Bay Area Houston Magazine February 2019 by Bay Group Media

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February 2019 BayAreaHoustonMag.com

Baybrook Location Now Open

FEBRUARY 2019

features 11

Work to start any day now

Teeth in one day - a successful reality

By Rick Clapp

Good for some, bad for others

JSC employees protest shutdown

Baybrook location now open!

ON THE COVER

Restaurant and entertainment guide

The “Kings of Crawfish” Alan Franks, left, and Paul Latour at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack new Baybrook location.

Creative pizzas and ultra late night delivery

Celebrating Elite Care ER at Olympia Grill - League City

2018 a year of ups and down

Get that perfect “date night” look for Valentine’s!

By Sumer Dene

By Pastor Brad Heintz

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Judy Gaines Joe Machol Dana McDonald Amber Sample Matthew Sweatt Robyn Weigelt

Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Sumer Dene Michael Gos Betha Merit Ange Mertens Xander Thomas Photography Mary Alys Cherry MoonBridge Media NASA Distribution Shinkle Distribution

Remembering Simone Clapp 2018 In Review Business Buzz Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack The Best Bites of the Bay Seabrook’s Midnite Slice Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party Houston Sports Scene Makeup Tips and Tricks Veganism - Fad or Future? Mirrored Love

44 Aerospace Commercial Crew preparing to test Starliner

47 Education School history dates bck to 1873 48

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

281.474.5875

Dental Health

46 Healthcare Beloved obstetrician Peggy Taylor retires

www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com

SH-146 Rebuild Construction

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

That Home Feeling By Lilli Heintz

columns 14

Brian Freedman

Movers & Shakers

ALBA to celebrate 30 years of service

SUV choices

Lakewood Ladies Association installs new officers

Bay Area Houston Calendar of Events

Clear Lake Chatter In Wheel Time Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events Main Events

Work to start any day on rebuild of SH 146 Bluff. A new bridge across the bay from Seabrook to Kemah also will be built and the current SeabrookKemah Bridge will be used as a frontage road to ease traffic. But, while the next five years – yes, five years – will be difficult on everyone, residents and visitors alike, once RS&H Engineering and Webber Construction begins work, they hope to turn the project into a thing of beauty. Mayor Thom Kolupski says that through a partnership between the City of Seabrook and the Seabrook Economic Development Council (SEDC), working with TxDOT, a “beautiful and only in Seabrook, highway design standard which will enhance the seaside characteristics of our community has been finalized. SAILBOAT MOTIF “The designs include a sailboat motif on the side walls of the overpasses, white powder-coated By Mary Alys Cherry

he face of Seabrook

is about to change as the Texas Department of Transportation rebuilds State Highway 146 from Red Bluff Road south past NASA Parkway and on through Kemah to Highway 518 – turning the roadway into a 6-to-12 lane freeway. With construction of the fiveyear, $200 million project expected to start any day now, it’s hard to drive through Seabrook and not be consumed with sadness. In a way, this main thoroughfare through town almost looks like it might be part of the war in Syria. Remember the Wells-Fargo Bank that started out life first as Clear Creek State Bank and then Allied Bank and has stood many years at the corner of 146 and Capri Lane? It fell to the wrecking ball and is now just a pile of dust. Ditto for the Valero service station where many a motorist bought gas. So are dozens of other businesses. McDonald’s? Gone. Walgreen’s? CVS? Gone. Whataburger? Gone. Neptune Subs? Gone. Jiffy Lube? Gone, along with Hill’s Liquor Discount, Jiffy Lube, Benjamin’s Automotive, All American Auto Repair, Rustic Furniture, The Waffle House, Tookie’s Hamburgers, KFC/ Taco Bell, Laredos, TNT Mattress Outlet, Donald’s Donuts. Angel Haircuts and dozens more.About the only places left in the Five Points

during construction, with additional lane closures, when necessary, limited to off peak night hours,” Kolupski pointed out. “With that said, traffic delays may still occur throughout the construction project, especially during our commuting hours.”Noting that the next few years will be demanding, the mayor asked the public to have patience and understanding. “We also would like your input when a problem or issue is noticed or perceived. Do not hesitate to bring issues or concerns to our attention. NOT FORGOTTEN The Seabrook mayor wants businesses to know they are not forgotten. The SEDC and the city staff have been diligently working to provide new opportunities for developers who want to expand into Seabrook. “Ýou may have noticed construction has begun on the planned retail center on SH 146 in front of The Towers luxury apartment complex. This two-building center will be known as The Commons and will be able to accommodate a number of new retail locations… There has also been outstanding interest by many new businesses that have a desire to move to Seabrook, and we remain optimistic these businesses will make Seabrook their new home.

Expansion planned for Red Bluff Road

Construction will span across SH-146 from Red Bluff Rd. to SH-96

area where one can eat is Mario’s Flying Pizza, Tookie’s Seafood and the Classic Cafe. Most businesses are opening up shop in other parts of town. NEW BRIDGE Each day another part of a building comes tumbling down as the Texas Department of Transportation demolishes one structure after another in the run-up to rebuilding the highway from the Seabrook Channel Bridge on the city’s southside, through NASA 1 to Red

traffic signals and LED lighting with nautical bollards under the underpasses. Future projects in the work call for nautical gateway signage at the city entrances with possible boardwalk and LED lighting under the Seabrook Channel Bridge,” he added. Construction will start on the southside of Seabrook, Kolupski said, at the Seabrook-Kemah Bridge and move north toward the Red Bluff overpass “TxDOT has assured us that four lanes of traffic will remain open

Highway 146 is not the only road construction planned this year in Seabrook. Harris County and the Texas Department of Transportation have still another road expansion in the works, this time on Red Bluff. The new project, which will start later this year, will extend west from SH 146 and span approximately 1.5 miles, Mayor Thom Kolupski announced in January, explaining that the project will widen the westbound roadway from two to three lanes and build a new bridge over Taylor Lake south of the existing bridge, for eastbound traffic. “In addition,” he said, “a 10foot wide hike and bike trail will begin at Kirby and carry across the new bridge to SH 146. The city is researching possible kayak launch sites in the area, to be built once the project is complete.”

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

DENTAL HEALTH

Teeth in One Day – A Successful Reality You can now replace your missing or badly damaged teeth or dentures with a beautiful, natural, and permanent smile in just 1 day while asleep!

f you e n j oy a juicy bite of a crisp, sweet apple, consider yourself blessed. For thousands of people, this is not a pleasant experience because of the poor condition of their teeth, or because they are denture wearers. Eating should be one of life’s greatest pleasures, yet for many Americans this simply is not the case. They are in pain or unable to enjoy the simple delights most of us take for granted—enjoy chewing our food. I still remember my father’s noticeable struggle at the dinner table. I witnessed first hand how inability to eat a juicy piece of steak or salad affected the quality of his life. My father felt ashamed of his false teeth and suffered at the dinner table night after night. I remember

Dental implants provide real, functional teeth without the bone loss and downsides of dentures.

having nightmares about losing my teeth and I began to really pay attention to people’s teeth. While that experience sparked my lifelong passion for finding the perfect replacement for natural teeth, there was no real solution for another three decades, until dental implants entered the arena. Dental implants proved to be completely functional, comfortable, and beautiful as well. It is now realistically possible make dentures history! We live in awesome times. We now have the ability to replace natural teeth in just one day while in deep sleep. Thanks to experiments done by Swedish orthopedist, Dr. Ingvar Branemark, we learned that the hard tissue does not reject foreign objects so long as they are inserted under certain conditions and principles. In fact, our body completely integrates the new body part in a few short weeks and with proper maintenance will preserve it for life. The evolution that Dr. Branemark began over 50 years ago by inserting a metal rod into a rabbit’s femur has blossomed into replacing vital body parts such as teeth, knee and hip in just one day. This knowledge completely transformed orthopedics and dentistry and is changing lives dramatically, everyday. Regrettably, my father passed away before I had the skills to help him, but in pursuing that lofty goal, I have been able to treat tens of thousands of Americans

suffering with removable teeth and missing teeth! To find out if dental implants are right for you, please contact Dr. Noie’s office, Unicare Center for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at 281-332-4700 or online at www.drnoie.com to schedule your no obligation, complimentary consultation with Dr. Noie. 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.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Movers &Shakers Name: Brian Freedman

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Jay Leno. That garage!

Occupation: Senior manager at Boeing; Clear Lake Area Chamber chairman

My favorite performers are: Coldplay and Maroon 5. I first saw Maroon 5 play in a tiny venue before they were famous. I had no clue who they were, but do remember thinking they were pretty good.

Hometown: Bay Area Houston Current home: Friendswood Family: Wife: Erica; two children

I like to spend my leisure time: Playing with our kids and running

My favorite writer is: Jim Collins Someone I’d like to meet: Malala Yousafzai

“You know the term ‘smooth as butter?’ Well that must be how I got my name. I’m a smooth (and loving) operator. Take a look at my beautiful blue eyes and silky smooth coat. But my charm doesn’t stop there. I will draw you in as I adoringly lay in your lap or chase a feather toy.

“They say Siamese cats are very intelligent and can be taught to walk on a leash. Guess what - they must have been talking about me! I am more than happy to wear a harness, walk around. I’m best as the only cat in a household.”

ADOPT A LOVING PET TODAY! Come visit Micah, Butters and all the cats and dogs at Bay Area Pet Adoptions, 3000 Avenue R, San Leon or visit them on the web at www.bayareapetadoptions.org. They are open every day, except Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can call Bay Area Pet Adoptions at 281-339-2086. Follow them on social media for the latest on newly adoptable cats or dogs.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: China (International), Yellowstone National Park (US)

My favorite meal is: Mississippi Pot Roast As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A lawyer You’ll never catch me: Sitting down for too long The thing that bugs me the most is: Slow drivers in the left lane My favorite movie is: Tie: Apollo 13 and The Martian Few people know: I was a competitive debater at Clear Lake High School and that is why I still talk so fast

Remembering Simone M. Clapp

By Rick Clapp

y dear mother Simone Clapp

passed away this holiday season. She lived a good, long life of 89 years. Her early teen years were not so easy as she and her family survived World War II in Europe. My mother, my grandmother and aunt were great story tellers. They told many tales of sadness, happiness and joy just to have something to eat and a meal to share was so appreciated. Even during the most difficult times and horrendous conditions of war they found joy because of their faith in God. No doubt that carried them and continued to comfort my mother up until her recent death. Simone Clapp was a part of the “Greatest

Generation” that lived and survived through World War II. The experience made my mother and others strong, stubborn, emotional, caring and loving, but most of all giving. She would say many times that her mother learned the real gift of giving. She passed it on to all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Was Simone perfect? Close. She was good – real good and taught all of us the importance of being full of grace and helping your fellow man. We were taught to treat our neighbors and friends as family. She shared her secrets on how to survive. The importance of never giving up and always being thankful and grateful for the large and small things in life. The best gift she gave us was the gift of giving and doing that unconditionally. Simone taught us to pack our own parachute, not to rely on others. My mother was married to our loving father, Rodger Clapp, for over 35 years, she is survived by my brother Arthur, my sister Diane, and myself. Two grandchildren, Alisa and Mollie and four great grandchildren Niko, Neely, Alexa and her sister Marlene Leddick. Mom, you were the perfect mother for all of us. We thank you and praise you for all you did on this earth. Rest in peace Simone. Shalom.

Assistance League gala committee members gather for a photo while working on their Feb. 9 fundraiser at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. They are, from left, front row, Mavis Irvan, Kathleen Courville, Gail Ashby, Sarah Foulds, Peggy Heinrich, Chairman Jill Williams, Badiha Nassar, Katy Bastedo, and Roseann Carothers; back row, Kim Barker, Cindy Senger-Lewis, and Georgia Piwonka; standing on golf cart, Jill Smitherman and Sandra Sellers.

Toot toot! It’s time to get your tickets to the Feb. 9 Assistance League Superhero Gala, Chairman Jill Williams, right, and Vice Chairman Peggy Heinrich will tell you.

ALBA TO CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF SERVICE CIRCLE SATURDAY, Feb. 9 on your calendar. That’s when Assistance League of the Bay Area will celebrate its 25th anniversary as a chapter and 30th year of service to the community. And, the community is invited to attend this year’s Superhero Birthday Bash, which will be held at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook from 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 9, in memory of Stuart Wing Williams and to celebrate all the Assistance League Superheroes – past, present and future. Chairman Jill Williams and Vice Chairman Peggy Heinrich are heading up the team of volunteers putting on the Bay Area’s Superhero Birthday Bash with attendees encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. Other ALBA members assisting them with arrangements for the evening include Mavis Irvan, Gail

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Ashby, Sarah Foulds, Badiha Nassar, Jill Smitherman, Sandra Sellers, Katy Bastedo, Roseann Carothers, Kim Barker, Cindy Senger-Lewis, Georgia Piwonka and Kathleen Courville. Music for dancing will be provided by Password. One of the highlights of the evening will come during the Reverse Raffle when the third to last ticket wins a $500 gift card from Frank’s & Son Jewelers, the second to last

Susan McCoy, far right, has been re-elected president of the BOWA. Other 2019 officers with her are, from left, VP Sue Laabs, Advisor to the President Jodi Schnabel, Secretary Chris Howland and Vice President Cheri Burke. Treasurer Amy Roppolo is absent from the picture.

wins a $1,000 gift card from Lewis Jewelers and the final ticket drawn wins a Superhero Golf Cart, partially sponsored by Texas Golf Carts. Can’t wait to see that? Better get a raffle ticket, which are $100 each. But hurry. Only 300 will be sold. All proceeds benefit the six philanthropic programs including Operation School Bell, Operation Cinderella, Operation Support Our Schools, Assault Survivor Kits, Ready for Work and Community Outreach. Tickets to the event are $125 and may be purchased online at the website www.

Bay Oaks Women elect new officers SUSAN McCOY has been reelected president of the Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association for 2019. Other new officers who’ll

Sue Broughton, Darla McKitrick, Terri Steinkamp and Allyson Jackson, from left, standing, are serving on the BOWA Board for 2019, along with, seated, Suzanne Leatherman and Eileen Hult

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

serve with her are Vice Presidents Cheri Burke and Sue Laabs, Secretary Chris Howland and Treasurer Amy Roppolo with Past President Jodi Schnabel as advisor to the president. Pam Clary will return as special events chairman, Sue Broughton as historian, Jordan Quillen as communications chairman, Mary Alys Cherry as public relations chairman, and Cassandra Brown as Bay Oaks liaison. Other board members include Holiday Market Chairman Allyson Jackson, Hospitality Co-Chairmen Terri Steinkamp and Suzanne Leatherman, Membership CoChairmen Darla McKitrick and Susan Franklin, Registration CoChairmen Cindy Zook and Sharon Dillard, and Publicity Co-Chairmen Eileen Hult and Jodi Schnabel.

Also serving on the BOWA Board are, from left, standing, Susan Franklin, Cassandra Brown, Jordan Quillen, Cindy Zook; seated, Mary Alys Cherry and Sharon Dillard.

Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski and City Manager Gayle Cook, left, visit with Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership President Theresa Rodriguez as they arrive at the BayTran luncheon at the Hobby Marriott.

Pasadena mayor keynotes January BayTran luncheon NEWLY ELECTED Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner was off to a good start after his election in July 2017, learning his new job and enjoying it when, about a month later, along came Hurricane Harvey. But rather than wring their hands, he and other Pasadena officials got right to work trying to help people, he explained during his keynote address at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership’s Jan. 17 luncheon. “We accepted Harvey with open arms, and by that I mean all the emergency rooms in the area were shut down. All the airports were shut down. And, we said to one another, ‘how can we help people?’” The answer was obvious, he told BayTran members at the luncheon at the Hobby Marriott on the Gulf Freeway – open an emergency room, which they did. It was believed to be the only working ER in Harris County,

Morgan’s Point Mayor Michel Bechtel, from left, chats with Ken Fickes, Mary Hamilton and Ashton Binkley as they join the BayTran luncheon crowd at the Hobby Marriott.

he said, and besides helping some 150 people, they even delivered a baby. When life returned somewhat to normal, Mayor Wagner turned his thoughts to giving Pasadena a new face – even having the city buy a dilapidated building that had been vacant for 30 years and was giving the city an ugly look and needed to be torn down. Most recently he has been working to upgrade Rickey Road, Pasadena Boulevard and Red Bluff Road – working with Harris County on sharing some of the costs. And, best of all, his city applied to FEMA for a $105 million grant to rebuild some of the city streets, and it was approved. “Now who can say they got money from FEMA?” he smiled as he continued his overview of life in Pasadena. BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez, and Chairman David Hamilton joined Treasurer Karen Coglianese in welcoming the crowd that also included BayTran Vice

Bay Area Welcome Neighbors Club officers get together for a photo at the monthly luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club. They are, from left, Treasurer Madeline Rogers, Vice President Suzanne Lamminen, Secretary Alice Swift, President Rebecca Richey and Vice President Catherine Jennische.

BayTran Chairman David Hamilton, right, prepares to introduce the keynote speaker, Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner, to the luncheon crowd at the Hobby Marriott.

Chairman Bob Robinson, who brought his grandson, Anthony Robinson. Several elected officials were in the audience including State Rep. Dennis Paul, Mayors Thom Kolpulski of Seabrook, Tom Reid of Pearland and Michel Bechetl of Morgan’s Point, along with Seabrook Mayor Pro-tem Natalie Picha.

Welcome Neighbors elect new officers SOME OF THE busiest club officers these days are those who head the Bay Area Welcome Neighbors Club, which meets each month at Bay Oaks Country Club with nearly overflow crowds. Becky Rickey is president of the group this year with Suzanne Lamminen and Catherine Jennische serving as vice presidents, Alice Swift as secretary and Madeline Rogers as treasurer. This month they will welcome Lt. Col. Don Houk from the Living

BayTran Vice Chairman Bob Robinson and his grandson, Anthony Robinson, third and fourth from left, are happy to see Amoco Federal Credit Union Communications Manager Kevin Venable and Clear Lake Area Chamber President Cindy DeWeese.

History Museum providing a first person presentation of one of the most famous World War II generals, James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, and his famous raid on Tokyo at their Feb. 21 luncheon meeting. To attend, email Nancy Guthrie at membership. bawnc@gmail.com

90 years old and still golfing A ROOMFUL of old friends were on hand to help Charles Smitherman celebrate his 90th birthday in late December, and all were no doubt surprised to learn how he keeps a busy schedule and is out playing golf every chance he gets. Besides his birthday celebration, it was also a chance for him and his wife, Joy, to get together with all their kids – Carol Smitherman Anglin, John and Jill Smitherman and Paul and Valerie Riddle -- and grandkids and long-time friends.

Pictured at Charles Smitherman’s birthday celebration are, from left standing, John and Jill Smitherman, Charles Smitherman, Valerie and Paul Riddle, Carol Smitherman Anglin; and, seated, Joy Smitherman.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

SUV Choices

Chevrolet Traverse

By Don Armstrong

iven the popularity

of SUVs, there are lots of decisions to make when you buy; price, brand, size, trim level, to name a few. In this edition of Bay Area Houston Magazine, we compare a luxury brand to an American standard that might bring some shopper clarity.

Infiniti QX50

Nissan’s luxury label, Infiniti, has made its own mark among Japanese entries in the SUV market by winning over millions of buyers looking for style and quality. The completely redesigned 2019 QX50 checks all the boxes in a world becoming crowded with SUVS. At first glance, you’re greeted with a large, open-mouth grille. Two, large ridges adorn the hood, adding to its forward aero design. A short sun shade spoiler overhangs the rear glass. The QX50’s interior gets high marks too starting with a sophisticated dash layout, high zoot stitching and quality workmanship throughout. The infotainment screen

is tilted back, away from the driver and tucked under the dash pad, requiring a mouse-like control knob on the center console. Front seats are comfortable and supportive. The second row slides, reclines and folds flat, with enough leg room for 3 full sized adults.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

An all-new, 268 horsepower 4-cylinder engine powers this QX through a continuously variable transmission. That’s more power than the outgoing V-6. We were impressed. Pricing starts at $36,550. Nicely equipped, about $55,000.

Redesigned last year, the 2019 Traverse is Chevy’s largest 3-row crossover and compares nicely with the Suburban SUV, albeit lighter, more agile and easier on gas consumption. The Traverse is packaged in an attractive, sleek, nicely balanced, yet conservative, design, unlike the boxy Suburban. Its interior is very GM. That’s not a bad thing, just very utilitarian. Chevy does, however, offer contrasting trim options on the upper end badges that helps customize it to your taste. The infotainment touchscreen is easy to use and understand. It seats up to 8. Under the hood is nestled the venerable 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 310 horsepower through a 9-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. A 4-cylinder engine and allwheel drive are optional. If you are looking for performance handling, ride, braking or performance, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Chevrolet’s Traverse however hits the sweet spot in price and utility and doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. Pricing starts at just a tic under $30,000 but fully loaded swells the price to $53,000.

Lakewood Ladies Association install new officers at luncheon P hotos by M ary A lys C herry

New LYC Ladies Association officers are introduced at their annual installation luncheon in the club ballroom Jan. 11. They are, from left, Treasurer Janelle Leistad, Secretary Tammy Severance, President Sherri Romer, Vice President Elaine Keith and Fleet Captain Linda Weidmann.

Alice Thomas, Rosebud Caradec, Beth Ann Maxwell and Leny Koster, from left, were among the many attending the Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association Installation Luncheon Jan. 11 in the club ballroom.

Sue Broughton, left, helps Joy Edwards welcome the crowd to the Lakewood Ladies Association Luncheon.

Early arrivals for the Lakewood Yacht Club Ladies Association 2019 Installation Luncheon included, from left, Past Presidents Roz Clayton and Sue Warters, Jenny Deneris and Past President Sandy Lewis.

Rita Matthews, left, and Alice Marinos join the crowd at the Lakewood Ladies Association Installation Luncheon.

Houston Yacht Club Ladies Association President Stephanie Wright, Second Vice President Leslie Wells and Secretary Barbara White, from left, attended to represent their club at the installation.

Sue Collier, Karen Daigle, Barbara White and Rosemary Bettis, from left, make their way across the Lakewood Yacht Club Ballroom, visiting with friends along the way. Both Collier and Bettis are former LYC first ladies.

Marcy Fryday, Betsey Ennis and Mary Ellen Arledge, from left, mingle with the crowd at the Lakewood Ladies Association Installation Luncheon.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Ferguson, Douglas Hurley, Robert Behnken, Michael Hopkins and Victor Glover. Then the administrator returned again in the fall with Vice President Pence and the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, for a tour of the center.

Work on Exploration Green continues with the finish line in sight.

2018 Good for some, bad for others but certainly a year to remember By Mary Alys Cherry

he y ear 2 018 will b e

remembered in various ways across the country. A good year for some. But for others, not so good. Certainly not by the residents of eastern North and South Carolina, or those in Panama City and Mexico Beach, Fla., whose lifestyles were ripped apart by hurricanes; or

Dr. Ellen Ochoa retired as director of the Johnson Space Center.

California residents who lost their homes, cars and most everything they owned to fires. Or in nearby Santa Fe, where 10 lost their lives in a shooting at Santa Fe High. For the Bay Area, 2018 was a year of change – especially at NASA, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, along with the 20th anniversary of the International Space Station and plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon this coming July. Added some new faces, too. NASA Headquarters welcomed a new administrator, Jim Bridenstine, a new deputy administrator, Jim Morhard, and a new chief financial officer, Jeff DeWit, in 2018. The year also brought several changes at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. JSC Director Ellen Ochoa retired in May and Deputy Director Mark Geyer became center director. Soon thereafter, Vanessa Wyche was named deputy director. Six new flight directors also were selected – Allison Bolinger, Adi Boulds, Jose Marcos Flores, Pooja Joshi Jesrani, Paul Konyah III and Rebecca J. Wingfield. CREW INTRODUCED A cheering crowd filled Teague Auditorium to nearly overflowing as JSC Director Geyer and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana joined the new NASA administrator, who flew down from Washington to introduce the “Commercial Crew” – the nine astronauts who will fly on American-made commercial spacecraft to the International Space Station and return to American soil for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired. The nine who will crew Boeing’s Starliner and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon are Sunita Williams, Josh Cassada, Eric Boe, Nicole Mann, Christopher

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

SEVERAL HONORED The year got off on a happy note with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner named recipient of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Quasar Award, followed by retiring Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot being presented the National Space Trophy by the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation. Among the many coming in for honors this past year were two Space Center Rotary past presidents -- Scott Rainey, who was elected Rotary District 5890 governor for 2020-2021; and Suzie Howe, a former district governor, who was presented the Distinguished Service Award for raising $3.7 million for Rotary. Lunar Rendezvous was back for its 53rd annual festival, selecting Gene Hollier as king and Sabrina Curran as queen while volunteers raised $126,000 for college scholarships and help for area non-profits at the festival events. A few months later, the Clear Creek Education Foundation raised $75,000 at its annual gala, while honoring League City Mayor Pat Hallisey as Citizen of the Year, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell with the George Carlisle Distinguished Service Award and eight others. And, the American Heart Association raised $220,000 at its annual Go Red for Women Luncheons while the Assistance League of the Bay Area was busy providing new school clothes for 2,725 needy students.

was finally completed as Clear Creek ISD made plans to add a new school in League City, Florence Campbell Elementary. Other projects include the $19 million addition of 18 classrooms at Stewart Elementary in Kemah and $16 million in improvements to Clear Lake City Elementary. The University of Houston-Clear Lake added two new buildings as its enrollment continues to grow, while College of the Mainland passed a $40 million bond to construct new buildings and upgrade others on its Texas City campus. San Jacinto College is also enlarging its three campuses as it enrolled a record 30,509 students this past school year. MEDICAL CHANGES We lost a hospital and gained a hospital. Our beautiful Bay Area Regional Medical Center in Webster shut down with 900 employees laid off – but quicker than you could blink your eye, UTMB in Galveston stepped in and leased the building for 15 years. The “UTMB-Clear Lake Campus,” as it will be called, is expected to open in a month or two after a year’s absence from the medical scene. And, it will not be the only hospital getting a name change. The facility, which we used to know as Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, is now called Houston Methodist Clear Lake. Down in Texas City, Mainland Medical Center completed a $5 million expansion of its Emergency Department, adding 6,200 square feet of space and 13 new private patient rooms.

CCISD ‘EXEMPLARY’ The Clear Creek School District got an A or Exemplary rating from the Texas Education Agency for the school year and tightened up school security even more after the deadly shooting at nearby Santa Fe High. Work on the rebuild of both Clear Lake High and Clear Creek High

Whitcomb Elementary School in Clear Lake is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

future flooding, while Exploration Green, which had already helped save many Clear Lake City homes from flooding during Hurricane Harvey, had its grand opening April 28 and continued its work. Both Norman Frede Chevrolet and One Stop Tents and Events celebrated their 50th anniversaries this past year, while South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center celebrated its 30th anniversary and The Clothes Horse in League City celebrated its 20th anniversary. Costco, the world’s second largest company behind Walmart, came to town, opening a large store in Webster.

Bay Area Regional Medical Center closed its doors in May.

Damages to John Sealy Hospital in Galveston last January were estimated at $7.8 million – a huge amount when you consider that there was very little fire damage. The damages were from smoke which enveloped the entire multi-story building. COASTAL SPINE As thousands of area residents continued to recover from the waters of Hurricane Harvey, rebuilding their homes and lives, Gov. Greg Abbott came to visit, bringing $153 million for storm debris removal costs for League City, Friendswood, Dickinson

and several other areas hard hit by Hurricane Harvey. Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers has taken Dr. Bill Merrill’s Ike Dike idea and is currently working on eventually building a Coastal Spine to protect the Galveston Bay area and other parts of the coast. Hearings have been held in Seabrook and Galveston to get residents’ comments and ideas. When the final study is completed in a year or two, the plans will be sent to Congress for funding. Harris County overwhelmingly passed a massive $2.5 billion flood mitigation bond to help prevent

Commissioner Garcia expresses gratitude as he begins new post By Mary Alys Cherry “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Precinct 2,” newly elected Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia said shortly after taking the oath of office. “I am deeply grateful to the voters, volunteers and my family for their support of my commitment to public service.” Commissioner Garcia, the former Harris County sheriff and Houston city councilman who brings 35 years of public service as he starts the new post, added that he is committed to fulfilling his promise to voters: making education a priority in county government and connecting

SAD NEWS Sadly, we lost some outstanding citizens. President George H.W. Bush, 94, and his wife, Barbara, 92, who have made Houston their home for many years, died this year, as did Bob McNair, who brought the Texans to town; and four astronauts, including 2 of the 12 men who walked on the moon. Among those “slipping the surly bonds of Earth”

were moonwalkers John Young, 87, and Alan Bean, 86; Bruce McCandless II, 80, who died in late December of 2017, still famous for his floating in space photo; and Don Peterson, 84, who made the first spacewalk from the Space Shuttle. For some, 2018 will be a year they will hope to forget. Former Republican Congressman Steve Stockman of Clear Lake was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being convicted on 23 counts of illegally diverting $1.25 million in campaign donations for his own personal use in a series of illegal acts that prosecutors called “a whitecollar crime spree.” Also, Galveston County Constable Jerry Fisher of League City recently found himself on the wrong end of DWI arrest. And, amid all the ups and downs of the world and many Bay Area changes, the Webster Presbyterian Church, where two famous astronauts – Buzz Aldrin and Sen. John Glenn -- once worshipped, celebrated its 125th anniversary Dec. 2.

Precinct 2 residents to opportunities in the region, while tackling some of our biggest challenges. “The campaign is over and it’s time for all of us to come together, roll up our sleeves and begin the hard work improving our communities. We’re already off to a great start – because Precinct 2 is blessed with the most humble and hardworking people I know,” the new commissioner said. Garcia plans to work to adopt equitable and environmentally sound solutions for infrastructure and flood control – and to provide quality and accessible services and programs to help Precinct 2 residents get familysustaining jobs. Commissioner Garcia’s commitment to public service began as a Houston Police officer. In 1994, he was appointed by Mayor Lee Brown as director of the Mayor’s Anti-Gang Office and in 2003, was elected to the Houston City Council. With the support of his peers on City Council, he would be confirmed as mayor pro-tem by Mayor Bill White. In 2008, Garcia continued his service by being elected to the office of Harris County sheriff — the largest sheriff’s office in Texas and the third largest in the United States. Experiences that he feels will serve him well as county commissioner. Precinct 2 is also home for the commissioner, who was born and raised in the Northside and still lives there today with his wife. Is is also where they raised their daughter. “I’ll work hard every day to live up to my dad’s example and adhere to his words of wisdom while protecting the trust placed in me by the voters,” Garcia promised as he began heading up Precinct 2. FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Johnson Space Center employees gather on Saturn Lane Jan. 15, calling an end to the federal government shutdown.

Barrios presents awards to staffers JSC employees protest shutdown Dozens of Johnson Space Center’s employees took issue with the government shutdown, staging a protest Jan. 15 at the center’s front entrance at the intersection of Saturn Lane and NASA Parkway. They’re ready to go back to work, they said, hoisting signs urging an end to the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history – a shutdown that is leaving many with no way to put food on their tables or pay their rent. One woman among the changing crowd of 50-100 held a sign that read, “Honk to end the shutdown” and got plenty of response. So much that most of the protestors found it difficult to hear one another talk with all the horns honking. Most of NASA’s 17,336 employees nationwide are sitting at home, including the majority of the 3,200 at JSC. A small number here continue to work -- about 200 who keep the International Space Station flying – performing tasks that must go on, despite the politics.

Exxon expanding Its Baytown plant Exxon Mobil has announced plans to upgrade and expand its Baytown refinery, which is already one of the country’s largest. The overhaul is expected to create an estimated 3,000 temporary jobs for mechanics, machinists and electricians, and with the upgrade the company will be capable of producing lighter, sweeter crude oil and have the capacity to produce 10,000 barrels per day of jet fuel, the company said.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Barrios Technology recently presented employees with Silver BEAR (Barrios Employee Award and Recognition) awards. Each recipient was commended for their high level of expertise and outstanding performance supporting Barrios’ contracts with NASA’s International Space Station Program. Employees recognized included Curtis Gilmore, Linda Milam, Leah Munoz, Millie Slavik, and the five members of the ICU R4 RQT Team: Garza, Zane Goff, Les Gordon, Arden Lerbs, and Rey Rodriquez. The Barrios Employee Awards and Recognition or BEAR Award recognizes quality performance and outstanding support of customer and company goals. Up to one percent of the current number of employees can receive the Silver Award each quarter. Silver award winners automatically qualify for the annual Gold award which is presented at an annual awards and recognition reception.

Port Commission gets new chairman Port Houston businessman Ric Campo is the new chairman of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Campo, chairman and CEO of Camden Property Trust, says he is honored and humbled to be appointed to the position by the City of Houston and Harris County Commissioners Court. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner presided over the meeting, held in Port Houston’s executive offices. Campo replaces Janiece Longoria, whose third and final term as chairman expired Feb. 1 after serving 16 years on the Port Commission.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

CRAZY ALAN’S SWAMP SHACK OPENS BAYBROOK LOCATION By Rick Clapp

he legendary “KingS of Crawfish”

Alan Franks and Paul Latour have created another exciting Louisiana Cajun watering hole and eatery. The original Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack, which opened in 2010, is located near the Kemah Boardwalk. It has enjoyed steady growth and developed a good reputation as a highly respected restaurant with great drinks and fresh, quality seafood at a fair price. The new Crazy Alan’s Swamp ‘Chique’ Shack is located near Baybrook Mall on Bay Area Boulevard. This new Cajun mecca features a fun and festive environment. As you walk into the Swamp Shack you will feel like you are entering a unique New Orleans restaurant. The atmosphere is very eclectic, well decorated and has a nice relaxed ambience. The alligator bar, located at the center of the restaurant, is a great viewing area. It is fully stocked and loaded with call liquor, high quality spirits and a variety of cold beer and wine. A most unique section is the restaurant’s Kids Zone. This area provides a place for children to play video games and state of the art computer games. In the meantime, parents can partake of a little adult time and relax while they enjoy

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

(Left) Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack keeps guests very comfortable if there is a wait. (Bottom right) The wild success of Alan and Paul’s original Kemah restaurant has allowed them to open a second location.

their food and beverage. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack was the creation of the indefatigable Alan Frank and Paul Latour. These two have different styles and have successfully created a winning restaurant concept. Both self-made men have worked hard. Franks started in 1982 as a barback at Cotton Eye Joe’s, a bartender at Jason’s, and eventually became owner of the renowned entertainment center Seabrook Beach Club. The original Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack, created by the dynamic duo, opened in 2010 in Kemah. The partnership works well. Franks handles daily operations, marketing, promotions while Latour handles the construction, interior design and decoration of the restaurant. Alan Franks attributes his success to extremely hard work, attention to detail, good employees and customer relations. He commends his long time staff -- Laurie Holzle, Bob Deering, Christine Jorgensen & Toni Moreno welcoming their new managers Adrew Jones in Kemah along with Baybrook General Manager Otasch Kadirov and Assistant Manager Mike Sauceda. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Chique Shack’s menu is the same as the

Kemah location, with great food and beverages totally consistent at both locations. The seafood is as fresh as possible, and the quality and customer service always comes first. Their offerings are vast and there is something for the seafood aficionado and the ‘land lubber.’ Alan’s is best known for its tasty crawfish during season, but there’s much more to this quality restaurant.

The most perfect savory dish to share among friends is the Boiled Seafood Feast, which includes generous portions of shrimp, blue crab, cluster snow crab, cluster dungeness, king crab, crawfish and lobster tail. The Homemade Louisiana Gumbo is covered with a rich dark roux and secret spices that will tantalize your taste buds. The Creole Cajun Etouffee

is a mouthwatering, unique blend of Cajun and Creole spices served with French bread. The Crab Corn Bisque is creamy and delicious with all the best flavors of the bay, and don’t forget to try the delectable Blackened Fish Tacos. Finish your dining experience with one of their decadent desserts. Enjoy Crazy Alan’s Strawberry Cake or the Crown Royale Bread Pudding. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack has rooms for meetings, events and special occasions. As the illustrious Cajun chef Justin Wilson once said, “I ‘GUAR-an-tee’ you will like the new Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack.” Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack Baybrook is located at 1330 W. Bay Area Blvd. Friendswood, TX 77546. Visit the original Kemah location at 310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX 77565 or visit them online at crazyalanswampshack.com. And if you’re on the East side of Houston be sure to visit Alan and Paul’s third restaurant, The Blue Bayou Cafe, run by managing partner Guillermo Miranda. You’ll find the same great Louisiana and Texan cuisine on the menu! Visit them at 12008 I-10 E. Fwy., Houston, TX 77029 or online at bluebayoucafe.com.

(Top Left) Crawfish kings Alan Franks and Paul Latour show off their Kids Zone area complete with computers and video games. (Left) Alan’s Ultimate Boiled Seafood Pot comes with all of your favorites, complete with sides, sauce and spice.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

146

Grazia

Sawa

Salata

Pappa’s Delta Blues

Masa Sushi

El Tiempo

r l e a

l a k e

South Shore Grille

MichiRu

Cabo

Jackie’s Brickhouse

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance

Ocean Sushi

Nobi Las Haciendas Preamble

Tookie’s Seafood

Hubcap Grill

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

Avenida Brazil

Boondoggles

Villa Capri

888 Chinese

Angelo’s

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s

T-Bone Tom’s

Floyd’s Red River BBQ Main St. Bistro

Stomp’s Burgers

Gilhooley’s

AMERICAN ASIAN BBQ CAJUN ITALIAN MEDITERR. MEXICAN PUB/FUSION SEAFOOD STEAK

AMERICAN 1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com 2. Main St Bistro 615 E Main St, League City, TX (281) 332-8800 3. Red Oak Cafe 6011 W Main St a106, League City, TX (832) 905-3150 redoakcafe.com 4. Stomp’s Burger Joint 3107 TX-146, Bacliff, TX (281) 339-0785 stompsburgerjoint.com 5. South Shore Grille 2800 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 334-7700 soshoregrille.com 6. T-Bone Tom’s 707 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 334-2133 tbonetoms.com 7. Cabo Bar & Grill 2513 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-2691 caboclearlake.com 8. Hubcap Grill 1918 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 339-7116 hubcapgrill.com ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com

Red Oak Cafe

Tight Ends

Topwater Grill

Gumbo Bar

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

2. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (281) 486-9888 masasushitexas.com

3. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 1615 FM 646, League City, TX (281) 524-8626 littledaddysgumbobar.com

3. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-0817 sawarestaurantgrill.com

5. Chelsea Wine Bar 4106 E NASA Pkwy f, El Lago, TX (281) 326-5282 m o s e s chelseawinebartexas.com

3. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com

4. Marais 2015 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-1986

4. Olympia Grill 2535 I-45 S.League City, TX (832) 738-1877 www.olympiagrill.com

6. Tight Ends Sports Bar 2502 Gulf Fwy S, League City, TX (832) 769-4330 tightendssportsbar.net

4. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 5. Ocean Sushi 3020 Marina Bay Dr Suite A2, League City, TX (281) 957-9122 oceansushigrill.com BARBEQUE 1. Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-2500 dickinsonbbq.com 2. Pappas Delta Blues 19901 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-0024 www.pappasdeltablues.com 3. Red River BBQ 1911 E Main St Suite B, League City, TX (281) 332-8086 CAJUN 1. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com 2. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood 20760 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-7474 floydswebster.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

I TA L I A N

MEXICAN 1. Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 400 Bay Area Blvd A, Webster, TX (281) 332-2404 angelospizza-pasta.com 2. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W. Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com 3. Grazia Italian Kitchen 1001 Pineloch Dr #1100, Houston, TX (281) 486-2083 graziaitalian.com 4. Villa Capri 3713 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook frenchiesvillacapri.com (281) 326-2373 5. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX francasrealitalian.com (281) 488-2207 MEDITERRANEAN

1. El Tiempo Cantina 20237 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (713) 802-1580 eltiempocantina.com 2. Habanero’s Tacos 1908 Hialeah Dr #2, Seabrook, TX (281) 474-4400 habanerostacos.com 3. Las Haciendas 1020 W. Nasa Rd 1, Webster, TX 77598 281-557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.com PUB/BAR/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com 2. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 339-7474 www.scottyspubhouston.com

1. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com

3. Skallywag’s 600 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-8877

2. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe 18033 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com

4. Boondoggles Pub 4106 E NASA Pkwy, El Lago, TX (281) 326-2739 boondogglespub.com

l a k e

7. Preamble Lounge & Craft House 20801 Gulf Fwy #12, Webster, TX (832) 905-2927 preamblelounge.com SEAFOOD 1. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-3813 2. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com 3. Topwater Grill 815 Avenue O, San Leon, TX (281) 339-1232 4. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr, Kemah, TX (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com S O U P/S A L A D/ D E L I 1. Salata 1780 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (281) 532-6988 salata.com STEAK 1. Avenida Brazil 201 Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX (281) 557-9999

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Diners and cheap tacos are not the only option for late cravings! (Left) Midnite Slice delivers late, until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. (Middle) Midnite Slice serves up creative and tasty pizzas like The Great Cornholio, which features chili and Fritos. (Right) The Hombre Wood, Midnite Slice’s take on Taco Pizza.

Midnite Slice in Seabrook delivers until 3 a.m. By Xander Thomas

or those sick of the

typical 24-hour diner or open late taco joints for those nighttime munchies, Seabrook

is home to its very own pizza place that can satisfy any hunger, from the need for comfort food to those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. “We like to do alot of weird pizzas, we do creative pizzas, we really encourage that,” said Midnite Slice owner Sibbian Roe. From the typical pizzeria staples

Owner Sibbian Roe

like pepperoni pizza, chicken wings and bread sticks, to the not uncommon, but hard to tackle taco pizza - The Hombre Wood, a more adventurous teriyaki chicken pie - named Big Trouble in Little China, and even the one you just know will be a hit with Beavis and Butthead fans, The Great Cornholio - with a chili base and topped with Fritos - this is a restaurant that can cater to the most indecisive of eaters. “Pizza never goes out of style,” said Sibbian, “Plus we really like to make things different, and pizza you can put anything as the base, put whatever you want on top of it, like you can really get crazy with that.” While she tries to reach to the height of creativity in her menu, Sibbian makes a point of letting doubters know that this place is more than just a gimmick of new and different ideas to get tourists in. She

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

wants everyone to know that they use high-quality and in store made ingredients. “We try and do a higher quality pizza, we make our own dough every day, we use 100% real mozzarella cheese, we use real sausage and not that dogfood kibble stuff,” Sibbian said with a laugh. Even with the made-for-greatness ingredients, and blank-slate mentality on a commonplace social food that’s been reproduced the same way over and over again, what really is the best part about Midnite Slice? That when you have friends over at 2 a.m., you don’t all need to pile into a car or send someone on a taco run for late snacks; Midnite Slice will deliver within a good range from their location on 2nd Street in Seabrook. Yes, they are open that late, staying open till midnight Sunday-Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, they have your post-bar hunger covered! While the restaurant itself turn seven this year, Sibbian says that the building actually has a lot of history. “This building is the original postoffice in Seabrook,” she said, “it was built in 1904 and it was the post office until 1964 when Carla hit.” They even have a picture on the wall of when it actually was a post office. She says that most of the building is solid wood, and most of the electricity is still run on conduit. So next time you’re with your friends, or even hanging out alone, and find yourself hungry late, don’t hurry to jump in the car for a food run, just let Midnite Slice bring something interesting to your door. “A lot of people who are ordering that late, maybe shouldn’t be driving,” Sibbian said, “So we kind of consider it a public service.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Simon Urbanic and his wife, Pamela Archer, enjoy the magazine party for the EliteCare staff at Olympia Grill in League City.

Bianca Jenson, Jennifer Meekins and Wanda Sandiford look over the crowd at the Bay Area Houston Magazine Cover Party.

EliteCare 24/7 ER staffers enjoy the hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres from the Olympia Grill at the Cover Party Bay Area Houston Magazine hosted in their honor. They are, from left, Lydell Elias, Christy Walker, Leslie Baker and Dr. Jason Gukhool.

Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp, left, and his brother, attorney Art Clapp, visit with Mary Callier as she joins the crowd at the Cover Party, held at Olympia Grill to honor EliteCare 24/7 ER of League City.

Sumer Dene, from left, stops to say hello to Amanda Koronich and Mariah Montemayor at the Cover Party at the Olympia Grill.

Amber Sample of the Bay Area Houston Magazine staff and her husband, Michael enjoy the party at Olympia Grill honoring the EliteCare 24/7 ER staff.

Robyn Weigelt of the Bay Area Houston Magazine staff, from left, welcomes community volunteers Jill Reason and Emmeline Dodd to the Cover Party.

WOMEN

WHO WINE Women Who Wine Birthday Lunch, hosted by Tammy, celebrated Marcy Fryday. All members wore red to support Jane Sweeny for American Heart Association.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

for the Gulf Coast; and Apache Well Control,” Fuller said. “Uniting with organizations that are committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives reinforces what Keels & Wheels supports and values.” JUDGED COMPETITION The Concours will celebrate 100 years of Bentley, and feature the automobile Marques of Lamborghini, and Shelby and honoring all Classic and Vintage Wooden Boats. Owners of classic cars and antique wooden boats are encouraged to register for the judged competition. Judging takes place on Saturday, May 4. The classic boating side of the event is sanctioned by the Antique and Classic Boat Society, an international organization established to standardize the judging procedure. An incredible array of classic wooden boats and vintage fiberglass boats, both large and small, will be on display. Invitations and entry forms for the 2019 Keels & Wheels event are available online and must be submitted no later than March 1. Because only 200 automobiles and 100 boats will be selected, it is important for submissions to be made as early as possible. Potential exhibitors are asked to submit one photo of the car or boat, along with year, make, model, owner information and a brief history of the entry. Keels & Wheels does not typically consider any automobiles newer than 1972 for entry in the event. For more information about submitting your classic automobile or antique boat, or to download an entry form, visit www.keels-wheels.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Houston Sports A Year of Ups and Downs By Joe Machol

ell, the Houston

Texans are finished for the year with a one and done playoff performance in the AFC Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans started the season 0 and 3 and then went on a 9-game winning streak. They also lost their beloved owner Bob McNair to cancer. All and all this season has been emotional and up and down. The Texans will have to fill positions at the offensive line and defensive backs. We will see what GM Brian Gain can do in the off season. Coach Bill O’Brien needs to either open up his offense and let Deshaun Watson loose or hire a offensive coordinator. Well, we always have the NFL Draft and a long offseason to ponder what if for another Texans season. The Rockets had a slow start and now James Harden is playing the best basketball of his career. The Rockets need to keep playing their best basketball as the spring nears. If Chris Paul, Eric Gordon and Clint Capela and the supporting cast can compliment James Harden, the Rockets can go all the way. I know Tillman Fertitta will be demanding excellence from his NBA franchise. Rockets games are fun to attend and they are exciting for the fans, especially when they win at home. The Astros soon will be heading to spring training in Florida for the 2019 Major League Baseball season. Alex Bregman just had elbow surgery but is expected to be ready for opening day. The Astros have had many changes with Dallas Keuchel, Martin Maldonado, Charlie Morton and Marwin Gonzales gone. They still have Jose Altuve, George Springer, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. The team should be ready to go and return to the World Series this year. AJ Hinch and Jeff Luhnow will push these players to be there best along with communication and analytics with the human touch. Good luck Astros on the way back to the World Series.

2019 Keels & Wheels issues call for entries

he 24th Annual Keels & Wheels

Concours d’Elegance, benefiting Today’s Harbor for Children, has announced plans for the 2019 event that will held May 4-5 at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. The annual nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show takes place each spring at Lakewood and attracts more than 10,000 attendees. The car and boat exhibitors come from every part of the United States, as do the spectators. In making the announcement, Keels & Wheels Concours Co-Founder and Chairman Bob Fuller also took time to thank the event’s title sponsors. “We are honored to have created partnerships with City of Seabrook; the Jon & Jacqueline Hodges Charitable Organization; Texas Coast Yachts – Jeanneau Dealership

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

TICKET PRICES: • $30 General Admission: $30/ticket if purchased online in advance, • $40 General Admission ticket at the gate per person • Kids 10 and under are free • Tickets may be purchased at Keels-Wheels.com or by calling: 713-521-0105 Proceeds from the 2019 event will again benefit Today’s Harbor for Children, whose mission is to provide a home and safe environment for abandoned and abused children and healthy, comprehensive care for children and families in crisis. For more information, visit www.keels-wheels.com or follow them on Facebook.

The Houston Yacht Club Welcomes Jerry Clemens as New General Manager

he Houston Yacht Club is proud to announce and

welcome Jerry Clemens as the new general manager. Clemens joins the HYC team from Venice Yacht Club which is located in Florida and brings more than 30 years of experience as general manager at several yacht clubs and country clubs. Additionally, he is active in Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), CMAA International Wine Society, and the Florida Chapter of CMAA. He and his wife, Lynn, are also boaters and will bring a power boat to the HYC harbor. “As the search committee researched his background and spoke with references, some common themes arose to include excellent managerial skills and leadership qualities; effective financial administration; effective project management and maintenance programs; effective employee management and employee development,” said Past Commodore Jack Yoes, GM Search Committee chairman, adding that “The Houston Yacht Club is happy to have an individual of his caliber onboard to continue and improve the great traditions of HYC.”

Love

Conquers All Makeup tips and tricks for that perfect date night look

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Chocolate Banana Nut Muffin • • • • • • • • • • •

1 pasture-raised egg 3 bananas 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ cup almond butter ½ cup walnuts or almonds (or a mix of both) ½ cup enjoy life semi-sweet chocolate 1 ½ cup almond flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp distilled white vinegar ½ tsp salt ¼ cup pure cane sugar

Grease muffin pan or use silicone muffin tray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bananas in thin slices, add vanilla extract and mash. Mix almond butter, nuts, egg, and sugar together then stir. Add flour, baking soda, distilled white vinegar, chocolate chips, and salt. Stir thoroughly. Bake for 20 minutes.

Blueberry Açaí smoothie • • • • •

1 Sambazon açaí superfruit pack 1 cup Blueberries 1 Banana ½ cup Goodbelly Blueberry Acai Probiotic juice or Organic Greek yogurt ½ cup Almond milk

Thousand Island salad • • • • •

Your choice of leafy greens 2 tsp flaxseed meal 4 Cherry Tomatoes 1/2 cucumber Sunflower seeds

Dressing • ½ cup Vegenaise • 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish • 1 tsp Ketchup • A dash of salt

you order off the dollar menu. Corporations genetically modify, chemically alter, and artificially inseminate animals confined in small cages at concentrated animal feeding operations. These animals aren’t here by God’s choice, they were bred into existence unnaturally to be slaughtered at a young age. Plants also are genetically altered and doused in harmful chemicals. The message society is sending to consumers is in order to be healthy; you must be wealthy. Is this the message that will continue? The word “meat” became indirectly marketed with masculinity. However, many top athletes, including Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers, Serena Williams, and Lewis Hamilton, are adding plant-based protein to their diet, and winning as a result. Kendrick Farris is the only U.S. weightlifter qualified for the Olympics. Aside from breaking records, a plant based diet has helped him decrease recovery time, and improve mood, sleep and energy levels. Meat is a dense tissue and takes massive amounts of energy to break down. The same energy resources could be spent for regeneration, detoxification, and recovery after exercise. “We shouldn’t get so caught up with ‘protein’ because you can get an excess of protein, and most of it just gets passed through the body.” States Farris. All plants have varied amounts of protein that add up throughout the day. Foods such as beans, nuts, seeds, and By Sumer Dene algae match the protein density found in animal products. The point of a whole-foods plant-based diet is to be hen I was 10 years old, my mom conscious of what you put in your body. Cultures that enjoy let me make a fundamental life decision. I health and longevity consume the least amount of animal was a vegetarian from birth and was given products. Okinawa, Japan has the highest life expectancy. the choice to eat meat. Around the same They believe in mindful eating; they take the time to think time, my step dad offered me $100 to eat a piece of steak. I about what and how they’re consuming food. Okinawans didn’t take his offer. My taste buds never acquired the need eat less seafood than most Japanese, and instead of rice, for meat at a young age, which made it easy for me to turn sweet potatoes are the staple food in the traditional cuisine. it down and find other nutrient-dense foods to nourish Their diet is abundant in green and yellow vegetables, fruit, my body. A child doesn’t make the connection where meat and various soy products. According to BBC, Okinawa’s and dairy comes from, they simply correlate savory tastes oldest residents also have far lower rates of cancer, diabetes and flavors to perfectly packaged and marketed animal and dementia than other aging populations. A plant-based products. As adults they are programmed to disconnect lifestyle is for anyone who wants to from the food on their plate. After not look and feel their best. It is not a fad or eating animals for the last 24 years of a trend, it’s a way of life and it is here “Add plant-based my life, the most difficult part is finding stay. options in a meat-centered society. diversity to your diet to The Economist declares 2019 will be Fortunately, the market is changing the “Year of the Vegan,” while Forbes and find a balanced due to high demand, especially among predicts more people will “embrace millennials. lifestyle suitable a plant-based lifestyle.” According to Favorably, people are becoming The Economist, a quarter of millenial to your unique inspired to eat plant-based foods. They Americans identify as vegan or are learning it’s a lot easier than they nutritional needs.” vegetarian. Forget fad diets, short term thought and that plant-based foods goals, and depriving yourself of foods. can have a similar delectable taste that A lifestyle and mindset change is all sends the same signals to the brain you need to maintain health and wellness. A whole-foods as would a ribeye steak. Plant-based foods are becoming plant-based lifestyle is about adding nutritious, delicious more popular and convenient. For most of us, eating meat plant-based foods to your life for a lifetime. Instead of is a choice and not a necessity. Because of issues such as trying to follow a strict regimen, add plant-based diversity world hunger, global warming, and animal suffering, to your diet and find a balanced lifestyle suitable to your eating animals has become an ethical issue. According to unique nutritional needs. Psychology Today, environmentalists encourage us to cut More people are developing a vegetable friendly palate. down on meat consumption in favor of vegetable foods that Social media is helping people learn new recipes, join are better for the environment. The Food and Agriculture support groups, and swap animal for plant-based protein. organization states that raising livestock takes about 80% of There are many reasons to choose nutritious food that loves all agricultural land and produces just 18% of the world’s you back. This movement is expanding every day. It could calories. be for health and athletic endurance, the animals, your taste Since prehistoric times, humans have been hunters buds, ethics, or for the environment. Animals are good to and gatherers. However, it is different in modern society. us. They give us companionship, unconditional love, and Many systems put in place are outdated, and need to be forgiveness. Yet they become slaves to us for food, clothing, reassessed as a whole. Animals are treated as commodities experiments, and entertainment which causes them great in a society dominated by large-scale animal agriculture suffering. We separate each other by class, race, sex, and corporations. People pay industries to mass produce and species. Rather than observing each other as a part of a slaughter animals for them. This is unnatural in many ways greater whole, we build imaginary boundaries. As long as compared to how our ancestors derived food. Agriculture humans see other living beings as subservient to them, we has become an industry concerned with profit, and not will never achieve world peace. about sustaining life. Meat was a necessity for our ancestors who hunted to survive; now it has become something

VEGANISM - IS A PLANT BASED DIET FAD OR FUTURE?

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

By Pastor Brad Heintz

rowing up, Peanuts was

one of my favorite cartoons in the Sunday paper. Charles Schulz had a cartoon that said, “Happiness is a warm puppy!” I would agree. But what is love? What would you say love is? “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Have you hear it before? It is from the great love chapter in the Bible, First Corinthians 13. The whole

chapter describes what true love is. Near the end of the chapter Paul says, “ For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (NIV New International Translation). I always thought this phrase was odd and didn’t really fit the rest of the love chapter. But when I thought about it more, I realized that when I die and go to heaven, I would see God face to face. I would experience His love and loving

relationship first hand. Right now I only experience reflections of His love, like looking in a mirror. The New King James translation of this verse says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly…” Sometimes my love and relationships are rather dim. Why is that? When I examine what is wrong, most of the time I’m not or they are not reflecting God’s love very well. Sometimes I have let my circumstances mess up my relationships like a fogged up mirror after a hot shower. I can’t see clearly and clearly don’t love well. I remember messing up my first real relationship in high school when I took physics and almost failed. By the end of the semester I passed physics, but my relationship failed due to lack of attention. Sometimes relationships are covered over with stuff like dirt on a dusty mirror, which makes the love dimmer. Sometimes relationships are like an old mirror and loosing their reflective backing and the love is dimmer. I have also realized that my relationship with God has an effect on the other relationships in my life. The closer I get to God, the brighter His love is and the better reflection of His love will be in my relationships. So how can you start having brighter relationships? Go to John

3:16 and read it with your name in place of world and the whoevers. 16 For God so loved ___________ that He gave His one and only Son, that if ___________ believes in him, _________ shall not perish but have eternal life. Start with receiving God’s love for you first. Then God’s love can be reflected in your love. Go to the great love chapter and put God in place of the word love and then put your name in place of love. “_________ is patient, _________ is kind. _________ does not envy, _________ does not boast, _________ is not proud…” The mirror is now cleaned, polished and renewed. Go reflect God’s love in your relationships and notice how brighter they will be! Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Seabrook, a vibrant familystyle, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org Like us and watch us live on www.Facebook.com/LWCBA

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[AEROSPACE]

Commercial Crew preparing to test Starliner, Crew Dragon

ASA Administrator

Jim Bridenstine introduced the first U.S. astronauts who will fly on American-made, commercial spacecraft to and from the International Space Station last August to a cheering crowd that filled up the Johnson Space Center Teague Auditorium – an endeavor that will return astronaut launches to U.S. soil for the first time since the space shuttle’s retirement in 2011. “Today, our country’s dreams of greater achievements in space are within our grasp,” Bridenstine told the crowd. “This accomplished group of American astronauts, flying on new spacecraft developed by our commercial partners Boeing From left: Victor Glover, Mike Hopkins, Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley, Nicole Mann, Chris Ferguson, Eric Boe, Josh Cassada, Suni Williams. Photo: NASA and SpaceX, will launch a new era of human spaceflight. Today’s announcement advances our great and Expeditions 32/33, commanded the space engineer and colonel in the Air Force. He joined American vision and strengthens the nation’s station and performed seven spacewalks. the astronaut corps in 2000 and flew aboard space leadership in space.” shuttle Endeavour twice, for the STS-123 and The agency assigned nine astronauts to crew the STS-130 missions, during which he performed six Crew Dragon First Mission Astronauts first test flight and mission of both Boeing’s CSTspacewalks totaling more than 37 hours. Victor Glover is from Pomona, Calif. He is a 100 Starliner and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. NASA Douglas Hurley calls Apalachin, New York, his Navy commander, aviator and test pilot with has worked closely with the companies throughout hometown. He was a test pilot and colonel in the almost 3,000 hours flying more than 40 different design, development and testing to ensure the Marine Corps before coming to NASA in 2000 to aircraft. He made 400 carrier landings and flew 24 systems meet NASA’s safety and performance become an astronaut. He piloted space shuttle combat missions. He was selected as part of the requirements. Endeavor for STS-127 and Atlantis for STS-135, the 2013 astronaut candidate class, and this will be his “The men and women we assign to these first final space shuttle mission. first spaceflight. flights are at the forefront of this exciting new time Michael Hopkins was born in Lebanon, Mo., for human spaceflight,” said Mark Geyer, director and grew up on a farm near Richland, Mo. He is a of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. “It will be “The public-private partnerships colonel in the Air Force, where he was a flight test thrilling to see our astronauts lift off from American fostered by the program will engineer before being selected as a NASA astronaut soil, and we can’t wait to see them aboard the in 2009. He has spent 166 days on the International stimulate growth in a robust International Space Station.” Space Station for Expeditions 37/38, and conducted commercial space industry and two spacewalks. Additional crew members will Starliner Test Flight Astronauts spark life-changing innovations be assigned by NASA’s international partners at a Eric Boe was born in Miami and grew up in later date. for future generations.” Atlanta. He came to NASA from the Air Force, NASA’s continuous presence on the space where he was a fighter pilot and test pilot and station for almost 18 years has enabled technology rose to the rank of colonel. He was selected as SpaceX’s Crew Dragon will launch aboard a demonstrations and research in biology and an astronaut in 2000 and piloted space shuttle SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A biotechnology, Earth and space science, human Endeavour for the STS-126 mission and Discovery at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. health, physical sciences. This research has on its final flight, STS-133. After each company successfully completes led to dramatic improvements in technology, Christopher Ferguson is a native of Philadelphia. its crewed test flight, NASA will begin the final infrastructure and medicine, and thousands of He is a retired Navy captain, who piloted space process of certifying that spacecraft and systems spinoff technologies that have improved quality of shuttle Atlantis for STS-115, and commanded for regular crew missions to the space station. The life here on Earth. shuttle Endeavour on STS-126 and Atlantis for the agency has contracted six missions, with as many The new spaceflight capability provided by final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, STS-135. as four astronauts per mission, for each company. Boeing and SpaceX will allow NASA to maintain He retired from NASA in 2011 and has been an a crew of seven astronauts on the space station, integral part of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner program. thereby maximizing scientific research that leads Starliner First Mission Astronauts Nicole Aunapu Mann is a California native and Josh Cassada grew up in White Bear Lake, to breakthroughs and also aids in understanding a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps. She is an Minnesota. He is a Navy commander and test pilot and mitigating the challenges of long-duration F/A-18 test pilot with more than 2,500 flight hours with more than 3,500 flight hours in more than 40 spaceflight. in more than 25 aircraft. Mann was selected as an aircraft. He was selected as an astronaut in 2013. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program is facilitating astronaut in 2013. This will be her first trip to space. This will be his first spaceflight. the development of a U.S. commercial crew space Boeing’s Starliner will launch aboard a United Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, but transportation capability with the goal of achieving Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space considers Needham, Massachusetts, her hometown. safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Williams came to NASA from the Navy, where the International Space Station and low-Earth Station in Florida. she was a test pilot and rose to the rank of captain orbit. The public-private partnerships fostered before retiring. Since her selection as an astronaut by the program will stimulate growth in a robust Crew Dragon Test Flight Astronauts in 1998, she has spent 322 days aboard the commercial space industry and spark life-changing Robert Behnken is from St. Ann, Missouri. He International Space Station for Expeditions 14/15 innovations for future generations. has a doctorate in engineering and is a flight test

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

Retired CEO of Orbital ATK named Space Trophy recipient

he Rotary National Award for Space

Achievement Foundation has selected David W. Thompson, retired president and CEO of Orbital ATK, to receive the 2019 National Space Trophy. The banquet honoring him will be held Friday, April 26, at the Houston Hyatt Regency in downtown Houston. “The RNASA Foundation is extremely excited about recognizing Mr. Thompson as the guest of honor at the 2019 RNASA Space Award Gala,” Foundation President Rodolfo Gonzalez said, going on to invited the public and the aerospace community to attend the black-tie event. Thompson was nominated for the award by Northrop Grumman Corp. Space Systems Group President Frank Culbertson. In recommending Thompson, Culbertson cited his “four decades of outstanding leadership and pioneering innovations in the development and operation of launch vehicles and satellite systems, which have transformed scientific, exploratory, commercial and defense applications of space.” Thompson said, “It is with great enthusiasm, and even greater humility, that I accept the 2019 National Space Trophy! My heart-felt thanks to the RNASA Board of Advisors for selecting me for this highly-regarded honor.” Thompson began his four-decade long career in space technology as a young engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in 1978, following summer internships during college and graduate school at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center and Langley Research Center. His career as a space entrepreneur and business leader accelerated in the early 1980s when he and two Harvard Business School classmates founded Orbital Sciences Corp.,

a startup that focused on the development of space systems for commercial, military and scientific customers. Over the subsequent 35 years, Thompson led his company from its infancy to Fortune 500 status, reaching more than $5 billion in annual revenue and employing nearly 15,000 people in 2018. As one of the world’s first commercial space enterprises, Orbital pioneered the investment of private capital for space systems development and manufacturing in the 1980s and 1990s. During this time, the company created a family of six new launch vehicles, including the Pegasus rocket and several missile defense vehicles, as well as an array of lower-cost satellites for both low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geosynchronous (GEO) applications. Thompson’s vision was that diverse customers – from traditional government agencies to new privately-owned satellite operators – would use these products, and that commercial-style business practices would reduce their costs and delivery times. The success of this strategy is reflected in the more than 1,000 rockets and satellites delivered by the company to over 50 customers since the 1980s. Under Thompson’s leadership, Orbital expanded beyond its original business of research and manufacturing into providing space-based services in the 1990s and 2000s. More recently, the company partnered with NASA to develop the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft commercial cargo system for the International Space Station, which has conducted 12 supply missions to ISS over the past six years. And later this year the David W. company plans to inaugurate the world’s Thompson will first in-space robotic servicing and repair of receive the GEO communications satellites, launching 2019 National Space Trophy. an exciting new form of commercial space logistics operations. In 2014, Orbital and its long-standing industry partner, Alliant Techsystems, merged to form Orbital ATK, a larger, more diversified space and defense systems company with a broader product line, including rocket propulsion for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift vehicle as well as motors for tactical and strategic missiles. Finally, last year Northrop Grumman purchased Orbital ATK for over $9 billion, forming Northrop’s Innovation Systems business sector. The merger with Northrop is expected to generate faster growth and new products, as well as creating greater opportunities for thousands of the company’s space engineers and scientists. Thompson earned his B.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a M.S. in Aeronautics from Caltech, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society and the Royal Aeronautical Society, and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and the International Academy of Astronautics. He was AIAA’s president for the 2009-2010 year, and today serves as a member of the Boards of Trustees of Caltech, the Aerospace Corp., the Carnegie Institution for Science, the Hertz Foundation, and the Princeton University Astronomy Council. He was recently appointed to the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group and has been honored with numerous awards including the National Medal of Technology by President George H.W. Bush, as well as Virginia’s Industrialist of the Year and High-Technology Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. Magazine. Visit www.rnasa.org/tables.html to reserve a table for the RNASA Banquet and find information about sponsorships and tickets. To reserve a room at the Houston Hyatt Regency, visit www.rnasa.org/houston.html or call 713-654-1234 and request the RNASA group rate.

Butler Longhorn Museum hosts reopening celebration

fter being

closed for over a year due to damage sustained during Hurricane Harvey, League City’s Butler Longhorn Museum, located at 1220 Coryell Street, hosted a grand re-opening celebration Jan. 5. During Hurricane Harvey, the first floor of the museum received two feet of water and exhibits on the second floor were damaged after heavy winds caused a leak in the roof and water flowed down the walls and into the building. In addition to water and roof repairs, the museum has a new color palette, more historic photos captured from the early days of League City, and new exhibits and displays featuring the Butler family and their involvement in saving the Texas longhorn from extinction. In 1854, the Butler family, including George Washington Butler, moved from Louisiana to Texas to start ranching along the banks of Clear Creek. In addition to becoming a successful cattle rancher, George became a respected civic leader. His ranch served as a railroad stop and mail drop, and he himself would later serve as postmaster and build the community’s first school. In 1907, he canvassed all the property owners in League City to see who would pay $4 a piece for live oak trees to be planted by their sidewalks. His 18-year-old son, Milby, supervised the planting of the trees, many of which still shade the sidewalks of League City to this day. Milby Butler would go on to become a successful cattleman like his father but would take an interest in preserving the native Texas Longhorn. At the beginning of the 20th century, Longhorns were on the verge of extinction. Today, the Longhorn is alive and well thanks to efforts of Milby Butler.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[HEALTHCARE]

Beloved obstetrician Peggy Taylor retires

efore entering medical school ,

Dr. Peggy Taylor, an obstetriciangynecologist at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, told her father, a cardiologist, that she wanted to be an obstetrician. He warned her that it was a challenging life – with long hours and unpredictable schedules. But Taylor was convinced she wanted a medical career that focused on health and life rather than illness. And as a young resident, in the emotional moments after she delivered her first baby, she knew she had made the right decision. “My heart was pounding and I was scared,” she remembers. “But when I heard that baby cry and saw its first breath of life, I was overcome with emotion. I knew this was what I wanted to do.” That first delivery was more than 30 years ago. Since then, Taylor estimates she’s delivered 8,000 to 10,000 babies – including two sets of triplets – in her memorable career as one of the Clear Lake area’s most popular obstetrician-gynecologists. This past November, however, Taylor delivered her final baby and entered the next phase of her life, retirement. “My dad was right about the long hours, but I have sincerely enjoyed every single day,” she says. “It’s been a wonderful experience and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

The circle of life Over the years, many of the babies Taylor delivered grew up to have babies of their own, and Taylor was often their obstetrician as well. “I have a special connection to so many of my patients’ families because I’ve cared for multiple generations as their gynecologist, obstetrician or both,” she says. “I had some families where I saw the grandmother, the mother and the daughter. That’s the full circle of life.” One of those multi-generational patients is

Kathie Fenn of League City, whose daughter Katie was delivered by Taylor. Katie, in turn, relied on Taylor to deliver her children. In total, Taylor delivered two of Fenn’s four children and three of her grandchildren. “Peggy is the most positive, sweetest person I know,” says Fenn. “She has such a gentle spirit and excellent bedside manner, and even in the most challenging times, she has this amazing attitude. I am going to miss her.” Fenn remembers running into Taylor from time to time at school events or while shopping, and she was always impressed with her downto-earth manner.“She is more like a friend than a physician,” Fenn says. Out of this world care One of Taylor’s most unusual deliveries took place in 2004, when her patient Renita Fincke – wife of NASA astronaut Michael Fincke – was due with the couple’s second child. Renita’s due date was in June, just a few months before Michael’s first space flight, scheduled for October. But a change in NASA’s plans meant that Michael’s mission commenced in April – leaving

Renita alone for her delivery. “We all knew Dr. Taylor would take great care of me, but NASA wanted to make sure I had all the support I needed, so they put together a team they called ‘Operation Summer Stork,’” recalls Renita. With Michael orbiting the Earth – in the midst of a 187-day mission on the International Space Station – Renita went into labor before her planned inducement day and the team, led by Taylor, sprung into action. With Michael connected via phone, Renita and a friend described the scene as baby Tarali was born, making history in the process – Michael was the first NASA astronaut to celebrate the birth of a child while in space. He later got to see his daughter for the first time on videoconference call. “Dr. Taylor was so fantastic throughout the whole process,” says Renita. “She was with me every step of the way. She is so caring and confident; I always felt she could handle anything. I wish her all the best in her retirement.” Spending time with family Now that she is retired, Taylor wants to spend more time with her family, and visit her five grandchildren in Colorado and North Carolina as often as possible. Looking back, she is thankful for her colleagues, Dr. Patricia Choy and Dr. Shree Visaria, who have been in practice with her for many years and who are taking over for many of her patients at Houston Methodist Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates in Nassau Bay. And she is especially appreciative of her husband Ed, who shouldered so much of the family’s responsibilities during her late nights and long shifts at the hospital. “His support was instrumental,” she says. And yes, she’s sad to leave it all behind. But she is grateful for the confidence her patients placed in her. “My patients trusted me with their lives, and with their babies’ lives,” she says. “I have so many good memories.”

HCA’s Bayshore Medical Center unveils $5 million Center for Neurosciences and Orthopedics

ay sh o r e M e di c al C e nt e r , a HCA Houston Healthcare hospital, has opened the “Center for Neurosciences and Orthopedics.” The 20-bed unit, occupying 15,800 square feet of the hospital’s fifth floor is a completely new buildout, designed to meet the unique needs of neuroscience and orthopedic postoperative patients in Pasadena and throughout Houston. From specialized staff to gourmet menus, the new unit is designed to perfect the postoperative experience. Bayshore has hired nine registered nurses, specializing in postoperative care, to staff the $5 million facility. Proprietary physician-led protocols will empower each nurse to safely make medical decisions, such as when to discharge a patient, independently. Additionally, the unit will feature its own physical therapy gym and specialist to streamline rehabilitation. These measures are expected to reduce length of stay from an average of three to one day. “Neurosurgical and orthopedic surgery are highly unique, and inpatient recovery for these patients

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

should reflect that,” said Bayshore CEO Jeanna Bamburg. “This new unit is our gift to the Southeast Harris County community, who can receive specialized care and recovery in their own backyard, and I believe patients across Houston will now also consider Bayshore on their shortlist of surgery sites.” The hospital coordinated with an interior designer to give the rooms – each measuring 360 square feet, double the size of a standard room – a residential feel, including accommodations for guests to stay with patients overnight. The unit also features a “Bistro” where patients and families can dine together on their choice of two daily “Chef’s specials” or order from a menu of a la carte options for in-room dining. “There is increasing evidence that community support can impact patient experience and recovery,” said Dr. Peyman Pakzaban, the neurological surgeon practicing at Bayshore Medical Center. “This unit gives patients the best of all worlds – specialized care and privacy in a setting that encourages them to connect with family, friends, and each other as part of their treatment plans.”

Parents Lucia and Jose Garza

welcome the first baby born at Bayshore Medical Center in 2019. Their baby boy was born on Jan. 1 at 11:44 p.m. Weighing 5 lbs. 14 oz, this little bundle helped his family and the Bayshore staff kick off 2019 on a high note!

[EDUCATION]

League City school history dates back to 1873

City students with a variety of subjects and test prep. The Clear Creek Consolidated School District, students from League City Elementary now known as the Clear Creek Independent School stand on the steps of their current school, District, was formed on April 20, 1948 during they might not be fully able to grasp the a joint meeting of the boards of trustees of the rich piece of history that lives within the walls of League City, Seabrook and Webster area districts. the oldest building in the Clear Creek Independent Kemah, a common school district, voted to join the School District. consolidation three months later. League City was Earlier in 2018, these students were temporarily the largest of the communities at the time with a moved back into the building where one or both population of about 1,000 people. The League City of their grandparents attended school so that School was turned into an elementary and junior contractors could finish a complete rebuild of the high at this point, with the high school students new League City Elementary more quickly. This new being sent to Webster building will add yet High School. another chapter in the “The front entrance history of League City of the school is exactly schools since the early the same and I still 1870s. remember the spot “Our students in the gym in there were so excited where I had to put when we moved my nose to the wall into this building one time,” said firstlast December,” said generation League City League City Elementary Elementary student Principal Xan Wood. John Lothrop. He “They see this building attended school in the as a nicer facility than current building for the one that they had grades one through six before. We are trying to beginning in 1957. tell the story of how far Through the years our schools have come after consolidation, over the last 100 years the League City as well, while we are School building has here.” Third-generation League City Elementary students stand on the steps of Clear Creek ISD’s oldest school building. At least served multiple The first school, one of their grandparents attended school here. purposes once the named the Clear Creek most recent League School House, dates City Elementary was back to 1873 when built in 1960. As the District grew, space was needed George Washington Butler built a one-room cabin to to house different grade levels and even different be used as a school for his children and those of his schools, such as Clear View High School and Clear neighbors. In 1890, League City’s namesake, John C. Path Alternative High School. Clear Creek ISD is now League, purchased land in the original town of Clear celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and has gone Creek and set out to develop the city. from serving nearly 1,000 students in 1948 to now As the railroad brought in new families, a larger more than 42,000 in 2018. school was needed for local children. In 1894, League Even through the excitement of having a new built a three-room building on the corner of Kansas building to learn in next year, Principal Wood still Avenue and 2nd Street to be used as a community sees the importance of teaching her students about school. The Hurricane of 1900 would destroy this the history of the building they are currently in building, and the Little Green School House was before moving into their new space. built in its place in 1901. After 79 years of being used “As the year has progressed, the history of the by the district, the building was torn down in 1980. building and the classrooms has been shared through A schoolhouse museum which displays local school staff and local community members and students memorabilia and educational artifacts now stands in find it all so fascinating,” said Wood. “Having its place. more than 30 third-generation Mustangs and many In 1912, a $15,000 bond was passed by the citizens more second-generation students, the parents and of League City to build a two-story brick building for grandparents have also enjoyed coming back ‘home’ a new school on the corner of South Kansas Avenue to visit.” and Walker Street. The League City School served The new League City Elementary building, which students in grades one through twelve for 26 years will have a capacity of 900 students, is projected to before being torn down during the Great Depression. be finished in August 2019 before the beginning of When the 1912 League City School was demolished school. This project was part of the May 2017 CCISD in 1938, the new white school building was erected Bond program approved by voters. in its place. This is the building where the current “I absolutely cannot wait for our students, students of League City Elementary are learning 106 teachers, and families to walk into the new building years later. next August,” said Wood. “We have had the pleasure Dera Cooke, who started her teaching career in the to watch it go up beam by beam and we celebrate current building 37 years ago, reflects on the history each week the progress being made.” of the school with fond memories. “Back to the future For more information on the 70th anniversary of is what it feels like. I was so excited to actually come Clear Creek ISD, visit www.ccisd.net/70years. back here because I really like this building,” said Cooke who came out of retirement to help League s nearly 30, third-generation

Landolt students Zander Marullo, first grade; Jayden Nguyen, second grade; Brooklyn Underwood, first grade; and Trinity Willingham, second grade; spread kindness with the “Kindness Club Drink Cart.”

Spreading kindness catches on at school

preading kindness has quickly

become a way of life at Landolt Elementary in the Clear Creek School District. After hearing a lecture from professional speaker and co-founder of the organization CharacterStrong, Houston Kraft, teachers Bella Marks and Rachel Willard were moved by how he characterized kindness. “He said, ‘Being nice is reactive, being kind is proactive,’” Marks said. “Rachel and I talked about it and decided to be proactive in bringing kindness into Landolt and our community. On Oct. 25 we kicked off the Kindness Club for first and second grade students.” To their surprise, they had more than 60 students sign up to be a part of the club that meets once a week after school. Over the last three months, the students have come up with a different activity each week that reflects their mission of spreading kindness. “The placemats we created for the homeless for their Thanksgiving meal was my favorite,” said second grade student Scout Towler. “I wanted them to feel good inside and be happy and excited.” Some of the other activities the students have done are making kindness bookmarks that they placed in books throughout the library, writing nice and encouraging messages on the sidewalk as students and staff walk in, and delivering a cold soda to teachers with the “Kindness Club Drink Cart.” They are all motivated to continue to positively impact others in the years to come. “Whenever you spread kindness when you’re a kid, you keep it inside you forever, and you never lose it,” said eight-year-old Taryn Gill. “Even if you don’t know it’s still in you, you have it, and you are still spreading it around.” Interest in the club continues to grow each month as other students see the great things they are doing. Marks and Willard hope to expand the club to more grades next year and even to other schools across the District.

FEBRUARY 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Assistance League works to help put Bay Area lives back together By Mary Alys Cherry

housands of Bay Area families

are still trying to put their lives back together after being bathed in Harvey waters over a year ago. And, many are saying thanks to the hardworking ladies in the Bay Area Assistance League, who have spent so many hours lending a hand to families and helping brighten up needy kids’ school days in Clear Creek, Dickinson, La Porte, Friendswood, Odyssey and Galveston school districts. Just the other day Assistance League President Sarah Foulds made out a list of some of their work in the last six months, and even she was in awe at all their accomplishments. Since June 2018 League members have provided:  New school clothing, shoes, and hygiene supplies for 2,486 area students  Additional clothing to students who were impacted by home and apartment fires  Potty Packs for elementary schools with a possible impact on 376 additional students  Jackets for 161 Galveston ISD elementary age students  More than $5,000 in nutritional support to students in 16 area schools  Vision referrals, exams and glasses to 20 students  Interview and work appropriate clothing for 9 adults who are returning to the workforce  203 clothing and hygiene kits to Bay Area Turning Point for distribution to men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault  New coats, shoes, and socks for 76 students in Dickinson ISD whose families are recovering from Hurricane Harvey through a new program launched in December  More than 400 books to students during Operation School Bell dressing days  Thousands of man hours working in the Resale Shop  Finalized plans for a Superhero Birthday Bash to celebrate the Assistance League’s 25th Anniversary  Secured funding for their philanthropic programs in excess of $106,500 “You are am amazing group of volunteers. Your willingness to share your time and efforts to see that the needs of the children and adults of our community are met is heartwarming,” she told the membership.

That Home Feeling By Lilli Heintz

have always been told

that home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. I did not quite understand that until I experienced it firsthand. When you hear the word, home, what do you think of? Is it the house that you grew up in and been all your life? Is it your parents’ home? Is it your own apartment or newly bought house? For me, I have lived in the same house as long as I can remember, so naturally I called that home. I am now living in a new city and an apartment. I have been calling my apartment home while not paying attention. Someone pointed it out, and it made me realize that I call both places in Seabrook and New York home. I call Seabrook home because everyone I love is there, it’s cozy and familiar. Seabrook is both physically home but also the feeling of home. Since that is where I have spent 16 years of my life, it will always be my home. I am surrounded by the people that mean the world to me. They have stuck with me through thick and thin, and have always been the most loving people. I also know that city like the back of my hand. I know the shortcuts and long routes to drive by the water. I know the rotation of the red lights, and where the best views are for sunrises and sunsets. I know all the places to eat, and where I can go to see my friends. My church, that is always growing, is there. Seabrook is and will always be home. I believe that New York is my new home because I have never felt so myself somewhere. I dress how I want, I feel comfortable in my own skin, and my heart is happy there. It is crazy that one place can hold so many emotions. It is interesting how it is the city that feels like home and not necessarily my apartment. At some point, in Seabrook, it became increasingly hard to be comfortable in my skin. Here in New York, people don’t care who you are when walking the streets, they only care about where they

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

have to get to next. That has helped me focus on myself and who I need to be in this world. I am the one girl that will stand there and hold the door open for people at the subway station, or even bless you after you sneeze in passing. I have even found a new church home here. God is amazing at providing a home away from home. Hillsong NYC reminds me of how my dad preaches and after the first service there I knew that was where God wanted me to hear his word. The feeling of home can also be people. Other people have such a big toll on our hearts and minds. When you make a deep connection with someone, they can turn into your home feeling as well. When you’re with this person, everywhere you go or stay can feel like home because you are so at peace with this person. You don’t have to put on your masks, you let them know your deepest darkest secrets, and you can completely feel like yourself with them. You can have these people turn into your family that you never want to lose. A single person can change how you feel about a situation or environment, they can be your home away from home, or a long-lost sister. Even though New Your City is always busy, it does slow down at times. That’s when I found my people here, the people that saved me. I have an amazing group of friends that I can rely on because they are always there when I need them. I have amazing agents that listen to me and help me get to where I want to be in the modeling world. I have found my New York family and they are my home. One day soon my apartment will feel like home but at least the city and its adventures are already my home. Both of these places hold a home feeling in my heart, and I am so blessed to have these experiences. I have found people who make me feel at home and are my family. I have now realized the meaning of home, both physically and emotionally. What in your life has given you this amazing home feeling? If you want to follow my day to day life follow me on Instagram @lilliheintz

CLEAR LAKE

DEER PARK

KEMAH

Frank Billingsley on Feb. 7. Channel 2 meteorologist Frank Billingsley will discuss untangling the branches of this biological family tree and his book at the Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association Luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at the country club.

Chamber banquet Feb. 7. The Deer Park Chamber will host its annual banquet saluting the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Thursday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Sylvan Beach Pavilion in La Porte. For tickets, which are $75, call 281-479-1559. State of City Feb. 28. The Deer Park Chamber will hold its annual State of the City Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 500 W. 13th St. Tickets are $35 each. For reservations, call the chamber, 281-479-1559.

Yachty Gras festivities. The 20th annual Yachty Gras Celebration will get underway at a Kickoff Party at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 in Kemah Elks Lodge 2322 and conclude with America’s largest Mardi Gras Boat Parade -- the Grand Night Boat Parade -- at 7 p.m. Saturday Feb. 23 along the Clear Creek Channel and pass the Kemah Boardwalk as revelers toss beads along the way and judges tally their votes for the most lavishly decorated boats and most enthusiastic krewes. Awards will be presented Sunday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m.

DICKINSON

LEAGUE CITY

At the Playhouse. The drama Nightwatch is now playing in the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s Top Side Theatre, 3803 Highway 3, and continues through Sunday, Feb. 24, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-337-7469 or email bareahp@comcast.net

Go Red luncheon Feb. 23. The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, benefitting the American Heart Association, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom, 2500 South Shore Blvd. For sponsorship or ticket information, call the American Heart Association, 713-610-5061, or visit Sarah.j.Martin@heart.org

FRIENDSWOOD

NASSAU BAY

Chamber luncheon Feb. 7. The Friendswood Chamber will host its monthly membership luncheon Thursday, Feb. 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Green Event Center, 2000 W. Parkwood. For tickets, which are $25 for members, call the chamber, 281-482-3329.

Symphony concert Feb. 8. The Clear Lake Symphony will appear in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Upper Bay Road, presenting music by the French masters -- Auber, Revel and Bizet. Tickets, which are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students, are available at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 300, and at the church.

Astronaut to speak Feb. 12. Astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams will share some of his space adventures when he addresses the Bay Area Museum Guild on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Bay Area Museum in Clear Lake Park, 5000 NASA Parkway. For reservations to hear Col. Williams, email bayarea_museum@ yahoo.com On Bayou stage Feb.15. The Apollo Chamber players will introduce a unique sound experience on the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater stage, Friday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The Houston-based ensemble is featuring world-renowned German theremin musician Carolina Eyck to share the eerie, arresting music of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu. For tickets, visit www.uhcl.edu/bayoutheater/events-tickets Welcome Neighbors Feb. 21. Bay Area Welcome Neighbors Club will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 at Bay Oaks Country Club for a luncheon with Lt. Col Don Houk from the Living History Museum providing a first person presentation of one of the most famous World War II generals, James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, and his famous raid on Tokyo. For luncheon reservations, contact Nancy Guthrie at membership.bawnc@gmail. com or call 281.333.3055.

GALVESTON Mardi Gras underway. The Island’s 108th Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 22 - Mar. 5 and is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees for its many concerts, many parades, balcony parties and elegant masked balls. For information, visit www. mardigrasgalveston.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2019

HSLBA meeting Feb. 20. Houston Symphony League Bay Area will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Upper Bay Road, with Sparky Koerner and

his Jazz Express providing entertainment. Guests are welcome and membership is open to those who want to support Houston Symphony music.

PASADENA State of the City Feb. 14. Pasadena Chamber will host its annual State of the City Luncheon featuring an address by Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway. The Business of the Year also will be recognized. Tickets are $50 each for members and $60 for non-members.. For reservations, visit www. pasadenachamber.org or call 281-487-7871. Comedy at Little Theatre. Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen-Genoa Road, is currently presenting the comedy, Making God Laugh, through Sunday, Feb. 10, with curtains at 8 p.m. weekends and Thursday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m., followed Feb. 22-March 3 with another comedy, Dancing Lessons. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 713-9411758.

PEARLAND State of the City Feb. 7. Pearland Mayor Tom Reid will deliver his annual State of the City Address at the Thursday, Feb. 7 Pearland Chamber membership luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Church of Pearland, 1850 Broadway. Tickets are $30 for members and may be reserved by calling 281-485-3634. ABWA meets Feb. 14. The American Business Women’s Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, for a luncheon at Spring Creek BBQ, 9005 Broadway.

Boots and Bling Feb. 16. The Boots and Bling Dinner Dance will be held Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Knights of Columbus, 2320 Hatfield Road, with proceeds to help fund scholarships for Alvin and Pearland ISD seniors. Tickets are $50 each. For information, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/alvinpearland-bootbling-dinner-dance-2018tickets-46674509715

SEABROOK Men Who Cook Feb. 12. The 25th annual Men Who Cook event benefitting the Seabrook Rotary Foundation and Seabrook Police charities will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Lakewood Yacht Club featuring the musical talents of Velvet Punch. Tickets are $50. For information, visit their website, www. seabrookmenwhocook.org

TEXAS CITY Classic musical at COM. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, is now playing at the College of the Mainland Community Theatre through Sunday, Feb. 10 with performances at 8 p.m. Thursday – Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range in price from $11 to $23. For reservations, call 1-888-258-8859, ext. 8345.