Bay Area Houston Magazine April 2018

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April 2018 BayAreaHoustonMag.com

THE BEST BITES OF THE BAY EXPLORATION GREEN TO OPEN 2018 TRUCKS FOR SUMMER

APRIL 2018

features

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CHI St. Luke’s Health - Patients Medical Center, located in Pasadena, is a CMS 5-star ranked hospital.

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

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Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Judy Gaines Dana McDonald Debbie Salisbury Amber Sample Matthew Sweatt Robyn Weigelt

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Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Michael Gos Betha Merit Ange Mertens Photography Hal Bushnell Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

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

281.474.5875

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Businesses to Fill Undeveloped Webster Land

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Dental Health

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Bay Area Hollywood Movies Update

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May 5 Elections

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Miss Kemah Pageant

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Summer Jobs That Make a Difference

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2018 Tiger Ball

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Patients Medical Center

Costco, Emmons, Exclusive Furniture and TRU by Hilton Teeth in a day The Bay House, Urban Country City and school board elections on tap The June 8-10 pageant keeps climbing success ladder SOS Christian based work initiative Toasting the diversity of Asia 11 years of high quality care

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AHA announces Black Tie and Boots Gala 30

The Best Bites of the Bay

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Exploration Green

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BIC Alliance Celebrates 35 Years

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

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League City Update

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Bay Area Turning Point’s New CEO

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No Foolin!

A guide to the best bites and brews in the bay Grand opening of phase 1 Thanking readers, partners and staff Continued growth of economy predicted From the mayor and city manager Welcoming Leigh Ann Fry

By Pastor Brad Heintz

columns

Distribution Shinkle Distribution Bay Area Houston Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission. Advertising rates are available upon request.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

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Movers & Shakers

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Clear Lake Chatter

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The A List

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In Wheel Time

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Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events

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Main Events

Thad Roher Go Red for Women rasies $220,000 The best of the Bay Area 2018 Summer Trucks Safety at sea seminar Bay Area Houston calendar of events

By Mary Alys Cherry

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n Webster, they call it the West Side Story or Project Genesis.

But it’s not a Hollywood movie storyline about rival gangs, it’s about a business boom like few areas have seen in recent years. It’s about that big chunk of Webster land lying along the west side of the Gulf Freeway – undeveloped for years – that soon will be booming with dozens of businesses.

Foremost among them are:  Costco, the world’s second largest business, which already has eight stores in the Houston

area and plans a 150,000 square foot facility on its 20-acre tract there. It expects to draw from an immense radius and population stretching from Pasadena to Galveston. “Additionally, Costco will attract a sizeable visitor market that traverses the I-45 artery to visit Galveston – some 6 million visitors annually who drive from Dallas, Austin and San Antonio or fly into Hobby Airport from all over the world,” Webster Economic Development officials said.

 Emmons Autoplex, which is locally owned and operated by four brothers -- Harvey III, Terry, Jerry and Gary Emmons – whose late father started the family business in 1972. Renowned for their quality used vehicles, the Emmons have already broken ground on the proposed 88,000 square foot vehicle sales and service center, being built

by Jacobs White Construction on their 15 acres, and where they plan to sell 300 vehicles from 32 different manufacturers monthly.  Exclusive Furniture, that made the slogan “where low prices live” famous, plans a 50,000 square foot

showroom opening this fall on its four-acre tract that include two nearby plots for restaurants. Its arrival dates back several years when President and CEO Sam Zavary sought a four-acre tract along I-45 in Webster for a furniture showroom.  The 98-room TRU by Hilton Hotel will become Webster’s 19th hotel when it opens in August, offering Hilton’s midscale brand aimed at attracting young

professionals and all age groups who relish flexibility and zones for working, lounging, playing and eating and drinking, all in an ecofriendly hotel.

All are the result of Project Genesis, which was created by the Webster Economic Development Corp. in August 2016 to grow the city’s commercial tax base. Project Genesis’ focus was to trigger commercial growth within 244 acres, the northwest quadrant, of which 82 percent was undeveloped and lies not far from Baybrook Mall, just south of Star Furniture, Houston House and Garden and Holiday Inn Express.

City officials had noticed how successful Magnolia Court Business Park, developed by John and Ross Wycoff of Wycoff Development and Construction some years back.

The Wycoffs also played a key role in Project Genesis’ success by

Kemah enlarging its City Hall

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emah City Hall soon will be much larger and wearing a new look.

The $1.7 million project includes renovation of the current 6,541 square foot facility and building a 3,834 square foot addition to it. Work got underway in late February after City Council gave its approval and the city hosted a ground-breaking ceremony with its construction contractor, Durotech, at City Hall.

When the current City Hall building opened in 1996, officials expected it to provide adequate space for the foreseeable future. But since then the Kemah Boardwalk, amusements, and restaurants have

significantly increased the number of out-of-town visitors to the once quiet fishing village.

“Back when City Hall opened, we didn’t even have a city administrator, and not all that many visitors. That’s all changed,” Mayor Carl Joiner said.

developing the 24-acre Odyssey Park.

The diversified mix of established and entrepreneurial businesses in Odyssey Park includes Pro-Surve Technical Services, Allometrics lab products, Mastrrr chemical induction technology, Batavia commercial ladder repair, Pump It Up youth entertainment, Molly Maid cleaning company, SteelWorx Gym, Pink Bee Studio sales training, Victory Chiropractic, Embroidery Plus, Ziebart Rustproofing, plus the medical offices of Dr. Thomas Rowe, Dr. Linda Goodrum and Dr. Michele Blackwell and Wycoff Development headquarters.

The city is even building a new access road to the property – Genesis Boulevard, which runs parallel to the Gulf Freeway and should be completed this summer and feature street lights, sidewalks and landscaping, with curb appeal.

Meanwhile, Webster officials couldn’t be happier. Economic Development Director Dr. Betsy Guisto is probably the most excited about Costco. She and other staff members have been working to get Costco to Webster for 12 years.

One direct result of Kemah’s growth in tourism has been a related increase in the size of the Kemah Police Department to serve both the city’s yearround population and its millions of visitors.

Currently the police department is spread out over two floors, with few of its various offices adjacent to one another. Three officers work in a separate metal building in the parking lot behind city hall.

“Right now, we are very crowded and only have a 35-square-foot hallway that doubles as a report writing area,” Police Chief Chris Reed said of his department’s office inside city hall. “Having little space and being spread out hampers our communication.”

Increases in police staffing and in other departments to accommodate these changes have made the renovation and expansion necessary, he added.

Upon completion, the new Kemah City Hall, as envisioned, will boast 10,375 square feet of space.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

DENTAL HEALTH

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ental Implants continue to make headway and change lives as they evolve to completely replace natural teeth.

They have come a long way from their humble beginnings when only a select few pioneering oral surgeons made history by surgically inserting and fixating titanium rods to human jawbone and used them as foundation for artificial teeth that act and feel like natural teeth.

The process that was accidentally discovered by Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark in the 1950s ultimately led to development of the technique known as ALL-On-4. In 1998 Dr. Paulo Malo successfully treated the first patient with a technique he later called the All-on-4® concept.

While the technique had some definite advantages for people who suffered from weak teeth all their lives, it also pushed the boundaries of biological integration to new territories.

It contradicted one of the most fundamental “bone to titanium” integration that requires complete immobility during the initial healing phase. It also drew criticism from many traditional surgeons (such as myself) for

required surgical site preparation and guided bone and tissue regeneration. It was easier, faster and most importantly, people loved it.

Slowly but surely ALL-ON-4 gained clinical history. Now, 18 years later, this relatively simple surgical technique has continued to turn unbelievers such as myself into believers. It has defied conventional science and has certainly pushed the envelope of what is possible in medicine. Most ALL-ON-4 or Teeth in a Day placed nearly two decades ago are still functioning.

Along the way, this ALL-ON-4 technique improved as it evolved.

It is now common to place 6 dental implants, as opposed to 4, to better distribute the jaw forces and to avoid replacing the premium bridge in case a single implant fails. The design of the prosthesis has also been improved to avoid food and plaque accumulation under the Bridge.

Today, ALL-ON-4 or “Teeth in a day” technique is improved its aggressive bone reduction requirements.

Many professionals and consumer watchdogs warned that the most expensive piece of ALLON-4 treatment is an individually customized one piece prosthetic that fixates to four equally distributed dental implants that are positioned on an angle to avoid vital landmarks such as maxillary sinus and jaw nerves.

Other professionals believed tilted position of dental implants causes uneven force distribution on the jawbone. Bio-physics tells us uneven load distribution can cause bone loss on areas receiving the largest portion of the force over time, therefore undermining stability and health of tilted dental implants prematurely.

Many dental surgeons (including myself) questioned longevity of this invasive and pricy treatment. Scientific literature predicted tilted positioned dental implants will eventually fail. Failure of even one single implant out of four, will lead to failure of the entire unit and requires repair or replacement of the failed dental implant as well as the customized prosthesis bridge that is the most expensive piece of the treatment.

Accessibility for oral hygiene

“It has become a premium option for people who are in danger of losing all their teeth and considering dentures.” was also questioned since the dental implants in this technique are a barrier under the prosthesis and hard to clean. The annual maintenance trips to dentist can also be significantly more (300 to 400 percent) than the traditional teeth cleaning.

As above concerns kept many experienced dental surgeons at bay, other surgeons endorsed the technique for its simplicity and relatively easier than traditional techniques that often

and time tested. It is not perfect and certainly not for everyone.

But, it has become a premium option for people who are in danger of losing all their teeth and considering dentures. To learn more about “Teeth in a day” treatment option, feel free to contact our office at 281-332-4700 for a complimentary CT-Scan and analysis, as well as personal consultation by me to find out if this treatment option is right for you.

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.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Thad Roher

Occupation: Friendswood school superintendent Hometown: Friendswood Current home: Friendswood

Someone I’d like to meet: Abraham Lincoln

My favorite meal is: Oysters on half-shell

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: A fishing guide

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A veterinarian

My favorite performers are: George Strait

Family: Wife Tine, daughter Maggie (Texas A&M), son Reed (U.S. Coast Guard)

I like to spend my leisure time: Fishing

My favorite writer is: Elmer Kelton

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Australia

You’ll never catch me: Eating a tomato The thing that bugs me the most is: Cold weather My favorite movie is: Cinderella Man Few people know: I’m colorblind

Brownie Scout Katarina Kruse, Falcon Pass Elementary third grader and the daughter of Jordin and Cam Kruse of Clear Lake, delivers Girl Scout cookies to Sam and Sadye Meineke of League City. She is a member of Brownie Troop 7566, led by Ann Garrison, and among thousands of Girl Scouts and Brownie Scouts taking part in the annual cookie fundraiser.

Writer and director of The Bay House, Bo Brinkman, left, with some cast and crew.

BIC Alliance and BIC Media Solutions is proud to announce they are partnering with Keels and Wheels and Fishbone Energy Services to sponsor the 2018 Keels and Wheels event, benefiting Today’s Harbor for Children! Pictured from left, is Mr. Earl Heard of the BIC Alliance, Bob Fuller and Chris Ann Conn from Keels and Wheels, and Mr. Billy Cain of Fishbone Energy Services.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

Bay Area Hollywood Movie Updates

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he premiere showing of the new movie Urban Country will show through April in Baton Rouge. This faith based inspirational movie is sure to be a big hit the spring and summer. The Bay Group are proud producers of this inspiring film along with Media partners, Earl Heard of BIC Alliance and investor, John Zapalac.

More Hollywood News The Bay House, filmed locally in Seabrook, San Leon and Galveston, is wrapping up this month with the final scene being filmed in Silverton, Colorado. This hit film is directed by local, Bo Brinkman and features Lesley Ann Warren, Barry Corbin, James Callis, Sean Ferris and other local actors, even Raz Halili and Rick Clapp.

A highlight in the film is a scene filmed at Gilhooley’s with Prestige Oysters’ Raz Halili. Film producers include locals Rick Clapp, Tim Leppard, Billy Cain, Raz Halili and Cowden Brooks. The Bay House will be released this fall in local theaters. Be on the “Baywatch” because more films are coming from BIC Alliance and The Bay Group. For more information call The Bay Group at 281-474-5875.

City and school board elections on tap May 5

By Mary Alys Cherry

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n addition to making decisions in the March 5 state and federal elections, Bay Area voters will head back to the polls Saturday, May 5 to elect mayors and fill city council seats in their cities and choose their school board trustees.

Both Friendswood and Nassau Bay will be electing mayors. Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman is up for re-election but has no opposition.

Meanwhile, Friendswood Mayor Kevin Holland decided not to run again, leaving a vacancy for Councilman Mike Forman and Omar Peck to challenge one another for the post.

Some cities will not be holding elections. Dickinson elects council members on two out of every three years, and this year is an off year, with the next city election in May, 2019. League City holds its city elections in November. In Taylor Lake Village, Webster, Seabrook, Nassau Bay and Kemah, elections have been called off as the candidates have no opposition.

Clear Creek ISD has some of the most active races with all three trustees up for election facing opposition. Trustee Charles Pond is being challenged in the At-Large A race by Jacob Berry, an information systems security officer, and Jennifer Broddle, a district volunteer.

In the District 4 race, Trustee Page Randor will face Jeff Larson, a consultant, while District 5 Trustee Jay Cunningham is being challenged

by Michelle Moore, a NASA resources manager, and Yvonne Tibai, a retired teacher. District 4 lies mostly west of I-45 in the Clear Brook High area while District 5 is in the Ross Elementary and League City Elementary area.

Early voting by personal appearance for these municipal and school board elections begins April 23 and ends on May 1. Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, May 5,

Clear Lake Shores Council Candidates Amanda Fenwick Angie Terrell Kurt Otten Bryan Hoerner Jason Morton Sheldon C. Solmonsson Thomas Haaland El Lago Position 3 Position 4 Position 5

Jim Kelly (i) Darin Clark John Skelton (i) Ann Vernon (i) Roger Nylin

Friendswood Mayor Omar Peck Mike Foreman Position 1 Steve Rockey Michael Wood Position 3 Trish Hanks Philip Ratisseau Position 4 Robert J. Griffon Brent Erenwert Kemah Position 1 Position 3 Position 5

Teresa Vazquez Evans Kyle Burks Matthew Wiggins

Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman (i) Position 2 Ashley Graves Position 4 Bryce King (i) Position 6 Matt Prior Pearland Position 2 Position 4

Seabrook Position 1

Derrick Reed (i) Adrian Hernandez Dalia Kasseb G.C. Sonny Atkins

Position 5

Mike Giangrosso Ed Klein Jeff Larson David McLendon Buddy Hammann

Taylor Lake Position 1 Position 3 Position 5

Village Mack Eisenberg Bob Davee (i) Tony Galt (i)

Webster Position 1 Position 2

Jennifer Heidt (i) Andrea Wilson (i)

Position 3

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Loraine Lyons, who chaired the Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort, with her husband, Dr. Michael Lyons.

Kristy Cormier, left, and Brooke Villanueva mingle with the crowd at the Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Chris Reed, who was voted “Heartthrob of the Year” arrives at the event with his wife, Jana, who says, “Sorry, Ladies, he’s taken.”

Monica Millican, left, visits with Cynthia Villareal as they await the start of the Luncheon.

Santiago Mendoza Jr. and Minute Man Press-Clear Lake owner Jim Sweeney.

Go Red for women raises $220,000 A BEAUTIFUL sea of red filled South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom as hundreds of Bay Area women – fashionably dressed in red -- and quite a few men, gathered to take up the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease by raising $220,000.

The occasion, of course, was the annual Bay Area Go Red for Women Luncheon, chaired this year by Loraine Lyons, who with her husband, Dr. Michael Lyons, joined Men Go Red For Women Co-Chairmen Jim Sweeney and Santiago Mendoza Jr. in welcoming some of the early arrivals – League City Mayor Pat Hallisey and his wife, Janice, Jana and Chris Reed, Pat and Wendell Wilson, Kristy Cormier, Colene Joiner, Sara Martin, Michelle Stoddard, Katie Pistone, Brooke Villanueva, Emmeline Dodd and Kenneth and Kristi Koncaba.

Texan Bank CEO Kenny Koncaba and his wife, Texan Bank President Kristi Koncaba.

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MARY ALYS CHERRY

Pretty Elissa Rivas of ABC Ch. 13 served as emcee of the “Survivors With Style” fashion show that featured models Sherri Grisham, Caroline Smith, Andrea McGhee, Amber Trueblood, Michele Metts, Barbara Welch, Carolann Peters, Veronica Wier and Kelli Reddinger showing off fashions from Macy’s while those who played key roles in making the day a success looked on – Circle of Red Co-Chairmen Darcy Whatley and Tama Brantley McEwen, plus Gloria Greene, Tamara Ostermayer, Marilyn Sims

and Theressa Riggs, to name a few.

Others included Heart Throb Chairman Sandy Adams, Open Your Heart Chairman Fay Picard, Auction Chairman Laurie Dahse and Fashion Show Chairman Stephanie Rice and their committee members – Meloney Bean, Abbie Contreras, Amanda Fenwick, Brandy Gates, Hilary Hart, Donna Orozco, Tamara Ostermayer, Teresa Provis, Kelli Reddinger, Nancy Suarez and Elizabeth Quigley.

The event came to a lively close with the showstopper – the annual Heart Throb of the Year Competition featuring Dr. Jason Gukhool, representing Elite Care 24 Hour Emergency Room– League City; Jonathan Bender and James Blasczyk, representing Bay Area Regional Medical Center; and Chris Reed, representing All American Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute.

Emmeline Dodd, right, walks into South Shore Harbour Resort to find Pat and Wendell Wilson at the Luncheon.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

After an exciting vote by the audience, Chris Reed emerged the winner, taking home the Heart Throb of the Year Award, sponsored by Texan Bank.

Almost all the area’s medical facilities helped sponsor the event, including Bay Area Regional Medical Center, UTMB-Health, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Kindred Hospital Clear Lake, Elite Care 24-Hour Emergency Room of League City, U.S. Anesthesia Partners, All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, Chi St. Luke’s Health, Cornerstone Hospital, Pam Rehabilitation Hospital of Clear Lake, Baywood Crossing Rehabilitation and AMED Medical.

Along with Moody National Bank, Norman Frede Chevrolet, BB&T, Texan Bank, ABC Ch. 13, Bay Area Houston Magazine, Leidos Women’s Network and Big League Dreams.

Cindy Deaton, Tracey Adams and Marilyn Sims, from left

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry and Donnie Johnson

(Left) Wismer Distributing owners Jim Ferris and Ann Wismer Landolt, from left, and their spouses, Michael Landolt and Tonya Ferris, celebrate the move of the Budweiser distributorship from Baytown to its new facility in Mount Belvieu, riding behind the Clydesdales in the town’s celebratory parade. (Right) The Clydesdales draw cheers from the Mount Belvieu crowd.

Clydesdales lead Wismer celebration CONGRATULATIONS to Michael and Ann Wismer Landolt and Jim and Tonya Ferris on their beautiful new Wismer Distributing facility that just opened in Mount Belvieu.

Had quite a celebration the other day with the Budweiser Clydesdales, the iconic Dalmation and members of the Baytown Rotary Club taking part in the parade through town and grand opening festivities at Mount Belvieu City Hall.

Speakers included Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, Harris County Precinct 3 Judge Don Coffey and Mount Belvieu Mayor Nick Dixon as hundreds gathered to celebrate.

HEB hosts event for Guild members

Bay Oaks Women’s Association Board members include, from left, Terri Steinkamp, hospitality; Jodi Schnabel, advisor to the president; Cindy Zook, publicity; Sue Broughton, historian; and Susan Franklin, communications.

Not pictured: Sharon Dillard, membership; Mary Alys Cherry, public relations; Amy Roppolo, registration; and Pam Clary, special events.

New officers of the Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association take time for a photo during a recent gettogether at the country club in Clear Lake. They are from left, standing, President Susan McCoy and Treasurer Allyson Jackson; seated, Secretary Chris Howland and Vice Presidents Amy Schweers and Suzanne Leatherman.

BAY AREA MUSEUM Guild members were in for quite a treat when HEB hosted a complimentary Wine Tasting at the museum for members.

Jan Larson served as chairman for the event, which drew quite a crowd, including Jack and Marcy Fryday, Peter and Pam Culpepper Cronk, Mary Ann Shallberg, Beverly Giacone, Donnie Johnson, Linda and Rich Steber, Lisa and Manuel Clobanu,

Beverly Giacone, right, visits with Peter and Pam Culpepper Cronk at the Bay Area Museum Guild Wine Tasting.

Ava Galt. Leo and Rose Marie Symmank, Barbara Spencer, Kathy Herman and Sandi Allbritton, to name a few.

A variety of hors d’oeuvres and cheeses that match up perfectly with the type of wine served delighted one and all, who really enjoyed the evening.

Jack and Marcy Fryday take a seat as they join the fun at the Bay Area Museum Guild Wine Tasting at the museum in Clear Lake Park.

HEB wine connoisseur Scott Holmar, far left, and his team get a warm welcome from Museum Guild Wine Tasting Chairman Jan Larson, fourth from right, as the event gets underway. Joining them are Sarah Elkins, Allison Nobel, Roger Aggoun, Allison Pombier, Alex Hickman, Trey VanHorn and Madi Ott.

Wine Tasting Chairman Jan Larson, from right, takes a break, joining Sandy Allbritton, Nelson Costin, Ava Galt and Lois Costin as they enjoy refreshments at the Museum Guild/HEB social.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Miss Kemah pageant keeps climbing the success ladder FantaSea Yacht, where they are also treated to a brunch cruise around the ew beauty Galveston Bay. Because pageants, if any, the entire pageant attain the success weekend is held in like the Miss Kemah, there are so many Kemah Pageant – coming things to do – live music, up June 8-10 -- has in its restaurants, shopping, first seven years. wineries, and the famous Under the direction of Kemah Boardwalk that Kelly Williams since its make the weekend one beginning in 2012, the to remember! We also contestants have been try to make our pageant incredibly successful with experience as close to the Miss Kemah and Miss a national pageant as Kemah Teen winners in possible so the girls are the Top 15 at the state well prepared to compete pageants or in the Top 2015 Miss Kemah Teen wins 2017 MISS at the state pageants.”

5 and won numerous TEXAS TEEN USA® and 2017 MISS TEEN And, once the awards, including Most USA® (photo credit: Select Studios) competition is over, the Photogenic and Fitness. contestants and winners “Our 2012 Miss Kemah are treated extremely well by the City of Teen was 2nd runnerup in Miss Texas Teen Kemah, Kelly says. “When one becomes a USA, Miss Kemah was 3rd runnerup at the title holder for Kemah, she’s treated as part Miss Texas USA and our 2015 Miss Kemah of our city family – #TeamKemah as named was 1st runnerup at Miss Texas USA,” by our Kemah mayor! We are so proud that Kelly explained, adding that the pageant is the city and community supports the girls, an upscale event that works hard to make unlike any other pageant. pageant weekend a special one, not only “Finally, while the Miss Kemah Pageant is for the contestants, cut for their family and known for its success, I think that what sets friends. us apart from other pageants is that we truly But that’s not all. strive to make a positive difference in young The 2016 Miss Kemah was crowned 2017 women’s lives – no matter if they become Miss Texas USA and Miss Kemah Teen was a titleholder or not. I believe that being crowned 2016 Miss Texas Teen USA before crowned Miss Kemah or Miss Kemah Teen going on to win the National Crown as Miss is a stepping stone to becoming more of a Teen USA. leader in the community and a positive role The Miss Kemah Pageant is well known model for other young women.” for several things. First of all, it is known for Anyone interested in competing in being one of the most fun and interactive the Miss Kemah / Miss Kemah Teen pageants there is, Kelly points out. “One of Pageant should contact Kelly Williams at the exciting things that our contestants get MissKemahPageant.com or enter online at to do is compete in a fitness competition MissKemahPageant.com aboard the beautiful Kemah Boardwalk

By Mary Alys Cherry

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By Lilli Heintz

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nap, click, flash.

When you read these words what do you think of? Do you think of the sound a KitKat makes? The sound a pen makes? The bright flash from the lightning outside your window? When I read these words something else runs through my mind. A powerful tool that is used to document time, to remember a special moment, to tell an unspoken story. When I read these words, the best thing comes to my mind.

Photography.

In this digital world, sight is everything. Seeing what others are doing in their day-to-day life and how it is

make or break the outcome.

The beauty of the crisp look and detail is what draws the eye to the viewers. Most people prefer the digital photography because it is a simple thing. We point our phone or lenses and can capture the moments as they come and can re-create a moment if we do not like how the picture ended up looking.

Digital photography is such a powerful tool and it has changed how I looked at the world. However, I have recently fallen in love with the way film photography works. The thought of having one shot to make everything perfect or to just live in the moment is captivating. The way the

“An unspoken story is told with one single snap of the camera.” all shared through a single picture or video reveals what powerful tools we have at arm’s reach. We can use these in any way possible.

When cameras were first brought to life, only the best of the best could get them. It was such a limited thing that it was an honor to use one.

As time goes on now we use a camera and look at images daily with social media. Is it still an honor for our photo to be taken?

Digital photography has come a long way and we can do basically anything with it.

We can edit our surroundings or the colors to make how we want the world to look.

Digital cameras have made it easy to see every single detail of a photo, the cleanness of a photo and how lighting can

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camera feels and sounds after you take the picture is music to my ears. I love the excitement of waiting to see the pictures after getting the film developed and sometimes not remembering that you even took. The grain and the imperfection of how the images turn out is so raw and simple. Even editing the final print can ruin it. The simplicity and rawness that comes from film photography is scary yet thrilling at the same time.

Living through a photo and seeing what the photographer saw is what people are most interested in. An unspoken story is told with one single snap of the camera. Every moment in photography is a snippet of time captured as it passes by.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

UHCL honors philanthropists Mary Ann Shallberg, right, recently retired executive associate to each of UHCL’s first four presidents over the last 37 years, receives the Philanthropy Award from University President Dr. Ira K. Blake during the recent gala launching the event, “UHCL, Here We Go.” Some years ago, Shallberg and her late husband established the William L. Shallberg Endowed Scholarship in International Business as a tribute to his long career in international business. Amy Moroney, education director of the Houston Rodeo, was presented the UHCL Community Partnership Award to honor the Houston Rodeo. Its contributions have helped train more than 120 teachers, it was noted.

The A List

By Ange Mertens

Summer Jobs That Make A Difference

By Mike Darst What was your first job experience?

Was it a good or bad experience? Was it flipping burgers, cleaning toilets or something you would rather not remember? Was it formative in shaping your future, giving you tools to be successful or did it just give some cash to spend?

Don’t we all want better for our youth especially choosing that first summer job? As a parent, I let my son and daughter decide on their first job with some guidance. Typically, a first job is simple and repetitive like a cashier or flipping burgers.

Working with youth in the restaurant business I saw many who could handle much more. As I personally looked at how I could move from success to significance in my career, I was inspired to create Summer of Service (SOS) Youth Initiative.

SOS is a Christian based work initiative designed to offer youth a meaningful job experience for seven weeks during the summer benefitting our community, and growing future business leaders. SOS empowers youth to make decisions on projects. So many times, we just give a youth a job with a narrow focus with a repetitive nature. We want more from our youth and this initiative is designed to benefit our youth by peeling back the layers of business and showing them how things work while serving our community.

This summer SOS will empower 20 youth by immersing them in project management, business principles, and financial reconciliation. A great example is a project we did last year. We built a small walk way in front of our church. The youth had to plan the project, choose the materials, figure the costs and execute the work. The youth did all these things and completed the project with a total understanding of how to get it done in a timely manner.

We start out each day with prayer circles, which gives each youth a chance to pray for something important in their life at that moment. Our goal is to build Christian business leaders for the future of our community. We want youth, who desire to learn business, have Christian values and experience a meaningful job. Along with the basic business principles we provide on-thejob training in social media, marketing, public speaking and sales. One of the most important concepts we apply is to be good ethical Christian business leaders who make good decisions.

We are seeking corporate sponsorship and partnerships. Your organization and business can make this summer of service a reality for 20 youth! For more information contact mike.darst@ LWCBA.org We are currently seeking candidates for 2018 summer program. Please check out our website www.sosyouth.org Mike Darst is the Summer of Service Director for the Seabrook Chapter whose church home is Living Word Church of The Bay Area.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

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ometimes we take for granted the things that surround us in our hometown.

We fall victim to the proverbial “the grass is always greener”school of thought. With the allure of Houston nightlife, restaurants and style within reach some may be enticed to pursue those entertainment options from our neighbor to the north. In this new column I will be exploring the Bay Area for The Best of The Best in entertainment, food, and fashion.

Fashions from Dress Galaxy

Tis the season for prom dress shopping! 2018 prom trends have a lot of dresses representing the past with bold patterns and romantic blush tones. Off the shoulder designs are in, even better if there’s a ruffle. And two piece designs are once again hitting the runways. Mothers and daughters make the yearly trek to outstanding Houston stores like Muzzies. But did you know that right here in League City we have the designer of one of the most popular brands of prom dresses, Precious Formals? Ruby Ashraf has had her design studio and buyer show room on The Landing Boulevard for over 26 years. Just over a year ago she opened the new show room, named Dress Galaxy, to the public. You are not going to believe this store when you walk in , with the New York style runway and the shear size and inventory of this place! The savvy prom shopper, pageant queen or socialite can find thousands of designer dresses in stock from size 00 to 30!

We may not attract Ozzy Osbourne or Rage Against the Machine at our local venues, but in March you can see some great tribute bands at The Scout Bar on Egret Bay, that honor them. Bands like Damn the Torpedoes – a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and Green for a Day- a tribute to Green Day, play to sold out crowds almost weekly. The 80s experience band The Spazmatics, which will have you jumping up-anddown and singing at the top of your lungs by the end of the first set. This place is certainly worth a try.

Tucked away in a little strip center on Bay Area Boulevard is a local gem. This area is rich

in history and history is what makes the Red Oak Café so special. After the loss of her beloved son Justin, Kim Oravetz and her family planted a red oak tree in honor of Justin’s strength in size and of character.. Kim and her son Ian opened the Red Kim Oravetz, and Justin’s brother, Oak Café with Ian Oravetz of Red Oak Cafe their love for Justin and his larger than life personality and endearing quality at the Heart. Everyone is family once they walk through the door and love is definitely served in their food. The Texas themed menu is more something you would find in a trendy restaurant in the hill country than in a strip center in League City. You can start your day off with The Big Breakfast, Kitchen Sink Quesadillas, Homemade Biscuits and Gravy or you can be adventurous and choose from close to 20 fresh toppings like raspberries, pumpkin, white chocolate chips, or Nutella to top your mouth watering stack of pancakes. Lunch is an Adventure of tasty dishes like Rio Grande Grilled Cheese made with three different cheeses, Granny Smith apple slices and crisp bacon that will make any grown up rethink grilled cheese. Chisholm Trail Chicken Pot Pie and Cow Poke Beef Stew are their twist on stick to your ribs favorites, but their Rustic Tarts are a surprising concoction of sweet and savory with a flaky crust filled with creamy egg custard, fresh poblano peppers, onions and zesty salsa Verde that will make your week!

Well the saying that was actually made famous in our South of Houston suburbs, “Houston We Have A Problem” is still true today because we are giving Houston a run for their money with the Best of The Best of the Bay Area!

The Spazmatics - Texas - The Ultimate New Wave 80s Show

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Guests toast the diversity of Asia at 2018 Tiger Ball

By Aileen Lu

Spring means its time for Rotary Springoree

By Mary Alys Cherry It’s springtime and in the Bay Area that means Space Center Rotary’s popular Springoree is coming up soon. Real soon.

It’s on the calendar for Thursday, April 12 at the Palms Event Center, 15301 Gulf Freeway, with a Kentucky Derby theme and starting out with a mint julep cocktail party at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and an auction, Chairman Nancy Anderson says.

Joining her in making arrangements for the event are Co-Chairmen Steve Owens and Olive Murphy Riker and committee members Kim Scofield, Stan Galanski and Jeffrey Klima.

The public is invited to join the Rotarians at this fun event. Proceeds will be used to address more humanitarian needs than ever before -- expanding outreach into the community to assist those affected by recent tragedy, as well as literacy projects and programs for our veterans and first responders. “The ripple effect of the Bay Area’s generosity and support is felt throughout the community,” Anderson says.

Tickets are $75 for an evening of music, excitement and fun.

For reservations, email SpaceCenterRotary@ gmail.com or call 832434-2894.

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T

iger Ball 2018: Celebrating the Diversity of Asia, paid homage on March 3 to honorees Sylvia and Gordon Quan, longtime Asia Society advocates.

The event also recognized Co-Chairmen Kathy and Glen Gondo, Helene and Stephen Le, and Sultana and Moez Mangalji, as well as Honorary Chairmen The Honorable Theresa Chang and Dr. Peter Chang. The proceeds topped $1.2 million, well past the fundraising goal. It supports Asia Society Texas Center’s 150+ public programs each year.

Upon arrival, the 600+ guests in black tie and national dress were greeted by several wishing trees along Southmore, strung with hot pink and red ribbons. (Wishing trees are a tradition throughout Asia.)

The lavishly decorated 40’x240’ Chevron Gala Pavilion covered Southmore Boulevard between Caroline and Austin. The tent was decorated in a Taj Mahal theme, complete with Moorish gates, lanterns, rugs, ottomans and lounging poofs.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and Chinese performances

by Dance of Asian America, that led a procession into the Grand Hall for dinner.

A sumptuous PanAsian dinner was served throughout the Asia Society Texas Center building, which was thematically decorated and is itself an award-winning work of art (designed by famed architect Yoshio Taniguchi). Tables were arrayed throughout the Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall, the North Gallery, the café, Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater, Water Garden Terrace, and the Edward Rudge Allen III Education Center.

After dinner, guests returned to the Chevron Gala Pavilion for a panoply of decadent Pan-Asian desserts and an impromptu hula lesson from dancers from the Ka Pa Hula Na Pua O Kamali’i Polynesian dance ensemble.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

Special guests included: His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of MarwarJodhpur and his daughter, Princess Shivranjani Rajye, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Nancy Allen, Joni Baird, Rice University President Dr. David W. Leebron and first lady Y. Ping Sun, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Andrea and Bill White, Alex and Astley Blair, Lily and Charles Foster, Ms. Attractive China International, Aileen Lu, plus many members of the consular corps.

The one-of-a-kind big board auction items included the opportunity to throw the first pitch at an Astros game; a cultural tour of NYC with luxury accommodations, breakfast at Tiffany & Co NY, and an exclusive tour of the Rockefeller collection at Asia Society NY; 4 seats in the New York Yankees Legends Suite; dinner for 10 with the Rice University president and first lady in their 1920s mansion; exquisite jewelry by Tiffany & Co. and Mikimoto; a curated tour of Toronto with first-class airfare; a progressive dinner for six at Tony’s, Vallone’s, and Ciao Bello; a sushi and sashimi party for 30 guests hosted by the Consulate-General of Japan; and first-class international United airfare for two.

Floral choices played a key role in this year’s décor. The greenery represented a wide variety of Asian and nonAsian origins and included peonies, hydrangea, cherry blossoms, manzanita trees, roses, tulips, azaleas, orchids, forsythia, pierus japonica, iris, prunus, dogwood and phlox.

A full complement of top-shelf talent created this year’s Tiger Ball, including décor by Rebekah Johnson of Bergner & Johnson, tent

by Derek Widis of SPF Event Resources, catering by Gary Mercer and Jim Ewing of City Kitchen, DJing by DJ Senega of Karma DJs, and lighting by Bright Star Productions.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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(L to R)CFO Austin Jones; Ophthalmologist Larry Alexander, MD; General Surgeon Jorge Rodriguez, MD; Internist Monte Orahood, MD; Cardiologist Karan Bhalla, MD; Podiatrist Charley Hartley, DPM; Anesthesiologist Steve Coggins, MD; and CEO Steven Foster

Patients Medical Center: 11 Years of High Quality Care

P

atients Medical Center is your community hospital.

Conveniently located off Beltway 8, we’re minutes away from all Bay Area communities.

CHI St. Luke’s Patients Medical Center is committed to excellence and compassion in caring for the whole person while creating healthier communities in the areas we serve.

For the past 11 years, CHI St. Luke’s Health–Patients Medical Center has proudly served the Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, Baytown, and Clear Lake communities.

Patients Medical Center offers 5-star care, a recognition awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). This is a designation that only 3 other hospitals in Houston and 323 hospitals in the nation have achieved. It is a reflection of patient satisfaction, shows our dedication to quality outcomes, efficiency of

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care, and overall value that patients receive compared to other hospitals.

Compare our rating with other local hospitals by visiting Medicare.gov/ HospitalCompare.

Patients Medical Center opened in 2007 as a physician-owned hospital.

Many of the physicians who founded the hospital still practice here and call Bay Area their home.

Giving Back

Patients Medical Center has given back to the community in various ways. Some highlights include: • Over the past 10 years, Patients Medical Center has paid $3,417,220 in city/school taxes; $6,952,315 in county taxes; $14,070,761 in payroll taxes • Provided $50,132,949 in charity care and bad debt care.

• Member of local Chambers of Commerce including Pasadena, Deer Park, Clear Lake and La Porte-Bayshore.

• Raised nearly $20,000 for the American Heart Association to help improve cardiovascular

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

•

• •

health and participated in the Bay Area Heart Walk and the Go Red for Women event.

Hosted free lectures and trainings, such as a Heartsaver® CPR training class, a Safe Sitter class for boys and girls interested in babysitting, and a Healthy Living Series focused on a range of health and wellness topics.

Donated funds and food to stock the Southeast Area Ministries food pantry.

Sponsored community events, such as the Deer

Park Education Foundation Strides for School Fun Run, Texas McDonald Invitational Basketball Tournament, San Jacinto Museum Fun Run, and The Rugged Race, which helps provide Pasadena schools with healthy resources for children.

About PMC

Located at 4600 East Sam Houston Parkway South in Pasadena, Patients Medical Center is a 61-bed acute care hospital with eight operating rooms and three endoscopy rooms.

Using the latest technology, we offer leading-edge treatments and services, ranging from wound care and general surgery to diagnostic imaging and sleep services.

CHI St. Luke’s Health is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems. Patients Medical Center became part of St. Luke’s Health in 2010 – St. Luke’s with a 51% ownership and the physician partners with 49%. In 2013 St. Luke’s Health System became part of CHI, and CHI now holds the 51% ownership, and the physicians maintain their part.

A defining difference is that Patients Medical Center is a faith-based organization, providing 5-star care.

Additional Services Offered by PMC •

•

•

The Emergency Center at Preston Road and Beltway 8 in Pasadena offers 24/7 emergency care.

It is a department of Patients Medical Center, and thus runs as an additional location of the hospital’s emergency department. That means you get the same level of care as at the hospital, but often with shorter wait times.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Center includes physical, hand, occupational, and speech therapy.

The Women’s Imaging Suite offers digital mammography and bone densitometry, and is a certified Pink Ribbon Facility – a distinction awarded only

care at discounted rates. Patients can determine their cost for a procedure or service prior to a visit, and in some cases, may receive financing. To find out the bundled price for MRIs, CT scans, endoscopies, sleep studies and more, call 844.629.7739 or visit MDSave.com/PMC.

Putting the patient first Steven Foster has been CEO at Patients Medical Center for nearly two years.

Originally from Texas, Foster has more than 16 years of progressive hospital administration experience in Oklahoma, Texas and internationally in Costa Rica and Mexico.

CHI St. Luke’s Emergency Center— Pasadena a department of Patients Medical Center is a 24/7 facility for all health care emergencies, often with a shorter wait time.

Paying out-of-pocket for healthcare

For patients who have a high deductible or do not have insurance, we offer the ability to pre-pay for

•

•

•

A defining difference of Patients Medical Center is being a faithbased organization, providing 5-star care. From the beginning, PMC was designed to put the patient at the center of our care. Over the past 11 years, their physicians and staff held true to that principle.

Patients Medical Center will continue to offer the programs and services to meet the health care needs of the local community. Thank you for placing your trust in us as your community hospital of choice.

To learn more about CHI St. Luke’s Health–Patients Medical Center, call 713-948-7000 or visit CHIStLukesPMC.org.

to an elite group of health care facilities.

Imaging services include nuclear medicine, 64-slice computerized axial tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and vascular lab, echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound), angiography, and fluoroscopy.

The Wound Care Center provides comprehensive wound care and hyperbaric medicine services to treat and heal wounds of every description, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers.

The Sleep Center identifies issues with snoring and sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy, sleep walking and restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders.

The Emergency Center—Pasadena, a department of the hospital, takes all insurances and offers easy transition to a hospital admission, if needed.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[ HEALTHCARE ]

American Heart Association announces Black Tie and Boots Gala

Dr. Juan Serrato Jr. joining St. John orthopedics group Dr. Juan Serrato Jr., a boardcertified orthopedics and sports medicine physician also specializing in total joint replacement, has joined the Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

Serrato has advanced training in knee and shoulder reconstruction, arthroscopy and sports medicine from Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. He treats patients who suffer from orthopedic injuries, disorders and chronic conditions using today’s most sophisticated technologies and procedures – including minimally invasive surgery. He is a native Houstonian and has been caring for patients in the Clear Lake area since 2011.

“As the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros and other professional athletes, the Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team has earned an outstanding reputation and I’m proud to be joining that tradition of excellence,” Serrato said.

“This new relationship provides a wealth of benefits for my patients and I’m looking forward to collaborating with other Houston Methodist specialists and sharing my passion, commitment and expertise with my new team.”

Serrato will join Drs. Jamie Alexander, Kenneth Brooks, Edward Lee, Jason Leaseburg, Javier Rios and Michael Monmouth. Initially, he will see patients at his current location at 16840 Buccaneer Lane in Clear Lake, with a move to the Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at St. John office on NASA Parkway planned for 2019. For more information or to schedule an appointment visit houstonmethodist. org/orthopedics/st-john or call 281.299.3455.

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The 2018 American Heart Association Black Tie & Boots Galveston Heart Ball co-chairs, Dr. Abe DeAnda, Professor and Chief of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), and V.J. Tramonte of Joe Tramonte Realty, invite the Galveston Bay Area community to join them Saturday, May 19 at Moody Gardens.

For over 20 years, UTMB has been a proud partner and sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Black Tie & Boots Gala, which is one of Galveston’s premiere fundraising events. The event supports the mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and features a lively auction with exotic trips, entertainment from The Line Up, and stories of survivorship.

Dr. DeAnda shared, “Every day we make incremental steps to improving outcomes from heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death in our society. It is amazing to reflect over the last few years and see how these small steps all add up together

to revolutionize heart care in a short period of time. It is thanks to societies such as the American Heart Association and to its supporters that such advances can occur, by making heart disease a top priority.”

“The support received in the Galveston Bay Area is so important.

The American Heart Association funds more research into cardiovascular diseases and stroke than any organization except for the federal government; more than $4 billion in research since 1949. That includes the $627,000 we have in current active research grants in the Galveston Bay Area community,” shared Sara Martin, Corporate Market Director.

National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition: What It Means and Why It Matters for You Earlier this year, Prosoria™ received the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition. After weeks of careful review by medical experts, this seal was only awarded to companies whose over-the-counter (OTC) products are proven to safely and effectively relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is the largest immune-mediated disease and it currently impacts more than 8 million Americans and 125 million people worldwide. In addition to being an uncomfortable, painful disease, psoriasis can carry with it a significant financial burden from costly and often ineffective treatments. Many people with psoriasis suffer from a reduced quality of life and it is often associated with depression and anxiety.

“In addition to the medical challenges, psoriasis can also have a significant psychosocial impact on the lives

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

Mike Pistone, general manager of the Hilton Galveston Island Resort, will be the featured survivor honoree at the event. After experiencing shortness of breath and several other warning signs, Mike suffered a heart attack in 2016.

Emcee of the gala will be Jonathan Martinez, anchor and reporter for KPRC Channel 2. AHA Executive Leadership Team members include: Katie Pistone, John Frye, Marth Livanec, Annette Macias-Hoag and Dell Roach.

Be a part of this fabulous, lively event and help raise the vital funds necessary to fight the No.1 and No.5 killers of all Americans: heart disease and stroke. Table sponsorships start at $2,500 and tickets for individuals start at $250.

For more information about purchasing tickets, sponsorships, donating an auction item, or to make an Open Your Heart donation for the 2018 Black Tie and Boots Gala, contact Sara J. Martin with the American Heart Association at sara.j.martin@heart.org or visit galvestonheartball.heart.org.

of people living with the condition,” says Prosoria™ founder, Art Clapp. “We have heard personal stories from people who were afraid to wear shorts or expose their skin or were rejected for jobs and relationships.

Their self-esteem and confidence are often affected.

That’s why we were so motivated to come up with what we consider the best over-the-counter treatment for psoriasis available today.”

In a survey published last year in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 87 percent of psoriasis patients and 98 percent of dermatologists and rheumatologists responded that they feel there is a strong or moderate need for better psoriasis treatments.

Among patients, more than 50 percent indicated that current treatment options can be worse than the condition itself.

Prosoria™ is the first once-daily, three-step psoriasis treatment system that’s been clinically proven to relieve psoriasis symptoms, including scaling, flaking, itching and redness, and to help prevent recurrences. Prosoria’s unique, combination multi-action treatment system works to treat psoriasis symptoms while conditioning, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. Prosoria™ combines clinical strength and natural pro-botanical ingredients that help target psoriasis symptoms while softening and restoring the appearance of the skin. It’s our multi-step regimen that helps achieve results. With continued use, the results are clearer, healthier skin with results that lasts. Prosoria™ products are formulated to feel light and silky and they are safe to use every day.

The products are steroid free, fragrance free and paraben free.

Learn more about Prosoria™ www.prosoria.com.

Best Practices - Origins

By Victor Kumar-Misir, M.D.

A

t professional medical meetings, I often present my 1898 original copy of Sir William Osler’s “The Principles and Practice of Medicine,” and am always amazed at the awe and reverence it receives from my colleagues, even over 100 years post publication.

I have always been fascinated by how one individual and one publication could so fundamentally alter the course of human history, e.g.

Andrew Taylor Still, Daniel David Palmer, Sigmund Freud and the Merck Manual of the Materia Medica.

In 1898, William Osler was the acclaimed Physician-in-Chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and had been professor of medicine at McGill University in Montreal, as well as at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and dedicated his medical textbook to his alma mater, Trinity College, Toronto School of Medicine with the words: “Designed for the use of practitioners and students of medicine.”

At a momentous event in history, in 1901, the reverend Frederick Taylor Gates had a conversation with the richest man in the world at the time – John D. Rockefeller, Sr., – from whom he had secured $600,000 for the University of Chicago, and who was looking for some major ideas in which to invest his wealth. Reverend Gates had read Osler’s Practice of Medicine, and with unbounded admiration and enthusiasm, he rushed it to Mr. Rockefeller, and said: “I have the idea! The world isn’t getting its full share of benefit from scientific discoveries. This knowledge must be distributed in a practical way, to relieve the ills of the world.”

Mr. Rockefeller immediately founded the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, which was chartered with a pledge of $200,000 for grants and aid to investigators and institutions, and later, millions were made available.

Among the recipients of this largesse was Dr. William H. Welch, honored at the time as the dean of American medicine, who, endowed with a million dollars, became the

spread westwards of bubonic plague that had intermittently affected residents of California.

Dr. Victor Heiser, who, while a medical student, had met Dr. Welch, and with whom he had become lifelong friends, was responsible for pioneering public health programs to prevent and eradicate a variety of endemic and epidemic communicable diseases in over 45 countries, utilizing and promoting American medical best practices.

Other great innovators at the time included Dr. Milton J. Rosenau of Harvard, whose volume on preventive medicine was a classic on the subject, and Harry Pratt Judson, president of the University of Chicago.

As medical knowledge took a quantum leap, it compelled William Mayo, in addressing medical school graduates, to proclaim that medical knowledge had expanded so rapidly, and so extensively, that no one doctor could know it all, and that we had to specialize and separate ourselves into specialties, but work together in a clinic setting, for the good of the individual patient.

In 1892, Andrew Taylor Still, experimenting with magnetic healing and bone setting, opened the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri.

In 1895, Danielle David Palmer,

“Today, as a result, modern medicine is capable of incredible feats of human preservation and health promotion.” director of the first modern school of hygiene in the United States. He had also pioneered the organization of the Johns Hopkins Medical School, a system which ultimately had a profound influence in shaping American medical education, and giving it world leadership.

His pupil, Dr. Simon Flexner, professor of pathology at the University of Pennsylvania, became the leader of the Rockefeller Foundation, which developed into the outstanding research laboratory of the country. This stimulation to scientific enquiry, dedicated to the relief of medical ills worldwide, inspired the creation of many other institutions and foundations in North America, and led to America’s preeminence in medical advancements during the 20th century.

He took part in the organization of the China Medical Board, and later the Peking Union Medical College, exporting American medical innovativeness worldwide.

Interestingly, Dr. Flexner was dispatched to California to stem the

also a magnetic healing practitioner, adjusted the cervical spine of a janitor, curing his deafness, and continued to relieve chronic pain with spinal adjustments. Despite numerous objections and prohibitions over several years, the persistence of his wife and son, Bartlett Joshua Palmer, he created the healthcare discipline now known as Chiropractic Medicine.

In 1899, a drug company, Merck published a 292-page Manual of the Materia Medica, a medical “compendium providing concise, complete and accurate clinical information” to healthcare professionals of all disciplines. The manual was regularly updated, so that the 1999 Centennial, 17th Edition of 2,655 pages was provided not only in print publications, but also in CD and Internet formats in several languages, as the internationally wellknown “Merck Manual.”

In 1900, Austrian Sigmund Freud published his monumental work “The Interpretation of Dreams”,

proposing acquired subconscious influences on the human psyche, which spawned the modern discipline of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy.

These are just a few of the leading innovators in the practice of medicine at the revolutionary turn-of-the-19th century that inspired healthcare progress in the 20th century and has led to the current turn-of-the-20th century revolution.

This early momentum spawned a plurality of foundations, universities, private companies, entrepreneurs, businessmen, politicians and individuals to support and spur medical ingenuity and innovativeness that has led to America’s preeminence in global medical practice.

Healthcare delivery has morphed over the late 20th century into a global Collective Medical Expertise, potentially united by international tele-communications and teleconnectivity, facilitated by competent trans-lingual, cross-cultural communication, digitized cloud medical record-keeping, and artificial intelligence interactively interfacing personal clinical data as well as public health databases with the current medical literature.

Today, as a result, modern medicine is capable of incredible feats of human preservation and health promotion.

The Bay Area of Texas, with NASA engineering, world-class corporations and an international trade hub, has attracted the best experts and expertise in medical care and technology, and has led to tremendous accomplishments in the continued development of the practice of medicine, with international implications.

It is indeed a privilege to be associated with this publication, which is devoted to sharing with you the many state-of-the-art capabilities of our specialists and facilities in the area.

Victor KumarMisir, M.D., is an international physician, who has spent the past 40 years integrating translingual, cross-cultural healthcare delivery with emerging information-management technologies, with input from physician executives of national academies of medicine in over 30 countries. He has been a media spokesman and key-note speaker in several countries, including the Society for Intercultural Education Training and Research (SIETAR). email: imeddrs.vm@gmail.com © Victor Kumar-Misir, M.D. 2017 All rights reserved.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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146

Grazia Habanero’s Hunsa Thai

Sawa

45

Sam’s Boat

888 Chinese c

Pomodoro’s Angelo’s

Pappa’s Delta Blues

Masa Sushi Nobi

r l e a

l a k e

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

8

Tookie’s Seafood

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Cabo

7

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance Opus

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s Amadeus

Noon & Mirch

Ocean Sushi South Shore Grille

El Tiempo MichiRu

Jackie’s Brickhouse

T-Bone Tom’s Playa Maya

Floyd’s Red River BBQ Main St. Bistro

Stomp’s Burgers

Gilhooley’s

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

Red Oak Cafe

Topwater Grill

Gumbo Bar

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

(281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com

(281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com

frenchiesvillacapri.com (281) 326-2373

1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com

2. Hunsa Thai Kitchen 4622 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-6339

7. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058 francasrealitalian.com (281) 488-2207

2. Main St Bistro 615 E Main St, League City, TX (281) 332-8800

3. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (281) 486-9888 masasushitexas.com

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

AMERICAN

3. Red Oak Cafe 6011 W Main St a106, League City, TX (832) 905-3150 redoakcafe.com 4. Stomp’s Burger Joint 3107 TX-146, Bacliff, TX (281) 339-0785 stompsburgerjoint.com 5. South Shore Grille 2800 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 334-7700 soshoregrille.com 6. T-Bone Tom’s 707 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 334-2133 tbonetoms.com 7. Cabo Bar & Grill 2513 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-2691 caboclearlake.com 8. Sam’s Boat 3101 NASA Rd. 1 Seabrook, TX (281) 326-7267 samsboat.com ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX

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4. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com 5. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 77598 6. Ocean Sushi 3020 Marina Bay Dr Suite A2, League City, TX (281) 957-9122 oceansushigrill.com BARBEQUE 1. Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-2500 dickinsonbbq.com 2. Pappas Delta Blues 19901 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-0024 www.pappasdeltablues.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

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

3. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 1615 FM 646, League City, TX (281) 524-8626 littledaddysgumbobar.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 2. Amadeus 700 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 334-3311 3. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W. Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com 4. Grazia Italian Kitchen 1001 Pineloch Dr #1100, Houston, TX (281) 486-2083 graziaitalian.com 5. Pomodoro’s NASA 1303 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (281) 480-0700 pomodorosnasa.com 6. Villa Capri 3713 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook

MEDITERRANEAN 1. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St, Kemah, TX 77565 (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com 2. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe 18033 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com 3. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-0817 sawarestaurantgrill.com MEXICAN 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. Playa Maya Tacos 1415 TX-146, Kemah, TX Phone: (281) 532-6986 playamayakemah.com PUB/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House

241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 s e s nobipub.com m o

l a k e

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 4. Tilted Kilt 2481 Gulf Fwy, League City, TX (281) 309-0471 tiltedkilt.com SEAFOOD 1. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-3813 2. Opus Ocean Grille 1510 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores, TX (281) 334-0006 opusoceangrille.com 3. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com 4. Topwater Grill 815 Avenue O, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-1232 topwatergrill.com 5. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr, Kemah, TX 77565 (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com

Franca’s Real Italian A Clear Lake Legend

By Rick Clapp

F

ranca’s Real Italian Restaurant’s legend began in 1971 by Franco and Domenica Pignataro. The Pignataros had instant success as they served only the freshest authentic Italian food and pizzas. Fondly known as Mama and Papa, they had regulars come from all over Houston and Galveston to enjoy a true “Roman Experience.”

The dynamic hardworking couple had restaurant locations in Houston, Galveston and Santa Fe, Texas.

After the unfortunate passing of both Pignataros, youngest daughter, Franca, took over the stewardship

topped with fresh gulf shrimp and a cream marsala sauce served with fettucine alfredo and sauted vegetables and a fresh Snapper Entrée which is only $45.

Some of the other delectable items include Eggplant Parmesan, Pollo Franca, Franco’s Combination and are only $35. Also, try one of their specialty drinks -- the Italian Margarita, Francatini, Italian Sangria or an Italian beer or a select glass or bottle of wine -- all at reasonable prices. Your dinner theatre package is all inclusive and includes entrée, salad, bread, dessert, tea or coffee and a show.

The dinner theatre is acclaimed and features local actors and actresses. It is coordinated by Lina Pignataro, who is also an actress.

Upcoming performances include

“Their talented chef prepares delicious Italian food with the freshest ingredients.” and continued the tradition her family started. Consequently, the name was changed from Franco’s to Franca’s Real Italian Restaurant with the blessing of her tight knit family, sisters Nuccia and Lina Pignataro.

Franca’s now offers a unique combination of the family’s traditional dishes served in a contemporary ambience. For the sports enthusiast, Franca’s has a small pub and dining area that is filled with authentic NFL and college football helmets and memorabilia.

The restaurant also features an entertaining dinner theatre once a month.

When it comes to food and service, Franca’s Italian Restaurant excels and has a value priced menu. Their talented chef prepares delicious Italian food with the freshest ingredients. Franca’s menu is vast and includes traditional dishes as well as salads, appetizers, entrees, pizza and signature dishes.

During the dinner theatre, which shows every other month, they offer an awesome menu for only $35-$45.

Some of the choice items include Surf & Turf, which is filet medallions

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon, May 18-19, 25-26, June 1-2; Born Yesterday

by Garson Kamin, July 20-21, 27-28, Aug. 3-4; Mama Won’t Fly by James Hope and Wooten, Sept. 21-22, 28-29, Oct. 5-6. Every Christmas Story Told, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1,6,7 and 8.

Make your reservations for the dinner theatre at Franca’s as space is limited. For more information on auditions and performances go to www.francasrealitalian.com A dining bonus is “The Piano Man” – Claudio, who performs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. To 10 p.m.

In true Italian family fashion, you may be greeted by Franca’s nephews, Francesco or Domenico, as you enter the eatery. Franca’s Real Italian Restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is located at 1101 NASA Parkway in Clear Lake. Reservations are a must for all dinner theatre performances.

Call 281-488-2207.

Stop by and enjoy a true “Roman Holiday” experience at Franca’s Real Italian Restaurant. You will not be disappointed. Tell her I sent you. Bon Appetite! Ciao!

Photos by Debbie Salisbury

Signatures Restaurant owners Maritza and Lewis Keim share a light moment as the Men Who Cook event gets underway.

Merlion Seabrook owner Ray Villanueva and Chef Andy Lobeck await the arriving crowd at the Seabrook Men Who Cook dinner.

Men Who Cook chefs Barry Terrell, Rick Clapp, John Collins, Chip Boettler, Hans Maurice and Chris Kurzadowski, from left, prepare to serve the crowd at Lakewood Yacht Club.

THE 24TH ANNUAL MEN WHO COOK

L

akewood Yacht Club was nearly overflowing when a crowd of hungry folks gathered for the 24th annual Men Who Cook, benefitting Seabrook Rotary Club and the Seabrook Police Officers Association’s Charities.

They arrived to find some 40 celebrity chefs serving up a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

and desserts – enough to please most any palate – and spent the evening sampling the array of food and visiting with old and new friends.

They also took time to applaud as Seabrook Rotary recognized Seabrook Police Officer Fernando Rodriguez as their Seabrook Police Officer of the Year.

Miss Texas Nancy Gonzales stops to chat with Rick Clapp, left, and Steve Hegyesi as she arrives at Lakewood Yacht Club for Men Who Cook.

Barry Terrell, left, owner of T-Bone Toms, Tookie’s and Tookie’s Seafood and Tookie’s Seafood Executive Chef Carl Johnston look forward to a great evening at Men Who Cook.

Bob Robinson, left, and Tom Diegleman, both former Seabrook city officials, visit during the Men Who Cook event at Lakewood Yacht Club.

APRIL 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Scott Rainey selected Rotary District governor Scott Rainey of Clear Lake, a former president of the Space Center Rotary Club, has been elected to serve as district governor of Rotary District 5890 in 20202121. He currently serves as assistant district governor of District 5890, which is made up of 61 clubs with more than 2,500 members throughout the Greater Houston Area.

A native of Tulsa, Okla., and a proud University of Oklahoma graduate, he was sponsored into the Rotary Club of Space Center in 2000 by his late fatherin-Law, Lamar Bowles.

After serving as his club’s president in 2014-15, Rotary District officials selected him as Large Club President of the Year that year. He also was his club’s Rotarian of the Year in 2002-03.

Since 2016 he has served as a Rotary assistant district governor and earned Assistance District Governor of the Year in 2016-17. He is on the district finance committee, chairman of the 2019 District Peace Conference. Raney is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a major donor.

Scott is the owner of Hydrocarbon Resource Recovery, which trades petrochemical and fuel products. He is involved in many charitable and community organizations and is a member of Gateway Community Church

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Summer Ready: Toyota Tacoma & GMC Canyon

By Don Armstrong

T

rucks are all the rage.

They move the kid’s dorm furnishings, go camping and make hauling a load of mulch a breeze, all while whisking the kids to soccer, baseball or softball. In this months review we focus on a couple of hot mid-size offerings.

Toyota Tacoma

You see them everywhere, and for a reason. The Toyota Tacoma not only looks good but has built a reputation for dependability. And with no fewer than 30 variations, how could you not find one that checks off every box on your want list?

The latest edition of the Tacoma was completely redesigned 3-years ago.

2018 updates include a revised grille and a new enhancement called Toyota Safety Sense P. This feature packages a pre-collision system with lane

Six indicted for violating the law A Harris County grand jury has indicted six members of Pasadena’s economic development board for holding two meetings back in November 2016 with a contractor that were in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. Those charged were four 2016 officers -- President Roy Mease, Vice President Ernesto Paredes, Treasurer Brad Hance and Secretary Jackie Welch -- plus board members Emilio Carmona and Jim Harris.

Prosecutors said the board had the private meetings with the Pasadena engineering firm, Civil Concepts, in order to discuss the design and cost of remodeling the Pasadena Convention

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

departure alert and sway warning, among others, that place the Tacoma ahead of the pack in safety.

A 4-cylinder engine is available, but we recommend the 3.5-liter V-6 and 6-speed automatic transmission. This combo increases the towing capability, gives you more oomph wherever you need it and power for passing.

Whether you are an off-road enthusiast or not, you’ll love the TRD Pro edition. This bad boy includes bigger springs, a 1-inch taller stance, Fox shocks, hefty skid plate and fog lights, among others, to enhance the Tacoma’s capability.

Entry level Toyota Tacoma pricing starts at $25,130.

GMC Canyon

The GMC Canyon and its Chevy twin, Colorado, are the latest entries in the mid-size truck segment. But parent company General Motors has taken a “less is more” approach with packages

Center and rodeo arena.

Mease, with help from Civil Concepts President Richard Cansler, developed Victory Lakes in League City several years ago.

Texas law requires such meetings to be public and a meeting agenda published in advance. A violation can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.

Constable faces DWI charges Galveston County Precinct 4 Constable Jerry Fisher of League City is facing DWI charges after being arrested while driving in League City. He was stopped after someone called League City Police to report someone driving erratically in a white SUV while headed southbound on Highway 3. On stopping him, officers determined they had cause to arrest

and options. We count two beds and two cab configurations along with six trim levels. Like the Toyota, GMC offers a 4-cylinder and V-6, but for those that want to maximize capability there is even a diesel option, a 2.4-liter I-4 that can tow up to 7,700-pounds and get up to 30 MPG-highway.

The Canyon is offered in an offroad-inspired All Terrain package that includes the Z71 suspension, automatic locking rear differential and standard transfer case skid plate but if you want to step up to the TRD Pro level, you’ll have to head to the aftermarket.

As you would expect, the Denali version gets premium appointments.

GMC has one of the better performing infotainment systems on the market so whatever trim-level you decide on, get the 8-inch screen with all the bells and whistles.

Pricing starts at $22,095.

him and took him to a local hospital for a blood draw.

Afterwards, he was taken to the League City Jail and booked on suspicion of DWI. His bond was set at $1,500. The woman riding with him also was arrested and charged with public intoxication.

Former astronaut honored at event Former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris Jr., the first African-American to walk in space, was one of the 10 recipients of the Mayor’s History Maker Awards presented at a luncheon at the Houstonian Hotel. He was nominated

by Communities in Schools.

Honorees in the inaugural event founded by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, were judged on criteria that included their personal impact in the community.

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LYC to host first Storm Trysail Safetyat-Sea Seminar

L

akewood Yacht Club and Storm Trysail Foundation are offering their first U.S. Sailing certified offshore Safety-at-Sea Seminar April 14.

“This unique course format will allow participants the opportunity to earn a World Sailing Certificate in a single day on location,” says Seminar Chairman Chris Lewis.

The event is being offered to Texas and Gulf Coast area sailors with the support of Houston Yacht Club and the Galveston Bay Cruising Association and will be hosted at Lakewood Yacht Club.

“Following the success of the Storm Trysail Hands-on SAS Seminars held in the New York area every year, this new event will offer two instructional

tracks,” announced sailing expert Rich duMoulin who will moderate the seminar.

• • • • • • • •

U.S. Sailing Offshore Certificate track limited to 80 participants that includes: STC instructional videos An opening session addressing on-the-water leadership skills Heavy weather sailing techniques Search and rescue/ communications Storm sails Man overboard and MOB prevention Firefighting and pyrotechnics (observed)

• •

• • • • •

In-water survival – PFDs and life rafts (observed) World Sailing (Hands-on) Offshore Certificate track limited to 40 participants. The World Sailing track includes everything in the US Sailing track plus hands-on training in: U.S. Sailing Online training Man overboard and MOB prevention Hands-on firefighting and pyrotechnics (flares) Hands-on In-water survival – PFDs and life rafts Hands-on Damage control and man overboard recovery drills

Some of the instruction will be obtained before the seminar via online teaching videos produced by long-time STC member Gary Jobson, an ardent ambassador for sailing in the U.S. Participants will get access to the instructional videos soon after registering.

The U.S. Sailing Safety at Sea track is $95. The World Sailing Hands-On and Safety at Sea track is $245. Visit www.stormtrysailfoundation.org/ lakewoodsass for more details.

Participants seeking World Sailing Offshore Certification will also be required to take the U.S. Sailing Offshore online video course and pass the associated online exam before attending the seminar. A certificate of completion must be provided at the seminar’s on-site check-in.

This seminar will likely fill up rapidly since it is the only course of this type between the east and west coasts.

To volunteer, contact Chris Lewis, Seminar Chairman, atjfswatlyc@outlook.com. For additional information, contact LYC membership director Foy Curley at 281-474-2511 or fcurley@ lakewoodyachtclub.com.

Exploration Green plans grand opening of Phase 1

By Mary Alys Cherry

E

xploration Green, the Bay Area hidden jewel, which helped save hundreds of Clear Lake homes from Harvey’s floodwaters, will have the grand opening of Phase 1 Saturday,

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April 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 16200 Diana Lane.

Community leaders, residents and elected officials are being invited to join the celebration, which will include a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the first phase of the 200-acre green

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

space, that for many years was the Clear Lake Golf Course before the Clear Lake City Water Authority purchased the land and helped form the Exploration Green Conservancy to provide the community with more green space and save it from future flooding.

“The partnership is dedicated to creating and Exploration Green operating will have its grand the habitat opening Saturday, restoration April 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and recreation when community facilities within leaders, residents Exploration and elected officials gather at 16200 Green while Diana Lane in supporting its Clear Lake City to invaluable use celebrate how it for stormwater saved hundreds of homes from detention,” Harvey’s flooding.

Conservancy Photo by Joe Biddy Vice President Doug Peterson explains, adding, “It’s a seasonal solution for flooding and a year-round amenity!”

The idea appears to be working as community volunteers have worked for months planting trees along Phase I, which is next to the Clear Lake City Recreation Center.

“Come celebrate with us,” Peterson suggests. “Everyone is welcome to come meet their neighbors, discover local organizations and explore their new green space and its one-mile trail. It will be a fun-filled day, packed with activities and entertainment for all ages, even live music.”

Exploration Green Conservancy is an all-volunteer, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Exploration Green -- a permanently-protected, 200-acre natural park and one of the last open green spaces in the NASA/Clear Lake area.

Plans are for Exploration Green to feature a series of five connected finger lakes, 12 miles of hike-andbike trails, safe play areas, multi-use athletic fields and inspiring gathering spaces. Complementing these amenities will be water-cleansing natural wetland areas; habitat islands for indigenous wildlife, including resident and migrating birds, amphibians and butterflies; and a reforested, more natural environment for native grasses, flowers and trees.

For more information, visit www. explorationgreen.org

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[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP]

Continued growth of area economy predicted

Featured Speaker Patrick Jankowski

Kemah officials Brenda Miller Fergerson and Police Chief Chris Reed arrive at the BAHEP economic luncheon.

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, from left, welcomes attorney Joe Barlow of Barlow Jones and Scott Howard of Highpoint Insurance to the luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club.

water flowing from our faucets are provided by government services, and approximately one-third of government employment in this region is related to education.

Government employment is simply keeping pace with population growth. As the population continues to grow, we will also see growth in government employment.”

By Kathryn Paradis

E

very year, members of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership look forward to the organization’s annual State of the Economy luncheon when they are given a unique perspective on the economy from experts in the field.

On March 8, Patrick Jankowski did not disappoint as he gave an informative and entertaining presentation that he called, Are we there yet? The road to Houston’s economic recovery. Jankowski is a regional economist and senior vice president of research at the Greater Houston Partnership. The event was held at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

8.6% of U.S. GDP Jankowski lost little time in his presentation before emphasizing the importance of the Texas economy to the rest of the nation. He reported that Texas’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016 was $1.6 trillion or 8.6 percent of the total U.S. GDP, which was $16.9 trillion.

“What goes on in the rest of the United States is very important to Texas and very important to Houston,” he said, “because the rest of the United States is a market for everything we produce here whether it’s petrochemicals, whether it’s engineering services, whether it’s petroleum services. As a whole, the U.S. economy has been growing at 2 percent or better over the last five years. The forecasts show that we’re going to continue to grow at 2 percent or better.”

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Final thoughts offered

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital’s Carla Medlenka, right, stops to visit with South Shore Harbour Resort’s Roy Green and Bridget Bear.

“When the global economy is growing, that’s good for this region.

Our global ties are equally as important, if not more important, than our U.S. ties.”

Second in nation He specifically noted all of the activity that goes on at our local ports and airports saying, “Houston is second in the nation in what is sold overseas. In this region, 5,000 firms are engaged in trade. Additionally, 450,000 jobs in the region are connected to global trade. The downturn in oil and gas that we’ve experienced would have been a lot worse without our ties to the global economy Jankowski said that energy prices are up and added, “We’re starting to see positive cash flows in these companies. However, even with positive cash flow, the industry is not widely profitable yet. The industry

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski, right, visits with Glenn Royal, a former Seabrook mayor.

has found a way to produce more oil with fewer people. So, it’s unlikely that we will be seeing any significant growth from the energy industry in employment this year.”

Jankowski thinks the employment forecast for 2018 predicts the creation of 45,500 jobs in the region if energy prices stay in the low to mid 50s.

If oil prices go to the mid 60s, that number is too low. If oil prices fall into the 40s, then the number is too high. He said that the components of the predicted job growth will be approximately 10 percent in the public sector, 30 percent in businessoriented activities, and 60 percent in consumer driven businesses.

There is a common perception that government has gotten too big, Jankowski said, adding, “We are all constituents, but we are all consumers of government services.

The roads where we drive and the

Jankowski offered, “We can find a way to grow even without high oil prices. When oil prices are high, we grow very fast. When they are low, we don’t stop growing. We just don’t grow quite as fast.”

He also noted that Houston doesn’t stop growing because of tropical storms and hurricanes. Although these storms can cause a lot of devastation, the economy always finds a way to recover. Hurricane Harvey will change the way we do some things, but it’s not going to stop this region from growing altogether, he said.

Jankowski concluded his presentation saying, “I get asked all of the time, ‘What is going to happen when we run out of oil? What is going to happen when people don’t use oil anymore? What is the next resource that we’re going to build our economy on?’ We have people who are committed to this region. We have people who are compassionate and don’t discriminate. We have people who cooperate to get major tasks finished. That’s the foundation of the future of this region, and that’s why I don’t worry about the long-term outlook of this economy.”

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

There were smiles aplenty when the League City Regional Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon came to an end, as one can see on the faces of Mayor Pat Hallisey, seated; City Manager John Baumgartner, from left, standing, Chamber Chairman Rebecca Lilley, Legislative Affairs Committee Chairman Ashlea Quinonez and the mayor’s wife, Janice Hallisey.

Memorial Hermann Southeast CEO Kyle Price, right, who addressed the crowd at the League City Regional Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon, talks with Jeremy Brynes and Becky Korenek of UTMB as they await the start of the event.

Kim Barker, left, and Ava Sloan were among the many attending the League City Chamber State of the City Luncheon.

Mayor and city manager update League City

By Mary Alys Cherry

H

urricane Harvey continued to dominate life in League City as the League City Regional Chamber hosted its annual State of the City Address featuring Mayor Pat Hallisey and City Manager John Baumgartner at the Arolfo Civic Center before a standing-room-only crowd.

But after all the damage the storm did to League City lives, that is to be expected. Mayor Hallisey began his remarks talking about how residents all came together, helping one

another as they worked to get their lives back to normal, showing a film of life during Harvey, the damages, the rescues, the cleanup.

“League City,” he said, “is truly a ‘city of shady oaks and friendly folks,’ but the fabric of our community is our people – a population estimate approaching 105,000. I’m always amazed by the spirit of our great city – and while we may have our challenges from time to time – our resiliency and ability to come together as a community, stronger than ever, is remarkable.”

After mentioning several city

State Sen. Larry Taylor visits with Suesie Hardy, left, and Paula Towner as he arrives at the Civic Center for the State of the City Luncheon.

accomplishments, such as volunteers putting in 18,000 hours working with police and the animal shelter; that the city attained an ISO insurance rating of 1, the best rating available; and that 48 percent of the city’s 56 square miles of land is still available for development, he turned the microphone over to the city manager, who focused mainly on the city’s many accomplishments this past year.

Some of the highlights of his Year in Review included: Completion of the Five Corners bypass; First responders answering more

Councilman Gary Gripon, from left, says hello to Vicki Trask and Mike Kopecinski as he arrives at the League City Chamber luncheon at the Civic Center.

than 47,000 calls for service; and The city averaging nearly 1,000 new residential homes and nearly 3,000 new residents each year.

Also, he pointed out, the city welcomed 165 new businesses; League City was the ninth fastest growing city in Texas; The new dog park opened; Residents enjoyed the city’s first big fireworks display in 2017; The city added 16 new police officers, investigated 33 fires, answered 6,407 ems calls, held two town halls and reduced the tax rate for the third year in a row.

Ryan Cahill, Sarah Foulds and Gary Pearson, from left, were among the early arrivals for the League City Chamber State of the City Luncheon.

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Bay Area Turning Point welcomes its new CEO The Bay Area Turning Point Board of Directors has appointed Leigh Ann Fry as their new CEO. She assumed her responsibilities on Feb. 26.

Fry, who has a Master of Arts in Education Curriculum Instruction from the University of Phoenix in Arizona and B.S. in Elementary Education from Angelo State University in San Angelo, has an extensive background as an educator and has worked with several nonprofit organizations.

Most recently, she served as executive director at Noah Project, a center of care and shelter for victims of family violence and sexual assault, located in Abilene. She also currently serves as chairman of the Texas Council on Family Violence Board of Directors.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2018

“It is an honor to be named as president and CEO of Bay Area Turning Point,” Fry said. “The agency has a rich history of quality care for those impacted by family violence and sexual assault and I look forward to immersing myself in the local work.”

Bay Area Turning Point is a not-for-profit agency founded in 1991 to meet the needs of the Bay Area Houston community. In 2017, BATP provided safe shelter for 228 adults and 222 children, served 93,412 meals, reached 1,698 participants with community education, received 8,468 domestic violence and/or sexual assault calls on its 24-hour crisis hotline and provided 1,624.25 hours of therapeutic counseling.

No Foolin!

By Pastor Brad Heintz

D

id you grow up playing April fools jokes?

I did. They were always rather innocent, goofy and usually played on my mother because April 1st is also her birthday.

I remember one year we gave her money, in an envelope, taped to the top of a big box so she couldn’t see it. Then we filled the box with empty boxes. She was a good sport opening up all the boxes and finding nothing.

Then we all yelled, “April fools!”

This year Good Friday is on March

30 so that means Easter Sunday and April Fools Day are on the same day – April 1st. Some will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus others may see it as a fools activity. What do you think? Do you struggle with Jesus? If you do, it is not unusual. Lee Strobel, a former atheist journalist, thought it was a fool’s activity. So he set out to prove Jesus wrong, researched the evidence but came to believe Jesus did rise from the dead. He wrote the book, The Case for Christ and The Case for Easter.

If you read the four gospels, they all report the same thing. The tomb was open and they found nothing!

This was surprising and confusing like my Mom opening empty boxes on her April Fools Birthday. But then

Jesus starts showing up. Dead people don’t show up. Even contemporary Jewish historians acknowledge the evidence.

About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people as accept the truth gladly.

He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Messiah. And when, upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross, those who had first come to love him did not cease. He appeared to them spending a third day restored to life, for the prophets of God had foretold these things and a thousand other marvels about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared. - Jewish Antiquities, 18.3.3 §63, The Loeb Classical Library.)

Paul also attests to Jesus’ resurrection in the great resurrection chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five

hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

(1 Corinthians 15:1-8 The New International Version) I have discovered that Jesus really did rise – no foolin! And just as the great gospel song says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow…” I have also experienced the transfer of His resurrection power into my life through faith. If you have never experienced true power in your life, we would love to help you do just that and give you a copy of Lee Strobel’s “A Case for Easter.” Just visit Living Word Church, at 2900 E. Nasa Parkway, in Seabrook. We worship at 10:30am on Sundays and there is plenty of room for you. Come as you are and experience what we believe. It may fill what is empty and empower you.

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

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Postoffice St. Tickets may be purchased at The Grand’s Box Office, 2020 Postoffice St., by calling 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or online at www. thegrand.com

Clear Lake

Astronaut to speak April 5. Astronaut Robert Shane Kimbrough will be the speaker when members of the Bay Oaks Women’s Association gather for their monthly luncheon at the country club on Thursday, April 5. Eileen Hult of Clear Lake, author of 21 Texas Heroes will be the speaker for BOWA’s May 3 luncheon.

Plant sale April 5. Gardeners By the Bay will hold its annual plant sale Wednesday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16635 El Camino Real, in the small parking lot facing Seafoam Drive. For information, visit http:// gbtb.org Springoree April 12. Space Center Rotary will host its annual Springoree Thursday, April 12, at the Palms Event Center, 15301 Gulf Freeway, starting with a Mint Julep cocktail party at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and auction at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 and the public is invited. For reservations, email SpaceCenterRotary@gmail.com or call 832-434-2894.

CIS fun events April 16. Communities in Schools-Bay Area will host two major fundraisers at Bay Oaks Country Club Monday, April 16 -- its 8th Annual Keep Kids In School Golf Tournament that morning, followed at 2:30 p.m. with its 6th Annual Raise Your Glass to CIS Wine Tasting. For information, contact visit hillaryg@ cisba.org Welcome Neighbors April 19.

Bay Area Welcome Neighbors Club ( www.bawnc.org ), will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 19 at Bay Oaks Country Club for a style show luncheon featuring fashions from Casanova’s Downfall. For more information or to make reservations, contact Nancy Guthrie – membership@ gmail.com or 281.333.3055.

BayTran lunch April 26. Quincy Allen, TxDOT district engineer for the Houston area, will be the keynote speaker at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at the Houston Marriott South, 9100 Gulf Freeway. For reservations, email President@baytran.org Brave Combo April 27. Two-time Grammy award winner Brave Combo will be mixing polka, cumbia, blues and zydeco with a Texas flavor at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 27 in the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre. Tickets are $13 for students and $20 for adults. For tickets,

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call 281-283-2065 or visit www.uhcl. edu/bayoutheater BAGS meets April 27. Bay Area Genealogical Society will hear DAR member Alice Braud-Jones discuss using the DAR Library online database for research (www.dar.org) when it meets Friday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m in the University Baptist Church Chapel, 16106 Middlebrook Drive, For information, call Kim Zrubek at 281992-2636.

Space Gala April 27. The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation Gala honoring interim NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot with the Space Trophy and William Shatner with the Communicator Award will be held Friday, April 27, at 6 p.m. in the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel. For tickets, visit www.rnasa.org

Dickinson

Clever comedy April 13. Many twists and turns in the comedy Deathtrap in the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s Main Deck Theatre Friday, April 13 through Sunday, May 6, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-337-7469 or email bareahp@comcast.net

Friendswood

Chamber luncheon April 5. The Friendswood Chamber’s monthly luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, April 5 at Stevenson Park Rotary Pavilion, 1000 S. Friendswood Drive. For reservations, call the chamber, 281-482-3329.

Galveston

Tall Ships coming April 5. The Tall Ships Challenge comes to Galveston April 5-9 offering tours of participating Tall Ships, special events, sail away excursions, music, food and fun in a family friendly format. Galveston is the first port in the 2018 Gulf Coast Race Series, which will feature ships racing across the Gulf of Mexico. For details, visit www.galvestonhistory. org/events/tall-ships-galveston-2 Grand Kids Fest April 7. The 23rd Annual Grand Kids Festival will be held Saturday, April 7, in the Cultural Arts District of historic downtown Galveston from 10 a.m. -5 p.m.

Admission is free.

Sophia Loren April 8. Famed film actress Sophia Loren will appear April 8 at the 1894 Grand Opera House, 2020

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2018

League City

CCEF style show April 22. The Clear Creek Education Foundation Fashion Show, with high school juniors modeling fashions from Dillard’s Baybrook and Lenny Matuszewski as the producer, will be held Sunday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mercedes Benz Dealership. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online @ clearcreekeducationfoundation.org Salute to Heroes April 27. Salute to Heroes IV will be held from 7 to 11 p.m., Friday, April 27 at South Shore Harbour Resort, with entertainment by the Bellamy Brothers, dinner and dancing and benefitting League City’s First Responders and Devereux Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. For tickets, call 281-334-1000, ext. 2025.

Nassau Bay

Comedy on tap April 7. The Clear Creek Community Theatre will present a wild ride through The Complete Works of Shakespeare Friday, April 6 through Sunday, April 22 with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281-335-5228.

Fashion show April 13. The Nassau Bay Garden Club will host its biennial spring style show luncheon at 11 a.m.

Friday, April 13 at Lakewood Yacht Club with the community invited.

Tickets are $60 each. For information, call 832-389-6127.

Final concert April 27. The Clear Lake Symphony will present its final concert of the season at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 27 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Auditorium at 18220 Upper Bay Road, featuring the works of German masters Schumann, Brahms, Berio and Strauss. Tickets, which are $13 for adults and $10 for seniors 55 and up, may be purchased at Clear Lake at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd, Suite 300. For more information, call 281-488-0066.

Candidate Forum April 11.

Candidates for the Clear Creek ISD Trustee Election will be featured in a forum at Nassau Bay City Hall Council Chambers from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 11. The public is invited.

Pasadena

Little Theatre fare April 13. Pasadena Little Theatre will present Accidental Death Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 22 in the Black Box Theatre

with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 Sundays. For tickets, visit www. pasadenalittletheatre.org Hall of Fame Banquet April 14.

Pasadena ISD athletes and coaches will gather at 6 p.m. in Phillips Field House, 2906 Dabney Drive, for the 6th annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet. Tickets are $50, and proceeds will fund senior scholarships and other athletic needs.

Seabrook

Pet fundraiser April 5. Second Chance Pets will host “Hound Dogs & Haute Cats” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 5 at Lakewood Yacht Club. The fundraiser includes a seated dinner, silent auction and a wine pull with entertainment by Vince King, a famous Elvis Tribute artist. For tickets, which are $60 each, visit www. secondchancepets.org Home Tour April 7-8. The Houston Symphony League Bay Area’s 17th Annual “A Day by the Bay” Home Tour will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8, from noon to 5 p.m. both days with a pretour party kicking off activities on Friday evening, April 6. Tickets for the pre-tour party are $75 each and include a tour ticket. Tickets for the tour alone are $20. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hslba.org or at Adelaide’s, Annette’s Emporium, Arlan’s, Casanova’s Downfall, The Clotheshorse, NASA Postal, and Upper Bay Frame and Gallery.

Fashion show April 13. The Nassau Bay Garden Club will host its biennial spring style show luncheon at 11 a.m.

Friday, April 13 at Lakewood Yacht Club with the community invited.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $60 each.

For information, call 832-389-6127.

Texas City

At COM April 5-22. John Steinbeck’s classic American tragedy Of Mice and Men opens Thursday, April 5 in the College of the Mainland theatre and continues through Sunday, April 22 with curtains at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2:30 p.m.

Sundays. For tickets, visit www.com. edu/theatre or call 409-933-8345.

Webster

Free tax help. Experienced AAPR tax-aide volunteers are at the Webster Recreation Center, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., to offer free tax aid, answer questions and help residents file their 20167 income taxes electronically now through Tuesday, April 17. Hours of Operation are Mondays, 9-5; Tuesdays, 10-2; Wednesdays, noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 – 1.