L E A DI NG
A N D
I N F OR M I NG
O U R
C OM MU N I T Y
January 2013 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com
HOPE AND HEALING Close to Home
features
17
ON THE COVER
Her modeling career and dental breakthroughs
Lynda Michaelski
16
JSC Holiday Party
17
UHCL Holiday Reception
18
CLACC Holiday Open Houston
19
BAHEP Holiday Party
26
San Jacinto Methodist Cancer Center
32
JSC and HTC partner up
Hope and Healing Close to Home Bay Area Business News
34 Finance Resolve to be financially secure in 2013
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Cancer Center doctors and staff in Baytown, Texas. Photo by Brian Stewart
35
Income and property taxes
36
Pearland branch now open
Executive Vice President Patty Kane
38
Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Vice President & Art Director Brandon Rowan
42
Human spaceflight certification products contract
48
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry
20
Director of Graphics Media Victoria Ugalde Sales & Marketing Patty Bederka Natalie Epperley Ashley Karlen Amber Sample
26
Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Michael Gos Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Pat Patton Dr. Edward Reitman Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart Distribution Heather Joseph Tim Shinkle
31
Bay Area Houston Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission. Advertising rates are available upon request.
www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmedia.com
281.474.5875
Keeping Accurate Tax Records HomeTown Bank City of Webster Quits CVB NASA Taps Sierra Nevada Corp. Clear Lake Panhellenic Fashion Show
columns 14
What a Party-Go-Round!
Clear Lake Chatter
20
Love yourself more
22
A new year’s resolution for anglers
Nourishing the Mind The Admiral’s Log
37 CLICK! BAHM toy drive - signature bistro
in each issue
Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586
8
11
45
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
10
Advertiser’s Index
24
Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events
30
CCISD News
50
Main Events
JANUARY 2013
Top stories of 2012 remind us: There’s a new shuttle in town As 2012 slips into history, we say goodbye to a very good year.
W
e finally got a space shuttle, the world did not come to an end as the Mayan Calendar indicated, and we had no hurricanes in the Bay Area. Can’t beat that. The biggest news of the year was the arrival of Space Shuttle Explorer, bringing out thousands, who lined the streets and waterways as she came chugging in by barge from the Kennedy Space Center and slowly made her way to her new home at Space Center Houston. Most had never been up close to a space shuttle. While she is a mock shuttle and never flew in space, she is an exact duplicate of those that did, minus the inside equipment that had to be removed from the other shuttles as they took up residency in various cities around the nation. She comes with a plus the others do not offer – the public will be able to climb up inside of her for a close-up look, once her setup is complete. Our shuttle had no sooner gotten settled in than Space Shuttle Endeavour stopped overnight at Ellington Airport for one final goodbye en route to California. As she took off, she buzzed the Johnson Space Center, where employees who had worked on the shuttle program for many years, came outside to wave farewell. Another big, and almost never-ending, story was the elections – city, state and federal. We got to vote early and often. Fortunately, Texas was not one of the tossup states, so we were not inundated with non-stop TV commercials, with the exception of the U.S. Senate race whose candidates each spent millions repeating their one commercial over and over ad nauseam. Along the way, Nassau Bay elected a new mayor, Mark Denman, to replace Don Matter, Lewis Rosen beat Joe Jaworski in the Galveston mayoral race and Kevin Holland became the new mayor of Friendswood, replacing David Smith. We also got a number of new faces on our city councils and county commissions. State Rep. Larry Taylor was elected to the Texas Senate, State Rep. Randy Weber will replace Congressman Ron Paul and Steve Stockman was elected to fill the newly drawn District 36 congressional seat. There’s also a new sheriff in town – Henry Trochesset, who won the Galveston County post. Two of our best known residents also made headlines. Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Greg Smith was named Texas Superintendent of the Year, and Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats was awarded the prestigious National Space Trophy at the Rotary Space Gala. Coats later announced he is retiring Dec. 31 with Deputy Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa replacing him.
(Top) League City officials turn the first spade of dirt at the groundbreaking for the new public safety building, being constructed across from City Hall on Walker Street. Among those taking part were Mayor Tim Paulissen, County Commissioner Ken Clark, City Manager Mike Loftin, City Councilwomen Joanna Sharp, former Mayor Tommy Frankovich, Acting Police Chief Doug Wologo and Fire Chief Brad Goudie.
Also coming in for honors was Nassau Bay City Manager Chris Reed, who was presented the state’s Outstanding Local Leader Award, along with Attorney General Greg Abbott, recipient of the state’s Outstanding State Leader Award. Still another top story was the death of the first man to set foot on the moon, Neil Armstrong, who died Aug.7 at the age of 82. He was one of three astronauts who passed away during a five-week span this summer. Sally Ride, 61, the first woman to fly in space, lost a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer July 23, and former Space Shuttle Commander Alan “Dex” Poindexter, 50, was killed in a Florida boating accident on July 1. Two area state legislators also died this past year. State Rep. Ken Legler died of a heart attack on the NASA Bypass while en route to the Shuttlebration at the Nassau Bay Hilton July 1 and Sen. Mario Galleagos died from liver problems in October. The Port of Houston was in the news a great deal. Besides getting Col. Len Waterworth as its new executive director, it was reviewed by the Sunset Commission, which suggested a number of changes, and it signed Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines to contracts to sail from the $108 million cruise terminal that has sat empty for a number of years. The sailings are expected to generate about $50 million in business for the area. This was a very big year for both the City of League City and the Clear Lake Area Chamber. Both celebrated their 50th anniversaries with big galas and League City, which has nearly doubled in population in the past decade, renovated its city hall and began building a new public safety building to house both the police and fire departments. There was also some bad news: A dozen families were left homeless when the Baystone Apartments in Webster caught fire in February, a Clear Lake man was shot to death Feb. 2 at the Lakeshire Place Apartments on El Dorado and the drought came creeping back after a rainy spring.
(Left) NASA, which has been amazing us for four decades, did it again this fall as Curiosity gently landed on Mars and began nosing around the red planet and sending back data. (Right) Gov. Rick Perry addresses Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership luncheon at the Nassau Bay Hilton.
Other news of note: •
Gov. Rick Perry addressed a luncheon hosted by Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership at the Nassau Bay Hilton. • Bay Area Christian School turned 40 and the Kemah Schoolhouse –now that city’s visitor’s center -- marked its 100th anniversary. • Clear Creek ISD was named among the Houston area’s best places to work by Houston Chronicle readers, and the National Association for Business Resources selected the City of Nassau Bay as one of 32 companies for an award in the 2012 Houston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition. • The Pleasure Pier opened on the Seawall in Galveston, the new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel opened in Nassau Bay Town Square, along with several new businesses, and El Lago completed its new city hall and community center. And, the Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake closed its doors at 2000 NASA Parkway and moved down the street. • The Dixie Farm Road overpass on the Gulf Freeway near Friendswood was replaced and Nassau Bay Baptist Church announced plans for a new $1.9 million worship center • Dr. Beth Lewis was named president of College of the Mainland in Texas City, becoming the first female to hold the post while Col. William P. Barriage became commander of the Coast Guard, which is building a new headquarters building at Ellington Airport. A busy year, but for the most part, a very good year.
Mary Alys Cherry Publisher
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
9
Advertiser’s Index Assistance League
“Changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you thousands of dollars.” Four Things You Must Know Before Obtaining a Mortgage 1. Get pre-approved before you look for a home: Pre-approval can give you peace-ofmind when shopping for your home. Local lending institutions can provide you with written pre-approval at no cost and no obligation, and be done easily over-thephone. A written pre-approval is as good as money in the bank. It entails a completed credit application and a certificate, which guarantees you a mortgage to the specified level. 2. Know what monthly amount you are committing to: Discuss mortgage pre-approval with your lending institution and find out what level you qualify for and also pre-assess for yourself what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to. Your situation may give you a pre-approval amount that is higher (or lower) than the amount of money you would want to pay out each month. By working back and forth with your lending institution ad what this monthly amount is, you won’t waste time looking at homes that are not in your price range.
3. Think about long term goals and expected situations: There are a number of questions you should ask yourself before you commit to a certain type of mortgage; How long will you own this home? What direction are interest rates going and how quickly? Is your income expected to change (up or down) in the near term? 4. Understand prepayment privileges and payment frequency options available: More frequent payments (weekly or biweekly) can shave years off your mortgage. By simply structuring your payments so that they come more frequently, will lessen the amount of interest you will be charged over the term. Authorized pre-payment of a certain percentage of your mortgage, or an increase in the amount you pay monthly, will have an impact on the years you will have to pay and could shorten payment term. Payment options can cut years off your mortgage, and save you thousands of dollars in interest. Not every mortgage has these pre-payment privileges built in, so make sure you ask the proper questions.
Page 38
www.bayarea.assistanceleague.org
Bay Area Kitchens
Page 18
www.bayareakitchens.com
Baubles and Beads
Page 39
Bayway Homes
Page 17
Best Publications
Page 12
www.baywayhomes.com
Big Splash Web Design
Page 3
www.bigsplashwebdesign.com
Boudreaux’s on the Bayou
Page 41
www.boudreauxsonthebayou.com www.ci.dickinson.tx.us
City of Dickinson
Page 12
Clothes Horse
Page 39
Coastal Plastic Surgery
Page 28
www.tadammd.com
Cullen’s Page 25 www.cullenshouston.com Dr. J. Derek Tieken
Page 6
Elan Transportation
Page 35
Encore Resale Shop
Page 38
Envoy Mortgage
Page 10
www.tiekensmiles.com
www.envoymortgageapp.com
Floyd’s Cajun Seafood
Page 23
www.floydsseafood.com
Fondren Orthopedic
Page 2
www.fondren.com
Ginger Snaps
Page 39
Gulf Coast Palapas
Page 43
www.gulfcoastpalapas.com
HomeTown Bank
Page 13
www.htbna.com
Houston Technology Center
Page 33
www.houstontech.org
Island Furniture
Page 41
Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Page 13
www.islandfurniture.net www.jeterfuneralhome.com
Kemah Boardwalk
Page 7
www.kemahboardwalk.com
Kemah Gardens
Page 40
www.kemahgardens.com
Las Haciendas
Page 40
www.lashaciendasgrill.com
Lee College
Page 19
www.lee.edu
Mamacita’s Page 13 www.mamacitasmexicanrestaurant.com Marine Max
Page 16
www.marinemaxseabrook.com
MD Anderson
Page 51
www.findyourMDAnderson.com
Mediterraneo Market & Cafe
Page 12
Memorial Hermann-SE
Page 5
www.memorialhermann.org
The Meridian
Page 36
www.themeridiangalveston.com
Norman Frede Chevrolet
Page 30
www.fredechevrolet.com
Oasis Salon and Medispa
Page 47
www.oasisclearlake.com
One Stop Tents & Events
Page 12
www.onestopparty.com
Opus Bistro
Page 13
www.opusbistro.net
PodZu’s Page 29 Ron Carter Clear Lake
Page 46
www.roncartercadillac.com
Ron Hoover
Page 20
www.ronhoover.com
Salon La Rouge
Page 41
www.salonlarouge.org
Schlitterbahn Page 48 www.schlitterbahn.com SignCo Page 38 Space Center Auto
Page 21
www.spacecenterautomotive.com
Stylin’ With Linda
Page 40
www.stylinwithlinda.com
Sunsation Tanning
Page 38
www.clearlaketanning.com
Texas First Bank
Page 34
www.texasfirstbank.com
TransformeFit Page 43 www.bodybyfrancesbootcamp.com Two Harbour Square
Page 4
brian@yatesinterests.com
Unicare Dental
Page 52
www.drnoie.com
Unleashed Page 38
10
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
Model Lynda Michaelski Lynda talks to us about her career, personal background and the dental health problems she has had to overcome with the help and expertise of Dr. Farid Noie. BAHM: How long have you lived in Bay Area and what brought you here? Lynda: I’ve lived in the Bay Area just about my entire life. I grew up in Texas City and graduated from La Marque High school. I was born in Nacogdoches, Texas. My Dad, Doyle Nash, was employed with Union Carbide and my Mom, Sue Nash, was the Carbide Credit Union receptionist for years. That’s how we ended up on the coast...the refineries and the good jobs they provide. I’m originally from Etoile and the San Augustine area. I reside now in Clear Lake Shores with my husband Patrick of 23 years. BAHM: Tell us about your professional career and hobbies. Lynda: I married at 18, moved to Iowa and had two wonderful sons, Kent and Wes Tipton. I was a stay at home mom for 12 years, but also had a janitorial cleaning service and sold tomatoes to a local grocery store. Most every Sunday we rode dirt bikes and I grew to love motorcycling. Eventually, I became a Mary Kay sales rep. This is what lead me to becoming a professional spokesperson/model for major companies across the United States. I have represented Gordon’s Jewelers, British Caledonian Airlines and Scuba World on ESPN. After learning to scuba dive, I grew to love the water, which is why I landed in Clear Lake Shores. Other companies that I have represented are Bland Cadillac, Spindle Top Buick, Hallmark greeting cards, The Price is Right, Mannington Floors, Post Oak Jewelers, CocaCola, Foley’s, Sakowitz, Lily of France, Hawaiian Tropic, Tequila Sauza, K-Mart, Kelsey-Sebold and many others. I am happy to have represented the Galveston Board of tourism, doing print work for the Tremont Hotel, The Galvez, and the Victorian Condos. With encouragement from my several brothers, two sons, and Dad, I began working as an industrial sales representative. I successfully sold industrial painting services and rented out equipment for 11 years in the Bay Area to numerous refineries and fabrication shops. The point is that my smile has been very important in obtaining all this work, especially the international ads. People like a friendly smile. I was blessed with that. My smile gave me confidence. My smile has contributed to my successes, along with hard work and enjoying what I do. I also enjoy all types of music, gardening ,volunteer work, my family and the wonderful people that live and work in Clear Lake Shores. BAHM: Any history of past dental experiences, problems, and dental works? Lynda: In the seventh grade, I broke a front tooth and damaged the root to another. I have had numerous caps
and work done over the years to keep a nice smile. I wore braces at age 28 to correct an overbite. Right before Hurricane Ike hit us, I received a very upsetting diagnosis from my local dentist. My auto-immune system was attacking my upper mandible, infection set in, and the bone was completely disintegrating, causing the upper teeth to come loose. I have always counted on my smile for work and was even featured in some TV commercials for a couple of dental companies. I consulted numerous specialists to see what could be done. We recovered from Ike but encountered other time consuming delays. I could postpone no longer. I had to get help for the worsening problem. There was one doctor who thought he could help but was hours away. I just did not have that kind of time to commute. Two years ago in December, I literally had two teeth break off in one week. I was very discouraged. I was having breakfast at Skipper’s, the local diner, when I picked up a copy of Bay Area Houston Magazine, saw an ad for Dr. Farid Noie and called his office. This was in January two years ago. BAHM: What kind of dental work have you had done with Dr. Noie? Lynda: When I met with Dr. Noie, I could see how kind he and his office staff were. They were enthusiastic and optimistic. He had so much compassion for the situation that I was in. He told me that he believed he could help me but that it would take months to accomplish this major repair. It took almost 2 years, but the result was a beautiful outcome. My case was definitely challenging but Dr. Noie assured me he would take this challenge and do the best he could. Dr. Noie performed eight surgeries on the upper mandible to correct the disintegrating bone. During the first surgery he took bone from my chin and transferred it to the upper mandible. Infection set in and the surgery failed. He did not give up. He took the infected bone out and put in a titanium plate, and allowed bone to grow around this. After many months of healing, this was a success. The bone grew solid and provided a foundation for new implants to be placed. There were many stages to the procedure and we all had to be patient. Recovery after each surgery was painful and difficult. Dr. Noie performed the surgeries using anesthesia, so there was no pain during this part. I do not smoke or drink so I had some things in my favor for maximum healing. Noie and his wonderful staff were so supportive and tremendously kind. There were many times that I cried sitting in the operating chair, frequently going home with 75 stitches in my mouth. It was challenging but they
never gave up. I am forever thankful that they did not. He has continued to do corrective gum tissue grafts. All is going great! BAHM: Looking back, how would you describe your overall experience with Dr. Noie and dental implants? Lynda: Dr. Noie is motivated by compassion and highly trained in many fields. He works directly with rebuilding people and I am one of his fortunate patients. He rebuilt my upper mandible and added beautiful dental implants to substitute for the teeth that were gone. I am so fortunate to have found this wonderful, multitalented, maxillofacial surgeon who was only seven miles away! He is incredibly competent and steadfast in obtaining the best possible outcome for his patients. I am forever grateful. I have deep affection for all of the wonderful people at his practice. BAHM: I understand you like to smile a lot. How has your sparkling perfect smile and new dental implants changed the quality of your life? Lynda: Dr. Noie allowed me to meet with the lab technician to get the best possible match for the implants. They are as natural, beautiful and secure as ever. I am so happy and I smile all the time once again. It is as if this problem never happened. Dr. Noie had his staff make a temporary prosthesis to wear for the interim while healing. After the swelling went down, many friends and family did not realize that I was having such extensive work done, as the temporary looked fairly natural. Thank goodness for that! They all went the extra mile to help me overcome my insecurity. BAHM: What do you think of Dr. Noie and his staff at Unicare Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry? Lynda: I appreciate them so much. I have a strong faith and in my belief, they are angels on earth. They are my friends now and I have a strong brotherly love for them. BAHM: Having gone through the process, share your feelings about your experience. Lynda: This experience of losing bone and teeth has been very difficult, but reaffirms my belief in the good of mankind. With all the bad that is in the world, God put these wonderful healers in my life at the right time and it all worked out. I highly recommend this wonderful doctor, FARID NOIE, and his staff at UNICARE DENTAL. Thank you!
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
11
12
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
M A R K E T P L A C E
M A R K E T P L A C E
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
13
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
Suzie Rogers, left, and Barbara Coleman can hardly wait to do some shopping at the annual Bay Oaks Women’s Association Holiday Market at the country club.
Ruth Beecher, left, and Chryse Padilla say they are ready to go shopping as they arrive at Bay Oaks County Club for the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Holiday Market.
Clear Lake Panhellenic Holiday Brunch hostess Barbara Dickey, left, welcomes Sue Ellen Jennings and Michelle Richardson to her Bay Oaks home.
WHAT A PARTY-GO-ROUND!
If you are exhausted from it all, join the crowd. After an almost never-ending string of galas in October and November, there was no let up at all in December and through New Year’s Eve with what seemed like a party on every corner. Bay Oaks Women’s Association members got the party started Dec. 3 with their annual Holiday Market, where you might have run into Trisha Gunn as she checked out the array of jewelry and holiday accessories while Sandy Buyajian, Ruth Beecher, Suzie Rogers, Barbara Coleman, Rose Sobotik and Chryse Padilla made their way past the dozens of booths. Some of the others you might have bumped into at Bay Oaks Country Club included BOWA President Terri Divine, President-elect Jennifer Simmons, Wanda Kelly, Rae Sinor, Janice Gornto, Sally Wigginton, Fran Gentry, Margaret Vail, Linda Price, Debbie Roan, Janet Greenwood, Renee Ditta, Jana
Kay Lee Benoit, left, and Jo Nell Hunter have fun showing off their holiday hats at the Clear Lake Panhellenic Holiday Brunch.
14
BATP Executive Director Diane Savage was on hand to greet the large crowd, as were Sheryl Dickerson, Peggy Cooper, Lisa Smith, Sybil Winters Little and Nikki Willison. Among those they welcomed were Bonnie Cottrell, Leah Donnow, Kendall Morrow and Sue Doeling, who just had a grand time going from booth to booth.
MARY ALYS CHERRY Pena, Johanna Mathera, Ondi and Ann Lyon, Ulrike Nordhoff, Priscilla Ennis, Angela Swint and Susan Taylor. It was one of two markets that week with Bay Area Turning Point hosting its annual Holiday Market later that week, also at the country club.
Long-time Panhellenic members Kathie Wylie, Jennie Hampton and Mary Ellen Bellard, from left, enjoy the Holiday Brunch.
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
CLEAR LAKE PANHELLENIC kept the party-goround moving with its annual Holiday Brunch at the home of Barbara Dickey, where Kay Lee Benoit and Jo Nell Hunter were entertaining all with their cute little holiday hats, including Michelle Richardson and Sue Ellen Jennings. Mary Ellen Bellard, Kathie Wiley and Jennie Hampton were also in the crowd, as was Past President Kelli Baliker.
Guild Holiday Open House Chairman Kimberly Weathers and her husband, Brett, left, talk with Don Barras during the annual event at Bay Area Museum.
Bay Area Turning Point employees Peggy Cooper, Lisa Smith, Nikki Willison, Sybil Winters Little and Sheryl Dickerson, from left, can hardly contain their excitement as the BATP Holiday Market gets under way at Bay Oaks Country Club.
BAY AREA MUSEUM GUILD Holiday Open House Chairman Kimberly Weathers and her husband, Brett, along with President Carole Murphy circulated among the crowd at the guild’s Holiday Open House. Among those they stopped to welcome were Nina McGlashan, Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier, Pat Wilson, Charles and Joy Smitherman, Mary Ann Baxter, Pat and Annette Dwyer Monks, Jerry and Peggy Clause, Lew and Joan Wade, Patty Cooper, Ann and Don Barras, Cindy Kuenneke, Ava Galt, Thom and Roberta Liston and Diana Dornak, to name a few. ASSISTANCE LEAGUE members were out in force as they celebrated the season with their annual Holiday Open House at the Bay Oaks home of Marie Keener in Clear Lake. Among those taking time out from all their volunteer work to party were President Lisa Holbrook, Presidentelect Kim Barker, Kathleen Courville, Lori Ray, Annette Dwyer, Joy and Jill Smitherman, Gail Ashby, Barbara Weitenhagen, Neerja Bhardwaj, Heather Rossiello, Donna Anderson, Jenny Verghese, Sheryl Williams and Carol Latimer. Others Chairman Tara Warner welcomed included Communities in Schools-Bay Area Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel, Janice Scott and Eva deCardenas from Clear Creek ISD, Linda Goerland, Mary Carmen and Jean Simms, while Sharon Dillard served punch to Julie Howell, Diane Konick, Judy Raiford, Nancy Dionne, Jean Simms, Georgia Piwonka, Priscilla Magnuson, Sarah Foulds, Sandra Sellers, Barbara Weitenhagen, Shirley Lang, Linda McCormack, Heather Rossiello, and Alice Vinson. Sharon Dillard serves punch to Janice Scott, Heather Rossietto and Eva deCardenas, from left, at the Assistance League’s annual Holiday Open House.
Sandy Buyajian, left, and Rose Sobotik check out the jewelry as they arrive at the annual Bay Oaks Women’s Association Holiday Market.
UHCL’s HOLIDAY RECEPTION at Bay Oaks Country Club drew quite a crowd with President Bill Staples and his wife, Darlene, welcoming new Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda, Pearland Mayor Tom Reid, new Harris County Tax Assessor Mike Sullivan and new Houston City Councilman Dave Martin. Deans Ted Cummings, Zbigniew Czajkiewicz and Rick Short, with his wife, Paula, joined the Staples in welcoming Gary and Sandra Mossman, Darla and Dane McKitrick, Paul and Sharon Maaz, Star Hopkins, Jerry and Nancy Smith, Charity Ellis, Doug and Judith Blanchard, Gale and Jean Burkett and Phyllis and Dr. Bernie Milstein. Some of the others you might have spotted were Mike and Kathy Reeves, Tom and Michelle Dotter, John and Shari Wilkins, Theresa Presswood, Rob and Karen Barbier, Diane and Deed Vest, Lamar Bowles, Rose Zarcaro, Sandy Johnson, Dean and Ruby Cubley, Fran and Hank Hartsfield, Mike and Beth Dennard, Charles and Jeanette Jordan, Jack and Sue Garman, Glen and Peggy Houston and Marilyn and Glynn Lunney. BAY AREA HOUSTON Economic Partnership was another welcoming a big crowd to its annual Holiday Reception at D’Amici Events in Seabrook. Some of those BAHEP President Bob Mitchell welcomed included Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, Texas Gulf Coast Medical Group CEO Dr. Michael Lyons, Mayors Brad Emel of El Lago and Glenn Royal of Seabrook, plus former Seabrook Mayors Gary Renola, Jack Fryday and Bob Robinson. Leah Donnow, Sue Doeling, Kendall Morrow and Bonnie Cottrell, from left, try to decide what the buy at the Bay Area Turning Point Holiday Market.
Bay Area Museum Guild President Carole Murphy, right, chats with Nina McGlashan as the crowd begins arriving for the guild’s Holiday Open House at Bay Area Museum.
Others included San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Nassau Bay Hilton GM Martin Greenwood, UH-Clear Lake Provost Dr. Carl Stockton and School of Science Dean Dr. Zbigniew Czajkiewicz, John and Shari Wilkins, Nassau Bay Councilman Brad Bailey and dozens of others. And¸while all this was going on, the folks over at the Johnson Space Center came out with a delightful video called NASA Johnson Style, which is a Gangnam Style parody. If you haven’t seen it, go to You Tube. It’s hilarious.
Rodeo events coming up soon IT’S ALMOST TIME to rodeo, and Elizabeth Taylor, who’s chairman of the Bay Area Go Texan Committee, reminds us of some upcoming dates. The 2013 Rodeo Style Show, an always fun event, will be held Friday, Jan. 25, starting at 11 a.m., at the Gilruth at Johnson Space Center, with Ann Blanchard as chairman. For tickets, which are $100 each, call her at 1-409-789-0339. The annual Trailride Dinner Dance will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, also at the Gilruth Center, with Elizabeth as chairman. For tickets, which are $25 each, call her at 832-769-1348. The annual Bus Caravan to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is set for March 14 with buses leaving Hooter’s in Webster at 4 p.m. For tickets, which are $75, call Chairman Mike Taylor, 832-606-0969.
Hostess Marie Keener, center, visits with Heather Rossiello, Assistance League Holiday Open House Chairman Tara Warner, Georgia Piwonka and Lori Ray, from left, as the annual event gets under way.
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
15
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
JSC Pauses for a Holiday Party 1. Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats, right, and Deputy Director Ellen Ochoa, with her husband, computer research engineer Coe Miles, left, welcome former JSC Director Chris Kraft and his wife, Betty, center, to the JSC holiday reception. Kraft, NASA’s first flight director, served as JSC director from 1972 to 1982. 2. Astronaut Bill McArthur and his wife, Cindy, enjoy the annual JSC holiday reception. 3. Lorna Onizuka, left, gets a warm welcome to the JSC holiday reception from Diana Noman. 4. Anadarko President Tom Short, left, talks with former astronaut Frank Culbertson at JSC holiday reception. 5. JSC External Relations Director Mike Kincaid, left, and his deputy, Brian Freedman, look over the JSC crowd.
1
6. JSC Director Mike Coats and his wife, Diana, right, arrive at reception with their family – son-in-law and daughter, Pat and Laura Larkin, and their twin daughters, from left, and their son Paul Coats. 7. Mayors Glenn Royal of Seabrook, left, and Mark Denman of Nassau Bay, and their wives, Diane and Diana, were among the guests at the JSC reception.
4
16
5
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
6
2
7
3
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
1
2
3
4
UHCL Holiday Reception 1. New Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda, join the crowd at the UHCL Holiday Reception at Bay Oaks Country Club. 2. Attorney Charles Jordan and his wife, Jeanette, mingle with the crowd. 3. Retired aerospace executive Glynn Lunney and his wife, Marilyn, enjoy UHCL Reception. 4. New Houston City Councilman Dave Martin, center, gets to know Pat and Wendell Wilson, left, and Star Hopkins. 5. Mike Stranahan, left, greets Geo Control Center President Rose Zarcaro and her husband, retired NASA exec, John Zarcaro.
5
6
6. UHCL President Bill Staples and his wife, Darlene, left, welcome retired Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Sandy Mossman and her husband, Gary, retired Cambrix executive, to the university’s annual holiday reception at Bay Oaks Country Club.
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
17
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
Clear Lake Area Chamber’s Holiday Open House 1. Shar Lynch visits with Bill Quinn during the 2012 Clear Lake Area Chamber Holiday Open House. 2. Clear Lake Area Chamber Chairman Mike Furin and President Cindy Harreld, center, welcome Boeing’s Dayni Alba to the annual Holiday Open House at the chamber. 3. Mark and Karen Keesler, left, are happy to see Allie Smart of Councilman Dave Martin’s office at the chamber party.
2
3
4. Bob Scott, left, stops to talk with Rick Gornto during the 2012 Clear Lake Chamber Holiday Open House. 5. BAHEP’s Bob Payne, left, chats it up with attorney Dick Gregg Jr. at the Clear Lake Area Chamber Holiday Open House.
1
6. Former Clear Lake Area Chamber staffers Barbara Ward, left, and Francy Phelps talk over old times at the chamber’s 2012 Holiday Open House. 7. Walt and Kat Sanford, left, and Nancy Buffaloe were in the crowd at the Clear Lake Chamber Holiday Open House.
4
18
5
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
6
7
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
1
2
BAHEP Holiday Party
3
1. BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, left, welcomes Phyllis and Dr. Bernie Milstein, Texas Gulf Coast Medical Group President Dr. Michael Lyons and Best Practices Magazine President Santiago Mendoza, from left, to the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Holiday Party at Di Amici Upscale Events. 2. San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer finds herself in the company of four Seabrook mayors – Gary Renola, Jack Fryday, current Mayor Glenn Royal and Bob Robinson, from left -- as she arrives at the BAHEP Holiday Party. 3. El Lago Mayor Brad Emel is happy to see Shari Wilkins as he mingles with the crowd. 4. Teresa Vazquez Evans, Greater Houston Partnership manager, stops to say hello to Brian Freedman, Brad Bailey and Harris County Commissioner Ken Clark, from left. 5. Nassau Bay Hilton General Manager Martin Greenwood visits with Clear Lake Area Chamber Vice President Shari Sweeney. 6. Jack Garman, right, catches up on the news with Mike Huss.
4
5
6
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
19
Nourishing the MIND
By Dr. Ed Reitman
LOVE YOURSELF MORE The holiday season is now behind you. So is the hustle, bustle and stress related to the cooking, cleaning, organizing and choreographing of all the activities that occur during this time of year. There is, however, one thing that hasn’t gone away.
I
t’s the hurts, disappointments, upsets, stress and resentments that many of you experienced while interacting with your parents, siblings, extended family members and even friends during this supposedly joyous time of year. Let me add, however, that these feelings aren’t unique to just the holidays. They’re potentially accessible all 365 days of the year. But most of the time, your interactions are shorter, tempered by fewer demands and include far fewer expectations that you need to be happy, close and loving. Come to think of it, however, that last statement may not be entirely true. The same emotions and reactions can make themselves evident during other occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and wedding celebrations. Perhaps it’s more because Thanksgiving, Hannukah, Christmas and New Year all occur during a relatively brief period
20
of time and, therefore, contribute to exaggerated feelings of stress and pressure. But the stress I’m primarily concerned about isn’t associated with physical demands or schedules. It’s the guilt, the sense of responsibility, and feelings of obligation to conform, to placate others, and to behave in ways which don’t necessarily coincide with your own desires or wishes. It’s the anxiety you consciously or unconsciously experience, internally that contributes to emotional conflicts of a far greater degree than normal. All of which can be compounded when new individuals are introduced into the family as a consequence of marriage, divorce or even death. It alters the family dynamics and can exaggerate the demands and conflicts between the two of you, your parents, your siblings and his/her parents and siblings. For example, your mother always celebrated at noon on Thanksgiving. Lo and behold, his or
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
her mother wants to celebrate at the same time. Where do you go? Who do you choose? Who do you offend? How do you reconcile these issues without hurting the feelings of others, or resenting others for placing you in a situation where you feel forced to act politically correct, or make the “right” decision, or cause you to hate yourself because of your inability to stand up for what you want, and behave on the basis of your own desires?
Even more, if standing up for yourself was a problem earlier in life, once you add a spouse to the equation, it escalates a thousand-fold. Just think about the potential for increased conflict that can arise between you and your spouse. It doesn’t matter whether you’re newlyweds or married for over twenty years,. These issues will occur and the longer you’ve been together, will only serve to exaggerate your resentments. The
arguments can consist of whose parents or family you choose to favor, whose home you are going to visit first, or stay at the longest. And what about your feelings toward self when you consistently capitulate, or or your partner’s reactions regarding your unilateral decision to go to one home late or eat at the other house? All of which can contribute to their thoughts that, “You care for your mother more than me”, or a mother saying, “Now that you’ve married, I don’t matter”, or suggesting that, “Ever since you married, you’ve been a different person. It must be that your husband/ wife is controlling your decisions now.” The answers are: one, you can’t take blame or credit for the reactions of others; two, you need to recognize that statements of these types are so common that comedians make a living off routines involving this material, so try not to give these remarks a great deal of credence: and, three, as I’ve said a thousand times before, you can only control yourself. Having said all this, what are you supposed to do? How are you supposed to work it out so that you don’t hurt anyone, don’t tread on anyone’s toes, don’t imply that someone is more important than another or more preferable, or react in such a way that
“You must make it clear that you’re not trying to hurt anyone, that you love them all, but you love yourself more.” demonstrates any hint of dissatisfaction, anger or resentment. There are several alternatives. Escape and book a cruise for only your immediate family, feign sickness and stay home or present a picture that suggests utter neutrality with regard to both sets of parents, lor argue about it. None of these are advisable. That being the case, be aware that whatever you decide to do, you can expect to meet with guilt trips that have been honed to a fine edge. “Mother’s sick”, “You don’t seem to care for us any
longer”, “We don’t know how much time we have left and this may be that last opportunity you have to celebrate with the entire family”, or the classic guilt trip, “This may be grandma’s last Christmas. How can you not be there?” Let me assure you that if you go only because of that and she’s alive next year, you’ll hear the same thing over again. The only way you can win is if she dies after the event or holiday, but that’s a terrible thought, and a terrible way to have to win.
Essentially, I’m saying there will never be an end to the pressures and positions you’ll be placed in or later feel resentful about, until the day arrives when you decide, “I/we are not going to act solely out of guilt or obligation again. I/we won’t be pushed into doing things I/ we don’t want to do, or guilted into it, because it’s “much more convenient for everyone else”, or because, “you know how good a mother I’ve been and I deserve this consideration.” Instead, What you need to come to believe and say to yourself is: “In the future, I/we will decide for ourselves where we’re going, when we’re going, and why we’re going. We will do this without anger, resentment or creating dishonest excuses.” You see, it is your decision to make, and whether you alternate where you go from year to year, celebrate at your own home and invite everyone over, or any number of other alternatives, you must make it clear that you’re not trying to hurt anyone, that you love them all, but you love yourself more. To learn more about Dr. Reitman, read more of his articles, or to obtain copies for family or friends, please visit his website, dredreitman.com.
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
21
A New Year’s Resolution for Anglers By Capt. Joe Kent
New Year’s Resolutions run rampant this time of year, with most having to do with breaking a bad habit or engaging in something new to enhance health or wealth.
A
nglers, who are not considered pros, have an opportunity to join the bandwagon and make a resolution to improve their fishing skills. For those who are interested in making such a vow, here are some pointers that could help you.
How You Throw
Your Gear First, take a look at your equipment. Is it the right equipment for the fishing that you engage in? Don’t be surprised to learn that you have been using the wrong rod and reel for your type of fishing. Any seasoned angler or fishing tackle salesperson should be able to take a look at what you are using for the fishing you enjoy and tell you if it is suitable. During my years as a fishing writer, numerous calls, letters and e-mails have been received from readers asking why they are not catching fish when others around them are hauling them in. My initial response to each inquiry is to ask for more information about your equipment, where and when you fish and what you look for when planning a fishing trip.
22
While the proper equipment, rod, reel, line and tackle are so important, those are not the only issues in the equation. If you visit with professional fishing guides, most will tell you that the number one problem they see with their customers is an inability to cast effectively. When fishing with a guide, he or she will have the right equipment to use; however, if you cannot cast well, it is going to be a major handicap to your catching fish.
“How do you improve your casting skills? The answer is practice, practice and practice.” The right rod and reel for the type of fishing you engage in is critical and of the two, the reel, in my opinion, is the more important. The issue here is whether a casting reel or an openfaced spinning reel is more suitable for you. One of the big issues is a backlash. Most guides and other professionals use casting reels and are accomplished at using them. One draw back for amateurs and beginners is that they are much easier to backlash than spinning reels, which are noted for their ease of casting.
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
When a bird’s nest (another term for backlash) occurs it takes time out of fishing and, as Murphy’s Law goes, it usually takes place in the middle of prolific action. While there are numerous things anglers can do to improve their fishing skills, perfecting the casting technique probably is the most important, once the right equipment is chosen. How do you improve your casting skills? The answer is practice, practice and practice. Fishing trips are not the best place to practice, as the focus is not going to be centered totally on hitting targets. Plan to develop your skills on a small body of water that offers some form of natural target, a tree stump, piling, rock or other object. Do not use lures for practice as they have hooks. Instead use a variety of weights from 1/16 to ½ ounce and focus on controlling the cast and hitting a target area. Start with shorter distances and evolve into longer yardage, as the objective is to cast as far as you can while controlling where the weight (bait when you are fishing) lands. Small lakes around the area are good choices for practice. If do not have a small body of water convenient to you, then try a spot like a football practice field as long as others are not using it. If you can get on a regimented schedule for a few months of regular practice, the results will show when the fish start moving back in this spring.
News & Events
Lakewood Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon
(Top Left) Ladies Association President-elect and President Jane O’Neal, from left, talk over plans for their annual Holiday Luncheon program with Past President Kerry Humphrey as the crowd begins arriving. (Top Right) Faces in the crowd at the annual Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon included, from left, Laurie Engelbretson, Susan Allen, Carol Robinson and Joy Edwards.
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
(Bottom Left) Ruth Zittrer, Joyce Lindsay and Ann Palm, from left, sign the arriving crowd in for the annual Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon at the yacht club in Seabrook. (Bottom Right) Leny Koster, Rita Matthews and Roz Clayton, from left, look for their table as the program starts at the annual Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon at the yacht club in Seabrook.
LYC Christmas Party
(Left) Past LYC First Lady Jill Denman, Margie Clark, and Past LYC First Lady Kendra Broderick. (Center) Rosemary and Jay Bettis. (Top Right) 2013 Lakewood Yacht Club Vice Commodore Tom Collier and wife Sue. (Bottom Right) The High Seas performed Christmas melodies for the annual holiday party.
24
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
Hope and Healing Close to Home San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Cancer Center By Betha Merit
When San Jacinto Methodist Hospital treated its first cancer patient in 1983, it made a commitment to a new era of outstanding cancer care.
I
t also made a commitment to a vision of San Jacinto Methodist Hospital as the first choice for medical care, in the Baytown region. The hospital’s Cancer Center is an outgrowth of that commitment. Located at 4021 Garth Road in Baytown, the San Jacinto Methodist Cancer Center is a freestanding building with its own parking lot on the grounds of San Jacinto Methodist Hospital. The Cancer Center offers comprehensive cancer services. Its board certified cancer specialists include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, general surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists with a great breadth of experience and expertise. The building houses a warmly decorated infusion center with multiple rooms and an accredited imaging center that is staffed by nurses and technicians that patients come to know by name. And, the staff remembers your name, too. Technology matters. The San Jacinto Methodist Cancer Center is an accredited imaging center. Recently, it installed a
26
linear accelerator with IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy) that is one of the world’s most advanced cancerfighting technologies. IGRT provides up-to-the-minute images of tumors so they can be targeted with sub-millimeter accuracy. This means high doses of radiation can be delivered quickly with great precision, which translates to fast treatments, greater patient comfort, and the potential for better outcomes. Patients also benefit from some of the most advanced imaging technology available including CT, MRI and PET scans. As part of The Methodist Hospital System and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the region’s top hospitals, San Jacinto Methodist has access to The Methodist Hospital’s clinical trials as well as extensive research data. The Cancer Center employs a multidisciplinary approach by holding a general tumor board conference and a separate breast tumor board conference monthly. A system-wide triple negative breast conference is held via web conference to improve access to clinical trials for this specific type of cancer. San
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
Jacinto Methodist is one of three NAPBC (National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers) accredited breast centers in the Houston metro area. “Our I CARE values are summed up in the following words: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence,” says Denise Martinez, B.S.N., RN, CBPN-IC, director of cancer services. Towards meeting those values, the Cancer Center defines itself as being Baytown’s one stop facility “where technology, caring and expertise come together for cancer treatment.” There are actually three faces of cancer: the individual receiving cancer treatment,
the family/friends around them, and the group of medical professionals and technicians they work with throughout their journey to wellness. At San Jacinto Methodist, “we have the ability to take the individual from screening and preventative care, on through treatment to survivorship, all in one area that is close to home,” says Martinez. Through their Certified Nurse Navigator program, patients have an advocate by their side to educate, support, and assist with all aspects of care from treatment options to coordinating the many appointments required on this journey in a very timely fashion.
“A cancer patient’s No. 1 question is, ‘how fast can I begin my treatment?’” says Martinez. With the Nurse Navigator as advocate, within two or three days the patient meets with her to discuss options, and set up a plan for treatment and actual appointments to begin treatment. The Nurse Navigator program was introduced in 2010 through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Houston affiliate. It started as a program for uninsured women to be screened and guided through treatment if diagnosed, but was so strongly supported by Methodist that it soon became available to all of the Cancer Center’s patients. Alice Freed, B.S.N., RN, CBCN came to the Cancer Center as Nurse Navigator in early 2012. She worked in the Houston Medical Center for 12 years as an oncology and research nurse. “The medical knowledge of the staff, treatment facility and radiation technology at San Jacinto Methodist are equally comparable to the Medical Center. It is up-to-date and research driven,” says Freed. She also commented on the team approach, where a patient may see one doctor, but the whole medical team reviews each case to ensure they work together to follow the national guidelines, but tailored to the individual patient and unique situation. The Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Only 30 percent of all cancer programs are accredited, and 70 percent of all cancer patients receive treatment at accredited centers. Five elements are key to the success of a CoC-accredited cancer program:
“We have the ability to take the individual from screening and preventative care, on through treatment to survivorship, all in one area that is close to home.” 1. The clinical services provide stateof-the-art pretreatment evaluation, staging, treatment and clinical follow-up for cancer patients seen at the facility for primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary care. 2. The cancer committee leads the program through setting goals, monitoring activity, evaluating patient outcomes, and improving care. 3. The cancer conferences provide a forum for patient consultation and contribute to physician education. 4. The quality improvement program is the mechanism for evaluating and improving patient outcomes. 5. The cancer registry and database is the basis for monitoring the quality of care.
receiving the care they need. That may include education on treatment options, insurance and clinical trial assistance and research, and any number of individual issues specific to each patient. Additional personal touches that are found at San Jacinto Methodist reflect on the individuals that work there. One caregiver has been known to offer her lunch to a patient who ended up in treatment through the lunch hour, and forgot to pack food. Birthday and anniversary parties are thrown for patients spending their special day in treatment. Ceremonies and celebrations are held annually and at various times of the year for survivors and their families, neighbors and friends. Families of patients are adopted by staff for Christmas assistance, completing that triangle of the three faces of cancer. Many grateful cancer survivors give back to the staff as well. One survivor
is a fisherman, who threw a fish fry to show gratitude to the professionals and caregivers that had walked with him through his journey to wellness. “Our patients become friends,” says Martinez. In addition to support groups, pastoral care, and cosmetology assistance, the Cancer Center provides and refers the following services: • Registered Dietician • Speech Pathologist • Physical Therapist • Wound Care Nurse • Smoking Cessation • Genetic Counselor • Clinical Psychologist • Sleep Lab • Pain Specialist. For more information on cancer care at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, call 855-999-7564 (SJMH) or visit www. sanjacintomethodist.com
Additionally, there are basic services that must be provided, all of which are available at the Cancer Center. As Nurse Navigator, Freed also helps patients problem solve and overcome barriers that might keep them from JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
27
Education
CCISD enrollment nears the 40,000 mark By Mary Alys Cherry
C
lear Creek ISD’s official enrollment for the 2012-13 school year is just shy of 40,000 – a total of 39,655. Among the many attending CCISD are 12,298 enrolled at its eight high school campuses, 9074 in the eight intermediate schools and 18,357 who are students at the 26 elementary schools . Clear Lake High has the largest enrollment with 2,411 students, followed closely behind by Clear Brook High, which counts 2,404 filling its campus classrooms. Clear Falls High students number 2,366 while another 2,333 attend Clear Springs High and 2066 call Clear Creek High home. A total of 406 are enrolled in Clear Horizons Early College High School, while 190 are students at Clear View Education Center and 48 are at Clear Path Alternative School. About 3,900 are enrolled in Pre-K and kindergarten classes. Most populous intermediate school is Space Center with 1,147 six, seven and eight grade students, followed by Westbrook with 1,138, Seabrook with 1,037 and Clear Lake Intermediate with 987. Bayside is the smallest with 686 students. Other intermediate totals are 905 at Victory Lakes, 804 at Brookside, 801 at Clear Creek, 834 at Creekside and 734 at League City. El White Elementary in El Lago has the smallest number of students with 438, while Weber Elementary has the largest enrollment, 912. Other enrollment totals: Armand Bayou
30
525
Landolt
891
Bauerschlag 868
League City
568
Bay
749
McWhirter 755
Brookwood 681
Mossman 780
Clear Lake City
564
North Pointe
767
Falcon Pass
614
Parr
812
Ferguson 764
Robinson 528
Gilmore
757
Ross
719
Goforth
652
Stewart
674
Greene
770
Ward
631
Hall
692
Wedgewood 770
Hyde
590
Whitcomb 757
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
CCISD slams Mandate Students getting reprieve from 15 percent test rule By Mary Alys Cherry
H
igh school students and their parents had more than the holidays to celebrate in December. They won a key battle in Austin, where Education Commissioner Michael Williams said he will defer the statemandated 15 percent testing rule this school year. And, it appears the controversial measure may be on the way out with parents and educators all across the state opposing the rule. Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston), who chairs the Senate Education Committee, has filed legislation that would kill the mandate and allow school districts to determine how much – if any -- the test score should figure in a student’s final grade, and Gov. Rick Perry sent a letter to Williams suggesting that the state end the practice of including the test scores in final grades. Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Greg Smith was delighted with the news. “We would like to thank Commissioner Williams and the governor for taking action on this matter. Clearly, it is in the best interest of all students. We ask that the 15 percent not just be deferred but eliminated all together. The issuance of grades is an educator’s responsibility,” Dr. Smith said. “While we applaud the state for deferring the 15 percent rule, there is still the troubling issue that students must accrue a certain amount of points per core content End of Course Exam to graduate.” The Austin actions came only hours after the Clear Creek School Board voted unanimously at its monthly meeting to ask the Texas Legislature to take immediate action to rescind its mandate that STAAR End-Of-Course Examinations (EOC) count as 15 percent of students’ grades in related courses. Trustees also called on Gov. Rick Perry to treat their request as an emergency item on his legislative agenda. Grades on student report cards should be left up to teachers, not the legislature, trustees said, and that was the message they hoped to send to lawmakers. State law now requires the STAAR End-of-Course
Exam, a state assessment, to count towards 15 percent of a student’s final grade for all high school core courses. “The Clear Creek Independent School District believes that classroom teachers are in the best position to determine grades that accurately reflect a student’s mastery of a subject and that their authority to assign such grades must not be constrained by legislative edicts related to artificial and arbitrary state assessments,” said Trustee Page Rander as she read the resolution during the Nov. 26 meeting. During the school board meeting, Dr. Smith called the mandate “so confusing, so inappropriate.” He felt so strongly about the resolution the trustees had before them that he asked Trustee Paige Rander to read the entire three-page document to the audience, which applauded when the resolution passed. “We think it’s a vacuum that will suck kids out of high school – that they will drop out,” he said. Trustee Robert Davee added, “I think we need to let the folks in Austin know what the people down here think.” “The over reliance on standardized, high stakes testing as the only assessment of learning that really matters in the state and federal accountability systems is strangling our public schools and undermining any chance that educators have to transform a traditional system of schooling into a broad range of learning experiences that better prepares our students to live successfully and be competitive on a global stage,” the resolution charges. The resolution also points out that “the mandates for students to pass each of 15 STAAR EOC Examinations, achieve a cumulative score for each of the four core content areas tested, and score satisfactory or advanced on English III Reading, English III Writing and Algebra II to fulfill partial requirements to graduate on the Recommended or Distinguished plans, adversely impact students’ love of learning and ability to receive a comprehensive education beyond the core content areas tested.” Also, trustees believe the mandate to achieve a cumulative score will adversely impact students’ ability to successfully complete high school and transition to college.
Education (Left) Mossman students Trent Hurst, left, and Marcos Lara line up pumpkins the elementary students grew for the Education Village school’s Farmers Market.
(Right) Desmond Adjei and Samantha Lowrance happily show off tomatoes both large and small they have raised over the past few months at Mossman Elementary.
Mossman students develop their own Farmers Market
M
ossman Elementary students at Education Village in League City are getting a whole new take on life. They have formed a garden club and have their own Farmers Market. They not only know how to plant seeds and grow plants, they are learning to take care of their garden and then set up tables to sell their home grown tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and more. The Farmers Market was designed, led and managed by 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in the Garden Club. “This is incredible for my child, to be able to grow, harvest and then sell their produce. She loves the Garden Club,” said Mary McFarther, parent of Mossman 4th grader Lillianna McFarther. The Discovery Garden was funded by a $5,000 Clear Creek Education Foundation grant along with a Harris County grant for $25,000. Biotech students at Clear Falls High School started seedlings for the garden. “We determine what the seeds need to grow and then the Mossman students take care of the plants,” explained
Clear Falls 11th grader Emily James. The seedlings are grown in a new greenhouse. Their recent harvest included jalapenos, bell peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and herbs. They also maintain a compost pile. According to Mossman Principal Stephanie McBride, “Our fourth graders took three marketing classes at Clear Falls High to learn how to market and advertise this new venture and our fifth graders took three business classes and began developing a business plan for the spring Farmers Market.” Libby Smith, a CFHS teacher, had her students lead these classes. The students have also planted fruit trees in hopes of branching out with new items to sell next year. “I just bought some vegetables and watched the students use mental math strategies to count my change correctly,” said Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Holly Hughes. The students aren’t the only ones digging in at Mossman, the teachers who make up the Discovery Garden cadre work early mornings and in the evening after school.
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
31
B u s i n e ss
Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
HTC, JSC partner to foster
local business opportunities By Mary Alys Cherry
T
he Houston Technology Center and Johnson Space Center have formally opened the new office established at JSC through the partnership they formed – a partnership to enhance opportunities to accelerate the growth of emerging technology industries. Two new clients are already at work at the new center – Chris Shiver, who has teamed up with veteran astronaut Scott Parazynski and Clark Thompson to form Dreamsaver Enterprises and develop Shiver’s concept of a fireproof safe that can withstand extreme heat, and Chandah, a new commercial space firm that focuses on small satellites.
“Increasing business opportunities through sustainable technologies not only boosts the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, but contributes to the local economy.” By opening JSC facilities and resources to outside partnerships, JSC Director Mike Coats said the space agency hopes to find areas of common interest where both parties can help each other foster new technologies that not only improve life here on Earth, but also paves the way for future human explorations in space. “This partnership,” he said as he welcomed the crowd to the opening ceremonies, “will provide an enabling environment where commercial capabilities can develop at the Johnson Space Center. Increasing business opportunities through sustainable technologies not only boosts the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, but contributes to the local economy.”
Coats also introduced HTC President and CEO Walter Ulrich. Other speakers included State Rep. John Davis, chairman of the Texas House Economic Development Committee; and Tom Gros, president of NRG Solutions. The HTC president said his company is committed to growing a sustainable entrepreneurial network that will benefit the Bay Area for years to come. Ulrich also noted that HTC will seed the future workforce through its close ties with major State Rep. John universities and with STEM Davis, right, and programs and objectives. Bastion Technologies By establishing a fully Chief Operating Officer Dr. Jayant staffed satellite facility at JSC, Ramakrishnan were HTC expects to harness the among the many at technical know-how and provide the opening of the business advice, while leveraging Houston Technology Center’s JSC office. the incredible technologies, capabilities and expertise found in the JSC community with the commercial industry – and, in the process, create thousands of high technology jobs and possibly a billion dollars of annual economic activity. “We are excited to partner with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in an effort to foster entrepreneurial opportunities to the transitioning workforce in the Bay Area. The combination of NASA’s incredible technologies and HTC powerful JSC Director entrepreneurial resources presents Mike Coats, the potential for immense economic center, explains the mission of development, Ulrich said. the Houston “We want to keep these brilliant Technology Center to minds here and help them create bankers at the new commercial ventures leveraging opening of the their unique expertise.” JSC office.
B U S I N E S S NASA honors SAIC analyst SAIC Chief Analyst Robert Graber was recently honored with an Engineering Excellence Award by the NASA Safety and Engineering Center in recognition of engineering excellence and leadership in the application of a logical framework for assessing risk for the Pyrovalve Reliability Expendable Launch Vehicle Payloads Assessment. Graber provides technical contributions as a member of SAIC’s Safety and Mission Assurance Support Services Contract team at the Johnson Space Center.
Barrios cites 5 employees Barrios Technology recognized five of its employees with the quarterly Silver BEAR Award. Each of these employees provided a high level of expertise in their
32
jobs supporting NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the International Space Station program. Employees recognized for the third quarter of 2012 were Ashley Benson, Christofi Costas, William (Bill) Huebner, Tamla Ricks and Desiree Smith.
Boeing employees community fund awards grant The Assistance League of the Bay Area has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Boeing Employees Community Fund to help fund Operation School Bell, which provides school clothes for needy Bay Area students. The Boeing Employees Community Fund is employee-owned and directed giving program that allows employees to support the needs of their communities. Funding decisions are made by the local Boeing Houston ECF Board.
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
B U Z Z UHCL to offer legal courses
The University of Houston-Clear Lake plans to offer a number of Certificate Courses in the Legal Field online, including Paralegal/Advanced Paralegal/ Legal Secretary/Law School Prep and more from Jan. 14-March 1 and again from March 11 to April 26.. The courses are created to help participants prepare for careers in the fast-growing field of paralegalism -- teaching basic legal concepts including the American legal system, terminology and ethics. Legal Secretary, Law School Prep and Legal Nurse Consulting Training courses prepare students for careers in law or medicine and train medical professionals for a career as legal nurse consultants. For fees and schedules or to register, visit www.uhcl.edu/camp or call 281-2833133 or 281-283-3121 or e-mail camp@ uhcl.edu
USA recognizes flight controllers Barrios employees Tom Miller and Kent Kalogera were recently recognized with a quarterly Quest for Excellence Award from United Space Alliance for their efforts on the 17-member team that monitors the International Space Station electrical power and external thermal control systems while the Power Resource Officers ensure that the power from all available channels are routed and balanced properly to core systems and payloads. This team responded to the failure to install Main Bus Switching Unit 1, requiring them to work extended hours over the Labor Day weekend and the following days to keep the ISS safe.
RESOLVE TO BE FINANCIALLY SECURE IN 2013
W
hen it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, getting into good shape financially ranks right up there with losing weight and eating healthier. All three goals require discipline and planning; and, as you’ve no doubt experienced, it’s not unusual to encounter setbacks along the way. Don’t let losing a minor battle here or there convince you to surrender on the bigger war. You’ll probably have more success if you start out taking small steps, learning from your mistakes and gaining momentum as you go. Here are a few suggestions for better managing your personal finances in the New Year: The first step on the road to financial health is to create a budget you can live with. If you’re new to budgeting or haven’t been successful in the past, start slowly. For a few months write down every cent you spend: mortgage/rent, utilities, food, gas, medical copayments, credit card interest – the works. You’ll be surprised where you money goes. At the same time, compare money coming in (income) to money going out (expenses). If you’re just breaking even or losing money each month, you need to boost your income and/or aggressively trim spending. Try these strategies:
•
• •
•
Pay bills on time and send at least the minimum amount due. You’ll avoid late fees and related interest rate increases; plus, you’ll improve your credit score. Balance your checking account regularly and use in-network ATMs to avoid overdrafts and fees. If your employer offers flexible spending accounts, use them to pay health and dependent care expenses with pretax dollars. Raise insurance deductibles and shop around for better rates.
Once you start reducing expenses, use the savings to pay down debts more quickly. Try making a table of all outstanding credit card and loan balances and their corresponding interest rates. Then, each month pay the minimum amount due on each – except pay as much as possible on the account with
34
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
the highest interest rate. Once that one’s paid off, move to the next-highest rate account and so on. Another smart move is to have an emergency fund in case of financial upheaval (layoff, medical emergency, unexpected car repairs, etc.) Ideally you should save enough to cover six months’ of expenses, but don’t be discouraged if that sounds insurmountable: Start slowly by saving a few dollars each week. You won’t miss it and your little nest egg might just save you from needing an expensive short-term loan to cover an unplanned bill. If something terrible happened to you, would your family be protected financially? Make sure you have a valid will, durable power of attorney, health care proxy and living will. Numerous books, online articles and sample forms are available if you want to draft them yourself, but you should probably review your documents with a financial advisor or attorney to avoid potential legal problems. Also, make sure you have adequate life and disability insurance. It’s debatable how much Social Security will be able to contribute toward your retirement income in coming decades, so if you’re not already participating in your employer’s 401(k) plan or an IRA, make that one of your top financial resolutions. Sticking to resolutions is never easy – if it were, we’d already be doing them. But striving to improve your financial situation now will pay off big-time down the road. This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation This article is brought to you by a partnership between Visa and Texas First Bank and was authored by Jason Alderman, who directs Visa’s financial education programs. For more information, follow Texas First Bank on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube or visit us at www.texasfirstbank.com.
THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING ACCURATE RECORDS FOR BUSINESS INCOME AND PROPERTY TAXES Be careful with the phrase “It’s a tax write-off” By Greg Crinion
B
usinesses pay a variety of taxes - sales, unemployment, social security, income and property, to name a few. Two taxes are especially relevant at this time of year, both of which require proper record keeping. Every business is taxed by the federal government on its income. The tax is imposed on the revenues received by the business less the business’ expenses that are allowed to be deducted. A business may generally deduct those expenses that are both ordinary and necessary to the business. An ordinary expense is one that is commonly accepted as an expense for that trade or business. A necessary expense is one that is helpful and appropriate for that trade or business. Contrary to what you might hear on the street, everything is not a tax write-off if you are a business owner. Here are a few examples: • •
• •
•
Personal, family and living expenses are generally not deductible. Payments to political parties, candidates and lobbying groups are generally not deductible. Fines and penalties for violations of laws are not deductible. Even some ordinary and necessary expenses are not allowed - some dues for country clubs and other organizations for pleasure, recreation and social purposes are not deductible. Other expenses, such as customer entertainment, are limited in deductibility.
Proper record keeping is key to proving the deductibility of business expenses. Every business is entitled to deduct the allowed costs of operating the business; yet deducting expenses that are not documented or that are not allowed may well be tax fraud. More investigations by the Internal Revenue Service are leading to more discoveries of tax abuses and more criminal convictions. Remember, mobster Al Capone, actor Wesley Snipes and hotelier Leona Helmsley (“only the little people pay taxes”) all went to prison for income tax violations. The state and local governments collect taxes on the value of property owned
by businesses, again including both business entities and sole proprietors. Cities, counties, school districts, and road, flood, drainage, water improvement and municipal utility districts all collect these ad valorem property taxes. Taxable property includes land, buildings, furniture, equipment, inventory, airplanes, boats, vehicles and raw materials used by a business. Business property is identified and valued as of January 1 each year. Businesses must report their business personal property (this does not include land and buildings) in the spring of each year. A notice of valuation is issued and the business then has a limited time to protest the property included and the valuation of that property. Businesses must be able to prove the property ownership and the value of that property at the beginning of each year. Not disclosing the personal property owned by a business can lead to serious fines and penalties. False reporting (and intentional omitting of business personal property in the annual rendition) can be criminal. Proper record keeping by a business can enable a business to save money on its ad valorem taxes. Proper business record keeping serves a final purpose - having an accurate financial record of the business’ profitability. A business that does not match business expenses to business revenues cannot properly plan or evaluate its efficiency and profitability. Sound business decisions cannot be made using inaccurate - or even fraudulent - business records. Business record keeping is not particularly complex or burdensome, but does require effort and organization. Good business record keeping will enable sound business decision making and allow the business to pay the taxes it owes while claiming all proper deductions. The American taxpayer might appreciate the business that overpays its taxes, but will vilify as a tax cheat the business that underpays what it owes. If record keeping isn’t your strength, hire a qualified person or firm to help you do it right. It’s not worth the consequences.
Greg Crinion is a partner at Crinion Davis & Richardson LLP www.cdrlegal.com JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
35
HomeTown Bank of Pearland Now Open
H
omeTown Bank, N.A. recently celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Pearland Chamber of Commerce on December 6, 2012. The new building, and the bank’s seventh branch, is on Pearland Parkway. HomeTown Bank received its national banking charter and began operations in Galveston in 1966 under the name Bank of Galveston. The community bank changed its name to HomeTown Bank, National Association, in 1999 to reflect its expansion to serve cities outside of Galveston. “Throughout its 46-year history, HomeTown Bank has remained committed to the communities it serves,” CEO Jimmy Rasmussen said. “Our range of business and personal banking services is as broad and up-to-date as most banks from outside the area, but it is our people and their commitment to serving our local community that give you the HomeTown Advantage. Branch Manager Sean Murphy grew up here in Pearland, and we also thrilled that local residents Katherine Deskins, Emily Chapman, Valorie Spann, Lorraine Hancock, and Liz Wallace have also joined the HomeTown team, here, at our newest branch.” HomeTown Bank of Pearland is located at 2651 Pearland Parkway and can be reached at (281) 412-8000. HomeTown Bank offers a variety of loan and deposit products for individuals and businesses. For more information about the bank, please visit the website www.htbna.com.
36
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
On hand for the grand opening and ribbon cutting were President and CEO Jimmy Rasmussen and Branch Manager and Vice President Sean Murphy, along with Board Chairman Mickey Gaido and Board Members Kent Ballard, Sid Farmer, Joe Saladino, Bob Pagan, Ted Waterman, Stacy Dienst, Bill Rider and Mayor Tom Reid.
Sherwin Sun and Fay Watson of Keep Pearland Beautiful presented the bank with a plaque commemorating their recent contribution for membership and the adoption of Province Village Drive. Also pictured are Mayor Tom Reid and Branch Manager Sean Murphy.
HomeTown Bank of Pearland presented a $5,000 donation check to the North Brazoria Educational Alliance, accepted by Terrie Morgan.
Webster quits Convention and Visitors Bureau By Mary Alys Cherry
W
ebster is dropping out of the Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau – noting that it doesn’t feel it is getting enough bang for its buck. The city has been paying the CVB 15 percent of the hotel occupancy taxes its 17 hotels collect to provide tourism services -- a total of approximately $130,000 this year. The action came during City Council’s December meeting after Councilwoman Alexandra Dietrich, who represents the municipality on its CVB board, presented a detailed report to the city on her investigation. “We just don’t think we’re getting enough bang for our buck,” she told City Council, explaining that Webster was hardly mentioned in CVB
“We just don’t think we’re getting enough bang for our buck.” advertisements, yet the city, with its many hotels collecting the tourism tax, has been the CVB’s biggest contributor. Economic Development Director Dr. Betsy Gisuto told Council that her office
38
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
had repeatedly asked for accountability, but so far had received none. “While the regional visitors bureau has been requested to demonstrate efforts that place visitors in Webster’s hotels, tract ads to ascertain effectiveness for the region’s hotels or implement initiatives that have a direct impact for hotel occupancy, this has not transpired,” Guisto said in a previous report to Council. The vote was 6-1 to not approve continuing the contract with the CVB. Councilman Mel Donehue voted no. “Of course we are disappointed that the City of Webster has decided not to participate in our ongoing efforts to market our destinations and attractions as a region vs. community by community,” said Pam Summers, president, Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our regional destination marketing programs have proven to be very successful over the past 11 years and we will continue to provide strong benefits, services and value to our member cities.” Webster has a marketing and tourism coordinator and economic development team that has always engaged in initiatives that result in hotel occupancy (heads in beds) for the city’s hotels-including funding the TxDOT blue logo signage on I-45 for the hotels, Giusto said.. It also has a partnership with Space Center Houston’s to publicize its hotels and publishes a dining and entertainment guide that is disseminated at Space Center Houston, visitor centers, and mailed out to potential visitors.
In the News . . . . Been off on vacation? Here’s some of the things making the news in and around Bay Area Houston. Clear Lake Shores
After 20 years of service to the city, City Administrator Paul Shelley said he does not plan to renew his contract with the municipality when his term expires Jan. 31. And, Karen Mericle, who has been city secretary since 2003, said she is retiring. George Jones of Tulsa, Oklahoma will take Shelley’s place.
Kemah
Long-time Kemah City Secretary Kathy Pierce retired Dec. 21, after serving almost 38 years at the city. The city has hired Marisela Garcia of Midland where she’s worked the last 14 years and was deputy city secretary.
Nassau Bay
As the Bay Area recuperated from New Year’s Eve and almost non-stop parties in November and December, Galveston is busy making plans for Mardi Gras! Galveston Feb. 1-12 which this year will feature 5 masked balls, 19 balcony parties, 24 parades, 26 concerts and more than 3 million beads.
Former Nassau Bay City Manager John Kennedy has been appointed to the Port of Houston Authority Commission by the Harris County Commissioners Court, replacing Elyse Lanier, wife of former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier, who resigned. Kennedy retired three years ago after serving as his city’s top official for 10 years.
Houston
Pasadena
Galveston
Hobby Airport now offers valet parking that allows customers to drive into a reception area in the terminal garage, drop off their keys and catch a flight. The price is $20 until Jan. 7 and $25 thereafter. For information, visit www.fly2Houston.com The Houston Fire Department is offering free visual smoke detectors for citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing and can be installed in homes by HFD or picked up at the Metropolitan MultiService Center, 1475 W. Gray, Suite 180, in Houston. Requests may be made by calling 713-284-1990 or online at mopdmail@houstontx.gov
Linda Lukaszewski, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, has been named recipient of the Pasadena ISD’s Distinguished Citizen Award for 2012 and was honored at a Dec. 11 reception hosted by the PISD Board of Trustees and the school district.
Webster
Police Chief Ray Smiley announced plans to field a third K-9 team Dec. 4. Its two previous K-9 units have made more than 160 arrests, seized drugs, including marijuana, cocaine and many other illegal drugs while searching many buildings and vehicles in recent months.
Arts Alliance to start classes at new location
T
he Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake has announced its new Spring Art Studio class schedule. The Arts Alliance, which moved from its long-time home at 2000 NASA Parkway to a new “lean and mean” studio space at 18036 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, will start classes at the new location on Jan. 8. For registration, families are asked to contact Cindy Fischer at 281-335-7777 or online at cfischer@taaccl.org Class descriptions are available on the organization’s website, www.taaccl.org TAACL plans to offer classes for both children and adults in photography, beginning knitting, chess and drawing in watercolor and portraits and acrylics-pastels painting. Class fees range from $100 to $150 for the classes, which last from four to six weeks. The mailing address is 2437 Bay Area Blvd., #115 Houston, Texas 77058.
40
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
Terri Dieste to chair 2013 Lunar Rendezvous Festival
C
alling the Bay Area Houston home since 1976, Terri Dieste has been an avid community supporter. Due to her dedication and leadership skills in philanthropic endeavors, she has been selected by the Lunar Rendezvous Festival Advisory Board to be the 2013 Lunar Rendezvous Festival general chairman. A Lunar Rendezvous princess in 1980, Dieste observed her mother’s dedication to the organization as a volunteer. Thus began more than two decades of service to local charities, athletic groups, and educational associations. Dieste began volunteering for Lunar Rendezvous in 2008, serving as court chairman in 2009 and 2010. In 2011 she served as the festival vice chairman. Applying her design skills, she developed event programs for both the annual Fashion Show and Coronation Ball as the co-chairman of programs in 2012. Over the years Dieste has served on
the Assistance League of the Bay Area board, as president of the Clear Lake High School PTA, chief financial officer of Houston Bay Area Young Life; and as president of the CLHS Boys Soccer Booster Club. With child education and athletics as a priority, Dieste has overseen numerous scholastic projects and supported many sporting organizations. She has been the chairman of Operation School Bell, Assisteens coordinator, and a member of the Project Graduation leadership team. She has been involved with the Clear Creek Education Foundation, NASA Little League, and Space City Youth Soccer. An active member of Gateway Community Church, Dieste has also been a volunteer high school youth leader. While attending Stephen F. Austin University, Dieste met her husband of 28 years, John Dieste. They have three grown sons, Blake, Scott and Grant, all graduates of Clear Lake High School.
Volunteers are needed for emergency response team
T
he Seabrook Office of Emergency Management will host an eight-week CERT training class at the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Station beginning Thursday, Jan. 10. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is a Federal Emergency Management Agency program that educates citizens about the hazards they face in their community and trains them in lifesaving skills. The class is free and upon completion each member receives the CERT backpack with emergency supplies. If needed after a disaster, these citizen-responders use their training as part of a neighborhood or workplace team to help others when first responders are overwhelmed or not immediately available. CERT members provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist first responders with prioritization and allocation of resources when they arrive. Training sessions cover disaster preparedness, fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization, and terrorism. With this training, CERT members played a vital role in providing support to jurisdictions throughout the region following Hurricane Ike. The Seabrook, La Porte and Webster CERT teams recently joined together to form BayCERT in order to help increase awareness of CERT in the Bay Area. For more information about BayCERT and the upcoming class, contact Ronica Hall ronicahall@hotmail.com , 281-326-5644 or Donna Contenta dcontenta@verizon.net. For information about CERT go to www.harriscountycitizencorps.com. JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
41
Sierra Nevada Corporation Selected by NASA to Receive Human Spaceflight Certification Products Contract
S
ierra Nevada Corporation’s (SNC) Space Systems is pleased to announce that its Dream Chaser® Space System Program has been selected by NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to receive a Certification Products Contract (CPC). This award is the first step on the path to enabling International Space Station transportation services and to provide for government certification of the Dream Chaser commercial crew orbital transportation system. The contract, which was the largest award by NASA in this round, is valued at $10 million to be completed by May 30, 2014. It will begin in January 2013 and will provide a path for a robust relationship between SNC and NASA for the communication of technical interchange, concluding with the delivery of certification documentation to the agency. Craig Gravelle, Space Systems senior director who led the SNC proposal effort commented. “The SNC team is thrilled with the opportunity to work with NASA to certify the Dream Chaser® Space System for crewed low Earth orbit flight. This FAR-based contract will leverage SNC’s success to date working with the Commercial Crew Program, as well as our partners’ expertise in developing human spaceflight hardware.” “The SNC team is now working with NASA through two Space Act Agreements which rapidly advance Dream Chaser® Space System design and development. This contract brings NASA’s investment in the program to approximately $350 million and allows
42
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
SNC and NASA to jointly approve our Dream Chaser crew transportation certification plan. SNC will execute some of the tests and analyses in the plan over the coming months to begin working toward achieving NASA certification of Dream Chaser as this Nation’s next human space transportation system. SNC is committed to reestablishing the critical space transportation services lost after Space Shuttle retirement” said John Curry, Space Systems director responsible for systems engineering and integration of the Dream Chaser. The Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle is on schedule to complete its first free flight test, in conjunction with NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, in early 2013. About Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Space Systems business area headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, designs and manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and components for the US Government, commercial customers as well as for the international market. SNC Space Systems has more than 25 years of space heritage in space and has participated in over 400 successful space missions through the delivery of over 4,000 systems, subsystems and components. During its history, SNC Space Systems has concluded over 70 programs for NASA and over 50 other clients. For more information about SS visit www.sncspace.com.
JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
43
UHCL Doctoral Candidate Awarded Grant
U
niversity of Houston-Clear Lake doctoral candidate Sundie Dahlkamp was awarded a Public School Research Scholars Program grant by the Center for Research, Evaluation and Advancement of Teacher Education (CREATE), a consortium of four Texas universities dedicated to exploring quality and effectiveness issues related to teacher preparation, retention and student achievement. The fellowship scholars program includes weekend seminars which assist the candidates as they develop their dissertation proposals. Dahlkamp’s dissertation research is exploring “Principal Efficacy and School Climate – A Recipe for Retention.” The UH-Clear Lake student anticipates completing the educational leadership degree and defending her dissertation in fall 2013. CREATE is a consortium of the University of Houston System, the Texas A&M University System, the Texas State University System and The University of Texas System. Dahlkamp is employed by Pearland Independent School District as a human resources specialist. She received a Master of Science in Education Management from UHCL in 2007.
Del Papa Distributing Company Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity this Holiday Season
E
quipped with generous hearts and heavy hammers, 30 Del Papa Distributing Company employees and their family members volunteered with Bay Area Houston Habitat for Humanity (BAHFH) to help build three homes in Dickinson, Texas on Saturday, December 8. Afterward, the Gulf Coast beer distributor, which is also partnering with Habitat for Humanity on projects near the company’s Victoria and Beaumont locations this holiday season, presented the organization with a $1,500 donation. “Del Papa Distributing is committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work,” said Mike Ferlet, Vice President of Business Regulations & Industry Affairs. “It is rewarding to partner with Bay Area – Houston Habitat for Humanity for the second consecutive year as we help these hardworking and deserving future homeowners finish their houses in time for the holidays.” The Del Papa Distributing volunteers constructed two backyard sheds and installed hurricane strapping on one home.
Through in-kind donations and gratis labor provided by local businesses like Del Papa Distributing Company, BAHFH will sell these quality homes for an average of $65,000 at no interest for 20 years to families who have income levels less than 60% of the area median. Bay Area – Houston Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1991 and is the only non-profit home builder in Galveston, Southeast Harris and Brazoria counties. Over the last 22 years, BAHFH has made a difference in the lives of 130 families, helping move them into quality, safe, affordable and energyefficient homes. Del Papa Distributing Company commemorated a century of service in 2010 and continues to give back to the Texas City, Victoria and Beaumont communities through service projects, check donations and educational scholarships. To learn more about Del Papa Distributing Company and its 100-year history of service, visit www.delpapabud.com.
The Oleanders of San Leon
P
erforming with rock and roll legends. Sailing the high seas. Digging for buried treasure. It’s all just part of the adventure for Andy Upchurch. The Oleanders of San Leon recounts how Andy, a passionate musician and sailor, decides that building a house would be the perfect next great adventure. He possesses no construction skills, but that doesn’t deter him. With an enthusiastic nature and an optimistic outlook, he purchases some rough, tangled land on the Texas coastal prairie, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to work. The story is written with a pervasive and underlying wit, tongue-in-cheek humor, and drama that’s either real or imagined. Clearing the land becomes an epic battle between man and jungle and digging the holes to plant the house pilings becomes a hunt for pirate loot in Andy’s wild imagination. Using a nail gun is more like wielding a weapon in the hands of a musician who is more comfortable with pianos. Going from living on a sailboat to building a house on
44
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013
solid ground, Andy doesn’t really grasp what he’s about to get into, but he will learn—sometimes the easy way, but more often the hard way! The undertaking is full of uncertainty, but he perseveres. Finally, the last nail is in place. Andy christens the house “The Oleanders,” and the adventure is complete. Filled with hilarious moments, the book is interspersed with stories, snippets, and a yarn or two. It is not a “how to” book that one would buy to learn all about building houses. It’s merely the story of how one person, who definitely marches to the beat of a different drummer, did it. If you have ever wanted to do something you thought you couldn’t, find your inspiration in The Oleanders of San Leon. The book is available at these local establishments - Kemah: Sylvia’s Cozy Corner, Tropical Express, the Hoagie Ranch, Skipper’s, City Hall. San Leon: Topwater Grill, Latitudes Restaurant, Gilhouley’s. League City: Nancy’s Bra Boutique. Seabrook: Upper Bay Frame & Gallery, Clear Lake Visitors and Convention Center. Find out more about the book at www.theoleandersofsanleon.com. Andy can be reached at andyupch@aol.com.
THE BOYS IN BLUE Constable Phil Sandlin, center, and his deputies are sporting a new look these days, in case you haven’t noticed -- new dark navy uniforms, which are harder to spot at night than the former white shirts they wore, along with a new look to their vehicles. Standing with the Harris County constable are, from left, Deputy Anthony Ferraro, Chief Deputy Jason Finnen, Capt. Jeff Lamar and Deputy Chris Yetter.
OOPS! That was probably what a young woman thought as she apparently hit the wrong pedal and drove her SUV right through the front of Adelaide’s Boutique in the shopping center at the corner of Space Center Boulevard and Pineloch in Clear Lake while many were out holiday shopping.
Cricket and Butterfly are both up for adoption and are currently fostered by Second Chance Pets’ new president Jane Ensor. Cricket is a young terrier mix rescued after someone put her in the night drop box at a high volume shelter. SCP volunteers heard her crying, opened her cage and found her frightened, dirty and covered with fleas After cleaning her up, Jane found that Cricket loves squeaky toys and carries them around the house! Cricket made a best friend in Butterfly. Butterfly is a young Chihuahua mix that is initially shy but eventually covers people in butterfly kisses. Butterfly gives a high five and claps her little paws together when she is excited. She gets along with cats and dogs and even Great Danes! Consider adopting Cricket & Butterfly together so they can stay best friends. SCP shows its cats and dogs at the Clear Lake Petco (Bay Area Blvd. at Space Center) on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information email pets2adopt@yahoo.com or go to www.secondchancepets.org.
BAY AREA SHARKS WIN TIFI SUPER BOWL
Bay Area Sharks running back Tanner Blackwell scored a fourth-quarter touchdown and Julian Deadwyler provided the two-point conversion kick giving the Bay Area Sharks an 8-0 victory over the Deer Park Tigers at Dickinson High School’s Sam Vitanza Stadium. JANUARY 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine
45
50
Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2013