🤠 It’s Monday, and it’s time to get assertive about the week.  Time to look at that list of tasks to get done, whether its at home or at work, and start knocking them out.  Today, we have some interesting Conroe Area news, followed by a Meet Your Neighbor segment featuring Lan Sacher.  Make sure you check it out.  Also check out the awesome promotion that Guy Barker received and our stories on Texas A&M sports. - O.B.

 In today’s Conroe Echo:

·         “Every Day Is A New Adventure” – Meet Your Neighbor with Lan Sacher

·         Celebrate Rodeo Season At The Go Texan Parade In Conroe On Feb 21

·         Conroe Filmmaker’s Movie Parable Hits Angel Studios Top 10

·         And more…

Today | 80F / 60F | 🌤️| 15% Precipitation | SSW 8 MPH

Tuesday | 79F / 59F | ☁️| 16% Precipitation | S 10 MPH

Wednesday | 76F / 52F | 🌤️| 21% Precipitation | NW 5 MPH

Thursday | 80F / 59F | 🌤️ | 8% Precipitation | SSE 6 MPH

Friday | 79F / 62F | 🌥️ | 23% Precipitation | SSE 10 MPH

Lake Level: 199.81 ft (Conservation pool level is 201 ft).

Air Temp: 57F

Water Temp: 53F

Wind: SE 2 MPH

The 61st Annual Go Texan Parade is heading to downtown Conroe on Saturday, Feb 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. This long-running tradition brings neighbors together under the theme Stars, Stripes, and Spurs, with support from RODEOHOUSTON and local partners. It is one of those feel-good community moments that reminds you how special this area really is.

You can sign up to be in the parade or simply grab a spot along the route and enjoy the afternoon with friends and family. Expect big smiles, hometown pride, and a crowd of local residents coming out to celebrate together.

A Conroe native is making waves in the film world. Ritchey Cable’s movie Parable has stayed in the Top 10 on the Angel Studios streaming platform since its Jan 8 release. Inspired by The Breakfast Club, the story follows six strangers who wake up in a loft with no memory and must face loss, grief, and a race against time.

Cable, a Conroe High graduate, created the film to explore how people care for one another during grief. The movie has already won Best Picture at the Prison City Film Festival and the Influx Magazine Awards. You can stream it on Angel Studios or rent it on Amazon.

Monday nights at GuadalaHARRY’s Bar and Grill are all about original music and big dreams. The Songwriters Shootout runs from 6:30 to 9:30 PM and gives local performers a chance to take the stage, share their songs, and compete in front of judges and a live crowd.

Weekly winners earn $50 and move on to quarterly rounds for $250, with a $500 prize waiting in the annual final. It costs just $5 to perform, making it an easy way to step into the spotlight and connect with music fans and industry professionals.

Occupation:  Realtor with Ferris Realty.

What do you love about the Conroe Area:  I love the diversity and friendly community in this area! I’ve lived in different areas of Texas but I’m so happy to call Conroe my forever home.

How do you stay optimistic:  Despite my chronic illness, I stay optimistic by taking life one day at a time. It’s a cliche, I know, but every day is a new adventure, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing where I will end up next.

What advice would you give a new resident:  I highly recommend looking at all the upcoming events and venturing out to meet new people at them. There’s always something fun going on around our growing community, my personal favorite is the farmer’s markets and reptile expo’s!

What should people know about you:  My dream going into real estate has always been to help families find their dream homes, but helping veterans understand their benefits as well is a passion that drives me every day.

Do you have a business, project, or public account you’d like to mention:  I’d love to mention Full Metal Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, I’m a firm believer in self-defense and this is my second home! My entire family trains here and we absolutely love it!

Connect with Lan Sacher on her Facebook Account.

First Financial Bank has promoted Guy Barker to Conroe Market President for the Greater Houston Region. He has spent 20 years with the bank and most recently served as a Commercial Relationship Manager. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for relationship-based banking and leadership in the community.

In this new role, Guy will oversee market operations, support growth, and continue strengthening commercial and community relationships across the Conroe market. He graduated from Sam Houston State University and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking and currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce.

No. 11 Texas A&M softball closed out the Aggie Classic with an 8 to 2 win over Providence at Davis Diamond. After an early home run from Providence, the Aggies settled in and answered with a strong third inning that put the game in their control. More runs in the fourth and sixth helped seal the victory.

Next up, the Aggies head to the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational for a top 20 doubleheader against Oklahoma State and Duke.

Texas A&M women’s basketball gave fans a thrilling finish Sunday night, beating No 21 Alabama 72 to 69 at Reed Arena. The game came down to the final shot when Lauren Ware blocked a three-point attempt at the buzzer to seal the win and spark a big celebration on the court.

Ny’Ceara Pryor led the Aggies with 20 points, and Fatmata Janneh added a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. The Aggies now hit the road to face Kentucky on Thursday.

Have a great Monday. Give your co-workers high-fives.  Be happy.  And please email this newsletter to a friend. – O.B.

Link to the Conroe Echo Facebook Page.