Bay Area Body Shop: A Cut Above the Rest

June 29th, 2020

Bay Area Body Shop owner Mike Duncan with Bay Group Media CEO Rick Clapp

By Rick Clapp

There are automotive body shops and there are genuine state-of-the-art body repair shops like Bay Area Body Shop. This top notch shop is owned and operated by the Duncan family. The owner Mike Duncan is well known in the local body and repair business for reliable work.

Bay Area Body Shop was created and started in 1968 with two major goals in mind; quality work to the manufacturers specifications/standards and complete customer satisfaction. That has proven to be successful over the years.

The Duncan’s shop is well known for their knowledge, abilities, state-of-the-art modern equipment, creativity, craftsmanship and professional work. Their body work meets the manufacturers standards, not insurance company standards.

“Most people do not know but in the state of Texas, the car or truck owner can choose and decide who they want to repair their vehicles, not the insurance companies.” owner Mike Duncan said.

The major difference at Bay Area Body Shop is they place the emphasis on today’s up to date information of what the vehicle manufacturers requires for correct and proper body work for cars and trucks. The repair specifications and materials constantly change. For example more vehicles have gone from heavier metal parts to aluminum, which requires more knowledge and a different skill set in preforming the work.

It is imperative that vehicles must be repaired properly or the body shop can be held liable for incorrect work that could potentially jeopardize the driver and or occupants of the car or truck.

Mike Duncan and members of his staff are constantly educated, trained and receive various certificates from vehicle manufacturers. They effectively combine experience, education, knowledge and their body repair skills, as well as state-of-the-art equipment to repair their customer’s vehicles.

In order to have a world-class body shop, Bay Area Body Shop has invested heavily in the industry’s newest tech such as computerized measuring equipment which measures structural damage, a compression spot welder and a specialized MIG welder, which is set up for aluminum made cars. They also boast about their frame machine which corrects frame damage.

Bay Area Body Shop combines the best in art, science and legal when properly repairing your vehicle.

“New engineering and technology improves time and energy, however, it’s the old tried and true ways of hard work and attention to detail that gets the job done.” said Duncan.
Bay Area Body Shop of Seabrook’s future looks bright.

“We are very excited about the new expansion of Hwy. 146 and what our city officials are planning for our business and other new businesses coming to our city. We are presently in the improvement and expansion mode to better serve our customers wants and needs,“ stated Duncan.

Bay Area Body Shop is truly a family affair with Mike Duncan at the Helm. His dynamic wife Glenda handles the front of the house and runs the office, and his bright energetic daughter Danielle conducts the estimates. She is highly respected for her up to date knowledge of vehicle repair and her cost effective estimates.

In the past body repair shops were all male dominated but Danielle broke that old mold, and now both men and women customers are equally confident to work with her.
The Bay Area Body Shop provides reliable work in a punctual manner. They are conveniently located at 3110 Bayport Blvd., Seabrook Texas. Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and can be reached by phone at 281-474-4711 or online at bayareabodyshop.com

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Feral hogs spotted in Seabrook

February 17th, 2020

Seabrook Animal Control has received several calls regarding packs of feral hogs at Wildlife Park just off Red Bluff Road in Seabrook. This is not unusual but may cause apprehension to residents. While utilizing the trails please be observant and aware of your surroundings. More often than not, if you leave them alone they will probably leave you alone. Most feral hogs, in particular female mothers, will only charge someone when they feel provoked or threatened, therefore if sighted, do not try to approach the hogs and do not feed them. Never discharge a firearm or attempt to kill a feral hog as this would violate city ordinance.

Residents who have sighted feral hogs in neighborhoods, alleys or yards, or have seen a hog charge at a person or attack a domestic animal should contact Animal Control by calling Police Dispatch at (281) 291-5610. If the feral hogs are of no threat to personal property or your wellbeing, there is no need to contact Animal Control.

Feral hogs are omnivorous mammals that feed primarily at night and during the twilight hours but may go out in search of food during the day in cold or wet weather. Because feral hogs are largely nocturnal, the visible signs they leave behind are often all there is to indicate their presence. These signs include wallowing, rubs and rooting. Wallows are where hogs root and roll in the mud; rubs are made when hogs scratch or rub themselves on tree trunks, telephone poles, fence posts, and rocks leaving a noticeable sign with mud and hair often left clinging; rooting looks as if the soil has been plowed and mostly takes place over a large area.

To learn more about wildlife in Seabrook visit www.seabrooktx.gov/wildlife.

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17th Annual Lucky Trails event revving up for March 13-15

February 5th, 2020

Sponsored by the City of Seabrook, organizer Running Alliance Sport (RAS) challenges runners with three days of races in the 17th annual Seabrook Lucky Trails Event Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 13-15. A Seabrook tradition, there are distances for every runner, including Kids K, Quarter Marathon, two Half Marathons, a ¾ Marathon, two 5Ks, a Two-Person Half marathon Relay, and Four-Person Marathon Relay and of course the signature event, the Lucky Trails Marathon.

Affectionately known as the “Luckiest Marathon in Texas” (and arguably the easiest), the Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon, run over scenic trails at Seabrook’s Meador Park includes opportunities for all levels of fitness and supports the community by benefiting survivors of domestic abuse through TheBridge Over Troubled Waters, a non-profit organization that assists survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence in eight area communities.

The kick-off race for the event is Friday’s 5K, and Kids K run on the Trails, starting at 5:45 p.m. with a time limit of 1 hour and 15 minutes. The Kids K will start at 5:30 p.m.

Marathon walkers have the option of an early start at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, with the official Marathon start at 7:15 a.m. Also starting at 7:15 a.m. On Saturday, the Four-Person Relay and the ¾ Marathon race. A Half Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m., and the course closes at 2 p.m.

Sunday the event wraps with the Quarter Marathon, Half Marathon and Two-Person Relay starting at 7:15 a.m., and the second 5K of the weekend starting at 7:30 a.m.

All registrants receive a gender-specific technical shirt and other items and all finishers – including relay and 5K participants – receive an event-specific, custom-designed medal. Expect friendly volunteers, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed costume contest and a wonderful after-party

All races start and end at Rex Meador Park, located in Seabrook at 2100 Meyer Road.

For online registration and detailed race, information visit www.seabrookmarathon.org.  Updates and announcements are also posted to the Running Alliance Sports Facebook page, the single social media page participants and fans can follow for all RAS event news and announcements: https://www.facebook.com/RunningAllianceSport/

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Keels & Wheels Calls for Entries

February 1st, 2020

The 25th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance is now accepting classic car, boat and vintage motorcycle entries for the event slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, 2020.
Entry forms are available online at keels-wheels.com/registration and must be submitted no later than March 6. Only 200 automobiles, 100 boats and 20 motorcycles will be selected, so it is important for submissions to be made as early as possible.

Potential exhibitors are asked to submit photos of the entry, along with year, make, model, owner information, and a brief history of the entry. Keels & Wheels does not typically consider any automobiles newer than 1972 for entry in the event.

The weekend-long, nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show takes place each spring at the Lakewood Yacht Club in beautiful Seabrook, a bayside suburb of Houston, attracts more than 10,000 attendees. The car, boat and motorcycle exhibitors come from every part of the United States, contributing to the more than $1.8 million that the Concours has raised to date for local charities.

For more information about submitting your classic automobile or antique boat, please visit www.keels-wheels.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

TO BECOME A SPONSOR OF KEELS & WHEELS CALL BAY GROUP MEDIA AT 281-474-5875.

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Seabrook to launch EMS Oct. 14

September 30th, 2019

Seabrook residents will see a change in ambulance service beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. The City of Seabrook will be contracting with Acadian ambulance services between Oct. 1 through Oct. 13, and on Monday, Oct. 14 the city will begin offering a new emergency medical service and transport department.

Seabrook EMS will provide quality care and prompt service to Seabrook residents with paramedics and a new ambulance stationed at the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department off East Meyer Avenue in Seabrook.

The Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps has been providing ambulance service for Seabrook since its inception in 1972. Over the past 47 years, Seabrook has had a good partnership with CLEMC and Seabrook residents have received quality care and services by CLEMC first responders. However, with the State Highway 146 expansion and the increase in service demand, CLEMC leadership indicated that a significant increase in cost would be required to continue providing services to Seabrook.

Earlier this year, Seabrook City Council directed city staff to begin the establishment of a dedicated EMS department that would assure efficient and quality emergency services for Seabrook’s future.

The development of the new department is being managed by the Director of Emergency Services Brad Goudie. He brings over 20 years of experience to Seabrook as he first served as a paramedic in 1995 with the Euless Fire Department, and prior to joining the Seabrook team served as the fire chief for the City of Highland Village. In addition, he also served as the League City fire chief from August 2011 to January 2015.

Seabrook EMS has hired six highly experienced paramedics, three of which will serve as supervisors, Goudie said at the Aug. 26, city council meeting. “Seabrook paramedics have a combined 95 years of experience.”

Dr. Safi Madain has been appointed to serve as the medical director of Seabrook EMS. Dr. Madain has an extensive background in cardiac, stroke and sepsis care and is currently serving as the chief of Emergency Medicine at Clear Lake HCA and also as the medical director for the City of Alvin EMS.

“It is our responsibility to see that Seabrook receives high-quality medical care, as quickly as possible,”  Mayor Thom Kolupski said, “and I feel confident that our residents will receive that exceptional and timely care from our new Seabrook EMS.”

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Seabrook solicitors must obtain permits prior to going door-to-door

July 2nd, 2019

In recent weeks Seabrook residents have been approached by door-to-door solicitors and it has been brought to the attention of the Seabrook Police Department. Many residents are leery of solicitors and with good reason; how do you know if the solicitor is representing a legitimate business or if it is someone trying to scam you for money?

Seabrook City Council has passed Ordinance No. 2013-25, Regulation of Peddlers, Itinerant Vendors, Hawkers, Solicitors and Canvassers. This ordinance requires all individuals and groups, unless exempt by the ordinance, to apply for a permit from the City of Seabrook. The permit requirement was unanimously passed by Council in order to protect residents from unwanted harassment and to identify peddlers and solicitors who may pose a threat to persons or property.

In addition to the required permit, the ordinance also includes:

  • Solicitors may only conduct business between the hours of 8 a.m. to approximately one hour before sunset.
  • Solicitors may not approach a property that has a posted “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” sign.
  • Solicitors may not remain on private property if they have been asked to leave.

The Seabrook Police Department would like to remind residents to follow these safety tips when someone rings your doorbell.

  • Never open the door to someone you do not know. You may speak to them through a locked closed door.
  • Ensure they have a city-issued permit, which should be visible.
  • Do not engage in conversation if you are not interested in the product or service being offered.
  • Do not debate or argue with the solicitor.
  • Do not let the solicitor into your home.
  • You may place a “No Soliciting” or “No Trespassing” sign in your yard or on your door.
  • If you have opted to place a sign prohibiting solicitors and are still approached by one, simply do not open your door, or, calmly ask them to leave.
  • Contact the Seabrook Police Department by calling 281-291-5610 if you have any concerns or would like to report suspicious behavior.

The ordinance and permitting process helps ensure the safety of our residents. If you would like to conduct business in the City of Seabrook as a peddler or solicitor please visit www.seabrooktx.gov/peddler to apply for a permit.

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24th Annual Keels & Wheels chalks up another big success

June 1st, 2019

Seabrook Mayor Pro-tem Natalie Picha, from left, Mayor Thom Kolupski and City Manager Gayle Cook, along with Economic Development Corp. President Paul Dunphey, can hardly contain their happiness as the rainstorm moves on and the sun comes out just in time for their Keels & Wheels kickoff party on the elegant yacht Liberty Belle at Lakewood Yacht Club.

By Mary Alys Cherry

The 24th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, the weekend-long, nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show that takes place each spring at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, was another rousing success – even managing to dodge a damaging rainstorm that swept through the area.

This year’s proceeds will benefit Today’s Harbor for Children, which opens its door to abandoned and abused children.

It was an especially happy event for two Texans who held the winning raffle tickets for a new car and a new boat, donated by The Jon and Jacqueline Hodges Charitable Organization and Texas Coast Yachts – Jason Tieman of League City and Lori Hunt of Dallas.

As the Friday afternoon rainstorm that threatened the popular event headed north, leaving all the dashing Keels & Wheels automobiles snug as a bug in the rug under their protective covers until the event opened Saturday, Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski, Economic Development Director Paul Chavez and the EDC Board headed by EDC President Paul Dunphey got the party started on the Dunpheys 67-foot yacht, Liberty Belle, in Lakewood’s inner harbor just as the sun peaked through the clouds.

Among the dozens of guests at the kickoff party, you might have spotted Seabrook City Manager Gayle Cook, with her husband, Kevin; Mayor Jon Keeney of nearby Taylor Lake Village, Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther and his wife, Fabiana; Economic Alliance President and CEO Chad Burke with his wife, Shannon; Seabrook Mayor Pro-team Natalie Picha and husband, Darrell; and City Councilmen Jeff Larson and Ed Klein and his wife, Adel, along with hostess Amy Dunphey, to name a few of those munching on hors d’oeuvres and enjoying the cool bay breezes.

It was not until Saturday that Jason Tieman of League City learned he had won the 2019 Lincoln MKC SUV from BayWay Lincoln as this year’s official raffle vehicle, valued at more than $39,000. Dark Knight Motor Group provided a Cermamic Coating Package, valued at close to $5,000 for the Lincoln MKC, which includes Feynlab Self Heal Plus. Dark Knight Motor Group specializes in the aesthetic rejuvenation and protection of automotive and marine vehicles and is based in Kemah. Lori Hunt of Dallas won the 2019 NC 795 Jeanneau Power Boat, 24’4” with Yamaha 200 engine and air-conditioned cabin, valued at more than $100,000. Dark Knight Motor Group also provided a Ceramic Coating Package valued at close to $6,400 for the power boat which includes Feynlab Hydro Marine Ceramic Coating and the installation of Glassparency Hydrophobic Coating.

Another highlight of the event was the $100,000 dollar painting on display of “The Bugati in the Lake” provided by Gremillion Gallery and sponsored by Bay Area Houston and Gulf Coast Mariner Magazines.

Keels & Wheels, chaired by Bob Fuller, welcomes approximately 200 cars and 100 boats each spring, and has raised more than $1.8 million for local charities, while drawing thousands of participants and spectators from all over the U.S. and Europe.

Proceeds from the 2019 event will again benefit Today’s Harbor for Children, who mission is to provide a home and safe environment for abandoned and abused children and healthy, comprehensive care for children and families in crisis.

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Midnite Slice in Seabrook delivers until 3 a.m.

February 1st, 2019

By Xander Thomas

For those sick of the typical 24-hour diner or open late taco joints for those nighttime munchies, Seabrook is home to its very own pizza place that can satisfy any hunger, from the need for comfort food to those looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

“We like to do alot of weird pizzas, we do creative pizzas, we really encourage that,” said Midnite Slice owner Sibbian Roe.

From the typical pizzeria staples like pepperoni pizza, chicken wings and bread sticks, to the not uncommon, but hard to tackle taco pizza – The Hombre Wood, a more adventurous teriyaki chicken pie – named Big Trouble in Little China, and even the one you just know will be a hit with Beavis and Butthead fans, The Great Cornholio – with a chili base and topped with Fritos – this is a restaurant that can cater to the most indecisive of eaters.

“Pizza never goes out of style,” said Sibbian, “Plus we really like to make things different, and pizza you can put anything as the base, put whatever you want on top of it, like you can really get crazy with that.”

While she tries to reach to the height of creativity in her menu, Sibbian makes a point of letting doubters know that this place is more than just a gimmick of new and different ideas to get tourists in.  She wants everyone to know that they use high-quality and in store made ingredients.

“We try and do a higher quality pizza, we make our own dough every day, we use 100% real mozzarella cheese, we use real sausage and not that dogfood kibble stuff,” Sibbian said with a laugh.

Even with the made-for-greatness ingredients, and blank-slate mentality on a commonplace social food that’s been reproduced the same way over and over again, what really is the best part about Midnite Slice? That when you have friends over at 2 a.m., you don’t all need to pile into a car or send someone on a taco run for late snacks; Midnite Slice will deliver within a good range from their location on 2nd Street in Seabrook.

Yes, they are open that late, staying open till midnight Sunday-Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, they have your post-bar hunger covered!

While the restaurant itself turn seven this year, Sibbian says that the building actually has a lot of history.

“This building is the original post-office in Seabrook,” she said, “it was built in 1904 and it was the post office until 1964 when Carla hit.”

They even have a picture on the wall of when it actually was a post office.  She says that most of the building is solid wood, and most of the electricity is still run on conduit.

So next time you’re with your friends, or even hanging out alone, and find yourself hungry late, don’t hurry to jump in the car for a food run, just let Midnite Slice bring something interesting to your door.

“A lot of people who are ordering that late, maybe shouldn’t be driving,” Sibbian said, “So we kind of consider it a public service.”

Midnite Slice is located at 1605 2nd St., Seabrook, TX 77586. Visit them online at midniteslice.com

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That home feeling

February 1st, 2019

By Lilli Heintz

I have always been told that home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling. I did not quite understand that until I experienced it first-hand. When you hear the word, home, what do you think of? Is it the house that you grew up in and been all your life? Is it your parents’ home? Is it your own apartment or newly bought house?

For me, I have lived in the same house as long as I can remember, so naturally I called that home. I am now living in a new city and an apartment. I have been calling my apartment home while not paying attention. Someone pointed it out, and it made me realize that I call both places in Seabrook and New York home.

I call Seabrook home because everyone I love is there, it’s cozy and familiar. Seabrook is both physically home but also the feeling of home. Since that is where I have spent 16 years of my life, it will always be my home. I am surrounded by the people that mean the world to me. They have stuck with me through thick and thin, and have always been the most loving people.

I also know that city like the back of my hand. I know the shortcuts and long routes to drive by the water. I know the rotation of the red lights, and where the best views are for sunrises and sunsets. I know all the places to eat, and where I can go to see my friends. My church, that is always growing, is there. Seabrook is and will always be home.

I believe that New York is my new home because I have never felt so myself somewhere. I dress how I want, I feel comfortable in my own skin, and my heart is happy there. It is crazy that one place can hold so many emotions. It is interesting how it is the city that feels like home and not necessarily my apartment.

At some point, in Seabrook, it became increasingly hard to be comfortable in my skin. Here in New York, people don’t care who you are when walking the streets, they only care about where they have to get to next. That has helped me focus on myself and who I need to be in this world. I am the one girl that will stand there and hold the door open for people at the subway station, or even bless you after you sneeze in passing. I have even found a new church home here. God is amazing at providing a home away from home. Hillsong NYC reminds me of how my dad preaches and after the first service there I knew that was where God wanted me to hear his word.

The feeling of home can also be people. Other people have such a big toll on our hearts and minds. When you make a deep connection with someone, they can turn into your home feeling as well. When you’re with this person, everywhere you go or stay can feel like home because you are so at peace with this person. You don’t have to put on your masks, you let them know your deepest darkest secrets, and you can completely feel like yourself with them. You can have these people turn into your family that you never want to lose. A single person can change how you feel about a situation or environment, they can be your home away from home, or a long-lost sister.

Even though New Your City is always busy, it does slow down at times. That’s when I found my people here, the people that saved me. I have an amazing group of friends that I can rely on because they are always there when I need them. I have amazing agents that listen to me and help me get to where I want to be in the modeling world. I have found my New York family and they are my home. One day soon my apartment will feel like home but at least the city and its adventures are already my home.

Both of these places hold a home feeling in my heart, and I am so blessed to have these experiences. I have found people who make me feel at home and are my family. I have now realized the meaning of home, both physically and emotionally. What in your life has given you this amazing home feeling?

If you want to follow my day to day life follow me on Instagram @lilliheintz

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Highway 146 rebuild to start any day now

February 1st, 2019

By Mary Alys Cherry

The face of Seabrook is about to change as the Texas Department of Transportation rebuilds State Highway 146 from Red Bluff Road south past NASA Parkway and on through Kemah to Highway 518 – turning the roadway into a 6-to-12 lane freeway.

With construction of the five-year, $200 million project expected to start any day now, it’s hard to drive through Seabrook and not be consumed with sadness. In a way, this main thoroughfare through town almost looks like it might be part of the war in Syria.

Remember the Wells-Fargo Bank that started out life first as Clear Creek State Bank and then Allied Bank and has stood many years at the corner of 146 and Capri Lane? It fell to the wrecking ball and is now just a pile of dust. Ditto for the Valero service station where many a motorist bought gas. So are dozens of other businesses.

McDonald’s? Gone. Walgreen’s? CVS? Gone. Whataburger? Gone. Neptune Subs? Gone. Jiffy Lube? Gone, along with Hill’s Liquor Discount, Jiffy Lube, Benjamin’s Automotive, All American Auto Repair, Rustic Furniture, The Waffle House, Tookie’s Hamburgers, KFC/Taco Bell, Laredos, TNT Mattress Outlet, Donald’s Donuts. Angel Haircuts and dozens more.About the only places left in the Five Points area where one can eat is Mario’s Flying Pizza, Tookie’s Seafood and the Classic Cafe. Most businesses are opening up shop in other parts of town.

NEW BRIDGE

Each day another part of a building comes tumbling down as the Texas Department of Transportation demolishes one structure after another in the run-up to rebuilding the highway from the Seabrook Channel Bridge on the city’s southside, through NASA 1 to Red Bluff. A new bridge across the bay from Seabrook to Kemah also will be built and the current Seabrook-Kemah Bridge will be used as a frontage road to ease traffic.

But, while the next five years – yes, five years – will be difficult on everyone, residents and visitors alike, once RS&H Engineering and Webber Construction begins work, they hope to turn the project into a thing of beauty.

Mayor Thom Kolupski says that through a partnership between the City of Seabrook and the Seabrook Economic Development Council (SEDC), working with TxDOT, a “beautiful and only in Seabrook, highway design standard which will enhance the seaside characteristics of our community has been finalized.

SAILBOAT MOTIF

“The designs include a sailboat motif on the side walls of the overpasses, white powder-coated traffic signals and LED lighting with nautical bollards under the underpasses. Future projects in the work call for nautical gateway signage at the city entrances with possible boardwalk and LED lighting under the Seabrook Channel Bridge,” he added.

Construction will start on the southside of Seabrook, Kolupski said, at the Seabrook-Kemah Bridge and move north toward the Red Bluff overpass

“TxDOT has assured us that four lanes of traffic will remain open during construction, with additional lane closures, when necessary, limited to off peak night hours,” Kolupski pointed out. “With that said, traffic delays may still occur throughout the construction project, especially during our commuting hours.”Noting that the next few years will be demanding, the mayor asked the public to have patience and understanding. “We also would like your input when a problem or issue is noticed or perceived. Do not hesitate to bring issues or concerns to our attention.

NOT FORGOTTEN

The Seabrook mayor wants businesses to know they are not forgotten. The SEDC and the city staff have been diligently working to provide new opportunities for developers who want to expand into Seabrook.

“Ýou may have noticed construction has begun on the planned retail center on SH 146 in front of The Towers luxury apartment complex. This two-building center will be known as The Commons and will be able to accommodate a number of new retail locations…There has also been outstanding interest by many new businesses that have a desire to move to Seabrook, and we remain optimistic these businesses will make Seabrook their new home.

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