Bay Area Houston Magazine July 2014

LEADING AND INFORMING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1999

July 2014 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

In This Issue Celebrating Mary Alys Cherry A legend in her own time

Travel the World With a Fine Dining Adventure At The New

S ignature

International Bistro

features 9

City leaders and BACPA work towards Ike Dike

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Not a legend, an original

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Use it or lose it

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Trial Lawyer Ronald Krist

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CCISD Valedictorian and Salutatorians

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Recognizing a pillar of our community

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Kirby’s Julie Edsall trains future merchant marine sailors

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Your job may depend on it

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A new dining experience in the Bay Area

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Clear Lake City Water Authority plans to begin project

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Todd Quasny wins Golden Bear Award

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Festival’s most popular events highlight July calendar

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Dealership awards scholarship to Lauren Garcia

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Rotary clubs of League City, Seabrook and Space Center

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

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Approved by CCISD Board of Trustees

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Important community events in 2014

Digital Strategy Consultant Pierr Castillo

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Youth seahorses invited to race Rose and Sears Cup

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Family fishing, as simple as it gets

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Both a physician and best-selling author

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Why we date younger women

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Remodeling your kitchen

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ON THE COVER The elegant dining room at International Signature Bistro.

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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

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

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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

281.474.5875

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Mary Alys Cherry Dental Health Movers & Shakers Top of the Class Proudly Celebrating Mary Alys Cherry Maritime and Petrochemical News Saving the Export-Import Bank International Signature Bistro Exploration Green at the Starting Blocks Business Buzz Busy Days Ahead for Lunar Rendezvous Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai Rotary Clubs Honor CCISD Teachers of the Year New salary structure for CCISD Teachers Looking Back

columns

Distribution Tim Shinkle Company

www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmedia.com

Action Urged on Storm Surge Barrier

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events The Admiral’s Log Clear Lake Chatter Texas Meditations Home Sweet Home

52 CLICK

19th annual Keels & Wheels

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Cost of the system is estimated between $4 and $6 billion, which pales in comparison with the $35 billion in Ike damages and the $100 billion Ike could have cost had it hit just a few miles west of where it made landfall. The federal government would pay approximately 85 percent of the cost of the storm barrier with local and state resources required for the remaining 15 percent.

If, for example, the project costs $5 billion, the federal government would invest $4.25 billion and state and local sources would pay $750 million.

Action urged on building storm surge barrier system

By Mary Alys Cherry

I

t’s been six years since Hurricane Ike’s storm

surge devastated the Galveston Bay area, and while many are still recovering, little has been done to avoid a repeat.

“It’s time we pulled together and worked as a team to find a solution,” Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell said as leaders from cities all around the bay came together to urge some action.

With the opening of another hurricane season, they held a press conference at the newly restored Sylvan Beach Pavilion in La Porte to announce the formation of the volunteer nonprofit Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance and suggested a way to spare the area somewhat from the ravages of another bad storm.

“What we learned most from Ike was it’s not the wind that we need to be concerned about,” Mitchell said. “It’s the storm surge. This morning, we will go back in time to revisit Ike’s fury and then segway into a solution that will prevent such tragedy from ever occurring again.”

CARLA RECALLED

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, from right, welcomes State Sen. Larry Taylor and Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman to press conference to talk about protecting the Galveston Bay coast at Sylvan Beach Pavilion in La Porte.

6 MILES LONG

BACPA wants to build a six-mile-long storm surge protection barrier featuring a series of levees and gates and sand-covered dunes – with hardened cores -- extending from High Island westward to San Luis Pass to help save lives and property. It would encompass the existing Galveston Seawall and include a large gate that would close the mouth of Galveston Bay when a major hurricane approached, stopping storm surge from entering the bay and flooding coastal communities and the Houston Ship Channel.

Officials taking part in the forum included State Sen. Larry Taylor, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman, La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby, BACPA Vice President Vic Pierson, BAHEP’s Mitchell and Dr. William Merrell, marine scientist professor at Texas A&M Galveston.

Other officials in the audience included State Rep. Ed Thompson, Mayor Jon Kenney of Taylor Lake Village, Mayor Michel Bechtel, Mayor Pro-tem Mike Fowler and Councilman Richard Helmley of Morgan’s Point, Councilors Geri Bently and Dan Becker of League City, plus representatives of a number of elected officials.

The coastal barrier system is based on the concept used to protect cities in The Netherlands from storms in the North Sea and was first envisioned for use here by Dr. William Merrell, marine scientist professor at Texas A&M Galveston, who found the devastation in Galveston “beyond the imaginable.”

Mayors Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point and Louis Rigby of La Porte, from left, were among a number of elected officials at the press conference introducing the newly chartered Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance.

THE IKE DIKE

Dr. Merrell quickly realized that regional protection was desperately needed and called for a gate across the mouth of Galveston Bay to hold back storm surge, giving it the name, the Ike Dike.

His continued call for action led to the creation of BACPA, which is championing the effort to build the surge protection barrier. “If we had acted as quickly as New Orleans did after Katrina, we’d have it done now,” he said.

“The U.S. spent $16 billion on New Orleans and they have only one-sixth of the population of the Bay Area,” Sen. Taylor pointed out. “In the region’s current unprotected state, a direct hit from a hurricane would cause a human and economic tragedy of epic proportions. Between the 6 million residents, their properties, jobs and businesses, coupled with the Ports of Houston, Texas City and Galveston and the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, there is too much at stake. I’m asking all of us to come together on this.”

Recalling the devastation of Hurricane Carla in 1961, Mitchell pointed out that “the damage then was the same as Ike in 2008 . . . The HoustonGalveston region was unprotected then from storm surge and we are no more protected today, 53 years later, than we were when Carla hit.”

BACPA Vice President Vic Pierson noted that “Hurricane Ike caused loss of life and more than $35 billion (to date) in property and environmental damage – even without a direct hit. The original forecast predicted 25-foot storm surges that could have killed hundreds, left thousands homeless and jobless, and caused economic damage around $100 billion. We dodged a bullet with Ike, but we won’t dodge it forever in our current unprotected state.”

Based on a study from the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, BACPA said a direct hit from a hurricane to the Houston-Galveston region would cost $73 billion in gross state product, more than 863,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in annual state revenue.

The storm could decimate the Port of Houston, which is the busiest U.S. port in terms of foreign tonnage and second busiest in overall tonnage.

The storm could obliterate the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, which supplies 40 percent of the America’s fuel and 60 percent of its specialty military fuel.

A U.S. PROBLEM

Commissioner Morman asked the crowd to picture the Johnson Space Center under water, warning that it could happen. “With the Port, the Ship Channel and our refineries shut down for months, the entire country would face gasoline shortages, sky-rocketing prices and crippled international trade. Clearly this is a problem for the United States, not just southeast Texas.”

Both Judge Henry and Mayor Rigsby said they feel the area cannot afford to not take action – that it’s not a matter of if another massive storm will hit but when and that we will spend far less on prevention than on damages.

The cities of Bayou Vista, Deer Park, Dickinson, Galveston, Jamaica Beach, Kemah, La Porte, League City, Morgan’s Point, Nassau Bay, Santa Fe, Seabrook, Taylor Lake Village, Tiki Island and Texas City have all pledged their support of the concept.

Currently five studies are underway and when completed in 2015 BACPA will begin reaching out to federal, state and local sources for help as needed.

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7 home upgrades with the best financial return These are the home improvements experts say will return more of their cost when you sell:

1. New exterior siding.

Upscale fiber cement siding pays back an average 78% of its cost.

Foam-backed insulated vinyl siding and standard vinyl siding pay back almost 70% of their cost.

2. New entry door. A midrange 20-gauge steel door pays back 73% of its cost and boosts curb appeal.

3. Attic bedroom. Pop out a dormer, add a 5’ X 7’ bathroom with shower, insulate and finish walls and ceiling, and bring in heat, a/c, and wiring.You’ll get almost 73% back on your money and an attic remodel is the least expensive way to add living space and a bathroom.

4. A simple kitchen remodel. Keep this under $20,000 and you’ll get back an average 72% of your investment.

Include upgrades like new sinks, faucets, appliances, and laminate countertops. Keep the floor but reface the cabinets with new hardware.

5. New garage door(s).

Believe it or not, garage door replacements pay back over 71% of their cost if you install a midrange or high-end product. They also instantly up your curb appeal.

6. New wood deck. This earns back over 70% of its cost at resale.

7. Upscale vinyl replacement windows.

Change out your old windows with ones with low-emissivity glass and insulation and you’ll enjoy a payback of over 69% of the cost.

Mary Alys Cherry Not a Legend, An Original

I

t is with great pride and

respect that we recognize one of our own as the “Best of the Best.”

Mary Alys Cherry is an original piece of work and is a wonderful role model. Her work has made a huge mark in our community.

She is an award winning journalist and celebrates 50 years of great achievements. Cherry reports daily about our schools, economic development, Port of Houston news, transportation, NASA, oil, gas, petrochemical and many more areas of local concern. Also, she is out most every evening covering city council, chamber of commerce meetings, school districts meeting, attending a fundraising gala and or a special reception. Cherry has also volunteered for non-profits, served on numerous boards and remains active with Space Center Rotary and Bay Area Economic Partnership.

Having Mary Alys Cherry on our award winning team at Bay Area Houston Magazine, Gulf Coast Mariner and Best Practices

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

Medical Quarterly gives us a huge competitive advantage over our competition. Due to Ms. Cherry, our readership is second to none and that’s what advertisers want!

Needless to say, she has made a major mark in the Bay Area Houston Region and has produced a positive image and a voice for our community.

Finally, Mary Alys has a work ethic comparable to footballers Jerry Rice and Tim Tebow and the integrity of a George Washington. She is also very competitive, team player, gracious and kind. She loves football and basketball, especially UNC Tar Heels and the Houston Rockets. It is a privilege and honor to work with the “original” Mary Alys Cherry on a daily basis and by the way, Barbara WaWa has nothing over you!

Thank you and we love you!

Rick Clapp President Bay Group Media

we eat - and the better we digest our food. People with lost back teeth are also more likely to avoid harder food. Soft foods are also usually high in carbohydrates and fat but often very low in protein, raw vegetable, vitamins, and minerals. Consequently, people who eat mainly soft foods may become undernourished and eat a larger volume of food. That often leads to weight gain and obesity which over time leads to numerous disorders, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Use it or Lose it Only a generation ago, gradually losing teeth and replacing them with either a fixed bridge, a removable partial or full denture was a fact of life for most Americans.

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nfortunately each option led to either grinding healthy teeth down or exerting too much force on the remaining teeth.

Ultimately both options led to early loss of remaining healthy teeth. As a result, a large segment of our population entered their golden age with false teeth, long span bridges, or no teeth at all.

The most damaging effect of tooth loss was not even being discussed much those days. Few people knew about the localized osteoporosis that developed due to loss of the tooth. People noticed that their gums shrunk gradually once the tooth was lost, even when they replaced the gap with a conventional method. But they assumed that it was normal.

That perception has changed substantially during the last two decades. The likelihood of our generation going through the same oral degradation is steadily decreasing. There are several reasons for this change: availability of more information, better

access to dental care, and last but not least, the introduction of titanium dental implants.

When teeth are lost, the underlying jaw bone shrinks due to lack of stimulation. Aside from the cosmetic effects on our smile and facial appearance, people with missing teeth develop other equally significant complications.

Here are a few examples: 1. People with missing teeth are unable to chew their food as efficiently.

One of the most important phases in digestion is called “The Cephalic phase.” This phase of gastric secretion occurs while the food is being eaten. It results from the pleasure associated with sight, smell, thought, or taste of food. Inability to chew the food with comfort and ease makes eating a chore as opposed to a pleasant experience. People with missing teeth also have a tendency to swallow their food prematurely. Nutritionists agree that the more we chew - the less

2. The traditional replacement methods only address replacement of missing teeth not their roots.

The most significant effect of tooth loss is the loss of localized jaw bone that is no longer needed to hold the root of the tooth in place. The science of biophysics has proven that the concept of “use it or lose it” applies to the human body as well. Through chewing we apply modest pressure on the jawbone. That pressure stimulates the bone (similar to exercise) and keeps it dense and strong. Many people who have lost one or more teeth believe the personal impact is strictly cosmetic. They don’t realize that missing teeth can lead to significant bone loss over time that can alter the jaw structure, cause other teeth to shift, and change the shape of your face while weakening your jaw bone.

3. Although partial or full dentures are a less expensive alternative to dental implants they require a lot of care.

They must be kept clean with cleaning tablets. They should be removed every night before going to sleep, cleaned carefully, and kept in a moist place (usually in a glass of water on the bed stand).

As the jawbone shrinks over time

due to bone loss, the dentures that fit fine not too long ago get loose.

They have to be either glued in with denture cream or remade every few years. Dentures can also cause discomfort and interfere with tasting and feeling our

“The most significant effect of tooth loss is the loss of localized jaw bone.” food. Some people find dentures embarrassing. If dentures do not fit well, they can interfere with chewing and swallowing. They may also cause burning sensations and sores in the mouth.

Fortunately, America’s tooth loss and jaw bone loss crisis can be eliminated with advent of dental implants, now considered the best option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants have been highly successful, according to a recent research published in the Journal of Oral Implantology. There is a growing body of compelling clinical evidence supporting dental implants as the most successful method for replacing missing or compromised teeth.

If you are suffering from or embarrassed by loss of one, several, or all of your teeth, dental implants may be the answer you are looking for. I have been placing dental implants (while patients are comfortably asleep under IV sedation) in our community for over a decade with a success ratio of over 99 percent.

If you are considering getting a dental implant, feel free to contact my office at 281-332-4700 for a complimentary consultation.

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.

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Movers &Shakers Name: Ronald Krist

Occupation: Trial Lawyer Hometown: Midland, Texas Current home: Kemah, Texas Family: Wife, Carole, three children, Kevin, Scott and Karyn and six grandchildren.

My favorite writer is: F. Scott Fitzgerald

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

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A lawyer You’ll never catch me: At a dog fight

My favorite performers are: My grandchildren

The thing that bugs me the most is: Hypocrisy

I like to spend my leisure time: Reading, traveling and golfing.

If I could travel any place, I’d go: Rome - I’ve been several times My favorite meal is: Enchiladas

Someone I’d like to meet: John F. Kennedy

CCISD Projects Lower Tax Rate for 2013 Bond

By Mary Alys Cherry

C

lear Creek ISD had some very favorable news for taxpayers at its May school board meeting – that the maximum tax rate increase for its 2013 bond is projected to be 8.5 cents or 2.75 cents less than authorized by voters when they went to the polls last May. At that time, a tax rate increase of 11.25 cents to fund $367 million in bond projects was approved by seven in ten voters. However, as a result of favorable interest rates and conservative financial planning, the maximum tax rate increase is projected now at 8.5 cents.

“This 2.75 cent savings on the tax rate represents a substantial positive impact for the taxpayers of Clear Creek ISD,” said Paul McLarty, deputy superintendent of business services. The school board adopted a variablerate plan to finance $150 million of the of the first $200 million bond sale last December at an average rate of 1.31 percent. The remaining $50 million was placed at a fixed rate of 3.4 percent.

The combination of the very low variable rate debt, combined with better than expected fixed rate debt, provided the district with an estimated $51 million in interest rate savings through the life of the bonds, McLarty told the school board trustees.

“CCISD is consistently watching the interest market and refinances debt at lower rates no different than people do on their own homes,” Communications Director Elaina Polsen said. “Over the last ten years, these efforts have led to a $35.8 million in interest savings of previous bonds.”

The bond news came just before CCISD broke ground on two bond projects – one of which was the $98 million Clear Lake High School rebuild project with projected completion in January 2017. Hundreds of families, former alumni and faculty toured the 1970s building one last time and enjoyed a food-fair hosted by Clear Lake High School clubs, Polsen said. Groundbreaking for the $30 million McWhirter Elementary rebuild was held Thursday, May 29, she added.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

CCISD students score above state average on STAAR tests

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ased on preliminary results

from the Texas Education Agency, 77 to 99 percent of all Clear Creek School District students passed their respective State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests for the 2013-2014 school year. The state administered 22 standardized assessments this spring between grades 3 through 12.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Smith wrote a letter to parents stating, “I ask that you remember the STAAR assessment is only one indicator of your child’s progress and is in no way a true portrait of his or her fullest potential.

Overall, our students outperformed their peers on all STAAR academic indicators, but perhaps what is most important to us is the daily teaching and learning that occurs throughout the year.”

District administrators, teachers and parents have been working together to develop a community-based accountability system that not only accounts for STAAR results but also other characteristics of a quality education system.

Those characteristics were prioritized by the community in a 2014 phone survey conducted by Baselice & Associates.

When asked to rank the indicators most important in judging a school system, the community ranked STAAR results last.

The top ranking indicators in the order of importance are as follows: a strong college preparatory program; a variety of education opportunities that meet the needs and interests of all students, high levels of community involvement, high scores on the

My favorite movie is: To Kill a Mockingbird Few people know: I was awarded the University of Texas School of Law Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2006

CCISD Preliminary STAAR Results

Grade 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 8

Subject Reading Math Reading Writing Math Math Science Reading Reading Math Reading Writing Math Social Studies Science Math Reading Algebra I Biology U.S. History English I English II

CCISD 87% 79% 86% 84% 79% 88% 85% 89% 87% 88% 87% 83% 82% 79% 86% 92% 93% 94% 98% 97% 92% 85%

**Preliminary Scores per Texas Education Agency

national college entrance exams, updated school facilities and comprehensive fine arts and athletic programs.

“Our community values much more than just how a student performs on a given day in the spring,” said Smith. “They have higher expectations for their children and we are working to create a comprehensive report card on how we are doing at educating the whole child in CCISD.”

EDUCATION

TOP OF THE CLASS Clear Horizons Early College High

Clear Lake High

Clear Springs High

Clear View High

Valedictorian Austin Hubbert Baylor University

Valedictorian Angel Maredia Columbia University

Valedictorian Patrick Harold the University of Texas at Austin

Valedictorian Raymond Fang Rice University

Valedictorian Joel Herdrich St. Edwards University

Salutatorian London Bennett the University of South CarolinaColumbia

Salutatorian Son Quyen Dinh the University of Texas at Austin

Salutatorian William Wu Harvard University

Salutatorian Antonia Marie Wells Jones Texas A&M University

Salutatorian Angelina Plasek the University of Houston-Clear Lake

Clear Brook High

Clear Creek High

Clear Falls High

Valedictorian Ruchika Bengani the University of Texas at Austin

Valedictorian Michelle Raji Harvard University

Salutatorian Madeline Schaefer Texas A&M University

Salutatorian Janella Clary the University of Oklahoma

he Clear Creek Independent School District

continues its record of excellence in education. This year, more than 2,800 seniors walked across the stage during seven graduation ceremonies.

The Class of 2014 graduates earned more than 500 academic scholarships and are moving on to the next phase of their scholastic journey.

Among the many top achieving students are the 2014 valedictorians and salutatorians from each CCISD high school, listed above, along with the college they plan to attend.

CCISD graduates will attend dozens of colleges across Texas and the rest of the country including, Harvard, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas

A & M, University of Houston, Lamar University, New England Conservatory of Music, Texas Tech, LSU, University of Oklahoma, University of Houston – Clear Lake, San Jacinto College and College of the Mainland. Still others will serve in the U.S. Military. CCISD congratulates the Class of 2014.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S C L A S S O F 2 0 1 4 !

These Clear Springs High seniors wait their turn to graduate.

New Clear Brook graduates stop for a “selfie” after picking up their diplomas

A proud Clear Falls graduate with diploma in hand.

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New Clear Lake graduates head back to their seats to celebrate.

A LEGEND IN HER OWN TIME “It was because of this devotion to the community that Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman presented her with a key to the city.”

By Patty Kane

Few people have touched more lives in the Bay Area than Mary Alys Cherry.

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ince moving here

35 years ago, and joining The Bay Area Citizen and later becoming publisher of Bay Area Houston Magazine, she has mingled with most of the population, gotten to know their children and grandchildren and learned the history of the area.

And while she can’t recall when NASA Parkway was a two-lane road, rest assured this walking encyclopedia of the Bay Area knows those who drove it back then.

As the saying goes, she knows where all the bodies are buried, but manages to stay quite tight lipped about what she has learned, with the exception of information that needs to be published of course.

She’s covered most every event over the years, from fires and murders to city councils, Clear Creek ISD, charity balls and

“Wanting to be like her dad, who was a newspaper editor, she began drawing a newspaper each day, using the news she heard on the radio.” hundreds of community functions.

She is on a first name basis with just about all the area mayors and many of the police and fire chiefs, city secretaries and community volunteers. In fact, it was the hardworking volunteers who gave so freely of their time that made her grow to love the Clear Lake community.

“Here these women were working hour after hour making our community a better place

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to live, helping our schools and churches and getting almost no credit. Meanwhile, their husbands’ pictures and stories were in the papers, but not the wives.’ I decided to correct the situation and set about publicizing their good work,” she says. “They loved it, and I got a tremendous amount of pleasure seeing their happiness.”

It was because of this devotion to the community that Nassau Bay Mayor Mark Denman presented her with a key to the city on behalf of his city council for her work covering the area over the years.

This was very special to her, she said afterwards, as most city councils don’t list the media among their first loves.

She got her introduction to the Bay Area when she and her husband bought a cabin cruiser

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

and moved from west Houston to Seabrook in the summer of 1979, only days before Tropical Storm Claudette flooded the area and stranded her on the Gulf Freeway for two days – without a camera.

But once she learned her way around, she was soon busy taking pictures and publicizing the area’s many social and civic events while working part-time at The Citizen and also at The Houston Post. Later, after The Post folded, she began working full-time at The Citizen and went on to become editor of the Bay Area newspaper for nearly a decade.

Some of the more prominent stories she covered were Hurricanes Alicia and Ike, Tropical Storms Allyson and Claudette, the loss of Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia, the quadruple murder of four young teens in Clear Lake’s

Brook Forest, Andrea Yates’ drowning of her five young children in Clear Lake’s Camino South and Dr. Clara Harris of Friendswood running over her husband in the Nassau Bay Hilton parking lot.

Along the way, she has made so many friends who have helped her through life’s trials and tribulations, and gotten up close and personal with hundreds of famous people, building up quite a collection of photos.

Folks like Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins, Alan Shepard, John Glenn and dozens of other astronauts, Presidents Bush 41 and 43 and their wives, President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Elizabeth Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, John Denver, Nolan Ryan, Jeff Bagwall, Dan Pastorini, Warren Moon, author Judith McNaught and Willie Nelson. Plus, royals such as Prince Felipe – now King Felipe - of Spain, King Olaf of Norway, Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, Princes Charles and Andrew and their sister, Princess Anne.

A native of North Carolina, she grew up in Raleigh and earned her B.A. in Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was managing editor of the student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel. After graduation, she was off to a summer of fun touring Europe with 30 of her UNC classmates and “probably one of the happiest times of my life,” she adds.

After four years in public relations, she began her newspaper career in Florida as news editor of The Panama City News-Herald, where she was a member of the five-man

team that won the Pulitzer Prize for Area Houston Economic Partnership, Community Service, and later held Bay Area Houston Transportation executive editing positions on the Fort Partnership and on the Advisory Boards Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, The Miami News, of the Assistance League of the Bay Area The Gainesville Sun and The Tampa Times. and the South Bay Area Red Cross.

She also served as editor of The Sandhill In 1993, the Bay Area Museum Guild Independent in Rockingham, N.C. Besides honored her at its annual Silver Tea, sharing the Pulitzer Prize, her front page and in 2000, she was the honoree at the layout design at The Tampa Times won Assistance League Ball of the Wild. She first prize in the nation in the Edmund was presented the Bravo Award by the Arnold newspaper Bay Area Houston design contest, and Ballet & Theatre in she and her staff won 2008, and was honored “A native of North many Texas press in 2010 as a Clear Carolina, she grew up Creek ISD Super Star awards while editor of The Citizen. in Raleigh and earned by the Clear Creek Actually, she says, Education Foundation. her B.A. in Journalism In 2012, she was the her newspaper career began when recipient of the BAHEP at the University of she was 6 years old.

Presidential Award, North Carolina at Wanting to be like which had been her dad, who was a presented only twice Chapel Hill.” newspaper editor, before in BAHEP’s 35she began drawing a year history. newspaper each day, using the news she heard on the radio.

The love affair between our Bay Area She made five copies and sold them to Community and Mary Alys is ongoing, so I her neighbors for a penny each. “Then I think I can speak for all of us and state that would take my five pennies and go buy we want to have her in our lives for many a candy bar at the nearby store,” she years to come. laughs.

Thank you is not enough, but let’s say it Over the years, she has served on the anyway………. boards of the Rotary National Award THANK YOU, MARY ALYS! for Space Achievement Foundation, Bay

Yes, we were all young and skinny once in our lives, Mary Alys at 14.

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By Rod Evans

F

rom the moment the call of the sea first began whispering in her ears as a child growing up in northern California, Julie Edsall knew where she was headed: to the ocean.

Edsall, the training manager for Kirby Inland Marine, the Channelview-based company that operates the nation’s largest fleet of inland tank barges and tow vessels, didn’t know exactly how to make it happen, but she was certain a career in the merchant marine industry was the goal she needed to work toward.

“I thought it sounded exciting,” Edsall, 29, said. “I’d heard you could make a lot of money and work a certain amount of days and have a certain amount of days off. I always loved traveling, so I figured I would have time and money to travel around the world.”

While in high school, Edsall began focusing her energies on attending the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kingspoint, New York, where she would graduate with a bachelor’s degree in logistics in 2006. Courses in subjects like navigation, cargo handling and naval architecture formed the foundation of her education at the academy, but it was the time spent on the water that cemented in her mind her desire to pursue a position aboard ship.

“Students at the academy spent at least one year at sea. I served on a ship that went to Alaska, Japan,

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Korea and China. It was a fantastic experience,” she said.

Armed with her degree, which earned her an unlimited Coast Guard third mate’s license, Edsall headed to Houston where she accepted a position with Kirby as a steersman pilot in training. After spending nine to 10 months in the position, which gave her the opportunity to gain experience on various waterways, she became a push boat pilot.

“They basically said, ‘here ya go.

Drive the boat and try not to hit anything,” she chuckles.

Serving as a pilot on the Big Al, a 1,000 hp push boat, Edsall got her first taste of professional merchant marine life guiding the boat as it pushed barges through the intracoastal waterway from the Houston Ship Channel to Corpus Christi to Florida and all points in between. She worked a schedule that called for her to work 12-hour days for 20 days and be off duty for 10 days.

She was soon promoted to relief captain and assumed the title of acting captain after the captain she served under was forced from the position due to a family illness. She served as acting captain for about a year before she was elevated to the captain’s position.

“As a pilot, you learn how to navigate and make the best choices to stay out of trouble. As a captain, driving the boat is the easiest thing you do. Most of your time is spent doing things like making sure your budget is right and taking care of

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

crew changes and making sure you have the right people in the right places and that everybody knows where they’re supposed to be,” Edsall said.

At the time of her promotion to captain, Edsall says Kirby employed five or six female captains, but despite working in a male-dominated industry, she did not encounter much trouble winning acceptance from her crew members and fellow captains.

“I expected I would have some problems, but I never encountered any trouble with anyone working for Kirby,” she said. “I always had great support from the men on my boat, but if somebody from another company said something stupid, you had to remind them how stupid they sounded.”

But even while she enjoyed being at sea, Edsall began to long for a more stable home life in which she didn’t have to spend long stretches away from home, so she expressed an interest in working at a shore side position in Houston, which led to her being named port captain in 2011.

“The position basically included all the work and none of the fun of working on a boat,” she laughs. “I had to do paperwork on 10 boats, but I didn’t get to drive any of them. I did get to drive home every night and my plants didn’t die and wither away.”

Edsall managed a fleet of 10 boats that at any given time could be working at dozens of sites around the gulf coast. A typical day for her began by checking to see if any

incidents involving the fleet occurred the night before and getting updates on where the boats were operating and what they were doing. Much of her time was spent reviewing safety regulations, including ensuring that all crew members were using the appropriate personal protection equipment and that they were trained in the proper use of the potentially life saving devices.

She also led the effort to develop a navigation guide for Kirby’s boat captains that serves as a “cheat sheet” of sorts with information on trickyto-navigate areas in the gulf or sites where incidents or near misses have occurred.

“The fact that there were so many different things going on with so many boats scattered around the gulf coast was one of the main challenges of the job. If anybody had a gripe, I had to work to fix it, and in the event of an incident, we had to investigate to see what went wrong,” she said.

In January of this year, Edsall was promoted to manager of the Kirby Training Center, where she manages all of the classroom training for Kirby’s inland and offshore divisions.

The training center is dedicated to training new hires before they go out to sea. Anyone hired without previous maritime experience is afforded the opportunity to get hands-on experience aboard a boat and then given extensive classroom training.

“Most wheelmen are brought up organically through the ranks,” Edsall says. “People can start working at Kirby at age 18 and within a few years achieve tankerman status. After that they can get a recommendation to go into the steersman training program and after a couple of years earn their pilot’s license.”

Edsall points out that attending a maritime academy as she did isn’t the only path to a good paying career— pilot salaries average in the six figure range, while captains can make in excess of $150,000 per year—in the merchant marine industry.

“It’s important for young people to know that they can get into the industry as long as they have a high school diploma or GED. Within a few years they can be making decent money; more money than many people make right out of college. They should realize that if college is not for them they don’t have to be stuck in a job where they have to worry about money forever,” she said.

Edsall says she would be pleased to see more women join the field and adds that there are currently two women enrolled in Kirby’s deck hand class who have an eye toward serving aboard ship in the near future.

Help Wanted EHCMA works to help industries respond to growing employment demands

By Rod Evans

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or people living in areas

of the country that are still struggling to recover from the Great Recession, it’s hard to understand the unique workforce conundrum facing many industrial and manufacturing companies along the Gulf Coast.

It’s true that our region’s status as the unofficial “Energy Capital of the World” was largely responsible for helping the area weather the depths of the recession much better than other regions, but the productivity in the oil patch presented employers in the oil and gas, petrochemical and manufacturing sectors with a unique dilemma: trying to find enough properly trained people to fill open positions.

Initiatives have been launched by several organizations in the region to identify the employment sectors most in need of an infusion of qualified workers and ways to spread the word to prospective employees about where those jobs are located and the skills needed to secure them.

Meanwhile, market shifts, including the increased production of natural gas brought about by the use of the hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, procedure to extract the valuable resource from deep underground, is increasing the demand for workers with the necessary skills. Fracking is the practice of injecting liquids, primarily water and sand, into rock formations to free the gas so it can be extracted.

The East Harris County Manufacturers Association (EHCMA), established 32 years ago to promote the 130 member facilities in the region that includes Houston, Deer Park, Baytown, Pasadena, North Channel and La Porte, working in the manufacturing, chemical and refining industries, founded its all volunteer workforce committee a little over two years ago in order to address the inequities in the number of manufacturing and refining jobs available and the number of workers qualified to fill them.

“We began the committee to make sure we have an educated and available workforce to help the companies in the region supply the products they make,” said Craig

Beskid, EHCMA’s executive director.

“The goal is to let people know what kind of jobs we have in the region and to let them know what kind of education and experience they need to fill them so they can make a good living.”

According to the EHCMA, the region is currently home to about 33,000 jobs with companies that contribute more than $12 billion annually to the local economy through taxes, payrolls, purchases and capital expenditures, but Beskid says projections call for an expansion of facilities in the U.S. over the next few years to process the booming amount of natural gas being extracted through fracking, and this expansion will have a direct impact on area facilities.

“When you look around, you see a lot of people with gray hair and a lot of experience filling these jobs now and we may be looking at a doubling of the need for workers in the next few years. This will create a double whammy because workers that will be retiring will have to be replaced, and new people will have to be hired to fill the new jobs being created,” Beskid said. “We estimate we’ll need to replace about 10,000 to 15,000 current employees who will be retiring in the next five years and add another 5,000 to 10,000 more workers to handle the expected expansion.

We need to make sure that young people understand that there will be economic opportunities and they need to be educated, available and qualified if they want to be part of this workforce.”

Reaching Out

Beskid says the EHCMA’s efforts to address looming workforce demands is being conducted on several fronts.

The first is the commissioning of an ongoing survey—the results of which won’t be available until the end of the year—to gather detailed workforce information. The other elements of the initiative include working with area colleges and school districts to determine their capacity for training students and defining the areas of employment most in critical need of qualified employees.

“We began the initiative by contacting administrators in the middle schools and high schools to reach students who are considering career options,” Beskid said.

“Everyone who wants to attend a four-year college should do so, but for those who don’t want to go or can’t afford to go, we want to make sure they understand there are good paying and plentiful jobs. We’ve spoken to about 20 school districts and directly spoken to 30,000 to 40,000 students.”

Those good paying jobs, according to the EHCMA, include process

operators, millwrights, pipe fitters, electricians, welders, lab technicians, draftsmen and analyzer technicians.

To help potential employees attain the skills they need to succeed on the job, the EHCMA funds scholarships at area colleges and provides a mentoring program that draws upon the workforce committee’s members, who are leaders in their particular field.

“The workforce committee started with about four members.

Now we have 30 members and it is a great resource,” Beskid said.

“The committee members are all leaders within their own company and include training managers, HR executives, supervisors and top level technical people. Once a student has earned one of our scholarships, they can enroll in the mentoring program.

These mentors help students learn valuable skills, like how to present themselves to get a job after their education is completed.”

While helping to grow and diversify the workforce for industries in the East Harris County region is a critical element of the EHCMA’s mission, it’s not the only way the organization supports member facilities. The organization has established five committees charged with addressing various areas of concern. The committees include: Channel Industries Mutual Aid: Provides cooperative assistance and expertise in dealing with a variety of emergencies, both manmade and natural, to industries along the Houston Ship Channel.

Community Relations: Provides communication and community relations support for EHCMA projects and issues.

Environmental: Works to develop successful environmental stewardship practices among member companies.

Legislative: Seeks to establish relationships with local, state and federal elected officials on behalf of the EHCMA board and its member companies. It also participates in advocacy initiatives organized by the Texas Chemical Council and the American Chemical Council.

Safety and Security. Working in concert with local, state and federal law enforcement officials, the committee establishes best security practices for member companies and aims to reduce the chances of adverse effects on employees, the environment and the community as a result of criminal acts.

“We serve the needs of our members and work to protect the health, safety, security and economic well being of the region,” Beskid said.

To find out more about the EHCMA and its advocacy, education, workforce and environmental initiatives, visit Ehcma.org.

Port dredging projects get Corps of Engineers OK

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wo proposed Port of Houston Authority dredging projects in the Bayport and Barbours Cut Channels have been given the go-ahead by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

When completed, the depth in both channels will match that of the Houston Ship Channel and enable both port facilities to accommodate larger ships The federal assumption of maintenance of the channels when construction is completed also was approved.

The improvement projects at the Port Authority’s two container terminals will deepen the channels from 40 feet to 45 feet, matching the depth of the Houston Ship Channel, so the container terminals can realize the benefits of the HSC widening and deepening project completed in 2005.

The project will also widen or realign the channels by up to 100 feet to better accommodate larger ships that are expected to call with increasing frequency.

“This is great news,” said Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria, “We are investing in the future of our port. The projects demonstrate our commitment to facilitating commerce. I sincerely congratulate the Port Authority staff for its diligent efforts working with PHA’s stakeholders, the community and the Corps to get these projects readied for construction.”

PHA awarded the $68 million construction contract to Orion Construction in mid-May and construction and dredging are expected to start soon and last about 15 months. The work includes modification of the existing Bayport and Barbours Cut channels and berths and increasing capacity of a placement area for future dredged material.

“PHA is pleased that we will be awarding a contract at an excellent, competitive price,” said Executive Director Roger Guenther. “Overall, the project has really progressed at a quick pace. The federal approval of assumption of maintenance, which means the Corps of Engineers will resume responsibility for the channel after PHA’s improvements, was a great team effort between the Corps and PHA on a complicated process that has taken only 18 months.”

The Port Authority is funding the projects at its sole cost to ensure the channels improvements are available as soon as possible to better accommodate larger, more efficient container ships, and in advance of the opening of an expanded Panama Canal in 2016. The work is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year.

For more information, visit www.portofhouston.com.

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

23

Your Job May Depend On It How you can save the Export-Import Bank

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t is a well-known statistic that nearly 1/5th

of the new jobs created in the U.S. last year and nearly 33 percent of new jobs over the past decade were created in Texas alone.

It is also no secret that Texas has led the country as the top exporting state for the past 12 consecutive years. In 2013, the state’s export revenues were nearly $279.7 billion, accounting for nearly 18 percent of the nation’s total exports. It’s here, through the Port of Houston, where the majority of these goods are exported.

Many of the jobs created in our region are export related. Manufacturing jobs in our region depend on exports. These are jobs in food production, metal fabrication, heavy machinery, high-tech equipment, and aerospace industries, among others.

These jobs and many future jobs related to the recent energy boom will be put in jeopardy if

many private banks. Since 1990, Ex-Im Bank has contributed $7 billion more than it received to the U.S. Treasury, and contributed over $1 billion back to the U.S. Treasury in 2013 alone. Since 2009, Ex-Im Bank activities have created or sustained 1.2 million U.S. jobs. Nationwide, in 2013 alone, the Ex-Im Bank supported $37.4 billion in US exports and 205,000 jobs.

Local manufacturers argue that eliminating the program would translate into a loss of sales, and ultimately, a loss of jobs. There are a total of

“ Local manufacturers argue that eliminating the program would translate into … a loss of jobs. There are a total of 22,000 jobs supported

by Ex-Im bank in the Greater Houston Region that could be affected.”

Congress fails to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). The bank, created nearly three quarters of a century ago, promotes U.S. exports and supports U.S. jobs by providing working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance, loan guarantees, direct loans, and other financial services to foreign customers of U.S. companies. The bank often steps in to provide financing that allows exports to continue even when commercial financing is tight.

Up to this point, the Ex-Im Bank has enjoyed bi-partisan support as a result of its success. The bank boasts a less than 2 percent default rate, which incidentally is better than the default rate of

Texas Statistics 2007-2014 •

1,312

Total Exporters

•

697

Small Business

•

93

Minority Owned

•

43

Women Owned

•

4

Renewable Energy

•

20

Environmentally Beneficial

Curious about which Texas companies made use of the Ex-Im Bank? Visit www.exim.gov/customcf/ congressionalmap/state_map.cfm?state=TX

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

22,000 jobs supported by Ex-Im bank in the greater Houston region that could be affected. “Without the Ex-Im Bank, competing companies in countries with robust export financing programs will be in a favorable position to win business away from the U.S. negating recent gains in state and national employment rates,” states Chad Burke, president and CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. The impact would be especially felt in Harris County, where nearly 300 companies rely on the Bank.

The bank’s charter will expire on Sept. 30, 2014, unless Congress passes a bill to re-authorize it.

At first glance reauthorization would seem to be the obvious option, but opponents have argued the Bank favors big business to the detriment of small ones. Yet nearly 90 percent of Ex-Im Bank transactions in 2013 benefited small businesses directly. Additionally, there are countless small and medium sized businesses that benefit indirectly by providing services to the large exporters who benefit directly.

Critics of the bank also assert that the government is competing unfairly with private financial institutions. However, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, most, if not all, major U.S. banks actually support the Ex-Im Bank reauthorization. This may be due to the fact that the $20 billion of commercial banking financing that Ex-Im typically guarantees annually is mostly made of up financing commercial bankers would

not support due to the risk of working with foreign countries or term conditions. Thus, filling in the role of lender of last resort, the Ex-Im Bank complements, rather than competes, with private financial institutions.

If Ex-Im were to be abolished, and the private sector were to try to fill the void, premiums would likely rise significantly. The exports would migrate to other countries who have their own equivalent of the Ex-Im Bank. In short, U.S. exporters and their well-paying U.S. jobs would be the net losers. Our region, which is the majority user of the Bank, could lose a significant amount of business and jobs.

Conversely, competitors in other exporting nations would be the winners.

What can you do? Take a moment to call or write your Congressional member and let him or her know how important you believe re-authorizing the Ex-Im Bank is. You can find your representative at the following link: http://www.house.gov/ representatives/find/

The Economic Alliance Welcomes New Members The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is a member-based organization with a mission to grow a vibrant regional economy. The Economic Alliance is proud to welcome the following companies to their membership roster since March.

•

Alpha Technical Services

•

Air Valve Inc.

•

Chick-Fil-A

•

Excel Modular Scaffold & Leasing Corporation

•

Frost Bank

•

Hale-Mills Construction, Ltd.

•

Marco A. Arredondo, Inc. (Energy Consultants)

•

Martin Recruitment Solutions

•

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr P.C.

•

Nassau Bay Agency

•

Port Terminal Railroad Association

•

Wayne Wicks & Associates

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

25

News & Events Lakewood Youth Seahorses Invited to Race in Both Rose Cup and Sears Cup

(Left) Seahorse Dane Byerly

Last year’s Bay Cup II

Bay Cup II Racers Could Make a Weekend of Fun

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(Right) Lakewood Yacht Club Seahorses Collin Scoville, Howdy Hughes and Carson Shields

akewood Yacht Club Fleet Captain Jim Winton has

announced that the 2014 Bay Cup II Regatta will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, on Galveston Bay. “Since it is still summer vacation, racers could bring their families for the weekend and spend either Friday night or Saturday night in one of our fine hotels in Seabrook or other cities around Clear Lake,” related Bay Cup II Regatta Chairman Gerhard Wittich.

While racers are on the bay, families could enjoy Space Center Houston, Armand Bayou, the Kemah Boardwalk, or one of the numerous nature trails in the city of Seabrook. .

Bay Cup II is the second in a series, with Bay Cup I having been raced in March. It is open to the public with a $75 registration fee.

This includes the Skipper’s Meeting on Friday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. in Lakewood’s ballroom, and one meal and two drink tickets for the Saturday night party which includes live music Randy and JT. Racers can register online at www.lakewoodyachtclub.com under the racing button.

“Bay Cup II will feature long distance racing in Galveston and Trinity Bays,” related Wittich, “with multiple legs for a total of about 15 – 25 nautical miles, depending upon wind conditions.

This should be a navigational challenge for racers as well.”

Classes include PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF Non-Spinnaker, Cruising Spinnaker, Classic Canvas, Multihull, SOS and others.

The Awards Ceremony will be held in Lakewood’s lounge on Saturday night, Aug. 2, following the dinner. Awards will be presented to Bay Cup II winners as well as over-all winners of the Bay Cup Series.

Sponsors helping to make the Bay Cup II possible are Don Q Puerto Rico’s Premier Rum, the City of Seabrook, Hays Insurance, Sea Lake Yachts, Little Yacht Sales, OJ’s Marine, Banks Sails, Volvo Penta and West Marine. Proceeds from the Regatta benefit Bay Access, a not for profit charitable organization fostering amateur racing and sailing on Galveston Bay. For overnight accommodations, check the website www. visitbayareahouston.org. For questions regarding Bay Cup II, contact Lakewood Yacht Club’s office at 281-474-2511.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

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akewood Yacht Club Seahorse

Committee Chair Elizabeth Morrell has announced that four of the club’s youth racers have been invited to participate in invitational youth match race events this year.

The 2014 Rose Cup will be held June 18 – 22 at Oakcliff Sailing & Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club in Oyster Bay, N.Y. The Rose Cup’s mission is to assist in the promotion of youth match racing in the United States and improve the quality of U.S. competitors in national and international competition. Racing will be on 23’ Sonar Class boats.

Lakewood’s Dane Byerly submitted his resume and was accepted as an applicant for the Rose Cup. Byerly will represent Lakewood Yacht Club with his crew Collin Scoville and Howdy Hughes in Oyster Bay, N.Y. At the June 6 Member Mixer, Lakewood’s Commodore Tom Collier presented pinnies to the team to proudly represent the club at this event.

The second youth championship national event is the Sears Cup. In 1921, Commodore Herbert M. Sears of the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, Mass., placed into competition a Cup bearing his name for competition among juniors of Massachusetts yacht clubs.

The next year eligibility broadened to include other clubs. The Sears Cup will be held on Aug. 4 at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club in Traverse City, Mich., on Interlake sailboats. The Cup is for the purpose of promoting the sport of yachting by encouraging proficiency in seamanship and sportsmanlike conduct in sail yacht racing on the part of boys and girls of school age. This year, the repeat team of Dane Byerly, Collin Scoville, Howdy Hughes and Carson Shields defended their regional win to again represent Lakewood Yacht Club in the Sears Cup. At the same Member Mixer on Friday, June 6, they, also, received pinnies to wear over their life jackets in representing Lakewood at the event.

“The 2014 Rose Cup will be held June 18 – 22 at Oakcliff Sailing & Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club in Oyster Bay, New York.”

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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“Fishing is something your kids will enjoy and cherish the memories of the rest of their lives.”

As simple as it gets

By Capt. Joe Kent

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amily fishing trips can

be a fun way to spend time as a family and get the kids acquainted with the great outdoors and nature. Besides the bonding; the kids will have the opportunity to learn more about wildlife including fish and other marine life along with birds and animals that live around water.

It is also an inexpensive activity where the options run the gamut for how much you can spend. For Rachel Dare Rutledge shows off a sunfish, also Gracie Rambin and Kendall Carpenter with a solid now, we are going to visit about known as ‘bream’ or ‘perch’ here in Texas. stringer of West Bay specks. the simplest and least expensive way to enjoy this great outdoor activity. bobber, sinker and hook. I never child, the road from Webster to Besides the benefits mentioned knew whether I foul hooked the fish Seabrook was a narrow two-lane earlier, a good meal just might result or if it went for the chicken gizzard on county road that ran along the edges from a trip to the water. of Clear Lake. Piers were everywhere, my line. I was so excited that it did The type of fishing we are talking some were private others were public. not matter. At that point, my life-long about is not from a boat but from a passion for fishing began.

Directly across from the old West pier, bulkhead, dock, or from the bank Mansion just before crossing the For several years afterwards my along the edge of a lake, canal, creek dad would take me to various spots bridge between Mud Lake (now Lake or bayou. along Clear Lake and the Clear Pasadena) and Clear Lake there was My first fishing experiences came Creek Channel to fish. Not long an old crabbing pier extending into from piers and docks around the after my first fish, I began using dead Clear Lake. It was there that I caught Clear Lake area long before NASA shrimp for bait and did that make my first fish, a mullet believe it or Road One came into existence. As a a difference. Lots of croaker, hard not, using a cane pole and line with

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

heads, gafftop and crabs would go after my bait and the number of small fish I would take home for mom to cook was amazing.

Today, families can still enjoy this fun however the places to fish are more restricted.

For those of you new to fishing and want to give it a try, let me suggest you start out with the simple approach. Target pan fish, which are a variety of fish that are good to eat yet seldom, outgrow the size of a frying pan.

Among the saltwater species in that category are pinfish, piggy perch, sand trout, croaker and whiting.

Just about anywhere you can find salt or brackish water those species are going to be around. Today the biggest obstacle is finding a spot that is either public or the owner will give permission for you to fish.

The equipment needed, let’s say the very basic is a pole, line, sinker and hook. Small rod and reels like those sold by Zebco and Shakespeare are great beginner equipment. If not that, just a pole in the five to seven-foot length with a line attached will do.

While a wide variety of baits will attract pan fish, dead shrimp, especially fresh shrimp is probably the best. Auxiliary equipment should include a box for tackle (could be a small bucket with a lid or an actual tackle box sold in sporting goods stores, hooks, weights, bobbers, pliers, fish stringer (or ice chest) and a knife.

For best results, fish the bottom, meaning do not use a bobber to keep the bait suspended. Pan fish tend to be bottom feeders.

Croaker, sand trout and whiting are likely going to be the best choice for the table. All three are great fried whole.

If your kids get hooked on fishing (no pun intended) the next stage is that they will want to go after larger fish with sharks being the number one target for most young anglers.

When that happens, an upgrade in equipment will be needed along with a change in location.

Fishing is something your kids will enjoy and cherish the memories of the rest of their lives. I am a good example of that!

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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International Signature Bistro A NEW DINING EXPERIENCE IN THE BAY AREA

By Patty Kane

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isit International Signature Bistro and see what “around the world” fine dining in the Bay Area is all about. Located at 1918 NASA Parkway in Seabrook, the quaint bistro has a new look, new owners, new menu and a spirit of international influence.

You’ll be delighted at the changes and find the owners are hands on with every detail from the décor to the food preparation and presentation.

New owners Lewis Keim and his wife, Maritza have both

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

traveled and lived all over the world. Lewis has traveled to some 40 countries as a mechanical engineer and over the years has sampled many great foods along the way. Maritza grew up in Venezuela and has also traveled the world after marrying Lewis 34 years ago. She earned a bachelor’s degree at South Western Medical School and went on to earn a Master’s in Gerontology at the University of Houston. Her Latin roots and Lewis’ love of international dining is the guiding light on the Bistro’s menu. Lewis and Maritza believe that variety is “the spice of life” and want to offer Bay Area diners something

please any palate. The wines represent an international flair and can compete with any wine list in the area.

New selections from around the world are always being added to the selection.

Cuisine

different from the usual steak and seafood places. They are constantly working to refine the menu and offer new and exciting cuisine.

When asked why they entered the restaurant business, Maritza and Lewis respond that there are a number of reasons but the most important is “the fun of sharing the food we have experienced with our customers.” As Lewis says, “Our food is an eclectic mix of international recipes but our menu also offers more traditional selections for those not in the mood for a culinary adventure. Our menu is not just about taste and quality ingredients but also about adding a dash of the unexpected to expand the dining experience. We want our customers to leave with a sense that they have treated themselves to a special event and will come back wanting more!”

It’s called International Signature Bistro because you can travel through a world of taste with the menu as your guide. The use of the highest quality ingredients result in some of the best flavor experiences in the area. The Costa Rican Shrimp Cocktail is a visual as well as a flavorful delight. Guests have been known to cross the dining room just to take a photo of it because the presentation is so impressive.

Want to try something new? Try the homemade Argentinean Sausage with fried yucca, served with a Venezuelan avocado sauce, accented with habanero, called Guasacaca.

For lunch, try the Venezuelan Ab Arepa corn meal sandwich, or perhaps grandma’s Ukrainian Stuffed Cabbage. In the evening the Gibraltar Lamb Shank is a delight...

Maritza’s Seafood Paella, featured on the party menu, is a dish you must try for your next special occasion.

Of course there are more traditional selections such as Crab Cakes, Whiskey Crab Soup, Eggplant Parmesan, lamb chops, a variety of seafood, steaks and so much more.

There are some interesting stories behind so many of the dishes, so be sure and ask.

The bar is turned into the “worlds best family friendly pancake bar.”

The omelets are huge and the French toast is magnificent. The chicken fried sirloin topped with two fried eggs will satisfy the hardiest eater.

There are Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys, making the International Signature Bistro Sunday Brunch the best in the area!

Entertainment

Great food is not the only attraction at the Bistro. Live entertainment is available most nights.

Locally known singer David Schwope is a regular, as is Brittney Valdez of American Idol fame. Tuesday is open mic night and features locally talented artists.

The performers vary, so call the Bistro or go online to see what’s happening.

New Things Coming

Ambiance

The restaurant is so inviting and has the unusual mix of casual, cozy and elegant atmosphere, all at the same time. The expansive bar is perfect for a cocktail with friends.

The indoor dining room is intimate and relaxing with white table cloths.

For more casual dining the outdoor garden patio is surrounded by lovely plants and vines where you can enjoy of the Bistro’s famous martinis, a fine glass of wine or have something special to eat.

Sunday Brunch

Wine Selections

To complete your dining experience Lewis and Maritza have an extensive wine list to

Be on the lookout for some new menu items such as Colossal Mussels in either a lemon butter sauce or a red wine tomato reduction. The Bistro’s own version of Chicken Parmesan will also be on the menu soon. A new bar item from Nigeria will make an appearance this summer. It’s called Suya, a beef or chicken sauté, coated with ground peanuts and a special spice rub. A Portuguese favorite, Carne de Pedra will also be available soon.

Microbrewery tap beers will arrive this month.

“Cigar Sunday” featuring hand rolled cigars, provided by local cigar purveyors, and parings with some very exclusive liquors is a new

feature for the patio beginning soon.

The difference between a good meal and a great meal is as easy as deciding to go on a dining adventure at International Signature Bistro. As they say in Latin America….. buen apetito!

Call the International Signature Bistro at 281-474-4455 for reservations. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, brunch and dinner on Sundays.

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Bay Oaks reservations committee members Eileen Hult, Author Carol Cassella, left, arrives at Bay Oaks Country Ruth Beecher and Sharon Dillard, from left, stop for a Club with her parents, Ray and Kathie Wiley, for the BOWA photo after signing everyone in for the May luncheon. luncheon featuring the national bestseller writer, who reviewed her new book, Gemini.

Assistance League officers for the coming year take time out for a photo at Bay Oaks Country Club before planning the new season. They are, from left,Vice Presidents Gail Ashby and Courtney Atchley, President Brunella Altemus, Treasurer Marie Keener and Secretary Ginger Darnell.

She’s both a physician and best-selling author BAY OAKS Women’s Association members got to hear a best-selling author – with local ties, no less – at their final luncheon before taking off for the summer.

The keynote speaker was Carol Cassella, daughter of Ray and Kathie Wiley of Clear Lake and the author of both the national best seller, Oxygen, and her latest, Gemini. But her talent doesn’t stop with writing -- she’s also a physician, a practicing anesthesiologist.

Formerly of Dallas, where she grew up, she graduated from Duke with a degree in English literature before earning her medical degree at Baylor

MARY ALYS CHERRY

College of Medicine and seems to have put both degrees to good use out in Washington state, where she lives with her husband and two sets of twins.

BOWA President Annette Dwyer, Vice Presidents Becky Hensley and

Hospitality Committee members Tencha Heinlech, Jenny Verghese, Georgia Piwonka, Theresa Albuerne and Chairman Carlene Langford, from left, prepare to welcome Bay Oaks Women’s Association members and their guests to luncheon.

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Cambrey Rogers and Secretary Sue Broughton, were on hand to greet the Wiley family – including Carol’s parents and two sisters – and the dozens of others who came to hear her including Judge Holly Williamson, Sharon Dillard, Christi Cheramie, Sally Jordan, Rose Sobotik, Peggy Clause, Renate Woods, Carol Bobo, Chris Howland, Sue Ellen Jennings, Kay Lee Benoit, Janice Gornto and Ann and Ondi Lyon.

Natalie Ong was in the crowd, as were Georgia Piwonka, Courtney Atchley, Barbara Dickey, Marjo Richmond, Molly Gorrell, Betty

McElvain, Carol Base, Dawn Davis, Carlene Langford, Lyla Nettles, Norma Ogletree, Judy Ferguson, Ann O’Malley and Karen McCorkle and her daughter, Kelli Byrd.

Others you might have spotted were Lea Bodie, Marie Sullivant, Pamela Ploss, Beverly Braden, Judy Raiford, Ruth Beecher, Page Sayers, Bobbie Moutz, Kelly Sheehy, Jo Nell Hunter and Janet Greenwood, and many more.

New officers get ready for next fall

WITH THE END of another season, several organizations have elected

Bay Area Museum Guild officers for the 2014-15 season take time out from planning for next year for a photo.

They are, from left, seated, President Carole Murphy, Second Vice President Jan Larson; standing, Parliamentarian Kimberley Weathers, Corresponding Secretary Cindy Kuenneke, Recording Secretary Nina McGlashan, Co-First Vice President Tia Neyman and Treasurer Diana Dornak. Co-First Vice President Brandi Corrao and Museum Directors Mary Ann Baxter and Charles Smitherman are absent from the picture.

Clear Lake Panhellenic officers for 2014-15 line up for a photo as they prepare for next season. They are, from left, First Vice President Kay Lee Benoit, Parliamentarian Laurie Vaughn, Third Vice President Holly Williamson, President Kim Barker, Second Vice President Jill Reason, Treasurer Michelle Richardson and Secretary Marjo Richmond.

new officers for the coming year -many who will have the summer for planning next year’s activities.

Kim Barker is the new president of Clear Lake Panhellenic, replacing Laurie Vaughn, who’ll serve as parliamentarian.

Joining her in heading the sorority alumnae organization are First Vice President Kay Lee Benoit, Second Vice President Jill Reason, Third Vice President Holly Williamson, Treasurer Michelle Richardson and Secretary Marjo Richmond.

Bay Area Museum Guild officers for the 2014-15 season include a familiar face -- President Carole Murphy, who headed the organization earlier for two terms, and is one of four who have headed the Guild more than one term.

She’ll get help from Co-First Vice Presidents Brandi Corrao and Tia Neyman, Second Vice President Jan Larson, Corresponding Secretary Cindy Kuenneke, Recording Secretary Nina McGlashan, Treasurer Diana Dornak and outgoing President Kimberley Weathers, who will be the parliamentarian. Mary Ann Baxter and Charles Smitherman serve as museum directors.

Assistance League officers also are in place for the coming months with Brunella Altemus as president, Peggy Clause as president-elect, Gail Ashby and Courtney Atchley as vice presidents, Marie Keener serving as treasurer and Ginger Darnell as secretary. They’re already busy preparing for Operation School Bell and the clothing of about 2,000 needy area school children.

Other elected officers include Strategic Planning Chairman Dee Cover, Education Chairman Barbara

Weitenhagen and Marketing Chairman Ronda Wegman.

43 area students are Jones Scholars

A TOTAL OF 43 Bay Area graduating seniors have been named Jones Scholars and awarded $16,000 college scholarships by the Houston Endowment.

From Clear Creek ISD are Tamor Khan, Mariam Malik and Christy Tran of Clear Brook High; Linh Dao and Jaycee Meloy of Clear Creek High; Tyler Laukaitis, Ibayar Padilla and Nicholas Spehar of Clear Falls High; Amir Ali, Mohit Bellani and William Wu of Clear Lake High and Veronica Hardy, Sandy Samaan and Kristie Tu of Clear Springs High.

Deer Park ISD students honored are Bethany Cole, Lyndsey Dupin, Timothy George, Alexandra Rivera and Zana Shaw, who attend Deer Park High.

Goose Creek ISD scholarship recipients in Baytown are Leonel Varvelo and Hiral Waghela of Goose Creek Memorial High; Han Bui and Neil Hernandez of Robert E. Lee High; and De’Jah Hawthorne and Sonia Valdovinos of Ross Sterling High.

Pasadena ISD’s Jones Scholars are Tony Ly, Anh Nguyen, Khanh Pham, Khoa Truong and Jancy Varghese of Dobie High; Jennifer Gomez, Kelvin Johnson and Noel Martinez of Pasadena High; Aydan Delgado, Bryce Elkins, Andrea Jackson and Nancy Medina of Pasadena Memorial; Genesis Jimenez, Jose Perales and Martha Santoyo of Rayburn High; and Amy Coronado, Angel Rubio and Luzdivina Ruiz of South Houston High.

Kippy Caraway of Clear Lake, right, Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s deputy chief of staff, visits with Barbara Botter of the Orlando, Fla., mayor’s office during a visit to the White House in Washington, D.C., where they and their mayors attended a forum on homeless veterans the first lady hosted.

Junior League scholars named

This year’s Junior League of Galveston County scholarship recipients include: Desirae Baker and Mallorie Watkins of Dickinson High School, Kirsten Birkmeyer of Santa Fe High, Arielle Brown, Madeline Silva and Megan Gallan of Ball High School, Ceille Dickerson of Texas City High, Veronica Hardy, Danae Winston and Kristie Tu of Clear Springs High, Loraine Maxwell of O’Connell High, Ariele Urps of La Marque High School and Jacqueline Yang of Clear Falls High School.

GB Tech owners Gale and Jean Burkett join the crowd at a recent BAHEP Communications Director Kathryn Cooper, left, chats Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership meeting at Lakewood with realtor Pamela Archer during a recent Bay Area Houston Yacht Club.

Economic Partnership meeting at Lakewood Yacht Club.

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TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

Why We Date Younger Women

still a major babe. She said she was now 44 years old and happy in her career as an accountant but her love life was less than stellar. She was “sometimes-dating” a man who was 57. She wasn’t happy about it, but she said guys her own age won’t even look at her any more, and she didn’t understand why. I thought about explaining it to her but figured she was depressed enough already.

Waring, Texas

I

t’s funny how you can have the most unlikely meetings with people from your past, in the most unusual places. I expect to run into former students when I attend a Bowl game or a Purdue-Rice football game, but in the middle of nowhere? And for a non-event? Sometimes that’s how it happens.

I had just spent a few hours at the adventure course at the Don Strange ranch and had stopped at the Waring General Store for a quick lunch.

The antique gas station had been converted to a snack bar and music venue many years ago and it seemed like the perfect place to recharge after a morning of play. I was sitting outside at one of the picnic tables about to dig into my cheeseburger when I noticed a woman a couple of

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tables away that was, quite frankly, nice to look at. Every time I looked up at her, I caught her looking at me. I had this gnawing feeling that she looked remarkably like someone I knew, but I couldn’t place who it might be.

We ate and occasionally glanced at each other, both embarrassed every time we got caught. She finished before me, pulled all of her trash together and walked over to the garbage barrel where she dumped the paper and stacked her plastic tray on

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

the counter. Then she walked up to me.

“Michael?”

“Yes?” I still had no idea.

“Carol. From English 101 at Purdue. Do you remember me?”

And then I did. She was a student of mine back in the late ‘80s. But she was also a bit more than that. After the class ended, we went out a few times. Then summer came and I’d heard nothing from her again. We had a lot to catch up on.

There is no question about it; she is

There’s a lot of folklore out there that tries to explain this phenomenon, but most of it is pure rubbish. At a party recently, I heard a professor say it is a biological trait common to all humans. Men can reproduce into their seventies and eighties while women usually play out some time in their forties. According to her, it became a necessity of species survival that men choose younger women.

Hogwash! Frankly, reproduction is just not that big of a deal to most males, and when we do think about it, those thoughts usually revolve around how to avoid it.

But the most common theory I hear is that as men get older, they experience an age crisis and spend years trying to regain their lost youth.

A major symptom of this quest is said to be the dating of younger women.

Again, ridiculous! These crises may exist, but they concentrate on the loss of life opportunities, not younger women. A man searching for his lost youth goes to Tahiti, buys a sports car or jumps out of airplanes. He doesn’t date adolescents. Besides, we start dating younger women long before any such crises take place.

Some feminists believe there are no genetic differences between men and women and that all differences are cultural. In this case at least, they’re probably right. The reason we date younger women is indeed cultural.

We do it because women forced us into it long ago.

As early as grade school, even back when we thought girls were “yucky,” we still had crushes on the little girls in our classes. I know I’ll never forget Susan Williams in the third grade.

And in those wonder years, the girls returned the favor. Life was idyllic.

If only it could have stayed that way.

But then junior high came. Sure we changed objects of our affections every few seconds, but we still kept it within our grade level. You were the ones who changed.

Don’t get me wrong; most of the changes were wonderful! You matured faster than we did, especially physically. You began experimenting with make-up and just generally looking great. It’s true we still looked like little kids, but was that our fault? We kept chasing you, more aggressively now because we decided we liked girls after all, but you wouldn’t even look at us. You only had eyes for the freshmen boys.

So we were forced to pay attention to younger girls—and we hated it.

It was embarrassing, but they were the only ones who would take us seriously.

When we started high school, you made the break between us complete.

You made it socially unacceptable for any girl to date a guy her own age, or God forbid, younger. When we were freshmen and sophomores, you would only date juniors and seniors.

Again, we hated it, but we were powerless against you. We couldn’t wait to become juniors ourselves so we could have a chance to win you back. But by then, you would only date college guys—and we were stuck with the incoming freshmen girls.

It was about this time we started recognizing what was happening and

we began to accept the inevitable.

By the time we were in our twenties, you had spread the age gap even further. Now a gap of four or five years was considered normal.

Older guys were, after all, more established in their careers and had more money. By this time, even we guys had come to think of this age

What’s done is done and there is nothing that can be done now to change things that were set in motion decades ago. Just relax and accept the old guys. They have a lot to offer.

If you really want to change things, what you can do is see to it that things will be different for your daughters when they grow up. While they’re in

“Nothing can be done now to change things that were set in motion decades ago.” discrimination as normal—you had finally won out.

But then somewhere in our late 30s or 40s, it all starts to come apart.

Whether you have chosen to delay marriage for career considerations or find yourself divorced, dating and marriage at this age become problematic for you. It hits home that you are now limited to older guys.

Guys your own age don’t take you seriously and by now, the age gap has easily reached 10 years. At the same time, the younger women are ignoring guys their own age. They want us. And now you want us to change?

school, encourage them to skip guys who are older and concentrate only on guys their own age or younger.

Until all mothers do that, the system you have created will remain.

Carol and I talked for nearly an hour. We talked about our lives and those of old friends we had kept up with. And she told me about her kids. Her youngest daughter is about to enter her sophomore year in high school and she has a major crush on the starting quarterback—a senior.

She is definitely her mother’s daughter.

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Exploration Green at the Starting Blocks

T

he Clear Lake City Water Authority plans to begin its Exploration Green project in the heart of Clear Lake as soon as state and local governments complete and issue the final necessary permits.

That decision came after a busy spring of public events and an election, when a vast majority of Clear Lake area citizens showed solid support for the Water Authority and the Exploration Green project to create the 200-acre flood control, recreation and conservation public space in Clear Lake.

With that support, current plans call for the project to begin in the Phase 1 area as soon as the necessary permits are issued.

The two candidates who endorsed Exploration Green, Gordon Johnson and Thomas Morrow, won by a three to one margin in the election to fill two seats on the CLCWA Board.

“The CLCWA election for two director positions was an invigorating win for Exploration Green and our community and we appreciate the large mandate to continue our efforts,” incumbent candidate Gordon Johnson said. “We want to focus on positive efforts to keep the public well-informed,” he added.

The other newly elected CLCWA director, Thomas Morrow, said, “We are both very humbled by the outpouring of support and voter turnout.

We know the only way we can thank voters is by doing the best job we can to keep the promises we made to you: To work to assure that the water authority provides you with outstanding quality and service, to do so at the lowest possible cost, to protect our community from increased flooding, to ensure responsible growth, to plan for the future, and to conserve, even improve, our local environment.”

Some project opponents requested a public meeting with the Texas Commission on Environmental Qual-

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ity (TCEQ) to discuss an important environmental permit amendment requested by CLCWA. The amendment is needed to route a portion of reuse water to the green space to help wetlands clean run-off water from streets and lawns and maintain adequate flowing water through the lakes.

Even though the TCEQ states that the permit application by CLCWA meets all statutory and regulatory requirements, a TCEQ public meeting on May 29 was another opportunity for citizens to learn more about the master plan of Exploration Green.

“We hope with all the open transparency through Exploration Green Town Halls and events, and the CLCWA director’s campaign and decisive election, that we’ll quickly receive the permits needed to begin Phase 1,” said CLCWA Vice President John Branch.

Frank Weary, longtime Clear Lake community leader and Exploration Green Conservancy chairman, added, “The number of Exploration Green supporters and volunteers continues to rapidly grow. Our biggest challenge is building our organizational structure and placing volunteers into key positions and committees – a hint for all interested in getting connected. Go to our website and join the volunteer team now!”

Citizens, community members and interested parties are encouraged to follow Exploration Green via any of its social media platforms. EG is active on Facebook at “Exploration Green.” The public is also encouraged to visit the current Exploration Green site by entering the V-shaped property at intersections with streets found by searching for “77062”on Google maps.

For more information about Exploration Green project visit www.

ExplorationGreen.org and http://clcwa.org/explorationgreen.html

DESIGN By Cathy Osoria tea drinkers or for removing stubborn food from dishes or utensils.  Gas stove—Gas stoves are generally preferred over electric stoves by most professional chefs.

They provide more accurate cooking temperatures, evenly distribute the heat, have lower heat emissions and faster cooking times, and if power is lost … no problem.

Splurging on a gas commercial-style range that is equally as stylish as functional would make cooking almost enjoyable for those who dread preparing meals.

Home Sweet Home

Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen and bath remodels continue to be two of the best investments that can be made in your home. Kitchen remodels, if done wisely, can get at least an 86 percent return on the investment.

A

newly remodeled kitchen can be enjoyed by the present owner while also being the deciding factor that helps the resale value so the home selling process is not prolonged. The layout of a kitchen can stimulate interaction with others, especially if the kitchen is opened to other rooms expanding the space. It seems as if everyone ends up in the “too small” kitchen. Some kitchen “must-have” features that will help make the space more functional and enjoyable are:  Large islands—Kitchens are about socializing, and large islands can provide a place to congregate, eat, do homework, prepare a meal and possibly provide extra seating.

A stove or second sink can be added into the island to help with the kitchen’s flow and function.  Double ovens—Two ovens allow you to cook two different dishes at two different temperatures at the same time. Two ovens can eliminate this hassle of food preparation. The main oven may be used to cook the first dish, and a secondary oven may be used for warming and additional baking.  Pot filler—This handy faucet is mounted high enough on the kitchen backsplash above the stove, and it

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drawers may have high or low sides, and the hardware attached to the drawer allows them to slide open all the way making it much easier to get objects in and out.  Tray storage cabinet—This is an amazing space-saver used to store cookie sheets, trays and cutting boards within vertical dividers. Tray storage may also be located in a deep pull out drawer so that the selection can be easily viewed.

“Gas stoves are generally preferred over electric stoves by most professional chefs.”

provides the water to fill a big pot for cooking soup or pasta without sloshing the water out of the pot or schlepping a heavy pot from the sink to the stovetop.  Deep and full extension drawers —Deep drawers for pots, pans and dishes provide easy access when cooking and make the most of every square inch of storage space.

Pulling a drawer out allows greater visibility of the stored materials, and the utensils are much easier to reach than when they are stacked inside a standard cabinet. Full extension

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

 Warming drawers—This equipment is helpful for busy households or entertaining. They keep prepared meals hot, warm plates and even help prep bread dough.  Trash and recycling bin—A pull out trash bin mounted in an island or cabinet is convenient and helps organize and hide trash.  Built in refrigerator—A built -in provides a clean, custom upscale look while maintaining an optimal environment for keeping ingredients fresh.  Hidden outlets—Required outlets break up the look of a beautiful backsplash. Under-cabinet outlets provide a smart solution and plenty of places to plug in appliances.  Instant hot water dispenser— This device provides boiling water from the tap and is perfect for

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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BUSINESS BUZZ

Todd Quasny wins Golden Bear Award

Johnson Space Center Flight Controller Todd Quasny was named recipient of Barrios Technology’s 2013 Golden Bear Award at the aerospace firm’s Annual Awards Banquet. Each quarter employees are commended for their high level of expertise and performance supporting NASA and the International Space Station program.

Quasny was selected to receive the coveted Gold Bear for his outstanding efforts and technical support in resolving the critical ISS Thermal Loop pump module failure that occurred in December 2013 onboard the International Space Station.

Memorial opens Webster clinic

Memorial Hermann Medical Group has opened a new clinic in Webster to better accommodate patients in the Bay Area. The clinic will serve as an additional location for current Memorial Hermann Medical Group physicians:  Deepti Mishra, M.D., Internal Medicine  Marta Molina, M.D., Family Medicine  Jason Wang, M.D., Family Medicine The office is located at #4 Professional Park Drive in Webster, and the phone number is 281-3161000.

Memorial Hermann Medical Group Webster is the newest location of Memorial Hermann Medical Group, a physician-led subsidiary of Memorial Hermann Healthcare System.

Practicing within Memorial Hermann Medical Group allows physicians

to focus on each patient’s personal healthcare needs while drawing on the resources, innovations and technological advancements of a wellrespected health system.

Speedy’s Printing marks 50th year

Speedy’s Printing at 715 24th St. in Galveston is celebrating 50 years in business on the island this year and the Galveston Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.

Galveston Mayor Lewis Rosen presented Speedy’s with a proclamation while business owner and partner Leon Kaplan traced the history of the family business and introduced his family, staff and friends.

The chamber’s Ambassadors also attended and presented Kaplan with several gifts in appreciation for the company’s longstanding membership with the Chamber.

Boeing funds dropout program

Continuing its long-time support for Communities In Schools-Bay Area, The Boeing Co. is funding a dropout prevention program at Clear Brook High School. This campus will be the 13th program placing a full-time CISBay Area coordinator.

“This Boeing grant will help Communities In Schools-Bay Area high school expansion program empowering students to stay in school by giving them a network of community resources to help them succeed,” said Boeing’s Dayni Alba.

The CIS-Bay Area serves campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson Independent School Districts .Clear Brook’s coordinator will intensively case manage more than 90 students at risk and assist more than 1,500 students with campus-wide activities.

The lucky winner, Kim Coffman and his wife Sandra have a look at their beautiful new 2014 Lincoln MKZ.

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Barrios honors 69 Employees

Barrios Technology recognized 69 employees with service awards at the Annual Awards Banquet held at Johnson Space Center’s Gilruth Center -- for their dedication to Barrios and their commitment fulfilling the company’s mission to be “the foremost small aerospace engineering services company providing extraordinary value to our customers, employees, and communities.”

Each employee was presented a custom designed Barrios service pin

by President and CEO Sandy Johnson.

Rich Gauvreau, Barrios’ 30-year recipient, was given a crystal award along with other gifts for his years of service with the 33-year old company.

Ten-year service award recipients were Chris Brown, Grace Choi, JoElla Delheimer, Mark Dunn, Hiyam Farsoun, Mary Lins, Ivy Mcleod, Judith Peace, Tim Sewart, Joslyn Taylor, Connie Wright, and Mark Zuteck. The 15-year service award recipient was Mike Meeks. Sheil Whitaker was recognized for 20-years of service, while Joe Aldape and Pete Overstreet were recognized for 25-years of service.

Dvorak becomes a wealth advisor

Richard Dvorak has become an Ameriprise Financial Private Wealth Advisor. Dvorak, with an office at 2525 Bay Area Blvd. in Clear Lake, is one of approximately nine percent of the nearly 10,000 Ameriprise financial

advisors to achieve this status.

Dvorak is part of Dvorak & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.To become eligible for this status, advisors must be experienced in serving affluent clients, maintain high client satisfaction scores, complete specialized training and achieve superior business results.

As an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisor, Dvorak is knowledgeable on a variety of topics and strategies including retirement, tax and estate planning, insurance and asset management.

NASA Selects Teledyne Brown

NASA has selected Teledyne Brown Engineering of Huntsville, Ala., to design and build a key component of the new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket the agency is developing to send humans farther than ever into deep space.

The component is the Launch Vehicle/Stage Adapter (LVSA), which will be used to connect the rocket’s 27.5-foot diameter core and 16.4-foot diameter interim cryogenic propulsion stages.

Under a $60 million contract action, Teledyne Brown will design, develop, test, evaluate and certify the LVSA assembly and manufacture the structural test article and two flight units.

Oil giant moving its headquarters

Occidental Petroleum, the largest oil producer in Texas, is moving its headquarters to Houston from Los Angeles.

In conjunction with the move, Occidental will create a new company to oversee its existing assets in California.

WINNER OF 2014 LINCOLN MKZ ANNOUNCED Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance recently announced Kim Coffman of Houston as the 2014 Lincoln Motor Company raffle winner. On May 20, Coffman and his wife, Sandra took possession of the brand new 2014 Lincoln MKZ at the Bayway Lincoln dealership, located at I-45 South in Houston.. The Bayway Lincoln dealership generously underwrote all administrative costs of the vehicle, valued at over $37,000. The Lincoln Motor Company, title sponsor for the 19th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, donated the car. The raffle proceeds benefit The Boys & Girls Harbor.

Darryl and Linda Wischnewsky, left, of Bayway Lincoln (Bayway Auto Group) and Keels & Wheels Concours Chairman Bob Fuller prepare to present Kim Coffman with his new Lincoln.

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Busy days ahead for Lunar Rendezvous

By Mary Alys Cherry

S

ome of the Lunar Rendezvous Festival’s most popular events highlight the July calendar as the 49th annual summer extravaganza continues with the theme, “Odysseys in Orbit.”

Next up is the 36th running of the Honeywell Fun Run at Space Center Houston, at 7:30 a.m. July 19; the Sunset Service at University Baptist Church, July 20; Fashion Show at the San Luis Convention Center Ballroom, at 10 a.m. July 22; and the Coronation Ball, which starts at 5 p.m. at the San Luis Convention Center Ballroom, July 26. Festival General Chairman Lea Bodie invited all interested in attending any of the remaining events to visit the website, www.lunarrendezvous.org

Fun Run

Fun Run Chairman Jay Lee says runners of all ages will gather at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at Space Center Houston for the 7:30 a.m. start to be the first to cross the finish line. The size of the crowd depends on the temperature. At times the event has drawn close to a thousand.

Packet pick-up and late registration are July 17 or 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at On The Run Running Store, 2427 Bay Area Blvd., in Clear Lake. For more information on sponsorship or underwriting this event, call Jay Lee at 281-480-5388. To register visit www.signmeup.com/site/reg/ register.aspx?fid=G52V0J7 This year’s Evening Eclipse Sunset Service is the day after the Terrestrial Trek -- at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20, the 45th anniversary of Apollo 11’s landing on the moon, at University Baptist Church on Middlebrook Drive in Clear Lake. Jennifer Simmons is serving as chairman of the Sunset Service with Lisa Stiles as co-chairman.

Guests will gather at University Baptist for singing and prayer, with special messages from former astronaut and Vice President and General Manager of Houston-based Oceaneering Space Systems Michael J. Bloomfield and UBC’s Associate Pastor of Student Ministries Kyle Wilson. Following the service, there will be a reception which includes the opportunity to view the royal court’s many community service projects.

The 49th annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival Supernova Style Fashion Show will start at

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Lunar Rendezvous Coronation Ball Chairman Debby Reichert, right, with Co-Chairmen Claire Peters, center, and Laura Parker prepare for July 26 gala.

10 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort with Jana Miller as chairman, Michelle Holland as co-chairman and Lenny Matuszewski Jr. as style show producer.

Plus, a bevy of pretty models showing off the latest fashions from Adelaide’s, Back Bay Boutique, The Clotheshorse, Casanova’s Downfall, Dillard’s, Jill’s Fashions, mommie chic and me, Nancy’s Bra Boutique, Oasis Med Spa, Stella and Dot, Tina’s on the Strand and Tootsies. For tickets, which are $75 and up, call 281-326-5950.

Coronation Ball

The 2014 Lunar Rendezvous Festival will conclude with the 49th annual Lunar Rendezvous Coronation Ball, starting at 5 p.m. and featuring the crowning of a new festival queen at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Debby Reichert is serving as chairman of the ball with Claire Peters and Laura Parker as cochairmen.

This will be a big night for 2014 Lunar Rendezvous Queen Sydney Schroder, Queen Alternate Ashton Reason and Festival Captain Grant McGough, and the entire royal court for that matter. One of the highlights of the ball will be the presentation of the 58 Lunar Rendezvous princesses and 14 lieutenants, along with the little ladies-in-waiting and pages.

Afterwards, the princesses will elect one from among their number who will be crowned queen and reign over the 2015 festival, along with a queen alternate, while the lieutenants will choose a captain to represent them. For tickets to the black-tie ball, which are $125, call 281-326-5950.

Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai’s May Scholarship Recipient

D

eer Park High School

graduate, Lauren Garcia is another talented and deserving recipient that received a Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac and Hyundai dealership $1,000 scholarship. Garcia graduated near the top of her class and yearns to help her local community. Not only did this energy filled student keep a 4.34 grade point average, she also volunteered a great deal of time to Pasadena Faith in Action, taught vacation Bible school and helped clean and paint her church. She also assisted with increasing church membership.

Garcia’s short term goal is to attend San Jacinto College, earn a

degree in Psychology and transfer to an upper division school.

This dynamic young lady holds awards from the National Honor Society, National Academic Achievement, and Poetry Outloud.

“Thanks to Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac and Hyundai for this wonderful gift so I can pursue my education. It’s a wish come true,” stated Lauren Garcia.

“It is our pleasure to present Lauren Garcia one of our $1,000 scholarships, which will enable her to further her education and studies,” said Chris Premont, ECommerce and Business Development Manager of Ron Carter Clear Lake and Hyundai.

Ron Carter Scholarship Recipient Receives Naval Academy Appointment

F

rom an early age, Abigail Dickson, an Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai Achievers Scholarship winner from 2013, dreamed of becoming a United States Naval Academy officer and naval aviator.

After receiving her scholarship, she attended the University of Memphis for the 2013-2014 academic year, where she excelled in her studies and continued to pursue her dream. This spring, she received an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. and will begin her studies there this July.

“My goal is to become a Navy aviator and serve my country proudly,” Dickson said. “The people at Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai have helped me to further that dream.” Abigail was a ROTC Junior Commander, attended the College of the Mainland and Collegiate High School in Galveston County while a student at Dickinson High School.

The Ron Carter Achievers scholarship is open to public, private and homeschool seniors that reside within the boundaries of Clear Creek ISD, Alvin ISD, Deer Park ISD, Pasadena ISD, Dickinson ISD, LaPorte ISD, Pearland ISD and Friendswood ISD. Recipients are chosen on academic achievement, character, leadership and community service. Scholarship applications and detailed instructions can be found by clicking on the “Community Involvement” tab and following the links at www.roncarterclearlake.com.

Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai is an automotive retailer located on Interstate 45 south in Friendswood, Texas. It is a family owned and operated business that is Houston’s fastest growing Cadillac Dealer and the number one volume Hyundai Dealer in the Houston area.

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Bay Area Rotary Clubs Honor CCISD Teachers of the Year

T

he Rotary Clubs

of League City, Seabrook and Space Center honored Clear Creek ISD’s 44 Campus Teachers of the Year May 19, at a luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City, where they also announced the 2014 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

Amanda Corbett, a second grade teacher at Landolt Elementary, is the Elementary Teacher of the Year. In her tenure as a teacher, she has realized the value of relationships, not just with her students, but with her fellow teachers and parents, she said. She views her classroom as a community, recognizing every child has a talent and finds opportunities to put those talents to work.

Dave Derr, the Audio Visual Production teacher at Clear Brook High, was selected as the Secondary

Elementary Teacher of the Year Amanda Corbett, left, of Landolt Elementary receives congratulations from last year’s CCISD and Texas Teacher of the Year Jill Howard.

Secondary Teacher of the Year David Derr, center, of Clear Brook High poses for a photo with last year’s CCISD and Regional Secondary Teacher of the Year, Betty McCulloch, and CCISD Superintendent Greg Smith.

Teacher of the Year. CCISD said Derr is recognized in Texas as one of the best film and production teachers. Just this year, he led his students to the South by Southwest Film Festival where the Clear Brook High School film and production team was ranked among the top 25 filmmakers in short documentaries. A short film by another student qualified her as a state finalist in the first ever UIL film competition.

Other 2014 finalists were Kelsey Bierman of Mossman Elementary, Erika Montgomery of Ed White Elementary, Dr. Amber Rhodes of Clear Springs High and Jessica Slaughter of Seabrook Intermediate.

Both winners will now move forward to the regional and hopefully state selection process for Texas Teacher of the Year. They also received $1,000 from the Rotary Clubs of League City, Seabrook and Space Center.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

New salary structure OK’d for CCISD teachers

O

ne of the strategic goals of the Clear

Creek School District is to recruit and retain compassionate, effective, innovative and highly motivated staff.

It is with this in mind, the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees approved an innovative pay structure for its teachers which not only improves the district’s competitiveness -- compared to area districts -- but also recognizes significant milestones during a teacher’s tenure in CCISD. “We sought input from teachers at all levels of experience and I am pleased to announce a salary structure which honors their work and puts us within a competitive advantage for years to come,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Smith.

To initiate the new pay structure, trustees approved a plan that increases teacher salary on average by 4.35 percent. Teachers up to 39 years of experience will receive substantial salary adjustments ranging from more than 2.5 percent to nearly 8 percent for the 2014-2015 school year.

“The largest shift in this plan compared to how we have handled teacher salary schedules in the past is that for every five years a teacher is in CCISD, he or she will receive a $2,500 salary increase in addition to the board approved cost-of-living increase. Teachers in the between years will also see a substantial

CCISD students are winners at International Science Fair

T

he world’s largest high school science research competition, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, a program of Society for Science & the Public, announced its top winners in Los Angeles last month and the names of six high school students in Clear Creek ISD were called.

“The world needs more scientists, makers and entrepreneurs to create jobs, drive economic growth and solve pressing global challenges,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation.

“Intel believes that young people are the key to innovation, and we hope that these winners inspire more students to get involved in science, technology, engineering and math, the foundation for creativity.”

This year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair featured more than 1,700 young scientists selected from 435 affiliate fairs in more than 70 countries, regions and territories.

In addition to the top winners, more than 500 finalists received awards and prizes for their innovative research, including 17 “Best of Category” winners, who each received a $5,000 prize. The Intel Foundation also awarded a $1,000 grant to each winner’s school and to the affiliated fair they represent.

The CCISD students who received awards are listed below:

Sarah Hancock and Kate Rutherford Clear Horizons Early College High n Special Awards: Alcoa Foundation, The Future of Transportation (Third Place) n Special Awards: American Association of Physics Teachers (Third Place)

pay increase this next school year to allow for differentiation in the milestone years,” said Deputy Superintendent of Business Services Paul McLarty.

“One of the goals met with this plan was to show our appreciation to our most tenured teachers. We have been able to provide a substantial increase in pay for these great teachers who have dedicated a lifetime to our district and the teaching profession.”

The plan increases the new teacher salary from $47,000 to $48,500 in 2014-2015 and teacher salaries in subsequent years of experience will also be increased, including a $2,500 boost for five-year milestones.

Experience Approved Increase New hires

$48,500

$1,500

5 years

$51,000

$3,103

10 years $53,500 $4,297 15 years $56,000 $3,878 20 years $58,500 $3,613 25 years $61,000 $4,453 30 years $63,000 $3,968 35 years $66,000 $3,438

Perry Alagappan Clear Lake High • Best of Category Award (1 of the 17 top winners of Intel ISEF). In addition to a cash prize for the winner, this award gives $1,000 to CLHS and $1,000 to the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston.

• First Place Award (Environmental Sciences) • Philip Streich Memorial Award to participate in the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) Divya Koyyalagunta Clear Lake High • First Place Award (Behavioral and Social Sciences) • Special Awards – American Physiological Society Award (First Place), NASA Award (Third Place) William Wu Clear Lake High • Third Place Award (Earth and Planetary Sciences) • Special Awards - K. T. Li Award to participate in the Taiwan International Science Fair, NOAA Award, United Airlines (Third Place), American Meteorological Society Award (First Place) Kavita Selva Clear Lake High • Third Place Award (Physics and Astronomy) • The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair honors the world’s most promising student entrepreneurs, innovators and scientists.

Finalists are selected annually from hundreds of affiliated fairs. Their projects are then evaluated onsite by more than 1,200 judges from nearly every scientific discipline, each with a Ph.D. or the equivalent of six years of related professional experience in one of the scientific disciplines.

CCISD enrollment tops 40,000

By Mary Alys Cherry

C

lear Lake High School had the largest enrollment of any school in the Clear Creek School District this year with 2,423 students, while most of the other high schools weren’t far behind as enrollment passed the 40,000 mark for the first time.

Space Center Intermediate, which draws students from both Nassau Bay and Clear Lake, had the largest enrollment of any middle school – 1,092 -- with Seabrook and Westbrook intermediate campuses close behind with 1,001 and 1,083 students.

Smallest was the new Bayside Intermediate in Education Village in League City with 697 enrolled.

Landolt had the most students of any elementary with 902 students. Smallest was Armand Bayou with 523 pupils.

Clear Brook High - 2,378 Clear Creek High - 2,180 Clear Falls High - 2,384 Clear Horizons High - 418 Clear Lake High - 2,423 Clear Path Alternative - 57 Clear Springs High - 2,314 Clear View High - 190 Bayside Intermediate - 697 Brookside Intermediate - 802 Clear Creek Intermediate - 793 Clear Lake Intermediate - 972 Creekside Intermediate - 830 League City Intermediate - 868 Seabrook Intermediate - 1,001 Space Center Intermediate - 1,092 Victory Lakes Intermediate - 948 Westbrook Intermediate 1,083 Armand Bayou Elementary - 523 Bauerschlag Elementary - 865 Bay Elementary - 790 Brookwood Elementary - 693 Clear Lake City Elementary - 577 Falcon Pass Elementary - 583 Gilmore Elementary - 864 Goforth Elementary - 714 Greene Elementary - 762 Hall Elementary - 736 Hyde Elementary - 623 Landolt Elementary - 902 League City Elementary - 571 Mossman Elementary - 786 McWhirter Elementary - 760 North Pointe Elementary - 784 Parr Elementary - 807 Robinson Elementary - 520 Ross Elementary - 725 Stewart Elementary - 722 Ward Elementary - 602 Weber Elementary - 893 Wedgewood Elementary - 756 Whitcomb Elementary - 740 White Elementary - 466 District Total - 40,004

JULY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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L O O K I N G

B A C K

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

United Space Alliance President and CEO Scott Hartwig, second from right, presented this historical framed shuttle mission pin collection to Space Center Houston to honor the nation’s space shuttle team. It includes an American flag that was flown in space on STS-108, plus 135 shuttle mission pins and a shuttle program emblem. USA was the prime contractor for NASA’s space shuttle program from 1996 to retirement in 2011. Taking part in the presentation were, from right, Space Center Houston President Richard Allen, Johnson Space Center Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa and Deputy Director Kirk Shireman.

The Citizens for Space Exploration made their 23rd annual trek to Washington D.C., in late May. Among the travelers were, from left, Houston City Councilman Dave Martin, State Sen. Sylvia Garcia, Congressman Gene Green and Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Kippy Caraway.

Congressional candidates Dr. Brian Babin, left, and Ben Streusand, second from left, prepare to take part in the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s election forum at the Nassau Bay Hilton.

With them are BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, right, and San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, who served as moderator. Babin later won the GOP runoff.

Space Center Rotary Program Chairman Jorge Hernandez, President Sheryl Berg, from left, and Rotarian and SJC Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford, right, welcome San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer to the club’s luncheon meeting at Bay Oaks Country Club, where she talked about education’s challenges of meeting industry’s employment needs.

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Barrios Technology President Sandy Johnson and Program Manager Robert McAfoos welcome the crowd to the new 10,000-square-foot International Space Station Conference Facility it will operate under its NASA contract at 1800 Space Park Drive. The facility, on the ground floor of Nassau Bay City Hall, has nine conference rooms with a capacity of about 350 personnel and is especially convenient for space scientists coming here from all over the world.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | JULY 2014

Mayors Tim Paulinson of League City, left, and Mark Denman of Nassau Bay wait their turn to address the crowd at the State of the Lake presentation at Butler’s Courtyard in League City.

State of the Lake speakers included, from left, Houston City Councilman Dave Martin, Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, Kemah City Administrator Rick Beverlin, Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman and Port Commissioner John Kennedy.

Oscar Pennington, right, Houston city councilman who is formerly from Clear Lake, gets a warm welcome to the State of the Lake from South Shore Harbour Resort General Manager Roy Green.