Our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists can help keep your body in motion.
Whether you’re suffering from simple aches and pains or recovering from a complex injury, our board-certified specialists develop treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. From diagnosis and treatment through physical therapy and rehabilitation, we have the expertise to get you back on your feet and keep you moving.
To start a business? Expand your reach? Seize opportunities? Stellar Bankers live for questions like these. We’re local experts with the connections, resources, and the right advice to help your business thrive. Whatever question is
let’s get it answered.
Each season of the year we have reasons to reboot our well intentioned healthy new year's resolutions. Now more than ever we need to be monitoring our health from the inside and out to stay healthy. If there is one area that should be on our reboot priority list, it is our gut health.
YOUR GUT AND BRAIN CONNECTION
Your gut is the lining of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is teeming with over 100 million neurons and nerve endings that functionally acts as a second brain . The gut also hosts a whole ecosystem of bacteria and other “microbiota” that when not in balance wreaks havoc with everything from your ability to make good decisions, your mood and especially your metabolism.
YOUR GUT AND MENTAL PERFORMANCE
The food we habitually eat has a significant impact on our cognitive attention to complete even the most mundane tasks. This is because a diet that’s high in sugar and ultra-processed foods can cause dysbiosis - an imbalance of all the microbiota in your GI tract – which can lead to both systemic inflammation and central nervous system inflammation.
And because communication between your gut and your brain is “bi-directional” through the gut-brain axis, that inflammation can lead to the mental sluggishness we attribute to brain fog. In fact, a recent study from the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Human Brain Health found that, “. . . people with systemic inflammation may have to exert more cognitive effort to achieve the same level of attentionrelated performance as those with less inflammation.”
This is especially concerning when dysbiosis is present because this condition can often precede the appearance of clinical symptoms for certain neurodegenerative diseases.
INTRODUCE YOUR GUT TO THE BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
Turmeric supports the gut’s anti-inflammatory response by blocking production of proinflammatory cytokines, tempering both acute (initial local response) and chronic (on-going systemic) inflammation in the gut and throughout the body.
However, because of the size of the turmeric curcumin molecule, it is usually metabolized too quickly to get the full therapeutic benefit or “bioavailability” at a steady rate of effectiveness. And while black pepper or piperine helps you absorb more of the benefits of turmeric it can further irritate your GI tract.
To mitigate potential adverse effects of absorption enhancers and get the full therapeutic benefits of turmeric curcumin, consider using “super micronized” turmeric. Nuvothera, a super micronized whole-root, turmeric supplement, uses a process that reduces the size of the turmeric molecule so that it is easily absorbed without the need for chemical absorption enhancers like piperine and has been clinically demonstrated to increase anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potency 100 times greater than other brands.
YOUR GUT AND YOUR MOOD
Does your desire to work out come in shortlived bursts of motivation? Is the thought of a
leaner, healthier you not enough of a reward to get you to going? That’s because feeling sluggish is an “entire mood” as the saying goes. Your mood and sense of well-being are regulated by the neurotransmitter serotonin and 90% of the serotonin in the body is produced by cells in the gut lining. But, a 2015, study at Caltech found that these cells appear to depend on their interaction with gut microbiota to synthesize a large amount of the serotonin produced by the gut. Similarly with dopamine, the gut produces almost 50% of this neurotransmitter in your body. Dopamine also supports mood but more importantly, it regulates the motivation behaviors and reward pathways that propel you to start and complete tasks. It follows then, given the bi-directional communication between your gut and your brain, that any negative mood can be “ the cause or the product ” of an imbalance in your gut microbiota.Through digestion, the gut converts turmeric curcumin into metabolites unleashing the anti-oxidant properties of turmeric. In this capacity, turmeric works to prolong the effects of neurotransmitters, reducing free radicals by inhibiting the production of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes which break down serotonin and dopamine via catabolization.
YOUR GUT AND YOUR METABOLISM
It is commonly accepted wisdom that once you hit a certain age, your metabolism slows down. While there is real evidence of this as a truth, the common western diet of ultraprocessed food is also a culprit. And not solely due to the high caloric count. The food you eat and the medicine you take determines which bacteria thrive in the gut.
IMPROVE YOUR GUT HEALTH WITH TURMERIC
The easiest way to improve our gut health is to habitually support our diet with noninflammatory foods and quality nutritional supplements.Nuvothera’s Turmeric Curcumin helps balance the microbiome that is your gut and that has a positive effect on all the areas of your health. Because when your gut is happy, all of you is happy.
What Can Cause Lower Back Pain?
*Injuries, accidents, chronic medical conditions, and degenerative diseases can all cause lower back pain.*Some examples of the most common causes of lower back pain are:
*Sports injuries – muscle strains and sprains
*Poor posture
*The stress placed on the lower back from a sudden movement such as a hit or a fall
*Improperly lifting heavy objects
*Twisting the wrong way when lifting an object
*Compression fracture
*Spinal deformity
*Osteoarthritis
*Slipped or bulging disc
*Lumbar herniated disc
*Degenerative disc disease
*Joint dysfunction
*Other less common causes of lower back pain include: tumors, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Crohn’s disease, and infections.
Discovering the cause of your lower back pain is important because it helps you determine how to treat the pain. Some causes of lower back pain, such as osteoarthritis, joint pain, and muscle sprains or strains respond well to natural
remedies. Other causes of lower back pain, such as compound fractures or spinal deformities may need additional medical treatment to relieve your pain and discomfort.
A doctor can help you determine the cause of your lower back pain and explore which natural remedies may prove the most effective at helping you find pain relief.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
There are very specific symptoms that occur when you experience lower back pain. Some of the most common symptoms of lower back pain include:
*Dull ache or pain – this type of pain is typically described as a dull ache that never fully goes away
*Sudden sharp pain – sudden sharp pain typically occurs when you experience trauma or severe damage to the lower back
*Severe muscle spasms
*A dull ache that travels to the pelvis or hips
*Tingling, stinging, or numbness that feels as if it starts in the lower back and travels down the backs of your legs to your feet
*Pain or aches that seem to get worse after not moving for prolonged periods such as when sitting at work or while sleeping
*Dull pain that is relieved when shifting or changing positions – for example, you may have lower back pain when lying down flat, but if you lay on your side or raise your knees the pain goes away
*Pain that is severe in the morning but tends to get better as the day goes on
*Lower back pain symptoms can vary in intensity. Sometimes the pain can be mild while other times it can be so severe that it prevents you from taking part in day-to-day activities.
Natural Remedies for Lower Back Pain and Inflammation
From the comfort of your own home you can try some of the following natural remedies which may help to relieve pain and inflammation in the lower back:
1)Change your routine. 2)Try to avoid sitting for prolonged periods. 3)Make adjustments to your posture. Try to adjust your back, shoulders, and neck so they are properly aligned. This will help take some of the stress off your spine which may reduce pain and inflammation.
4)Change or rotate the type of activities or exercise you do. Changing the type of activities or exercise you engage in will help you avoid overworking certain joints and muscles. If the joints and muscles become fatigued from overuse, it puts you at risk of injuring your back.
5)Practice yoga – yoga can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles and joints. It also helps with spinal flexibility. A flexible spine is more resistant to injuries that can cause you to experience pain and discomfort.
6)Heat therapy, 7)Cold compresses, 8)Practice meditation to help you relax your body and muscles, 9)Take a natural supplement for antiinflammation, 10)Exercise, 11)Lose weight, 12)Make changes to your diet. 13)Try to incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.
Exercises to Help Lower Back Pain
Wondering how to get rid of lower back pain fast? The fastest way is to start exercising. There are specific exercises that can help you stretch and strengthen your back. By strengthening and stretching your lower back, you can reduce pain and inflammation.
The following are simple exercises you can do daily that may help you find relief from lower back pain.
Knee-to-Chest Stretches
*Lie on the floor
*Bend both knees so your feet are flat
*Take both hands and gently pull one knee to your chest. *Stop pulling your knee when you start to experience slight tightness in your back. You should not experience any pain or discomfort. If you do, stop this stretch immediately.
*Keep your knee to your chest for five seconds then return so both knees are bent and your feet are on the floor.
*Do the same thing with the opposite leg.
*Repeat this with both legs two to three times.
Lower Back Rotational Stretches
*Lie on the floor with both knees bent. Your feet should be flat on the floor and your arms should be out to the side.
*Gently lower your legs to one side. Make sure you keep your knees together.
*Hold this stretch for five to ten seconds then return to your starting position. *Repeat this movement to the other side. *Repeat this stretch two to three times for each side.
Cat Stretch
*Start by kneeling on the floor with your hands on the ground. Your knees should be about hipwidth apart. *Gently try to arch your back. This can be done by slowly pulling your belly button upwards. *Hold this position for a few seconds. *Slowly start to relax the muscles in your back. While relaxing your muscles, you will start to lower your abs towards the ground.
*Slowly return towards your starting kneeling position. *Repeat this same stretch three to five times. If you find these exercises and stretches difficult, you can try something easier – walking. *Walking helps increase blood flow to the body which helps reduce inflammation. It can also help stretch and strengthen your muscles and joints.
How can I Reduce Inflammation in My Back?
The first thing people think of to help reduce inflammation in your back is an NSAID. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, work with your body to chemically reduce inflammation. While NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation, they come with dangerous side effects that can dramatically impact your health. If you want to reduce inflammation safely without worrying about dangerous side effects, you can take a turmeric supplement. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that, when taken properly, can reduce pain and inflammation but without all the harmful side effects.
Best Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Supplement for Lower Back Pain and Inflammation
What is the fastest way to relieve lower back pain? Taking a good turmeric anti-inflammatory supplement from a reliable manufacturer.
What makes a good turmeric antiinflammatory supplement? A good turmeric anti-inflammatory supplement is one that not only is designed to be quickly absorbed by the body but one that has maximum potency. A turmeric supplement that combines maximum absorption and maximum potency will help make sure you see the best results.
Nuvothera’s Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement is considered by many back pain sufferers to be the best antiinflammatory supplement It is the best because very specialized, advanced micro-particle technology was used to manufacture the supplement. This specialized technology creates a supplement that your body can quickly and effectively absorb.
Other reasons why Nuvothera SuperMicronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement is considered the best anti-inflammatory include:
*All ingredients are natural
*All ingredients that are used have been clinically tested to determine their effectiveness at reducing pain and swelling
*No chemical enhancers or black pepper, which can cause unpleasant side effects, are used to help enhance the absorption
*A supplement is water-soluble for maximum potency
When you take Nuvothera Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement, you are delivering high-quality natural anti-inflammatory compounds to the body. Direct delivery of the anti-inflammatory compounds to the damaged cells helps decrease pain and inflammation by quickly starting the healing process.
Try combining a few of these natural remedies, such as stretching, exercise, and turmeric supplements like Nuvothera’s SuperMicronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement, and you will soon find relief for your back pain.
Order your Nuvothera Turmeric Supplement today by scanning the QR Code.
experience
EXPLORE, ENJOY & STAY A WHILE
webster
Giving Benefits Everyone!
By Pastor Brad Heintz
In November and December, we experience seasons of giving, whether it is giving thanks or giving gifts at Christmas. Often, we don’t fully realize the dual dynamics and benefits of giving for the recipient and the giver. The one receiving is blessed but also the one giving is blessed.
An the end of the year, with all that has happened, how important it is to think of others, exercise self-less behavior, tangibly make a difference and receive the benefits of gift giving. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
In researching the physical and emotional benefits of gift giving, I have discovered these dynamics:
Giving takes energy and can produce physical benefits.
The action of giving can improve our physical and mental health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, producing oxytocin and happiness.
Giving takes intentionality and can give spontaneous appreciation.
When we put some thought into what we give, it can show value and affirm another person.
Giving takes thought and can further a cause or purpose
Giving to a charity can help a cause you are conscious and passionate about achieve their goals of doing good and making a difference.
Giving takes time and can make a lasting impact.
Giving can help you build trust, strengthen relationships or create a sense of community.
Giving takes money and can create generosity.
Helping others does cost you yet often has the effect of the recipient paying the generosity forward to another person.
Giving is reflective of what we have received. I see this in God’s generosity. God first created everything and then gave everything in the gift of His Son, Jesus. Jesus, in turn, gave his life so that those who trust him can be given forgiveness and an eternal relationship with God. And those who have received these gifts by faith can give in return." Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above” (James 1:17).
This November and December take time to give because giving benefits everyone!
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
Totally Bayish with Kippy Caraway
CLEAR
LAKE CHAMBER
62ND ANNUAL B LACK & WHITE CHAIRMAN'S BALL
THE ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES "THE NEW & NOT SO NEW "NEWLYWED GAME
bay area houston economic partnership "the buckingham blueprint"
Fifty Years of Launching Careers: How One Letter Sparked Thousands of Dreams Univer sit y of Houston Clear Lake
A single letter. It may seem small, but a letter can ignite movements, build bridges between ideas, and spark the beginning of something extraordinary. At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, we understand this power all too well because the very foundation of our university began with a letter.
In 1965, as NASA’s Manned Spaceflight Center — now known as the Johnson Space Center — was already transforming Houston’s landscape and positioning the region at the forefront of space exploration, a pivotal moment occurred. Dr. Robert Gilruth, Director of the Spaceflight Center, recognized the need for locally trained professionals to support America’s space program. He penned a letter to the University of Houston Chancellor Philip Hoffman, proposing the creation of an educational facility in Clear Lake to address this need. While fulfilling an immediate demand, this letter did much more. It planted the seed for what would eventually become the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
The Early Years
In 1968, the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University Systems (now the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board), called for the creation of a new campus in Clear Lake to offer upper-division and graduate-level programs. This initiative was formalized in 1971.
With the state’s approval, Humble Oil & Refining Company and The Friendswood Development Company donated more than 500 acres for the campus to be built on. In 1972, Dr. Alfred R. Neumann, then a dean at the University of Houston, was appointed the founding chancellor. Construction of the Clear Lake Graduate Center began that same year, and by January 1973, the first classes were underway.
In the following years, the initial buildings expanded and merged to form what is now the Arbor Building. The university officially opened its doors in 1974 as the University of Houston at Clear Lake City, welcoming over 1,000 students. In 1975, the Bayou Building opened, becoming a central hub for the university.
In 1977, the university installed the bronze sculpture “Spiritus Mundi” by Spanish artist Pablo Serrano on the lawn facing the Bayou Building. A surge in student enrollment followed in the fall of 1978 when a record-
1983 | Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire holding a framed poster of the joint UHCL and NASA Johnson Space Center program The Artist and the Space Shuttle, along with an unknown NASA official
breaking 5,518 students registered for classes. The 1970s concluded with the addition of the Developmental Arts Building (now known as the Delta Building) in 1979, which included creative and recreational spaces.
The ‘80s and ‘90s: Growth and Change
The 1980s brought national attention to UHCL when it hosted Judy Chicago’s controversial exhibition, “The Dinner Party.” This event was part of the university’s broader commitment to showcasing the creative works of contemporary and traditional artists from around the world.
In response to the growing number of alumni, UHCL established the Alumni Association in 1981. The association was designed to strengthen bonds with graduates, enhancing their lifelong engagement with the university. The university’s identity was further defined in 1983 when Governor Mark White signed legislation renaming it to University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Also in 1983, UHCL honored its founding chancellor, Alfred R. Neumann, by dedicating the library in his name. That same year, astronaut John Young carried a UHCL banner aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, orbiting Earth 145 times and prominently placing the university’s name on the world stage.
The 1990s continued to address regional and educational needs, marked by the establishment of the Environmental Institute of Houston in 1991 to tackle pressing environmental challenges. In 1994, UHCL unveiled a new official logo, reflecting the institution’s spirit and identity through colors representing the Texas Upper Gulf Coast. Also in ’94, educational innovation was showcased with the launch of a distance-education program in software engineering, developed in
1975 | First official billboard for the new University of Houston at Clear Lake City. In the background is the Arbor Building
2023
| Students seated during the 2023 Fall Commencement
collaboration with IBM-Austin. By 1997, this program graduated its first students, marking the first UHCL degrees earned entirely through distance education.
Student life was enhanced with the opening of the University Forest Apartments in 1995. This first on-campus housing complex catered to the growing demands of a diverse student body, fostering a more integrated campus community.
Millennium Milestones: 2000–2009
Within the new millennium’s first decade, UHCL demonstrated its commitment to students and the community by expanding learning spaces, adding more centers and institutes, establishing new partnerships, and introducing its first doctoral degree.
In 2004, UHCL increased its physical learning space for the first time in 30 years with the addition of the Student Services and Classroom Building. The university also introduced the joint Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration program the following year at the Texas Medical Center.
UHCL experienced another significant academic change when it introduced its first doctoral degree, the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, in 2007. The following year, it established the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) to assist families of children with autism spectrum disorders throughout the community.
Millennium Milestones: 2010–Present
The next 13 years brought some of the most historic milestones that helped better poise the university as a student-centered learning institution focused on the community.
In 2010, UHCL opened a location in Pearland, a development made possible through a partnership with then-Mayor Tom Reid and the City of Pearland. UHCL at Pearland opened its doors to students that fall, boasting an initial enrollment of 530.
UHCL celebrated another milestone in 2014 when it transitioned to a four-year university, welcoming first-year and second-year students for the first time. Then, in 2016, it renamed its academic schools to the College of Business, the College of Human Sciences and
Humanities, the College of Education, and the College of Science and Engineering.
The university experienced its most significant structural growth in when it added three new facilities to its campus within two years. In 2018, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Classroom Building opened, along with the Recreation and Wellness Center. This center later housed UHCL’s Exercise and Nutritional Health Institute, which later became the Health and Human Performance Institute.
In addition to expanding its physical presence, UHCL strengthened its connections beyond campus by establishing the Office of Strategic Partnerships. This office fosters mutually beneficial relationships with businesses, government agencies, community organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Currently, UHCL boasts 533 community partners.
The same year, UHCL at Pearland expanded with the new Health Sciences and Classroom Building, enhancing its nursing programs. Additionally, UHCL at Pearland now houses Professional and Continuing Education, which provides training and development programs to meet the needs of professionals and the broader community.
In 2023, UHCL secured a new lease for space in Fannin Tower at the Texas Medical Center, where students can pursue four healthcarerelated degrees and benefit from research, networking, and collaborative opportunities.
Closing Another Chapter
UHCL’s first 50 years tell a rich, multifaceted, and unique story, but it’s far from over. Initially created for NASA, it’s still launching careers. It continues to meet the region’s aerospace education needs with new science and engineering programs and other science, education, and business programs. The campus has served as a pinnacle in the Clear Lake City area since it opened its doors, serving students and community members. UHCL continues to evolve year after year. Still, the overall mission remains the same: to serve a diverse body of students in every aspect of their university experience and foster critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Nutcracker
UHCL BAYOU THEATER A classical holiday tradition filled with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes and the magical Land of Sweets. Bay Area Houston’s perennial family favorite!
NOW OPEN: FORUM Beauty & Wellness Studios
By Rick Clapp
The new FORUM Beauty & Wellness Studios are a mecca for beauty services. This unique beauty and wellness business was the creation of Catherine, “Cat”, Klemowits. The dream all began during the COVID period when things were slow and Catherine had time to reflect and think about a new business venture. What was a concept is now a reality.
Catherine with the support of her husband Keith, put together a dynamic plan located at the new Grand Oak, a Brockway Development, in League City. According to Catherine, she derived the name after the famous Forum in Rome, Italy, next to the Coliseum. It was a place where citizens of Rome would gather to share and discuss the latest news, hottest trends, life events, art and philosophy and just mingle. Voila! The FORUM Beauty & Wellness was born and its noteworthy logo created by Catherine, signifying the Roman influence. Also, the entrance is designed in the black and white Italian polished marble. Catherine was hands-on into the building and design of the FORUM Beauty & Wellness Studios.
The entrance into the FORUM sets the tone and color scheme of the entire building. It boasts 32 studios, individual and larger doubles, with room to grow in the future. Each studio is operated by a variety of talented beauty and wellness professionals, ranging from hair stylists, color specialists, massage, aesthetics, med spa service, permanent cosmetics, amongst other specialties. “Our goal is to revolutionize talent, by enabling the entrepreneur, to own their own business,” Catherine stated.
Catherine’s concept of diversity and knowledge, gathering under one roof, is exemplified in the FORUM Beauty & Wellness Studios. “We are always looking for talented professionals that want to own their own business and reap the benefits of entrepreneurship. We provide the Talent with a turnkey studio!” The turnkey studios contain many amenities, including extra storage, cabinets, and individual controls for air flow, floor to ceiling windows throughout, allowing for all the natural
Catherine is community oriented and is a member of Clear Lake and League City’s Chambers of Commerce and the leadership team for the Bay Area Houston Ballet and Theatre, she is a member of the Texas Women in Business of the Bay Area, also volunteering with multiple other local foundations and philanthropy organizations. Catherine and her husband, Keith, have two children: Keith, 29, recently married and living in Wisconsin with his new bride Erin, and Isabella, 15, a student at iUniversity Preparatory School and the preprofessional program at Feijoo Ballet School, she is also a 4th year Company member of BAHBT.
Let’s all congratulate the Klemowits family on the sixth month anniversary of FORUM Beauty & Wellness Studios in League City. For leasing information, please call 281-786-8092.
Hello there, I’m Coco Butter. I’m as sweet as my name suggests. My days are filled with exploring my surroundings and showing off my smarts. I can open doors and solve puzzles in no time. Despite my independence, I have a deep sense of loyalty. I love to curl up next to my favorite humans, purring softly to show my affection. I’m not just a pet, I’m a companion, a friend. I promise to fill your life with sweetness and joy. Adopt me and let’s start our beautiful journey together.
6 MONTHS OLD
Kenny is a bundle of joy who believes that life is best experienced belly-up in the grass. Rolling around is his idea of a perfect day, and if there’s a toy in sight, you bet he’ll be chasing it with the enthusiasm of a puppy who thinks he’s part cheetah. Ear scratches? Oh, those are his kryptonite—he’ll melt right into your hand. And just when you think you’ve seen all of his antics, Kenny will bestow a kiss on your cheek, because, in his world, there’s no such thing as too much love.
Champ
8 MONTH OLD- COLLIE MIX
Hello, I’m Jerico. I’m quite the character, always curious and brave. My days are filled with playful antics and clever games I invent. I’m independent, but don’t mistake that for aloofness. I’m as loyal as they come, and once I’ve chosen you, you’ll have my heart forever. My sweet nature makes me a joy to be around. I’m smart too, quick to learn and eager to explore. I’ve heard it said that life is an adventure, and I’m ready for mine. Will you join me? Adopting me, Jerico, means gaining a loyal, playful and intelligent companion.
Champ is a fun- loving dog with a personality as big as his ears—seriously, they could be goal posts for a football team! He loves chasing toys and, in true Champ fashion, will toss them in the air with pure joy. His playful nature shines when he’s with other dogs, always eager for fun. But he also has an affectionate side; and when you want to chill he’ll happily settle by your feet, content to chew on his favorite toy while staying close. Champ’s playful nature and loving heart make him a perfect friend to have by your side.
Rutledge Commercial Real Estate
In 2012, Wayne Rutledge and his wife Laurie founded Rutledge Real Estate LLC, doing business as Rutledge Commercial Real Estate, focusing primarily on the Southeast Harris and Galveston County markets. Prior to this venture, Wayne gained mostly commercial real estate experience working alongside his father at Ed Rutledge Associates, which was also heavily involved in this Bay Area Houston real estate market.
The team at Rutledge Real Estate LLC, however, consists of both commercial and residential experienced professionals, including Chris Bittinger, Carson Rutledge, Charles Canales, Lisa Wong, Patti Botkins, Josh Ghormley, and, most recently, Nancy Furst, the former 2015 Chairperson of the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR).
With this group, they offer a comprehensive range of services, specializing in both commercial and residential real estate. Their expertise includes sales, industrial, office, and retail transactions, as well as property acquisitions, exchanges, purchases, and leasing. One of the primary goals of communication that Rutledge Real Estate instills at their agency is simply just “pick up your phone!” This way you do not need to return calls or rely on text messaging. This sets a fitting example for potential clients.
Rutledge Real Estate has successfully brokered a variety of high-profile transactions with national clients such as AT&T Mobility, Farmers Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Holiday Inn Express, Sonic Drive-Ins, Subway Sandwiches, and USA Ninja Challenge. They have also worked with regional clients, including Shipley Do-nuts, Texas Children’s Pediatrics, Allergy & Asthma Associates, and Low-T Center. Local clients they have represented include BodyBarré, Elizabeth Smith Life & Health, Lucian’s
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Spotlight
Caribbean Grill, Dental Land and Today’s Vision in Pasadena, as well as Shine Dental in Baytown.
The company has recently expanded its services to include property management, acquiring new opportunities in the Clear Lake area, including Nassau Bay and Seabrook. These properties now benefit from on-site management, further solidifying the company's growing presence in this immediate area.
Rutledge Commercial Real Estate is also deeply involved in the local community. The firm remains active in the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local business growth. Additionally, Wayne Rutledge plays a significant role in regional economic and real estate organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN) and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP), furthering the company’s influence and dedication to fostering economic development in the region.
By combining years of experience, a dedicated team of real estate professionals, and a commitment to both the local and regional markets, Rutledge Commercial Real Estate continues to thrive and expand. Their reputation for handling diverse transactions with national, regional, and local clients highlights their versatility and dedication to providing exceptional service.
As they grow their portfolio of property management and real estate services, they remain a trusted and dependable partner for businesses in the Bay Area Houston markets represented in Harris,Galveston, and the adjacent surrounding counties. www.rutledgecommercial.com
By Robyn Weigelt
INGREDIENTS
5-5 1/2 lb whole beef tenderloin
2 ( 10 ounce packages ) mushrooms- remove the stems and finely chop 1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cups diced onions
Tablespoon chopped garlic
Tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup red wine
2 sheets puff pastry
1 egg & 1 tablespoon cream
Instructions :
Preheat oven to 425 degree
Start mushroom duxelle by adding butter to a large skillet. Melt butter,add mushrooms,cook 5 minutes while stirring. Add salt,pepper & onion continue cooking for 5 minutes .
Enjoy! fromRobyn
OF THE MONTH Recipe Beef Wellington Christmas Traditions
Turn heat off slowly pour red wine stir. Turn heat back on to medium bring wine to a simmer, cook 2-3 minutes then pour in the cream stir together and cook for a couple minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Remove from heat to cool. Heat oil in a skillet large enough for tenderloin to fit. Season tenderloin generously on all sides with salt & pepper. Add tenderloin to hot oil & sear all sides until browned. Remove tenderloin to a platter and cool. Sprinkle flour onto a board and roll out pastry sheets to fit tenderloin. You’ll need both sheets of pastry.
Spread mushroom duxelle onto pasty leaving a 2 inch boarder.
Place tenderloin on top of mushroom mix then gently wrap the puff pastry covering all sides completely.
Place the seam side down on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking oil.
Brush the puff pastry with egg wash and cut a few slits into top of puff pastry to let steam escape. Cook the tenderloin for 30 minutes in oven.
Remove from oven ,tent with foil and turn the oven down to 400 degrees.
Put tenderloin back in oven go 20-25 minutes. Insert meat thermometer in thickest part, once temperature is 125 degrees take out of oven and place onto a board.cover with foil and rest for 15 minutes.
Slice tenderloin and
December 14 is the most festive day of the year in Nassau Bay!
Reindeer Fun Run & Walk
David Braun Park at St. Paul’s Church 9-11 am • 18223 Point Lookout Dr
Nassau Bay Farmers Market at Erma’s 2332 E NASA Pkwy
Holiday in the Park
Howard L. Ward Park Clear Lake Christmas Boat Parade Upper Bay Dr Boardwalk
Nassau Bay Fireworks
David Braun Park
UH CLEAR LAKE GALA
0 5 th Celebration
Graduate Gifts
By Don Armstrong
High school seniors are preparing to graduate and move on to college, so do you give them the unreliable family hand-me-down that you know is going to cost a few hundred a month just to keep running or bite the bullet and buy something new that has a warranty? Speaking from experience, we’d go “new.” Here are a couple of examples that you and your graduate should check out.
HYUNDAI KONA
Given Kona’s recent styling update, a 5-year and 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and free maintenance for 3-years and 36,000 miles, that alone should at least get you to the dealer’s showroom, plus it gets 30-MPG.
Kona motivation is provided by a 2.0-liter four -cylinder engine that produces 147
horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
The continuously variable transmission comes with standard front-wheel drive or optional cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. allwheel drive. 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, 8-inch touchscreen, rear USB port, six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all included in the base model.
Built with the same conveniences as a big SUV, Kona has a fold down rear seat that increases the size of its compact storage area into a mini wagon that swallows more than you can imagine.
Rear seat leg room is minimal but workable, and there’s room for four of your closest friends - that’s all that really matters, especially in your college years.
Pricing starts at $22,140.
The Mazda CX-30 combines a sleek style with smooth sheet metal undulations. The large, open-mouth grille is proportionate to its diminutive size. High wheel arches say “off-road,” and the sloping roofline give it a sporty, fastback look. Front and rear lighting complement both ends.
The interior is a winner too with an attractive, functional instrument cluster. An open pocket atop the dash holds the infotainment screen and gives it a little styling flare. Comfortable theatre-style seating places the rear guests a smidge above the driver and front passenger. Mazda’s accouterments are matched almost head-to-head with Kona.
Power is provided by 2.5-liter engine that delivers 191-horsepower via a 6-speed automatic transmission. This combo gets 29-MPG and should outpace our Hyundai comparison.
The Mazda CX-30 suspension is designed by the same folks who give us the world’s most popular sports car, the Miata MX-5 Miata, so expect superior handling and maneuverability, especially in the student parking lot.
Pricing begins at $22,950.
MAZDA CX-30
HYUNDAI KONA
INTERIOR OF THE HYUNDAI KONA
INTERIOR OF THE MAZDA CX-30
MAZDA CX-30
Inspiration Among the Stars:
How Johnson's Workforce Found Their Place in Space
By Linda Grimm
For some people, working for NASA is a lifelong dream. For others, it is an interesting and perhaps unexpected opportunity that comes up at just the right time and place. Everything from family ties and influential teachers to witnessing human spaceflight history and enjoying sci-fi entertainment has helped bring people of all backgrounds together at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Several of them recently shared their inspirations for joining the NASA team.
As a kid, I always had my head up looking at the stars. I loved astronomy and seeingvideos of humans walking on the Moon fascinated me! I wanted to be the first female to walk on the Moon. When Star Wars came out, I wanted to build my own
R2-D2 that could explore the galaxies. I was curious how things worked (so I could build a robot) and a cousin told me about engineering. That was the name for what I wanted to do! So, I went to the High School for Engineering Professions in Houston. The guidance counselor there told me about an opportunity to apply for a summer internship with NASA as a junior. I got in and I’ve worked with NASA as much as I could since I was 16 years old – internships and full-time positions. I may not get the chance to be an astronaut and walk on the Moon, but I know I will play a role in helping achieve that dream for another female and a person of color!” –Alicia Baker, engineering project manager for Portable Life Support System test support, -- JSC Engineering, Technology, and Science Contract
“I didn’t think I would ever work for NASA. But multiple professors in college encouraged me to challenge myself and do some space research. I realized that it was something that I was very passionate about. Thanks to my research work for the Europa Clipper as an undergraduate student, I got my first internship at NASA and subsequently an offer to join the Pathways Program. Now I am part of a small group of engineers that solve entry, descent, and landing problems for multiple missions on Earth, the Moon, and Mars.” – Sergio Sandoval, guidance engineer, Engineering Directorate Flight Mechanics and Trajectory Design Branch
Sergio Sandoval helps staff a NASA table during a Johnson Space Center community engagement event. Image courtesy of Sergio Sandoval
“My dad was an aerospace engineer with Lockheed Martin. I went to take your kid to work day and got to stand in front of a booster engine. I’ve wanted to work in the space industry ever since. I almost didn’t enter the field after getting my aerospace degree, but I was fortunate to take an Intro to Human Spaceflight class during my last quarter of college. Without that class and the professor (who had worked at Johnson) I wouldn’t be here today. I’m so glad my path led me here. Johnson is such a great place to be, and I can look back and tell little Margaret that we did it!” – Margaret Kennedy, aerospace systems engineer, Engineering Directorate Crew and Thermal Systems Division
Margaret Kennedy and her dad visited Space Center Houston when she started her job at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in October 2019. Image courtesy of Margaret Kennedy
“In first grade, my teacher organized a ‘Space Week’ in which we learned about outer space. Her sons – who were studying engineering in college – came and launched model rockets for us. I knew from that point on that I wanted to work at NASA when I grew up.”
– Krista Farrell, International Space Station attitude determination and control officer and motion control systems instructor; Boeing Starliner guidance, navigation, and control instructor Krista Farrell holds a mission emblem in an International Space Station mockup with members of the Expedition 71 crew.
“Dad would take me to the viewing room of the original Mission Operations Control Room during the Apollo era. He was one of the people supporting Mission Control in the staff support room. I have worked at Johnson for 27 years [as a contractor] for Lockheed Martin,Hamilton Sundstrand, and Jacobs Technology.” – David Fanelli, software engineer, Energy Systems Test Area
“In early 1969, when I was a boy, my uncle visited the Johnson Space Center and brought back astronaut and mission photos of the recently completed Apollo 8 lunar orbiting mission. Those photos, coupled with a Saturn V rocket model I assembled, and the Time Life records and books about the Apollo space program my parents purchased for me, sparked my imagination. I knew I wanted to work for NASA one day. It wasn’t until many years later that that dream became a reality, when I joined NASA’s co-op program for college students during my second attempt to become an aeronautical engineer. After Igraduated college, I began working full time as a civil servant engineer at Johnson.” –David Fletcher, NASA lead, Gateway-Ready Avionics Integration Lab
“I remember watching Star Trek and Star Wars as a kid with my dad. I found some of his college notes in a box one day and thought the small, neat print on graph paper pads was really pretty. He went to the University of Texas at Austin to study astrophysics and engineering, but he never got to finish. Fast forward to 2022 and I find myself in Houston for an unknown amount of time, so I decided to go out and make some friends. I met a woman at a Geeky Game Night, and I learned that she was a food scientist at NASA! After talking some more, she told me to send her my resume. Later that week I received a call to set up an interview. I’m still in awe of how that one chance connection led me to my childhood dream of working at NASA.” – Kristin Dillon, document/information technology specialist, Space Food Systems Laboratory
Kristin Dillon poses with NASA Johnson Space Center’s Christopher J. Kraft Mission Control Center in the background. Image courtesy of Kristin Dillon
“I grew up in a small agricultural village in India. My first introduction to spaceflight was reading Russian cosmonauts’ translated accounts of the ApolloSoyuz Test Project as a young girl. I am still not sure whether my father picked that book for me on a whim or with a grand dream for his daughter, but it certainly had me hooked. However, I found my true calling to make human spaceflight safer and more efficient after witnessing the Columbia mishap. India, at the time, did not have a human spaceflight program. Thus started a 20- year-long grand adventure of seeking opportunities, pursuing them, emigrating to the United States, and finding my path to NASA, which culminated in a Pathways internship at Johnson.” – Poonampreet
Kaur Josan, three-time Pathways intern, currently supporting the Human Health and Performance Directorate Habitability and Human Factors Branch
Alicia Baker in a spacesuit test chamber at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Credit: NASA/David DeHoyos
From left: NASA astronauts Jeannette Epps and Matt Dominick, Farrell, NASA astronaut Mike Barratt, Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin,; and NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson. Credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel
David Fletcher with his daughters Jessica, left, and Erica. Image courtesy of David Fletcher.
Most people think the job of being a professor is essentially a life-long play time. I know I did.
That’s why I was interested in the job in the first place. But consider for a moment semester after semester of reading and having to grade 800 poorly thought-out and even more poorly written papers. You begin to realize that rather than playing, the prof is more likely near collapse.
“But I showed it to my 10 th grade English teacher and she said it was an A paper!” I can’t tell you how many times we hear things similar to that. Somehow, informing the student that this is not 10 th grade English, but a college sophomore-level Technical Writing class, just doesn’t seem to register. So at the end of every semester, I always made my escape as quickly as I could and headed for my personal sanctuary place. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, that was the beaches on the west coast of Florida. Since then, that place is much more likely to be Luckenbach. I have always found the trip necessary to the process of recovery and rejuvenation. After all, in another month, or three months in summer, the grind would start again.
While Luckenbach is my personal choice these days, for others, sanctuary could be as simple as their home or backyard. If the COVID debacle taught us anything, it was the importance of disconnecting from the world and building something reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, right on our own homestead, no matter how tiny that may be. One neighbor of mine built a sanctuary room out of a converted walk-in closet. In it he had only a comfortable old recliner, a CD player, shelves of CDs and a good amplifier. There was no room for speakers so a pair of super headphones rounded out his music room, his sanctuary. He used it daily, sometimes for hours.
Regardless of the location, indoors or out, home or on the road, sanctuaries provide us with many benefits that we sometimes desperately need when the going gets hard. At its most basic, a sanctuary is a place where we can feel safe, both physically and emotionally, a place where we feel
comfortable and free to be who we are. In more stressful times, we might use it as a place to heal and to gain a feeling of rejuvenation and clarity.
Sometimes, though, a sanctuary can have even more significance than any of the benefits above. It can be a place where you can discover, maybe for the first time in your life, the things you really feel and believe in—a place where all the restraining factors that held you back are gone and you can finally grow and flourish. That happened to me at age 18 when I started college.
Recently a friend I have known for nearly 60 years pointed out that I seem to have an “almost unnatural” attachment to Purdue University. I grew up in a rough area in northwest Indiana where most of the men were laborers in the steel mills. By the time I was in middle school, personal safety was my biggest issue. A good day was one where I made it home from school unscathed.
Those first weeks at Purdue were like getting hit in the face with a door. The first day of calculus class, for example, the professor had us all look to the person on our left and then on our right. Then he said “At the end of the semester, two of you three won’t be here.” He wasn’t kidding.
And while the academics continued to be a challenge, for the first time, life in general was great. I felt physically safe, accepted as a person and more important, comfortable to begin learning, and expressing who I was. Purdue became first my sanctuary, and then my home. I stayed for 24 years. In retrospect, I realize it gave me both the life I have and made me the person I am. That is the greatest gift a sanctuary can give to us. Of course I will be eternally “attached.”
TEXAS MEDITATIONS
By Michael Gos
While it is natural to think of sanctuary as a place, does it have to be one? There are other options. Several philosophers have seen it as a state of mind—a feeling of safety and peace. Hermann Hesse, the author of Siddhartha, wrote,
Sanctuary
“Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” What a wise expenditure of time it would be to seek and find that place, and then learn how to visit it regularly.
I often hear people say they have no such place in their lives—nowhere to go when they need to rest, heal, recharge, or even to just get away for a while. If that is the case, finding such a spot needs to be job one. While it may take a few tries, it really is not all that difficult. First, we need to identify what it is we need from a sanctuary. Is it social interaction (your favorite bar or coffee shop), or solitude (a quiet walk in the woods)? Or perhaps something else? Then, think about the places you know where those possibilities exist. Try them on for size; think of them in a new way. Could they become something more than what they are now? A sanctuary place? If none fit the bill, expand your search into new places or ideas. When you find one that fits, it will feel right.
If you’re like most people, you already know where your place of sanctuary is. The problem is finding the time or the means to get to it. My recommendation—steal it! There needs to be some time in your day, your week, or your semester, that you can just ditch the demands of the world and steal some time for yourself. Go ahead. It’s not really a crime.
Whether it is an hour in the music room, a day at Luckenbach, a week on the beach or 24 years on campus, having a place of sanctuary is necessary to our happiness and well-being. And in some cases, it can help us discover who we really are and make us better at everything we do. At the very least, we can go there to just relax a few minutes. Who doesn’t need that from time to time?
For now, my place is Luckenbach. And there is also a bonus. They have beer!
Luckenbach, Texas
Groundbreaking Set for Texas A&M Space Institute at Exploration Park Near NASA’s Johnson Space Center
By Ted Shull
The highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the Texas A&M Space Institute is just around the corner in mid-November. Located in Exploration Park, on underutilized land adjacent to NASA Johnson Space Center, this new facility represents a transformative step in advancing space research, technology development, and workforce education in the Bay Area Houston region.
The Texas A&M Space Institute is poised to become a world-class hub for aerospace research, with the $200 million facility featuring the first ever life-size simulation, an environmental testbed of the lunar and Martian surfaces. The institute will focus on addressing the challenges of human space exploration, equipment deployment, and space commerce, while fostering the next generation of aerospace technology.
With Texas A&M’s history of innovation and collaboration, the new institute will bring together scientists and engineers to work on pioneering projects that will shape the future of space exploration. While the university has no plans to offer academic degree programs from the new Space Institute, it is designed to be a hub for testing technology and equipment bound for the lunar or Martian surfaces.
The strategic location of the institute, next to NASA Johnson Space Center, will enable collaboration and prototype testing with NASA and its private industry partners. It is also worth noting that Texas A&M University is the only university in the US with four fully qualified astronauts on the faculty roster.
The facility will offer cutting-edge research opportunities for students and faculty, enhancing Texas A&M’s leadership in space-related academic programs. From space vehicle design to satellite systems, the institute’s research will drive advancements that support both NASA’s missions and the rapidly growing commercial space sector.
James Ray, architect and partner with Energy Architecture, presented the design at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s (BAHEP) September Aerospace Advisory Committee meeting. “By designing the Texas A&M Space Institute next to NASA Johnson Space Center, we are creating an environment that will encourage innovation, collaboration, and breakthrough discoveries,” said Ray. “This will be a place where industry, government, and
academia can work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration.”
The Texas A&M Space Institute is also expected to have a significant economic impact on the Bay Area Houston region. Its presence will attract high-tech businesses and create jobs, contributing to the growth of the local aerospace industry.
Brian Freedman, President of BAHEP, expressed excitement about the project’s potential: “The Texas A&M Space Institute is a game-changer for our region. It solidifies Bay Area Houston’s role as the heart of space exploration and technology development. We’re thrilled to support this monumental project, which will bring economic growth and innovation to our community.”
The groundbreaking event, set to take place on November 15th, will feature key speakers from Texas A&M University, NASA, and regional leaders, highlighting the institute’s mission and its long-term goals for space research and education Invitations are going out to local businesses, stakeholders, and community members to attend and witness the beginning of this new chapter for the Bay Area Houston region’s aerospace sector.
