Bay Area Houston Magazine March 2022

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Fighting Back Against Cancer – and Winning Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake offers comprehensive, personalized care, from diagnosis through survivorship.

HOUSTON METHODIST CANCER CENTER AT CLEAR LAKE

KEEP YOU MOVING without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes: • Innovative pain control methods • Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion • The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time Clear Lake

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain 713.363.9090

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SALES 281.819.4660 Mon-Sat 9am-8pm

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©2022 General Motors Al Rights Reserved Cacillac®

SERVICE 281.819.4730 Mon-Fri 7am-6pm Sat 7am-2pm

M A R C H

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features 7

Go Red For Women - Bay Area Party With Passion and a Purpose

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Geico Moves In New Office Location comes to League City

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Rodeo Fashion Show Highlights from this Fun, Annual, Event

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18-19

Cover Story Houston Methodist is on the Frontline Against Cancer

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Big Things Happening The Port of Houston Begins to Widen

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Big Star Gives Back Cadillac/Hyundai Dealership Gives Scholarships

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ON THE COVER

Now is the Perfect Time For Yummy Irish Stew

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Houston Methodist is on the front line of Cancer treatments right here in Clear Lake.

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Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

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General Manager Patty Andrew

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Mardi Gras is Here Pics from Krewe du Lac and more

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columns 10

Clear Lake Chatter 1 Bonnin and Martin Honored

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Clear Lake Chatter 2 Rotary, AXIOM, and CIS Surprise

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Rhythms of the Bay Grammy Nominated Shemekia Copeland

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In Wheel Time Get Ready to Rev Up

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

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

Best of the Bay Awards It’s Back Baby! Save the Date

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.

281.474.5875

Kemah Cops & Crawfish Get Ready for Some Crawfish and Fun

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

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

Friendswood Prayer Breakfast Begins Public is Invited

Creative Director Kelly Williams

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Photography GH Andrew Mary Alys Cherry

Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing Drum Fishing

President Amber Sample

Sales & Marketing Amber Sample Bill Sloan Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

Bless Your Lucky Charms With Pastor Brad

30 Chairman Rick Clapp

Food & Wine Pairing

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Rick At Night Mardi Gras, Boat Show, and More!

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

Congratulations! 57

Photos By: Robyn Weigelt and Ange Mertens

Go Red for Women - Bay Area!

MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Price is $55 ++| Live Music sEATINGs AT 10:30 AM & 1:00PM FOR RESERVATIONS - 281.334.1000 EXT. 2022

APRIL 17TH BRUNCH

MAY 8TH BRUNCH

GEICO opens new local office in League City

Photo By Patty Andrew

your local your local ggeico eico agent agent makes bundling makes bundling simple. simple.

Home me + Auto Auto = easy easy LEAGUE CITY, Texas, Dec. 17, 2021

G LOCAL OFFICE Katie Kuroski | 832-737-6200 ¡Hablamos Español!

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

EICO has opened a new local office at 2640 E League City Pkwy, Suite 106 in League City serving customers in the town and surrounding areas, including Kemah, Clear Lake, Webster, Dickinson and Seabrook. The new office is led by Katelyn Kuroski.

Kuroski began her GEICO career as a service representative in 2009. In 2020, she decided to join the GEICO local office in Akron, Ohio as the Director of Operations. Kuroski later relocated to Texas with the goal of owning her own local office in League City.

Kuroski and her staff members— Alexandra Meza, Nancy Melendez, Violetta Gibson and Sarah Cranor—can help customers purchase car insurance and coverage for renters, condos, RVs, motorcycles, umbrella, identity protection, jewelry, commercial auto insurance and more.

For those who enjoy spending time in the Galveston Bay, Trinity Bay and East

Bay, the League City office team can also help with insurance for boats of all sizes and personal watercrafts.

The League City local office has bilingual staff members and is proud to serve the Spanish-speaking community.

“League City is considered one of the best places to live in Texas, and it continues to grow year over year.” says Kuroski.

“We aim to be a go-to for great rates and great service for customers who have a wide range of insurance needs We plan to have a strong community presence and strong representation of the GEICO brand throughout local establishments.”

GEICO's League City local office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To get a quote or learn more about GEICO's League City local office, visit https://www.geico.com/insuranceagents/texas/houston/katie-kuroski/ or call (832) 737-6200.

GUIDANCE. TRUST. A COMMITMENT TO BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE. Since 1928, Moody Bank Wealth & Trust

has grown into one of the largest wealth management entities in Texas. Through unmatched personalized attention, unwavering dedication, and sound

strategies for our clients’ unique needs, we do more than just manage wealth, we build legacies.

THE POWER OF THE PALM. MoodyBank.com/Managing-Wealth 833.690.9851 Moody Bank Wealth Management & Trust products are not a deposit, not guaranteed by the bank or its affiliates, not insured by any agency of the U.S. Government, and involve investment risk. A possible loss of value may occur.

Outgoing BAHEP Board Chairman Charles Stegemoeller and his wife Annette arrive at South Shore Harbour Resort for the 2022 Quasar Banquet.

State Sen. Carol Alvarado, right, stops to say hello to San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford, left, and Caraway Group President Kippy Caraway as they enjoy the Quasar Banquet.

Dr. Greg Bonnen, 2021 Quasar Award winner, and his wife Kim enjoy the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, right, makes a point at the Quasar Banquet with Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams, left, as Trustee Arturo Sanchez looks on.

Attorney Dick Gregg III and his wife Kim look over the crowd as they make their way into the South Shore Harbour ballroom for the BAHEP Quasar Banquet.

Dr. Greg Bonnen, Dave Martin are honored at BAHEP Quasar Banquet

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BLACK-TIE CROWD of nearly 600 cheered their approval when the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership honored two of our best known elected officials at the 2021 & 2022 Quasar Banquet – Houston Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin and Texas State Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen.

Dr. Bonnen was presented the 2021 Quasar Award while Dave Martin was the recipient of the 2022 Quasar Award since the banquet was not held last year because of the COVID pandemic. Both seemed humbled to be recipients of the coveted award and said so in their acceptance remarks.

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell introduced the 2021 BAHEP board chairman, SAIC executive Charlie Stegemoeller; and the new 2022 board chairman, Texas Bank CEO Kenny Koncaba, along with Barrios Technology Vice President Robert McAfoos, the 2020 board chairman – with all working together to present an enjoyable program, with only one sad note. That came from Bob Mitchell, who told the audience that this would be his last Quasar Banquet, as he plans to retire at the end of the year.

MANY VIPs

And, what an audience – lots of elected officials, top educators and company executives including Congressman Randy Weber, State Sen. Larry Taylor and State Rep. Ed Thompson, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, UHCL Interim President Dr. Richard Walker, Special Assistant to the UH Chancellor Dr. Ira Blake, Texas A&M Galveston Vice President Col. Michael Fossum and San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Superintendents Dr. Eric Williams of Clear Creek ISD, Dr. Walter Jackson of La Porte ISD and Carla Voelkel of Dickinson ISD, CIS-Bay Area Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel and CCISD Trustees Jonathan Cottrell and Arturo Sanchez.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner headed a number of mayors, including Mike Foreman of Friendswood, Carl Joiner of Kemah, Louis Rigby of La Porte, Pat Hallisey of League City, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point, Bob Warters of Nassau

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

HONOREE TABLE

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Bay, Kevin Cole of Pearland, Thom Kolupski of Seabrook, Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village and Donna Rogers of Webster, along with Mayor Pro Tems Trish Hanks of Friendswood, Jay Martin of La Porte, the Rev. William King III of Dickinson, Don Matter of Nassau Bay and Beverly Gaines of Webster – many with their spouses.

CITY OFFICIALS

Councilmembers joining the celebration included Sally Branson and Steve Rockey of Friendswood, David Robinson, Sallie Alcorn and Robert Gallegos of Houston, Teresa Vazquez Evans of Kemah, Brent McCaulley of La Porte, Hank Dugie, Andy Mann, Larry Millican and John Bowen of League City, Sandra Mossman, Ashley Graves, Bryce Klug and Phil Johnson of Nassau Bay, Thomas Schoenbein of Pasadena, Joe Machol, Ed Klein and Mike Giangrosso of Seabrook, Bob Davee of Taylor Lake Village, and Martin Graves and Larry Tosto of Webster.

Nearby, you might have spotted Boeing Vice President John Mulholland, Aegis Aerospace CEO Mark Gittleman with wife, Joan; Griffin Partners founder Fred Griffin and his wife, Betsy; Lockheed Martin Vice President Kirk Shireman and wife, Kris; GB Tech President Gale Burkett and wife, Jean; Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson and President Kelly Page; Jacobs Clear Lake Group GM Joy Kelly and husband, Don; MRI Technologies execs Tim and Debbie Kropp; HCA Clear Lake Hospital CEO Todd Caliva; BayTran Executive Director Amy Skicki, Minuteman Press owners Jim and Jane Sweeney; HomeTown Bank Senior VP Bill Provenzano and wife, Mindy; Assured Partners President Ron Masters and his wife, Julie; Kuraray VP Sam Suzuki and wife,Tamiko; and Houston Airport officials Mario Diaz and Arturo Machuca.

The two Quasar Award recipients and their wives, Kim Bonnen and Julie Martin, joined the BAHEP president and his wife, Joan McKinney, and grandson Drayton Mitchell, at the honoree table, as did JSC Director Vanessa Wyche and her husband George, along with Charles Stegemoeller and Kenny Koncaba and their wives, Annette and Kristi, plus Robert McAfoos and his daughter, Laura, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease and husband Jeff were also in the crowd, as were Pat and Wendell Wilson, Marc Havican, Mike and Marilyn Huss, Kippy Caraway, Brent and Amy Cockerham, Steve and Jana Phelps, Rick and Debbie Williams, Peggy Zahler, Pamela Archer, Simon Urbanic, Sara and Dr. Glenn Freedman, Marcy Fryday, Laura and Jamieson MacKay, Mark and Michelle Rush, Jon and Harriet Pilgrim, David and Marie Flickinger and Paul and Sharon Maaz, to name a few.

Bay Are Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell and his wife Joan mingle with the arriving crowd at the 2022 Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Newsman T.J Aulds and his wife Beth were among the hundreds attending this year’s Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams and his wife Michelle, right, share a light moment with League City Mayor Pat Hallisey and his wife Janice at the Quasar Banquet.

CIS-Bay Area grateful for $2 million surprise

By Mary Alys Cherry

W

e all dream of walking along and suddenly stumbling upon $1 million cash. Or a pot of gold. But, of course it almost never happens.

However, sometimes it Dr. Peter Wuenschel really does…

Just ask Communities In Schools - Bay Area which just received an unprecedented gift of $2 million. Not one million but two. CIS – Bay Area is a local affiliate of the national organization working to ensure every student, regardless of race, zip code, or history of marginalization has what they need to succeed in school and beyond. Its mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

This gift is part of a transformative $133.5 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to the Communities In Schools Network and National Office. In addition to CIS – Bay Area, 40 affiliates of the 110 organizations in the CIS Network and the CIS National Office, were also direct recipients of the MacKenzie Scott donation.

“The CIS – Bay Area Board of Directors and staff are deeply grateful for this very generous gift,” said Dr. Peter Wuenschel, executive director of CIS – Bay Area which currently serves over 22,000 students in 24 schools. “The timing of this gift is significant. We are at the beginning stages of developing our next three-year Strategic Plan.

This unexpected donation will help us realize a much-needed expansion of our services and ensure our program will continue in perpetuity.

We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this generous gift and look forward to announcing our formal plans for this funding in the next few months.

For three decades, CIS - Bay Area has demonstrated measurable success in student outcomes. In the 2020-2021 school year, 99% of students enrolled in CIS - Bay Area’s programs remained in school, with 96% of K-11 students being promoted to the next grade, and 98% of seniors graduating or receiving a GED.

Dave Martin, the 2022 Quasar Award winner, and his wife Julie arrive at South Shore Harbour Resort for the Quasar Banquet.

Michelle and Mark Rush stop for a photo as they make their way to their table at the Quasar Banquet.

Rotary LEAP for Mankind Gala to honor individuals, businesses

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By Mary Alys Cherry

utstanding Bay Area Houston residents and businesses will be honored at an event Space Center Rotary Club is bringing to the community for the first time this year – the LEAP for Mankind Awards.

The inaugural gala will be held Thursday, March 25 at the NASA-Clear Lake Hilton Hotel in Nassau Bay.Mickey Hobbs will provide the musical entertainment. Tickets, which are $125 each, are available online at SpaceCenterRotary.org The event will be held annually to honor those who embody the Rotary 4-Way Test which encompasses truth, fairness to all, building goodwill and better friendships, being beneficial to all concerned and having made significant contributions in at least one area of focus while also demonstrating the core principles of the LEAP Award: Leadership – Excellence – Achievement – Philanthropy.

There are two categories of the LEAP Award: INDIVIDUAL: Local community member who embodies the Rotary 4-Way Test and has significantly contributed humanitarian efforts to at least one of the Rotary Areas of Focus and currently resides in the Bay Area Houston Region.

BUSINESS: Organization that has contributed significantly to humanitarian efforts within our community over the past year to one or more of the Rotary Areas of Focus, either by physical or in-kind donations or volunteer hours.

Award recipients will receive a customized award, a $500 donation to their charity of choice, and recognition of their individual accomplishments at the event.

Those with questions or interest in being a sponsor of the event should contact the event chairman, Randy Straach, at 281-744-3788.

Axiom Space readies history’s first private astronaut mission

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ASA and its international partners approved crew members for Axiom Space’s first private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The flight, called Axiom Mission 1 or Ax-1, is targeted to launch Wednesday, March 30, from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a flight-proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Ax-1 crew will fly on Crew Dragon Endeavour to and from the space station. After 10 days in orbit, the Ax-1 crew will splash down off the coast of Florida.

Axiom Space astronauts Michael López-Alegría, Larry Connor, Mark Pathy, and Eytan Stibbe are prime crew members of the Ax-1 mission. López-Alegría, who was born in Spain, raised in California, and a former NASA astronaut, will serve as the mission commander. Connor, of Dayton, Ohio, will serve as pilot. Pathy, from Canada, and Stibbe, from Israel, will be mission specialists.

“This represents another significant milestone in our efforts to create a low-Earth orbit economy,” said Phil McAlister, director of commercial spaceflight at NASA. “I wish these Axiom crew members safe travels, and I hope they find their time in space productive and enjoyable.”

The Ax-1 crew has been training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and other NASA facilities since August 2021 to familiarize themselves with station systems, scientific facilities, and emergency procedures. The crew also has been training with NASA’s space station international partners at ESA (European Space Agency), as well as with launch contractor SpaceX at its facilities in Hawthorne, Calif., and at other locations in preparation for the mission.

MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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HOMECOMING Friday, April 1 - Monday, April 4 AND FAMILY WEEKEND

UH-Clear Lake Homecoming & Family Weekend

Friday, April 1

Sunday, April 3

Time: All day Location: Make your Giving Day gift online

Time:

UHCL Giving Day

Fun Run

UHCL Campus Activities Board & Student Alumni Association Movie Night

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Recreation & Wellness Center 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

Saturday, April 2 Alumni Brunch Time:

9:30 a.m. check-in; Brunch served 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Patio Cafe located in Bayou Building 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

Chili Cook-off

Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: Recreation & Wellness Center Backyard 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

7:45 a.m. check-in; Runners start at 8:40 a.m., Joggers start at 8:50 a.m., Walkers start at 9 a.m.

Location: Recreation & Wellness Center 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

CALLING UHCL ALUMNI! Here is your chance to nominate alumni and an outstanding faculty member for the 2022 Alumni Award and Celebration.

You can vote on the following categories: • Distinguished Alumni Award • Early Achievement Award • Marilyn S. Sims Leadership Service Award • Outstanding Professor Award

To vote, scan the QR code or visit

www.uhcl.edu/alumni/honors-awards

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.uhcl.edu/alumni/events www.uhcl.edu/days-of-giving

Elbby Antony - antonye@uhcl.edu | (281) 283-2016

BAYOU THEATER AND UHCL ART GALLERY Experience the arts at the University of Houston-Clear Lake!

Mercury Chamber Orchestra: Beethoven & Ravel

Friday, March 25, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Apollo Chamber Players: American Legends

Saturday, May 7, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Other upcoming events Floyd Newsum Exhibition Closing Reception: March 10, 4-6 p.m.

Instantaneous Beauty: Andy Warhol and the Photographic Process: May 19-June 24

TO PURCHASE THEATER TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.uhcl.edu/bayoutheater | Eric Despard - bayoutheater@uhcl.edu | (281) 283-3024

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO HOUSTON METRO GO TEXAN COMMITTEE NASA/CLEAR CREEK/FRIENDSWOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

55th Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon february 4, 2022

Photos By: Patty Andrew

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

LONESTAR FLIGHT MUSEUM

MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BY PATTY ANDREW PHOTOS BY GH ANDREW

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HEMEKIA COPELAND, renown Blues performer, brought her powerful voice and unforgettable music to the Bayou Theatre at University of Houston Clear Lake in January. Daughter of Grammy Award winning Blues Artist Johnny Copeland of Houston, Shemekia’s passion resonated throughout her concert, thrilling the audience with one hit after another.

The creator of 10 albums with more to come, Shemekia entertained the audience with her storytelling through song and word. She is wickedly funny, weaving in her heritage of New York grit and Southern determination into a riveting evening filled an emotional roller coaster of soul-searching heartache, gut-wrenching pain, and heart-thrilling love.

Shemekia’s music sings of the raw human experience, showing her social conscience about injustice, disparity, and despair, but rounding it out with a message of reconciliation. She has surrounded herself with world class musicians who can make their guitars weep and sigh then testify to greatness.

Shemekia is very well known in the professional music world having worked with greats such as Dr. John, Santana, BB King, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones. She has countless accolades and awards, including many who consider her the finest female blues singer in the industry. Her current album, Uncivil War,

SHEMEKIA COPELAND is nominated for a Grammy - Blues Album of the Year.

Find out more about Shemekia on her website, http://www.shemekiacopeland.com/, Facebook (Shemekia Copeland), and on her Sirius XM show, BB Kings’ Bluesville.

time as the game, and those wonderful commercials, showed on the screens.

T-Bone Tom’s kept the party atmosphere alive during the entire evening with many free give-

CHINESE NEW YEAR - CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE TIGER February 2nd marked the beginning of the Chinese (Lunar) New Year festivities around the Greater Houston Area. One local restaurant, Grand Buffet in Deer Park, hosted a Lion Dance for its patrons as they enjoyed delicious Asian cuisine in the newly renovated locale.

The Lion Dance is a tradition in Asian cultures to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits who would stop happiness. Each “lion” has two people inside the costume: one to show the emotions by controlling the head, eyes, and mouth, and, the other to wag the tail during dances and support the first one on their shoulders during acrobatics.

The lions pranced merrily through the crowd to the steady beat of the young musicians’ percussion. Two clowns, dressed as middleaged Asian men, provided antics that drew much laughter from the audience. The energetic children and teenagers of this Lion Dance troupe provided delightful entertainment for all.

SUPER BOWL PARTY AT T-BONE TOM’S – CELEBRATING FOOTBALL T-Bone Tom’s held its annual Super Bowl Party on February 13th with televisions blasting everywhere so all could watch the big game.

There did seem to be more Cincinnati Bengals fans cheering the plays than those for the Los Angeles Rams, but everyone was having a great

aways and tastings.

They also sponsored two competitions: indoor putting and flick ball, an annual tradition.

Coach Bruce puts in tons of time organizing these events every year and the winners walk away with great prizes.

T-Bone Tom’s has year-round entertainment including live music, sports, and special events.

T-Bone’s is located at 707 TX-146 in Kemah and hosts a full menu including steaks, shrimp, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts.

MARDI GRAS: CELEBRATING CARNIVAL It is Mardi Gras Time, that special carnival season between Christmas and Ash Wednesday that pulls out all the stops for food, fun, and frivolity!

Made famous in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the last day to indulge in food and drink before the beginning of the Lenten Season, a time of fasting and sacrifice.

Galveston, both the city and county, host colorful events to revel in the Mardi Gras spirit.

Highlighted below are some of our favorites.

grabbing for beads, toys, and candy thrown from one of the many floats and vehicles participating.

This year’s event was on January 29th, kicking off the season in glorious fashion for Galveston County. They continued the festivities with their annual gala on February 5th.

BRYAN MUSEUM MARDI GRAS EXHIBIT The Bryan Museum in Galveston has designed a special exhibit about the Krewes, Mardi Gras Galveston: Pageantry and Revelry, running from January 21st through March 27th. It features the elaborate costumes worn by Krewe members in the local balls, parties, and parades, the hallmarks of Mardi Gras Season. The exhibit is a tribute to those who keep the traditions alive and flourishing in the local Galveston area.

The Bryan Museum is known for its promotion of Texas History and the American West as demonstrated through its fine art, artifacts, rare books, and antique arms collections. It is located at 1315 21st Street in Galveston and is present on Facebook at The Bryan Museum – Galveston. For more information, visit their website at: https://thebryanmuseum.o

Krewe du Lac of Kemah, Texas hosted their annual Krewes into Kemah Mardi Gras Parade in the city famous as the Gateway to the Bay. Revelers were able to snatch plenty of beads and throws from the participants including many Jeeps, golf carts, and even pirate ships. Krewe du Lac hosted its annual Ball on February 18th at Landry’s on the Boardwalk to continue the Mardi Gras merrymaking.

Follow Krewe du Lac on Facebook.

MARDI GRAS PARADES & BALLS: NOT JUST ON THE ISLAND While most of the Mardi Gras parades and balls occur in the City of Galveston along the Seawall and on The Strand, two of the county’s inland cities boast great cavalcades with multiple floats and bead-throwing fun.

The Mainland Mardi Gras Parade is a threemile trek down Palmer Highway in Texas City.

Hundreds of people line the street gleefully MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake Growing To Meet the Community’s Needs Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital’s commitment to cancer care includes continued expansions of both facilities and services.

campus. It was expanded in 2020 to 15 rooms, and work is under way to add another five rooms during the first quarter of 2022.

“Our goal was to build a full-service oncology program that was capable of providing comprehensive care close to home, ensuring that local residents had access to the best physicians and facilities,” said Dan Newman, CEO. “Achieving that goal means constantly evaluating needs and investing in people and infrastructure. We’ve made tremendous progress over the past several years and we’ll continue moving forward wherever we can.”

The rooms are designed to be comfortable and private, giving patients a quiet space to relax during what can be lengthy appointments.

There are a wide range of refreshments available, and patients can even order lunch — from a special menu developed by the hospital’s Nutrition Services — if needed.

One of the most recent enhancements is an expansion of the hospital’s Infusion Center, where patients receive chemotherapy treatments as well as other types of infusion therapy.

The Infusion Center opened in 2019 with 10 rooms in Medical Office Building 2 on the Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital

“Because chemotherapy can take several months, our patients become like family to us,” says Ryan Bennett, director of the hospital’s Infusion Center and Radiation Oncology. “We’ll do whatever we can to make their experience as comfortable as possible. One of the advantages of a larger center is that it makes it possible for us to serve more patients comfortably and still make it easy to get an appointment at a convenient time.”

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hirani or another oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Clear Lake, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake or call 832.783.1190.

Another advancement is the expansion of Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Clear Lake, with the recent addition of boardcertified oncologist Natasha Hirani, OD. Dr. Hirani joins Dr. Joshi at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners, located in Medical Office Building 2.

“Cancer affects not only the patient, but also the entire Dr. Natasha Hirani family,” says Dr. Hirani. “I believe it’s important to utilize a collaborative treatment process and counsel — to really listen to my patients and their families — with the goal of helping them reach informed treatment decisions together.”

Patient Support Is Key Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital also offers specialized physical therapy for patients with cancer-related needs, both during treatment and after.

Surgery and radiation treatments can cause ongoing weakness, skin tightness or mobility issues. Chemotherapy can lead to neuropathy, or nerve damage, in the extremities. The removal of lymph nodes — a common cancer treatment — can cause a condition called lymphedema or swelling of the arms or legs.

The skilled therapists at Houston Methodist Clear Lake work directly with oncologists to screen patients and developed personalized

Meet Cassandra Green, Your Personal Care Navigator therapy and exercise plans that often can be conducted at home to improve mobility, regain strength and prevent falls.

Another benefit the hospital offers is a monthly virtual cancer support group, where survivors and caregivers can share their stories and learn from others.

“These ancillary services and programs are examples of our patient-centric approach to oncology,” says Newman. “Treating cancer requires more than just fighting the disease.

Patients often find that even when their cancer is gone, they need help with issues, such as physical therapy or emotional support to improve their quality of life in survivorship.”

Learn More

At Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake, the oncology nurse navigator helps guide patients through the cancer care process — from diagnosis through survivorship. The nurse navigator coordinates care, expedites appointments and is always available to answer questions or provide information, including referrals to outside services that can be important to patients.

Cassandra Green

Call 281.333.8899 or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake to learn more about Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake or to find a physician for your cancer care.

Our nurse navigator, Cassandra Green, is a clinical nurse certified in oncology. She has spent her entire nursing career in radiation oncology, where she has served patients undergoing treatment for many different types of cancer.

Cassandra is a member — and former board member — of the local chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. She is active in the community by assisting with events and educating groups about cancer.

“I enjoy building relationships with our patients and empowering them through education and support,” says Cassandra. “It’s important that patients and their family members have someone on the inside who can help them manage their care; someone who is readily available to answer questions or even just listen. That’s my role and I love it.”

For cancer care navigation, call 281.523.2396 or email cggreen@houstonmethodist.org.

Please note that email is not a secure means to communicate confidential or health-related information, including Social Security number, date of birth, financial information, etc.

Houston Ship Channel widening

By Chris Virk-Brown

T

he Houston Ship Channel Expansion - Project 11 has been authorized to begin construction with WRDA passing in December 2020 and a "new start" designation in January 2021. As the advocate and local sponsor of this crucial federal waterway, Port Houston is partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as private industry on a plan to expand the channel at an accelerated pace.

With the help of those partners, Port Houston will begin the work this year, making the channel safer and more efficient and ensuring this waterway will continue to remain the national economic treasure it is today.

The Houston Ship Channel complex and more than 200 private facilities along the channel, collectively known as the Port of Houston, is now the number one port in the United States in terms of total waterborne tonnage. It is also ranked first for foreign waterborne tonnage and number of vessel transits with nearly 285 million tons of cargo moved through the port overall in 2019.

EXPANSION CRITICAL This waterway expansion is critical in helping widen and deepen the channel for safer and more efficient navigation of vessels calling Port Houston’s eight public terminals and the more than 200 private facilities operating along the channel.

Specifically, the project will widen the channel by 170 feet along its Galveston Bay reach, from 530 feet to 700 feet. It will also deepen segments up to 46.5 feet, make other safety and efficiency improvements, and craft new environmental features.

The design aspect of the project, which is the eleventh major widening and deepening of the waterway in its history, already is virtually completed. Among the next steps will be to start construction in Galveston Bay this year.

“To go from Congressional authorization to securing a pathway for construction in less than a month is phenomenal news,” Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo said. “Project 11 will provide the greater Houston metropolitan area continued job growth and economic development opportunities, while improving air quality by reducing traffic congestion on the channel.”

The goal is for an initial 3% reduction of NOx from vessel emissions. A wider, deeper therefore safer channel has fewer transits, shorter wait times and decreased turnaround distance. During the next 11 years, it is anticipated air emissions will be reduced 7% annually.

THANKS CONGRESS Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther called the New Start designation a momentous occasion for the port

Cadillac/Hyundai dealership to continue its scholarships

“We’re grateful for our bipartisan Congressional delegation and the many channel stakeholders who aggressively advocated to get this project authorized and funded,” Guenther said. “Without their continued support, we wouldn’t be in this position today.”

The channel is one of the most vital waterways in the country, connecting the Gulf Coast to other ports around the globe. The waterway has more deep-draft ship visits than any other port in the country, and nearly 200,000 barge transits every year as well.

As energy and manufacturing exports increase and vessel sizes grow, improving the channel continues to be nationally important.

Highlights from some of our Amazing Shows!

By Mary Alys Cherry

A

s a member of the Garff Automotive family, Big Star Cadillac Hyundai leaders believe it is their duty to give back to the communities they serve, and they plan to continue offering college scholarships to Bay Area students.

“We recognize that we will be successful only if our community is successful first,” Marketing Director Chris Premont said. “That’s why we keep giving back. We support programs that keep ‘at-risk’ kids in school, by ensuring that they have proper clothing, supplies and nutrition. We also believe in enhancing both students’ educational and athletic opportunities while in school and take our commitment a step further by supplying scholarships to college bound seniors.”

Each spring through summer, as has been the practice in the past, the new owners of the Clear Lake area dealership will award five $1,000 college scholarships to deserving greater Bay Area high school seniors (public, private, parochial and home-schooled) residing within the boundaries of Clear Creek, Pearland, Friendswood, La Porte, Alvin or Dickinson ISD, he explained.

Beginning in February, a total of five $1,000 scholarships were to be awarded for the months of January, February, March, April, and May. Scholarships may be suspended at any time without notice.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

With Miss Texas Teen USA

With precious Gingers of BAHBT

With Blind Musician Jeff Allen Alberti

With Michael "Sharky" Marquez

JUST PLAIN FUN! To Be a Guest on

The Kelly Williams Show Contact us: 281.474.5875

thekellywilliamsshow@gmail.com

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ELEGANT WATERFRONT LIVING SITTING ON AN INCREDIBLE .8 ACRE CORNER LOT ENTERTAIN AT EASE WITH A RESORT STYLE BEACH ENTRY POOL AND BOATHOUSE - GRAND FORMAL ROTUNDA, GAMEROOM, MEDIA, OFFICE AND PRIMARY SUITE WITH FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS.

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WATER VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM - OVER 1,000 S.F. OF BALCONIES - HOT TUB OVERLOOKING THE WATER - GUEST SUITE WITH PRIVATE ENTRANCE, OFFICE, DEN AND KITCHEN WITH TRAVERTINE FLOORS, 2 PRIMARY SUITES, EXCEPTIONAL CONSTRUCTION, RV GARAGE, LIFT & ELEVATOR SHAFT - GOLF CART COMMUNITY.

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MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRED CUSTOM HOME ON THE WATER WITH COURTYARD DESIGN AND GUEST CASITA - DEEP WATER CANAL WITH 40' PIER - OPEN DESIGN WITH CHEF’S KITCHEN AND DEN OVERLOOKING THE WATER, GAMEROOM WITH BALCONY AND OFFICE - GREAT OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING AREAS.

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CUTE UPDATED 1 STORY WITH OPEN FLOORPLAN IN CAMINO SOUTH - 3 BLOCKS FROM WHITCOMB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ALL NEUTRAL TILE FLOORS THROUGHOUT, OFFICE WITH FRENCH DOORS, KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERS, DEN WITH BEAMED CEILING, OFFICE LARGE BACKYARD WITH PATIO AND MATURE TREES.

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LAKEFRONT CONDO LIVING WITH ELEVATOR IN THE HEART OF SEABROOK - 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH SPLIT PLAN WITH OPEN DESIGN - WATER VIEWS FROM THE PRIMARY SUITE, DEN AND KITCHEN, ENGINEERED WOOD & TILE FLOORS THROUGHOUT - ELEVATOR, LAKEFRONT PIER, WATERFRONT SEATING AND POOL.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! OPEN 11 am to 11 pm GREEN PIZZA ALL DAY $4 Green Beer

a

$5 GUINNESS $6 JAMESON $6 IRISH CAR BOMBS

$15 CORN BEEF AND CABBAGE

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ST. PATRICK'S CELEBRATION Erin go Bragh LIVE IRISH FOLK MUSIC BEER / WINE SPECIALS :

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Monday - Friday 4pm-6pm $3 Sangrias $4 SABÉ Cocktails $3 Mimosas $8 Classic or Cheese Flatbreads $7 Bruschetta $6 Pretzel Sticks $9 Chelsea Board for 1

4106 NASA PKWY

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

EL LAGO, TX

LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS

8-12

SUNDAY STEAK NIGHT 6PM-8:30PM

(while supplies last) 6OZ CHATEAUBRIAND FILET COOKED MEDIUM/MEDIUM RARE, MASHED POTATOES, GREEN BEANS, AND A DEMI GLACE FOR $15.95.

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March 5th - Zach Tate March 12th - Andy Mac March 19th - Austin James March 26th - Guillermo Serpas

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Come Enjoy the Best on Galveston Beach

I

ntroducing Periwinkle Sunrise!

ample space to relax. This is neither a party house nor neighborhood.

When we share our home with renters, the intent is for them to enjoy and respect its family setting in the same manner that we do.

We try to consider household staples that we don’t wish to pack

Are you considering a staycation or wanting your long-distance family to join you for a mini vacation close to home? We offer a charming, short term rental home that is a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

Our showcase beach beach about an hour before house in Galveston’s Reviews sunrise and wait on it to come Beachside Village is a up! Recharge your soul!

Great Property - This house is amazing. Close to the beach, great amenities, and great five star “Premier Host” The ground floor features a balconies. We enjoyed the family getting to stay in one location and reconnect. rated rental through VRBO shower stall and basin for (2289819) that has received rinsing sand upon your return Amazing! - The property was absolutely perfect for our family! It was more than we raving reviews! Beachside from the beach, a cargo lift expected! Hopefully, we can stay again next summer!

Village is a quaint community that goes to the first floor, and with a landscape of pastel Wonderful Stay! - The owner went above and beyond responding with any questions. grills. This enclosed space also houses and white picket We had a wonderful stay, and the house is beautiful, spacious, fully stocked and very clean! has lots of seating options for fences all within walking gathering outside when you distance to the neighborhood Best VRBO I’ve ever stayed at!! - This house is incredible! We stayed with my 4 kids want to be out of the sun. ages 6, 4, 4 and 10 months along with both sets of grandparents. We had PLENTY of beach.

Conveniently located just past room for all of us to sleep comfortably. The house was in perfect shape and had well Our home features an the Seawall, so you don’t have stocked supplies while we were there…. open concept kitchen, dining to travel too far for local dining and living room area, two and entertainment. or purchase for a short stay, and keep those items Master suites with in-suite bathrooms, one Queen With a little information about your group, we aim supplied throughout the home. We feature the little room with an in-suite bathroom, one twin room, to accommodate accordingly. things: toilet paper, paper towels, pantry items, one bunk room, a daybed area and a full and half Ready to make some memories? Book your stay refrigerator items, trash bags, K-cups, towels, bathroom. at Periwinkle Sunrise! Be our guests! blankets, etc.

There is deck access from three of the private Moving on to the outdoors! rooms, as well as off of the living room, for you Email Camyll at seasthedaypm@gmail.com It takes about 1-2 minutes to walk from the house to to enjoy at your leisure. A total of four decks for GVR#07209 the beach! We provide a variety of beach staples: gathering outdoors with views of the ocean! chairs, tent, boogie boards, sand toys, wagon, sand This is a family friendly home that sleeps 12 crabbing supplies and stuff of that nature for you and will comfortably accommodate 3 regular sized to enjoy. If you’re an early bird, take a stroll on the families. Perfect for a mini family reunion with

MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

24

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2022

Wendy Drapela

"Get on the Sunnie Side of Real Estate"

Sunnie Byerly REALTOR® 25 Key Realty Properties Phone: (281) 804-6484

Email: Sunnie@SunnieSideRealty.com

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

MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

St. Patty's Day THURS MARCH 17th

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

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27

&

FOOD WINE PAIRING

Irish Stew DIRECTIONS

W

By Alisa Star

hen you think of March you might think of spring, the color green, four leaf clovers, Irish pubs in Ireland and maybe even leprechauns. Lets not forget the wonderful comfort foods that came from Ireland, like Irish stew.

This stew is native to Ireland and is traditionally made with lamb or mutton but can be made with beef as well. This time of year with the cold sticking around I suggest you try this dish, it is total comfort food and everything you need in a bowl. I would Pair this dish with a cold Guinness beer. The dark creamy richness of this beer goes hand in hand with this decadent lamb dish

Enjoy!

Step 1- In a large dutch oven pot place 1 tbsp of oil, place lamb or beef cubes and brown all sides of meat.

Step 2- remove browned meat and set a side. Add the other tbsp of oil in the pan and get hot, then add your potatoes, carrots, onions and leeks. Simmer vegetables for about 10 minutes. Then place your browned meat back in the skillet.

Step 3- in a small pan add the tbsp of oil and flour to make a roux, cook on medium heat stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add 1-2 beef stock, 1 cup at a time and stir until it’s lump free. Do not add all stock at this time, at this time you are creating a thick roux. Pour this sauce over the vegetables. Cook for 20 minutes on medium heat.

Remember to stir every few minutes.

RECIPE 3 tbsp vegetable oil 11/2 pound lamb or beef cut into chunks 1 bag small red potatoes cut in half (skin on) 1 chopped white onion 4 peeled and sliced carrots 1cups sliced leeks 2-3 tbsp flour

2 bay leaves 4 cups beef stock 2 beef bullion 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage leaves (optional) Fresh chopped parsley leaves Salt & pepper

Step 4- add remaining 2 cups stock to mixture. Add cabbage, bay leaves, bullion, salt and pepper. Place the lid on the pot and cook for another hour. If the sauce is too runny you can cook an additional 15-20 minutes with the lid off.

Step 5- Serve it up in a bowl and add the chopped parsley leaves on top. If you like a bold taste you can add shaved parmesan on top as well.

Like all stews and casserole, this rich tasting Irish stew is always better the next day! It will keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Bless Your Lucky Charms

I

By Pastor Brad

n the month of March, many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the luck of the Irish. Perhaps you grew up in this culture and it is quite meaningful or your community celebrated this holiday and it was fun. Growing up, I didn’t come from a community that celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. The closest I got was my sister’s birthday which is on St. Patrick’s Day and my morning cereal – Lucky Charms.

I must admit we didn’t get to start many mornings with Lucky Charms, because that cereal cost more than others my mom would buy. But when I did, I thought it was a real treat. According to Wikipedia, “Lucky Charms is a brand of breakfast cereal produced by the General Mills food company since 1964.The cereal consists of toasted oat

28

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

pieces and multi-colored marshmallow shapes (or marshmallow bits). The label features a leprechaun mascot, Lucky, animated in commercials.”

Remember the commercials, “It is magically delicious!” Why did the first meal of the day need to be “magically delicious?”

As I grew up, I realized that eating a high carbohydrate breakfast loaded with extra sugar wasn’t necessarily the healthiest way to start the day. Now that explains the sugar-induced highs and lows of my elementary school experiences! I also realized as I grew up that there is a difference between being blessed and feeling lucky. According to Dictionary.com, “the difference between blessing and luck is that blessing is some kind of divine or supernatural aid, or reward, while luck is something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence.”

I realize now that it is so much better to be blessed then to rely on the chance of something good happening. For me blessing is a gift given by God through my faith relationship with Jesus Christ. I trust in who Jesus is and what he did. God’s Word says that if I trust in Him, then I receive what He earned on the cross and all the gifts of being in a healthy relationship with God. I have learned through the last few years that if

I begin my morning with blessing and then live my day from who I am in Christ, it makes a big difference. Every morning I begin with a breakfast of blessings. I remind myself that: I am a child of God. I am covered by Christ I am healed by His wounds I am delivered from the hands of the enemy I am empowered by the Spirit I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might I am hope-filled, incredibly blessed and highly favored!

How about you? Start your day of with a breakfast of blessings. It will be miraculously satisfying!

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

March Drum Fishing

www.gulfcoastmariner.com

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

M

arch is the right time for anglers to land what could be their biggest catch ever. Call them what you want, but in recent year's they've been tagged as "the big ugly." How this name came about is a mystery to me, but for some anglers, this just might be the biggest fish, they ever landed, so they're anything but "ugly" to them. The drum I'm talking about are the big spawning females that make their way from the gulf into the bay, every year.

Many years ago on a Spring Day, I had a encounter with these drum while fishing with Brian Castille and his dad, Dr, Gerry Castille. They had just launched their boat from Eagle Point when my phone rang asking if I wanted to jump on and go out to the jetties to drum fish.

They stopped and picked me up at the Galveston Yacht Basin, then off we went to the jetties. They had plenty of bait aboard the boat, fresh dead shrimp, live crab, even crawfish.

We arrived at the jetties around nine that morning, and slipped way outside where everyone else was anchored.

Our terminal tackle was heavy 4-6 ounce lead weights, with a large circle hook. Once our anchor got tight, we baited up, cast out our lines, and the bite was on. A little over 4 hours of fishing, we were out of bait; the catch total was 62 black drum, ranging in size fro 25-40 plus pounds.

We were fishing a spot Capt. Mike Williams named "the funnel."

The effect of the tide, moving through the boat cut and

the channel, produces a funneling of the current, which drum use as a highway in the Spring, and bull reds in the Fall. Williams noted it's a great location for big drum, as long as the wind isn't due east or west.

The funnel is located about 200 yards southeast of "Mike Williams Rock" off the Galveston north jetty, which is located 75 yards, just passed the boat cut, on the channel side of the north jetty.

Speaking of black drum, Capt.

Mike Williams and I chatted about fishing locations, near the Texas City dike. The Texas City dike is billed as the longest man made fishing pier in the world. It extends 5.3 miles into lower Galveston Bay. While there's many places to fish up and down the dike, some of the best action takes place at the end where a fishing pier once stood, destroyed by Hurricane Ike. The end of the dike is much like the ends of the Galveston jetties. when the tide moves, the current

triggers those fish to feed. For those fishing from a boat, according to Williams, there is no better spot than the a location off the end of the dike he named, "Eddie's Bar." If one lines up with the large light pole at the end of the dike and goes straight out, approximately 140 yards towards the channel, you will find the bar(high places) on your bottom machine.

Williams, over the years, has landed hundreds of large black drum and bull reds on Eddie's Bar. So the next time it's too rough at the jetties or crowded, head back into the bay, and fish off the end of the Texas City Dike. A word or caution, stay out of casting range from those fishing off the rocks. .

The limit for black drum is 5 per person, 14-30 inches in length. You may retain one over 52 inches, and that fish will count as your daily bag. The reason for this is that it gives the angler a chance to break the state record fish which is 81 pounds.

Public Invited to Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfasts

T

he Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfast monthly meeting is the third Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at Hope Lutheran Church, 1804 S. Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546. All are invited for the breakfast, for the program “Message from the Heart” by Pastor Ralph Hobratschk, and for a time of prayer around the tables. For more information and to let us know you are coming, please call or text the Directors Carol & Byron Fulk at 713.408.4785. A donation of $5 is suggested.

Their 2022 Theme is PEACE IN OUR LAND AND OUR HEARTS – Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” The Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfast has met monthly at various Friendswood churches for the past 50-plus years, so I am including the April meeting announcement for the April edition.

Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfast on April 9, 2022 The Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfast monthly meeting is the second Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at Friendswood Friends Church, 502 S. Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546.

All are invited for the breakfast, for the program “Message from the Heart” by Bruce Munsterman from KHCB-FM, and for a time of prayer around the tables. For more information and to let us know you are coming, please call or text the Directors Carol & Byron Fulk at 713.408.4785. A donation of $5 is suggested.

Their 2022 Theme is PEACE IN OUR LAND AND OUR HEARTS – Romans 15:13 “May

30

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” The Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfast has met monthly at various Friendswood churches for the past 50-plus years.

This is the National Day of Prayer announcement for the April and May publications: Friendswood Gathers for National Day of Prayer May 5, 2022 The Friendswood Community Prayer Breakfast is inviting all to the Friendswood Gathering for the National Day of Prayer on May 5, 2022, 12 Noon to 1 PM, Stevenson Park Pavilion, 901 South Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas, 77546 The US Congress created in 1952 the National Day of Prayer into law and designated in 1988 it as the first Thursday in May. The 2022 National Theme is “Exalt the Lord who has established us.”, based on Colossians 2:6-7, “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.” All are invited to join in praising our Lord, singing, and praying for healing our nation.

Share this notice with everyone as our Lord leads. Would you or someone you know be willing to participate – to read a scripture or to pray for a topic on the program?

Please contact me steve.n.martin@ sbcglobal.net or text 832-607-1734.

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CADILLAC CT5 V BLACKWING

Super-Fast Luxe Sedans takes the car from the everyday selection to race mode with a touch of a button.

Starts at $83,995

By Don Armstrong

F

our door sedans have been the go-to mode of transportation for Bay Area families for decades, but with the shift away from cars to SUV’s there’s been a move, of sorts, to breathe a bit more life into them through handling and horsepower. We recently drove a couple that we know you’ll enjoy.

CADILLAC CT5 V BLACKWING The CT5 is Cadillac’s mid-size sedan, and we think the 4-door resuscitator can be put back in the closet, at least for a while, with this baby. GM offers 4 and 6-cylinder models for the masses, but it also offers the V Blackwing, a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8

INTERIOR OF THE CADILLAC CT5 V BLACKWING

MERCEDES-BENZ GT 43 AMG German car-maker Mercedes-Benz brings a different contender to the performance sedan pavement. The GT model offers horsepower in four varieties, the GT43 and GT53 6-cylinder variations and two V-8’s: the GT63 and GT63S labels. The 63S MSRP is $162,950. The inline, turbocharged 6-cylinder of our GT43 delivers 362-horses to the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic

engine that delivers 668-horsepower to the rear wheels.

The interior may disappoint old school Cadillac aficionados, but the likeability factor is high for those who want the fresh look of refinement. The center touchscreen is a flick of the wrist away from the pilot and is the gateway in which you communicate your desires. Seats are sporty and its amenities are all in the right places.

The exterior exudes sharp lines and creases that include a not-so-subtle front splitter and rear spoiler, along with quad exhaust tips.

The CT5’s adjustable ride and handling feature INTERIOR OF THE MERCEDES-BENZ GT 43 AMG

MERCEDES-BENZ GT 43 AMG

transmission.

The GT’s long, sloping roofline looks fast sitting still yet it can become an issue with taller folks in the back seats. That said, this is one good looking car, from the oversized grill to its ultra-thin taillights.

The wow factor for us was the dash, with a screen that stretched from the instrument cluster to the infotainment display. Manipulation is through a touch pad on the center console. You will get the hang of it after a while.

Like the Cadillac, ride and handling adjustments occur through the input you provide, but remember, American and German philosophies in design are noticeably different.

Watch In Wheel Time online LIVE every Saturday morning 8 to 11.

32

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

"Giving Auto Service a Good Name."

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MARDI GRAS Laissez les bons temps rouler Photos By: GW Andrew

Krewe du Lac Ball, Kemah

Mainland Mardi Gras Parade

Royal Court

Krewe du Lac Ball, Kemah

Mainland Mardi Gras Parade, Texas City MARCH 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

33

Perseco Tasting

Enjoying some Titanium Tequila

Regal the Longhorn at John Rhin's Home

Sun fun at the dock

Sun sets on Clear Lake

Kemah Mardi Gras Parade Judges Longhorn Project Supporters

Our Mascots

Shemekia and some Fans!

Rick and Panda

Rick with Grammy Nominated Shamekia

34

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2022

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