2014 Spring Edition Q by The Facts

welcome

Contents

We’re back!

COVER STORY A few hours in a kayak offer a chance to see beautiful places invisible from the highway.

CHEF’S KITCHEN

Drew Ryder and the managers of his two restaurants share flavorful foods from their catering menus.

Yvonne Mintz

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

Advertise

Mildred Ramsower won the first Q magazine Here & There scavenger hunt and chose a $50 gift certificate to Elaine’s Fashions in Lake Jackson as her prize.

his issue is bigger than our debut issue in January and packed with returning correspondents and some new faces. We introduce you to Johnathan Sublet, committed to making sure some Freeport children have a better childhood than he did, and to Laura Stone — and her kids. Their Santa Fe-made goat-milk soap and lotion are a hit at Brazoria County festivals. Right above me you’ll find Mildred Ramsower, winner of last issue’s Q photo scavenger hunt. She asked for her $50 gift certificate to come from Elaine’s Fashions. See pages 28 and 29 for your chance this go-round, but you’d better be serious, because Mildred is. She and her husband drove around Brazoria County to find answers from the first issue, which you can find today on Page 53. Surprisingly, the decorative blue tiles in downtown Lake Jackson gave her the most fits, she said, and she took to the phone book when she got stuck on the picture with “Sco” in the background. It was Scott’s BBQ. Mildred tells me she also won $100 in a Facts Profile edition photo puzzle a few years ago. Her daughter-in-law joked the prize money was less than she spent in gas trying to find the answers, but Mildred laughed. “It’s fun,” she said. Have fun with this issue, too, readers. And keep that feedback coming to qmagazine@thefacts.com.

Q magazine is a quarterly publication of The Facts newspaper

GOD’S BLESSING

Johnathan Sublet came to Freeport to work at Dow, but it is his work guiding Freeport children to the right path that has become his mission.

Contact Facts Advertising Director Cindy Cornette at 979-237-0122 or cindy.cornette @thefacts.com.

Staff Publisher Bill Cornwell Editor Yvonne Mintz Design Michael Morris

JUST BLEAT IT

Her customers love her all-natural skin-care products. She loves the goats that help her make them.

Departments Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Know Your Places . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Man Cave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Jenn’s Faves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Fit Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Your Best Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Closet Confidential . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Capt. Mike’s Journal . . . . . . . . . . .49 Getting Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 End Quotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Writers Yvonne Mintz John Lowman Shannon Daughtry John Tompkins Photos Holly Parker John Tompkins Contributors Jennifer Culverhouse Carrie Harper Mike Leebron Jenny Kier

out of my way

Please vote for

Bob SIPPLE

Ladies and Gentlemen of Brazoria County, I seek your vote for

STORY BY YVONNE MINTZ

ary Jean Adams had just a few instructions before we set out for what would be my first kayak adventure. Hold the paddle shoulders distance apart, she said, with curvature of the blade facing me. Quick instruction on turning and how to get myself unstuck from weeds and muck, and it was time to get in the thing. She had the kayak set up at the boat ramp

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

✶ ✶

PHOTOS BY HOLLY PARKER

already, placed the paddle on top, stabilizing it with her arms, and swung her bottom in with an effortless scoot. Let’s just say my entrance to the kayaking world wasn’t near as graceful, but my rear ended up in the thing anyway, so I figured we were good to go. Nope. I did it wrong, she pointed out. “So do I have to get out and do it again,” I joked.

Yes, she said. But she was serious. This time I concentrated. Arms down, swing and scoot. And off we went. Mary Jean, who owns Gulf Coast Kayak Adventures and Quiet Oaks Bed and Breakfast near Danbury, makes sure her guests can get in and out of the kayak properly in case they fall out and have to get back in on their own. That made me instantly grateful and, for the first time, a little fearful I would need that knowledge.

Position 3 for the Port of Freeport I am running because, thru experience, I have obtained the attributes to provide for positive leadership for the port. I believe the commissioners responsibilities include continuous review of the master plan for adequacy, working with staff through the budget process, which includes budget workshops, creating a vision and vision elements through goal setting workshops to assure the future of the port, and providing staff with the necessary resources and support to do their job. I am running because I believe the loss of several experienced people at the port as well as other issues is a result of commissioners and staff not having the necessary relationships to provide for what the port needs to progress for tomorrow's opportunities. I am committed in doing my very best to help in establishing the relationships necessary to assure the ports future.

Thank you. Paid Political ad by Treasurer, Lori Sipple, P.O. Box 3754, Lake Jackson, TX 77566

Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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“He’s a good fisherman,” Mary Jean said. down and felt more comfortable in general. Just a few My kayak almost caught a fish, too. They jumped all minutes down FM 2004 from Lake Jackson, the boat around us, and one of them surely gave himself a ramp and a not-so-graceful scoot took me from a hurried concussion plopping headball of stress to a relaxed on into the nose of my boat. observer of nature, fast. We kayaked up the bayou, On this afternoon, the took a side trip down a cut wind was too high for a trip where blackberry bushes out of Christmas Bay near grew on the bank, just Surfside Beach, but a bayou because we could, and trip was perfect. A slight stopped for a granola bar breeze sent ripples on the and bottle of water before water and made trees on heading back. the embankment rustle just Kayaking came more easily enough for a novice kayaker than I expected. It didn’t to worry she had disturbed take long to figure out if I an alligator. was paddling the wrong “What is that,” I said, teeth way and it wasn’t tough to clenched, then relaxed Mary Jean Adams shows Yvonne Mintz how to correct. when two cardinals took paddle before a kayak trip on Bastrop Bayou. “It’s like a walk on the light from the brush. water,” Mary Jean said. “They must have a nest And it was, most of the time. nearby,” Mary Jean said. And so must the hawks we saw Other times, when the wind was up, we pushed swoop over the water. deeper and faster on our paddle strokes to get the boat We watched as an egret dipped fast and came up with to go the direction we intended. a catch.

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

conditions, what they would enjoy and, honestly, what I must be living right, Mary Jean said, because the she feels like seeing. water and wind worked with us, rather than against us, The trip I took costs $150, plus $60 per person in a for most of the three-hour tour. group. For that, guests get You don’t have to be kayak rental, Mary Jean’s particularly fit to kayak, Mary expert guidance, water, a Jean said. In fact, most snack and digital pictures of people she takes on guided the trip. tours of Brazoria and The beauties of kayaking Galveston County locally mostly are unknown, waterways are not. except by fishermen, she They are mostly in their said. Most of her clients 40s and 50s, with some come from outside the younger groups and county, or the state, even. families. Her youngest client Kayak fishing is a popular was 6, she said, in a jumpsport, and much of Mary seat between his parents. Jean’s business comes from With trips on bayous, bays pre-dawn kayak rental and rivers all in Brazoria Yvonne Mintz practices getting in and out of a delivery to fishermen along County, kayakers can bird kayak before a trip on Bastrop Bayou. our stretch of coast. watch, see an undisrupted view of the ocean or even spot a dolphin. In other words, kayakers around here won’t get bored. Mary Jean tailors trips to the clients and varies which waterways she suggests depending on weather

“OK, you want a workout?” she asked when we were probably two-thirds of the way back in to the ramp. She instructed me to lean forward a bit and put more weight in the balls of my feet as I paddled. Just like

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Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Hit the spots from the FM 2918 boat ramp and paddle to tLaunch the mouth of San Bernard River, about a 6-mile round trip. See the now-closed river mouth, nice lagoons, sandy beaches and places to swim. Kayak the Brazos River from either the FM 2004 bridge outside Lake Jackson or the public boat ramp on CR 400 south of Brazoria.

at Hanson Riverside County Park near West tLaunch Columbia and paddle on the San Bernard River. Kayakers can use the old boat ramp, down river from the pier about 200 yards. If you can get up close to the spillway, it’s an excellent fishing spot since there currently is no public boat ramp. That also means very few motor boats in the area. at Christmas Point on Christmas Bay. There are tStart several public boat ramps along Follett’s Island to launch. Go to texastrails.com and search for an online map of this water trail, which features geocaching locations. On a non-windy day pick a few close markers to hit and head back. from San Luis Pass County Park and paddle tLaunch Titlum-Tatlum Bayou, an area where rum runners and blockade runners once smuggled goods. This area is Heinicke’s favorite spot and is far from the pass, where currents are dangerous. No one should kayak across San Luis Pass. Once out on the water, it wasn’t difficult to get the hang of paddling and steering the boat, Yvonne Mintz said of her first time in a kayak.

shifting position on a spin bike, that little bit of repositioning worked different muscle groups. Still, the water was nice, and the pace manageable. We stopped a few times to rest and for me to mug for her camera, but mostly we visited about career, family and things we saw along the way. It was a great way to relax and get to know someone new, but I’d imagine a trip with family or friends would be just as enjoyable, if not more. If you’re looking for something active but more relaxing than strenuous to do outdoors, kayaking is a great option, and Mary Jean is a knowledgeable, certified resource who also is just fun to be around. Q Contact Mary Jean Adams at 979-215-6319, “like” Gulf Coast Kayak Adventures on Facebook and check out their website at gulfcoastkayakadventures.com. 8•

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

in at Dunbar Park under the Highway 288 bridge tPut in Lake Jackson and paddle Oyster Creek until the water hyacinth blocks your path, then turn around. Kayakers agree Oyster Creek will be a better spot once the hyacinth is clear. Old River behind the Freeport Community House tThe has wonderful boat ramp lanes, and there is not a lot of traffic if you paddle toward the park. In June or July the water temperature is like being in a bathtub. Just stay away from the bridge. you have practiced deep-water re-entry, put in at tIfHighway 35 and Chocolate Bayou and paddle upstream or to Albert Finkle Memorial County Park in Manvel. Lake paddling trail at the San Bernard National tCedar Wildlife Refuge is excellent for bird watchers and guided tours are offered from time to time. beautiful cypress, put in at FM 1301 on the tToSanseeBernard River and head upstream. Sources: David Heinicke, Texas Parks and Wildlife; Mary Jean Adams, Gulf Coast Kayak Adventures; and James Glover, Brazoria County Parks Department.

BRAZORIA COUNTY FILLED WITH

PLACES TO EXPLORE

Novices looking for some kayak experience also can n a river, paddlers experience fresh water contact Glover, who leads a small watercraft club on trips and big trees for an intimate closed-in look at in the area. Email him at jamesg@brazoria-county.com to wildlife. On Titlum-Tatlum Bayou or Christmas Bay, they be notified when he plans an outing. The county-backed take in an undisturbed view for 12 miles in any direction. program has a limited number of boats available on a first“Usually you’ve got one or the other,” said David come, first-served basis and has reached 70 to 80 people Heinicke said of Texas Parks and Wildlife. “Brazoria County over the last two years. is real fortunate in that we’ve got both of those things.” The group’s youngest participant was a 4-year-old girl, Brazoria County waterways also aren’t often crowded and the oldest so far has and at the right times been a 64-year-old don’t have much woman. motorboat traffic, he Trips have included said, even with people some tame paddles in from Houston coming Resoft Pond in Alvin and down to enjoy them. a more challenging one “We have more water west of the Quintana in Brazoria County that Pier. For that trip, he you can’t see from the made sure some more roadway than pretty accomplished kayakers much any place else,” came along to help and said James Glover, special that the participants’ skill events coordinator for level was high enough the Brazoria County to make it safer. Parks Department. “And Chris Fluegge, right, and his son, Ryan Fluegge, take part Some tips before there’s so much exploring in a Brazoria County Parks Department outing in 2011. starting your kayak to do.” adventure: For folks interested in Always assess wind and water conditions before heading getting started, Heinicke advises trying out several kayaks out. Wear a life jacket at all times, and take a whistle to before buying one. Some Houston stores have demo alert others on the water if you get in trouble, Glover said. days, where they will bring out 40 boats or more to a And it’s never a good idea to go out by yourself, Heinicke neighborhood lake for prospective buyers to try. said. Mary Jean Adams of Gulf Coast Kayak Adventures rents “Get an idea of the conditions,” he said. “And make sure top-of-the-line equipment in her business, and stores often that your abilities at least exceed the conditions.” recommend customers rent from her before deciding Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect from the sun and what to buy, she said. quick-dry clothing, if you’ve got it. Bring water, sunscreen Kayaks can cost $300 for a basic boat up to $4,000 for a and insect repellent, and wear shoes that attach to your custom-made, specialty one. feet, not flip flops or Crocs. A waterproof camera and “No kayak is best for everything,” Heinicke said. binoculars are optional. “Depending on what you’re going to use it for: ocean, If you have concerns about getting started, seek out an small lakes, fishing.” expert or ask a friend, Glover said. To try before making a big investment, call Adams to “Almost anyone you see paddling a canoe or kayak will book a guided tour of either the intimate, closed-in be glad to give you pointers, advice and tell you stories you setting or the wide-open-space type of paddle Heinicke don’t want to hear,” he said. “It’s a great community.” Q describes. Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

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t’s hard to imagine now, looking at his bustling Freeport dining room, successful sister restaurant in Lake Jackson and booming catering business, but Louisiana transplant Drew Ryder’s first years in Texas were tough. He moved here as part-owner and manager of On the River, at the request of his good friend Rick Wright, who had been looking to open a restaurant in Texas. With a great restaurant in a bad location near its current one, On the River had a hard time building a reputation, partly because it was only open for dinner in an industrial area with a big lunch crowd. “The first two to three years were just about as horrible as you can imagine,” Ryder said. A combination of business factors turned the tide. Wright and Ryder bought the lunchtime-only restaurant across the street and consolidated

operations, and a few large high-profile catering jobs helped generate buzz. Business grew, some other ventures fizzled and in 2003, Wright and Ryder opened River Point in Lake Jackson. Ryder bought Wright out in 2005 and now owns the restaurants with wife, Becka Ryder. Becka was the inspiration for a one-page gluten-free menu available for people with those dietary restrictions. This year, 2013, is a milestone year for the restaurants as On the River celebrates 25 years in Freeport and River Point celebrates 10 years in Lake Jackson. Cornbread and cole slaw are staples, and the thin, crispy fried dill pickles might be the best-known appetizer in southern Brazoria County. The star of the restaurants, by far, though, is the fried shrimp. “We sell two shrimp dinners for every other meal we serve,” Drew Ryder said.

“Our food is good, and our business motto is to offer the best service that’s humanly possible.” — Drew Ryder, owner, On the River and RIver Point

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

Shrimp Etouffee

Ingredients

1 Behind biggest-sellers catfish and shrimp, though, is the chicken fried steak. On the River and River Point use only Texas Gulf brown shrimp, domestically farm-raised catfish and Matagorda oysters. Texas Gulf brown shrimp have the best flavor, Ryder said. Ryder’s catering business, once the gravy, he said, now is part of the meat and potatoes of the operation, with multiple catering jobs most every day. When he sends a catering job out the door it is with the knowledge he is taking his reputation on the road, Ryder said, and not just when it comes to the food. “My philosophy is when we use someone else’s facility, we leave it cleaner than when we got there.” With major industrial growth coming to the area, Ryder sees good things for the future of On the River, River Point and the catering business. “Our food is good, and our business motto is to offer the best service that’s humanly possible,” Ryder said. Q

2 pounds of raw peeled & deveined Texas brown shrimp 1⁄2 pound of butter or margarine 1 medium yellow onion chopped 1 medium bell pepper chopped 1 rib celery chopped 1⁄2 tsp. of chopped garlic 1⁄2 gallon shrimp stock (or vegetable or chicken) 1 tsp. of salt 1⁄2 tsp. black or white pepper 1⁄2 tsp. Tony Chachere’s Seasoning (or to taste) 3 Whole bay leaves Pinch of thyme 3-4 tbsp. corn starch (mixed with water) 2 quarts of cooked rice OPTIONAL: 2 to 4 ounces of Roux or 1 small can tomato sauce (if desired)

Preparation ❖ Melt butter on med-low heat. ❖ Mix corn starch in 1 cup of cold water, and use whisk or fork to combine. Set aside. ❖ Add all vegetables and saute until bell peppers are transparent. Add stock and half of spices, then increase heat and bring water to a slight boil. ❖ Reduce heat, then add shrimp and simmer on low heat for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. ❖ Add additional spices, to taste, and thicken with corn starch mixture. The texture should be somewhat like that of a stew. ❖ If desired, you may add roux or tomato sauce to enhance the flavor. ❖ Serve over white rice. Makes approximately 8 servings.

1. Drew Ryder cooks the celery, bell pepper and onion over high heat.; 2. As the “holy trilogy” cooks, spices are added; 3. The shrimp is put in after the broth is heated; 4. After the shrimp is cooked and the sauce is thickened with cornstarch and water, it can be plated over a bed of rice.

Making roux To make your own roux, mix equal parts flour and cooking oil in a skillet and brown on medium to high heat, stirring continuously until the mixture resembles chocolate pudding in color or texture.

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Chicken Roulade

with optional Butter Cream Sauce

Chicken Ingredients 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup italian dressing Tony Chachere’s to taste 6 ounces chopped walnuts 2 ounces minced garlic 1 bag chopped spinach (fresh) 6 ounces sun dried tomato pesto (recipe to follow, or available at your grocer) 8 ounces ricotta, feta or mozzarella cheese Montreal seasoning to taste 1 cup mayonnaise Preparation ❖ Tenderize chicken breast and marinate in Italian dressing for about 1 hour ❖ Lay chicken breast flat, and lightly season with Tony Chachere’s ❖ Spread sun-dried tomato pesto on 1 side of the breast ❖ Sprinkle 1⁄2 teaspoon chopped nuts and a pinch of minced garlic evenly, over the pesto ❖ Sprinkle 1⁄4 cup chopped spinach (by volume) on top of other ingredients ❖ Top with 11⁄2 ounces cheese ❖ Fold the un-prepared side of the breast over the other, and seal with toothpick(s) ❖ Baste with mayonnaise ❖ Lightly season with Montreal Seasoning ❖ Place in a 9-by-13 greased, baking dish ❖ Bake in pre-heated oven at 350 degrees until cooked throughout (165 degrees in the center of the chicken), about 30 minutes ❖ Top with butter cream sauce (recipe to follow) or (optional) marinara before serving. 14 •

Previous page. On the River General Manager Jay Collins, left, owner Drew Ryder and River Point General Manager Charlie Bankston display the completed dishes; 1. Collins and Ryder prepare to put the chicken roulade in the oven; 2. Tenderize the chicken before marinating it in Italian dressing; 3. Spread sun-dried tomato pesto on one side; 4. Roll the unprepared side of the chicken onto the prepared half and secure with toothpicks; 5. Coat the top with mayonnaise.

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

About the dishes Ryder, River Point General Manager Charlie Bankston and On the River General Manager Jay Collins share two dishes with Q readers. Chicken roulade is available on the catering menu. Shrimp etouffee, which Ryder derived from Wright’s Aunt Vern’s recipe and his own stepmother Ethel’s, also appears as a blackboard special in the restaurants from time to time. Some tips from the chefs for the chicken roulade: ❖ Use prepared sundried tomato paste. Minors brand makes excellent bases used by many chefs. ❖ Substitute any cheese you prefer. Feta is a tasty option. ❖ Once rolled and ready for the oven, mayonnaise brushed on top keeps it moist and turns the top a nice brown.

Butter Cream Sauce Ingredients 2 sticks unsalted butter 4 ounces heavy whipping cream 1 small lemon Preparation Melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter with 4 ounces heavy whipping cream and heat over medium heat until thoroughly combined. Add the zest of half a small lemon. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve on top of chicken.

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Ingredients 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes 1⁄2 cup fresh basil 2 tbsp. shredded parmesan cheese 1 tbsp. minced garlic (if desired) 1⁄2 tsp. salt 3⁄4 cup olive oil Preparation ❖ Place 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in a small pot, and cover with water ❖ On high heat, bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat ❖ Let stand until tomatoes soften (about 10 minutes), then drain ❖ Put all ingredients in a blender, blend, until fully combined, adding olive oil about 1⁄4 cup at a time, until mixture is smooth.

✓Past President Brazoria County Fair Association ✓Past President Brazoria County Cattlemen’s Association ✓Past Executive Director American Brahman Breeders Association

✓Air Force Veteran ✓Over 40 years business experience on the waterfront

Positive Changes Achieved: • No new taxes, Exemptions for Elderly, Disabled and Veterans. • Reduced Spending with Conservative Budgeting. • Long-term agreement LNG, bringing millions in revenue to Port. • Signed a Mutual Agreement of Understanding with the Panama Canal. • Agreement with Tenaris, bringing millions in revenue to Port. • Increased lease revenue on several key Port properties. • Removed Zeus Drilling Rig from Jetty Channel. (Environmental and safety hazard). • Supported efforts and continues to support opening the mouth of the San Bernard River.

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family

Are we bringing up daisies or man-eating vines?

about the writer Jenny Kier is a West Columbia resident and director of ministries at Columbia United Methodist Church. Contact her at jenny@columbia umc.com.

16 •

omeday, Hunter will choose my nursing home and parental apathy could land me in the Great Value Non-Assisted Home. Thoughts such as these keep me on my toes. About five years ago, I planted a beautiful cabernet grapevine in the front flower bed next to the house. Oh, it was pretty and, oh, I had plans for it. I was going to put in a grandiose trellis when it got big enough to start climbing. I was going to train the vines to grow around the windows, and then along the front fence. My house was going to look just like one of those Tuscan cottage pictures down at the Olive Garden!

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

A few months later I became busy with work, friends, Facebook, shopping, baking, napping, reading, vacationing and all the fun that self-absorption can bring. Then last year, my hero hubby, Jeremy, had to “undo” the great expectations grapevine. Talk about sour grapes. The vine had completely grown out of control. It was twisting and turning, winding itself into shrubs, gutters, eaves, screens, and it even threatened to choke out a cactus. It ruined the paint and woodwork under the eaves and much of the trim on the underside of the roof. Jeremy (and his two brothers) spent the better part of summer, scraping,

sanding, repainting and taking away my plantpurchasing privileges unless accompanied by an adult. Like a child reared without rules, guidelines and constant monitoring, my grapevine took growing up into its own hands. It did whatever it wanted. It grabbed tightly ahold of anything that held out a proverbial hand, and it created several destructive relationships along the way. The process of undoing the damage was far more difficult than it would have been had I just paid close attention and remembered that I was ultimately responsible for nurturing the small vine and encouraging it to grow in the right direction. Today, with all misbehaved coils removed, the vine is growing beautifully. It has chosen a different path than I had originally planned for it, but I am happy with it. We

have to unwind some small shoots from the rosebush every now and then. However, it is much easier to reroute a small shoot than to reprogram an entire network of vines that went awry four years earlier. Parenting is no different. I have to pay very close attention now, guiding and grooming what I hope to be a fully grown successful individual in the future. Should I let my busy life become the focus, I (and he) will surely suffer the consequences later. Let us be a group of engaged parents. We have to be. I’ve spoken about parenting being much like an extreme sport. This still holds true. Be extreme about your children. Be extreme about their well-being and their safety. Be their extreme cheerleader. Be extreme when it comes to being in their business because your children are your business.

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Monday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5 Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Where are they? Who are they with? How long will they be there? These are questions that will prevent those delicate tendrils from wandering too far into uncharted territory. Be extreme when it comes to communication regarding their education. Continuously get all the information you can about what your children are doing in school. Do they have homework? When is the test? Did they read their assigned chapter? Here’s a novel idea. Suppose each evening Little Precious says, “I don’t have any homework.” Well, let me tell you something that could possibly knock your socks off. Precious might not be telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Gasp! I know. Not your child! Definitely not my child! You might want to do some Nancy Drewing and just make sure. Remember that those tendrils today (an unpleasant progress report) are so much easier to undo than a wicked vine the size of an industrial watering hose (a grade level repetition). A few weeks ago I told Hunter to go wash his hands for dinner. He left the kitchen, was gone about two minutes and returned. “Did you wash your hands?” “Yeah ma’am.”

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“With soap?” “Yeah ma’am.” “Let me smell your hands.” (Smelly, gardenia, frou-frou soap never lies, y’all.) “Hunter, do you know who is always watching you and knows everything that you do?” “God.” “Mmm hmmm. And, what does God say about your hands?” “God say I no wah my hands.” “Hunter Ray, we always tell the truth. Move it, sir, and do not come back here until you have washed your hands with soap.” Gasp! MY PRECIOUS lied to me. He’s 3. I’m going to spend the next two decades “all up in his Kool Aid.” And, last but not least, be an extreme comforter. Let them know you are crazy about them! “I love yous” don’t cost a dime and hugs are even less expensive. They’re priceless, in fact. We are all in the same fast lane, fly-by-the-seat-of-yourpants speedboat. Together we will stand at the helm, embrace the lunacy and bring up the most respectful, successful and loved children we possibly can. Four Seasons Geriatric Condos & Country Club, here we come! Q

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www.killum.com 18 •

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

Dr. Jason Suazo Animal Hospital: 100 Forest Oaks Lane, Lake Jackson Pet Resort: 105 Creekwood Landing Drive, Richwood

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But he’s glad there are still some people willing to try.

“It’s because of them I know the power of God to change lives in a

community,” Sublet said. Now 32, Sublet has taken on the role his teachers and coaches did for him while growing up. He sold the house he owned in Richwood, moved into a two-bedroom apartment at Remington Apartments in Freeport and mentors the children there and in surrounding neighborhoods. His after-school program, Kids Club, typically draws about 20 children for Bible study, crafts and tutoring. “I had been really praying about where to go,” Sublet said. “I prayed a prayer that God send me somewhere no one else wanted to go — to love on people that no one else wanted to love on.” That prayer, and a job at Dow Chemical Co., led him to Freeport, he said. Johnathan Sublet, center, has organized a youth worship group at his apartment complex in Freeport for local children.

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“I have friends that would go to Kenya and Cambodia with me, but they wouldn’t go to Freeport,” Sublet said. “I felt parts of Clute and Freeport were being looked over. How can we be fearless and go to these places but not go somewhere God has already placed us?”

GROWING UP As a child in the South Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, he saw things he wishes he could forget. “It was pretty rough,” Sublet said. “I grew up in a single-parent home with two older siblings. All of us have different dads.” His sister, the elder of his siblings, and his brother ran the streets, he said. “They saw their dads maybe twice or three times in their whole life,” Sublet said. “My sister had two kids in high school and my brother got into all kinds of trouble.” The family lived next door to and across the street from drug houses, and his older brother got caught up in drugs early in life. “There were times our family was on the run from drug dealers because of things my brother had

Johnathan Sublet works with Xavier King and Stephanie Vallejo, above, and Ameer King, left, during a Kids’ Club gathering at Remington Apartments in Freeport.

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gotten involved in,” he said. “I remember one time having our door kicked in by drug dealers and my brother being snatched off the floor with assault rifles.” He also remembers what it was like to be in elementary school, getting ready to fall asleep, and being choked by a man he didn’t know who was looking for his brother. “We would have to stay with different family members and take different routes to school,” Sublet said.

RAISED RIGHT He doesn’t blame his mom — or anyone else for that matter — for the things he saw and the experiences he had so early in life. “Mom did the best she could,” he said. And he admires her for that. Sublet’s mom worked mostly grocery store jobs, but managed to get her GED, then went on to become a nurse’s aide. So school teachers and coaches helped Sublet plan for his future. Early on they told him he was special, different and had the ability to change the world, he said. “It was those teachers and coaches who would pick me up to go to school,” Sublet said. “Having them was the first time I saw a family other than on ‘The Cosby Show’ sit down and eat dinner together. That’s what I wanted. I told myself, one day I’m going to sit down and have a family that does that.”

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AFTER SCHOOL After graduating from high school — 11th in his class out of 611 — and going on to the University of Tulsa, Sublet interviewed for a job at Dow Chemical Co. in Freeport. “I went to Tulsa with a one-way ticket and two bags,” Sublet said. “I worked my butt off in college. One semester I had one pair of pants, went without a haircut and worked four jobs.” So when he graduated and had many internships lead to job offers, he was floored, he said. “I had a good feeling about Freeport,” Sublet said. “I just felt like I needed to be there.” Sublet moved to Brazoria County in 2002 and worked at Dow Texas Operations for 71⁄2 years, he said. He now works as a plant performance engineer at DSM Nutritional Products. He also got involved at New Hope Baptist Church in Clute, became chairman for the Martin Luther King Jr. parade and started mentoring kids in the area. “I told the school district, ‘I don’t have any kids and I’m not married, but I’m supposed to be what help changes the world and the environment I’m in,’” Sublet said.

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www.hondaoflakejackson.com Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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JUST LIKE THEM Growing up, Sublet’s mentors took him to visit college campuses and to do other things his family simply could not. “When you’re working a job like my mom, you’re doing all you can to get the basics for your family,” Sublet said. “When you have no experience with those things such as college, you don’t know that you should be doing those things.” So Sublet made it his mission to connect them to resources they otherwise might never know existed. “Instead of saying, ‘This is something you should do, now go do it,’ I want to tell these kids, ‘I’m here and I’m willing to be here to walk beside you,” Sublet said. “And through that, we’re seeing some differences made.” Some of the kids he mentors first aspired to be professional athletes. Now with their horizons broadened, they are considering other careers. "They want to be athletes, but they're behind in their reading, so they can't get into college,” Sublet said. “What hope do they have if they can't get in? We're leading these kids in a hopeless situation if we lead them into nothing.” So Sublet leads them with hugs, high-fives, questions about their day or a particular test and lots of shared laughs. He soon will move into a threebedroom apartment at Remington Apartments, where he hopes to open his home up to more kids. “I want my home to become a discipleship house,” he said. “I want these kids to see that every day is not the best day — you have challenges — but you can rise above them, with God’s help.” Sublet said while he might not be the perfect example, he’s authentic and transparent. And he wants to share his life with others. “Your problems and your circumstances aren’t yours, they’re ours,” he said. “And I’m going to help you carry those because you’re my brother and my sister — we grow stronger when we work together.” Q

“I want these kids to see that every day is not the best day — you have challenges — but you can rise above them, with God’s help.”

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Goat L on a Rope?

Story and photos by John Tompkins

aura Stone remembers the first time she rubbed her hands together after washing them with soap made with goat milk. “It had a sweet, almond smell,” she said, sitting by a table with several uncut bars. “I just loved how it felt in my hand.” That first whiff inspired the Santa Fe mother of five to make some of her own. With the love of goat’s milk and the memory of her late son, Stone turned her home into a factory for soap, lotion and other skin-care products.

Woman marches to her own bleat

Above, Bearded Lady Soap Factory owner Laura Stone feeds one of her kids, Tandy, at her home in Santa Fe. At right, she cuts a freshly made batch of soap into bars.

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Growing experiment

As she walked up to a pen of goats with a bottle of formula for one of the kids, Stone said she initially planned to buy just one Nubian dairy goat. She wanted to use the milk for soap and for her cooking. When it came time to buy the goat, she opted to get a second one, too. “I didn’t want one goat to get lonely,” she said with a wry smile. After six years of experimenting and research, Stone has 36 goats at her home and uses the milk to make soap, lotions and body butter. Aside from her love of her product, Stone said what she enjoys most about her business is the goats. Stone breeds them and when the kids are born, she feeds them with a bottle while she collects milk from their mothers. “I love working with the baby goats,” she said.

Blossoming business Before she started her business, the Bearded Lady Soap Factory, Stone was busy working part-time as a financial secretary for a church, volunteering with 4-H and homeschooling five children. She still homeschools her youngest son, but her business takes up most of her time. All her products are handmade and delivered to her customers. She also sells her wares at the Bird House and Boutique in West Columbia and hosts a booth at the Brazoria County Fair. Stone began producing the soap after two years of painstaking research and trial and error. She makes the soap

using only natural products, including the goat milk, lye and other ingredients like cocoa butter. There now are 35 fragrances, with the most popular being lavender and lemongrass. All are made from the same basic recipe and have natural coloring. “Every batch is going to be different,” she said. After mixing the soap and drying it, Stone cuts each individual piece then cures them in a humidity-controlled room for four to six weeks.

Developing products

She was a little apprehensive about trying something other than her beloved soap, and she thought about it for a long time. In February 2010, Joshua, 13, died when a tunnel he dug in a sand pit collapsed on top of him. As Stone mourned his death, she began to make lotion just as her son had suggested. Now, three years later, her lotion sales have eclipsed her soap products. “Sometimes, that’s what keeps me going,” she said.

Since Stone purchased those first Word gets around two goats, she has constantly been in When Stone offered the soap as a process of experimentation and gifts to her friends, she was surprised Pieces of molded soap made developing new products — even by their reaction. Like her, they with goat milk by Laura Stone. when it comes to her goats. enjoyed the aroma and remarked at Stone said she bred her Nubians how their hands were softer than if with some Swiss Alpine goats, hoping to produce more they used regular soap. milk. “They loved it,” she said. “It felt so clean and soft.” Not long after she perfected her process for producing Word spread, and that’s what has made her success soap, her son, Joshua Lee Stone, suggested she consider grow. making lotion. “Word of mouth goes a long way,” she said. Q

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know your places

HERE THERE

Take a guess for a $50 prize Identify where in southern Brazoria County these eight photos were taken. Answers should include the specific item and its location. Those with the most correct responses will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Q advertiser of their choice. Entry deadline is June 15. A.

We got around to new places for you to find

B Photos by Holly Parker

Your information Name Address City Phone

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE • Spring 2013

Submit to: Q Contests, c/o The Facts, PO Box 549, Clute, TX 77531

Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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GREAT TIRES! GREAT VALUE! Performance that’s nothing short of evolutionary.

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Rommel Arias talks about some of his collection inside the man cave at his Angleton home.

“Baseball was everything for us. Friends kept telling me I had to check out this football. The first game I watched was the Bills and the Oilers.”

hen Rommel Arias’ mother-in-law points out his favorite football team has never won a Super Bowl, he brings up “The Comeback.” “When football is on, it’s on all the TVs in the house,” Minnie Hinojosa said of Arias’ love of sports. His custom-built Angleton home is complete with a media room loaded with sports memorabilia, stadiumstyle furniture and multiple television sets. “But he won’t bother with the Cowboys.” Arias, 33, has been a Buffalo Bills fan since he discovered football in the early 1990s. Hinojosa has loved the Dallas Cowboys since the Tom Landry days of the 1970s, when Dallas won two Super Bowls and

Story by

John Lowman 32 •

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five NFC titles. “I don’t like the Cowboys,” Arias said jokingly to Hinojosa inside the 2,800-square-foot home he shares with his wife, Olivia, daughter Gabriella, 4, and son Darian, 13. “They’re no good.” His mother-in-law bristles at the sacrilege. “They have Super Bowl rings,” she said. “I don’t see any Buffalo rings.” Arias recalls the Bills’ 41-38 rally over the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans). Buffalo on Jan. 3, 1993, erased a 32-point deficit to secure what is still known to football fans as “The Comeback.” Hinojosa is merciless. “I don’t see any Texans rings, either,” she said, referring to the Houston Texans, who eventually replaced the Oilers in the Bayou City. Arias could only shake his head. “I get that all the time,” he said. Sporting the No. 94 Buffalo jersey of former Texans first-round draft pick Mario Williams, Arias beats a not-so-hasty retreat through the white French doors into his “man cave.” While there’s the same number of Dallas Cowboys autographs as Buffalo Bills players — zero — Arias said he’s trying to locate a collage of Bills players from The Comeback game.

A secure spot Arias’ family is from Nicaragua and, growing up, he knew little about American football. That’s not evident from his personalized 13-by-14-foot room which includes numerous autographed photos, a built-in marble-topped bar and well-stocked, inset beverage cooler.

Photos by

Holly Parker

“Baseball was everything for us,” he said, mentioning his father, former Nicaraguan Indians southpaw pitcher Cesar Arias. “Friends kept telling me I had to check out this football. The first game I watched was the Bills and the Oilers.” Having grown up in Freeport with no loyalty to any NFL team, the then-teenaged Arias showed the same eye for detail that now helps him keep a neatly appointed mancave. “The uniforms intrigued me,” said Arias, who stands more than 6 feet tall and is no lightweight. “I didn’t like the powder blue with the oil derrick on top. I liked the Bills red, white and blue. I’m American. Why not?” Autographed and framed 16-by-20-inch sports photos grace the dark beige walls trimmed in glossy white. Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing hangs near a shot of Vince Young’s National Championship-winning touchdown run against the USC Trojans in 2006. Arias has some photos signed in person while he purchases others online. Photos of Texans receiver Andre Johnson, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donavan McNabb are evidence Arias isn’t a single-faceted fan. Photos of several other football greats line the walls along with photos showing Arias isn’t a one-sport man, either. “I love Luis Scola,” he said, pausing by a picture of the Argentinian native who played several seasons with the Houston Rockets basketball team. “I just love sports in general.”

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In addition to memorabilia, Rommel Arias has memories to share in his man cave. He was in the stands for the Astros’ historic 2005 playoff victory over Atlanta, and his father once chatted up former Braves’ pitcher Dennis Martinez before a game at the Astrodome.

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Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Small world

called out to his countryman — the first player from Nicaragua On an October Sunday in to pitch in the major leagues. 2005, Arias found himself seated “Martinez came walking over squarely in the jury box of and called my dad by name and history. His media room has they talked for a while, like old autographed photos of members friends,” Arias said. “My brother of both teams involved in the (Ruben) and I looked at each longest playoff game in Major other and said, ‘I guess the League Baseball history. stories are true.’” “We felt like that place was Shots of fan-favorite Houston going to crumble down,” he said Astros Craig Biggio, Lance of Houston’s Minute Maid Park Berkman and Hunter Pence, during the 18-inning contest and Braves legend Chipper Rommel Arias collection includes shot between the Houston Astros and Jones, line Arias’ man-cave walls, glasses from all over the world. Atlanta Braves. “Everybody was leading the way to a bar topped stomping their feet. It was wild.” with black marble. On customUsually an Atlanta fan, Arias was on the side of the build shelves behind the bar is an impressive collection of Astros in Houston’s 7-6 win. But that wasn’t Arias first shot glasses from around the world. memorable moment in a Houston stadium. Arias said his mother, a hair dresser, helps him collect Years before, when Houston’s sports center was the the glasses. Astrodome, Arias learned his father’s talk of a baseball “Every time she cuts someone’s hair, she has them bring career was more than bluster. Former Braves player and back a glass from wherever they’re from,” he said. The tiny tumblers are from places including Egypt, current Astros bullpen coach Dennis “El Presidente’” Amsterdam, Rome, Greece, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, Martinez was pitching in the Dome and Cesar Arias

Proud to be a Part of Our Community! 34 •

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

Playa del Carmen, Los Angeles and the 2004 Super Bowl in Reliant Stadium. And an entire set from Nicaragua.

Home base Rommel and Olivia Arias, an Angleton teacher, bought the land for their home while they were dating. Set in an open, hard-to-find neighborhood off Highway 35 west of Highway 288, the house was constructed in 2008. The couple continues to make modifications, like painting the kitchen red, adding an upstairs room for Darian and carving an inset for the incave refrigerator. “My wife and I built this house together,” Arias said. “I got this room. She got everything else.” That room includes red leather stadium seating, premium surroundsound speakers and a pair of wallmounted, flat-screen TVs. “My wife gets me the NFL Ticket

package,” he said of television programming. “One TV is Buffalo Bills, 24 hours. The other … I fumble through all the other channels. It gets pretty rowdy in here on Sundays.” Except when Gabriella makes a cavestop. “We watch Yo Gabba Gabba,” Gabriella said joyfully. “Or the Disney Channel.” Gabriella likes playing T-ball and listening to Justin Bieber. While her choice in music might not meet with as much approval as her choice of sports, Arias was confident his jersey and Buffalo-centric conversation would lead to his daughter’s confirmation of the best team in football. “Who’s your favorite?,” Arias asked, tipping his head so Gabriella could see the logo on his cap. “I don’t know,” the 4-year-said, pausing to think just before her grandmother laughed loudly from the kitchen nearby. “Oh! The Texans.” Q

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“Martinez came walking over and called my dad by name and they talked for a while, like old friends. My brother and I looked at each other and said, ‘I guess the stories are true.’”

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style and fashion

Faves, must-haves and current obsessions TOMS strappy wedge When I wear any kind of heel, I walk like a 5 year old who has raided her mom’s closet. Like a newborn deer. You get the picture. But I celebrated when these Strappy Toms came out for spring. I can run in these suckers, they are SO comfy! Spring is all about wedges and these look great with anything. I’m a huge fan of TOMS and how they provide a pair of shoes for a child in need for every pair they sell. Looking super cute AND giving back: officially a “must have” ;). (Urban Eve $69)

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So I heard about this cool smoothie place, where the music is blaring, the ladies are dancing and the smoothies are HEALTHY! I’m obsessed. For $5 you get a smoothie, raspberry green tea and a shot of mango aloe vera juice. Plus, they write the cutest little messages on the lid! It’s a meal replacement, and the best part is they deliver! There is every flavor combo you can imagine, and the ladies who work there are the sweetest. They even sang Happy Birthday to me! Visit them at 120 Highway 332 W., Suite A&A in Lake Jackson.

Jennifer Culverhouse is a professional stylist and owner of Urban Eve in Lake Jackson

Tiny Animals OK, hear me out. Yes, you will be seeing the trend move toward tiny animals on clothing this spring. I am totally obsessed. I LOVE to add a little whimsy to my wardrobe. Cats, horses, owls, birds, dogs ... it’s so cute (in a grownup kinda way). Keep it in small doses and keep the rest of the outfit age appropriate, with “grown-up” jewelry. I promise you will get tons of compliments.

Courtney Rodriguez, left, and Brittany Juarez

Ray Ban limited edition I am a sunglasses addict. I love all shapes, all sizes. If you must block the sun from your eyes, must look cute doing it. I found these Ray Bans this year and instantly fell in love with the retro-ness and not-so-typical color. Everyone is wearing the big, oversized sunglasses. But, it’s time to push the fashion a little bit and have some fun. A must-have for spring/summer, a “throw back” in a super cute way! 36 •

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

Colors of 2013

Super excited about the shades I am seeing in clothing for this year: Lemon zest, emerald, linen pink, nectarine and poppy red. Excited yet? Loving the vibe of fashion right now. It’s all about softness, florals, block coloring, Bermuda shorts (YES! Can you say flattering?!?! Say goodbye to the dreadful cutoff booty shorts), bold stripe and little sporty dresses. Anyone can wear trends. Just keep in mind, keep it ageappropriate and choose for your body type. A great fashion rule of thumb for ANY trend: “two years IN, two years HOT, two years NOT.” Whether you are at the state of the “in” or come in a little later for the “hot”, just make sure you have friends around who will tell you when you are becoming a “Not”. (Any “mom jean” wearers out there?)

Lily and Laura Lily is the daughter and Laura is the founder. These two ladies saw a need in Nepal and decided to help provide change. They started a business by having women in Nepal crochet these beautiful glass bead bracelets for a fair wage. They use some of the finest glass beads in the world and a portion of the proceeds go to help the women and their communities. I’m obsessed with “Arm Candy” at the moment, and these bracelets are PERFECT because they are meant to be stacked and look AMAZING. They will definitely become a FAV. ;)

Hydrotherapy facial I don’t have the luxury of getting facials very often, but, when I do, I want a new layer of skin to be exposed. I love massage and all the fluff, but, if I’m paying for a facial, I want skin to PEEL! So, I had to try this new hydrotherapy facial. It is the coolest machine and Vickie is the only esthetician in the area who does them. It is a blend of an oxygen facial and microdermabrasion, and it feels like a kitty cat tongue and heavy duty

suction at the same time. Bliss! I meet all the criteria for this particular facial: A little blemish here or there (or everywhere), a few fine lines and wrinkles and a layer of dry skin that needs to go. When I was done, I seriously felt like I had new, fresh skin. Totally worth it and Vickie is like a cute mad scientist when it comes to skin. Vickie Riechers Day Spa, 229 Parking Way St., Lake Jackson, TX 77566. 979-299-5865.

Falling Whistles There is a war going on in the Congo, and leaders have recruited children. Children who are not big enough to hold a gun are put on the front lines, to blow a whistle and be the ones who receive the gunfire. These whistles are a symbol of protest and a conversation piece, and proceeds go to help rehab these children and fund projects in their communities. It breaks my heart to see children used as pawns for a grownup agenda. This is a small way we can help make a difference. Want to learn more? Go to www.falling whistles.com (UrbanEve $34-$48)

Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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fit life

Needle knows

Accupuncture, massage used to diagnose and treat the whole person, not just the pain

ver wonder what holistic medicine is about? Is it for you? What therapies are there? What about massage? Is it just for elite athletes and people recovering from injury, or are there real benefits for the average Jane? Holistic medicine is about treating the entire individual, not just the ailment. Where much Western medicine focuses on the problem area and subdivides medicine based on that area, holistic medicine practitioners will look at the entire individual; including physical symptoms, state of mind, spiritual life, social life and habits. Holistic medicine practitioners will say that it’s all connected. The whole person is the patient, not just an ailment.

Dr. Marc Herns performs acupuncture on Carrie Harper at Acupuncture & Alternative Health in Lake Jackson. 38 •

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

The following are considered to be holistic treatments: ❖ Massage therapy ❖ Chiropractic therapy ❖ Acupuncture ❖ Herbal and natural remedy therapies ❖ Diet and exercise therapies ❖ Psychotherapy Many people consider the above treatments to be luxury items, but really, any of the above can truly help people improve their whole lives in ways that other therapies cannot.

Dr. Marc Herns examines Carrie Harper before performing acupuncture on her at Acupuncture & Alternative Health in Lake Jackson.

Massage Therapy Yes, massage therapy feels great for all of us and can relieve muscles sore from exercise or stress, but massage can also be of great assistance for the following: ❖ Arthritis ❖ Asthma ❖ Burn recovery ❖ High blood pressure ❖ Lymphedema Kim Allen, owner of Zen Retreat in Angleton and Sweeny, says her lymphedema patients get specific treatment to relieve excess swelling. For all of these patients, and for those of us who have stress or soreness, massage can provide: ❖ Decreased anxiety ❖ Enhanced sleep quality ❖ Greater energy ❖ Improved concentration ❖ Increased circulation ❖ Reduced fatigue And who among us does not need one or more of those qualities in our modern lives?

about the writer Carrie Harper, a teacher and local writer, is a certified personal trainer and lifestyle and weight management coach. Do you have questions about your fit life? Email her at carriecarriefit @gmail.com.

Photos by Holly Parker Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Acupuncture I had the privilege of visiting with Dr. Mark Herns, holistic medicine doctor with an office in downtown Lake Jackson. “I don’t have any specific ailments,” I said. Truly, I don’t typically have pain, soreness, illnesses or other issues. But he said “OK, let me look at you and I’ll tell you what’s wrong with you.” Well, OK. From looking at my tongue and feeling my pulse, he told me about my energy, digestion and even my bowels (yep, he went there). He was absolutely on-the-nose with every diagnosis. Apparently, I have an inflamed digestive system, even though I am a healthy eater. He also saw that I have Reynaud’s, which is a circulation issue, but one pin in a certain spot sent heat rushing to my fingertips and toes!

Carrie Harper relaxes on the table while undergoing an acupuncture session at Acupuncture & Alternative Health in Lake Jackson.

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

www.freeportlng.com 1500 Lamar Street, Quintana

979.415.8700

myself if I could, I jokingly said “Who needs acupuncture?” I “I think I would pay a lot of asked him. money if someone had a He could not think of anyone solution for undereye bags!” who wouldn’t learn about My days are usually long and their health through an my nights short, after all. acupuncture treatment. Each “Oh, I can do that!” he pin that goes into the skin replied. corresponds to an organ or Really? Yes, actually Dr. Herns body function, usually in a does nonsurgical face lifts spot you are not expecting. using acupuncture. The key, The right foot, for example, he says, is consistency. He uses corresponds to the liver, and the pins to stimulate collagen the right shin corresponds to Dr. Marc Herns inserts an accupunture growth, which decreases thin the digestive system. needle into Carrier Harper’s leg during skin, puffiness, and wrinkles! Acupuncture can relieve or her recent treatment session. He has a patient in her 70s, he help with all kinds of says, whose skin is so smooth symptoms, including: from her treatments that he has trouble finding a wrinkle ❖ Fatigue on her! ❖ Irritable bowel syndrome For information on Dr. Herns, go to www.drherns.com. ❖ Arthritis For information on Kim Allen, visit ❖ Migraines www.thezenretreat.com. ❖ Symptoms associated with Parkinson’s ❖ Symptoms associated with stroke Are you undergoing holistic therapies? Tell me your ❖ Fibromyalgia story! carriecarriefit@gmail.com. When Dr. Herns asked what I would change about

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Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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your best shots Kaylyn-Ray Spencer visited from Huntsville with her parents Patrick and Emily Spencer, and spent time with the animals at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Submitted by Deana Lesco

Submitted by David A. Dodson

Sherry Dodson reacts to her miniature golf shot.

Submitted by Karen Aasletten

Emily Aasletten, 5, of Rosharon sleeps on the beach in Sargent.

Submitted by Margaret Baugh

Web and Laura Baugh ride bikes in the woods

Submitted by Jim Way

Gay, Matt, Tara, Myla and Skyllar Way went to Sea World in San Antonio Submitted by Jamie Morton

Khloe Morton, Jamie Morton and Celita DeArmond visit Sesame Street’s The Count at Sea World in San Antonio. Submitted by Jaqueline Kay

Visiting the Houston Zoo David Dodson skateboards Submitted by David A. Dodson

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

upnext Austin Dyer, 3, and Kaylee Nelson, 2, have a picnic.

Submitted by Linda Williams

Jay and Jordan Williams go fishing. Kaira DelaFuente, left, and Kaylee Nelson went to Yogi Bear Park in Waller on their first family camping trip. Submitted by Jim Way

Jim, Matt, Tara, Myla, and Skyllar Way

Every issue of Q will include a selection of photos sent in by readers on a given theme.

next issue We are looking for photos of yourself or a loved one that have you cringing or laughing at the fashions of the time, such as leisure suits, parachute pants, big hair, paisley shirts or bell bottoms.

the rules Photos must be at least 6 inches wide and have a resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch) or more.

send ’em

Submitted by Terri Stephens

Angleton seniors Allison Stephens, Brook Eby, Kindle Gamble and Katie Taylor at the 9/11 memorial in New York City.

Submitted by Lauren Tielke

Hagen Tielke went to the Galveston Pleasure Pier.

Submitted by David A. Dodson

Email photos to Qmagazine@ thefacts.com by June 20. Include “Fashion” in the subject line and the names of the people pictured.

Elizabeth Dodson had some luck fishing. Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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closet confidential

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PHOTOS BY HOLLY PARKER 44 •

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

979.480.9922 www.wardchiropracticcenter.com Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

• 45

about the writer Jennifer Culverhouse co-owns Urban Eve salon in Lake Jackson, and Bleu Roots salon in West Columbia.

decided this issue to focus on a different kind of closet, one my close friend Meredith King is opening through her nonprofit True to Life Ministries. Meredith lives in Lake Jackson with her husband of six years, David, and her sweet 2year-old baby girl, Abigail. Meredith is director of True to Life Ministries, a board member of The Threaded Leaf Project and a keynote speaker for various events, conferences and retreats ranging in topics from strategic planning, community development and spiritual growth. I met Meredith when I heard about all the amazing things her organization was doing in our community, and I decided I wanted to become involved with True to Life Ministries. We have been close buddies ever since. Their organization does many awesome things, including Operation Backpack to feed children in need, Career Series for women needing to get back on their feet and get

For Proven Leadership, Experience, Knowledge & Transparency Elect

F.John Richers For Port Commissioner Position 5

Under his previous leadership... • Reduced your taxes by over 40% • No new taxes • No debt • Left nearly $40 million dollars in surplus funds during previous term at Port Freeport • No failed projects in over $100 million dollars of new construction during 18 years as your commissioner. • More customers and revenue added at Port Freeport than at any other time in it’s entire history.

Early voting - April 29-May 7 ELECTION - MAY 11, 2013

Meredith King shows off some of the items that will be sold at ReFresh Boutique, the new resale shop of True to Life Ministries in Lake Jackson.

All Over The County What You See... What You Get... T E R R Y

ax payers’ money ($35,000,000) wasted on new Berth 7 Dock failure! very working day $10,000 to be spent on attorney fees in 2013! eduction of surplus and reserve funds ($37,000,000) to pay for Berth 7 repairs and wasteful litigation! unning the Port in the RED...requiring taxpayers to foot the bill up to $50,000,000 in additional bonds without voter approval. our tax dollars continually wasted, supporting this “POSITIVE LEADERSHIP”

MR. BILL TERRY’S “POSITIVE LEADERSHIP” IS MUCH LIKE WASHINGTON DC; “FAILED LEADERSHIP, FAILED PROJECTS, LESS TRANSPARENCY, AND MORE DEBT.”

Pd. Pol. Adv. by Nanette Lowrie, Treasurer, 4653 CR 334 Sweeny, Texas 77480

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Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

back into the workforce and Belay Club at Brazosport High School, which is a leadership and life program for teens. These are just a few of the amazing programs they have through this ministry. Meredith is an amazing leader and has created, along with her husband, a beautiful vision of hope and change for our community. I am super blessed to call her my friend and she agreed to sit down with me and chat about her personal style and their new boutique, ReFresh!

So, I gotta start with some personal style questions. Don’t be nervous! What is fashion to you? Fashion to me is an art. It’s a way to make a simple requirement (wearing clothes) fun! It makes me feel good and helps show personality.

of money, but I SAVE up for a new bag once a year. She is clean and polished with a twist of fun, like polka dot lining on the inside. Animal print ... yes or no? Yes, cause it’s a little funky and I like a little funky in my life. What “throwback” fashion trend would you like to see make a comeback? Teased bangs, because I think it would be entertaining.

How would you describe your personal style? Polished, traditional without being stuffy, statement pieces with jewelry, and LOTS of color! So … where are your favorite places to shop? Ann Taylor Loft for work clothes, Threaded Leaf Project (it is slowly filling my closet!) and Banana Republic. What is a “must have” fashion splurge for you? Kate Spade purses. I don’t make a lot

Which trends make you cringe? Shoulder pads and pointy fingernails … not a good idea. WHY???!!! Are you a heels or flats kind of girl? Heels. They make me feel sassy. I admit I have a shoe addiction, but when I am at home, barefoot all the way.

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979-345-2628 www.brazosbelle.com www.belleslanding.com facebook-belleslanding

Recycling all types of scrap metals since 1915! Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed for lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Open most Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 215 Mockingbird Lane - Clute, Texas

(979) 265-4642 Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Who do you think has good taste? Jackie Kennedy. Her fashion had a sense of presence without being over the top.

What kind of brands might we “score” in this resale shop? We are carrying clothing ranging from casual to dressy. Some brands

Do you guys accept clothing donations? YES! We need gently used name brand clothing, jewelry, handbags, and JEANS (awesome jeans, like, Miss Me, Citizens, Paige Premium, etc.) You can drop off at 105 This Way, at our fabulous NEW building!

OK, so, on to ReFresh. Why a resale boutique? Well, it wasn’t about opening a boutique in the beginning. We just knew we wanted to open a social enterprise with a beautiful environment to employ women needing a life change. Why the name ReFresh? The definition actually means: “To reinvigorate the mind, person or spirit. To make fresh again.” That’s the experience we want our job trainees to have. We also want the people walking through our doors to feel that the experience in ReFresh has added joy and value to their day.

we have put on the racks include Anthropologie, Michael Kors, Coach, Ann Taylor Loft, Chicos, Coldwater Creek, and Banana Republic to name a few.

Designer items waiting for shoppers when ReFresh opens include bags by Prada, top, and Antonio Melani, and Gianni Bini heels.

When are you opening? We are shooting for May 2013. We will be open 12 to 6 on Mondays, from 10 to 6 Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays from 10 to 4. Or check out our website at www.ttlm.org for more info! Thanks Mere! I love ya and I can’t wait to shop soon!

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Comprehensive. Compassionate. Convenient. Visit us at www.optionshealthcare.net Open 7 days a week ♦ No appointment needed ♦ Short wait times ♦ Onsite X-Ray ♦ Professional Staff

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Capt. Mike’s Journal

The Hiawatha sank Aug. 5, 1895, in the Brazos River.

Tree stump brought about the end of sternwheelers on the Brazos

d about the writer Capt. Mike Leebron is an East Columbia resident and master of the Brazos Belle, Port of Columbia, Texas.

id you know that on August 5, 1895, just a few scant years from the beginning of World War I, the Connecticut newspaper, The Hartford Courant, printed that, “There was considerable merriment at the Brooklyn Navy Yard over the announcement from Washington that the plans for several of the new battleships had been altered in favor of ‘plump’ Naval Officers.” It seems that increasingly overweight crew members were the reason for the alterations by expanding the size of companionways and sleeping bearths since, “ … it is a matter where inches are of almost as much importance as when a ship is

risking getting through a channel where her keel is just above the bottom.” On the exact same date in 1895, half a continent away, close to the Texas coast, another “water draft” headline was about to be written. Despite the pitiful shape of our Naval Officers in 1895, the Courant’s tongue-in-cheek headline ironically portended deep trouble for Brazos River navigation. Unfortunately, it was just before midnight on Aug. 5, 1895, when only a “matter of inches” in the river’s lowering water level marked the beginning of the end of an era for commercial, waterborne traffic on the longest and the greatest of Texas’ rivers. On that fateful August night, the

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elegant and speedy Hiawatha had just returned to her dock at the Port of Columbia (now, East Columbia) from Velasco, after a 14-day Smith family vacation. As was his annual custom, Capt. Travis Smith took his entire clan plus 40 of the family’ s friends, along with two milk cows and a surrey with a team of horses, for an extravagant beach outing. The Hiawatha was 130 feet long and 30 feet wide and richly carpeted in red from end to end. She featured 30 staterooms and a dining hall 100 feet in length. At the end of the magnificent saloon, there was a fine, grand piano. Under her brightly colored stained glass skylights, a 17-piece orchestra often performed. The glorious Hiawatha was described as “the last word in luxury” and “the Queen Mary of riverboats” by none other than the famous Texas storyteller and author, Catherine Munson Foster. Operationally, the Hiawatha was just as Bristol as her lavish furnishings. Built in Marietta, Ohio, in 1890, the vessel would travel at extremely fast speeds with her record reaching a blistering 18 knots. Even the fastest of the paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi would tip their hats at such an astounding performance. She had an electric searchlight that was so bright it was said she spooked cattle and horses as it was panned across the coastal prairie. Her deep whistle could be heard for 8 to 10 miles away, and even further depending on the wind. The hand-cast, custom bell had 20 silver dollars melted into her bronze metal for an unusually melodious tone. There was little doubt that the Hiawatha was the pride of the river trade. Before that fateful August night, the mighty Hiawatha was primarily used to haul 150 passengers a day from Houston, who would travel by rail to Columbia, then board the riverboat for the four-hour trip to the Texas coast. Eating, drinking and being entertained with live 50 •

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

music along the way, the potential investors were then invited to party on and buy land along the beach. A big selling point was that the salty, Gulf air could “purge the body of dreaded malaria.” Extravagant claims in promotional brochures also extolled the “incomparable port and healthful countryside.” The Velasco land boom was described by salesmen as a new “Garden of Eden.” Just before the clock struck 12 that sweltering evening of Aug. 5, 1895, the townsfolk near Bell’s Landing were awakened by the frantic clanging of Hiawatha’s cleartoned bell. Everyone who jumped up, dressed and ran down to Hiawatha’s dock knew immediately it was not good news and they surely would be called upon to lend both hands. What they strained to see through the smoky lantern light was that the “Beauty of the Brazos” was listing over on her side, sinking into the muddy water. Capt. Smith, his chief engineer, Ed Hagemier, and the rest of his welltrained crew were feverishly pumping and bailing water, with some brave men diving below the weather deck, trying desperately to stem the rush of water with rags and wooden stuffing plugs. All was to no avail. In a few minutes, which surely felt like hours, the young captain halted the last activity of tying lines to nearby trees in a futile effort to prevent the Hiawatha from slipping even further from shore — and then, it became eerily quiet. Captain Smith silently watched the proud ship settle on her side into the river’s channel. He announced the crew would return at first light. A few days later, Captain Smith had two barges brought in and positioned them on either side of the Hiawatha. While water was being pumped into the barges to sink them almost to their decks, divers went below in the river water and passed heavy chains under the vessel. The chains were secured to the

The glorious Hiawatha was described as “the last word in luxury” and “the Queen Mary of riverboats” by none other than the famous Texas storyteller and author, Catherine Munson Foster.

barges and the crew began pumping out the water as the Hiawatha painfully raised herself from the bottom. Then the crew began removing various pieces of equipment, such as the boilers, the steam engines, winches and anything else that could be hauled ashore. In addition, the “captain’s gig” (small row boat), the anchor, the ship’s bell, the silverware and everything else of salvageable value was also removed. While all this activity was going on for several days, the cause of the sinking of the Hiawatha was determined with probable certainty. The divers discovered an oak stump on the river’s bottom, exactly beneath the hole in the wooden hull of the ship. As the falling tide dropped the river level that steamy night of Aug. 5, just a few vitally “important inches,” the stump punctured the integrity of Texas’ last great sternwheeler. Captain Smith must have longingly gazed at his soggy Hiawatha and

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sighed deeply when he gave the final order to cut her loose into her watery grave and into our state’s history books for eternity. In her fabulous book, “Sandbars and Sternwheelers,” Pamela Puryear wrote, “The day of the Brazos steamboats was over, and the way of life that made them possible was gone forever from the river.” Yet, on some warm, summer evenings, when the wind is still and the twilight shadows stretch long fingers across the Brazos River, the little Brazos Belle glides quietly over the forgotten bones of the Hiawatha, as her memory sleeps forever in today’s East Columbia. By being the last paddlewheeler on the river, the Belle’s crew and I are paying our humble respect to those mighty ships and men who rode adversity and challenge through both troubled times and wild water as they steered our fledgling Republic into the proud state Texas has become. Q

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Spring 2013 • BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE

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Dear Brazoria County Residents,

www.gulfcoast.net

know your places

Answers from last edition A. Lake Jackson water tower, FM 2004 B. Sugar cane vat, First Capitol Replica, West Columbia C. Brazosport College entrance, Lake Jackson D. Scott’s BBQ, West Columbia E. Loop 274 overpass, Angleton F. Angleton entrance sign, Highway 288-B G. Henry Smith statue, Brazoria Civic Center H.Decorative wall in downtown Lake Jackson

B C

A D G

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getting out

Q’d up The Facts welcomed contributors and advertisers to a special release party for the debut of Q at The Local in Lake Jackson

Red Snapper’s Lin Biar checks out the first edition of Q Magazine with Facts Managing Editor Yvonne Mintz.

Q Magazine contributor Jennifer Culverhouse checks out the first issue with her children, Haleigh and Micah.

Facts Assistant Managing Editor Michael Morris talks with Dow’s Trish Thompson.

Joe Ragland Jr., left, Sara Richards and Carrie Harper talk during the Q magazine reception at The Local in Lake Jackson. Herb Comley is greeted by Facts employee Linda Carr. 54 •

Photos by Holly Parker

Q BRAZORIA COUNTY’S SIGNATURE MAGAZINE• Spring 2013

Q Magazine contributor Jenny Kier and her husband, Jeremy, pause for a photo.

— Ayn Rand

“The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” — Peter Drucker

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

— Bill Cosby

— Benjamin Franklin

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” — Fredrick Douglass

Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman

END QUOTES

“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.”

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