Postcards
Golden Needles Quilt Guild
Brad Upton
Ward
Lake Conroe
Photo by Anna Lee Photography
Publisher’s Post
Happy New Year! Notice anything new?
As Postcards Magazine enters its 15-year anniversary, we are celebrating! The past five years have been transformative in many ways, so we set about remaking the magazine to reflect the evolution of the communities represented. As the world gets a little smaller, tastes have become more sophisticated. And like it or not, media is part of our daily lives more and more, and the community and people of our area needed us to keep up.
We hope our redesign expresses our dedication to you and our wish to deliver a place where conversation meets commerce, like a thriving town square. Growing up in Madisonville, life was lived around the square. The town square remains my favorite place to see in any community I visit. Since its inception, Postcards has really been a Main Street of sorts. Think of the places in your community lined up waiting for those of us to meet for food and conversation, share our day-to-day joys and struggles, watch our children play, and do business with our neighbor. All the while, we are just beaming with pride over this little area we have the joy and pleasure to call home.
Our hope is the new look and feel of our publication will take us in a direction that will be cleaner and easier to read, more organized, and simpler to explore. We are taking a fresh approach that blends lifestyle, meaningful conversations, and commerce. While we will continue sharing stories about the people, families, interests, and businesses that make our communities unique, we are also committed to keeping the same warm, familiar feel that readers have grown to love about Postcards. It’s all about celebrating what makes our community special in a way that feels both fresh and new, yet true to who we are.
There are more exciting things to come this year. Keep watching for announcements and be sure to connect with us on our Facebook page and through our website. Most importantly, our goal will remain being a positive addition to our community— entertaining, delighting, shining a light, and staying deeply connected right here to the place we proudly call home.
Have you thanked an advertiser this year?
Until next time,
Since its inception, Postcards has really been a Main Street of sorts...like a thriving town square.
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SGolden Needles Quilt Guild
Friendship, service, and a love for art —as well as a love for others— are stitched together to warm hearts and bodies.
andwiching a layer of batting between two panels of fabric— quilting—is not a new idea. During colonial times, settlers made quilts because they needed warm bedding. During years of economic hardship, quilters pieced together “whatever they could find, like old clothes and feed sacks,” says Nancy Bonnette, a longtime member of Golden Needles Quilt Guild of Montgomery County.
BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY GINA TURNER
When the nation was at war, quilting became a way to show patriotism and help others. Somewhere along the way, quilting became an artistic endeavor. It also became a way for quilters to spend time with friends.
Quilting in Montgomery County is still a social hobby, thanks in part to Golden Needles Quilt Guild. People who share a passion for quilting gather on the second Wednesday of
each month at the Willis Community Center to visit with friends, display what they have made, coordinate philanthropic quilt-making efforts, and gather ideas. “You learn so much from each other,” Nancy says.
Quilting for a cause
Golden Needles Quilt Guild was first organized in 1989, says Beverly Walling-Wood, past president of the
Above: An ongoing project of members is to make quilts which are given to veterans each November.
Below: Guild members Brenda, Margi, Pam, and Daphne
guild. From the start, the non-profit, educational organization was “dedicated to promoting the art of quilting and supporting our community with our skills.” Golden Needles has been advancing the skill of quilting in the community for decades and is a proud member of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance. Furthermore, it aids area philanthropic organizations by providing comfort to those in need.
Today, guild members—which number more than 80—create hundreds of quilts each year that they donate to worthy recipients, including women who receive care at Montgomery County Women’s Center and Pregnancy Assistance Center North (PACN). Members also make quilts that are given to babies in neonatal intensive care units, as well as children in the care of Child Protective Services (CPS). It’s a great way to “give back,” says Daphne Cox, guild president. “It makes you feel good, instead of sitting at the sewing machine, thinking ‘what am I going to do today,’” she says. “There’s always something to be done.”
Guild members also make quilts that are given to veterans every November at a program that is held in their honor. Each red-white-and-blue quilt includes a panel that is embroidered with “United States Veteran.” Members work on the quilts all year long, Daphne says, and present 25 to 60 to veterans each year. “It’s very moving,” she says. The guild also raffles off a quilt once a year; proceeds are used to fund a
$1,500 scholarship that is awarded each year to a deserving recipient who is seeking higher education. Guild members sponsor friends, neighbors, and family members of all ages. Some are pursuing instruction at technical schools or community colleges, while others are seeking college degrees.
The 2024 annual fundraiser for the group was held in December in Montgomery.
All ages and skill levels
Golden Needles member Pam Spriggs started sewing when she was a teenager and continued to sew in adulthood, making clothes for her daughter. It was a skill that came naturally. Her paternal grandmother was a quilter; her maternal grandmother learned to sew from her mother, who sewed custom clothing for Houston socialites. “She could take a Sakowitz ad and make a pattern from that photo,” Pam says. According to family lore, Pam’s great-grandmother finished a ball gown for a client the night before she died. With such a rich family tradition, Pam is understandably pleased that her granddaughter, Hannah Coffey, 13, has been quilting for almost a year. “Quilting has been good for her,” Pam says. Hannah is the youngest member of Golden Needles, an organization whose membership spans the decades. Some members are 80-plus years old.
Guild members also have varying levels of ability. “All skill levels welcome, and you don’t even have to quilt,” says
Tamara Phillips, who serves the guild in several roles, including its vice presidency. Some members are skilled at other crafts, including appliqueing and making doll clothes. “There is a niche for everyone,” Tamara says, “and if they want to learn how to quilt, we will be happy to help them get started.”
Many members enjoy participating in workshops, which are scheduled, on average, every other month, Tamara says. The guild often brings in wellknown instructors to teach quilting techniques, such as landscape, stained glass and collage quilting, as well as quilt embellishments. Sometimes, the workshop instructors are guild members themselves. “We have a lot of talent within the guild itself,” she says.
One of the highlights of monthly meetings is a “show and tell” time, where members can display their craftsmanship. “I always leave here inspired,” Daphne says. “I think, ‘I could do that!’”
A social skill
In pioneer days, families worked together to share big tasks, such as logging and raising barns. Meanwhile, women got together at quilting bees to help each other on their quilting projects and to enjoy the fellowship of other quilters. Socializing over quilts continues today at Golden Needles meetings, where members enjoy visiting with others who share their passion for quilting.
During the pandemic, meetings were held via Zoom, and members
The Guild provides opportunities for collaboration and creativity.
To a child, a quilt can be like having a hug all the time.
continued to work on their quilting projects; some also made masks that were donated. Still, it wasn’t the same. “Members missed interaction with people who talked the same language that they did,” says June Carver, who was president of the guild during 2019 and 2020.
About three years ago, following “strong encouragement” from her friend Daphne, Margi Hall joined Golden Needles. Margi began quilting about 25 years ago because she couldn’t afford to buy a quilt. “And now I am providing everybody with quilts,” she says. She has made many quilts for family members, all machine washable and dryable, so they can be used. “I don’t want them in a cedar chest,” she says. She tells her grandchildren that when they snuggle with their quilt, they “have a hug from me all the time.”
Still, Margi was reluctant to join Golden Needles because she didn’t know anyone in the guild other than Daphne. Over the next three years, however, she made many friendships that she would not have made otherwise, she says with a smile that seems to say “who’d have thought?”. Margi has not regretted her decision to join Golden Needles, and she encourages other quilters and quilting wannabes to join, too. “If you don’t want to come on your own,” Margi says, “get a friend and come…because it’s worth it.”
For more information, visit golden-needles-quilt-guild.square.site.
Dear Gabby
DEAR GABBY
Why do the holidays and associated delicious food have to start our new year off with a four-letter word? DIET. I’m sure you’ll get your share of letters like this, since it happens every year, but I wanted to be the first to commiserate.
Misery Loves Company
DEAR MISERY
What did one DNA say to the other DNA? Do these genes make me look fat? I asked my doctor your question, and he told me not to blame the holidays. He reminded me that I was obese in August, too! He told me to get my derriere off the couch, so now I watch TV in bed. Watching my weight is a “waist” of time, anyway; it mostly just hangs around my middle section.
Weight gain doesn’t happen overnight. Neither does weight loss. The best time for new beginnings is now. See you back here next year. Gabby
DEAR GABBY
Who ordered this weather? The temperature just went from 95 to 55 like it saw a Texas State Trooper! Frosty
Send me your questions at
DEAR FROSTY
I noticed. To all of you who complained about the heat all summer; I hope you’re happy now! I’m going to go stand in a corner for a bit. They’re usually around 90 degrees.
Gabby
Happy 2025! Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I’ve heard January called the Monday of months, but let’s just consider it a clean slate. Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up for New Year’s, and middle age is when it’s expected. At my age, I don’t so much break my New Year’s resolutions as just forget what they are. I remember this one, so I am resolving to lose the weight that I didn’t lose last year. In my defense, I did have a lot on my plate. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.
Glorious Grandchildren
Madilyn Abramski
Grandchild of Bobby & Darlene Abramski
Bronx Nettleton
Grandchild of Tom & Sharon Buys
Constance
Grandchild of Jesse & Dustin Nance
Noah
Grandchild of Granny
Colton Brice
Grandchild of Billy & Bonnie Brice
Grandchild of Kelly & Kavin Barringer
Tristan Barringer
The Garden Industry, Then and Now
The New Year is here, and not a minute too soon. 2024 has been a “doozy” of a year, with unprecedented flooding, followed by drought, with a total lack of consumer confidence mixed in….but we made it, and amazing “times” are ahead.
For me, January 2, 2025 marks 40 years of owning/operating a business in the retail garden and landscape industry, and what changes there have been!
In the 80s and early 90s, the garden industry had not been “corporatized,” and mass production of plants was not common. The plants were grown the old-fashioned way (without heavy steroids and additives), and there were just a few good lines of fertilizers. The concept of being organic was not even a thought…that was just how our grandparents had farmed… and some of us just kept following the same.
Who remembers using dusting sulphur (organic) as a great insecticide/fungicide on your vegetable garden or spraying 25% vinegar to kill weeds, and having a compost pile to top dress the garden with?
I guess I am telling my age by remembering gardening with grandpa in the mid 60s. These are not “new concepts,” just concepts that were replaced with newer, more marketable products with shiny packages and specialty clothing (so everyone could be the cool new gardener on the block). Maybe I am poking a little fun at the hundreds of new
Wishing You A
Happy New Year
By Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
gardening lines, apparel, and additives that have found their way to the market over the years (and gone in a flash along with some of the theories), but I get to—been there…done that for decades…and got the work shirt.
As we move into 2025 and beyond, intuition tells me there are some major innovations in technology coming. Like all industries, this one will change, but in a very positive and natural way. More and more, folks will see the benefit of sourcing their own food, even on the smallest scale, along with the benefit of a garden— whether as a food source or just to enjoy. Over the years, gardening has become more of a lifestyle choice—and as “Southerners,” that is just a part of who we are and what we do. It is up to us (seasoned gardeners) to pull the “newbies” along and share in the success and “how to” of actually growing their first tomato. First rule of thumb, “there are not dumb questions,” so please ask away. Overall, this gardener is very excited about the future of the garden industry and where we are going, and I hope you are too! January is fruit tree and rose season, and these will be hitting the market mid-month. Shop early for best selection of varieties, and late winter planting is preferred. When you see the bloom on the plant or fruit on the tree, you missed the optimum planting time. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops.
Happy New Year!
Long ago, the concept of being organic was not even a thought.
Black-Eyed Pea Soup
INGREDIENTS
1 lb bulk pork sausage
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 cups water
3 (15 oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as Rotel), undrained
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
4 beef bouillon cubes
4 tsp molasses
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¾ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp ground cumin
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook and stir pork sausage, ground beef, and onion in the hot pot until meat is no longer pink, 10 to 12 minutes; drain off excess fat. Pour in water, then stir in blackeyed peas, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, canned green chilies, beef bouillon cubes, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, salt, black pepper, and cumin until thoroughly mixed.
Step 2: Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
COOK’S NOTE:
This is a great New Year’s meal and perfect on a cold winter night. Serve this comfort food with cornbread.
Brad SPECIAL CONVERSATION
Upton
How the internet caused a comedian to catch fire in the 32nd year of his career.
BY KAREN ALTOM | SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have suddenly led millions of people to Brad Upton’s comedy, and they have discovered a comedian that has mastered the nearly impossible task of appealing to people from the ages of 18 to 80. No one has been more surprised than Brad; he has been very humbled by the newfound fame at this point in his career.
You started out as a teacher. Expand on that.
I taught 4th grade for seven years. I also coached high school track. Teaching elementary is hard. After several years, my plan was to transition to teach high school P.E.— because it would be easier, and I would make the same salary. But then I got into standup, and I never went back.
Were you married at the time you made the career change?
No, but I had been dating Julie, my future wife, for several years. We got married the year after I left teaching. She was okay with the decision. I had said, “I’ll leave teaching for a year and see what happens. I can always go back.” I could still go back to teaching, but I don’t believe I will <chuckles>.
I still coach track at the high school where my kids attended, and I still find enjoyment in it. I have been doing it for the last 18 years.
You have worked alongside and opened for some big names. Did you get to interact much with them in those situations?
onstage, but offstage, could be. She liked me
Some of them, yes; some of them, no. I worked with the Smothers Brothers a number of times. Tommy and I had many fun nights after the shows. I opened for Johnny Mathis for the last 17 years. He is a sweet, sweet man; he is a dear friend and the kindest human in the world. I also worked with Joan Rivers a bunch. She was onstage, but offstage, as could be. She liked me was clean comedy, and clean opener.
Share how the Grand Ole Opry opportunity happened. I initially reached out to the Opry and never heard back. After my video went viral, I reached out again. The video had 75 million views at that point, and the contact lady happened to be one of the 75 million. She said, “I’d like to have you here.” I made my debut in September of 2018. That was surreal, because I know what the Opry represents. And for the first time in a actually nervous night. have close 20 times. been hiswith folks like
number of years, I was about performing that night. I have now appeared there close to 20 times.
Comedy has always in the tory of the Opry,
Upton in his recent appearance at the Old Town Theatre in Huntsville, Texas.
Minnie Pearl and Stringbean. But what a privilege, because they don’t use a lot of comedians. It’s a huge honor.
Tell us more about “the video” that went viral. Totally luck. I had been doing that material in the clubs for 10 years! So, when it took off, I was surprised. I was one of the very first people to record a Dry Bar Comedy special in January of 2017. Dry Bar wasn’t even online yet when I taped my first one. They started with short clips of different comedians, then went to few longer clips, and it seemed like longer clips were getting more views. I called them and suggested they put up a longer version from my session. He put up “The Millennials” bit. It got 6 million views the first 24 hours, 12 million views in 48 hours, and 33 million views in 10 days. That video just changed everything. That original video is still out there, and Dry Bar claims it is the most watched standup clip ever. I don’t do that material anymore in my show, because it has been seen so much. That was weird, after 34 years, to be recognized. Every night up to then, I went on stage basically anonymously, because people were like, “Okay. There’s going to be a comedian; I hope he’s good.” I generally exceeded their expectations. Then, all of a sudden, people knew who I was, and I’m like, “Oh…I hope I MEET their expectations.” So, that was different mentally.
How much of the year are you on the road?
After we came out of covid and I blew up on the internet, it has been busy. I have been gone doing shows every weekend for two years, almost. In 2025, I’m going to cut way back. My wife retired in April, and we want to go do stuff! You know, I’m 68 years old, been doing this for 40 years, and I love doing it, but I’m going to cut back from 170 shows a year to about 40, I hope.
What’s your favorite thing about traveling?
I like traveling! Some people think it’s horrible, but I’ve always liked traveling and am interested in places I’ve never been. Like Huntsville! I had never been to Huntsville before, other than passing through on the interstate.
For 26 years, I worked doing shows on cruise ships. I didn’t work a lot…I would do about 5 or 6 cruises a year, and I got
Check out some of Brad's comedy
to go all over the world! I would look at those places and think, “I want to bring Julie back here someday.”
Now it’s time. I’m looking forward to traveling with my wife and not having to pack any “show clothes.” We’re just gonna go where we wanna go and take our time.
What has been the biggest “life lesson” you’ve gotten on the road? Being nice to people sure works better. That’s always the way I’ve operated, but you have the opportunity all the time to deal with strangers…and being nice works better! Like last night, the hotel clerk handed me my key and said, “You’re in 220.” I replied, “Are you trying to guess my weight…because I feel kinda ‘triggered…but you were kinda close, so…’” <laughs> I made him laugh. It just works better. It’s just easier.
For more information, visit bradupton.com
TIME FOR NEW SIDING OR WINDOWS?
From start to finish, Texas Remodel Team made this remodeling experience easy. Tim Fox is personable, professional, straightforward, and great to work with. The project foreman Rich was here throughout-checking in-and was prompt and personable when returning texts. Texas Remodel Team's group of craftsmen is amazing. They are pros and it shows. Tim and staff hire the best master craftsmen. We chatted briefly with everyone who was in and out of our home, and again, personable and so professional.
Need
>
resume writing, interview skills, and how to stand out from the competition!
Register online at www.CONROE.org
DUSTIN COOK, PT
Dustin earned his Master’s in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College, where he competed in NCAA basketball and track and field.
With over 20 years of experience in acute care, rehab management, and outpatient orthopedics, he holds certifications in orthopedics (OCS), strength and conditioning (CSCS), and Kinesiotaping (CKTP).
Dustin excels in creating personalized rehabilitation plans, using detailed evaluations to guide patients to full recovery and optimal function. Known for his positive energy, he prioritizes patient care and collaborates with physicians to address concerns and ensure the best outcomes.
FOCUS
Ward Furniture & Flooring
BY KATHERINE E. STEPHENS | PHOTOS BY JULIE KNIGHT
Afamily legacy of customer service which began in 1944, has grown into a culture of personal service.
Walking into Ward Furniture and Flooring, you’ll see the sleek details of a wide variety of furniture styles, beautiful art pieces on the walls, and lovely selections of seasonal décor to accent your home. With the delicious smell of a fragrant autumn candle filling the room and upbeat music quietly playing, you’ll also hear the laughter of employees who have made a home away from home – and they are welcoming you to experience the culture of personal service they are keeping alive and well after 80 years of business.
Welcome to Ward Furniture and Flooring in Huntsville, proudly owned by David and Jackie Ward.
All in the family
Ward Furniture opened business as “Hardy Furniture” back in 1944. David Ward’s maternal grandfather, G.A. Hardy, forged the family business success by gaining the trust of the community and showing generosity to those who walked into the store. “My grandfather did business sometimes off the shake of a hand,” says David Ward. Reflecting on this generosity and the stories he has heard of his grandfather; customer service is something David ensures stays at the forefront of Ward Furniture and Flooring today.
As the years went by and success grew, it eventually became time to pass to torch – Hardy Furniture became “Ward Furniture” as the business was bought by G.A. Hardy’s daughter and
son-in law (Norman and June Ward, David Ward’s parents). The business continued to grow, as flooring and appliances were added. As a boy, David enjoyed helping at the store; as he grew older, the love for the family business didn’t fade one bit. He stepped into the shoes of businessowner in 1993. “There was never a doubt in my mind [about joining the family business],” says David. In 1997, David and Jackie moved the business from downtown to the current location, 180 IH 45 S, and changed the name from Ward Furniture to Ward Furniture & Flooring.
The Wards have two daughters, Madison and Scottie.
Scottie makes the fourth generation of family members to work for Ward
Furniture. “She is the bookkeeper and so much more,” beams David. Jackie and David are undoubtedly proud of both daughters, and the family culture is evident.
The process Today, Ward Furniture & Flooring specializes in furniture, flooring, accessories, window treatments, and their newest addition of service – complete kitchen and bathroom renovations. Assisting customers with remodel designs has been a natural evolution in the process of helping them make their home as beautiful as they wish.
Designers Kim Sanders and Janice Edwards can help walk customers through the process, start to finish. Often visiting a customer’s home to scale the location, they work with the customer hand-in-hand to find the perfect custom items for each individual. With furniture available to select from in the showroom, some customers prefer to customize their orders – and in doing so, find plenty of options available.
Says Kim, “January tends to be a time customers are ready to refresh after the holidays. They just share they're tired of the old and ready for something new!” Janice adds, “This January we are also having an accessories clearance sale, so it is a great time for people to come in and check out some new possibilities.”
At the back of the showroom, you’ll discover a plethora of sample options for all your furniture and flooring needs. David notes, “More often than not, our customers special order. They can customize an order, and when it gets here, it’s exactly what they’ve selected and exactly what they wanted [for their home.]”
David pointed out the 2022 addition of project manager Brad Sherman to their team. “Brad has been a big asset for the store. He helps with estimations and job visits for both residential and commercial customers. He’s much more savvy with technology than I am, and is just an overall good person.”
What sets Ward apart
When asked why customers may choose Ward over any other furniture store, Jackie stated, “I want our community to know that we care. We’re not in this just for making a living. It’s been
Photo by Anna Lee Photography
Designers Janice Edwards and Kim Sanders have decades of experience helping customers get exactly the look they want.
The legacy of service lives on in the Ward family. Pictured L to R are Jackie, David, and Scottie Ward.
very successful for us, and it’s done us well. God has blessed us. But one of the biggest compliments I ever remember getting is a customer came in here and said when he left, ‘This is a Christian business’; I could not have been more proud, because that’s what we’re hoping they can sense…that we’re real, we’re not putting on a front, we want the best for them, and we think they’ve come to the best place to get that.
Jackie’s words were met with actions as a customer walked in during this interview – Jackie got up to greet the customer, who seemed to be a regular. After a few moments, she sat back down – but with a genuine smile beaming from her face that had not been there before. Jackie says David coined a phrase often used now when referring to their business: “Where personal service is a tradition.” And this customer service and kindness is something David Ward has aimed to keep going, from the days of his grandfather’s smalltown furniture store – to now a now bustling enterprise that services many surrounding towns and cities.
What’s next
Scottie Ward, much like her father, grew up around the business. When she was a child, she often went with her dad on deliveries, and she is now officed alongside her parents, helping the family continue the 80-year legacy of providing quality furniture and services to the area and building relationships
that last. Scottie says, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m watching and listening. We will keep evolving and becoming better.” Echoing what her father says about “keeping up with the times,” Scottie has her sights on the betterment of the store and offering the best to their customers.
David said, “When we are thinking about the future of this business, we look to Scottie – she’s the future. The younger staff members bring fresh and new ideas to the table, and I need to get out of the way and let them do their thing.”
If you would like to keep up with what is happening at Ward Furniture & Flooring, you can join their Priority Customer list which offers you early access to sales and specials. Text WARD to 76626 or email wardfurniturespecials@ gmail.com. The store also has active Facebook (Ward Furniture & Flooring) and Instagram
(WardFurniture44) pages where new arrivals and information are posted regularly.
Ward Furniture and Flooring has easy access from the interstate and offers quality parking. Owners David and Jackie Ward; bookkeeper Scottie Ward; designers Kim Sanders and Janice Edwards; project manager Bradley Sherman; along with support staff, delivery drivers, and more--the team at Ward Furniture and Flooring--welcome your business and would love to show you how they have created a culture of values that transcends the bottom line.
Ward Furniture & Flooring
180 IH 45 S Huntsville, Texas 77340 936-295-2514
wardfurniture.com
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among
Left: A beautiful new kitchen AFTER completion Above: Kitchen BEFORE Ward remodel Below: Remodel DURING the construction phase
Medical Matters
Find Cancer Early: 5 Cancer Screenings to Know
Cancer treatment is most effective when the disease is spotted early. That’s why it’s so important to know and keep up with routine cancer screenings.
“It’s easy to forget regular screenings when you’re busy,” said Dr. Timothy Wagner, radiation oncologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. “But cancer can grow without symptoms, and early detection gives the best chance for a positive treatment outcome and cure.”
Consider these recommended screening guidelines:
Breast
To detect changes in your breast tissue early, doctors review your mammogram history and track the results over time. That’s why it’s important to start on time — by age 40, or younger if you have a
family history. Depending on your risk factors, including the density of your breast tissue, your doctor might recommend an MRI, too.
“You should continue to get screened regularly if you’re in good health,” Wagner said.
Cervical
Screening for cervical cancer should begin around age 25 and continue until age 65. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is related to cervical cancer, so you should get a primary HPV test or HPV test with a Pap smear every five years, or a Pap smear alone every three years.
“Your doctor is your best partner in cancer prevention,” Wagner said. “They can explain your risks and how to stay cancer-free.”
Colorectal
Everyone who turns 45 should talk with their doctor about
a colonoscopy or stool-based test. If a stool-based test comes up abnormal, you will still need a colonoscopy. The most important thing is to get screened until you are age 75. After that, talk with your doctor about continuing.
Lung
If you’re age 50-80, you smoke (or you quit within the past 15 years), and you have a 20-pack-year history, you should get screened for lung cancer every year. If you smoke or smoked in the past, talk with your doctor about screening for lung cancer.
Prostate
Men should start getting screened for prostate cancer at age 50. Start talking with your doctor by age 45 if: you have a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65 or if you’re African American. Start at age 40 if
Dr. Timothy Wagner Radiation Oncologist
you had multiple relatives diagnosed at an early age.
“As part of screening, you’ll get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and you may have a digital rectal exam to look for any signs of cancer,” Wagner said.
If Cancer is Detected Your doctor can help you find the best treatment. In general, look for cancer centers with:
• Access to clinical trials
• Comprehensive care teams
• Emotional and nutritional support
• Leading technologies and advanced treatments
Connect With Your Doctor Don’t let fear or embarrassment keep you from getting cancer screening tests. If you have concerns about your cancer risks, talk to your doctor about a screening schedule that’s right for you
January 2025
GALVESTON “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” thegrand.com
Ice Rink at Discovery Green discoverygreen.com
Reflections of The Carpenters with Rita Lim crightontheatre.org
HOUSTON Michelob Ultra PBR Houston toyotacenter.com
GALVESTON Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest yagaschiliquest.com
RetroMania Collectibles Show heritageeventcompany.com
HOUSTON “& Juliet” thehobbycenter.org
HOUSTON Modi’s Pause for Laughter Tour thehobbycenter.org
WOODLANDS The Coalminers Present: Always Loretta doseydoetickets.com 24 – Feb 9
CONROE “Bedroom Farce” owentheatre.com
THE WOODLANDS Glen Templeton doseydoetickets.com
Making Tracks
COLLEGE STATION Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra: Cirque de la Symphonie bvso.org
LAND Wild Kratts LIVE! 2.0
The Flying Karamazov Brothers
13th Annual Job Fair conroe.org
28– Feb 2
HOUSTON
“Mean Girls: The Musical” thehobbycenter.org
29 – Feb 2
HOUSTON The Houston Auto and Boat Show nrgpark.com
Conroe/Lake Conroe Chairman’s Ball chamber.conroe.org
WOODLANDS Mosaics For the One Gala
betterunite.com/mosaicsofmercy-2025fortheonegala
29 – Feb 23
HOUSTON
“The Foreigner” adplayers.org
30
COLLEGE STATION Michael Cavanaugh boxoffice.tamu.edu
By Wes Altom
Going the Extra Mile
Making the most of what we have these days means we don’t want to go any farther than we have to. We look for the quickest, most direct routes, whether that be shortcuts, delay avoidance, direct flights, or express lanes and trains. We don’t want to waste money, fuel, or time. Our very nature tells us that going an “extra mile” is not the smart thing to do.
As a unit of measure, the mile dates back to the Roman Empire. The Latin is “milia passuum,” meaning a thousand paces. The ancient Romans had a thing for engineering. They used mile markers on roads for the obvious purpose of informing travelers how far they had come or how far they had left to go…but reading between the lines, these markers communicated much more. They were a constant reminder that Rome was “large and in charge” and that “all roads lead to Rome.”
Imagine being in an occupied zone and having your inferior status steadily thrown in your face by the Romans.
Such was the “mile” mentioned by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. During that time, Roman soldiers could actually require a non-citizen to carry their pack for one mile.
Thus, when Christ said in Matthew 5, “Whoever compels you to go with him one mile, go with him two,” this was a direct reference to the Roman occupying soldiers and the attitude followers of Christ were to have toward their own status in this situation.
In effect, Christ was pointing out that we can’t always control our circumstances, but we can control our attitude (and Jesus certainly led by example here). Christ calls us to look beyond the next mile marker, beyond the next problem, beyond the next difficult person we encounter. He calls us to see the bigger picture that His kingdom transcends this world. His victory is already won; our race must just be run…to completion. And Jesus calls us to be different…to be living evidence that belonging to and reflecting Him means being like Him— denying our human desires and serving God by serving those around us. Milestones (whether literal or figurative) aren’t millstones around our neck, dragging us down; rather, they are checkpoints signaling we are getting closer to home, closer to dwelling in His presence, free from earthly pain and sorrow, forever. So said the Apostle Paul:
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
Philippians 3:14
Expertise Matters When You Need
BACK AND NECK CARE
Spine Specialists Serving Montgomery County and Surrounding Areas
If you suffer from back and neck pain, Houston Methodist delivers comprehensive spine care with treatment options ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists offer advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to an active life.
At Houston Methodist, you’ll have access to:
• A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors and specialists
• Personalized treatment plans
• Advanced, state-of-the-art technology
To find a spine specialist today, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/spine-doctors-woodlands or call 936.270.3333.
