Bay Area Houston Magazine January 2022

MADE

IN AMERICA |

IN

GOD

WE

TRUST

|

BAYAREAHOUSTONMAG.COM

January 2022

Advanced Care for

BACK AND NECK PAIN CLOSE TO HOME

Spine Specialists Serving Clear Lake If you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. The specialists at Houston Methodist Spine Center at Clear Lake are experts in treating back and neck pain — from everyday discomfort to complex conditions and injuries.

And, during the coronavirus outbreak, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit.

Our Spine Center provides: • A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors • Advanced treatment ranging from nonsurgical options to minimally invasive surgery

• Expedited appointments (within five business days) • A dedicated navigator • Personalized care conveniently located close to home

Visit houstonmethodist.org/spine/clearlake to request an appointment online or call 281.523.3355.

MORGAN’S POINT | Bayridge Road

KEMAH | Harborside Way

6-8/6.5 | ±4,198 sf | $2.7mil listed on the National Register of Historic Places | elevator quarters | 600-foot lighted fishing pier with oyster reef + boat lift

4/3 | ±5,012 sf | $1.3+mil spectacular Waterford Harbor home offers resort-style living impeccable style & outstanding interior design throughout

PENDING

KEMAH | Harborside Way

FRIENDSWOOD | Bandera Creek 5/4.5 | ±5,201 sf | $970s traditional West Ranch on nearly half acre lot | island kitchen impressive dual staircases | game room with wet bar

4/4.5 | ±4,615 sf | $880s exceptional custom home | open living | study | balcony arched passageways | fabulous views of outdoor amenities

KEMAH | Mariners Lane

KEMAH | Harborside Way

3/3.5 | ±3,390 sf | $880s exciting contemporary Waterford Harbor home | sauna each room enjoys premium finishes | upper level observation tower

3/3 | ±2,587 sf | $740s outstanding Waterford Harbor home | gourmet kitchen | open plan game/media room | plunge pool | Koi pond | 3-car garage

KEMAH | Kipp Avenue

SAN LEON | 2nd Street

±15,119 sf lot | $370s double lot across the street from extraordinary waterfront housing exceptional grounds near the marina for fishing and boating

±8,750 sf lot | $300s build your dream home on a wonderful bay front lot concrete bulkhead | pier access | unobstructed bay views

PAT R I C I A S AVA G E I WANT TO BE YOUR REALTOR®!

PAT R I C I A . S AVA G E @ S I R . C O M

|

713.503.4222

© 2021 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice.

J A N U A R Y

2 0 2 2

features 6

Listening Space

11

Clear Lake Masonic Lodge

11

Mark Geyer Will Be Missed

12

Doing Big Things

16

Cover Story

20

New Class of Astronauts

22

Best of the Bay Awards

22

Eileen Collins

23

Bites of the Bay

26

Waking Up to New Gifts

26

Coming Events

29

Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing

General Manager Patty Andrew

31

Cover Party

Creative Director Kelly Williams

32

Farewell to 2021

10

ON THE COVER

This cover is of the first graduating class of San Jacinto College in honor of its 60 years of service to students and the community.

Chairman Rick Clapp

16

President Amber Sample Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

Sales & Marketing Amber Sample Bill Sloan Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

18

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

20

Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 Earth, The Solar System

281.474.5875

4

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

Celebrating 55 Years of Service Ex-JSC Director Passes Away Evelyn Meador Library Adds 2 New Features This Junior College Power House Turns 60 Ready to Soar It’s Back Baby! Save the Date Booksigning Hottest Spots in the Bay Area With Pastor Brad Happening Around the Bay Area On a Cold January Day Fun Night Celebrating Texas Artisan Highlights from the Year

columns 9

Clear Lake Chatter 1

10

Clear Lake Chatter 2

Assistance League Celebrates Giving BAHEP Christmas Party

Bay Area Houston Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved.

Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission.

Advertising rates are available upon request.

www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com

Carlos Villagomez Launches his New Book

30

18-19

Rhythms of the Bay

28

Rick at Nite

30

In Wheel Time

Bay Area has Endless Choices Woodhouse Day Spa, Astros, and Jackie’s Ready For a New Look?

We don’t just get to know your business,

We get to know you.

BILL HOLBERT

Bank Office President

BARRY G. MCMAHAN Senior Vice President & Commercial Lender

DILSHAN MANAWADU Senior Vice President & Commercial Lender

LESLEE A. FARLEY Vice President & Commercial Lender

LIBBY MCGEE Vice President & Office Manager

Clear Lake 2200 Nasa Parkway, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77058

281.517.8770 AllegianceBank.com

JIMMY L. BUTCHER Bank Officer & Commercial Lender

Carlos Villagomez Launches His New Book, Listening Space

L

By Rick Clapp

egendary Barber and Carlos Beer Garden founder, Carlos Villagomez, hosted a book signing at his well-known Webster icehouse venue.

Over 100 of Carlos’ best customers and friends were in attendance to celebrate Barbara Radnofsky’s new book, Listening Space, A Barbershop Guide to ProblemSolving that features the wit and wisdom of Carlos Villagomez.

The lively crowd honored one of Clear Lake’s icon personalities, many of whom have known Carlos for over 50 years. Guests included Ron and Scott Krist, Ken and Nedra Gurry, Dr. Visset Sun, Mr. and Mrs. McLeod, John Gay and wife, Becky Reitz, Jesse Salinas, Johnny White, Leslie Farley, and Carlos Beer Garden owner, Adolf Villagomez, just to name a few.

"Listening Space" is a fun and enjoyable read about stories of Carlos at the beginnings of NASA and Johnson Space Center that provides guidance on solving problems peacefully. Order a copy from Amazon.com.

Visit Carlos Beer Garden & Carlos of NASA Barbershop at 18018 Highway 3, Webster, TX

2 UHCL commencements honor fall grads, previous ‘virtual’ grads

O

ver 1,000 University of Houston-Clear Lake fall 2021 graduates received their degrees during an inperson commencement ceremony on Dec. 12 at noon and 5 p.m. at Minute Maid Park. Of those, 645 received their undergraduate degrees, and 363 received their graduate degrees.

The College of Science and Engineering and the College of Human Sciences and Humanities conferred 277 and 265 degrees, respectively, at the noon session while the College of Business conferred 370, and 146 students in the College of Education were honored at the 5 p.m. session.

The commencement address at both sessions was delivered by noted Houston journalist

6

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

and former KPRC-Ch. 2 anchor, Linda Lorelle.

Because both fall and spring commencements in 2020 and spring 2021 commencement were virtual, due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a retroactive commencement ceremony honoring over 3,600 students at a Returning Student 2021 Commencement ceremony on Dec. 4 at noon. and 5 p.m., also at Minute Maid Park.

These combined candidates and graduates will join over 75,000 others who have graduated from the university.

UHCL began as an upper-level university in 1974, admitting juniors, seniors and graduate students and then expanded to admit underclassmen in 2014.

YOU COULD SAVE MONEY WITH GEICO With low rates, personalized service, and a local office near you, it makes sense to switch to GEICO. Plus, you could save even more by combining your policies. Don't wait any longer – get a free quote today.

Katie Kuroski ¡Hablamos Español!

geico.com/league-city-kuroski 2640 E League City Pkwy, League City 832-737-6200

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko® image © 1999-2021. © 2021 GEICO #0M94814

"Get on the Sunnie Side of Real Estate"

Sunnie Byerly REALTOR® 7 Key Realty Properties Phone: (281) 804-6484

Email: Sunnie@SunnieSideRealty.com

www.SunnieSideRealty.com Serving Houston, Clear Lake and the Bay Area!

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

7

LOSE POUNDS AND ADD LIFE TO YOUR YEARS

FREE, NO-OBLIGATION INSURANCE VERIFICATION The bariatric specialists at NewStart™ help patients navigate the lifechanging journey of weight loss with personalized programs. We provide a wide range of solutions to meet the needs of every patient, from minimally invasive surgery to more advanced treatments. Our tailored plans even offer flexible payment options to accommodate every budget.

Now's the perfect time to get started. Contact us today and our experienced staff will provide a free, no-obligation verification of your insurance benefits.

memorialhermann.org/newstart

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Assistance League Holiday Tea Hostess Mavis Irvan shows off one of the hundreds of Santas decorating her home for Christmas.

Beverly Braden, stops to chat with Patty Hoffman at the Assistance League Holiday Party.

President-Elect Marie Keener, left, greets guests with Assistance League President Charlene Donovan at the Holiday Tea.

Patty Southmayd chats with Assistance League Advisory Council member Jonathan Cottrell.

Assistance League celebrates another year of helping others

A

MARY ALYS CHERRY

SSISTANCE LEAGUE members took time out to celebrate the season Dec. 6 at “Santa’s Wonderland Tea” after a year of work providing back-to-school clothing for some 2,000 students in Clear Creek, Friendswood, Dickinson, Deer Park, Texas City and Galveston ISDs, along with Odyssey Academy.

And what a celebration it was. Hostess Mavis Irvan invited everyone to walk around and see all the dozens and dozens of Santas decorating her home for Christmas. In fact, guests were asked to guess how many Santas were used in the Christmas decorations. Would you believe about 170? Rita Baldwin was the winner with the closest

Daughter follows in dad’s footsteps

guess.

Bringing smiles to the faces of Melanie Lovuola, Kathy Panneton, Elizabeth Arceneaux, Dawn Duncan, Lisa Holbrook, Linda Byrd, Badiha Nassar, Pam Cronk, Cindy Senger Lewis, Betty Walcott, Deb Karam, Deb Calacione, Priscilla Magnuson, Cathy Wolfe, Carole Eitzen, Becky Saavedra, Bev Braden, Barbara Weitenhagen, Susan McCoy, Carole Perry, Lorraine Cappell, Jayne Dannecker, Mary Pergande, Mary Young, Elaine Rister and Jill Smitherman as they joined in the merriment.

Then, as they wandered about, many stopped to remember the bright smiles on the area students’ faces when they received their new school clothes through the league’s Operation School Bell. Smiles that made all their hard work worthwhile as Sandra Sellers, Linda McCormack, Sarah Foulds, Darlene Snell, Ann Hammond, Clara Perry, Betty Walcott, Lynn Bell, Peggy Clause, Carolyn Hopkins, Patty Hoffman Buckner, Lori Johnson, Terry Overcash, Carol Base, Izella Dornell,

T

Shirley Lang and Jennifer Broddle will be quick to tell you.

Also joining them were two members of the Advisory Council – Jonathan Cottrell and Rita Baldwin.

Mary Pergande, Izella Dornell and Lori Johnson, from left, join the crowd at the Assistance League Holiday Party.

HE FIRST American flight into space was by astronaut Alan Shepard aboard the Freedom 7 Mercury-Redstone 3 almost 60 years ago on May 5, 1961.

Now his eldest daughter, Laura Shepard Churchley, has also gone into space, taking along mementos from that first flight and his Apollo 14 moon visit on her flight aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket on Saturday, Dec. 11,

along with five other space travelers.

It was 50 miles and five minutes shorter than dad’s, but quite an adventure just the same.

“It was unreal,” said ABC Good Morning America cohost, Houston native and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, who was also aboard the New Shepard, which bears Laura’s family name.

Laura Shepard Churchley JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

9

BAHEP Holiday Party draws big crowd Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

S

EEMED LIKE old times as Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership members gathered for their annual Holiday Party Dec. 9 -- for the first time in two years.

There was President Bob Mitchell and his wife Joan welcoming Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson, Vice President Robbie McAfoos and new President Kelly Page, Kuraray Vice President Hajime “Sam” Suzuk, and banker Paul Maaz and his wife, Sharon, to the celebration at Lakewood Yacht Club while early arrivals were already catching up on each other’s news.

Nearby, you might have seen Ellington Airport Manager Arturo Machuca and Boeing Government Operations Manager Brian Freedman catching up on the Washington news talking with Jay Guerrero, Sen. John Cornyn’s regional director, while One Stop Tents and Events owner Karen Keesler was talking with long-time friend and employee Carol Bergman, now retired.

Elected officials joining the party included State Sen. Larry Taylor, State Rep. Dennis Paul, Mayors Jeff Wagner of Pasadena and Carl Joiner of Kemah, City Councilors Ashley Graves of Nassau Bay, Bob Davee of Taylor Lake Village and Brent McCaulley of La Porte, plus Clear Lake Shores EDC Director Ronnie Richards and Clear Creek ISD Trustee Jeff Larson.

Bank executives Kristi and Kenny Koncaba, center, receive congratulations at the BAHEP Holiday Party from Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease, left, and BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim, right, on being named chairmen of the boards of the Chamber and BAHEP, respectively, for the coming year.

Bastion Technologies President Jorge Hernandez and COO Dr. Jayant Ramakrishnan were in the happy crowd, as were BAHEP 2021 Chairman Charlie Stegemoeller, BayTran Executive Director Amy Skicki, EduSafe President Dr. Glenn Freedman, attorney Dick Gregg Jr., La Porte ISD Superintendent Walter Jackson, Griffin Communications Vice President Jeff Carr, KBR Vice President Laurie Labra, Lockwood, Andrews VP Lars Zetterstrom, Logical Innovations CEO Denise Navarro and Pennino and Partners CEO Laura Pennino.

Across the way, you might have spotted Texan Bank CEO Kenny Koncaba and his wife,Kristi, who is president of the bank, talking with Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease and BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim about the coming year when Kenny will serve as chairman of the 2022 BAHEP Board and Kristi will serve as chairman of the chamber board.

Walking around, you might have also bumped into League City realtors James and Penny Brockway, ASRC Director Jeannie Kranz, SAIC Program Director Beth Fischer, Summit Management Group Managing Partner Harv Hartman, Wellby Director Peggy Zahler, orretired Delta Airlines Pilot Capt.

Wendell Wilson and his wife, Dr. Pat Wilson.

Plus, UH-Clear Lake Interim Senior VP Dr. Christopher Maynard and Associate Dean Dr. Edward Waller and BAHEP executives C.A. Shields, Kim Morris, Jane Gayle, Bob Payne and Dan Seal.

Boeing Government Operations Manager Brian Freedman, from left, and Ellington Airport Manager Arturo Machuca catch up on the news from the nation’s capital with Jay Guerrero of Sen.John Cornyn’s office as they arrive at the BAHEP Holiday Party at Lakewood. 21

Hilton Houston Clear Lake Sales Director Melinda Mintz, left, stops to chat with, Higher Up Texas Executive Director Hillary Gramm at the Dec. 9 BAHEP Holiday Party.

Ernest and Elizabeth Smith stop for a photo as they make their way through the crowd attending this year’s annual BAHEP Holiday Party.

10

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

Karen Keesler, owner of One Stop Tents and Events, right, and Carol Bergman, a retired employee, enjoy getting together at the Dec. 9 BAHEP Party.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President and his wife, Joan, center, chat with Kuraray Vice President Hajime “Sam” Suzuki, left, and Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theater Executive Director Jill Reason during BAHEP’s annual holiday party at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

Realtors Penny and James Brockway wear big smiles as they look over the crowd at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Holiday Party.

Clear Lake Masonic Lodge # 1417 Celebrated 55 Years of Service

By Rick Clapp

Congratulations

to SAN JAC for

“Fifty-five years ago, the charter for our Lodge was approved. December 7th is a special day that we recognize when it all began,” stated original member Brother Thomas Tucker. The lodge and its members provide many services for our community. This year’s event was a beautiful celebration which began with a firepit gathering with drinks, toast, and fellowship of the lodge members. Esteemed member Rob Kumar was on hand to greet guests as the renowned Landry Chef Jim Whitecotton prepared a mouth-watering buffet. A great time was had by all.

Congratulations to Clear Lake Masonic Lodge #1417.

60 years

Ex-JSC Director Mark Geyer loses his battle with cancer

By Mary Alys Cherry

F

ormer Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer died Dec. 6 after battling pancreatic cancer for several months.

“Under Mark’s leadership, Johnson Space Center moved the United States into a new era of human space exploration. In fact, more human spaceflight programs were led from Houston during his tenure than ever before,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said.

“That’s because Mark personified the American character, believing we should constantly venture farther into the cosmos for the benefit of humanity.

It’s not an exaggeration to say Mark’s legacy will be realized for generations to come at the agency he loved so dearly. Mark Geyer shaped history.

He strengthened this agency and the bonds of our NASA family. We will miss this champion for exploration and forever be grateful for his service.”

“Today,” JSC Director Vanessa Wyche added, “we mourn the loss of Mark Geyer, a leader of human spaceflight, champion of diversity and inclusion, and friend to all who knew him. On behalf of our entire human spaceflight team in Houston and New Mexico, I offer my deepest condolences to Mark’s wife Jackie, his three children and the entire Geyer family.

“Mark’s initiation of the center’s vision to dare to expand frontiers, unite with partners to complete bold missions, and explore space to benefit humanity is the hallmark of his legacy for JSC. His leadership as center director,” Wyche continued, “helped position America’s space

program for a space renaissance, as more human space flight programs were led from Houston during his tenure than ever in history. Mark’s accomplishments were historic in nature, as he helped return launch capability to American soil — including the successful launches and landings of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 and Crew-1 and the successful launch of Crew-2.”

Because he felt he could not do an adequate job while undergoing cancer treatments, Geyer stepped aside this past May and served as a senior advisor until his death. He is survived by his wife Jackie and three children.

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

11

Ribbon Cutting, Mayor & City Councilman, Milagros (Library Director), ROT FOL OTH - ROTary FOL friends of library OTHers

Evelyn Meador Library Ribbon Cutting Features Two New Additions

By Patty Andrew

T

he Harris County Public Library Branch Evelyn Meador unveiled two new additions to their successful and unique programs that focus on community outreach and partnerships with the City of Seabrook at a November ribbon cutting: Garden Tool Library and Storywalk®. With a Harris County Library card, patrons can now check out tools to help with their personal lawn and gardening needs. The generous 14 day borrowing time period lets people take full advantage of using a variety of 10 different tools.

Mayor Thom Kolupski of Seabrook led the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly installed Storywalk® located on a path that

12

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

stretches from the city’s property on the Rex Meador Trail to the area just behind the library. The Storywalk® consists of multiple panels with story pages each on their own stands that families and children can read as they stroll down the path. The Storywalk® not only helps with reading and comprehension skills, but encourages exercise and family time as people visit the changing outdoor story.

To learn more the Storywalk® and Garden Tool Library as well as the many other great programs at the Evelyn Meador Library, visit them at https://www.facebook. com/evelynmeadorlibrary, https://www.hcpl. net/branch/evelyn-meador-branch-library, and in person at 2400 North Meyer Avenue in Seabrook.

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™

Houston Metro Go Texan Committee NASA/Clear creek/friendswood Subcommittee

55th Annual Fashion Show

n o e h c n u and L

Join us for an Adventure! With Magic in the Air, the 55th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon will surely be a Whimsical Affair!

February 4, 2022 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Lonestar flight museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave. Houston, TX 77034 PROFESSIONALLY PRODUCED FASHION SHOW by Lenny Matuszewski! music by prp entertainment, whimsical & colorful attire SUGGESTED, BOUTIQUE VENDOR SHOPPING!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

EVENT ticket - $125 (FMV: $50) table For 10 — $1,000 (FMV: $500) tickets include happy hour & a catered lunch

"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good." –Dr. Seuss For more information contact: lisa gurgos at 832.283.5296 or Nasarodeo@yahoo.com

$200,000 in scholarships awarded to clear creek and Friendswood ISD seniors through the Rodeo's educational commitment.

Face masks are encouraged, but not required for all events. In addition, attendees are expected to follow any guidelines put in place by the hosting venue.

Net proceeds benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. FMV = Fair Market Value. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. The amount of the contribution that may be deductible for federal income tax purposes is the excess value contributed by the donor over the value of goods or services received. Consult your tax professional for more information/eligibility.

live & Silent auction!

Valentine’s Dinner FEBRUARY 12, 2022

Marina Plaza Ballroom | 6:30 PM Reception | 7:00 PM Dinner $55/Person + Tax & Service Charge | Ticket Includes:

3 Course Meal + Glass of Wine or Cocktail Cash Bar, Door Prizes & Live Music by Cindy Thomas Take the elevator home to our Deluxe Room Rates starting at $139 Includes Breakfast for two

sshr.com | 281-334-1000

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

15

San Jacinto College:

Celebrating 60 Years of Growth, Achievement, and Service.

Pictured here and below: South Campus Engineering and Technology Center

For 60 years, San Jac has helped East Harris County residents achieve their dreams through degrees and upskilling programs. In the next 60 years and beyond, the College will continue enriching the quality of life in the communities it serves -- through bigger, bolder dreams and opportunities.

sanjac.edu

E

GE LE

Y

With multiple campuses and highly qualified instructors, it’s no surprise the

San Jac’s growth mentality is evident in its new facilities and expanded course offerings. Continuous improvement has led to the College’s prestigious standing in the community and in the nation.

San Jac will conclude its NTO CO 60th anniversary with the CI L A J “Step Brightly into the Future” gala presented

by LyondellBasell. The 1961 2021 gala will take place Friday, May 20, 2022, at the LyondellBasell EA V Center for Petrochemical, RS O F SER Energy, & Technology at the College’s Central Campus.

Funds raised at the gala will benefit the student success endowment for Promise @ San Jac scholarships.

60

Another recent addition is the EDGE Center in the heart of Clear Lake’s Houston Spaceport. This center gives students hands-on training to start the next phase of aerospace history. San Jac is proud to be the training partner for the Houston Spaceport with five aerospace industry certification programs, drone classes, and customized training to meet individual company needs.

College offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study. Students can choose from Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees or university transfer courses and career certificates and training. Nursing, one of the College’s early programs, recently expanded to meet the needs of working registered nurses. The RN-to-BSN program offers a low tuition rate, small class sizes, and in-person and online learning opportunities. The College’s BSN graduates not only have higher credentials but also gain more professional opportunities in the nation’s health care hub, the Texas Medical Center.

IC

T

he College has five campuses across East Harris County, including its newest, Generation Park, in the Lake Houston area. This northernmost campus occupies a beautiful 57-acre lot and features a 55,000-squarefoot facility for general education and academic classes.

San Jac was ranked fifth in the nation by The Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine for awarding associate degrees to Hispanic students. The College was also named one of the top five colleges nationwide as a Finalist with Distinction for the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges.

SAN

San Jacinto College, an accredited two-year postsecondary educational institution, began in September 1961 in a rented storefront in downtown Pasadena. By the end of its first week, 876 students had enrolled. Today, the College boasts more than 41,000 credit and continuing education students each year and has become one of the top community colleges in the nation.

STEP BRIGHTLY

FUTURE

presented by

“

Being a first-generation college student, Promise is allowing me to be the first person in my family to attend college.

– Azhia Alvarez, Promise student

JOIN US AT THE GALA MAY 20, 2022, OR THROUGH A SPONSORSHIP:

sanjac.edu/gala-2022 An Equal Opportunity Institution

PHOTOS BY GH ANDREW

By Patty Andrew

D

ecember nights provided great opportunities for live music and entertainment of all kinds in the Galveston Bay area. Lively locales dot the landscape and regularly feature the brightest talents in Texas to put everyone into a holiday mood. Let’s take a look inside a few favorite places to see which artists are bringing a festive sparkle to our seaside shores.

Mambo Jazz Kings

Kelly Williams

MEDITERRANEO MARKET & CAFÉ,

the Nassau Bay venue with exquisite dishes from around the Mediterranean Basin, hosted two favorite performers to kick off the weekend fun: Kelly Williams and Jameela, belly dancer from Bella Donna Dance Company.

KELLY WILLIAMS, a well-known singer in this area, sailed her honey voice over the

Jameela 18

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

dining room with popular tunes and Christmas carols while diners sang along between bites of feta and gyros. Kelly has a smile as wide as Texas as well as a heart of gold.

Locals may also recognize her from her online talk show, T-Bone Tom’s Gospel Brunch, or her previous stint on the Kemah City Council. This woman never slows down, and we are very lucky that she shares all her talents with us here especially her dynamic voice and personality.

JAMEELA swapped sets with Kelly to provide the Mambo Jazz Kings colorful and enthralling belly dancing that included daring book acts from the area, they are also fond of sword balancing and colorful pulling in those from further away to give their scarf flying. Jameela is originally from Guam audiences a chance to experience something and is trained as a hula dancer. Noting the different. With Mambo Jazz Kings, Jackie’s similarities between hula and belly has done all of the above. dancing, she has incorporated the best of both into her unique, exotic style. While belly dancing can have a sensual and mesmerizing MAMBO JAZZ KINGS (OR MJK) is a 14-piece effect on an audience, Jameela band that mixes vocals, strings, keyboards, points out that it is a great exercise percussion, and horns to provide a sound especially for strengthening the core, that touches all genres: Soul, Funk, R&B, providing good cardio, and improving Rock, Latin, Jazz, and more. Starting in the balance and stability. Jameela is Galveston County area almost 39 years ago, very fun to watch, and we applaud their members now come from all over the Mediterraneo’s for having both belly Greater Houston-Galveston area to bring a dancers and musicians every Friday vibrant show to their followers everywhere. and Saturday night.

Art Lopez, creative director, has built MJK Follow Kelly Williams on to seamlessly glide through their diversified Facebook at https://www.facebook. repertoire that is sure to pull people to their com/SingerKellyWilliams. Learn feet or sing along with the band’s contagious more about Jameela and the energy. other dancers of their company MJK’s performing strength comes from the at BellaDonnaDance.com. high quality of their musicians. Lead singers Mediterraneo Market & Café is Stormy and Starr have commanding voices located at 1400 NASA Rd 1, Unit D in that powerfully support great anthems such Nassau Bay. as The Doobie Brother’s “Long Train Runnin’” (aka, Without Love) or Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” Listen for Ron “Grip” Davis and Almost every night of the week, Danny “Disco” Hernandez’ keyboards on JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE has Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish.” MJK generously live music on their outside patio or allows its performers to shine in solos such as main stage inside. While they do Ernest Gonzalez on the drums and Fritz

Shiring on the lead guitar. Art Lopez himself on rhythm guitar and Tom Tonkin on bass neatly round out the strings and Mike Ramirez shimmers on percussion. Blowing MJK to the next level of greatness is their magnificent horn section with Brad Neimi on trumpet, Tony Richardson on saxophone, and Craig Zlatnik on trombone and any other horn you can think of. They shine with the big horns especially on Earth, Wind, & Fire and KC & The Sunshine Band numbers.

Overall, Mambo Jazz Kings are great fun to listen to, sing with, and dance the night away.

They are staples at Mardi Gras! Galveston and many other area events. Find out about their upcoming shows at http://mambojazzkingslive. com/ and on https://www.facebook.com/ mjkings.

Visit Jackie’s Brickhouse at 1053 Marina Bay Drive in Kemah just across from Clear Lake Shores, or go to their website, https:// jackiesbrickhouse.com/ or Facebook page to get up-to-date music scoop.

O.G.R.E.

LP’s for some earsplitting fun. During their set, O.g.r.e. made you feel like you were at a concert while they performed their perfect rendition of Led Zepplin; they show they have mastered the craft.

O.g.r.e. plays the way every kid with a guitar imagines that he or she sounds.

O.g.r.e.’s performance is spot on with tight vocals, electrifying guitars, and riveting Mambo Jazz Kings drums. Charlie Salazar is a guitar wizard whose showstopping strings take rock and rock lovers to new levels of nirvana. Steve Stanley has amazing vocals T-BONE TOM’S is as legendary a live with rock solid control and great power music mecca as it is famous for its tasty Texas that stretches across multiple octaves with specialties from the kitchen. Frequently seeming ease. Dewel Higginbotham’s drums recognized for its long-time commitment to pound through the night in vibrant precision. musicians and live performances of all styles, Cliff Jackson has some fine pipes himself T-Bone Tom’s features live music six nights a along with high energy playing ax. Providing week. T-Bone’s outdid themselves with the the auditory heft is Bob Gylling’s bass, leading righteously talented rock bank, O.g.r.e., “Old us through the night’s nostalgic journey of Guys Rocking Excessively.” greatness.

O.G.R.E. is a pure rock and roll band with O.g.r.e. may call themselves the Old some of the best musicians around. They Guys but they are o.g.r.e. band Houston on can melt guitar strings while pounding out YouTube and at https://www.facebook.com/ strong percussions and booming vocals. o.g.r.e.classicrockband.

Aerosmith, ZZ Top, and AC/DC are just a few T-Bone Tom’s is conveniently located at 707 of the familiar rock songs that were expertly Highway 146, Kemah and on Facebook. performed at T-Bone’s the other night while we Make a New Year’s Resolution to visit these sat in awe of music greatness. and other local live music locations in 2022 It didn’t seem to matter to O.g.r.e. if there and discover more musical legends. Adopt was an audience or not; they were performing the Mambo Jazz King’s: “Have Soul. Will for the fun of it, for themselves, as if they were Travel.” jamming at home in the garage.

The real treat of their show is a 20-minute medley of Led Zepplin tunes that will have baby boomers scrambling to find their old

O.G.R.E.

O.G.R.E. JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

19

N

The 10 astronaut candidates stop for a photo at the Johnson Space Center. They are, from left, Air Force Maj. Nichole Ayers, Christopher Williams, Marine Corps Maj. (ret.) Luke Delaney, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Wittner, Air Force Lt. Col. Anil Menon, Air Force Maj. Marcos Berros, Navy Cmdr. Jack Hathaway, Christina Birch, Navy Lt. Deniz Burnham, and Andre Douglas.

NASA welcomes new astronaut class

By Mary Alys Cherry

The 2021 astronaut candidates are

NICHOLE AYERS, 32, an Air Force major and Colorado native who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in Russian. She also has a master’s in computational and applied math from Rice University in Houston and is an experienced combat aviator with more than 200 combat hours and more than 1,150 hours of total flight time in the T-38 and the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. One of the few women currently flying the F-22, in 2019 Ayers led the first ever all-woman formation of the aircraft in combat.

MARCOS BERRÍOS, 37, an. Air Force, major grew up in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. While in the Air National Guard, Berríos worked as an aerospace engineer for the Army Aviation Development Directorate at Moffett Federal Airfield in California. A test pilot, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering as well as a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University. A distinguished pilot, Berríos has accumulated more than 110 combat missions and 1,300 hours of flight time in more than 21 different aircraft.

CHRISTINA BIRCH, 35, grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, and graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. After earning a doctorate in biological engineering from MIT, she taught bioengineering at the University of California, Riverside, and scientific writing and communication at the California Institute of Technology. She became a decorated track cyclist on the U.S. National Team.

DENIZ BURNHAM, 36, lieutenant, U.S. Navy, calls Wasilla, Alaska, home. A former intern at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, California, Burnham serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of California, San Diego, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Burnham is an experienced leader in the energy industry, managing onsite drilling projects throughout North America, including in Alaska, Canada, and Texas.

LUKE DELANEY, 42, major, retired, U.S. Marine Corps, grew up in Debary, Fla. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from University of North Florida and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

20

ASA Administrator Bill Nelson introduced the members of the 2021 astronaut class during a special ceremony Monday, Dec. 6 at Ellington Field near the space agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, after a welcome by JSC Director Vanessa Wyche.

The six men and four women in the first new astronaut class in four years were selected from more than 12,000 applicants to represent the United States and work for humanity’s benefit in space, he said.

“Today we welcome 10 new explorers, 10 members of the Artemis generation, NASA’s 2021 astronaut candidate class,” Nelson told the crowd of several hundred mostly family members. “Alone, each candidate has ‘the right stuff,’ but together they represent the creed of our country: E pluribus unum – out of many, one.”

The astronaut candidates will report for duty at Johnson in January 2022 to begin two years of training. Astronaut candidate training falls into five major categories: operating and maintaining the International Space Station's complex systems,training for spacewalks, developing complex robotics skills, safely operating a T-38 training jet, and Russian language skills.

“Each of you has amazing backgrounds,” Pam Melroy, former NASA astronaut and NASA’s deputy administrator, told the

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

He is a distinguished naval aviator, test pilot, he executed numerous flights evaluating weapon systems integration, and he served as a test pilot instructor.

Delaney most recently worked as a research pilot at NASA’s Langley Research Center, in Hampton, Va. Including his NASA career, Delaney logged more than 3,700 flight hours on 48 models of jet, propeller, and rotary wing aircraft.

ANDRE DOUGLAS, 35, a Virginia native, earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, naval architecture and a marine engineering from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate in systems engineering from the George Washington University. He served in the Coast Guard and most recently was a senior staff member at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, working on maritime robotics, planetary defense, and space exploration missions for NASA. JACK HATHAWAY, 39, commander, U.S. Navy, is a native of Connecticut. He earned bachelors’ degrees in physics and history from the U.S. Naval Academy and completed graduate studies at Cranfield University in England and the U.S. Naval War College.

A distinguished naval aviator, Hathaway flew and deployed with Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 14 aboard the USS Nimitz and Strike Fighter Squadron 136 aboard the USS Truman. He graduated from Empire Test Pilots’ School, supported the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, and was most recently assigned as the prospective executive officer for Strike Fighter Squadron 81. He has more than 2,500 flight hours in 30 types of aircraft, more than 500 carrier arrested landings, and flew 39 combat missions.

ANIL MENON, 45, lieutenant colonel, U.S. Air Force, was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn.

He was SpaceX’s first flight surgeon, helping to launch the company’s first humans to space during NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission and building a medical organization to support the human system during future missions. Earlier, he w as the crew flight surgeon for flights to the International Space Station. Menon completed his residency in aerospace medicine at UTMB in Galveston and also worked as an emergency medicine physician in wilderness and aerospace medicine. As a physician, he was a first responder during earthquakes in Haiti and Nepal. In the Air Force, Menon logged over 100 sorties in the

candidates. “You bring diversity in so many forms to our astronaut corps and you stepped up to one of the highest and most exciting forms of public service.” Melroy and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana both accompanied Nelson to Houston for the ceremony, Applicants included U.S. citizens from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands. For the first time ever, NASA required candidates to hold a master’s degree in a STEM field and used an online assessment tool. The women and men selected for the new astronaut class represent the diversity of America and the career paths that can lead to a place in America’s astronaut corps.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche wear big smiles as the audience thunders its applause as the new astronaut class is introduced during a special ceremony Monday, Dec. 6 at Ellington Field.

F-15 fighter jet.

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, 38, grew up in Potomac, Md. and graduated from Stanford University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in physics and a doctorate in physics from MIT in 2012, where his research was in astrophysics. Williams is a boardcertified medical physicist, completing his residency training at Harvard Medical School before joining the faculty as a clinical physicist and researcher. He most recently worked as a medical physicist in the Radiation Oncology Department at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

He was the lead physicist for the Institute’s MRIguided adaptive radiation therapy program.

JESSICA WITTNER, 38, a U.S. Navy , lieutenant commander, is a native of California with a distinguished career serving on active duty as a naval aviator and test pilot. She holds a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona, and a master’s in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Wittner was commissioned as a naval officer and has served operationally flying F/A-18 fighter jets with Strike Fighter Squadron 34 in Virginia Beach, Va., and Strike Fighter Squadron 151 in Lemoore, Calif. A graduate of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, she also worked as a test pilot and project officer with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 31 in China Lake, Calif.

Special guests at the introduction of NASA’s new astronaut class included four Bay Area elected officials — State Rep. Dennis Paul, State Sen. Larry Taylor, and Congressmen Brian Babin and Randy Weber.

Highlights from some of our 2021 Shows!

With Scott Gordon at the Helping Hands Ranch

Freddie Pate at Gospel Brunch

Save the Date ED FOR WOMEN GO R

Flawless Skin Lounge in Friendswood

With Santa David with Graffiti Artist - Gabriel Prusmack

JUST PLAIN FUN!

Join us in the fight against the #1 killer of women. 1 in 3 women die of heart disease.

Losing even one woman is not an option.

Spread the word. Save lives. Let’s go red!

To Be a Guest on

The Kelly Williams Show Contact us: 281.474.5875

thekellywilliamsshow@gmail.com

www.Stallion-Energy.com If you're not investing in oil wells these days, you should be.

The Stallion Energy Group is a great team of professionals with the knowledge and years of experience to be successful for the company and our investors.

WENDY DRAPELA CO-CHAIR MOXIE DISTRICT 31

SARAH FERGUSON CO-CHAIR TEXAN BANK

DON'T BE LATE SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR RESORT FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Learn more at BayAreaGoRed.Heart.org

Locally sponsored by

Want more info? Contact us on our website JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

21

AWARDS PARTY

AWARDS Save the Date

MARCH 10. 2022 6:00 PM Waters Edge 3901 NASA Road 1 Cash Bar Lite Bites

Eileen Collins here for book signing

By Mary Alys Cherry

Eileen Collins, center, is happy to see old friends, Pat and Wendell Wilson, at book signing at the Lone Star Flight Museum.

22

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

F

ormer astronaut Eileen Collins, one of America’s most decorated women, was back in town Dec. 18 for a book signing, drawing a crowd to the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Field and still looking young and pretty as she did when she and her family moved to San Antonio a decade or so ago.

Her book is titled “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars” The story of the first American woman to command a space mission. That was back in 1999 when she was commander of Space Shuttle Columbia after twice serving as the pilot on two other shuttle flights.

Her story is a story of American firsts -- the first female shuttle pilot, the first female shuttle commander, commander of the first shuttle flight after the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia, etc. She since has been named to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Texas Aviation Hall Of Fame.

CLEAR LAKE

Second Location Opening Soon!

We've got your Tamales at our Nassau Bay location!

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

Waking Up to New Gifts

By Pastor Brad

G

od has given us a new year, but God doesn’t give it to us all at once. Let’s face it, if God had given last year all at once, I know I couldn’t have handled it. Jesus said, ‘Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, (Matthew 6:34 - NIV).

The fact that God gives us a new year, one day at a time, is pretty gracious. This phrase, “one day at a time” was made popular in recovery circles, but truly is a universal truth.

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I heard recently that every new day is like receiving a gift of 24 coins. When you wake up, your Creator has given you the gift of twenty-four hours. You get to choose how you will spend these

coins. You never get any more than twenty-four and you will never get them back again. Therefore, the urgent question is: How are you going to spend your 24-hour coins? Will you use them wisely, waste them, take them for granted, or give them away?

How do you use your coins wisely?

The wisest man in the Old Testament, King Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 3 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” What is it time for today? What would be a wise use of your time so that it is not wasted?

How do you waste them?

In Jesus’ story of the bags of gold, in Matthew 25, He shares about a guy who digs himself into a hole in fear by burying his bag of gold. What is going on in your mind when you waste time? Do you struggle with fear-based procrastination? What can you do to help you not waste the time you have been given?

How do you take them for granted?

So often we don’t realize the importance of today. One way to not take your gift of 24 hours for granted is to ask God what is His will for the use of your time today. James says, “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what

League City Regional Chamber’s Las Vegas Nights Chamber Choice Awards Gala will be held Friday, Jan. 14, from 7 p.m. to midnight at Water Grove Event Venue, 3920 Gulf Fwy. in Dickinson.

UH-Clear Lake is now registering students for the spring semester, which runs Jan. 18 - May 2. Financial aid opportunities and scholarships are available. To register, visit www.uhcl.edu/registrar/enrollment/ Clear Lake Area Chamber will kick off the rodeo season Wednesday, Jan. 26 with its Go Texas Luncheon at Landry’s in Kemah. Tickets are $30 and must be pre-paid. NO WALK-INS. Call the chamber at 281-488-7676 for additional information.

Clear Lake Area Chamber’s Epicurean Evening 2022, “A Taste of Space,” will be held Thursday, Jan. 27, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Space Center Houston.

Presale tickets are $35 each. For information or sponsorships, call the chamber, 281-488-7676.

League City Regional Chamber will host the mayor and city manager presenting their annual State of the City Address on Friday, Jan. 28, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Hometown Heroes Park. Tickets for members are $25. For sponsorships or reservations, visit the chamber website, www. leaguecitychamber.com The 2022 Quasar Banquet, hosted by Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, will be held Friday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel honoring State Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen and Houston Mayor Pro-

24

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 – NIV) How do you give them away?

Your time is your most valuable commodity.

When you serve others with your time you are giving away a precious gift. Jesus used His time here on earth to wisely serve, graciously suffer and lovingly die for us on the cross to save us. He rose to new life so that we could have a new day of hope every time the sun rises.

Try a new practice: When you wake up, hold your hand in a cupped position with palms up. Visualize God placing 24 gold coins in your hands. Then with palms pressed together in prayer, thank God for giving you the next twenty-four hours. Ask God how He wants you to spend them? Ask yourself what is the best use of these gifts given. Then go and spend the next twenty-four hours wisely, not taking them for granted, wasting them and even giving them away!

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 Like us and watch us live on www.Facebook.com/LWCBA

tem Dave Martin. For ticket information, call BAHEP at 832-536-3255.

The UH-Clear Lake winter session for Friday Morning Continuing Education begins Friday, Jan. 28 and runs through March 4. To register, visit www.uhcl/ academics/extended/fridaymorning-ce League City's Hometown Heroes Park will host a special "New Year New You" Ballroom Dance introduction event on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. to introduce newcomers to dance. The city-sponsored event is free and everyone is welcome.

Yachty Gras will host its Mardi Gras Masquerade Kick-Off Party at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 29 with live music by Andy & the Dreamsicles at Lakewood Yacht Club. Get your $25 kickoff party ticket at yachtygras.com The 55th Annual NASA/Clear Lake Go Texan Style Show Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4 at the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Field.

The Clear Lake Symphony will present its fourth concert of the season Friday, Feb. 4, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Auditorium, 18220 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay. Tickets, which may be purchased at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 300, are $13 Adult, $10 Senior and $8 Student.

Bay Area Houston Magazine's "Best of the Bay Awards" will be held on Wednesday, March 10 at Waters Edge, 3901 NASA Road 1, in El Lago.

RSVP to 281-474-5875

HOURS:

Mon-Thur: 10:30am-9pm Fri & Sat: 10:30am-10pm

VISIT OUR NEW PATIO!

Entertainment Every Friday & Saturday Night HAPPY HOUR: Mon-Thur: 4 - 6 Special Menu

Special Price on Wines

Come and Get 'Em

1415 Hwy 146 #Suite C Kemah, TX 77565

$4.99

SPECIALS

SEAFOOD & MORE! $9.99

FRIED ZUCCHINI FRIED MUSHROOMS FRIED PICKLES CHEESE STICKS CHEESE CURDS

SPICY CRISPY CHICKEN SHRIMP POBOY FISH POBOY KEMAH BURGER $6.99

BUFFALO BBQ CHICKEN WINGS $8.99 SHRIMP SALAD $10.99 CHEESESTEAK SANDWICH $11.99

ALL KIDS MEALS $5.99 CHICKEN TENDERS SAUSAGE ON A STICK KIDS BURGER CHOPPED BRISKET SANDWICH KIDS MEAL SHRIMP JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

TEXAS ARTISAN

Christmas Cheer: Cover Party Photos By Patty Andrew

Bay Area Houston Magazine got an early start on the Christmas Holiday Season with a hosting a Texas Artisan Cover Party at Schaffer’s in Clear Lake Shores.

Congratulations to Terrie Ward and Texas Artisan for bringing holiday cheer all year around!

HELP SWEET, BLIND OREGANO FIND A HOME

O

regano is a 9-year-old purebred Papillon looking for a special family. Though blind, he can’t stop smiling! After all, life is what you make of it, and he loves life. Oregano is the kind of pup that needs to get to know you, and since he can’t see, smell is everything. Once he knows your smell, he greets you with a happy dance. His back-end wiggles back and forth with utter joy. Anyone looking for a little guy to share your life should check out Oregano!

Bay Area Pet Adoptions is open only by appointment, but an application can be completed online at www. bayareapetadoptions.org. Once approved, the shelter will call the applicant to set up a time to meet and visit with Oregano. The shelter will answer questions by phone every day (except Wednesday) between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 281-339-2086.

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

27

BUICK ENVISION

NEW LOOK New Year for

By Don Armstrong

A

s you pass by any of the new car dealerships on your way to work, have you noticed the lack of inventory? Even creative parking can’t hide the almost empty lots due to parts shortages, namely microchips. But it’s a new year with some exciting SUV’s and we think this month’s pair are worthy of a look.

JEEP COMPASS With an attractive new exterior and a starting price of $24,995, the 2022 Jeep Compass resonates with a bunch of folks, even those that are now considering a used vehicle to replace the tired old thing in the driveway.

The compass is small yet capable of being loaded up with family and luggage for a great driving vacation to Aunt Mary’s house this summer.

With a folding second row of seating for three,

INTERIOR OF THE BUICK ENVISION

28

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

JEEP COMPASS weekend projects allow for plenty of hauling room.

Optional interior goodies like colored accents and a brilliant new – and wide – touch screen give the Compass a more upscale swagger.

It is a Jeep and that means all-wheel drive is available beginning with the middle trim level, the Latitude Lux. All Compasses come with a 177 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine that gets an average 25-mpg.

We liked the capable ride and handling, especially around the Bay, but it’s just as comfortable on the highway, particularly when equipped with the nine-speed automatic on our AWD test model.

BUICK ENVISION Falling into the same, small SUV category, the 2022 Buick Envision is more sophisticated than the Compass. In fact, it gives Lexus and Mercedes a run for the money, especially with the top-end Avenir trim level. The signature grille and classylooking rear hatch attribute to this Buick’s classy swagger, especially when cloaked in black cherry paint.

The Avenir’s quilted leather interior give it a plushness deserving of a night at the opera. GM’s

INTERIOR OF THE JEEP COMPASS

updated infotainment screen is intuitive and easy to use, something we can’t say with some other brands. Room behind the second row of seats is limited, but not unlike others in this small-sized class of SUV’s.

We particularly loved the way the Envision rode and handled and are glad to report there is a little bit of much-needed and appreciated comfort here.

The 230-horespower, turbocharged engine, mated to the 9-speed automatic transmission, feels like a V-6. This combo gets a respectable 26-MPG too.

Starts at $31,800.

www.gulfcoastmariner.com

By Capt. David C. Dillman

galvestonbaycharterfishing.com

(832) 228-8012

E

arly in my guiding career, I ran a charter in the middle of January, not knowing what to expect. The guiding business is tough, so I really needed the money.

My group arrived at Eagle Point Fishing Camp around sunrise that morning.

Winds were blowing upwards to 25 miles per hour out of the Northwest. One gentleman from the group walked over to my boat slip and said "I guess we're going to cancel today's trip". I replied staring right into his eyes, "No, we are going." He was taken a bit back by my statement. I then said "Go get the other guys; let's load up." This man was knowledgeable, and in his mind, he thought I was crazy to even think we'll catch fish. He stuttered a bit saying, "Okay, I'll go get them." I knew at that point, there was no backing out of taking them fishing.

Having the boat loaded, we headed out into the rough bay waters off Eagle Point. I then swung sharply to starboard, heading to the closest shoreline that was protected from the wind. I could have cut across to Trinity Bay, but it was just too rough.This was it; we would either catch some fish or I would end up with egg on my time

On A Cold January Day

to make a wrong call.

It looked promising, as I eased my Pro-Line towards the shoreline. The area is littered with old broken down piers, submerged pilings, mud and shell bottom, and relatively deep water: the perfect habitat to hold game fish, such as speckled trout and redfish. I am fairly certain I said a few prayers to the Almighty, at this point. Easing over to a old broken down pier, I set the anchor just far enough away but within casting distance.

On this day we were fishing with 51M Mirrolures.

I don't recall the color pattern, but I would bet they had some pink or orange on them. We were casting tight to those pilings, just reeling the baits back, just fast enough to avoid getting hung up on the bottom.

Maneuvering the boat up and down the shoreline, in and out of the piers and pilings, paid off. At the end of the day, we strung together a good box of trout and even a few redfish. It was fast and furious, but enough action to hold our interest.

I pray that all who follow my column that your Christmas was Blessed and may God continue to Bless you throughout 2022.

JANUARY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

29

Habitat for Humanity 30th Annual Gala - Dickinson United Methodist Church Rick and Author, Carlos Villagomez

Habitat for Humanity 30th Annual Gala

Clear Lake Masonic Lodge 55th Celebration

Habitat for Humanity Gala

Clear Lake Masonic Lodge 55th Celebration Carlos' Book Signing

Habitat for Humanity

Major Texan Fan!

Fun at Carlos' Book Signing 30

Fun at the Texan's Game!

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2022

Friends at Carlos' Book Signing

Chef Jim

.79 cent oysters Monday through Friday

from 3:00 to 6:00