Bay Area Houston Magazine May 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.

Prosoria: Nuvothera's Revolutionary Psoriasis Treatment Expands Distribution

into Walgreens

Nuvothera, a Fort Worth, Texas-based biotech company, has reached an agreement and has its revolutionary Prosoria Psoriasis Treatment System in Walgreens VillageMD clinics. Additionally, it will soon be available on Walgreens.com.

FORT WORTH, TX, April 12, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nuvothera, a Fort Worth, Texas-based biotech company, has reached agreement to have its revolutionary Prosoria Psoriasis Treatment System available nationwide in Walgreens.

Prosoria is an effective, over-thecounter treatment with long-lasting results for a tough-to-treat skin condition. Formulated with maximumstrength ingredients, botanicals and vitamins, Prosoria effectively relieves psoriasis symptoms and is safe for daily use. The formula is steroid- free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.

The once-daily, 2-step treatment system includes a treatment gel developed to optimize the relief of psoriasis symptoms. It is used with an exfoliating moisturizer made to rapidly remove scaling and flaking while intensively moisturizing the skin.

"We knew with advanced pharmaceutical technology that we could make a better and more effective 'over-the-counter' treatment that was safe to use every day," said Art Clapp, CEO of Nuvothera. "We are constantly seeking ways to improve our customer experience and satisfaction. With the proper approach, psoriasis symptoms can be well controlled.

"Getting into retail drugstores is a game changer for Nuvothera. This significant milestone enables us to quickly launch products and reach significantly more people with skin conditions. The drugstore channel is huge, and we have prepared for rapid growth."

There are approximately nine million people in the U.S. with psoriasis and 125 million worldwide. Dry, red, flaky patches of skin characterize the condition, which is an inherited inflammatory condition and is not contagious. Inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis tend to have flares, which are cycles of improvement and worsening. There is no cure for psoriasis, and it is a condition that can be difficult to manage and control. The National Psoriasis Foundation has recognized Prosoria as an effective treatment to help relieve symptoms of psoriasis.

In addition to Walgreens, Prosoria is available at select CVS HealthHUB Stores. It is also available for purchase online at Prosoria.com, CVS.com, Walmart.com and Amazon. Prosoria is eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement.

Nuvothera uses pharmaceutical technology and advanced plant science to boost the effectiveness of its healthcare products. It focuses on topical solutions for difficult-to-treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, warts, and nail fungus; it also has a turmeric-based pill to effectively relieve inflammation and joint pain.

Nuvothera expects its products to more than double sales during 2023, propelled by the expansion into Walgreens and the launch of a new line of products to treat scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Walgreens and CVS are the two largest pharmacies in the US with a total store count of 18,455. In addition to their pharmacies, Walgreens VillageMD clinics and CVS HealthHUB stores, including Minute Clinics,

continue to expand into a community health destination designed to make healthcare more convenient, personalized, and affordable.

Nuvothera was founded by seasoned dermatology pharmaceutical executives to develop novel products for difficult-to-treat skin conditions and chronic inflammatory diseases. For more information, contact support@ prosoria.com or call 817-905-2784. # # #

MODERN, CONTEMPORARY HOTEL

SOON IN BAYTOWN

The City of Baytown, Texas is proud to announce the upcoming opening of a new state of the art hotel, Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston. The hotel is conveniently located at the footsteps of the iconic Fred Hartmann Bridge on Galveston Bay. The waterside hotel features 208 contemporary guest rooms, 18,000 square feet of distinct meeting and event space, and exquisite dining outlets like Anchor & Hearth

Woodfired Kitchen, which will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an exposed kitchen environment.

Guests can expect American fare with local favorites in a warm setting infused with Texas hospitality. Bayland Lounge, the hotel’s openconcept lobby bar, is ideal for relaxing and watching vessels pass through one of the nation’s busiest shipping channels.

Enjoy cocktails, beer, bar bites, and more as you relax in elegant

surroundings on the ground floor.

Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston will open soon at 100 Convention Center Way. For more information, please email hyattregencybaytown@ hyatt.com or call 281-987-1234.

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

Wait for Yesterday

could see that this would happen again . . . and again.

Indianola is a strange place. I’ve been to lots of Texas ghost towns, but here, there are not really any ruins, not even foundations of old buildings (well, there is one foundation remaining, but it is underwater). There are a few homes, a parking and picnic area on the beach, and even a fishing “resort.” But we were here to find a couple of monuments we’d read about that memorialize the town’s past. There is only one road, Ocean Drive. We drove up and down it repeatedly, finding nothing. We stopped and talked to four people we saw, but got no useful information. Two of them, who lived right there on the beach, had not even heard of the monuments we were looking for. But how hard could it be? So we drove up and down, again and again. Eventually, we stumbled across our goals.

The first, though further down the road than we expected, was fairly easily seen. It is an Arte Deco sculpture of Robert Cavelier, Sieur de LaSalle. Growing up on the south end of Lake Michigan, I was as familiar with La Salle. He was a part of our Indiana history studies in junior high and there are lots of streets, businesses and neighborhoods all over Chicago and the northwest Indiana named for him. I was surprised to learn that, in 1685, he also explored the Texas coast and claimed it for France. The Louisiana Purchase would later make this spot a key port in Texas for immigration from France, Germany and eastern European countries. These new immigrants built a city which they named Indianola. By 1875, it had become a major port on the Gulf Coast. But then things got interesting. That year, the town was wiped out by a hurricane. It was quickly rebuilt, only to be destroyed again by the storm of 1886. While there were meager attempts to rebuild it yet again a bit further inland, fire ended hopes for that, and Indianola slipped into history. The second monument, harder to find, is a memorial to the city that once thrived here. It tells the story of how the city began, grew, and died.

I sometimes wonder about the people of Indianola and the thought processes that led to the decision to rebuild. The land is so low that the one set of remaining ruins, that of the courthouse, are only sometimes visible under water. Surely, they

I have noticed that, as a species, and especially as Texans, we tend to react, quickly and assertively, to events in our lives, especially events we see as negative. It was impressive watching our neighbors move immediately to clean-up after hurricanes Ike and Harvey. I admire that. In Texas, we don’t wait for someone in Washington, or even Austin, to save us. We jump in and do it ourselves. That is what makes Texans special.

But this kind of “go-get-‘em” attitude can have negative effects as well. Not taking time to think through the likelihood of repeat events, or other consequences, caused the people of Indianola to lose money, sweat and lives, in what turned out to be a futile effort.

My take on this is that, for all practical purposes, for the people of the city, the hurricane of 1875 didn’t really happen. Of course there was a storm, and of course, the damage and deaths were real. But I think, for most of the people, the storm was only a blip that was in the past—not real, not a part of their lives now. It was time to move, to get busy.

Our apparent need to hurry and take action after events gets us on task and keeps us that way. Being busy means we are focused on the job at hand. It occupies our thinking. As a result, we never give ourselves an opportunity to really process what has happened. We make hasty, often bad, decisions and then have to deal with problems they cause—the unintended consequences. Until we can process an event fully, it hasn’t really happened, not yet. We see only ghosts of the event, not the thing itself. Without understanding, we can’t act effectively and, as a result, we are susceptible to all manner of negative results. I’m not saying we should sit, paralyzed, after negative events. Only that we need to fully think things through before we make major decisions. In the case of Indianola, clean up? Absolutely. Rebuild? Let’s think about this. Are we sure this is the best move?

It is easy to assume that this kind of problem happens only in cases of “bad” events because most of us have ample experience in these errors of thinking. When teaching my students about the philosophy of stoicism, the idea that we are disturbed not by events, but by our opinions of those events, I ask them how many have ever been

devastated by being dumped by someone they loved. Every semester, at least three quarters of the hands go up. I then ask how many of them still see that event as a tragedy. The most common response I get is “It was the best thing that ever happened to me.” The passage of time between the events themselves and my question allowed the students to process, and really understand, what happened. For them, the event has now, finally, really happened. These students are perfect examples demonstrating the fact that the key to understanding is to wait for yesterday. It didn’t “happen” until you’ve sorted it out.

This idea also applies to events we see as positive. Great experiences are especially enjoyable to ponder, even re-live in our minds. That makes us more likely to think about them. But thinking about, and understanding, are two different things. Reliving for pleasure does not provide insight. All events are really complicated tangles of little mini-happenings that work together to masquerade as a single event. They need to be examined, disentangled, and only then do we really understand them. That doesn’t happen immediately. And if we haven’t taken the time to do that, for all practical purposes, the event hasn’t really happened for us yet. We need to be patient—and wait. It will happen—and then it will finally be real.

The people of Indianola did finally “get it.” But at what cost? It took two hurricanes and a fire for them to finally learn to wait for yesterday. We have much to learn from their mistake.

Indianola, TX

Make your comeback stronger than your setback.

If you’re dealing with a back, spine, or orthopedic issue, you understand how not feeling your best can affect your daily life. Our team at St. Luke’s Health is here to help you get back to the activities you love and we have the expertise to help you come back stronger and stronger. Don’t just watch from the sidelines. Enjoy everything life has to offer. What will your comeback story be? Get started at StLukesHealth.org/Ortho

Lunar Rendezvous kicks off its 58th annual festival

LUNAR RENDEZVOUS Festival General Chairman Phoebe McCourt joined 2023 Kickoff Co-Chairmen Heather Monteleone and Kari Cook in launching the 58th Annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival Sunday, April 16 at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center in League City and welcoming an enthusiastic crowd of teens and their parents.

This was the day many had been waiting for as 2023 Festival King Lenny Matuszewski was introduced to an admiring crowd of moms and dads, along with dozens of princesses, lieutenants, little ladies in waiting and pages. Many remembered him from his many successful Lunar Rendezvous Fashion Shows.

2022-2023 Royal Court

After the welcome ceremony, Jill Williams and Wendy Drapela announced the Distribution of Funds, explaining how the profits from the 2022 festival will be distributed.

Then came the announcement of the Court all had been waiting for with twins and former princesses Savannah and Sydney Reason introducing the Little Court, followed by Allyson Biddy and Jennifer Robinson announcing the princesses and lieutenants.

Then, Demerle Monks introduced the Royal Court that was announced at last year’s Lunar Rendezvous Ball – Queen Sophie Robins, Queen Alternate Eleanor Goerland and Captain Luke Van Chau.

Then, after Board Chairman Michael Landolt introduced the new king, the ceremony came to an end with a performance by the 2023 Lunar Choir and closing remarks by the festival chairman.

2023 Princesses & Lieutenants

Kendall Balfour

Katelyn Banks

Hayley Banwell

Sara Beck

Austin Best

Katie Best

Tyler Best

Caroline Bonnecaze

Savannah Bullock

Wyatt Chuoke

Addisen Clark

Christopher Curran

Aria Deemer

Colin Driscoll

Emery Fitzharris

Abigail Fuller

Alanna Garza

Piper Gatlin

Hadi Ghoson

Samantha Gibson

Alexis Gonzales

Luke Grillo

Cassady Grindstaff

Emily Holloman

Lorelai Kagey

Caelyn LaFavers

Remi Landry

Macey Loehmann

Avery Martin

Piper McCourt

Meredith McKinnie

Geneviève Mee

Meredith Muehe

Noah Myers

Elena Palmer

Aiden Peavey

Olivia Pias

Meredith Ponce

Fadra Psarovarkas

Carson Rouhselang

Ava Shipley Green

Audrey Stone

Liam Sweeney

Dylan Tabor

Cole Tidwell

Ashley Tubbs

Sebastian Vivero

Amelia Weiss

Addison Willey

Paige Woodruff

Little Ladies-inWaiting & Pages

Ava Boyd

Kate Boyd

Sadie Burks

Kyle Burks Jr.

Reid Fadner

Brandalyn Grande

London Hager

Henry Jones Jr.

Thomas Lau

Giuliana Lenss

Nicholas Lenss

Leighton Lirette

Vivienne Lirette

Vivian Mahan

Hope Myers

Charlotte Olin

Torrey Olson

Jack Schiaffino

Evelyn Schott

Quinn Taylor

Madeline Zundel

Penelope Zundel

Coronation Ball Co-Chairmen Victoria Driscoll, left and Kim Heitzman want one and all to “Save the Date” for the annual ball, scheduled at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 15 in Galveston.

Photos by Rhonda Floyd PhotographyAnd Oh

Fashion Show Co-Chairmen Elizabeth Olin, left, and Katie Jones begin setting up their display for the Lunar Rendezvous Festival Kick Off at the Civic Center in League City.

Queen Sophie Robins Queen Alternate Eleanor Goerland Captain Luke Van Chau

Lunar Rendezvous Kick Off Co-Chairmen Kari Cook, left, and Heather Monteleone await the arriving crowd at the Civic Center in League City as the annual festival gets underway Sunday, April 16.

Dr. Peter Wuenschel, president of Communities in Schools-Bay Area, wears a big smile as he was one of the grant recipients named at the Lunar Rendezvous Kick Off.

L-R LRF Advisory Board Vice Chair Jill Williams, College and Career Specialist, Linda Smith, from Clear Brook High School, and LRF Advisory Board Member Wendy Drapela.

Lenny Matuszewski named festival king

Lenny Matuszewski, a nationally known fashion show producer, will reign as king over the 2023 Lunar Rendezvous Festival. A native Texan, he graduated from Stratford High School in West Houston and attended the University of Houston.

In 1979 Lenny embarked on two careers paths he continues today. This year marks his 44th year as a flight attendant, formerly with Continental, now United Airlines. Also, in 1979 he started his fashion career working as a male model traveling throughout the United States and Europe. In the mid-1980s Lenny began producing fashion shows and charity galas. He now produces nearly 50 events annually where the fashion show is the exciting vehicle to raise important fund-raising dollars for worthwhile organizations and charities.

He comes from a large family of five siblings with whom he is very close. His parents, Mink and Theda, made early impressions on their children. pointing out how important realizing the blessings in one’s life is and knowing how to

Nassau Bay Garden Club style show May 12

The Nassau Bay Garden Club will host its biennial show luncheon at 11 a.m. Friday, May 12 at the Lakewood Yacht Club.

The popular “Fashions by the Bay” event will include a luncheon in a coastal setting complemented by floral décor. Club members and special guests in our community who have made an impact in the areas of conservation and civic beautification will model this year’s spring and summer fashions, Co-Chairmen Rhonda Rivas and Royce Walker have announced.

This event is the only fundraiser for the club that provides countless philanthropy projects for Nassau

Bay and surrounding communities, including scholarships for students studying horticulture, design and maintenance of six gardens, the sponsorship of the junior gardeners of Robinson Elementary School and St. Thomas Episcopal School, Beautification Day, Arbor Day, monthly speakers on conservation, preservation and gardening, and general education programs.

The Clothes Horse Boutique, located in the historic district of League City, will provide the fashions. The event also includes silent and live auctions. Opportunities for sponsorship are still available.

share those gifts with others and the community

Lenny is devoted to pet rescues and animal charities such as Pet Set, CAP and others. He also volunteers his talents and energies with Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, The Houston Ballet, Texas Children’s Cancer Center and many others.

Lenny recently moved to Galveston with his husband Michael Bickham. They celebrate 20 years together in September which Lenny clearly defines as the best years of his life

They have a Chinese Crested rescue named Pearl and a cat named Seawall they rescued from Seawall Boulevard during the early days of COVID-19.

He also has a long, cherished history with the Clear Lake/Bay Area, and this is specific to the Lunar Rendezvous Festival. What began over 30 years ago as a professional relationship has evolved into many long, dear, lifetime friendships. Lenny is so grateful to have Lunar Rendezvous so closely connected to his heart.

Dining Night Co-Chairman Mandie McMillan Crowder stands ready to sign up volunteers for the annual event, which is coming up June 9 at Landry’s.

Sunset Service Co-Chairmen Courtney Tylka, left, and Cameron Miller wear big smiles as they prepare for the annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival Kick Off.

LRF Advisory Board Vice Chair Jill Williams and LRF Advisory Board Member Wendy Drapela distribute grant funding to Dr. Rebecca Saaverdra, President-Elect of Assistance League of the Bay Area.

Preparing centerpieces for the Nassau Bay Garden Club's "Fashions by the Bay Style Show Luncheon" are, from left, D'Anne Conrad, Decor; Christina Jordan, Marketing; and Co-Chairmen Royce Walker and Rhonda Rivas.

Many council seats up for re-election May 6

By Mary Alys Cherry

Seven Bay Area mayoral seats and a number of city councilors will be up for election when local voters head to the polls on Saturday, May 6. The seven are held by Mayors Kurt Otten of Clear Lake Shores, Shawn Findley of El Lago, Carl Joiner of Kemah, Sean Skipworth of Dickinson, Kevin Cole of Pearland, Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village and Donna

Meet the Candidates:

CLEAR LAKE SHORES

Mayor –- Randy Chronister

Council – Ed Waters

Jeff Terrell

DICKINSON

Mayor – Sean Skipworth

Kevin Edmonds

Pos. 1 -- Johnnie Simpson

Nita Clements

Pos. 3 – Collin Coker

Mark Townsend

Pos. 5 – John Ovalle

Bill Schick

EL LAGO

Mayor -- Shawn Findley

Pos. 1 – Charles Parette

Pos. 2 – Jeff Michalak

FRIENDSWOOD

Pos. 2 -- Sally Branson

Pos. 5 – Joseph Matranga

Adam Hill

Rogers of Webster. Not all are running again. Several candidates drew no opposition or decided not to run again, which means no city election will be held in Clear Lake Shores, El Lago, Taylor Lake Village and Webster. League City will hold its election in November and Seabrook’s next general election is not until a future date.

A number of school board trustees also are up for re-election including the Clear Creek ISD District 2

KEMAH

Mayor – Robin Collins

Pos. 2 – Darren Broadus

Pos. 4 – Justin Staton

Shelia Thorne

NASSAU BAY

Pos. 1 – Don Matter

Michelle Mitchell

Paula Tomasi

Pos. 3 – Ashley Graves

Chase A. Waterwall

Pos. 5 – Sandra Mossman

Jaclyn Michelle Barecky

Sarah Hollowell Horton

PASADENA

District A – Ignacia Garcia

Keith Nelson

Ruben Villarreal

District B – Bruce Leamon

Bianca Valerio

District C – Richard Serna

Emmanuel Guerrero

Don Harrison

seat held by Michelle Davis and the District 3 post held by Arturo Sanchez. District 2 candidates are Glencora Rodgers and Jamieson Mackay while Arturo Sanchez and Peter Lauzon are vying for the District 3 seat. Dickinson’s District 1 seat is held by Mike Mackey. District 2 by Veanna Veasey. To determine in which district you live, voters may visit the Voting Single-Member District Lookup app at ccisd.net/elections beginning on March 27, 2023.

District D – Pat Van Houte

District E – Melissa Cruz Reyes

Jonathan Estrada

District F -- Dolan Dow

District G – Paola Velasco

Ornaldo Ybarra

Robert Marquez

Salvador Serrano Jr.

District H – Thomas Schoenbein

Joe Stepp

PEARLAND

Pos. 3 – Alex Kamkar

Pos.7 – Woody Owens

TAYLOR LAKE VILLAGE

Mayor – Jon Keeney

Pos. 2 -- Jon Powell

Pos. 4 -- Einar Goerland

WEBSTER

Mayor – Donna Rogers

Pos. 6 – Martin Graves

Lots of Bay Area mayors came to hear TxDOT Houston District Engineer Eliza Paul, including, from left, Michel Bechtel of Morgan's Point, Louis Rigby fo La Porte, Thom Kolupski, Carl Joiner of Kemah and Jon Keeney of Taylor LakeVillage.

Seabrook City Manager Gayle Cook stops for a photo with former Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal, left, and current Mayor Thom Kolupski at the BAHEP luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club.

TxDOT Houston District Engineer Eliza Paul receives a big thank you from BAHEP President Brian Freedman after updating the BAHEP membership on regional transportation.

Photos By Mary Alys Cherry

Just retired BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, right, welcomes recent BAHEP Board Chairman Kenny Koncaba to the Economic Partnership's recent luncheon on transportation.

Leading-Edge Emergency Care Center Coming Soon to League City

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is expanding its presence across the Bay Area by opening a new emergency care center in League City

The Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in League City will make it easier and more convenient for residents to receive high-quality, expert treatment from boardcertified emergency care physicians.

“Many people put off seeking critical medical care because they are worried about long waits in the emergency room,” said Carl Little, CEO of Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. “This new Emergency Care Center will bring Houston Methodist quality closer to where residents in League City live and work and enable us to offer a more streamlined process for serving people with acute medical needs.”

The Emergency Care Center in League City will be located at 1310 E. League City Pkwy., at the corner of Egret Bay Boulevard and

League City Parkway, approximately one mile away from the Houston Methodist physician clinic in Tuscan Lakes. The Emergency Care Center is slated to open in late May 2023.

“Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is in a state of growth and expansion, both on our main campus and in our surrounding communities,” said Little. “We are excited to expand our emergency care services into League City. Having a hospital-affiliated Emergency Care Center close by is a tremendous benefit for the community.”

The new center will be open 24 hours a day, offering the full services of a hospital emergency room, including onsite laboratories; X-ray, CT and ultrasound capabilities; and private treatment rooms. It will be staffed around the clock by board-certified emergency care

Know Which Symptoms Are Considered an Emergency

When you are experiencing a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Many conditions or illnesses can worsen if you wait too long to seek treatment. It’s important to recognize the onset of serious or debilitating symptoms that require immediate attention, including:

• Abdominal or stomach pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting

• Bodily trauma, especially to the head or spine

• Constant pain or pressure in the chest

• Fever of 100.4 F or higher that persists

• Severe burns

• Severe unrelenting headaches, especially if accompanied by fever or confusion

• Stroke symptoms, including face drooping, arm weakness, difficulty talking, dizziness, blurred vision, intense headache and confusion

• Sudden shortness of breath or trouble breathing

physicians and experienced, highly trained nurses. The center will be capable of treating both minor and life-threatening emergencies for patients of all ages.

In addition to the new emergency care center in League City, the Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in Deer Park, located at 3701 Center St., opened in 2020 and allows Houston Methodist Clear Lake to expand its footprint north of the hospital campus to better serve those communities.

“Most importantly, if an individual comes to either of our Emergency Care Centers with a situation that requires more extensive care, we can immediately transfer them to Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital and provide seamlessly coordinated care,” said Little. “When minutes count, that can make all the difference.”

281.333.8899 houstonmethodist.org/clearlake

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency care as soon as possible. Some serious symptoms, such as chest pain and those associated with stroke, are time sensitive, and you should call 911.

Carl Little

EMERGENCIES CAN’T WAIT. NEITHER SHOULD YOU.

Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center

COMING SOON IN LEAGUE CITY

It’s important to know where to go when unexpected injuries or illnesses occur. Whether you have a minor emergency or a life-threatening one, Houston Methodist Emergency Care Center in League City will provide state-of-the-art emergency care 24/7/365 to patients of all ages. We offer:

• Board-certified emergency doctors and nurses

• On-site laboratory

• Full-service X-ray, CT and ultrasound

• Private treatment rooms

By Capt. David C. Dillman galvestonbaycharterfishing.com (832) 228-8012

As a child, I never worried about problems associated with the sun and it's rays. I grew up around water all my life, swimming in our backyard pool during my early years, to spending my weekends fishing Matagorda at the family cabin. Then I got my first set of "wheels" and it was off to the beach every chance we got, as long as the sun was shinning. I worked a nine year stint with the YMCA, after a couple years of college. Outdoor activities were a big part of the job. The last 30 years I have owned and operate a fishing guide service.

Once May came around, I can remember watching television and seeing those ads for Coppertone Sun Tanning Lotion. These ads would continue all through the Summer. I was one of those that didn't need much help achieving that dark tan. During these three decades, 60's, 70's, and 80's not many of these commercials advertised the use of a sun blocking product, only tanning lotions and oils. The harmful effects of the sun's rays were very seldom or at all mentioned.

One August my bottom lip developed severe blisters. I fished four days in a row, in the Gulf, prior to the breakout. I went to one of those urgent care clinics, and the doctor attributed the blisters to severe sunburn of the lip. Never happened before to me, but I did not question the diagnosis. A couple weeks of medicine, blisters went away but lip was still tender. Then about six months later, the problem started again with my bottom lip. This

Sun and Protection

time under the advise of a friend, I went to UTMB Dermatology. They gave me some medicine to help heal the blisters, but also ordered a biopsy of my bottom lip. After the results came back, I had to begin two rounds of topical chemotherapy treatment, all related to damage from the sun.

During the past 25 years, much knowledge has come to light, about the harmful effects due to over exposure from the sun. Promoting the use of sunscreen, to the wearing of sun protective clothing is now the advertising you see on all media platforms. I seldom used any protection at all from the sun.

I always called May/June the official start of "trout fishing" in Galveston Bay. For myself and some others, the "season" never stops. Starting in

May, one will notice a increase in boats on the weekends and by June, people will be out seeking trout in earnest. Everything seems to be in place for some great fishing. Lower, Middle Galveston Bay, and East bay. Eagle Point Fishing Camp is a great place to launch with easy access to these locations. Boosting a three lane ramp. with ample dockage, secure parking, live bait, tackle, snacks, drinks, ice and clean restrooms can accommodate your angling or boating needs for the day. They can be reached at (281) 339-1131 for updates on conditions and bait supply.

Remember to be courteous on the water and protect yourself from over exposure of the sun. See ya on the bay!!!!

Movers & Shakers

Name: Shelley Rogers

Occupation: President – ACE Scholarships Texas

Hometown: Pasadena, Texas

Current home: Taylor Lake Village

Family: Husband - Stewart Scoggin, Son – Blake Rogers, Dad - Ray I Rogers, Dog –Saint, Grand-dog - Roco

My favorite performer: Van Morrison and John Mayer

Someone I’d like to meet: John Dutton

The thing that bugs me the most is:  Dishonesty

You’ll never catch me: Cheating

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Kristi Noem

My Favorite Movie: E Ghost

My favorite meal is: Depends on my mood and place, can never go wrong with Tex-Mex or Italian

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: a stewardess so I could see the world

I like to spend my leisure time: On my back porch or on the beach preferably in Mexico

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Spain with my son Blake to explore his ancestry

Few people know:  I hate to shop and I learned to play checkers sitting on John Wayne’s lap on the set of Hellfighters

Ready, Set, Move

By Pastor Brad Heintz

emember running races as a kid, whether they were impromptu with your friends or a little more organized at school, church or your favorite club? Those childhood races always started with someone shouting, “Ready, set, go!” By the time you got to junior high and high school the starter would yell, “Ready, set..” and then the starter pistol would fire! It was so much fun. The anxious excitement of waiting was so exhilarating, that at times your heart would almost leap out of your chest.

What we learned from this as kids is the principle of preparation and putting what we prepared into action. One needs to get ready and one needs to go do what you were preparing to do. Transfering this principle into adulthood can be a significant factor in how well we live life. Some of us are like the person who never shoots their gun. It is always ready, aim, aim, aim but we never fire! Others of us fire before we are even ready, let alone set. And some of us, through the turbulent last few year, have shifted to one or the other.

Which way do you live your life? Are you always aiming or quickly firing? As you reflect would it be better to make a shift?

RMay I suggest a shift from aiming or firing all the time to the Biblical principle of “Ready, set, move…” In the Bible, God teaches his people to prepare and to act through engaging faith by trusting Him. And when he prepares us, it is not just to, “go,” it is to “move or help make a movement happen.”

Think of Abraham and Sarah whom God said, “Ready, set, go and move to a new land where I will make you into a great nation and through whom the savior will bless the world.” Think about Moses’ mom whom God said, “Ready, set, go and move your baby into a basket.” so that he would be saved by Pharaoh’s daughter and grow up to save his people from slavery. Think about Jesus’ disciples whom he prepared for 3 years to go into the world and make a movement happen. Think about you. Is God saying, “Get ready.” Or is he saying, “Now is the time to go and move or make a movement.”

Choose today to live this principle and whether it is to prepare or to act, keep these words in mind from Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

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!

Living Word Church is in the finishing phases of building their new church home and community center at 1111 Kirby Rd., in Taylor Lake Village. In partnership with Wycoff Development and Construction Company and Stellar Bank, 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. Keep an eye out for grand opening early this 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, non-denominational 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 www.LWCBA.org

Astros Hit a Homerun in Kemah

By Patty Andrew

The Houston Astros brought the 2022 World Championship Trophy to Kemah, Texas in March to dedicate one of the newest additions to Mural Park, the Astros Mural. Created by the official Mural Artist for the Astros, Jesse DeLeon, this large art display shines with the team’s bright orange and blue while featuring some uniquely Kemah images such as the bridge and the lighthouse.

Locals lined up to get their picture made with the trophy on its debut tour across Texas and to meet everyone’s favorite mascot, Orbit. Astros Marketing Director Richard Tapia said the team was excited to be at this dedication to show their connection to the community and thank fans for their support year around. Tapia, a Deer Park native, joins Kemah in recognizing the importance of art’s ability to bring people together.

Mural Artist Jesse DeLeon has been with the Houston Astros for two years. The team assigns the artist two art students each year who work with him to develop skills in painting and the business behind it. DeLeon enjoys giving back to aspiring artists especially while honoring his passion for baseball. His Astros Mural in Kemah incorporates the city’s energy with the movement of the waves and birds in flight within the Tequila Sunrise patterns, a great addition to his craft of 15 years.

City Councilman Isaac Saldaña said that the vision for Mural Park started with the Kemah Community Development Corporation that was inspired by the

Texas Municipal League’s promotion of art throughout the state. Using funds from local Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) designated for such projects as well as other donations, KCDC put out the call for muralists to contribute to Mural Park. There are four murals there now with others throughout the Kemah Lighthouse District. City Council’s own Robin Collins, a graphic designer who is running unopposed for Kemah’s next mayor, has just completed the colorful “Welcome to Kemah” mural facing Sixth Street.

With the help Ashley Furniture, Saldaña connected with the Houston Astros who were excited to contribute to Mural Park and the kickoff party to celebrate the baseball mural. The team connected Kemah with DeLeon so that his bright, inviting style could grace the city and honor the Astros. Saldaña thanked the Astros for all their support in getting the mural created and highlighting the dedication with the trophy as well as furnishing game tickets given away at local restaurants. He said that Orbit was a last-minute addition to the fun that just put the day over the top.

Visit Kemah’s Mural Park just behind the Kemah Community Center on Bradford and Sixth Street in the Lighthouse District. Be sure to look for Jesse DeLeon’s work when you go to Minute Maid Park to see how is art is inspiring others and supporting art students. We all join the city in welcoming the 2023 Season of the Houston Astros and cheer them on to another winning year.

Photos by GH Andrew

COVER PARTY Collard Jewelers at Jackie's Bar & Grill

A Greek Treat

The popularity of the Mediterranean diet has exploded in the past few years.

The many health benefits plus the tasty Greek cuisine has made it a top choice among foodies.

Sokols Greek Resturant offers the very best Greek Treats.This authentic Greek restaurant is reminiscent of Greek cafes in Boston,New York and Chicago which combines good food plus a small grocery. Sokols is open for lunch,afternoon snakes or dinner. Furthermore you can pick up your Olive Oil ,Baklava, Halavah and more “Greek Treats.”

Healthy items on their menu include the Athenian Salad topped with your choice of chicken or gyro meat or plain vegetarian Greek Salad.They offer the authentic Greek Village Salad with fresh

cucumbers,tomatoes,onions without lettuce.

Top entrees include Roasted Leg of Lamb,Mousaka,Posticcio ,Kotopalo Lemon Chicken,Greek Meatballs and the Greek Combo Plate. They also offer Salmon and Tilapia entrees.Popular items include their mouth watering Gyros and Souvlakia Plate,Greek Tavern Sandwich,Falafel and vegetarian wraps.

A Greek feast is not complete without their decadent desserts such as Baklava, Rizogalo Rice Pudding and the delicious Galaktobouriko ( Custard Pie ) . Beer and Wine are available upon request.

Chris Sokol will be happy to greet you and welcome you to enjoy his Greek Cuisine. Located at: 2410 Bay Area Blvd. Contact Sokols: 281-286-2989.

"Kali-Orexi"

BIG Performers

By Don Armstrong

These may be the last days of highperformance, gasoline powered vehicles being built. For Bay Area enthusiasts, these are the best of times. Two of the latest muscle machines from Detroit are an SUV and truck, so judged by horsepower and price it is clear, hot rodders are relying on manufacturers to build their need for speed.

FORD F-150 RAPTOR R

The battle for dominance from the Detroit 3 is alive and well in the form of an off-road beast from Ford called the F-150 Raptor R. Yes, there is a turbocharged V-6 version of the Raptor, a worthy contender with 450-horsepower. But the Raptor R, with a 5.2-liter supercharged V-8, delivers 700-horses through its 10-speed automatic transmission.

Graphics are a great way to get attention and you’ll find plenty on the Raptor R including Code Orange R’s, optional side graphics and the huge hood bulge.

Agility is a feature the Raptor R buyer can be proud of. With 15-inches of suspension travel, dampened by special Fox Racing Shox and 37inch tires, this truck was born from decades of desert running in the offroad terrain of Baja.

The crew cab is a modified F-150 cockpit with special touches only the Raptor can claim, including monogrammed, suede leather seating, and computer-controlled adjustments to suspension, exhaust and transmission. Pricing starts at $109,145.

CADILLAC ESCALADE V

The Escalade has been a giant hit in the luxury SUV category, so how do you improve on it? Performance. The standard Escalade is no slouch in capability with its 6.2-liter V-8 delivering an impressive 420-horsepower. But to place it above others in this high-zoot class, Cadillac added a supercharger allowing it to exhale 682-horsepower of pure adrenalin. The Escalade V comes equipped with fulltime all-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Magnetic ride control wrangles the air-ride suspension into compliance and plants the “V” onto the road like Tarzan holding the hand of his sidekick monkey, Cheetah. Despite the Escalade’s 3-ton heft, the ride is remarkable.

The interior is what we’d call reserved opulence, a perfect fit for this luxo-cruiser. The almost 17-inch infotainment screen is a sight to behold and full of control adjustments, info and a well-orchestrated sound system. This is the top end of GM’s technology on wheels and even if you can’t afford its starting price of $151,090, stop-in the Cadillac store and see it.

FORD F-150 RAPTOR R

CADILLAC ESCALADE V

Beauty with Blaine

Enhance your beauty with some of my favorite makeup and skin care products for May! The makeup products will give you a sculpted fresh look, and the skin care products will keep your skin healthy and hydrated. These beauty products will keep you glowing and give you an exquisite, flawless finish.

BLAINE BEAUTY - GOLDEN GIRL BRONZER $34

From my personal beauty brand, my Golden Girl bronzer is a must have. It is a medium tone bronzer with matte powder that gives a sheer, sun filled glow. I use this bronzer all year round to create fabulous definition and give a radiant sun kissed look. It’s not too heavy and gives wonderful coverage.

BlaineBeauty.com

TOO FACED - BORN THIS WAY MULTI-USE SCULPTING CONCEALER $34

A girlfriend recently recommended this concealer to me and I came to love it! It gives just the right amount of coverage, is blend-able and light-weight. It is versatile in which it conceals, highlights and contours. It is also good for retouching and it is a vegan cosmetic product.

Toofaced.com

LA MERTHE CLEANSING FOAM $95

This cleanser is high quality and has a gentle cleansing effect that purifies while also removes makeup. The formula is very creamy and silky. It leaves skin soft, hydrated and radiant looking. It is for all skin types and is great for reducing pores and blackheads. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and I’ve noticed my face has become smoother since using this product.

Cremedelamer.com

ORIBE

- BALMESSENCE LIP TREATMENT $35

This lip balm treatment is one of the best I’ve tried. The formula is silkening and smooth, not sticky. It is long-lasting and helps to soften, nurture and protect the lips. It has a combination of mint and lemon essential oils and is very hydrating.

Oribe.com

KIEHL’S - ULTRA FACIAL CREAM $67

I love this face cream, it smooths the skin and has a creamy, lightweight formula. The Ultra Facial Cream helps to replenish the skin, improve hydration and boost moisture. I’ve also found that is works well to be used in a morning or nighttime skin care routine. It is for all skin types and is fragrance free.

Kiehls.com

Less Pain, Faster Recovery with Muscle

Saving Robotically Assisted Joint Replacements.

281-335-1111

M Shaun Holt, MD Shoulder & Elbow

Matthew Higgs, MD

Sports Medicine & Pain Mgmt

Cristin Mathew, DO

Hip & Knee

Hannah Dineen, MD

Hand & Wrist

Jacob Weinberg

Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

Jesus Juarez, MD

Foot & Ankle

Evan Ward, PA-C

Amanda Hansen, PA