Bay Area Houston Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2023

September 2023

Come Party With Us!

Something Expanded, New, and Different…

(See All of the EXCITING Details on Pages 16-17)

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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.

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Lost Is Not Alone Fundraiser All Proceeds go to Texas Equusearch

The feeling of being lost and alone that I have experienced since my daughter Laura disappeared, which I felt was going to be the final days of my life actually changed my life forever. After 17 months and Laura’s body being found I remember making that small sigh of relief because now I knew what I feared in the beginning was true. The long and painful grieving process and the support that I received from friends allowed me to start Texas Equusearch.

My whole goal in starting Texas Equusearch was to never leave a family alone while they were going through what I knew to be the most difficult time of their

lives. I remember being with a family that felt so very lost and alone. This was a clear reminder of my feelings during that 17 months. I told that family, You are not alone, we are with you. There is where the slogan started, Lost Is Not Alone, and has carried on for 23 years.

Texas EquuSearch has never asked a family for anything, as they have already paid the ultimate price by having a lost loved one. Please save the date October 21, 2023 as we will host the Lost Is Not Alone Fundraiser to help allow us to continue our mission in never leaving a family alone. To request donation and registration information, please email rilene@txeq.org.

Chief Troy Finner HPD

Ray Nolen Galveston County Sheriff Dept.

Andy Kahn Crime Stoppers

Roy Moffitt Moffitt Services

Tim Miller donates shot gun to Nolen4Sheriff fundraiser.

Coronation Ball was an event

THE LUNAR RENDEZVOUS Coronation Ball is an event to remember, all who attend will quickly tell you. And this year’s was no exception. As always, members of the Royal Court and their parents – all looking lovely in their formal attire -- gathered at the Galveston Island Convention Center overlooking the Gulf of Mexico for a champagne reception where Ball Co-Chairmen Victoria Driscoll and Kim Heitzman welcomed the arriving crowd of several hundred.

Next came the Coronation Ceremony with the introduction of each of the princesses, lieutenants and little ladies in waiting and their escorts, and then the introduction of the 202324 queen, queen alternate and captain.

Savannah Bullock, a recent graduate of Clear Springs High and the daughter of Cory and Summer Bullock, is the new queen of Lunar Rendezvous, in case you haven’t heard. She had her childhood friend, John Psarovarkas, the son of Peter and Mandy Psarovarkas, as her escort. She just completed 14 years of competitive All Star Dance and has been active in multiple clubs in high school. Next chapter in her life will be at the University of Houston, where she plans to major in dermatology, starting this fall.

Clear Lake High senior Katie Best, was elected queen alternate. She is the daughter of Roger and Amy Best and had Blaiz Bell, son of Christopher and Christina Bell as her escort. She is a four-year member of

Lake’s cheerleading team and was named an All-American Cheerleader and an All-Star National Champion. After graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in nursing at either Baylor or Texas Tech.

The new captain is Clear Lake High senior Sebastian Vivero, son of Rossana Mazzilli and Alvaro Vivero, and a member of the Falcon basketball team. After graduation he plans to major in mechanical engineering in college. He was escorted at the ball by his sister, Valentina Vivero. Joining them was Lunar Rendezvous King Lenny Matuszewski, the festival’s Fashion Show producer for many years who was elected to the Royal Court earlier this year.

Ava Galt, Dawn Fadner, and Janine Galt share a toast before the Coronation Ball.

2023 -2024 Queen Savannah Bullock strolls the dance floor with 2023 King Lenny Matuszewki.

The moment during the Lunar Rendezvous Coronation Ball at the Galveston Island Convention Center that Princess Savannah Bullock and the other princesses learned she had been elected queen and will reign over the 2024 Lunar Rendezvous Festival.

2023 King Lenny Matuszewski, Queen Savannah Bullock, Queen-Alternate Katie Best, and Captain Sebastian Vivero

Lunar Ball Co-Chairs Victoria Driscoll and Kim Heitzman Billy, Avery, and Paige Martin who is one of Lunar Rendezvous's wonderful volunteers

these folks will long remember

Joyce Abbey, external relations director for SAIC, served as emcee, introducing members of the Royal Court.

GLANCING AROUND the ballroom, about all one could see were the smiling faces of parents, friends and family members of the Royal Court. Festival Chairman Phoebe McCourt and her husband Brian and their daughter Posie were surrounded by several familiar festival faces – Dan and Jill Reason, Sydney Reason and Tanner Coulson, Savannah Reason and Sam Haster and Jana Miller

Nearby, you might have spotted newly weds Bruce Chandler and Wendy Shaw enjoying the evening with attorney Gerald Monks and his wife Annette Dwyer and their daughter Demerle Monks, along with Festival King Lenny Matuszewski, Michael Bickham, Lisa Holbrook and Tamara and Dr. James Bonar, while Rick and Jill Williams Lammers sat with Katie, Dexter, Madison and Henry Jones, Linda Byrd and Elizabeth, Jeff, Connor and Charlotte Olin.

Across the way, Kelley and Brian Grillo and Diane and Tom Grillo watched the

ceremony with Terresa Askew, Jennifer Robinson, Allyson and Jason Biddy, Tracy Tidwell and Rosanna Vivero as Brad and Emily Bonnecaze joined Tiffany, Jason Hailey, Jami and Kenneth Clark at another table while Natalie, Ryan, Madeline and Penelope Zundel sat with Kelly, Todd and Kamryn Balfour plus Kasey and Jack Marsh at still another.

Former festival chairmen spotted in the crowd included Jill Reason, Jill Williams, Michelle Holland, Jill Reason, Wendy Shaw, and Missy Rorrer.

2023-2024 Queen-Alternate Katie Best and Captain Sebastian Vivero share a dance.

The 2023 Lunar Rendezvous Festival princesses and lieutenants gather in the Galveston Island Convention Center Ballroom at the San Luis Hotel to await the announcement of the new 2023-2024 Royal Court.

22022-2023 Queen Sophie Robins shares a special moment with a group of Little Court members before the Coronation Ball.

Publicity Chair Susan Muehe and her husband, Coty and Dr. Rob and Jill Kaale, Auction Co-Chair.

Mistress of Ceremonies Joyce Abbey.

General Chair Phoebe McCourt, Advisory Board Members Jana Miller and Jill Reason.

Clear Lake Chamber to honor its chairmen

By

Anew social season is getting underway, which means it’s time for the Clear Lake Area Chamber’s 61stAnnual Chairman’s Ball, when the business community will welcome new Chamber Chairman Rebecca Lilley of Memorial Hermann and salute outgoing Chairman J.P. Morris of b1BANK for his long months of work.

The Chairman’s Ball, one of the biggest events of the year, will be held Friday, Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. in the South Shore Harbour Resort ballroom in League City and will include a cocktail hour and program before the 8 p.m. dinner and then the awards and swearing-in ceremony. This year’s theme

is “Speakeasy” and dress is formal/black tie optional. With the conclusion of the program at 9, there’ll be dancing to the music of PRP Entertainment until 11 p.m.

“It’s been an exceptional year for the chamber and we look forward to celebrating,” Gala Chairman Kristi Koncaba of KR Koncaba Interests, LLC, a past chairman of the board, said. Individual tickets are $150 or two tickets for $250. Corporate tables of eight are $1,500. Limited sponsorships are available.

Other executive committee members are Chairman-elect Jacob Bigger, Kemah Boardwalk; Vice Chairman Administration Amy Doherty, Robinette & Co. Caterers; Vice Chairman Finance Jay Coppock, ACU of Texas; Vice Chairman Membership Julia

Gallagher, Nations Reliable Lending; Vice Chairman Research Bridget Bear, South Shore Harbour Resort; and Past Chairman of the Board J.P Morris of b1BANK.

New board members who will be sworn in at the gala are Dr. Vennesa Bartholomew, Sealark Chiropractic; Graham Bell, Kemah Capital; Kat Clemons, Bay Area Turning Point/Case Files with Kat & Ashley; Brian Freedman, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; Ezreal Garcia, Community Health Network; Miyosha Hayes Weston, My Famous Daiq's & Dogs; Joella Hypolite, PNC Bank Clear Lake; Atul Jain, Motu; Kelly Page, Barrios Technology; Chris Patel, Lyondellbassell Industries; Scott Stillman, LPL Financial; and Laurian Tollett, DRDA CPAs.

Two former Bay Area VIPs pass away

By Mary Alys Cherry

Two well known Bay Area VIPs – Lonnie L. Clement, formerly of Clear Lake, and Pearland Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid – have passed away in recent days, after years of helping the area grow. Clement, who was 79, moved from Clear Lake several years ago. He was the publisher of The Bay Area Citizen for a number of years, back when it was a daily newspaper, and later owner of Bay Area Printing. In his spare time he was active in the Space Center Rotary Club, served as chairman of the Clear Lake Chamber Board of Directors and was elected king of the 1993 Lunar Rendezvous Festival.

He was born on Jan. 10, 1944 in Sulphur, La. and died on May 1, 2023. He and his wife Pat lived in Tyler, Tx. He is survived by his mother, sister, one brother, three grandchildren from his daughter, Lon, and one great grandchild.

Reid, whose tenure as Pearland mayor stretched

over four decades, passed away at the age of 97 on Saturday, June 24. He is credited with turning the tiny village of 2,500 into the bustling metropolis of about 130,000 it is today. He moved to Pearland in 1965 and commuted to his job at the Johnson Space Center where he supervised projects in the Apollo program.

"Pearland lost a very special and important person responsible for shaping the great community we have today,” Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole said. “Mayor Reid dedicated 44 years of his life to serving the Pearland community and was always passionate about continuing to develop Pearland because he always believed it was a special place.” Cole added,

"The void that is left by Mayor Reid's passing will never be filled, and he will be sorely missed. We will continue his legacy and work every day to match his level of dedication for the Pearland community."

Mary Alys Cherry

REBECCA LILLEY JACOB BIGGER AMY DOHERTY JAY COPPOCK JULIA GALLAGHER BRIDGET BEAR J.P. MORRIS

Lonnie L. Clement

Tom Reid

Grand Opening Celebration!

By Patty Andrew

Serendipity Yacht Cruises Is Expanding To … Serendipity Yacht Cruises And Events. Same com pany…bigger, and lots more fun!!!

More Than A Yacht…it’s Serendipity!! There will be all kinds of extraordinary, fun-filled, energizing, reasonably priced parties, events, special ceremonies, fun draisers, conferences, and much more. We will be providing the best of both worlds…unique Land and Water celebra tions to amp up the excitement, magic, and festivity.

Serendipity Yacht Cruises has always been dedicated to uniting and bringing people together. With the newly expanded company, Serendipity Yacht Cruises and Events (SYCE) will be about people meeting, connecting, sharing, and having fun. SYCE aims to encourage people to explore outside of their comfort zone. Meet new people, connect, and have fun doing so. Random encounters and conver sations can also trigger many amazing connections, friendships, ideas, etc.

Are YOU Ready For Some FUN?

values, “A brand is not only made up of a logo and a typeface. It’s a holistic experience that SYCE offers. People never forget how you make them feel. We have seen it firsthand at our events and dinners

do for clients at one of our other companies. The smiles and words of appreciation are priceless.”

One of SYCE’s specialties of the house is Weddings. Onboard the yacht, the staff and crew will work with you to make sure that your glorious day will be the

new life together of love and happiness. As you exchange promises and vows on this lovely marine setting, your guests will be charmed with the beauty of the water and this fine venue.

Join in the fiesta of the young 15-yearold girl as she celebrates her Quinceañera in her beautiful corona ballgown as she receives her la última muñeca (the last doll) with her chambelanes (escorts) ready to join her as she dances into adulthood. All eyes will be on her as she gathers around the beautiful cake with her damas (court) and is cheered on to a life of happiness, love, and success.

The room fills with eager participants in the latest Conference held by SYCE. Excited whispers bubble throughout the room as learning starts and the fun begins.

So many things change so quickly that it is great that this company sponsors such wonderful opportunities to gain up to date information in a passionate and stimulating way. Everyone knows they will leave excited and ready to apply all the golden nuggets of education they gathered today.

SYCE is committed to working with you as closely as we would for a family member.

We will plan with you every step of the way to bring YOUR vision of a Party, Wedding, Special Ceremonies, Bridal Shower, Birthday, Anniversary, Bachelorette Celebration, Gala, Conference, and much more a reality on both Land and Sea. SYCE makes every event special!

Don’t Miss Out on our awesome, one-of-a-kind Parties, Events, and lots MORE.

Keep checking our website for updates at: www.sycruises.com for the Party Ticket Information as we expand to bring more fun and meaningful events to you!

Save these Dates! Party

May 4, 2024

Save these Dates! and

August 10, 2024

A Hollywood Night of Dreams

These parties will have delicious cuisine, drinks, fun activities, live entertainment, and more. Both parties will have a Live and Silent Auction to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana.

ENTER THE Star Wars Party Naming Contest!

The Winner with the Best Party Name will receive two tickets to the Celebration, two Executive King Balcony Room gift certificates, and breakfast for two at South Shore Harbour Resort for this event. Take the elevator home, relax, and enjoy this tropically inspired waterside getaway. The Winner will also receive a surprise Star Wars gift. May the Fourth Be With You!

RULES & REGULATIONS:

Send Your Best Party Name to: gabew@sycruises.com

Winner will be selected by an independent group of judges.

Deadline: December 1, 2023

One entry per person.

NOW

Local HMUA chosen to do makeup at Miss USA

international Hair and Makeup Artist (HMUA). Andrea will be attending the 2023 Miss USA in Reno, NV this month, but she will be behind the stage as a HMUA.

She has had the pleasure of providing HMU to a variety of clients. While attending Ole Miss University in Oxford, MS, Andrea found her passion for HMU. She is currently a lead artist at Kiss and Makeup Houston. She has been honing her craft for several years.

From Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2015 to top 15 at Miss Texas USA 2022, Andrea Hightower is no stranger to hair and makeup. Andrea was born in Galveston and for many years called League City her home. Recently, she is a resident of Webster. Andrea is an

She will admit that this business is not for the faint of heart. Andrea works most weekends and special events, providing services to a wide range of clientele. Andrea looks at makeup as jewelry for the face; enhancing and transforming.

Andrea is a prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit; Chasing dreams and having a passion for her work.

Andrea Hightower

An Italian Dream

By Blaine Ochoa

Traveling and exploring new places is one of my favorite things to do. It’s definitely one of the sweet pleasures of life. I love experiencing new cultures, meeting new people and taking in breathtaking landscapes and scenery. Life is an adventure and should be spent making beautiful memories with special people.

I recently traveled to Italy with a friend and got to experience Italy and all its wonder and beauty. It truly was ‘la dolce vita’. I’ve come to find that traveling to new places brings liberation and renewing. Italy was a time filled with great company, laughter, limoncello, and lots of pizza, pasta and wine.

We first arrived on the island of Sicily, which is apart of Italy. (They actually filmed the hit TV show, White Lotus there) We stayed a night in Sicily and had dinner at the stunning Grand Hotel Timeo

overlooking the Sicilian coastline. The country of Italy has so much history, including the island of Sicily, it was neat to experience the rich culture and architecture.

For the remainder of the time we would be sailing the Italian coast on a five story yacht. The next day we boarded the yacht with a group of friends, where we would all be spending the week together.

We sailed around Sicily and then to the tiny Italian island of Stromboli, which very few people get to travel to. It was neat to experience a different and more unique part of Italy that is not normally a tourist destination. We continued to sail north up the Italian coast and came to the Straight of Messina, which is a body of water where you sail right between Sicily and Italy, and can see both bodies of land on each side.

Each morning we would wake up in a different part of the Italian coast. When we arrived in the city of Amalfi, the views were breathtaking. The Amalfi Coast is like out of a fairy tale, a beautiful city on a hill by the water. The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. We took a boat to explore the city and spent the day at the gorgeous Caruso, a Belmond Hotel, in Amalfi/Ravello, where we had an incredible lunch filled with the finest seafood and Italian food.

The last city we sailed to was Capri, which was my absolute favorite. The island of Capri is so dreamy and the city is like no other in the world. It is

one of the most famous and expensive destinations in Italy, let alone the world. We walked the beautiful streets of Capri, shopped, ate gelato out of lemons, and had dinner at a top restaurant called, Villa Verde. One of the days that we were in Capri, we decided to go to the infamous restaurant, La Conca Del Sogno for lunch on the water. We took a boat to get there, the food was divine and the atmosphere was unbelievably fun. The rest of the trip was spent lost at sea, soaking up the Italian sun.

Italy was definitely a trip to remember with moments filled with incredible people and incredible stories. Friendships were formed with people from all over the world, who came together for 1 week in Italy, making memories that will last a lifetime.

La Conca Del Sogno in Capri

The Strait of Messina

Caruso, A Belmond Hotel in Amalfi/Ravello

The Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea) in Amalfi On the Amalfi Coast

Boating into Capri

Grand Hotel Timeo in Sicily

22490 Gulf Frwy South League City 832.905.7888

OPEN: Mon - Thurs: 4:00 -10:00 pm Fri: 4:00 -10:30 pm Sat: 12:00 pm - 10:30 pm Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Spotlight

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and Bay Area Houston Magazine are proud to announce Elizabeth Smith of Elizabeth Smith Life and Health as the September Small Business Profile.

Smith s education includes studying psychology at College of the Mainland and the University of Pine Bluff. She has experience in Mediation and Conflict Resolution for Families. Smith has also taken courses in Annuity Training and Long Term Care Training, as well as other courses.

Elizabeth Smith s education continues with Medicare, AHIP Training, and Toastmaster CMT

and CL. Her licenses include: State of Texas Insurance Department; Life, Health and Accident. She is also a State of Texas Notary.

Smith is both a Community and a Civic Leader, serving on several boards - including the Governing Board of Kindred Hospital and the Family Promise Advisory Council. Some of her many awards include: Toastmaster District 56 and Area Director Q50. She was also recognized in 2021, 2022, and 2023 as a Humana Ambassador Agent.

Elizabeth was the 1993 AWBA Business Person of the year, and is a proud member of St. Bernadette s Catholic Church.

She has been an insurance agent for 7 years, making it her main goal to educate her clients on their health and insurance options, as well as Dental, Vision, Healthcare, Medicare Products, and Long Term Care. Her Hobbies include reading, mixed media art, serving others, and has 2 fur babies.

Her business philosophy is to think outside the box and find creative solutions for her clients. Elizabeth is known as being a hands on agent who works very hard to serve and please her clients. Let’s all Congratulate Elizabeth Smith of Elizabeth Smith Life and Health as the September Business Profile.

"An upscale haven that embraces the essence of Asian & American cuisine and intertwines them seamlessly."

By Pastor Brad Heintz

n the first Monday of September, every year, most of us are given a day off of work. We call it “Labor Day.” According to the ConstitutionalCenter.org, Labor Day emerged out of the labor movement in the late 1800’s and became a publicly observed event with a parade in September 1882. President Grover Cleveland made it a national holiday in 1894. It is also the official end of the hot dog season and used to be the end of wearing white for the summer I think I will eat hot dogs and wear white after labor day. How about you?

Labor Day appeals to me because it is a day to rest from our labors. The concept of rest is significant and predates the labor movement. In fact, it goes all the way back to the seventh day of the world. According to the Bible, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work (Genesis 2:2).”

Did God need to rest? No. He is God All-mighty. Did God choose to rest? Yes. As an example of balance in life. he rested from his creative work. God later set aside the day of active rest for worship when he established his people as a chosen nation. At that time, this was as radical as the labor movement in the 1800’s. Back then, no one rested. Everyone worked every day. Except for God’s people.

OSo my question for you is, “Do you rest?” Recently my wife and I were out with friends for dinner as a much-needed active rest from building our new church home. Our conversation centered around how so many of us are too busy to rest. Yet when we intentionally rest we can find that we can think clearer, hear God better, and feel more peace.

Do you intentional rest? If not have you asked yourself why?

Often there is a reason for not resting and a lot of it may have to do with underlying personal issues that we don’t want to face. Personally, when we had young kids at home, I would have to get up an hour earlier than the household to have some quiet time. And for a recovering night person this was a big challenge but a beneficial sacrifice. Recently I have found the pause app to be a helpful spiritual guide into rest and mediation.

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

If you rest from work on Sunday mornings, I want to invite you to visit the faith community of your choice and intentionally rest in God’s presence. You are always welcome at Living Word Church. In September we are starting 31 weeks through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Whether you join us or another place, please take time to intentionally rest. It will be good for your soul, your life and your relationships!

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

Bryan Bolton to head League City Chamber

By Mary Alys Cherry

Development with Baylor College of Medicine and Patient Care Intervention Center in Houston.

Bryan Bolton

Bryan Bolton of League City has been named the next President and CEO of the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce. In making the announcement, the Chamber Board of Directors said he was to officially begin his duties Monday, Aug, 28.

He comes to the Chamber after eight years as Director of Business

Noting that Bolton is a League City resident, the board added that they are “thrilled to have found someone who calls our city home to lead our Chamber moving forward. Mr. Bolton has extensive experience working with members and businesses, as well as community organizations and government agencies.”

His career, they added, “includes experience in securing donations and developing partnerships, and he spent five years as Executive Director with the YMCA of Greater Houston & Baton Rouge serving individuals, families, and communities through a variety of membership, educational, and event programs.

Bryan enjoys spending time with his two

sons, Garner and Hudson, ages 18 and 16, and his interests include hiking and camping, gardening, watching sporting events and volunteering.

He is excited to meet the chamber members, better understand their needs, and work alongside them to support their businesses, and drive economic success for League City.

“We want to thank board member Dr. Jerry Fliger from College of the Mainland, who led the search committee for our new President and CEO, as well as the following search committee members:

Virginia Atkins

Duana Boswell

Hank Dugie

Jim Goebel

Carl Joiner

Rebecca Lilley

Dan Newman, Chairman, Board of Directors.”

Panhellenic style show scheduled for Nov. 3

Wow! For the 37th year, the Clear Lake Area Panhellenic Association will present the premier Fall event for the Clear Lake Area -- The Fashion Show – and luncheon on Friday, Nov. 3, at South Shore Harbour Resort, as it has for the last several years. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds benefit the CrawfordZbanek Scholarship Foundation for area

girls attending a state college in Texas. Tickets are $125 for runway seating and $100 for general seating. Ticket cost includes a champagne reception that can be enjoyed while perusing the hundreds of silent auction items or purchasing raffle tickets. A threecourse lunch with wine will be served. For additional information visit www. clearlakepanhel.org

By Blaine Ochoa

Creativity Creativity

meets Passion

Talented husband and wife duo and business owners, Steven and Casey Ochoa, founded their business in 2013. They have honed their craft and turned their passion into a successful business. Outdoor Furniture & More offers custom wooden exterior and interior furniture of all types. They design swings, rocking chairs, tables, a variety of home decor pieces, bars for entertaining, and have even created a custom 10 piece life size nativity scene. The display was actually featured in the Beaumont Enterprise. When creativity and passion are combined with hard work, most of the time the result is success.

Steven has a background in carpentry and drafting, and used to own his own construction company in Galveston county, called Ochoa’s Construction, which he owned for over 20 years. Casey is an artist by trade and has a BFA degree in Studio Art from Lamar University. She also teaches art to high school students at Hardin Jefferson High School. “As a couple, I build and my wife paints, together as a team we produce unique, custom oneof-a-kind items.”

When starting on new paths throughout life or new business ventures, you have to take risks and step out on faith. Sometimes we are being prepared for the future without realizing it until later on.

“Years before I started the furniture business I was practicing putting a chair together and I did not know

exactly how to attach the seat and back. I went into prayer and the Lord showed me an easy and unique way of doing it that is different from anyone else. I use that method in my furniture today on every chair. Sometimes customers who have building experience walk up and look at how I put that part of the chair together, and they are amazed”.

Steven and Casey have turned their passions and skills into a rewarding and enjoyable business. “I love having the opportunity to build different things for clients and be creative, rather than just building a house or an addition.” Steven has even single handedly built a 3,200 square foot shop to create and build his furniture pieces. “Most people go to work and do not enjoy their job, but when I go to work I am excited to be there. My advice is to find a job you are happy to do. We also enjoy going to Farmers Markets and getting to sell to customers. It’s rewarding seeing clients express their complements on how neat our designs are and how comfortable each piece is.”

“It’s a business we can do together as a couple and each express our own creativity, while also giving our customers memorable pieces they can have and enjoy forever.”

If you are in need of a custom furniture piece or have a project in mind you can contact Outdoor Furniture & More at 409-256-4520 (text only) or cmetao50@yahoo.com you can also visit one of the Farmers Markets they attend.

Mont Belvieu Farmers Market

10900 Eagle Dr. Mont Belviue, TX 77523

1st Saturday of each month 8-12pm

Beaumont Farmers Market

6525 College St. Beaumont, TX 77707

2nd Saturday of each month 8-11am

Baytown Farmers Market

213 W. Texas Ave. Baytown, TX 77520

3rd Saturday of each month 10am-2pm

Fishing Aboard Wave Dancer

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

It's not often that I get a full day off just to myself. My schedule is hectic to say the least. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to go offshore with the McCaig family on July 25, 2023. They booked an offshore charter with Wave Dancer Charters out of Galveston Texas and had an open spot.

Albert “Buddy" McCaig and I have known each other for around 25 years. I've fished with him and his friends off and on during those years. This was my first opportunity to fish with his daughter Blakely, her husband Joe Holler, their daughter Kate, and McCaig's son Don.

The twist to the story is that Capt. Greg Ball was the scheduled captain for this charter. Ball and I have talked about fishing together for a year, and just as God does, the opportunity presented itself without either of us planning it. It just happened.

Ball has an interesting story on how he became a successful charter boat captain. Ball grew up in Orange Texas and graduated from West Orange Stark in 1982. Ball's dad was in the car business, and after graduating high school, Ball opened a car lot and ran the business from 1982 - 1995. Briefly during the same time, Ball owned and operated G&S Marine from 1982 - 1992.

All during this time, Ball was investing in real estate, buying and rehabbing homes then renting them out. Ball then founded an organization called Homeless to Homes that provided affordable housing to people living on the streets. Soon after, Hurricane Rita struck the Beaumont/Orange/Port Arthur area. This event was both devastating and a

blessing for Ball. Most of Ball's houses were either destroyed or suffered severe damage. His source of income came to a screeching halt.

Ball being an avid fisherman, at the urging of his then girlfriend now wife Karen Borel Ball, decided to run fishing charters out of the Galveston Yacht Basin, presently Galveston Yacht Marina. Our fishing adventure started at 6:00 a.m. as we were greeted by Johnny Nash (!!!), no relation to the singer. He deckhands for Wave Dancer, and after a brief introduction, he took all of our gear and loaded into the 46 foot Bertram. Once Ball came down from the bridge, we exchanged pleasantries and signed all proper documentation before gathering in prayer before boarding.

A little over three hours later, we arrived at our fishing ground with no other boat in sight, just the way I like it. Ball said, “I haven't fished this wreck all year, but it's usually pretty good for some big fish." It took the group some getting used to fishing with circle hooks, but once they got the concept of reeling and not jerking to set the hook, they "went to town" as it's sometimes called. I actually had more entertainment helping Nash bait lines and giving instruction rather than fishing. Nash was

quite a busy man unhooking and boxing fish while making sure everyone stayed hydrated.

Around noon, we boxed our last snapper after breaking off a couple of big fish that pulled us back into the wreck. Out of twelve snapper we caught, seven were over 15 pounds. Not a bad morning of fishing. On the way back to Galveston sitting in the air conditioned salon, we shared stories of fish and salvation as we all broke bread together. McCaig's daughter provided us lunch for the day.

Ball stopped a few times on the way back in looking for some kings and ling, which he saw, but all of them were undersized. I think at this point, nobody really cared because our day was full.

I highly recommend Wave Dancer Charters if you’re looking for a great day of fishing. His set up at the Galveston Yacht Marina is second to none. It's a first class operation, and his set up on the dock makes you feel like you’re somewhere in the Caribbean, not Galveston. Ball and Nash made an excellent team, and the rest of his captains, Theron Fisk, Taylor Borel, and Colton St. Clair, are just as professional. Do yourself a favor: escape that stress of everyday life and book a trip with Wave Dancer; you will not be disappointed.

S o u t h S h o r e H a r b o u r

C o u n t r y C l u b

L e a g u e C i t y ' s h o m e f o r e x t r a o r d i n a r y g o l f o f f e r i n g t h e b e s t g r e e n s a n d v a l u e i n t h e a r e a !

S o u t h S h o r e H a r b o u r C o u n t r y C l u b p r o v i d e s a n e x c e p t i o n a l g o l f a n d l i f e s t y l e e x p e r i e n c e f o r i t ' s M e m b e r s , o f f e r i n g 2 7 h o l e s o f g o l f , p r a c t i c e f a c i l i t i e s , g p s e n a b l e d c a r t s , f u l l s e r v i c e d i n i n g , a n a c t i v e s o c i a l c a l e n d a r , t o u r n a m e n t a n d e v e n t s p a c e a n d m o r e !

S c a n t h e Q R c o d e t o c o n t a c t u s T o d a y !

M e m b e r s h i p P r i v a t e E v e n t s

4300 South Shore Blvd., League City TX 77573 281.334.0521 | www.sshgolf.com

FUN FALL RIDES

By Don Armstrong

Time for this unrelenting heat to go away so we can enjoy some wind in our hair and the fun that awaits on a weekend road trip to the hill country. No, not in the family SUV but in a cool new sports car – two doors and just the right amount of horsepower to match the 6-speed manual transmission.

MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

Since 1989, the Miata has created a cult following. From old men who longed for British sporters of the 50’s and 60’s to weekend racers with a yearning to heel-and-toe their way around road-courses across Texas, the Mazda makes it affordable fun.

The modern-day MX-5 Miata is a work of art. Its diminutive stature enhances the fun of swoops and curves yet has a swagger-like style that looks fast even at a stop light.

Part of its success is due to its simplicity. The interior has just the right amount amenities, like an infotainment screen atop the center dash, easy to use HVAC controls and power windows. And now comes the RF version, a retractable roof that gives the appearance of a hardtop but folds into trunk when you find the prefect road to enjoy the sun and wind.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter engine that whirs 181 horsepower to the rear wheels and gets 29MPG. Weighing only 2,452-lbs., the Miata wins the fun, lightweight award of the year. Starts at $35,750

TOYOTA GR86

Like the Miata, the Toyota GR86 is a hardtop sports car but unlike the Miata it doesn’t fold into the trunk, and although it has 2 backseats, they are not really useable.

GR stands for Gazoo Racing, the performance arm of Toyota, and there’s no mistaking the 86’s DNA for anything other than a top-notch athlete, starting with its shape. The 86 is a wind cheating fast back with a menacing, rectangular, open-mouth grille and brake ducting at each corner of its low-slung nose.

The cockpit is tight but not overloaded. Simplicity is the theme here with an unobstructed shifter, an in-dash infotainment screen along with form-fitting seats.

Handling is precise, the ride taut and track readiness is located at your right foot.

The GR86 is equipped with a highrevving, 2.4-liter, flat-4 engine that grunts 228-horsepower to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

This Toyota was jointly developed and goes by BRZ name in the Subaru showroom.

The Toyota GR86 starts at $28,400.

TOYOTA GR86

Afew years back, I wrote here that when I first came to Texas (the early ‘90s), my new colleagues all pressed me to understand that you haven’t been to Texas until you’ve been to Luckenbach and Big Bend. While it took me a few years to find my way to Luckenbach, I was at Big Bend two months after my arrival in Texas—and I’ve been going ever since. While it is impossible for anyone to ever see all of Big Bend National Park (it is bigger than Rhode Island), I think I have a pretty good handle on the various ecoregions of the park and have certainly visited all the popular spots.

But that’s the thing about Big Bend. The popular spots are still places where you can spend hours alone. In a park that takes hours just to drive across (at speed limit—something I strongly suggest from first-hand experience), you are not likely to see the casual, shorthiking, day tripping tourists you see at places like Yellowstone and Yosemite. If you want to see that many people in one place, go to a college football game. Big Bend is serenity personified.

Over the years I have made the trip with several different people, usually one person at a time, and a few times I went alone. I generally do the Window trail, the Lost Mine trail and at least one desert trail each trip. And of course, there are always side visits to La Kiva in Study Butte and the porch in Terlingua. But when I am with the right person, my best friend Kevin, there is a bigger prize to be had, the South Rim.

I did the South Rim for the first time in my 40s (Yep. That’s me in the photo above). I had a couple of reasons. First I really wanted to experience the spectacular view I had seen represented in many magazines—one that so few people get to actually see. Everyone who

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

AGING AND DREAMS

would be! But the park ranger in charge said that for a couple of old guys, one of whom was in questionable shape, an overnighter wouldn’t be a good idea. While we could probably carry the tent, food and tools okay, to carry that much water would be exhausting and he “strongly recommended” against it. We took his advice.

writes about the Rim seems determined to note that photos, and even videos, don’t come anywhere close to showing the true grandeur. And I thought the photos were spectacular. But maybe more important, though rather juvenile I admit, was my second reason. I wanted to be able to say I had done it. As the day for the trip drew closer, I was bothered by the thought that, when it came right down to it, when it was time to start, I would chicken-out. Under the best of circumstances, it is a long, hard journey, and there is a lot that can go wrong along the way. So I felt like I needed an insurance policy; I told everyone I knew that I was going to do it. There was no way could I back out then.

... and suddenly, out of the forest, there it is— the Rim!

There are two ways you can approach the South Rim: The Pinnacles Trail, which is a bit shorter, and the Laguna Meadows Trail. Some people choose the Pinnacles trail for both out and return hikes to shorten the trip. But I always prefer to see two completely different sets of scenery on a single trip whenever possible. So we make it a loop. We go up the Laguna Meadows and down the Pinnacles.

The ”right” way to do the South Rim is to make it a two-day trip with an overnight campout next to the Rim itself. But I was too old and out of shape to make that happen, so Kevin and I had to do it all in a single day. You might think it would be easier to just do an overnighter and split the task in half. I did too, and I was romanticizing about spending the night at that campsite actually on the Rim. What a glorious experience that

What we expected to be a 10 to 11 hour hike, with a half hour break for lunch on the Rim, actually took us more than 13 hours. It turned out doing it in a single day was also exhausting, but when it was finished, I had done it, I had bragging rights and I’d never have to do it again.

But I did—again in my fifties and once more in my 60s. The South Rim is addictive. I can’t tell you how many times a day I think about the trail. Up a mountain, down it, up another and suddenly, out of the forest, there it is—the Rim! On the way back down, there is Boot Canyon— cool and shady and with a trickle of water in season. Going down, of course, is always harder than going up, and the canyon is a nice stretch of not-too-steep walking, slightly downhill. Then it’s the switchbacks, endless switchbacks, walking on large rocks the rest of the way down. My feet always hurt in this stretch even through the thick soled hiking boots. And yet, fantastic! I couldn’t just do it once and never again. I had to go back—and I still have to go back.

And there is the problem. Not many people in their seventies would even consider doing something so insane, and most of them are in far better shape than I am. I realize another trip is completely unrealistic. Yet I dream about it, both asleep and awake. I want to do it in my 70s . . . and in my 80s!

When one becomes a geriatric misfit (instead of just a middle-age one), he begins to understand the meaning of that old adage “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I may not be able to ever get to the Rim again, but I’m certainly never going to quit hoping and planning that next trip. I’ve come to realize it’s simply not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old; rather, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.

I guess I’m just not ready to be old.

South Rim Trail

Big Bend, Texas