Bay Area Houston Magazine October 2013 by Bay Group Media

Proud to S up p ort Br eas t C a nc er Awa r en ess

October 2013 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

THE DOCTORS NEXT DOOR Neighbors Emergency Center: Caring for You 24/7

OCTOBER 2013

features 9

Huge, expensive changes coming

Ellington Airport may find new life in the near future

Teeth in a day

Petrochemical and maritime event draws hundreds to Pasadena

News, photos, events and updates

Several VIPs share their views at various events

ON THE COVER

A Texas success in Baytown, Pasadena and beyond

Neighbors Emergency Center.

Back to the basics

Big “C” stands for community and change

Begins with a bigger, better budget

Annual award winners selected

President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

Executive Vice President Patty Kane Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan

A Spaceport for Space City Dental Health Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Conference Economic Alliance Houston Port Region News Prominent Speakers Visit the Bay Area Neighbors Emergency Center Explaining Breast Cancer Marian Sparks: A Bay Area Survivor A Brand New Year at CCISD Clear Creek Education Foundation

52 Finance Don’t dawdle on student loan search

Director of Graphics Media Victoria Ugalde Sales & Marketing Patty Bederka Debbie Salisbury Tracy Warner

columns

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

Busy social season underway

It’s worth the wait

Conservative to curvy: new sedans for the bay

Digital Strategy Consultant Pierr Castillo

How wind direction and velocities affect fishing

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

Families at the center of Friendswood Harvest Festival

Distribution Tim Shinkle

Community Affairs Director Lillian Harmon

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

281.474.5875

Clear Lake Chatter Texas Meditations In Wheel Time The Admiral’s Log Light @ Work

44 CLICK! First look at proposed spaceport

in each issue

Flood Insurance Hikes

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events

Let Us Entertain You

Huge, expensive changes coming in flood insurance By Mary Alys Cherry

ith thousands of property owners facing crippling hikes in flood insurance, Bay Area Houston cities have joined a national effort to delay implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Act passed by Congress in 2012. The legislation, passed on a 40218 vote, would extend the National Flood Insurance Program for another five years but includes a number of provisions that could prove extremely costly for area home and business owners. It makes big changes to the NFIP of which everyone should be aware: n Properties that are below the base flood elevation level, which has been raised by five feet with the revised act, will face significantly increased rates. Congress has instructed FEMA to stop giving premium discounts to properties that are below the BFE, even if they were up to code when built. n Grandfathered rates are to be phased out. Biggett-Waters phases out subsidies for businesses, vacation homes and structures that flood repeatedly that already existed when the original program began. n And, it’s not just expensive waterfront homes that will see the increase. Property all over the area in low lying areas and flood zones face huge hikes. Rates for certain homes in high-risk areas will increase 25 percent each year over the next four years, starting this year. It has been estimated that homes with repetitive losses could start at $10,600 per year. Increases that will affect coastal areas negatively. Former Nassau Bay Mayor Don Matter, now retired, formerly paid $500 for flood insurance on his home. This year, his premium is expected to be $3,600 and it will go up 25 percent each year. Current Mayor Mark Denman is expecting his annual premium to increase from about $700 to $4,346. The local fight to delay or stop the proposed changes is being led by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, which was first contacted in early August by the mayors of La Porte and Nassau Bay, asking for a regional meeting to discuss the impact of the changes. BAHEP hosted the meeting Aug. 6 with 51 attending – representatives from 12 area cities, Rep. Randy Weber, State Sen. Larry Taylor, Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman, Houston City Councilman Dave Martin and

representatives of other elected officials. A FEMA page was set up on the BAHEP website, discussing the impact of the changes and 20 area cities and the Harris County Commissioners Court have passed resolutions urging a second look at the legislation and possible changes. Houston Mayor Annise Parker has written letters to area congressmen, asking their help. They have joined with officials across the country – New Orleans, Hurricane Sandy victims in New York, rivertown communities on flood plains in the Midwest, the Gulf Coast, etc. – working with Congress trying to find a solution. It’s a very serious problem, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell says. “Many properties that were in the 500-year flood plain are now in the 100-year flood plain, which dramatically affects their flood insurance rates. Biggert-Waters will not only affect the Bay Area Houston region but also any region in the country with homes and businesses in a flood plain – coastal areas as well as property along rivers and around lakes.” Nassau Bay is very appreciative of BAHEP’s effort, City Manager Chris Reed says. “We couldn’t have done this without BAHEP’s help. We’re a small city fighting a big battle, and there was no way that we could have arranged a meeting with the people who were in that room by ourselves.” What will be the outcome if Congress doesn’t act? n Homes in the flood plain will become difficult to sell n There will be a likely decrease in housing values n Plus a likely increase in housing vacancy rates n Homeowners with no mortgage will likely drop flood insurance n The property tax base will decrease as the result of lower property values n A likely increase in rental property n A likely decrease in economic development n A deterioration of a city’s infrastructure due to a decrease in funds available for maintenance and operations n A likely decrease in city services n A likely increase in slum and blight OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

FOR SPACE CITY

By Mary Alys Cherry

Ellington Airport may find new life as a spaceport in the not-too-distant future.

hat’s the dream of Houston Director of Aviation Mario Diaz – a dream that’s shared by Houston Mayor Annise Parker. Diaz unveiled his bold futuristic plan when he delivered the keynote address for Commercial Spaceflight Federation’s annual conference here at a session at Space Center Houston that also included members of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, the aerospace and aviation industries and the public. “How does the city dubbed Space City USA in the last century hold on to that title in the 21st century? We think this is the answer: the Houston Spaceport,” Diaz said as showed renderings of what the Ellington of the future could look like to the audience, which included Johnson Space Center

Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa. The concept drawings include a sleek-looking passenger terminal, space for businesses, even an aviation museum. They would all be built on some 450 acres of land available at Ellington. The spaceport would provide flights for tourists from a terminal similar to today’s airports, with people boarding and taking off much as they would in a regular airplane. But, Diaz said, when the aircraft reached the Gulf of Mexico, it would go straight up “to the near reaches of space” and give passengers a tour of outer space before returning to earth and landing back at Ellington. “Not even the sky is the limit any more,” he said, adding, “Space is the new ocean of the world.”

BAHEP executive Dan Seal said he feels “we are on the doorstep of a new era.” Days earlier, Mayor Parker announced that Space City had applied for a license to build the nation’s largest spaceport not far from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in the Clear Lake area, which is home to more than 50 aerospace companies. The full cost of the spaceport has not been determined but Diaz said it would be paid for by funds from the private sector, city bonds and federal grants. And, it may take many months to obtain a license. There are currently eight licensed spaceports in the United States, including those in California, New Mexico and Alaska. The Texas cities of Brownsville and Midland are reportedly working on spaceport proposals. “We think Houston deserves a seat at the table.” Diaz first spoke of developing a spaceport at Ellington two years ago,

Gala Kickoff Party at West Mansion

ssistance League of the Bay Area will celebrate 25 years of service to the community with a Kickoff Party Saturday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the historic Jim West Mansion at 3303 E. NASA Parkway. Tickets are $50 per person and, in addition to offering the opportunity to take one of the first public tours of the restored West Mansion, the event will include light appetizers, music and automatic entry for door prizes. The local landmark is now home to

Hakeem Olajuwon’s business, DR34M. Basketballs signed by Olajuwon will be sold with a portion of the proceeds donated to Assistance League. Funding for local philanthropic programs is generated through Assistance League’s Resale Shop and its annual fundraising events. Its April 5, 2014 annual fundraising gala theme, as well as opportunities for underwriting and sponsorships, will be announced at the Kickoff Party. Proceeds from the event and the April 5 gala will

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

but saw his idea pick up steam in July when the Houston City Council approved a $718,000 contract for a consulting firm to work on the details. At the time of the July vote, Mayor Parker said, “We believe a licensed spaceport in Houston would not only serve as an economic generator for the city, but it would also enhance Houston’s well deserved reputation as a leader and key player in the aerospace industry.” Afterwards, the Federation President Michael Lopez Alegria hosted a panel discussion by five former astronauts – Chris Ferguson, Jim Voss, Garrett Reisman, Jeff Ashby and Rick Searfoss -- who now work for companies developing commercial space flight vehicles such as Sierra Nevada Corp., SpaceX, Blue Origin, Orbital Sciences and Boeing and who expect their companies to soon be flying to and from the International Space Station or into space.

directly support the league’s local philanthropic programs. Tickets are available to the public and may be purchased through the Resale Shop, 100 NASA Parkway or by calling 281-554-2594. Assistance League is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to improving lives in our community through local hands-on programs. One of its philanthropic programs is the nationally acclaimed Operation School Bell® which provides school clothes, shoes, underwear and basic toiletry kits to children in need. Operation School Bell has clothed more than 100,000 children in the past 25 years, putting “Caring and Commitment into Action” by helping children dress for a successful school experience.

DENTAL HEALTH

‘Teeth in a Day’ By Farid Noie DDS, DICOI, FAGD, AFAAID

inally, “Teeth in a day” is a predictable and affordable reality. It is estimated that more than 35 million Americans, due to various reasons, have lost their teeth and are reluctant to wear a removable appliance in order to be able to eat. The story doesn’t end here. Unfortunately, it gets worse. These removable appliances do not exactly replace lost natural teeth. They do not feel natural and certainly have fallen far short of being able to replace natural teeth. However, due to lack of any other real option, they have been used for centuries. Dental implants revolutionized the field and, for the first time, allowed false teeth to remain anchored to the jaw bone. Aside from tremendous stability that rivaled natural teeth, the dentures have traditionally been constructed bulky in order to keep them from sliding while chewing. Your dental Implantologist can now eliminate the bulk of these dentures and make them as small as natural teeth since there is no longer any need for saddling the denture over the gum area. They also enable the patient to preserve his or her jaw bone volume by stimulating them while eating, similar to natural teeth. Over the past two decades, dental implantology continued its ground breaking advancement. The introduction of 3D CT imaging and virtual pre-surgical treatment planning has made dental implants highly predictable. Traditional implant techniques have rightfully leaned on the side of over-caution. Histological studies suggested an incubation period of several months between surgically placement of dental implants and exposing them to jaw forces will increase the success ratio. In the absence of adequate bone volume, the procedure could take as long as a year or more to complete.

In 1990 Dr. Paulo Malo of Portugal, offered a new technique called “Teeth in a day.” He aimed to simplify and shorten the process. While some mavericks adopted his technique early on, many dental surgeons (including myself) chose to wait and see the long term results. Twenty-two years later, this technique has been time tested and proven to be very reliable. Teeth in a day requires a personalized plan and is not for everyone. Every patient is unique and there is no “one treatment fits all” approach when it comes to permanentfixed-tooth-replacement. If you are interested in leaving your teeth trouble in your rear view mirror, please contact UniCare Center for cosmetic and implant dentistry at 281332-4700 to schedule a personal complimentary consultation with Dr. Noie. You will receive a personal consultation, taking your unique situation under consideration.

“Twenty-two years later, this technique has been time tested and proven to be very reliable.” Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Mayors Tom Reid of Pearland, left, and Johnny Isbell of Pasadana, right, stop to visit with conference moderator Barry Beasley and San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer on arrival at the Economic Alliance Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference.

Economic Outlook Conference draws hundreds to Pasadena Photos and Story by Mary Alys Cherry “The future of the Houston Ship Channel region is so bright you have to wear shades.” That was the way Port of Houston Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria put it as she delivered the morning keynote address at the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference at the Pasadena Convention Center. Speaking to the crowd of 600 petrochemical and maritime executives, she talked about the Port’s upcoming 100th anniversary and the expansion of the Panama Canal and the growth the Port of Houston can expect from that. “We really are anticipating significant expansion,” she said, adding that the Port just took over New York as the country’s leading exporting port – “something to be proud of.” And that some $700 million has been allocated to Barbour’s Cut to assure its growth and make sure it can handle the expected increase in traffic from the Panama Canal. She was one of several speakers updating the crowd on the impact of gas exploration in Texas, increases in shipping, economic growth, the success of the chemical industry’s export market, and the many opportunities ahead. ExxonMobil Chemical Co. Senior Vice President Lynne Lachenmyer gave the afternoon keynote address, discussing global natural gas markets and how they could impact American chemical plant expansions, exports and exploration.

Welcome crowd

San Jacinto College Chancellor and Economic Alliance Board Chairman Dr. Brenda Hellyer joined Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell and Pearland Mayor Tom Reid in welcoming the crowd, after which Congressmen Gene Green and

Randy Weber gave a congressional update. During the morning session, the focus was on the petrochemical industry with several panelists updating the crowd. Included were Woody Paul, ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins plant manager; Van Long, Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Cedar Bayou plant manager; Hector Rivera, president and CEO of the Texas Chemical Council and Rudy Underwood of the American Chemistry Council. Afterwards, the focus turned to the maritime industry with a group of panelists discussing maritime shipping and steel imports. Taking part were Eric Chance of Hanjin Shipping America; Paul Weidenfeller, regional sales manager of exports for CMA-CGM America; and Richard Brazzale of Coutinho & Ferrostaal Inc.

Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria and Port Executive Director Col. Len Waterworth look for their table as they join the crowd at the Economic Alliance Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference.

Congressman Gene Green, left, listens as Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell makes a point as they await the start of the Economic Alliance Outlook Conference at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Future growth

“The ship channel region is uniquely positioned for strong economic growth and prosperity,” Economic Alliance President and CEO Chad Burke pointed out. “Whether it is $15 billion or $35 billion in potential investment or 25,000 or 100,000 construction jobs that will be created, we are certain we will experience significant capital investment and job creation. “There will be thousands of jobs for our residents due to work secured by companies in the region…but the growth is not without its challenges. Companies moving to this region or expanding here need a consistent and fair regulatory environment, a reasonable tax environment and an educated, skilled workforce. The Economic Alliance is actively working on these public policy issues. “We have a task force of industry and education leaders working on plans to develop a local workforce that can support future growth,” Burke added.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

Congressman Randy Weber, right, and Port of Houston Executive Director Len Waterworth make their way through the crowd at the 5th annual Economic Alliance Petrochemical and Maritime Outlook Conference.

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Promotional Powerhouse The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region’s Work Never Ends By Rod Evans

or many southeast Texas residents, our only interaction with the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel occurs when we drive over the area while traversing the Fred Hartman or Ship Channel bridges. In reality, the Ship Channel touches all of us who call the region home thanks to its position as perhaps the main economic driver in the area. The Port of Houston is a 25-mile long complex of diverse public and private facilities within the 52-mile long Houston Ship Channel. Originally constructed in 1914 through an innovative partnership between local and federal funding sources, the Port of Houston is consistently ranked first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, U.S. imports and export tonnage and second in total tonnage, as each year, according to the Port of Houston Authority, more than 200 million tons of cargo move through the port. But those numbers, as impressive as they are, tell only part of the story. As one of the busiest ports in the world, the Port of Houston and the Houston Ship Channel as a whole, with its 150 private industrial companies along the circuitous route to the Gulf of Mexico, contribute over one million jobs throughout Texas and generate over $178 billion in statewide economic impact, according to a study by Martin Associates. The largest component in the jobs and economic impact picture is the $15 billion petrochemical complex; the largest in the U.S. and among the largest in the world. As a result, U.S. Department of Commerce figures show Texas has led the nation for the past 11 years in exports, with exports totaling $265 billion in 2012, up over five percent from 2011. The Ship Channel region literally put Houston and the Bay Area on the map by playing a vital role in the economic development of the area. In addition to Houston, towns like Pasadena, Deer Park, Baytown, La Porte and Seabrook grew from sleepy country burgs into prosperous smaller cities with vibrant economies that grew as the port became a job creating monster. With so much riding on the port region, it only made sense that

organizations such as the Port of Houston Authority and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region would be founded to help support businesses located in the area and to promote the region as a whole as an ideal place to live and do business. The Economic Alliance Houston Port Region began life in 1985 as the Southeast Economic Development Corporation, but while the name has changed, its mission remains the same: serving as the economic development corporation for the Houston Ship Channel region. “Our mission is to market and grow this vibrant regional economy,” said Michelle Hundley, the Economic Alliance’s vice president of public affairs. In order to perform that far reaching job, the Economic Alliance has service contracts with Harris County, the Port of Houston Authority and the 16 communities

business development, quality of life, transportation, business growth and workforce development.

Where the Jobs Are The Alliance, through its Workforce Development Task Force, is actively involved in trying to solve a problem that could have dire consequences in the future: the increasing lack of qualified workers to fill positions with companies along the Ship Channel and those who do business with companies located in the region. “Everyone in the region is trying to tackle this workforce issue on their own, but what we decided was since we are a regional organization, let’s bring all of those resources together and all of those people speaking about the topic into one room so we can coordinate efforts and resources,” Hundley says. “The task force consists of representatives from all of the school districts and colleges in the region, along with representatives of the industries most affected by this shortage. The companies play a vital role because they can tell students

“The Alliance supported 38 projects that facilitated over 3,600 direct jobs and a capital investment of more than $2.6 billion in the Ship Channel region between 2008 and 2012.” that surround the channel, with development efforts focused in the petrochemical, maritime and logistics industries. “Each contract is distinctive, with the common theme of providing promotion and economic development services on behalf of each member institution,” Hundley said. Led by Economic Alliance President/CEO Chad Burke and in partnership with its 150 members, the Alliance supported 38 projects that facilitated over 3,600 direct jobs and a capital investment of more than $2.6 billion in the Ship Channel region between 2008 and 2012. The membership roll includes the governments of the surrounding communities as well petrochemical companies, engineering, architectural and law firms, area colleges, financial institutions, energy providers and many more. The members seek to promote the region and support existing industries through work on a variety of task forces, including ones related to public policy, new

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

and their parents what career paths are available and what they can make salary wise.” But according to industry analysts, the shortage of qualified workers is the result of state and national education systems emphasizing having students attend four-year colleges at the expense of providing opportunities for students to be exposed to technical or trade disciplines. A Houston Port Bureau study indicates that the petrochemical and manufacturing industries will invest some $35 billion in capital development and maintenance within the Ship Channel region over the course of the next several years, which will create over 111,000 direct construction jobs and 154,000 indirect jobs that will need to be filled. Hundley says the Greater Houston Partnership recently became a member of the Workforce Development Task Force, further strengthening the regional power of the organization, but much work remains to be done to encourage

students to enter technical and trade fields and combat the so-called “four-by-four” requirements in place in most Texas schools that influence curriculums to encourage attendance at four-year colleges over instruction in technical subjects. “There is a great need for skilled labor because many students are steered away from courses like welding. Students are no longer able to learn these skills because they are not introduced to them in school,” Hundley says. “The second issue affecting industries is the retiring workforce. A large percentage of the population currently working in these industries will be retiring over the next few years, which will make filling these positions even more critical.” Through its speakers bureau, the Alliance visits area schools and delivers Power Point presentations and other materials to educate students regarding the career opportunities available, while also educating school principals, teachers and counselors, as well as parents, to help guide students through their career decision making process.

A Great Place to Live In addition to helping to secure the future growth and health of the communities and industries doing business in the region, the Economic Alliance works to maintain and improve the overall living experience of area residents through its Quality of Life Task Force. The group’s initiatives include working with the San Jacinto Historic District on projects that promote the historical value of the area. Part of that effort includes the beautiful “Epic Art” murals that depict Texas historical figures that are placed on the storage tanks that line State Highway 225 and a newly unveiled mural on a water storage tank along Barbours Cut Blvd. in Morgan’s Point. The task force is also involved in helping area cities develop unique, attractive gateway structures welcoming visitors to their community and works with cities to develop parks and recreation areas in and around detention ponds. As the Economic Alliance continues its ongoing, multi-faceted business promotion activities, Hundley says the member supported organization is eagerly looking forward to 2014, when the Port region celebrates its centennial. Stay tuned for details on what surely will be a Texas sized celebration.

What’s the WRRDA? Why you should be interested in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act

he number of issues debated in Congress is dizzying to say the least. With thousands of bills being filed and discussed, it can be difficult for local citizens to weed through the mire and learn about legislation that will immediately impact the economic development and job prospects of their region. One such bill is the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRDAA), a bill aimed at ensuring that the maintenance and needed upgrades of the inland waterways system, ports, channels, locks, levees, and dams are achieved in a timely and cost efficient manner. The current inefficiencies and aging infrastructure impacts transportation, the flow of goods, and could leave communities vulnerable. H.R. 3050 was introduced by Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA), Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Representative Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Chairman, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment and has strong support from both Republicans and Democrats. The authors of the bill have stressed that maintaining our waterways is not a regional issue, but a national one. Nearly one-third of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is derived from international trade and 99 percent of the goods created, sold, imported and exported pass through a United States port. Furthermore, many do not realize that 30 million jobs in the U.S. are related to international trade. Trade volumes are expected to double in the next decade and again in the following decade. Yet, due to deferred maintenance and a dearth of improvements, the infrastructure is already sagging under the weight of its current load. The U.S. faces slowdowns and in some cases shutdowns unless processes are streamlined, project timelines accelerated, and costs are controlled. Rep. Gibbs recently stated, “If the river system is shutting down or there are slowdowns and stuff is not moving through like it should, there is a ripple effect through the whole economy.” In other words, everyone will bear the cost of an obsolete infrastructure in the form of slower job growth and an increase in the cost of goods. When projects are delayed due to inefficiency, it costs everyone money.

“Everyone will bear the cost of an obsolete infrastructure in the form of slower job growth and an increase in the cost of goods. When projects are delayed due to inefficiency, it costs everyone money.”

IT’S A WRAP Economic Alliance Houston Port Region hosts legislative wrap-up

n August 28, state senators, Sylvia Garcia and Larry Taylor, along with six state representatives: Ed Thompson, Wayne Smith, John Davis, Harold Dutton Jr., Ana Hernandez-Luna, and Mary Ann Perez, took to the stage at the San Jacinto Community College North Campus for the Economic Alliance Legislative Wrap-up. Nearly 150 attendees from industry, educational institutions, government entities, and non-profits enjoyed a light repast provided by the San Jacinto Culinary Arts program as the state legislators shared highlights, victories, and shared ongoing concerns from the 83rd Legislative session. High points included the passing of House Bill 5, an educational reform bill aimed at meeting future workforce demands by providing education for

There are two types of waterways, the first, often referred to as “Brown Water,” refers to our inland waterways which has been described by the American Society of Civil Engineers as “the hidden backbone of our freight networks.” Often, it is more efficient to send crops from the heartland of America to market by barge or ship rather than deliver by truck. This system is threatened by an average of 52 service interruptions per day. The second type of waterway is the “Deep Water” or “Blue Water” system comprised in part by ports, harbors, and some channels. Many navigation channels are filling up with sediment and debris. 97 percent of the Houston Ship Channel no longer meets its authorized depth and width, which means that cargo vessels must lighten their loads and are unable to carry to capacity. Cargo that could have been loaded into these vessels is left behind in order to reduce the draft. Consumers wind up paying at the cash register for the waste that results from inadequate dredging. H.R. 3050 proposes to change all of that. Rep. Shuster said the legislation is about international competitiveness and job creation. “It’s also about putting products on the shelf at the lowest possible price.” So what does all this mean for our region? Maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure is critical for: •

Jobs,

•

Trade,

•

Competitiveness,

•

Economic development, and

•

Regional Prosperity.

Along with these challenges come opportunities and leaders often arise. The Houston region’s congressional delegation are not only aware of these challenges, but are actively engaged in finding solutions and supporting the passage of WRRDA, along with H.R. 335 the Realize America’s Maritime Promise or RAMP Act, which ensures that future annual revenue captured by the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be used to maintain the nation’s waterways. Both these bills have bipartisan support and our congressional delegation continue to “fight the good fight.”

Action

If you would like to support these efforts, contact your Congressional member. If you’re not sure who it is, you can find that information and more at www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx For more information about the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, visit www.transportation.house.gov/wr

tax costs while encouraging investment in the region. Other important issues that were identified as needing additional work in the next legislative session were: water rights, transportation issues, and infrastructure needs. These leaders affirmed their commitment to continuing to work together to address these concerns going forward. Partisan politics were set aside during the 83rd Legislative session as Republicans worked alongside Democrats to deliver the best results for this region. From left, Dr. Brenda Hellyer (Chairman of the Board, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region), This cooperation was noted Rep. Ana Hernandez-Luna, Rep. John Davis, Sen. Sylvia Garcia, Rep. Ed Thompson, Sen. Larry Taylor, Rep. Mary Ann Perez, Rep. Harold Dutton Jr., Chad Burke (President & CEO Economic Alliance Houston by one of the attendees who Port Region). stated: “My compliments to our legislators for working careers requiring technical skills starting in high across party lines to the benefit of our region and school, and the renewal of Chapter 313 of the Texas state. Thank you for demonstrating regard to your Tax Code which allows school districts to offset colleagues. You make us proud.” OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Karen Pugh, Janice Gornto, Chris Howland and Sharleen Bullion, from left, arrive at Bay Oaks Country Club for the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Fall Fashion Show Luncheon.

Carol Bobo, left, chats with Joy Muniz as they await the start of the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Fall Fashion Show Luncheon.

Glenna Crist, Carol Short and Kimberly Weathers, from left, share a laugh as they join the crowd at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Fall Fashion Show Luncheon.

Busy social season under way NO MORE lazy days of summer. Fall is moving in, bringing with it a busy social calendar for the Bay Area. Instead of lounging on the beach, you’ll soon be needing roller skates to just keep up with all our activities – most of which benefit our community and add to our way of life. The Bay Oaks Women’s Association and Clear Lake Area Panhellenic kicked off the social season with two long-running events – the BOWA Fall Fashion Show Luncheon and Panhellenic’s Fall Friendship Tea – that have been going on like forever.

Creden, Carol Short, Ondi Lyon, Pamela Ploss, Emmeline Dodd, Betsy Salbilla, Danele Buehler, Wanda Kelly, Bobbie Moutz, Sharon Phelps, Glenna Crist, Sylvia Resch, Sandy Lantz and Lynette Gregg. Others President Jennifer Simmons welcomed after they signed in the Joy Muniz and Sharon Dillard were Janet Greenwood, Jackie Daley, Rita Johnson, Trisha Gunn, Stacy Bush Davis, Jo Nell Hunter, Gloria Cruz, Kimberly Weathers, Courtney Atchley, Allyson Jackson, Mary

CLEAR LAKE Panhellenic members were out in force when Cathy Osoria and Jo Nell Hunter hosted the sorority alumnae organization’s annual Fall Friendship Tea at Cathy’s lovely Bay Oaks home in Clear Lake. Early arrivals included President

Laurie Vaughn and her mother, Ann Gay, who also served as president of Panhellenic 30 years ago, and Style Show Chairman Kay Lee Benoit and Co-Chairmen Judie Ferguson and Jo Kat Bruce, who wasted no time lining up help for their big Nov. 1 fashion show luncheon. Plus, Jill Reason, Diane Overman, Ellen King, Peggy Clause, Emmeline Dodd and her granddaughter, Macy Osoria, Judy Raiford, Kim Barker, Kathie Wiley, Sue Ellen Jennings, Lisa O’Brien, Kelli Baliker and Annette Dwyer. Before long, they were joined by Suzanne Streetman, Renee Ditta, Priscilla Ennis, Stacy Bush Davis, Ann Brady¸ Michalyn Ordineaux, Lyla Nettles, Barbara Dickey, Pat McAllister, Sally Jordan, Hazel Harron, Dewanna Norris, Ondi Lyon, Debby Reichert, Ruth Beecher and Kim Krist and the Osoria home

Photos by Jill Reason

BAY OAKS Country Club was all abuzz as the style show luncheon got under way with Carol Bobo, Karen Pugh, Sharleen Bullion, Janice Gornto, Lucille Terraso and Sharleen Bullion renewing old friendships after a long, hot summer, along with Marilyn Lunney, Ebby

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Colombo, Rae Sinor, Ann Brady, Gloria Wong and Teresa Albuerne. Before long models Lea Bodie, Mary Margaret Smith, Peggy Green, Terri Divine, Rebecca Hensley, Sue Broughton, Judge Holly Williamson, Angela Bivens, Rebecca Hensley, Barbara Dickey and Cambry Rogers showed off the latest fall fashions – much to the delight of Kay Lee Benoit, Margaret Vail, Linda DeMasie, Page Sayers, Patricia Young, Lisa Chaney and Barbara Visser, who also were enjoying some some yummy Chicken Crepes for lunch.

Bay Are Houston Ballet founder Lynette Mason Gregg, left, and Director Emeritus Jill Reason, right, congratulate 2013 Bravo Award winner Ellen King during Kickoff Reception at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Ballet Board of Directors Kimberly Campbell, Judith Blanchard, Ellen King, Dr. Rosalind Perez and Pam Culpepper visit with Character Dolls Gabe Canepa, Sasha Bennett, Tara McCally and Justin Abel during Kickoff Reception at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

Volunteer Hall of Fame award winners for 2013 Cathy Pincus, Dawn Kopra and Kathy Pubentz, from left, get together for a photo after the presentation.

Clear Lake Panhellenic President Laurie Vaughn stops for a photo with her mom, Ann Gay, who was president of the sorority alumnae chapter 30 years ago.

was wall-to-wall with pretty women, busy sampling refreshments and talking about their upcoming fashion show luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort. Even Marilyn Monroe was there to remind them that “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” and invite them to invite their friends to join the merriment. Tickets are $75 and $100 for runway tables. For reservations, call Sue Ellen Jennings at 281-538-1257 or reach her by email at sueellen@verizon.net All proceeds go to Panhellenic’s Crawford-Zbanek Scholarship Foundation, which awards college scholarships to Bay Area women and which has awarded $408,500 in scholarships since 1967.

Ellen King given 2013 Bravo Award

Area Houston Ballet & Theatre kicked off its season with a reception at Bay Oaks Country Club. Ballet founder Lynette Mason Gregg and Director Emeritus Jill Reason made the presentation. “Undaunted by the challenge of resurrecting a mammoth and dormant project, she dazzled us with her almost single handed execution of a fun and much needed reboot of our annual major fundraiser,” Lynette told the crowd. “There were no boundaries to what she saw as the duties and responsibilities of being a BAHBT Board member. Entertaining guest artists, airport runs, covering the BAHBT office window and phones, attending every meeting related to BAHBT events…and this is the short list! When the time came to select the 2013 BRAVO! Award recipient, there was simply no one else on the radar whose contributions and commitment came even close to the plethora of contributions of Ellen King.”

Co-hostesses Jo Nell Hunter, left, and Cathy Osoria prepare to greet the crowd for Clear Lake Panhellenic’s Fall Friendship Tea at the Osoria home.

Previous recipients were Kimberly DeLape, Sheree Frede, Martha Ferebee, Kippy Caraway, Councilwoman Addie Wiseman, Jim Reinhartsen, Dr. Pat Wilson, Mary Alys Cherry, Pam Culpepper, Bob Mitchell, Matt Wiggins, Tax Assessor Mike Sullivan and Jill Reason. Another highlight of the evening, which featured vignettes from upcoming productions, was the induction of Cathy Pincus, Dawn Kopra and Kathy Pubentz into the BAHBT Volunteer Hall of Fame – a salute to them for all their hard work over the past year.

Big weekend on tap Oct. 4-5

BETTER POLISH up your dancing shoes for the weekend of Oct. 4 and 5. Two big events are on the calendar – the Clear Lake Area Chamber Chairman’s Ball Friday, Oct. 4, and the Bay Area Turning Point’s masquerade ball Oct. 5. The chamber’s Rockin’ the Red

Photos by Mary Colombo

ELLEN KING, who has chaired the past two ballet balls, was presented the 2013 Bravo Award when the Bay

Nothing quite like Marilyn Monroe to jazz up an event. So Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show Chairman Kay Lee Benoit, right, and Co-Chairmen Judie Ferguson and Jo Cat Bruce, from left, inked her for “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend,” coming up Friday, Nov. 1, at South Shore Harbour Resort and introduced her to the crowd at the Fall Friendship Tea.

Mary McMullen, left, is happy to see Sheree Frede Early arrivals at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Fall Fashion Show Luncheon included, from left, Bobbie Maatz, as they enjoy the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Diane Koenig, Carlene Langford, Sandy Lantz, Barbara Miller and Sharon Christman. Fall Fashion Show Luncheon.

Carpet will start at 6:30 p.m. Friday when guests begin walking down the red carpet at Space Center Houston, where they will honor outgoing Chairman of the Board Mike Furin, My Flooring America vice president, and the retiring chamber directors. Tickets are $95. Black tie suggested. “This evening, filled with great food and good friends, is the perfect way to cap off our chamber year and toast our chamber leaders. You definitely won’t want to miss this exciting celebration!” President Cindy Harreld says, adding that new chamber officers and directors will be introduced. L’ELEGANCE Masquerade, the Turning Point benefit, is from 8 p.m. to midnight at South Shore Harbour Resort with music by the Mambo Jazz Kings, fabulous food stations, blackjack and poker tables, a cash bar and live and silent auctions. Evening or masquerade attire is recommended. “The evening has been planned so that guests have a variety of things to do and not be glued to a chair all evening,” said Diane Savage, BATP president/CEO. “There will not be any speeches or presentations. Guests can choose to dance when they want to, eat when they want to, play poker or blackjack and bid on an array of silent and live auction items,” she added. Rather than a sit-down dinner, L’Elegance Masquerade will feature food stations with a variety of hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees and desserts so that guests can eat as little or as much as they want, when they want. Tickets, which are $100, may be purchased by calling Diane Savage or Erin Carroll at 281338-7600. Or online at DSavage@ BayAreaTurningPoint.com

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

texas m e di tat i o n s

By M i c ha el Gos

The Alamo Springs Café

It’s Worth the Wait Alamo Springs, Texas

Man does not live by barbeque alone. Sometimes he needs a cheeseburger. We were in Fredericksburg for a few days over spring break and decided it would give us an opportunity, with a bit of a Jeep ride, to experience what Texas Monthly magazine called the third best cheeseburger in Texas. I was especially intrigued because, in spite of placing two other burgers above it, the staff of the magazine chose to put the Alamo Springs Café burger on the front cover. As is generally the case on spring break, I came to Fredericksburg to meet up with my best friend Kevin, who comes down from Indiana every year to ride in Texas Hell Week, a bicycle gathering for the truly demented. He starts his day before dawn, eats two breakfasts and then rides more than 100 miles in the rugged Hill Country terrain. Then we play in the evenings. That usually starts with dinner and tonight that took us to Alamo Springs. According to the maps, Alamo Springs does not exist. It is a blank spot in the middle of Kendall County about ten miles south of Fredericksburg on a two—and sometimes one—lane blacktop. About the only way to find it is to follow the signs to the bat cave at the Old Tunnel State Park and then

look for the only other thing in the vicinity; Alamo Springs Cafe. It is really a unique spot to eat. It is so far “out in the sticks” that you would think they would have no business at all. You wonder how anyone could even find the place. But it is always busy and on weekend evenings, even with the two large outdoor dining areas, you could have a considerable wait for a table. Beverages work on the honor system. You pull your beer (or kid’s drinks) right from the coolers there on the restaurant floor, and you save the bottle caps. When it is time to leave, you give

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

the bottle caps to the cashier and she charges you accordingly. We each had a burger that was too large to fit into our mouths and a couple of beers and then settled in to relax and talk about what has transpired in our lives since the last time we were together and about things we should do in the future. It takes a while to get used to Kevin’s communication style. When you say something, there is 30 to 45 seconds of dead air—just about enough time to make you assume he didn’t hear you. At that point you will be tempted to say something else, just to keep the conversation

going. But don’t. The response is coming and it will usually be either hilarious or full of wisdom. Often it is both. If you jump the gun, you’ll miss the payoff. We got to talking about things we wanted to do in the next few times we got together. I told him I thought we should add the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain to our bucket lists. And then I waited—and waited some more. The answer finally came. “If you really have your heart set on death by livestock, I’m sure we can find a bull to piss off a lot closer to home.” Yep. As usual, it was worth the wait.

I buy that? Should I date her? Should I take that new job? When you think about it, it is surprising how many “spur of the moment” decisions each of us makes. We provide instantaneous answers to many of life’s questions, and sometimes even to life’s biggest and most important questions. For

trying to predict the future. That can be paralyzing. Instead, just trust your higher self. There is usually no reason to rush. We don’t even need to think much about the question at hand. Just let it simmer. Wait for the answers to come. In the Terlingua Ghost Town, there is a 10-foot square concrete building that once served as the town jail. Today it serves as the town bathrooms. Lavatory literature often communicates great wisdom, with an added bonus of being funny. The words of wisdom below are written on the wall inside the women’s restroom. (Don’t ask!) Insert graffiti photo exactly here The human mind has a way of working on problems when we are totally unaware anything is going on. We might be sleeping, doing some mindless activity like washing dishes or running, or even watching TV. All the while, the mind is working non-stop on issues we encounter. For the most part, we are unaware of it and that’s okay. Just let it play out. Don’t rush it. Wait for the signs. The answer will come. When it does, it will be full of wisdom, and it’s definitely worth the wait. By the way, Kevin was right! We can seek death by livestock closer to home. There will be a Pamplona-style Running of the Bulls in Baytown on December 7. Sounds like fun!

“We often produce answers even before we have fully articulated the questions in our minds.”

Over a number of decades now, I have studied the decisions I’ve made, and the results of those decisions. In doing so, I’ve found a strong correlation between the time I take to make the decisions and the quality of the results I get. Since our lives at any given moment are nothing more or less than the sum total of the decisions we’ve made up to that point, this seems like a worthwhile practice to me. Almost without exception, I find that the quick decisions I make produce bad results. Those that I take my time with turn out to have very positive consequences. Decisions are answers to life’s questions. Should

most of us, we have been doing this for so long that it has become a habit, so much so that now we often produce answers even before we have fully articulated the questions in our minds. And then we wonder at the poor results. My friend Kevin is a great communicator. He takes the time to think about what was said to him, to articulate in his mind the statement that he heard and needs to address, and only then does he make the decision how to respond. He does all of this before he ever says a word. That is why you can be pretty sure that whatever he says will be well thought out, soundly reasoned, and sometimes side-splitting funny. But he is more than a good communicator; he also serves as a good model for approaching the decisions life requires of us all. He doesn’t rush it; he takes the time necessary to get it right. I’m not suggesting that we spend days or weeks agonizing over decisions, analyzing data and

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

i n wheel t i m e

By D o n Ar m stro n g

Conservative to

New Sedans for the Bay 2013 Nissan Sentra

When the all-new Sentra arrived for our weeklong test, we were delightfully surprised by its new upscale appearance. In fact, if it weren’t for the Nissan grille and emblem we thought we were looking at a Lexus; it’s that nice.

Compared to the previous design, Sentra’s beltline has been lowered and a new character line has been added that runs from the front fenders to the sculpted taillights. The 2013 Sentra is built on a new platform that is lighter than the previous iteration, contributing to the new model’s more than 150-pound weight reduction and helping it get better mileage. Sentra’s sophisticated new look continues inside with a high-quality interior design and materials, including a soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests. Even though the car is only 2-inches

longer, there appears to be a lot more legroom, both front and back. Power comes from a 1.8-liter 4cylinder engine that produces 130-horsepower and is controlled by a CVT –continuously variable transmission. It may be slightly underpowered, but fuel mileage of 30city and 39-highway make up for the shortcoming. Overall, we think the all-new Nissan Sentra is a top pick. Starting at $15,990, excluding delivery, we’re giving it 5 out of 5 stars.

2013 Volkswagen Passat

Designed and built in the U.S., the Passat is probably the most un-German car in the Volkswagen lineup. Touted as a great sedan and with big sales numbers, we ended our weeklong test drive expecting Champaign and caviar but were handed – in our mind - a soda and saltines.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

Passat’s uber-conservative exterior styling, with its straight lines on all four sides, didn’t give us much to talk about and the interior, with its leatherette upholstery, did little to excite the senses either. At least the taillights had a little flair. Other positives include plenty of rear seat legroom and a huge trunk. The 170 horsepower 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine paired with a six speed automatic transmission was timid leaving the stop light and the front suspension wasn’t dampened enough for our taste, especially when travelling across Houston’s undulating concrete. We counted no fewer that 14 engine and trim models available that started at $20,845, but our mid-pack SE model, with sunroof and navigation along with floor mats and shipping charges, stickered for $28,025. For 2014 Volkswagen decided to drop Passat’s 2.5-liter power plant and replace it with a 1.8-liter 4 cylinder turbocharged affair. We think that will help.

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

By Capt. Joe Kent

How Wind Direction and Velocities Affect Fishing MOST ANGLERS have experienced detrimental effects on fishing caused by strong winds or winds from the wrong direction for fishing. Knowing the effects of various wind directions and where to fish or not to fish will add to your chances of breaking into that elite group of 10% of fishermen who catch 90% of the fish.

oastal fishing is highly affected by two elements, tidal flow and wind. Tide strength easily can be predicted by checking tide charts and allows plans for a fishing trip to be made well in advance. The same situation does not apply to wind strength and direction. For that reason, anglers who come home with the bacon most of the time know how to read the winds and when to cancel a trip or where to fish under the conditions at the time. Along the upper Texas Coast, especially the Galveston Bay Complex, a gentle southeast breeze is referred to as the Fisherman’s Breeze. The reason is that it brings fresh clear Gulf water into the bays and provides clear, fish inhabited water to the beachfront. The southeast wind also is known for its therapeutic benefits as sanitariums were common along the Texas Gulf Coast early in the 20th Century to take advantage of the medicinal effects of fresh ocean air. Southeast winds at moderate to strong velocities do not kill action, as do similar velocities from other directions. They just require a re-location for finding fish. On the opposite end, a moderate to strong southwest wind is considered by the majority of anglers to be the worst wind. Southwest winds are common

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

during the summer and are associated with hot dry weather coming from across the arid South Texas region. The result is lower tide (water) levels due to the cross wind impairing the ebb and flow of tidal movement, off color water and warmer water, which is not a plus during mid-summer. While experienced anglers can usually find fishable waters with all other directions, most agree that a fishing trip just isn’t worthwhile when a sustained southwest wind is blowing at moderate and stronger velocities. A south wind can be good for fishing and the key is velocity and whether it is leaning more to “Southeast the east or west. Strong southerly winds tend to have a westerly bent and as a result take on winds at some of the characteristics of a southwest wind. moderate When leaning more to the east, the effects of the southeast direction come in to play. to strong An east wind has two characteristics, raising tide levels and bringing clear, fresh water into velocities do the bays and marshes. Unfortunately, there is not kill action, an adage associated with this wind and that is “Fishing Is Least When Wind is East”. as do similar Westerly winds have the opposite effect in velocities from that they tend to empty the bays and marshes and also are not favored for fishing. other directions. North winds, like those from the west, are They just bay draining winds and, at moderate to strong velocities, dirty the bays and kill fishing. require a reNow, let’s take a look at where the action might take place during each of the four winds. location for During light to moderate southeast winds, just finding fish.” about any spot is going to have fishable water. If the velocities are strong, then the protected shorelines will likely be the place to fish. South/southwest, southwest and westerly winds are adverse to fishing. Depending on velocities, very few spots will hold fishable waters. Most seasoned anglers choose to postpone trips when sustained winds come from those directions. East winds limit fishing in the bays; however, with the influx of water they push into the back bays and marshes, those areas can be prime for red fish activity. During the fall, east winds will trigger bull red runs along the beachfront. Northerly winds and their associated low tide levels adversely affect bay fishing. They do create leeward shorelines along the surf and often flatten the water to create excellent conditions for fishing. During periods of not so strong north winds, the north shorelines of Trinity and East Bays are often hot spots for wade fishing. One of the better websites for information on winds is offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and can be found by typing into your search engine NOAA Marine Forecast Galveston, Texas. Also NOAA Buoy Reports for the Western Gulf of Mexico give real time wind velocities and directions.

Exciting Changes at Little Yacht Sales

ent Little, principle/owner of Little Yacht Sales is pleased to announce the grand reopening of their power boat division, Texas Power Yachts, at a new Marina. The office is now located at pier 13 South Shore Harbour Marina. 2551 South Shore Marina Blvd, League City. The new Texas Power Yachts office is currently staffed by senior broker Dan Hughes, Norm Fisher and in addition another well-known local yacht broker, David Hunt, has just recently joined the TPY team. The new TPY floating office can be found at the head of pier 13 in the Marina. David Hunt would like to invite all his old clients and friends to find him at his new office. David Hunt’s contact info is: Direct line at 713-8197426 or David@TexasPowerYachts. com Other changes in the company is the addition of Earnest, “Rusty” Hightower to the Little Yacht Sales office at pier 6/7 at Waterford Harbour. Rusty has over 20 years’ experience exclusively in yacht sales. Rusty and his wife Leilani are natives to Texas and are looking

forward to moving “back home.” Rusty Hightower’s contact info: Direct at 941-730-7207 or Rusty@ LittleYachtSales.com Principle/owner or LYS/TPY, Kent Little, commented; “The move to South Shore Harbour of our Power Boat Division (TPY) is part of our continuing efforts to present our new and used inventory in the best environment for our sellers and is also the best for our buyers. South Shore is predominately power boats where by Waterford Harbor, where our LYS office is, is predominately sail. We are taking the same hands on extreme approach to marketing our power listings as we are sail.” “This addition of two well established and experience brokers, is really going to complement the most professional team in the southwest for yacht sales. We’re all really looking forward them coming on board.” Texas Power Yachts office can be reached at 281-909-7377 or Info@ TexasPowerYachts.com Little Yacht Sales office can be reached at 281-334-6500 or Info@ LittleYachtSales.com

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

News & Events HARVEST MOON® SKIPPERS MEETING SLATED FOR OCT. 11

J/Boat co-founder Rodney Johnstone (right) presented Lakewood Yacht Club racer Uzi Ozeri with his trophy during the Awards Ceremony last year for the J/Fest Southwest Regatta held on Galveston Bay.

akewood Yacht Club’s Harvest Moon Regatta® Chairman Tom Frankum has announced that the Skippers Meeting for the 27th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta® will be held on Friday night, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. in the club’s ballroom, 2425 NASA Parkway in Seabrook. “Since this is a highly attended event of up to several hundred people, we are encouraging racers to come early to pick up their skippers’ packets at 6:30 p.m.,” Frankum related. “Then they will have time to review the sailing instructions before the start of the meeting.” The packets can be picked up in the Chart Room, which is down the hall from the ballroom. T-shirts and race paraphernalia can be purchased from volunteers in the ballroom lobby. “The Skippers Meeting is a critical one for racers to attend,” stated Lakewood’s Fleet Captain Don Mitchell, “as additional information will be addressed such as expected weather conditions, any changes to the racing rules or the dockage in Port Aransas.” The Harvest Moon Regatta® is a 150 mile race from Galveston to Port Aransas which will be begin on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 17, and end at the race finish in the channel at “Port A.” A free Harvest Moon Early Bacardi Blast party held at Lakewood’s Seahorse Pavilion on Saturday, Sept. 14, was successful in gleaning a healthy number of early race registrants. Racers will be arriving in “Port A” at varying times on Friday, Oct. 18, depending on the wind conditions over the Gulf of Mexico. The popular Welcome Sailors Rum Party will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, during late afternoon at the City Pavilion. After a barbecue buffet, an awards ceremony will be held where race winners will receive their trophies and the overall winner of the coveted Bacardi Cup will be announced. The regatta is a Category 3 Open Regatta for all racing cruising spinnaker and non-spinnaker sailing yachts with a minimum length of 27 feet. Over 220 boats are expected to race this year with close to 2,000 racers, friends and family attending the awards ceremony. The regatta is organized by Bay Access, a charitable organization supporting amateur racing. It is hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club, City of Port Aransas and Port Aransas & Mustang Island. A record number of sponsors this year include the following: founding sponsor Bacardi U.S.A., Nautic, Banks Sails, West Marine, Argonauta, Hays Insurance, Little Yacht Sales and the cities of Seabrook and Nassau Bay. Also helping to sponsor are O.J’s Marine, Sea Lake Yachts, Sound Financial Solutions, Mantus Anchors, Sailwith Scott.com, Jorg Gray Watches, Shaklee, Mauri Pro, Quantum Galveston Pleasure Pier, Bahama Rigging, True North Marine, and JK3. “Through the support of these enthusiastic sponsors, we are able to provide a first-class event for our racers,” explained Frankum.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

J/Boat Co-Founder to Attend J/Fest Southwest Regatta

/Fest Southwest Regatta Chairman Al Goethe of Lakewood Yacht Club announced that Rodney Johnstone, co-founder of J/Boats, Inc., will attend and participate in this year’s regatta slated for Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday , Nov. 3, on Galveston Bay. “The Johnstone family has made an undeniable mark on the world of sailing,” remarked Goethe. In addition to over 5,400 J-24’s cruising the waves, there are over 7,000 more J/Boats ranging from the International J/22 to the new J/70. The story began in 1975 when Johnstone, then an ad salesman for the sailing trade magazine Soundings, decided to build a sailboat he had been designing since the 1960’s. With $400 worth of fiberglass and wood, he built the 24’ x 9’ J/24 “Ragtime” in his three car garage in Stonington, Connecticut. During the summer of 1976, with an all family crew, “Ragtime” beat everything in sight. It was then that Johnstone realized that he had created something special – and the story continues today. The J/Fest Southwest Regatta weekend begins with the Skippers’ Meeting on Friday night, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. for check-in, meeting in the club’s ballroom,

2425 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, at 7:30 p.m. The regatta starts at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday Following the races on Saturday there will be a dinner with musical entertainment; following the racing on Sunday will be the Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m.. “The overall theme of the regatta, whose title sponsor is the city of Seabrook, is to provide a venue that is all inclusive to J/ Boat owners, their family and friends,” explained Goethe. While racers are on the water spouses, children and friends can enjoy a myriad of activities and tourist attractions in and around the Bay Area/ Houston. Brochures outlining these activities will be included in the skippers’ packets. Additional sponsors making this nationwide regatta possible are J/Boats Southwest, West Marine, Torqeedo, Rejex, J/World Annapolis Performance Sailing School, UK, Hayes Rigging, Harken, Blackburn Marine Supply, North Sails, Velocitek, Quantum, Sundance Grill, North U, Hays Insurance, Bay Access and Marlow. For further information and to register for the regatta, please visit the website www. JFestSouthwest.com.

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Light @ work

By Steve Lestarjette

Families are at the center of this Harvest Festival in Friendswood

hat began as a small church fellowship in a backyard in 1996 has grown to be an important Halloween alternative for more than 2,000 community children and parents today, making the annual Harvest Festival at Calvary Church Houston one of the largest fall holiday events in the region. From an event that began with a few games, food and candy, the Harvest Festival now includes inflatables, a climbing wall, putt putt golf, a bean bag toss, Rock ‘em Sock ‘em robots, water games, a mechanical bull ride, a dunking tank, and — new this year — a “huge” petting zoo. “We also have a cake walk,” says church spokesperson Debi Matthews. “You can win cakes and cookies baked by the sweet women of our congregation.” From its humble origins, the festival now requires a solid eight months of preparation and planning, coordinated by a core group of volunteers. Each year builds on the previous year’s successes. “Every festival is different,” Matthews explains. “Most of our vendors supply pizza, kettle corn, smoothies, and so on. This year, we are hoping to add a small vendor fair featuring some of our local businesses, on top of everything else.” Admission is free to all who stop by, thanks to the contributions of the congregation and more than 200 volunteers. It’s all part of the church’s “big view” of outreach. “Calvary Houston is a Bibleteaching church,” Matthews went on to say. “We believe that, as Christians, it is our privilege to serve others in the community. Jesus said He did not come to be served but to serve. Our desire is to extend that calling and example in everything we do.” The Harvest Festival “took off” as the church began to grow. As more and more people came and brought their friends, the church added a few

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

more games, food and candy. It became a community event around 2001, after the church moved to its present location on the corner of 3700 FM 528, a main thoroughfare in Friendswood. Pastor Ron Hindt wanted to make sure everyone in the community was welcome, so the church never charged admission. “We sincerely care about the community and want to provide a Halloween alternative that is fun and entertaining, one that families and kids can really enjoy,” Matthews says. This year’s Harvest Festival seems sure to draw more families than ever with its petting zoo and vendor fair. Even so, attendance alone is not the true measure of the event. “We don’t measure success by numbers because those can fluctuate from year to year depending on weather and other events in the area,” notes Matthews. “We measure by how well we ministered and reached out to the community. Did we give our best to what the Lord called us to do as a church? “Every year we hear how much people enjoyed the event. They tell us they can’t believe it’s free because we offer so much. People are grateful that we offer this to the community. Several families have started coming because they attended Harvest Festival.” Matthews acknowledges that Harvest Festival is Calvary Church Houston’s “super bowl” event of the year. “We have a congregation that loves to serve the church and the community. The congregation gets very excited about Harvest Festival, and realizing we are a blessing to the community makes it worthwhile.” The 2013 Harvest Festival is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. If you are in the area, stop by and pet an animal, or toss a bean bag, or take a turn climbing the rock wall. As you do, you will see more than an alternative to Halloween, but how far one church is willing to go to say, “We love being your neighbor.”

Several VIPs share their views at various Bay Area events By Mary Alys Cherry

hile we wouldn’t trade living in the Bay Area for most any other place, sometimes we do feel a bit isolated and are forced to miss some events we’d like to attend because of the distance involved. It was different this past month when several prominent figures dropped in to share their views. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett spoke to Space Center Rotary, Houston Mayor Annise Parker was the keynote speaker at the Clear Lake Area Chamber luncheon, State Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen gave a legislative update at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership reception and Houston City Councilman Dave Martin spoke at the BayTran monthly luncheon. Judge Emmett was back again, joining Galveston County Judge Mark Henry for an update on the State of the Counties for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and area lawmakers Sen. Larry Taylor and Reps. Bonnen and John Davis offered a legislative update for the Clear Lake Chamber. Meanwhile, Congressmen Gene Green, Steve Stockman and Randy Weber and Mayors Johnny Isbell of Pasadena and Tom Reid of Pearland and Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria spoke at the Economic Alliance Outlook Conference. All of which brings us up to date with Houston, Austin and Washington. Here’s some of what they said -with additional remarks on our website:

“Many think our icon is similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and now one of the most recognizable structures in the world,” he said, pointing out that the French icon originally was to have been torn down – that is until the city recognized its value and decided otherwise. Despite many ideas being tossed about, no one has the money to make their ideas work, he said. “We took a look at turning it into a hotel, but the Marriott Hotel Corp. said there was no way it would work as a hotel.” Emmett said he’s in favor of keeping it. For the rest of us, “it’s time to decide what to do with it.” Days later the matter was put on the Nov. 5 ballot to redevelop the Dome into a modern multipurpose venue for sports, exhibitions and community events. That was one of several subjects he broached. Turning to the Port of Houston, which he calls “the economic engine that drives our economy,” the judge says “we need to build its infrastructure to make the Port the door to North America. We need to make sure it remains proficient or the ships will go somewhere else. Translation: Better the flow of goods, the better the economy.”

knows all too well about keeping a city afloat when its economy is sinking. She remembers back when Houston was a one-industry town just like Detroit back in the early 1980s and suffered through a recession. Today its economy thrives, depending on several different industries. More recently, she vividly recalls what it was like to take over the reins to the city four years ago when the city was again experiencing a recession and had to lay off 750 city employees. “It was like jumping from a leaky boat in the middle of a storm. United Airlines was moving, NASA’s shuttle program was ending and the Clear Lake area was facing the loss of hundreds of jobs….” And, the city was having problems balancing its budget – we had to cut $200 million -a problem it does not have today.

State Rep. Dr. Greg Bonnen, center, and his wife, Kim, stop to talk with Harris County Director of Transit Services Ken Fickes, right, and Boeing Government Operations Manager Brian Freedman as they join the crowd at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership reception at Cullen’s Upscale Grille.

Rep. Greg Bonnen

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, third from left, stops for a photo with Clear Lake Area Chamber Chairman Mike Furin and President Cindy Harreld, second from left, after addressing the chamber at Lakewood Yacht Club. At left is Kippy Caraway of Clear Lake, the mayor’s deputy chief of staff.

Mayor Parker

Judge Emmett “The Houston Astrodome is a unique open space unmatched anywhere in the world,” yet Harris County Judge Ed Emmett feels no matter what he does in office, how many problems he solves, he will always be judged by what happens to it. He talked at length about it when he addressed the Space Center Rotary Club, explaining some of the many steps the county had gone through in an effort to find a way to put the iconic building known as the Eighth Wonder of the World back into good use once again.

No matter where she goes, Houston Mayor Annise Parker says she likely will get one of two questions from the audience: What will happen to the Astrodome? Could Houston end up like Detroit (which recently declared bankruptcy)? For the record, she hopes we will vote to save the Dome, and, no, she does not see Houston going bankrupt, she told Clear Lake Area Chamber members who greeted her with a standing ovation as she arrived to speak at their monthly luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club. “Many cities are facing cutbacks and Houston does have pension problems we are working on on a lot of fronts, but Detroit lost population and kept on spending.” Being a former city controller, she does not intend for that to happen here. Parker, who is running for a final term as mayor,

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

Speaking at Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership reception at Cullen’s, Dr. Greg Bonnen told about his freshman term in the Legislature. It wasn’t long before he saw how serious some of the state problems were becoming. “Thousands are moving here – 1,200 per day -- putting a strain on our water supplies. Some 80,000 new students are enrolling in our schools each year. We need more money for our schools. We need about $4 billion annually for our roads.” But, at least the lawmakers approved two proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that would allow for the use of unneeded funds in the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help solve water and transportation problems. One amendment appropriating $2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to provide for a water infrastructure plan will be on the ballot Nov. 5. A second amendment providing about $1.2 billion for road repairs was approved and will be on the ballot in November 2014. The neurosurgeon, who served on both the House Appropriations Committee and the House Insurance Committee, said he is hopeful voters will realize how important the water management plan is and approve the amendment. If so, then he said, “I think 50 years from now people will say, ‘I’m glad that 50 years ago those people were paying attention and looked out for us.’”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

EXPLAINING BREAST CANCER or most, the words “breast cancer” don’t conjure happy feelings. But here’s some breast cancer news that isn’t bleak: Approximately 2. 5 million women who are alive today had breast cancer – and overcame it. Although statistics say that about one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, the number of women who develop and die from the disease declines each year. Why? The likeliest answer is increased screenings and advanced breast cancer treatment. From statistics to screenings to treatments, breast cancer is a big subject – and it might seem hard to wrap your mind around. The breast cancer basics below can help you understand the disease and take steps to lower your risk.

Reducing Your Risk

Measuring breast cancer risk isn’t an exact science. Doctors can’t always explain why some women develop the disease and others don’t. Some unchangeable factors, such as being age 55 or older, up your risk. Other risk factors include: • • • •

Starting your period before age 12 Not bearing children by age 30 Having a family history of breast cancer Having changes in the cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2

However, certain risk factors, such as drinking and physical activity, can be altered with healthy lifestyle changes. Following these tips may reduce your risk: • • •

Consume less than one alcoholic beverage per day Stay at a healthy weight for your height, especially after menopause Work out four or more hours a week

Stick to Screenings

Experts offer slightly different suggestions when it comes to breast cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at 40 and a clinical breast exam by a doctor

every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, or every year for women 40 and older. Women with a heightened breast cancer risk should ask their doctors about the risks and benefits of an annual MRI and mammogram. Talk with your doctor to decide the best screening schedule for you. “Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, but if caught earlier, it’s easier to treat,” says Glen Garner, M.D., a general surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. Dr. Garner’s main focus as a surgeon involves diseases of the breast. But he has also experienced breast cancer from the other side – both his wife and his mother were diagnosed with the disease. “I feel my personal experience with breast cancer gives me an opportunity to help my patients and be more empathetic to their diagnosis and their needs before, during and after surgery,” Dr. Garner says. “And as someone whose family has been affected by breast cancer, I urge women to stick to the screening schedule recommended by their doctors.”

The Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Southeast

At Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, we take this fight seriously. We offer exceptional expertise, state-of-the-art technology and a wide range of screening and diagnostic tools to care for each patient. Just as each woman is unique, so too is our Breast Care Center. Here’s why:

Focused Expertise, Fast Results The Breast Care Center has a specialized, fellowship-trained breast radiologist. This means that the doctor reading your mammogram or performing your biopsy has the highest level of experience and education in breast imaging. “As a specialist, my goal is to catch breast cancer earlier,” explains Jibi Thomas, M.D., a fellowshiptrained breast radiologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Southeast. “Most mammograms are not read by specialists. My expertise enables me to detect abnormalities earlier.” Dr. Thomas also meets with patients directly to discuss their results. Patients can ask questions

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

and learn results faster. Most women undergoing a diagnostic mammogram know the outcome before leaving the Center. “Waiting for results can be difficult,” says Dr. Thomas. “We try to reduce anxiety by providing information quickly. We can move forward with treatment right away if necessary.”

Comprehensive Services

The Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Southeast offers a wide range of advanced screening and diagnostic tools, including breast tomosynthesis (an innovative 3-D technology that helps physicians detect smaller tumors sooner), breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and stereotactic biopsy. The Center also helps facilitate care if cancer is found. Our staff works closely with oncologists, surgeons and other specialists, discussing each patient case to ensure the best care. The Center’s Nurse Navigator helps the patient throughout the process, including making appointments, assisting with biopsies and even holding her hand through a procedure. “My mother survived breast cancer,” explains Dr. Thomas. “She’s the reason I specialize in breast imaging and believe in the difference a comprehensive breast care center can make.” The Cancer Program at Memorial Hermann Southeast is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and has earned its prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award. Schedule your mammogram and ask about breast tomosynthesis at Memorial Hermann Southeast today by calling 281.929.6485. You can also schedule your appointment online at memorialhermann.org.

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Pictured from the left, Marian Sparks, with Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Dixie Melillo.

The Big “C” Stands for Change and Community for This Bay Area Survivor n the past five years, adapting to change has been the one constant in the life of Marian Sparks. The Baytown resident went from married, insured and healthy to divorced, uninsured with a breast cancer diagnosis. From there she emerged as a business owner, philanthropist and survivor. And, through it all, she was jumping out of planes. She says she learned to face her cancer diagnosis in the same way she faced her fear of skydiving. Having seen her mother face cancer at the age of 50, Marian was diligent in getting her annual screenings. Because of divorce, her sources for screenings were limited. She discovered Methodist San Jacinto Hospital in Baytown had a grant to provide free screenings. When she was told that more tests were needed, she was referred to The Rose, a nonprofit breast health organization that serves nearly 35,000 women annually. Learning she had cancer, she was concerned about not having the ability to cover the costs. That’s when Marian discovered her new doctor was not only a surgeon, but the Co-Founder of The Rose. Dr. Dixie Melillo introduced her to The Rose’s Patient Navigators. Upon learning that Dr. Melillo had started The Rose – along with CoFounder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons – to provide for all women to have access to care, regardless of their ability to pay, Marian committed to volunteering. Deciding that skydiving could also be a means of fundraising, Marian established Jump for The Rose and annual events that draw hundreds of spectators and skydiving enthusiasts, raising more than $28,000 for uninsured women.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

The Rose -- currently with two locations and a mobile fleet extending to 25 counties -- has served the Bay area for 27 years. Last year, 9,571 Bay Area residents were provided screenings.

“Cancer is a devastating diagnosis and no one should hear it and feel alone,” noted Dorothy Gibbons. The women in the Bay Area will know, just like Marian learned, that we are here for them.” Gibbons praises the upcoming “Pinknic.” This event is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3, 1-4 p.m. at Carothers Coastal Gardens, 502 Pine Gully Rd, Seabrook, with music by Mickey Hobbs. For more, go to www.TheRose. org or call 281-484-4708. The fourth Jump for The Rose is scheduled for Oct. 11-13 at Skydive Spaceland, 16111 FM 521, Rosharon. For more, visit Events at www.TheRose.org.

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Let Us Entertain You

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

It’s a brand new year at CCISD with a new and bigger budget By Mary Alys Cherry

s both Clear Creek ISD teachers and more than 40,000 students began a new year, they walked in with a slight spring in their step, knowing things would be better this year. Better than they had been the past two years or more after the Texas Legislature cut CCISD’s funding by $23 million, resulting in larger pupil to-teacher ratios, staffing reductions, cutbacks in cleaning, supplies, bus routes and no raises in salary. The $5.4 billion legislative slash in funding to Texas schools two years ago – partially restored during this year’s session -- resulted in many Texas school districts having to trim their teaching staffs. Fortunately, CCISD was able to avoid laying off teachers until the economy bounced back but that probably didn’t keep them from worrying about their future as many staff jobs were cut. The $289.7 million budget is back to what it was before the economic downturn and includes funds for 18 additional teaching positions and $10.7 million in salary increases for teachers and staff. School Board President Ann Hammond wore a big smile as trustees passed the new budget. “Our employees, at all levels, work tirelessly to ensure all students in CCISD receive a high quality education. They have remained focused on the district’s mission while we worked through very difficult financial times. Now that the state has returned a portion of the funding it cut from public education in 2011, we are returning those dollars to staff,” she said afterwards. The budget also reflects an increase in the district’s contribution to employee health care from $225 to $265 per month. The vast majority of expenditures this school year, $188 million, will be for teacher salaries and benefits. The district will also spend $21 million in school leadership; $20.4 million in plant maintenance; $6.6 million for technology services; $6 million in administration; and, $3 million for security. Another large category of expenditures is student support services at $30.8 million. This includes counseling services, student transportation, cocurricular activities and health services. Finally, the district will spend $13.4 million for other services. The largest part of this expense, $8.5 million, is to pay for the cost the electricity to run campus and support facilities. Despite the increase in state funding, Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith says, “we will continue to look for ways to reduce costs without impacting student services. CCISD has reduced its utility budget by more than $2.5 million in two years and our Administrative Cost Ratio is 4.59 percent compared to the state’s average of 11 percent for districts our size.” CCISD’s revenue comes from three main sources -$168.3 million from local property taxes and $115.5 from state and federal funding. Another $5.8 million comes from a variety of sources such as donations, advertising, etc. The proposed Maintenance & Operations tax rate will remain at $1.04 per $100 valuation, while the Interest & Sinking tax rate will increase by four cents from $0.32 to $0.36 as part of year one of the CCISD bond program as authorized by voters in May 2013. The total tax rate of $1.40 is still less than the 2005 tax rate of $1.77.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Education Foundation Selects Annual Award Winners

he Clear Creek Education Foundation has announced it will honor an elite group of individuals who continually serve and represent the Clear Creek School District. Individuals within this group will receive their award during the CCEF annual gala, Nov. 2 at South Shore Harbour Resort. The foundation considered numerous nominations from the community in selecting these awardwinners. All winners have accepted the honor and plan to attend the CCEF gala. George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for consistent demonstration of commitment to CCISD over time: Robert Davee Distinguished Alumni Award presented to individuals who are CCISD alumni and are now accomplished professionals: Dr. Mary Elizabeth Curtner-Smith, Dr. Timothy Jones, Jake Hamilton, Kristy KruegerTankersley, Ron Rand Valor Award in honor of a public servant (military, police, fire, etc.) who has gone above and beyond the call of duty: Lt. Col. Bradley Bruce CCISD Superstar Award bestowed to a select group of individuals who support and enhance CCISD whether CCISD alumni or not: Gene Hollier, Jill Howard, Betty McCulloch, J. Floyd Williams, O.D.

Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award, a new award this year, will be presented to a small business owner within CCISD that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the district through active participation in multiple activities: Slade and Cindy Lewis – Lewis Diamonds and Timepieces Citizen of the Year recognized by the CCISD Board of Trustees and CCEF goes to an outstanding member of the community who consistently demonstrates commitment to CCISD and excellence in public education through volunteer efforts:David Braun The theme of CCEF’s 2013 gala is “The Stakes are High … Education is Our Best Bet.” Attendees will have the opportunity to recognize the award winners, learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives to support CCISD and enjoy gaming activities. For more information about the Nov. 2 gala or to purchase tickets to attend, visit the CCEF website or contact CCEF Executive Director Kaci Hanson at 281-284-0031. Established in 1992, the Clear Creek Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization located in League City, Texas. Comprised of volunteers with a passion for excellence, it raises funds to enrich academic achievement within Clear Creek School District. While the foundation operates independently of the school district, it is aligned and collaborates closely with CCISD to promote excellence in education.

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR Clear Creek ISD Principals of the Year, North Pointe Elementary Principal Kelly Mooney and Clear Springs High School Principal Gail Love, second and third from left, receive congratulations from CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, and Dr. Pam Wells, Region 4 executive director, as they are honored at the school board meeting.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

Don’t Dawdle on Student Loan Search

illions of young Americans recently began their senior year of high school. If your kid is among them, he or she is probably busy juggling homework, extracurricular activities and maybe a part-time job – all while trying to savor the last official year of childhood and simultaneously prepare for impending adulthood. You, on the other hand, are likely just wondering how the heck you’re going to pay for college. College may be a year away, but scholarship and loan application deadlines are just around the corner. As you’ll soon learn, there are tons of decisions to make and documents to fill out. Plus, some states award aid on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning funds for your child’s dream school could be exhausted by the time you get your paperwork together. If that doesn’t make you want to get the jump on financial aid, I don’t know what will. Your first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which is required by virtually all colleges, universities and career schools for federal student aid, as well as for most aid from states and individual colleges. It’s easiest to file an FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov You can also get a hard copy from your child’s school or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. The FAFSA filing deadline for federal loans isn’t until June 30, 2014, but many state and individual school deadlines fall months earlier. Many types of student aid are available to help cover costs at four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, and trade, career or technical schools, including: • Hundreds of thousands of free scholarships and fellowships are awarded each year. Visitwww. finaid.org/scholarships for helpful tips. • Federal Pell Grants are needsbased grants given to lowincome students to pursue post-secondary education. The maximum annual Pell Grant amount is $5,500; but students can receive Pell Grants for no more than 12 semesters. They need not be repaid. • Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants for up to $4,000 a year are awarded to undergraduates demonstrating exceptional financial need. • Federal Work-Study provides

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

•

part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Low-interest Federal Perkins Loans are for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. They are “subsidized,” meaning the government pays yearly interest while students are enrolled. They have no origination or default fees. Direct Stafford Loans are lowinterest federal government loans with no origination fee and come in two varieties: needsbased “Subsidized” loans for undergraduate students where the government pays the yearly interest while students are enrolled; and “Unsubsidized,” for undergraduate and graduate students of any income level, where students are responsible for interest that accrues while enrolled. Private Education Loans are offered by lenders to students and parents to supplement government loans. They aren’t government-guaranteed or subsidized and typically carry higher interest rates, although you can borrow greater amounts. Details and rates vary widely. Some colleges sponsor their own loans to students and parents. Interest rates may be lower than federal loans. Check each college’s aid materials to see if they’re available. PLUS loans are federal loans that graduate or professionaldegree students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to pay for education expenses. They are made through participating schools at a fixed interest rate. There is an origination fee.

Visit the Federal Student Aid site (http://studentaid.ed.gov ) and www.FinAid.org for complete explanations of the different types of grants/loans, calculators and many other tools. This article is brought to you by a partnership between Visa and Texas First Bank and was authored by Jason Alderman, who directs Visa’s financial education programs. For more information, follow Texas First Bank on Facebook, Twitter and You Tube or visit us at www.texasfirstbank.com.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | OCTOBER 2013

OCTOBER 2013 | Bay Area Houston Magazine