Bay Area Houston Magazine April 2019

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April 2019

APRIL 2019

features

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ON THE COVER Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates at Clear Lake.

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

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

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Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Sumer Dene Michael Gos Betha Merit Xander Thomas

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

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The confidence he needs, the smile he deserves

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William Shatner to speak at space gala

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A sign of aging or something more serious?

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The thrill of an actual adventure

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By Sumer Dene

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Here to stay

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Never give up on your dreams

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Bay Area guide to the best restaurants and pubs

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Offering fresh Mediterranean cuisine

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Big Ass Crawfish Bash

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Photography from events and happenings around the Bay

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Memorial Hermann CEO to retire

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Mayor urges yes vote on bond propositions

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Scheduled April 14-15

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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.

281.474.5875

Many mayor and city council positions up for vote

Bay Area Voters Head to Polls May 4 Dental Health Aerospace Frequent Leg Pain?

The Lost Art of Exploring Looks Aren’t Everything, They’re the Only Thing Plant Based Living Preparation Meets Opportunity Best Bites of the Bay Sawa Restaurant & Grill Calling All Crawfish Lovers!

Hanging With Rick Business Buzz The State of League City Day by the Bay Home Tour

46 Education

Former FISD Superintendent has passed

Photography Mary Alys Cherry MoonBridge Media NASA Distribution Shinkle Distribution

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

BIC Alliance Celebrating 35 years!

columns 16

CLCWA’s John Branch

Movers & Shakers

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Go Red for Women raises $225,000

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Ford Expedition and Mazda CX-5

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Bay Cup I Regatta finishers

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Bay Area Houston Calendar of Events

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

Bay Area voters head to polls May 4 Position 2  Carol Castorena Greer  TJ Haight Position 3  Tommy Ginn (i)

Dickinson

Position 2  Bruce Henderson (i) Position 4  Wally Deats (i) Position 6  William H. King III (i)

El Lago

By Mary Alys Cherry

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esidents of many

Bay Area cities will head to the polls Saturday, May 4 to elect a number of mayors and city councilors. In some instances where the candidates have no opposition – such as Dickinson, El Lago, Nassau Bay, Taylor Lake Village and Webster – no election will be held, and the candidates will be declared winners and sworn in at a later date.

While League City will not be electing candidates until November, its residents will join Pearland in voting on bond referendums.

Pearland plans an $80 million bond that will include drainage improvements, a new animal shelter and a number of road improvements including the Pearland Parkway circle and the widening of Bailey Road – five propositions in all that would increase the property tax rate by 3.75 cents per $100.

League City’s $145 million bond referendum will be in three parts:  Proposition A covers $73 million for drainage problems in the city’s worst flooded neighborhoods during Harvey;  Proposition B will provide $72 million to cover transportation issues and will also include a $5 million extension of the

Grand Parkway;  Proposition C is to adopt a sales tax increase of 0.25 percent, increasing the total to 8.25 per cent per $100 property value – meaning 2 percent would go to the city, and, if approved, would offset any increase in taxes caused by Prop. A and B. If the first two propositions pass and the sales tax increase does not, League City’s tax rate will increase $0.014 per $100 in property value or about $28 yearly for a home valued at $250,000.

Visit Pearland and League City municipal websites for additional information.

Early voting runs April 26-26 and April 29-30.

Clear Creek ISD District 1  Laura DuPont

At Large Pos. B  Ann Hammond  Scott Bowen

Clear Lake Shores Mayor  Kurt Otten

Council  Jan Bailey (i)  Christy Lyons (i)  Ralph Kliza

Deer Park

Mayor  Jerry Mouton (i) Position 1  Sherry Garrison (i)  James Warren Stokes

Mayor  John Skelton (i) Position 1  Jeff Tave (i) Position 2  Jeff Michalak (i)

Friendswood

Position 4  Robert J. Griffon (i) Position 6  Brent Erenwert  Carl W. Gustafson (i)

Kemah

Mayor  Carl P. Joiner (i)  Terri Gale Position 2  Wanda Zimmer (i) Position 4  Joseph A. Wilson  Robin Collins (i)

La Porte

At Large A  John Zemanek (i)  Brandon Lunsford District 4  Thomas Garza  Marc Clarke District 5  Jay Martin (i)  Chuck Rosa

Nassau Bay

Position 1  Don Matter (i) Position 3  John Mahon (i)

Position 5  Bob Warters

Pasadena

District A  Felipe Villarreal (i)  Ornaido Ybarra District B  Steve Halvorson  Blanca L. Sanchez  Bruce Leamon (i) District C  Don Harrison (i)  Jaimy Z. Blanco District D  Sammy Casados (i) District E  Cody Ray Wheeler (i)  Joseph JT Thomas District F  Phil Cayten (i)  Sam Tijerina District G  Mary A. Vargas  Cary Bass (i) District H  Lori Laird  Thomas Schoenbein (i)

Pearland

Position 1  Derrell Isenberg  Luke Orlando  Jimi Amos Position 5  J. David Little (i)  Sheila Pope Position 6  Tony Perez (i)

Taylor Lake Village Mayor  Jon Keeney (i)

Position 2  Doug Blanchard (i) Position 4  Einar Goerland (i)

Webster

Position 3  Lawrence P. Tosto (i) Position 4  Beverly Gaines (i) Position 5  Edward Lapeyre (i)

Gemini Avenue to get a facelift

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ouston City Council

Member Dave Martin probably heard a sigh of relief from the Clear Lake community March 10 when he announced Houston Public Works crews will be performing an asphalt overlay along Gemini Avenue from El Camino Real to Reseda Drive.

Construction is scheduled to begin the week of March 25, 2019 and is expected to be complete by the end of June 2019, weather permitting.

The project will start in the 1000 block of Gemini Avenue and progress towards Reseda Drive. The scope of work includes resurfacing the asphalt street. This process includes milling off an approximate two-inch layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying two inches of new asphalt surface pavement. Crew staging activities are anticipated to occur between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., with work occurring between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Martin said.

As a result of the construction activities, motorists are asked to be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected.

One lane will be open in each direction during peak traffic hours. Residents and businesses may experience temporary delays accessing Gemini Avenue, as well as individual driveways, and may experience an increase in noise levels because of trucks and equipment.

For more information, contact Council Member Dave Martin’s office at 832-393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

DENTAL HEALTH

18 Year medical mystery solved by local dentist, PutTING an end to years of suffering Dr. Noie changed this patient’s life with both crucial dental work and by solving a long undiagnosed medical problem.

By Xander Thomas

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any of us take

“The treatment from Dr. Noie has literally made me feel 10 years younger,” Bob said. “I have now lost 40 pounds through renewed energy to work out, and being able to eat properly.”

For Bob, fixing his pearly whites has given him the confidence to smile and ability to speak to strangers without feeling overly self conscious. It also helped him fix a problem that he wasn’t even aware of.

“Dr. Noie really is an awesome dental surgeon and I was particularly impressed to find out he was also a fellow of implantology,” Bob said. “His staff is always professional, knowledgeable and attentive, offering the latest and best in dental technology.

Bob, who says he now takes his BMW out to the track and even occasionally races with Dr. Noie, is very thankful for how Unicare has helped him. Between the affordability and the work they provide, he encourages those with similar problems to look there.

“If someone has medical and dental issues like I had, they should schedule a consultation as soon as they can and get on the road to feeling better and much more confident,” says Bob.

the idea of confidence for granted, but it might affect more areas of life than you realize. Feeling comfortable with the simple idea of opening your mouth can have a huge impact on a person, for some, interfering with things like energy, diet, and sociability.

“My teeth looked like they belonged to a 95-year-old.” said Bob Smith, a former sufferer of life altering oral problems.

The condition of his mouth caused his confidence to plummet to a point of interfering with his life in multiple ways; his ability to eat certain foods, his energy to get up and be active, as well as even socially. His lack of confidence had caused more problems than he “Indeed, for many years Bob had a even realized.

Proper nutrition, activity level, severe cough and suffered from what and interactions with other people, he thought were allergies.” can all suffer because of something that many of us take for granted our teeth. lower than the previous estimates, but Dr. Bob’s problems came to a head when one Noie was able to finally solve another issue of his crowns had fallen off. After a visit that had been plaguing Bob. Dr. Noie has been to his regular dentist, he was told that the “My visit to Dr. Noie was very revealing,” in private practice solution for the remaining tooth was an Bob said. “After the X-ray and CT scan, in the Bay Area implant, but the surrounding teeth were very Dr. Noie returned to examination room since 1996. He is a short and would need to be crowned as well and asked me if I had been having sinus Diplomate of Int’l to make everything align correctly. He was problems.”

Congress of Oral sent to a dental surgeon in Houston, who he Indeed, for many years Bob had a severe Implantologists, said “charged for the opportunity to assess cough and suffered from what he thought Fellow of my eligibility for an implant.” were allergies. Many medical examinations Academy He would need to have a full set of crowns, of General

by Ear, Nose and Throat doctors had and the estimate from this doctor was very Dentistry, and led nowhere and he was advised to take costly. He scheduled two more exams with Assoc. Fellow ineffective allergy pills. different dentists and received, again, a high of American “Dr. Noie showed me on the CT scan there estimate as well as a long expected wait to Academy was a hole in the membrane between my get his teeth fixed. of Implant mouth and sinus which was allowing the It wasn’t until speaking with a colleague at Dentistry. He bacteria from my mouth to infect my sinuses the office that he finally found a better option. has completed his surgical training at New York continually. The infection was so bad, it had “I had not seen my friend on a regular University as well as Medical University of South dissolved a substantial amount of bone from basis for a few months and I noticed he had Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state my upper jaw!” Bob said. a really great smile,” Bob said, “He told me University School of Medicine. He completed After extensive surgery, five implants about Dr. Noie and the tremendous work he his oral Anesthesiology training at University and a full set of crowns, Bob has been able had done for his upper teeth.” of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of to improve his health with the ability to eat Not only were the prices considerably American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. better, and he also has a great smile now.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: John Branch

Occupation: Retired logistics manager; president of the Clear Lake City Water Authority

Hometown: Overton, Texas

Current home: Clear Lake City

Family: Wife Patty, two sons and six grandchildren

My favorite writer is: Tom Clancy

Someone I’d like to meet: Wish I

could have met Neil Armstrong

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: An astronaut on the space station

My favorite performers are: George Strait and Garth Brooks

I like to spend my leisure time: At Exploration Green

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

My favorite meal is: Lobster

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

You’ll never catch me: Not trying to make things better

The thing that bugs me the most is: People who do not give back to the community

My favorite movie is: The Scarlet and The Black; When the Game Stands Tall

Few people know: I grew up on a ranch

Webster brings Leader program to McWhirter

T BAHBT and UHCL to present ‘Willie Wonka’

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ome to thi s wor l d

of pure imagination! Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” is a musical adventure that tells the story of Charlie Bucket on his adventure through the factory of the mysterious and enigmatic Willy Wonka. Get your golden ticket now for this musical collaboration between Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre and the UHCL Bayou Theater.

There will be eight performances over two weekends of this fully staged, singing, dancing musical tale of a chocolatier looking for the next visionary to take over his candy empire. Directed by UHCL’s Alex Malone, it will delight audiences of all ages.

This classic tale will be presented April 4 -7, 2019 and April 12 -14, 2019 at the Bayou Theatre | University of Houston - Clear Lake. Tickets can be obtained through BAHBT’s website at www.bahbt.org or through UHCL’s Bayou Theatre.

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he City of Webster, touted as the “Gateway to the Future,” is investing in its future through the city’s sponsorship of The Leader In Me Program at Margaret S. McWhirter Elementary School.

More than 800 students and 60 staff members will benefit from the intensive leadership and life-skills program at the city’s neighborhood school. The program is a school-wide transformation that develops the next generation of leaders with its focus on culture, academics and leadership.

Clear Creek ISD is in its third year of progressively implementing The Leader In Me Program at its schools.

The program creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.

This mindset leads to observable improvements in the academic, behavioral and social wellbeing of participat-

ing students. Early intervention has been proven to provide better odds for students to thrive and be successful in their future endeavors.

“The City of Webster is honored to support The Leader In Me Program at McWhirter Elementary,” said City of Webster Mayor Donna Rogers. “This vital program provides the tools to help children, and our future leaders, develop mindfulness, resilience and critical thinking skills they need for success in life.”

The six CCISD schools that have adopted The Leader In Me recently hosted a Leadership Showcase for the community demonstrating the leadership and academic leaps students are making through the program’s tools, materials and training. CCISD Leader In Me schools include Armand Bayou Elementary, Bay Elementary, Falcon Pass Elementary, McWhirter Elementary, Space Center Intermediate and Whitcomb Elementary.

Date set for 2019 Keep Kids In School Golf Tournament April 15 is the date set for the 10th annual Keep Kids In School Golf Tournament, the premier Bay Area charity tourney benefiting Communities In Schools-Bay Area. The all-inclusive shamble tournament has raised more than $1.5 million since inception. CIS-Bay serves 26 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts.

The event will be held at Bay Oaks Country Club and will include hole-in-one opportunities, a putting contest, chipping contest, breakfast/lunch throughout the day, steak dinner, martini bar, margaritas and much more.

“Today, there are 21,908 children in Clear Creek and Dickinson ISDs who can potentially drop out of school. Reasons outside of the child’s control, such as hunger, homelessness, and language barriers, decrease

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

their chances of success in school and in life. The number of children dealing with “adult” problems increases year after year,” says Duane Bolpa, chairman of this year’s tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on the tournament, contact Hillary Gramm, CIS-Bay Area resource development director, at hillaryg@cisba.org or 281-486-6698.

To learn more about Communities In Schools-Bay Area, visit www.cisba.org

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Sarah Weinman, one of the five heart disease survivors at the Go Red for Women Luncheon, and her husband, Josh, await the start of the program.

Go Red for Women Chairmen Jim and Jane Sweeney prepare to start welcoming the crowd to the American Heart Association fundraiser.

These ladies make a pretty picture as they enjoy the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City. They are, from left, standing, Becky Reitz, Jill Reason, Anita Fogtman; seated, Marcy Fryday, Marsha Taylor, Julie Osburn, Mary Ellen Arledge, Sandra Sellers and Shelley Rogers Scoggin.

Go Red for Women Luncheon raises $225,000 IT TOOK A LOT of people forming a sea of red, but the American Heart Association coffers are bulging with some $225,000 raised at the 2019 Go Red for Women Luncheon.

And, what fun it was seeing all the fancy dresses the ladies arrived in and bright red ties the guys wore.

Co-Chairmen Jim and Jane Sweeney couldn’t stop smiling as they mingled with the arriving crowd, as did members of their Leadership team – Tama Brantley McEwen, Sarah Ferguson, Gloria Greene, Santiago Mendoza Jr.,

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Theressa Riggs and Darcy Whatley.

All could hardly wait to see the fruits of their work over the previous months.

Likewise for the Event Committee

Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda, right, along with State Sen. Larry Taylor and his mother, Arlene Taylor, mingle with the crowd at the Go Red for Women reception at South Shore Harbour Resort.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

Chairmen Stephanie Rice, Sandy Adams and Laurie Dahse and their volunteers – James Blasczyk, Abbie Contreras, Brandy Gates, Hilary Hart, Kim Keen, Donna Orozco, Mandy Pistone, Teresa Provis, Kelli Reddinger, Elizabeth Quigley, Darcy Santala and Meloney Bean, who also spoke to the audience about surviving heart problems after the luncheon emcee, KPRC Ch. 2’s Jonathan Martinez, welcomed everyone.

Five victims of heart disease, Victoria De La Garza, Kelli

Matthew and Angie Weinman join the crowd at South Shore Harbour Resort for the Go Red for Women luncheon.

Reddinger, Aubrey Allensworth, Carol Firmin and Sarah Weinman, shared their stories of survival for those attending. Sarah, for example, explained how she had won the battle with ovarian cancer only to find that the aggressive chemotherapy regimen had resulted in congestive heart failure. After a 10-year fight, she finally received a heart transplant in April 2018 and is doing well today and looking forward to the future.

Much to the delight of the donors known as Circle of Red members -- Audra Bentley, Melaney Bean,

Faces in the crowd at the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort included, from left, seated, Franca Pignataro, Robyn Weigelt, Dawn Jackson; standing, Amber Sample, Sophia Martin and Jennifer Meekins.

Bay Area Museum Guild President Ava Galt, with her husband, Taylor Lake Village City Councilman Tony Galt, left, stop to chat with Sandi Allbritton as they mingle with the crowd at the museum.

Sherri Beisley, Tama Brandley McEwen, Kristie Brown, Laurie Dahse, Emmeline Dodd, Brandy Gates, Karen Keesler, Jane McFaddin, Darcy Santala, Dr. Amber Shamburger, Marilyn Sims, Jill Williams and Darcy Whatley and the Men Go Red members – Earl Armstrong, Brent Cockerham, Lance Dahse, Brad Gerke, Stephen K. Jones Jr., Dr. Monte Orahood, David Smith and Jim Sweeney.

State Sen. Larry Taylor was named the 2019 Iconic Heart Ambassador, winning over Dr. Bill Fisher, CPA Tom Richards and Dr. Selvin Sudhakar.

But the most memorable moment came when Jim and Jane Sweeney took the audience on a ride with them around town via video, singing, making up poems and in general just having a great time as the crowd cheered them on.

Just ask Jill Reason, Marcy Fryday, Becky Reitz, Marsha Taylor, Anita Fogtman, Julie Osburn, Sandra Sellers, Mary Ellen Arledge and

Long-time Bay Area Museum Guild members, Dr. Terry Williams and his wife, Mary, arrive at the Guild meeting to hear astronaut Jeffrey Williams.

Shelley Rogers Scoggin, Dawn Jackson, Jennifer Meekins, Robyn Weigelt, Sumer Dene, Rick Clapp, Amber Sample, Matthew and Angie Weinman or Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda.

Most can hardly wait until next year.

Astronaut addresses Museum Guild crowd ASTRONAUT Jeffrey Williams was the speaker for the Bay Area Museum Guild’s monthly meeting at the museum, which was filled with members and their friends who wanted to hear about his space travels.

Colonel Williams, a retired Army officer, is a veteran of four space missions, and for some time held the American record for the most time spent in space, which was surpassed by his fellow astronaut, Peggy Whitson, in 2017.

Guild President Ava Galt, who came with her husband, Taylor Lake Village City Councilman Tony Galt,

Lou and Alice Marinos enjoy having their photo made with “leprechaun” Tom Richards at St. Patrick’s Day Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Guild Vice Presidents Gail Devens, left, and Louise Russell, right, welcome astronaut Jeffrey Williams and his wife, Ann Marie, to the Bay Area Museum, where he presented the program on his adventures in space.

joined Vice Presidents Louise Russell and Gail Devensin welcoming Colonel Williams and his wife, Ann Marie, and showing them around the museum.

He also got to share his book, The Work of His Hands, A View of God’s Creation from Space, with the crowd, which included Mary and Dr. Terry Williams, Gib and Jan Larson, Sandi Allbritton, the vice presidents’ husbands, John Russell and Don Devens, Dave Kuenneke and son David Jr., Recording Secretary Lois Costinand her husband, Neldon, and Mary Ann Shallberg.

Looking around, you also might have spotted Taylor Lake Village Mayor Pro-tem Einar Goerland and his wife, Linda; Leo and Rose Marie Symmank, Julie Hayes, Cindy Pinson, David and Kandy Johnson, Judith and Michelle Scheuring, Lorie Duval, Roberta Liston, Barry and Betsy Poor, Jackie Myers, Marie Sumner, Ron Lohec, Ric Taylor, Kathy Herman, Gayle Nelson, Cathy Lee and Judy Staliwe.

Ann and Jim O’Malley, left, and Jim and Jane Sweeney stop for a photo at Lakewood Yacht Club with the Bay Area’s favorite leprechaun, CPA Tom Richards, who loves to dress up as the St. Patrick’s Day character for the annual party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

A St. Patty’s Day

we’ll remember ONE OF THE Bay Area’s liveliest St. Patrick’s Day parties no doubt was the one at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, where most everyone was Irish – at least for the night.

There was Irish music and Irish tap dancers to go with a variety of good Irish meals such as corned beef and cabbage – all of which added up to quite a lively evening.

Popular CPA Tom Richards came dressed as a leprechaun, and everyone wanted a selfie with him – so many in fact, one would have thought he was George Clooney.

Among those who were successful were Lou and Alice Marinos and Jim and Ann O’Malley,who earlier had joined Earl and Barbara Phillips, Barbara’s mother and Mary Alys Cherry for dinner; Jim and Jane Sweeney and Rosebud Caradec.

The night would not be complete without a photo of Rosebud Caradec and CPA Tom Richards, dressed up as a leprechaun for the St. Patrick’s Day Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[AEROSPACE]

Star Trek’s Captain Kirk to speak at RNASA Space Gala

By Lindsey Cousins

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illiam Shatner, best known for his role as Capt. James Kirk of Star Trek’s USS Enterprise, will speak at this year’s blacktie Space Awards Gala on Friday, April 26, the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation has announced.

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

This year’s NST will be presented to retired Orbital ATK President and CEO David Thompson.

Shatner has long been an advocate of international space exploration efforts. In recent years, he has supported numerous NASA outreach activities to educate the public and to inspire a new generation of explorers, leading to his selection for the RNASA Space Communicator Award in 2018.

In 2011, Shatner donated his time in honor of Space Shuttle Discovery’s final flight. He recreated the famous Star Trek introduction for the crew of STS-133 saying, “These have been the voyages of the space shuttle Discovery. Her 30-year mission: to seek out new science, to build new outposts, to bring nations together in the final frontier, to boldly go and do what no spacecraft has done before.” He also narrated the space shuttle 30th anniversary documentary.

In 2012, Shatner narrated the Grand Entrance to Mars presentation which guided viewers through Curiosity’s complex landing on the Martian surface. In order to make a successful soft landing, the Curiosity spacecraft had seven minutes to slow down from 13,000 mph as it rocketed through the atmosphere. It was appropriately dubbed the “seven minutes of terror.”

The RNASA Foundation invites the public and the aerospace community to attend the black-tie event on April 26, 2019, at the Houston Hyatt Regency. This year will be RNASA’s 33rd annual Space Awards Gala. For information about sponsorships and tickets, visit http://www.rnasa.org/tables.html to reserve your table for the RNASA Space Awards Gala and find information about.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine talks to employees about the agency’s progress toward sending astronauts to the Moon and on to Mars during a televised event, Monday, March 11, 2019, at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo: NASA

NASA chief unveils plans for Moon2Mars

By Mary Alys Cherry

“As we approach the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 this July, we are moving forward to the Moon and on to Mars, and we want the world to come with us.”

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hat was NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine addressing NASA employees and the media on the space agency’s plans to send astronauts to the moon and eventually to Mars in the next few years.

And, Bridenstine said, astronauts will be on the moon within the next 10 years, and “when they visit, they will stay.”

NASA invited media and social media to agency centers across the country Monday, March 11, following the delivery of President Trump’s fiscal year 2020 budget proposal to the U.S. Congress.

Speaking at Kennedy Space Center with his speech video taped to Johnson Space Center and other NASA centers for the public unveiling of America’s work on the Moon2Mars project, Bridenstine discussed President Trump’s $21 billion NASA budget, which he said was not only a six percent increase, but “one of the strongest on record for our storied agency” and a “huge vote of confidence for all of the agency’s hard work and dedication.”

SERIES OF MISSIONS

“Beginning with a series of small commercial delivery missions to the moon as early as this year, we will use new landers, robots and eventually humans by 2028 to conduct science across the entire lunar surface,” Bridenstine said

as he discussed the Gateway project, following a welcome by JSC Director Mark Geyer.

“We will go to the Moon in the next decade with innovative, new technologies and systems to explore more locations across the lunar surface than ever before. This time, when we go to the Moon, we will stay. We will use what we learn as we move forward to the Moon to take the next giant leap – sending astronauts to Mars.

The NASA administrator added that “this budget will build on our successes in low-Earth orbit to create a sustainable exploration campaign that combines NASA’s expertise with that of our commercial and international partners.’ We will continue ushering in a new era of human spaceflight as we launch American astronauts on American rockets from American soil for the first time since 2011.”

OUR BACKBONE

The Space Launch System, Orion spacecraft, and Gateway will continue to be our backbone for deep space exploration, he said.

“With this budget, NASA’s critical work studying our home planet and the Sun will benefit humankind for generations. We will reveal the unknown with missions to Jupiter’s moon Europa and the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

We will continue planning and developing the first round-trip mission to the Red Planet with Mars Sample Return.

“NASA is everywhere, and we are impacting people’s lives across the globe. As we celebrate the past, let’s inspire our friends and family for the future that we are building.”

Afterwards, JSC employees showed reporters all the hard work they have been putting in to accomplish the Moon2Mars goal.

SpaceX Crew Dragon flight test a success

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or the first time in history, a commercially-built and operated American crew spacecraft and rocket, which launched from American soil, successfully made its way to the International Space Station and back home.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft lifted off March 2 on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

About six hours after departing the space station March 8, Crew Dragon splashed down at 8:45 a.m.

EST approximately 230 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Fla. SpaceX retrieved the spacecraft from the Atlantic Ocean and transported it back to port on the company’s recovery ship.

“Today’s successful re-entry and recovery of the Crew Dragon capsule after its first mission to the International Space Station marked another important milestone in the future of human spaceflight,” said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. “I want to once again congratulate the NASA and SpaceX teams on an incredible week.

Our Commercial Crew Program is one step closer to launching American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. I am proud of the great work that has been done to get us to this point.”

Later on Crew Dragon’s return, Bridenstine added, “Today’s successful (return) marks a new chapter in American excellence, getting us closer to once again flying American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. I proudly congratulate the SpaceX and NASA teams for this major milestone in our nation’s space history.

This first launch of a space system designed for humans, and built and operated by a commercial company through a public-private partnership, is a revolutionary step on our path to get humans to the Moon, Mars and beyond.”

Known as Demo-1, SpaceX’s inaugural flight with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is an important uncrewed mission designed to test the end-to-end capabilities of the new system. It brings the nation one-step closer to the return of human launches to the space station from the United States for the first time since 2011 – the last space shuttle mission.

Teams still have work to do after this flight to prepare the spacecraft to fly astronauts. The best way to advance the system design was to fly this spacecraft and uncover any other areas or integrated flight changes that might be required.

The program demonstrates NASA’s commitment to investing in commercial companies through public-private partnerships and builds on the success of American companies, including SpaceX, already delivering cargo to the space station.

Demo-1 is a critical step for NASA and SpaceX to demonstrate the ability to safely fly missions with NASA astronauts to the orbital laboratory.

“I’d also like to express great appreciation for NASA,” said Elon Musk, CEO and lead designer at SpaceX. “SpaceX would not be here without NASA, without the incredible work that was done before SpaceX even started and without the support after SpaceX did start.”

A two-stage SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for Demo-1, the first uncrewed mission of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. Photo: NASA

Canada to partner with NASA on proposed lunar space station

An artistic rendering of NASA’s planned lunar station Gateway. Photo: NASA

By Mary Alys Cherry

N

ASA’s long-time International

Space Station partner Canada has agreed to partner with the space agency in a new endeavor – the lunar space station.

Rather than orbit the Earth, this space station would orbit the moon. For the first time in five decades, the U.S. would establish a long-term

LEADS THE WORLD

presence on and around the moon as a stepping stone to Mars with what is generally referred to as the Gateway project, short for Lunar Orbital PlatformGateway.

“NASA is thrilled that Canada is the first international partner for the Gateway lunar outpost,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement when the partnership was announced last month.

“Space exploration is in Canada’s DNA. In 1962, Canada became the third nation to launch a satellite into orbit with Alouette I.

“Today, Canada leads the world in space-based robotic capabilities, enabling critical repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope and construction of the International Space Station. Our new collaboration on Gateway will enable our broader international partnership to get to the moon and eventually Mars.”

NASA, no doubt, hopes other nations will partner with it in the project, which is expected to be about one sixth of the size of the 450-ton ISS. Once back on the moon, astronauts could use the ice at its poles as a source for water and rocket fuel.

Meanwhile, the space agency has selected a dozen science and technology demonstration payloads to fly to the moon as early as the end of this year, dependent upon the availability of commercial landers.

EARLY STEP

They represent an early step toward NASA’s long-term scientific study and human exploration of the moon and, later on, Mars.

“The moon has unique scientific value and potential to yield resources, such as water and oxygen,” Bridenstine said. “Its proximity to Earth makes it especially valuable as a proving ground for deeper space exploration.”

Just recently NASA scientists showed how the ingredients for water could be made on the surface of the moon, which they called a chemical factory.

“When a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind careens onto the moon’s surface at 450 kilometers per second (or nearly one million miles per hour), they enrich the moon’s surface in ingredients that could make water,” they said as they used a computer program to simulate the chemistry that unfolds when the solar wind pelts the moon’s surface.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

21

Big as You Want

By Don Armstrong

T

he difference between

a sport utility vehicle, SUV, and crossover utility vehicle, CUV, is capability. The bodyon-frame SUV typically shares most of its underpinnings with a modified truck chassis, giving it more towing and hauling capacity. The CUV is more car-like, with its unibody construction. Each, however, has its own attributes.

Ford Expedition Expedition is Ford’s version of the Chevy Suburban, a big, hulking, monster of a machine capable of hauling sacks of concrete, people and equipment, all while towing a loaded trailer. However, if you’re more into hauling the ball team and its equipment to the game, it makes the trip effortless, and in the luxury you can afford.

Ford’s infotainment system, Sync 3, provides all the tech connections you could ever want, while seating up to eight people. Air vents, controls and displays are located at your finger tip and easy to use.

Under the hood is a 375-horsepower, 3.5-liter, turbocharged V-6. A new 10-speed automatic transmission helps this beast achieve 17 MPG-city and 22-highway.

Ford researchers know the options

22

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

most of us like on a do-all, like Expedition, and they package them in trim levels titled XLT, Limited and Platinum.

Pricing starts at $52,130.

Unless you are a Ford fanatic, you’ll also want to shop the Chevy Suburban, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada.

Mazda CX-5 With a sportiness that attracts those who enjoy the art of driving, the Mazda CX-5 brings with it ‘the look’ that enthusiasts appreciate. The leading edge of its hood is thin and evokes a marathon runner’s svelte physique. The door skins have a sharp belt-line transition, giving it cutting-edge swagger.

The CX-5 has an inviting interior.

The infotainment screen is perched atop the middle dash. Touch features are limited while the vehicle is in motion, but most can be accessed through a knob on the center console.

The 2019 model addresses the need for more grunt with an optional turbo version of Mazda’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers up to 250-horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Its taut suspension fits the sporty nature of the brand. So, when there is an opportunity to carpet the throttle and zoom onto the freeway entry, you’ll do it with a smile.

The CX-5 starts at $24,350. You’ll have to get one of the top two trim levels to access the higher horsepower engine option.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Many Lakewood sailors among top Bay Cup 1 Regatta finishers PHRF (Sprit) • 1st-Place - Second Star - J.D. Hill - LYC • 2nd-Place - Second Wind - Chris Waters GBCA • 3rd Place - Pesto - John Barnett - LYC

Photo of 2019 Bay Cup I on-the-water action by LYC member Elizabeth Morrell.

L

akewood Yacht Club , in cooperation

with Bay Access, hosted this year’s Annual Bay Cup I Regatta March 2 with 34 boats racing under foggy and problematic wind conditions. Lakewood members held their own, however, and finished among the top in each class.

The top three finishers in each group are as follows: PHRF Spin (Non-Sprit) • 1st-Place - Leading Edge - Tom Sutton - LYC • 2nd-Place - Hamburg II - Al Goethe -LYC • 3rd Place - Sodalis III- Jim Demarest - LYC

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

PHRF Non-Spin • 1st-Place - Sweet Peril - Thomas Reiser - LYC • 2nd-Place - Good News - Ash Walker - LYC • 3rd Place - Big D - Jim Foster - GBCA Cruising Non-Spin Classic Canvas • 1st-Place - Bad Girl - Nicole Laster - GBCA • 2nd-Place - Hobgoblin - Marty Pedowicz LYC • 3rd Place - Seahorse - Michael Clark Full racing results can be found under Racing & Regattas on the LYC website at www. lakewoodyachtclub.com Skippers, crew, guests and numerous volunteers enjoyed the traditional post-race party at the club, which included a celebratory dinner camaraderie over drinks and an awards ceremony followed by live music by The Rustics.

Interested racers should begin preparing for Bay Cup II, the second of this two-race series. Overall trophies will be presented after that regatta Aug. 3.

“Many thanks to the racers who continue to compete in this series each year, the land volunteers, on-the-water volunteers, scorers, protest committee and Lakewood staff for the work, planning and executing all of the activities for the Bay Cup I Regatta,” said Bay Cup I Race Chairman David Comeaux.

The LYC Race Committee said it would also like to acknowledge the generous sponsors that helped make this a great sailing event including the City of Seabrook, Faron Daigle, Realtor, Little Yacht Sales, Texas Coast Yachts, Davis Marine Electronics, Sea Lake Yacht Sales, Pelican Insurance, Kevin Severance Insurance, True North Marine, Blackburn Marine, Upstream Brokers, Southwest Distilleries, Bay Area Houston Magazine and KO Sailing.

Regatta proceeds benefit the Bay Access Foundation, a not for profit charitable organization fostering amateur racing and sailing on Galveston Bay. Contact Bay Cup I Regatta Chairman David Comeaux at davidcomeaux@live.com or 832-9935933 for more information.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

[millennial NEWS]

even though it’s these very situations that many people admit they feel “most alive” in. Can we still rekindle this feeling in the modern world?

The answer is yes, of course, we don’t all need to be the next Lewis and Clark to feel like true explorers.

In this world surrounded by technology, sometimes it just means using these systems as your compass rather then your actual map. By following just a few travel tips, you can ensure a memorable trip and a great story to share. Realize this article was written with a car in mind, but these trips can be just as fun on a bike or other modes of transportation.

Pick somewhere you have never been to When planning out your trip, we are customary to pick a location that we have been to or near for the comfort. Try to avoid this, the whole point of this trip is to explore and be a little spontaneous. When planning

“Life is a collection of unique experiences and that doesn’t mean you need to go on some lavish boat to a far away land to realize that.”

THE LOST ART OF EXPLORING

By Joel Berman

S

ome of my fondest

memories in college didn’t involve the typical experiences most people envision. I had a unique group of friends that enjoyed exploring, we would sit around a map and pick out an interesting looking location, and then just jump in a car to go. We had no exact route in mind, no agenda and no idea even where we would end up, which was exactly what made some of these trips so memorable. I remember one time in particular setting off to check

28

out a random beach town only to end up at a hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant followed by one of the most breathtaking sunsets you can imagine staring off a cliff on the side of the road.

Living in a world surrounded by assurances, many of us have forgotten the thrill of going on an actual adventure. Most of what we do even in our free time is meticulously planned out, reviewed and researched to eliminate any possibility that risks anything less then perfect time. It seems that many of us have forgotten our roots as explorers, adventurers and risk takers

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

trips, I jump on to an online map service to check out parks, towns or a point of interest that I would want to see. It is very easy with reviews/ ratings nowadays to ensure your end destination is well worth the trip. Also looking for community events that frequently happen on the weekends is a great end marker.

A few months ago, I ended up at a pumpkin contest in a small town outside of Portland with some amazing food, just by checking out signs on the side of the road while adventuring.

Don’t have an agenda When planning your adventure, make sure you have adequate time to enjoy yourself. Try not to have an agenda or an exact time you have to be back at, doing so will limit any detours that may grab your attention. This is where I suggest using technology more for a compass then a map. Try to stop along your adventure to check out interesting attractions...some of the most fun stops can be found by reading the local signs and advertisements. See a road sign for a cool local park, plug

it into your phone and check out what it has to offer! If you end up at a location you’re enjoying yourself at, try not to focus on the time you’re spending there and instead keep on enjoying the moment. If you end up spending the day reading or laying near a beautiful view, it was time well spent.

Take the road less traveled Try to avoid the major roads and interstate highways. Sure this route may take a little longer, but these frequently have better views and more interesting stops. You may find something you’re not even looking for just by checking out the attractions that are normally more numerous on these smaller roads.

You can have fun no matter your party size I’ve traveled with groups of all sizes, including by myself, and each have their own benefits. With company, you open yourself up more to new experiences and places you never thought enjoyable. However, many people are reluctant to go on trips by themselves. You’re not alone in the feeling, but realize the hardest part of starting a solo adventure is gathering the courage to get in the car. Once out, most find it very liberating and free to do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it. Take advantage of the time alone by checking out a stop that you never thought of doing with a larger group.

Don’t be afraid of failure A common mistake of the first time adventurer is feeling that time needs to be maximized and your original destination must be reached. Go at your own pace and as long as you are enjoying where you are at, don’t feel the need to stick to your original script...there’s always another day!

Make it a focal point to try as many new things along your trip; whether it be food, an exhibit or location.

Likewise if you made a stop and it isn’t exactly what you expected, move on. There may be something far more interesting right around the corner. If you happen to get lost, don’t sweat it...that’s what your phone is for!

Life is a collection of unique experiences and that doesn’t mean you need to go on some lavish boat to a far away land to realize that. Living in such a large and diverse state, there are treasures all around us just waiting to be discovered. Next time you have a free day, try having your own adventure and I promise it will be an experience that sticks with you.

Looks aren’t everything, they are the only thing reality because in modeling looks aren’t everything, they are the only thing. Know your worth and say no when something instinctively doesn’t feel right.

airplane for the first time when I was 7 years old, and lived in small towns and big cities all over America. Here are some lifelong lessons and tips I learned from traveling and working as a model.

4. The importance of Healthcare and Skincare. I struggled with acne for years and tried every possible remedy to manage breakouts. I was prescribed expensive medicine and harsh chemicals that rarely produced positive results. Through research, I found effective and inexpensive products that personally worked for me. Nuvothera’s Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin is a natural supplement to maintain overall health and wellness. Nuvothera’s Turmeric combined with curcumin is super-micronized to achieve maximum absorption, potency, and bioactivity without chemical enhancers. Turmeric and its unique compound curcumin heal the gut and the body. Turmeric and curcumin reduce inflammation, help balance blood sugar levels, improve circulation, rejuvenate skin and retain moisture, as well as detox the liver.

Since using Nuvothera’s SuperMicronized Turmeric Curcumin, I’ve noticed a major difference. I feel healthier, happier, and my skin is glowing. My choice of face wash is Cetaphil Facial cleanser. It gently cleanses skin without stripping natural oils. I apply a thin layer of Differin gel every night, a topical

1. Less is more. If it doesn’t make you happy, get rid of it. I learned to get rid of the “junk” in my life in order to make room for what truly matters. Nothing you buy will add up to what happiness feels like.

By Sumer Dene

M

y mom was a model

in the 1990s. I traveled with her as a baby at the height of her career. I was modeling in New York and traveling 20 years later. I had a manager in New York, a contract with MSA models in Los Angeles, and boutique agencies along the East Coast. I booked a national broadcast fitness commercial and was fortunate to be featured on the cover of magazines and a book. I flew alone on an

2. Be Comfortable in your own skin. I felt like I had to fit a certain mold in order to be beautiful. We all come in different shapes and sizes, yet industry values numbers and symmetry. Much of what you see in advertising campaigns is photoshopped and curated by an industry obsessed with measurements and follower count. Is it ironic only an elite few determine the standards of beauty? People who measure value by appearance and status lead miserable lives. Be happy with who you are.

3. Just say “NO.” When you set boundaries, you respect yourself.

Moreover, say no with diction. Make sure your voice is heard loud and clear. Remember, you are a product with a short shelf life. This is the

• • • • • • • • •

retinoid treatment that restores skin texture and prevents breakouts. These three products have revolutionized my skincare and healthcare.

5. Be prepared. No one tells models to develop self esteem before marketing items like makeup that covers the face and clothes that expose the body. This could be done by creating programs that teach young models strong core values and a positive self image. How are you supposed to know who you are when you hide behind a mask? The advice models get is to be natural. It’s easy to magnify flaws and lose sight of who you are when you live in a facade.

6. Take care of yourself. It’s just a job. It doesn’t define you. There is an obligation to be “picture perfect” in the competitive world of modeling.

You are constantly sized up and celebrated by the way you look. To take care of yourself is a form of self respect, and no job is worth losing your sanity or self-worth.

7. Happiness is key. Home is a mindset, not just a location. Home is where you feel most comfortable to be yourself. You can learn from every place you visit and each person you talk to. Nothing has meaning until you give it meaning. Be happy where you are, regardless of outside circumstances.

A head of Cauliflower A head of Broccoli Edamame Carrots Red onions Garlic Ginger Blue Dragon Stir Fry Sauce Crushed Cashews (optional)

Remove green stem on cauliflower and crush into small pieces. You can also buy mashed cauliflower in the frozen section at the grocery store. Chop broccoli and carrots into small pieces and set aside.

Chop onion, garlic, and ginger into separate bowls.

Pre-heat avocado oil in Wok. Keep at medium heat and cook onions until translucent, add garlic, and mix for ~20 seconds.

Add ginger, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots into wok. Cook and stir until al dente.

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add edamame pods to a boil for 5 minutes, drain and mix with stir fry.

Add Blue Dragon Stir Fry Sauce and evenly mix. For extra flavor, add Umami sauce or liquid aminos. Soak and crush cashews and combine well. Enjoy.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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“Positive change is a personal evolution of mind, body, and spirit.”

PLANT-BASED LIVING: HERE TO STAY

By Sumer Dene

P

lant-based living is

a mindset to preserve health, protect the planet, and align character, quality, and value with a wholesome way of life. Poor diet is not only about individual choice, it’s about systems that make unhealthy eating the only option for many people. Tax dollars hide the true cost of large scale animal operations. The unyielding power of the meat and dairy industry has distorted national policies and priorities. Will the government catch on or continue to fund antiquated industries that harm local economies and the environment? If the U.S. government sidesteps sustainability once again in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for 2020, it won’t be based on the true impact of meat and dairy. A plant-based lifestyle is to be conscious of what you put in your body and how it affects the world around us. We are in dire need for solutions to maintain health and the planet for future generations.

Be Positive & Prepared Give yourself time to adjust.

Gradually increase fiber intake and stay hydrated. Prepare ahead and search online for quick, easy plantbased cuisine you can prepare at any time. Healthy meals require

30

the sum of all parts, you only need a few simple ingredients to create something colorful, versatile, and great.

Importance of Pre/Probiotics Our body is an ecosystem. The protective microbiome in the gut is a community of like-minded organisms. This diverse population has a common goal: to get the most nutrients out of food so we get the most out of life. Probiotics are live microorganisms, typically bacteria, that stimulate function of the digestive and immune system, produce essential hormones and vitamins, increase biosorption of important nutrients, balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels, improve immunity, regulate mood and sustain a healthy weight. Probiotics are

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

found in fermented foods and drinks like kombucha, pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, miso, natto, kimchi, tempeh, and apple cider vinegar.

Beneficial bacteria thrive on fiber, which naturally detoxes the body and is crucial for physical, mental, and emotional health. Prebiotics are high-fiber foods that probiotics eat in order to survive and reproduce.

Probiotics and prebiotics work together to prevent toxins from entering the gut barrier, increase energy, and reduce inflammation.

Research concludes that most disease stems from inflammation in the gut.

Gut health affects how you look and feel, it can even alter gene expression and combat autoimmunity, cancer, and psychological disorders.

Intermittent Fast Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between eating and fasting. Eat small meals throughout the day in an 8-hour period, and fast within a 16 hour period. A rhythm and schedule is beneficial for your body to cleanse and rejuvenate. This can be simple if you eat from 12 p.m.- 8 p.m., or whichever time frame works best with your schedule.

Acknowledge Cultural Diversity It’s important children are exposed to different cultures so they understand the interconnected relationship we have with each other and our world. Plant-based cuisine is a collaboration of many cultures because of the diverse array of flavors, colors, aromas and textures.

This gives children the opportunity to appreciate cultural diversity and create new stories and traditions.

A Sustainable Society Positive change is a personal evolution of mind, body, and spirit.

In the near future we will see more plant-based options in fast food restaurants, hospitals, venues, schools, as well as greater support to local farms. The health and environmental effects of large-scale animal agriculture is far more than the economic value it is worth. Farm subsidies are costly to taxpayers, but also harm people, the economy and the environment. Subsidies discourage farmers to innovate, diversify land use, and take action to prosper in a competitive marketplace.

Slaughterhouse and factory farm workers suffer from PTSD comparable to those who experience war. More than 70 percent of handouts go to farmers of just three crops- corn, soybean, and wheat.

Farm subsidies pay farmers to grow food for animals that become meat.

Americans choose to eat less than .25 percent of the known edible food on this planet. Big corporations promote unhealthy food and get majority support from American government.

Animal agriculture thrives because it it not transparent. Subsidies could be allocated to support local farmers and provide jobs in fields that value education and provide for future generations.

“Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”

PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY

By Blaine Ochoa

“You don’t have to be great to start. But you have to start to be great.”

T

his is one of Leo

Johnson’s favorite quotes.

Leo (LJ) is the owner of prestigious gym, LJ Performance Training located in Houston.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Leo and training with him for the upcoming beauty pageant I’m

aspirations for having my own facility for years.

Finally preparation met opportunity, and I got the chance to open my own gym on Feb. 1, 2018. I’ve had huge support from Houston; their support has been astronomical.

Not being from Houston and to have gotten the support that I’ve had is Leo Johnson trains one of his clientele on the rings. amazing.”

He loves owning LJ competing in, Miss Houston USA. Performance Training Fitness is 1/3 of the competition and finds joy in helping others. “It’s score, and I am thrilled to be training refreshing and fulfilling to help with him to help me achieve my people reach their goals and help fitness goals. people accomplish what they’re I am a firm believer in following trying to do. I love the atmosphere your dreams and never giving up. and the clientele. The clientele is so This will be my third time competing diverse and I love that people will not for Miss Houston USA. When going only come to workout but to hang out after a dream or trying to accomplish and chill.” a goal, there will be ups and downs, Throughout life’s journey there setbacks and mistakes. However, if will be tough times and difficult you believe in yourself, persevere, moments. Focus, perseverance, and work hard, and patience plays a great role on the never give up, journey to success. “Never give up.

Blaine Ochoa there are no limits and Leo I’ve been through so much in life, Johnson, to what you can and, literally, the only reason why I’m owner of LJ achieve.

My life is still here is because I never gave up.”

Performance a testament to this He remembers the day he told his Training. and so is Leo’s. children that he wanted to pursue Leo is from Amarillo, where he his dream of training professional started training high school and athletes. Years later, one of his college students. He played college proudest moments was when his football at Texas Southern, played daughter called him crying, telling basketball and ran track. Health and him she was so proud of him when fitness has always been a passion of his dream came true and he became his, and he knew he wanted to train a gym owner and personal trainer to professionally. He traveled to Miami, some of the top professional athletes then to Los Angeles to get certified in the business. and pursue his dream of training Ultimately what matters is not professional athletes. He eventually about how many times you fall moved to Texas and called Houston down, what matters is getting back home. up, deciding what to do next, and “Fitness has been huge my moving confidently forward in the whole life. Coming from a sports direction of achieving your dreams. background, I had to maintain living “Don’t tell me the sky is the limit a healthy lifestyle for one, and I when there are footprints on the grew to love it. I’ve always had moon.”

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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146

Grazia

Sawa

45

c

Salata

Pappa’s Delta Blues

Masa Sushi

El Tiempo

r l e a

l a k e

South Shore Grille

MichiRu

Cabo

7

Jackie’s Brickhouse

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance

Ocean Sushi

Nobi Las Haciendas Preamble

Tookie’s Seafood

Hubcap Grill

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

Avenida Brazil

Boondoggles

Villa Capri

888 Chinese

Angelo’s

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s

T-Bone Tom’s

Floyd’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

Tight Ends

Topwater Grill

Gumbo Bar

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

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

3. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 1615 FM 646, League City, TX (281) 524-8626 littledaddysgumbobar.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

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 | MARCH 2019

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

3. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-0817 sawarestaurantgrill.com MEXICAN 1. El Tiempo Cantina 20237 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (713) 802-1580 eltiempocantina.com 2. Habanero’s Tacos 1908 Hialeah Dr #2, Seabrook, TX (281) 474-4400 habanerostacos.com 3. Las Haciendas 1020 W. Nasa Rd 1, Webster, TX 77598 281-557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.com PUB/BAR/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com 2. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 339-7474 www.scottyspubhouston.com 3. Skallywag’s 600 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-8877 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. Tight Ends Sports Bar 2502 Gulf Fwy S, League City, TX (832) 769-4330 m o s e s l tightendssportsbar.net

a k e

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 S O U P/S A L A D/ D E L I 1. Salata 1780 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (281) 532-6988 salata.com STEAK 1. Avenida Brazil 201 Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX (281) 557-9999

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Sawa Restaurant & Grill offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine

By Sumer Dene

S

awa Restaurant & Grill in

Clear Lake is an international blend of the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This establishment is a proud, cultural, independent restaurant familyowned by Abdul Ghonym. The word Sawa means “equal” and “unite.”

People join together at Sawa Restaurant & Grill to share memories and fresh, delectable cuisine. “I fell in love with Clear Lake because of NASA and the thriving community. I love Clear Lake for its diversity and the expanding market for healthy food and international flavor,” Abdul says.

The food to table is fast and the flavors are tantalizing. Each meal is served with a hot cup of mint or sage tea, depending on the season.

All dishes are prepared with the highest quality. For starters, try the delicious hand-chopped salads. The Lentil Soup is perfectly spiced, the Hummus is rich and creamy, the Baba Ghannouj is mild and smoky, the Falafel is cooked to perfection, and the fresh baked Baklava is simply delightful.

Olive oil, the main ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, is imported from the West Bank of Israel at Abdul’s family-owned farm. For the finale, make sure to try the refreshing

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

Mint Lemonade Smoothie. The vegan Ciku Stir Fry contains almonds, walnuts and raisins on a bed of rice served with onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. The Mnazali is a savory mix of onions, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and layers of eggplant doused in delicious spices.

Come to Sawa Restaurant & Grill for excellent healthy and vegan cuisine, reasonable prices, and staff that treats you like family. Sawa allows you to experience Middle Eastern culture at its finest. “I love when people smile because they like what I prepared for them. Our cuisine is full of choices because it is made from authentic Mediterranean ingredients the land has given us.

‘I cater to a community for better and healthier living,” Abdul adds.

For customer preference, each entree is properly marked dairy free, gluten free or vegan. Sawa Restaurant & Grill serves universities, hospitals, doctors offices and fitness centers.

All NASA and aerospace contract workers receive a 15 percent discount, so for a real authentic Mediterranean treat, try Sawa Restaurant & Grill located at 16608 El Camino Real. Look forward to new additions on their menu and a whole new experience of Mediterranean cuisine. Order to go at 281-9900817 or visit their website at www. sawarestaurantgrilltx.com

Calling All Crawfish Lovers!

By Xander Thomas

T

he Guinness World

Record awarded, biggest crawfish bash in the world, is happening right here south of Houston, near the Clear Lake area! The Big Ass Crawfish Bash, held at Gulf Greyhound Park in Texas City, set the record in 2017 for serving over 58,000 pounds of mud bugs in eight hours.

“It is just a non-stop good time for hours on end,” said Krawfish Kingz team owner Julie Buehrer.

Julie, along with husband Brian and long-time friend Paul Burrow, own the name, and are now selling their crawdads at the Kemah and Texas City locations of Stuttgarden.

The entire event includes all-youcan-eat crawfish, for the price that you pay for the wristband to get in, and with 80-plus cook off teams, everyone in attendance should be able to get their fill of the southern favorite.

“It’s a lot, a lot of crawfish in a little bit of time,” Julie said, “You get access to every crawfish tent, nobody can charge you for anything.

The only thing that is extra are the vendors up front with the carnival foods and the beer people.”

Krawfish Kingz will be one of the many teams in competition, for their third year in a row. Their recipe

landed them in the top 15 last year, and they are hopeful to make an even bigger splash this year.

“We got somewhere between 10th and 15th cause they only call out nine and under,” Julie said. “We’re guessing for your second year that’s pretty good, and we’re hoping to get our name called this year, and get a little more recognition.”

They will be set up at tents 29 and 30, the same place they were positioned last year, which should make it easy for those wanting to track them down again.

Whether or not you get the chance to make it out to this major mud bug madness, you will still be able to get a taste of the Krawfish Kingz fiery favorite. Their crawdads are available at the Stuttgarden restaurants in Kemah and Texas City on the weekends.

“Really, it’s something we do cause we love to do it,” Julie said.

So whether you are a fan of crawfish, or looking for a new seafood flavor to delve into, the Big Ass Crawfish Bash will take place on Saturday, April 20 out at Gulf Greyhound park in La Marque.

Overflow parking will be at Mall of the Mainland and a Shuttle will be taking patrons to the event grounds.

Visit www.bigasscrawfishbash.com for more information.

Krawfish Kingz team aims to place high at this year’s Big Ass Crawfish Bash.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

John Zapalac - IVS , Billy Cain and Rick Clapp - Executive Producers of The Bay House and Earl Heard Founder & CEO - BIC Alliance & BMS at the cast and crew screening of The Bay House, directed and written by Bo Brinkman.

Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Robyn Weigelt Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp enjoys the Luke Bryan concert at the HLSR with and writer Sumer Dene in the crowd at the her husband Capt. Darrell Weigelt.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Tim Leppard, Marcia Davenport, Rick Clapp and Amber Sample at the Bay Area Houston Magazine cover party, hosted by Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack - Baybrook.

Simon Urbanic and Pamela Archer at the Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

Desiree Dantas and her husband Bob take in the atmosphere at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack - Baybrook.

The Maudlins are all smiles at the Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack.

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Simulator at San Jacinto College’s Maritime Technology and Training Center.

SJC Maritime program cited San Jacinto College’s Maritime Program has been named the 2019 Bellwether Award recipient in Workforce Development by the Community Colleges Futures Assembly as the most innovative community college workforce program in the nation.

“Our goal at San Jacinto College Maritime is to provide a solution for the shortage of mariners in the Gulf Coast region. We are accomplishing this through strong partnerships with our industry partners and our community to provide the skilled

Clear Lake Area Chamber backs League City bonds The Clear Lake Area Chamber Board of Directors voted unanimously March 19 to support the proposed bond and sales tax referendum on the League City May 4special election ballot, including $73M for flood protection and drainage improvements, $72M for streets, roadways, and mobility improvements, and a ¼ cent sales tax to fund roadway, traffic mobility, and draining improvements in the City of League City.

According to the Chamber Resolution, “transportation and flood mitigation are key drivers for economic development, business success, and quality of life in the region; and the ¼ cent sales tax is a user tax that is already existing in 97% of Texas municipalities.”

Chamber President Cindy DeWease said it’s the Chamber’s mission to be “Champions for business success and quality of life” throughout Clear Lake/ Bay Area Houston.

Detective named Officer of the Year Seabrook Police Detective Larry Moore has been named Seabrook Police Officer of the Year. The announcement was made at the 25th annual Men Who Cook event held at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Detective Moore has been a police officer

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

workforce needed to build a stronger regional economy,” Associate Vice Chancellor John Stauffer said.

San Jac’s Maritime Technology and Training Center offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses and Texas’ first and only associate degree in maritime transportation.

“It was Chuck’s intention to retire this year, and we are incredibly appreciative that he decided to make Memorial Hermann the last stop in his long and storied career,” Memorial Hermann Board Chairman Deborah M. Cannn said.

Memorial Hermann CEO plans to retire

The 370-unit apartment complex Retreat at Shadow Creek Ranch at 2500 Business Center Drive in Pearland has been acquired by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Real Estate.

The new owners reportedly plan several improvement to the property that was build in 2013.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO Charles “Chuck” D. Stokes plans to retire at the end of this year.

His announcement marks the third time in four years that the nonprofit health system’s top executive has left the post, including a resignation and two retirements.

Stokes joined Memorial Hermann in 2008 as its chief operating officer, planning to finish out his career in that post. He said he was not a candidate for the CEO job when Dan Wolterman retired in 2016 and Dr. Benjamin K. Chu was hired as Wolterman’s successor. But, a year later in 2017 when Wolterman resigned, Stokes became CEO.

with the City of Seabrook for more than 26 years and is president of the Seabrook Police Officers Association. He is married and has three children, one of whom is currently serving in the U.S. Army.

Complex sold In Pearland

Danner’s moving Its headquarters Danner’s broke ground recently for its new headquarters building in Pasadena on its fouracre site at 3551 Pasadena Blvd., after 80 years of doing business on Houston’s east side.

The security and maritime services firm’s new location is convenient to several major roadways, and “great for our maritime customers,” Danner’s President Brad Maxcey, great-grandson of Danner’s founder, D.D. Danner, pointed out.

Police Department’s “exceptional law enforcement service, responding to emergency and critical situations while proactively watching after campus safety. Staff work 24 hours a day, 365 days per year to ensure a safe environment for everyone.”

Former Galveston County sheriff dies Funeral services were held Feb. 18 at the Galveston Convention Center for former Galveston County Sheriff Jo Max Taylor, who held that post for 19 years – from 1981 to 2000 before retiring.

In 2006, he law enforcement center in Galveston was named in his honor for his work modernizing the Sheriff’s Department.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anita; four children, Jo Max Jr., Melanie, Troy and Missy; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

UHCL Police get high rank in safety The University of Houston-Clear Lake is ranked 15th in the nation for best campus security in independent rankings provided by BestColleges. com -- a resource guide for students seeking information on where to go to college, how to pay for it and what to study.

No other Texas college or university was in the Top 25 list for 2019.

The resource website commended UHCL’s

New education series starting A new series in the Friday Morning Continuing Education Program is underway with the first lecture held March 29.

The series, held in the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Building, includes two different lectures each Friday morning for six weeks. One does not have to register for all of the lectures. There is a nominal one-time per series registration cost and then a fee only for the lectures one attends. Among the topics offered this spring are “The Notorious Life of RGB,” “Grandparenting in the 21st Century,” “DACA Revisted – Panel Discussion,” “Recent Trends in American Religion,” “Colombia – a Biodiverse Paradise on Earth” and “The Splender of Van Gogh’s World and Art.” For a complete list of the lectures, visit www. uhcl.edu/academics/extended One can also contact Christine Paul by calling 281-283-3033.

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Achieves National Accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program

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atients seeking surgical treatment

for severe obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice for receiving treatment at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care in the greater Clear Lake area.

Dr. Kyle Stephens, board-certified bariatric surgeon at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital recently announced its bariatric surgical center has been accredited as a Low Acuity Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

The MBSAQIP Standards, outlined in the Resources for Optimal Care of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patient 2016, ensure that bariatric surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. The accredited hospital offers preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for their severely obese patients.

“Bariatric surgery is a life changing decision that can provide numerous health benefits for our patients including improvement (and possible resolution) of diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and cardiovascular disease,” said Stephens.

“Receiving accreditation as a Low Acuity Center recognizes the comprehensive and quality care we provide here at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital for our bariatric surgery population, and acknowledges that our team of dedicated health professionals truly provides the complete spectrum of care needed for these patients – including extensive pre-operative education, high quality perioperative care and lifelong support post-operatively.”

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital’s commitment to quality care begins with appropriately trained staff and the leadership surgeons who participate in meetings throughout the year to review its outcomes. They seek continuous improvement to enhance the structure, process and outcomes of the hospital.

To earn the MBSAQIP designation, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity. The hospital also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement.

The standards are specified in the MBSAQIP Resources for Optimal Care of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patient 2016, published by the ACS and ASMBS. “Having our MBSAQIP accredited bariatric surgery center close to home is a tremendous advantage for patients living in Clear Lake and surrounding areas who are considering weight loss surgery,” said Dan Newman, CEO, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. “This nationally recognized designation acknowledges our unparalleled commitment to patient care and safety.”

After submitting an application, hospitals seeking MBSAQIP Accreditation undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon, who reviews the center’s structure, process and clinical outcomes data. A hospital is awarded a specific designation depending on how many patients it serves annually, the type of procedures it provides, and whether it provides care for patients under age 18.

In the United States, around 15.5 million people suffer from severe obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the numbers continue to increase. Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures have proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to severe obesity.* Working with ASMBS, the ACS expanded this quality program for bariatric surgery centers so that it can assist bariatric patients in identifying those centers that provide optimal surgical care.

Beauty queen staying busy

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usan Hefner of Seabrook,

who recently won the national title of Ms. United America at The Oasis on Lake Travis back in June, has been making a number of public appearances around the area in recent days.

Among her 2019 appearances: • • • • • • • • • •

Lunar Rendezvous Kickoff coming up April 7 at UHCL

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unar Rendezvous volunteers will kick off their 54th annual Festival Sunday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. in Atrium II at the University of Houston-Clear Lake with the theme “The Eagle Has Landed,” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing of the moon.

In addition to the crowd getting to meet 2019 Festival Chairman Michelle Holland, festival officials will also introduce the 2019 festival king and members of the royal court

– princesses, lieutenants, little ladies in waiting and pages.

They also will present the annual Distribution of Funds, when profits from the previous festival are distributed to local nonprofits and in college scholarships to Clear Creek ISD graduating seniors.

Festival events this year include the Golf Event, Silver Tea, Sponsor Appreciation Party, Dining Night, Spa and Shopping Night, Sunset Service, Fashion Show and Coronation Ball.

Jan. 24 Go Red VIP party Jan. 26 LYC Commodores Ball Jan. 27 Judge for Living Word chili cook off Feb. 1 HLSR Go Texan Fashion Show Feb. 7 Lone Star Deception movie showing - small background part Feb. 8 Hope Village breakfast Feb. 9 Yachty Gras kickoff party Feb. 12 Men Who Cook Feb. 22 Go Red for Women Luncheon Feb. 23 Yachty Gras parade

The United America pageant system honors “women of all ages who successfully balance education, career, family life, and community service with grace and beauty,” according to UnitedAmericapageant.com. Susan is an Army spouse, “Big Mama,” “Gigi,” math Interventionist with Clear Creek ISD, Beachbody coach, fighter for osteoporosis awareness, and volunteers extensively in her community and surrounding areas.

She has 440 community service hours in 12 months and has even earned the silver President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Susan says she enjoys volunteering when it is for a good cause. Contact her for sponsorships, appearances, and any questions by email, rnshefner@gmail.com

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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League City Mayor Pat Hallisey, seated, joins City Manager John Baumgartner and League City Regional Chamber Chairman Rebecca Lilley for a photo at the State of the City Luncheon at the Civic Center.

Brenda Weber, wife of Congressman Randy Weber, gets a warm welcome from Brad Boney, Brad Maclock and Gary Pearson, from left, as she arrives at the League City Regional Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon at the Civic Center.

League City mayor urges yes vote on 3 bond propositions

By Mary Alys Cherry

T

h e stat e of Leagu e City is

quite good, Mayor Pat Hallisey will be quick to tell you, but he hopes to make it better.

The best way, he thinks, is for voters to approve the three bond referendums on their Saturday, May 4 municipal election ballot. And, he offered a rather strong argument for passage. There are three propositions on the ballot – A, B and C, he explained as he addressed the large crowd at the League City Regional Chamber State of the City Luncheon March 8 in the Johnnie Aroflo Civic Center.

“A and B are general obligation bonds for drainage and mobility improvement projects -- $73 million for drainage and flooding projects and $72 million for 10 traffic and mobility projects,’” he said, adding that Prop C is a sales tax referendum.

The $150 million from the bonds is only the tip of the iceberg, he said, adding that something definitely needs to be done. “People who sit in traffic an hour every morning aren’t going to stay here very long,” the mayor pointed out, adding that Congressman Randy Weber also is trying to help the city with its problems.

“But why the decision to place the sales tax referendum on the ballot? Simply to offset any tax increase if the bond propositions pass,” he said, adding that the revenue from the tax will be dedicated to mobility and drainage projects only.

And, it will cost only one penny for every $4 one spends.

Prop C, the mayor said, “will bring in an estimated $3.3 million in the first year alone and increase as we bring in more commercial business.

“Basically, for every $4 you spend at Starbucks for that cup of coffee, ONE penny will go to

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

Richard Allen, left, visits with Clear Creek ISD Trustee Ann Hammond and former Trustee Dr. Glenn Freedman at the League City Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon.

drainage and traffic improvements in League City. And that includes visitors to our city. In fact, 30 percent of our current sales tax revenue is generated by visitors to our city,” he told the crowd, explaining that the bond propositions are the city’s first in 27 years.

League City Love was the theme of the luncheon, so, when he concluded his remarks, he added: “Go out and show your love for League City.”

Hallisey also said he was proud of the work he and the City Council had done this past year and noted that he and a number of local officials were in Austin earlier that week.

“We are all working together to ensure the future success of League City. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t disagree at times, but it is different than it was just a few months ago. We are more

Bay Area Turning Point Executive Director Leigh Ann Fry, center, and Communications Director Angela Corns, left, stop to say hello to Mainland Testing President Doreen Hughes.

collaborative, respectful, and we are a team. We are all working towards the same goal – to make League City the best place to live, work and play,” he told the crowd that included Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, City Manager John Baumgartner and City Councilmen Larry Millican, Chad Tressler and Greg Gripon.

City Manager Baumgarter also addressed the crowd, bringing smiles to many faces as he outlined a number of projects the city is currently focused on – a master water plan, Calder Road, additional park facilities, better communications to better engage residents, new businesses and providing a quality environment.

“This year – 2019 – will be our best yet,” he promised. And, from the sound of the applause, it most likely will be.

Springoree on tap April 11 with ‘Boots and Bling’ theme

By Mary Alys Cherry

S

pring is in the air, and Space Center Rotary’s annual Springoree is just days away – this time with a “Boots and Bling” theme.

The public is invited, so if you’re feeling the blues now that this year’s Houston Rodeo has come to an end, grab that Stetson, add some bling and come join the fun, Chairman Mike Porterfield says.

It’s coming up Thursday, April 11, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Green Event Center at 2000 W. Parkwood Ave. in Friendswood, and Rotarians are already practicing the two-step.

Activities during the evening, besides an almond crusted chicken and beef tenderloin dinner, will

include a best-dressed contest, lively music, a photo booth, plus both live and silent auctions where there will be bidding for a Tahoe condo, a dove hunt, 2 different fishing trips, a gift card tree raffle and a stay at a New Mexico ski resort, to name a few.

Some of those heading up the various activities are Bill Taylor, Steve Owens, Elizabeth Quigley, Mike Cornett, John Branch, Delia Stephens, Tim Kropp, Alan Wylie, Raymond Moore, Janice Albro, Jerry Smith, Melinda Mintz, James Watkins, Cindy Porterfield, Jeff Klima and Scott Rainey.

Tickets, which are $75 each with sponsor tables for $1,000, may be purchased by emailing johnbbranch@yahoo.com or calling him at 281-480-6503.

Mayor attend’s councilman Martin’s Town hall Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, right, was among the special guests for District E Houston Councilman Dave Martin’s Town Hall at Space Center Houston March 19. Pictured with him are, from left, Houston City Councilmembers Amanda Edwards, Mike Knox, Dave Martin and David Robinson. Photo by Mary Alys Cherry APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Houston Symphony League Home Tour scheduled April 13-14

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he Houston Symphony League

Bay Area’s 18th annual “Day by the Bay” home tour in the Clear Lake area will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, from noon to 5 p.m. at a cost of $20 . There are four private homes on the tour and two historic properties, both of which are in League City.

The pre-tour party will be in a newly constructed private patio home in The Reserve on Friday, April 12 from 6:30-8:30 at a cost of $75/person. For tickets, which may be purchased in advance — online at www.houstonsymphony.org), at the door of a house or at several retail outlets: • Adelaide’s Boutique 14870 Space Center A1, 77062 • Arlan’s Market 4614 NASA Rd. 1, 77586 • Butler Longhorn Museum 1220 Coryell, 77573 • Clothes Horse Boutique 809 E. Main 77573 • Nassau Postal 957 E. NASA Pkwy. 77058

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

Pre-Tour Party to kick off the Symphony League 2019 Home Tour will be held at this home in The Reserve in Clear Lake.

One of the homes, located in Brook Forest, was water damaged and has been remodeled. The home was featured in Houston Lifestyles, 2015 with its 7000+ sq.ft. It sustained extensive water damage on the first floor so the owners have completely remodeled and created an even more exceptional home. Pops of color, an extensive eclectic art collection together with family photos give the home personality and warmth. Multiple amenities include a ballet studio, massive study with two closets, lady’s dressing room and salon, and guest quarters.

Another exceptional home, located on 3.5 secluded acres in El Lago Estates right on Taylor Lake and truly a gem in outdoor living, has endured both Hurricanes Ike and Harvey without damage. Built in l997, the current owners purchased the property ten years ago and selected it both for its size and secluded view and for the home›s effective/efficient use of space. This lovely home combines both a traditional interiors style and a desire to use the elements of nature for maximum impact — truly a gem in outdoor living!

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[EDUCATION]

New contract OK’d for COM president

Former FISD superintendent has died

W

C

ollege of the Mainland

alter Wilson,

who served as the superintendent of Friendswood ISD from 1998 to 2002, died March 11.

Before becoming superintendent, Wilson dedicated 34 years of service to the school district, beginning in 1966 as a science teacher and head basketball coach. He led the boys varsity team to state, a state championship in 1969 and to four state final appearances in 1968 and 1971. Honoring his service, the high school’s field house was named in his honor.

He then served as the assistant principal of Friendswood High School from 1970 to 1974, and took the reigns as principal from 1974 to 1977, when he became the assistant superintendent.

He was appointed as the ninth superintendent in FISD in 1998.

“The city of Friendswood joins the FISD family in mourning the passing of former Superintendent Walter Wilson. He was not only a teacher, coach, and administrator, Walter was also a dear friend and mentor to me,” Friendswood Councilwoman Trish Hanks said in a statement. Hanks served as the Friendswood superintendent for 15 years before retiring in 2017. “As his Assistant, I saw

Former Friendswood ISD superintendent Walter Wilson passed away March 11.

Walter constantly demonstrate how much he cared for students, parents, teachers, and staff. We are all blessed that the timing of his career and the city’s expansion allowed Walter to professionally grow and eventually lead FISD from 1998 to 2002. He was the right superintendent at the right time,” Wilson received his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I, now Texas A&M-Kingsville, and a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University.

“Walter Wilson was a Friendswood pillar,” FISD Superintendent Thad Roher said in a district release. “I knew Walter as a student and administrator in FISD. He shaped my view of Mustang pride and its importance and foundational value to our community. I will miss talking basketball, kids, and Friendswood pride with him.”

Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai again offering college scholarships

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t ’ s time on ce

again for Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai to step up and acknowledge the future leaders from the Greater Clear Lake Area High School community.

Now in its eighth year, Ron Carter officials are proud to honor and support these seniors by awarding five college scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

Outstanding students will be selected beginning in March and ending in June. Applications will be accepted now through May. The scholarship is open to high school seniors in Clear Lake and surrounding areas of Clear Creek

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ISD, Alvin ISD, Deer Park ISD, Pasadena ISD, Dickinson ISD, LaPorte ISD, Pearland ISD and Friendswood ISD. Students from parochial and home schools within the boundaries of these districts are also eligible.

Recipients will be chosen based on academic achievement, character, leadership and community service. Scholarship applications and detailed instructions can be found by clicking on the “Community Involvement” at www. roncarterclearlake.com.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

President Dr. Warren Nichols has much to smile about these days.

After getting a 67 percent approval of the college’s fall bond referendum, the COM Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new contract for him.

Nichols, who became president of the Texas City community college in February 2017, had one year left on his three-year contract, but following the trustees’ vote, his new contract now extends through 2022 and provides for an automatic renewal on an annual basis unless terminated by either party.

Trustees voted 5-0 to extend Nichols’ contract. Trustees Rachel Delgado and Alan Waters was absent.

“Under his leadership, Dr. Nichols is taking College of the Mainland to the next level. He has implemented initiatives aimed at student success, seen a rise in student growth and directed much needed maintenance projects on the campus,” COM Board of Trustees Chairman Kyle Dickson said.

Although not present for Monday’s meeting, Delgado, who served on the search committee that hired Nichols, said she agreed with the new contract.

“I support Dr. Nichols’ contract and thank him for the turnaround he has overseen at the college. It has been everything I was hoping for,” she said.

After several failed bond referendums, Nichols was instrumental in meeting with community members and sharing the college’s goals and visions which led to the overwhelming approval of a $162.5 million bond package, Dickson said.

The landscape of the college is changing under Nichols’ direction.

With voters in the COM Taxing District approving the bond referendum in November, architects now are putting the final touches on plans for a new STEAM/Allied Health Building and a Student Success Center to replace the current Administration Building. Both buildings should be completed by January 2021 followed by the construction of a new Industrial Careers Building.

“I am excited to see COM grow and serve our community,” Nichols said.

“More and more students and families are finding College of the Mainland to be an affordable option when obtaining a college degree or workforce certificate. With the construction of new buildings on campus, we will be able to offer even more options in career opportunities.”

Enrollment at COM continues to increase. For the Spring 2019 semester,

COM Board of Trustees Chairman Kyle Dickson, left, congratulates COM President Dr. Warren Nichols after the board approved a new contract for Nichols.

more than 6,000 students – a record for COM - registered for classes.

With Nichols’ leadership, there has been a transformation as the college has become a beacon for the entire region when it comes to higher education, continuing education and just resonates “community.”

With an aging campus, Nichols oversaw a $16.2 million maintenance project to rebuild a chemistry lab, replace underground pipes and convert a closed natatorium into a state-of-theart conference center that is available for community use. A complete renovation of the Student Center also is ongoing.

COM was highlighted at national conferences after it became the first Texas college or university to fully implement a successful corequisite program designed to help underprepared students complete required English and math classes.

The success of corequisite has been outstanding. The college also is focused on a Guided Pathways to Success program to help students stay on track to complete their associate degree or workforce certificate.

Other successes include: • Increase in number of degrees and certificates awarded by 16 percent • Decreased the amount of time for degree completion to 4.5 years • Completed Employee Compensation Study • Offering multi-year contracts for new, full-time faculty In January, Nichols was a finalist for Citizen of the Year presented by the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce and has been honored with the Rising Star award given to emerging leaders.

The college, under Nichols, also continues to meet and improve upon its goals of Student Success, Employee Fulfillment and Exemplary Facilities.

Coach Bill Krueger, right, with former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Clear Lake Coach Krueger named winner of national basketball award loved the game and gave me 100 percent. That’s all you could ask for.” egendary Clear Lake Krueger says he loved going to High School basketball work every day he was coaching. coach Bill Krueger has been The award is named for Morgan honored once again for all Wooten, who only coached high the amazing accomplishments in his school basketball and is enshrined extraordinary career. in the Naismith Hall of Fame. Those The Naismith Memorial Basketball honored must have been a college Hall of Fame has named him the graduate and a head coach for at 2019 winner of the Morgan Wooten least 25 years. Only one male and one Lifetime Achievement Award for female coach are inducted each year.

Boys’ Basketball and was to have After starting his career in the San been presented the award March Marcos area, where his team won 27 – after our magazine went to the Class 3A state championship, press -- in Atlanta during he became head coach “Krueger the McDonald’s All at Clear Creek High American game. Only in the 1965-66 season, retired in two people are presented starting out with a 28-3 1996 as the the award each year – record and the state winningest one man and one woman championship game, who coach. which Creek lost to high school During his 39-year Marshall, 73-68. Over basketball head coaching career, he the next six seasons, his coach in the teams compiled a 243-26 compiled almost 1,100 wins – or a winning – (90.3%) – record. country.” percentage of nearly 81.5 When the newly built percent.

Clear Lake High opened Krueger retired in 1996 as the in 1972 and most of his players winningest high school basketball were transferring, he decided to join coach in the country. His teams, first them, going on to win the 1989 state at Clear Creek High and later at Clear championship and reach the 1990 Lake High had 30 or more wins in finals and the semi finals in 1995. His 18 seasons and never had a losing teams won at least 30 games on 13 season in 39 years. occasions.

Three of his high school teams In 1995, he was honored in a went to the state basketball special ceremony in Fort Worth as tournament, winning two state one of the four winningest high championships. His teams also won school coaches in the country.

29 district championships.

Yet, despite all these honors, he “This is definitely a ‘we’ thing has managed to be one of the most and not a ‘me’ thing,” Krueger humble men one will ever meet, says. “I had all of the help you could blaming any of his accomplishments ever get. I was in the right school on those who worked with him or districts. I had players that really played on teams he coached.

By Mary Alys Cherry

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019

APRIL 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2019