Bay Area Houston Magazine April 2023

without joint pain

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:

• Innovative pain control methods

• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion

• The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

We empower people to thrive.

Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank .

While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same.

We look forward to a bright future together.

KEMAH | Harborside Way 3 BD | 3 BA | ±2,587 SF | $4,250/mo

exceptional home in Waterford Harbor - luxury waterfront community open plan | gourmet kitchen | media/game room | plunge pool

MORGAN’S

6-8 BD | 6.5 BA | ±4,198 SF | $2,400,000 | 703bayridgeroad.com

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the City of Morgan’s Point and this remarkable homesite rests on a peninsula of Galveston Bay. Main house reachs 3 levels, open living, media room, terraces at 2 levels and quarters with an elevator. 100+ linear feet of porches with water views make relaxing easy. An enormous pool and spa. Fully equipped summer kitchen. Plus, a 600-foot lighted fishing pier with oyster reef and a boat lift.

FRIENDSWOOD | Merriman Court

4 BD | 2.5 BA | ±2,040 SF | $2,600/mo

exceptional property which has just been freshened for a new tenant ±10,125 sf lot | covered patio | flex space | 2-bay garage

AT THE RODEO Robyn

“No Pain, No Gain” is NOT normal

Common phrases such as “no pain, no gain” and “feel the burn” have us believing that it is completely normal, and somewhat expected, to experience pain and discomfort when exercising. While slight pain and discomfort during and slightly after exercising is normal and often a good sign, you should not be experiencing extreme muscle soreness or joint pain or any type of pain that lasts for hours or even days.

Experiencing extreme muscle soreness after workout sessions can be avoided. Learn more about how pain and exercise are related, how to relieve sore muscles after workout sessions, and discover some things you can do to prevent muscle and joint pain.

Are Sore Muscles a Good Sign After Exercising?

To determine if sore muscles after exercising is a good sign or a bad sign, you must consider two factors: severity of the pain and how long the soreness lasts.

Minor muscle soreness while working out is a good sign. It indicates that the muscles in your body are getting stronger. This “good pain” should be extremely minor and it should only occur while you are working out and for a very brief period after you have finished exercising. If the pain interferes with your regular daily activities or it lasts for several hours or even days, it is no longer considered “good pain” and is instead considered “bad pain”. At no time, during, or after workout sessions, should you experience any type of extreme muscle soreness. In addition to muscle soreness, you should also not experience any type of joint pain or discomfort.

Pain, either of the muscles or the joints, that occurs after your exercise is often caused by inflammation. There are several reasons why the muscles and joints in the body become inflamed after exercising. Some of the reasons why you may be experiencing moderate to extreme muscle soreness and joint pain after exercise include:

*Overtraining

*Not properly warming up before exercising

*Performing exercises or movements that your body is unprepared to do

*Failing to allow the body proper time to heal before working out again

*Not working out regularly – prolonged periods in between workout sessions can cause the muscles in the body to weaken. When you do exercise again, the muscles will need to build up strength which results in you experiencing pain and discomfort.

*Underlying health problems or conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Tips on How to Avoid Extreme Muscle Soreness and Joint Pain After Exercise

To avoid extreme muscle soreness and joint pain you have to think of exercising as a process and not a single activity. When you think of it as a process, you are encouraged to look beyond the activities and movements and instead focus on what you are doing before, during, and after your exercise session. By focusing on what you are doing before, during, and after, you can make sure you are doing specific things that help to prevent muscle soreness and joint pain.

Some of the things that you can do before, during, and after exercise to help you avoid extreme muscle soreness and joint pain include:

*Staying properly hydrated – with proper hydration your body will be able to fight off inflammation. Proper hydration will also help your muscles get the essential nutrients they need to properly heal after exercising.

*Carefully plan out your exercise routine – try to mix up your exercise routine. For example, one day work on core strengthening and the next day work on arms or legs. By mixing up your routine, you give the muscles in your body time to rest and heal. This can help you to avoid feeling any soreness or pain.

*Properly warm-up before exercising – immediately jumping in and performing strenuous or vigorous exercises can be stressful to the body. Warming up reduces the amount of stress your body experiences by preparing the muscles and joints for exercise.

*Alternate between intense and light workouts – after an intense workout, your body needs time to rest and heal. That doesn’t mean you should avoid all exercise. Instead, do a lighter workout next such as yoga or stretching.

*Massage the muscles after a workout – gently massage the muscles either by hand or with a foam roller after a workout

*Maintain a proper diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals

*Get the proper amount of sleep

*Focus on practicing good technique while exercising – if you aren’t properly performing a specific move or activity you could strain the muscles which will result in pain and discomfort

*Take a turmeric supplement to help the body naturally fight against inflammation

How to Relieve Sore Muscles Fast

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to avoid muscle soreness and joint pain after exercising, it still happens. If you happen to experience moderate to extreme muscle soreness or joint pain after working out, you can try the following things:

*Rest – if you experience extreme muscle soreness or joint pain it signals that you have overworked the body. Cut back on the intensity of your workout until the pain and discomfort have gone away.

*Apply ice - the cold from the ice reduces inflammation and helps reduce pain and discomfort

*Take an Epson salt bath – Epson salt helps encourage the muscles in the body to relax

*Take a natural supplement that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities

How to Treat Sore Joints After Exercise with Turmeric Supplements – A Natural Anti-Inflammatory

Taking a natural turmeric supplement daily can help you find relief for joint pain especially if it occurs after exercising. A turmeric supplement, like Nuvothera’s SuperMicronized Turmeric Curcumin, provides you with relief from muscle soreness and joint pain by working as a natural anti-inflammatory. When looking for a turmeric supplement that helps you avoid joint pain and extreme muscle soreness after a workout, you want to find one that has the following qualities:

*Use of all-natural ingredients

*Contains no absorption enhancers such as black pepper or other chemical additives

*Uses whole root turmeric and full-strength curcuminoids

*Formulated to be quickly absorbed by the body, Nuvothera’s Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement has all of these qualities. It uses advanced micro-particle technology to deliver rapid and maximum absorption. The use of this advanced technology makes this turmeric supplement 100 times more potent than leading supplement brands.

Add a daily turmeric supplement to your routine and you will start to notice that after you exercise your joints and muscles aren’t so stiff and painful. Order Nuvothera’s Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement and feel confident that you may find relief from joint pain and stiffness because you are taking the best natural turmeric anti-inflammatory supplement.

PASADENA RESIDENTS will have an opportunity to meet candidates for City Council, Pasadena ISD and the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees on Tuesday, April 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Community Transformation Church, 6109 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena when the Pasadena Chamber hosts a Meet the Candidates event. If attending, RSVP to pasadenachamber.org

RAP MUSIC SOUNDS will be coming from UH-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7 as Doc Loc and the Swangers take the stage. For tickets to the concert, or more information about the Bayou Theater, visit www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/

GALVESTON COUNTY JUDGE MARK HENRY will discuss the State of the County at the League City Regional Chamber Luncheon Wednesday, April 19 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St. in League City. For sponsorships or reservations, visit www. leaguecitychamber.com

BAY AREA WELCOME NEIGHBOR CLUB will host its Spring Fashion Show featuring glamorous casual fashions from Tina’s on The Strand in Galveston Thursday, April 20 at South Shore Harbour Country Club, 4300 South Shore Blvd. in League City, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $24 by check only, payable to BAWNC. For reservations, call or text Jayci Schmitt at 479-426-4929 or email her at jayci.schmitt@gmail.com by noon Friday, April 14.

PASADENA CHAMBER LUNCHEON celebrating non-profits and honoring the 2023 Non-Profit of the Year -- The Bridge Over Troubled Waters -- and celebrate the city’s diverse non-profits at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at Texas Chiropractic College, 5912 Spencer Highway in Pasadena. For tickets, which are $35, visit Pasadenachanber.org or call 281-487-7871.

GO RED FOR WOMEN, benefitting the American Heart Association, will be held Friday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE will host its annual fund-raising event, a Greasethemed evening of bobby socks and doo-wop, Friday, April 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. For tickets or sponsorships or other information, visit www.assistanceleague.org/bay-area

JSC DIRECTOR VANESSA WYCHE will be the keynote speaker as the League City Regional Chamber luncheon focuses on the State of Space, Wednesday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Atrium II. For reservations, call the chamber.

THE ROTARY NATIONAL AWARD FOR SPACE ACHIEVEMENT GALA

will be held Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m. in the Downtown Houston Hyatt Regency Hotel, honoring SpaceX President and CEO Gwynne Shotwell with the National Space Trophy at the black-tie gala. The public is invited to attend. For tickets or to reserve a table, visit rnasa.org/Houston.html or call 713-654-1234 and request the RNASA group rate for a room.

Yes, we're in network.

St. Luke’s Health facilities are in-network with Cigna March 1, 2023. Our affiliated physicians from Baylor College of Medicine are already back in-network.

Our network of care puts patients first so you can have peace of mind knowing reliable coverage is close to home at nationally ranked hospitals. This new agreement will help St. Luke’s Health preserve the type of value-driven, high-quality, and innovative care our patients and the community have come to expect.

Patients can start making appointments now for in-network services after March 1.

Rotary‘s LEAP Awards Dinner leaves nearly everyone wearing a big smile

SPACE CENTER ROTARY’s 2nd Annual LEAP for Mankind Awards Dinner drew quite a happy crowd to the Hilton Hotel Ballroom in Nassau Bay where the LEAP Awards were presented March 4 to recently retired Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, to Exploration Green Conservatory Chairmen David Sharp and Frank Weary, and to Bay Area Houston Magazine Editor Mary Alys Cherry.

Rotary President Stan Galanski and his wife, Susan, headed the committee that put the event together and who assembled with their spouses to greet the arriving crowd – Kathy and Rotary President-elect Randy Straach, Gary and Elaine Renola, Bill Geissler, Marilyn and Wayne Musial, Jim DeForest, Royce Walker, Julia Gallagher, Adrienne and Dr. Vissett Sun, Janet Trewin and Richard and Jennifer Simmons.

Just as the clock struck 6, the doors opened and in walked State Rep. Dennis Paul and his wife, Eliza, Teri and Kevin Crawford, Alan and Myrna Baker, Bill and Suzi Howe, Deborah and David Lane, Patty Kane, John and Patty Branch, Cindy DeWease, Rosie and Mike Hesse, John and Madeline Nugent and Harriet and Jon Pilgrim, along with Frank Weary and David Sharp.

Quickly followed by honoree Bob Mitchell, recently retired BAHEP president, with his wife, Joan, and son Mark; Brian Freedman, Tim Kropp, Deborah and David Laine, Nancy and

Jerry Smith, Scott Dyson, Art and Renate Wood, Gary and Karen Johnson, Sheila Self, Levi and Janis Benton, Eric and Sandra Liu, Darrell Smith, Bob and Nancy Anderson, Jim and Carol Saxe and Nassau Bay City Councilors James Abbey, Johannes Sommers and Michelle Weller.

Following a dinner that included filet mignon or grilled salmon, topped off with New York cheesecake or chocolate mousse cake, the spotlight shined on former Rotary President Ralph Kramer and Judge Holly Williamson, who conducted the live auction. Afterwards, they introduced the honorees and had each one speak.

Bob Mitchell was honored for his long years of service to the Bay Area, securing such things for the community as licensing for the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Field, getting congressional approval for the massive $39 billion Coastal Spine Project to protect the area from devastating storms and helping San Jacinto College establish a maritime curriculum.

David Sharp and Frank Weary, both former chairmen, explained how Exploration Green -the former Clear Lake Golf Course – was almost complete and would be this year. They didn’t have

to offer much history. This crowd knew that when Hurricane Harvey dropped four feet of rain on the area, the “big dig,” as it was called, proved its worth. Some 120 homes that often flood during heavy rains stayed dry. Exploration Green had done its job!

Mary Alys Cherry was honored for her 40-year role as editor of both The Bay Area Citizen and Bay Area Houston Magazine in the growth and development of the Clear Lake area and for helping various Bay Area businesses and philanthropic organizations raise funds to help the needy by publicizing their events.

Afterwards, Judge Williamson and her husband, Danny, and Ralph Kramer and his wife, Lori, their jobs for the evening over, made their way around the ballroom, greeting many in the crowd, including Jorge Hernandez, whose Bastion Technologies was honored last year, Alan and Gaye Wylie, Jessica Beemer, Bob and Jordis Wren and Delia Stephens and Dr. Jon Haire.

Some of the others in the crowd included Trevor and Monica Howard, Betsey Sabilla, Rick Clapp, Amber Sample, Patty and G.H. Andrew, Mary Callier, Dr. Janice Sullivan, Beverly Cooper Ferguson, Trey and Karen Hall, William Rosella, Rosemarie and Chris Ebdon, Daria Glasscock, Buddy and Elizabeth Smith, Allatia Harris, Laura and Dr. Tom Kelcher, Phil Hampton, Gary and Janice Gillen, Chris and Ute Schneider, Cindy and Bill Osburg, Jerelyn and Joseph Glenn, and Darby, Julie and Kevin Hurley.

These hard-working Space Center Rotarians stop to catch their breath as the crowd begins arriving for their LEAP for Mankind Awards Dinner at the Hilton March 4. They are President Stan Galanski, Directors Gary Renola and Adrienne Sun and PresidentElect Randy Straach.

Space Center Rotary Treasurer Marilyn Musial welcomes, from left, former Exploration Green Conservancy Director Frank Weary, current Exploration Green Chairman David Sharp and Rotarian and Clear Lake City Water Authority President John Branch to Space Center Rotary’s Second Annual LEAP for Mankind Awards Dinner March 4 at the Hilton Hotel in Nassau Bay.

Past 5890 Rotary District Governor Chris Schneider stops to visit with honoree Mary Alys Cherry, left, and Kippy Caraway at Space Center Rotary’s LEAP for Mankind Awards Gala, held at the Hilton Hotel in Nassau Bay.

Among the first to congratulate recently retired BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, right, at the Rotary LEAP for Mankind Awards Dinner were his wife, Joan McKinney Mitchell, and the young man who took his place, new BAHEP President Brian Freedman.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry and friends

State Rep. Dennis Paul and his wife, Eliza, say hello to Adrienne Sun, left, and Beverly Ferguson of State Sen. Mayes Middleton’s office as they arrive at the 2nd Annual LEAP for Mankind Awards Dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Nassau Bay.

Recent congressional candidate Dr. Jon Haire and attorney Delia Stephens were among the many who filled up the Nassau Bay Hilton Ballroom for Space Center Rotary’s LEAP for Mankind Gala March 4.

CCEF’s first Regency Gala raises $100,000

THE CLEAR CREEK Education Foundation hosted its first Regency Gala: A Royal Affair at South Shore Harbour Resort and raised nearly $100,000 for Clear Creek ISD teachers by funding their innovative classroom grants. A crowd of 200 attended the Bridgerton-themed event.

Glancing around the ballroom, some of the first you might have seen were League City Mayor Nick Long with his wife Kari; Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Engle and her husband, Mike; retired CCISD Superintendent Ron McLeod and his wife, Scottie; CCISD Board of Trustees President Jay Cunningham and his wife Carrie; CCISD Communications Director Elaina Polsen, Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson and Barrios President Kelly Page and her husband Jack.

Nearby, you might have spotted Mike Landolt and his wife, Ann Wismer; Greg Ploss and Chris Rylant, along with Lisa and former astronaut Mark Polansky and Neira and Chris Premont of Big Star Cadillac as CCEF’s Deborah Laine and Michelle Thomas stopped by to say hello before moving on to welcome Joe and Kelli Byrd, Mark and Wendy Drapela and Jason and Jenny McCorkle.

The evening’s festivities began at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 with a three-course meal, live music by the Black Cat Choir Band, dancing, a

Golden Raffle, a whiskey tasting, raffle and a live auction.

“The Foundation raises money to help our schools make innovative changes in our classroom that might not otherwise occur.” Gala Chairman Chris Rylant told the crowd. “It is my absolute pleasure to assist with community events that help fund these projects. Our gala was truly the event of the season, and we raised money that will go back directly to the teachers and classroom,” she said as Winners of our Golden Raffle were Lakeisha Jones, who won a pearl and diamond necklace and earring set; Mr. and Mrs. Kane Barnett, winner of the Carrabba's Dinner for eight; Jackie Bullard, winner of the rodeo tickets; and Ms. Steph Smoot, winner of the whiskey basket. Items that were auctioned off included rodeo tickets, an Xtreme Xperience (driving a Ferrari around a racetrack), Superintendent for the Day and a one week stay in an oceanfront condo in Hawaii.

“In my 10 years on the Board of Directors, I cannot remember a time when I've seen so many volunteers and board members come together and work so hard to provide such a beautiful event for our community. It would not have been possible without them. We could not have picked a better chairperson for this event than Christine Rylant Her vision and theme inspiration for this event was spectacular. CCEF Executive Director Deborah

Laine and CCEF Marketing Manager Michele Thomas, worked tirelessly to keep everything together and running down the track. This was an incredible event and one to remember,” 2023 CCEF Chairman Greg Ploss told the crowd.

The event was planned by a 20-person volunteer committee that included Kelli Byrd, Greg Ploss, Cyndy Butcher, Mickey Wooten, Colin Rickard, Lisa Polansky, Elizabeth Wiehle, Lisa Holbrook, Jenny McCorkle, Ashley Goodhue, Jill Reason, Heidi Riegel, Laura Mackay, Karen McCorkle, Melinda Mintz, Sarah Moutz and Gerard Guderian.

And, what a delightful event it was. Just ask Richard and Traci Dvorak, Joyce Abbey, Ellen King, Emily and Dr. John Matthews, Laura and Jaimeson McKay, Dan and Jill Reason or Paul and Kelly Williams.

Since its founding in 1992, CCEF has been a nonprofit dedicated to building public education in Clear Creek ISD through grants and programs that empower every student to achieve academic and personal success. CCEF has contributed over $5 million to CCISD for innovative programs in the classroom. More information can be found at the CCEF website www. ClearCreekEducationFoundation.org.

These ladies of Goforth Elementarywere among the many attending the CCEF Regency Gala.They are from left standing, Jacquie Hale, Caytie Haney, Devon Hall and Nikki Molbert. Seated, from left, are Alexa Skidmore, Mallory Lee, Lyzette Ruiz and Crystal Spies.

Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre performed at this year's CCEF A Regency Gala: A Royal Affair. Pictured here are Michael Landolt with some of the dancers and of course, the Queen, Jill Reason, center.

CCEF Chairman, Greg Ploss and Chairperson of the Gala, Chris Rylant.

CCISD Superintendent, Dr. Karen Engle and her husband, Mike enjoying the CCEF Gala.

Chris Rylant, 2023 CCEF Chairman, Greg Ploss, CCEF Executive Director, Deborah Laine with the Queen of the Gala, Jill Reason.

One of the events at the gala was a live auction. Artist Debi Starr painting a "garden scene" during the CCEF Gala. The painting was auctioned off during the live auction and went for $2500.

Bay Area Houston Magazine's own Mary Alys Cherry was one of the honorees at the 2023 L.E.A.P. for Mankind Awards sponsored by the Space Center Rotary. Congratulations to Mary Alys, Bob Mitchell, and the other winners recognized.

Photos by GH Andrew

Crew 5 arrives safely back home

After splashing down safely in their SpaceX Dragon Endurance spacecraft off the coast of Tampa, Fla., on March 11, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 completed the agency’s fifth commercial crew rotation mission to the International Space Station, where they spent 157 days in orbit. They are, from left, Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina, left, NASA astronauts Josh Cassada and Nicole Mann, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata. right, are shown onboard the SpaceX recovery ship Shannon shortly after having landed in the Gulf of Mexico.

Movers & Shakers

Name: Marilyn Musial

Occupation: Retired President of Bank of America Clear Lake

Hometown: LaGrange, Illinois

Current home: Clear Lake

Family: Husband, Wayne; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Kevin Hurley; granddaughter and grandson, Darby and Jarrett Hurley

My favorite entertainer: George Strait and Michael Buble

Someone I’d like to meet: Margaret Thatcher

The thing that bugs me the most is:  People that don’t take their responsibilities seriously

You’ll never catch me: Disrespecting people

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Rotary International President June Jones

My Favorite Writer: E Agatha Christie

My favorite meal is: Spaghetti with meat sauce

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: In marketing

I like to spend my leisure time: Traveling

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: The British Isles

Few people know:  I take piano lessons

NASA photo by Keegan Barber

HYATT REGENCY BAYTOWN-HOUSTON brings Industrial-Chic to the Bay Area are you ready?

Discover the best of Baytown and the Greater Houston area from our elegant waterfront hotel. At Hyatt Regency Baytown – Houston, settle into industrial-chic accommodations with natural wood accents and tall windows looking out at the Houston Ship Channel, the marina adjacent to our hotel, or the iconic

Fred Hartman suspension bridge. The on-site restaurant Anchor & Hearth, features a large patio-deck overlooking the terrace. The hotel also offers an exposed kitchen, a dynamic open-concept lobby bar, 18,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, and dazzling views of nearby waterways—the hotel’s inspired location also offers easy access to trendy restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment.

Dr. Jeffrey Jaglowski

Dr. Brandon Low

Dr. Charlie Moulton

Dr. Andrew Tyler

NickNames

By Pastor Brad Heintz

icknames – almost everyone has a nickname. Most of us know what our nickname is and some of us don’t. When I moved to the Detroit area, in the eighth grade, my new b-ball team nicknamed me “Tower of London” because they found out I was born in England. I didn’t know I had a nick name until it showed up in the yearbook and on a trophy. In the Bible, lots of people have nicknames. Jesus even gave some of them, like “Sons of Thunder” to James and John (The Gospel of Mark 3:17).

Yet one of his disciples has the dubious nickname of “Doubting Thomas.” According to the Gospel John, chapter 20, Thomas was the disciple who missed Jesus’ resurrection appearance the night Jesus rose from the dead. Because he was not there and the word of His friends wasn’t enough to convince him, he said he wouldn’t believe unless he, himself, not only would see Jesus, but could touch his wounds.

Therefore, the nickname doubting Thomas. And probably a gut-wrenching week of uncertainty, lack of peace and doubt. Then Jesus does mercifully show up a week later, inviting

APRIL 29, 2023

Walter Hall Park

SET, READY,

RUN!

Thomas to see and touch and do whatever he needed to fully trust in Jesus and find peace. And Thomas responds in faith, proclaiming Jesus, His merciful Savior.

NWe are often like Thomas spiritually. Peace is truly our possession through faith in Jesus. Yet we can still choose not to take hold of that peace and rest in God. If we choose not to trust, we then live must live with the consequences that may include insecurity and uncertainty! I don’t know about you, but I get tired of living with uncertainty, a lack of peace, even doubt. Let’s remind ourselves that just as Jesus mercifully showed up for His disciples who doubted then there a good word for you as well.

John 20:29-31 says, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Now that’s a good word to be trusted and not doubted!

Pastor 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

Living Word Church is Covered!

Taylor Lake Village, Texas, -- Living Word Church is loving the progress on our new church home and community center at 1111 Kirby Rd. Taylor Lake Village, Texas.

Internal framing is done and we are working hard on electrical, plumbing and dry wall. Pray that the 11,170ft facility of a 300 seat auditorium, children’s classrooms, a 60 seat community room and offices, will be ready by early summer 2023.

“We believe 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. Until the building is comple, Living Word Church is worshiping at G.W. Robinson Elementary, 451 Kirby Rd. El Lago, TX at 10:30am. Everyone is invited to join us and help build a church!

For more information and building updates go to https://lwcba.org/building-advance

It was a night of glitter, glam, and excitement as South Shore Harbour Hotel and Resort hosted the very first Miss League City Pageant on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Twenty-three beautiful and amazing young women from all over the Bay Area competed for the titles of 2023 Miss League City and Miss League City Teen. With an audience of almost 400, the crowd cheered on all of the contesants and watched as Avery Doubenmier (League City) was crowned 2023 Miss League City, and Carys Moran (Friendswood) was crowned 2023 Miss League City Teen. Kelly Williams, Miss League City Pageant Producer, award-winning Pageant Director, and Host of The Kelly Williams Show, was absolutely thrilled with the event. "These events take a year of hard work to plan and I always want pageant weekend to be an unforgettable

experience for the contestants and their families. This fabulous pageant event happened only because of the support from the City of League City, our generous sponsors, all of our amazing judges, the entertainers, and my incredible pageant staff that I could never do without! I am truly blessed to have some amazing people in my life."

The newly crowned winners will now work to get ready to compete in the Miss Texas USA® Pageant and Miss Texas Teen USA® Pageant coming in July. Stay tuned for information on how to get tickets for the State Pageant to cheer on our Miss League City queens! www.MissLeagueCityPageant.com

(pageant photos by: Dustin Estrada) dustin.estrada@ymail.com / @texasvideographer

2022 Miss League City USA - Destiny Fernandisse crowns the 2023 Miss League City USAAvery Doubenmier

2022 Miss League City Teen USA - Jaelynd Edwards crowns the 2023 Miss League City Teen USA - Carys Moran

Miss League City Pageant Producer and Director - Kelly Williams

(The Kelly Williams Show) with the newly crowned 2023 Miss League City Teen USA and 2023 Miss League City USA with their gorgeous bouquets from Kemah Flowers & Company

Miss League City Pageant All Star Panel of Judges

left to right: Joe Perez, Chris Swanson, Johnny Steverson, Meredith Jurica, Debbie Drury Tyrone, Tiffany Martin, Tony Fitzpatrick, and Rick Clapp

Pageant

Representatives from the City of League City with the 2023 Queens. (left to right)

Amber Byrd, Sean Saunders, Mayor Nick Long, Kari Long, Juliana Aguilar, and Stephanie Polk.

My wife says that sometimes I am an airhead. Don’t get me wrong. She never questions my intelligence—just my “presence”— am I here, or “out there somewhere?” It’s a fair question, I suppose. I blame it on my profession. For the last 50 years, I’ve been a writer—usually part time, but always doing it. Most of us have something that we have to do to be “alive.” For me, that has always been writing. But that comes with a whole host of issues, not the least of which is lousy pay. Tell someone you are a writer and the first question they ask is “Have you been a waiting tables long?” So you learn to not say anything at all about it, and I just passed myself off as a professor, my day job, all those years. But then retirement came. I was still alive, so that meant I was still writing, only now I could no longer hide behind the day job.

We were at Pedernales Falls State Park, and my running buddy and I had spent part of the morning examining the falls in minute detail. The water was low and we could nearly cross the entire river without getting wet. It was a great opportunity to see, up close, formations that were normally underwater, to study things like what makes the water appear to be running uphill in places. After a couple of hours of combing the rocks, we decided to part ways for the afternoon and have some quiet, alone time. We made a plan to meet back at the Jeep at sunset. He decided to hang out there at the falls a while longer and I walked downstream.

I followed a trail along the river, the Hackenberg Loop. But, as way leads on to way, the trail led me to . . . lost? I found myself in the middle of the woods with no trail in sight and no idea how I even got there. I tried backtracking to find the trail I had apparently strayed from. That got me even more lost. It had happened yet again! I was frustrated. I blame it on the writer thing. You know how you sometimes walk into a room with a purpose in mind and then suddenly forget why you were there? Well, at least I do it—almost daily. But how often do you find yourself somewhere strange and not have a clue where you are or how you got there?

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

The Importance of Getting Lost

That’s where the writer thing comes in. It might be just me, but I suspect it is many writers. You see, we work 24 hours a day. Yeah, I know. It sounds like “poor me,” but it’s true. For instance, some of my best ideas come when I’m sleeping. (Too bad I only remember about 1% of them when I wake up. I’m sure the lost ones were the best.) When I am awake, I am always thinking about my next article, or the book, or the shopping list I’ll make but then lose before I get to the store because I was busy thinking about the next article.

After many decades of this, it no longer panics me when I find myself in the Jeep, going down some country road and realizing I don’t have a clue where I am or how I got there. In fact, I usually feel good about it because, while I was busy getting

Then I saw it, off in the distance. A glimmer, a tiny flash of light. I listened and could barely hear it over the birdsong, a small bit of water moving over rock. I made my way toward it. A minute trickle sprung out of the side of the hill and fell a couple of levels down into a tiny pool—a miniature waterfall if you will. Waterfalls are one of those archetypes that we all react to in the same way—peace and serenity (thank you, Carl Jung). But the truly amazing thing about this was the color. I had not seen water this blue since the Palancar Reef in Cozumel, never in Texas. I was mesmerized.

One thing about water, it always seeks its own kind. Little streams want to meet bigger ones and they want to meet rivers, and eventually the sea. I had found my guide back to the Jeep. I just needed to follow the overflow from this pool and I’d eventually find the river. From there, it was just an upstream walk and I’d be back where we started. I checked the sun again—about midafternoon. I had at least an hour or two to just sit. As you can probably guess, I went no further.

lost, I found the perfect lead for my next article. That’s how it is in my life and how it was at the park that day. I was lost.

For the next hour, I meandered around. Someone watching me from above might think my trail looked like a dog’s as he goes from place to place, checking out smells more interesting than his long-forgotten original intended destination. (Or, like my wife chasing shiny objects in a department store). I kept checking the sun to get a general direction, hoping to find my way to some recognizable spot. I found the sun okay, but it didn’t help.

I tried to find my way back to the river. Surely if I followed it upstream, it would lead back to the main falls and the trail back to the Jeep. I couldn’t find the river either. So, I did what comes naturally. I continued ambling aimlessly and thinking about how I could turn this adventure into an article. (If you are reading this, it must have worked.) And all the while, I got deeper into the woods and more lost.

I’m not sure how long I was there; I don’t remember much after sitting down. But I got to spend the perfect afternoon. The birds were incredible. Their songs and the back-up music of the waterfall blended together to perfectly accompany the brilliant azure and diamond of the water. Of course, I thought a lot about my brewing writing projects, but mostly I was studying the sounds and sights in this little cove. I know man has done some brilliant stuff with music and art, but the very best he has accomplished should be embarrassed to exist in the same universe as this spot. Art may seek perfection, it may even be the best work of man, but it will always be a poor substitute for true beauty. I knew my need for this understanding was why I came this way today— and why I had to get lost.

Getting lost is important and I think our lives would be better if we did it more often. When we are truly lost; when we no longer know what to do or which way to go, we have begun the journey we were intended to take—whether it be the journey for today, as this was, or the journey of our lives.

Pedernales Falls, TX

"That got me even more lost. It had happened yet again!"

INDIA

went with two of my colleagues to meet with professionals in the Bollywood entertainment industry. Mumbai is known for Bollywood movies, and the actors and musicians we met with are some of the best in the industry. Many people in Mumbai speak Hindi, as it is the official language of India. It was difficult to communicate, as I do not know how to speak Hindi but I was able to learn a few words and pick up on certain cues.

By Blaine Ochoa

Ihad the incredible opportunity to travel to the beautiful country of India in December of 2022. There is so much beauty and history in the rich culture. I’m very thankful for the memorable experiences I had while there. My adventurous spirit, love and desire for traveling and learning more about another culture was definitely full-filled during my trip to India.

The trip started in Mumbai, where I stayed a week at the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, which overlooks Juhu Beach and the Arabian Sea. The city of Mumbai is 10 and a half hours ahead of us here in Houston and the Bay Area. (The jet lag is no joke). It is a very large city and is very populated.

The country of India is very vast, and during our second week we ended up flying north to visit some of the other famous landmarks of India. We landed in the city of Jodhpur "Blue City" first, which is located in the state of Rajasthan.

The city is known for the blue indigo painted houses that span across the city. I was able to visit the beautiful Umaid Bhawan Palace, which still houses the royal family today, and visit the historic Mehrangarh Fort Museum. We also visited Jaipur, which is historically known as "Pink City", after being painted pink to welcome Prince Albert, Queen's Victoria's husband, in 1876.

Also on my journey I attended a traditional Indian wedding, visited a religious Hindu temple, saw an ancient 300 year old stepwell (water well) called Toorji ka Jhalra, street shopped, danced with locals, and tried a variety of different Indian foods

(a lot of which were very spicy). I also got a Henna tattoo for the first time, saw a lot of cows (as they are considered holy there and many are free roaming), and I really loved wearing the beautiful, colorful traditional Indian clothing. My very favorite place to stay was The Leela Palace in Jaipur, which was absolutely stunning.

One of my favorite experiences was being able to see the incomparable and iconic, Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The detail, design, architecture and beauty is absolutely breathtaking. It is made of ivory-white marble and semi-precious stones (which sometimes glow depending on the time of day and season), and is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. It was commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.

The tomb was built in honor of Mumtaz, who was the emperor’s favorite wife, who died in childbirth. The Taj Mahal also later became the tomb of emperor Shah Jahan. The world renowned mausoleum is one of the greatest symbols ever that celebrates love. No photos are allowed to be taken once inside, and all visitors are required to wear foot coverings.

I was also able to see the Taj Mahal at night, the evening before we toured and it was a remarkable sight, it seemed to sparkle in the moonlight. I spent three weeks in India and I came home just in time for Christmas to be with my family. It was a special trip and one that made a lasting impact on me. Music is universal. Love of good food is universal. The importance of family is universal. And ultimately, love is universal. Namaste.

By Capt. David C. Dillman galvestonbaycharterfishing.com

(832) 228-8012

Ever had one of those days that nothing goes right? Like getting ready for work only to find your vehicle with a flat tire. Hopefully you are prepared by having a spare tire. When you are on the water being prepared for a emergency can prevent a disaster.

Anytime you are venturing out in the water, you have to be diligent in your preparation. First, check the weather and plan accordingly. In adverse conditions it is best to launch from the nearest point where you are planning to fish. Wear a PFD especially when conditions are less than ideal. They make inflatable PFD's that are comfortable and not bulky.

Cell phones should be carried must must be kept dry. Pelican makes waterproof boxes for your cell phone. They also come with clips that can be attached to you or your PFD. I also suggest having a handheld VHF radio. Many of the new ones are submersible and float. This gives you direct contact with the USCG in a emergency situation. File a float plan and leave it with someone. It should include the body of water (West Bay,Trinity ect..), launch site and the time you plan to return. Things can go from good to bad in a hurry on the water.

Think Safety When on the Water

You should have emergency procedures in place before you leave the dock.. I go over mine with everyone before leaving the dock. Sometimes it is best to cancel outing than take a risk. Take precautions and do not think you are immune to potential disasters. Take care when you are on the water at all times.

We've all heard the saying, "April showers bring May flowers." April can be a great month to fish, but late season clod fronts coming down from the north, can create a squall line.

These squall lines can produce heavy rains, winds and lightning.

It's not uncommon that waterspouts can develop from this line of thunderstorms. In fact I had a chance to video the largest waterspout I've ever seen on the bay, as a late season cold front came across the bay. April is a great month to catch fish, but be aware that the weather can change in a hurry.

Utilize that radar app on your cell phone, and don't don't wait till the last minute to make it back to safe harbor. There's not a fish out there worth losing your life over.

Economic outlook for Metro Houston in 2023 ‘Pretty good’

By Katherine Paradis

Patrick Jankowski gave his muchanticipated yearly presentation on the economy before a lunchtime meeting of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership membership in late February at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Jankowski is the senior vice president of research and chief economist at the Greater Houston Partnership. He oversees the Research Department which provides information gathering, data analysis, and economic forecasting for the Partnership's 10 divisions. His presentation, Growth, Stagnation or Recession: The Outlook for Metro Houston in 2023, began by looking back three years at COVID’s effects. Jankowski said that COVID is not the threat to Houston it once was. He then displayed a photo of Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve. He said, “The threat to Houston is this guy,” much to the amusement of those in attendance. Jankowski justified that comment because of what the Fed is trying to do to control inflation.

Causes of inflation

Jankowski reported that there is no one cause of inflation, and that’s where the challenge lies. The Department of Congress injected new money into the economy with three stimulus packages totaling $6.4 trillion. Jankowski felt that just one package would have been enough to stimulate the economy.

According to Jankowski, ironically, the cure for high prices is higher prices. If you make something more expensive, either fewer people can afford it, or people simply decide not to purchase it.

The Federal Reserve is trying to raise interest rates so that anything you purchase on time becomes more expensive. Eventually, supply and demand come into balance, said Jankowski. He added that he wouldn’t be surprised if interest rates go up another full percentage point this year.

Recession?

Is a deep and protracted recession possible?

Yes, Jankowski confirmed, but only due to things that we have no control over – such as the corona virus. He said, “If the war in the Ukraine

escalates, that could really screw up the global economy. I worry about cyber-attacks. We’ve been under-investing in the oil and gas industry for so long, if we see a pickup for demand in energy, we could see energy prices spike.”

What are the probabilities for a recession?

Jankowski predicts that the odds are 30 percent for a mild recession, 50 percent for a nearmiss, and 20 percent for a deep and protracted recession. In an eye-opening statement, Jankowski said that we are the biggest risk to the economy right now. He explained that if people believe we are in a recession, it will affect their behavior. They will pull back on their purchases, their investment decisions, their hiring decisions. It then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

In conclusion

Jankowski closed by saying, “We do have a lot of momentum going into this year. I think Houston’s going to do fine. If, if, if the U.S. slips into a recession this year, it’s not a permanent state of being. There is ample opportunity for growth. We just need not to fixate on the possibility of a downturn and realize that long-term things look pretty good.”

Muffins,

Cookies, Tarts, and

Chicken Salad and Egg Salad Sandwiches

Soup Dejour, Savory Chicken Pot Pies

We also Offer: Breakfast and Lunch Catering Trays and

Sunshine Kitchen: More than a Bakery

By Rick Clapp

The newly opened Sunshine Kitchen, 3138 NASA Parkway in Seabrook, is the creation of local resident Dara Knobloch along with the support and help from Scotsman Andrew MacKinnon. This dynamic duo combined their culinary and business talents to open this bakery with a good vibe.

This has become the go-to spot for an early breakfast. The bakery features fresh croissant sandwiches, Scottish sausage biscuits, muffins, and the mouthwatering Quiche Lorraine. For those who have a sweet tooth for their early morning rise and shine, the decadent cinnamon roll is the bomb of choice. Complement your breakfast selection with a fresh brewed cup of hot or iced joe or try a cappuccino, latte, or espresso. Bottled water, soft, and energy drinks are also available.

Sunshine Kitchen also offers a nice choice of lunch items such as their signature Chicken Salad Croissant. This sandwich features tender, savory chunks of freshly baked chicken breast with celery and a touch of light herbs with just a hint of mayonnaise. It is a real hit because of its distinct flavor of chicken which is not over run with mayo. The freshly made egg salad makes a nice alternative croissant to try.

Another culinary delight is the homemade individual chicken and mushroom pot pie. Everything in this pie is baked to perfection. It consists of a buttery but flakey crust pastry filled with chicken, fresh mushrooms,

and herbs served in a mouthwatering cream sauce. The soup of the day, which is usually tomato basil, is always served fresh and hot.

At Sunshine Kitchen, everything is made from scratch. “Many items are family recipes. Growing up on a Texas ranch and farm, our mother made all our food and desserts from scratch,” according to proprietor Dara Knobloch. A family and house favorite dessert is the award-winning banana pudding. Another succulent dessert choice is the fresh made carrot cake which is to die for. Its recipe is a secret and originally hails from a quaint café in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sunshine Kitchen offers a plethora of sweet and savory baked goods and pastries. Other delectable choices include an assortment of cookies, cupcakes, cakes, lemon and chocolate tarts, and authentically made scones. These heavenly tasting treats are sure to tantalize you tastebuds.

Sunshine Kitchen welcomes custom orders for birthdays, special events, celebrations, and corporate receptions. Breakfast and lunch boxes and trays are available upon request.

So, next time you are out and about in Seabrook, stop by the Sunshine Kitchen to satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate cream puff, lemon tart, banana pudding, or a slice of decadent carrot cake.

Graduate Gifts

By Don Armstrong

High school seniors are preparing to graduate and move on to college, so do you give them the unreliable family hand-me-down that you know is going to cost a few hundred a month just to keep running or bite the bullet and buy something new that has a warranty? Speaking from experience, we’d go “new.” Here are a couple of examples that you and your graduate should check out.

HYUNDAI KONA

Given Kona’s recent styling update, a 5-year and 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and free maintenance for 3-years and 36,000 miles, that alone should at least get you to the dealer’s showroom, plus it gets 30-MPG.

Kona motivation is provided by a 2.0-liter four -cylinder engine that produces 147

horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

The continuously variable transmission comes with standard front-wheel drive or optional cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. allwheel drive. 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, 8-inch touchscreen, rear USB port, six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all included in the base model.

Built with the same conveniences as a big SUV, Kona has a fold down rear seat that increases the size of its compact storage area into a mini wagon that swallows more than you can imagine.

Rear seat leg room is minimal but workable, and there’s room for four of your closest friends - that’s all that really matters, especially in your college years.

Pricing starts at $22,140.

MAZDA CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 combines a sleek style with smooth sheet metal undulations. The large, open-mouth grille is proportionate to its diminutive size. High wheel arches say “off-road,” and the sloping roofline give it a sporty, fastback look. Front and rear lighting complement both ends.

The interior is a winner too with an attractive, functional instrument cluster. An open pocket atop the dash holds the infotainment screen and gives it a little styling flare. Comfortable theatre-style seating places the rear guests a smidge above the driver and front passenger. Mazda’s accouterments are matched almost head-to-head with Kona.

Power is provided by 2.5-liter engine that delivers 191-horsepower via a 6-speed automatic transmission. This combo gets 29-MPG and should outpace our Hyundai comparison.

The Mazda CX-30 suspension is designed by the same folks who give us the world’s most popular sports car, the Miata MX-5 Miata, so expect superior handling and maneuverability, especially in the student parking lot.

Pricing begins at $22,950.

HYUNDAI KONA

MAZDA CX-30

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