Bay Area Houston Magazine - Mar/Apr 2026

Mar / Apr 2026

BAY AREA HOUSTON MAGAZINE is proud to present The Longhorn Project 2026 Silver Buckle Ball

BAY AREA HOUSTON MAGAZINE is proud to present The Longhorn Project 2026 Silver Buckle Ball

Our care revolves around you, to get you back on your game and keep you there. Whether you need relief from tendinitis or a torn ligament, you’ll get the same leading-edge treatments that we provide to the Houston Rockets. To help you come back sooner and stronger. This is orthopedic care designed around you.

memorialhermann.org/orthopedics

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

Rodeo Road TRIP Rodeo Road TRIP

Date: March 20, 2026 3:00p.m.-11:45p.M. Depart From: Hooters 20796 Gulf Fwy webster, TX 77598

no stress, just

company and a straight shot to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Start the festivities with a complimentary happy hour at Hooters Clear Lake at 3:00 PM, where you’ll enjoy free appetizers and drinks!

Ticket price includes bus ride, Chute Club access, and admission to Rodeo for the night's performance. Must be 21 years old.

$320,000 in scholarships awarded to NASA/Friendswood/clear creek Area seniors in May 2025 through the Rodeo's continued educational commitment!

$320,000 in scholarships awarded to NASA/Friendswood/clear creek Area May 2025 through the Rodeo's continued educational commitment!

For more information, contact Corrine Blancas at 832.524.1581 or nasahmgt@gmail.com

Bay Area Houston Economic PartnershipSpotlight SUCCESSFUL EVENTS:

In today’s world, it’s experiences that define a brand. Corporate events aren’t just dates on a calendar- they’re powerful opportunities to connect, inspire, and make a lasting impression. Here’s where Successful Events shines!

Successful Events listens and brings your vision to life! Designed with your goals in mind, every aspect is expertly managed, allowing you to enjoy an event that flows effortlessly.

With decades of corporate event planning expertise, Successful Events highlights what matters most- strengthening connections, making memories, and appreciating every attendee.

The WOW Factor

The “wow factor” is that magical moment at an event when guests walk in and instantly sense something special. It’s the spark of excitement, the unexpected, the atmosphere that makes people pause and say, “Wow.” At Successful Events, the “wow factor” isn’t just about flashy décor or big entertainment - it’s about an experience that surprises and delights, while still aligning with the event’s goals. Imagine a stunning entrance that sets the tone the moment guests arrive, creative lighting or immersive décor that transforms the space, or a personalized touch that makes attendees feel valued. What truly creates the “wow factor” is intention.

It’s when every detail—sight, sound, flow, and feeling—works together seamlessly. The “wow factor” elevates the entire event, enhances connections, and allows guests to remember both the emotion and the engagement.

Events That Build Culture and Connection

Are you planning a Company Picnic, Client Appreciation, Sales Meeting, Employee Recognition, Awards Banquet, Holiday Celebration, Theme Party, or Teambuilding Retreat? Whatever the occasion, Successful Events handles every aspect - from concept to completion. You are able to focus on connecting with your guests while Successful Events works their magic behind the scenes.

From venue selection and designing decor, to coordinating audiovisuals, arranging delicious

catering, and booking just the right entertainment, every element is thoughtfully chosen to reflect your company’s unique culture and audience. The result? Events that don’t just look great, they feel vibrant and inspire - strengthening relationships and bringing people closer together.

Expert Leadership in Action

At the heart of Successful Events are owners

Linda Lighthill-Flusberg and David Flusberg, whose leadership blends vision and imagination with operational excellence.

Linda, president and founder since 1985, brings a background in education and early experience as a corporate entertainer - giving her unique insight into both audience engagement and seamless implementation. Her passion for delivering exceptional experiences sets the standard for the entire team.

Bringing his extensive expertise in supply chain management, vendor relations, and strategic partnerships, David leads business development and operations. His focus on building win-win relationships and ensuring operational precision, gives clients confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.

Together, their complementary strengths form the foundation to power a company defined by bold creativity, steadfast reliability, and measurable results.

Passion for What’s Possible

What sets Successful Events apart? With decades of experience and a leadership team that blends innovation with flawless execution, they partner with every client to achieve event goals and leave a longlasting positive impact. Linda and David look forward to connecting with you and collaborating on your next Successful Event. Let’s create something extraordinary together! www.successfulevents.com.

Quasar Banquet 2026

Go Texan fashion show

CCISD foundation partnership luncheon

BAHBT 50th Celebration

Totally

Bayish with Kippy Caraway

Team Kings won the Clear Lake Boys Basketball 5th and 6th Grade Tournament. Proud of their jackets.

Service

PREPARING:

1-Preheat oven 400 degrees

2-Mix in bowl:garlic, thyme,rosemary,lemon zest and juice,olive oil, salt and pepper

3-rub the marinade on lamb making sure to get in all crevices

4-place the lamb in a roasting pan on a roasting rack

5- roast for 1.5 - 2 hours. Internal temperature -135 for medium rare

Leg Of Lamb Classic Easter Roasted Leg

Bad News VS. Good News!

By Pastor Brad Heintz

What makes a good news story? Is it the facts? Is it the narrative? Is it the scoop? It is the timing? Is it the happy ending? Is it the feeling you have when you are done reading, watching or listening to it?

Have you noticed lately that there is less and less good news?

Phycology Today shared recently that research shows bad news is much more likely to be spread than good news and bad news is more likely to be shared to your social media feed. Basically, research is showing that bad news stimulates our brain at a base level, so subconsciously bad news stories get a rise out of us. Increasing bad news exposure therefore can be addictive like an adrenaline junkie. It’s like me eating a bag of chips. I know that they are bad for me, but they taste so good and I can’t stop!

But what if we exposed ourselves to more good news? Would that change everything? Would there be more peace, more hope and a positive feeling for the future? If you love a good news story, may I suggest that you take time to read and experience the suffering, death

and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Why? Because it has everything in it that makes a good news story. It has drama, suspense, murder, sacrifice, pain, grief, love, hope and the happiest of endings. Plus, it is all true and really happened.

The Resurrection changes everything. I encourage you to experience the resurrection this easter at a house of worship of your choosing. At Living Word Church, we not only read but experience the Good News Story of Easter but also actively participate in the death and resurrection observances on Easter Weekend, April 18-20.

So that what is said in Galatians 2:20 can come true for you and me. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

His Good News can become your Good News and have a lasting impact upon you that changes everything. May The Good News of Easter make a difference this year.

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

Lance C. Covington

1. Where are you from?

Houston, Texas

2. What do you do?

Commercial Real Estate Agent with SE Covington & Co. and Local Musician

3. Where did you attend college?

BBA Texas A&M Corpus Christi

4. Any hobbies?

My hobbies range from a variety of past experiences, early on fell in love with the water and got into sailing, which I still am very active in. I recently sailed a snipe regatta in Miami and have enjoyedsailing the Harvest Moon Regatta for the last nine years. Throughout high school and college, I was an avid kite surfer and by my junior year in college, I received a Sponsorship with Eleveight Kites riding in the Big Air Division. My biggest hobby is still playing music, I sing and play the guitar for many spots around Houston. You can catch my show at the Hilton hotel on Clear Lake every Thursday night from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, also Pomodoro’s, Oneal’s on the Water, the Thompson Hotel off Allen Parkway and many private parties as well.

2. Who is the most influencial person in your life?

The most influential person in my life would have to be my father. Throughout all my years Scott and my mother, Stacie, have been my biggest supporters in all aspects of my life. From my days of youth sailing and traveling the globe racing and attending every one of my gigs from the time I was 15, and now getting to work at my family’s brokerage firm with 40+ years of experience in the Houston commercial real estate industry.

6. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

If I could have dinner with anyone of my choosing, I would have to say Eric Clapton. As an avid songwriter and performer, it would be a dream to sit down with one of my heroes and talk about blues guitar, rock and roll and everything music.

7. Do you have a favorite book?

My favorite book is Henry David Thoreau’s Walden and Civil Disobedience published in 1854. The book Walden is Thoreau’s account of the two years (1845–1847) he spent living in a small cabin he built near Walden Pond in Concord. More than a nature diary, it’s a philosophical reflection on how to live deliberately and meaningfully.

8. What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is the classic, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. My earliest memories of films is growing up watching westerns with my father.To this day, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid is my go-to movie when I’m happy, sad, sick, bored, or anything in between.

9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If I could live anywhere in the world I would have to say the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. With my love of kitesurfing, sailing, and surfing the North Shore would be heaven for me.

10. What is one piece of advice you would give others?

My philosophy in life has always been to keep a good attitude and to trust the Lord no matter what. When a race isn’t going your way, a song just isn’tworking, or plans fall through it is most important to keep your attitude positive, for me a good attitude is worth more than gold and I protect it as such. No matter what happens in this crazy thing we call life, a good attitude can make all the difference even in hard situations.

By Rob Hefner

It’salmost remodeling season!

Every year styles and selections seem to change a bit.

Some things go out of style forever; like carpet in the bathroom, thank goodness! Some things are timeless. What our clients are asking for has changed a lot over time. I’m not a realtor and definitely not an interior designer, but here are some of the most noticeable updates. We are getting requests for alternative wall coverings, something other than sheetrock or traditional paneling. There are a lot of products out on the market right now, but none that I really love. I want to see them three years after installation before I go all-in on this. I love the look, but durability matters. I wonder how timeless they are as well.

Oversized tiles are getting more and more popular. And I don’t mean twentyfour inch squares, I mean 3x5 feet. We have a couple of jobs we’ve completed using 4x8 tile! What’s driving it is a low maintenance shower because of minimized grout lines. The fact that it looks great is a bonus.

There was a time when double-level kitchen countertops were popular - not anymore. Everything is flat and open; flat maximizes useable space, allows for more visibility and communication, and just provides a cleaner look. Customized cabinets aren’t cheap, but they are so cool. There is a 3-inch wide basecabinet that you pull out and it folds out into a stepstool - great for toddlers at the sink or short people getting to upper cabinets. No offense to short people.

There are some cool ways to deal with those hidden corners where nothing fits. Including other neat stuff like pull out rolling boards and lots of storage ideas for the bulkier items on your countertops.

An old country boy like me never imagined that bidets would become a thing, yet here we are. We have built more than a few wet rooms (showers and freestanding tubs in the same enclosed area), even a couple with a steam generator for that all-around spa experience. These are a nice departure from the standard shower, the one so small you can touch both walls at the same time with your elbows.

Something I’m hoping to become more requested would be mudrooms or drop off zones. A simple bench and coatrack at your entry for shoes, backpacks, keys, even mail, would be a lifesaver for those who can’t live with clutter. Whatever the trend, whatever the style, make your space your happy place.

NASA, University of Texas Expand Research and Workforce Development

By Llinda Grimm

NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and the University of Texas System (UT System) announced the signing of a collaborative Space Act Agreement on Jan. 9, 2026. The agreement expands research and workforce development partnership opportunities across NASA centers and UT System facilities.

The agreement builds upon decades of collaboration between NASA and the UT System by enabling additional research, teaching resources, and educational engagements that support human spaceflight and grow the pipeline of nextgeneration talent. It will leverage Johnson’s unique capabilities as the hub of human spaceflight and the UT System’s assets across its 13 institutions.

"NASA's Johnson Space Center has a long history of working with colleges and universities to help us achieve our human spaceflight missions," said Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche. "We are eager to partner with the UT System to collaborate in vital research and technology development initiatives that will enable us to meet our nation's exploration goals and advance the future of space exploration."

The agreement also reflects Johnson’s continued evolution through Dare Unite Explore – a set of commitments designed to ensure the center will remain the world leader in human space exploration. Those commitments include expanding partner access to the center’s world-class facilities and expertise, as well as establishing robust workforce development and recruitment programs.

Wyche and UT System Chancellor John M. Zerwas hosted a ceremonial signing event at Johnson. “It’s an exciting time for the UT System and NASA to come together in new ways because Texas is at the epicenter of America’s space future,” said Zerwas. “We’re living through a unique moment where aerospace innovation, national security, economic transformation, and scientific discovery are converging like never before in Texas. UT institutions are uniquely positioned to partner with NASA in building a stronger and safer Texas.”

Wyche and Zerwas were joined at the signing by the center’s leadership team and UT System executives and faculty. The group strategized on potential partnership opportunities and next steps for stakeholders during the event.

Brownsville, Texas

We were down in Brownsville as the home base for a larger Rio Grande Valley tour when we discovered that we had the great fortune of hitting just the right day for their monthly First Friday party in the town’s Market Square. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

We were glad we didn’t. While it had all the usual vendors’ booths, from canned food products to jewelry, everything that you see at any such gathering, these people came prepared to party.

There were two sound stages so there would be no time gaps between one band’s set and the next. Mexican street food was everywhere (The elote was magnificent!), and of course, there was beer. People gathered with families and friends and we saw a lot of introductions taking place, indicating new friends being made. There was lots of laughter and those beautiful grito yells, that unique kind of laugh-cry sound, so common in Mariachi music, that is said to free the spirit. Many people were singing along with the Tejano bands and everyone seemed to be in full party mode. It reminded me of a time long gone by when large parties like this were the highlight of my life.

Somewhere around 20 years ago in what seems like a different lifetime, I used to really enjoy a beer or three. And rum, well, that is the drink of every beach bum I ever knew, which is how I saw myself back then.

On occasions of family get-togethers, which were many and large, rather than socialize with others my age, I hung around almost exclusively with the next generation. At first I told myself it was because of my job. As a professor, I spent my life with younger people and definitely felt more in tune with them and their lives than with other oldies like myself. But over time, I started to suspect the real reason I chose the younger crowd was because they always seemed to be having fun—a lot of it. That was something I couldn’t say about my own age group in these gatherings.

What I liked best, and found most surprising, about hanging with these kids is that I wasn’t just having fun; I was always laughing. That was something very rare for me. In fact, it was probably, well, never, that I laughed easily. It just wasn’t a part of my life.

At first I assumed this change was because of the company. After all, most social group members feed off the moods of their fellows and this group was always having fun, so I did too. But in the case of this particular motley crew, they weren’t just having fun, they were also always drinking— heavily.

As a member of that group, I, of course, joined in. While I seldom drank between gatherings, when the party arrived, so did the beer. More importantly, so did my laughter. It wasn’t long before I came to the realization that if I wanted to laugh, I had to drink. And I did want to laugh—desperately.

Even after the parties were over and everyone went home, in spite of eight to ten hours of fun gone by and the big clean-up job I still faced, I felt so much better—energetic, not tired at all. It was almost like I was high on something.

TEXAS MEDITATIONS

By Michael Gos

The Importance of Laughter

significantly the prefrontal cortex (which is responsible for decision-making and social behavior) and the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory formation. In effect, laughing enhances problem-solving skills, improves verbal and creative fluency and boosts memory and recall.

But I came to realize that, for me at least, laughing was important, not just for my body’s health but for my soul. It just felt good—all the time. And of course, when we feel good emotionally, we open up powers we never knew we had. Just about every expert says laughter strengthens social bonds and makes us friendlier people. Linguist Don Nilson points out that laughter, be it a little chuckle or a full belly laugh, seldom happens when we are alone. Because laughing not only lowers stress but also raises the levels of dopamine and endorphins in the body, we are indeed “on a high.” In essence, laughing is a miracle cure for much of what ails us. I’m not sure it is possible to have too much. I know when I go too long without it, it hurts.

It turns out we really know quite a bit about how laughter affects us, both physically and emotionally. First and foremost, it is good for your heart. Laughing releases nitric oxide which reduces inflammation, relaxes and widens vessels, and prevents plaque buildup in those vessels. The Heart Foundation claims laughter is as good for the old ticker as cardio exercise and its benefits last up to 24 hours. It even decreases heart rate and blood pressure, relaxes muscle tension and reduces the fight-or-flight response.

Laughter is also linked to lower risk of chronic disease and to longevity. It helps control serotonin and minimizes cortisol, hormones that takes a toll on our metabolic and immune systems. We also know that laughter improves cognitive performance. Laughing activates multiple areas of the brain, most

Fortunately, these days, the lack of laughter is no longer an issue for me. Because my life has changed to the point where laughing is a major part of it regularly, I no longer need beer and the young crowd to have fun. The days of laughing being rare are long gone. I still enjoy a beer or three but laughter flows freely, with or without it. I trust the health benefits of laughing will accumulate as time goes on as well. And of course, those wonderful endorphins and dopamine coursing through my body guarantee “happy.” It turns out, I really was high on something, and it wasn’t the beer after all.

As some unheralded sage once said: “He who laughs...lasts.” And I would add: ”and is happy.” I intend to be here a long time. I might as well spend it being happy.

4 month old black & white moo cow cat

Hi! I’m Gale, the kitten with a zest for life! My days are packed with adventures. I love exploring every corner and playing with every toy I can find. When I’m not busy being curious, I’m perfecting my silly antics that will surely make you laugh. I’m also quite the cuddler when it’s time to wind down. If you’re looking for a playful, loving companion to bring energy and joy into your home, I’m your girl! Let’s make countless happy memories together!

7 months old ( tabby cat)

Are you looking for a lap cat? Gemini is your boy. Playful and spirited one minute, he’s all affection the next, melting into cuddles, and ready to curl up for lots of attention. This handsome dude is pure personality wrapped in fur.

Taquito

tan 8 year old chihuahua

Taquito is a tiny, spirited Chihuahua with a big personality! He’s got expressive eyes that will melt your heart and a tan coat that perfectly complements his spunky energy. Taquito is a little bundle of joy who’s ready to bring endless smiles and companionship to a loving home.

Peter Pan

4 months old ( cutie black chihuahua puppy)

Hi there! I’m Peter Pan — yes, that Peter Pan — and just like my name promises, I’m convinced I was born to fly. My ears are my wings, my paws barely touch the ground, and my heart? Oh, it’s always soaring somewhere new. I’m a four-monthold Chihuahua with a very serious mission: to see everything, sniff everything, and experience absolutely everything.

RICK'S PICKS