Bay Area Houston Magazine November 2015

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

November 2015 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

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The 12 Gifts of Christmas Local Growth Mind Boggling Clear Lake Chamber Gala Just A Pretty Table

Enjoy the Best of Fine Dining in the Bay Area

at

I n t e r n at i o n a l

Signature Bistro

NOVEMBER 2015

features

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ON THE COVER Maritza and Lewis Keim, owners of International Signature Bistro in Seabrook, celebrate the beginning of their third year in business.

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President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Executive Vice President Patty Kane Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Shannon Alexander Debbie Salisbury

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

Administration Lillian Harmon Tammy Lipsey

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

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

281.474.5875

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Bay Area Houston Growth Mind Boggling

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Dental Health

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Nassau Bay Picks New City Manager

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Wildlife Photographer Franklin Viola

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Westin Homes Adds Home Sites in Tuscan Lakes

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Bay Area Houston Medical News

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International Signature Bistro

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The 12 Gifts of Christmas

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Young Professional Profile

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Business Buzz

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Maritime & Petrochemical

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

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Celebration Seabrook

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Highway 146 Update

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Amici Italiano Restaurante

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Clear Lake Chamber Gala

Massive projects and construction all over Sleep your dental fears away Jason Reynolds selected Exhibition of aquatic photography on Dec. 3 at Claudio’s New model home available Clear Creek Clinic doctors join hospital’s health care alliance The best of fine dining in the Bay Area Your local holiday shopping guide Engineer and fashion blogger Shalanda Turner NASA, Boeing extend ISS contract Port reaches major milestone. Panama Canal update County judges update BAHEP Main street event on Nov. 14 TxDOT, Union Pacific start talks Authentic Italian delights Members stay ‘Masked ‘Til Midnight’

columns

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart Distribution Shinkle Distribution

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Movers & Shakers

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Clear Lake Chatter

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Home Sweet Home

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Texas Meditations

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The Admiral’s Log

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In Wheel Time

Mayor Donna Rogers The talented ladies are back at it again Creative inspiration from Just A Pretty Table Brisket for breakfast A great month for a family fishing trip Truckin’ Texas style

52 CLICK! Surfing safari for the Sunshine Kids

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

In the space of about a mile, you will find JC Penney, Sears, Best Buy, HEB, PetCo, Pet’sMart, Kohl’s, Bank of America, Capital One Bank, Chase Bank, Moody National Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Five Guys, Walgreen’s, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, Ross, Whataburger, Super Target, rue 21, TJ Maxx, Famous Footwear, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Shoe Carnival, Chili’s, Denny’s, Quaker Steak and Lube, Jimmy Changas, Sport’s Authority, Edward Jones, Sprint, T Mobile, Sports Cuts and Jack in the Box – all near Victory Lakes Intermediate School in League City.

Construction is under way on The Commons at Seabrook, a 22+ acre development which includes The Towers, a 416-unit luxury multi-family project on 15 acres with a 30,000-sq.ft. commercial reserve on 7.7 acres being developed by New Quest Properties near the intersection of Highway 146 and Red Bluff Road.

Other Seabrook projects underway include: The 12,000-sq.ft. Tookie’s Seafood under construction on Highway 146; Chesapeake Bay luxury 55+ community on 12 acres on Repsdorph Road with 259 units – both bungalow and townhouses; L&A Seafood Retail at 10th and Waterfront Drive.

740 CLC HOMES

OTHER PROJECTS

A new Clear Lake High School section begins going up.

Bay Area Houston growth mind boggling

By Mary Alys Cherry

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he growth of Bay Area Houston is almost beyond comprehension. Everywhere you look either new homes or new businesses are going up, hospitals, even a high school stadium.

Massive projects in what was once a cow pasture or prairie a half century ago.

Few would recognize League City if they left the tiny little town 30 some years ago and came back today. The population has grown from a few thousand to almost 100,000.

It started with the development of South Shore Harbour back in the 80s and then Victory Lakes in the 90s.

Today we have 800 homes at Hidden Lakes, which set aside 100 acres for commercial development; some 1,850 homes are being built in Tuscan Lakes and 1,400 in Marbella in the Highway 96 area. Did we say Highway 96? That didn’t even exist 30 years ago. It was not built until the mid-90s.

Highway 96 is also the address of the relatively new Education Village, home of Clear Falls High, Bayside Intermediate and Sandra Mossman Elementary Schools, all sharing one big campus.

Barbara Cutsinger, marketing manager for Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, recently put together a PowerPoint for board members listing all the new properties around the area – some planned, some under construction and some still in the planning stages – a great deal of them in League City.

MANY PROJECTS

Others in Galveston County’s largest city include:  UTMB’s $82 million expansion of its League City campus to 142,000 sq.ft.;  The Crossings Methodist Healthy Living Community, a $75 million project on Egret Bay Boulevard;

 Newport at Marina Bend – a multi-family, 203-unit project on Wesley Drive;  Watermark at Walker Commons, a 368-unit, multi-family project on 21 acres;  A 20,000-sq. ft medical/ professional complex on FM 646 at Walker Street;  A 29,000-sq. ft. office/retail project at League City Parkway and Tuscan Lake Boulevard;  Cypress Bay – 99 canal-front lots;  Pinnacle Park – 100-acre town center on I-45 between FM 646 and League City Parkway.  Marketplace at Ninety-Six, a $40 million, 38-acre retail project that will be anchored by a 123,000 sq. ft. Kroger and include retail, professional and medical office buildings on League City Parkway, next to the Perry Family YMCA;  Beacon Island plans both patio homes and townhomes, plus a high rise.

BUSY FREEWAY

Think Baybrook Mall has a lot of businesses? Take a drive south down the Gulf Freeway past FM 646. If you haven’t been lately, you’ll probably be astounded. What was once just woods and prairies with an occasional mom and pop business, is a thriving city today.

Some 740 new homes – from villas to large estates – are being built by Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders on 372 acres at the new area development, The Reserve at Clear Lake City with prices starting at $300,000.

Nearby will be a 300,000-sq.ft. commercial development, Clear Lake Marketplace, which is anchored by a 100,683 sq. ft. HEB grocery store. The commercial tract is in Houston on the northeast and northwest corners of the El Dorado and Clear Lake City Boulevard intersection.

With all the expected additional traffic, the City of Houston is upgrading the roadways, beginning with the extension of Clear Lake City Boulevard from its current four lane terminus east to the intersection of El Dorado Boulevard in Clear Lake.

Construction crews were to construct two additional lanes to the north of the existing lanes. The infrastructure improvements are being made in compliance with the City of Houston’s 380 economic development agreement and to support the construction of the new Clear Lake Marketplace commercial development and the Reserve at Clear Lake City residential community, City Councilman Dave Martin said.

One of the area’s oldest schools, Clear Lake High, is getting a $100 million makeover, which is already under way and will give the education facility a completely new look.

SEABROOK GROWING

Over in Seabrook the City Council has been working diligently, trying to provide a place for displaced businesses to move when Highway 146 is expanded.

One project is the Seabrook Towne Center, a 30-acre development being planned on land between Highway 146 Elegant entry to a and Repsdorph Road League City and will include a development on Highway 96. grocery store.

Kemah Marketplace phase II is planned on FM 518 near SH 146 in Kemah, just west of Walmart. The 14.5 acre tract includes 100,000 sq. ft. of national retailers; Ross Dress For Less is one of the tenants.

Kemah’s new transportation center and city hall at Sixth and Bradford will include 350 parking spaces, which will be good news to Boardwalk visitors.

Clear Lake Shores has completed the infrastructure on its new Town Center on Clear Lake Road at Aspen Street.

Magnolia Court Business Park on 11 acres is planned in Webster near Kobayashi Road.

Clear Creek ISD’s new $39 million, 9,500-seat Challenger Columbia Stadium is still under construction on the west side of I-45 in Webster.

The 60,000-sq.ft. Bay Area Rehabilitation Hospital has just opened in Webster.

Top Golf is under construction in Webster just south of Academy Sports and Outdoors.

The 177-acre destination development Medistar is planning along the Gulf Freeway in Webster is called SpaceWalk. It will include a new hotel and conference center, restaurants, offices, retail, medical facilities – even an amphitheater on the property, which is next to Academy and Top Golf.

Details are sketchy at present but plans are to also feature an 80-foot-tall statue of a space-suited astronaut as a visitor attraction. The proposed 20,000 square-foot facility would serve as an education and conference center.

Artist and concrete sculptor David Adickes, who created the 67-foottall statue of Texas statesman Sam Houston in Huntsville has been commissioned to sculpt the towering astronaut. The moonwalker statue may feature an elevator to take visitors up into the astronaut’s helmet, providing them a view of the area surrounding the Johnson Space Center.

And, there are many, many more projects.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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magine this: you are going about your daily business and all of a sudden a single thought crosses your mind.

Almost instantly your heart starts racing. You find yourself feeling anxious and uneasy. You might even notice that your blood pressure has gone up. Many people report sweaty palms or a knot in their stomach. What could it be?

Well, there are only a handful of thoughts that can affect us to that degree. You are either in love, getting ready to be audited by the IRS, or you just remembered you have a dental appointment. Of course I am making light of the dental fear, but for many people these responses are very real. Your logical side knows that you need to keep your appointment, and you will. But your emotional side does not want to be anywhere near your dentist’s office.

When it’s time to go to your dentist, do any of these physical and emotional reactions sound familiar? Regrettably for too many people they do. There are those who express their fear of dentists openly but most of us take the brave route and keep it together by hiding our fear. Then there is the third group, people who completely give in to fear and just avoid going to the dentist altogether until something hurts to a point that it can no longer be tolerated. They then reluctantly go see their dentist and usually do just enough to relieve the pain. They might even decide to get as much as they can done on the same visit because they know once they leave, they will not come back until the next toothache becomes unbearable. What percentage of population do you think belong to each of these three groups?

More than thirty percent of people belong to the third group according to Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS).

Even for those in group two who bravely visit

“Wouldn’t you rather be sound asleep while getting your dental work?” their dentist regardless of their apprehension (like me), the experience is not very pleasant or relaxing. After all, it is completely natural to get uneasy when a sharp, long needle is approaching your mouth. Over the last 18 years I have rarely seen a patient who enjoys getting dental work done. Actually, on rare occasions (maybe once in a couple of years), I have come across some who enjoy getting anesthetic injections or teeth pulled. I always find that alarming and usually proceed to ask a few more questions to assure they are mentally sound.

There are some special occasions in life that you want to remember. Getting dental work done is not one of them. The damage caused by dread of dental work goes beyond just sweaty palms and heavy palpitations.

It causes many people to avoid routine dental checkups and early detection of the oral problems when they are still small and easily correctable (and inexpensive). Some common oral health problems like Gingivitis are painless, so they get very little attention simply because they don’t hurt. Other problems such as development of tooth decay remain pain-free until the nerve of the tooth gets infected. By then the problem becomes more complicated, more painful to treat, and far more expensive. All of which further reinforces the original fear theory. I call that “oral catch 22.”

Wouldn’t you rather be sound asleep while

getting your dental work? That would be ideal, wouldn’t it? Well, the delivery of sedative drugs during the dental procedure will eliminate feelings of discomfort and ensures a pleasant experience for the patient. Even though there are other forms of sedations available, they are usually not as effective or easily to titrate as intravenous (IV) sedation. The process is extremely simple. It is very similar to getting blood work done or donating blood. The specially trained dentist will establish an IV line and then give you some sedative drugs intravenously until you fall asleep. Next thing you remember, you wake up and your dental work is completed. It all seems like minutes as opposed to hours. Most people don’t even remember the whole experience. It is as though your mouth got magically fixed while you were sound sleep.

I understand there are some of you who still prefer to feel and remember the whole experience. Those are usually the ones who have never experienced IV Sedation in a dental office. I dare say that if you try it, you would not go back to awake dentistry.

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.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Movers &Shakers Name: Donna Rogers Occupation: Mayor of Webster and South Shore Harbour Marina Manager (30 years) Hometown: Brookhaven, Miss.

Current home: Webster Family: Husband, Bo; three sons Justin, Stephen and Travis, daughter-in-law Jenna and grandson Baylin My favorite writer is: Joel Osteen Someone I’d like to meet: Merle Haggard

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Famously? Tony Romo so I could help the Dallas Cowboys out, but honestly I’d choose to be me because if I were someone else I would be away that day from the most important people in my life and that is my family

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Cayman Islands

My favorite performers are: Merle Haggard and Steve Wariner

You’ll never catch me: Eating sushi

I like to spend my leisure time: Spending time with my husband, family and friends, but most of all playing with my grandson Baylin

My favorite meal is: Mexican food As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Special education teacher

The thing that bugs me the most is: Someone chomping ice My favorite movie is: The Notebook Few people know: I am very sensitive

Nassau Bay picks new city manager

T Houston Methodist St. John Hospital’s Marketing Manager, Carla Medlenka, and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Edward Lee, enjoy Bay Area Houston’s Magazine’s September Cover Party at Claudio’s Restaurant & Piano Bar.

Friends of Ann Hacker recently celebrated her birthday. From left sitting, Patty Kane, birthday girl Ann Hacker and Dee Scott; standing from left, Heather Fisher, Christi Rodgers, Linda Criner, Jane McFaddin, Bette Specion and Glenda Lancon

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

he Nassau Bay mayor and City Council have selected Jason Reynolds of Arlington, Texas as the new city manager.

The task force, comprised of Mayor Mark Denman, Mayor Pro Tem Sandy Mossman, former Mayor Don Matter and former Johnson Space Center Human Resources Director and Nassau Bay resident Harv Hartman, reviewed over 75 applicants.

At a Special Meeting on Sunday, Oct. 4,Council met and made the final decision to offer the position to Reynolds, who was the development operations manager for the City of Arlington.

Reynolds has accepted the position and is excited about this opportunity to join the City of Nassau Bay. “I am awe struck by the community and like the vision of their leaders. It seems like an excellent place to live and work,” said Reynolds, who is a retired Army paratrooper with a passion for community service.

He holds a certification as a Certified Public Manager. He also has a Master of Urban Planning degree, a Master of Business Administration and a B.S. in Workforce Leadership.

“It was an arduous, but certainly worthwhile, effort for our task force to search for City Manager Chris Reed’s successor,” Mayor Denman said. “We will never replace Chris, but we think we found someone that will continue his great work and progress; and that includes working with the great staff he has assembled. The city is functioning very well, we do not want to see momentum interrupted, employee retention is very important to us. I am confident Jason will jump right in and ensure we stay on the great path Chris and staff have put us on.”

Reynolds will officially begin work Nov. 1, and current City Manager Chris Reed will remain with the city through the end of this year, offering his full support during this transition.

Yachty Gras 2016: America’s Largest Mardi Gras Boat Parade

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t’s time for Yachty Gras!

A small sample of Franklin Viola’s exciting sub-aquatic photography.

Water: The Elixir of Life

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ulf Coast Mariner Magazine invites you to a fine art exhibition featuring the photography of Franklin Viola on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at Claudio’s Restaurant and Piano Bar in League City (3202 Marina Bay Dr., 281-957-9262). There will also be a special presentation on the marine life found at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

For a preview of Franklin’s photography visit www.violaphoto. com.

About the Photographer From the age of six, Water has influenced every step of Franklin Viola’s Life. Swimming in it. Surfing on it. Diving under it. Sailing over it. In 1972, at the age of 13, Viola became a certified NAUI Basic Diver.

At that time, three students could make up a dive checkout team: one with a watch; one with a depth gauge; and ‘one’ with a pressure gauge.

After formally studying water

by earning a BS Marine Science & Marine Transportation at Texas A&M University at Galveston in 1982, Viola served four years as a U.S. Merchant Marine officer, sailing aboard huge cargo ships.

Upon returning to ‘the beach’ in 1986, Viola focused his love of water through the optics of a camera.

Viola has produced imagery for clients who use water to tell their story or sell their product. From industry to art, leisure to health, commerce to nature, the medium of water is conceptual, nourishing, provocative, challenging and fun!

Viola’s clients include: Audubon, National Geographic, Islands, Discovery Channel Online, The Nature Conservancy, American Express, Epson, BP Oil & Gas, Turner Broadcasting, Hitachi and Delta Airlines, to name a few. In 1992, the British Museum of Natural History recognized Franklin as one of the top ten wildlife photographers of the year.

In it, on it, under it or over it; water is Franklin Viola’s studio.

This unique event, held each year during the Mardi Gras Season, begins a grand week of celebration for the Clear Lake area on Jan. 21.

Kemah Flowers & Company will host the traditional Kick-off Party at 7 p.m. Admission is FREE and open to everyone and the party will consist of hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, live and silent auctions. Net proceeds from this event will benefit Sea Scouts Troop #468 The original artwork for the poster by Dr. Maurine Howard is titled, “Excitement of the Sea” and will be the poster theme for this year’s events.

The following weekend on Saturday Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. the Yachty Gras Grand Night Parade “Americas largest Mardi Gras Boat Parade” will begin from the Seabrook Channel and proceed past the Kemah Boardwalk. The revelers on the elaborately decorated yachts will be throwing beads to the crowd viewing the parade along the route.

Sponsorships and in-kind donations are also available from $100 - $10,000

with Business Name or logo on all marketing and advertising materials, the Yachtygras.com website and prominently displayed during each of the three day events. A special recognition announcement on radio and TV during the KickOff Sponsorship Party and if requested a representative from your organization can speak during the Party. For more updated information visit: yachtygras.com or call 713-8824040 and a representative will come to your office/business.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Former Clear Lake residents Sheila Cooper, left, and Connie Lopez think the Bay Area Museum Guild luncheon is a can’t miss event.

Alexandra Stanley, Jana Miller and Missy Rohrer, from left, show off their hats as they walk about the ballroom during the Just A Pretty Table Luncheon.

Kathleen Courville, left, and Sabine Stromeyer show off their very pretty table at the Bay Area Museum Guild luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake.

The talented ladies are back at it again THE BAY AREA has some amazingly talented women. And, all you have to do to find evidence of this is look around at the Bay Area Museum Guild’s Just A Pretty Table Luncheon.

One would think they might run out of ideas, but as the event celebrated its 10th anniversary this October, it was quite evident they hadn’t. Just looking at all the decorated tables, one simply runs out of adjectives.

Each table has a theme and those sitting at the table dress to carry out the theme – in head-turning costumes.

Many bring their fine china and silver to decorate. Makes for more oohs

Barbara Wahl, Michelle Richardson and Stephany Roush, from left, make a pretty picture as they enjoy the Bay Area Museum Guild’s Just A Pretty Table Luncheon.

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MARY ALYS CHERRY and aahs from the crowd at Bay Oaks Country Club than you can imagine.

Angie Weinman heads up the committee that puts this all together – Anita Fogtman, Ava Galt and Sandi Allbritton – and then is there by the door greeting the arriving crowd on the big day, including regulars such as Joy and Jill Smitherman and Barbara

Clariday and Carole Murphy.

And some former Clear Lake residents, including Sonya Moore, who jetted in from California; Sheila Cooper, who came from Sugar Land; and Connie Lopez, from downtown Houston.

Just like the rest of us, their eyes lit up as they made their way around the ballroom, passing “Cheers to 10 years” which was decorated with beautiful white feathers and gold figurines; “Girls Gone Wild,” which used an eye-catching animal print theme and, yes, you guessed it, the girls all dressed in zebra prints.

Ann Wismer Landolt is another long-time participant with Donna

These ladies added quite a splash of color to the Just A Pretty Table Luncheon with their Christmas theme. They are, from left, Donna Rieves, Doreen Stringer, Connie Lopez, Kippy Caraway, Cassandra Brunson, Ann Wismer Landolt and Tonya Ferris.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Rieves, Doreen Stringer, Connie Lopez, Kippy Caraway, Cassandra Brunson and Tonya Ferris dressed in black and wearing red scarves joining her to carry out a Christmas theme while Missy Rorrer, Jana Miller and Alexandra Stanley buzzed by in their elegant hats.

Some of the others in the crowd included Kathleen Courville, Sabine Stromeyer, Michelle Kellett, Michelle Richardson, Barbara Wahl, Stephany Roush, Kristy Tankersley, Stashia Hardman, Marie Sharp, Jill Reason, Tracey Webb, Kimberly Weathers, Lori Ray, Gail Ashby, Dr. Cindy Castille, Cathy Osoria, Robyn Weigelt, Era Lee Caldwell,

Just A Pretty Table takes months of planning by many people.

Then these ladies, from right, Chairman Angie Weinman, Ava Galt, Anita Fogtman and Sandi Allbritton, put it all together for a memorable day each October. This year was the 10th anniversary.

Ballet Board members gather to welcome the arriving crowd to the kickoff reception at Space Center Houston.

They are, from left, Jill Reason, Chairman Cindy DeMasi, Vanessa Handrick and Ellen King.

Teresa Vencil, Julie Howell, Krista Williamson, Jill Williams, Terri Dieste, Kelli Byrd, Karen McCorkle and Jenny McCorkle, to name a few.

Ballet honors attorney Dick Gregg Jr. BAY AREA ATTORNEY and community leader Dick Gregg Jr. was honored Oct. 8 as the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre hosted its annual kickoff reception at Space Center Houston.

During the evening, the long-time supporter of the ballet was presented the 2015 Bravo! Award as his family,

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

Dick Gregg III and Stacy Foerschner and Chris and Mitzi Gregg looked on.

Making the presentation was Vanessa Handrick Garner, daughter of his late wife, Lynette Mason Gregg, who founded the ballet 30 years ago.

Ballerinas Brooke Carothers and Millie Becker greeted the arriving crowd and ballet board members, including Vanessa, Chairman Cindy DeMasi, Jill Reason and Ellen King were there to welcome everyone to what turned out to be a delightful evening.

The Bravo! Award was created to

honor the contributions to BAHBT made by community members and honors those who have helped further BAHBT’s efforts to bring cultural enrichment to the community.

Festival of Trees coming up Dec. 3 INTERFAITH CARING Ministries, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, will host its 22nd annual Festival of Trees Gala and Big Band Swing Night Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 in South Shore Harbour’s Crystal Ballroom.

And, Suzy Dominguez, who is

Clear Creek ISD was well represented at the Clear Lake Area Sheila Self and Don Lewis make their way to their table at the Ballet Kickoff as Chamber’s recent luncheon at Landry’s in Kemah with, from left, Communications Director Elaina Polsen, Superintendent ballerinas dance in the background.

Dr. Greg Smith, Clear Creek School Board President Dr. Laura DuPont and Assistant Marketing Director Eva de Cardenas on hand to hear the Bay Area legislators give an update on the recent session.

Ballerinas Brooke Carothers, left, and Millie Becker greet the arriving crowd at Space Center Houston for the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre season kickoff.

chairing the event, is inviting the community to help ICM celebrate while enjoying a live musical performance by The Houstonian Big Band, a Wine Pull, special guest speakers, dinner, live and silent auctions and much more.

This is ICM’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and as Suzy points out, “This is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for both businesses and individuals to come together with the common goal of assisting our neighbors in need and work to prevent homelessness and hunger.”

For tickets, which are $100, call Mike Young at 281-332-3881.

Attorney Dick Gregg Jr., center, the 2015 Bravo! Award winner, arrives at Space Center Houston for the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre Kickoff Reception with his family, Dick Gregg III with Stacy Foerschner at left, and Chris Gregg and his wife, Mitzi.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by J Pamela Photography

Westin Homes adds new home sites in Tuscan Lakes

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estin Homes has opened a new, fully furnished model home in the League City master-planned community of Tuscan Lakes, where the Texas homebuilder will add new homes on 31 home sites featuring two-story plans from the $250’s - $300’s.

The new Westin Homes model at 2734 Rogliano Lane, open daily, represents one of 16 plans available on 55 and 60-foot home sites in Vittoria, the newly opened section of Tuscan Lakes.

Four-bedroom plans feature two-story entries, informal open living and dining rooms, spacious gourmet island kitchens with breakfast areas, Butler’s pantries, master suites downstairs with walk-in closets, upstairs game rooms, media rooms and spacious secondary bedrooms.

Westin Homes’ new Tuscan Lakes model home is open Sunday and Monday, noon – 6 p.m.; and Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

A master-planned community

by The Johnson Development Corp., Tuscan Lakes offers the Cypress Point recreation center featuring a resort-style swimming complex with water features and stone fireplace. Families enjoy a large play area, spacious greenbelts and jogging trails encircling pristine lakes and open space nature preserves while a second recreation center is under construction.

Tuscan Lakes also is the Bay Area’s only master-planned community with a lifestyle director who coordinates a full calendar of activities and excursions for residents.

The community is conveniently located in League City between downtown Houston and Galveston Island on League City Parkway (SH 96), just three miles east of I-45. For more information, visit www.tuscanlakes.com and like the community at www. facebook.com/tuscanlakes.

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Home Sweet Home

Creative Inspiration from Just A Pretty Table

By Cathy Osoria

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here is a local benefit

that inspires me every year to express my creativity. My friend, Barbara Clariday (Ooh’s & Aah’s design store) and I worked for months before this event to think of a theme that would inspire guests to think outside of the creative box and have fun.

This event, called ‘Just A Pretty Table,’ is held at Bay Oaks Country Club and benefits Bay Area Museum.

Angie Weinman and her committee arrange for 44 tables to be decorated by design professionals and community volunteers consisting of men and women, lawyers, florists, teachers, and interior decorators who prove to be creative geniuses. These designers think of a table theme and go all out decorating a table that seats approximately 12 guests. Many enjoy coming to see and dine at the beautiful, fun and fantastic tables.

There are no prizes for best table, or awards for participation. The benefit inspires people to design amazing tablescapes with fantastic details that really make you think “How did they do that?” Themes range from traditional historic table settings like Christmas, Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day, to more outlandish themes like rubber ducky, coastal beach, tipsy Titanic or outdoor camping.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Guests support the event by dressing in the table’s theme. One might see a dozen Lucille Balls, or witches, flappers, geisha girls, Latin ladies, or pilgrims. Centerpieces may rise 15 feet in the air, and the area surrounding the table may be decorated like the theme as well.

Some decorators bring in their own tables, chairs, tents and backdrops. It is interesting to note the insane details that some of the table designers use to create their elaborate tablescapes. Some of these ideas may be used in one’s own home to celebrate holidays or special occasions. The coastal table

for example, complete with sea shells, sand, fishing net and beach umbrella, could be used as a child’s party theme with sunscreen and beach balls as party favors.

A designer may create a “golf” theme table, and that could be the perfect centerpiece idea for a husband’s birthday or Father’s Day. Astroturf could be used as the table cloth; old golf clubs can be arranged in varying heights with balls as a focal point for the tablescape, and golf tees can be glued together to make place card holders.

Ask guests to dress in the party’s theme to make the event memorable.

This participation encourages guests to get their own creativity going.

Garden of Eaten The table we designed this year was “Garden of Eaten.” Our guests wore big brimmed hats adorned with flowers and butterflies. Chairs were spray painted fuchsia, and artificial grass served as the tablecloth. Rain boots held the wine and unused garden tools were used to serve food out of lined clay pots. This theme would be fabulous for Mother’s Day, a bridal shower or a ladies’ brunch.

Just A Pretty Table is an annual event where design and creativity are bursting at the seams and many great ideas for decorating are on display.

Krystyna Fennelly and Nancy Anderson Recognized as Top Marketing Experts in United States and Canada

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eal Estate Agents and Marketing Specialists, Krystyna Fennelly and Nancy Anderson, Recognized as One of the United States’ and Canada’s Top 500 Marketing Experts by the National Association of Expert Advisors.

North America’s top association for real estate professionals honored Krystyna Fennelly and Nancy Anderson with an award at the 2015 installment of its annual Exponential Growth Summit, held in Dallas last month The National Association of Expert Advisors [NAEA] is proud to announce that Krystyna Fennelly and Nancy Anderson of FennellyAnderson Real Estate Partners, have been selected as one of the United States’ and Canada’s Top 500 Marketing Experts. This is a huge honor considering there are more than 1.2 million agents practicing real estate between the two countries.

They will be given an award and recognized at a special ceremony in front of more than 600 real estate agents, experts and industry insiders.

As a successful real estate team, Krystyna and Nancy understand that selling a home is more than a transaction; it’s the fulfillment of someone’s lifelong dream. By being marketing experts, Krystyna and

Nancy are able to help home sellers get more money for their home and home buyers get access to a larger number of homes to choose from so they get the best home for their needs.

More importantly, they are able to provide a selling or buying process that gives clients a more diverse suite of offerings, additional financial benefits and an overall more enjoyable experience. The NAEA is proud to associate itself with Krystyna and Nancy and considers them professionals among professionals in the real estate industry.

The NAEA was formed in 2011 and is a North American real estate association that provides real estate agents who are truly serious about delivering the absolute best real estate experience to each of their clients, with tools, strategies and systems to establish themselves and operate their businesses as true expert advisors in the real estate process.

Fennelly-Anderson Real Estate Partners is affiliated with Bay Area Elite Properties, located at 2900 E. NASA Pkwy, Ste 290 in Seabrook.

Contact them by calling 281-532-6610.

To contact NAEA Media Relations, call 972-668-5090, email media@naea. com or visit NAEA.com

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY

BAHM AD

Want to advertise in our popular December issue?

C A L L TO D AY AN D B OO S T Y OUR B U S INE S S

281-474-5875 | r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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TEXAS MEDITATIONS

right thing to do. Can you imagine what would happen to a centipede if someone asked, “What do you do after your 13th leg hits the ground?”

Asking for time to sleep on an issue is like that centipede walking. We don’t have to stop to contemplate what we are saying. We just say it. And that is a good thing. I’d hate to imagine the human version of that centipede lying in a crashed and crumbled heap trying to figure out what he was supposed to do after the 13th leg.

Brisket for Breakfast Lexington, Texas “Let me sleep on it.”

We have all said that at some point in our lives. Most of us have done it

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many times. It is one of those things we don’t even think about—we just say it robotically. It’s instinctive because deep down at some subconscious level, we know it is the

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Lexington is a tiny town, just over one square mile in size with fewer than 1,300 residents. Every Saturday, farmers from around the area come to town for a cattle auction that starts just past noon. But long before that, they go to breakfast—at Snow’s Barbecue.

Over the years, I have made it a point to try all of the best barbecue joints in Texas. I guess you could say I am an aficionado. My wife thinks I’m more of an addict. It’s a matter of perspective, I guess. I keep track of the rankings published by the “experts” (people who are supposed to know more about this than I) just in

case a new upstart place breaks into the elite level.

I had tried all the rest of the top ten places in Texas, but because of the difficulty in scheduling, this one remained. Texas Monthly said it was the best brisket in Texas. The New Yorker topped even that, calling it the best barbecue in the world. But to get some, you have to go on a Saturday and get there early. Snow’s opens at 8 a.m. on Saturdays only. They close when they run out of meat, generally well before noon, but the brisket runs out long before that. Be prepared to wait in line.

While a lot of the patrons are getting large amounts of brisket to take home and eat later, enough are having it for breakfast that the tables (both inside and out) are usually full.

I got there at about 9:30 and I was glad to discover that Miss Tootsie Tomanetz still had brisket coming off the pits. (Yes, a woman pit master! Do you know how rare that is in Texas?)

I was in line less than a half hour when I got my plate full of brisket. I grabbed a couple of cups of the free beans and the usual “fixins” -- pickles, jalapenos and onions. Then I sat down and dug into the most heavenly

brisket I have ever experienced. After savoring the first bite, I tried the second with a dollop of the fabled sauce they make. It was sacrilegious!

The best sauce in the world would only serve to lower the quality of this piece of perfection. I never touched the sauce again. The meat was magical. I couldn’t call this a religious experience. It was more than that.

As I drove through Hill Country later that day, I kept thinking about my morning and the experience I had at breakfast. I’ve been to all the barbecue places in Lockhart and Luling, several in east Texas, many in West Texas, some around Abilene and even Cooper’s in Llano. Never have I had an experience like this. Was Tootsie’s brisket really that far beyond everything else I’ve tried? Or was there something else at work here?

There is something special about mornings — something that makes the world look better. Get up early and listen to the birds putting on their morning concert. Look around.

Smell the coffee. Everything seems so much cleaner, so much clearer, so much brighter. Hondo Crouch

“Only in the early morning light—of day, and of life—can we see the world without its shadows.

Truth requires new beginnings.”

Miss Tootsie Tomanetz visits with a regular at Snow’s BBQ

called it “that magic time of day when just thousands and thousands of insignificant miracles are happening.”

After a good night’s rest, our minds, like the day, are clearer. We can think things through better and consequently we can make better decisions. In the morning, when everything is new, we are far more likely to see what is true and to see it clearly. That is something we know instinctively, so we say, “Let me sleep on it.”

I don’t claim to be the first to

discover this principle. Ernest Hemingway’s most recent posthumously published book (July 2000) is titled True At First Light.

What might be different in my way of looking at it is that I see this as more than just a simple truth—it is, in fact, a metaphor for something much larger.

Seeing the truth, and seeing it clearly, sometimes requires more than just a fresh day at first light.

Sometimes it needs a fresh start altogether, a whole new beginning.

Most of the positive major events in our lives are preceded or accompanied by new beginnings. We change jobs, partners, geographic location or maybe our way of looking at the world.

These new beginnings allow us to see the world more clearly, to operate with heightened senses that allow us to take in and process more information — more of the detail that has always been available to us

but that we were unable to access because we were in old patterns, using old ways of thinking. The new beginnings allow us to see truths that were previously hidden from us by the hazy light of mid-day. Only in the early morning light -- of day, and of life -- can we see the world without its shadows. Truth requires new beginnings.

Perhaps Ms. Tootsie’s brisket isn’t really that much better than all of the other outstanding barbecue places I have visited over the years. Maybe instead, she has hit on a universal truth and learned how to capitalize on it. Like our minds, our physical senses are at their peak in the early mornings. Our senses of sight, smell and most important, taste, are working at their absolute best. That creates a golden opportunity.

So I took a night to sleep on it. The next morning I decided maybe her real secret is brisket for breakfast.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Family doctors join St. John Hospital’s Health Care Alliance

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lear Creek Clinic

Clear Creek Clinic family physicians Dr. Chaitanya Alli, Dr. Shivjit Gill, Dr. Janice Teer, and Dr. Brian Aquino, from left, have joined the medical team at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

family physicians Brian Aquino, M.D.; Janice Teer, M.D.; Chaitanya Alli, M.D. and Shivjit Gill, M.D. are now aligned with Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

“We are continuing our commitment to superior patient care by welcoming the Clear Creek Clinic physicians, who have maintained a well-respected practice in the area for decades,” said Dan Newman, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital CEO. “Our partnership with them, plus our additional aligned physicians, brings the knowledge and expertise of 25 board-certified primary care physicians to our patients. They can diagnose and manage even the most complex medical conditions.”

“For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas and No. 1 in the Houston area,” Newman said.

“At Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, we are proud to bring this brand of leading medicine to Bay Area and Southeast Houston communities.”

For more information on Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, call 281.523.2000 or visit www.houstonmethodist.org/ stjohn. To find a Houston Methodist St. John Hospital physician, call 281.333.8899.

For more information on Houston Methodist, see www. houstonmethodist.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

MD Anderson, UTMB agree to collaborate on League City campus

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wo medical giants

25th Annual Reindeer Run on tap Dec. 5

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ouston Methodist St. John Hospital invites the community to join in the festivities at the 25th Annual Reindeer Run Kids K and 5K Run & Walk. More than 500 runners and walkers are expected to lace up on Saturday, Dec. 5, to complete the 3.1 mile course that winds through the scenic Nassau Bay waterfront community.

At the finish line, race participants and their families can enjoy holiday music, crafts, photos with Santa and a “snow zone.” A variety of food trucks will be on hand, offering food and drinks for purchase. Houston Methodist St. John Hospital will also host several health and wellness tents offering free massages, blood pressure and BMI checks and “Ask the Doc” -- featuring primary care physicians and orthopedic surgeons on hand to answer your questions.

Register online at www.active.com or in person at the administration suite of Houston Methodist St. John Hospital through Dec. 3 only. Race day registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 7:45 with the Kids K beginning at 8 a.m. Race fees are $15 for Kids K (ages 10 and under) and $30 for the 5K Run & Walk, which includes entry into the chip-timed race and long sleeve t-shirt.

For more information, call 281.333.8865.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

– the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston -- have signed a first-ever clinical collaboration agreement to provide care for cancer victims on UTMB’s League City campus.

The agreement, which has been approved by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, includes MD Anderson leasing land to construct an outpatient cancer center on the UTMB League City campus.

This new construction will become part of MD Anderson’s Houston-area network, which includes four clinical care centers and currently serves nearly 16,000 patients each year. The approximately 135,000 square-foot facility will complement UTMB’s inpatient facility on the campus. The new facility will be less than eight miles from MD Anderson’s Bay Area location in Nassau Bay, which offers medical, radiation and surgical oncology; infusion therapy; pain management; nutrition and other support services.

The agreement marks the first time local UT System institutions have joined to provide clinical care. The collaboration will ensure patients in the region have convenient access to comprehensive, high- quality and centralized cancer care.

The new outpatient center is projected to open by 2018.

“We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with a UT System sister institution,” said Donna K. Sollenberger, executive vice president and CEO of UTMB Health. “Together with the services that we provide, this collaboration further expands the excellent health care services that will be available at the League City Campus.”

“MD Anderson in the Bay Area was our first center to provide both medical oncology and radiation services in the community, and it has played a vital role in advancing the quality of cancer care throughout this growing region,” said Thomas Burke, M.D., executive vice president, MD Anderson Cancer Network®.

“With UTMB, we have a collaborator who shares our vision and mission for enhancing care and access to research, and we expect our momentum to grow and expand rapidly by working together.”

The new facility will offer patients expanded access to both institutions’ advanced health care services. MD Anderson brings internationally recognized expertise in cancer care and clinical research while UTMB Health has invested in its League City Campus and surrounding clinics to make its extensive network of primary and specialty care providers available throughout the region.

“The shorelines from Sylvan Beach to San Leon offer their best fishing of the year.”

Jozef Majewski with a slot red.

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A Great Month for a Family Fishing Trip

By Capt. Joe Kent

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Winter weather seems to be arriving later each year and, while October used to be mentioned as the best time for enjoying the outdoors, many outdoor enthusiasts now feel that November has joined or replaced October with that distinction.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

nglers, as well, tend to agree that this is the month to get the family out and enjoy the water.

November’s cooler weather is a delight for being on the water or enjoying the shorelines. So, what are the options for wetting a line and catching some fish or crabs? There are many.

Before we get into fishing, let’s visit about crabbing. Crab fishing or crabbing as it is more often called involves fishing (crabbing) from docks and piers. The only equipment needed is a long handled dip net also referred to a crab net, a five to eight foot line, a weight and bait.

The bait can be almost any type of meat from fish heads to rib bones. I have never seen a youngster that did not enjoy watching a crab line and then slowly retrieving it once a crab starts to pull on it and then dipping the crab out of the water. Not only is this a fun sport for the whole family but often a nice meal provided from the harvest.

While other family members are crabbing, those who like to fish can partake of their sport by casting their baits in the water alongside the crabbers. What a fun way to spend a nice day in November.

Now, for the anglers in the family, November offers some of the best inshore fishing of the year. Flounder are always in the height of their run or migration to the Gulf of Mexico for their winter spawning and shelter from the cold season. Most of the

best flounder action in November comes from near the passes into the Gulf. The Galveston Ship Channel is one of the hottest spots for catching the flatfish; however, there are lots of other areas that offer great flounder fishing.

For anglers without boats, Seawolf Park is a top choice for flounder, as well as most docks and piers near the passes. The rock groins near the Galveston and Bolivar Ferry Landings are often filled with flounder fishermen. Also, the Texas City Dike is known for its November flounder action.

For boaters, the options are almost endless for catching all of the big three during November. Upper Galveston Bay and Trinity Bay are known for their late fall fishing, with speckled trout being the top choice of most anglers. Working the birds, drift fishing over reefs and fishing around the numerous gas wells in the upper bays all are methods capable of producing fine stringers of trout and reds.

The shorelines from Sylvan Beach to San Leon offer their best fishing of the year. Numerous private piers jet out into the water from those shorelines and are in their prime for fishing.

Wade fishing also is a great choice; however, for families it is not nearly as popular a method of fishing as the other options.

Clear Lake and the Clear Creek Channel are good spots for both bank and pier fishing as the cooler waters have fish and crabs moving closer to shore from their summertime deep retreats.

For the family, the pleasant weather is the key to fun family outings whether by land or boat. Hunting seasons that occur during November draw lots of anglers off the water and reduce the competition for space.

If you have not enjoyed a family outing on the water, give it a try in November.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Control (TSC), Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control and a Trailer Light Check system that allows oneperson hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights.

Assisting trailer hook-ups is Titan’s Rearview Monitor with Trailer Guides, while the available Around View® Monitor (AVM) provides a unique “bird’s eye” view of the surrounding area to help with parking and pulling in and out of tight spaces. The system also includes Moving Object Detection (MOD).

Helping TITAN XD owners take advantage of its ample towing power are two available hitches – including an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed.

“This was the largest Truck Rodeo in the history of TAWA,” said Mike Marrs, president, TAWA. “We had

All-new Nissan Titan XD wins prestigious award

By Don Armstrong

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inning the 2015 Truck of Texas trophy from the Texas Auto Writers Association is serious business for manufacturers. Once a year, all of the players gather at the Knibbe Ranch to battle it out to see who’ll take home the big cup. This year, the nod goes to Nissan for taking home gold with the all-new Nissan Titan XD. More than just a new model, the 2016 Nissan TITAN XD stakes out a unique position in the segment between traditional heavy-duty and light-duty entries. The bold new design combines the capability of a heavy-duty hauler with the

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drivability and affordability of a lightduty pickup. The truck is powered by a 310-horsepower Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel that delivers 555-lb.ft. of torque and mated to a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission – a combination worthy of another TAWA award, Best Powertrain.

The 2016 TITAN XD is offered in five grade levels: S, SV, SL, Platinum

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Reserve and the off-road-ready PRO4X. For those that want nothing less than top-of-the-line, the Platinum Reserve is a new trim level for Nissan and one deserving of yet another award, Luxury Pick-up of Texas.

The new TITAN comes with available towing, utility features and driving aids, including an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway

69 journalists evaluating 80 vehicles.

To win on this stage, with this level of competition is an accomplishment Nissan should be very proud of.”

Neither pricing nor fuel economy figures were available at the time of this writing but you can bet on both being in line with the competition.

Ford, Chevy, Ram and Toyota, look out, here comes Nissan.

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YOUNG PROFESSIONAL teacher, to opening my own business. I actually applied to college as a business major and was accepted at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.

But when I took a chemistry class, I realized how much I loved it! I wanted to learn and do more.

That’s when I learned about Chemical Engineering, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

What is it about Project Engineering that you like the most?

Well, I kinda like being in charge (laughs).

Managing other people is fun, executing a project well is great, even though some have challenges it’s always good to do it well. Every project is different and so it allows change, and I’m big on change.

You like change. Interesting, not everyone does.

Do you think liking change is a generational thing?

I do think it’s a generational thing. Around my parents’ generation they stayed close to home, they lived in the same neighborhood and kept the same job until they retired. Now, with travel easier and communication opportunities, people can do things like work from home, it makes it much easier to change jobs. So change is something we look for.

We’ve covered your “day job” – tell us more about your other career. How did you get into fashion blogging and style editing?

Shalanda Turner or our second monthly Young Professional Profile, we sat down with Shalanda ”Shasie” Turner to ask her about her careers, the millennial generation and changing perceptions.

She’s not your “typical” engineer, and she’s proud of that.

So, you have two careers…most people can only handle one….tell us about them.

I do (smiles). By day, I’m a project engineer for Kaneka, North America, and outside of that work; I’m a fashion blogger and style editor.

Wow! Those seem to be very distinct careers. Let’s talk about your “day job” first. Did you always want to be an engineer?

To be honest, no, I went through several career ideas in high school from a movie director, to

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I had a love of fashion long before anything else.

When I was younger I dressed uniquely. I always had that extra piece on where people would tell me, “Oh wow, I never would have thought of that!”

I didn’t think about blogging full time or even for fashion until it became a “thing.” I used to change my profile picture on my Facebook page almost every day to display my outfits. One day in 2010, a friend told me I might want to start a blog to archive my outfits. So, I wondered what a fashion blog was and looked it up. I started getting into it and now it’s a second business, a second career. It was a hobby, something I was passionate about and now I’m earning money from it, and traveling to New York for fashion week, and am really having a lot of fun.

I understand you also started Houston Fashion Bloggers (HFB). Tell us more about that.

I was looking for a group of people I could connect with here in Houston. You have a support group on line, but I was looking for a support group in Houston. So, I started to follow some local bloggers and would meet them at events. I began to offer that we should meet up for coffee once in a while and then it just grew from there – our meet-ups became Houston Fashion Bloggers. Since 2011, we have made a name for ourselves. Other state bloggers look for us and come to us for advice.

Our group has grown to over 160 bloggers. In fact, even company brands come to us to assist with their campaigns. It’s really great for new bloggers because brands won’t know to find them, but if they go to HFB, we can act as a “middleman” and assist them with finding the right blogger for their brand.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Do you feel like blogging has changed the fashion industry?

Absolutely! For years, women have been forced to look at other women in fashion magazines which typically don’t “look like us” – whether it’s height, or skin, or size – we don’t look like them. But with blogging, now there are girls that we can identify with, that look like us, that wear these clothes and we think, “Oh wow! She looks like me and she’s wearing that, so maybe I can give it a try.” You can find a blogger to identify with anywhere now, which has made fashion a more open community than before.

You are an engineer and a “fashionista;” what would you tell young ladies looking at either of these roles?

If a young woman is interested in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM), then I would never want to discourage them. There is a stigma against women in these roles. My advice to them is they can be whatever they want. If they want to be a fashion designer, then do that. If they want to be an engineer, then do that. There is no reason why they can’t do both. They can do more than one thing – they can have more than one career. They don’t have to be “boxed in.”

What would you say has been your biggest challenge?

I would say my personality (laughs). It’s not a “typical engineering” personality. Or at least what people think it should be. I’m very vocal and opinionated in both of my roles. I let my thoughts be known, and some people can’t take that.

Again, there’s that “change.”

Yeah (laughs). Changing people’s mindset can be good. It’s good to break the mold. Sometimes I get offended when people are shocked to hear I’m an engineer at fashion events. I’m like, “Yeah, why can’t I be an engineer?” What do they think an engineer looks like? It’s funny, because I get the exact opposite reaction from my engineering colleagues. They think it’s pretty cool I’m in fashion.

Follow Shalanda on Live Life In Style: http://www. live-life-in-style.com/ For more information on Houston Fashion Bloggers: http://www.houstonfashionbloggers.com/ About the Young Professional Profile The Young Professional Profile is an effort to create a forum for those under 40 who are excelling in their respective fields across Texas. There is a depth and breadth to the Millennial generation as a group of adults that is marked by a commitment to higher principles in the work they do, the ability to professionally marry what were traditionally separate streams of expertise, and a voracious appetite for new skills.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[BUSINESS BUZZ]

NASA, Boeing extend ISS contract $1.18 billion for five additional years

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ASA has awarded a key contract to Boeing -- the International Space Station’s prime contractor -- to continue providing key engineering support services, resources and personnel to the program through Sept. 30, 2020. The contract, valued at $1.18 billion, is extended for five years.

NASA and its 16 international partners are analyzing the ability to sustain station operations through 2020. Boeing’s contract includes a task to assess the feasibility of extending the life of the station’s primary structural hardware even further, through the end of 2028. ISS has been continually occupied since Nov. 2, 2000.

“This is a continuation of the successful relationship with NASA and 16 partner nations in maintaining the health of the station,” said John Elbon, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space Exploration. “In addition, it builds on Boeing’s tradition of innovation and technological advancement to incorporate efficiencies and improve performance to the station as its importance to the future of human spaceflight continues to grow.”

The extension includes end-toend subsystem management for the majority of station systems and allows Boeing to continue providing the program with hardware and software sustaining engineering, among other tasks. The work will be performed at NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston; John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Fla.; Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., and other domestic and international locations.

A unit of The Boeing Co., Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilitiesdriven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. Follow Boeing on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Paul Roberts, fourth from left, founder of Roberts Wealth Management in League City, claps as the bell rings on the New York Stock Exchange. His business was recently featured in Forbes Magazine.

in Biloxi, Miss., has now grown to four offices, with three in the Houston area.

Roberts, alongside his daughter Summer Roberts, runs the offices in League City and West Houston.

His other daughter, April Roberts, runs the Sugar Land office, while son Paul Roberts III heads the original office in Biloxi.

Newmyer joins Space Center

Realtors elect John Nugent Realtor John Nugent of Nassau Bay has been elected secretary/treasurer of the Houston Association of Realtors and a member of the HAR Executive Committee. He is with Re/Max Space Center.

Jenifer Duguay Mikeska with Re/Max Pearland was elected to the HAR Board of Directors.

Forbes features local company Paul Roberts, founder of Roberts Wealth Management, and his company were recently featured in Forbes Magazine and soon afterwards he was invited to join in the ringing of the bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

His company, which started out

Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Top executives continue to land at Space Center Houston. Latest addition to the nonprofit is Daniel Newmyer, a nationally awarded space science educator and business owner appointed as the new director of education.

He received the national 2013 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award that recognizes creativity. Most recently he served as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Education Fellow for NASA Headquarters and the Goddard Space Flight Center.

Barrios receives Boeing award Barrios Technology has received a 2014 Boeing Performance Excellence Award. The Boeing Co. issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance.

Barrios Technology maintained a Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period,

from Oct. 1, 2013, to Sept. 30, 2014.

Barrios has been recognized at the silver level of performance since 2007.

This year, Boeing recognized 548 suppliers who achieved either a Gold or Silver level Boeing Performance Excellence Award.

Barrios Technology is one of only 429 suppliers to receive the Silver level of recognition.

New faces at Cullen’s Cullen’s American Grille has a new general manager and a new chef, owner Kevin Munz announced.

Mario Plaza, whose professional pedigree includes engagements at Perry’s Restaurant Group, the Commander’s Palace in Destin, Fla., the Royal Sonesta Hotels in New Orleans and Houston and several hotels in Michigan, will serve as the venue’s general manager, assuming the post left vacant by the unexpected death of Ryan Roberts.

And, Daniel R. Terrell, whose restaurant career spans over 20 years, including 10 in culinary management, has been named executive chef. Besides holding key positions in the Hilton Austin Downtown and at Mars Restaurant in Houston, he has also been involved in special event catering including projects for Cirque de Soleil, the Shell Houston Open, Houston Rodeo, Rice University and the Thrash family of Houston.

[MARITIME & PETROCHEMICAL]

Going Deep

Panama Canal Update

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fficials say a crack

Port of Houston reaches major milestone in massive project

By Rod Evans

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ort of Houston

Authority officials are in celebration mode after reaching an historic milestone with the completion of dredging work at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal. The completion opens the facility to begin handling vessels with a 45-foot operating draft.

With the conclusion of the dredging project, the Houston Pilots Association (HPA) gave its authorization for the port to begin receiving vessels with the deeper operating draft.

According to a study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the improvements at the terminal will result in more than $900 million in combined local, state and national economic benefits over the span of the next 50 years.

“The growth in containerized cargo through the Port Authority terminals and the increase in post-Panamax ships coming to the Port of Houston require more draft depth and faster, larger cranes for even more efficient handling of containerized cargo across our docks,” said Executive Director Roger Guenther.

“This first milestone for our dredging project represents our commitment to invest in our facilities and accommodate growth.”

Last year, the Port Commission awarded a $68.9 million construction contract to Orion Construction L.P. for Bayport and Barbours Cut channel and terminal improvements. The work included modification of the existing Bayport and Barbours Cut channels and berths, and increasing capacity of a federal placement area for future dredged material. While the Barbours Cut channel is complete, dredging at the Bayport channel is scheduled to be completed in 2016. The Port Authority handles 67 percent of all containerized cargo in the U.S. Gulf, and Barbours Cut is its largest container terminal.

Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said the dredging project was funded through its operating income.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to drive economic prosperity for the region and further ensures that the Port Authority is America’s distribution hub for the next generation,” Longoria said.

Both channels adjacent to the Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals are being dredged an additional five feet to match the capability of the Houston Ship Channel. The dredging project also widens or realigns the channels to better accommodate the larger ships that are expected to call with more increasing frequency in the near future. The USACE issued dredging permits last year for the Barbours Cut and Bayport Channels and approval of its assumption of maintenance agreement of the channels.

The dredging projects were

initiated after the Port Authority completed a master plan for upgrades to the Barbours Cut Terminal in 2011, which included dredging the Barbours Cut channel and improving the capacity of the container yard.

The completion of the dredging project, along with the recent delivery of four Super Post-Panamax wharf cranes to accommodate the larger vessels calling at Barbours Cut, allows the facilities to handle some of the largest vessels in operation today. Officials say the new cranes are scheduled to be fully operational later this fall.

After all of the improvements at Barbours Cut are completed, terminal capacity at that facility is expected to more than double from 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year to 2.8 million TEUs per year.

Savings ahead In addition to approving assumption of maintenance (AOM) at the Bayport and Barbours Cut terminals, the Corps of Engineers announced the AOM of the Jacintoport Channel. The Corps of Engineers will now be responsible for the cost of channel maintenance dredging, which officials say will save the Port Authority about $1 million in dredging costs over the next decade. The AOM for Jacintoport, combined with the anticipated AOM for Barbours Cut and Bayport channels— once the work at Bayport is completed—will relieve the Port Authority of more than $50 million in potential dredging costs over the next 10 years.

discovered in one of the Panama Canal’s new lock chambers may delay the scheduled April 2016 opening of the renovated canal.

In a statement released in September, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that it is waiting to review a report from the contractor, Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC), examining the cause of the crack that appeared in the canal’s Cocoli Locks and possible solutions to correct the defect. ACP officials say they will reassess the canal’s projected completion date after receiving the report.

Crews began filling the locks on June 22, and the ACP announced in late August that the canal had sprung a leak. ACP and GUPC officials met in August to discuss the steps that would be taken to repair the crack.

“At this time, ACP has designated two independent external structural engineers to conduct an objective evaluation of the reasons for this localized issue and to assess GUPC’s solution,” the ACP said in a statement. “While this important step takes place, the ACP is encouraged by the overall progress of the program, which has now reached 93 percent completion.”

The $5 billion Panama Canal expansion was initially scheduled to be completed in 2014 to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the opening of the existing canal, but cost overruns, work stoppages and delays have pushed the scheduled opening to April 2016.

Meanwhile, according to a report by the Maritime Executive, the ACP set a new historical tonnage record by handling 340.8 million Panama Canal tons (PC/UMS) through the canal in the 2015 fiscal year.

The spike represents an increase of 4.3. The previous record was set in 2012, when the canal received 333.7 million PC/UMS tons.

The report indicates that container ships registered the most total tonnage, followed by dry bulk, liquid bulk and car carriers.

Compared to the other segments, liquid bulk saw the most notable boost, reporting an increase of 23 percent, or 11.9 million PC/ UMS tons, due to booming diesel, gasoline and propane exports from the U.S. Gulf Coast to South America and Asia.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP] Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, left, and County Commissioner Ken Clark share a light moment as they arrive at Lakewood Yacht Club for BAHEP’s State of the Counties Address.

BAHEP Chairman Vic Pearson, left, welcomes Harris County Judge Ed Emmett to the State of the Counties Address Oct. 14 at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

County judges update BAHEP

H U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Brian Penover, right, talks with Ron Servis, left, of Judge Ed Emmett’s office, and Jed Webb, Rep. Randy Weber’s district director,

Early arrivals for BAHEP’s State of the Counties Address included, from left, Clear Lake Area Chamber President Cindy Harreld DeWease, Nassau Bay City Manager Chris Read and Port Commissioner John Kennedy.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor Duane Bolpa, right, chats with Kuraray Marketing Director Gary Wooddell as they await the start of BAHEP’s State of the Counties Address.

arris County Judge Ed Emmett and Galveston County Judge Mark Henry both came bearing good news as they addressed members of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership at the annual State of the Counties Address.

Both talked about the many new developments, how the area was growing, and the difficulties keeping

up with transportation problems.

Judge Emmett even brought up the upcoming election, urging a favorable vote for the Harris County bond issues, which he said will not result in a tax increase.

Commissioner Jack Morman introduced Judge Emmett to the crowd at Lakewood Yacht Club and Commissioner Ken Clark introduced Judge Henry.

Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman, right, stops to visit with MaximGroup President Ron Masters and his wife, Dickinson Mayor Julie Masters, at the BAHEP’s State of the Counties Address at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Celebration Seabrook coming up Nov. 14

By Mary Alys Cherry

T

he sounds of fun will fill the air when the inaugural Celebration Seabrook gets underway Saturday, Nov. 14 along the newly named Main Street, formerly called Second Street, in the bayfront city.

“We’ve long known what a treasure our community is and offers,” Mayor Glenn Royal said in announcing the event. “We want to share that with the entire Houston area in a way all can enjoy. A destination event highlighting the best of Seabrook and bay life seemed like the perfect idea.”

The one-day event – from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. -- will celebrate coastal living and a love for the bay with music, wine, craft beer, gourmet food trucks and more.

Both residents and visitors can experience the charm of Seabrook while enjoying eight bands on two live music stages including the regional music sensation, Skyrocket! the band, along with a love of seafood cooking with demonstrations by Gulf coast culinary masters while sipping on fine wines and craft beers.

It’s a day by the bay for the whole family, the mayor points out. Tickets are $15 for ages 11 and up. Those 10 and under are free.

Visitors to Celebration Seabrook will find a host of interactive experiences for all ages including the Cobb Fendley & Association Kids Zone, where kids of all ages can play, jump, create and fish, officials said.

“Activities include the Buccaneers Bounce House; Hats and All That— an interactive station where kids can craft a sailor or pirate’s hat to sport in the Fancy Hat Parade at 3:30 p.m.; and Bugs on Wheels, where kids can get up and close and personal with insects and critters from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Face painters, storytelling, fishing, magic and more await.

“The sounds of fun will continue throughout the day with

everything from Zydeco to blues to country with a little bit of folk and contemporary rock thrown in between. Randy Meadows has been described as a heart-stopping country crooner. Skyrocket is a regional sensation and considered one of the most creative and inimitable cover bands ever to emerge from Austin, Texas. Get ready for a dance party.”

Bring your appetite as well, Seabrook officials suggest.

Houston’s hottest food trucks will be on hand serving up their best gourmet grub and sweets. Food trucks include: Buttz Gourmet Food Truck; Coreanos; Cousins Maine Lobster; Custom Confections; Muiishi Makirritos; St. John’s Fire; and The Waffle Bus. Area restaurants will also be serving up local culinary fare.

Want to join in the fun early?

They’re searching for a poster and t-shirt design for next year’s event.

Three finalists will be selected by artists from 2nd Street Gallery and be voted on at this year’s event.

Get an entry form and details at www.celebrationseabrook.com/ postercontest.

Want to make a weekend of it?

Area hotels and B&B’s are offering special hotel packages. To book your stay, visit www.celebrationseabrook. com/stay To get tickets or more information, visit www.celebrationseabrook.com.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, right, visits with Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner and Seabrook City Manager Gayle Cook as he arrives at Cullen’s to update the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s Government Affairs Division on the Highway 146 project.

Bluff Road to Kemah, the mayor began trying to find out all he could about the project from then City Manager Chuck Pinto not long after taking office. Next stop was a visit with Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman, from whom he got leadership in gathering a group of local and state officials to plead SH 146’s case. Along with that came a $30 million commitment for right-of-way funding costs.

Then came dozens of meetings with area legislators and congressional representatives. Since then, Highway 146 has become so much a part of his life that once his term as mayor ends, he’ll probably suffer withdrawal symptoms.

TxDOT, Union Pacific start Highway 146 talks

By Mary Alys Cherry

U

nion Pacific Railroad

has finally agreed to sell its land along Highway 146 to the Texas Department of Transportation so the roadway can be expanded to handle the Bay Area’s growing transportation needs.

Now TxDOT is negotiating with the railroad on a price, Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal said as he updated the Clear Lake Area Chamber Government Affairs Division on the project’s status at its quarterly luncheon at Cullen’s. How long that

will take is anyone’s guess.

“The good news is they are talking,” he said, going on to tell how about three months after he took office as mayor almost four and onehalf years ago he decided the $200 million project and the affect it would have on the Seabrook community should be his focus.

“Sixty percent of the design work is done – all but the bridge. It’s the Houston Region TxDOT’s No. 1 project.”

Realizing that both homes and businesses would be greatly affected as the highway is widened from Red

“Transportation has taken over my life,” he chuckled as he explained how he and city staff had to encourage businesses along the roadway to stay while trying to make TxDOT understand the need for off-ramps so drivers on the proposed expanded highway could get into Seabrook without going 5 to 10 miles down the highway before being able to turn around.

After many talks with the transportation agency, he was successful and Seabrook finally was able to get the frontage road and exits it needed to keep the community happy with the design plans.

Kathi Bell, left, owner of the Apartment Leasing Center, and realtor Koy Jamail Buyajian of Keller Williams Realty, were in the crowd at the Clear Lake Area Chamber Government Affairs Division luncheon at Cullen’s.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS FOR 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

Space Center Rotary Club officers for 2015-16 take time out for a photo as they plan the coming year. The are, from left, President John Branch, President-elect Darryl Smith, Secretary Ralph Kramer, Treasurer Nancy Anderson and Sgt.-at-Arms Michael Porterfield. The club meets at noon Mondays at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

League City Rotary Club officers for 2015-16 share a light moment as they work on programs for the coming year. They are, from left, Treasurer Ed Hartman, President-elect Teresa Vencil, President Amy Kilgore, and seated, Secretary Ava Sloan.

Seabrook Rotary Club officers for 2015-16 are pictured during a breakfast meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, where they gather on Thursdays at 7 a.m. They are, from left, President-elect Gary Johnson, Treasurer Bob Martin, Secretary Lynn Miller, Sergeant-at-Arms Dustin Young and President Scott Stillman.

Interfaith Caring Ministries Celebrates Golden Anniversary at the 22nd Annual Festival of Trees Gala

T

hirty years ago, Interfaith Caring Ministries became a beacon of hope by providing rent and utility support, food stuffs, and childcare support to working poor families in the Bay Area. This year they will celebrate their accomplishments at their 22nd annual Festival of Trees Gala and Big Band Swing Night on Dec. 3 at South Shore Harbour Resort. The evening will feature a live musical performance by The Houstonian Big Band, special guest speakers, dinner, a wine pull, a live and silent auction, and much more.

Festival of Trees is ICM’s largest fundraiser of the year and community partnership is essential to event success. Each year Festival of Trees attracts more than 300 attendees, including community and faith leaders. The generous support of individuals, businesses and

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | NOVEMBER 2015

organizations, and houses of worship help them fulfill their mission of preventing homelessness and hunger.

“Together, we can embrace our neighbors in need and show them the compassion we ourselves desire during moments of struggle.

“Join us Dec. 3 for a night of fun and festivities while giving back to our community. To purchase tickets or find out more about how you can help support us by becoming a sponsor, purchasing or decorating a tree or wreath, or supporting our live and silent auction, contact me at 281332-3881 Ext. 1103 or myoung@icmtx. org or visit our website at icmtx.org for more details on this year’s event,” said Mike Young.

Interfaith Caring Ministries, located at 151 Park Ave. in League City, is a non-profit, 501(c)3 Corporation.

All donations are tax deductible in accordance to state law.

NOVEMBER 2015 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Authentic Delights Found at Amici Italiano Restaurante

Executive Chef Guiseppe Trama

By Haleigh Tieken

W

ith an atmosphere resembling that of the warm Sicilian countryside, Amici Italiano Restaurante is truly a unique gem nestled in the outskirts of the Friendswood. For Executive Chef Giuseppe Trama, he wanted to bring his home to ours.

Living in Sicily for 16 years taught him a thing or two about the culinary arts and cuisine of a notorious food group known as Italian. When Trama moved to the states, he gained experience in multiple restaurants while serving multiple customers, including the legendary Stevie Wonder.

The last job he had was working as a chef at Mario’s 61st in Galveston before deciding to take a leap and open up Amici. The location of Amici could not be any better for Trama. He considers the citizens of Friendswood and the Bay Area the most welcoming community

he has experienced aside from living in Sicily and could not be more proud to serve each and every one of us.

From veal layered with freshly cut crab meat and shrimp drizzled in a light cream sauce to new imported wines and beers from Italy, this restaurant has a variety of options no matter what you might be craving. Some signature dishes of Trauma’s consist of Chicken Napoleone, delectably delicioso stuffed shrimp, wrapped asparagus, or warm, gooey stuffed mushrooms with a white wine cream sauce.

Even hot right out of the oven bread will make a mark on your journey at Amici. Now if you’re a dessert fan like myself, you won’t be able to resist the goodies that will await your arrival.

Staying true to the culture, cannolis are offered along with cheesecake, but the notoriety of the Tiramisu can’t be beaten. Translating to “a pick me up” in Italian, tiramisu is just that. Ingredients such as cocoa and espresso together will make any chocolate lover go mad.

Each layer offers a new and flavorful burst which will have your taste buds tingle with happiness.

The dress at Amici is casual and no reservations are required, but highly suggested for week nights. The phone number is 832-569-5736 and the address is 709 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood, TX 77546. The food at Amici is guaranteed to make anyone fall in love. Seeing this quaint little restaurant’s charm and characteristics will make anyone go “Bon Appetito” after eating here.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Nassau Bay City Manager Chris Reed and his wife, Jana, right, stop to say hello to Communities in Schools Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel and his wife, Debbie, at the Clear Lake Chamber Gala.

Newly weds Jeff and Cindy Harreld DeWease.

These guys are ready to party down as they arrive at South Shore Harbour Resort for the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s “Masked ‘Til Midnight” Gala. They are, from left, Elbby Antony, Emmeline Dodd, Gene Hollier and Erica and Brian Freedman.

Clear Lake Chamber members stay ‘Masked ‘Til Midnight’ at gala

I

t’s always one of the best events of the year, and the 53rd annual Clear Lake Area Chamber Gala in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom did not disappoint.

The “Masked ‘Til Midnight” Gala was as fun and exciting as ever with members bidding farewell to Chairman Sharon Proulx of Hope Village as her term comes to an end and welcoming 201516 Chairman Roy Green, South Shore Harbour Resort general manager to lead them in the coming year.

Among those also inducted were Chairman Elect Carl Joiner, Vice Chairman Membership Janette Alford, Vice Chairman Research Bryan Bogle, Vice Chairman Administration Brian Freedman and Past Chairman Sharon Proulx and a new board of directors.

Amie Gullie, left, and Denese Stanley of Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai look over the crowd at the Gala.

Gala Chairman Jamieson Mackey, left, of Gulf Coast Educators Credit Union and Chris Premont of Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai lead the crowd in the champagne toast at the Clear Lake Area Chamber Gala.

Faces in the crowd at the Clear Lake Area Chamber Gala included BayTran board members and their husbands, Bill and Karen Coglianese, Geoffrey and Barbara Koslov and Melinda Garcia.

Clear Lake Area Chamber officials -­­ President Cindy Harreld DeWease, outgoing Chairman Sharon Proulx, 2015-16 Chairman Roy Green and Vice President Shari Sweeney – take time out for a photo as they honor the outgoing and incoming chairmen at the “Masked ‘Til Midnight” Gala at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Space Center Houston President Richard Allen, left, who’s retiring next spring after 20 years at the helm of the popular tourist attraction, stops to say hello to Connection Editor T.J. Aulds.