks, Terry Hershey Park.

Amy Bernstein, a local neighbor, with Bernstein Realty is a top producing real estate agent who has listed and sold homes in the Memorial West area for more than 30 years. Bernstein Realty welcomes the opportunity to be of service, please contact us for all your real estate needs at 713.932.1032.

2019

Built before 1999 Avg. List Price

# Active Listings

783,731

174

$

Avg. Sq.Ft.

3,196

Avg. SOLD Price Avg. Sq.Ft. SOLD

# of SOLD

559,526

17

2,417

$

Built after 2000 # Active Listings

40

# of SOLD

2018

2

Avg. List Price

1,640,202

$

Avg. Sq.Ft.

4,894

Avg. SOLD Price Avg. Sq.Ft. SOLD

1,355,000

$

BUILT

# of SOLD

Before 1999

411

After 2000

46

5,026

Avg. PRICE

Avg. Sq.Ft.

636,619 2,739

$

1,406,229 4,728

$

River Oaks

River Oaks is undisputedly Houston’s premier subdivision. With a buy-in price of $1 million and previous non-MLS sales in excess of $30 million, this genteel neighborhood is home to many of Houston’s wealthiest families.

Established in the 1920s by Houston’s famous Hogg family and anchored by the exclusive River Oaks Country Club, the River Oaks subdivision of roughly 1,300 homes was primarily built out in the 1920s and 1930s. Most of these homes were designed and built by renowned architects and builders, and have been preserved over the years by consecutive owners.

The River Oaks Area would also include the subdivisions of Tall Timbers (acreage lots west of Willowick), Homewood (acreage lots on Lazy Ln), Royden Oaks (~10,000 SF lots west of River Oaks), Oak Estates just west of that, Avalon Place (~10,000 SF lots east of River Oaks), and Glendower Court (<6,000 SF lots east of Avalon Place). These deed restricted subdivisions are served well by

the high end retail shops and fine restaurants in Upper Kirby, the River Oaks Shopping Center and Highland Village.

Many of the highest priced homes are not listed in MLS, but according to HARMLS, there were 62 sales of single family homes in the River Oaks Area in 2018, with a low of $970,000, a high of $7,300,000 and an average of $2,969,000 ($556/SF – 12% higher than 2017, but 2017 was 9% lower than 2016).

There are also 5 luxury hirise condominium towers in the River Oaks Area, including The Huntingdon, The Willowick, Inwood Manor, Chateau Ten and the new Revere at River Oaks. Only 10 condos sold in the area in 2018, ranging $320,000 to $2,130,000 and averaging $796,000 ($399/SF – a 7.5% increase over the 30 units that sold in 2017 averaging $371/SF).

David Michael Young, Broker Associate John Daugherty, Realtors david@youngrealtyhouston.com | 713.320.6453

March - April 2019

| Mv | 21

Tanglewood

Tanglewood remains one of Houston’s most sought after and affluent neighborhoods. It is home to the Houston Country Club and the Tanglewood Road Promenade.

The Tanglewood subdivision is surrounded with restaurants, education opportunities, entertainment venues, shopping and more. See below for more information on the surrounding resources for the Tanglewood subdivision.

Tanglewood Real Estate Overview: • Currently there are 51 homes for sale in Tanglewood.

• The average price of the homes for sale in Tanglewood is $ 3,247,470.

• The average square feet of the homes in Tanglewood is 5,125 sqft.

• There are currently 8 homes for lease in Tanglewood subdivision.

• The average rent in Tanglewood is $ 11,406 at an average price of 2 per square foot.

Tanglewood has 1,203 single family properties with 5,125 Median Square Feet. The median year built is 1978. The home values ranges between $980 - $3280 K and you can view the square feed price change data since 1998. The median sold price/sqft is $362.46 while the median appraised value is $ 361.45/ sqft.

Upper Kirby

In 17 years as an Upper Kirby resident, I have seen the Upper Kirby District transform from a deteriorated central area that wasn’t sure if it was part of Montrose or River Oaks, to the hottest zip code in Houston (77098) with its own identity, marked

by Olde English style red telephone booths. Where there were once gas stations, old retail strip centers and open land, there are now some of Houston’s finest shops, restaurants, bars and residences. Power lines have been buried under ground, larger storm drainage pipes have been installed, modern durable pavement has been laid in place of asphalt and walkable sidewalks with lighting now line Kirby and Westheimer.

The new defining characteristic of Upper Kirby is the mixed-use developments along Kirby Drive that are anchored by luxury hi-rise apartments including Arrive River Oaks (formerly West Ave) and the Kirby Collection. In addition to those, we have premier hi-rise condo towers at 2727 Kirby, the new Giorgetti and the venerable Regency House. Walkability, convenience and luxury are the words that I would use to describe my neighborhood. Learn more about the area www. upperkirbydistrict.org.

Residential real estate in Upper Kirby includes a combination of homes from the 1920s and 1930s, townhomes and

For more than 30 years Mariana Saldana, broker & CEO of Uptown Real Estate Group, has served Houston’s most affluent neighborhoods, specializing in Luxury High Rises and Residences in Tanglewood, the Galleria and Uptown area.

SO

Please contact us to schedule an

LD

appointment and we will be happy to assist you in all your real estate needs.

5401 DOLIVER DR.

THE WILSHIRE, PENTHOUSE #1601

ARABELLA - READY TO MOVE INTO

5370 LYNBROOK DR.

With more than 1,203 single family properties, exceptional location, schools, and retail services (within close range to The Galleria Shopping Center) Tanglewood is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Houston.

UPTOWN REAL ESTATE GROUP, INC. 5065 Westheimer Rd. Suite 640 | Houston, TX 77056 Office: (713) 629-7771 | Mobile: (832) 338-4040 mariana@uptownhouston.com www.uptownrealestategroup.com

22 | Mv | March - April 2019

MARIANA SALDAÑA BROKER & CEO

patio homes from the 1980s onward, and condo towers. Here are the sales summaries for 2018: Single Family – 81 sold ranging $500,000 to $2,400,000 | average - $1,000,000 ($321/SF – up 6% from 2017) Townhomes – 20 sold ranging $320,000 to $965,000 | average - $526,000 ($213/SF – down 3.6% from 2017).

Hi-rise Condos – 27 sold ranging $235,000 to $2,850,000 | average - $751,000 ($347/SF – up 6% from 2017) David Michael Young, Broker Associate, John Daugherty, Realtors david@youngrealtyhouston.com | 713.320.6453

West University Place

West University’s tree-lined streets and a green enclave within the urban city makes it one of Houston’s most desirable neighborhoods to newcomers and residents alike. West University Place, famed in part for its intense Little League baseball scene, was named the best city to live in all of America, according to 24/7 Wall Street’s new rankings and USA Today.

A few of West U’s many virtues include the strong Parks and Recreation Board which offers nine neighborhood parks, outstanding facilities and programs to fit all stages of life. City services from trash and recycling collection to well-maintained infrastructure help West U residents enjoy a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city just a few miles away. Yet with all of its small-town charm, West University Place is close to the center of everything.

The current real estate market is definitely reaching new heights!

New construction starts at $1,500,000 to as high as $5,500,000 based on location, house and lot size. The market conditions in the $1M to $2.5M point to a seller’s market – much more demand than supply. The land values are between $120 to $150 a square foot depending on location, size, and shape of the lot.

All signs are pointing towards continued growth in the coming year for West University Place. Given the low levels of inventory, we expect home prices to rise this following year.

Single Family: 261 homes sold in 2018, ranging $410,000 to $5,850,000 and averaging $1,484,000 ($404/SF) Townhomes: 6 townhomes sold in 2018, ranging from $500,000 to $770,000 averaging $591,000 ($221/SF)

Kasteena Parikh has been a Top Producer every year since 2006 and was named by the Houston Business Journal as one of the Top 25 Residential Real Estate agents in Luxury.

713 581 0677 | kparikh@kw.com www.kasteena.com

Written by Kasteena Parikh with Keller Williams Metropolitan 713.581.0677 | kparikh@kw.com.

March - April 2019

| Mv | 23

H J O

By The Hon. Philip Berquist Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas

Music

HOUSTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA M

usic has long been my passion. I recall the first time be able to play at that level. Throughout when I was 12 years old when I first heard the music the 1970’s I was fortunate to hear the of Stan Kenton. I recall feeling somewhat “intoxi- Kenton band many times, in Michigan, cated” with the sound. I had never heard anything like it. The in Frankfurt, Germany and at the old screaming trumpets, the always solid trombone section, always “La Bastille,” a long-gone jazz joint on anchored by two bass trombones. The reeds section was also Franklin Street. It was in a basement, a unique, with, as Kenton did with the trombones, two baritone real dump, underneath the Mel Trotter saxes solidifying the section and he never featured a clarinet. Mission, with a stage so small that the Kenton also later added a conga drum, to give a beautiful latin five Kenton trumpet players could only texture. Then, in extreme contrast, Kenton could play a sub- stand! Somehow five people were sitting tle piano, with muted a tables clearly designed for two. There accompaniment. As a would usually be two lines competing for rather average alto and space on the sidewalk, one line to get in to baritone saxophone hear music and the other of poor downplayer, all I could do on-their luck men seeking refuge at the was just imagine what mission. a thrill it would be to Besides Kenton, I also was fortunate to be able to hear and meet The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Buddy Rich, Benny Goodman, Bill Chase, Dizzy Galespie, and the legendary Maynard Ferguson. Even the Four Freshmen. (I know, four singers, but they were also great jazz musicians and they were discovered

by Kenton. Their tight and complex harmonies were such that they sounded like eight to ten singers.) I own more Kenton and Duke Ellington recordings than any other performers. Suffice it to say that I own virtually every Kenton recording and have nearly a hundred of the Duke!

What do the above legends all have in common? Well, they are all dead. With their passing the ability to hear such great music had gone the same way that these giants did. “Ghost” bands, such as the Count Basie Band, continued for a while, but Kenton and Ellington considered it better to have their contribution end with their deaths. Until the last few years it was virtually impossible to hear a big band locally and then I became acquainted with a local group of musicians who perform regularly here in Houston.

I introduce to you the “Houston Jazz Orchestra.” Although founded in 1989, they have had a renaissance for the past few years and are now the “Band in Residence” playing one Monday night a month at the House of Blues.

So who are these players you ask?

Well, they are all professional musicians who have made Houston their home. I have known several of them for many years. Drummer Joel Fulghum and I go back some 25 years, and 22 years for trombonist Thomas Hulten. While I do not know him personally, I have been listening to tenor Warren Sneed, Head of Jazz Studies at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts for well over 40 years. The trumpet section includes the heads of the jazz departments at TSU and Sam Houston State University. Trumpet player Dennis Dotson played with the bands of Buddy Rich and Woody Herman. Lead trombonist Jim McLaughlin played with my personal favorite former Kenton trombonist, Archie LeCoque, for many years and many other jazz greats in Las Vegas. I apologize that space does not permit me to list the resumes of all of the players but I must mention their names • Saxophones - Johnny Gonzales, David Caceres (also sings), Sneed, Brian Perez and Martin Langford.

• Trombones - McLaughlin, Hulten, Aric Schneller and Rick Reeves.

• Trumpets - Robby Yarber, Brian Fischer, Dotson, Mike Harris and Tim Gates.

• Piano - Pamela York, guitar Greg Petito, bass Anthony Sapp and drummer, Fulghum.

The Mission Statement of the HJO, says it all - “To present and promote the appreciation of large ensemble jazz through live performance, recording, and educational outreach.” The group is well known for hosting and participating in jazz clinics for young area musicians who would have no other opportunity to hear this great music in person were it not for the Houston Jazz Orchestra. https://www.houstonjazzorchestra. org/ is the organization’s thorough website. There you will find their performance calendar, bios on the players and much more. There is no cover charge at their monthly venue, the House of Blues.

The big band greats, the legends, are long gone, but their music lives on through the dedicated musicians of the Houston Jazz Orchestra.

WE ’RE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS. W E J U S T H A P P E N TO B E A B A N K .

Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for.

Now, how can we help you today?

Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.

MEMBER FDIC

March - April 2019

| Mv | 25

Q:Your offseason was relatively quiet with the exception of the signing of free agent Michael Brantley. Can you tell us about your off-season strategy?

Jeff Luhnow: Quiet is a relative term, and from my perspective we were quite active when you consider the vast majority of our team is returning and we won 103 games and our division last year. We made five significant transactions this off-season that put our club in a strong position for 2019 and beyond.

The first one was the trade for Aledmys Diaz.

This young infielder was an All-Star player for the Cardinals a few years ago and can play multiple positions including a good shortstop, which gives AJ some flexibility to rest some of our core players. He is a good offensive player who will strengthen the bottom of our lineup and he is early in his career so he will be with us for years to come.

The second move was the free agent signing of Robinson Chirinos. Robinson has been one of the most productive offensive catchers in MLB over the past few seasons, and as a right handed hitter he should launch some balls into the Crawford Boxes this year. He is an experienced receiver with a strong arm that should benefit from the Astros pitching staff and our coaching staffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to help catchers improve defensively. He and Stassi will share the catching duties and we expect above average production both offensively and defensively from that position.

The third move was to sign one of the top free agents available this year on a short term, two year deal. Michael Brantley has battled injuries in his career so far but when healthy has been an elite outfielder with a very productive offensive approach. He is a contact left handed hitter who can also drive the ball, and he figured to fit somewhere in the top half of our order complimenting the core players who are returning.

We traded JD Davis to the Mets for three prospects we feel have high upside. We loved JD, but with our position players already at the big league level, he figured to be a long shot to make this team out of spring training and we were able to turn him into more future value for the organization.

The final big move was to sign Wade Miley to a one year deal. This provides us with a veteran presence in our rotation behind Verlander and Cole. He had a special year with Milwaukee last year and we especially like how he performed in the post season for the Brewers.

These moves together make us stronger on the field for sure. Off the field, all four Major League players we acquired have excellent reputations and we have already seen how easily they MV March -- April April 2019 2019 26 || M v || March

The Game

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Astros President of Baseball Operations and General Manager

Jeff Luhnow

are fitting in with this clubhouse and community.

Q: Many baseball experts believe there is no more of an important everyday position player than the catcher. Do you agree and how do you rate your current catcher situation?

Luhnow: As mentioned earlier, we like our catching group. Besides having Chirinos and Stassi (both of whom have the potential to produce offensively at a high level for the back of our lineup), we have Garrett Stubbs on the roster now.

Stubbs has the potential to be an everyday catcher at the Major League level with above average catching skills and strong offensive production. Between the three of these receivers and others in our system who could be added to our roster during the season, we anticipate having well above average catching production offensively and a solid defensive group that will help our pitchers be their best.

Q: What do you look for during spring training?

Luhnow: Health first and then preparation second. A healthy Astros roster will mean a very good shot at capturing our third straight division title in the AL West. We balance keeping players healthy with preparing them for the mental and physical grind of the long season ahead. We also give players a chance to show us their skills in an attempt to make the team. There are not many open spots, but there will be strong competition for the final spots in the bullpen, rotation and among the position players for playing time. Spring training performance doesn’t correlate very well with season performance so we are careful not to read too much into it, but we do look at how the player is achieving results and whether or not we believe that will work in Houston.

Q: After winning a club record 103 games in 2018 how do you think this current roster compares against last years club?

Luhnow: I loved last year’s team and we had great success. Perhaps I am the eternal optimist, but I believe we are better this year. Why? Because our core position players will hopefully be playing at 100%, which was not the case down the stretch last year. I expect some of our players who had down years last year will bounce back to prior levels and the young players will continue to get better. Our goal right now

is to win the division and I think we can do that with the players we have.

Q: Who are some of the non-household names on the Astros that may have a big impact in the future?

Luhnow: There are many… starting with Framber Valdez, Josh James, Cionel Perez and Miles Straw who all debuted last year and none of them were or are household names. Kyle Tucker and Forrest Whitley are well known in the prospect following community and both figure to have a big impact in the future…

as well as Corbin Martin, Yordan Alvarez, JB Bukauskas, Abraham Toro, and Ronnie Dawson… just to name a few that are in big league camp right now.

Q: What do you think we can expect out of the big guns Springer, Altuve, Correa, and Bregman?

Luhnow: Easy… I expect those four players to be healthy and play up to their potential. All four can be MVP candidates this year. If they are all healthy, watch out… we will be a great team again this year!

March - April 2019

| Mv | 27

Financial Focus

The Good & Bad News on College Funding

A

uthor Jarod Kintz remarked on the high cost of college: “I wouldn’t advise making a four-year commitment to eventually land an $8.00/hour job. Skip college. Read Wikipedia for free instead.”

by Jessica Bannitt, CPA, CFP® Wealth Advisor, Linscomb & Williams

28 | Mv | March - April 2019

Most of the clients we’ve worked with in our 48-year history would disagree with his conclusion but probably understand his point. Most families eventually gain some personal experience with the price tag of higher education costs and may even still be retiring debt for higher education expenses incurred in the past.

If you are fortunate enough to be past this point, you may now be thinking about college funding for your children or grandchildren.

The bad news? Quality college education is not getting cheaper. In fact, the cost of higher education is generally escalating faster than inflation.

The good news? Advance preparation for funding a child’s or grandchild’s education expenses can make a major difference.

In the current tax environment, we have two basic tools in Texas that anticipate these financial goals, though we often find families are unsure about their options and the pros and cons of each.

They really want to know, “What is right for our situation?”

A quick refresher on the two available tools: • 529 College Savings Plans (529 Plans) are much like a 401(k) plan without the upfront tax deferral. Instead of saving for retirement, money accumulates tax-deferred for future education costs.

You contribute money in a lump-sum or periodically. It is invested in various investment vehicles like mutual funds.

Hopefully, it grows in value. When the student named as the beneficiary reaches college, money is withdrawn to pay for

qualified education expenses (books, tuition, room & board, and fees). As long as funds are used for qualified expenses, no income tax is due on the gain in value.

• Texas Tuition Promise Fund® (TTPF) is a prepaid tuition arrangement. You pay money to a fund managed by the State of Texas today and receive what amounts to a “coupon”.

Later, that coupon can be “redeemed” at various state-supported universities to pay for tuition and required fees, but not text books or room & board. The advantage of purchasing the “coupon” today is to protect yourself or your student from the rising cost of tuition and fees in future years. There are three variations of “coupons” that you can purchase – the least expensive providing guaranteed tuition and fees for two-year community colleges, and the most expensive designed to cover state universities which tend to cost the most.

What is best for a family depends on their situation.

1. The 529 Plans are the more flexible of the two arrangements. They can cover the costs of virtually any institution of higher education – in Texas, out of state, public, or private.

The TTPF, while offering an option for the cost of tuition and fees at non-Texas universities and private schools, is significant“AT DUSK” BY JULIO C. GARCIA ly more restricted.

2. The TTPF provides a guaranteed outcome for your money. If your child or grandchild attends a state university in Texas, you have an assured contribution toward the cost of tuition and fees, regardless of their amount in the future. A 529 Plan may give you a better result from its investment returns, but that result is not guaranteed.

3. A 529 Plan, by itself, can form a single, total solution for future education costs. The TTPF, because it is limited to only tuition and fees, cannot truly be a total solution by itself.

4. Both arrangements benefit under the tax code inproduced much by Art Colony Association Inc., benefiting Houston non-prof produced by Art Colony Association Inc., the same way if the money is used as intended. In both cases, benefiting Houston non-profits if the accumulated funds are not used as intended, there will be some income reported on your tax return and some penalty tax will apply. However, neither approach enjoys any particular tax MARCH 29 - 31, 2019 advantage over the other, given the present rules.

10AM - 6PM My colleague, Phillip Hamman, CFA, CFP® heads our Wealth Planning Committee which is a group of multi-disciplined professionals including lawyers and CPAs that strive 19 DISCIPLINES OF ART to define our “best practice” disciplines for advice in this area.

300 ARTISTS Phillip commented after our last review, “In practice, we find MUSIC that most families favor the 529 College Savings Plans as a FOOD TRUCKS means of funding future educational expenses. Often, the CHILDREN’S CREATIVE ZONE flexibility with regard to where the money may be used and the fact that it can cover the full range of educational costs is the deciding factor. However, every situation is different and a good plan calls for thoughtful consideration to each family’s situation and needs. It’s highly personal and one size does not $12 Online - $15 at the Gate fit all.”

TICKETS

Jessica Banitt, CPA, CFP® is a Wealth Advisor with Linscomb & Williams, a Houston-based wealth management firm established in 1971.

www.bayoucityartfestival.com #HouArtFest • #BayouCityArtFest March - April 2019

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PARK LOVERS’ BALL

The Friends of West University Place Parks Fund, Inc. Executive Director Donna LaMond and Chair Sami Morrison joined neighbors and friends for La Fête du Jardin, “The Garden Party.” The 28th annual Park Lovers’ Ball was co-chaired by Jennifer and Scott Allison, Megan and Brian Cushing, Stephanie and Ryan Fleck and Caroline and Kevin Walter. The event honored loyal and generous Friends supporter Conway MacKenzie. The firm’s Houston Senior Managing Director John T. Young, Jr. has been instrumental in Friends fundraising. The Youngs were presented with a portrait of their family as an honoree gift and to say once again thank you for their support of Friends. Guests were also treated to the talents of artist Angela Fabbri, who painted live during the gala. The event was emceed by local talent Ilona Carson of ABC 13.

Underwriters and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event and who are listed on the Friends website, westuparks.org. The Friends of West University Place Parks Fund, Inc. is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds for the renovation, expansion, development and improvement of parks and green spaces in the neighborhood parks of the City of West University Place.

By Lindsay Mowad Peter and Caroline Billipp and Collin Bray Andrea and John Young and Donna LaMond

Arvia and Jason Few

Carole Horton, Joanne Houck and Kristin Luby

Margaret Alkek Williams and Trini Mendenhall Anne Carl, Alicia Smith and Kim Moody

Michele Marandi, Kim Eads, Emily Yardley and Jessie Cutler Matthew and Lacey Goossen

Sarah and Kenny Benitez and Amanda and Stephen Olson

Chad and Cara Michael

Carole and John Horton

Ilona Carson and Jeff Colasanto

Christi and John Young

Beverly and James Postl

Guests dance theCo-Chairs: night awayJennifer and Scott Allison, Stephanie and Ryan Fleck, Park Lovers’ Ball 2019 Caroline and Kevin Walter, and Megan and Brian Cushing

Gina Gaston Elie and Warner Roberts

Jane-Page Crump, Susan Arnoldy Hansen and Carolyn Faulk Alan Helfman, Renee Helfman, Fran Fauntleroy and Ray Fiveash

The Social Book’s Jeff Henry, Warner Roberts (creator of Houston Treasures), Scott Evans and Sami Shbeeb

Allison Smith and Kara Smith Dee Dee Robinson, Connie Wright and Tami Owen, Underwriting Chairs

Ellie Wright Graham, Leighton Duke and Taylor Duke Deutsch

THE SOCIAL BOOK 2019 LAUNCH PARTY “A ROYAL SOCIAL” Celebrating the twenty-fourth anniversary edition of The Social Book at Westin Galleria Hotel, Monarch Room and Galleria Ballroom.

The Social Book, a comprehensive calendar of Houston fundraising events, unveiled the 2019 edition at its annual launch party. The Social Book‘s owners Scott Evans, Jeff Henry and Sami Shbeeb welcomed more than 600 guests to celebrate.

Let It Fly Events produced the magnificent floral stage backdrop and table linens for the beautifully appointed special event space with floor-to-ceiling windows on opposite walls offering spectacular sunset cityscape views. Arriving at the main event, the foyer was replete with golden décor including a metallic gold feature wall in geometric relief created by Stage Directions.

Richard Brown Music and his 10-piece orchestra played all evening and gave guests a vast array of musical styles to tempt dancing feet onto a dance floor emblazoned with the event logo: “A Royal Social.” Houston photographer Jeff Myers joined forces with Houston Jewelry to showcase their magnificent “Crown Jewels,” which owner Rex Solomon had re-created from the original British collection.

Johnnie Taylor (Event Chair), Champagne Diva and Libby Sims (Event Chair)

Photos by by Photos Priscilla Dickson Priscilla Dickson

HOUSTON TRI DELTA PRESENTS The SALE

Dr. Stuart Yudofsky & Dr. Beth Yudofsky

Claire Day and Martha White

Farbod Farrokhza and Stephanie Wilcox

Dr. Richard Gorlick, Dr. Zsila Sadighi and Dr. Branko Cuglievan

Elizabeth Henderson and Dini Dillworth Hoover

Houston Tri Delta presented the SALE benefitting the University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. Houston Tri Delta Philanthropies, Inc., the fundraising arm of the Houston Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter, presented the SALE at Bayou City Event Center. The annual event spotlights local vendors and sought-after merchandise offered at a deep discount. Proceeds from ticket sales, underwriting and donations benefit pediatric cancer research in Houston. Chairs Johnnie Skalla Taylor and Libby Scott Sims kicked off the weekend with a private pre-SALE Breakfast & Bubbly event for upper-level underwriters emceed by Nan Kelley, a Delta Delta Delta alumna and a longtime host of the Top 20 Countdown and Opry Live and regular on Discovery’s network. After a short video Kelley introduced three doctors, Dr. Richard Gorlick, Dr. Branko Cuglievan and Delta Delta Delta alumna and former pediatric cancer patient, Dr. Zsila Sadighi. The doctors spoke to their research and how the SALE impacts their mission to save lives here in Houston and beyond. Proceeds from this event funds pediatric cancer research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. The five year total donations from The Sale is now over 1 million.

Johnnie Taylor, Nan Kelley (Celebrity Emcee) and Libby Sims

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POST OAK: 713.626.3930

THE WOODLANDS 281.771.3980