POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - May 2023

Cover Photo by Josh Meadows Postcards 2022 Photo Contest Submission

Comprehensive, Personalized Care for EVERY WOMAN

From well-woman exams and pregnancy planning to advanced gynecologic treatment, our board-certified obstetriciangynecologists and gynecologists in Montgomery County offer a full spectrum of personalized care for every woman at every stage. Whether you need help choosing the right birth control, planning for pregnancy or relieving endometriosis or pelvic pain, we’re here for you throughout life’s moments and milestones.

We offer a full spectrum of care for all women, including:

• Annual well-woman exams

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• Treatments for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including minimally invasive surgery

To find a doctor near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/obgyn-woodlands or call 936.270.4749 for Conroe or 936.270.3662 for The

Karen Altom

Happy “Cindy” Day

I write this shortly after having received the news a dear friend passed away. This friend was one of my “besties” in college. We didn’t hang out together all the time, but she and I shared the same Radio/TV major (and because of that, had a lot of the same classes, projects, and homework), which resulted in spending a great deal of time together. The more time we spent together, the more we enjoyed it, and as two of the very few girls in our department, we found a shared love of laughter…and pranks on the boys.

One of our favorites was just plain dumb. So dumb, in fact, that years later, we couldn’t remember much about it except the date. April 8. It was the date we gave to a couple of our best guy friends when we were building up a big joke. We just kept telling them to “wait until April 8. You’ll find out on April 8.” When the day arrived, we basically said, “April Fools - a week late.” There was more to the story, but suffice to say, it was SO DUMB….and we thought it was hysterical. We laughed so hard about it, that it actually became our own unofficial holiday. By the time we graduated, we couldn’t imagine going our separate ways. But no matter what, over the years whenever April 8 rolled around, there was a call or a text to say Happy April 8th - thinking about you!

When I heard Cindy was ill, I made a road trip a few weeks ago to see her. I talked to her, prayed over her, held her hand and told her how much I treasured our friendship. She was barely conscious and would give an occasional smile. I wondered if she really heard me—until I told her I am now the grandmother of three boys—to which she replied, “That’s crazy.” And I knew she was there.

Driving home, I thought of all the years of friendship we had shared… and how neither of us could really remember what we said to those guys as we built up the suspense of that date…our greatest (dumbest) prank ever. As my tears fell the morning I heard the news of her passing, the exact words we had said came back to me in a rush. We told them, “All will be revealed on April 8.” And it was. We told them the whole story. They laughed at how goofy we were. We had a wonderful time…which is why we always remembered it so fondly.

And this year, my friend Cindy died in the early morning hours of April 8. Instead of our phone call, I received the memory of those words, and knew that certainly for her, “ All was revealed.” I can see her throwing her head back in laughter and joy as she celebrates the goodness of God—and for that, I find laughter and joy through my tears. Friends. Families. Communities. Sharing life together. Thank you for being part of my story.

Until next time,

1983

Let’s Celebrate!

This Month’s Business Anniversaries:

Celebrating 40 years

James Bright, Attorney at Law

See their ad on page 32

2017

Celebrating 6 years

Patient First Dental Care

See their ad on page 29

Wanted to thank you for publishing the “Be An Angel” article in this month’s Postcards! We immediately started receiving phone calls asking about information for our upcoming gala. Again, thank you so much. We truly enjoy Postcards and what it does for the community.

Jim Anderson

For some unknown reason I found this Postcards issue still in my to read pile. It included a story on the A.D. Players. Jeannette Clift George was a wonderful person. My wife Annette Johnson worked for her in the 2000’s. I was pleased to read of the new theater which was many years in Jeannette’s prayers.

Don Johnson

Your magazine is truly amazing and inspiring.

Barb Holder

I read the article “Be an Angel” written by Jim Anderson with Angel Hope in The Woodlands. It was inspirational to me because I have a mentally challenged son and can only imagine what the children and their parents experience in poor countries and conditions. Thank you for sharing this story and I pray it inspires others to do what Mr. Anderson and those at Angel Hope are doing for special needs individuals! Thank you again for sharing this story!

Charlotte Snyder

Story by Mike Yawn Submitted Photos

Jim and Nancy Gaertner Jim and Nancy Gaertner

Jim Gaertner first visited Sam Houston State University (SHSU) as a teenager, when the institution was named “Sam Houston State Teachers College.” He traveled from Yoakum, Texas (where he grew up), and decided, without a lot of thought, he wanted to attend SHSU. Reflecting on this decision decades later, he said, “It was the right decision, possibly for the wrong reasons.”

Nancy Gaertner had planned to move from her hometown of Port Lavaca, Texas and go to college out of state, but a month before embarking on her journey, she decided on SHSU. “My decision,” she recollected, “wasn’t very scientific.” It was, however,

Jim, were you actively seeking a president’s position when the vacancy occurred at SHSU?

JG: No, not really. I had applied for the position of president at UTSA, and I was a finalist, but I wasn’t selected. I thought my time had passed for that position, and I was content. But when I heard about the SHSU opening, it caught my attention.

What type of questions do they ask candidates for university president?

JG: The questions were straightforward. They asked me what made me qualified for the job; what my priorities would be, if selected. One interesting thing; when I had been dean at UTSA, I had denied a couple of professors tenure, and one of them sued

fortuitous. The Gaertners married in 1964, and they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary next year.

Their path soon led them away from this area. After obtaining his bachelors and masters from SHSU, Jim earned his doctorate at Texas A&M. In 1977, the couple moved to Indiana, where Jim taught at Notre Dame for seven years. He directed the school’s MBA program in London for a year. The Gaertners then returned to Texas, where Jim served as professor, chair, dean, and interim provost at the University of Texas San Antonio.

Nancy took full advantage of the year in

London, exploring and taking a gourmet cooking class, among many other things. She graduated from Indiana University South Bend. A two-decade formal teaching career followed, and she was selected “Teacher of the Year” at Curington Elementary (Boerne) in 1989. Her teaching career was varied, working with all levels of students and multiple grades. She led an environmental club, worked with students to build a reading garden, a butterfly garden, and to implement a recycling program.

The couple returned to SHSU in 2001, when Jim became university president.

me for $2,000,000. I remember calling the UT System office and asking if I was covered for this. They told me I was covered for $200,000, and I said, “I don’t have the other $1.8 million.” I remember that vividly—

I’d remember that vividly, too—

JG: It turned out the suit didn’t amount to anything, but I thought it would hurt me when applying to SHSU. But after I was selected president, a member of the committee told me it helped me, because the committee thought, “Well, here’s a guy who will stick his neck out to uphold standards.”

What was your first objective as president?

JG: I think if you are running a university, you must think of academics first. One thing

I worked to implement was reducing the teaching load to nine hours a semester, so professors could do more research. I was convinced this would allow us to continue to attract high-quality professors and give them the chance to pursue the kind of career they wanted.

The look of the campus changed under your tenure as president.

JG: I became President of SHSU in 2001, and the University had not built a new dorm since 1968, so new dorm construction was a priority. I believed newer and nicer dorms would attract more students to campus. This also involved removing some of the older dorms, such as Wilson and Frels, which were in the middle of campus and were eyesores.

With Wilson and Frels removed, the center of campus became an open plaza. Urban design specialists refer to open and accessible areas as “civic spaces,” places that attract people— who, in turn, congregate. The Frank Parker Plaza—graced by the Blatchley Bell Tower—is now the key campus gathering place at SHSU. What other physical changes did you initiate on campus?

JG: We created The Woodlands Center, giving us a presence in that growing community.

We also built the College of Humanities and Social Sciences building. We renovated the Peabody Library, turning it into a place to host special events. And, of course, the Performing Arts Center; Nancy and I are very proud of that.

The James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center is the most impressive of the buildings constructed since the 1920s. In 2015, College Degree Search identified the structure as one of the “25 Most Amazing Campus Arts Centers” in the United States.

What other goals did you have when you returned to SHSU?

JG: I thought more focus should be given to athletics. This is an area that all people— students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community—can rally around, and I thought that would help build institutional pride and provide publicity.

During his tenure as President, Gaertner also created an online program at SHSU, bringing in Bill Angrove from UTSA as director.

He expanded the University’s alumni and advancement offices, creating an infrastructure capable of initiating the University’s first-ever capital campaign.

Nancy, what was the adjustment like for you when Jim became President?

NG: I was supportive of Jim applying for the presidency, but it was an adjustment for me to stop teaching and to assume the role people referred to as “first lady.” It turned out to be a much larger role than I ever imagined. I really thought I would just be going to a lot of dinners. (laughter)

JG: She quickly developed her own reputation, as people picked up on her competency and

her ability to get along with people and get things done.

NG: At one point, I told Jim, “I don’t know what I am supposed to be doing,” but he encouraged me to make the role my own, specializing in what I enjoy. I love fitness, education, children, and wellness. One of the things we did was to provide employees with the opportunity for 30 minutes of work time each day for wellness activities. Healthy employees miss less work and are more productive while at work.

During Jim’s nine years as President of SHSU, Nancy—to paraphrase a recent movie— did almost everything, everywhere, and all at once. She was on the CASA Board, the Friends of the Library, the Huntsville Memorial Hospital Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board, served as President of the Huntsville Study Club, was selected as President of the Friends of the Wynne, chaired the City’s Cultural District Committee, and co-chaired the “Let’s Talk” committee on campus, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for SHSU students.

Nancy received the Alumni Service Award in

2006; she and Jim were given the “Sandhop Spirit of Huntsville Award” by the Chamber of Commerce in 2015; and in 2017, Nancy was recognized as the “Outstanding Supporter of the Arts” by SHSU’s Department of Art.

JG: I really cannot emphasize enough how instrumental she was in helping lead the University. She was so involved on and off campus that it really lightened my load, led to advantages for the institution, and built important bridges between the community and the University. She was an ambassador for SHSU and the larger community.

The titles “ambassador” and “first lady” turned out to be more appropriate than anyone might have thought. When Jim and Nancy went to Thailand, they had lunch with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, an SHSU alum. When the Prime Minister came to Texas, he made an eleventh-hour decision to visit SHSU. With little more than a day’s notice, the couple (and friends) pulled together a dinner, which they hosted at their house, entertaining the head of state—and his security entourage.

Jim, you retired in 2010, after nine years as President. What led you to think that was the right time?

JG: It wasn’t a hasty decision, and it wasn’t prompted by one single factor. It was partially that I had done most of the things as President I had set out to do; it was partially that I wanted to spend more time with my family; it was a little bit of burnout, and I think it’s natural and usually positive to have turnover at the top of a university every decade or so. It wasn’t one single thing. It was just a rational decision.

Gaertner with students

You are now President Emeritus, and you still go into the office. How do you balance staying active in things without appearing to overreach?

JG: This can be a problem, especially when you stay in the same town. It is a continuum, and you don’t want to come off as uninterested or as uncaring about the University; you also don’t want to be seen as trying to still run things. It’s important not to go too far in either

direction. I have tried to err on the side of being less involved rather than being thought of as too involved.

How do the two of you spend your time now that you are retired?

NG: I am still very involved with the Wynne Home, continuing to serve as President of the “Friends of the Wynne.” I have taught a Pilates class for several years now. I also bake and

cook, and we love to travel.

JG: I still do work, but not as much as I did immediately after retiring. I do some unofficial mentoring, just people stopping by the office now and then, and asking, “What should I do about this situation?” I give presentations occasionally, as well. I golf, and I enjoy travel. I also write about our family, stories that we enjoy and want preserved.

Speaking of family, you raised three children—Scott, Denise, and Amanda—and you also have two grandchildren. You suffered a loss in 2020 when Denise passed away. Could you discuss the impact of losing an adult child?

JG: You know, it’s really tough. You think about it a lot. She had diabetes and was having heart problems, so we knew she was in poor health. It wasn’t a shock, but it was tragic for us.

NG: I don’t know how to describe it. Your children are a part of you, and when they are here, you think about them on a day-to-day basis. But when they are gone, the memories come in floods: I remember when she learned

Mike Park, Chrissy Wieghat, Machayla Longfoot Rane Riley and Rhonda Brown (not pictured)

Ambassadors with Mrs. Gaertner

the Denise Gaertner Tippy Endowment for Veterans, a scholarship that benefits student veterans at SHSU.

Jim noted: “I hope the students who receive the scholarship will appreciate her and then also be inspired to give back in the future and pay it forward to someone else. It is a tremendous way in which Denise can be remembered forever.”

Do you ever miss being President of SHSU?

JG: No, not anymore. When I first retired, I’d miss seeing friends at the University every day, or being actively involved in the big decisions. It may have been a bit harder at first, because I loved the University so much, and I still do. I just don’t miss the day-to-day work that goes into being president. Nancy and I are remarkably fortunate, and life is good.

The Gaertners visiting Monument Valley & Banff

Texas Talent

Story By Amy Barnett

Submitted Photos

Casey & Melinda Donahew

With eight independent albums and 23 No.1 songs, Casey Donahew is a cornerstone of the Texas Music Scene. An independent artist for 20 years, he is known for selling out shows across the country, bringing his brand of fun, honkytonk music to fans all over the U.S. In the early 2000s, the Burleson-raised singer cut his teeth in the Fort Worth stockyards, but he didn’t do it alone. He is really half of a dynamic duo, with wife/manager Melinda. These two make quite the pair and are proof that talent, hard work, and practical strategy–mixed with love and family–are the formula for success. Postcards sat down with the Donahews before a recent show at Billy Bob’s Texas to talk about their journey over the past two decades

How did the two of you meet?

CD: She stalked me. She wouldn’t leave me alone. No, really, I came home from A&M, and she was the new girl in town; we were at a party at my buddy’s house. I really couldn’t play the guitar at all then, but I think I was playing on a tailgate, and she was mesmerized. From that moment forward, she couldn’t get me out of her head.

MD: That’s not even the truth! He didn’t even introduce himself that night. Fast-forward to the next summer. I had just graduated high school, and my current boyfriend’s roommate and Casey were friends. So that’s how we met. By that time, Casey, you had moved back to Burleson?

CD: Yeah, A&M was restructuring some of their classes and there was a downsizing, so some of us had to leave A&M. My grades weren’t exactly up to par, so I moved home. I think I have like an honorary degree coming or something. It’s lost in the mail. So, I moved home, and she broke up with her boyfriend. We saw each other in the stockyards, and I asked her to dance.

MD: He had on khaki pants and a white

button-down shirt…like a nerdy outfit. He followed me for six weeks, and then I finally went on a date with him.

Persistence! And you’ve now been together more than 20 years and married for 19. What made you click?

MD: We’re total opposites, so it was easy. Casey is very laidback. He kind of just goes with the flow. I’m loud, very organized, and have OCD.

CD: She’s super organized, super on top of things, and very determined. I’m more of a free spirit.

You’ve built a wonderful family together and an incredible business in country music. Let’s talk family first.

CD: We’ve got a fourteen-year-old, Zane River, and a nine-year-old, Zax Ryder. Pretty different kids. Our oldest…

MD: Acts just like Casey.

CD: Yeah, he’s got a little me in him for sure. They’re both super sports kids, super outdoorsmen, hunters. They’re rad kids for sure. They’re crazy smart. My oldest is kind of

like Rain Man. He’s doing things on another level. He’s taught himself how to play the drums, piano, and guitar. He plays every sport there is. He wakes up at 5:30 in the morning and works out every day before school. I don’t know of any other eighth grader in the universe who wakes up at 5:30 to work out. And then the little one is like the sweetest human being on the planet--unless he’s on a baseball field; then, he’ll take your head right off your shoulders.

I know they keep you both very busy. Not sure how you balance it all with such a successful music career. Let’s jump into the music. Melinda, you began managing Casey early on. Casey, when did you realize you were good enough to pursue a living in country music?

CD: It was a hobby at first. My grandpa played guitar, and I taught myself how to play in college. Being a storyteller has always been my passion. We started in 2002, very casual, across the street at a bar that’s now a tattoo shop. It was the Thirsty Armadillo. Back then, it was kind of the spot in Fort Worth if you couldn’t play Billy Bob’s – you played there or

at Woody’s. I don’t think we ever set out for this to be a career. We both still had other jobs for the first six years of this.

What were some of the struggles you faced getting started in the early 2000s?

CD: No one would let us open. No one cared. So, we did everything on our own. We would play places that no one else played – rock bars in Abilene on Tuesday nights. Because they would just let you come in and play for the door.

MD: And sometimes we played for free bar tabs.

CD: It was one of those things where we’d get through a year, then decide to do one more year. Let’s see what happens in a year. And then, all of the sudden, you’re making money. In 2008, we just decided to both do this for a living. We both quit doing anything else and dove into this.

You kept your day jobs for the first six years. How important was that in creating the success you have today?

MD: It was probably the biggest thing. I think where a lot of bands or musicians fail is they can’t invest in themselves. Because, when you first start, you’re not selling tickets. You’re not really making much, and you’ve got to pay everyone in your band and put gas in your car.

CD: When I first started, if you told me 300 people were going to be there for sure, I would play for free. My thought was, ‘I’m going to sell 300 people on me, and if I can sell $300 of t-shirts, I can pay my band $100 apiece.’ That was all I cared about. I didn’t really need to make the money, because I had a job. A lot of young artists today don’t see it like that, but you have to invest in yourself.

MD: Because if you’re getting everyone else to invest in you, it’s like you’re constantly owing everybody something. You always have a debt to pay.

So, selling t-shirts was a big part of keeping things afloat from show to show?

CD: I think one of our biggest things was our merch. I think we were advanced, merchandising-wise. You would go to places and see Casey Donahew shirts. My name or lyrics were huge across the back of the shirt, with bright colors – kind of trashy chic. It was big and bold. We sold our shirts for $10 forever, when everyone else was selling them for $20 and $25. Part of that is because we could invest in ourselves. Also, my wife’s my manager, so I’m not having to kick 15% out to somebody else. You’ve both said timing has had a lot to do with your success. Can you elaborate?

CD: I give a lot of credit to MySpace. That’s right when we started. We’d put music on there, and everybody was on it. We were getting these crazy numbers and, also, we came along at the time of burning CDs. Like a “worn out tape of Chris LeDoux” – that was a thing with rodeo kids. Rodeo kids would burn CDs, then meet at rodeos and trade burnt CDs. We would get contacts from crazy places because of all the rodeo songs.

MD: Then when iTunes started, you could go in independently and upload your music as a

third-party. It was great, because we could finally get music on something. Until then, being independent, the only thing we could do was consignments with Hastings back in the day, like in college towns. So, all of a sudden we get a couple songs on iTunes, and we start getting these checks in the mail. Casey was like, “Is this real? Can we cash this? What is happening?”

What are some of your favorite memories from the early days?

MD: Not sleeping in the van. We did a lot of van sleeping.

CD: 2008 was the first year we made a lot of money. But half of the shows we did that year were for $100. We would sleep in a van, freezing cold, not running. So many miserable nights. I can’t even comprehend it.

MD: It was like Almost Famous, but not glamorous. At all.

CD: And back in those days, there was a big deal about this trailer-stealing crisis. So, when we’d stay at hotels, I couldn’t sleep. We couldn’t afford to have everything we owned stolen.

So much has happened over the last 20 years – including racking up 23 No. 1 songs. What are your favorites of your No. 1s?

CD: “Bad Guy” is one I’m really proud of; I wrote it by myself. “Drove Me to the Whiskey,” too. I don’t spend a lot of time writing with other people. There are people I do write with that I really enjoy, but the old Nashville writing process isn’t my thing. But there are different kinds of songs. I think early on, I caught a lot of flak for the simple songs. I like fun songs, funny songs, and clever songs. Your current single is “Starts in a Bar,” another No. 1 off your “Built Different” album. Why do you think this song resonates with your fans?

CD: To me, it feels like a traditional country song, in a time when that doesn’t seem as popular as it used to be. It still has some appeal to people. That’s one of the things that jumps out to me – it’s a grab-your-girl, hit-thefloor-and-two-step, dancing country song. I wrote it with Tim Nichols and Josh Leo.

What can fans expect next?

CD: There may be another single off “Built Different,” but I have a lot of songs to go into the studio with and am really excited about the new stuff.

Looking back over the past two decades, what’s the formula for being married and working together?

CD: Melinda was capable and stepped into a prominent role in my career; there is nothing more valuable than having someone who has nothing but your best interest in their mind.

Finally, what is the best advice for an up-and-coming artist?

CD: When we started, somebody told me this, and I have tried to stick with it for 20 years – do everything you can yourself until you can’t do it anymore. You don’t need anyone taking any of your money for things you can do yourself.

Great advice! Thank you, Casey and Melinda Donahew, for sharing your story. To learn more about Casey’s music and to see his up-to-date touring schedule, visit caseydonahew.com.

Dear Gabby

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. There are several interesting celebrations in May. For you Star Wars fans out there; May the fourth be with you! Cinco de Mayo is nacho average holiday. Don’t ruin it by Googling how many calories are in your margarita. Guess some of you won’t be cutting back your salt intake that day. And we all know that life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with a Mother. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! to all mothers and mother figures. Moms are like buttons; they hold it all together. Bless you all! Send your questions to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www. PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY

I hate golf! I am not good at it, consequently, it isn’t fun. I am expected to play with customers and business associates, which doesn’t do anything for my attitude and raises my blood

pressure. I understand that salesmen need to accommodate what their clients want to do, but extreme frustration does nothing for my sales pitch. How can I possibly avoid this situation?

NO MORE FORE

DEAR GABBY

DEAR NO MORE

Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it’s called golf. There is something you will learn as you grow older that you may just as well learn now. If you don’t enjoy it, disregard the sports slogan and “just don’t do it”! Drive their cart, tell them jokes, or serve them beverages but, when it comes to playing the game, just say no.

I’m getting on up in age and, unlike some of my elderly friends, I really enjoy and appreciate all of the new technology. I believe it can be really helpful and make your life safer. I even have a sensor on my phone to let me know if I’ve left the stove on.

TECHIE GRANDMA

DEAR TECHIE

Good for you. Those cute guys at the fire department let me know.

GABBY

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GABBY

By Shazia Gill, MD

Could Your Flu-Like Symptoms Be More Than a Run-of-the-Mill Virus?

When are flu-like symptoms indicative of more than just a typical viral infection? General symptoms such as feeling unwell, fever, muscle pain, and loss of appetite could potentially be a sign of hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. Some types of hepatitis can become chronic and cause extensive liver damage, cirrhosis (potentially fatal scarring), liver cancer and liver failure.

“The usual culprit is a viral infection by one of three different strains: hepatitis A, B or C,” says Dr. Shazia Gill, infectious disease physician at Houston Methodist Academic Medicine Associates The Woodlands.

What are the differences between the three strains and who is recommended for hepatitis vaccines?

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A virus is often transmitted when an infected individual fails to wash their hands after using the toilet and then contacts the food you consume. Most people experience a complete recovery from hepatitis A within one to two months as the liver heals.

The hepatitis A vaccine is advised for:

• All children

• People with liver disease

• Day-care workers

• Household members of infected people

• International travelers

Hepatitis B

The hepatitis B virus spreads through exposure to infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions. Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B because their babies can become infected during childbirth.

Most adults recover from the infection within six months, after which most develop immunity to the virus. However, chronic hepatitis B infection may require long-term management with medications and frequent monitoring of liver health.

The hepatitis B vaccine is advised for:

• All infants and children

• Hemodialysis patients

• People with liver disease

• International travelers

• Health care, emergency, or correctional facility workers

Hepatitis C

The hepatitis C virus can lead to acute or chronic infection of the liver. It is the most frequently occurring form of chronic hepatitis in the US, and it spreads through direct contact with infected blood.

“It is one of the most challenging diseases,” Dr. Gill said. “In the past, the treatment was very long and had many complications. I am excited to offer breakthrough therapy to my patients today with a high success rate.”

While no vaccine exists for hepatitis C, acute and chronic types of the illness can be cured with the use of direct-acting antiviral agents prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may recommend hepatitis C testing if you:

• Were born between 1945-1965

• Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992

• Received clotting factors before 1987

• Had/have tattoos or body piercings

• Used/use injected drugs and shared needles

“Developing a thorough testing and treatment plan is part of the Houston Methodist philosophy of leading medicine,” Dr. Gill said. “We offer cutting edge research that directly impacts patient’s lives.”

To learn more visit houstonmethodist.org/spg/ infectious-diseases or call 936.270.4400.

“Seens” from our World

When you like being yelled at!

Seen by: PC Staff

COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA

And the award for strategic thinking goes to...

Seen by: PC Staff

We want to see what you’ve seen!

PostcardsLive.com

MAY EVENTS

Music

JAZZ ENSEMBLE AND JAZZ LAB BANDS CONCERT

May 2 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Dance

DANCE SPECTRUM IN CONCERT

May 4 – 6 | 8 p.m.

Dance Theater, GPAC

Music

MASTERWORKS CONCERT FT. SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND SHSU CHOIRS

May 4 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Art

FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION VISIT SHSUTICKETS.COM

tickets@shsu.edu | 936.294.2339

STUDIO ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ANIMATION SENIOR EXHIBITION

May 8 – 13

Reception following commencement ceremony University Gallery, HFAB Free Admission

Glorious Grandkids

Tristan Barringer Grandchild of Kelly Barringer

Kaladin (seated), Holland (running) Grandchildren of Mark & Vicky Sessions

Addie Elise May Grandchild of Scott & Shannon Williams

Vet Connect:

By Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.

Current Advances in Veterinary Medicine

The biggest changes are happening with various new and improved technologies. Thirty years ago, the only vet equipment for diagnosis was the x-ray. We now have digital x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, advanced laboratory testing, laparoscopic technology, and more. Anesthesia and anesthetic monitoring for animals have also significantly evolved, making surgery safer and more effective for pets. Virtual consults and care have become more popular due to the covid era. Check with your local veterinarian, as there are many options to facilitate virtual appointments for those interested. Changes in the pharmacological world have triggered changes within common cases needing antibiotics and pain management. Antibiotic resistance is a national priority. Standards have been created to help practitioners minimize the usage of antibiotics to only cases deemed necessary. For example, not all urinary issues require antibiotics. Inflammation of the bladder (cystitis) can look exactly like an infection, but a culture helps to rule out infection that would require antibiotics, allowing the condition to be treated with anti-inflammatories alone. Topical therapy, supplements, and the newer treatment modality Phovia (florescent light therapy) can treat a variety of dermatological concerns without using oral antibiotics.

In addition to antibiotic concerns, there is also currently an opioid overdose epidemic. Various modalities are available to manage pain. Examples include: 1) physical therapy; 2) multimodal combination of medication, so dosages can be decreased to help prevent common side effects; 3) alternative medicine, including acupuncture, laser, and chiropractic; 4) supplements and Chinese herbs; and several other options.

Integrative medicine is becoming more popular in veterinary medicine, as more people are experiencing positive results and improvements in the human aspect. Integrative medicine combines the most well-researched conventional medicine with the most well-researched, evidence-based complementary therapies to achieve the appropriate care for each animal. Veterinarians are able to obtain certifications to implement other modalities. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine includes 5 branches – acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, tui-na (therapeutic massage), and exercise/lifestyle.

Advances in medicine allow the generation of information and discovery of knowledge, creating a significant breakthrough that results in an improvement of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

What’s Cookin’

Salmon Tacos with Mango Salsa

Ingredients

Salsa:

3 mangoes, diced

2 peaches, diced

3 poblano peppers, seeded and diced

½ red onion, diced, or more to taste

½ lime, juiced, or more to taste

1 bunch cilantro, chopped, divided

Sauce:

1 (8 oz) container sour cream

3 Tbs mayonnaise

1 Tbs ketchup

1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Tacos:

24 (6 inch) corn tortillas

cooking spray

2 lbs fresh salmon

1 small head cabbage, shredded

3 avocados, sliced

2 limes, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 1: Combine mangoes, peaches, poblano peppers, red onion, juice of 1/2 a lime, and 1/2 the cilantro in a large bowl to make mango salsa. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, ketchup, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to make sauce.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Arrange tortillas on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Preheat a grill pan over mediumhigh heat; coat with cooking spray. Cook salmon until easily flaked with a fork, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and flake into smaller pieces with a fork.

Step 5: Heat tortillas in the preheated oven until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Divide salmon among tortillas. Top with mango salsa, sauce, shredded cabbage, avocados, and remaining cilantro. Wrap up tacos and serve lime wedges alongside.

Cook’s Notes: Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas if preferred. Substitute nectarines for the peaches if desired. Substitute Anaheim peppers for the poblano peppers if desired.

Grandma Johnson’s Scones

Ingredients

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp baking soda

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup white sugar

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp salt

1 cup butter

1 egg

1 cup raisins or craisins (optional)

Directions

Step 1: In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking soda, and set aside.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Cut in the butter. Stir the sour cream mixture and egg into the flour mixture until just moistened. Mix in the raisins.

Step 3: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom.

Cook’s Note: Another version of this recipe brushes the scones with 2 tablespoons whipping cream, sprinkles them with coarse decorating sugar, and bakes them at 400 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes.

Legal Corner: HALF-BLOOD RELATIVES

By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

Qn Texas law, half-blood relatives (called collateral relatives) are those relatives who are neither descendents nor direct ancestors of the deceased person. Collateral relatives can include brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, etc.

If a person dies without children as descendents, then the possibility of collateral relatives inheriting a part of his/her property comes into being. One rule of intestate succession dictates that half-blood collateral relatives inherit only one-half as much as do whole-blood relatives.

A fact example might be::

1. Joe died without having any children and without being married.

2. One of Joe’s fathers predeceased Joe.

3. Joe’s mother is living, but in an elder care facility where inheritance from Joe will not change her quality of life at all.

4. Joe’s father had three children: one prior to his marriage to Joe’s mother, who we shall call Faith, and then two with Joe’s mother who are Joe and his brother Mark.

5. Joe was ill the last few years of his life, and his half sister, Faith, was his primary caretaker.

6. Mark and Joe were not close and had not even spoken to each other for more than 50 years.

7. Joe died without a Will and had an estate valued at approximately $100,000 at the time his death.

In determining how Joe’s estate passes, the rule regarding half -blood relatives comes into play yielding the following result:

In examining this estate, we look first to see if Joe had any lineal descendents which he did not.

Because Joe had no spouse and no descendents, the law next looks to his parents as direct ancestors who are first in the line of distribution. In this case, one was living, and one was not.

Since his mother survived him along with Mark his estranged millionaire brother and his half-sister Faith. Joe’s estate would be distributed as follows:

* 50% to Joe’s mother as his closest ascendant

* 37.5% to estranged brother Mark. (Because Joe and Mark had the same father and the same mother).

* 12.5% to Faith. (Because Joe and Faith had the same father, but different mothers)

This rule concerning half-relatives can be very daunting and confusing to even the best of probate scholars, but all confusion can be avoided by a simple Will. You can imagine how complicated this distribution would become if the order of deaths was different. Example: what if Mother and Mark had predeceased Joe and Mark had five children who survived his death? The answer to that question is much too long for this article but has already been asked and answered in Texas case law.

A Will supersedes laws of intestate succession to let you decide how you want your property to pass after your death.

We cannot know what Joe’s wishes might have been. but we do know that if he had a Will and wished to make his sister Faith’s life easier after his death as partial payment for the 12 years of care given him, he could have easily done so.

Had he even done the simplest Will, his estate could have been diverted from his mother (who could not take advantage of the funds) and his estranged brother Mark (who not only does not need the money, but also probably would not be the person that Joe wanted to have benefit of it).

Don’t let the laws of intestate succession decide who your heirs are. In Harris and Montgomery Counties, we are fortunate to have many attorneys who can help you determine how your property will pass after your death. No matter how large or how small your estate is, you are encouraged to find an attorney of your choice and have him/her help you declare your intent.

By Kim Bius

Creating the Tropical Escape

You can create a tropical look by adding a few beautiful blooming accent plants such as hibiscus and bougainvillea…or, go all the way and create your own “tropical resort look.” Do not be afraid…… go for color and lots of it. Professional landscape designers can create amazing outdoor spaces, in all ranges of budgets. What are you waiting for? Summer is coming!

If you would like to add tropical blooms to your patio or outdoor space, consider the following plants for hardiness, heat resistance, and “wow” factor.

Chinese hibiscus is a personal favorite of mine. The large colorful blooms only last a day, but the profusion of blooms is amazing. Hibiscus range in size from 2’ on miniatures to 6’, depending on the variety. Hibiscus, like other tropical plants, grow well in containers that can be easily moved when the threat of freezing weather occurs. I prefer to plant in raised beds, pruning all back to 12” and covering with freeze cloth when temperatures approach 35 on a consistent basis. Leave the freeze cloth in place until spring (it is water and air permeable), and your plants will be beautiful. Hibiscus are the exception to the phosphorous rule and do best when fertilized with hibiscus food that has a low phosphorous level (under 4%). Never use

high phosphorous fertilizers on hibiscus…. this can prove deadly.

If “watering” is not your favorite activity, consider bougainvillea. Bougainvillea are evergreen, thorny vines that redeem themselves in the broiling heat and drought by displaying hundreds of brightly colored brachts that resemble blooms. They love being rootbound, with just enough water to keep the leaves from drooping. As a matter of fact, bougainvillea need to be rootbound to bloom. Overwatering will stop blooming, and no amount of fertilizer will force bougainvillea into bloom. My kind of plant!

Ixora are lush, evergreen shrubs with large clusters of orange/red blooms throughout the year. In the tropics, ixora are as common as boxwoods and used as low maintenance “hedges.” In our area, they make great accent plants, grow well in containers, and can be grown as a great hedge around a pool. Ixora are fairly cold hardy, can withstand temperatures into the upper 20s, reach 4’ x 3’ at maturity, and grow well in half sun to full sun. Considered deer proof.

Plumbago are hardy, sun loving perennials with all the traits we love. Beautiful blue blooms, deer proof, and super low maintenance, Plumbago grow “freeform” in

large, arching branches. A splash of sky blue gives any landscape a cool, tropical feel.

Monstera Philodendron--large tropical, Swiss cheese foliage--will vine and grow over 20’. These guys are more cold-tender than other tropical plants, but they can be mulched heavily and covered with freeze cloth to survive many winters. I plant these vining philodendrons at the base of arching palms to create a rainforest look. Philodendrons need afternoon shade and will not tolerate direct summer sun after 1:00.

Plumeria, the queen of the tropicals, have a cult following, and many gardeners have risked customs to smuggle an exotic variety back to their garden. The neat trick about plumeria is that only a 4” piece of stalk is needed to start your own plant. I confess, I am guilty of this, too. Fortunately, there is no evidence--my husband kills them as fast as I harvest them. Plumeria love a sunny location, with good water and plumeria food. They can be fussy, but nothing compares to the fragrance of a plumeria bloom.

Summer is well on the way, so have fun and enjoy the lazy days to come. Happy gardening, everyone!

If you have but three pence, With one buy bread, With one buy wine, And with the third Buy hyacinths for the soul. (English proverb)

If you have but three pence, With one buy bread, With one buy wine, And with the third Buy hyacinths for the soul. (English proverb)

Story by Darlene Dufour

Photos by Tom Miller

Leslie Moore

Baker’s Bouquet is a one-stop shop for baked goods, floral arrangements, gifts, and unique items. Located at 806 North Loop 336 West in Conroe (“sandwiched” between fast-food giants Sonic and Burger King), Baker’s Bouquet offers a coffee-shop atmosphere where people can relax, visit with one another, and enjoy coffee and pastries.

The shop’s furnishings run the gamut, from two oversized easy chairs to original chemistry lab tables from Texas A&M College; as well as Fiesta dishware to a pie safe from the 1800s. Everything is for sale, including the small table made from the base of a treadle sewing machine. Customers like the unique mix of furnishings, potted plants, and desserts, with floral arrangements interspersed among them. Customer Bobbi Wingard said, “The sugar cookies are amazing, and I love the eclectic welcoming atmosphere.”

Baker’s Bouquet is the dream of mother/daughter duo Leslie and Sarah Moore. They bought the business two years ago. “Sarah and I always baked together when she was growing up,” Leslie said. “We often talked about opening our own bakery.”

Leslie earned degrees in interior design, art, and English. She retired after teaching school for twenty-five years. The shop’s décor and furnishings reflect her flair for interior design. Her daughter, Sarah Moore, graduated from Texas A&M in 2020 with a degree in psychology. Sarah was teaching eighth-grade U.S. History in Florida when Leslie brought up the idea of buying the business and operating it together. “I had to lure her home somehow,” Leslie jokes. Running this business is a dream come true.” Leslie and Sarah credit the staff as the reason for their success. “The staff is like a family. God placed every one of them here. They care about the customers and want to please them. They are special people with unique talents. The business runs because of them, not me,” Leslie stressed. “The staff is comprised of a wide variety of amazing individuals. Laura Gray is our overall manager. Laura is the person everyone can go to for advice, help, and true friendship,” Leslie says. “She keeps us together.”

The floral side has Molena Dowell and Devyn Falkenbury. Molena is a floral designer with over twenty years of experience. She is a master at creating beautiful arrangements for every occasion--from weddings, birthdays, events, to funerals and “just because.” Devyn is newer to the floral business, but has so much talent, her arrangements look like she’s been designing for years.

The bakery side has Kendall Dodd and Olivia Walton. Kendall manages the bakery and is incredibly talented at anything and everything involved in the bakery business. Her cake designs are really beautiful. She is also a student at Sam Houston University, majoring in plant and soil science. Olivia bakes, creates, takes orders, and helps in all aspects of the bakery. Olivia is also the “go-to-girl” for anything computer-related. She, too, attends Sam Houston State University, majoring in engineering design technology.

George Grady, Kendall’s husband, is the overall handy man. “He can do a little bit of everything, from creating fruit bouquets to making minor repairs. He also makes sure the “happiness meter” at the shop is always turned to full blast. The staff is rounded out with Bonny Townsend. “She is such a great addition to the staff. Bonny helps on every front. She bakes, cleans, sweeps, does floral designs--anything that is asked of her, and she always has a smile on her face,” Leslie said.

Customers like Myssi Rogers appreciate the staff, too. “The reason I will always stop and shop with Baker’s Bouquet is because, first and foremost, the staff is absolutely wonderful. They are always cheerful and very helpful. They have some of the most delicious bakery items. They have a large variety of baked goods, and the taste...well, all I can say is

Kendall Dodd & George Grady

Olivia Walton

YUM! You just have to try them yourself.”

Baker’s Bouquet offers a wide range of flowers, roses, plants, dish gardens, gourmet/fruit gift baskets, and exotics. They can create all the floral needs for any event you can imagine. And, since they are a full bakery, they can do all the desserts for the event as well. “We have an upcoming order for 50 dozen mini cupcakes, 54 dozen cake balls, 30 dozen cake cookies, and 10 dozen dipped pretzels,” Sarah said.

When Donald Trump came to town, Baker’s Bouquet was the florist and baker for the event. They also especially like helping brides make their wedding special. “If a bride knows the colors she wants to use and has a photo or magazine page showing the style she wants to use, we can start from there and help her achieve her vision

for her wedding,” states Leslie. They had three large weddings in April to provide food and flowers for.

While cake balls are the biggest seller, other customer favorites are the peanut butter cookies and sugar cookies. “They have the best peanut butter cookies anywhere. And they make them fresh out of the oven for us,” said Brian Beamon.

The bakery delights in specialty orders, like the armadillo groom’s cake seen in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. They have produced several of them. The next challenge will be a boxing gloves cake.

“I absolutely love ordering from Baker’s Bouquet, and Leslie’s cakes are so delicious. My favorite is that you can go in with any ‘out-ofthe-box’ idea, and she will always deliver. I have requested things from a quilter sewing motifs cake; to special Easter cupcakes; to my most recent, a specialized princess personal cake with a fondant tiara, wand, and flower petals all wrapped with a bow. I love this bakery, and

“When visiting Baker’s Bouquet, the desserts and baked goods speak to my soul. Regardless of what goes on in my life, there is always a treat that says, ‘this will hit the spot.’ Whether it’s their lemon cookies or their cupcakes, I have a treat that makes me smile,” stated Cherie Busch.

Baker’s Bouquet also supports local artists by offering their products for sale. For example, Willis High School student Zoe Rogers makes car fresheners to make money for her college fund. Lisa Harrington makes handmade greeting cards, and Krystal Edmonds makes candles that look like a slice of cherry pie. Baker’s Bouquet is a convenient and hospitable place for groups to meet. The shop hosts wedding showers, birthday parties, baby showers, graduation parties, along with Bible study groups. Once a month, they host a presentation on essential oils and invite everyone to come learn about natural and healthy ways to live.

They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. They are closed on Sunday. They offer same-day delivery for orders placed before 1:00 PM and free delivery Tuesday –Friday within one mile of the shop (minimum order for delivery is $50).

Stop by during the week to visit with the staff at Baker’s Bouquet, and allow them the opportunity to take care of all your needs. They’ll offer you a cup of coffee, and may just become your favorite go-to shop for all your floral and bakery needs.

I think it’s one of the best in town! I am one loyal customer,” said Cora Johnson. Customers often become friends…who occasionally share the ups and downs of their lives.

see answers on page 41

CALENDAR

Thru 26 Palestine Piney Woods Express Diesel texasstaterailroad.net

Thru 29

Waxahachie Scarborough Renaissance Festival srfestival.com 4 Huntsville National Day of Prayer Program (936)291-3441

FREE Mental Health First Aid Course for Military, Veterans, & Families (936)521-6149

FREE Concert – Gail Ryder & Mary-Charlotte Young samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com 4-6 Montgomery Friends of the Library Book Sale countylibrary.org/stewart 5-6 Brenham Maifest brenhammaifest.com

Conroe “Wonderland” chrightontheatre.org

Jefferson Battle of Big Cypress Bayou Reenactment battleforjefferson.com

6

Huntsville

Cinco de Mayo Celebration facebook.com/people/ cinco-de-mayo-huntsville-tx

Christina Amaro –Tribute to the Queen of Tejano oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen’s Association Steak Dinner sidewalkcattlemens.com

The Woodlands

Steve Miller Band with Cheap Trick woodlandscenter.org

Willis Salon Open House, promoting non-profit Raising a Hand for Rett facebook.com/salonbeielle

12-14

Madisonville 3rd Annual Blues Brews & BBQ Cook Off (936)348-9333

13

Brenham T. Graham Brown thebarnhillcenter.com

Houston Ed Sheeran nrgpark.com

Huntsville Wine Down Shop Small huntsvilledba.com

FREE Concert – Sundance Head huntsvillemainstreet.com

The Woodlands Buzzfest featuring Godsmack woodlandscenter.org

18

Huntsville FREE Concert – Tin Top Road samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

18-21 Conroe “Big Fish” cythouston.org

The Cure toyotacenter.com 12-14

“Finding Nemo – JR.” cythouston.org

Pasadena Strawberry Festival strawberryfest.org

19 Houston Zach Bryan toyotacenter.com

Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins

Pursue Your Unique Calling

When I was first saved, it was the early 1970s, and I remember seeing Billy Graham on television. “I want to be like him,” I thought to myself. I was on fire for the Lord and couldn’t wait to tell others about Him. Unfortunately, my efforts to convert my elementary school classmates failed miserably, and I found my middle school friends didn’t really want to hear about Jesus or the virtues of the Ten Commandments, either. I became discouraged and began to think that, because I wasn’t a successful evangelist, perhaps I wasn’t a very good Christian.

Many years later, serving in adult Sunday School leadership, I began to really understand the message of 1 Corinthians 12 how each member in the body of Christ is gifted differently, yet each role is just as important. I love how Paul uses the human body as an analogy to describe the futility of trying to be something we are not, as we seek to serve the Lord.

“And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” (1 Cor. 12:16-18)

As I grew in fellowship with other Christians, I began to see how God was using each of us. One person, with the gift of hospitality, hosted the class social gatherings. Another was an excellent Bible teacher. Yet another, with the gift of administration, organized all of the class activities and reported attendance. I found my place as a greeter, to welcome newcomers and to encourage people to engage with the class. Spend time thinking about ways you have served the Lord that brought you the most joy. What comes naturally to you? If you get stuck, there are some great quizzes online to help you determine your spiritual gifts; and remember, one gift is not better than another! Pray about how God has uniquely equipped you to serve Him, and when you discover your calling, pursue it! In Jesus’ words, it is better to serve than to be served, and you will be blessed by doing it in your own unique way.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)

We treat you like family!

I was extremely impressed with the entire experience I had with Cameron Optical on 12.06.2022. At 75 years, I have experienced numerous eye care offices, not one even came close to the experience at Cameron Optical. The entire staff I dealt with were superb individuals. Dr. Bonnie Cameron gave me the most comprehensive explanation of my overall eye health ever!

~ Norman H.

I am shocked and amazed! I typically don’t enjoy eye exams or appointments but EVERYONE at this office made it easy AND enjoyable! I actually had fun!! They were thorough and professional and absolutely lovely! Held my hand when I needed it and were completely relateable. It almost makes me want to go again!

~ Paula P.