Bay Area Houston Magazine December 2015

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

December 2015 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

Bay Area Holiday Events 2016 Toyota Tacoma ‘Be The Astronaut’ Exhibit

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ORTHOPEDIC

Leaders.

Innovators.

Pioneers.

Serving the Bay Area for Over 20 Years.

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D E C E M B E R

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features

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ON THE COVER The physicians of All American Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute: Dr. M. Shaun Holt, from left, Dr. Jeffrey Jaglowski and Dr. Matthew Higgs.

Photo by Brian Stewart

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President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Executive Vice President Patty Kane Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan

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

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Administration Lillian Harmon Tammy Lipsey 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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2016 Quasar Award

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Dentistry finally has all the pieces!

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Find your new home here

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Former Kemah mayor Bill King in race runoff

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Serving the Bay Area for over 20 years

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For a holly jolly Christmas

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Co-founder of Bridge Strategies, Carlos Paz Jr.

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2015 recap and board of directors announced

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Education foundation honors 10

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Hospital named top performer

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Giant cranes open for business at Barbours Cut Terminal

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Studies looking at storm surge protection

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Pasadena ISD picks new superintendent

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Assistance League honors volunteers

Dental Health Homes for the Holidays!

Houston Mayoral Race All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute Shop and Dine in the Bay Area Young Professional Profile Economic Alliance Houston Port Region CCEF 2015 Gala Business Buzz Maritime & Petrochemical Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership News Nuggets Assistance League of the Bay Area

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Eckels updates Rotarians

High Speed Rail to Dallas

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Photography from the Shrimporee

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Photography from International Signature Bistro

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Bay Area Houston holiday events

Space Center Rotary’s 42nd Annual Shrimporee Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party Main Events

columns

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart Distribution Shinkle Distribution

BAHEP to honor Dr. Greg Smith

50 Aerospace

Come be an astronaut, NASA says

Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Shannon Alexander Alex Brett Debbie Salisbury Becky Sheehy

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

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Chris Reed

Movers & Shakers

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A little bit western and a little bit fancy

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New Year’s celebrations

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Generation gaps

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Galveston Bay winter fishing

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Truck wars: 2016 Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon

Clear Lake Chatter Home Sweet Home Texas Meditations The Admiral’s Log In Wheel Time

52 CLICK!

21st Annual Oak Tree Festival

BAHEP to honor Dr. Greg Smith as 2016 Quasar Award Recipient

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By Kathryn Paradis

A

well-educated workforce is one of the cornerstones of sound economic development. In recognition of this, the leadership of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has selected Dr. Greg Smith, superintendent of Clear Creek Independent School District, as its recipient of the 2016 Quasar Award for Exceptional Leadership in Economic Development.

“Those who know Greg Smith see how committed he is to the students of Clear Creek ISD. We are honored to recognize him for his long service to our schools, our children, and our community,” BAHEP President Bob Mitchell said.

The Quasar Award is presented each year to an outstanding individual who has contributed greatly to the economic wealth and diversity of the Bay Area Houston region. Since 2008, Dr. Smith has led the Clear Creek ISD and its more than 41,000 students and 5,000 staff members.

Under his guidance, student performance has increased in all state indicators, as well as college entrance exams. Today, Clear Creek ISD is considered one of the largest high performing school districts in Texas.

Dr. Smith was named the Superintendent of the Year in 2012 by the Texas Association of School Boards, the Top Administrator by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association and the Superintendent of the Year by the Texas PTA, both in 2013.

Prior to joining CCISD, he served as superintendent of the Alvin School District for seven years. Dr. Smith began his education career in 1981 as an elementary/middle school teacher in Houston ISD. In 1985 he moved south to Galveston ISD, where he served as assistant principal at Austin Intermediate and later as principal at Ball High School before becoming principal of Pearland High School in the Pearland School District.

In 1996 Dr. Smith joined central administration at Clear Creek ISD as an executive director for the Clear Lake Cluster, and in1998, he was named deputy superintendent of Pearland ISD. Dr. Smith earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University, Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and his Doctorate in Education Administration from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Kathy, are the parents of two daughters.

The Quasar Award will be presented to Dr. Smith during BAHEP’s Annual Quasar Award

Voting for the Best of the Bay Awards begins in January As WE CLOSE OUT THIS GREAT YEAR, 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 begins in January 2016 at BayAreaHoustonMag.com.

THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES

Banquet Jan. 29 at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Prior recipients of BAHEP’s Quasar Award include: Texas Gov. Ann Richards, 1994; U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, 1995; U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 1996; U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, 1997; Johnson Space Center Director George W.S. Abbey, 1998; Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough, 1999; Robert L. Moody Sr., 2000; Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown, 2001; Harris County Commissioner Jim Fonteno, 2002; House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, 2003; Harris County Commissioner Sylvia R. Garcia, 2004; Dr. John Stobo, president of the UTMB at Galveston, 2005; Houston Mayor Bill White, 2006; NASA administrator Dr. Michael Griffin, 2007; Dr. William A. Staples, president of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2008; Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats, 2009; Texas State Rep. Craig Eiland, 2010; U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 2011; U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, 2012, Fred B. Griffin, owner and co-chairman, Griffin Partners, 2013; and UH President Dr. Rena Khator, 2014.

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

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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 in January at www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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he did not have to deal with those dreadful partial dentures.

Most self-respecting dentists he visited refused to do so and advised against it, but he was determined. Finally, he found a rookie dentist who agreed to bridge his teeth together. Make a long story short, he lost the remaining few teeth in his mouth less than two years later and dentures became his only option.

By age 9, I was beginning to recognize my dad wasn’t enjoying his dinners or other meals as much. I clearly remember how frustrating it was for him to eat a basic steak dinner or even salad. My mom started fixing his meal differently.

She gave him a lot of soft and starchy food or blended some of his other favorite foods. I use to feel so bad for him. It made dinner time far more stressful and tense. He sometimes would ask my sister and me to describe the taste of a certain food to him.

Those were tough days in our family. I wondered why no one could fix my dad’s teeth. How hard can it be? I then began to notice other family members, like my uncle, and grandfather with false teeth. My dad’s teeth issues in a way took over our dinner time and sucked the fun out of most nights. It also made me fearful of losing my teeth when I grew up.

Fast forward 15 years, I decided to become a dentist in the hope to save my teeth and fix

Dentistry finally has all the pieces!

T

he holiday season is upon us once again. Traditionally, around this time of year I reflect back at the year and look for things learned or achieved.

However, this year (2015) was more special. Let me explain.

My first brush with dental issues came when I was only 8 or 9. It wasn’t really about me or my mouth. My childhood dental life was rather normal. A decay here and there but nothing debilitating or painful. My dad, however was another story. By the time I was in grade school, he had spent many hours on the dentist’s chair and was in the process of losing most of his teeth. He did not go down without a fight. He switched dentists several times. Each did what they could to delay the obvious, but his fate appeared sealed. Fillings became larger fillings, large fillings became root canals and crowns and eventually were extracted one by one and were replaced with fixed dental bridges.

As he lost more teeth, he gave removable partial dentures a try, but he absolutely could not eat with them. I remember he used to keep his teeth in his shirt pocket, which made my mom really mad. He only wore them to talk to people and socialize. In an attempt to find peaceful coexistence with removable teeth, he searched the town for the most experienced and best dentist he could find. He thought maybe his last set did not work because the dentist wasn’t that good. Unfortunately, partial number 2 or 3 were not tolerable either.

He looked for a dentist who would agree to bridge his few remaining teeth together so

“The process is extremely simple and painless.” my dad’s dental nightmare. While in dental school, I was surprised that we were learning half century old technology and techniques that failed my dad. We still had to do complicated root canals (which we were told are not 100 percent predictable) and our patients had to suffer the recovery pain and be warned that they still may lose the tooth they just root canaled. We were still grinding healthy teeth to connect them together. We were still pulling teeth, even though we knew without the tooth, the bone will shrink and go away soon. We were still taking our patient down the same path that failed my dad.

How could it be? I desperately searched for anything new and different. In 1993, I was introduced to dental implants and a light bulb went off in my head. I knew the weakest link of the oral chain is carious prone -- and -- very brittle natural teeth. Unfortunately dental implant technology was in its infancy then. Many issues such as preservation and

regeneration of supporting jawbone and keratinized gingiva were not addressed. Dental Implants, similar to natural teeth, needed to be submerged in the jawbone and covered by healthy gums. I knew in order to utilize dental implants for all kinds of patients (not just those who recently lost a tooth), I had to learn to regenerate bone and tissue. That journey sent me to four years of Oral-Maxillofacial training at NYU. In 2003, I finally had all the pieces together – except -- the regeneration process was rather complicated and required several surgeries with painful recovery.

Last year I learned about a new technology called biologically active concentrated growth factor Fibrin and Leukocyte (CGF). This technology has been in use in orthopedic surgery for a few years and has been very effective. It allows a surgeon to obtain all the growth factors and proteins that are needed to regenerate bone and tissue directly from a patient’s own blood.

We no longer have to harvest a patient’s jawbone or tissue from a separate donor site – or – use cadaver (biologically dead) bone or tissue.

The process is extremely simple and painless.

It speeds up regeneration and the healing process and eliminates the need for multi-site or multiple surgeries. It also eliminates the need to manipulate the tissue, which usually requires longer and more symptomatic healing.

Fast forward to 2015, we now can replace a hopeless or failed tooth with a dental implant and regenerate the site using the patient’s own biologically active growth factors with a dental implant all on the same day while the patient is fully asleep. This procedure is highly predictable and painless. Recovery is simple and most of my patients don’t even need to use a single pain killer. I am proud to say, in 2015 Dentistry finally put all the pieces together to make your dental trouble a thing of the past. The journey that started half a century ago finally was accomplished. My dad died before I was able to fix his dental problem but -- in his memory -- I have restored thousands of my patients’ mouths to ideal and ended their eating and smiling nightmare.

To learn more about this amazing technology and see how easily natural teeth can be replaced with dental implants for life, please contact my office at 281-332-4700 for a complimentary consultation. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

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.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Chris Reed

Occupation: Nassau Bay city manager

Hometown: Princeton, Ind.

Current home: Nassau Bay Family: Wife of 25 years Jana; daughters, Logan 22, Alexis 14; and son, Chase 15

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Dana White

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: President of the United States

My favorite performers are: My daughter, Alexis

You’ll never catch me: Climbing a ladder

I like to spend my leisure time: Coaching, hunting

My favorite writer is: Sun Tzu

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Panama, the most beautiful place in the world

Someone I’d like to meet: Lou Holtz

My favorite meal is: Fried chicken

The thing that bugs me the most is: Voicemail My favorite movie is: (tie) Rudy and Vision Quest Few people know: I do Hydrographic Printing as a hobby

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital Salute to Veterans

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Houston Methodist St. John Hospital hosted a reception honoring veterans and their families and reminded veterans that they are always welcome at St. John. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital is the only hospital in Bay Area Houston that cares for US Family Health Plan members. USFHP is a Department of Defense-sponsored military health care plan for retired military and their eligible family members.

1. Vietnam veterans, from left, Steve Monroe and Cleveland Walters with Houston Methodist St. John Hospital CEO Dan Newman.

2. Veteran Frank Ryan (center) with wife Hazel, daughter Holly Matthews and Lance Carrig.

Clear Creek grad named top USA golf instructor Claude (C.H.) Harmon III, of the Floridian Golf Club in Palm City, Fla., was recently recognized as one of the best instructors in the country by Golf Digest. Harmon was listed 23rd in the November 2015 issue’s feature of the 50 Best Teachers in America. Claude graduated from Clear Creek High School in 1987.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

3. Veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan gathered to share stories and friendship in the lobby at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

Bay Area Pet Adoptions No-Kill Shelter Meet Penelope, a five-year-old yellow Lab mix with all the energy you expect from a Lab and the most beautiful Betty Davis eyes. Penny loves raw hide chews, toys (particularly stuffed animals), and a good dip in the pool almost as much as she loves human attention. This sweet girl attends Saturday morning social park but is particular about her friends and tends to guard her toys. She would do best as an only pet.

Check out all the deserving dogs and cats available for adoption at www. bayareapetadoptions.org or visit the facility at 3000 Avenue R, San Leon.

Iconic ladies boutique in Seabrook transfers ownership

B

ack Bay Boutique has been a landmark on what is now Main Street in Old Seabrook for the past 20 plus years. The new owner wants to continue the shop’s tradition of offering the same great fashions that made the shop so successful but with a personal touch of her own.

Lisa Maxson Finklea, a native of the Bay Area, was a customer at Back Bay Boutique. When she became aware the shop was for sale she “jumped at the chance” to buy it. As Lisa said, “On my first visit to the boutique I fell in love with the vintage building where the shop is located, the history associated with it, the quaint surroundings on Main Street and Seabrook in general.”

Lisa has a natural sense of fashion and enjoys all the aspects of owning a boutique that caters to women of all sizes and ages.

You can literally dress yourself for any occasion with the fashions and accessories available at Back Bay Boutique. There are clothes for office,

leisure, after five, jeans of course, and items with a western flair. Whether your taste is conservative or bling, you will find something you’ll love to wear over and over again.

Lisa has everything from gloves, scarves, jewelry and belts to complete your outfit. Some of the brands she carries are Clara S, Mesmerize, Lynn Richie and Nic+Zoe, to name a few.

The shop will have extended hours during the Christmas season.

Holiday hours are Monday to Thursday 10 to 6, Friday and Saturday 10 to 5, and Sunday 12 to 4.

If you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a special gift, Back Bay Boutique at 1409 Main St. in Old Seabrook is the place for you. You can contact the shop at 281-291-7379.

Be sure and make Back Bay Boutique the place to go for all your fashion needs through out the holidays and the New Year.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Gala Co-Chairmen Melissa McKinnie, left, and Lea Bodie prepare to welcome the crowd to the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Gala.

Russ and Mary Colombo, left, and Carlene and Glenn Langford are all smiles as they look over the crowd at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Night in Paris . . . Texas at the country club.

Marty and Martha Kaminsky share a light moment at the reception preceding BOWA’s Night in Paris . . .

Texas Gala.

Suzy and Tog Rogers make their way through the crowd at the Night in Paris . . . Texas Gala at Bay Oaks Country Club.

A little bit western and a little bit fancy LOOKING AROUND at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Gala Nov. 14, you might have thought there’d been a mix-up. Some came in evening gowns and tuxedos….others dressed western as if ready to rodeo.

How could this be?

Turns out that’s the way CoChairmen Lea Bodie and Melissa McKinnie expected everyone to dress when they sent out invitations to A Night in Paris . . . Texas. Take your pick – black tie or western.

And, that’s exactly what everyone did, which made for a fun evening. A few even combined the two. Carlene Langford topped off her lovely gown

MARY ALYS CHERRY with a red cowgirl hat to match hubby Glenn’s pretty red western tie and Santiago Mendoza, who came with his wife, Cindy Villarreal, was one of several who mixed the two themes, wearing a tuxedo, western vest and Stetson.

Much to the delight of BOWA

Jennifer and Richard Simmons, left, and Tonya and Craig Moody enjoy the Night in Paris . . . Texas champagne reception hosted by the Bay Oaks Women’s Association at the country club.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

President Sue Broughton, who came with Elton Johnson; Dana and Nelson Brown, Suzy and Tog Rogers, Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier, Russ and Mary Colombo, Sharon and Dr. Howard Dillard, Bill and Carol Bobo, Karen and Will Reed, and Judy and Bob Raiford.

Looking around at all the happy faces at the champagne reception, you probably would have spotted Dan and Joan Burt, just back from Europe; Pat Monks and his wife, Annette Dwyer; Marty and Martha Kaminsky, Mark and Jenny Frantz, Angela and Darrell Bivens, Tonya and Craig Moody, Jim and Janet Greenwood, Mike

Bay Oaks Women’s Association President Sue Broughton and Elton Johnson join the fun at the BOWA Gala

and Sharon Phelps and Jennifer and Richard Simmons.

Others we bumped into included Sharon Griffith, Annette Farrell Klein, Kelli Motley and Michelle Hall. Tracy and Jana Fleshner came to hear their daughter, Aubrie Lynn, sing with the band. Her sister, Sarah Fleshner, Aubrie’s business manager, also was in the crowd.

And, after a delightful gourmet dinner with French wine pairings, everyone got to hear her sing as they were entertained by a group from the Houston Rodeo and then danced the night away to the music of the Buck Yeager Band.

Dan and Joan Burt, left, are happy to see Bob and Judy Raiford as they arrive at Bay Oaks Country Club for the BOWA Gala.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Belva Dewey, third from left, gets a warm welcome from Joan Burt, Gloria Wong and Suzie Rogers, from left, as she arrives from Baton Rouge for the Panhellenic style show.

Glamour, glitz and a little bit of Vegas GLAMOUR AND GLITZ – the ladies love it, and if you add a bit of Vegas, it’s over the top and you have a grand event.

So again this year the Clear Lake Area Panhellenic ladies simply outdid themselves with their annual fall fashion show luncheon Nov. 6 in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom, which was packed with a crowd of about 400, including some who just couldn’t miss it and came from out of town.

Chairman Ellen King and her daughter, Karen Weber, who was

Kimberly Fleming, Tama Brantley, Ginger Pampolina, from left, and Ann Blanchard, seated, were among the many at Panhellenic’s Glamour and Glitz Vegas Style Fall Fashion Show at South Shore Harbour Resort.

co-chairman, joined President Kay Lee Benoit in welcoming everyone as they signed in with Judge Holly Williamson, Barbara Dickey and Sue Broughton.

Looking around, you might have spotted Judy Raiford, Kim Barker, Lisa Holbrook, Belva Dewey, Ann Brady, Tama Brantley, Ginger Pampolina, Joan Burt, Suzie Rogers, Gloria Wong, Lisa Tanzberger, Ann Dooley and Kimberly Fleming just having a grand time as all enjoyed the champagne reception and slowly cruised through the silent auction.

And, guess who was serving champagne? None other than the Las Vegas Rat Pack – Keith Dupress Jr., Dan Reason, Quincey Starnes, David Switt, Rick Weber and Eric Westall, playing the roles of Frank

Clear Lake Area Panhellenic President Kay Lee Benoit, center, presents bouquets of roses to Chairman Ellen King, right, and CoChairman Karen Weber to thank them for all their hard work putting the fall fashion show luncheon together.

Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Bing Crosby and Peter Lawford.

Backstage, fashion guru Lenny Matuszewsky Jr. was busy putting together another spectacular show, as the dancers from Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre lined up to entertain the crowd.

And, then it was time for a fashion update with Dillard’s - Baybrook and models Kathy Akins, Denise Beakey, Jo Cat Bruce, Peggy Clause, Jenny Frantz, Sheree Frede, Becky Hensley, Cindi Hollman, Janet Jones, Robbie Kimbrough, Kim Krist, Christie Matthew, Marcy Ortega, Claire Peters, Allison Precise, Jill Reason, Michelle Richardson, Melody Seavey, Wendy Shaw, Laurie Vaughn and Kathryn Vernau providing a look

Lisa Tanzberger, left, and Liz Dooley can hardly wait for the Clear Lake Panhellenic style show to begin.

Model Wendy Shaw strikes a pose at the Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show.

at the latest styles.

Much to the delight of Cindy DeMasi, Karen Mccorkle, Renee Ditta, Cindi Ditta Priebe, Jill Smitherman, Pam Ploss, Emmeline Dodd, Diane Vest, Pam Culpepper, Karen Keesler and Ann Blanchard, who were among the many enjoying it all.

Some of the others in the crowd included Kelli Baliker, Kaci Hanson, Courtney Atchley, Rena Deitrich, Peggy Carlisle, Mary Sue Anton, Kathy Braeuer, Anita Fogtman, Karen Keesler, Dr. Cindy Castille, Suzi Wilson, Holly Hughes, Marie Sharp, Sally Jordan, Danielle Buehler, Lyla Nettles, Jill Smitherman, Rae DeCastro, Mary Ann Shallberg, Ruth Beecher, Ebby Creden and Atiya Abouleish.

Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre dancers perform for the crowd at the Panhellenic style show luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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and glue the edge to hold the cone together. Glitter may be used to enhance the pattern on the paper or to add 2016 to the cone. Tinsel or pompom balls may be added to the tip of the cone or tinsel at the bottom.

Once the hats are completed, they can be arranged as a table display for guests.

Having a Ball

Floating Memories Purchase some metallic silver, white, and gold balloons and have them inflated with helium. At the bottom of the Balloon string, tie office clips and hang preprinted photos from the previous year from the clips.

Let the floating special pictures float around the party or over the dining table.

Sparkle the Bubbly

Home Sweet Home

Fancy up the most inexpensive champagne bottles with a bit of glue and a lot of glitter. Cover the neck of the bottle with tape to ensure only the bottom of the bottle gets coated.

Cover the lower part of the bottle with glue and then roll in glitter color of your choice. These sparkly bottles displayed with votive candles create a quick elegant setting.

New Year’s Celebrations

By Cathy Osoria

W

ith New Year’s Eve

fast approaching, it is time to think about celebrating! Whether hosting a party, attending one, or watching the ball drop at home, it is always fun to get into the holiday spirit. It does not require much effort to create a fabulous New Year’s Eve

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Before storing Christmas ornaments, use them in a New Year’s centerpiece. Fill a glass bowl or glass champagne bucket with silver and gold ornaments and a 25 string of battery-powered white lights mixed together. This makes a pretty display on the bar with the champagne glasses. Glitter can be added to the bottom of the champagne glasses and displayed on a tray with the lighted champagne bucket. To dress up the tray, add shiny metallic scrapbook paper where the glasses sit to create more glitz and glam. Make sparkly stir sticks for the glasses by using metallic pompoms or a piece of tinsel garland glued to the top of wooden skewers.

Noticeable Numbers Cut large 2016 out of cardboard and wrap tinsel garland around the numbers for an easy to make oversized display for the front door, dining table or bar. Numbers can also be used on the champagne glasses.

2016 or 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 can be written in metallic paint pen to the individual glasses to personalize and add sparkle.

Photo Fun celebration-a few good friends, some tasty appetizers, a little bubbly and, of course, lots of sparkle. It is easy to dress up your party by creating a beautiful table setting in a festive atmosphere for your guests.

“Time” to Party Round up all your clocks and stagger them on your console or mantel with candles and ribbon curling through the display.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Hats Off Custom sparkly party hats can do double duty. The hats can be given to the guests and used as a table setting.

Use scrapbook paper, hot glue, glitter and any other embellishments to create unique party hats. Roll the fancy scrapbook paper into a cone

As your guests arrive, offer them a way to capture their memories. A photo booth can be created with a table of photo props like noisemakers, crowns, champagne glasses, cut out numbers 2016 on sticks or maybe a gold cowboy or floppy hat with 2016 added to the brim. The back drop can be streamers hanging from a pole, metallic stars attached to clear string, or a large cut out 2016 covered in tinsel or glitter. Guests can use their personal phones to capture the New Year’s Eve party memories.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

Generation Gaps

By Michael W. Gos

Comfort, Texas

I

t all started over a few bottles

of honey.

Many decades ago, an old man I know fell in love with Fain’s honey.

It wasn’t available in Baytown, where he lived, but it didn’t matter because he could always get it in Hill Country, and since he made several hunting trips there a year, he just packed in a supply every time he traveled. It was a good system and it served him well for more than 40 years.

But as he grew older, he found he no longer had the inclination, and eventually even the ability, for the many trips he took when he was younger. His journeys there were fewer and further apart. He still wanted to spend time at the beer lease with his sons and grandsons, if only just to sit around the fire and do the Wild Turkey thing. And he still got his honey.

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But then his 80s came and even those trips stopped. It wasn’t long before his supply of Fain’s ran out. It was then he thought of me. He had heard I was headed to San Antonio for a conference and asked if I would be willing to make a run into Lowe’s Food Market in Comfort to get him ten or twelve bottles. I told him I’d be happy to.

It had probably been ten years since my last trip to Comfort. I remembered it as a quaint little village that had a wool exchange and an egg hatchery. That was about it. But it was big enough to have a weekly newspaper and some beautiful old buildings “downtown,” a couple of blocks off the highway. One of those buildings housed Lowe’s Food Market, a Norman Rockwell image of a 1950s tiny town grocery store.

Ten years is not that long of a time and I have a pretty good memory, but when I drove down High Street where I thought I remembered Lowe’s being, I found I was wrong. Thinking

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

perhaps my memory had failed me, I drove down Main Street, then Broadway, the two streets in town that paralleled High Street. Thinking my memory must really be failing, I even drove along 473 to look. Still having no luck, I finally violated the sacred man code and stopped at a gas station to ask directions.

The attendant said, “It used to be back on High Street, but it burned

down a couple of years ago. Now there’s just a vacant lot there.” He said he’d heard they were planning on rebuilding on Front Street, but as far as he knew, that hadn’t started yet. Accepting that I had failed in my quest, I decided to move on.

While I think I do a good job of hiding it, the fact is I have a

sentimental side. I like to take out old memories now and then and look at them. Since I had come this far, I figured I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I got back in the car and drove along High Street again to see if I could find the exact spot where the store used to sit. As I looked more closely at the buildings in the old downtown section, I noticed that the library was pretty much as I remembered it; so were a couple of five and dime-type stores. But almost everything else was different.

The bank had become the historical society. There was a Beatles-themed bar, three small restaurants, a couple of gift shops and even an ice cream store. None of these were at all familiar to me.

Disappointed, I decided to drive on toward Bandera, where I hoped I’d be able to find the honey. As I pulled on to Highway 27, I found myself obsessing over the changes I had encountered in Comfort. It was no longer the town I remembered. I suppose to someone seeing it for the first time, it would still be a sweet, quaint little Hill Country town. But they didn’t know the Comfort that I knew—and it made me sad.

I understand we can’t live in yesterday; things change over time.

That’s just mankind marching on.

And I can also appreciate the fact that the mundane everyday tasks of our lives sometimes become easier as a result of these changes, but it seems to me our quality of life suffers as a result. As I turned onto FM 173, I remember thinking, “I’m not sure all this change is worth the price.”

My God! I was so shook up by that thought that I pulled over to the side of the road to try to calm myself and think this through. Decades ago I heard those exact words come out of my father’s mouth. His general view of life was that the whole world was going to hell in a hand basket. Of course, at the time I just laughed it off.

Only the old see the world that way.

As a teenager, I thought the world was great just as it was, and the few changes that were happening, I saw as improvements. To a teenage boy, my father might as well have been a space alien. His views were as completely incomprehensible to me, as I’m sure mine were to him. Back then we called it the Generation Gap. But this day, as I drove away from Comfort, I was struck by the realization that

somewhere over the years, I had become my father.

As time goes on, I am beginning to suspect that we are all really more similar than we are different. As I look back on it now, I realize I didn’t become my father at that moment in Comfort; I suspect I have always been him. I just didn’t know it. The idea we had way back then about a generation gap came from a mistake in the way we viewed each other.

Quite simply, we had been comparing apples to oranges.

Every year Beloit College puts out its “Mindset List” for college faculty. It is a list of the experiences and worldviews of incoming college freshmen that is designed to help faculty understand the critters they are about to encounter. According to the list, for members of the 2015 freshman class, the Daily Show with Jon Stewart has always been the only news program that really “gets it right,” and when they see wirerimmed glasses, they think Harry Potter, not John Lennon—or John Denver. The list goes on. Obviously, the world seen by these students is radically different from the one I live in. I’m sure these young people see

the world as it is today and think it has always been this way. They may see problems, but if they do, they view them as obstacles that were created by previous generations and view any changes that take place as improvements. In essence, they see the world exactly as I saw it at their age.

In the late ‘60s, I was a boy of 17 looking at my father, a man of 48.

Back then, I had a Fender guitar—he only saw a (expletive) guitar that constantly needed to be turned down.

I loved my top 40 music. He heard only noise. Today, I hear a car driving down the road booming and vibrating and think, “turn down that (expletive) radio.” Truth is, it is probably an MP3 player. I wonder—what if, as that teenage boy, I could have met my father when he was 17? I suspect we would have been very similar in our worldviews.

Now, several years later, I still haven’t returned to Comfort to see the new Lowe’s Market building. I doubt if it can be as cool as the old one. But then, that is exactly what my father would have said.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Galveston Bay Winter Fishing

By Capt. Joe Kent

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or the last decade there has been an increasingly later start to winter. December once signaled the end of good bay fishing for the season; however, now we are seeing the fall fishing patterns continue well into the last month of the year.

It normally takes a number of serious cold fronts to change the pattern and by serious I mean strong northerly winds and temperature drops into the 40s. After a few really cold northers pass through that lower tides levels a couple of feet, fish will move into their wintertime mode.

Speckled trout especially will move into deeper waters and then move out during periods of warmer conditions, usually during the afternoons for feeding.

This is a trait displayed during the latter part of the winter season when the effects of the cold fronts have taken over.

A few of the areas that are popular with winter fishermen are Burnet Bay just above Baytown, Sylvan Beach and parts of Trinity Bay. During December and January,

anglers need to be aware of duck blinds and keep a safe distance away.

This is especially true for those fishing in shallower waters where most duck blinds are located. Too often there are exchanges of unpleasant remarks between the hunters and fishermen in addition to the dangers of getting pelted by shots at decoying birds.

Another issue with fishing that time of year is sudden and vicious cold fronts that crop up faster than expected. Should you be caught unexpectedly in a strong norther and

returning to the boat ramp requires crossing open waters, consider safety first and head to the nearest dock that does not require crossing the bay. It might be an inconvenience to have someone pick you up and drive you to your vehicle and trailer; however, there are many families that wish their deceased love ones had taken that initiative before attempting to win the battle with a mean cold front.

This December we might be seeing changes brought on by all of the rain throughout the spring and fall. In

November, Trinity Bay and areas of upper Galveston Bay were continuing to see influxes of fresh water that moved trout out of those areas. If a dry spell or small amounts of rain follows, then the waters of Trinity Bay likely will shape up for some excellent trout action during December.

For years now, December has been one of the best times to fish Trinity Bay and upper Galveston Bay. So, what can anglers expect in the way of action this winter and what methods will work best?

Speckled trout action should be excellent until the water temperature drops into the low 50s. Reds and pan fish, especially whiting, are among the more common catches from mid to upper Galveston Bay. Wade fishing with insulated waders is usually the preferred method, with slow retrieval of baits a must when the water is cold.

Look for the Seabrook and Kemah Flats to turn on and don’t forget about Sylvan Beach.

Late in the winter, trophy trout are the target of many anglers, as that is the best time to aim for a “wallhanger” sow.

The annual black drum run takes place beginning about mid-February and reaches its peak about St. Patrick’s Day. Remember to use Type 1 PFDs this season as they are the best and will keep an unconscious person’s head above water.

This article will be taking a winter vacation and returning with the April edition of Bay Area Houston Magazine. Good luck and good fishing!

“STINGER” CAPTURES LAKEWOOD’S YACHT OF THE YEAR AWARD

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ee Bednar’s J/105 named “Stinger” captured Lakewood Yacht Club’s “Yacht of the Year” award for 2015.

Fleet Captain Ashley Walker made the announcement that the racer and club member had won at the Annual Awards Ceremony held at Lakewood Saturday, Nov. 14, This is the second time that “Stinger” claimed this award; it also won in 2012.

The annual trophy goes to the Lakewood Yacht Club boat that has the best score in club-hosted races on Galveston Bay and off the coast of Galveston in the Gulf of Mexico.

The four regattas in which “Stinger” came in first place were Bay Cup I and II, the Shoe Regatta, and the Heald Bank Regatta in the Gulf of Mexico.

Bednar says that with a first name like Bee, “Stinger” was a natural name for his J/105. When asked about winning these races, he said “maintenance of the boat is the most important thing. You start to lose the race at the dock.”

He also attributes his winning to a really good crew that includes his son Kevin, Charles Braddus, Marty Pedowicz, Steve Cooper, Pedro Geonatti, Reed Cleckler, Jeff Berger, Alex Freas and Tony Chiesa. “It was also great fun to throw out a bullet,” Bednar added.

By winning the four races which qualified “Stinger” as “Yacht of the Year,” Bednar also won the Texas Navy Trophy.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Lakewood Yacht Club Fleet Captain Ashley Walker, left, presented the Yacht of the Year Award to racer Bee Bednar for his J/105 named ‘Stinger’ at the club’s Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, Nov. 14 in the ballroom.

grille opening with high mounted, projector-beam headlamps. Wheel well openings are carved into big-shouldered fender flares. The rear tailgate features a torsion bar enhancement to help ease it open and close.

Comfort is enhanced with technologies, connectivity and other features that support owners’ daily and recreational lives, including a 3.5-inch-diagonal driver information screen in the instrument cluster.

The big news for 2016 is the available 2.8-liter, 4-cylinder, Duramax Diesel engine that generates 181-horsepower and 369-lb.-ft. of torque, giving the Canyon enough grunt to tow 7,700 pounds – 700 more

Hot selling mid-size segment surprises manufacturers

By Don Armstrong

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hen mid-size truck

sales all but dried up a few years back, most left it for dead, but with gas prices low, it seems that Bay Area buyers have rediscovered its advantages over full-size models.

Toyota Tacoma The Tacoma has been one of the few trucks that not only survived the downturn in sales but actually flourished.

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The 2016 Tacoma is all-new from the ground up starting with a larger, taller grille and headlights that are much smaller in size and positioned at the top of the fenders. You’ll also notice more modern taillights and a lockable tailgate.

This new Tacoma features an interior that exudes a real sport truck feel. A large, mid-dash rectangular pod contains an easy-to-use touch screen with radio controls. Below it are the climate controls.

There are two engines available; a 4-cylinder with 159 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V-6 with 278-horses.

Both get similar mileage; 19-city and 24-highway when mated to the 6-speed automatic transmission. Get the V-6, it’s a perfect match.

On-road ride quality improves and so does off-road ability when equipped with the TRD off-road package. You’ll also find a much quieter cabin than before thanks to an acoustic windshield and more sound deadening materials.

Other trim levels include the base SR, SR5, TRD Sport and Limited.

Pricing starts at $25,385

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

GMC Canyon All-new last year are the twin, midsize entries from General Motors, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado.

These trucks are identical under the skin. Brand specific wheels, front and rear fascias and some interior bits define the two models.

The GMC boasts a more aggressive

than the gasoline V-6.

There are 3 trim levels available; the base, SLE and SLT in either 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. Choose from extended or crew cab and short or long bed.

Pricing starts at $20,955 for the extended cab model.

Photo by Mary Alys Cherry

PETERSON SECOND

Former Kemah mayor Bill King in Houston mayoral race runoff

By Mary Alys Cherry

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ormer Kemah Mayor Bill King, who grew up here in the Bay Area, made it into the Saturday, Dec. 12 runoff in the Houston mayoral race with former State Rep. Sylvester Turner after a hard fought battle to lead the nation’s fourth largest city.

Turner took the lead, as many expected, in early voting and ended the night with 85,128 votes or 32.2 percent of the ballots cast. King had 66,022 or 25 percent with former Sheriff Adrian Garcia trailing at 17 percent with 45,063 votes, followed

by Ben Hall at 9.6 percent, Chris Bell at 7.3 percent and Steve Costello at 6.6 percent. The other candidates had less than 1 percent of the vote.

Later Chris Bell endorsed King and Adrian Garcia endorsed Turner.

When Garcia first entered the race, he was expected to be in the runoff with Turner, but dropped back in the polls after several stories in the media raised questions about his

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The other was retired NASA executive Doug Peterson, who ran for the At-Large Position 3 City Council seat but came in second in the four-man race with 46,869 votes or 25.6 percent to incumbent Councilman Michael Kobush, who got 109,725 votes or 60 percent of the vote -- meaning no runoff would be needed.

“We are one Houston mayoral step closer to candidate Bill King arrives getting Houston at the Clear Back to Basics Lake Library to and creating a city early vote with hall that works his daughters, Rebecca Kise, for everyone,” left, and Emily King said after Watkins and the votes were her sons, Ben and Jack. The counted. “It is an attorney and absolute honor former Kemah to have this mayor, who grew opportunity to up in the Bay Area, is in the help move the December runoff city I love into a with former State better tomorrow.”

Rep. Sylvester Turner.

In the city controller race, CPA Bill Frazier got 31 percent of the vote and Deputy City Controller Chris B. Brown received 25 percent.

The mayoral and controller races were among several before Houston voters, including about a dozen Houston City Council races and two city propositions – the equal rights ordinance, which was soundly defeated, and the expansion of term limits proposal, which voters soundly approved.

COUNTY BONDS OK’D

Bill King speaks after he is endorsed for Houston mayor by former mayoral candidate Chris Bell, at right. Bell is a former congressman and a former Democrat Party candidate for governor.

handling of the Harris County Jail and the low percentage of crimes solved by his staff.

King, an attorney who grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Clear Creek High School in League City, was one of two candidates from the Bay Area in the Houston city races and the only one in recent memory to run for mayor.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Voters also gave their approval for four Harris County bond propositions totaling about $850 million that were supported by all Houston mayoral candidates, as well as Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Commissioners Lee, Morman, Radack and Cagle, and for a $425 million San Jacinto College bond package and a $245 million Alvin ISD bond proposition.

Plus, seven state constitutional amendments -- including Prop 1, which increases the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000 and another that provides more dollars for state roads.

League City and Kemah were

not so lucky. Only 7,756 voted in League City and they rejected the proposition to create a city municipal development district and add a quarter-cent sales tax, 4,126 to 3,630, while Kemah voters rejected a similar proposal 192 to 84.

Meanwhile, Clear Lake Shores voters approved a proposition reauthorizing a quarter-cent sales tax for the Kemah Transportation Center, 115 to 15.

UH GRAD King, 63, the son of a union pipefitter, was the first person in his family to graduate from college.

He worked his way through the University of Houston -- where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and his law degree -- and over the last 40 years he has led numerous businesses and practiced law in Houston.

From 2001 to 2005, King served two terms as mayor of Kemah, during which time he started spearheading a regional effort to address the lack of hurricane planning. From 2010 to 2014, he wrote a weekly public policy column for the Houston Chronicle, which gave him an opportunity to study a broad range of issues confronting the City of Houston: aging infrastructure, public debt, traffic, economic development and many others.

“The massive problems we face have been years in the making,” King said, “and it will take a united effort to turn our city around. All my life, I have worked hard and reached out to find solutions -- and so I am going to ask every Houstonian to lay aside their partisan and ideological differences, and come together, and help me get this city back to basics.”

WORK TO CONTINUE Peterson said afterwards that while his 2015 campaign is officially over, his work for Houston will continue, with even greater activity.

“We ran a strong grassroots campaign focusing on quality of life and on equity and equality for all Houston communities, especially those outside the urban core,” Peterson said. “I am committed to this work and vow to continue pushing Houston leadership in this direction. I am a community activist.”

281-335-1111 1045 Gemini Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77058

Serving the Bay Area for over 20 years

I

f you’ve delayed seeking help for persistent pain because you dread surgery or the idea of traveling all the way to the Texas Medical Center, you could be in for several pleasant surprises. “Approximately 92 percent of the patients we see don’t need surgery at all. And when surgery is required, it’s very likely that it can be accomplished in the least invasive way,” says orthopedic surgeon M. Shaun Holt. “The goal is to address the underlying problem, relieve your symptoms, and help you get back to normal activities as quickly as possible.”

Our sub-specialty orthopedists use state of the art surgical techniques and have provided relief to thousands of patients throughout the Houston area for over 20 years. Their expertise, skill and dedication places them in a class of their own. With deep roots in the Clear Lake and Bay Area community, the All American Physicians serve as team doctors for several local high school sport teams but also threats athletes of all ages from professionals to little league.

Our mission: All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute is committed to delivering world-class, cutting edge orthopedic and pain management care through innovative techniques and continued research by fellowship trained physicians. A Texas Medical Center level of care in your local neighborhood.

All American is taking new patients and accepts most insurance.

Visit our website to schedule an appointment today at: www.allamericanorthopedic.com

Dr. Omkar Dave Omkar Dave M.D. is a native of the Clear Lake area and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry for Texas A&M University. He obtained his Orthopedic Surgery Training at UTMB in Galveston and subsequently completed his fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Arthroscopy at Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center in Jackson, MS.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Dr. M. Shaun Holt Marston Shaun Holt, M.D. received his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kent State University. He went on to medical school at the Medical University of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio, where he also completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency. There he had extensive exposure to orthopedic trauma and sports medicine. After residency, he decided to pursue his passion for Sports Medicine, specifically shoulder and elbow surgery. He completed one of the most competitive and comprehensive sports medicine fellowships in the country under the guidance of Dr. Felix Savoie III. Dr. Holt has published several research papers in orthopedic journals and has written comprehensive chapters on arthroscopic shoulder surgery in textbooks published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He continues to pursue the perfection of arthroscopic techniques and teaches courses covering arthroscopic shoulder and elbow surgery at a national level for fellow orthopedic surgeons looking to improve their skill. Outside of orthopedic surgery, Dr. Holt is passionate about health, wellness and nutrition and has written a book entitled “Beating Your Genetics” which is sold on-line and in bookstores nationwide.

Dr. Jeffrey Jaglowski Jeffrey R. Jaglowski, M.D. is a fellowship trained Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in disorders of the knee and hip, in addition to all sports related and orthopedic injuries. He has a focus on rehabilitation, prevention, and surgical intervention for injuries utilizing arthroscopic and open surgical techniques to maintain joint function and help promote active lifestyles. He currently serves as a team physician and consultant for the United States Olympic Ski and Snowboard teams.

Dr. Jaglowski received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine at Mercyhurst University and completed his Master’s degree in Anatomy at Penn State. He also completed medical school at Penn State and was elected a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society and graduated with honors.

Dr. Jaglowski completed residency training at the Harvard program in Boston, Mass. and served as chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, while also working at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Boston. During his time in Boston he worked with several professional sports teams and was able to care for and treat several victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.

He then received subspecialty training in Sports Medicine, knee, and hip arthroscopy at the prestigious Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo. During his time in Vail he travelled with the U.S. Ski team and worked with numerous professional athletes. He also completed and published research involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Dr. Matthew Higgs Matthew Higgs, M.D. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Sul Ross State University. He received his medical school training at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Upon graduating from medical school, Dr. Higgs completed his Family Medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital. He then chose to pursue his passion for sports and musculoskeletal medicine and remained at John Peter Smith to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship.

Dr. Higgs provides non-operative treatment for acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. He enjoys treating acute injuries and chronic disorders of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, back, neck, hip, knee, foot and ankle. He offers diagnostic and therapeutic injections for the shoulder, elbow, carpal tunnel, hand, hip, knee, lumbar spine, and SI joints. Dr. Higgs is proficient with diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound as well as in-office ultrasound guided joint injections.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL people and we are products of that requirement. Throughout our lives we’ve been told to have “well-rounded goals and accomplishments.” Good grades aren’t enough; we need to “outshine” the next person, because everyone we are competing with has good grades and is “just like us.”

We’ve been told we have to “stand out.” We need to be the unicorn in the crowd. So, we have focused on ourselves and constantly compare ourselves to the other person.

“You are either prepared, or you’re not. Be ready to change the world when the opportunity presents itself.”

How has that empowered you?

Carlos Paz his month in our Young Professional Profile, we sat down with Carlos Paz Jr. Carlos is the principal and co-founder of Bridge Strategies, an external relations firm that works at the cross section of public and private interests to bridge relationships in support of his vision for a multicultural, inclusive and globally connected society.

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Let’s start with a simple question: What drives you?

Oh, wow [laughs] -- Being able to create opportunities for other people.

I know it sounds cliché, but to make the world a better place; that’s what drives me. Who I am and what I do is guided by the importance of human relationships, integrity and innovation.

There’s an on-going dialogue about the Millennial generation; that they have a sense of “entitlement” or are self-centered. What you just said is contrary to that notion.

Yes, I hear that also. My response is that our parents and older generations have participated and have “created us this way.”

We’ve been brought up in a world that has asked for dynamic

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Ever since I was young, people told me to step outside of my comfort zone. I look for those moments often – when I feel uneasy in the pit of my stomach – I look for those opportunities. It’s at those uneasy times that I grow the most.

Finding people who push me is important. I had a mentor who would always say she wouldn’t ask me to do something, unless she knew I had the potential to do it. I’ve been blessed with good mentors and friends.

Is that one of the reasons why paying it forward, or giving back, is so important to you?

Yes! I am passionate about investing my time in the leadership development of young people. There is a lot of lip-service paid to the importance of leadership but few opportunities to actually practice leadership – to fail and to succeed and thereby learn. I am deeply involved in a leadership, hands-on role with several organizations.

Currently, I chair the Advisory Board of The LiveSmart Initiative, an organization that was founded by a seventh grader. It’s been an honor to mentor that young man, Samir Rahi.

In addition, for the past eight years, I have been the regional

leadership director of the National Hispanic Institute. Our purpose is to ensure that the Hispanic population, which will soon become 1 in 5 Americans by 2050, has a sustainable talent pipeline of skilled, creative and socially developed leaders able to influence the direction of our communities and contribute towards the benefit of society as a whole.

Finally, in my role as the founder and co-curator of TEDxYouthHouston, I bring together a team of youth and adult volunteers to plan an annual oneday conference filled with brilliant speakers, thought-provoking video and mind-blowing conversation. Our aim is to create a unique gathering in our community that will unleash new ideas, inspire and inform.

These endeavors have provided real life leadership opportunities, along with creative outlets, for thousands of young people, and because of them, I was recently awarded Houston Grand Opera’s Ovation Award for my philanthropic and civic contributions to Houston.

Congratulations! Here’s another unique opportunity to give back.

What advice would you like to share?

Don’t give up when times get difficult. People give up too quickly.

I’ve been told I’ve been lucky. But I truly believe what the Roman philosopher, Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

You are either prepared, or you’re not. Be ready to change the world when the opportunity presents itself.

For more on: Carlos: http://carlospazjr.com LiveSmart Initiative: http://livesmartinitiative.org National Hispanic Institute: http://www.nhi-net.org/Pages/index.aspx TEDxYouthHouston: http://tedxyouthhouston.com/ About the Young Professional Profile The Young Professional Profile is an effort to create a forum for those under 40 who are excelling in their respective fields across Texas. There is a depth and breadth to the Millennial generation as a group of adults that is marked by a commitment to higher principles in the work they do, the ability to professionally marry what were traditionally separate streams of expertise, and a voracious appetite for new skills.

Economic Alliance Announces 2016 Board of Directors

Economic Alliance presents its 2016 Board of Directors

Economic Alliance 2015 Economic Development Re-Cap

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he Economic Alliance has been hard at work to bring capital investment to the Houston Port Region. While the market slowed slightly from the boom of the last few years, growth and opportunity continue in our region in comparison to other regions in the country. The Economic Alliance alone:

• Supported four major projects with a capital investment of $427 million.

• Supported the creation of over 60 direct jobs and approximately 420 indirect jobs.

• Advocated for the creation of approximately 600 temporary construction jobs.

• Hosted an unprecedented attendance of over 700 guests at the Gulf Coast Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference, suggesting continued growth in these industries.

New Era, New Brand

T

he Economic Alliance celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Looking ahead to the future, we have updated our representation by creating a new logo, developing a new website, and developing new print collateral pieces for marketing and reporting.

The new logo features elements of the 30th anniversary logo that our members loved so dearly but has a timelessness that gives it staying power for years to come. The new website was developed with our members and other users in mind. The design is sleek, simple, and informative. Users can easily access properties for sale, event information, task force information, and even become members on the spot with our new shopping cart system.

Our new print and digital collateral pieces were designed in tandem with our website so that we have complete brand consistency. The Economic Alliance team is excited about the new image and looks forward to continuing to work to best serve our membership.

Check out the new website at www.allianceportregion.com

Each year, the Economic Alliance brings new opportunities for networking and growth.

Nowhere are those opportunities better represented than on our Board of Directors. The Economic Alliance is managed by a seven-member Executive Board who are drawn from a mix of the public, private, and education sectors in the Houston Port Region. Executive Board members serve staggered three-year terms with the option to renew. One must be vested in the Economic Alliance at the Partner Level and demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the organization in order to be selected for the Executive Board. The Executive Board is responsible for approval of the fiduciary operations of the Economic Alliance as well as major mission or administrative policy directives.

In addition to the Executive Board, the Economic Alliance hosts a member-based Elected Board who demonstrate commitment to the mission of the organization through Task Force involvement and other areas. Elected Board members serve in staggered three-year terms.

We’d like to take this opportunity to give a warm welcome to the incoming 2016 Board of Directors.

EXECUTIVE BOARD Chair: Jim Griffin - Dianal Past Chair: Karen Gregory - CenterPoint Treasurer: Steve Cote - Brady Chapman, Holland & Assoc.

Secretary: Lawrence Waldron - LBC Tank Terminals Vice Chair: Dr. Brenda Hellyer - San Jacinto College District Vice Chair: Glenn Royal - The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch Vice Chair: Barry Klein - Shell Deer Park Advisory: Mayor Tom Reid - City of Pearland

Elected Board Natalie Picha - The Royal Group at Merrill Lynch Rudy Beeching - Iberiabank Kevin Morley - Frost Bank Tom Brosig - BBVA Compass Captain Mike Morris - Houston Pilots Allatia Harris - San Jacinto College North Ben Westcott - Andrews Myers, PC Roger Blackburn - The Infinity Group Randy Drake - The Drake Companies Thomas Brinkso - BIC Alliance Keith Miceli - PKF Texas Todd Jackson - East Houston Regional Medical Center Erich Stolz - The Mundy Companies Janet Gonzales - Amegy Bank Beth Williams - TechTrans International Kristi Claypool - Meador Staffing Bubba Levy - Choice Energy Services Roger Gossett - JV Driver Javier Infante - Raba Kistner Consulting Michael Flanagan - AT&T Buddy Tucker - Hunter Buildings Connie Tilton - ExxonMobil Lisa Bell-Miller - A&B Labs JR Moon - Qualified Properties, Inc. Gabriel Allen - Gulf Winds International, Inc. Leigh Iguess - Brady Chapman, Holland & Assoc.

Darrell Morrison - HTS Inc. Randy Boeding - Setech Charles Montgomery - South Atlantic Gulf Coast District ILA Stuart Robles - BGE Wayne Webb - Community Bank Dr. Dennis Brown - Lee College Kenny Barhanovich - Comerica Bank Dennis Winkler - Winkler Public Relations Tim Buscha - IDS Engineering Barbara Walling

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Superstar Award winners for 2015 line up for a picture at the reception in their honor prior to the CCEF Gala at South Shore Harbour Resort. They are, from left, CCISD Teachers of the Year Anthony Tran and Tonia Doerre Toque, Emmeline Dodd, Dr. Pat Wilson and Capt. Wendell Wilson.

Attorney Joe Barlow, left, the George Carlisle Distinguished Service Award winner, joins Citizen of the Year Harv Hartmen for a photo with Ann Hacker, the Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award winner at the CCEF Gala.

Education Foundation honors 10 at 2015 Gala

By Mary Alys Cherry

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en outstanding Bay Area Houston community volunteers were honored by a crowd of about 400 at the 2015 Clear Creek Education Foundation Gala, held Nov. 7 in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom.

Attorney Joe Barlow was the recipient of the George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award and retired Johnson Space Center Human Resources Director Harv Hartman was named Citizen of the Year. Both were honored for their many contributions to the Clear Creek School District, the Education Foundation and the Clear Lake community.

Ann Hacker, owner of Black Rose Steel, was named the recipient of the Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award for her many contributions to community organizations and for her work as one of the founders of the Salute to Heroes Foundation.

Others honored were two Distinguished Alumni Award winners:

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CCEF Executive Director Kaci Hanson, left, congratulates Gala Chairman Teresa Vencil on a very successful evening.

Distinguished Alumni honorees at the CCEF Gala, Bao-Long Chu and MaryLou Johnson, have known each other for a number of years. She was his teacher back in high school.

CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith and his wife, Kathy.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

 MaryLou Johnson, Clear Lake High grad and now retired CCISD arts and dance teacher who became a Texas Dance Educators Association past president and Hall of Famer after leading the Clear Creek Cavaliers and the Clear Lake Flairs;  Bao-Long Chu, Clear Creek graduate who arrived at McWhirter Elementary from Saigon as a child and grew up to be a poet and librettist, writing Bound for the Houston Grand Opera and serving as program officer for the Houston Endowment.

This year’s Superstars included:  Emmeline Dodd, a former research biologist at JSC and retired biology professor at College of the Mainland, she has spent countless hours volunteering for a wide variety of Bay Area organizations;  Dr. Pat Wilson and Capt.

Wendell Wilson have given so

selflessly of themselves to the University of Houston-Clear Lake and so many organizations for the past 40 years that there are few who do not know them and admire their many good deeds;  Tonia Roque, Landolt Elementary teacher and CCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, is a National Board Certified Teacher who in her younger days was homecoming queen at Clear Lake High;  Anthony Tran, Clear Falls High math teacher, who came here from Vietnam and was the CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year and the Region 4 Teacher of the Year.

Gary Renola, chairman of the Education Foundation, welcomed the crowd and introduced the emcee – Ch.2 weatherman Kambril Marshall, who kept the crowd chuckling all evening long. Even took photos of the honorees to show his friends back at the TV station.

Teresa Vencil was chairman of the gala, heading a committee that included Janice Albro, Kim Barker, Katy Bastedo, Marshall Bennett, Kay Lee Benoit, Janet Brown, Annette Falks, Kimberly Fleming, Tisa Foster, Ann Hammond, Dinah Matthews, Joan McKinney, Donna McMartin, Sarah Moutz, Jill Reason, Marcia Vineyard and Elizabeth Wang.

Faces in the crowd included Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, State Reps. Dennis Paul and Dr. Greg Bonnen and Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan, a 2011 alumni honoree.

[BUSINESS BUZZ]

Bay Area Regional Medical Center welcomes Dr. Amro El Feki Neurologist specializing in neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy and headache Amro El Feki, MD, has joined the medical staff at Bay Area Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Amro El Feki completed his neurology residency at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He is fellowship trained in Neurophysiology from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“We are thrilled to welcome new world-class physicians such as Dr. El Feki to the medical staff at Bay Area Regional,” said Tim Schmidt, CEO of Bay Area Regional Medical Center.

“Dr. El Feki will enhance the services offered at Bay Area Regional with some of the latest techniques and treatments.”

Board-certified in neurology and a member of the American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society, Dr. El Feki specializes in neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy and headache, particularly treating chronic migraine using Botox.

Dr. El Feki is joining the Texas Gulf Coast Medical Systems provider network. Dr. El Feki’s office is located at 250 Blossom Street, Suite 300 in Webster. To make an appointment, call 281-604-1300.

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Hospital named Top Performer Clear Lake Regional Medical Center has been recognized as a 2014 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States.

The medical facility was recognized as part of The Joint Commission’s 2015 annual report “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety,” for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, stroke and perinatal care.

It is one of only 1,043 hospitals out of more than 3,300 eligible hospitals in the United States to achieve the 2014 Top Performer distinction.

The Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions.

The performance measures included in the recognition program are heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, inpatient psychiatric services, stroke, venous thromboembolism, perinatal care, immunization, tobacco treatment and substance use.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

“The Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions.”

Cones is named assistant fire chief League City has selected Thomas ‘Tommy’ Cones to serve as its assistant fire chief and fire marshal.

Cones, who currently serves as

a council member, will assume his new responsibilities on Dec. 7 after resigning from City Council. In this position, he will be responsible for fire safety inspections, fire prevention programs, investigating incidents, enforcing City Fire Code Ordinances and will serve as the assistant fire chief.

“I look forward to working with city staff, fire investigators, inspectors, fire prevention officers and firefighters to make League City a safe place to live, work and play,” Cones said. “My goal is to educate our citizens and businesses about fire safety, prevention and investigations. I am honored to be a part of the League City public safety team.”

Cones has served as the fire marshal for the City of Nassau Bay for the past 13 years. He has also served in various roles as deputy fire marshal, assistant fire chief, assistant fire marshal, chief arson investigator, code enforcement officer, and firefighter for Nassau Bay, Houston Fire Department, League City and Kemah throughout his more than 33 years of experience.

[MARITIME & PETROCHEMICAL]

A New Day Giant new cranes open for business at Barbours Cut Terminal

By Rod Evans

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he two, 30-story tall Super Post-Panamax cranes, which arrived six month ago following a 73day ocean voyage, rise majestically on the horizon like a pair of mammoth praying mantis at the Port of Houston Authority’s Barbours Cut container terminal.

Following a rigorous and methodical installation process, the two electric cranes—the largest of their type in North America— officially went into operation on November 5. Built by Konecranes in the tiny South Korean hamlet of Mokpo, the cranes are part of a $50 million contract approved by the Port Authority in 2013 and are part of a $700 million renovation of the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals.

“They have a much greater cargo handling capacity that is basically the same as the cranes now operating at the Bayport Terminal. They have a 65 long ton capacity and the ability to handle two, 20-foot containers at the same time. If a cargo hook is used, the capacity increases to 80 long tons. They can operate on

a vessel that is 22 containers wide, while the old cranes can only operate on a vessel that is 13 containers wide,” said Paulo Soares, the Port of Houston Authority’s managing director of operations, who managed the crane project.

At 1,505 tons, the new cranes are more than twice as heavy as the cranes they are replacing (635 tons each), and at 289 feet tall and with a lift height of 204 feet, they are the largest cranes ever built by

its stakeholders realize immediate benefits from the increased productivity levels the cranes provide. Greater productivity provides lower costs for all involved.”

The addition of the cranes, along with the recently completed dredging work that deepened Barbours Cut to 45 feet, are the key elements of the overarching project to ready the port to begin handling the larger vessels that will be able to pass through the Panama Canal once its massive renovation project is completed next year. The work is part of a five-year, $1 billion modernization plan that includes The new cranes for dredging and landthe Barbours side infrastructure Cut Terminal. and wharf Photo by improvements.

POHA. The new cranes will enable Barbours Cut to handle ships with as many as 14,000 containers, an increase from the current limit of about 8,000 containers and Soares estimates they will increase productivity by about 15 percent over the older cranes. He says they will move about 38 containers per hour and that rate could possibly even exceed 50 per hour. As one of the world’s busiest ports, the Port of Houston consistently ranks among the leaders in containerized shipping and handles an average of 2,800 containers per day at Barbours Cut alone.

“International trade, primarily containerized cargo, continues to expand rapidly at our facilities,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece

“The Port Authority is expecting to surpass two million TEUs this year for the first time in its history.”

Konecranes. Soares said they will be able to lift and lower a loaded container in about twice the speed— approximately 295 feet per minute— as the current cranes. A total of four cranes have been purchased, with the other two scheduled to go into operation the first week of December.

“The cranes are part of a master plan redevelopment that will help move Barbours Cut Terminal’s capacity from 1.25 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 2.5 million TEUs,” Soares said. “As we continue to grow our volumes, the cranes are an important piece to container movements through our port. The Port Authority and

Longoria said. “More trade means more jobs and economic activity for our region and state in support of our mission.”

But just getting the two cranes to the U.S. and into operation represented an amazing feat of engineering, planning and execution.

After construction was completed, the ocean journey began on February 23 from Mokpo, located on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula.

Soares said they were transported fully erected by a Chinese company called ZPNC on a vessel called the Zhen Zhn Hua #13.

“The process of getting the cranes off the vessel and onto the dock

took about 10 to 12 hours for each crane. The ship had to position itself alongside the dock so crews could cut off all of the extensive sea fasteners, bracings and lashings that were required to keep the cranes in place during the ocean voyage.

With the fasteners removed, the ship then had to be aligned with a set of temporary rails on the dock, then hydraulic cylinders were used to push the cranes off the vessel and eventually onto the permanent rails on the dock,” Soares said.

Soares said only the most experienced crane operators—those with many years of experience on the docks—have been chosen to operate the new cranes.

Economic Impact Soars Port of Houston Authority Chairman Janiece Longoria, speaking at the Greater Houston Partnership’s State of the Port event, said nearly 148,000 jobs have been generated by cargo and vessel activity at the port’s terminals since 2011.

Longoria also provided information on an impact study by Martin Associates that indicated public and private marine terminals at the port had a statewide economic impact of $265 billion in 2014, which represented 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product. The study also shows that the port’s economic value to the state since 2011 increased by $82 billion, or 45 percent.

Longoria said the study showed that total jobs supported by the Port of Houston marine terminals is estimated at nearly 1.175 million across the state.

A Record Pace Port of Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther said the port remains on track to reach an impressive historical milestone this year.

“The Port Authority is expecting to surpass two million TEUs this year for the first time in its history,” Guenther said.

Guenther said the container terminals continue to operate at record levels, with loaded container units growing by 14 percent over this time last year. He adds that as part of the commitment to provide cost and service advantages through increased efficiency, the Port Commission accepted the staff’s recommendation for tariff rates to remain the same in 2016 while vowing to maintain its dedication to funding infrastructure investments.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP]

Several studies taking at look at storm surge protection systems

By Kathryn Paradis

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he Texas coast has been struck by a major hurricane on average once every 14 years.

“It’s been seven years since Hurricane Ike and 10 years since the last Category 3 hurricane hit our region. There has been rapid economic and population growth along the Texas coast, but we have NOT built a storm surge protection system. It’s time to take action and move forward,” Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush has declared.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) strongly support action that leads to a project, and they have been collaborating for several years toward a proactive solution.

Texas’ General Land Office (GLO) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have entered into an agreement to develop the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study

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to investigate projects for flood reduction, hurricane and storm damage mitigation and ecosystem restoration along the entire Texas coast. Texas is the only state on the Gulf Coast that does not have such a coastal plan. This proposed $19.8 million (federally cost-shared with Texas), 5½ year study will help determine a list of projects that might work so that further study and funding can be started.

This recent agreement joins studies already in progress by TAMUG, Rice University’s Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center and the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District (GCCPRD).

TAMUG completed an interim report on a potential coastal spine system (referred to as the Ike Dike Concept) in November 2015. The coastal spine, with a height of 17 feet and a total length of approximately 58.5 miles, consisting of 56 miles of land barriers that resemble natural sand dunes and 2.5 miles of storm surge barrier, will provide the greatest possible regional protection.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

TAMUG’s proposed coastal spine concept was modeled by Jackson State University in September 2015.

Utilizing the latest super computers, the study compared inundation due to hurricane surge for existing conditions. Then the coastal spine was modeled as a project condition. The preliminary modeling demonstrated that an 80 percent reduction in inundation would be achieved.

After Hurricane Ike, which caused $30B of surge damage, the Texas Governor’s Commission for Disaster Recovery and Renewal reviewed the Ike Dike Concept conceived by Dr. Bill Merrell, TAMUG professor, and recommended that a six-county district be formed on the upper Texas coast to study storm surge and regional recovery strategies. As a result, the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District, GCCPRD, was formed in early 2010 to help Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange counties develop plans and conduct studies to alleviate damage from events like Hurricane Ike.

In 2013, the GLO entered into an agreement with the GCCPRD to conduct the Storm Surge Suppression Study, a technical, scientific based effort to investigate alternatives to alleviate the vulnerability of the upper Texas coast to storm surge and flooding.

The study is divided into three phases. The initial phase included the collection and analysis of existing studies and reports. Phase 1 of the study concluded in February 2015.

The second phase is comprised of preliminary technical and economic studies and development of a report with storm surge modeling, alternatives development and analysis, and an initial assessment of mitigation options for the region’s communities, ecosystems, businesses, and industries. Phase 2 should conclude in February 2016.

The last phase will consist of a final report, utilizing the information gathered from Phases 1 and 2, outlining the Storm Surge Suppression Study’s recommended system of flood damage reduction and storm surge suppression measures to better protect the sixcounty region. The entire study is estimated to conclude in June 2016.

Rice’s SSPEED Center has focused much of its attention to potential residual surge inside Galveston Bay. In its September 2015 annual report, SSPEED Center described additional conceptual measures which might provide storm-surge protection for the heavily populated communities on the west side of Galveston Bay as well as for the industrial complex along the Houston Ship Channel. The report also details how these measures could be part of a comprehensive regional flood-reduction plan if they were combined with components of the coastal spine concept.

SSPEED’s latest analysis is the first part of a three-year study funded by Houston Endowment.

These complex studies have taken years to compile, but more research is needed. A storm surge protection system will cost billions of dollars to complete but will mitigate hurricane storm surge damage, protect millions of people in the nation’s fourth largest city, and the largest petrochemical manufacturing complex in the in the United States and the jobs that represents.

Bush said, “By working together as a region, combining and coordinating local, state and federal resources, we will directly address ongoing threats to the Texas coast for future generations.”

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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NEWS NUGGETS

time in the next three or four years, which always is a risk when you go through a government transition, my belief is that we’re doomed.”

CCISD, PISD make the top 12

Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees take time out for a photo with Dr. DeeAnn Powell, the lone finalist for superintendent of schools. They are, from left, Trustee Jack Bailey, Secretary Marshall Kendrick, Assistant Secretary Nelda Sullivan, Dr. Powell, President Mariselle Quijano, Vice President Vickie Morgan, and Trustees Fred Roberts and Kenny Fernandez.

Pasadena ISD picks new superintendent Dr. DeeAnn Powell, 46, has been named the lone finalist for Pasadena’s school superintendent.

She has served Pasadena ISD since 1991 as a teacher, facilitator, assistant principal, principal, associate superintendent for campus development and for the past two years as deputy superintendent for campus development. She holds a doctorate of education from University of Houston - Clear Lake.

“It is awesome to have grown up in Pasadena and attended schools here,” Powell said, “and now to have the opportunity to serve the kids of the district in this way.” She is expected to assume her new duties Jan. 15.

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At the beginning of summer the current superintendent, Dr. Kirk Lewis, announced his plans to retire at the end of 2015. After her selection was announced, he told the audience, “You’re in good hands.”

Not the time for a start over NASA could be doomed if a future president alters the agency’s current course to reach Mars with humans in the 2030s, agency administrator Charles Bolden said in remarks before the Center for American Progress.

“This is not a time that we can start over,’’ said Bolden, a former astronaut. “I think we’ve been through enough ‘start overs.’”

“We’ve got to stay focused,” he said. “If we change our minds at any

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Both the Clear Creek and Pasadena school districts were listed among the top workplaces in Houston in an employee survey by the Houston Chronicle.

CCISD, which has 5,150 employees was ranked 9th and PISD, with 7,950 employees, took the 12th spot.

Best place to work? Anadarko Petroleum Corp., an oil and gas exploration and production company apparently held in high esteem by its 2,750 employees.

PISD to honor Marie Flickinger South Belt-Ellington Leader Publisher Marie Flickinger has been selected to receive the Pasadena ISD 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award. She will be honored by the district and the Board of Trustees at

a reception on Jan. 28 at the Lewis Career and Technical High School.

Each year, the award is given to a community member whose leadership and committed efforts enhanced the educational experience of Pasadena ISD students and improved the quality of life for residents.

“Marie genuinely cares about the welfare of students and residents in the community and it reflects through her work at the newspaper, her selfless acts of kindness and her leadership,” Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis said. “She is vocal and wellrespected in this community and builds relationships that promote the common good. This is a tribute that is well deserved.”

Rep. Paul will seek re-election Texas State Rep. Dennis Paul has formally announced he’ll seek re-election representing the 129th House District, which includes the cities of El Lago, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Shoreacres, Taylor Lake Village, Webster and portions of Friendswood, Houston, La Porte, League City, Pasadena and Pearland.

He is a member of the Pensions and Insurance Committees and serves as chairman of the Texas Aerospace Legislative Caucus.

Assistance League honors volunteers

Harris County moving tax sales to new site New location offers better parking, easier access, security and many upgrades

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any members of the Assistance League of the Bay Area were recognized at their monthly meeting with the President’s National Volunteer Service Award for hundreds of hours of volunteer work serving the community during the league’s past year.

Fifty-eight members received awards for having between 250 and 500 hours of service to the community through the eight programs of Assistance League, earning Bronze, Silver or Gold awards.

Cindy Senger Lewis joined the ranks of several other members for achieving the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for giving over 4,000 hours of service to the local communities through the programs of the Assistance League and during her years as an Assistance League member.

Some 78 members received service pins for being a supporting member of Assistance League for between 10 and 25 years.

Over 200 were at the luncheon, visiting and listening to reports on some of the eight programs that serve community persons, mostly children and teenagers of the Bay Area, La Porte and Galveston.

Assistance League President Dr. Peggy Clause, presents Cindy Senger Lewis, center, the President’s Volunteer Service Award of Lifetime Achievement for volunteering for more than 5,000 hours as Presidentelect Dee Cover looks on.

For more information on Assistance League of the Bay Area, visit its website at bayarea. assistanceleague.org and/or call 281-554-2594 for information on becoming a member and/ or volunteering in its many programs. Most monthly meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month and there are evening meetings for those whose schedule does not permit attending a day meeting.

A large part of the funding for its many programs is through sales of donated clothing, household goods and some furniture items to its Resale Shop, located at 100 E. NASA Parkway, where donations are accepted during business hours on Wednesday through Saturday.

Arlis Miles, Priscilla Magnuson, Ginger Darnell, Atiya Abouleish and Karen Douglass, from left, were among 16 members who received the President’s Volunteer Service Silver Award for volunteering a minimum of 250 hours.

After two centuries, the times are a-changin’ in Houston.

Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan is moving the monthly Tax Sale to the Bayou City Events Center early next year.

The switch in locations comes after the Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the move at its meeting last month, following a Texas Legislature change in the law during the last session.

“For almost two centuries, Harris County Tax Sales were required to be conducted on the steps of the county courthouse,” Sullivan said. “Now, thanks to legislative changes, we are able to move the auction to a site that better accommodates the needs of today’s bidders. In addition, with legislative changes initiated earlier this year by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt and State Rep. Dan Huberty, we will be able to host online tax sales.

This is yet another accomplishment toward bringing the tax office into the 21st century.”

Currently, Sullivan said, the Tax AssessorCollector’s Office works with taxing jurisdictions, county constables and departments and collections attorneys to organize and host a massive tax sale on foreclosed properties at the Harris County Family Law Building.

“The sale outgrew the current location years ago, resulting in many people being unable to participate in the process,” he said, adding. “My legal responsibility is to collect all taxes, and a successful tax sale helps me accomplish that.”

Sullivan thinks the new tax sale site will provide easier access, better customer service and result in a more pleasant experience for bidders. “Rather than fighting the elements and unpredictable Houston weather, our bidders will be indoors in a more comfortable setting,” Sullivan said.

“This will improve the experience for everyone involved, including the jurisdictions I represent, the constables, and other county departments who provide support. This is a real win-win for everyone involved.”

The first tax sale at the new location will be Feb. 2, 2016 at Bayou City Events Center, 9401 Knight Road.

The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office Property Tax Division maintains approximately 1.7 million tax accounts and collects property taxes for 71 taxing entities including Harris County. For the 2014 tax year, the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office collected more than $5 billion in property taxes.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Space Center Houston presenting world premiere of ‘Be the Astronaut’

Space Center Houston’s immersive fall exhibit takes visitors on a journey to the Moon, Mars, asteroids, Jupiter and beyond in the world premiere of “Be the Astronaut,” sponsored by the City of Webster through Jan. 3.

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pace Center Houston’s immersive new exhibit takes visitors on a journey to the Moon, Mars, asteroids, Jupiter and beyond in the world premiere of “Be the Astronaut,” sponsored by the City of Webster through

Jan. 3.

In “Be the Astronaut,” produced by Eureka Exhibits, visitors will learn how an astronaut trains for a deep space mission, drives a rover, uses a robotic arm, plans a mission in two dimensions and flies it in three dimensions.

The exhibit features two talking robots with which visitors can interact and watch as they move throughout the exhibit.

Exclusively at Space Center Houston, visitors will see NASA artifacts that illustrate the technology that is being developed for future missions at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

“The fall exhibit explores the solar system using interactive technology designed to inspire the next generation of explorers,” said Richard E. Allen Jr., president and CEO of the nonprofit, educationally focused space museum. “Visitors will control the action for a simulated rocket launch, pilot a spaceship, and have fun playing with hands-on technologies that make you think about the science behind deep space exploration.”

For the first time, visitors will land on multiple worlds and navigate a mission using simulations derived from NASA’s Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter space probe data. NASA’s Orion program plans to go farther into space than ever before. The fall exhibit gives visitors an upclose look at deep-space exploration and why it’s important to discover new worlds and push the boundaries.

The next landmark event at the nonprofit is the opening of the shuttle carrier aircraft and shuttle replica exhibit complex, “Independence Plaza.” Now under construction, the new complex will be the only one of its kind with educational displays focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Space Center Houston tickets range from $18.95 for children to $23.95 for adults with discounts for seniors and active military, or save $3 and skip the ticket lines by buying online. Purchase a Space Center Houston membership for as little as $26.95 and return free as often as you like during the year with free parking, special events and much more.

For more information on Space Center Houston, visit www. spacecenter.org

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Come be an astronaut, NASA says

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n anticipation of returning human spaceflight launches to American soil, and in preparation for the agency’s journey to Mars, NASA will soon begin accepting applications for the next class of astronaut candidates.

With more human spacecraft in development in the United States today than at any other time in history, future astronauts will launch once again from the Space Coast of Florida on Americanmade commercial spacecraft, and carry out deep-space exploration missions that will advance a future human mission to Mars.

The agency will accept applications from Dec. 14 through mid-February and expects to announce candidates selected in mid-2017. Applications for consideration as a NASA Astronaut will be accepted at: http://www.usajobs.gov The next class of astronauts may fly on any of four different U.S. vessels during their careers: the International Space Station, two commercial crew spacecraft currently in development by U.S. companies, and NASA’s Orion deep-space exploration vehicle.

From pilots and engineers, to scientists and medical doctors, NASA selects qualified astronaut candidates from a diverse pool of U.S. citizens with a wide variety of backgrounds.

“This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “Those selected for this service will fly on U.S. made spacecraft from American soil, advance critical science and research aboard the

International Space Station, and help push the boundaries of technology in the proving ground of deep space.”

The space agency is guiding an unprecedented transition to commercial spacecraft for crew and cargo transport to the space station. Flights in Boeing’s CST100 Starliner and SpaceX Crew Dragon will facilitate adding a seventh crew member to each station mission, effectively doubling the amount of time astronauts will be able to devote to research in space.

Future station crew members will continue the vital work advanced during the last 15 years of continuous human habitation aboard the orbiting laboratory, expanding scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, NASA said. This work will include building on the regular six-month missions and this year’s one-year mission, currently underway aboard the station, which is striving for research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable longduration human and robotic exploration into deep space.

In addition, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, now in development, will launch astronauts on missions to the proving ground of lunar orbit,where NASA will learn to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment before moving on to longer duration missions on its journey to Mars.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of America’s human space flight program,” said Brian Kelly, director of Flight Operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “NASA has taken the next step in the evolution of our nation’s human spaceflight program – and our U.S. astronauts will be at the forefront of these new and challenging space flight missions.

We encourage all qualified applicants to learn more about the opportunities for astronauts at NASA and apply to join our flight operations team.”

To date, NASA has selected more than 300 astronauts to fly on its increasingly challenging missions to explore space and benefit life on Earth. There are 47 astronauts in the active astronaut corps, and more will be needed to crew future missions to the space station and destinations in deep space.

Astronaut candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, biological science, physical science or mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable. Candidates also must have at least three years of related, progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft. Astronaut candidates must pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical.

For more information about a career as a NASA astronaut, and application requirements, visit www.nasa.gov/ astronauts

Eckels updates Rotarians on both storm project, high speed rail to Dallas

By Mary Alys Cherry

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ometimes we get lucky and get two for the price of one. Space Center Rotary members did last month when they invited former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels to talk about the privately developed high speed rail project he’s involved in.

Not only did he talk about Texas Central Railway, which hopes to offer us a 90-minute bullet train ride from Houston to Dallas in the not-too-distant future, he also provided Rotarians with a brief update on one of the Bay Area Houston storm surge protection studies.

And, why not: Eckels is president of the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District which is conducting studies to determine the best way to alleviate damage from future hurricanes and he has been serving as president of Texas Central Railway.

Nelson Madrigal and Laura Massague in The Nutcracker. Photo by John Gladu.

A holiday tradition returns: BAHB&T’s The Nutcracker

Architect Michael Porterfield, left, welcomes attorney Ben Hall and recent Houston mayoral candidate to the Space Center Rotary luncheon featuring a talk on high speed rail by Judge Robert Eckels. Photo by Mary Alys Cherry

environmental scientists, economists and community specialists, who are taking a look at 250 storms to determine percentages, with their analysis due in February.

“We have a great team working on it,” he told the luncheon crowd at Bay Oaks Country Club that included Houston mayoral candidate Ben Hall.

The final phase, expected to be completed by next June, will take the information and recommend storm surge suppression measures to better protect the sixcounty region.

90 MINUTE TRIP Then Judge Eckels switched from the slow moving storm activity to the “really cool train,” which, when built, will make the trip from Houston to Dallas in 90 minutes and even include a stop in College Station.

Currently, it takes a motorist 3 and ½ hours to drive. A train will leave the station every 30 minutes he said.

And, he added, in 50 years of traveling in Europe and Japan, they have never had an accident as “the tracks are elevated so there is no place for cars to cross.” Motor vehicles drive under the train tracks.

In July, the company said it had raised $75 million from Texas-based investors, including Fort Worth investor John Kleinheinz, Dallas developer Jack Matthews and former Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. of Temple.

Look for the train to take off in about four years – around 2020.

Judge Robert Eckels, second from left, arrives at the Space Center Rotary Club luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake, where he is welcomed by President John Branch, from left, Past President Sheryl Berg and Lauren Laake of Councilman Dave Martin’s office. Photo by Mary Alys Cherry

The six-county GCCPRD was formed in April 2010 on the recommendation of the Governor’s Commission on Hurricane Ike when the county judges from Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Chambers, Jefferson and Orange counties gathered in Galveston to develop plans and conduct studies to alleviate damage from future storms, Eckels explained.

NOW IN PHASE 2 They got a General Land Office grant to evaluate the problem and recommend a cost-effective storm surge suppression system to help protect the six-county region. The project, Eckels said, is now in Phase 2, which is a major technical study by a team of engineers,

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he Bay Area’s own professional ballet company, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, will continue a long-standing community tradition by presenting the holiday classic The Nutcracker Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13, in the University of Houston - Clear Lake’s Bayou Theatre -- a special treat for all with beautiful sets, magical dancing and a timeless story.

The Nutcracker tells the beloved holiday tale of Clara and her dream journey with her most treasured Christmas gift, the Nutcracker. The night after receiving the gift, Clara sneaks down to the Christmas tree to check on the doll and falls asleep with it in her arms. As the clock strikes midnight, strange things start to happen and the Nutcracker doll becomes a Prince fighting off rats and the Rat King to protect Clara.

The Nutcracker Prince then takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow where they are greeted by dancing Snow Flakes and the Snow Queen and then on to the Land of the Sweets – the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy! In the Land of the Sweets, Clara and her Prince are entertained with a celebration of sweets and dances.

Tickets to The Nutcracker range in price from $25-$35 and can be purchased by calling the BAHBT box office at 281-480-1617 or visiting www.bahbt.org. Group discounts are also available by calling the BAHBT box office. UHCL is located at 2700 Bay Area Blvd.

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry Houston mayoral candidate Bill King, right, was in the crowd at the 2015 Space Center Rotary Shrimporee.

Here, he stops to talk with Rotarian Gary Renola.

Pets that were up for adoption added to the fun at the 2015 Rotary Shrimporee. Here, one of the puppies gets the attention of, from left, Jack Bacon, Terri Crawford, Rena Deitrich and Johnny White.

Sheryl Berg stops by to visit with realtor John Nugent, left, and Taylor Lake Village Mayor Jon Keeney at the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee.

CCISD Superintendent Greg Smith, left, and banker Steve Owens check out the silent auction at this year’s Space Center Rotary Shrimporee in Clear Lake Park.

Judge Louie Ditta, right, and former Port Commissioner Steve Phelps, left, welcome realtor Jim Hargrove to the Rotary Shrimporee as they prepare to start the live auction for the crowd in Clear Lake Park’s Landolt Pavilion.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2015

Shrimporee Chairman Darryl Smith, left, welcomes State Rep. Dennis Paul and Kelly Waterman of Congressman Brian Babin’s office to the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee.

Cooking shrimp is one of the main chores each year at the Rotary Shrimporee, and many of the same guys are back on the job year after year, such as Bill Geissler, Michael Porterfield, Bob Jacobson and Kenneth Gurry, from left, while Thor Koenig learns the ropes.

Members of the San Jacinto College Steel Band entertain the crowd at the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee in Clear Lake Park’s Landolt Pavilion.

Alpha Chi Omega Sorority Alumnae recently installed officers for the coming year. They are, from left, President Monica Gibbs, Recruitment Vice President Dawn Stillwell, Membership Vice President Michelle Richardson, Co-Secretary Brandie Soenning and Public Relations Vice President Kimberly Campbell. Treasurer Janel Salmen and Co-Secretary Carolyn Waidhofer are not pictured.

Houston Symphony League Bay Area Executive Board members stop for a photo with President Jim Moore as they plan their 2015-16 season. They are, standing, from left, Finance Vice President Patience Myers, President-Elect Mary Voigt, Membership Vice President Jane Lackow, Communications Vice President Dana Puddy, Recording Secretary Martha McWilliams, Programs VP Carole Wilson, Education VP Nina McGlashan and Special Events Chairman Carole Murphy. Not pictured are Corresponding Secretary Pat Brackett, Development VP Vicki Buxton, Historian Pat Biddle, Nominations Chairman Glenda Toole and Director of Volunteer Services Vickie Hamley.

Five outstanding Bay Area law enforcement officers were honored by Space Center Rotary members at the club’s annual Excellence in Public Service Ceremony with Seabrook Police Officer James Hill, far left, named recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Others honored are, from left, Houston PD Officer Jeff Schmidt, Nassau Bay PD Officer Jerel Crowder, Harris County Precinct 8 Deputy Constable Scott Kotara and Pasadena PD Officer Joe Stephens. Rotarian and Precinct 8 Constable Phil Sandlin, far right, coordinated the ceremony.

Toastmasters International Area P-3 Governor Jim Taylor recently passed the gavel to the new officers of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club.

Pictured with Taylor, from left, are Secretary/Treasurer Brian Strawn with Ameriprise Financial, Sgt-at-Arms Ava Sloan with The Rodin Consulting Group, Education Vice President Kevin Smith with Primerica Financial, Membership Vice President Cookie Johnson with GPS Wealth, Public Relations Vice President Matt Henson with At Your Side Home Care and President Dwayne Roecker with Maxim Group.

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A Busy Fall Photography by Mary Alys Cherry

Chryse Padilla walks into Space Center Houston with Lou and Alice Marinos as they join the crowd at the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Kickoff Reception.

Seabrook Police Officer James Hill, left, is presented Space Center Rotary’s Distinguished Service Award by Rotarian and Precinct 8 Constable Phil Sandlin during the club’s annual Excellence in Public Service Ceremony at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake.

Bay Area legislators, Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen, Sen. Larry Taylor and Rep. Dennis Paul, from left, arrive at Landry’s Seafood Restaurant in Kemah to given Clear Lake Area Chamber members an update of accomplishments during the recent session in Austin.

Bay Area Houston Magazine

C OV E R PA R T Y Nov. 19, 2015 International Signature Bistro Photography by Hal Bushnell

DECEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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REALTOR SPOOKTACULAR MIXER Amadeus Italian Restaurant & Piano Bar Oct. 22, 2015 Photography by Hal Bushnell

BENEFIT FOR SOPHIE Claudio’s Piano Bar & Restaurant Oct. 22, 2015 Photography by Hal Bushnell

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