Bay Area Houston Magazine January 2020

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January 2020 bayareahoustonmag.com

7 reasons

Why choosing an independent financial advisor could be in your best interests Story on page 26

JANUARY 2020

features 13

The West Mansion is Gone

15

Dental Health

Yes, it’s true!

Changing lives by creating beautiful smiles!

17 MaSTherCell

Biologics. Big Molecules. Big Cure.

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League City Regional Chamber

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BAHEP Holiday Party

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UHCL Holiday Party

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Clear Lake Area Chamber Holiday Open House

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Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre

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Roberts Wealth Management

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New Year, New Beginnings; The Perfect You

President Amber Sample

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The Best Bites of the Bay

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

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Lone Star Flight Museum

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Food and Wine Pairings

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Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party

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Living Word Church Breaks Ground

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ON THE COVER Summer Roberts and the Roberts Wealth Management team. Photo by MoonBridge Media.

Chairman Rick Clapp

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Editor Alisa Star Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Jason Allcorn Judy Gaines Karen Laroux Amber Sample Alisa Star Robyn Weigelt

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

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

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

281.474.5875

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Holiday Open House Hosted at Lakewood Yacht Club Photography by Mary Alys Cherry Photography by Mary Alys Cherry Sugar Plum Fairy Weekend 7 reasons for using an independent financial advisor

By Alisa Star Bay Area Houston restaurant and entertainment guide Beer, planes and BBQ at the Hangar Bash!

Steak au Poivre Celebrating BB’s Tex-Orleans At Kirby road in Taylor Lake Village

44 Healthcare

Hospital holds groundbreaking 45

Smart Botanicals

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SAV-A-CAF Youth Impact Award Winner

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Webster Council Names Two New Officials

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Seabrook Awarded $3.9 Million Grant

Three reasons turmeric is the perfect anti-inflammatory Awarded to the Longhorn Project New City Manager and City Secretary Wastewater treatment retrofit

columns 14

In Wheel Time

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Movers & Shakers

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Clear Lake Chatter

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Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events

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Texas Meditations

Lexus LC 500H, M-B GLC 63 AMG Todd Caliva, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake Exciting season finally comes to an end LYC Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon Technology and Morality

String of violence mars Bay Area’s holiday season carried to HCA Clear Lake Hospital in Webster, where he hile the holiday was pronounced dead. season is supposed A League City Police to be a time of Department spokesman said hope, love, peace Patrol Officer Patrick Bradshaw and tranquility, residents of the first was greeted by a woman at normally safe Bay Area found the location, after which Krupar themselves stunned over a string came out of the residence, of violence that included the confronted the officer and then deaths of two area police officers became combative. It was during just three days apart – Dec. 7 the ensuing altercation that and 10 -- and another reportedly Bradshaw shot Krupar. Officers having to kill a suspect Dec. 11, and members of the League to possibly survive. Plus, a wife City EMS performed emergency Nassau Bay Police shot to death, reportedly by her medical assistance on the suspect Sgt. Kaila Sullivan husband. before he was transported to the Nassau Bay Police hospital.

Sgt. Kaila Sullivan, 43, died after being hit by The Galveston County Sheriff’s Department a car, driven by Tavores Dewayne Henderson, and the Galveston County District Attorney’s 21, in the 2000 block of San Sebastian Court Office also were on scene and conducting the Tuesday, Dec. 10, about 8:30 p.m. She was among investigation. Bradshaw, who has served as a a group of officers trying to handcuff Henderson, police officer with League City since 2008, will when he broke free and jumped into his vehicle, remain on administrative leave as policy dictates hitting Sullivan as he was driving away. She was until he is released for duty. pronounced dead after being rushed to HCA

Houston Clear Lake Hospital in Webster, and WIFE KILLED Henderson remained on the run until the next day.

Dudley Bernard, 40, of League City, a U.S. He has been charged with Capital Murder.

Customs and Border Protection officer, has been Nassau Bay Police Chief Tim Cromie described charged with his wife’s murder on Thanksgiving Sullivan as a “cop’s cop” and a “cornerstone” of night and held on a $200,000 bond. the 14-member police force.

League City Police arrested him at 11:08 p.m.

Mayor Mark Denman said it was the first time after responding to reports of multiple gunshots an officer had been killed in the line of duty. “We in the 2300 block of Indigo Harbour Lane, taking have a very safe city,” he added. him into custody in the front yard of his residence Houston Police Sgt. Christopher Brewster, 32, without incident. His wife, Chauntelle Bernard, was gunned down Saturday night, Dec. 7, as he 42, a supervisory CBP officer, was found dead was responding to a domestic violence call in at the front door of the residence from gunshot Magnolia Park. Officers arrested Arturo Solis, 25, wounds. a few blocks away that night for his death and Bernard, who has been suspended by the CBP, charged him with capital murder. Brewster was where he has worked for the past 10 years, is from the nearby Sagemont area and a graduate of accused of fatally shooting his wife several times Dobie High School. Services for both fallen officers shortly after guests left his home Thanksgiving were held at Grace Church on the Gulf Freeway. night. League City Police found Chauntelle

Bernard lying facedown in the foyer of the home SUSPECT KILLED after Dudley called 911 to report the shooting. He A League City Police officer had to shoot and reportedly told police he had “accidentally” shot kill a suspect when he answered a disturbance call his wife. in the 6500 block of the residential neighborhood Their two sons were also at the home at the time of Turner Fields about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. of the shooting as was the wife’s sister, who had 11 after allegedly being assaulted by the suspect. been visiting them.

The suspect, Matthew Jonathon Krupar, 31, was

Photo: i_am_jim

By Mary Alys Cherry

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Voting for the Best of the Bay Awards begins in January As WE BEGIN THIS great new year, let us look back and focus on the good that we saw in 2019.

Give your favorite bar, business, restaurant, doctor, or establishment their well deserved kudos and vote for them in the 2019 Bay Area Houston Magazine Best of the Bay Awards. Every year we lift up the people’s voice, tally every vote and announce the winners of these coveted awards at a fantastic celebration. Voting begins in Jan. 1, 2020 at BayAreaHoustonMag.com.

Yes, it’s true – the West Mansion is gone!

By Mary Alys Cherry

D

rivers look in disbelief. The

beautiful West Mansion we all admired as we drove up and down NASA Parkway has been demolished and is now gone forever. Though it’s been a part of us most all of our lives, a piece of our history, to its owner, former Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon, who came here from Africa, it’s just a future pile of money.

“So sickening,” one resident observed. “A loss we will feel forever,” said another, adding, “a tragedy for the entire community.”

Olajuwon appeared to enjoy owning the 17,000-square-foot Italian Renaissance mansion and its 6 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a solarium, a ballroom, a two-story living room and a barber’s room, but perhaps it was all pretend. For awhile after purchasing the property in 2006, he used the mansion as the headquarters of his high-end clothing line, DR34M. He even let the Houston Symphony League Bay Area make it a stop one year on their annual Home Tour, so more and more people could see the Texas historic landmark.

The destruction Nov. 21 came after many past attempts by local preservations groups to save it.

Built in 1929, the historic property originally sat on 30,000 acres stretching from the edge of Clear Lake to Ellington Field. Originally it was the home of cattleman/oilman James Marion West Sr. Since his death, it has been passed down and owned by Humble Oil, Rice University, NASA’s Lunar Science Institute and the famous restaurant family, the Pappas.

The historic home was protected for two decades by a 1992 deed restriction, but after that protection ran out, no one was able to come up with the money to save it, and the City of Pasadena, which had to issue the permit to demolish the home, failed to alert any one of its pending doom.

Volunteers with the nonprofit organization Preserved in Time even attempted to save the property and buy it, but never were able to accomplish their goal, according to stories that circulated about the Clear Lake community.

While it is not known for certain, many believe that in an effort to quickly demolish the mansion before anyone could stop the destruction, that all the interior furnishings – some believed very valuable or priceless – were destroyed with the structure. Sad, that nothing was saved.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Lexus LC 500H

Car Show Luxury Performers

By Don Armstrong

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ach January, we make

the annual pilgrimage to the Houston Auto Show at NRG Center, and each year we’re amazed at what lies before us.

In this issue of Bay Area Houston Magazine, we focus on a couple of high performing luxury models that must be on your look-see list at the 2020 show.

Lexus LC 500h The Lexus LC is one of the most gorgeous coupes to grace our shores in recent memory. Its shape is art in-motion, a sleek arrow with oversized rear haunches that enhance its already aerodynamic styling.

Even the Lexus signature, oversized “spindle” grille somehow seems to work with this car.

The interior is simply beautiful, with attention to detail befitting its $100,000 price tag. Front seats hug you like a premium pair of leather driving gloves, the rears, however, are uninhabitable. The LC 500’s infotainment screen is controlled by a center console touch pad that adds a layer of control for the sake of screen placement.

With a 471-horsepower V-8, the only thing it lacks is fuel mileage.

Now comes the LC 500 “h,” or hybrid, that combines a V-6 gasoline engine with dual electric

motors, delivering 30-MPG and 354-horsepower to the rear wheels.

A visit to the 2020 Houston Auto Show won’t be complete without a stop at the Lexus display to see the LC 500h.

M-B GLC 63 AMG Mercedes calls the GLC a “coupe,” we call it an SUV, and it competes in the most competitive class of all, small to midsize. But this do-all becomes a head-of-class contender through its under-hood muscle.

The AMG wing of Mercedes turbocharged its V-8 to the tune of 469-horsepower and 479-lb. ft. torque. This Benz can be as tame as you want but can also blast its way to superhighway speeds in the blink of an eye.

If it weren’t for the GLC’s increased ground clearance, it could easily be a sexy, fastback sedan with its big, new Mercedes grille and in-yourface emblem. Huge wheels, big, trim-enhanced wheel well openings and faux front and rear skid plate embellishments proclaim, “here I am.”

The interior reflects all of this German company’s finest; high quality trim with impeccable fit and finish, including an updated infotainment system called MBUX. The GLC starts at a reasonable $50,000, add the AMC 63 package and the price jumps to $100,000.

Mercedes M-B GLC 63 AMG

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

DENTAL HEALTH

Changing LIves by Creating Beautiful Smiles!

She said when she went to Dr. Noie, he fixed the crowns that she didn’t like, redid the braces for her sons, and even did implants for her husband. They all now can enjoy the smile that they want.

“If you’re too embarrassed to smile, maybe you’re not as happy of a person as you can be,” Melissa said.

Melissa believes Dr. Noie and his staff are changing people’s lives through their smile. She calls him gentle and patient, and says that she believes him when he says something isn’t going to hurt.

“It changes your life if you are confident in your smile.”

Melissa and her family have been seeing Dr. Noie for over 17 years for any and all dental work needed.

By Xander Thomas

O

ne of the first

things people notice about you is your smile.

Having the teeth you want is sure to affect many things, from confidence, to how you carry yourself and how often you smile.

“Teeth are important; people are judgmental,” said Melissa Burney, a mother of two who has had less than favorable dentistry in the past. “I told my kids you need to have good teeth and learn how to play golf and you’ll never have to worry about a job interview.”

Having exactly the smile she wanted was something that meant a lot to Melissa, but the dentist she was seeing in Colorado didn’t really listen to her wants.

“Just like sometimes you go to a hair dresser and say ‘I want my hair this way’ and then they just do what they want,” Melissa said. “It can happen the same way with the dentist, you know, and I want somebody that gives me what I’ve envisioned and what I’ve been dreaming of.”

The crowns she had initially gotten from the Colorado dentist were bulky and just didn’t look like she wanted. When Melissa moved to Dickinson, an ad in Bay Area Houston Magazine gave her the answer she needed to get her smile right.

“I just wasn’t happy with the shape and the color and I didn’t feel like they listened to me,” she said about the previous dentist.

“I felt like Dr. Noie listened to me.”

Melissa and her family have now been going to Dr. Noie for over 17 years. He is the only dentist they use for everything.

The fact that he listens well and accommodates exactly what his patients want is something that is important to her.

“Oral healthcare is as important as any other organ,” she said, “If you have any kind

Melissa Burney, actual patient of Dr. Noie.

He gave her veneers and got rid of the crowns she didn’t like, and gave Melissa, her husband and children, perfect smiles.” of tooth decay or any kind of problems with your teeth it can affect everything in your body.

They say gingivitis can actually contribute to dementia and Alzheimer’s, so someone who takes that seriously is important to me.”

She said that it was always important to her to keep up with her own and her children’s teeth,

and Dr. Noie gave them exactly what they wanted. He gave her veneers and got rid of the crowns she didn’t like, and gave Melissa, her husband and children, perfect smiles.

“My children’s previous dentist gave them braces early, so they wouldn’t have them during high school. But it was too early and the teeth moved back.”

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.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Todd Caliva

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Ronald Reagan when he was President

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Influential

My favorite performer is: Kenny Chesney

The thing that bugs me the most is: People who take short cuts

Family: Two daughters

I like to spend my leisure time: Golfing

My favorite movie is: Rocky and also The Godfather

Someone I’d like to meet: President George W. Bush

If I could travel to any place, I’d choose: Italy

Few people know: I am working very hard to be a better listener

Occupation: CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake Hometown: Houston Current home: Pearland

You’ll never catch me: Sitting still

My favorite meal is: Italian Food

Gorgeous Tiger Cat Seeks Loving Furever Home They call me Badger, and I have quite the personality. I’m the type of cat that would be perfect in any home. If you are looking for a conversationalist, I’m your guy. I’m very vocal and promise to tell you all about my day. If you want an affectionate cuddler, I’m all in. Love and attention are a must for me. If you are looking for a playful, fun-loving cat, you guessed it, it’s me! Guess you could say that I am the cat with the mostest! Come visit me at the shelter and you will see how perfect I would be for your family.

Come visit Badger and all the cats and dogs at Bay Area Pet Adoptions, 3000 Avenue R, San Leon or visit on the web at www.bayareapetadoptions. org. They are open every day, except Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can reach Bay Area Pet Adoptions by calling 281-339-2086.

NO W O P E N

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Stomp’s Burger Joint opened at 300 West Bay Area Boulevard (Shops at the Bay)

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Tiff’s Treats opened at 593 West Bay Area Boulevard (The Boulevard)

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Fairfield by Marriot, Webster’s 20th hotel, opened at 401 West Texas Avenue

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Blitz Sports Grill & Party Bar opened at 803 East NASA Parkway (Challenger Plaza)

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Texas Legislative Conference Chair E. Ray Covey, Dorothy Duke, 2020 Texan of the Year Charles Duke, Texas Legislative Conference Arrangements Chair Daniel Gonzalez. PHOTO CREDIT: SPACE CENTER HOUSTON

Astronaut Charles Duke named Texan of the Year

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pollo 16 astronaut

and retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles Duke has been named the 2020 Texan of the Year by the Texas Legislative Conference, the well-known annual statewide policy and business forum that is marking its 54th year March 26-27, 2020.

Duke, the youngest man to ever walk on the moon, was one of 19 astronauts selected by NASA in April 1966. He served as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, becoming the voice of Mission Control heard by the world when he answered Neil Armstrong’s famous “the Eagle has landed.”

Duke served as lunar module pilot of Apollo 16, April 16-27, 1972. He was accompanied on the fifth manned lunar mission by John W. Young

(spacecraft commander) and Thomas K. Mattingly II (command module pilot). Apollo 16 was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey and sample materials and surface features in the Descartes region of the rugged lunar highlands. Duke is one of only 12 people who have walked on the moon.

A South Carolina native, but Texan by choice, Duke has called Texas home since 1975. He and his wife Dorothy have co-authored the book Moonwalker, published by Olson Nelson Publishers in 1990. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Duke served as fighter interceptor pilot with the 526th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Ramstein Air Base. He received his master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

BIOLOGICS. BIG MOLECULES. BIG CURE. facility illuminates some of the extraordinary processes that the company undergoes to manufacture its customers’ cell and gene therapies.

Inside the 32,000 square foot facility, the entire second floor features a suite of labs, including the process development/technology transfer laboratories, quality control, microbiology and cell culture laboratories, and multiple manufacturing suites. All of these labs and cleanrooms, designed under the most exacting and precise standards to support both autologous (utilizing the patient’s own cells) and allogenic cells (utilizing cell sources unrelated to the

(CAR) and grows the cells—“soldier” cells or new CAR-T cells—to combat the disease. Those new cells, known as chimeric immunoreceptors, have been engineered to give T-cells the ability to target a specific protein and act as a “living drug” against cancer cells when they are infused back into the patient following a four-to-twelve week process that includes the most rigorous testing and validations. With CAR-T-cell therapy, cells can be derived from a patient’s own blood (autologous) or derived from the T-cells of another healthy donor (allogeneic). CAR-T cells are genetically engineered to target and destroy cancer cells.

MaSTherCell is part of an explosive, fast growing industry focused on biologic treatment derived from living cells, DNA, and “natural” sources, in

Mayor Donna Rogers welcomes MaSTherCell’s CEO Darren Head to Webster.

MaSTherCell’s magnificent facility, located at 253 Medical Center Boulevard, represents the global company’s US headquarters for cell and gene therapies.

Capital letters in the company’s name stand for “Manufacturing Synergies for Therapeutic Cells.”

MaSTherCell’s Innovative Cell Soldiers Infiltrate Webster

N

ew advances in cell

and gene therapies are transforming and revolutionizing medicines for treating and curing critical diseases, like leukemia, diabetes, and blood cancers. Since 2011, MaSTherCell, a renowned, global cell and gene therapy Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), based in Belgium, has been pioneering and advancing sustainable and affordable therapies for intractable diseases by extracting cells from patients or donors, altering those specimens in highly controlled laboratories that are many times cleaner than a surgical lab, and re-injecting the new cells into patients to combat diseased or compromised cells. Cell and gene therapy works. “Soldier” cells and “soldier” genes are developed, manufactured, and tested by MaSTherCell to attack cancer and other maladies.

MaSTherCell opened its United States headquarters in Webster at 253 Medical Center Boulevard in August 2019 to expand its world presence and provide direct, fast, and comprehensive interaction, consulting, and collaboration with key American-based cell and gene therapy companies—many of which conduct clinical trials in the nearby

Texas Medical Center—the largest medical complex on the globe. Webster’s central location within the United States enables time-sensitive cell therapy products to reach any mainland destination quite rapidly—ensuring excellent logistics for live cells. Too, Webster’s proximity to growing life science and biotechnology industries is highly beneficial Inside MaSTherCell’s training laboratory, Cell Culture Specialist Austin Head demonstrates some for ensuring access to a highly of the science behind adoptive cell transfer—engineering immune cells to treat cancer by using skilled workforce and top-notch patients’ T cells, engineering and harvesting those T cells, and infusing the soldier cells back into patients where they search out and destroy malignant cells. support services.

MaSTherCell represents the “D” (development) in “R & patient) are continually controlled and contrast to pharmaceuticals derived D” (research and development). monitored, as part of MaSTherCell’s from chemical synthesis. Too, the When therapy discovery companies robust Quality Management System, potential applications for cell and seek to develop their process for in conjunction with approximately gene therapy—immunotherapy— manufacturing, in accordance with 1,000 pieces of equipment.

The continue to unfold. While CAR-T the FDA’s Good Manufacturing eight manufacturing cleanrooms, therapy has proven to be lifePractice standards—and, ultimately, clustered with their expansive changing for patients with blood launch their products more rapidly glass exteriors, are surrounded by a cancers, inroads are being made for and effectively, they contract with spacious walkway that allows clients solid tumors, like breast, colorectal, MaSTherCell, as the steps from and visitors the opportunity to view and lung cancer. Currently, two CARresearch to development or concept activity—activity that leads to saving T-cell therapies have been approved to manufacturing are fraught with lives. by the FDA, while there are 1,000 rigorous, regulatory, and complex Success stories for cell therapy potential therapies in labs, right now. processes. MaSTherCell’s team of include toddlers diagnosed with MaSTherCell Webster is positioned industrial, scientific, and operational pediatric acute lymphoblastic for this growth with its focus on experts with credentials in industrial leukemia, middle-aged men with agility, transparency, engagement, biotechnology, biochemistry, chronic lymphocytic leukemia team spirit, and innovation, amid molecular biology, and biomedical or young women with acute a culture that is directly tied to the science provide technology transfer, lymphoblastic leukemia. company’s mission, “Saving Lives.” process and analytical development, Patients who have blood cancer Inside the Webster facility, patients’ clinical manufacturing, regulatory provide T-cells (workhorses of the photographs, with their diagnoses support, and quality oversight to immune system) that MaSTherCell and successful cell therapy, are in the customers. isolates in the manufacturing site spotlight with MaSTherCell’s slogan, A tour of MaSTherCell’s and inserts chimeric antigen receptor “Every Second Counts!” magnificent, state of the art Webster JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry and Dan Reason

Marie Keener, left, and Kathleen Courville take time to work on their reverse raffle, planned for the annual Assistance League gala Feb. 8, while enjoying the Holiday Party Dec. 9.

Assistance League Holiday Party Chairman Ann Hammond, left, admires hostess Angie Weinman’s beautiful decorations for their annual celebration at her Bay Oaks home in Clear Lake.

Linda Byrd, from left, is happy to see Kathy Panneton and Melanie Lovuola at the annual Assistance League Holiday Party Dec.9 in Clear Lake.

EXCITING SEASON FINALLY COMES TO AN END EVER SEEN such a partying town?

Better question might be: Are you as exhausted as the rest of us from all the partying? If so, you get a break.

After all the New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s only a few big events in January – the Quasar Banquet, the Go Texan Rodeo Style Show Luncheon and the Lakewood Yacht Club and Houston Yacht Club Commodore Balls.

But what fun it has been, bumping into old pals you haven’t seen in many months, sampling all the delish refreshments, renewing old friendships and getting so tired you’re ready to drop as you dashed from party to party. Even the kiddoes got into the swing of things

MARY ALYS CHERRY

as they enjoyed Toyland Fantasy and partying with the ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy.

And now, after we’ve had a chance to rest up, it won’t be long before we’re planning for another holiday season and all the fun it brings.

Hostesses for the Clear Lake Panhellenic Holiday Celebration, from left, Kay Lee Benoit, Ondi Lyon, Jill Reason and Lisa O’Brien prepare to greet the arriving crowd at Ondi’s Clear Lake home.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Faces in the crowd at the annual Assistance League Holiday Party included, from left. Joan Burt, Badiha Nassar, Annette Dwyer and Judy Raiford.

D’Lisa Johnston, Sue Ellen Jennings, Beth McDaniel and Emmeline Dodd, from left, were among the many Clear Lake Panhellenic members attending the sorority alumna group’s annual Holiday Celebration.

Photos by Louise Russell and Pat Biddle

Ron Kahl, left, greets Jim and Aggie Moore as they arrive at the Houston Symphony League Bay Area’s New Orleans Style Holiday Brunch.

Houston Symphony League Bay Area President Nina McGlashan, center, with Chairman Vicki Buxton, left, and the hostess, Linda Haeusler.

Dave and Cindy Kuenneke, left, talk with Pat Wilson at the Historical Society party.

Joy O’Neal, Vicki Buxton, Mona Farid and Betty Giffillan, from left, were among the many celebrating the season at the Houston Symphony League Bay Area Holiday Brunch Dec. 11 with authentic New Orleans/Louisiana recipes provided by the hosts and made by Symphony League members.

Hosts Linda and Greg Haeusler prepare to welcome members of the Houston Symphony League Bay Area to their home.

Ernie McWilliams, left, stops to visit with Houston Symphony League Bay Area President Nina McGlashan and her husband Bob at the New Orleans Style Holiday Brunch.

Judith Staliwe, left, visits with Kandy Johnson during the Historical Society Holiday Party.

Tony Galt, from left, welcomes Kandy and David Johnson and Don and Gail Deves to the Historical Society Holiday Party.

Lois and Neldon Costin join the fun at the Historical Society Holiday Party at the Galt home in Taylor Lake Village.

Hostess Ava Galt, right, wears a big smile as she welcomes Emmeline Dodd, Pat Wilson and Gene Hollier, from left, to the Historical Society Holiday Party.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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LEAGUE CITY

REGIONAL CHAMBER

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE League City Chamber Offices Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

League City Chamber President Dewan Clayborn, dressed in his Christmas suit, greets BayTran Chairman Carl Joiner at the Holiday Open House.

Early arrivals for the League City Chamber party included, from left, Doreen Hughes, Joni Robertson, Luwannah Lamas and Kahla Preston.

James Brockway, left, Peggy Zahler and Tom Linklater talk over holiday plans while enjoying the League City Chamber Holiday Open House.

Two former Clear Lake Chamber chairmen, Brian Freedman, left, and Cathy Turner, visit with League City Councilman Larry Millican while enjoying the League City Chamber Holiday Open House Dec. 11.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

League City Regional Chamber Chairman Bill Provenzano welcomes Bay Area Houston Ballet Executive Director Jill Reason, left, and South Shore Harbour Resort’s Bridget Bear to the chamber’s annual Holiday Open House Dec. 11.

Communities in Schools – Bay Area Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel, left, shares a light moment with Dr. Glenn Freedman and his wife, Sara at the League City Chamber holiday celebration.

Pierr Castillo wears a happy smile as he shows off the giant basket of goodies he won in the drawing at the League City Regional Chamber Holiday Open House Dec. 11 at the chamber offices.

Chris Premont of Ron Carter Cadillac, left, and City Manager John Baumgartner of League City enjoy the League City Chamber Holiday Open House.

City Councilman Greg Gripon stops to say hello to Melanie Sweeney at the League City Chamber open house.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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B A H E P

HOLIDAY

Party Lakewood Yacht Club Photography by Kathryn Paradis Kim Bonnen, representing Dr. Greg Bonnen’s office, says hello to Communities in Schools-Bay Area Executive Director Dr. Pater Wuenchel as she joins the crowd at the BAHEP Holiday Party.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, from left, welcomes State Sen. Larry Taylor, State Rep. Dennis Paul, Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner, Kemah Mayor Teri Gale, La Porte Mayor Louis R. Rigby and Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel to BAHEP’s annual Holiday Party, held this year on Dec. 12 at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

Space City Films President Marc Havican, left, and Sam Juliano of Space City Films visit with Pat and Wendell Wilson during the BAHEP Holiday Party Dec. 12 at Lakewood Yacht Club.

BAHEP Membership Director Harriet Pilgrim, from left, catches up on Kemah news as she chats with Mayor Teri Gale and Mayor Pro tem Robin Collins at the BAHEP Holiday Party.

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Finances was the likely topic of conversation as Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor Duane Bolpa, left, and Amoco Federal Credit Union President Shawn Bailey talked at the BAHEP party.

Houston City Councilman Dave Martin and his South Sector Manager Jordan McGinty, left, stop to talk with La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby, BAHEP Marketing Manager Barbara Cutsinger and Star Service General Manager Dennis King during the BAHEP Holiday Party Dec. 12 at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Congressman Brian Babin’s Regional Community Relations Director Beverly Ferguson Cooper, left, visits with Debbie Byerly of Johnson Space Center.

UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Ira Blake is happy to see Dr. Glenn Freedman at the BAHEP Party.

U H C L

HOLIDAY

Party BAY OAKS COUNTRY CLUB Photography by Mary Alys Cherry Kathleen and Raymond Khoury were among the many at the University Yule Party at Bay Oaks Country Club.

You can tell these ladies are enjoying the University of Houston-Clear Lake Holiday Party at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake. They are, from left, Emmeline Dodd, Pam Culpepper Cronk, Diane Vest and Gloria Wong.

Gary Mossman, right, retired Dixie Chemical Co. president, says hello to Gene Hollier, retired TV star and now a Houston Rodeo director, during the UH-Clear Lake Holiday Party.

University President Dr. Ira Blake, center, stops to chat with retired Clear Creek ISD superintendent, Dr. Sandy Mossman, and Space Center Houston President and CEO William Harris at the UHCL Holiday Party.

Pat and Wendell Wilson, right, are happy to run into Anita Fogtman at the UH-Clear Lake Holiday Party at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Shari and John Wilkins wear big smiles as they arrive at Bay Oaks Country Club for the UHCL Holiday Party.

UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Ira Blake welcomes, from left, State Reps. Ed Thompson and Dennis Paul, and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell to the university’s annual Holiday Party at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Faces in the crowd at the UH-Clear Lake Holiday Party at Bay Oaks Country Club included some familiar faces – Peggy and Jerry Clause, at left, and Tom and Gloria Wong.

Assistant Director of Media Relations Karen Barbier, left, enjoys seeing UHCL retiree Mary Ann Shallberg at the Holiday Party.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

CLEAR LAKE AREA CHAMBER

HOLIDAY

OPEN HOUSE CLACC Offices Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

Chamber Vice President Sherri Sweeney, left, welcomes BAHEP President Bob Mitchell and his wife, Joan McKinney Mitchell, to the Holiday Open House the afternoon of Dec. 19.

Mark and Karen Keesler, owners of One Stop Tents & Events, arrive at the Clear Lake Chamber Holiday Open House, all smiles and ready to party down.

Past Chamber Chairman Cindy Kennedy Hebert, left, and Nancy Buffaloe catch up on their news during the Clear Lake Area Holiday Open House.

Montaya Magee, left, and Sloan Sweeney add a colorful touch to the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s Holiday Open House, held at the chamber office on NASA Parkway

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Chamber President Cindy Dewease, left, and her mother, Margaret DeLorge, greet State Sen. Larry Taylor at the door as he arrives for the annual Holiday Open House at the chamber offices Dec. 19.

Clear Lake Area Chamber Board members get together for a photo during the chamber’s annual Holiday Open House. They are Jonathan Cottrell, Jacob Biggers, Ashley Helms, David Whitlock, Adam Smith, Doug Meisigner, Julia Gallagher and Brian Freedman.

Ginger Gibson, left, is happy to see long-time pal, Nancy Buffaloe at the Clear Lake Area Chamber Holiday Party.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Tommy’s Restaurant owner Tommy Tollett and his wife, Laurian, stop by the Clear Lake Chamber party to say hello.

BAY AREA HOUSTON

BALLET & THEATRE SUGAR PLUM

FAIRY WEEKEND South Shore Harbour Resort Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Director Jill Reason, in red, stops for a photo with the ballet’s artistic staff.

They are, from left, Artistic Director Nelson Madrigal, Associate Artistic Director Natalie Zundel and Feijoo Ballet School owner Lorna Feijoo.

Gingerchildren Berit Bowie and Evelyn Nelson pose for a photo at the annual Breakfast With the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Michael Womack and Amber Sample, left, share a laugh with Darrell and Robyn Weigelt during the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre After Party at South Shore Harbour Resort celebrating the Breakfast With the Sugar Plum Fairy Weekend.

Three little sisters all grown up enjoy a night out together at the ballet’s After Party. They are, from left, Eva deCardenas, Rebecca Anding and Monica Jackson.

Wendy Shaw, left, gets a laugh out of Keith and Sally Jordan as they arrive at South Shore Harbour Resort for the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre After Party.

Attorneys John Gay and his wife, Becky Reitz, were among the many attending the After Party.

League City Councilman Larry Millican and his wife, Monica, join the fun.

Jason Allcorn, center, stops to say hello to Rick Clapp and Gisele Sarofim.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photography by MoonBridge Media

7 Reasons

Why You Should Consider Using an Independent Financial Advisor

M

for your specific situation. You don’t want just any financial advice, you need objective, about money can be difficult and personalized financial advice. You also want even a little scary. You may have to have confidence that the advice being already realized that you need provided to you by your financial help that goes financial advisor is in your beyond reading blogs and best interests – not theirs. books or getting suggestions As the demand for from your neighbor or office objective, personalized co-workers. During your advice grows, it seems that lifetime, you’re more than more and more people likely going to encounter are choosing to work with WE ARE ROBERTS periods of both good and independent financial bad market performance.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT professionals who provide For those reasons and more, An Independent, family-owned more comprehensive advice when planning for your & operated comprehensive including legacy, retirement, retirement, it’s increasingly wealth management firm delivering personalized investing, taxes, education important to seek guidance financial guidance. A better funding and insurance from a fiduciary-based way to retirement. planning. If you want a financial advisor who can Independent solid working relationship help you structure an income Trustworthy that helps you make smart strategy that reflects your Client-First Approach financial decisions, it helps risk tolerance and investment Fiduciary-based Guidance to know what you’re getting objectives.

“The Roberts Wealth Way” into.

A financial advisor can We don’t measure ourselves We sat down with League help provide you with a against other advisors, firms or market benchmarks.

City’s Roberts Wealth range of financial planning Our success is defined by Management CEO, Summer services, from investment measuring ourselves with A. Roberts, and her dynamic management to budgeting meeting our clients’ goals, team to help break down why guidance to legacy planning. each of which are unique. considering an independent With so much at stake, it’s 281-549-6515 financial advisor can be important that you feel you info@robertswealthtexas.com important. We narrowed it can trust your financial RobertsWealthTexas.com down to what we feel are the advisor to consider a wide TEXT TO 281-581-9920 top seven benefits: variety of possible solutions

26

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

aking long-term decisions

1. Independent Advisors are Just That, Independent These advisors are not bound to any one company, family of funds, investment products or services. According to Summer Roberts, “This allows us to keep many tools in our tool bag and pull out the ones that could be most beneficial and effective for each individual, unique client.

If the goal is to change a light bulb, we don’t only have hammers to choose from. We look at all available options and choose the tools that are most appropriate and best suited for that particular family and their specific needs.” It is for this reason that independent advisors are able to help provide you with customized guidance based on your entire financial picture.

4. Variety

2. The Fiduciary Duty of Care Investment Adviser Representatives are held to a fiduciary duty of care, which means they are legally required to put the best interest of their clients first when providing investment advice.

When insurance recommendations are made, the regulatory standard that applies is the suitability standard which means that the recommendations meet your needs and objectives. Coby Culpepper, Associate Financial Advisor with Roberts Wealth Management states, “This means we are legally obligated to offer investment guidance that will best serve our clients’ interests. It gives me great pride to provide our clients with the highest level of knowledge, recommendations and analysis, because my loyalty is always to them first, our clients!”

3. Accountability In order to offer advice that is objective and closely aligns with your retirement goals, an independent financial advisor must build a strong understanding of your current financial situation.

As a result, they must focus on building a deep relationship with you – a relationship that is responsive, attentive and personal. In addition, since independent financial advisors are also typically successful entrepreneurs, they hold themselves personally accountable to you directly.

Independent financial professionals, like Roberts and her team, are not limited, meaning they are able to work with many financial institutions providing the freedom to choose from a wide range of investment and insurance options in order to tailor their advice based on what is best for you. This increases the likelihood of being able to provide the best options for their client’s needs.

In contrast, a captive advisor works with one company or financial institution, thus is only able to offer their proprietary products.

5. Client Experience As small-business owners, independent financial advisors are likely to have fewer clients than larger companies. If a quality, high-touch client experience is important to you, then you may have better luck finding it with an independent advisor.

“At Roberts Wealth Management, you have access to the entire RWM Team in which each member plays a vital role in providing you with a quality client experience. We have worked diligently to put together a detailed process to deliver high-quality and high-value services to our clients,” expresses Colleen Duncan, VP of Client Relations at Roberts Wealth Management. “Most importantly, we don’t believe in treating our clients like numbers – they become part of our family.”

6. Transparency Typically, independent financial professionals are fee-based advisors. This fee-based compensation model allows for transparency in the guidance that is given to clients with no hidden advisory fees and no bias due to conflicts of interest to sell a certain product line or company offering. This method encourages growing the clients’ securities assets – when the client makes money, so does the advisory firm. Paul Roberts, Founder of Roberts Wealth

Management, said it best; “Being a fee-based firm puts us on the same team as our clients. When the client wins, we win and when they lose, we lose.”

7. Planning, Not Selling Products Because of benefits 1-6 listed above, independent financial advisors are able to offer detailed financial goal planning and tracking. When it comes to your financial future, it’s not only about investing.

Independent advisors are better able to focus on a comprehensive approach to financial planning, which could include investment management, risk management, institutional allocation, diversification, income planning, estate and legacy planning as well as advanced tax efficient planning and optimization.

Planning for retirement today can be challenging.

For this reason, you may want to consider securing objective financial advice from an independent, family-owned & operated comprehensive wealth management firm like Roberts Wealth Management to help guide you on the path toward your retirement success.

Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Roberts Wealth Management are not affiliated companies. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Insurance products are sold based on the suitability standard at both the state and insurance carrier level; this means that product recommendations must meet the stated financial needs and objectives of the client. Investment advisory services are required to be provided in accordance with a fiduciary standard- this means that the advice must be in the best interest of the client with any conflicts of interest fully disclosed to the client. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions. 00426033

Schedule your visit today and enjoy our New Year’s Gift to you!

• Your personalized Social Security maximization report • Income analysis report • Risk and fee analysis report

Give us a call at 281-549-6515 to see if you qualify Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Roberts Wealth Management are not affiliated companies. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Neither the firm, nor its agents or representatives may give tax or legal advice.

Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions. The firm is not affiliated with the US government or any governmental agency. 00396709

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

New officers of the Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association get together for a photo at their annual Holiday Luncheon at the club Dec. 6. They are, from left, Immediate Past President Sherri Romer, Fleet Capt. Ann-Marie Doolin, incoming President Elaine Keith, Secretary Linda Weidmann, Parliamentarian Judith Shaw, Treasurer Linda Elting and Vice President Janelle Leistad.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Pat Macaluso, Dottie Legendre and Linda Weidmann, from left, prepare to drink a holiday toast on arrival at the Lakewood Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon at the yacht club.

Long-time members Rosemary Bettis, left, and Marcy Fryday visit as they await the start of the Lakewood Ladies Holiday Luncheon.

Marilyn Mitchell, former LYC Commodore Joyce Maxwell, former LYC First Lady Sandy Lewis and Kathy Moore, from left, join the crowd.

Leona Pleasants, from left, stops to say hello to Sue Warters and former Commodore Joyce Maxwell at the Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon Dec. 6 at the yacht club in Seabrook.

Mary Moorehead, from left, Rosebud Caradec and Cheryl Baron are happy to see one another as they make their way across the Lakewood Yacht Club Ballroom.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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New Year, New Beginnings

By Alisa Star

N

ew Years… we all look forward to the big celebration with family and friends, watching the ball drop, and counting down the seconds till midnight and giving that first kiss of the year to the person next to you.

It’s a time to celebrate and quote your new year resolutions of things you would like to do better for the year to

come.

A new year means new beginnings and fresh starts. Everyday of your life is a new beginning, not just the first day of the year. If you can let go of the past and freeing yourself of failures and disappointments, you can embrace a new perspective in your life.

You can make daily resolutions not just New Year’s resolutions. Any day is suitable for making them. A

The Perfect You

By Alisa Star

C

onfused by all the

conflicting nutrition advice and fad diets out there?

You’re not alone. It seems every month there is a new, better and healthier way to eat and live.

And all the chaos begins every time you get on the dreaded scale,that at times you get mad and frustrated with and want to hide it in the corner for you feel it’s lying to you all the time. Eating a healthy diet is not about strict limitations, trying to be unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love to eat. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, improving your health, and being more positive about yourself, and loving the way you look.

When it comes to obsessing about weight, I know most every person is guilty at some point! Do you know

30

that the average American woman is between a size 12 to 14. The majority of the media is skewed. To start loving and accepting your body now, creates a more realistic picture and a “new normal.”

So many of us have never settled into our own body, we strive to be the perfect size 4, but the truth is, you are who you are, it’s okay to not

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

fresh look at the future and all the wonderful possibilities it holds. With the New Year comes 365 new and exciting days to mark your destiny.

To start making the new steps for your new beginning this year, weed out the negativity in your life.It is infectious! Negativity affects you and everyone around us. It limits our potential to become something great and live a fulfilling and purposeful life. Negativity has a tangible effect on our health. People who cultivate negative energy experience more stress, more sickness, and less opportunity over the course of their life. When we become, and have positive energy around us, and follow our daily decisions up with action, we will begin to encounter situations and people that are positive too. The negative energy gets edged out by all positive experiences. It’s a snowball effect! So this New Year, get started on weeding out the bad, and in with the new!

Give thanks to God and be grateful in the New Year. Oprah Winfrey once said, “Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never , ever have enough.” Appreciating what you have means first noticing what you have, then being grateful for it. It’s all about refocusing. Gratitude is a pathway to happiness and success in life. The more we’re grateful for the things we have, no matter how little they might be, the more happier in life we will be. By taking the time

to stop and appreciate who you are and what you’ve achieved, and perhaps through a few mistakes, stumbles and losses this year, you can enhance everything about you. Self -acknowledgement and appreciation are what gives you the insight and awareness to move forward towards higher goals.You only really have what you have in this moment anyway, so give thanks, and be grateful for it…

New Year‘s holds a special magic.

It’s a time to pause and reflect on the year gone, and to dream of better things for the year ahead. Don’t worry about the big picture-celebrate every milestone.Don’t get hung up on perfect.. Perfect doesn’t exist, we all make mistakes. Just learn from them. Don’t confuse having an opinion with having a thought, assessing a situation can get in the way of learning. Don’t try to fit in, embrace your differences and you’ll stand out more. Be willing to change, to stay relevant as you move forward in life, you have to be willing to embrace change. Talk to a stranger, the majority of future successes are waiting outside your immediate network.

Go into this New Year that God has given us and live your best life. Start taking action, create a new vision board and refocus. Ask yourself what goals you want to reach, and aim for the stars. Anything is possible if your mindset is right and your heart is in it! Happy New Year!

be perfect, perfection does not exist.

Everyone has their own struggles with their body, even if someone else doesn›t see anything wrong with it.

Separate from appearance-contingent self-worth is your appearance selfesteem, the feeling of satisfaction you have with the way you look. If your high in appearance-contingent selfworth, then your overall self-esteem will be heavily influenced by you’re appearance self-esteem. Otherwise, you might be perfectly content with the way you look, but this won’t matter to the way you feel.

It’s amazing how feeling bad about yourself can either make you obsessive about your body, depriving yourself the correct nutrition the body needs to be thin, or neglect your body and spirit, by turning your back on a good nutrition diet and going into a downward spiral of negativity.

Which will only make you feel even more negative about yourself. “ We have to stop the madness.” Stop comparing yourself to other people.

We live in a society that pushes us to

compare ourselves with others. To want to look like them, be like them, you have to love yourself before you can ever truly accept yourself.

Take charge of your life, start with accepting yourself, and loving who you are. Look in the mirror and see what’s beautiful about you.

Maybe it’s your smile, your eyes, or your laugh. Or maybe it is just you!

Love the skin you’re in, and others will too. The more you honor and appreciate your body, the more likely it is you will attract positive and uplifting people into your life.

Stop telling yourself you’re fat, or ugly. You are doing yourself an injustice, focus on your best qualities.

Your body is precious, treat it with care.

If there is only one lesson you learned this entire year, it’s this: You are BEAUTIFUL,there is beauty in everyone, no matter the size, or imperfections. Beauty is skin deep, true beauty lies within the soul. So let your soul shine through.

Here’s to Living the Best You!

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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146

Grazia

Sokols Greek

Sawa

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c

r l e a

l a k e

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

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

South Shore Grille Red River Cantina

MichiRu

Floyd’s

7

Mario’s

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance

Ocean Sushi

Nobi Las Haciendas

Cabo

Jackie’s Brickhouse

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Tookie’s Seafood

Hubcap Grill

Angelo’s Masa Sushi

Boondoggles

Villa Capri

888 Chinese

Escalante’s

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s

T-Bone Tom’s

Red River BBQ Main St. Bistro

Stomp’s Burgers

Gilhooley’s

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

AMERICAN 1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com 2. Main St Bistro 615 E Main St, League City, TX (281) 332-8800 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. Hubcap Grill 1918 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 339-7116 hubcapgrill.com ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com

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Red Oak Cafe

Topwater Grill

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

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

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

2. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe 18033 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com

2. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 339-7474 m o s e s l a www.scottyspubhouston.com

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

4. Marais 2015 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-1986

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

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

4. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 5. Ocean Sushi 3020 Marina Bay Dr Suite A2, League City, TX (281) 957-9122 oceansushigrill.com 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 (281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com 2. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood 20760 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-7474 floydswebster.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

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. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W. Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com 3. Grazia Italian Kitchen 1001 Pineloch Dr #1100, Houston, TX (281) 486-2083 graziaitalian.com 4. Villa Capri 3713 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook frenchiesvillacapri.com (281) 326-2373 5. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX francasrealitalian.com (281) 488-2207 6. Mario’s Pizza & Pasta 2100 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX 77586 mariosseabrook.com (281) 474-5103 MEDITERRANEAN 1. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com

4. Sokols Greek Deli & Cafe 2410 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX (281) 286-2989 sokolsgreekcafe.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. Las Haciendas 1020 W. Nasa Rd 1, Webster, TX 77598 281-557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.com 4. Red River Cantina 1911 E Main St Suite A, League City, TX 77573 281-557-8156 redrivercantina.com 5. Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila 1043 W. Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX 77598 281-316-6980 escalantes.net PUB/BAR/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com

k e

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

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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2019 HANGAR BASH BEER, PLANES & BBQ! at the Lone Star Flight Museum Photography by MoonBridge Media

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[FOOD AND WINE PAIRING]

from American oak barrels. (Bonanza Cabernet is a great substitute. It mirrors Caymus).

• • • • • • • • • • •

Steak au Poivre with sauteed asparagus

By Alisa Star

C

lassic steak au Poivre

is a simple dish of seared peppercorn-crusted steaks with a creamy butter pan sauce. The secret is to start by encrusting the steak on only one side. Pre-salting the steaks will allow the surface of the meat to dry out

38

allowing the peppercorns to stick.

Pairing this easy elegant meal with a rich full bodied red is a given. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet 2015.

It has an exciting nose of maraschino cherries, blackberry bramble and brisket with notes of clove and star anise. This wine has a fruity mid-palate of current with toasted vanilla and roasted brown sugar

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

4 (6-8 oz) boneless steak medallions, such as filet mignon Kosher salt 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 thyme sprigs 1 medium clove garlic 1 shallot minced 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac ¾ cup chicken stock ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

Salt steaks first, let dry for 15 minutes. Meanwhile crack peppercorns into rough halves with a pepper grinder, or a mortar and pestle. Spread peppercorns evenly over only one side top of each steak. press firmly so the peppercorn imbeds the medallion.In a large cast iron skillet, heat oil over mediumhigh heat until shimmering. Add steaks, peppercorn side down, and cook until peppercorns are well toasted, about 3 minutes. Carefully turn steaks, trying not to break the crust. Add butter thyme and garlic and cook, coating the steaks with

a spoon as they cook in the sauce, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, and check the internal temperature of the steaks. Medium rare will be 125F; if you want your steak medium you can continue to cook to 145F. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet, discard the thyme and garlic, add shallots and more crushed peppercorn, continue cooking over medium heat, until shallots are tender. Add brandy, cook until the smell of the alcohol goes away, add chicken stock and simmer, about 2 minutes. Whisk in heavy cream until sauce has reduced enough to glaze a spoon.

Add mustard, and season with salt.

Pour sauce over the tops of the steaks.

Coat asparagus with olive oil, lemon, salt and crushed garlic.

Saute in pan for 8 minutes.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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COVER PARTY CELEBRATING BB’S TEXORLEANS RESTAURANT

1. BB’s Tex-Orleans Restaurant CEO Brooks Bassler joins his wife and Chief Brand Officer Maricela Bassler, center, and General Manager Richele Potts in welcoming the arriving crowd for the Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party Dec. 18.

2. Faces in the crowd at the Cover Party at BB’s TexOrleans in Webster included Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp, left, pretty Crystal Russell and magazine staffer Jason Allcorn.

3. Bay Area Houston Magazine staffer Karen Laroux, right, is happy to see Robin Daniels at the Cover Party at BB’s Tex-Orleans.

4. Realtor Jonathan Cothrell, from left, stops by to say hello to Realtors Simon Urbanic and his wife, Pamela Archer, and Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Cover Party honoring BB’s Tex-Orleans Restaurant in Webster.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Community leaders break ground, from left, TLV Mayor Jon Keeney, LWC Pastor Brad Heintz, Lakeside Police Chief Tom Savage and Bay Area Hosuton Magazine’s Rick Clapp.

Living Word Church Breaks Ground

L

iving Word Church

of The Bay Area, broke ground and dedicated 6.43 acres for their new church home and community center on their 12th birthday, Sunday, Dec. 1. The new center will be located at Kirby Road and Old Kirby in Taylor Lake Village.

The congregation has been rallying around God’s Word from Hosea 10:12 “Break new ground. Plant righteousness, and harvest the fruit that your loyalty will produce for me. It’s time to seek the Lord! When he comes, he will rain righteousness on you.” (God’s Word Translation) Pastor Brad Heintz said, “Our whole purpose is to saturate our community with God’s love so that people grow, households are transformed and neighbors are reached with the Living Word through faith in Jesus Christ.” Living Word is a church that is in the community, of the community and for the community.

The ground was broken by Living Word Pastor Brad Heintz; Living Word Board of Directors Bonnie Benkula, Steve Duncombe, Cindy Heintz, Kris Lucas; Living Word leaders and members, community leaders and development leaders including the Mayor of Taylor Lake Village Jon Keeney; Lakeside Police Chief Tom Savage; Bay Area Magazine Chairman Rick Clapp; Featherwood Financial Realtors Jeff Oetting and Brandon Farine; Texana Builders, Dustin Hubbard, Kevin Neumann, Nick Cooney; Veritas Architect Robert Charles and Allegiance Bank Officer, Jim Butcher.

Mayor Jon Keeney welcomed Living Word Church to the city and shared his hope for the church and community.

The groundbreaking ceremony was a milestone in giving toward their new church building. They have

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

more to gather and more milestones to achieve before construction begins, so if you would like to help, please attend the Living Word Community Gala on Friday, Feb. 21. Visit the website www.groundbreakers.church or call 281-532-9000 for details.

Bonnie Benkula, LWC Director and Campaign Chair commented, “Our new church home and community center will be a place of solace and comfort, where our community can unite and families can find their spiritual gifts. Together, we will increase community volunteerism so our city continues to be a great place to live. Our new church home and community center will be a place where we can help one another in times of need.”

Living Word invites you to worship God with them and join them in loving and serving our community.

Living Word Church of The Bay Area is a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life.

They meet at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at G.W. Robinson Elementary, 451 Kirby Rd. Seabrook, 77586 (Taylor Lake Village) while they prepare to build. www.LWCBA.org 281-532-9000 www.Facebook.com/LWCBA

Pastor Brad Heintz carries the cross.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[HEALTHCARE]

New hospital doctor grew up in Clear Lake Dr. Amit Bansal, who grew up in the Clear Lake area, has joined the staff of Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates in Nassau Bay and is receiving a warm welcome from the Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital staff.

A long-time OB/GYN in the Pasadena area, Dr. Bansal is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology. He specializes in contraceptive consultation, complete menopause care, labor and delivery and the diagnosis and treatment of menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and reproductive system cancer. In addition, he uses the most advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat a wide range of gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

“I am excited to join my new colleagues at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates and continue serving patients from across the Bay Area,” Bansal said. “The hospital’s ongoing commitment to women’s health is important to me because it means the most advanced technology, the best facilities and ultimately, better care for my patients.”

A Bay Area native, Dr. Bansal attended Clear Lake Elementary, Clear Lake Intermediate and Clear Lake High School. He earned his medical degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas before completing two residencies – one in family medicine at University of Texas Southwestern and one in obstetrics and gynecology at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Virginia.

He joins Drs. Patricia Choy, Elizabeth Cloninger and Shree Visaria at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, located at 2060 Space Park Drive, Suite 410, in Nassau Bay. To make an appointment with Dr. Bansal or one of the other boardcertified physicians at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, call 832.783.2330.

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Those taking part in the Nassau Bay groundbreaking were, from left, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Chief Nursing Officer Katherine Walsh, Board of Trustees members Levi Benton and Elaine Renola, HOAR Construction Project Leader Brian Cook, Houston Methodist Clear Lake CEO Dan Newman, Greg Johnson of PhiloWilke Partnership Architects, Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman, Trustees John Kennedy, Dr. Franz Schneider and Jerry Neff, and Houston Methodist Regional Senior Vice President Chris Siebenaler.

Hospital holds groundbreaking for new 6-story office building

By Mary Alys Cherry Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital will begin construction soon on a six-story, 150,000-square-foot medical office building on land adjacent to its campus – the first phase in a multi-year expansion plan.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Dec. 17 near the construction site with Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman and a host of dignitaries there for the turning of the first dirt.

The $40 million medical office building will be home to Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake as well as the hospital’s physical therapy facilities.

The building’s upper floors will contain office and clinic space for physicians from a broad range of specialties.

The building will be constructed on land that previously was part of the Nassau Bay Shopping Village in the 1800 block of Upper Bay Road.

The hospital purchased that center in 2015. Construction is expected to begin in August and the building will open in 2021.

“Buildings like this don’t just happen,” Houston Methodist Clear Lake CEO Dan Newman said as he explained how hospital officials have been working with Hoar Construction, which won the main contract for the structure, the architect and many others, adding that with the new building, “we will be able to serve the community for a long time.”

He also introduced Brian Cook, the project’s managing director, noting that this will be his sixth project for Hoar Construction, which

has done a number of projects for the hospital.

Mayor Denman also addressed the crowd, explaining how the community was looking forward to the proposed new building while also asking for a moment of silence in memory of the late Nassau Bay Police Sgt. Kaila Sullivan, who died so tragically earlier in the month when a suspect’s car ran over her as he tried to escape.

Joining Newman and Mayor Denman in turning the first dirt were Regional Houston Methodist Vice President Chris Siebenaler, Chief Nurse Officer Katherine Walsh, Hoar Construction Project Director Brian Cook, Architect Greg Johnson and Board of Trustee members Levi Benton, Elaine Renola, John Kennedy, Dr. Franz Schneider and Jerry Neff.

Memorial Hermann Recognized With Houston City Council Proclamation The Houston City Council recognized several Memorial Hermann Health System programs for their service with a city proclamation on Tuesday, Dec. 3, including the work of the Community Resource Center at Memorial Hermann Southwest Participants in the Memorial Hermann recognition ceremony included, from left, Houston City Hospital, the Memorial Council Member Dr. Jack Christie, Memorial Hermann Director of Local and Community Relations Ashlea Quinonez, Memorial Hermann EVP and Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Hermann Community Officer Deborah Gordon, Memorial Hermann President and CEO Dr. David Callender, Houston Benefit Corporation, TIRR Mayor Sylvester Turner, Memorial Hermann SVP and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Malisha Patel and Memorial Hermann SVP and Chief Memorial Hermann-TMC Community Health Officer Carol Paret. and the 2020 opening of to improving the lives of millions of patients, including the Sarofim Pavilion. From the proclamation: “NOW many of the most vulnerable in Southeast Texas, through THEREFORE; BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSTON its visionary industry leadership and transformative CITY COUNCIL, that Memorial Hermann Health System approaches to healthcare delivery.” is recognized and applauded for its many contributions

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

then the anabolic signals that initiate muscle growth and repair are further disrupted via pro-inflammatory hormones called cytokines. There is strong evidence that turmeric not only offsets the pain associated with delayed onset of muscle soreness – i.e. the pain you feel the day after you work out – but also promotes faster recovery in athletic performance.

SMART BOTANICALS 3 Reasons Why Turmeric is the Perfect Anti-Inflammatory

D

o you know what the mother of maladies is?

Chronic inflammation.

Chronic, low-grade or systemic inflammation has been linked to a vast range of medical conditions from Alzheimer’s and depression to the joint pain of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Left unchecked, chronic inflammation inhibits the body’s ability to repair healthy tissuein arteries, joints, muscles and various organs.

The good news? Healthy lifestyle choices help manage chronic inflammation, and first among those choices? An anti-inflammatory diet.

But even the most health-conscious, need to supplement their diets. And just as there is a “smart” analog for everything nowadays - smart phones, smart homes, smart cars, etc.

- the smart qualifier can be used for botanical health supplements as well.

Turmeric has been a therapeutic botanical used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years and in western medicine, the benefits of turmeric’s active components have been studied since 1910. In the last 20 years, studies have shown that turmeric has a systemic benefit throughout the body, in mitigating both acute inflammation as well as disrupting chronic inflammation.

If mother nature’s R&D department has an intuitive, smart botanical, turmeric would be it.

Smart Botanical Reason #1: Turmeric Makes Your Gut Happy Studies indicate that inflammation of the digestive tract is linked to

an imbalance of gut bacterium. An imbalance triggers inflammation, which triggers an immune response which if not abated, can lead to metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance and diabetes.

Turmeric has been shown to aid in digestion through its active component curcumin by supporting the good bacteria in your gut biome. However, using whole root turmeric makes a big difference because curcumin is just one of 200 active molecules present in whole root turmeric, that work to amplify its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits.

Many turmeric supplements use black pepper or piperine extract to enhance the gut absorption and potency of turmeric. But additives like black pepper are “non-selective” enhancers that can have adverse effects by allowing absorption of toxins. Additionally, with the arrival of new technology, black pepper or other chemical absorption enhancers are no longer necessary.

And according to Nuvothera CEO, Arthur Clapp, it’s the size of the curcuminoid particle that really matters to greatly enhance absorption and bioavailability. Look for Super Micronized whole root Turmeric Curcumin like Nuvotherawithout absorption enhancers to reap the full benefits.

Smart Botanical Reason #2: Turmeric Supports Faster Muscle Recovery Post-Workout The soreness you feel after working out is a stress response to the breakdown of muscle tissue during exercise which causes inflammation. The resulting inflammation has to be terminated to allow the satellite cells that are responsible for muscle tissue repair to work.

If chronic inflammation is present,

Smart Botanical Reason #3: Turmeric Keeps You Feeling Younger (And Happier!) Longer Are you feeling a little stiff and creaky getting out of bed in the morning? Does it feel like you’re lifting less weight than you used to? Do you suffer from late-afternoon brain fog or occasionally forget where you left your keys?

As we age, these are what we think of as the hallmarks of getting old; joint stiffness, muscle loss or weakness and a forgetful memory. However, the presence of these symptoms could very well be indicative of stress and chronic inflammation. Essentially, you could be feeling old before your time.

Factors to consider: We can start suffering from stiff joints as early as our 30’s and in an otherwise healthy individual, suddenly feeling creaky is usually indicative of inflammation of the joints as in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, or even inflammation of the bursae - which cushion joints and ligaments – and can present as bursitis.

A chronic low-grade inflammation profile (CLIP) - chronic inflammation is linked to the loss of muscle fibers (sarcopenia) and muscle strength (frailty) which factors into age-related maladies.

A major study published this year found that “People who harbor high levels of chronic inflammation at midlife are more likely to experience memory loss.”

And recent findings from the University of Wisconsin show that “Inflammation is becoming surprisingly relevant” in the clinical treatment of depression.

Not surprisingly, turmeric shows promising results in mitigating all the above. Consider the following: Unlike the potential side effects of steroids in long-term use, or potential health issues associated with daily use of prescription NSAID pain pills or OTC anti-inflammatories, at the right dosage turmeric can perform comparably, with few to no side effects and a better safety profile for long term use to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

A 2007 study suggests that turmeric curcumin can “mediate

muscle wasting in inflammatory diseases,” potentially resulting in the “attenuation [reduction] of muscle protein loss.”

A 2018 study published by UCLA in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry finds that turmeric curcumin “improved memory and mood in people with mild, agerelated memory loss.”

Even symptoms of depression and anxiety are responsive to turmeric, particularly with “atypical” depression segments of hard to treat patients that also demonstrate high chronic inflammation.

BONUS - Smart Botanical Reason #4: Turmeric is Even Safe for Your Pets (Best.Reason.Ever!)

Pets are extended family and as pet parents, we’d do just about anything for them. Many commercial pet food brands already contain turmeric as a natural food colorant, but the amounts present are usually not enough to provide full therapeutic benefit.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in turmeric is proven to help joint pain in older dogs and fight the free radicals that contribute to degenerative diseases in dogs and cats. Before giving your pet turmeric, make sure to talk with your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends turmeric, confirm the correct dose per pound for your pet (the usual dose is 10-15mg per pound), and use a high quality, water and gut soluble formulation like Nuvothera.

You may find that turmeric helps give your furry children a longer, more comfortable life if incorporated correctly. And who doesn’t want more years with Fluffy and Fido?

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein A healthy life is a marathon, not a sprint. Chronic inflammation has many cascading orders of effects throughout the body which significantly impacts your long-term health - and even your wallet. Most chronic illnesses are related to inflammation and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) estimates that: “90% of the nation’s $ 3.3 trillion (USD) annual health care expenditures are for people with chronic and mental health conditions.”

To support your anti-inflammatory lifestyle choices, consider using a daily, Super Micronized turmeric supplement like Nuvothera, as the smart botanical that takes you across the finish line.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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greater population explosion? Will those genetic alterations introduce new issues, new diseases?

Are we creating super-humans? Is that okay?

Technology is power; that is undeniable. Our power over nature tempts us to make decisions and take actions without thinking through, or maybe even having the ability to know and fully understand, the consequences of those acts. We do it because we can.

By Michael W. Gos Canyon Lake Dam, Texas

O

ne drive that every Texan should

experience is going north out of Gruene along River Road. It is a narrow strip of pavement in the trees and in most sections, it runs right up next to the Guadalupe River. In fact, as you move north, you cross the river several times. About 16 miles above Hueco Falls and what is called the “First Crossing” (the crossings are numbered from north to south), you come out of the valley and then everything opens up. At the top of the hill, there is a large dam.

Behind it—Canyon Lake.

I know Canyon Lake is loved by most Texans, but I can’t help thinking that anyone coming up the River Road after such a beautiful drive can only find it an eyesore. And the dam itself…well, that is even uglier. After that drive along the river, the sight of the lake is way beyond disappointing.

But then, I tend to have a problem with dams in general. I understand that without them, Texas would have very few lakes. But for every dam we see, a part of a river is lost. John Graves wrote a masterpiece about this loss in Goodbye to a River, a story about a long canoe journey down what used to be the Brazos River in the final days before it was wiped out by a series of flood control dams.

Some would argue that dams are as good as, and maybe even superior to, open rivers for a number of reasons, many of them valid. They do indeed create lakes. Lakes are playgrounds for people in multiple ways: fishing, power boating, swimming. . . . We usually see them as fun. I get that; I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and spent thousands of hours at the beach. But power boats are noisy and smell bad. Artificial beaches usually have less than ideal sand and tend to be small. And is the fishing really any better than it was in the river that was sacrificed? Driving the River Road and seeing all the people on tubes and the fishermen on the banks and in canoes, I have to

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think, if you can’t have fun on the river, you’re just not doing it right.

Of course, proponents claim there are other benefits to dams. In the western United States, the lakes they create serve as reservoirs that provide water for cities. But is that really a good idea?

Most of the evils in America today are centered in the cities. Call me a whack job, but anything that lets them survive, let alone grow, is problematic.

Finally, there is the flood control issue. That’s a big one here in Texas.

Yes, the new lakes hold lots of water, but in really heavy rain events, the lakes fill up. The powers that be are then forced to let some of the water out . . . quickly. Open the gates after heavy rains to protect the dams and you get Houston after hurricane Harvey.

But we’re not really talking about dams here at all. In reality, we are looking at the issue of acting before considering all the ramifications of our actions. Politicians specialize in this kind of behavior which results in what we today call “the law of unintended consequences.” We act before we think. And then we pay the price.

This can be scary. Consider for a moment the topic of genetic modification. Yes, by playing with genes, we can create better plants. We know that much. But what are the effects of eating “altered food?” We are guessing, and hoping, that there are no negative consequences. But only time will tell.

And then there is the issue of designer babies.

Today we have the technology to choose such traits as sex, eye and hair color. Thankfully, we don’t do that much . . . yet. But what will we “select for” next? Athletic ability? Intelligence? Social skills?

Do we eliminate all genetic disorders? That would increase our lifespans. A good thing, right? Will the longer lifespan cause an even

“We are the most disconnected society ever.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

As early as 1954, Martin Heidegger warned us of another problem that technology posed. He claimed it carries a serious, potential danger in that it exerts control over us through its mediating effects. That is, the technology controls what we can and can’t do. Look at the invention of the pocket calculator, for example. One unforeseen effect is that today, many students lack a mastery of the simple math “facts,” such as times tables.

They can’t do long division, fractions or decimals.

Take away the calculator and they are helpless.

Even more obvious, the invention of digital clocks has left us with a generation of students, many of whom cannot tell time on a traditional analog timepiece. Does that surprise you? If so, you haven’t been around a lot of young people lately.

Heidegger says that as a result, technology can limit authenticity of our experience in, and of, the world—the experience that defines life and gives it meaning. The most prominent example of this is, of course, the cell phone.

On the surface, the cell phone (and other social media) appear to be bringing us together—making us more connected to friends and family. We can talk or text from anywhere, at any time. But as Heidegger predicted, the device has exerted a control over our lives and governs how we interact with people. In essence, it is separating us. Look around any restaurant. People are not talking to each other as family and friends but rather have their noses buried in their phones. We are the most disconnected society ever.

One of the most important decisions we as a society will have to make in the near future is about cloning. Dolly, the first cloned sheep, was created in 1996. Just last month we heard of the first pigmonkey created in China. How long before we can do this kind of thing with humans? Will there be unintended consequences? We know about the problem of replicative fading (the degeneration of DNA that accompanies repetitive cloning). What other surprises await us?

Certainly, we need to be concerned about the problems we create when we make and use technology without thinking through the consequences. But I think there is still a more serious aspect we need to consider; that is the issue of morality. The question we need to be asking ourselves regarding technological advances is, “should we?” Is it the “right” thing to do?

When it comes to our use of the new technologies, we are like children. We get excited about the possibilities, overlook potential problems, but most of all, we don’t bother to ask if this is the moral thing to do.

Our power over nature has exceeded our ethical maturity. That is a dangerous place to be.

Henry Wilson, a leader for The Longhorn Project in Texas, is the winner of the 2019 Sav-ACaf® Youth Impact Award. He received a $2,000 award and a Sav-A-Caf® product package for his first-place finish.

Back row, from left, George Abbey, Gene Hollier, Dr. Glenn Freedman, Joel Walker, Rolando Villarreal, Greg Schroder, Henry Wilson, Donna Rogers, Lisa Gurgos, Jennifer Wycoff. Front row, from left, Erin McDonald Secretary; Andrea Wilson, Chairman.

Announcing: 2019 Sav-A-Caf® Youth Impact Award Winner $2,000 awarded to The Longhorn Project, a Texas agriculture youth program.

M

ilk Products, based in Chilton, WI and maker of Sav-A-Caf® products, has announced the 2019 Youth Impact Award winner, Henry Wilson of Webster.

“Henry Wilson is an inspiring agriculture leader making an impression on the youth in his community,” says Dvir Frumkin, marketing manager for Milk Products.

“We appreciate the time and energy he invests in youth agricultural education, and we’re proud to reward him for his astounding contributions.”

The Sav-A-Caf® Youth Impact Award recognizes mentors who inspire youth to be passionate about animal agriculture. This is the third year of the program, which has recognized five agricultural leaders.

First Place: Henry Wilson, Webster, Texas Wilson manages The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center, an agricultural and STEM-based educational program for 3rd through 12th grade students. The program is located on a 53-acre ranch on the premises of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Wilson’s passion is developing and managing an award-winning herd of Registered Texas Longhorns, mentoring the show team students on proper care of longhorns and taking them to Longhorn shows throughout Texas.

“I enjoy mentoring the youth on the show team to help them develop leadership and work skills that will last a lifetime,” says Wilson. “Students learn the importance of goal setting,

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Milk Products’ National Account Manager Casey Olson, right, and 2019 Youth Impact Award Winner Henry Wilson.

LHP Board Vice Chairman Gene Hollier with LHP Donor Breeders Angela and Darrell Bivens and their daughter Stephanie Schneider.

Casey Olson with Guests Presley Havens, LHP Donor Breeder and nominator of Sav-A-Caf Honoree Kathy Bruner and Kristin Hagans.

time management, accountability, and working as a team. They also network and build relationships with fellow Longhorn exhibitors, breeders and association leaders.”

Since 2016, Wilson has mentored more than 20 high school FFA students, traveled 45,000 miles to major livestock and Longhorn shows, managed over 100 Longhorns, and made life-long friendship with breeders throughout Texas.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

LHP Board Chairman Andrea Wilson, LHP Project Manager Henry Wilson, LHP Donor Breeder and former LHP Show Team Member, Andrew Wilson.

“My biggest reward is when I see a smile on the face of a student who has won a major competition after working hard to incorporate the lessons and skills taught in the program,” says Wilson. “I hope our program inspires students to pursue higher education and/or careers in agriculture and become contributors and leaders in their communities.”

Wilson and The Longhorn Project, a nonprofit organization, received a

$2,000 award and a Sav-A-Caf® product package for winning the SavA-Caf® Youth Impact Award. Wilson plans to use the award to update equipment, allowing him to spend more time with the students.

To inquire about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities or schedule an educational trip, visit the website at thelonghornproject.com and complete the ‘Contact Us’ form.

Webster Council names two officials to new posts 1990 with the City of Texarkana, Webster has a where he held the new city manager rank of captain and a new city of the Texarkana secretary.

Police Operations Daniel “Danny” Division and SWAT Presley has been commander. named city manager He graduated of Webster by the in 1997 from Texas City Council after A&M University serving as interim with a Business of Danny Presley city manager for the Applied Arts and past several months.

Science-Behavioral The unanimous vote Sciences Degree came at the Nov. 19 and received his council meeting.

Master of Science “I’m honored and Degree in Business humbled to serve Administration as Webster’s new from Texas A&M in city manager, and 1999. Then in 2017 I’m very grateful to he graduated from the mayor and City Sam Houston State Council for their University with a trust and support,” Master’s Degree he said. “Webster is a in Criminal Justice Marisela Garcia special place, and it’s Leadership. Presley a privilege to serve also graduated alongside the most dedicated and from the Texas State University’s talented employees anywhere.

Certified Public Manager’s We will be committed each day to Program and the University providing exceptional service to of Virginia’s FBI National Webster’s visitors and residents.

Academy and is a graduate of the I look forward to a bright future Presidential Scholar Leadership for our city!”

Program.

Presley first came to Webster in During the same meeting, April 2014 when he was named Marisela Garcia was appointed police chief after a four-month city secretary by the council. search to fill the vacancy created Garcia, who has some 20 years of by the death of Chief Ray Smiley. experience in city government, He was named assistant city was hired as the deputy city manager in March 2018, working secretary in 2017. She was alongside then City Manager president of the Texas Municipal Wayne Sabo for about 18 months Clerk Association – Salt Grass until Sabo retired in July 2019 and Chapter in 2018. Her background Presley was named interim city made her the perfect candidate manager. for the job to replace Crystal Presley began his career in Roan.

By Mary Alys Cherry

William Harris, CEO of Space Center Houston.

Former Astronaut and current Mayor of Friendswood Mike Foreman

THE LONGHORN PROJECT HOSTS TEXAS EXPERIENCE The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center hosted an authentic Texasstyle experience for the astronauts, cosmonauts, dignitaries and guests attending a dinner in the Apollo Rocket V building at NASA JSC on October 15, 2019 for the Association of Space Explorers (AES) Planetary Congress convention.

Make learning your New Year’s resolution UHCL has a program designed for our Clear Lake community that requires no homework, no tests, and no textbooks! What it does require is an interest in learning new things on a wide variety of topics. Ninety minute lectures are given on Friday mornings during each six weeks session throughout the school year and a three week session during the summer.

The Winter Session will kick off on Jan. 24 with Dr. Samuel Gladden presenting “David Bowie is a Joy Forever.” The second lecture for that day will be “DACA: What is Happening at the Border.”

Other fascinating topics that will be covered are: • “USSR 101: The Soviet Experiment (1917-1939)” • “The Fantastical World of Shakespeare’s The Tempest” • “Common Reader Book Discussion: The Future of

STEM: Diversity, Inclusion, and Ethical Technology” “Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and the Gelugpa Tradition” • ”Exploring Kenya” • “The History of Pe’A Tattoos of Samoa” • “Introduction to American Indian Literature” • “Statistics or Lies? How to Tell the Difference” • “WWII Blunders – Hitler’s 3 Biggest Tactical Mistakes” • “Historical Contamination of Houston/Challenge of the Superfund” To get more information on UHCL’s Friday Morning Continuing Education Program contact Christine Paul at 281 283-3033 or at paul@uhcl.edu Also, for more information and to register for as many of the classes in which you are interested, go to www. uhcl.edu/continuing education • •

LEAGUE CITY CHAMBER WELCOMES TEXAS ARTISAN On Thursday Dec 5, the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Texas Artisan at Marina Bay Dr., Suite E-1, League City, TX. Texas Artisan features practical indulgent offerings, including custom jewelry, aromatherapy, body care, accessories, home decor and other unique treasures.

Visit texas-artisan.com for more information.

JANUARY 2020 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Seabrook awarded $3.9 million grant for wastewater treatment retrofit

I

n the early morning hours

of Sept. 13, 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall in Seabrook, bringing with it a 12-foot storm surge and wind gusts up to 143 mph -- devastating the small coastal community situated between Houston and Galveston.

The storm surge flooded hundreds of homes and businesses and completely inundated the city of Seabrook’s Wastewater Treatment Plant located on Main Street in the Old Seabrook District. The floodwaters and debris rendered the plant inoperable, preventing thousands of residents who had

NEWS NUGGETS City election filing to begin

Most cities around the Bay Area will be holding municipal elections on Saturday, May 2 to select or reelect mayors and city councilors.

The filing period for the election begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020 and ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020. Any person wishing to file for candidacy may pick up an application packet from their city secretary’s office.

For more information or any questions regarding the election, one should contact their city secretary.

Kemah mayor’s husband arrested

Kemah Mayor Theresa Gale’s husband, Scott Gale, 65, was arrested and charged with family violence after allegedly strangling her during an argument in the early morning hours Nov. 26. His bond was set at $5,000.

Police said the mayor told them her husband was upset when she came home about 2 a.m. and an alteration ensued. The probable cause affidavit and complaint reads “…He then snatched her phone from her and threw it, breaking the screen and

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evacuated from returning home, and it would be several months before the WWTP was fully repaired.

It took a few years before most Seabrook residents and businesses recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Ike, and some never recovered. It would take several more years for the city to receive all the federal and state funding and grants that helped to rebuild Seabrook. In mid-December, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the city of Seabrook $3.9 million through their Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for a wastewater system infrastructure retrofit project. The wastewater system infrastructure retrofit project will be engineered to protect the city’s wastewater treatment plant by ensuring critical facilities remain operable during significant weather events, thus providing service to residents and businesses during and after a storm.

The grant will be awarded as a 75/25 percent match and will consist of two phases. During the first phase

of the wastewater system retrofit project, FEMA will fund $2,966,036 of the project with a local match of $988,678.75. Phase one will consist of the engineering and design of the system and will be completed within 12 months.

Upon completion, FEMA will review the engineering and design phase of the project for approval to allow the city to move into phase two of the project, which will include bidding and construction of the wastewater system retrofit. Phase two is an estimated total cost of $31,353,550 with a federal share of $23,515,162.50 and a local match of $7,838,387.50.

The wastewater system retrofit project will include a new wastewater facility located next to the Seabrook Public Works Complex on the northside of Seabrook, with a substantially higher elevation.

The new facility will be named the Pine Gully Wastewater Treatment Plant (PGWWTP) and will be able to process 2.5 million gallons of wastewater per day, which is

equivalent to the flow that is treated at the existing WWTP on Main Street.

The location of the PGWWTP is a less vulnerable location from a storm surge with a higher finished grade elevation and is further inland.

The property where the plant will be located has been removed from the flood zone maps and is no longer identified as a special flood hazard area. Upon completion of the new facility, the existing facility on Main Street will be removed, and a wastewater lift station will be installed.

Both past and present City Councils alongside the city’s administration have been diligently working to secure this critical grant.

The city has attempted to acquire this type of funding in the past to no avail. Securing the award is a testament to the hard work of Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski, and city staff. The effort and time required to obtain the grant will drastically improve Seabrook’s defense during future storms.

leaving it unusable. He then grabbed her by the wrists and started shaking her. He threw her down, got on top of her and began to strangle her.”

One policeman who answered her call for help said the mayor had minor cuts on her hands, bruises on her arm and left ear, along with redness on her throat.

Court documents state that when officers went to Scott’s home, he smelled of alcohol and had trouble walking. Documents also state that he described the altercation as just a tussle.

Boeing also announced a 2019 charitable grants package totaling more than $48 million. The grants will support 404 charitable organizations in 50 countries, funding programs through 2020 and beyond.

This latest investment puts Boeing on track to surpass $230 million in total corporate giving in 2019.

and just as the center was offering a new holiday tradition, Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights, presented

by Reliant.

The leading science and space exploration learning center is on pace to surpass last year’s attendance by 15 percent. This year it set recordbreaking attendance nine out of 11 months including its best Spring Break, June, July and Labor Day weekend. Since 2012, the center has experienced an exponential 70 percent increase in growth from nearly 500,000 annual visitors.

Boeing Co. grants total $48 million+

Boeing has joined forces with several organizations in Houston that empower our military heroes and support our future innovators.

This includes a $100,000 grant to Grace After Fire, which serves and empowers women veterans and their families. With support from the grant, Grace After Fire will reach more than 1,000 female veterans and their families through peer-to-peer support programs and community resource navigation services.

This also includes a $155,000 grant to Space Center Houston’s Girls STEM Pathway, a new program that provides under-represented girls access to science and other STEM concepts and encourages life-long learning.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2020

Man sentenced in wife’s murder

Shaun Phillip Hardy of League City has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by Judge Patricia Grady after entering a guilty plea for the murder of his ex-wife, Anne-Christine Johnson, and 20 years for tampering with a corpse. He will have to serve half of the murder sentence to be eligible for parole.

She was reported missing by her father on Dec. 12, 2016, and her body was found three weeks later in Hardy’s garage. Police said she died from a single stab wound to her chest that punctured her heart.

Visitor center sets attendance record

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a certified autism center, has welcomed more than 1.1 million visitors to date, marking its highest annual attendance since opening in 1992. This milestone came with one month to go in the year

Pearland mayor ready to retire

After four decades heading his city, Pearland Mayor Tom Reid has announced he will not be running for another term in the May 2020 election. While serving as mayor, the 94-year-old Reid headed a city that grew from a tiny community to a city of more than 100,000.

“I love what I do, being mayor, serving the community and making the community something special,” Reid said in a city press release.

“But I think it’s time to now end this chapter and focus more on spending quality time with friends and family.”

Reid worked at Johnson Space Center from 1965-97, working on both the Gemini and the Apollo missions.