This week marked the first Pre-Law Society meeting of the fall 2024 year, and what better way to start the first meeting than by setting a membership record? For the first-time ever, we topped 100 members, totaling 107, an indication of the strong lure of students to pre-law at SHSU.
Moreover, we were fortunate to mark this special occasion by having the first ever Pre-Law Society President as one of this month’s speakers! MacKenzie Smith and past Pre-Law Society president, Megan Chapa, spoke to members about their lives as prosecutors and what that entails.
The two shared their unique experiences from their time at Sam Houston State University, their law school journeys, and their work in the counties in which they currently reside. Both gave great advice to future law students, encouraging them to work hard and have drive, as law school requires hard work and ambition. The presentation was highly informational and useful for pre-law students considering entering the field of prosecution.
After a great presentation, next on the agenda was the elections! The students, who had plenty of time to build up their nerves were finally able to give their three-minute speeches explaining why they would be a good fit for their selected positions.
For the role of Historian, runners were Katherine Burnett and Lillie Bourgeois; for Vice President of Treasury were Maggie Betancourt and Christina Biello; for Secretary were Emily Alfaro and Madison Cawthon; and for Vice President of Membership were McKenna Nonnenmann and Jacqueline Santos-Romano.
After a long suspenseful wait while the votes were being counted, it was time to read the results!
The historian role was filled by Katherine Burnett (as I am writing this blog now). The winner for the role of Vice President of Treasury was Christina Biello. The new secretary is Emily Alfaro. Lastly, the role of Vice President of Membership was given to McKenna Nonnenmann, the former historian! As the positions of Olivia Discon and Cinthia Villareal went uncontested, they will continue to do an amazing job in their respective roles. After the outcome of the election was delivered, the meeting was adjourned. Overall, the meeting was a great success and we thank everyone who came to the meeting, especially Megan Chapa and MacKenzie Smith for taking the time to come and speak with us!
During my time in LEAP, I have noticed that the final day of our trips often leaves me feeling a bit reflective. With so many enriching experiences—whether educational, cultural, or just for fun—students have the chance to grow into better versions of themselves. After attending the Texas Tribune Festival, we decided to extend our learning with a visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, offering all three of those experiences.
As we first walked in, we watched a video about LBJ. It began with remarks from those who knew him, describing him as a “force of nature,” “human dynamite,” and (my favorite) a “tornado in pants.” Yet, the one consistent theme throughout was that President Johnson was driven by a deep desire to serve.
As we watched the video, Cinthia and I were excited to see Luci Baines Johnson, LBJ and Lady Bird’s daughter, on screen. Having just met her at the Texas Tribune Festival, seeing her again felt both surreal and personal.
We continued exploring LBJ’s life, from his time as a teacher and principal in Cotulla, Texas, to his final speech at the Civil Rights Symposium at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1972.
Naturally, we could not resist getting up close to experience the infamous “Johnson Treatment” for ourselves. Personally, I was not a fan, Cinthia looked particularly terrified, and Maggie seemed to have fun with it.
Looking up the grand stairs, I immediately noticed the archives behind a large glass covering. I could not stop imagining all the pieces of history enclosed within. My amazement must have been evident, as Olivia quickly began snapping pictures of my reaction!
Next, we pondered how we would feel if our personal phone calls were on display for anyone to listen to. This reflection was prompted by the chance to hear LBJ’s phone calls discussing various topics such as Vietnam, foreign policy, civil rights, and space. One conversation that particularly stayed with me was between LBJ and Jacqueline Kennedy, where she thanked him for a letter he had written to her; her voice was incredibly soft-spoken.
As we began to walk through his presidential years, the first thing everyone noticed were pictures of Lady Bird and LBJ together. We could not help but admire how lovely they looked, especially Lady Bird in her striking yellow dress!
As we moved further into the exhibit, the Civil Rights Movement took center stage. It was a powerful reminder of how LBJ’s presidency was marked by significant legislative achievements that reshaped American society. From the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, these were moments that changed the course of history, and walking through the displays, we could feel the weight of the sacrifices made by countless individuals.
This being my first visit to a presidential library, I was truly amazed, and I cherished every moment. From the engaging discussions at the Texas Tribune Festival to exploring the history at the LBJ Library, this trip perfectly embodied the essence of the LEAP experience—educational, cultural, and, of course, a lot of fun!
Our second day at the Texas Tribune Festival started early, ambitiously, and promisingly. But with an itinerary that included sessions on Criminal Justice, the next legislative session, Dan Crenshaw, the world of philanthropic foundations, local government, and a visit to the TX Capitol, the day was also daunting. But we were beginning with an always popular topic—criminal justice—and that provided just the juice for a good start to a busy day.
CJ and the 89th Legislative Session
by Michelle Moya
Kicking off day two at the Texas Tribune Festival, we started our day at the Criminal Justice and the 89th Legislature panel. The panel featured two prominent Texas State Representatives: Republican Jeff Leach and Democrat Joe Moody. The session started off with a broadcast opening statement from charismatic actor, Glen Powell, explaining the importance of entering the festival with an accepting mind. This opening set the tone for the thought-provoking intersection on criminal justice and its place in the Texas Legislature.
Rep. Jeff Leach takes a “selfie” with Glen Powell
In a time of huge political division, Leach and Moody are proving that bipartisan cooperation is possible and can create a major impact. What makes their partnership so powerful is their commitment to finding common ground, rather than simply occupying entrenched positions. Rep. Leach explained in the discussion that it is not about changing the other’s mind, but finding a way to compromise.
One pressing issue they touched on was the death penalty in Texas and what it involves in the current system. This topic, I am particularly enthusiastic about learning more about, yet it is considerably more intricate than we realize. As seen by national debates over capital punishment, Leach and Moody are leading attempts to have a significant impact in the state of Texas. Their work, aimed at reforming Texas’ death penalty system, reflects a dedication to upholding justice while also acknowledging the system’s fallibility. This case is depicted within the Melissa Lucio case, in which both representatives have worked tirelessly to try and get her off death row. Leach and Moody are helping to ensure that Texas avoids the irreversible tragedy of a wrongful execution. They stated that their biggest desire was to bring Lucio home for Christmas.
Ending this educational and insightful session, one realization I had was as Texans, we are fortunate to have these two dedicated public servants working tirelessly on our behalf. Their collaboration serves as a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we share a common commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of our state.
The Future of Local Control
Most people don’t think about their local government until they need it. Citizens will vote in presidential elections, and maybe for US Congress, but if elections exclusively involve local officials—mayors, county commissioners, and district attorneys—less than a fifth of eligible voters will turn out. It is precisely these officials, however, that control many essential functions: water, emergency services, roads, sewage, and trash, and recently, these officials have been asked to do more with less.
Some of these officials were on hand today to discuss “The Future of Local Control.” Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard; Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee; and Mackenzie Kelly, the only conservative on Austin’s City Council discussed challenges facing local government. Increasingly, these challenges have involved the loss of discretion. The State of Texas has passed a series of laws restricting how cities can set their own policies in areas such as taxes, pandemic response, homelessness, and employment law.
Generally speaking and understandably, local officials don’t look at such restrictions favorably. Indeed, Commissioner Howard and County Attorney Menefee argued that the State of Texas was actually targeting specific local governments—notably Travis and Harris Counties. In the past, cities had almost complete control over their tax rates; today, following the passage of state laws, cities must lower their tax rates if citizens’ property values increase beyond a certain percentage. Homelessness, too, is no longer in the exclusive purview of the cities. After Governor Abbott signed a law banning homeless encampments, however, that is no longer the case. In short, cities must find new and innovative ways to solve problems.
The panelists did not devote their time to such solutions. Harris County Attorney Menefee highlighted many of what he saw as misguided regulations aimed at Harris County and “silly” characterizations of his policy positions. Commissioner Howard delved into some of the structural problems faced by fast-growing regions, shining light on the rural-urban divide, particularly when it comes to issues such as infrastructure, traffic, and development. Councilmember Kelly offered an interesting view of the councilmember’s role, describing her process of learning from her constituents, educating her constituents, and working with residents, businesses, and other governmental entities to ensure the right information is being considered and that saving taxpayers’ money remains a goal.
As if to punctuate the different challenges facing local governments, the questions from the audience covered various topics. One question involved affordable housing; another related question involved the paperwork and seemingly needless bureaucracy of filing for homelessness benefits; still another asked about what cities can do about relieving loneliness in communities.
The particular questions often related to a specific city’s problems, or even a specific resident’s problems. Looked at broadly, however, the questions all related to the essential role of cities in modern life, and whether state governments or the federal government should encroach on local governments’ discretion in solving its own problems. These issues, we found out throughout the day, would be raised repeatedly in different contexts.
Giving Their All
by Caitlin Nortonen
After enjoying the morning session, Saara, Cinthia, Katherine, Maggie, and I decided to spend our afternoon gaining more knowledge on the impacts of philanthropy in the state of Texas.
The panelists included: Allan Golston, U.S. Program President of the Gates Foundation; Peter Miller, CEO and President of the Meadows Foundation; and Maribel Perez Wadsworth, President and CEO of John S. and James C. Knight Foundation. It was evident that their main goal is investing into communities and addressing some of Texas’s most pressing problems.
Mr. Miller’s main focus within the Meadows Foundation is funding grants for those in need pertaining to the environment, education, mental health, and the issues revolving around homelessness in Texas. He shared with us that his foundation alone has practically eliminated homelessness among veterans.
After Mr. Golston educated us on the funding for schools that don’t have significant resources, he stressed to us that our leaders need to give Texas schools more attention. Something quite interesting and saddening was that many educators leave their position after only two years even though they have invested so much money into their teaching careers.
This session was very interesting, and made us all have a better understanding and further respect for our educators!
Higher Aspirations
by Olivia Discon
Higher education is a field of multitudes. A quality education doesn’t just rely on professors and classrooms-it’s shaped by the politics of healthcare, workforce development, the economy, and the state of Texas.
Who better to hear about the current state of Texas higher education than from the experts themselves?
We had the opportunity to hear from the Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Tedd Mitchell;
…President of The University of North Texas and former Commissioner to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Dr. Harrison Keller;
…and President of Northwest Vista College, Amy Bosley.
Each brought their respective experience and insight into what makes a good education and what it takes to build a “Talent-Strong” Texas.
A major point of discussion in the political sphere, and on this panel, is workforce development. A thriving community requires a strong quality of life, which depends on good-paying jobs—and these jobs demand high-quality education. As you could imagine, this can become quite the headache. Fortunately, Texas universities, alongside the state legislature, are working to meet these challenges in real-time. Chancellor Mitchell emphasized the need to pivot our education system to align with industry needs, and all panelists agreed that adopting an “outcomes-based” approach is essential to putting students, and Texas’s future, first.
I found it incredibly interesting to gain a higher-level perspective on the issues Texas universities face while appreciating the resilience and investment that have led to their many successes. The discussion inspired me, as a student, to think about how I can contribute to the growth and service of our great state.
The Senate Next Time
by Katherine Burnett
A Democrat and Republican in the same room, who would’ve thought! Well, for the Texas Senate, this is a common situation. Texas Senators, Carol Alvardo, Nathan Johnson, Kevin Sparks, and Phil King sat down together at the Texas Tribune Festival. Despite party differences, they talked about issues that both Democrats and Republicans can equally agree need to be handled.
The representatives agreed on various topics, such as the misconception that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is “running the building.” Further, the current electricity concern and the need for future alternatives.
It was a unanimous consensus between the representatives that despite arguments over beliefs and personal feelings, both sides need each other, and everything is put aside when it comes to the well-being of the State of Texas. After a discussion about the importance of working together, Nathan Johnson and Phil King filled the room with tension over talk on the school choice bill; though, the kerfuffle did not get far. Nevertheless, it did not stop little slights from being thrown for the remainder of the discussion.
The senators ended on a note of high hopes for the future of housing, electricity, rehabilitation, and various other problems that were brought to their attention during the closing remarks of the session.
One on One with Dan Crenshaw
by Maggie Betancourt
With feelings of anticipation and obscurity filling the theatre as Congressman Dan Crenshaw took the stage, we knew we were in for a contentious discussion. Known for his profound achievements as a former Navy Seal and his work to combat the Mexican drug cartels, Congressman Crenshaw stressed the importance of upholding the values and traditions on which our country was founded. The first question of “who is Dan?” set the tone for the conversation as Congressman Crenshaw defined himself as a “classic Reagan Conservative.” How does that differ from a regular conservative? Well, in the words of Congressman Crenshaw, a classic Reagan conservative believes in trying to conserve the nation’s founding and less on “making people happy.” He emphasized that instead, there is need for “protecting the laws that give people the ability to be happy.”
The crowd began to express strong emotions as Congressman Crenshaw articulated his opinion on how conservatives are viewed in the media. As he explained that people tend to let personal distaste for political figures cloud their judgment over policies, the crowd began to “boo.” The tension subsided as Congressman Crenshaw began to speak about his accomplishments with the FIZA Act, which allows wiretapping to detain the cartel members integral to the organization. He also discussed his works with the “Youth Summit,” which is a non-partisan program that prides itself on educating high school students on how government works along with how to make it a career.
Although Congressman Crenshaw’s beliefs were deemed as controversial, his patriotism and love for the American people and the nation shined brighter. The conversation ended with questions from the audience with one asking what he would be doing for a career if not a politician. Wrapping back around to his introduction, Congressman Crenshaw answered by saying he would have never left the military, as being a Navy Seal was all he dreamed of as a child.
Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani by Saara Maknojia
The 88th legislative session marked a historic moment when two Muslim Texas State Representatives were sworn into office. To have a deeper understanding of this moment, we headed to the Capitol to meet with Jordan Villarreal, the District Director for Representative Salman Bhojani.
Mr. Villarreal began with giving us a brief overview of Representative Bhojani’s office and explained the role of a District Director, who can be referred to as a “hawk,” as his daily duties comprise of keeping a close eye on all the counties that fall under District 92. While engaging in the conversation with Mr. Villarreal, we learned that Representative Bhojani stresses the importance of allowing local governments to have the freedom with their policies. Mr. Villarreal expressed how Representative Bhojani will continue to fight against the recent controversial topic over the legislation concerning school vouchers. Additionally, that he would continue representing students of different religions by endorsing bills that allow public holidays for respective religions or cultural festivals, without being penalized.
To our surprise, Representative Bhojani just so happened to be in his office before session! We had an incredible opportunity, before the hustle and bustle of the 89th session, to learn a bit more about him as a person. Since I have personally followed his campaign closely throughout the past legislative session, I had the chance of showing my appreciation for all that Representative Bhojani has accomplished. As the first Muslim State Representative of Texas, along with Representative Lalani, Representative Bhojani has diversified our state legislation. For the first time in history, we witnessed two Muslim representatives being sworn into office with a Quran!
Representative Bhojani then showed us the Quran which he had been sworn into office with. We were shocked to hear the 200-year-old Quran was read by John Adams and the other Founding Fathers so that they could better understand the religious texts; this provided an outline for Sharia Law when drafting the United States Constitution.
Our unexpected, yet wonderful meeting with Representative Bhojani was definitely a learning experience, as we embraced the historical impact of his term in office!
In an age of hyper-partisanship, sightings of moderate congressman are rare—more common than Yeti sightings, yet far less frequent than reports of UFOs. But we were beginning our morning at The Texas Tribune Festival where such encounters are possible, and thus began an educational hour covering the border, the deficit, and the ability of the parties to work together.
Although Representative Gonzales is recognized as a moderate, this is Austin, TX, and he was not greeted with a particularly moderate crowd. To his credit, Gonzales sensed this early on, and he played along, occasionally cueing the crowd to boo him—a request to which the crowd cheerfully complied, most heartily when the congressman noted he was opposed to late-term abortion.
Topics such as the deficit and the border were only slightly less polarizing. Gonzales congratulated VP Harris on her recent attention to the border, and while he noted that her shifting positions on border security might be worthy of more attention from the media, he welcomed Harris’s concern, highlighting the fact that his congressional district contains more than 800 miles of the US-Mexico border.
Gonzales also noted that he expected the Republicans to lose the House in the November election, noting that “we have no one but ourselves to blame.” The moderator, Jake Sherman, returned to this and similar topics repeatedly.
Gonzales believes that Ted Cruz will retain his seat; and he will vote for Donald Trump for President, although he stopped short of offering a prediction of the presidential outcome.
What he was most adamant on is that the parties do need to find common ground, and that doing so will involve giving up positions that hyper-partisans do not want to give up. This willingness to compromise has cost him within his own party, where he has been robustly challenged in the last two primaries, although he managed narrow victories in each. It’s also prompted stiff competition from Democratic challengers in his district. Amidst this electoral environment, such moderates are likely to remain rarities, to the detriment of the country’s civic health.
But with the optimism of youth, and in an environment created to promote civic education, we moved with enthusiasm to our next session, eager to see Luci Baines Johnson.
A Conversation with Katie Rogers and Luci Baines Johnson
by Katherine Burnett
It’s not every day you are given the opportunity to watch a former president’s daughter speak on her personal memories of her father running the country; fortunately, we were able to seize the opportunity! Luci Baines Johnson, the daughter of Lyndon B. Johnson, and Katie Rogers, White House Correspondent for the New York Times, discussed the significance of the role of the First Lady of the United States.
Luci Baines Johnson, clearly the panel’s central attraction, discussed topics such as her father’s decision to not run for a second term. While the media have long portrayed LBJ’s decision as relating to the Vietnam War, Ms. Johnson took strong exception to that view.
Her father, she noted, wasn’t even fully convinced he should run in 1964,let alone 1968. With concerns about his health and his desire to spend more time with his children and grandchildren, Johnson stepped down not because of the war, but because of his other obligations and because he chose to do what he saw as being best for the country–a decision she compared to Biden’s recent decision to suspend his campaign for reelection.
Katie Rogers covered the modern changes in the traditional role of the first lady, mentioning influential figures such as: Hillary Clinton, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden. The session ended with high praise after Mrs. Johnson closed out the conversation with a thought-provoking quote: “Be able to grow from that experience and never lose the appreciation for the opportunity to learn.”
And this is something we decided to act on immediately, by meeting Ms. Johnson and seeking to soak-in even more of her wisdom.
A Conversation with Rick Perry and John Sharp
by Chrissy Biello
From being the longest serving governor in Texas history to the 14th U.S. Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry has a wealth of knowledge. Not to mention, John Sharp, a former member of the Texas State Senate and the Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System since 2011. From living on the same dorm floor in college, to running against one another in the 1998 Texas Lieutenant Governor election, it is evident the two have a long history.
Rick Perry began speaking on past Texas A&M leaders, noting how there have been many great ones. He ensured to pinpoint James Earl Rudder, President of Texas A&M from 1959 to 1970, highlighting how he changed the trajectory of the university forever by allowing women to be admitted in 1963. He continued to stress that he was an exceptional person and anyone who had met him, could testify to this.
Perry then pivoted to illustrate how John Sharp is also one of those exceptional leaders for the Texas A&M University System, stating that remarkable things happened on his watch. Chancellor Sharp then, of course, quickly asked, “is somebody filming this?”
When asked about the future of Texas and whether it would ever be a blue state again, Chancellor Sharp explained that it depends on the swing; if the state goes too far one way, then it will usually go back the other way or in the middle. He expressed how since the 2012 presidential election, there has been a decrease in the percentage that the Democratic Party candidates have lost in Texas. He emphasized that if this trend continues, we will see that Harris will lose Texas by less than seen before, predicting that it would be by three to four percent.
Seeing the dynamic of former Governor Perry and Chancellor Sharp was both fascinating and educational, especially with their never-ending banter! With this being my first time at the Texas Tribune Festival, it was a great first day of discovering all of what the sessions and activities will offer.
A Visit to the Texas Capitol
Former SHAIP Intern, Current Chief of Staff: Melva Gomez
by Michelle Moya
After exploring the Austin Capitol’s unique offerings…
and infrastructure…
…LEAP students delved into the professional world of Melva Gomez, Chief of Staff to Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, former SHAIP intern, and former LEAP Ambassador.
Upon entering, the first thing that caught our attention was the large broadcasting of the committee on insurance taking place. It introduced those of us that are planning to apply to the Austin Internship with a real-life outlook on the issues we will be surrounded by.
Next, we learned of the skills Gomez brought to her Austin internship, as well as the professional development gained from that experience. Aside from all the upsides, she also spoke about the challenges she faced and advised us on the ways to overcome these situations.
After her inspirational words, we went into Representative Davila’s office. Gomez explained the influence Davila has had during her term, noting that the young representative passed Texas Senate Bill 490 and showing us the signed bill by Governor Greg Abbott!
Melva Gomez took us on a journey through the influential role she has played in her community and beyond. She emphasized the significance of kindness and how it fosters a collaborative and friendly environment, especially in political surroundings. Before leaving, we were given the opportunity to take a group picture behind Representative Davila’s desk with Ms. Gomez!
J.M Lozano
by Caitlin Nortonen
After an educational and informative afternoon, we rushed to the Austin Capitol and met with Matt Lamon, Chief of Staff for Representative J.M Lozano.
Katherine, Saara, and I had the great opportunity to have a conversation with Mr. Lamon in his office!
He began by giving us a brief tour of Representative Lozano’s office and provided a short debrief of the 88th Legislation session. He gave us a better understanding of who Representative Lozano is and the District he represents–six counties in the Corpus Christi area. Knowing the district, we learned from both Lamon and Gomez, is key to knowing the world in which the legislator lives.
The group learned more about committees, too. Lozano serves as the Chair of the Urban Affairs committee, while also serving as a member of the redistricting; transportation; and youth, health, and safety committees. Most intriguing to us was this latter committee, which examines the health, safety, and rights of the Texas youth, specifically within the criminal justice system. Lozano chaired this committee in May of 2022, when the school shooting in Uvalde shone a harsh light on the implications of mental health struggles that many youth experience.
A Taste of Ethiopia
by Maggie Betancourt
We concluded our evening with a bit of a “Taste of Ethiopia,” where a stimulating Ethiopian cuisine was experienced. Questions were immediately raised by the group, such as “What is Injera?” or “Bakla – who?”
Although many of the members were unfamiliar with Ethiopian cuisine, everyone was excited to try a world of flavors they have never had before. After some interesting appetizers…
…the server arrived as she placed each dish in the middle of the table, ranging from spicy lentil stew, known as Shiro Wot, to deliciously tender Beef Tibbs. All of the meals came with a side dish known as injera, which is a type of flat bread that is meant to be eaten with all main courses.
Embracing the culture of Ethiopia, which believes that food is a way for people to bond, we all shared each other’s dishes and elaborated on our favorite aspects. Although everyone was fully satiated from trying each other’s meals, this didn’t mean we couldn’t go for a desert dish (or two). Professor Yawn treated the group with the most buttery and flaky baklava, and the most decadent chocolate cake that we’ve ever had, capping a full day with another enriching and educational experience.
With so many people in need of assistance, it is truly inspiring to witness the dedication of those who work tirelessly to support others. Olivia Discon, Michelle Cardenas, Madison Cawthon, and I had the privilege of experiencing this commitment firsthand by volunteering at the Walker County Senior Center Appreciation Dinner. This special event, organized by Executive Director Stacey Loll, honored the hardworking staff and supporters who keep the Senior Center running smoothly and provide invaluable support to the elderly in Walker County and the surrounding communities through programs such as Meals on Wheels.
The dinner brought together a diverse group of community members, including city council members, judges, and city employees, all demonstrating their support for this vital program.
A particularly touching moment was the reunion between Sandra Clifton, former Executive Director of the Huntsville Family YMCA, and Professor Yawn, who served on the YMCA board during Sandra’s tenure.
We also had an engaging conversation with Clyde Loll, the Deputy Director of Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University, whose insights from his past role as a Huntsville City Council member were particularly valuable–and had a chance to reacquaint ourselves with some county officials.
Additionally, it was wonderful to see Wes and Karen Altom, whom Olivia and I had previously met at a Walker County Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn that they hosted on digital marketing!
Alongside volunteers from the Huntsville Junior Service League…
…we quickly set about ensuring that all attendees had everything they needed.
From providing drinks to addressing various requests, our goal was to express our appreciation for their contributions to the community.
The delicious food, catered by Farmhouse Cafe, was a highlight of the evening (especially the strawberry and chocolate cake!).
Stacey Loll began her presentation, explaining that each day begins at 5 in the morning as staff prepare and deliver nutritious meals to seniors across Huntsville, New Waverly, and surrounding areas.
This service addresses not only the nutritional needs of seniors but also helps combat loneliness and isolation; many seniors benefit significantly from these meals and the chance to connect with others.
The Senior Center also offers a welcoming space where seniors can gather, enjoy a hot meal in person, drink coffee, and engage in activities like playing dominoes, bingo, and Wii Sports!
Ms. Loll also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Meals on Wheels program, including rising costs. Despite these hurdles, community support remains strong. Notably, the generosity and commitment of our community in supporting the Meals on Wheels program is extremely evident by donations from the Haunted Trails event hosted by the City of Huntsville and the Wynne Home’s Empty Bowls event, the latter of which raised over $6,000 for the program!
While daily challenges are ever-present, it is crucial to continue extending our help to those in need. Communities are able to thrive when one remembers that each person matters and that collective efforts can create meaningful change.
The LEAP Ambassadors recently took part in a cultural and culinary journey to France at the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston’s latest Culinary Passport event. Held at Alliance Française de Houston, which has proudly served the region for more than 100 years, the event featured an array of French delicacies including ham and cheese croissants, charcuterie boards, crepes, and a delightful assortment of fruits and macarons.
The event kicked off with an introduction by Jahan Jafarpour, leading into the evening’s highlight: a conversation with Valérie Baraban, Consul General of France in Houston.
With a background in NATO and France’s counterterrorism task force, Baraban’s path to Texas was unexpected. After years of diplomatic work, she sought a new challenge and chose Texas, despite knowing little about the state. She admitted that the media had shaped her perception of Texas, but after taking a leap of faith, she discovered that Texas — and especially Houston — had won her over with its diversity, energy, and warmth.
Baraban emphasized the surprising depth of France’s connections to Texas. For instance, two French brothers founded Schlumberger, a major oil and gas company that operates in Houston and across the United States. This highlights the longstanding economic ties between the two regions. Additionally, she touched on France’s forward-thinking initiatives in space exploration and hinted at Houston’s potential role in helping France develop new ways to approach space research.
A fun historical tidbit Baraban shared was that France was the first country to recognize Texas as an independent nation. In fact, there’s a landmark in Paris that reads, “Here was the former embassy of the Republic of Texas,” a reminder of the deep diplomatic ties between the two (see also: French Legation).
The evening also touched on the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Baraban spoke about how global events like the Olympics foster unity and how they align with the Culinary Passport series’ mission to bring people together through food and cultural exchange.
For the LEAP Ambassadors, the evening was a delightful blend of French flavors and fascinating insights into the ties between France and Texas, spanning from oil and space to shared history and diplomacy. We enjoyed interacting with new friends and engaging with the World Affairs Council staff, making for a fun and memorable night.
The Texas Prison Museum recently hosted a panel to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fred Carrasco prison siege of 1974. Moderated by Robert Riggs, the host of the True Crime Reporter® Podcast…
…and introduced by museum director David Stacks…
…the discussion brought together several panelists, each with a unique and harrowing experience during those 11 days in Huntsville.
To provide some context: in July 1974, Fred Carrasco, a notorious drug lord, led one of the most dramatic prison sieges in Texas history. Along with two accomplices, Carrasco took 15 hostages in the prison library, demanding safe passage and an escape vehicle. The standoff lasted for 11 tense and terrifying days, culminating in a violent showdown that resulted in multiple deaths, including Carrasco’s.
One of the notable panelists was Wayne Scott, who was a lieutenant at the Texas Department of Corrections (TDC) during the siege. Scott was there throughout the crisis and shared his firsthand account of the intense and dangerous situation. He recounted moments when he and another panelist were shot at, emphasizing the life-threatening reality and high stakes of the situation.
Maurice C. Cook, a Texas Ranger involved in the siege, provided his perspective on the events. Cook’s insights added depth to our understanding of law enforcement strategies and the challenges they encountered while trying to resolve the crisis. His stories about coordinating efforts and facing down Carrasco’s threats were gripping.
The panel also included a Benji Aguilar, translator for Carrasco, who shared a unique and often overlooked perspective on the siege. Interestingly, Carrasco didn’t even need a translator; it was deemed to be more of a power play. The translator’s experiences highlighted the intense psychological pressure of the situation and the manipulative tactics employed by Carrasco.
One of the most dramatic moments of the siege was the Trojan Horse incident. Carrasco orchestrated a false promise of surrender by using a makeshift Trojan Horse, a desperate maneuver to gain leverage and shift the dynamics of the standoff. This ploy was a critical and nerve-wracking phase, showcasing Carrasco’s audacity and the high-stakes environment faced by the authorities.
Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Maurice C. Cook recounted the most courageous act he witnessed in his career: a corrections officer cutting the hostages loose after the Trojan Horse incident.
During this intense situation, the officer, fully aware of the risks, the officer acted decisively to free the hostages from their bindings. He was later awarded for his act of bravery.
The 50th anniversary panel at the Texas Prison Museum was a powerful reminder of the historical significance of the Fred Carrasco siege and the personal experiences at its core. Despite the intensity of the recollections, it was clear that these men had shared an experience that left them inextricably linked. Indeed, after half a century, they were able to reflect and laugh over their actions as young men, solidifying their experiential bonding.
And they were not the only ones who shared in that experiences. The standing-room only crowd, many of whom were living in Huntsville in 1974, shared in the experience and had the chance to ask questions at the end.
For us, it was a great learning experience, to meet new people…
……see people we know and respect…
…and an honor to be part of a fitting tribute to the courage and tenacity of those who lived through one of the most challenging events in Huntsville’s history.
The Altom family has been a driving force in the Huntsville business community. Karen and Wes Altom, alongside their son Marshall, have dedicated their careers to helping local businesses thrive through their expertise in marketing and advertising. As the owners of Postcards Magazine and seasoned marketing consultants, they have played a crucial role in helping countless businesses in Huntsville and the surrounding areas grow their brands and navigate the complex landscape of modern marketing.
In this landscape, a robust and strategic marketing plan is essential for businesses to stand out. Olivia and I recently had the opportunity to gain valuable insights on this topic at a Lunch and Learn event hosted by the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, where the Altom family were the featured presenters.
The event kicked off with an introduction by John Fletcher, a business advisor for the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Huntsville. Speaking primarily to small business owners in the room, he shed light on the SBDC’s mission to support current and future businesses in their growth and success. It was eye-opening to learn more about the SBDC’s role in our community and how it helps maintain the unique character of Huntsville.
When the Altoms took the floor, they began by explaining fundamental marketing concepts: brand and targeted response. They described a brand as the feeling you want consumers to associate with your product and company. Targeted response, they explained, is the specific action you are aiming for – whether it’s a click, a call, or a sale.
One of their most striking points was the “marketing rule of 7.” This concept, which originated in the 1930s, suggested that consumers needed to see a brand 7 times before making a purchase. However, the Altoms revealed how an ever-changing market and evolving technology affected this prospect. In the 1970s, the average consumer was exposed to 500-1600 advertisements. In 2024, this figure has shot up to 6,000-10,000 advertisements a day.
Next, they spoke on the intricacies of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), explaining the two types of SEO: local and organic. Local SEO focuses on improving visibility on platforms like Google, stressing the importance of regularly updating and engaging with your Google Business profile. Organic SEO, on the other hand, deals with on-site factors and content that help grow the website itself.
They also broke down the hierarchy of search results, with SEM (ads) at the top, followed by local results, and then organic results. An interesting tidbit they shared was that while appearing in SEM costs nothing upfront, businesses pay per click – a tactic some competitors use against each other!
The Altoms then discussed various types of ads, highlighting programmatic displays as the most popular due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and visual appeal. They reminded us that seeing ads is not the end of the consumer journey; people will also look at reviews, illustrating the interconnected nature of digital marketing.
While it is essential to be mindful of digital marketing, the Altoms pointed out that having mixed media is needed to be all encompassing in the business world.
Today, as we constantly check our phones and scroll through feeds, businesses need to find clever ways to grab our attention and become the brands we remember and choose in our daily lives. The Altoms, with their years of experience and deep understanding of both traditional and digital marketing, continue to be an invaluable resource for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
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