Bay Area Houston Magazine MAY 2022

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Surviving the Widow Maker Heart Attack Quick action from ER and hospital staff saves local pastor.

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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.

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We don’t just get to know your business,

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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

JIMMY L. BUTCHER Bank Officer & Commercial Lender

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

281.517.8770 AllegianceBank.com

MAY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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M A Y

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features 5

Movers and Shakers Meet the Amazing Kristi Koncaba

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State of the Economy Greater Houston Partnership Gives Update

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Maritime Hall of Fame Guenther Goes to the Big League

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Jazz and Jewels Gala The Assistance League Event a Sparkling Success

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Cover Story Surviving the Widowmaker

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I See You Pastor Brad Gives Some Clear Perspective

ON THE COVER

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Paul McLarty Gets the Spot

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Read the true story of how Houston Methodist helped save a local pastor

Chairman Rick Clapp

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Coming Events Things You Won’t Want to Miss

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Galveston Rentals Great Place to Stay & Play

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

columns

General Manager Patty Andrew

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Creative Director Kelly Williams

Clear Lake Chatter 1 Space Center Rotary

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Clear Lake Chatter 2 Lunar Rendezvous Announces Court

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Rhythms of the Bay Chili Cookoffs and Music around the Bay

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

Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing Tips for the Novice Angler

President Amber Sample

Sales & Marketing Amber Sample Bill Sloan Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

Nassau Bay Picks New City Manager

In Wheel Time 4 Doors That Open New Adventures

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Rick At Night Fun Pics from Around the Bay

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

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Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 Earth, The Solar System www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com

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281.474.5875

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

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Happy Mother's Day!

coming soon.

Are you ready?

SERENDIPITY YACHT CRUISES

Movers & Shakers

Name: Kristi Koncaba

Occupation: President of Texan Bank; Clear Lake Chamber chairman Hometown: Houston Current home: Friendswood Family: Married to Kenny Koncaba; teenage daughter, Alice, and two older children – Matt Koncaba and Kristen Marinello, who is married to Troy Marinello. They have a son, Andrew, 5, my grandson My go-to song is: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor Someone I’d like to meet: Laura Bush – a woman of class, beauty and kindness. I have met her but very briefly so I would love to sit and have a conversation with her.

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: My mom. I have so many

My dad was an air conditioning repairman, and I saw how hard he worked, so I knew manual labor wasn’t for me.

questions to ask her that I wish I had asked when she was alive.

She was such a special person who had a positive impact on so many.

My favorite performers are: The Eagles, Elton John, Chris Tomlin I like to spend my leisure time: With my family and friends, hopefully vacationing somewhere where there is no access to a cell tower If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Israel and walk the places where Jesus walked and see the places I’ve heard about through stories in the Bible.

You’ll never catch me: Cooking or sewing – my mom was an excellent cook and seamstress, but somehow that gene was not passed on.

The thing that bugs me the most is: Negativity. Our time on Earth is too short to be negative. If we all focused on spreading sunshine instead of clouds, this world would be a brighter place.

My favorite meal is: A good, juicy steak. I’m definitely a meat and potatoes kind of girl!.

My favorite movie is: I don’t watch movies much anymore but I watch streaming shows. Some of my latest favorites are The Queen’s Gambit, Yellowstone, Bridgerton and Virgin River

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: An office worker in air conditioning….luckily my aspirations grew as I aged.

Few people know: I cut all the warning tags off my electrical cords, pillows, mattresses, etc.

Emoji Shhhh…don’t tell anyone.

MAY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

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LEAP for Mankind Gala Chairman Randy Straach, left, and Space Center Rotary President Stan Galanski, right, thank Rotarians Ralph Kramer and Judge Holly Williamson for their upbeat performance as emcees for the event. Harbour Resort for the luncheon.

Adrienne Sun, Joyce Jacobs and Myrna Baker, from left, stop to visit with one another during the opening reception at Rotary’s LEAP for Mankind Awards Gala at the NASA Clear Lake Hilton. South Shore Harbour Resort.

Space Center Rotary LEAP Award honorees Rick Gornto and his wife Janice, at left, and Bastion Technologies President Jorge Hernandez and his wife, Rosi come to the stage to accept their LEAP for Mankind Awards at the Rotary event at the NASA Clear Lake Hilton

Space Center Rotary brings new event to the Bay Area

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PACE CENTER ROTARY introduced a new event to the Bay Area community March 25. And, much to the Rotarians’ enjoyment, the LEAP for Mankind Awards Gala turned out to be a delightful evening.

Rick Gornto was the individual honoree and Bastion Technologies, represented by Jorge Hernandez, was honored as the business award recipient. Both were graciously applauded by the audience for their significant past and ongoing leadership and philanthropic work in the Bay Area.

Rick, who came with his wife, Janice, has served as a board member and financial supporter of several area organizations, most notably Communities in Schools-Bay Area which targets at-risk children who are in danger of dropping out of school. His commitment to one of Rotary’s Area of Focus, Service Above Self, motivated him to start Higher Up Texas in 2018. This non-profit organization mentors high school youths and encourages them to reach their full potential as exemplary adults.

Jorge is president of Bastion Technologies, which is headquartered in Houston’s Clear Lake area and provides services to several industries, including aerospace and petrochemicals, and financial support for more than two dozen area nonprofit organizations. The company also encourages its employees to serve on non-profit boards and volunteer for community service projects. Jorge, a Rotarian who came with his wife, Rosi, is the son of Mike and Tery Hernandez, who were both Space Center Rotarians for many years.

Rotary President Stan Galanski and his wife Susan joined Gala Chairman Randy Straach and his wife, Kathy, Wayne and Marilyn Musial, Elaine and Gary Renola and Melinda Mintz in welcoming the happy crowd to the NASA Clear Lake Hilton Hotel Ballroom.

Among the arrivals were several of our elected officials, Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman,

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

Williamson, also a Rotarian, served as emcees, introducing the two honorees, who explained their philanthropic work in recent years and their hopes for the future

MARY ALYS CHERRY

League City Councilman Larry Millican, Taylor Lake Village Councilman Bob Davee and former Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman and their wives, Lorrie, Monica, Lisa and Diana; State Reps.

Dennis Paul and Mayes Middleton and their wives, Eliza and Macy; plus several candidates for office – Pete Lauzon, Kyle Scott, Scott Bowen and Jack Morman.

They had hardly had time to say hello when in walked Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams, Danny and Judge Holly Williamson, Richard and Jennifer Simmons, Allen and Myrna Baker, Alan and Gay Wylie, Delia Stephens, Karen and Gary Johnson, Mike and Rosie Hesse, Nancy and Jerry Smith, Mike and Karen Engle, Madella Williams, John and Madeline Nugent, Joy and Scott Dyson and Jim DeForest and his wife, Royce Walker, who set up the auction.

Looking around you also might have spotted Adrienne and Dr. Vissett Sun, Cindy and Mike Porterfield, Ralph and Lori Kramer, Deborah and David Laine, Raymond Moore, Bill Geissler, Jim and Diane Overman, Meera and Jayant Ramakrishman, Daryl Smith, Brandon Brooks, Joyce and David Jacobs, Anthony Llamas, Richard and Olive Riker, Peter Wuenschel and Past Rotary District 5890 Governor Chris Schneider and his wife, Ute. After a filet mignon dinner that included songs

by Mickey Hobbs, former Space Center Rotary President Ralph Kramer and Judge Holly

Rotary President Stan Galanski, right, stops to chat with Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams left, and honoree Rick Gornto during the VIP reception at the LEAP for Mankind Awards Gala.

Clear Creek Education Foundation Executive Director Deborah Laine and her husband David, left, say hello to Rosi and Jorge Hernandez as they arrive at the Hilton for the LEAP for Mankind Awards Gala.

T

HE 57TH ANNUAL Lunar Rendezvous Festival got off to a happy start this year with the popular Kick-Off event that spotlights all the members of the Royal Court – princesses, lieutenants, little ladies in waiting and pages -- plus newly elected Lunar Rendezvous King Dan Reason.Held April 3 at the BMW MINI of Clear Lake dealership in League City, the event drew a massive crowd of both teens and youngsters

anxiously waiting to hear their names called, and their parents.And, that took some time as there were 21 in the Little Court – 16 Little Ladies and 5 Pages – and 56 princesses and 13 lieutenants for a total of 69 in the Big Court. Or a total of 90 for both courts.

And 2020 and 2021 Lunar Rendezvous Queens Madison Lehman and Grace Keener will join King Dan in reigning over the 2022 Festival.

2022 Festival Events KICKOFF PARTY

April 3, 2022 @ 2 p.m.

BMW of Clear Lake 15943 Gulf Freeway Webster 77598

DINING NIGHT

Dining Night Co-Chairmen Mandie Crowder, left, and Chris Rylant look as if they’re ready for everyone to have a good time.

June 6, 2022 @ 6 p.m.

Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House 113 6th Street San Leon 77539

2022 Lunar Rendezvous Festival King Dan Reason, from left, receives congratulations from 2020-2021 King Slade Lewis and Board of Directors Chairman Michael Landolt at this year’s Kickoff. Rhonda Floyd Photography

Princesses Ava Anderson Rachel Bader Riley Beard Taryn Bedford Madalyn Blackmon Landry Burke Brynli Campbell Sarah Conner Elisabeth Costa Grace Cromika Alexandria Dallison Kate Dennis Lacy Duncan Carly Faulk Samantha Firsdon Jadyn Galvan Gabriella Giuliani Katelyn Glass Madison Glenn Eleanor Goerland Brindy Grimm Savannah Heckman Brooke Hensley Kaitlin Horacefield Ivy Huerta Taylor Jacobsen Kyli Jaminola Olivia Johnson McKinsey Kelly Katherine King Lauren Klump Nicole Kramer-Arzola Skylar Kuhn Rachel Lee Madison Margritz Katherine Mark

Kyla Martinez Melaney Miller Meadow Minter Elisa Molldrem Isabella Nieto Wren Noyes Francesca Piazza Kaylee Ray Sophie Robins Samantha Saenz Adalyn Saldana Kailee Sanders Allison Shemwell Tatum Slavin Izabella Southern Lauren Talley Megan Tarver Cassandra Toler Leah Webb Brynn Weber

Lieutenants Jacob Corrao Eric Garcia Luke Gorena Arden Hill IV Thomas Jennische Bryan Langford Levi Lewis Brady Martin Brendan Pajak Ethan Polsen John Psarovarkas Braxten Sterling Luke Van Chau

SUNSET SERVICE

Lunar Rendezvous Festival Chairman Wendy Drapela, center, stops for a photo with Kickoff CoChairmen Heather Monteleone, left, and Kari Cook.

Little Ladies-inWaiting Lylah Acevedo Kristen Bell Brooklyn Benitz Alivia Biddy Page Brock Isabel Dean Clare Dean Evelyn Elliott Willow Green Jordan Hamilton Avery Hicks Priscilla Johnson Norah Strickland Makenly Turner Olivia Vencil Wesleigh Wood

July 17, 2022 @ 6 p.m.

Webster Presbyterian Church 201 W. NASA Parkway Webster 77598

FASHION SHOW

July 19, 2022 @10 a.m.

Galveston Island Convention Center at San Luis Resort 5600 Seawall Boulevard Galveston 77551

CORONATION BALL

July 23, 2022 @ 5 p.m.

Galveston Island Convention Center at San Luis Resort 5600 Seawall Boulevard Galveston 77551

Pages Grayson Brown Connor Horacefield Alexander Lee Alexander Sample Eric Sample MAY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Jankowski reports on economy, effects of the invasion of Ukraine

By Kathryn Paradis

Texas A&M at Galveston Vice President and COO Col. Michael Fossum, a former astronaut, stops to visit with PZ Consulting President Peggy Zahler as they both arrive at the BAHEP State of the Economy Luncheon at the Hilton.

P

Photos by Harriet Pilgrim

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, from right, welcomes Greater Houston Partnership Senior Vice President Patrick Jankowski, Moody Bank President and CEO Victor Pierson and Amoco Federal Credit Union Community Development Manager Kevin Venable to BAHEP’s State of the Economy Luncheon at the Clear Lake Hilton.

atrick Jankowski, senior vice president of the Greater Houston Partnership, gave his much-anticipated annual Metro Houston Economic Outlook on March 24 at a Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership luncheon at the Hilton Clear Lake.

“Last year was the best year on record for job creation for the Houston region," Jankowski began. "Part of that was the reopening of the economy. Part of that was the great surge of growth we’ve had in the region.“ JOBS FORECAST It’s forecast that 75,500 jobs will be added to the Houston economy in 2022. On the other hand, there remains a tight labor supply.

Unemployment in Houston is very low at 4.8 percent. A national survey found that 49 percent of small businesses have open positions that they can’t fill.

South Shore Harbour Resort General Manager and Director of Sales Bridget Bear enjoy lunch during the State of the Economy Address at the Hilton.Venable to BAHEP’s State of the Economy Luncheon at the Clear Lake Hilton.

INFLATION CONCERNING The inflation rate is of huge concern to Jankowski. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates in March for the first time since 2018 with Chairman Jerome Powell suggesting that the Fed could pick up the pace of interest rate hikes if it’s necessary to bring down prices. Jankowski said that next year interest rates could be two or three percentage points higher.

INVASION CREATES CHAOS Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine conflict, Jankowski expects that supply chains will be further disrupted, and business and consumer confidence will erode. With fewer ties to the Russian economy, the U.S. is not as at risk as other countries, Jankowski said.

He continued, “The risks to us are the spillover effects because of the ties that other nations have.”

Port Houston Director Roger Guenther named to the Maritime Hall of Fame

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ort Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther has been named to the International Maritime Hall of Fame, the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey has announced. Guenther will be among six global shipping leaders who “all have shown unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing the industry through innovation, determination, and volunteerism.”

“The international maritime industry is rich in extraordinary leaders who play pivotal roles in moving world trade and who provide support services for these engines of commerce,” Maritime Association Executive Director Stephen Lyman said. “The six people we honor this year have represented a broad spectrum of leadership within the global transportation industry and have earned the respect of their colleagues worldwide,

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

deserving of this honor.

We anticipate a record turnout for the event.”

“I am honored to be recognized and included on this list of leaders inducted before me who are pioneers ofour industry,” Guenther said. “This award further highlights the success of our local maritime community and the commitment of Port

Banker Mike Huss, left, enjoys his last meeting before retirement from Moody Bank with Moody Bank CEO Vic Pierson at the BAHEP State of the Economy Luncheon at the Hilton.

Jankowski noted that palladium, natural gas, oil, corn, fertilizer, aluminum, wheat, and steel are sourced out of Russia or Ukraine.

Russia is a major exporter of palladium, which is used in catalytic converters – a key part of the exhaust system on most modern vehicles.

“We are not exposed directly to what is going on in Russia, but there are spillover effects to get caught up in,” he again emphasized.

NO REASON TO WORRY “In spite of the uncertainty and the concern over Russia and Ukraine, we have momentum. I feel that this momentum is going to help carry us through at least the next three or four months. Overall, we’ll be OK. We’re not going to boom like we like to boom, but there is no reason to panic, no reason to be overly worried,” Jankowski concluded.

Houston, our partners, and our stakeholders to keep trade and commerce moving for our region, Texas, and the nation.”

Guenther joined Port Houston in 1988, serving in several capacities before being named executive director in 2014. Among other past accomplishments, Guenther held key roles in the master planning and development of Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal and redevelopment of its Barbours Cut Terminal.

He is currently leading Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11, a collaborative infrastructure construction effort of the billion-dollar deepening and widening of the Houston channel to support its continued growth as the busiest waterway in the nation.

A native of Baytown, he earned a B.S. Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and has an MBA in International Trade and Finance from the University of St. Thomas. He currently resides in Galveston with his wife Fabiana, and has two children, Tyler and Emily.

THE VALUE OF TRUST. THE HEIGHT OF ACHIEVEMENT. Thank you for naming us “Best Bank” in the Best of the Bay Awards.

It’s truly an honor to serve such a remarkable community.

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Thank You for Voting for US! 14

VOTED Bay Area's "BEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUE"

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VOTED Bay Area's "BEST BURGERS"

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

Photos by Pam Culpepper Cronk

Badiha Nassar and Linda Byrd welcomes guests as they arrive for check in.

Assistance League President Charlene Donovan, center, thanks Event Sandra Kelver and Linda Kelly selling raffle tickets to Chairman Sharon Guzzino, left, and Vice Chairman Kathleen Courville attendees for a beautiful fundraising event

Jazz and Jewels light up Assistance League gala

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By Mary Aly Cherry

ake some stunning pieces of jewelry and mix them with the exciting music of a jazz trio and you have the makings of an unforgettable Assistance League of the Bay Area fundraiser.

The popular nonprofit that provides vital resources to children and adults in the Bay Area, recently held its annual fundraising gala, a “Jazz and Jewels” brunch and jewelry style show, at the NASA Clear Lake Hilton hotel. Funds raised at the sold-out event will supplement income from the award-winning Resale Shop, as well as grants, gifts, and donations to the chapter.

Pam Culpepper Cronk and Diane Vest testing out the photo booth donated by OhWhatFun owner, Chris Rylant.

The exciting brunch event included a jazz trio, a charming performance by Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, and a jewelry style show and raffle.

Assistance League members Badiha Nassar, Laura Schreiber, Betty Suagee, Shirley Lang, Lynn Bell, LaBita Boddie, Izella Dornell, Dawn Duncan, Carole Eitzen, Doris Jones, Jan Grover, Marie Keener and Cindy Senger Lewis modeled some stunning jewelry pieces from Frank’s & Sons Jewelry, Lewis Jewelers, Karat Creations, James Avery, Unique Jewels, The Clothes Horse Boutique, The Little Pink Bag,and Kendra Scott. Additional sponsors were Amoco Federal Credit Union, HEB, Bay Area Printing, and Oh What Fun.

Each of the tables was named for a famous jazz musician with Jill Williams, Katie Jones, Cindy Canino, Peggy Heimrich, Cindi Pribee, Jeri Knapp, Angie Weinman and Sheila Cooper sitting at the Duke Ellington table and Jim and Charlene Donovan, Mike and Marie Keener, Shirley Lang, Dana Wordell, Rebecca Saavedra and Perri Fox at the Ella Fitzgerald table while Jennie Hampton, Delores Chapman, Debbie Thomas, Betty Puryear, Cindy Castille, Kim Bautoch, and Jan and Paul Glover sat at the Nat King Cole table.

Decorations Chairman and Past President Brooks Cima, her husband Dennis, President Charlene Donovan and Incoming President Marie Keener.

Melanie Lovuola showing off her raffle prize, 1 carat diamond earrings donated by Frank's and Sons Jewelry.

MAY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BY GH ANDREW PHOTOS BY GH ANDREW

F

amiliar places & faces returneth. Hello good people!

Winter has been declared officially over. The mask wearing/social distancing mandate is mostly lifted.

Spring has sprung all around us and we hope you’ve been able to get out, partake of some fine dining, cheerful libations, and some good live music.

We did, catching up with many of you in April at return of the Galveston Bay Parrot Head’s Bayou Bubba Chili Cookoff 2022 and the “soft” reopening of the Kanakas Atomic Tiki Bar. After a two year hiatus, a great turnout gathered at the San Leon American Legion Post #291 and partook of the beautiful spring weather at the Chili Cookoff.

The Galveston Bay Parrot Head flock are consummate pros when it comes to partying with a purpose as was once again demonstrated at this event benefitting the Noah’s Ark Bayou Sanctuary. This is a group that rescues dogs from kill shelters situated on a 300+ acre pasture setting whose purpose is twofold: •Acting as “interim fosters” for rescue groups as they become adoption ready, and, •a loving permanent home to precious senior “scruffys”.

An event for the dogs! Auctions, raffles, Railean Rum tastings, delicious chili and seducing rum dessert servings were enjoyed. And of course, festive doses of live music provided by Southbound, Greg Tillman, and Jerry Diaz.

The Southbound set was pleasing by reuniting Steve Johnson & Jimmy Johns for this special appearance.

Tillman & Diaz both performed strong solo sets for the event. It was good seeing everybody again - Great job people!

Location, location, location…. And

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

PARROT ALONG FOR THE RIDE

GREG TILLMAN

HOURGLASS

CHILI COOKOFF EXPERTS

THE BAND HENNESSY JERRY DIAZ

CHILI TEAM WINNERS BAGPIPER AT SCOTTY'S PUB

CHILI AND BEER

SOUTHBOUND

CHILI EMPRESSES

the location is the recently relocated Great Atomic Kanakas Tiki Bar on Egret Bay Blvd - home of the former Cockeyed Seagull. After the last two years, a fresh lumber deck was built overlooking the water, the place refreshed inside and out, and the crew intact.

The live music returned with the band Hourglass (Kevin Fenton - Guitar/Vocals, Mark Fenton - Bass, Claudia Hammon - Guitar/Vocals, Greg Stephens Guitar/Keys, and Stix - drum), Soloist Bill Evans, and the duet of Angie Emerson & Eric Lambert.

We’ve covered these entertainers from days before the C-19 shutdown and this was a treat catching them again on this beautiful spring afternoon. This location has been a neighborhood gathering spot over the decades and it was great to see all your faces again!

The venue has a kitchen that will be coming up to speed. In the meantime, we enjoyed some uber flavorful crawfish - no seasoning on the shells, just the utmost broth recipe.

We’ll be checking back as this place develops but as far as neighborhood bars go, the Great Atomic Kanakas Tiki Bar at their new location, is good to go!

PIRATE CHILI

ERIC LAMBERT AND ANGIE EMERSON MAY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Zero to life or death in the blink of an eye Quick response saves a well-known local pastor from “widow maker” heart attack.

It was just another busy Friday afternoon in the life of Gary Hamrick, associate pastor at Monument Baptist Church in Deer Park. He was in his office, planning a funeral with members of a grieving family when he felt light muscle spasms in his chest. Within minutes, he was nauseous and sweating.

Hamrick mentioned to coworkers that he wasn’t feeling well and was leaving for the day, and he made the short drive home. He walked into the house and took off his shoes, with plans to rest awhile.

“And then it hit me like a lightning bolt,” said Hamrick. “Like a ton of bricks had landed on my chest.”

What Hamrick was experiencing was a 100% blockage of his left anterior descending artery — a heart attack that is commonly called a “widow maker,” because of the likelihood of fatality. But he is alive today because of the rapid response of the highly trained physicians and staff at two nearby Houston Methodist facilities.

What Hamrick was experiencing was a 100% blockage of his left anterior descending artery — a heart attack that is commonly called a “widow maker,” because of the likelihood of fatality.

First stop: Emergency Care Center Although now he realizes he should have called 911, Hamrick’s first action was to call his wife, Sabrina, a teacher at Deer Park Middle School. She had left school early and was just minutes from the house. Not wanting to upset her, Hamrick just said he wasn’t feeling well and needed to go to the nearby Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Deer Park, located at 3701 Center St. “I didn’t realize how serious the situation was,” remembers Sabrina. “I was just driving him nonchalantly and he reached over and turned the flashers on. He said, ‘I need you to drive faster because I think I’m having a heart attack.’”

281.333.8899 houstonmethodist.org/clearlake

Once inside the Emergency Care Center, Hamrick collapsed to his knees. Within seconds, he was placed in a wheelchair and rushed to the back, where he was immediately given an EKG to test his heart function.

“Pastor Gary was in a lot of pain and panicking,” remembers Jeliane Galvez, the charge nurse on duty at the Emergency Care Center that afternoon. “He was panicking and telling his wife he loved her. He knew it was serious. Our goal was to move as quickly as possible to prepare him for transport — and prepare the hospital to receive him — but also to help keep him calm by sharing what we were doing and what the next steps would be.”

Hamrick was in and out of consciousness as the staff, including Dr. Husam Athamneh and nurse Murray Donnelly, worked on him.

“A lot of those initial moments are a blur to me,” said Hamrick. “But one thing I remember

is that as soon as the results from the EKG came out, the entire demeanor of the room changed. The staff went into overdrive and within three or four minutes, I was in an ambulance on my way to Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.”

Next stop: Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital The Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Deer Park, which opened in 2020, is much more than an urgent care clinic. It is a full-service emergency room, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The staff includes board-certified emergency physicians and highly trained nurses, and the center offers an on-site laboratory; full-service diagnostics, including X-ray, CT and ultrasound; private treatment rooms; easy access; and free parking.

“Most importantly, if an individual comes here with a situation that requires more extensive care like Pastor Gary did, we can immediately transfer them to Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital and provide seamlessly coordinated care,” said Curtis Townsend, director of Critical Care Services. “When minutes count, that can make all the difference.”

Once at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, Hamrick’s stretcher was rolled through the emergency room straight to the cardiac catheterization lab, where boardcertified interventional cardiologist Dr. Sami Aasar and his team were ready and waiting.

“They lifted me from the stretcher onto the bed and this man reached out to me,” remembers Hamrick. “He looked down at me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, ‘I’m not going to let anything happen to you today, Mr. Hamrick.’ I was in a state of extreme stress, but I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of peace and calmness. At that moment,

Dr. Aasar Sami

Dr. Aasar’s demeanor and professionalism had a profound impact on me. And since that day, I’ve come to learn that he is an incredible physician — so kind and caring.”

During the procedure that followed, Aasar removed the blockage from Hamrick’s artery and inserted two stents to help ensure continued blood flow. Two days later, Hamrick was on his way home.

A chance to say thanks That next week, while recovering, Hamrick felt well enough to pay a visit to the Emergency Care Center and personally thank the team that saved his life.

“More than one person at the hospital said to me, ‘You should be dead,’” said Hamrick. “You know something really significant has happened to you when people who know medicine say something like that. But I believe in the divine, and I believe the Lord put me in a place where everyone performs at the highest level and the result is the best health care possible. Those people saved my life.”

When Hamrick entered the Emergency Care Center — just four days after arriving there following his near-fatal heart attack — the staff met him in the lobby.

Tears flowed on both sides as he posed for photos with the staff members who had responded with utmost professionalism and training to his emergency.

“We just hugged each other and cried,” said Hamrick. “It was very emotional. But I just had to say ‘thanks.’”

Hamrick had an especially poignant moment with Donnelly, who had stayed by his side in the treatment room at the Emergency Care Center.

“Those folks have a very difficult job because people come in, get treated and leave, and very few have the opportunity to say, ‘thank you,’” said Hamrick. “It can be stressful and overwhelming for the staff after a while. Being able to come back and let them know what a difference they made to me was incredible.”

Back in the pulpit Hamrick’s heart attack occurred in late October 2021. In December, he was back having another procedure with Aasar, since tests had shown he had an 80 percent blockage in another artery. A third stent was inserted.

But after another month of rest, Hamrick was back at work. On Jan. 23, he gave his first two sermons since October to the congregation at Monument Baptist Church.

“My message was not to take life for granted,” Hamrick said. “Live to the fullest all the time.

Love unconditionally all the time. You never know what will happen. You can go from zero to life or death in the blink of an eye.”

And he also has one other message for friends, families, neighbors and individuals across the Bay Area.

“I want people to know that we should all be grateful to have facilities like the Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Deer Park and Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital right here in our communities,” he said. “To have that level of care, and to be treated by professionals who are so skilled and so well trained — is a true blessing.”

I See You

By Pastor Brad Heintz

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20

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

ave you heard the phrase, “I see you?”

It is quickly becoming popular phrase that means more than just physically seeing someone.

It is becoming more than slang used by the younger generation.

It is more than just recognition of something someone is doing. “I see you” is becoming a deep expression of love, understanding and affirmation.

When someone says, “I see you,” it now means that they are cutting through the façade of our superficial social posturing and seeing how we really are or what we are really doing.

‘I see you” definitely speaks!

But like any popular phrase, there is the danger that it will be over-used and delete its real significance. May I encourage you to resist the temptation of trying to be hip and flippantly use this phrase.

“I see you” is the difference of looking at someone or looking deep into their eyes and seeing their inner being.

One of my favorite movies is “The Help,” because of the scene where the maid sees the little girl. Her mother doesn’t see her and in fact ignores her or belittles her. But the maid sees her and looks her straight in the eyes and says, “You is kind, you is smart, you is important!”

In that moment the maid saw her and cut through the social

façade of that era and gave a young girl the empowerment, encouragement and hope that she needed.

Do you know someone who really sees you or has the gift of see people for who they truly are? The best person at this had to be Jesus.

He saw Phillip under the fig tree and called him to be a disciple. He saw the crippled man lowered down on a mat as a man who needed forgiveness as much as physical healing.

He saw the woman at the well and everything she had ever done and didn’t judge her but showed who he really was – her Savior. He saw the posturing of religious leaders and saw how far from heaven they really were.

He saw his mother crying at his feet when he was crucified and made sure she was taken care of. He saw thief on the cross’s faith and welcomed him into heaven. But Jesus didn’t stop seeing people when the Bible stops.

He also sees you! He sees you, not to condemn you, make fun of you or to make you feel bad. He sees you to forgive you, embrace you and give you His love.

Take a moment and see Jesus for who He is. He is not a good luck charm. He is not a CEO of a global religious enterprise.

He is simply the Son of God who loves you and gave his life for you. Which means, “He sees you. “Do you see Him?

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

LWCBA.org

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

Council picks Paul McLarty to fill city manager post in Nassau Bay

I

n making the announcement, the mayor and city council said he was unanimously selected during their regular council meeting April 11 and would officially begin his duties with the city June 1, after nearly 19 years with CCISD. In partnership with the recruiting firm Strategic Government Resources, a selection committee appointed by City Council reviewed a total of 36 applicants and unanimously approved McLarty as the final candidate and also approved an employment contract with him.

Afterwards, the city’s administrative staff participated in a meet and greet with McLarty and also gave their support.

McLarty replaces Jason Reynolds, who resigned after serving as city manager since November 2015.

Since 2011, McLarty has served as the deputy superintendent of business and support services with CCISD, and served as chief financial officer with the district from 2003-2011. In his leadership role with CCISD, McLarty was accountable for a staff of nearly 1,000 employees; the transportation of 17,000 students each day on more than 280 buses; the feeding of more than 35,000 students each day; the maintenance and operations of over 7.2 million square feet of facilities; the coordination of district safety activities; and the construction, renovation, and

equipping of almost $800 million of district facilities. He also developed the district’s combined operating budgets totaling more than $470 million.

McLarty has worked for other school districts including Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District and Galveston Independent School District. He also spent approximately five years as the director of finance and administration/county budget officer for Galveston County.

McLarty holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M. He is also a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, Space Center Rotary and a board member of the Space Center Rotary Endowment Foundation.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

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

Lures For The Novice Angler

M

ost of you should remember the old saying, "April showers bring May flowers." The bay area has receive some rainfall, but the dominating factor in the weather has been the wind. These winds don't bode well for those anglers searching for speckled trout. I have stated in years past that the trout season usually begins in May. Why? Because our weather is so inconsistent until then.

In the month of May there's so many opportunities for the angler fishing for speckled trout. Whether you're a seasoned artificial veteran or a live bait fisher, this is the time of year to do both with great success. If you haven't fished with artificial lures, there's no better time than now.

With the help of "old salt" Captain Mike Williams, we compiled a list of what lures a novice should throw. Here is the top 7 choices to that question.

1. The easiest to throw and most productive, hands down, is the Johnson Sprite Spoon, 1/4 ounce, in either gold or silver. This lure has caught thousands of speckled trout up and down the Texas coast.

3. MirrOlure 51M 704 is also known as "The Texas Chicken." This lure has a color pattern of pink back, yellow belly, and silver sides. Williams believes this is the best color combination made for fishing the bays and surf of Galveston.

2. Soft plastic lures of any make. Capt.

Williams prefers a shrimp tail type lure in the color combination of strawberry or plum with a chartreuse tail. He likes to rigged the lure on a Bass Assassin Pro Elite colored jig head. Soft plastic lures are very effective when fishing any of the Texas coastal waters. I, myself, am partial to the MirrOlure Lil John.

4. "The Woody" is a 51M 11 MirrOlure that has been used for many years. This lure has a red head, white back and belly, with silver sides. This lure works well in all our bays and the surf.

5. Choose a Heddon Super Spook Jr. in a bone color. This lure is used daily by some of the best big trout anglers on Galveston Bay.

6. Rapala Skitterwalk is in chartreuse and silver. Again, this is used by the best big trout anglers on the Texas coast.

7. Last, but not least, is the chrome and blue Cordell Redfin. One of the largest stringers of speckled trout ever caught in Galveston Bay was caught on this lure.

Confidence in a lure is most important.

Rule of thumb: in clear water, throw a light colored lure. In off colored water (dirty), throw a dark color. I don't carry every color combination of every lure made. I use what works.

Remember, the lure manufacturers make what catches the angler, not always the fish!

THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON, hosted by Space Center Rotary and Clear Creek ISD, will be held Monday, May 9 at the Clear Lake Hilton Hotel, 3000 E. NASA Parkway, at 11:30 a.m. For tickets, which are $35, call CCISD at 281-284-0020 or RSVP@ccisd.net No tickets will be sold at the door.

CLEAR LAKE AREA CHAMBER will host its annual Business & Wellness Expo, “Buy Into the Bay Area,” Thursday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay. Sponsorships available.

For information or to rent a booth, available from $350-$550, email Shari@clearlakearea.com

LEAGUE CITY REGIONAL CHAMBER will host an Economic Development Breakfast featuring Dan Seal, executive director special initiatives for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Wednesday, May 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at College of the Mainland League City, 411 W. Main St. For tickets, which are $25 for members, call the chamber, 281-338-7339.

A CLEAR CREEK ISD UPDATE will be presented Wednesday, May 25

by Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams when the League City Regional Chamber hosts a luncheon at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For reservations, call the chamber at 281338-7339.

30

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

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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.

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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

MAY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

31

Lexus ES 300h

Family Four-Door’s

By Don Armstrong

TOYOTA CAMRY TRD

INTERIOR OF THE LEXUS ES 300H

T

he American sedan has been around for more than 100 years and although we’re still buying them, sales of the venerable people-hauler continue to decline thanks to the SUV. In fact, some mainstay manufacturers have dropped them all together, except for Toyota and sister company Lexus.

TOYOTA CAMRY TRD

After 38 years, the Toyota Camry remains a viable mode of transportation for millions of Americans. You probably know someone who has or had one; maybe it’s you. Today, with 17 variations, the top-of-the-line Camry TRD stands out from the rest.

Here is a Camry that every girl and boy racer will aspire to getting behind the wheel. You’ll quickly

32

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2022

forget that there is another set of doors behind the driver. The cockpit reminds one of something you’ll find in a jet fighter with an intense, red instrument cluster, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and a gear selector on the center console.

However, the exterior gets all the attention.

Blacked-out grill, aero chin spoiler, faux carbon winglets, a rear spoiler perched above the trunk – it’s a different, attractive look for the Camry.

The TRD model is powered by Toyota’s 301-horsepower V-6. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and numerous suspension tweaks, this Camry offers plenty enthusiast thrills for the masses.

Pricing for the Camry TRD starts at $32,360.

modern, yet conservative, taste in sedan’s. Hybrid power is only 215 horses, but when coupled to its continuously variable transmission, it delivers 44 MPG combined. It’s not a rocket, but we love its miserly ways around the fueling station.

The face of this ES is a polarizing spindle grille.

You either love it or hate it, but there is no denying the limo-like experience that this Lexus offers.

This is one of the most comfortable cars we’ve experienced.

The 300h hybrid starts at $42,975.

LEXUS ES 300H

And now for something completely different, the Lexus ES 300h, a luxury hybrid with an emphasis on fuel mileage.

The car has the bones of the Toyota Avalon. With a longer wheelbase and larger cabin, the ES offers more leg and elbow room than the Camry.

Its interior is subtly luxurious and not overdone.

Once only manipulated by an irritating touchpad on the center console, the infotainment controls have been upgraded to now include a touch screen. Friends and family will think highly of your

INTERIOR OF THE TOYOTA CAMRY TRD

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