20 Questions - 27
Along the Road - 46
Community Calendar - 80
Creative Corner - 53
Dear Gabby - 20
From Our Readers - 6
From the Mouth of Babes - 78
Garden Post, The - 48
Giggles & Grins - 73
FAVORITES
Glorious Grandkids - 22
Kidding Around - 60
Let’s Celebrate - 12
Medical Matters - 36
Milestones - 74
Mustard Seed Moments - 82
Pet Pals - 38
Publisher’s Post - 9
Puzzle Solutions - 52
“Seens” from our World - 28 Snapshots! - 65
Star Students - 24
Sudoku Marketplace - 50
Teachers Touching Tomorrow - 26
Things My Granddaddy Said - 79
What Are You Reading - 10
What’s Cookin’? - 54
From Our Readers
World War II Veterans
I just finished reading your May issue of Postcards that I received yesterday. I enjoy your publication each month. Your Publisher’s Post article about Mr. Buck Sloan has prompted me to respond with this message. As a U.S. Marine, I attend the Lone Star Honor Flight Veterans Group meeting and breakfast every Wednesday morning. Our group is honored to have a couple of World War II veterans present almost every Wednesday that share the same June 6th birthday. Mr. Putman will turn 106 and Mr. George Watters will be 103 years old on JUNE 6, 2024! They both reside in Conroe and it would be great if you could give them a “shout out” next month in the Postcards
What’s the odds that Mr. Sloan has a June 6 birthday as well?
Stan Zinn
From all of us at Postcards Magazine, we hope both Mr. Putman and Mr. Waters had a wonderful day! We are so thankful for your service!
To Postcards Editor:
Ruth Fields’ article in your May (2024) issue of Postcards titled ”Heritage Museum of Montgomery County” attracted my attention because of a family connection to the museum.
Velma Steely Warner, my mother, purchased a Singer treadle machine the year she was married (1940). Mom was a proficient seamstress and she made most all of the clothing my sister and I wore during our childhoods. Both Doris (Warner) Phelps and I learned how to sew on the treadle, proudly displayed in one corner of our three-bedroom home.
Shortly before Mom died in 2011, Doris (who moved to Conroe in 1969 with her husband) asked mom if she could donate our family’s sewing machine to the museum because of its historical value. I hope your readers will enjoy their trips to a well-stocked historical treasure in Montgomery County.
Laverne Warner
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Publisher’s Post
Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com
Tea for Two
There’s an old saying: “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” Wes and I just returned from a lengthy trip across the pond. We spent time in France, Italy, and Greece doing some research and learning for future articles, as well as taking time to recharge our batteries while seeing this historic part of the world.
We planned to be gone for several weeks and felt we were as well-prepared as we could be, given we had never been to this part of the world before. Passports, one suitcase each, Tide pods for laundry. Check. Check. Check. Since we knew Tex-Mex was not to be had over there, we even made sure our last meal before getting on the plane was Mexican food. We were set.
I could write an entire column just on the food we experienced…croissants and soufflés in Paris...pastas, Bolognese sauce, and gelato in Italy...gyros, Sfakianopita, and baklava in Greece. We also drank a lot of water--which we knew was good for us--but my goodness we missed iced tea! (I also missed my Diet Dr. Pepper, but mostly I just wished for more ice…in everything!) We were about 10 days into our trip when Wes decided to make a run to the laundromat. (Side note: if you go to Italy, be aware, laundromats are few and far between.) While he was gone, I decided to surprise him and make a pitcher of tea. Our hotel room had a water kettle I could heat water in. I knew there were tea bags downstairs in the dining room, so all I needed was ice and a pitcher.
I approached the dining room manager and shared my request. She excitedly told me, “No problem! In fact, you do not need to do that. I have tea with lemon in a can right here!” She seemed taken aback when I explained that was not the kind of tea my husband liked…and he also did not like lemon in his tea. I told her what I needed to do was quite simple; I just needed a carafe or something to stir it in. That was all. Still wanting to help, she asked if she could make it for me. Not wanting to be rude, but also knowing she did not understand, I winked and said, “Sure! If you can do it right!” Her face gave away she was not positive she could deliver, so she told me she would be right back.
A few minutes later she appeared from the kitchen pushing a little cart. On it was a thermal pitcher filled with hot water, a carafe with a long stirring stick, tea bags, a champagne bucket filled with ice, and a tiny platter of chocolate cookies. I was overwhelmed by her kindness and thanked her profusely. Needless to say, Wes was amazed when he returned and there was a pitcher of iced tea in our hotel room. I feel sure he would tell you, he had never had tea that tasted so good.
It reminded me, once again, to enjoy the simple things we often take for granted in our day-to-day life. Our joys are different from those of others, but helping each other find that joy makes our days so much more fulfilling. We are happy to be home…but now I sure do miss croissants!
Ciao! Until next time,
~ Karen
Texas Burger
Celebrating 51 years
Founded 1973
See their ad on page 62
Advantage Specialties
Celebrating 40 years
Founded 1984
See their ad on page 50
Logan & Fritsch Dentistry
Celebrating 39 years
Founded 1985
See their ad on page 33
Precision Pest Control
Celebrating 39 years
Founded 1985
See their ad on page 46
Glyna & Ray Brown, PC
Celebrating 35 years
Founded 1989
See their ad on page 51
Mr. Brasil’s Paint & Remodeling
Celebrating 17 years
Founded 2007
See their ad on page 43
The Wells Team
Celebrating 4 years
Founded 2020
See their ad on page 35
Stampede Coatings
Celebrating 4 years
Founded 2020
See their ad on page 27
All Star Dog Lodge & Spaw
Celebrating 2 years
Founded 2022
See their ad on page 24
Bible Study: Sunday Mornings, 9:30 am
Worship Time: Sunday Mornings, 10:30 am
Celebrate Recovery: Tuesdays, 7 pm
Do You Know?
Story By Lauren Swonke
Kati Krouse
A passion leads to education and a lifework serving animals and communities.
Photos by Marshall Altom
BEARS Etc. (Kati’s non-profit organization) has plans to develop a bear and exotic animal rescue sanctuary. They’re currently searching for the perfect place to build their rescue campus. They’ve identified large plats of land and are hopeful this dream will become a reality through fundraising efforts.
As a young girl who loved bears (and played with My Little Ponies instead of Barbies), Kati Krouse had no idea where her love for animals would take her. Her work has led her around the country, caring for and rescuing animals that have been exploited, neglected, and abused. With years of education and experience, dreams and plans that stretch a mile high, and a heart as big as Texas, Krouse is the founder and executive director of BEARS Etc. (Bear and Exotic Animal Rescue Sanctuary), based out of Walker County. Over her lifetime, she and her husband Ambrose have been a part of rescuing over 500 animals. This includes rescuing seven Asian leopard cats out of Houston and transporting them to a facility in Mississippi; rescuing and relocating five bears out of northeast Texas to Nevada; and moving a Savannah cat to a sanctuary in Oregon. They currently care for a variety of rescued turtles and tortoises, a flock of parakeets, and a number of other animals that make up the “etcetera” of their organization. When she’s not rescuing wild animals, Kati is looking after pets through her
business, Dog-E Dude Ranch. The couple moved to Texas in 2014; BEARS Etc. was founded in 2017; and the Krouses have been hard at work for animals all along the way. How did you get started with animals?
I’m a fifth-generation farmer. I grew up in northeast Indiana. After high school, I went to vet tech school at Purdue and minored in wildlife management and natural resources. My specialty for vet tech school was exotics. I worked at a veterinary hospital. Exotics and wildlife don’t show they’re sick until they’re really sick. I wanted to be the frontline of defense for these animals. Also, during high school, I was an intern at what was then Black Pine Animal Park. It came full circle after vet tech school when I became the manager there. They turned into a true animal sanctuary. They don’t buy, sell, breed, trade, or use animals for entertainment. Becoming the manager opened my eyes to more of the exotic pet trade, not just the pet store part of it. We’re talking about people purchasing tigers and bears for pets; how many backyard menageries there are across
the U.S.; and how many people are keeping these animals for pets across the country. There’s such a need for more sanctuariesspecifically for bears. Not many people want to do bears.
Why do you think bear sanctuaries are uncommon?
Bears dig, climb, and are very active. Big cats sleep 20-24 hours a day. They don’t require all the things bears do. Bear’s muscles are nine times denser than man’s, so they destroy things very easily. They’re smart like primates and elephants, so they go and test
things. When you build them something new, or give them new enrichment, the first thing they think is, ‘how can I break this?’. And they do! Having dig guards and hot wire - it just takes a lot more. You can build a tiger habitat
for $20,000, but it takes anywhere from $50,000- $80,000 to build a bear habitat to contain them. The enrichment to keep them mentally well is an all-day thing as well. A lot of facilities won’t take them because they’re
so expensive. They live 30-35 years in captivity, whereas a big cat will only live 15-20.
What kind of work do you do?
We work on passing legislation, education, and rescuing animals. I do a lot of speaking engagements. I train animal control officers on how to respond to exotic animal calls. I’m speaking this fall at Texas Animal Control Association. My talks are approved for continuing education credits. We educate the public. We go into schools and talk to kids about how dogs and cats are pets, not bears and tigers.
What is one of the main reasons people take on exotic animals as pets?
The biggest factor is social media - Youtube, Instagram. They see people with these animals and they’re like, “Oh, I can do that.” We’re seeing more and more incidents in Yellowstone [National Park] and places like that where people try to pet the fluffy cows or try to take selfies with mama bears. They’re seeing people interact with these animals on social media and try to do the same. Tell about some of the animals BEARS Etc. has rescued.
To some, it seems silly that we have a flock of 56 parakeets, but they were released in February 2020 into a park down in Houston. They had no food, and they were freezing cold; at that point, it had been the coldest February on record. [Their release was] part of a ceremony for good luck and good karma. To save these animals’ lives, we went
down and caught 56 parakeets, thinking we would adopt them out. In the first four weeks, we lost three to kidney failure. They’d been neglected at the breeder prior to being released. We had to take them to A&M for necropsy. We said, “We can’t adopt these out, because we can’t adopt out a potentially sick animal.” We kept them all.
We have a one-eyed, one-legged Ringneck parrot. We call her our pirate parrot. They’d seen videos on social media of cats with birds, and then their cat attacked it. One of the tortoises we have was raised in an aquarium. It was only fed head lettuce and lived without UV lights. It has deformities and metabolic bone disease. Those are the animals we take in and provide care for their entire lives. If we can’t place it, we network around the country to find permanent placement through our connections.
What about bears?
I get contacted by zoos and other facilities to help them improve the lives of their bears with enrichment, dietary support, and habitat improvements. I’m consulting with a zoo in Illinois right now with two bears that aren’t getting along to determine if the situation can be workable or if we’ll have to transport one to a new facility because they just won’t get along.
What do you see for the future of BEARS Etc.?
First, we want to change mindsets through education by showing people what animals look like in their natural habitats--not the concrete, the caging, or people on social
media having them do different things-getting to see them live as wildly as possible. Our slogan is “Giving people and animals a ‘peace’ of the wild.” We want to give them the visuals, the sounds, and that mindset to actually see animals in the wild with largeacreage habitats. Secondly, we want to have an economic impact on our community. To have 50,000 visitors a year--for our small businesses, to eat in our local restaurants and shop in our local stores--that would be amazing. That’s probably one of the things I’m most excited for, being a small businessowner myself. Third, we want to have a place to go where guests don’t have to fight traffic to come see the animals.
Krouse is quick to share that she doesn’t judge those who surrender their animals for placement with BEARS Etc. “I’ve been a licensed wildlife rehabber. I’ve done a lot of
different things in the animal world…and saving and changing lives of humans and animals, I think, is my greatest impact, and how I’ll leave the world better than I found it,” she said.
BEARS Etc. is in need of volunteers for animal care, transport, and fundraising. If an individual has (or is aware of) an exotic or wild animal and would like help in re-homing that animal, contact 832-779-0442 or email info@bearsetc. org. Visit bearsetc.org or facebook.com/ bearsetc for more information.
You have to love Texas! I wear driving gloves in the winter so I can stand to touch the steering wheel, and I wear driving gloves in the summer so I can stand to touch the steering wheel! Independence Day is July 4th, and let’s think about what the holiday actually stands for. Let freedom ring! Patriotism is not about fireworks set off by drunken people you normally wouldn’t trust with a glow stick. Neither is patriotism an act of one day; it is an emotion you live 365 days. Have a fun, safe, and happy Fourth of July, but always remember freedom is never given, it is won. Let’s give thanks for those who make freedom possible for all of us. Send your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.
DEAR GABBY
I started my month off by receiving a speeding ticket. I was very respectful and was given a warning ticket, probably because I’d never had a ticket before and the speed I was driving was lower than my age. The young man was very kind to this old lady, and I was tempted to joke with him, but was afraid it might not be appropriate. What do you think?
LEAD FOOT WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR
DEAR LFWASOH
I think, the next time you are stopped, you shouldn’t change a thing! Never argue with success. Some officers are susceptible to a good joke, and some are not…and a ‘good joke’ is very much a matter of perception. I tried joking with an officer once, asking him if he would give his mother a ticket under the same circumstances. When he answered, “Only if I had backup,” I decided to drop the subject. He didn’t drop the ticket, but I deserved it.
GABBY
DEAR GABBY
There’s been a lot of coverage in the news lately about UFOs (unidentified flying objects) or the new term, UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), with eyewitnesses and videos to back them up. I’ve never seen anything in the sky that couldn’t be explained. Do you believe in extraterrestrials or their vehicles?
SEEING IS BELIEVING
DEAR NON-SEEING IS NON-BELIEVING
You are not alone. No; not in that way…in not believing. In my customary five minutes of internet research about the subject of the day, the Pentagon website headline reads: Pentagon study finds no sign of alien life in reported UFO sightings going back decades We all know everything on the internet is true, so don’t give it another thought. I agree with cartoonist (Calvin & Hobbes) Bill Watterson. He said the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us. Google said it, so you can surely believe it.
GABBY
Glorious Grandkids
Madison Grekstas Grandchild of Randy & Joyce Parrish
Ezra Grandchild of Denese & Peter Rancharan
Lavina Grandchild of Iris & Jesus Campa
Don’t be afraid of your Freedom!
As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s spend some time talking about freedom. 248 years ago, several brave men stepped into a dangerous position by signing a document declaring freedom from the rule of Britian. I am not sure that any of us can truly understand the courage it took to sign that document. By signing, those men put themselves in direct conflict with one of, if not the, most powerful countries and militaries of the time. Since that time, brave men and women have repeatedly stepped forward to defend our freedom all over the world. What are we doing with the freedom we have been gifted?
We, as Americans, have the unique opportunity to build whatever life we can dream up for ourselves. Our government and economic system, while far from perfect, allows us the latitude to take as much or as little risk in our lives as we deem appropriate. If the risks we take provide for financial return, we get to keep the vast majority of that reward. Make no mistake, this is the best system in the world! Our system fosters a community of innovation that much of the world does not understand or have the opportunity to participate in. This is not to say that the risk taken always works out the way we want. But, if not, we have the freedom to regroup and start again.
So, what do you want your life to look like?
Take the freedom you have been gifted and start designing something great. Your design will not be the same as mine, but that is the beauty of having the freedom to make something truly unique to yourself. It often starts with and end in mind. Those are the goals that we need to work toward every day. Spend some time really thinking about what makes you happy. This may be an exercise with your partner to identify what you jointly want life to be. Once you have identified your goal, then it is time to get to work.
We can help. We work with people like you to help work toward the life they have designed for themselves. We will take your design and help break it down to smaller actionable steps. We will then help you monitor progress as you work toward your end goals. If you are ready to get started, call for a no obligation consultation.
Happy Independence Day – Enjoy your Freedom!
Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP®
Evelyn Joyce Williams Grandchild of Randy & Joyce Parrish and Ann Williams
Charlie, Jaxon, Allie, & Harrison Grandchildren of Shelly Corigliano & Danny Ferraro
Star Students
Favorite Movie: Fast and Furious
Favorite Music/Artist: Southall
Favorite Food: Steak
Nathan Hughes
New Waverly High School
Coleman Dougherty
Huntsville High School
Favorite Movie: Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick
Favorite Music/Artist: Worship Music
Favorite Food: My Mom’s Noodles
Favorite Quote: “Do you not know that in a race all runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:24
Favorite Quote: “Fear is a mile wide and an inch deep.”
Nathan is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the son of Joel and Chrystal Hughes. His activities included wrestling. Nathan plans to become an entrepreneur. He believes, “State the facts and tell the truth.”
Coleman is a 2024 graduate of Huntsville High School and is the son of Matt and Brandi Dougherty. His activities included earning Region 3 District 11-5A Academic All-District, Texas High School Honors Program, certified welder in American Welding Association, varsity wrestling, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, certified lifeguard, and active in his church and as a community volunteer. Coleman will attend Sam Houston State University to pursue a degree in engineering technology. He believes, “To lead is to serve and show forgiveness.”
Brianna Cardenas
New Waverly High School
Favorite Movie: Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
Favorite Music/Artist: Ivan Cornejo
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Quote: “You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin
Brianna is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the daughter of Norma Avila. Her activities included National Beta Club, NHS, student council, class officer, UIL Academics, UIL Athletics, and UIL One Act Play. Brianna plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She believes, “Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.”
Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump
Grayson Galvan
New Waverly High School
Favorite Music/Artist: Country / Zach Bryan
Favorite Food: Fajitas
Favorite Quote: “Well done is better than well said.” –Benjamin Franklin
Grayson is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the son of Holly Galvan and Rafael Galvan. His activities included FFA and wrestling. Grayson plans to attend MIAT College of Technology and become an aircraft mechanic. He believes, “Quality over quantity.”
Twenty Questions
Emily O’Rear Director of Fun TomFoolery’s Pizza
This guy started his own fan club. Seen by: PC Staff
Local Treasures
A little bit of this…a little bit of that...a whole lot of history, and a place unlike anywhere else in the world.
Story and Photos by Karen Altom
Snug on a corner in Madisonville, with a door facing either North Madison or West Cottonwood Streets (depending on your approach), sits the Madison County Museum. Opened 20 years ago, this beautiful building once housed the United States Post Office, the First National Bank of Madisonville, and (in my high school days) the Krazy Kat, a dance club for local kids. Entering the doors took me back to my youth, as did the group I sat down to interview. Each of them was a vibrant part of life in Madisonville as I grew up: Laura Cannon, Museum Curator; Bonne Hendrix, Board Chairperson; Dave Ward, Vice Chair; and Nancy Page, “Volunteer Extraordinaire” and the first official “staffer” of the Museum.
I asked the group, “How did someone decide this needed to happen?” and (almost in unison) they replied, “Sonny. Sonny Knight did it.” According to Ward, “He had gotten this building from a legal case in lieu of payment and was trying to figure out what he could do with it. We got together with Patsy Strawther (she and Charles had lots of antiques), and we talked to Dwight and Donnie Karm (who were experienced in restoring old buildings), and it went from there! Patsy got together a meeting of some folks including Elayne Campbell, Jim Day “Budgie” Burke, and others. We originally all met at courthouse and gauged interest, then we started contacting folks and raising funds. We had raised all the money to restore it before we started.” Nearby plaques list many of the names who helped make the museum
a reality.
As Ms. Cannon (she was my 4th grade teacher, so I can only call her that) gave me the tour, I was amazed by the amazing variety of items and the memories and conversations they spurred. Here is a small sampling:
MUST SEE
• A special display honoring Madison County son Truman Kimbro, who was awarded the Medal of Honor (since 1871, fewer than 3,500 have received the award). In a letter to his sisters, he told them “I know you’re mad I’m not there this Christmas, but I will be next year.” He died three days later with a group trying to mine a crossroads in Belgium to stop the German attack.
• “Kansas” Quilt. Donated by a woman in Kansas whose ancestors are buried at Park Cemetery. The quilt states it was made in the 1880s in Madisonville and probably went to Kansas in a wagon. It is almost unreal how beautiful it is for its age.
• Huge cache of arrowheads, spear heads and stone tools found by Milton Reynolds in 1938 when plowing in his cornfield in Elwood near Midway. These items are on loan to the Museum from the Reynolds family.
Flag designed by Madison County resident Reygan Farris Richardson when she was in 3rd grade
Part of the Truman Kimbro display
Beautiful “Kansas” quilt
Ancient stone tools unearthed in a field near Midway.
• From the old Woodbine hotel - one of very first phone booths in Madison County. According to Cannon, “Kids think it’s so weird anyone ever closed a door to talk on the phone.”
FIRSTS
• Harold Gene Wells (always in the oil industry) donated a piece of very first pipeline ever laid in United States. The line was pulled up around 2012.
• The motor from the first A/C in Madisonville. It was in the old Corral Café building located on Hwy. 75. According to the technician, “it is strong enough to air condition this building today if we could hook it to electricity.”
• Concerts and Dancing Venue • Weddings and Showers • Art Retreats • Church Retreats • Couple Retreats • Custom Outings • And more!!!
Photo by Jaimie Burrows
Sign outside the phone booth. Take a step inside! A piece of the first oil pipeline laid in the U.S. This motor ran the first air conditioning building in Madisonville.
With so many items come great stories. One favorite was related when we stopped at Dempsey Allphin’s uniform from World War II. I learned their pants didn’t have a zipper because they made noise that might allow the enemy to hear you. Allphin was the
WWII uniform of Dempsey Allphin
author of “Two of Us Ain’t Goin’” written about his wartime duties in the European Theater as Administrative Assistant to Major General Mark Clark; Major General Lloyd Fredendall; Lt. General George S. Patton; Lt. General Omar N. Bradley; Lt. General Courtney H. Hodges; and Major General William B. Kean. According to Cannon, when the war was nearly over, he got to Bryan and just wanted to sleep in his momma’s house. He bribed a police officer to take him to North Zulch, and a mile or two out of town slipped him a five and asked if he’d turn on the siren. He said they woke up the whole town, and his momma met him crying on the front steps. Another story from WW2 took place in the Philippines. Cannon said, “Jarmon Shaffer (who grew up here) was on a ship where they dumped the guys on a beach and were told to find a foxhole and fight. Unfortunately, the enemy slit his throat, but his officer was nearby and held him together until they got him to a medical ship. Jarmon said later in an interview that he thought he was crazy or dead for three days, because Dr. Heath kept doctoring him. Amazingly enough, it turned out to be OUR Dr. J.B. Heath. Both
Madisonville men were thrilled to run into someone from home while in the Philippines.”
SCHOOLS
• Class photos and school memorabilia from schools I never knew existed in Madison County. I also learned Madisonville’s colors were not always red and blue! They were green and gold in the late 1920s.
• A variety of old varsity letter jackets brought back memories, while an FFA Jacket belonging to my cousin Bubba Farris brought tears to my eyes.
• There was even an MHS Class of 1982 shirt (and yep, my name was on it)!
AND SO MUCH MORE….
From cabinets saved when the old courthouse burned to a Madison County Historical Commission flag designed by Reygan Farris Richardson, the Madison County Museum has enough variety to interest everyone, whether you have ties to the county or not.
When I asked the group to name their favorite thing in the museum the answers were as different as they are. Ms. Cannon said she thinks it would be the Junior High group photos. My Aunt Nancy said she loves all of it, but especially the Yearbooks. Mr. Ward thinks the Kimbro display is the most noteworthy, and Mrs. Hendrix said she thinks the Historical Commission flag, because it’s “us.”
The Museum is currently doing a display on Madison County families and will soon be doing an exhibit on area churches. A photo of the old North Madison Church of Christ building began the telling of stories from the group including the one about how my parents met on the steps of that building.
When asked about needs and the future, the group answered: Volunteers and Donations. Ms. Cannon said, “Even one volunteer doing one hour a week would be so helpful! I got involved in 2015. I think I was bored! I started coming down here with Vivienne Chambless. Jane (Colwell) was here then and she wasn’t a computer person but I knew I could help do that. That was in 2015 and I’m still enjoying it. When I get in a bind and need help I call Nancy.
Finances are always a concern. “Even though we aren’t open many hours, we still have electric, water, and phone bills,” said Ward. “One way people give is through memorials when someone dies. We also want to encourage annual memberships. They are only $50 for a family and help to preserve the history of our county.”
When asked if there are any specific things they are looking for to be loaned or donated, Ms. Cannon said, “If it’s unusual and historic, we would love to see it. We have a great need to be more selective in what we take because if it’s headed to dump we probably don’t need it!”
One of my childhood friends, Nancy Park Jolly, said, “People just have no idea how cool it is to grow up in Madisonville.” I can now say, “Make a visit to the Madison County Museum, and they just might find out!”
HOURS: Wed-Sat 10 am - 2 pm
ADMISSION: Free / Donations
LOCATION: 201 N. Madison St., Madisonville
MAIL DONATIONS TO: PO Box 61, Madisonville, TX 77864
CONTACT: madcomuseum@hotmail.com or (936) 348-5230
FACEBOOK: Madison County Museum
Centuries old file cabinet from the previous courthouse. Because it was in a vault, it was saved when the courthouse burned.
By Kyle Mueller. MD
How to Get Better Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s because the amount of quality sleep you get affects everything.
“Restoring your sleep quality is crucial for your mental well-being, daytime productivity, quality of life, and overall health,” said Dr. Kyle Mueller, a family medicine doctor at Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Spring. “Getting less than seven hours of sleep each night puts you at risk for serious, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.”
But the real victim of a lack of sleep is your brain.
When you are asleep, your brain catches up on tasks it can’t do while you are navigating your day-such as cleaning out waste, saving new information, and filing away memories. Without enough sleep, the brain can’t complete all these tasks, which can lead to memory problems and serious brain disease. If you don’t get enough sleep because you have trouble falling and staying asleep, here are a few tips for healthier sleep habits.
Develop a Wind-down Routine
reading a book,” said Mueller.
Combined with a set bedtime and wakeup time, your routine will train your brain to recognize this pattern signals it is time to relax, releasing hormones to help you fall asleep when you get into bed.
Mueller recommends getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night — and maintaining that regular sleep schedule.
don’t use it once you’ve begun your winddown routine,” stressed Mueller. “Light can affect how the brain prepares for sleep, so don’t pick up your phone or turn on the TV if you wake up at night.”
Eat and Exercise Early
Consume your last meal of the day no later than 7:00 pm.
No Devices in the Bedroom
“Your routine should include simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, taking a warm shower, listening to relaxing music, or
Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching TV or staring at your phone before bed. Create a sleep environment that’s cool, dark, quiet, and free of distractions.
“If you must have your phone by your bed,
“Since the brain runs the digestive system, it will not be able to settle down and prepare for sleep until the digestive system does as well,” Mueller explained.
People who exercise during the day tend to sleep better. Exercise as early in the day as possible, since exercising releases adrenaline and endorphins, which may keep you awake if you exercise in the evening.
“Many people can get enough sleep naturally if they develop good sleep hygiene and stick with it,” noted Mueller. “But sleep problems differ from person to person, so it is important to get to the bottom of any you are experiencing.”
Get Help Catching Z’s
If you’ve tried all the above but still aren’t consistently getting enough quality sleep, it’s time to talk to your doctor.
Ask The Doc:
What Type Of Doctor Should I See For My Back Pain?
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.
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, affecting millions worldwide. It can be debilitating and often complicates daily activities. If you’re struggling with back pain, deciding which type of doctor to consult can be confusing. Here are three common healthcare professionals you might consider: a Primary Care Physician, a Pain Management Specialist, and a Chiropractor.
Primary Care Physician (PCP)
A Primary Care Physician is often the first point of contact for patients experiencing back pain. They provide a broad range of treatments and are knowledgeable about general health issues. For back pain, a PCP may prescribe medications to relieve pain and inflammation. These medications, while effective in the short term, primarily manage symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the pain.
Pain Management Specialist
For chronic back pain, you might be referred to a Pain Management Specialist. These doctors specialize in pain reduction for various conditions and may use a combination of prescription medications and steroid injections to alleviate pain. This approach can be more aggressive than that of a PCP and is usually recommended for severe or persistent pain. However, similar to PCPs, the focus is often on symptom management rather than long-term resolution.
Chiropractor
For those seeking a comprehensive approach to treat and prevent back pain, a Chiropractor might be the best choice. Chiropractic care is centered around the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use specific handson spinal adjustments and other non-surgical treatments. Proper alignment of the spine will create an ideal environment for the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care not only aims to relieve pain but also to improve function and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
While medication and injections can be effective for quick relief, they often only mask the pain. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive holistic approach, aiming to address the cause
of the pain rather than just the symptoms. This method can lead to longer-term health benefits, including increased mobility, reduced pain, and decreased need for pain medications.
At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, we provide comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of back pain. Contact us at 936-241-7673 to rediscover the joy of pain-free living.
For over 40 Years, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute has been helping people get rid of their back pain.
Story by Ruth Webb
Essential to Life
Making a difference and saving lives…one month…one drive…one donation at a time.
Huntsville partnered with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in 1998, and has been recruiting blood donors ever since. The Huntsville Churches Blood Drive program teams up with area churches to support a monthly ongoing citywide blood donor program.
Submitted Photos
Elkins Lake Community Association Blood Drive held on March 16, 2024. Pictured are ELCA President Ramona Denson, Ruth Webb, and Julia Woods.
Where to Donate
Monthly drives initially took place at West Hill Mall, then Forrest Masonic Lodge 19, and then Gibbs Preschool Center. At the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, larger accommodations were provided by the Huntsville Church of Christ, located at 3737 SH 30W. This venue continues to serve as the current site for year-round blood drives, scheduled the second Saturday of each month from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted as well.
The drives are sponsored by volunteers from a number of Huntsville churches. Congregants book appointments, register donors, distribute canteen refreshments, and feed lunch to phlebotomists who travel from the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center facility in College Station.
In-house and mobile drives also take place at Huntsville Memorial Hospital, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville High School, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville Police Department, churches, businesses, and restaurants.
Mobile blood drives have started popping up in communities, making it very convenient for donors to participate. Drives have been coordinated in Texas Grand Ranch by Ruth Webb since 2021. Representing the Elkins Lake Community Association, Ramona Denson, began holding drives this year.
Churches, businesses, or communities interested in hosting a blood drive should contact account manager Teresa Bos at tbos@giveblood. org or (888) 482-5663.
About the Organization
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is classified as a 501c3 nonprofit organization by the IRS. It receives no operating funds from any other agency. Income is primarily secured from the service fees charged to hospitals that pass the fees on to patients who are actually transfused.
about 1,000 donations every day of the year to meet the demand for blood supply.
Blood Products
Blood is comprised of three vital components,
each playing a crucial role in saving lives:
• Red Blood Cells: These cells are instrumental in treating patients undergoing cancer treatments, surgeries, and traumatic injuries. Red blood cells directly contribute to the well-being and recovery of these individuals.
BRASIL
• Plasma: In cases of burn victims and trauma patients, plasma is often required to replenish vital fluids. Plasma »
donation ensures these patients receive the necessary
to overcome their injuries and heal effectively.
• Platelets: Platelets are of great significance to cancer patients and those undergoing bone marrow transplants. Platelets play a vital role in helping these individuals recover and improve their quality of life.
Why Donate Blood?
Giving on an ongoing basis helps ensure blood components are always available for the patients served. A commitment to regular donations ensures that the blood center can always meet the demands of patients, saving lives in the process. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries.
In about one hour, a donor can save as many as 3 lives by giving one pint of blood. Nearly 42,000
blood components are used by patients every day. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion; and 4.2 million Americans will need a blood transfusion each year. 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but of these, only about 3% will actually donate.
Believe it or not, donating blood has some health benefits. Regular blood donation can help maintain healthy iron levels, reduce stress, provide a sense of belonging, and reduce isolation. It can also help get rid of negative feelings.
Donation Criteria
To check eligibility criteria, contact a Donor Advocate at donoradvocacy@ giveblood.org or call (713) 791 6608, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, MondayFriday. Visit www.giveblood.org to learn more about general health considerations, as well as topics relating to medication, vaccination, medical condition, and medical treatment.
The Huntsville Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is a key patron of the cause, most recently spearheaded by Esther Cousins.
Cool Comfort All Summer Long!
To book appointment, click on the Donate tab in the blood center’s website and search for upcoming drives in Walker County.
There is no donor age cap. The minimum age to donate is 16, provided the weight requirement is met, and requires the completion of an Underage Donor Informed Consent form.
Commit For Life
Before a person can donate, a health history interview is conducted. A CFL [Commit for Life] Express Pass allows a donor to fill out those questions
online before showing up to donate blood. The pass, whether printed or emailed to a cell phone, can be scanned at the donation site to retrieve health data.
Appreciation and Loyalty
Incentive giveaways to donors vary from t-shirts, hoodies, and socks, to tumblers, backpacks, umbrellas, beach towels, and blankets. Entertainment tickets are add-ons during select months.
Additionally, donors who create an account with Gulf Coast can accrue points in its reward program. To begin earning points, create a Digital Donor account within 30 days of giving blood. Points can be redeemed online for retail and restaurant gift cards such as Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Home Depot, Marshall’s/Home Goods, Olive
Garden, On The Border, Target, and more.
Giving is Always in Season
The need for blood never takes a vacation. By donating this summer, you can help ensure blood is available when it’s needed most. Blood banks across the country tend to experience a significant decline in supply when families travel and schools are on break. Scheduled drives are often canceled in stormy weather.
Be a hero and roll up your sleeves. Remember to eat, hydrate, and bring your photo identification to a blood drive.
Ruth Webb is a retired legal secretary who relocated to Huntsville from Dallas in 2020. Her lifetime blood donations are approaching 16 gallons.
Along the Road
Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd
Texas longhorns descended from cattle brought by Spanish explorers and settlers, and the first significant numbers of these animals likely arrived in the late 1600s. Fort Griffin State Historic Site near Albany was named the permanent home for The Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd more than 60 years ago. The herd, now numbering approximately 250 cattle, resides primarily at the Fort Griffin Site and San Angelo State Park, with a few head also residing at Copper Breaks State Park, LBJ State Park, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The herd is also featured at the annual Fort Griffin Fandangle, an outdoor musical based on the pioneer chronicles of West Texas, held in Albany the last two weekends in June.
The Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd is now managed by the Texas Historical Commission.
1701 N. U.S. Hwy. 283 Albany, TX 76430
The Garden Post
By Kim Bius
Crape Myrtles: The Queen of Summer
No plant really says “Texas summer” like a crape myrtle in full bloom. These Texas hardy, deciduous shrubs really cannot be beat for overall return on a landscape investment. Beautiful blooms in the summer, colorful fall foliage, and showy white bark in winter. Crape myrtles are often referred to as trees,
but are actually large shrubs available in a range of sizes, from miniatures under 3’ to small trees under 25’.
Crape myrtles have simple requirements: sunny location, good air flow, welldrained soil, and water as needed. Powdery mildew often becomes a problem when plants have little chance of air movement in the corner of a building. Crapes love high heat, humidity, tolerate severe drought, and will grow in any Ph level and any soil (as long as it is not soggy on a consistent basis).
Crape myrtles bloom on new wood and have the best show of blooms when the plant is
pruned in mid-February. Crapes can be left to grow naturally in a large shrub form, but will not have a manicured look. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While large knots of scar tissue should be removed every 5th year and may not be attractive, this is merely a pruning technique…just like pruning a rose for spring.
Crape myrtles come in a wide range of colors: white, pink, red, lavender and purple, with stunning fall colors/ foliage in hues of red, purple, bronze and gold, depending on the variety. There definitely is a variety and size for every summer landscape. To help you choose, the following is a list of the top performers for summer blooms in the crape myrtle category:
Miniature Weeping - Height 2-5’, fair disease resistance, little fall color. Dixie
Series includes varieties Baton Rouge(red), Bourbon Street (watermelon red), New Orleans (purple), Delta Blush (light pink).
Petite Series - Available in pink, lavender, plum, red, and white. Some fall color; maximum height 8’.
Semi-dwarf - Height up to 10’, such as Dynamite.
Standard Series VarietiesMaximum height of 12’-18’+. The older varieties fall into this category.
The following are a few of our favorites, from tried and true to newer crapes on the market:
Zuni - Maximum height of 12’, very rounded growth, lavender, excellent disease resistance, beautiful orange/red fall color, older variety.
Pink Velour - Brilliant, rich fuchsia pink, 8-10’’, fair resistance, deep orange fall color, older variety.
Catawba - Royal purple, 12’-15’, hard to find variety, good disease resistance, deep bronze fall color, older variety.
Basham’s Pink - The tallest of the species, 25’-28’. Good disease resistance with orange/red color in fall, and the first hybridized crape introduced to Houston, Texas in 1965.
Dallas Red - Actually a watermelon red color, 20’+, great disease resistance and good fall color.
Dynamite - A true red, 10’+, good disease resistance and good fall color, newer variety
Rumblin’ Red
Miami - fuchsia pink, 20’+, good disease resistance bright orange fall leaves.
Natchez - to 30’, excellent disease resistance, white and beautiful red/orange fall foliage, most disease resistant of all varieties….hybridized in late 60s.
Miss Frances - 12-15’ in height, fire engine red, newer Southern Living variety.
Rhapsody in Pink - New, soft pink color with dark purple foliage, 10’-12’ tall, disease resistant and beautiful.
Thunderstruck Rumblin’ Red - New variety with ruffled, black foliage and ruby blooms. 12’-15’ height.
Miss Sandra - Newer variety (90s), tight, compact upper growth with bright purple blooms, up to 15’ tall.
Thunderstruck White Flash - New variety, black foliage with startling white blooms, 12’15’…beautiful.
Muskogee - Pale lilac, old variety, to 30’, often seen in antebellum Mississippi.
Happy Gardening.
Rhapsody in Pink
Thunderstruck
Novice
Creative Corner
Six Little Stories with Lots of Meaning (from unknown author)
1. Once during a drought, all villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That is faith.
2. When you throw babies up in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That is trust.
3. Every night, we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but we still set alarms to wake up. That is hope.
4. We plan big things for tomorrow, in spite of zero knowledge of the future. That is confidence.
5. We see the world suffering, but we still get married and have children. That is love.
6. On an old man’s shirt was written this sentence, “I am not 80 years old; I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience. That is attitude.
What’s Cookin’
Strawberries and Cream Cupcakes
Ingredients
Strawberries
2 cups chopped strawberries
6 Tbs white sugar
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 Tbs water
1 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest, or to taste
Cupcakes
1 2/3 cups cake flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup plus 2 Tbs white sugar
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 Tbs vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
2/3 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
1/3 cup 2% milk, at room temperature
Filling and Topping
2 oz full-fat cream cheese, chilled
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
Directions
Step 1: Strawberries: Place strawberries and sugar in a small pot over medium-low heat. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring often, and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir cornstarch mixture into the strawberry mixture, and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat and stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Pour mixture into a heat safe bowl, and place uncovered into the fridge to chill. (Once mixture is chilled and no longer condensing, you can cover the bowl.)
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 cupcake
pans with liners.
Step 4: Cupcakes: Sift together cake flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and nutmeg.
Step 5: Beat butter, oil, and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add in egg whites, vanilla, and almond extract, and beat mixture on mediumhigh speed for another 3 minutes. Add in half of flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add in sour cream and milk; mix until just combined. Add in remaining flour mixture; mix until just combined.
Step 6: Pour batter into prepared cupcake pans, filling each liner no more than 2/3 full. Bake one pan at a time, until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched, 22 to 26 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes Chill cupcakes in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This will make them easier to cut and fill.
Step 7: Cream cheese whipped cream: Beat chilled cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt together until smooth. Add in 1/2 cup cold heavy cream and mix on low until mixture is smooth. Add in remaining heavy cream; beat on medium-high until mixture holds stiff peaks. If desired, place mixture into a piping bag fitted with an open star tip. Place piping bag in refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 8: Remove cupcakes from refrigerator. Remove the liners and cut tops off cupcakes. Pipe a layer of whipped cream on bottom half of cupcakes; top with about 1 to 2 teaspoons strawberry mixture. Place tops of cupcakes back on, and lightly press down to adhere. Pipe more whipped cream on top of cupcakes and top with another 1 to 2 teaspoons strawberry mixture. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Cook’s Notes
The cupcakes will be easier to handle when chilled. So keep them chilled as much as you can while working with them. For best results, assemble these the same day you plan to serve them, and keep chilled until ready to serve. However, you can make the cupcakes and strawberry sauce a day or two in advance.
Easy Asian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) pkg spaghetti
1 tsp olive oil
6 Tbs soy sauce
¼ cup white sugar
3 Tbs rice vinegar
1 Tbs toasted sesame seeds
2 tsp sweet chili sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 cup sugar snap peas (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl and toss with olive oil.
Step 2: Whisk soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame seeds, chili sauce, and sesame oil together in a bowl until sugar dissolves. Toss soy sauce mixture with pasta; top with green onions, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Refrigerate 30 minutes to overnight to allow flavors to blend. Toss again before serving.
Ingredients
2 (8 oz) pkgs fat-free cream cheese, softened
3 ½ Tbs prepared horseradish
3 Tbs Dijon-style mustard
12 (12”) flour tortillas
30 spinach leaves, washed with stems removed
1 ½ lbs thinly sliced cooked deli roast beef
8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Step 1: Beat the cream cheese, horseradish, and mustard together in a bowl until well blended.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Arrange spinach leaves evenly over the tortillas. Place two slices of roast beef over the cream cheese. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese, dividing evenly between tortillas. Starting at one end, gently roll up each tortilla into a tight tube. Wrap with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep the rolls tight. Refrigerate at least 4 hours.
Step 3: To serve for lunch, unwrap and slice into 2 or 3 pieces. Only cut the rolls you will be using that day so the others do not dry out. To serve for parties, unwrap and slice the rolls diagonally into 1 inch sections, and arrange on a serving platter.
Spicy Texas Trash
1 (14 oz) pkg corn square cereal (such as Corn Chex®)
1 (14 oz) pkg rice square cereal (such as Rice Chex ®)
1 (14 oz) pkg wheat square cereal (such as Wheat Chex®)
1 (8.9 oz) box toasted oat cereal rings (such as Cheerios®)
3 cups salted mixed nuts
1 (15 oz) pkg mini pretzel twists
2 (6 oz) pkg goldfish crackers
1 (12 oz) pkg sesame snack sticks (optional)
1 cup warm (liquid) bacon drippings
1 cup unsalted butter, melted ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs monosodium glutamate (MSG)
2 Tbs liquid smoke flavoring
1 Tbs cayenne pepper
4 tsp seasoned salt
4 tsp chili powder
4 tsp garlic powder
4 tsp hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Step 2: Gently mix corn, rice, and wheat squares, oat rings, mixed nuts, mini pretzels, goldfish crackers, and sesame snacks in two 13x24-inch aluminum roasting pans, taking care not to break cereal.
Step 3: Stir bacon drippings, unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, MSG, liquid smoke, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and hot pepper sauce together in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high in microwave for 3 or 4 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until mixture is warm, liquid, and fully combined.
Step 4: Stir seasoning sauce continuously as you pour half over the cereal mixture in each pan. Gently stir the snack mix and seasonings with a slotted spoon until thoroughly coated; do not crush cereal.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until sauce is completely absorbed and the snack mix is crisp, about 2 hours; stir gently every 15 minutes. Cool completely and store in airtight containers. The snack mix stores well in freezer in airtight freezer bags, if it makes it that long.
2
1
½
½ cup ground flax seeds
½
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 Tbs chia seeds
1 tsp coconut extract
¼ cup chopped coffee beans
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, or more as needed
Directions
Step 1: Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, dark chocolate chips, flax seeds, protein powder, coconut, chia seeds, and coconut extract together in a large bowl; fold in coffee beans. Form mixture into 1-inch balls.
Step 2: Place cocoa powder in a small bowl. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder until coated.
Ingredients
8 oz pancetta bacon, thickly sliced
1 tsp olive oil, or as needed
12 oz pizza dough, or more to taste, cut into quarters
1 Tbs all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 cup olive oil, or as needed
½ cup ricotta cheese
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or to taste ground black pepper to taste
20 fresh peach slices
¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, or to taste
4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, or to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Line baking sheets with aluminum foil.
Step 2: Sprinkle pancetta into a cold skillet and drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over pancetta. Cook and stir pancetta over medium heat until browned and caramelized, 5-10
Email: psullivan@sullivanclassichomes.com Website: www.sullivanclassichomes.com
minutes. Remove pan from heat and cool pancetta in the oil in the skillet.
Step 3: Place 1 dough quarter on a work surface and lightly dust with flour; roll into a 1/8-inch-thick irregularly shaped crust. Stretch dough with your hands to an even thickness; let rest on the work surface for 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 4: Heat about 1 cup olive oil, reaching about 1/2-inch depth, in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each piece of dough until browned and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. The first side will be lighter than the second side. Drain the crusts on paper towels.
Step 5: Transfer pizza crusts, lighter-side up, to prepared baking sheets. Spread 2 Tbs ricotta cheese onto each crust using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp fresh thyme over ricotta layer. Sprinkle pancetta over the ricotta-thyme layer; season with black pepper. Nestle about 5 peach slices onto each pizza, working around the pancetta pieces. Sprinkle 1 Tbs Parmesan-Reggiano cheese over each pizza. Drizzle about 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil over Parmesan-Reggiano layer.
Step 6: Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and peaches are tender, 12-15 minutes. Cool for 5-10 minutes on baking sheet.
REGISTRATION IS COMPLETELY ONLINE!
All student Registration for Fall 2024 is done ONLINE using the Skyward Family Access Center parent portal. If you don’t have one, you will need to create one. All Student Registration information can be found on the HISD website at https://www.huntsville-isd.org/registration.
All students will be required to provide Proof of Residency before the registration process can be completed.
For questions, contact 936-435-6300
Nominations are currently being accepted for the Huntsville ISD Hall of Champions Induction Class of 2024! Please submit your nominations today to help us find more Champions in life - the “Best of the Best” among Hornet Alumni, former HISD employees & former HISD trustees for the Hall of Champions Induction Class of 2024.
Your Best AgriLife
By: Kristy Titzman, Walker County Extension Agent Kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu, 936-435-2426
or
Summertime Fun with Walker County 4-H
One question I get at the end of each school year is, “Are you off during the summer months like a teacher?” Summer months are extremely busy for us at the Extension Office. There are numerous 4-H events over the summer months, and Walker County 4-H members attend. 4-H members kick off their summer with Texas 4-H State Round Up in College Station in early June. For many, this is the end of their 4-H year, where all statelevel contests are held. They have worked long and hard to qualify and hope to see their hard work pay off. For some, this is the end of their 4-H career and where they receive their 4-H scholarships. Three Walker County 4-H members were recognized at the 2024 Round Up, where they were awarded $35,000 in 4-H scholarships.
Summer is also a busy time for 4-H members with horse projects. The District 9 4-H Horse Show is held each year in June, and the State 4-H Horse Show is held in July. Many Horse Club members participate in both shows in almost all the classes offered. It’s always great to see youth exhibiting new skills they’ve learned through the year.
Summer camps are a large part of a 4-H experience. There are day camps of all sorts and overnight camps at the district and state level. Brownwood, Texas is home to the Texas 4-H Center, where many different camps are offered to all Texas youth. (You don’t even have to be a 4-H member to participate in many of the camps!) The Walker County 4-H program offers day camps at the local level to introduce new members to project areas or to allow current members to explore other interests. These camps are usually held at the end of July.
Every even-numbered year in July, 4-H members in grades 9-12 are offered a civicminded opportunity to Texas 4-H Congress. Walker County 4-H will have members in attendance at this year’s event. It’s a mock legislative process completely run by 4-H members. Delegates are selected to attend and given a role in the mock government.
Members serve in leadership roles such as Speaker of the House or Governor, while others are members of the Senate or House. They are also put on committees which will discuss and possibly pass bills that have been submitted by members in attendance. Members attending before have even been given the opportunity to serve in lobbyist roles or as members of the press corps to round out the week-long event. Kids learn a true understanding of the legislative process because of this awesome opportunity, which is held at the Capitol in Austin.
Walker County 4-H members participating in shooting sports projects attend Texas 4-H State Games in July. This is where all state-level competitions are held for archery, shotgun, and rifle disciplines. Good luck to our 2024 participants!
Texas Brigades is another experience for 4-H members interested in wildlife or outdoorrelated project areas. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to educate and empower adolescents with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy. 4-H members attend these sessions, then bring back things they have learned to teach their peers all about the needed conservation efforts.
There are numerous Ambassador opportunities for 4-H kids. Ambassadors take on leadership roles within the 4-H program, learn in-depth information about their project areas, and are then tasked with giving back to the program by teaching others and being advocates for their areas of interest. Some of these project areas include livestock, poultry, equine, water, shooting sports, photography, and healthy living.
Every week of the summer, the staff at the County Extension Office is supporting the 4-H program in some manner, ensuring the season is filled with a variety of experiences for youth of all ages.
The new 4-H year begins in September of each year. Find out how the children in your family can get involved!
For more information:
https://walker.agrilife.org/4h/ contact Kristy Titzman at 936-435-2426 or Kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu.
The projects that are offered in Walker County 4-H are:
Beef Cattle (Steers, Heifers, Commercial Heifers, Commercial Steers, Scramble Heifers)
Community Service
Consumer Education
Dog Care and Training
Entomology
Fashion and Interior Design (Clothing and Quilting)
Food and Nutrition
Horse
Horticulture
Leadership
Market Goats
Photography
Poultry (Broilers and Turkeys)
Public Speaking
Rabbits
Robotics
Sheep
Shooting Sports (Archery, Rifle and Shotgun)
Swine
Veterinary Science
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
Story by Wes Altom
Submitted Photos
Introducing a beautiful, extremely durable, and easy-to-maintain floor coating.
When it comes to concrete coatings for your home or business, many companies will say, “We’ve got you covered.” Cassie Quinlan with Stampede Coatings says a lot more. She boldly states, “We do NOT use epoxy; our coatings won’t chip, peel, delaminate, fade, discolor, or stain! Our product is mold, mildew, and bacteria resistant; stain resistant; chemical and abrasion resistant; and slip resistant. Stampede Coatings is the best and only maintenance-free option for your concrete!”
Cassie is also quick to note their LIFETIME WARRANTY, which covers peeling, chipping, delamination, fading, yellowing, and other discoloration. There is a LIFETIME WARRANTY on the UV stability as well. Cassie proudly proclaims, “Stampede Coatings are guaranteed to last without any touch-ups, re-coating, or any maintenance other than rinsing off with a hose!”
Cassie Quinlan Design Consultant
Not all methods are equal
While there are many other concrete covering options available to the consumer, they each have their shortcomings:
Epoxy and Hybrid Epoxy (cheaper base coat) with Polyaspartic Topcoat
Common Polyurea (diluted with fillers for lower overhead cost).
Direct To Concrete Polyaspartic (cures from outside in, leading to weak bond)
Stained Concrete (requires annual “color touch-ups & re-sealing”)
Stamped Concrete (requires annual “color touch-ups & resealing”, holds water)
Natural Stone Tiles or Pavers (extremely porous, which means mold & mildew)
Man-made Tile (SLIPPERY!!)
Cool Crete (also known as cool deck, spray deck = mold, mildew, flaking, cracking)
These other options require annual pressure washing (due to stains as well as the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria), repeat professional maintenance (such as color/stain touchup or resealing), and most CANNOT be exposed to UV Rays or they will turn yellow and/or fade over time. Many have to be completely replaced every few years because they simply do not last!
The Stampede product difference
The coating is a proprietary Polyurea Polyaspartic that chemically bonds to concrete surfaces. It is 4 times stronger than epoxy. When applied, this coating essentially grows “roots” down into the concrete to become part of the substrate. It penetrates the concrete from 1/4” to 1/2” depending on the hardness of your concrete. The coating is 99.5% solid content, meaning there is no watering down of the coating materials. Says Cassie, “The beauty of Polyurea is that it bonds permanently and is flexible. In our climate, with extreme temperature fluctuations and expansive soils, it is absolutely critical that a floor coating be able to move
slightly with the surface instead of becoming brittle and delaminating from the surface.”
The manufacturer of the product Stampede uses is Penntek Industrial Coatings, located in Rochester, MN. The product is developed exclusively for Penntek Dealers such as Stampede Coatings and is not available from retail or contractor suppliers. Of all Penntek dealers, Stampede Coatings has the most tenured relationship with the product.
A proven track record
Stampede has completed well over 6,000 installations and has never had a single warranty claim.
They are also A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau and take pride in their
customer service. “You will never have to wonder whether or not Stampede Coatings is going to take care of you,” said Cassie.
Headquartered in College Station and Aggieowned by Mark and Kacie Adair, Stampede Coatings has been in business for 8 years. Over the last 4 years, they have grown from a single market area (with Cassie as the sole salesperson) to 4 market areas, 5 sales representatives, and 10 crews! This means that, in addition to her role in sales, Cassie has been busily training others and serving as the “go-to” source for answers and information as the company has grown. Stampede covers a 100-mile radius around College Station. They also have locations
in Temple and Tyler to service their other market areas.
Stampede Coatings was honored to be named to the Aggie 100 in both 2022 and 2023 (Aggie 100 is designed to honor the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or Aggieled businesses in the world.)
Types of spaces
Since it definitely sounds like this is a business that is “going places,” let’s highlight some of the places and spaces where Stampede Coatings are used:
WALKWAYS
WAREHOUSES
POOL DECKS
DRIVEWAYS DAYCARES
HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
SCHOOLS
CHURCHES
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
BOARDING KENNELS
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
COMMERCIAL BATHROOMS
FAN CAVES
CRAFT ROOMS
Healthcare facilities, vet clinics, and schools love Stampede Coatings because of the ease of cleaning and germ and bacteria resistance factors – things Casie points out that help inspire confidence in potential customers.
Free onsite inspection and quote
While some companies limit their sales approach to providing quotes over the phone,
Where Unique Social Events HAPPEN
You’ll find Bonnie’s Hideout in the heart of Huntsville. We are the “perfect place to be your space!”
Cassie notes Stampede’s commitment to detail and service, “I will actually come out to visibly inspect the concrete, test the hardness level, moisture content, answer questions, and discuss color and texture
options with you. I am here to help my clients find a solution that will best suit their needs.”
Stampede Coatings also has a new referral program. Anyone (prior purchaser or not) who recommends another customer that completes a purchase receives a $150 check. In order to qualify, referrals must contact Cassie directly for a free quote (with the purchaser stating who referred them), not through the Stampede office.
About Cassie
When she was a little girl, Cassie’s family moved to Conroe from Refugio, Texas. She lived in the Conroe - Lake Conroe area for most of her life, raising four sons in Montgomery. She moved to the BryanCollege Station area in 2017. Cassie enjoys meeting new people, gardening, cooking, being outdoors in general, learning about architecture, making memories with her
grandbabies and spending time with family. One important fact is that before Cassie began working for Stampede Coatings, she was a customer:
Stampede Coatings installed my garage floor coating, and it made a huge difference in the overall appearance, keeps the moisture out of the garage, and keeps the entryway into the house from the garage so much cleaner! I have spilled motor oil, 2-cycle premix, gasoline, diesel, and many other chemicals and products -- only to find that they clean up easily without staining. I can honestly say, with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY, that the quality of the product, workmanship, level of respect shown by everyone at Stampede Coatings is second to NONE!
Cassie invites you to contact her to learn more about the Stampede Coatings difference and how to improve your property.
Cassie Quinlan Design Consultant 713-557-3566
Cassie@StampedeCoatings.com
Happy 85th Birthday to Joe Thomas!
Mrs. Stepanski & Bryson Abramski Kindergarten graduation at New Waverly Elementary
Wildlife Wonders
DON’T WEAR WHITE
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Preserve Board of Directors
Just walk into a restaurant that serves crawfish (or even into an H-E-B) and that distinct spicy, pungent odor slaps you in the face. Because I don’t eat crawfish, the smell isn’t appealing to me, but it’s quite enticing to others.
Crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs—they go by several names. People in our area call them crawfish. The folks in the northern parts of the U.S. call them crayfish. Northern Californians and people on the east coast refer to them as crawdads. In Australia, they are referred to as yabbies. There are over 600 species of these critters. They are freshwater crustaceans found all over the world except in India and Antarctica. They have 5 pairs of legs (or 10 total). Their front 2 legs are like large claws, called chelae, which are used to defend themselves and to gather food. Water and air are drawn through the gills through an appendage that makes a noise called a “pulse train.” This is how they communicate with other crawdads and alert others that predators are near.
Crawfish have a long, pointed structure that looks like a nose, but it’s thought to offer protection for their eyes. Under the tail is a small appendage called a swimmeret. It helps them move and also helps with carrying
eggs. Their tail “fans” curl under their body to help protect their eggs. They have an instinctive reaction to a potential predator or disturbance called a “tail flip” which propels them backwards.
Texas ranks second in crawfish production (Louisiana is first), and most are raised in rice paddies. The peak months are February, March and April. There are two varieties that are predominant here and are called the “red swamp crawfish” and the “white river crawfish.” They have similar ecological requirements and sometimes co-exist. Reds are found in swamps, ditches, and bayous. Whites are found in larger, deeper, and flowing bodies of water.
Have you ever seen a smokestack-looking pile of mud in ditches, fields, or even yards? They are called crawfish chimneys, and there is a crawfish living in a burrow underneath. They can be as deep as 3 feet and are normally full of water. Crawfish use their legs and mouth to dig up mud and make it into a little ball called a pellet. The pellet is then taken to the top of the soil and placed on top of the other pellets. This is done over and over until the crawfish chimney is built. Why they build chimneys is
not totally understood, but it is assumed one reason they do is for safety reasons. They never have to leave the safety of their burrow. Another reason for the chimneys is that it helps air flow into the burrow.
Did you know—
• In the wild, crawfish can live up to 30 years.
• Lose a limb? No problem. Crawfish can regenerate lost limbs. This comes in handy during mating season when males can get a little aggressive.
• Crawfish molt. They can shed their shells up to 15 times. With each molt, they nearly double in size.
• Crawfish can be red, blue, white, green, or yellow--but when cooked, they are all red.
• There are some species of crawfish in Australia that grow to 15.5 inches and weigh more than 8 pounds.
If you’re planning on eating crawfish, here’s some friendly advice: pinch the tail and suck the head, and do not wear white! Bon appetit!
From the Mouths of Babes
My 8 year old in the car today: Do you want me to throw the confetti in my pocket?
Me: No, not in the car! …Why do you have confetti in your pocket?
8 year old: It’s my emergency confetti. I carry it everywhere in case there’s good news.
Yesterday morning after his soccer game, my 6 year old asked me how come the other team gets to change the color of their jerseys every week, while we always have to wear purple. When I explained that, in fact, we were playing against different teams each week, his mind was blown.
Coach: What were you thinking on that play?
Player: Coach, I’m 8… we don’t think. Coach: Touché, my friend.
A pastor giving a children’s sermon on vestments asked, “Why do you think I wear this collar?” One kid answered, “Because it kills ticks and fleas up to 30 days?”
Things My Granddaddy Said
Don’t fry frog legs in an open skillet.
It’s hard to keep a blanket on the naked truth.
Country folks laugh when you laugh, cry when you cry, know when you’re sick, and care when you die.
Hoot owls and bankers sleep with one eye open.
It don’t take a very big man to carry a grudge.
Man is the only critter who feels the need to label things as flowers or weeds.
Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris
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!
Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival texasshakespeare.com
Aug 4 Houston “Fiddler on the Roof” adplayers.org
Houston Symphony: Star Spangled Salute visitthewoodlands.com
Galveston
Fourth of July Celebration visitgalveston.com
Houston
Freedom Over Texas visithoustontexas.com
Huntsville
4th of July Family Celebration huntsvilletx.gov
New Caney
4th Fest on the Hill thehillvalleyranch.com
Tomball
July 4th Celebration & Street Fest tomballtx.gov
Woodlands Red, Hot, and Blue Festival visitthewoodlands.com
Conroe “Beauty and the Beast” crightontheatre.org
Freedom Fest Montgomery TX chamber.conroe.org/events The Woodlands
The Queens of R&B: Xscape and SWV woodlandscenter.org
High Caliber Gun Show texasgunshows.com Houston “Bluey’s Big Play” performingartshouston.org
“Home Sweet Home” Patriotic Concert mcb-tx.org
Disney’s “The Lion King” thehobbycenter.org
Cage The Elephant woodlandscenter.org
The Rocky Horror Show owentheatre.com
Huntsville
Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org
Main Street Music Series: Brown Sugar Band huntsvilletx.gov
Woodlands
New Kids on the Block woodlandscenter.org
Texas Haunters Convention texashauntersconvention.com
Acoustic Alchemy doseydoetickets.com
Montgomery
ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon chamber.conroe.org
Conroe
Balloon Glow & Laser Show balloonshows.com
Fairfield
Fuzzy PeachFest fairfieldtexaschamber.com
Houston
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ringling.com 25-27
Clute
Great Texas Mosquito Festival mosquitofestival.com 25-28
Brenham “Treasure Island” unitybrenham.org 26-28
Houston Jurassic Quest jurassicquest.com
Naples
Watermelon Festival and Rodeo facebook.com/naplesmelonpatch
Houston
Zach Bryan: The Quittin Time Tour nrgpark.com
Huntsville
William Lee Martin oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
The Woodlands
Koe Wetzel woodlandscenter.org 28-Aug 2
Hearne
Texas Big Paragliding Open Distance flycuervo.com/lonestar.cfm
Mustard Seed Moments
by Linda W. Perkins
Finding Your Purpose
When young, we spend a lot of time thinking about what kind of career we might have and what goals we might achieve. It is often not until we get older that we start asking ourselves questions like: Is this all there is? What is the point of everything I’m doing? Why am I really here? What we are seeking is more than a career or a lifestyle; we are searching for purpose
I recently moved across the country; as such, I have the opportunity to chart a new path from scratch. Part of that process has been praying about what God would have me do with my new life in my new surroundings. I am not just in a new place geographically; I am also in a new stage of life as an empty nester. My child is grown up now, and my prime time of teaching her about God’s love is over – it is up to her to experience that without mom and dad by her side every day. So now what?
As I unpacked my office boxes today, I ran across a tiny card deck I bought years ago--a companion to the book The Purpose Driven Life I saw there was a card for each of 40 days. I looked at Day 1, and it said “It’s not about me.” On the other side of the card was a Bible verse: “…everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” -
Colossians 1:16B (MSG)
So today, I have rephrased my question from, “What is my purpose here in this place?” to “God, what is your purpose for me in this place?” I am reminded of Jesus’ assurance that when I stay focused on God, seeking to join Him in what He is doing, then all the other things in my life will come together as well.
Are you seeking your purpose in life’s daily pleasures or earthly treasures that will pass away, or are you focused on what your purpose is in Christ and in His eternal kingdom?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things that be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
“We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels – everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” – Colossians 1:15-16 (MSG)
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – I John 2:17 (NIV)
