Bay Area Houston Magazine January 2016

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

BayAreaHoustonMag.com

Space Center Automotive, A Complete Auto Repair & Care Center, Welcomes The NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Rodeo Committee Trail Bosses

features

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ON THE COVER Our January 2016 cover features Space Center Automotive general manager and Ranch Hand Todd McIntosh with the NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Rodeo Committee Trail Bosses. From left, Mark Legge, Suzanne Streetman, Todd, Debra Stokes and Rick Clapp.

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Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Executive Vice President Patty Kane Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce

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Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Rod Evans Michael Gos Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Cathy Osoria Pat Patton

Administration Lillian Harmon Tammy Lipsey

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

Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmedia.com

281.474.5875

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Making Sense of Fitness Confusion

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Bay Area Houston Holiday Parties

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League City Plans Special Election

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Space Center Automotive

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Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events

Same day permanent fillings now a reality Muscle is the answer to changing your body Photography from JSC, UHCL, CLACC and BAHEP parties Election will fill vacancies on city council Offering expert repair and service with a personal touch LYC Ladies Association holiday luncheon

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Bay Area Heart Walk

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Boeing to Mark Anniversary

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Setting Sail

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Bay Area loses two outstanding citizens

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Medicine Men

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Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center

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News Nuggets

Local companies help raise nearly $400,000 Boeing celebrates 100th anniversary this year Port of Houston celebrates a year of milestones in 2015 Glenn Goerke and Charles Jacobson From Sicily to Houston Methodist St. John League City care center to be completed in 2017 South Shore Harbour Resort plans major renovation

columns

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart Distribution Shinkle Distribution

Dental Health

38 Finance Building a solid foundation to house your retirement

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

Sales & Marketing Alex Brett Debbie Salisbury

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

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Movers & Shakers

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Clear Lake Chatter

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Home Sweet Home

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Texas Meditations

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In Wheel Time

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Main Events

Victor Pierson Party time in the Bay Area New Year, New Space Adaptability The new rage: Tiny SUV’s Calendar of Bay Area Houston events

JANUARY 2016

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Voting has begun for the Best of the Bay Awards Let us reflect on all the good that we saw in 2015. Give your favorite bar, business, restaurant, doctor, or establishment their well deserved kudos and vote for them in the 2015 Bay Area Houston Magazine Best of the Bay Awards. Every year we lift up the people’s voice, tally up every vote and announce the winners of these coveted awards at a fantastic celebration in 2016.

Voting is now live. Cast your ballot at BayAreaHoustonMag.com.

THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES

Helping children with cancer Photos b y J ill R e ason

To p Every December Paul and Mary Kay Gaido, left, and George and Donna Gartner host a Holiday Trunk Show to raise money for the MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital at the Gartner home in Clear Lake.

LEFT Norman Frede, left, Clear Lake Chevrolet dealer, writes a check for $5,000 for the MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, much to the delight of George Gartner.

Best Asian Cuisine

Best Hospital

Best Auto Repair

Best Italian Cuisine

Best Bank

Best Ladies Boutique

Best Bartender

Best Local Entertainer

Best BBQ

Best Margarita

Best Breakfast

Best Marina

Best Brunch

Best Mexican Cuisine

Best Burger

Best Mortgage

Best Cafe

Best Oysters

Best Cajun Food

Best Physician

Best Car Dealer-domestic

Best Pizza

Best Car Dealer- foreign

Best Private School

Best City To Live

Best Pub/Bar

Best Remodeler

Best Realtor/Agent

Best Credit Union

Best Resale Shop

Best Dentist

Most Romantic Restaurant

Best Entertainment Spot

Best Seafood

Best Family Restaurant

Best Spa

Best Furniture Store

Best Steak

Best Gift Shop

Best Sushi

Best Hair Salon

Best Web Design Agency

Best Hair Stylist

Best Wine Bar or Winery

Best Health Club

Best Womens Apparel

Best Home Builder

Best Yacht Club

Vote now at www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

to just one. Ceramics solved the problem of the gold flashing smile, but still they required multiple visits. And, natural porcelain can fracture at a fastest rate than human enamel.

Finally a cure

T

he problem: Dental amalgam is a filling material used to fill small cavities caused by tooth decay.

It is a mixture of several metals.

It consists of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin and copper. Approximately 50 percent of dental amalgam is mercury by weight.

Dental amalgam fillings are also known as “silver fillings” because of their silver-like appearance. They dominated the industry for more than 150 years because they were strong and long-lasting. Amalgam fillings have exhibited excellent wear resistance properties (similar to human enamel). They are also very durable. They can seal the prepared cavity for an average of 13 years as opposed to 5 to 6 years for composite resin (tooth color fillings).

Amalgams also happen to be the least expensive type of filling material. Up until 20 years ago, Amalgam fillings seemed untouchable. Tooth color fillings have been around since early 1960s. They were however, used exclusively on front teeth and small cavities. They are cosmetically appealing at first, but stained and darkened at a much faster rate than human enamel, especially if the recipient consumed coffee, tea, or red wine.

That rapid staining is due to large molecular structure of composite. They also could not match the durability of Amalgams.

They shrunk at a higher percentage than other alternatives. One might wonder why Amalgam fell from grace and became widely replaced by an inferior product? The short answer is (1) its appearance and (2) mercury poisoning.

While the first reason could be discounted as vanity, the second reason became very unsettling once we discovered the adverse long term effects of mercury vapor build up in our brain and the kidneys. The combination of the above two reasons was enough for most dentists to switch from Amalgam to composite resin.

“They are as brilliant and beautiful as human enamel and even more shatter resistant.”

What is a composite resin?

A composite resin is a tooth-colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide).

Introduced in the 1960s, dental composites were confined to the front teeth because they were not strong enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the back teeth. Composites are also very technique sensitive and intolerant of any moisture when being placed. It is sometimes impossible to keep a cavity dry to place a composite.

Other options Gold or custom designed ceramics have been available but never gained mainstream popularity. Gold inlays and onlays are still considered “gold standard” when it comes to replacement of segments of natural tooth.

They are unfortunately not tooth color and require multiple visits to complete as opposed

There did not seem to be an ideal solution on the horizon until two new technologies collided and produced a perfect solution.

Digital scanning and computerized designed and milled machines enabled multi visits procedures to be done in one day. There were still the hesitation of porcelain’s greatest flaw, occasional fracturing. Modern technology improved the purity of porcelain but they were still sub par to human enamel.

Then came a German research company named Ivoclar Vivadent that was able to fabricate synthetic porcelain blocks that are completely monolithic (no weak points or flaws).

They are as brilliant and beautiful as human enamel and even more shatter resistant than them. They can also be computer custom designed and milled to an accuracy of less than one tenth of a millimeter in about two hours. Small fillings no longer are doomed to become large fillings over time and eventually need crowns and root canals.

They can now be replaced with a superior material that has the durability and form stability of gold, esthetics of porcelain, and convenience of one visit.

I am so impressed with this new eMax porcelain onlays and inlays that I have agreed to guarantee them for life so long as my patients follow ADA’s (American Dental Association) minimum required oral hygiene requirements, which consist of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and visiting your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning twice a year.

To find out more about the new same day permanent tooth replacement, please call Dr. Noie’s office at 281-332-4700 to schedule a complimentary consultation with him personally.

Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Victor Pierson Occupation: President/CEO Moody National Bank Hometown: Albany, Texas Current home: Galveston/Jamaica Beach Family: I am married to my best friend, Janice. We are blessed with our son Frankie, daughters Laurie and Lindsay, grandson Noah and granddaughter Abby My favorite writer is: F. Scott Fitzgerald Someone I’d like to meet: John Wayne

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Sen. Elizabeth Warren

My favorite meal is: Char Grilled Oysters at any of our outstanding Bay Area restaurants or Central Texas style barbecue

My favorite performers are: The Beach Boys

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A baseball player but lack of ability made the statistics and numbers a natural to a career in banking

I like to spend my leisure time: Traveling with my family, especially my grandchildren If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Tahiti, which is the mutual spot on the wish list Janice (Paris/Rome) and I (Rio/Sydney) promised each other we would visit together

You’ll never catch me: Riding a motorcycle The thing that bugs me the most is: Being politically correct My favorite movie is: It’s A Wonderful Life Few people know: That I was a state qualifier in the 100-yard dash

UHCL alumni award recipients Photo by Jorge De La Garza UH-Clear Lake honored alumni and faculty during the annual Alumni Celebration at Space Center Houston as university friends celebrated the accomplishments of five alumni. Pictured with UHCL President William A. Staples, left, are the honorees, from left — Early Achievement Award winner Kanchana Weerasinghe; Outstanding Professor Award, Ashish Chandra; Distinguished Alumni Award, Anita Fogtman; Early Achievement Award, Katherine Becker; and Early Achievement Award, Marla Davis Chandler.

City officials visit Space Center Rotary Photo by Mary Alys Cherry Space Center Rotarians had some special guests at their recent luncheon meeting. Houston City Councilman Dave Martin was the guest speaker. Others Program Chairman Kippy Caraway introduced to her fellow club members at the Bay Oaks Country Club gathering were Mike Knox, left, who was running for the Houston City Council At Large No. 1 seat; and Chris Brown, right, Houston deputy controller, who was running for the controller job. All won their re-election races.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Making Sense of Fitness Confusion in the New Year Do you want to change your body? The answer is: it’s all about the muscle

By Scott Sands We all know

that exercise and eating right are good for us, but we’re bombarded with an endless supply of new exercise inventions on TV, along with new and improved workout systems that promise to tighten your tush, carve in your abs, or get you shredded in just 12 minutes a day, that it can be confusing!

What works? All of it? None of it? Who actually uses those things to get the bodies they want? The spokespersons? I’ll bet not!

The problem is exacerbated by gyms that don’t teach members even the basics, and essentially let them work out on the gym “playground” without knowing even what is safe, let alone effective. And worse are personal trainers who teach incorrect methods and perpetuate myths and misconceptions, watch their clients perform exercises incorrectly while counting out the reps, and in many instances look like they should get their own personal trainer!

Who’s still counting calories? Or counting how many steps you take in a day? Trying to lose weight? What about exercising to burn more calories than you take in. Sorry. Faulty thinking, and ineffective.

Science and my own experience have proven that many fitness “truths” are actually myths. I have female clients who gain two pounds while losing two dress sizes. How does that happen? Hint: Muscle work affects the body differently than cardio, and places much greater metabolic demands on it. But it doesn’t have to be a workout that “kicks your butt,” or crazy-looking, joint-pounding, sweat-dripping workouts. There’s a much easier way that makes sense and feels good, too.

You want to change your body? The answer is, it’s all about the muscle.

Yours, that is. And all of them. It’s about making them stronger. Not pulsing your arms to the heavens a hundred times to “feel the burn” with

3 lb dumbbells. Running doesn’t do it. Jumping around doesn’t do it. Dancing, twisting, slamming ropes against the floor or pushing sleds doesn’t do it. And running on “hamster wheel” type of machines most certainly doesn’t do it.

Women - would you like to have a sleek, tight, toned body? Guys – would you like to look like Tarzan? I want you to know that it is absolutely in your control. That there is a systematic procedure to follow that will change your body, and change your concept of exercise.

Getting strong means every major muscle group, as well as smaller ones.

Learn how they function, and how they feel when contracting, extending, and stretching out through a full range of motion with resistance. And then challenge them methodically.

Form, technique, and “feel” are of utmost importance. But once you’ve got that, you’ll feel empowered as you get strong and fit, your body composition will change, and your muscle will create a new shape for whatever fat remains to be burned.

Once you’re in tune with your muscle, you’ll be able to perform any other exercise movement, activity, or physical feat with a new understanding that makes it simpler, easier, and makes you more independent and confident. My clients who play tennis and golf are usually surprised at how quickly their game improves. But forehands that blast past their opponent and longer tee shots are not a surprise to me!

Getting strong makes everything easier. Physical strength translates into physical confidence, which leads to mental strength and confidence.

One can lead to the other, and each one balances and propels the other one further.

In any case, just get strong, and a lot of good things follow. If you need help, all you have to do is ask, and I’ll be happy to guide you.

About the author: Scott Sands is a rocket scientist turned body scientist who coaches others in getting the body and health that they want. Muscle changed his life, and he’s been perfecting the blueprint that helps others change theirs ever since. Working out and experimenting with fitness, nutrition, and supplementation since his late teens, he’s helped hundreds achieve their fitness and health goals. Background - BS & MS in Physics from Texas A&M. NASA Mission Operations Space Shuttle engineer. Website Developer. Managed a weight loss clinic for women. Certified in Corrective Exercise and Personal Training.

Learn more at FitnessAloha.com and 5PhaseFitness.com

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Lisa Holbrook, left, and Beverly Braden Hostess Elaine Rister, center, thanks Suzanne Stephens, right, for enjoy the Assistance League Holiday chairing the Assistance League Holiday Open House at her Bay Open House.

Oaks home in Clear Lake.

IF YOU LIKE to party, the Bay Area is the place to be in December. It starts the first of the month and only lets up when word gets out that shopping days are numbered and that the reindeer are already practicing with Rudolph up at the North Pole.

In between, it’s run, run, run from party to party and catching up on everyone you haven’t seen in awhile. It began early for the Clear Creek Education Foundation, which launched its annual fundraising campaign with a breakfast hosted by Executive Director Kaci Hanson at Lakewood Yacht Club, where H.E.B Regional President Scott McClelland was the keynote speaker. Do I need

in Building Nine. Later you might have spotted many members of the business community at the holiday receptions hosted by the League City and Clear Lake Chambers and by Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

And this year we enjoyed beautiful spring-like weather.

MARY ALYS CHERRY tell you the crowd was disappointed he did not bring J.J. Watt?

Next stop was at UH-Clear Lake’s annual holiday reception hosted by President Bill Staples and his wife, Darlene, at Bay Oaks Country Club and then the Johnson Space Center Director’s Holiday Party, hosted

by JSC Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa

Assistance League members Kathy Panneton, Shirley Lang and Marie Keener, from left, look for a recipe in the League cookbook during Holiday Open House.

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Linda and Einar Goerland join the crowd at the Bay Area Museum Guild Holiday Open House.

THE BAY AREA Museum Guild kicked off probably the busiest week of the month with its annual Holiday Open House, where you could have bumped into Linda and Einar Goerland, Pat and Wendell Wilson, Mary Ann Shallberg, Peggy and Jerry Clause, Anita Fogtman, Cindy and David Kuenneke, Ava and Tony Galt, Sue Broughton, Frank Perez, Gloria Wong, Nina and Robert McGlashan, Jan Larson and Lewis and Joan Wade.

Some of the others in the crowd included Justine and Patrick

Anita Fogtman, left, is happy to see Kim Barker as she mingles with the crowd at the Bay Area Museum Guild Holiday Open House in Clear Lake Park.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Atiya Abouleish, left, and Vicki Tallman were among the many at the Assistance League Holiday Open House.

Powell, Buck Rogers, Barbara and Frank Spencer, Rose Merle and Leo Symmank, Kimberly Barker, Shirley and Hubert Brasseaux, Pat Biddle and her husband, Ronald Kahl, and his daughter Diane, Michelle Krueger, Liz DeLeon, Annette Dwyer and Pat Monks, Laraine Eggers, Sarah Foulds, Nancy Poffenberger and Stephen Vega.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE members were out in force the next day as Elaine Rister hosted the annual Holiday Open House at her Bay Oaks home, with Suzanne Stephens as chairman and Melanie Lovuola as co-chairman.

Among the crowd were President Peggy Clause, Barbara Weitenhagen, Atiya Abouleish, Cathy Wolfe, Vicki Tallman, Shirley Lang, Christina Deane, Marie Keener, Sandra Sellers, Lisa Holbrook, Sharon Dillard,

Jan Larsen, Pat Biddle and Ava Galt, from left, were on hand to welcome the crowd to the Bay Area Museum Guild Holiday Open House at the museum in Clear Lake Park.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Hostess Carole Murphy and Houston Symphony League Bay Area President Jim Moore prepare to welcome the crowd to the group’s Holiday Brunch at the Murphy home in Brook Forest.

Clear Lake Panhellenic Holiday Party hostess Kim Krist, center, welcomes Sheree Frede, left, and Jacqueline Carver at her Bay Oaks home in Clear Lake.

Beverly Braden and Kathy Panneton.

Looking around, you might also have spotted Yvonne Perrin, Joan Burt, Judy Raiford, Suzie Rogers, Pam Culpepper, Amy Wortham, Ginger Darnell, Cathy Wolfe, Brunella Altemus, Hillary Graham, Mary Vaughn, Marie Keener, Belinda Scheunch, Shirley Lang, Becky Richey, Georgia Piwonka, Melanie Lovuola, Jean Simms, Badiha Nassar, Arlis Miles and Betty Walcott.

CLEAR LAKE Panhellenic hostess Kim Krist joined Panhellenic President Kay Lee Benoit in welcoming the crowd to Kim’s Bay Oaks home in Clear Lake for their annual Holiday Brunch, which before long was overflowing with members, including Judie Ferguson, Dana Brown, Karen McCorkle,

Judy Raiford, Kathy Arnold, Peggy Clause, Barbara Dickey and Diane Overman.

Judge Holly Williamson was in the crowd, as were Emmeline Dodd, Ruth Beecher, Monica Gibbs, Jo Nell Hunter, Sheree Frede, Kathy Atkins, Jill Reason, Ellen King, Karen Weber, Sue Ellen Jennings, Kim Barker, Laurie Vaughn, Sue Broughton and dozens more – all enjoying swapping holiday stories with one another or making plans to get together in the new year.

HOUSTON SYMPHONY League Bay Area President Jim Moore joined hostess Carole Murphy in welcoming members to the annual holiday party at Carole’s Brook Forest home.

And, it wasn’t long before her home was overflowing out onto the beautiful inviting back patio, where

Houston Symphony League Bay Area members Bill and Sherry Straight, Betty Geehan and Bill and Anita Knowles, from left, enjoy the gorgeous weather out on the patio at their annual Holiday Brunch.

Barbara Dickey, Kathy Arnold and Kathy Atkins, from left, enjoy the Clear Lake Panhellenic Holiday Party, as did everyone in the overflow crowd.

all were enjoying the delightful spring-like weather – including Bill and Sherry Straight, Betty Geehan and Bill and Anita Knowles, Joan Wade, Vicki Buxton, Jane Lackow and Glenda Toole.

WHILE ALL THIS was going on, there was much, much more. The wee set was partying at the Museum Guild’s Toyland Fantasy at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake, at Breakfast With the Sugar Plum Fairy hosted by Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre at South Shore Harbour Resort and at the Seabrook Rotary’s annual Breakfast With Santa.

Moms also were getting in a lot of early shopping at the Bay Area Turning Point Holiday Market over at NASA’s Gilruth Center, the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Holiday Market at the country club, the Lakewood

Judy Raiford, left, and Sue Ellen Jennings were among the many in the crowd at the Clear Lake Panhellenic Holiday Party.

Yacht Club Ladies Association Feliz Navidad holiday market at the yacht club, the Velvet Stocking at the Webster Civic Center and the various markets hosted by area churches.

And, Interfaith Caring Ministries, celebrating its 30th anniversary, held its biggest fundraiser of the year – the 22nd annual Festival of Trees Gala and Big Band Swing Night at South Shore Harbour Resort with dinner, several guest speakers, a wine pull and live and silent auctions.

Closing out a busy year, many were planning New Year’s Eve parties. Big ones include those at Lakewood and Houston Yacht Clubs and Bay Oaks Country Club for members and their guests. South Shore Harbour Resort is also planning a big New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner with the public invited.

Then we’ll all kick back for a few days and catch our breath.

Vicki Buxton, Jane Lackow and Glenda Toole, from left, ready plans for the Houston Symphony League Bay Area’s annual Home Tour while enjoying the group’s Holiday Brunch.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Johnson Space Center

DIRECTOR’S Holiday Reception Dec. 2, 2015 Astronaut Bill McArthur and his wife, Cindy, were among the many attending the Johnson Space Center Director’s Holiday Reception.

State Rep. Gilbert Pena, right, is given a quick tour of the Space Vehicle Mock-Up Facility, during the Johnson Space Center Holiday Reception by JSC Director of External Relations Mike Kincaid.

Jacobs Senior Vice President and General Manager Lon Miller, right, swaps ideas with Boeing Space Exploration Vice President and General Manager John Elbon, left, and NASA’s Mark Kirasich, who works on the Orion program, during the JSC Director’s Holiday Reception.

NASA Director of Exploration Steve Stich, right, and astronaut Mark Polansky talk about future missions during the Johnson Space Center Director’s Holiday Reception.

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Johnson Space Center Director Dr. Ellen Cohen welcomes State Sen. Larry Taylor, Evan Austin of Councilman Dave Martin’s office, and Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, from left, to the JSC Holiday Reception.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, left, shares a light moment with Bay Tech Director Kim Morris and his wife, Susan, at the Director’s Holiday Reception at the Johnson Space Center.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Johnson Space Center Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

Lorna Onizuka, Dr. Estella Gillette and Cheryl McNair enjoy seeing many old friends during the Johnson Space Center Director’s Reception.

U H C L

HOLIDAY

Party Dec. 2, 2015 Bay Oaks Country Club Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

Mike Wehrman and Verva Densmore at UHCL Holiday Party.

Boeing’s Brian Freedman, left, says hello to Bay Area Houston Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier arrive at Bay Oaks Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell and Jane Noogin at the Country Club for UH-Clear Lake’s annual Holiday Party.

UH-Clear Lake Holiday Party at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Leslie Cummings, left, and Cynthia Bowen look over the crowd at the UHCL Party.

UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Bill Staples and his wife, Darlene, center, join Business Dean Dr. Ted Cummings, left, and Humanities Dean Dr. Rick Short for a photo at the university’s annual holiday party at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Nedra and Ken Gurry, from left, and Shari and John Wilkins chat with Jim Hargrove during the University of Houston-Clear Lake Holiday Party at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Minuteman Press owners Jim and Jane Tom and Michelle Dotter enjoy the university Sweeney join in the merriment at the UH-Clear holiday party.

Lake Holiday Party.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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C L A C C

HOLIDAY

OPEN HOUSE Dec. 17, 2015 Clear Lake Area Chamber Offices Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

Rindy and Marvis Carmichael join the crowd at the Chamber’s Holiday Open House.

Chamber Vice President Shari Sweeney and Chamber Director Jonathan Cottrell, center, swap jokes at the Holiday Open House.

Ginger Gibson, Richard Allen and Olive Riker, from left, share a laugh during the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s Holiday Open House.

Former Chamber President David Ross finds himself surrounded by women, Chamber Director Pierr Castillo, left, stops to say hello to, from left -- Judge Holly Williamson, Marcy Fryday, Ann Hammond and Francy from left, former Chamber Chairmen Jim and Jane Sweeney Phelps -- during the Clear Lake Area Chamber Holiday Open House and and John Collins during the Holiday Open House. appears to be enjoying all the attention.

Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy Harreld and new Chamber Chairman Roy Green, right, welcome attorney Dick Gregg Jr. to the chamber’s annual Holiday Open House.

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Retired CCISD Superintendent Ron McLeod and his wife, Scottie, right, visit with Mark and Karen Keesler at the Chamber’s Holiday Open House.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Melissa Kinney, left, and Janette Alford chat during the chamber’s Holiday Open House.

B A H E P

HOLIDAY

Party Dec. 10, 2015 Lakewood Yacht Club Photography by Mary Alys Cherry Seabrook was well represented at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Holiday Party with Mayor Glenn Royal, left, and former Mayor Bob Robinson in the crowd. Later they were joined by former Mayor Jack Fryday.

Webster City Councilwomen Jennifer Heidt, Andrea Wilson and Beverly Gaines, from left, stop to chat with Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor Duane Bolpa at the BAHEP Holiday Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

League City Mayor Tim Paulissen, right, tells Green Bank Vice President Mike Huss, Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner and Taylor Lake Village City Councilman Bob Davee of his plans to run for Galveston County commissioner during the BAHEP Holiday Party.

Judge Holly Williamson, left, is happy Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, left, to see BAHEP Membership Director welcomes State Rep. Dennis Paul, Houston City Councilman Dave Martin Harriet Lukee at the Holiday Party. and Rick Gornto to BAHEP’s annual Holiday Party.

New Nassau Bay City Manager Jason Reynolds and Assistant City Manager Mary Chambers, center, visit with Clear Creek ISD Trustee Ann Hammond during BAHEP Holiday Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

BAHEP Chairman Vic Pierson and his wife, Janice, join the crowd at the BAHEP Holiday Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

BAHEP Marketing Manager C.A. Shields, right, chats it up with Tom Linklater as he mingles with the crowd during the Holiday Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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colored walls and white ceiling, bring color into the space by painting the ceiling an accent color like yellow, leaving the walls white and adding the yellow into the room with accessories to tie the color back into the space.

Home Sweet Home N e w Y ear , N e w S p ace Create a beautiful functional space that can be enjoyed all year round.

By Cathy Osoria

Think Big Unite living space by using the largest rug that fills the room. Large rugs in small spaces work because too many little ones visually chop up the space. The smaller rugs can be layered creatively on top of each other to create a larger look. A patterned smaller rug can be layered over a larger neutral sisal rug for a new exciting floor treatment. Big also relates to accessories. Larger more noticeable objects work better than a lot of small objects. This makes the space less cluttered so that guests are not overwhelmed visually.

Mix - Don’t Match Everything in a room does not need to be “matchy, matchy.” Make a room more appealing by purposely putting

two different end tables flanking a sofa. Mismatching the end tables works if they are the same scale and height. Mixing makes the room more interesting. Mixing patterns is a great way to change a space. To keep the look cohesive, use patterns from the same color scheme and vary their size and scale. Mix textiles by including velvet, wool, linen and cotton into the space. This adds texture and keeps the room from falling flat. Woods in a room can be mixed also. A dark wood desk can be paired with light wood floors or occasional tables. It would be boring if everything were the same tone and color.

Be Neutral and Add Color If redecorating is done frequently, keep the base neutral in order to let accessories really shine. White or offwhite walls and slipcovers stay the same as new colors can be introduced with pillows and throws. Get creative by layering patterns and bold prints on the warm neutral palette. Change up where color is added. Instead of

This trunk doubles as a side table.

Double Duty Pick furniture that can be placed in multiple spaces. A chair that can be used in the bedroom can also be used in the living room or used to create a cozy corner in the kitchen. A buffet can be used in the bedroom in place of a dresser; in the living room as a television stand; in the living room as a focal piece with art above it; in an entry with a lamp, or in an office as file storage or credenza. A trunk can be storage at the end of a bed or a coffee table. An added cushion can create extra seating or serve as an ottoman. A stand added to the trunk to create height makes it a good side table.

Let Art Inspire You Art can provide the interest and pop of color that completely changes the look of a room. Have fun looking around for local art or get out some paint and a brush and create your own. If for some reason your art piece doesn’t turn out as you had hoped, then just repaint your masterpiece over again. Let those creative juices flow.

Traditional and modern meet.

Mix Mod and Traditional A traditional sofa can be paired with more sleek contemporary chairs.

A room with older furniture can be updated by adding a modern coffee table and accessories. This mix makes the room more interesting and adds a touch of the unexpected. Anchor a room with a traditional rug and accessories, and then juxtapose them with modern art for a fresh feel. Mix styles old and new, formal and casual, neutral and bold to make an inviting and comfortable space.

Drape Your Room

Differing night stands keep the room interesting.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Drapes are often the last adornment added to a room. Drapes not only filter light and create privacy they add character and softness to a space.

By being mounted at the ceiling they visually make a room seem larger and taller and grander.

League City plans Special Election to fill vacancies on City Council

T

he City of League City will conduct a special

election in March to fill two vacancies on the City Council -- for the seats formerly held by Councilman Tommy Cones and Mayor Tim Paulissen.

Cones submitted his resignation Nov. 24, which according to the city’s charter, created a vacancy on the City Council Dec. 7. Paulissen’s resignation was automatically triggered

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Tim Paulissen, right, discusses the upcoming election with Commissioner Ken Clark. He will continue to serve as mayor of League City until a special election is held. Photo by Mary Alys Cherry

under state law and city charter provisions when he recently announced his candidacy for Galveston County commissioner.

Under Texas Constitution, even though the seats are vacant, both Cones and Paulissen can continue to serve until their seats are filled. However, Cones chose to continue to serve until Dec. 6 when he assumed the assistant fire chief post and also become League City fire marshal.

Vacancies occurring on the City Council with an unexpired term of more than 12 months must be filled by a Special Election. Both, Paulissen and Cones have unexpired terms exceeding 12 months.

City Council discussed the process for filling the vacancies during the Dec. 8 meeting and was to consider taking action on a resolution formally calling for the Special Election in March and Run-off Election in April (if necessary).

Residents interested in either position should contact the City Secretary’s Office for additional information.

The NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Rodeo Committee Ranch Hands recently gathered at Space Center Automotive in Clear Lake.

From left Gene Hollier, Karen Keesler, Antia White, Anna Babineaux, Mary Chambers, Bob Deering, Catherine Hess, Todd McIntosh, Emmeline Dodd, Charlie Felts, Marcia Vineyard, Trisha Felts, Carole Barnette and Darryl Krogman.

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Space Center Automotive offers expert repair and service with a personal touch

By Patty Kane

S

pace Center Automotive

has been giving car repair a good name in the Bay Area since 1999. Their success is due to the staff’s dedication

for giving every customer the attention to detail for repairs and maintenance that keeps them coming back and back again.

General Manager Todd McIntosh and his staff actually make having your car repaired and maintaining

your warranty a pleasant, positive experience! The Space Center Automotive team of professionals are experts on servicing any and all makes and models including foreign and domestic cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s, and vintage or classic cars. Fleet services are available for commercial clients.

As Todd says, “Space Center Automotive is a customer friendly facility and we work hard to make your visit as convenient as possible.”

Need to drop your car off after hours or on the weekend? There is a drop box in the front door where you can leave your keys and ample, safe parking for your vehicle. A towing service is available 24/7.

During office hours, a free shuttle service, with a dedicated driver, General Manager Todd McIntosh, left, with service advisers, Brian Vaughan, center and Kerry Rydl, right.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

The lounge gives customers a comfortable place to wait for repairs or maintenance.

can take you home or drop you off at your office. And when your vehicle is ready, the shuttle service will pick you up. Even loaner cars are available. Part of the repair service package is to return your vehicle washed and cleaned inside and out!

If you choose to wait on repairs, there is a comfortable waiting room with TV’s and free Wi-Fi. The expert staff uses state of the art equipment to service and maintain the warranties that meet manufacturer requirements on all makes and models so there is no need to go to the dealership.

They do state inspections and can

“All work is backed by a two year or 24,000 mile guarantee!”

Space Center Automotive’s expansive state-of-the-art shop bay can service all makes & models.

give you information on the new, one sticker law for inspections and license renewal. Certified technicians provide all types of repairs, including but not limited to brake services, oil changes, diesel engine repairs, and glass repairs and replacement. All work is backed by a 2 year or 24,000 mile guarantee!

If you need new tires this is the place to find them. Space Center Automotive has recently partnered with the Michelin Tire Company and is a long time AAA Texas Approved Auto Repair facility. The business has been voted Best of the Bay Auto Repair for many years by readers of

Bay Area Houston Magazine and the Bay Area Citizen newspaper.

The Company is family owned by Todd and Jessica and is conveniently located at 16439 Moonrock in Clear Lake, just off Bay Area Boulevard.

New hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 p.m. For more information on Space Center Automotive services call 281-286-8473. Todd and his friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have about car repairs, maintenance and tires.

You can also visit the Space Center Automotive website at www.spacecenterautomotive.com

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael W. Gos

Dryden, Texas One of the most important traits man possesses is his adaptability. It gives him the strength and power to deal with the everchanging world. This is not a trait unique to man, of course. The entire process of evolution is predicated on species’ abilities to adapt to changes in the environment. In times of drought, when survival for a primitive plant-eating species meant being able to reach tree leaves that weren’t yet eaten, it was the individuals with the longest legs and necks that ate well. Those that

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couldn’t adapt weren’t competitive enough to survive. Since most young animals tend to resemble their parents, the next generation had longer legs and necks. Today, thousands of generations later, we have the giraffe.

But unlike evolution, which is a multi-generational proposition (just ask any rancher trying to develop a new strain of cattle), man’s adaptability works at the micro level.

That is, he is capable of evolving and changing many times over the course of a single lifetime. My father remembered a time when rapid transit meant traveling on horseback.

Then came cars, planes and a Purdue

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

man setting the first foot on the moon. In each case, after just a brief adjustment time, he dealt with these new developments as if they had always been a part of life. I’m not sure he ever gave much thought to the number of changes he’d negotiated in his lifetime. His ability to adapt allowed him, like the tall giraffe, to survive the changing world.

I was driving from Del Rio to Marathon, my first stop on a twoweek trip to the Big Bend area. About mid-way on the drive I realized I was not only low on gas, but I needed

a bathroom break—urgently. I had already passed Comstock and Langtry and it was still a long way to Sanderson. My only hope was Dryden.

Even if you’ve driven this stretch of Highway 90 dozens of times, you may not have noticed Dryden. The “town” consists of a fragment of a convenience store and a couple of small abandoned buildings. It was a going concern from around 1882 till the Depression, at one time having a population over 100. Today it has a population of 13. In fact, the entire population of Terrell County is only 30 and the 2010 census lists the county’s population density as zero persons per square mile. While originally named after an engineer building the railroad that runs alongside the highway, today the name is even more appropriate. It is the “Driest Den” I have ever seen— nothing but rolling sand and gravel piles.

I pulled up to what turned out to be merely a ghost of a store and asked if there was a gas station nearby. The clerk, a not unattractive woman in her early 30s, referred me to Sanderson.

When I asked about a bathroom, I

got the same response. I was starting to feel a bit “unwelcome” because of the terse responses, so I figured I’d get a little more personal. I asked if she lived around there. That did the trick. She said she had been there all her life. Her father was a goat rancher just north of town. Today she and her husband still eek out a living by ranching the land her dad left her but they both need outside jobs to make that happen. He works as a lineman for the electric company, she at the store.

I asked if she had ever thought about moving somewhere a little less “severe,” like maybe Sanderson. She replied, “Oh, it’s not so bad here. You get used to it.”

I would have liked to spend a little more time there talking to her as once she opened up, she seemed to be a rather pleasant woman, but my bladder was calling and it was still 20 miles to Sanderson. I bought a couple of sticks of jerky, thanked her and said my good-byes.

I remember my first summer out of high school. In Gary, Indiana, if you

were going to college, you worked summers in the steel mills. That’s where our fathers worked all their lives. There were no negotiations.

That’s the way it was.

My first day there was far worse than any hell I could have imagined.

In the building I worked, the pickle line, they poured hot oil on very hot steel to prevent rust. It was 120 degrees. Our skin and clothes were constantly covered in the oil vapor that formed the clouds of air we

out of the way. As the crane raised the barrel for the first time, it slowly rotated, shooting a stream of oil across my face as a huge rat ran out from behind the barrel, across my shoe.

I swore I’d never go back. My parents had other ideas. I not only went back the next day, I worked there for four summers and as time went on, it wasn’t so bad. I guess I got used to it.

Later, after graduation, I worked as a district circulation manager for

“You can get used to anything with time... that’s how they get you.” breathed. One thing you could say for the steel mills, they guaranteed you wouldn’t drop out of college.

I was down in a hole under the mill shoveling oil-covered slitter scrap into a barrel. It was a nasty job. When I had filled the barrel with the little pieces of steel, a two-hour job in itself, I was to call on one of the overhead cranes to drop its hook through a hole in the ceiling. It was then my job to attach the hook to the barrel and get

a newspaper. At least four times a year we would have sales drives that included contests to see who could generate the most new customers in their district. The winning district manager always received a nice trip somewhere and a fat expense account.

For some reason, I was never able to spend the entire allotted expense amount in spite of what I thought was lavish spending. And every time when I returned, I was lectured about

the importance of spending ALL the money allotted and told I needed to do better next time.

By the time I got to my fourth year there, the expense accounts for the trips never quite covered my spending—sometimes missing by hundreds of dollars. By the time I realized what had happened, I had developed such bad habits that I “needed” that job just to stay somewhere close to the lifestyle I now demanded.

We can get used to anything over time, be it the steel mills, a lavish lifestyle or life in Dryden. We can do that because we are flexible and learn to flourish in whatever situations we face. That may be one of the strongest and most positive traits of mankind.

But as I learned at the newspaper, that adaptability can also be used as a weapon against you. You can get used to anything with time. And that’s how they get you.

The ability to adapt is absolutely critical to a successful and happy life.

It seems the people who have a strong ability to “roll with the punches” negotiate life in the most positive way. But we must be ever vigilant in evaluating what we are adapting to.

It could just be a trap.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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L A K E W O O D

LADIES ASSOC. HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Dec. 11, 2015 Lakewood Yacht Club Photography by Mary Alys Cherry Alice Marinos, left, and Linda Elting arrive Diane Royal, Barbara Gessner, Marcy Fryday and Trish Weeks, from left, join the crowd with their gifts for the gift exchange at the at the Lakewood Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon.

Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon.

Sherri Romer, Evey Leavens and Leona Pleasants, from left, stop to chat on arrival at the Lakewood Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon.

Ruth Zittrer, right, greets Rita Matthews as she arrives at the Lakewood Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon.

Early arrivals at the Lakewood Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon included Dottie Legendre, Ann Palm, Katy Peeples and Rubye Garrett, from left, who arrived wearing big smiles.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Andrea Todaro, Sue Clements and Marisa Hegyesi, from left, were among several members who joined together to entertain their fellow members with an array of songs.

Rosebud Caradec, left, says hello to Alice Thomas as they join the fun at the Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon.

Rosemary Bettis, Judith Shaw and Leny Foster, from left, mingle with the crowd at the Ladies Association Holiday Luncheon.

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY

BAHM AD

A D VE R TI S E A N D BOO S T Y O U R B U S I N E S S

281-474-5875 | r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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The New Rage: Tiny SUV’s

By Don Armstrong

T

he hottest new vehicles

in the already hot SUV market are subcompacts. In this issue of Bay Area Houston Magazine, we take a look at two of them, one you may be familiar with and the other, an all-new model.

Fiat 500X The 500X is Fiat’s first venture into the crossover SUV market and this may be the one vehicle that will get you into the dealership’s finance office.

The 500X is built on the same platform as the Renegade, a runaway hit for the Jeep brand. And, yes, it really is built in Italy; Melfi, Italy to be exact. This 5-passenger runabout is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Coupled with cool features, available options and toting a 2015 Top Safety Pick+, by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, this baby is set to win your heart.

Looking like a grownup 500C, the “X” boasts similar exterior styling cues. Same for the interior, including a body-colored dash accent that gets a

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lot of positive comments and smiles.

The optional 2.4-liter engine delivers 24-MPG combined. Choose from a manual or 9-speed automatic transmission.

The 2016 Fiat 500X is available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more athletic look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus models feature unique front and rear fascia designs and Satin Silver accents for a distinct, aggressive appearance.

MSRP starts at $20,000.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Nissan Juke Funky has a name: Nissan Juke.

Even with a mild refresh last year, its odd exterior features – namely the headlights and front fascia – really haven’t changed, and that’s a good thing.

That is, if you like weird.

But isn’t that part of the attraction?

The Juke, however, is much more than looks.

“Seats are comfortable and, amazingly, there is room for passengers in the second row.”

Here is another tiny crossover that handles like a sports car, yet can be driven comfortably every day, whether as a commuter car, kid hauler or grocery getter.

The interior is more mild mannered than its exterior; the center stack contains neatly arranged controls for HVAC, entertainment and a touchscreen; the dual gauge instrument cluster hides under

a floating sunshade. Seats are comfortable and, amazingly, there is room for passengers in the second row.

The Juke’s handling is probably the sportiest of all mini-utes. Add the Nismo RS package with 215 horsepower, the little CUV that could, becomes a screaming meme. Even the entry level boasts 188 ponies.

Pricing starts at $20,250.

Building a solid foundation to house your retirement

P

lanning is the key to long-term success in any field. It’s no different in the retirement planning field – the most solid plans (and homes) are built on solid foundations rather than guesses.

At the start of the new year, everyone wants to predict what the market will do for the year. Keep in mind that anyone’s prediction is really just his or her best guess. Is that the type of foundation that you’d like to lay for your retirement home?

Predictions look at numbers and research (at least we hope that they do!). When you invest in a prediction, you are taking a risk on someone’s best guess. Based off the historical data of highs and lows in the market, long-term projection for sustainability is risky business. Wouldn’t you prefer to have an advisor who will help you create a realistic income plan to last as long as your retirement does?

When choosing a financial professional, choose one that treats you like you are more than just a number. You are a person who has worked hard and deserves the best.

True Retirement Planning consists of finding out who you are, what you want and need, and then finding tools to make sure you that you reach your goal.

Your goal may be to travel, spend more time with family, volunteer, start a new business, or simply have more leisure time. Having a solid foundation for retirement income helps you to reach any of these goals.

We always say, “we’re into planning, not predictions.” A quality retirement plan (including taxes, income, and risk) helps lay the foundation to fiercely protect your retirement income so you can live the life that you want. Work with someone whose interest lies in learning about you and your family; educating you about your current situation, and presenting a plan that will help you reach your goals.

The bottom line is that you should enjoy planning with your financial professional so that you can leave their office with a confident smile because you know that you have a solid foundation for your retirement home.

We understand that finding the right advisor for you isn’t easy.

Why delay? Start building a strong foundation for you and your family today.

— Paul and Summer Roberts Roberts Wealth Management

Police close League City game room after probe identifies illegal gaming

By Mary Alys Cherry

T

he 777 Happy Times Game Room in League City has been shut down and three people have been indicted by a Galveston County Grand Jury in connection with its operation.

The three are: Co-owner Kien Quoc Tran, 30, of Houston, who was charged with Money Laundering and with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity; Employee Amanda Gayle Givens, 34, of Santa Fe, who was charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity; Employee Nhut Minh Do, 36, of Houston, also charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

League City Police said the charges were filed after its Community Impact Unit (CIU) received information about an illegal gambling

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operation and investigated. The CIU is a proactive investigative unit that mobilizes for strategic enforcement within the League City community, Matt Maggiolino of the police department explained a press release.

The investigation led to a search warrant of the Game Room at 501 S. Gulf Freeway that was served on Oct. 8 and yielded information for indictments along with significant seizures, police said. The indictments were handed down Nov. 19.

The seizure yielded more than $14,000, 72 eight-liner electronic gaming machines, and numerous electronic devices including computers and tablets, police said.

The 777 Happy Times Game Room remains closed at this time.

This operation was called successful due to the partnership between the LCPD and Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.

(Left) Kaneka North America top Heart Walk sponsors. (Right) Memorial Hermann Southeast’s Rebecca Lilley served as Heart Walk Co-Chair.

Local companies help American Heart Association raise nearly $400,000

C

hilly winds, and an earlier start time, didn’t keep 2,000 participants from hitting the pavement at Kemah Boardwalk to participate in the non-competitive, three mile Bay Area Heart Walk on Saturday, Nov. 14, hosted by the American Heart Association.

The event, chaired by Steve Skarke of Kaneka North America and Rebecca Lilley of Memorial Hermann Southeast, was sponsored by three local

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companies: Hunt & Hunt, LTD., LyondellBasell, and Houston Methodist San Jacinto. A total of $385,145 was raised for the fight against cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Memorial Hermann Southeast came in as the top fundraising company, raising nearly $26,000 for the Heart Walk. Kaneka North America came in second place, while CHI St. Luke’s raised nearly $20,000.

Indira Feustel came in as the Heart Walk’s top

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

individual fundraiser with $20,007 raised.

Houston Methodist St. John, Merrill Lynch, DOW Chemical, Ascend Performance, Kindred Hospital Systems, CHI St. Luke’s Health, ISC Constructors, Lockheed Martin, Kroger, Nestle, and Acadian EMS were also Heart Walk sponsors and Bay Area Houston Magazine and Houston Community Newspapers Bay Area Citizen were the event’s media partners.

Boeing celebrates its centennial anniversary by receiving a proclamation from the city of Houston for contributions to the region’s economy.

Pictured at the ceremony are, from left, Brian Freedman, Boeing State and Local Government Operations; Joy Bryant, Boeing Houston site leader; Houston City Councilman Dave Martin; Boeing Space Exploration Vice President and General Manager John Elbon; Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Darcie Durham, Boeing State and Local Government Operations; and Ken Ulmer, Boeing Space Exploration Communications.

Seabrook expansion impacts its students

T

he newly renovated

and expanded Seabrook Intermediate has provided students more space, abundant sunlight, and another reason to be glad to go to school.

Home of the district’s Science Magnet program, Living Materials Center and approximately 1,000 students, Seabrook Intermediate is one of the smaller intermediate campuses in the Clear Creek School District.

Student enrollment and the popular Science Magnet program forced the district to create a so-called portable city.

Additionally, the cafeteria and library were too small and dark.

Fortunately, a concerned group of community members placed Seabrook Intermediate among the top projects to bring before the community to fund in the 2013 bond program.

The same group of community members, as well as parents and city leaders, got the first glimpse of the newly renovated and expanded Seabrook Intermediate back in November. They heard testimonials from students and teachers on how much their school day has changed for the better now that the $11.8 million project is complete.

“The difference my tax dollars have made at Seabrook Intermediate is compelling. The campus has been very thoughtfully renovated to be more conducive for student learning and teacher preparation,” said Joyce Abbey, a longtime community member.

“As a member of the CCISD Facility Assessment Committee, I greatly appreciated CCISD opening the campus for a tour and being transparent about how our tax dollars are spent. Students and teachers alike seem more energized. Seabrook Intermediate and its students have very bright futures.”

Through bond funding, the portable city was replaced with a permanent addition of seven general classrooms, three science rooms, a food lab, and an art room.

The library, cafeteria, kitchen, and locker room were expanded. The aging and small performing arts stage was replaced. Exterior areas were also improved including bus lanes, track and field area and tennis courts.

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Boeing to mark 100th anniversary

By Mary Alys Cherry

B

oeing, which has been an integral part of the Bay Area community for many years, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

And, as Boeing points out, during the past 100 years, man has gone from walking on Earth to walking

CCISD Bond Program now 50 percent complete

A

lmost three years

into the $367 million bond program approved by voters in May 2013, the Clear Creek ISD Facilities Services Department reports that more than 50 percent of the projects are complete.

“Considering the rainy weather we’ve experienced and the limited contractors available due to a booming Houston construction market, we are pleased to have completed 23 of the 40 projects on our timeline,” said Deputy Superintendent Paul McLarty. “Our project managers and Facilities Services Director are doing a great job making sure contractors are meeting deadlines and producing quality work.”

The scope of the repair and maintenance projects that are finished range from replacing heating and air conditioning

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

on the moon. From riding horses to flying jet airplanes. “With each decade, aviation technology crossed another frontier, and, with each crossing, the world changed,” the aerospace giant, that builds passenger airliners, military aircraft, space capsules and more, points out on its website.

Not only has the company become a force in many fields, it has been part of a rich pioneering legacy in Texas for more than 70 years.

Many will remember its days here as McDonnell Douglas. Today it has more than 4,300 employees in

multiple locations in Texas – both commercial and defense customers in aerospace, electronic fabrications, aircraft maintenance and repair and much more.

Boeing Space Exploration provides support services to NASA at the Johnson Space Center, is the prime contractor for the International Space Station and has been awarded a $4.2 billion contract to develop the next generation of spacecraft, as part of the Commercial Crew Program.

systems to new roofs and alarm systems. Work has been completed at 12 elementary schools including Armand Bayou Elementary, Bay Elementary, Brookwood Elementary, Ferguson Elementary and Greene Elementary School.

The largest bond construction project on an elementary campus is the new McWhirter Elementary School. The $30 million project includes a design that groups classrooms by grade level with common learning areas where students can collaborate and share their work with the school community. Staff and students are expected to move into the new campus in late January 2016.

A major rebuild is underway at Clear Lake High School with completion not expected until November 2018. The $104 million project includes plans that connect the existing Krueger Field House to the main campus and moves the main entrance to the corner of Bay Area Boulevard and Krueger Way. An S-like main corridor is being built to connect existing science labs and the two-story comprehensive high school.

At Clear Creek High School,

work is underway to replace a 1956 section of facility with a new Career and Technical Education wing, fine arts area as well as a new locker room and a third gym. Clear Brook High School is also under construction. The project includes a new school entry, secure vestibule and enclosed front courtyard, additional classrooms and lab space, as well as administrative space.

Renovation work is underway on the auditorium. The school library and the Special Education wing have also been updated.

The CCISD Challenger Columbia Stadium is nearing completion as well. The 10,000-seat stadium features a field house complete with a community events room, a multilevel press box with film deck and student operated media and control room. A rainy spring and summer delayed the new stadium, but it is now on track to open in the spring of 2016.

When the 2013 Bond was approved by more than 70 percent of voters, property taxes were expected to increase 11.25 cents, but the strong economy has kept the increase to just four cents for property owners under the age of 65.

S e ttin g

S ail

The Port of Houston celebrates a year of milestones in 2015

By Rod Evans

D

ecember’s monthly meeting

of the Port of Houston Authority provided all the evidence needed to prove that 2015 was a banner year for the Port.

Port of Houston Authority Chairman Janiece Longoria revealed that the port in early December reached an historic milestone in cargo handling, with more than two million loaded container units being handled on the docks at the Bayport Container Terminal.

Longoria also provided details on the most recent economic impact study that showed that 1.175 million jobs across the state are due to activity stemming from the port and that an additional 148,000 jobs were created by companies doing business at the port.

“The Port of Houston’s economic impacts are essential to the prosperity of our region and our state,” Longoria said.

The study by Martin Associates also revealed that public and private marine terminals at the Port of Houston had a statewide economic impact of $265 billion in 2014, which represents 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product.

POHA Executive Director Roger Guenther reported that the port, led by container operations, handled more than 28 million tons of cargo in 2015, a three percent growth over 2014 figures. He said container facilities handled more than one million loaded containers in 2015, a 12 percent growth compared with the same period a year ago.

cranes they replaced (635 tons each), and at 289 feet tall and with a lift height of 204 feet, they are the largest cranes ever built by South Koreanbased manufacturer Konecranes.

They are part of a $50 million contract approved by the Port Authority in 2013 and are the key pieces in a $700 million renovation of the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals.

The cranes will dramatically increase cargo handling capability and will enable the port to begin handling the larger ships that will be able to pass through the Panama Canal once the $1 billion renovation of the century-old canal is completed in 2016.

Meanwhile, the port commission approved the awarding of a contract to purchase a new Mobile Command Center (MCC) that will include technology that will improve response times in emergency situations.

The command center will be utilized by port safety and security staff during times of bad weather or other emergencies.

The staff can monitor the port remotely from the truck equipped with emergency communication equipment, allowing them to receive video feeds and work alongside U.S. Coast Guard emergency crews.

In November, the commission gave the go ahead to a tariff increase to pay for two new Houston Pilot boats. The Houston Pilots organization proposed the rate increase to pay for the two new vessels that will bring ships in and out of the port. As a result, shipping companies will pay an additional $162 per movement beginning in 2017.

The fee will go toward covering the combined cost of $28 million for the two twin hull boats that pilots say will be more stable, especially in rough waters.

Longoria said even though shipping companies will have to incur the new fee, the general sentiment among company representatives is that the expenditure will be well worth it in the long run and provides another layer of safety as their ships call on port facilities.

“It (the boat purchase) reflects the industry’s need and appreciation for updated pilot boats,” Longoria said.

“The biggest news out of the port this year was the four Super Post-Panamax ship-toshore cranes at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal.”

The port was bolstered by yearto-date operating revenue of $268 million, which Guenther said is a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2014, with net operating income growing by 29 percent. He said officials are determined to maximize the rosy financial picture to ensure the port’s long term success.

“The intent is to reinvest these resources in port infrastructure to sustain and grow our contribution to the region’s economy,” Guenther said.

The biggest news out of the port this year was the four Super PostPanamax ship-to-shore cranes at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal going online in the fall. The first pair of cranes, which arrived in May, officially went into service in early November, with the remaining two going online in early December.

At 1,505 tons, the new cranes are more than twice as heavy as the

New Terminal Planned Officials with Houston-based rail and terminal company USD Group say they are combining forces with Pinto Realty Partners to develop a new terminal along the Houston Ship Channel.

The site, a 988-acre tract along Jacintoport Boulevard, will eventually support rail delivery for hydrocarbons, in addition to storage facilities, and blending and export operations, according to an announcement from the companies The site currently supports rail storage facilities for Burlington Northern, Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. The companies did not divulge the estimated cost of the project or an anticipated timeline.

The Benjamin Franklin will be the largest container ship to visit the U.S. Photo by CMA CGM Group

Other Shipping Industry Notes The United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) reports it loaded what is being hailed as a recordbreaking TEU total on board one of its container ships in December.

According to a Maritime Executive magazine report, UASC officials say the Al Muraukh was loaded with 18,600 TEUs, approximately 200 shy of the ship’s maximum capacity. The ship set sail from Malaysia to the United Kingdom. Shipping industry analysts say the 19,000 TEU mark is likely the limit for now, while concepts being considered for ships with a capacity for as much as 25,000 TEUs are not economically feasible at present, although they are possible from a technical standpoint.

The size of container ships has increased dramatically since the 1970s, as the highest TEU capacity in 1970 was around 3,000. By the late 1990s, Maersk’s “R” class and “S” class ships could hold between 6,000 and 8,000 TEU. Meanwhile, the container ship Benjamin Franklin, delivered in early December by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, was scheduled to call on the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Oakland in late December. At 18,000 TEU and over 1,300 feet in length, it is the largest container ship ever to visit a U.S. port.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area loses two of its most outstanding citizens

By Mary Alys Cherry

T

he Bay Area lost two long-time pillars of the community this fall with the deaths of former University of Houston, UH-Victoria and UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Glenn Goerke and former McDonnell Douglas Vice President and General Manager Charles A. Jacobson Sr., who later came out of retirement to serve another decade as president of the aerospace firm GB Tech.

Goerke, 84, quickly put his Ph.D in Adult and Higher Education from Michigan State to work for a diverse career of administrative and academic leadership roles in Florida, Michigan, Rhode Island and Indiana before joining the University of Houston.

He had the unique experience of being directly involved in the creation and development of a new state university, Florida International University in Miami before serving as vice president for academic affairs and provost for FIU’s North Campus.

He became dean at the University of Rhode Island and then chancellor of Indiana University East before joining the University of Houston System at UH-Victoria in 1981 for a 16-year run that included the presidencies of the three UH campuses.

After a number of award-winning initiatives at both UH-Victoria and UHCL, he became UH’s 10th president in 1995, and launched a massive facilities project to address more than 1,600 campus renovation and upgrading needs, with his leadership resulting in enrollment growth, increased funding, record levels of donations and a complete revamping of the school’s enrollment management, financial affairs, communications and computer information

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systems. Recently, he founded the veterans’ support group, BAHEP Cares, through the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in which returning veterans are mentored by local senior executives to assist them in both life and job placement.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce, three children and seven grandchildren.

Jacobson, 90, widely known for his service to the community, and named one of the 10 Most Powerful People in the Clear Lake area, helped shape many Bay Area Houston organizations by serving on their boards or as chairman. Among them, the Clear Lake Area Chamber, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation, Houston Science and Engineering Fair, Space Center Rotary Endowment Foundation, Clear Lake Symphony, the Lunar Rendezvous Festival, South Shore Harbour Country Club, United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, YMCA, March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Boy Scouts of America and the University of Houston Development and Advisory Council.

Noting the area’s growing transportation problems, the Iowa State aeronautical engineering graduate founded the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. He also served as president of Space Center Rotary and chairman of its annual Shrimporee, as king of the 1992 Lunar Rendezvous Festival and was an honoree at the Bay Area Turning Point’s 1998 Men and Women of Heart Gala.

Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marge, the World War II Navy pilot and retired naval lieutenant commander is survived by five children nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

From Sicily to Houston Methodist St. John – the Magliolo family history of health care

By Susan Neuhalfen “My dad always taught me to take care of people the way you take care of your family,” explains Dr. Mike Magliolo. Though new to the Houston Methodist St. John Hospital team, Dr. Mike (as he is called by his patients) is a well-known gynecologist in the Bay Area who just happens to know a thing or two about family.

A second-generation American doctor, Dr. Mike comes from a long tradition of family health care. His father and four uncles were all doctors in practice before he joined them in 1980. It’s hard to believe that such a rich history of medicine started

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in a humble barbershop in Sicily before the turn of the century.

Dr. Mike’s grandfather, Andrew Magliolo, began work as a barber in Sicily at age nine by standing on a box crate to cut hair. At that time, people would visit a barber to have their teeth pulled, wounds sutured and other minor medical procedures done. Andrew dreamed of owning his own barbershop and in 1905, he boarded a steamer ship to Galveston with the $50 he saved and the promise of a job.

When he arrived in Galveston, he knew only two words in English:

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

“thank you.” He began working in a barbershop and learning his new language. His boss at the barbershop soon became his brother-in-law and before long, Andrew started his own family and his own barbershop on the corner of 25th and The Strand in the Panama Hotel in Galveston.

Andrew and his wife had seven children, two girls and five boys.

Four boys graduated from UTMB medical school. Dr. Mike followed in their footsteps, graduating from UTMB Medical School in 1976. The fifth son chose a dental health career and graduated from UT dental school. Only Dr. Joe, the oldest, was spared from WWII as he was the only doctor in Dickinson and considered essential to the community. All of the other boys were drafted and served their country. They all returned home safely and together opened the Magliolo Clinic in Dickinson.

Dr. Mike followed in his father’s footsteps and became the second obstetrician-gynecologist in the office.

Debbie Davila, Dr. Mike’s office manager, has enjoyed seeing the many generations of moms, daughters and now granddaughters that have come through for care.

“Many of his father’s patients are now grandparents and greatgrandparents,” said Davila, remembering Dr. Amy’s legacy (short for Amedeo). “We’ve gotten to see many generations of babies delivered here so the patients are like extended family to us.”

Dr. Mike married his high school sweetheart, Diane Dues, whom he’d known since he was 2-years-old. One of his favorite stories is when Diane’s mother went into labor while giving a baby shower for another one of Dr. Mike’s family members. She drove herself to the clinic where Dr. Mike’s dad, Dr. Amy, met her. As this was

her fifth child he knew the delivery wouldn’t take long. He drove her directly to the hospital to deliver the baby.

“Her husband (Diane’s dad) owned a service station and had to find someone to open the shop for him so he couldn’t come right away,” recalled Dr. Mike. “So dad drove her to Galveston County Memorial Hospital, which is now Mainland Medical Center, and delivered Diane’s little sister, Julie.”

Back in those days insurance wasn’t required and patients didn’t always have the cash, so the Magliolo’s were used to bartering as a form of payment. Mr. Dues paid Dr. Amy with a set of new tires for safely delivering his baby girl. To this day, Julie DuesMasters is the longest running mayor of Dickinson, but Dr. Mike and Diane like to humble her by reminding her of her beginnings.

“When she gets out of line we like to remind her she’s just worth a set of tires to us,” laughs her older sister Diane.

Dr. Mike and Diane have two grown boys. Corey lives in Dickinson and is a financial advisor and Paddy owns his own meat processing company in Schulenburg. When asked if he’s disappointed that his boys didn’t go into medicine, Dr. Mike was quick to answer.

“They both love what they do, just as I do,” Dr. Mike said. “Honestly, I couldn’t be any more proud of my children.”

He is also glad that both of his children have continued the Magliolo tradition of involvement and support for their communities.

“It’s important that people in a community are there for each other,” said Dr. Mike.

It’s a family thing.

JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Memorial Hermann Announces Plans for League City Convenient Care Center are operational in Summer Creek, Pearland, South Katy and Sienna Plantation, and facilities currently or soon to be under construction in Cypress, Spring, Kingwood and Greater Heights. emorial Hermann is “We want to be sure we are not just expanding into the Bay meeting the needs of the community, Area with plans to open we want to exceed the needs of its ninth Convenient Care the community,” says Jim Brown, Center in League City -- a nearly senior vice president and CEO of 47,000 square-foot medical facility ambulatory services at Memorial that will be the largest of its kind for Hermann. “The Convenient Care Memorial Hermann.

Center in League City will bring a Memorial Hermann Convenient new level of healthcare to the area Care Center in League City will be from the Memorial Hermann name built in Pinnacle Park, a 100-acre many have grown to trust.” mixed use town center development.

“We are excited to have Memorial The new facility will be a free Hermann expanding its standing 24-hour services in League City,” emergency department says League City Mayor “Construction that offers on-site Tim Paulissen. “Our on the imaging and lab community is growing services. Other Convenient rapidly and we are components will include Care Center in eager to have Memorial a breast center, physical Hermann grow with us League City therapy and a multito meet the needs of our specialty care clinic. community.” is expected In addition, adult Construction on to begin in and primary care the Convenient Care the summer services from Memorial Center in League City Hermann Medical of 2016 and is is expected to begin Group physicians will the summer of scheduled for in be available. These 2016 and is scheduled unique services, all in completion in for completion in one location, take the the summer of 2017. the summer stress out of scheduling Pinnacle Alliance Fund, of 2017.” appointments.

Inc. is developing “The Convenient Pinnacle Park, which Care Center provides will also be home to the convenient, walk-up access to a Houston area’s first Cabela’s store, wide variety of high quality services currently under construction just offered through Memorial Hermann north of where the Convenient Care -- from emergency care to primary Center will be located. care,” says Kyle Price, Memorial Construction of the Convenient Hermann senior vice president Care Center is part of Memorial and CEO of Memorial Hermann Hermann’s strategic growth initiative, Southeast Hospital. “If a patient at the Breaking New Ground. Through Convenient Care Center is evaluated ongoing construction projects in some and it’s determined they need an of the fastest growing areas of the even higher level of care, they can region Memorial Hermann is working be quickly and easily transferred to to fulfill its mission of “advancing Memorial Hermann Southeast.” health” in the communities it serves.

The Convenient Care Center is modeled after sister facilities that

M

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JANUARY 2016 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BAYTRAN Holiday Party

BayTran President Barbara Koslov talks with Pearland City Manager Clay Pearson and Deputy City Manager Jon Branson at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership Holiday Party at Grazia’s in Pearland.

John Martinec, center, welcomes State Sen. Larry Taylor, left, and Ron Sievers of Judge Ed Emmett’s office as they arrive at Grazia’s in Pearland for the BayTran Holiday Party.

Karen Coglianese, left, is happy to see Lauren Laake, chief of staff to Houston City Councilman Dave Martin, at the BayTran Holiday Party.

UH-Clear Lake ranked in U.S. News Best Colleges list For the first time in its 40-year history, University of Houston-Clear Lake has been listed in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The ranking in the Best Regional Universities in the West marks a major milestone for the university, which became a four-year university in fall 2014 by adding freshman and sophomore course work to its roster.

“UHCL is proud to make this university-level list for the first time,” says UHCL President William A. Staples. “This recognition provides validation that we are moving in the right direction as a student-centered, partnership-oriented, communityminded university.”

Although this is the first time for the institution to make the university-level list, other specific academic degree programs have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report. Most recently in 2014, the UHCL School of Business online Master of Business Administration program was ranked in the Best Online MBA Programs list.

NEWS NUGGETS

South Shore Harbour plans renovation.

SSH Resort plans major renovation South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, the largest fullservice waterside resort hotel and conference center in Southeast Texas, is planning a major multi-million dollar renovation, themed “A new look. A new experience.,” that will energize the iconic hotel with a compelling, contemporary design and enhanced guest experiences.

Highlights include a chic marinaside pool and deck, a re-appointed restaurant that features local flavors, 238 freshly designed guest rooms and two multi-level penthouses, new welcoming exterior appointments and a lobby bar with panoramic views of the water, as well as a new upgraded air conditioning system and LED energy-efficient lighting. The resort hotel and 25,000 square-foot conference center will remain open during the staged renovation, which

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is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2016.

“Our ‘new look, new experience’ conversations are already capturing the attention of local, state and regional meeting planners who appreciate what 25,000 square feet of flexible conference space, a unique waterside setting and a convenient location between Houston and Galveston can mean for them and their attendees,” said Roy Green, general manager of South Shore Harbour Resort.

Ellington gets $3 million grant The Houston Airport System has been awarded a $3.1 million state grant to assist in building a new air traffic control tower at Ellington Airport.

The Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant will help cover the cost of designing and constructing the new tower -- $2 million of the construction cost and $1 million for equipping the facility. The final estimated cost of the project is more than $7 million.

The current tower at Ellington was built in the mid-1950s and sustained structural damage in 2008 during Hurricane Ike. Engineers determined it would not be cost effective to repair the current tower and, while emergency repairs were made, the existing tower still is vulnerable and cannot likely sustain the impact of

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

future storm force winds.

Without an operating control tower, the continuation of all Ellington Joint Reserve Base military and aviation missions, and all other general aviation activities, will be in question.

The Ellington Joint Reserve Base is utilized by the Texas Air National Guard, Texas Army National Guard and the Coast Guard.

Dr. Kirk Lewis Citizen of Year Pasadena ISD superintendent of schools Dr. Kirk Lewis was named 2015 Citizen of the Year at the 75th annual Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Gala.

The award has been presented annually since 1967 to a community member who exhibits a level of dedication and contribution to the City of Pasadena above and beyond the call of duty. Pasadena ISD board president and 2014 Pasadena Citizen of the Year Mariselle Quijano presented the award.

“He is a wonderful man and business man,” Quijano said. “He is loved and respected by everyone that comes in contact with him and has a faith stronger than many people I know and that shines in his actions.

I am proud to have him as a friend and even prouder to serve on the board of trustees alongside him. He is so deserving of the Pasadena Citizen of the Year Award and more for all he does for our community.”

JSC building new Heat, Power Plant Johnson Space Center recently held the groundbreaking for a new Combined Heat and Power Plant which will generate 11.7 MW of power, 100,000 lbs/hr of steam and up to 6,000 tons of chilled water.

The project will help the center improve energy security and reliability with self-generated power and will go online in about 18 months.

Ronnie Richards named to board Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Ronald M. “Ronnie” Richards of Clear Lake Shores for a term set to expire Jan. 31, 2017 to the Manufactured Housing Board, which regulates the manufactured housing industry in Texas.

Richards, co-owner of Butler’s Courtyard, a wedding and reception venue in League City’s Historic District, retired after a 45-year career as vice president of marketing for American Homestar Corp.

He is president of the Clear Lake Shores Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors and serves on the League City Hotel Occupancy Tax Advisory Board.

Additionally, he is active in the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce and is past president of the League City Historical Society.

Richards received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston.

CLEAR LAKE Space capsule Jan. 7 topic.

Boeing’s CST-100 space capsule will be Mark Mulqueen’s topic for the Visions in our Midst Speakers Series in UH-Clear Lake’s Garden Room Thursday, Jan. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Mulqueen is Boeing’s Space Station program manager.

BayTran to hear mayor Jan. 20. Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough will be the speaker for the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Cullen’s Upscale Grille on Space Center Boulevard.

Rodeo Style Show Jan. 22. The NASA-Clear LakeFriendswood Go Texan Committee will host its 50th anniversary Rodeo Style Show Friday, Jan. 22, starting at 11 a.m. at NASA’s Gilruth Center on Space Center Boulevard. For tickets, which are $100 each, call Emmeline Dodd, 832-570-9878.

Quasar Banquet Jan. 29.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will honor Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith at its annual Quasar Banquet, which starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom.

Gardeners meet Feb. 3.

“Delightful Daylilies” will be the topic when Gardeners by the Bay meet at 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 3, at University Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Drive.

Meeting begins at 9:30 AM. (Enter the north door, main

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Morrow giving headline performances.

entrance and look for the direction sign.) For questions call Marjorie 281-474-5051.

KEMAH

CLEAR LAKE SHORES

Krewe du Lac fun continues.

Krewe du Lac will begin its Yachty Gras 2016 celebration Friday, Jan. 8 with a 7 p.m.

Kickoff Party at Bakkhus, followed by the King’s Cake Party at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10 at T-Bone Tom’s, the Krewe du Lac Royal Ball at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 23, at Landry’s on the Kemah Boardwalk and the Yachty Gras Boat Parade, which sets sail at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30.

Farmers Market open Saturdays. The Clear Lake Shores Farmers Market at 1020 Marina Bay Drive in Clear Lake Shores is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is a nonprofit outlet for locally grown fruit, vegetables and other homemade products.

DICKINSON New Playhouse drama Jan. 8. The Bay Area Harbour Playhouse will present Proof Friday, Jan. 8, through Sunday, Jan. 31, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281-337-7469 or email bareahp@comcast. net

GALVESTON It’s Mardi Gras time Jan. 29.

Texas’ biggest Mardi Gras celebration, Galveston Mardi Gras, starts Thursday, Jan. 29 and continues through Friday, Feb. 6, with rock band and country music star Cory

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JANUARY 2016

Boat Parade Feb. 13. The 54th Annual Christmas Boat Parade – canceled by misbehaving December weather – is alive and well and will set sail at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13, with a new name for this year: Cupid’s Christmas Boat Lane Parade, and presented by the City of Kemah.

LEAGUE CITY Rodeo Gala Jan. 9. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston Metro Go Texan Committee Galveston/ Mainland Subcommittee, will host its 2016 dinner dance Saturday, Jan. 9. The fun-filled “Boots Chaps & Cowboy Hats” Gala will be held at Walter Hall Park, 807 Highway 3 North,

League City, from 6:30 -11:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple, and includes dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions and entertainment by the Junior Gordon Band. Attire is western casual. For tickets, contact Andrea Clements at 409-739-1433.

NASSAU BAY Garden club meets Jan. 12.

Nassau Bay Garden Club members will learn how to Plant for Extreme Heat and Cold when they meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Nassau Bay City Hall.

Mystery opens Jan. 15. The Clear Creek Community Theatre will present Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero, Friday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 31 with performances at 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281-335-5228.

PASADENA Dr. Kirk Lewis Celebration.

The celebration honoring retiring Pasadena School Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis will be Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Dr. Kirk Lewis Career & Technical High School, 1348 Genoa-Red Bluff.

Comedy at Little Theatre.

Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen-Genoa Road, will present The Cemetery Club Friday, Jan. 22, through Sunday, Feb. 7, with curtains at 8 p.m. and Thursday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.

For reservations, call 713941-1758 or reserve on line at www.pasadenalittletheatre. org/

PEARLAND Chamber banquet Jan. 22. The Pearland Chamber will hold its annual awards banquet – “Back to the Future” -- from 6 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2320 Hatfield Road. For reservations, contact Cheryl Kepp, 281-485-3634.

SEABROOK LYC Ladies lunch Jan. 15.

The Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association members will install the 2016 officers at their 11:30 a.m. installation luncheon at the club.

TEXAS CITY Musical spoof at COM Jan. 28. The Community Theatre at College of the Mainland will present the hilarious musical spoof, Nunsense, Thursday, Jan. 28, through Sunday, Feb. 14, with performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m.

Sundays. Tickets range in price from $11 to $23. For reservations, call 1-888-2588859, ext. 8345.