Altom June Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe Edition

June 2020

Community Builders Relay for Life

Trippin’

Virtual Vacations

Business Focus

SHSU College of Arts & Media

™ e n i z a g a M

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June 2020 | Volume 9, Issue 6

24

8

Community Builders Relay for Life

8

Virtual Vacations, Part 1

Trippin’

18

Business Focus

24

S HSU College of Arts & Media

Features

Favorites

18

6

Letters from Readers

16

Star Students

7

From the Publisher

22

Pet Pals

12

Glorious Grandkids

23

Tickle My Funny Bones

13

Dear Gabby

28

What are you Reading?

14

“Seens” from Our World

29

Community Calendar

Mustard Seed Moments

15 Out of the Mouths of Babes

ine™

az Mag Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.

30

Postcards Magazine™ welcomes reader feedback ADVERTISE IN POSTCARDS Call our Office: 936.293.1188 Online: www.PostcardsLive.com

Publisher: Karen Altom Editor: Wes Altom

PostcardsMagazine Address: LakeConroe PO Box 690 • Huntsville, TX 77342

Social Media Management: Abby Altom Boyd

Phone: 936.293.1188

Advertising Sales: Janet T. Jones, Emily O’Rear, Marshall Altom

We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers.

Designers: Mary Partida, April Key, Chris Blair Webmaster: Steve McMillan Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media Photo by Marshall Altom

4 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020

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ted. any ne™ sed les, tute d/or ards .

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 5

Quality • Dedication • Trust

Letters from Our Readers

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Editor: Thanks for asking! While our magazine is a free publication, we are unable to mail to every household in our area, so we offer options for those who do not currently receive one by mail.We have several rack locations at area businesses where you may pick one up free while available. We are working on adding the list of those locations to our website, but in the meantime, feel free to call our office for a location near you.We also make all of our issues available free online at www.

PostcardsLive.com, but we understand there are still people who really like to HOLD it! If you would still prefer the convenience of having one delivered directly to your mailbox, we offer subscription rates of $19 for 6 months or $29 per year which basically covers our postage and cost to mail individually.If you decide you would like to subscribe, mail your check to: Postcards Magazine Subscription, PO Box 690, Huntsville, TX 77342-0690. If you prefer to pay with a credit card, call our office at 936-293-1188.

From the Publisher

Life is Just GRAND!

Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Our lives have completely changed. And I’m not talking about Covid- Grandparents are Sheri and Scott Miles and Wes and Karen Altom. His 19. If you know me, you probably knew this was coming. great-grandparents are Betty Jo Stevens, Don and Lana Plunkett, George Miles, and Greg Sawka. He was born on Cinco de Mayo AND Taco We are GRANDPARENTS! Tuesday, so we expect him to love Mexican food as much (or possibly One morning in May, I woke up with the sweet man I married more more) than the rest of his family. than 27 years ago…that night, I went to bed with a grandfather! How Since this is our first grandchild, we had to choose grandparent names. in the world? I remember hearing my parents and grandparents talk I chose Sassy. (I’ve been told numerous times it was a very appropriate about how fast time flies, and boy, they choice.) Wes has been more difficult. He said Walker could choose. Our were right. I told my son he won’t really daughter (and proud aunt) Abby told him he had to choose SOMETHING, know this for a few decades, but some otherwise, we would say, “Look, Walker! Go to “HIM”!” day he will understand how young his dad and I really are.

He wants something “different” – so much so that he even considered “Granite,” because he saw it on a list somewhere. While we DO consider One of the things that happens when him the ROCK of our family – we are not excited about that name. So you own and publish a magazine is in the meantime, we are just calling him “G”. We are also open to other having the prerogative to choose the ideas, so you’re welcome to share! subject of your column, and what I want to do is tell you about the 7 lb, 9 Walker doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to say our names, so we plan to oz lump of sugar and sweetness that just spend a lot of time loving on this precious gift from God. There will has entered our lives. I would have done be many stories told in many families about the time spent in quarantine this in our Milestones section, but it was – this will always be our favorite. full (and that’s a good thing!), so please Until next time, indulge me!

Walker Hayes Altom was born May 5, 2020 to Marshall and Kathryn Altom.

Your Local Community Magazine!

~

Karen (Sassy)

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June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 7

“CANCER

HASN’T STOPPED. NEITHER CAN WE!” Community Builders

By Claudia Kirkwood

Relay for Life is a yearly fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that celebrates cancer survivors, honors caregivers, and remembers those who have lost the battle to this dreaded disease. According to Delma Talley, Event Co-lead along with Sheila King, “It’s never too early to start planning for a good thing!” They, along with ACS Community Manager Kelsie Oliver, encourage you to initiate your 2021 calendar now by penciling in “Relay for Life” on Saturday, May 1, 2021! Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2020 Conroe and Walker County event has been cancelled. Their focus and energies are now aimed toward the 2021 event which will take place at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Pavilion from 2-10 PM. 8 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020

Submitted Photos

In addition to accomplishing the goals noted above, this event also serves as a source of healing for families who have lost loved ones to cancer, a reason that Delma has chosen to be involved in Relay for Life. In her words, “My friend Amy lost her husband after 3 years of marriage, much too young. And soon thereafter I watched another friend lose her husband to cancer, followed by the loss of her 12- year-old son to the same cancer 9 months later. I continue to see many of my friends and church family struggle with this monster. My friend Amy and her husband were both involved with Relay for Life, and recognizing the needs and struggles, I got involved, too. I work and walk for the survivors, because someday, someone may need to walk for me.”

Jennifer Baird Photography 281-639-0233 jenniferbairdphotography.com

According to the American Cancer Society, predictions for new cancer cases in Texas for 2020 are 129,770, with an estimated 41,810 deaths due to cancer this same year. Funds raised through local events such as the Relay for Life are used to supply critical services that touch all aspects of the cancer journey for patients, families, and medical communities. In 2018, $36,472,119 was invested in our state for research, funding studies to find the causes of and better treatments for cancer and to improve the lives of cancer patients. To improve these lives, the ACS Cancer Resource Network includes:

INFORMATION

• National Cancer Information Center (800-227-2345): Patients can speak with trained cancer information specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get answers to questions and links to local resources.

• Personal Health Manager: A toolkit for newly diagnosed cancer patients that provides specific cancer information in a packaged format.

• www.cancer.org: A user-friendly website that includes an interactive cancer resource center containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Visitors can access recent news articles, info on local resources, advocacy efforts and special events in their area.

• Clinical Trial Matching Service: Information on clinical trial participation and treatment options.

Specializing in: Family Portraits Senior Portraits Engagements Maternity

DAY-to-DAY HELP

• Patient navigators: Provide one-on-one support and connect patients and caregivers to Society services including more than 5000 local and national resources.

• Insurance Information Resource: Help with understanding insurance issues and possible

»

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 9

insurance options available to patients with or without insurance.

• Transportation: Volunteer drivers provide transportation to and from cancer-related appointments.

• Gift Items: ACS provides gift items including comfort pillows, wigs, hats, and materials related to rehabilitation programs.

• Lodging: Hotel Partners program provides temporary lodging for patients receiving outpatient treatment who must travel more than 50 miles from home when lodging would provide a financial hardship.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

• Support Groups: a variety of ongoing support groups designed to help patients, their families and friends better understand and learn to live with cancer.

• Online Support through Cancer Survivors Network SM: free online support community that provides opportunities to communicate with others who have experienced cancer.

• I Can Cope®: Online classes that include topics such as fatigue, pain, nutrition, and other pertinent matters.

• Reach to Recover: A breast cancer support group • Look Good…Feel Better®: A free program that helps women cancer patients improve their appearance and self-image by teaching them hands-on beauty techniques to overcome the appearance-related side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Programs are facilitated by a certified cosmetologist and participants received a free make-up kit.

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Services may vary community to community. More information and specific services available in your area can be obtained by calling 800-227-2345, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This spring, HOPE Lodge is opening a facility in the Houston area which will provide lodging near medical facilities for patients and family members who would ordinarily need to drive long distances each day for continuous treatments. During the present coronavirus crisis, the hotel is being utilized by first responders and medical personnel who have found themselves on the front lines of the COVID-19 event.

Fundraising from Relay for Life and other annual events all funnel to the parent organization, ACS, and are then distributed as needs dictate. The importance of local events, therefore, is essential to the success of ACS so these and other services can be provided for patients, families, and medical studies. It starts with individuals getting involved!

What does a Relay for Life event look like? According to Delma, expect to have an experience filled with fun, laughter, celebration, deep meaning, and emotional healing--all rolled into one afternoon and evening with new friends, old friends, and family members! The event consists of a walk from 2-10

10 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020

pm, where team members take turns walking the track to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer. Between laps you can check out other teams’ tents for games and activities and help support the cause by purchasing raffle tickets and food. At 9 pm, a very meaningful Luminaria event takes place. Luminaria which have been purchased and decorated in memory of loved ones are placed around the track. Each luminaria contains a light and, as hundreds of lights softly illumine the night, 30 minutes of silence are observed to honor each person represented. “This is a very touching ceremony,” remarks Delma, “and I have seen a great deal of family healing take place at this time.”

How can you be a part of this meaningful celebration? Relay for Life offers several avenues of participation. The following are a few opportunities for you to consider: • Be a Sponsor for the event. Sponsorships begin at $250 and these provide a solid start for a highly successful event.

• Sponsorships can also be in-kind through the donation of supplies and equipment for the event. o Join the Leadership team in planning and helping to facilitate activities.

• Register as a Survivor, Participant or form a Team to fundraise and/or provide free services.

• Donate items to the Silent and Live auctions.

• Be a Vendor (Vendors donate 25% of their proceeds toward the fundraising goal).

• Purchase a track sign that will be on display around the track.

• Come and be part of this fundraising experience for our communities.

Survivors and caregivers are at the heart of every Relay for Life event. Activities are designed specifically for meeting others within the cancer community and developing networks of friends and support. As Delma shares, “Cancer is something that is faced together, not individually.”

On December 5, 2020, a Bark for Life event will be held from 9 a.m. – noon at the Frisky Biscuit Dog Park at Grand Central Park in Conroe. This canine-focused event supports canine caregivers and canine cancer survivors. Activities will include pictures with Santa and contests for best canine costume and best trick. More details will be announced about this event at a later date.

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To stay informed about events, go to one of the following sites: www.relayforlife.org/conroeandwalkercotx; https://www.facebook.com/RelayforLifeOfConroe; https://www.facebook. com/BarkForLifeConroe/. You may also contact Delma Talley at delma@shsu.edu, Sheila King at sking1973@gmail.com or Kelsie Oliver at Kelsie.oliver@cancer.org.

Get involved and be a part of the solution to say,

“CANCER, GAME OVER!”

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 11

G G

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Noah Pennington Grandson of: John & Ann Hardy

Mason Shuck Grandson of: Kevin & Lisa McKenzie

Julian Bucheli Grandson of: Ed & Nancy Gray

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12 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2019

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column.

This was shaping up to be a really good month for me. I told my husband I wished he loved me half as much as he did his dog. He assured me that he did. I was elated and walking on air for days until I really thought about what he said and did the math! I’m now feeding him half as much as I feed his dog. Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive. com/share if you want advice on dealing with problems without getting mad. Just pleasantly get even.

DEAR GABBY I truly believe you get what you pay for. I don’t mind paying thousands of dollars for a purse that I like, because of the designer logo.

I pick my cars for the hood ornament and my clothes for the price tag. I feel like people respect me for my good taste and income level, and that’s important to me. Do you agree?

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No, I don’t agree. If you’re paying $3 for a bottle of smart water, it’s not working. Bless your heart.

GABBY

DEAR GABBY I have a habit of second guessing my every decision. If I decide one thing, I obsess about “what if” I had decided to do the other thing. It’s to the point of not being able to enjoy what I’m doing for wondering what else I could have done. Help!

FLIP FLOP DEAR FLIP In the immortal words of Miss Piggy, “When I come to one of the forks in the road of life, I don’t waste time and energy wishing it was a spoon.” I can’t give you any better advice than that!

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June 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 13

“Seens” from our World PostcardsLive.com We want to see what you’ve seen! When you see the unusual, funny or absurd, break out your camera, take a picture, and submit it to us with a description!

“Seen” by: ch o o l H ome s ! u p d a te

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Out of the Mouths of Babes...

When her sister asked why we had to pay extra to substitute chicken for beef on our tacos at Taco Bell, our then 5-year-old Katie said, “Because chickens are harder to catch than cows.” The cashier even laughed and told her that she might be right!

You know you’re married to a police officer when: My daughter stepped on a crayon and broke it. She turned to me and said, “Oh no, Mom...I assaulted the crayon!”

We were walking through the store and my 4-year-old daughter looks at me and asks, “Why do I always have to match my clothes and you don’t?”

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Our four-year-old talking to her brother: “You are not the boss!

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My 12-year-old son watched while I did a song and dance about a duck with my 9-year-old son, then looked at me and said, “Mom, were you ever even remotely cool?”

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 15

Star Students

 



C atie Hagaman

Karis Jones

Madisonville High School

Home School

Favorite Movie: High School Musical



Favorite Movie: God’s Not Dead & The Last Song Favorite Music/Artist: Christian & Country Favorite Food: Chik-fil-A chicken

Favorite Music/Artist: Riley Clemmons Favorite Food: Poppyseed Chicken

Favorite Quote: “I will praise the Lord who counsels me—even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalms 16:7-8

Favorite Quote: “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” II Corinthians 4:18

K

aris is a senior home school student and is the daughter of David and Jennifer Jones. Her activities include Youth Council at Fellowship of Huntsville, National Society of High School Scholars, teacher for Mother’s Morning Out, and teaching piano. Following graduation, Karis plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to study hospitality administration. She believes, “I can do nothing without Christ.”

C

atie is a senior at Madisonville High School and is the daughter of Caryn Hagaman and Kasey Hagaman. Her activities include senior class officer, Beta Club Chaplain, student council, FCA, FFA, cheerleading, Prosperity Junior Bank Board, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, and Food for Families Food Drive. Following graduation, Catie plans to go to Lone Star College to study digital photography, then begin work as a wedding/event planner. She believes, “If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”



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Submit your student nomination and why you feel they are a "Star Student" @ PostcardsLive.com/share.

16 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020



Are you worried about your water heater in your attic?

Hallie Stevens



Madisonville High School

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Favorite Movie: Twister

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Favorite Quote: “Don’t take criticism from people you would never go to for advice.”

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allie is a senior at Madisonville High School and is the daughter of Jon and Rebecca Stevens. Following graduation, Hallie plans to attend Sam Houston State University to study kinesiology and applied exercise physiology.

She believes, “No matter how hard the road seems, it always takes you somewhere amazing.”



 

Cade Edney New Waverly High School

Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman Favorite Music/Artist: Boyce Avenue



Favorite Food: Chik-fil-A Favorite Quote: “So what now? Continue on and hope I don’t make a fatal mistake.”

C

ade is a senior at New Waverly High School and is the son of Kevin and Anitra Edney. His activities include UIL Academics - state qualifier in Number Sense, Computer Science, Calculator Applications; UIL Band Solo State Qualifier for Piano and Marimba; Drum Major 2018-2019, 2019-2020; One Act Play - received All-Star Cast award 2020; and Beta and NHS member. Following graduation, Cade will attend Washington University in Illinois to study applied mathematics, then pursue a career in software development. His philosophy is “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Wayne Gretzky as quoted

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June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 17

Trippin’

Trippin ’ with Postca

Postcwaitrh ds

Trippin’

rds

Virtual Vacations with Postca

rds

Part 1

Taking Your Kids to “Summer Camp” Online Postcawitrhds

By Linda W. Perkins

18 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020

It’s June, and the kids have been home with you since mid-March. Right now, even if you’re the happiest family ever, you may be ready for a vacation from the kids. Normally, that would come in the form of summer camps. They provide a nice break for parents while providing fun, educational experiences for the kids.

This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many summer camps – not just sleepover ones, but day camps as well – to be cancelled. It’s hard to get children to maintain proper social distancing when they are out exploring! And even though Texas has been one of the first states to open back up for business, there are still places your kids would like to go but can’t, because traveling in groups isn’t quite safe enough yet.

Fortunately, just as the Internet has allowed many children to finish up the school year using online classes, there are some fun places to go on the World Wide Web that can serve as a pretty good substitute for summer camps. In fact, there are some places they can go online for fun (and a little education) that aren’t just out of town, but out of this world!

Whether your children are into science, art, history, nature, drama or music, there are some great sites to explore online that make great virtual vacations for kids. Here are some places to check out.

Boston Children’s Museum

California Science Center

Missing science camp? The California Science Center (http://californiasciencenter.org) has a new program called Stuck at Home Science, where kids can do science projects and experiments with their families using household supplies. For each daily activity, participants watch a video (which often includes tours of the Science Center) and then download an activity sheet which has detailed instructions on how to do a related project at home. All of the videos and materials are available in both English and Spanish.

Are you looking for a way to connect with your kids and to expand their understanding of different cultures? In addition to offering a virtual tour of the museum itself, the Boston Children’s Museum (http://bostonchildrensmuseum.org) has an entire section of its website called Play, Fun and Learning at Home.

In the 100 Ways to Play area, kids can choose from a long list of fun things to do, from dance parties to planting seeds from fruit they’ve had for a snack. If you’re stumped on how to keep your kids entertained, this is a great place to start!

For more in-depth activities, check out the Activities Archive, which has everything from a photography class to a nature scavenger hunt. There are even instructions on how to make your own zine, story times with famous Bostonian athletes and musicians, and a family yoga session!

East Asia Resources and Native Voices help expand children’s cultural awareness. In these areas, your child can take virtual tours of museum exhibits about Japan and Native Americans, and well as accessing interactive content. They can even learn some Japanese!

The National Gallery of Art

Art lovers will be thrilled to have the chance to visit the National Gallery of Art (http:// nga.gov) in Washington, D.C. and be able to walk through the museum in 3D. There are three virtual exhibitions to visit, complete with links to curator notes, audio and video to enhance your tour. To help you create your own art camp, the museum has put together Ten Digital Educational Resources from the National Gallery of Art, which includes children’s video tours, lessons and activities by grade level, and information on the NGAkids Art Zone app for the iPad.

»

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

San Diego Zoo

You won’t have to go all the way to California to take your kids on a tour of one of the most renowned zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo. Visit https://zoo.sandiegozoo. org/were-here-together and you’ll get a list of all of their online resources for kids of all ages. San Diego Zoo Kids will help your young children learn about wildlife through videos, stories, games, and hands-on activities. Your middle school and high school kids can take free online classes at the San Diego Zoo Global Academy or learn about conservation on the zoo’s science blog. Family members of all ages will enjoy the zoo’s wildlife cams, which give a live look at the animals in their zoo habitats.

Ancient Egypt

Travel back in time to the land of the pyramids with a Virtual Field Trips tour of ancient Egypt (https://www.virtualfieldtrips.org/ancientegypt-land-of-the-pyramids). For $10, you can access a full video tour of Egypt that includes the Valley of the Kings, Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Queens, Luxor, the Temple of Ramses and more. A 20-minute video preview of the tour is free. Further down on the page are ideas for activities. For explorers who want to follow up with a more interactive experience, including the opportunity to “walk” right up to the pyramids themselves, Google Maps offers a short close-up tour of the pyramids and the Sphinx at https://www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/ streetview/treks/pyramids-of-giza/. Finally, if you want to give your summer campers a look at some of the artifacts that archeologists have preserved from Ancient Egypt, you can take them on a quick virtual tour of the Tutankhamen exhibit at the Saatchi Gallery in London at https:// tutankhamun-london.com/see-do/.

The Dali Theatre-Museum

Take an online trip to Spain to see the Dali Theatre-Museum (https://Salvadordali.org/en). Although the museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, its virtual tour allows you to feel like you’re there. With a click of a computer mouse, you and your child can step into a world where it rains upside down and gardens grow in cars. More than just moving through the museum, you can click on colored spots that will take you to text information and videos about the unique art pieces, as well as enabling you to interact with some of the exhibits themselves.

20 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020

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NASA and Other “Out of this World” Experiences

If outer space exploration is your kids’ cup of tea, NASA has plenty to keep them engaged. Online, they can take virtual tours of not one, but three, NASA facilities.

Langley Research Center in Virginia (https://oh.larc.nasa. gov/oh/), offers online tours of the entire campus, including the Vacuum Spheres at the Hypersonic Facilities Complex, Manufacturing and Assembly In-Space with Robotics, and the National Transonic Facility, which is the world’s largest pressurized cryogenic wind tunnel.

At the Glenn Research Center in Ohio (https://www.nasa.gov/ glennvirtualtours), you can go inside the Propulsion Systems Laboratory and the Space Environments Complex, and can take a virtual tour of Zero-G. Space Center Houston now has a mobile phone app (https:// spacecenter.org/news-center/news-releases/space-centerhoustons-new-app-offers-an-enhanced-visitor-experience/) with virtual tours, augmented reality experiences, and video and audio stories about space exploration.

For younger children who are interested in space, but not quite old enough to understand all the science behind it, there is also Storytime from Space (http://storytimefromspace.com).

Viewers can watch as space-related story books are read by astronauts on the International Space Station.

Other great virtual vacation options to do with kids

• The National Women’s History Museum (http://womenshistory.org) • The National Museum of the United States Air Force virtual tour (http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com/) • Monterey Bay Aquarium (http://montereybayaquarium.org)

• Legoland Miniland (http://www.film360.com/legoland_vtour2/)

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June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 23

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Upon opening a treasure chest, one’s eyes are ecstatically greeted by a bounty of gems - gems of all kinds, colors and sizes, brilliant and glistening - bringing one’s dreams to life! Such a treasury of gems exists within the city limits of Huntsville, Texas, and is known as the Sam Houston State University College of Arts & Media. Upon entering its “doors,” one is met by a vast array of talent, from emerging and developing, to highly polished and successful, all being further refined to higher degrees of perfection. Dr. Ronald Shields, Dean of the College of Arts & Media, proudly states,

“This College values the success of someone doing in life what they aspire to do and having the tools to do it with a sense of professionalism and personal accomplishment. We challenge students to set goals for what they want to do. We equip them with the tools to not only accomplish their dreams, but to have the capacity to keep on learning and adapting to the opportunities around them.”

By Claudia Kirkwood Photos by Libby Rogers

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.

The College of Arts & Media, also known as CAM, encompasses five broad artistic disciplines, as well as several degree opportunities available within each:

• School of Music • Department of Mass Communication • Department of Dance • Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre • Department of Art Dean Shields also shares, speaking of the acronym CAM, “It references those attributes that underscore our institutional values, a shorthand statement of what our College strives to be: Creative – Active – and Meaningful to our communities.”

CAM’s VISION is “Learning together to advance arts & media for the benefit of our communities.” This Vision is accomplished through the following six components:

• CREATIVITY: Imagination in action • CONTEXT: Connect perspectives • COMMUNITY: Meaningful service to others • PREPARATION: Connect learning to life • TRANSFORMATION: Embody change • INNOVATION: Create the future The College of Arts & Media is housed in four campus buildings, The Dan Rather Communications Building, The University Theatre Center, The James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center (opened in 2010), and the Art Complex (opened in Fall 2019). The Gaertner Performing Arts Center and the Art Complex are state-of-the-art facilities allowing the full potential in all areas of the arts and media to be realized by undergraduate and graduate students alike. The recent purchase of the old Huntsville High School at 710 University Avenue adds additional space for art galleries and workshops, as the Department of Art and the Department of Biological Sciences collaborate to foster research across academic disciplines. This venue also brings the artistic endeavors of SHSU closer into the fabric of the community, inviting its growing awareness, enthusiasm, and participation in the arts. And as the community of Huntsville grows in its appreciation of the arts, likewise the state, the nation and the world are taking notice of the highly creative and professional work flowing from SHSU CAM into their own arenas.

The School of Music has strong programs in all areas of music and offers degrees in both undergraduate and graduate work. With a Bachelor of Music degree, majors can specialize in music education, performance, and composition. The Bachelor of Music Therapy degree curriculum prepares students to sit for music therapy board certification and practice as professional musical therapists. The Master of Music degree is available in performance, conducting, composition, music therapy, musicology and collaborative piano. And a Master of Arts degree is available in band studies.

The Department of Mass Communication has a rich history that continues to forge ahead into the ever-changing world of media, offering

School of Music - GPAC Concert Hall

students at all levels a variety of platforms and experiences through which to develop skills and enhance creative expressions. Students pursuing degrees in film, media, public relations, telecommunications, journalism and other related fields are offered a variety of opportunities, including work on The Houstonian (an award-winning student newspaper), a 24-hour student radio station, a community television station and participation in Spanish-language media. The department now offers a Master of Fine Arts in digital media production and a Master of Arts degree in digital media.

To add to its list of accomplishments, the Department of Mass Communication recently produced a film receiving world-wide acclaim.

The Drone, written by noted screenwriter John McLaughlin, is a film centered around a small humanized quad copter simply trying to fit in and find himself. In the process, he comes to Sam Houston State University, and everything begins to click! This film, produced for showing to prospective SHSU students, has now won numerous highly coveted worldwide awards as a Sci Fi film. It is one more marker of success for an already prestigious university department.

The Department of Dance shines its creative light into the world as well, with student, faculty and alumni accolades to their credit. The department offers a rich curriculum in all areas of dance including performance, education, choreography, costume design, technical direction and lighting design with both Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees offered. The Department has been consistently recognized for outstanding choreography and performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and faculty members Andy and Dionne

»

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 25

Theatre Department’s Spelling Bee

Dance Spectrum

Mass Comm.

Student Broadcast

Noble (founders of the Noble Motion Dance Company in Houston) have had their work featured on a recent episode of American Crime Story.

The Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre can also boast remarkable successes as graduates are now performing in Broadway productions, film, television, and in many well-known theatre companies around the United States. Training is available in acting, directing, technical theatre, costume, lighting and set design, stage make-up, stage management, theatre history and dramatic theory, as well as voice, musicianship and dance. Graduates are well prepared for the challenges in the real world.

Housed in the new Art Complex is the fastest growing academic unit of CAM. The Department of Art offers programs which include photography, painting, printmaking, drawing, art education and history, graphic design, animation, sculpture, and ceramics. The animation program is rated third in the state and in the top ten of programs in the western United States.

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Dean Shields remarks, “The Dean’s office succeeds when we make things happen for other people. Our job is to support the faculty who will then help students achieve their goals.” Success is evident as they send out band directors, animation artists, actors and actresses, dancers, journalists and media specialists and others who have and will continue to impact our world for the better.

The College of Arts & Media schedules numerous performances, recitals, art exhibits, guest artists and workshops each year and is eager for the community to enjoy these offerings. CAM is seeking ways to make these events more guest-friendly and would welcome ideas to encourage community participation. Watch for CAM’s advertisements and schedule in Postcards!

For more information, contact CAM at: marketing@shsu.edu or follow them on Facebook at College of Arts & Media.

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Thanks Postcards, Mike Cantu, City of Conroe Parks and Recreation Department June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 27

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Lorrie Morgan in Concert June 28 visitbeaumonttx.com

CONROE “Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End” June 12-21 crightontheatre.org “Patriotic Pops” June 27 conroesymphony.org

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PALESTINE Dogwood Jamboree June 20 dogwoodjamboree.com

Shot in the Dark NIGHT Golf Tournament June 26 chamber.huntsville.tx.us

SAN ANTONIO Armed Forces River Parade June 27 thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events

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MAGNOLIA Magnolia Showdown Barbecue Cookoff June 26-27 cityofmagnolia. com

Calendar of Events

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Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, some events have been postponed or canceled in the interest of safety and participants’ well-being. Please make sure to check the event website, social media, or call ahead to confirm an event is still taking place if you are interested in attending.

For more information on the College of Arts & Media visit www.shsu.edu/CAM

June 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 29

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The Grand Consolation Prize

by Wes Altom

In our culture, the term “parting gift” usually brings to mind the token supplied to the loser of a game show, as in, “Thanks for playing.

Johnny, tell them what we have for them!”

A consolation prize by definition is intended to alleviate or lessen the grief, sorrow, or disappointment of; give solace or comfort. Even in sports, the consolation game is to determine the better of the losing semifinalists.

How contrary to this concept is the action of our Lord as he prepared to leave this earth. He not only gifted us with dying in our place that we might live…in John 14, as Christ prepares for his death and leaving his disciples, he also promises to send the Holy Spirit as a guide. Then, he provides the ultimate consolation gift, but this one is not lesser… not inferior…not for the loser. In the truest sense of the word, it is a gift that consoles.

30 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | June 2020

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” The Message translation even renders this, “I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace.”

May we gratefully claim and humbly realize the power of all he has gifted us. And with His peace in us in these uncertain times, we are truly winners, in every way imaginable.

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During this crazy time we extend our best wishes to you and your family.

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