Postcards Magazine Piney Woods April 2024

FEATURES

14 A Special Conversation

Southern Raised

30 Community Builders Officers on Horseback

40 Texas Talent

Chad Zunker

66 Business Focus

Woods Tree Service

20 Questions -13

Community Calendar -80

Creative Corner -79

Dear Gabby -20

Difference Makers -21

From Our Readers -6

From the Mouth of Babes -72

Garden Post, The -24

Giggles & Grins -39

FAVORITES

Glorious Grandkids -76

Kidding Around -61

Let’s Celebrate -12

Medical Matters -37

Mustard Seed Moments -82

Pet Pals -46

Publisher’s Post -9

Puzzle Solutions -28

“Seens” from our World -22

Snapshots! -27

Star Students -48

Sudoku Marketplace -50

Teachers Touching Tomorrow -53

Things My Granddaddy Said -26

What Are You Reading -10

What’s Cookin’? -54

Wildlife Wonders -74

Your Best AgriLife -78

Cover Photo by Roberta Cowan Postcards 2023

Photo Contest

1st Prize Winner - Animals

Physical Therapy

From Our Readers Recipes

fairly new to the area and your magazine. The recipes amazing.

you ever considered collecting recipes throughout a given publishing them in a magazine end of each year? You could recipes from other years do this every three or of annually. I believe advanced orders and people willing to purchase the publication reasonable price that would cover potentially provide enough existing magazine.

seen this done with cookbooks, all the recipes in one location perfect answer for having to multiple publications to find the one thing need.

good day. I appreciate your

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MAILED to select postal routes in Huntsville, New Waverly, Midway, Madisonville, Riverside and Trinity. FREE rack

Pizza and a Slice of Life

I’m in a race.

Operations

There are times when I write this column days (and occasionally weeks… though rare) ahead of when it is due. I am very used to living in a deadlinedriven world and doing the things I have to do on the day they are due.

There are also times, like today, that my column was due yesterday, and all I could manage to provide was a blank page with the word “TITLE” at the top.

But now it’s serious.

Now, we are literally hours away from sending pages to press, and I do not think you will enjoy a blank page with the word TITLE at the top. So, I am in a race. On production days, whoever is around proofing pages and doing all the last-minute checks and quality control will usually share a meal. Today, lunch is late, closer to supper than noon. Of course, on production days, we do not really have time to cook…so someone will either pick up something, or we have it delivered. Today, it’s pizza. And, since I was still looking at a blank page when we ordered, I decided I would race the pizza delivery man. Thirty minutes to write. Can I win?

This past week, Wes and I were given an opportunity to host a sweet couple in our home who are moving to our community and were in town for a short time house hunting. They have been living in a foreign country and serving as missionaries there for the last three years. It reminded me of the first time I ever had the opportunity to meet a mission family. They were staying with my grandparents as they visited churches and congregations who helped support them. I was so fascinated by the stories their children would tell of living in a land called Pakistan. I have relived some of those memories this week as we have gotten to hear of this couple’s life and time spent in Tajikistan. I had to get our guests to help me attempt to say it properly, because I was fairly certain it sounded like I sneezed the first time I tried! As a young person and a minister’s daughter, I remember feeling that I should probably think of serving in the mission field. I always kind of expected I would feel that call. I never did.

Instead, I witnessed over and over my precious grandmother Wowo and my sweet mother opening their homes and a place at their tables to those who needed a place to stay or a good meal. During a sweet conversation we had this morning, I was reminded how we all have our part to play. Sometimes, it’s moving thousands of miles from home, and sometimes it’s providing a place to call home even for a short time. I am thankful and grateful to carry on that legacy.

And no. I did not beat the pizza man and win the “race,” but there are words on the page, and I hope they encourage you to know you can do plenty… right where you are.

Until next time,

~ Karen

Ruthie Hutchison reading Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

By Matthew

Perry

Trudie Fetterman reading

An Amish Country Christmas

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Natali Maness reading

The Rain Barrel Effect

By Dr. Stephen

Let’s Celebrate!

This Month’s Business Anniversaries:

CSCU

Celebrating 70 years

Founded 1954

See their ad on page 23

Family Hearing and Sensory Neural Center

Celebrating 45 years

Founded 1979

See their ad on page 72

Global Financial

Celebrating 38 years

Founded 1986

See their ad on page 37

Lone Star Family Health Center

Celebrating 22 years

Founded 2002

See their ad on page 5

Dealer Solutions

Celebrating 14 years

Founded 2010

See their ad on page 28

Texas Generator Solutions

Celebrating 2 years

Founded 2022

See their ad on page 50

Twenty Questions

D.L. Shiver

Owner/Operater Huntsville Pest Control

1 SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED?

Madisonville High School, Texas A&M Bachelors and Masters

2 FAVORITE MOVIE?

Tombstone

3 HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR FIRST DOLLAR?

Working for my Dad at Shivco Termite & Pest Control

4 BOOK THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU?

The Bible

5 LAST THING YOU BINGE-WATCHED?

The Lord of the Rings

6 WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU RIDING DOWN THE ROAD LISTENING TO?

Probably a Sports Podcast or Texas country music.

7 YOUR FAVORITE DISH?

Crawfish, corn, and potatoes

8 YOUR GO-TO BARISTA ORDER?

Black Nitro Cold Brew

9 FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY

Honestly, I can’t think of just one thing. But I would probably say all the years I was in band. From Junior High all the way through High School.

10 SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU?

I’m a pretty big nerd.

11 WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING ON YOUR DAY OFF?

Probably playing video games or hanging out with my wife.

12 HOW WOULD YOUR PERFECT DAY BEGIN?

The Aggie War Hymn because it’s time to tailgate an Aggie game with my friends.

13 HOW DO YOU CLEAR YOUR MIND AFTER A BAD DAY?

Come home and just decompress with a shower and some music. Talk to my wife and play some video games. Just take my mind off things.

14 ONE THING YOU’RE EPICALLY BAD AT?

Getting up in the morning.

15 BUCKET LIST ITEM YOU’RE MOST GLAD YOU’VE DONE?

Deep Sea fishing in Hawaii or catching a Marlin in Cabo San Lucas.

16 TOP THING LEFT TO DO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Go to Ireland.

17 IF YOU COULD LIVE ABROAD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE?

I’ve never been but I think somewhere like Greece or Italy would be cool.

18 WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

My parents. They built the company where I made my first paycheck from the ground up. It inspired me to follow in their footsteps and keep what they’ve been building going.

19 BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?

Never get to where you think you’re too smart to learn something new.

20 ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I honestly would probably just tell myself to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m happy with how things have turned out so far.

A Special Conversation

Story by Karen Altom Submitted Photos

A family quartet of musicians and vocalists make their mark—in many different and multi-talented ways.

How does one describe an unusually unique band such as Southern Raised in three words or less? They probably don’t! That would be very difficult to do even in a full, single sentence. You would have to encapsulate family relationships, vocal harmony, bluegrass, gospel, classical, Celtic, traditional, contemporary, eclectic, every band member playing multiple instruments, and LOTS of awards and nominations. Perhaps this well-constructed single sentence from the band themselves is a good start: We are Southern Raised, a bluegrass band from the Ozark Mountains that has created a trademark sound where classical meets bluegrass and city streets meet country roads.

Postcards visited recently with sibling band members Emily (Reith) Clayton and Matt Reith so we can share with readers more about the group ahead of their upcoming performance on May 10, 2024 at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville, Texas.

As a group, you have such a different style and sound combination. How did that happen?

Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of outside musical influences other than classical music. I know that’s probably unusual for a group from the Ozarks. Shortly before 2007, when the band started, we became interested in bluegrass. We saw bluegrass family groups at Silver Dollar City, near where we live, and just fell in love with that style of music; but our instrument learning and playing had already been steeped in classical, with orchestraltype experiences and lessons. We started the band with bluegrass, and it was really several years before we did anything with classical music in the group.

How old were all of you when the band started?

We started as four siblings. Lindsay was 20, Sarah was 18, Emily was 12, and Matt was 9. Of course, we all started out learning to play instruments prior to that, and doing very local shows. It wasn’t even really an “intentional” band start. It kind of happened by accident.

We loved that bluegrass sound we heard, and we thought let’s just get some bluegrass instruments and play around. Then our grandmother had us play for a senior function at her church. It was just the three girls…Matt hadn’t begun guitar yet, so he wasn’t with us. And we didn’t sing, because that’s NOT something we grew up doing <laughs>. We did an hour of bluegrass instrumental

tunes. Then we started getting requests to appear, and it just grew. Looking back, for sure it was a God thing, because it wasn’t something we really “tried to do.”

Matt, who originally played only the cello, learned guitar in order to join the group. He recalls his first appearance with the group was a few months later at an outdoor amphitheater. He joined for one song, “Orange Blossom Special,” because that’s all he had learned at that point.

The group name is Southern Raised. Where exactly were you raised?

We were all born in northwest Arkansas. We have been here near Branson, Missouri for almost 20 years. Sarah got married and left the group to settle down in late 2019. She now lives in Kansas and has two daughters. At that point, we added musician Alex Clayton into the group. That developed into another family relationship when Alex and Emily got married! So, now the group is

three siblings and a spouse.

That’s interesting! Tell more about this Alex connection.

We actually met through a promoter who connected us. We didn’t know him at all before that. He was working at a music shop in Springfield. The three siblings did an interview with him in a small practice room at the shop. Alex later shared that it felt more like an “interrogation.” It’s quite a big deal when you try to replace a sibling in a sibling group. I’m sure we were kind of overwhelming. We did one show with him before Covid hit, so it was a really weird transition, as well.

Emily and Alex started dating in April 2020. Like the beginning of the band, neither really saw that coming, and that also seemed like God gifted a real blessing into an otherwise hard transition and difficult situation. The couple got engaged in September, married in March 2021, and now have a toddler son.

Describe yourselves.

Matt plays guitar, cello, and penny whistle. He handles logistics and finances for the band, as well as giving input on creatives

and arrangements. He is also the newlywed of the group, having married in August 2023. He enjoys mountain biking.

Emily plays violin, mandolin, and ukulele. She works on creatives and arrangements. She loves traveling, writing, and interior design.

Lindsay plays bass and is the emcee for the group. She loves hiking and gardening.

Alex plays banjo, dobro, guitar, and bass. He is laid back and quiet, and he enjoys cooking, traveling, target shooting, and exercising.

Where did the Celtic come in?

We have some Irish ancestry on our mother’s side, but that’s not really the source behind it. We also really enjoy that style of music. It’s a favorite for each of us, and we have found that it lends itself well to the bluegrass instruments. That makes it fun!

You have some unusual choices for song selections. When it comes to the creative side, how do you select?

We like choosing older songs that haven’t been revisited a lot. They seem to go really

well with our style of music, and we get a lot of comments from people whose memories are touched by them. It’s a cool way to have a musical “connection” with folks. We do try to read all the comments on YouTube as well, to see what people who are following us want to hear. We have gone on a little run of doing some older classics recently, and we have found that people really love that and

are kind of craving it. It also translates well to stage, because a lot of the people who come to see us found us on YouTube.

What is something you want people to know about your group or your family?

Our ultimate goal, always, is to share the message of Jesus Christ—and the hope, and the love, and the acceptance we have

in Him.

Check out the group at www.southernraisedband.com, or use the QR code above to connect and give a listen on YouTube. Don’t miss Southern Raised at the Old Town Theatre in Huntsville on May 10th. Visit www. oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org to purchase tickets.

Dear Gabby

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I regret to inform you this will be the very last Dear Gabby column. I can only hope this news is not good news and that you will accept my APRIL FOOL joke in good humor. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself! Stop clapping, it was a joke; I’ll be back next month, as always. I would sincerely like to thank each of you who stop by every month to see what this old gal has to say. And if you can’t laugh at yourself, let me do it. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www. PostcardsLive.com/share. I wish you peace, love, and happiness always.

DEAR GABBY

I am a grandmother. My friends are all about cooking and the latest culinary exploit. I could care less. My grandkids are happy when I feed them fast food (that I didn’t cook), and so am I. So, why do I feel guilty when my friends ask me what I cooked when the kids came over?

PIZZA DELIVERY FAN

DEAR FAN

I’m with you. I only have a kitchen because it came with the house. It’s just something else to dust, in my opinion. I tried the cooking route, but nobody was happy (especially me). Recipes are like a dating service. They never end up looking like the picture. Even with the successful ones, there’s the mess to clean up. It may be a little late for you, but I married a good cook. It’s a win/win for me.

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “FIRST NAME GIVEN (BUT WITHHELD)” The problems you perceive from the authority agencies in your area are much too serious for this forum. If all those incidents are truly happening to you, it sounds as if you need legal advice. The following information came from Texas.gov website. The Houston Bar Association offers its LegalLine on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month between 5 and 8 p.m. Please sign up to select a date and time slot to receive a phone call from an attorney. If you have questions, please call the HBA office at (713) 759-1133. This service is also offered in Spanish on the 1st Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the same phone number. I hope this finds you some relief.

Difference Makers

CALEB HOUSE

Caleb House, who attends Huntsville High School, also runs his own dog training business, TNT (Top Notch Training). Caleb and some of his co-workers decided to spread Valentine joy throughout their school. The group gave out more than 400 flowers to young ladies during their lunch periods with a “Happy Valentines Day” greeting. According to Caleb, “The smiles we got made it all worth it.”

How refreshing for young entrepreneurs to recognize the value of appreciating and investing in their neighbors!

Andrew Thompson, Kaden Trevino, Caleb House, and Josh Sanderson

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

Deer-Resistant Gardening

Rabbits and deer are adorable to watch, but nemeses for gardening. They can “wipe out” a garden overnight if the opportunity exists.

Deer are, by far, the greater threat! They can jump over six feet, travel in herds, and are voracious eaters-especially when we tempt them with luscious, delectable foliage and your neighbor is feeding them. To ensure we do not tempt them beyond their limits, we must use the most “deer-proof” plant selections on the market. The term “deer-proof” should really be rephrased to deer-resistant. It does not mean plants will not be touched as an ironclad rule, but it is defined as a plant that deer will normally consider less favored and generally ignore.

Keep in mind, during times of severe drought and heat, deer will eat anything, including prickly pear cactus, because they are in severe distress and looking for sustenance. It is even worse if someone is feeding the deer. Deer are wildlife and not meant to be

tamed. They may lose their will to forage and eventually starve if the cycle of instant food is not kept up.

Deer are quite a paradox; they dislike heavily fragrant plants, but love roses and heliotrope (which are heavily scented) and steer clear of rosemary and garlic. Some heavy fragrances are considered “ewww” while others are “ahhh”--with no exact rhyme or reason, other than experience from watching their grazing habits.

The following plant list has been derived from 40 years of working in the gardening industry. Many varieties are on the Texas Dept. of Agriculture list, and many varieties may vary from one region to another, and different seasons.

And again, in times of drought, all bets are off.

The list will help and guide you in determining which plant varieties are good selections for areas prone to a heavy deer population and their feeding habits. These plants are your best line of defense in Dogwood

keeping them away from your landscape--no plant is 100% all the time.

Trees and large shrubs over 20’

Ash, Dogwood, Persimmon, Pine, Leyland Cypress, Bald Cypress, Maple, Loquat, Wax Myrtle, Cedar, Crepe Myrtle, Oaks, Mountain Laurel, Ligustrum, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Japanese Yew, Vitex, Holly, Magnolia, Fig, Palms, Redbud, Juniper

Shrubs

Abelia, Elaeagnus, Pomegranate, Angel Trumpet, Pineapple Guava, Privet, Bamboo, Azaleas, Oleander, Barberry, Holly, Sweet Olive, Bird of Paradise, Ixora, Camellia, Butterfly Bush, Juniper, Viburnum, Boxwood,

Mahonia, Aloe, Plumbago, Nandina (* there are many deer-proof shrubs)

Perennials

Lantana, Lamb’s Ear, Philodendron, Yarrow, Daylily, Blue Daze, Lupine, Rosemary, Thyme, Wood Fern, Angelonia, Marigold, Vinca (annual), Wandering Jew, Ajuga, Calendula, Mondo Grass, Snapdragon, Wallflower, Iris, Dusty Miller, Pampas Grass, Society Garlic, Santolina, Daffodil (sometimes), Feather Grass, Purple Fountain Grass, Sword Fern, Hedera Ivy, Coreopsis, Euphorbia, Sage, Yucca, Chrysanthemum

Vines

Star Jasmine, Wisteria, Cypress Vine,

Carolina Jasmine, Morning Glory, Evergreen Wisteria, Trumpet Vine, Honeysuckle, BlackEyed Susan Vine, Crossvine, Passion Vine, English Ivy, Bleeding Heart

Deer love vegetable gardens and fruit trees (generally leave citrus alone due to the fragrance of the leaves). Deer tend to avoid citronella, scented geraniums, cilantro, dill, and most herbs--but they will devour tomatoes and other vegetables.

Other deterrents for deer are preventative sprays, canisters that emit an odor, light and motion sensors, deer netting, and fencing. The same deterrents work on rabbits.

Abelia

Lantana

Wisteria

Things My Granddaddy Said

He could charm the dew right off the honeysuckle.

There are a few weevils in his cotton.

If you’ve fallen in love at first sight, you better look twice.

She was battin’ her eyes at him like a toad in a hailstorm.

All that comes from a cow ain’t just milk.

He has no more chance than a grasshopper in a henhouse.

Don’t ride a new path at full trot.

the best reason to send flowers. just because.

The devil can quote scripture for his own ends.

Country folks know a lot of stuff that ain’t wrote down nowhere.

As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!

Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

“Kim and I want to thank you for your continued support as we begin the campaign for the Republican Runoff Election.

I have spent most of my life in this district. It is where I went to school, started my business, raised my family, and have created jobs and opportunities for thousands of our neighbors. I know our district very well and I have a proven track record of getting things done.

#BenBiusTX | @BenBiusTX

I have been waging war in the conservative trenches for decades, fighting back against the liberals to achieve conservative victories for our communities, our district, and for Texas. My record speaks for itself. Now, it’s time to finish the job! Please join me in this fight to provide a true conservative voice in Austin for the people of House District 12.

Let’s Take Back Texas!”

Pol. ad. paid by the Ben Bius Campaign.

Story by Ruth Fields

Officers on Horseback

Photos submitted by Conroe Mounted Police Unit

When Brian Koska was growing up, he often worked cattle on horseback with his father on his family’s ranch near Madisonville. So, when the Conroe Police Department formed a mounted patrol in June 2022, Koska, who was then a 17-year veteran of the force, applied and was accepted. Even though he is now eligible for retirement, he enjoys his job too much to retire. One of the things he likes about being a mounted patrol officer is that many people are willing to talk to him when his horse provides the introduction. He laughs about the time a man walked by and said, “How are you doing?” Koska responded, “I am fine. How about yourself?” The man then said, “I was talking to the horse, but how are you doing as well?”

An idea takes shape

In early 2022, Conroe Chief of Police Jeff Christy asked longtime police veteran Sergeant Clyde Vogel to evaluate the feasibility of forming a mounted police patrol. The City of Conroe had previously purchased the Conroe West Side Recreation Center (formerly the YMCA), which included a stable and enough grazing land to support horses. Vogel performed many tasks to make the site ready, including thankless construction and cleanup jobs. He procured sponsorships for horses, as well as donations of equipment; he also considered logistical matters, such as the purchase of trucks and trailers. “How are you

going to haul these horses around?” says Sergeant Robert Engel, who is now the supervising officer of the Conroe Police Mounted Patrol. “You have to be able to get around town.”

Koska joined Vogel in May 2022. That July, the first horses were purchased, and officers throughout the department had the opportunity to apply for reassignment with the mounted patrol. It sounded like a good idea to Officer Shanna House of Huntsville, a horse enthusiast who has ridden off and on throughout her life.

“I am an animal person all the way around,” she says. Officer Michael Chapman, who is originally from Alabama and grew up around horses, was also accepted into the program. Later, Justin Devore, a 17-year veteran of the force, replaced one of the original members. “As a kid, my grandparents had a western store and a barn,” he says. “Being around that environment again made me feel at home,” he says. When Vogel moved to another position in the police department, Engel, a tenured sergeant, joined the unit. The five officers had varying degrees of riding experience when they joined the mounted patrol, but all had tough training ahead.

Brian Koska & Willie B

Shanna House & Sgt. Ed

The Brotherhood

Each member of the Conroe Police Mounted Patrol attended the Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol Class, a rigorous, nine week, 360-hour training program. “The Houston Police Department has one of the premier mounted police units in the country,” Engel says. “They’ve been doing it since the early 1980s.”

To Chapman’s surprise, officers were first taught to ride bareback. “It teaches you how to keep your seat, and where your thighs and hips and heels need to be,” he says. Initially, officers rode bareback while the horses walked. Then, they progressed to trotting, then cantering. Chapman learned that he could even accomplish the “Look, Mom, no hands!” maneuver, as long as his thighs and hips were placed correctly. Officers also learned about horse anatomy, nutrition, psychology, medical issues, and equitation (riding techniques).

Brian Koska, Shanna House, Justin

Even Koska, who had been riding since he was three years old, had much to learn, such as crowd control techniques and horseback arrest procedures. Interestingly, mounted officers practice some of the same maneuvers Koska used working cattle with his father. “They just put a name to it,” he says.

“It was the most physically and mentally demanding school I have done,” Engel says, “and I have been through thousands of hours of school.” At the end of the course, students performed a “confidence ride,” he says. “There are miles of very narrow trails through woods. You canter for most of five miles. There are twists and 90 degree turns. You jump creeks and fallen logs. It is western.”

Today, officers train with the Houston Police Department Mounted Patrol at least once a month. “They are a huge resource and partner with us,” Engel says. One of the advantages of this arrangement is

Devore, Robert Engel, & Michael Chapman

the Conroe officers can enjoy camaraderie with other mounted police officers. “Every time we go to train with them, it’s almost like we work for Houston, too,” Devore says. “I’ve been a part of units that were close, but you can go work around other agencies with the mounted patrol and feel like you are family. It’s a brotherhood.”

Conroe Police Mounted Patrol can assist other police organizations at events, and can ask for assistance as well. Conroe’s mounted patrol augmented the Galveston Police Department’s mounted patrol with crowd control during the Mardi Gras celebration on The Strand in early 2024. In 2026, some of the soccer matches of the World Cup

will be held in Houston; the Houston Police Department has already asked Conroe Police Mounted Patrol to assist, Engel says.

Smarty, Gravely, Pepperoni, Willie B., Sgt. Ed and Dakota

One of Vogel’s ideas was to obtain sponsorships from businesses and individuals to pay for the horses’ veterinary care, feed, and equipment. In return for an annual $5,000 donation, sponsors have

Robert Engle & Smarty

Michael Chapman & Pepperoni

their names displayed on signs at the stable, as well as on horse trailers. They can visit the horses whenever they like, and they even get to name the horses.

Finway Electric:

Smarty (Engel’s quarter horse)

Outdoor Equipment Outlet: Gravely (Devore’s enormous, 17-hand draft horse)

Conroe’s Incredible Pizza Company: Pepperoni (Chapman’s quarter horse)

Friends of Conroe:

Willie B (Koska’s quarter horse)

Joe’s Italian Restaurant: Sgt. Ed (House’s draft horse)

Mike and Phyllis Saly: Dakota, a quarter horse

“If a horse is injured, Dakota is our go-to horse,” House says.

The Conroe Police Mounted Patrol is also grateful to several local businesses that provided crucial equipment. LansdowneMoody Company donated a tractor, as well as other items, such as a brush hog and hay bale spears; Buckalew Chevrolet and Woodforest National Bank each donated a one-ton flatbed truck.

Taking care of six horses is a lot of work. Tuesdays are “barn days,” and officers not only take care of the horses, but also procure feed and hay and do other jobs, like dragging pastures to break up manure. Some tasks, like feeding the horses, mucking stalls, cleaning out trailers, and cleaning and maintaining the facility, must be done every day.

Justin Devore & Gravely

Mounted patrol officers are trained in search and rescue techniques, as well as crowd control, and work at events like The Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival and the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo. Because they are up so high on their mounts, they can quickly spot and respond to incidents that need police intervention. In crowd control situations, one officer on horseback is generally as effective as 10 on the ground, Engel says. “The mounted officers are able to clear crowds without causing panic, as

people generally yield to horses because of their size. Mounted officers rarely have to make any physical contact with citizens, but provide very visible direction,” he says. Mounted officers are fully equipped with belts, guns, handcuffs and radios— “just the same as we would be in a patrol car,” Koska says. They also wear the same uniform, except for the addition of boots and helmets. On a typical day, however, the officers warm up the horses in the arena, then ride around a busy park, neighborhood, or shopping center. “We are a visible presence wherever we go, and that’s going to deter crime in the end. We try to go to the most populous areas of the city that we can,” Engel says. House loves children, so she particularly enjoys talking to the ones she meets while she is patrolling. “One of my favorite things is to see how kids react to us. They love us,” she says. “This helps children to see they can approach police officers.”

Everywhere they go, the horses are the officers’ introduction to the citizenry, providing a valuable public relations service. “People who ordinarily would not come and talk to a policeman will come and talk to us because we are on a horse,” Engel says. “It puts a different face on the department,” Koska agrees. “It shows a different side.”

“The Chief of Police’s vision for this was a wonderful thing for the city,” Engel says. “It’s reaping rewards on a daily basis. We talk to people almost every day. We want to share the horses. Everybody here absolutely loves their job.”

photo by Gina Turner

photo by Gina Turner

photo by Gina Turner

photo by Gina Turner

photo by Gina Turner

photo by Gina Turner

Medical Matters

By Melissa Arief, MD

Relieving Inner Elbow Pain

Tennis elbow, the most well-known cause of elbow pain, occurs when tendonitis develops and leads to pain on the outside of the elbow (medically known as the lateral elbow). However, pain on the inner part of the elbow (the portion closest to the body) is usually caused by a syndrome called medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow. “The problem might not be immediately obvious, but lifting with an underhand grip is when it most often hurts,” says Dr. Melissa Arief, a Houston Methodist orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery. “Unlike lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis can often be associated with irritation of the ulnar nerve (gives sensation to the ring and small fingers). Therefore, you may notice numbness and tingling in the hand, as well as pain that radiates down and up the arm.”

Madilene's Piano

Common injury, not just for sports

“You don’t have to be a golfer to develop golfer’s elbow. Baseball pitchers are also prone to this injury, but most people who experience golfer’s elbow don’t play either sport,” says Dr. Arief.

The elbow is a crucial joint used to perform many tasks. Both medial and lateral epicondylitis arise from irritation of the muscles that control motion of the wrist and hand.

“A sharp increase in repetitive activity can trigger golfer’s elbow,” says Dr. Arief. “For instance, new moms holding their baby in a way that stresses the inner elbow can sometimes experience the condition.”

Treating inner elbow pain

Fortunately, golfer’s elbow tends to improve on its own, though this takes both time and attention.

“Your doctor will recommend the antiinflammatory that works best for you, based on your medical history and other factors,” says Dr. Arief.

“For initial treatment, I recommend a wrist splint to be worn at night. Immobilizing the wrist at night will relax the muscles at the level of the elbow,” says Dr. Arief. “In addition, conservative therapy focuses on stretches performed either at home or through formal physical therapy, whichever is preferred. Some people like the dedicated guidance a physical therapist provides.”

When to see a doctor

Dr. Arief recommends evaluation any time elbow pain persists for more than two weeks or if the symptoms also include numbness and tingling in the hand. A specialist can help distinguish between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow and rule out more serious causes of elbow pain, like fractures and ligament tears.

Along the Road

Total Solar Eclipse to Darken Texas on April 8, 2024

The eclipse’s path of totality will cross Mexico, much of Texas and 12 more states, then move into Canada. The whole event will last roughly 3 hours in Texas, with totality lasting only a few minutes and beginning between 1:27 pm and 1:40 pm, depending on where in the state you are viewing.

Total solar eclipses occur every few years at different locations in the world. After this year’s event, an eclipse in 2033 will impact a small part of Alaska, and one in 2044 will affect Montana and North and South Dakota. The next total eclipse to carve a broad path across the country won’t take place until August 12, 2045.

Tips for Safe Viewing

1. Never look directly at the sun without protection. It can damage your eyes—or the sensor of your camera.

2. Use special eclipse glasses to look at the sun. The throw-away paper kind are cheap and available online. Sturdier plastic viewing glasses are also available online.

3. Check out the patterns. For another way to see the eclipse, hold a colander so the sunlight passes through its holes and projects images onto the ground.

4. Make a box pinhole projector. With just a cardboard box, aluminum foil, a sheet of paper and some tape, you can make your own box pinhole projector to safely watch the eclipse. Find directions online at https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/box-pinhole-projector.html

Flight attendant: Is there a doctor onboard?

Dad: <nudging me> That should’ve been you.

Me: Not now, Dad.

Dad: Not asking for a graphic designer to help, are they?

Me: Dad, there’s a medical emergency happening right now.

Dad: Why don’t you try saving him as a PDF and see if that helps?

The Devil whispered in my ear, “You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm.”

I whispered back, “At least I didn’t lose my golden fiddle to some hillbilly in Georgia.”

The doctor said to me this morning, “I’d like to talk to you about your weight.”

I said, “Well, it was about 35 minutes, but at least the chairs were comfy.”

Q: Why is Peter Pan always flying?

A: He neverlands.

I like this joke because it never grows old.

Texas Talent

Story by Karen Altom Submitted Photos

Chad Zunker

From college football to creating baby products, this best-selling Texas novelist has traveled a unique path.

An email from Amazon Prime started my relationship with Chad Zunker. Apparently, one of the lesser-known benefits of Prime membership is First Reads, a program that offers customers early access to new books across popular genres for free. Each month, I peruse the list of offerings and read the descriptions and reviews before making my selection. One of the books listed was called “The Tracker.” Not only was it written by a fellow Texan, there seemed to be a little John Grisham feel to the description as well, so I decided to give it a try. I was hooked. Three books later, I reached out to Chad requesting an interview, and he graciously accepted.

Twenty years. 10 unpublished novels. Over 1,000 rejection letters. You say your story is one of incredible perseverance or complete insanity. As we have this conversation, you are a best-selling author on Amazon, and your latest book (The Wife You Know) has just been released. Thanks to you, I was able to read an advance copy and loved it. How’s that going?

It’s an exciting week! The funny thing about writing is you work for a whole year, followed by a two-to-three-week exciting window where the book is released, things are happening, people are posting, things like our conversation are going on…and then you get to crawl back into your cave and do it all over again. I’m definitely trying to enjoy this little sweet spot.

You are the first author I’ve read since Grisham that will hold my interest all the way through a novel. On your website, you mention it was a Grisham book that helped you realize a novel could actually be fun. Was that what started you down

this path?

A couple of things happened at the same time. I really went to college (University of Texas) majoring in journalism, but hoping to play professional football. Once I got there and saw how good those guys really were (and that I was a skinny eighteen-year-old freshman walk-on wide receiver, barely 165 pounds soaking wet), I started thinking, “What else do I like to do?” This all happened about the same time I was reading and enjoying Grisham, so I thought, “I could do this…I could be a famous writer!” Little did I know.

Did you ever follow the journalism path?

I never really wanted to be a journalist, but I had to pick something, and I’m good at writing. As I got closer to the end (of school), I realized I really didn’t like journalistic writing. I preferred creative writing. The question then became, “How can I stay in Austin, try to become a novelist, and just work? Surely within a couple of years it will all come together.” I guess I always had this creative bent, but my early childhood was just sports, sports, sports. I’ve also always had this built-

in self confidence that I could do whatever I set my mind to; it just took a whole lot longer than I thought!

On the author page in your books, it is noted you have clerked for some of the most powerful law firms in the country. Did you entertain becoming a lawyer, or was that also due to Grisham influence?

I just happened to get a job there! I was looking for a 9-5, good job (that hopefully didn’t tax me too much) so I could write during my off hours. It ended up being a fascinating place to be, and because I was so in love with Grisham’s early work, I found a lot of great material and parallels and thought it was good experience. It was a dynamic experience for about 6-7 years, and

I learned a lot. But really, from the moment I stepped out of school, it was “Novelist or nothing.” There have certainly been times over the years I questioned whether I should give this up, but nothing ever rose up to take its place where I wanted to do anything else. So, what were you doing while you were trying to make your novelist career happen?

I had three different things happen, and I was writing the entire time. First, was the little mini-legal career I mentioned, then I got into doing full time ministry with a

church here in Austin. It started by leading college ministry, then singles ministry, and then overseeing operations for the church. Eventually, I became a campus pastor for a satellite campus we had started in downtown Austin. That was my second career, which I enjoyed a lot.

My third career came after my wife and I got married. We have three girls, but our first daughter (now almost 16) was a really fussy baby we couldn’t soothe. We started using this technique we had learned from a doctor – a really rhythmic shushing that worked like magic – but my wife couldn’t do it. She

didn’t have the volume or lung capacity to do this really long technique, so I got a digital recorder to see if I could replace myself. It worked, and to make a long story short, that led us to inventing a product and starting a company (again on the side) called the

Baby Shusher. It went global, is now in every Target, and we sold the company a few years ago…kind of living out the American dream. In spite of this, the whole time, I was never in a place where I put writing to the side. The writing was always shifting around all of this.

Even when we started the company and it started to become really successful, I found myself at a crossroads. If I was to give up the writing and really commit myself to this company, we could probably raise hundreds of thousands of dollars…and I could be the

Be proud of

CEO of a traditional company, but I told my wife I didn’t want to do that. It wasn’t my passion. As much as I wanted to see it succeed, I didn’t want to commit my life to it and give up my writing. Thankfully, I didn’t.

What was the pull to stay in Austin?

We love it. It’s just a great city, and certainly the entertainment capital of Texas. While I was in college, my mom moved from Houston to Austin, and then my brother and his family came. There were a lot of reasons

to want to be here. I never felt like I had to be anywhere else to be a novelist. I do have a brother who lives near Huntsville with his family, so it’s awesome to share this there.

Interesting about the characters you create (other than the things most of us would never encounter in day-today life…like assassins chasing you) is their real-life struggles, emotions, and even faith journeys they have. Why is it important to you to include those?

I’ve always felt things really deeply and been a pretty emotional guy. I lost my father in high school to leukemia, so I went through tremendous pain and loss and hurt. It felt like I overcame some of that and dealt with life trauma with the Lord. It was just my mom and I left at home dealing with it, so a lot of my characters suffer through things that are real, difficult life experiences.

You are involved in work with the homeless. Tell a little about that.

For ten years, my wife worked with a great non-profit called Mobile Loaves & Fishes, which serves the homeless here. The Community First tiny house village is part

of this organization, and I have seen it grow into more than we ever imagined it could. Through that, we met a lot of people on the street and heard a lot of stories. I have a lot of empathy there. In my David Adams series, a lot centers around that world. It means a great deal to our entire family.

One thing that stands out about your writing is that I never know what’s going to happen until the end. Invariably, I close the book thinking, “I didn’t see that coming!” Share your process for accomplishing that.

Well, (laughing) I don’t know! I am unsure how I do it, other than maybe I am intuitively gifted, having a bunch of creative thoughts running through my mind and can process them. I have probably trained my brain that way. Obviously, I want this experience for every reader. No one wants to read an anticlimactic book. I try to give my brain creative space to work in and for me; a lot of that involves running. I do long runs, and I pray a lot when I run. It is almost guaranteed there is always one run where the ideas start

churning, and I will make 50-60 voice notes about the story. I will call my wife afterwards and say, “This was the run.”

I have turned in next year’s book to my editor, and I already have a general thought for the book following that, but I still need the hook…what is the one thing the reader won’t see coming? I have a lot of running ahead of me to figure it out!

If you enjoy domestic thrillers and would like to know more about Chad, you can find him on Amazon and at ChadZunker.com.

Ask The Doc: Spinal Degeneration: Can I Slow It Down and Find Relief?

Dr. Brian McGee, DC

Welcome to “Ask the Doc,” your go-to source for valuable healthcare insights and advice from our expert team at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute.

Ever wondered why some folks seem to be healthy, active, and enjoy gardening or hitting the golf course, while others struggle to stand long enough to make dinner or take a leisurely walk down the street? The secret might lie in the health of their spinal discs. If you’re starting to feel the ache in your back, you’re not alone. The likely villain? Spinal disc degeneration - a condition that targets the gel-like protectors of our spine.

Unlocking the Mystery of Spinal Disc Degeneration

Think of your spinal discs as the shock absorbers of your body, designed to keep you moving smoothly through life. As we age, these discs start to show the wear and tear of years of faithful service, drying out and thinning, much like the pages of a well-loved book. This isn’t the same for everyone though; based on the amount of wear and tear we put our body through, some people will age faster or slower than others. The good news is there is a way to slow down this aging in your spine and help you find long lasting relief.

Turning the Tables on Aging: Home Strategies

The key to a healthier spine lies in our daily choices. By embracing gentle, low-impact activities such as walking or swimming, we can strengthen and flex our way to a more supple spine. Simple habits like daily stretches, a balanced diet to maintain an optimal weight, and the soothing power of heat or cold therapy can make all the difference in managing the symptoms of disc degeneration.

Advanced Strategies

When home remedies just don’t cut it, it’s time for more advanced strategies. Spinal decompression is one of the most effective treatments for helping disc degeneration. By gently pulling the spine apart, this treatment helps to rehydrate the disc and remove pressure from the nerves, which means relief for you. In addition, restoring normal spinal alignment is essential to slow down the aging process in the spine. Your spine is like the tires on your car, when out of alignment

it wears out faster, and when in proper alignment, it lasts a lot longer. Chiropractic care helps to restore spinal alignment to keep you moving and feeling great for years to come.

If you’re living with the effects of disc degeneration, know that help is nearby. Call 936-241-7673 to schedule an appointment today. Mention this article to receive a FREE Consultation.

For over 40 Years, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute has been successfully restoring health to our community. Call us at 936-241-7673 for help today.

Star Students

Charlie Drane

New Waverly High School

Favorite Movie: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Favorite Music/Artist: It’s About Time, Russell Dickerson

Favorite Food: My Mom’s Fried Rice

Favorite Quote: “Live your best life, because you never know when it will be your last.”

Charlie is a senior at New Waverly High School and is the son of Kris and Jennifer Drane. His activities include baseball and fishing. Following graduation, Charlie plans to attend WyoTech to study mechanics with an emphasis in high performance vehicles. He believes, “Show everyone respect and live to honor God, my parents, and my family.”

Favorite Movie: The Lovely Bones

Julianna Castilleja

Huntsville High School

Favorite Music/Artist: Amy Winehouse, ASAP Rocky, & Lana Del Rey

Favorite Food: Orange Chicken w/Noodles and Fried Rice

Favorite Quote: “Do not be provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” --Eccl 7:9

Julianna is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Rosalinda Castilleja and Jesse Castilleja. Her activities include National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National French Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, drill team, band, Interact, and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, Julianna plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to major in graphic design and minor in digital marketing. She believes, “Seek to understand before being understood.”

Favorite Movie: N/A

Favorite Music/Artist: Cody Johnson

Favorite Food: N/A

Holden Langley

Huntsville High School

Allison Holik

New Waverly High School

Favorite Movie: Hannah Montana: The Movie

Favorite Music/Artist: Zach Bryan

Favorite Food: Steak and Potatoes

Favorite Quote: “If you’ve got a dream, chase it, ‘cause a dream won’t chase you back.”

Holden is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the son of Ricky and Angie Langley. His activities include baseball, FFA, National Technical Honor Society, and Texas High School Rodeo Association. Following graduation, Holden plans to attend Sam Houston State University to major in agriculture. He believes, “’Stay ready’ don’t gotta ‘get ready.’”

Favorite Quote: “Your life isn’t yours if you always care what others think.”

Allison is a senior at New Waverly High School and is the daughter of Jackie Holik and Melissa Frazee. Her activities include student council, varsity cheer, baseball manager, and FFA. Following graduation, Allison plans to attend Sam Houston State University to major in nursing. She believes, “Live wholeheartedly. Show up, and be all-in.”

Teachers Touching Tomorrow

Sarah McNeel

Counselor

Huntsville High School

Nominated by Holden Langley

Mrs. McNeel started out as my second-grade teacher and ended up being my high school counselor. She has always taken the time to listen to what I needed and always did whatever she could to help me out over the years. I am

Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com

Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.

Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond, and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”

Sponsored by:

Best Strawberry Cake from Scratch

Ingredients

2 cups white sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 (3 oz) pkg strawberry flavored gelatin

4 large eggs (room temperature)

2 ¾ cups sifted cake flour

2 ½ tsp baking powder

1 cup whole milk, room temperature

½ cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries

1 Tbs vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: Beat sugar, butter, and dry strawberry gelatin together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 3: Combine flour and baking powder in a large bowl; stir into butter mixture alternately with milk.

Step 4: Blend in strawberry puree and vanilla.

Step 5: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool cakes on a wire rack for 10 minutes; run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack to cool completely.

Real Strawberry Frosting

Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 cup butter

3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, divided

1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Place strawberries in a blender; purée until smooth.

Step 2: Transfer strawberry purée to a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring often, until reduced by at least half, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Step 3: Beat butter with an electric mixer in a bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until combined. Beat 2 tablespoons cooled strawberry purée and vanilla extract into butter mixture until just blended.

Step 4: Beat in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until combined, followed by 2 tablespoons strawberry purée. Repeat this step once more.

Step 5: Beat remaining 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar into mixture until just blended.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce for Fish

Ingredients

¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

⅓ cup butter, softened

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup chopped green onion

3 Tbs lemon juice

2 tsp dried dill weed (Optional)

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

2 dashes hot pepper sauce

Directions

Step 1: Mix Parmesan, 1/3 cup butter, mayonnaise, green onion, lemon juice, dill, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce in a medium bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Lay fish in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Cook under the preheated broiler until fish flakes easily with a fork, 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 4: Gently spread Parmesan mixture over fish; return to the oven and broil until topping is bubbly and lightly browned, about 2 more minutes.

Ground Beef Spinach Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 med onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste

1 (10 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 tsp dried oregano

2 dashes hot pepper sauce, or more to taste

salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 (10 oz) pkgs frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of celery soup

1 cup sour cream

1 (8 oz) pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook and stir in the hot skillet until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add mushrooms, oregano, hot sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add spinach, condensed soup, and sour cream; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and cover with mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes.

Sugar Snap Pea and Blueberry Salad

Ingredients

Salad:

1 pound sugar snap peas

1 ½ cups arugula-baby spinach combo

⅔ cup fresh blueberries

Dressing:

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup fresh blueberries

2 Tbs white balsamic vinegar

1 Tbs honey

1 Tbs slivered almonds

Directions

Step 1: Cut ends off snap peas and pull off the tough strings running up the sides.

Step 2: Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add snap peas, cover, and steam for 1 minute or until you reach desired tenderness. Don’t overcook because you still want a little crunch.

Step 3: Transfer peas to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to stop the cooking and retain the bright green color; drain well. Transfer peas to a large bowl and add arugulaspinach combo and 2/3 cup blueberries.

Step 4: Combine oil, blueberries, vinegar, and honey for dressing in a food processor or blender; process until smooth.

Spinach and Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients

1 Tbs butter

½ cup sliced green onions

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 large cooked chicken breast halves, diced

1 (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach - thawed, drained, and squeezed dry

½ tsp chili powder

¼ tsp ground black pepper

⅛ tsp salt

1 cup ricotta cheese

½ cup sour cream

1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

5 (10 inch) flour tortillas

2 (10 oz) cans enchilada sauce

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir green onions and garlic in butter until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Stir chicken, spinach, chili powder, black pepper, and salt into the green onion mixture and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese into chicken mixture until thoroughly combined. Reserve remaining Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses for topping.

Step 3: Place tortillas into a plastic bag, seal bag, and microwave on high until warm and soft, 30 to 45 seconds. Spoon about 3/4 cup of chicken filling down the center of each tortilla in a line. Roll tortillas around filling and place with seam sides down into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Pour enchilada sauce over filled enchiladas and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses over the top.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until filling is bubbling and cheese topping is browned at the edges, about 30 minutes.

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

6 Tbs butter

1 onion, thinly sliced

15 baby carrots, thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 ¼ cups chicken broth

2 Tbs chopped fresh basil

1 Tbs chopped fresh oregano

salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

Step 1: Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat; cook and stir onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in both amounts of

tomato sauce, chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Increase heat to medium and simmer until soup is reduced, 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Pour soup into a blender no more than half full. Cover and hold lid down; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend. Add cream. Continue to puree in batches until smooth, transferring creamy soup to another pot.

Step 3: Heat soup over medium-high heat until hot, about 5 minutes more.

Email:

Story and Photos by Wes Altom

Woods Tree Service

While the name is a perfect fit, there’s much more to this success story.

When Gene Woods reflects on the history of Woods Tree Service, it’s hard for him to believe he has been in business for 14 years. What began as a side business turned almost immediately into a full-time job, in large part due to a Texas drought, with demand for tree removal creating a surplus of work. Since then, Woods Tree Service has consistently grown, adding equipment, machinery, and employees to become a reputable, dependable, and hard-working company in the Huntsville, Texas area.

The business now has 7 full-time employees. Gene is quick to credit the success to hardworking long-term employees like Zach Woods (14 years) and Dewayne Woods (10 years). Junior and Mario are also key crew members. Part of Gene’s formula for success also includes bookkeeping and administrative help from his wife, Susie Woods. She works fulltime as a vice president for First Financial Bank, but lends her expertise to help Gene keep his focus on the field work.

“I’m proud of where I live and my local roots, and I bring that pride with me on the job.”

Gene Woods graduated from Huntsville High School in 1994, and he spent eight years working for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before pursuing his bachelor’s degree in political science at Sam Houston State University, graduating in 2007. A sixth-generation resident of Walker County, Gene has always thought it is important to support small business in his hometown. “I believe in spending money in the community. I shop locally—whether it’s a chainsaw or tractor or whatever. I’m proud of where I live and my local roots, and I bring that pride with me on the job. I especially appreciate Walker County Hardware, who has been a great partner in keeping my equipment up and running.”

Because of his heritage, the Woods name is well known in the Huntsville area, and Gene works hard to honor the positive reputation of his family. “The Woods are known to be an honest, hard-working people. That is in my blood, but there is no shortcut to success. I work hard day in and day out.”

The red spider at work

“My reputation means more to me than anything.”

Woods Tree Services provides free estimates, with no catches and no gimmicks. Gene does not believe in contracts, but rather believes in people and being true to his word. “My reputation means more to me than anything,” he explained. “I’m not going to ask you to pay me until the job is done, so I do business with a handshake and a gentleman’s agreement. Do what you say-and say what you mean.”

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES. GET SCREENED TODAY

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Our Doctors and team perform oral cancer screenings as part of our high quality of routine care. Our visits include a series of prevention assessments as our goal is for each patient to maintain the highest quality dental health and well-being!

Woods Tree Service offers tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, lot clearing, and hydro-mulching.

According to Gene, doing tree removal the right way is not always cheap, but it is an important choice for customers to make when selecting a tree service. “If a tree service doesn’t have the right equipment,

employees, safety practices, and insurance-the customer ends up at risk.” Gene is quick to credit Oliphant Tree Service, Martinez Tree Service, Elroy Hunter, and Treefrogs as worthy, reputable, local competitors who meet these standards.

Woods states one thing that differentiates him from other tree services in the area,

however, is his “red spider.” This selfpropelled bucket lift can make it through a walk gate as narrow as 36”, then extend its leg supports and elevate a worker to 83’. “We are the only service in this area with this type of equipment, which can provide access to areas a bucket truck can’t reach…AND it is safer for the workers than climbing the trees.”

Gene and Zach Woods pose with a customer’s truck

Submitted Photo

“Probably 90% of the dead pine trees we encounter are due to pine bark beetles,” said Gene. “The only way to get rid of them is to remove that tree. Failure to act means those

beetles will move on to the next pine tree.

Before you know it, you may be looking at four or five trees to remove instead of one.”

Spring is the busiest time of year for this company. As homeowners and businesses clean up their yards after winter, Woods Tree Service strives to be fully available to help whenever customers need them, including weekend work and even odd hours

BIG

OR

Jacob Paschal

Our attorneys have been staples of the legal community in Walker County and surrounding counties for many years.

DEDICATION

We are dedicated to helping clients during their time of need. We work hard for our clients, whether big or small.

ATTORNEYS YOU CAN TRUST

We will stand by you during each step of the legal process to help ensure you achieve the best results possible.

of the night. “I’ve gotten many calls in the middle of the night, or after a large storm comes through, when someone needs us immediately,” said Gene. “If, God forbid, a tree falls on someone’s house, we get there as fast as we can to remove the tree and use tarps to keep rain and mud out of the house. I’m always on call. The phone never stops ringing. I’m constantly multi-tasking, 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. But it’s work that I love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Woods Tree Service has many repeat customers, and Gene attributes that to his desire to get to know people and communicate effectively. Said Gene, “I like to stop in for a chat with my customers, and they like that I take my time with them. I can communicate with people where they’re at, at their level, and I think that contributes to our success as a company.”

Customers seem to agree.

Woods Tree Service and Gene are the BEST!! They do such a great job. We have trusted Gene with all our tree service needs since he has been in business. He is reliable, dependable, and extremely trustworthy.

Bluebirdhaven.com (936) 245-0057 Happily Ever After Begins Here Premier Wedding and Event Venue

Photo

by Jaimie Burrows

“A BIG thank you to all the customers for bringing me your business these last 14 years”

They have all the new types of equipment to get the job done efficiently. You can trust his crews to always take special care of your property. They are the ones to call for any tree service!

Nancy Hopper

Gene has been my family’s “go-to” tree guy for years. His crew has done work for myself, my parents, and many neighbors and friends. His professionalism, quality of work, and price make him the best in the business. He and his crew are always very prompt and respectful. I feel confident in recommending his service, because he always exceeds expectations.

Robert Ernst, Ernst Jewelers

There are several great tree companies in

Huntsville. We are friends with most of them. My husband has known Gene Woods his entire life. For fast, efficient service, he calls Gene. Where else can you get a tree cut down, removed completely from the property, and be entertained by Gene as well? Good people, good work, and a good price.

Lisa Love, Reo Spice

And the feeling is mutual. Gene loves his customers, as well. “A BIG thank you to all the customers for bringing me your business these last 14 years,” stated Gene. “Your customers are what makes you, and I appreciate their loyalty and faith in me to perform work for them.”

Gene also pointed out he values his long-

term advertising relationship with Postcards. “I read the magazine, and I really appreciate the business focus articles, because they help me learn about who I can and should do business with locally.”

Woods Tree Service works primarily in Walker, Madison, Trinity, and San Jacinto Couties. Gene wants to keep the company local, ensuring he keeps the quality of work high. “I only hire good, local, hard-working people,” said Gene. “I love that we’re a small, local, family-owned business.”

He laughed as he added, “With a name like ‘Woods,’ this was fate since the beginning!”

Woods Tree Service can be reached anytime at (936) 661-8180.

From the Mouths of Babes

For several days, Norah has been asking to watch “Turkey Leaves.” I could not figure out what this was. We had been looking at old movies on Disney, so I thought she was exchanging Turkey for Chicken and suggested “Chicken Little.” That wasn’t it. I literally did a Google search for a new movie called Turkey Leaves.

Exasperated, I asked Juliet if she knew what Norah was talking about. She said, “Yes! Turkey Leaves! That’s the one she saw on Disney+.”

Finally, a light bulb went off. I said, “Norah, do you mean Hercules?” “Yes! Turkey Leaves!”

Kara Tipton

Xander (age 7): Can I bring Sharky (stuffed animal) for the Me: You can bring him in the car, but make sure you don’t bring out of the car when we get there.

Xander: I know; I’ve already had a talk with him and adjusted expectations.

Garrett

Jonah (age 8): How about this? I’ll be Burger King, and McDonalds…I’ll be doing it my way, and you’ll be loving it.

Wildlife Wonders

THE TOP DOG

By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Preserve Board of Directors

As youngsters, we are told to be afraid of the “big bad wolf”…but in reality, wolves don’t see us as prey, and attacks on humans are very rare.

Although you won’t find wolves in Texas, it’s interesting to know they were once a necessary and important part of the state’s ecosystem. Both red and gray wolves were abundant in Texas, with red wolves occupying the eastern half of the state and gray wolves in the west. Extensive hunting, trapping, and habitat loss led to a rapid decline in their numbers. They are now considered extinct in Texas, but I thought you might like to learn a few things about this fascinating animal.

The two wolf species that roamed Texas were the southeastern red wolf and the gray wolf. There was also a subspecies of the gray wolf called the Mexican gray wolf or “Lobo,” which is the Spanish word for wolf.

Wolves travel and hunt in small packs usually consisting of a male, his female mate, and their young from both the current breeding season and past seasons. The leaders of the pack, Mom and Dad, are sometimes referred to as the “alpha” wolves, although some think the word “alpha” is outdated. L. David Mech, a renowned biologist, discourages the use of the word and explains that the “alpha” couple are just parents to the wolves in the pack.

For the most part, wolves are monogamous and will stay with each other for life. Occasionally, however, the male parent has a wandering eye and may cheat. If a partner dies, and after a mourning period, the other one will eventually find a new mate. New packs are formed when a wolf leaves the pack and finds a mate. They breed, and a new pack is formed.

Wolves breed once a year, and the gestation period is about 63 days. The female will normally give birth to 4 to 6 pups, and the pups are born blind and deaf. Interestingly, all wolves in the pack care for the young. The pups nurse from their mother, but between 5 and 10 weeks of age, they will begin eating regurgitated food from the others in the pack. They begin to hunt at 6 months of age and are considered adults at 2 years old. In the wild, their lifespan is only 5 to 6 years.

Wolves don’t really howl at the full moon (like some believe), but they do howl as a way of communicating with each other. Their hearing is 20 times better than ours, and they can hear a fellow wolf howling 10 miles away. Wolves have other ways of communicating as well-like growling, barking, and whimpering. Body language is used, too--like posturing, using facial expressions, and eye contact.

Wolves are carnivores. They prefer large, hooved animals like elk, moose, and deer, but will also prey on beavers, rabbits, and rodents, along with fish and even birds.

It is believed our beloved family dogs are decendants of wolves. For the most part, scientists believe domesticated dogs evolved from gray wolves over 15,000 years ago. It remains a mystery when and where wolves began to evolve into dogs and with what group of humans. Looking at some of the dog breeds like tiny chihuahuas and fluffy pomeranians, it’s hard to believe they are relatives of wolves. Though their physical appearance doesn’t resemble wolves, their genetic makeup remains similar to that of a wolf. There are some dog breeds, however, that are genetically closest to wolves. They are the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky, the Shiba Inu, the Pekingese, the Saluki, the Afghan Hound, the Chow Chow, and the Shih Tzu.

We can thank wolves for giving us our faithful furry companions. The next time you hug your dog, you’re really hugging a domesticated wolf. Pretty amazing, wouldn’t you say?

Jolie Great Grandchild of Larry Pizzino

Nora Nokes Grandchild of Mike & Tammie Nokes

Savannah Rose Cutchen Great Grandchild of Steve & Candy Owen

Covenant Fellowship Come as you are !

Bible Study: Sunday Mornings, 9:30 am

Worship Time: Sunday Mornings, 10:30 am

Celebrate Recovery: Tuesdays, 7 pm

Church Email: covenantpastor@gmail.com

Church Website: cfhuntsville.org

Address: 606 FM 1791 N. • Huntsville

Church Phone: (936) 435-0993

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:23

Lead Pastor: David Valentine

By: Kristy Titzman, Walker County Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu 936-435-2426

Walker County 4-H is Ready for the 2024 Walker County Fair!

The first week in April is an exciting time for Walker County 4-H members. This is the week of the 2024 Walker County Fair and is the culmination of many hours of hard work where each member can showcase their efforts in many different competitions. From baked and canned goods to ag mechanics projects and (of course) market animal projects, 4-H members will be in attendance in droves to find out the fruits of their labors.

The week will kick off with the baked and canned goods competition on March 29. On Saturday, April 6, the winners of this competition will be awarded during the NonLivestock Auction. Kids are also participating with their Ag Mechanics projects, Art projects, and Horticulture projects, which are also awarded during the Non-Livestock Auction.

Some 4-H members have been diligently working with the sewing projects and will be competing on April 2. Some will be giving a style show with the wearable garments they made, and others will be showcasing the quilts they’ve been working on all year. There is a style show and awards ceremony for these kids on Tuesday, April 2 at 3:30pm,

and we would like to invite everyone to come take a look at their completed entries.

Many Walker County 4-H members will be exhibiting market animal projects at the Walker County Fair. No doubt, they would love to have a large audience while showcasing their efforts. Dates for all the shows can be found on the fair website www. walkercountyfair.com Below is a summary of our member participation.

The excitement of the Premium Sale for the top 15 placings in all the market shows will be held on April 4 at 7:00 pm and the Premium Non-livestock Auction is scheduled for Saturday, April at 12:00 pm. 4-H members excitedly participate in the premium auction in hopes of receiving premiums for their efforts. Many of these kids put their winnings into college savings to help ensure they are able to attend college after graduation.

The County Fair is the most attended event for Walker County 4-H members and is the pinnacle event for our 4-H clubs. Show your support for these kids; come check it out and see what Walker County 4-H members are up to!

Walker County Fair March 29-April 6, 2024. www.walkercountyfair.com

For information about Walker County 4-H, please contact Kristy Titzman at 936-4352426 or kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu.

To Be a Man

by Rick Smith

To be a man, we think we have to take on the world. Or to be a man, we have to have all the girls.

To be a man is to be self-sufficient; depending on no one, to be independent.

Being a man is to have great strength, not caring about what anyone thinks.

I was that man, but I always felt lost… until I met The Man that took on the cross.

He took on the cross to take on our sin. That’s what makes Him The Man above men.

He did this deed for you and for me— now that’s the man we should all strive to be.

April 2024

Thru 6

CALENDAR

5-21

Huntsville

Walker County Fair & Rodeo walkercountyfair.com

Thru 8

Dallas

Dallas Blooms dallasarboretum.org

Thru 14

Houston

“Dog Man: The Musical” crightontheatre.org

Thru 31

Palestine

Piney Woods Vintage Train Rides texasstaterailroad.net

5-6

Cleveland

Rummage Sale fumcclevelandtx.org

Huntsville

Bill Watrous Jazz Festival shsu.universitytickets.com

5-7

Galveston

Steampunk Festival galvestonsteampunk.com

Houston

FOODIELAND Food Festival nrgpark.com

5-14

Palestine “Sister Act” thetexastheater.com

Conroe

“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” crightontheatre.org

6

Montgomery MISD Education Foundation Spring Soiree montgomeryisdef.org

Nacogdoches

Spring Brewfest nacbrewclub.org

Port Arthur

Cajun Heritage Festival visitportarthurtx.com

6 – May 26

Waxahachie

Scarborough Renaissance Festival srfestival.com

10-13

Conroe

“The Spongebob Musical” lonestar.edu/ticket-info

11-13

Huntsville

“Vive La Commedia!” shsu.universitytickets.com

11-14

Houston

Disney on Ice: “Magic in the Stars” nrgpark.com

12

11-21

Conroe

Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo mcfa.org

Huntsville

Jimmy Fortune oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

12-13

Spring

Joy of Quilting 2024 Quilt Show kleinumc-piecemakers.com

Tomball

Art Show & Sale thetomballartleague.com

12-14

Poteet

Strawberry Festival strawberryfestival.com

The Woodlands

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

thewoodlandsartcouncil.org

13

Bryan Street and Art Fair destinationbryan.com/art-fair

Conroe

“Space: The Final Frontier” conroesymphony.org

Huntsville

2024 Lane Smith Classic alphaomegaacademy.org

2024 Rotary Winequest: Fantasy Island winequestrotary.org

SHSU Alumni Food Drive

https://www.surveymonkey.com /r/NGZSDL7

WELCOMES NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

Mr. Donald E. Jackson

Mr. Jackson has and is currently serving as the Head of Grammar School for AOA. Mr. Jackson will continue his role as Head of Grammar until the completion of the 20232024 academic year while simultaneously working with current Interim Head of School, Nolan Neugebauer, to create a seamless transition.

Mr. Jackson has 36 years’ experience as an educator with 22 years in school leadership. He plans to draw on the foundation of the past Head of School leaders to further the mission of a Christ-centered, classical education at AOA.

We extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire AOA family for their patience in making this decision, the search committee for their diligence and experience, the staff for their input, the continued support through the transition, and the community’s prayers.

Mustard Seed Moments

by Ruth Fields

Are We Dishwasher Safe?

When my husband retired in 2023, he offered to help me with some of the many household tasks I had been doing alone. Because I hate to unload the dishwasher, I suggested he might want to take over this task. I congratulated myself for being so clever.

What I soon discovered, however, is that hubs didn’t know where everything in the kitchen was supposed to go. When in doubt, he put items in whatever spots seemed handy. After he unloaded the dishwasher, I often had to go on Easter egg hunts to find things in the kitchen. Clearly, we needed to talk.

My intent is not to bash my brave, hard-working, smart, funny, loyal spouse; however, his dishwasher-unloading technique reminds me of a much greater issue. We humans like to do things our own way. We take matters into our own hands, sometimes bending God’s laws to our own benefit. We make excuses, forgetting that God’s rules do not shift with time. (“I the Lord do not change.” – Malachi 3:6.)

Once I started digging, I found many verses that warn us to stay true to God’s Word. For example, Deuteronomy 5:32 says, “So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.”

I love the way the Bible, with its poetic language, often compares our Christian experience to a walk. The Bible tells us that Noah “walked with God,” and we all know the rest of the story. King Solomon, considered the wisest person in the world during his lifetime on earth, used a similar analogy in Proverbs 4:26-27: “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

This is (of course) easier said than done, but I believe we should all strive to maintain a straight path. I’m sure my husband will agree (as long as I don’t ask him to change the way he unloads the dishwasher).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Alpha Omega Academy is proud to announce our newest Head of School, Mr. Donald E. Jackson.