Bay Area Houston Magazine April 2015

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

April 2015 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

Winners of the 2014 Best of the Bay Awards Page 39

In this issue

Rainy Day Fashions

When To Reupholster

Bay Area Events Calendar

Lakewood’s Fashion Show

features

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ON THE COVER Johnson Development’s home tour in 10 masterplanned communities throughout Houston is open to the public every weekend in April.

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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 Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Shannon Alexander Debbie Salisbury Logan Timmins

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Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Rod Evans Michael Gos Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit Cathy Osoria Pat Patton Logan Timmins Digital Strategy Consultant Pierr Castillo Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

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

281.474.5875

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Bay Area City Elections

13

Dental Health

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Keels & Wheels

32

Houston’s Largest Home Tour

36

Symphony League Home Tour

39

Best of the Bay Awards

44

UTMB Changes Name of Facility

46

UHCL Honors 2 Local Couples

49

80 Make Trip To Visit Texas Legislators

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Maritime & Petrochemical

51

Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

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Bill King Enters Houston Mayoral Race

Only 2 of 7 mayors to face opposition Don’t settle for half Celebrating 20th anniversary Tour returns to the Bay Area Tickets on sale for April 11-12 tour Congratulations to the 2014 winners UTMB Health League City Campus School honors the Wilsons and Mossmans Chambers and BAHEP visit the capital Port education effort earns national praise Deer Park, La Porte celebrate dialogue with industry Legislators tour Bay Area Houston Pledges to bring city government ‘back to the basics’

columns 14

Movers & Shakers

16

Clear Lake Chatter

18

Texas Meditations

20

Logan’s Love List

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In Wheel Time

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The Admiral’s Log

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Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events

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Home Sweet Home

County Judge Mark Henry Go Red For Women Luncheon Raises $160,000 Personas April Showers: Fashionable rain wear SUVs hit the mark for Bay Area families An overview of the 2015 fishing season Lakewood Ladies Association fashion show To upholster or not upholster?

38 CLICK! 2014 Best of the Bay Awards

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

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54 Light@Work Project Hope

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

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Main Events Calendar of events for Bay Area Houston

APRIL 2015

B A Y A R E A C A N D I D A T E S CLEAR LAKE SHORES

Only 2 of 7 Bay Area mayors to face opposition on May 9

By Mary Alys Cherry

S

even Bay Area mayoral seats

are up for election May 9 but only two mayors have an opponent.

And that is much the story in other elections. Little opposition.

Kemah Mayor Bob Cummins is being challenged by Mayor Pro-tem Carl Joiner, and Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr. has Jeff Pound as his opponent. That’s it. Mayors Vern Johnson of Clear Lake Shores, Robert White of El Lago, Kevin Holland of Friendswood, Louis Rigby of La Porte and Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village can relax and begin planning for their next term.

Webster, Pearland and Pasadena promise to have the liveliest elections with almost all their city council seats drawing opposition.

But El Lago, La Porte, Nassau Bay, Taylor Lake Village and Texas City voters can sleep in on Election Day as no council members are being challenged in the May election. In Nassau Bay, Mayor Pro-tem David Braun, who was elected to Council Position 1, died before he could seek re-election. His wife, Angela, was appointed to fill his seat until the May election, at which time Harry Dollar will be elected to the seat.

No Seabrook candidates have opposition, but the electorate needs to cast their ballots for or against 20 proposed charter amendments. The same holds true for voters in Dickinson who will vote on a proposition on the reauthorization of the local sales and use tax “at the rate of one-fourth of one percent to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.”

Dickinson ISD and College of the Mainland Board of Trustees will not hold elections as candidates have no opposition. However, there is some in the Clear Creek ISD. Trustees Page Rander

and Charles Pond will be re-elected while District 5 Trustee Dee Scott has chosen not to run again and James Jay Cunningham and Trent Dale Martin will vie for the seat. Only voters living in District 5 can vote in this election as the other CCISD elections have been decided.

And, if you want to be a part of it all and haven’t registered, the last day to register to vote in your city’s elections is April 9. Contact your county clerk’s office by email, phone or mail for a ballot and get it in by the April 9 deadline.

Early voting starts Monday, April 27, and ends Tuesday, May 5, in the office of each municipality’s city hall, in most cases. For hours, contact the city secretary in the town where you live. Some will post the hours on the city website.

Applications for ballots by mail – for seniors and the disabled – must be received by the close of business Thursday, April 30.

Elections in Houston – of which Clear Lake City is a part, and League City, will be in November.

Where to vote early City elections At your city hall, in most cases CCISD Early Voting locations April 27 – May 3, 2015 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. except Sundays

Mayor: Vern Johnson (i) Two At-Large seats Al Burns (i) Jan Bailey (i) Ronnie Richards DEER PARK Mayor: Jerry Mouton Jr. (i) Jeff Pound Pos. 1: Sherry Garrison(i) Pos. 2: Thane Harrison (i) Shelley Stokes Betty Lemley Pos. 3: Chris Richey (i) Gerald Cothran Tommy Ginn

PEARLAND

No seats up for election

Pos. 2: Trent Perez Quentin Wiltz Derrick Reed Adrian Hernandez Pos. 4: Keith Ordeneaux (i) Adrienne Bell

EL LAGO

SEABROOK

Mayor: Robert White (i) Pos. 1: Robert Kumar-Misir Pos. 2: Mitch Youts (i)

Pos. 1: Robert Llorente (i) Pos. 3: Gary Johnson (i) Pos. 5: Glenna Adovasio

FRIENDSWOOD

TAYLOR LAKE VILLAGE

Mayor: Kevin Holland (i) Pos. 1: Steve Rockey (i) Pos. 3: Jim Hill (i)

Mayor: Jon Keeney (i) Pos. 2: Doug Blanchard (i) Pos. 4: Einar Goerland (i) Pos. 5: Robert Davee (i)

DICKINSON

KEMAH

WEBSTER

Mayor: Bob Cummins (i) Carl Joiner Pos. 2: Wanda Zimmer (i) Cathy Bowen Pos. 4: Robin Collins (i) Pos. 5: Matthew Wiggins Jr. Wayne Rast NASSAU BAY

Pos. 1: Diana Newland (i) Jennifer Keller Keidt Bill Jones Pos. 2: Alexandra Dietrich (i) Andrea G. Wilson Pos. 4: Beverly Gaines Floyd Myers CLEAR CREEK ISD

Pos. 1: Harry Dollar Pos. 3: John Mahon (i) Pos. 6: Jonathan Amdur (i) LA PORTE

CCISD Education Support Center 2425 E. Main St. League City

Mayor: Louis Rigby (i) Dist. 2: Chuck Engelken (i) Dist. 3: Daryl Leonard (i)

Falcon Pass Elementary 2465 Falcon Pass Clear Lake City

PASADENA

Clear Brook High 4607 FM 2351 Friendswood

Dist. C: Emilio Carmona Sammy Casados Dist. D: J.E. “Bear” Hebert Pat Riley Cody Ray Wheeler Dist. E: Cary Bass Larry Peacock Dist. F: Jeff Wagner Dist. G: Pat Van Houte Steve Cote Dist. H: Darrell Morrison Oscar Del Toro (Seats G and H are At-Large seats)

Dist. A: Ornaldo Ybarra (i) Keith Nielsen Dist. B: Bruce Leamon (i) Celestino Perez

Dist. 4: Page Rander (i) Dist. 5: James Jay Cunningham Trent Dale Martin At-Large: Charles Pond (i) DICKINSON ISD Dist. 3: Fritzie Samford (i) Dist. 4: Jeff Pittman (i) COM TRUSTEES Pos. 2: Alan Waters Pos. 3: Kyle Dickson

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Fifteen things homeowners can do to reduce energy and maintenance costs 1. Turn down the hot water heater to 120°F. It’s a waste of energy to heat water hotter than most people can stand.

2. Get a water heater blanket. Many older water heaters and even fairly new ones aren’t well insulated. A water heater blanket saves money by keeping the heat in.

3. Wrap insulation around exposed hot water pipes. Good quality pipe insulation makes the water 2° to 4° warmer and delivers it quicker. The first three feet leaving the heater and the last few feet coming back are key.

4. Check for running toilets, leaky faucets and under sink plumbing. They cost you money and lead to mold.

9. Clear all air vents. Make sure vents aren’t blocked and look in to see they’re dust bunny free.

10. Air-dry some laundry. Put up a rack in the laundry room or a clothesline outside. Air-dry a third of your laundry and you’re running the dryer a third less of the time.

11. Choose reliable, energy efficient appliances. Paying a little extra for quality and reliability will save you lots over the long haul.

12. Seal out air. Air leaks are money leaks. Look for them around windows and doors, and then seal them up.

5. Check attic insulation. If you have an unfinished attic, have at least 6” of insulation, (more in the northern U.S.).

13. Monitor foundation cracks. If you have cracks in basement walls, cover the ends with masking tape with the date. If the cracks grow, call in a specialist. Foundation problems are way cheaper to fix sooner than later.

6. Put in a programmable thermostat.

This automatically adjusts temperature, so you only pay for heating or cooling the house when you’re actively using it.

14. Plant shade trees near your home.

They cool the house in summer, saving money on air conditioning, and add value to the property.

7. Install ceiling fans. Their air circulation effect lets you put your thermostat 1° or 2° higher in summer and 1° or 2° lower in winter. Set to blow air down in summer and up in winter.

15. Write down a home maintenance checklist. Include tasks you should do monthly, quarterly, and annually.

Review each month. You’ll save tons of money over time.

8. Replace the air handling filter. This is behind a slotted panel in the air handler. Note the size and stock up.

A dirty filter makes the system work harder. Check every two months.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

DENTAL HEALTH

Don’t Settle for Half

R

ecently I was talking to a friend about his daughter’s upcoming cochlear implant surgery.

He had some real concern about the decision of the insurance company to only fund placement of one cochlear implant as opposed to two.

Even though I completely understood his frustration, I also knew how important it is for him that she can hear and be able to distinguish and understand the meaning of various sounds before entering Pre-K. I decided to play devil’s advocate and stress the importance of time that would be wasted in the process. He replied that he is also very concerned about the time factor but he said, “The bottom line is that I don’t want my daughter to settle for half. She deserves better.” I couldn’t argue with that. He was right. If technology can help restore the full function of a lost body part, settling for half is not ethically justifiable.

Hours later, while reviewing my conversation, I discovered the parallel analogy between this concept and replacement of missing teeth. As we all know, conventional dentistry did not have a solution for replacement of a missing tooth that would allow restoration of the full range of functions that our teeth provide us, as opposed to addressing only their cosmetic and digestive consequences. Just because we don’t see something, it does not mean that it does not exist or is less significant. After all, we don’t need to see the roots of a tall oak tree to know they are there and extend far beyond the boundaries of the tree’s hole in the ground. The same analysis holds true for replacing missing teeth. We can’t deny existence of roots because without them our teeth would not stay in our mouth.

But is it really necessary to replace them? Well, they are as necessary to longevity of our dentition as a strong foundation is to any building or load bearing architectural structure.

Aside from providing surface area to chew our food and the cosmetic and sociological effects of having all our teeth, our teeth also provide mechanical stimulation for the neighboring jawbone, jaw muscles, salivary glands, and gums. This simultaneous stimulation in turn keeps the jawbone dense and strong, the jaw muscles stimulated and

“After all, we don’t need to see the roots of a tall oak tree to know they are there and extend far beyond the boundaries of the tree’s hole in the ground.”

toned, and salivary gland stimulated, allowing the presence of ample saliva to help break down food chemically and neutralize the billions of pathogens that invade our oral cavity every single day.

There is little argument in the professional community that the dental implant is the most suitable replacement for our natural dentition. It addresses and replaces all the functions that were performed by the tooth that it replaces.

Other traditional options may fill the space but they come at a cost. They have to sit on top of the gum.

Imagine replacing a load bearing column in your house with a new post that is not even planted in the ground. It is just being held in place by other posts. It may look identical to the way it did before but there is little question that it is not providing the same function. Luckily, thanks to dental implants, when it comes to our oral health and smile, we don’t have to settle for half of what we deserve.

Of course not all patients are medically fit to receive dental implants.

To find out if you are a suitable candidate, please call Dr. Noie at 281-3324700 to schedule a oneon-one complimentary consultation with him.

Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Mark Henry Occupation: County Judge, Galveston County Hometown: Houston Current home: League City

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: USAF Thunderbird No. 5

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A cowboy; then I found out what it pays

My favorite performers are: Rod Stewart, Garth Brooks

You’ll never catch me: At a dog show

I like to spend my leisure time: Boating, brewing beer and cooking

The thing that bugs me the most is: People talking on cell phones and not paying attention to driving

Family: Wife Amy; Sons Austin and Taylor; Daughter Jessica; Granddaughter Riley

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Germany in October

My favorite writer is: Aaron Sorkin

My favorite meal is: Pizza

My favorite movie is: A Few Good Men Few people know: I own a brewery

Someone I’d like to meet: John Stossel

Long Time NASA Employee and Clear Lake Resident Remembered Thomas Daniel Barry passed away

peacefully on March 6, 2015 in Austin, Texas with his family by his side. He was born on January 26, 1936 in New York City to James and Rose Anne Barry. He graduated from St. Benedict Grammar School, All Hallows High School and received a B.S in Physics from Fordham University in 1958.

Tom began his career with the Sperry Gyroscope Co. in California and was with them for three years, working on flight control systems, navigational instruments and autopilots for the B-52 and B-47 at various Strategic Air Command locations throughout the west. He also worked on the early C-130, T-38, DC-8 and Convair 880/990.

He was hired by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at the Langley facility and was transferred to Johnson Space Center in Houston in February of 1962. This was the beginning of the Manned Space Program and the Houston site was just getting started. He worked for NASA at JSC for 33 years and retired in 1995.

During his time at NASA he worked on the Gemini and Apollo Command Modules, the Lunar Landing Module, the Space Shuttle Orbiter, the Solid Rocket Boosters, the early Space Station and finally with Orbiter Payload Integration. He also worked on gyroscopes, accelerometers, guidance/control systems and the avionics integration associated with the manned space vehicle programs. Tom often said he enjoyed his job at NASA so much he would have done it for nothing.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; son Patrick Barry and wife, Emily; son Michael Barry and wife, Jenny; grandchildren Stephen Barry, Madeline Barry, and Mattie Barry, all of Austin.

Tom and Susan were married in Houston in 1966 and lived in the Clear Lake area until moving to Georgetown (Sun City), Texas in 1997. Tom had many interests and hobbies including camping, hiking, rockhounding, photography, woodworking and he enjoyed attending classes at the Senior University in Georgetown.

He was remembered by family and friends on March 26 with a celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, send donations to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Assistance League Planning Evening with All the Right Stuff The Assistance League of the Bay Area kicked off the new year by unveiling plans for its annual fundraising event 2015: “The Right Stuff: Icons of the 1960s.”

The dinner and auction will be held Saturday, April 11 at Space Center Houston. Gala tickets are $125 per person and include dinner and live musical entertainment.

Tickets may be purchased at the Assistance League’s resale shop, 100 E. NASA Parkway, Suite 80, in Webster or by calling 281-554-2594. For more information click “Current Events” on the Assistance League website.

Event underwriter and sponsorship packages are available ranging from $250 upwards to $2,500. Packages include tickets as well as invitation, event, program or website recognition. Contact Gala Chairman Katy Bastedo at for more information.

All proceeds for this annual fundraising event are used to support Assistance League’s seven philanthropies including Operation School Bell® which has already clothed over 1,900 children in need for the 2014-15 school year. These children were identified by Clear Creek, Dickinson, La Porte and Friendswood school districts. Proceeds also will support Operation Cinderella, which outfits young men and women from head to toe in appropriate attire for their senior prom.

The Gala Committee, chaired by Katy Bastedo and Perri Fox, is busy planning an entertaining evening which will begin with a chance to mingle and take in the sights of Space Center Houston and the iconic 1960s. Dinner will be followed by both silent and live auctions and an evening of dancing to the sounds of The Navigators.

Committee members are busy soliciting for sought-after items, entertainment packages and hotel getaways. This year’s gala promises to include the “right stuff” for a spectacular evening. Please email or call 281-554-2594 to donate to either auction.

“A donation of only $50 provides one child with three shirts, two pairs of pants, socks, undergarments, shoe voucher and a hygiene kit,” said Bastedo.

“Please help us continue these philanthropic programs within the greater Clear Lake Area by attending this year’s gala, becoming a sponsor or by simply requesting a form for a donation.

“Come join us for a night of celebration and good will on Saturday, April 11 and help Assistance League continue to provide these valuable services to the children of the Bay Area. You can make a difference!”

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Logan Timmins, left, stops to visit with Robin Weigelt as they look for their seats at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon.

UH-Clear Lake’s Theresa Presswood, Mary Ann Shallberg, from right, and Karen Barbier, far left, get a warm welcome at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon from attorney Marilyn Sims, who is a Circle of Red member and their hostess for the event.

Bay Area Regional Medical Center Chairman Dr. Michael Lyons and his wife, Loraine, right, visit with Monica MacKerron, from left, and Nacole Beasley, R.N., as the crowd begins arriving for the 2015 Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.

Go Red for Women Luncheon raises $160,000 A SEA OF RED greeted any late arrivals at the American Heart Association’s 2015 Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort as they looked over the crowd.

And, as AHA Communications Director Michelle Reed put it, “It was one for the books with a recordbreaking $160,000 raised” by the 350 men and women who arrived clad in red.

The high-energy event, chaired by the Bay Area Regional Medical Center’s Chief Operating Nurse Susan White, hit an all-time high with its Open Your Heart donations and sales at its live and silent auctions, Michelle said. Fox 26 Anchor Rita Garcia served as emcee.

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Highlights included a powerful story of learning how to have confidence by Michelle Aguilar, winner of The Biggest Loser; several inspiring stories told by heart attack victims; and the annual competition for the Heart Throb of the Year, Five Bay Area men competed for the title of Heart Throb of the Year Award – Jason Mercer, Beau

Memorial Hermann Southeast staff members Ashlea Quinonez, left, and Rebecca Lilley, right, welcome Fay Picard, who came to the Go Red for Women Luncheon to represent State Rep. Greg Bonnen, who was tied up in Austin with legislative duties.

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Go Red for Women Luncheon Chairman Susan White, left, and Circle of Red President Brandy Gates check over the program for the 2015 luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Harding, Dr. S. Benjamin Albright III, Dr. Monte Orahood and the winner, Dr. Alexander Sardina.

Others you might have spotted in the energetic crowd were Bay Area Regional Medical Center Chairman Dr. Michael Lyons and his wife, Loraine; Circle of Red Chairman Brandy Gates, Men Go Red Chairman Santiago Mendoza Jr., Heart Throb Chairman Sandy Adams and Auction Chairman Laurie Dehse.

Council elects Angela Braun AS A THANK YOU for all Mayor Pro-tem David Braun did for his community before his death, the Nassau Bay City Council

unanimously elected his wife, Angela, to fill his seat for the rest of his term at its March meeting.

Then, the council took a break from its deliberations to join Angela for a photo.

Harry Dollar, who filed for the Position 1 seat in the May 9 election and is unopposed, will take the seat after the May 9 election.

Bay Oaks ladies turn out for lunch AUTHOR ANDY UPCHURCH presented an entertaining talk that had members of the Bay Oaks Women’s Association chuckling at their February luncheon.

Hospitality Chairman Judie

Houston Junior Forum Luncheon Chairman Connie Windes Zieba, right, stops for a photo with, from left, guests of honor Bob and Marilyn McDowell, keynote speaker Jim McIngvale, emcee Bill Stubbs and Forum President Cindy Mays Cochran.

Angela Braun, center, has been appointed by the Nassau Bay City Council to fill the seat held by her late husband, Mayor Pro-tem David Braun, until the May election. Joining her for photos after the vote are, from left, City Attorney Dick Gregg Jr., and Councilors Bob Warters, Jonathan Amdur, Bruce Klug, Mayor Mark Denman, Sandra Mossman and John Mahon.

Ferguson and her committee – Kaylee Benoit, Jo Cat Bruce, Danele Buehlar, Ann Dooley, Fran Gentry and Sue Ellen Jennings -- were on hand to welcome the arriving crowd that included Judy Raiford, Courtney Atchley, Sharon Phelps and her guest, Jeane Olsen; Jean Hays, Carol Bobo, Sandy Lantz, Molly Gorrell, Diane Konick, Linda Herzfeld and Angela Swint.

After which President Sue Broughton and Vice Presidents Cambrey Rogers and Becky Hensley directed them to the registration desk.

They hardly had time to sign in when in walked Jackie Daley, Grace Cameron, Mary Smith, Annette Dwyer, Betty Woodhouse, Angela Bivens, Allyson Jackson, Joan Grant, Sylvia Resch, Sharon Christman, Betty McElvain, Pam Ploss, Emmeline Dodd, Jodi Schnabel, Linda Kelly and Eileen Hult.

Others you might have spotted enjoying the French Almond Chicken Sautee were Sharon Dillard, who had Joy Muniz, Badiha Nassar and Barbara Groh as her guests; Janet Greenwood, Terri Steinkamp, Mary Colombo, Bobbie Moutz, Barbara Dickey, Kay Lee Sarah McClintock, Ann Benoit arrives at Stephenson, who had Bay Oaks Dina Stephenson as for the her guest, Trisha Gunn, BOWA luncheon. and Karen Reed.

Jackie Daley, left, visits with Ileana Desalos as they join the crowd at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Luncheon.

luncheon featured Jim McIngvale, founder, owner, and operator of the Gallery Furniture retail chain, author, and philanthropist. The luncheon raised funds for the HJF College Scholarship Fund and HJF Community Grants Program.

Emcee for the event was Bill Stubbs, a leading interior designer and owner of William W. Stubbs and Associates Interior Design Firm. Marilyn and Bob McDowell were the guests of honor. The McDowells are longtime HJF and community supporters.

Rotary plans Crawfish Boil Connie Zieba chairs benefit OUR AREA’S Connie Windes Zieba served as chairman of the recent Houston Junior Forum’s annual fundraising luncheon, “Conversations from the Heart” at the Junior League of Houston. The

LOOKING for fun things to do this spring?

The La Porte Rotary Club plans to host its 7th annual Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in SeaBreeze Park at 1300 Bayshore Drive.

They invite everyone to come on over to La Porte and enjoy some crawfish.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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TEXAS MEDITATIONS

Personas Crystal City, Texas

W

hen I was a kid of about seven or eight, I wanted to be Popeye. Since I was smaller than everyone else, not much of a fighter, and frankly, a bit wimpy, I believed life would have been a lot easier for me if I was big and strong like Popeye. Since spinach caused the transformation in him, I just knew that if I ate enough, it would happen for me, too. In my effort to achieve that goal, I craved spinach and could easily eat an entire can myself.

My parents reminded me that kids hate spinach, but their words didn’t change things; I still wanted to eat it three meals a day. It wasn’t until decades later that I realized I spent my early grade school years living with two personalities—the weak little guy the world saw, and the one I had in my mind and believed was the real me—Popeye Junior.

Standing in front of the statue of Popeye in Crystal City a few months ago made me remember those days. Crystal City proclaims itself the Spinach Capital of the World and so it seems only fitting that there be not one, but two statues of Popeye in town. As I looked up at one, I remembered back to when I was at that young age and first realized I had “multiple personalities;”

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

not of the clinical disorder magnitude—more like different, antagonistic sides to my nature.

As I moved into later grade school, I picked up a yet another “me”—sort of a western cowboy/ Indian. I remember reading about the Sioux in fifth grade and being fascinated by the lifestyle they led.

The great outdoors and horses…they were always my dream.

Sometime in high school I picked up another side—the beach bum. Growing up in northern Indiana, just a few miles from some of the prettiest beaches in America was an influence I’m sure. Also by this time, I had grown to be considerably bigger and stronger than most of my classmates, so I had no further need for Popeye Junior. He went by the wayside.

And so it went for several decades with personas coming and going until finally, decades later, the turmoil subsided and I settled comfortably into a collection of personalities that I have learned to live with. Each has its own unmistakable traits that allow anyone around me to quickly determine what “mode” I am in—just look at the clothes I am wearing or hear the music I am listening to. My students always are surprised when I come to work dressed very differently from what they see as my “norm.” Some personalities are just too hard to hide.

Sometimes I think it would be nice to be consistent—to be the same guy all the time. But apparently that is not realistic.

I decided I would be satisfied if I could just control which me was showing at any given time. Even that turned out to be a lot harder than I thought. Before I go to class or meet people for work purposes, I have to sit alone and get myself pumped up. I have to convince myself that it’s show time—time to bring out the persona that is appropriate for the situation.

I know what you are thinking. “Quit whining.

Everyone has that problem.” And you’d be right of course. I’m sure everyone has at least two, the professional persona and the person they really are, and most people have more than that. Nearly everyone negotiates the transition smoothly every day, so how hard can it be?

Maybe I’m just lazy, but for me, it is hard work.

But more important than that, having to manipulate my personas to match a situation just doesn’t feel honest. I spend a great deal of effort trying to project a “me” that is not who I am at the moment; I try to be something I’m not. And that got me thinking—there are a lot of people who make this the defining characteristic of their lives.

While most of us go about trying to match the various sides of who we are to the roles we play in life, I can’t help but think of those who try to force

“We expend a great deal of time and effort trying to fit our naturally square pegs into life’s various round holes.” themselves to project a persona that is not even remotely close to who they are. I tried that once myself. Right out of college I did a stint selling advertising for a radio station. I hated every second of it. I dreaded getting up in the morning and my job performance was dismal as a result. No amount of experience, or money, was ever going to make me suited to that job. And yet, there are people who do exactly that their entire lives. They work at jobs or run with groups of people that do not suit who they are. They try to convince the world, and maybe even themselves, that they are something they’re not.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Whether it is my multiple personas or the guy who goes through life pretending to be someone he isn’t, why can’t we just be who we really are at this, and every moment in time? Am I any less effective as a professor because I am wearing jeans and boots today rather than a tie? (Okay, I guess maybe I am a little less successful teaching Plato when my mind is on Luckenbach…)

It seems to me the real question for all of us is how did we get ourselves into this position in the first place. We assign ourselves roles that we must play, and for each role, we have to assume a different persona. An upper-level manager at work has to be a very different person than the husband and father he becomes when he walks in the door in the evening. And then there are those times when he goes “out with the guys;” that requires him be yet another person entirely.

As a result, we expend a great deal of time and effort trying to fit our naturally square pegs into life’s various round holes. Life is complicated enough without adding impersonation to the list of critical skills. If I have to be someone I’m not just to be able to fulfill the roles I’ve assigned myself in life, perhaps I should be asking if I’m choosing the right roles. And if the answer is no, it is important to understand, and to truly believe, I can change those choices any time I want. I’m not saying it will be easy, but with a can or two of spinach, I think it is doable.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[Logan’s Love List]

April Showers This fun, feminine, floral rain boot

by Sakroots will have you hoping for rain so you can show them off as you splash around town!

Available at DSW.

By Logan Timmins

I

have heard it said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. It’s true. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck wearing suede shoes on a day gone damp and drizzly. Personally, rainy weather makes me want to stay inside, curled up with a good book and a cup of tea. However, just because the weather is nasty doesn’t mean there aren’t places to go and people to see, and we shouldn’t let a little bit of precipitation put a damper on our panache. With the right rain gear and accessories, it is absolutely possible to beat the rainy-day blues and stay dry without sacrificing style! Here are some fabulous suggestions to keep you looking chic from point A to point B. Flirty and fashionable, this pretty, striped umbrella by ShedRain is super stylish and fully functional on even the rainiest of days. Available at BellaUmbrella.com

Edgy, cool, and a personal favorite of mine, this modern take on a classic Hunter rain boot is an excellent addition to any rainwear wardrobe. Available at Kirnazabete.com

Comfortable and completely chic, this Donatella scroll-printed raincoat by Mycra Pac is an absolute must have!

Available at Back Bay Boutique.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Avoid a rain-soaked bad hair day with this weatherproof, “Drizzle Defense,” dot rain hat by August Hats. Available at Dillard’s.

Bright colors are sure to brighten your mood on a rainy day.

This bright yellow trench will lift your spirits and keep you dry! Available at RiverIsland.com

Arm yourself against a downpour with this adorable, black and white striped umbrella

by Kate Spade.

Available at Macy’s.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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SUVs hit the mark for Bay Area families Whether luxury or practicality, here are two to consider

By Don Armstrong

Lexus RX 350 There is no denying that the Lexus RX ranks high in the luxury category, and for a reason. It’s affordable – in luxury speak – it delivers just the right ride quality luxury buyers are looking for and it pushes the edge in exterior design, not to mention Toyota reliability and dealership appreciation of buyer and owner.

The 2015 Lexus RX 350 integrates the polarizing spindle grille that now graces all Lexus.’ On the other hand, the sculpting of sheet metal excites the senses with a meaty rear quarter panel that draws attention to its roadworthy stance.

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The interior envelopes those that love the smell of leather and a little something different in center stack design. As with the first RX back in 1998, Lexus provides a place for the driver’s purse under the console.

Despite an extraquite interior, a Mark Levinson sound system keeps 18-wheeler roars to a minimum.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 270 horsepower and gets 18 MPG-city and 25-highway. The standard front wheel drive is adequate for most bay residents but all-wheel drive is also available.

Pricing for the 5-passenger 2015 RX starts at $40,970

Mazda CX-9

Underscore “family” SUV when it comes to the Mazda CX-9. This full-size SUV offers plenty of Mazda chutzpa – Zoom Zoom – with lots of power and sports car-like handling.

The new face of Mazda appears in a recently reinvented grille and while this vehicle is basically a 7-year old design, it’s still relevant and competitive with most of its rivals.

The CX-9 is available in three trim

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

levels, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring, the later two with upgrades to the sport or additional options packaged with the most popular configurations.

Where this big boy really shines

is its interior room. So many manufacturers tout 3-rows of seating, yet, in most cases, the third row is impossible to get to, unless you’re under the age of 16.

For those that make it, they’ll find legroom non-existent. This is not the case with the Mazda and to us, this is a huge plus.

Under the hood is a responsive 3.7-liter V-6 with 273-horsepower that gets 17-city and 24-highway.

The six speed transmission works flawlessly but if you’re not careful, you’ll squeal those front tires squirting across traffic from a stop.

The 2015 Mazda CX-9 begins at $29,985.

Spanish Mackerel will soon start appearing in the surf. Rig spoons and flashy lures with single strand wire to prevent cut offs.

An overview of the 2015 fishing season

By Capt. Joe Kent

Anglers welcomed the arrival of April after a long, cold winter that kept all but the hardiest of fishermen off of the water.

W

hat effects did the long

winter have on fishing and how does the rest of the year size up? We will take a look at all of this as far as fishing goes around the Galveston Bay Complex.

While there is a lot of good fishing during the winter, the majority of anglers fishing the Galveston Bay area are warm water fishermen. For that group April has been the key month to get back in the battle.

A survey of local fishing guides indicated that trout action during the first quarter of this year was excellent.

A good number of quality trout, including some trophy fish in excess of nine pounds, were landed. That news should be encouraging to trout fishermen who overall complained about lower catches than normal during 2014.

Several of the guides said that some of the best action took place during terrible conditions as cold fronts were blowing through. While for the most part late afternoon wade fishing offers the best action, the mornings of the

cold front arrivals were the times to be fishing.

The sustained cold water should have offered a big boost to last fall’s flounder spawn. Cold water helps sustain the young hatch as they make their way back to the bays.

Looking ahead to warmer weather, April is considered the start of the saltwater fishing season in that it is at some point during this month that we see the first sustained 70 degree temperature readings in the surf.

Anglers refer to this as reaching the magic 70 degree mark. The significance of this is that at that point and higher our summertime fish, including the migratory pelagic fish, start appearing.

April fishing is usually handicapped by gusty winds as the month has the dubious honor of being the windiest along the upper Texas Coast. Still, during windows of fishable conditions a wide variety of fish are caught.

April is known for a big run of gafftop in the surf, and at some point during the month, the first ling appear in the surf and around the jetties. The first jack crevalle of the year also appear and often are caught as far into the bays as the Galveston Causeway area.

As the year progresses, fishing will continue to improve with the incremental increases in water temperature.

“April and May often produce some of the largest trout of the year.”

Based on the winter trout action reported by the guides, the outlook for the warm months is excellent.

April and May often produce some of the largest trout of the year, and during the summer the school-sized trout start their aggressive feeding pattern.

One of the biggest encouraging factors for a good year of fishing is that we avoided a fish killing freeze

this past winter. While the season was long and cold, we did avoid a harsh winter like much of the north and east USA experienced.

One key to a successful year of fishing will be the amount of rainfall.

Salinity levels in the Galveston Bay Complex over the past several years have been high. A balanced level of salt in our waters will do wonders to help fishing and the reproduction cycle in the wetlands.

April should provide some excellent opportunities for outstanding fishing, if the wind allows. During May, we have the first big run of speckled trout at the jetties, which should definitely make you feel like you are back in the battle.

Everyone is optimistic that 2015 will be better for fishing than last year.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Mary Moorehead

Marsha Taylor

Tammy Severance

Marjorie Clark

Sandy Lewis

Johnette Norman

Joyce Maxwell

Alice Thomas

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Rosemary Bettis

Amy Dunphrey

Stepping out in style

Sue Warters, right, welcomes Houston Yacht Club members, from left, Sandy Hays, Sabra Francis, Jan Wiley and Linda McKee to Lakewood Ladies Association Fashion Show Luncheon.

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Rubye Garrett

The Lakewood Ladies Association began celebrating the club’s 60th anniversary at their annual fashion show luncheon Feb. 20 as models showed off stylish outfits from Clotheshorse Boutique in League City.

Ladies Association Vice President Jan Smith planned and coordinated the fashion show.

Photos by Peggy Hill

Keels & Wheels Celebrates 20th Anniversary

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n 1995 Bob Fuller and Paul Merryman, both members of Lakewood Yacht Club, launched what became the first of many annual Keels & Wheels events. The antique automobile and vintage boat show took place at the yacht club one weekend in May and benefitted the Leukemia Society. That first year, Keels & Wheels saw approximately 100 car and 35 boat exhibitors, welcomed close to 2,500 guests and donated $2,000 to the charity.

Today, Keels & Wheels is set to host their 20th annual event May 2-3, 2015.

Due to the rate at which the event has progressed, participation is now exclusive, as only 200 cars and 100 boats are selected among thousands of entries. Each year, spectators and exhibitors from all over America and Europe gather at Lakewood Yacht Club to experience the competition that has established itself among the nation’s top concours events. To date, Keels & Wheels has donated over $1.4 million to partnering charities.

Lincoln Motor Company and the City of Seabrook will return this year as title sponsors.

This year’s event will again benefit the Boys & Girls Harbor, which seeks to provide healthy, comprehensive care for children and families in crisis.

Thanks to Keels & Wheels donations, many less fortunate families and children are impacted by the show’s contributions.

In addition, many small businesses and individuals have benefitted from Keels & Wheels. The event is responsible for contributing over $3.5 million each year to the local economy, while simultaneously raising national awareness of Seabrook. Keels & Wheels has helped the community to stay afloat following damages from several hurricanes and other economic hindrances.

Since the conception of Keels & Wheels in 1995, it strives to create new, exciting and unforgettable experiences for attendees. This year,

Dennis Gage, host of Velocity’s “My Classic Car” will serve as the 2015 Grand Marshal. The show will be filming an episode at the Keels & Wheels event throughout the weekend of May 2-3.

Attendees will have a chance to win exceptional prizes from raffles during the event. The features for the 20th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance include the marques of Packard and Mustang for automobiles and Garwood and Hacker for boat classics. In honor of the 20th Anniversary, Keels & Wheels has invited the “Best of the Best” show winners from years past to display their automobiles and boats.

Over the years, Fuller and Merryman, as well as hundreds of Lakewood members, have put in a tremendous effort to produce this unique event. Keels & Wheels has become a nationally acclaimed show which attempts to help its community and share its success with its charities.

Moreover, Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance exemplifies the possibilities that can come of a dream or a vision intertwined with passion.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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DESIGN

“A fabric with more synthetic content is easier to clean and more durable in the presence of children and pets than a cotton or linen natural fiber fabric.�

If it is not prewashed, the covers will have massive shrinkage and will not fit after cleaning (even drycleaning).

Shape and style need to be classic and timeless. The frame of the piece can be altered some.

Rounded arms can be made straight. Seat back height can be raised or lowered; cushion shape can be altered; and legs come in a variety of lengths and heights.

If the shape is not pleasing and appears dated, then reupholstering is not the answer. Many people hold on to a piece of furniture for sentimental reasons so maybe changing the shape or legs can help it work in the space better.

Reupholstering can add details or remove details that previously existed. Tucks can be added to the back or seat of a chair or bench, or if the furniture has tucks they

Home Sweet Home To reupholster or not to reupholster?

By Cathy Osoria

S

ome furniture is not built

for a second life. It may not be structurally sound enough for the expense of reinvesting. If the furniture has a well-made-frame and classic style and shape, then it is probably worth the investment. Older furniture with dowel joints, kiln dried wood, and feather stuffing tends to be of higher quality. Reupholstering can be costly, especially if the frame and/or springs need repairing or the padding needs to be replaced.

If all of that is in good shape, the cost will only be the fabric and labor. The type of cushions and the filling can make a huge difference

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in the price, the comfort, and the life of a sofa. A down and feather sofa cushion can cost around $650.

A foam cushion runs about $75.

Down is very comfortable but compresses rapidly and does not hold its shape for long. It needs refluffing to look good. This is why a combination of feathers and foam works best for price and retaining shape. A foam cushion with a down feather wrap is what this combination is called. For both seat and back cushions the ratio of 60 percent down to 40 percent feathers is perfect for comfort.

Fabric is another costly expense in reupholstering. Some fabrics have lined strong backing which makes the fabric more durable

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

and does not stretch in shape as easily. These are usually considered upholstery weight. A fabric that is thin and easily tears is going to need reupholstering much sooner.

A fabric with more synthetic content is easier to clean and more durable in the presence of children and pets than a cotton or linen natural fiber fabric. The cost of reupholstering varies. It is best to either text or take a picture to a local upholsterer and to obtain several bids.If possible, look at the work they have done that might still be in their shop. They can also provide the amount of fabric needed to recover that piece. If slip covering the furniture is being considered, always wash the fabric before it is given to the upholsterer.

can be removed. The same piece of furniture can appear totally different depending on the changes that should be discussed with the upholsterer before the final decision is made.

There are unbelievable Internet deals and furniture store sales that make it easy to find upholstered furniture bargains. My tendency is to purchase new pieces because I am usually trying to update a room with shape and new fabrics, and I typically do not have an existing frame that is worth the money and effort to restore it. I do appreciate the value of a piece that is timeless and sturdy and can be salvaged with a bit of stuffing and fabric.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BAY AREA HOUSTON’S

BEST REALTORS & AGENTS

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

‘Houston’s Largest Home Tour’ Returns to the Bay Area

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

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he Johnson Development Corp. is opening hundreds of doors citywide this April for “Houston’s Largest Home Tour,” including homes in two premier Bay Area developments, Tuscan Lakes and Edgewater.

Nearly 500 homes — including more than 100 models showcasing the latest decorator trends — will be open weekends in April in 10 masterplanned communities throughout Houston. Homes

will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. Also planned during the month are a bevy of public events and unveilings of community art sculptures commemorating the 40th anniversary of The Johnson Development Corp.

“This year marks an important milestone for The Johnson Development Corp., as we celebrate both our 40th anniversary and having more projects ranked among the nation’s 20 top-selling communities than any other developer,” said Doug Goff, chief operating officer for the company. “Not only will hundreds of homes be open for touring, but engaging events will be ongoing throughout the month.”

Tuscan Lakes is an 870-acre development in League City on League City Parkway (State Highway 96) just two miles west of Interstate 45. During the April tour, the public can enjoy a Touch-A-Truck event 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 17, and a Nature Expo 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 24, featuring interactive displays, giveaways and a variety of animals at the Cypress Point Recreation Center.

Also on tour will be homes in Edgewater, a 538acre mixed-use development built along the banks of Clear Creek in Webster, which offers waterways and miles of nature trails.

Other master-planned communities included in the tour are Riverstone, Sienna Plantation and Imperial in Fort Bend County, Woodforest and Harmony in South Montgomery County, Fall Creek in northeast Houston and Cross Creek Ranch and Willow Creek Farms in west Houston.

For a full event itinerary and tour maps, visit www.johnsondevelopment.com

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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CCISD Spelling Bee winner Naomi Ayub, right, a Brookside Intermediate eighth grader, and runnerup Carissa Moore, Wedgewood Elementary fourth grader, show off their trophies after the long competition.

Brookside’s Naomi Ayub Wins CCISD Spelling Bee After a ferocious Spelling Bee

that lasted 23 rounds and three and a half hours, Clear Creek ISD has a new champion speller.

Brookside Intermediate’s Naomi Ayub won first place on Feb. 21 in the district competition at Mossman Elementary School in League City with students representing every elementary and intermediate school in CCISD, a total of 36 campuses.

The final eight spellers competed until the champion and runnerup were crowned. Naomi Ayub, an eighth grader, placed first after correctly spelling precautionary and venerate in the final round.

Wedgewood Elementary’s Carissa Moore, a fourth grader, is the 2015 runner-up.

Naomi Ayub will advance to the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, which was to have been televised live March 28. The Houston Public Media Spelling Bee is the qualifying bee for 42 Texas counties for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the nation’s long-standing educational promotion since 1925.

The top two spellers of the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Houston at the Scripps National Spelling Bee during Bee Week.

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Tickets on sale for April 11-12 Symphony League Home Tour

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he 14th Annual Day by the Bay Home Tour sponsored by the Houston Symphony League Bay Area will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12 from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

There are seven homes on the tour this year.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the homes.

They may be bought at these locations: Arlan’s-4614 NASA Parkway, Casanova’s — 4630 NASA Parkway, Mediterraneo — 18033 Upper Bay Road., Vintage Revival — 18073 Upper Bay Road., Adelaide’s — 14870 Space Center Blvd., Nassau Postal — 957 NASA Parkway, Unexpected Interiors — 613 E. Main St. in League City.

Proceeds from the tour enable the symphony league to provide music enrichment education for students in Clear Creek ISD elementary schools and community presentations.

Two of the homes are historic, and there aren’t many historic homes in our area. House No. 1, Windemere, was built in 1929-30s. Its appeal is the beautiful skilled craftsmanship that is seen in the grand entry, ornate wall and stairway.

Though its location has made it vulnerable to hurricanes, the Bal Harbour Association has kept it refurbished to reflect the era. The English Tudor design, with its ornate detailing in the red brick elevation, makes a stately setting though it’s really difficult to see from NASA Parkway due to trees, but is one of the best kept secrets in our area. The home has 8,113 sq. ft. including the garage, and is open for rental for events.

Home Tour Chairman Vicki Buxton says, “Don’t miss this!”

The second historic home on the tour is the Bay Area Museum down NASA Parkway and across the road from Windemere, it is the “Little White Church” at the back of Clear Lake Park. It was the second church home for the original Webster Presbyterian Church, which had been destroyed in the hurricane of 1900.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

The museum chronicles the unique history of the area from rice farming to the space age. The structure bears one of only three Texas Historic Markers and was Webster’s oldest building. The church was moved from Webster in 1981 in two pieces, and most of it has been faithfully restored. It has a chapel and Fletcher Hall with original wood-slat floors, and as a project of Lunar Rendezvous, the church and grounds are meticulously maintained.

Two of the homes are in Seabrook and both are waterfront. One is custom-built and is made of easycare materials though incorporating beautiful touches like hardwood floors, special tiles, a Murphy bed, and a special quilt room. One might call the design a contemporary “beach elegance.”

The other home in Seabrook has many unique features such as a private beach, views of Galveston Bay from almost every room, a wildlife sanctuary salt pond, and a copper-ionized pool that needs no chemicals or salt.

Three homes in Brook Forest that have unusual renovations are on the tour. House No. 5 is a sophisticated renovation that might be called “Cosmopolitan Chic.” Owners are nature lovers and have a “never will be interrupted” view of the bayou where they enjoy watching wildlife. One homeowner, in the fashion industry, mixes styles and materials in her own style — and it works throughout the home to make it truly one of a kind.

Multiple renovations and updates reflect combining his and her tastes to make an elegant, yet very comfortable home. Recently, four small bedrooms were converted into a huge closet and dressing room and a lady’s salon where Tia Mia jewelry is created.

House No. 6 has been continually updated since the current owners bought it — they thought it had “good bones” for them to work with. A New Orleans French feeling comes to mind when in the home looking at the family heirlooms and antique furniture.

House No. 7 is filled with pieces bought at auction in Houston and brought from travels. An art collection is exceptional with several paintings, drawings from the 16th century and sculpture. The master bedroom usually brings out the “AAAhhh’s,” because it and the master bath are extravagant.

For information, call 281-326-5341 or 713-870-8614.

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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2 0 1 4

C ongratulations TO 2 01 4 ’ s B E ST

Best Asian: 888 Bistro Best Auto Repair: Space Center Automotive Best Bank: Allegiance Bank Best Bar/Pub: The Cock Bull & British Pub Best Bartender: Terry Thompson Best BBQ: Red River Barbeque & Grill Best Breakfast: Skipper’s Greek Café Best Brunch: Cullen’s Upscale American Grill Best Burger: Tookie’s Hamburgers & More Best Café: Classic Café Best Cajun: Floyd’s Cajun Seafood Best Car Dealer –Domestic: Ron Carter Cadillac Best Car Dealer – Foreign: Star Toyota Best City: League City Best Credit Union: JSC Federal Credit Union Best Contractor/Remodeler: Lone Star Design Best Dentist: Dr. J. Derek Tieken Best Entertainment Spot: T-Bone Tom’s Best Eye Care: Berkely Eye Center Best Family Restaurant: T-Bone Tom’s Best Furniture: Island Furniture Best Gift Shop: Glass Mermaids Best Hair Salon (tie): Brazil N’ Drops and Salon Avante Best Hair Stylist: Desiree Dantas Best Health Club: Me Body Studio Best Home Builder: Bayway Homes

Best Hospital: Houston Methodist St. John Hospital Best Italian: Frenchies Best Ladies Boutique: Back Bay Boutique Best Local Entertainer: Claudio Sereni & Abel Salazar Team Best Margarita: San Lorzeno Mexican Restaurant Best Marina: Waterford Harbor Best Massage Therapist: Madeline McGeorge-Moore Best Men’s Apparel: Dillards Best Mexican: Mamacita’s Restaurant & Cantina Best Mortgage: The Montgomery Group Best Physician: Dr. Jack Janoe Best Pizza: Mario’s Flying Pizza Best Private School: Primrose Private School Best Oysters: Tommy’s Oyster Bar Best Realtor/Agent: Kimberly Harding Best Resale Shop: I Spy The Perfect Piece Most Romantic Restaurant: Opus Bistro Best Seafood: Topwater Grill Best Spa: Oasis Salon & MediSpa Best Steak: Killen’s Steakhouse Best Sushi: Michiru Sushi Best Web Design: Big Splash Web Design Best Women’s Apparel: Casanova’s Downfall Best Wine Bar: Chelsea Wine Bar Best Yacht Club: Lakewood Yacht Club

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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THANK YOU FO THE BEST OF

Congratulations from all of us a

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

OR MAKING US THE BAY 2014

at Bay Area Houston Magazine

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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THANK YOU FOR MAKING US THE BEST OF THE BAY 2014 Congratulations from all of us at Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Say goodbye to part of the UTMB sign on its League City facility on the Gulf Freeway.

The name has been changed to UTMB Health League City Campus, where its new addition is to open this fall.

UTMB changes name of League City facility Name change reflects new hospital, emergency department and expanded services

T

he University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is changing the name of its biggest Mainland facility to UTMB Health League City Campus.

The facility, which is being expanded to add a hospital, emergency department and a wider range of inpatient and outpatient services, had previously been the Specialty Care Center at Victory Lakes.

“This renaming reflects both the changes at the facility and also acknowledges the rapid growth of League City,” said Donna S. Sollenberger, executive vice president and CEO of UTMB’s Health System.

“The name change also brings uniformity to naming that aligns with the UTMB AngletonDanbury campus.” In addition, she noted that the use of “campus” better reflects the broader scope of services that will be available.

The League City location opened to patients in May 2010, representing a major expansion of services for patients in Galveston County and southern Harris County. The original 110,000 square-foot, twostory building included advanced imaging, outpatient surgery, breast health, orthopedics and rehabilitation, pelvic health and

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

vascular lab. The new space brought many services together under one roof using the latest technology.

With the expansion, the complex will have a hospital with 11 Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum rooms and 10 medical/surgery rooms with plans to grow to 37 rooms. The LDRP rooms will have oversized windows, Wi-Fi, sofa beds and will offer couplet care for mother and infant in the same room and a neonatologist.

The Emergency Department will include 24-hour care and a childfriendly waiting room; eight treatment rooms, a full diagnostics lab and CT/MRI capabilities.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the health care needs of the League City community,” said Dr. Danny O. Jacobs, executive vice president, Provost and Dean of the School of Medicine.

Construction of the center’s expansion is expected to be completed in August and the name change will occur over the next few months as signage is updated to reflect the new hospital and emergency department, which will be adjacent.

“What will not change is the high level of service that has characterized the center since it opened,” said Dr. David L. Callender, president of UTMB. “UTMB’s ongoing growth is possible because we have built a reputation for providing quality, patient-focused care.”

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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UHCL honors 2 local couples

R

ecognizing the friendship

and gifts of longtime university friends, University of Houston-Clear Lake President William A. Staples hosted his annual President’s Cabinet Dinner in February. During the program, Staples presented the 2015 President’s Cabinet Leadership Award to Pat and Wendell Wilson, with the 2015 President’s Cabinet Philanthropy Award going to Sandra and Gary Mossman.

“Your support of UHCL makes a real difference in the success of

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UHCL,” said Associate Vice President for University Advancement Rhonda Thompson.

Thompson, who joined UHCL in summer 2014, welcomed attendees to the dinner program, with Staples also offering thanks to the guests.

He then updated the group on university activities during the past year before inviting others to the lectern to speak.“This has been a very historic academic year for us,” said Staples. “We welcomed 8,665 students including our first freshman and sophomore students.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Staples then introduced the President’s Cabinet Leadership Award recipients, Pat and Wendell Wilson.

“When I think about the Wilsons,” said Staples. “Two things come to mind: (1) They are highly devoted to education; and (2) Their dedication and service is remarkable.”

In addition to their extensive volunteer service throughout the community, the Wilsons have been staunch supporters of UHCL students through the creation of the UHCL President Dr. Patricia William Staples, Potter Wilson right, presents the 2015 President’s School of Cabinet Leadership Education Award to Pat and Outstanding Wendell Wilson Students during President’s Cabinet Dinner.

Scholarship Endowment and through contributions to many other scholarship programs. They were previously honored for their support with the 2009 President’s Cabinet Philanthropy Award.

In 2014, the Wilsons showed their patriotic spirit by supporting UHCL’s Liberty Bell project, which led to Pat being named a “Belle of the Bell” and Wendell being recognized as a “Man of Honor.” Later that year, UHCL’s Office of Veteran Services honored Wendell’s time in the U.S. Air Force by renaming the department the Sandra and Gary Capt. Wendell M. Mossman, left, smile as Dr. William Wilson Office of Staples, right, Veteran Services. presents them Over the with the 2015 last two years, President’s Cabinet Philanthropy the Wilsons Award during the graciously began President’s Cabinet funding the Dinner. development of park space on campus that was commonly known as the Duck Pond.

The space will be enhanced and UHCL will celebrate the Wilsons’ contributions that have been used to create a new garden and more. The Pat and Wendell Wilson Park will be introduced to the community later this year.

At the dinner, UHCL education student Nam Dinh thanked the Wilsons for their scholarship.

“It is an honor to speak here tonight,” said Dinh. “I’m in the second phase of my internship, and this scholarship made a difference to me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“What happens is that we hold on to you for life,” said Pat Wilson to Dinh referring to the recipients of the Wilson scholarship. “We are so excited about what is happening at UHCL, and it has been a pleasure working with everyone in University Advancement who has helped us from the beginning.”

“Pat and I are really pleased to be a part of this vibrant community,” Wendell Wilson added. “We are pleased about the garden, which will highlight an already existing beautiful area. We are also pleased to have a fountain that will help with the pond.

The legacy gift keeps funding the garden for future generations.”

Staples recognized Sandra and Gary Mossman’s support with the President’s Cabinet Philanthropy Award.

“Just as we presented the Leadership Award to Team Wilson, we are presenting the Philanthropy Award to Team Mossman,” said Staples. “It’s a team effort and has been throughout their lives.”

“What the Mossmans have done at UHCL is create the Dr. Sandra Mossman Endowed Professorship in Educational Leadership, which will provide a professor selected by the university with support for travel, research, outreach and more.”

Superintendent of schools for CCISD 2003-2008, Sandra Mossman worked in several positions before becoming superintendent including as a counselor, principal, associate superintendent and deputy superintendent. Gary Mossman refined his engineering skills by beginning his career as president and co-founder of Southwest Specialty Chemical Co. and retiring as president of Dixie Chemical Co. He currently serves as chief operating officer and director of PLxPharma.

Sandra Mossman has been honored with numerous awards including, in 2014, the George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award from the Clear Creek Education Foundation.

Meanwhile, Gary Mossman has been active in numerous professional organizations including having served on the Board of Directors for the American Chemical Council and Texas Chemical Council.

UHCL School of Education Dean Mark Shermis thanked the Mossmans for their contributions to the School of Education. “Our goal is always to attract and retain top faculty,” said Shermis. “The School of Education and I are grateful to the Mossmans for their kind gift in creating the professorship.”

“We have had the pleasure of living here for almost 40 years and watching UHCL grow,” said Gary Mossman.

“We’ve also had the pleasure of watching as Dr. Staples’ vision has come true,” added Sandra Mossman, who also mentioned several of the partnerships between the university and CCISD. “UHCL is quite a university and unlike any other,” she added. “We salute the university. Go Hawks!”

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Photos by Matt Griesmyer

Mayors Glenn Royal of Seabrook, right, and Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point, left, talk about some of the Bay Area’s needs with State Sen. Larry Taylor and State Rep. Dennis Paul during visit to the Texas Legislature by the Clear Lake and League City Chambers and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

A group of Bay Area community leaders are greeted by their legislative representatives on arrival in Austin. Pictured are, from left, Kemah Mayor Pro-tem Carl Joiner and his wife, Kim, Clear Lake Area Chamber Chairman Sharon Proulx and President Cindy Harreld, State Rep. Dennis Paul and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

80 make trip to visit Texas legislators

By Mary Alys Cherry

A

group of some 80 business, education and community leaders made the biennial trip to Austin Feb. 18 for visits with Texas legislators, hoping for additional funding for several issues they all felt would improve our way of life.

Topics for the group -- led by the Clear Lake Area Chamber President Cindy Harreld, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell and the League City Regional Chamber officials --included more dollars for education, allday Pre-Kindergarten, workforce development, transportation, storm

State Rep. Greg Bonnen and his wife, Kim, standing at right, stop to talk with some Bay Area visitors to the Texas Legislature, and you can rest assured education was the topic of conversation. They are, from left, Superintendents Lloyd Graham of La Porte ISD, Trish Hanks from Friendswood ISD, Greg Smith of Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD Superintendent Vicki Mims and Barrios Technology ‎Research Integration Manager Sergio Lucero.

surge protection and development of the Ellington Spaceport.

The exuberant crowd of Bay Area Houston cheerleaders included Superintendents Greg Smith of Clear Creek ISD, Vicki Mims of Dickinson ISD, Trish Hanks of Friendswood ISD, Lloyd Graham of La Porte ISD and Deputy Superintendent Karen Hickman of Pasadena ISD; Mayors Vern Johnson of Clear Lake Shores, Glenn Royal of Seabrook, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point and Mayor

Pro-tem Carl Joiner of Kemah; and City Councilors Geri Bentley of League City, Dave Martin of Houston and Al Burns of Clear Lake Shores.

Joining them were Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership President Barbara Koslov, UHCL Science Dean Zbigniew Czajkiewicz, San Jac Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford and dozens more who spent the day visiting as many legislators as possible, making the area’s desires known.

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Port education effort earns national praise Partners in Maritime Education among select initiatives honored by Harvard

By Rod Evans

T

he Port of Houston Authority’s (PHA) Partners in Maritime Education initiative has been gaining fans among industry and educators since it was launched six years ago, and now the signature program has earned national recognition.

The initiative is among 124 programs across the country to be recognized by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, as part of the 2015 Bright Ideas program. Bright Ideas acknowledges entities representing all forms of government—school districts, county, city, state and federal agencies and public-private partnerships that “are on the forefront of innovative action.”

The PHA launched Partners in Maritime Education in 2009 as a means to address the growing need for skilled maritime workers by organizing maritime academies at four area high schools. The program seeks to introduce students to possible careers in maritime industries and has also helped to create two- and

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four-year degree programs and training at colleges, junior colleges and community colleges to provide graduates from the high school program an opportunity to continue their maritime career training.

“Industry involvement is important to the success of the Port of Houston Authority’s maritime education program,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said. “At

“The Bright Ideas program demonstrates that often seemingly intractable problems can be creatively and capably tackled by small groups of dedicated, civicminded individuals.” the port, every industry stakeholder from the U.S. Coast Guard to the barge operators to the Houston Pilots were asked for their guidance and input as the program was developed and as it has progressed.”

This year marks the fourth cohort recognized through the Bright Ideas program, which is part of the

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

broader Innovations in American Government Awards program. In order to be considered, programs must be currently in operation or in the process of launching and must be administered by one or more governmental entities. The program is open to non-profit, private sector and union initiatives if they are operating in partnership with a governmental organization. Bright Ideas are showcased on the Ash Center’s Government Innovators Network, an online platform designed to be a venue for policymakers 2014 to share public policy maritime solutions. grads “The Bright Ideas from Jack program demonstrates Yates High School. that often seemingly intractable problems can be creatively and capably tackled by small groups of dedicated, civicminded individuals,” said Stephen Goldsmith, director of the Innovations in Government Program at the Ash Center. “As exemplified by this year’s Bright Ideas, making government work better doesn’t always require massive reforms and huge budgets.

We are seeing that, in many ways, an emphasis on efficiency and adaptability can have further-reaching effects than large scale reforms.”

Bright Ideas recognizes programs related to five areas of innovation: Improving Criminal Justice and Public Safety with Data; Reaching Underserved and Underrepresented Populations—the area in which the PHA was recognized—Public Participation and Civic Engagement, Using Technology to Make Government Work for People, and Cultivating Innovation.

The category in which Partners in Maritime Education was recognized focuses on programs that seek to expand education and career development for populations that are traditionally largely ignored by the system as a whole, including people with special needs and economically disadvantaged children and adults.

Other programs recognized in the same category as the PHA initiative include the Mentoring Program and Youth Directors Council organized by the city of Miami Beach, Fla., which provides a safe place for atrisk kids to spend their after-school and weekend hours and gives them access to study resources and SAT preparation materials, along with career search training.

Another program recognized by the Ash Center is the Le Fetauo Samoan Language Center in Hawaii, a program that encourages Samoan youth and teaches them to respect their culture while creating

investment in their families and the larger community.

Another program, called Tribal Best Practices, was launched by Oregon’s Addictions and Mental Health Division Tribal Liaison and helps adapt state-mandated practices to meet the cultural and traditional standards of Native American populations.

Partners in Maritime Education has helped to initiate several educational efforts, including the establishment of the transportation management and security degree program at Texas Southern University, the first degree program dedicated to transportation management and security in the Houston area and the first such program established at an historically black college in the U.S. The PHA also partnered with other schools, including Houston Community College, Lonestar College Cy-Fair, San Jacinto College, Texas A&M University at Galveston and the University of Houston on establishing degree programs focused on maritime training. The effort has also established maritime curriculums at several area high schools, with a heavy concentration in the La Porte and Pasadena school districts.

“In a short time, the maritime academy program in area high schools has become one of the premier maritime education efforts in the U.S.,” Longoria said. “San Jacinto College is now building a maritime education campus contiguous to the Port of Houston.”

Summer Interns Wanted

Applications from students interested in participating in the PHA’s Summer Internship Program are being accepted through the end of April. The internship program began in 2008 and is designed to provide qualified candidates an opportunity to gain real world experience in their field of study.

The 10- to 12-week paid internship provides candidates in a variety of study areas, including construction management, engineering, security, accounting and finance and maritime transportation, a chance to work alongside some of the most respected people in their fields.

To qualify, students must be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university or be a recent graduate of a four-year college with plans of continuing their education to earn a master’s or higher degree in a field related to the work area of the internship. For more information on the Summer Internship Program, visit Portofhouston.com.

Economic Alliance: We understand that two of our region’s panels are celebrating significant anniversaries this year. Who? Diane: The Citizen’s Advisory Council to La Porte Industry began in February 1990 and the Deer Park Community Advisory Council in March 1990—and have met most months ever since. Both are celebrating their 25th anniversaries.

While there are similarities among CACs, each is also unique.

Economic Alliance: What are some of the positive changes our region has realized as a direct result of these CAC/CAPS?

Deer Park and La Porte celebrate 25 years of community dialogue with industry

By Tamara Nicholl-Smith

E

ach month throughout the Houston Port Region small diverse groups of community members and managers from the area’s petrochemical facilities meet face to face to engage in dialogue about plant-related issues such as environment, health, safety, emergency response and communications, transportation, workforce development, and education. These forums are known by several names: Community/ Citizen’s Advisory Council (CAC), Community Advisory Panel (CAP), and Community-Industry Panel (CIP).

The Economic Alliance sat down with Diane Sheridan, a local CAC/ CAP facilitator to learn more about the history, role, and importance of these face-to-face interactions.

Economic Alliance: How did Community Advisory Councils come about?

Diane: These forums have their roots in the Chemical Manufacturers Association (now the American Chemistry Council) Responsible Care program established in 1988.

At the time, member plants made a public commitment to learn what the community expected of them and to try to address concerns. Responsible Care recommended the formation of community advisory panels to provide that opportunity.

Economic Alliance: What is special about the Community Advisory Councils in the Houston Port Region?

Diane: While, Responsible Care motivated the formation of these forums throughout the chemical industry nationwide, one thing that is distinctive to our region is the number of multi-company versus single-plant CAPs. With 130 East Harris County

Manufacturers Association plants expected to take part in CAPs, it is not possible for each to have its own.

The La Porte CAC is believed to be the largest in the U.S. It continues to grow due to construction of new plants and splitting up of existing plants. In 1997, it had 24 plants. They expect to have 47 plant sponsors by the end of the year. Add in the community members and visitors, and they often have 90-100 attendees.

Diane: There are some specifics: companies established air monitors requested in two CAPs, companies investing in changes to reduce noise and odors, plants reducing emissions.

Annual reports on emissions and on worker safety have let the community track reductions in emissions and injuries over the years. While regulations may be the biggest reason for change, CAPs apply a subtle pressure because no one wants to be the plant with increased emissions or the highest safety rates. In general, CAPs put constructive pressure on plants to continuously improve, not just by responding to community advice but also by learning from their peers in the large multi-company CAPs that characterize east Harris County. CAPs also give the public a face. They help plant managers (and their workers when managers share CAP input) see their operations as the public would. And those outside voices are not the nebulous “general public.” They are specific individuals you will face at the next CAC meeting.

Diane Sheridan, a 37-year resident of Taylor Lake Village, has been a professional facilitator for 29 years. She volunteers with the League of Women Voters of the Bay Area and credits the LWV with teaching her how to develop consensus and honing her organization skills.

For more information visit: www.deerparkcac.org. For more information about the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region visit: www.allianceportregion.com

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

Legislators take fact-finding tour of Bay Area Houston

T

he Bay Area Houston/Galveston

region has so many wonderful attributes, it’s difficult to paint a true picture when you’re away from home. You really have to show them.

The area exemplifies the type of business environment that attracts companies from all over the world. But in a state that covers 268,580 square miles, it’s difficult for anyone to full comprehend what any given region has to offer and the significance of those assets to the State of Texas.

So five of our area legislators – Sens. Larry Taylor and Sylvia Garcia and Reps. Greg Bonnen, Dennis Paul and Wayne Faircloth -- hosted a fact-finding tour of the region March 5-7 that included state legislators, their chiefs of staff, legislative aides and guests.

The almost 60-member delegation participated in the trip that was coordinated by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

As the Bay Area ranks third in the nation in boating, first stop after a reception hosted by Courtyard by Marriott was the Aquarium, where the Kemah Boardwalk and the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association hosted a dinner for the travelers, giving them a look at the quality of life and this region’s recreational and entertainment venues -- often a deciding factor in any move,

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

As the legislative tour of Bay Area Houston drew to a close, the crowd headed to the Houston Rodeo for an evening of fun, some stopped here for a photo on arrival at NRG Stadium. They are, from left, Fay Picard, Dr. Greg Bonnen’s district director; BAHEP President Bob Mitchell and Membership Director Harriet Lukee, Eliza and Rep. Dennis Paul; Cheryl and Rep. Wayne Faircloth; Kerri and Sen. Larry Taylor; Marie and Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock; Rep. Ramone Romero; Kim Bonnen; Kathryn McLaurin of John Space Center and Kristyn Weaver, Sen. Taylor’s district director.

Next, the legislators and their guests were given a personalized tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, including a look at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, briefings on the International Space Station, the Commercial Crew Program, and the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.

They also visited NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab, where astronauts from across the globe train in a pool. No ordinary pool, the NBL tank is 202 feet in length, 102 feet wide, and 40 feet 6 inches deep, and contains 6.2 million gallons of water. The day concluded with a dinner at Space Center Houston, where the Houston Airport System presented a program on the future Houston Spaceport.

Closing out the Galveston tour, the group was given a presentation on Texas A&M at Galveston

by USA Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bill McClain. Dr. Bill Merrell, the TAMUG Marine Science chairman, then gave a brief overview on a hurricane storm surge protection system, a coastal spine, which has come to be known as the Ike Dike concept.

Col. Len Waterworth, TAMUG executive professor in the Department of Maritime Administration, followed with a detailed presentation. Sen. Larry Taylor and Rep. Joe Deshotel co-chair Texas’ Joint Interim Committee on Coastal Barrier Systems. BAHEP has been working with Merrell for over four years garnering support for a storm surge protection system. To date, more than 30 cities and organizations have endorsed such a system for the region.

Galveston tour

Tour has significance

whether by a company or a family.

It’s all about space

Galveston, well known for its recreational amenities, is also the home of the University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston which was the first stop for a UTMB overview, followed by a tour of the Galveston National Lab, which provides much needed research space and specialized research capabilities to develop therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic tests for naturally occurring emerging diseases.

This fact-finding tour was the first biennial tour that will coincide with each Texas legislative session. The Bay Area Houston/Galveston region’s sizeable economy impacts the entire state.

When bills need support to get to the floor of either chamber or when they come up for a vote, it’s crucial that legislators know the economic profile of a region well enough to make informed decisions that will affect all of Texas.

David Braun remembered

B

ob Mitchell, president of

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, gave a touching eulogy on Feb. 25 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nassau Bay for BAHEP staff member David Braun, who passed away Feb. 21. Following is part of that eulogy, which is abbreviated due to space constraints.

“We’re here tonight to remember David Braun.

I’m representing the entire Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership family. The BAHEP staff is truly a family. We work together, we laugh together, and we cry together. David always referred to us as the BAHEPIANS! “We have lost one of our family members in David; he was the glue that kept us together. Let me share some words that describe this good man: Good husband, father, friend, mentor.

Community leader. Caring. Brave. Truthful.

Trustworthy. Giving. A leader by example. And last, but certainly not least, funny “David was a model for us all. He handled his cancer battle with such dignity and courage. He handled it with the same methodical approach

he handled his job. No matter the deadline, David never flinched under pressure. He was so committed to live life the best way he could, never complaining or showing the pain he felt.

“In the middle of David’s cancer treatment, BAHEP joined forces with the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance to convince members of Congress that the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act of 2012 would have devastating consequences for many thousands of people and businesses across the nation. David led that effort in Texas. Last March the Senate passed the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, and the president signed the bill into law.

Through David’s hard work, along with others, this one bill saved the residents and businesses of Bay Area Houston many thousands of dollars on their flood insurance policies.

“Most people had no idea that David had been fighting cancer for three years. He had such an inner strength. David always had a smile on his face, and I do mean always.

“He was smiling last Friday when Jane Gayle and I presented him the plaque honoring him and his work at BAHEP. We told David that we are renaming our conference room after him so that his work can be remembered. The plaque will say: ‘Remarkable for his dedication to his family, his work with the Bay Area Houston Economic

Partnership, and his community, David gave 100 percent of his effort in all that he accomplished. His work on behalf of Citizens for Space Exploration Texas and BAHEP’s Aerospace Advisory Committee was exemplary and will long be remembered. He was a friend to all he met and always had a smile for everyone. David will always remain a valuable part of the BAHEP family.’

“So as long as there is a BAHEP, there will be a David Braun conference room.

“David’s behind-the-scenes work on the annual Citizens for Space Exploration Texas trip to Washington, D.C., on behalf of human space exploration is a prime example of his commitment to the community and to BAHEP. He spent months making arrangements for this very important trip and was integral to its clockwork precision once we arrived in D.C. “Throughout David’s life, whenever he was given the chance to be a good steward – a good man – David succeeded! He had his faith, he was a good husband to a beautiful wife, and he was father to a successful son.

“The Bible makes a distinction between a good man and a righteous man. A good man is right with humanity, whereas, a righteous man, more importantly, is right with God. Here, too, David was a success for he was right with God in every sense of the word.

“Farewell, David, you were a good friend and, to the end, a good and faithful servant.

“David, we love you. Peace be with you and your family.”

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

53

[LIGHT@WORK]

Project Hope lives up to its name

By Steve Lestarjette

B

y their own admission,

they are either at rock bottom or on their way there. Most are addicted to drugs or alcohol; a few are dealing with anxiety issues, overeating disorders, depression, or other dependencies that rob them of purpose and health.

By the time they arrive at Project Hope, many have tried every program and scheme within reach in a futile effort to change the altitude of their lives and restore a sense of personal dignity.

Project Hope is a Bible-based, tough love ministry of CT Church, located on Almeda Genoa Road, Houston. Its sole purpose is to give a new beginning to individuals who have lost all hope for themselves.

For one year, minimum, Project Hope ‘students’ live a very controlled, disciplined lifestyle in a family setting. Women live together in a house near CT Church; men live in a home in the Gulfgate area.

Three days a week, these studentsseeking-change wake at 6 a.m. and follow a finely prescribed plan: group prayer, followed by personal devotions, breakfast and chores. From 9-11 a.m., they attend class, studying a curriculum that helps them confront personal issues at the root of their addictions with biblical truth. After class comes chapel, then lunch.

The afternoon is spent in the craft shop where men and women work together as a team to manufacture a few quality products, such as crosses made of wood and adorned with metal nails. These are sold at community fundraisers to help underwrite program expenses.

The evenings include dinner, chores, study hall, and personal time before “lights out” at 9:30.

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays will see most outside area businesses -- a WalMart, perhaps -- displaying their products for sell.

Sundays include church services.

Students visit a variety of churches by invitation, and tell their very personal stories of addiction and the long road to recovery and wholeness.

There is very little “student recruitment.” Admissions Officer Rourk Dymond says people with problems find Project Hope in a variety of ways.

“Many see us selling crosses outside a store and stop by to ask questions. We tell them we believe the only way to be truly free of addiction is to deal with the issues that created

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

Project Hope admissions officer Rourk Dymond left, and Michael Vecchio, program director, right.

the need in the first place. What’s needed is a change of heart through the salvation of Jesus Christ.”

Many join the program seeking a religious awakening, but not all.

Michael Vecchio, program director, says, “They’ve tried everything else to get sober. Why not this?”

And because students live in a family setting with others of a similar mindset, in an atmosphere where drugs are not accessible, where the daily message reinforces the truth of God’s love and support, wonderful things happen.

“We see lives transformed,” Dymond says. “We see people who came thinking they had no value learn to forgive themselves and put their trust in God. We see relationships restored and families reunited.”

One student came in his mid fifties, an emergency room doctor. When his wife left and filed for divorce, he crumbled. Depression led to drugs.

Before long, drugs had stolen his family, possessions and career, even his identity.

Other students are just out of high school. Others never made it past the sixth grade. Some are “second generation” druggies, children of addicts who never got a fair chance at a normal life.

All have left jobs or families – everything -- to get help.

No matter where they’ve been, Project Hope accepts them. In time, a student who will “stick with the program has a good chance to see health come back, skills come back, dreams come back,” Vecchio says.

Project Hope takes no federal or state funds, and requires no set entry or enrollment fee. It raises its own support.

And yet, the impact of this one program -- measured through lives recovered, not discarded -- proves this is a program that lives up to its name.

BAY AREA HOUSTON MAGAZINE

XECU-FIT COVER PARTY March 28, 2015 Claudio’s Restaurant & Piano Bar Photography by Hal Bushnell

Bay Group Media President Rick Clapp welcomes Mr. and Mrs. James Robinson to Claudio’s Restaurant & Piano Bar.

Xecu-Fit trainer Jasia Wojtkowski and Charles Pombier.

Xecu-FIt trainer Dustin Bauer and Annie Spriggins.

Continued on page 59

Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier enjoy the party while looking through Bay Area Houston Magazine’s March issue.

Nancy Sydlik, left, and Bonnie Lem.

Bill King enters race for mayor of Houston

By Mary Alys Cherry and Jim McGrath

P

ledging to get city government “back to basics” and address the chronic budget and infrastructure problems that threaten Houston’s future, former Kemah Mayor Bill King announced his candidacy for mayor of Houston.

King, 63, made the announcement March 2 standing on the median on Kirkwood Road in west Houston, pointing to pot holes to highlight his “Back to Basics” platform that he succinctly describes as: “Fix the streets. Catch the crooks. Balance the budget.”

“He knows the way to get to Clear Lake without an aide having to drive him there.”

2 0 1 4

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

The announcement came shortly after the businessman and civic leader told a large crowd of Bay Area friends and supporters that morning of his intention to enter the mayoral race at a breakfast at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake – reminding them that he “knows the way to get to Clear Lake without an aide having to drive him there.”

He also urged the local crowd to “lay aside ideological differences and help me get out the vote in Clear Lake,” noting that if all 40,000 local registered voters turned out, they could swing an election. Yet, at times only 19 percent vote, he said, after being introduced by Sheryl Berg, who was the runner-up in the District 129 legislative race to represent the area.

Former CCISD Trustee and Clear Creek High Principal Ralph Parr also took the microphone to urge a vote for King, who he called one of his best and brightest students.

“On the basic issues affecting our

lives, city government too often isn’t getting the job done -- so today I am declaring my candidacy for mayor to get Houston back to basics,” King said. “I want to put my business experience to work getting City Hall focused on fixing the streets, catching the crooks and balancing the budget.”

He also asked his fellow Houstonians to come together to put “America’s City of Opportunity” back on the path to financial stability, no doubt alluding to the problems with fire department pensions.

King, the son of a union pipefitter, grew up in the Houston area and 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.”

For more information, go to www.

BillKingForHouston.com

APRIL 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

63

CLEAR LAKE

Assistance League Gala April 11.

The Assistance League of the Bay Area will host its annual gala Friday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Space Center Houston on NASA Parkway. Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased at the League’s resale shop, 100 E. NASA Parkway, Suite 80, in Webster or by calling 281-554-2594.

Welcome Neighbors April 16.

The Bay Area Welcome Neighbors Club meets the third Thursday of each month at Bay Oaks Country Club for a luncheon and program.

April’s program will be a fashion show presented by Robyn Weigelt, owner of Back Bay Boutique. For reservations, contact Nancy Guthrie – membership@gmail.com or call 281.333.3055.

Believe It or Not! Space Center Houston is currently featuring the “Amazing Universe: The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! ” exhibit through April 26. The exhibit explores the unbelievable world of Robert Ripley with larger-than-life displays, scientific discoveries and real artifacts, plus a bonus of space objects added

by Space Center Houston. 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 more.

Musical on tap April 24-26. Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre will close its 2014-2015 season with the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26 at the University of Houston, Clear Lake’s Bayou Theatre, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., with curtains at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To purchase tickets, which are $25-$35¸visit www.bahbt.org or call 281-480-1617.

DEER PARK

Totally Texas Festival April 11. The 2015 Totally Texas Festival will take place Saturday, April 11 at the Jimmy Burke Center, 500 W. 13th St. The Deer Park Chamber plans booth spaces, plus a parade and fun run. Entry cost for a float or decorated vehicle in the parade is free. For questions about the festival, call the chamber at 281-4791559.

Library events. The Friends of the Deer Park Public Library have two events this month – the Annual Spring Book Sale April 15-18 and their Spring Annual Meeting April 23. Friends are invited to a preview sale April 14 from

66

5-9 p.m. Annual membership dues for Friends of the Library are $5 for individuals, $10 for families, and $2 for senior citizens. The Spring Annual Meeting is at 7 p.m. April 23. The meeting is free and open to the public.

be Sunday, April 12, in the Big White Tent behind the Discovery Pyramid from noon-4 p.m. It’s a fun, family event with Cajun crawfish and all the trimmings, along with live Zydeco music and fun contests.

DICKINSON

Dog Show April 25. The 5th Annual Galveston Island Dog Show, “A Bark in the Park,” benefiting the Galveston Island Humane Society will be held Saturday, April 25, in Kempner Park, 27th & Avenue N.

Drama on tap April 24. The popular drama, The Heiress, opens Friday, April 24, in the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s Top Side Theatre, 3803 Highway 3, with curtains at 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m.

Sunday through May 17. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-337-7469 or email bareahp@comcast.net DAR plans awards April 11.

The Sam Houston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet Saturday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 4613 Highway 3. DAR scholarship recipients from high schools in Dickinson and Clear Creek ISDs will be honored. The public is always welcome to attend.

FRIENDSWOOD

Genealogy group meets April 9.

The Bay Area Genealogical Society Special Interest Group will meet Thursday, April 9, at 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m. at the Friendswood Public Library, 416 Friendswood Drive. The discussion will be using newspapers to flush out one’s genealogy and how to identify German ancestors. Free and open to the public.

Car and Bike Show April 18. The 11th annual Friendswood Car and Bike Show will be held Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Stevenson Park, featuring fun for the entire family -- classic cars, trucks and motorcycles, food and arts and crafts. To register call the Friendswood Chamber, 281-482-3329 or email info@ friendswoodchamber.com

GALVESTON

Grand Kids Festival April 11. The 20th annual Grand Kids Festival, sponsored by The Grand 1894 Opera House, will come alive in historic downtown Galveston on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Cultural Arts District of Postoffice Street, between 20th and 23rd Streets.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary, no admission will be charged.

Rotary Crawfish Boil April 12. The Rotary Club of Galveston’s 5th annual Crawfish Boil at Moody Gardens will

Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2015

HOUSTON

BayTran State of the Counties April 15.The Harris, Galveston and Brazoria county judges will be the speakers when the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership hosts its 16th annual State of the Counties Luncheon at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 15, at the Hobby Marriott Hotel, 9100 Gulf Freeway. Tickets, which are $75, may be reserved at www.baytran. org or by emailing Barbara Koslov at president@baytran.org or by calling 832-771-0773.

Rotary Space Gala April 24. The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement will be presented to Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana during the annual Rotary Space Gala, starting at 6 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the Downtown Hyatt Regency. For ticket information, visit www.RNASA.org

LEAGUE CITY

Salute to Heroes II April 11. This year’s Salute to Heroes II patriot dinner and concert will feature country legends Moe Bandy and Janie Fricke Saturday, April 11 from 7 to 11 p.m. in the South Shore Harbour Resort and include a four-course dinner, open bar and dancing after the concert. For tickets, call 281-334-1000, ext. 2025.

Museum plans docent class. Butler Longhorn Museum invites those interested in history to join Anita Butler for a two-hour docent class training at the museum, Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. on the history of League City and how the Longhorn cattle played a role. Call the museum, 281-332-1393 to reserve a spot.

CCEF Fashion Show April 19.

The annual Clear Creek Education Foundation spring style show will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Mercedes Benz of Clear Lake, 500 Gulf Freeway South. Visit www.

ClearCreekEducationFoundation.org for tickets, which are $75.

Donna B on stage April 22. Butler Longhorn Museum will present the one and only Donna B, the Ebony Cowgirl, for a country western evening Wednesday, April 22, at the museum. Tickets are $30 each. For tickets, call 281-332-1393.

NASSAU BAY

Omni Brass here April 8. Houston Symphony League Bay Area members will have the Omni Brass as guest artists when they meet at 10 a.m.

Wednesday, April 8, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road. There is no charge to attend and guests are welcome. For information, contact Mary McCormack at 281-2809757.

Boeing Boeing opens April 24.

The French farce Boeing Boeing opens Friday, April 24, at the Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, and continues through May 10 with performances at 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281335-5228.

PASADENA

Sound of Music on tap. The Sound of Music will close the 60th Diamond Season at Pasadena Little Theatre – opening May 1 and continuing sthrough May 17. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and 3 p.m.

Sundays with one Thursday show at 8 on May 14 when two can attend for the price of one. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 713-9411758.

TEXAS CITY

Opening April 9 at COM. The Last Night at Ballyhoo will open at the College of the Mainland Community Theatre Thursday, April 9, and play through Sunday, April 26, with curtains at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range in price from $11-$23. Call 1-888-258-8859, ext. 8345.

WEBSTER

CCRN Review Course: Clear Lake Regional Medical Center will host Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio, RN, PhD, a nationally recognized speaker providing an intensive review of the core curriculum and the most important areas of the new AACN Certification Examination Blueprint.

You will laugh as you learn! For more information call 281-338-3340.