Bay Area Houston Magazine October 2015

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

October 2015 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

OCTOBER 2015

features 11

Hospital to sponsor CCISD stadium scoreboard

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I’ve Been Out There

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Dental Health

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2016 Lunar Rendezvous Festival

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Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events

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Banking The Way It Was Meant to Be

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Young Professional Profile

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

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Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference

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Houston Symphony League Bay Area

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

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Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

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Fall Fashion

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Mark Geyer Named JSC Deputy Director

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UCHL News and Events

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CCISD Citizen of the Year

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Blankets for Breast Cancer Patients

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New Nuggets

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ON THE COVER Allegiance Bank Clear Lake Office: Jay Farley VP/ Lender, from left, Libby McGee VP/Office Manager, James Waguespack VP, Christopher Salinas VP, Frank L. Law Exec. Bank Office President, Meg Clements Sr. VP, Jamie Ballard VP, Leslee Farley VP.

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Executive Vice President Patty Kane Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Shannon Alexander Debbie Salisbury

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

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

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

281.474.5875

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BAHM writer authors book on Houston blues legend The White Coat Syndrome LIsa Holbrook and Kim Barker named chairs J Fest and Harvest Moon Regattas Allegiance Banks extends ‘thank you’ to Bay Area Michelle Hundley of Economic Alliance Houston Port Region BAHEP gets update on Washington D.C. Robust growth forecast for Houston Port region League will mark 40th anniversary in October Olson says Texas still losing highway dollars The leaves are changing and so are the trends Geyer succeeds Kirk Shireman New buildings to be added in Clear Lake, Pearland Harv Hartman named citizen of the year Sorority sisters share warmth and comfort Crime spree has deadly end at Walgreens

columns

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart Distribution Shinkle Distribution

Stadium on NASA Parkway to be completed late 2015

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

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Movers & Shakers

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Clear Lake Chatter

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Home Sweet Home

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The Admiral’s Log

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In Wheel Time

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Texas Meditations

Mayor Robert K. White Panhellenic fall tea kicks off new season Finally fall...decorating Trinity Bay primed for best fall fishing in years Boo-tiful new SUV’s for Bay Area The mists of time

52 CLICK! Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival

Sponsor level for the district’s newest and much-anticipated facility addition.

The stadium, located off West NASA Parkway, is scheduled for completion in late 2015 -- somewhat later than originally planned because of record rainfall this spring.

NO STRANGER

Hospital to sponsor CCISD stadium video scoreboard

By Mary Alys Cherry

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he partnership between

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and the Clear Creek School District goes back a long number of years – 26 in fact.

So it was no surprise when the school district was looking around for a sponsor for its state-of-the-art

video scoreboard at the new CCISD Challenger Columbia Stadium that its long-time partner stepped up to be the Stadium Funding Sponsor.

CCISD Trustees finalized the matter at their August meeting when they approved a six-year, $500,000 advertising lease agreement with Houston Methodist, which places the hospital at the Stadium Founding

Ballet to honor Dick Gregg Jr. with its 2015 Bravo! Award

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he Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre will kick off its 2015-2016 40th Anniversary Season Oct. 8 at Space Center Houston. The Kick-Off Reception is free and open to the public (with an RSVP) and will be honoring long time BAHBT supporter and community leader, Dick H. Gregg Jr., with the BAHBT 2015 Bravo! Award.

The Bravo! Award was created to honor the invaluable contributions made by Bay Area Houston community members to BAHBT and honors those individuals who have greatly furthered BAHBT’s efforts to bring cultural enrichment to our community.

Gregg has been both a long-time supporter and performer with BAHBT and was married to BAHBT’s late founder, Lynette Mason Gregg. Not only has he chaired the BAHBT Board of Directors and performed in over 25 ballets, he has also represented BAHBT on the national board of Regional Dance America as the treasurer.

An attorney, he has been honored in the community as the

“Houston Methodist St. John Hospital is no stranger to our district and backing public education,” said CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith. “In fact, they have consistently stepped up to support our students and special programs over their Houston Methodist St. 26-year history John Hospital with CCISD.” CEO Dan Under a separate Newman, left, agreement, gets a look at the new Houston Methodist Clear Creek St. John Hospital ISD Challenger is also the Official Columbia Healthcare Stadium from the 50-yard Provider for line with CCISD CCISD Athletics.

Superintendent Houston Methodist Dr. Greg Smith. athletic trainers work alongside coaches and CCISD’s professional and student athletic trainers to strengthen student athletes and better protect them from injury, Smith said.

This major sponsorship specifically supports CCISD in the purchase and ongoing operation of the stadium’s state-of-the-art score board and video board intended to enrich the fan experience at the new stadium.

The video board and supporting equipment were not purchased through the Bond 2013 program which is funding the construction of the stadium as well as many other

district facility rebuilds, CCISD Assistant Communications Director Janice Scott said.

“Funding for the video board will be derived from advertising leases by business and industry sponsors.

As the Stadium Founding Sponsor, the Houston Methodist brand will be prominently displayed on the video board’s top position panel, as well as on signage in the stadium concourse areas. The sponsor will also be featured in several in-game video promotion features,” she explained.

NATURAL STEP “Just as our exemplary school district continues to grow, the Houston Methodist St. John Hospital campus and service offerings are growing and expanding,” said Dan Newman, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital CEO. “The Stadium Founding Sponsor opportunity was a natural next step for Houston Methodist, given our longevity with CCISD and our high level of engagement, both in giving back, and protecting students from sports injuries as well as encouraging healthy outcomes when injuries do occur.”

The sponsorship is part of Clear Creek ISD’s ongoing commitment to engage the community in all things education to better provide quality and real-world resources and experiences for students. Students from all five comprehensive high schools, who are enrolled and excel in their campus audio/video classes, will run nearly all of the A/V production activities to support events in CCISD Challenger Columbia Stadium.

Lunar Rendezvous Festival king, The Arts Alliance of Clear Lake Renaissance Man and has also received Bay Area Turning Point’s Men and Women of Heart Award and an Outstanding Community Achievement Award from Allen Samuels ChryslerPlymouth.

Gregg has served as the president of Space Center Rotary, chairman of Clear Lake Area Chamber and served on numerous boards and committees including the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Armand Bayou Nature Center, the Ballunar Festival, Assistance League of the Bay Area, Bridgeport Communities in School, and UH-Clear Lake’s Development and Advisory Council.

Former Bravo! Award recipients include Sheree Frede, Martha Ferebee, Kimberly DeLape, Kippy Caraway, former Houston Councilwoman Addie Wiseman, Jim Reinhartsen, Dr. Pat Wilson, Mary Alys Cherry, Pam Culpepper, Bob Mitchell, Matt Wiggins, Mike Sullivan, The City of Webster, Jill Reason and Ellen King.

New BAHBT Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in addition to the presentation of the 2015-2016 BAHBT Scholarship, Enrichment, Education & Development Council Scholarship recipients. RSVP to office@bahbt.org or call 281-480-1617.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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THE GREAT GATSBY CASINO & AUCTION SLATED OCT. 10

“I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”

- F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

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he NASA, Clear Creek, Friendswood Metro Go Texan Subcommittee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cordially invites you to take a step back in time, to an era known for unprecedented economic prosperity, jazz music, bootlegging and organized crime. “Indulge yourself and join us at our own fabulous Jay Gatsby mansion, where the evening’s ambience will depict the lifestyle excess of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby.

Breakout your feather boas, long strand pearls, flapper dresses, fedoras and dress the part for a perfect evening of 1920s fun and fundraising.”

Tickets are $75 and include entry to The Great Gatsby Casino & Auction, $10,000 in casino cash, delicious hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, beverages, live era jazz music, lots of gaming action and exciting live and silent auctions.

The Great Gatsby Casino & Auction will take place Oct. 10 from 7-10 p.m. at the Gilruth Center Ballroom located at 2101 E. NASA Pkwy. Tickets are $75 and attire is ‘Roaring 20s, Great Gatsby or Black Tie.’ Contact Chiquita.Taylor@ yahoo.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

Subcommittee Trailbosses and Ranch Hands, through their continued support, make these events truly successful. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Boss or Ranch Hand, contact Debbie Gutierrez at JewelsByDeb@Comcast.net.

Proceeds benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund. In 2015, 11 scholarships were awarded to area high school seniors.

Each of these high school students attended school either in the Clear Creek or Friendswood Independent School Districts; each will receive an $18,000 scholarship. The public’s generous in-kind contributions will make a difference in the lives of our own bay area seniors.

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Author Rod Evans, left, with blues legend Grady Gaines.

‘I’ve Been Out There’ New book examines life of Houston blues legend

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ay Area Houston Magazine contributing writer Rod Evans is the co-author of the recently released book titled “I’ve Been Out There: On the Road with Legends of Rock ‘n Roll” with Houston saxophone legend Grady Gaines.

The book, published by Texas A&M University Press, examines the amazing 60-plus year career of Gaines, who speaks candidly about life on the road supporting some of the biggest names in blues, soul and R&B. This annotated autobiographical account contains anecdotes about life on the road and in the studio, along with archival photos. It affords readers a glimpse into the creative makeup of a man whose distinctive sax playing powered some of the most popular songs of the 1950s, helped define the genre and mesmerized countless audiences.

“I had seen Grady and his band perform a few times

since the early ‘90s, but I didn’t know he had played with so many iconic performers until about four years ago,” Evans said. “We had worked together on an article for a music magazine and after we finished that, I asked him if he’d ever considered writing a book about his life. His distinctive sound played a huge role in the birth of rock ‘n roll and he continues to enjoy an astounding career.”

In the 1950s, as the leader and musical director of the Upsetters, the original backing band for rock pioneer Little Richard, Gaines first exposed the music world to his unique brand of “honkin’” bombastic, attitudedrenched saxophone playing during Richard’s biggest hit-making era.

In the 1960s, the Upsetters became the backing band for Sam Cooke and Little Willie John and crisscrossed the country as the go-to-band for revue-style tours featuring James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, the Supremes, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John and Etta James. Grady continues to perform today as leader of Grady Gaines and the Texas Upsetters.

The book is available online at Gradygaines.com, TAMUpress.com and Amazon.com.

AUSTIN BANTAM SOCIETY MEET AND CAR SHOW

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

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he Austin Bantam Society’s 47th Annual National Trophy Meet and Car Show will be held in League City Oct. 22-24. The local hosts for the meet are Dr. Terry and Mary Williams The Austin Bantam cars were built in the 1930s by the Bantam Car Company of Butler, Pennsylvania.

Their crown jewel was the design and building of the prototype of the Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC), the world’s first jeep, in 1940.

Over 25 of the BRC’s and many of the Austin-Bantam cars can be seen during the meet. They will be parked at the South Shore Harbour Resort in League City on Friday, Oct. 23, and will be on display Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Space Center Houston’s parking lot near the Space Shuttle area. (Space Center Houston parking fees will apply). Come see these historic vehicles and their continuing legacy.

to survival. Fear is usually based on a negative personal experience with the matter in question. Sometimes fear is learned from someone else, such as a child who is afraid of the dentist because of his parents’ or friends’ reactions.

While a legit fear is induced by a clear and present danger, emotional fear is normally triggered by perceived or probable danger.

This type of fear is not as straight forward as legit fear. Probable fear is subject to personal interpretation, which is heavily influenced -- not

“Many of my patients with severe phobia were able to overcome their emotional fear after several dental treatments under the positive experience of I.V. Sedation.”

Throughout my 18 years of practicing dentistry, I have encountered numerous cases of fear of dentist. I have eye witnessed the onset of “white coat syndrome” phobia.

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aturally, I have become curious and, at

the same time, amazed by this protective mechanism.

A legit fear is a powerful and vital primitive human emotion that plays an important role in keeping us safe. It helps us get out of situations that can potentially harm us. Fear can be classified into two types, biochemical and emotional.

The biochemical response is universal, while the emotional response is highly individualized.

Either way, when danger is detected, our brain releases a powerful hormone called Adrenaline into our circulatory system which induces a wide array of responses such as sweating, increased heart rate, and muscle contraction.

This physical response is sometimes known as the “fight or flight” response, in which the body prepares itself to either enter combat or run away.

This biochemical reaction is an autonomic response and is crucial

necessarily by facts -- but often by our unique perception of fact.

Under normal circumstances, fear can be managed through reason and logic. It will not take over our lives or cause us to act irrational.

While it is useful to drive defensively to avoid accidents, it is harmful to be so worried about getting in a car accident to avoid driving all together. At some point any legit fear can becomes irrational. Many people get nervous at the thought of needles in their mouth. Others shriek at the sight of a mouse. Still some others get woozy when they see blood. Most people learn to manage these fears.

But a phobia is an intense emotional fear of something that, in reality, poses little or no actual danger.

Some of the common phobias include fear of dentist, closed-in places, heights, highway driving, flying, insects, snakes and needles.

Most phobias develop in childhood, but they can also develop in adults.

Many confuse the phobia with the silly and senseless fear and view it in a negative way. This common belief has caused many with phobia to feel ashamed of their condition and either avoid or deny it.

In case of a dental visit, even if you go through with it, you will sweat, shake, cry or have other serious physiological responses.

You will likely be miserable during the entire appointment. If your phobia is more severe, you will simply be unable to go. You will

go far out of your way to avoid a dental office.

It is important to consider the source. If you have a simple fear, you will not spend much time thinking about that fear. It will only affect you when you are forced to confront it. If you have a phobia, you are likely to develop a fear of fear itself. You may begin to worry that something will happen to trigger your fear. You may start to change your daily routine in an effort to avoid any possible triggers.

If you know that you have an upcoming appointment with your dentist, you will likely dwell on it, perhaps obsessively. You may have trouble sleeping or focusing on important tasks, particularly as the day of appointment draws closer.

These emotional fears or phobias are highly personalized. Repeated positive exposure to situations that normally lead to phobia, gradually changes the perception of them.

This greatly reduces both the fear response, and, over time, results in elation. It also forms the basis of some phobia treatments, which depend on slowly minimizing the fear response by making it feel safe.

In case of phobia of dentist, I have found that performing the necessary dental work under deep conscious sedation can achieve that goal. Many of my patients with severe phobia were able to overcome their emotional fear after several dental treatments under the positive experience of I.V. Sedation.

If you or your loved one is avoiding routine dental check up and essential treatment due to fear of dentist please contact my office at 281-332-4700 and schedule a complimentary consultation to determine if I.V. Sedation dentistry is right for you.

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.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Robert K. White

Occupation: CFO Petroleum Aircraft Group / mayor of EL Lago

thoughts never gets old, and as I get older his writing’s become more insightful.

Hometown: Dallas

Someone I’d like to meet: William Shakespeare

Current home: The amazing City of El Lago Texas

My favorite performers are: My daughter, Cecelia White, and Bill Murray

Family: Wife; Julie Kramer White, chief engineer @NASA Orion; daughter, Cecelia White, 7th grader LCIS, both amazing persons.

I like to spend my leisure time: Roasting my own coffee. It’s focusing and relaxing at the same time. Plus, I gain the benefits of great tasting coffee.

My favorite writer is: Only choosing one author is as difficult as enjoying only one food. There are so many that I love to read. My top ones are (at this phase of my life) Robert Heinlein for scifi, William Shakespeare for introspective adventures, and George Orwell, whose

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Back in time and have a long talk with my younger self!

My favorite meal is: Lamb’s in Utah, Beef Stroganoff!

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A fighter pilot. Had bad eyes, couldn’t pass eye test. All for the best -- if I passed, I would never have met my wife or had my daughter.

You’ll never catch me: Watching golf!

The thing that bugs me the most is: Rudeness My favorite movie is: Depends: they change as I age: Young me Animal House and Monty Python’s The Holy Grail; Out of College me: Clockwork Orange and Apocalypse Now; Older me: Dr. Strangelove or how I learn to stop worrying and love the bomb and Singing-in-the Rain.

Few people know: I was the lead dancer in West Side Story in college.

CHANGING OF THE HANGERS Long time Back Bay Boutique owner, Robyn Weigelt, left, “passes the hanger” to new Back Bay Boutique owner Lisa Maxson Finklea.

CLHS alumni Morgan Baker carries on the tradition of jumping into the San Marcos River upon graduation from Texas State University. Morgan is the daughter of Houston Methodist St. John’s Myrna Baker, and has advanced as a finalist in the Art Directors Club Portfolio Night recently held in Austin and in August she represented the Austin region in the global advertising competition in New York.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Festival breaks record This year’s 50th anniversary Lunar Rendezvous Festival made a profit of $205,000, Festival Chairman Jana Miller announced at this year’s Wrap Party.

The total not only set a new record but topped last year’s recordbreaking $180,000 by some $25,000 and added up to about $1.5 million the festival has raised over the last decade – money that is returned each year to the community in the form of college scholarships and donations to cultural arts organizations and other charitable groups.

Lisa Holbrook, Kim Barker to chair 2016 Lunar Rendezvous Festival

By Mary Alys Cherry

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wo of the Bay Area’s busiest volunteers just got busier. Lisa Holbrook and Kim Barker have been named co-chairmen of the 2016 Lunar Rendezvous Festival.

Announcement of their appointment by the Lunar Rendezvous Advisory Board was made as festival volunteers gathered at the Sundance Grill at Waterford Harbor for their Wrap Party, the conclusion of their 2015 festival and 50th anniversary celebration.

Both recently served as president of the Bay Area Assistance League.

Both have been active in Scouting and PTA. Both have chaired galas and both have worked on various Lunar Rendezvous events.

In fact, there are not many area organizations they have not been a part of.

Kim Barker is the immediate past president of Clear Lake Panhellenic and the Assistance League, and held a host of offices in both organizations leading up to the presidency. She is also chairmanelect of the Clear Creek Education Foundation In 2010, she was chairman of both the Assistance League’s annual gala and the Interfaith Caring Ministries Festival of Trees Gala and served on Clear Creek ISD’s Facilities Needs Committee, Stadium Naming Committee and its District Education Improvement Committee.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Panhellenic’s Crawford-Zbanek Foundation, the Clear Creek Education Foundation and the Interfaith Caring Ministries Foundation and is a member of the Assistance League National Committee.

She is a past president of both the League City Intermediate PTA and the Clear Creek High PTA and was both second vice president and secretary of the Clear Creek Community Council of PTAs. Besides her work for nearly two decades in Scouts, and serving as chairman of the National Pack Meeting Plans Task Force for Boy Scouts and as part of the team that

wrote the new Cub Scout program, she has also been active in the NASA Go Texan Rodeo Fashion Show, Lighthouse Christian Ministries, Bridge Over Troubled Waters Women of Distinction, the Arts Alliance at Clear Lake, Bay Area Museum Guild, Order of the Eastern Star, Friends of Helen Hall Library and served in a variety of committee posts with the Lunar Rendezvous Festival.

Lisa Holbrook has been equally busy, working with many of the same organizations.

She is currently president-elect of the Texas PTA, having held dozens of PTA posts over the past 18 years, including president of the Clear Creek Community Council of PTAs and president of the Armand Bayou, Space Center Intermediate and Clear Lake High PTAs. She also currently serves as federal legislative chairman of the National PTA. Besides holding the post of president of the Assistance League, she also served as its treasurer, vice chairman of its annual fundraising gala, Assisteens coordinator and on dozens of committees.

She is a former chairman of the Clear Creek Education Foundation, was chairman and vice chairman of its Reach for the Stars Gala and the recipient of its George B. Carlisle Award in 2012.

Besides being district director for former State Rep. John Davis for a number of years, she worked on the CCISD Bonds Referendum Committee, the Clear Creek District Education Improvement Committee, CCISD Expanding Your Horizons and the Stadium Naming Committee and was active in both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. CCISD named her Volunteer of the Year in 2008.

Other activities include serving as chairman of the Clear Lake Area Chamber Government Affairs Division, president of the Clear Lake High Band Booster Club, chairman of Clear Lake High Project Graduation and a member of the United Way Bay Area and the Interfaith Caring Ministries Advisory Boards.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Style Show Chairman Ellen King, right, and Co-Chairman Karen Weber were busy at the Clear Lake Panhellenic tea lining up help for their big Nov. 6 fashion extravaganza.

Diane Overman stays busy at the tea signing up help for the Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show.

Hostess Stacy Bush Lyon, and Panhellenic Fall Friendship Tea Co-Chairmen, Lisa O’Brien and Ondi Lyon, from left, get all the desserts in place as the crowd begins arriving for the popular annual event.

Linda Kmjecik, Dewanna Norris and Ruth Beecher, from left, visit during Panhellenic tea.

Panhellenic fall tea kicks off new season AS HAS BEEN the custom for many years, Clear Lake Panhellenic members launched the Bay Area’s fall social season with their annual Fall Friendship Tea. Stacy Bush Lyon was hostess at her new Bay Oaks Home in Clear Lake Sept. 13 with Panhellenic President Kay Lee Benoit and Vice Presidents Rikie Bowker, Jill Reason and Ellen King welcoming the many members who dropped by during the afternoon.

Some of those you might have spotted in the crowd were Kim Barker, Peggy Clause, Diane

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Overman, Laurie Vaughn, Ann Gay, Kathie Wylie, Lisa O’Brien, Ondi Lyon, Sue Broughton, Karen McCorkle, Judie Ferguson, Jo Nell Hunter, Sheryl Williams, Ruth

Clear Lake Panhellenic President Kay Lee Benoit, center, was at the door to welcome members to their annual Fall Friendship Tea, along with Jo Nell Hunter, left, and Second Vice President Jill Reason

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Constable Phil Sandlin welcomes Judge Holly Williamson, Donnie Johnson, Beverly Giacone and Kippy Caraway, from left, to his annual Gumbo Gala at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Judie Ferguson, Laurie Vaughn, Ann Gay and Sheryl Williams, from left, were among the many dropping by for the Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Friendship Tea.

Karen Malkey, left, and Karen Douglass enjoy the Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Friendship Tea.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

BOWA President Sue Broughton, left, goes over plans for the fashion show with The Clotheshorse owner, Sandy Carney, who emceed the event.

Jackie Daley, Virginia Hosea, Betsy Salbilla and Ann Brady, from left, stop for a photo as they arrive at Bay Oaks for the BOWA style show luncheon.

Beecher, Linda Kmjecik, Annette Dwyer, Ann Brady, Karen Malkey, Karen Douglass, Dewanna Norris and Judge Holly Williamson.

Ellen King and Karen Weber told of their plans for Panhellenic’s “Glamour and Glitz – Vegas Style” big fall fashion show Friday, Nov. 6, at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City. No ticket? Better hurry or you’ll miss all the fun.

Fashion guru Lenny Matuszewski has been inked as producer of the show, and Ellen says we’ll once again be amazed at Lenny’s ability to pick the perfect runway fashions from Dillard’s for the show. Fashion show proceeds benefit the Crawford-Zbanek Scholarship Foundation, which awards scholarships to women from local high schools attending Texas universities.

Reservations are $75 for general seating and $100 for a

runway seat. For information on seating, email Karen McCorkle at panhellenicreservations@gmail.com or call her at 713-582-5884. Seating is limited, so make your reservations early, she said.

Bay Oaks Women eye new fashions TWO DAYS LATER on Sept. 15, Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association members got the season underway with their annual Fall Fashion Show Luncheon.

BOWA Vice Presidents Becky Hensley and Cambry Rogers chaired the event which included fall fashions from The Clotheshorse in League City – modeled by a number of pretty models, including Karen Reed, Janet Greenwood, Mary Colombo, Lea Bodie, Sue Broughton, Jody Schnabel, Tia Neyman, Emmeline Dodd, Judy Ferguson, Tia Neyman,

Mary Colombo, Diane Konick and Sue Laabs, from left, visit as they await the start of the Bay Oaks Women’s Association style show luncheon.

Jodie Schnabel, left, and Tori Buttle look for their table at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association style show luncheon.

Melissa McKinnie and Sarabeth McClintock.

Among the smiling faces we spotted at the always fun event were, Jackie Daley, Ann Brady, Pam Ploss, Carol Bobo, Diane Konick, Kay Lee Benoit, Judy Raiford, Judie Ferguson, Sharon Dillard, Joan Wade, Susan Franklin, Glenna Crist and Ebby Creden -many catching up on each other’s summer news and all abuzz over the upcoming fashion show.

As they mingled with the crowd, President Sue Broughton and Hospitality Committee members Ann Dooley, Angela Swint and Kay Lee Benoit were busy welcoming Jenny Frantz, Lisa O’Brien, Mary Smith, Diane Overman, Betsy Salbilla, Gayle Beaty, Gloria Wong, Ruth Beecher, Joy and Jill Smitherman, Sharon Christman, Betty Woodhouse, Donna Crenweige, Lucille Terraso, Quaisra Shah, Jodi Schnabel,

Hospitality Committee members Ann Dooley, Angela Swint and Kay Lee Benoit, from left, await the arriving crowd at the BOWA style show luncheon.

Vice Presidents Cambrey Rogers, left, and Becky Hensley stand ready to greet the crowd at the BOWA style show luncheon.

Angela Bivens, Badiha Nassar, Joy Muniz, Norma Ogletree, Katherine Kiesselhorst, Priscilla Ennis and Yvonne Perrin.

Along with Jordin Nolan Kruse, Janice Gornto, Lynn Smith, Bobbie Moutz, Trisha Gunn, Cynthia Villareal, Kathy and Linda Costanza, Margaret Vail, Allyson Jackson, Linda Herzfeld, Kim Steele, Virginia Hosea, Leigh Meza, Amy Roppolo, Peggy Sturiale, Becky Bryan, Julie Zamarripa, Danele Buehler, Priscilla Fletcher, Suzanne Sparks, Jo Nell Hunter, Tonia Wooldrige, Fran Gentry, Martha Kaminsky, Jean Hays, Patrice Sallans, Suzanne Leatherman, Sue Laabs, Marilyn Lunney, Delores Hoover, Stacy Lyon, Sarah Beth McClintock, Linda Kelly, Tia Neyman, Sharon Phelps, Kimberly Weathers, Barbara Spencer and Carole Murphy.

Early arrivals Sandy Lantz, Mary Smith and Ebby Creden, from left, prepare to sign in as they arrive at the BOWA style show luncheon.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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DESIGN foyer. Create a beautiful autumn display on the entry table using a variety of fall fillers like pumpkins, leaves, pears, flowers and branches. Fill lanterns with pillar candles surrounded by acorns or candy corn to easily create a charming display for an entryway or porch. The theater-style lighted marquee letters are trending. You can easily find them in most craft stores in a variety of letters to spell out anything you like (fall, welcome, family).

Throw some fall leaves around the letters to create an instant eye-catching display. Door wreaths made from pumpkins, dried corn on stalks, burlap and fall colored leaves add instant appeal.

A twist on the familiar “wreath” is to create a personalized touch by taking an inexpensive craft-store initial and covering it in burlap material to create a rustic monogram initial for the door or to use as a accent on a fireplace mantel.

Home Sweet Home Finally Fall...

Decorating

By Cathy Osoria

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fabrics (like linen and cotton ) for soft velvet pillows in rich fall shades. Fall weather calls for layering up your wardrobe. The same idea works when decorating for fall by tossing cozy wool, cotton, chenille even luxurious cashmere throws over furniture in rooms where your family and guests gather. Throwing fall leaves amongst accessories on shelves or a mantel adds the orange, reds, greens and yellows that help make the space feel warmer.

all marks the start of holidays and guests galore, so give them a gracious welcome with a festive entryway, a beautiful dining table and a cozy living room. Bring the warm colors of fall into your home with these simple decorating projects.

The homes that are primarily taupe, cream and light grays can really come to life by adding that little pop of fall color. Earthy elegance can be achieved by using all organic elements for a look that’s both simple and sophisticated. Linen tablecloths pair beautifully with weathered terra cotta urns or pots topped with moss balls. Ghost pumpkins (white pumpkins) and artichokes mixed in the display complete the simple look.

This idea makes a beautiful centerpiece. Add your cut crystal wine or drinking glasses to make the setting seem extra special and elegant for guests and family.

Add fresh flowers

Fire up the fireplace Who doesn’t like to curl up by a roaring fire? Fireplaces provide the warm feeling of the holidays, and the wood- burning smell adds to the festive feel. Cinnamon wax pinecones can be added to make the whole house fragrant. A basket can be filled with a few fall-colored throws, ready for cozying up by the fireside.

Warm up the color and space Give your room a warm welcoming feel by swapping out pillows in lightweight summer

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Neutral monochromatic spaces

Nothing brightens up the home for the season like vases filled with fall flowers. Sunflowers, mums and alstroemerias are great choices because they remain beautiful for up to a week. A trick to keeping blooms fresh is to remove all leaves below the water line and change out the water every few days. Pot plants with blooming mums in the home or outside to welcome guests are an instant reminder that it’s finally fall.

Inviting entrance Variegated croton in saturated shades of green, gold and red surrounded by vibrant mums and pumpkins give a front entry a colorful fall festive feel either outside on the front porch or in the

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

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the state. While high salinity levels were a problem in recent years, this year a more balanced level of salt will be found in those areas. The back bays and marshes are prime for producing good quantities of bait on which the food chain can thrive.

By Capt. Joe Kent

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rinity Bay and Upper Galveston Bay are in a position to offer some of the best fall and winter fishing in years.

Why, you ask? Because of the effects of all the deluge of fresh water from the spring and early summer floods.

It is hard to forget the negative effects the flood waters had on fishing in upper Galveston and Trinity Bays last summer, as the fresh water pushed most of the trout and many other fish to lower Galveston Bay and the surf. Most of the summer anglers were complaining about the poor fishing in Trinity Bay, as fresh water runoffs had the bay waters off color and the fish in other places.

East Bay, Lower Galveston Bay, the jetties and surf were where they migrated. Guides fishing those areas found trout action to be the best in years, with nice catches taking place all summer.

Once the heavy influx of fresh muddy water ran its course and the rivers receded, the upper bays and back bays began slowly recovering.

By August fish were returning; however, with the summertime patterns still in full swing, trout

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continued to stay in the deeper waters where the salinity and oxygen levels were more stable.

While the upper bay fishermen suffered through all of the fresh, off color water infiltrating their fishing territories, the marshes and back bays were reaping a lot of benefits from all of the nutrients being washed in and for the first time in years, the salinity levels were lowered to almost zero.

All of that allowed the estuaries to regain strength with new vegetation cropping up and ideal conditions for developing and growing crustaceans and fingerling fish. The food chain once again was making progress.

During the summer we continued to have rain and just enough to keep things in balance.

What this means to fishermen is that there will be a lot of new territory for predator fish to work and plenty of bait to attract them back to their fall and winter homes.

Now that we have visited about the new life injected into the upper Galveston and Trinity Bay Systems, let’s take a look at what this means for fishermen.

Upper Galveston Bay and especially Trinity Bay tend to offer some of the best fall and early winter fishing in

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Reports from August indicate lots of flounder working the wetlands, and the reason is food. This year’s late season hatch of fingerling fish and crustaceans is going to be one of the better ones. With ample bait available, the predators will come.

While I mention Trinity Bay as a great place for fall fishing, this year look for action farther into upper Galveston Bay, in particular Burnet Bay and areas around Sylvan Beach should be good producers of the Big 3.

Also, don’t overlook the Kemah and Seabrook Flats. Both are known for their cool weather fishing and this year should be a good one.

At last, the upper bay anglers have something to look forward to, fall and winter fishing 2015.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

J/Fest and J/80 Sailors here Oct. 8 and Oct. 9

Lakewood Ladies Association members and guests enjoyed a British tradition as they gathered at the Yacht Club for Afternoon Tea. Among those enjoying the occasion were, from left, Era Lee Caldwell, Anita Fogtman, Mary Ellen Aldridge and Johnette Norman.

The 6th Annual J/Fest Southwest Regatta Skippers’ Meeting is Friday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., while the J/80 National Championships will take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m. -both in the Lakewood Yacht Club ballroom.

There will be many sailors from out of town and out of state and the regattas are open to the public.

“Racers will want to attend these meetings in order to receive important information about their respective races,” explained J/Fest Southwest Regatta Chairman Al Goethe. “In addition, they can mix and mingle with their friends and J/ Boat competitors who have come from other parts of the country to race.”

After the races for the J/80’s on Oct. 9, there will be a party and dinner at Cabo’s Restaurant in Seabrook. All racers are invited to the after-race party and dinner Saturday, Oct. 10, where LC Roots will be entertaining in the ballroom.

J/Fest committee volunteers have secured $15 discount coupons for dining in some Seabrook restaurants. These will be distributed in the skippers’ packets during registration at the club. As of mid-September, the following restaurants had signed up: International Signature Bistro, Mario’s Flying Pizza, Neptune Subs, Seabrook Classic Café, Laredo’s Tex/Mex Café, Iguana Rana’s Seabrook Waffle Company, Melion’s on Fourth and Villa Capri.

The title sponsor for the 2015 J/ Fest Southwest Regatta is the City of Seabrook. Also making this race possible due to their generosity are the following: J/Boats Southwest, Torqeedo, Bay Access, ReJex, True North Marine, Quantum Sails, The Yacht Company and The Yacht Service Company, Sparcraft, Alliant Marine & Energy Insurance, Allstate, OJ’s Marine, Hayes Rigging, KO Sailing, Gulf Coast Complete Marine Service, Blackburn Marine Supply and UK Sails.

For further information or to register for either regatta, visit the website jfestsouthwest.com

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Harpist Meghan Caulkett, from left, receives kudos for entertaining the crowd at the Lakewood Ladies Association’s Afternoon Tea from Jane Downs, Peggy Hill and Fay Cutter.

LYC Ladies gather for Afternoon Tea

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akewood Ladies Association members turned quite a few heads during the hot, hot days of late August when they arrived at the club all dressed up – even wearing hats.

The special occasion – planned by Jan Smith -- was an Afternoon Tea, which began with champagne and featured different teas, plus a variety of sweets, scones and dainty sandwiches. Veddy British.

Even had a harpist, Meghan Caulkett, who earned her master’s at Rice University and played background music for the crowd. Besides really enjoying themselves, all left with a special memento of the occasion -- beautiful tea cup and saucer – and memories of a special afternoon.

Fancy hats worn by Barbara “Babs” Bukowski, left, and Varchia Morgan caught everyone’s eye as they arrived at Lakewood for the Afternoon Tea.

Harvest Moon Skippers Meeting slated for Oct. 16

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The Harvest Moon Regatta akewood is a 150-mile race from Yacht Club’s Galveston to Port Aransas Harvest Moon which will begin on Thursday Regatta Chairman afternoon, Oct. 22 and ends at Jack Seitzinger will host the race finish in the channel the Skippers Meeting for at “Port A.” the 29th Annual Harvest Racers will be arriving in Moon Regatta will be Friday, “Port A” at varying times on Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Friday, Oct. 23, depending on club’s ballroom, 2425 NASA the wind conditions over the Parkway in Seabrook.

Gulf of Mexico. The popular “Since this is a highly Welcome Sailors Rum Party attended event of up to will take place on Saturday, several hundred people, we Oct. 24, during late afternoon are encouraging racers to Harvest Moon Regatta skippers pick up their race packets at the City Pavilion. After a come early to pick up their from committee volunteers before the Skippers’ Meeting to be held in the ballroom of Lakewood Yacht Club. barbecue buffet, an awards skipper’s packets at 6:30 ceremony will be held where p.m.,” Seitzinger said. “Then race winners receive their they will have time to review trophies and the overall winner of the coveted Cameron the sailing instructions before the start of the meeting.”

Cannon and Bacardi trophies are announced.

The packets, as well as online t-shirt purchases, The regatta is a U.S. Sailing “offshore” regatta open can be picked up in the Game Room (now called to all racing cruising spinnaker and non-spinnaker Captain’s Quarters), down the hall from the ballroom. sailing yachts with a minimum length of 27 feet. Over Other race paraphernalia also will be available. “The 150 boats are expected to race this year with close to Skippers Meeting is a critical one for racers to attend,” 2,000 racers, friends and family attending the awards Lakewood’s Fleet Captain Ashley Walker said, “as ceremony. additional information will be addressed such as For further information, check the race website at expected weather conditions, any changes to the racing www.HarvestMoonRegatta.com. rules or the dockage in Port Aransas.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Boo-tiful new SUV’s for Bay Area

By Don Armstrong

2016 Kia Sorento continues to impress With pricing starting at just under $25,000 and the optional three rows of seating, it’s a bargain, but when you add in all of the standard equipment, the Sorento becomes a steal-of-a-deal.

The 2016 Kia Sorento surprises most folks with its outstanding looks. Its narrow headlights integrated into its aggressively-styled overall design give the Sorento a brawnier stance.

The seating system of the new Sorento is more accommodating in 2016. Second- and third-row passengers will enjoy a 0.5-inch increase in rear passenger space for both rows and a roomier, flattened second-row center floor. Access to third-row seating is improved with 1.5 inches of additional boarding space.

The spirited front or all-wheel drive

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experience is brought to life with a choice of three engines, including a 2.4-liter inline-4, a 3.3-liter V6 and a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4.

The V-6 delivers 290-horsepower and gets 17 MPG-city and 23-highway. All three engines are connected to a sixspeed automatic gearbox.

The new suspension system delivers more responsive steering and a better ride too. Our full-time all-wheel drive system and 19-inch alloy wheels not only look good but improve overall comfort and driver confidence.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Hyundai Santa Fe in lock-step with competition It seems every automaker is producing a mid/full-sized crossover SUV these days, and for good reason, it’s the biggest selling category. So it’s no surprise that Hyundai has one too, called the Santa Fe – not to be confused with the smaller Santa Fe Sport.

The Santa Fe is over six-feet wide and sixteen feet long so it might be

a good idea to first measure your garage before bringing it home.

Enhancements to the electric power steering system and suspension last year further sharpened the Santa Fe’s ride and handling. Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode received an updated 32-bit microprocessor and tuning for a firmer steering feel.

The Santa Fe continues to offer front or all-wheel drive and three rows of seating. Hyundai’s 3.3-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 is connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission in the top LTD trim level.

Standard features include remote keyless entry with alarm, body color heated exterior power mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror, LED headlight accents, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

You’ll love the interior appointments and quality too.

Pricing starts at $30,400.

Allegiance Bank extends a big “thank you” to the Bay Area Community for its first year’s growth and success! ow important is it to choose a reliable bank or more importantly a reliable banker?

Knowing you have someone you can

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

trust to guide you through your life’s financial decisions is something hard to find today. Remember back in the day when personal service and a familiar face to do business with was the norm? It’s been a long time coming but that concept is alive and

combined 200 years of experience.

The staff can make quick decisions and find a solution that works best for their client’s current needs.

The Allegiance Bank team has expanded from 7 employees in the beginning to 7 lenders and a total of 13 employees in just a year. The need for a larger staff is a direct result of the phenomenal growth the Bay Area location has achieved due to the support of the community opening accounts and following their bankers who came to Allegiance Bank from the financial industry. The bank started from ground zero last year and now has $35 million in deposits and $100 million plus in loans.

The Bay Area bank is located at 2200 NASA Parkway, Suite 100.

Allegiance offers the services of a large bank but with a hometown attitude. Services include remote deposit capture, allowing businesses to use a small scanning device directly from the convenience of their office; positive pay, an antifraud cash management system; real time deposits and a 24/7 ATM for deposits, withdrawals and transfers. Call 281-517-8770 or go to www.AllegianceBank.com for more information about the services Allegiance offers.

Allegiance Bank was founded in 2007 and has 16 offices in

That kind of success is because of “allegiance” from the community and a team commitment to make every customer a priority.

Leading this remarkable group of experienced community bankers is long time Bay Area resident Frank Law. He started his banking career in 1967 and has been leading his Allegiance Bank team from day one.

Law has taken a hands-on stance in every aspect of building the bank into a force that serves the needs of the community. As he says, “We are not about transactions, we are about relationships and when you call us, you talk to a person, not an automated answering system.”

greater Houston and surrounding areas. Allegiance bankers are knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate and business lending, including revolving lines of credit, working capital support, treasury management services and equipment lending.

well today at Allegiance Bank.

The bank is founded on the premise of concierge service for everyone, whether you own a large business, a small business or are an individual who just wants to have a banker you can depend on to be there when you need a loan or advice. Allegiance Bank employees offer personal service and if they can’t meet your need, they will direct you to where you can find the interest rates and options you may require. And that philosophy is a part of what has made Allegiance Bank so successful.

The kind of success and growth, in just over a year, that Allegiance Bank has experienced is also because of a sincere commitment to its clients in the Bay Area Houston community.

Allegiance has assembled a strong team of veteran bankers with a

The staff and lenders at Allegiance Bank would like to extend a ‘thank you’ to the Bay Area community for their acceptance and support during this first year. They want everyone to know that they are looking forward to continuing existing relationships and making new ones for years to come.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL And how did you learn to trust yourself and your judgment? I know especially for a lot of young professionals, there are so many external influences, and sometimes it’s easy to attach yourself to a mentor who ultimately may not end up being a good influence so it’s so important to use discernment and judgment- to really trust your gut.

It’s about being true to yourself and what you believe in and not letting that go. So, if you have a very strong ethical base -- whatever that is -just maintaining that and knowing who you are because at the end of the day your name is what will last.

It’s your currency.

Michelle Hundley or our first monthly

Young Professional Profile, we sat down with Michelle Hundley, J.D., M.P.A., of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. Michelle has been with the Economic Alliance for almost three years now and has worked in other public sector Public Affairs positions prior to her position with the Economic Alliance.

We sat down with Michelle to learn more about how she came to choose her career path, what moments stand out as character-defining, and what principles guide her decision-making process.

There’s a really fine line between the idea of persevering and the idea of choosing your battles. How do you navigate that?

I think choosing your battles is part of perseverance; I don’t think there’s an either/or.

The way that I do it is gut instincts and prayer (laughs).

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Correct. Honesty and integrity, moral ethics and being strong in your values and faith -- whatever your faith may be -- these are the things that help make decisions. For me, it’s a matter of “What would Jesus do?” It sounds cheesy, but that question keeps me grounded and guides all of my decision-making. There have been times in my career that I have had to make a very clear distinction on what I would and would not do based on my ethical values. Would I lie or not lie?

Would I say this person did something they didn’t do? Would I stand up for somebody that I knew was being targeted or not? Those are real choices I have had to make in my career, and I knew in myself that I was comfortable and okay losing that job if I did the right thing.

And how did that affect your career?

I didn’t lose my job in any of those cases, but it wasn’t easy to be in that position. People knew then what I was and wasn’t willing to do, and that made some people uncomfortable. I have always stood up for the ”little guy.” My grandfather was a Mexican immigrant. I watched his struggle here in the United States as people treated him disrespectfully because of his language barrier, and I always stood up for him. I think that’s where it started. It’s a facet of my personality that has helped me succeed because people know that they can trust me, that I will stand up for the right thing; and I think that’s a strength.

between two sororities that I won’t name, and we were at a football game. All the girls were tall and blonde and beautiful -- like you would expect -- and when our band came out, one of them made a comment to me about how “disgusting” their mariachi-style uniforms were. I let her know pretty directly that I thought they were great and that coming from a Mexican family, I liked that the band represented part of my culture. I then promptly got up and left (laughs), so I guess I could have handled that better.

You are a woman, you are young, and you are a minority; but you are professionally surrounded by people that are not those things. How does that affect the way you interact with them?

What has helped me is my law degree and legal background.

Why? Do you feel that it automatically lends you a sense of credibility with audiences who otherwise might not take you seriously?

Yes. And I don’t always tip my hand on that because I want people to know my work before knowing what my background is. If there is a problem, then I will pull that card out. It’s knowing how to play poker -- knowing when to hold ‘em, when to fold ‘em, when to walk away.

I think Kenny Rogers wrote a song about that.

(Laughs) Yeah, but it’s true. Specifically in public affairs. Poker, chess, strategy -- it’s all the same.

It’s always really important to know which cards to play and when.

About the Young Professional Profile The Young Professional Profile is the inception of an effort to create a forum for those under 40 who are excelling in their respective fields across Texas. There is a depth and breadth to the Millennial generation as a group of adults that is marked by a commitment to higher principles in the work they do, the ability to professionally marry what were traditionally separate streams of expertise, and a voracious appetite for new skills.

You mentioned your grandfather is a Mexican immigrant and had a language barrier. Your maternal grandparents are Mexican immigrants, and your paternal grandparents are….?

European, white.

It’s easy to see how people could just assume that you are white and say some things in front of you that really speak to white privilege. It’s a tough thing, and it’s going to become a greater part of the professional dialogue as diversity in the workplace continues to increase. How do you handle that?

Well, in the past, I haven’t handled it as well as I probably should have (laughs). There was a time in my undergraduate career when I was rushing

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

About the Economic Alliance The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, a non-profit organization created in 1985, provides professional economic development services for over 200 members, Harris County, the Port of Houston Authority, and 17 communities surrounding the Houston Ship Channel -- home to one of the world’s most influential energy corridors and trade ports.

Since 2008, the Economic Alliance has supported over 40 successful projects that have facilitated business activities creating over 4,400 new jobs and over $5.5 billion of capital investment to the Houston Port Region. For more information: www. allianceportregion.com

[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP]

BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, right, welcomes, from left, State Sen. Larry Taylor, Congressman Brian Babin, State Rep. Dennis Paul, Houston City Councilman Dave Martin and San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer to the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership reception at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

Pasadena Director of Economic Development Paul Davis, left, shares a light moment with Clear Lake Shores Director of Economic Development Ronnie Richards during BAHEP reception.

BAHEP gets update on Washington

By Mary Alys Cherry

C

ongressman Brian Babin

was the keynote speaker when Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership members gathered for an update on Washington at their Aug. 27 meeting.

Among the crowd were a number

which includes a part of Pasadena, Seabrook, Nassau Bay and Baytown, quickly reminded his audience of his district’s prominence in the nation – not just because of the Johnson Space Center but also because it is the petrochemical capital of the country.

“It has the highest number of petrochemical plants in the entire

Houston City Councilman Michel Kubosh visits with Lora-Marie Bernard, who was representing Guidry News at the BAHEP reception at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Bay Tech Director Kim Morris, center, talks with George Abbey Jr., right, and Intuitive Machines Executive Vice President Mark Gittleman.

of elected officials, including State Sen. Larry Taylor and State Rep. Dennis Paul, Mayors Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village and Carl Joiner of Kemah, Port Commissioner John Kennedy, and City Councilmen Wayne Rast of Kemah, Dave Martin and Michael Kubosh of Houston and Bob Warters of Nassau Bay. Dr. Babin, a lifelong resident of East Texas who represents District 36,

United States,” he told the crowd at Lakewood Yacht Club. “We are providing jobs for tens of thousands.

The Woodville dentist then discussed the challenges of fighting over regulations in D.C., going on to attack “a really out-of-control Environmental Protection Agency, which is costing and will cost us thousands and thousands of jobs.”

Former Pasadena Mayor John Manlove and his wife, Gina, join the crowd at the BAHEP reception at Lakewood Yacht Club.

He also talked about the Waters of the U.S. regulatory proposal, a joint effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA, which he called one of the biggest grabs of private property by the U.S. Government.

The first-term representative is also

Diane Gillebaard, right, and Betsy Lake enjoy the BAHEP reception at Lakewood.

against the Iran nuclear deal, he said.

Others in the audience were UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Bill Staples, Provost Dr. Carl Stockton and Business Dean Dr. Ted Cummings; Pasadena Director of Economic Development Paul Davis, Tammie Nielsen from Harris County Commissioner Jack Mormon’s office, Fay Picard of Dr. Greg Bonnen’s office and Ron Servis, representing Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.

They mingled with a crowd that included Port of Houston Director of Government Relations Spencer Chambers, Webster Economic Development Specialist Karen Coglianese, realtors Pamela Archer and Simon Urbanic, John Collins, BAHEP’s Dan Seal, Harriet Lukee and Barbara Cutsinger, Betsy Lake, and Diane Gillebaard, plus two former mayors and their wives – Seabrook’s Jack and Marcy Fryday and Pasadena’s John and Gina Manlove.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton of Friendswood, left, receives compliments on his speech at the Economic Alliance conference from San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer and Deer Park Councilman Tommy Ginn.

Which way do we turn? That was the question as, from left, State Rep. Wayne Smith of Baytown, Port Commissioners Stephen Don Carlos of Baytown, Clyde Fitzgerald of Pasadena and John Kennedy of Nassau Bay line up with State Senator Larry Taylor and Port Executive Director Roger Guenther for photographers during a break at the Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference.

Robust growth forecast for Houston Port region

By Mary Alys Cherry

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n all-star lineup of speakers greeted the crowd of about 700

State Reps. Dennis Paul of Clear Lake, left, and Ed Thompson of Pearland share a light moment during the lunch break.

Economic Alliance CEO Chad Burke and Bay Group Media President/CEO Rick Clapp catch up during PMOC.

attending the 2015 Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference, hosted by the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Starting with the welcome by Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell and the Pledge of Allegiance by Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, the lineup included area Congressmen Gene Green and Dr. Brian Babin and continued with Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton and Port of Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther.

Some of the other luminaries playing a role in the Aug. 27 conference included Chevron Phillips Chemicals Plant Manager Mitch Krutilek, BASF Senior Vice President Chris Witte, Dow Plant Manager Monty Heins, Shell Deer Park General Manager Barry Klein, Kinder Morgan Terminals Vice Continued on page 35

Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell takes a seat after welcoming the crowd.

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Michelle Hundley, Economic Alliance public affairs vice president, welcomes Congressmen Brian Babin, center, and Gene Green to the annual conference at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Port executives Spencer Chambers, left, and Charlie Jenkins walk around during the lunch break at the Petrochemical & Maritime Outlook Conference.

President Mathew T. Tobin and Dr. Loren C. Scott, president of Loren C. Scott and Associates.

Petrochemical, maritime and logistics experts all delivered bold forecasts for continued capital investment in new facilities and expansions in the Houston Ship Channel and Greater Houston region.

While it was clear that declining oil prices and resulting job cuts were on the minds of industry leaders, they expressed confidence the “downstream” industry was well-positioned to grow and could adjust to a changing market due to cost constraints implemented by refining, chemical and maritime industries during the 2008-2009 recession.

All see challenges ahead, especially the petrochemical and maritime industries, which are experiencing a growing gap of skilled workers needed to build, maintain and operate plant and port facilities and are working with area community colleges and high schools in an effort to expand the pool of qualified workers.

Lee College and San Jacinto College have expanded their training programs for petrochemical careers and San Jac is nearing completion of a new maritime training center on the Houston Ship Channel to boost maritime training.

“The expansion of our industries … is requiring more qualified employees to handle these high tech jobs,” said Chad Burke, president of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.

“That is a good challenge and we are meeting the challenge by working with our partners to identify the workforce needs and ensure that we have the right solutions.”

Congressman Gene Green (D-29) expressed optimism that the EPA would continue current programs that have seen improvement in air quality rather than burdening industry with new, costly regulations.

Congressman Brian Babin (R-36) acknowledged that Congress is prepared to pass legislation that protects the public and industry in a cost-effective manner.

The Port of Houston Authority was the presenting sponsor of the conference and LyondellBasell, Lee College, San Jacinto College and Bay Group Media were gold sponsors. More than 40 companies were silver and bronze sponsors.

Houston Symphony League Bay Area will mark its 40th anniversary Oct. 29

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

t may seem like just yesterday, but

this Oct. 29 the Houston Symphony League Bay Area will be 40 years old.

It was on a crisp autumn day when five Bay Area ladies met for coffee in Selma Neumann’s living room on Forest Lake Drive in Taylor Lake Village to organize the Houston Symphony Society Women’s Committee – Bay Area Chapter.

Besides Selma Neumann, the others were Fran Strong, Julia Wells, Nan Miner and Joan Wade.

Joining them were Regional Chairman Betty Jukes and Ellen Kelley, who gave informative talks about the orchestra, the function of the Women’s Committee and about the possibility of chartering a chapter in the NASA area.

“Following an enthusiastic discussion, the women present decided to organize a group to be called the Bay Area Chapter…and that the membership should be drawn from Clear Creek School District communities – Seabrook, Kemah, League City, Webster, Clear Lake City and Nassau Bay, as well as Dickinson, Friendswood and La Porte,” according to the minutes in the HSL archives.

Its purpose was to support the Houston Symphony Society in all of its endeavors and to encourage and create an extension of the Houston Symphony’s cultural endeavors in the Bay Area.

But that was just the beginning.

Temporary officers were chosen with Fran Strong as president, Julia Wells as secretary and Joan Wade as treasurer.

It was decided that any member joining during the organizational period would be a charter member and dues would be $10 annually.

A series of coffees were held with local ladies invited to hear about the new organization and what membership would involve and to be founding members. The first coffee was at the home of Alda Cannon Nov. 19 with Judy Falk as co-hostess, while Pat Gibson made arrangements for a Dec. 4 coffee at Lakewood Yacht Club. Before long, the membership had grown to 150, who became charter members when the Charter Presentation Dedication Ceremony was held at Jones Hall Feb. 8, 1976.

First officers were President Fran Strong, Recording Secretary Julia Wells, First Vice President Alda Cannon, Corresponding Secretary Diane Bobko, Second Vice President

Symphony League Bay Area founders pose for a photo at the initial meeting of the chapter Jan. 17, 1976 at the home of Mrs. Brian Merrill, Clear Lake City. They are, from left, seated, Mrs. Alfred Neumann (Selma); Mrs. Brian Merrill (Loraine); standing, Mrs. Donald W. Gibson (Pat); Mrs. William Calvin Cannon (Alda); Mrs. William O. Strong Jr. (Fran); Mrs. Martin Arisco (Peggy); Mrs. Howard T. Barkley Sr. (Margaret); Mrs. Buford A. Wells (Julia Stark); and Mrs. Lewis Wade (Joan).

Nan Miner, Treasurer Joan Wade, Parliamentarian Margaret Barkley and Historian Peggy Arisco.

Others serving as president of the Bay Area Chapter through the years included Selma Neumann, Julie Wells, Dagmar Meeh, Priscilla Heidbreder, Harriet Small, Nina Spencer, Elizabeth Glenn, Ebby Creden, Charlotte Gaunt, Norma Brady, Cindy Kuenneke, Helen Powell, Sharon Dillard, Diane McLaughlin, Roberta Liston, Suzanne Hicks, Sue Smith, Shirley Wettling, Jo Anne Mills, Phyllis Molnar, Pat Bertelli, Emyre Barrios Robinson, Dana Puddy, Angela Buell, Pat Brackett, Joan Wade, Yvonne Herring, Deanna Lamoreux, Glenda Toole, Carole Murphy, Patience Myers and James Moore.

Each year the league holds a fundraiser, using the proceeds to fund music education programs in the area schools – introducing thousands of children to good music and encouraging those with talent to pursue a musical career. For the first 25 years, members hosted a spring concert, bringing the Houston Symphony Orchestra to Clear Lake for what quickly became one of the big social events of the year. The inaugural concert was held March 26, 1977 with Nelson Riddle as the guest conductor.

Then in the late 90s, the league added a black-tie “Autumn Leaves” dinner-dance co-chaired by Ebby Creden and Suzanne Hicks as a fundraiser.

Afterwards, the name was changed to the Bach & Roll Ball with Charlotte Gaunt as the 1997 ball chairman and Helen Powell as co-chairman while

Sharon Dillard was chairman and Ebby Creden co-chairman of the 1998 ball. Roberta Liston was chairman of the 1999 gala with Cindy Kuenneke as co-chairman.

Some of the others who helped make the galas a success were Pat Brackett, Joan Burt, Norma Ballard, Ethel Greaney, Marge Jacobson, Alberta Rohlfing, Diane McLaughlin, Norma Brady, Norma Lang, Dorothy Kennedy, Roberta Liston, Sheila Fichtner, Fran Gentry,Pat Hunt, Elizabeth Glenn, Joy Smitherman, Martha Daniel, Joyce Morris, Esther Emnet, Peg Beever, Pat Bertelli, Joan Wade, Kathy Brauer, Jo Anne Mills, Casey Myers, Ginny Jones, Maurita Gallagher and Shirley Wettling.

With the turn of the century, league members decided to host a home tour for their annual fundraiser, and thus, the Day By the Bay Home Tour was born and has been a league staple ever since. Besides a preview party on Friday night, there’s two days of touring stately Bay Area homes.

In 2014, the West Mansion owned

by Houston Rockets Hall of Famer Akeem Olajuwon and the nearby Bay Area Museum were added to the tour for that year, making it the most successful ever.

Along the way, the league began joining the Bay Area Museum Guild members and their husbands for an annual event, Music at the Museum, which features a chamber music group each year and much mixing and mingling as two of the Bay Area’s largest groups enjoy an evening of music together.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Olson says Texas still losing highway dollars

By Mary Alys Cherry

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no way I’ll vote for more of our money going to others. I doubt the votes are there to pass a tax hike, but I’m keeping my eyes and ears open.”

For those reasons and others, Congress hasn’t been able to pass a long-term highway bill but just a series of short-term extensions, he explained. One – a six-year highway bill that passed the Senate -- is in the works, but probably won’t come before the House until Halloween, Olson said.

he Texas economy may be soaring, but not so its transportation system. In fact, Congressman Pete Olson says, “getting our common sense share of federal highway dollars is always an issue.

“The best, most concise image of our highway problems was Governor Abbott’s campaign ad, where he passed a pile of cars in his wheelchair while saying ‘A guy in a wheelchair can move faster than traffic on some roads in Texas,’” Olson told Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership members at their August luncheon at Cullen’s Upscale Grille.

Employers lose productivity when employees are stuck in traffic, he said, blaming much of Texas’ problems on Congress’ failure to be fair to Texas when doling out transportation dollars, remembering Congressman Pete Olson, second from left, stops for a back to his Clear Lake photo with, from left, Pearland Deputy City Manager Jon High days when the Branson and Mayor Tom Reid, plus Bay Area Houston state received about 45 Transportation Partnership President Barbara Koslov, after cents for every $1 it paid speaking at the BayTran monthly luncheon. in and how today Texas still only receives a little over 90 cents “Any longer term highway funding for each $1 paid in. “We’re called a agreement must give the states the ‘donor state.’ primary power. With D.C. on the “Meanwhile, Alaska is getting $4 hook for a national debt that’s about for every buck they send to D.C. to soar to $20 trillion, D.C. can’t pick for roads. Alaska is called a ‘donee’ up the tab for new projects like a state. It has just 1,082 miles of federal few years ago. It is important to give highways while one Texas highway, states and localities control to develop I-10, covers 879 miles with a heck financing mechanisms that work and of a lot more traffic. Our problem in can be brought to the local voters for changing this insanity is that we are approval. one of four donor states in America “Along that line, Texas has stepped and 4 vs. 46 usually doesn’t work up with a plan. This November, well if you’re one of the 4 in D.C., Texans will be asked to vote on …a especially in the Senate, where Alaska state constitutional amendment to has the same two votes we have.” shift a portion of general sales tax and Texas’ problems with the Highway motor vehicle sales tax revenues to Fund don’t end with the donor issue, our State Highway Fund…As more he continued. “The fund gets its people and goods move into…Texas, money from the national gasoline we must ensure that the highways, tax – 18.4 cents per gallon. Cars are bridges and roads can handle the getting more miles … per gallon … increased capacity. And move goods and more fuel efficient cars use less and people efficiently through our gas, which means less money for state.” Our growth will slow down, transportation. he said, if newcomers grow tired of “There is no easy fix,” the Sugar sitting in traffic and move on to other Land congressman said. “Folks states. talk on both sides of the aisle about Olson was introduced by BayTran increasing the federal gas tax, but Chairman Jon Branson, who is that’s a non-starter for me. Until this Pearland’s deputy city manager. donor state insanity is ended, there’s

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

The Mists of Time El Camino Real, Texas

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hy are we so interested in history?

Sure, there is that fact that if we fail to learn from it we are doomed to repeat it. But that only works on a logical, rational level. We have to think about it in order for it to become a factor. The real draw we feel seems to be more visceral—something in human nature. It gives us wisdom, I suppose, but there is still something else that pulls us to it. And it seems the more we learn, the more we want to know. Soon we find ourselves looking further and further back in time—Rome, Greece, Lascaux. We have even developed a series of tools that help us to connect to people and events in history. We have historical markers along our highways, historical parks and sites like Colonial Williamsburg and the Alamo, and even a history channel.

Growing up in Indiana, I didn’t have the good fortune of a Texas history class in school. Of course, I

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knew about the biggies—the Texas myths. The whole world has heard about Austin’s colony, the Alamo and the Republic of Texas. But beyond that…nothing. When I finally found my way to Texas, that all changed. I became ravenous in my appetite for historical information and time has only sharpened that desire.

For over 20 years I have heard about El Camino Real de los Tejas, the King’s Road. And for the same 20 years, I’ve wanted to see it. It ran from Natchitoches, Louisiana, to San Antonio and then branched off into smaller roads that ran all the way to Mexico City. In all, it was over 1,000 miles long.

It is advertised as running “roughly” along Louisiana Highway 6 and Texas Highway 21. But I didn’t want to see the approximate route; I wanted to see the actual road, to stand on the same dirt that thousands of American refugees traveled to find their way to that paradise on earth that is Texas. In my research I discovered that there are still a very few places where you can see the

original road. The problem is that most of these places are hidden in the deep woods and on private property.

But I had heard that if you are willing to hike a bit and can orienteer, there is a place where it can still be seen—in Mission Tejas State Park.

Mission Tejas is one of the Civilian Conservation Corps parks, but for me the main historic interest went a bit further back in time. The namesake old log church, Mission San Francisco de los Tejas, is amazingly rustic, right down to the old iron axe used as a door latch. It was the first Spanish mission in Texas, operating long before the more famous ones in San Antonio, and was located here because of the proximity to El Camino Real. It wouldn’t last long as a mission however, as the local Nabedache Indians eventually ran off the priests when they believed that the holy water used in ceremonies was causing sickness and death from smallpox.

There isn’t a real trail to the old road, but we were told if we walked along the park road to a spot about halfway between the mission and campsite number seven, then head down the hillside and into the woods, we just might get lucky

and eventually stumble our way to a rare stretch of the old road still surviving today. Heading down the hill, we made our way along what couldn’t even be described as a deer path and we managed to lose track of that a time or two. Backtracking allowed us to find the last good spot and re-evaluate our path from there.

But eventually we ran out of “trail” altogether and had to switch to trail blazing. We meandered around for about 20 minutes seeing nothing but dense woods. But then, we looked up and there, in the middle of the dense forest, it lay.

Now, more than 150 years later, it had become overgrown with grass and low brush, but years of compressing by human feet, horses and wagon wheels had made the soil so compact that no trees could grow there. Right there, in front of us was a long tree-lined corridor, less than 20 feet wide that was once the most traveled road in Texas. We took our time as we strolled along it, thinking about all the history and all the famous people who came across this very spot where we stood. It was awe-inspiring.

There is no question—it was a thrilling experience. I was surprised

at the depth of my reaction. It tapped into my soul. The last time I felt this way was on a train to Oxford, England. As we neared the university, the skyline filled with spires. For the first time in my life I experienced my profession, education, as elevated to the level of religious fervor. And it was all because of the history of the place. Worlds apart (old versus new, Europe versus America) and separated in time (1090 A.D. versus 1800), these two places affected me in the same way—they touched something deep inside that I didn’t even know was there.

Why do we react this way in the presence of history? And why is the reaction greater the further back in time we go? When I have questions like this, I tend to turn to the experts: philosophers, researchers and psychologists. Carl Jung had something to say about it. He argued that the human psyche, that universal consciousness we all share, is not of today, but rather, reaches back into prehistoric ages. The further back we go, the closer we get to touching that true essence of who we are as human beings. And it feels good.

It is really easy in the rush and madness that is our world today to

lose track of ourselves. We are so absorbed in the matters at hand that we have neither the time nor the inclination to think about who we are as members of our species. My wife says when I have a task in mind, I am totally blind to everything else going on around me. She says I could walk right past a fire in the kitchen while on my way to take out the garbage and never even notice. I like to call that my highly developed ability to focus, and it has served me well over the years. She is not convinced. But when I am “in the zone,” I get a lot done, so I apparently value that focus over my human psyche.

As the sun fell low in the sky, we headed back through the woods and up the hillside to the mission. We still needed to drive to Nacogdoches to our base camp for the night—a log cabin deep in the woods with its own long history. It was time for a rest and a chance to maybe give up that power to focus, for just one night. But I couldn’t stop thinking about all the men and women who walked that same road I stood on that afternoon.

They carved out the Texas I so love.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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FALL FASHION

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

By Haleigh Tieken

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all is that time of year

when the leaves start to change and so do fashion trends. Mixtures of reds, yellows and magentas drape the trees making them an ornate scene for anyone who happens to look up.

Now for us girls we like to capture the eyes of our prospects in a different fashion.

Ranging from suede coated grey boots to a neutral colored chestnut fringe purse this fall has a combination of hipster, yet shabby chic to leave you strutting the streets like you’re in New York Fashion Week.

One of the most popular trends this season is a distant ghost of the past from the 1960s and 1970s. Due to the remnants of a modern day Woodstock still among us known as Coachella, a music festival located in Southern California, clothing has come in full circle as we embrace our inner hippie. Fringe coming in colors of beige, taupe, gray,

tan and ivory add a flirtatious vibe to any serious ensemble and come in items from leather jackets, to booties, or even well sought after accessories such as handbags or jewelry. Another popular accessory seen in store front windows this fall is yes, you guessed it the floppy hat. This headpiece gives you coverage from the sun, as well as make a cute and sophisticated look with skinny jeans, flats and a button down shirt. Considering how big headbands used to be at Woodstock, why not add a current piece of headwear to your own personalized style?

Denim clothing has been around for years but it is often a fashion flaw to put denim on denim. This year, however, is one for the books in which many fashion magazines from Vogue to Glamour have been pairing denim on denim for an eye popping look which adds some wow factor as well.

Now when pairing two pieces of denim you must make sure the pieces contrast and that it’s not the same denim or that will be a denim do-not.

The look can either be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion by accessorizing it with some

“Blazers can be worn with a trendy fall skirt and a peplum top.” fun heels for a pop of color or even a colorful belt or tote could set you apart from the rest.

Denim isn’t the only thing catching attention this year. The all-around glamour inspired blazer offers a variety of different ways to style and showcase a multitude of outfits.

Considering the Texas heat we, as consumers, sometimes shy away from wanting to wear trendy fall fashion pieces, but this year stores like Guess and Forever 21 are making their jackets and blazers lightweight so that they can be worn in the early months of fall as well as the later months, too.

Blazers can be worn with a trendy fall skirt and a peplum top or you can

surprise your boss with a pair of nice slacks and a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and your blazer.

Overall, this fall offers a chance for you to express yourself and your inner hippie style. An important key to establishing your fashion sense is to never be afraid to express yourself and be you. After all, the fashion founders of Woodstock and Coachella never ceased to feel insecure about their appearance and created a style that is groovy and hip all at the same time.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Mark S. Geyer named JSC deputy director

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ark Geyer is

the new deputy director of the Johnson Space Center. He succeeds Kirk Shireman, who served as JSC’s deputy since 2013 and was recently named manager of the International Space Station Program, replacing Mike Suffredini, who is moving to private industry.

Geyer, who joined the JSC team in mid-September, was the NASA Orion program manager for the past eight years. Under his leadership, the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle saw its first test flight, which validated the flight control system and the heat shield at reentry.

In his new position, Geyer will work with JSC Director Ellen Ochoa to manage one of NASA’s largest installations, with nearly 14,000 civil

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service and contractor employees – including those at White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, N. M. – and an annual budget of approximately $5.1 billion. Geyer will help oversee a broad range of human spaceflight activities.

Geyer, a native of Indianapolis, also served as deputy program manager of the Constellation Program from 2004 to 2007, and along with the program manager, was responsible for the day-to-day management, development, and integration of program elements for the deep space exploration program.

Geyer earned Masters and Bachelor of Science degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering at Purdue University. He and his wife Jacqueline have three children, Samantha, Russell and Andrew.

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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UHCL to add new buildings in both Clear Lake, Pearland Legislature loosens purse strings

By Karen Barbier

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he University of HoustonClear Lake received great news from the 84th Texas Legislature with lawmakers’ approval of House Bill 100, which authorized two key UHCL projects geared to accommodate expected student growth.

Among the outcomes for the legislative session was continued operations support for the university’s transition to a four-year institution; exceptional item funding for UHCL’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities; and capital construction funding for the addition of two new buildings, including a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Classroom Building and a Health Sciences and Classroom Building.

“The 2015 legislative session was a great session for us,” says UHCL President William A. Staples.

“Several key legislators made the difference for us including Sen. Larry Taylor, Rep. Dennis Paul, Rep. Ed Thompson and Rep. Greg Bonnen.

UHCL received $54 million in Tuition Revenue Bonds/Capital Construction Funding for the STEM and Classroom Building at its Bay Area Boulevard location and $24.6 million for the Health Sciences and Classroom Building at UHCL Pearland Campus, 1200 Pearland

Parkway. The new building in Pearland has been tentatively scheduled to open in fall 2018, with the Bay Area Boulevard. building scheduled for either fall 2018 or spring 2019.

UHCL’s Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities will receive special item funding of $200,000 per year, while a second special item funding of $3.25 million will support the university’s Downward Expansion/Four-Year Initiative Start-Up. “The new level of funding for the four-year initiative will significantly enhance the continuing development of UHCL as a four-year university,” explains Staples about the successful addition of freshman and sophomore students to UHCL in fall 2014. “We are very grateful for the support we have received.”

Other significant items include an increase in Higher Education Funding, formerly known as HEAF or Higher Education Assistance Funding, from $5 million to $8 million that will go in effect in fiscal year 2017. Also, Rep. Dennis Paul and Sen. Larry Taylor sponsored legislation which passed and gives UHCL legislative authority to assess a recreation and wellness facility fee for the construction and operation of such a facility.

For public universities in Texas, lawmakers approved Campus Carry Legislation that allows licensed gun owners, who are at least 21 years of age, to carry concealed handguns at state universities, subject to certain exemptions, beginning in fall 2016.

UHCL planning welcome events With the start of a new school year, UH-Clear Lake is celebrating with a number of events for students and alumni.

Among them are:  Fall Open House, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 3, Student Services and Classroom Building;  MBA Mixer for grad students at Fall Open House, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 3, Student Services and Classroom Building;  I HEART UHCL Day Oct. 14, noon – 6 p.m., Bayou Building, Atrium II  Alumni Coffee Table, Oct. 14, 6–8 p.m., Bayou Building, Atrium II; both alumni and public invited.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Harv Hartman is named CCISD Citizen of the Year

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arv Hartman has been selected as the 2015 Clear Creek ISD Citizen of the Year and will be honored at the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s Gala Saturday, Nov. 7, at South Shore Harbour Resort.

The Clear Creek Independent School District strives to be a visionary leader in education by engaging not only students, staff and parents, but by building rapport and support with our community leaders. “It takes teamwork to keep moving forward and to create every opportunity possible to ensure academic success for all students in CCISD,” explained Board of Trustees President Dr. Laura DuPont. “We are proud to announce that Harv Hartman is the 2015 CCISD Citizen of the Year.”

“His distinguished record of volunteer participation with CCISD spans four decades,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, “Starting with his children’s education in the district and evolving to leadership roles in the Clear Creek Education Foundation, leading partnership development on behalf of NASA, and chairing a business-

governmenteducation committee that advocates for pre-k-20+ education across the region today.”

Hartman was nominated by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and its Education and Workforce Development Committee. The nomination read in part: “Harv’s contributions are sustained and reflect a maturation in the engagement process, both at a personal level – as a father and grandfather of CCISD students – and at a professional level – as a senior NASA executive, community leader, and businessman.

“CCISD benefits from community engagement at many levels, from working directly with children, to supporting the district’s classrooms and schools through donations of funds and services, to advocating for CCISD’s bonds and legislative needs. One person who has contributed in all of these ways and more is Harv Hartman.”

For All of Our Hearts: How One Local Woman is Fighting for the Hearts of Bay Area

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early twenty years ago, Indira Feustel was playing in a tennis match when she noticed another tennis player in the next court collapse.

“I thought someone had twisted their ankle but he never got up,” said Feustel. “It was a big tournament so you would think someone would have started CPR and then I realized it was going to be me.”

Feustel had just renewed her CPR certification and was able to perform bystander CPR, with the assistance of a nurse, until help arrived.

The passion to help others continued to stick with Feustel throughout her life. In 1997, Feustel walked in her first American Heart Association Heart Walk.

In 2000, heart disease hit close to home when Feustel’s father, Dr. Vijay Bhatnager, suffered a heart attack.

“My brother, Samir, a police officer, was picking up my parents after a dinner when my dad collapsed,” said Feustel. “My brother started performing CPR. A doctor near by

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“Over the past 17 years, Feustel has used her passion to raise over $100,000 for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Others who will be honored during the CCEF annual gala are: CCISD Citizen of the Year  Harv Hartman George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award  Joe Barlow Distinguished Alumni Award  Bao-Long Chu  Mary Lou Johnson CCISD Superstar Award  Emmeline Dodd  Dr. Pat and Wendell Wilson  Tonya Roque, CCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year  Anthony Tran, CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award  Ann Hacker -- Black Rose Steel The theme of CCEF’s 2015 gala is “Fit to be Tied! Connecting Community and Celebrating Achievement.” Attendees will have the opportunity to recognize the award winners and learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives to support CCISD. To purchase tickets, visit the website, www. clearcreekeducationfoundation.org or contact CCEF Executive Director Kaci Hanson at 281-284-0031.

helped, so they did two person CPR for twenty minutes before the ambulance came.”

If it had not been for her brother, the doctor’s CPR efforts and medical and technological advances supported by the American Heart Association, her father would not have survived.

In 2012, the American Heart Association was instrumental in helping the State of Texas pass a new law that will require all high school students to graduate with at least one CPR certification course.

This year’s incoming seniors will be the first class required to complete this certification.

“I would love to see that expanded to all citizens so someday everyone will have the comfort of knowing that if you are in an emergency situation requiring CPR, there will be someone that could help you”, said Feustel.

Across the country, the bystander rate, which is the amount of people who can perform bystander CPR is at 40 percent. In the Houston area, that rate is 32 percent.

Through her work as a speech-language pathologist, Feustel says she is inspired by her patients with heart disease or who have suffered strokes. The memory of the collapsed tennis player, her patients, her father and CPR education, are reasons Feustel is driven to continue to raise money for the AHA. Over the past 17 years, Feustel has used her passion to raise over $100,000 for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. In 2014, Feustel raised over $18,500 and this year she is striving to raise $20,000.

The Bay Area Heart Walk is set for Saturday, Nov. 14, at Kemah Boardwalk from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. To sign up for the Heart Walk or to donate to Feustel’s personal goal, visit www.bayareaheartwalk.org

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Beta Sigma Phi members from left, Nancy Cobbs, Beryl Hill, Penny Linton, Joyce Wilkerson, Jo Ann Luttgeharm, Peggy Fisher and Mary Jane Kugle with blankets they lovingly create for Houston Methodist St. John patients.

Blankets for breast cancer patients deliver faith, hope and love Sorority Sisters Share Warmth and Comfort

By Susan Neuhalfen

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he Xi Lambda Rho Chapter of the Clear Creek Bay Area City Council for the Beta Sigma Phil Sorority has been generously serving our community since 1968, but this year the sorority’s service committee decided they wanted to do something a little more memorable.

Jo Ann Luttgeharm is one of the newest members of the sorority and along with Penny Linton is co-chair of the service committee. The ladies had the idea to do something “hands on” that the committee could do as a group. With Penny being a first class seamstress, the original idea was to create colorful pillowcases for chronically ill patients at a local hospital, but when Jo Ann called Houston Methodist St. John Hospital to discuss the idea, she spoke with Denise Thomas in Guest Services, who had an even better idea for the group.

“I had called other hospitals but I was so impressed with Denise, and her enthusiasm was contagious,” said Luttgeharm smiling from ear to ear.

“Since many of the senior patients get cold in the hospital, she suggested we make fleece throws that would not require sewing.”

In fact, a volunteer group who makes the fleece throws for breast cancer patients was meeting that week and the sorority members were invited to join them for the day. Coordinated by Tamara CoyTremant, the Project Manager for Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, the group was made up of the breast cancer patients’ friends, family

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members and other volunteers including 17 members of the sorority service committee. They already had their pink and white fabrics picked out and the group created their first blankets for breast cancer patients.

The ladies of Beta Sigma Phi felt privileged to be included since several of their members are breast cancer survivors themselves.

As an added touch, the blankets were embroidered with the hospital logo as well as the words “Faith, Hope and Love” Beta Sigma Phi. The ladies were then invited to make a formal presentation of the blankets to Houston Methodist St. John Hospital CEO Dan Newman.

“What I love is that the blankets are a gift to the patients as a reminder that along with the hospital staff, the community also cares about them,” said Lutttgeharm. “The hospital has been so supportive throughout this process and it’s made the whole experience worthwhile.”

In addition to the blankets made for the breast cancer patients, the ladies have made additional blankets for other patients. Along with other volunteer groups at the hospital, Coy-Tremant reports that over 200 blankets have been made so far this year for women with breast cancer, men and women with cancer and comfort blankets for their infants in need.

“We are very grateful to Beta Sigma Phi for taking on this project,” said Coy-Tremant. “It’s been a great fit all around to have them here.”

Joyce Wilkerson, a member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1964, echoes the sentiment based on this experience as well as her many years with the sorority. “Everyone is passionate about it,” said Wilkerson. “It’s the joy of doing what we do that keeps our organization going.”

OCTOBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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21st Annual Oak Tree Festival slated Oct. 9-11 in League City

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t’s time to mark your calendars for a great time in the Historic District of League City -- the Texas Gathering and 21st Annual Oak Tree Festival at the Butler Longhorn Museum.

This fun filled, three-day family friendly event starts Friday, Oct. 9 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 11. “We promise a good time for everyone – even the smallest in your group will be delighted with our Kid Zone on Saturday and Sunday,” a spokesman said.

The weekend starts off Friday night with a live performance by the Texas Blues Brothers, followed by a family friendly outdoor movie in the Rose Garden stage area. Saturday is jammed packed with events.

The highlight of the day will be the fantastic Civil War reenactments by the 11th Texas Calvary and the very realistic Cowboy Shootout performed by the Eldorado Historical Gunfighters. These reenactments will take place throughout the day on Saturday and will surely take everyone back in time with authentic costumes and guns of the old west.

Saturday will also include art shows and sales, a chili cookoff (fees apply to enter), an arts and crafts display, live music all day, a Kids Zone, a silent auction, and vendors – who could ask for more?

The festival concludes on Sunday with the 1st Annual Texas Gathering Car and Bike Show, which starts at 11a.m., with an awards ceremony at 3 p.m. The day will also include the continuation of the art exhibits and sales, vendors, live music and the Kids Zone.

All events are open to the community.

The museum is located in the heart of the historical district of League City. It features many western artifacts and is dedicated to telling the story of Milby Butler and his role in the amazing comeback of the iconic Texas Longhorn, while exhibiting a variety of Texas history in coordination with the school curriculum.

The museum is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose day to day operation depends on funding from grants, fundraisers, musical performances, and donations from individuals and businesses.

The museum’s website lists upcoming art shows and musical performances.

So plan to put on your jeans and join the fun. For additional information on vendor booths, car or bike registration or the pie baking contest, contact the museum directly at 281-332-1393. More information can be seen at the museum website, www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com in the calendar section of the museum’s webpage.

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Crime spree has deadly end A 30-year-old League City man, Bryan Winslow Phillips, is dead after a crime spree that ended in a hostage situation in the Walgreen’s in Kemah.

League City Police said Phillips took his own life after freeing his last hostage, the Walgreen’s pharmacist, dying of a self inflicted gunshot wound at approximately 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8. Throughout the incident, emergency responders were able to view the suspect’s actions through live-feed cameras at the drugstore. No citizens or first responders were injured.

Phillips, a 2003 Clear Creek High graduate, led League City Police officers on the chase that ended in Kemah after stealing a car at gunpoint at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday in the 2500 block of South Shore Boulevard. Police said Phillips shot multiple rounds once inside Walgreens.

He has also been identified as the suspect in a robbery that occurred at 2:45 a.m. that Tuesday in League City at a local emergency room, and reports later surfaced that Phillips shot and killed Derek Zagone, after an argument over a gun Monday in Texas City. Both men reportedly pulled guns on each other and Zagone, 32, was shot in the chest and later died at a hospital.

The 50-mile run, escorted by the Blue Knights, benefits the Christus Foundation for HealthCare, a nonprofit that provides healthcare to children and families in need who may otherwise go without. It begins at 9 a.m. near the St. Austin Center, 2002 S. Wayside Drive in Houston and ends in San Leon at the Top Water Grill, located at 815 Avenue O. Last year, 15,000 children received medical care from one of the many Christus Foundation for HealthCare programs and clinics that have the mission to Keep Children Healthy.

For information and sponsorships, go online to christusfoundation.org

Nassau Bay gets new solar lights Nassau Bay has begun installing the first 50 solar lights that will eventually replace all current decorative street lights in the city.

Most light locations will remain the same, but some will be moved, depending on the results of a lighting analysis that factors in direct sunlight availability and overall neighborhood lighting levels.

Suspect arrested in man’s murder

Derrick Dwayne Fields has been charged with murder in the death of a 24-year-old League City man, Antonio Martins, by the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office. He was taken into custody Sept. 4 in the 11800 block of Dickinson Road, Houston.

Bond is set at $750,000.

Martins vanished Sister Rosanne Popp MD, original event co-creator and Thursday, July Duncan Finlayson, kickoff the 11th Annual Nun Run on Aug. 12 at Stubbs Harley-Davidson.

30. His white Chevy pickup was later found at the intersection 11th Nun Run of Carefree Drive and Candlewood on tap Oct. 17 Drive in League City.

Dozens are already making plan His family said about 11:30 to participate in the 11th annual p.m. Thursday he told them that Nun Run, a charity motorcycle he was going to meet a man. No ride from Houston to Galveston, one ever heard from him again. with nuns riding in the sidecar His body, wearing only a tattered Saturday, Oct. 17.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2015

Doug Peterson, left, kicked off his campaign for Houston City Council At Large Position 3 Sept. 8 with former Congressman Nick Lampson on hand to wish him well. After years in NASA External Affairs, Peterson promised to work for all Houston, from Clear Lake up to Kingwood and from the east side to the west side.

shirt, washed onto the Texas City Levee Aug. 9 with a head wound.

His death was ruled a homicide.

The 6-foot-3 Martins was engaged to be married and had two small daughters.

The League City Police Department attributes the successful apprehension of Fields to the relentless investigation of its detectives, the support by Martins’ family, and the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies.

Man held in arson at Memorial SE Houston Fire Department Arson investigators have arrested David Williams, 33, for arson involving Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. Williams arrived at the hospital’s emergency room for treatment of an injury. He became agitated and left the emergency room and proceeded to the professional building, which was unoccupied during the early morning hours.

He then broke into the building and set two fires, one on the first floor and one on the second floor, Houston Fire Department officials said. “Memorial Hermann security responded and confronted Williams, who at this point broke out a bottom floor window.

Williams ignored commands to exit the building and proceeded to destroy the contents of the building,” they added.

When Houston Police arrived, Williams exited the building but was detained without incident.

Due to the fire, smoke, water and vandalism Williams caused, estimated damages to the hospital may exceed $1 million.

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