Bay Area Houston Magazine February 2017 by Bay Group Media

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February 2017 BayAreaHoustonMag.com

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FEBRUARY 2017

features

Bay Area Remembers Debbie Reynolds

Dental Health

God Speed, Gene Cernan

Revealing Love Challenge

The star who stole their hearts

Teeth in a day

Legendary Astronaut takes his place on Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s porch

The Book of Revelation can transform your relationships

16 Education CCISD panel calls for new schools | Local schools graded

ON THE COVER Houston Methodist St. John Hospital Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Services & Childbirth Center offers a boutique-style birthing experience unparalleled in the Bay Area.

President & Chairman Rick Clapp

The Silent Killer

Welcoming Baby

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Clear Creek Education Foundation

How a mom survived 20 years of undiagnosed heart disease

Special deliveries at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Executive Vice President Patty Kane Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Debbie Salisbury

Photography Mary Alys Cherry Brian Stewart

Bay Area Houston Magazine is produced monthly. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission. Advertising rates are available upon request. Please address all correspondence to: Bay Area Houston Magazine P.O. Box 1032 Seabrook, TX 77586

281.474.5875

Business Buzz

Seabrook Rotary

Bay Area business briefs

Rotarians left with happy memories

columns

Administration Lillian Harmon Tammy Lipsey

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

CCEF Breakfast at Lakewood Yacht Club

30 Healthcare Houston Methodist Sports Medicine opens second office

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

Distribution Shinkle Distribution

Dr. Greg Smith elected BAHEP Board chairman

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Clear Lake Chatter

Lakewood Yacht Club News and Events

Main Events

Rodeo Style Show better than ever

Keels & Wheels sets deadline entry

Bay Area calendar of events

This football game should be available to everyone

s many millions across the country sat back on Jan. 9 to watch the National Football Championship between Alabama and Clemson on ESPN, something was missing. No, we’re not talking about missed plays. We were saddened to see not a single network station carried the biggest college football game of the year. It only appeared on ESPN. So – what’s wrong with that? What’s wrong is that only people who had cable would get to see the game, just like last year’s

Bay Area folks remember star who stole their hearts By Mary Alys Cherry

t’s been 30 years since Debbie Reynolds stole our hearts on a visit here, so it was no surprise that most who met her back then joined the rest of the country in mourning the loss of one of Hollywood’s biggest and most vivacious stars. She came here in 1986 to head the entertainment at the Fourth Annual Jack Swigert Memorial Ball benefitting the American Cancer Society and chaired by Mary Williams at the Hobby Hilton. And when she left, more than one would have admitted she took our hearts with her. Mary, who worked with the star

championship. And, only people who could afford to pay to have cable in their homes got to see the game. So, what’s $60, $80, $90? For some, it’s a drop in the bucket, but for many it’s the difference in eating or going hungry. And, many of the poor in our country would love to see the NCAA championship games. Yes, a number of college games are on network TV, even if they are not the teams one might want to see. But when it comes to a couple of the biggest games of the year – the NCAA football and basketball

championships -- the poor are shut out. Surely there is enough advertising for both ESPN and a local network station to carry the games. No need to be greedy. Perhaps if teens from poor families weren’t shut out everywhere they turn, they would spend their free time at home with their families watching the games rather than out on the town, often getting into mischief. One has to wonder: Do these teens become bitter at being shortchanged in life and turn to crime as payback to society?

(Left) Movie star Debbie Reynolds at about 18. (Top) Swigert Ball Chairman Mary Williams and her husband, Dr. Terry Williams, welcome Astronaut Gordon Fullerton and his wife, Marie. (Right) Debbie Reynolds marvels at photo she autographed for Mary Alys Cherry years beforehand.

on arrangements for the gala, was quite taken with her persona. “I will say of all the entertainers we contracted for that event through the years, she was one of the sweetest and least demanding. The persona you see in interviews and her movies was how she was.” The night before the gala he founded, Dr. Jim Hebert and his wife, Dr. Christy Hebert, hosted a big dinner party for the ball patrons at Lakewood Yacht Club, where we first met Debbie Reynolds. I had long been an admirer and as a young girl many years before had written

to her asking for an autographed photo. Luckily, I still had it, carried it with me and showed it to her as I was taking pictures on her arrival at Lakewood. “Oh, my gosh!” she exclaimed. “This is unbelievable. Do you realize

The Super Bowl is for everyone. The NCAA college championships should be, too.

I was only about 18 when this was taken?” she asked, no doubt realizing she was then in her mid-50s (while looking like 30). From there I followed her around during the reception, taking photos of her with the Heberts, Congressman Mike Andrews, Ralph and Sue Hall and the late Sissy and Dr. Jim Twining, amazed at her charming personality. The ball, which honored the memory of astronaut Jack Swigert, who lost his life to cancer in 1982, was the Bay Area’s biggest social event of the year and had a guest list that read like a Who’s Who in the area. Mary and her, husband, Dr. Terry Williams, welcomed Congressmen Mike Andrews and Don Fuqua and their wives; Houston Chamber President Gerald Griffin and his wife, Sandy; Johnson Space Center biggies George Abbey, Robert Goetz, Gene Krantz and Carolyn Huntoon and their spouses; and practically all the doctors in town and their wives. Astronauts in the black-tie crowd included Drs. Bill and Anna Fisher, Marie and Col. Gordon Fullerton, Dianne and Col. Karol Bobko, Dana and Cmdr. Sonny Carter, Dr. and Mrs. Karl Henize, Kathy and Col. Richard Covey, Dr. and Mrs. Joe Kerwin, Donna and Col. Mike Mullane, Dr. and Mrs. Bill Gibson and Capt. (Ret.) Eugene Cernan, who came with Sharon Diamant. Plus, Omega Watch Chairman and former astronaut, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas Stafford and dozens of local CEOs and their spouses who walked in to find themselves in the fantasy world of King Arthur’s Camelot and a movie star they would always remember.

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

DENTAL HEALTH

“It has become a premium option for people who are in danger of losing all their teeth and considering dentures.”

‘Teeth in a Day’

ental Implants continue to make headway and change lives as they evolve to completely replace natural teeth. They have come a long way from their humble beginnings when only a select few pioneering oral surgeons made history by surgically inserting and fixating titanium rods to human jawbone and used them as foundation for artificial teeth that act and feel like natural teeth. The process that was accidentally discovered by Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark in the 1950s ultimately led to development of the technique known as ALL-On-4. In 1998 Dr. Paulo Malo successfully treated the first patient with a technique

he later called the All-on-4® concept. While the technique had some definite advantages for people who suffered from weak teeth all their lives, it also pushed the boundaries of biological integration to new territories. It contradicted one of the most fundamental “bone to titanium” integration that requires complete immobility during the initial healing phase. It also drew criticism from many traditional surgeons (such as myself) for its aggressive bone reduction requirements. Many professionals and consumer watchdogs warned that the most expensive piece of ALLON-4 treatment is an individually customized one piece prosthetic

that fixates to four equally distributed dental implants that are positioned on an angle to avoid vital landmarks such as maxillary sinus and jaw nerves. Other professionals believed tilted position of dental implants causes uneven force distribution on the jawbone. Bio-physics tells us uneven load distribution can cause bone loss on areas receiving the largest portion of the force over time, therefore undermining stability and health of tilted dental implants prematurely. Many dental surgeons (including myself) questioned longevity of this invasive and pricy treatment. Scientific literature predicted tilted positioned dental implants will eventually fail. Failure of even one single implant out of four, will lead to failure of the entire unit and requires repair or replacement of the failed dental implant as well as the customized prosthesis bridge that is the most expensive piece of the treatment. Accessibility for oral hygiene was also questioned since the dental implants in this technique are a barrier under the prosthesis and hard to clean. The annual maintenance trips to dentist can also be significantly more (300 to 400 percent) than the traditional teeth cleaning. As above concerns kept many experienced dental surgeons at bay, other surgeons endorsed the technique for its simplicity and relatively easier than traditional techniques that often

required surgical site preparation and guided bone and tissue regeneration. It was easier, faster and most importantly, people loved it. Slowly but surely ALL-ON-4 gained clinical history. Now, 18 years later, this relatively simple surgical technique has continued to turn unbelievers such as myself into believers. It has defied conventional science and has certainly pushed the envelope of what is possible in medicine. Most ALL-ON-4 or Teeth in a Day placed nearly two decades ago are still functioning. Along the way, this ALL-ON-4 technique improved as it evolved. It is now common to place 6 dental implants, as opposed to 4, to better distribute the jaw forces and to avoid replacing the premium bridge in case a single implant fails. The design of the prosthesis has also been improved to avoid food and plaque accumulation under the Bridge. Today, ALL-ON-4 or “Teeth in a day” technique is improved and time tested. It is not perfect and certainly not for everyone. But, it has become a premium option for people who are in danger of losing all their teeth and considering dentures. To learn more about “Teeth in a day” treatment option, feel free to contact our office at 281-332-4700 for a complimentary CT-Scan and analysis, as well as personal consultation by me to find out if this treatment option is right for you.

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.

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Movers &Shakers Name: Lisa Holbrook

Occupation: Texas PTA president Hometown: Lexington, Ky. Current home: Houston Family: Daughter Caitlin, age 27 and son, Travis, age 23 My favorite writer is: Several who write great police procedurals Someone I’d like to meet: Harry S. Truman

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Susan Lucci, who played Erica Kane on All My Children. My favorite performers are: Too many to name just one or two I like to spend my leisure time: Leisure time? What’s that? I do love a good book or a movie/television show that demonstrates the complexities of life in a compelling way If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Greece My favorite meal is: Anything Italian

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A teacher You’ll never catch me: Camping in a tent except when it was for University of Kentucky basketball tickets when I was a student The thing that bugs me the most is: People who are “know-it-alls” My favorite movie is: Tie – It’s a Wonderful Life and Gone with the Wind Few people know: I have a software patent with the U.S. Attorney General’s office

God Speed, Gene Cernan

egendary astronaut Eugene Cernan died Jan. 16, going to take his place “on God’s front porch,” as he so eloquently described his visit to the moon, and wait for someone else to take his place as “the last man on the moon.” Here are a few of the many tributes made to him: President George H.W. Bush – “By his courage, Gene Cernan secured a place in American history that, like the footprints he left on the moon, will never fade. He was a true hero who inspired us and made his fellow Americans proud. But more than that, Gene was a true friend, and Barbara and I join in extending our sincere condolences to Jan and Gene’s beautiful family.” Congressman Pete Olson – “America is only as great as the people who embody the ideals we aspire to. Gene Cernan embodied honor, bravery and the pioneering spirit that have contributed

to the very best of American exceptionalism. I was privileged and humbled to know him and call him a friend. Our nation has lost a true American hero. Godspeed Gene Cernan.” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden – “America has lost a patriot and pioneer who helped shape our country’s bold ambitions to do things that humankind had never before achieved. Gene’s footprints remain on the moon, and his achievements are imprinted in our hearts and memories. As he said, ‘The sky is no longer the limit. The word impossible no longer belongs in our vocabulary. We have proved that we can do whatever we have the resolve to do..’” Space Center Houston President and CEO William T. Harris -“Gene Cernan not only left his footprints on the moon, but in our hearts. He will forever be remembered as an inspiration to us all and a strong advocate for Space Center Houston’s educational mission. He helped launch the pathway for future explorers to discover unlimited opportunities.” RNASA President Rodolfo Gonzalez -- “He was an incredible advocate for space exploration and his enthusiasm and energy was truly inspiring. RNASA was honored to recognize him as the 2008 National Space Trophy winner. He will be incredibly missed, and we are grateful for his legacy.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

rancesca is a 1½ year-old beautiful medium haired calico. This girl is very friendly and enjoys attention from all she meets. Her coat is luxurious and ever so soft. When you pet her she shows her gratitude with lots of purrs. She is new to the shelter and hoping to find her forever home very soon. Come see this beauty and you’ll want to make her part of your life. Check out all of the deserving dogs and cats available for adoption at www.bayareapetadoptions.org or visit the facility at 3000 Avenue R, San Leon. The shelter is open every day except Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some adoptable cats can be seen daily at PetSmart (1921 Gulf Fwy. South in Dickinson). Dogs are shown at PetSmart on Saturdays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays noon - 4 p.m. Bay Area Pet Adoptions (Phone: 281-339-2086) is this area’s only non-profit, No-Kill shelter, pet rescue, and adoption organization.

Ron Carter Cadillac Hyundai to once again provide scholarships for high school seniors

t’s time once again for Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai to step

up and acknowledge future leaders from the Greater Clear Lake Area High School community. As in the past, Ron Carter Clear Lake is proud to honor and support these seniors by awarding five college scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each. Outstanding students will be selected beginning in March and ending in May. Applications will be accepted Feb. 1, 2017 through April 30, 2017. The scholarship is open to high school seniors in Clear Lake and surrounding areas of Clear Creek ISD, Alvin ISD, Deer Park ISD, Pasadena ISD, Dickinson ISD, LaPorte ISD, Pearland ISD and Friendswood ISD. Students from parochial and home schools within the boundaries of these districts are also eligible. Recipients will be chosen based on academic achievement, character, leadership and community service. Scholarship applications and detailed instructions can be found by clicking on the “Community Involvement” tab and following the links at www.roncarterclearlake.com. Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai, located on Interstate 45 south in Friendswood, is the number one volume Hyundai Dealer in the Houston area.

Revealing Love Challenge By Pastor Brad Heintz

hat if the Book of Revelation could transform your relationships, would you do it? Yes, I said the Book of Revelation! It isn’t only for great insight into the apocalypse; there is also some practical advice for relationships. Before we get to Revelation’s relationship advice let’s look at the different kinds of love. In the English language, we have only one word for love. We can say, I love my dog and I love my wife. Hopefully, we don’t mean the same thing! In the Bible, there are four Greek words for love. Let’s take a look at the four different kinds of love to grow deeper in our understanding of love in our relationships. Philia = Friendship Love for someone who is your friend. Storge = Family Love for someone who is your related to you. Eros = Romantic Love for someone in a sexual and romantic way. Agape = Self-Sacrificial Love for the benefit of someone in the form of an action. Knowing which type of love we are using can make a world of difference in living out our relationships. Yet, the fourth type of love is the trump card to all the others. Agape, or selfsacrificial love, is the kind of love that can transform our friendships, families and romantic relationships. The greatest example of agape love is in John 3:16, “For God so loved (agape) the world that He gave His one and only son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” God, The Father, so loved the entire world that he self-sacrificially gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as an action that would benefit us. Jesus Christ showed His agape love in action by giving His life on the cross to pay the price for our sins. The benefit is eternal life for all who believe! Agape love transforms our relationship with God and when it is extended into our other loves, it will transform our friendships, marriages and families.

One Sunday, a man asked to talk with me after worship. He told me he wasn’t in love with his wife any more. All they did is argue, and his teenage daughter just sat on the couch, doing nothing. I opened my Bible and shared with him the Book of Revelation relationship advice in Revelation 2:4-5, “You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” Notice, the Revelation relationship advice doesn’t say to wait until you fall back in love again. It says, “Do the things you did at first.” I challenged him to do the things he used to do when he was head over heals in love with his wife and when his daughter was the apple of his eye. I challenged him to do loving actions for two weeks and if nothing changed, then we would address it differently. Two weeks later, he came back, beaming. He said, “It worked! My wife and I are not arguing anymore and yesterday my daughter got up and did the dishes without asking. What do I do now?” In that moment I realized that I was only a one trick pony and had nothing else up my sleeve. I said, “Just keep doing what you are doing!” One year later he died suddenly of a massive heart attack. The joy for me was when his wife and daughter praised him as a loving husband and father at his funeral service! What a difference two weeks made in the last year of his life. How about you? The Revealing Love Challenge: For the next two weeks apply the Book of Revelation relationship advice and pick a significant other to show your love, in self-sacrificial actions, for their benefit. Don’t tell them, just do things that help them and show them you care. Make sure your actions are a sacrifice for you and reflect the love you have or had for them. You will see the feeling of love grow and the relationship will improve. Don’t just take my word for it, try it for the next two weeks. Afterwards, let me know your results! If you take the Revealing Love Challenge, let me know your results! www.facebook.com/ PastorBradHeintz or on twitter @ PureSimpleReal FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

CCISD panel calls for new schools, expansions Preliminary proposal would result in a 4 cent tax increase, if voters approve

hey started with a list of more than $1.2 billion in short and long-term needs for the Clear Creek School District, but after four months, numerous tours and exhaustive document reviews, a special citizens committee has ranked $499 million worth of projects as the highest and immediate priorities to meet the district’s growth, safety, and technology needs for the next three to five years. The CCISD Citizens Facility Advisory Committee made its preliminary recommendations to the Board of Trustees on Monday, Jan. 9, recognizing that this is the first step towards a final number. “Our committee members come from all over the district,” said Trent Martin, committee chairman, during the board presentation. “We feel this is what the school district needs. Now we want to go out and see what the public feels about the items.” Depending on public input, the committee may revise

its recommendation before making a final presentation to the school board in February. Due to school overcrowding, especially in League City, the committee is recommending the construction of Elementary school No. 27 in the western part of League City. The land for the School has already been donated to CCISD by developer Travis Campbell. The school, if approved by voters, will be located along League City Parkway. “Right now, Hall Elementary is over capacity and there is no more room for portables,” Deputy Superintendent Paul McLarty said. “Enrollment projections has Hall Elementary well over 1,000 students by 2020 and the school was built for 700 students.” To relieve overcrowding at other schools and remove portable buildings, the recommendation calls for the expansion of Stewart Elementary, Creekside Intermediate and Clear Lake Intermediate. The committee’s preliminary recommendation not only addresses the need for new schools and expansions, but also ensures aging schools are brought up

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

to today’s learning standards. Under this proposal, League City Elementary, constructed in 1960, and Clear View High School, originally built in 1939 as Webster High School, would be completely rebuilt on land behind both dilapidated schools. Major improvements would be in order for schools that are 50 years and older such as Clear Lake City Elementary, Ross Elementary, Ed White Elementary and Whitcomb Elementary. It is not just aging schools either. The committee overwhelmingly agreed the district must purchase 75 new school buses to replace a fleet of buses that are upwards of 25 years old and with mileage over 250,000 each. Due to the lack of space, CCISD turns away

approximately 200 students who apply to attend the district’s Science Magnet program at Seabrook Intermediate. Under this proposal, Brookside Intermediate in Friendswood would be expanded so the district can launch a second Science Magnet. “Science Exploration and experimentation are key hallmarks of the CCISD experience,” said Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith. “If we can duplicate the successful science magnet program on the other side of the school district, we will be in a better position to serve more kids and keep that interest in science going.” Maintaining and replacing elementary school playgrounds have long been the responsibility of PTAs. Under this bond proposal, the school district will take over the costs associated with replacements of these large structures with an allotment of $2.65 million. Essentially, PTAs will no longer carry the financial burden for playgrounds. The committee’s preliminary recommendation calls for $499 million in improvements, likely sought through a voter-approved bond election in May 2017. The recommendation equates to a 4 cent increase on the tax rate or a $7.44 per month increase of property taxes on

a median-priced home. The current tax rate in CCISD is $1.40 per $100 valuation, significantly lower than in 2005 when it was $1.77 per $100 valuation. Homeowners 65 years and older would not be impacted by a tax rate increase as their property taxes are frozen by law. The committee readily admits this is a preliminary recommendation and revisions will likely be made following public input over the next several weeks through public meetings and a phone survey. Based on that input, the committee may revise its recommendations prior to making a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees in February. “We called on a diverse group of citizens to bring forward a recommendation that will ensure this high performing school district continues to provide physical learning environments that meet the community’s needs while maintaining the district’s fiscally responsible position,” said Dr. Laura DuPont, school board president. “We thank them for the countless hours they volunteered and their willingness to seek public input before a final proposal is presented later in February.” To view the entire recommendation, click here or visit www.ccisd.net.

Encouraging citizen involvement with schools in the community:

Educators not pleased with new rating system

Community Based Report Card At-a-Glance

By Mary Alys Cherry

exas schools got their own report cards from the Texas Education Agency to start the new year, leading to an outcry across the state. Educators are not too pleased with the proposed rating system, which assigns a letter grade, A-F, to each school and district. Many school districts have approved resolutions calling for its repeal, preferring a system the TEA formerly used -- that of ranking districts and campuses as Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable or Unacceptable. And, according to news reports, they do not want STAAR test results to be a major part of the assessment. Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith, who led his district to an Exemplary rating in the past, was among those expressing displeasure with House Bill 2804, passed by the 84th Legislature. He prefers a state assessment “that inspires our students and staff to pursue excellence rather than creating students who become expert multiple choice test takers,” adding that “Ultimately, we are responsible and accountable to our students and their future, not an agency or a legislature.” The new A-F Accountability Rating System gives both districts and individual campuses letter grades for the 2015-16 school year in four categories: student achievement, student progress, closing the gap and postsecondary readiness, explaining that the current ratings are for informational purposes only -- to meet a legislative requirement. “No inferences about district or campus performance in the 2015–16 school year should be drawn from these ratings, and these ratings should not be considered predictors of future district or campus performance ratings,” the TEA said, adding that this was a model only. Besides results from the STAAR test, TEA will take a number of things into consideration when it rates Texas schools – student achievement and progress from year to year, post secondary readiness, the chronic absenteeism rate, annual dropout rate, graduation rate, if a student has completed one or more AP courses, it a student has met a certain benchmark on the SAT or ACT, etc. Of the above four rating categories (achievement, progress, closing the gap and post secondary readiness), most area school districts got mixed reviews: Pasadena CBBD, Clear Creek BBCC, Pearland AABC, Friendswood AABC, Dickinson CCDD, Galveston CBCC, Deer Park BBBF, Santa Fe CDDD, Alvin CBDC, Houston CBBD and Goose Creek CCCF. CCISD’s Clear Horizons Early College High topped all area high schools with AAAA. Other grades were Friendswood High ACBC, Dickinson High CCDD, Pearland High BCDC, Deer Park BCBF, Pasadena High DDCD, Rayburn High DDCF, Dobie High CCCD, Pasadena Memorial CCBF, South Houston High DDCF, Clear View High DCDD, Clear Creek High BCDC, Clear Brook High BCCC, Clear Springs ABBB, Clear Falls ABCC and Clear Lake High ABBC. While these rating do not count, next time they will.

If you had to give Clear Creek ISD a grade, would you give it: A. 50% B. 38% C. 8% D. 2% F. 0% Unsure. 1%

Local residents grade CCISD, not the Texas Education Agency

he Clear Creek Independent School District has published its third annual Community-Based Accountability Report, which is centered on criteria local taxpayers identified as important to them such as the quality of the teaching staff, student to teacher classroom ratios, course offerings and course advancement, results on college entrance exams, rate of student discipline and the conditions of school buildings. “This report highlights our strengths such as boasting one of the highest graduation rates in the State of Texas, SAT and ACT scores that surpass world-wide averages, and important bond program improvements that have made our schools safer for students,” said Superintendent of Schools Greg Smith. “The report also highlights areas where we need to improve upon such as advanced placement course enrollment, classroom overcrowding, school-to-home

communications, and the number of discipline referrals.” The timing of this third-annual report comes on the heels of the state’s socalled “What if” A-F Ratings of schools based on data from 2015-16. The state’s ratings are based majorly, upwards of 55 percent of a school’s total grade, on results of the embattled State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Based on a random sample phone survey by Baselice & Associates in 2014 and 2016, state standardized test results rank last in importance to the CCISD community. “We are not surprised by this since our district has exceeded the state’s academic expectations, and has, for many years,” Dr. Smith said. “Our community expects more from us. This report gives an in depth and honest look at how we perform every day, not just one day in the spring.” The superintendent released a video message to the community to address this topic.

Providing a variety of education opportunities to meet the needs and interests of all students: A. 56% B. 33% C. 7% D. 1% F. 0% Unsure. 3% Effectively communicating with district residents: A. 47% B. 31% C. 13% D. 3% F. 2% Unsure. 4% Preparing students for college and/or career: A. 48% B. 34% C. 6% D. 3% F. 0% Unsure. 9% Helping educate students to become persons of character: A. 51% B. 33% C. 10% D. 2% F. 1% Unsure. 3% Addressing the concerns of parents: A. 37% B. 39% C. 14% D. 5% F. 2% Unsure. 3%

A. 36% B. 41% C. 14% D. 2% F. 0% Unsure. 7% Planning for the future needs of the district: A. 38% B. 35% C. 11% D. 2% F. 0% Unsure. 14% The condition of school buildings: A. 48% B. 39% C. 10% D. 1% F. 0% Unsure. 2% Providing computer technology experience, instruction and opportunities for students: A. 60% B. 28% C. 6% D. 1% F. 0% Unsure. 4% Providing parent education opportunities to help parents work with children on academics: A. 28% B. 36% C. 21% D. 6% F. 1% Unsure. 8% The career and technology education programs offered in the classroom: A. 37% B. 36% C. 7% D. 1% F. 1% Unsure. 1% The fine arts programs: A. 43% B. 37% C. 6% D. 1% F. 0% Unsure. 14% The athletics programs: A. 38% B. 38% C. 8% D. 2% F. 1% Unsure. 13%

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

The Silent Killer Mom of three shares how she survived 20 years of undiagnosed heart disease By Michelle Mason | American Heart Association

or over 20 years, Rhonda De La Moriniere, a Bay Area mother of three, has been battling an internal war. “I began having vertigo in my midtwenties that was just explained away as being related to ear infections from my teens,” said De La Moriniere. “As the years went on, the symptoms became more pronounced.” Those symptoms ranged from shortness of breath, pressure in her chest, numbness in her fingers and toes, fatigue, headaches, heat intolerance and low blood pressure. De La Moriniere continued to see different doctors for years, being diagnosed with an ear infection, a kidney infection, Multiple Sclerosis and the autoimmune disorder, Lupus. Then in 2013, she experienced something that forever changed her life. De La says, “I was an elementary school counselor and was at the school when I experienced weakness and numbing in my left hand. My left side became noticeably weaker and I lost all awareness for a moment and I

felt suddenly confused. ” It was then that a friend told De La Moriniere that it was time to go to the hospital. “She told me to get to the hospital as soon as possible and her brother in law [ a neurologist] would be waiting for me. He ended up being the one to finally diagnose my blood clotting disorder,” said De La Moriniere. “Had I not listened to her, I’m pretty sure I would not be here today.” Not only did De La Moriniere have a blood clotting disorder, she had suffered a stroke and had been suffering from strokes for years. She had a “condition in which the two valve flaps of the mitral valve do not close smoothly or evenly, but instead prolapse or bulge upward into the left atrium.” On top of that, she had a congenital heart defect called Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). PFO is a hole in the heart that is “in the wall between the left and right atria of every human fetus. This hole allows blood to bypass the fetal lungs,” per the American Stroke

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Rhonda De La Moriniere is an advocate for the American Heart Association

Association (ASA). For 75 percent of Americans, the hole closes on its own once the newborn takes its first breaths. But according to the ASA, for the remaining 35 percent the hole does not close, causing the PFO. Through the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, research is currently being funded to properly diagnose and treat congenital heart defects at birth. One early test that’s helped find congenital heart defects is a simple exam called pulse oximetry, which can “measure oxygen levels through a toe or finger monitor.” “I was overjoyed to learn that they

were making sure that every baby is now screened for PFO in the U.S. Until I began to link up with the AHA, I never realized how many younger women, like myself have strokes. I am so happy that there are others out there taking notice and advocating for us,” said De La Moriniere. Over the past five years, the AHA and other groups have lobbied to pass measures in almost every state requiring the exam before babies leave the hospital. The AHA and The Children’s Heart Foundation jointly committed to at least $22.5 million over the next two years to support innovative research projects on CHDs. “How many of us have slipped through the cracks because we are not yet experiencing the benefits that AHA has provided?” said De La Moriniere. “I want to convey to women to take responsibility for their own lives and health. Your heart and brain matter! Do your research. Listen to yourself!” De La Moriniere will be joining the Bay Area Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 24 at the South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center to help educate more women on their risk factors for heart disease and stroke. To find out more or to buy tickets, visit www. bayareagored.heart.org.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

Model Nancy Buffaloe models an elegant gown during the Bay Area Rodeo Style Show.

Assistant Capt. Anita White, right, goes over plans for the Rodeo Style Show with committee member Debbie Gutierrez.

Hundreds gathered at the Gilruth Center for the Bay Area Go Texan Rodeo Style Show including, from right, Courtney Atchley, Jo Nell Hunter, Kay Lee Benoit, Jill Reason, Ondi Lyon, Michelle Richardson, Lisa O’ Brien and Sue Ellen Jennings.

R o de o style sh o w better tha n e v er MASKS MINGLED with cowboy hats as the Bay Area Go Texan Rodeo Committee unveiled this year’s Black and White Masquerade Fashion Show and Ball Friday, Jan. 20. And, what a great time was had by all! Bay Area Capt. Dianna Jones and Assistant Capt. Anita White were at the door welcoming the happy crowd to NASA’s Gilruth Center and inviting them to join the fun. And fun it was seeing friends from all over the Bay Area before emcee Greg Schroder introduced one and all to what is one of the most enjoyable events in the Houston area – the Rodeo Style Show, featuring some 25 models, including Nassau

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Bay City Manager Jason Reynolds, singer and former Kemah Councilor Kelly Williams, Space Center Automotive owner Todd McIntosh, Clear Lake Chamber VP Sherry Sweeney and Webster Fire Chief Patrick Shipp. Others showing off an array of outfits from Casanova’s Downfall, Cavender’s Boot City, Adelaide’s

Great style show! Just ask Mary Ellen Arledge, Marcy Fryday, Anita Fogtman, or Johnette Norman, from left, shown as the Rodeo Style Show came to an end.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Boutique, The Clotheshorse, Dillard’s-Baybrook Mall, Kendra Scott Baybrook and Jill’s Fashions and Bridal Included Anna Babineaux, Karla Boddie, Mel Bosley, Nancy Buffaloe, Jeremiah Corbin, Sarah Elliott, Kellie Gross, Karen Jordan and John Kocher. Plus, Kimberly Konkel, Logan Lester, Stephanie Ludwig, Peggy Morrow, Bobby Osoria, Shelley Rhodes, Debbie Salisbury, Jamie Sausser, Stacy Stockwell, Lee Ann Vogel, Joe Wilson and Marka Woodard with fashion guru Lenny Matuszewski producing the show. Faces in the audience included Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy Harreld DeWease and former

Bay Area Go Texan Capt. Dianna Jones, right, thanks Lifetime Member Irene Pavig for her help with the Rodeo Style Show.

Chairman Jane Sweeney, League City Councilman Keith Gross, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, Norman Frede Chevrolet GM Joan McKinney, CPA Olive Murphy Riker, and a number of rodeo aficionados such as Rocky Mauldin, Irene Pavig, Gene Hollier, Emmeline Dodd and Anita Fogtman. Glancing around, you might also have spotted Jill Reason, Mary Ellen Arledge, Johnette Norman, Marcy Fryday, Patty Kane, Lillie Harman, Courtney Atchley, Kay Lee Benoit, Jo Nell Hunter, Lisa O’Brien, Ondi Lyon, Michelle Richardson and Sue Ellen Jennings, to name a few, all having a great time.

Christina Kirk, Donna Rone and Melis Sausser, from left, take time out from managing the ticket desk at the Go Texan Rodeo Style Show at the Gilruth Center for a photo.

Drew and Sandy Lewis, left, stops to talk with Lauren Kutac and Chris Lewis as they arrive at St. Cecelia Community Center for the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation’s Annual Wine Tasting Event, “HAPA in NAPA.”

Area residents attend fundraiser A NUMBER of Clear Lake faces were in the crowd attending the recent Wine Tasting hosted by the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association to raise funds for scholarships for collegians in the Greater Houston Area. Among those HAPA President Connie Zieba of Taylor Lake Village welcomed were Drew and Sandy Lewis, Polly Kent, Lauren Kutac and Chris Lewis of Clear Lake. Cooky Mays and Susan Banks served as co-chairmen of the Wine Tasting event at St. Cecilia’s Community Center in Houston. The annual event raises funds for fraternity women of the Greater Houston Area in financial need for continuing their education. Last May, 24 women were awarded scholarships totaling $58,000. These women represent 14 sororities and 13 universities located across the United States. In the last 30 years, HAPF has awarded $789,800 in scholarships to 500 women.

Dianne Hammelman, Cathy Coers Frank and Ginger Niemann, from left, share a light moment at the annual HAPA Wine Tasting in Houston.

Mayor updates BayTran GALVESTON MAYOR Jim Yarbrough drew quite a crowd when he updated the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership on his city’s three major economic engines – tourism, the port and education – and what is best for the island’s 52,000 residents at the BayTran luncheon at the Hobby Marriott Hotel. Some of his thoughts include vertical parking at the nation’s fourth busiest cruise terminal and encouraging development along Harborside Drive and replacing and reconfiguring the Pelican Island bridge to allow growth at Texas A&M Galveston. Meanwhile, he said City Manager Bryan Maxwell and his staff are doing a terrific job, and that includes Assistant City Manager Rick Beverlin – a former Kemah city administrator and BayTran board member. Among the crowd BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez welcomed were Mayors Pat Hallisey of League City, Glenn Royal of Seabrook and Louis Rigby of La

League City was well represented at the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership’s Jan. 17 luncheon by Mayor Pat Hallisey, at right, and City Councilmen Greg Gripon and Larry Millican, from left, and Mary Hammer with MHM Consultants.

Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Foundation President Connie Zieba of Taylor Lake Village, from left, goes over plans for the event with Co-Chairman Cooky Mays, guest of honor Lyn Flynt and Co-Chairman Susan Banks as the crowd begins arriving for the fundraiser.

Porte; City Councilors Amanda Fenwick of Clear Lake Shores and Larry Millican and Greg Gripon of League City; Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark and Port Commissioner John Kennedy, UHCL Business Dean Dr. Ted Cummings, United Way Bay Area Executive Director Melinda Garcia, and former BayTran President Barbara Koslov, now with Judge Ed Emmett’s office.

Time for 2017 Go Red for Women Luncheon CH. 2 ANCHOR Syan Rhodes will emcee the 2017 Bay Area Go Red for Women Luncheon Friday, Feb. 24, in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom. Bay Area Regional Medical Center VP Santiago Mendoza Jr. is chairman of the popular event with Tama Brantley, Golnar Doroudian, Theresa Riggs and Darcy Whatley on his leadership team. Sandy Adams is the Heart Throb chairman with Laurie Dahse heading up the Auction Committee, Fay Picard

BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez welcomes Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough, right, and Seabrook Mayor Glenn Royal to luncheon at the Hobby Marriott, which featured Mayor Yarbrough as speaker and an update on BayTran’s legislative agenda.

Polly Kent, left, is happy to see Cathy Coers Frank as the annual Wine Tasting fundraiser gets underway.

as Open Your Heart chairman and Stephanie Rice chairing the Fashion Show. For tickets, visit BayAreaGoRed.Heart.org

Coasting around…. RETIRED ASTRONAUT Michael Fossum has been named vice president and chief operating officer of Texas A&M Galveston. Until his recent retirement, he was assistant chief of the International Space Station in the Astronaut Office…. Cheryl Bordwine of League City, has been nominated for the prestigious Heroes of Military Medicine Award. She serves in the U.S. Army Reserves and is a division medical operations officer, overseeing medical readiness before deployment for about 500 soldiers and is also the College of the Mainland Medical Assisting Program coordinator….1981 Lakewood Yacht Club Commodore Bernard Aaron “Bunny” Pearl of Seabrook, passed away Jan. 16. A Celebration of Life was held in Lakewood’s Ballroom Jan. 22 when friends shared amusing and cheerful memories of Bunny.

Karen Coglianese, left, and Melinda Garcia, BayTran board members, helped welcome the crowd.

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP]

Dr. Greg Smith elected BAHEP Board chairman Dr. Jayant Ramakrishnan

Board officers reflect diversity, expertise of BAHEP organization

r. Greg Smith, Clear Creek ISD superintendent and a former Texas Superintendent of the Year, has been elected to head the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Board for the coming year, following in the footsteps of Boeing Space Exploration Vice President and General Manager John Elbon. Dr. Smith became the Clear Creek Independent School District superintendent of schools in January 2008. He was named the Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards in 2012, the top administrator by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Superintendent of the Year for the Texas PTA, and named the Galveston County Daily News Community Champion in 2013. He has led CCISD and its 5,000 employees on a journey to transform education in the 21st Century. Under his superintendence, student performance has increased in all state indicators as well

on college entrance exams. Today, the Clear Creek School District is considered one of the largest high performing school districts in Texas. Dr. Smith is cochairman of the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium, state board member of Texas PTA, a member of the Space Center Rotary Club and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, which honored him last January with its Quasar Award. In 2014, Clear Creek ISD was a finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Award and TASA Honor Board Award. In 2013, Clear Creek ISD voters overwhelmingly approved a $367 million school construction bond that led to the 1:1 tablet initiative known as Latitude 2 Learn. Dr. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and his doctorate in Education Administration from Texas A&M University in College Station. He and his wife, Kathy, are the parents of two daughters and one granddaughter.

Vice Chairman Jayant Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., is the chief operating officer of Bastion Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Houston and leads Bastion in operations, business development and implementation of strategic growth. Dr. Ramakrishnan serves on the board of Houston Technology Center and on the National AIAA Guidance Navigation and Control Technical Committee. In addition, he serves on other boards such as the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation and was recently honored as a distinguished alumni of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (MST). He has published more than 25 papers in conferences, journals and referenced texts and has served as a reviewer for technical journals and international conferences. Dr. Ramakrishnan earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla (now MST). Locally, he is active with the Texas Multiple Sclerosis Society (Bike Ride m arshal on MS 150 rides) and several charitable organizations.

Richard D. Jackson Secretary Richard D. (Rich) Jackson is NASA Strategic Account Executive for Leidos. His responsibilities include defining corporate strategy in support of NASA, identifying synergies

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

and collaboration across Leidos, and identification, evaluation, and pursuit of new business opportunities. Jackson began his career at NASA where he supported the Space Shuttle Program as a flight director for 15 space shuttle flights. Jackson graduated from Texas A&M University earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and is also a member of the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. He has attained certifications as a private pilot, Advanced SCUBA diver, D licensed skydiver, and jumpmaster.

Jennifer Bowers Treasurer Jennifer Bowers is a partner with the law firm of Bowers & Sadler, LLP. The firm specializes in a variety of legal services aimed at assisting closely-held businesses and their owners with their tax planning, business organization matters, estate planning, and probate matters. Bowers is board certified in tax law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Dr. John Grunsfeld to receive 2017 National Space Trophy Dr. John M. Grunsfeld, a former NASA astronaut who most recently served as associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., has been named recipient of the prestigious 2017 National Space Trophy. The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation banquet honoring Dr. Grunsfeld will be held April 28 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Houston. Both the aerospace community and the public is invited to attend. As an astronaut, Dr. Grunsfeld flew on STS-67, STS-81, STS-103, STS-109, and STS125 space missions. RNASA Foundation President Rodolfo Gonzalez said, “The RNASA Board of Advisors made an excellent pick for the 2017 National Space Trophy and the RNASA Foundation looks forward to recognizing Dr. Grunsfeld as the guest of honor at the RNASA Space Award Gala.” Dr. Grunsfeld earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1980. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in 1984 and a Doctorate in Physics in 1988 from the University of Chicago. After serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the California Institute of Technology from 19891992, he was selected by NASA to join the astronaut training program in March of 1992. In 2010, John left NASA to take on a role as deputy director of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. It was here that Grunsfeld helped prepare the institute for its joint efforts with NASA to develop the James Webb Telescope, which will be launched in 2018. After returning to NASA in 2012 as associate administrator for science, Grunsfeld managed more than 100 missions including the Curiosity Mars rover landing, the new Horizons Pluto flyby and the Deep Space Climate Observatory. These and dozens of other projects have laid the foundation to understand how our own planet is changing while inspiring a whole new generation of explorers. This year will be RNASA’s 31st annual National Space Trophy Banquet. Visit www. rnasa.org/tables.html to reserve a table and find information about sponsorships and tickets. To reserve a room at the Houston Hyatt Regency, visit www.rnasa.org/ houston.html or call 713-654-1234 and request the RNASA group rate.

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

CLEAR CREEK

E D U C AT I O N F O U N D AT I O N

BREAKFA ST Lakewood Yacht Club Photography by Mary Alys Cherry Assistant CCISD Superintendent Holly Hughes, center, talks with Buffie Johnson of Wedgewood Elementary, left, and Kelly Chapman of Hyde Elementary as they await the start of the CCEF breakfast.

Mickey Wooten, owner of the South Shore Grill in League City and a CCEF Board member, says hello to Kimberly Fleming, Maxim Group executive, as he makes his way across the Lakewood Yacht Club ballroom.

Early arrivals at the annual Clear Creek Education Foundation breakfast in the Lakewood Yacht Club ballroom included, from left, Kay Lee Benoit, Drew Benat and Dean Muths.

Clear Creek Education Foundation Executive Director Kaci Hanson welcomes Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Greg Smith, left, and Region IV Teacher of the Year Dale Jenson, a Clear View High math teacher, to the annual CCEF breakfast at Lakewood Yacht Club, featuring an address by UH-Clear Lake President Dr. Bill Staples.

Lots of educators were in the crowd at the Clear Creek Education Foundation breakfast at Lakewood Yacht Club, including, from left, Clear Lake High Principal Dr. Karen Engle, CCISD Board President Dr. Laura DuPont, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Scott Bockart and Clear Horizons Early College High Principal Dr. Brett Lemley.

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital CEO Kyle Price, left, stops to talk with League City Regional Chamber President Steve Paterson.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Gary and Sandy Mossman were among the many attending the CCEF breakfast. Mrs. Mossman is a former CCISD superintendent.

Faces in the crowd at the Clear Creek Education Foundation breakfast included, from left, NASA retiree Harv Hartman, CCISD Communications Director Elaina Polsen, Assistant CCISD Superintendent Paul McLarty and realtor Jonathan Cottrell of Martha Turner Sotherbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty.

Space Center Houston passes million mark in 2016 attendance

ore than one million visitors streamed through the doors of Space Center Houston in 2016, making it the best-ever year in attendance for the nonprofit. The record-breaking one-million milestone came last month, just as the center was poised to open its 25th anniversary year and unveil a new permanent exhibit before Super Bowl LI. “A million thanks to all our visitors for joining us this year,” said center President and CEO William T. Harris. “People are more excited than ever to come here and learn about the past, present and future of space exploration. We strive to provide an exceptional learning experience for visitors of all ages.” The milestone came at the end of an incredible year for the nonprofit including nine recordbreaking months of attendance. The previous record year, 2015, had five consecutive record-breaking months. With 82 percent of the visitors coming from outside the Houston area, the center is the No. 1 destination for international visitors in Houston. Last year, the center welcomed Harris as its new CEO, earned a 2016 Top Workplaces Award from the Houston Chronicle and received its third consecutive TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. The Independence Plaza exhibit complex won two of the attraction industry’s highest honors -- the Impact Award and Best New Product for Displays and Sets -- at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo Brass Ring Awards Ceremony. To commemorate its 25th anniversary next Oct. 16, the center begins a jubilee celebration throughout this year. The festivities open this month with the new permanent exhibit, Mission Mars, which takes visitors through a Mars portal full of interactive activities. In the future-looking exhibit, visitors will explore a virtual Martian landscape and imagine being one of the first explorers on the planet. A thought-leader speaker series also is planned. The center will have an increased focus on educational outreach to underserved students in the Houston area. The addition of a new 5,000-squarefoot special events building overlooking the colossal exhibit complex Independence Plaza will provide a unique location for private parties and corporate events. There is always something new to see at Space Center Houston. Residents can join the 25th anniversary celebration by sharing their favorite Space Center Houston story, photo or video on social media. Use the hashtag #SpaceCenterHou. Go to its Visitor Info page for ticket prices and tips to enjoy a visit. For more information about Space Center Houston, visit spacecenter.org

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physicians, from left, Drs. Jason Leaseburg, Jamie Alexander, Kenneth Brooks, Javier Rios, and Edward W. Lee have opened a second office in Clear Lake.

Houston Methodist Sports Medicine opens second Clear Lake area office

ouston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at St. John has opened a second office in Clear Lake. The new office – located at 14903 El Camino Real – joins the Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine location in Nassau Bay, along with physical therapy clinics conveniently located in Nassau Bay, Dickinson, Friendswood, La Porte, League City and Texas City. “For patients suffering from orthopedic pain or injury, even a 15-minute car ride can be difficult and cause a great deal of discomfort,” says Kenneth Brooks, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and joint replacement with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at St. John. “Our new office makes it easy and convenient for patients who live in Clear Lake to see one of our physicians in a convenient location, close to home.”

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at St. John provides specialized care for patients of all ages, including professional, college and high school athletes; “weekend warriors” who enjoy activities such as golf, tennis and jogging; and patients suffering from chronic conditions or orthopedic injuries unrelated to sports. Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine also provides a full range of therapy services, including aquatic therapy, physical therapy, occupational and hand therapy, speech therapy, pediatric therapy and specialized physical therapy for neurological conditions, as well as Rapid Recovery for joint replacement patients. The sports medicine specialists at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital provide comprehensive training, support and care for athletes, including a specialized program for patients who have suffered a concussion, utilizing the latest protocols and therapies to ensure a safe return to sports, school or work. Appointments may be scheduled with one of the orthopedic specialists online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 713.363.9090. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ orthopedics/st-john for more information on Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at St. John.

UTMB develops oral Salmonella vaccine

esearchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a vaccine against salmonella poisoning designed to be taken by mouth. The findings are detailed in an article published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. In earlier studies, the UTMB researchers developed potential vaccines from three genetically mutated versions of the salmonella bacteria, that is Salmonella Typhimurium, that were shown to protect mice against a lethal dose of salmonella. In these studies, the vaccines were given as an injection. However, oral vaccination is simplest and least invasive way to protect people against salmonella infection. Taking this vaccine by mouth also has the added advantage of using the same pathway that salmonella uses to wreak havoc on the digestive system. There is no vaccine currently available for salmonella poisoning. Antibiotics are the first choice in treating salmonella infections, but the fact that some strains of salmonella are

quickly developing antibiotic resistance is a serious concern. Another dangerous aspect of salmonella is that it can be used as a bioweapon – this happened in Oregon when a religious cult intentionally contaminated restaurant salad bars and sickened 1,000 people. Salmonella is responsible for one of the most common food-borne illnesses in the world. In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are about 1.4 million cases with 15,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths each year. It is thought that for every reported case, there are approximately 39 undiagnosed infections. Overall, the number of salmonella cases in the U.S. has not changed since 1996. Salmonella infection in people with compromised immune systems and children under the age of three are at increased risk of invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis, which causes systemic infection. There are about one million cases globally per year, with a 25 percent fatality rate.

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

B U S I N E S S St. John welcomes Bay Area urologist Long-time Bay Area urologist Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez, has joined Houston Methodist Urology Associates at St. John. Rodriguez, who is board-certified in urology, treats the full range of kidney and bladder disorders in both men and women, including kidney stones; kidney, bladder and prostate cancer; hematuria; enlarged prostate; and elevated PSA counts. He also specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery that reduces patient discomfort and speeds recovery. “I am extremely pleased to be joining the excellent team at Houston Methodist Urology Associates at St. John,” Rodriguez says. “I share the same focus on personal, compassionate, valuesbased care and service at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital is a tremendous benefit to my patients.” Rodriguez earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed residencies in both urology and general surgery at Texas A&M College of Medicine Health Science Center’s Scott and White Hospital and Clinic in Temple. The Urology Associates at St. John is located on the hospital campus in the Physicians Medical Center II building at 2060 Space Park Drive, Suite 410, in Nassau Bay.

League City fills CV&B position League City has selected Bryan Roller to serve as the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau administrator beginning Jan. 17. In this position, Roller will be responsible for strengthening and expanding tourism efforts through the development and implementation of programs that establish League City as a desirable destination for meetings, arts, cultural, and sporting events. Roller has more than 20 years of experience in tourism, athletics, media relations, special events, event installation, and the sales and tradeshow industry. He was instrumental in establishing

Apollo 7 astronaut Walter Cunningham and his wife, Pat, right, are happy to see CLASP Speaker Series Chairman Marilyn Lunney and her husband, Glynn S. Lunney, who was flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs, as they arrive at UHCL for the Speaker Series. Photo by Jim Townsend.

B U Z Z

Pearland’s Convention & Visitors Bureau and organizing and managing a variety of special events. Roller attained a B.A. in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University. KBRwyle wins NASA contract NASA has awarded a contract to KBRwyle Technology Solutions, of Columbia, Md., for engineering services to support more than 20 NASA exploration missions. The Ground Systems and Missions Operations-2 contract is cost-plusaward fee, indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity, with a total maximum ordering value of $442 million. The effective ordering period begins March 1 and runs through Feb. 28, 2022. KBRwyle will support a wide range of mission operations, including concept studies, formulation development, implementation, operations, sustaining engineering and decommissioning. They also will support operations studies, systems engineering, design, implementation, integration and testing of ground systems and operations products, mission operations and sustaining engineering. Donation to help fire departments LyondellBasell, one of the world’s largest plastics, chemical and refining companies, has announced a donation of $100,000 to fund specialized emergency training for six Houston-area fire departments that serve key industrial corridors. The donation will underwrite hazardous materials (HazMat) training scholarships for fire departments in Houston, Channelview, Pasadena, La Porte, Sheldon and Mont Belvieu. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, an internationally-recognized leader in emergency response training and firefighting, will administer the training to the fire departments. “We recognize the budgetary challenges fire departments in Houston and smaller outlying communities face in obtaining this unique type of training. It is our privilege to help ensure they are more effectively prepared to support our industrial areas,” said Bob Patel, LyondellBasell CEO and chairman of the management board. “This donation will have a direct impact on saving lives and protecting our communities.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Apollo 7 astronaut speaks at UHCL

ore than 220 space enthusiasts heard Apollo 7 astronaut Walter Cunningham’s perspectives on the past, present and future of manned space flight in a public discussion on Jan. 5 at University of Houston-Clear Lake. The lecture kicked off the 2017 season of the university’s Clear Lake Association of Senior Programs “Visions in Our Midst” Distinguished Speaker Series. CLASP Speaker Series Chairman and UHCL Distinguished Alumna Marilyn K. Lunney and her husband, retired NASA engineer Glynn S. Lunney, who was flight director during the Gemini and Apollo programs and later, manager of

the space shuttle program, greeted Cunningham and his wife, Dot, on arrival. The 11-day mission of Apollo 7 in 1968 in a newly redesigned command module set the stage for the 1969 moon landing of Apollo 11. “Today, Apollo 7 is still the longest, most ambitious and most successful first test flight of any new flying machine,” Cunningham told the crowd. CLASP provides learning opportunities through a wide variety of free lectures every first Thursday of the month. The full spring schedule is at www.uhcl.edu/ alumni/clasp. For more information, call 281-283-2021.

CCISD to honor memory of Apollo 1 crew

he Clear Creek School District, embodying a spirit of exploration and inspired by the mission of the NASA Johnson Space Center, plans to name the field at CCISD Challenger Columbia Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil Grissom, Edward White and Roger Chafee, from left, will be remembered as Clear Creek ISD Stadium Apollo Field commemorates the 50th anniversary of the tragedy. for one year to help th commemorate the 50 The proclamation announced anniversary of the that the Challenger Columbia mission tragedy. Stadium field will bear the name Jan. 27, 2017, will mark the 50th Apollo Field from Jan. 26, 2017 to anniversary of the Apollo 1 accident Jan. 26, 2018, during which time which claimed the lives of astronauts CCISD, in partnership with NASA, Virgil Grissom, Edward White and will commemorate the historic Roger Chafee. anniversary through various events The loss of the hometown and special features within the astronauts left an indelible mark on stadium. the Bay Area community and served “Though the 50th anniversary as a catalyst to forge forward in is a solemn one, we want to help space exploration and advancements our NASA neighbors and friends in safety, mission assurance and celebrate the lives and extraordinary spacecraft design. At the suggestion spirit of the Apollo 1 astronauts,” of several Bay Area citizens said CCISD Board President Dr. passionate about the district and the Laura DuPont. “It’s important unique impact the space program to demonstrate that not only are has had on shaping CCISD and the these heroes not forgotten, but they community, the Board of Trustees continue to serve as an inspiration approved a special proclamation at for our children.” the Dec. 12 regular meeting. FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Keels & Wheels sets entry deadline

he 22nd Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, benefiting The Boys & Girls Harbor, is currently recruiting exhibitors to participate in the event scheduled for May 6-7. The weekend-long, nationally acclaimed event is the largest classic car and vintage wooden boat show in the United States. It takes place each spring at the Lakewood Yacht Club in beautiful Seabrook and attracts more than 15,000 attendees. The car and boat exhibitors come from every part of the country, contributing to the more than $1.6 million that the Concours has raised to date for local charities. The features for the 22nd Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance include marques of Stutz Automobiles, Hot Rods and 50s

Classics. The featured marque for antique boats is Utilities. Owners of classic cars and antique wooden boats are encouraged to register for the judged competition, which takes place on Saturday, May 6. The classic boating side of the event is sanctioned by the Antique and Classic Boat Society, an international organization established to standardize the judging procedure. The vintage wooden boats are divided into roughly 20 classes and the cars are divided into roughly 40 classes. The boat awards will be presented on May 6 and the car

awards the following day. Awards include Best of Class and Silver in each class. Corinthian Awards are awarded to cars and boats deserving of special mention. Each award presentation ends with the ultimate award known as the Commodores Award for Best of Show and the Peoples’ Choice Award. All car and boat owners participating in the Concours are treated as honored guests. They receive guest membership cards for full use of the club’s restaurant and bar and pool facilities. Invitations and entry forms for

the 2017 Keels & Wheels event are available online and must be submitted no later than March 3, 2017. Because only 200 automobiles and 100 boats will be selected, it is important for submissions to be made as early as possible. Potential exhibitors are asked to submit one photo of the car or boat, along with year, make, model, owner information and a brief history of the entry. Keels & Wheels does not typically consider any automobiles newer than 1974 for entry in the event. For more information about submitting your classic automobile or antique boat, or to download an entry form, visit www.keels-wheels.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Rogers family has two Youth Sailing World Champions

ouston’s Wiley Rogers

Photo courtesy of Pedro Martinez / Sailing Energy / World Sailing

along with his Connecticut teammate Jack Parkin are Youth Sailing World Champions after outsailing the competition at the 46th AON Youth Sailing World Championships last month. This world competition was held in Auckland, New Zealand Dec. 14-20, and had more than 380 sailors from 65 nations sailing in more than 260 boats across nine different disciplines. The boys’ credit their disciplined

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

eating strategy, intense training and commitment to the sport for helping them out-race 24 other teams. The boys won five out of nine races at the five-day event to rack up enough points to secure the win. “We are excited,” says Wiley. “The entire 420 class are fierce competitors. Jack and I trained hard for this, and one of our goals was to keep the trophy in the U.S. It feels good to have accomplished that goal.”

Having a world champion sailor in the family is not new to the Rogers family. Wiley’s brother Zane Rogers was U.S. Team Captain of Team USA that won the Nations Cup at the Optimist World Championship held in Portugal in July of last year. Wiley and Zane hone their sailing prowess as participants in the youth sailing program at Lakewood Yacht Club.

More than 120 volunteers partnered with school principles to help the kids buy winter clothes.

Seabrook Rotarians left with happy memories Christmas has come and gone,

leaving behind some happy Bay Area children and some Seabrook Rotarians with lumps in their throats. It all came together one winter morning – yes, we did have a day or two of winter – as the blustery wind and the 47 degree morning made Santa’s cheeks a rosy red as he greeted 60 children from Bay, Stewart, and Ed White elementary schools. The children, grades kindergarten to eighth, are selected by the schools’ guidance counselors as the most in need of clothes for winter. Seabrook Rotary Club’s donors provided more than $14,000 in funds, converted into $200 Target gift cards. Those cards were handed over to the more than 120 volunteer shoppers that help the kids buy under garments, coats, hats, dresses and pants, blouses, skirts, socks and shoes, jackets and hats, belts and pajamas. The shoppers received guidance from Seabrook Rotary Club past president Scott Stillman to buy at least one toy or book, and if needed, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletry items too.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Scott and Jennifer Stillman created Clothes for Kids and have managed the event in Seabrook for six years.

Target on Marina Bay Drive in Kemah opens the store every year for the Clothes for Kids event. Stillman and his wife Jennifer bought breakfast tacos for all the early morning volunteers that brave the cold to bring the Christmas spirit to these selected children. The children, along with their school principals and guidance counselors, are teamed up with pairs of volunteers to do the shopping. And, when the cash register rang up an amount greater than $200, those volunteers happily paid the overage. Why do it? If you could have seen kindergartner Ruben’s eyes light up at the sight of brand new Spiderman shoes and a Superman cap, you’d know the pure joy that each volunteer experiences during this charitable Christmas event.

FEBRUARY 2017 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[ LET US ENTERTAIN YOU! ]

CLEAR LAKE UHCL freshmen event Feb. 4. University of Houston-Clear Lake is inviting incoming, first-time college students and their families to tour the campus, meet faculty and get a taste of university life at the Hawk Premier Freshmen Open House Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free parking available in Student Lot D. Epicurean Evening Feb. 9. The Clear Lake Area Chamber’s annual Epicurean Evening, “A Taste of Space,” will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at Space Center Houston, where the crowd will enjoy tantalizing food samples from over 40 area food establishments, a silent auction and be entertained by a variety of musical treats like mariachi bands and vocalists. Free parking. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children. Sorority life is Feb. 19 topic. Clear Lake Panhellenic will host a meeting Sunday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake so young women and their parents can learn about college sorority life as Recruitment Chairman Mary Payne and Co-Chairman Tish Wright discuss the recruitment process and answer any questions that high school seniors and their parents may have. For more information, visit www.clearlakepanhel.org Youth concert Feb. 19. Bay Area Youth Singers will celebrate their 10th Anniversary with a Gala Concert Sunday, Feb. 19, 4 p.m., at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, 1151 El Dorado Blvd. Advance tickets are available at a reduced rate via the website, bayarayouthsingers.org -- $10 for adults and $5 for students. Phone info at 832-425-2329. Genealogical Society meets Feb. 24. The Bay Area Genealogical Society will meet Friday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at University Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Drive, for a Potluck Dinner and to hear former astronaut,

Air Force Col. (Ret.) Jerry L. Ross. Meetings are in the Chapel on the first floor. For information, visit www.TxBayAreaGen.org or call Kim Zrubek at 281-992-2636. The public is invited. Rodeo Dance Feb. 28. The Bay Area Rodeo Go Texan Committee will host its annual Trail Ride Dinner Dance Tuesday, Feb. 28 in the Gilruth Center gym from 6 to 10 p.m. BOWA luncheon March 2. Bay Oaks Women’s Association members will gather at the country club for their monthly luncheon at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 3. For reservations contact Amy Roppolo at 281-731-7775 or email bowareservations@gmail. com

CLEAR LAKE SHORES Civic club meets Feb. 2. The Clear Lake Shores Civic Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. for a pot luck dinner in the Clear Lake Shores Club House.

DICKINSON Comedy opens Feb. 10. The popular comedy Cheaper By the Dozen opens Friday, Feb. 10 at the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, celebrating its 25th Silver Anniversary Season, and continues through Sunday, March 5, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281337-7469 or email bareahp@comcast. net

GALVESTON Mardi Gras starts Feb. 17. The Island’s 106th Mardi Gras celebration gets underway Feb. 17 and is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees for its many concerts, dozens of parades, balcony parties and elegant masked balls. The George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Parade will kick off the festivities Feb. 17. Other big events include Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade at noon and the Krewe of Gambrinus Parade at 6 p.m.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | FEBRUARY 2017

Saturday, Feb. 18; and the Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade Saturday, Feb. 25.

Trends, 281-488-0066, or visit the web site, www.clearlakesymphony.org

KEMAH

Drama at Little Theatre. Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen-Genoa Road, is currently presenting the drama, The Cover of Life, through Sunday, Feb. 12, with curtains at 8 p.m. and Thursday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 713941-1758 or reserve on line at www. pasadenalittletheatre.org

Yachty Gras Kickoff Feb. 11. The 18th Annual Krewe du Lac Yachty Gras Kickoff, from 7 to 11 p.m., will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Sundance Grill in Waterford Harbor¸followed by the Yachty Gras Grand Night Boat Parade and Royal Ball at The Aquarium restaurant on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. For information, email kemah1@aol.com or call 281-334-1884.

LEAGUE CITY Quasar Banquet Feb. 3. Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership will host its annual Quasar Banquet honoring State Sen. Larry Taylor at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom. Go Red luncheon Feb. 24. The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, benefitting the American Heart Association, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom, 2500 South Shore Blvd. For information, call the American Heart Association, 713-610-5061.

NASSAU BAY HSLBA evening meeting Feb. 7. Houston Symphony League Bay Area will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road. Guests are welcome and membership is open to those who want to support Houston Symphony music. Symphony concert Feb. 17. The Clear Lake Symphony will appear in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road, presenting an evening of Music of the Spanish Masters. Tickets, which are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students, are available at Eye Trends, 515 Bay Area Blvd., Suite 300, and at the church. For information, call Eye

PASADENA

PEARLAND State of the City Feb. 9. Pearland Mayor Tom Reid will update the community with his annual State of the City Address at the Pearland Chamber luncheon at the First Church of Pearland, 1850 Broadway, at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Cost is $30 for members. For reservations, call the chamber, 281.485.3634.

SEABROOK Men Who Cook Feb. 21. The 23nd annual Men Who Cook event benefitting Seabrook Rotary and Seabrook Police will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 E. NASA Parkway. Reverse draw at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $50.

TEXAS CITY Drama at COM. The Community Theatre at College of the Mainland will present the winner of the 1991 Pultizer Prize, four Tony Awards and four Drama Desk Awards, Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers, now through Sunday, Feb. 12, with performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range in price from $11 to $23. For reservations, call 1-888-258-8859, ext. 8345.