Bay Area Houston Magazine October 2022

Fighting Back Against Cancer –and Winning

AN EMERGENCY IS ALWAYS EMERGENCYAN important to know where to go when unexpected injuries or illnesses occur. have a minor or a life-threatening one, Houston Methodist provides state-of-the-art emergency care 24/7/365 to patients of all ages.

BILL HOLBERT Bank Office President

BARRY G. MCMAHAN Senior Vice President & Commercial Lender

DILSHAN MANAWADU Senior Vice President & Commercial Lender

LESLEE A. FARLEY Vice President & Commercial Lender

LIBBY MCGEE Vice President & Office Manager

JIMMY L. BUTCHER Bank Officer & Commercial Lender

with SERENDIPITY Yacht Cruises

By Patty Andrew

Let your dreams set sail as you step onboard Serendipity Yacht Cruises (SYC) coming soon to Clear Lake! As Lorraine Castiglia, Director, plainly states, "The ocean breeze changes your thinking, puts your brain on a relaxing wave, plus gets the creative juices flowing." Close your eyes and listen for the sea calling you as you open your heart and mind to new possibilities with SYC.

40 REASONS TO BE HAPPY

As she walks on to the beautiful Golden Opportunity, flagship of Serendipity Yacht Cruises, she is shocked as suddenly dozens of her friends and family yell, “Surprise!” It’s her 40th birthday and everyone has come to celebrate with her for an event of a lifetime. With glasses raised in a joyous toast, her famous smile beams through the tears as she feels so grateful for all those around her. During dinner, she stops by every table, taking selfies with these special people who are enjoying the festivities and the great views of the water. Soon, it’s up on the deck where the DJ is spinning some of her favorite tunes while she and her guests dance and sing the night away. Maybe getting a year older isn’t so bad after all, she thinks, when you get a party on a yacht!

BON APPETIT!

Anticipation is high as five local student chefs compete for the Golden Galley Award being presented at a banquet hosted by SYC to raise money for a local culinary arts school. Each chef has prepared an appetizer, main course, and dessert for the evening that attendees are sampling and then, voting for the best of the best. As sunlight dances across the water, people are praising the creativity and skills of each young chef while making the tough choices about the tasty dishes in front of them. This isn’t just a chance to show off their epicurean talents; at least one of the dishes may end up as a permanent part of the Golden Opportunity’s menu. There are many winners tonight, especially the school that can

continue to offer scholarships to young people with dreams that are as big as the sea.

THE GET-AWAY THAT IS SO VERY CLOSE It is his first time on the Golden Opportunity, and he really is not sure what to expect. His wife has been wanting him to have dinner with her here since she went to an office party on the yacht a few months ago but today was the first time he could come. When the boat pulled away from the dock, the wind and water called him to the deck. He took the first relaxing breath he had taken in months, breathing in the saltwater air while he watched the seagulls circling overhead. The familiar shores took on a different look as if he were far away from the stress at work on a true get-away where all worries are left behind. He sips great wine with his beloved during dinner, enjoying the lights on shore sparkling brightly as the sun disappears. A stop by the carving table with a peek at the desserts nearby bring a grin. He toasts the captain when the commanding officer checks on them, thanking him and the crew for a great evening. As the music starts on deck, he eagerly pulls his wife on to the dance floor. Who knew that he did not have to go far to find a calming ocean paradise?

I DO FOREVER

Every time she returned to the Golden Opportunity, she could barely contain her excitement. It was more than just being her favorite place to come, to sail, to eat, and to relax. She had so many great memories of fabulous dinners, birthday parties, and even the company awards banquet where she was named employee of the year on this beautiful lady of the ocean. Her boyfriend knew how much she loved being out on the water, laughing when they saw dolphins and chasing pictures with their cell phones of the brown pelicans with their splashy landings into Galveston Bay. She eagerly went to the deck so that the wind would kiss her face as the Golden Opportunity soared through the waves. When the crowd murmured around her, she noticed that her boyfriend was on one knee holding up a jewelry box with shiny diamond ring next to her. Startled, she reached for him and shouted yes, much to the delight of everyone around them. Congratulations to love, lasting memories, and a life together forever all on Serendipity Yacht Cruises.

All this and more await you! SSHR's well-known black and white lighthouse serves as a beacon of light and life that will lead you again and again to Serendipity Yacht Cruises with their unique, funpacked, and affordable events and celebrations.

Everyone needs a sea adventure!

"What an experience it was being on the show HGTV House Hunters! Seeing the-ins-and-outs of filming a TV show was wonderful and fascinating. My clients, Tony Bernal & Luz Antolinez, were such a joy to work with. They are the most wonderful people and I absolutely enjoyed helping them find the home of their dreams.

COMMUNITY HONORS SEN. LARRY TAYLOR

STATE SEN. LARRY TAYLOR has spent a good portion of his life serving the people around the Bay Area in the Texas Legislature – 5 terms or 10 years in the Texas House and 5 terms or 10 years in the Texas Senate – including 4 terms as chairman of the Senate Committee on Education.

So when he decided not to run again, Clear Lake Chamber members gathered at South Shore Harbour Resort Aug. 31 to say thank you at a luncheon in his honor. And, once the date was set, it wasn’t long before the luncheon reservations were pouring in to honor the popular politician.Chamber

President Cindy DeWease and Vice President Shari Sweeney couldn’t stop smiling as the massive crowd began arriving —including UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Richard Walker, Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Engle, Congressman Bryan Babin, Texas State Rep Dennis Paul, Galveston Policy Director Sally Bakko and Mayors Carl Joiner of Kemah, Phil Johnson of Nassau Bay, Mike Foreman of Friendswood and Thom Kolupski of Seabrook. Plus, City Councilors Ashley Graves of Nassau Bay, Doug Meisinger

and Isaac Saldana of Kemah, Kay Ann Jorgeson and Bob Davee of Taylor Lake Village, Tom Tollett and Jackie Rasco of Seabrook and Nassau Bay City Manager Paul McLarty.

Looking around, you might also have spotted Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson, Jamieson Mackay of the Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, Home Bank execs Kenny and Kristi Koncaba, BayTran Executive Director Amy Skicki, b1Bank Senior VP J.P. Morris, Joan McKinney and Suzanne Frede Bonner of Norman Frede Chevrolet, Rebecca Lilley of Memorial Hermann, Space Center Houston CEO William Harris, Big Star Cadillac Marketing Director Chris Premont, CCISD execs Elaina Polsen and Eva deCardenas, Education Foundation Director Deborah Laine, Communities in SchoolsBay Area CEO Dr. Peter Wuenschel and CCISD Trustee Jonathan Cottrell

Still others helping Larry celebrate were Adrienne Sun, Peggy Zahler, Emmeline Dodd, Ronnie Richards, Annette Dwyer, T.J. Aulds, Lisa Holbrook, Dee Scott, Kathy Dooley, Ann Hammond, Marie Keener, Dr. Glenn Freedman, Rebecca Saavedra, Brenda Miller Ferguson, Teresa Vencil, Bridget Bear, Fay Picard, Melinda Mintz, Beth Lewis, Colene Joiner, Amanda Fenwick, Kimberly O’Connor and Marcy Fryday.

One unforgettable moment came when Doug Peterson of Harris County Precinct 2 spoke to the crowd, reading a proclamation from Commissioner Adrian Garcia, a Democrat, praising Republican Larry for his work through the years, especially the $11.6 billion HB 3 Larry sponsored in 2019 that boosted school funding and reduced property taxes. And for authoring legislation that created the Texas Coastal Protection District to protect the area from storm surge.

A native Texan who was raised in Friendswood, Senator Taylor is a Baylor University graduate. He and his wife and

college sweetheart, Kerri, have three adult children and five young grandchildren. He formerly owned Truman Taylor Insurance Agency in Friendswood, an independent agency started by his father more than 50 years Throughoutago.hisSenate tenure he has been a member of a number of legislative committees including: Business and Commerce; Higher Education; Veteran Affairs; Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs; and the budget-writing Finance Committee. He is a member of the Legislative Budget Board, a permanent joint committee responsible for developing budget and policy recommendations for legislative appropriations. In 2019, he sponsored the comprehensive overhaul of the school finance system and was one of 10 legislators chosen to make budget decisions before a bill is voted on by the entire legislature.

Walking through the crowd, you probably would have heard it more than once: He will be missed.

The Clear Creek Education Foundation (CCEF) is hosting the 21st annual Awards Dinner and Fundraiser to recognize outstanding alumni who graduated from Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) schools as well as community members.

The “Celebrating 30 Years of CCEF” Awards Dinner and Fundraiser is set for Thursday, Nov. 10 at South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center in League City. The event is an annual fundraiser for CCEF to support students, teachers, and programs within CCISD. CCEF will honor an elite group of individuals who continually serve and represent CCISD. Award recipients include:

George B. Carlisle Distinguished Service Award for consistent demonstration of commitment to CCISD over time: Dr. Greg Smith Distinguished Alumni Award presented to individuals who are CCISD alumni and are now accomplished professionals who support their community: Jose Perez, Clear Brook High, Class of 1993; Rebecca Valdez, Clear Creek High, Class of 1992; Stephanie Murphy, Clear Lake High, Class of 1996; and Lauren Leal, Clear Springs High, Class of 2011.

Valor Award in honor of a public servant who has gone above and beyond the call of duty: Alberto Perez.

Dennis Johnson Memorial Small Business Award is presented to a small business owner within CCISD who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the district through active participation in multiple activities: Jim and Jane Sweeney, Minuteman Press.

State Sen. Larry Taylor, second from right, helps show off to photographers the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s special memento presented him at the luncheon in his honor. With him are, from left, Taylor Lake Village City Councilman Bob Davee, Chamber Board Chairman Kristi Koncaba and Chamber President Cindy DeWease.

Chamber Vice President Shari Sweeney, right, welcomes former Chamber Board Chairmen Jim and Jane Sweeney of Minuteman Press to the luncheon honoring Sen. Larry Taylor at South Shore Harbour Resort.

These pretty ladies from Community Health Network arrive at South Shore Harbour Resort for the Clear Lake Chamber luncheon honoring Senator Taylor. They are, from left, Maria Colorad, Jesecca Drake, Diana Liguez, Maria Davis and Darlene Rodriguez.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Clear Creek ISD Trustee Jonathan Cottrell is happy to see Emmeline Dodd among the crowd at the Chamber Salute to State Sen. Larry Taylor.

Edusafe Systems President Dr. Glenn Freedman, from left, Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman and Doug Peterson of Harris County Precinct 2 say hello as they arrive at South Shore Harbour Resort for the Salute to State Sen. Larry Taylor.

CCEF to celebrate 30th yearsas it honors several individuals

CLEAR LAKE PANHELLENIC members kicked off the Bay Area’s fall social season Sept. 11, as they usually do with their annual Fall Friendship Tea, at South Shore Harbour Country Club where hosts Kay Lee Benoit and Lisa O’Brien unveiled plans for Panhellenic’s 36th annual Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon, which will have the theme, “Birds of a Feather.”Itwillbe held Friday, Nov. 4, at 10:30 a.m. at South Shore Harbour Resort, featuring fashions from Dillard’s with Lenny Matuszewski back as producer.Thispopular event is being chaired by Wendy

Shaw and is open to the public. Details for purchasing tickets, advertising in the program, underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, and auction item or cash donations, may be found on the website at clearlakepanhellenic.org.

Meanwhile, Wendy, Lisa and Kay Lee aren’t the only ones making plans to attend; so are Kelsey McNeil, Sue Ellen Jennings, Emmeline Dodd, Michelle Richardson, Sue Broughton, Sheryl Williams, Macy Ann Williams, Darla McKitrick, Becky Hensley, Karen Moon, Kathryn Vernau, Peggy Clause, Corinne McVay, and Jenny Frantz, to name a few.

RNASA says thank you to its many gala volunteers

ONE OF THE biggest Bay Area events of the year is the annual Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Gala, which requires a lot of work all year around. So much work that officers decided years ago to thank those who work to put it together with an appreciation dinner each year.

This year’s dinner was held at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook with RNASA Chairman Rodolfo Gonzalez and his wife, Anangela, and many of the board members and their spouses joining in the fun and enjoying the delicious dinner.

RNASA also awarded $5,000 scholarships to three area students during the evening. They are: Clear Lake High grad Tatiana Vassiliev, daughter of Nickolai and Olga Vassiliev and an intern at the Johnson Space Center who was in the top 1 percent of her class and plans to attend MIT; Aaron “Bryce” Wilfert, Air Force Academy cadet and son of Aaron and Whitney Wilfert who plans to serve in the Air Force or Space Force and support NASA; Rajiv Iyer, son of Bala and Anitha Iyer of The Woodlands who plans to attend Northwestern University and major in computer science.

Fall Friendship Tea hostesses Kay Lee Benoit and Lisa O’Brien, from left, greet Darla McKitrick, Michelle Richardson and Becky Hensley as the crowd begins arriving at South Shore Harbour Country Club for the popular event.

Kathryn Vernau, Corinne McVay and Sue Broughton, from left, sample the refreshments at the Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Friendship Tea.

Peggy Clause, Lisa O’Brien, Kelsey McNeil and Jenny Frantz, from left, are happy to see one another at the Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Fall Friendship Tea

Clear Lake Panhellenic Fall Fashion Show Chairman Wendy Shaw, second from left, gets right to work lining up Sue Ellen Jennings, Kay Lee Benoit and Emmeline Dodd, from left, to work on Panhellenic’s Nov. 4 style show.

Early arrivals for the RNASA Appreciation Dinner at Lakewood Yacht Club included Bob Wren and his wife, Jordis, left, shown here enjoying the event with Alan Wylie.

SAIC Business Director Charles Stegemoeller and his wife, Annette, from left, stop to say hello to Space Center Houston execs -- CEO William Harris and Director of Business Enterprises Tommy Wright as they arrive at Lakewood Yacht Club for the RNASA Appreciation Dinner.

Cindy Porterfield, right, wife of former Rotary President Mike Porterfield, shares a laugh with attorney and longtime Rotarian Delia Stephens, who had congressional candidate Jon Haire as her

Rodolfo Gonzalez and his wife, Anangela, look over the crowd as they arrive at the RNASA Appreciation Dinner.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Movers & Shakers

Name: Jackie Powell

Occupation: Owner, Best American Iron and Metal Scrapyard. Entrepreneur of various companies

Hometown: Cleveland, Texas

Current home: Clear Lake Shores, Texas

Family: Family is my priority. We are very close. Im so blessed with a loving and supporting family.

Someone I’d like to meet: Kevin Costner, on or off the set of Yellowstone. Also, my favorite Astros player is Jose’ Altuve.

My favorite entertainer: Kid Rock . . . another person I would love to

The thing that bugs me the most is:  People that need to be told “Here’s your sign”.

You’ll never catch me: Singing karaoke.. I can’t sing which is probably a blessing..Ya’ll would never get me to shut up.

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Biden - but it will probably take me more than a day to get this country back on track.

My favorite meal is: Cold, crisp salad with a good bone-in rib eye and glass of red wine.

My Favorite Writer: Stephenie Myer - she wrote the Twilight series.

My favorite movie is: “Dirty Dancing” , “Ford vs Ferrari”, and “Second Hand Lions” Have watched these multiple times and will again.

I like to spend my leisure time: Fishing has always been one of my favorite things to do but I love to travel also and go as much as possible.

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Monte Carlo... I›ve always wanted to play in the casinos there.

Few people know: I was previously on the Board of Directors at San Jacinto College. My earlier years I worked as a bartender and waitressone of the reasons I was so compassionate with my staff at Jackie›s Brickhouse.

a race car driver.

Maybe why I have so many cars.

Helping needy kids stay warm

making a clothing donation at Big Star Cadillac or Big Star Hyundai or you can make a direct monetary donation to Infininte Hands Initiative by clicking or scanning the QR code below with your phone,” he said.

Donations may be dropped off at Big Star Cadillac or Big Star Hyundai now through Thursday, Oct. 26.

I Get Knocked Down. . .

By Pastor Brad Heintz

ast fall I was sharing my Life+Change Story with a small group and as I concluded I must admit that my mind was more focused on where I had been knocked down or fallen short verses where I had been triumphant. When the group started to comment, they shared that they saw how I had gotten back up again and again in life. One person said, “You remind me of a resilient warrior!” That was a profound statement for me and “Resilience” became my word for 2022 I can’t get out of my head that 1990’s pop song by Chumbawamba, “I Get Knocked Down.” It is a song that has a great beat and a singable chorus, “I get knocked down, but I get up again - You are never gonna keep me down.” It doesn’t have the best solutions to coping with difficult challenges in life. If you know the song then you know what I’m talking about. It reminds me that what we choose to help us get up again can either lift us up or knock us back down.

Maybe you can relate. Have you been knocked down in life? Maybe it was a bad situation, your current circumstance, a difficult illnesses, some bad habits, ongoing financial stress, or relational struggles. Whatever it was or is, the real issue isn’t only what has happened to you, but what you

Church Building Update

Taylor Lake Village, Texas

April showers may bring May flowers yet August showers have caused Living Word Church to adjust the construction schedule of their new church home and community center. Progress is happening with utility work both by Wycoff Development and Clear Lake Water Authority. Concrete work is underway and Living Word Church anticipates a cornerstone bible placing foundation ceremony at the beginning of October. Look for structural steel arriving late October!

Living Word is building a 11,170 sq. ft. multipurpose facility which will include a 300 seat auditorium, children’s classrooms, a community room and offices.“Webelieve that God has given us land to build a new church home and community center,” said Pastor Brad Heintz. “It will be a place where neighbors, friends, families and organizations can gather to worship, study, serve and share together. I invite you to build with us a place where everyone is welcomed home and loved.”

Living Word Church of the Bay Area, is a vibrant family-style, nondenominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. Living Word Church is worshiping at G.W. Robinson Elementary, 451 Kirby Rd. El Lago, TX at 10:30am on Sundays until they move into their new church home and community center. Everyone is invited to attend and help build a church!

For more information and building updates go to

are using to get back up again.

LI find it interesting that Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The Greek word, for “overcome” is “Nenikēka,” and it is used only used once in the Bible. It is in the perfect tense, which means that when Jesus speaks of His victory over the world, it is as though it is an accomplished fact with continuing results to the present! So that means, if we trust in Jesus, if we invite him into our situations, if we ask him to help us get up again, it will lead us to be victorious. By the way, the root form of nenikēka is nikáō. This is the verb form of the noun níkē, “victory”. Most of us know that word or wear that logo on our feet.

I believe true resilience is possible when Jesus’ accomplished fact start showing results in our present lives. How do you do this? The same way his first disciples did! Invite Jesus into your trouble and see how he helps you be triumphant!

So, the next time you get knocked down, just ask Jesus to help you get up

Pastoragain!Brad

Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Taylor Lake Village, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www LWCBA.org

Reserve your seat now!

Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake Growing To Meet the Community’s Needs

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital’s commitment to cancer care includes continued expansions of both facilities and services.

“Our goal was to build a full-service oncology program that was capable of providing comprehensive care close to home, ensuring that local residents had access to the best physicians and facilities,” said Dan Newman, CEO. “Achieving that goal means constantly evaluating needs and investing in people and infrastructure. We’ve made tremendous progress over the past several years and we’ll continue moving forward wherever we can.”

One of the most recent enhancements is an expansion of the hospital’s Infusion Center, where patients receive chemotherapy treatments as well as other types of infusion therapy.

The Infusion Center opened in 2019 with 10 rooms in Medical Office Building 2 on the Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

campus. It was expanded in 2020 to 15 rooms, and work is under way to add another five rooms during the first quarter of 2022.

The rooms are designed to be comfortable and private, giving patients a quiet space to relax during what can be lengthy appointments. There are a wide range of refreshments available, and patients can even order lunch — from a special menu developed by the hospital’s Nutrition Services — if needed.

“Because chemotherapy can take several months, our patients become like family to us,” says Ryan Bennett, director of the hospital’s Infusion Center and Radiation Oncology. “We’ll do whatever we can to make their experience as comfortable as possible. One of the advantages of a larger center is that it makes it possible for us to serve more patients comfortably and still make it easy to get an appointment at a convenient time.”

Another advancement is the expansion of Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Clear Lake, with the recent addition of boardcertified oncologist Natasha Hirani, OD.

Dr. Hirani joins Dr. Joshi at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners, located in Medical Office Building 2.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hirani or another oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Clear Lake, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake or call 832.783.1190

Dr. Natasha Hirani

“Cancer affects not only the patient, but also the entire family,” says Dr. Hirani. “I believe it’s important to utilize a collaborative treatment process and counsel — to really listen to my patients and their families — with the goal of helping them reach informed treatment decisions together.”

Patient Support Is Key

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital also offers specialized physical therapy for patients with cancer-related needs, both during treatment and after.

Surgery and radiation treatments can cause ongoing weakness, skin tightness or mobility issues. Chemotherapy can lead to neuropathy, or nerve damage, in the extremities. The removal of lymph nodes — a common cancer treatment — can cause a condition called lymphedema or swelling of the arms or legs.

The skilled therapists at Houston Methodist Clear Lake work directly with oncologists to screen patients and developed personalized

Learn More

therapy and exercise plans that often can be conducted at home to improve mobility, regain strength and prevent falls.

Another benefit the hospital offers is a monthly virtual cancer support group, where survivors and caregivers can share their stories and learn from

services and programs are examples of our patient-centric approach to oncology,” says Newman. “Treating cancer requires more than just fighting the disease.

Patients often find that even when their cancer is gone, they need help with issues, such as physical therapy or emotional support to improve their quality of life in survivorship.”

Meet Cassandra Green, Your Personal Care Navigator

At Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake, the oncology nurse navigator helps guide patients through the cancer care process — from diagnosis through survivorship. The nurse navigator coordinates care, expedites appointments and is always available to answer questions or provide information, including referrals to outside services that can be important to patients.

Call 281.333.8899 or visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake to learn more about Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Clear Lake or to find a physician for your cancer care.

Our nurse navigator, Cassandra Green, is a clinical nurse certified in oncology. She has spent her entire nursing career in radiation oncology, where she has served patients undergoing treatment for many different types of Cassandracancer.isamember

— and former board

member — of the local chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. She is active in the community by assisting with events and educating groups about cancer.

“I enjoy building relationships with our patients and empowering them through education and support,” says Cassandra. “It’s important that patients and their family members have someone on the inside who can help them manage their care; someone who is readily available to answer questions or even just listen. That’s my role and I love it.”

For cancer care navigation, call 281.523.2396 or email cggreen@houstonmethodist.org

Please note that email is not a secure means to communicate confi dential or health-related information, including Social Security number, date of birth, financial information, etc.

“Theseothers.ancillary

Cassandra Green

By Don Armstrong UXURY SUV’S We Love

Small to midsize SUV’s are all the rage but pricing may help decide the level of luxury you’re looking for. A couple of offerings from General Motors slot into the 2-row variety, one falls into the luxury category and the other, near-luxury. Bay Area Houston Magazine dives-in.

CADILLAC XT5

You see them everywhere and this sharp looking crossover is one of the most popular, the Cadillac XT5. Introduced in 2017, this midsizer has had a couple of updates that keep it viable today. Here’s an SUV that bridges the gap between a conventional station wagon and a much taller, standard SUV.

The exterior still looks modern and sports that now-familiar, edgy, Cadillac design that includes unique front lighting elements.

The XT5’s interior is conservatively modern, and the infotainment system works well. Some competitors have gone with the larger screen,

BUICK ENVISION

but how big does it really need to be? Seating is comfortable and there’s plenty of leg room in the 2nd row for 6-footers. Storage is generous.

There are 2 engines available, a 4-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V-6 that whirs out 310-horsepower. We’d opt for the V-6.

This ride is smooth and well-seasoned and a car we’d like to take on a 4-day weekend jaunt to see some fall color in Tennessee.

Pricing starts $43,995.

BUICK ENVISION

Positioned between the smaller Encore and

the larger Enclave, the Envision is the middle child in the Buick SUV lineup and it may be just right for those looking for an upscale do-all.

The tri-shield logo adorns the wellproportioned grille and gives the front fascia a nod to the past in a modern way. Body sculpting is also well thought out and adds to the overall appeal. In back, clear lens lighting and dual exhaust outlets contribute to its runabout look.

We love the interior of the Envision. From console-mounted push-button transmission controls to a built-in infotainment screen, everything is conveniently placed near the driver. Seating is comfortable and with its fine-tuned suspension, this SUV is made for around town shopping and highway cruising.

Motivation comes from a 228-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine that gets 26-MPG and is married to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This combo works well.

Overall, there is much to like about the Buick Envision but suggest you also test drive its competitors.BuickEnvision

pricing starts at $31,700

BBQ, Live Music, Auction, and Fun!

ome join the fun and help us raise scholarship money at the same time! Join us at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo NASA/ Clear Creek/Friendswood Houston Metro Go Texan 2nd annual Ghost & Goblin BBQ Cookoff fundraiser. A $5 ticket gets you access to the cookoff, vendor shopping and live music! BBQ plates for $10, a home run derby with prizes and it is all family friendly! The Rush Creek Band will play Friday night. Cash Dawson and the Junior Gordon Band take the stage on Saturday! This event is supported by donors and volunteers within the community to ensure its success. For more information on donor packages; register a cook team or sign up as a vendor contact Alan Rice at 936-366-1292 or nasarodeo@yahoo.com.

Turmeric Dosage: How Much Should You Take?

You may know turmeric primarily as a spice, but it’s also used in Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic approach to health dating back over 3,000 in India and Southeast Asia. Turmeric supplements are now more commonly known for medicinal benefits but knowing how much to take can be confusing.

Here’s a look at the uses and benefits of turmeric, effective doses and safety precautions.

Turmeric Uses: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Turmeric (curcuma longo or curcuma domestica), also known as turmeric root, is related to ginger and grown throughout India, Asia and Central America. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine used as a joint pain supplement, and to treat rheumatism and respiratory problems for centuries. It’s also well known in Indian and Asian cuisine and is an important ingredient in flavorful curry dishes.

Fresh turmeric root looks like finger-sized golden-yellow carrots on the inside, and looks similar to ginger root on the outside. It is more familiar to most Americans in its dried and ground form. Turmeric may be found in your grocery store’s spice aisle just as easily as it is found in the vitamins and supplements aisle. It can be ingested in capsules, as a tea and sprinkled onto food like any other spice.

The distinctive golden powder is rich in curcuminoids which are potent antioxidants. Turmeric is especially rich in curcumin which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties according to Mayo Clinic. In correct doses it is considered safe for treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and pain related to chronic inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Turmeric

Many studies indicate that chronic, low grade inflammation is a key factor behind chronic conditions. Chronic inflammation can cause joints to swell and become painful. It can be destructive at the cellular level, harming arteries and organs and contribute to a variety of other chronic health issues. Some of the disorders related to chronic inflammation include:

• Alzheimer’s

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Lupus

• Psoriasis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

In addition, Aging, obesity, dietary considerations, smoking, stress and poor sleep put you at a higher risk for developing chronic inflammation.

Turmeric: Helps Chronic Inflammatory Conditions and Inflammatory Pain

There is growing scientific evidence to support the use of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory supplement and joint pain remedy. Studies show that curcuminoids found in turmeric may help in a number of conditions including:

• Reduce heart attacks in post-surgical bypass patients

• Match ibuprofen in effectiveness for controlling pain from osteoarthritis in the knee

• Lessen skin irritation in breast cancer patients going through radiation treatment

• May help treat colon and prostate cancer

• Eases surgical pain

• Used as a plaque reducing additive in mouthwash

• Helps treat diabetes and colitis

• Helps treat irritable bowel disease

• Helps reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.

While many people with chronic pain are prescribed antiinflammatory medications to relieve symptoms, long term use is not safe due to side effects on the immune system, kidney and liver, as well as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications. Herbal therapies like turmeric provide an ideal way to supplement those medications without the harmful side effects.

Turmeric may be best known as a natural joint pain remedy supplement that aids in reducing inflammation related to arthritis and repetitive-use injuries. Studies have shown that patients diagnosed with conditions caused by inflammation such as osteoarthritis, have seen improvement in pain, overall function and quality of life when using turmeric supplement. The Arthritis Foundation recommends turmeric for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). It is widely recognized and accepted within the medical community as an effective pain management tool. In fact, many doctors are now recommending turmeric to their patients.

Turmeric Recommended Dosage

No supplement can be effective if you’re not taking the right dosage. Turmeric is safe and has a good safety profile when taken correctly. How much turmeric do you need to take? Speaking with your healthcare professional is the best way to determine if turmeric can help your condition and the most effective dosage.

There is no official recommended turmeric dosage to get the full health benefits. However, most studies show that taking 500 to 2,000 milligrams per day of turmeric extract could be beneficial. It’s best to start with a lower dosage and work up gradually to assess tolerance and reduce risk of any side effects. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that 1.4 mg per pound of body weight an acceptable daily intake. Typically, two to three 500mg capsules a day of a standardized supplement like Nuvothera’s Super Micronized Turmeric Curcumin is recommended to achieve effective results

Turmeric Safety Precautions

It is always important to discuss taking dietary supplements with your healthcare provider and to follow medical advice. Turmeric has been found safe to take and it has GRAS (“generally recognized as safe”) status by the FDA when taken in amounts tested for health purposes. In high doses turmeric may cause nausea and digestive issues. Turmeric is not suitable for those who are pregnant or taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as Warfarin.

Choosing the Right Turmeric Supplement

If you want a safe, effective, natural supplement for managing inflammation and joint pain, then turmeric may be right for you. Not all turmeric is the same. It needs to be well absorbed to be an effective joint pain remedy. It’s important to check the label and look for proof of maximum absorption and maximum potency. Turmeric root extract is the most potent form of turmeric supplement.

Maximum potency turmeric such as Nuvothera Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin is a natural and safe anti-inflammatory to help manage chronic pain such as joint pain. It’s super-micronized, so it’s water soluble and is rapidly absorbed in the body for maximum potency. There is no need for chemical absorption enhancers or black pepper. In clinical studies, Nuvothera Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin was shown to be more than 100 times more anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and free radical scavenging than leading competitors***.

These more effective brands are often found on company websites or on Amazon.

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

ou know how it is. When you feel like you need a slice of lemon pie, you just have to act on the urge. It was decision time; do I go to Round Top for Royers, or will it be Palestine and the Oxbow? A coin flip later, with Jill alongside, we headed for Palestine. Three hours later, were sitting with our pie slices on the porch of the old Oxbow when Jill mentioned that, since we were already in town, why not check on what was going on at the Texas State Railroad. We hit the jackpot. It was a “Wine in the Pines” trip. We called and made a reservation.

On the train, you sit at tables of four and everyone there is smiling, and having a great time. In addition to your own conversations, it is easy to overhear some of the things people around you are saying. I was fascinated by a conversation behind me about politics. During the discussion, one woman quoted Aristotle’s most famous line as, “Man is a political animal.” That caught my attention. While I admit that interpretation is often heard, I was still surprised that no one at the table pointed out that it was actually a mistranslation of the quote. In truth, Aristotle was saying that man is an animal whose characteristic it is to live in a polis (city). While I was impressed by their choice of topics, I couldn’t help but wonder what else most of us are missing about the Classical period.

The great societies of ancient Greece and Rome are today known for their impressive scientific and cultural accomplishments. Their art, especially sculpture, was spectacularly realistic. While the statues were once painted, making them even more realistic than what we now see, today we so love the look of the white and gray marble that we don’t care, and don’t even want to see, these great works colored. The Greeks understood that math, particularly the concept of the divine proportion, was the basis for art, music and all of creation. This certainly helped them to create those things we so revere today. But I believe the main reason for their spectacular success is they truly “saw” their fellow man—the individual man. Let me explain.

The Greeks, and later the Romans, had a different view of the universe than we have today. This is easily seen in their work in science. They believed that the workings of the universe and everything in it were logical and that man was

born with an intellect beyond bounds. As a result, anyone who thought seriously about it, could figure out most anything. Keep in mind they didn’t have the scientific tools we have today like telescopes and microscopes. Sure, they got a few things wrong, like the structure of the solar system, but also remember, in the fifth century B.C. Democritus was the first to determine that matter was made up of atoms, a structure he not only named, but diagrammed to a remarkable degree of accuracy.

I think the biggest difference between these cultures and ours today can be seen in their art, especially those incredibly accurate sculptures of people. When the Greeks and Romans looked at their fellow citizens, or their gods, they saw them as distinct individuals. And because they looked at only the one person, not any entangling affiliations with others, they could concentrate their thoughts on that individual. They could see the minute details of the face and body—and then reproduce them

Notaccurately.allsocieties in history have done that. After the fall of Rome, we entered a period commonly referred to as the Dark Ages. Literacy rates dropped from nearly universal to a point where only the top courtiers and the monks could read and write. But the most impactful difference seems to be that people no longer saw each other as individuals. They started viewing everyone as a member of one or more groups: there were courtiers, the peasants on Lord X’s land, members of this parish, etc. That switch in perspective changed society, and especially culture, dramatically. “High Art” from this period looks to us today like the work of grade schoolers. The artists of the time could no longer see the man, the individual. Instead, they were limited in their view of people as members of groups. And what you can’t see, you can’t paint, or sculpt, with any degree of accuracy..

Then came the fall of Constantinople (1453 A.D.). As European travelers got their first chance to see this last vestige of Roman civilization, they quickly realized that this civilization was light-years ahead of theirs, culturally and technologically. That created a fascination that led to the much more serious exploration of the ruins of Rome and Greece, which prior to this, tended to be overlooked. They saw the art and architecture and, more importantly, read the writings. Can you imagine the typical man of the Middle Ages seeing these wonders? Might he have thought this was all the work of space aliens?

As it turned out though, that was just the spark that was needed. Immediately, man had a new goal: to copy these works as best he could and try to get as good at it as these ancient people were. In the process, this new man discovered the writings of these ancient civilizations and saw that, unlike themselves, the emphasis of these Classical people was not on humanity as a whole, but on the individual person. As a result, they once again focused on the individual and culture soared. That brought to us the Renaissance, the rebirth of human greatness. For a long time, we never looked back.

But then, something happened. By the late 20th century, we started to again identify people as members of groups, and our policies and philosophies once again became based on group affiliation, not on the individual. The good of the individual was now sacrificable to the good of the group. As a result, the culture has suffered tremendously. Pick any genre: theatre, writing, sculpture, painting, music. Note the decline since the 1950s.

It is critical that the individual always be our prime concern. As the Greeks and Romans showed us, not only is that best for each individual person, but it is critical to society’s well-being as a whole and to the quality of our culture. Today it seems that everyone from corporations to government insists on viewing us as merely members of a group, as numbers in a set. We are in a world where hiring, college admissions and even access to some basic needs are determined by age, race, socioeconomic class, or sometimes even political beliefs. There are now societal pressures to do this in law as well. But justice can only be real if applied to the individual without concern for any affiliations.

When a society’s obsession with group affiliation starts leading to a deterioration of both civilization and culture, that direction must be changed. The change can only begin within each of us, individually. When we look at someone, we must choose to see only the single individual, not entailed affiliations. Only then will we do our part to preserve and improve our lives, our civilization and our culture. It is up to each of us to be that single “voice” in the wilderness, to really see every person we encounter as an individual, as someone important in and of himself.

All great change begins with one voice.

Palestine, Texas

CCISD misses out on an A in TEA ratings by one point

By Mary Alys Cherry

Aw-w-w-w! That was the exclamation most often uttered with a frown by Clear Creek ISD students, staff and alumni when they learned the Texas Education Agency had given the school district an 89 or B -- instead of the A or top grade it often gets -- when it posted its 2021-22 Texas accountability ratings for the first time since COVID-19 turned our world upside down two years ago.

A score of 89 is a B while 90 is an A. So close! But it’s not the first time. Back at the beginning of the 2019-20 school year when TEA released its 2018-19 accountability ratings, CCISD learned its original score had dropped three points to receive

an 89 or a B. District officials that year said CCISD would have received a 91 if it weren’t for a new rule that caps a district at a B grade if any of its campuses receive a D or an F rating. Clear View High School received a D that year. The year before CCISD received an A or 91.

This year? Clear View High received an A with a perfect score of 100 – the only CCISD school to score so high. Clear View is an alternative school for at-risk students that features small class sizes and individualized instruction. CCISD’s goal is for each Clear View student to leave the school in better shape than they entered. Out of the 44 CCISD campuses that receivedratings, 17 earned an A, 23 received a B and 4 earned a C.

Overall grades for districts and schools are calculated based on performance in three key areas: Student Achievement, School Progress and Closing the Gaps. TEA said, “we take the higher score between how much students know (Student Achievement) or how much better students are doing than last year or than peers in similar schools (School Progress). We then consider whether performance gaps exist among different groups of students (Closing the Gaps).

“In the Clear Creek Independent School District, we believe determination, perseverance, and resilience lead to achievement,” CCISD Chief Communications Officer Elaina Polsen said. “Our

students and teachers demonstrated these qualities over the past two years, and we could not be prouder of their work.

“We have seen significant gains in student achievement and college and career readiness at the high school level and the more than 90% of all our schools were rated an A or a B,” she added.

“We are pleased with the improvements we have seen. We will continue to work on areas that need attention without doubt. We have long said, and still do to this day, that a letter grade does not define a child, a school, or an educator. As we do with all student assessments, we will use the data to improve our educational services to students.” Here’s how each school did:

High schools: A – Clear Horizons, Clear Springs, Clear Lake and Clear View. B – Clear Brook, Clear Creek, Clear Falls.

Intermediate schools: A – League City, Westbrook; B – Bay, Bayside, Brookside, Clear Lake, Creekside and Victory Lakes; C – Clear Creek and Space Center;

Elementary schools: A – Campbell, Clear Lake City, Ferguson, Goforth, Hyde, Mossman, North Pointe, Parr, Robinson, Weber, Ed White; B –Armand Bayou, Bauerschlag, Brookwood, Falcon Pass, Gilmore, Greene, Hall, League City, Ross, Seabrook, Ward, Wedgewood, Whitcomb; C – McWhirter, Stewart.

TASTE OF THE BAY, HOSTED BY THE LEAGUE CITY REGIONAL CHAMBER, WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, OCT. 6 FROM 6 TO 9 P.M. AT BIG LEAGUE DREAMS, 1150 BIG LEAGUE DREAMS PARK IN LEAGUE CITY. REGISTER WITH JOSHUA@LEAGUECITYCHAMBER.COM OR CALL 281338-7339.

CLEAR LAKE HIGH’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY WILL BE CELEBRATED FRIDAY, OCT. 7-9 WITH SEVERAL SPECIAL EVENTS BEGINNING AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE FOOTBALL GAME AT CHALLENGER COLUMBIA STADIUM, 1955 W. NASA PARKWAY. A TOUR OF THE CAMPUS IS PLANNED SATURDAY FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M.. WITH A 4-6 P.M. CELEBRATION SATURDAY AT THE ARTS CENTER AND A RECEPTION FROM 6-10 P.M. AT THE LEARNER SUPPORT CENTER, 2903 FALCON PASS. A FAMILY FUN DAY CELEBRATION IS PLANNED SUNDAY AT LAKE FROM 2-6 P.M. CURRENT AND FORMER LAKE ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, STAFF AND STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

CELEBRATION SEABROOK WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, OCT. 8 FROM 11 A.M. TO 7:30 P.M. AT MEADOR PARK FEATURING MUSIC BY SUNDANCE HEAD, ELECTRIC CIRCUS AND THE MO JILES BAND PLUS A NUMBER OF ARTISTS AND MERCHANTS. ADMISSION IS FREE AND THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO JOIN THE FUN. FREE E-WASTE RECYCLING AT ELLINGTON FIELD SATURDAY, OCT. 8, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. WEATHER PERMITTING. COMPUTERS, PRINTERS, MONITORS, LAPTOPS, VCRS, CELL PHONES, TELEPHONES, MICE, KEYBOARDS, ETC. FOR COMPLETE LIST, VISIT WWW. HOUSTONSOLIDWASTE.ORG

CLEAR LAKE CHAMBER’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY WILL BE CELEBRATED AT ITS ANNUAL CHAIRMAN'S BALL, FRIDAY, OCT. 7 AT 6:30 P.M. AT SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR RESORT IN LEAGUE CITY WHILE ALSO HONORING CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD KRISTI KONCABA AND WELCOMING CHAIRMAN ELECT J.P. MORRIS. FOR TICKETS, CONTACT SHARI@CLEARLAKEAREA.COM

BAY AREA TURNING POINT WILL HOST VEGAS NIGHTS, A CASINO NIGHT, FROM 6 TO 11 P.M. SATURDAY, OCT. 15 AT SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR RESORT. TICKETS ARE $150. SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE. CALL 281-338-7600.

BAY AREA WELCOME NEIGHBORS CLUB’S MONTHLY LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT BAY OAKS COUNTRY CLUB THURSDAY OCT. 20 STARTING AT 10 A.M. FOR LUNCHEON RESERVATIONS, EMAIL MITRA SAGHAFI: MITRASAGHFI2@GHOTMAIL.COM, TEXT OR CALL 281-844-6151. THE CLEAR LAKE SYMPHONY WILL PRESENT DR. JOE POUZAR AND HIS DAUGHTER, CAROLE POUZAR, PERFORMING THE PIAZZOLA CONCERTO, TRANSCRIBED FOR ACCORDION AND FLUTE AT 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 21 IN THE GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH AUDITORIUM, 18220 UPPER BAY ROAD IN NASSAU BAY. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT EYE TRENDS, 515 BAY AREA BLVD., SUITE 300, NEXT TO STARBUCKS. BAY AREA HOUSTON BALLET & THEATRE WILL PRESENT THE CLASSICAL BALLET GISELLE THE WEEKEND OF OCT. 21-22 IN THE UH-CLEAR LAKE THEATRE WITH PERFORMANCES AT 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 21 AND AT 2 AND 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, OCT. 22. FOR TICKETS, VISIT THE BALLET WEBSITE, SOUTHEAST TEXAS TRANSPORTATION

SUMMIT, HOSTED BY BAYTRAN, BAHEP AND THE ECONOMIC ALLIANCE WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, OCT. 25 FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M., WITH DOORS OPENING AT 8 A.M. AND A VIP RECEPTION FROM 2 TO 3 P.M. AT THE PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER, 7902 FAIRMONT PARKWAY IN PASADENA. WINGS OVER HOUSTON RETURNS TO ELLINGTON FIELD SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCT. 29 AND 30 WITH THE NAVY’S WORLD FAMOUS BLUE ANGELS, F-16S AND TORA! TORA! TORA! TICKETS NOW ON SALE. SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FROM VARIOUS PARKS AND RIDE. VISIT WINGSOVERHOUSTON.COM MISS LEAGUE CITY USA PAGEANT WILL BE HELD MARCH 2-4, 2023 AT SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER. SINGLE OR MARRIED WOMEN ACCEPTED - ENTER TODAY AT: WWW.MISSLEAGUECITYPAGEANT.COM

Constance Porter Cancer Survivor

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