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s t h g i l High

Railroad

efore my time, it was Casey Jones…when I was growing up, it was The Little Engine That Could…and, for my children, it was Thomas the Tank Engine. Whatever the generation, America’s love of trains transcends time. Railroads were the connect-the-dots exercise that built our nation. Always fascinating, but growing ever more elusive, the closest most of us get to our universal love is admiration from a distance as we sit in our vehicle at a crossing gate. Join us now as we bridge that gap (and the one between Rusk and Palestine) on the Texas State Railroad. Most museums are housed within a relatively small structure. A few occupy a city block. This one covers twenty-five miles. The Texas State

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

by Wes Altom

S X E T Treasures Texas State

Railroad, a museum on wheels and rails, connects the Piney Woods communities of Rusk and Palestine. Offering passenger excursions via both steam and diesel locomotives, this attraction is a living exhibit and window into our past. Operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from 1976 to 2007, the TSRR has since been run through a contract with American Heritage Railways, and just recently operating control shifted to Iowa Pacific. The Railroad currently has two operating steam engines from the early 1900s, as well as two diesels from the mid-century. Maintenance operations for the railway, as well as a roundtable, are located in Maydelle, a small community on the line about 9 miles west of Rusk.

A basic excursion is about 1½ hours each way. A box lunch is included, and additional concessions are available for purchase on the train. Standard and premium seating is available. For an extreme experience (and a special fee), you can even make the journey in the cab with the engineer and fireman, if you are over 18 years old. Talk about your once-in-a-lifetime experience! The railroad offers ticket discounts for groups, seniors and veterans, and FREE passage for active duty military and during the week of your birthday. Beware! There are sometimes appearances by train robbers. I’ve also heard, however, that the Lone Ranger rides again along the rail lines to keep the peace. And, if we don’t have your interest yet, check out the railroad’s calendar of special events. Some regular favorites for children include The Polar Express, Peanuts–Valentine’s Express, Peanuts – Easter Beagle Express, and Peanuts – The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Thomas the Tank Engine has even been known to make an occasional appearance at the TSRR. For adults, special photo opportunity trips, Memorial Day Events, and a Valentine’s Dinner Train (complete with a candlelight, three course catered meal) are popular choices. You can even make your own special event and charter a train just for your occasion.

Enjoy the ride and create memories for your entire family

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

If all this sounds like too much for a day trip, don’t fret. The Palestine Depot offers primitive camping, picnic facilities, and pavilions. The Rusk Depot has even more facilities with both full hookup RV and tent campsites, as well as a laundry facility, restrooms, showers, wi-fi, and a campground office and store. There are pavilions and a dining hall available for rent, and on-site activities include a 15 acre fishing lake, spray ground water playground, tennis courts, basketball goals, horseshoes, shuffle board, and volleyball. For more information, schedules, and pricing, check out www.texasstaterr.com or call 1-877726-7245. Explore a part of Texas history. Don’t just read about it—live it, and learn it! Adventures on the Texas State Railroad await. All aboard!

❧

See Page 14 for information regarding The Polar Express™ Train Rides

History The Texas state prison system established the railroad in 1881. Inmates built the line, which was used to transport hardwood that was used as fuel for the furnaces at the prison-operated iron smelter at the Rusk Penitentiary. The furnace supplied the State of Texas with iron products, including the columns and dome structure for the capitol building in Austin. The original construction was a narrow gauge line, but it was later built in standard gauge in order to join into the main line. In 1906, prison crews extended the rail line to Maydelle and, in 1909, reached their final destination of Palestine. Once the train line was completed into Palestine, the line was easily accessible to the main lines, and commerce in and around the area flourished. In 1913, the prison ceased operations of the iron furnace and the Rusk Penitentiary was converted into the state mental hospital. In 1921, the regular rail service was discontinued and the line was leased to the Texas & New Orleans (Southern Pacific Railroad Co.). The Texas Southeastern Railroad leased the line in the early 1960s and continued operation of the line until 1969.

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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Polar Express photos are courtesy of Jennifer Williams. She writes about her family’s train experience last year on her blog, “Momma Made It Look Easy.” Check it out at www.mommamadeitlookeasy.com. She says, “Our kids really enjoyed this and haven’t stopped talking about it since then. In kid time that’s a pretty big deal.” She also has already purchased tickets for this year!

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Mustard Seed Moments

by Wes Altom

...The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you say to this mulberry tree, ‘be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. Luke 17:5-6

Unsportsmanlike Conduct I

love the game of football...the crispness in the air, the strategy of pitting X versus O on play boards, the camaraderie of teams and fans, the focus and precision of executing the plan with as few errors as possible, and the energy that becomes the synergy of uniting for a common purpose and giving full effort. Yes, I do love the game of football…and I miss when it was a game. I’m not sure exactly when and where we strayed from the path. When did “fun” give way to “win at any cost”? When did fans transform into fanatics—we used to cheer for our team…now we cheer against the other team, their fans, the officials (real or replacement), and even our own players and coaches if

they dare disappoint. We seem to have become a people who stand against much more than we stand for. During a season when “bounty” should mean “a generous gift”, the term is now more readily recognized (from the NFL all the way down to Pop Warner) as a “premium” for taking another player out of the game by intentionally inflicting injury. While it’s hard to identify the turning point, it’s easier to identify the cause. When the game becomes more about money and pride than fun, it’s no longer a game—it’s a real battle—one in which there are real consequences and real casualties…loss of physical abilities, loss of spirit, and loss of character. This holds true at all levels of the game.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” I Timothy 6:10 Have you ever noticed that the officiating sign for the penalty of “unsportsmanlike conduct” resembles a man on a cross? Perhaps a subtle reminder each time we see it that we are missing the example of our ultimate role model. For the love of the game (and the Role Model), let’s each do our part to make sure the turning point doesn’t become the point of no return. Game on!

“The Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable.” Psalms 37:23

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

Written by Kristin Humphrey

Gotta Get Away? Go Georgetown!

Great day and weekend trips for when you just need a break! El Paso

eaves are beginning to change color, the air is crisp, and the nights are cooler; fall is here. Now is the time to take advantage of the wonderful weather and go on an adventure with your friends or family. What better place to get away than Georgetown, Texas? Much like Fredericksburg or Old Town Spring, the heart of Georgetown is filled with quaint little shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. It is also home to the state’s oldest institution of higher learning, Southwestern University, and Inner Space Caverns, a beautiful limestone cave.

There are plenty of lodging options available in Georgetown but, if you want to go authentic, it has to be a bed and breakfast. My personal recommendation is the Harper-Chesser Historic Inn (1309 S. College, www.harperchesserinn.com). This B&B was built in 1890, and the interior and exterior have been maintained to give you the feel of that time period. The home is complete with a porch, large dining room and sitting areas, and four bedrooms. Antique furniture decorates the home, and there is a beautiful garden out back. The Innkeeper provides breakfast each morning; she can also do special events upon request and even provide cooking classes. The food is fantastic! This B&B is a must-stay during your visit.



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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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If you are in need of a little retail therapy, stop in at Wonderful Things (1003 S. Austin Ave, www.wonderfulthingsonline.net). This is one of those stores where you can find just about anything—Texas canned products, dip mixes, collegiate gear, baby gifts, home décor, gag gifts, Brighton, Vera Bradley, Tyler candles, and even Chicken Poop Lip Junk. It’s a great place to pick up a gift or a new treasure for yourself, but make sure to allow plenty of time to look around. They also stock up during the holidays, so if you are a decoration fiend (like me), now is the perfect time to go.

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Go Georgetown! Another fun place to check out is The Escape (713 Main Street, www.shoptheescape.com). This store is filled with beautiful glass pieces, pottery, clocks, wind chimes, and jewelry. It’s one of those places where each item is unique and will leave your friends and family asking, “Where did you get that?” They even have those uniquely mismatched but oddly matching wooly socks that are perfect for a chilly day or to wear with a pair of boots. They can ship to your home if you do not want to risk travel with your purchases or if you want them to special order something for you. There is something for everyone at the Georgetown Square; the hardest part will be deciding where to start.

If shopping doesn’t interest you, check out the Palace Theatre (810 S. Austin Ave, www.georgetownpalace.com). Built in 1925, the theatre was originally staged for movies, but is now a non-profit community performing arts facility. Productions running during the 2012-2013 season include: “Always, Patsy Cline”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, “South Pacific”, and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

My favorite part of any vacation is the mom and pop restaurants and coffee shops you can’t find anywhere else. One of the landmark restaurants in Georgetown is the Monument Café (500 S. Austin Ave, www.themonumentcafe.com), which recently underwent renovations and the addition of a Biergarten. The name for the café was chosen based off the definition of the word, “a lasting evidence, tribute, reminder, or enduring example of someone or something notable or great,” and it is a tribute to the roadside cafés from days of old that served as refuge for weary travelers as well as a community center for small towns. If you are someone who appreciates a down home meal made from fresh homegrown ingredients, then this is the place for you. Orange juice is fresh squeezed to order, the meats are hormone and antibiotic free, desserts are homemade and, if all of these things aren’t reason enough to visit, they serve Dr. Pepper from Dublin, TX. After your meal, stop in at the Monument Market next door, where you can pick up seasonal and local items including meats, seafood, dairy, and eggs.

Another cute local joint is Burger University (119 W. 7th Street, www.burgeruniversity.net), and (yes, you guessed it) they even have their own fight song. They pride themselves on their hand-crafted burgers (or Majors) including The Class Prez (handbattered chicken fried steak), The Exchange Student (includes sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese), The Mascot (includes bleu cheese, bacon, and grilled onions), or the Cap n’ Gown (marinated and grilled Portobello mushrooms) to name a few. You have a choice of Courses (cheese), Electives (bacon, chilies, mushrooms, onions), Housing (buns), and Financial Aid is available on request to students, faculty, and senior citizens. If you like Extracurricular Activities, feel free to indulge in some ice cream or fried Twinkie. And for the daring, try “The Full Ride” five pound burger challenge. To earn your spot on the Dean’s List, all you have to do is chow down on 5 burgers with a side of fries in 60 minutes or less!

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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Spelunkers may enjoy a visit to Inner Space Cavern (www.myinnerspacecavern.com). The caverns were carved by water passing through Edwards limestone. The caverns are estimated to be 90–100 million years old, but were only open to the surface since 20,000–45,000 years ago, evidenced by finds of mammoth and sabre-toothed cat bones.

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If you can hold out until spring to visit Georgetown, then you must attend the 14th Annual Red Poppy Festival. There will be artisans from all across the country present at the Red Poppy Market, as well as a car show, safe place kids village, and concert/ street dance on Saturday night. There will be tons of food and fun to go around—and don’t forget to take the Red Poppy tour. Next year’s festival will be held April 27th-28th. For more details on the event, check out the website (poppy.georgetown.org). This little town just north of Austin is absolutely precious. Enjoy a day or weekend trip. I am willing to bet that after one visit, you will be back again.

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by Karen Altom

A Day in the Life of the

Senior Center of Walker County

Photos by K2 Images

Frank Ivory

ostcards was recently invited to spend a day at the Senior Center of Walker County, and I was excited to learn more about the Center and the people there. Senior citizens have always been an important part of my life, starting with my own precious grandparents. Growing up in a minister’s family gave my brothers and me an extended network of “grandparents” through our church family, and I have always enjoyed those relationships. My parents always taught us to respect our elders, and I have listened and learned lessons from true pioneers, who created this great state and country we often take for granted.

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

I knew that Postcards photographer Julie Knight and I would learn some new things, but we never dreamed we would discover so many things go on that we never knew about. It’s a happening place!

7:00 a.m. – We arrive for a visit with

Frank Ivory, the executive director of the Center. Frank gets an early start each day and arrived about an hour before we did. This is when he does one of the most important jobs at the Center each day—he makes the coffee! He also uses the quiet time like most of us would—as an opportunity to check email, pay bills, and do paperwork. This month marks Frank’s third year at SCWC, and he loves every minute of it.

Above: Gale and Rafael – Kitchen staff extraordinaire

Kitchen manager Gale Nelezen arrived about thirty minutes ago and is getting the kitchen all fired up. She starts the many meals which the Center prepares each day. First up each day are the meals that go to daycare centers. One of the ways the Center brings in some income is to provide hot meals for several childcare facilities in town.

7:30 a.m. – Gale’s assistant, Rafael Moncada, has arrived, and the

preparation for the daily foods that go to the Meals on Wheels homebound program is well underway. Every weekday, the Meals on Wheels program serves 100-125 Walker County citizens who are in need. These are residents who are elderly and/or homebound. Without this service, they may literally go to bed hungry for lack of food. Gale says her favorite thing about her job is the people— that includes both the seniors who frequent the Center, as well as those she works with. “We’re really just like a close-knit little family.” Stephanie Lindley, the Site Manager, also arrives. Stephanie is responsible for the paperwork and reporting procedures that have to be done each month. In addition to that, she serves as the Activity Director for Stephanie preparing for a the Center. Because donations to the Meals On Wheels route Center are low right now, she has also set a goal of having some kind of fundraiser every other month. Last month that was a bake sale. The Center also has a craft shop with items for sale, which also helps to support the activities here.

7:43 a.m. – Frank receives a call from one of the seniors who normally attends daily to inform Frank that he won’t be coming today; he’s asking Frank to let the bus driver know that he doesn’t need to be picked up. The Center is open to anyone age 60 and up and also provides transportation to and from the Center for those unable to drive themselves.

Ruby Chick shows some of the items for purchase in the craft shop

Above: Stephanie with Velma Johnson Below: Rafael checks food temperatures several times as meals are prepared

7:45 a.m. – Rafael checks the

temperature of the chicken patties being prepared. Julie and I are both impressed with how clean and sanitary the kitchen is, and it’s fascinating to see the safety checks that are in place. The staff is meticulous about documenting temperatures and making sure that all needed safety precautions are taken.

» Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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7:50 a.m. – G.W. Woods arrives. G.W. is one of the drivers and helps deliver the meals to the day care centers. He said he understands our amazement at the amount of things that are going on. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and I had no idea how many meals they do. I was aware of the Meals on Wheels program, but I didn’t realize that they served lunch to the seniors who come to the center, and I didn’t know about the daycare program. I think what really surprises me the most is that more seniors don’t come and eat here. They ask for a donation, but if you can’t pay, you still get to eat.”

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

8:03 a.m. – The first senior arrives,

and we have some time to visit. Gussie Daniels, a retired substitute teacher, says she has been coming for a couple of months now, and her favorite thing is “everything.” “I like to watch the domino games, and I love the puzzles and bingo. I really like the meals and not having to cook!”

here to help them. We are also here for local senior citizens who may need help during these times.”

Gussie Daniels

9:15 a.m. – The Center is hopping! Arrivals have been steady, and the bus has returned. Hellos and hugs have given way to domino games, puzzles, playing solitaire on the computer, and preparing for bingo. I have just met Harold Park and found out that we are distant cousins on the Farris side of my family. It’s a small world!

8:17 a.m. – G.W. leaves to go start

on his route picking up people who want to come to the Center for the day. Through a grant program, the Center was able to get two 10-passenger buses for a nominal fee. They don’t own them, but are able to use them as long as they keep current with the required maintenance. According to Frank Ivory, it was a process that took two years to happen. While waiting for more folks to arrive, Frank tells us, “One thing most people don’t know Harold Park is one of the other purposes for the Center is that during an emergency situation, the Center has generator power and is open 24/7 for emergency clockwise from bottom left: T.J. Clopton, Harold Park, workers. Whether police or fire—we Donnie Robison, will feed them, we have a shower they George Leinneweber can use, whatever they need—we are

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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9:45 a.m. – Gale and Rafael have started

preparations for the lunch that will be served to the seniors who come to the Center.

10:00 a.m.

– The daycare meals are headed out the door, and bingo begins! Ann Staggs has taken her place at her desk and serves as the official bingo caller.

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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the duties each week and obviously enjoy being together and serving our neighbors. During the Thanksgiving holiday, they will deliver two meals. The staff prepares a traditional turkey dinner to be delivered along with their Wednesday meal. This is made possible through monetary donations and donations of turkeys from our community.

10:45 a.m. – Entertainment. We found

Juanita Plattenburg, Shirley Deheart, and Jean Bilderback

10:25 a.m. – Volunteer drivers for Meals

on Wheels start to arrive and get loaded up to start their routes. More than 100 people will be served today. Julie tags along with Nancy Franklin and Dale Dotzler. They teamed up and have been doing this every Wednesday for the past nine years. Their husbands play golf together each week while they do this. According to Julie, they have it down to a science! One will drive, while the other will get out and deliver the meal. They alternate

out earlier this morning that, due to the death of one of its members, a gospel-singing group which had been a regular no longer comes to the Center. (Since I happen to know a fellow who likes to sing and lives right up the road, I gave my dad, Lanier Stevens, a call. He came to town for a little impromptu sing-along.)

Above Right: Nancy Franklin and Dale Dotzler volunteer as drivers every Wednesday for Meals on Wheels

Recipients benefitting from the Meals on Wheels program

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11:00 a.m. – We stop in for a visit in

the sewing room and meet Chris Knerr and Betty Woods. They are working on an “easy quilt” and wanted to make sure we let everyone know they are always looking for others who enjoy sewing, quilting, and crocheting to join them. Chris Knerr and Betty Woods in the sewing room

11:30 a.m.

– Time for lunch! Cheeseburgers, onion rings, baked beans, and apple pie look and smell delicious. The apple pie is a big hit!

12:15 p.m.

– Lunch is over, and it’s time for the bus home. It’s nap time, and I’m wishing I could do that, too! Of course, the staff ’s day isn’t quite done. As the Center gets quiet again, they prepare for another day tomorrow…serving food, fun, and—most importantly—our seniors.

❧

Senior Center of Walker County Board of Directors Jana Certa – President Bill Krick – Vice President Robert Dunning – Treasurer Jo Ann Davey – Secretary Frank Ivory – Director Walter Bennett Alice Ellisor Mike Hamilton Keith Jenkins Rosa Elva Knight Gary Lamar David Lyons Rachel Willeford Ellen Willett Debbie Wingo

Opal Sanford rings the dinner bell

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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Written by Mike Yawn

Bob Moody

ob Moody and Sandra Miller are “Christmas Babies.” Bob was born on December 15, 1960, and Sandra was born ten days later, on Christmas Day. Their lives intersected about six years ago, and for these Christmas babies—now engaged—Christmas is a “year-round project.” At Christmas, this home is a celebration of the season; it is a showcase featuring 30,000 lights synchronized to music and transmitted to visitors’ car radios. Even during the off season, Bob spends time programming the next year’s musical selections or building new elements for the display. For her part, Sandra is likely to find herself “at Hobby Lobby in July, looking for new lights.” All this work, however, redounds to the benefits of locals, who can witness their home from Thanksgiving (“God-willing”) to New Year’s Day to share in the holiday spirit.

Photo by Robert Moody

asd

PC: You were both born in December and, Sandra, you were born on Christmas Day. Did your December birthdays influence your views on the Christmas season? Bob: It probably did for me. I felt like I was short-changed, with a birthday ten days before Christmas. You never got the big gifts on your birthday. But about ten years ago, I got to the point that I missed Christmas. I was getting older, and I felt like Christmas had lost its charm. I wanted to find Christmas again and found it through decorating for the season. Sandra: There are no restaurants open on my birthday! But it’s been nice in some ways. People say, “Oh, you’re a Christmas Baby,” and I am. My youngest son, by the way, is a New Year’s Baby. PC: You were both born in 1960. What were the toys you remember getting at Christmas? Sandra: The Etch-A-Sketch and the Candy Land board game. Bob: Model trains! The old G.I. Joes! PC: Where did the two of you grow up? 48

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

Bob: I grew up in southwest Houston. One of the things I always remember is that my parents would take me to see the lights. I remember the Bellaire Triangle and how they used to light it up. Sandra: I grew up in southeast Houston. We used to go to Bellaire as well, driving around and seeing the lights. PC: How long have you been here? Bob: I moved to Huntsville in 1983. I went to SHSU—I was on the twentyyear plan. I graduated in 2003. I earned a computer science degree, and that’s what I do now. I am a Systems Admin for the Windham School District. I got here, and I didn’t leave! Sandra: My mother was from Huntsville. She was a Woods, so I am kin to almost everybody in Walker County, the Woods and McAdams.

PC: When did you start putting up lights on this house? Bob: I got involved with Light-O-Rama in about 2004. It’s the software and hardware we use to control the lights. In 2007, we put up our first lights, a static display. PC: So, was this Christmas awakening a matter of your life situation intersecting with your computer background? Bob: They really did intersect. I got involved with the decorating before I found out about Light-O-Rama. I thought, “Well, there’s got to be a way I can use my computer to fire up relays to turn on a set of lights.” I thought I was being really clever, but once I did some research, I realized there were a lot of people using sophisticated systems, and that’s when I discovered Light-O-Rama.

Sandra: We got involved with the Christmas decorating community, too. Bob: There’s actually a large group of people like us. Well, I say, “like us…” Sandra: Christmas fanatics. Bob: I originally found a group online, a website called Planet Christmas (www.planetchristmas.com). I would go to symposia they would have. The first one I went to was hosted at a couple’s private home in Killeen. That was in April of 2006. There’s a large 2-3 day event usually in June or July held at the Conroe Convention Center and hosted by LoneStar Holidays (www.lonestarholidays.com). Vendors come in. There are classes, too. You can learn how to program lights, and how to build display elements. People can get carried away with this, but it is affordable to almost everyone. You can get a sixteen-channel controller box for around $250, and the software is about $50. So for $300 or so, you can create a small display. I have seen some fantastic displays with sixteen channels.

displaying multiples of these colors. We can create a static tree or add a rotating effect to the tree, which is pretty impressive. PC: So in 2007-2008, you are putting up the static display and the mega-tree. How many lights did that involve? Bob: About 5,000. The mega-tree itself is 2,400 lights.

PC: What is the display like now? PC: You created this static display in 2007. Bob: We’ve added spiral trees, wrapped trees, Then what? wreaths, and what we call Bellagio Poles. Bob: We expanded. We started out by adding We’ve also added a yard grid and 28 minithe mega-tree, which is really just a “tree of trees that go all the way around the yard. We lights.” We take three strings of lights (red, now have about 30,000 lights. The Merry green, and amber) and twist them to create Christmas sign on the roof was a major addione “mega-string” of lights. There are eight of tion. I really wanted something big, and the these strings on our tree allowing the creation sign allows for interesting effects since each of an all red, green or amber colored tree or letter is individually computer controlled.

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

PC: What kind of effects can you do with the computer controlled lights? Bob: We can fade in, fade out, twinkle, shimmer, turn on, turn off, dim, and chase each, any, or all of the 160 channels that we are using. PC: When did you incorporate music to the display? Bob: In 2008, the first year we did the mega-tree. We had 3-4 songs in the “show.” As the years have gone by, we’ve added songs. Today we have 11-12. These songs take a long time to prepare. Some songs I’m programming down to a tenth of a second or less, so getting a whole song done takes a while. I have to play it over and over to get it right. PC: You’ve been able to synchronize the lights to music, which the public can tune in on their radio. How does that work? Bob: We transmit the music to our guests’ cars, so they can hear it on their radio. The FCC allows us to use a low-power transmitter.

PC: What are you adding for this year? Bob: We are revamping some of the mega-tree’s effects. We bought a hay-ring. We’ll put it at the base of the tree, which will allow us to add some interesting lighting effects in the future. Also, I am going to build a plywood platform on the middle ring, and we’ll have a train go around under the tree. PC: What’s your electrical bill? Bob: I knew that one was coming. Surprisingly, though, it’s not bad. Sandra: It’s less than a $50 increase. Bob: The lights are computer controlled and synchronized, so they are not running all the time, and you can run them at less than full power. So it’s not bad, although we did have to build a custom 60 amp/220 volt power station for this show.

Delivering smiles throughout the holidays

PC: And you mentioned you built a new storage unit this year, too. Bob: We just built a 12 x 16 unit to store all this stuff. We had it scattered everywhere: the attic, the shed in the pasture, the garage. It’s now all consolidated in the storage room. People can also now go to our website and see the status of the show during the Christmas season. (moodychristmas.weebly.com) Sandra: If it is raining and the lights are not on, we automatically post that on our website. Electricity and rain do not mix.

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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PC: How many people do you have come out? Bob: Well, the first year or so it was a little disheartening. But each year it gets bigger and bigger. We always joked that the only people that see our display are Santa Claus and low-flying aircraft. PC: Can you envision a time when your neighbors may not be happy about your show? Bob: Well, this can be a real problem in the decorating community. Living out here [in a rural area], we don’t have that problem. Sandra: Our biggest problem is that horses or dogs are going to get loose and crush our lights! It’s a country Christmas. Our neighbors, though, are great. PC: Beyond this year, what’s the next big thing on your Christmas horizon? Bob: I’d eventually like to synchronize video. I’d like a sixty-inch wreath, suspended between two poles on the porch, with a screen in it. Using rear projection, I’d incorporate the shows Sandra and I watched as kids—Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch, the Peanuts Christmas Special. Photo by Rory Glasgow

PC: It’s come full circle, a 60’s childhood Christmas with 21st century technology. Bob: It’s quite a circle, considering that in 1960 there were only 2000 computers in use in the United States. Technology has allowed us to bring thousands of twinkling lights back to

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

Photo by Robert Moody

For More information: moodychristmas.weebly.com Showtimes: Sun - Thur 6pm - 10pm Fri - Sat 6pm - 11pm

our holidays and place them in our front yard to share with everyone. After all the work is done and the show starts, it’s really nostalgic to watch the lights and remember what it looked like through the eyes of a child. PC: What do you think visiting your display might mean to others? Bob: We hope it rekindles holiday memories of adults and instills new memories for kids. Sandra and I do this as much for our community as we do for ourselves. Last year, the Cook Springs Baptist Church youth choir came by in their bus to see our display. Before they left, they sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. That was priceless and made every dime spent and every hour worked worth it. We hope people enjoy our display and, in some small way, it triggers a fond memory of a past holiday. We hope it makes them smile and remember when…

PC: When is the display on? Bob: We try to bring up the display on Thanksgiving night and run it through New Year’s Day. We run it Sunday through Thursday from 6PM to 10PM and Friday and Saturday from 6PM to 11PM, weather permitting. You can check our website to make sure the display is running. On Christmas Eve, we run the display until the Norad Santa Tracker (www.noradsanta.org) tells us Santa is close, then we shut it down. He knows when you are sleeping!!!!

❧ Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

Lisa Saleme

Tips and Tricks for the Upcoming Deer Season

by Zachary Toney

Don’t Miss!

“Patience, patience, patience. Don’t point your gun at anyone, and know what you’re shooting!” –Kevin McKenzie, of McKenzie’s Barbecue

“Know your equipment.” -Tanner Beason, full-time student at SHSU

oming from a summer of heat and drought, most in our area welcome the coming of autumn and winter with arms wide open! Although the change of weather will be filling the conversation of many citizens, the temperature will not be the only topic on the minds of locals. As the leaves begin to change and the deer begin to come out from the woods, temperatures drop, and the spirits of local hunters rise. Once November rolls around, deer season will open, exciting many local hunters. Filling their feeders and loading their guns, hunters have already starting preparing for the upcoming haul and plan to have a successful season this year. Since opening day is right around the corner, here are a few tips and tricks from some other local hunters:

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

“I’m real big into not disturbing the woods, not cutting trees or moving stuff around in any way! I kind of think of it as someone coming into your house and reorganizing it and hoping you don’t notice! I have done this in many different counties and states, and have had good turnouts in all.” -Rhett Langley, local citizen and lifelong hunter

“Hunt early, clean quickly, and you can still make it to church!”

“I prefer to be in a stand or tree higher than twenty feet. Many times there is not a chance to do this, but if you can, do the proper safety prep work. My success rate has gone up four hundred percent.” –Stanley Straughan, local citizen and hunter

Even though deer hunting is only legal in the cold months of the year, many hunters have committed to a year-long process to ensure a successful season. A popular strategy used by many hunters is establishing a food plot to attract deer.

–Dr Richard Rogers, senior pastor of University Heights Baptist Church

“I have more success with establishing a food plot; it pulls more deer out of woods. Can’t learn from the couch, so spend a lot of time in the woods, and watch deer in the off-season.” –Bruce Williams, local citizen and hunter

“Deer like the green stuff [oats]; corn is the number one attractant.” –Mike Price, Huntsville Farm Supply

“Bundle up—going to be colder and wet this year. Plenty of food and water this year.” –Andrew Crager, local citizen and sales associate at Tractor Supply

“ We have ver y good management in Huntsville. We are very fortunate to have these deer populations.” –Richie Harris, director of the H.E.A.R.T.S Museum

Jimmy and Sean Harding, local owners and operators of Walker County Ace Hardware, have hosted a big buck contest for more than twenty years in Walker County. Lifelong hunters themselves and an official scorer for Boone and Crockett, Jimmy and his son have seen deer boasting scores of over two hundred and the upper one hundreds. When asked about the secret to killing these trophy bucks, Sean replied by saying, “The most important thing is to let them grow. Get out there and educate yourself on how to age deer properly. Know which deer and bucks to shoot out, and get rid of them so you have a good stock of white tail instead of trash.” His father Jimmy adds, “Squeeze the trigger, don’t miss, and keep your big deer a secret!” According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, natural habitat succession, deer restoration programs, intensive management efforts, predator control programs, public education programs, and the deer’s natural adaptive ability have all contributed to historic high deer densities across the United States. Currently, an estimated 4 million deer reside in Texas alone.

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

There is no doubt that the Walker County area has been very blessed with high deer populations, and it is essential to understand the importance of proper management. Also, it is crucial to maintain your personal safety and the safety of others during the season. The general season for white-tail deer in our area begins November 3 and closes January 6. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife 20122013 Outdoor Annual, the bag limit for this year is four deer: two bucks and two antlerless. The countdown has begun for November 3, and all signs are pointing toward a successful season. As the day gets closer, remember the tips of your fellow citizens. Stay safe, and happy hunting!

Bonus tip: “I do all my hunting in the frozen food section at the store, and I’ve never had a game warden bother me.” –Wes Altom,

Postcards Magazine™ Editor

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Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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“There is nothing like the anticipation of the first hunt—nothing better than the camaraderie experienced by fellow hunters, and nothing beats fresh fried venison and gravy!” –Bill Toney, local citizen and hunter

“Make sure you are on the property you are supposed to be on. Be sure to take a hunter’s education class, and always be aware of your regulations. When using a rifle, always know what’s beyond your target and what your target actually is. When you go out, let someone know where you are hunting, and carry your cell phone so we can have an idea where to find you if you are lost. As for game management, we follow the thirteen inch rule, so be clear that your deer is legal.” –Stephen Ingram, local game warden for Walker County

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, the following are local agents authorized to issue hunting licenses: Huntsville

Able Ammo . . . . . . . . . . . . . (936) 295-5784 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 Ave Q Cove Marina Beer & Bait . . . . . (936) 594-2707 . . . . . . . . . 27 Carolina Way Huntsville SP . . . . . . . . . . . . (936) 295-5644 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IH 45 S Jack’s Truck Stop . . . . . . . . . . (936) 293-8114 . . . . . . 2924 State Highway 19 Wal-Mart Store #0285 . . . . . . . (936) 293-1066 . . . . . . . . 141 Interstate 45 S Walker County Hardware, Inc . . (936) 295-7751 . . . . . . . . . 1006 11th Street

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Trinity Diamond Mart . . . . . . . (832) 620-9472 . . . . . . . . . . . 607 S Robb St Westwood Shores Property Owner . (936) 594-3805 . . . . . . . 205 Westwood Dr E

Wilkison Hardware . . . . . . . . (936) 594-2632 . . . . . . . . . . . 603 S Robb St

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by Claude Wooley

T xas Talent Colby Sheppard H

T h e F i d d li ng P h en om enon

uess what, friends and neighbors? One of Texas’ best kept secrets resides in Madisonville, Texas. According to western swing artist Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) and a host of other well-respected musical icons, Colby Sheppard is well on his way to earning his own respect among the veterans of the music world. There is no sign of him letting up any time soon, and why should he? He’s only ten years-old—so the sky’s his limit. I drove out to Madisonville a few weeks ago so I could acquaint our readers with this young man whose legend is already spreading like Texas wildfire. After meeting with Colby and his parents Troy and Shelli, I found Colby to be just a normal 10 year-old kid, despite his amazing talents in music. When I say normal, I mean that with the utmost respect for Colby, because I found him to be a very polite and humble young man who has learned to take all of this attention in perfect stride. As we talked on stage in the Madisonville High School auditorium, I asked Colby a few questions that I thought would be of interest to our readers.

Spanki Mills Photography 60

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

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Troy Sheppard

He is such a very talented young boy. In many ways, he is larger than life for his age.

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PC: When did you first get into the music business, and how long have you been playing the fiddle?

Colby: When I was three, I sang on stage in Snyder, Texas at a western swing festival. I started playing my fiddle when I was five.

PC: How do your classmates react to your young fame and popularity? Colby: They treat me normal, and I am good with that! PC: (This question was directed to his parents) When did you first recognize that Colby had this amazing talent for music? Parents: When we watched him on stage, he comes alive—you can tell he loves performing. At this point, I wanted to hear Colby play that fiddle, and he was obliged to play me a couple of tunes that were not only melodic and in great pitch, but what really impressed me was his concentration and focus. For a ten-year-old, that’s pretty amazing in itself. I was also impressed with his answer to my next question.

PC: How far do you want to go with your music? Colby: I just want to keep it fun—it’s just my hobby. PC: How does a young man like Colby stay up with the busy schedule he obviously has including school, music, and other hobbies? Parents: We have great teachers at school who prepare work for him when he is on the road. We are careful about not overbooking Colby. He loves hunting, fishing, archery club, and playing baseball. We make time for all of these activities. He also enjoys working cows and rodeos with his horse Ruby.

“

Colby will be a force to be reckoned with in this industry.

~ Tracy Pitcox, Heart of Texas Records and KNEL disc jockey Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

Kaylynn Unde rwood

Kaylynn Underwood

I learned that Colby is a straight “A” student and played catcher on the Madisonville Bearkats little league baseball team that went undefeated. He also wears a Texas Youth Ranch Rodeo Association belt buckle he won for goat tying! This young man’s achievements go on and on—he has opened for or performed with Ray Price, Ray Benson, Leona Rauche, The Texas Playboys, and Little Jimmy Dickens. He is also a featured artist on The Shotgun Red Variety Show, Season 1 and Season 2 on RFD. He is a member of Dave Alexander’s Big Texas Swing All-Star Band, the state of Texas champion of 4-H Has Talent, 2011 top 5 nominee for the Academy of Western Artists Young Entertainer of The Year and Instrumentalist of the Year 2012. See what I mean? This kid is on the rapid rise! Tracy Pitcox, Heart of Texas Records and KNEL disc jockey, states, “When Colby appeared on our Llano Country Opry Show, I was amazed. Here was a young man who was decked out in starched jeans, shirt, and a hat holding a guitar nearly bigger than him. Colby will be a force to be reckoned with in this industry.”

Troy Sheppard

PC: Colby, do you have plans for your own CD, or do you have one already for sale? Colby: I have a two song CD and a few DVDs for sale.

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Aside from his rare talent on fiddle, Colby has a lot of music show business swirling around him—including a play and a new movie on the horizon. He has played the part of young Bob Wills in “A Ride with Bob: The Bob Wills Musical”, which also features Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel (of western swing fame). Ray said of Colby, “That kid is a pistol—period. He’s confident on stage and wise beyond his years.” I agree, Ray. Colby is also poised to play the part of 10-year-old Elgie in a new movie Cottonwood, written by Stacy Dean Campbell and produced by Julie Campbell. It is about west Texas circa 1937 and will also feature Academy Award winner Lou Gossett, Jr. Campbell says, “We are delighted to have Colby in our motion picture Cottonwood; he is such a very talented young boy. In many ways, he is larger than life for his age. I truly admire his commitment to his craft and his determination to succeed while maintaining an honest integrity in his day to day life. Although extremely talented, he is also a normal kid who respects his family, does his chores and school work, and plays sports like all kids. He is funny, smart, very charismatic, and full of life. Colby is a sweet-natured and generous person; I truly believe his musical talents will take him far. Colby is a real inspiration, and I am privileged to know and work with him. I hope to cast him in some of our other film projects.” Colby is taught by three-time world champion fiddler Joey McKenzie (and guitarist for The Quebe Sisters Band). Joey added this about Colby: “It’s a rare thing in this day and age to find young people like Colby Sheppard. His hard work and love for traditional music are propelling him toward great things in the musical world. I really admire his desire to carry on the rich Texas music tradition to future generations. Colby is that rare and special young man who is destined to accomplish great things, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.” I found it only fitting to let Colby’s parents have the final word in this interview, since they are his true life mentors and his managers (and doing a great job, I must say).

PC: As Colby is such a remarkable young man, what do you find most rewarding as his parents? Parents: The experiences and memories he has had traveling and playing music with all of the wonderful musicians—and the friends he has made. Mostly, we are proud when fans, fellow musicians, and actors comment on how respectful and humble Colby is. No matter what he pursues in life, those characteristics will take him where he wants to go. I couldn’t have said it better myself folks—Colby is a class act worth seeing. Check out his website (www.colbysheppard.com) for upcoming engagements at opry houses in and around Texas.

“

❧

Colby is that rare and special young man who is destined to accomplish great things, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.

Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine

”

~ Joey McKenzie, Three-time World Champion Fiddler

Photos provided by: Troy Sheppard

Left: Colby with western swing artist Ray Benson

Below: Colby appearing on The Shotgun Red Variety Show

Other sites that further inform you of Colby’s musical journey are: www.facebook.com/pages/Colby-Sheppard/257240059285 www.imdb.com/title/tt2095609 www.cottonwoodfilm.com www.zachtheatre.org/show/a-ride-with-bob www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fGovIy1duo bigtexasswingschool.com Nov - Dec 2012 Postcards Magazine