Bay Area Houston Magazine February 2020

I N

G O D

W E

T R U S T

February 2020

+ Boho

bayareahoustonmag.com

Decor

FOOD & WINE MARDI GRAS NEWS & EVENTS

Texas Artisan Fine Jewelry

Custom Design

Repair

texas-artisan.com

FEBRUARY 2020

features

20

ON THE COVER Texas Artisan is located at 2800 Marina Bay Drive, League City, TX 77573. texas-artisan.com

Chairman Rick Clapp

24

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Editor Alisa Star Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan

Sales & Marketing Jason Allcorn Judy Gaines Karen Laroux Amber Sample Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

27

Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Michael Gos Betha Merit Xander Thomas Photography Mary Alys Cherry MoonBridge Media NASA

36

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

281.474.5875

12

2020 National Space Trophy

15

Knowing is half the battle

19

Powerful Plasma Propulsion

22

By Miss Houston, Blaine Ochoa

24

By Kelly Groce

26

Your one stop shop

Dental Health Ad Astra Rocket Company Five Favorite Beauty Products Bohemian Decor Texas Artisan

34

Bay Area Houston restaurant and entertainment guide

The Best Bites of the Bay

36

Love or not love

38

Friday, April 3 at South Shore Harbour Resort

42

The kitchen is the epicenter of your home

Be My Valentine?

Salute to Heroes V The Heart of the Home

44 Healthcare

Bay Area welcomes first Houston area baby of 2020 46

Candidate filing deadline near

Interested in Running for Office?

48

By Pastor Brad Heintz

Just Like a Sponge

columns

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

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

Retired JSC Director Ellen Ochoa to receive award

30 Aerospace 11 new astronauts join ranks at JSC

President Amber Sample

Graphic Designer Kelly Groce

13

48

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

18

Johnathon Cottrell

Movers and Shakers

20

Brenda Hellyer honored with Quasar Award

28

Keels & Wheels calls for entries

32

Small and smaller SUVs

50

Main Events

Clear Lake Chatter Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events In Wheel Time

Retired JSC Director Ellen Ochoa to receive 2020 National Space Trophy

R

etired Johnson Space Center

Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa has been selected by the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation as recipient of the 2020 National Space Trophy.

The banquet honoring Dr. Ochoa will be held on Friday, April 17 at the Houston Hyatt Regency.

“The RNASA Foundation is excited to recognize Dr. Ochoa as the guest of honor at the 2020 RNASA Space Award Gala,” Foundation President Rodolfo Gonzalez said, going on to invite both the public and the aerospace community to attend the black-tie event.

Dr. Ochoa was nominated for the award by Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer, Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana and former JSC Director Michael Coats (2005-2012). In recommending Ochoa, Geyer and Cabana said “Dr. Ellen Ochoa has distinguished herself as a champion for space exploration and scientific discovery through her dedicated service to NASA and to our nation.” Coats remarked “Dr. Ochoa’s technical expertise, extensive management experience, and superb communication skills were a perfect fit for her job as JSC director. She is an exceptional leader and a role model for young women everywhere.”

Ochoa said she feels “…beyond astonishment, I mainly feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and affection for all of the amazing human space flight team members that I had the honor of working with for 30 years. I’m looking forward to seeing my colleagues and friends – and honoring the Stellar award winners – at the RNASA event!”

Ochoa began her three-decade long career as a research engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and NASA Ames Research Center. She has three patents in the area of optical information processing and numerous publications in technical journals. Selected to join the Astronaut Corps in 1990, she subsequently flew on four space shuttle

missions. She served as mission specialist during her first flight aboard STS-56 in 1993 and payload commander for STS-66 in 1994. Both missions focused on the effects of solar activity on Earth’s environment. She went on to serve as mission specialist and flight engineer for STS-96, the first mission to dock with the ISS, and STS-110, which was the first mission to use the International Space Station’s robotic arm. All told, she logged nearly 1,000 hours in space.

Ochoa was appointed JSC’s deputy director of flight crew operations in 2002 before being promoted to director in 2006. In 2007, she was named deputy director of JSC where she stayed until her appointment as JSC’s 11th director in 2013.

For five and a half years, Dr. Ochoa expertly managed a workforce of over 10,000 civil servants and an annual budget in excess of $4.5 billion.

She championed ISS research opportunities for worldwide customers, oversaw the first successful test flight of the Orion spacecraft, and worked tirelessly to develop the Commercial Crew Program, an effort to build commercial partnerships which has created lasting impacts for NASA’s future endeavors.

As the first female Hispanic astronaut and JSC’s first Hispanic director, Dr. Ochoa takes great pride in inspiring young audiences about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum (STEM). She has given hundreds of presentations across the country and has served as a role model for thousands of students. She has six schools named after her, several books written about her, and has been profiled in textbooks and on websites geared toward encouraging females and minorities to pursue technical fields.

Dr. Ochoa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from San Diego State University in 1980 and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 1981 and 1985. She has earned numerous accolades during her 30-year career including NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal and four Space Flight Medals. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, the National Academy of Inventors and the Optical Society of America and she has been inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the California Hall of Fame and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

Dr. Ochoa retired from the federal government in 2018 and now serves as vice chair for the National Science Board, among other activities.

For tickets to RNASA’s 34th annual Space Awards Gala, visit www.rnasa.org/tables.html to reserve your table for the RNASA Banquet and find information about sponsorships and tickets.

To reserve a room at the Houston Hyatt Regency, visit www.rnasa.org/houston.html or call 713-6541234 and request the RNASA group rate.

About RNASA: The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas, in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. The nonprofit Foundation presents the National Space Trophy and Stellar Awards each year.

The RNASA website is www.rnasa.org/.

Penny Brockway to chair Lunar Rendezvous Festival

By Mary Alys Cherry

A

long-time

community volunteer and former teacher now in real estate – Penny Brockway -- will serve as chairman of the 55th annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival this summer.

It’s a job that she considers a great honor.

And, she will quickly tell Penny Brockway you, how “proud she is to be a part of the giving spirit of an organization that brings the community together with its shared interest of contributing to historic preservation programs and scholarships for advancing students in higher education, academics and the arts.”

While she is a native of New Orleans, the League City resident moved to Houston at the age of six months and spent most of her young life in the Bay Area, graduating from Clear Creek High School before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and beginning her career in education teaching third through eighth grades in Houston for 25 years – minus four years she took off to stay home with her daughter, Emma Rose.

When she wasn’t in the classroom, she volunteered with underprivileged children and was instrumental in helping to pilot a successful After School Activities Program to eliminate gang activity. It was her enthusiasm for nurturing her students that made her husband, James, fall in love with her.

Then, when Emma Rose was about to enter middle school, Penny and James decided it was time to go back to her roots in League City. She wanted the best education for her child, and as a former educator, she felt Clear Creek ISD had the best to offer. And, soon after arriving back in League City, Penny ended her teaching career and obtained her real estate license as she and her husband formed Brockway Realty, LLC. While she may have ended her teaching career, she continues to stay in education by fundraising.

And, as a Creek alumna, she has great ties to the community and loves to volunteer with local organizations and raise money for education.

Volunteer activities include the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which raises thousands each year for college scholarships; as president of the Women’s Council of Realtors Bay Area Houston, she raised money for students attending College of the Mainland. And recently, she began serving on the board of Communities in Schools-Bay Area, which works to keep kids in school.

It was through her extreme involvement in education that eventually led her to Lunar Rendezvous, starting in 2010 when she served as co-chairman of the festival Golf Tournament in 2010, 2012 and 2015, helping raise money for college scholarships for Bay Area students. Now she gets to continue her work raising money for students.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

13

14

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

DENTAL HEALTH

KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE the whole experience wouldn’t be overwhelming.

“He delivered on everything he said and I was glad,” he said.

While it’s a situation no one thinks will happen to them, Salinas knows this is something people go through, and is thankful to Dr. Noie’s entire staff for the very efficient and professional way they treat people. They can handle just about any oral problem that may arise.

“I feel like a kid in a candy store! I can smile now,” he said, “Before, I covered my mouth up.”

Major problems can be prevented through regular check ups, and the Unicare staff are there to help every step of the way.

By Xander Thomas

I

n the busy life of most

Americans, it can be too easy to overlook some things that we don’t feel that we have time or money for, or maybe we just ignore things because we don’t really want to do them.

Going to a dentist for regular cleanings and check ups is certainly one of those things that many of us easily talk ourselves out of, but it can help us catch issues that might later become a problem otherwise.

Salinas Santos was very diligent about regular check ups with his dentist, even when he didn’t necessarily feel happy with the one he was going to.

“I wasn’t really comfortable,” Salinas said, “I kinda just felt like, you know, I was just there, and they were just there collecting money.”

Salinas was used to a much kinder staff, where he felt like they cared and could explain to him what, if anything, was going on. He had been a Unicare patient previously, but when they went out of network on his insurance, he felt he had to switch.

“I just went there because, you know, I had to get my teeth cleaned and a check up,” He said, “I wasn’t really comfortable but I had to see a dentist.”

It was about a year and a half, he says, before he was notified that Unicare was accepted by his insurance again, and he could go back to his favorite dentist.

“I wanted to go to Dr. Noie because of the way he talks and explains everything to you,” Salinas said.

This is how, during a regular visit, he found out that his mouth was headed toward what could become a serious problem.

Dr. Noie noticed some abnormal things and wouldn’t just leave him in the dark over it.

“He found a problem with the bone on my jaw. I was losing bone, so I started having issues with that,” he said, “When it

Salinas Santos, actual patient of Dr. Noie.

“He delivered on everything he said and I was glad.” comes to your mouth, if you got issues you want to take care of them.”

The problem was hereditary, and aside from finding it in the early stages through X-rays, he probably wouldn’t have known anything was wrong until it was too late. The deterioration would have eventually made him begin to lose his teeth, but thanks to Dr. Noie, he never let it get that far.

“I’m glad I’m in the right place. Dr. Noie found the issues

and, you know, my teeth weren’t going to fall out.”

Salinas did have to have some teeth pulled and steps were taken to help the bone grow back. They needed a good, healthy bone foundation for the implants so that they wouldn’t fall out later.

He said that the Unicare staff was very helpful along the way, sending him text reminders, answering any questions, and always willing to help with a payment plan if needed, so that

Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright State University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

15

Movers &Shakers Name: Jonathan Ryan Cottrell

Occupation: Real Estate agent/broker, Chairman of Clear Creek Education Foundation Board Hometown: League City Current home: Magnolia Creek Family: Three daughters Hayden 17, Adyson 12, Kathryn 7.

My favorite writers are: Richard Bach and Dr. Seuss Someone I’d like to meet: Living…

George W. Bush, Deceased…Thomas Jefferson If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Sultan of Brunei My favorite performers are: Justin Timberlake and Garth Brooks

I like to spend my leisure time: Spending time with my daughters and volunteering in the community If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Vatican City

My favorite meal is: Pizza anytime As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Professional Baseball Player You’ll never catch me: Being negative The thing that bugs me the most is: Bad drivers My favorite movie is: The Usual Suspects Few people know: My nose has been broken three times and I’ve had rhinoplasty

LTO BAYEAREATHOUSTON T EMAGAZINE RS Dear Rick, We at Family Promise of Clear Creek are celebrating the success of our fourth annual Gala, Reach for the Star, which was held in 2019. The event grossed over $50,000, exceeding our goal for the evening and providing the financial resources needed to continue to provide the services and support we offer families in the Bay Area.

Thank you so much for participating in the Gala program. You made the live auction exciting, fun and meaningful. Your generous donation of your time, effort and talents enables us to continue our mission to stabilize and strengthen homeless families and help them achieve sustainable independence. Your support helps to provide a hand up, not a handout, to these needy families.

Ryan Kirksey President Family Promise of Clear Creek

Can You See Me? exists to bring awareness of the millions of men, women, and children who are currently trapped in slavery across the world. In Kemah, Galveston County officials unveiled one of several billboards that are part of this anti-human trafficking campaign. If you or someone you know suspects human trafficking activity, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or visit www.a21.org.

Dear Rick, Thank you and your team for creating and designing all of the beautiful ads and articles in your magazines. We have received countless compliments!

Brandon has been an absolute delight to work with. He’s quick, creative, professional and I don’t know how we would have done without your immense support this year. It has given us the boast needed to keep moving forward.

I am looking forward to a prosperous year in 2020!

Andrea Wilson Chairman of the Board The Longhorn Project

18

Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp with actor Lee Majors and Gary Garnett at Lakewood Yacht Club. Lee filmed scenes for the upcoming movie Narco Sub on Gary’s yacht “Sol Mates.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz and Mayor Donna Rogers discuss the next milestones for the famous VASIMR® rocket engine that has already set new records.

Powerful Plasma Propulsion –the Future of Space Flight Ad Astra Rocket Company’s High Power Electric Rocket Sets New Milestones

F

or the past 12 yea r s , Webster has been home to one of the world’s most innovative aerospace firms— Ad Astra Rocket Company. Dr. Franklin Chang Díaz, inventor of the VASIMR® engine (Variable Specific Impulse Magneto-plasma Rocket), founded Ad Astra Rocket Company in 2005, after serving for more than 25 years as a NASA astronaut. Chang Díaz, a veteran of seven Space Shuttle Missions, credits his tenure as an astronaut and work at MIT in the late 1970s to developing the future of space flight—a high power electric rocket with plasma propulsion system.

Chang Díaz and his team have persevered in their development of the VASIMR®—a high power electric rocket engine, despite being labeled “radical” and despite having to continuously raise private funding to maintain the pace of development for the technology. The in-space transportation market that requires fast human transport, lunar resupply logistics, orbital debris removal, satellite refueling, servicing, and repositioning, and rapid robotic deep

space operations is the perfect niche for Ad Astra Rocket Company’s invention.

Whereas chemical rockets require massive amounts of propellant that constitute most of a ship’s mass, Ad Astra’s VASIMR® rocket engine requires 1/10 of the propellant. The engine operates on electricity—from solar arrays or panels—that heat and accelerate a plasma—a superheated gas at millions of degrees. The rocket structure is insulated from the hot plasma by magnetic fields that also direct the plasma as it is ejected from the engine—creating thrust for the spacecraft. The VASIMR® is ten times more fuel efficient than chemical rockets, which means more payload

per flight and reusable components.

Also, in the future, when nuclear power is available in space, the VASIMR® engine could propel humans on shorter transits to Mars and beyond.

The VASIMR® has been undergoing rigorous testing since its inception and has passed with flying colors.

Through a decade of research, Ad Astra Rocket Company has carried out this development without government funding, with more than $36M in private investment, and has brought the engine from a technology readiness level (TRL) of 2 to nearly 5. In 2015, a $9M NASA partnership contract was awarded to help complete the TRL-5 activities.

Ad Astra Rocket Company has successfully completed on budget and on schedule more than 30 milestones in fulfillment of this contract. However, there are three milestones remaining: first, a demonstration in vacuum of the VASIMR’s® new power processing unit (PPU), an advanced radiofrequency power source built for Ad Astra by Aethera Technologies Limited of Canada with partial support from the Canadian Space Agency; second, a five-to-six hour continuous firing of the VX-200SS, the VASIMR® engine test article operating at 100 kilowatts; and third, a long duration (100 hour) continuous firing of the VX-200SS at 100 kilowatts.

Ad Astra expects to complete these milestones before the end of the NASA contract in June 2020. Then, Ad Astra expects to “graduate” to TRL-6 and obtain additional contracts that will help the company finish the design, construction, and testing of its first space flight prototype, called the TC-10. Once proven in space, the VASIMR® engine will officially enter the commercial sector and begin to revolutionize space transportation and space logistics—the way people, services, and supplies move in space.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

19

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry and David Postma

San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer is presented the Quasar Award by Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Board Chairman Todd Caliva at the Jan. 24 Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort as BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, right, and incoming BAHEP Board Chairman Robert McAfoos, left, smile their approval.

Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski and his wife, Tamara, left, stop for a photo with Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership Chairman Carl Joiner and his wife, Colleen.

Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner, left, with Economic Alliance Port Region CEO Chad Burke.

BRENDA HELLYER HONORED WITH BAHEP’S QUASAR AWARD DR. BRENDA HELLYER, the San Jacinto College chancellor who has taken the Bay Area school to new heights in recent years, received a signal honor Jan. 24 when the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership presented her with its coveted Quasar Award.

BAHEP Board Chairman Todd Caliva presented the award before a blacktie crowd of nearly 600 gathered in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom.

Besides becoming the educational training partner for the Houston Spaceport, the school has twice recently been awarded the Aspen Prize, listing it in the top 10 community colleges in the country.

Afterwards, Bob Mitchell commented on her selection as he joined them on stage to also introduce the new board chairman, Barrios Technology President Robert McAfoos.

“Brenda Hellyer represents the best in all of us,” BAHEP President Bob Mitchell said of her selection. “She is the ultimate professional who cares deeply about her family, her students, faculty and staff at San Jacinto College, and her community.

Brenda’s passionate commitment to providing educational access and diverse career opportunities for everyone in the region affects us all directly or indirectly.

She is highly deserving of BAHEP’s Quasar Award.”

Dozens of elected officials and their spouses were in the happy crowd, including Congressmen Dr. Brian Babin,

MARY ALYS CHERRY Pete Olson and Randy Weber, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry and County Commissioner Ken Clark, Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, State Sen. Larry Taylor, State Reps. Dr. Greg Bonnen, Dennis Paul, Mary Perez and Ed Thompson; Mayors Pat Hallisey of League City, Jeff Wagner of Pasadena, Julie Masters of Dickinson, Thom Kolupski of Seabrook, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point, Mark Denman of Nassau Bay, Terri Gayle of Kemah, Louis Rigby of La Porte, Donna Rogers of Webster and Houston Mayor Pro tem Dave Martin Plus, a number of city councilors – David Robinson of Houston, Andrea Wilson, Larry Tosto, Beverly Gaines, Martin Graves, Edward Lapeyre and Jennifer Heidt of Webster; Trish Hanks of Friendswood, Greg Grippon, Andy Mann and Todd Kinsey of League City, Laura Davis, Ed Klein and Joe Machol of Seabrook; Teresa Vasquez Evans of Kemah; Jay Martin, Steve Gillette and Brandon Lunsford of La Porte; and Don

Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer, center, visits with MEI Technologies CEO David Cazes and Jacobs Engineering Vice President and GM Joy Kelly as they await the start of the 2020 Quasar Banquet.

20

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

Matter, Bryce Klug, Bob Warters, Matt Prior, John Mahon and Ashley Graves of Nassau Bay. Many educators were there, including San Jac Vice Chancellors Teri Crawford, Dr. Allatia Harris and Sandra Ramirez and SJC Board members Dr. Ruede Wheeler, Larry Wilson, Marie Flickinger, Dan Mims and Erica Davis Rouse. Plus UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Ira Blake and Deans Rick Short and Miguel Gonzalez; Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith and Dickinson ISD Superintendent Carla Voelkel.

Johnson Space Center Director Mark Geyer and Deputy Director Vanessa Wyche and their spouses were among a host of aerospace folks enjoying the event – Lockheed Martin VP Dr. Mike Hawes, GB Tech President Gale Burkett, MEI Technologies CEO David Cazes, Barrios Chairman Sandra Johnson and Program Manager Mark Polansky, Boeing officials Brian Freedman and Peter McGrath, Alpha Space CEO Mark Gittleman, NASA’s ISS Program Manager Kirk Shireman, KBR VP Genie Bopp, Oceaneering VP Mike Bloomfield, MRI Technologies President and VP Debbie and Tim Kropp, SAIC Director Charlie Stegemoeller, Cimarron VP Kurt Restemyer, Jacobs Deputy GM Paul Nemeth and Bastion Technologies President Jorge Hernandez.

Turning around, you might have

Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp, Economic Alliance CEO Chad Burke; seated, Jesse Maury of Gulf States Toyota and Truist Bank Marketing President Danielle Parkes.

bumped into Kuraray President and CEO Hitoshi Toyoura and GM Robert Armstrong, BayTran Chairman Carl Joiner, Space City Films CEO Marc Havican, bankers Mike Huss, Kenny and Kristi Konkaba, Brent Cockerham, Jesse Maury and Mathew Orth; Education Foundation CEO Deborah Laine, attorneys Joe Barlow, Dick Gregg Jr. and Dick Gregg III; Rebecca Lilley and Ashlea Quinonez of Memorial Hermann, BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez, Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp, Economic Alliance CEO Chad Burke, City Managers Gayle Cooke, Seabrook, Danny Presley, Webster, and Jason Reynolds, Nassau Bay; and Houston Airport GMs Mario Diaz and Arturo Machuca.

Other faces in the crowd included Elizabeth and Dan Seal, Jeff and Mengo Carr, Debbie and Peter Wuenschel, Phyllis and Dr. Bernie Milstein, Beverly and Dennis Peterson, Steve and Jana Phelps, Pat and Wendell Wilson, Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier, John and Shari Wilkins, TJ and Beth Aulds, Harv and Carolyn Hartman, Carol and Bob Robinson and Jack and Marcy Fryday. Joyce Abbey, Kaci Hanson, Eva and Alberto deCardenas, Donald O’Connor and Kimberly Fleming, Cindy and Jeff DeWease, Glenn and Sara Freedman and newlyweds Ernie and Elizabeth Smith.

Attorney Dick Gregg III and Kim Dubois, right, get a warm welcome from BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim and her husband, Jon, as they arrive at the Quasar Banquet.

Friends toast new TxDOT Houston district engineer

DOZENS OF CLEAR LAKE friends turned out to wish Eliza Paul well and congratulate her for her recent promotion to Houston district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation when Kippy Caraway hosted a party at her home in The Reserve in Clear Lake to celebrate during the holidays.

Several elected officials came, including Mayors Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village, Thom Kolupski of Seabrook, Mike Foreman of Friendswood and Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point; Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark; and State Reps. Ed Thompson and Dennis Paul, who also happens to be the honoree’s husband. Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman had planned to attend but got stuck up north when bad weather grounded his flight home.

Early arrivals included San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford and her husband, Kevin; South Belt Leader Publisher Marie Flickinger and Bay Area Houston Magazine Publisher Mary Alys Cherry, quickly followed by Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell and Executive Director Dan Seal, Port Houston Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald with his wife, Vickie, and NASA Chief Counsel Bernie Roan and his wife, Deborah.

Others in the crowd included Metro Board Chairman Carrin Patman, Houston Pilot Commissioner Darrell Morrison, Houston American Society of Engineers Past President Truman Edminister, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Chairman Chad Burke, Mary Ann Shallberg, Pat and Wendell Wilson, Emmeline Dodd, Gene Hollier, Dr. Vissett Sun, Houston Automobile Dealers Chairman Wyatt Wainwright and his wife Jamie, James Cogburn and Mike Unger.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, right, visits with State Rep. Ed Thompson, Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark and State Rep. Dennis Paul, from left, as they arrive at the celebration honoring Eliza Paul.

Port Houston Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald and his wife Vickie, left, are happy to see Johnson Space Center Chief Counsel Bernie Roan and his wife Debbie at the party honoring new TxDOT Houston District Engineer Eliza Paul.

Faces in the crowd that came to honor Eliza Paul included San Jacinto College Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford and her husband Kevin, left, South Belt Leader Publisher Marie Flickinger, and BAHEP Executive Director Dan Seal.

Haley will graduate this spring at the University of Arkansas, after which she plans to study veterinary medicine, Erica is in nursing school, and Caitlyn, who wants to be a speech therapist, is studying communication disorders at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.

NOW, TAKE a look at the photo of Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Executive Director Jill Reason of

Several Bay Area mayors were on hand to help honor new TxDOT Houston District Engineer Eliza Paul, third from right, at the celebration hosted by Kippy Caraway in Clear Lake. With them are, from left, are Mayors Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point, Mike Foreman of Friendswood, Thom Kolupski of Seabrook and Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village.

League City and her girls – three daughters, including twins, all Clear Creek High grads, and her daughter in law.

The twins, Savannah and Sydney, are on either end and daughter-inlaw, Tyler Jo, is in the middle with Jill and Jill’s daughter Ashton, who was home from Nashville, where she works for an advertising agency. The twins are seniors at the University of Alabama and will graduate in

May. Sydney is studying to become a child life specialist and Savannah is majoring in education.

Tyler Jo and her husband, Dalton Reason, who met while they were working on the Houston Rodeo – love at first sight, we hear -- live in Sugarland, where she is an event planner for Shepard Exposition Services while Dalton heads off to the Houston Medical Center, where he works with Houston Methodist.

Photos add to Yule merriment

DURING THE HOLIDAYS we all seem to share some of our best photos, and this year was no exception. We found several that surely drew oohs and aahs from both friends and relatives.

Among them was one of the triplet granddaughters of banker Paul Maaz and his wife, Sharon, of South Shore Harbour in League City and the daughters of Friendswood High grad Eric Maaz and his wife, Tammy, who is originally from Dallas.

Haley, Caitlyn and Erica Maaz are all graduates of Cy Fair High.

Five Reasons to smile: Savannah, Jill, Tyler Jo, Ashton and Sydney.

Triplets Haley, Caitlyn and Erica Maaz, from left, make a pretty Christmas card.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

21

night, this gloss will go with anything, and will complete your look! Fresh nude mineral gloss will give your lips the pop they need and keep your lips glossy for hours. It is extremely hydrating and the consistency is wonderful. You can buy the gloss for $21 at www.mistyrockwellcosmetics.com

Lucky Cat Beauty Faux Lashes

I have been using lucky cat lashes faithfully for about three years now. They are the best lashes I have come across! Fake lashes will make your eyes pop and create a dramatic, beautiful effect. Lucky cat beauty has different styles of lashes, so you can choose the best option for you. The styles range from bold and big to softer and more subtle. You can also re wear the lashes and use them multiple times. You can purchase the lashes at www. luckycatbeauty.com for $22.

Blaine’s FIVE Fav Beauty Products

By Blaine Ochoa, Miss Houston 2019

A

s we continue on in the new

decade and new year, I want to encourage you to give your all to each and every day. Goals and dreams are only achieved with faith, hard work, focus, and intentionality. You have the power to make 2020 as great as you want it to be. The most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. - Maya Angelou Here are my five favorite beauty products that will help you look and feel fabulous as you conquer your goals in the new year! I use these products almost daily, and love them because they help boost my self confidence and make me feel empowered and more beautiful. I know they will also help you look and feel your best!

Misty Rockwell Cosmetics Fresh Nude Mineral Gloss A great nude lipgloss is an essential beauty product that every woman needs to have!

Whether you are running errands, going to work, or getting ready for date

22

Kaprielle Blue Chamomile & Gold Antioxidant Face Serum

I recently started using this product on my face once a day in the evening before bed. It is super nourishing and has helped even out my skin complexion. I love this product because it is organic, vegan, helps reduce the signs of aging and reduces inflammation. It also smells amazing! The bottle is gorgeous and has 24 carat gold flakes in it.

You can purchase the serum at www.kaprielle.com for $68.

Soleil Organics Tanning Mousse

I have to have a wonderful self tanner all year round to keep my skin glowing and tan. Soleil has three different self tanning options and all of them are fabulous. The color creates a perfect complexion, smells great, and lasts longer than other tanners I’ve used. The product is also very hydrating and comes with an application mitt.

Soleil is also organic, cruelty free and vegan, making it my number one choice of a self tanner!

You can buy this product at www.soleilorganics. com. A single bottle is $38.95

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

“I love this product because it is organic, vegan, helps reduce the signs of aging and reduces inflammation.”

KÜL GLÖ Serum - Infinity Med Spa

This is a wonderful facial serum that you can apply morning and night. This serum is unique because it has a lot of different benefits and you will see many great results! It is paired with full spectrum CBD (Hemp extract) and a synergetic blend of oils with antioxidants and probiotics.

The GLÖ serum strengthens your skin, and is very nourishing and hydrating. Definitely a new favorite! You can visit www.Medspainfinity.com and purchase the GLÖ serum in location at Infinity Diagnostics Center in Houston, TX.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

COLORS

Commonly, you’ll see neutral and earth toned walls and furniture. Beige, khaki or brown make for a good base. Let your rugs, pillows, candles, and souvenirs from traveling be the pop of color for your room.

Don’t be afraid to mix colors either. Blue, orange, purple, sea foam... you name it. The softness of the walls and furniture will balance out the bold colors of your accessories.

BOHEMIAN B DECOR

By Kelly Groce ohemian or Boho decor is a great way to incorporate travel and culture into your home. If you are a creative person such as a writer, artist or blogger, this look is perfect for you. Bohemian decor is all about embracing the natural world all while telling a story. Boho themed homes are relaxing, warm and full of life - it’s a whole vibe.

PLANTS

A simple touch that brings a Boho home to life is live plants.

Beautifully detailed macrame plant hangers and woven pots combined with the pop of green from plants is a must. Plants will improve the air quality as well, which is an added bonus.

For the green thumb challenged, succulents are easy to take care of and bring life to a room effortlessly.

FURNITURE

Boho furniture is a collection of all types of vintage finds.

Every piece should have a story behind it. This is a great excuse to stop by antique and thrift shops and re-purpose a piece that speaks to you. Hanging chairs and hammocks instantly provide a calm and relaxing feeling.

LIGHTNING

Floor lamps, candles, and woven hanging fixtures are a good choice to finish off the Boho look. The lighting has to be ambient yet warm.

24

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

Being responsible for all aspects of a small business, taking care of patients and clients with jewelry of importance and precious heirlooms has set a solid foundation for real estate. She is trustworthy, honest and always puts the clients first and foremost.

Some of Ms. Collard’s distinctions and prestigious awards include being honored by the St. George, Utah Chamber of Commerce as “Entrepreneur of the Year” and later with its “Milestone Award.” The American Cancer Society honored her in its Recognition for Donations, and Red Rocky Rotary in St. George presented her with Rotary’s Service Above Self Award and made her a “Paul Harris Fellow.” She is also the author of “Missing OB-GYN.” Collard has over 38 years of experience in the jewelry and gem industry and does custom creations and designs individual pieces specifically for her clients. Her experience and education make

Texas Artisan Your One Stop Shop

By Alisa Star

T

exas A rt i sa n in League City’s South Shore Harbour is truly your one stop and shop destination. There is no reason to look any further for what you need.

This eclectic little shop at 2800 Marina Bay Drive E-1 is sure to have what you’re looking for and more.

It’s the mecca of fine jewelry, pearls and diamonds, as well as practical indulgent offerings that are perfect for the discriminating shopper.

They offer a plethora of quality products. Among the more admired items in the store are Malicious Women candles along with lovely, food safe artisan bowls. They also carry Frey laundry soap, and Myra bags -- a cowhide, leather and canvas collection that ranges in size from small messenger to large duffle. Texas Artisan is truly a shopper’s paradise.

26

TALENT GALORE

Terrie Ward and Wendy Collard are the creators of this gem of a shop. Wendy is a licensed Realtor, Appraiser, Gemologist and Jeweler of 38 years. She has been married for 22 years to Anthony Collard. Wendy was an owner operator of two high end jewelry stores and co-owner of a busy OB-GYN medical practice.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

integrity and trust. My clients have been trusting me with their treasures for over 38 years,” she added as they both nodded in agreement.

EXCITING EVENTS

Some exciting events to come this month at Texas Artisan are the Dian Malouf Trunk Show on Feb. 11 - 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day shopping. Dian Malouf is a very popular brand, and she carries great statement pieces, they explained.

They also will be holding the “The Salvage Show” with Mel King on April 16 -18. Mel King is a historian, numismatist specializing in the Spanish Colonial era and a maritime artifact expert. He is the owner of Big Blue Wreck Salvage, plus he is a diver. He has been involved in commercial shipwreck salvage

her the top person for your jewelry appraisals and certified jewelry repair.

MULTIFACETED

Terrie Ward, co-owner of Texas Artisan, is married to Kelly Ward and lives in the South Shore Harbour area.

This isn’t Terrie’s first rodeo in retail.

She has had four successful retail stores in the area, and she also has a successful booth in Canton, Texas at the famous First Monday Trade Days for 23 years.

Terrie has a serious knack for accessorizing, interior decorating, cooking and gardening. Her love for art, color, texture and beautiful things is on full display every day at Texas

operations in Florida, Caribbean, and South America. Recent endeavors include management and recovery efforts of the Spanish 1715 Fleet project off the east coast of Florida.

Mel will be bringing a rare find of Atocha coins from the shipwreck, and many more exciting finds. On April 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Mel will be explaining how to find sunken treasures. “Be sure to come in for a visit and see what treasures are awaiting you,” Terrie says.

Texas Artisan carries one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

I was in awe as I walked through the shop; every corner had something pleasing to the eye. And ladies, it’s almost rodeo time, so be sure to come in and look for those big chunky silver and turquoise pieces to wear. This shop has an abundance of choices. I promise you won’t be disappointed. You will look like a million bucks for under a hundred.

Together this creative dynamic duo has made shopping a fun and exciting experience. So begin your shopping extravaganza at this unique one stop boutique, Texas Artisan, and tell them we sent you.

For information, call them at 832385-6246 or visit their website, www.

Texas-artisan.com. Or stop by the shop in League City at 2800 Marina Bay Drive.

Artisan. She is a multifaceted creative source and has, with the help of her business partner, Wendy, put together a unique and must-see shopping destination.

The Texas Artisan owners purchase all of the high quality diamonds for their designs and one-of-a-kind pieces from Antwerp, Belgium.

You will be amazed by the quality and bright luster of these stones.

Almost all of their pieces are made in America and Spain, including right here in League City.

“Our focus is custom pieces, not promotional quality from China,” Wendy said. “You will be amazed by the beauty and luster that these bright clear stones have. Why should people buy from us? Our sales are based on FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

27

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Keels & Wheels calls for entries The 25th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance is now accepting classic car, boat and vintage motorcycle entries for the event slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, 2020.

Entry forms are available online at keels-wheels.com/ registration and must be submitted no later than March 6. Only 200 automobiles, 100 boats and 20 motorcycles will be selected, so it is important for submissions to be made as early as possible.

Potential exhibitors are asked to submit photos of the entry, along with year, make, model, owner information, and a brief history of the entry. Keels & Wheels does not typically consider any automobiles newer than 1972 for entry in the event.

The weekend-long, nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show takes place each spring at the Lakewood Yacht Club in beautiful Seabrook, a bayside suburb of Houston, attracts more than 10,000 attendees. The car, boat and motorcycle exhibitors come from every part of the United States, contributing to the more than $1.8 million that the Concours has raised to date for local charities.

For more information about submitting your classic automobile or antique boat, please visit www.keels-wheels. com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

New Lakewood Ladies Association officers get together for a photo at the January luncheon. They are, from left, seated, Secretary Linda Weidmann, Vice President Janelle Leistad, President Elaine Keith and Parliamentarian Judith Shaw; standing, Past President Sherri Romer, Fleet Captain Ann Marie Doolin and Treasurer Linda Elting.

Special guests at the Lakewood Ladies Association January luncheon in the yacht club ballroom included Houston Yacht Club Ladies Association 2020 President Leslie Wells, left, and the HYC Ladies Association 2019 President Stephanie Wright, at right, being welcomed to LYC

by Karen Daigle.

Roz Clayton, Pam Arnold and Terrilee Maudlin, from left, were among the early arrivals for the Friday, Jan. 10 LYC Ladies Association Luncheon.

Sue Broughton, left, and Pat Macaluso were among the many attending the Lakewood Ladies Association January luncheon at the yacht club.

Joy Edwards, from left, is happy to see Linda Weidmann and Kerry Humphrey as they join the crowd at the Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association Luncheon Jan. 10.

Lakewood Ladies Association President Elaine Keith, right, visits with Kathy Hall and Johnnette Norman, from left.

Assistance League gala coming up Feb. 8 at LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB Mamma Mia “The Party” is the theme for this year’s Assistance League gala, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, in the Lakewood Yacht Club Ballroom in Seabrook.

Chairman Marie Keener said guests will experience a festive evening while helping the chapter raise funds that will be allocated to six philanthropic programs that benefit families and children in both Harris and Galveston counties.

Tickets are $125 per person and include entertainment, dinner, dancing and a reverse raffle.

To purchase tickets online, visit the Assistance League website at www.assistanceleague.org/bayarea and click on Mamma Mia “The Party.”

28

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

Mama Mia – “The Party” planners for the Assistance League Gala Saturday, Feb. 8 at Lakewood Yacht Club meet to make arrangements for the event.

They are, from left, front row, Kathleen Courville, Oleta Primo, Lisa Holbrook, Sandra Sellers, Shirley Lang, Brooks Cima, Sharon Guzzino, Sharon Dillard; second row, Badiha Nassar, Cindy SengerLewis, Georgia Piwonka, Kathy Panneton, Co-Chairman Jayne Danneker, Chairman Marie Keener, Elaine Rister, Maribeth StockardYoung, Melanie Lovuola, Betty Suagee, Linda Byrd; and back row, Jill Smitherman, Kathy Houser, Mavis Irvan and Sarah Foulds.

[AEROSPACE]

A new class of astronauts graduated basic training last month. The 2017 class includes (top row) Matthew Dominick, Kayla Barron, Warren Hoburg, and Joshua Kutryk, (middle row) Bob Hines, Frank Rubio, Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons, Jasmin Moghbeli, Jessica Watkins, (bottom row) Raja Chari, Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, and Loral O’Hara. Photo: NASA

11 new astronauts join the ranks at JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

N

ASA welcomed 11 new

astronauts to its ranks Jan. 10, increasing the number of those eligible for spaceflight assignments that will expand humanity’s horizons in space for generations to come. The new astronauts successfully completed more than two years of required basic training and are the first to graduate since the agency announced its Artemis program.

The new graduates may be assigned to missions destined for the International Space Station, the Moon, and ultimately, Mars. With a goal of sustainable lunar exploration later this decade, NASA will send the first woman and next man to the surface on the Moon by 2024.

Additional lunar missions are planned once a year thereafter and human exploration of Mars is targeted for the mid-2030s.

This was the first public graduation ceremony for astronauts the agency has ever hosted, and Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas were among the speakers at the event.

Selected for training in 2017, the NASA astronaut candidates were chosen from a record-setting pool of more than 18,000 applicants.

NASA’s astronaut candidates are: Kayla Barron, a U.S. Navy lieutenant, from Richland, Wash., who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering. A Gates Cambridge Scholar, Barron earned a Master’s degree in Nuclear

30

Engineering from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

As a submarine warfare officer, Barron served aboard the USS Maine and came to NASA from the U.S. Naval Academy, where she was serving as the flag aide to the superintendent.

Zena Cardman of Williamsburg, Va., completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow working at Pennsylvania State University. Her research focused on microorganisms and her field experience includes multiple Antarctic expeditions, and NASA analog missions in British Columbia, Idaho and Hawaii.

Raja Chari, a U.S. Air Force colonel, hails from Cedar Falls, Iowa.

He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with Bachelor’s degrees in Astronautical Engineering and Engineering Science and earned a Master’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology before graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Md. Chari served as the commander of the 461st Flight Test Squadron and the director of the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

Matthew Dominick, a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, was born and raised in Wheat Ridge,

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

Colo. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of San Diego and a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

Dominick served on the USS Ronald Reagan as department head for Strike Fighter Squadron 115.

Bob Hines, a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel from Harrisburg, Pa., has a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Boston University and a Master’s in Flight Test Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB. Hines served as a developmental test pilot on all models of the F-15 while earning a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama.

He has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also was a Federal Aviation Administration flight test pilot and a NASA research pilot at JSC. Warren Hoburg, from Pittsburgh, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT, and a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a commercial pilot, and served on the Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit and Yosemite Search and Rescue.

Hoburg came to NASA from MIT, where he led a research group as an assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics.

Dr. Jonny Kim, a U.S. Navy lieutenant, was born and raised in Los Angeles. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, then trained and operated as a Navy SEAL, completing more than 100 combat operations and earning a Silver Star and Bronze Star with Combat V. He earned a degree in mathematics from the University of San Diego and a Doctorate of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Kim was a resident physician in emergency medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Jasmin Moghbeli, a U.S. Marine Corps major, considers Baldwin, N.Y., her hometown.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at MIT, a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Moghbeli came to NASA from Yuma, Ariz., where she tested H-1 helicopters and served as the quality assurance and avionics officer for Marine

Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1.

Loral O’Hara was born in Houston. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University.

Prior to joining NASA, O’Hara was a research engineer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Mass., where she worked on the engineering, test, and operations of deep-ocean research submersibles and robots.

Dr. Francisco “Frank” Rubio, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, is originally from Miami.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and a Doctorate of Medicine from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md. Rubio has accumulated more than 1,100 hours as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, including 600 hours of combat and imminent danger time. He served as a surgeon for the of the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colo., before coming to NASA. Jessica Watkins hails from Lafayette, Colo. She graduated from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., with a Bachelor’s degree in Geological and Environmental Sciences, then earned a Doctorate in Geology at UCLA. She worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory and was a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology, where she collaborated on NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity.

Canadian Space Agency’s astronaut candidates are: Joshua Kutryk, a Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant colonel, is from Beauvallon, Alberta.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as Master’s degrees in Space Studies, Flight Test Engineering, and Defense Studies. Prior to joining CSA, Kutryk worked as an experimental test pilot and a fighter pilot in Cold Lake, Alberta, where he led the unit responsible for the operational flighttesting of fighter aircraft in Canada.

Jennifer Sidey-Gibbons hails from Calgary, Alberta. She holds an honors Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University and a Doctorate in Engineering from the University of Cambridge. While at McGill, she conducted research on flame propagation in microgravity. Earlier, she was an assistant professor in combustion in the Department of Engineering at Cambridge.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

31

SMALL AND SMALLER SUVs

By Don Armstrong

S

UVs are all the rage and with manufacturers building every size and shape, choosing one that fits your style can be difficult. This month we look at a popular small one, and an even smaller one, that may be just what you were looking for to zip around our beautiful – and crowded – Bay Area.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 - Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-wheel drive – was an instant hit when it originally went on sale in the U.S. in 1996.

Even though today’s 5th generation RAV4 has come a long way, competition in this segment is everywhere you turn.

The 2020 grille gives the new RAV a more muscular, truck-like face, like the Tacoma pickup.

The edgy rear hatch and accompanying lighting has a more modern touch.

The interior is a clean, straight forward design.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The infotainment screen sits high atop the dash, but within arm’s reach to facilitate touch control.

Android and iPhone integration is finally included.

The 2020 RAV is available in both 2 and 4-wheel drive. The only power plant, a 2.5-liter I-4, produces 203 horsepower and 184-lb. ft. of torque and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s enough but the hybrid variant gets better mileage and has more grunt.

An all-new off-road RAV4 is just now hitting showrooms.

Pricing starts at $25,950.

Mazda 3 Hatch

Have small hatchbacks lost appeal? No, not at all. Cars in general have given way to crossovers and SUVs, but the versatility of a small hatchback bridges the gap between car and cross and we think that is a winner.

A complete redesign last year brings the Mazda 3 Hatch to the head of the class. Its smooth, sculpted sides, big, open-mouth grille and quick-back roofline give it an extra goose in design competition.

The interior is sporty, sleek and not your everyday run-of-the-mill rent car. Its clean lines, attention to detail, quality materials, fit and finish really got our attention.

The Premium trim package, that includes leather and all the accoutrements, is the way to go.

On the road, the 3 Hatch has sportscar-like maneuverability that reminds us of the Mazda Miata sportscar.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter I-4 engine that whirs out 186-horsepower. It’s connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Mazda 3 Hatch is priced right too, starting at $23,700.

32

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

33

146

Sokols Greek

Sawa

45

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

Boondoggles

888 Chinese c

Angelo’s Escalante’s

OG Express Masa Sushi

Pappa’s Delta Blues Cutfoil BB’s El Tiempo Preamble

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

r l e a

Opus

l a k e

Scotty’s

Cabo

Sundance

MichiRu

Floyd’s

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s

Schafer’s

Ocean Sushi Jackie’s Brickhouse South Shore Grille Red River Cantina

Nobi Las Haciendas

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Tookie’s Seafood

Hubcap Grill

T-Bone Tom’s Kemah Cafe

Red River BBQ

Gilhooley’s

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

Red Oak Cafe

Topwater Grill

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

AMERICAN 1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com 2. Red Oak Cafe 6011 W Main St a106, League City, TX (832) 905-3150 redoakcafe.com 3. South Shore Grille 2800 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 334-7700 soshoregrille.com 4. T-Bone Tom’s 707 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 334-2133 tbonetoms.com 5. Cabo Bar & Grill 2513 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-2691 caboclearlake.com 6. Hubcap Grill 1918 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 339-7116 hubcapgrill.com 7. Opus Bistro & Steakhouse South Shore Blvd, League City, TX (281) 334-5225 opusbistro.net ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com 2. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (281) 486-9888 masasushitexas.com

34

3. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com 4. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 5. Ocean Sushi 3020 Marina Bay Dr Suite A2, League City, TX (281) 957-9122 oceansushigrill.com 6. Kemah Cafe 1201 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 535-9405 kemahcafe.com 7. Oriental Gourmet Express 1354 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX (281) 335-4567 orientalgourmetexpresstogo.com

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

3. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-0817 sawarestaurantgrill.com

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

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

4. Marais 2015 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-1986 I TA L I A N 1. Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 400 Bay Area Blvd A, Webster, TX (281) 332-2404 angelospizza-pasta.com

BARBEQUE

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

1. Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-2500 dickinsonbbq.com

3. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (281) 488-2207 francasrealitalian.com

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

4. Dan’s Pizza 15148 TX-3, Webster, TX (281) 480-9700 danspizzaco.com

3. Red River BBQ 1911 E Main St Suite B, League City, TX (281) 332-8086 CAJUN 1. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

MEDITERRANEAN 1. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com 2. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe 18033 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com

MEXICAN/TEX MEX 1. El Tiempo Cantina 20237 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (713) 802-1580 eltiempocantina.com 2. Habanero’s Tacos 1908 Hialeah Dr #2, Seabrook, TX (281) 474-4400 habanerostacos.com 3. Las Haciendas 1020 W. Nasa Rd 1, Webster, TX 77598 281-557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.com 4. Red River Cantina 1911 E Main St Suite A, League City, TX 77573 281-557-8156 redrivercantina.com 5. Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila 1043 W. Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX 77598 281-316-6980 escalantes.net PUB/BAR/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com 2. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 339-7474 www.scottyspubhouston.com

3. Skallywag’s 600 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-8877 m o

s e s

l a k e

4. Boondoggles Pub 4106 E NASA Pkwy, El Lago, TX (281) 326-2739 boondogglespub.com 5. Chelsea Wine Bar 4106 E NASA Pkwy f, El Lago, TX (281) 326-5282 chelseawinebartexas.com 6. Cutfoil Carafes and Drafts 20801 Gulf Fwy, Webste,r TX (832) 632-1249 cutfoil.com 7. Preamble Lounge & Craft House 20801 Gulf Fwy #12, Webster, TX (832) 905-2927 preamblelounge.com SEAFOOD 1. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-3813 2. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com 3. Topwater Grill 815 Avenue O, San Leon, TX (281) 339-1232 4. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr, Kemah, TX (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com 5. Schafer’s Coastal Bar & Grille 1002 Aspen Rd, Clear Lake Shores, TX (281) 532-6860 schaferscoastalbarandgrille.com

GIRLFRIENDS CRUISE WITH AUTHOR DEBORAH A. OLSON

By Alisa Star Come sail with us on this once in a lifetime opportunity to join the sisterhood cruise adventure with renowned author Deborah A. Olson.

Take this time to reflect and rejoice in the healing power of girlfriends and sisterhood.

This exciting journey will take place March 22, leaving the Galveston port at 4 p.m. on the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. The cruise will include stops to Cozumel, George Town, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, and Jamaica, arriving back in Galveston on March 29.

The author has created an exciting itinerary of mixers and group meetups, to encourage and help strengthen the bond with your girlfriends both on the boat and back at home. Deborah will help you rediscover your own power as a woman and how to harness it for good. Come celebrate this amazing journey of female friendships that we have in our lives, and how richer our lives would be in this world because of our friends, and learn how to utilize the bond between the two.

You can book with your sister, mother, best friend, or co-worker for a great deal. Bundle pricing starts at $1,730 for two people -- $865 per person for double occupancy cabin.

Workshop sessions with Deborah are at a discounted price at $200 per person. +Sessions price include welcome cocktail party, free gifts, session material, great swag and more.

If you’re cruising solo, no problem.

Give them a call and they’ll help you out! Take advantage of this amazing cruise, learn how to deal with toxic friends, and the one big drama queen friend we all have. Learn how to find the real friendship we all crave and need. Share ideas on how to make new friends at any age or stage in your life. Start the new year with a new outlook on friendship!

Visit https://deborah-olson.com/ cruise/ for more information.

36

Be my Valentine? Love or not Love

By Alisa Star

W

hen we think

of Valentine’s Day we generally think of the spirit of love and romance. The day usually includes flowers and chocolates or a card from your lover or friend, or maybe a romantic candlelit dinner at a fancy restaurant somewhere. People from all over the world celebrate this day on February 14th, in the name on St. Valentine with the meaning of “LOVE” in mind.

Valentine’s Day is a very old tradition; it originated from a Roman festival Lupercalia in the year 496.

Though no one has pointed out its exact date, only that it was celebrated sometime in February. This holiday as we know it for the expressions of love really isn’t romantic at all. The holiday was celebrated by men hitting on women by, well, hitting on them. The brutal battle included a matchmaking lottery, where men drew the names of young women from a jar. The couple would then enter the ring together and fight for the duration of the festival. This event was actually quite brutal. In many cases young women would line up, eager for the men to hit them, believing that being hit by a man would make them fertile.

As the years went on, the holiday grew a bit sweeter. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticized it, and it gained popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. They began to make handmade paper cards, that became the tokens-du-jour in the Middle Ages.

Who is this St. Valentine and where did he originate from? Saint Valentine was widely recognized as a 3rd century Roman saint, commemorated in Christianity on Feb. 14th. That’s where the exact date came to play for the holiday. From the high Middle Ages his Saints Day is associated with a tradition of courtly love. He is known today to be the patron of lovers, epileptics,

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

and beekeepers. He also had an edict that prohibited the marriage of young people. This was based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better in battle than married soldiers because married soldiers might be afraid of what might happen to their wives and family if they died. Valentine also performed polygamy as in that day and age a man marrying more than one woman was popular. Valentine was later caught and imprisoned and tortured for performing secret ceremonies against the command of Emperor Clausius the second.

As we think of Valentine’s Day today, we take a more modern approach. February 14th is celebrated by millions of people. It’s a big event at some schools, where each student makes a homemade Valentine box for the exchange of cards, and candy. So if you have a child in school, make sure they have enough cards for the whole class. Students also take a Valentine gift for the teacher. Chocolates, or a small gift.

Some other Valentine classics are the conversation hearts. Every American knows this candy. These little hearts have messages on them like “kiss me,” “be kind,” or “love you,” but now times have changed to messages like “tweet me,” or “girl power.” We can’t forget the felt cut out hearts we used to make in school, with your crush’s name on it, the heart shaped cookies, or red velvet cupcakes. Either way you look at it, Valentine’s Day has Love written all over it.

So, as you approach this year in celebration of Valentine’s Day with your significant other, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife, and you pick out the perfect gift, or the perfect card that took forever to find the right words, or that beautiful fragrant bouquet of flowers, remember the true meaning of the day. Appreciate the person you‘re celebrating with, show them love, kindness and support. Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the best in each other, and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together. Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the best in each other.”

Salute to Heroes to aid Wounded Warriors

O

ne of the Bay Area’s

most popular events – Salute to Heroes V – is coming up Friday, April 3, from 7 to 11 p.m., in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom in League City.

The patriot dinner-dance honoring both our warriors and our veterans will feature an open bar, a four-course dinner served at 7:30 p.m., and then a concert by Gary Puckett and the pop rock band, the Union Gap, one of the most successful musical groups of the sixties, followed by dancing. Gary’s powerful and unmistakable signature voice earned him six consecutive Gold Records and Top 10 Billboard hits!

Proceeds from the event, which is held every other year, will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that changes the lives of injured warriors, caregivers and family members as it brings independence to the nation’s most severely wounded veterans.

South Shore Harbour Resort staffers, who are coordinating the event, said UTMB Health is the presenting sponsor, adding

38

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

that many local businesses have already signed up as sponsors and there are still opportunities available.

The original “Salute to Heroes” was started to honor the memory of SPC Ray Joseph Hutchinson and to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by all who wear a uniform and serve our great country. The Ray Joseph Hutchinson Foundation has raised more than $400,000 in scholarships for Clear Creek Independent School District students and honored many service men and women within our community in its 10 years of operation.

The proud parents of Ray Joseph say they are pleased to see the community continue the “Salute to Heroes” tradition of honoring our local heroes and veterans and raising funds to benefit local organizations that serve our community.

Past recipients include: 2014: Operation Finally Home, 2015: BAHEP Cares and Sentinels of Freedom, 2016: Bay Area Alliance and Military Veteran Peer Network, 2018: League City First Responders For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Bridget Bear at 281-334-1000, ext. 2028

NEWS NUGGETS Two area officials find themselves on wrong side of law Two area men with a police background found themselves on the wrong side of the law in recent days and staring at time behind bars.

A Seabrook man, Ocal John Miller or O.J. Miller, 65, who once served as his Seabrook’s city councilman and mayor pro tem, and also as the police chief in Martinsville, W. Va., will spend the next two years in federal prison after a child porn conviction.

He also must pay a $60,000 in fines, register as a sex offender and serve 10 years on supervised release after

NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE!

completion of his prison term.

The other is a League City detective, Scott Aldridge, who was arrested at 7:58 p.m. Jan. 3 after police investigated a call about a possible intoxicated driver near Hobbs Road and League City Parkway. He was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger in the vehicle in the 200 block of Hobbs Road.

His bond was set at $2,000. A warrant was completed and a blood specimen was taken from the driver to determine blood alcohol content.

Aldridge has served with the League City Police Department since 2003 and will be on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Alisa Star spent a day in Galveston shopping with her sister, and her nine girlfriends from Kansas, before their Cozumel cruise.

HOUSTON TEXANS FOOTBALL Rick Clapp, Debbie Brannon and Stephanie Tamburello celebrate the Texans 22-19 playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.

The Texans would go on to be defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs 51-31 during the divisional round.

40

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

41

The Heart of the Home

By Alisa Star

N

o matter how small

or how large, when we think of the kitchen, cooking is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Making homemade meals for the people you love.

Originally the kitchen was designed solely for preparing and cooking meals. What most people forget is that your kitchen is actually the epicenter to your home.

Have you ever stopped and wondered why family and friends that come to visit always end up scattered out among the kitchen area? It’s true, think about it. What is it about the kitchen that evokes a mysterious magnetic attraction to our guests? It is a place where all the action is, hanging out with loved ones and friends. It’s an entertainment center and a place for arts and crafts for the kids, but most importantly, a place for preparing and cooking great food.

When we wake up in the morning, one of the first places we go is to the kitchen for that so desired cup of hot coffee, or tea in the morning, and usually a good breakfast to help start our day. The kitchen may possibly be the lifeline to your home; it’s a place where we start our day every day of our life.

Kitchens usually don’t stop after everyone in the house is asleep and the lights go out. Ever wonder how those bowls ended up in the sink, or how that tub of ice cream you just bought disappeared?

It’s a place where most children go in the middle of the night for a snack, or a drink. It’s a comfort zone.

Whenever someone asks me what my favorite room is, I always say the kitchen! Not just the way it is decorated, but for what it means on a daily basis. It’s where you provide nourishment for loved ones, it’s where we all gather for holidays, and special occasions. No matter how much you prepare for that big party or gathering, setting out candles on the mantel, folding a blanket over the back of a chair, or placing fresh flowers by the entrance. For all the hard work that’s done to make your home welcoming for your guests, the party usually ends up in the kitchen. And of course you know the old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” The kitchen provides our sustenance through food, but it’s also where special connections are made.

Most of our childhood memories with our mothers or fathers and probably our grandmothers are memories of what took place in the kitchen. That gathering at grandmother’s house Sunday afternoon after church for her famous fried chicken and southern green beans, or her homemade apple pie. Maybe a special meal that your mother would prepare for you just because she loved you; it’s a place where we all connect.

It doesn’t matter the size of your kitchen. Some people say it’s the heart of the home.. I believe it is the heart of the home! It is where memories are made with family and friends. It is where you prepare your meals and feed your family over daily conversation. It’s where you begin and end every day. Some say that while life is created in the bedroom, it is certainly lived in the kitchen.

As you begin your day or end it, it’s in the kitchen where the warmth of shared memories, laughter, and life is. It’s where we create recipes to hand down to friends and family that spans the generations. A place where memories are homemade and seasoned with love.

42

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

By Alisa Star

A

MORE….love is in the air!

It’s a day where people all over the world celebrate love. It’s a day to show affection and friendship and celebrate over a romantic dinner together. We often splurge over that expensive meal with the one we love, making reservations at the most romantic restaurant around the town.

This Valentine’s Day treat you and your loved one to the perfect romantic candlelight dinner for two at home, with this mouthwatering recipe and decadent wine pairing meal. With a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you will be finding yourself creating the perfect Valentine dinner.

Nothing says LOVE like homemade spaghetti and meatballs. Everything about it is romantic, even where the recipe originated -- Italy. To make this decadent rich sauce is a bit time consuming, to slow simmer it for hours is the key to a delicious mouthwatering sauce, the longer it simmers, the more the flavors bloom into pure bliss.

INGREDIENTS For the meatballs:

• • • • • • • • • •

1/2 pound ground veal 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 pound ground beef 1 cup bread crumbs 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1/2 cup grated parmesan 1 tbsp crushed garlic 1 egg Salt and pepper Olive oil

For the sauce: • • • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp good olive oil 1 cup finely chopped onion 2 tsp minced garlic 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes 2 cans plum tomato puree 1/2 cup good red wine such as Chianti 2 tbsp chopped parsley 2 tbsp chopped basil 1 tsp fresh thyme Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS 1 -- Combine ground meats, bread crumbs, parsley, parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper, and egg in a bowel. Combine lightly with a fork, make sure to mix all the ingredients together well. Using your hands form the fixture into 2-3 inch meatballs. You should have enough for 12-14 meatballs.

2 -- Pour vegetable oil into skillet to a depth of about 1/4 inch deep, heat oil to a medium heat. Place meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, turning carefully with a fork. This should take about 10 minutes for each batch. (If you don’t want to fry the meatballs, you can bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes). Set aside.

Discard oil, but don’t clean pan.

3 -- For the sauce, heat olive oil in the same pan. Add onions and saute over medium heat until they are translucent, 5-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the wine and cook on high heat, stir and scrape bottom of pan until the liquid evaporates; this takes about 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, and the puree, and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add parsley, basil, and thyme salt and pepper. Simmer for another hour.

4- Return meatballs to sauce, cover on low heat, simmer for 20 minutes.

Serve over cooked spaghetti, grate fresh parmesan over top. Place basil leaves over top of meatballs for garnish.

WINE PAIRING: South American and Californian wines like cabernet Sauvigon, merlot and malbec all go well with spaghetti and meatballs. Tomato based sauces have high acidity, and need wines with equal or higher acidity levels to match them. If you like a sweeter wine I would go with a malbec, Kaiken Ultra Malbec is a great choice. If you like a bolder flavor with more tannins, go with a good Cabernet, Caymus cab is good, or 2018 Prisoner cab will pair just as equal. If you’re a merlot lover, try Duckhorn Vineyard Merlot, it’s quite popular, and will pair great with red sauce.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

43

[HEALTHCARE]

(FAR LEFT) Pat Berkely, the 100th TAVR patient, standing beside HCA Clear Lake CEO Todd Caliva and the surgeons who perform the surgeries.

(LEFT) Hattie O’Briant, the 1st TALV patient, recuperates at HCA Healthcare Clear Lake.

NEW IN 2020!

Marco Aguero Jr.

It doesn’t happen very often, and most likely you can’t recall the last time the Bay Area had the distinction of welcoming the Houston area’s first baby of the Alexandra Guadalupe year.

Escobar Guerra Yet, Houston Methodist Hospital Clear Lake welcomed young Marco Aguero Jr., son of Iliana Plata and Marco Sr., into the world just 20 seconds after midnight Jan. 1, 2020 to become not only the first baby born in the Houston area in the new year but the first to arrive in the new decade. Dr. Amit Bansal, a Clear Lake High School graduate and long-time OB/GYN in Pasadena who only recently joined Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates in Nassau Bay, delivered young Marco.

Pasadena welcomed its first baby of the new year when Alexandra Guadalupe Escobar Guerra was born at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast at 7:16 a.m. Jan.1. Her mom, Guerra Melgar Nelda Yadira, and dad, Johnathon A. Escobar, were overjoyed with their tiny bundle of joy.

44

Clear Lake hospital celebrates 100th successful TAVR surgery

H

CA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

celebrated the completion of its 100th trascatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgery with Pat Berkely, the 100th patient, and reunited with its very first patient, Hattie O’Briant.

HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake is one of the first hospitals in the Bay Area to provide the minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery. A relatively new procedure, TAVR replaces damaged aortic valves through a catheter in contrast to open-heart surgery in which surgeons cut open the chest to expose the heart.

“It’s a big deal because now we’re getting the expertise in the community. Before the expertise was only in the Medical Center. Now, with this being in the community,

DO NOT IGNORE SIGNS OF VASCULAR DISEASE

T

he legs may offer the first sign of the presence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a narrowing of the blood vessels that can lead to serious health complications.

PVD commonly involves the buildup of plaque in the peripheral arteries (those outside your heart).

As the arteries become blocked, they are less able to transport nourishing blood to the legs and other parts of

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

it’s a lot easier for the patients and their families,” says Dr. Pranav Loyalka.

The heart hospital at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, the only dedicated heart hospital in the Bay Area, performs more than 1,000 heart procedures annually. Its surgeons include Dr. Hannan Chaugle, Dr. Pranav Loyalka, Dr . Snehalkumar Patel, Dr. Bahaeddin Shabaneh, Dr. Ahmad Jeroudi, Dr. Fethi Benraoane, Dr. Molham Aldeiri, Dr. Nadir Ali, Dr. Ghyath Samman, Dr. Ahmed Ahmed, Dr. Kodlipet Dharmashankar, Dr. Gerard Abreo Both doctors and patients are happy over their experience and how this procedure gave them a new lease on life, hospital officials report.

the body. PVD sometimes runs its course silently until the blood vessels become so clogged that treatment is required to avoid permanent damage to the limbs and surrounding tissues.

PVD commonly occurs in the legs. Sufferers often complain of a cramping pain called claudication when they walk a particular distance every time. This is a message from your muscles that they’re not getting enough blood flow and oxygen to work properly.

“In addition to claudication, PVD sufferers may also experience a variety of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in

the legs; foot pain that may awaken the patient from sleep; pale, red, or blue skin discoloration of the extremities or toes; changes in skin temperature; wounds that won’t heal or gangrene; buttock pain; impotence in men; and loss of leg hair,” said Dr. Joseph Naoum, vascular surgeon at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.

If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral vascular disease, talk to your primary care doctor or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Naoum, call Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at 281.523.2363.

FEBRUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

45

Candidate filing deadline near for May 2 election

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

nterested in running for

mayor or a seat on your city council or school board in the May 2 election? If so, better hurry, as all applications are due in your city secretary’s office or the school district headquarters by 5 p.m. Friday Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Several Bay Area mayors will be up for re-election -- including Mayors Donna Rogers of Webster, Mark Denman of Nassau Bay, Julie Masters of Dickinson and Tom Reid of Pearland – and a dozen or so city councilors. League City holds its city elections in November and Pasadena holds its elections only in odd number years. No Seabrook seats are up for election Two seats on the Clear Creek School Board are up for election and two on the Dickinson School Board. CCISD candidate information packets can be picked up at the CCISD Education Support Center, 2425 E. Main St. in League City.

Would be candidates may also request one by emailing Jenabrown@ ccisd.net or calling her at 281-2840181.

In Dickinson ISD, completed candidate forms must be filed in the Education Support Center, 2218 FM 517 E in Dickinson – also by Friday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.

Following are the city council seats up for election and the person currently holding the seat:

CLEAR CREEK ISD District 2 – Win Weber District 3 – Arturo Sanchez DEER PARK ISD Place 6 -- Jason Morris Place 7 -- Brenda Cochran DICKINSON ISD District 1 – Mike Mackey District 2 – Veanna Veasey DICKINSON Mayor -- Julie Masters Pos. 1 -- Charles Suderman Pos. 3 -- Walter Wilson Pos. 5 -- Louis Decker EL LAGO Pos. 2 -- Jeff Machalak Pos. 4 -- Kris Kuehnel Pos. 5 -- Ann Vernon FRIENDSWOOD Pos. 2 – Sally Branson Pos. 5 – John H. Scott KEMAH Pos. 1 – Teresa Vazquez Evans Pos. 3 – Kyle Burks Pos. 5 -- Isaac Saldana NASSAU BAY Mayor – Mark Denman Pos. 2 -- Ashley Graves Pos. 4 -- Bryce Klug Pos. 6 -- Matt Pryor PEARLAND Mayor – Tom Reid Pos. 3 -- Gary Moore Pos. 7 -- Woody Owens WEBSTER Mayor – Donna Rogers Pos. 6 -- Martin Graves

Dave Martin is elected Houston mayor pro tem

C

ity Councilman

Dave Martin is Houston’s new mayor pro tem.

After being nominated by Mayor Sylvester Turner, he was then elected on a vote by City Council, as members took office Jan. 3.

In assuming the new post, Martin wanted to make it clear that in his final term on City Council he “will continue to be a staunch advocate for District E residents … while serving as the chairman for the city›s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, and adding the new role of mayor pro tem to his responsibilities.” Mayor pro tem is a leadership role that encompasses serving as acting mayor for the City of Houston when Mayor Turner is unavailable.

46

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

In this new role, Councilman Martin said he “looks forward to providing unique insight to city issues including budget, flood risk reduction, and infrastructure.” He also hopes to show the City of Houston that even though Mayor Turner and he do not always agree, they have the ability to work through their differences and collaborate to achieve great projects. Martin expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for providing him with this opportunity and said he looks forward to working together during his last term.

District K Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum was elected the city’s new vice mayor pro tem.

Just Like A Sponge

By Pastor Brad Heintz “Just like a sponge!” said my trainer, in an active listening and communication seminar. “Like a sponge?” I thought, “That is odd.”

Then he went and taught us that when you are truly actively listening to someone you need to be like a sponge and soak up everything they are saying. Their words are like water filling your sponge. Don’t react. Don’t respond. Just receive.

And when the sponge is full your first task in active listening is to reflect back what you heard. It’s like you are now squeezing the water out of the sponge. Then let them clarify, explain and communicate more. Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand what the person is saying. Once you have confirmation that you have received what was given, then respond. “Wow,” I thought, “that is a lot of work!” Then the trainer said, “I know what you are thinking, this sounds like a lot of work, but the more you understand each other at the beginning of a conversation, the less work you will have down the road.”

Have you ever misunderstood someone? Have you jumped to conclusions that you found out later weren’t true? Or maybe you assumed something. We all know what happens when you assume.

Just take the word apart…

February is the month of love.

Therefore, I encourage you to start with active listening in your relationships. It will make a world of difference and really help you love each other better. Why is this the first step? Because, people can treat conversations like a squirt gun fight rather than soaking sponges.

I remember when I was a kid, my mom would go to the five and dime

48

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

and get us guns to give us something to do on a hot summer afternoon. I know it’s not politically correct, but we would have so much fun running shooting each other with water.

Most communication can be like that. What I can say? How quickly I can respond? If you are a little competitive, what can I say to get the advantage?

There is no room for squirt gun style communication in loving relationships. We need to begin with actively listening that will lead us into actively loving one another.

James wrote in his letter in the Bible, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” (James 1:19 ESV) God is a great example of someone who knows how to actively listen and then lovingly respond. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

(John 3:16-17 NIV) Let’s leave water guns to the kids on a hot summer afternoon and in this month of February, let’s take the first step to truly loving others by first actively listening to them. Jesus said, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.” (Mark 4:24 ESV) Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Seabrook, Texas, a vibrant familystyle, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA. org Like us and watch us live on www.

Facebook.com/LWCBA

GALVESTON

Clear Lake

BAHM Columnist Kelly Groce

The New Look of Bay Area Houston Mag in 2020 Bay Area Houston Magazine is excited to announce the expansion of our magazine in the upcoming year. Every other month we will include a maritime section about this tremendous market that includes the Port of Houston, international trade and economic development. It’s our duty to make sure that the community is up to date on such an important market. This maritime section will also include recreational fishing, boating and yachting.

You’ve told us what you want to see in the magazine and we listened. With that being said, we are introducing some new and exciting sections to the magazine.

Rick at Night will cover local entertainment and nightlife with our President & CEO, Rick Clapp. Our editor, Alisa Star, will Wine & Dine you each issue with delicious food pairings.

Marsha Davenport’s gossip column, As The Lake Churns, will keep you up to date on all the latest talk around town. Design Vibe by our graphic designer, Kelly Groce, will keep you inspired with current home interior trends and styles.

50

ALBA Gala Feb. 8. The Assistance League will hold its annual gala – this year with a Mama Mia, the Party theme – Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Lakewood Yacht Club.

For reservations, visit the website, assistanceleague/ bayarea.org Art classes start Feb. 8. UHCL’s Art School for Children and Young Adults is the university’s longest running community outreach program will start classes Feb. 8. Register now for Artworks of Northwest Coast Native Americans and Inuits, open to students grades 1-4. Classes are Saturday, Feb. 8, 15, 22, and 29, and March 21, 28 and April 4 at 10 a.m. at UHCL’s Arbor Central building, Room 1315.03. Cost per student is $100. All supplies are included. To register, visit https://apps.uhcl.edu/ ECommerce/Schedule/ Search/AS?query=spring ‘The Tempest’ Feb. 13. Five talented actors from Shakespeare’s Globe Theater will present “The Tempest” at University of HoustonClear Lake’s Bayou Theater with three shows, ThursdaySaturday Feb. 13-15, 7:30 p.m. For tickets or for more information, visit https:// events.uhcl.edu/index. php?eID=2507.

DEER PARK

Chamber banquet Feb. 20.

The Deer Park Chamber will host its annual banquet Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Sylvan Beach Pavilion, 1 Sylvan Beach Drive, La Porte. New officers will be installed and the Citizen of the Year named.

For tickets, call the chamber, 281-479-1559 or email Melissa Peters at Melissa@ deerparkchamber.org

State of City Feb. 27. The Deer Park Chamber will host its annual State of the City Luncheon at 11:30

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2020

a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, with Mayor Jerry Mouton delivering the keynote address at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W. 13th St. Tickets are $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers. For reservations, call the chamber, 281-3387339.

DICKINSON

Street Car Named Desire. The Tennessee Williams favorite, A Streetcar Named Desire, is now playing in the downstairs Main Deck Theatre of the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Highway 3, through Feb. 16, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-3377469 or email bareahp@ comcast.net

FRIENDSWOOD

Boots and Bling Feb. 1. The Friendswood Chamber will host its gala celebration, Boots and Bling, Saturday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 11 p.m. at South Shore Harbour Resort, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City with the Citizen of the Year among several awards to be presented. For reservations, call the chamber, 281482-3329 or visit info@ friendswoodchamber.com

Chamber luncheon Feb. 6.

The Friendswood Chamber will hold its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Green Event Center, 200 W. Parkwood, FM 528, #200.

For reservations, call the chamber, 281-482-3329.

State of the City March 3. Mayor Mike Foreman will deliver the keynote address at the Friendswood Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon Tuesday, March 3, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Church, 108 W. Edgewood Drive (FM 2351). For reservations, contact the chamber.

Mardi Gras Feb. 14. Eleven days of fun ahead as Galveston celebrates Mardi Gras Galveston with parades, parties and dances.

For information, visit mardigrasgalveston.com

KEMAH

Yachty Gras Parade Feb.15. America’s largest Mardi Gras Boat Parade, the Yachty Gras Boat Parade sets sale Saturday, Feb. 15. For information on it and other events, visit the website, Yachtygras@ aol.com or call 713-882-4040.

LEAGUE CITY

Valentine Dance Feb. 1. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a Valentine’s party on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hometown Heroes Park, 1001 E. League City Parkway, from 7 to 9:45 p.m. and the door fee is $8.

The sponsor is Let’s Dance, a 501(c)(3) not for profit, coordinated by Bill and Neva Schroder.

Chamber luncheon Feb. 12. State Sen. Larry Taylor will discuss “The Future of Education” at the League City Regional Chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Civic Center on Walker Street. For reservations, call the chamber, 281-338-7339.

Go Red luncheon Feb. 21. The annual Go Red for Women luncheon, benefitting the American Heart Association, will be held Friday, Feb. 21 in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom. The public is invited. For tickets, visit BayAreaGoRed.Heart.org

NASSAU BAY

HSLBA meets Feb. 12. The Houston Symphony League Bay Area will feature Ferenc Illenyi, first violinist with the Houston Symphony who will present a program of Hungarian music, accompanied by guitar, at its 10 a.m. meeting Wednesday, Feb.12 at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 18300 Upper Bay Road.

For information, visit marthadigges@yahoo.com

PASADENA

State of City Luncheon Feb. 20. Mayor Jeff Wagner will deliver the keynote address at the Pasadena Chamber’s annual State of the City Luncheon, and the 2020 Business of the Year will be announced Thursday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway. For reservations, visit PasadenaChamber.com or call the chamber, 281-4877871.

PEARLAND

State of City Luncheon Feb. 20. Mayor Tom Reid will deliver his State of the City Address to the Pearland Chamber, Thursday, Feb. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Church of Pearland, 1850 Broadway. Tickets are $30 each and may be reserved by calling 281-4853634 or by visiting www.

PearlandTexasChamber.us

SEABROOK

ALBA Gala Feb. 8. The Assistance League will hold its annual gala – this year with a Mama Mia, the Party theme – Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Lakewood Yacht Club.

For reservations, visit the website, assistanceleague/ bayarea.org

Men who Cook Feb. 11. The 26th annual Men Who Cook benefitting the Seabrook Rotary Foundation and the Seabrook Police Officers Charities, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 11, starting at 6 p.m. at Lakewood Yacht Club. Tickets are $50.

WEBSTER

Museum Society to meet.

The Bay Area Museum Historical Society will hold its first 2020 general meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Webster Presbyterian Church, 201 E. NASA Pkwy. Members of the Historical Society and interested people are welcome to attend.

A light lunch will be served. For reservations, visit bamhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com