Bay Area Houston Magazine May 2018 by Bay Group Media

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May 2018 BayAreaHoustonMag.com

Leading Cancer Care in Clear Lake

houstonmethodist.org/stjohn

M AY 2 0 1 8

features 13

Harris County Future Flooding Risks

Dental Health

News Nuggets

Best of the Bay Awards

2018 Lunar Rendezvous Festival

Spring is a Time for Change

My Meeting with First Lady Barbara Bush

NASA’s New Administrator

Leading Cancer Care

The Best Bites of the Bay

Boldthouse Offers Unique Experience

Dancing With the Stars - Bay Area

Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan

Houston Sports Scene

Graphic Designer Kelly Groce

Operation School Bell

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

Living Biblically Receives Mixed Reviews

Maria Wicker

ON THE COVER Front row (L-R): Dana Minor, RN, Oncology; Veronica Saxon, Acute Care Services Director; Katherine Walsh, Chief Nursing Officer; Maria Socci, RN, Accreditation Specialist. Back row (L-R): Dr. Jitesh Joshi, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist; Dr. John Gillespie, Radiologist; Dr. Alfredo Jimenez, Head and Neck Surgeon; Robert Maddox, Spiritual Care Director; Dr. Kyle Stephens, Surgeon; Dr. David Alrahwan, Pathologist; Dr. Gabriel Rodriguez, Urologist.

President & Chairman Rick Clapp Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry

Sales & Marketing Judy Gaines Joe Machol Dana McDonald Debbie Salisbury Amber Sample Matthew Sweatt Robyn Weigelt

Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Michael Gos Betha Merit Ange Mertens Photography Hal Bushnell 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

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How green is your oral hygiene routine? Stockman found guilty of fraud Winners and photography from ceremony at Water’s Edge Gene Hollier named festival king Stories by Blaine Ochoa and Lilli Heintz By Joe Machol Senate confirms Bridenstine Houston Methodist Cancer Center at St. John A guide to the best bites and brews in the bay Fine wine, craft beer and cuisine in Seabrook Saturday, Sept. 8 at South Shore Harbour Resort H-town sports on the rise Assistance League clothes needy area students Special treat awaits BAHEP Board By Pastor Brad Heintz The marathon real estate agent

columns

Distribution Shinkle Distribution

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

County Commissioner Jack Morman speaks

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

Movers & Shakers

Clear Lake Chatter

The A List

In Wheel Time

Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events

Texas Meditations

Main Events

Jeffrey Gionnette Nassau Bay Garden Club takes time out to party It’s Spring time 2018 Summer Trucks Opening day and blessing of the fleet Magnetism Bay Area Houston calendar of events

Harris County working to address future flooding risks, Morman says By Mary Alys Cherry

h i s past y e a r Harris County was on the receiving end of one of the worst flooding events in our nation’s history,” Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman told members of Space Center Rotary. Speaking at their luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake, the Precinct 2 commissioner updated the crowd on Hurricane Harvey, which nearly drowned Harris County with more than 50 inches of rain in just 4 days.“That represents 70 percent of our average annual rainfall -- 250 days of rain in 4 days. “In unincorporated Harris County, over 30,000 residential structures flooded during Harvey, with approximately 5,700 homes flooded in Precinct 2. Everyone was affected in some way by the storm, but the resolve of the people of Harris County, both during the storm, and throughout the recovery process, has been inspiring to witness.” After taking a moment to recognize Constable Phil Sandlin, his deputies and other law enforcement who “ helped save countless lives during the storm, the commissioner talked about the 260,000 cubic yards of debris picked up by Precinct 2 crews and contractors – “enough to fill 16,000 dump trucks” -- and the severe damage to the Lynchburg Ferry landings, noting that the ferry finally resumed service March 3.

GREATEST CHALLENGE

“Fixing flooding issues in our area will be this generation of leaders’

and lawmakers’ greatest challenge. We have been working on ways, not only to recover from the storm, but to better protect Harris County residents from future flooding. In December, Commissioners Court voted to update the floodplain regulations for the unincorporated areas of Harris County. The City of Houston is still discussing their proposal.” This will mean changes to building height requirements, stricter permitting on buildings within the 100 and 500 year floodplain, and guidelines for mapping the floodplains. “In the past, building officials have focused on the 100 year flood event. Clearly they were off the mark. We now are basing much of this new criteria off of the 500-year flood plain. Harris County Commissioners Court has approved $20 million, in what we hope is only the first phase of funding for home buyouts,” he said, going into some detail about the buyouts. “We are still waiting on money from the Federal relief package. So far, Flood Control has proposed to Congress over $10 billion in projects and efforts addressing flood risks in the county. Large scale projects, like the coastal barrier, and the possibility of another large reservoir in Northwest Harris County, are dependent on the funds we receive from the relief packages.”

BOND REFERENDUM

Waiting on the Feds, he continued, “can’t be our only option, in the meantime we need to create effective flood protection infrastructure. Later this year, the county will propose a

Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman, center, gets a warm welcome from Space Center Rotary President Ralph Kramer and Program Chairman Kippy Caraway as he arrives to address the club during its luncheon meeting at Bay Oaks Country Club. Photo by Mary Alys Cherry

flood control bond referendum to the voters to jumpstart flood control infrastructure building. This money will let the Flood Control District make immediate improvements to our flood control infrastructure, such as channel widening, storm water detention basins, and more efficient floodwater conveyance. “While we wait, the flood control district is working on solutions right now. There are several . . . tributaries of Horsepen Bayou that are scheduled for channel restoration and desilting. The channels . . . located along Bay Oaks, Oak Brook and Bay Forest subdivisions are scheduled to

go to construction in summer of 2018.” Along with these channel repairs, there will be major conveyance improvements to Armand Bayou between Beltway 8 and Spencer Highway…to account for the expansion of the Belt and solve existing drainage issues, he added. “These two projects will greatly reduce the risk of flooding in the area . . . similar to what our friends at the Clear Lake Water Authority have done with Exploration Green--which, by the way, we believe saved hundreds of homes from flooding during Harvey.

2014. A jury convicted her of voter fraud and sentenced her to 8 years in prison, meaning sure deportation when her sentence is completed, if she doesn’t win her appeal. Yet just below the Crystal Mason story in the newspaper is a story about the “affluenza teen,” who got off scot feel when he killed four people while driving with a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit for adult drivers. He was charged with manslaughter – also in Tarrant County -- but instead of prison, got 10 years probation after a psychologist blamed Ethan Couch’s irresponsibility on his family’s wealth. He finally had to serve two years in prison and eight years probation after violating his

probation and fleeing to Mexico with his mother. Only time will tell if the teen rights his boat. Yet it just doesn’t add up – 2 years in prison and 8 years probation for killing four people for the affluent white teen while the two women – reportedly one black and one Hispanic -- are sentenced to 5 and 8 years in prison for illegal voting. Actually, the two women received about the same sentences burglars and robbers often get. In view of this imbalance in sentencing, perhaps the Texas law schools or should set up some suggestive guidelines for judges and juries to follow. What we are getting now is out of balance, smacks of racism and is wrecking people’s lives.

ON MY MIND

Wacky sentences By Mary Alys Cherry

ometimes I wonder about the world we live in; especially when it comes to the sentences by some judges. The headline, “Texas woman gets 5 years in prison for casting vote while on probation,” caught my eye as I was reading the Houston Chronicle. Crystal Mason, 43, was sentenced in Tarrant County for voting in the 2016 presidential election. She had previously been convicted in 2012

after pleading guilty for inflating tax refunds for clients and defrauding the federal government in 2011. She had served nearly three years in prison and was released on a three-year term of supervised release when she voted. She told the court she didn’t know people convicted of felonies can’t vote until they complete their sentence. Too bad she didn’t know, the judge decided. This comes on the heels of a similar Tarrant County case last year when Rosa Maria Ortega, 37-yearold mother of four brought to this country when she was just a babe and had only a six grade education, got 8 years for voting. Thinking she was a citizen, she voted illegally in 2012 and

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

DENTAL HEALTH

HOW GREEN IS YOUR ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE?

n 1970, 20+ million Americans rallied in streets, parks, and auditoriums for a sustainable environment. Later Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin built on that momentum and created Earth Day. The following year “the United States Environmental Protection Agency” was created. Today, Earth Day is celebrated worldwide. We have come a long way from 1970 to combat global warming. The state of Texas (not California!) is leading the nation in producing clean and renewable energy. But there is still a lot more that can be done. Everything we do, from brushing our teeth to eating and driving somehow contributes to polluting the environment. Did you know that toothbrushes are made of plastic and nylon which can’t be recycled? When we throw our toothbrush away it sits in a landfill forever. Every year, 50 million pounds of toothbrushes get added to our landfill and doesn’t biodegrade because it is not in the nature’s food chain. Another statistical fact; A shocking one billion toothbrushes get thrown away yearly in the US. Its not unreasonable to assume this level of waste will have a cumulative effect on our environment. While a completely plasticfree daily oral hygiene routine is not a reality yet, small changes can make a big difference. For instance, there are toothbrushes

being developed the are made of bamboo or wood. The future toothbrush bristles will be fully biodegradable. Bamboo and wood toothbrushes aren’t the only options for a healthy smile and environment. There are plastic toothbrushes made from recycled materials such as yogurt containers and bristles are being developed from a new plant-based plastic. There are also compostable cornstarch toothbrushes that won’t clog our landfills.

make small concessions to help the environment. Change isn’t easy, but we can make Simple steps such as, when it’s time to replace our tooth brush, we can, keep the old one and reuse it for other purposes. Toothbrushes are great for cleaning bathroom tiles, toilets, computer keyboards, jewelry, and even shoes. Most people leave the water running while brushing while a small glass of water will suffice. Most electric toothbrush users keep their brush charger plugged in

“Every year, 50 million pounds of toothbrushes get added to our landfill.” Dental floss is a wax covered nylon and comes in a plastic container with metal core. This means that floss and its container are not recyclable. Johnson & Johnson is working to develop first fully recyclable floss in a clear compostable bag and it also has a plastic-free spool. It is completely made from silk and coated with vegetable-based wax. It is however years from distribution. Until these products become a commercial reality we can

all day every day. The average toothbrush battery lasts up to several weeks. Why not unplug and charge when needed? I know this is a lot of information to digest at once, and it’s okay to take small steps and make one change at a time. Making an effort can be as simple as starting a conversation with our loved ones or always keeping in mind the three R’s of protecting our environment? Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle whenever possible! Happy 48th Earth Day!

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.

Movers &Shakers Name: Jeffrey Gionnette Occupation: Senior general manager, Baybrook Mall Hometown: I was born in San Diego, Calif., and moved 11 times. If I had to claim a hometown, it would be Dayton, Ohio, where I went to high school. Current home: Friendswood Family: Married 12 years - Wife, Katie; daughters Marisa 11, Natalie 7, and son, Samuel 2…..and my kids would make me count their other brother, Cooper, a hound/boxer mix we adopted from a local shelter My favorite writer is: Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes). Someone I’d like to meet: As a history buff, it was hard for me to narrow this down to one person. But J.D Rockefeller would be one at the top. Rockefeller epitomized what it meant to dream big and what it takes to make those dreams a reality. Picking his brain for an afternoon regarding his ambition

and unwavering fortitude, and at the same time at what costs, would be fascinating to me. If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: NASA Astronaut Scott Tingle, who is currently on the International Space Station. I would stare out the window the whole time. When I returned home, hopefully I could translate the images in my head into such descriptive words of insight that my children fully grasp and live by what it means to not sweat the small stuff.

I like to spend my leisure time: With my family. I enjoy sharing new experiences with my kids from showing them how to fish to taking out the old tarp from the garage and adding dawn soap and water for a “slip and slide.” Anything to get them smiling, laughing

The thing that bugs me the most is: A negative attitude.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

My favorite meal is: This is a toss-up between corned beef with cabbage and my wife’s meatloaf with mashed potatoes. As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Everything. I had such an active imagination, I thought I could be whatever I wanted.

honda Trail Wood is the branch operations manager for Stewart Title in Clear Lake. She joined the office in March of 1996 as the branch manager. Twenty-two years later, she still holds the position. “I can honestly say and feel that my office is full of longevity and team work as most have been there anywhere from two to twentysix years,” says Wood. Born and raised in Galveston, Rhonda graduated from Ball High School. From the moment she graduated it didn’t take her long to get into the title industry. She first started in July of 1985 in Texas City. Rhonda loves the water, and she met and

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Every historical marker, commemoration plaque, monument, small town, ghost town, big city, lake, river, creek, state park, and unmapped back road in these United States of America.

My favorite performers are: Actor/ Actress: Chevy Chase, Leslie Mann. Comedy is the best time out from real life. Musicians: Everyone from Louis Armstrong, to Willie Nelson, to Aaron Lewis, to Stevie Nicks.

Meet Stewart Title’s Rhonda Trail Wood

Stewart Title Clear Lake office staff.

and engaged, without a tablet in their hands.

Rhonda and Gerald.

You’ll never catch me: On Facebook

My favorite movie is: Tombstone Few people know: I have a history degree.

married the love of her life, Gerald Wood, at a boat club in Clear Lake. Recently, they celebrated their 13 year anniversary. They act like they are still on their honeymoon. In fact, Gerald and Rhonda still have date night every Friday except when they are volunteering for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or other community charity events. Together they don’t have any children, but they consider their Chihuahua, Chuy, their baby. An active member of the HLSR, Rhonda has been on the World Championship Barbeque Committee for 22 years and the Armed Forces Appreciation Committee for almost five. She and Gerald own an 1800’s authentic chuck wagon, and they love to travel to various events for charity or the Wounded Warriors in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston where, they feed close to 5,000 soldiers and their families. They also volunteer at the Reliant Center with the BBQ Committee during Hurricane Harvey, serving up meals for the hundreds of First Responders. It’s obvious that Rhonda loves volunteering, cooking and working with charities. But when it comes to her own favorite food, it’s not BBQ but rather sushi, of all things. If she could go on a dream vacation, it would have to be Italy, for sure. Not only for the food and sight-seeing but her great-grandfather was born there. However, until she goes on her dream vacation, you can find her running the Stewart Title Clear Lake office. Stop by and meet Rhonda!

Stockman found guilty of fraud Former right-wing Congressman Steve Stockman of Clear Lake, who twice represented the Bay Area in the U.S. House of Representatives was found guilty of 23 counts of mail and wire fraud, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, money laundering, conspiracy and filing a false tax return by a federal grand jury in Houston April 12. He could receive up to approximately 150 years in prison when he is sentenced Aug. 17. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal, who considered Stockman a flight risk, ordered U.S. marshals to take him into custody immediately. The Harris County Republican Party issued a statement saying it was saddened by his conviction.

Clara Harris set to be paroled Clara Harris, the Friendswood dentist who was convicted of running over and killing her husband, Dr. David Harris, 44, a Clear Lake orthodontist, in the front parking lot of the Nassau Bay Hilton Hotel in July 2002, is expected to be paroled May 11. She was granted parole Friday, April 13. State authorities said she will be released from the Crain Unit in Gatesville after serving 15 years of her 20-year sentence. She will remain on parole until 2023. After a sensational trial in Houston, Harris, the mother of twin boys, was convicted in 2003 for the deadly accident at the hotel, where she found him with his mistress.

Fire fighters are honored The Nassau Bay Volunteer Fire Department held its Annual Appreciation and Awards event with Vic Studer named Fire Fighter of the Year, Bradley Dearman as Rookie Fire Fighter of the Year and Robert “Gabby” Chapman as Medic of the Year Others honored included Bill Quinn, Administrative Officer of the Year; Bob Juillerat, Line Officer of the Year; Ed Newton Scholarship Award, Luis Marquina; Chief’s Coin Award for Special Service, Vic Studer;

Top Responders for 2017: #1 – Tom George, #2 – Javier Trujillo, #3 – Robert “Gabby” Chapman Special awards also were given to members in honor of their length of service to the NBVFD. Included were: 20 years – Mary Dickerson; 25 years – Mike Misiora; 35 years – Tom George and (Jim McGee.

CCISD student Gold Key winner Walter (Quinton) Hammann, a Clear Creek Intermediate eighth grader, is a National Gold Key Award winner in the 2018 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Only 20 students in the Harris County region received this highest honor from the New York nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. “Walter’s hard work and dedication on his self-portrait are evident in the beautiful craft and execution of his final piece,” said his art teacher, Tiffany Moroney. “He remained patient and persistent throughout the entire process while meeting any problems head on. I am so incredibly honored to be his teacher this year.”

Nassau Bay gets $45,000 grant The City of Nassau Bay announced it has been awarded a $45,000.00 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its restoration of the animal shelter after the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. The City of Nassau Bay’s animal control division provides humane treatment of all animals while providing municipal animal control functions and pet reuniting efforts. The grant will help rebuild the shelter after it was demolished during Harvey and will provide an exceptional haven for animals waiting to be adopted, reunited, or relocated to another lifesaving facility. “Nassau Bay is extremely appreciative of (the) grant, as it expedites the return of a caring space for animals. Our citizens and volunteers will be happy to return to daily interactions with animals at the shelter,” City Manager Jason Reynolds said.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Peg Hill

Win Weber

Stacey Amdur

Mary Chambers

Holly Williamson

Tuie Lee

Ashleigh Klug

Nassau Bay Garden Club takes time out to party LOOKING FOR the most outstanding garden club in the Bay Area? You won’t have to look far. Most folks will tell you the handsdown winner is the Nassau Bay Garden Club, whose members are always on call when their city needs help. Outside of Nassau Bay, few people know of all the hard work these ladies do to make their city sparkle. Led by President Betty Armstrong, they support things like Arbor Day and Beautification Day and find time to help clean up Peninsula Nature Park and the other city parks, repair and refurbish the city parks after Hurricane Harvey, even host a spring flower show for the city. Then every two years they toss a big spring fashion show luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club that is a mustattend event.

MARY ALYS CHERRY

“Va-Va-Bloom” was the theme Chairman Cherry Nims and her committee picked for the 2018 luncheon that brought out a standingroom-only crowd of around 230 to watch as Style Show Co-Chairmen Jennifer Hudgins and Valerie Moses sent a number of pretty models down the runway, showing off spring and summer fashions from Casanova’s, Bay Back Boutique, The Clotheshorse Boutique and Designs by Kelly Halbach. The models included a number

Nassau Bay Garden Club President Betty Armstrong, right, welcomes Judith Crowley, left, and Mary Grieneek to the biennial fashion show luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

of well known faces such as Judge Holly Williamson, Mayor Protem Sandra Mossman and several wives of city councilmen in the mix -- Stacey Amdur, Ashleigh Klug and Sue Warters, along with Mary Chambers, Joy Edwards, Kathryn Gehbauer, Kelly Halbach, Betty Harper, Tuie Lee, Christie Reynolds, Joyce Mayor, Kitty Kalil, Judith Crowley, Jayne Samson, Donna Stoa and Win Weber. Long-time member Ann Gay wore a big smile as she welcomed both City Manager Jason Reynolds and former City Manager Chris Reed – each there to say thank you to the club that gives so much to their city. At the entrance, highlighting the theme, stood a beautiful 1948 Packard limousine owned by the president of the Packard Club in League City, Tommy Baccaro, with his son, Anthony.

Mayor Pro-tem Sandra Mossman, left, and Joy Edwards prepare to head down the runway.

Once inside, you might have spotted the theme poster artist Kelly Halbach created or the beautiful program Gail Ferris Beasley designed that listed the many others who played key roles in making the afternoon a huge success -- Nancee Lynn, D’Lisa Johnston, Richard Armstrong, Beth Ann Maxwell, Ann Gay, Jayne Samson, Jayne Land, Mary Tuttle, Gail Ferris Beasley, Peg Hill, Ann Davidson, Suzanne Gossett, Mary Ann Prescott, Betty Armstrong, Royce Walker and Priss Fletcher. Or swooned over the gorgeous floral arrangements donated by HEB that created a floral garden in the Lakewood ballroom. And, just as you might expect, proceeds will go toward the beautification of Nassau Bay, horticulture scholarships and education programs.

Kelly Halbach

Kathryn Grebauer

Photos by Cindy Zook, Mary Alys Cherry and Pat Biddle

Astronaut keynotes BOWA luncheon CLEAR LAKE may be the home of the Johnson Space Center, but rarely do we get to spend time with the busy astronauts. So Bay Oaks Women’s Association members were more than delighted last month when astronaut Shane Kimbrough, a former International Space Station commander, was the keynote speaker for their April luncheon at the country club President Susan McCoy and Vice Presidents Suzanne Leatherman and Amy Schweers were there to greet him on arrival and welcome him to Bay Oaks. They, like everyone in the crowd, thoroughly enjoyed his talk and video of his experiences on the Space Station. Earlier, Susan welcomed Karen Reed, Sharon Phelps, Courtney Atchley, Georgia Piwonka, Cindy Zook, Sue Laabs, Sue Broughton, Barbara Dickey, Brigid McVaugh and next month’s speaker, author Eileen Hult, as Sharon Dillard and Amy Roppolo signed them in.

Some of the others spotted in the crowd were Annette Dwyer, Kimberly Weathers, Glenna Crist, Jodi Schnabel, Mitzi Romanko, Bobbie Moutz, Kay Lee Benoit, Gayle Wylie and Mary Colombo, to name a few.

Symphony League kicks off Home Tour HOUSTON SYMPHONY League Bay Area kicked off their 2018 Home Tour by the Bay with a lively Pre-Tour Party at the home of Kyle and Misty Killebrew in Clear Lake’s Bay Oaks. Some of those you might have spotted Party Chairman Carole Murphy welcoming included Ron and Pat Biddle Kahl, Jim and Jane Sweeney, Pat and Wendell Wilson, Mary Voigt, Mariglen Glenn, Elisabeth Wilson, Walter Bell, and Joan Wade and her daughter, Andrea Koop. Quite a party it was, and best of all, the proceeds help support music education in our local schools.

Astronaut Shane Kimbrough gets a warm welcome from Bay Oaks Women’s Association Vice Presidents Amy Schweers, left, and Suzanne Leatherman as he arrives to address their monthly luncheon at the country club.

BOWA Secretary Chris Howland, center, stops to visit with Karen Reed, left, and Emmeline Dodd as they await the start of the April luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Mary Voigt, left, is happy to see Mariglyn Glenn as she arrives at the Houston Symphony League Bay Area PreTour Party.

Kyle and Misty Killebrew welcome the Houston Symphony League Bay Area Pre-Tour Party crowd to their lovely Bay Oaks home.

Lola Mclain, from left, with Sue Ellen Jennings and Jackie Daley.

Faces in the crowd at the Houston Symphony League Bay Area Pre-Tour Party included those of Jim and Jane Sweeney, left, and Pat and Capt. Wendell Wilson.

Joan Wade, left, a long time Symphony League member, introduces her daughter, Andrea Koop, as they enjoy the Pre-Tour Party.

Early arrivals for the Bay Oaks Women’s Association April luncheon included, from left, Ruth Beecher, President Susan McCoy, Cheri Burke and new member Jordan Quillen.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

BAY The Best of the Bay Awards were announced at a highly attended and anticipated ceremony at Water’s Edge Venue on March 22. The 2017 winners, voted by you, are: Best Asian Cuisine: Merlion Best Auto Repair: Space Center Auto Best Bank: Allegiance Bank Best Bartender: Sarah - Volcano Room Best BBQ: Dickinson BBQ Best Breakfast: Pelican Grill Best Brunch: Sundance Grill II Best Burger: Tookie’s Best Cajun: Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar Best Car Dealer - domestic: Norman Frede Chevrolet Best Car Dealer - foreign: Ron Carter Hyundai Best Credit Union: JSC FCU Best Café: Seabrook Classic Cafe Best City to Live: League City Best Contractor/Remodeler: Maverick Remodeling Best Dentist: Tie - Dr. Farid Noie and Dr. J. Derek Tieken Best Entertainment Spot – Jackie’s Brickhouse Best Entertainment Venue: Kemah Boardwalk Best Family Restaurant: T-Bone Tom’s Best Gift Shop: Spruce Flowers and Home Best Hair Salon: Brazil N Drops Best Hair Stylist: Bonnie Wolcott - Heist Best Hospital: Houston Methodist St. John Best Italian: Grazia Italian Kitchen Best Local Entertainer: Tie – Mickey Hobbs and Claudio Sereni Best Luxury Car: Ron Carter Cadillac Best Margarita: El Tiempo Cantina Best Marina: South Shore Harbour Best Mexican: El Tiempo Cantina Best Oysters: Gilhooley’s Best Pizza: Dan’s Pizza Co. Best Pub: Scotty’s Pub Best Realtor: Kimberly Harding Best Resale Shop: Assistance League of the Bay Area Most Romantic Restaurant: Opus Bistro Best Seafood: Topwater Grill Best Steak: T-Bone Tom’s Best Sushi: Michiru Sushi Best Web Design: Big Splash Web Design Best Wine Bar: Chelsea Wine Bar Best Women’s Apparel: The Clotheshorse Best Women’s Boutique: Back Bay Boutique Best Yacht Club: Lakewood Yacht Club

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

2018 Lunar Rendezvous Royal Court A total of 75 Bay Area students have accepted invitations to be members of the 2018 Lunar Rendezvous Festival Royal Court, including 60 princesses and 6 lieutenants who will be high school seniors next fall, plus 9 youngsters serving as little ladies in waiting or as a page. They all will take part in many festival events while also enjoying parties along the way this spring and summer. Then, on July 17, they will all be presented with their mothers at the popular Lunar Rendezvous Fashion Show and with their fathers or mothers at the always lovely Lunar Rendezvous Coronation Ball July 21, when one of the princesses, elected by the other princesses, will be crowned Lunar Rendezvous queen. Both events will be at the San Luis Convention Center in Galveston

PRINCESSES Mary Catherine Adams, daughter of Kathy and Michael Adams Mikayla Anding, Rebecca and Franklin Anding Rachel Barr, Tracey and Randy Barr Juliet Binetti, Angelica and Frank Binetti Jr. Alexandra Boehning, Madeline and Dr. Darren Boehning Kate Campbell, Shelly and Greg Sharp and Roy Campbell Sarah Chang, Dr. Janice and Noel Chang Kira Clubb, Candace and Gregory Clubb Isabella Crain, Melissa and Timothy Crain Blair Culbertson, Cindy and David Culbertson Sabrina Curran, Georgette and Christopher Curran Tiffany Dodd, Terri and Mike Dodd Madison Durgens, Liza and Kevin Durgens Rachel Epperson, Thuy and Greg Epperson Ashley Fiorello, Carey Golden Kylea Gibson, Angela and William Gibson Julie Gomez, Ernestina

Gibson Amanda Gorham, Marilynne and Clay Gorham Olivia Gunn, Jennifer and Scott Murray Madison Hall, Doug Hall and Michelle Hall Payton Hamilton, Cindy and Shane Hamilton Preslie Hearne, Shebette and Alan Boman and David Hearne Mary Hester, Brandy and Scott Jackson and Jena and Tracy Hester Lauren Kennedy, Kimberly and Daniel Heitzman and Shawn and Andrew Kennedy Edie Kosmo, Erin and Doug Kosmo Kayleigh Kralovetz, Michelle and Rodger Kralovetz Gisela Lammers, Jill Williams and Richard Lammers Sydney LoCoco, Tori and Joe LoCoco Alexia Martinez, Tommie and Jesse Martinez Morgan Mathews, Lorie and Richard Mathews Katherine Matthews, Cindiand E. Vince Matthews Savannah Minter, Laura Conley and Bruce Minter Abigail Mitchell, Regina and Meredith Mitchell Ashlyn Moore, Shannon Boll and Dustin Moore Brianna O’Donnell, Caroline McCorvey O’Donnell and Jeff O’Donnell Abygail Outland, Leslee and Garrett Walker and Benny Outland Emma Pearse, Elisabeth and Kevin Pearse Essence Redd, Tiffany and Kedrick Redd Grace Rieves, Kristin and Charles Rieves Jr. Shelby Risinger, Heather and Kenny Risinger Alacia Sauser, Brandale Sauser, Johnathan McMahan and Jerry Karasek Emily Schneider, Paula and Trey Schneider Candace Simpson, Carla and Eldridge Simpson Caroline Singletary, Jennifer and Jeff Singletary Skylar Slattery, Angela and Patrick Slattery

Natalia Soriano, Ramon Soriano and Yazmin Galindo Anjelina Suarez, Jamie and Edmundo Suarez, Sr. Kamryn Sun, Adrienne and Dr. Vissett Sun Taylor Sweeney, Brenda and Fred Sweeney Ashton Teichman, Erin and Kevin Teichman Mariyah Thomas, Nicole Delarosa Olivia Valentine, Cathy and Dr. Vincent Valentine Maggie Voss, Julie and Miles Voss Madeleine White, Sheryl and Joel Babin and James G. White III Emily Williams, Kimberly and Michael Williams Devon Willis, Julie and Stephen Willis Ashley Witson, Dr. Anne and Clarence Witson Julia Wu, Susan Liu and Alex Wu Ashley Ynfante, Belinda and Manuel Ynfante Shelby Zeka, Audra Odom and William Zeka

LIEUTENANTS Reed Blanchard, son of Jennifer Harlan and Mark Blanchard Mackey Chuoke, Ellen and Joe Chuoke John Dickey, Barbara and J. Charles Dickey Trey Dorman, Catherine and Wes Dorman Kyler Jeffery, Jacquilyn Warner Jeffery and Kale Jeffery Carson Noack, Rebecca and Daniel Noack

LITTLE COURT Cooper Beard, son of Yvette and Rudy Culp and Kevin Beard Madilyn Cook, daughter of Karith Cook and K.C. Cook Maggie Jane Denton, Bunny and David Denton Vivienne Dunne, Margaret and Bradley Dunne Elizabeth Koza, Tiffany and Jeff Koza Mackenzie Risinger, Heather and Kenny Risinger Lelia Sprague, Lelia and Mark Sprague Savannah Strickland, Jennifer and Cory Strickland Allie Sukkar, Laura and Dr. Sam Sukkar

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

Gene Hollier named 2018 Lunar Rendezvous King By Mary Alys Cherry

ene Hollier has long

been a knight, ever since the King of Thailand awarded him the Order of the White Elephant many years ago when he served as air attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. Now he’s a king – the 2018 Lunar Rendezvous King. Announcement of the high honor came at the Lunar Rendezvous Festival Kickoff Party, held in the University of HoustonClear Lake Atrium II, before nearly 300 volunteers and members of the Royal Court and their families. A native Texan, Gene was born in Port Arthur and attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) pursuing a degree in engineering and math. But his college days were interrupted by the Korean War, and he left school to enter the U.S. Air Force. During his 20-year military career, he served as an Air Force fighter pilot during both the Korean and Vietnam wars, flying over 175 combat missions. He was the rescue mission commander of continental Africa for an Apollo mission and even learned to speak Thai while serving in Bangkok.

FILM ACTOR After his retirement, Gene lived in Hawaii for eight years, operating a residential security company and becoming a TV and movie actor. He appeared in 17 episodes of the TV series, “Magnum P.I.” and performed in several movies, stage shows and commercials, as well. He was relocated to Houston by his company in 1982, and moved to the Bay Area in 1983. He retired from business in 1996. Gene has been involved in many charitable organizations, among them the Lunar Rendezvous Festival, Bay Area Turning Point, Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, High School Aerospace Scholars Program, the Longhorn Project at Johnson Space Center, the President’s Cabinet at UHCL, Communities in Schools-Bay Area and the Clear Creek Education Foundation. He presently sits on three boards of directors: the Longhorn Project at JSC, the Houston Rodeo and the San Luis Hotel Condominium Council and is a past board

member of the Armand Bayou Nature Center and the Clear Creek ISD Education Foundation. He is a member of Bay Oaks Country Club, Lakeside Lutheran Church, and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce (volunteering at several of its annual events). He has worked on Lunar Rendezvous events since 1985. There have been very few, if any, golf tournaments that he was not in charge of registration. Gene has volunteered on numerous committees over the past 30+ years, including serving as the Boat Parade announcer for several years. Sponsoring two princesses and being a corporate sponsor are also part of his past contributions. For years, he has donated his rodeo package to the LR Fashion Show live auction and bids often on silent and live auctions at LR events.

SUPER STAR In 2000 he was one of the honorees of the prestigious Men and Women of Heart Gala, selected for his many hours of volunteer time in support of the numerous charities. In December 2000, he was awarded the NASA Public Service Medal (the highest award given by NASA to nonemployees of the space agency) for his work as liaison for JSC in its involvement with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. In 2010, he was selected as one of the “10 Renaissance Men” in the Bay Area. In 2011, he was awarded the Outstanding Friend of the Arts Award from The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake. In 2013, Gene was selected a Super Star at the Clear Creek Education Foundation Gala. He joined the NASA Go Texan rodeo committee in 1986, and was selected as Outstanding Committeeman in 1994. In 1999 Gene originated and chaired a special program for the Go Texans called the Trail Boss Program. To date, this program has raised the equivalent of over $1 million in extra funds for the committee to place in the HLSR Scholarship Fund. In 1996 Gene also earned admission to the Speakers Committee of the Rodeo. He became its vice chairman in 1999 and, in August of 1999, he was voted Speaker of the Year. In 2005 he was elected an HLSR Lifetime Director. In 2012, he was awarded the Silver Steer award for his 25 years of service to the NASA Go Texan committee. Oh, yes, how to pronounce his name? O Lee A.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

the Advisory Board present -- Mike and Kathy Reeves, Karen McCorkle, Jill Williams Lammers, Terri Dieste, Mary Williams, Ann Wismer Landolt, Wendy Shaw, Kim Barker, Peggy Clause and Kippy Caraway.

EVENT CHAIRS

Those named to head the various festival events include: Kickoff celebration -- Kathy Glass Splashdown Party – Wendy Drapela Spa Night – Missy Adam Golf Tournament – Renee Adams Sunset Service – Laura Mackay and Amanda Mark Fashion Show – Terri Dodd and Lisa Roberts Coronation Ball – Michelle Holland and Debby Reichert Lunar Rendezvous Festival Advisory Board members, who helped put together this year’s Kickoff Party, stop for a photo together. All are former festival chairmen. They are, from left, seated, Mike and Kathy Reeves; standing, Karen McCorkle, Jill Williams Lammers, Terri Dieste, Mary Williams, Ann Wismer Landolt and Chairman Jill Reason. Former Festival Chairmen Wendy Shaw, Peggy Clause and Kippy Caraway attended but are absent from the photo.

Fashion Show Co-Chairmen Lisa Roberts, left, and Terri Dodd swap ideas as they make plans for the big festival style show luncheon.

Lunar Rendezvous kicks off 53rd season By Mary Alys Cherry

he 2018 Lunar Rendezvous Festival got off to a lively start as a crowd of around 300 gathered in the UH-Clear Lake Atrium II for the introduction of the new king and the 75 members of the Royal Court. Advisory Board Chairman Jill Reason welcomed the crowd and went on to introduce the members of the Advisory Board, which oversees the festival, before Lunar Rendezvous Board Chairman Michael Landolt

presented 2017 Lunar Rendezvous King Col. William McArthur Jr., who introduced 2018 Lunar Rendezvous King Gene Hollier to the crowd. Next, the crowd got to meet the 95-member Royal Court with Terri Monette, Brandi Corrao, Kendra Rogers, Jessica Burgess, Belinda Scheurich and Jill Smitherman handling the introductions. Earlier, on arrival, volunteers got to meet many of the key festival officials and the event chairmen who set up booths so volunteers could enjoy refreshments and sign up to work on the various events. And, to meet members of

Sunset Service Co-Chairmen Amanda Mark, left, and Laura Mackay prepare to begin signing up volunteers to help with their festival event.

KEY OFFICIALS

Others filling key posts are: Treasurer – Kelli Byrd Publicity – Page Rander Sponsors – Laurie Vaughn Auction -- Lelia Sprague Raffle – Melissa McKinnie Program – Dawn Kayser Big Court – Jill Smitherman and Belinda Scheurich Little Court – Jessica Burgess and Kendra Rogers Royals – Terri Monette and Brandie Corrao

ADVISORY BOARD

Coronation Ball Co-Chairmen Michelle Holland, left, and Debbie Reichert look forward to a dazzling night when a new Lunar Rendezvous queen is crowned.

Kathy Glass, chairman of the Lunar Rendezvous Kickoff Party, held in Atrium II at UH-Clear Lake, sets up her table as volunteers begin arriving.

Mike Reeves, Kathy Reeves, Karen McCorkle, Jill Williams Lammers, Terri Dieste, Mary Williams, Ann Wismer Landolt, Wendy Shaw, Peggy Clause, Kelli Byrd, Kim Barker, Mary Ann Shallberg, Kippy Caraway and Chairman Jill Reason

Wendy Drapela invites one and all to the annual festival dining party, which will be at Mercedes-Benz Clear Lake in League City with a Viva Lunar Vegas theme.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

THE A LIST: It’s spring time and add them to your wardrobe to freshen up your style. Shop local.

A HIDDEN GEM

I took my daughter, Amber, with me to try out the Sunday brunch at the surprising hidden gem called Marais on Benson Bayou in Dickinson. They have a fabulous spread with everything from an omelette bar to crawfish. General Manager Nick Stephenson recommended some of their specialties like chicken and waffles and banana foster bread pudding, and they didn’t disappoint! Amber tried their famous Bloody Mary that comes with a friend green tomato, bacon and shrimp as it’s garnish, and said it lived up to the hype. They also are known for their fusions vodka and rum, and have a Absinthe bar.The New Orleans influenced restaurant, owned by Keith and Holly Lilley, is a sprawling building over several levels and their Chef du jour Carole Barnett says they serve four separate menus. The main dining room is for elegant dining where you can enjoy sumptuous steaks and seafood platters and enjoy the service of an attentive wait staff. There is the Marais and Benson bar where you can hang out literally by sitting in a fun swing, and the waterside Plank Bar offers beautiful views and will have live music on Saturdays. They have Girls Martini Night Out on Tuesdays, Wine and Whiskey Wednesdays and Crawfish Thursdays.

By Ange Mertens

Dogs & Divas Fashion Show Luncheon May 17

Lovers of both fashion and dogs will come together on Thursday, May 17, to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon at the third annual Dogs & Divas Fashion Show Luncheon featuring a gourmet meal, stylish collections from area boutiques, adoptable fur babies on the runway, live and silent auctions, a wine pull and – back by popular demand – the now famous PRP Entertainment Dancers. This tail-wagging, sure-toplease event will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at scenic South Shore Harbour Resort on Clear Lake and will benefit Bay Area Turning Point and its Safe Paws program, a partnership with the Friends of League City Animal Shelter. Pets are not immune to domestic violence. Between 50 and 75 percent of battered women with pets report their animals were either threatened, harmed or killed by their abusers. Safe Paws enables these victims to seek shelter sooner by providing foster families for their pets. Individual tickets are $60; tables of ten are $600. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/BATPDD18. Several sponsorship levels also are still available. For more information, contact Stasha Scruggs at events@ bayareaturningpoint.com or 281-338-7600.

p r i n g has s prung ! And in the Bay Area it seems to keep springing back and forth to a late winter -- which has caused a lot of us to postpone the yearly spring cleaning of our closets. But now it is time to take inventory of our wardrobes. First purge, go through and find any clothing that need repairs or alterations. If they can be fixed, then take the time to get that done. If they can’t be repaired or really are just never going to fit you, get rid of them. Next go through your closet and get rid of things that you no longer need. If you haven’t worn it in a year, or every time you reach for it you put it back, you don’t need it! Donating clothes is a wonderful thing to do, especially after events like Hurricane Harvey. But remember when you donate, that just because people are in need at a specific time, does not mean that they want your junk!

PLACES TO DONATE

Donate gently loved stylish clothing. Think about donating to some local organizations like the Bay Area Turning Point and Interfaith Caring Ministries. The Assistance League of Bay Area also has the Cinderella Project that needs your formal dresses so they can provide a wonderful prom experience for local underprivileged girls. Suits and professional clothing for men and women can be donated to Suit Up for Veterans at any local ACU of Texas branch. The next step after closet spring cleaning is to purchase a few basic pieces to update your wardrobe. Feminine is the hottest new trend for spring and fall fashions. The runways are full of pastel colors( especially lavender), ruffles, and sheer fabrics. Plaids and checked patterns and florals are all the rage, sometimes even mixed together. And fringe is everywhere! On shirts and shoes, shirts, jackets and accessories. And, speaking of accessories, fun 80s influences are being seen with chokers and layered necklaces.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

HEROES FED

Cajun Bloody Mary and other brunch offerings at Marais in Dickinson. Photo by Amber Sheffield

Jumpsuits also are gracing the runways in both long and short versions. Take a few of these trends

For all of these wonderful things that Marais is, giving is the best thing they are! During the unprecedented floods of Hurricane Harvey the restaurant received devastating damage and lost the Plank Bar and its sister restaurant, Dickinson BBQ. Ninety percent of Dickinson was flooded and people were in need. Volunteers from all over and first responders alike were all heroes who came to help clear the startling ruin that had taken over the city. Hungry heroes have to be fed and Marais, Keith Lilley, Frank Pannitti, Carole Barnett, and Carol Rogers rose to the occasion and fed those heroes, and in the process became heroes themselves. For a week and a half they showed up and fed a city in pain. The city of Dickinson is emerging from the flood like a Phoenix from the fire and Marais and their special employees are a part of that miracle.

Spring is a time for change By Blaine Ochoa

u t w i t h t h e o l d and in with the new. As the seasons change, so should we. Change is inevitable in order to grow and evolve into a stronger, wiser, kinder and braver person. In order for growth, I’ve learned that letting go of negativity, self doubt and what we are holding on to is essential for progression. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Releasing

fear and fully believing in yourself is powerful. As we grow and change, so do our bodies. Keeping our mind and spirit strong is key to taking the best possible care of our bodies. The body follows the mind. It is important to stay mentally and emotionally healthy in order to be physically healthy and be our best selves. Focus daily on self reflection, understanding, acceptance, and self love. Wisdom and self growth will be the result. Incorporating these positive actions into your daily routine will change your life from the inside out. We feel and look our best when we are confident in who we are and feel good about ourselves. I love to feel and look beautiful, as do most women. I feel the most beautiful when I feel the most confident. I enjoy and take part in a variety of beauty services that help contribute to my body and skin feeling and looking its best. A personal favorite of mine is getting a facial. Customized facials are important to get regularly in order to keep your skin healthy and luminous. A facial is beneficial because it removes dead skin cells, cleanses the skin and creates hydration, improves blood circulation, and evens out skin tone. Brazil N Drops Salon and Spa, located in League City specializes in customized facials. The salon is owned by Desiree Dantas, and offers clients a variety of services such as facials, cosmetic injections, and hair and makeup services. Desiree is one of the best injectors in the Houston/Bay Area location, and is able to help clients achieve their

One word By Lilli Heintz

ne word can completely change the way you think or feel. The feeling you get in your stomach when you say I love you to someone. The feeling you get in your chest when you talk about anxiety. The feeling you get when you’re stressed and your brain keeps going over those thoughts. The feeling you get when you miss your best friend. Words are such powerful tools and we sometimes forget the effect they can have on us. At my church, Living Word Church, we begin the year by picking out and letting God show us one word that we should try and live by during that year. In 2017, my word was light. Now this word has very many different meanings to it. Light means that it gives sight to something, a problem, or to light a room. The way I used this word was through modeling. I have been modeling for almost 5 years and it has had many ups and downs. After about a year of modeling, I went to this big convention with my church called, Acquire The Fire. There was an amazing band and some really awesome preachers sharing the Word of God. One preacher passed around Sharpies and told everyone to write on their forearm what they believed God wanted them to be. I was only 14 at the time so I had no clue what I thought God wanted me to do. Then all of a sudden, a Sharpie was in my hand, and I wrote the phrase, “Be the Light.” I lived by this saying for years, until 2017, when I really made

that who I was. I try to shine my light in the dark world that is modeling. Many people reassure me to this day by saying they are drawn to this light that I have and I know that is God telling me to keep doing what I am doing because there are bigger and greater things to come.

perfect look. Dr. Derek Lou is the medical director at the salon. A new addition to the salon is the Vanquish machine. This technology targets unwanted fat deposits, creating a smaller waistline or thigh circumference. Brazil N Drops carries some of the best beauty products, including Societe Skincare, leaving your skin healthy and radiant. I also routinely get non invasive lipo sculpting treatments to keep my skin looking its best. Lipo sculpting treatments help with skin tightening, inch loss, and fat burning. Cellulite reduction is another benefit of lipo sculpting. Located inside Brazil N Drops is Flawless Lipo Sculpting, owned by Dee Wallace Garrett. The procedure is painless, lasts about 45 minutes to an hour and consists of the use of ultrasound technology used to melt fat cells. The lipo sculpting machine can be used on problem areas of the body such as the stomach or legs. These amazing treatments give the skin a smooth, soft and flawless look. Whether it’s an awesome facial, a fabulous lipo sculpting treatment or a cosmetic injection, all of these beauty enhancers help contribute to a healthy, beautiful, physical appearance, resulting in more self confidence. I highly recommend trying these services and treatments out, you will feel refreshed and see a healthy difference in your body and skin. Meditate on positivity, gratitude, and self love. You will feel better, healthier, and more confident from the inside out. True beauty comes from within the heart and shines outwards.

Now we get to the word for 2018. I knew what my word was going to be right when I walked into church that morning. In this day and age, we seem to always have a phone glued to our hips, trying to compare ourselves to what other people are doing and we are never fully living the lives we want to live. My word for 2018 is moment. I seem to let too many moments pass by while I stress about trying to get that perfect picture or that perfect moment with someone. I let many little things get in the way of my life, being stressed over things that I can easily change. I struggle with living in the moment! While I am writing this, it is April 2018. I have learned to put down my phone when I am out with friends. I have found a love for film photography and how you truly need to live in the moment when taking those pictures. I have learned to sit back and watch my friends around a fire and see how they interact. I have fully tried to live in every moment that I encounter. We never fully know what lies ahead of us but we do try and plan a lot of our future. I have many big moments happening in 2018. I am graduating with my associates in business in May, and then hopefully moving to New York in the fall. These moments are the times that I am going to look back on and see how they have shaped me into the person that I have become. I hope while reading this you have realized moments that have passed that you didn’t get to fully embrace. Even times that God has spoken to you but you were too busy comparing yourself to something else. I hope you will live your year in a way that you better yourself from the last, improve who you are and reach for who you want to be. I believe just one word can help you do it. MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Regional lab earns IAC accreditation Echocardiography is used to assess different areas of the heart and can detect heart disease or signs of serious cardiovascular conditions. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, followed closely by stroke as the fourth highest cause of death. According to the American Heart Association, more than 2,150 Americans die each day from cardiovascular disease which amounts to one about every 40 seconds. There are many factors that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on echocardiography. The training and experience of the sonographer performing the procedure, the type of equipment used and the quality assessment metrics each facility is required to measure, all contribute to a positive patient outcome. IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indicator of consistent quality care and a dedication to continuous improvement. “It is a great acknowledgement of the high quality diagnostic studies done at Bay Area Regional. Achieving this accreditation is challenging, and it’s an accreditation that differentiates Bay Area Regional,” said Dr. Mohamad Shalaby, cardiologist. Bay Area Regional Medical Center Echocardiography Lab has been granted a three-year term of accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission in Echocardiography in the area of Adult Transthoracic. “This accreditation and our many others emphasize our commitment to providing exceptional, quality care while making a difference in people’s lives,” Bay Area Regional CEO Stephen K. Jones Jr. said. Accreditation by the IAC means that Bay Area Regional Medical Center Echocardiography Lab has undergone an intensive application and review process and is found to be in compliance with the published Standards thus demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care in echocardiography.

Senate confirms Bridenstine as new NASA administrator

Barbara Bush, from left, George Bush, Joe Machol, and Mike Machol.

My meeting with the former First Lady By Joe Machol

met George and Barbara

Bush for the first time at Reliant Stadium in the fall of 2002. It was at the first ever Texans game that I was officiating. I was on the sidelines in front of the Texans bench a hour before kickoff when President and First Lady Barbara Bush walked up and said hello. I said hello Mr. President and we shook hands. Barbara said hello and I shook her hand. I was able to ask President Bush if the story was true, about he and National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, fishing while discussing Operation Desert Storm, He said, young man how did you know about that? I said I read an article; he said yes we did. I felt a tap on my shoulder. Barbara asked me if I would give her the sport coat George had on. I thought for a moment, how do I do this task? I said Mr. President the First Lady would like your

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

sport coat. George said yes sir young man, here you go, and he took off his coat and handed it to me. The crowd started cheering when they saw the Houston Texans jersey he was wearing, with number 41 and BUSH on the back. I handed the sport coat to Barbara and she said thank you young man, I have been trying to get him out of that coat for 20 minutes. I laughed and watched them walk around the field. I met them both many times at Texans games over the years, and yes, they were always friendly and said hello every time. I spent a moment in time with the former President and First Lady, yet they made me feel like I was the only one in Reliant Stadium. The memory is still vivid in my mind. People are judged by the way they treat others. It speaks well of Barbara Bush, on how well she treated, all humanity. God Speed, Barbara Bush.

Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., was confirmed by the U.S. Senate April 19 as NASA’s 13th administrator. He replaces Gen. Charles Bolden, who retired in January 2017. In making the announcement, acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot said he was very pleased to welcome Bridenstine to NASA. “He joins our great agency at a time when we are poised to accomplish historic milestones across the full spectrum of our work. Jim now takes the reins of this agency and its talented and dedicated workforce. I’m looking forward to him building on our great momentum and sharing our many strengths to help us make the next giant leaps on behalf of humanity. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the NASA team for all they accomplished during my time leading the agency.”Lightfoot, who has led the agency since Bolden’s retirement, plans to retire himself in May. Bridenstine, who earned his bachelor’s degree at Rice University, seemed quite pleased to finally be confirmed by the Senate, after waiting almost a year.“It is an honor to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as NASA Administrator,” Bridenstine said. “I am humbled by this opportunity, and I once again thank President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for their confidence. I look forward to working with the outstanding team at NASA to achieve the President’s vision for American leadership in space.”

HEARTS & HEELS More than 200 guests attended the recent Hearts & Heels Fashion Show hosted by Memorial Hermann Southeast and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospitals in the Hope Village Ballroom in Friendswood to highlight women’s heart health. Memorial Hermann Southeast and Pearland Hospitals’ leadership were among the many at the Hearts & Heels Fashion Show including, from left, Director of Business Development Shannon Kimich, Liliane Nahas with her husband, Dr. Cesar Nahas, Southeast medical director of the Cardiac Surgery Program; Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Ochoa, RN; CEO Kyle Price and Vice President Mario Garner of Memorial Hermann Southeast and Memorial Hermann Pearland.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

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Grazia

Sawa

Masa Sushi

r l e a

l a k e

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

Avenida Brazil

Sam’s Boat

Villa Capri

Pomodoro’s

Pappa’s Delta Blues

Boondoggles

Hunsa Thai 888 Chinese

Angelo’s

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

Tookie’s Seafood Cabo

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance Opus

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s Amadeus

Ocean Sushi

Nobi

South Shore Grille

El Tiempo MichiRu

Jackie’s Brickhouse

T-Bone Tom’s Playa Maya

Floyd’s Red River BBQ Main St. Bistro

Stomp’s Burgers

Gilhooley’s

AMERICAN ASIAN BBQ CAJUN ITALIAN MEDIT. MEXICAN PUB/FUSION SEAFOOD STEAK

AMERICAN 1. Jackie’s Brickhouse 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah, TX (832) 864-2459 jackiesbrickhouse.com 2. Main St Bistro 615 E Main St, League City, TX (281) 332-8800 3. Red Oak Cafe 6011 W Main St a106, League City, TX (832) 905-3150 redoakcafe.com 4. Stomp’s Burger Joint 3107 TX-146, Bacliff, TX (281) 339-0785 stompsburgerjoint.com 5. South Shore Grille 2800 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 334-7700 soshoregrille.com 6. T-Bone Tom’s 707 TX-146, Kemah, TX (281) 334-2133 tbonetoms.com 7. Cabo Bar & Grill 2513 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-2691 caboclearlake.com 8. Sam’s Boat 3101 NASA Rd. 1 Seabrook, TX (281) 326-7267 samsboat.com ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com

Red Oak Cafe

Topwater Grill

Gumbo Bar

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

2. Hunsa Thai Kitchen 4622 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 532-6339 3. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (281) 486-9888 masasushitexas.com 4. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com 5. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 77598 6. Ocean Sushi 3020 Marina Bay Dr Suite A2, League City, TX (281) 957-9122 oceansushigrill.com BARBEQUE 1. Dickinson BBQ 2111 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-2500 dickinsonbbq.com 2. Pappas Delta Blues 19901 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-0024 www.pappasdeltablues.com 3. Red River BBQ 1911 E Main St Suite B, League City, TX (281) 332-8086 CAJUN 1. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 334-5000 crazyalanswampshack.com 2. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood 20760 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 332-7474 floydswebster.com

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

3. Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar 1615 FM 646, League City, TX (281) 524-8626 littledaddysgumbobar.com

1. Bakkhus Taverna 605 6th St, Kemah, TX 77565 (281) 538-1800 bakkhustaverna.com

4. Tilted Kilt 2481 Gulf Fwy, League City, TX (281) 309-0471 m o s e s tiltedkilt.com

4. Marais 2015 FM 517 Rd E, Dickinson, TX (281) 534-1986

2. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe 18033 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX (281) 333-3180 mediterraneomarket.com

5. Boondoggles Pub 4106 E NASA Pkwy, El Lago, TX 77586 (281) 326-2739 boondogglespub.com

3. Sawa Mediterranean 16608 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-0817 sawarestaurantgrill.com

6. Chelsea Wine Bar 4106 E NASA Pkwy f, El Lago, TX 77586 (281) 326-5282 chelseawinebartexas.com

I TA L I A N 1. Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 400 Bay Area Blvd A, Webster, TX (281) 332-2404 angelospizza-pasta.com 2. Amadeus 700 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX (281) 334-3311 3. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W. Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com 4. Grazia Italian Kitchen 1001 Pineloch Dr #1100, Houston, TX (281) 486-2083 graziaitalian.com 5. Pomodoro’s NASA 1303 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (281) 480-0700 pomodorosnasa.com 6. Villa Capri 3713 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook frenchiesvillacapri.com (281) 326-2373 7. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058 francasrealitalian.com (281) 488-2207 MEDITERRANEAN

MEXICAN 1. El Tiempo Cantina 20237 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (713) 802-1580 eltiempocantina.com 2. Habanero’s Tacos 1908 Hialeah Dr #2, Seabrook, TX (281) 474-4400 habanerostacos.com 3. Playa Maya Tacos 1415 TX-146, Kemah, TX Phone: (281) 532-6986 playamayakemah.com PUB/BAR/FUSION 1. Nobi Public House 241 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (832) 932-5111 nobipub.com 2. Scotty’s Pub 3202 Marina Bay Dr, League City, TX (281) 339-7474 www.scottyspubhouston.com 3. Skallywag’s 600 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-8877

l a k e

SEAFOOD 1. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-3813 2. Opus Ocean Grille 1510 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores, TX (281) 334-0006 opusoceangrille.com 3. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com 4. Topwater Grill 815 Avenue O, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-1232 topwatergrill.com 5. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr, Kemah, TX 77565 (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com STEAK 1. Avenida Brazil 201 Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX 77598 (281) 557-9999 avebrazil.com

Enjoy a variety of local and big name brews on draft at the Boldthouse.

Boldthouse offers a unique experience for all

imple, yet delicious— sustenance, but complimentary; this is what The Boldthouse strives for. From the beginning, Miriam Lozano and Devin Boldt have strived to bring an experience unique to every visitor. Before opening last September, both shared a unique passion for finding the best wine and craft beer and wanting to bring that to the people that are eager to explore new flavors and try new things. Operating under the philosophy that creating the most positive experience is uniquely crafted by the adventure you lead. As Boldt mentioned, “Did you know that there are grapes grown in the deserts of Arizona? The climate is similar to regions of Italy, so those grapes thrive really well in the mineral-rich soils in Central Arizona. Each wine has a story. The experience is melded based on the weather that year, the region, soils, the varietals and so much more!” Coming up on their sixth month since opening, new things are happening! Lozano and Boldt are incredibly happy to add Chef Cesar Paul to The Boldthouse Family. Formally trained, worldly experiences in the kitchen and an energy constantly focused has made him an integral addition that perfectly melds with the wine pub’s philosophy to bring new ventures for all to enjoy. “Food should be a celebration of life that brings people together,” Remarks Chef Cesar. “I wanted to pair up good food with good wine, good beer, and good people. I think the owners had the right concept that this place needs.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

Chef Cesar studied at Le Cordon Bleu under Régis Lacombe in Los Angeles. After graduating, he participated in an internship in Spain, traveled to Argentina and Turkey and spent six years exploring Mexico, cooking and honing his skill. Since then, has worked as a consultant for many restaurants and executive chef at a few of restaurants surround the Clear Lake area. Lozano and Boldt are excited for what this year will bring. “I can’t wait for this summer! Our brunch on Sundays is already a hit and we want to expand on that with brunch on Saturdays as well,” Lozano said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve built.” The Boldthouse held their first annual crawfish boil on April 27 and 28. They will also be having their kitchen grand opening on May 2. The Boldthouse kitchen hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-10 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-10 p.m., Closed Monday

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

Dancing with the Stars – Bay Area!

ay Area Alliance for Families is excited to announce Dancing with the Stars – Bay Area! Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 8 at South Shore Harbour Conference Center & Resort as we watch 6 local female celebrities pair up with 6 local male celebrities for this exciting inaugural event. So, get your dancing shoes on and get ready to join a fun evening of great food, fabulous music, and the incredible dance moves of some of our favorite Bay Area neighbors. Follow Dancing with the Stars –Bay Area on FB (DWTSBayArea) and their website, www. dancingwiththestarsbayarea. net, for all the latest information and the live “cast” reveal from South Shore Harbour. Sponsorship opportunities are available and can be found on the Dancing with the Stars website or by calling 281-284-0370. All monies raised from this event will support the Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families, a

Higgins Brinkman Wedding Congratulations to the Higgins and Brinkman families! Pictured from left is Doug Higgins, Timothy Busfield, Marissa Brinkman, Melissa Gilbert, Mrs. Higgins, Dakota Brinkman and Bo Brinkman.

community coalition dedicated to helping make young people make good decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Extra exciting is that Rebecca Spera, best known for her afternoon traffic spot on ABC13, has agreed to be emcee for the event. Rebecca and her family live in Clear Lake and are committed to the healthy growth of the Bay Area community. She’s the icing on the cake of the fantastic line up of dancers for this night of fun and entertainment!

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

WINE

DOWN WEDNESDAY

Rick Clapp and Shelley Rogers enjoying Wine Down Wednesdays at Water’s Edge Venue, which take place every second Wednesday of the month. RSVP for May’s event to: info@ watersedge. events

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

San Jacinto College has record enrollment By Amanda Fenwick San Jacinto College reached record enrollment in the fall 2017 semester with 30,509 students enrolled across the college district. “This record enrollment is a testament to the work that our faculty and staff do every day in and out of the classroom,” said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. “The fall term was tough for all of us with Hurricane Harvey, and I know many of our students and employees are still recovering. However, I am proud of our faculty and staff for persevering to make sure that our students got enrolled and completed the semester.” The record 30,509 enrolled in the fall term is an unduplicated number, meaning students who take classes on more than one San Jacinto College campus are only counted once for college-wide enrollment purposes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board certifies enrollment data every semester. A more detailed breakdown of enrollment numbers can be found on the San Jacinto College quick facts web page. Traditional spring classes began Tuesday, Jan.16, but registration remains open for the spring 2018 semester with Take 2 classes (13B) that begin Monday, Jan. 29. Educational planners and financial aid advisors are available on all San Jacinto College campuses to help new and current students with the enrollment and registration process and assist students in choosing a career path; and with the application, enrollment and registration processes.

Beauty and the Beast By Don Armstrong

ach year, we get to drive dozens of new vehicles. However, it isn’t often we get excited enough to boast about a couple of all-new rides. This month we drive two, SUV’s that we think you’ll get excited about too after your test drives.

Buick Enclave Avenir

Used to be, Buick was a “near” luxury brand. No longer. The completely redesigned Enclave Avenir can now be considered full-on luxury and a “Beauty” to behold. We recently drove the “Avenir,” an all-new trim name for top-of-the-line features that now place this Buick in direct competition with Lexus and Infiniti. The Avenir includes an exclusive three-dimensional mesh grille paired with chrome wings inspired by Buick concept cars, as well as 20-inch wheels. Five premium

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

exterior colors are available along with a Chestnut interior with Ebony piping on the seats and contrasting stitching. Avenir floor-mats; a wood-accented steering wheel and Avenir-scripted sill plates are just a few items you’ll want to point out to your now jealous next-door neighbors. A smooth 3.6L V-6 engine delivers 310-horsepower to 2 or all-wheels. An imperceptible nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models. A premium suspension system with continuously variable real-time damping is also available. Starting price for the Enclave is $40,970. Add several thousand dollars for models sporting the Avenir emblem.

BMW X3 M40i

The venerable X3 has become one of BMW’s most popular models with seating for 5 and a mastery of ride quality and handling. The all-new

M40i adds the “Beast” factor to an already capable factory do-all. When we say “all-new” we mean from the ground up, but you’d be hard pressed to see any noticeable deviations from the outgoing model. Side-by-side though, the ’18 model is larger than the old, which translates into more interior room. We love inline 6-cylinder engines and BMW makes one of the best. Add TwinPower turbocharging to its 3.0-liters and you’ll have 355-horses that get to a full gallop faster that you can say, “giddyap.” Its 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with Launch Control is a delight in either fullautomatic mode or paddle-shifted intervention. The full-time all-wheel drive system is the only one available, as it should be. BMW is typically at the cutting edge of in-car connectivity but in the X3, Apple Car Play is in, and Android Auto is out. The X3 M40i starts at $64,045.

Golfing Events

Houston sports scene on the rise By Joe Machol

h e Ho u sto n s p o r ts s c e ne is bringing big smiles to the faces of its adoring public these days. The Houston Astros just won the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are looking awfully good this season. With a few new players and a solid roster, they are making a move to go far in the playoffs with expectations to win a third NBA Championship for Houston. The Houston Texans are on the rise with a franchise quarterback, a franchise defensive lineman and a new addition safety. If the Texans can put together a team that gels quickly they could make a run at the first ever NFL Super Bowl win. Let’s start with football. The Texans have a new general manager, Brian Gaine, who replaces Rick Smith. Gaine has already made a impact with the free agent signing of Tyrann Mathieu, aka the Honey Badger. Mathieu comes to Houston from the Arizona Cardinals. You may remember him from LSU. With JJ Watt expected back and healthy and Deshaun Watson at QB, with a All Pro receiver in DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans are poised to make a deep run in the AFC Playoffs. I am looking forward to seeing what former Ohio State QB-turned-receiver Braxton Miller can bring this year. If the Texans can shore up the offensive line in the 2018 NFL draft and stay healthy on defense, the sky will be the limit. I do know owner Bob McNair and his son, Cal, want a NFL Championship for this city. The Rockets have a new owner, local businessman Tilman Fertitta, who also owns Landry’s restaurants. Feritta is a proven winner and expects the same from his NBA Houston Rockets franchise. With All-Stars

James Hardin and Chris Paul leading the way, the Rockets are also deep on the bench. The team is coming into its own down the stretch getting ready to enter into the NBA Playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. With great play from the stars and the bench, the Rockets should work their way into the NBA finals this year, and with luck, win another NBA Championship. I would like to see Fertitta bring a NHL franchise to Houston. I know this city and surrounding area would support a Houston NHL hockey team. The World Champion Houston Astros’s -- let’s say that again -- your World Champion Houston Astros’s are beginning the season as favorites to repeat as champions. With the likes of George Springer, Justin Verlander, Jose Altuve, Dallas Keuchel, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman, and the recent addition of pitcher Gerrit Cole, Astros Manager A.J. Hinch is looking to take this team to another MLB World Championship. The Astros have started the 2018 season off by winning all three series they have played, like the old adage says in baseball, you win 50 games and you lose 50 games; it depends on what you do with the other 50 games. Astros’s owner Jim Crane has built his team with help from GM Jeff Lunow and President Reid Ryan. If the Astros can keep these men in place, the stars are the limit for this franchise. As of now, the professional Houston sports scene is in a really good place. I am guessing that most of you will judge the success of a pro sports team by how many championships they win. Let’s have fun watching and supporting our Houston teams as they try to achieve the pinnacle of sports -- their respective championships. It will be fun along the way.

HURRICANES FC MAKE THE MOVE TO BAY AREA HOUSTON The Texas Premier Soccer League is proud to announce the addition of The Bay Area Hurricanes Football Club to the league. Founded in Houston in 1978, re-established in 1996, and in 2012, under new ownership; The Bay Area Hurricanes FC is one of the most important soccer clubs in Texas. Team owner Brendan Keyes is a former pro player and has stayed involved in the ‘beautiful game’ coaching and training young players in the Bay Area. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Keyes has over 30 years of experience as a player, coach,

GM and league president. The Hurricanes boast a coaching staff that has over 25 years of experience on both the amateur and professional level. The club also has a wide range and fervent fan base, which includes over

Judge Holly’s 10th Annual golf tournament Monday, May 7 Bay Oaks Country Club Registration at 10:30 a.m. Shotgun start at noon Pasadena Chamber’s Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament Monday, May 14, 2018 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Timber Creek Golf Club 4558 FM 2351, Friendswood suzette@pasadenachamber.org Interfaith Caring Ministries 21st Annual Golf Tournament Monday, May 21, 4 to 7 p.m. TopGolf Webster Tickets are $100 per person Details at 281-332-3881 Ext. 1111 Or email jpeterson@icmtx.org Rotary Club of Space Center Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Veterans and First Responders Bay Oaks Country Club Monday, June 4 Registration, 9 a.m. Shotgun start, 11 a.m. Team entry fee, $600 Call 832-754-5795 ‘Rich’ Or visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3954 Clear Creek Education Foundation CCISD Alumni and Friends TopGolf Tournament Thursday, June 28, 3-6 p.m. Registration opens 2:30 p.m. Games being at 4 p.m. For details visit the website: ClearCreekEducationFoundation.org Registration opens: 2:30PM

10,000 fans here in Texas. Their objective is to quickly be established as the top pro-soccer men’s club in the United States. The club will consist of the TPSL team, a player development program, and a community outreach program. The Hurricanes TPSL team will play its first season in a new Texas-based division, in the South Central region. This club will provide players and fans the opportunity to be involved in the highest level of professional soccer in the United States. Persons interested in becoming a Hurricanes FC football player or sponsoring the new team can call Keyes at 832-748-1001 or contact him at coach@ BrendanKeyes.com. The next season of the Texas Premier Soccer League begins in September.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

LYC OPENING DAY AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET Photos by Erin Crowley

Lakewood Board of Directors, joined by the Rev. Rusti Moore at far right, take part in the Opening Day and Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.

Linley Palmer, Camille Reiser and Jennifer Reiser, from left, join the fun at Lakewood’s Opening Day and Blessing of the Fleet.

Commodore Ash Walker and the Rev. Rusti Moore start the Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.

Flag officers line up for the Opening Day ceremonies. They are, from left, front, Commodore Ash Walker and Past Commodore and Protocol Officer Joyce Maxwell; back row, Rear Commodore Rex Bettis, Fleet Capt. Mike Downs and Vice Commodore Tom Frankum.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

Victoria Policello christens her yacht during the Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.

Jeff, Katherine and Kaitlin Knight with Katie Lucas at the Blessing of the Fleet

LAKE WOOD TO HOST SHOE REGATTA MAY 19 Lakewood Yacht Club and the Bay Access Foundation will host the 2018 KO Sailing MUSTO Shoe Regatta, which will be raced on Galveston Bay May 19-20. The Shoe Regatta is open to all boats of PHRF Spin, PHRF Non-Spin, Cruising boats with a PHRF Rating (non-spin or poleless spin), One-Design and multi-hulls. Registration is $85 with a $5 discount available to U.S. Sailing members. The regatta entry fee also will provide access to the Skippers’ Meeting and Saturday’s party at LYC which includes a Texas Southern-style dinner and live entertainment by the always entertaining LC Roots band. Additional dinner tickets can be purchased for $20. An Awards ceremony will also be held at LYC Sunday, May 20. The first place winners in each class also will receive a pair of first-class Musto sailing shoes designed for racing enthusiasts. Don’t miss the May 16 entry deadline. Visit the LYC website atlakewoodyachtclub.com then select Regattas. The link to the KO Sailing MUSTO Shoe Regatta will be on the right. “The Skippers’ Meeting will be in the LYC Ballroom Friday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m.,” says regatta chair Bob Hunkins. “Both novice and veteran racers can benefit from the information that will be made available.” This year’s non-title sponsors include the City of Seabrook, our platinum sponsor, Kevin Severance Insurance, Upstream Brokers, Sea Lake Yachts, Texas Coast Yachts, Little Yacht Sales, OJ’s Marine, Blackburn Marine, Davis Marine Electronics, True North Marine and RejeX.com. The City of Seabrook has a host of attractions, activities, elegant or casual dining and lodging options convenient to the Club. Family members and guests can visit www. seabrooktx.gov to plan activities while the racers are on the water. Contact LYC at 281-474-2511 or Bob Hunkins, KO Sailing MUSTO Shoe Regatta chair, at rdhunkins@verizon.net or 281-216-4082 for information.

Magnetism By Michael W. Gos Round Top, Texas e came out here because my wife was in the mood to do a little “antiquing.” As you can probably guess, doing the “shop till you drop” thing doesn’t sound like fun to me. So, I figured I’d take the chance to go visit the Round Top Festival Institute. Over the years I had heard about the concerts and the poetry institute, but mostly I’d heard it was a beautiful place. I figured, why not? It sure beats going through dusty barns full of old furniture that we had no room for at home anyway. If you haven’t been to the Festival Institute, you should make the trip. It is absolutely magnificent. Whether it is the enormous concert hall on Festival Hill, the chapel, or the gardens, the campus has to be one of the most beautiful man-made environments in Texas. I spent most of the day outside, enjoying the gardens. I saw no one for a couple of hours. Then I came across one lone woman. She was sitting with her eyes closed, cross-legged on the stone floor next to a fountain. She appeared to be meditating. I had a feeling I knew what was going on.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

I used to think people meditated to feel more relaxed—maybe to try to clear their thinking. But as I studied the workings of the mind over the years, and especially in some of my courses in grad school, I learned that there are much more “lucrative” uses for the practice. The one I find

most interesting is because we want stuff. As kids, most of us are taught that if you want something, the way to get it is to work hard to achieve it. Later, we were given more detailed information—such as directions on formulating goals: what a goal should look like and how it should be worded. You may have encountered motivational speakers like Tony Robbins or Zig Ziglar, who dealt with the subject in great detail. While I was certainly impressed with

their work and found them useful at first, over time they began to seem a bit superficial. I guess that happened because I had the opportunity to see some more interesting, more powerful, approaches—approaches that most people would think were, well, ”unusual.” I studied cognitive science in grad school and learned that there are two “sides” of the brain, the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious part allows us to think about how to do things and to learn new stuff. The subconscious part does things on its own, without our knowledge—makes our hearts beat, governs chemical reactions, etc. The subconscious also stores repetitive skills once we learn them. When first learning to walk, we had to think about every move we made, even more so in learning to run, or play the piano. But after we have practiced long enough, the skill was moved to the subconscious part of the brain and we no longer had to think about it. Remember when you were first learning to drive a car? You were squeezing the wheel so hard your knuckles were white. The cars parked on either side of the road were so close you were sure you’d be bouncing off one or the other—or both. And what about today? You drive with one hand, roll the windows up and down, talk on the phone, slap the kids in the back seat and drink a coke. You never give any of it a single thought. That’s a good thing. Just imagine what would happen if, in the midst of running, we had to stop to think about what we should do next with the left leg. The subconscious cannot tell the difference between a vividly imagined thought and reality. If a thought gets into the subconscious part, the brain assumes it is real and goes about its business

accordingly. It makes it happen. The problem is, how do we get the idea there? The two parts of the brain are separated by an electronic “curtain” that ensures whatever you are consciously trying to do enters only the conscious side. I first saw this problem addressed back in my sports writing days. I noticed how sports psychologists used mental tricks to lower that curtain and plant in a player’s subconscious an idea that will improve performance on the field. One method I found particularly intriguing was having the player count from one to ten and ten to one,

“When we turn off the electronic curtain, even for a second, we turn on an electromagnet that pulls the things we want to us.” forward and backward at the same time. It sounds easy, right? One, ten, two, nine, three, eight, four, seven… but when you reach the five, six, six, five crossover, the brain boggles, and the electronic curtain falls for an instant. At that moment, the psychologist tells the player what he wants him to do and the player usually goes out onto the field and does just that. I have asked several players about the experience and they usually claim they never heard the instruction. Both Taoism and Zen Buddhism tell us that

mind is most powerful when it is quiet. They call this state “non-mind.” When we can shut down thoughts (usually in the form of language—talking to ourselves) we can lower that electronic curtain that separates the conscious from the sub-conscious for maybe a second or two and we can then plant in the now-clear mind the idea of what we seek. That is one goal of meditation—to quiet the mind so we can plant an idea directly into the subconscious. Need financial security? Plant the idea “affluence” in the gap between the thoughts. Once done, the mind goes to work to produce it with no effort on your part. When we turn off the electronic curtain, even for a second, we turn on an electromagnet that pulls the things we want to us.

It was beautiful there in the shade by the fountain and I would have liked to sit on the stone wall and spend a little time there listening to the water and the birds. But I was afraid my presence there might disturb her, so I moved on. After all, I had a lot more of the festival grounds to see before lunch. To this day, I don’t know if the woman by the fountain was after affluence, someone to love, or simply a good day. But it seemed to me she was on the right track. At the very least, she was spending some quality, private time in a magnificent place. That sure beats antiquing. By the way, when you do go to Round Top, Be sure to stop at Royers for lunch. Although they are known world-wide for their pies, I recommend the jalapeno cheese soup.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Assistance League clothes 2,725 needy area students

personnel joined together to provide ssistance League students in grades Pre-K to 12 the of the Bay Area has opportunity to select items that were completed Phase I of most needed for a successful start to its 2017-18 Operation the school year, she added. School Bell, clothing needy Bay Area Operation School Bell funding students. comes primarily from the chapter’s “We are happy to report award-winning Resale Shop located that 2,725 students from Clear at 100 E. NASA Parkway, Suite 80, in Creek, Dickinson, La Porte and Webster and the annual Assistance Friendswood School Districts, League fundraiser, a along with Mosbacher gala event held Feb. 9 Odyssey Academies, at Waters Edge Venue were dressed,” President on NASA Parkway in El Ann-Marie Doolin said, Lago. Other generous adding that over 252 funding comes from volunteers worked 1,548 numerous grants, as hours to provide the as private and students with school “Operation well community donations. appropriate clothing Since 2001, Operation at three area Kohl’s School Bell School Bell has clothed Department Store is making a over 25,000 students in locations. In making the difference in the Bay Area. Today, 121 Assistance League announcement, Doolin the lives of chapters and guilds said this year Hurricane Harvey caused a twochildren in our across America, with combined chapter week delay in dressing community. budgets of over $11 the students as the School million per year, provide Bell Committee had to proper clothing, learning wait for the stores to materials, and tutoring open and confirm their programs to more than 270,000 supply chains were operational, and recipients annually through the that they had enough staff to keep Operation School Bell program. the stores open. “We also needed “Operation School Bell is making each independent school district to a difference in the lives of children in assess their students’ post-storm our community. Thank you for your needs before handing out additional support of Assistance League of the applications. Bay Area and our mission,” Doolin In addition to chapter members added. and Assisteens, business partners, community volunteers and district

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[BAY AREA HOUSTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP]

Special treat awaits the BAHEP Board

Long Star Flight Museum CEO Doug Owens, right, welcomes Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell and BAHEP Board Chairman Dr. Brenda Hellyer to the Flight Museum’s new home at Ellington Airport.

ay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s

Board of Directors were in for a treat when they met for their April meeting. Instead of gathering at the BAHEP office, they met at the beautiful new Lone Star Flight Museum, which moved here last fall from Galveston. And, as the meeting got underway, Flight Museum CEO Doug Owens, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general, traced the history of the Flight Museum, education programs, future plans and invited board members to attend the May 5, 2018 Flights of Fancy Gala at the museum when six who made significant contributions to aviation will be inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame – Capt. James Lovell, Congressman Sam Johnson, Azellia White, Brig. Gen. Noel Parrish and Thomas and Paul Braniff.

Harv Hartman smiles as Memorial Hermann Director of Government Relations Ashlea Quinonez, center, and KBRWyle Vice President Genie Bopp compliment him on his Education Workforce Committee update for the BAHEP Board meeting.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

Dr. Greg Smith, from left, Clear Creek ISD superintendent and immediate past BAHEP Board chairman, talks with MaximGroup President Ron Masters and BAHEP Aerospace Marketing Manager Jimmy Spence as they await the start of the board meeting at Lone Star Flight Museum.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry

(Top Left) Attorney Phil Griffis, left, president of the Griffis Law Firm, stops to talk with Minuteman Press owner Jim Sweeney as he makes his way to his seat at the BAHEP Board meeting at Lone Star Flight Museum. (Top Right) Dr. Bernie Milstein, right, president of The Eye Clinic of Texas, shares a light moment with CLC Properties CEO John Wilkins before the start of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership April Board meeting at the Lone Star Flight Museum. (Left) Boeing Vice President John Elbon, from left, Barrios Technology President Robert McAfoos and Port Houston Commissioner John Kennedy are ready for the BAHEP Board meeting at the Lone Star Flight Museum to start.

Allegiance Bank President Frank Law, from left, and Aerosys President John Martinec thank Lone Star Flight Museum CEO Doug Owens for hosting the BAHEP Board of Directors at the new Flight Museum at Ellington Airport.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

The cast of Living Biblically

Living Biblically Receives Mixed Reviews By Pastor Brad Heintz

id you know that one of the TV Networks has decided to bring faith to prime time in a sitcom called, Living Biblically? Living Biblically is a sitcom centered on Chip Curry (Jay R. Ferguson) who decides to live his life according to the Bible. The comedy is loosely based on A.J. Jacobs’ experience and book, “The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible.” After two life-changing events, the death of his best friend and his wife’s pregnancy, Chip tries hard to make religion relevant and have a real relationship with God. In each episode he takes one of the Ten Commandments and tries to apply it to his life, which usually ends up with a few good laughs and at least one good point being made. At first, I was leery of what our current media would do with the whole idea of living Biblically. I tuned in to the TV show just to be able to respond. It is a typical sitcom but it also made some good points after all. Like the episode about loving your neighbor did a great job of the modern application of how we are to love others. At one point Chip realizes that he not only doesn’t know his neighbors but his wife points out how he avoids them. How can you love someone you haven’t taken time to get to know? We are all guilty of this to some extent, including me! In an article for Plugged In Reviews, the show’s creator, Patrick Walsh, said, “I think a big reason that CBS took the gamble on the show was just me saying, I do not wish to mock faith. I have a great deal of respect for faith. I was raised very strictly Catholic, and all of my friends were extremely religious,” he said. “The only time you ever hear about religion is Bill Maher saying terrible things about people of faith, or on the flip side, [explicitly religious entertainment]

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

that is maybe a little exclusionary to people who are not of faith—shows that appeal only to people with that exact same viewpoint. So my goal was to kind of bridge that gap and to hopefully serve all these people looking for entertainment about their lives, [but] not finding it.” www. pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/livingbiblically Whether you like the sitcom or not, the whole premise is an intriguing one. What if we took it seriously and lived our lives in the way prescribed by the Bible? Would it make a difference in our immediate world around us? I believe it would. For me, living Biblically isn’t a sitcom or a punch line. It is doing what Jesus did and directed. Jesus simply boiled down 10 Ten Commandments and hundreds of Jewish laws into two commands: Love God and Love others. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:36-39 New International Version) Jesus made religion real by keeping it simply about a relationship with God through faith in His act of love and sacrifice on the cross. He kept it pure by living out His life in simple love of God and love of others that showed up in meaningful, tangible and personal ways. As Rabbi Gil explains in the sitcom, Living Biblically, “You can’t control how much hate there is in the world. It’s the world, it sucks, but you can control how much love you put into it. That’s power, baby.” Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Seabrook, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org

MARIA WICKER

maltipoo rescue, Winston, who loved to run. After he passed away she made a vow to continue running in his memory. Her first marathon, the 2014 Chevron Marathon, was actually an accident. “I thought I signed up for the half marathon but when I picked my bib with the name “4forWinston” it was for full marathon. I never trained for 26.2 miles but Winston carried me through it and I finished my first full marathon in five hours without training for it!” said Wicker.

The Marathon Real Estate Agent

ne of the Bay Area’s premier real estate agents is the globe trotting Maria Wicker. This dynamic young woman can be seen around the Clear Lake community running and training for her next marathon in places like Berlin, Madrid and London, to just name a few. Maria is originally from the Philippines, where she was a physician. She came to the United States in 1995 to New York City. After a short time in the Big Apple, Maria made the move down to Texas and joined the neurological department at Houston Methodist in Baytown. In 2000, Maria grew tired of the stresses of the medical field and set her sights on a career in real estate. “Changing my career from a medical background to real estate was not easy but I enjoyed dearly the flexibility and psychology of helping

“Since 2014, Maria has run 44 marathons.”

people in a different level,” said Wicker. “It is fun and rewarding to see the joy and smiles of happy buyer and sellers. To be your clients’ source of their BIG Dream and investment is happiness beyond words.” Maria loves meeting new people and helping those from all different cultures navigate the challenges of the home buying experience. A kind, warm and engaging personality has made her a successful agent and closer. Maria’s passion for running began in 2012 as a fun pastime for her

The rest was history. Since 2014, Maria has run 44 marathons with her last one in Tokyo. She completed her first ultra marathon earlier this year at the Piney Woods TrailFest 50k and finished first in her age category. Maria’s ultimate goal is to finish the six World Abbott Marathon Majors and run across all seven continents. She has already run five of the Abbott races in NYC, Berlin, Chicago, London and Tokyo; only Boston remains. Maria has already run in Europe, North America and Asia and is traveling to New Zealand next year to add another “continent notch” to her belt.

Maria has branded her self as the “marathon real estate agent” and promises to take her clients’ business mile by mile to the finish line. She has been a consistent top producer for RE/MAX since her career switch in 2000 and has achieved numerous awards, including the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award, RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award and has been listed in the RE/MAX Top 500 Elite and RE/MAX Platinum Club the past 10 years. Despite a medical background, Maria has flourished in real estate. “I never regretted changing my career. I enjoy it better and I have a blessed life,” said Wicker. “My personal philosophy is the will to succeed outshines the obstacles if you place your heart and passion in anything that you do.” Running and Real Estate are integral and synergistic to Maria; the meditation done through running, and a determination to cross the finish line has played a vital role in her business, allowing her to be more defined and creative in working with clients. Maria is happily married to Keith Wicker, also an avid runner and animal lover. They run together and live with their two cats and three dogs.

MAY 2018 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

CLEAR LAKE

UHCL now registering. Applications are being taken now for new college students planning to enter UH-Clear Lake in the fall 2018 semester. Final deadline is Aug. 1. For more details on deadlines, visit the UH-Clear Lake Office of Admissions at www.uhcl.edu/ admissions or call 281-283-2500. BOWA luncheon May 4. Eileen Hult of Clear Lake, author of 21 Texas Heroes, will be the speaker for Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association monthly luncheon at the club Thursday, May 4, starting at 10:30 a.m. SJC registration opens. Registration for San Jacinto College classes that begin May 14 will open Thursday, May 4. Democrats meet May 8. Adrienne Bell, candidate for the District 14 congressional seat, will be the speaker when the Bay Area Democratic Movement meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at the Krist Law Firm, 17100 El Camino Real. HSLBA Luncheon May 9. The Houston Symphony League Bay Area will host its Spring Luncheon Wednesday, May 9 at 10 a.m. at Bay Oaks Country Club. After a social period, new officers will be installed, followed by a program. Tickets, which are $30, must be reserved by Friday, May 4. Contact Carole Murphy by email, carolemurphy@live.com or by phone, 281-480-2930. BayTran luncheon May 10. League City Mayor Pat Hallisey and Pearland Mayor Tom Reid will present “A Tale of Two Cities: Managing Mobility and Growth” for the Thursday, May 10 Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership luncheon at the Hobby Marriott South, 9100 Gulf Freeway. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with the program at noon. For reservations, visit president@ BayTran.org Business Expo May 10. The Clear Lake Area Chamber’s annual Business and Wellness Expo will be held Thursday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road. SJC graduation May 12. Commencement exercises for 2018 San Jacinto College graduates will be held, May 12 at 7 p.m. at NRG Stadium.

Welcome Neighbors May 17. The Clear Lake Welcome Neighbors Club will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 17 for a program and luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club with Terry Trevino, operations manager at BP Oil as the guest speaker. He will share BP’s corporate outreach activity and the role BP plays in the community. For reservations, call Nancy Guthrie at 281.333.3055 or email her at nguthrie_houston1@comcast. net UHCL Mundi Ball May 19. The Mundi Ball, a Spanish-themed event to benefit the UH-Clear Lake Art Gallery expansion project, will be held Saturday, May 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the UHCL Bayou Building. Dress is cocktail, flamenco or running of the bulls theme. Live classical Spanish guitar and flamenco music planned. Tickets are $50. For ticket or sponsorship information, contact Elbby Antony at 281-283-2016 or antonye@uhcl.edu. UHCL graduation May 20. University of HoustonClear Lake will hold its commencement exercises Sunday, May 20, NRG Arena, 1 NRG Park, Houston, with College of Business and College of Human Sciences and Humanities students graduating at noon and the College of Education and College of Science and Engineering students at 5 p.m. Genealogy meeting May 25. Bay Area Genealogical Society will meet Friday, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. for a meet and greet and to hear Andrew Lee discuss “Family Treasures: From Microfilm to Hyperspace,” at 7 p.m. in the University Baptist Church Chapel, 16106 Middlebrook Drive. For information, visit www. TxBayAreaGen.org or call Kim Zrubek at 281-992-2636. County judges to speak June 8. The Harris, Galveston and Brazoria county judges will be the speakers when the Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership hosts its 19th annual State of the Counties Luncheon at 11 a.m., Friday, June 8, at the Marriott Hotel, 9100 Gulf Freeway. Tickets, which are $75, may be reserved at www. baytran.org or by emailing president@baytran.org or by calling 832-771-0773.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MAY 2018

DICKINSON

Whodunit at the Playhouse. The 39 Steps, a fast paced whodunit, will be at Bay Area Harbour Playhouse May 18 through June 10 with curtains at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281337-7469 or email bareahp@ comcast.net

NASSAU BAY

Business Expo May 10. The Clear Lake Area Chamber will host its annual Business & Wellness Expo Thursday, May 10, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chamber luncheon May 17. The Friendswood Chamber will host a Lunch and Learn networking luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at the Chamber, 1100 S. Friendswood Drive. For information, email info@friendswoodchamber.com or call 281-482-3329.

Musical opens May 18. The popular Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast is coming soon to the Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, opening Friday, May 18 and continuing through Sunday, June 3 with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. For reservations, call 281-335-5228.

GALVESTON

PASADENA

FRIENDSWOOD

Black Tie & Boots Gala May 19. The 2018 American Heart Association Black Tie & Boots Gala, “A Night at the Derby,” will be held Saturday, May 19 at Moody Gardens with Ch. 2 Anchor Jonathan Martinez as emcee. For information about tickets, which are $200 each, contact Sara Martin at sara.j.martin@heart.org

Drama at the Playhouse. The drama, Agnes of God, opens Friday, May 4, on the Main Stage at the Pasadena Little Theatre and continues through May 2. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For reservations, call 713-941-1758.

LEAGUE CITY

SJC registration opens. Registration for San Jacinto College classes that begin May 14 will open Thursday, May 4.

Orchid Show May 12-13. The Galveston Bay Orchid Society will have its “Magical World of Orchids Show” in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Marina Plaza Ballroom, 2500 South Shore Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with many types of orchids on display and for sale, a raffle drawing and silent auction, plus experts available to answer questions. Free admission. For information, visit galvestonbayorchidsociety.org ALBA installation May 21. The Assistance League of the Bay Area will have its annual installation brunch, starting at 10 a.m., Monday, May 21 at South Shore Harbour Country Club. Teachers honored May 21. Rotary Clubs in Clear Lake, League City and Seabrook will join Clear Creek ISD in honoring the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m., Monday, May 21 in South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom. Tickets are available at each Rotary club and at the CCISD Office of Communications.

Strawberry Festival May 18-20. Pasadena will host its big Strawberry Festival Friday, May 18-Sunday, May 20 at the Pasadena Convention Center and Municipal Grounds, 7902 Fairmont Parkway at Red Bluff Road. For event times, ticket information, etc., visit strawberryfest.org

PEARLAND

BayTran luncheon May 10. Pearland Mayor Tom Reid and League City Mayor Pat Hallisey will present “A Tale of Two Cities: Managing Mobility and Growth” for the Thursday, May 10 Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership luncheon at the Hobby Marriott South, 9100 Gulf Freeway. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. with the program at noon. For reservations, visit president@ BayTran.org Chamber luncheon May 17. Pearland Chamber will hold its monthly luncheon Thursday, May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Golfcrest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Drive, with a

program on suicide prevention. For reservations, which are $30 for members and due by noon May 16, call Cheryl Kepp at the chamber.

SEABROOK

Keels & Wheels May 5-6. The 23rd annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, benefiting Today’s Harbor for Children, will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, at Lakewood Yacht Club, with car and boat exhibitors coming from all over the U.S. To buy tickets, which are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate with kids 10 and under free, call 713-521-0105 or visit the website, www.keelswheels.com Silver Tea slated May 6. Bay Area Museum Guild will host its annual Silver Tea Sunday, May 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the museum in Clear Lake Park. Athena Luncheon May 11. The Athena Leadership Awards Luncheon, hosted by the League City Regional Chamber, will be held Friday, May 11 at Lakewood Yacht Club from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For tickets, which are $55 each, email jane@ leaguecitychamber.com Greek Festival May 12-14. The 25th annual Clear Lake Greek Festival will be held Friday, May 11-Sunday¸ May 13 in Clear Lake Park’s Landolt Pavilion, benefiting the Ministries of St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church. Greek food, dancing, gift shops, Toga Fun Run, children’s activities and much more. For information visit www. ClearLakeGreekFestival.com Chamber luncheon May 30. Colonel Jones, Wing CC147 Attach Wing, National Guard will be the speaker for the Clear Lake Area Chamber luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30 at Lakewood Yacht Club. For reservations, call the chamber, 281-488-7676.

TEXAS CITY

Opening at COM May 17. The College of the Mainland Community Theatre will present God’s Man in Texas Thursday, May 17, through Sunday, June 3, with curtains at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range in price from $11-$23. Call 1-888-258-8859, ext. 8345.