Bay Area Houston Magazine December 2014

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

CLAUDIO’S RESTAURANT & PIANO BAR

The perfect holiday entertainment destination is proud to support the U.S. Marines and Toys for Tots

features

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Dr. Bill Merrell named award recipient

2014 BAHEP Quasar Award

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A simple smile

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Bay Area mourns the irreplaceable loss of Ms. Lynette

Dental Health Remembering Lynette Mason Gregg

15 BAHBT’s The Nutcracker

The ballet returns to thrill holiday audiences 16

Celebrating with the Cock & Bull British Pub

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Runoff election on Dec. 16

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Johnny Halili of Prestige Oysters

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Proud to support Toys for Tots

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San Jacinto College growing faster than expected

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2015 Executive Board and Board of Directors

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TAACCCT program at San Jacinto College

Executive Vice President Patty Kane

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Kyle Redford carries on the family business

Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan

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Jigsaw takes Texas BEST Robotics Championship

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Buy into Bay Area campaign launched

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Nassau Bay gets new city secretary

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Education foundation honors 10 at 2014 gala

ON THE COVER SSgt Tommy Bushman, Claudio Sereni, Sophia Sereni, Nancy Linquist and SSgt Daniel Garcia. Photography by Brian Stewart.

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President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Shannon Alexander Debbie Salisbury Lisa Waxman

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Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Rod Evans Michael Gos Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Cathy Osoria Pat Patton Dr. Edward Reitman

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

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Distribution Tim Shinkle Company 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.

Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmedia.com

281.474.5875

Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party One More Election To Go An American Success Story Claudio’s Restaurant & Piano Bar San Jac State Of The College Luncheon Economic Alliance Boards Announced Course Correction North Channel Assistance Ministries Clear Creek ISD Robotics Business Buzz News Nuggets CCEF Gala

columns

Digital Strategy Consultant Pierr Castillo

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John E. Davis

Movers & Shakers

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Panhellenic celebrates 50 years of style

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How to select the right fishing guide

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Racers fare well in J/Fest Southwest Regatta

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The truth about truisms

28

Clever Christmas storage solutions

Clear Lake Chatter The Admiral’s Log Lakewood Yacht Club News Texas Meditations Home Sweet Home

32 CLICK! Boys and Girls Harbor “Good Skipper” Luncheon

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

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Main Events Calendar of events for Bay Area Houston

Dr. Bill Merrell named Quasar Award recipient

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r. Bill Merrell, who has worked relentlessly for six years for a storm surge protection system from hurricanes for the Galveston Bay area, has been named recipient of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s prestigious Quasar Award for 2015.

Merrell, the George P. Mitchell chairman in Marine Sciences at Texas A&M University at Galveston and president of Merrell Historic Properties, Inc., will be presented the award during the organization’s 22nd annual Quasar Award Banquet Friday, Jan.16, at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.

The Quasar Award, presented each year to an outstanding individual who has contributed greatly to the economic wealth and diversity of the Bay Area Houston region, will be presented to Dr. Merrell in appreciation and acknowledgment of his tremendous work in storm surge protection and his development of the Ike Dike Concept for a storm surge protection system for the upper Texas Gulf Coast.

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, praised his work saying, “The Quasar Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated a steadfast leadership in support of the business foundations of the greater Bay Area Houston region. Bill Merrell is the epitome of this statement. His vision created the Ike Dike Concept, and Bill has worked relentlessly to see this vision become a reality. When it does, it will be among the most important economic drivers this region has ever seen.”

Dr. Merrell said, “I am personally honored and grateful to be chosen as the next Quasar Award winner. I also recognize that I’m a surrogate for a large number of people who have worked tirelessly to advance surge suppression, in particular the coastal barrier approach in their communities, state and even nationally. This special award reflects on their efforts, as well.”

He received a B.S. in Physics and an M.A. in Mathematics from Sam Houston State University, as well as a Ph.D. in Oceanography from Texas A&M University, where he is a

past president. He has also served as chairman of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment; vice chancellor for strategic programs of the Texas A&M System; vice president for research policy at Texas A&M; and chairman of the Ocean Studies Board.

He also served on the Space Studies Board and the Board on Sustainability of the National Research Council; and has held presidential appointments with the National Science Foundation.

Among his awards are the Distinguished Achievement Medal from the Geosciences and Earth Resources Council, and he is the only person to have received the Distinguished Service Award of the National Science Foundation twice.

Following the massive devastation caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008, Dr. Merrell began work to study a system that would provide storm surge protection for the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, which he termed the Ike Dike Concept.

Prior recipients of BAHEP’s Quasar Award include: Texas Gov. Ann Richards, 1994; U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, 1995; U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 1996; U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, 1997; Johnson Space Center Director George W.S. Abbey, 1998; Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough, 1999; Robert L. Moody Sr., 2000; Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown, 2001; Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Jim Fonteno, 2002; House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, 2003; Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, 2004; Dr. John Stobo, president of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 2005; Houston Mayor Bill White, 2006; NASA Administrator Dr. Michael Griffin, 2007; Dr. William A. Staples, president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2008; Mike Coats, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, 2009; Texas State Rep. Craig Eiland, 2010; U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 2011; U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, 2012; Fred B. Griffin, owner and co-chairman, Griffin Partners, 2013; and Dr. Renu Khator, chancellor, University of Houston System, and president, University of Houston, 2014.

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Don’t forget to vote!

As WE CLOSE OUT THIS GREAT YEAR, let us reflect on all the good that we saw in 2014.

Give your favorite bar, business, restaurant, doctor, or establishment their well deserved kudos and vote for them in the 2014 Bay Area Houston Magazine Best of the Bay Awards.

Every year we lift up the people’s voice, tally up every vote and announce the winners of these coveted awards at a fantastic celebration in 2015.

Voting ends Jan. 31, so go cast your ballot now!

Visit our website www.bayareahoustonmag.com to vote today.

Best Asian Best Auto Repair Best Bank Best Bartender Best BBQ Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Burger Best Cafe Best Cajun Best Car Dealer-domestic Best Car Dealer- foreign Best City To Live Best Contractor/Remodeler Best Credit Union Best Dentist Best Entertainment Spot Best Family Restaurant Best Furniture Store Best Gift Shop Best Hair Salon Best Hair Stylist Best Health Club Best Home Builder Best Hospital

Best Italian Best Ladies Boutique Best Local Entertainer Best Margarita Best Marina Best Massage Therapist Best Mexican Best Mortgage Best Oysters Best Physician Best Pizza Best Private School Best Pub/Bar Best Realtor/Agent Best Resale Shop Most Romantic Restaurant Best Seafood Best Spa Best Steak Best Sushi Best Vision Center Best Web Design Agency Best Wine Bar or Winery Best Womens Apparel Best Yacht Club

Vote Now at www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Know these 3 free Wi-Fi safeguards – PLUS 14 ways to keep your mobile device secure With Wi-Fi enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops everywhere, free Wi-Fi hotspots seem to be everywhere too. Free Wi-Fi saves you from drawing on your mobile data plan limit, but there are security risks. Hackers on the same free hotspot can make all traffic flow through their computers. They can access websites you visit, your unencrypted passwords and more. They can gather information to use for identity theft and fraud, with severe consequences.

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Don’t use free Wi-Fi unless you absolutely have to.

Use a secure VPN service. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts information going from your computer to the Internet, so hackers can’t access it.

Don’t use free Wi-Fi for anything important.

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14 PRECAUTIONS FOR MOBILE DEVICES 1.

2.

3.

4.

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Customize your mobile device.

If someone grabs your device, make sure they can’t get your information. Use a custom lock screen and ambiguous application icons and names, not “Finances” and “Party Pics.” Delete default apps you don’t use.

Disable your GPS. Keep your location hidden until you need it for a navigation app.

Don’t download unofficial versions of popular apps. These sites are not secure.

Be careful with Google Maps. If you use it, disable or don’t enter your home address.

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Don’t stay online indefinitely. If you’re not using the Internet, get offline.

Read app permissions carefully when downloading and consider whether the app really needs permission to do what it is asking.

When in doubt, don’t download.

Don’t save passwords in your browser. This is convenient but not secure. Use a password manager.

Put a pass code on your mobile device. Customize the lock screen if you have an Android. Use a longer pass code, not a PIN, on an iPhone.

Vet your apps. Check that they don’t have personal info you don’t want to share. Read text next to the checkboxes you click when you install apps. Audit your apps monthly.

Never save a password for financial apps. This includes apps for banks and anywhere you make a purchase.

Use cloud encryption for personal information. Android allows this for all device data.

Update operating system and app software. These often include security upgrades.

Use anti-theft software. These help you locate a lost or stolen device and wipe it remotely.

Back up your entire device’s data.

When it comes time to upgrade, downsize or buy your first home, we hope you’ll contact us. We can help with the financing and answer questions about refinancing your current home or funding home improvements. Please call or email us any time.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

DENTAL HEALTH

A Simple Smile

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Did you know that there is a simple technique that has immediate positive health results for the body and the mind?

t’s called a smile.

Try it. First, stand up in front of a mirror and smile big. Form your smile first with your mouth, lifting the corners of your mouth way up. Then allow your face to soften and your temples to relax. Hold your smile for a few minutes. If it starts to fade, re-form it and keep holding. As you hold, examine first how your body reacts. You will find that the muscles begin to relax, the heart rate slows down, and the breathing slows as it deepens. Notice the change in your thoughts. Are you feeling more positive, calm, and joyous?

Many studies have shown that this image of you smiling will remain with you throughout the day and initiates a series of bio-chemical events that consequently lead to dramatic changes within the body: :-) It tells the body that everything is okay and to turn off the pumping of adrenaline into the body, immediately. :-) It lowers your blood pressure, immediately. :-) It boosts your immune system, immediately. :-) It releases endorphins, natural painkillers and serotonin, immediately. :-) It creates a positive mind, which lessens the stress of problems, increases the ability to solve problems and extends lifespan. :-) It lessens the effects of negative information that we are constantly bombarded with, such as the daily news :-) It lifts the moods of those around you causing people to treat you with joy and happiness.

One interesting study on the benefits of smiling found that smiling has a similar effect to eating roughly 2,000 chocolate bars. (Now, that’s got to get your attention!)

Aside from the daily smile ritual, a meaningful smile also comes in handy when you are upset or very sad. It will feel unnatural and awkward at first. But it becomes easier and feels more natural as you practice. The more you apply this strategy, the easier it becomes to boost your spirit on demand in the future. Soon you will find that while you can’t keep bad things from happening, you can control the way they affect you.

I know what you are thinking, “it seems too simple to be true—

just smile and have all these miraculous things happen inside of me?” But some of the most profound truths are quite simple and this is one of them.

Not only does a smile encourage us to release negativity, but it also has a positive influence on those around us as well.

Smiling, similar to laughter, is contagious. Your smile will bring smiles to others around you. This leads to a chain reaction of positivity all around you. It is a wellestablished scientific fact that positive energy heals.

When we speak of feeling low we tend to describe sadness, loneliness, fear, anger, or confusion.

Rarely do we use the word “comfort,” and yet comfort is what makes misery so difficult to get rid of.

Although we do not like the situation we are in, sometimes allowing the misery to control our lives is easier than facing the challenge of rising against it. And so we find ourselves longing to curl up in bed or brood over our problems for hours on end. Yet with a simple smile you can break the comfort and take a major step towards healing.

So, the next time you find yourself frowning, look at your image in the mirror and smile. Discover at the positive effect it has on your thoughts, mood, and body. As you keep practicing this technique, you will soon start to learn how to look for and focus on the silver lining instead of the negative aspects.

So, make this holiday season a little more special for you and those around you by committing to start everyday with a big smile and no matter what life throws at you throughout the day, end it with a heart-felt smile as well. In my opinion, that will be the best gift of all to your loved ones.

Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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ADOPT TODAY!

Bay Area mourns the loss of irreplaceable Ms. Lynette

Ballerinas Abigayle Stern, Mollie Becker, Cayleigh Sapp, from left, back, and Rachel Pincus, front, promote Sleeping Beauty at ballet’s kickoff reception.

By Mary Alys Cherry

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he Bay Area arts

community lost one of its brightest stars when Lynette Mason Gregg lost her battle with lung disease and took her place on heaven’s stage Oct. 24, leaving behind a wide circle of shocked family and friends who still mourn their loss.

The Deer Park native was one of a kind; no doubt about that. She came to Clear Lake in 1985, bringing her Royal Ballet of Texas and began the process of to setting up an outstanding professional training facility, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Webster, while also changing the name of the dance company and establishing the Bay Area

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 14

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Houston Ballet and Theatre.

From that early start in the Pasadena area until today, she went on to produce 39 seasons of ballets, bringing in dancers from all over the world while also putting on the musicals Grease, Annie, Seussical and Bye, Bye Birdie for the community in recent years.

In the process, she transformed the Clear Lake art community, providing dancers to liven up many a charity gala, rodeo event or fashion show. She even managed to get Hollywood to have the world premiere of the Oscar winning movie, Chicago, in Webster after learning one of her former dance students had a key role in the film.

She did not want to just turn out good dancers. She wanted them to take their place in the Joffrey Ballet, the Boston Ballet, the New York Ballet -- to be among the world’s best.

Over the years, RAFA

dancers have thrilled local audiences with such classical ballets as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Giselle, Alice in Wonderland and the beloved holiday production of The Nutcracker that many families see with their children year after year.

Members of the Bay Area arts community wonder: Can we go on without her? If her voice could be heard, the answer would be loud and clear, “Of course, you can. Remember my words: Never ever ever give up.”

Ms. Lynette, as she was known to her dance students, was a perfectionist who demanded top quality work out of them and would occasionally raise her voice during rehearsals to get that perfection.

The result was top quality ballet productions year after year that made the community proud and, hopefully, will do so for many years to come.

Dear Mary Alys, Thank you for the publicity you have provided for the Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Association Fashion Show benefitting the Crawford-Zbanek Scholarship Foundation held October 24, 2014. Thank you for your support through these many years. Your assistance will be of lasting benefit to the young women whose education is assisted by the money raised at this event.

Sincerely, Holly Williamson - Honorary Chairman, Sandy Records - Chairman

Movers &Shakers Name: John E. Davis

Someone I’d like to meet: Lyndon Baines Johnson

My favorite meal is: Lamb chops (medium rare), asparagus and new potatoes

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Elon Musk

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A restaurateur

Current home: Houston (Clear Lake City)

My favorite performers are: My son, Texas actor Samuel Davis

You’ll never catch me: At a tattoo parlor

Family: Jayne, wife of 30 years; and three sons, Reagan 26, Samuel 23 and Gaston 20

I like to spend my leisure time: On my ranch – Pecan Spring Ranch

My favorite writer is: John Steinbeck

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Constantinople

Occupation: Texas state representative for District 129; small business owner Hometown: Houston

The thing that bugs me the most is: Arrogance My favorite movie is: The Graduate Few people know: That I traveled to Chile on a South American freighter at age 17

The Nutcracker back again to thrill holiday audiences Regal Estates of League City Is now accepting Toys for Tots donations

By Vanessa Handrick

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he Bay Area’s own professional ballet company,

Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, will present the popular Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, the weekends of Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14, at the University of Houston - Clear Lake’s Bayou Theatre.

The Nutcracker tells the beloved holiday story of Clara and her dream journey with her most treasured Christmas gift, the Nutcracker. The night after receiving the gift, Clara sneaks down to the Christmas tree to check on the doll and falls asleep with it in her arms. As the clock strikes midnight, strange things start to happen and the Nutcracker doll becomes a Prince fighting off rats and the Rat King to protect Clara.

The Nutcracker Prince then takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow where they are greeted by dancing Snow Flakes and the Snow Queen and then on to the Land of the Sweets – the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy! In the Land of the Sweets, Clara and her Prince are entertained with a celebration of sweets and dances!

The community is invited to support the local arts and join the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre for this special holiday ballet, which is always a special treat with beautiful sets, magical dancing and a timeless story.

Hours are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets to see BAHBT’s production of The Nutcracker range from $25-$35 and can be purchased by calling the BAHBT box office at 281-480-1617 or visiting www.bahbt. org. Group discounts are also available by calling the BAHBT box office.

WHEN:

Curtains at at 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13 Curtains at 2 p.m.

Dec. 6 &7, 13 & 14

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WHERE:

UHCL’s Bayou Theatre 2700 Bay Area Blvd Houston, TX 77058

TICKETS:

Range in price from $25-$35 call 281-480-1617 or visit www.bahbt.org

Nelson Madrigal and Lorna Feijoo dance a scene in The Nutcracker.

Photo by Mike Gladu

egal Estates, a senior living community in League City, has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corp. and Toys for Tots to help add a little holiday magic into the lives of less fortunate children.

Members of the League City, Bay Area and Clear Lake communities are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at their nearest Toys for Tots drop-off site, such as Regal Estates, located at 500 Enterprise Ave. Regal Estates will be accepting Toys for Tots donations from Nov.24 through Dec. 19.

“We are honored to play a role in the Toys for Tots campaign this holiday season,” says Angie Smerz of Regal Estates of League City.

“There are so many children in our community who wouldn’t have any presents to open if it weren’t for the generous donations of their fellow citizens, and the Toys for Tots program brings these donors and the kids together. We are so excited to help.”

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine

C o v er P art y Nov. 13, 2014 Cock & Bull British Pub Photography by Debbie Salisbury & Hal Bushnell

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Judy Raiford, left, and Lisa O’Brien were among the many attending the Panhellenic Style Show Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort.

State Sen. Larry Taylor takes time out from his busy schedule to serve as a “waiter” at the 30th annual Clear Lake Panhellenic Style Show Luncheon. Here, he serves up champagne to Style Show Chairman Judge Holly Williamson, center, and Co-Chairman Sandy Records.

Past Presidents Ann Gay and her daughter, Laurie Vaughn, headed Clear Lake Panhellenic 30 years apart. Here, they enjoy the 2014 style show luncheon.

Panhellenic celebrates 50 years of style ONE OF THE highlights of every fall in the Bay Area is the Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show, which not only spotlights what’s new in fashion but also raises funds for the Crawford-Zbanek Foundation that helps send local women to college.

And, this year was no exception, with excitement from start to finish.

Such as State Sen. Larry Taylor serving as one of the Panhellenic stewards, offering champagne to the arriving crowd before jetting off to Nashville to see for the first time his first granddaughter, Lila Rose Abel, daughter of the Taylors’ daughter, Carly, and her husband, Carter Abel.

Other guys serving as champagne stewards were Dave Barker, Dick Beecher, Jon Ebbeler and Dan Reason.

Jon Ebbeler was another who graciously served as a “waiter” at the Panhellenic style show.

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MARY ALYS CHERRY

Judge Holly Williamson was chairman of the Panhellenic Golden Anniversary style show with Sandy Records as her co-chairman.

Got some good help putting on what has become a first-class extravaganza from Kathie Wiley, Sue Broughton, Barbara Dickey, Judy Raiford, Diane Overman, Lisa O’Brien, Kelli Baliker, Jennie Hampton, Debby Reichert, Claire

Virginia Balano, left. and Linda Landreth chat during champagne reception at the Panhellenic style show.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Peters, Laurie Vaughn, Ellen King, Jill Reason, Michelle Richardson, Kathryn Vernau, Greta Mee and Connie Zieba, who worked behind the scenes programming the event.

Then it was up to models Kathy Akins, Denise Beakey, Peggy Clause, Emmeline Dodd, Judie Fergueson, Jenny Frantz, Becky Hensley, Cyndi Hollman, Sue Ellen Jennings, Janet Jones, Robbie Kimbrough, Kim Krist, Kari Long, Christy Lovoi, Courtney Myers, Marcy Ortega, Claire Peters, Jill Reason, Wendy Shaw, Laurie Vaughn and Karen Weber, who showed off a wide array of fall and winter fashions from Dillard’s at Baybrook Mall with the very talented Lenny Matuszewski Jr. as producer of the style show.

Much to the delight of Belva

State Rep. John Davis, second from right, was honored for his many years of service to the Bay Area community in the Texas Legislature at the Clear Lake Chamber monthly luncheon at Landry’s. Among those toasting him at the legislative update were, from left, State Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen, State Sen. Larry Taylor, Chamber President Cindy Harreld and new Chamber Chairman Sharon Proulx.

Dewey, who came from Baton Rouge for the event; Panhellenic President Kim Barker, Linda Landreth, D’Lisa Johnston, Ann Gay, Suzie Rogers, Joan Burt, Ann Brady, Carolyn Dunshie, Ruth Beecher, Virginia Balano, and a host of others, including Judge Louie Ditta, who conducted the live auction for the sorority alumnae organization.

Prom Night an evening of fun WHO’D EVER thought we could enjoy Prom Night twice? Chairman Lea Bodie did as she began planning the annual Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association Gala.

Of course, she told her husband, Jason, last year’s Dinner on the

Sue Broughton, left, and Barbara Dickey were back again in charge of registration for the Panhellenic Style Show Luncheon – a familiar role for them.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Tery and Mike Hernandez celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a party at their home in Clear Lake.

The crowd cheers as Murry and Sandy Lantz are voted Prom King and Queen at the annual Bay Oaks Women’s Association Gala which featured a Prom Night theme.

Titanic would be hard to top. But from a fun standpoint, Prom Night is hard to beat.

Some borrowed prom dresses, others worked to get the right look.

A few even arrived looking like they were at their high school prom with guys in white evening jackets and some in gowns such as that worn by Judge Holly Williamson, who arrived in a billowing gown similar to those worn years ago with her husband, Dr. Danny Williamson, only to find it difficult to sit down. Finally she mastered it. Leaving some of us to chuckle at what we went through years ago.

Stacy Bush Davis and her fiancé, Scott Lyon, Peter and Pam Culpepper Cronk, John Gay and his wife, Becky Reitz, and BOWA President Annette Dwyer and her husband, Pat Monks, were among the early arrivals, and quickly began admiring each other’s outfits and enjoying champagne cocktails before sitting down to a

tenderloin dinner.

Before long, Andy and the Dreamsicles were filling the country club with music from the 50s, bringing many in the crowd to the dance floor, including Becky and Phillip Hensley, Jenny and Mark Frantz, Jim and Janet Greenwood, and John and Melissa McKinnie, where they did The Twist and jived to the music made famous by Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers and Chubby Checker, such as Johnny Be Good, La Bamba, even some more modern tunes.

Toward the end of the evening, Murry and Sandy Lantz were elected Prom King and Queen with the crowd voting them the honor – much to the delight of Sharon and Dr. Howard Dillard, Kathryn Manning, Ann and George Lyon, Ondi and Eric Lyon, Curt Taylor and Kristy Kirk, Sue Broughton and Jon Ebberle and Bill and Carol Bobo.

Stacy Bush Davis and her fiancé, Scott Lyon, right, stop for a photo with John Gay and his wife, Becky Reitz as they arrive at Bay Oaks Country Club for the annual Bay Oaks Women’s Association Gala.

Assistance League members honored A TOTAL of 57 Assistance League of the Bay Area members qualified this year for the President’s Volunteer Service Award and received a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States for their many hours of community service.

Five members – Kim Barker, Lisa Holbrook, Carol Latimer, Jill Smitherman and Vicki Tallman -have been honored with the Lifetime Award for accruing 4,000+ hours of service to the community since 2010.

Others may join them in the future.

Brunella Altemus, Gail Ashby, Kim Barker, Katheen Courville, Lisa Delhomme, Sarah Foulds, Jennie Hampton, Lisa Holbrook, Yvonne Perrin, Elaine Rister, Cindy Senger Lewis, Vicki Tallman and Barbara Weitenhagen were recipients of the Gold Award for accumulating 500 hours community service this year.

Jason and Lea Bodie enjoy the annual Bay Oaks Women’s Association Gala, which had a Prom Night theme this year. Lea chaired this year’s gala.

Mark and Jenny Sinor Frantz head for the dance floor at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Gala.

Silver Award recipients for 250499 hours service during the past year were Joyce Alderman, Katy Bastedo, Peggy Clause, Dee Cover, Ann Marie Doolin, Mary Gibson, Shirley Lang, Carol Latimer, Jennifer Maxwell, Cathy Miller Thornton, Badiha Nassar, Valerie Piercy, Georgia Piwonka, Jill Smitherman, Betty Suagee, Cathy Wolfe and Amy Wortham. Another 27 members who had from 100 to 249 hours service also were cited.

“The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve.

The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service,” Brunella explained.

Clear Lake Area Panhellenic members gather around to prepare holiday cards to be delivered to a VA nursing home in appreciation of services rendered. Taking part are Sheryl Williams, President Kim Barker, Peggy Clause, Emmeline Dodd, Laurie Vaughn, Lisa O’Brien, Michelle Richardson, Marjo Richmond, Kay Lee Benoit, Diane Overman, Jo Cat Bruce, Kathie Wiley, Kathryn Vernau, Sue Broughton, Jo Nell Hunter and Jill Reason.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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How to select the right fishing guide

By Capt. Joe Kent

Fishing writers often are asked for recommendations on guides. While most have an abundant list of competent fishing professionals, information about the client is badly needed in order to find the right match.

T

wenty-five years ago,

a relatively small number of guides worked the Galveston Bay Complex.

Today, there are so many that it is almost impossible to keep track of the number of licensed guides working this area.

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A fishing guide, one that carries passengers for hire in a boat, has to have two basic licenses. One is a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License and the other a license issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Offshore guides are required to have additional licenses and permits to fish the Federal and State Waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Now, let’s get back to the point of this article, which is choosing a fishing guide.

In addition to recommendations from friends, sports writers and advertisements, bait camps are excellent sources. Bait camps are probably the best source if you are looking for a guide to fish a particular area such as the jetties or a particular bay.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Guides generally launch their boats at a convenient spot for fishing a given area. For jetty guides, the Galveston Yacht Basin is one of the better spots and for West Bay, Fatboy’s or Galveston Bait and Tackle attract the guides. For East Bay, Stingaree Marina at Crystal Beach and for Mid-Galveston Bay including parts of Trinity and East Bays, Eagle Point and April Fools Point camps are good.

All of those bait camps have lists of fishing guides that operate out of their location.

Before contacting a prospective guide you should be prepared to give certain information about your fishing skills and experience and that of others who may join you.

If you prefer to fish only a certain location, then the guides you solicit should be experienced in that area.

Many guides like to wade-fish, especially in the fall and spring.

If that is not what you want, it should be mentioned early on in the conversation. Obviously if you want to fish either inshore (bays, jetties or beachfront) or offshore, that Sean Cook with a is one of the keeper flounder. first items to Photo courtesy of consider. Only Capt. David C Dillman, a few guides coastalcharterclub.com offer both as options.

If you do not plan to use your own equipment, that is rod, reel and tackle, it should be confirmed that the guide has suitable equipment to loan out.

One of the more frequent complaints from readers concerns cancellation policies. The complaints run from “the weather was not good for fishing and the trip should have been cancelled” to “I got sick and had to cancel out and my deposit was not returned.”

One of the major items to address is the cancellation policy and on what basis trips are cancelled due to poor conditions.

Many guides do not offer refunds if a trip is cancelled but offer a rescheduled trip instead, if sufficient notice is given. That is fine for anglers living in the area; however, it does not help someone visiting on vacation from several hundred miles away. It is best to check this beforehand.

For offshore trips, seasickness causes many trips to return to the dock early. Most guides do not offer any concessions for such events. If you are prone to motion sickness try

taking Bonine or Dramamine before leaving the dock. It could salvage your trip.

Be aware of guaranteed catches.

Complaints have been received citing poor fishing; however, a few hardheads were caught and that was considered a catch.

Now, after addressing all of those issues, what should you expect from a fishing guide? Basically, his experience and expertise to take you to spots where he has found fish, showing you the right baits and techniques to use and in general offering a fun trip.

“Bait camps are probably the best source if you are looking for a guide to fish a particular area.”

The more references you have for a guide the better able you will be to determine if he or she is the best choice. Check on insurance. Full time guides normally carry liability insurance while those operating only on holidays and weekends often do not spring for the expense of insurance.

Another frequent question is in regard to tipping. Unless other arrangements are made, such as with corporate guest trips, your guide should be tipped if he or she worked hard at making the trip productive and enjoyable. This does not necessarily mean catching a lot of fish, just that good effort was made. Tips should be in the area of 10% for a minimal trip to 20% or more if the guide made special efforts, such as extra time on the water and cleaning and packaging your catch.

Hiring a guide is a good investment in your future fishing success!

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Lakewood racers fare well in J/Fest Southwest Regatta

L

akewood Yacht Club racers earned 9 out of the 20

trophies presented, or almost 50 percent, at the awards ceremony for the 5th Annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta Nov. 2.

The national race, with sailors coming from as far away as Colorado, was held on Galveston Bay Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, in very windy and challenging conditions.

“With 20 knot winds and gusts much more than that, racers had a wild time and loved every minute of it,” J/Fest Regatta Chairman Al Goethe remarked.

Fifty-eight boats raced in two lines with Line A featuring the J/105s, J/109s, J/PHRF Spinnaker Asymmetrical and J/PHRF Spinnaker Symmetrical. Line B featured the J/22s, J/24s and the new J/70s.

Friends and family of the racers were aboard the Spectator Boat “Liberty Bell,” owned by Paul Dunphey.

Attending the J/Fest Southwest

Lakewood racer Casey Lambert, far left, placed first in the competitive J/22 fleet for the 5th Annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta held over the weekend of Nov. 1-2. He is pictured with J/Boat cofounder Rodney Johnstone and his J/22 crew Jay Vige and Jesse Fulmer.

Regatta for the fifth year in a row was J/Boat co-founder Rodney Johnstone from the northeast.

He presented the trophies to the winners on Sunday afternoon. In the J/105 fleet, Lakewood racers John Barnett on “Vici” placed 3rd while Uzi Ozeri came in 2nd on “Infinity.”

Lakewood racers swept the J/109 fleet with Dave Christensen, 2nd place, on “Airborne;” Al Goethe, 1st

Lakewood Yacht Club racer Al Goethe, chairman of the 5th Annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta, earned the first place trophy in the J/109 fleet on “Hamburg.” He is pictured at the awards ceremony with J/ Boat co-founder Rodney Johnstone.

place on “Hamburg.” Lakewood racer J.D. Hill placed 2nd on J/ PHRF Spinnaker Asymmetrical on “Second Star.”

On Line B, Marek Valesek of Lakewood placed 2nd for the J/22 fleet while Casey Lambert claimed 1st. In the J/70 fleet, Lakewood racers Chris Lewis came in 3rd whereas Taylor Lutz placed 1st.

Making the weekend memorable

were numerous sponsors including the City of Seabrook, which was the title sponsor. Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal greeted and congratulated the racers. Afterwards, Goethe awarded Five Year Anniversary Trophies to 11 racers and participants through the years.

“This was our most successful J/ Fest yet and we look forward to the 6th year in 2015,” concluded Goethe.

Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, pictured right, presented a proclamation and “Key to the City” to Lakewood Yacht Club Commodore Tom Collier for the club’s contributions to the city, including the annual Concours d’Elegance Keels & Wheels which brings over 10,000 visitors to the city of Seabrook during the first weekend every May. The presentation took place at the club’s annual meeting on Saturday, Nov. 15, in the ballroom.

Cutting the ribbon to open B shed for occupancy on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Lakewood Yacht Club were Vice Commodore Joyce Maxwell, Commodore Tom Collier, Rear Commodore Don Mitchell, and Fleet Captain Jim Winton.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

One more election to go

By Mary Alys Cherry

T

he last Nov. 5 election

ballots have been counted, but the voting isn’t over. We still have a runoff election coming up Dec. 16 in League City.

It’s between two 46-year-olds, Keith Gross and Jason Long, who are vying for the Position 6 seat after beating out Joanna Sharp Dawson in a three-way race. Gross is an attorney and Long is a project manager at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Meanwhile, Andy Mann, the Position 6 incumbent who chose not to run, will continue to serve until after the runoff. Early voting will be held Dec. 8-12 from 7 to 7 at the League City Civic Center with election day polling from 7 to 7 at League City Intermediate, Creekside Intermediate, Hometown Heroes Park and Harborview Care Center.

For questions, visit GalvestonVotes. org

While the election brought big smiles to Republican faces, it also brought a big win for Prop 1, which got an 80 percent approval for $1.8 billion in transportation funding— much less than needed, but a start.

School bonds OK’d And for three school bond proposals.

Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis and other school officials were especially pleased with passage of their proposed $175.5 million bond that will provide replacement campuses for Mae Smythe and L.F. Smith, classroom additions to high school campuses, new technology and expansion of its Early College High School program to all PISD high schools, which will graduate about 500 to 600 students each year with both a high school diploma and a community college associate’s degree – completing both high school and two years of college at the same time.

Without any new taxes.

Dickinson ISD officials also were pleased when the votes were counted and their $56 million bond referendum was OK’d by 76 percent of the voters.

“It is a great day for the students of Dickinson ISD,” said Superintendent Vicki Mims. “The voters once again came through for our children... Now our work begins.”

The bond project will provide for construction of two new campuses, Elementary No. 7 and Middle School No. 3. District administrators said they are exploring the option of

building a mini-education village concept featuring both an elementary and middle school connected on land the district owns on the west side of I-45 between Calder Road and Cemetery Road.

Over in Katy, the hotly contested $748 million bond proposal that lumped six new schools, renovations to many others and a new stadium into one proposal passed, 28,509 votes for the bond and 23,146 against.

The fast growing district adds about 3,000 new students each year.

Cities vote yes, too In Seabrook, voters approved a $8.5 million bond referendum that will enable the city to build a new Public Works complex with Animal Shelter and Adoption Center ($6,850,000); purchase a new fire engine ($725,000), install a fiber optic network ($525,000); add and update the Pelican Bay Swimming Pool splash pad and install a new splash pad at Monroe Fields ($450,000).

In Nassau Bay, voters said yes to a six-charter amendment proposition which would reauthorize one-fourth of one percent sales tax for street maintenance.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

An American Success Story

J

ohnny Halili migrated from Albania

to the United States in the 1970’s. Upon arrival in America he lived in the projects of Chicago. Johnny got his first job at a local car wash. He moved from job to job until relocating to Louisiana after hearing of work from his cousin.

His first job in Louisiana was as a deckhand. He had never been on a boat before so you can imagine the cultural shock that was. But, after many years of hard work, he fell in love with the concept and bought his first boat, Lady Katherine.

Johnny’s best deckhand over the years was his wife Lisa Halili. Together they weathered many cold winters oyster fishing and hot summers shrimping. From that one boat, and a lot of hard work, Johnny and Lisa created a successful family business.

Johnny started an oyster company unlike any other. In the summer of 2010, Prestige Oysters installed the Quintus 350L HPP machine from Avure Technology to treat and shuck oysters. Recently the Cryo-Quick tunnel also known as IQF (Instant Quick Freeze) has been installed to freeze oysters.

H O L I D A Y

At present day, Prestige Oyster provides a market for over 100 oyster boats and sells over $20 million worth of oysters every year.

Prestige Oysters is a family owned and operated company.

The Halili family realizes that being in the oyster business comes with a responsibility and as Raz says, “It is important to us, as a company, to create a sustainable oyster resource so that we can harvest oysters year in and year out for years to come.

Prestige Oyster, Inc. is one of the nations leading year-round oyster producers. We specialize in fresh, frozen and high pressure processed oysters and our goal is to provide our customers with the freshest, highest quality oyster product available.”

The Prestige Oysters Company’s legacy is a true American success story. Starting out with that one boat, and now creating and farming a delicacy that is an American product shipped all over the nation, is a dream come true for Johnny and his family.

For more information about Prestige Oyster’s, Inc. call 281-339-2111 or go to www. prestigeoysters.com.

O Y S T E R

R E C I P E S

OYSTER CORN BREAD STUFFING

FRIED OYSTERS

Ingredients

Ingredients

• • • • • • • • • • •

•

5 cups crumbled cornbread 1 (14-oz.) package herb stuffing 2 (10 3/4-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup 2 (14-oz.) cans chicken broth 1 large sweet onion, diced 1 cup diced celery 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon rubbed sage 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons butter, cut up Fresh shucked oysters

Preparation

Combine first 9 ingredients in a large bowl.

Gently fold in oysters.

Pour cornbread mixture into a lightly greased 6-qt. slow cooker. Dot with butter. Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours or until set and thoroughly cooked.

Try this twist!

Sausage-Apple Cornbread Dressing: Cook 1 (16-oz.) package ground pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Stir sausage and 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced, into cornbread mixture.

• • • • • •

1 quart fresh oysters, rinsed and drained 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 1/2 cups saltine crumbs (1 sleeve crackers) 1 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce (optional) Canola oil

Preparation

Dip oysters in egg, and dredge in cracker crumbs.

Place on a pan, and chill 2 hours, if desired.

Stir together ketchup, horseradish, and, if desired, hot sauce; chill.

Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch in a Dutch oven; heat to 350°.

Fry oysters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with sauce.

A message to the concerned citizens of the Texas Gulf Coast

T

his is a critical matter for the entire

seafood industry, recreational fishermen, and private land owners.

Recently, a private entity, Sustainable Texas Oyster Resource Management, LLC (S.T.O.R.M.) has alleged that it controls the rights to 23,000 acres of water bottoms along the Texas Coast. S.T.O.R.M. alleges to have obtained those rights from the Chambers Liberty County Navigation District by way of a lease issued earlier this year. After obtaining its purported lease, S.T.O.R.M. has aggressively tried to assert its alleged rights over those in the seafood industry who have been lawfully operating in these waters for generations.

S.T.O.R.M. has gone so far as to tell oyster leaseholders that it will ban them from harvesting or bedding on their own leases. S.T.O.R.M. also has expressed plans to prevent the fishing industry from operating on Texas waters without S.T.O.R.M.’s permission. S.T.O.R.M. has even stated that it will arrest and prosecute anyone caught trespassing or fishing in these 23,000 acres.

To date, the TPWD and the Texas General Land Office has refused to acknowledge S.T.O.R.M.’s position, citing the laws of the State of Texas and the powers and authorities granted to both the TPWD and the GLO to govern such matters. Having failed to convince anyone that their actions were legally valid in the State of Texas, it is anticipated that S.T.O.R.M. will now go to our law makers to try to change the law.

Such efforts simply cannot be allowed to succeed.

These water bottoms and natural resources belong to the State of Texas and its citizens. No private entity should have the right to strip Texas citizens of such long standing rights.

If S.T.O.R.M is successful the public will no longer have commercial or recreational access to this part of the Texas Coast. This will put in jeopardy the entire seafood industry from fisherman, harvesters, and leaseholders to processors, brokers, and restaurant owners.

This petition is intended to urge our state officials at TPWD and GLO to continue their defense of this position and to take whatever legal steps necessary to ensure that the laws in place remain in place so as to protect resources, the seafood industry and State’s rights.

You can sign the petition online by going to: http://chn.ge/1xHtJA4?share id=PWuILPURo

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

Wimberley, Texas

O

ne of the finest

swimming experiences in Texas is at Wimberley’s Blue Hole. It is a spot on the Cypress Creek that I am convinced has to be everyone’s idea of the great swimming hole up in heaven.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

It was early October, sunny and in the 80s but the park was closed; it was out of season. However, through smart thinking and persistent effort, the organizers of the small conference I was attending had managed to arrange for us participants to be given private access for the afternoon. There were only thirteen of us there and it was as perfect an afternoon as you could ever hope for. But now, as the sun was The deck dipping at INO’z in lower in Wimberley. the sky, it was time for dinner, so I went to my favorite Wimberley restaurant and watering hole, INO’z.

A bit downstream on the creek, in the heart of Wimberley, INO’z has an absolutely magnificent location.

The huge outdoor deck sits on a hillside that overlooks parkland

with huge trees. Many of the trees have faces. (I’m serious! Some of the shops in Wimberley sell carved wooden mouths, noses and eyes for attachment to tree trunks. Apparently the city has chosen to support local business and add a bit of whimsy to their parks at the same time.) The deeply shaded hillside slopes down to the creek below. In the distance, it glimmers silver in the few patches of sunlight. Only the Chisos Mountain Lodge at Big Bend National Park can rival the view. The beer is cold, the food is good, but it is the view that brings me back every time.

He was sitting at the table next to mine and apparently was in a playful mood. He tried the waitress first and she humored him briefly but had other tables to get on to.

Then he turned to me. My eye was immediately drawn to his broken front tooth. It was hard not to notice given the way he grinned.

“I’ll buy your next beer if you can give me a truism that I can’t produce an equally well-known opposite truth.”

I didn’t understand and I told him so.

“You know, those little sayings

that people have that capture some philosophy. Tell me one and I’ll give you its opposite.”

I realized he probably was referring to what I call aphorisms, but terminology wasn’t important so I played along.

“Okay, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’”

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Want to try again?”

I had to think about it for a while.

It wasn’t as easy coming up with these things as you might expect.

Eventually, another one came to mind.

“Opposites attract.”

“Bird’s of a feather flock together.”

I wondered what would possess a person to spend time thinking about something this obscure. I’m not shy— or proud. I asked him.

He said he worked at the Wimberley Zipline Adventures and that he had lots of downtime spent up on his stand in a tree. Patrons ride down to his station and stop.

He unbuckles their harnesses, hooks them up to the next line and then sends them on their way. And then he waits. He described his job as 30 seconds of work followed by ten minutes of sitting. It gave him lots

of time to think about a lot of things.

I now suspected the broken front tooth might be work-related. He had probably caught an errant body part.

“Okay, try this one. ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder?’”

“Out of sight, out of mind.”

This was starting to feel like a game and, being the competitive person I am, I was getting drawn into it.

“How about ‘Haste makes waste?’”

“He who hesitates is lost.”

It didn’t look like I was getting that beer.

I never really thought about it before that day, but after playing the game with him, the concept stayed on my mind for the next few weeks.

After giving it lots of thought, I had no choice but to conclude that he was right. For every one of these sayings, there does indeed seem to be an opposite statement that is equally valid—equally true. That’s an anomaly in our world. The way things usually work is very different.

The opposite of a true statement is something that is incorrect—a false statement. If I drop a book, it falls down to the floor. That is a fact and hence, a true statement. Its

opposite—that it will fall up—is false.

If “he is alive” is true, then “he is not alive” cannot be true. But in the case of truisms, that’s not the way it is at all. So what make these sayings so different? Why do they violate this simple rule of opposites?

“The opposite of a great truth is often another great truth.”

It took a couple of weeks but I began to suspect there was something else at work here besides the idea of something being true or false. I was beginning to think the essence of this conundrum lies in the fact that there is a difference between something being true and something being a “great truth.” An aphorism, or truism as he called it, isn’t just a fact. It is a short, concise statement of a great truth—a philosophical statement about the rightful working of the universe, what the Buddhists call “dharma.” The

opposite of something true is indeed false. But the opposite of a great truth is often another great truth. As a result, truisms standing alone are really only half-truths. In order to capture the whole truth of reality, they always need to be paired with their opposites. It is simply a case of Yin and Yang. That is one of the fascinating mysteries of the universe we live in and that is the idea this guy had somehow hit on.

It was beginning to look like I was going to lose this game. My beer was close to empty and it was time to order another. That meant we had to determine once and for all who would be paying for it. I decided to give it one last try.

“How about, ‘it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?”

That seemed to puzzle him. He looked at me strangely, sat quietly for a minute, and then said, “You’ve got to be kidding me! That statement is so ridiculously absurd that no one could ever take it seriously, let alone bother to write an opposite.”

But he bought me that beer anyway.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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D E S I G N | By Cathy Osoria

“Small ornaments, extra bulbs and fuses and ornament hooks can be stored in egg cartons.”

Home Sweet Home Clever Christmas storage solutions

Holiday decorating can go from fun to frustrating in no time flat.

Here are some time and money saving holiday storage solutions.

easily located and placed in the correct area. Separating and storing all mantle garlands from stairwell garlands will help when unpacking the following year. There will be less confusion in determining where each type of garland belongs. Using clear plastic bins with colored lids aids in visibility – seeing the decorations without opening the containers. Orange lids could designate Halloween décor and red lids Christmas. Write a note and place it in a bin if it is noted that more lights need to be purchased or that worn wreaths / ribbons need to be replaced. This will result in an organized list of the items you need for the next year.

a dry cleaning bag or zippered garment bag may be used to cover the wreath. Now the wreath can be hung in attic or closet and will remain dust free.

Storage bins Storage bins should be labeled on the outside with duct tape or masking tape so decorations can be

Christmas lights Cut cardboard a size that fits easily into a storage tub. Cut a slit at one end of cardboard and slide the end of the light cord in the slit. Now the lights can be wrapped around the board without getting tangled.

The location where the lights are displayed can be written on the board so the next year decorating is simpler. Lights can also be wrapped around a clothes hanger. Secure one end of the light string to the tab that is normally lifted to secure pants and start wrapping around the hanger. Wrapping lights around paper towel tubes or cylindrical cans will prevent tangling of lights and will result in less frustration the following year.

Remembering from year to year

Before taking down the decorations, take pictures of the different arrangements and their locations with your phone or camera so the next year it takes less time to display again.

Ornaments There is less likelihood that ornaments will get broken if containers with dividers are used.

Ornament storage containers can

28

Bows

be purchased or liquor boxes with dividers work well as long as the ornaments are wrapped in tissue or bubble wrap first. Small ornaments, extra bulbs and fuses and ornament hooks can be stored in egg cartons.

Used wrapping paper can be run through a shredder which will produce a soft protective material in which to pack breakables. Used tissue paper can also be used as filler when packing decorations.

Odd Shapes Wreaths take up too much space in bins. Wreaths can be zip tied or tie wrapped to a hanger, and

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Bows can get easily mashed.

If they are stored in a hanging position, it will take less time to fluff them the following year. Bows can be attached with clothes pins to wire hangers and then covered with dry cleaning bags. If bows are stored in a bin, stuff the loops with tissue paper to prevent crushing.

Ribbon that has a wired edge makes the bows last longer from year to year because the wire helps retain the shape.

These inexpensive time saving tips can help simplify decorating so that the “happy” can remain in Happy Holidays.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Claudio Sereni, SSgt Tommy Bushman, SSgt Daniel Garcia, Sophia Sereni and Nancy Linquist enjoy the festive atmosphere.

The perfect holiday entertainment destination is proud to support the U.S. Marines and Toys for Tots

C

laudio’s for the holidays

has a good ring to it – especially if you’re looking for a fun place to celebrate this year’s holidays with friends.

Claudio’s is an awesome party destination. Claudio’s is also the perfect place for your corporate reception, special occasion, holiday party and/or New Year’s Eve event.

Owner Claudio Sereni, known for his community support, is proud to participate with the U.S. Marines for Toys for Tots program this Holiday Season. On Dec. 11, 2015 at 6 p.m.,

34

Claudio’s Restaurant & Piano Bar and Bay Area Houston Magazine will be holding a Christmas celebration benefitting the Toys for Tots. The evening will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, live music, dancing and giveaways, door prizes and holiday cheer. Guests are respectfully requested to bring an unwrapped toy for a young boy or girl. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. An RSVP is must, as space is limited.

Claudio Sereni has a rich history of music and food. Born in Italy, where he lived for 28 years, Claudio was selected to sing in the Sistine Chapel Choir, where he had the privilege of singing for the Pope for seven consecutive years. The Vatican paid for Claudio to attend music school at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome to study bassoon and voice. He credits his time in serving food as a waiter in the Vatican for

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

training him in “the most beautiful presentation and taste of fresh Italian food.”

In 1981, Claudio visited his father in the U.S. and loved it so much, he decided to stay. He worked in Houston in the restaurant business doing a variety of work related to food and music, naturally. In 1989, NASA asked Claudio to perform at a surprise party they were giving for a visiting Italian astronaut. “I saw the lake and the beautiful area, and decided I wanted to move here.”

And so he did.

At first, Claudio worked in various Bay Area restaurants in management and performing musically. Then, in 1996, he opened his first Piano Bar in Kemah and enjoyed great Claudio’s keeps success. an excellent selection of fine This spring, and Italian wines.

Claudio opened

the recipes are authentic Italian.

Claudio speaks glowingly of his staff.

Due to overwhelming demand, Claudio’s is open 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for lunch. A must is the Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Sunday.

Claudio has again gone all out for his Annual New Year’s Eve Party. For the modest price of only $80 per person, your evening will include a five-course dinner, a bottle of champagne, party favors, live music, dancing and lots fun and revelry. Space is limited, so make your reservations now.

“The Vatican paid for Claudio to attend music school at the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome to study bassoon and voice.”

At Claudio’s, you are treated like family. Speaking of family, three of Claudio’s children work there. Daniel is a waiter, Gina hostesses, and Sophia sings.

“Music is a family affair,” says Claudio. “Their mother is a pianist and teaches music, so they got it from both sides.”

Claudio also has a musician son, Alex, who lives in Austin.

His daughter, Jessica, still lives in Italy and has made Claudio Claudio, his fiancé Summer, his children Sophia and Daniel, and marines SSgt Bushman and Garcia urge a proud grandfather of three. you to donate to Toys for Tots this holiday season.

Claudio is presently engaged to a lady named Summer Winter his new location with a cast of 25 Every night there is something Camp.

You can meet her at the different, from both the music and employees, innumerable musicians, restaurant, and perhaps mention that and an environment that makes you food points of view. Claudio’s has “Summer Sereni” sounds quite lyrical feel like family. “I want to make successfully combined very good if she chooses to change her name. people happy and have the best time. food and fine entertainment making Claudio’s Restaurant and Piano They eat, they dance; I am here for it one of the premier entertainment Bar offers catering and special venues in the Houston/Galveston them,” says Claudio. Claudio’s has events featuring a variety of been an entertainment mecca. The Bay Area. entertainment. Go to their website talented Abel Salazar performs 6 days Daily, there are new dishes, always www.claudiospianobar.com for more a week, Christa and Claudio perform taste tested by the staff. And, you information. They are located at every Friday and Saturday. Also, can request any custom dish from 3202 Marina Bay Drive, League City, coming in December is live bands on the talented chefs. You have your phone: 281-957-9262. choice of homemade pasta. The weekends, guest musicians, as well Happy Holidays and a special as Sophia Sereni who also entertains sauces are made daily. The herbs are thanks to Ron and Nancy. Ciao’ restaurant patrons. fresh. In fact, everything is fresh and DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos: Mary Alys Cherry

San Jacinto College celebrates success at community luncheon

By Mary Alys Cherry

S

an Jacinto College is growing faster than we might realize, Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer told a crowd of community leaders invited to the State of the College Luncheon. In fact, the number of degrees awarded has almost doubled since 2006 – from 2,682 that year to 5,012 this past year.

And,4,968 of those students transfer to fouryear institutions.

“We’re not only the most affordable school in town, we work to keep taxes affordable also,” she said of the college that was created in 1960 in Pasadena and is now the seventh largest college in Texas and the third largest in Houston.

In-district students pay only $47 per credit hour plus a $140 general service fee or $704 per semester – not including books and some other small fees. Out-of-district students pay $89 per hour or $1,208 per semester, plus the $140 general fee with out-of-state students paying more than twice as much as in-district students.

Breaking down the fall enrollment total of 28,020, she supplied quick facts sheets showing the Central Campus is the largest with 13,612 students. The South Campus has 10,921 students while 7,585 attend the North Campus. Almost 21,000 students attend part time while 7,112 are full time.

The chancellor said the average age is 23, and 77 percent of San Jac students are the first in their families to attend college. “We take everyone,”

she said, going on to explain that “If our students don’t succeed, then we don’t succeed” – which also means helping many students get over their fear of math.

“This (the luncheon) is really a celebration of all we’ve done to focus on student success,” she said, adding that San Jacinto College is the hub of industries that drive the Bay Area Houston economy, such as NASA and the Port of Houston. Besides partnerships with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, the college offers the only degree program in Texas in mariner technology.

The college currently owns waterfront property in the Port of Houston’s Bayport Terminal, where the college’s new Maritime Complex will be built.

Many outside maritime industry partners are being consulted to make certain the college builds the very best facility possible.

The luncheon was sponsored by Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.

In welcoming the crowd, Economic Alliance President Chad Burke said, “We’re really blessed to have a college like San Jacinto College in our region.”

BAHEP Executive Director of Special Initiatives Dan Seal stressed the importance of a smart, well educated work force as he introduced Hellyer.

“Special thanks today for San Jacinto College, who for decades now . . . has been so effectively partnering with local industries to deliver education at its finest.”

San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, center, and Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford thank Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Dan Seal for his help with the State of the College Program, presented to the community at San Jac South.

Port Commissioner John Kennedy, from left, talks with Economic Alliance President Chad Burke and Pearland Mayor Tom Reid as they await the start of San Jacinto College’s State of the College Luncheon at the South Campus.

Rotary Shrimporee a big success

How many Ph.Ds does it take to open a can of beans? We joke but members of the Bean Patrol at the Shrimporee, from left, Dr. Ted Cummings, Dr. Jean Miller and Dr. Carl Stockton, all Rotarians from UH-Clear Lake, help out every year at the fund raiser, opening and cooking beans for the massive crowd.

Youngest one attending the 2014 Shrimporee? Probably this tiny tot, Amelia Jacobson, who is the great-granddaughter of past Space Center Rotary President Chuck Jacobson and his wife, the late Marge Jacobson. With her are Paige Glier and Mia Jacobson.

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Donnie Johnson, center, arrives at the 2014 Rotary Shrimporee in Clear Lake Park’s Landolt Pavilion with Sadye and Sam Meineke.

Auction Committee members Rena Deitrich, Janice Albro, Chairman Teri Crawford and Dr. Greg Smith, from left, wear big smiles as they close out the silent auction at this year’s Shrimporee.

Space Center Rotary President Scott Rainey, left, and Rotarians Dr. Greg Smith and Michael Thomas, right, pose John and Rose Zarcaro enjoy the Space Center for a photo with the Bunde family of Heritage Park near Friendswood – Jarri and Brooks Bunde and their two Rotary Shrimporee. sons, Bailey, 17, who plays football, at left, and Jeffrey, 9, during the 2014 Shrimporee. Rainey presented them with a check for $1,000 to help them get back on their feet after their home when up in flames.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

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Find gourmet food and perfect atmosphere at Main 101 Bar & Grill this holiday season.

Feliz Navidad! Enjoy great ritas and fajitas at Las Haciendas.

Celebrate the holidays at Claudio’s Restaurant & Piano Bar!

Good times at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack in Kemah.

Indulge in high quality, fresh sushi and amazing martinis at MichiRu Sushi.

Find a festive ambiance this year at the Cock & Bull British Pub.

2015 Economic Alliance Boards Announced

T

he Economic Alliance would like to announce

2014 Economic Alliance staff. From left to right: Michelle Hundley,VP of Public Affairs; Marie McDermott,VP of Business Development; Chad Burke, President/CEO; Marisela Cantu, Event & Membership Services Coordinator; Bridget Yeary, Administrative & Financial Manager; and Tamara Nicholl-Smith, Director of Communications.

2015 Executive Board Karen Gregory, CenterPoint Energy, Chairman Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College, Immediate Past Chairman Lawrence Waldron, Vopak, Treasurer Jim Griffin, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, Inc., Secretary Steve Cote, Brady, Chapman & Holland, Vice Chairman Randy Boeding, R. Boeding Group, LLC, Vice Chairman Bary Klein, Shell Deer Park, Vice Chairman Mayor Tom Reid, City of Pearland, Advisory

2015 Elected Board Private Companies Rudy Beeching, IberiaBank Roger Blackburn, The Infinity Group Thomas Brinsko, BIC Alliance Tom Brosig, BBVA Compass Dr. Dennis Brown, Lee College Tim Buscha, IDS Engineering Kristi Claypool, Meador Staffing Randy Drake, The Drake Companies Art Garza, East Houston Regional Medical Center

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Janet Gonzales, Amegy Bank Roger Gossett, JV Driver Dr. Allatia Harris, San Jacinto College District Javier Infante, Tolunay-Wong Engineers, Inc. Traci L. Koenig, Hale-Mills Construction, Ltd. Bubba Levy, Choice Energy Services Douglas Mathera, LyondellBasell Keith Miceli, PKF Texas Katherine Mitchum, ODIN, LTD Kevin Morley, Frost Bank Captain Mike Morris, Houston Pilots Natalie Picha, The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch Alix Fox Ramos, Qualified Properties, Inc. Chuck Rice, Gulf Winds International, Inc. Erich Stolz, The Mundy Companies Ryan Taylor, T & T Construction Connie Tilton, ExxonMobil Buddy Tucker, Hunter Buildings Barbara Walling, Neighbors Emergency Center Ben Westcott, Andrews Myers, PC Beth Williams, TechTrans International Dennis Winkler, Winkler Public Relations

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

our 2015 Executive Board and Board of Directors and take this time to thank the Bay Area Houston region for their support of our organization. This is an amazing time to be living and working where we are today! With the onset of the shale gas revolution and the manufacturing it brings to the Houston Ship Channel region, we have more opportunities to enhance this region than ever before. As tens of thousands of jobs are created over the next decade and billions of dollars are spent to grow our petrochemical industry, our cities, schools, colleges, and county, have the chance to make decisions on improvements and growth related projects that will ripple across the next 30 years. Just as 100 years ago, when our leaders had the vision to build a 52 mile-long ship channel that established one of the nation’s greatest cities, it is our time to be bold and embrace projects that our children and their children will look back on in appreciation of the foresight and courage that was displayed in this decade. We look forward to a bountiful and exciting 2015!

Cities, Chambers & Elected/Appointed Officials

Tim Culp Deer Park Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner Jack Morman Harris County - Precinct 2

Suzan Deison Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner Roy Mease Port of Houston Authority Mayor Stephen Don Carlos City of Baytown Mayor Jerry Mouton City of Deer Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya City of Galena Park Mayor Ana Diaz City of Jacinto City Mayor Louis R. Rigby City of La Porte Mayor Michel Bechtel City of Morgan’s Point Mayor Johnny Isbell City of Pasadena Mayor Tom Reid City of Pearland Mayor Glenn Royal City of Seabrook Mayor Rick Moses City of Shoreacres Mayor Joe Soto City of South Houston Tracey Wheeler Baytown Chamber of Commerce

Jim Wadzinski Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce Frances Castaneda Dyess Houston East End Chamber of Commerce Colleen Hicks La Porte/Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Margie Buentello North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce Cristina Womack Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Robert Merino Pasadena Hispanic Business Council Judy Wingo North Pasadena Business Association Carol Artz-Bucek Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce Sally Mitchell South Belt – Ellington Chamber of Commerce Jo Ann Parish South Houston Chamber of Commerce Paul Chavez Seabrook EDC

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photo: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing, public relations, and government affairs department.

Course correction San Jacinto College program helps workers transition into new careers

By Rod Evans

I

t’s no secret that the oil and gas industry is a major driver of the Greater Houston Area economy, with thousands of residents employed in the energy sector. But despite the fact that the Houston Ship Channel celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, its impact on the region’s employment landscape is sometimes taken for granted.

According to Port of Houston Authority figures, the 25-mile Port of Houston generates $178.5 billion in statewide economic impact and another $4.5 billion in state and local tax revenues each year.

The complex also creates over one million ship channel related jobs statewide, and as the ship channel embarks on its second century, the demand for skilled and educated workers shows no signs of abating.

San Jacinto College, through its maritime program, is helping industries doing business along the ship channel find the qualified employees they need to meet the demands of the 21st century.

The school is part of a select group of community colleges across the nation benefiting from funds provided through the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) program.

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2009, the American Recovery Reinvestment Act amended the Trade Act of 1974 to authorize funding for TAACCCT. When President Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act in 2010, it provided $2 billion in grants over four years to help re-train workers, including veterans, the unemployed and people who lost their jobs due to changes in foreign trade regulations, for high-wage, highskill, in-demand jobs in areas such information technology, health care, energy, manufacturing and international trade. Implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the program helps community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher learning expand their career training programs that can be completed in two years or less.

“We are training people to re-deploy into the international trade industries through our international business maritime logistics program,” said Margaret Kidd, project director of TAACCCT at San Jacinto College. “We are the only Texas college in the consortium of 12 community colleges in the nation currently participating in the program.”

Kidd says San Jacinto College has included eight certifications related primarily to supply chain operations into its international business curriculum. The program typically consists of 60 hours of course work to be completed over two years.

Courses include Principles of

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Import and Export, International Business and Principles of Supply Chain. Students can take national exams to earn certifications in areas such as transportation operations, warehousing operations and Water trainingcustomer service.

The San Jacinto College maritime “If someone training program gets a certification has awarded more in warehousing, than 3,000 mariner for example, just certificates. A few of the most imagine how popular US Coast employable they’ll Guard-approved be,” Kidd says. certification courses that the “It’s a great way College offers to get your foot include Basic Safety in the door, and Training, Tankerman people in many PIC, and RADAR. of these jobs can make between $25 and $87 per hour.”

The TAACCCT was created in the wake of the Great Recession of 2008, when millions of American workers lost their jobs as a result of corporate downsizing and changes in international trade regulations.

Since then, the program has helped to re-train thousands of workers to transition into new careers in trade related industries. It has also helped employees seeking to move into management positions at their companies attain the skills needed to be considered for higher paying, more rewarding positions.

Cynthia Nash’s story serves as an example of how the program seeks to help long time employees improve their marketability. Nash has worked in a variety of supply chain positions at Halliburton in the Houston area over the past 36 years and is currently enrolled in her first semester at San Jac. Her goal is to advance up the career ladder with the company after she earns her two-year degree.

“I’m working toward obtaining certification in logistics and supply chain management,” Nash said. “In my first semester, we’re going over logistics processes and key terms, many of which I am familiar with, but I don’t know the entire process.

This has been very enlightening for me and I’m hoping to move into a management position once I complete the program.”

According to Kidd, who has served as an instructor in supply chain courses at both the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, many of the students enrolling in the program are in their 30s and 40s and were laid off from their previous jobs or are returning to school after spending years working in supply chain industries.

Thanks to advances in technology and rapidly changing trade protocols, many of these employees now find that they need additional education in order to advance their careers to the next level.

“Our students work in a number of areas, including freight forwarding, purchasing, trade compliance, customer service, inventory control, packaging and bilingual marketing,” Kidd said.

“In the past, a lot of supply chain jobs didn’t require degrees or advanced certifications, but that’s changing because of technology.

Many employees have to be more technologically savvy or multilingual to work in that environment now.”

Students interested in enrolling in the program should come ready to work, Kidd says, because the courses require a high level of dedication and versatility.

“I would say that the jobs most of our students are training for are not for sissies. Our students are not afraid of getting dirty if they have to go into a warehouse setting or something. In general, they need to be really good students, have high self esteem and be very determined.

While most of our students come from the Houston area, we have many students who come from areas such as West Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and China.”

Alexis Odounton, a native of the West African nation of Benin, began studying for his associate’s degree in international business logistics at San Jac in January of this year. He’s on schedule to earn his degree next year and plans to pursue a career in international logistics management, shipping or warehousing. He moved to the U.S. eight years ago to work in business administration for a company in Nebraska, but hopes the move to Texas will jump start his career.

“San Jacinto College was the right place for me because I found what I was looking for,” Odounton said. “When I was in Nebraska, I discovered that business administration wasn’t what I was looking for. Now, I will have the education to help me start working in the field that’s right for me. Plus, San Jacinto doesn’t cost a lot and I can earn my degree in a short period of time.”

For more information on the TAACCCT program at San Jacinto College or courses offered in the school’s maritime program, visit Sanjac.edu/maritime.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Kyle Redford carries on the family ‘business’ at North Channel Assistance Ministries

By Steve Lestarjette

I

n a very real sense, Kyle Redford is carrying on the family business.

Both mother Gayle and father Rodney are long-time fixtures at North Channel Assistance Ministries, a local food pantry serving residents on Houston’s east side. Kyle, 29, came as soon as he could.

He serves as the nonprofit ministry’s primary Cut line for Photo: The Redford Family, from left, Gail, Kyle and Rodney in the North Channel Assistance Ministries Food Pantry. “muscle” for food pick up, delivery, storage and inventory. Working “Back then, we were only able to together, the family has helped the give the basic food staples,” Gayle food pantry expand its services from says. “Tuna was our meat; macaroni 1,200 families a year to more then and cheese our other big item.”

15,000, and its food supplies to more Today, hard work puts so much than 2 million pounds annually. more on the “menu.”

Kyle uses the ministry’s truck to “Better food changes lives,” Gayle pick up food from the Houston Food has learned. “If a person can go Bank, then makes rounds at dozens from eating tuna and macaroni and of retail outlets and grocery stores in cheese to something really good and the area. He picks up food products nutritious, it makes a difference in nearing the end of their shelf life, how they perform throughout the clothes, toys and household items day. If a person begins the day with that are “gently” flawed, too. bacon and eggs for breakfast rather Consequently, struggling than nothing at all, it provides a lift families visiting the food pantry in for the entire day.”

Channelview find a wide assortment Rodney agrees. “Food not only of meat and produce, canned fruits supplies a hunger need; it relates and vegetables to help them through to every part of a person’s life,” he a rough time, as well as household explains. “If a mom and dad don’t items and bicycles that help improve have enough money for food, they their outlook and chances of landing will let a child eat and go hungry a job. themselves. Or they will pick “To people who walk everywhere, medicine over food, which has other a bicycle is as valuable as a car,” consequences.”

Gayle says.

Families can come once a month From 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday and walk out with enough to last through Friday (many weekends, until their next visit. Most take home too), the Redford family helps a large box or two of groceries. connect people with desperate needs “They get to pick what they want to life’s basic essentials. Rodney, off the shelves,” Gayle notes. “No two director, a successful entrepreneur, people are alike.” handles the business side. Gayle, The location on Bonham Street assistant director, does the paperwork places it in a high crime area, but the and takes clients “shopping” among ministry remains relatively safe. Its the shelves of the 2400-sq. ft. facility. compassion is so well known that Kyle makes certain the shelves are even the area’s toughest characters always filled. help protect it.

According to Gayle, the North The future of the ministry appears Channel Assistance Ministries has solid. been serving the east side since 1985, “This is my life,” Kyle is quick to thanks to an organization created say. “Every day, we give away food, by local churches and ministers. Its Bibles, clothing, and we can’t keep ministry stretches from the Interstate enough.

610 bridge over the Houston Ship “This is where I belong. As long Channel to the San Jacinto River as I’m here helping others, I’ll be all bridge, from Summerwood to Galena right.”

Park. Gail was a volunteer from the start.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Clear Creek ISD Team Jigsaw takes Texas BEST Robotics Championship

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lear Creek ISD students on the winning robotics team, Jigsaw,

pictured above, celebrate after taking the championship. They are, from left, front row, Elena Michnovicz, Devin Powell, Devinda Dharmawardene, Abhishek Patil, Chamikera Dharmawardene; middle row, Chris Pulicken, Hunter Smith, Nicholas Agner, Amanda Lu; back row, Ethan Reed, Sylas Anderson, Buvaneshraj Saravanan, Julian Parra, Danielle Pettinger, Kevin Jiang and Gan Liu. This year’s game, Blade Runner, used teamwork and innovative thinking to execute five sets of tasks to assemble and position a wind turbine into a completed state. This includes designing and building a prototype vehicle capable of transporting and maneuvering components of the wind turbines.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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B U S I N E S S

Webster prepares for the coming year

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

f we had to guess, we’d guess Webster City Council members were Scouts.

They want their city to “be prepared.” And they want protection for the Galveston Bay area from hurricanes.

After passing the tax rate for the coming year, the seven-member council took action recently to secure two Homeland Security grants totaling $254,736 awarded to prevent terrorism, OK’d a $1.2 million contract for improvements to its water storage tanks, approved the federally mandated purchase of multi-band radios for police at a cost of $369,612, approved an agreement between Webster and Harris County to provide mutual aid during emergencies and voted to spend about $500,000 replacing vehicles at the end of their useful lives.

They topped that off by adding something for family fun, approving construction of a splash pad at Texas Avenue Park at a total cost of $309,000, before passing a resolution supporting a coastal barrier system to protect the Houston/Galveston region from storms surge and hurricanes.

The city plans “to request funding from the state to provide for comprehensive studies to determine the most effective coastal barrier system to safeguard the region” by contacting legislators who represent the region.

Council members feel a coastal barrier system, using man-made sand dunes (revetments covered with sand and natural grasses) along the length of the coast connecting to the existing Galveston Seawall, as well as large moveable flood gates, is essential to protect the region’s industries citizens and communities and to preserve the region’s coastal ecosystem.

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B U Z Z

Buy Into Bay Area campaign launched

League City Sudie’s closes

Buy Into Bay Area – being spearheaded by the Clear Lake Area Chamber -- is launching throughout Bay Area Houston, an initiative that encourages citizens not only to buy local but think local.

The mission of the campaign is to expand economic focus beyond businesses to promote the full range of what the community has to offer, including healthcare facilities, volunteer opportunities, education options and much more.

Along with hundreds of neighborhood retail centers, hotels, resorts and B&Bs for both corporate and leisure lodging, the Bay Area also provides unique entertainment with Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk.

There are 60 places of worship, a four-year university, major hospitals and medical facilities, 300+ nonprofit and charity groups, plus beautiful parks and nature preserves.

“Whatever you seek, Bay Area Houston is sure to provide as it continues to grow. Always give someone local a chance,” said Jamieson Mackay, 2012-14 chamber chairman.

Sudie’s Seafood House in League City, known for its tasty fried catfish, has closed due to the health of its owner, who has put the property up for sale.

Clay Bailey said his father’s health was the reason the family was closing the restaurant and laying off its two dozen employees. He plans to run the Sudie’s in Pasadena.

Group salutes Michelle Hundley Michelle Hundley, vice president of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, was honored as one of Houston’s Top 25 Business Women Nov. 12 at the Houston Women’s Conference.

The conference at the Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria is a citywide event and had as its theme “Transformational Leadership: From Vision to Impact.”

“Michelle is an astute business woman whose strength is her fearless ability in creating and maintaining meaningful relationships with regional stakeholders that influence the successfulness of our business,” said Chat Burke, president and CEO of the Economic Alliance.

“She is without a doubt one of the most talented and qualified professionals in the Greater Houston area and well deserving of this recognition.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

TCC names new president The Texas Chiropractic College Board of Regents has named Dr. Brad McKechnie as the institution’s 14th president, after serving as the interim president since April 2014.

An honor graduate of TCC in 1985, Dr. McKechnie returned to his alma mater as an assistant professor in the department of clinical sciences.

He also twice served as a dean during his tenure, managing postgraduate education and later overseeing external affairs for the college. In 2009, Dr. McKechnie was named to the TCC Board of Regents and he served on the Board’s Academic Affairs Committee, Postgraduate Committee, and the Finance Committee.

Clear Lake Area Chamber President Cindy Harreld, left, and Chamber Chairman Sharon Proulx welcome new State Rep. Dennis Paul to the Chamber Government Affairs Committee Luncheon at Landry’s Seafood Restaurant on the Kemah Boardwalk to discuss the upcoming Texas Legislature session.

Michelle Hundley, vice president of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, with her Houston Women’s Conference Top 25 Business Women Award.

Burlington plans Pasadena store Burlington, a leading national off-price retail chain, plans to open a new 55,000-square-foot store in Pasadena next fall, bringing about 50-100 new jobs to the community.

The new store, one of 53 Burlington locations in Texas, will be located at SH8 and Crenshaw Road.

New Texas Chiropractic College President Dr. Brad McKechnie, left, goes over plans for the coming year with TCC Board of Regents Chairman Dr. Monte Blue.

Top Golf to build 3-story location Top Golf is building a threestory structure on the east side of the Gulf Freeway in Webster, just south of Academy Sports and Outdoors and expects to hire about 450 permanent employees. Its opening is scheduled for summer 2015.

League City Chamber President Laurie Baldwin and Legislative Affairs Committee Chairman Chris Maginnis, center, thank State Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen for updating chamber members on security problems at the U.S.-Mexican border during a breakfast meeting at Butler’s Courtyard.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Capt. Wendell Wilson, third from left, stops for a photo at a “Naming Reception” hosted by UH-Clear Lake, which has named its new veterans service office on campus the “Capt.

Wendell M. Wilson Office of Veteran Services.” The goal of the center is to help veterans transition smoothly into an academic career. With him are, from left, UHCL President Bill Staples, Wilson’s wife, Dr. Pat Wilson, and Veteran Services Coordinator Trisha Ruiz. Wilson flew more than 300 combat missions as an F-100 fighter pilot in Vietnam and later trained Vietnamese pilots before joining Delta Airlines, for which he flew for 33 years before retiring as an international captain.

Nassau Bay gets new city secretary

CCISD selected a top workplace

Marisela Garcia has been named city secretary in Nassau Bay, to replace City Secretary Pat Jones, who plans to retire at the end of the year.

Garcia currently serves as Kemah’s city secretary.

She was selected by the Nassau Bay City Council in a unanimous vote at its November meeting. Jones, who has been city secretary for 17 years, was honored at a reception prior to the council meeting, which will be her last.

The Clear Creek School District -- for the third consecutive year -- has been selected as one of The Houston Chronicle Top Workplaces and ranked No. 17 out of 150 top places to work in Houston.

“What an honor to receive this designation again,” Dr. Greg Smith, CCISD superintendent, said. “It is special because the judges are our employees, who indicate they believe the district continues to move forward and strives to be a visionary leader in education.”

The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback in a survey conducted by Workplace Dynamics, that shows CCISD employees are happy with the district’s direction, have confidence in their leader and believe CCISD operates with strong values and ethics.

Jury subpoenas Steve Stockman A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., has subpoenaed retiring Congressman Steve Stockman and three of his aides in a criminal investigation.

The Clear Lake Republican has not announced the subject of the investigation, but the House Ethics Committee reportedly has been looking into possible illegal campaign contributions.

Stockman ran against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP Primary and lost, choosing not to run for his House seat.

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Skye Bartusiak death explained An accidental overdose of drugs has been ruled as the cause of the death of Nassau Bay child star Skye Bartusiak, who died in her sleep in her Houston home in July.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Harris County Tax AssessorCollector Mike Sullivan, who has mailed nearly 1.1 million tax bills to property owners, noted the incredible growth of the Harris County region and how property appraisal values have risen substantially. Most taxpayers will see an increase in their tax bill, he said.

“Compared to last year’s tax bill, the average homestead throughout Harris County, Houston, the surrounding school districts and cities could see an increase of approximately $400 in property taxes.”

Galveston County Tax Assessor Cheryl Johnson said she expected her county’s 192,000 property tax bills to be about the same as last year with some $400 million in taxes due.

2nd man held in shuttle graffiti

The young actress, 21, who shot to fame as Mel Gibson’s daughter In The Patriot, and suffered from epileptic seizures, died from a combination of the pain killer hydrocodone, the muscle relaxant carisoprodol and the inhalant difluoroethane, Harris County officials said.

Justin Michael Purdy, 20, of Friendswood has been arrested by deputies from the Harris County Precinct 8 Constable’s Office and charged for his alleged role in splashing graffiti of the mock space shuttle at Space Center Houston in November 2013.

Earlier Jesse Ray Calloway, 19, also of Friendswood, was arrested, convicted and sentenced to two years of deferred adjudication, in addition to 30 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Burglars keep officers busy

UHCL has record fall enrollment

Crooks have been keeping Friendswood Police busy as they hit both businesses and vehicles.

Officers found that burglars had smashed the drive-thru window at Morning Donuts at 301 W. Edgewood Drive, where they robbed the safe, and emptied the Wok D’Lite cash register at 202 S. Friendswood Drive after also smashing the drivethru window.

Before they had a chance to complete work on those burglaries, they had reports of motor vehicle burglaries in the Forest Bend and Wedgewood Village -- at 16600 Barcelona, Appleblossom, Tibet and Forest Bend Avenue, plus three car burglaries at the Laura Leigh Townhomes at 3800 Laura Leigh Lane.

Property tax bills mailed Tax statements for some 1.3 million properties and Galveston and Harris counties have been mailed and should be in the hands of their owners by now.

University of Houston-Clear Lake President William A. Staples has announced the largest enrollment in the university’s 40-year history for the fall 2014 semester.

Crossing significantly over the 8,000-student mark, the final headcount for the semester is 8,668, an increase of approximately 6 percent more than the previous year and 13.4 percent over the past five years -- including the addition of more than 400 freshman and sophomore students from approximately 70 different high schools.

Galveston editor plans to retire Long-time Galveston Daily News Editor Heber Taylor plans to retire just before the new year, the newspaper announced Nov. 14.

Taylor, 59, joined the newspaper in 1991, became managing editor in 1996 and editor shortly thereafter, the paper said in making the announcement.

Clear Lake Senator to speak Dec. 4. State Sen. Larry Taylor will discuss “What’s Happening in the Texas Legislature?”

Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 in the Bayou Building Garden Room as part of the “Visions in Our Midst” Speaker Series.

The Nutcracker Dec. 5-7 and 12-14.

Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre will present the popular holiday classic, The Nutcracker, the weekends of Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre. Tickets, which are $25 to $35, are available by calling 281-480-1617.

Toyland Fantasy Dec. 6. The Bay Area Museum Guild invites the wee set and their parents to its annual Toyland Fantasy Breakfast Buffet, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6, at Bay Oaks Country Club. The Jill Rauscher School of Dance will perform The Wizard of Oz. For reservations, email toylandfantasy@ gmail.com Bay Oaks Holiday Market Dec. 8.

The Bay Oaks Women’s Association will host its annual Holiday Market for club members and their guests, starting at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Assistance League Open House Dec. 9. Members of the Assistance

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League of the Bay Area will gather at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, for their annual Holiday Open House at the home of Pat Bertelli.

BayTran Yule Luncheon Dec. 10.

The Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership will gather at Cullen’s Grille on Space Center Boulevard for a Holiday Luncheon Wednesday, Dec. 10, honoring area legislators. For reservations, contact Diane Thornton, 281-474-4124, ext. 121 or email diane. thornton@glci.com Panhellenic brunch Dec. 11. Clear Lake Area Panhellenic will hold its annual Holiday Brunch at 11 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11, at the home at the home of Diane Schuman.

E-Waste Collection Dec. 13. The City of Houston will hold its monthly collection of electronic waste for Clear Lake City residents from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, at Ellington Field.

Items accepted include computers, servers, keyboards, mice, laptops, game consoles, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, car batteries, telephones, cell phones, cords cables, cameras, etc.

Chamber open house Dec. 18. The Clear Lake Area Chamber will host its annual Holiday Open House for members from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec.18, at its offices on NASA Parkway.

The Nutcracker Dec. 19-21. Kennedy

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Dance School plans an exciting holiday treat, The Nutcracker, at the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21.

Curtains are at 7 p.m. Friday, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

For tickets, which are $18 in advance and $20 at the door with group rates available, call the studio, 281-480-8441 or visit www.kennedydance.com KDC also will host Clara’s Closet Christmas Bazaar with vendors from all over Houston.

Dickinson Festival of Lights Dec. 1-31. The 17th annual Dickinson Festival of Lights is from 6 to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 1-31 in Paul Hopkins Park with parking and shuttle buses free. Last shuttle bus runs at 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Belles opens Dec. 4.

Christmas Belles brings holiday drama to the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Highway 3, Dec. 4-21 with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 23. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for students and seniors and $6 for children 12 and under. For tickets, call 381-337-7469.

Model Train Show Dec. 13-14.

Dickinson Historical Society will host the 7th Annual Holiday Express Model Train Show Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dickinson Historic Railroad Center, 218 FM 517 West, featuring model trains from Dr. Mike Magliolo’s collection and the Galveston County Model Railroad Club. For more information call 281-534-4367 or email dhs@ci.dickinson.tx.us

Friendswood Chamber events on tap. The Friendswood Chamber will host its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Green Event Center, 2000 W. Parkwood, Ste. 200.

Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non members. And, the Chamber will host its annual Trim a Tree Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec.11, at the Chamber, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive.

For reservations, call 281-482-3329 or email info@friendswoodchamber.com

Galveston Dickens on The Strand Dec. 5-7.

Galveston’s world famous Victorian holiday street festival, Dickens on The Strand returns to the Island FridaySunday, Dec. 5-7, featuring parades, non-stop entertainment on five stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers. Attendees in Victorian costume are admitted for half price. For more information, visit galvestonhistory. org or call 409-765-7424.

Junior League ball Dec. 13. Join the Junior League of Galveston County for a Parisian Holiday as they rendezvous at the Moulin Rouge honoring two past presidents Saturday, Dec.13, from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Kemah Christmas in Kemah. The City of Kemah will host its Christmas Open House Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at City Hall with Santa and his Reindeer helping welcome the crowd and invite them to the Christmas Parade at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. Santa also will be present weekends from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kemah Visitor’s Center, Sixth and Bradford and there will be strolling carolers in the Kemah Lighthouse District at various times on weekends in December.

League City Festival of Trees Dec. 4. Interfaith

Caring Ministries will host its annual Festival of the Trees Fashion Show and Gala, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at South Shore Harbour Resort. Tickets are $100 for general seating and $125 for runway seating. For reservations, call Samantha at 281-332-3881, ext. 1103, or email sfoley@icmtx.org Holiday in the Park Dec. 6-8. The 16th annual Holiday in the Park Festival is set for Dec. 6-8 at League Park. The three-day festival includes shopping, food and lots of entertainment, plus real snow in the park. A festival highlight is the Grand Night Parade on Main Street Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Other events include a holiday movie under the oaks, the children’s costume parade, pet parade and the holiday market.

Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 14. The League City 53nd Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade, featuring more than a hundred brightly decorated power and sailboats, will traverse the Clear Creek channel from the South Shore Harbour Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon, past the Kemah Boardwalk to Galveston Bay. For information, call the Clear Lake Area Chamber, 281-488-7676 or go to clearlakearea.com Santa’s Wonderland Dec. 20. Butler Longhorn Museum is inviting the community to come meet Santa and his friends from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santa’s Wonderland at the museum, 1220 Coryell, on Saturday, Dec. 20. After the Christmas Story in the Ole Theatre, a coloring contest and an opportunity to meet Chick-fil-A Cow and a coloring contest, Santa will arrive in the Wells Fargo Stage Coach and be present until 3. Snacks will be served. For information, call 281-332-1393 or visit www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com

Nassau Bay Yule classic opens Dec. 5. The perennial Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street, will add to our holiday joy Dec. 5-21 at the Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, with curtains at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281-3355228.

Pops concert Dec. 5 & 6. The Clear Lake Symphony will present its annual Christmas Pops Gala Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Auditorium. Tickets, which are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for students, are available at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 300, and at the church.

BATP Holiday Market Dec. 6 Bay Area Turning Point will host its annual Holiday Market Friday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nassau

Bay Hilton on NASA Parkway with live music and live and silent auctions. For ticket information, email Erin Carroll at ECarroll@BayAreaTurningPoint.com or call 281-286-2525.

Reindeer Run Dec. 6. The 24rd annual Houston Methodist St. John Reindeer Run will take off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the St. John Professional Building. For ticket and registration information, visit the website, houstonmethodiststjohn.org

Pasadena Chamber luncheon Dec. 4. The Pasadena Chamber will host its Awards Luncheon Thursday, Dec. 4, at 11:30 a.m. to honor outstanding members at Silver Sycamore, 5111 Pine Ave. Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non members For more information, call Kimberly Tolleson, 281-487-7871 or visit the chamber website.

Yule comedy starts Dec. 5. Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen-Genoa Road, will celebrate the season by presenting The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Dec. 5-21, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays – and a specially priced Admit Two-for-One show at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, as the theatre celebrates its 60th season. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 713-941-1758 or reserve online at www. pasadenalittletheatre.org/

Pearland Chamber Open House Dec. 11. The Pearland Chamber staff will host a Christmas Open House for members from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11.

Seabrook Kickoff reception Dec. 6. The Second Street Gallery, 1509 Second St. will host a kickoff reception and art show from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, to celebrate its new and improved gallery, featuring original artwork, refreshments and live music. For information, call 281-9073140.

Museum open house Dec. 7. The Bay Area Museum Guild will host its annual Holiday Open House at the museum in Clear Lake Park at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.

Webster Webster Business Alliance Dec. 2. Former astronaut Chris Ferguson, who commanded the last space shuttle flight and is now Boeing’s director of crew and mission operations, will be the keynote speaker at the Webster Business Alliance luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Webster Civic Center, 311 Pennsylvania Ave. Call Karen Coglianese at 281-316-4135 for reservations.

DECEMBER 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos: Mary Alys Cherry

Stewart principal wins national honor

S

tewart Elementary School in Kemah was recently selected as a National Blue Ribbon School, and now, the school’s principal, Dr. Britani Moses, has been chosen as one of eight recipients nationally of the prestigious 2014 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.

The award is given to select principals of Blue Ribbon schools for their outstanding work and the vital role they play in guiding their students and schools to excellence, frequently under challenging circumstances.

Named for the second secretary of education, Terrel H. Bell, the award recognizes school leaders committed to fostering successful teaching and learning at their schools, school leaders committed to education as a powerful and liberating force in people’s lives and who do “whatever it takes” to help their students meet high standards.

“Dr. Moses was first hired as a teacher at Stewart Elementary School,” explained CCISD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Holly Hughes, “She then proceeded to learn and grow as a leader in education by taking on various roles including instructional coach, assistant principal, and elementary English Language Arts coordinator before becoming principal.

“This career path has provided a unique insight upon which Dr. Moses was able to build a team focused on a bright future for the students of Stewart Elementary. I am extremely proud of her accomplishments and those of her students and staff. She is most deserving of this recognition.”

The Stewart team has engaged parents and the community through volunteer opportunities; adult classes (including ESL and family literacy), and community events such as literacy, math, and science nights; dances, movie nights; and cultural celebrations. The school library is open for family use during the summer and a partnership with the University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Education offers parents opportunities in their home languages.

Dr. Moses has led LaVace Stewart Elementary for the past six years. Her background and personal warmth equipped her well to deal with her school’s challenges, Clear Creek ISD Assistant Communications Director Janice Scott pointed out.

“To help close the achievement gap, Dr. Moses drew on her doctoral thesis on the cognitive benefits of second language learning, to create a two-way dual language program in which native English and native Spanish speakers receive instruction together, in both languages, to promote second language acquisition,” Scott said.

“After three years of implementation, students are scoring at the fluent level in their first language and limited-to-fluent in their second.

This program has become a model for other bilingual campuses; more than 20 schools visit annually. Dr. Moses also organized the district’s first ever Bilingual Institute.”

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2014

Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, far left, joins the Clear Creek Education Foundation honorees for a photo as the 2014 Gala gets under way at South Shore Harbour Resort. They are, from left, John and Melinda Wycoff, Caycee Black, Jamieson Mackey, in back, Col. Eugenia Guilmartin, Dr. Sandra Mossman, Dr. C. Lynn Davis, Tony and Sharon Bloomfield, Catherine Sliva and her husband, Glenn, and Dr. Cindy Castille.

Education Foundation honors 10 at 2014 gala

Kemah Mayor Pro-tem Carl Joiner and his wife, Colene, arrive at CCEF Gala reception in the Harbourview Room.

By Mary Alys Cherry

A

number of outstanding

community volunteers were honored when the Clear Creek Education Foundation hosted its annual gala at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.

Among them were Jamieson Mackey, former CCEF chairman and immediate past chairman of the Clear Lake Area Chamber, who was named Citizen of the Year, and retired Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Sandra Mossman, who was presented the George Carlisle Distinguished Service Award – both for their visionary leadership.

Distinguished Alumni Award winners for 2014 were:  Fashion designer Caycee Black, Clear Lake High 1989;  League City dentist Dr. C. Lynn Davis, Clear Creek High, 1968;  Former BlueRock Energy CEO Cathy Landeck Sliva, Clear Lake High 1976.

Other honorees included the winner of the Valor Award, U.S. Army Col. Eugenia K. Guilmartin, who earned her Ph.D at Stanford University after graduating from Clear Lake High in 1989 and became the first woman adjutant for the Corps of Cadets in the history of West Point; and Sharon and Tony Bloomfield, who won the Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award for their strong support of both Clear Creek ISD and CCEF. This year’s Superstar Award winners were:

CCEF Gala Co-Chairmen Katy Bastedo, left, and Kay Lee Benoit prepare to welcome the crowd.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Steven Ebell and his wife, Jennifer, join the CCEF reception crowd in the Harbourview Room.

 Clear Lake dentist Dr. Cynthia Reichard Castille, who provided free dental care to a number of CCISD students;  League City architect John C. Wycoff and his wife, Dr. Melinda Wycoff, CCISD Gifted and Talented coordinator, who have been generous, both personally and financially to CCISD and the community.

Theme for this year’s gala was “You’ve Gotta Have Heart” and featured both live and silent auctions and dancing after dinner to Andy and the Dreamsicles.

Gala CoChairmen Katy Bastedo and Kay Lee Benoit hosted a reception in the Harbourview Room for the honorees and their escorts prior to the event, after which emcee Dr. Greg Smith welcomed the crowd of about 300 in the downstairs Crystal Ballroom.