july + august 2020
PRICE REDUCTION
Celebrating
We
welcome
Bernstein
35years
the opportunity to be of service
Serving Houston & Surrounding Areas since 1985 CLASSIC HOME
3330 Chevy Chase Drive River Oaks · $5,895,000 MLS# 18528365 | 713.932.1032
2154 Inwood
River Oaks · $2,985,000 MLS# 67320111 | 713.932.1032
HUGE LOT
NEW LISTING
3729 Underwood Street Braes Heights · $1,150,000 MLS# 46912064 | 713.932.1032
PRICE REDUCTION
13006 Indian Creek Rd. Memorial Glen · $1,365,000 MLS# 73854542 | 713.932.1032
MLS# 62987727 | 713.932.1032
26 E Shady Lane
Piney Point Estates · $975,000 Cathy Craig | 832.449.2320
CORNER LOT
201 Vanderpool Lane #65
1437 Alexander St.
Mark McNitt | 832.567.4357
MLS# 16212535 | 713.932.1032
Heights · $639,000
713.932.1032
1 Mott Lane
Piney Point Village · $2,750,000
SPACIOUS CORNER LOT
PRICE REDUCTION
Memorial West · $549,000
FOR SALE & LEASE
GORGEOUS
|
6007 Newcastle St.
Bellaire · $2,270,000 or $9,950/mo
Wayne Cohen | 832.259.8316
PRICE REDUCTION
618 Woodbend Lane Memorial West · $695,000 MLS# 72693588 | 713.932.1032
PRICE REDUCTION
5637 Kiam St. B
5555 Del Monte Dr. #402
Brian Winkler | 713.542.3890
Judy Levin | 713.204.8807
Cottage Grove · $425,000
St. James · $399,000
BernsteinRealty.com
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
BETTING ON THE WRONG TEAM… DOES YOUR WEALTH MANAGER HAVE THE RIGHT PLAYERS?
Chairman & CEO, J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®, discusses the importance of having a team of experienced individuals to offer client-centered advice with Wealth Advisor, Lantz Bowman, CFP®. WHAT DO YOU MEAN -- “THE RIGHT PLAYERS?” A recent industry survey of the top 50 independent broker-dealers highlighted the number of CFP® practitioners relative to the total licensed brokers (those selling products or giving advice) at these firms. The percentage was under 25% for most, far below our number at L&W (70%+). The majority of our advisors have multiple credentials, including CPA, JD, and other advanced designations.
WHAT WHAT ELSE SHOULD FAMILIES LOOK FOR BEYOND CREDENTIALS? Deep experience. Firms with less real-life experience tend to offer the “standard prescription” or template solutions when addressing client needs. Tried and true is great, but only the experience of living with the ultimate outcome of advice develops the perspective needed to create
client-centered solutions families have a right to expect. It is (borrowing the famous book title) “What They DON’T Teach You at Harvard Business School.”
IS IT HARD TO FIND EXPERIENCE OUT THERE? Unfortunately, many advisors with deep experience are within the big Wall Street banks, and conflicted by business models that involve the sale of investment products. They do not adhere 100% to the fiduciary legal standard of placing the client’s interest first. (Families should never compromise regarding 100% fiduciary compliance.) Even in fiduciary firms, experienced investment managers may try to broaden advice by hiring young CFP® practitioners, but the experience is nonetheless confined to investments.
PRESUMABLY, LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS IS DIFFERENT… We have all the important credentials, and 49 years certainly provides some experience! However, the key is a team, combining industry veterans with young and energetic talent. Imagine how the combination of professionals with different backgrounds and levels of experience can work together and re-define the client experience. For a family looking to re-define their wealth management experience, we are ready to have a no-cost, no-obligation exploratory conversation at our office in the Houston Galleria area.
For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
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dna 0202 yaM sdne gnicirp gninepo-erP !y rruH .tsaf gniog era semoh tnemtrapa 5020 Kelvin Dr. | Houston, TX 77005 | www.villagesouthampton.com
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Luxury Living for Seniors W
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htiw gniing viLtrying nabrtoUbuy eviGloria tcA • & liaBlake’s ter otland ytilinibthe akSouthlaw ampton Place pocket ofsWest tnarUniversity, uatser she liked what she heard about a luxury swefacility iv eniwith lyksgreat gnviews ikathand taeexcelrB • senior lent service. She gniliked niD itlasonmuch, oitpeincxfact, E • that she wanted to move in. ortsiB & egnuoL ykS • And that’s just what she and her husecGlenn, ivreS aeretired greicndentist, oC & did. telaThe V • band gorgeous saxfacility, eT ot The noiVillage tatropatsnSoutharT • ampton, recently opened and the Blakes eciR dna retneC lacideM moved in in early June. tcirwere tsiDthe gnsecond ippoh S egto almove liV dren grew up in,” Blake says. All three “We couple into the building,” she says. “And we love it. My husband is an Aggie so we have unit 1212 (because of the 12th man tradition at Texas A&M).” She also has great views of everything from NRG Stadium to The Galleria from their two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner unit with floor to ceiling windows. She also can look down on the school she’s owned for 51 years, the Southampton Montessori School. In fact, the luxury high rise sits on land that originally housed the elementary part of the school and its swimming pool. The school now just offers classes through pre-kindergarten and is housed nearby in an old white mansion with curated grounds and a brand new pool. “That’s actually the home my chil-
of her younger children attended school there, as well as all of her grandchildren. Before opening the school, Blake came to Houston from Louisiana at the age of 17 to model with the Ben Shaw agency and lived in both Sharpstown and Montrose before moving into the Southampton area fifty years ago. “We both love the area,” she says. “My husband and I can walk to the shops at Rice Village and to great restaurants.” The area is also just minutes away from the Museum District, Rice University, Hermann Park and the Texas Medical Center. As for The Village at Southampton, it offers independent living, assisted living and memory care units with high-end features including quartz countertops,
open floor plans and individual climate control. There are beautiful community rooms, a gym and an indoor swimming pool. Activities offered are many, including yoga, tai chi and Pilates as well as walking groups, book clubs, weekly movie nights, cooking classes, nightly card and board game nights, summer picnics and off-campus field trips to museums, shops and restaurants. Although, you may not want to eat off-campus. “The ninth floor has elegant dining rooms and a little bistro for coffee and snacks,” Blake says. “The gourmet chefs and servers are top knot.” All foods are prepared in-house daily from fresh ingredients and focus on healthy and delicious choices. “One of my very favorites are the white, lump-meat crab cakes,” she says. “No filler, just delicious crab meat! And they make a beautiful roast beef and the service is five-star.” While the Blakes also have a ranch outside of Giddings, Texas with a 6,000-square-foot house, they love living at the Village and they have no plans of leaving their beloved Southampton area. The Village at Southampton 5020 Kelvin Drive Houston, Texas 77005 281.886.8891 www.villagesouthampton.com
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/ July + August 2020
contents
Send comments, thoughts or ideas to intownmagazine@gmail.com
10
16
ON THE COVER 22
18
6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 10-13
STAY AND PLAY & NOT FAR AWAY
18-21
22-23
WANNA GET AWAY? TRAVEL BY AMTRACK FINANCIAL FOCUS
16-17 FOOD: TOUFIC ELSAADI’S JOURNEY 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
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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 2020 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown magazine.
6 | Mv | July + August 2020
10 Magnolia Woods Dr/Kingwood $3,500,000 MLS# 91653116
1010-F Nantucket Dr/Galleria Area $1,175,000 MLS# 20563680
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845 E Friar Tuck Ln/Sherwood Forest $1,999,000 MLS# 68603547
10902 Memorial Dr/Hunters Creek $1,995,000 MLS# 46885169
11406 Chartreuse Court/Royal Oaks CC $1,495,000 MLS# 23495530
2619 Newman St/Upper Kirby $839,000 MLS# 63293249
4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $809,900 MLS# 66254848
14510 Tivoli Dr/Terraces on Memorial $585,000 MLS# 66293976
803 Walkwood Cir/Memorial Thicket $485,000 MLS# 10567277
5718 Winsome Ln/Galleria Area $465,000 MLS# 3073589
4010 Childress St/West University $465,000 MLS# 7161863
Proven Performance – Year After Year Over 18 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.
David Michael Young
713-320-6453 david.young@elliman.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com 2001 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77061. 281.652.5588 © 2020 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
Publisher’s Letter
s a high school basketball player, our racially integrated team was aboard a bus arriving to play a game in Pulaski, Tennessee, where the town welcoming sign proclaimed, “Home to the original KKK.” A sign of pride in a public display of enmity. Was it possible for people to be that insensitive, or sensitive as it may be, to the color of one’s skin? That display no longer exists as the sign was turned around by a local group, which finally bolted it facing the wall, never to be seen again. Under the Christian doctrine of “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets,” we learn the vital lesson. Another verse from “the good book” says, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” also called The Golden Rule that most of us learned as early as kindergarten. It is one of the common denominators that connects most — if not all — faith communities. It is found in the Bible in Matthew 7:12 and proclaimed the “great principle of Judaism” as early as the second century. Placing credence in this doctrine can solve many of our problems, including racism and a pandemic. There is a sophisticated yet straightforward way out of the hatred that seems rampant today. It is to remember America’s great freedom, that all men are created equal. The Golden Rule is in our blood and the Declaration of Independence. Let us hope posterity can instill wisdom in a better way than the last. Hatred and animosity benefit no one in our society. Stop and listen. Wouldn’t it be nice to make this pandemic disappear so we can all return to our normal lives and the many things we took for granted? There may be only one way out of this pandemic, as we have seen in other countries; it may linger until there is a vaccine or treatment. It is not okay if someone stands two feet behind somebody else in the store when there is tape on the floor to show people where to stand. Keeping neighbors or family from getting COVID 19 is about not being selfish and doing the right thing. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to travel and hug friends and family again. In the meantime, we must remember the Golden Rule once again — what a good lesson. 8 | Mv | July + August 2020
Dan Monson
Mortgage Banker | NMLS# 302692
713.480.1061
dan.monson@sentemortgage.com
• VA Loans • Jumbo Loans • Fannie/Freddie Loan • EXPERTISE
• Construction Loans • Reverse Mortgages • Investor Loans
• EXPERIENCE
• INTEGRITY
This is not an offer to enter into an agreement or a commitment to lend. Application is required and is subject to underwriting and credit approval. Not all applicants are approved. Full documentation & property insurance required. TX * License #132111
10 Magnolia Woods Drive | Deer Ridge Estates
1010-F Nantucket | Galleria Area
Grand 12,708 SF estate on 3.85 acre lot in guard gated Deer Ridge Estates with guest house and pool house. Backyard playground features a large pool, secluded hot hub, many covered patios, 2 outdoor kitchens, fountains, fire pits, palapas and walking trail through the woods. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
Pristine 3 story home with elevator and grand spiral staircase in gated community. First floor master and study look out to the large landscaped patio. Second floor open living areas include gourmet island kitchen, formal dining, wine room and butler’s pantry. Third floor gameroom and 3 bedrooms plus balcony. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
List Price $3,500,000 | MLS #91653116
List Price $1,175,000 | MLS #20563680
114 Starlight | The Woodlands
407 Hickory Post Ln
Beautiful award-winning CA mission style home on large lot on a cul de sac- backing up to the preserve. Every detail upgraded in this custom Rueby home. Features include- beamed ceilings, arched doorways, custom light fixtures, gourmet kitchen, stone floors, granite & marble tops. Features a saltwater pool, & spa, full home generator, recently replaced AC units, a well, mosquito system, accent lights, & lavish gardens. Lisa Fay | Coldwell Banker Realty | 832-447-7718
Impeccably renovated with every detail in mind, this 4BR Nottingham Forest home is the perfect blend of Mid-century beauty and timeless design. Tucked away behind tall oaks and swaying palms is a lush private backyard oasis, on a desirable cul-de-sac street just steps to the Nottingham Forest Club. Michelle Hinton | Compass Real Estate | 832-795-2246
List Price $1,850,000 | MLS #78829913
List Price $$925,000 | MLS #79336503
STAY & PLAY
And Not Too Far Away
Jimmy Buffett’s 153 Promenade St. E | Lake Conroe List Price $1,795,000 | MLS #59569061
Fabulous Home in The Estates of Bentwater with 186 feet of water frontage & 196 feet on the signature hole of the highly acclaimed Weiskopt course No. 12.. Fantastic Lake views from every room. Remodeled in 2017. Two master bedrooms, an outside entertaining area with a large pool, new dock, lifts, and remote control boat cover. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
About The new location is known as Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe, and is now officially open. Margaritaville Holdings owns the property along with the Atlanta, Georgia-based Songy Highroads, and the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based The Wampold Cos. They have 16 branded hotels under the Margaritaville name with seven more openings soon, including a New York and Belize resort. The resort has 360 guest rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, tennis facilities, outdoor pools, and an ample outdoor meeting space. Grill. Location Just a little over an hour from Houston north of The Woodlands is the newly minted property from Jimmy Buffet’s newest resort. It was previously Del Lago and, more recently, La Torretta. Rooms There are a total of 360 guest rooms with two 55” flat screens. The Executive and Presidential Suites offer a larg-
265 Promenade St. E | Lake Conroe List Price $2,200,000 | MLS #81793985
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Lake Resort by Lake Conroe
Open water paradise in the exclusive Estates of Bentwater. Light & bright with water views from natural light throughout the home. Open concept chief 's kitchen comes with all stainless steel appliances and granite. Private balconies off four bedrooms. The outside living area has lush landscaping, vanishing edge pool/spa, and outdoor kitchen creates a resort-style living along with a covered boat dock and 4 jet ski lifts. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
CHUBB • PURE • AIG • CINCINNATI
Luxury Home Insurance . . . Discover the Difference!
LUXURY HOMES - VALUABLES - VEHICLES - UMBRELLA LIABILITY
CARRIE OUSLEY | 832.681.5020
10 | Mv | July + August 2020
HOUSTON HEIGHTS LISTING
2019 Cortlandt St.
Margaritaville
(MLS#: 55754646 )
$630,000
er space and views from the top of the resort. There also are Lake Cottages, which are standalone and can sleep your whole family. Food Start your day with a cup of Starbucks coffee at Joe Merchants Coffee & Provisions. The License to Chill Cafe & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Those not wanting to leave the pool can dine and sip at the Lone Palm Pool Bar. Last but not least, the Land Shark Bar and Grill has over 50 boat slips. Amenities The resort features an 18 hole golf course that is also open to the public. The course was redesigned in 2007 and consists of 18 holes, a driving range and practice putting green. The St. Somewhere Spa offers its signature message in addition to foot scrubs, back scrubs, and a deep tissue massage with CBD oils. The resort has up to 72,000 feet of event space 19, meeting rooms, and an exhibit hall for businesses. A spectacular Lake Conroe sunset
Just SOLD! CALL KELLY, for OTHER GREAT LISTINGS ! Travel down one of the most beautiful streets of Houston Heights to your new home at 2019 Cortlandt St. This home features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It has a beautifully landscaped front and back yard. It sits on a large lot and features great entertaining space. Original hardwood floors, recessed lighting in living room, a remodeled Master bathroom with double vanity, Granite counter tops, shower and large walk-in closet with builtin drawers. There is an added bonus of a nook. Highly desirable neighborhood and centrally located. Steps away from Halbert Park, shopping, dining, walking trails and so much more!
KELLY GUREVICH Expertise in Home Buying, Leasing and Selling
For an appointment, call 832-640-3550 kelly@rossdunnrealty.com
W W W.RO S S DU NNR EA LT Y.CO M July + August 2020
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Brenham Airbnb
About Sitting on the second floor of one of the oldest buildings in historic downtown Brenham is a quaint and cozy two-bedroom and two bathroom apartment. Enjoy a panoramic view of the town while relaxing in classic style. A few steps outside the front door have instant access to dining, shopping, bars, and the local arts & music scene in downtown Brenham. Location Only 70 miles northwest of Houston, Brenham is located in Washington County, known as the “Birthplace of Texas.” It contains the site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. in the town of Washington-on-the-Brazos. Rooms Large master and a small double bed plus pull out sleeps a total of six. The rooms have beautiful views with large windows in a very well maintained home built over 100 years ago. Food In addition to cheese and wine samplings, there is Cody’s Pit Stop for barbeque and Las Americas for Latin and Volare Italian.
12 | Mv | July + August 2020
Facade of Brenham Airbnb in downtown Brenham
Brenham winery
Airbnb living room
Amenities Located in the heart of Bluebonnet country. It also is home to Blue Bell ice cream. For a mini wine country tour, take a short drive to the Pleasant Hill Winery and Windy Hill Winery. It is worth the trip. Enjoy wine and cheese and some Texas wine. For shoppers, there is the Lavender Farm full of a variety of plants. Don’t miss the beer garden and a few homemade ales, beer or IPA’s at the Brazos Valley Brewery. Got to .https://www.airbnb.com/ brenham-tx/stays
Port A About Peachy Pelican, formally known as California Dreaming, is a meticulously decorated home with a private boardwalk over the dunes to the beach. The apartment can accommodate 12 guests and boasts an island-style interior with open living, dining, and kitchen combo, out the back door for morning coffee and swimming pool.
Peachy Pelican, Port A
The spacious open living area offers two couches with a flat screen TV. A dining table seats 6 with an additional two spots at the breakfast bar. The beautifully designed kitchen has granite counter-tops with stainless steel appliances. Just off the dining area is the relaxing sunroom with a twin daybed and twin trundle for additional sleeping. Port Aransas is on the northeast tip of Mustang Island with direct access to the Gulf. Golfers can enjoy the spectacular beachside Palmilla Golf Course. Inshore and offshore fishing is accessible by piers wading or boat rental or guide service. Location Located in a private community Royal Sands in historic Post Aransas, Texas. Head due south just 200 miles on Highway 59. Food Rollin’ Tide Boil Co. is known for their beach boils and bonfires, and bring their quality seafood right to you, on
the beach. Their philosophy is that you shouldn’t have to spend time in a crowded restaurant for good food, so they’ll bring it to you. Boils will include Jumbo Gulf Shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, smoked sausage, and even Adirondack chairs to get comfy around a bonfire. FinsLocated on the water the Fins Grill and Icehouse is the perfect spot to enjoy waterfront dining and offers a menu full of fresh seafood, burgers, and more. Amenities Free Golf Cart, Flat Screen TV’s, Shared Pool, Wifi, Ocean Views, Private Beach Walkover, Washer/Dryer, BBQ Grill, Towels & Linens, Private Balcony, Private Deck, and concierge service available. Property and photos provide by Silver Sand Vacation Rentals in Port Aransas- 361-749-2600. https://www.silversandsvacationrentals.com/port-aransas-rentals/ peachy-pelican
In these uncertain times, I’m here to guide you home. 7902 N Villa Court Hilshire Village 4 Bed | 3.1 Bath | $1.6M+
Alex Loyd 713.851.2521 alex.loyd@compass.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
July + August 2020
| Mv |13
T
Work, Live and Play
2906 at One Park Place Houston, TX One Park Place luxury unit available for short term lease. Tastefully decorated with all the amenities of home. Work and play or just relax in the heart of downtown Houston. Enjoy a resort-style pool with Discovery Green in your front yard. Dine in the Brasserie Du Parc French restaurant or shop at the award-winning Phoenicia Deli and Grocery both located on the ground floor. Other amenities include 24-hour concierge service, complimentary valet for residents and guests, a pet walking and grooming service and personal assistants are available. Fitness room, a club room, business center and live music and drink at the market bar. Contact Leasing Agent Joanne Naponic at 713-515-3805 to view this outstanding address.
PROPERTIES
Joanne Naponic | Broker/Owner
JoanneNaponicProperties.com | (713) 515-3805 | joannenaponic@gmail.com
FOR LEASE
$7,000 a month
he Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award recognizes the grace and generosity of a community leader or organization that has made a positive impact on the Greater Houston Area. Established in 1924, this year’s honoree, The Garden Club of Houston, has supported a plethora of Houston area green spaces, including The Garden at Houston Hospice, in addition to providing educational programs that promote the love of horticulture in children, teens, and adults. Houston Hospice is pleased to announce this year’s Spirit Award Dinner will be honoring The Garden Club of Houston. The 22nd annual celebration will be a hybrid event, live-streaming and in-person, and is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the River Oaks Country Club, 1600 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, Texas. “It is our privilege to honor The Garden Club of Houston for their dedication to our community,” said Cynthia Nordt, V.P. Development and External Affairs,
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 .
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MEMBER FDIC
14 | Mv | July + August 2020
Independence Heights
The Garden Club of Houston to Receive Houston Hospice Spirit Award Houston Hospice. “Through their civic leadership efforts and continuous commitment to diverse charitable causes, selecting The Garden Club of Houston as the 2020 Spirit Award recipient was a splendid choice.” This year’s featured speaker will be New York Times Bestselling Author and Breast Cancer Survivor Elin Hilderbrand. Previously scheduled for the Spring Butterfly Luncheon, the Johns Hopkins University and Iowa Writer’s Workshop graduate is best known as the “queen of beach reads” with 25 novels about Nantucket life and love to her name and one on the way. “Every life contains a novel,” she famously penned. “I certainly agree,” said Nordt. Elizabeth and Peter Wareing have graciously agreed to chair this year’s annual fundraiser. Elizabeth Blanton
Wareing is a longtime friend of Houston Hospice and serves as President of Scurlock Foundation. Elizabeth is also the daughter of Laura Lee Blanton, the namesake of the Spirit Award. Peter S. Wareing is Co-Founder and General Partner of Wareing, Athon & Company, a Houston-based private equity group. Together, the Wareings are an incredible team who helps elevate Houston to a world-class city. “We are so grateful to have the support of Elizabeth and Peter as Chairmen of the Spirit Award Dinner this year,” said Nordt. “With their support, we will be able to provide medical and emotional support to patients and families in need.” For more information, please visit www.houstonhospice.org/event/spirit-award-dinner/
July + August 2020
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Food
Elsaadi in his kitchen
Toufic Elsaadi Convenience Store
Toufic Elsaadi’s Journey From a Refugee Camp
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Greek Salad
Falafel Plate
Gyro Plate 16 | Mv | July + August 2020
By Virginia Billeaud Anderson
efore he split Lebanon, Toufic Elsaadi knew armored tanks and car bombings. His family’s epic began however in 1948 when Israeli aircraft bombarded his parent’s Galilean village of Saffuriyya north of Nazareth. Forced from their home and olive groves with only the possessions they could carry, they were herded into the Ain Al-Hilweh Palestinian Refugee camp in Lebanon. Traces of their Palestinian village life got bulldozed with “resettlement.” Nor was it fun to be born in Ain Al-Hilweh in 1962. Described as squalid and unsafe, the camp was a compound of dilapidated cinder block buildings built by the United Nations on the outskirts of the port city of Sidon. Elsaadi lived there with his parents and 12 siblings. Even with checkpoints and bullet holes, Lebanon had incredible beauty. The Mediterranean was blue, Roman antiquities glistened, bougainvillea covered balconies, and markets sold eggplant and pomegranates. Another thing Lebanon had was a hallowed tradition of life’s most precious moments revolving around the preparation and sharing of food. The custom in Mediterranean and
Middle Eastern countries of greeting strangers with food and drinks is rooted in this. Foodie Jane Kramer wrote that no one who has grown up in the Mediterranean Middle East can really live without the colors and textures and tastes of home. This fact is illustrated by the Mediterranean food Elsaadi serves at AL Quick Stop, his convenience store on Waugh Drive in Montrose neighborhood. You’ll smell the rotisserie Gyro when you walk past the cigarettes and toilet paper. That spit represents rich culinary history. Vertical grilling originated in Bursa in the 1800s, when Ottoman cooks tinkered with ancient kabobs. As vertical rotisserie spread from Turkey to Greece and Europe, it was called Gyro. We interrogated Elsaadi in his kitchen. Is there mint in the Kibbeh and Tabbouleh? How long do you marinade? Do you use Sumac? Coriander? He guarded his spice secrets, except to divulge turmeric. Onion, garlic and cilantro form a holy trinity. Essentially, his food is traditional Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. “All my ingredients are fresh, everything is cooked in the store when you order it. We want to make people happy.”
Toufic Elsaadi in Lebanon w parents and some siblings
to Montrose Neighborhood He prepared Falafel and Hummus for a catering client, and discussed his parents. His father owned a neighborhood market in the camp. It was called Dukanit Abu Shahadi, and was located on Souk Al Khudrah, which means produce row. “As a child, I watched how hard he worked to feed 13 kids. We always had food on the table, we were always taken care of. It sticks with you forever, how far you can get with hard work.” Equally influential, Elsaadi’s mother was a highly skilled cook. “She had a reputation in the community as a great cook. Her food brought joy to the family and the community. When you grow up without much, a simple meal with others can bring real joy.” In 1987 the Arabic speaker with insufficient English came to America “for a better life.” He worked a series of jobs, married Loubna, and in 1991 partnered with brothers to purchase AL Quick Stop. They named the store “AL” for the Arabic word “THE,” and operated 365 days a year. In 2007, Elsaadi became sole proprietor of AL. It was a year after Hezbollah and Israel hammered each other with missiles and strangled Lebanon. Mohammad Elsaadi stacked wine bottles on his father’s store shelf. At year end they will expand into a food space in the
Railway Heights Market on Washington Avenue, a new development with farmers’ market, and a beer garden. Mohammad was a mechanical engineer before he became the store’s manager in 2017. He initiated social media and internet food delivery. Things ramped up. Mohammad is also a real estate agent and owns a travel business. His brother Ali finished medical school in May, and started his residency. Omar is in high school. What does Mohammad think of his father’s work ethic? “It really impacted me to see how hard he worked to give us everything he didn’t have.” The camp fostered a sense of community. “In the refugee camp, we looked after one another as if we were family. AL Quick Stop feels that same connection to the neighborhood. Customers come for laundry detergent, or a Cheeseburger, we make them happy. We serve larger portions to please people. They leave with a smile, it’s a joy to see that.” After that, Elsaadi comped a woman her Stuffed Grape Leaves simply to make her happy. Moral of this tale: Food is sacred, take it seriously. Don’t whine, make something happen. “Not everyone is dealt a fair hand, it’s what you do with your life that matters.”
Hummus Supreme
Stuffed grape leaves for catering
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The “Sunset Limited”
Wanna Get Away? Traveling by Rail through West Texas May Be the Ticket By The Hon. Philip Berquist
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Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia for Texas
Berquist relaxing after dinner
y generation, the Boomers, saw the end of traditional rail travel. Yes, it still exists with AMTRAK, but aviation knocked the dickens out of rail. My first train trips were solo. At the age of 14 I returned from visiting my brother, Paul, and his family in Colorado Springs via the Burlington Northern. All the way to Chicago, where I switched stations to the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) to Grand Rapids. I did this the next year as well. In my senior year of high school, our class took the C&O to Washington, D.C. and back. That was the last regular train service that I took in the US. I should also mention that I spent one college summer as a “track man” laying and maintaining tracks for C&O in Grand Rapids. I maintain my battle scar, a painful back pain, to this day. I have taken advantage of rail travel many times in Europe - England, France, the Alps, even the Soviet Union and Russia (two different trips). Also through East Germany to get to and from West Berlin in the old days of the Cold War as. G.I. Now, I am taking AMTRAK, again to visit my brother, Paul, living in Tucson, Arizona. Why, well, why not? I have the time, and it takes a lot of time to get to Tucson from Houston and I wanted to experience the trip on the “extreme cheap.” One way to Tucson on the “Sunset Limited” which runs three times a week from New Orleans to Los Angeles. I am leaving on a Monday evening, hopefully at 6:55pm and arriving at 7:45pm the next night in Tucson. The fare is $125 for coach but as a Senior, my cost is reduced to $108. The same reduced fare is available for veterans. I will return on Southwest Airlines.
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The dining car
Sleeping compartment options are available, but they do not fit into my “extreme cheap” category. There is a limited menu in the dining car. I recall on the Burlington Northern there was a fully functional dining car with stewards, table clothes, china, etc. I do not expect my dining experience on the “Sunset Limited” to in any way resemble the Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint scene in North by Northwest.
“All Aboard!...”
I have heard that the scheduled times of arrivals and departures are “flexible.” I arrived AMTRAK Houston off Washington Avenue, just west of downtown, at 6:30pm. The “Sunset Limited” is already late, scheduled now to depart at 7:06pm instead of 6:55pm. Update at 6:45pm - 7:21pm departure. Looks like 15 minute delay every 15 minutes! Now 7:41pm. Train arrives at 7:15pm. I am
in the “caboose”, the last car, upstairs. I am assigned seat 1, window, right side. Actual departure is 7:31pm. I made my reservation a few weeks in advance, securing a “coach seat - upper” meaning the second floor of the car. You do not know where exactly you will be sitting, or sleeping if you get the sleeper, until immediately before boarding, on the platform, from the conductor who has an official list of what is available.
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US-Mexico border wall at El Paso
Being coach, The conductor, noting my height, said, “looks like you could use some extra leg room!” He put me in a “bulkhead” seat and he also never had anyone sit next to me the entire way. What a saint! AMTRAK coach seats are very large, probably the equivalent of a first class seat on an airplane. There are four reclining options, the last one to the 35 to 40 degrees, exactly as promised, and the foot rest extended continuously from the window to the aisle. So far this was much more comfort than I expected. The layout of the train, front to back, includes two engines, two sleeping cars, the dining car, the lounge car and the final coach. The sleeping cars consist of four options roomette, small with no private facilities, to bedrooms and bedroom suites, which have facilities. Following the sleeping cars is the dining car. It is located on the second deck. Many tables, nicely set with silverware(!)
and two stewards / waiters. On my journey they were Heather and CC, both friendly and conversational. On the lower deck of the dining car is the kitchen manned by a chef and a souschef. The food is actually pretty good, a little on the expensive side, but tasty and served by a very friendly staff. They offer a full breakfast, burgers for lunch and even a steak dinner at night. They ask passengers to make reservations as there are probably only some two dozen seats at a serving. If you are alone, you will not be eating alone, they fill the tables. Next comes the lounge car. On the upper deck are many seating options, all facing the windows directly or at an angle. There are also ceiling windows to enhance the view. On the lower deck is a snack bar, with soft drinks, chips, etc. and microwaveable delicacies such as nuked chicken parts (nuggets). I declined. You should too! Then comes my car. The top deck has many rows of two seats on either side of the aisle. On the lower level are a few more coach rows, and some roomettes as well as lavatories. Upon departing, I feel like the Sunset Limited achieved its highest speed in the immediate Houston area. I would estimate that the rest of the journey averaged no more than 50 mph. Schulenburg at 9:45pm, San Antonio at midnight. There we waited a couple of hours to hook up with the Texas Eagle from Chicago. Two cars were added at the back of our train and we departed at 2:45am. Del Rio - 7:00am, and a stop at Sanderson to take on passengers at 9:15am. Sanderson would seem an unlikely place to pick up passengers since, ac-
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cording to an announcement by the conductor, it is a nearly 2 hour drive to the nearest grocery store! We also stopped in Alpine and several travelers with back packs de-trained to hike in Big Bend National Park. We arrived in El Paso at 2:30pm and stopped for passengers for about a half hour. As the Sunset Limited crew had predicted, a woman, Juanita, “The Burrito Lady,” met the train and sold fabulous burritos for $2 each. What a treat! As we left El Paso the tracks were literally on the US/Mexico border and we saw several miles of a very imposing border wall built in the early 2000’s. An hour and a half later we are in the New Mexican “oasis”, Deming - that is one ugly town! Now the final run to Tucson. Unfortunately the Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle would now break down about 30 miles west of delightful Lada, New Mexico. An electrical problem. How did they solve the problem? Well, urban legend has it that is why they use two engines - the second one being the backup. Following the hour that it took to “repair” the electrical problem, we were again on our way. Another set back, however, as we had to go to a siding for over an hour and wait for a freight train to pass. We finally arrived in Tucson, some 5 hours late, about midnight. The Sunset Limited would proceed without me to Los Angeles. Things to consider if you are interested in the Sunset Limited - freight trains have priority over passenger trains so expect quite a few unscheduled stops on sidings waiting for
Alpine, Texas wall
the freighters to pass. I traveled in January and the train was about 60% occupied. While not being full was a plus, the fact that it was dark for long periods was a negative. Much of the daylight portion of the trip was foggy. Arriving so late in Tucson, it was impossible to see the mountains and the beautiful and unique saguaro cacti on the mountain sides. I would think that summer travel would allow more viewing options but I have been told that the train is packed with passengers. If you have no concerns about time and about NOT being on time, AMTRAK is a great option. Only one passenger (not me) was frustrated about the constant delays. Everyone else took the journey in stride and seemed to totally enjoy the Sunset Limited. Would I do it again? Yes, definitely, and I plan to go again, this time round trip!
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Allegiance Title Memorial Team
10497 Town and Country Way | Suite 120 | Houston, TX 77024 281.747.7850 | www.allegiancetitle.com July + August 2020
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Financial Focus
Where
E
verything in life has risks. For example, when you go to an interview, you risk not getting the job. When you ask someone on a date, you risk rejection. Exploring a new business venture brings the risk of failure. When it comes to investing, risk is not a “one size fits all”. Just because you may consider yourself a risk-taker, your financial future may not be an area where you want to gamble.
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The best way to find your true investment risk tolerance is to assess your situation, so let’s take a look at the types of risk tolerance and how they guide your decision-making process. First, what is risk tolerance? “Risk tolerance” represents the variability an investor is willing and able to take in their portfolio. The answer drives how you should invest. Your risk tolerance is highly personal and is likely influenced by several key inputs: • Age: When you’re young, you may be willing to shoulder more risk because you have more time to ride out any volatile market “waves”. Retirees may want to be more conservative. • Goals. Calculate how much you need to reach your financial goals. Then, find an investment strategy that has potential to produce the needed returns to attain the goal. • Timeline. How soon will you need your money? What could cause you to need it sooner than expected? • Comfort level. How does stock market volatility make you feel?
Do You Fall? Simplistically, risk tolerance can be: low, medium or high. Those with a low risk tolerance tend to have a conservative investment strategy. They shy away from stock market volatility and favor investments with predictable yields. An example of a conservative portfolio might be 20 percent stocks and 80 percent bonds. Historically speaking, you might expect an average return of around 6.1 percent, or a bit less than 3 percent after inflation. A $100,000 investment is worth $234,284 after 30 years in this portfolio. Investors with a medium risk tolerance may split their money into 50 percent large-company stock mutual funds and 50 percent bonds. Such a balanced portfolio historically has returned 8.2 percent, or about 5 percent after inflation. $100,000 would be worth $429,731 after 30 years. Finally, investors with a higher risk tolerance tend to be more aggressive and hopefully remain steady through inevitable swings in the market. An aggressive portfolio for this type of investor may be 80 percent stocks and 20 percent bonds, returning on average 9.4 percent, or about 6 percent after inflation. $100,000 in an aggressive portfolio would be worth $604,340 after 30 years. Important as well, though, is to determine what can change your risk tolerance. Merely walking through life can call for changes to investment philosophy
and risk tolerance for most of us. For example, marriage and combining finances can be tricky. You and your spouse may likely have different financial goals as a married couple than you did when you were single. Does one of you have a higher risk tolerance than the other? Do you plan to start a family or build a home? When buying a home, how you invest your down payment money depends on when you plan to buy. For a purchase in three years, you may need to be more conservative than you would if you were buying in ten years. Determining this timeline is the first step to figuring out your risk tolerance with those savings. When you have a baby, it may be important to increase your cash reserves, buy a bigger life insurance policy and start a college fund. Start with a discussion with your financial advisor surrounding what your goals are for your family. When your kids are grown, your income is likely at its highest, and your expenses may be lower than they were with children on the payroll. In this phase of life, focus on maxing out your retirement account contributions each year and saving as much as you can each month. Approaching retirement, around age 50-55, can be a good time to see if you’re on track for your retirement goals. If you’re way off the mark, consider what changes you need to make to get on track. Again, discussion around your objectives is the first step.
by Nick Ibanez, CFPÂŽ Wealth Advisor, Linscomb & Williams Linscomb & Williams is a Houstonbased wealth management firm established in 1971.
Linscomb & Williams is a Houstonbased wealth management firm established in 1971.
July + August 2020
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