10-13 ARTS & EVENTS CALENDAR

14-16 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS

17 THE BUZZ

18 INTOWN’S PERSONOF THE YEAR

19-23 INTOWN’S MOSTINFLUENTIAL

24-25 THE GAMEJIM CRANE & JEFF LUHNOW

26-27 RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATEREPORT

28-29 FINANCIAL FOCUS

30-31 THE BUZZ

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MIXED EMOTIONS

Ringing in the new year is usually a time for cautiousoptimism about next year or a let’s turn the page momentfor not wanting to remember the past year. I leave 2015 notknowing exactly whether to celebrate the year’s passing orlooking forward to what lies ahead.

With the downtrodden oil industry come cheaper fuel andenergy prices that help many people. Across the US andthroughout most of the world cheap gas is like an acrossthe board tax cut. But prices this low for an extendedperiod will make life more difficult in “the energy capital ofthe world.” So here’s to 70 dollars a barrel oil.

Our Astros made the playoffs for the first time in a decadeand by beating the mighty Yankees in this year’s playoffs,the future seems bright. Will succeeding with one of thelowest payrolls in baseball further convince Astros brassthat high priced free agents are not worthy.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Most of us of a certain age have some fond memories of the Astrodome. Whether you enjoyed the rodeo skyboxes or “Luv ya blue”it would be missed if torn down. However, in its current state, it is unsustainable. The Harris County commissioners must finallyovercome their dividedness and find out what it costs to demolish the place or remake into something else spectacular to rival whatwas once “ the eighth wonder of the world.”

With this New Year’s ball drop we will see our open carry law for Texans take effect. I wonder if this law will make us feel safer ornot. I’m sure by this time next year we will have some answers.

There were no mixed emotions on this year’s selection for our Most Influential Person of The Year, Dr. Jim Allison of MD AndersonCancer Center. Hopefully, 2016 will be a continuation by Allison and MD Anderson in advancing cancer treatments in hopes of oneday eradicating a horrible disease that affects so many lives.

M. A. Haines

Empty Astrodome lives on

Ron DePinho congratulating Jim Allison at awards ceremony

Original MD Anderson Clinic

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1600 S. Post Oak #1104 | Tanglewood areaList Price $770,000 | MLS # 66981084Exquisite London Floor Plan with breathtaking views of Downtown & Four Oaks Place.Huge Living & Dining areas with Open Spacious Kitchen featuring Stainless Miele'Appliances, Granite Countertops & Wine Chiller. Split Floorplan creates a wonderfuldistribution of rooms leading to 11th floor Balcony overlooking Post Oak Blvd &Downtown. Spa like Master Bath features air jet tub & gorgeous Custom Closets. Posh7th Floor Lobby.Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc.Phone: 713-629-7771

5164 Huckleberry | Tanglewood AreaList Price $2,099,000 | MLS# 37745846Located on quiet culdesac next to Uptown. 4 Bedrooms all with in suite bathrooms.$150,000 remodeling was done by former owner. Light wood floors throughout.Elevator goes to all three floors. heated pool, attached three car garage on a huge lot.Lots of light. Like new.Mariana Saldana | Uptown Real Estate Group, Inc.Phone: 713-629-7771

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52295 Qualls Rd | HempsteadList Price $785,000 | MLS# 2311462833-acre equestrian commercial/residential property with all new construction.Barnmaster barn w 16 stalls, radiant barrier insulation, AC, bathroom, vet room, tackroom, saddle wall, rotating tie ring, pasture feeders, and insemination/palpation chute.Two large porches. 3 bed, 2 bath home.130x70 arena and round pen. Property cleared,fenced & cross-fenced. New well & aerobic septic.Wendy Cline | Keller Williams MemorialPhone: 281-858-3451

34227 High Point Drive | MagnoliaList Price $1,000,000 | MLS# 6329074Equestrian estate with 100' X 150' covered arena with pad; 10 stall insulated Barnmasterbarn with 12' concrete alley; fenced & cross fenced. Custom home with interior Chicagobrick walls; library/office; kitchen w lg granite island w seating, brick alcove foroven/range, wine frig, gas & elec ovens. Huge master suite w dbl French doors open toterrace. Apt over 3 car gar w kit, game rm, bed & bath, balconyWendy Cline | Keller Williams MemorialPhone: 281-858-3451

James BrodnaxCLHMS ABR GRI CPA

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132 Waterford Way | BentwaterList Price $799,000 | MLS# 83346746Bentwater Waterfront Home with 180 degree open water views of Lake Conroe. is 4bedroom 3 ½ bath comes with an open floor plan for easy entertaining of family andfriends. Game/TV room upstairs with screened in balcony along with cra room. NewBulk Heading, deck & lush landscaping along with covered boat li & jet ski li withlights on steps & deck. Just waiting for you to come see.Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker United RealtorsPhone: 713-569-2113

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Introduction to Mindfulness MeditationBeginning January 19 through February 24Ann Friedman, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist who hasstudied and practiced mindfulness for nine years andholds a Certification in Mindfulness Facilitation fromthe Semel Institute of Neuroscience and BehavioralMedicine at UCLA, will facilitate classes to provides anintroduction to mindfulness, including how to developa practice and apply mindfulness to daily living.Classes concentrate on mindfulness exercises,including training our focus and attention, walkingmeditation, eating meditation, and using mindfulnessfor pain management. For more information on To MyPlate and Beyond,please visit www.thehealthmuseum.org.e Rothko Chapel's "Broken Obelisk"

stands in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. David Leslie, executive directorof the Chapel, explained that King's words are especially relevant today."His vision of peace and justice is just as meaningful today as it was in the1960s,” says Leslie.Leslie explained that the sculpture's placement in its current home came as aresult of the tenacity of the Rothko Chapel's founders. In 1967, a governmentprogram offered to help fund monumental works of contemporary art inpublic places but needed a matching grant from other sources. John and Dominique de Menil were approached, and the couple agreed tohelp underwrite the project on two conditions. First, the city needed topurchase Newman's "Broken Obelisk." e sculpture was designed in1963-64, fabricated in 1967 in an edition of three. e edition that thede Menils had their eyes on was first exhibited in front of the SeagramBuilding in New York City.e couple's second condition was that the statue would be dedicated toMartin Luther King Jr. e city, at the time, would not support thisrequirement -- it was too politically charged. While the de Menils lost thebattle, they could not bear to see the city lose the sculpture. ey decided tobuy it on their own and place it in front of the Rothko.Join the Rothko Chapel for a discussion and performance in honor of the lifeand legacy of Martin Luther King Jr."Still Dreaming: Black Lives Matter,Hip Hop and MLK's Legacy" is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, King'sbirthday. e celebration will continue Monday, Jan. 18 with an audioinstallation of speeches delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. at the chapel.Visit rothkochapel.org

Houston Arts Alliance’sFolklife & Traditional Artsprogram presents an exhibition/installation focusing on the Lunar NewYear. Unpacking the spectacle of this distinctive tradition, e LunarNew Year most popular in Houston is based on the Chinese calendarand is celebrated by nationalities with strong cultural ties to China. InHouston, that is mostly the Chinese and Vietnamese community. It isbased on a lunar cycle that falls between January 21 and February 20

on the Gregorian calendar. e installation will include objects, paper cutting, costumes, banners,calligraphy, instruments, audio and video to evoke the multisensory experience that is Lunar New Year. e entire event heralds new beginnings and expresses great relief in moving on from the travails of theold year. Crowds gather at temples and community events and the spirit of this complex cultural eventwill be evoked in a weeklong presentation at Midtown Arts & eater Center Houston (MATCH), 3400Main Street Houston, TX 77002. It will be open for public viewing from January 13 – 19, 2016. Welcomein the new year with a new attitude! All activities are free and open to the public.For more information,visit houstonartsalliance.com/folklife

THE HEALTH MUSEUMis hosting scores of events for kids and families, including scouting,mindfulness programs and the opening of a new traveling exhibit.

Ann Friedman, Ph.D.PHOTO: Courtesy of e Health Museum

TheHouston

EVENTSCALENDARfor more go towww.houstonintown.com

Commit To Be FitHeld every ursday during the year, the Free Family ursday series in January willconcentrate on a commitment to fitness, just in time to meet those New Year's resolutiongoals. Training experts promote different exercise methods and nutritional options. Patronswill have access to the Museum's interactive exhibits plus enjoy a little Zumba, boxinginstruction and more!

To MyPlate and Beyond Exhibit Starting January 16 through AugustReady for a new way to think about breakfast, lunch and dinner? To MyPlate and Beyondhelps you become an expert on the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthydiet: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. is 2,500-square-foot exhibit lets youexplore the world of healthy eating with guides Max and Munch, who take guests on a healthyfood adventure through this interactive learning tool. e healthy food journey includesinteractive games.

Boy Scout Merit Badge ClassesSaturdays and Sundays, January 9-10,16-17, 23-24, 31; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Sundays noon to 5 p.m.Attention troops! e Health Museum hostsboy scout merit badge classes each weekendstarting in January. Classes offeredthroughout the year include: Citizenship inthe Nation, Citizenship in the Community, Cooking, Environmental Science, PersonalFitness, Family Life, Emergency Preparedness, Medicine, First Aid, Dentistry,Communication, Citizenship of the World, Swimming, Lifesaving, and PersonalManagement. Registration is required at www.thehealthmuseum.org/boyscouts.

e Health Museum is located in the Museum District at 1515 Hermann Drive, 77004.For more information, please visit www.thehealthmuseum.org or call 713-521-1515.

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The Interview: Red, Red FutureOpens February 27 through June 5, 2016

Holocaust Museum Houston

“Photographs by Roman Vishniac:A Selection from the PermanentCollection of Holocaust MuseumHouston”Ongoing through January 24, 2016

“Sojourn in the Shadowlands”Ongoing through March 13, 2016

Menil Collection

Affecting Presence and the Pursuitof Delicious ExperiencesOngoing through November 8

Apparitions: Frottages andRubbings from 1860 to NowOngoing through January 3, 2016MicroCosmos / Details from theCarpenter Collection of Arctic ArtOngoing through February 21, 2016

The Secret of the Hanging Egg:Salvador DaliOngoing through June 19, 2016

The PrecariousOngoing through May 1, 2016

Janet Cardiff & George BuresMiller: The Infinity MachineOngoing through February 28, 2016

William N. Copley: The WorldAccording to CPLYOngoing

Houston Museum OfNatural Science

Special Exhibit La Virgen de Guadalupe: Empressof the AmericasOngoing through September 5

Out of The Amazon: Life on the RiverOngoing

The Chronophage ClockOngoing through December 31Spies, Traitors, Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom In AmericaOngoing through January 17

Wide Angle: The World ThroughMy EyesOngoing

Block PartyOngoing through August 7

La Virgen de Guadalupe: Empressof the AmericasOngoing through September 5

Museums

Asia Society Texas Center

Yeesookyung: ContemporaryKorean Sculpturerough March 27, 2016

Drawn from NatureOngoing rough February 21

Museum Of Fine Arts Houston

Pleasure and Piety: The Art ofJoachim Wtewael (1566-1638)Ongoing through January 31, 2016

Roman Vishniac RediscoveredOngoing through January 3, 2016

Mark Rothko: A RetrospectiveOngoing through January 24, 2016

Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections fromThe al-Sabah Collection, KuwaitOngoing through January 30, 2016

Olafur Eliasson: The CollectivityProjectOngoing through January 31, 2016

The Art of Joachim Wtewael(1566-1638) Opens November 1 - January 31, 2016

Contingent Beauty: ContemporaryArt from Latin AmericaOngoing through February 28, 2016

Vera Luther: Inverted WorldsOngoing through March 20, 2016

Deco Nights: Evenings in Jazz AgeOngoing through June 5, 2016

Sculpted in Steel: Art DecoAutomobiles and Motorcycles,1929-1940Opens February 21 through May 30, 2016

Contemporary ArtsMuseum Houston

Island Time: Galveston ArtistResidency - The First Four YearsOngoing through February 14, 2016

Jennie C. Jones: CompilationOngoing through March 27, 2016

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Sarah Rothenberg: TheMarcel Proust ProjectFebruary 11-12Wortham Center

Brentano Quartet: The Quartetas Autobiography atThe Menil CollectionFebruary 23

Houston Ballet

The Sleeping BeautyFebruary 25 through March 6

River Oaks ChamberOrchestra

Beer & Brass January 7St. Arnold Brewery

Music & Dance

Ars Lyrica

All In A Garden GreenFebruary 12Hobby Center For e Performing Arts

Da Camera

Montrose Trio featuring Houston-based pianist Jon Kimura ParkerJanuary 29Wortham Center

Grammy Award-winning jazzvocalist Gregory PorterFebruary 5Wortham Center

Concerts

Toyota CenterJanuary2-4 Passion 2016 8 WWE Live12 Madonna14 Tool23 Janet JacksonFebruary11-14 Toruk - The First Flight17 Barry Manilow19 Bellator 14920 Katt Williams26 AC/DC

Sports

Houston RocketsToyota CenterJanuary7 Utah10 Indiana13 Minnesota15 Cleveland20 Detroit22 Milwaukee24 Dallas30 WashingtonFebruary 2 Miami6 Portland

Peter & the WolfJanuary 17 e Houston Zoo

ROCO Brass Quintet @ MatchJanuary 22Midtown Arts & eater Center

ROCO Brass Quintet @ TWUMCJanuary 24e Woodlands United Methodist Church

ROCO presents “Matchmaking”February 13e Church of St. John the Divine

Unchambered: “Piano vs. Piano”February 28 Midtown Arts & eater Center

Shen Yunrough January 2Jones Hall

Da Camera Presents:Jazz Vocalist Gregory PorterFebruary 5

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Houston TexansReliant StadiumJanuary3 Jacksonville

Events & Shows

NRG ParkJanuary8-17 Houston InternationalBoat, Sport & Travel Show9 Monster Jam22 International Gem &Jewelry Show23 Houston Gun Collectors& Antiques Show27 - 31 Houston Auto Show30 Harlem GlobetrottersFebruary5 ERJCC Houston NationalInvitational Gymnastics5 Cheer Bowl & FreedomDance Nationals5 H-Town Blues Festival6 Houston Wedding Showcase9 Texas Technology Summit9 Nacac National College Fair10 Houston RV Show12 Texas Home & Garden Show12 TriStar Collectors Show

Live ThoroughbredHorse RacingJanuary 15 through March 8Sam Houston Race Park

Theater

A.D. PlayersBarefoot in The ParkOpens January 13 through February 7The Snow QueenOpens February 23 through March 12

Alley TheaterAll The Way January 29 through February 21

The Ensemble TheatreFencesJanuary 28 through February 28

Stages Repertory TheatreThe Book Of MaggieJanuary 20 through February 14

The Music Box TheaterCompanyYear In ReviewJanuary 2 through 30

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This past year was no different, with a glut ofgourmet establishments springing up likebluebonnets in springtime. Here then are someof our favorites that opened in 2015 rangingfrom Greek food to pizzas to seafood and moreand more seafood.

Sommelier Evan Turner finally realized hislongtime dream of opening a modern Greektaverna, and it was a hit. Helen Greek Foodand Wine, in a cozy Rice Village spot, marriesthe flavors of Greece with the abundant freshfish and produce from the Gulf Coast. The tightlycurated menu by chef William Wright sportsitems from vendors such as Black Hill Ranch andBlue Horizon Seafood. Specialties include agrilled, feta-brined chicken plated with crispylemon confit potatoes and wood-grilled octopuswith split peas. Do try the dolmades wrapped inlocal collard greens instead of grape leaves andsave room for the sweet Greek doughnuts witha side of honey dipping sauce. Turner himselfhas put together one of the finest Hellenic winelists in the country, and the staff can quicklyguide you through pairings.

by Marene Gustin

Best New Restaurants of 2015From Greek to Seafood

1 Bollo’s Woodfired Pizza

2 The State of Grace’s Oysters,

Lobster, Shrimp, Clams, Crab

by Julie Soefer

3 Hunky Dory’s Silver Salver

4 Bernadine’s Grilled Pompano

5 Foreign Correspondents’

Tam Tanlomai with

Magenta Rice & Wine

1 2

3

4

5

Restaurants are the cultural culinary lifeblood ofHouston, we have some of the finest in thecountry and there are more and more new andexciting ones every year.

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Foodies were sad when Ray Salti closed his Sorrel UrbanBistro last year but he opened Bollo Woodfired Pizza inthe Upper Kirby space. It’s a modern spot with high ceilingsand Italian murals. The open kitchen allows you to see theimported Neapolitan stone oven where the pizzas arebaked over wood at 800 degrees. Our favorite is the pestopollo topped with goat cheese, grilled chicken, walnutpesto, red onions and sundried tomatoes. But don’t stop atthe pizzas, there are larger plates of chicken Parmesan,thick pork chops with potatoes and a baked calzone. For alighter meal try the chopped Caesar salad with its tangyhousemade dressing along with the lobster ravioli — asweet and meaty treat swimming in white truffle buttertopped with shaved Parmesan. There’s a full bar and nicewine list to round out your meal and a locally made creamygelato for dessert.

The folks over at Treadsack (D&T Drive Inn andDownhouse) had a very busy year, opening three newconcepts in The Heights: Foreign Correspondents, HunkyDory and Bernadine’s. Foreign Correspondents was ahotly awaited opening, probably because of the reputationof chef P. J. Stoops, who made a name for himself as afishmonger promoting bycatch (trash fish) in tasty dishes.The new restaurant focuses on farm-to-table Northern andNortheastern Thai food. Think spicy blue crabs fromAnahuac, Texas, deep-fried then stir-fried with spicy currypaste and basil. Fish dishes and noodle dishes shine butthere are plenty of excellent vegetarian menu items thateven meat lovers can enjoy.

Hunky Dory also opened with a high profile chef: RichardKnight who rocked the Houston food scene with thesnout-to-tail Feast. Now he brings his talents to the British-American menu here. Start with a slab of divine foie graswith wine poached apple slices or the gulf snapper tartareand move on to Knight’s take on traditional fish and chipsor the kedgeree — smoked kippers with smoked rice and apoached egg. There’s also a pub menu that features awonderful dish of breaded pork fingers you dip in a spicyEnglish mustard sauce. Pair with an Indian pale ale or oneof the curated cocktails. The Sheep Dip may not sounddelicious but the concoction of Sheep Dip Islay whiskey,Drambuie, egg white and bitters is a thing of beauty.

Last but not at all least of the Treadsack openings isBernadine’s, which shares a building with Hunky Dory.Chef Graham Laborde has created a menu that reads like alove letter to Gulf Coast seafood. The I-10 Tower is a visionto behold: raw oysters, marinated blue crab claws, pickledshrimp, smoked fish dip and more. While the fresh seafoodis the star here, we can’t get over the smoked ribs withsorghum popcorn (yes, popcorn) and pickled Satsuma. Thisis a truly interesting menu paired with clever cocktailconcoctions and a nice wine list.

And, speaking of seafood, Clark Copper Concepts (Ibizaand Coppa Osteria among others) were also busy in 2015opening a seafood emporium, Saltair Seafood Kitchen inthe Upper Kirby space that once housed Pesce. The newinterior is very sleek and modern with a square central bar,

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Helen Greek Food and Winehelengreekfoodandwine.com

Bollo Woodfired Pizzabollohouston.com

Saltair Seafood Kitchensaltairhouston.com

State of Gracestateofgracetx.com

Foreign Correspondents, Hunky Dory & Bernadine’streadsack.com

private rooms and an enclosed patio space. Chef Brandi Keysources raw items from around the world, plates delicioussalads and vegetables along with a few meat eater pleasuresbut we come for the caviar. There is an appetizer of Frenchonion dip topped with caviar and served with housemadepotato chips you must try and for those with a fat wallet go forthe classic caviar service, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar and all theaccoutrements. Those little jet-black eggs pop in your mouthwith a palate pleasing taste and buttery finish.

And just when you thought Houston couldn’t have more fabulousseafood venues, there’s celebrity chef Ford Fry’s State of Grace.Fry went to high school at Lamar, across the street from his neweatery, but he made his name in Atlanta with several popularconcepts. To come home he chose a River Oaks strip center, takingup three storefronts, including the old dry cleaners, to create afashionable restaurant that has been packing them in. Chandeliersmingle with deer horns in the dining room, a long bar fronts awindow overlooking a stunning oak tree and patrons can reservethe chef’s table in the kitchen and watch the magic. Although it’salways nice to snag a seat in the raw bar with its bay windowoverlooking Westheimer Road. The menu is an eclectic homageto the foods he remembers, everything from Felix’s cheeseenchiladas to butter drench and salted milk rolls and twice-friedKorean chicken. There’s a big burger (of course) and a fancy andyummy bologna sandwich, beef and pork but we have a hard timegetting past the small plates. Try the Texas blue crab fingers ingarlic and the lobster hushpuppies with cane syrup butter. And,speaking of lobster, there’s a lobster roll and a half or whole chilledlobster on the half shell with a lemon mayonnaise that makes arefreshing dish. And do try the oysters on the half shell, the menuchanges daily based on what’s fresh but you can always find a GulfCoast bivalve and several from the Northwest and East coasts.

Whatever you have a hankering for, food wise, you can surelyfind it at these new restaurants. Bon appétit.

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While NASA may not have had any moon moments inawhile, the Moon Shoots Program developed at TheUniversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center isshining brightly thanks to this year’s 2015 Intown Personof the Year, Dr. Jim Allison. His most recent distinctioncoming in the form of a Lasker Award considered thenation’s highest honor for clinical research.

Dr. Allison’s research and discoveries in immuno-therapyand its subsequent effectiveness in treating cancerpatients has created a new paradigm in the race to curecancer. Despite Allison’s humbleness in his surprisereaction to being the recipient of the coveted Lasker-DeBakey award, it comes at a time that drugs underdevelopment from his research are coming in rapidsuccession.

Born in Alice, Texas in 1948, as a small town boy hetraveled and attended middle school summer programsat The University of Texas at Austin that sparked hisinterest in science and research. In the 1990s as aresearcher at the University of California, Berkeley, hewas the first person to isolate the T-cell antigen receptorcomplex protein, which later led to the development ofthe drug Yervoy, approved in 2011 as a treatment for late-stage skin cancer. His most recent big time award camefrom the American Cancer Society’s Medal Of Honor forBasic Research in treating cancer by unlocking ashackled immune system.

MD Anderson President Ronald Depinho who had theforesight to bring Allison back to Texas and join him inhis Moon Shots creation states,

“Jim Allison is a brilliant basic scientist who rigorouslypursued his curiosity about the biology of T cells, leadingto remarkable discoveries and a truly disruptive approachto treating cancer,”

Allison continues his work in tumor immunotherapy asProfessor and Chair of Immunology and the director ofImmunotherapy platform of Moon Shots at MDAnderson. Previously he won the $3 millionBreakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, sponsored by,among others, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.While Allison left for brief stints in California and NewYork, it is fate that he returns to Houston where he isdoing his most important work to date. Stand by, thereshould be more to come from this brilliant mind.

PersonOf The

Year

JIM ALLISON

Intown’s Most Influential 2015

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Since assuming the top job in January 2008 as chancellor and president ofthe University of Houston, Renu Khator has been busy. Whether defendingher positions on growth, her salary, campus living rules or attending a campussporting event, Renu Khator has UH on a mercurial rise on many fronts. Inaddition to being one of three Texas schools to receive Tier 1 status, its athleticprograms are markedly improved. The football team is ranked and has its firsthuge payday in a bowl game in decades.

Khator was UH System’s first woman Chancellor and the first Indian immigrantto head a comprehensive research university in the United States.

As chancellor of the UH System, Khator oversees an organization that servesmore than 66,000 students, has a budget that exceeds $1.3 billion, and has a$3.5 billion-plus economic impact on the Greater Houston area each year.With over 40,000 students in the UH System including UH, UH-Clear Lake,UH-Downtown, UH-Victoria and branch campuses in Pearland and NWHouston and teaching centers in Cinco Ranch and Sugar Land. She is alsoresponsible for KUHT, the nation’s first educational television station, and tworadio stations -- KUHF, Houston's National Public Radio affiliate, and theclassical station KUHA. She serves on many boards in various fields, includingthe American Council on Education, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas,the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Technology Center,the Texas Medical Center Policy Council and the Methodist Hospital ResearchInstitute Board.

Renu Khator was born in Uttar Pradesh, India, and earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Kanpur. She received her master’s degree and her Ph.D. inpolitical science from Purdue University. A noted scholar in the field of global environmental policy, she has published numerous books and articles on thesubject. Before her appointment at UH, she was provost and senior vice president of the University of South Florida, capping a 22-year career at thatinstitution.Since assuming her post in January 2008, she has helped UH with record-breaking research funding, enrollment, and private support. The ambitious75-acre Energy Research Park, part of Khator’s $400-million campus construction program contains over 600,000 feet of office and industrial space.

If persistence is a virtue, then Sylvester Turner should be a righteous mayor. After first runningfor mayor in 1991 losing in a runoff to Bob Lanier, Turner will finally take over the city's highestoffice replacing term-limited mayor, Annise Parker on January 1. Turner graduated valedictorianfrom Klein High School and later Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston.

He went from sharing one room with eight brothers and sisters to attending U of H and HarvardLaw School, founding his own business and then becoming a champion in the state legislaturefor Houston’s middle-class families. Sylvester Turner was born and raised in Houston frommodest beginnings, He attended public schools and after graduating Harvard Law School andpassing the bar, he joined the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski. He later founded the Houstonlaw firm of Barnes & Turner in 1983. In 1988, Sylvester was elected to the Texas House ofRepresentatives. He served 25 years in the Texas House of Representatives and was a memberof the Legislative Budget Board; Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee; Chair ofthe Subcommittee on General Government, Public Safety, and Criminal Justice; and a memberof the House State Affairs Committee. In 2015 legislative session, Texas Monthly Magazine againnamed him one of Texas’ Ten Best Legislators. The magazine described Sylvester as “eloquent”and “never compromising his values” and called his desk on the House floor “a gravitationalforce, drawing lawmakers to him for advice and strategy.”

Sylvester was able to free up funds collected but not spent for trauma care centers around thestate. Houston-area hospitals, including the Level One trauma centers at Ben Taub and MemorialHermann, stand to gain an additional $25 million in funding over the next two years. Turner alsofought to prohibit retail electric providers from charging minimum usage fees. He did not winthat battle but the Public Utility Commission, seeing the positive response to his proposed bill,will now allow citizens to see that information more clearly on its Power to Choosewebsite.From 2003 to 2009, Sylvester served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Texas House.

RENU KHATOR

SYLVESTER TURNER

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As the pitching ace of the Houston Astros staff in 2015, DallasKeuchel had one the best years of any pitcher in Astros history.Culminating with a win over the mighty New York Yankees inthis year’s Major League Baseball Playoffs, Keuchel pitched therising Houston Astros franchise back into the postseason for

the first time in ten years.

Keuchel’s stellar season led him to be named the AmericanLeague Cy Young winner as its best pitcher. Only National CyYoung winner Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs had more winswith 22. While not overpowering with his fastball, Keuchel relieson pinpoint control and a sinker-slider combination that leavesopponents baffled as to why they cannot square up thebaseballs he throws. Keuchel also won the Gold Glove awardgiven to the best at fielding his position.

A three-year letterman at the University of Arkansas, Keuchelhelped the Razorbacks reach the College World Series in 2009.He was then drafted later that year by the Astros in the 7th roundof the MLB draft, where he played in the minors before beingcalled up by the big club early 2012.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma the crafty, lanky lefty won only three games and lost 8 in his seasonal debut. After going 15 and 0 at home and ending the campaignwith 20 wins and eight losses he registered two playoff wins only to come up just short against the eventual world champs, Kansas City. Keuchel has achievedhis questionable superstar status and looks for a big payday when he becomes a free agent. It would be hard to part with Keuchel who even has his rootingsection on days that he pitches in Minute Maid. Keuchel’s Corner was created by the Astros during this season and has been a huge draw.The Astros can onlyhope he wants to stay and finish what this year’s Astros have started.

DALLAS KEUCHEL

Considered a baseball outsider only a few years ago, Astros general manager JeffLuhnow is riding high after the Astros playoff win over the New York Yankees. UnderLuhnow the Astros are reinventing how to play the game and analyze players usingmounds of information. He also brought with him from St. Louis, Sig Mejdal a NASAengineer and had many other non-traditional baseball executives on his staff.

Jeff Luhnow was raised in Mexico City and attended college at Penn and Northwesternbusiness school. Luhnow performed several jobs such as an engineer, managementconsultant, and technology entrepreneur. Luhnow also nurtured a passion by playingfantasy baseball. Little did he know that the phone would ring, and Bill Dewitt, theowner of the St. Louis Cardinals, had decided that to remain to remain competitivehis team needed a different perspective in analyzing the game and his future players.Luhnow was a consultant with Mckinsey management when he was recommendedto fill this experiment in extreme “Moneyball” with the Cardinals.

After being hired in 2003 by the Cardinals, he soon took over their scouting duties that indeed rankled some feathers within that organization.With the last six ofseven years in the playoffs and the Cardinals having more drafted players who made it to the major league club than any team in baseball something he wasdoing was working. After witnessing this firsthand as a divisional opponent, in 2011, Jim Crane came calling and for three years under Luhnow they rebuilt andwent 176 wins with 310 losses, but something was changing.The farm clubs that were at the bottom of their division each year were now at the top and thetalent pool stockpiled. The frontline stars, shortstop Carlos Correa, named AL Rookie of The Year and pitching sensation, Lance McCullers, Jr. Using analyticshas the Astros shifting defenses more than any team in baseball. After reviewing data on a free agent pitcher, he decided to take a flier on pitcher Collin McHugh.Only after the analytics showed very few people hit his curveball, but he rarely used that pitch. This type of analysis has born fruit. Despite winning no games in2013 McHugh was one of the Astros best pitchers winning 19 games with his wicked curveball that he now uses with regularity.

JEFF LUHNOW

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Joel Osteen is a best-selling author, motivational speaker, television evangelist and senior pastorof his church. He regularly sells out large venues throughout the world and in Houston, he preachesto a 16,000 capacity crowd at Lakewood, his non-denominational, non-profit church located inthe former home of the Houston Rockets.

Despite estimates of 40,000 members, some consider the Evangelical leader to be more of amotivational speaker than a church pastor. Many evangelicals consider him the new face and futureof Christianity. There is, however, no disputing his success and following in Houston and the world.

While most religions are losing members, his self-proclaimed church that “teaches practical self-help” with a feel good theme is thriving. Osteen’s first book“Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living Your Full Potential’ was a blockbuster and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for over two years. His televisionshows aired all over the world are seen by 7 million people weekly.

A college dropout, Osteen worked in his father’s Christian television and church business for 17 years. He was then forced into an uncomfortable position oftaking over the business when his father died unexpectedly. The introspection that followed forced him to overcome his fears and he teaches many of the thingsthat helped him cope with his anxieties. Before Osteen’s first sermon “I was scared to death” he says. At the time, he knew little about speaking or preparing amessage. “Negative labels—the ones people place on us and the labels we place on ourselves— prevent us from reaching our potential, preaches Olsteen.

His most recent book “The Power of I am” is another step in his preaching prowess of accentuating the need for positive thinking. There is little doubt that it willbe his next sensation.

JOEL OSTEEN

Intown’sMost Influential

2015

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In Tony Vallone’s words it is “consistency” that has won over criticsand patrons alike.

This year Alison Cook claimed in The Houston Chronicle’s Top 100Restaurants that Tony’s “is better than ever.” John Mariani of Esquiregoes further in declaring “not only is Tony’s one of the best Italianrestaurants in the U. S. today. It’s one of the best restaurants period.”

When Vallone opened his first restaurant on Sage Road where Macy’snow stands.Vallone states that “In those days, no one knew muchabout Italian food. I was the first to do seafood pasta. We had to buyour calamari from bait shops.” Today he considers his food Italian“with French mixed in.” The Vallone Restaurant Group now consistsof a catering business, Ciao Bello, a Tanglewood staple and the newerVallone’s in the energy corridor.

Vallone is a native Houstonian of Neapolitan ancestry and as mostentrepreneurs did most of the work including the cooking. Now herelies on his masterfully trained chefs, but he his never far away. Manynew restaurants around town will have an owner/Chef/manager thatonce was under Vallone’s tutelage. He now leans on his young butveteran right-hand man and business partner, Scott Sulma to keepthings running smoothly and always looking forward to a new ideaor trend that keeps it fresh.

Tony’s first opened in 1965 as a casual hole-in-the-wall joint. At thattime Gerald Hines had a vision for an indoor mall. When Hines startedto build the Galleria he helped Vallone by moving his restaurant toPost Oak Blvd.

“He was very influential in what I am today,” Vallone says. “He kepttelling me I could do so much more. That indeed.

TONYVALLONE

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As a writer, Lisa Falkenberg of The Houston Chronicle is now the Lebron James ofjournalism. She is from the same generation, and we can expect more titles from theboth of them in years to come. Falkenberg like the basketball icon did not win a titleon her first try. In 2014, Falkenberg was a finalist for writing's top prize, but in 2015after her second nomination, she won the coveted Pulitzer Prize This is the Chronicle’sfirst ever Pulitzer in its 114-year history.

Most who read her column in The Houston Chronicle know her well. Her fearless andin-depth style revealed that key testimony in a case was tainted because a witness wasintimidated by a grand jury headed by a Houston, police officer. After Falkenberg'sreports, a Texas court overturned the conviction. She won the Pulitzer Prize for thiscommentary on the Alfred Dewayne Brown case. The series of articles can be foundon the Chronicle’s website.

Falkenberg is a sixth generation Texan raised in Seguin, Texas. Her career in journalismstarted as she began writing for her high school newspaper. She later studied journalism

and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000. While working for the Associated Press in 2004, she was named the Texas APwriter of the year. The next year, she became a state correspondent for the Houston Chronicle. She became a columnist in 2007.

The Pulitzer announcement stated that Falkenberg’s "vividly-written, groundbreaking columns about grand jury abuses that led to a wrongfulconviction and other egregious problems in the legal and immigration systems.”

"The most important thing for any newsroom is doing journalism that makes a difference in your community, and her work as a columnist hasdone that, " states Nancy Barnes, Houston Chronicle Editor. As a writer, she is only the second person in Houston to win a Pulitzer. The first wasHouston Post's Gene Goltz in 1965.

LISA FALKENBERG Intown’sMost Influential

2015

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The Houston Astros are coming offtheir best season in a decade.By making the playoffs and beating theNew York Yankees and ultimatelylosing a close series to the eventualchamps, there is momentum headinginto spring training. We caught up tothe Astros owner Jim Crane andgeneral manager, Jeff Luhnow aboutwhat to expect in 2016.

David Dalati: How would you rate your offseasonmoves so far? Particularly the trade for Ken Giles ofthe Philadelphia Phillies?

C: We gave up some really good players, but he feltthere was a void where we could strengthen ourbullpen more with that and Ken. So I think it’s a greatmove for the team. It shows focused on winning andwe want to go to the next level.

DD: Jeff was asked about budgets and such, Can you give some clarity as towhere you want this to be for the upcoming season?

C: We’ve said last year “the payroll will go up, the payroll will go up” this yearagain we could hit 100 million, but that’s not there yet. But I think Jeff’s gotsome more work to do and were considering some more trades. So where wecould make an addition it makes good sense. With the success, last year givesus a little more room and we’ll continue to add the funds where it makes goodsense in the spots where we need em. We’re not done, but I wouldn’t besurprised if we got up over 100 million.

DD: Does it concern you some of the contracts you’ve seen this offseason?

C: There unusual to look at when you try to throw some of these numbers inour budget they don’t work very well. I was watching MLB network, and yousaw some of the stats that some of these long-term contracts end up hurtingsome teams at the back end of em, and they don’t work out. We study all thatinfo our position is we’ve stayed away from these. They don’t really seem to

pay off towards the end. I’m happy for the player to getthe money, but different teams have a different strategythat’s something that hurt this team in the past. Youmentioned the Carlos Lee contract, nothing againstCarlos but he didn’t perform really well at the end of a bigcontract, so there are a lot of things there. How old theplayer is what his performance has been, what hismakeup is. When they make those investments therethinking they want to win right away. I don’t know if theirthinking in year seven what the player is going to look like.

DD: How critical is it to add to your starting rotation?

C: We definitely would like to bring another good starter.I told Jeff since I’ve got here being an old pitcher thereare three things in baseball pitching, pitching, pitching.You saw that in the playoffs. Again the team with thedominant pitching seemed to go a little bit furtherparticular the Mets, had a great starting rotation. AndKansas City had a back end bullpen that was pretty muchunhittable. So you want to try to recreate some of thosethings, but you’ve got to have balance on the team, butpitching I think is a priority for us.

[The Game]

Jim CraneInterview

DuelingInterviews

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DD: How much fun have you had this offseason reminiscing?

Luhnow: Yea it's fun we’re at the end of the year right now. So youknow the holiday parties we’ll talk about what happened last year.But it’s time to move on. I’ve sort of moved on already. I’ve beenfocused on next year; that’s been consuming all my efforts. We’renot done yet we still have some work to do. We feel like the teamtoday is better that the team that was on the field the last day ofthe season.

DD: Jeff sorry if you’ve been asked this before, but is the startingpitcher your next order of priority?

L: It depends. We’re going to look at both opportunities to acquirepotentially another bat as well as another pitcher. Like AJ said, “we’rerunning out of spots in the bullpen”. So it’ll probably be someonethat might slide into our rotation somewhere. But we’re going tolook at different opportunities with some offensive players as well.

DD: You see the chances of that happening via free agency or tradeor do you have a feel for it?

L: I don’t know, there are still some free agents out there we haveinterest in. There’s still players on other teams that we would like topotentially think about acquiring as well. If that comes at the costof trading some of our players, then that’s something that we’vedone a couple of times already, and it’s difficult to go back to thatwell over and over again.

Jeff LuhnowInterview

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As we entered the year 2015,our residential real estate market wasunder full sail. For almost threeyears, homes in many areas ofHouston were selling in two days totwo weeks, at or above list price,with multiple offers received onthe properties.

As we leave this year, a little bit ofthat wind has come out of our sails,with most homes taking 30 days orlonger to sell.

For several months, open houses have attracted fewer visitors, showing

activity in all areas and price ranges has slowed down, and offers are

coming in at or below list price, with buyers having some negotiation

power again.

So what happened? First of all, what we are experiencing now is a normal

market. Normalization is good. We could only run so long at the fast pace

that we kept up for 2-3 years without running into a pricing bubble. This

temporary slow down is healthy for our market.

Second, our cyclical fall/winter slow down has kicked in. We usually slow

down at the end of the summer, then pick up again from Labor Day to

Thanksgiving, before a lull during the holidays, but this year that lift did

not come after Labor Day.

A third major factor has been the effect of lower oil prices. When oil prices

went down in 2014, we did not feel much effect. Despite some job losses

in the energy sector, Houston has continued to have overall job growth,

as our city is much more diversified than it was in the 70s and 80s. But

after a year of thinning out in energy sector employment, and the fears

that this has brought to those that still have their jobs, some buyers have

decided to put their home change plans on hold, at least temporarily. Fear

drives markets and people want to wait and see what the new year holds.

As we head into 2016, most real estate agents and economists are

optimistic about the overall economy and real estate market in Houston.

Those I have spoken with feel that showings and purchases will pick back

up in January and February. We may not return to the hectic, competitive

market for buyers that we experienced in 2013-2015, with prices

appreciating in the 10-20% per year range, but we likely will continue

experiencing appreciation greater than the 30 year average of 4% for the

foreseeable future. Welcome back to normal, it’s good for us.

2015 RESIDENTIALREAL ESTATE REPORT

Welcome to Normalcy

by David Michael Young

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Top Ten Single Family Sales in 2015Sales Price Street Address Real Estate Broker Area

$7,140,000 2406 River Oaks Boulevard Martha Turner River Oaks

$6,300,000 3907 Inverness John Daugherty River Oaks

$6,300,000 1821 River Oaks Boulevard John Daugherty River Oaks

$6,000,000 4000 Willowick John Daugherty River Oaks

$5,975,000 3980 Inverness Martha Turner Sotheby’s

$5,809,895 Remington Lane John Daugherty Shadyside

$5,752,000 11109 Beinhorn Road John Daugherty Memorial

$5,807,000 5807 Stubner Remax Integrity Spring

$5,350,000 22 Grand Colonial Drive Keller Williams The Woodlands

$5,275,000 16 Sunset Boulevard John Daugherty Shadyside

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Do you have a business succession plan? Life-changing events orretirement can bring on some tough choices.

It’s not unusual for business owners to find a majority of their wealth tied up intheir company. This is often a major provider for them and their families. Butwhen the time comes to sell their businesses, many owners often have notthought about how they would replace that important chunk of income.

Business succession can be an emotional, financial, and timing issue forbusiness owners.

If you own your own business and are considering a business succession plan,there are five questions you should address with your Financial Advisor.Together you will want to ensure you have a plan in place to help reduce therisks associated with one of your most important assets.

What other assets have you set aside to help fund your retirement?

Should you rely on your business alone to fund retirement? Just as yourinvestments should be diversified, so should your assets.

Though it may be difficult to do in a business climate, as a business owner, youshould save and build your retirement savings plan away from the business towork toward your retirement goals.

Have you considered whether your business is an asset you can sell?

Whether or not you can find a buyer for your business depends on a variety offactors. Are there employees or partners who could continue to run the

BusinessSuccession:

QuestionsYou Need

to Askby Patricia Green

Wells Fargo Advisor

[financial focus]

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business after you retire? Will your business attractoutside buyers?

For example, companies that produce tangible goodsand have positive cash flows can often be sold. Onthe other hand, specialty firms that rely on you andyour skills alone, such as boutique consulting firms,are generally not salable. The truth is mostbusinesses fall somewhere in between.

If you were to sell your business and pay the taxeson your gains, would the proceeds be enough tolast for the rest of your life?

It’s important to determine if you expect a similarlevel of income in retirement that you now enjoyfrom your business.

As a business owner, you likely work very hard andyour dedicated efforts are an important ingredient toyour business success. The investment returns fromyour growing business may well exceed theinvestment returns from a prudent investmentportfolio.

In the long run, however, the income derived fromyour valuable work ethic simply may not bereplaceable.

Business owners are often optimists by nature, andthey take risks to grow their business. The risk ofputting all your eggs in one basket may not work aswell, however, when it comes time to build aninvestment portfolio.

What happens if you cannot be involved inrunning your business?

Stories abound about business owners who arestruck down by illness, death or disability, leavingbusiness partners and spouses to figure out whatcomes next.

If more than one partner or shareholder is involved inyour business, it is important to have a buy-sellagreement in place. A buy-sell is a written agreementbetween two or more owners of a business.

If a triggering event occurs, one or more owners willhave the right or obligation to buy the businessinterest from the owner who is obligated to sell.

Triggering events often include the death, divorce, ordisability of a partner or shareholder. The agreementmay establish a funding mechanism to facilitate thepurchase of an owner’s interest in such cases.

Do you have a plan in place that will allow you toretire regardless of a sale?

You may not be able to sell your business at the precise timeyou wish to sell. Planning for succession in a small businessshould be a top priority.

Begin with the objectives you want to achieve, and talkthrough these concerns with your Financial Advisor.Together you can build a plan, then work on getting thecapital and the agreements in place to transition yourbusiness when the time is right or when life events requiresuccession in your business.

This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy ofPatricia B. Green,CFP®, Financial Advisor, SVP, in Houston at 713-403-7331.

Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOTBANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE

Accounts carried by First Clearing, LLC, Member NYSE/SIPC.

1115-03481 [94322-v1]