Sawa Restaurant & Grill offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine

April 1st, 2019

By Sumer Dene

Sawa Restaurant & Grill is an international blend of the most authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This establishment is a proud, cultural, independent restaurant family-owned by Abdul Ghonym. The word Sawa means “Equal,” and “Together.” People join together at Sawa Restaurant & Grill to share memories and fresh, delectable cuisine. “I fell in love with Clear Lake because of NASA and the thriving community. I love Clear Lake for its diversity and the expanding market for healthy food and international flavor.” says Abdul.

The food to table is fast and the flavors are tantalizing. Each meal is served with a hot cup of mint or sage tea, depending on the season. All dishes are prepared with the highest quality. For starters try the delicious hand-chopped salads. The Lentil Soup is perfectly spiced, the Hummus is rich and creamy, the Baba Ghannouj is mild and smoky, the Falafel is cooked to perfection, and the fresh baked Baklava is simply delightful. Make sure to try the authentic Ma’amoul cookies that utilize the fresh nuts and fruits of the land. Olive Oil, the main ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, is imported from the West Bank at Abdul’s family-owned farm. For the finale enjoy a refreshing Mint Lemonade Smoothie. The vegan Ciku Stir Fry contains almonds, walnuts, and raisins on a bed of rice served with onions, bell peppers, and aromatic spices. The Mnazali is a savory mix of onions, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, and layers of eggplant doused in delicious spices.

Come to Sawa Restaurant & Grill for excellent healthy and vegan cuisine, reasonable prices, and staff that treats you like family. Sawa allows you to experience Middle Eastern culture at its finest. “I love when people smile because they like what I prepared for them. Our cuisine is full of choices because it is made from authentic mediterranean ingredients the land has given us. I cater to a community for better and healthier living.” States Abdul. For customer preference each entree is properly marked dairy free, gluten free, or vegan. Sawa Restaurant & Grill serves universities, hospitals, doctors offices, and fitness centers. All NASA and aerospace contract workers receive a 15 percent discount, so for a real authentic mediterranean treat, try Sawa Restaurant & Grill located at 16608 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062. Look forward to new additions on their menu and a whole new experience of Mediterranean cuisine. Order to go at 281-990-0817 or visit their website at www.sawarestaurantgrilltx.com

 

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Calling All Crawfish Lovers!

April 1st, 2019

Krawfish Kingz team aims to place high at this year’s Big Ass Crawfish Bash.

By Xander Thomas

The Guinness World Record awarded, biggest crawfish bash in the world, is happening right here south of Houston, near the Clear Lake area! The Big Ass Crawfish Bash, held at Gulf Greyhound Park in Texas City, set the record in 2017 for serving over 58,000 pounds of mud bugs in eight hours.

“It is just a non-stop good time for hours on end,” said Krawfish Kingz team owner Julie Buehrer.

Julie, along with husband Brian and long-time friend Paul Burrow, own the name, and are now selling their crawdads at the Kemah and Texas City locations of Stuttgarden.

The entire event includes all-you-can-eat crawfish, for the price that you pay for the wristband to get in, and with 80-plus cook off teams, everyone in attendance should be able to get their fill of the southern favorite.

“It’s a lot, a lot of crawfish in a little bit of time,” Julie said, “You get access to every crawfish tent, nobody can charge you for anything. The only thing that is extra are the vendors up front with the carnival foods and the beer people.”

Krawfish Kingz will be one of the many teams in competition, for their third year in a row. Their recipe landed them in the top 15 last year, and they are hopeful to make an even bigger splash this year.

“We got somewhere between 10th and 15th cause they only call out nine and under,” Julie said. “We’re guessing for your second year that’s pretty good, and we’re hoping to get our name called this year, and get a little more recognition.”

They will be set up at tents 29 and 30, the same place they were positioned last year, which should make it easy for those wanting to track them down again.

Whether or not you get the chance to make it out to this major mud bug madness, you will still be able to get a taste of the Krawfish Kingz fiery favorite. Their crawdads are available at the Stuttgarden restaurants in Kemah and Texas City on the weekends.

“Really, it’s something we do cause we love to do it,” Julie said.

So whether you are a fan of crawfish, or looking for a new seafood flavor to delve into, the Big Ass Crawfish Bash will take place on Saturday, April 20 out at Gulf Greyhound park in La Marque.

Overflow parking will be at Mall of the Mainland and a Shuttle will be taking patrons to the event grounds. Visit www.bigasscrawfishbash.com for more information.

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New contract OK’d for COM president

April 1st, 2019

COM Board of Trustees Chairman Kyle Dickson, left, congratulates COM President Dr. Warren Nichols after the board approved a new contract for Nichols.

College of the Mainland President Dr. Warren Nichols has much to smile about these days.

After getting a 67 percent approval of the college’s fall bond referendum, the COM Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new contract for him.

Nichols, who became president of the Texas City community college in February 2017, had one year left on his three-year contract, but following the trustees’ vote, his new contract now extends through 2022 and provides for an automatic renewal on an annual basis unless terminated by either party.

Trustees voted 5-0 to extend Nichols’ contract. Trustees Rachel Delgado and Alan Waters was absent.

“Under his leadership, Dr. Nichols is taking College of the Mainland to the next level. He has implemented initiatives aimed at student success, seen a rise in student growth and directed much needed maintenance projects on the campus,” COM Board of Trustees Chairman Kyle Dickson said.

Although not present for Monday’s meeting, Delgado, who served on the search committee that hired Nichols, said she agreed with the new contract.

“I support Dr. Nichols’ contract and thank him for the turnaround he has overseen at the college.  It has been everything I was hoping for,” she said.

After several failed bond referendums, Nichols was instrumental in meeting with community members and sharing the college’s goals and visions which led to the overwhelming approval of a $162.5 million bond package, Dickson said.

The landscape of the college is changing under Nichols’ direction.

With voters in the COM Taxing District approving the bond referendum in November, architects now are putting the final touches on plans for a new STEAM/Allied Health Building and a Student Success Center to replace the current Administration Building. Both buildings should be completed by January 2021 followed by the construction of a new Industrial Careers Building.

“I am excited to see COM grow and serve our community,” Nichols said. “More and more students and families are finding College of the Mainland to be an affordable option when obtaining a college degree or workforce certificate. With the construction of new buildings on campus, we will be able to offer even more options in career opportunities.”

Enrollment at COM continues to increase. For the Spring 2019 semester, more than 6,000 students – a record for COM – registered for classes.

With Nichols’ leadership, there has been a transformation as the college has become a beacon for the entire region when it comes to higher education, continuing education and just resonates “community.”

With an aging campus, Nichols oversaw a $16.2 million maintenance project to rebuild a chemistry lab, replace underground pipes and convert a closed natatorium into a state-of-the-art conference center that is available for community use. A complete renovation of the Student Center also is ongoing.

COM was highlighted at national conferences after it became the first Texas college or university to fully implement a successful corequisite program designed to help underprepared students complete required English and math classes. The success of corequisite has been outstanding. The college also is focused on a Guided Pathways to Success program to help students stay on track to complete their associate degree or workforce certificate.

Other successes include:

  • Increase in number of degrees and certificates awarded by 16 percent
  • Decreased the amount of time for degree completion to 4.5 years
  • Completed Employee Compensation Study
  • Offering multi-year contracts for new, full-time faculty

In January, Nichols was a finalist for Citizen of the Year presented by the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce and has been honored with the Rising Star award given to emerging leaders.

The college, under Nichols, also continues to meet and improve upon its goals of Student Success, Employee Fulfillment and Exemplary Facilities.

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Clear Lake Coach Krueger named winner of national basketball award

April 1st, 2019

Coach Bill Krueger, right, with former Vice President Dick Cheney.

By Mary Alys Cherry

Legendary Clear Lake High School basketball coach Bill Krueger has been honored once again for all the amazing accomplishments in his extraordinary career.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has named him the 2019 winner of the Morgan Wooten Lifetime Achievement Award for Boys’ Basketball and was to have been presented the award March 27 – after our magazine went to press — in Atlanta during the McDonald’s All American game. Only two people are presented the award each year – one man and one woman who coach.

During his 39-year head coaching career, he compiled almost 1,100 wins – or a winning percentage of nearly 81.5 percent.

Krueger retired in 1996 as the winningest high school basketball coach in the country. His teams, first at Clear Creek High and later at Clear Lake High had 30 or more wins in 18 seasons and never had a losing season in 39 years.

Three of his high school teams went to the state basketball tournament, winning two state championships. His teams also won 29 district championships.

“This is definitely a ‘we’ thing and not a ‘me’ thing,” Krueger says. “I had all of the help you could ever get. I was in the right school districts. I had players that really loved the game and gave me 100 percent. That’s all you could ask for.”

Krueger says he loved going to work every day he was coaching.

The award is named for Morgan Wooten, who only coached high school basketball and is enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame. Those honored must have been a college graduate and a head coach for at least 25 years. Only one male and one female coach are inducted each year.

After starting his career in the San Marcos area, where his team won the Class 3A state championship, he became head coach at Clear Creek High in the 1965-66 season, starting out with a 28-3 record and the state championship game, which Creek lost to Marshall, 73-68. Over the next six seasons, his teams compiled a 243-26 – (90.3%) – record.

When the newly built Clear Lake High opened in 1972 and most of his players were transferring, he decided to join them, going on to win the 1989 state championship and reach the 1990 finals and the semi finals in 1995. His teams won at least 30 games on 13 occasions.

In 1995, he was honored in a special ceremony in Fort Worth as one of the four winningest high school coaches in the country.

Yet, despite all these honors, he has managed to be one of the most humble men one will ever meet, blaming any of his accomplishments on those who worked with him or played on teams he coached.

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HOUSTON MUNICIPAL COURTS ANNOUNCES SPRING AMNESTY PROGRAM

March 19th, 2019

The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department has announced the start of its Fresh Start Spring Amnesty Program. For the next three weeks, certain delinquent cases will be discounted to help citizens save money while resolving outstanding cases.

“Now is the perfect opportunity to start this spring season with a “Fresh” clean slate. If you have delinquent cases, you are urged to come forward and take advantage of these discounted rates,” said Judge J. Elaine Marshall, director and presiding judge of the Municipal Courts Department. “We are here to assist with Amnesty-eligible cases issued on or before February 1st. Put the past behind you and start fresh and if you have questions, please call us – we are here to help,” Judge Marshall said.

The Amnesty Program began Friday, March 15, at 8 a.m. and ends Saturday, April 6, at 11:59 p.m.  Any defendant who voluntarily appears at any Municipal Court location during the amnesty period will be permitted to resolve all of their eligible delinquent cases, including Failure to Appear (FTA) cases, and will not be subject to arrest.

Cases eligible for amnesty include cases that were delinquent prior to Feb. 1, 2019. Only the defendant named in the citation or his or her attorney can participate in the Amnesty Program. Bonding companies, friends, relatives, and spouses cannot make the amnesty request on behalf of someone else.

The Amnesty Program does not apply to a defendant that is in custody, previously adjudicated cases, parking citations, administrative violations, bond forfeitures, or civil cases. Individuals may call the Houston Helpline by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 for questions about whether their specific case(s) is amnesty eligible.

Defendants may take advantage of the Amnesty Program by phone, U.S. Mail or in person at any Municipal Court location.

For additional information about Municipal Courts or court cases, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts, or call the Houston Helpline at 3-1-1or 713-837-0311 if outside of Houston.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why are you doing this?
To resolve cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful and to assist the citizens of Houston with any lingering outstanding Municipal Court issues.

When does Amnesty begin?
The Amnesty Program began Friday, March 15 and ends at Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

What kinds of cases are eligible for Amnesty rates?
Most delinquent traffic and non-traffic citations that were delinquent on or before Feb. 1, 2019 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts. Parking citations and Administrative violations are not eligible for Amnesty. Citizens may call 3-1-1 to find out if they have eligible Amnesty cases.

What do I do if I have a delinquent parking citation?
Parking citations are not eligible for Amnesty. For additional information or assistance regarding paying your parking citation, please call 311 or 713.837.0311.

How can I find out if I have warrants?
Dial Houston’s Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or come in person at any City of Houston Municipal Court location.

What are my options if I find out that I have warrants?
You may pay the fines at the applicable Amnesty rates if your cases qualify. You may also be able to post a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You always have the option to seek legal advice from an attorney or come to any City of Houston Municipal Court location to speak with a judge.

If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?
No.  The City Houston Municipal Courts will not arrest individuals who visit our courthouse to inquire about their delinquent cases.  We encourage everyone to come in voluntarily to resolve their cases.

If I want to pay for my delinquent cases/warrants, what are my payment options?
Payment options are as follows: Phone (3-1-1, 713-837-0311), U.S. Mail, or In-Person at any City of Houston Municipal Court location.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, money orders, and American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

After I pay, how long will it take to clear my driving record through DPS?
The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department will forward the information to DPS upon payment of your case(s). Please allow 5 to 7 business days for your driving record to clear through DPS.

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OLSON INVITES 22ND DISTRICT STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

March 18th, 2019

The 2018 Congressional High School Art Competition winner was Hannah Li from Clements High School. Her piece, entitled “In the Moment,” currently hangs in the U.S. Capitol.

Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22) invites high school students from his 22nd District to participate in the 2019 Congressional Art Competition.

This competition, which began in 1982, provides an opportunity for members of Congress to recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

“Every year, talented high school artists share their unique perspectives on life and of the American experience through their artwork in the Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Olson said. “This competition gives them an opportunity to showcase their artistic talent and vision for the thousands of folks who visit the Capitol each year. I encourage the many talented artists in TX-22 to enter this competition and share their artwork with others in Texas and the nation.”

The first place winner from the 22nd Congressional District will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year. As part of this competition, the district first place winner receives complimentary airfare to fly to Washington, D.C. to see their art displayed in the Capitol Building during an unveiling ceremony.

Artwork is due to Olson’s Sugar Land office from Wednesday, April 10 through Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Artwork must be two-dimensional and be submitted to Rep. Olson’s Sugar Land office unframed. In addition to the artwork, participants will need to submit the student release form.

For rules, regulations and criteria, visit http://1.usa.gov/1VPdmKI

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City of Houston plans to start issuing reimbursement checks for Hurricane Harvey recovery

March 14th, 2019

The City of Houston is clearing hurdles to issue reimbursement checks for Harvey-related home repairs by the end of March.

On Wednesday, Texas General Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush approved the city’s request to reduce barriers for reimbursing homeowners. Also, City Council is expected to vote Wednesday, March 20 on a key set of homeowner contract documents that will allow the city’s to sign contracts with homeowners almost immediately.

“I have fought for the resources Houston needs to recover from Harvey, and now I’m fighting to make sure we get help to Houstonians without delay,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “In disaster recovery, there are a lot of challenges for homeowners including requirements set by state and federal agencies. I’m looking for ways to make the process smoother for everyone.”

The GLO authorized the city to use an additional method of verifying how much homeowners spent on recovery, by allowing homeowners to self-certify repair costs that are then verified by the city. The city and GLO still encourage homeowners to document recovery expenses with receipts when possible, while recognizing that self-certification will help speed the process. “We’re grateful to Commissioner Bush and the GLO for helping us reduce administrative burdens, while making sure that we’re good stewards of federal resources,” said Tom McCasland, the city’s Housing and Community Development Director.

Once City Council approves the standard contract forms for the Homeowner Assistance Program (HoAP), the Housing and Community Development Department will move forward with signing contracts with the first round of homeowners for the reimbursement program option. The city will then verify repair costs and begin issuing checks to eligible homeowners. “Our target is the end of March to start cutting checks for reimbursement,” McCasland said.

Homeowners interested in participating in HoAP or other Harvey recovery programs should take the Harvey Recovery Survey at www.recovery.houstontx.gov/survey or 832-393-0550. The Survey takes less than 15 minutes, doesn’t require any documents, and is the first step in accessing recovery programs. More information is available at www.recovery.houstontx.gov.

Funds for Harvey Recovery Programs are provided by the City of Houston and the Texas General Land Office through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program.

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Clear Lake’s Gemini Avenue to get facelift

March 13th, 2019

Houston City Council Member Dave Martin is pleased to announce Houston Public Works crews will be performing an asphalt overlay along Gemini Avenue from El Camino Real to Reseda Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin the week of March 25, 2019 and is expected to be complete by the end of June 2019, weather permitting.

The project will start in the 1000 block of Gemini Avenue and progress towards Reseda Drive. The scope of work includes resurfacing the asphalt street. This process includes milling off an approximate 2 inch layer of old asphalt, repairing the base as needed, spraying tack coat and overlaying 2 inches of new asphalt surface pavement. Crew staging activities are anticipated to occur between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., with work occurring between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As a result of the construction activities, motorists are asked to be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as temporary lane closures are expected.

One lane will be open in each direction during peak traffic hours. Residents and businesses may experience temporary delays accessing Gemini Avenue, as well as individual driveways, and may experience an increase in noise levels because of trucks and equipment.

For more information, contact Council Member Dave Martin’s office at 832-393-3008 or districte@houstontx.gov.

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Houston Physicians’ Hospital

March 4th, 2019

Setting the new standard for healthcare

Houston Physicians’ Hospital is an award-winning facility with some of the first technology of its kind offered in the Houston Bay Area. As a physician-owned hospital specializing in surgical services, including joint, spine, sports medicine and robotic surgery, Houston Physicians’ Hospital has a vision to be the healthcare provider where physicians choose to practice, patients want to receive care, and employees prefer to work.

Dr. Greg Bonnen, Neurosurgeon, says that Houston Physicians’ Hospital “is really the only place I want to work. It is the most efficient and patients are the happiest with their experience here by far. There’s no other place where patients rave about their experience and the way they are treated.”

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

Award-Winning Care
Houston Physicians’ Hospital recently earned a 5-star rating for patient experience from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and is one of only two in the Houston area to achieve such designation.

It is the first and only facility in Houston to earn Hip and Knee Replacement Certification from DNV and was recognized as a Center of Distinction by Stryker and recognized in the top 75th percentile for Joint Replacement.

Houston Physicians’ Hospital obtained ISO-9001 certification, earned a Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery from Health Grades in 2018, and was recognized as a Houston Chronicle Top Workplace in 2017.

Joint Solutions Center
The Joint Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital is truly a one-of-a-kind program that provides an individualized plan with a patient navigator, pre-operative classes and a space-theme competition between patients post-operatively. The program is evidence based and provides some of the best outcomes in the country.

The team at the Joint Solutions Center at Houston Physicians’ Hospital “utilizes evidence-based protocols that were developed collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia, nurses and physical therapists,” said Dr. Anthony Melillo, Orthopedic Surgeon. “We continually enhance our program with a patient-centric approach. We invite patients back and incorporate their feedback to help us improve the program.” As a result, Houston Physicians’ Hospital is now performing the most joint replacements in the Clear Lake area.

Dr. Marilyn Copeland, Orthopedic Surgeon chooses Houston Physicians’ Hospital because “it has the lowest infection rate in the area. When I send patients [to Houston Physicians’ Hospital], they are pleased with the care. The employees love working here, and you can tell they want to be here. There’s a level of commitment and care to help patients feel comfortable so the whole experience is seamless.”

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

Spine Solutions Center
Houston Physicians’ Hospital takes spine care seriously and understands that neck and back pain can be life-altering. That’s why the Spine Solutions Center offers appointments within 48 hours with no referral needed. Based on diagnosis, the patient navigator will help with everything from getting timely appointments to selecting the right specialist. The Spine Solutions Center program focuses on patient care and clinical outcomes collaboratively designed by surgeons and highly trained clinical staff. The ultimate goal is to have patients resuming normal activity as quickly as possible. The team at Houston Physicians’ Hospital thoroughly assesses patients’ needs to ensure they receive the proper treatment. Most patients can be treated non-surgically with treatment options such as Physical Therapy. Houston Physicians’ Hospital has 15 physical therapy locations in the Houston area. If surgery is needed, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and pain medicine specialists provide advanced surgical options.

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

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

Caring Suite MRI
Houston Physicians’ Hospital has the first and only “Caring Suite” MRI in Southeast Houston that offers an innovative, personalized and stress-relieving approach to diagnostic imaging suite design. With a tap, patients can choose their favorite 4K nature theme, lighting hue, music, movie or even family photos. The MRI “Caring Suite” helps reduce anxiety and the need for sedation in patients that experience claustrophobia in other MRIs.

Patient Testimonials
After getting both of her knees replaced last year, Vicie Richardson says she doesn’t spend Saturdays in bed. “I can live again. Dr. Melillo is my hero. Everyone [at Houston Physicians’ Hospital] was phenomenal and treat you like you’re like the only person there. Every single person was kind,” said Richardson.

After seeing many specialists and going to an emergency room, Jodie Crews found Dr. Marilyn Copeland, who “saw me on her lunch break and correctly diagnosed me within five minutes of something I had been fighting for months and living in excruciating pain.” Within a few hours, her pain had subsided.

Carmelita Love was diagnosed with nonessential tremors 30 years ago. After her Deep Brain Stimulation procedure by Dr. Bonnen, she said “I came out of recovery in tears. I wasn’t crying in pain. It was tears of joy because my tremors were gone.” She commented that her “care [at Houston Physicians’ Hospital] was wonderful. I just love the place. The doctors, the PA, the nurses, even x-ray techs are so patient-focused.”

Cara McAfee recently had her second back surgery at 40 years old, and compared to her first surgery at another facility, “the physicians were coordinated so my care was seamless. I received customized treatment from the staff and Dr. Bonnen anticipated my needs to make sure it was the right environment for me to heal.”

Houston Physicians’ Hospital is located at 333 North Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, Webster, TX 77598. Visit them online at www.houstonphysicianshospital.com

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HCA-affiliated Clear Lake Regional Medical Center gets a new name

March 4th, 2019

Clear Lake Regional Medical Center was rebranded as HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake on Jan. 31.

By Mary Alys Cherry

HCA-affiliated Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster has a new name – HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake.

Officials said the name was changed to better reflect the hospital’s affiliation with one of Houston’s most comprehensive healthcare systems. They gathered at the hospital with League City Mayor Pat Hallisey and officials representing Webster Mayor Donna Rogers to officially launch its new identity.

“Taking the HCA name signals our commitment to be held to the highest standards in the industry,” said Todd Caliva, chief executive officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake, who also announced upcoming improvements to the hospital, including new VIP labor and delivery suites, a facelift to the women’s services department, major construction to the Emergency Department entrance, two new operating rooms, a major cath lab expansion, and a significant bed expansion.

THIRD CHANGE
Actually, it is the third name change for the medical facility. It started out life as Clear Lake Hospital, but later became known as Humana Hospital-Clear Lake and then as Clear Lake Regional Medical Center.

Fay Dudney, wife of the late Dr. Ned Dudney of League City, who helped turn a dream into a reality, remembered how it all happened when she talked with us back in 2012 as the hospital was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

“Dr. Larry Chapman (who died Dec. 2, 2018) came over from Seabrook to see us, and when he walked in, he said, ‘Ned, I want you to help me build a hospital here in our area.’”
Dudney, who had to put patients in hospitals long distances from their homes, immediately liked the idea, and “soon we sought out physicians all over the area,” Dr. Chapman said as he thought back to those heady days.

Joined by the late Dr. Joe Symon of Friendswood, “the three of us pursued things pretty hard, and before long some 18 to 20 doctors practicing at Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena gave us their blessings. And, their financial backing,” Dr. Chapman recalled.

The group bought a 70-acre tract bounded by State Highway 3 and Texas Avenue in Webster, and on George Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, 1970, a crowd of 500 gathered for the groundbreaking of the $4.2 million hospital, which opened with 150 beds, but designed to hold 600 beds.

OPENING DAY
A crowd of 3,000 was on hand Sunday, March 12, 1972 for the dedication and opening of Clear Lake Hospital, as it was originally named. But over the years it has grown so much it is barely recognizable in early photographs. A new emergency room was added in 2003, and its $55 million Heart & Vascular Hospital was built across the street in 2007, then expanded in 2010 with a $17 million, 72-room addition that included a pharmacy and dialysis unit.

The hospital grew even larger in 2012 with a $92 million expansion that included a 154,000- square-foot Patient Tower with a 30-bed Intensive Care Unit and a wide range of innovations.

Every year, HCA Houston Healthcare provides care for more than one million hospital patients, more than 450,000 emergency room patients and delivers one in four births in Houston. It currently has more than 16,000 employees, including 6,900 nurses. And, now a new name.

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