Help Kids Start the School Year Fresh! Galveston’s Own Farmers Market is collecting Hygiene Supplies to support GISD students in need—and we need your help!
On Sunday, July 20th from 9 AM to 12 PM, swing by Market at 3304 Market St. and drop off new, unopened hygiene supplies to support local families ahead of the new school year.
We’re collecting:
Deodorant
Wipes (Baby/Body)
Feminine hygiene products (Pads, Tampons, etc.
Kleenex
Bar or liquid soap
All donated items will be distributed directly to students and families at the Galveston Back to School Fair on August 1st, where we’ll be hosting a booth and giving out your donations with love.
Let’s come together as a community to make sure every student starts the year feeling confident, clean, and cared for!
Kids of all ages can hang with the UTMB Kids Club for a super fun-themed, hands-on craft activity made just for them!
Dates:
Every 1st Sunday
9A – 1P (Oct-May)
9A – 12 P (Jun-Sept)
January Theme – “Cozy Mitten Making”
Make some mittens to muster up some warmth this season!
Kids of all ages can partake in this fun activity that’s just right for the wintertime!
February Theme – “Valentine Station”
Share the love this Valentines with UTMB Kids’ Club at their V-day card making station!
Kids of all ages can stop by this rosy booth to get artsy!
March Theme – “St. Patrick’s Rainbow Twirler”
Join in some lucky rainbow craft activities this St. Patrick’s day – and don’t forget to don your finest green!
April Theme – “Easter Egg Decorating”
Create colorful and unique Easter eggs for springtime fun! All supplies provided to make eggs egg-stra special.
May Theme – “Wind Chime Making”
Craft beautiful wind chimes to add a musical touch to any space. Various materials allow for soothing sounds and pretty designs.
June Theme – “Butterfly Decorating”
Decorate a vibrant butterfly with colorful materials. Make these fluttering friends come to life!
July Theme – “Patriotic Stars”
Decorate red, white, and blue stars for a festive celebration. Perfect for showing spirit and adding a patriotic touch.
About Kids Club at UTMB
Kids Club is a non-profit organization within the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch, which encourages nursing students to come together who have a calling for general pediatrics! This club is devoted to embracing students’ passion by furthering their pediatric knowledge through educational and volunteering opportunities. See their Facebook>
Mitchell Katine graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1985. Around the same time, the United States Supreme Court issued a horrendous decision known as Bowers v. Hardwick. The Bowers decision held that gay people were excluded from the protections of the United States Constitution. In 1998 two men, John Lawrence and Tyrone Gardner, were arrested for having private consensual sex in their home. When they got out of jail, they came to Mitchell’s office and hired him to represent them. He spent the next five years, with Lambda Legal as co-counsel, fighting the case all the way to the Supreme Court, and won. In 2003, the Supreme Court issued the landmark decision known as Lawrence v. Texas, which overturned Bowers v. Hardwick, recognized the Constitutional rights of gay people, and laid the foundation for the historic 2015 same-sex marriage decision. Mitchell is a law partner at Katine Nechman McLaurin LLP where he practices real estate litigation. Mitchell’s spouse, Walter Avila Katine, and have been together for over 26 years. Together they have two children, Sabrina and Sebastian (both 23) and three small dogs.
Executive Board Member, Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT)
Robert A. Rodriguez, PhD, MPH
Executive Board Member, Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT) Dr. Robert Rodriguez is a global public health leader with a passion for storytelling, culture, and community engagement. He holds a PhD in Population Health Science and an MPH in Epidemiology, and has led strategic efforts in global education, built international partnerships, and served as a strong advocate for better health outcomes in marginalized communities. As an executive board member of Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT), he champions HIV prevention and education initiatives serving underserved populations. Outside of work, Dr. Rodriguez is an adventurer at heart—drawn to ancient ruins, rich traditions, and the power of stories to connect us all.
Co-Owner at Maison de Campagne REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker TGRE
Luis Santiago is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of Maison de Campagne (MDC), an award-winning home staging and interior design company based in Galveston, Texas. Originally from Puerto Rico, Luis transitioned from a successful chemical engineering career in the oil and gas industry to pursue a more personal and creative path. This shift was fueled by the joy he found in staging projects and the desire to build something meaningful alongside his partner, Mitchell, in a field where he could truly be himself.
Luis’s experience in project management and sales provides the backbone of MDC’s operations. With a results-focused mindset, he ensures that every project stays on track, bringing his strategic approach and determination to MDC’s daily operations and long-term growth. His leadership centers on relationship building, brand awareness, inclusivity, and innovation—values that reflect his commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences.
Known for his approachable personality and people-centered management style, Luis strives to create an environment where clients and collaborators alike feel valued. His dedication to both the creative and operational sides of MDC has been key to the company’s success, establishing MDC as a leader in the Galveston and Greater Houston area.
Dr. Zachary Carson is a nurse educator and full-time faculty member at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing (UTMB) where he teaches undergraduate and doctoral nursing. He holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Geriatric Primary Care, along with a certificate in Nursing Education—all from UTMB.
He began his career journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado, Denver. A dedicated advocate for inclusive healthcare and LGBTQIA+ representation, Dr. Carson is passionate about creating spaces where people of all identities feel respected, supported, and celebrated.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he brings both a personal perspective and professional experience to his work—whether he is mentoring future nurses or connecting with families at community events.
Outside of work, Dr. Carson spends his time attempting to make pottery in his home studio, woodworking in his garage, and knitting well into the night. He believes in the power of creativity, connection, and a good pair of hand-knit socks.
At this special GOFM Pride event, Dr. Carson is excited to read stories that highlight love, identity, and the joy of being exactly who you are.
Test your knowledge with TIRN’s Sea Turtle Lifecycle Game—put the adorable photos in order and snag a cool sticker!
More than just a game, learn how adopting your block and cleaning up once a month helps keep trash out of our beautiful Gulf, protecting our beloved sea turtles and other marine life.
Come see how easy it is to make a real difference and help keep Galveston’s shores pristine!
Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) is a global ocean conservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine biodiversity and advocating for sustainable ocean ecosystems. Our mission is to empower people to take action to protect the ocean and its incredible wildlife, from sea turtles to sharks.
In the Gulf of Mexico, TIRN focuses on combatting plastic pollution, protecting marine life, and engaging communities in conservation efforts. We conduct regular beach cleanups, marine debris surveys, and microplastics research, while also educating the public about the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. Our programs involve hands-on activities like water and sand sampling, engaging K-12 learners, and hosting workshops on environmental stewardship.
Come create, learn, and celebrate Juneteenth at our craft station, where kids can make handprints, add their own doodles, and explore inspiring facts about its history and significance.
Dates:
June 22, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
At Galveston’s Own Farmers Market (3304 Market St, 77550)
We’re thrilled to invite you to a special Juneteenth Celebration at our local Farmer’s Market. This is a day to commemorate emancipation, celebrate Black culture, and support our vibrant community.
Event Highlights:
Live Music: Get ready to groove to the soulful sounds of local artist Taylor Lauryn! She’ll be bringing her unique talent to the market, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Featured Black-Owned Vendors:
Grimm of Galveston: Discover unique treasures and handcrafted goods from this fantastic local vendor.
JT’s Eatery: Treat your taste buds to delicious offerings from JT’s Eatery – a true culinary delight!
Family-Friendly Activity – Handprints to Freedom: Kids can learn more about the history of Juneteenth and make their own mark by creating a special handprint. It’s a fun and educational way for our youngest community members to connect with this important day.
Market Partner – NAACP: We’re honored to have the NAACP join us for this celebration! Stop by their table to learn more about Juneteenth!
Juneteenth (June 19th) marks the day in 1865 when African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day of profound meaning, reflection, and celebration.
Come out and celebrate with us! We can’t wait to see you there!
Ready to level up your finances while having a blast? UFCU (University Federal Credit Union) will be bringing their financial expertise with fun interactive games and a chance to win great prizes!
Swing by to play some Plinko/Cornhole and grab quick tips on everything from saving smart to boosting your credit. They’re here to make financial success fun and achievable for you!
Dates:
June 15, 2025
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
At Galveston’s Own Farmers Market (3304 Market St, 77550)
UFCU is committed to providing its members with personalized guidance, tailored products, and comprehensive services designed to help them achieve their financial objectives. Whether one is managing daily expenses, securing a loan for a substantial purchase, exploring investment opportunities, or seeking to expand a business, UFCU stands ready to support them throughout their journey. Learn more about the Galveston Branch>
Goals of UFCU:
Empower Financial Success: Helping members achieve financial stability and brighter futures.
Promote Financial Literacy: Offering educational resources and workshops to improve financial knowledge.
Serve Galveston County: Committed to serving the community and ensuring that all residents are eligible for membership.
Services Offered:
Fee-Free Accounts: Providing accounts with no monthly maintenance fees to make banking more accessible.
Financial Literacy Programs: Hosting free educational events and workshops to enhance financial understanding.
Credit Reviews: Offering personalized credit reviews to help members manage and improve their credit scores.
Personalized Guidance: Tailoring products and services to meet the unique needs of each member.
While 1 in 7 hospitalized people will need a blood transfusion in a lifetime, only 1 in 20 eligible blood donors actually donate. There is no substitute for blood – your donation saves lives.
Plus if you donate blood, you’ll receive a FREE beach towel!
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center needs 1,000 donations every day of the year to serve patients in our community. Giving on an ongoing basis helps ensure blood components are always available for the patients we serve. Your donation could mean the difference between life and death for someone, and that’s why we’re so grateful for you.
Chop up some waves — and by waves, we mean your old t-shirts!
Join Surfrider Foundation and turn your old tees into reusable bags, so they can thrive in a new life! Learn all about their mission to keep our beaches & oceans healthy, their ‘Hold On To Your Butt’ campaign, and all their other totally rad programs.
Shirts and scissors provided, and feel free to bring your own shirt for the craft if you’d like!
Surfrider is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches for all people, through a powerful activist network. The Galveston Chapter was established over ten years ago, and we have been active with beach clean-ups, working towards the elimination of single-use plastics through the Bring the Bag campaign, and most recently, educating the public on cigarette butt trash through our Hold On To Your Butt campaign.
Looking for a free plant who thrives in this Galveston environment?
Save the date for “Plants for the People” where we’ll be giving away native plants (donations welcome) to anyone who wants one! Grown with care by our friends at Galveston Bay Foundation, these plants will diversify and beautify your home.
Funded by Clean Galveston and support from local partners.
