Bay Area Houston Magazine March 2019 by Bay Group Media

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March 2019

Houston Physiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hospital Setting the new Standard for Healthcare

MARCH 2019

features

Expanding makerspaces in CCISD schools

Boeing Awards $100,000 Grant

U.S. Veteran Joe Glennan’s Dental Miracle

River Oaks Theatre March 14

Setting the new standard for healthcare

Dental Health The Bay House Movie Premieres Houston Physicians’ Hospital

28 Healthcare Clear Lake Regional gets a new name 30 Education District winners in Science & Engineering Fair

ON THE COVER Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Anthony Melillo, Neurosurgeon Dr. Greg Bonnen, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Marilyn Copeland and Pain Management Physician Dr. Eduardo Garcia. Photo: MoonBridge Media. President & Chairman Rick Clapp

Publisher & Editor in Chief Mary Alys Cherry Vice President & Creative Director Brandon Rowan Graphic Designer Kelly Groce Sales & Marketing Judy Gaines Joe Machol Dana McDonald Amber Sample Matthew Sweatt Robyn Weigelt

Editorial Don Armstrong Mary Alys Cherry Sumer Dene Michael Gos Betha Merit Ange Mertens Xander Thomas Photography Mary Alys Cherry MoonBridge Media NASA

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

281.474.5875

Bay Area restaurant and entertainment guide

Best Bites of the Bay

Unrivaled quality and presentation

Photography from events around the Bay

Fashion show sports new look and location

U.N.’s International Day of Happiness

Seabrook event draws crowd of several hundred

City opens new station for first time in 30 years

Space test flights are delayed again

Winner of Bay Area Makeover’s life changing smile

Michiru Sushi Hangin’ with Rick Go Texan Rodeo Style Show The Pursuit of Happiness Men Who Cook New Nassau Bay Fire Station Business Buzz Dr. Tieken Changes Lives

columns

Distribution Shinkle Distribution

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

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Pasadena Mayor Jeff Wagner

Movers & Shakers

Car gifting for grads

BAHEP honors George P. Bush

Serendipity

Commodore’s Ball

Bay Area Houston Calendar of Events

In Wheel Time Clear Lake Chatter Texas Meditations Lakewood Yacht Club News & Events Main Events

Boeing awards $100,000 grant to expand Makerspaces in CCISD intermediate schools

he Boeing Company: Houston ,

has generously awarded The Clear Creek Education Foundation a $100,000 grant to expand Makerspaces at all 10 intermediate schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District, making it the largest grant awarded in this region by Boeing. Makerspaces are the center of innovation and these hands-on centers will expose students to subject matter that is typically taught in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classes at the secondary level. The labs are specially

designed to accommodate the needs of students taking on the challenge of learning cutting edge technology and engineering skills. Libraries have always been the place to get a book, do research and spend time reading in quiet place. Today’s libraries still have those areas, but now with so much more. When you walk into CCISD libraries you see exploration, collaboration and creation. Students are utilizing 3D printers to create prototypes, leading classes and groups on robotic component design, Minecraft and coding. Students are flying drones, composing music on

On My Mind: Living on borrowed time

ork on the Coastal Spine ,

aka Ike Dike, will soon move into its final phase after the Army Corps of Engineers goes through all the various opinions it received during the recent public comment period and begins designing the project. Over the years since Hurricane Ike left $39 billion in damages to the Houston-Galveston area in 2008, the plan devised by Dr. Bill Merrill of Texas A&M-Galveston to build a levee-and-gate system that stops hurricane storm surge and protects the Galveston Bay region has grown in size from a levy-and-gate system across the mouth of the bay to a 70-mile-long coastal barrier -- and in price from about $3 billion to an estimated $30-36 billion. Some don’t think we’ll ever get the money needed, noting that the Ike Dike has mostly been ignored by both President Trump, who is more interested in building a wall across our southern border, and Congress, which allocated $16 billion to New Orleans to rebuild but does little to help move

the Coastal Spine. But perhaps there is a way: divide it into three parts. First ask Congress for money to build the storm surge barrier, or gate, across the mouth of Galveston Bay, similar to the one that has successfully protected The Netherlands. This not only will protect six million people from storm surge, it will protect 10 percent of our country’s gross national product – 26 percent of all the gas, 46 percent of the jet fuel, 40 percent of all feedstock, and much of the plastics that are so much a part of our lives. Then build the coastal spine either up the coast or down the coast – working on the most heavily populated area first, continuing as Congress doles out the money until it is finished. But a number of steps must be taken by the USACE beforehand. First, the Coastal Texas Study must be completed, which is expected in about two years. Then, there is the pre-construction engineering and design phase before the awarding

digital audio systems and using green screens to illustrate content knowledge such as scientific processes and animation. School libraries have been transitioning from the “traditional” library to these learning commons and CCEF has been an instrumental partner in transforming these libraries. In the last three years, CCEF has funded 17 grants in variety of forms to teachers and students either developing or Boeing presents the enhancing Makerspaces Clear Creek Education at their campus, totaling Foundation with a over $54,000 and $100,000 grant to fund Makerspaces at all 10 impacting over 22,000 CCISD intermediate students each year. schools. Pictured, Skills such as creation, from left, are CCISD Superintendent Dr. exploration and Greg Smith, Boeing innovation have now Global Engagement become part of state official Dayni Alba, and national standards Boeing ISS Program Manager and Houston making the growing Site Leader Mark demand of these learning Mulqueen and Clear hubs apparent in CCISD. Creek Education Foundation Executive Funding from Boeing Director Deborah Laine. will provide Makerspace tools in all 10 intermediate schools focusing on the following concepts: Design and Production, Coding/Robotics and Real-World Challenges. “Clear Creek ISD proves daily the success they’re having educating our kids. When community leaders, like The Boeing Company, share our vision to provide innovation, then we’ve all done our work,” CCEF Executive Director Deborah Laine said. “We’re fortunate to have such a strong bond and shared vision with our community partners.” “CCISD’s innovative Makerspaces put STEAM concepts in action by providing experiential learning for students,” said Dayni Alba, Boeing Global Engagement. “We’re excited to partner with CCEF to bring more Makerspaces to their schools and inspire students to explore cutting-edge technology.”

of the first construction contract – after Congress approves money for the project. Houston is not only home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center but to the largest concentration of petroleum refining and petrochemical processing plants in the U.S., business leaders will be quick to tell you. If Hurricane Ike had hit the Texas coast just 17 miles west of where it did, the devastation would have been far worse. All those plants along the Houston Ship Channel and at Bayport would have been under 20 feet of water, and it would have taken 18 to 36 months to get them up and running again. So, as we have warned again and again over the past 10 years, if something isn’t done soon to protect our area, the day may come when that happens. Right now we’re living on borrowed time.

Mary Alys Cherry Editor in Chief MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

DENTAL HEALTH

U.S. VETERAN JOE GLENNAN’S DENTAL MIRACLE After multiple childhood traumas and bad dental experiences, retired combat veteran Joe Glennan finally loves his smile, thanks to Dr. Noie.

By Xander Thomas

etired combat veteran, former teacher, husband and father, Joe Glennan, is a man who has fought for our country and done much to shape the next generation. Fearless, bold, respectable, just some words you might use to describe a man like this. One thing he couldn’t say most of his life? Confident in his smile. “When I was very, very young, I was hit with a baseball bat, and it broke my jaw and knocked most of my teeth out.” Joe said. On top of this, he had another dental trauma when his wisdom teeth began to come in underneath others in his mouth. His jaw was broken a second time when they went after these with a chisel and hammer. “All of my dental experiences were about as bad as you can possibly imagine” Joe says As a veteran who had seen his share of combat, Joe said he would rather face conflict than go see a dentist. It wasn’t until Joe’s daughter suggested that he meet with Dr. Farid Noie that he could finally shed some of his life long dread of the dentist chair, and hear some good options about his oral problems. “I’d say he’s a magician; he’s a great doctor and a great humanitarian,” Joe said.

“I’d say he’s a magician; he’s a great doctor and a great humanitarian.” Guarded by a life-long reinforced distrust of dentists, it was an embarrassing broken tooth in the front of his mouth that finally convinced him to talk to Dr. Noie. He had gone to see another dentist about a year prior to meeting with him, and the advice given was that Joe’s best option was to just pull the rest of his teeth and get dentures. Obviously, this didn’t sit well with Joe or his wife. Dr. Noie informed him that this was a horrible idea, and that Joe actually had some good teeth that are savable. Previous dental procedures were unsuccessful and the absence of teeth caused severe bone loss in Joe’s jaw. His situation got so bad that he was unable to chew food and suffered pain. Other dental surgeons were unable to help until Joe was referred to Unicare Dental by his daughter.

Dr. Noie was able to preserve and protect his remaining teeth with all-ceramic crowns and permanent teeth using the All-On-4 method. Dr. Noie was able to grow the bone in Joe’s jaw and fully restore his smile. “I now have some really great teeth, and I can open my mouth and smile with confidence.” Joe said. After all of the hardships he had gone through with oral problems, Joe had been skeptical of dentists in general, and now, after years of trauma and pain, he has found a doctor who is not only pleasant himself, but keeps a staff of friendly people around to aid in the care of all of the clients. With new confidence in himself, and trust of the man who helped him gain it, Joe finally is happy not having to hide his face from the new people he meets and has no worry smiling in public. Joe says that he would recommend Dr. Noie to anyone needing dental work, especially if they are skeptical based on past experiences. “I now have great teeth and I’ll have great teeth for the rest of my life.” To see if dental implants are right for you, please contact Dr. Noie at (281) 332-4700 for a complimentary consultation. 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.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Movers &Shakers Name: Jeff Wagner Occupation: Mayor of Pasadena and retired Houston Police Officer (33 Years) Hometown: Galena Park Current home: Pasadena Family: Wife - Ginny, Daughters Jessica and Jillian My favorite writer is: John Grisham

By Don Armstrong

s parents or grandparents, we love all the hubbub graduation brings with it and the perfect gift may be at a nearby dealership right around the corner. In this edition of Bay Area Houston Magazine, we look at a couple of top “gifting” contenders.

Hyundai Elantra

Packaged in a nicely re-sculpted metal jacket, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra comes with a pretty good reputation for reliability. And let’s face it, we want our grads to get wherever they’re going without being stranded in the middle of nowhere in the old family hand-me-down. Pricing, of course, plays a huge part in this selection process, so with a sticker starting at $17,200, we can already hear the bell ringing. Even the base SE model has those

the “must-have” features such as power mirrors, a rearview camera, height-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system with a 5-inch display and USB port. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter, 147-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 29 MPG-city and 38-highway. I taught my 16-year old how to row the gears of a manual transmission so you may consider it too, it could come in handy someday. Add a few dollars to the base price and get the automatic transmission, if you must. Another “persuader” is its warranty. The 2019 Elantra comes with a 5-year, 60,000-mile certificate.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The new Mitsubishi Mirage compares nicely to the Elantra on many levels, including mileage, amenities and warranty, but in the

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Someone I’d like to meet: Roger Staubach If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Houston Astros Manager A. J. Hinch My favorite performers are: Mickey Gilley, Aaron Watson and George Strait I like to spend my leisure time: With my grandchildren If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Mount Rushmore

affordability category, this Thailander wins hands-down. Starting at a mere $14,795, the G4 gets into pre-owned pricing territory. Do we have your attention?

My favorite meal is: Cheeseburger As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Police officer You’ll never catch me: Kneeling for the National Anthem The thing that bugs me the most is: Politics My favorite movie is: Brian’s Song Few people know: I collect autographs

The Mirage G4 – what Mitsubishians call the sedan – gets several upgrades in 2019, including a touchscreen interface, rear view camera and Bluetooth connectivity, all necessary items for our generation “Z”ers. Powered by a tiny 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, the Mirage is rated at 35 MPG-city and 41-highway. A continuously variable transmission maximizes its lowly 78-horsepower output. The interior is stark compared to what most of us are used to but think how it will be used and abused. Safety should also be a major consideration and the Mirage passes in all 5 categories. From someone with experience in “gifting” autos, don’t get anything other than the base model. Your grad won’t know the difference and you can spend the money you saved on a nice, little presentation party.

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry and friends

State Sen. Carol Alvarado talks with Texas Central Regional Vice President David Hagy as she makes her way through the Quasar Banquet crowd.

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush holds the Quasar Award he was presented at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s 26th annual Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort. With him are, from left, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell, 2019 BAHEP Board Chairman Todd Caliva and the 2018 Board Chairman Dr. Brenda Hellyer.

CCISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Smith and his wife, Kathy, left, visit with Capt. Wendell Wilson and his wife, Dr. Patricia Wilson, during the reception preceding Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership honors George P. Bush THE BAY AREA’S Movers and Shakers were out in force as the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership honored Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush with its Quasar Award for all his help on the proposed coastal barrier system to protect coastal communities and businesses from storm surge. San Jacinto College Chancellor and 2018 BAHEP Board Chairman Dr. Brenda Hellyer introduced him to the black-tie crowd of nearly 600 that filled up South Shore Harbour Resort’s Crystal Ballroom, after which Bush called the coastal barrier system, or Ike Dike, “a project that is long past due” and one that will need the backing of everyone.

MARY ALYS CHERRY

“I’m committed to this project,” he promised the crowd. Afterwards, BAHEP President Bob Mitchell joined them on stage to introduce the 2019 BAHEP Board Chairman Todd Caliva, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, which started out life as Clear Lake Hospital.

New Harris County Judge Lina Hildago, second from left, gets a warm welcome from Kippy Caraway, left, and Harris County Constable Phil Sandlin and his wife, Nerissa, as she arrives at the 26th annual Quasar Banquet.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

But there was quite a number of missing faces from the Johnson Space Center, which was closed due to the government shutdown. “This is the first time in 25 years,” Mitchell said, “that the JSC center director has not attended this event,” adding that JSC Director Mark Geyer sent his best wishes. Dozens of elected officials were in the crowd including Congressman Randy Weber, State Sen. Carol Avarado, State Reps. Dr. Greg Bonnen, Ed Thompson, Mayes Middleton and Dennis Paul, Harris County Judge Lina Hildago and Constable Phil Sandlin and Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark and their mates.

League City Chamber President Steve Paterson and his wife, Debbie, left, say hello to John Collins while mingling with the crowd at BAHEP’s Quasar Banquet at South Shore Harbour Resort.

Plus, a number of mayors – Pat Hallisey of League City, Julie Masters of Dickinson, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point, Mark Denman of Nassau Bay, Louis Rigby of La Porte and Jon Kenney of Taylor Lake Village – and mayor pro-tems – Andrea Wilson of Webster, Don Matter of Nassau Bay, Todd Kinsey of League City, Jay Martin of La Porte and Teresa Vazquez Evans of Kemah – and their spouses. City councilors joining the celebration included Dave Martin, David Robinson and Jack Christi of Houston, William King III, Bruce Henderson and Wally Deats of Dickinson, Steve Rockey and Carl Gustafson of Friendswood, Laura

Magazine CEO Rick Clapp visits with Donna Rone, left, and Nan Hardin of Leidos as they await the start of the program at BAHEP’s Quasar Banquet honoring Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush.

Port Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald and his wife, Vickie, look for their table at the BAHEP Quasar Banquet.

Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease and her husband, enjoy BAHEP’s 26th annual Quasar Banquet.

Davis and Jeff Larson of Seabrook, Robin Collins of Kemah, Steve Gillett of La Porte, Greg Gripon, Andy Mann and Larry Millican of League City, Thomas Schoenbein of Pasadena, Jonathan Amdur, Ashley Graves, Bryce Klug, John Mahon and Matt Prior of Nassau Bay, and Martin Graves, Beverly Gaines and Edward Lapear of Webster, along with City Managers John Baumgartner of League City, Wayne Sabo of Webster, Jason Reynolds of Nassau Bay and Gayle Cook of Seabrook. Others introduced included UHClear Lake President Dr. Ira Blake, Texas A&M Galveston Vice President Col. Michael Fossum, San Jac Board Chairman Marie Flickinger, CCISD

and DISD Superintendents Dr. Greg Smith and Carla Voelkel, Pasadena ISD Vice President Nelda Sullivan and Port Houston Commissioners John Kennedy and Clyde Fitzgerald. The aerospace industry was well represented with Lockheed Martin VP and Orion Program Manager Dr. Mike Hawes, Boeing Space Station Program Manager Mark Mulqueen, MEI Technologies CEO David Cazes, Barrios President Robert McAfoos, Jacobs VP and GM Lon Miller, GB Tech President Gale Burkett, Leidos Division Manager Nan Hardin, Cimarron Software CEO Jeannie Crowell and President Darren Crowell, MRI Technologies President and VP Debbie and Tim Kropp, KBRwyle President Vernon

Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda, right, chat with League City Chamber Chairman Rebecca Lilley during the reception preceding BAHEP’s Quasar Banquet.

Port Commissioner John Kennedy and his wife, Brenda, stop for a photo at the Quasar Banquet.

McDonald and VP Genie Bopp, Oceaneering VP and GM Mike Bloomfield and astronaut Bonnie Dunbar in the mix. League City Chamber President Steve Paterson and Chairman Rebecca Lilley were in the crowd as were Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease and Chairman Brian Freedman, Amoco Credit Union President Shawn Bailey, attorneys Joe Barlow, Craig Saunders, Chris Gregg, Dick Gregg Jr. and Dick Gregg III, Space City Films President Marc Havican, Moody Bank CEO Vic Pierson and VPs Brent Cockerham and Craig Barker, MaximGroup CEO Ron Masters, Norman Frede Chevrolet GM Joan McKinney, San Jac Vice Chancellor Teri Crawford,

Donald O’Connor and Kimberly Fleming arrive at BAHEP’s 26th Quasar Banquet.

Retired UHCL Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Edward J. Hayes and his wife, Jackie, at BAHEP’s Quasar Banquet.

My Flooring America President Mike Furin, Col. Len Waterworth of Texas A&M Galveston and BayTran President Theresa Rodriguez. Other well known faces spotted mingling in the crowd were Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier, Jack and Marcy Fryday, John Martinec, Carol and Bob Robinson, Harv Hartman, Beth and TJ Aulds, Amy and Paul Dunphey, Lynda Guidry, Karen and Mark Keesler, Jeannie Kranz, Harriet and Jon Pilgrim, Debbie and Dr. Peter Wuenschel, Al Saylor and Gwen Griffin, Jim and Jane Sweeney, and John Wilkins, whose pretty wife, Shari, sang the most beautiful rendition of the National Anthem we have probably ever heard.

2019 BAHEP Board Chairman Todd Caliva and the 2018 Board Chairman Dr. Brenda Hellyer.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

The Bay House Premieres at River Oaks Theater The Bay House was filmed and produced in Seabrook, San Leon, Galveston Island, Texas and Durango, as well as Silverton, Colorado. Movie Producers and Executive Producers include Rick Clapp, Cowden Ward, Raz Halili, Billy Cain, Derek Holk, Tim Leppard, and Barry Strickland. The movie stars Barry Corbin, (“No Country for Old Men” “The Ranch” “War Games” and TV series “Northern Exposure”), plays a career politician who loses an election in the wake of scandal, retreats to the family bay house with his wife, Academy Award Nominee, Lesley Ann Warren, ( “Victor/Victoria” “Clue” “Pure Country”) where their two estranged son’s, Houston native Sean Faris (“Pearl Harbor” “Sleep Over” “Never Back Down”) and James Callis (“Bridget Jones’s Diary” “Battlestar Galactica” “12 Monkeys”) force them to face the wreckage of their past. Movie Premier showing is on a first come basis. RSVP is a must. For more information about the premiere, please contact Sumer Dene at 281-474-5875 or Sumer@ Baygroupmedia.com

Who Cactus Films, Locally Filmed and Produced Indie Film What Premiere of the movie The Bay House Where River Oaks Theater 2009 West Gray St, Houston, TX 77019 When March 14, 2019 7 p.m. Why Preview Newly Released Movie For more information contact Bay Group PR Director Sumer Dene 281-474-5875 or Sumer@ Baygroupmedia.com

PRE-PREMIERE PARTY James Callis plays Ryan Brooks, son of a disgraced politician (Barry Corbin) in The Bay House. The family must face the wreckage of their past after a scandal and lost election.

o i n u s fo r t h e Pre mie re o f The Bay House at Houston’s Landmark River Oaks Theater at 2009 West Gray St., Houston, TX 77019 on March 14 at 7 p.m. Bo Brinkman, a Houston native filmmaker, wrote and directed The Bay House, the third movie produced out of six planned for production in Texas. “We have brought together a group of Texans that work in the film industry to produce local independent films. Our goal is to produce movies with a strong story, good content, and high quality production as well as commercial appeal. Texas film crews find most of their work outside the state. Tax incentives and rebates offered by neighboring Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia have taken 95 percent of television and film productions away from Texas and that hurts our economy.” says Brinkman.

M E E T

Bo Brinkman is an actor, screenwriter and filmmaker best known for Last Man Club, Gettysburg, and Goat Hill Road.

T H E

James Callis was born in London, England. He is best known for Bridget Jones’s Diary, Battlestar Galactica, and 12 Monkeys.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

D I R E C T O R

Sean Faris is a Houston native best known for Never Back Down, Pearl Harbor, and Yours, Mine and Ours.

Bay Area Houston and Gulf Coast Mariner Magazines will host the local filmmaker Bo Brinkman during The Bay House Pre-Premiere Party and reception at Sundance Restaurant on March 7 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Come meet the director and some of the actors, film crew, and staff as well as producers and executive producers. Get a sneak preview of the independent movie that was filmed locally in Bay Area Houston, Galveston, and Durango and Silverton Colorado. Local movie producers include Cowden Ward, Raz Halili, Billy Cain, Derek Holk, Tim Leppard, and Barry Strickland. Complementary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar with beverages will be provided as well as prizes, giveaways, and signed movie posters. Bo Brinkman will also announce the production of his latest film creation Goat Hill Road to be shot entirely in Texas. RSVP is a must as space is limited. Contact Sumer Dene at 281-474-5875 or Sumer@Baygroupmedia.com

A N D

Barry Corbin is a Texas native best known for No Country for Old Men, The Ranch, and War Games.

C A S T

Lesley Ann Warren was born in New York, NY. She is best known for Cinderella, Clue, and Pure Country.

Kim Beuche’ is an actor and writer best known for CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Ray Meets Helen, and Parenthood.

Serendipity By Michael W. Gos Guadalupe River, Texas

y running buddy and I were surrounded

by what appeared to be an ocean of college kids, each dragging a tube and some with elaborate beer-cooler/multi-tube floatation systems that suggested these people were not the novice river runner I was. I felt a bit out of place, but at the same time, I was looking forward to trying this classic Texas activity—even if I was bit on the geriatric side. As we stood on the bank, the bus driver/guide told us about the four sets of rapids we would encounter and how to safely negotiate our way around each. The first was Hueco Falls and we were told to stay to the far left. When he was finished, we waded into the icy water. It was absolutely shocking on entry, but after a few seconds it felt great on this blazing August day. Feeling like a hippo trying to mount a tricycle, I fought my way onto the tube and began my trip downstream. Seconds later, I was underwater with a snoot full of river and the rather unpleasant sensation of bouncing off rocks. The driver failed to tell us Hueco Falls was barely 100 yards from our put-in point. After what seemed like minutes underwater, being battered repeatedly, I surfaced at the end of

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

the falls minus my tube. It seemed my day on the river had come to an abrupt end after less than two minutes and I was going to be paying for a lost tube. I struggled over to the left bank and hung on a tree root, just trying to catch my breath. About five minutes later I heard a young man shout, “Did anyone lose a tube?” I guess my day wasn’t over after all. I retrieved the tube, thanked him profusely and then rested a few more minutes.

Finally, hanging onto the tube for dear life, I waded down to a shallower spot where I would be able to once again “gracefully” climb aboard. The rest of the trip turned out to be much less eventful, and at the end of the day, we pulled out in beautiful downtown Gruene. I returned the tube, changed clothes and headed to the Gristmill for dinner. Sitting in one of the open areas overlooking the

river, I enjoyed a chicken fried steak and a Corona. I planned to attend a show at Gruene Hall that night, so I just hung out there on the deck for a couple of hours watching the river run far below me and listening to restaurant’s music (which, by the way, was far more appropriate for someone my age than the people I had shared the river with that day). About an hour later, Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love” came on and instantly, I was 17 again with a guitar hanging around my neck. Like most kids in the ‘60s, I was part of a very bad garage band. We never amounted to anything, but we had a great time and dreamed of the day we would be more famous than the Beatles. One of the songs we played was this Cream hit and it led to one of my proudest moments. Well, it was at the time anyway. The song ends with a continuous striking of a single chord as the sound fades out. But the chord didn’t give closure to the song. While Cream made it work on the record by fading out the sound, in live performances, you can’t do that; songs need to end. That open cadence drove me crazy for weeks and one practice day, as we finished the song, I just couldn’t take it anymore and I hit the chord

that would give the song closure. Immediately, I, and everyone else in the band, recognized it as the first of the three-chord opening to the Who’s “I can See for Miles.” We segued immediately into that song and loved the way it sounded. Forever after, we performed those two songs together. Back then, I didn’t understand that music was just math and architecture was frozen music. If I did, this “discovery” would have been no big

and delighted when they happen. We treat these events as if they were gifts— or even miracles—and in a sense, they are. But I really have to wonder if these things we call serendipitous are really accidental or even all that rare for that matter. If you think about it, these “accidents” appear to be all around us, and they are happening far too often to be considered rare. A quick Google search will give you list after

“I wonder if it is possible to not only expect these happy accidents but, more importantly, to make a concerted effort to look for them.” deal. It would have been obvious if I just looked at it mathematically. But I didn’t know that then; I just knew that the final chord left us hanging and it drove me crazy. I had to close the loop. The way it happened was serendipity at its best—a totally pleasant accident. Some of our most interesting discoveries have come from this kind of serendipitous event. Penicillin, Post-it notes, Viagra and even microwave ovens were all happy accidents. We are always shocked

list of them—things like The Top 100 Serendipitous Scientific Discoveries. I wonder if they just might be the norm, rather than special events. If they are indeed as common as I suspect, perhaps the thing that turns these everyday events into serendipity is our ability to see them when they are right there in front of us. How many do we miss just because we aren’t open to them, or more important, are not expecting them? I wonder if it is possible to not

only expect these happy accidents but, more importantly, to make a concerted effort to look for them. Maybe it is somewhat like hunting for morel mushrooms. They seem to be rare and very hard to find, but once you get “in the zone,” you realize they are everywhere. It may take two hours to get there, but once you do, you can gather a basket full of them in five minutes.

I experienced two “accidents” on this day, one not-so-pleasant one over Hueco falls (which I later learned was actually a Class III rapid; I guess I was lucky to just get a little bruised) and another in remembering my “discovery” of the connector between two songs. Yet I can’t help but wonder, how many other happy accidents didI miss on this, and every other day of my life. How much more could we accomplish if we just made a concerted effort to be open to, and more importantly, to expect these events and be prepared to act on them when they occur?

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Tom Frankum honored as new LYC commodore P hotos b y C aitl y n T urnpaugh

By Mary Alys Cherry

Lakewood 2019 Flag Officers get together for a photo as they arrive at the yacht club Jan. 26 for the Commodore’s Ball. They are, from left, Commodore Tom Frankum and wife, Bonnie; Fleet Capt. Mike Romer and his wife, Sherri; Rear Commodore Mike Downs and wife, Jane; and Vice Commodore Rex Bettis and his wife, Kimberly.

Jeff and Catherine Knight enjoy the annual Commodore’s Ball.

Outgoing Commodore Ash Walker, right, and Past Commodore Tom Taylor, left, honor long-time General Manager Terry Chapman, now back in a consulting position as assistant general manager after retiring – presenting him with a portrait of himself.

Lisa and Al Poindexter hit the dance floor at the Commodore’s Ball.

Former Commodore Ash Walker and First Lady Stephanie Walker, left, show off a gift to Past Commodore Drew Lewis.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

AKEWOOD YACHT CLUB’S Commodore’s Ball is always a grand night for celebrating, and this year was no exception as the crowd honored 2019 Commodore Tom Frankum and First Lady Bonnie, along with 2018 Commodore Ash Walker and First Lady Stephanie. Other flag officers stepping into the spotlight with their wives included Vice Commodore Rex Bettis and his wife, Kimberly; Rear Commodore Mike Downs and wife, Jane; and Fleet Capt. Mike Romer and his wife, Sherri. It was also a night to honor retiring General Manager Terry Chapman for his 43 years of service to Lakewood. And, here’s the good news for those who didn’t know: he’s not really leaving but staying on as general manager emeritus or assistant general manager to new General Manager Kelly Hoist. Former commodores and their wives in the crowd included Bob and Judy Fuller, Jack and Alice Thomas, Drew and Sandy Lewis, A.J. and Gayle Ross, Joyce Maxwell, Don and Jill Rauscher, Thomas and Marsha Taylor, Gary and Viki Anderson, Glenn and Martha Robinson, Carl Drechsel, Jim and Cynthia Winton, Don and Marilyn Mitchell and Tom and Sue Collier. Some of the others spotted in the crowd that filled up Lakewood’s ballroom included Randy Allen and Sue Broughton, Rita Matthews, Joy and James Edwards, George and Patt Pappas, Amy and Paul Dunphey, Jack and Marcy Fryday, Marion and Michael DeHart, Carol and Bob Robinson, Jay and Rosemary Bettis and Robert and Sue Warters.

Yachtman of the Year Dwight Bengtson, third from left, receives congratulations from Amy Dunphey, left, former First Lady Rita Matthews and Chris Lewis.

and was recognized as a Center of Distinction by Stryker and recognized in the top 75th percentile for Joint Replacement. Houston Physicians’ Hospital obtained ISO9001 certification, earned a Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery from Health Grades in 2018, and was recognized as a Houston Chronicle Top Workplace in 2017.

Joint Solutions Center

Houston Physicians’ Hospital Setting the new standard for healthcare

ouston Ph ysi c i a n s’ H osp i ta l

is an award-winning facility with some of the first technology of its kind offered in the Houston Bay Area. As a physicianowned hospital specializing in surgical services, including joint, spine, sports medicine and robotic surgery, Houston Physicians’ Hospital has a vision to be the healthcare provider where physicians choose to practice, patients want to receive care, and employees prefer to work. Dr. Greg Bonnen, Neurosurgeon, says that Houston Physicians’ Hospital “is really the only place I want to work. It is the most efficient and patients are the happiest with their experience here by far. There’s no other place where patients

rave about their experience and the way they are treated.” The team at Houston Physicians’ Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate care with a patient-centered focus. The hospital accepts most major insurances and also publishes competitive cash pricing online. While most patients who are being treated by a physician do not need surgery or require a visit to a hospital, many patients find the value of aligning with physicians affiliated with Houston Physicians’ Hospital.

Award-Winning Care

Houston Physicians’ Hospital recently earned a 5-star rating for patient experience from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and is one of only two in the Houston area to achieve such designation. It is the first and only facility in Houston to earn Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from DNV

To learn more or find a physician:

713-273-2277

HoustonPhysiciansHospital.com info@hphtx.org 333 N Texas Ave Suite 1000 Webster, TX 77598

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

The Joint Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital is truly a one-of-a-kind program that provides an individualized plan with a patient navigator, pre-operative classes and a space-theme competition between patients post-operatively. The program is evidence based and provides some of the best outcomes in the country. The team at the Joint Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital “utilizes evidence-based protocols that were developed collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia, nurses and physical therapists,” said Dr. Anthony Melillo, Orthopedic Surgeon. “We continually enhance our program with a patient-centric approach. We invite patients back and incorporate their feedback to help us improve the program.” As a result, Houston Physicians’ Hospital is now performing the most joint replacements in the Clear Lake area. Dr. Marilyn Copeland, Orthopedic Surgeon chooses Houston Physicians’ Hospital because “it has the lowest infection rate in the area. When I send patients [to Houston Physicians’ Hospital], they are pleased with the care. The employees love working here, and you can tell they want to be here. There’s a level of commitment and care to help patients feel comfortable so the whole experience is seamless.”

Mako Robot

Houston Physicians’ Hospital has the only Mako Robot in Southeast Houston for hip and knee surgery. Robotics is also a demonstration of a commitment to superior orthopedic outcomes. Several orthopedic physicians utilize the Mako Robot at Houston Physicians’ Hospital, which provides precision planning, rapid recovery and a shorter hospital stay for patients. It is the most accurate and personalized approach possible to hip and knee replacement surgery.

Spine Solutions Center

Houston Physicians’ Hospital takes spine care seriously and understands that neck and back pain can be life-altering. That’s why the Spine Solutions Center offers appointments within 48 hours with no referral needed. Based on diagnosis, the patient navigator will help with everything from getting timely appointments to selecting the right specialist. The Spine Solutions Center program

focuses on patient care and clinical outcomes collaboratively designed by surgeons and highly trained clinical staff. The ultimate goal is to have patients resuming normal activity as quickly as possible. The team at Houston Physicians’ Hospital thoroughly assesses patients’ needs to ensure they receive the proper treatment. Most patients can be treated non-surgically with treatment options such as Physical Therapy. Houston Physicians’ Hospital has 15 physical therapy locations in the Houston area. If surgery is needed, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and pain medicine specialists provide advanced surgical options.

Caring Suite MRI

Houston Physicians’ Hospital has the first and only “Caring Suite” MRI in Southeast Houston that offers an innovative, personalized and stressrelieving approach to diagnostic imaging suite design. With a tap, patients can choose their favorite 4K nature theme, lighting hue, music, movie or even family photos. The MRI “Caring Suite” helps reduce anxiety and the need for sedation in patients that experience claustrophobia in other MRIs. Neurosurgeon Dr. Greg Bonnen, Pain Management Physician Dr. Eduardo Garcia, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Marilyn Copeland and Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Anthony Melillo. Photo: MoonBridge Media.

COOLEIF Treatment

“At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we embody excellence in terms of being in top of the most modern ways of treating problems,” Dr. Eduardo Garcia, Pain Management Physician. COOLIEF is a minimally invasive, non-narcotic procedure that treats chronic back, knee, and hip pain and can last up to a year. According to Dr. Garcia, “this device relieves pain to treat chronic arthritis. We are the only [hospital] who has it in the Houston Bay Area.”

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation is used to help control the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s, including tremors, slowed movement and stiffness. For many people with Parkinson’s, Deep Brain Stimulation makes a difference when even small tasks have become challenging.

Patient Testimonials After getting both of her knees replaced last year, Vicie Richardson says she doesn’t spend Saturdays in bed. “I can live again. Dr. Melillo is my hero. Everyone [at Houston Physicians’ Hospital] was phenomenal and treat you like you’re like the only person there. Every single person was kind,” said Richardson. After seeing many specialists and going to an emergency room, Jodie Crews found Dr. Marilyn Copeland, who “saw me on her

lunch break and correctly diagnosed me within five minutes of something I had been fighting for months and living in excruciating pain.” Within a few hours, her pain had subsided. Carmelita Love was diagnosed with nonessential tremors 30 years ago. After her Deep Brain Stimulation procedure by Dr. Bonnen, she said “I came out of recovery in tears. I wasn’t crying in pain. It was tears of joy because my tremors were gone.” She commented that her “care [at Houston Physicians’ Hospital] was wonderful. I just love the place. The doctors, the PA, the nurses, even x-ray techs are so patient-focused.” Cara McAfee recently had her second back surgery at 40 years old, and compared to her first surgery at another facility, “the physicians were coordinated so my care was seamless. I received customized treatment from the staff and Dr. Bonnen anticipated my needs to make sure it was the right environment for me to heal.” Houston Physicians’ Hospital is located at 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, Webster, TX 77598. Visit them online at www.houstonphysicianshospital.com MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[HEALTHCARE]

HCA-affiliated Clear Lake Regional Medical Center gets a new name from Seabrook to see us, and when he walked in, he said, ‘Ned, I want you to help me build a hospital here in our area.’” Dudney, who had to put patients in hospitals long distances from their homes, immediately liked the idea, and “soon we sought out physicians all over the area,” Dr. Chapman said as he thought back to those heady days. Joined by the late Dr. Joe Symon of Friendswood, “the three of us pursued things pretty hard, and before long some 18 to 20 doctors practicing at Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena gave us their blessings. And, their financial backing,” Dr. Chapman recalled. The group bought a 70-acre tract bounded by State Highway 3 and Texas Avenue in Webster, and on George Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, 1970, a crowd of 500 gathered for the groundbreaking of the $4.2 million hospital, which opened with 150 beds, but designed to hold 600 beds.

OPENING DAY

THIRD CHANGE Actually, it is the third name change for the medical facility. It started out life as Clear Lake Hospital, but later became known as Humana Hospital-Clear Lake and then as Clear Lake Regional Medical Center. Fay Dudney, wife of the late Dr. Ned Dudney of League City, who helped turn a dream into a reality, remembered how it all HCA Houston happened when she talked Healthcare Clear with us back in 2012 as the Lake CEO, Todd hospital was celebrating its 40th Caliva speaks at anniversary. the rebranding celebration on “Dr. Larry Chapman (who Jan. 31. died Dec. 2, 2018) came over By Mary Alys Cherry

CA-affiliated Clear Lake Regional

Medical Center in Webster has a new name – HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake. Officials said the name was changed to better reflect the hospital’s affiliation with one of Houston’s most comprehensive healthcare systems. They gathered at the hospital with League City Mayor Pat Hallisey and officials representing Webster Mayor Donna Rogers to officially launch its new identity. “Taking the HCA name signals our commitment to be held to the highest standards in the industry,” said Todd Caliva, chief executive officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, who also announced upcoming improvements to the hospital, including new VIP labor and delivery suites, a facelift to the women’s services department, major construction to the Emergency Department entrance, two new operating rooms, a major cath lab expansion, and a significant bed expansion.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

A crowd of 3,000 was on hand Sunday, March 12, 1972 for the dedication and opening of Clear Lake Hospital, as it was originally named. But over the years it has grown so much it is barely recognizable in early photographs. A new emergency room was added in 2003, and its $55 million Heart & Vascular Hospital was built across the street in 2007, then expanded in 2010 with a $17 million, 72-room addition that included a pharmacy and dialysis unit. The hospital grew even larger in 2012 with a $92 million expansion that included a 154,000- squarefoot Patient Tower with a 30-bed Intensive Care Unit and a wide range of innovations. Every year, HCA Houston Healthcare provides care for more than one million hospital patients, more than 450,000 emergency room patients and delivers one in four births in Houston. It currently has more than 16,000 employees, including 6,900 nurses. And, now a new name.

Dr. David Washington

Dr. Chaitanya Alli

Dr. Candice Dunn

Houston Methodist group welcomes new physicians

o help serve growing

communities in the Bay Area, Houston Methodist Primary Care Group recently welcomed three additional physicians to its medical staff – Drs. Candice Dunn, David Washington and Chaitanya Alli. Dunn earned her medical degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock and completed her residency in internal medicine at The

University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She is board-certified in internal medicine. “Medicine is constantly changing and today, we know how important it is to tailor treatments to each individual patient,” Dunn said. “Each person is unique, with different needs and health care goals. I enjoy working with my patients to understand their challenges and help them live the healthiest lives possible.” Washington earned his medical

degree at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I., and completed two residencies – one in internal medicine at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence and one in pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, also in Providence. He is board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics and accepts patients of all ages. “My practice philosophy is to provide compassionate, evidencebased care with respect for the

concerns, values and aspirations of my patients,” Washington said. “I enjoy working with patients and empowering them to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.” Alli earned her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in India and completed a family medicine residency at Shenandoah Family Practice at Front Royal with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She is board-certified in family medicine. “I take great pride in helping my patients improve their health and their quality of life,” Alli said. “I work hard to make my patients feel comfortable, to really listen to their concerns and to spend the time to work together on health goals.” The doctors focus on all aspects of preventive care including health screenings and immunizations as well as the diagnosis and management of chronic illnesses and other health conditions. Dunn and Washington see patients at the Houston Methodist Primary Care Group office at 2220 E. League City Pkwy., Suite 200 in League City. Alli is located at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Nassau Bay, on the campus of Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital, 2060 Space Park Drive, Suite 302. She began seeing patients in December. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist. org/appointments or call 713.441.7265.

Memorial Hermann hospitals get an ‘A’ for safety standards

The Leapfrog Group is a national organization committed Pearland Hospital and to improving health care quality Memorial Hermann and safety for consumers and Southeast Hospital purchasers. The Safety Grade were two of 855 hospitals in the assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade United States to be awarded to hospitals across the country an “A” from The Leapfrog based on their performance Group’s Fall 2018 Hospital Safety in preventing medical errors, Grade. infections and other harms The designation recognizes the among patients in their care. hospitals’ efforts in protecting “Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety patients from harm and meeting Grades recognize hospitals like the highest safety standards in Memorial Hermann Pearland the country. Hospital and Memorial Hermann “Providing safe, highSoutheast Hospital that focus quality care is our top priority on advancing patient safety. at Memorial Hermann,” said This ranking provides an Dr. Angela A. Shippy, senior important resource for patients, vice president and chief quality and a benchmark for hospitals, officer at Memorial Hermann. to determine how care at one “Over the past several years Memorial Hermann’s Southeast Hospital. This hospital and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital hospital compares to others in we’ve worked tirelessly to build were awarded an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group. a region,” said Leah Binder, a system that ensures timely, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Hospitals that earn an A Hospital accurate, safe and effective treatments. Recognition like this from Leapfrog Safety Grade deserve to be recognized for their efforts in preventing medical validates that our system is working and that we are successfully improving harm and errors.” healthcare and making it safer for our patients.” emorial Hermann

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

[EDUCATION]

CCISD lists District winners in Science & Engineering Fair

Grand Award winners are, from left, Ashley Hoffman of Clear Springs High, Sufei “Sophie” Gao, Himadri Gunarathna, Kumaran Selva and Taylor Reed Blanchard from Clear Lake High, Andrew Sampson from Clear Falls High and Marcus Schlauch of Clear Brook High.

undreds of Clear Creek ISD students were recognized for their work and scientific achievements at the 2019 Science & Engineering Fair Awards Night -- the culmination of several months of work and campus-level competitions. The annual event is that qualify students in grades 4 through 12 to compete at the District-level contest and potentially be recognized at the District awards night. More than 100 volunteers helped evaluate the student projects, which were judged on a wide range of criteria, including whether the data was gathered in a reliable way, the student showed originality of thought in the design of the experiment and the average person would be able to understand what was being displayed.

With more than 3,000 elementary students participating in their campus-level science and engineering fairs, nearly 400 fourth and fifth graders advanced to the District-level competition. More than 320 intermediate and high school students competed in three divisions and 17 categories. Next in the competition, 124 junior and senior division winners became eligible to advance to the Science & Engineering Fair of Houston. The 2019 Science & Engineering Fair Presenting sponsor, Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), and Exhibit and Reception sponsor, UHClear Lake, were on hand to congratulate the winners. The 2019 CCISD Science & Engineering Fair Grand Award Winners are:

Grand Award-Life Science Ashley Hoffman, Clear Springs High Implications of F508del-CFTR on Aberrant Stem Cells in Cystic Fibrosis Grand Award Life Science Runner Up Sophie Gao and Himadri Gunarathna, Clear Lake High The Isolation and Characterization of Unique Genetic Variants Associated with Intertied Congenital Heart Disease and Tricuspid Atresia Through NextGeneration Sequencing Grand Award-Physical Science Kumaran Selva, Clear Lake High Microlens-enhanced Flexible Gallium Arsenide Microcell Array for Low-cost, Rooftop Photovoltaics for Automobiles Grand Award-Physical Science Runner Up Andrew Sampson, Clear Falls High Theoretical Universal Scaling for the Dynamics of Yukawa One-Component Plasmas Grand Award-Engineering Taylor Blanchard, Clear Lake High Energy Production Through Ferrofluids Grand Award-Engineering Runner Up Marcus Schlauch, Clear Brook High Portable Graphene Oxide Desalination IYAR Fine Arts Award Senior Division Sulochana Pattabhiraman Award Matthew Dorang, Clear Falls High Effect of the Ribbon on Sound and Rebound Light Junior Division Pattu Rajagopalan Award Jourden Esparza, Seabrook Intermediate How Long Can You Phonate?

Six CCISD campuses named Texas Schools of Character

has announced that Character.org, a national advocate and leader for character, has named six elementary schools as 2019 Texas Schools of Character. The program recognized Bauerschlag Elementary, McWhirter Elementary, Ross Elementary, Stewart Elementary, Weber Elementary and Whitcomb Elementary as campuses that have demonstrated their use of character development to drive a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate. They now join the growing list of schools within Clear Creek ISD who have earned this distinction. “The teachers and students have dedicated each day to becoming leaders of character, so we are extremely honored to be recognized as a State School of Character,” said Dr. Britani Moses, Stewart Elementary principal. “Our six core values within CCISD of trustworthiness, respect,

exemplary schools and districts in the nation. These six schools will now be considered for Character.org’s highest distinction, National Schools of Character, which will be announced in May 2019. Character.org will honor these schools and districts at the 2019 National Forum to be held Oct. 24-27, 2019 in Washington, D.C.

he Clear Creek School District

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship help drive what we do within our school and translate through this accolade.” The Schools of Character application process is an opportunity for schools and districts to receive thoughtful feedback for growth and excellence in the area of character development through Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character framework. It is also a method of recognizing

About Character.org: Founded in 1993, Character.org is a national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. It works with schools, families, workplaces and other communities to inspire, educate and empower people to be ethical and compassionate citizens. The impact of this is seen through improved academic achievement, decline in behavioral problems such as truancy and an increase in an overall positive school climate. Visit www.character.org to learn more about the National Forum and the Schools of Character program.

CCISD boundary panel changes some final recommendations

ased on public input and further review, the Clear Creek ISD School Boundary Advisory Committee pulled back on several original boundary change recommendations for the 2019-2020 school year, moved forward with all high school boundary proposals and made some revisions for the elementary school recommendations. Intermediate Schools The Committee withdrew all of the original intermediate school changes, with one exception. The Coronado Apartments will still move to Clear Creek Intermediate to maintain a clean feeder from Ferguson Elementary, Clear Creek Intermediate and Clear Creek High School. There will be no other changes to the CCISD intermediate school boundaries. Elementary Schools The Committee withdrew its recommendation to move students from Parr Elementary to League City Elementary. The students who reside in Pecan Grove will remain at Parr Elementary. The Committee revised its recommendation to move students from North Pointe Elementary to Ward Elementary. Under the revised recommendation, College Park will stay at North Pointe Elementary and Stillwater Cove will move to Ward Elementary. High School Changes The Committee maintained all of its original boundary change recommendations. The District will implement high school boundary changes with the incoming 9th grade class. Students will stay at their current high school through graduation.

Transportation will be provided for both the current high school students as well as the incoming 9th graders to the new high school campus. WAVE Magnet Alignment WAVE attendance zones are determined by a student’s high school feeder pattern. If an incoming 6th grade WAVE student and/ or current WAVE student has had a change in his/her high school feeder pattern, he/ she may now have a change in their WAVE campus for the 2019-2020 school year. For example, if you reside in the Kirby Woods Subdivision and attend WAVE, you will move to WAVE North (Westbrook) next year versus staying at WAVE South (League City Intermediate). Similarly, all of Greene Elementary will be moved to Clear Brook High School under this proposal, meaning any WAVE students who live in the Greene Elementary zone will now move to WAVE North (Westbrook Intermediate). If an existing WAVE student would like to stay at his/her current WAVE campus versus moving to the new WAVE campus, an intradistrict transfer request should be made. The intradistrict transfer process does not open until March 1, 2019. Transfer requests must be filed annually. WAVE North (Westbrook Intermediate) •

Clear Brook High School

• Clear Lake High School WAVE South (League City Intermediate) •

Clear Creek High School

•

Clear Falls High School

•

Clear Springs High School Visit www.ccisd.net/sbac to see the full list of maps for the final recommendations, which were considered for approval by the school board after the magazine went to press. All approved boundary recommendations will go into effect for the 2019-2020 school year.

Clear Creek ISD crowns new Spelling Bee champion

Eighth grader Christopher Jin

CCISD Spelling Bee champ Christopher Jin and runnerup Sofia Phuong hold up their trophies.

from League City Intermediate took home the first-place trophy for the Clear Creek ISD Spelling Bee held at Mossman Elementary on Feb. 2. Jin was the last student standing after 29 tough rounds of competition against 33 other elementary and intermediate spellers from across the District. His winning word was “fiefdom.” The runner up was fifth grader Sofia Phuong of Armand Bayou Elementary. The next round of competition for Jin will be at the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee, which will be televised live on March 23, 2019. From there, the top two spellers will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the nation’s longstanding educational competition.

36 CCISD musicians named to All-State Ensembles

hirty-six Clear Creek ISD high school musicians representing band, choir and orchestra recently earned the honor to participate in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Ensembles. All five comprehensive CCISD high schools had students representing the district at the annual TMEA Clinic and Convention in San Antonio on Feb. 13-16. Beginning each fall, more than 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA Region. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part. A select group of musicians then advance to TMEA Area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in one of 15 Texas All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs, which is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. This year’s class represents one of the largest groups of students ever selected for the TMEA AllState ensembles from Clear Creek ISD. “I am extremely proud of the 36 students that achieved this incredible accomplishment,” CCISD Director of Visual and Performing Arts Greg Goodman said. “In order to reach such success, each student dedicated significant time to rehearse and improve her or his individual skill set to compete amongst some of the brightest and most talented musicians across the area. I also wish to

thank the parents and staff for their commitment to excellence and for supplying the necessary tools, resources and guidance for the students to reach their dreams and goals.” The students participated at the TMEA Clinic and Convention, which is the largest music education conference of its kind in the world. They spent four days rehearsing and performing with some of the most talented musicians across the state and were led by world-renowned conductors. Below is the full list of students: Clear Brook High • Elizabeth Jackson • Alyssa Estrella • Jessica Hawkins • Abel Lostaunau Clear Creek High • Brady Raboin • Bryan Dawn • James Brandt • Lucinda Melcher • Madigan Ewing • Mitchell Bonvillian • Riana Vermillion • Travis Falknor Clear Falls High • Alex Phan • Christopher Colling • Ian Smith • Logan Woods • Michael Snook • Tarryn Goldner Clear Lake High • Chris Hasapes • Hannah Chuang • Julie Sang • Kevin Chan • Pavan Manoj • Quynh Nguyen • Kyle Husby • Samuel Bowers • Samuel McBurnett • Thomas Whitmore • Zahi Hussain Clear Springs High • Aidan Knight • Anthony Barcio • Craig Smith • Emma Garcia • Lindsey Austin • Nicolas Monticello • Richard Zhou

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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Grazia

Sawa

Salata

Pappa’s Delta Blues

Masa Sushi

El Tiempo

r l e a

l a k e

South Shore Grille

MichiRu

Cabo

Jackie’s Brickhouse

A GUIDE TO THE BEST BITES AND BREWS IN THE BAY

Crazy Alan’s Bakkhus

Sundance

Ocean Sushi

Nobi Las Haciendas Preamble

Tookie’s Seafood

Hubcap Grill

Scotty’s

Mediterraneo

Franca’s Noon & Mirch

Avenida Brazil

Boondoggles

Villa Capri

888 Chinese

Angelo’s

Habanero’s

Chelsea Wine Bar

g a l v e s t o n

b ay

Skallywag’s

T-Bone Tom’s

Floyd’s Red River BBQ Main St. Bistro

Stomp’s Burgers

Gilhooley’s

AMERICAN ASIAN BBQ CAJUN ITALIAN MEDITERR. 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. Hubcap Grill 1918 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX (281) 339-7116 hubcapgrill.com ASIAN 1. 888 Chinese 16744 El Camino Real, Houston, TX (281) 990-8888 888chinesetx.com

Red Oak Cafe

Tight Ends

Topwater Grill

Gumbo Bar

Marais

Dickinson BBQ

Gio’s

2. Masa Sushi 977 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX (281) 486-9888 masasushitexas.com

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

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

5. Chelsea Wine Bar 4106 E NASA Pkwy f, El Lago, TX (281) 326-5282 m o s e s chelseawinebartexas.com

3. Michiru Sushi 20911 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX (281) 338-9988 michirusushi.com

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

4. Olympia Grill 2535 I-45 S.League City, TX (832) 738-1877 www.olympiagrill.com

6. Tight Ends Sports Bar 2502 Gulf Fwy S, League City, TX (832) 769-4330 tightendssportsbar.net

4. Noon & Mirch: Cuisine of India 505 E NASA Pkwy, Webster, TX 5. 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 | MARCH 2019

I TA L I A N

MEXICAN 1. Angelo’s Pizza & Pasta 400 Bay Area Blvd A, Webster, TX (281) 332-2404 angelospizza-pasta.com 2. Gio’s Flying Pizza & Pasta 650 FM 517 W. Dickinson, TX (281) 337-0107 giosflyingpizza.com 3. Grazia Italian Kitchen 1001 Pineloch Dr #1100, Houston, TX (281) 486-2083 graziaitalian.com 4. Villa Capri 3713 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook frenchiesvillacapri.com (281) 326-2373 5. Franca’s Real Italian 1101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX francasrealitalian.com (281) 488-2207 MEDITERRANEAN

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. Las Haciendas 1020 W. Nasa Rd 1, Webster, TX 77598 281-557-3500 lashaciendasgrill.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

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

3. Skallywag’s 600 6th St, Kemah, TX (281) 538-8877

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

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

l a k e

7. Preamble Lounge & Craft House 20801 Gulf Fwy #12, Webster, TX (832) 905-2927 preamblelounge.com SEAFOOD 1. Gilhooley’s Oyster Bar 222 9th St, San Leon, TX 77539 (281) 339-3813 2. Tookie’s Seafood 1106 Bayport Blvd, Seabrook, TX (281) 942-9445 tookiesseafood.com 3. Topwater Grill 815 Avenue O, San Leon, TX (281) 339-1232 4. Sundance Grill II 800 Mariners Dr, Kemah, TX (281) 535-5350 sundance-grill.com S O U P/S A L A D/ D E L I 1. Salata 1780 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX (281) 532-6988 salata.com STEAK 1. Avenida Brazil 201 Bay Area Blvd, Webster, TX (281) 557-9999

Unrivaled quality and presentation at MichiRu Sushi Michiru offers one of the greatest selections of fresh fish and sushi in Clear Lake

ichiRu is considered

by local Houstonian restaurant aficionados as one of the primo eateries in the metroplex. We are fortunate to be able to frequent the Bay Area and West University locations. These fine establishments offer more than just excellent Japanese cuisine and sushi. The décor is contemporary with warm inviting colors and tones, which create a relaxing setting and ambiance. The restaurant offers a fully stocked bar with both well and premium liquors, wine, and an extensive sake list. They also carry some highly regarded Japanese scotch whiskeys, such as Nikka Coffee Grain, Hibiki Harmony, and Suntory Yamazaki, to name a few, some of which have won international awards in competition. The high standard of their Japanese cuisine and sushi is where they separate themselves from similar Asian dining spots in the area. Michiru in Japanese means satisfaction. According to General Manager David Zinn, “It all begins with quality,” he states, “our fish, steaks, and produce are carefully selected before being served to the customers. To top that off, the wait staff is professional, well trained, knowledgeable of the menu, and are always willing to go above and beyond to meet guests’ expectations of service. The Michiru concept was started by Andy Zhuo, who worked in New York City sushi scene for over a decade before moving to Houston. In fact, most of the sushi chefs at Michiru come from a New York City background in making sushi. Utilizing superior quality fish and emphasizing detailed presentation are main focal points that distinguishes these chefs from others. “Our chefs and sushi chefs are highly skilled, trained, and go through a progressive apprenticeship,” Zinn says. Michiru does not have a happy hour. This is because the quality and presentation of their dishes rival the more expensive sushi restaurants found in the city. “Happy hour fish are not always happy,” explains Zinn.

“It all begins with quality. Our fish, steaks, and produce are carefully selected before being served to the customers” “But at Michiru, we have many other ways to take care of our customers, the right way.” They offer one of best reward programs in the city which is free for anybody to join, have the greatest selection of fresh fish in Clear Lake, and feature discounted weekly specials for rolls, appetizers, and drinks, in order to promote customers to try different items. In 2009, Zhuo opened his first location in Clear Lake, which was followed several years later by the West University location. Their award-winning Japanese fusion cuisine begins with finest fresh fish, creative innovation, and a desire to continually improve their product. One of the most popular menu items are the Tuna Dumplings. Often imitated, but never replicated, Michiru invented these beautiful delicatable red “ocean purses.” These paper-thin translucent pouches of tuna filled with avocado, shrimp, and crunch is only one of example of the creativity of MichiRu.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Their Cuban 8 roll, one of their more popular rolls for guests who like their sushi cooked, combines shrimp tempura, crab, sushi shrimp, cream cheese, and crunch. Finished with mango sauce, sriracha, and eel sauce, this roll completely “satisfies” all who taste it. Don’t forget about their Asian kitchen! From the Bone in Lemongrass marinated Pork Chops and Certified Angus steaks to the Pepper Corn Beef Szechuan and Wasabi Cream Red Snapper, the menu has something for everybody. One thing on the menu that may come as a surprise, is their use of steak in various ways. They have a cooked-to-order wok grilled Certified Angus filet mignon, as well as some signature rolls topped with the same steak. From time to time, either American or Australian wagyu can be ordered, either as sushi/sashimi or to be cooked by the guest on a hot stone. Also, a real treat to steak lovers is a Japanese A5 Wagyu beef, which can

be found sometimes on the special menu, used both in appetizers or in a sushi roll. Michiru has a different specialty menu offered almost daily of new creations not found anywhere else. On any given day, you might find some very interesting items such as the new Tuna Pizza, Lava Red Trout, the Bronzino Appetizer, the Phoenix roll, North Atlantic Live Scallops, and much more. If you wish to keep up with their new creations or the fresh fish of the day, like them on Facebook. Whether or not you are looking to chow on some raw fish delicacies, only eat your food cooked, or even prefer animal free diet altogether, Michiru is a place that caters to any appetite. They have lunch specials Monday through Saturday. They are even capable of curing that sweet tooth, with a desert menu featuring Japanese favorite, mochi ice cream offered in green tea and strawberry flavors. The Clear lake store is located on I-45 and NASA Road 1, in the strip right in front of the Cinemark theater. The other store can be found in Greenway Plaza near the Lakewood Church. Reservations are welcome every day of the week, but not required to get a seat.

Bay Area Houston Magazine and Gulf Coast Mariner were proud to support the “Precinct 2 Cares Food & Resource Fair” by the Houston Food Bank and Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

Congratulations to Jared Klein and Company on the opening of The Backyard Seabrook, which features a menu of predominantly mac-n-cheese dishes.

A big group of friends enjoy the Super Bowl Party put on by Bob Francis and Sally Williams.

Magazine CEO Rick Clapp, left, is happy to see Mark Lovfald and Mandy Pistone as he mingles with the crowd at the cover party.

Roberts Wealth Management CEO Summer Roberts Hager and Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Amber Sample.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Jason Allcorn and Wendy Shaw join the crowd.

Pat and Wendell Wilson, left, and Emmeline Dodd and Gene Hollier.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

(Top) Models show off fashions on the runway during the Rodeo Style Show at the Lone Star Flight Museum. (Left) Rick Clapp, left, Bo Brinkman and Mary Alys Cherry enjoy the fashion show.

Go Texan Rodeo Style Show sports a new look and even a new place By Mary Alys Cherry

he 2019 Bay Area Go Texan

Rodeo Style Show had quite a different look this year with its “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme, including a great new place, the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Field. Many of the ladies chose to dress up Tiffany style – little black dresses, big black and white hats and lots of pearls, while some came as beautiful cowgirls in western outfits, as did most all of the cowboys. But regardless of their dress, all enjoyed the snazzy style show put on by fashion guru Lenny Matuszewski. Among those strutting down the runway, showing off fashions from Adelaide’s, Love Urban Cowboy and The Clotheshorse Boutiques, Kendra Scott and Dillard’s at Baybrook Mall, Cavender’s Boot City and Jill’s Fashions and Bridals were a host of folks you may know: John Bartee, Karen Beaty, Liz Cantu, Zaira Contreras, Jeremiah Corbin, Molly Culbreth, Sam Davis, Adam Folden, Beau Green, Kelly Gurgos,

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Sandra Ham, Susan Hefner, Quad Heinicken, Karen Jordan, Vicki Lundy, Claudia McCabe, Blaine Ochoa, Terra Nicole Osborne, Bobby Osoria, Karla Quesenberry, Morag Sabo, Lisa Sanders, Marcia Sellers, Wendy Shaw, Shari Sweeney, Moni Trevathan, Ana Villa, Brian Whittington, Kelly Williams, Erin Wilrich and Jeremy Woodin. Lonestar Flight Museum CEO, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. (Retired) Douglas Owens welcomed the sellout crowd, after which Phil Pampalino took over as emcee to introduce the models and salute Bay Area Houston Magazine CEO Rick Clapp and lifetime Houston Rodeo committeeman Gene Hollier for their long years of devotion to the rodeo. Anita White is serving as the Bay Area captain this year with Lisa Gurgos as assistant captain, Donna Rone as secretary and Michele Walker as treasurer. Proceeds from all Houston Rodeo events provide college scholarships for Texas high school seniors.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Leadership Showcase spotlights CCISD’s Leader In Me Program

tudents owned the day, and their learning, during the Clear Creek ISD Leadership Showcase. The day was a supersized “showand-tell” for students and staff of the six CCISD campuses that are now Leader In Me schools. Now in its third year of progressive implementation in the District, The Leader In Me is a whole-school transformation process that prepares students to become life-ready leaders, citing tangible improvements in the academic, behavioral and social well-being of participating students. More than 150 business and community leaders, staff and observers from neighboring districts toured Leader In Me campuses and classrooms to watch students demonstrate their learning and progress through the immersive program. Campuses spotlighted were Armand Bayou Elementary (in year two of implementation), Bay Elementary (in year one of implementation),Falcon Pass Elementary (in year three of implementation), and McWhirter Elementary, Space Center Intermediate and Whitcomb Elementary all in year one of implementation. Some campuses invited guests into their Character Rallies where students celebrated successes realized over the past several weeks, as well as the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey’s foundation for The Leader In Me program. Habits such as “Put First Things First” and “Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood” were on full display as achievements such as perfect attendance and model behavior were cheered on by the student body. Guests also heard from student panels and wound through classroom observations visiting with students who proudly presented their goal binders and explained how job boards work in their school. The Leader In Me in Clear Creek ISD is made possible through a combination of community donations, as well as by both campus and District-allocated funds. During the 2019 Leadership Showcase, campuses took time out to thank and recognize community donors including Visionary Partner, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital; Campus Circle Partners, the Clear Creek Education Foundation, the City of Kemah, the City of Webster, Space Center Rotary, Seabrook Rotary and CCISD PTAs; and Change Leader Partners, the City of Clear Lake Shores, the City of Nassau Bay, and the City of Seabrook Clear Creek ISD, with the generous support of the Clear Creek Education Foundation and other community partners, plans to bring The Leader In Me program to an additional 12 campuses over the next five years.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

The Pursuit of Happiness by 12 countries in the Middle East. It begins the exact moment of spring equinox, around March 21. Nowruz is an integral part of Persian culture he United Nations International that dates over 3,000 years. The ancestral festivities Day of Happiness (IDH) is celebrated began from the Zoroastrians, one of the world’s worldwide on March 20. The theme for most ancient monotheistic religions, predating 2019 is to focus on relationships, kindness, before Christianity, Judaism and Islam. People share and helping each other. What does it mean to be meals and gifts with family, deep clean their homes, happy? The answer is different for everyone. When and hold ceremonies of music, dance, and poetry people are happy they do great things. They become to celebrate renewal of life. The people believed inspired, creative, and active in society. Investing in a strong connection to the land, animals and in a happier world creates harmony. However, one elements, especially fire. Fire person’s happiness can be symbolizes God’s wisdom another’s misery. Is happiness and purity, their God sees innate, or a learned behavior? everything to be treated with Dr. Hamid Bayati, former love and respect. The United Iraqi ambassador to the United Nations recognizes Nowruz Nations, is a diplomat, author, Take Action as a tradition of intangible and academic. He presented a • Connect with People cultural heritage. The religion resolution to the U.N. General • Exercise still remains active and has Assembly which was adopted • Be Aware prophesied the ultimate end by consensus in June 2012 to • Learn New Things to all evil. proclaim an International Day The Happy Cafe was of Happiness. He has worked Look Inward created by members of globally to spread awareness • Make Goals for the Future Action for Happiness, a of the fast growing movement. • Be Positive movement of people taking “If we commemorate • Be Resilient action to create a happier International Happiness Day, • Be Comfortable with who you are society. Members have a we can teach the meaning • Find Meaning and Purpose vision to make the world a of happiness and why it better place by improving is important. It starts with state of mind, compassion, and social trust. It is individuals to communities and spreads through designed for communities to connect over coffee society in workplaces, schools, and homes.” states and learn skills for a happier life. The Happy Cafe Dr. Bayati. The idea of using happiness as a guide provides information in a range of literature, posters, for government policies reaches back for decades. pamphlets and postcards and creates a sanctuary In Bhutan the government measures progress by for people to share ideas and advocate for love and happiness, not by wealth. Gross National Happiness kindness. is measured by education, living standards, “Happiness is a feeling of peace and solidarity, health, governance, sustainable socio-economic regardless of circumstances. It is when you are development, preservation and promotion of grateful and positive. It all begins with small acts of culture, and environmental conservation. The World kindness. Simple actions can make all the difference, Happiness Report, inspired by the adoption of IDH, even a smile can make someone’s day. We can ranks 156 nations by quality of life. This encourages summarize all United Nations objectives with one countries to recognize and support International word: Happiness.” Bayati gleams. Happiness is Happiness Day by implementing strategies for a not about the pursuit, it is about the happiness of happier nation. pursuit. It’s about discovering who you are while The United Nations Sustainable Development being happy where you are right now. Download Goals (SDGs) for 2030 is to end poverty, reduce the app, “Action for Happiness” for tips, friendly inequality, protect the environment and improve reminders, and inspirational messages. For more access to necessary resources. The United Nations information visit Dayofhappiness.net. Come seeks to create policies that make a difference celebrate Happiness Day with us on Wednesday, by uniting spiritual, civic, and world leaders to March 20 from 5:30 to 7pm at the Chelsea Wine Bar develop economic programs and institutions that at 4106 E NASA Pkwy in El Lago. Please RSVP at balance modern culture and ancient traditions. The 281-474-5875. Persian New Year is called Nowruz, or “New Day.” Nowruz is the spring festival which is celebrated

By Sumer Dene

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Photos by Mary Alys Cherry and Sumer Dene

John Collins, left, takes a moment to relax with Mike Darst and Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Rick Clapp.

Pastor Brad Heintz of Living Word Church went all out and served up some excellent sushi.

Mingling with the crowd, you might have bumped into, from left, Jim and Jane Sweeney, Tom Richards or Susie Way, who were among the hundreds at Men Who Cook.

Men Who Cook draws crowd of several hundred

n almost overflow

Jerry Barmore of the Kemah Police Department, from left, receives congratulations from Kemah Police Chief Chris Reed and Mayor Carl Joiner during the Seabrook Men Who Cook event at Lakewood Yacht Club.

Gary Renola, left, offers to let Scott Blackley sample his dish at the 25th annual Seabrook Men Who Cook.

crowd of several hundred jammed Lakewood Yacht Club Feb.12 for the 25th annual Men Who Cook event, which also featured the musical talents of Velvet Punch. During the evening Kemah Police Officer Jerry Barmore was named Kemah Police Officer of the Year. Proceeds from the event benefit the Seabrook Rotary Foundation and the Seabrook Police Officers Association Charities.

Highway 146 construction to bring many challenges By Mary Alys Cherry

any challenges are ahead for the Bay Area as the Texas Department of Transportation rebuilds and expands Highway 146 through Seabrook and Kemah, but we’ll live through it, Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski promised as he addressed the Clear Lake Chamber Luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club. “There will be many disruptions, but we’ll get through it,” he said, going on to explain

that the difficult part has been so many businesses having to shut down. This will result in a large loss of sales taxes, he told the crowd, but the City of Seabrook has been preparing for the loss by saving money for needed expenses for the past several years. And, while the construction on the $200 million project will slow traffic even more than it has been in recent months, the good news is the highway will always be accessible throughout the five years it will take to complete the construction work.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Clear Lake Chamber President Cindy DeWease, from right, welcomes Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski, City Manager Gail Cooke, and Melody Galland of TxDOT.

Mayors Mike McNamara, left, of Clear Lake Shores and Jon Keeney of Taylor Lake Village.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Houston crime drops in 2018 The number of reported crimes in Houston fell in 2018 compared to the previous year, with a 10.4 percent drop in violent crime leading the trend, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Police Chief Art Acevedo announced. “The (Houston Police Department) men and women in blue are doing a heroic job and Houstonians are stepping up,” Mayor Turner said at a news conference with the police chief at the HPD academy. “When they see something, they say something. It’s a collective effort. And that’s why the numbers speak for themselves.” “If everyone is vigilant, if everyone plays their roles and assists law enforcement, then I believe we are working in the right direction,’’ the mayor added. “We just have to keep it up.” Overall reported crime was down 4.39 percent for the year. The police chief highlighted the declines in rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults. “Think about that,” said Acevedo. “10.4 percent fewer Houstonians were subjected to violence.” The police department recorded 279 murders in 2018, up 10 from 269. In 2016, Mayor Turner’s first year in office, the number was 301. “When children are murdered, when people feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods, it’s no time for us to relax our public safety work or rest on our accomplishments,” the mayor said.

New Nassau Bay Fire Station on Upper Bay Road.

New Nassau Bay fire station opens

he City of Nassau Bay

has officially opened a new fire station for the first time in over 30 years. The dedication ceremony, complete with ribbon cutting and hose-uncoupling, took place at the new facility. In recognition of his extraordinary efforts towards the completion of the building, Fire Chief Tom George received the one and only “key” to the new Fire and EMS Station. The new station at 18295 Upper Bay Road is a 17,400 square foot facility and comes equipped with the latest in fire and emergency services technology and daily amenities. The new building is a $4.1 million city investment providing fire and EMS

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

services, rooms for communications, exercise and training, a full kitchen, and living quarters. There are four double-length drive-through bays designed to accommodate multiple emergency apparatus. Mayor Mark Denman said “the city is extremely fortunate to have this station as the home of our Nassau Bay Volunteer Fire Department and EMS personnel. Our volunteers have made countless contributions to the city of Nassau Bay, and your dedication to our public safety is greatly appreciated by me, City Council and the citizens of this incomparable city. “You will always have our gratitude and support, and I hope

this station means as much to you as it does to the city.” This is the first new fire station built in Nassau Bay since 1980. Of special significance, a support beam recovered from the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center is prominently displayed in the lobby of the new station as a dedication to all emergency responders. Visitors who attended the Grand Opening had the opportunity to tour the new station, view the fire fighting equipment, and talk with current NBVFD members and Nassau Bay EMS.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Recovery centers providing federal aid for repair of homes damaged by Harvey

he City of Houston has taken

a critical step forward with the opening of four Housing Resource Centers, one in each quadrant of the city, to use $1.17 billion in federal aid to assist Houstonians whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Anyone who may be eligible must first complete a survey: Online at www.recovery.houstontx.gov By phone at 832-393-0550 (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Or in person at any of the new centers (Northeast, 9551 N. Wayside, Houston 77028; Northwest, 13101 Northwest Freeway [Hwy. 290], Suite 101, Houston 77040; Southwest, 6464 Savoy Drive, Suite 110, Houston 77036; Southeast, 11550 Fuqua St., 3rd floor, Houston 77036). Mobile outreach teams are also available to serve home-bound residents and others. Mayor Sylvester Turner opened the Northeast center, encouraging community members to be ambassadors for the recovery effort to ensure that no eligible homeowner is left out.  The mayor told people in the packed room, “Our goal is to reach and serve as many of the affected homeowners as possible, especially those who are hardest to reach – our disadvantaged, senior citizens, those with limited English proficiency and those with special needs. We will not leave anyone behind.” On the importance of taking the Harvey Recovery Survey, the mayor continued, “No one wants another delay in the process. The survey will help us understand each homeowner’s situation better and determine which program they may be eligible for.”  Tom McCasland, director of the City Housing and Community Development Department, emphasized that the city has moved quickly to ensure recovery was launched as soon as federal funds became available. The city will receive the $1.17 billion for housing recovery through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of Texas General Land Office. The recovery funds include the Homeowner Assistance Program, which offers five program options including: 1) reimbursement for completed repairs, 2) homeownermanaged rehabilitation, 3) city-managed rehabilitation and reconstruction, 4) buyouts, and 5) interim mortgage assistance. While priority will be given to low- and moderateincome homeowners, assistance is available to homeowners of all income levels.   To schedule a mobile outreach team, or for any additional information, please visit https://recovery.houstontx.gov or call the Harvey recovery hotline number 832-393-0550, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Housing Resource Centers hours of operation are: Mondays – Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesdays – Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Space test flights are delayed again

Port has another outstanding year

The first crewless test flights have been delayed again, NASA has announced. The space agency said the first uncrewed test flight by SpaceX’s Crew Dragon – previously planned for around Feb. 23 – is now scheduled for no earlier than March 2, with its second test flight with NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken now scheduled for July. Meanwhile, Boeing’s uncrewed test flight of the CTS-100 Starliner in March is now scheduled for no sooner than April, and its crewed test flight with Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson and NASA astronauts Nicole Mann and Mike Fincke scheduled for no sooner than August.

In highlighting a host of achievements this past year, Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther announced several records were broken in 2018, including that total tonnage at the port set a record of 35.7 million tons – an increase of 9 percent from 2017. “The strength of cargo activity helped drive operating revenue to $366 million for the year, shattering the previous record set in 2017 of $333 million.” Guenther said as he delivered his 2018 year-end report to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority during its first monthly meeting of 2019. Combined business through the port’s public facilities also generated a total cash flow of $162 million, surpassing the previous record of $151 million set in 2017.

NASA awards $2.9B contract to Leidos NASA has awarded Leidos of Reston, Va., a contract for information technology (IT) end-user services to support the agency’s headquarters, centers and other performance sites. NASA End-user Services & Technologies (NEST) is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinitequantity contract that has a maximum value of $2.9 billion and includes a two-year, three-month base period followed by a two-year option, one-year option, and five one-year award term options that would extend the period of performance to May 31, 2029. NASA personnel use IT to support the agency’s core business, scientific, research and computational activities. Leidos will provide, manage, secure and maintain these essential IT services for the agency.

Two firms donate $500,000 to SJC As the building of the new San Jacinto College Center for Petrochemical, Energy and Technology nears completion, two companies have donated a total of $500,000 for an analyzer lab and for education and training. Siemens has donated $250,000 to add an analyzer lab to the new center that is expected to open this fall while Dow Chemical has donated another $250,000 to ensure that training and the education curriculum in the center will align with the needs of petrochemical manufacturing employers. Siemens, a global powerhouse focusing on electrification, automation and digitalization, has been among the college’s industry partners providing input and donations toward the project since the start of discussions about the San Jacinto College petrochemical training center. San Jac broke ground for the $60 million center in September 2017. In addition to an associate degree and certificates, the college is pursuing the approval and development of a bachelor’s degree in applied technology. Besides being an industry partner and member of the College’s Petrochemical Advisory Council, Dow Chemical Deer Park has hired 25 SJC graduates as operators in the past four years – or 23 percent of the site’s new hires. Dow also has established an apprenticeship program at the college.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Presenting AMOCO Federal Credit Union’s sponsorship check for the Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament is (right) Stacey Malbrough with Communities In Schools-Bay Area’s Hillary Gramm, resource development director, and Dr. Peter Wunschel, executive director.

Amoco FCU gives $5,000 to CIS-BA Since 2006, Amoco Federal Credit Union has supported at-risk students through the annual Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament sponsorships totaling $109,000. The golf tournament benefits Communities in Schools-Bay Area, a dropout prevention program serving 26 campuses in Clear Creek and Dickinson ISDs. This year’ shamble tournament will be Monday, April 15 at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake. In addition to sponsoring the tournament, Amoco staffers serve the students in different ways. Amoco’s Stacey Malbrough, culture and communications manager, mentors a League City Elementary School student in the program and works on the Raise Your Glass to CIS wine tasting event committee. Josh Ryding, Friendswood branch manager, works on the Keep Kids in School Golf Tournament Committee. For sponsorships or golf tournament information, contact Hillary Gramm at hillaryg@cis.org or 281486-6698.

MARCH 2019 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

Dr. Tieken and his team have changed yet another life for the better

Jimmy Miller, left, winner of the Bay Area Makeover, shows off his new smile with Miss Kemah Erin Wilrich and Dr. Tieken.

By Madison Junck

hroughout the last

28 years, Dr. Tieken has been dedicated to giving exceptional members of the community the smile they deserve. The Bay Area Makeover was

created in 2003 when Dr. Tieken discovered a new way to use his expertise to give back to the community that has been so good to him. He wanted to give deserving individuals the smile and confidence they had only dreamt of and immediately went to work organizing

the Bay Area Makeover. Since then, Dr. Tieken has completed five makeovers and given over $320,000 worth of dental and medical services. Jimmy Miller Before is the most recent winner of the Bay Area Makeover. Jimmy was introduced to Dr. Tieken in early 2018 when Dr. Tieken began his search for the next BAM winner. After Jimmy’s two children, along with his girlfriend, each submitted a letter to Dr. Tieken explaining why they felt Jimmy was the most deserving candidate. After months of anticipation, Jimmy finally received the news that he had been chosen as the winner of the Bay Area Makeover. “There was

just something about Jimmy. Once I got to know him, I just knew he was so deserving of this,” Dr. Tieken said. In the following weeks Dr. Tieken gathered a team of incredible doctors who were more than willing to help him along this journey, Periodontist Dr. Jared Abramian and Endodontist Dr. Christopher Coleman. Over a year and dozens of visits later, Jimmy’s smile makeover was complete. Dr. Tieken wanted a special way to celebrate and reveal Jimmy’s new smile to his friends and family so at the end of January he hosted a smile makeover reveal party at Preamble Lounge and Craft House for Jimmy, his friends and family, and members of the community. The night was full of love, laughter and lots of bright smiles. “This whole experience has completely changed my life,” Jimmy said. “Not being able to show my smile was one problem on its own, but the constant pain was horrible to go through, too. Dr. Tieken and this team of doctors changed my life in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and I finally have the confidence to smile again.”

Former Kemah Mayor Bill King kicks off Houston mayoral campaign

By Mary Alys Cherry

ouston businessman Bill King formally launched his mayoral campaign with a series of town hall meetings in various neighborhoods across the city Feb. 9-15. The former mayor of Kemah, who narrowly lost by less than 4,000 votes to Mayor Sylvester Turner in the 2016 Houston mayoral runoff, reportedly the closest race in Houston mayoral history, said he was using these town halls “to begin the conversation

about cleaning up City Hall and getting the city back to delivering the basic municipal services every resident is entitled to expect — trash pick-up, good roads and neighborhood policing.” “It’s time to imagine a city where the streets are paved, the trash is picked up on time, homes don’t flood, there are more police officers patrolling our neighborhoods and where the politicians work for the people and not special interests,” King said. “Houston is the city that put a man on the moon. Don’t tell me we can’t have decent streets, good drainage, and a balanced budget. We do not have to settle for what we are currently getting from city government today.” The campaign will center on cleaning up the pay-to-play system at City Hall, which will allow city government to refocus its efforts back on delivering the basic services all Houstonians expect and deserve for the tax dollars they pay, he said

NINE TOWN HALLS As part of his kickoff, he hosted nine town hall meetings in every corner of Houston -- in Sunnyside, East End/5th Ward, Spring Branch, Kingwood and Clear Lake. Meetings are also scheduled in Meyerland, Memorial and Timbergrove. “Houstonians are hard-working, generous and resilient and the people are what make Houston the greatest city in the country,” King added. “But we have a city government that has failed to live up to what residents deserve, and it’s time for a change. Let’s clean up City Hall and get back to basics.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Nothing has gotten better in the last four years, he said at one town hall. “The truth is we have a city government that doesn’t live up to the people that live in it. I’m telling you right now, we’re going to change that once and for all,” he said at another. King joins the incumbent Turner and Houston attorney Tony Buzbee in the race for mayor. Buzbee announced his candidacy a week before King. Election day is Nov. 5, 2019.

NATIVE OF AREA Bill is a life-long resident of the Houston area. He was born and raised in the Clear Lake area, attending Clear Creek High School before going on to the University of Houston to earn an undergraduate degree in political science and his law degree. In 1996, he was elected to the Kemah City Council and later served as mayor of Kemah from 2001-2005. He has enjoyed a varied career as a businessman and a lawyer. He began his career with a turbulent, and ultimately unsuccessful, foray in the savings & loan industry in the 1980s. His experience in that industry is retold in his 2009 book, Saving Face. Later in his career, he served as the national managing partner for Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, as president of Southwest Airport Services, Inc. and of counsel to Bracewell & Giuliani. He also was an editorial page columnist for 10 years for the Houston Chronicle.

Clear Lake

Floral creativity March 7. Lush Flowers owner Rene Johnson, a certified fleurologist, will provide a program on flowers for the Bay Oaks Women’s Association luncheon, starting with a champagne reception at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 7 at the country club. Rockapella at the Bayou. High energy, five-member a cappelia rock and pop band that has opened for Billy Joel and Chuck Berry will be at UHCL’s Bayou Theatre Thursday, March 7 for a night of fun, starting at 7:30 p.m. UHCL Spring Break. University of Houston-Clear Lake students will observe Spring Break from Saturday, March 9 through Sunday, March 17. CCISD Spring Break. Clear Creek ISD will observe Spring Break March 11-15. Forensic artist to speak. The Bay Area Genealogical Society will host well known Houston Police Department forensic artist Lois Gibson, who will describe how she uses art to solve murder cases at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at University Baptist Church,16106 Middlebrook Drive. The public is invited to attend.

Town Hall March 19. Houston City Councilman Dave Martin will host a Town Hall from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Space Center Houston’s Special Events Building, 1601 NASA Parkway, BayTran lunch March 20. Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership will have Metro Chairman Carrin Patman as its keynote speaker for its Wednesday, March 20 luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Houston Marriott, 9100 Gulf Freeway. Her subject will be Metro’s longrange plans for the region. For reservations, email president@baytran.com BAWNC meets March 21. Bay Area Welcome Neighbors Club will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 21 at Bay Oaks Country Club to hear Armand Bayou Executive Director Tim Pylate give an overview of the Nature Center. For luncheon reservations, call Nancy Guthrie at 281-3333055 or visit membership. bawnc@gmail.com Celebration March 23. The annual Lighthouse Christian Ministries Celebration and Gala, will be held Saturday, March 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Ave.at Ellington Airport. Semi-formal dress.

Bay Area Houston Magazine | MARCH 2019

Recycling event March 30. The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department will hold its spring recycling event on Saturday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Ellington Airport Recycling Center, Highway 3 and Brantly with batteries, oil, paint (latex only) and antifreeze accepted. Free and open to all Houston residents. A valid driver’s license or other proof of Houston residency will be required.

Dickinson

Drama on tap March 8. The drama, The Rainmaker, opens Friday, March 8 in Bay Area Harbour Playhouse’s Main Deck Theatre and continues weekends through Sunday, March 31, with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, which are $17 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, call 281-3377469 or email bareahp@ comcast.net

Friendswood

Chamber Luncheon March 28. Mayor Mike Foreman will deliver the State of the City Address at the Friendswood Chamber Luncheon at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 28, at New Hope Church, 108 W. Edgewood (FM 2351). For reservations, which are $30 for members and

$35 for guests, call 281482-3329 or email info@ friendswoodchamber.com

Galveston

Style Show March 29. The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Style Show Luncheon will honor Gina Spagnola Friday, March 29 at 11 a.m. at the San Luis Resort , Spa and Conference Center at 11 a.m. For details, call Holly McDonald, 409-7631691 Ext. 75913

Pasadena

Lincoln Dinner March 15. The Bay Area Republican Women will host their 28th annual Lincoln Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, March 15 at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 E. NASA Parkway with former White House Counsel Don McGahn as the keynote speaker. Wine Tasting March 26. Bay Area Museum Guild will host a Wine Tasting, sponsored by H-E-B, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at the museum in Clear Lake Park, 5000 NASA Parkway.

Zany look at aging. The comedy Potato Gumbo will be at the Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen-Genoa Road, March 15-31 with curtains at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. For reservations, call 713-9411758 or reserve on line at www.pasadenalittletheatre. org

Blessing of Fleet March 31. Lakewood Yacht Club, keeping with six decades of tradition, is preparing to formally celebrate the 2019 Blessing of the Fleet Sunday, March 31, at 2 p.m. An award-winning marching band will entertain and live cannon fire will accompany the nautical display.

Seabrook

Webster

Flood Forum March 7. The Houston Region of Concerned Citizens will host a Flood Forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Bay Area Community Center in Clear Lake Park, 5002 NASA Parkway. Speakers include Rice U’s SPEED leader Jim Blackburn and Bob Stokes of the Galveston Bay Foundation.

Free tax help. AAPR tax-aide representatives will be at the Webster Recreation Center, 311 Pennsylvania Ave., to offer free tax aid, answer questions and help residents with their 2018 income taxes now through Monday, April 15. Hours of Operation are Mondays, 9-5; Tuesdays, 10-2; Wednesdays, noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 – 1.