Bay Area Houston Magazine July 2021

MADE

IN AMERICA |

IN

GOD

WE

TRUST

|

BAYAREAHOUSTONMAG.COM

July 2021

Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics You Deserve It. You take care of everyone else.

Let us take care of you.

Leading Orthopedic Care to

KEEP YOU MOVING

FAIRMONT PKWY.

6243 FAIRMONT PKWY.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Clear Lake, we know your body is made to move. Our specialists use the latest technology, perform minimally invasive procedures and develop customized treatment plans, including physical therapy. Whether you’re getting back in shape or back to work, we have the expertise to get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.

45

C

LE

AR

LA

KE

C

I

TY

VD BL

3

Y BA

528

AR

EA

.

.

VD BL

146

P SA NA

KW

Y.

2020 NASA PKWY. 96

2220 E. LEAGUE CITY PKWY.

And, with enhanced safety measures in place, you can rest assured your safety is our priority.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic — offering same-day care

19 convenient locations Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics 713.363.9090

THE NEW 2021 CADILLAC XT6

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

3

6

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

NASA PWKY

BARGE295

3 EXPERIENCES, 1 PLACE

7/1 Sam Riggs

7/2 Cowboy Mouth

7/9 Sundance Head and Bri Bagwell

7/22 Wynnona Judd

GULF COAST GRUB

7/3 Steve Earle

7/11 Jerry Diaz and The Reef

7/24 Summer Jam

LIVE MUSIC

7/31 Jake Bush

LUNCH & DINNER DELIVERED

TICKETS/DATES/MENUS @barge295

www.piesfriesandsandwichguys.com JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

7

With Actor / Director / Producer - Bo Brinkman

With Jackie Powell on location at Jackie’s Brickhouse

With Barry Terrell, Shelly & Paul at T-Bone Toms

Here You Grow!

Looking for an affordable and fun way to grow your business?

Contact us today to Advertise with The Kelly Williams Show & Bay Area Houston Magazine!

281.474.5875

UHCL unveils a beautiful donation of a Park and Serentity Garden donated by Distinquished Alumna Patricia Potter Wilson and her husband Wendell Wilson.

8

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

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

AMANDA ALCARAZ Vice President & Commercial Lender

LESLEE A. FARLEY Vice President & Commercial Lender

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

281.517.8770 AllegianceBank.com

LIBBY MCGEE Vice President & Office Manager

JIMMY L. BUTCHER Bank Officer & Commercial Lender

J U L Y

2 0 2 1

features

12

ON THE COVER UTMB is taking good care of you at their Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Center right here in the Bay Area

Chairman Rick Clapp

20

President Amber Sample Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Editor Alisa Star Creative Director Kelly Williams Sales & Marketing Amber Sample Bill Sloan Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

24

26

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

281.474.5875

10

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

15

San Jac Honored

16

Weigh Tech

Reece gets dealth penalty Named Top 5 in U.S. Weighing in on their future of success

20 UTMB Time to do something good for yourself

22

Secret of Our Poverty

24

Golf Cart Poker Run

25

Fashion Fad & Style

30

Summer Stories

33

Gulf Coast Mariner Boating & Fishing

34

Rhythms of the Bay

36

Best of the Bay

37

Bites of the Bay

Michael Gos takes us on a journey Re-Cap of a most successful day Do you know the difference?

With Pastor Brad The Season is here Kevin Fenton, Robert Greaney, Van Wilks, Bootleg Rodeo It’s Back Baby Your Guide to Burgers & Brews

12

Clear Lake Chatter

26

In Wheel Time

38

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

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

Serial Killer Convicted

columns

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

14

34

Lunar Rendesvous and AL helps the needy Hot Rod Luxury

Rick at Nite Live music and good tequila

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

11

LUNAR RENDEZVOUS IS BACK

Fashion Show Co-Chairmen Kathy Rea and Wendy Drapela greet court members and their families at kick-off to promote the July 20 style show.

A

Emmeline Dodd radiates Caribbean Chic at the 56th Annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival Dining Night.

FTER POSTPONING its 2020 season due to the pandemic, Lunar Rendezvous Festival is all systems go with the last fundraising event around the corner!

The event of the summer, the 56th Annual Lunar Rendezvous Fashion Show will be held at the San Luis Convention Center on Tuesday, July 20. Co-Chairmen Wendy Drapela and Kathy Rea will kick off the fun at 10 a.m. with activities including both a live and silent auction, a sit down luncheon, and a “Sweet as Sugar” fashion show coordinated by Houston’s leading fashion event producer, Lenny Matuszewski.

Tickets are available at https://www.lunarrendezvous.org/tickets.php. The public is invited to come join this exciting event. This is the “see and be seen” event of the year and you don’t want to miss it!

The season began as both the 2020 and the 2021 royal courts enjoyed a kick-off celebration April 18 at the League City Civic Center. Festivities included information tables for this year’s events, a selfie booth, a Kendra Scott pop up show, and the introduction of the 2020 Court, the 2021 Court, as well as the 2019-2020 Royal Court. Queen Samantha Williams, Queen Alternate Ashley Leistad, and Capt. David Oliver made a trip home from university to take part!

The 2019 king, Slade Lewis, was also introduced. Because they were unable to do so in 2020, the 2019-2020 Royal Court will preside over this year’s festivities.

The first fundraising event of the season was held on May 3 at Marais in Dickinson.

Dining Night Chairperson, Mandie McMillan Crowder, hosted a Havana Night themed evening with fabulous food, live music by Andy & the Dreamsicles, livepainting by local artist Debi Starr, and a silent and live auction. The crowd came dressed in their Caribbean best with giving spirits. The live auction was a series of wildly successful bidding wars emceed by TJ Aulds of i45NOW.

12

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

2019-2020 Royal Court members Lt. David Oliver, Queen Samantha Williams and Queen Alternate Ashley Leistad welcome the 2020 and 2021 Courts at the Lunar Rendezvous Kick-Off celebration.

MARY ALYS CHERRY

The 2021 Lunar Rendezvous Festival season will conclude July 24 at the San Luis Convention Center with the annual Coronation Ball.

The reigning Royal Court, 2020 and 2021 Little Ladies in Waiting, Pages, Princesses and Lieutenants will be presented. The announcement of the new Royal Court, which will consist of the 2020 and 2021 Queens, Queen Alternates, and Captains is the highlight of the evening.

This formal black tie event beautifully depicts the history, tradition and honor of the Lunar Rendezvous Festival.

There will also be an opportunity drawing at the Coronation Ball. Drawing I, generously sponsored by HomeTown Bank of League City and Brockway Realty, is a gift card extravaganza totaling $2,000 to local businesses.

Jana and Richard Miller, left, celebrate his live auction win with Marais owner, Holly Lilley, who, with her husband Keith, donated a wine locker for a year, as well as several bottles of wine, to the Dining Night auction.

AND

BIGGER than ever!

The Little Ladies in Waiting and Pages take a moment for a selfie with Little Court Co-Chairman Elizabeth Olin.

Drawing II, generously donated by Lewis Jewelers, is $1,000 in store shopping spree at Lewis Jewelers. Opportunity drawing tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100 and may be purchased through any Court member, or by contacting Audra Bentley at audra@civetrealestate.com.

“Don’t miss your chance to win one of these great prizes,” the chairmen said, adding that winners do not need to be present to claim prizes.

Clear Lake’s Lunar Rendezvous Festival is dedicated to providing community-based support including scholarships for higher education, youth development and educational programs, funding for the arts and historical preservation in the Bay Area Houston/NASA area.

Donations to the Lunar Rendezvous Scholarship Fund can be made at https://www.lunarrendezvous.org/tickets.php. The Lunar Rendezvous Festival is made possible by its generous donors and sponsors.

Those who would like to be a corporate sponsor should visit the website at https://www.lunarrendezvous.org/sponsorship.php

Greg Ploss proudly shows off his winning live auction bid during Dining Night -- a guitar signed by Kenny Chesney -- as Pam Ploss and Michael Landolt look on.

Assistance League launches new year of helping the needy

By Mary Alys Cherry

C

HARLENE DONOVAN is the new president of Assistance League of the Bay Area, which completed another year of helping the needy all around the Bay Area with its annual yearend luncheon, held May 17 at the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport.

Her introduction came after President Brooks Cima gave her farewell address summarizing the nonprofit’s work this past year. Marie Keener was introduced as the new president-elect.

Five members will serve as vice presidents this coming year – Jayne Dannecker, membership; Melanie Lovuola, philanthropic programs; Sharon Guzzino, resource development; Jill Smitherman, marketing; and Patty Southmayd, operations.

Other new officers include Treasurer Cindy Senger Lewis, Secretary Valerie Piercy, Assisteens Liaison Priscillia Magnuson, Education Chairman Linda Byrd, Strategic Planning Chairman Rebecca Saavedra, Finance Chairman Sandra Kelver, and Parliamentarian Ann Hammond.

The Flight Museum provided the perfect setting for the luncheon which had the theme, “Rising to New Heights” -- appropriately chosen for the record-breaking year against all odds during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Celebrations abounded as members and community supporters were presented with awards and appreciation.

The 2020-2021 President Brooks Cima welcomed members and guests, which included Assistance League Advisory Council members, local journalist Mary Alys Cherry, Cottrell Realty owner Jonathan Cottrell, who was recently elected to the Clear Creek ISD School Board, and Texas City ISD District Social Worker and Homeless/Foster Care Liaison Rita Baldwin.

Other guests included Dr. Thomas Thomas of NASA Vision Center and his wife, Ann; Garry Charter,

Massive fire destroys Nassau Bay condos

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

t will probably be many months before the victims of the massive fire in Bayfront Towers in Nassau Bay can move back in their condos. A mountain of charred debris was all that remained days after the large condominium fire on Lakeside Lane in Nassau Bay, and that was to be hauled off one day soon as longtime residents of Bayfront Towers try to put their lives back together. In the debris were cars that were parked under the building when it collapsed, plus a lifetime of memories.Damages are expected to be in the millions.

In all, 16 of the 74 units in the condo complex

a longtime friend of Assistance League and Joshua Acevedo, director of Macy’s Baybrook Sales and Customer Experience.

Jill Williams presented the Stuart Williams HOPE award, Heroes of Positive Endeavors, to Dr. Thomas for providing vision services to children referred by the chapter and Garry Charter, a longtime friend, donor, and supporter. Joshua Acevedo was presented the Glass Slipper Award for eliciting Macy’s donation of 500 prom dresses to the chapter’s Operation Cinderella program.

The National Operation School Bell Award was remotely presented to the Leslie L. Alexander Foundation for its tremendous financial support to this year’s programs. As a result of this donation, the chapter increased budgets for Operation School Bell and Operation Support Our Schools and created a new program for Texas City ISD that has already provided 840 meals to students with nutritional needs.

President Cima shared some of the chapter’s successes such as spending $226,074 dressing 1,839 needy students in area school districts and providing dental and vision care assistance. She noted the willingness of the chapter members to adapt to the everchanging struggles of COVID, hurricane threats, flood, and unprecedented winter storms (to serve community members in need) as the most significant factor in the chapter’s accomplishments.

Assistance League of the Bay Area is an allvolunteer, nonprofit organization that changes lives through philanthropic programs in the Houston Bay Area community. For more information on how one can help change lives, visit the website at www. assistanceleagueba.org

Marie Keener, far right, is the new President-elect of the Assistance League.

Joining her for a photo are, from left, Parliamentarian Ann Hammond, Treasurer Cindy Senger Lewis and Vice President Philanthropic Programs Melanie Lovuola.

Outgoing Assistance League President Brooks Cima, right, passes the gavel to 2021-2022 President Charlene Donovan at the chapter’s year-end luncheon at the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport.Assistance League

Meet new Assistance League President Charlene Donovan, second from left, who just took office and is already busy, busy, busy. Some of those who’ll serve with her are, from left, Secretary Valerie Piercy, Vice President Membership Jayne Dannecker, Assisteens Liaison Priscilla Magnuson and Vice President Marketing Jill Smitherman.

Assistance League officers and elected chairmen for the coming year include, from left, Vice President Resource Development Sharon Guzzino, Strategic Planning Chairman Rebecca Saavedra, Finance ChairmanSandra Kelver, Vice President Operations Patty Southmayd and Education Chairman Linda Byrd.

by Clear Lake were destroyed and multiple units suffered smoke and water damage. Although all escaped the flames unhurt, most were left with nothing but the clothes on their back at the time the massive fire broke out about 3:50 p.m. A Nassau Bay public works employee did suffer smoke inhalation while going door to door alerting residents of the flames.

According to Nassau Bay Fire Marshal Tony Russo, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. It is believed to have started on the porch of an upstairs unit, but the question is still how.

The building was mostly of wood construction and didn’t have a sprinkler system, which wasn’t required when the building was built years ago. Strong winds at the time also helped the blaze spread.

One hundred firefighters from 14 agencies, including the Nassau Bay Department, the city's fire marshal's office and police department, the Houston Fire Department, Seabrook, Webster, Forest Bend, Kemah, Friendswood, Port of Houston, League City, and Houston Constables’ Office helped battle the blaze.

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

13

Serial killer William Reece gets death penalty in murders

By Mary Alys Cherry

Convicted Serial Killer, William Reece

S

erial killer William Reece, who confessed to kidnapping and sexually assaulting four young women in Texas and Oklahoma -- including Jessica Cain of Tiki Island and Laura Smither of Friendswood -- before finally killing them, has been given the death penalty by an Oklahoma City jury, after convicting him of first degree murder in the death of a 19-year-old newlywed two decades ago.

The June 2 decision followed testimony of how he admitted first fighting and then strangling Tiffany Johnston to death in 1997 after an altercation in the Sunshine Car Wash in Bethany, Okla. Prosecutors believed he was stalking Johnston, the daughter of his mother’s best friend.

An Oklahoma City native, Reece, 61, reportedly showed no emotion when the verdict was read by Oklahoma County District Judge Susan Stallings, who set sentencing for Aug. 19. He did not testify during the trial, but jurors heard several hours of his confessions -- admitting the Oklahoma murder and three in Texas in 1997.

It is not known if he will be brought back to Texas and tried for the Texas murders. That decision will probably come after his sentencing and whether he decides to appeal the Oklahoma decision.

FIRST VICTIM Reece, a truck driver, was just 28 when he was convicted in 1987 of assaulting his first known victim, a University of Oklahoma freshman, who he kidnapped, raped and sodomized after offering to help her with her car trouble. He reportedly bound her with tape and zipped her into a sleeping bag that he shoved inside the sleeper compartment of

14

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

Laura Smither and Jessica Cain among victims his truck. She escaped by talking him into letting her use the restroom.

After spending most of the next decade in prison for that attack and a similar incident, Reece continued his assault on women once he was out of prison by attempting to kidnap 19-year-old dancer Sandra Sapaugh, while offering to help her with her flat tire in Webster, just six weeks after Smither disappeared.

As he sped down the Gulf Freeway, she got away by jumping out of his pickup after he ordered her to take off her pants – suffering severe injuries from the tumble from the truck. “She probably knew if I don’t jump out of the car I may not see tomorrow,” said Webster Police Sgt. James Lovel, who investigated the kidnapping.

But her ability to pick him out of a lineup got him a 60-year sentence and eventually led to his leading officers to the burial sites of Jessica Cain near Hobby Airport, Kelli Cox in Brazoria County and admitting the murders of Tiffany Johnston and Laura Smither.

LAURA SMITHER

CONFESSES Reece began confessing back in 2016 after receiving a 60-year sentence for attempting to kidnap Sandra Sapaugh and after DNA linked him to Johnston’s death – then a cold case in Oklahoma. He felt by cooperating with authorities, he might avoid the death penalty.

Eventually he disclosed to a Texas Ranger where he had buried the bodies of Cox and Cain. Prosecutors in two of the Texas cases agreed not to seek the death penalty, but Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater refused to make a deal. Reece only admitted to raping one of the four – Johnston.

Cox disappeared July 15, 1997 in Denton after touring the local jail with some of her University of North Texas classmates.

On discovering that she had locked her keys up in her car, she went to a gas station across the street to call her boyfriend for help, bought a soft drink and disappeared.

Reece began his Bay Area killing spree on April 3, 1997 when he ran into 12-year-old Laura Smither on her bicycle near her Friendswood home and continued until Aug. 17, 1997 when he killed Jessica Cain, 17, on her way home after a night of practice for a play at Bay Area Harbour Playhouse in Dickinson and then joining all the actors at Bennigan’s in Clear Lake for a get-together. Her truck was found on the side of the Gulf Freeway with her purse inside the next day.

It was almost 20 years later before her family learned what had happened. Smither’s body was found in a pond near Pasadena about two weeks after she disappeared.

JESSICA CAIN

KELLI COX

San Jacinto College a TOP 5 community college in the US - Washington, D.C.

T

HE ASPEN INSTITUTE has named San Jacinto College as a Finalist with Distinction for the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges.

“All of us on the Board of Trustees are so proud of everyone at San Jacinto College,” said Marie Flickinger, chairman of the SJC Board of Trustees. “We want to commend everyone for the work they do to ensure that students complete what they start. This is an exciting day for the college and the entire San Jacinto College community.”

Awarded every two years since 2011, the Aspen Prize recognizes institutions that achieve strong student outcomes across four key areas: teaching and learning, degree completion and successful transfer to four-year institutions, success in the workforce, and equitable outcomes for diverse student groups. In 2017, San Jacinto College earned the Aspen Rising Star Award; and in 2019, the Aspen Institute named San Jacinto College as one of the top 10 community colleges in the country.

“This Aspen Prize honor goes to the people of San Jacinto College,” said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “Everyone at the college – from our Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty, to our staff, students and community partners – work hard in and out of the classroom every single day in support of our college mission. To be named a top 5 community college in the nation is truly a recognition of their hard work.”

According to the Aspen Institute, San Jacinto College was named a Top 5 community college in the nation for several reasons, including:

Focus on completion: San Jacinto College has increased its certificate and degree completion by 168.37 percent from 2009 to 2019.

Community partnerships: San Jacinto College is involved with schools, churches, nonprofits and businesses across the College District to ensure it is addressing the needs of various communities in the ways that best serve them.

Economic impact: For every $1 students invest in their San Jacinto College education, they will see a $6.30 return in future income.

The College’s impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs.

Student support: Through industry advisory committees and career readiness preparations, students are provided the tools and resources to ensure the selected pathway meets students’ goals, interests, and salary aspirations.

Equity: San Jacinto College has developed several strategies to address equity gaps that have resulted in an increase in financial aid and credentials awarded, as well as course completion, retention, and persistence.

“San Jacinto College takes responsibility for not just making sure that its students earn a degree or credential, but also that they succeed after graduation,” said Linda Perlstein, a director at the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

The 10 Aspen Prize finalists recognized May 18 were selected from the nation’s 1,100 community colleges in a process that included a rigorous review process, a comprehensive examination of outcomes data, as well as multiday virtual site visits to each of the 10 finalist institutions.

2021 Aspen Prize Results WINNER San Antonio College, San Antonio, TX Finalist with Distinction Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, FL San Jacinto College, Pasadena, TX West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Paducah, KY Rising Star Amarillo College, Amarillo, TX Other Finalists Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York, NY Odessa College, Odessa, TX Pierce College, Pierce County, WA Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee, FL

Local yacht broker killed by gunmen

By Mary Alys Cherry

A

celebration of life held at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook brought family and friends of well known League City yacht broker Jeffrey Johnson together June 16 to mark the tragic end to his life after he and his wife returned from having dinner at the Capital Grill on Westheimer in Houston on Thursday, June 10.

Johnson was the owner of Texas Coast Yachts, a high-end boating dealership in the Clear Lake area. He was only 58 when he died at a local hospital Friday, June 11, after three men followed him and his wife to their home on Waterside Drive in the gated community of Marina Village, near South Shore

Harbour in League City the previous evening about 11:20 p.m. League City Police said the men shot him multiple times after attempting to rob him as he apparently was closing up his garage for the night. Surveillance video shows the victim and his wife being followed into their subdivision.

His wife, Cheryl Baron, was already in the house when she heard shots and rushed to the garage to determine what had happened and found her husband had not only been shot but had fallen after being shot and hit his head in the melee.

The three would be robbers, said to be wearing dark clothing and riding in a white Ford SUV, fled on foot back to their vehicle without going in the house or taking anything.

“The victim put up a struggle in his garage and lost his life,” League City Police Public Information Officer John Griffin said, adding that the robbers shot Johnson but “didn’t take any of his belongings or go inside his home.”

Police said they are looking into the possibility that the would-be robbers followed the Johnsons all the way home from the Capital Grill in an upscale area of Houston – a 43.5 mile drive, going on to urge people visiting high-end areas to be aware they might be followed home. Besides his wife, he is survived by four children.

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

15

Weigh Tech Celebrates 25 Years of Excellence and Weighing In on the Future

Photos By GH ANDREW

By Rick Clapp

W

eighing Technologies, Inc., Weigh Tech, is a Seabrook, Texas based industrial weighing company that is proudly celebrating 25 years of excellence. John Rihn, Trustee, and previous owner and operator, reports that recent changes were made in the direction and ownership of this vibrant corporation.

Firstly, Weigh Tech made top management changes when it recently elevated former Vice President Jodie Stewart to President and previous Controller Sharon Freytag to Senior Vice President. “I saw that the future and direction of my company was to promote the two most talented people to lead our organization. The uniqueness is the dynamic duo: two well experienced women who are now running an industrial company normally run by men,” stated by John Rihn.

The company also established Jack Davis as the VP of Houston Area Operations, Mike Heath as the VP of Freeport Area Operations, and Chris York as the VP of Beaumont Area Operations.

Secondly, in 2020, John Rihn made the major change of designating Weigh Tech as 16

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

an Employee-Owned Company, ESOP. Rihn, known for his integrity and loyalty plus care for his people, decided to sell the company to them. “Since I never had children other than the fur baby type, it was my decision to protect jobs and reward my people. In the past, several investors approached me about the sale of Weigh Tech. However, I did not want my people to lose their jobs causing their respective families to suffer because of an investor who does not appreciate my hardworking loyal staff. Furthermore, we have all been a part of building a ‘World Class’ company which has a culture based on integrity and loyalty.”

The company was valued and sold to the employees for an estimated 10-digit figure.

According to newly appointed President Jodie Stewart, “It is our goal as owners to continue to protect and promote the strong values that were established by Mr. Rihn and in us at our organization.”

In a move to further strengthen the company, Weigh Tech has ventured into another area of expertise with WT Rail. They now have a Rail Scale Certification Division of the Company. Furthermore, Weigh Tech is expanding as a result of growth: they are building a new office in Beaumont and other cities to come.

Finally, John Rihn will proudly remain as the Trustee of Weigh Tech. He will enjoy a life of work and leisure with his wife and partner extraordinaire, Marcia Davenport, and their fur babies. Congratulations to Weigh Tech, their new changes, and continued growth and success as they weigh into the future of this women-run and employee-owned organization.

Weigh Tech’s main business and focus is the sales and service of weighing equipment. Everything in the world is weighed to determine its value, worth, or importance. This includes laboratory diamonds, bottled water, produce, ice cream, shipping containers, and rail cars.

Most every item that we purchase is bottled or packaged by weight and is listed on product labels.

Weigh Tech certifies the scales that are being used for the purpose of weighing these and other products.

Weigh Tech offers other industrial services such as the sales, service, and rental of all types of weighing equipment, dock levelers, gangway systems, drum filling equipment, and conveyor equipment. They provide ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 accredited calibration on scales up to 400,000 pounds and WT Rail Certification has the capacity to use 80,000 pounds of certified weight.

This is a true highlight of the uniqueness of their services. “Weigh Tech is the only company in Texas with both certifications and the only one in the United States with the ISO 17025 accredited to certify railroad scales,” reports John Rihn.

Weigh Tech is the largest distributor of the formidable Rice Lake Weighing Systems on the Gulf Coast. Dow Chemical, Exxon-Mobile, Motiva, Lyondell and more all depend on Weigh Tech for their services.

This employer of almost 40 staff has a large fleet of 37 company vehicles including three custom heavy capacity box trucks, and two customized tractor trailers.

With a goal of hitting $10,000,000 in sales over the next few years and expansion in the surrounding areas, Weigh Tech will certainly continue on its path of excellence for years to come.

Weigh Tech’s Mission Statement: Weighing Technologies, Incorporated’s tradition in excellence, along with our commitment to quality, continued improvement and complete customer satisfaction, out-weighs all others in the scale industry.

Weigh Tech’s Core Values: Service – High standards are a way of life. Our goal is the “pursuit of excellence.”

Class – We strive to be in a class of our own by committing to exceeding expectations and building lasting relationships.

Accountability – We are ethical, act openly, and with integrity in all we do. We take responsibility for our actions.

Leadership – We have the courage to rise above challenges, to work through adversity and inspire. We empower our people to make decisions that improve their work benefitting all involved.

Engagement – An emotional state where we feel passionate, energetic, and committed.

We fully invest ourselves -- hearts, spirits, minds, and hands.

Satisfaction – Our success is geared towards making sure our customers are completely satisfied.

Weigh Tech’s Goals: •Hit $10 Million sales in 3 to 5 years.

•Build a new state of art building in Beaumont, Texas.

•Fulfill a need for an additional set of rail trucks for the WT Rail Division.

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

17

presents

WHITE LINEN Garden Party

Saturday July 17 5:30 to 9:00 PM at KEMAH GARDENS Enjoy music, dancing, great food, vendors, lawn games, large screen TV Raffle, tropical drinks, tequila tasting and more!

TICKETS PURCHASED AT THE DOOR : $50 per person Includes your dinner plate, 2 complimentary mixed beverages, and a raffle ticket.

RSVP Necessary 281.474.5875

Event is Rain or Shine / No Refunds

18

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

ALL STARR STAFFING

Proceeds to Benefit Get Together 501C3 Charities

at South Shore Harbour Resort

AUG. 28

$50++

per person

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 281.334.1000 EXT. 2037 | SSHR.COM

YOUR LOCAL, ONE STOP EVENT & PARTY STORE!

BALLOONS & HELIUM

PARTY PLANNING Located in Randalls Shopping Center 2951 Marina Bay Dr. Suite 120 League City, TX 77573 832.864.2616

THEMED DECORATIONS

PAPER GOODS

SCAN FOR EXCLUSIVE COUPON! JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

19

Helping You LOOK the community,” said Dr. Vicente Resto, Vice President for Physician Integration and Strategic Alliance, and Chief Physician Executive ad interim.

“While we have always had many providers who deliver this type of care, this is the first time our organization has assembled a truly multi-disciplinary team to do it all in the same space.”

Having a dedicated facility for aesthetic medicine with all the resources needed for this type of care are benefits that will only enhance the new practice. In addition to state-of-the-art technology, the clinic also offers an upscale, luxurious setting designed to maximize patients’ comfort throughout their experience.

Supporting collaboration between physicians in the core aesthetics specialties, the shared clinic space will help the clinicians optimize treatment for each patient, ensuring everyone receives outstanding care from start to finish.

“It will be exciting to work closely with my colleagues in other specialties and have their expertise available to my patients,” said Dr. Kathleen Kroger, medical and cosmetic dermatologist.

“There is definitely a market and demand for cosmetics, and this new team

B

oard-certified and boardeligible surgeons and expertly trained dermatologists make up the new UTMB Health Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics team. Comprised of specialists from the UTMB Departments of Dermatology, Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, the group began seeing patients on April 19 at UTMB’s Victory Lakes Town Center location in League City.

Leaders in their field, each provider employs only the newest and best techniques and tools when helping patients achieve their desired goals, and takes into account each person’s physical features, skin, age and preferences to ensure patients receive the personalized care and attention they need and deserve.

“It is with great excitement that we open up this new service for UTMB and 20

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

and FEEL your BEST

UTMB Health Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

Dr. Katherine Hicks is a board-certified,

double fellowship-trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. She successfully completed two fellowships, focusing exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and neck. She specializes in functional and cosmetic nasal surgery (rhinoplasty or “nose job”), cosmetic facial surgery (facelift, eyelid surgery), skin cancer reconstruction, scar revision, facial trauma, and pediatric cleft & craniofacial procedures.

Dr. Shana Kalaria serves as director

of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Her areas of clinical interest include rhinoplasty, face lift, blepharoplasty, breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and labiaplasty.

Dr. Kalaria participates in many research projects, has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, and enjoys working with and teaching residents. She is currently a candidate member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Erica Kelly is a board-certified

dermatologist who focuses on both medical dermatology for adult and pediatric patients (i.e. skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, acne etc.) and cosmetic dermatology (Botox, fillers and lasers). She serves as the director of the UTMB Cosmetic Dermatology Division, of which she was the founder and inaugural member.

Throughout her career, she has focused on delivering natural results based on the patient’s individual needs and desired outcomes.

Dr. Kathleen Kroger is a board-

and facility are ready to meet it.”

From Botox® injections, chemical peels and CoolSculpting® services to surgical procedures such as tummy tucks, breast augmentations and facelifts, the all-woman team does a bit of it all.

While “mommy makeovers,” which combine various body lifting and rejuvenation procedures, are a popular request, the group also offers a full complement of cosmetic services for men that includes cheek augmentations, chin augmentations, hairline lowering and more.

Dr.Erica Kelly, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist and member of the newly comprised powerhouse of aesthetic medicine specialists, explains why trusting the team at UTMB Health’s Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics clinic is a smart choice.

“All of us here are UTMB faculty, and when one of your major roles is training future physicians, staying cutting-edge and stressing expertise in outcomes and safety is of utmost importance,” Dr. Kelly said.

For more information please visit utmbhealth.com/aesthetics or follow the clinic on Facebook and Instagram @utmbaesthetics.

certified dermatologist who focuses on general, pediatric, complex medical and cosmetic dermatology (Botox, fillers, and lasers). A 2021 Texas Super Doctors Rising Star with multiple excellence in teaching awards to her name for her work with residents and medical students, Dr. Kroger is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Texas Dermatologic Society, and the Houston Dermatologic Society.

Dr. Linda Phillips is a professor

and chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Surgery at UTMB. A board-certified surgeon who serves as the Truman G. Blocker, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Professor, medical director, Plastic Surgery, and associate director, Plastic Surgery Residency Program, she has been included in the Best Doctors in America database and the Guide to America’s Top Surgeons. Named a Texas “Top Doc,” Dr. Phillips has also been recognized by Texas Monthly as a Texas Super Doctor, and is the current president of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.

Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

21

The Secret of our Poverty

By Michael Gos Nacogdoches, Texas

W

hen my wife and I are on the road rambling through Texas, whenever we can, we stay in old homes rather than hotels. Sometimes they are magnificent mansions like the Belle Oaks Inn in Gonzales. Other times they are ancient log cabins, like the Barrett House in Nacogdoches, where we are today. It was the home of Tol Barrett, the man who drilled the first oil well in Texas.

Well back in the woods, you feel like you are a million miles from the 21st century. There is no road noise, no light pollution—just you, the woods and the birds singing. I’m not sure why, but being here feels like home to me. It is nothing like the place where I grew up, but it is a place where I feel I could lay down roots. That is important to my spirit.

As Americans, we are the product of the world’s discontent. From the beginning—from the first peoples that crossed the Bering Straits from Asia, through the pilgrims at Roanoke and Plymouth, and the great migrations first from Western, then Eastern Europe, people unhappy with life where they were, came looking for something better.

And this has gone on for centuries, generation after generation.

Something in our American DNA causes us to want to move on to something better. We just don’t stay put. Those early European settlers weren’t on our east coast for long before they started moving west for a better life. Eventually, some of those who were already west of the Appalachians, like Davy Crockett, got tired of Tennessee and moved to Texas. And it continued all the way to the west coast. Moving for a better life has always been a part of the essence of the American spirit.

Although the entire country has long ago been covered with people, even today, as a society, we still move around a lot. Some relocate because they live in cities or states where the political climate is oppressive, the weather is nasty, or where their personal safety is threatened. Others move because they are looking for advancement, socially or economically.

All these factors have been present since the first people arrived here thousands of years ago and they remain today. We want better lives.

And as our lives get better, there comes with that a side bonus . . . or is it a curse? We tend to gather more stuff. Then, of course, we need someplace to put it. We need bigger and bigger homes. Even if we stay in the same general locale, we are forced to move on to new digs.

All of these situations mean change. Positive

22

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

though it may be, change is always disturbing.

Moving to a new location, leaving your old home, is one of the most difficult changes of all, but that seems to be a part of the essence of who we are as Americans.

When you think about it, it makes sense. All of us can trace our ancestry to a place far away.

Most of us can trace further movements crosscountry after our ancestors arrived in America.

Mine came through Ellis Island, stayed in New York awhile, moved on to Pennsylvania, and eventually landed in Indiana. Many can identify similar movements in their own lives, and I am no exception there either since I grew up in Indiana, but am now in Texas.

As we hoped, these moves have, in general, been fulfilling. As we move across town, or across the country, to a job that pays more, we find we can buy more stuff and indeed give our families a better life. All of this contributes to the unprecedented prosperity that we Americans experience. We have built the richest country in history.

But there is a problem. There is another part of us, a part that is bigger than being American.

It is the part that is in the essence of all humans.

We want, we need, a place—a home, somewhere to put down roots. And the dissonance caused by this clash in values is crippling.

We all experience this yearning, deep in our souls. Many of us force ourselves to bury those feelings. We have no other choice.

Our “Americanness” requires us to look for something better. For others, even if we do recognize the yearning, home is not available to us. I would love to go home, humble though it

may be, however, it is just not a safe place to be.

I often find myself looking at my childhood home and neighborhood on Google Earth. It’s a poor substitute. My wife is in a similar position. She lost her childhood homestead to fire.

But now, something seems to be changing.

Over the generations, this American essence, this need to move on to something better, has brought us to a point where some of us, particularly younger people, don’t seem to have a sense of home, of grounding, at all. I have a colleague who owns a ranch in Colorado. It has been his family home for five generations.

When he retired, he planned to move back “home.” He also decided it was time to make some decisions about property distribution. He has two daughters and they have both made it abundantly clear they want no part of the ranch.

They want to live somewhere more “exciting.”

Afraid they would make poor decisions in selling the homestead in the future, he decided the best idea would be to handle the sale himself. Now he will live out his days in Baytown.

The concept of home as a place where you belong—a place that you belong to—is unknown to his daughters, and to many others like them.

We move on to improve our condition. We gather stuff and build wealth. We secure better, more prosperous lives. But we fail to take root in the earth. And that human essence that requires us to need a home, a place where we have put down roots, leaves us with a huge hole—an impoverishment of the spirit.

Our choice to deprive ourselves of a home is the secret of our spiritual poverty.

at

July 18th • Doors open at 9:30 Gospel and Brunch 10-11:30

Hosted by

Buffet style brunch in the Backyard tbonetoms.com u Eventbrite 707 Hwy. 146 u Kemah

Mark Geyer steps down as center director at JSC

By Mary Alys Cherry

M

ark Geyer, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is stepping down from his position leading the center to focus more time on his health and family in light of a cancer diagnosis.

“Mark has had an exceptional impact on this agency, leading the nation’s key human spaceflight programs for decades. Under Mark’s leadership, Johnson has moved the United States into a new era of human space exploration,” said NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson. “We’re fortunate to continue to have Mark and his decades of expertise serving the agency in his new role as senior advisor to the associate administrator.”

Vanessa Wyche, who has served as deputy director of Johnson since August 2018, will serve as acting director. Before becoming deputy director, Wyche, a 31-year NASA veteran, served as assistant center director, director of the center’s Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, worked in the executive office of the NASA

administrator, served as a flight manager for multiple space shuttle missions, and has led other center-level technical and program organizations.

“It has been my honor to lead the Johnson Space Center team,” Geyer said. “JSC is a group of extremely talented professionals all dedicated to the mission of expanding human exploration of the solar system. The diverse scope of work they accomplished and the challenges they overcame inspired me every day. I have been so blessed to work here.”

Before being named to lead Johnson in May 2018, Geyer’s career has included key positions in the International Space Station Program, serving as program manager of the Orion Program, and supporting the agency as deputy associate administrator in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Mark Geyer

Geyer is the recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and Meritorious and Distinguished Presidential Rank Awards.

Vanessa Wyche JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

GOLF CART POKER RUN p

a C e R

24

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

The 2nd annual Golf Cart Poker Run supporting First Responders roared in Kemah on May 22nd with 420 participants and raising over $40,000 for the Kemah Police Department, Kemah Volunteer Fire Department, and the Clear Lake Shores Police Department.

Jackie Powell coordinated this great event with Jackie's Brickhouse and other Kemah venues to promote the dedicated local officers and firefighters.

Special thanks to First Financial Bank, Golf Carts of Texas, Dos Equis, Bay Area Houston Magazine, Clean Coast Supply, and other sponsors for making this event such a success!

Photos By GH ANDREW

By Alisa Star

L

FASHION FAD& style et’s not confuse fashion with style.

Fashion is a seasonal party if you will. It’s runway shows and all the excitement with the latest fashions and designers.

It’s what’s being offered and worn by most at any particular moment.

Fashion is a fad, a trend that does not last for but a season. People that follow the fashion world are basically in a comparison mode wanting to look and be seen just like everyone else.

Fashion can be very exhausting, on the go constantly to get all the latest runway items and the money that can go with that can get expensive. However style stays with you no matter what the fashion is at the moment.Style is what we project, it is in a way who we are. It’s a statement about you!

A person’s wardrobe says a lot about them. What you wear can inform passerbys the type of employment you have as well as your ambitions. Also money or spending habits that you may require, maybe what era you came from. Style says who you are and makes you feel good about yourself with your clothing choices.

Whether you’re a man or woman we all have a style about us. There is the classic look for a man, button down collared shirt with jeans or shorts; casual wear translates to style with comfort. The key to looking good while dressing casual is a good fit and not appearing sloppy.

As for a woman, casual everyday wear might be a designer t-shirt with a cute pair of capris or ripped jeans, with stylish sandals or wedges. Then, throw on a pair of hoop earrings and a long necklace and you’re set for everyday wear.

In our work environment, clothing should always be pressed, clean, and not too trendy. In a formal business setting the standard is a suit and jacket, pants or skirt. You can always dress it up with good accessories, earrings, necklace, and belt with as nicely shined shoes.

Polished footwear is always a plus for

the professional man.

Consider the everyday sportswear look. This type of style is usually for people who work in sport or exercise facilities or the mothers on the go.

This look is usually specific garments consisting of shorts, t-shirts, tracksuits, leggings, sport bras, tennis shoes, and caps. It’s a practical comfort style that fits the active person.

The classic style thrives on simple elegance and sophistication. It expresses a sense of stability and comfort in your personal look. The timeless style focuses on clean straight lines and impeccable tailoring. Combine pants with a crisp shirt and sports jacket, and finish it with a classic pointed shoe, fashion-forward handbag, pearls and an up-do.

Vintage style is one of my favorites.

This fashion imitates previous styles of different eras. This type of clothing can be found in second hand thrift stores.

Vintage styles can be fun to wear. You can get looks from the roaring 20’s, all the way through the big hair and the

Madonna look of the 80’s.This is also called Retro Style.

The good old Preppy look was originally adopted by the prep school students. This type of style is the collection of iconic designers, using patterns and colors that are the key to dressing preppy. Flowing blouses, collared shirt with a sweater, pencil skirts,and let’s not forget the Mary Jane heels.

For the men, match polo shorts with a polo shirt, and a sweater tied around the neck with loafer shoes. Another preppy look for the guy is a pair of white pants, a striped shirt, and a pair of Sperrys.

Don’t change to fit the fashion.

Change the fashion to fit you. Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak a word. Fashion is what you buy and style is what you do with it. It’s all about being yourself on purpose!

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

HOT ROD LUXURY

layers. For the Bay Area hot-rodder, this is a must drive. Pricing starts at $105,495.

Cadillac CT5 V

By Don Armstrong

S

OUPED-UP CARS ARE NOT AN American exclusive. Arriving here in 1975, BMW was a major player in the luxury performance category almost immediately. Although Cadillac may have been a little late to the hot rod party, GM’s luxury brand is now a global racing competitor.

INSIDE OF THE BMW M5 COMPETITION

BMW M5 Competition Catching a glimpse of one in the parking lot does not reveal the power of the BMW M5 Competition Sedan.

After closer inspection, however, you’ll quickly realize that something is lurking under its exterior dress.

Developed from the mid-size 5 Series, the “M” gets bits from the racing bin at BMW, including a 600-horsepower, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 engine.

As a daily commuter, this beast behaves like a gymnastics competitor at an awards banquet but put it in the gym during a Saturday track day and hang on tight.

The M5 grips corners like an Indy car, as the rush of power is controlled by its 26

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

INSIDE OF THE CADILLAC CT5 V

8-speed, paddle shifted, automatic transmission.

Inside the M5 you’ll find the creation of a seasoned home designer who has spent quality time on the Nürburgring track in Germany. Enjoy seats that coddle, controls at arm’s length and a glass cockpit with so many functions you’ll need a few hours of higher education to manage its many

The CT5 sedan replaces the outgoing CTS. But notice the similarity to BMW’s model designation, M5. That’s not just by happenstance.

The CT5 is an edgy sedan that sheds the idea that Cadillac is a stodgy relic from Grand Dad’s days; far from it.

Cadillac does a great job styling the nose and tail by incorporating lighting that is sleek, modern and attractive.

The large grille, with oversized Caddy emblem, lets the valet know this is a player. Under the hood of the “V” trim is a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that kicks out 360-horsepower.

Granted, this cannot compete head-to-head with the M5 CS (above), but Cadillac has a Blackwing version of the CT5 in the works. It will get a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 worth 668-horsepower and capable of a 0-60 MPH time of 3.7 seconds.

Our CT5 V is no slouch in interior design either, albeit a little less blingy than the BMW, at about half the price The CT5 V bargain begins at $62,680 We think you’ll be impressed.

a

it’s FiEstA

presents

Thursday, August 19th

5:30 pm - til

Live Music, Dancing, Tequila Tasting, Fiesta Treats, Cash Bar,

Sombrero Raffle, Giveaways, Auction and more!

BARTENDER CONTEST:

Best Concocted Margarita - WINS $500 Cash & Prizes Best Decorated Bar - WINS $100 Cash & Prizes Best Bartender - WINS $100 Cash & Prizes

Tickets $50 / per person at the DOOR

Ticket Includes 1 Raffle Ticket, a Fiesta Samples Plate, and Welcome Margarita FOR MORE INFO Call: 281.474.5875 RSVP REQUIRED

Benefitting local charities

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

27

!LAVISH GLAM W E

N

BODY SCULPTING For your Convenience -

We’ve Gone Mobile

Monthly Specials on these Services: Strawberry Laser Lipo Cavitation Laser Lipo FR Facials Cellulite Treatment “The Treatments totally work and the results are impressive.” -Erica Saldana Find us on Social Media JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

29

PATRIOTIC JUNE! You've got the whole wide world in your hand.

Read it NOW:

BayAreaHoustonMag.com

I just love a parade and the Fourth of July makes me so proud to be an American cat. My name is June, but I wish it were July. What a thrill to be able to curl up amidst all this red, white and blue. You know what would be better? To curl up in your lap. We can watch the parades and fireworks together. You can just bet I’ll be purring up a storm. I haven’t mastered the Star-Spangled Banner, but I’ll keep working on it with your love and encouragement. I’m also into toys and catnip, so I can also entertain you if you get bored. If you love America as much as I do, come check me out!

The shelter is only open by appointment, but you can fill out an application on our website www.bayareapetadoptions.org. Once approved, you will receive a phone call to set up an appointment so we can meet me and get to know each other.

If you have any questions, you can call us any day except Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 5p.m. at 281-339-2086.

Summer Stories

By Pastor Brad Heintz

E

very summer has stories to tell. Do you have a favorite one? What was your favorite summer growing up?

Remember that summer when you were so busy, alone or overwhelmed? Or how about the summer you got away and had so much fun? Or how about the summer you stayed home? What is your COVID-19 summer story from last year?

This summer is going to have a story also.

As things open up, as we get to go, and as we experience summer, don’t forget to share a good, bad or even redeemed story!

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

(Psalm 107:2-3) This verse is from Psalm 107. Psalm 107 is a poem about people with stories. Hebrew poetry

30

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

doesn’t rhyme like we do in English poetry.

Rather it creates a rhythm through repetition and patterns. There is a pattern that repeats in Psalm 107 painting a number of word pictures of people who have stories of being redeemed.

Redeemed is a word that in our times usually refers to coupons and discounts. When we think of redeeming something, we think of getting a break on the price. We smile when the grocery store checkout person tells us how much we saved. In the Bible, redeemed means to be bought back for a price.

Probably the word ransom and ransom payment are probably a better fit. To be ransomed from

enslavement or debt whether caused by self or others means to be redeemed.

In the Bible, your closest relative had the right to buy you back. One of the greatest love stories in the Bible is the Book of Ruth, where Boaz buys Ruth back as one of her distant relatives because he loves her hates the situation, she was in. Their love story is the story of the redeemed. They told their story and it has lasted through the ages. In fact, their story has a great effect on all of us. See, Ruth and Boaz are the great, great grandparents of King David.

It was through David’s family line that the promised Messiah, Jesus was born. Jesus is the greatest relative ever who, by giving his perfect life on the cross, paid the ransom price of our sins.

He will redeem all who trust in Him and what He did. Now that’s the greatest love story every and we can be written into it.

When we trust in Jesus, we are redeemed, our stories change, our lives change and even whatever we are going through this summer can change.

Wouldn’t it be great, if this summer our stories are all stories of being redeemed? Wouldn’t it be great if “The Redeemed” go out and share their stories? Wouldn’t it be great if by the end of summer, we are all sharing our stories with one another?

Have a great summer writing your story! Oh, and remember if you need a good summer story to read, try the book of Ruth or Psalm 107.

Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Seabrook, Texas, a vibrant family-style,

Your Favorite Lender!

At Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, we truly care about the relationships we build with our trusted real estate agents.

Fairway is able to offer you and your clients: • Quick pre-approvals* that are available seven days a week • Open house marketing material • The FairwayNOW mobile app, with application and document upload options available right on your borrower’s phone • A focus on purchase transactions

Contact me today to learn more!

April Quinones

Loan Officer | NMLS #1903284 105 Hunters Lane, Suite 106 | Friendswood, TX 77546 Cell: 865-556-9265 | Office: 281-819-2101 april.quinones@fairwaymc.com | www.aprilquinones.com *Pre-approval is based on a preliminary review of credit information provided to Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation which has not been reviewed by Underwriting.

Final loan approval is subject to a full Underwriting review of support documentation including, but not limited to, applicants’ creditworthiness, assets, income information, and a satisfactory appraisal. Copyright©2021 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. Distribution to general public is prohibited. This is not considered an advertisement as defined by 12 CFR 226.2(a)(2). All rights reserved.

FW 699428

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

Email: Sunnie@SunnieSideRealty.com

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

The Kelly Williams Show is proud to be partnering with Bay Area Houston Magazine.

Be a Part of it!

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

31

“Your Full Service Yacht Brokerage” SeaLakeYachtsLLC.com

281-549-4725

HOME OFFICE Kemah, Texas Watergate Yachting Center on Pier 3

OTHER OFFICES:

Galveston

715 N. Holiday Dr.

Galveston, Texas, US 77550 409-692-1228

Orange Beach

27011 Canal Rd.

Orange Beach, Alabama, US 36561 251-233-7651

MEET OUR CREW Doug Hughes CPYB Broker / Owner Kemah Office 832-561-3344

Billy Wiggins Galveston Office 409-692-1228

Jay Bettis CPYB Kemah Office 281-380-7898

Rex Bettis Kemah Office 281-250-7090

Gary Garnett Lakewoood Yacht Club 281-748-8756

Capt. Mike Pauling Rockport/Port A/Corpus 361-205-0425

Tony Smythe CPYB Kemah Office 713-542-0521

Capt. Davy Jones Orange Beach, AL 251-233-7651

Darrell Cottle CPYB Kemah Office 713-385-5567

Angela Hughes 281-248-6001

WE HAVE BEEN SELLING AND WE REALLY NEED NEW LISTINGS You may have heard already that boats are selling like crazy and we have been selling!

If you are Buying or SELLING please contact your favorite Sea Lake Yachts Broker.

LIMITED TIME OFFER. Mention this ad and List your boat with any of our professional brokers now and if we determine a market value of 150K or more, we will produce a drone video and professional photos from Pelican View Productions www.pelicanviewproductions A $500 Value at NO CHARGE! We have proven this sells boats! Call, text or email any of our brokers to let us know how we can help.

See all of our current listings here: www.sealakeyachtsllc.com 32

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

www.gulfcoastmariner.com

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

THE

SEASON

C

an you say unsettled weather? We could call last Summer’s weather unsettled! Could it have been caused by climate change or global warming? Whatever you called it, one thing is certain, Hurricane season is here!

Seems like the season just ended, now here we go again. Last year was a busy one. It was devastating to our neighbors East of Texas. God spared the coast of Texas from a direct hit by a major storm, but they still caused problems along our coast. Mainly coastal flooding, directly along the coast and inland bays. The question is, are you prepared for this year’s season?

Another active season is forecast. I had to evacuate the island twice last year. I really was not prepared, for the first evacuation order. I had to rush out, buy supplies, even plywood for my windows and doors. It was anything but fun! This year, I will be ready. Here is a simple checklist of supplies, you should have immediately available this season.

1. Flashlights and extra batteries 2. Candles 3. Water 4. Non-perishable food 5. Prescription medicine needed 6. First aid kit 7. Pet food/supplies 8. Blankets/sheets/pillow 9. Ditch Bag containing clothes, insurance papers, expensive jewelry, toiletries etc.

10. Cash!

11. Written evacuation plan 12. Plywood! If needed.

Everybody’s needs are different. This is just something to go by. Pass it along to your neighbors and friends.

The so-called storm forecast experts have no idea where they will make landfall. The Gulf is forecast to be active. Taking precautions now will lessen the stress and anxiety associated with a coming storm. Take it from me, I learned this the hard way. First and foremost, take care of your personal property and family. Your employer can wait, unless you are on the front line.

Remember, run from the water, hide from the wind!

I have been writing for this magazine and the old Gulf Coast Mariner for about 6 years. I really enjoy writing and God has given me a chance to write for another publication. On June 1, 2021, I took over as the correspondent for the Reel Report column in The Daily News (formerly Galveston Daily News).

Capt. Joe Kent is retired after 15 years. I will also be contributing a feature article once a week. I am excited about this opportunity! Until the next issue, many blessings to you and your families.

RAPALA X-RAP

TWITCHIN’ MULLET S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

WEIGHT: 5/16 oz. (model 06) | LENGTH: 2.5 inches

This smaller size of the Rapala X-Rap® Twitchin’ Mullet is an excellent choice when trout and redfish are feeding on small or newly hatched baitfish. A common phenomenon during the spring. This subsurface hardbait sinks to a depth of 1 -2 feet and can be retrieved at a moderately fast pace for a subsurface walk-the-dog action, or twitched and paused to entice sow trout. This is also a great lure for shallow marshes and grass flats.

The inline VMC hooks produce good hook-up ratios and reduce fouling from vegetation.

COLOR: Gold Olive

(Available in 16 other colors)

www.rapala.com

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

33

Photography by GH Andrew

VAN WILKS

By GH Andrew

ROBERT GREANEY

KEVIN FENTON

VAN WILKS

BOOTLEG RODEO

Another great place in the Lighthouse District to enjoy the Kemah breeze is on the patio at Prohibition 52 where they’ve got a dandy of a kitchen going, a top shelf bar and Bootleg Rodeo on stage.

This band is an enigma to me - Built with musicians I associate with Pop, Rock, Metal, and Classical yet pull off convincing Country Folk Western.

Check them out and let me know if you agree.

This area has some super soloist in the BOOTLEG RODEO business and Robert Greaney is one of them, playing the acoustic with the ease of an electric and not only uses backing tracks like Bill e enjoyed catching up with many of you who Parrish, Greaney plays all of the music himself. We caught too ventured out In June. Getting ourselves Robert at T-Bone Tom’s in June as well as Van Wilks and a off 146 was paramount and we pulled it into the six musical act Sunday morning at Gospel Brunch - someLighthouse District where we heard Robert Grething we hope lands a monthly slot. aney, Kevin Fenton, Van Wilks, Bootleg Rodeo, and wrapped Van Wilks is a gunslinger guitar virtuoso, rides into the area up June enjoying a six act musical cast at T-Bone Tom’s inauevery couple of months along with drummer Charlie Fountain, gural Gospel Brunch. hooks up with Navigator frontman Galen Medlenka on bass Sundown under the Kemah bridge was a striking setting and has built a crowd of regulars whenever he arrives into where Kevin Fenton on the Tookie’s patio serenaded diners town. Check him out when he returns - You’ll enjoy the treat. with compelling David Gates, James Taylor, Simon and Gar-

W

funkel, Sinatra and Pink Floyd.

With harmony from Ralinda Fenton, and the gentle breeze off Galveston Bay, the Tookie’s patio proved again, a great place to hang out and catch up with new and old friends.

34

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

Life is returning to our area… Get out, enjoy, and be sure and include live music when you do - Your soul will thank you!!!

Voting for the Best of the Bay Awards begins NOW IT’S BACK BABY! BEST OF THE BAY AWARDS

Celebrating the everyday superheroes who make the Bay Area a great place to live and work. Thank you to all of Galveston County for a successful 2021 event. Your impact helps saves the lives of local heart heroes.

Maddox Totten

CT Griffin

JD Farmer

Lynn Clore

For more information, to get involved with AHA or to reserve a table for the 2022 gala, contact: kayla.griffin@heart.org

Give your favorite bar, business, restaurant, doctor, or establishment their well deserved kudos and vote for them in the 2020 Bay Area Houston Magazine Best of the Bay Awards. Every year we lift up the people’s voice, tally every vote and announce the winners of these coveted awards at a fantastic celebration.

Voting begins NOW at BayAreaHoustonMag.com.

THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES Best Asian Cuisine

Best Indian Restaurant

Best Auto Repair

Best Italian Restaurant

Best Band

Best Luxury Car

Best Bank

Best Margarita

Best Bartender

Best Marina

Best BBQ

Best Mexican Restaurant

Best Breakfast

Best NOLA Restaurant

Best Brunch

Best Oysters

Best Burger

Best Pasta

Best Cajun Restaurant

Best Pizza

Best Car Dealer - domestic

Best Po-Boy

Best Car Dealer - foreign

Best Pub/Bar

Best Credit Union

Best Realtor/Agent

Best Café

Best Resale Shop

Best City to Live

Most Romantic Restaurant

Best Contractor/Remodeler

Best Seafood

Best Coffee House

Best Steak

Best Dentist

Best Sushi

Best Entertainment Spot

Best Vegan Restaurant

Best Entertainment Venue

Best Vocalist – Male

Best Family Restaurant

Best Vocalist – Female

Best Florist

Best Web Design/Marketing Agency

Best Gift Shop

Best Wine Bar

Best Gumbo

Best Women’s Apparel

Best Hair Salon

Best Women’s Boutique

Best Hair Stylist

Best Yacht Club

Best Hospital

Best Urgent Care

VOTE ONLINE AT BAYAREAHOUSTONMAG.COM

36

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

146

30 24

45

39 40

Sokols Greek

Sawa

Dan’s

29

Americano Cafe c

OG Express

Angelo’s Escalante’s 22

14 28 10 12 Noon & Mirch 36Nobi

Masa Sushi

Pappa’s Delta Blues 16 BB’s 20 El Tiempo Floyd’s

Mediterraneo

Pomodoro’s

33 Las Haciendas

31

19 11

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

MichiRu

r l e a

Opus

Boondoggles

9

46

44

34 Las Haciendas 25

Schafer’s

45

Tookies

Jackie’s Brickhouse

Tookie’s Seafood

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Crazy Alan’s

Cabo

18

Sundance

37

42

Wong’s Chef Classic Cafe

l a k e BARge 295

Scotty’s

32

27

38

8

g a l v e s t o n

Bakkhus

b ay

Skallywag’s

Dan’s Pizza

25

13

T-Bone Tom’s Kemah Cafe

35 Red River Cantina 17 Red River BBQ

Gilhooley’s

AMERICAN ASIAN BBQ CAJUN ITALIAN MEDITERR. MEXICAN PUB/FUSION SEAFOOD

41 43

Marais

Gio’s

AMERICAN 1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr. Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com 2. Red Oak Café 6011 W Main St., #106, League City, TX (832) 905-3150 redoakcafe.com 3. T-Bone Tom’s 707 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 334-2133 tbonetoms.com 4. Cabo Bar & Grill 2513 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-2691 caboclearlake.com 5. BARge 295 2613 1/2 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 549-7603 thebarge295.com

Pier 6

Red Oak Cafe

21 15

Dickinson BBQ

23

10. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkway, Webster, TX (281) 486-9688 masasuschitexas.com

19. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood 20760 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-7474 floydswebster.com

29. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 286-2989 sawarestaurantgrill.com

38. Skallywag Suds & Grub 600 6th St. Kemah, TX (281) 538-8877 m o s e s skallywag-kemah.com

11. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com

20. BB’s Tex-Orleans 1039 Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX (281) 767-9644 bbtexorleans.com

30. Sokols Greek Deli & Café 2410 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX (281) 286-2989 sokolsgreekcafe.com

39. Boondoogles Pub 4106 E NASA Pkwy, El Lago, TX (281) 326-2739 boondogglespub.com

12. Noon Mirch - Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Parkway, Webster, TX (281) 333-4343 noonmirch.com

21. Marais 2015 FM 517 W., Dickinson, TX (281) 534-1986 maraistx.com

MEXICAN/TEX MEX 31. El Tiempo Cantina 20237 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (713) 802-1500 eltiempocantina.com

40. Chelsea Wine Bar 4106 E NASA Pkwy, Ste F, El Lago, TX (281) 326-5282 chelseawinebartexas.com

13. Kemah Café 1201 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 535-9405 kemahcafe.com

ITALIAN 22. Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 400 Bay Area Blvd A, Webster, TX (281) 332-2404 angelospizza-pasta.com

32. Habañero’s Tacos 1908 Hialeah Dr., #2, Seabrook, TX (281) 474-4400 havanerostacos.com

SEAFOOD 41. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St. San Leon, TX 281-339-3813 gilhooleystx.com

23. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W, Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com

33. Las Haciendas - Webster 1020 W. NASA Rd. 1, Webster, TX (281) 557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.com

42. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com

14. Oriental Gourmet Express 1354 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX (281) 335-4567 orientalgourmetexpresstogo.com

l a k e

6. Opus Bistro & Steakhouse 2500 South Shore Blvd, League City, TX (281) 334-5225 opusbistro.net

BARBEQUE 15. Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-9405 dickinsonbbq.com

24. Dan’s Pizza/25. Dan’s Pizza Wings ‘N’ Beer 15148 TX-3, Webster|800 Bradford, Kemah (281) 480-9700 | (832) 551-3267 danspizzaco.com

34. Las Haciendas - League City 2951 Marina Bay Dr., League City, TX (281) 334-2175 lashaciendasgrill.com

43. Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House 113 6th St., San Leon, TX (281) 339-1515 pier6seafood.com

7. Americano Café 2900 E NASA Pkwy, Suite 310, Seabrook, TX (281) 957-7830 americanocafe.us

16. Pappas Delta Blues 19901 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-0024 www.pappasdeltablues.com

26. Pomodoro’s Cucina Italiana 2700 Marina Bay Dr., League City, TX (281) 334-5950 pomodorosonline.com

35. Red River Cantina 1911 E Main St. A, League City, TX (281) 557-8156 redrivercantina.com

44. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr., Kemah, TX (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com

8. Tookie’s Burgers 406 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 942-9334 tookiesburgers.com

17. Red River BBQ 1911 E. Main St. B, League City, TX (281) 332-8086 redriverbbq.com

MEDITERRANEAN 27. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St., Kemah, TX (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com

PUB/BAR/FUSION 36. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com

45. Schafer’s Coastal Bar & Grills 1002 Aspen Rd., Clear Lake Shores, TX (281) 532-6860 schafercoastalbarand grille.com

ASIAN 9. Wong’s Chef 2900 NASA Rd 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-3027 wongschef.com

CAJUN 18. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 310 Texas Avenue, Kemah, TX (281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com

28. Mediterraneo Market & Café 1400 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com

37. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr. League City, TX (281) 339-7474 www.scottyspubhouston,com

46. Seabrook Classic Café 2511 NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 326-1512 seabrookclassiccafe.com

JULY 2021 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

37

38

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2021

PLANNING WITH PURPOSE.

Your dreams, your goals, your legacy. Your wealth used purposefully is what makes them possible.

Moody Bank helps bring them to life. For over 100 years, we’ve been helping people of means in the Bay Area do just that. How? By providing sound, customized strategies, unmatched personalized attention, and an unwavering commitment to truly understand the unique needs of those we proudly serve.

We’re here so you can get there.

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.