Bay Area Houston Magazine - NOVEMBER 2023

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November 2023

CUSTOM REPAIRS APPRAISALS

AN EMERGENCY IS ALWAYS AN EMERGENCY Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

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It’s important to know where to go when unexpected injuries or illnesses occur.

Whether you have a minor emergency or a life-threatening one, Houston Methodist provides state-of-the-art emergency care 24/7/365 to patients of all ages. We offer: • Board-certified emergency doctors • On-site laboratory

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Houston Methodist Emergency Departments Houston Methodist Emergency Care Centers

We empower people to thrive.

Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank.

While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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features 9

Quasar Award William T. Harris Takes It Home

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Movers and Shakers Get To Know Dr. Richard Walker

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BAHEP Business Spotlight Let’s Hear It For The Sweeneys

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New Docs in Town Meet Your New Doctors with Houston Methodist

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Collard Jewelers The Grand Re-Opening You’ve All Been Waiting For

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Blaine’s Top Picks For The Holidays

ON THE COVER

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Seasons Change What’s The Difference?

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Rick’s Picks Longhorns and Coogs

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Gulf Coast Mariner The Biggest You’ve Ever Seen

President Amber Sample

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Celebrate Seabrook Music, Animals, and Lots of Fun

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry General Manager Patty Andrew

columns

Creative Director Kelly Williams Sales & Marketing Amber Sample Bill Sloan Robyn Weigelt

Brunch By The Bay South Shore Harbour Hotel - Delicious and Musical

The long awaited Grand Re-Opening is almost here! Collard Jewelers is back.

Read all about it on pages 16-17.

Chairman Rick Clapp

Beauty By Blaine

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Clear Lake Chatter 1 Clear Lake Chamber Gala

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Clear Lake Chatter 2 CCEF Honorees

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Editorial Patty Andrew GH Andrew Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Michael Gos Blaine Ochoa

Foreign Or Domestic?

The Choice is Yours

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Texas Meditations Our Guidance System

Features Editor Halie Briggs Photography GH Andrew Mary Alys Cherry

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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 Earth, The Solar System www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com

281.474.5875

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

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November 2022

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2023 2023

William Harris named 2024 Quasar Award recipient

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ouston, known as Space City for more than half a century, draws visitors from across the globe to see its many attractions, and the city’s top attraction is Space Center Houston (SCH).

An impressive economic driver, SCH generates annually a $118.7 million economic impact, 1,710 jobs, and $53.7 million in personal income in greater Houston. Space Center Houston is a marvel to behold as it serves as both an educational complex and a space museum. Leading this ever-growing and changing center is President and CEO William T. Harris.

For his many contributions to the development of Space Center Houston and its notable impact on the region, the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has named William T. Harris as the recipient of the organization’s esteemed 2024 Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence. The award will be presented to Harris at BAHEP’s 30th Annual Quasar Award Banquet to be held on Jan. 26, 2024, at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center in League City BAHEP President Brian Freedman said, “William stepped into the leadership role at Space Center Houston in April 2016. At that time he had more than 37 years in nonprofit leadership including senior positions at museums and universities, where he led numerous multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns, principal and major gifts, marketing, communications, government relations, and strategy development. He

brought that experience and knowledge with him to Space Center Houston in a role that has expanded the definition of strategic leadership.

“Through his foresight and guidance, SCH has become an international attraction with 319,708 guests in summer 2023 alone and is on track for over 1.3 million visitors this year.

The center features more than 400 space artifacts, exhibits, experiences, and theaters that engage both children and adults in the future of this nation’s human spaceflight program while taking them on a journey through its inspiring history.

“William T. Harris is a visionary who has been a catalyst for the growth in the tourism and recreation industry in Bay Area Houston.

He is the ideal recipient of our Quasar Award.

It will be an honor to present the award to him as we celebrate his achievements in January,” Freedman added.

On learning that he will be the recipient of BAHEP’s Quasar Award 2024, Harris said, “I am exceedingly honored and humbled to be named the 2024 recipient of BAHEP’s Quasar Award. Since my arrival at Space Center Houston seven years ago, the entire community has been incredibly supportive of our endeavors. As a leading science and space exploration learning center with 1.3 million visitors each year, we are committed to meeting our guests’ high expectations. I have an amazing staff, and I believe that we have been able to meet and exceed those expectations. To be recognized and honored for doing a job that I love makes me even

Wlliam T. Harris

more proud to call Houston and Space Center Houston my home. Thank you, BAHEP, for your constant collaboration, support and this much-appreciated honor.”

Movers & Shakers

Name: Dr. Richard Walker

Occupation: President, University of Houston – Clear Lake Hometown: Jackson, Tennessee Current home: Houston Family: My parents, James and Bettye Walker, are deceased.

I had one younger sister, Teresa Walker Wilson, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago due to cancer.

My favorite author: John Grisham

My Favorite Movie: E The Bodyguard

My favorite performers: Celine Dion, Cher, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw Someone I’d like to meet: Oprah Winfrey The thing that bugs me the most is: Irresponsible people You’ll never catch me: Camping As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A teacher and principal

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: President of the United States My favorite meal is: Lobster and shrimp I like to spend my leisure time: Watching television -- college football, Law and Order, Chicago PD, and spending time outdoors in my swimming pool If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Amsterdam, Greece and Bali Few people know: I like to sing

NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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NELSON MADRIGAL | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

NELSON MADRIGAL | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Breakfast & Tea with the

Sugar Plum Fairy 33rd ANNUAL GALA

48th Season December 1-17, 2023

November 18, 2023

UHCL BAYOU THEATRE

South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference

Come and see Bay Area Houston's most magical holiday tradition come to life!

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BAHBT.ORG RHONDA FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

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INFORMATIVE & FUN! JUST PLAIN FUN!

To Be NOW a Guest on STREAMING

The Kelly Williams Show ON ROKU! Contact us: 281.474.5875

thekellywilliamsshow@gmail.com 10 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

Emergencies happen.

We’re right here when they do.

A health emergency is something most of us would rather prevent than plan for. But when you need medical care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. As your community partner, St. Luke's Health is your direct path from feeling scared or uncomfortable to feeling better. Get to know more about our ERs before an emergency strikes.

Find your nearest location at StLukesHealth.org/Emergency.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Spotlight

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im and Jane Sweeney, owners of Minuteman Press – Bay Area, located in Webster, will soon be celebrating 30 years in business. They have been proud members of many community and business organizations over the years, such as; The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, where both Jim and Jane, at different times, have served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), where Jim has served both on the Board of Directors, the Board Executive Committee, and as Vice-Chair of the Annual Banquet Committee.

Both Jim and Jane have also led the Communities in Schools Board of Directors, and are still adamant supporters of this great community nonprofit. Jane has been a longtime member of the Association of Business and Professional Women (ABPW), having served in almost all leadership positions, including President. Jim and Jane were honored to head a recent American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon as co-chairs, and Jim also continues a 15-year Board membership with the Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, a local 501C 3.

Minuteman Press International is the largest printing franchise in the world, boasting almost 1000 locations worldwide. The Sweeney’s independently owned and operated Minuteman Press shop is a member of the President’s Club of high performing print shops. The Sweeney’s specialize in providing marketing and operational printing services to businesses and not-for-profits in the greater Bay Area, and are known for their generous support of non-profit organizations, especially those involving children or education. Among the many long time clients of the Sweeney’s Minuteman Press shop are Space Center Houston, NASA/JSC as a vetted GPO (Government Printing Office), Houston Physicians Hospital, and the University of Houston at Clear Lake (UHCL), and CCISD,just to name a few.

Jim and Jane were recently the subjects of a 2 page article spread in the October issue of the World of Minuteman, a printed magazine distributed to all 1000 worldwide MMP locations, for their work in growing their business during and after the pandemic years, including the rapid growth of their custom

apparel business, led by the creation and printing of DTF (Direct to Film) Heat Press Transfers. These transfers are sold and shipped to other printers, screen printers, sign shops, and apparel stores all over the country. This also feeds a thriving custom Tee Shirt and Embroidery business, rounding out the Sweeney’s other, more traditional printing and sign offerings.

Please feel free to reach out to Jim or Jane for any of your printing or apparel needs at 281-488-4100 or myorders@minutemanpress.com. You may also see many of our offerings on our website at Clearlake.minutemanpress.com.

NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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A stilt walker greets Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman and his wife, Lorrie, leaving them in awe as they arrive at the 61st Annual Clear Lake Chamber gala.

Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease, right, and Ball Chairman Kristi Koncaba marvel at all the fun everyone is having at the gala.

Guest of honor J.P. Morris of b1 Bank stops for a photo as he arrives at the Chamber Gala with his wife Tanessa Crawford, at left, and his mother, Cheryl Rippy.

Clear Lake Chamber steps back in time to mark 61st anniversary

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EW PEOPLE have played a more significant role in the development of the Clear Lake Area Chamber than President Cindy DeWease, who was one of the two guests of honor at the 61st Annual Chairman’s Ball – along with the 2022-2023 Chairman of the Board J.P. Morris of b1Bank. While J.P. was cited for his hard work this past year, Cindy was honored as she celebrated her 40th anniversary with the Chamber.

So it was no surprise when South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom was filled to nearly overflowing the evening of Friday, Oct. 6 by a crowd of several hundred who saluted them with a standing ovation as they turned the ballroom into a “Speakeasy” from the 1920s.

Only missing face was that of Memorial Hermann exec Rebecca Lilly, who will serve as the 2023-2024 chairman of the chamber board. She was unable to attend as she had to travel out of state to attend her God daughter’s wedding.

Former Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, who came with his wife Kathy, served as emcee. Another CCISD official, Dr. Laura DuPont, served as the swearing-in administrator.

Meanwhile, Chamber Vice President Shari Sweeney, who has been at the Chamber a few decades but not quite as long as Cindy, was making sure all was running smoothly with the help of some other Chamber officials -- Director of Membership Kathryn Tijerina, Member Services Coodinator Wendy Allen, Accounting Specialist

Anita DeWease, and Programs Coordinator Sloan Sweeney.

And what a crowd they had to join in the celebration, including lots of elected officials such as State Rep. Dennis Paul and his wife Eliza; Mayors Mike Foreman of Friendswood, Phil Johnson of Nassau Bay, Thom Kolupski of Seabrook and Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village;

and City Councilors James Abbey, Sarah Horton, Chase Waterwall and Michelle Weller of Nassau Bay; Tom Tollette and Rob Hefner of Seabrook, Bob Davee of Taylor Lake Village and Tom Crews of League City – many with their spouses.

They had hardly had time to say hello when in walked UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Richard Walker, followed by BAHEP President Brian Freedman and his wife Dr. Erica Roberts, plus BAHEP’s Mark Mitchell and Jon and Harriet

Ball Chairman Kristi Koncaba, with her husband Ken, right, welcomes, from left, Bruce Chandler and his new bride, the former Wendy Shaw, along with Ron Ammons and Emmeline Dodd, to the Clear Lake Chamber Gala.

12 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

Pilgrim; Clear Creek ISD Trustee Jonathan Cottrell, Joiner Architects CEO Carl Joiner with his wife Colene; Communities in Schools-Bay Area President Dr. Peter Wuenschel and his wife Debbie, along with Chris Premont from Big Star Cadillac and his wife Nina, Dan and Jill Reason of the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, and Judge Holly Williamson and her husband, Danny.

Looking to your left, you might have spotted Barrios Technology President Kelly Page with her husband Jack, Gulf Coast Educators Trustee Jamieson Mackay and wife Laura, retirees Pat and Wendell Wilson,plus a number of attorneys such as Dick Gregg Jr. and his wife Kay; Dymra Williams and her husband Jack, CEO of Texas Tea Reclamation; Richard Simmons with Waldron & Schneider and his wife Jennifer; and Bob Davee.

Several guests from the banking business were also there, such as at the b1Bank table -- J.P. Morris and Cheryl Rippy, Jennifer and Leon Coe, Lisa and Mike Cornett, Tanessa Crawford, Danielle and Metty Heidt; plus Katelyn Fife, Chris Glass and Lynda Lovett from Texas Traditions Bank; Justin and Sarah Ferguson with Home Bank; and Mindy and Bill Provenzano with Hometown Bank.

Entertainment was by PRP Entertainment, with flappers from Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre and a stilt walker from Ascension Entertainment -all of which added up to quite an evening!

Chamber employees get together for a photo during the Chairman’s Ball. They are, from left, Director of Membership Kathryn Tijerina, Member Services Coordinator Wendy Allen, President and CEO Cindy DeWease, Accounting Specialist Anita DeWease, Vice President Shari Sweeney and Programs Coordinator Sloan Sweeney.

Chris Premont of Big Star Cadillac and his wife Nina stop for a photo with the stilt walker at the Clear Lake Chamber Gala.

Dr. Laura DuPont

Misty Ryan

Jill Reason

Carl Joiner

CCEF Gala to honor 8 outstanding individuals

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HESE ARE BUSY DAYS over at the Clear Creek Education Foundation as members of the volunteer committee make final preparations for ”An Evening With the Stars” -- their Annual Awards Dinner and Fundraiser, which is coming up Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Crystal Ballroom at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.

The annual event, which begins at 6 p.m., is open to the community, and tickets are available for purchase on the foundation’s website, www.ClearCreekEducation.org During the evening, CCEF will honor an elite group of individuals who continually serve and represent the Clear Creek School District.

Attire is business/cocktail.

Leading off the honorees is Jill Reason, who will receive the George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for consistent demonstration of commitment to Clear Creek ISD over time.

Four Clear Creek ISD graduates will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award which is presented to alumni who are accomplished professionals who support their community: Brian Freedman, Clear Lake High Class of 2000

Brian Freedman

Dr. Jeremy Holzbach, Clear Brook High Class of 2002 Ross Wycoff, Clear Creek High, Class of 2003 Connor Tomkies, Clear Springs High Class of 2011.

Misty Ryan will be the recipient of the Valor Award, which is given to a public servant who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and Carl Joiner will be presented the Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award, given to a small business owner within CCISD who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the district through active participation in multiple activities.

Dr. Laura DuPont, recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award, which is presented to an outstanding member of the community who consistently demonstrates commitment to CCISD and excellence in public education through volunteer efforts.

All funds raised from the event go toward Inspiring Educational Excellence in CCISD through CCEF’s programs: Educational Grants for both teachers and students, Clear Horizon Early College High School, National

Ross Wycoff

Dr. Jeremy Holzbach

Board Teacher Certifications, The Leader in Me Program and Robotics, Coding and Computational Thinking (RCC).

The event is being planned by a 12- person volunteer committee that includes: CCEF Executive Director Deborah Laine; CCEF Community Marketing and Events Manager Michele Thomas; and committee members Janet Brown, Ashley Goodhue, Lisa Holbrook, Jenny McCorkle, Melinda Mintz, Sarah Moutz, Jill Reason, Heidi Reigel, Chris Rylant and Mary Ann Shallberg.

Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott is the Presenting Sponsor of the event with Chemical Process and Production the Oscar Winning Sponsor; PSC Group Helping Hands Foundation, MRI Technologies and HEB are Golden Globe Sponsors – and Texas First Bank is the Tony Award Sponsor.

Established in 1992, the Clear Creek Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization located in League City.

Comprised of volunteers with a passion for excellence, the Foundation raises funds to enrich academic achievement within Clear Creek Independent School District. While the Foundation operates independently of the school district, it is aligned and collaborates closely with CCISD to promote excellence in education.

Connor Tomkies NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is pleased to welcome cardiologist Luna Y. Liu, D.O., now serving patients at 2060 Space Park Drive, Suite 410, Houston, 77058.

Liu is board-certified in internal medicine and a fellowship-trained cardiologist whose clinical interests include preventive cardiovascular medicine, cardiac exercise testing and nuclear cardiology and echocardiography.

“My goal is to deliver exceptional care that not only addresses the medical condition, but also upholds the patient’s dignity, autonomy and overall well-being,” said Liu. “I firmly believe in tailoring health care to each person’s unique needs -- through compassion, guidance and open communication.”

Liu earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she received the Gold TOUCH Award for her extensive service in the community. She completed her internal medicine residency and general cardiology fellowship at Medical City Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas, where she co-authored multiple articles in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is pleased to welcome otolaryngologist Stephanie Y. Chen, M.D., now serving patients at 18100 Houston Methodist Drive, Suite 220, Houston, 77058.

A board-certified otolaryngologist and native Texan, Chen’s clinical interests include diagnosing and treating benign and malignant head and neck masses, salivary gland disorders, thyroid and parathyroid disorders, allergy and sinus complaints and obstructive sleep apnea.

She also has a particular interest in minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery for the appropriate patients.

“I am dedicated to taking care of each patient as if they were a family member,” said Chen. “I strive to provide comprehensive and thoughtful care for my patients. I feel privileged to utilize my advanced training to serve each individual patient, listen to their concerns and provide the best care possible.”

Chen obtained her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons before completing residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. She then completed a year of advanced fellowship training in head and neck surgical oncology and microvascular reconstruction at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, prior to returning to Texas.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is pleased to welcome general and bariatric surgeon Ahmed Ali, M.D., now serving patients at 18123 Upper Bay Rd., Medical Office Building 4, Suite 400, Houston, 77058.

Ali’s clinical interests include bariatric surgery, revisional bariatric surgery, obesity medicine, complex hernia, endoscopy, endobariatrics and foregut disease. His professional affiliations include the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.

“I am excited to join the Houston Methodist family and serve this wonderful community,” said Ali. “It’s truly a blessing to help others improve their health and quality of life and guide them through the unforeseen ailments that require surgery. I always aim to focus on the concerns of my patients and their families. The most satisfying part of what I do is develop trusting, long-term relationships with the people and families I have the privilege of taking care of.”

Ali is a board-certified and fellowship-trained general, minimally invasive and bariatric surgeon who earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery internship and residency at Case Western University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. At East Carolina University/East Carolina Health in Greenville, North Carolina, he completed his bariatric and minimally invasive surgery fellowship.

14 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

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We wish you and your family a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

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1102 East Meyer Rd Seabrook, TX 281-474-9603 NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Collard Jewelers

for Christmas Holidays

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Like a fine diamond, Collard Jewelers was reborn and forged out of enormous pressure. Suffering a fire in their store six months ago could have been a catastrophe. However, after many prayers, family support, hard work, and faith, Collard Jewelers “Arose from the Ashes”.

According to Jewelry Maven and owner Wendy Collard, three miracles occurred during the fire. “First of all, the fire stopped short of my desk which had firearms. Secondly, jewelry, repairs, family photos, and personal property were secured in the vault. Third, the jewelry bench which contained highly flammable propane was in the very back of the store and untouched. This could have been a total disaster,” stated Wendy Collard.

This year’s Christmas Holiday will be special with exceptional thanks and gratitude.

Collard Jewelers will feature amazing notable lines as well as affordable quality pieces.

The majestic jewelry includes Ninacci, Picchiotti, and Mastoloni.

Ninacci is known for their high quality diamonds and workmanship.

Owner and designer of Ninacci will host a trunk show November 16th at Collard’s.

Mastoloni, another signature jewelry line, boasts the world’s most beautiful pearls in a large variety of colors. Not to be overlooked is Picchiottie’s Italian-designed, expandable, solid gold rings: the perfect gift for anyone suffering from arthritis.

Collard Jewelers offers affordable prices by Michou, made of Sterling Silver and natural stones.The popular Samual B made of Sterling Silver with 18 karat gold is a fabulous line as well. With every purchase, Samuel B will donate 10 meals to those in need.

Collard Jewelers always has community in mind and supports many non-profit organizations as well as their main cause, Texas EquuSearch. From Christmas to Valentine’s Day, a $10 donation will be made to “Time for Tim and Texas EquuSearch” with every watch battery sold.

Wendy Collard’s passion is creating and designing keepsake jewelry for her clients and new customers. Wendy has a private consultation with custom clients getting to know about their life, what is important to them, and their custom piece. “Every life is magic, and hearing their stories helps me create a piece that is truly custom,” says Collard.

Custom is the New Luxury. Collard Jewelers has a full time jeweler on staff during hours of operation.

Finally, commitment to family and community has made Collard’s a success. Wendy has been married to husband Tony for 25 years and has three children. They are blessed with seven grandchildren.

Make Collard Jewelers your choice of Jewelers this Christmas and Valentine’s.

Merry Christmas from the Collard Family

HOURS Tuesday-Thursday 10 am-6 am Friday 10 am- 7 pm Saturday 10 am-3 pm

Example of a Re-Purposed Custom Design using a client's own diamonds and gold

2700 Marina Bay Dr Suite L. League City, TX

(832) 385-6246

NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Beauty 3 with Blaine

AĒSOP - CAMELLIA NUT FACIAL HYDRATING CREAM $53

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I personally love using this product during my morning skincare and beauty routine. It’s not too heavy and gives the perfect amount of moisture and hydration to my face before I apply my makeup. It can be used in the evening as well and is suited for all skin types. It is soothing and nourishing and combines nut and plant extracts to help rejuvenate the skin.

It contains Chamomile Bud, Sandalwood and Rosemary Leaf, and has a woody, floral aroma.

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dd a little sparkle and shine to your look this holiday season. These makeup, hair, and skincare products are invigorating, reviving and will add a sexy, subtle edge to your appearance. You’re sure to be a show stopper with these fabulous cosmetic products.

BLAINE BEAUTY - BLACK ICE EYELINER WITH ANGLED LINER BRUSH $34 Newly added product to my personal cosmetics line Blaine Beauty, the Black Ice Eyeliner is a must have. It is a cream eyeliner that gives a dramatic and sexy look to the eye. The texture is between a shadow and a liquid liner, and delivers as a powder finish. You can also use it to create a smokey eyeshadow look. Its long wear and also comes with a small angled brush for easy application.

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KEVIN.MURPHY - SHIMMER.SHINE $35 Spice up your hair with this fabulous hair repairing shine mist.

It is a finishing mist that is lightweight, smells incredible and adds a radiant shine to the hair. The carefully selected ingredients from the Australian Rainforest gives the ability to revive the hair, add elasticity and nourish the hair even in harsh climates. The Shimmer.Shine spray has a light reflective formula and contains Vitamins C, E, Baobab, Immortelle and Bamboo.

It is a magical miracle worker for the hair.

Kevinmurphy.com.au

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BLAINE BEAUTY - GLOW SHIMMER POWDER $36

I’m in love with this beauty product that was also recently launched on Blaine Beauty. It is a face and body hi-shine shimmer powder that delivers a stunning highlight to the area applied. You can highlight points of the collarbone, cleavage, bridge of nose, under the brow bone, and on the cheekbones applied as blush. It adds the perfect pop of warmth, sparkle and color, and creates beautiful definition. You will be sure to shine with this icy shimmer dust.

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ARTÍS - PALM BRUSH $70

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This iconic makeup brush is fan favorite and is the perfect multi-tasking tool. It is highly effective, high quality and blends beauty products onto the face and body flawlessly. It fits into the size of your hand and is about the size of a cheek.

The Palm Brush can be used with liquid, cream or powder consistencies and can apply a variety of products such as, concealer, foundation, highlight, blush, and skincare products.

It is a luxury brush that does not disappoint, you’ll definitely want to add it to your collection.

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We Now offer Home Deliveries

Scratch Kitchen Lunch starting at $9.99 with soup or salad

Daily Lunch Specials

mention this ad and get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée.

One free appetizer per table.

20 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

VOTED

"BEST PUB / BAR"

OF THE BAY 2017-2021

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MON - TUES: 4:00 -9:00 pm WED - THURS: 12:00 -9:00 pm FRI - SAT: 12:00 -10:00 pm SUN: 11:00 pm - 9:00 pm BRUNCH

Themed Fridays All Month Long!

Check our Facebook for More Info.

Drag Bingo & Food Drive Wednesday Nov 22nd 8-11pm

' NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BRUNCH

Bay

BY THE

H

By Patty Andrew Pictures by GH Andrew

ectic weekends seem to be the rule around here with errands, events, sports, gardening, and housework.

It’s hard to find a time and place to relax just for a little while to enjoy the moment and experience the peace. South Shore Harbour Resort provides you with the opportunity to slow down the pace of the world as they invite you to Sunday Brunch.

The Paradise Reef Restaurant inside South Shore Harbour offers one of the most fabulous views in the Clear Lake Area. Overlooking its famous marina, the restaurant sports a grand wall of windows that allows diners to get a true feast for the eyes before brunch even begins. Sipping a mimosa while taking in the marvelous sight of the birds winging over the slow-rocking yachts and gentle currents releases life’s worries amid the palms.

The marvelous scents coming from the buffet turns the attention to why people come: the scrumptious breakfast-to-lunch meal that awaits them. Starting with the cold salads, fresh fruits, and mountain of boiled shrimp, plates are soon filled with great beginnings. A second trip brought traditional breakfast favorites that tempts any taste bud. Then, some grand surprises from the lunch end with roasted potatoes, vegetables, and the spicy goodness of a Mexican inspired beef dish.

Finally, do not overlook the amazing desserts made on the premises that finish this meal with an exclamation point.

As if all this isn’t enough to get you to the

Paradise Reef Restaurant on Sunday mornings, we will share the true secret of the wonderful Sunday brunch ambience: Shirley Thomas. This gifted pianist is well known in Houston circles and here in Clear Lake for the lovely melodies she effortlessly brings. Shirley has been a part of the Paradise Reef brunch success for some time as she lends her talents with her wide repertoire including classical, Broadway, and popular music, bringing the shimmer to the brunch ambience.

So, have a toast to the beauty of Clear Lake, the flavorful brunch array, and the inspiring talent of Shirley Thomas. Plan on spending a Sunday morning there soon!

South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center is located at 2500 S. Shore Blvd. in League City, TX. To enjoy the brunch at Paradise or any of their other wonderful restaurants, call 281-3341000 for reservations.

NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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What's the Difference?

By Pastor Brad Heintz

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RICK'S PICKS

hat’s the difference between thankfulness and gratitude? Since it is November and we will be taking time off to gather and give thanks wouldn’t it be important to know the difference? According to psychmc.com, “thankfulness is an emotion dependent upon circumstances. Gratitude is an attitude of appreciation under any circumstances.” Since gratitude shows appreciation, thankfulness is a part of it but gratitude is so much more.

I can be thankful when all the lights turn green when driving. I can choose an attitude of gratitude even if they all turn red and traffic is jammed up because my attitude is not dependent upon the momentary circumstances.

How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude? First, it begins with your concentration, secondly it continues with your choices and finally concludes with our contentment.

1.

Concentrate on God not your circumstances. So often we forget to look up when we are dealing with difficult, trying or negative circumstances. Does it make a difference if our thanksgiving is just thanksgiving or thanksgiving to God? I think it does because the focus isn’t on self but on God who can make a difference with our circumstances. “ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

(Psalm 121:1-2 NIV) 2.

Continue with conscious choices that aren’t swayed by your reactions but rather guided by who and whose you are. These kind of

24 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

choices with get your through without hitting the pot holes of critiquing, criticalness and complaining.

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NIV) 3.

Conclude with contentment that is not dependent on which way the wind blows but on the Ruach of God, (This’s Hebrew for wind or spirit) within you.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV) The University of California did a research study and the results showed that cultivating gratitude has benefits. Some of those included better physical and psychological health, increased happiness and life satisfaction. Do you want these benefits to be produced in your life?

Maybe it’s time for a change?

But what if all this gratitude stuff doesn’t come naturally or easily.

What if I’m better at critiquing, being a critical thinker or even an avid complainer. How’s that working out for you? Could it be time to start concentrating on God on Sunday mornings in worship and every morning in prayer?

Can you choose to post positive attitudes of gratitude on your social media rather than criticism or complaints? Could you be content with giving to others so that they have a better thanksgiving? If so, maybe you and those around you will experience the benefits of your change in attitude to gratitude.

Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Taylor Lake Village, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org

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25

www.gulfcoastmariner.com

By Capt. David C. Dillman galvestonbaycharterfishing.com (832) 228-8012

Next State Record Tarpon

A

ccording to Capt.

Mike Williams, there's tarpon off the Galveston coast that would exceed 250 pounds.

Williams has a nickname for a caliber of tarpon this size, and he calls it "Moby Dick".

Williams said, "There's been a lot of tarpon caught this year off the upper coast. The Texas state record has been broken four times, and three of those four times, the fish was caught off Galveston."

In 1961, Dave Huddleston Sr. caught a state record tarpon off a little pier just west of SeaWolf Park in the Galveston channel. The fish was caught on a live mullet while Huddleston was fishing for bull reds on August 30.

That fish held the record for a little over 12 years until Tom Gipson broke it on November 13, 1973 while fishing the South Padre Island jetties. That fish was caught on a live mullet and weighed 210 pounds.

Then on October 6, 2006, Jeremy Ebert was fishing for bull reds on the Galveston Fishing Pier at 91st and Seawall Blvd. A massive tarpon ate one of his baits that he had out for bull reds. When the fish was finally weighed on a certified scale, it beat Huddleston's fish by a mere 11 ounces. The official weight of Ebert's fish was 210 pounds 11 ounces.

Williams said, "Ebert's fish had a girth of 46 inches and was 91 inches long. Those numbers suggest that this fish could have weighed more, if the pier had a certified scale. It was some time after this

fish was caught that it was weighed on a certified scale."

Ebert's fish was toppled by Michael Shane LaRue on August 20, 2017. Shane Larue was fishing with the late Michael Larue, a well known tarpon guide at the time, in "tarpon alley" a little east of Galveston Island. This fish fell to a tarpon lure called a "Coon Pop" and had a girth of 46 inches and length of 90 inches. It weighed 229 pounds on a certified scale.

For yearsWilliams has followed the migration pattern of these great fish. He found it interesting that the largest tarpon ever caught on the counter clockwise migration off Florida weighed 243 pounds and was caught by Gus Bell on February 17, 1975 near Key West.

Williams went on to say that the largest tarpon ever caught in U.S. waters was on October 16, 2016. Angler David Prevost landed this 46 inch girth, 95 inch length, 246 pound monster dead

center in what Williams calls "12 O' Clock High" on his “tarpon alley" migration map. The locale is just a tad west of Tiger Pass Louisiana and east of Grand Isle. This fish was also caught on a Coon Pop lure.

Williams believes the tarpon that migrate up the coast of Florida migrate back the same way they came. The same holds true for the tarpon that migrate up the Texas coast from the Yucatan. They head back down the Texas coast as they return to the Yucatan.

So the only question that Williams hasn't yet figured out, is whether that huge 246 pound tarpon migrated from the Yucatan via Florida, or did it migrate from the Texas coast?

Either way, "Moby Dick" is swimming in the gulf, and one lucky tarpon angler just might catch the next Texas state record. It may not be this year, but some big tarpon have been caught in November.

Remembering Joe Barlow, a Pillar of BAHEP and Our Community

By Brian Freedman, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

I

t's with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Joe Barlow, a man who was not just a founding father of BAHEP, but also a cornerstone of our community. Joe was with us since day one, and his influence over the past 47 years has been nothing short of transformative.

I struggle to find the words to describe how significant Joe was to BAHEP. He was our in-house sage, always ready with insights and guidance on projects big and small. If you ever needed a thoughtful perspective on an initiative, chances are you found yourself in Joe’s office or on the other end of a phone call with him. His wisdom was grounded in experience, as a career lawyer and principal attorney at Barlow Jones, PLLC—a firm he built and nurtured since 1967.

But Joe wasn't just about business. He was about building a community. Many of the roads we drive on, the buildings we work in, and the developments we admire have Joe's fingerprints all over them. Joe was deeply involved in various real estate and development projects that have shaped Bay Area Houston for the better. He

26 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

played a crucial role in making this community what it is today—a thriving, dynamic, and prosperous place to live and work.

Joe had a knack for storytelling, often sharing amusing anecdotes from his rich career or recounting historical events that shaped our industry. These tales weren't just for entertainment; they were lessons in leadership, teamwork, and community building. The stories he told will continue to guide us, and the wisdom he shared will keep inspiring us.

Losing Joe feels like losing a chapter of our collective history, but let's not forget that he’s also a part of our future. His impact is stitched into the fabric of BAHEP and the broader Bay Area Houston community. It's in every successful initiative he advised on, every business he helped grow, and every young professional he mentored.

His legacy will continue to be felt in every corner of the work we do.

As we take a moment to mourn, let’s also take a moment to celebrate Joe’s incredible life and the lasting impact he’s had on each of us. His physical presence will be sorely missed, but his spirit will remain a part of BAHEP and the community we continue to build.

Celebration Seabrook Commentary & Photos by GH Andrew

Celebration Seabrook is always a fun family event each year in October hosted by the City of Seabrook.

Nightbird, the Houston based Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, gave a powerful performance, headed up with Brooke Alyson on the Stevie Nicks vocals. These folks are solid, taking this music to a new level. Check them out when they come back this way or in another one of their Texas venues.

A big shout out Christopher Coy and Dwayne Vanselous of the Seabrook Animal Shelter and Adoption Center for bringing two dogs to the event. Christopher showed off the pet snake who calmly stayed wrapped around his neck the entire day. This Animal Shelter is a "no-kill" shelter and has plenty of future pets ready for adoption.

NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

27

DODGE HORNET

Foreign or Domestic

By Don Armstrong

Brand loyalty is not as important as it once was, especially when choices were mostly limited to the big three. Today, global competition has put car makers on a more level playing field. So, we ask the question, does foreign or domestic play a part in your car buying decision?

DODGE HORNET

INFINITI QX50

You’ve probably seen the ads for the Hornet, a completely new SUV from Dodge that the company hopes will resonate with buyers and compete on a Worldwide scale.

It is a small crossover with a design departure from what we are used to from Dodge. The Hornet’s exterior is a sleek, aerodynamic bullet with a touch of Challenger grille. Its squinty headlights let everyone know there may be something special under the hood.

Pick a power source, the base 2.0-liter turbo

4 or the plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 288 horses. A button called Power Shot will keep the hot-rodders happy on the RT model and will bring squeals of delight from all on board.

The interior is a thing of beauty with easy-touse controls in all the right places along with comfortable seating that keeps with Dodge’s sport performance theme. The infotainment system has been modified from what lovers of the brand have come to know and will take some getting used to.

Pricing starts at $29,995.

INTERIOR OF THE DODGE HORNET

INTERIOR OF THE INFINITI QX50

28 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

INFINITI QX50 Infiniti is considered a luxury vehicle and the QX50 is the brand’s welcome mat to its SUV lineup. First introduced in 2019 it was relatively competitive at the time, however, there are some elements that seem a bit dated now. For example, its 2-screen display, a top one for navigation and the bottom one for everything else. As for the rest of the interior, it’s inviting and comfortable, and with contrasting colors, beautiful.

The QX50’s exterior is conservative with a moderately sized grille and extra-large Infiniti logo in the bullseye. Odd humps adorn each side of the hood, and the D pillar has an attractive, forward leading edge that is unique to the brand.

Ride and handling are comfortable, the engine and transmission are another story.

The 2.0-liter turbo 4 is mated to a CVT transmission, but it doesn’t manage its 268horsepower well, especially in traffic. It’s slow to react to pedal input.

Luxury comes at a price and the Infiniti QX50 is no exception. Starts at $40,300.

San Jac alum graduates from UH with 3 majors, 3 minors and a 4.0 in 4 years

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CALL. SWITCH. SAVE. S

an Jacinto College alum Saad Nadeem recently graduated from the University of Houston in four years with three majors, three minors and a 4.0 GPA. He credits his success and drive to achieve to the support of his family and his time at San Jac. Nadeem, who grew up in the Clear Lake area and began high school at Clear Brook, graduated from UH in May with degrees in health (from the College of Education), human nutrition and food, and exercise science.

His minors were biology, business administration, and management and leadership. He plans to attend a Texas medical school next to pursue his aspiration of being a doctor and providing care and support for under-served populations in Harris County. He is also eyeing an MBA to feed his passion for the business side of medicine.

“I aspire to make a meaningful impact on the community that has supported and shaped me throughout my journey,” Nadeem said. “With its rich cultural diversity and vibrant populations, Houston holds a special place in my heart.”

Katie Kuroski 832-737-6200 geico.com/league-city-kuroski ¡Hablamos Español!

CLEAR HORIZON ALUM Prior to his time at University of Houston, Nadeem was a dual credit student at Clear Horizons Early College High School, where he began his “transformative” experience at San Jac. He said the college provided him with a nurturing environment where he was able to develop both academically and personally as a young adult.

“San Jacinto College became my second home during those formative years. Through scholarships, research opportunities, and more, San Jac opened doors for me that I never thought possible at such a young age.”

CREDITS SAN JAC Nadeem said that the academic excellence and dedication to student success at San Jac created a strong work ethic, practical time management skills, and an ability to adapt to the rigors of higher education. He feels that the guidance he received at the college helped provide a seamless transition to the academic rigors at the University of Houston. Nadeem recognizes that one of the most valuable aspects of his education at San Jac was the connection he made with instructors and students. “The sense of community at San Jac was palpable, creating an environment where collaboration and support were paramount.”

Born in Pakistan, Nadeem’s family Immigrated to the United States when he was five years old. His parents left family and friends behind to give their children a better future.

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NOVEMBER 2023 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

29

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

OUR GUIDANCE SYSTEM

Sisterdale, Texas

W

hen you live in Indiana, there are only two winter sports: basketball and flying to Florida. I spent years as a grad student running to the Sunshine State every Christmas and Spring Break. I was lucky. I could afford to do that because my parents lived on the west coast, just north of Tampa. I had a free place to stay for a week, or a month, and a home base from which to explore much of the rest of the state. From the beginning it was clear. I was successfully running away from winter.

But as the years passed and I finished the master’s and Ph.D. programs and spent a few years teaching, I began to feel something was changing. Florida was becoming so much a part of me that it took me by surprise. It came to a head late one night. I had just decided to go on the market for a job in a more hospitable climate. While filling out yet another in what had become a mountain of applications, I came to a question asking for my home town.

I found myself writing “Port Richie, Florida,” my parents’ town but a place I never really lived. It was only then that I realized I was beginning to feel like Florida was my home.

I corrected it of course, but that change in my perception, something that ran so deep I wasn’t even aware of it, fascinated me. In my head, West Lafayette, Indiana, was my home, but my heart and soul had other ideas.

I started out running away from Indiana and winter. I ended up running to Florida.

Let me tell you about Tom (not his real name, of course) who I met several times in the saloon at the Sisterdale Trading Company.

The bar there calls itself “Historical Sisterdale Bar” and it is always our first stop on any trip to Luckenbach. Tom was the day bartender

30 Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2023

there for a few years. He was from Houston and lived here till about his mid-thirties when he woke up one morning in his car with a bullet in his head. By the grace of God (or sheer luck, depending on your perspective) it was a small bore and he survived mostly intact—just a small, round scar in the middle of his forehead. He told me that as soon as he was released from the hospital he rushed out to the smallest, out-of-the-way town he could find. And he had been in Sisterdale ever since.

My escape was less dramatic. I woke up one April morning in 1992 to a blizzard. I knew then, I had had enough. I got on the electronic bulletin board for professors in my discipline and put out a simple message: “If you have beaches and palm trees, I’m ready to move.” When the department head at University of Houston met me at Hobby Airport, he drove me straight to Galveston, and later that day we had dinner in Kemah. I didn’t even see the campus until the second day of my interview. It didn’t matter; I had escaped winter.

Over the years, Tom and I talked about our escapes and about the sense of relief we both felt— his from being away from the city, and mine from having escaped winter. Life after our runs was definitely better for both of us. But the rationale we each used to decide on where we would escape to was a little disturbing for me. The thought processes certainly seemed less than rational. His goal of finding a small, invisible town and mine of finding a job in a warm place seemed illdefined and not something we gave much consideration to at all. Our thoughts were about running from somewhere or something.

By chance, he settled in Sisterdale and I in Clear Lake.

At this point I should emphasize that we both ended up in places we grew to love and

where we decided to stay permanently. But frankly, it was sheer, dumb luck. Neither of us set out with a plan about where we were going. Instead, we took the first options for escape that came by. My guess would be that, given our method, the chances for finding happiness in the new places were astronomically against us. But that wasn’t something either of us even considered when making the escape. We just wanted out.

I’ve thought about this a lot and can now see the ramifications of this behavior in many other situations in our lives. One common area where we see this is in employment.

Most of us have had, at some time in our lives, a job we either hated or were just bored with.

A common response is to start applying for new jobs. After all, what we get in the move has to be better than what we had previously, right? But oftentimes it isn’t; we have merely jumped from the frying pan into the fire. The same often holds true for relationships and even marriages. We want out, and that is the driving force.

Perhaps there is something in our DNA as humans that causes us to run from things, instead of to things. And that is not good.

When we do this, we are operating without a guidance system—no planned trajectory nor even a target at which to aim. We only have a place or situation to escape from. It is like throwing dice to make life-changing decisions. Our guidance system only works when there is something guiding it. It needs a destination, not just an order to “Bug Out!” While it is almost always best to live in the present, decisions to run away are different; they require a concentration on the future. We need to put aside thoughts about what we are escaping and concentrate instead on what we are going to run to.

Tom and I are still sitting happily in our landing sites. Neither of us had a clue about the place where we were going or what life there would be like there. We didn’t even take the time to think about those questions. We were fortunate indeed.

Most are not that lucky.

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