Rodolfo Gonzalez, RNASA Foundation Chairman will be talking about the upcoming RNASA Gala, The 37^th black-tie banquet will be held at the Houston Hyatt Regency hotel on Friday, April 25, 2025.  

5 th Monday of the Month Fellowship. No Meeting at Podomoros.Members and Guest join us for our 5th Monday of the Month Social. See other post for more information. 

NO MONDAY MEETING 

INSTEAD

JOIN US FOR A

FELLOWSHIP SOCIAL DINNER

WHERE: NOkturne Juice Bar & World Food

7062 Saturn Ln. Houston, TX 77058

(a block from Universal Weasther & Aviation Building, where we had Wine Tasting Event)

WHAT TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

COST: you pay for you own food + tips. 

MENU: they have the most tasty menu. Check it out!

https://nokturne.world/menu 

BYOB. For wine, you are free to bring your own wine and no additional charge for openening and serving, if you consume. For beers, they will put them in the fridge  and serve as you ask for. Others, must be mixed with one of their beverages. 

Let's have some fun, relax and enjoy!

If you  ARE NOT participating in the Rise Against Hunger event, we strongly encourage you to attend so that can serve/lead more ably now and into the future.

This is also a great opportunity to refresh and update our lidership skils. In addition, you will be able to meet wonderful peers and share ideas, and probalby bring new and fresh ideas to our Club. Four our  Club members, the Club will cover the cost of the  training ($20.00).

Guests are also welcome to attend.

For registration, click here 

Rise Against Hunger’s Pathways to End Hunger model aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily #2 Zero Hunger and #4 Quality Education. From droughts to floods, in conflict zones and transitioning political situations, food is often the most immediate need. When everyday access to food, wages and market systems are destroyed in the wake of emergencies, we work through a network of in-country partners to address these needs and ensure food and other assistance is efficiently and effectively deployed to and received by communities when it is needed most. 

When: April 5

Time: 9:00 - 1:00 pm (three shifts available)

Where: Taylor Lake Christian Church, 

               1730 Old Kirby Rd. Seabrook, TX 77586

PROJECT: Help assembling 10,000 food packages for families around the world, so they get the nourishment they need to flourish.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 40-50:  Look for signup sheets at upcoming meetings or register online.

REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY Click here. 

CONTACT: Nurit Hinthorn at nurit.hinthorn@gmail.com

“Our partners and volunteers are an integral part of the organization and allow us to continue expanding the green canopy in the Greater Houston area,” - Trees For Houston Executive Director, Barry Ward

Houston needs trees, and you can help. For the last 41 years, Trees For Houston has focused on the simple mission of planting trees for the benefit of our entire community. Continually growing, we now plant more than 70,000 trees per year throughout our region.

Richard Walker joined University of Houston-Clear Lake as its sixth president on May 20, 2022, bringing over 40 years of leadership experience in higher education at both public and private institutions. Under his leadership, UHCL has experienced significant success. He led the implementation of UHCL's strategic plan, 'Impact 2025 and Beyond: Transform, Translate, Transcend,' which has been pivotal in transforming student lives through experiential learning and workforce readiness. This period has seen record-breaking fundraising efforts, with nearly $2.8 million raised, surpassing the goal by over a million dollars. Additionally, the successful acquisition of 53 grants has yielded over $7.2 million in funding for various educational and community projects in the 2022-2023 period.

Under Walker’s leadership, UHCL has marked several notable achievements. During his first year, UHCL graduated its largest class ever, with 2,427 students. Additionally, Walker's tenure has significantly increased UHCL's economic impact on the local area, contributing $1.1 billion, which equates to supporting 12,578 jobs in the university’s service region.

Moreover, UHCL has made considerable strides in national and regional academic standings. In the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UHCL climbed 27 places to No. 304 nationally and rose to No. 12 among public universities in Texas. It also advanced 66 spots to No. 143 in the 'Top Performer for Social Mobility' category among national universities.

Walker’s impact extends beyond the campus as he actively contributes to regional and national development. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake and the Board of Directors for Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the Council of Public University Presidents & Chancellors (CPUPC). Strategic partnerships with major organizations like Boeing and NASA have provided invaluable real-world experiences to UHCL students, further enhancing their education and career readiness supporting community and workforce development.

Recognized as a 2016 Pillar of the Profession by the NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education - Foundation, Walker's dedication to higher education is evident in his administrative achievements and active involvement in various professional and honor societies. His vision for UHCL focuses on elevating the university among the top public universities in Texas, enhancing the student experience, and anticipating educational needs to ensure UHCL's relevance and influence in an evolving workforce landscape.

Prior to his current role, Walker served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services for the University of Houston System and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at the University of Houston. He also spent 24 years in significant leadership roles at the University of Miami.

Walker received his Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Miami. He earned a Specialist in Education in Education Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Education in Education Administration and Supervision from Memphis State University, and a Bachelor of Science in History from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Higher Education Management Development Program.

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. Each year since 1987, the Foundation has presented the National Space Trophy and other awards honoring those who have contributed to our nation's space program at a gala event in April in Houston, Texas.

Pamela Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator, will receive the National Space Trophy (NST) on April 25, 2025 at the Houston Hyatt Regency.

Please click here for attendance and sponsorship opportunities. The deadline for reserving tables is Friday, April 5, 2024.

Mike Turco obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master of Science in Geology (Hydrogeology) from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

He began his career in the water industry with the U.S. Geological Survey in 1996 at the Water Resources Division field office in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He worked on many surface water and groundwater data collection and research projects in Iowa and Nebraska, including the development of several high-profile groundwater flow models, before taking the position of Chief Hydrologist of the Gulf Coast Program Office in Houston, Texas.

From 2004-2013, he directed the USGS scientific research and data collection, including the USGS response to hurricanes Rita and Ike, as well as the continued research and monitoring of subsidence in the Houston region.

In 2013, Mike joined the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District and Fort Bend Subsidence District as General Manager, where he leads a community-focused team to support the District’s mission of preventing further subsidence through reasonable groundwater regulation and promoting water efficiency to protect lives and property in Harris, Galveston, and Fort Bend counties.

Ted retired from NASA in December 2011 after working at NASA for 33 years. He started as a Guidance Officer in
Mission Control. His career migrated into information technology, where he eventually served in the Office of the Chief Information Officer and was the JSC Chief Enterprise Architect. When he retired, he was the Chief Information
Security Official (CISO) for the Johnson Space Center.

He became a pilot in 1972. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating. He currently has almost 2300 hours of
flight time. He purchased his Cessna 182Q in 2010 when his wife said he could buy it but only if it was not going to be a hanger queen. Having flown it over 1300hrs, he can state that he has met that criterion.

He is a USCG Auxiliary Aircraft Commander. He flies the Cessna 182Q on patrols where he and his crew look for pollution, boaters in trouble, and other problems between Lake Charles, LA and Port O’Conner, TX.

He is married (46 years) with two Sons.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY

This year our Scholarship Awards Committee will present  the schorlarships to exceptional and outstanding CCISD High School students during their Senior Awards Banquet at Clear View High School cafeteria.

If you have any questions or would like to attend the event,  please contact Steve Charbonneau. Seatting may be limited. 

Join us for 2025 Rotary Teacher of the Year Luncheon

and honor our Teachers of the year.

This will replace our SCR Luncheon at Pomodoro’s that day.

Cost: $40.00  Cash, Check, or Credit Card. 

*If  you pay with credit card, please contact Marilyn. 

If you plan to attend, make sure to sign the list at ANY OF OUR MONDAY LUNCHEONS UP TO MAY 5TH, and provide Marilyn your money.

Books for Whitcomb Delivery!

Come and join us to deliver and present the books signed and dedicated by our speakers. These books are being donated to the Whitcom Elementary LIbrary. 

When: May 13 @ 10:00 AM

Where: 900 Reseda Dr, Houston, TX 77062

For any questions, please contact Wayne Musial, Books for Whitcomb Coordinator at wmusial@comcast.net

No meeting due to the Golf Tournament.

Come and Join us at the Bay Oaks Country Club. 

We hope you will join your fellow Clear Lake area corporate colleagues to put a team in the tournament, become a Sponsor, or make a donation, allowing Rotary Space Center to increase our outreach and service to the local and global communities.  Any donation will be greatly appreciated. Your continued support speaks to the close partnership we have with the Bay Area and its businesses.

Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and we are committed to the needs of others by leveraging our resources to enable sustainable solutions. Our volunteers work tirelessly to make this world a better place; however, volunteer hours alone are not enough.

So, plan to join us for the golf tournament.

FOR SPONSORSHIP LEVELS, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE

Thank you for your participation and generosity.

                Richard Simmons                                        

Chairperson, Golf Committee  

No meeting due to Memorial Day Observance.

Chloe Gallagher  and Varlincia Prince from Unbound Now Houston  will report on the recent, successfully completed, Anti-Child Sex Trafficking (Global Grant) Project in Galveston/Brazoria County, which SCR funded with other Clubs and Districts around the world.

These women were “in schools, detention centers, and on the street” implementing this courageous model to improve our neighborhoods.

This will be a good opportunity for you to learn what has been done to address the growing

presence of Sex Trafficking in our area, and how SCR has contributed to this success story.

Matthew Peek is the Associate Director, UHCL Archives and Special Collections. 

Please join us for President Stan’s Year-End Report and Awards & Recognition. 

5^thAnnual Rothe / Space Center Rotary Blood Drive

benefitting MD Anderson’s Blood Bank. 

When:Juneteenth, 6/19/2025

Time: Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Rothe’s 229 Sandhill St. Webster, TX 77598 

Please spread the word and help us fill up our timeslots.  You can schedule an appointment using the attached, or go to https://tinyurl.com/ROTHE619.  (It’s not uncommon for folks to miss appointments or to be unable to donate, so a little overbooking may be helpful.  Walkups can also usually be accommodated.)

As most of you are aware, the various blood banks around town see a decreased supply in the summer months, so we schedule our drive to mitigate that effect.  It’s a great thing to do, so set aside a little time in your schedule to make a difference.  

Thanks in advance for doing your good deed of the day on 6/19!

Trey Hall

No meeting due to club's leaders will be attending RI Conference. 

     On Jan. 1, 2023, Brian D. Freedman began his tenure as president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) having served as president-elect since August 2022. As president, Freedman leads regional economic development efforts, advocates for regional priorities, and directs a team of world-class economic development professionals. The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is a membership-driven organization dedicated to stimulating regional economic development and employment. The organization utilizes a collaborative committee structure engaging over 290 member companies, business professionals, local governments, and educational institutions along with 18 cities and Harris and Galveston counties.

Prior to joining BAHEP, Freedman served as senior manager of State and Local Government Operations, Southwest Region, for The Boeing Company. He was responsible for overseeing state and local government relations activities at multiple Boeing facilities throughout Texas and Colorado. This work included advising on legislative issues impacting Boeing, acting as the liaison with elected officials, communicating key messages, and leading strategic outreach efforts with employees, supplier bases, business organizations, and state, local, and federal officials.

Freedman served as the lead for Legislative Affairs at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, before joining Boeing in March 2013. He was responsible for all aspects of communication and relationships between NASA JSC and the U.S. Congress, state and local governments, space-related associations, and citizen-organized space groups.

Preceding his work at NASA, Freedman was the aerospace coordinator and contract administrator for BAHEP. There he coordinated aerospace industry advocacy efforts and managed a portfolio of economic development contracts between the organization and nine municipalities. Freedman serves on numerous community organizations and boards.          

He is a current board member and the past chairman of the board of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and vice chair for Wellby Financial.

Freedman holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Mississippi State University, an MBA with a graduate certificate in finance from Colorado State University, and an executive certificate in strategy and innovation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

So thrilled to have Teri Crawford coming aboard. Please join us to Teri's vision presentation and new Board of Directors Installation by Nancy Anderson, Past District Governor

UNITE FOR GOOD

WITH 

COMPASSION IN ACTION

Mary Sue Shy Anton is an author, writer, and editor. She was born on a dairy farm near the Mississippi River during the Great Depression. One of her most vivid childhood memories is the 1937 flood, when her family evacuated in the middle of the night and lived in the local courthouse for several weeks.

At age 25, after leaving the homeplace to seek her fortune elsewhere, she met Arthur David Anton, recently discharged from the Air Force. After their marriage, she put her husband through school, working as a secretary with a secret clearance at an Air Force base.  With two small children, they settled in southeast Missouri until her husband pursued his dream of becoming a physician. The author returned to work, and Art received his M.D. degree from the University of Missouri, but not before their third child was born. In 1969, the family moved to Texas for Art’s medical practice.

Mary Sue is a graduate of Loretto Academy, Kansas City, Missouri and received a B.A. in history from the University of Houston-Clear Lake (Texas).  She has worked as a computer tutor, genealogy lecturer, soybean farmer, freelance writer and editor.  After publishing a genealogy book with two cousins in 1994, she began writing popular histories.

Today she lives  in League City, Texas where she used her time during the Coronavirus pandemic to write this, her fourth book. Her siblings contributed their own stories to round out her memories and chronicle of her life.

Space Center Rotary is donating snacks to Communities In Schools - Bay Area (CIS) to help support students right here in our local community! 🍎📚

CIS is an incredible organization that works inside schools to connect students with the resources and support they need to thrive. They focus on removing barriers so every child has a real shot at staying in school and reaching their full potential. 🙌

Please come and join us!

When: Wednesday July 16 at 11:30 am

Where: CIS 18333 Egret Bay, Suite 260, Houston, TX 77058

The Bronze Eagles Flying Club of Texas (BEFC), a non-profit charity flying organization and chapter of the Black Pilots of America, Inc. (BPA), was established in 1967 for one of the purposes of promoting disadvantaged youth in their endeavors towards higher education. BEFC offers a variety of services including: free familiarization flights, free training to help further student interest in the field of aviation, and a National Summer Flight Academy Scholarship Program for eligible students.

Free hot dogs, chips, water and sodas provided upon completion of flight from our Volunteer Fly-In Sponsor: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Note: Be Aware of long wait! It is “HOT”! Stay cool! Drink fluids, wear shorts, sundress, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen!

Special Note: BEFC & Sponsors are not responsible for any Medical Condition, if an illness occur!

When: Saturday July 19

Registration Starts at 9:00 am - 10:00 am 

Where: Signature Aviation Ellington Airport. 

Join fellow Rotarians to meet the kids and chat with them and talk about Rotary International and what we do.  It's a lot of fun. For over 10+ years our Club's Endowment Foundation has sponsored a kids' tuition for the Summer Flight Program. This year our Foundation sponsored 16 years old, Zandler Perry from Missouri City. He is a junior at Sterling High School. Come and meet him! 

John is retired from NASA where he served as the agency's Chief Toxicologist for 25 years. He is a science junkie, having earned advanced degrees in three diffierent sciences - astronomy, chemistry, and pathology. He has been a patient safety activist since the loss of his oldest son due to medical errors in 2002. He is the veteran of many mission trips, including ones to Haiti, Ecuador, and Mexico. He has published two books - A Sea of Broken Hearts and Response Theology, and co-edited a book called The Truth about Big Medicine. He is a scientist and Christian mystic. He enjoys life with his wife Donna who has tolerated him for 48 years, his two children who are loving Christians, and 5 grandchildren. He is currently the Chairperson of the Board for Crossroads at Park Place. 

Samantha Smith serves as a Captain and the Public Information Officer for the Community Volunteer Fire Department. With over 15 years of experience as a first responder in both law enforcement and the fire service, she brings a well-rounded and deeply informed perspective to emergency operations and public communication. She is also an internationally awarded public speaker, known for her ability to connect with diverse audiences on topics of safety, preparedness, and service.

At CVFD, Samantha leads the community outreach division and oversees community engagement, media relations, and public education efforts. Her leadership is focused on building trust, promoting readiness, and advocating for first responder safety. A key area of her current work is supporting STORM Ranch, a state-of-the-art swiftwater training facility dedicated to preparing rescue personnel for water-related emergencies. As severe flooding becomes more common across Texas, STORM Ranch plays a critical role in ensuring that first responders are trained, equipped, and confident in conducting high-risk water rescues. Samantha’s efforts underscore the importance of proactive investment in lifesaving training and operational readiness.

COME AND JOIN US FOR THIS TRADITIONAL PROJECT

WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER YMCA 

WHERE: Perry Family YMCA Center,

                1700 League City Pkwy, League City, TX 77573

TIME:      6:00 - 8:00 PM

TO VOLUNTEER, PLEASE REACH OUT NURIT

Please Join Us To Drop Off School Supplies!!!

 When: Friday, August 8, 2025

 Time: 11:00am

 Where: Clear Lake Elementary School 

Contact Nurit Hinthorn for more details and logistics.  

NO MEETING TODAY

We'll meet on Thursday  at 7:00 AM in Seabrook. 

See Thursday for details. 

Please Join Us To Drop Off School Supplies!!!

 When: Monday, August 11, 2025

 Time: 10:45am

 Where: Whitcomb Elementary School

Contact Nurit Hinthorn for more details and logistics. 

Please Join Us To Drop Off School Supplies!!!

 When: Monday, August 11, 2025

 Time: 11:30am

 Where: Armand Bayou Elementary School

Contact Nurit Hinthorn for more details and logistics. 

Fundrasing Committee Kickoff Meeting 

Please contact Ute  if you want to join the meeting and or become part of this Committee. This is a virtual meeting. 

Ute A. Scheneider

President 2026-27

Please reach out to Teri Crawford for any questions.

The Committee meets virtually through Zoom. 

Let's join District Governor Thomas Kelchner for our Joint Meeting with our fellow Rotarians of Seabrook Club at the marvelous Lakewood Yacht Club. 

Attendance at this meeting is open to all Space Center Rotarians, Honorary Rotarians, and their guests.

Bill Roach was the Chairman of the Wings Over Houston from 1996 until 2004. Since 2024, he is the Executive Director of Wings Over Houston Airshow-CAF.   He is also a Lifetime Member Commemorative Air Force. He is also a Board member  of the Houston Regional Veteran Chamber of Commerce  since 2021. 

The CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow is an IRC 501(c)(3) community event presented by the volunteer efforts of the Houston Wing, Gulf Coast Wing, and Tora! Tora! Tora! of the Commemorative Air Force, with support from the Lone Star Flight Museum, Collings Foundation-Houston based at Ellington Airport, and the Vietnam War Flight Museum. One of the top air shows in the United States, this premier Houston event is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation, and has supported a variety of local and national charities during its 40-year history.

Dr. Gunjan Narwani is a neurologist in Houston, Texas and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital and Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.  She received her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has been in practice between 11-20 years. Dr. Gunjan Narwani has expertise in treating Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disease, sleep apnea, among other conditions - see all areas of expertise.

Please reach out to  Nurit Hinthorn for any questions.

The Committee will meet immediately following our meeting. 

No meeting due to Labor Day Observance.

Please reach out to Teri Crawford for any questions.

The Committee meets virtually throught Zoom.

Luanne Newman has been a Rotarian since 2002. Part of the Carol Stream, Illinois (suburban Chicago) club in District 6140 (the home District), she is a Past President who founded their Rotary-sponsored Community Food Drive in 2009 which is still in place today. She takes the “Service Above Self” motto to heart.  

Club Webmaster and past club president/Foundation Chair of the League City club, Luanne has been a member for 7 years. She is the current President of the Fellowship of Rotarian Genealogists and had the opportunity to share information on RI Fellowships at the 2025 Rotary International Convention stage at general sessions.

A family historian at heart, Luanne began “climbing her family tree” in 1989. She started in the Chamber of Commerce industry in 2003 in Illinois and is recently retired from the Clear Lake Area Chamber.

Luanne and her husband Bud live in Seabrook, Texas where they own Amazing.Grace.Gifts,  a pop-up candy business.

JOIN US FOR THIS WONDERFUL SERVICE PROJECT

AT THE CLEAR LAKE FOOD PANTRY

TIME: 07:30 AM - 10:30 AM

The Clear Lake Food Pantry's mission is to believe it is our faith in the love of Jesus Christ that calls us to be a fountain of hope for our fellow man. Through our ministries and following the teachings of Jesus Christ, we strive to help feed the hungry, comfort the cold, and raise up the downtrodden. We know that a helping hand is always worthy in the eyes of the lord.

For more details and volunteering, please contact Nurith Hinthorn.

🎇 Get Ready to Ignite OUR Club! 🎇

Are you ready to transform OUR Rotary Club into a dynamic, engaging, and United Force For Good? Let's attract new members, boost our participation, put OUR Compassion into Action and make a bigger difference in OUR community!!!

Our District is  bringing us an interactive, high-energy experience packed with innovative strategies, fresh ideas, and proven techniques to breathe new life into our club. We'll learn how to:

🌟 Attract and retain passionate members
🌟 Create engaging and impactful meetings
🌟 Amplify our Club's projects
🌟 Foster a culture of energy and enthusiasm
🌟 And so much more!

Join fellow Rotary leaders and members for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and practical takeaways that will empower US to build a truly VIBRANT CLUB.

Our Club is sponsoring the traning fee of $20.00 for members. Please contact Marilyn directly to get you in! Please visit the District page here for other details. 

Mr. Duane Ross has been a key member of the Astronaut Selection Program at NASA since 1978. Duane Ross, has also been involved with the Astronaut Candidate Program at NASA since 1978. He has worked at the Johnson Space Center, in Houston Texas, since 1967, and sat in Mission Control during the moon landing. He spent five decades as the Manager of the Astronaut Selection Program, which means that he has helped select almost every American astronaut in history. 

The Committee meets virually. 

Thanks to Richard Simmons who is leading this meeting, covering for Ute. If you want to join this committee, please reach out Ute Schneider, President Elect. Our current Fundraising Committee members are: Alan Wylie, Becky Unbehagen, Carol Saxe, Marilyn and Wayne Musial, Mike Cornett, Richard Simmons, Royce Walker, Sheila Self, Stan Galanski, Steve Charbonneau, Teri Crawford, and Trey Hall.