Galveston College readies for Mardi Gras
On Saturday, Feb. 15, Galveston College students, faculty and staff will participate in the 33rd Annual Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras parade, which begins at 12 p.m. and runs from 57th and Seawall to the Strand Historic District.
Also on Saturday, students, faculty and staff will participate in the Krewe of Gambrinus’ 31st Annual King Gambrinus Lights Up the Night parade, which starts at 6 p.m. at 4500 Seawall Blvd. and proceeds downtown through the Strand Historic District.
Click here to view the parade route.
According to the City of Galveston, the island’s 109th Mardi Gras celebration begins Friday, Feb. 14, and continues until Feb. 25, or Fat Tuesday. Both weekends are packed with parades, parties and, of course, beads.
The 10-day event is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees for masked balls, balcony parties, parades and concerts.
This island-style Mardi Gras has plenty of personality. There’s the classic revelry found in the heart of Galveston’s historic downtown district, where the bulk of festivities takes place, and also family-friendly events and parades along the Seawall.
To view the concert schedule, confirm parade routes and times, purchase tickets for ticketed events and venues, or to become a vendor, please visit the official Mardi Gras! Galveston website at http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/.
To view the complete list of Mardi Gras street closures, safety reminders and transportation information, visit the City of Galveston website here.
For more information on Galveston College’s participation in Mardi Gras activities, contact Associate Vice President for Student Services Ron Crumedy at [email protected].
Spring 2020 Food for Thought market dates set
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 18 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 15, 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 6, 10 a.m.
- Friday, Feb, 7, 10 a.m.
- Thursday, March 5, 3 p.m.
- Thursday, April 2, 3 p.m.
- Thursday, April 30, 10 a.m.
Spring 2020 Food for Thought market dates set
Galveston College has announced spring 2020 distribution dates for the Food for Thought mobile food distribution on the college’s main campus at Avenue Q 1/2 and 39th Street and at the Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center, 7626 Broadway Street.
Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, check-in, distribution and clean up.
Market dates and times are as follows:
Galveston College Main Campus
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 18 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 15, 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 6, 10 a.m.
Galveston College Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center
- Friday, Feb, 7, 10 a.m.
- Thursday, March 5, 3 p.m.
- Thursday, April 2, 3 p.m.
- Thursday, April 30, 10 a.m.
Food for Thought is a partnership between Galveston College, the Galveston County Food Bank and the Houston Food Bank through its Food for Change food scholarship initiative.
The Food for Thought market gives students access to fresh produce, meats and other groceries on the Galveston College campus, enabling them to save money for other necessities and to maintain their focus on school.
Currently enrolled students can obtain client ID cards in the Galveston College Counseling and Advising Center on the first floor of Moody Hall on the main campus or the office at the Applied Technology Center and enroll online by visiting the Food for Change page on the Houston Food Bank website.
Students also can locate unrestricted Food for Change markets by using the Houston Food Bank Mobile App. Food for Change markets are labeled to help clients identify all markets available to all Food for Change recipients.
For more information and to volunteer to assist with the program, contact Ron Crumedy, associate vice president for student services, at [email protected].
39th Annual Share Your Holidays is huge success
The 39th Annual ABC13 Share Your Holidays food drive at Ball High School on Friday, Dec. 6, was a huge success.
Members of the Ball High School band, cheerleaders, Tornettes, Ballet Folklorico, as well as the Parker Elementary School Elite students, entertained the public and Share Your Holidays community partners as they dropped off nonperishable food and monetary donations that benefited the Galveston County Food Bank.
A total of 25,603 pounds of food and more than $1,000 in monetary contributions were collected by the end of the day.
Ron Crumedy, associate vice president for student services at Galveston College, Shelia Fields, second year coordinator for the Galveston College Nursing program, and Galveston College students Kyle Hendrix, Justin Clary, Anastasia Venegas, Eva Rios and Iraida Tzoy joined community members, Ball High School students and students from throughout Galveston in volunteering at the event.
The food will be distributed by the Galveston County Food Bank to local families in need during the holiday season.
Mike Dudas, media arts coach at Ball High School, is the coordinator for Share Your Holidays-Galveston. Robyn R. Bushong serves as community partners/publicity coordinator.
Above: Shelia Fields, second year coordinator for the Galveston College Nursing program, and Galveston College students Kyle Hendrix, Justin Clary, Anastasia Venegas and Eva Rios volunteer at the 39th Annual Share Your Holidays food drive Friday, Dec. 6, at Ball High School.
Puppy cuddles, chair massages and finals survival kits to highlight Fall 2019 De-Stress Week
Share Your Holidays food drive underway on campus
Coordinated by Ball High School students and faculty, the 39th annual ABC13 Share Your Holidays Food Drive will culminate this year on Friday, Dec. 6, at Ball High School, 41st Street and Avenue O.
Non-perishable food items or monetary contributions will be accepted by the Galveston College Student Government Association and other student organizations on the Galveston College campus from now until Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Collection boxes are located throughout the main campus and the Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center.
The Galveston College SGA and other student organization leaders will travel to Ball High School at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, to appear on ABC13.
All contributions benefit the Galveston County Food Bank for distribution to those in need throughout Galveston County. Most-needed items include cereal, whole-grain pasta and rice, peanut butter, canned fruits/vegetables, canned meats, beans and soup, hygiene and household items, paper products, and kid-friendly snacks (e.g. fruit cups, juice boxes, granola bars) and for seniors — nutritional shakes and drinks, as well as adult hygiene products.
‘Money Management’ is focus of Success Seminar
Personal financial literacy is more than just being able to balance a checkbook, compare prices, or get a job. It also includes skills like long-term vision and planning for the future, and the discipline to use those skills every day.
The Student Activities office at Galveston College will present “Money Management” on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 4-5 p.m. in the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing-West.
Presenter is Elizabeth Brantley Spiller, a personal financial representative with the University Federal Credit Union.
For more information, contact Cynthia Parra at [email protected].
Galveston College sets 2019 Fall Festival and FAFSA Fest
Galveston College will host its 2019 Fall Festival on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing lawn of the main campus at 4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, Texas.
The festival is open to the public. Children are welcome.
Now in its 12th year, the festival is hosted by the Galveston College Student Government Association and the Office of Student Activities under the direction of Cynthia Parra, coordinator of Student Activities.
“Galveston College began the festival shortly after Hurricane Ike to bring the community together and to give the children of the island some consistency in the aftermath of tragedy,” said Parra. “The event has continued to grow over the years and has become a Galveston College tradition along with Spring Fling during the spring semester.”
Highlights of the festival will include music, games, inflatable bounce houses, activity booths, food and many more attractions that are sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, student clubs and organizations.
In conjunction with the Fall Festival, the Office of Financial Aid will host its semiannual FAFSA Fest, featuring a Halloween theme, “Don’t Fear the FAFSA,” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing.
FAFSA Fest is designed to help students and their families navigate the sometimes-challenging financial aid process. Current and prospective students can get help completing the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in addition to having other questions answered. Students who complete their FAFSAs that day will be entered into a drawing for prizes.
The FAFSA application period for the 2020-2021 academic year opened on Oct. 1. Students should bring their families’ 2018 income and tax information. Students under the age of 18 should bring a parent or guardian.
Activities and attractions sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, as well as FAFSA Fest, are free of charge. Student organizations may charge nominal fees for food items and other fundraisers in support of club activities such as attendance at professional conferences.
s, In the event of rain, the event will be located in the Hermes Fitness Center on campus.
Food for Thought mobile farmers market Sept. 18 distribution canceled; next market date is Sept. 26
The Galveston College Food for Thought mobile farmers market food distribution, originally set for Wednesday, Sept. 18, has been canceled. The next distribution date will be Thursday, Sept. 26, at the college’s Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center location at 7626 Broadway St., Galveston.
Below is a list of community food pantries for those in need of assistance. Many of these organizations have requirements that the client must meet to receive food. Please call ahead to determine if you qualify for assistance and to determine if the pantry is open during inclement weather.
Pantries in Galveston:
St. Vincent
2817 Post Office
(409) 763-8521
Salvation Army
601 51st St.
(409) 763-11691
Access Care of Coastal Texas
707 Tremont
(409) 763-2437
Catholic Charities
47001Broaddway, Suite F103
(409) 762-2062
The Galveston County Food Bank, located at 624 4th Avenue in Texas City, has walk-in hours:
Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
(409) 945-4232
Student Activities announces campus volunteer opportunities
The Galveston College Student Activities office has announced volunteer opportunities for the fall 2019 semester. Individual students, faculty and staff, as well as clubs and organizations, are invited to participate. A variety of on-campus and community events are included on the schedule.
For more information and to volunteer, contact Cynthia Parra in the Galveston College Student Activities office at [email protected] or (409) 944-1234.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, Sept. 18 – Food for Thought Mobile Farmers Market
Galveston College Main Campus
Volunteered needed:
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Set up
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 12:30-2 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Unload food from truck
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Wednesday, Sept. 26 – Food for Thought Mobile Farmers Market
Galveston College Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center
Volunteered needed:
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Set up
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 12:30-2 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Unload food from truck
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Friday, Oct. 4 – Walk a Mile in Their Shoes (Walk to End Domestic Violence)
Pleasure Pier, Galveston, Texas
Volunteers needed:
- 6-7 p.m. – Walk
Walkers will receive a free wristband to the Pleasure Pier.
Saturday, Oct. 5 – 2019 EdFest for All (Education for All Festival)
McGuire-Dent Recreation Center, 2222 28th St. Galveston, Texas
Volunteers needed:
- 9-10 a.m. – Set up
- 10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Assigned duties
- 12-2 p.m. – Assigned duties
- 2-3 p.m. – Cleanup
Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Food for Thought Mobile Farmers Market
Galveston College Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center
Volunteered needed:
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Set up
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 12:30-2 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Unload food from truck
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Saturday, Oct. 12 – Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Stewart Beach Pavilion, 201 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, Texas
Volunteers needed:
- 7-8 a.m. – Set up
- 8 a.m. – Check in
- 8:30 a.m. – Ceremony
- 9-11 a.m. – Walk
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Clean up
- Route Length: 3.1 miles
Wednesday, Oct. 23 – Food for Thought Mobile Farmers Market
Galveston College Main Campus
Volunteered needed:
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Set up
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 12:30-2 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Unload food from truck
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Thursday, Oct. 24 – Fall Festival
Seibel Wing Lawn (Rain Contingency: Hermes Fitness Gym Gym and Mary Moody Northen Center Atrium)
Volunteers needed
- 1-3 p.m. – Set up
- 3-6 p.m. – Monitor Inflatables and Games
- 6-7 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Thursday, Nov. 7 – Food for Thought Farmers Market
Galveston College Charlie Thomas Family Applied Technology Center
Volunteered needed:
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Set up
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 12:30-2 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Unload food from truck
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Food for Thought Mobile Farmers Market
Galveston College Main Campus
Volunteered needed:
- 9:30-10:45 a.m. – Set up
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 12:30-2 p.m. – Check in or Check out
- 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Unload food from truck
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Unload food from truck
- 1:30-2:30 p.m. (until finished) – Clean up
Friday, Dec. 6 – Share Your Holidays Food Drive
Galveston College Student Center to Ball High School
Volunteers needed:
- 8:30-9 a.m. – Load canned goods into van
- 9-10 a.m. – Deliver canned goods to Ball High School