Jason (Jase) and Manuelita Anaya Bakker met 32 years ago and have been inseparable since then; they are happy that they met each other’s soulmate at a young age.  Anaya had just graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems.  Jase later graduated from Lone Star College with a Philosophy degree.   They dated for a couple of years and got married.

They have one son, Christopher, who is attending the University of Lisbon in Portugal.  He is studying for a Master’s degree in Data Science.  Christopher is a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder with an undergraduate degree in Astrophysics and a graduate of the University of Valencia, in Spain with a Master’s degree in Advanced Mathematics.

Jase is a Patrol Sergeant in the Owens Cross Roads Police Department.  He enjoys his work and serving the residents of Owens Cross Roads.  He also serves as the field training officer and firearms instructor.   He was recently recognized by the Partnership for a Drug Free Community as the officer of the year for his department.     Before joining the Owens Cross Roads PD, Jase was a deputy sheriff in Clear Creek County Colorado.  Anaya is a federal agent retiree.  She served for 20 years and retired several years ago.

After living in the small mountain community of Evergreen, CO, they enjoy the many avenues the city of Huntsville has to offer for camaraderie, community and building lifelong friendships.  They love attending Concerts at the Park in Big Spring Park, hiking at the many parks in and around the city and practicing Argentine Tango with the Rocket City Tango Group.  Anaya is an avid Zumba and Yoga practitioner.  She is also a member of the CSL book club.

She joined the Hampton Cove Garden Club soon after they moved into the neighborhood to learn about the many flowers that kept popping up in the yard, but she mostly loves the friendships she found in the Club.  She has served in the Yard of the Month committee since joining.

As a family, all three enjoy traveling around our amazing country or to exotic places around the world.  Chris and Anaya can speak Spanish (both), Portuguese (Chris) and some Italian (both) in addition to English.  They also enjoy cuisine from around the world and finding new eateries around town.

Before moving to Huntsville, they did many searches on the job market, housing market, property taxes, retirement and the beautiful terrain; it all seemed positive.  However, what they love the most about living here is the people!  That is something that never came up in Google searches, she says.  People are what makes living here a wonderful experience; they consider many of their neighbors and co-workers part of their family now.  They are grateful that our community received them with open arms and for the opportunities that Huntsville and Hampton Cove has offered them!