Bay Area Houston Magazine JUNE 2023

June 2023

KEEP YOU MOVING

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 in Clear Lake 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

Clear Lake

Schedule an appointment: houstonmethodist.org/jointpain

713.363.9090

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.

ABPW honors past presidents

The Association of Business and Professional Women (ABPW) hosted a packed room of current and past members when it recently honored its past at a breakfast at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake.

Sixty-two of Clear Lake’s most prominent female movers and shakers met to celebrate both the organization’s rich past and where it stands today.

The meeting highlighted and honored 27 past presidents (and the current president). The reunion spotlight included the following women in attendance (and year of presidency): Nancy Levine (1981-1983); Jane Reeves (1986); Roberta Gardner (1987); Maria de Cardenas (1992); Monica Millican (1993); Martha Kennedy (1994, 2012); Melissa Sommers (1995); Lynn Shigekawa (1996), Marilyn Musial (1997); Margaret Sucre-Vail (2000); Linda Tuck (2001); Pam Culpepper Cronk (2002); Jane Sweeney (2004); Becky Reitz (2005); Beverly Baldwin (2006); Kathy Scalf (2007); Cindy Kennedy Hebert (2008); Terri Divine (2011); Paula Durrett (2013); Sharon Maaz (2015); Patricia Donham (2016); Carol Keough (2017); Angela Bivens (2018); Ivonne Khan (2019); Trisha Barita (2020); Debra Dunn-Mansfield (2021); Teresa Franklin Vencil (2022); and current president Linda Kloss.

The first ABPW meeting was in 1981. Fifty local business women were invited via letter to a breakfast meeting casting a vision to create a “good old gal” network. Thirty-five of

those women showed up proving an interest and a need for a female business-owner connection. These business women included bankers, doctors, attorneys, mortgage brokers, CPAs, and many other professional backgrounds – only one of each industry was allowed at the beginning.

The group was the brainchild of Dr. Rosemary Pledger, the first dean of the School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Fortytwo years later the locally grown organization is stronger than ever, more diverse and continues to be a force in the Clear Lake community.

ABPW is a dynamic organization of women business owners and leaders dedicated to supporting each other’s professional and individual pursuits. Monthly membership meetings provide the opportunity to network with other business women, discuss issues in the workplace, and share business development ideas.

Members also work together to better the community by participating in several community outreach programs, taking a leadership role in local community affairs, and supporting political initiatives that are aligned with ABPW’s mission and goals. ABPW is an organization that provides the opportunity for camaraderie with a group of unique, energetic women.

1,265 earn degrees at UHCL

Atotal of 1,265 University of Houston-Clear Lake students earned their degrees during commencement ceremonies at NRG Arena in Houston Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. for the Colleges of Education and Business, and 2 p.m. for the Colleges of Science and Engineering and Human Sciences and Humanities.

Of the 1,265 graduates, 759 received their undergraduate degree, and 506 received graduate degrees.

The Colleges of Education and Business conferred degrees to 223 and 328 graduates, respectively, including 15 COE graduates who will be receiving doctorates. The College of Science and Engineering conferred 367 degrees, and the College of Human Sciences and Humanities conferred 347, including one doctoral candidate.

Stephanie Martinez, who received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the College of Education, delivered the commencement address for the earlier ceremony. During her time at UH-Clear Lake, she served as vice president and president of the Bilingual Education Student Organization and hopes to become a second-grade teacher in an area school district this fall.

The commencement speaker for the second ceremony was Marian Lai, who received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the College of Science and Engineering. Lai joined the Hawk Leadership Institute upon entering UHCL, ultimately becoming a peer mentor. She credits her experience in HLI with helping cultivate her leadership skills, and plans to attend nursing school in the fall.

COMING EVENTS

LUNAR RENDEZVOUS will hold its annual Dining Night on Friday, June 9 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 at Landry’s Seafood House in Kemah. Beides a scrumptious seafood dinner, there’ll be a live auction and a power raffle. Party attire is recommended. A table for four is $600. To purchase tickets, visit www. lunarrendezvousfestival.org

BAY AREA WELCOME NEIGHBOR CLUB will host its monthly luncheon Thursday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and get an education on the plant Plumeria at South Shore Harbour Country Club, 4300 South Shore Blvd. For reservations, contact Jayci Schmitt, 479-426-4929, by June 9.

BAY AREA GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY (BAGS) will meet at 7 p.m. Friday, June 30 in an online Webinar featuring attorney and genealogist Judy G. Russell discussing Copyright Mythconceptions. She says what we don't know

about copyright law can hurt us -- right in the pocketbook! Pre-registration is required and details will be posted on the BAGS Website,TxBayAreaGen.org

THE 2023 BOOT WALK TO END CANCER will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 at MD Anderson in Houston – or in your neighborhood -- to help MD Anderson end cancer. Since opening its doors, MD Anderson has treated over 1.8 million patients. Visit the website www.mdanderson.org/bootwalk for more information.

SERENDIPITY YACHT CRUISES Will host their fun and exciting Hollywoodthemed party benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation. It will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 at South Shore Harbour Hotel and Resort. Sponsor tables and Vendor Spots are available. Contact Official Spokesperson Kelly Williams for more information. DM us at @thekellywilliamsshow or email: kellyjw518@gmail. com.

“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.

LONGHORN PROJECT

Andrea Wilson and George W. S. Abbey The Longhorn Project Show Team

Joyce Abbey & Michael Hubbard

Jason Allcorn

Joyce Abbey & Greg Schroder

George W S Abbey & the James Abbey family

Lelia Sprague, Monica Shak, & Mark Sprague

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. 832.292.7606

RNASA crowd honors Gwynne Shotwell

MORE THAN 800 were on hand for the 2023 Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Gala honoring SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell in the Downtown Houston Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom.

And hopefully no hotel guests were trying to sleep as Delalune Space founder and former president of Blue Origin Rob Meyerson presented her with the beautiful National Space Trophy before the cheering black-tie crowd as she became only the fourth woman to receive the trophy in RNASA’s 48-year history -- following Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Shuttle Cmdr. Eileen Collins and former Johnson Space Center Director Ellen Ochoa.

Both Eileen and Ellen sat with Gwynne and her husband, Robert Shotwell, as did Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche and her husband, George Wyche, Deputy NASA Administrator Robert Cabana and Meyerson

While introducing Gwynne, Rob noted that “launching America’s astronauts to space is an honor that has been entrusted to a small number of companies. The thought that a young startup, an outsider, could shatter the status quo and help America regain its leadership in human spaceflight…Gwynne and her team at Space X did just that.”

During her acceptance speech, she remarked “The partnerships that we have shared with NASA through the joy and tears has been extraordinary.” When speaking about one such joint partnership,

Gwynne said “It (Starship) represented an extraordinary success for us. We will look back on April 20, 2023 and realize that was the moment that we knew that we could go live on other planets. Now we all know we can go to the Moon but that was the day that we can look back and say we can go past the moon . . . and that’s actually why I work at SpaceX -- because I want to be part of the group of folks that have worked enough, demonstrated enough that we can ultimately get people flying out amongst the stars.”

It was a delightful evening from the opening reception to the welcome by RNASA Chairman Rodolfo Gonzalez to the invocation by the University Baptist pastor, the Rev. Dr. Will Rushing, to the mesmerizing Space City Films Year in Review, to emcee John Zarrella’s introduction of keynote speaker Michael Suffredini, leading up to the presentation of the Stellar Awards by astronauts Bob Hines and Kate Rebins, and finally presentation of the National Space Trophy to the smiling SpaceX president, along with the presentation of the Omega Watch to the honoree by USAF Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas

Stafford, himself a former National Space Trophy recipient.

Other former Space Trophy recipients in the crowd included Michael Griffin, Tommy Holloway and the aforementioned Ellen Ochoa, Robert Cabana and Eileen Collins.

Looking around you might also have spotted a host of space dignitaries such as Lockheed VP Kirk Shireman, Boeing VP John Mulholland, Oceaneering VP David Cazes, Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson and VP Kerri Knotts, MRI Technologies President and VP Debbie and Tim Kropp, SAIC VP Gabe Garrett, Bastion Technologies CEO Jorge Hernandez and Program Manager Trevor Howard, GeoControl President Michael Zarcaro, Jacobs VP and GM Joy Kelly, Aegis CEO Stephanie Murphy and President Bill Hollister, Nanorack CEO Tim Kopra – most with their spouses; along with Communications Director Barbara Zelon from NASA Headquarters and former astronaut and retired Glenn Research Center Director Janet Kavandi.

Plus, many members of Space Center Rotary that founded RNASA many years ago: Bob Wren, an early founder, and his wife Jordie; Adrienne and Dr. Vissett Sun, Gary and Karen Johnson, Karen and Trey Hall, Delia Stephens and Jon Haire, Mary Alys Cherry, Bill and Susan Taylor, Darrell Smith, Anangela and Rodolfo Gonzalez, Frank Perez and Priscilla Ennis, Linda and Duane Ross, Randy and Kathy Straach, John and Patty Branch, Richard and Jennifer Simmons and Wayne and Marilyn Musial

Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche and her husband, George, arrive at the RNASA Gala wearing big smiles.

Early arrivals at the RNASA Gala included two Rotarians and their wives, from left, MRI Technologies President and Vice President Debbie and Tim Kropp and Clear Lake City Water Authority President John Branch and his wife, Patty.

Dr. Vissett Sun and his wife, Adrienne, right, and Trey and Karen Hall prepare to sign in at the Downtown Houston Hyatt Regency Hotel for the RNASN Gala honoring SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell.

Jon and Harriet Pilgrim join the crowd at the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel for the annual RNASA Gala honoring Gwynne Shotwell.

Rotarian Delia Stephens and Dr. Jon Haire wear big smiles as they enjoy the annual RNASA Gala at the Hyatt Regency

Communications Director Barbara Zelon, left, came down from NASA Headquarters for the RNASA Gala and stops to say hello to a friend as she arrives at the Hyatt Regency.

Space X President and COO Gwynne Shotwell is presented the National Space Trophy by Rob Meyerson, founder and CEO of Delalune Space, April 28 during the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Gala.

Nassau Bay Garden Club = 'Fashions by the Bay' + fun

THREE THINGS you can always count on as you prepare to attend the Nassau Bay Garden Club Fashion Show Luncheon –fashions, fun and a good time for all.

And, this year was no exception as a dozen pretty models pranced around the Lakewood Yacht Club Ballroom May 12, showing off eye-catching “Fashions by the Bay” from The Clotheshorse Boutique in League City and drawing rounds and rounds of applause from the sellout crowd.

Fun! Just as it has been since back in the Sixties.

Co-Chairmen Rhonda Rivas and Royce Walker, who is also president of the garden club, got the party started as they began welcoming the crowd – which seemed like half of Nassau Bay and then some – with help from Committee

Chairmen Priss Fletcher, Beth Ann Maxwell, D’Ann Conrad, Christina Jordan, Gail Ferris Beasley, Gun Frame and Ann Davidson, committee members Angela Braun, Yvonne Guyand several models and committee chairmen. Meanwhile, the models – City Councilwoman Ashley Graves, Diana and Tina Clark, Judge Holly Williamson, Kelly Halbach, Jayne Sampson, Jennifer Coyer, Kathryn Gehbauer, Cathy Rice, Terry Grim, Catherine Johnson and the club’s Ann Gay scholarship winner, Cassie Marbach, now working on her Ph.D at Texas A&M – were busy lining up the outfits they would wear, with assistance from Sandy Carney, while out in the ballroom Nassau Bay Mayor Phil Johnson and this wife, Catherine, were Looking around, you might have

spotted former Clear Creek ISD Trustee busy saying hello to one and all, as were James Abbey and his wife.

Win Weber sitting with the city’s former First Lady Sue Warters, Marsha Taylor, Alice Thomas, Leny Koster and Leona Pleasant, catching up on each other’s news while Julie Leith prepared to start the auction.

Across the way, we spotted Angie Shivers, Janis Balsamo, April Schneider, Sue Mooring, Michelle Berekey, Lara Forde, Sonia Kotb, Chard Weller and Pam Smolen just having a grand time enjoying themselves, as were Ann Davidson, Sheila Self, Trudy Davis, Bette Graham, Rose Gunn, Joyce Mayor Jennifer Munson, Gayle Nelson, Kathy Kidd, Tanya Everts, Natalie Jones, Tamy O’Brien and Marilyn Musial.

Tina Clark and her mom, Diana Clark, from left, both prepare to model in the Nassau Bay Garden Club style show, along with Kathryn Gehbauer.

Leny Koster, Sue Warters, Alice Thomas and Marsha Taylor, from left, stop for a photo together as they enjoy the Nassau Bay Garden Club Fashion Show Luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook May 12.

Garden Club President Royce Walker, center, welcomes Penny Foundation CEO Kathy Kidd, left, and Durable Assistance & Consulting CEO Julie Walker Leith to the style show at Lakewood Yacht Club.

The smiles on the faces of City Councilor Ashley Graves, Cassie Marbach and Cathy Rice, from left, were as eye-catching as the pretty outfits they modeled for the Nassau Bay Garden Club style show.

Photos By Mary Alys Cherry & Janis Balsamo

Win Weber, left, and Leona Pleasant keep their fingers crossed that their number will be called at the Nassau Bay Garden Club luncheon.

Luncheon Co-Chairman Rhonda Rivas, third from left, checks up on Nassau Bay Garden Club models, from left, Jayne Sampson, Judge Holly Williamson and Terry Grim, to be sure they’re ready to step into the spotlight at Lakewood Yacht Club.

As A Son

By Pastor Brad Heintz

n Mother’s Day, my wife shared her life+change story from the perspective of becoming and being a mom. She shared that her first text message she received on Mother’s Day was from a friend of our daughters who thanked her for being such a great “Bonus Mom” in her life. Sometimes we overlook the opportunity and challenge of being blessed to intentionally mentor girls and boys, men and women, in our lives as if they are our own sons and daughters.

In my wife’s story, she shared how we have been blessed over the last 30 years to mentor a relative … as a bonus son. We weren’t his biological mom and dad but we were welcomed in as a bonus parents and now we get to be bonus grandparents to his son.

In an article by Morelands College, mentoring is defined as, “A dynamic, intentional. relationship of trust, in which one person. (the mentor) enables another (the mentee) by sharing their God-given experience and resources, to maximize the grace of God in that relationship.”

Who in your life has intentional developed trust and enabled you by sharing their God-given experiences and wisdom? Does someone come to mind? Thank them today! Does no one comes to mind? The

Oask, “Where do I find grace in my relationships? Where do you see unmerited favor? When did you get something that you didn’t earn or maybe didn’t deserve to received?” Your answers to these questions is grace and there is usually an intentional relationship attached to it. For example: When you think of God, you think of John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son” – intentional relationships –“so that whoever believes in him” – intentional relationship response –“will not perish but receive eternal life.”– grace.

A few years ago, I was missing the father-son relationship. I prayed about it and asked God to bring me another bonus dad. One day an older friend called and said he was newly retired and looking for something to do. We had the first breakfast of many together as I saw him as an intentional answer to prayer and he saw a new opportunity to be a mentor in retirement.

John 1:12-13 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

How about you? Do you need a bonus parent. You are never too old and it is never too late. Does someone in your life need you to be that intentional, trusted person that shows God’s grace? To whom can you be a bonus mom or bonus dad?

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 this summer, 2023!

“Spring rains have slowed us down with finishing the contouring of the land and the planting of new trees, shrubs and flowering plants. But inside is looking really good,” said Soon Lam, Living Word’s Construction Coordinator.

Pastor Brad Heintz said, “He can’t wait to open the doors to the community so that we call can experience God’s love!”

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

www.gulfcoastmariner.com

By Capt. David C. Dillman galvestonbaycharterfishing.com

(832) 228-8012

We've received our fair share of rain during the past few weeks. Some of the precipitation that has fallen has been heavy at times, so much so that it filled the tributaries that feed Galveston Bay. Rain is good, but we don't need a heavy amount all at once. There's no doubt some areas of Galveston Bay were affected by freshwater runoff. This runoff comes down from Chocolate Bayou, Dickinson Bayou, Clear Creek, San Jacinto River and the Trinity River. There's also a few smaller bayous that feed into Galveston Bay from Galveston, Harris, and Chamber counties. It's not so much the water that concerns me, it's the contaminants in the runoff that gains my attention.

During the last week of April and the first week of May, we experienced a heavy rainfall event. It was after these rain events that I received a phone call from Eagle Point's general manager Eric Valentino. He expressed his concern over the amount of trash flowing out of Clear Creek, Armand Bayou, and Dickinson Bayou. When he said, "trash," he was referring to everyday litter you see along the roadside and ditches.

Valentino lives in Clear Lake City and sees all the trash thrown along the ditches, and bayous, that feed into Galveston bay. On the day Valentino called, he was in my boat up Dickinson Bayou, observing all the water flowing down containing trash. He even sent me pictures of it, floating down the bayou. Valentino said, "All this ends up

Movers & Shakers

Name: Lorie Righter

Occupation: Manager @ Tookie’s Seafood

Hometown: Dayton, TN

Current home: Seabrook, TX

Family: Kirk (husband) Alicia & Caitlyn (daughters)

My favorite performers: Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts.

Someone I’d like to meet: Dolly Parton

The thing that bugs me the most is:  People not having just a decent work ethic or not having integrity.

You’ll never catch me: Eating mushrooms... yuck!

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: President (Biden) to try and fix all I could in one day.

My Favorite Movie: E The NoteBook or Pretty Woman

My favorite meal is: A good Steak and baked potato.

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Either a vet or nurse

Favorite Writer: C.S. Lewis

I like to spend my leisure time: Tending to my plants & chilling on my patio watching & listening to the water.

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: I would go back to Jamaica... one of the prettiest places I›ve ever seen.

Few people know:  I absolutely hate movies with demons, spirits or evil entities.

Rain, Runoff and Pollution

in Galveston Bay." The fact is that anywhere there's trash, it eventually ends up in a ditch, bayou, storm sewer, and flows into the bay. You go to Eagle Point Fishing Camp and will not find trash anywhere on the grounds. Valentino is adamant about keeping the grounds litter free.

Valentino asked, "Why isn't someone picking up the trash along the watershed?" I do agree, that's a valid point. Where's all the conservation groups like CCA, and the Galveston Bay Foundation? This is something quite tangible; it can be seen. At least a effort should be made by these groups and their members to address this issue: all the plastic water bottles, cans, plastic caps, and what else can't be environmentally friendly.

Speaking of environmental concerns for Galveston Bay, on May 5, 2023, the Shell Refinery in Deer Park caught on fire. This fire burned for three days. The ignited product was gas oil. The water used to combat the fire and the runoff from the weekend's rain flowed into the Houston Ship Channel. This water was contaminated. At one point during the event, the discharge rate was 11,000 gallons per minute. In 2019, the ITC plant

fire dumped thousands of gallons of contaminants into the ship channel.

When is enough, enough? How much more can Galveston bay take? All the projects the CCA, Galveston Bay Foundation, and TP&W are for the good, but if the water quality is bad, then why even try to improve the fishery and habitat? So if you're out enjoying all that Galveston Bay has to offer, do your part and pick up litter. Just think if everyone would pick up one piece of litter a day, we could put a dent into the amount that flows into our bay system.

On a more positive note, the fishing in Galveston Bay has been good. Most anglers are catching speckled trout, along with a mix of black drum, sheepshead, and redfish.

The federal red snapper season opens this month, beginning on the 1st. Federal water limit is two red snapper per person, with a 16 inch minimum size. Please remember if your booking a fishing charter offshore, make sure that the boat is federally permitted.Fish with a reputably charter service, not one running illegally.

2-6 people max Days of Operation: Friday - Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm Captain Blade Montegue Liscenced Coast Guard 409 215-2188

Dr. Jeffrey Jaglowski Dr. Brandon Low

Dr. Charlie Moulton Dr. Andrew Tyler

Youth Summer Camp Registration Now Open

The Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center Youth Summer Camp Registration is open for youth ages 812. The camp will be held Monday through Friday from 8:45 AM – 2:15 PM on June 19 – 23 or July 10 – 14 at NASA – Johnson Space Center. Each camper will participate in lessons on agriculture, livestock, lab specimens, chemistry, visual arts, culinary arts, and space exploration. Campers will learn to feed, walk, halter, and exhibit the longhorns.

The space exploration lessons include a tour of the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park & Saturn V Building and private tour of the Historic Mission Control & Building 9/ Mock International Space Station.

The camp instructor is a certified teacher assisted by a high school-aged counselor. The cost is $300 per camper and includes a camp T-shirt and daily snacks. The Longhorn Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education program that provides agricultural and STEM-curriculum to youth.

To register, go to thelonghornproject.com. For more information, call 281-728-3787.

The ever popular Texas Artisian store was recently purchased by local Bay Area resident Kelly Baygents.This dynamic and energetic entrepreneur has taken the helm at one of the finest gift shops and home goods store in the Clear Lake / Galveston Bay area.

New owner Kelly Baygents is originally from La Porte, Texas. She enlisted and served in the US Army for 4 years and was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraq Freedom. She was a fuel specialist and worked with oil and gas. Baygents returned safely and was honorably discharged, she was then employed by Exxon Mobile, where she worked for 14 years.

Baygents is always up for a challenge and wanted to spend more time with her family and sought an opportunity to do so. Hence the purchase of Texas Artisian. I always wanted to find a busines where I could hustle and also nourish my family.

Two of my teenage high schoolers are presently involved with me and learning the business, said Baygents.

Texas Artisian is in good hands with Baygents at the helm. The goal is to restore the shop to its original form with her newer concepts, ideas and creativity. Original owner Terrie Ward has been so supportive and helpful in helping me get started, stated Baygents.

Family comes first with Kelly as she is happily married and has a blended family of 6 children.

Her daughters Lily 16 and Zoey 15 are active in the business. Her favorite hobby is fishing, any place and anywhere.

Finally, Baygents loves her community and will continue to support and give back. I love to make people happy and make sure they have a great shopping experience.

Let’s all Welcome Kelly Baygents at the Helm of Texas Artisian!

Summer Vacation Rides

By Don Armstrong

Your family truckster has seen better days and the time has come to move on to a bigger and better SUV. This month we explore a couple of full-size models that can haul the family - with luggage - and tow the camper, all at the same time.

TOYOTA SEQUOIA

It’s been 14 years since Toyota offered a significant update to the long-in-the-tooth Sequoia. We are thrilled to report that an allnew version has finally arrived and is once again ready to compete against the Tahoe, Expedition and Wagoneer.

Sequoia’s in-your-face, oversized chrome grille distinguishes this body-on-frame SUV from all the others. Pay attention to the body side sculpting, it looks great and adds another unique visual element. Its rear gate and lighting

are state-of-the art. Sharp wheel designs and sizes are tied to each of the 5 trim packages.

The interior is gorgeous. The center piece of the dash is its optional 14-inch touch screen for infotainment aficionados. Tech is found throughout the cabin in the form of wireless connectivity through Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Second row passengers have their own connections and climate controls.

Big SUV’s need power to get moving and the Sequoia isn’t lacking. The 3.4-liter turbocharged V-6 produces 437-hosepower and 538-lb.-ft. of torque, enough to tow 9,520-pounds. The EPA says you should get 22-MPG.

The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia starts at $53,365.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L

The most awarded SUV ever grew while you weren’t looking. The “L” model is a foot longer than the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee. Some other manufacturers offer a 3rd row seat but to the sacrifice of leg and cargo room. Jeep figured, with another foot in length, we can make it work. And it did.

You’ll easily recognize the ’23 Grand Cherokee, the design has stayed true to the outgoing model, including the infamous sevenslot grille,

The interior has gone more upscale with this new design, and the big infotainment screen works well with the U Connect 5 system. If you like big sounds, McIntosh delivers.

There are six trim levels from which to choose, packaging the most popular options for the price point.

For true adventurers, choose one of the Quadra Trac or Quadra Drive systems to take you to your off-road destination. On-road manners are excellent.

Pricing for the Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $43,035.

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L

Women's Health

1 in 3

WOMEN LOSE THEIR LIFE TO HEART DISEASE.

Women are also far less likely than men to receive bystander CPR and continue to face inequities in access to and quality of care.

While cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, up to 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through:

CPR Awareness

Healthy lifestyles Communities that ensure equitable opportunity for health and well-being

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