Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre

November 1st, 2018

Founded in 1976, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre strives to be a destination for artists and audiences seeking a highly unique and evolutionary performance experience which combines the rich heritage of the classics with the excitement and limitless possibilities of contemporary dance, theatre and performance art. The company produces a season each year in its performing residence, the University of Houston–Clear Lake, which includes an eclectic array of classical ballet, contemporary dance and a musical. BAHBT was founded by Lynette Mason Gregg and unfortunately the Clear Lake community lost this artistic visionary but her vision of the arts is clearly ongoing in our community.

Besides full stage productions, the company performs at various local events such as the Panhellenic, Go Texan, Macy’s, and Lunar Rendezvous fashion shows, Bay Area Turning Point, Education Foundation events, Mardi Gras Balls, and many events in the Houston area. Appearances at these and other community events are done on a pro bono basis to demonstrate the company’s support and interest in collaborative projects and interactive experiences that are mutually beneficial for both organizations and particularly the entire Bay Area Houston.

Since its beginning, BAHBT has brought many world renown performing artists and choreographers to work and perform with the company. The 2003-2004 season marked the evolution of the company with the addition of professional dancers to the roster. Each year these high caliber performers stretch the growth of the company and provide the professionalism needed to take BAHBT to the next level.

The most significant artistic advance came when Nelson Madrigal was appointed BAHBT’s Ballet Master. Madrigal and his beautiful wife, Lorna Feijóo, performed with BAHBT for four seasons as guest artists. In addition to an impressive and highly regarded career with the Boston Ballet, these two relocated from Boston to the Houston area-Mr. Madrigal to become BAHBT’s artistic director, and Ms. Feijóo to open The Feijóo Ballet School, which is the training ground for many of our company dancers.

BAHBT Associate Artistic Director Natalie Zundel has deep roots with BAHBT. She performed with the company from a young age, became one of their first full-time professional Artists in Residence and came full circle becoming the associate artistic director in June of 2016.

Each year, BAHBT creates a season to entice our community and showcase the arts. Our 2018-2019 season “Deep Roots, New Branches” will not disappoint! Parisian Night/Ballet Bites was a complete sell out last week and highlighted the strength of our dancers, as well as our season. The ballet’s annual fund raiser, Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy will be held on November 17th at South Shore Harbour Resort to a sellout crowd. The Nutcracker opens on Nov. 30 with 14 performances. In February, the company will present the classical ballet, La Sylphide.

The highlight of the season will be the ballet’s partnership with the Bayou Theater at UHCL and full stage musical Willy Wonka, directed by Alex Malone in April.

BAHBT is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to bringing cultural enrichment to Bay Area Houston while providing an incubator for the aspiring artists of tomorrow.

Support from many city entities such as The City of Houston, Nassau Bay, League City, Seabrook, and Webster, the Houston Arts Alliance, Lunar Rendezvous Festival, George and Mary Josephine Hammon Foundation, as well as our wonderful community, be it financial donations, attendance at performances or participation in our annual fund raising events, is greatly appreciated.

Please visit our web site www.bahbt.org for further information, ticket sales or to make a donation!

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Clear Lake Chatter: More Help for Harvey Flood Victims

February 1st, 2018

There were smiles aplenty when League City Mayor Pat Hallisey and his wife, Janice, center, arrived at the Johnnie Aroflo Civic Center for the League City Chamber luncheon. Among those  greeting them were, from left, realtor Kimberly Harding, Kevin Murphy and Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda.

League City Chamber members got an update by Galveston County Judge Mark Henry at their State of the County Luncheon – learning about the status of several county projects in addition to offering advice for Hurricane Harvey flood victims.

Knowing that Harvey was foremost on everyone’s minds, he agreed with their thinking: “I’m aggravated (over the lack of action). Things are going way too slow,” he said of the delays many of the county’s 20,000 flood victims have been facing.

But he had some good news about a state program run by the General Land Office that has been a big help to some victims. It’s called Partial Repair and Essential Power for Sheltering Program or PREPS. It provides basic repairs up to $20,000 and allows homemakers to remain in their homes while the work is done – usually in about two days. Already PREPS has finished repairs to 20 homes in Galveston County with another 6,820 eligible for the program the GLO is attempting to reach.

The GLO has made more than 60,000 phone calls and 30,000 phone calls to victims registered with FEMA about the program. Judge Henry said he had learned that many recipients think it’s a hoax and don’t respond. He also suggested that victims visit www.TexasRebuilds.com and www.galvestoncountyrecovers.com for information.

Boeing’s Brian Freedman, from left, and his dad, Glenn Freedman, stop to talk with florist Teresa Vencil at the League City Chamber State of the County Luncheon.

Among the projects discussed were the Pelican Island Bridge, which, he said, “is 50 years old and not in good shape.” Of the options received is one from the Houston Engineering firm HDR Inc., which could range in price from $63 million to $121 million to replace. “We need to replace that bridge and doing so will result in lots of good paying jobs.”
Another was the 64-acre Bayside Regional Park in Bacliff and community center for seniors.

But while many were glad to get some good Harvey tips, they all were happy to see Mayor Pat Hallisey arrive after nearly losing his life to a heart attack several weeks back and having to have his lower leg amputated. He and his wife, Janice, were all smiles as Chamber President Steve Paterson, Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda, Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady, former County Commissioner Ryan Dennard and a number of city officials welcomed him to the Civic Center.

Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre dancers Meaghan Abel, Jenna Westall, Rachel Stonestreet, and Hannah Young entertain the crowd at the Bay Area Go Texan Rodeo Style Show.

Rodeo Style Show the ‘best one yet’

“BEST ONE YET!” That was the reply of a Clear Lake cowboy when asked his opinion of the Bay Area Go Texan Rodeo Style Show, which seems to get better and better as the years roll by.

And, and it also was a comment Capt. Dianna Jones and Asst. Capt. Anita White heard over and over Friday, Jan. 19 after they welcomed the lively crowd of cowboys and cowgirls to NASA’s Gilruth Center and invited them to come right in and join the fun.

Walking in, you probably would have bumped into Rocky Mauldin, Gene Hollier, Emmeline Dodd, Nancy Buffaloe, Anita Fogtman, Irene Pavig, Annette Snow Falks, David Robertson or Don Billings before you went very far. They never miss it.
Emcee Phil Pampolina got the crowd rocking after introducing the dignitaries and donors and giving everyone a chance to bid in the live auction. Then came the style show, which had a “Fire and Ice” theme highlighted by a great performance by the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre dancers and directed by fashion guru Lenny Matuszewski.

Models included Miss Texas USA Nancy Gonzalez, Webster Fire Chief Patrick Shipp, Nassau Bay City Manager Jason Reynolds and former Mrs. Galveston County, Kelly Williams of Kemah.

Model, Lily Heintz, shows off an evening gown during the Bay Area Go Texan Rodeo Style Show.

Joining them in showing off a variety of fashions from Adelaide’s Boutique, Casanova’s Downfall, Cavender’s Boot City, Dillard’s Baybrook, Jill’s Fashion and Bridal, Kendra Scott-Baybrook Mall and The Clotheshorse were Bobby Osoria, Shari Sweeney, Karen Jordan, Lily Hentz, Jimmy Molina, Anna Babineaux, Moni Trevathan, Molly Culbreth and John Bartee.

Others coming down the runway included Kellie Gross, Bo Rogers, Amy Bowlin, Dafne Sanchez, Ashley Reed, Jeremiah Corbin, Leah Galindo, Kelly Gurgos, Sarah Elliott, Jamie Sausser, TL Sellers, Karen Beaty, Karla Boddie, Jamie Sausser, Misty Hajecate, Ashley Reed, Nancy Buffaloe and Liz Cantu.

And, after a delish luncheon provided by Grazia Italian Kitchen, many stopped to thank the hard-working committee, who had put together another winner for all to enjoy.

Committee members include Deane Beck, Darla Billings, Amber Blake, Sunnie Byerly, who was named Committee Person of the Year, Ronda Cook, Renee Daigle, Robert Engler, Lesa Martin Gaffey, David Gambino, William Greer, Angela Guidry, Lisa Gurgos, Deborah Gutierrez, Tory Jenkins, Sandra Kay Kelly, Heather Kirk, Becki Leal and Alice Lyons.

Plus, Ange Mertens, Marish Morgan, Sabana Nathoo, Alan Rice, Elena Richards, Shelley Rogers, Donna Rone, Keith Satterwhite, Melis Sausser, Debra Stokes, Elizabeth Taylor West, Chiquita Taylor, Irene Taylor, Robert Mike Taylor, Marisa Vannoort, Michelle Walker, Sharon Werner, Darice Whatley and Janice Williams.

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Clear Lake Chatter

November 1st, 2017

BAY AREA MUSEUM was packed the other morning as Bay Area Museum Guild members kicked off the new season with a shower for the museum.
That’s when they bring things like napkins, paper towels, dishwashing liquid, etc. that will be used for events held there throughout the year. Some even had fancy wrappings like they would take a gift to a bridal shower.

Co-Presidents Jan Larson and Carole Murphy were there to welcome the arriving crowd, which included Diana Dornak, Janet Greenwood, Peggy Clause, Ava Galt, Sandi Allbritton, along with Sally Jordan and her daughter, Susan Long, Cindy Kuenneke, Nina McGlashan, Ann Morgan, Judy Peterson and Barbara Spencer – all ready for another year.

Others spotted enjoying the program by Suzanne Langford included Laraine Eggars, Pam Leach, Virginia Ritter, Mary Walter, Lilian Terxerra, Gail Devens, Judy Young, Angela Braun, Doyle Richter, Cindy Culberson, Laura Maile, Lois and Neldon Costin, Vicky Yahn, Lily Sun, Cherry Nims, Lisa Golich and Yvonne Guy.

Carol Bobo, from left, stops to say hello to Bobbie Moutz and Sandy Lantz as she arrives at the Bay Oaks Women’s Association Fall Coffee at the country club.

BOWA Fall Coffee a fun event for all
ANOTHER POPULAR fall event is the Bay Oaks Women’s Association’s Fall Coffee, which was started about 25 years ago as just a pleasant way to relax and make friends.

Back then, everyone paid $5 to sit around for a couple of relaxing hours sipping coffee, munching on crepes, getting to know their tablemates and showing off the latest fashions.

Over the years it evolved into a luncheon with a speaker. This month’s speaker was Jeff Moore, president of TopGun Security & Investigations and a powerful figure in the security profession, as well as the private investigation world.

Among the many enjoying the event were Carol Bobo, Myrna Baker, Janet Greenwood, Brigid McVaugh, Norma Ogletree, Katherine Kieselhorst, Courtney Atchley, Bobbie Moutz, Sandy Lantz, Sharon Dillard, Cindy Zook, Amy Roppolo, Suzanne Leatherman and Judie Ferguson.

Some of the others spotted mingling with the crowd included Sue Labbs, Eileen Hult, Emmeline Dodd, Jackie Daley, Susan McCoy, Sharon Phelps, Glenna Crist, Kay Lee Benoit, Mary Colombo, Karen Reed and Ruth Beecher.

Many are busy these days planning their annual gala, which is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 4.

As President Jodie Schnabel was out of town, Vice President Amy Schweers welcomed the crowd and introduced the speaker.

Mary McMullen, center, with her daughter-in-law, Virginia McMullen, right, and sister-in-law, Amanda Wallace, join the crowd at the Bay Area Museum Guild’s Just A Pretty Table Luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake.

Pretty Tables and then some
MOST JAW-DROPPING event of the season? Hands down winner is always the Bay Area Museum Guild’s Just a Pretty Table Luncheon, which offers so much more than just pretty tables.

It’s been that way for 12 years since Angie Weinman introduced us all to “Pretty Tables,” and we’re still addicted to it. The participants spend hours and hours thinking up a theme, getting all the needed people and pieces and then molding it all together into a pretty picture before you get to sit back and enjoy the final product.

Robyn Weigelt, right, and Johnette Norman share a light moment in front of their Moulin Rouge table at the Just A Pretty Table Luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Club.

We walked in to find Krista Williamson, Cheryl Lis, Beverly Jo Parsons, Badiha Nassar, Annette Dwyer, Wendy Draela, Diana Dornak, Phyllis White, Maureen Hogan, Kathleen Courville, Lori Culberson and Dr. Cindy Castille showing off their beautiful handiwork.

Some of the others adding their talent included Carole Murphy, Sally Jordan, Kimberley Weathers, Peggy Green, Cathy Osoria, Barbie Clariday, Janice Gornto, Lynn Smith, Tracey Webb, Kristy Tankersley, Stephanb Roush, Jana Miller, Marie Sharp, Jill Reason, Nancy and Raven Sanders and Julie Johnson.

If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss the next one. Fun!

 

Mike DeMasi, from right, and his son, Hunter, talk with Ron Finn as they await the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre’s season opener, Swan Lake, at UHCL’s Bayou Theatre. All had family members in the ballet.

Ballet launches ‘17-‘18 season
BAY AREA HOUSTON Ballet’s talented dancers launched a new season with the opening of Swan Lake at the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre and a kickoff party down the way overlooking the university’s Atrium I.

Ballet Executive Director Jill Reason, Board Chairman Clarence Wilson and Vice Chairman Cindy DeMasi, who arrived with her husband, Mike DeMasi and their son, Hunter, welcomed the arriving crowd that included Badiha Nassar, Monica Jackson, Scott and Jennifer Stillman, Ellen King, Mary Ann Shallberg, Ken and Avery Ballard, Darlene Kaboutari, Susan Long, Ron Finn and Lillie Harmon, to name a few.

All seemed to really enjoy the popular production and were looking forward to the opening of The Nutcracker Friday, Dec. 1.

 

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Movers & Shakers: Jill Reason

August 1st, 2017

Name: Jill Reason

Occupation: Executive director Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre; Am also president of Clear Lake Panhellenic, Lunar Rendezvous Advisory Board chairman and Clear Creek Education Foundation chairman- elect

Hometown: Gainesville, Ga.

Current home: League City

Family: Husband Dan Reason, Children: Dalton (23) Ashton (21), Sydney and Savannah (19)

My favorite writer is: Ronda Rich, Lewis Grizzard
Someone I’d like to meet: Ellen Degeneres or Oprah (Maybe both at the same time)

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Donald Trump…it said for ONE day!

My favorite performers are: Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan

I like to spend my leisure time: If I had leisure time, I’d love to be on a beach with my family

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

My favorite meal is: Grilled salmon

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: Happy and busy — Oh, and a brain surgeon and the winner of a grand slam tennis tournament

You’ll never catch me: Sitting still

The thing that bugs me the most is: People who don’t choose happiness

My favorite movie is: Gone with the Wind

Few people know: That I have a shoe closet and I LOVE photography!!

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BAHBT names Jill Reason as its executive director

July 1st, 2017

By Ellen King and Mary Alys Cherry

Long-time ballet volunteer Jill Reason has been named executive director of the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre.

Mrs. Reason has worked with the ballet company for 20 years in a number of volunteer positions and performances. For eight years she was the chairman of the Scholarship/Endowment Committee and served as a chaperone in New York City for BAHBT dancers during Summer Intensive Programs.

She chaired the magical, yearly event, Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy, for four years and also served as the volunteer executive director for BAHBT for five years, working in close association with founder Lynette Mason Gregg. She has been serving on the BAHBT Board of Directors for the last several years.

Her performances with the ballet company include the Baroness in The Nutcracker for 16 seasons, as well as Giselle, Coppélia, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Retrospective, Cinderella, Grease, Dracula and Edward Scissorhands.

But big projects are nothing new to this Florida native who grew up in Georgia.

She has twice been president of a PTA in Clear Creek ISD, has chaired two of the Bay Area’s biggest fashion shows, been a school teacher, a Sunday school teacher, a wife and mother.

She was chairman of the 2012 Lunar Rendezvous Festival and now serves as chairman of the Lunar Rendezvous Advisory Board.

The new chairman graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Early Childhood Education and went on to get her Master’s degree in Education at North Georgia College. She is married to Dan Reason Jr. and has four children.

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Clear Lake Chatter: Big crowd on hand to hear Mario Diaz

September 1st, 2016

Pasadena City Councilman Jeff Wagner and Mayor Johnny Isbell, from left, arrive at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, along with La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby and Port Commissioner John Kennedy of Nassau Bay to hear Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz.

Pasadena City Councilman Jeff Wagner and Mayor Johnny Isbell, from left, arrive at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, along with La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby and Port Commissioner John Kennedy of Nassau Bay to hear Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz.

HOUSTON AIRPORT Systems Director Mario Diaz is “clearly the best” at what he does, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership officials will tell you.

Amazing is how Dan Seal described him as he was introducing him to the BAHEP crowd at Lakewood Yacht Club.  “He not only established Bush Intercontinental Airport, he redid Hobby and is turning Ellington Airport into a spaceport. Quite amazing,” the BAHEP executive director of special initiatives said.

“Buckle up,” he told the luncheon crowd as he turned the program over to Diaz, who didn’t disappoint as he updated everyone, telling how the airport system has connected Houston with all six continents, as State Sen. Larry Taylor, and Mayors Johnny Isbell of Pasadena, Michel Bechtel of Morgan’s Point and  Louis Rigby of La Porte nodded their approval.
“It’s the only city in the South offering air flights to Cuba,” Diaz said, adding, “Soon the Houston Airport System will add guidance systems to its garages, making it easier for customers to find their cars after flights,” going on to talk about the Lone Star Museum being built at Ellington, the layers of security at the airports and adding that Hobby is one of three 4-Star Airports in the country and that the HAS wants to be a 5-Star System.

Houston Airport System Deputy Assistant Director Tim Joniec, Ellington Airport Director Arturo Machuca and Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz, from left, join State Sen. Larry Taylor and Houston City Councilman Dave Martin at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

Houston Airport System Deputy Assistant Director Tim Joniec, Ellington Airport Director Arturo Machuca and Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz, from left, join State Sen. Larry Taylor and Houston City Councilman Dave Martin at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership luncheon at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook.

Other officials in the crowd included Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, City Councilors Dave Martin of Houston, Geri Bentley of League City, Jeff Wagner, Pat Van Houte and Cary Bass of Pasadena and Mike Foreman and Carl Gustafson of Friendswood, San Jacinto College Trustee J.R. Moon, Harris County Tax Assessor Mike Sullivan, Port Commissioner John Kennedy and San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer.

Pasadena Chamber CEO Cristina Womack was in the crowd, as were AeroSys President John Martinec, Anadarko Industries CEO Tom Short, Barrios Technology CEO Sandy Johnson, Boeing VP John Elbon, Brewer Construction President Dennis Brewer, attorneys Bob Davee and Phil Griffis, Cimarron President Darren Crowell, Gulf Coast Limestone President Bob Robinson and CPA Mark Rush,

Plus, Texan Bank CEO Kenny Koncaba, Hilton Clear Lake Sales Director Melinda Mintz, HomeTown Bank VP Bill Provenzano, Wyle VP Genie Bopp, League City Chamber CEO Steve Patterson, MEI Technologies CEO David Cates, Shelmark Engineering owner Marcus Michna, SSCI President Helen Hodges and Space Center Houston President William Harris.

Other familiar faces included those of Chris Reed, Brian Freedman, Gwen Griffin, Pat and Wendall Wilson, Paul Davis, Karen Coglianese, John Wilkins, Edie Houlden, Barbara Koslov, Corby Alexander, Dr. Bernie Milstein, Marcy Fryday, Joan McKinney, Kimberly Fleming, Mark Conrad and Sue Darcy.

2017 Lunar Rendezvous Queen Madelyn Claire Emilia Chidester poses for a photo with King Kevin Duke, right, Queen Alternate Alexa Rae Trevino and Captain Alexander Edward Struss at the Coronation Ball in Galveston. They will reign over next year’s festival. Photo by J. Pamela Photography

2017 Lunar Rendezvous Queen Madelyn Claire Emilia Chidester poses for a photo with King Kevin Duke, right, Queen Alternate Alexa Rae Trevino and Captain Alexander Edward Struss at the Coronation Ball in Galveston. They will reign over next year’s festival. Photo by J. Pamela Photography

Lunar Rendezvous crowns new queen
LUNAR RENDEZVOUS has a new royal court with Clear Creek High senior Madelyn Claire Emilia Chidester elected by this year’s princesses to reign as queen over the 2017 Festival. She is the daughter of Lisa and Steven Barnes and Edmund Chidester.

Joining her in the 2017 court will be Queen Alternate Alexa Rae Trevino, a Clear Falls High senior and the daughter of Alice and Rey Trevino; and Captain Alexander Edward Struss, son of Delicia and Alex Struss and a Clear Lake High senior.
2016 Festival King Kevin Duke, Queen Mariska Mes, Queen Alternate Jessica-Michelle Monette and Captain Joey Corrao were all smiles as they welcomed them to the royal court during the festival finale, the Coronation Ball, which was held at the Galveston Island Convention Center and this year had a “Dance By the Light of the Moon” theme.

Retired astronaut Bill McArthur was back once again to emcee the black tie gala, which was chaired by Justine Powell, with Cindy Sebald as her co-chairman.

BAHBT dancers plan kickoff Sept. 14
BALLET AFFICIONADOS will be out in force when the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre kicks off its 2016-17 season Wednesday, Sept.14.

In addition to offering a glimpse at the upcoming productions in Clear Lake, the dancers will be showing off their new digs — their new rehearsal studio located at 2350-D Dickinson Ave. in Dickinson.

Then, they’ll give the crowd a glimpse at Dracula, which plays Oct. 14-16, and The Nutcracker, which plays the weekends of Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11, both at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Bayou Theatre; and invite all to Breakfast With the Sugar Plum Fairy Nov. 21 at South Shore Harbour Resort.

The season’s final production will be Pasion March 24-26 in their new rehearsal studio’s Black Box Theatre in Dickinson.
For reservations, call the ballet, 281-480-1617.

Dates of Rodeo events announced
THE RODEO may seem a long time off, but its first local event is only a few days away. Here’s the schedule of Bay Area events and their chairmen:

Casino Night/Deane Beck: Saturday, Sept.10 – Gilruth Center – Tickets $50.
Cowboys & Cowgirls Who Cook/Randy Rance: Thursday, Oct. 20 – Admiral Ballroom/Endeavor Marina – Tickets $35.
Fashion Show/Lisa Gurgos: Friday, Jan. 20 – Gilruth Center – Tickets $100.  Black & White Masquerade Ball theme.
Trail Ride Dinner Dance/Elizabeth Taylor:  Tuesday Feb. 28, 6-10 p.m. Gilruth gym – $25.
Bus Trip/Sunnie Byerly: March 2017 — $75 per ticket.  Date is TBA.

Ball of the Wild making a return
SAVE THE DATE of April 1, 2017.  The Assistance League’s Ball of the Wild is back.

And, in case you weren’t here or don’t remember, in its early days the League used the theme, Ball of the Wild, for its annual gala, and we all marveled as doctors dressed up as cavemen and bunny rabbits and aerospace executives and educators popped in as bumble bees.

Jennie Hampton, who is chairman of the 2017 benefit, said, “Sometimes the ball had a more defining theme like the Billabong Ball, an Australian Down Under theme, or the Gator Ball, featuring cute alligators. We have decided to bring back this theme in the hopes the community will once again be buzzing about the Assistance League’s Ball of the Wild.”
Pam Bungo is Jennie’s vice chairman and Gail Ashby, Belinda Scheurich and Lori Ray are already at work on the silent auction.

Other worker-bees include Carol Base, Ashley Campbell, Cindy Castille, Kathleen Courville, Dee Cover, Sharon Dillard, Anne Marie Doolin, Ann Hammond, Lisa Holbrook, Mavis Irvan, Katie Jones, Carol Latimer, Arlis Miles, Yvonne Perrin, Elaine Rister, Nancy Sanders, Jill Williams and Dee Wolfe.

This year’s informal affair is an animal/jungle theme and attire will be casual.  Stay tuned.

CLCCA elects new officials
THREE NEW TRUSTEES have joined the Clear Lake City Community Association, which also has elected new officers.
New trustees are Marie Wade, representing Camino South; Mary “Lori” Alvarez, Oakbrook; and Stephenie Schneider, Oakbrook West.

Annice Slade is president of the CLCCA with Terry Canup as vice president, Glenda Stroud, treasurer; and Leslie Eaton, secretary.

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The Nutcracker back again to thrill holiday audiences

December 1st, 2014

Nelson Madrigal and Lorna Feijoo dance a scene in The Nutcracker. Photo by Mike Gladu

Nelson Madrigal and Lorna Feijoo dance a scene in The Nutcracker. Photo by Mike Gladu

By Vanessa Handrick

The Bay Area’s own professional ballet company, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre, will present the popular Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, the weekends of Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14, at the University of Houston – Clear Lake’s Bayou Theatre.

The Nutcracker tells the beloved holiday story of Clara and her dream journey with her most treasured Christmas gift, the Nutcracker.  The night after receiving the gift, Clara sneaks down to the Christmas tree to check on the doll and falls asleep with it in her arms. As the clock strikes midnight, strange things start to happen and the Nutcracker doll becomes a Prince fighting off rats and the Rat King to protect Clara.

The Nutcracker Prince then takes Clara on a journey to the Land of Snow where they are greeted by dancing Snow Flakes and the Snow Queen and then on to the Land of the Sweets – the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy!  In the Land of the Sweets, Clara and her Prince are entertained with a celebration of sweets and dances!

The community is invited to support the local arts and join the Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre for this special holiday ballet, which is always a special treat with beautiful sets, magical dancing and a timeless story.

Hours are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets to see BAHBT’s production of The Nutcracker range from $25-$35 and can be purchased by calling the BAHBT box office at 281-480-1617 or visiting www.bahbt.org. Group discounts are also available by calling the BAHBT box office.

WHEN:
Curtains at at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13
Curtains at 2 p.m.
Dec. 6 &7, 13 & 14

WHERE:
UHCL’s Bayou Theatre
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058

TICKETS:
Range  in price
from $25-$35
call 281-480-1617
or visit www.bahbt.org

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Allison Powell crowned Lunar Rendezvous queen

September 1st, 2014

Queen Allison Powell, a Clear Lake High senior, poses for pictures with her parents, Justine and Patrick Powell of Clear Lake.

Queen Allison Powell, a Clear Lake High senior, poses for pictures with her parents, Justine and Patrick Powell of Clear Lake.

By Mary Alys Cherry

ALLISON POWELL, who is a senior at Clear Lake High, is the new queen of Lunar Rendezvous.

The pretty brunette daughter of Justine and Patrick Powell of Clear Lake was chosen by a vote of her fellow princesses and crowned by 2014 Queen Sydney Schroder at the Coronation Ball at the San Luis Convention Center in Galveston.

Demerle Monks, daughter of Annette Dwyer and her husband, Pat Monks, and a senior at Clear Brook High, was elected Queen Alternate and will join Allison in reigning over next summer’s festival, along with Capt. Jack Mullen, son of Sara and Lt. Col. Joseph Mullen and a senior at Clear Falls High, who was chosen by the lieutenants to represent them.

2014 Queen Alternate Ashton Reason and 2014 Capt. Grant McGough also assisted in the coronation ceremony as the other 56 princesses, 13 lieutenants and 13 little ladies in waiting and pages and their escorts looked on, along with Festival King Jerry Foyt and his wife, Kate.

Festival General Chairman Lea Bodie and her husband, Jason, who emceed the presentation of the royal court, were on hand to greet the black tie crowd of more than 500, as were Ball Chairmen Debby Reichert, Laura Parker and Clair Reichert Peters.

Inside, they found the ballroom elegantly decorated in white satin, accented with blue lighting and illuminated by chandeliers and centerpieces filled with candlelight.

The Sassy Sistas enjoy dinner at the Jones House. They are, from left, standing, Jan Larson, Angie Weinman, Becky Reitz; seated, Sandi Allbritton, Emmeline Dodd, Diane Vest, Pam Culpepper, Carol Bergman, Karen Keesler and Anita Fogtman. Linda Flores Olson is missing from the photo.

The Sassy Sistas enjoy dinner at the Jones House. They are, from left, standing, Jan Larson, Angie Weinman, Becky Reitz; seated, Sandi Allbritton, Emmeline Dodd, Diane Vest, Pam Culpepper, Carol Bergman, Karen Keesler and Anita Fogtman. Linda Flores Olson is missing from the photo.

The Sassy Sistas mark anniversary

TEN YEARS AGO 12 women formed a group for social purposes only. Each anniversary has involved a weekend trip. This year for the 10th anniversary Emmeline Dodd planned the trip to her hometown and university alma mater – Nacogdoches, and Stephen F. Austin University.

The group – Pam Culpepper, Angie Weinman, Anita Fogtman, Jan Larson, Sandi Allbritton, Becky Reitz, Diane Vest, Karen Keesler and Carol Bergman, stayed with Emmeline in the Jones House, a Victorian bed and breakfast near old town Nacogdoches where they shopped and played and danced at the Liberty Bell Wine Bar on Main Street. Another of their many activities involved a golf cart tour of the SFA campus.  Linda Flores Olson missed the event.

Bay Oaks Women’s Association Vice Presidents Becky Hensley, left, and Cambrey Rogers go over plans for their Fall Fashion Show Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Bay Oaks Women’s Association Vice Presidents Becky Hensley, left, and Cambrey Rogers go over plans for their Fall Fashion Show Tuesday, Sept. 9.

2 fashion shows on the horizon

THE LONG, HOT summer is slowly coming to an end – yes, ever so slowly, but we’ll get there one day. Promise!

Meanwhile, there’s good news for the ladies – fashion shows. Two of them – in air conditioned comfort!

The first will be Tuesday, Sept. 9, when the Bay Oaks Country Club Women’s Association puts on its annual fall fashion show for members and their guests at the club.

BOWA Vice Presidents Becky Hensley and Cambry Rogers are chairing the event and have already signed up Grace Cameron, Veronica Hernandez, Jennifer Simmons, Lea Bodie and her daughter, Olivia, as models while waiting for confirmation from others and preparing to model fall fashions from six area boutiques — Back Bay Boutique, Casanova’s Downfall, Melinda’s Boutique/Grand Central Station, The Clothes Horse, Adelaide’s and Christina Marie’s.

CLEAR LAKE PANHELLENIC members are busy these days, preparing for their big annual fundraiser, the fall fashion show. It’s on the calendar for Friday, Oct. 24, with Chairman Holly Williamson and Co-Chairman Sandy Records as co-chairman.

“Flashback 1964 – 50 Years of Style” will be this year’s theme as they continue celebrating Panhellenic’s 50th anniversary. And yes, Lenny Matuszewski will be back working his magic as producer, helping Panhellenic models show off the latest fashions from Dillard’s at Baybrook Mall.

Tickets are already on sale with runway seats going for $100 and general seating for $75. Reserve yours by emailing Kelli Baliker at [email protected] or call her at 281-488-3943. Make out your reservation check to C-Z Scholarship Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 58355, Webster, Texas  77598-8355.

Ballet planning season kickoff

BAY AREA HOUSTON Ballet & Theatre will host its season kickoff at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Space Center Houston to mark a metamorphosis into the next chapter in its history.

Guests will preview vignettes from each of their upcoming productions while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The event will honor inductees into the BAHBT Volunteer Hall of Fame, along with the City of Webster, which will be the recipient of the coveted Bravo! Award for its very generous support through the years.

The award was created in 2003 to honor those individuals who have greatly furthered efforts to bring cultural enrichment to the community. Previous winners include Kimberly DeLape (2003), Sheree Frede (2003), Martha Ferebee (2003), Kippy Caraway (2004), Councilwoman Addie Wiseman (2004),  Jim Reinhartsen (2005),  Dr. Pat Wilson (2006), Mary Alys Cherry (2007), Pam Culpepper (2008), Bob Mitchell (2009), Matt Wiggins (2010), Councilman Mike Sullivan (2011), Jill Reason (2012) and Ellen King, (2013).

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, call 281-480-1617 by Sept. 2.

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