Bay Area Houston Magazine August 2012

T H E

B AY

A R E A’S

FAV O U R I T E

P U BL IC ATION

August 2012 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

• Clear Lake Chatter by Mary Alys Cherry • Fishing Galveston’s Offshore Oil Rigs • Cirque du Soleil Returns to Houston • Community News and Photos • 8th Annual Salute to Heroes • 2012 Good Skipper Gala • 2012 Jeep Wrangler • CCISD News

Live “The Lake Lifestyle”

AUGUST 2012

features

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Apartment Complexes that Promote Local Lifestyle

Pelican Reef & Villas by the Bay

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2012 Regional Superintendent of the Year

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Classes Start Monday, August 27

Dr. Greg Smith Back to School for CCISD

32 Budgeting:

For Back to School 33 Business:

Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs

ON THE COVER Villas By the Bay and Pelican Reef owners, Shelley Hunt-Nichols and Arron Nichols with their staff. Photography by Brian Stewart.

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Chairman Rick Clapp

Art Director Brandon Rowan

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Joyce B.K. Abbey

Raised Alongside America’s Space Program

38 Community:

Clear Lake Motorists Have Something to Smile About

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The Buzz in the Bayou City Designer Wheels

17 CLICK!

Good Skipper Gala

Graphic Designer Victoria Ugalde Photography Hal Bushnell Brian Stewart

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

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition

In Wheel Time

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The Power of Place

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Reefs of Steel

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The Dream was not Retired with the Space Shuttle

Texas Meditations The Admiral’s Log Clear Lake Chatter

in each issue

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

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columns

Sales & Marketing Patty Bederka Natalie Epperly Amber Sample

www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmedia.com 281.474.5875

World-Class Cancer Care Close to Home

38 Community: BAHM Taps Mary Alys Cherry as Publisher

President Rob Kumar

Community Affairs Director Lillian Harmon

Memorial Hermann Southeast

38 Community:

Area Marks Anniversary of ‘Murder by Mercedes’

Publisher Mary Alys Cherry

Vice President of Sales Patty Kane

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

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Advertiser’s Index

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Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events

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Events Calendar

Writers Volunteering. Try it!

You Will Love It! oung, mature, adult or retired, you can enjoy the many benefits of volunteering in our community. When we are young we have the energy and enthusiasm to volunteer as a worker soldier. As we continue to mature we go from workersoldier to director-leader and then in our golden years we should become teachers and share our experience.

A lifetime of volunteering is not only good for the community, it is a proven fact it is good for your mental and physical health. The federal government’s Corporation for National and Community Service evaluated the many benefits of volunteering at different age levels. For the younger people it expands their skill set and introduces them to new situations, networking opportunities and influential noteworthy people they ordinarily would not meet. Volunteers at all ages may experience a euphoric high or “helpers high” often followed by an on-going feeling of well being created through the actual act of giving.

“A lifetime of volunteering is not only good for the community, it is a proven fact it is good for your mental and physical health.”

Studies show older adults who volunteer for their favorite cause and who experience satisfaction tend to live longer. They experience a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment as well as more functional ability and tend to be less lonely and isolated than their counterparts that do not volunteer. A recent Penn State College of Medicine study showed volunteering for a kindergarten class helped older adults with mild dementia by lowering stress and enhancing their quality of life, relationships and self-esteem.

We benefit even more if they volunteer for two or more organizations and perform 40-100 hours per year. The more individuals are engaged the more helpful benefits they receive.

Finally, motivation and attitude make a difference.

University of Michigan, researchers found that volunteers who worked without concern of their own interest, lived longer. Consequently, those that volunteered for self-centered reasons (running from their own troubles or because of people’s opinions) had the same mortality rate as non-volunteers. The bottom line is, if you are not sincere about your commitment to help others you will not reap the benefits of volunteerism.

God bless America! We as a people volunteer and donate more money than any nation or combination of nations in the world.

So, get off the couch, quit thinking about yourself and your worries, go volunteer and help a worthy cause. You will live longer and feel better!

Don Armstrong In Wheel Time

Mary Alys Cherry Clear Lake Chatter

Rod Evans Boating/Fitness

Michael Gos Texas Meditations

Captain Joe Kent Fishing

Betha Merit Travel/Food/Wine

Pat Patton Click

Dr. Ed Reitman Nourishing the Mind

Roseann Rogers The Buzz

Zach Tate Music

Rick Clapp Publisher/Chairman

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Advertiser’s Index Art of Ricardo Gallery

Page 40

Back Bay Boutique

Page 41

www.artofricardogallery.com

BAHRMA Page 44 www.bahrma.org Baubles and Beads

Page 42

Bayway Homes

Page 34

www.baywayhomes.com

Big Splash Web Design

Page 3

www.bigsplashwebdesign.com

Boudreaux’s on the Bayou

Page 43

www.boudreauxsonthebayou.com

Bungalow Dry Goods

Page 51

Casanova’s Downfall

Page 40

City of Dickinson

Page 14

Claudio & Mattia’s Piano Bar

Page 14

Clear Creek Winery

Page 6

Clothes Horse

Page 42

Coastal Plastic Surgery

Page 28

www.tadammd.com

College of the Mainland

Page 14

www.com.edu

Cullen’s Upscale American Grill

Page 13

www.cullenshouston.com

www.ci.dickinson.tx.us www.clearcreekvineyard.com

Digitex Page 33 www.digitexcorp.com Dr. J. Derek Tieken

Page 48

Elan Transportation

Page 39

www.tiekensmiles.com

Encore Resale Shop

Page 40

Envoy Mortgage

Page 10

www.envoymortgageapp.com

Floyd’s Cajun Seafood

Page 47

www.floydsseafood.com

Fondren Orthopedic

Page 2

www.fondren.com

Frog at Home

Page 7

www.frogathome.com

Ginger Snaps

Page 42

Harbour Plastic Surgery

Page 49

www.harbourplasticsurgery.com

Head to Footsies

Page 43

www.headtofootsies.com

HomeTown Bank

Page 15

www.htbna.com

Houston Technology Center

Page 37

www.houstontech.org

Island Furniture

Page 34

www.islandfurniture.net

Jeter Memorial Funeral Home

Page 14

www.jeterfuneralhome.com

JuJu’s Beachwear

Page 39

Kemah Boardwalk

Page 29

www.kemahboardwalk.com

Kemah Gardens

Page 36

www.kemahgardens.com

Las Haciendas

Page 36

www.lashaciendasgrill.com

Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant Page 41

www.mamacitasmexicanrestaurant.com

Martha Turner Properties

Page 12

www.marthaturner.com

Mayfield Manor

Page 43

www.hauntedmayfieldmanor.com

MD Anderson

Page 51

www.findyourMDanderson.com

Mediterraneo Market & Cafe

Page 15

Memorial Hermann-SE

Page 5

www.memorialhermann.org

Norman Frede Chevrolet

Page 30

www.fredechevrolet.com

Oasis Salon and Medispa

Page 46

www.oasisclearlake.com

Opus Bistro

Page 15

www.opusbistro.net

Park Avenue Showplace Antiques Page 42

www.parkavenueshowplaceantiques.com

Park Lane Jewelry

Page 45

www.jewelsbyparklane.com

Pirate’s Bay Waterpark

Page 21

www.baytown.org/piratesbay

Prestige Flooring

Page 45

www.prestigeflooring.com

Ron Carter Clear Lake

Page 19

www.roncartercadillac.com

Royal Indulgence

Page 41

www.royal-indulgence.com

Salon La Rouge

Page 36

www.salonlarouge.org

Seabrook Waffle Company

Page 41

South Shore Grille

Page 20

www.soshoregrille.com

Star Toyota Page 4 www.startoyota.com Stylin’ With Linda

Page 39

Texas First Bank

Page 32

That’s Haute Boutique

Page 40

Unicare Dental

Page 52

www.texasfirstbank.com www.drnoie.com

Unleashed Page 40

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Victory Marine

Page 39

Wine and Dine

Page 15

www.govictorymarine.com

DENTAL HEALTH When it Comes to Your Smile Don’t Settle for Second Best Did you know that not long ago,

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dentures were common wedding gifts in the British Isles because many people expected to eventually lose all of their teeth and expedited the process by having them extracted at an early age.

entistry has come a long way since then.

Today, we know a lot more about the diseases of the mouth.

We understand what causes tooth decay and more importantly, what are the leading causes of tooth loss.

Thanks to a nationwide dental education campaign in public schools and availability of fluoride in city waters tooth decay is on the decline. Even when tooth decay occurs, we have become very efficient at restoring them. With the new radiation technology we can detect them much earlier than before.

Also, thanks to the new advancements in restorative dentistry we can preserve a tooth no matter how badly it has been decayed. Gum disease however is another story. According to a survey by American Dental Association, today, most tooth loss in people under 35 years of age is caused by accidental trauma while the number one causes of tooth loss in people over 35 remains periodontal disease.

If you, like millions of Americans, have lost one or more teeth due to accident, gum disease, or just bad genes, you may be all too familiar with the unpleasant consequences of missing teeth. For many, missing teeth lead to an unattractive smile, pain or difficulty with eating. Traditional dentistry can provide replacements for missing teeth using bridges, removable partials and dentures;

however, each of these options has serious consequences. We now know that the most serious consequence of losing teeth is the loss of bone volume that follows.

Over the years that bone loss can be very significant. Other advantages of dental implants are:

“Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures.”

Improved Speech With ill fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Dental implants allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

Convenience Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures.

You will eliminate the use of gooey denture adhesives that must be re-applied throughout the day. You will no longer need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, for fear that your teeth will pop out or fall down.

Improved Comfort Partials and dentures can, at times, be very unstable and lead to denture sores or speech difficulties. Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone gradually alters the fit of the denture resulting in loosening (slipping or rocking) of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue (sore spots) may add to the discomfort.

Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely, just like your natural teeth.

Better Eating The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As the jawbone shrinks, your chewing efficiency is reduced even more, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain, enjoy what everyone is eating and not think twice about it.

A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants, you can have the palate removed from your upper denture so you can taste and enjoy your food.

Improved Appearance Another little known problem associated with tooth loss is a process known as “atrophy,” a shrinking of the supporting bone that can progress relentlessly over the years. Bone atrophy not only affects jaw function, but can cause adverse facial cosmetic changes When teeth are lost, ongoing shrinkage of the jawbone occurs, making the face look older. Dental implants can slow or stop this process.

Protect Your Remaining Natural Teeth Bridgework usually involves altering (cutting down) precious natural teeth. Besides, since bridged teeth are connected; it is more difficult to floss and clean between the teeth. If one of the teeth underneath the bridge decays or gets damaged, the entire bridge will be compromised and must be replaced.

Dental implants spare the adjacent teeth and won’t decay like natural teeth. They look, feel, and function like your own natural teeth.

Improved Self Esteem Aside from all other benefits, dental implants can improve your self-esteem.

You can even clean your dental implants just as you would your natural teeth.

There are no special instructions or formulas to follow. Just use them like you use your natural teeth.

Doctor Noie has maintained a private practice in Bay Area since 1996 with an emphasis in cosmetics and implant dentistry. He is among a very rare group of dentists that performs both surgical placement and restoration of dental implants. For a complimentary consultation with Dr. Noie please call his office at (281) 332-4700 to schedule an appointment.

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

M A R K E T P L A C E

M A R K E T P L A C E

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Pool Project

Designer Wheels Just coming off the success of the city’s first Southern Living Showcase of Homes, interior decorator Edwina Alexis is constantly spinning her wheels coming up with creative ideas for homeowners in Houston, New York, and most recently in Palm Beach, Fla. When she’s not jet-setting across the country, she’s on her own new custom-colored bike. Alexis designed her bike through Villy Custom Bikes.

“I love the colors orange, yellow, and green together, as you can probably tell by the bike. I went to their website and picked the basics with a special note that I was very detail-oriented,” says Alexis. From there, she picked out a wicker basket, added pinstripes to the fenders, and my favorite, the lady bug bell. Villy Custom Bikes start around $600. A custom bike is a great way to show your own personality and have a bike that no one else will have. www. villycustoms.com

For some, a swimming pool is a way to beat the summer heat, but for others, a swimming pool grants the gift of mobility and exercise. The Greater Houston Chapter of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals has just launched their “Dive Into Recovery” program, building pools for families in need. The APSP recently awarded First Lieutenant Daniel Ebarb with the gift of a swimming pool, after he was paralyzed during his tour of duty in Iraq. “Being able to get into a pool to exercise is an amazing experience for me. It also makes me feel more like myself and mobile.” says Ebarb.

Cirque du Soleil is Back!

Mark your calendar, Cirque du Soleil is back under the big top in the Bayou City through August 19 for a limited engagement at Sam Houston Race Park. Kooza has several unique highlights from its Alice In Wonderland-inspired costumes to a 1,600-pound Wheel of Death operated by two fearless, leaping acrobats. cirquedusoleil.com

Summer Tote Whether you’re heading to the beach or the park this summer, the Porter Tote by Mary Nichols is the essential accessory. Not only is it stylish and fun, but it’s functional and able to carry all your goodies.

The best part is the tote is only $148. For an extra special touch, be sure to have it monogrammed!

Shopmarynichols.com

Color Bug The Upper Hand in River Oaks is responsible for giving its clients color, but not just any color—Color me pretty with Kevin Murphy Color Bug. Hot neon and pastel hues are all the rage for this season! That’s right, you don’t have to be a pop star or a chic streetwalker to sport the strong statement of a candy colored strand. Many are finding that semi-permanent color in those tones might be great at first but it fades fast, and permanent color usually means you’ll need to bleach first and let’s face it — that’s scary and can get expensive. The Kevin Murphy Color Bug is a stylist’s favorite new way to get you skittle-dipped with no strings attached. Quick Tip: Apply a favorite pomade to prime the strand and make for easier application of the product. Kevin Murphy Color Bug, $30. Want to know more? Check out www.theupperhand.com

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

Outdoor Movies Miller Outdoor Theatre is known for showing great productions like Annie and Hamlet, which are both on stage this month. However, are you ready for some of your favorite flicks?

If you’re a big John Hughes fan, you’re going to love this month. On August 21, at 8:30 p.m. Miller kicks off a summer “Brat Pack” trilogy with Sixteen Candles. Then, on August 22, (same time) The Breakfast Club is showing. Hughes of course wrote and directed the quintessential 1980s’ high school drama featuring the hottest young stars of the decade. Rounding out the pack is Pretty In Pink, one of my personal favorites about a teenager growing up on the wrong side of the tracks and her big prom night dream.

Admission is free. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

i n wheel t i m e

By D on Ar m strong

2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition Wins Bay Area Salute

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s a tribute to U.S. military members past and present, the Jeep brand has created the new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition. Available in red, white or blue, this special edition features a military-inspired star decal on the hood and rear quarter panels, along with an “Oscar Mike” (military jargon for “on the move”) fender badge.

The new limited-edition 2012 Jeep Wrangler Freedom model is based on the best-selling Sport model, and is available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. It is offered in three colors only: Deep Cherry Red, Bright White, and new True Blue that for 2012 is exclusive to the Wrangler

Freedom edition model.

Jeep Wrangler Freedom edition exterior features include unique Mineral Gray-painted 17-inch alloy wheels borrowed from the Wrangler Rubicon, gray-painted grille and front and rear bumper inserts, “Oscar Mike” star-incircle fender badges and decals on the hood and rear quarter panels among others.

The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway The Wrangler Freedom edition starts at $28,165 for two-door models and $30,670 for four-door models.

2013 Chevy Equinox Gets More Power - in Horses and Intelligence

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he Chevrolet Equinox rolls into 2013 with a new, more powerful 3.6L V-6 engine, Chevrolet MyLink Radio with Navigation and other features that will help maintain its momentum as one of the industry’s most popular small crossovers.

If you are tired of puny 4 cylinder engines that strain to pull away from the stop light or uninspired 6s that suck gas, the new, direct-injected 3.6L V-6 will put a smile back on your face. Not only does the 301 horsepower power plant deliver 14 percent more horsepower than the previous V-6, it delivers the same EPAestimated fuel economy – including 24

mpg on the highway.

Chevrolet MyLink adds another dimension of power to the 2013 Equinox, offering a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity with an intuitive interface that is easy to use. MyLink integrates Internet radio stations using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth-enabled phones.

Navigation is available on the upper end models.

If crossovers from Toyota, Honda or Kia are on your shopping list, do yourself a favor and stop by the Chevy store to check out the Equinox. Starting at $23,530, it may get you thinking “American” again.

Listen to In Wheel Time on Houston’s 1560 The Game/Yahoo Sports Radio!

Tune in to 1560AM The Game every Saturday morning from 10am to 1pm for Houston’s best car radio show with experts Mike Herzing and Don Armstrong.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

texas m e d i tat i o n s

By M i c ha el Gos

The Power of Place Montell, Texas omeone who has never locked a door in his life probably did not grow up in Gary, Indiana. It is far more likely he grew up somewhere like Montell, Texas.

I heard about Montell only because a friend of a friend had grown up there. I listened to stories about this guy for several months and was intrigued.

When I finally had a chance to meet him I was amazed at how similar our worldviews were. Yet to hear him tell it, our upbringings couldn’t have been more different.

He said he was just your typical product of Montell. I knew then I had to see the place.

Montell used to be a booming place. In the 1700s the Spanish built the Mission Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria there. It would come to be important as the Lipan-Apache began using the mission as protection from white settlers, the Mexicans and their strongest enemy, the Comanche. While the Spanish priests thought they were Christianizing the Indians, the Lipan were using the mission as a staging ground for their raids. By 1765, however, the Indians realized this was no longer safe as the settlers and the Comanche moved ever closer. Without the Indians, the mission soon closed.

Today, it’s not much of a town, and there is nothing visible from the road. There is a cemetery with a much larger population than the town itself. But if you know

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

where to turn, you can drive down a dirt road, into the deep woods and eventually you will come upon two tiny churches and the “Montell Country Club.”

I had come out here to do some photo work. I had

heard the country club was a one-of-a-kind place. If it hadn’t been for the sign out front, I would have missed it. It turned out to be an old one-room schoolhouse.

There is no pool, no golf course, no restaurant, none of

the usual country club amenities. Essentially it is an old community building used for private gatherings. There are two tiny churches on either side of it and it has views of the backside of the cemetery in one direction and woods in the other three.

I noticed a half dozen or so cars parked helter-skelter in the area, but saw no people so I got out of the Jeep and pulled out my camera equipment. Just as I was lining up my first shot, the door of the building opened and a woman came out. I thought “So much for that photo.”

I fully expected her to inform me that this was private property and then politely ask me to move on, but it turned out we had the great good fortune of coming upon the place when an extended family was having a get-together. She was surprisingly friendly and invited us in. Because it was the middle of the afternoon, we had already missed lunch but she said they had plenty of iced tea and desserts we could share. We were somewhat overwhelmed and embarrassed by the hospitality, but we felt it would be rude not to accept.

The room held about 25 people ranging in age from grade school to great-grandparents. They had just completed a team scavenger hunt and were busy tallying the results. We tried to stay as invisible as possible as they awaited the announcement of the winners. We went to the counter that carried a vast array of desserts, made our choices and took seats at a vacant table.

We no sooner sat down than our hostess started bring people over for us to meet. In the next 15 minutes we met about 20 people and learned what a small world it was. One of the women there was an alumna of my university back in Indiana. She had graduated from college when I was in junior high.

As more and more people pulled up chairs around us, the conversation turned to what I was photographing and why. I told them I had come out to shoot the country club building but now that I was here, I found I was really more fascinated with the two tiny churches I hadn’t heard about. When our hostess asked if I’d like to see inside one, I jumped at the chance. She called to her husband who she said could “reach the key.” He got up and said, “Let’s go then.”

I am convinced that places and character are inextricably linked. We are formed by our places and our experience in those places. Grow up in a city like I did and you grow up essentially helpless. You can’t produce your own food or power. Finding potable water is generally beyond your abilities. On the other hand, if you grow up in the country, you probably don’t lock your doors, you act friendly towards strangers and even make eye contact—things that might get you killed in a city.

Instinctively, we all know the importance of place in character development. Many of us choose the places we live largely for the ways the place will contribute to the character formation of our children. We often say, “It’s a good place to raise the kids.”

The place we grow up, while not of our own choosing, may have the most profound effect of all on who we will eventually become. But all the places we associate with have their effects on us. In fact, I think we are so influenced by our places that it is really impossible to truly get to know someone without getting to know their places as well. The choice of where we live is one of the most important decisions we make.

It reflects who we are.

Of course, there are other factors that contribute to character development besides place. The people in our lives have a lot to do with how we form our character.

But when you think about it, the people with the greatest influence on who we will grow to be generally are the people who were around when we were growing up—people also from the same place as us. Like us, they are formed by their places. Growing up then, we are doubly affected by that place; it feeds off itself. The people around us reinforce the power of that place in our lives.

We left the country club building and headed toward the church. As we got a few yards from the building, our guide stopped and then turned toward an ancient oak tree. I swear I am not lying about this—he started to climb it! He went up a ways and then looked around one large branch for a minute until he found the key. He climbed back down and we walked up to the building. He opened it and we went inside.

After a few minutes for photographs, we thanked him and went on our way.

I drove to my favorite bar in Camp Wood and spent a few minutes there enjoying a beer and going over my time in Montell. I thought about the man I know who came from here. I think I understand him better now.

And I think I may have even gotten a bit of insight into me. It seemed fitting that I would know where the “church key” is.

All the people in the country club, the invitation to join them, the man climbing the tree for the key, and me—all that stuff now fit. As I turned back on to the highway, I said to myself, “Only in Montell.”

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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“Drifting with baits on the surface or just below is a good way to fish any spot offshore, including wellorganized weed lines.”

Dorado, also known as mahi-mahi, are common around offshore weed lines and make great sport on light tackle. Locate these fish by chumming along the edge of the line and prepare yourself for some potentially nonstop action once a school is found.

“Steel reefs are my favorite places to fish offshore because of the wide variety of fish that appear around them.”

August, in my opinion, is by far the best month of the year to fish offshore. The weather is usually the most stable of any month (except for occasional “events” in the Gulf ) and all of the pelagic fish have arrived in the offshore waters of Texas.

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ewcomers to offshore fishing are finding easy ways to head out in smaller, seaworthy boats and locate prime fishing grounds by sight and not GPS systems and sophisticated sonar.

They are focusing on the “steel reefs” also known as oil and gas production platforms and wells. The steel reefs are numerous and can be found from five to 200 miles offshore and spotted from miles away. Each offers some kind of fishing whether it is surface action, bottom feeders or both.

Smaller boats can easily make it eight to 10 miles out with their limited fuel capacity and the larger boats head even farther out to the deeper “rigs,” as fishermen call the steel reefs.

Steel reefs are my favorite places to fish offshore because of the wide variety of fish that appear around them and the ease of hooking up.

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Either anchoring or hooking up to the rig itself offers two types of fishing.

Bottom lines can be used for the reef fish and surface lines (baits) for the pelagic group.

For bottom feeding fish such as grouper, snapper, triggerfish and others, use a multi-hooked rig with circle hooks, allowing you to drop baits to where the fish are concentrated.

At the same time, drift lines can be tossed out to attract the pelagic fish, such as king and ling, thereby adding to your odds of filling the ice chest.

Drift fishing the rigs is a good way to work them if you are not interested in catching the bottom dwellers such as red snapper, grouper and other reef fish.

For baits, live finfish are hard to beat.

Medium-sized piggy perch, mullet, shad, croaker and sand trout all are inviting to the larger offshore fish. Frozen Spanish sardines, ice fish, cigar minnows and

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

ribbonfish are all outstanding. Squid and cut bonito are good for bottom fishing, as they tend to be more difficult for the fish to jerk off the line.

For those new to drift lines, this method tends to be hard to accept. Drift lines should present the bait near the surface. Often, with a good current, the bait will float on the surface. Yes, the pelagic fish will come to the surface to strike the baits.

Often, there is little or no current offshore and the baited drift line will drop to the bottom or far below the surface. When that occurs, place a cork

or other float on the line to keep the bait from dropping more than three feet below the surface.

Drifting with baits on the surface or just below is a good way to fish any spot offshore, including well-organized weed lines. Shark and most of the other surface feeders will attack the baits while your rod is sitting in the rod holder on your boat.

In all cases, be sure the drag on your reel is not set too tight, as a ferocious strike will either pop the line or start the reel to singing and, for all of us offshore guys, singing reels are music to our ears.

Watch the weather and enjoy your offshore fishing. Keep in mind that there are more complicated regulations governing fish in federal waters; therefore brush up on the federal regulations before heading out.

We urge you to visit www.gulfcouncil. org for a complete list of federal and state fishing regulations before heading out on any offshore excursion.

News & Events Beneteau Rendezvous Slated for September 14-16

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ea Lake Yacht Sales and Lakewood Yacht Club are hosting a Beneteau Owners Rendezvous at Lakewood over Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16.

“If you are a proud owner of a fine Beneteau yacht – sail or power, you will not want to miss this fun-filled, interactive and educational event!” related Doug Hughes of Sea Lake Yacht Sales who is co-chairing the event with Steve Hegyesi of Lakewood.

The cost will be $75 per person to help cover the facility, food and drink. The Inner Harbor slip fee for nonmembers will be $30 per night which includes electricity.

“We wanted to get this date out to our Beneteau owners friends and future Beneteau owners,” explained Hughes, “and, importantly, you do not have to be an owner in order to participate in this exciting weekend. You are very welcome to come by ‘land yacht’.”

Children under 12 are free and ages 13 – 18 will be charged $25 if they plan to attend meals.

To register with the Beneteau model you will be bringing, please contact Doug Hughes with Sea Lake Yachts at 832-561-3344 or Steve Hegyesi, Lakewood’s Cruise Committee Chairman, at 2810979-1854.

all inclusive to J/Boat owners, their family, and friends. While the racers are on the water, their spouses, children, and friends can enjoy a myriad of activities and tourist attractions in and around the Bay Area Houston area. Goodie bags for skippers will contain coupons for family fun.

“Since Seabrook is the title sponsor for our regatta, we hope that visiting racers will book their accommodations at our fine Seabrook motels,” add LYC Fleet Captain Joyce Maxwell.

J/Boats Southwest, headquartered in Austin, is inviting J/Boat owners from all over the nation to bring their J/Boats to Seabrook and to participate in all the fall/winter sailing at J/ Fest Southwest and other local regattas.

One design fleets slated for the J/Fest Southwest Regatta include J/22, J/24, J/80, J/105, and the J/109. It will be a circuit stop for the J/22, 24, 105, and 109 classes. Race tracking will be available to the one-design classes and can be observed live on large screen TVs in the club house.

The pre-regatta skippers’ meeting will be held in the ballroom of LYC on the evening of Friday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. for check-in, meeting, and refreshments. A pool party and dinner are planned after the races on Saturday.

The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 14, after the races.

A myriad of sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Scott Spurlin at scott@ Jboatssouthwest.com For further information and to register to race, please go to the website www.

JfestSouthwest.com

Third Annual J/Fest Southwest Slated for October 13-14

J

/Fest Southwest Committee Chairman Al Goethe has announced that Lakewood Yacht Club (LYC) will be hosting its 3rd annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta on Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14. It is open to the public and all races will be held on Galveston Bay. J/Fest regattas have been held for over 27 years in Annapolis, San Diego, San Francisco, New Orleans and Seattle. The focus of the J/Fest is to give J/Boat racers a chance to compete in one-design races. “Our J/ Fest Southwest will be another great opportunity for Lakewood to promote and support a national caliber event,” remarked Goethe.

The overall theme of our J/Fest Regatta is to provide a venue that is

SAILORS INVITED TO BAY AREA HOUSTON AREA THIS FALL When the sailing season ends in most parts of the country, there is still a full calendar of racing activities during the fall and winter seasons on the Gulf Coast and Galveston Bay. “With our temperate climate, we have yearround racing on Galveston Bay,” related Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau President Pam Summers.

“Racers don’t have to put their boats in storage for the fall and winter. They should trailer them to our area for a few extra months of racing and enjoying the weekends on the water,” added Lakewood Yacht Club Fleet Captain Joyce Maxwell.

Several local yacht clubs, boatyards, and businesses are making provisions for free boat storage in between events for racers’ convenience. For details, please check the website: www.JFestSouthwest.com The organizations hosting autumn racing include the following: •

September 22-23: Houston Yacht Club One Design Regatta (J/22, J/24, J/80, J/105, and J/109) (www.houstonyachtclub.com)

•

October 6-7: Galveston Bay Cruising Association BBVA Compass Bank Regatta (www.gbca.org)

•

October 13-14: Lakewood Yacht Club J/Fest Southwest Regatta (www.lakewoodyachtclub.com)

•

October 25-28: Lakewood Yacht Club Harvest Moon Regatta (race from Galveston Bay 150 miles south to Port Aransas, TX)

•

November 17-18: Galveston Bay Cruising Association Turkey Day Regatta

•

The first regatta of the New Year starts in early January!

All regattas are held on Galveston Bay unless otherwise noted. For added activities and notice of races, please check the above organizations’ websites.

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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(Above) Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy Harreld, right, is happy to see Marcy and Jack Fryday as they join the BAHEP Board for a viewing of the updated Space Center Houston film, On Human Destiny. (Right) Space Center Houston President Richard Allen, second from right, thanks his guests for participating in the special program he hosted at the visitor center . They are, from right, Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats; Deputy Director Ellen Ochoa; Bob Rogers, the original designer of Space Center Houston who presented the program; Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana, who is also a former JSC deputy director; and JSC External Affairs Director Mike Kinkaid.

‘The dream was not retired with the shuttle’

A SPECIAL TREAT was in store for those invited to Space Center Houston for the premiere of its updated film, On Human Destiny.

They not only got to see the new film, which will be shown in the Blastoff Theatre, they got to hear its original creator and producer, Bob Rogers, talk about where human spaceflight is headed.

“Now once again we’re in transition. We’re at the dawn of an exciting new era with the launching of Dragon (by SpaceX) and the coming of Orion. The dream was not retired with the shuttle,” he emphasized as he addressed representatives of the business, aerospace and education communities beforehand.

The original 20-year old film has been shown since SCH’s opening, and needed the update to continue to tell NASA’s complete story, Space Center Houston President Richard Allen told the crowd that included

MARY ALYS CHERRY Clear Lake Area Chamber President Cindy Harreld and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell.

Both Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana were in the crowd, as were JSC Deputy

Director Ellen Cohen, astronauts Clay Anderson and Bill McArthur with his wife, Cindy, and former astronaut Leroy Chiao.

Others you might have spotted in the crowd were former Seabrook Mayor Jack Fryday and his wife, Marcy; Aerosys President John Martinec, Patriot Bank Senior VP Mike Huss with mortgage banker Al Saylor and Griffin Communications CEO Gwen Griffin.

Plus, retired COM Professor Emmeline Dodd, Joyce Abbey from SAIC, Dayni Alba from Boeing and Joel Walker.

Three grads in one family TALK ABOUT busy bees. John and Jill Smitherman had three graduations in two weeks!

“We are now officially done with 12 years of Clear Lake High School in a row!” Jill said as the last of her

(Left) BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, from left, talks with Griffin Communications CEO Gwen Griffin, mortgage banker Al Saylor of Patriot Bank and former astronaut Leroy Chiao after seeing the updated Space Center Houston film, On Human Destiny, at the visitor center on NASA Parkway in Clear Lake. (Right) John Martinec, left, president of Aerosys, stops to say hello to Patriot Bank officials, Senior Vice President Mike Huss, right; and mortgage banker Al Saylor, as they visit the backstage exhibit area at Space Center Houston’s Blastoff Theatre.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

children graduated from Lake.

Hannah Joy Smitherman graduated from LSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders while minoring in French and theater arts. She will begin graduate school at LSU in the fall, working on her master’s in speech-language pathology.

Emily Smitherman graduated from UT Southwestern Medical School with a Doctor of Medicine. Soon afterward she left for Durham, N.C., to start her pediatric residency at Duke University Medical Center.

Jacob Smitherman, magna cum laude honor graduate of Clear Lake High, will major in computer engineering at LSU this fall, following the Smitherman family’s Tiger tradition.

Both Smitherman sisters are former Lunar Rendezvous queens. Proud grandparents are Charles and Joy Smitherman.

Two special ladies honored WHEN ALL THE awards were passed out this spring by various clubs, two hard-working community volunteers were among those honored.

Laura Vaughn was honored by Clear Lake Area Panhellenic for her long hours of work with the

presentation of its Citation Award.

Five days later, the Assistance League presented Dr. Cindy Castille with its Sue Holstein Award for her work with the needy. Cindy provides free dental care for children in need through Assistance League’s partnership with Communities in Schools Bay Area.

Just enjoying the sea breezes IN CASE you’ve been wondering what became of former Lockheed Martin Space Operations President Jay Honeycutt and former United Space Alliance President Mike McCulley, we are happy to report the retired space luminaries are down in Florida enjoying the ocean breezes.

Mike, who retired in 2009, and his wife, Jane, and Jay, who retired a year or two before that, and his wife, Peggy, divide their time between Cocoa Beach and Sargeant, Texas. Jay, incidentally, is a former director of the Kennedy Space Center.

Dr. Lulla wins Onizuka Award THE ELLISON ONIZUKA Award, established in memory of the first Asian-American in space and the

hero who perished with Space Shuttle Challenger and her crew in 1986, recognizes Asian-Americans who have made notable contributions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The award also identifies individuals who embody the qualities that Onizuka modeled through his technical excellence and community outreach efforts.

Dr. Kamlesh Lulla, JSC director of the University Research, was the recipient of the 2012 Ellison Onizuka Award presented by the Houston’s Asian-Pacific American Heritage Association at its annual gala. “I was very pleased and thrilled,” Lulla said. “I have always admired astronaut Col. Ellison Onizuka. It was a great feeling to receive an award named in his honor.”

Internationally acclaimed for his research and scientific accomplishments, Lulla served as a chief scientist for Earth science payloads for the shuttle program and the International Space Station. His responsibilities included training shuttle astronauts in Earth imaging for more than 40 flights.

Lulla, also an author of over 200 scientific and technical papers and co-author and co-editor of the recent NASA book “Wings In Orbit,” gives credit to his Asian-American heritage for what he has been able to accomplish.

Coasting around....

TWO CLEAR CREEK ISD teachers were among the five honored as Appreciated Teachers by the Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union. They are Chris Mcglothlin of Parr Elementary and Marina Collier of Gilmore Elementary. . . . Bay Area Turning Point has named four new directors to replace retiring directors Monica Millican and Sally Rankin. They are Sherrie Matula, Jyric Sims, Mike Beck and Rita Armstrong. . . .Second Chance Pets has set the date for “There’s No Place Like Home” silent auction/dinner. It’s on the calendar for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. . . . Christmas in July? Garden Ridge is already putting out holiday décor, and Bay Area Houston Ballet will hold auditions for The Nutcracker Aug. 18 and 25 . . . .

Lewis Jewelers is now in Baybrook Passage across from Best Buy....

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Pelican Reef & Villas By the Bay Apartment Complexes Reflect and Promote Local Lifestyle

“Come to the quiet side of the lake, where the locals live and work,” is the slogan for two decidedly unique apartment complexes in Bay Area Houston. These words are attributed to Shelley Hunt-Nichols, who locally owns and manages the properties with her husband Aaron Nichols. “We have re-designed each complex to support a relaxed lifestyle that can only be found in the Seabrook and El Lago area,” says Shelley.

“We believe in community involvement,” says Aaron, who has spent his whole career in public service positions from the military, to state employee, to federal officer with U.S. customs. He spent seven years working with

troubled teens in Galveston and continues to do service alongside Shelley on coastal road clean-up crews (84 bags of trash cleaned up on Toddville Road last year), Toys for Tots, food banks, and coaching/ sponsoring local youth sports leagues.

These unique apartment complex owners are fully hands on, provide a wealth of community events for their renters, and make it fun. At Pelican Reef and Villas By The Bay, the staff is a close knit group that works as a team, and knows one another’s family members by name. A handyman is on call 24/7 to address renter’s needs.

And the owners carefully select the staff for commitment, people and professional skills, and the energy

By Betha Merit

they can provide to the overall ambience.

It shows.

A variety of options are available for apartment style and size, from efficiencies starting at 540 square feet to twobedrooms at 1042 square feet. Prices range from $499 to $920, and encompass basic amenities to upscale units with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, crown molding, and new appliances. A variety of tenants can be found as well. You will find everything from retirees and empty nesters to college-aged and singles to young families and families in transition.

The term village comes to mind.

“We have re-designed each complex to support a relaxed lifestyle that can only be found in the Seabrook and El Lago area.”

With Bay Area Houston being one of the top boating areas in the U.S., both Pelican Reef and Villas By The Bay offer a boat parking, boat storage, and boat washing station. Avid boaters, Shelley and Aaron are well known in the community, and frequently run into their apartment residents at local restaurants or events. Their kids attend local Seabrook schools as well. “We also support local businesses,” says Aaron. If it can be sourced or purchased locally, they support the community.

Shelley, who is a 7th generation Texan expounded on the amenities offered to residents. Each complex holds monthly activities such as cooking classes, beading classes, career counseling, and crawfish boils. Other perks for tenants include a business center, laundry room, car/dog/ boat washing stations, DVD library and book exchange, bike check-out, paid utilities, palapas and grills, pool, pet walking areas, parking, recycling, and more.

“When we saw the opportunity to renovate and make a difference in

our own community, we jumped at the chance,” says Shelley. They offer gardening areas for residents to practice using their green thumb on flowers or vegetables, etc.

Every month someone is awarded Patio of the Month status. Many residents work in the area at local restaurants, Johnson Space Center, coast guard, and other businesses. A local Seabrook law enforcement agent lives on site at the Villas and Pelican Reef is serviced by both Seabrook and El Lago police departments.

From Pelican Reef it’s a simple walk to Arlan’s Market and other local businesses and eateries. It’s a bit farther from Villas

By The Bay, but with today’s health consciousness, it’s a great way to get in some exercise. Residents can head down to Coffee Oasis for their morning coffee or snack.

Pelican Reef is located at 3802 Nasa Parkway, El Lago, and has 89 units.

Villas By The Bay is located at 2800 Nasa Parkway, Seabrook, and has 220 units. www.banyanequitymgmt.com , phone: 281-326-1039.

Why Locals Live at Pelican Reef and Villas By The Bay •

Utilities paid

•

Lush pool

•

Location Location Location

•

Business center

•

Laundry room

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Car/dog/boat wash stations

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Palapas and grills

•

Boat parking/storage

•

Bike check-out

•

DVD library and book exchange

•

Child friendly

•

Monthly activities

•

Gardening areas

•

Water views

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Fenced patios

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Pet walking areas

•

Village atmosphere

Villas By the Bay and Pelican Reef staff, from left, Priscilla Reed, Kimberly Rawls, Lisa Dodd, Brenda Alvarado, Pauline Cattan and Cindy Lerma.

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Education

Dr. Greg Smith Named Regional 2012 Superintendent of the Year

By Mary Alys Cherry

W

hile the massive state legislative budget cuts have inflicted a huge strain on the Clear Creek School District, it has not deterred Superintendent Greg Smith from his mission.

He is so driven, in fact, to see that his students get a first-class education, he has been named Regional Superintendent of the Year.

“In CCISD, we are committed to helping students not only achieve academically but also become positive contributors to the school community,” Dr. Smith says, proudly pointing out that of CCISD’s 2,770 June graduates, “97 percent of them are off to college, the workforce or the military.

“I am truly humbled by this honor because this award recognizes the outstanding work done by Clear Creek ISD staff each day. Our school district is

not just a great place to learn but also a great place to raise a family.”

Meanwhile, he continues to stay busy looking for ways to cut the district budget, while also offering a “world-class education.”

He was nominated by the CCISD Board of Trustees for his student-centered leadership. Region 4 represents 53 school districts, seven counties and more than one million students.

Board President Ken Baliker said Smith is deserving of the honor because of his ability to lead the district during difficult financial times, while simultaneously improving student performance.

“Dr. Smith has deftly managed a $17 million reduction in state funding to CCISD through thoughtful adjustments to programs, services and staffing, and our students continue to thrive. The board looks to Dr. Smith to lead this productive model for public education in our community.”

“Our school district is not just a great place to learn but also a great place to raise a family.”

As the regional winner, he will be the Region 4 nominee for the 2012 Texas Superintendent of the Year award, presented by the Texas Association of School Boards and announced Sept. 28 during the TASB annual convention in Austin.

Smith was presented with proclamations from the City of Nassau Bay and the City of League City in honor of the achievement. Both League City Mayor Tim Paulissen and Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman proclaimed the day as “Dr. Greg Smith Day” at their meetings, which were attended by CCISD school board members, who wanted to share in the celebration.

Dr. Smith joined Clear Creek ISD as superintendent of schools in January 2008 after serving for seven years as superintendent of the Alvin Independent School District.

Under his leadership, both Alvin ISD and Clear Creek ISD achieved Exemplary ratings from the Texas Education Agency -- the highest academic rating issued to a Texas school.

He began his education career in 1981 as an elementary/middle school teacher in Houston ISD, moving to Galveston ISD as assistant principal at Austin Intermediate and then principal at Ball High; and later Pearland High. In 1996 Dr. Smith joined CCISD central administration as a cluster director, and in 1998, he was named deputy superintendent of Pearland ISD. Dr. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University, Master’s degree in Education Administration from University of Houston-Clear Lake, and his Doctorate in Education Administration from Texas A&M University.

He and his wife, Kathy, are the parents of two daughters.

Education

School Days Just Around the Corner for CCISD Students

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

t may still be hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, but the summer holidays soon will be nearing an end for some 39,000 students in the Clear Creek School District.

First day of class at the 7 high schools, 10 intermediate campuses and 26 elementary schools is Monday, Aug. 27.

Teachers will begin work a week earlier, readying classrooms and study plans for the new 2012-13 school year.

The first semester will end Dec. 21, and the second semester will start Wednesday, Jan. 8, after the holidays, and end June 6. Spring break is on the calendar for March 11-15.

This year will be CCISD’s 64th year of operation. The district was formed back in 1948 with the consolidation of the

schools in Seabrook, Kemah, Webster and League City. Before consolidation, both League City and Webster had high schools, while Kemah and Seabrook had intermediate schools and sent their older students to Webster High.

With the merger, campuses had to be consolidated and Webster High became the only high school until Clear Creek High was built in 1957, after a bond election was approved. Back then, CCISD had fewer than 1,000 students.

Today, it is the 27th largest school district in Texas.

The district serves two counties – Harris and Galveston -- and 12 cities, including all the cities around Clear Lake and parts of Friendswood and Pasadena.

Back 55 years ago, when families were just beginning to add TVs to their households and computers were a thing of the future, Clear Creek High in

League City was a new school. Today it is brand new all over again after a threeyear $50 million rebuild that also gave it a new look.

For many years, it remained the only high school until Clear Lake High opened its doors in 1972. Since then, CCISD has grown by leaps and bounds, adding Clear Brook High near Friendswood in 1988, and Clear Springs High between League City and Friendswood in 2008 and Clear Falls High in Education Village between League City and Kemah in 2010.

And, what happened to Webster High?

It became Webster Intermediate and continued as such until 2005, when its students moved to the new Westbrook Intermediate on El Dorado Boulevard between Clear Lake and Friendswood.

Several schools offer innovative programs such as P.H. Greene Creative Arts Elementary, which focuses on the fine arts and addresses individual learning styles, providing students with successful opportunities in the arts and an infusion of those arts within the academic curriculum; and Seabrook Intermediate’s Science Magnet Program that gives students interested in the sciences a place to explore and develop their interests through a unique curriculum.

Selection for the Science Magnet Program, which is designed to

accommodate 100 students per grade level, is based foremost on the interest, motivation and commitment of the student.

For the gifted and talented, CCISD offers the Webster Academy Visions in Education or WAVE Program at two locations – Westbrook Intermediate on the northside and League City Intermediate on the southside of the district.

The WAVE program, created in 1996 for gifted and talented intermediate students, and originally housed in Webster, has grown from 320 students in 2000 to more than 745 students today.

At WAVE, students have the opportunity to interact with their intellectual peers from across the district and participate in accelerated math courses, interdisciplinary instruction in language arts, science and social studies offered by highly trained teachers who focus on the needs of the adolescent gifted learners.

Other high schools include Clear Horizons Early College High School, where students can earn their associate degree at San Jacinto College and amass two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree while in high school; and Clear View Education Center, a charter school and alternative learning center.

Budgeting: Back to School

By Jason Alderman

A

h, back-to-school time: the smell of newly sharpened pencils, fresh crayons and flowing cash.

If that third one’s got you down, take a look at these tips for creating – and sticking to – a back-to-school budget.

While families spend on what they need, parents must also work with their children to determine what they really don’t need.

Start early, and take time to get ready.

It doesn’t take much to turn the school’s supply list into a full-on shopping list. But you can do better than that.

Before you buy even one notebook, estimate how much you can afford to spend overall and what the costs are likely to be. Don’t leave anything out! It’s better to know ahead of time if things will be tight. (Keep reading for a bunch of creative ways to handle a shortage.)

Give some thought to what you’ll do with any extra money in the budget. Will the kids get something special from their mile-long wish lists? Or will the surplus be added back into the household budget?

Think ahead to find the best deals. Be on the lookout for the big back-to-school sales and go early. Even the big stores can sell out at the last minute.

How realistic is your budget? Try our back-to-school calculator to find out!

Get the kids involved. And not just with the shopping. Have them join in as you prepare; they’ll learn great lessons about budgeting, finding a good deal, and the difference between wants and needs.

Younger children can help cut coupons (with safety scissors, of course). And older kids can compare costs and tally them up. You might even put them in charge of looking for deals to stay under budget. Use back-to-school shopping as an opportunity to lay the foundation for helping your children develop sound money management habits early. Before you shop, review these tips: • Set a realistic back-to-school budget before you go shopping.

• Have your kids prepare a budget with you.

• Take a printout of your estimated budget with you when shopping and have your child enter in all of the actual expenses.

• Encourage children to follow the budget. Stress that getting a more expensive item might mean sacrificing something else.

• Encourage kids to consider ways to cut costs and manage cash flow, like clipping coupons, looking for sales or buying supplies each semester.

• Teach your kids to comparison shop to avoid impulse buying or paying for overpriced items.

• Differentiate between “needs” and “wants.” Encourage children to

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contribute their own money to fill the gap between what they “need” and what they “want.”

• Tell kids that if they come in under budget, you will split the savings with them.

• Continue the budgeting lesson by starting kids with an ongoing monthly budget.

Be willing to compromise on a few things. Sure, kids will want to have the same cool stuff their friends do. If your budget has the room, you can help them learn to prioritize.

Talk to them about how choosing a more expensive item means they’ll have to go cheap on another item, and give them a chance to think their choices through.

If they have money of their own, you might ask them to help fund that special lunchbox or name-brand backpack.

Get creative to slash the shopping bill. There’s a good chance school clothes will take up the biggest chunk of your back-to-school budget. But who says they have to be brand new? Trade clothes and books with other families, or hit the thrift stores and garage sales. If school uniforms are required, check whether the school has a trading or discount program.

Buying online? Play it smart! Order together with enough friends to get free shipping. Or buy bulk packs of supplies to share. You might also find a steal on eBay or Craigslist.

Shop the sales. It seems that sales for back-to-school get earlier and earlier.

Before you recycle those weekly newspaper ads, scan them for retailer’s sales on clothing and school supplies. Watch for coupons online, postcards and in the mail, and in-store promotions to look for deals.

Some items are worth scooping up on the spot, while you might wait for end-ofseason sales to replenish your kids’ closet and bookshelves. For big ticket items like electronics for your older kids, do your homework on price comparisons before giving in and buying the coolest new laptop for your teen.

Learn from the experience. Make your savvy back-to-school approach an annual tradition. Keep track of this year’s expenses to help figure out the budget next year.

Keep notes about what you discover, like where the best thrift stores are and when the store shelves start to empty. They’ll come in handy a year from now. And if your kids’ cost-savings decisions help you come out ahead, use it as a teachable moment to talk to them about what to do with the money that was saved.

Practice these smart shopping habits each year, and by the time the kids graduate, you’ll have saved a bundle. And they’ll be much more prepared for the real world.

Business Succession Planning for Entrepreneurs

By Greg Crinion

O

ne of the biggest challenges for business owners is to consider how their company will survive, prosper and grow without them at the helm.

Entrepreneurs strive to realize the value of building their business when they decide to sell. Whether by public or private sale, it is not a simple or quick process and it will never bring top dollar to the seller if conducted as a fire sale.

Every entrepreneur should have a detailed plan for the inevitable change in management and, ultimately, change in ownership of their business. This “succession plan� must detail who will succeed them in ownership, management and other functions of the business, timing of the transition, and under what circumstances. It involves introspection, analysis of the business and personnel, tax planning and legal preparation. The process involves in-depth and often times difficult decisions.

For example, an entrepreneur can leave stock in a corporation to those named in a will. However, from a practical perspective that ownership may have limited value if the entrepreneur is the sole executive and does not have a clear replacement identified. Of course, dying without a will only complicates the situation.

Proactive succession planning prepares the business management and employees for the day an entrepreneur retires or even dies. It is wise to assure that the management team has a detailed knowledge of the succession plan should the unexpected occur.

Additionally, prospective owners should know their role and have confidence in and respect for the incumbent management team. The ultimate goal in an ownership transition is for the business to continue to operate and grow during the change.

In addition to a change in ownership, succession planning often deals with a change in management. One scenario is where the entrepreneur builds a successful business but family members are not interested or qualified to manage it going forward. Or, the founder wants to ensure the business continues for the benefit of family and employees but is not yet ready to surrender control.

Profitable succession planning means having the right people in the right

positions to lead the company into the future.

If the current managers function only as caretakers, the business will falter and lose value before the right leadership can be hired. In this instance, those same family members, who are not interested or qualified to run the business, are often forced to make decisions that may not be in the best interest of the company.

This often arises in a business where no planning is done because it can be overwhelming to the founder(s) or descendents to formalize. Say the founders want to transfer ownership and management of their business to their children. Timing of when the parents will step aside and the children assume management authority must be predetermined as well as how that authority is to be divided among the children.

Answers must be found to whether the children will pay for the ownership interests and, if so, the price, the source of the money and the timing on the ownership change.

A change in ownership may also be accomplished by a gift. A gift means the founders receive nothing from the transfer of ownership and requires planning to determine whether it will be taxable or non-taxable and what ownership will be transferred at what time. Sometimes the most difficult decision is for an entrepreneur to admit that their children are not best-suited to succeed them and that it would be more beneficial to transfer ownership to the children but recruit independent leadership to oversee operation and growth of the business.

Only through good planning can business values be retained upon the final transition of ownership or control.

Until the deal is done, the company will continue to evolve based on market factors, personnel, ambitions and personal goals. As a result, succession planning can be an ongoing strategic initiative for an entrepreneur.

While there are multiple factors to consider, remember that tapping into professional tax advisors and legal counsel can assure a sound strategy, provide peace of mind and generate successful results.

Greg Crinion is a partner at Crinion Davis & Richardson LLP www.cdrlegal.com AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

World-Class Cancer Center Close to Home

W

hen it comes to cancer treatment, the Memorial Hermann Cancer CenterSoutheast has always provided world-class skill, leading-edge technology and the most modern cancer care available. “Residents in the Bay Area of Houston may not realize that such comprehensive cancer services are available to them close to home,” says Sahba Nadeem, M.D., an oncologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. “It’s a tremendous benefit to the community, because it is not uncommon for some patients to require treatment every day for six to seven weeks. With the Center so close, the burden is lessened for both patient and caregiver.”

At the Center, patients have access to exceptional clinical expertise in a broad range of cancers, including breast, urologic, colorectal, gynecologic, head and neck, lung and thyroid. Accredited with commendation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, the Center offers a continuum of diagnostic, treatment and support services to address the needs of patients in all stages of illness.

“Revolutionary advancements in oncology allow our multidisciplinary team to employ a radiation oncology program with an array of breakthrough techniques to treat multiple types of cancer,” says Nadya Hasham-Jiwa, M.D., an oncologist also affiliated with the

hospital. Image-guided radiation therapy combines a variety of imaging methods to more accurately locate and target a tumor before radiation even begins.

And a triple-energy linear accelerator delivers a uniform dose of high-energy X-ray, providing one of the highest levels of precision for targeting and treating tumors.

New bronchoscopy technology is also employed to improve the ability to detect and treat lung cancer at earlier stages and in areas traditionally difficult to access. The iLogic™ System at Memorial Hermann Southeast is the only device of its kind in the Bay Area of Houston and

provides a minimally invasive pathway to peripheral lung lesions – even for patients with procedure-restricting conditions.

The Center also offers supportive services such as pain management, psychosocial counseling, nutritional guidance and support groups. A specialized oncology nurse navigator guides each patient through every step, providing educational services and acting as a liaison to coordinate appointments, gather information and ensure the best experience possible. “The Center is patient-focused,” says Dr. Hasham-Jiwa.

“No longer do patients have to seek out care – we’re bringing it to them.”

Letters from our patients: To the Nurses and Staff, When I count my blessings, you all are among them. I want to thank you for the kindness, caring and compassion you all have shown to me during this bump in the road in my life. May God bless each of you as you have blessed me.

– D. Crow ---------------------Dear Friends, Nothing can demonstrate my gratitude to all of you for your care for me during these past few days.

You have gone “above and beyond” what might have been required of you, and you are very dear to me.

You will remain in my heart and prayers, and I thank you for choosing this kind of care as your profession.

– L. Cassidy

Sahba Nadeem, M.D.

Nadya Hasham-Jiwa, M.D. AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Raised Alongside America’s Manned Space Program

By Joyce B.K. Abbey

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arrived in the Clear Lake area as a toddler in the 60s. Back then, the Clear Lake area was a tiny mark on the map, destined for great things as America’s Manned Space Program took a foothold here.

Initially, we shopped for our back to school clothes at the Gulfgate Mall, then the Almeda Mall, and finally Baybrook.

McDonald’s hadn’t arrived, so the closest burger was in Pasadena at Burger Chef.

Our family often met the shrimp boats as they returned from the Bay to take home fresh Gulf shrimp.

We enjoyed going to the movies, got caught riding our bikes behind the mosquito sprayer and, as I grew up, so did the Clear Lake area.

I was like so many other children of my era – our parents helped America through the age of Apollo, Skylab, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Each of them contributed to building a community.

Records and a few hearts were broken as Clear Creek High School split forming Clear Lake, and then Brook, Springs and Falls.

Businesses found the Clear Lake area, and stayed for the relaxed lifestyle that I was so privileged to grow up with. My current dentist took over his father’s practice in Clear Lake. My church originally met in one of the early Lockheed buildings and eventually built larger and larger houses of worship.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

Roots were put down. Those were heady times, as our area grew.

I went off to college, saw more of the world, left home and lived in the big city.

But, I always came back to the Clear Lake area to see family, go to my favorite restaurants, and to feel the peace you can only get at home.

I matured, and so did the Clear Lake area—and helping with the growing pains and celebrating the success was the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Now, I am a full time Clear Lake area resident. I own a home in the neighborhood I grew up in and am delighted to find that there are others out here like me. I am proud to be from this area and proud of what our community is.

It was beyond pride that I felt when the President of our Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Cindy Harreld asked me to serve as the chair for the 50th year celebration. I could think of no better way to give back to the community that has given me so much, and said YES right away.

Congratulations Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce on 50 incredible years. It’s been a great journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both of us!

Joyce B.K. Abbey is the Employee Communications & External Relations Director for SAIC.

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Community

Clear Lake Motorists Have Something to Smile About

By Mary Alys Cherry

T

he Bay Area’s most vexing problem just got better in recent days.

First came the opening of the sparkling new El Camino Real from Bay Area Boulevard to NASA Parkway, followed shortly thereafter by the Webster City Council voting to support an extension of the NASA Bypass, to ease traffic off Interstate 45.

The $5.3 million El Camino Real facelift centered around demolition and replacement of the old bridge – an unusual and unified structure -- over Cow Bayou between Beacon and Briargrove Streets that was built many years ago. That, however, was only part of the project.

The county built an all-new concrete roadway along the one-mile stretch and Webster added five-foot-wide sidewalks with wheelchair accessible pedestrian ramps where warranted on both sides of the road – greatly improving pedestrian mobility. New storm sewers and traffic signals were added.

For motorists, it took forever and was no doubt frustrating. But while the project was under way more than a year, the road was open to traffic all but about four months. Most probably think it was worth the wait on driving down the attractive artery for the first time.

Webster’s support was crucial to the building of the $10 million NASA Bypass Extension, which will run from where the NASA Bypass connects to I-45 westward to West NASA Parkway and eventually tie in with the proposed Beamer Road Extension, already planned by the Houston-Galveston Area Council.

Webster Economic Development Specialist Karen Coglianese said H-GAC plans to widen Beamer Road to a fourlane concrete boulevard from Dixie Farm Road to Bay Area Boulevard in 2014, with the Beamer extension to West NASA Parkway near Friendswood in 2017.

“This important corridor would not only provide enhanced mobility east to west but also when combined with Beamer Road and the proposed Landing Boulevard Project in League City, mobility north to south would increase tremendously, as well,” she told the council.

“In all, the NASA Bypass Extension, the Beamer Road Extension and Widening Project, and Landing Boulevard will play a significant role in

Bay Area Houston Magazine Taps Mary Alys Cherry as its Publisher

L providing an evacuation route, spurring economic development, and alleviating commuter congestion.”

The city’s cost will be 20 percent or $2 million.

Mayor Floyd Myers said it would alleviate many of the area traffic problems. “I’ve been trying to get this for 10 years. I’ve knocked on every door I know of. It will not only help Webster, but everyone in the area.”

But all is not good news. The Interstate 45 South southbound frontage road at Dixie Farm Road (FM 1959) has been closed and will be for the next six months. This closure is part of a project that will widen IH 45 from six lanes to ten lanes from just south of Beltway 8 to El Dorado Boulevard. An additional frontage lane will also be added on each side and the Dixie Farm Road Bridge will also be torn down and reconstructed at street level.

This project is scheduled for completion in 2015.

Area Marks Anniversary of ‘Murder by Mercedes’

By Mary Alys Cherry

O

n July 24, the Clear Lake area marked the 10th anniversary of a crime that made headlines around the world and is still often the topic of conversation today – the crime known as Murder by Mercedes.

On that date in 2002, Dr. Clara Harris ran down her husband, Dr. David Harris, with her $70,000 Mercedes in the parking lot of the Nassau Bay Hilton, where she caught him with another woman.

Then on Valentine’s Day in 2011, when the two dentists normally would have been celebrating their 11th wedding anniversary, a Harris County judge sentenced her to 20 years in prison – sending shock waves through the community that had expected a lesser sentence in which the jury determined was a “crime of passion.”

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The sentencing came a day after the jury, composed of nine women and three men, found her guilty of murder.

Most damning testimony came from videos of her driving around the parking lot and running over her husband at least twice and from her stepdaughter Lindsey Harris, who was in the car when she ran over her husband.

Even though she was in prison, Harris, a native of Colombia, continued to make headlines as she was involved in a battle with her in-laws, Gerald and Mildred Harris – who stood by her the entire trial -- over custody of her twin boys, who were only 4 years old at the time of her sentencing.

Harris wanted her friends, Ana and Dr. Pat Jones, to raise her boys with their own twin boys in Friendswood.

Finally, a custody agreement was reached with the twins living primarily with the Joneses and visiting the grandparents every other weekend.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

Harris was back in the headlines again in 2007, when the inlaws sued her and won a $3.75 million settlement for the pain and suffering of losing their son. They said their son, a Clear Lake orthodontist had promised to provide for them financially in their senior years.

It is not known if they were able to collect.

Harris went to the hotel after an employee of Blue Moon Investigations, which she had hired to follow her husband, called her to report that he was at the hotel, court testimony revealed. As she and her stepdaughter walked through the lobby, David Harris and his alleged mistress, Gail Bridges, stepped out of the elevator together, setting off a melee in the lobby before moving outside, where he soon met his death.

ong-time Bay Area resident Mary Alys Cherry has been named publisher of Bay Area Magazine after an extensive career In the newspaper business.

Chairman Rick Clapp made the announcement.

“Many years ago I dreamed of putting out a magazine focusing on the Bay Area and its people.

I’m delighted that my dream has come true and looking forward to working with the magazine’s great staff and continuing to cover our wonderful area,” Cherry said.

She comes to the magazine after 30 years at The Bay Area Citizen, where she worked as a columnist for a number of years before becoming editor of the weekly newspaper. After nearly a decade as editor, she was named editor emeritus.

A journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Cherry joined The Citizen in 1981 after holding several executive editing positions on daily newspapers in Florida and her native North Carolina.

Shortly after joining The Citizen, she started her popular column focusing on Bay Area people, local volunteers and their efforts to make Clear Lake a better community. While editor, she and her staff won many state press awards including First Prize for General Excellence for five straight years in the Gulf Coast Press Association contest.

She serves on the Board of Directors of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership and the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation, and is on the Assistance League Advisory Board and the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s 50th Anniversary Committee.

Over the years, Cherry has been a member of Space Center Rotary, Bay Are Museum Guild, Houston Symphony League Bay Area, Clear Lake Metropolitan Ballet Guild, the Bay Area American Red Cross Advisory Board, Recherche, the Cancer League, Bay Oaks Country Club, Lakewood Yacht Club, South Shore Harbour Country Club and Sigma Delta Chi professional journalism society.

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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HOT Summer Days COOL places to go in

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” Friday, August 10 (Island ETC, 2317 Mechanic, Galveston, TX) - 8pm Music Night on The Strand: Alligator Handshake Saturday, August 11 (Saengerfest Park, 2300 Strand, Galveston, TX) - 6 – 9pm Houston Horizon Chorus Free Concert Saturday, August 18 (Moody Gardens Hotel, 7 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77554) - 3pm ArtWalk Saturday, August 25 (Galveston Arts Center & Other Galleries, 2501 Market St., Galveston, TX) - 6 – 9pm Robert Earl Keen Saturday, August 25 (The Grand, 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston, TX) - 8pm BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival Friday, August 31 Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, TX) - Fri, August 31 AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Snapshots 1

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1. New Space Center Rotary directors for the coming year are, from left, Phil Sandlin, Steve Owens, Nancy Mallini, John Swartwout, Dennis Paul, Bill Hughes and Paul McLarty.

2. New Seabrook Rotary President Elect John Chimenti , left, and immediate Past President and Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal talk over plans for the coming year after their induction.

3. Seabrook Rotary officers for 2012 - 2013 include, from left, Sergeant-At-Arms Scott Stillman, Treasurer Bob Martin, President Jeremy Hood and Secretary Lynn Miller.

4. Space Center Rotary officers for 2012-13 are, from left, Past President Mike Dennard, President Marilyn Musial, President-elect Sheryl Berg, Secretary Scott Rainey, Treasurer Kippy Caraway and Sergeant-at-Arms John Branch. They took office at the club’s July 2 luncheon.

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Caitlin Elizabeth Huston, third from left, daughter of Susan and John Huston and a rising senior at Clear Creek High, was crowned queen of the Lunar Rendezvous Festival Saturday night at the Coronation Ball at the Galveston Convention Center. With her are, from left, Queen Alternate Kristen Ann Bush, daughter of Tracy and Jerry Bush and a rising senior at Clear Lake High; King Jay Gurry of Friendswood and Capt.

John Richard Thomey, son of Nan Thomey and William Richard Thomey III and a student at Clear Creek High.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012

Lewis Diamonds & Timepieces recently celebrated their grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce on June 28 from 6-9 p.m. with the ribbon cutting taking place at 6 p.m.

Lewis Diamonds & Timepieces has served the Houston and Clear Lake area for 30 years.

For more information visit www.lewisusa.com or for further questions please call 281-3328433. Lewis Diamonds & Timepieces is located at 19335 Gulf Freeway, Suite 4, Webster.

Snapshots

SALUTE TO HEROES VIII Photography by Hal Bushnell

Eight-year-old John John Fulton with a nice redfish caught on dead shrimp during a fishing trip with his Grandpa and Uncle Les in Myrtle Grove, Louisiana.

BRIDES BY THE BAY Shelly Rogers and Marty Shattuck were joined in marriage this July. The ceremony was followed by a celebration in Galveston attended by friends and relatives. For information on being featured as a “Bride By The Bay”, call 281-532-2540.

AUGUST 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2012