Bay Area Houston Magazine April 2017 by Bay Group Media

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April 2017 BayAreaHoustonMag.com

APRIL 2017

features 11

Mayoral, Council Seats Up For Vote Municipal elections scheduled May 6

Dental Health Sleep your dental fears away

6,000 Households and Counting Seabrook prayer walking

Glass Mermaids Voted Best of the Bay gift shop ten years in a row

Port Arthur’s Third Largest Event Spring Fling returns this Memorial Day weekend

Armand Bayou Nature Center Planning Party for the Planet

League City Music Festival Offering an array of fun events May 5-6

ON THE COVER Glass Mermaids, on Marina Bay Drive, has been voted Best of the Bay Gift Shop ten years in a row.

Lunar Rendezvous Festival A new king is named

League City to host 2017 Quidditch Championship Major league Quidditch comes to the Bay Area

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Port’s COO speaks of growth

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

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Graphic Designer Kelly Groce

Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Rod Evans Michael Gos Capt. Joe Kent Betha Merit

Healthcare Local hospital celebrates level II trauma center

Education Schools open doors to variety of careers

Mayor updates League City Chamber League City growing like wildfire

2016 Best of the Bay Award Winners Congratulations to the winners!

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

columns 14

Distribution Shinkle Distribution Administration Lillian Harmon Tammy Lipsey

Aerospace $1 million grant for Spaceport infrastructure

Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan

Sales & Marketing Debbie Salisbury

Business Buzz Local business briefs and news nuggets

Movers & Shakers League City mayor Pat Hallisey

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Clear Lake Chatter Go Red for Women raises $200,000 for AHA

In Wheel Time Sizes to fit all

Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events Bay Cup I Regatta

Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586

www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com r.clapp@baygroupmedia.com

The Admiral’s Log Tips for fishing the winds of April

Main Events Bay Area Houston calendar of events

281.474.5875

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Many mayoral, council seats up for vote May 6 By Mary Alys Cherry

n case you haven’t noticed, it’s almost time to vote again with municipal elections scheduled Saturday, May 6 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Several school districts also have trustees up for election. Below are most of the area candidates up for election. In some instances – Clear Lake Shores, Kemah, Nassau Bay and Webster – the cities have canceled their election as the candidates have no opposition. League City and Baytown will hold their elections in November. Voting in most small cities will be at the voter’s city hall. Most candidates for one post? Pasadena, where seven are in the race to replace term-limited Johnny Isbell as mayor. Second most is in Pearland, where six have their eyes on one council seat. Clear Creek ISD Trustee Win Weber decided not to run again after several terms on the board. Her seat will be filled by former Nassau Bay City Manager Chris Reed, who drew no opposition after signing up to run for the seat. Trustee Ken Baliker, an energy company executive whose seat also is up for reelection, faces a challenge by energy company CEO Arturo Sanchez III. CCISD voters also will decide a $487 million bond referendum. Clear Creek ISD Pos. 2 Chris Reed Pos. 3 Ken Baliker Arturo Sanchez III Pasadena ISD Pos. 1 Fred Roberts Roel Saldivar Pos. 2 Mariselle Quijano Maria Vilma Duran Pos. 3 Nelda R. Sullivan Larry Savala Pos. 4 Jack Bailey Jóse A. Cázares

Pearland ISD Pos. 1 Charles Gooden Jr. Pos. 2 Rusty DeBorde Mike Floyd Pos. 3 Pam Boegler Al Lloyd Trevor Hale Mayoral and city council seats either up for a vote or lacking in opposition are: Clear Lake Shores Mayor Mike McNamara Pos. 1 Christy Lyons Pos. 3 Jan Bailey (i) Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton (i) Eddie Dove Bertty Lemley Pos. 1 Sherry Garrison (i) Pos. 2 Thane Harrison (i) Pos. 3 Tommy Ginn (i) Dickinson Mayor Julie Masters (i) Joe Wilburn Pos. 1 Charles Suderman (i) Pos. 3 Walter Wilson (i) Pos. 5 Louis J. Decker (i) Leo Bookman Jr. El Lago Mayor Ann Vernon Mark M. Briffs, John F. Shelton Tim Rogan Pos. 1 Jeff Tave Darin “Boot” Clark Pos. 2 Jeff Michalak (i) Friendswood Pos. 2 Sally Harris Branson Omar Peck Pos. 5 John Scott (i) David O’Farrell Kemah Mayor Carl Joiner (i) Pos. 2 Wanda Zimmer (i) Pos. 4 Robin Collins (i) La Porte Pos. 1 Danny Earp (i) Pos. B Chuck Rosa Dottie Kaminski (i) Pos. 6 Ron Newetner Larry Stockham Nancy Ojeda Nassau Bay Pos. 1 Don Matter Pos. 3 John Mahon (i) Pos. 5 Jonathan Amdur (i) Pasadena Mayor Pat Van Haute

John (JR) Moon Gilbert Pena Robert Talton Jeff Wagner David Flores Gloria Gallegos Pos. A Daniel Vela Felipe Villarreal Keith Nielson Pos. B Bruce Leamon Steve Halvorson Pos. C Don Harrison Pos. D Sammy Casados Pos. E Cody Ray Wheeler Pos. F Phil Cayten Larry W. Peacock Pos. G Oscar Del Toro Cary Bass Allen Munz Pos. H Brad Hance Thomas Schoenbein Keith Sargent April Lance Pearland Mayor Jimi Amos Tom Reid (i) Quentin Wiltz Pos. 3 J. Darnell Jones Gary Moore Pos. 5 J. David Little Jude T.A. Smith Pos. 7 Bud Tollefsen Sherry Stockwell Woody Owens G.C. Sonny Adkins Dalia Kasseb Terry Gray Seabrook Mayor Kim Morrell Thom Kolupski Pos. 2 Laura Davis Jared Kelly Pos. 4 Natalie Picha Pos. 6 O.J. Miller (i) Taylor Lake Village Mayor Jon Kenney (i) Pos. 2 Doug Blanchard (i) Collin Leslie Pos. 4 Einar Goerland (i) Texas City Mayor Matthew T. Doyle (i) Dist. 1 Thelma Bowie (i) Johnny Hollowell Dist. 2 Phil Roberts (i) Dist. 3 Dorthea L. Jones Darel Beene Dist. 4 Jamie Clark (i) At Large Dee Ann Haney (i) Bruce Clawson (i) Webster Mayor Donna Rogers (i) Pos. 6 Martin Graves (i)

Bay Area Houston Magazine and Gulf Coast Mariner Where we have been and where we are going

am very fortunate

to have Publisher/ Editor Mary Alys Cherry, keen writers, an expert sales, marketing and graphic design staff. They are familiar with our brand inside and out. Furthermore, they know where we began but also are really excited to forge and experiment with new ideas. In the publishing industry we are proud to be considered innovators and always trying new things: We were one of the first magazines online, providing social media packages, podcast and now introducing our new mobile friendly publications. You can read both our publications, Bay Area Houston Magazine and the Gulf Coast Mariner on your mobile device. Statistics show 93 percent of Generation X (28-38 years old) prefer mobile phones instead of lap or desk top computers. We also effectively target Baby Boomer II or Generation Jones (39-49 years old) and the largest money market are the Baby Boomers (50-58 years old). The question I am frequently asked is what do you envision for the future. First of all, print is here to stay. Look at the Bible; it had been in print more than 2,000 years and is still being published. Secondly, to have a successful advertising campaign you need both traditional (print) and social media (online) advertising. Simply, one promotes the other! If no one knows your website, then how will they get more information about you, your products and services?

Not all magazines require a printed version. However, at Bay Area Houston Magazine and Gulf Coast Mariner our readers and advertisers read our web version. They also continue to enjoy and save our printed issues. Visual experiences are important to our readers. We are a hybrid publication concentrating on local news, events, schools, new business development, lifestyles, waterfront living, real estate, food and drink, etc. ….We celebrate life and maintain our integrity. Integrity and the power of our platform are imperative to a readers trust; we also believe in In God We Trust. Finally, we always examine our core values. Who we are as a brand. What we have stood for, past and present. We always innovate and bring a freshness, as well as high energy to Bay Area Houston. Like they say, if the screen door is not broken, don’t fix it, improve it. That’s what we are presently doing by evaluating our flow and creating new columns. We are reworking our tone and adding more exciting photos, now available in both print, mobile and desktop devices. Thank you to the many readers and advertisers for your valuable input from our recent marketing survey. God Bless till next time.

Rick Clapp, President Bay Group Media

APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 11

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DENTAL HEALTH

Sleep Your Dental Fears Away

magine this: you are going about your daily business and all of a sudden a single thought crosses your mind. Almost instantly your heart starts racing. You find yourself feeling anxious and uneasy. You might even notice that your blood pressure has gone up. Many people report sweaty palms or a knot in their stomach. What could it be? Well, there are only a handful of thoughts that can affect us to that degree. You are either in love, getting ready to be audited by the IRS, or you just remembered you have a dental appointment. Of course I am making light of the dental fear, but for many people these responses are very real. Your logical side knows that you need to keep your appointment, and you will. But your emotional side does not want to be anywhere near your dentist’s office. When it’s time to go to your dentist, do any of these physical and emotional reactions sound familiar? Regrettably for too many people they do. There are those who express their fear of dentists openly but most of us take the brave route and keep it together by hiding our fear. Then there is the third group, people who completely give in to fear and just avoid going to the dentist altogether until something hurts to a point that it can no longer be tolerated. They then reluctantly go see their dentist and usually do just enough to relieve the pain. They might even decide to get as much as they can done on the same visit because

“Wouldn’t you rather be sound asleep while getting your dental work?” they know once they leave, they will not come back until the next toothache becomes unbearable. What percentage of population do you think belong to each of these three groups? More than thirty percent of people belong to the third group according to Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). Even for those in group two who bravely visit their dentist regardless of their apprehension (like me), the experience is not very pleasant or relaxing. After all, it is completely natural to get uneasy when a sharp, long needle is approaching your mouth. Over the last 18 years I have rarely seen a patient who enjoys getting dental work done. Actually, on rare occasions (maybe once in a couple of years), I have come across some who enjoy getting anesthetic injections or teeth pulled. I always find that alarming and usually proceed to ask a few more questions to assure they are mentally sound. There are some special occasions in life that you want to remember. Getting dental work done is not one of them. The damage caused by dread of dental work goes beyond just sweaty palms and heavy palpitations. It causes many people to avoid routine dental checkups and early detection of

the oral problems when they are still small and easily correctable (and inexpensive). Some common oral health problems like Gingivitis are painless, so they get very little attention simply because they don’t hurt. Other problems such as development of tooth decay remain pain-free until the nerve of the tooth gets infected. By then the problem becomes more complicated, more painful to treat, and far more expensive. All of which further reinforces the original fear theory. I call that “oral catch 22.” Wouldn’t you rather be sound asleep while getting your dental work? That would be ideal, wouldn’t it? Well, the delivery of sedative drugs during the dental procedure will eliminate

feelings of discomfort and ensures a pleasant experience for the patient. Even though there are other forms of sedations available, they are usually not as effective or easily to titrate as intravenous (IV) sedation. The process is extremely simple. It is very similar to getting blood work done or donating blood. The specially trained dentist will establish an IV line and then give you some sedative drugs intravenously until you fall asleep. Next thing you remember, you wake up and your dental work is completed. It all seems like minutes as opposed to hours. Most people don’t even remember the whole experience. It is as though your mouth got magically fixed while you were sound sleep. I understand there are some of you who still prefer to feel and remember the whole experience. Those are usually the ones who have never experienced IV Sedation in a dental office. I dare say that if you try it, you would not go back to awake dentistry.

Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state University School of Medicine. He completed his oral Anesthesiology training at University of Alabama in Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 13

Movers &Shakers Name: Pat Hallisey

Someone I’d like to meet: John Kennedy

My favorite meal is: Steak

Occupation: Mayor of League City Hometown: Houston

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Gov. Greg Abbott

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: An Olympic swimmer

Current home: League City

My favorite performers is: Eric Clapton

Family: Wife of 33 years, Janice; daughter, Ashley; daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Chad Martin; grandson, Christopher

I like to spend my leisure time: With family and friends camping and cooking.

My favorite writer is: Steven Long

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Rome, Dublin

You’ll never catch me: Taking a nap The thing that bugs me the most is: People who are late My favorite movie is: The Right Stuff Few people know: I am a cut up

showing and sharing. We ask God to help us get to know our community and how we can share and show God’s love in spiritual and practical ways. Why we pray: We pray because we know God is for us. We pray because we know God’s promises through Jesus Christ. We pray because we know God keeps His promises and answers our prayers by the power of the Holy Spirit. How do we know? Because the Bible tells us and He has worked miracles in our lives.

By Pastor Brad Heintz

VER 6,000 homes in Seabrook have been blessed with prayers due to believers at Living Word Church hitting the streets and praying for their neighbors. It all started last fall when Living Word Church focused on learning how to pray God’s promises around our lives, households and circumstances. Inspired by Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C., who prayer walked a circle around the U.S. Capitol, we began praying God’s promises around our households, neighborhoods and the

community during our prayer walk week in September 2016. In that one week, I personally logged 26 miles of prayer walking around Seabrook, El Lago and Taylor Lake Village. During my prayer walks, God prompted me to not stop. The idea came to mind, “What if by this time next fall, we have walked every street and prayed for every household in 77586?” Jim Maas of Maas Nursery is our prayer team leader, and he agreed to walk with me. By this April, we will have prayer walked and prayed for every household and business in Seabrook. One morning when we had finished every street east of Texas Highway 146 and began prayer walking a small subdivision off of

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Red Bluff, there was a couple out in their yard. He was doing a DIY project in the yard and she was up on the deck. We waved and said good morning and then she shouted back, “pray for us!” It was exciting to hear that someone knew exactly what we were doing. When I shared this story in worship that Sunday, Rick Clapp, CEO of Bay Area Houston Magazine, encouraged me to write about prayer walking. What we pray: We pray for mercy, filling and favor. We ask God to pour out his mercy upon each household, fill whatever is empty and give his favor and blessing. We pray for understanding,

What we have learned: Prayer walking gives a perspective of a community like nothing else does. It is something about being at street level with all of its sights, sounds and smells that makes a difference. As we have walked, God has made known love, stress, joy, illness, light, fear, success, defeat and victory in the atmosphere around the households for which we pray. We know that God can fill, fix and give favor in any situation. So the next time you see someone walking through your neighborhood, they could be asking God to show mercy and grant his favor and blessings upon you and your family! Or maybe it’s time for you to hit the streets and ask God to show mercy and grant His favor and blessing upon your neighbors. What could it hurt? Maybe a blister or two? Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Seabrook, a vibrant family-style nondenominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life.

Tru by Hilton hotel coming to Webster

Architect’s drawing of proposed Tru by Hilton Hotel in Webster.

he Hilton hotel brand is expanding its presence in the Houston market. Construction of a 98-room, fourstory Tru by Hilton hotel is scheduled to begin this summer on Rodger Court in Webster. The hotel is owned by LH Webster LLC and will be managed by Lodgic Hospitality. It is scheduled to open in summer 2018, and will join other Hilton branded hotels in Webster such as the Hampton Inn & Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Hilton Garden Inn. Those Hilton-branded properties are also operated by Lodgic Hospitality, a Houston area based company. “We are excited to announce our company’s first

opening of this new and innovative brand,” Lodgic Hospitality Regional Director Carlos Sierra said. “It is geared toward guests with a millennial mindset - - a youthful energy, a zest for life and a desire for human connection.” Tru by Hilton’s innovative features include: The Hive, a first floor experience that’s more than a lobby, a fitness center, the Play Zone filled with table games, 55-inch TVs, a social media wall, even a 24/7 market offering fun snacks and refreshments, single-serve wine and beer. “Tru is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a true travel experience.”

APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 15

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Circle of Red Co-Chairmen Tama Brantley, left, and Darcy Whatley look over the arriving crowd for the 2017 Go Red for Women Luncheons.

Among the many spotted enjoying the Go Red for Women Luncheon were from left, seated, Kathie Wiley, Becky Day, Emmeline Dodd and Karen Reed; standing, Kimberley Fleming, Anita Fogtman, Karen Keesler, Sandy Records, Kim Barker, Ellen King and Ann Brannen.

Dr. Matthew Higgs, left, of All American Orthopedics, the Heart Throb winner, talks with Greg Pyron of Alliance Healthcare.

Go Red for women raises $200,000 for AHA THERE’S NOTHING quite like it, our Go Red for Women Luncheon. You walk in, and there before your wondering eyes is a sea of red – lovely ladies in fashionable red outfits, mingling with handsome men in black suits and red ties. All for a wonderful cause: to raise money to help the American Heart Association. And, best of all, the 2017 Go Red for Women Luncheon raised more than $200,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke, AHA Gulf Coast Division Communications Director Michelle Mason told us later -- $40,000 more than last year. This year’s luncheon, chaired by Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Bay Area Regional Medical Center Santiago Mendoza Jr., had its biggest crowd yet with nearly 500 guests filling the South Shore Harbour Resort Crystal Ballroom to nearly

MARY ALYS CHERRY

overflowing. Walking into the foyer, you might have bumped into Co-Chairmen Darcy Whatley, Theressa Riggs, Tama Brantley and Goinar Doroudian, who were busy checking with Heart Throb Chairman Sandy Adams, Open Your Heart Chairman Fay Picard, Auction Chairman Laurie Dahse and Fashion Show Chairman Stephanie Rice to make sure all was ready for the arriving crowd. As were Event Committee members Amanda Fenwick, Brandy Gates, Melissa Vidrine, Teresa Provis, Hilary Hart, Kelsey

UHCL faces in the crowd included from left, seated, Leigh Ann Shelfer, Mary Sue Anton, Karen Barbier, Joyce Delores Taylor; standing, Mary Ann Shallberg, Alex Malone, Theresa Presswood and attorney Marilyn Sims, a UHCL alumna who hosted three tables at the luncheon.

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Richardson, Elizabeth Quigley, Donna Orozco and Abbey Lee. Wasn’t long before we spotted Karen Reed, Emmeline Dodd, Kathie Wiley and Anita Fogtman as they checked in before tagging up with Karen Keesler, Becky Day, Kimberley Fleming, Ann Brannen, Ellen King, Sandy Records and Kim Barker. En route to their table, they passed three tables of folks from the University of Houston-Clear Lake including attorney and alumnae Marilyn Sims, Leigh Ann Shelfer, Mary Sue Anton, Karen Barbier, Joyce Delores Taylor, Mary Ann Shallberg, Alex Malone and Theresa Presswood. Lots of physicians in the happy crowd, too, including Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry and Dr. Larry Cato representing Bay Area Regional Medical Center, Dr. Kyle W.

Go Red for Women Luncheon Chairman Santiago Mendoza Jr. of Bay Area Regional Medical Center, second from left, welcomes, from left, Rajiv Radia, Rupendra Radia and Jyoti Radia of Career Uniforms to the annual American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Stephens representing Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, and the 2017 Heart Throb winner, Dr. Matthew Higgs, representing All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute; and Bay Area Regional Medical Center Chairman Dr. Michael Lyons. Circle of Red Co-Chairmen Tama Brantley and Darcy Whatley and Men Go Red for Women Chairman Jim Sweeney also circulated through the crowd, stopping to visit with first one and then another before Ch. 2’s Syan Rhodes took the stage to emcee the program and fashion show, which featured JoAnn Armstrong, Meloney Bee Bean,dSandra Cruz, Keishia Gatson, Janice Gunnin Wilson, Kimberly Ito, Linda Reppert, Rita Torres, Sandy Williamson, Geraldine Zidek, Debbie Robinson, Rhonda De La Moriniere and Veronica Weir.

Men Go Red Chairman Jim Sweeney, right, welcomes Bay Area Regional Medical Center Chairman Dr. Michael Lyons, left, and Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry, a 2017 Heart Throb, to the Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Photos by Debbie Salisbury

Barry Terrell, left, owner of T-Bone Toms, Tookie’s and Tookie’s Seafood and Tookie’s Seafood Executive Chef Carl Johnston.

Men Who Cook chefs Barry Terrell, Rick Clapp, John Collins, Chip Boettler, Hans Mair and Chris Kurzadowski, from left, prepare to serve the crowd at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

Meanwhile, Seabrook men were busy cooking . . . WHILE THE WOMEN were all in red, the Seabrook Men Who Cook were busy getting into their black and white chef outfits and serving a delighted overflow crowd at Lakewood Yacht Club. Mostly, they work like old pros, and truthfully, they are. Many have been serving up delightful dishes for years. Longest serving are Hans Mair, owner of the Sundance Grill II, and Rick Clapp, Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO, who have been celebrity chefs for 21 years. Some of the other long-time chefs include Tom Davis and Charles Clemmons, 19 years; Mike DeHart, 18 years; and David Imbrie, 16 years. Many others have multiple years of pleasing the crowd – Trey Hafely,

Chip Boteler, John Collins, Chris Kurzadowski, Steve Hegyesi, Thom Kolupski, Kim Morrell, Tom Diegleman, Michael Giangrosso, Darrell Picha, Paul Dunphey, Gary Johnson, Warren Rocky Miller and Rick Wade. Proceeds benefit the Seabrook Rotary Foundation and the Seabrook Police Department Association’s charities.

Chamber hosts special speaker THE CLEAR LAKE Area Chamber had a very special speaker at its Government Affairs Committee Luncheon -- Chris Wallace, president of the Texas Association of Business, who listed the TAB’s 2017 legislative priorities. Lisa Holbrook, who has been

Clear Lake Area Chamber President Cindy Harreld DeWease, second from left, asks Chris Wallace, center, president of the Texas Association of Business and speaker for the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee Luncheon, to pose for a photo with, from left, Brian Freedman, Chamber Chairman Carl Joiner, and emcee Lisa Holbrook, who is chairman of the committee.

active in several legislative sessions as a key aide to former State Rep. John Davis and now serves as president of the Texas PTA, emceed the event and introduced the speaker. Covering an amazing amount of ground, he quickly stressed how important education is, promising to work to raise education standards across Texas, support both full day Pre-K and the training of community college students for jobs in the workforce and higher education. He supports the proposed Coastal Barrier to protect the Gulf Coast from storm damage, he said, opposes the bathroom bill and advocates for quality health care and access to choices of care. And, that was just some of his many priorities. All in all, an interesting event.

Past Chamber Chairman Richard Simmons, right, stops to talk with Darrell and Angela Bivens as they await the start of the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee Luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Merlion Seabrook owner Ray Villanueva and Chef Andy Lobeck await the arriving crowd at the Seabrook Men Who Cook dinner.

Signatures Restaurant owners Maritza and Lewis Keim share a light moment as the Men Who Cook event gets underway.

Miss Texas Nancy Gonzales stops to chat with Rick Clapp, left, and Steve Hegyesi as she arrives at Lakewood Yacht Club for Men Who Cook.

APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 17

Sizes to Fit All By Don Armstrong

arge, medium or small,

there is a crossover out there that will fit your family’s needs. In this edition of Bay Area Houston Magazine, we look at two examples of how diverse 2017 SUV models can be.

Chevy Trax The Chevrolet Trax falls under the subcompact category and like all other SUV’s has plenty of competition. However, in this category, the proportions are weird. Most subcompacts have a very short rear overhang and a tall greenhouse, making them look more like a phone booth. But despite their diminutive size there are advantages to owning one, namely, maneuverability. The 2017 Trax gets a major refresh that brings its looks more in line with others in the Chevy lineup. The new front facia and headlights give

this crossover a fresh, modern appearance. Wheel haunches and sculpted lower door panels give it a “taught” look. The updated dash has just the right curves to bring interest to control surfaces. Electronics include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, all standard. Due to its short wheelbase, the ride might be a little choppy for some but is perfect for delivering the kids to school or sports events and runs to the supermarket. Pricing begins at 21,895.

Nissan Murano To those that argue the midsize Murano belongs in the full-size category then they haven’t driven a Suburban or Armada. We haven’t driven a nicer, more family friendly do-all than the Murano. Its sharp, distinctive exterior shows a conservative boldness that most others in this category don’t have. Nissan calls the new grille

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“V-motion,” just one of the design features that contribute to its swoopy look. The interior is luxurious. Some premium luxury SUV’s aren’t this nice. Seats are the most comfortable

among the throngs of competitors. Design, execution, materials and quality rank at the top of our list, especially at the Premium trim level. The Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 260 horsepower to the front or all-wheels through a CV transmission. Say what you will about continuously variable transmissions, Nissan knows what we didn’t like about them and fixed it. This CVT feels like it has gears and acts like a grownup. Mileage is 21 MPG-city and 28-highway. Whether around town or on the highway, the Murano rocks it. MSRP starts at $31,110.

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LYC Members Lance Covington and Chase Shaw

Lakewood sailors win inaugural Gough TSA Race of Champions

akewood members Lance Covington and Chase Shaw teamed up with two sailing legends to take first place in the first ever Bob Gough Texas Sailing Association Race of Champions. The race was organized to honor legendary Texas racing legend Bob Gough, who has been instrumental in organizing and managing numerous races for more than 30 years. The race was held at Corinthian Sailing Club, Gough’s home yacht club on White Rock Lake in Dallas, Jan. 28-29. Winning his class in the 2016 Youth Circuit earned 15-year-old Covington and the other 2016 TSA Youth Circuit winners the opportunity to participate

in this event. Participants had to choose one adult crewman from their home club. Covington selected Shaw to help crew, CSC provided the boats, and TSA paired them up with racing legends Paul Forester and Kelson Elam for the event. “The Race of Champions was one of the best sailing experiences I’ve ever had,” Covington said. “I learned so much and loved being able to compete against my fellow sailors, along with the other Texas Legends. It was a great regatta and one that I hope to participate in again!” Covington, Shaw, Forester and Kelson earned the win, as well as the honor of being the first winners of this annual sailing competition.

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Four from LYC finish first in Bay Cup I Regatta

our Lakewood Yacht Club members were first place finishers in the 16th Annual Bay Cup I Regatta, which LYC hosted in cooperation with Bay Access. This year’s regatta had 42 registered boats. Racers dealt with choppy, windy and rainy conditions on Trinity Bay throughout the duration of the March 4 race, but nine Lakewood members managed top-four finishes among the five race classes. The 2017 Bay Cup I Regatta first-place winners include Houston Yacht Club member Ken Humphries in the PHRF Spin - (NonSprit) and LYC members Carl Drechsel in the Cruising Non-Spin Classic Canvas, Gerhard Wittich in the Cruising Poleless Spin, Ash Walker in the PHRF Non-Spin and Uzi Ozeri in the PHRF Spin - Sprit. Complete race results can be found on the website, www.lakewoodyachtclub.com A celebratory dinner, party and awards ceremony followed the race in the LYC ballroom. Sailors, spectators and guests enjoyed camaraderie over dinner and drinks and tuned in to live entertainment by Kelly McGuire, an award-winning singer and songwriter. Interested racers should begin preparing for Bay Cup II, the second of this two race

series. Overall trophies will be presented at the conclusion of that regatta Aug. 5. “Many thanks to the land volunteers, on-the-water volunteers, scorers, protest committee and Lakewood staff for your efforts in planning and executing all of the activities for the Bay Cup I Regatta,” said Bay Cup I Race Chairman Larry Rogers. “We had another great day on the water, and the sailors enjoyed the festivities on land as well.” The LYC Race Committee said it also would like to acknowledge the generous sponsors that helped make this a great longdistance sailing event including the City of Seabrook, George Ocean Rum, Bay Access, Little Yacht Sales, OJ’s Marin, True North Marine, Blackburn Marine, Alliant Marine & Energy Insurance and Davis Marine. Sailboat classes eligible to compete in this series include PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF NonSpin, PHRF under 30 feet, Cruising Poleless Spin, Cruising Non-Spin-Classic Canvas (i.e. Dacron sails), Shorthanded Offshore Sailors, Multihull and One Design Classes. For further information about Bay Cup II, contact LYC at 281-474-2511 or Larry Rogers, Bay Cup I Regatta chairman, at 832-228-7052 or lrogers@cfpglobal.net

Tips for Fishing the Winds of April By Capt. Joe Kent

ften April is mentioned as a transition month for coastal fishing. Wintertime patterns give way to springtime fishing, with some of the largest trout of the year caught during April. This month can be a very frustrating time for anglers as it has the dubious honor of being the windiest month of the year. April also is one of the spring months and continues the ever changing weather patterns with warm fronts setting in followed by another cold front. Fortunately, we are out of the woods as far as any severe freezes are concerned, so that is a relief to all coastal fishermen. Surf fishermen wait with great anticipation as the beach water temperature climbs to sustained 70-degree readings and higher. April normally is the month in which that occurs. April is known around the Houston and Galveston area for April 21. Yes, it is the day when Texas won its independence from Mexico at San Jacinto; however, the day has another meaning for old timers in the area. It

Kymble Kinkade with a windy day 27” redfish caught in Greens Lake.

is the day when anglers considered saltwater fishing to be underway. One of the reasons for that date is that it coincided with the San Jacinto Day state holiday that was especially recognized in Harris and Galveston Counties. Anglers used the holiday as a time to fish the coast with many making their first trip of the year. Now that we know a little about the month, let’s discuss how to best

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“Fin fish and fin fish imitation baits are the choices of many trophy trout hunters.”

handle the biggest obstacle for fishing during April, and that is the wind. One of the best ways to handle April’s wind is to find windows of light-to-moderate southerly winds. Using our modern and sophisticated weather forecasts, we can often predict the days that are easily fishable. Planning trips around them is well advised. Often the best laid plans go awry with anglers finding that what was forecast to be light winds for their trip turns out to be the opposite. The month of April is full of such surprises. Now, if you find yourself battling the wind, here are some suggestions on how to make the most of it. Find protected waters whether on the leeward shorelines or back in coves, creeks and bayous that are less affected by the wind. Warmer waters are part of April and for that reason the shallower areas will be holding more fish than during winter. Wade fishing is one of the best methods for fishing the shallower areas. Afternoon fishing tends to be favored over morning fishing, as the water warms during the day and that sends trout and reds into a feeding mode as bait tends to be more prevalent. A change from slow sinking winter baits to swimming and top waters are part of the transition. Still, live shrimp is one of the best choices for bait unless you are targeting a trophy trout, a prime time fish for April. Fin fish and fin fish imitation baits are the choices of many trophy trout hunters. Now, where are a few of the spots that have a good chance to be fishable during moderate to strong southerly winds? Areas along the Galveston Ship Channel, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Clear Creek Channel between Kemah and Seabrook, Moses Lake, the south shoreline of both East and West Bays and Dickinson Bay are all good possibilities. What species are caught during April? Besides specks and reds, black drum still are in their annual run, gafftop start showing in greater numbers and toward the end of the month the surf usually produces its first ling of the year along with jack crevalle and sharks. April is truly a transitional month and just about all of our summertime fish are going to be making their way to the bays at some point during those 30 days. Just don’t let the wind interfere with your fishing.

GLASS MERMAIDS Voted Best of the Bay Gift Shop 10 years in a row

Photography by Hal Bushnell

re you treading aimlessly in a sea of boring merchandise? Feeling the tug of mediocrity when you float to the big-box store down the street? Do you feel disconnected from your inner mermaid? Well, if you can answer yes to any of these questions, it’s time for you to set sail to Glass Mermaids! It is without a doubt the first place you should venture when you need to awaken your inner sea goddess. On paper the store is a gift boutique, but in essence, it is a nautical adventure that explores the treasures of the sea. Aquamarine walls soothe you as you walk in, as you take delight in -- how would Ariel say it? -- the gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. When entering the Glass Mermaid your senses will come alive! It is sparkling to the

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eyes and will arouse your sense of smell with its variety of fragrant scents! It would be almost overwhelming if everything in the store wasn’t exactly what you were looking for. Glass Mermaid’s new store extension means that the collection of gifts is varied and plentiful. Amazing one-of-a-

kind home décor, bedding, furnishings and art are all part of the allure of Glass Mermaids. The Gurgle Pots are a unique conversation piece that must be seen to fully appreciate, as written description just does

not do them justice. One of the most popular products are the sail bags. The French sail bags are custom made from boat or ship sails, and each bag has a story. The store even has its own private label of bath and body products with scents that smell like pure fresh-air and ocean mist. Total sensory bliss! Glass Mermaids offers a truly pleasing shopping experience

and all of the staff is well trained and courteous. Without bias or hesitation, the workers make friends with their shoppers, guiding them to the appropriate gift for a loved one, a friend, or even yourself. You’ll leave the store feeling the familiarity of friendship. After all, you’ve been welcomed into the mermaid club. So, plan on spending at least an hour shopping, filling your gift bag to the brim! Glass Mermaids is a “wonderland” filled with unique nautical treasures that must be seen to be believed. Visit the store at 2098 Marina Bay Drive in League City for a unique five star shopping experience. You can visit them online at www. glassmermaids.com or call 281326-3000 with any questions. It is no wonder why Glass Mermaids was voted for another Best of the Bay Award in 2016. Congratulations go to Debi Sullivan and her staff!

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Port Arthur’s third largest annual event, Spring Fling, returns to Pleasure Island this Memorial Day Weekend

ore than 130 sailboat

and motor yachts and over 600 people expected to meet in Pleasure Island Marina for a weekend of boating fun Spring Fling returns to the Pleasure Island Marina in Port Arthur over the Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29, in what has become Port Arthur’s third largest annual event. More than 130 sailboats and motor yachts and about 600 people from all over the Gulf Coast are expected to join in the festivities. Activities include nightly live bands, catered dinners, educational seminars, boating safety demonstrations, games, costume and lip sync contests and small boat races. The theme this year is “Feelin’ Groovy: Peace, Love, and Boating.” Participants are encouraged to dress in 1960s clothes and costumes, emphasizing the late 60s summer of love look. Spring Fling is an annual event of the Texas Mariners Cruising Association (TMCA), which is the largest non-profit social boating organization on the Gulf Coast with more than 750 members. 2017 marks the seventh anniversary of Spring Fling, and the fourth year it has been held at the Pleasure Island Marina. “Spring Fling became so popular so fast that we quickly outgrew many other marinas,” says Spring Fling Chairman Christopher Bown. Bown says his committee searched all over for another place large enough to hold more than 100 large boats and he says, “we found this amazing gem of a marina on Pleasure Island.” With enough space for well over 200 boats and lots of room for all the activities, he adds, “Pleasure Island is the ideal location.” Bown says Spring Fling would not have moved to Pleasure Island, though,

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“without the amazing members of the Port Arthur Yacht Club whose enthusiasm and volunteerism helps make all this possible each year.” TMCA created Spring Fling in 2011 to encourage boaters to get back out on the water after the winter months. Destinations are selected to allow sailors and power boaters to travel some distance away from their usual recreational areas and even go offshore in the Gulf en route. To further encourage offshore sailing, the Port Arthur Yacht Club organizes the Spring Fling Regatta from Galveston to Port Arthur on the opening day of Spring Fling. Although TMCA and the Port Arthur Yacht Club are private organizations, Spring Fling is open to the general public. “Anyone can sail in, motor in, drive in, or walk in,” Bown says. Tickets at the gate for the entire weekend are $20 per person. If you prefer go by boat, slip fees with electricity and water are $200 for the extended weekend. Tickets and slip rentals will be available online at www.TMCASpringFling.com beginning March 15, 2017. ABOUT TMCA The Texas Mariners Cruising Association is non-profit social organization formed in 1979 to provide boating-related social events and promote boater education. It has more than 750 members throughout the U.S. and abroad, with most of its members in the Galveston Bay area, and is a member organization of the Yachting Club of America. TMCA members lead about 30 cruises each year to various destinations along the Gulf Coast and internationally. Most recently, 18 member boats went to Cuba. In addition to cruises, members also enjoy monthly socializing events, parties, and membership meetings with guest speakers.

Nature Center planning big Party for the Planet

rmand Bayou Nature Center stands out as one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States, providing the community with exceptional educational, recreational, and health benefits of nearby nature. These days ABNC is planning for the future to ensure ecosystem preservation and to educate our community about preservation and the benefits of nature. For an update and an evening of fun, Nature Center officials are inviting the community to join them on Earth Day 2017 when the Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Board of Trustees is hosting a Party for the Planet Saturday evening, April 22, from 6 to 10 p.m., as they honor State Sen. Larry Taylor. Party for the Planet Chairman Robbie Lowe and Co-Chairman Michelle Hundley have an exciting evening planned with a catered dinner, live music by Andy and the Dreamsicles, dancing, charitable auctions and games. “Please consider making a

HYC Sailing Camp for women 5/31-6/3

he Houston Yacht Club

Women’s Sailing Association is now accepting applications for its 2017 Windward Bound Sailing Camp for Women. The overnight camp May 31-June 3 at the yacht club in Shore Acres is open to all women who are 21 years or older and offers a great opportunity for women to expand their knowledge and skills in sailing, according to Anne Lee, HYC member and sailing counselor. “Windward Bound Sailing Camp is the only program of its kind on the bay,” said Lee. “It is all about women teaching women how to sail in a fun, friendly and safe environment. The camp will help you gain new confidence, new skills and new friends.” The camp is for those new to sailing, those who are familiar with

commitment toward sustaining Armand Bayou Nature Center for generations to come. Sponsorship and auction opportunities are available,” they said. “Visit the ABNC website for electronic reservations and CC payment, www. ABNC.org “Sponsorship and auction donor forms are available for alternate payment methods and contain more details on how to reserve your sponsorship or tickets. Your contribution is a deductible business expense.”

the sport but want to expand their knowledge and skills and for the experienced sailor who wants to race competitively. The camp is broken down into three categories to include: Force I — Introductory: Beginning sailors learn practical skills to improve self-confidence and enable them to crew on a daysailer and single-hand a Sunfish. Force II — Intermediate: Sailors with basic skills expand skills and knowledge to enable them to skipper as well as crew on daysailers and Sunfish. Force III — Advanced: Experienced women sailors hone their skills for cruising and racing. Registration is open to HYC members and non-members but numbers are limited and HYC members receive preference. Registration deadline is April 5. Cost is $500 for HYC members and $650 for non- members. Camp costs cover room and board, camp shirt, instruction and boat usage. For more information, contact Anne Banks at anneabanks@ sbcglobal.net. To download an application, visit houstonyachtclub. com/OnTheWater/Education/ WindwardBound.aspx APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 27

League City Music Festival to offer array of fun events By Mary Alys Cherry

ay is fast approaching, and League City Lions Club members are busy these days finalizing plans for one of the Bay Area’s most popular events -- their big League City Music Festival and Vintage Village Fair Parade Friday and Saturday, May 5-6 in Walter Hall Park on Highway 3. This one comes with a little of everything. Besides some great music, there’s a parade, a barbecue cookoff, vendors, food trucks, a Kids Day, a Business Expo, even a carnival. Proceeds benefit Lions Club charities. Along with all that, there is the big music lineup. Young Eric Paslay, now on a nationwide tour, will take the stage Saturday at 10 p.m. All can join his Facebook page or go to his website to listen and learn about this exciting young artist who is just “killing it!” as Festival Co-Chairman Sebastian Lofaro describes him. Others include Texas favorite Tracy Byrd, singing lots of old favorites Friday night. La Porte local Jake Worthington, runner up in the 2016 television show The Voice will be at the festival as well. The weekend kicks off May 5 at 9 a.m. with Kids Day for challenged and special needs kids. This year upwards of 1,000 kids are expected to attend from Galveston and Harris County. Fred and Cookie Growcock are chairing this amazing event and are seeking volunteers with such a huge response from the community for their kids and students to participate. Next up opening day, Friday at 4 p.m., Chairman Jason Long says, is the annual BBQ Cookoff, that with the help of State Sen. Larry Taylor “has become an IBCA Sanctioned BBQ Cook Off and big cash prizes are now offered for the best!” “This event has grown by leaps and bounds every year for over 50 years and we add new things to the schedule yearly so there is something . . . for everyone of every age,” CoChairman Justin Gripon says. “This year we are also offering VIP tents for private parties/groups. This is a

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great opportunity to bring out your employees, or groups, reserve a tent space to gather in, receive wrist bands and have a catered event. The park is large, safe and just a great place for a company to host a party.” Of course, who doesn’t love a carnival? asks Trey and Bonnie Schoellkopf, who headed the search to bring in the biggest and best carnival in the area. “And, we indeed have a huge, modern carnival coming in for everyone’s enjoyment, and wrist bands may be purchased at the park.” The Village Fair Parade Saturday, May 6 at 9:30 a.m., back by popular demand, will line up at Kansas at Main in the historic district, and will be a salute to all four chiefs in League City, with the emphasis being on first responders. The parade is in memory of long time fire fighter and local resident, Art Hewitt. Registration forms and the parade route may be found on the website. The League City Regional Chamber of Commerce is also hosting a Biz Expo in the big pavilion where small businesses will greet all entering the festival. More information may be found at its website. The Lions Club was established in 1952 with the first president, Phillip T. Wright, calling the meeting of 22 to order. The desire was then and now; to empower volunteers to service their community, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote understanding. Current President James Waguespack says the local group has a long and proud history of supporting many local charities. The biggest contribution members make in time and donations is with the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. Club volunteers join with other groups in one of the three workdays to prepare the camp for challenged children suffering with certain types of illness. “We invite you to join us at one of two meetings held monthly at noon at Red River BBQ,” said Waguespack. The League City Music Festival, hosted every year the first weekend in May, is their annual fundraiser.

Col. William McArthur named Lunar Rendezvous king By Mary Alys Cherry

NASA astronaut with long ties to the Lunar Rendezvous Festival has been chosen to reign as king of this summer’s 52nd annual summer extravaganza. He is retired U.S. Army Col. William Surles McArthur Jr., a familiar face as emcee at many Lunar Rendezvous Coronation Balls over the years. He and his wife, the former Cynthia Lovin, who was his high school sweetheart, are the parents of two daughters who were Lunar Rendezvous princesses and the grandparents of a former little lady in waiting and one of last year’s pages. Born in North Carolina on July 26, 1951, Colonel McArthur received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Engineering degree from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. in 1973 and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1983. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Colonel McArthur is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Army and NASA Distinguished Service

Action during 2016 Major League Quidditch Championship. Photo by Quan Robinson

ajor League Quidditch will fly into the skies of League City this coming August as teams from across the nation flock to the city for the 2017 Major League Quidditch Championship. League City, one of three finalists, was selected to host the championship, Aug. 11 to 13, at Hometown Heroes Park. Other finalists included Salt Lake City, Utah, and Lawrence, Kan. Major League Quidditch, (MLQ), based out of Hoboken, N.J., is a national league that runs from June 1 to Aug. 30. Quidditch is a co-ed, full contact sport created in 2005 by students at Middlebury College in Vermont. The sport, based on the fictional sport from Harry Potter, is played by more than 400 college and community teams across six continents. “Major League Quidditch is excited to partner with League City for a second year,” said MLQ Event Director

Medals; the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian award; the West Point Distinguished Graduate Award; Russian Medal of Merit for Space Exploration; and was inducted into the Georgia Tech College of Engineering Hall of Fame. His military career included assignments with the 82nd Airborne, 2nd Infantry, and 24th Infantry Divisions. Subsequently he was an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanics at West Point. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he was designated an experimental test pilot. A Master Army Aviator, he has logged 9,000 flight hours in 41 different air and spacecraft. McArthur retired from the Army in 2001. He was selected for the Astronaut Program in 1990. A veteran of four space flights, he has logged 224 days, 22 hours, 28 minutes and 10 seconds in space, including 24 hours and 21 minutes on four space walks. Following his last flight, a six-month mission as commander of the International Space Station, McArthur has served in senior management positions with NASA. He is currently the Director of Safety and Mission Assurance at the Johnson Space Center and plans to retire from NASA in June of this year.

Melinda Staup. “Our experience with the city and its staff in 2016 was everything we could have hoped for and we look forward to working with them once again.” Submitting a bid to host the event was no question for city officials who are responsible for bringing quality of life events to the city. “We are excited to host MLQ Championship weekend for a second time,” said City Manager John Baumgartner. “It is our hope that the quidditch teams will enjoy their visit to the area and all that League City has to offer. This is an exciting opportunity and our community looks forward to being a part of this unique and fast-growing sport now and into the future.” The championship event generated nearly 200 hotel room nights and significant economic impact in League City in 2016. Officials expect the two-day tournament to once again positively impact local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. Texas is home to some of the sport’s most competitive teams and last year’s event was the first national quidditch championship held in the Southwest. The league consists of 16 teams from throughout the United States and Canada, according to MLQ officials. One of the participating teams is the League City Legends, a locally based team, whose manager, Hank Dugie, is also on City Council. Quidditch is a co-ed, full-contact sport featuring a unique set of rules that includes elements from rugby, basketball and dodgeball. During the championship event, teams will go head-to-head with the aim of scoring the most goals and being the first to catch the snitch. MLQ is dedicated to presenting quidditch in an elegant, highly-consumable form that mirrors other sports’ top leagues. It features standardized schedules, high-level officiating, in-depth statistics and live or pre-recorded footage of all games. The central tenant of the league, setting it apart from others, is that we have placed a limit on participating teams. This ensures the teams are of a high quality and maximizes the amount of coverage that can be given to each team and each game. More information is available at http://mlquidditch.com

CIS to host golf tourney, wine tasting on April 10 Communities in SchoolsBay Area will host two major fundraisers at Bay Oaks Country Club Monday, April 10 -- its 8th Annual Keep Kids In School Golf Tournament, alongside its 6th Annual Raise Your Glass to CIS Wine Tasting, These are the major fundraisers for Communities In Schools – Bay Area and maintain its initiative to help keep most at-risk youth in school and on a path of success through graduation and beyond, Executive Director Dr. Peter Wuenschel explained, adding that the public is invited to join in the fun. CIS-Bay Area has been serving Clear Creek and Dickinson ISDs since 1989 and has a 98 percent success rate in keeping the most fragile youth in school, Resource Development Director Hillary Gramm said. “Our golf tournament has been coined the Bay Area’s premier golf event. We have margaritas, luxury cars as hole in one prizes, craft beers, food and much more offered throughout the day. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 11 a.m.. We have room for one team remaining for sale at this time.” At 3 p.m., she continued, “we begin our Raise Your Glass to CIS Wine Tasting. We bring in 10 sommeliers/ wine educators to share their knowledge with our guests. During this time, we open up our designer purse auction as well as our other silent auctions. When golf and wine conclude, we all meet up in the Grille and head off to dinner. We prepare fresh off the grill steaks and all the sides. The live auction begins during this time.” For additional information, contact Hillary Gramm at 281-486-6698 or at hillaryg@ cisba.org

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Local Golf Tournaments

Lunar Rendezvous Festival Shooting Star Golf Tournament Friday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. TopGolf in Webster Golf play and silent auction at 7 Tickets are $100 for an individual player, $50 for a spectator, $500 for a group of 6 www.lunarrendezvous.org St. Clare of Assisi’s 7th Annual Golf Scramble Saturday, April 8 Battleground Golf Club, Deer Park Entry fee $110 For information, email Rand Pombier at rpombier@sbcglobal.net Communities in Bay Area Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament Monday, April 10 Bay Oaks Country Club, Clear Lake Registration 9 a.m., 11 a.m. start For information, call 281-486-6698 League City Regional Chamber’s Celebrity Golf Tournament Tuesday, April 11 Magnolia Creek Golf Course Registration, 10:30 a.m. Shotgun start, noon Entry fee $600 for team of 4 To register, call Jane McFaddin at the chamber, 281-338-7339 Space Center Rotary Folds of Honor Golf Tournament Monday, May 1 Bay Oaks Country Club, Clear Lake 11 a.m. Shotgun start - Teams of four $600 Call Raymond Moore, 713-825-4996 Pasadena Chamber Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament Monday, May 1 Timber Creek Golf Course Registration 7:30 a.m. 9 a.m. Shotgun start - Teams of four $600 Call the chamber, 281-487-7871 Judge Holly’s Golf Classic Monday, May 22 Bay Oaks Country Club, Clear Lake Registration 10:30 a.m. Noon shotgun start Entry fee $150

[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP]

Port Houston’s COO speaks of growth of this quiet giant

ort Houston is a quiet giant, according to Thomas J. Heidt, the port’s chief operating officer. He should know. Heidt has worked at the port for 35 years under seven different port executive directors. He was named to his current position in June 2015 and has responsibility for all operating areas of the port which include commercial, finance, health, safety, security and environmental, information technology, port infrastructure and port operations. Heidt recently participated in a roundtable discussion with members of the Small Business Committee of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. Certified small businesses account for approximately 41 percent of the subcontractors used by the port through its Small Business Development Program. Prior to the discussion, Dan Seal, BAHEP’s executive director for Special Initiatives, said, “I don’t

“Each year, more than 241 million tons of cargo move through the greater Port of Houston.” think that anyone fully realizes the incredible impact that the region’s maritime industry, and especially Port Houston, has as an economic driver.” Seal noted that BAHEP increased its involvement in the region’s maritime industry in January 2009 when R. Bowen Loftin, Ph.D., then vice president and CEO of Texas A&M University at Galveston, approached BAHEP and stated that there was going to be a real workforce shortage in the maritime industry in Houston over the next five to 15 years. Loftin felt that it was imperative to get the region’s young people interested in maritime careers and opportunities.

Idea Takes Off Subsequently, BAHEP began working with the Pasadena School District and other school districts in the region to emphasize the

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tremendous opportunities offered to young people right out of high school by the maritime industry. Further education within regional community colleges or four-year universities provides even greater opportunity. Seal reported, “The idea really took off, and there is now a great pipeline for the maritime workforce filled with students from right here in our own region.” Heidt confirmed that a lot of people don’t know about the significance of the port. Port Houston is a 25-mile-long complex of 150-plus private and public industrial terminals along the 52-mile-long Houston Ship Channel. The eight public terminals are owned, operated, managed or leased by Port Houston and include the general cargo terminals at the Turning Basin, Care, Jacintoport, Woodhouse, and the Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals.

First in the Nation Each year, more than 241 million tons of cargo move through the greater Port of Houston, carried by more than 8,200 vessels and 223,000 barges. The port is consistently ranked first in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage; first in U.S. imports; first in U.S. export tonnage and second in the U.S. in total tonnage. It is also the nation’s leading breakbulk port, handling 41 percent of project cargo at Gulf Coast ports. Heidt said that the port’s annual cash flow is $120 million, and it has an incredible economic impact of $265 billion per year, which is 16 percent of the gross domestic product of the State of Texas.

A Bit of History The original Port of Houston was located at the confluence of Buffalo Bayou and White Oak Bayou in downtown Houston by the University of Houston–Downtown. Shipping points grew at multiple locations on the Buffalo Bayou. By the end of the 19th century, Buffalo Bayou had become a major shipping channel with traffic beginning to rival Galveston. The citizens of Harris County approved creation of the modern port in 1909, believing that an inland port would better serve the region

after the destructive Galveston Hurricane of 1900. President Woodrow Wilson officially opened the port to traffic as the World Port of Houston and Buffalo Bayou on Nov. 10, 1914. Over the years, the port has created a total of 1.175 million jobs with 148,000 jobs generated since 2011.

$2 Billion Investment Heidt noted that he helped to design and start the construction of Bayport Container Terminal, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary. He spoke of the port’s growth and opportunity. The port plans to spend $600 million over next 10 years at Bayport Container Terminal and $934 million over the next 20 years. Those numbers include $250 million that will be spent on additional wharves. Heidt said the wharves are huge projects that require many subcontractors providing ample opportunity for small companies to participate. He said that Barbours Cut Container Terminal is celebrating its 40th anniversary and needs extensive renovation. The port’s 10-year capital investment for Barbours Cut will reach $577 million with $866 million slated to be spent over the next 20 years. Heidt said that 63-65 percent of the port’s business is in containers, and it’s where the port is going to experience huge growth. Heidt’s presentation made it abundantly clear that the region’s maritime industry offers opportunity for small businesses as well as excellent career opportunities. More information on the port’s Small Business Development Program is available by visitinghttp:// porthouston.com/portweb/smallbusiness/application/

B us i ness

Buzz

manager prior to being selected for this position and also served as Lockheed Martin’s Human Resources manager for Houston Programs and is a U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve veteran. A League City resident for more than 10 years, she attained a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu; and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Chapman University in Orange, Calif.

Ambulatory Surgery Center is planned

Janet Shirley joins League City team League City has selected Janet Shirley to serve as the city’s director of Human Resources and Civil Service. She worked for the Columbia Pipeline Group as the Human Resource and Recruiting Strategy

Bay Area Regional Medical Center and Medistar Corp. are planning the development of a new Ambulatory Surgery Center at Gemini III, located on Medistar’s three-building Gemini Medical Campus at Gemini Avenue and Buccaneer Lane in Clear Lake. Featuring state-of-the-art equipment, the new surgery center is configured with 2 special procedure rooms and 4 operating suites with future expandability to a total of

NEWS NUGGETS Dog saves family in fire A family escaped a fire In Clear Lake’s Bay Glen/North Pointe area that gutted their home when their dog alerted them to the blaze early Wednesday, March 1 in southeast Houston. Houston firefighters arrived about 3 a.m. to the two-story brick house on Heron Field Court in the Ellington area and found the family members had safely escaped after their dog’s warning. The blaze damaged the house, its detached garage and at least one vehicle in the driveway. There were no reports of injuries.

Seabrook OKs truck restrictions Seabrook City Council has passed a new ordinance that establishes State Highway 146, NASA Parkway and Red Bluff Road moving west from Old State Highway 146 to Seabrook city limits as designated truck routes. The new ordinance will prohibit through truck traffic on commonly used thoroughfares like Todville Road, Meyer Road and Lakeside Drive. The ordinance was considered as the city continues to experience high volumes of heavy truck traffic. Industries surrounding Seabrook rely on these trucks as a necessary

6 ORs. Gemini I and II are fully leased to orthopedic surgeons, pain management and primary care physicians. On the same campus, the Gemini III surgery center is the latest partnership of Bay Area Regional with leading surgeons to serve patients in a modern and convenient outpatient setting. Hospital CEO Tim Schmidt said, “Bay Area Regional is excited to join with leading physician partners on this important initiative. Our new surgery center will provide best-ofclass, patient-centered outpatient services, with a focus on excellent orthopedic, spine, neurological, general, ENT and pain management surgical care for our Bay Area Houston community.” Plans are now underway, with construction scheduled for completion in late 2017. In Webster, Medistar also is developing a new 70-bed skilled nursing facility and 60,000 SF medical office building. These projects further complement the rapid growth of Bay Area Regional, which Medistar is currently expanding from 104 to 191 total beds.

Tools developed to combat Zika New research from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, in collaboration with Southwest University in Chongqing, China and the University of Leuven in Belgium, have developed a way to replicate the basic structure of the Zika virus, stripping it of the genes that make the virus infectious. The replicon system research was spearheaded by Dr. Xuping Xie and recently published in EBioMedicine. Replicons are segments of viral genome that can replicate on their own, independent of the cellular chromosome. The new Zika replicon system has deleted some of the genes that give the virus its structure. Because of this, the altered Zika virus is no longer infectious, lowering the safety risk involved in working with the virus.

means of transportation. While the city understands the economic need to move commodities throughout the region, city officials approved the ordinance in an effort to protect the city’s infrastructure and to ensure the safety of their citizens.

Executive Search Services to assist them in the search for a new superintendent to replace Trish Hanks, who is retiring from Friendswood ISD.

Church robbed in Nassau Bay

For the 11th straight year, the Clear Creek School District has been honored by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United State and the Association of School Business Officials International for its superior financial management and budget practices. The CCISD Financial Services Department, led by Jeff Kohlenberg, received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for the District’s 2015-2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. CCISD is one of only 49 school districts, out of more than 1,200 public and charter schools in Texas, to receive this award. The CCISD Business Services Department, led by Alice Benzaia, received the Meritorious Budget Award for the 2015-2016 Budget document and is one of only 18 school districts to receive this award.

Nassau Bay police are seeking public help to find burglars who were caught on surveillance video forcing their way into a church on Feb. 16. According to police, the video at Nassau Bay Baptist Church also shows two suspects walking through the building. Multiple items were taken, and police confirmed that an undisclosed amount of money was stolen from the church. Police are encouraging residents to be vigilant, particularly during late evening and early morning.

Superintendent search begins The Friendswood ISD Board of Trustees has asked the Texas Association of School Boards

CCISD budgeting wins recognition

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[Aerospace]

Houston gets $1 million grant for Spaceport infrastructure

he U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded the City of Houston a $1 million Economic Development Administration grant to build some of the necessary infrastructure required for the planned Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport, Mayor Sylvester Turner has announced. “This grant is another sign of the serious attention our project is receiving,” Mayor Turner said. “Houston has always been at the forefront of aerospace-related advances. We are continuing to lead the way with the Houston Spaceport.” The Federal Aviation Administration granted a launch site license to the Houston Airport System in July 2015 to enable Ellington Airport to establish itself as a launch site for Reusable Launch Vehicles, making Houston Spaceport the 10th commercial spaceport in the United States. Currently in Phase 1 of development, the Houston Spaceport recently acquired a 53k square-foot facility. Its first tenant is Houstonbased Intuitive Machines, which is currently developing drone technology. Future plans include attracting additional aerospace and aviation companies to begin operations from the facility to advance Houston’s position as a leader in the aerospace industry. “The momentum behind Houston Spaceport continues to build,” says,

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Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz. “There is limitless potential for aerospace activity at Ellington Airport and that fact is now being recognized on a broad scale, both by our partners within the U.S. Government and representatives from the private sector.” The City of Houston sought funding from the EDA, which provides grants for projects that will spur economic development and create jobs for residents. Last year, Diaz hosted a roundtable at Ellington Airport with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams, Congressman Pete Olson, Councilmember Dave Martin and representatives of the business community. This roundtable highlighted the potential for the Spaceport to spur innovation and create new jobs with local universities partnering to provide job training and engage in research and technology transfer. The Houston Airport System has partnered with several state and local universities to engage in research, and job training in the aerospace sector to provide a skilled local workforce for employment opportunities created by this investment. For more information on Houston Spaceport, visit www. fly2houstonspaceport.com or contact Houston Spaceport General Manager Arturo Machuca at Arturo.machuca@ houstontx.gov

New air traffic control tower OK’d for Ellington Airport

llington Airport plans to build a new $12.4 million air traffic control tower to replace its existing tower, starting later this month. Approval for the project came on a unanimous Houston City Council vote March 8. When it is completed next year, it will replace the current tower, which was built in 1955 and damaged in Hurricane Ike in 2008. Afterwards, the 60-year-old tower will be torn down.

“This is an important step forward for Ellington Airport.” At 143-feet, the new structure will be nearly twice as tall as the current tower, and, besides new weather observation and communications equipment, it will have a mission control area for spaceflights at the future spaceport and also include a utility building, utility yard and parking area, and the purchase and installation of navigational and communication equipment necessary. “Construction of this tower shows the commitment the Houston Airport System has to Ellington and

its future,” said Ellington Airport General Manager Arturo Machuca, “and furthers our support for our military partners at Ellington.” Some $9.3 million will come from Houston Airport System revenue with $3.1 million from a state grant. “This is an important step forward for Ellington Airport, and a critical project to ensure the vital aviation operations based there can be carried out safely and efficiently,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz. The new tower is vital to the continuation of all Ellington Joint Reserve Base military and aviation missions, and all other general aviation activities, Machuca said. The Ellington JRB is utilized by the Texas Air National Guard, Texas Army National Guard and the Coast Guard as aviation operational centers and hubs of distribution supporting federal and state civil authorities. The new structure will be built adjacent to the current tower, which will remain in use until the new structure is completed. Work on the project is expected to begin in four to six weeks, and the new tower is expected to be operational by the end of next year. APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 33

Photos by Patty Kane

Hospital officials prepare to cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new Clear Lake Regional Level II Trauma Center as Clear Lake Area Chamber and League City Regional Chamber presidents and their members join the celebration.

Hospital celebrates opening of new Level II Trauma Center Memorial Hermann, Ben Taub and Texas Children’s in Houston and UTMB in Galveston. Joining Clear lear Lake Regional Lake Regional at Level II is Conroe Medical Center in Webster Regional Medical Center. celebrated the opening of its Both Level I and Level II Trauma Level II Trauma Center with Centers are similar. The main both a ribbon cutting and the landing difference, the hospital explained, of a PHI Air Medical helicopter, are research and physician residency which will play a key role in saving programs. “Clear Lake Regional… the lives of trauma patients. offers the same high level of trauma With Clear Lake Area Chamber care as a Level I facility in the President Cindy DeWease and majority of areas, excluding burned, pediatric (under the age of 18) and pregnant trauma patients,” the hospital noted. With the new center halfway between Houston and Galveston, hospital CEO Todd Caliva felt many lives will probably be saved in the years to come as trauma patients can be treated much quicker, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center CEO Todd Caliva, left, joins whereas before Trauma Center Medical Director Dr. Hoang Pham and Trauma Director Melanie Martin for the opening of the hospital’s new they were having Level II Trauma Center. to be transported about 30 miles for help. “Time is often vital to saving League City Regional Chamber lives,” he pointed out. President Steve Paterson and dozens Clear Lake Regional’s trauma of hospital employees and chamber program is staffed 24 hours a day members looking on, Trauma by in-house trauma surgeons and Center Medical Director Dr. Hoang specially trained trauma nurses. Pham and Trauma Director Melanie Physician specialists are also Martin cut the ribbon, as Clear Lake available around the clock to treat the Regional CEO Todd Caliva gave the same type of traumatic injuries that signal. could be treated at a Level I Trauma Opening of the center came a Center. little over two months after the And, when needed PHI Air hospital received notice it had been Medical, a leading air ambulance designated a Level II Trauma Center. provider across the country will be Currently there are 32 trauma available to bring in patients and centers in Texas with six in the save precious minutes. Houston area. Of the six, only four are Level I Trauma Centers– By Mary Alys Cherry

34 Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2017

Hospital plans changes for Nassau Bay Shopping Center

ouston Methodist St. John Hospital is set to embark on the next stage in the redevelopment of Nassau Bay Shopping Village at 18000 Upper Bay Road, adjacent to the hospital. The hospital, which purchased the 8-acre property in late 2015, has already invested in mold remediation and installation of air conditioning in the second-floor office/storage space portion of the center. In April, the hospital will repave the parking lot, add improved parking lot lighting and begin demolition of the unused portion of the center to make way for new parking capacity for hospital staff. “We understand the importance that this center has to the community and to the local tax base, and we are committed to being a good landlord and good neighbor,” said hospital CEO Dan Newman. “The portion of the center to be taken down had been unoccupied for some time, and it had become an eyesore that detracted

from the existing businesses. Improving the parking lot and removing the unused space will benefit our tenants and alleviate the city’s concerns about the safety of the long-vacant property. And it will give the hospital much-needed parking for staff members.”

Newman stressed that the existing tenants – which include a Dollar General store, Mediterranean Market and Café, Yoga Institute of Clear Lake and a number of other small businesses – will not be relocated. The hospital plans to eventually use the site for expansion, but Newman stressed that could take up to a decade, and possibly even include some associated retail space.

APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 35

Schools open doors to variety of careers for today’s students By Mary Alys Cherry

ittle do today’s high school students realize just how lucky they are as they begin planning their future. Whereas their parents and grandparents had to work a number of jobs before they stumbled on to their dream – and many never did -today’s students can begin sampling various fields while just a high school freshman. Clear Creek ISD, for example, offers students 14 different pathways, with each combining academic courses with career-related classes – helping students understand the relationship between education and careers so they can make informed decisions on what courses they need to learn its various aspects, what type of work they can expect and what education is necessary. Its Career and Technical Education program reinforces state and national academic standards by providing students training in career areas of interest to them. They can take a look at being a

On the road to a career in Pharmacy.

CCISD candidates to appear at chamber forum Voters will have a chance to meet the candidates running for the District 3 seat on the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees April 5. Ken Baliker is running for re-election and Arturo Sanchez is running for the District 3 seat as well. Chris Reed is unopposed for the District 2 position currently occupied by board member Win Weber, who chose not to run for re-election. On Wednesday, April 5 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., the Education Division

chef, an electrician, a dentist or dental assistant, automobile technician, actor, graphic designer, interior decorator, computer programmer, nurse, an air conditioning technician, cosmotologist or architect and more, and then follow their dream at one of the nearby colleges such as San Jacinto College, College of the Mainland, Alvin Community College or at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Some of the other subjects are veterinary medical applications, communications, livestock production, food technology, wildlife fisheries and ecology management, audio/video production, animation, construction technology, civil engineering and video game design. In fact, Clear Creek ISD is building a career technology wing at Clear Creek High School which will provide students with an opportunity to explore careers such as the dentistry profession and prepare them to become registered dental assistants. It’s almost mind boggling how many career paths are available for today’s students, who can even graduate from high school and earn a college associate degree at the same time through the Early College High School at both CCISD and Pasadena ISD. Think about that. Students can earn a high school diploma and complete two years of college while in high school, saving two years of college costs for their parents – thousands of dollars. However, many students do not want a four-year degree. They may want to be an auto mechanic, a truck driver or hair dresser and hope to find one with a minimum of training.

and Government Affairs Division of the Clear Lake Area Chamber will host a Candidates› Forum at the Chamber, 1201 NASA Parkway, near the intersection of El Camino Real. The moderator for the evening will be UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Bill Staples. The CCISD election is May 6. Early Voting is being held April 24 – May 2, and voters can cast their ballots early at any of the locations listed below between the hours of 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., except Sundays. CCISD Education Support Center 2425 E. Main St. League City, 77573

36 Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2017

Years ago if a young man wanted to be an electrician, a mechanic or air conditioning technician, he had to find someone who would take him in and see him through several years of training before he could be certified. Today he can learn most of the essentials in a community college classroom before becoming a trainee. In addition to the multitude of programs leading to degrees colleges have offered for generations such as education, engineering, history, math, journalism, business, physics, accounting and languages, local community colleges offer a variety of additional associate degree programs that can put the student on a path to success. Some can be completed in less time than degree programs. And, employers are pleased as they want employees with the right education and certifications as these employees will most likely have the proper training and safety knowledge, are open to change and have up-to-date credentials. San Jacinto College, for example, offers certificate programs in paralegal, welding, maritime

technology, auto repair, interior design, process technology, culinary arts, environmental safety technology, cosmetology, medical billing, multimedia computer animation, eye care technology, criminal justice, diesel technology and many more. Some are longer than others. A student in a course on trucking, for example, spends two hours of his daily classroom study learning federal laws, securing loads, etc., and the rest of the day driving different vehicles in varying road conditions. That can be completed in six weeks with entry-level drivers earning $35,000 to $45,000 the first year. College of the Mainland also helps prepare students with courses in photography, air conditioning technology, nursing, mechanical maintenance technology, art, welding, electrician helper, process technology, construction, project management and design, to name a few of the hands-on ways the school is helping bring the students and the job market together. Alvin Community College also offers a wide variety of courses, along with a number for the student who is not interested in a four-year degree, including culinary arts management, helicopter pilot training, nursing assistant, pipefitting, machinist, computer training, radio/TV, crime scene technician, real estate (online), pharmacy technology, court reporting, veterinary assistant, emergency medical technology, electronic diagnostics and criminal justice. San Jac Vice Chancellor Allatia Harris said area businesses are proponents of short-term workforce programs as they need employees immediately and those who can contribute on their first day on the job. “The construction sector and the health care industry need workers right now,” she added.

CLHS 9th Grade Center 2903 Falcon Pass Houston, 77062

Clear Brook High School 4607 FM 2351 Friendswood, 77546

Victory Lakes Intermediate 2880 W. Walker League City, 77573

Clear Springs High School 501 Palomino Lane League City, 77573

Brookside Intermediate 3535 E. FM 528 Friendswood, 77546

Clear Falls High School 4380 Village Way League City, 77573

Clear Lake Intermediate 15545 El Camino Real Houston, 77062

League City Intermediate 2588 Webster St. League City, 77573

Learning about Broadcasting.

Westbrook Intermediate 302 W. El Dorado Blvd. Friendswood, 77546

League City Regional Chamber President Steve Paterson, right, prepares to introduce Mayor Pat Hallisey to the crowd at the State of the City Luncheon.

Mayor updates League City Chamber

Bay Area Regional Medical Center was well represented at the League City Chamber luncheon by, from left, Santiago Mendoza Jr., Abbey Lee, Dr. Michael Lyons and Kimberly Hanley.

Past League City Chamber Chairman Bonnie Lem, left, stops to chat with Chamber Directors Jill Kaiser, center, and Rebecca Lilley as the State of the City Luncheon gets under way.

By Mary Alys Cherry

eague City is growing like wildfire, and city officials are working just as hard to tackle any issues that might accompany that growth, while maintaining a high quality of life and preserving its small town charm, Mayor Pat Hallisey says. His words came in a update for the League City Regional Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Marina Plaza Ballroom before a crowd that included Councilmen Larry Millican, Todd Kinsey, Greg Gripon, Keith Gross and Nick Long. New City Manager John Baumgartner, who the mayor called “óne of the city’s hardest working guys” also joined him in the update, explaining that he was trying to build a strong financial foundation for the city. “The fabric of any community is its people,” Hallisey said, “…and I am always amazed by the spirit of our great city. While we may have our challenges from time to time, our resiliency and ability to come together as a community is stronger than ever,” he said before showing a video of some of the city’s accomplishments. Evidence of the city’s growth:  181 new businesses such as Kroger, HEB, Memorial Herman, MD Anderson, Cabela’s, Jason’s Deli, etc.  10,942 building permits  About 1,000 new homes each year The city’s biggest challenges in the coming years, he told the crowd, “is mobility and securing water resources to meet the needs of our growing community.”

City Manager John Baumgartner, center, says hello to League City Councilman Keith Gross, right, and Jeff Peters as the State of the City Luncheon comes to an end.

Hilary Hart, left, and Mackenzie Walker join the crowd at the League City Chamber’s State of the City Luncheon.

38 Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2017

City officials at the League City Regional Chamber State of the City Luncheon included, from left, Police Chief Michael Kramm, Councilman Greg Gripon, Fire Marshal Tommy Cones, Fire Chief Gary Warren and Parks Director Chien Wei.

CPA Tom Richards, dressed as a leprechaun, welcomes Janice Hallisey, the mayor’s wife, to the League City Regional Chamber luncheon.

Memorial Hermann Southeast was represented at the League City Regional Chamber luncheon by President Kyle Price, center, and hospital officials Blu Baillio and Ashlea Quinonez.

APRIL 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine 39

YOUR 2016 Best of the Bay Award Winners You voted and we listened! Congratulations to all of this year’s Best of the Bay winners. Best Mortgage JSC Federal Credit Union

Best Spa Dreamcatcher Spa

Best Auto Repair Space Center Automotive

Best Realtor Kimberly Harding

Best Credit Union JSC Federal Credit Union

Best Women’s Apparel Back Bay Boutique

Best Café Classic Café

Best Dentist Dr. Farid Noie

Best Bank Allegiance Bank

Best Entertainment Spot Kemah Boardwalk

Best Hair Salon Salon Vivid

Best Ladies Boutique Clothes Horse

Best Stylist Meghan Scott

Best Yacht Club Lakewood Yacht Club

Best Bartender Caleen Worthen (Merlion)

Best Physician Dr. Nadir Ali

Best Pub/Bar Boondoggles

Best Surgeon Shaun Holt

Local Entertainer - TIE • Mickey Hobbs • Claudio

Best Marina South Shore Harbour Marina

Best Brunch Lakewood Yacht Club Best Seafood Tookies Seafood Best Steak Killen’s Steakhouse Best Sushi Michiru Sushi Best Pizza Mod Pizza Best Italian Frenchie’s Italian Restaurant Best Mexican Mamacita’s Best Cajun Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar Best Asian Merlion Best BBQ Dickinson BBQ & Steakhouse Most Romantic Opus Bistro Best Family Restaurant T-Bone Tom’s Best Burger Hubcap Grill Best Margarita Mr. Sombrero Best Contractor Maverick Remodeling Best Health Club/Gym South Shore Fitness Center

40 Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2017

Best City to Live League City Best Massage Therapist Lisa Pulieri – Oasis Best Web Design Big Splash Web Design Best Vision Center South Shore Eye Center Best Gift Shop Glass Mermaids Best Home Builder Bayway Homes Best Wine Bar Chelsea Wine Bar Best Restaurant Entertainment Signatures Restaurant & Pub Best Furniture Store Rustic Design Company Best Breakfast Skipper’s Greek Cafe Best Car Dealer – Domestic Ron Carter Cadillac Best Car Dealer – Foreign Ron Carter Hyundai Best Oysters Gilhooley’s Best Private School Bay Area Christian School Best Resale shop Assistance League Best Hospital Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

[ LET US ENTERTAIN YOU! ]

Clear Lake Plant sale April 5. Gardeners By the Bay will hold their annual plant sale Wednesday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon in Building 3 behind Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 16635 El Camino Real. For information, call 281-474-5051 or visit http://gbtb.org 25th Anniversary April 6. Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association members will celebrate their 25th anniversary at a luncheon Thursday, April 6, at the country club, starting with a champagne reception at 10:30 a.m. and High Tea Luncheon honoring BOWA’s past presidents. Mercury here April 7. Mercury-The Orchestra Redefined will present “Death and the Maiden” by Franz Schubert, played on instruments from the Baroque period at 8 p.m. Friday, April 7 in the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre. Tickets are $10 or $6 for UHCL students. For tickets and for more Cultural Arts events, visit www. uhcl.edu/culturalarts or call 281-2832065. CIS fun events April 10. Communities in Schools-Bay Area will host two major fundraisers at Bay Oaks Country Club Monday, April 10 -- its 8th Annual Keep Kids In School Golf Tournament, alongside its 6th Annual Raise Your Glass to CIS Wine Tasting. Golf registration is at 9 a.m. with shotgun start at 11 a.m., followed at 3 p.m. with the Raise Your Glass Wine Tasting. For information, contact Hillary Gramm at 281-486-6698 or at hillaryg@cisba. org Springoree April 13. Space Center Rotary will host its annual Springoree Thursday, April 13, at the Palms Event Center, 15301 Gulf Freeway, with a Havana Nights theme, starting with a cocktail party at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and auction at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 for an evening of music, excitement and fun. The public is invited. For tickets, contact Nancy Anderson at nlanderson61@ gmail.com or call her at 832-434-2894. Welcome Neighbors April 20. Bay Area Welcome Neighbors

Club ( www.bawnc.org ), a will meet Thursday, April 20 at Bay Oaks Country Club for a program and luncheon. For more information or to make reservations, contact Nancy Guthrie – membership@gmail.com or call 281.333.3055. Space Gala April 28. The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation Gala honoring NASA Associate Administrator Dr. John Grunsfeld, a former astronaut, will be held Friday, April 28, at 6 p.m. in the Downtown Hyatt Regency Hotel. For tickets, visit www.rnasa.org

Dickinson Comedy on tap. The comedy I Hate Hamlet is now playing in Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s Topside Theatre and continues weekends through Sunday, April 9, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. It will be followed by George Washington Slept Here April 28-May 21.For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-337-7469 or email bareahp@comcast.net

El Lago Garden club meets April 13. The Dig ‘n Design Garden Club will meet Thursday, April 13, at the El Lago Community Center, 411 Talloweed Drive. For information, call Bernie Eisenbarth at 281-326-2666.

Galveston Laughs ahead April 8. Greater Tuna is an irreverently hilarious comedy about Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. It plays at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 8 and 9 and at 3 p.m. April 9 at the 1894 Grand Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. Then, get ready for an evening of singing, dancing in the aisles and groovin’ to the greatest tunes of the ‘60s, as performed by The Midtown Men at the Grand Saturday, April 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at The Grand’s Box Office, 2020 Postoffice St., by calling 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or online at www. thegrand.com

44 Bay Area Houston Magazine | APRIL 2017

Job Fair April 19. Workforce Solutions will host the 12th annual Oceans of Opportunities Job Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd. Employer participation free. Registration required. Visit www.wrksolutions.com or call 1-888469-5627. Pet-A-Palooza April 29. Pets will be in the spotlight at Pet-A-Palooza -- fun family and canine event in the courtyard of First Lutheran Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29, featuring a variety of canine contests such as Best Pet Hairstyle, Best Costume, and other fun pet and pet owner events. The church is on Winnie Street between 24th and 25th Streets - in historic downtown Galveston. Music by the popular Pee Wee Bowen Band.

League City CCEF style show April 2. The Clear Creek Education Foundation Fashion Show, with high school juniors modeling fashions from Dillard’s Baybrook and Lenny Matuszewski as the producer, will be held Sunday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mercedes Benz Dealership. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online @ clearcreekeducationfoundation.org Hazardous waste event April 8. A household hazardous waste collection event for Galveston County residents is scheduled April 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Gulf Greyhound Park, located at 1000 FM 2004 in La Marque. League City, Dickinson and Keep Dickinson Beautiful are hosting the event. Items accepted include fertilizers, pesticides, batteries, pool chemicals, paint related materials, thermometers, automotive products, tires (six max.), white goods (free of Freon), electronics, fluorescent bulbs and paper for shredding. Unaccepted items: business/commercial waste, medical waste (pharmaceuticals, needles, radioactive waste, PCBs, dioxins, ammunition, explosives, compressed gas cylinders (small propane accepted), smoke detectors, and household trash. Additional information is available at www. leaguecity.com/hhw

Celebration April 29. The annual Lighthouse Christian Ministries Celebration will be held Saturday, April 29 in Hometown Heroes Park, 1001 E. League City Parkway. For invitation, visit www.lighthousecm. org/celebration Music Festival May 5-6. The popular League City Music Festival and BBQ will be held Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, in Walter Hall Park with the BBQ Cookoff Friday at 4 p.m , the Vintage Village Fair Parade at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and lots of great music. Tickets on sale now at the website, http://lcmusicfest.com/

Nassau Bay Winners perform March 24. The Clear Lake Symphony will feature the six winners of the Annual Youth Concerto Competition presenting an evening of music Friday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Auditorium at 18220 Upper Bay Road. Advance tickets, which are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors 55 and up and $8 for students, may be purchased (cash or checks only) at Clear Lake at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd, Suite 300. For more information, call Eye Trends at 281488-0066 or visit the website, www. clearlakesymphony.org Comedy on tap April 7. The Clear Creek Community Theatre will present the hilarious romp, The Fox on the Fairway, Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 23 with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281-335-5228.

Webster Free tax help. Experienced AAPR tax-aide volunteers are at the Webster Recreation Center, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., to offer free tax aid, answer questions and help residents file their 2016 income taxes electronically now through Monday, April 17. Hours of Operation are Mondays, 9-5; Tuesdays, 10-2; Wednesdays, noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 – 1.