Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Spotlight
BACODA Fifty Years in Service for the Bay Area Communities
The Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA) has been a trusted source for drug and alcohol information and available resources in the Bay Area communities for fifty years.
We got our start with the Clear Lake Chamber after a rash of drug-related suicides in this young, fast-growing community in 1970s. We are a 501 (c)(3)-Not for Profit with a volunteer board of directors. Our headquarters is located in the United Way Bldg. in Clear Lake at 1300A Bay Area Blvd Suite 224.
BACODA has a wide range of programs to address the needs of individuals, families, businesses, schools, and entire communities.
BACODA’s Youthworks program provides drug/alcohol prevention services in schools in our area. We have trained Prevention Specialists to work with youth using a researched based curriculum as well as presentations and activities focused on a prevention message. BACODA uses trained staff to provide educational presentations for schools that are outside of our designated schools.
In our Detour school self-paid programs, BACODA provides customized Prevention Programs for schools who are looking for a
prevention program to meet their requirements. The school can choose the components BACODA offers for their program to make it as broad as covering all factors or compressed to focus on an individual school’s immediate need. For example, a principal realizes that the school has a big vaping problem with their youth; BACODA can educate teachers, staff, parents, and the students on the facts around vaping because so little is known by the community.
BACODA has two coalitions in the area, Brazoria County and SE Harris County. The BACODA Coalition Coordinators are leaders in
their communities who gather local concerned volunteers from all parts of the area: parents, teachers, clergy, business, local law enforcement, and policy makers. Their focus is addressing the harmful impact of underage drinking and drug use, including tobacco and vaping products in their communities.
BACODA organizes training on Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid while providing a link to local mental health resources. Our Project Coordinator on this has trained police officers, first responders, caretakers, and social service providers on awareness and de-escalation skills.
Through United Way, BACODA provides crisis counseling to work with individuals and their family to figure out what to do next. We provide short-term drug/alcohol counseling and recovery support. We provide evaluations using an assessment tool to gauge the severity of the addiction, the courts can also mandate this. We are not a treatment center; we do short term counseling and provide long-term support.
Our biggest regret is, even after fifty years in the community, getting, “I did not know you all were here.” BACODA is still not recognized by our community members as a well-known community resource. Help is just a phone call away at 1-800510-3111.
We want to help. If you know of someone struggling with substance misuse, please let them know we are here and ready to help.
Katie Jones Named Chairman of Lunar Rendezvous Festival
Katie Jones grew up in the Clear Lake area and has over 30 years of history with the Lunar Rendezvous Festival. In 2001, she participated as a Princess and returned 14 years ago as a volunteer. Katie brings extensive experience, having co-chaired the Big Court, Little Court, Sunset Service, Fashion Show, the 50 th Anniversary Coronation Ball, and served as the 2024 Vice-Chair. She takes great pride in the fact that three of her children have also participated in Lunar Rendezvous as a Lieutenant, Little Lady-in-Waiting, and a Page. Katie has always had a heart for service and began volunteering in the 8 th grade as an Assisteens of the Bay Area member. Since then, she has nurtured her love of service by serving as room mom for many years, actively participating in multiple PTAs, and being a member of the Assistance League of the Bay Area. Katie has served on several committees for Assistance League including Operation School Bell, Operation Cinderella, and their annual Gala. She finds immense joy in working to provide opportunities for the youth
in her community and watching them grow and thrive.
In addition, Katie owns Event 360 LLC, an event service and rental company. She extends her dedication to community service through her business by sponsoring event services for multiple non-profit organizations, reinforcing her commitment to giving back, and supporting meaningful causes.
Katie and her husband, Dexter, have been married for 11 years and are the proud parents of four remarkable children: Alex, Madison, Henry, and Zoey. Watching her children follow in her footsteps, serving their community and developing a love for the Lunar Rendezvous Festival, has been a privilege for her. Katie is incredibly grateful for the love and support of her husband and family, which enables her to continue her work.
Katie is humbled by the honor of chairing the 60 th Annual Lunar Rendezvous Festival and is committed to making this year truly exceptional, working closely with her team to raise money for need-based scholarships and deserving organizations in the Houston Bay Area.
WINNER
We proudly honor Amy Doherty, owner of Robinette & Company Caterers, as the Greater Houston Region’s 2025 Woman of Impact winner. A dedicated member of the Bay Area Circle of Red and a true community leader, Amy alongside five fellow nominees mobilized her network to raise lifesaving funds and elevate awareness for heart health. Through their collective efforts, they inspired countless individuals to connect with the American Heart Association’s mission, empowering healthier, longer lives. We are deeply grateful for the passion and impact of Amy and all our nominees in advancing the Go Red for Women movement.
Amy Doher ty Woman of Impact
Fashion Trends . . . with Abbey Lee
HOT STUFF
SUMMER
TRENDS WE’RE TOTALLY CRUSHING ON
Summer is here in Houston!
We're all about effortless summer outfits for women crafted from breathable fabrics and accessories ready for the heat. Whether you're off to brunch, the beach, or a book club meeting right here in town, these trends are bringing sunshine vibes all season long. Get ready for some seriously cute summer outfits!
Let’s dive into what’s making us swoon this summer:
1. Matching Sets = Maximum Style, Minimum Effort for Cute Summer Outfits
You know that feeling when your outfit just works? Matching sets deliver that in clothing form, making them perfect for creating effortlessly cute summer outfits. Whether you're vibing with all-over patterns or chic solid colors that scream vacation mood (even if it' just a staycation!), these coordinated looks are our ultimate style secret weapon for looking put-together with minimal fuss.
Bonus: You can mix and match these pieces with other items in your closet for endless outfit possibilities. Try pairing the top with denim shorts or the bottoms with a graphic tee – it's a win-win for expanding your cute summer outfits!
2. Texture, Please!
Add a little character to your summer outfits for women – think crinkled cottons, linen, crochet, and crosshatch fabrics – and instantly steal the spotlight. Why? Because they're breezy, effortless, and inject a touch of uniqueness into any outfit, making even simple summer outfits feel special. Pro tip: Layer textured tops over your swimsuit for a beach-to-brunch look that'll turn heads.
3. 100% Cotton Everything
Your summer skin deserves a break. Lightweight, breathable, and oh-so-soft, 100% cotton is the most valuable player of the season. From floaty dresses to easy tees and comfy shorts, cotton is cool in every way that counts. It’s like a little breeze in fabric form.
4. Water-Resistant Jewelry = Hot Girl Summer Insurance
Pool party? Surprise rainstorm? Overenthusiastic sprinkler? No stress. Our favorite jewelry pieces this summer are cute and waterresistant, meaning you don't have to take off your necklace just because you're diving into the deep end. Think sleek chains, fun charms, and teardrop hoops that can handle the splash, adding a touch of sparkle to all your cute summer outfits.
5. Stepped Up Sneakers
This summer, we’re going bolder with color pops, platform soles, textured finishes, and unexpected details. They're comfy enough for allday adventures, but stylish enough to wear with a cute dress.
Style tip: Want to repurpose your plain white sneaks? Visit the shoelace and charm bar to personalize and elevate your shoe style. Ready to Summer in Style?
Whether you're adding just a hint of trend or going full-on fashionista, we’ve got all the pieces to make your summer wardrobe shine. Come see us at Moxie, where the AC is cold, the outfits are hot, and the vibe is always fun.
ABOUT MOXIE DISTRICT 31
Moxie District 31 is a woman-owned boutique based in Houston, known for its curated selection of premium denim, on-trend apparel, and personalized styling.
Founded with the mission to help women feel confident, empowered, and effortlessly stylish, Moxie blends fashion-forward pieces with a warm, welcoming shopping experience.
Customers can shop in-store at 1934 El Dorado Blvd., online at moxiedistrict31.com, or via the Moxie District 31 mobile app. Follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest drops, styling tips, and behindthe-scenes moments.
Just a Pretty Table
Totally Bayish with Kippy Caraway
assistance league of the bay area
Come see us at Bay Area Pet Adoptions! We are looking for our Forever Home!
Bali is a beautiful 5-year-old German Shepherd with a heart as big as her love for adventure. She will always greet you with a wagging tail and a smile. She has an easy going and friendly demeanor, making her wonderful with both people and other dogs. She admits to enjoying creature comforts and thinks the couch is the perfect place to spend time with her human. She lights up during her daily walks, happily exploring the world, and enjoys an occasional game of fetch. Whether it’s a long stroll, a game of fetch, or simply relaxing together, Bali will bring endless warmth and happiness to her forever home.
Nessie Jack
Nessie is a estimated 2 years old petiete German Shpherd who is a momma of 8! She was pulled right after giving birth to 8 pups in the shelter and then taken into foster when she was able to raise her pups, she then had to go through heartworm treatment. this girl even through all of the hard times and kennel confinements, is such a sweetheart, she has a lot of energy to expell in her little body she she is looking for a family that likes to GO! but loves to settle in after a long day of adventure, Nessie is eager to please and knows basic commands like Sit, Down and working on shake. Her next skill she’s trying to harness is Stay, but she say’s “That’s a hard one, espically if I see toys!”
Meet Jack, a 7-year-old sweetheart with the soul of a teddy bear and the patience of a saint. This charming gentleman lives in a room full of rambunctious kittens—and not only does he tolerate their chaos, he lives to cuddle them like the world’s softest, purring babysitter. When he’s not doling out snuggles, Jack enjoys batting at wand toys with surprising kittenlike enthusiasm, indulging in catnip-fueled daydreams, and savoring Temptation treats like they’re gourmet delicacies. His favorite perch is the cat tree, where he can observe his tiny roommates with amused affection. Jack is the kind of cat that makes your heart melt—and maybe laugh a little—because he’s just that ridiculously lovable.
Bali
Rosie
Rosie is a 6 year-old feline chatterbox with a heart as big as her meows. She’s the kind of cat who will talk to you and share all she knows expecting you to respond with appropriate admiration. In return, she’ll shower you with sweetness, snuggle up for brush sessions like it’s spa day, and turn into a purring puddle for a sprinkle of catnip. Rosie doesn’t ask for much—just a cozy bed to share, a human who appreciates good conversation, and maybe a few treats for her excellent storytelling skills. If you’re looking for a loving companion with lots to say and even more love to give, Rosie is ready to be your bedtime buddy and personal narrator.
Sadie Star
Meet Sadie Star, a petite 11-year-old beauty with a brindle coat that looks like it was painted by a very talented (and slightly whimsical) artist. At just 12 pounds, she’s easy to carry—but more importantly, easy to love. Sadie may start off a little shy, preferring to quietly observe the world from a safe distance, but give her a little time and patience, and you’ll find yourself with a loyal sidekick who’s always one step behind you (and possibly judging your snack choices). She’s the kind of gentle soul who won’t demand constant attention, but will quietly steal your heart—and probably your favorite blanket, too.
Mr. Gale shelling Fresh Large Bastrop Pecans for Sale
Helping You Pursue Financial Independence
We can help you create a personalized financial strategy based on your lifestyle goals. Using our discovery process, we work with you to build an appropriate plan that supports your objectives, then monitor it to help you stay on track.
• Retirement income and financial planning strategies
• Portfolio review
• Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and professionally managed accounts
• Tax-efficient and tax-managed investments
• College savings
• Insurance needs analysis
• Estate conservation
Start
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF THE BAY AREA® HOSTS FUNDRAISER:
Just A Pretty Table
On April 3, 2025, Assistance League of the Bay Area hosted its annual fundraising event, Just A Pretty Table, at Hope Village. Over 350 guests ooh’ed and aah’ed while admiring the 36 fabulous tablescapes created by talented designers in our local community.
A delicious luncheon was enjoyed in a magical setting as guests generously participated in raising funds to benefit those in need in our local. Opportunities to contribute included sponsorships, a silent auction, a raffle, and Mystery Boxes.
Assistance League of the Bay Area is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that changes lives through philanthropic programs in the Houston Bay Area community.
For more information on how you can help change lives, visit the website at www.assistanceleagueba.org.
fromRobyn
OF THE MONTH Recipe MEXICAN Shrimp Cocktail
By Robyn Weigelt
INGREDIENTS
1 lb cooked ,peeled & deveined shrimp
2 avocados diced
1 cup tomatoes diced
1/2 cup red onion,chopped finely
1 cup cucumber cucumber,peeled and diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
1 jalapeño finely chopped
1 & 1/2 cup tomato juice
1/2 cup lime juice fresh squeezed
2 tbsp hot sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste
GARNISHES:
Lime Slices
Cilantro SprigsMake marinade:
MIXING INGREDIENTS:
Mix together tomato juice, hot sauce, and lime
juice in a bowl.
In a large mixing bowl add the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, avocado ,jalapeños, cilantro and tomatoes.
Mix ingredients well gingerly together be careful not to smash up the avocados!!!
Pour the tomato mixture over the cocktail ingredients again toss gently and be sure to cover all ingredients.
Cover the bowl with lid or plastic wrap . Refrigerate for 30 minutes1 hour before serving. Serve in your choice of bowl for individual servings and garnish with lime slice & cilantro sprigs.
Tortilla chips or saltine crackers are a perfect pairing for the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail!!
Enjoy!
Lukas BBQ of Clear Lake has become one of the Bay Area’s popular eateries known for their moist, mouth-watering BBQ. Lukas’ owner and pit master, Marvin Diaz, has recently expanded his large menu.
The New “Tater and Turf” is a must. An extremely large baked potato served with butter, cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream is topped with a generous portion of chopped Black Angus ribeye. Bet you can’t eat it all!
Lukas continues to provide top quality BBQ dinners with your choice of two meats and two sides. Known for serving the largest and most
LUKAS BBQ: A Cut Above the Rest
By Rick Clapp
tender sandwiches such as sliced beef brisket, chopped beef, smoked ham, smoked turkey, and sausage as well as Po-Boys and two meat sandwiches. Lukas also features a sandwich board. It includes chargrilled favorites such as a one quarter and a one-half pound burger, grilled chicken, and the hearty ribeye sandwich.
At Lukas, you can get BBQ your way served on a large baked potato with all the trimmings. You can also order a healthy green salad topped with your choice of meat.
Lukas features plenty of tasty sides like broccoli rice, corn, baked beans, coleslaw, dirty rice, green beans, sweet potatoes, okra, and onion rings.
One of Clear Lake’s best values is Lukas’ steak menu which offers 8,10-,16-, and 20-ounce melt-in-your-mouth ribeyes. All steak dinners include a salad, baked potato, or home fries. Other prime choices include the hamburger steak with brown gravy, sauteed onions, and a baked potato or french fries. The large chicken fried steak with cream gravy is quite tasty and can be cut with a fork.
The grandest of all are the succulent ribs. They are a must order!
For those diners on the “wild side”, try Black Angus steak combos with chargrilled quail or shrimp. For seafood lovers, fried catfish and shrimp dinners are also available.
Needless to say, your Texas BBQ meal is not complete without a Lukas decadent dessert. Choose from cheesecake, banana pudding, peach cobbler, and key lime pie. The peach cobbler and banana pudding are made fresh daily.
Tell Marvin we sent you.
Dreams Do Come True
By Rick Clapp
Oscar Salazar, Jr., a local businessman, author, and soon to become filmmaker, is the son of a Mexican immigrant mother and an American Mexican-American father. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. The family soon moved to Pasadena, Texas in search of a better life.
Oscar graduated from Sam Rayburn High School and enlisted in the US Marines where he served for four years like his father had previously done. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, he gained employment as an operator for Lyondell Petrochemical.
Always wanting to become an entrepreneur, he and his brother opened Morning Kolaches in Clear Lake with several locations. Morning Kolaches has been operating successfully for over 35 years.
Always seeking a challenge, Oscar wrote the screenplay, “Prodigal” with Gerald Hanks. It is a Christian-based drama that deals with race, adoption, love, forgiveness, and redemption.
“Prodigal” came to Oscar as a vivid dream one night. “The dream was so real that it inspired me to write the book,” stated Salazar. “Prodigal” was written in 2019 and won the prestigious Kairo Prize Award for most spiritual uplifting screenplay contest in Hollywood, California.
Inspired by Oscar’s vivid dream, Prodigal has a very intriguing plot. The location of the story takes place in the South: Beaufort, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. A young white boy, age 3, and a black girl, age 6 get adopted from a foster home by two black parents. They soon move to Atlanta. At age 15, the boy seeks out his parents and runs away to find them in Beaufort.
The young boy does whatever it takes to get money for his trip including stealing money from his father at his church. He soon tragically finds out his father was a US soldier killed in action Afghanistan and his mother had also passed away. Hence, the intriguing story now begins. “Prodigal” has many more inspirational messages about race, unity, love, adoption, faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
However, due to Covid-19 and the writers’ strike, “Prodigal” was not optioned for production as a feature film. In 2023, Oscar decided, with co-writer Joel Beeson, to write Prodigal the novel. Most fortunately, a South Carolina film producer optioned the screenplay and it is currently in pre-production to be made into a film. The novel is available on Amazon. The audiobook is also available on Audible, iTunes, and Apple book.
I give Prodigal a Five Star Rating and definitely worth the read. Good luck to Oscar “Hollywood” Salazar, his wife, Dawn, his son, and daughter. A side note: Salazar has recently thrown his hat into the ring to run for Justice of the Peace in Harris County.
Embrace, Encounter & Expect!
By Pastor Brad Heintz
Recently, I was talking with someone and they brought up how much they were struggling with the dynamic of change in their life. Due to a number of factors in our modern lives everything around us is changing rapidly.
Technology is growing exponentially, politics are as volatile as ever, work is not what it used to be and people’s cups are about to overflow and not in a Psalm 23 way. Often, it is not only hard to keep up but it can be like a dizzying effect that sets us off-balance in our dayto-day lives. What changes have you already experienced this week, this month, this year? And the year isn’t even half over. Perhaps it is time to determine what we are going to embrace, encounter and expect. Did you realize that it is easier to embrace change when you know that it isn’t going to last? Whatever you are going through isn’t the end of your story. If you are a person of faith, then you have the power to embrace what you previously wished to escape. Why? Because whatever that is, it is not the end. Your story isn’t over. You have what it takes to make it. Why? Because the power within you is greater than anything around you.
From my faith perspective, I call that the power of the Holy Spirit. That power is given when you first believe. Proximity to that power will give you hope. Why? Because encountering that power will fill your cup in a good Psalm 23 way. And now expecting that power will give you a bright and eternal future that no one and no circumstance can ever take away.
This year Living Word Church decided to live the word of promise from Jeremiah 29:11
“ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Embrace change, it is inevitable. Encounter the power that gets us through. Expect a bright future because God is not done with us yet!
Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Taylor Lake Village, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org
Kelly visits with Jennifer Fuller - Owner of Bay Area Houston Food Lovers Group (BAHFL) On location at Slate Table + Bar
Kelly talks with local musician and contestant on "The Voice" - Susan Hickman - on location at T-Bone Tom's in Kemah, Texas
Back to Earth, Forward to the Future: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Returns
By Sumer Loggins
After months of groundbreaking research, exploration, and teamwork aboard the International Space Station, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 has returned to Earth. NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down safely on March 18, 2025, as a pod of dolphins circled the Dragon spacecraft near Tallahassee, Florida.
NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in the water off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, March 18, 2025. Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber Williams and Wilmore made history as the first humans to fly aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft during NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT). Launched June 5, 2024, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the CFT mission was Boeing’s first crewed flight.
engaged the next generation through 30 ham radio events with students around the world and supported a student-led genetic experiment. As part of the CFT, Williams and Wilmore commanded Starliner during in-flight testing and were the first to see the spacecraft integrated in simulations and operate it hands-on in space, evaluating systems like maneuvering, docking, and emergency protocols.
“We’ve learned a lot about systems integrated testing that will pay benefits going forward and lay the groundwork for future missions,” said Wilmore.
Hague and Gorbunov launched to the space station on Sept. 28, 2024, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
During their long-duration mission, the American crew members conducted more than 150 unique experiments and logged over 900 hours of research aboard the orbiting laboratory. Their work included studying plant growth and development, testing stem cell technology for patient care on Earth, and examining how spaceflight affects materials—insights vital for future deep space missions.
The crew kicked off 2025 with two spacewalks that included removing an antenna assembly from the station’s truss, collecting microbial samples from the orbital outpost’s exterior for analysis by Johnson’s Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science division, installing patches to cover damaged areas of light filters on an X-ray telescope, and more.
Williams now holds the record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman — 62 hours and 6 minutes — placing her fourth among the most experienced spacewalkers in history.
While in orbit, the crew also
Following the test flight, NASA and Boeing are continuing work toward crew certification of the company’s CST-100 Starliner system. Joint teams are addressing in-flight anomalies and preparing for propulsion system testing ahead of the next mission.
Despite the unexpected challenges, including technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft that extended their mission, both Wilmore and Williams said they would do it all over again. Wilmore emphasized his gratitude in being part of testing Starliner’s capabilities, stating, “I’d get on it in a heartbeat.”
After returning to Earth, the crew received a warm welcome from family, colleagues, and fellow astronauts at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field. They were greeted by Johnson Acting Director Steve Koerner, who applauded their dedication and resilience.essential to human spaceflight.
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore participate in an emergency operations simulation in the Boeing Starliner simulator at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credit: NASA/ Robert Markowi
NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 members pose together for a portrait inside the International Space Station's Unity module. From left, are NASA astronaut Suni Williams, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, and NASA astronauts Nick Hague and Butch Wilmore. Credit: NASA
Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore participate in an emergency operations simulation in the Boeing Starliner simulator at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Suni Williams is greeted by Johnson Acting Director Steve Koerner at Ellington Field in Houston after completing a long-duration science mission aboard the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Williams shared a heartfelt embrace with astronaut Zena Cardman, thanking her for “taking one for the team.” Cardman had originally been assigned to Crew-9, but in August, NASA announced the uncrewed return of Starliner to Earth and integrated Wilmore and Williams into Expedition 71/72 for a return on Crew-9. This adjustment meant Cardman and astronaut Stephanie Wilson would no longer fly the mission—a decision that underscored the flexibility and teamwork essential to human spaceflight.
Cardman is now assigned as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission, set to launch in the coming months to the International Space Station for a long-duration science expedition.
Williams and Wilmore each brought decades of experience to the mission. Wilmore, a retired U.S. Navy captain and veteran fighter pilot, has logged 464 days in space over three flights. Outside of NASA, he serves as a pastor, leads Bible studies, and participates in mission trips across Central and South America. A skilled craftsman, he also builds furniture and other pieces for his local church. Growing up in Tennessee, Wilmore says his faith continues to guide him, especially when navigating the uncertainties of flight. Wilmore encourages the next generation with a call to action: “Strap on your work hat and let's go at it!” He emphasizes that tenacity and perseverance are essential for achieving anything of value. Motivated by a sense of patriotic duty and a desire to help those in need, Wilmore sees his astronaut role as a commitment to both his country and humanity at large. Wilmore believes he’s challenged every day at NASA. “Doing the right things for the right reasons is what motivates me,” he said. A retired U.S. Navy captain and veteran of three spaceflights,
Hague, a Kansas native, has logged a total of 374 days in space across three missions. A U.S. Space Force colonel and test pilot, he’s served in roles across the country and abroad, including a deployment to Iraq.
“When we’re up there operating in space, it’s focused strictly on mission,” said Hague. “We are part of an international team that spans the globe and works with half a dozen mission control centers that are talking in multiple languages — and we figure out how to make it happen. That’s the magic of human spaceflight: it brings people together."
Williams, Wilmore, Hague, Gorbunov, and the team supporting them, Crew-9 marks the beginning of a new era of space exploration — one driven by innovation, perseverance, and the unyielding dream of reaching beyond the stars.
Williams is a helicopter pilot, basic diving officer, and the first person to run the Boston Marathon in space—once in 2007, and again aboard the station in 2025. Originally from Needham, Massachusetts, she brings a lifelong spirit of adventure and service to everything she does.
“There are no limits,” said Williams. “Your imagination can make something happen, but it’s not always easy. There are so many cool things we can invent to solve problems—and that’s one of the joys of working in the space program. It makes you ask questions.”
For
Butch Wilmore receives a warm welcome from NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Woody Hoburg at Ellington Field. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Butch Wilmore works inside the International Space Station's Columbus laboratory module to install the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device. Credit: NASA
Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams monitors an Astrobee robotic free-flyer outfitted with tentacle-like arms containing gecko-like adhesive pads preparing to grapple a "capture cube"
Expedition 72 Pilot Nick Hague inside the cupola with space botany hardware that supports the Rhodium Plant LIFE investigation. Credit: NASA
Turn Back the Clock on Tired Eyes with OptiLIFT
LAPORTE VISION CENTER
They say the eyes are the window to the soul—but what if yours are making you look more tired and older than you actually feel?
As we age, the muscles and skin around our eyes weaken. This leads to drooping lower lids, sagging skin, and incomplete blinking. Not only does it age your appearance, but it can also cause dryness, irritation, and that constant tired-eye feeling.
Enter OptiLIFT—a non-invasive breakthrough that’s helping people look and feel more refreshed, without surgery or injections.
A Natural Approach to Eye Rejuvenation
Unlike cosmetic procedures that rely on scalpels or fillers, OptiLIFT stimulates and strengthens the natural muscles around the eyes. By improving muscle tone and eyelid function, it helps restore firmness and support while also promoting better blinking.
THE RESULT?
Smoother skin and reduced under-eye sagging
A brighter, more youthful appearance
Relief from dry, irritated eyes
No needles, no downtime
Many of my patients come in complaining about puffy, tiredlooking eyes—only to learn that muscle weakness is playing a big role in both how they look and how their eyes feel. OptiLIFT addresses both the cosmetic and comfort side of things, making it a unique and valuable solution.
Results You Can See and Feel—Fast
What makes OptiLIFT even more exciting is how quickly results begin. In clinical data, measurable improvements can be seen after just one session. Aesthetically, most patients notice a refreshed, lifted look after their very first treatment.
Why Patients Love It
Traditional eyelid surgery can involve significant cost, recovery time, and risk. Injections may offer quick fixes but require frequent upkeep. OptiLIFT offers a gentle alternative:
Completely non-invasive
Comfortable and quick sessions
No downtime—return to normal activities immediately Natural results
More Than Just Aesthetic
At LaPorte Vision Center, we believe in caring for the whole eye—how it functions and how it contributes to your confidence. OptiLIFT is part of our commitment to helping you feel your best inside and out.
If you’re tired of looking tired, come talk to us about OptiLIFT. It might be the easiest way to refresh your appearance and relieve your eyes—no needles, no surgery, just real, natural-looking results.
Ready to see the difference?
Contact La Porte Vision Center @ (281) 471-6546.
Because vibrant, confident eyes should be
RICK'S PICKS
Comfortable Rides for Summer Travel
By Don Armstrong
No longer is there any one month that new models are debuted in the local dealership showroom, now it seems haphazard – although well thought out. So, when Toyota and Buick introduce something new, they seem to get lost in the ocean of other vehicles for sale. We picked out a couple of newbies that may pique your interest.
TOYOTA CROWN
Toyota built the first-generation Crown in 1958. The newest and 16 th generation debuted in 2022. Did you know? We didn’t either.
The current Crown now tops Toyota’s extensive lineup of vehicles. It also shares some parts with Toyota’s more upscale GS model from Lexus.
Not only is its powertrain hybrid, and delivers 340HP, so is its styling, a cross – so to speak –of a 4-door sedan with an SUV-style stance and
a fast-back roofline. Surprisingly, it works.
Ride and handling are what you’d expect from a high-end, American luxury car. The annual summer road trip to Aunt Mary’s is here and this is the car you’ll want to arrive in.
The interior is equipped with a 12.3-inch screen that includes an easy-to-understand interface. Voice recognition is superb, so fiddling with knobs and buttons becomes old school. Pricing begins at $41,440 but the high horsepower version is a few thousand more.
Get it, you’ll be glad you did.
BUICK ENVISION
The Buick brand slots between Chevrolet and Cadillac and gives parent company GM a real player in the near-luxury market. The Buick Envision SUV has an all-new, modern look, one that appears to be on target to give the subcompact market some real competition.
The redesigned front fascia reminds one of a shark; clean, simple, and sleek. Its greenhouse exudes a “chopped” look and adds to its attractiveness.
Include the Sport Touring trim and you’ll be the talk of the neighborhood. It’s a two-toned affair and really adds some pizzaz to the already upscale interior.
Power is derived from a 2.0-liter gasoline engine that is connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It motivates the Envision to a 24MPG combined rating. All-wheel drive is standard. The ride feels sporty, yet comfortable and makes grocery store parking a breeze.
As of this writing, pricing begins at $36,500, but it is assembled at a GM plant in China so be sure to check how it may affect any additional charges.
BUICK ENVISION
About 50 miles south of San Antonio, in Karnes County, lies the tiny town of Panna Maria. Actually, it’s not even a town; it is an unincorporated community. It is so small, there are no grocery stores or shops of any kind, not even a gas station. Other than two tiny ancient wooden buildings that used to be stores in the town’s youth (the 1800s), the only things in town today are a spectacularly painted church and a large, sparkling new building that houses the Polish Heritage Center. On a normal day, it looks like a quaint ghost town.
But then there is Sunday. The Panna Marians begin their week by pouring in from the surrounding farms and fill the town, gathering at the church. Before the Polish town of Bremond, before Chappell Hill, even before Bandera, there was Panna Maria.
In the mid-nineteenth century, due to a combination of difficulties including wars, famine and disease, many Poles began to emigrate in hopes of finding a better life. In 1854, a group led by Father Leopold Moczygemba, landed in Galveston and began the long trek to their land grant in what was to become Panna Maria. Upon arrival on Christmas Eve of 1854, the first order of business was to gather under an oak tree and celebrate a mass. That tree still stands next to the church to this day. Second, a church had to be built. It is truly amazing that before anyone began work on building a home, or even a shelter (this was winter, remember), they built the church.
While it was a rough life early on as they suffered through drought and several deaths from rattlesnake bites, the community stayed firm in their beliefs and built the “town” that today is the oldest permanent Polish settlement in the United States.
What first strikes the tourist who enters Panna Maria is that even though people are sparse, the
ones you do see are happy and upbeat. I asked the docent who gave us a guided tour through the museum and Heritage Center about that and he told me it was a Panna Maria tradition.
When Father Moczygemba’s first group arrived at their new and permanent home, happiness was as much a part of the community as work ethic. Moving half a world away and settling in a place that was nothing but frontier would obviously be a prime formula for excessive stress. (Of course they didn’t call it that back then. There was no such thing until the late 20th century.)
They faced the monumental tasks of building first the church and then their homes and the beginnings of the farms that would sustain them for many generations. It is a wonder they even had time to sleep. And their happiness and work ethic have been passed down through the generations. I think that might be a clue as to just what made these folks so content.
Aristotle once said that “happiness is like air. We are only aware of it in its absence.” In my experience, that seems to hold true. When we are unhappy, we know it. Man, do we know it! That gloom seems to eat at us most in those quiet moments when we are alone and have time to dwell on it.
But even in those times when we are unhappy, we often find we can alleviate the misery, if only for a little while, by getting busy. The more an activity requires mental and physical intensity on our part, the better we are able to escape the melancholy blues. In my younger days, I discovered that, for me, any athletic contest was a sure, albeit temporary, cure.
When I stepped out on the court or the field, all that bad stuff was gone. I had two hours of feeling great. Unfortunately, when the game was over, it all came rushing back.But Aristotle’s claim also carries a second part—if you are happy, you are likely to be unaware of it.
TEXAS MEDITATIONS
By Michael Gos
Happiness Is . . . A Beehive?
Try an experiment. Ask someone if they are happy. If they have to take a few seconds to think about it, you know the answer will be “yes.” Why does this happen? They are indeed happy but never even gave it a thought till they encountered your question. Score one for Aristotle.
It seems to me that, like the folks in Panna Maria, the happiest people are those who are too busy to notice whether they are happy or not. To be truly happy, we need to be busy. That is a human trait. It doesn’t matter whether we are consciously aware of that fact—deep down inside we all feel this; it’s in our DNA.
Consider for a moment people who put off retirement because they don’t know what they would do with themselves without the job. Somehow they know, even without trying the experience of joyful unemployment, that they need to stay busy to feel happy and fulfilled. Once retired, many people go back to work, not for the money, but to have something to keep them busy. I consider those people to be “bad at retirement,” but they are doing what it takes to fulfill their lives, and I admire that. But those who are good at retirement have plenty to do just living day to day—sometimes too much.
My wife and I often wonder how we ever found time to go to work given our schedules today. In Panna Maria, the happiness we see is surely a function of a group of people being perpetually busy. Back then, there was so much to do, so much to build, and it was the middle of winter. The place must have resembled a beehive. One hundred seventy years later, there is still so much to do.
They are working to maintain their farms, their church and each other. The sense of community is so strong that no one in Panna Maria ever sells their family property. Just try buying a plot of land there.
On second thought, don’t bother.
Panna Maria, Texas