Bay Area Houston Magazine 2012 by Bay Group Media

T H E

B AY

A R E A’S

FAV O U R I T E

P U BL IC ATION

December 2012 www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com

• Ellen Ochoa to Succeed Mike Coats as JSC Director • Clear Lake Chatter • Local Holiday Shopping • CCISD News • Fishing in December?

Experience The Clear Creek Winery Lifestyle

features 11

How do we lose bone volume?

Hot shopping in the Bay Area

Education gala honors 9

$1.7 million still needed to open shuttle to public

A leader in science and technology

BAHEP’s Quasar Award

Kemah’s Tuscan-themed winery

Rates from city to city

Publisher Mary Alys Cherry

Changing the face of the internet

President Rob Kumar

Ellen Ochoa to succeed Mike Coats

Art Director Brandon Rowan

New public safety building

Beauty from head to toe

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

ON THE COVER

David Skinner with wife Kristen Hopper, daughter Makenzie and a member of the United States Marine Corps. Photo by Brian Stewart

Chairman Rick Clapp

Vice President of Sales Patty Kane

Sales & Marketing Patty Bederka Natalie Epperley Ashley Karlen Amber Sample

Dazzling Presents Near Your Front Door CCISD News Shuttle at Space Center Houston Lee College Fred Griffin Honored The Clear Creek Winery Lifestyle Tax Rates in the Bay Area Mobile Websites Johnson Space Center Taps New Director League City Breaks Ground Salon La Rouge Clear Lake Panhellenic Fashion Show

Graphic Designer Victoria Ugalde

columns

Photography Brian Stewart Mary Alys Cherry

Galas keep us on the go

A dangerous month for fish, fishing and boating

Community Affairs Director Lillian Harmon

www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com R.Clapp@Baygroupmedia.com 281.474.5875

Clear Lake Chatter Admiral’s Log

41 CLICK! CLACC 50th anniversary ball

in each issue

Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586

Dental Health

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Advertiser’s Index

Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events

Main Events

DECEMBER 2012

Will you become a holiday crime victim? The holidays are here, and happy days are ahead – we think.

ut it’s also a time when criminals seem to come out of the woodwork, breaking into cars, homes and businesses, even robbing some at gunpoint, local police officers will quickly tell you. “You must know that anytime, anywhere, you can be a victim of a crime,” Houston Police Officer Randy Derr warns as he glances down at crime statistics over the past few months. “These thugs are looking for easy targets, so have your keys in hand and avoid using your cell phone while walking to and from your car.” His computer is full of statistics to show why he’s concerned. HPD has investigated 98 burglaries in Clear Lake City the past three months – 35 in August, 32 in September and 31 in October -- and 113 motor vehicle burglaries – 48 in August, 30 in September and 35 in October. Plus 5 sexual assaults, 43 auto thefts, 69 cases of criminal mischief and 23 robberies. Most occur along the Gulf Freeway corridor and near apartment complexes. The statistics are much the same in League City but slightly lower. During the same period League City Police investigated 62 burglaries – 21 in August, 14 in September and 27 in October – and 88 motor vehicle break-ins – 36 in

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August, 20 in September and 32 in October, along with 6 robberies, 3 sexual assaults, 19 auto thefts, 9 cases of aggravated assault and 75 cases of shoplifting. To avoid being a crime victim, Officer Derr has several suggestions: • Be ever mindful of your surroundings. •

Try to park under parking lot lights if it’s dark and when you leave, have your car keys in hand.

•

Do not leave objects in plain sight in your vehicle and lock it when you leave.

•

Ladies should avoid carrying a large purse, and if someone does grab your purse, especially if they are in a moving vehicle, let them have the purse. Do not fight them. This will avoid serious injury or death.

Close and lock your garage door and put your home alarm on when you leave. That last suggestion was emphasized last year when HPD was confronted with an increase in burglaries in Clear Lake’s Bay Oaks subdivision and brought its Mounted Patrol down from Houston to patrol the streets.

Writers Don Armstrong In Wheel Time

Mary Alys Cherry Clear Lake Chatter

Rod Evans Boating/Fitness

Michael Gos Texas Meditations

Captain Joe Kent Fishing

Betha Merit Travel/Food/Wine

Pat Patton Click

Dr. Ed Reitman Nourishing the Mind

Roseann Rogers The Buzz

Zach Tate Music

•

Mary Alys Cherry Publisher

Best Mortgage Best Auto Repair Best Credit Union Best Cafe Best Bank Best Hair Salon Best Hair Stylist Best Bartender Best Pub/Bar Best Local Entertainer Best Brunch Best Seafood Best Steak Best Sushi Best Pizza Best Italian Best Mexican Best Cajun Best Asian Best BBQ Most Romantic Restaurant Best Family Restaurant

Best Burger Best Margarita Best Contractor/Remodeler Best Health Club Best Spa Best Realtor/Agent Best Mens Apparel Best Womens Apparel Best Entertainment Spot Best Ladies Boutique Best Yacht Club Best Marina Best City To Live Best Massage Therapist Best Vision Center Best Gift Shop Best Home Builder Best Wine Bar or Winery Best Furniture Store Best Breakfast Best Car Dealer-domestic Best Car Dealer- foreign

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Advertiser’s Index 81 Neon Page 52 www.arescorporation.com Arlan’s Page 52 www.arlansmarket.com Assistance League Page 46 www.bayarea.assistanceleague.org Baubles and Beads Page 53 Bayway Homes Page 35 www.baywayhomes.com Best Publications Page 36 Big Splash Web Design Page 3 www.bigsplashwebdesign.com Bosone’s Auto Page 52 www.bosoneautomotive.com Boudreaux’s on the Bayou Page 28 www.boudreauxsonthebayou.com Bungalow Page 29 City of Dickinson Page 13 www.ci.dickinson.tx.us City of Kemah Page 45 www.visitkemahtx.com Clothes Horse Page 53 Coastal Plastic Surgery Page 54 www.tadammd.com The Connection Page 44 Cruz Cortez Clothiers Page 28 www.cruzcortezclothiers.com Cullen’s Page 17 www.cullenshouston.com Digitex Page 39 www.digitexcorp.com Dr. J. Derek Tieken Page 55 www.tiekensmiles.com Elan Transportation Page 26 Elegant Nails Page 49 Encore Resale Shop Page 47 Envoy Mortgage Page 10 www.envoymortgageapp.com Floyd’s Cajun Seafood Page 43 www.floydsseafood.com Fondren Orthopedic Page 2 www.fondren.com Frank and Sons Jewelry Page 4 www.fsjewelry.com Frog at Home Page 7 www.frogathome.com Gentlemen’s Oasis Page 49 www.gentlemensoasisbarbershop.com Ginger Snaps Page 53 Green Links Page 13 www.greenlinksinc.com Gulf Coast Palapas Page 37 www.gulfcoastpalapas.com Head to Footsies Page 29 HomeTown Bank Page 13 www.htbna.com Houston Technology Center Page 56 www.houstontech.org Island Furniture Page 47 www.islandfurniture.net Jeter Memorial Funeral Home Page 12 www.jeterfuneralhome.com Kemah Boardwalk Page 25 www.kemahboardwalk.com Kemah Gardens Page 23 www.kemahgardens.com Kimberly Harding Page 35 www.kimberlyharding.com Las Haciendas Page 23 www.lashaciendasgrill.com Lee College Page 24 www.lee.edu Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant Page 13 www.mamacitasmexicanrestaurant.com Marine Max Page 21 www.marinemaxseabrook.com Martha Turner Properties Page 59 www.marthaturner.com Mediterraneo Market & Cafe Page 12 Memorial Hermann-SE Page 5 www.memorialhermann.org The Meridian Page 42 www.themeridiangalveston.com Norman Frede Chevrolet Page 18 www.fredechevrolet.com Oasis Salon and Medispa Page 6 www.oasisclearlake.com One Stop Tents & Events Page 47 www.onestopparty.com Opus Bistro Page 12 www.opusbistro.net Park Avenue Showplace Antiques Page 53 www.parkavenueshowplaceantiques.com PodZu’s Page 32 Ron Carter Clear Lake Page 33 www.roncartercadillac.com Ron Hoover Page 21 www.ronhoover.com Salon La Rouge Page 42 www.salonlarouge.org Schlitterbhan Page 27 www.schlitterbahn.com Signature Bistro Page 46 www.signaturebistro.com SignCo Page 52 South Shore Harbour Resort Page 16 www.sshr.com Southern Sophistication Page 46 Space Center Auto Page 37 www.spacecenterautomotive.com Star Toyota Page 57 www.startoyota.com Sunsation Tanning Page 52 www.clearlaketanning.com Texas First Bank Page 38 www.texasfirstbank.com Tieken Dental Page 55 www.tiekensmiles.com Tina’s on the Strand Page 29 www.tinasonthestrand.com University Baptist Church Page 44 www.ubc.org Unicare Dental Page 60 www.drnoie.com Unleashed Page 52 Victory Marine Page 23 www.govictorymarine.com The Witchery Page 28 www.witcheryonline.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

By Dr. Farid Noie DDS, DICOI, FAGD, AFAAID

ur bones are made of complex, constantly changing, living tissue. They are able to grow and heal, and are also susceptible to changes in diet, body chemistry, infection, and stimulation levels. If we compare our skeletal system to a house wooden frame work, then bone loss is similar to termite invasion. The process is slow and painless until it is too late. So, let’s examine the main contributing factors. Body chemistry Estrogen plays an important part in maintaining bone strength. Starting at about age thirty up until onset of menopause, women lose a small amount of bone every year as a natural part of the aging process. When women reach menopause, the estrogen levels decrease significantly and the rate of bone loss increases. That is the main reason why women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. DIET Successful treatment of bone loss usually involves a proper diet. As it turns out, daily consumption of milk and other dairy products (even low or non-fat) does not prevent bone loss. Countries where people consume large amounts of dairy products—places such as the United States, Australia, and northern Europe are also among nations that suffer the highest rate of fractures due to osteoporosis. While the calcium in the milk adds to our body’s calcium level slightly, the acidity of the milk forces our body to withdraw a larger amount of calcium from our bones to maintain pH balance.

Almond milk and coconut milk are great sources of calcium, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are readily available and are reasonably priced. Soy milk can be beneficial if it is fermented. Unfortunately most soy milks sold in the supermarkets (including Silk brand) are not fermented. The high content of “enzyme inhibitors” in unfermented soybeans interferes with digestive enzymes in saliva and makes carbohydrates and proteins from soybeans indigestible. When soy milk is not completely digested, bacteria in the large intestine try to finish the job, and this can cause discomfort, bloating, and embarrassment. AGE Throughout life our body keeps a balance between the loss of bone and the creation of new bone. Early in life, more bone is laid down than is removed by the body. People typically achieve peak bone mass by around age 30. Then, sometime between age 30 and 35, your body begins to lose bone faster than it can be replaced, unless we step up the stimulation process. The bones in the extremities and spine can benefit from activities such as walking or resistant training. Many experts believe that at least 20 minutes a day of exercise is needed to reduce the rate of bone loss adequately. BONE LOSS OF THE JAW There is another form of bone loss that has been getting little attention. That is bone loss in the jaw bone following loss of a tooth. Teeth contact each other thousands of times a day. These

small stresses prompting the bone to remodel and rebuild continually. The lack of stimulation that follows after tooth loss will lead to loss of jaw bone volume. There is a 35 percent decrease in width of bone during the first year after tooth loss and an additional one millimeter decrease on each following year. As bone loses continue, gum tissue also gradually decreases. Ability to chew and to speak can be impaired. Tooth loss also leads to loss of function. This leads to some serious cosmetic and functional problems, particularly in completely edentulous (toothless) people. Over the years the distance from nose to chin decreases and with it, the lower third of the face partially collapses. The chin rotates forward and upward, and the cheeks, having lost tooth support, become hollow. Extreme loss of bone can also make an individual more prone to jaw fractures as its volume depletes more and more. About the author: 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. To find out if you are a suitable candidate for dental Implants, please contact Dr. Noie via his web site: www.drnoie.com or call his office at (281) 332-4700 to schedule a complimentary consultation.

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

M A R K E T P L A C E

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Pictured at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Alumni Celebration are UHCL Associate Vice President Dion McInnis; Distinguished Alumni Douglas W. Hiser Jr. and Juan Manuel Traslaviña; Outstanding Professor Associate Professor of Psychology Kim Case; Distinguished Alumna Cris C. Daskevich; Outstanding Professor Associate Professor of Legal Studies James C. Benson; Early Achievement honoree Mitali Paul; and UHCL President William A. Staples.

Special Spaces Houston Gala Chairman Kristy Tankersley and her husband, Jon, left, stop for a photo with her sister, Kim Krueger Butler of Plano, and her parents, Martha and Coach Bill Krueger as the inaugural gala gets under way at Space Center Houston in Clear Lake. The non-profit’s mission is to give dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Galas keep us on the go

TALK ABOUT a gala-going gang! From the sound of things, one would think all we did around here is go to galas. There’s one every weekend. You hadn’t noticed? Well, many community volunteers have. It all started with the UH-Clear Lake Alumni Celebration Oct. 6, followed by the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre’s Serendipity Ball Oct. 13, the Clear Lake Area Chamber 50th anniversary Celebration Oct. 19, and the Special Spaces Houston Gala Oct. 27. A new month brought the tuxedos and ball gowns out again the following weekend, Nov. 3, for the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala, followed the next week by the Bay Oaks Women’s Association’s annual celebration Nov. 10. Not to be outdone, the wee set launched their gala season Nov. 17 when the Bay Area Houston Ballet hosted the annual Breakfast With the Sugar Plum Fairy. And, in between all the weekend activities, we also had the Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show luncheon, Space Center Rotary’s Shrimporee and numerous other events.

Attorney Scott Krist and his wife, Kim, enjoy the reception preceding the Clear Creek Education Foundation Gala.

MARY ALYS CHERRY And, we still have the holidays ahead. Mercy!

Special Spaces off to a bright start THE SPECIAL SPACES Gala, a fundraiser for Special Spaces Houston, is new this year. Founded just a year ago by Kristy Krueger Tankersley, its volunteers work to brighten the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses. Now its director, Kristy was joined by Co-Director Tracy Clause, Rick Gornto and Phil Pampolina as they welcomed guests to Space Center Houston.

Rick Gornto, who has been a big help in getting Special Spaces started, chats with Judge Louie Ditta at the Space Center Houston gala.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Then Kristy tagged up with her husband, Jon; her parents, Martha and Bill Krueger; and her sister, Kim Krueger Butler, who came from Plano, for dinner. While Tracy joined her husband, Richie, and Rick and Phil joined their wives, Janice and Ginger. Among those celebrating the success were Rusty and Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Jill and Dan Reason, Jan and Dr. Brent Bailey, Tisa and Dr. Mitch Foster, Peggy and Jerry Clause, Ann and Jim O’Malley, Charlene and Herb Miller, Cecil and Judy Ferguson, Dana and Nelson Brown, Alice and Lou Marinos, Linda and Michael DeMasie, Patty Rodgers, Greg and Annette Allen, Kristin and Cliff Rankin, Linda and Dr. Larry Goodman, Renee and Judge Louie Ditta and Barry and Lyla Nettles. Others in the crowd of more than 250 enjoying the great evening were Paul and Mary Kay Gaido, Tom and Marie Sharp, Sonya and Dr. Jeff Moore, Jerry and Trisha Gunn, the Richard Risingers, Bud and Cathy Giesinger, Lynn and Gary Smith, Laura Johnson, the Vance Hughes, and Lauri and Dr. David Gordon.

Allen and Myrna Baker join the crowd at the Special Spaces Houston Gala at Space Center Houston.

Paul and Mary Kay Gaido were among the many attending the inaugural Special Spaces Houston Gala.

Plus, Renee and Judge Louie Ditta, Alicia and Ken Phelps, Kelly and Butch Sheehy, Paul and Natalie Dolan, Alex and David Gaudiousek, Kathie and Derrell Curry, Barbara and Richard Visser, Jerry and Kate Foyt and Kim and Scott Krist.

CCEF celebrates its 20th anniversary THE CLEAR CREEK Education Foundation hosted still another great evening as it celebrated its 20th anniversary at South Shore Harbour Resort Nov. 3 while honoring nine outstanding individuals. They were Citizen of the Year Dr. James O’Malley, George Carlisle Award winner Lisa Holbrook, Valor Award winner Brian Escobedo, Superstars and Rotary Teachers of the Year Jennifer Foley and Nicola Clemmer; and Outstanding CCISD Alumni Cindy Harreld, Susan Witty Hayes, Scott Krist and Dr. Lloyd Potter. Gala Chairman Annette Snow Falks and Co-Chairman Dinah Matthews and their husbands, Ernie and Joe, joined CCEF Chairman Scott Rainey and his wife, Martha Bowles, in welcoming the black-tie crowd of about 250 that included League City Mayor Tim Paulissen and his wife, Ann; Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark and CCISD Superintendent Greg Smith and his wife, Kathy. They were soon joined by Judges Holly Williamson and Louie Ditta and their spouses, Dr. Danny Williams and Renee Ditta; attorney Joe Barlow and his wife, Jeannette; Dickinson Mayor Julie Masters and her husband, Maxim Insurance President Ron Masters, who was the top bidder on a trip to Aruba; attorney Pat Monks and his wife, Annette Dwyer; and Barbara and Hometown Bank Senior VP Mike Duckworth. And, CCISD Trustees Ken Baliker, Dee Scott, Charles Pond, Robert Davee, Ann Hammond and Paige Rander.

Ed and Elinor Walters relax after dancing to Elvis tunes at the Bay Oaks Women’s annual gala.

Plus, CCEF Executive Director Doug Frazior, Icon Bank President Jim Stewart, Galveston County Clerk John Kinard and his wife, Chris; attorney Ron Krist and his wife, Carole, sitting with daughter-in-law Kim Krist and grandchildren, Garret and Makenna; Clear Lake Chamber President Mike Furin and his wife, Tracie; architects John Haugen and Mike Porterfield and their wives, Norma and Cindy; bankers Mike Duckworth and Mike Huss and their wives, Barbara and Mimi. Pam Culpepper Others joining the celebration were Herb got many and Charlene Miller, Charles and Kathy questionable Harland, Alice and Lou Marinos, who joined looks as everyone tried Jim and Ann O’Malley and their daughter, Melissa Zieger, who came from Palo Alto, Calif.; to decide who she was at former Seabrook Mayors Gary Renola and Bob BOWA party. Robinson and their wives, Elaine and Carol, Norma and John Haugen and Mike and Beth Dennard. And, Randy and Janet Brown, Jerry and Nancy Smith, Joe and Robin Mayer, Angela Jenkins, Anita Fogtman, Bill and Katy Bastedo, David and Kim Barker, Curt and Vicki Tallman, Madeleine and Santiago Mendoza, Kevin and Ruth Rendon Duke, Gene Hollier and Emmeline Dodd and Cindy and Slade Lewis.

This party really rocked ELVIS WAS in the house and Bay Oaks Country Club was really rocking as members of the Bay Oaks Women’s Association hosted their annual gala. But instead of dazzling gowns and tuxedos, this crowd was all decked out in poodle skirts and jeans for a lively night of dancing the jitterbug that was popular back in the late 50s and early 60s, when many in the crowd were teeny boppers. Just ask Jim and Jane Sweeney, John and Becky Reitz Gay, Sharon and Bill Lowes, Marilyn and Glynn Lunney, Ed and Elinor Walters or Jerry and Peggy Clause, who were among the dozens who filled the dance floor to overflowing – jiving to the many great Elvis Pressley tunes they all grew to love over the years. Chairman Ondi Lyon, dressed in a pink poodle skirt, arrived with her Elvis look-alike husband Eric, and joined BOWA President Terri Divine and her husband, Michael, in welcoming Richard and Jennifer Simmons, Scott Lyon and Stacy Davis and Michael and Sharon Phelps. Other faces in the crowd included Russ and Eric and Ondi Mary Colombo, Kenneth and Betty McElvain, Lyon prepare Jay and Courtney Atchley, Tandy and Jo Kat to welcome Bruce, Pat Monks and his wife, Annette Dwyer, the arriving crowd at Bay Jack and Danele Buehler and Sharon and Dr. Oaks Women’s Howard Dillard, to name a few.

Symphony League members Judy Ernull, Dana Puddy, Vickey Hamley, and Stephanie Jones, from left, can hardly wait for the program to begin at the Music at the Museum program at Bay Area Museum.

Citizen of the Year Dr. James O’Malley arrives at reception preceding the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Gala with his wife, Ann, left, and their daughter, Melissa Zieger of Palo Alto, Calif.

Association Elvis party.

Carole Murphy, Houston Symphony League Bay Area president, gets, from left, Nina McGlashan, Pat Biddle and Mary Voigt, to help her welcome the crowd to Music at the Museum, held at Bay Area Museum.

Jennifer and Richard Simmons share a light moment at Bay Oaks Women’s Association Elvis party.

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

ooking for something a little different for a Christmas present? Look no more. You don’t have to drive into Houston, you can find some very enticing gifts right here in the Bay Area. If you’re decorating for the holidays, swing by GingerSnaps in League City and take a look at their new line of Christmas ornaments and serving platters sold exclusively at GingerSnaps by Coton Colors and available for personalization free of charge. A great gift idea! The shop also features fashions, shoes and accessories.

Betty Walker shows off her festive and one of a kind Christmas decorations available at GingerSnaps.

Other must stops if you’re looking for holiday décor would be Michael’s or Garden Ridge in Webster, where you’ll find Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments and just about anything you’ll need to turn your home or business into a holiday haven. Meanwhile, the ladies can add some razzle dazzle to their wardrobe with a pretty new party dress from The Clothes Horse in League City, which carries top brands and the latest designs for all our holiday occasions, including the season’s new shimmer and glow evening bags by Vera Bradley. You’ll find jewelry, watches, purses, shoes by Brighton and tasteful fashions from Joseph Ribkoff. Also take a look at the designer clothing and accessories at That’s Haute Boutique in League City or Casanova’s Downfall in Seabrook. ‘Tis also the season to put your best face forward with skin products from the cosmetic counters of Macy’s, JCPenny’s and Dillard’s at Baybrook Mall.

If you’re planning a party, One Stop Tents and Events on Highway 3 across from Webster City Hall is loaded with a variety of furniture, party essentials and other décor to make your party an unforgettable evening. Baubles and Beads in League City is a high-end resale boutique that caters to upscale, fashion minded customers and features an array of classic designer clothing, ladies business attire, cocktail dresses, formal gowns, shoes, hats, handbags and jewelry. And, while we’re on the subject of the slightly used, consider one of the lovely antiques offered by Ann Hacker at Park

Baubles & Beads owner Vicki Karge has designer fashions and accessories at affordable prices at her upscale resale shop.

Avenue Showplace Antiques in League City, which features vintage jewelry and clothing, along with antique furniture – sure to delight the collector in Carol Bergman, of One Stop Tents your life. This and Events, shows off table decor is a treasure for the holidays. hunter’s paradise, and you’ll also find Ann Hacker, owner of beautiful glass wear to enhance Park Avenue any holiday dinner table or Showplace party. Antiques, Or stop by Lewis Jeweler’s features rare vintage antiques and Eve’s Custom Jewelry and collectibles in Clear Lake near the Gulf of all kinds.

Freeway, Billings Jewelry in Webster or any of several stores at Baybrook Mall, for an array of jewelry likely to excite most anyone. Then, there are books -- books written by Bay Area authors. Among them are Invitation From Afar, Sandy Carney, owner a story by aerospace of The Clothes Horse. computer scientist Linda King of Clear Lake about a space journey filled with mystery and intrigue; the gripping sci-fi thriller Specific Impulse by long-time NASA pilot and engineer Charles Justiz of El Lago; Rebuilding the American Dream: Escape from Romania to 9/11 ghost written by former Taylor Lake Village resident and Clear Lake High grad Mary Radnofsky, who now lives in Hawaii; or the always popular cookbooks, Sunrise to Sunset and Setting on the Dock of the Bay, which the Assistance League has on special for the holidays at its Webster resale shop– $30 for the two. There’s something for everyone and every taste. It’s just a manner of making up your mind.

Education

Evening classes labeled a success By Mary Alys Cherry

Clear Creek ISD secondary principals given new posts

he Clear Stars evening education program is only three years old and already getting high marks from both students and teachers. Begun in 2009 to help potential Clear Creek ISD dropouts stay in school and earn their diploma, it provided an opportunity to make up failed courses and also allowed students to graduate earlier by taking additional courses. A recent survey showed that students are pleased with both the level of instruction and course material, Dr. Robert Bayard, CCISD director of assessment and evaluation, told the school board at its workshop. “Approximately 99 percent of courses taken by students at Clear Stars have resulted in passing grades,” he said. Most common courses offered are English III and IV, Economics, Government, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Physics, Spanish II and Speech with a small number of students failing English IV, Physics and Speech. Yes, Speech. Enrollment in Clear Stars, which meets from 6 to 8:45 two evenings a week during the four, eightweek sessions during the year, has increased from 197 students the first year to 279 the second year to 314 students last year, Bayard said. “In addition to serving as a night school program for students wishing to accelerate or recover academic credits, Clear Stars has provided a GED program for students who are on the verge of dropping out of school completely,” Bayard said, adding that 79 students have taken advantage of the GED preparation program. Generally, students only enroll in one course, but about 25 percent have taken two courses with 11 percent enrolling in three or more courses, he told trustees. The cost per student has dropped from $260 per student the first year to $130.66 at present. When asked how they think Clear Stars can be improved, many students suggested an earlier release time in the evening, breaks and a properly functioning air conditioner.

hree secondary principals have taken new posts this school year after being approved by the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees. Brett Lemley is the new principal of Clear Horizons Early College High School (CHECHS), replacing Dr. Jennifer Morrow, who took a post with the Pearland School District. Lemley moves from Clear Lake Intermediate School where he served as principal for five years. Michael Alvarez is taking his place at Clear Lake Intermediate, while Dr. Robert Branch, who has been principal at Clear View Education Center has become the new CCISD director of human relations. Lemley is known on campus as a principal who challenges his students to reach their full potential every day. “I am very excited to join the Clear Horizons family,” he said. “The staff there is phenomenal and I look forward to working with them to continue to offer a great opportunity to students in CCISD.” Clear Horizons students can earn an associate’s degree from San Jacinto College South while earning their high school diploma. Brett Lemley began his career in Clear Creek ISD as an intermediate school math teacher. He taught math to grades 6 and 8, as well as algebra and geometry at Space Center Intermediate School for nine years. He then worked as an assistant and associate principal at Clear Lake High School before moving to Clear Lake Intermediate as principal. Lemley received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas in 1991, a teacher certification from Sul Ross State University in 1992 and a Master’s of Science in Education Management from the University of Houston at Clear Lake in 2002. He currently is working on his Doctorate of Education in Educational

Leadership and will defend his dissertation in October. As the new director of human resources, Dr. Branch will move to the Education Support Center in this administrative role. He has been principal at Clear View for four years. Before that, he was an assistant principal at Clear Creek High School. Dr. Branch earned his B.A. in Communication Sciences at Louisiana State University and his M.A. in Education Administration and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Prairie View A&M University. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. As the new principal for Clear Lake Intermediate School, Alvarez moves from Clear Brook High School, where he most recently served as assistant principal. Alvarez taught history and coached football, baseball and track for a decade before moving into administration. He was an assistant principal at Victory Lakes Intermediate and Clear Lake High before moving to Clear Brook High School. He earned his undergraduate and Master’s Degrees at the University of Houston.

Clear Creek ISD Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts Mary Lou Johnson, left, was honored at the October school board meeting for being named the Texas Art Educators Association Supervisor of the Year. Johnson was nominated for this honor by CCISD teachers in the areas of visual and performing arts. Joining in the celebration are, from left, Board of Trustees President Ken Baliker, League City Intermediate art teacher Sherry White, VPA Director Dean Muths and art teachers Shara Appanaitis of Clear Falls High and Alicia Moore of Clear Brook High. This award is given to educators who expand and advance the standard of art education and the teaching practices throughout Texas as well as promote art as an integral part of the curriculum.

Education (Far Left) Citizen of the Year Dr. James O’Malley, right, Valor Award recipient Brian D. Escobedo and George Carlisle Award winner Lisa Holbrook wear big smiles as they are introduced at a reception preceding the Clear Creek Education Foundation 20th anniversary celebration at South Shore Harbour Resort. (Left) Clear Creek ISD Alumni Scott Krist, Susan Witty Hayes, Dr. Lloyd B. Potter and Cindy Harreld, from left, line up for photos at the reception preceding the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Education gala honors 9 By Mary Alys Cherry

our of Clear Creek ISD’s best and brightest alumni were honored at the Clear Creek Education Foundation’s 12th annual Reach for the Stars Gala, along with five others lauded for their educational efforts. Dr. James O’Malley was honored as CCEF’s Citizen of the Year at the black-tie gala at South Shore Harbour Resort, while Lisa Holbrook was named recipient of the George Carlisle Award and Bryan Escobedo was presented the Valor Award. Teachers of the Year Jennifer Foley and Nicola Clemmer were recipients of Super Star Awards. The Outstanding Alumni honorees were: • Cindy Harreld, 1979 Lake grad and president of the Clear Lake Area Chamber; • Susan Witty Hayes, 1966 Creek grad and chief financial officer for the Texas Education Agency’s Education Service Center in Dallas; • Scott Krist, 1984 Lake grad and managing partner of the Krist Law Firm in League City; • Dr. Lloyd B. Potter, 1975 Lake grad and the Texas State Demographer.

O’Malley was cited for his “passionate and deep belief in the value of a quality education and education system,” and for his service as both CCEF chairman and board member. Escobedo, a 2003 Creek grad and veteran of three tours of duty in Iraq, was honored for his work assisting local veterans in making the transition from military to civilian life. Holbrook, district director for State Rep. John Davis, was cited for her long years of devotion to education as a PTA leader and as a volunteer in many community organizations, including her service as current president of the Assistance League. Both of the Teacher of the Year Superstars are CCISD graduates. Jennifer Foley graduated from Creek in 2000 and Nicola Clemmer from Lake in 1986. Earlier, Space Center Rotary named Foley, from Hall Elementary, the CCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Clemmer, from Creekside Intermediate, was selected as CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.

CCEF Gala Chairman Annette Snow Falks and her husband, Ernie Falks, are ready to welcome the crowd.

By Capt. Joe Kent

December is a month that usually begins with moderate weather and fishing continues to follow the fall patterns and is excellent. The time frame from Thanksgiving to midDecember often offers some of the best wade fishing of the year all around the Galveston Bay Complex.

t is a time when Burnett Bay and the smaller bays around Baytown offer their best fishing of the year and, barring a severe freeze, that pattern continues well into the new year. Some of the most pleasant weather of the year falls during December and for that reason fishermen and boaters take to the waters when Christmas activities and sporting events allow. Unfortunately, December, especially the second half of the month, often offers the coldest temperatures of the season. Sudden and dramatic changes in the weather are commonplace and the worst events are associated with sudden freezes. Boaters, including both fishing and recreational, often are lured into the open waters by calm conditions and before the day ends, a severe cold front has caught them off guard. Each season, lives are lost to those conditions, as the captain waits too late to heed the warnings on the horizon. Blasts of cold air pushed by gale force winds are common and often are too much for smaller boats to handle. The other devastating event that takes place is major fish kills involving speckled

(Left) Steve and Sloan Tuttle with a fine December catch of speckled trout. (Right) Rotarian John Nugent’s granddaughter Briley Eason recently won a $50,000 scholarship for catching the biggest flounder in the STAR tournament’s kids division. She is pictured holding the 6lb 12oz fish with her father Mike. Congratulations Briley!

trout and other game fish. The big freeze event of 1983 took place just before Christmas and caught tens of thousands of speckled trout trapped in shallow water that eventually took their lives as the water temperatures dropped 20 to 30 degrees overnight. Once water readings fall below 50 degrees, trout are in trouble. That freeze was particularly lethal, as the fish had not had time to acclimate to the cold weather as they do later in the season. Each December, anglers anxiously watch the weather forecasts hoping that no major Artic Front pushes through. The best scenario for fish is to have early cold fronts cool the water down to levels that Important Weather Websites push trout and reds to deeper (Scan with your smart phone) water. This occurred in NOAA Galveston NOAA Galveston December 2010 and during Marine Forecast Weather Center late December when a severe

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

freeze hit the coast, there was limited damage to the fish stocks. Why? Because the fish were used to the colder water and had changed their habitat from the shallow shorelines to deeper channels and other pockets of deep water. During the day they would roam the shallower waters while returning to their refuge in the evening. If the same cold front had arrived two to three weeks earlier, the damage would have been devastating. Still, there were some isolated fish kills; however, nothing like what it could have been. Not much could have been done to avoid the fish kills; however, there are many steps that can be taken to prevent the loss of human life. During the big freeze event of 1983, several boats capsized as that system

“If in doubt, don’t launch or if you are already in the water, head back. While we may not be able to save the fish, we can save ourselves.”

suddenly hit the Galveston Bay Complex and lives were lost trying to run across the bay to the boat ramp. Here are a few pointers that can save your life and boat during the winter months. First of all, carry Type 1 Life Jackets (PFD’s), as they will keep your head above water. When water temperatures are in the 50’s, it does not take long to go into shock. A Type 1 PFD could be the difference between surviving and not. If you are caught in a sudden blast of high winds and are miles from your boat ramp, don’t try to cross the bay. Instead, find the closest point where you can moor your boat and call someone to either bring your trailer to you or take you to your boat ramp. Watch the weather forecasts before launching and the skies after launching. While our forecasts are quite sophisticated, they still cannot pinpoint the exact time of a frontal system’s arrival. If in doubt, don’t launch or if you are already in the water, head back. While we may not be able to save the fish, we can save ourselves.

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

News & Events

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Sandy Carney, owner of The Clothes Horse in League City, holds up a pretty red holiday sweater she had in her exhibit during the Lakewood Ladies’ Feliz Navidad Holiday Market at the yacht club.

Rosebud Caradec, right, and Kelly Hutchinson check out the jewelry offered by the Crow’s Nest in La Porte at the Feliz Navidad Holiday Market hosted by the Lakewood Ladies Association.

Marsha McDugle, owner of Casanova’s Downfall in Seabrook, shows off a faux fur at the Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association’s Feliz Navidad Holiday Market at the club Nov. 16.

“SOAP OPERA” CLAIMS THIRD BACARDI CUP WIN IN HARVEST MOON RACE

cott Self ’s “Soap Opera” claimed the coveted Bacardi Cup for the third time in the 26th Annual Harvest Moon Regatta hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club Oct. 25 – 27. A life-long sailboat racer, Self also won the Bacardi cup in 2005 and 2006 and considers Lakewood’s Harvest Moon Regatta to be one of his “must do” races every year. “Soap Opera,” a 33-foot monohull crafted by Hobie in 1982, raced the 150 miles across the Gulf of Mexico along with 190 other boats that started the race in Galveston off the new Pleasure Pier and headed to Port Aransas, most arriving on Friday afternoon, Oct. 26. This was the first year that SPOT trackers were required on all boats so that the Race Committee could keep track of the racers’ positions and their safety. Lakewood Board member and former Harvest Moon Regatta Chairman Andrea Todaro mentioned that one of the woman racers said with a big smile “I did not want to have to use a SPOT, but I was surprised that my friends around the country watched my progress.” Racers started out with relatively light winds in Galveston and then the wind died for several hours

during the night. With the front coming through, it picked up considerably to the point that some gusts were then up to 30 mph. According to Harvest Moon Regatta Chairman Dwight Bengtson, 164 boats crossed the finish line. Bengtson also served as the Principle Race Officer of the Harvest Moon Regatta. Approximately 2,000 folks participated in the Welcome Sailors Rum Party, the barbecue dinner under tents at the Port Aransas pavilion, and the awards ceremony where over 125 trophies were presented to the winners. Manfacturers Trophies were presented to winners in the category of Beneteau, Pacific Seacraft, Catalina, Jenneau, Lagoon (multihull), and Island Packet. In addition to the Bacardi Cup, which is given to first place in the PHRF Spinnaker overall, the most competitive fleet in the race, there were six other perpetual trophies presented: the Cameron Canon (1st in Cruising Non-Spinnaker Fleet) to “Allessandra,” HLK Sailing School-Andrus; the Bill Hall Memorial (First Monohull to finish) to “Peerless,”Brian Torresen; the Mayors Cup (First Multihull to finish) to “Nelda Ray,”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Myna Mungle, owner of Royal Indulgence in Clear Lake Shores, holds up one of the handsome and timeless designs her business offers for both the home and boat during the Feliz Navidad Market.

Peter Pattullo; the Commodores Cup (best Cruising Spinnaker overall) to “Sodalis,” Jim Demarest; the Founders Trophy (best Overall Multihull corrected) to “Alternate Latitude,” Steve Schlosser; and the Luna Trophy (first All Female Crew corrected) to “Shaken Not Stirred,” Beverly Caldwell. On stage presenting the Bacardi Cup to Self was Harvest Moon Regatta Co-Founder John Broderick, along with Miguel Rodriguez, Bacardi Rum director of the state of Texas. Platinum sponsor Bacardi USA is the founding sponsor of the Harvest Moon Regatta. Regarding this year’s race, Broderick, who is also a past commodore of Lakewood Yacht Club, said “It was absolutely one of the best Harvest Moon Regattas we have ever had, from the weather to the racers’ participation and all the hard working volunteers! It was phenomenal!” Additional sponsors included Gold: West Marine; Silver: Nautic and Banks Sails; Bronze: OJ’s Marine, Sea Lake Yacht Sales, Hays Marine-Energy & Logistics Insurance; and Mantus Anchors. Bay Access, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amateur racing, is also a sponsor and is the organizing authority of the race in addition to be the 2012 charity. In conclusion, Bengtson thanked everyone for attending and announced that next year’s Harvest Moon Regatta will start on Thursday, Oct. 17, off the Pleasure Pier in Galveston.

$1.7 Million Still Needed to Open Shuttle to Public By Mary Alys Cherry

he Bay Area’s space shuttle is sitting over at Space Center Houston, waiting for the next step in its career – getting all spruced up and opened to the public. Space Center Houston President Richard Allen talked about what lies ahead when he recently addressed the Clear Lake Area Chamber, explaining how visitors will be able to climb up in the shuttle replica and even be able to see the cargo bay that was used to supply the International Space Station. “To make all this happen, we’re in a campaign right now to raise $3 million. To date, we’ve got about $1.3 million and we’re currently trying to raise the other $1.7 million so we can build the rampway and really spruce it up in the cockpit and mid-deck,” he said. The facility improvements will house new exhibits and also include a dedicated plaza. “Our goal is to finish up that campaign by the end of the year and get it open to the public so they can visit it and see some of the great things JSC is still doing in space exploration.” In essence, Allen hopes to tell the story of the Johnson Space Center’s role in the shuttle program – the planning, training and flight control.

“We’ve got plans in place to build a structure that will have doors on the far side. We will have access to the cockpit.” Currently, he said, the shuttle has a glass wall, which will be taken down to make it more accessible. “Our plan is to allow kids and parents to sit down on the mission specialist couches in the shuttle.” In essence, the public will have much greater access to the shuttle replica than a shuttle that has flown in space. Visitors

“We will have access to the cockpit.” will be able to enter the flight deck, the mid deck and the cargo bay; an upclose-and-personal experience of this remarkable spacecraft. Anyone who would like to contribute to the campaign may do so by visiting the Space Center Houston website, spacecenter.org and click on donations at the bottom. The full scale, high-fidelity replica of the space shuttle arrived by barge at the space agency’s dock by the Hilton before a crowd of thousands on June 1 and was subsequently transferred down NASA Parkway to Space Center Houston after traveling across the Gulf of Mexico from Kennedy Space Center. DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Lee College Program Offers Students Opportunity For A Better Life

n 1992, Lee College in Baytown, Texas established Project LeeWay to help low-income students, single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women have the chance to seek technical careers and gain access to vocational technical education and training. In preparation for college-level work, students enrolled in Project LeeWay undergo six weeks of intensive training in math, reading, writing, study skills and computer skills. Upon completing Project LeeWay, students are eligible to enroll at Lee College. “Although students may enroll in any program of their choosing, LeeWay does emphasize technical and vocational fields of study as a means of helping these students get back to work and back on their feet quickly,” explained LeeWay Director Clare Fleming. “Many of our students have been out of a classroom environment for an extended period of time, so when they first enroll, many wonder whether they are even fit for college,” she continued. “But what we’ve seen is that after completing the program, they have new confidence and many set their sights on careers in science and technology.” According to Community College Week Magazine, Lee College is currently ranked fifth in the nation among two-year institutions for awarding associate degrees in science and technology. The school is reporting continued record-breaking enrollment in technical programs—such as Process

and Instrumentation Technology—which prepare students for careers with petrochemical plants and refineries as process technicians, operators, research technicians, and laboratory technicians. Lee College is the perfect place for a degree in science and technology. One reason is the demand for skilled workers. According to recent reports from the Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation, local plant expansions are projected to result in 22,000 construction jobs and 1,300 permanent jobs over the next five years. Another reason is the quality of the college’s programs. Students participate in an experiential learning curriculum that combines classroom experience with hands-on learning at the college’s multi-million dollar Pilot Plant, state-of-the art MicroPlants and instrumentation labs. Also, students have access to internships and co-op programs, many of which lead to full-time employment at area facilities. “We have seen incredible success with our internship and co-op programs,” explained Lee College Director of Workforce Development Debi Jordan. “Nearly 100-percent of student interns are securing full-time employment upon graduation.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

“Many of students are enrolled in these programs ‘just to find a job,’ but are now moving into lucrative, highdemand, high-skill, stable careers, providing a better life for themselves and their families in the process.” One of the success stories of Project LeeWay is the journey of April Lemus. Eight years after enrolling in Project LeeWay, she is a level three instrument designer at Dow Chemical. She earned two associate degrees in Instrumentation and Computer-Aided Drafting and Design from Lee College and was able to recently buy a new home. She loves the professional challenges she faces everyday, and says the greatest reward comes from her children. “My son is 11 now, and he still remembers what life was like before Lee College. He came up to me the other day and said, ‘Remember the old house, Mom? We’d still be there if you hadn’t gone to college.’ And that makes me proud.” For more information on Project Leeway visit http:// www.lee.edu/special-populations/project-leeway/ or call281-425-6559.

Fred Griffin named recipient of BAHEP’s Quasar Award By Pat Patton

he Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will honor developer Fred B. Griffin with its prestigious 2013 Quasar Award for exceptional leadership in economic development. The award will be presented during the organization’s 21st Annual Quasar Banquet Friday, Jan. 18, at South Shore Harbour Resort, starting at 6:30 p.m. The theme of the banquet is Prosperity through Leadership. The Quasar Award is presented each year to a prominent individual who has contributed greatly to the economic wealth and diversity of the Bay Area Houston region. BAHEP said the award is being presented to Griffin, president of Griffin Partners, Inc., “in appreciation and acknowledgment of his extraordinary contribution to the economic development of the region.” BAHEP President Bob Mitchell said, “The board of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership was unanimous in its decision to select Fred B. Griffin as the recipient of the 2013 Quasar Award. He has spent most of his life developing

to clients and exceptional bottom-line performance to investors. Griffin began his real estate career with Friendswood Development Corp., where he played a key role in the purchase, planning, and development of Kingwood, Woodlake, Greenspoint, Copperfield, Clear Lake City and other substantial projects throughout the greater Houston area.

“He has spent most of his life developing communities that have added greatly to the economic development of the region, as well as to the quality of life of its residents.” communities that have added greatly to the economic development of the region, as well as to the quality of life of its residents. Fred is very deserving of this award.” Griffin replied, “When I learned that I was going to be presented with the 2013 Quasar Award, I was almost speechless. For the past 20 years, this award has been given to outstanding men and women who have devoted their careers to help make our lives better. To be included among them is such an honor for which I am very grateful.” For more than 40 years, Griffin has thrived on developing new properties and creating suburban communities and office buildings that bring value

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

In 1980, Griffin, with Conley Juban, formed Griffin/Juban Companies, the predecessor to Griffin Partners. The Griffin/Juban Companies, and subsequently Griffin Partners, have completed ground-up development projects encompassing more than 5 million square feet of corporate office and retail space, with over ½ million square feet developed in Bay Area Houston. Additionally, Griffin Partners has been an active member of the BAHEP organization for 25 years. In conclusion, Mitchell added, “It is through the vision and leadership of individuals like Fred B. Griffin that the Bay Area Houston region continues to prosper.”

Friday, December 7

Festival of Lights Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd. 6 – 10pm

Saturday December 8

“The Nutcracker” The Grand, 2020 Postoffice St. 2:30pm

Saturday, December 15

Breakfast with Santa San Luis Hotel, 5222 Seawall Blvd. 9:30 – 10am

Saturday, December 22 Snow Tubing Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd. 12 – 10pm

Monday, December 24

Lasers, Lights & Magic in the Park Saengerfest Park, 2302 The Strand 8 – 8:15pm

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

THE CLEAR CREEK WINERY LIFESTYLE In 2006, husband and wife team David Skinner and Kristen Hopper

moved to the Kemah area and began building something unique – Clear Creek Winery, Vineyard & Resort. After their initial acquisition of the cozy 1930s Clipper House Inn, Skinner and Hopper grew the Clear Creek property to include an award-winning, Tuscan-themed winery alongside a Texas-inspired, farm to table restaurant. The past six years of passion and hard work have yielded a multi-faceted destination sure to seduce travelers looking to enjoy a handful of life’s greater pleasures. The Winery

First-time visitors to Clear Creek will immediately be drawn to the winery’s striking three story tower. An inviting ground floor offers the outdoor dining area nestled among luscious foliage and limestone arches. A quick trip in the elevator brings you to the firstfloor production area, where you’ll encounter the fermentation room, barrel cellar, and bottling line room. The chill of the air and the gleaming stainless steel of the 14 ft tall fermentation tanks let you know this is

a serious winery. Wine maker dinners are held each month in the Barrel Cellar where the smell of the wine resting in oak barrels is almost as intoxicating as the flavor of the wine itself. As you ascend to the top floor in the elevator you reach the Tasting Room, Bacchus Room and Bottle Cellar. All three areas offer different styles of elegance and are often booked for private functions. The Clear Creek gift shop is located nearby and offers a carefully curated selection of wine accessories and apparel. But the real treasures are the gourmet food and

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

wine baskets, which can be custom designed by staff... or the creative customer. These are especially popular during the holidays and offer a unique way to introduce family and friends to Clear Creek’s award winning wines.

(Left) Clear Creek Winery’s bottle cellar. (Center) Winemaker blending course. (Right) David Skinner inspecting grapes during verasion in the vineyard.

The Wine

Led by Wine Master David Skinner, the Clear Creek winemaking team works with over a dozen world class vineyard partners to make every vintage of Clear Creek Vineyard’s wine consistently exceptional. And it’s fair to call them exceptional. In the last year alone, Clear Creek Winery has won over two dozen medals in international competitions including a double gold in the prestigious NextGen Wine Competition in Napa, California.

Wine Education

The high levels of craftsmanship aren’t closely-held secrets at Clear Creek. The Winery offers enthusiasts a number of ways to deepen their wine knowledge, beginning with Wine Education Seminars that feature the afore-mentioned team alongside other leading food and wine experts. The Signature Barrel Blending Experience is another unique Clear Creek opportunity. During this two hour private session, guests have the opportunity to create their own blend from five different red wine varietals, along with a custom label to commemorate the experience. Clear Creek Wine Camp is another “Why didn’t I think of that?” way for wine lovers to broaden their knowledge. The two day weekend camp includes accommodations at Clipper House Inn, a wine tasting and briefing, a commemorative bottle of wine and delicious winemaker dinner. To continue your wine education at home, the winery offers memberships in the Bacchus Society and the exclusive Clear Creek Wine Club. These memberships make wonderful gifts for family and friends or business associates.

Tabella’s menu is fresh in everyway possible. Starting with the farm fresh ingredients (many of which are grown on site) the menu stays fresh by changing with the seasons and offering guests culinary choices not often found in the area including over 20 vegetarian or gluten free dishes. All natural cocktails are a seductive and fresh amuse before Chef Coco Hogue’s delicious plates begin appearing on the intimate space’s tabletops. And exceptional service is the rule at Tabella, so prepare for professional pampering.

Clipper House Inn

There’s no better way to end a day of indulgence at Clear Creek than a night (or weekend) in one of the nine antique-filled cottages available at the charming Clipper House Inn. Surrounded by flower gardens and vineyards, a flagstone pathway winds its way from the cottages and gazebo courtyard to the winery patio. Rated “Exceptional” by TripAdvisor for the last three years, the Clipper House Inn provides all the amenities you would expect from a four star hotel, but in a relaxed and intimate setting perfect for rejuvenating your body and soul. Innkeepers Barbara and Jerry Hopper will ensure your stay is perfect in every way, and (of course) all accommodations include a complimentary wine and cheese reception.

Weddings & Special Events

This portfolio of on-site amenities and charm make Clear Creek an alluring place to celebrate a wedding or other special event. The Clear Creek team is available to consult about any special occasion you may have for parties of 10 to 150 guests. Given the cornucopia of activities and experiences available, it’s no wonder that Clear Creek Winery has been voted Best of the Bay for the last three years. When you’ve tired of the monotony of ordinary life, the entire Clear Creek Winery staff and family are waiting to help you experience Clear Creek’s own special brand of escape.

Tabella, A Farm-To-Table Restaurant

Whether you’re looking to pair a Clear Creek wine with the perfect meal or just hungry for beautifully executed, farm fresh food, Tabella’s warm ambiance immediately embraces you. With three dining areas including an outdoor patio the restaurant offers guests unique and inviting spaces that enhance the dining experience.

(Left) An expertly cooked Tabella steak with bacon wrapped asparagus. (Right) Tabella Executive Chef Coco Hogue.

For more information about the winery call 281-334-8300 or visit www.clearcreekvineyard.com. DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area tax rates vary from city to city

Bay Area city budgets City Budget Tax rate

By Mary Alys Cherry

Clear Lake Shores $1,690,743 $0.00

ity budgets have now been finalized and soon we’ll be getting tax notices. For most Bay Area residents, the tax bill will be about the same as last year. But there’s quite a difference in the city budgets and the tax rate. Size certainly counts. Little Clear Lake Shores has no city taxes, able to live off sales taxes from its businesses. Others such as Kemah and Webster have very low tax rates also because of their many businesses. City budgets range from Taylor Lake Village’s $1. 6 million to those up in the multi-millions. Kemah’s budget is a mere $4 million while Houston – of which Clear Lake City is a part -- plans to spend $4.2 billion. League City has a $95.7 million budget, while Galveston’s is $96 million, Pearland ‘s is $33.4 million and Pasadena’s budget is $165 million. Tax rates also varied with several staying the same as last year. League City ‘s is going down 1.3 cents per $100 property valuation while El Lago is raising its rate about 3 cents to pay for its new city hall complex. Meanwhile, Seabrook’s rate will be up about 2 cents and Pearland’s rate is going up 3 cents for a 4.73 percent increase to fund park projects and other capital improvements.

Clear Lake City (Houston) $4,200,000,000

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

$0.639

El Lago $2,114,643 $0.6133 Galveston $96,000,000 $0.5540 Friendswood $37,670,000 $0.597 Kemah $4,020,514 $0.2499 League City $95,700,000 $0.597 Nassau Bay $ 4,526,870 $0.73 Pasadena $165,164,241 $0.59 Pearland $33,445,647 $0.7051 Seabrook $11,100,000 $0.665 Taylor Lake Village $1,650,000 $0.348 Webster $33,729,220 $0.2852

Mobile Websites:

Changing the Face of the Internet hanks to smart phones and tablets, the way people are connecting to services and destinations on the web is changing. More and more, mobile devices are becoming our default choice for connecting to the internet. People have come to think of the web as an essential part of their lives, not willing to live another day, even another moment, without being constantly connected. 1. The US population is sitting at around 311 million. Of those 311 million people, about half of US adults own a smartphone. 2. On top of that, for a whopping 28% of Americans, a mobile device is their primary way of accessing the Web... 87 Million people! 3. There are four times as many mobile phones as PCs worldwide, and that gap doesn’t show any signs of decreasing. 4. Virtually all phones on the market today are web-enabled. 5. Purchases made on mobile devices are expected to nearly double to $11.6 billion this year. By 2015, U.S. mobile sales are forecast to reach $31 billion. This shift away from desktop to mobile requires web designers and marketers to refocus. Not necessarily away from desktop design, but certainly more towards mobile design. People are accessing content all the time on the go and that requires developers and publishers to think mobile first. Here is the problem: the mobile web is pretty much like a box of chocolates, and most mobile websites are still subpar. The current state of mobile browser support is abysmal. The variety of screen sizes, devices, user agents, and operating platforms is astounding. “Standards” are virtually non-existent. In addition to that, there are many approaches to mobile design such as mobile apps, dedicated or responsive mobile websites, or simply no action at all. Each approach has its own pros and cons that affect the users experience of mobile access. However, the users needs remain constant, and can be broken up into 4 layers: Access First and foremost, users need to be able to access an experience. The most beautiful design in the world will accomplish nothing if people can’t view it.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Interact Once the visitor is on the website, they need to be able to interact with the content and get around the website. Navigation, especially on mobile, should be like a good friend: there when you need it, but considerate enough to give you your space. Perform 71% of mobile users expect mobile websites to load as fast, if not faster, than desktop websites, and 74% of mobile visitors will abandon a website if it takes more than 5 seconds to load. In other words, you have 5 seconds to get someone’s attention. Make it count. Enhance Many mobile devices and browsers can do things that desktops cannot. Though we use them for so many other things, mobile phones are of course, phones, and mobile browsers can initiate a call when the user clicks a phone number. Geolocation can also save steps when filling out forms, and it creates opportunities for innovative new features and interaction. The beauty of touchscreens is that they give users a way to interact directly with content, such as allowing users to swipe through photos in a gallery. A lot goes into making a great mobile web experience. Viewing the mobile web as a wonderful journey and not as a destination is absolutely essential. As we step into the deep end of multi-device web design and marketing, we must strive to continually improve our websites and services in order to better serve our users — wherever they may be. Courtesy of Big Splash Web Design and Marketing www.bigsplashwebdesign.com 281-816-6932

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

HOLIDAY BUDGETING CENTER

t’s the time of year for gift giving, entertaining, holiday parties, and for many–overspending and financial stress. This year, enjoy the season without letting holiday spending get the better of you; the tips and tools below will help. Setting a realistic holiday budget and making sure to stick to it is the first step to enjoying a more affordable and less stressful season. Here are a few ways to handle gift giving and celebrations without breaking the bank: Set Your Budget The best place to start making a holiday budget is to look at your spending during last year’s holiday season. In what areas did you spend more than planned? Next, make a list of the holiday purchases and events you plan to spend money on this year. Consider all

is Etsy, where you can find crafty items from over 200,000 sellers. Join Together Instead of excessively spending on each other this year, join together with family members to help those who may be less fortunate. Online opportunities are easy to find, and there are several in this article, “Helping others when money is tight.” Other opportunities for online giving can be found at the websites for Oxfam International and ACCION. Travel Wisely If you plan on traveling, take some time to determine how much it will cost you with our Holiday Travel Planner and don’t forget these holiday travel planning tips.

“Instead of excessively spending on each other this year, join together with family members to help those who may be less fortunate.” of your major spending categories: gifts, entertaining, meals, and travel–then estimate how much you can afford to spend in each category. Knowing your spending goals long beforehand will help you stay on track financially as the season heats up. This easy-to-use Holiday Budget Calculator can help. Get Creative One great way to save money and wow friends and families is to get creative. Store-bought gifts are great, but homemade gift are often more meaningful and most recipients truly appreciate your time and effort. Ideas for creative gift projects are plentiful online. Sites like this one should give you a few ideas to start with. If you like the idea of a personal touch and affordability but don’t have the time or skill to make gifts yourself, the ultimate marketplace for homemade gifts

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Entertain for Less Holidays are a wonderful time to entertain, but a little planning and budgeting can help you avoid financial headaches. Let our Holiday Entertainment Planner help you ensure a fun event that won’t tax you financially. Also check out these holiday entertainment tips to help you keep your holiday budget in shape. For additional tips on helping your budget stay on track, visit our Holiday Spending Survival Guide. 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.

CHOICES, CHOICES Selecting the Right Legal Entity By Greg Crinion business start up can be exciting, yet puzzling when deciding which, if any, legal entity to choose. Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies are all options. Following are five factors to consider in making your decision.

The Basics 1. A Sole Proprietorship is a one person operation where the business and the owner are one and the same. 2. A General Partnership requires two or more owners, though not necessarily equals. The business and owners are one and the same and each partner has unlimited personal liability for the business operations. 3. A Limited Partnership requires two or more partners, some of whom may be limited or “silent” partners and at least one of whom must be a general or “managing” partner. The limited partnership is separate from the owners. The limited partners are liable for business operations only to the amount of their investment. The general partners have the same unlimited liability as in a General Partnership. 4. Corporations are entities separate from their owners and have perpetual lives. Business owners are generally not liable for debts of the business. 5. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) likewise are separate from their owners, but can operate like any of the other business forms while still providing for the owner’s limited liability.

Limiting liability of owners A prime consideration for organizing a business entity is to protect the personal assets of the owner from business operations. There is no liability protection for Sole Proprietors and General Partners. In these cases, the owner is liable for all business debts. Limited Partners, LLC owners, and shareholders of Corporations can, at times, limit their liability to their investment in the business entity. A few examples: Liability for accidents can arise if a business sells a defective product. There, the business’ assets would

be at risk while the owner’s assets would be protected. However, an owner who has a car wreck while on business places both personal assets and business assets at risk. Liability can also arise when a lender or landlord requires the business owner to sign a personal guaranty to secure a loan, obtain a lease or pay for inventory. The owner can avoid this liability only by refusing the transaction.

Marketing Suppliers, customers and lenders all want to know they are dealing with a legitimate business operation. Use of “Inc.”, “Corporation” or “LLC” in a business name provides credibility.

Taxes Corporations, Limited Partnerships, and LLCs are subject to the Texas franchise tax. General Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships are not. Sole Proprietors, General Partners and Limited Partners include business revenue and expenses on their personal federal income tax returns. Corporations can choose to file returns and pay taxes separate from the owners or pass the revenues and expenses to the individual owners to include on their personal tax returns. LLCs have the greatest flexibility and may report and pay taxes as Sole Proprietorships, General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, “regular corporations” or “pass through corporations” while maintaining the liability protection of the LLC.

Business Formalities Corporations require meetings of shareholders and its board of directors while other entities do not. But, Limited Partnerships, Corporations and LLCs all prohibit commingling of business and personal assets, and use of business assets for personal purposes will quickly result in any liability limitations to be lost and the owner to have personal liability for all business debts. The selection of a business entity is a complex decision. Careful analysis, along with the expert assistance of a tax advisor and business attorney, will pave the way to selection of the best entity for your business.

Greg Crinion is a partner at Crinion Davis & Richardson LLP www.cdrlegal.com DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Ellen Ochoa to succeed Mike Coats as JSC director

eteran astronaut Ellen Ochoa will become the 11th director of the Johnson Space Center on Jan. 1, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden has announced. She will succeed Michael L. Coats when he retires at the end of the year after leading JSC since 2005. Ochoa has been the deputy director at JSC since September 2007. “Ellen’s enthusiasm, experience and leadership, including her superb job as deputy director, make her a terrific successor to Mike as director of JSC,” Bolden said. “I am especially sad to see Mike leave, as he and I have been close friends and allies since coming together in the summer of 1964 as new plebes in the great Naval Academy Class of 1968.

An American Hero

“He is a true patriot and an American hero, and we wish him and his lovely wife, Diane, the very best. His expertise and dedication will be sorely missed, not only at JSC, but across the entire agency.” Ochoa, who considers La Mesa, Calif., her hometown, became the first Hispanic woman to go to space when she served on a nine-day mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1993. She has flown

in space four times, logging nearly 1,000 hours in orbit. Prior to her astronaut career, she was a research engineer and inventor, with three patents for optical systems. Ochoa earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from San Diego State University and a master’s degree and doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. She managed the Intelligent Systems Technology Branch at NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., before being selected as an astronaut in 1990. She flew on shuttle missions STS56 in 1993, STS-66 in 1994, STS-96 in 1999, and STS-110 in 2002, logging a total of 978 hours in space. Ochoa served as deputy director of flight crew operations at JSC starting in December 2002 and director of flight crew operations in September 2006. She will be JSC’s first Hispanic director and its second female director. Dr. Carolyn L. Huntoon served as JSC director from 1994-95. Coats, also a former astronaut, became JSC’s 10th director in November 2005. He is concluding a 44-year career that includes 20 years with NASA, including seven as center director. He is a retired Navy captain and pilot who flew 315

combat missions over Vietnam. His NASA career began in 1978 when he earned a spot in the first astronaut class specifically selected to fly the space shuttle. He flew three shuttle missions, the first as pilot for the maiden flight of Discovery in 1984. He commanded two subsequent shuttle missions, logging more than 463 hours in space.

Joined Private Sector

Following his final shuttle mission, Coats retired from the Navy and NASA to join the private sector in August 1991, serving as vice president of first Loral

League City breaks ground for public safety building By Mary Alys Cherry Many League City officials were on hand to help break ground for the city’s proposed new $24 million public safety building. Mayor Tim Paulissen called plans for the 71,000 square foot structure across from City Hall “one of the largest investments our city’s ever made and one of our most important.

“This is an investment in equipment for our first responders, the police and firefighters who dedicate themselves to protecting our lives and property,” he told the crowd that also included former Mayor Tommy Frankovich and County Commissioner Ken Clark. Construction is expected to take about 18 months. When the facility is completed it will house all police operations – dispatch, training, record and evidence

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Space Information Systems and then Lockheed Martin before returning to NASA in 2005 as JSC director. In 2012, he was presented the National Space Trophy by the National Award for Space Achievement Foundation established by Space Center Rotary of Clear Lake to honor Americans making significant contributions to the space program. He also was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Coats said his main focus in the coming days will be taking care of Diane, his wife of than 40 years who has been ill.

storage and the jail -- plus the fire department administrative offices, and offices for the fire marshal and emergency management. And, in the event of another hurricane, the facility – to be built to withstand winds of up to 146 mph – “will house our emergency operations center and provide shelter. . .for essential support staff (during) the recovery afterwards.” The building is designed to accommodate future growth, the mayor said. “Some people may say we should live within our means, but I would say we are living within our means,” he told the crowd. “Interest rates are down, and we went from a cost of about $54 million on the original drawing board…down to $31 million. City Council considered this the No. 1 priority for long-term growth,” he said. City Manager Mike Loftin welcomed the crowd, and Acting Police Chief Doug Wologo and Fire Chief Brad Goudie also spoke of how their departments were looking forward to moving into the new building.

Salon La Rouge Beauty from Head to Toe

alon La Rouge owner and “Best of the Bay” hair stylist, Lisa Cook, has created the perfect place for women of all ages and styles to relax and indulge themselves. Her spacious salon is located at 902 Hardesty in Old Seabrook. Lisa, a Master Stylist, has a great following and is available by appointment only. She is a Rotarian and very active in the community. With 20 years experience, Lisa is one of the most successful stylists in the area. She does it all … cuts, color and highlights for women and men. Hair designer Melissa Hulvey is a new and welcome addition to Salon La Rouge. Melissa is an expert at cutting, styling, color and highlighting. She accepts women, men and walk-ins. Kathleen Potter Wooldridge, hair stylist and master hair colorist completes the hair care team. She is also a Certified Instructor of Cosmetology and is available by appointment for men and women. The latest addition to the salon is designer and cosmetologist Kelly Tingle. She does fantastic manicures and pedicures by appointment. Having been a nurse at one time, she is meticulous in maintaining a healthy clean environment for hand and foot care. The salon carries purses for day or evening, belts, jewelry, flip flops and boots, all designed by Kelly. If you want to look fabulous this holiday season and throughout the year, come to Salon La Rouge and let these talented ladies take care of you. Call 281-474-2528 for an appointment.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Ready to give you a new look, Melissa Hulvey standing, Kelly Tingle, center and Salon La Rouge owner, Lisa Cook.

Designs by Kelly Tingle

61 attain top rank in Scouting By Mary Alys Cherry

total of 61 Clear Creek ISD students not only earned their high school diplomas this past school year, they also attained the highest rank in Boy and Girl Scouting. In all 53 young men were awarded the Eagle Scout rank and 9 earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Gold Award recipients included Karen Castanon of Clear Brook High; Jacqueline A. Delgato, Bianca Maritza Symone and C. Hailey Phelps of Clear Springs High; and Ashley Noel Cubley, Smita Ghosh, Ryleigh Yvonne Henderson, Kira Beth Kurtzman and Kristen Michelle Powell of Clear Lake High. New Eagle Scouts are: Clear Brook High – Raymond B. Harrell, Mitchel Johnson, Dylan Mann, Daniel Mutz, Alan J. Noriega, Ryan A. Rippstein, Zachary Rowden, Eric W. Stone, Max Strong, Darian Szabo, Benjamin D. Valentine, James A. Vinson and Philip A. Wagner; Clear Creek High – Christopher Gremillion, Henry Taylor, Erik Larsen,

Justin Lenfest, Thaddeus Odenweller and Calvin Picou; Clear Horizons High – Alex Meyer and Aris Suarez; Clear Lake High – David L. Armstrong, Alexander J. Baker, Edward L. Baker, Alexander Glenn, Valerian A. Bilski III, Connor Brady, Kody Butler, Patrick W. Caldwell, Kevin Andrew Davis, Andrew W. Eaton, Christopher Green, William Griffin Jr., Thomas Harrigan III, Andrew J. Koenig, Daniel Muratore, Braden L. parry, Jackson D. Perry, Christopher R. Pitman, Solomon P. Reynolds, Jesse M. Rodgers, Luke M. Romanko, George Rusty Rowland, Brian Quan Tran, and John P. Weldon; Clear Springs High – Christopher J. Godinich, Jake Hamala, Marcus A. Reynolds, Jeffrey Steele and Mark Young; Clear View High – Christian L. Ramirez. They represented Boy and Girl Scout Troops 95, 224, 432, 435, 442,452, 468, 595, 615, 652, 678, 848, 869, 870, 930, 952, 957, 1474, 1492, 1498, 1598, 1714, 5012.

Clear Creek ISD is named one of Houston’s top workplaces

he Clear Creek Independent School District has been selected as one of Houston’s Top Workplaces in a contest conducted by the Houston Chronicle. CCISD ranked 23rd among large employers. =The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement. WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces programs with more than 30 major publishing partners and recognizes a National list of Top Workplaces. Over the past year, more than 4,500 organizations and 1 in every 100 employees in the U.S. have turned to WorkplaceDynamics to better understand what’s on the minds of their employees, the Chronicle said. Clear Creek ISD is home to 39,600 students, 5,000 employees and 44 schools in 13 municipalities and two counties.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

“We believe the measure of success of any community is dependent on the success of its children,” said Dr. Greg Smith, CCISD superintendent, “We strive to create an outstanding workplace environment in order to recruit and retain the best employees possible. Another reason CCISD is a great place to work and learn is that we have great community support.” One CCISD employee answered the survey question, why they love their job this way: “Everyone is very accommodating and ensures that the teachers have what they need in order to give our students the very best education. It is a pleasure to work in such a positive environment, and I look forward to going to work each day.” “Being selected as a Top Workplace in the Houston- Bay Area is an honor,” said Dr. Smith, “It reflects the best of a district that works valiantly every day to ensure our employees and our students have what they need to succeed.”

El Lago shows off its new community center By Mary Alys Cherry

ave you seen El Lago’s handsome new city hall and community center? If not, drive down Lakeshore Drive next time you’re in the neighborhood and take a peek at the new 5,000-square-foot complex. The $1.8 facility at 411 Tallowood Drive -- next to the city swimming pool and adjacent to Ron McNair Park, the pavilion and the El Lago Racquet Club -- is part of a city revitalization that earlier included remodeling the giant pool. The city showed off the new facility to Bay Area residents, serving up tours of the complex and an array of appetizers and desserts to residents and guests. City Hall, which opened in June, occupies part of the community center and includes the

“The other part is an 1,800-squarefoot events room that can be rented for community gatherings.”

offices of Mayor Brad Emel and City Secretary Ann Vernon, who joined city council members in breaking ground for the complex last Dec. 3. City Clerk Kara Parker also will office at City Hall. The other part is an 1,800-square-foot events room that can be rented for community gatherings. In between City Hall and the events room is a large kitchen, where food can be prepared for special events; a large fitness center with all the latest equipment; and a locker room.

“City Council will meet in the events room,” the mayor said, explaining how officials would set up the lectern and seats for the twice-a-month meetings on the first and third Wednesdays at 7 p.m. The move will give the Lakeview Police Department, which serves both El Lago and Taylor Lake Village, more office space. The municipal court and the court clerk’s office will remain at the old building. The Astronaut Wall of Fame is still at the old building as no decision has yet been made to move it or not, Emel said.

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Kathie Wiley, center, is happy to see former residents Belva Dewey, who came from Baton Rouge for the Panhellenic style show, and Marion Callahan, who drove over from Beaumont for the event at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Suzette Sullivan, left, and Dorsey Kastetter look over the large crowd that has arrived at South Shore Harbour Resort for their annual Panhellenic fall fashion show luncheon, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Models Jenny Sinor and Heather Lindsay show off the latest in fall fashion from Dillard’s at Baybrook Mall during the Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show.

Emmeline Dodd, left, visits with Pam Pross as they mingle with the crowd in the silent auction during the 28th annual Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Debby Reichert, left, and Kim Krist come down the runway in two versions of the little black dress from Dillard’s at Baybrook Mall during the Panhellenic style show.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Chairman Rikie Bowker, left, and CoChairman Kathy Akins can’t believe the big day has finally arrived after so many hours of work on the annual Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show Luncheon.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

Kelli Baliker, left, and Diane Overman make a last minute check of the silent auction as the Clear Lake Panhellenic style show luncheon gets under way. Kelli, who is Panhellenic president, was in charge of reservations, and Diane was in charge of the silent auction.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Dr. Jean Walker, Dr. Ted Cummings and Geoff Atwater, from left, tend the beans as the crowd begins arriving at Clear Lake Park for their Space Center Rotary Shrimporee.

(Left) Martha Owen, Sonja Lugo and Faye Kidder, from left, of the Women of Rotary Bay Area man the dessert booth at the Space Center Rotary Springoree. Proceeds from the desserts they sell benefit area charitable organizations. (Bottom Left) Richard Kidder readies the corn on the cob to feed the hungry crowd at the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee in Clear Lake Park. (Bottom RIght) Kathy Smith, wife of Rotarian Dr. Greg Smith, assists their granddaughter, Ava McCormick, with her shoe at the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee.

Texas Citizens Bank Vice President Mike Cornett, attorney Marc Schneider and retired Hernandez Engineering President Tery Hernandez, from right, try to decide what to do next at the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee.

It’s hard work cooking all the shrimp for the Space Center Rotary Shrimporee, but you’d never know it looking at the smiles on the faces of Rotarians Bill Geissler, Walt Huff, Ken Gurry and Bob Taggart, from left, who spent several hours over the “stove.”

DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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1. Joyce Abbey, left, chairman of the gala planning committee, is happy to see her dad, former JSC Director George Abbey, and Beth Fisher, as they mingle with the chamber gala crowd at Space Center Houston. 2. George Abbey, center, former Johnson Space Center director now with Rice University, and Israel Galvan, right, GHG Corporation CEO, visit with District 14 congressional candidate Nick Lampson during a recent campaign visit in Clear Lake. 3. Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, from right, and Seabrook Economic Development Corp. President Paul Dunphey, welcomes, from left, Port of Houston Community Relations Manager Michelle Hundley and Vice President Charlie Jenkins, to Seabrook Economic Development Conference at Tookie’s. 4. Santiago Mendoza Jr., Cynthia A. Villarreal, Noah Mendoza and Madeleine Mendoza at the CCEF Gala.

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Bay Area Houston Magazine | DECEMBER 2012

5. Seabrook City Manager Kelly Templer, right, talks with Texas Department of Transportation official at the Seabrook Economic Conference, held at Tookie’s. 6. Moody National Bank President Victor Pierson, second from left, served as moderator when the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Political Protocol Committee hosted a debate at South Shore Harbour Resort between the two candidates for the District 14 congressional seat. With him are, from left, candidates Randy Weber and Nick Lampson and BAHEP President Bob Mitchell. 7. Attorneys John Gay and Becky Reitz enjoy the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre’s Serendipity Ball at Space Center Houston. 8. State Sen. Mike Jackson, standing, stops to chat with State Rep. John Davis, the emcee at the Clear Lake Area Chamber Gala. Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Adopt Us! The Junior League of Galveston County is proud to formally announce the council of Vice Presidents guiding the League for the 2012-2013 year. Jocelyn Sullivan – President Elect/Parliamentarian, Sarah Sullivan – Communications Vice President, Jennifer Caffey – Community Vice President, Amy Lilly – Finance Vice President, Holly Pelletier – Fundraising Vice President, Kristen Lepo – Membership Vice President, Elizabeth McCarty – Secretary, Yvette Schulz – Past President.

Mario’s Flying Pizza was selected by the City of Seabrook as the 2012 Business of Year and recognized at the Economic Alliance Annual Membership and Awards Banquet held on Thursday, October 25, 2012.

Second Chance Pets presents Superman Sprocket and Wonder Woman Gidget! These superhero siblings are adorable orange tabbies and would happiest in the same forever home. Since SCP is hoping to place them as a pair, a discount will be given if they are adopted together. Cat adoptions start at $95 and this fee covers complete vetting. For more information email pets2adopt@yahoo.com. SCP shows its cats & dogs at the Clear Lake Petco on Bay Area Blvd. near Space Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday. Visit our cats in their holiday attire at JSC Credit Union, 1330 Gemini, on Friday, Dec. 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or, come see our dogs at Bay Area Art Walk at Nassau Bay Town Square on December 15th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. All pets can be found on our website, www.secondchancepets.org.

San Jac works to meet needs of the community By Mary Alys Cherry

s San Jacinto College concluded its 50th anniversary year and began a new decade, the school celebrated the special anniversary by offering a new degree and with some unexpected state funds. “This fall we’re rolling out our associate’s degree in maritime technology,” Chancellor Brenda Hellyer told Space Center Rotary members. She also found the community college was getting $600,000 in new state money based on a new allocation method figured by enrollment. That, coupled with an increase in tuition will mean the school can replace some faculty members lost when the Texas Legislature cut SJC funding by approximately $6 million. The new degree is but one of many ways the college is working to meet the employment demands of Bay Area Houston business and industry. The expansion of the Panama Canal in 2014, for example, is expected to increase traffic in and out of the Port of Houston, meeting a need for many more new workers with a maritime background. There is a huge

demand for workers with a maritime background, she added. San Jac’s history began in 1961 when six area school districts came together to form a community college. The 1960s, she said, was a huge growth period. “We have really worked on getting recognition at the state and national level,” she said. “Ultimately, we want to be No. 1.” Today San Jac serves more than 33,000 credit students with some 200 programs. Of that total enrollment, about 15,000 are at the Central campus in Pasadena with 7,000 attending the North campus and 11,000 the South Campus on Beamer Road in the South Belt area. About 40 percent continued their education at UH-Clear Lake.

Some students who enroll at San Jac are “not necessarily college ready,” she said, adding that their biggest problem is math, making remedial courses necessary. “But, we don’t turn anyone down.” Hellyer also spoke highly of SJC’s partnership with CCISD on Clear Horizons Early College High School, which affords students the

“Today San Jac serves more than 33,000 credit students with some 200 programs.” opportunity to complete two years of college while in high school. “We love that partnership.” Other things she pointed out: • About 32 percent of SJC students are fulltime and 68 percent part-time. • The average class size is about 23 students. • Male students make up 42.9 percent of the student body and females 57.1 percent. • The average age of students is 24 with those 18-21 making up 43.5 percent of the enrollment and the 22-34 age group accounting for 37.6 percent. DECEMBER 2012 | Bay Area Houston Magazine