Bay Area Houston Magazine August 2022

MADE

IN AMERICA |

IN

GOD

WE

TRUST

|

BAYAREAHOUSTONMAG.COM

XXXX XXXX August 2022

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR HEALTH Houston Methodist has five primary care locations in the Bay Area.

HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP

AN EMERGENCY IS ALWAYS AN EMERGENCY

24/7

Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms

It’s important to know where to go when unexpected injuries or illnesses occur.

Whether you have a minor emergency or a life-threatening one, Houston Methodist provides state-of-the-art emergency care 24/7/365 to patients of all ages.

We offer: • Board-certified emergency doctors and nurses • On-site laboratory • Full-service X-ray, CT and ultrasound

225

HOUSTON METHODIST EMERGENCY CARE CENTER IN DEER PARK

HOUSTON

W. FAIRMONT PKWY.

8 SEABROOK

NASSAU BAY

45

HOUSTON METHODIST CLEAR LAKE HOSPITAL

FRIENDSWOOD OOD R KW E. PA

DR.

28

FM 5

WEBSTER

• Private treatment rooms

94

FM 20

KEMAH

8

LEAGUE CITY

FM

51

146 DICKINSON

Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Emergency Room

Need emergency care?

Visit houstonmethodist.org/er to find emergency care near you. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911.

We don’t just get to know your business,

We get to know you.

BILL HOLBERT

Bank Office President

BARRY G. MCMAHAN Senior Vice President & Commercial Lender

DILSHAN MANAWADU Senior Vice President & Commercial Lender

LESLEE A. FARLEY Vice President & Commercial Lender

LIBBY MCGEE Vice President & Office Manager

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

281.517.8770 AllegianceBank.com

JIMMY L. BUTCHER Bank Officer & Commercial Lender

A U G U S T

2 0 2 2

features 14

BAHBT Ready For Fun An American In Paris

15

Texas Meditations What We are Supposed to Do

16-17

Cover Story Stay On Top of Your Health

12

20

Tarpon Alley Where to Fish Now

20

Coming Events Fun Things You Won’t Want to Miss

21

Beauty With Blaine Spice Up Your Summer Looks

ON THE COVER

columns

STAYING HEALTHY AND HAPPY IS EASY WITH CARE FROM HOUSTON METHODIST

Chairman Rick Clapp

15

13

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

24 26

Rick At Nite Sunsets and Swimsuits

16

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Summer!

Photography GH Andrew Mary Alys Cherry

24 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.

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

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

In Wheel Time SUV’s Under 30k

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

281.474.5875

New President for BAHEP Brian Freedman Steps Up to Job

Creative Director Kelly Williams

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

BAHEP News is Great for Area Meeting Filled With Positive Updates

13

Sales & Marketing Amber Sample Bill Sloan Robyn Weigelt

Clear Lake Chatter 1 Assistance League Awards

President Amber Sample

General Manager Patty Andrew

4

12

26

From Bay Area Houston Magazine & The Kelly Williams Show

NEW LISTING

LEAGUE CITY | Tuscan Lakes

FRIENDSWOOD | Sierra Madre

±23 acres | $4.9+mil prime development opportunityin an area with strong growth 840+ ft of frontage on Tuscan Lakes Boulevard & 4,000+ ft on FM 646

5-6/5.5+ | ±6,550 sf | $3.4+mil sprawling 1-story Hill Country-style home on ±4.86 acres | gated entry fine finishes throughout | wine room | barn | pond | heated pool/spa

SOLD

FRIENDSWOOD | Sunset Drive

MORGAN’S POINT | Bayridge Road

5/5.5+ | ±9,003 sf | $3.4+mil magnificent Mediterranean-style estate on ±4.55 acres | putting green grand reception hall | open living areas | pavilion with sports court

6-8/6.5 | ±4,198 sf | $2.6mil | 703bayridgeroad.com listed on the National Register of Historic Places | elevator quarters | 600-foot lighted fishing pier with oyster reef + boat lift

FRIENDSWOOD | Sunset Drive

LEAGUE CITY | Louisiana Street

5-6/4 | ±5,400 sf | $1.9+mil ±1.19 acres | classic design & quality craftsmanship throughout indoor/outdoor living spaces | fabulous floor plan | 3+ car garage

±4.786 acres | $710s exceptional property zoned to Clear Creek Schools

NEW LISTING

FRIENDSWOOD | Mesquite Falls Lane

SAN LEON | 2nd Street

4-5/3 | ±3,272 sf | $640s classic Village-built home | stately ceilings | open flowing floor plan spacious island kitchen | landscaped backyard | oversized garage

±8,750 sf lot | $290s build your dream home on a wonderful bay front lot concrete bulkhead | pier access | unobstructed bay views

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

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

|

713.503.4222

© 2022 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice.

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

5

Harness the Power of Turmeric

USE CODE TRYIT

20% OFF DISCOUNT ON WEBSITE ONLY

Effective Joint Pain Relief Relieves Joint Pain and Stiffness Powerful Inflammation Fighter Prescription-Like Relief Safe for Daily Use

Available Online at Nuvothera.com and Amazon.com

Phone: 1-833-776-7483 6

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

Amy Wilson

APRN, FNP/Owner/Operator Certified BioTe Provider

Phone 832-554-5343 Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Pellets T-shots/Hormone Replacement for Men & Women Wellness/Functional Medicine CFS/EBV Autoimmune Treatment COVID 19/ Long haul COVID syndrome 913 Hardesty Ave Ste A IV Drip/Infusions Seabrook, TX 77586 Vitamin Injections Low Dose Naltrexone Medical Weight Loss, and More ...

VIP In-Home Services & TeleMedicine Available aspiremedicalwellnes.com aspiremedicalandwellness@gmail.com Glutathione Nebulizer Treatments

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

7

Y OR ST ER G R U B M HA THE GROUND IN WEBSTER

A

mong Webster’s 150 restaurants and entertainment venues, more than 50 offer what might be considered America’s favorite food—the beloved hamburger. A look into the huge variety of hamburgers served up at these establishments reveals that burgers, like people, have distinct DNA—no two are exactly alike. With so many components, ingredients, flavors, and factors working together, like the beef, bun, creative or traditional toppings, and condiments—burger hopping in Webster is a full-time vocation or tasty pastime.

An in-depth look at hamburgers served up in Webster illustrates that the burger business is taken very seriously by chefs, restaurateurs, owners, franchisees, management, and their entire staff. Burger aficionados can rejoice in the abundance of terrific eateries, restaurants, joints, bars, sports entertainment venues, attractions, and clubs in Webster serving America’s favorite food.

To complement the iconic burger in Webster, some of the City’s police officers offered assistance with The Hamburger Story: Ground in Webster.

BB’S TEX-ORLEANS BB’s Tex-Orleans, located at 1039 West Bay Area Boulevard, is legendary for its variety of unique recipes and delicious Tex-Orleans cuisine that produces a noteworthy burger— aptly called “Da’ Cheeseburger.”

Da’ Cheeseburger’s wow factor is a result of some terrific architecture that includes top-grade, highest quality, freshly ground beef grilled on Above: Captain John Vaughn enjoys Da’ a flat top and smothered with Cheeseburger from BB’s Tex-Orleans. The Webster staples—onion, lettuce, tomato, Police Department has been fortunate to have Captain and pickles—but endowed with Vaughn for over 15 years. He is responsible for the oversight of the Support Services Division, which a Texas twist and a Louisiana includes Criminal Investigations, Communications, shout—melted jalapeño cheese, Records, and Public Safety Information Technology. signature BB’s sauce—which is a blend of chipotle, mayonnaise, and magic—enveloped within an incredible jalapeño cheese bun that’s lightly buttered and gently toasted. Da’ Cheeseburger is simply delicious and da’ best.

CARLOS BEER GARDEN Carlos Beer Garden, located at 18018 Highway 3, has been serving up delicious burgers since 1978. While there are only three burgers on the menu—the Burger, Cheeseburger, and Double Hamburger—they are big, tasty, and extremely popular. These home-style burgers that measure five inches wide are made with fresh half-pound patties cooked Above: Police Chief Pete Bacon enjoys the iconic to perfection on a flat top grill burger and fries from Carlos Beer Garden. Pete and served on a bun made Bacon brings a wealth of experience, operational fresh from a local bakery and excellence, leadership, and dedication to the adorned with local produce— Webster Police Department with a tenure that began in 1999—after serving in the United States lettuce, tomato, and onions, Marine Corps. as well as pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. Bacon and jalapeños can readily be added to this classic burger. And for those who choose the Double Hamburger—that’s a pound of deliciousness. French fries and tater tots are hot, crisp, and seasoned just right with a dash of pepper to complement burgers.

HOPDODDY BURGER BAR

to the highest quality ingredients.

Hopdoddy’s name reflects this focus, as hops are a flower used to make beer tasty, and doddy is a nickname for Scottish Angus cattle.

Burgers at Hopdoddy are a work of art—truly beautifully built—and made from hand-formed 6 oz.

Angus beef patties.

High on the Hopdoddy popularity list is Magic Shroom, which features Texas goat cheese, field mushrooms, homemade mayo, basil pesto, lettuce, tomato, and onions with a perfectly prepared Angus burger inside a warm, lightly toasted, deliciously fresh bun.

Above: Sergeant JC Rincones enjoys Hopdoddy’s magical Magic Shroom Burger. For the past 26 years, Sergeant Rincones has served the City of Webster. He and his team of six officers whom he supervises respond to a variety of emergency calls—domestic violence, criminal activity, vehicle crashes, burglaries, and other crises.

STOMP’S BURGER JOINT Stomp’s Burger Joint, located at 300 West Bay Area Boulevard, is hamburger heaven, as the expansive menu offers over 20 opulent specialty burgers. Stomp’s burgers are fresh, delicious halfpound Angus beef with signature house-blend seasoning and an unbelievable, seemingly infinite array of top-quality ingredients.

Assistant Chief Jeremy Edge’s Texas Original Burger features a Above: Assistant Police Chief Jeremy Edge enjoys the delectable, lightly buttered, and fabulous Texas Original Burger from Stomp’s Burger toasted bun filled with crisp bacon, Joint. Edge has served in Webster since 2009. As cheddar/jack cheese, BBQ sauce, Assistant Chief of Police, he is responsible for the general oversight of the Operations and Support Services pickles, and onions amid a fresh, Divisions, and providing support to the Chief of Police never frozen half-pound Angus to provide efficient operations for the Department. beef patty, cooked on a sizzling flat top grill in the open kitchen.

Burgers are cooked to perfection and to diners’ preference. The Texas Original Burger is big, tall, and tasty—and hard to handle with just one hand. This bestseller, the Texas Original, joins forces with fabulous tantalizing onion rings— thick and thin—hand-cut, fresh-battered, and seasoned just right.

TOPGOLF Topgolf, located at 21401 Gulf Freeway, features 102 climatecontrolled hitting bays on three levels that attract professional and novice golfers alike, and some seriously delicious burgers are served up in Topgolf’s bays, bars, restaurant, and special event rooms.

A guest favorite, the Smokehouse Burger, features a half-pound, freshly ground, Above: Captain Ray Graham enjoys the chefhand-formed patty made from inspired Smokehouse Burger served up at Topgolf. a tantalizing mix of Angus For 27 years, Captain Ray Graham has served the chuck and short rib, grilled to City of Webster. He is responsible for the daily operations of the Patrol, Traffic, Street Crimes, and perfection on a flat top grill and Code Enforcement Divisions. placed on a homemade, lightly buttered, toasted brioche bun. The Smokehouse Burger touts crisp bacon, homemade BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion and is a work of art.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, located at 820 West Bay Area Boulevard, delivers Read about all the spectacular burger joints in Webster, on its mission to set ultra-high standards for a burger bar through its craft beer and learn about the incredible Webster Police Department offerings, unique burger concoctions, serious love for the burger, and dedication in Gateway Magazine, available at www.cityofwebster.com.

8

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

Lake Latitude, Island Attitude

DISCOVER PARADISE JUST ONE HOUR NORTH OF HOUSTON MargaritavilleResortLakeConroeTexas.com | +1 877.286.9590 JULY 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

9

10

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

"Get on the Sunnie Side of Real Estate"

Sunnie Byerly REALTOR®

Key Realty Properties

11

Phone: (281) 804-6484

Email: Sunnie@SunnieSideRealty.com

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

Kelly Victoria C:(409) 795-8594 Kelly Victoria Website: KellyVictoria.ExpRealty.com C:(409) 795-8594

Kelly Victoria

Website: KellyVictoria.ExpRealty.com

C:(409) 795-8594 Website: KellyVictoria.ExpRealty.com

SAVE THE DATE

BAY AREA HEART WALK NOVEMBER 12 | KEMAH BOARDWALK What’s good for your heart is good for your mind.

How you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being - physically and mentally. Walk with us!

BayAreaHeartWalk.org

2022 BAY AREA HEART WALK CHAIR Casey Rhodes Responsible Care Director, DOW

Sponsored by

Scan to learn more or sign up

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

11

Photos By Jill Smitherman

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, from left, Executive Director-Economic Development Dan Seal and Chairman of the Board Kenny Koncaba get together for a photo at the June 29 meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club with BAHEP’s future president, Brian Freedman, who will take office Jan. 1 after Mitchell retires.

BAHEP's BayTech Director Kim Morris, left, and Dr. Glenn Freedman, right, welcome Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner to the BAHEP meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club.

A BAHEP meeting this crowd won’t soon forget

T

HE CROWD at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership meeting was in for a treat when they gathered at Lakewood Yacht Club June 29 – first, an excellent speech by BAHEP Executive Director-Economic Development Dan Seal and then some big news all had been waiting for – the announcement by President Bob Mitchell that Brian Freedman would be the next president of BAHEP when he retires Dec. 31.

Before and afterwards, everywhere you looked, all seemed happy over the announcement and enjoying the chance to catch up on each other’s news. MRI Technologies Executive Vice President Tim Kropp may have caught your eye as he had fun joking, first with Norman Frede Chevrolet General Manager Joan McKinney and Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski and then with CLC Properties owner John Wilkins. Lots of laughs.

UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Richard Walker and College of the Mainland President Dr. Warren Nichols were in the crowd, as were Boeing Vice President-ISS Program Manager John Mulholland, CCISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams, Home Bank officials Kenny and Kristi Koncaba, CLC Properties CEO John Wilkins, Wellby President and CEO Marty Pell and UH-Clear Lake officials, Dr. Beth Lewis, Dr. Christopher Maynard and Joseph Staley.

CLC Properties owner John Wilkins, left, catches up on the news with MRI Technology Vice President Tim Kropp as they await the start of the BAHEP meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club.

12

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams, from left, smiles as he runs into Dr. Peter Wuenschel of Communities in Schools-Bay Area and Jamieson Mckay of Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union on arrival at the BAHEP meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Dan Seal, BAHEP executive director of special initiatives, finds himself surrounded by pretty ladies congratulating him on his speech to the membership at Lakewood Yacht Club. They are, from left, BayTran executive Amy Skicki, Evan Stamp of IMA Financial Group, banker Kristi Koncaba and insurance executive Elizabeth Smith.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

Plus, Mayors Carl Joiner of Kemah and Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point were in the crowd, as were City Councilors Joe Machol of Seabrook, Monica Ledet of Clear Lake Shores, Ashley Graves and Michelle Weller of Nassau Bay, Teresa Vazquez Evans of Kemah and Jon Powell of Taylor Lake Village; State Rep. Dennis Paul and Nassau Bay City Secretary Sandra Ham and Communications Director Kristin Edwards.

Across the way, you might have spotted Clear Creek Education Foundation Executive Director Deborah Laine, Communities in Schools-Bay Area CEO Dr. Peter Wuenschel, Webster Director of Human Resources Brenda Miller Fergerson, BayTran Executive Director Amy Skicki, Bay Area Houston Ballet Director Jill Reason, Alvin Community College Dean Dr. Stacy Ebert, Amoco Federal Credit Union officials Kevin Venable and Lisa Holbrook, Higher Up Texas Executive Director Hillary Gramm.

Some of the others in the crowd included Clear Lake Hilton Sales Director Melinda Mintz, Hometown Bank Senior VP Bill Provenzano, Peggy Zahler of Wellby, Lakewood Yacht Club Marketing Director Marcy Fryday, NASA Executive Liaison to BAHEP James Lewis, Lockwood Andrews & Newman VP Col. Lars Zetterstrom and San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford.

Nothing like enjoying a meeting as this trio seems to be doing when BAHEP members gathered at Lakewood Yacht Club. They are, from left, MRI Technology Vice President Tim Kropp, Norman Frede Chevrolet General Manager Joan McKinney and Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski.

Nothing but good news for this BAHEP crowd

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

nstead of the doom and gloom we hear most every day on the airwaves, the Bay Area business community got a respite from the bad news when they arrived at the recent Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership meeting. BAHEP Executive Director-Special Initiatives Dan Seal had nothing but good news – six game changers which are positively impacting our local economy and quality of life.

“Now, taken individually, any one of these factors might not seem like that big of a deal. But, when analyzed collectively, these fundamental elements build a strong and compelling case for why we believe there is no better place to be in business than in Bay Area Houston, Texas...right now!

“They are: 1. Population Count Increasing; 2. Inventory Philosophy Shifting; 3. Energy Prices Soaring; 4.

Highways Constructed; 5. Aerospace and

Commercialization; and 6. Tourism – a nice rebound!

He began with the first and probably the most important, population growth, noting that the Bay Area had grown from 329,000 in 1990 to about 558,000 today. More people result in more developments, more office and retail space, more businesses, more housing, rising property values, more sales in general of all local goods and service, he said, adding that “More people are moving to Texas than any other state in the nation! Texas gained an estimated 373,965 people between July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2020.”

From there, he continued through the remaining five, calling attention to our educated and skilled workforce, quality education providers, central location and low cost of living. “Great quality of life attracts new growth,” he added before going on to update the crowd at the June 29 meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club that the Gulf Freeway and Highway 146 projects will be finished in the not-too-

distant future, that Port Houston shattered all previous activity records in 2021 and just recently got in three new giant cranes to help with its dynamic growth.

Other good news included the newcomers to the Spaceport and the announcement that Margaritaville Hotels and Resorts is planning to build one of its resort projects along the water in Seabrook and that Great Wolf Resorts is going to construct a Great Wolf Lodge on a 30-acre site in Webster that will add 350 jobs the first year.

In closing, he asked the crowd if they realized that we have more than 19,000 single family lots and homes under development throughout our region -including 7,800 lots in League City, 1,675 in Hitchcock, 995 in Friendswood, 2,866 in Santa Fe, and 5,500 in Texas City! And we have robust townhome and condo developments in Taylor Lake Village and El Lago and Kemah – 788 new units to be exact. It’s exciting to see all this growth happening,” he added.

Brian Freedman to become next president of BAHEP

By Mary Alys Cherry

W

hen Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell retires Dec. 31, he will turn the organization over to incoming President Brian D. Freedman, one of the Bay Area’s best known young businessmen.

Mitchell announced Freedman’s appointment when members gathered recently for a meeting a Lakewood Yacht Club. Mitchell joined BAHEP in 2001 to direct the organization’s Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. In 2007, he was assigned responsibility for BAHEP’s day-to-day operations and later became president in January 2008.

“I got to know Brian well when he worked at BAHEP. I was impressed by him then and have become even more so as he has achieved much success in his career,” Mitchell said. “Brian has the expertise and necessary relationships to lead this organization and its diverse membership. I wish him and his family all the best as he takes BAHEP into the future.” Freedman will work alongside Mitchell beginning in August to ensure a smooth and productive transition prior to taking over as president on Jan. 1, 2023.

Freedman is currently senior manager of State and Local Government Operations, Southwest

Region, for The Boeing Company where he is responsible for overseeing state and local government relations and activities at multiple Boeing facilities. Prior to Boeing, Freedman served as the lead for Legislative Affairs at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and as BAHEP’s aerospace coordinator and contract administrator.

“I would like to thank Bob for his years of leadership and dedication to BAHEP. He has been, and will continue to be, a mentor and friend to all of us,” Freedman said. “I am honored to serve as the next president of BAHEP and am thrilled to work with the world-class team of economic development professionals to serve our membership and community.

Our Board of Directors has laid out an incredible strategic plan that capitalizes on the growing opportunities in the region, and I look forward to supporting this vision.”

Freedman, who was born and raised in Bay Area Houston and grew up in Clear Creek ISD before graduating from Clear Lake High, is very active in the community, serving on the board of directors for several local and statewide institutions including Wellby Financial (formerly JSC Federal Credit Union), North Texas Commission and Citizens for Space Exploration chairman of the annual Washington, D.C. Trip (2013-present). He also recently served as chairman of the Clear Lake Area

Brian D. Freedman New BAHEP president

Chamber Board, Freedman holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Mississippi State University, an MBA with a graduate certificate in finance from Colorado State University, and an executive certificate in strategy and innovation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He and his wife, Dr. Erica Roberts, a physician he met through a NASA friend at a Rockets game, and their two children live in Friendswood.

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

13

August 5-7 & 12-14, 2022 Bayou Theater

University of Houston—Clear Lake Music and Lyrics by

George Gershwin & Ira Gershwin Book by

Craig Lucas Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan, Roy Furman By special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical & Pittsburg CLO and Théâtre Du Châtelet

BAHBT.ORG Clear Lake

14

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

What We Are Supposed to Do

Victoria, Texas

“

You know how it is. It’s what you’re supposed to do, right?”

I was on my way to King Ranch to spend a couple of days away from the world. It was right about lunchtime as I passed through Victoria, so I figured it would be a great chance to have lunch in the oldest deli in Texas, Fossati’s. It is actually less a deli and more a small country restaurant, in town. It is 140 years old and one of those places where you feel comfortable the second you walk in the door—regular people eating lunch in their regular spot. Many have done that for 60 years or more and visitors are always made to feel welcome.

When I dine alone, I hate to take up an entire table, especially in a place like this at lunchtime where there are people waiting in line. So if one is available, I always take a seat at the bar.

And as is usually the case when you do that, conversations ensue with your fellow “singles.”

He told me he had been in the Victoria area for thirty years and really liked the place. His job?

That was something different.

“I was 18 when I registered for college. They told me I had to pick a major. I really didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do with my life at that point. Who does at 18? It seemed like a ludicrous question, but they insisted. I knew I loved plants and gardening with the old man, so I chose agronomy.”

Apparently it turned out to be a good choice because by the time he was a junior, he knew he wanted to be the head gardener at some great estate. He said he’d prefer it was his own estate, but he knew that would never happen.

Then came his senior year and two things

occupied his life: the job search and his new girlfriend. He was able to land them both. He got a job working for a large plant nursery, starting at the bottom, of course, and as soon as they graduated, he married his girl. While he was working in his field, it wasn’t exactly the kind of work he wanted, and the pay was barely enough to support the two of them. When, a year later, the first of his two daughters was born, he knew he had to make a change. He began looking for that estate job—but the offers didn’t come.

“I knew I had to do something, but nothing I tried worked. Most of the jobs I applied for, I never even got an acknowledgement, let alone an interview. I had to do something,” he said.

Of course, I asked what he did. I’m not sure he would have gone on with the story otherwise.

(This is an “iffy” topic in the man code, you know.)

“All my life, Dad said, probably a million times, ‘Ya gotta do the right thing!’ He said that when I tried to talk to him about the problem. And he was right of course—as always. So I took this job at Formosa and I’ve been here ever since.”

I asked if he still loved gardening and he said “More than ever.” He said he had created a little

"I guess not all wisdom comes with age." paradise on his tiny city lot. “I’d rather have a couple of hundred acres, but I guess with work and the family, this is all I can handle—at least till I retire. Thirteen more years.”

And we left it at that.

I do a lot of thinking when I’m driving alone and the conversation with him gave me lots of fodder. As I headed for the ranch, I started to

think his story might well be the same as that of most of us. How many of us work at the job we dreamed about when we were just starting out? For a tiny number of us, where we ended up was far beyond our initial dreams. But I’m guessing for most of us, it didn’t turn out that way.

Imagine if we were able to meet up with the person we were at 20. What would that conversation be like? Would the We-Then say to the We-Now, “Nice work!” Or, would it be more like an expression of disappointment, maybe even a recrimination? It’s easy to think, “Oh, that kid was just innocent and ignorant—didn’t yet understand how the world works. He had unrealistic expectations.” But I am beginning to think maybe the kid that was me, attitude problems and all, understood a lot of things about the world and life that I am just now coming to fully realize. I guess not all wisdom comes with age.

A colleague of mine from work often talked about how much she was looking forward to retirement. Like the man at the deli, she was into nature and gardening in a big way. As soon as she retired, she was going to sell her city house and move way out into the country. She wanted a few acres and a small “cabin” as she put it, with woods and gardens. She was going to immerse herself in the beauty of the place and garden to her heart’s content. It had been her dream since she was a child, but like the rest of us, she had responsibilities, so she spent the last 30 years teaching. She died last week, three weeks before her retirement date.

Most of us were brought up with a good sense of values. We know that self-reliance and the care of our families are our two most critical jobs in life. Because we are responsible people by nature, we spend our lives doing the things we are “supposed” to do. That is respectable—even admirable —and I don’t think any of us fault ourselves, or anyone else, for doing so.

But the sad part is, because we spend our lives doing what we are supposed to do, most of us never get around to doing what we were truly born to do. Too many of us go to the grave with our music still in us. And that is a tragedy.

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

15

Is it time for a check-up?

With five locations across the Bay Area, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group makes it easy to stay on top of your health.

How long has it been since you’ve seen a doctor?

If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to take charge of your health and visit a primary care physician or PCP. “Even adults who consider themselves healthy need to see a primary care physician annually,” said Charanjeev Mann, MD, a board-certified internist at Houston Dr. Charanjeev Mann Methodist Primary Care Group in Pasadena. “There are many conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, that can progress over time without any outward symptoms. A physical exam every year, along with blood work and other diagnostic tests, can alert your doctor to changes in your health and even prevent serious issues from developing.”

A primary care physician is typically the first point of contact for patients’ health care needs.

A PCP can be an internist, a family medicine specialist, or a pediatrician for children and teens. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group physicians have extensive training in helping patients of all ages maintain their health and, if necessary, manage chronic conditions through medication and lifestyle changes.

At your annual exam, your doctor will discuss your overall well-being — both physical and emotional — and make sure that you receive all recommended screenings for your age.

To make your visit convenient, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital offers five primary care locations close to where you live or work in Clear Lake, League City, Friendswood, Nassau Bay and Pasadena.

Plus, making an appointment is easy. Simply visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southeast, where you can find a map of available clinics and a list of physicians. You can request an appointment online or call for more information.

Getting annual check-ups provides plenty of benefits, but here are three of the most important:

Benefit No. 1: Know your numbers An annual physical provides insight into some of the hidden clues about your health and how they change as you age.

There are four major numbers you should know: your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index, or BMI. “Knowing your numbers — and monitoring them over time — is one of the easiest and best ways to ensure that you are taking care of your health,” said Tracey Dr. Tracey Lindemann Lindeman, MD, board certified internist at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Clear Lake. “If your numbers are out of the healthy range, your

281.333.8899 houstonmethodist.org/clearlake

primary care physician will work with you to develop a treatment plan that can get you back on track.”

Benefit No. 2: Develop a trusting relationship Everyone needs a doctor they like and trust.

It’s especially important as you grow older and your health needs change.

When you’re comfortable talking with your doctor — being open and honest about your concerns and issues — you’re more likely to seek out help on a timely basis. Having a relationship with a PCP, and seeing him or her regularly, can also lessen the dreaded “white-coat syndrome” where going to the doctor makes you nervous or anxious.

“White-coat syndrome is a very real thing for many people and can be especially troubling for those who don’t like discussing personal health issues,” said Hiram Martinez, MD, Dr. Hiram Martinez board certified family medicine physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Friendswood. “The best way to overcome those feelings is to find a

Benefit No. 3: Get ongoing health guidance A primary care physician or pediatrician can make sure children and teens are thriving and that their parents have a resource for information and assistance.

But adults need health guidance, too, and knowing your history makes it much easier for your primary care physician to provide ongoing support. If you are going in for routine annual physicals, your doctor will be better suited to help you navigate health issues, answer questions and address your concerns.

That’s especially important if you have a chronic health condition.

“Knowing a patient and understanding what treatment or medication works best for their particular situation is really important for

patients with chronic conditions,” said Noorhan Nassar, MD, board-certified family medicine physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Clear Lake. “But it’s also Dr. Noorhan Nassar important for patients who simply have questions or want assistance.

When you have regular visits, your doctor can be a partner in your health.”

Group in League City.

“We pride ourselves on being open and approachable so that each appointment is as pleasant and beneficial as possible.”

Dr. Anika Bell-Gray

This provides a better experience for the patient and most importantly, better health.

“Your primary care physician plays a key role in helping you lead a happy, healthy life,” said David Washington, MD, board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics with Houston Dr. David Washington Methodist Primary Care Group in League City. “Find someone you feel comfortable with and make a point of going at least once a year. It will give you a feeling of confidence to know that you have someone on your side.”

We’re here where you need us Houston Methodist Primary Care Group has 18 board-certified physicians across the Bay Area providing personalized, compassionate medical care.

“All of us recognize the value of building relationships with our patients to better understand their unique needs,” said Anika Bell-Gray, MD, board-certified family medicine physician at Houston Methodist Primary Care

Meet our physicians

8

KE

AR

RD

C

LA

LE

M

DR

.

FA R

CLEAR LAKE

O

O

D

E

D LV

IN

XI

I

B

M CA

146 BYPASS SA

W .E

DG

AL

RE

EW O

DI

C

TY

EL

RD .

.

Hiram Martinez, MD Family Medicine Marta Molina, MD Family Medicine Lisset Parets-Rodriguez, MD Family Medicine Rajavi Shah, MD Internal Medicine

.

N

Chaitanya Alli, MD Family Medicine Katherine Herring, MD Family Medicine Tracey Lindeman, MD Internal Medicine M. Carmen Visus, MD Internal Medicine

Friendswood 107 Woodlawn Dr., Suite 101 Friendswood, TX 77546

W. FAIRMONT PKWY.

45

O ST

Clear Lake 2060 Space Park Dr., Suite 302 Houston, TX77058

Anika Bell-Gray, MD Family Medicine Lubna Chaudhry, MD Family Medicine/Pediatrics Falanda Limar-Troutman, DO, MS Family Medicine David M. Washington, MD Internal Medicine and Pediatrics 35

PASADENA

VE AL

Sasikala Chittimireddy, MD Internal Medicine Niloufar Ghadiri, MD Internal Medicine Manar Harmouch, MD Family Medicine/Pediatrics R. Sam Lingamfelter, DO Family Medicine Noorhan Nassar, MD Family Medicine/Pediatrics

League City 2220 E. League City Pkwy., Suite 200 League City, TX 77573

G

Clear Lake 14903 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062

NA

doctor you are comfortable with and make a habit of going in for a visit. Familiarity can help lessen your anxiety.”

45

3

CLEAR LAKE

FRIENDSWOOD

S. F

LEAGUE CITY

RIE

OO SW ND

DD

R.

96

646

Pasadena 6243 Fairmont Pkwy., Suite 100 Pasadena, TX 77505 Charanjeev Mann, MD Internal Medicine

Visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/southeast or call 713.394.6639 to schedule an appointment.

info@thewatersedgehtx.com www.thewatersedgehtx.com offer is valid for any event

281.291.9900

www.gulfcoastmariner.com

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

S

ince tarpon season is here along the upper coast, I figured I might as well write an article about the fishery.

The tarpon or sometimes called the "silver king," is one of the strongest and acrobatic fish caught nearshore off the Texas coast.

Once an angler jumps a tarpon, it's hard not to get hooked into fishing for them.

I've penned a article about tarpon already, and mentioned the corridor of water that Capt.

Mike Williams calls "Tarpon Alley." Does it exist? You bet it does. It's a freeway in the open gulf that runs just offshore of the entire perimeter of the Gulf of Mexico. To understand exactly what and where this alley is, one has to understand the migration pattern of these great fish.

Williams believes that there's two separate migrations of tarpon, one clockwise and the other counterclockwise, that begin in February just off the Yucatan Peninsula.

The clockwise migration passes just off the Mexican coastline and Texas coastline each Spring and Summer. This migration of fish move as far north to the mouth of the Mississippi River.

The counterclockwise migration heads across the open Gulf from the Yucatan

Where is Tarpon Alley?

Peninsula, to the Florida Keys in Spring,

where they meet up with Florida's resident tarpon. Come May through July, those migratory fish split - with 70 percent of them moving up the southwestern coastline of Florida and venturing as far north as Alabama, Mississippi, and the Louisiana coast. The remaining 30 percent head up the eastern seaboard of the United States, and are found as far north as the Carolinas' coast.

Capt. Mike Williams says, "By the end of August, the migratory tarpon reverse direction and head back to their winter grounds off the Yucatan Peninsula." In the months of August through November, tarpon can be found off the upper coast in the migration corridor Williams calls "Tarpon Alley".

Fisherman may hear about this alley,

but most don't know the location. "Tarpon Alley" runs just off the upper Texas coastline in waters 26-45 feet deep. Dead center is 36 feet. Williams said, "I've spent most of my time fishing for tarpon from the mouth of the Brazos River to as far north as Sea Rim State Park in "Tarpon Alley".

By early December, all but a few of the tarpon have left the coastline waters of the United States. The fish that stay are usually less than 30 pounds. There's a group of fish that can be found off Florida, but those are resident fish that never migrate.

If you've never fished for for the silver king, you need to give it a try. There's already been fish caught along the Galveston beachfront and the jetties. Tight lines!

COMING EVENTS

THE 56TH ANNUAL NEW TEACHERS' LUNCHEON, hosted by the Clear Lake Chamber, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug, 3, at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City. For information, contact Shari@clearlakearea.com or call 281-488-7676.

BAY AREA HOUSTON TRANSPORTATION PARTNERSHIP will hold its monthly membership luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Houston Marriott South Hotel, 9100 Gulf Freeway.

CLEAR CREEK ISD CLASSES start Aug. 16 for Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades; on Aug. 17 for all other grades.

BAY AREA WELCOME NEIGHBOR CLUB MEMBERS will meet Thursday, Aug. 18 at Bay Oaks Country Club at 10 a.m. to hear guitarist Andrew Bateman. For luncheon reservations, 20

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

email Mitra Saghafi: mitrasaghafi2@gmail.com or text or call 281-844-6151.

THE STATE OF EDUCATION LUNCHEON, hosted by the Pasadena Chamber, will be held Thursday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. at the CT Church Pasadena, 6109 Fairmont Parkway, featuring UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Richard Walker, San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer and Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. DeeAnn Powell. To register, call the chamber, 281-487-7871.

SAN JACINTO COLLEGE CLASSES begin Tuesday, Aug. 23.

MISS LEAGUE CITY USA PAGEANT The very first pageant will be held March 2-4, 2023. Applications are now being accepted for young ladies ages 14-27. The Pageant event will be held at South Shore Harbour resort and Conference Center.

To Enter: missleaguecitypageant.com

p U e c i p Your Summer Look S

Beauty with Blaine 3 1

2

Oribe Cote d’Azur Restorative Body Crème $65 This is my favorite luxury body lotion. It’s an indulgently rich crème that is extremely beneficial for the skin. It is the signature Côte d’Azur fragrance which I love, and is very smoothing and softening, and delivers the deepest hydration. I apply this all over my body.

Bergdorfgoodman.com Zoya Nail Lacquer - $12

by Blaine Ochoa

5

3

Hair Extension piece - (prices vary)

E

Doing a little change up to your hair is an exciting and easy way to spice up your look.

If you’re not interested in cutting or dying your hair, adding clip in bangs or clip in ponytail extensions is the perfect option. I recently added clip in bangs to my hair for a big event and I was obsessed with the outcome and received so many compliments. The pony tail option is great for the summer, and if you want to wear your hair up and still create a dramatic and different look. Add that extra volume and length to your pony tail and you are sure to be a head turner.

Bellamihair.com or Amazon.com

veryone loves a little heat, especially during the summer. Turn up the hotness with these beauty items, add them to your look or change it up. You are sure to be catching eyes and turning heads day or night. These beauty items are perfect options to help spice up your look, just in time for the end of Summer.

1

•Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator in Golden Glow $8.49 I recently tried this product on a best friend’s bachelorette trip to Miami and I was in love with the results. This illuminator gives your legs a perfect flawless finish, creating a lean, tan look and covering up imperfections. It doesn’t rub off and has an easy application due to the roller ball. I also apply it on my chest, arms and ab area (when I’m wearing clothes that show my stomach) to create a gorgeous, bronze glow. You will look kissed by the sun and it’s perfect for day time or night time.

Walgreens.com

2

•Blaine Beauty Lover Lip Scrub $27 I love this shampoo and conditioner because it is reviving and prolongs the life of your natural hair and extensions (if you wear extensions). It gives the hair a smooth non-frizzy finish, that leaves the hair hydrated and healthy. The scent is amazing, consisting of watermelon citrus, rose and soft iris.

Ulta.com

4

Changing your nail color can be super fun throughout summer. I tend to always do red, nude, white or black, so I’m preaching to the choir here! I suggest trying something new by doing a bold, bright color, even a neon is great for summer. Coral, pinks, greens and blues are perfect for this time of year. You can go the extra mile by adding a chrome overcoat or rhinestones on your nails.

Zoya.com

5

4

XO

Blaine

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

21

VOTED

"BEST PUB / BAR"

OF THE BAY 2017-2021

DRAG BRUNCH Sunday August 28th 2 Shows: Noon & 2:30pm Call (281) 339-7474 for Reservations

We've got you!

Breakfast 22

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

Lunch

Dinner

Grand Opening Lunch Specials

$10 Monday - Friday 11-3

Pineloch location only

Daily Lunch Specials

HOURS:

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

VISIT OUR NEW PATIO!

Entertainment Every Friday & Saturday Night 6-9

HAPPY HOUR:

Mon-Thur: 3:30-5:30 Special Menu Special Price on Wines

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

KIA SELTOS

New SUV’s

UNDER 30K

By Don Armstrong

W

ith SUV prices soaring and gas prices at all time highs, it’s getting harder and harder to justify a new vehicle purchase, so we went looking for value and found several. In this issue of Bay Area Houston Magazine, we compare a couple of affordable SUVs you might not have thought about.

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, Mitsubishi appears to be back on track, at least with the all-new Outlander.

Here is a small SUV with 3-rows of seating that has a familiar feel to it. Seems the redesigned for ‘22 Outlander has the underpinnings of the ’21 Nissan Rogue, a well put together SUV that gets high marks.

Although the front fascia may be polarizing to many, other exterior design elements give hints of Land Rover. The rear hatch incorporates a

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

24

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

INSIDE OF THE KIA SELTOS

spoiler-like kick-up under the glass and dual exhaust openings in the lower valence are an understated bonus.

The Outlander’s interior can get upscale treatment that mirrors touches found only in high end brands. The Launch Edition offers eye-popping colors, giving some zest to you and friends headed to The Bay. Motivation comes from a 2.5-liter engine that whirs out 181-horsepower through a CVT transmission and gets a combined 27-MPG. A turbocharger would help sluggish highway acceleration.

Pricing starts at $26,495

INTERIOR OF THE MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

KIA SELTOS

Smaller than the Outlander and offering two rows of seating is another relative newcomer, the Kia Seltos. Slotted between the Soul and Sportage in the lineup, Kia is hoping the Seltos fits the needs of the new couple looking for something sporty but also fitting a “do everything” lifestyle.

Its attractive exterior styling gets an aero-styled front fascia with the familiar Kia “pinched” grille, an attractive rear hatch with exterior sunshade and an optional white roof, giving it the outback look.

The interior is well designed with controls in all the right places. Perforated seating surfaces help survivability of our sweltering summers. Hard plastic surfaces are of the child resistant variety.

Ride and handling are what you’d expect from a sub-compact SUV, it does what it is suppose to do with a quality that is designed for the masses and on-road appeal.We suggest getting the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged motor that bumps up horsepower from the 146-horsepower base engine to an optimal 175 horses. It gets a 27MPG combined rating.

MSRP begins at $22,590.

Thank You for Voting for US the past 10 years!

VOTED"Best Automobile Repair Shop" in the Greater Bay Area 10 years in a row!

"Giving Auto Service a Good Name."

3 year - 36,000 mile warranty We work on all makes and models Auto repair - maintenance All tire brand names State inspections Free Courtesy Shuttle 24/7 Towing: 832.526.2700 Complimentary Car Wash w/ Service

Highlights from some of our Amazing Shows!

With Lisa, Janice & Vince King Music Festival

With Macy and Rachel - Lunar Fashion Show

With Stephanie Easterling - Collagen Expert

with Miss Teen USA - Breanna Myles

JUST PLAIN FUN! To Be a Guest on

The Kelly Williams Show Contact us: 281.474.5875

thekellywilliamsshow@gmail.com

Get to know your GEICO Local Agent in League City, Texas!

Katie Kuroski | 832-737-6200 ¡Hablamos Español!

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO

AUGUST 2022 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

26

Bay Area Houston Magazine | AUGUST 2022

Back to school, Back to Spa. With school starting again, Woodhouse Spa is here to help you relax and recenter.

700 BAYBROOK MALL A125 FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546 | BAYBROOK.WOODHOUSESPAS.COM | (832) 835-5050