POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Piney Woods - November 2024

FAVORITES

20 Questions - 74

Awesome Apps - 22

Community Calendar - 80

Dear Gabby - 61

From Our Readers - 6

From the Mouth of Babes - 39

Garden Post, The - 40

Giggles & Grins - 37

Glorious Grandkids - 24

Kidding Around - 64

Let’s Celebrate - 12

Medical Matters - 38

Milestones - 60

Mustard Seed Moments - 82

Pet Pals - 62

Publisher’s Post - 9

Puzzle Solutions - 26

“Seens” from our World - 59

Star Students - 28

Sudoku Marketplace - 56

Teachers Touching Tomorrow - 21

Things My Granddaddy Said - 27

What Are You Reading - 10

What’s Cookin’? - 44

Wildlife Wonders - 78

Your Best AgriLife - 76

Cover Photo by Kimberly Weiser

From Our Readers

Favorites vs Favorites

I was so excited to get our October Postcards Magazine

But, I was sad to notice the Belinoski grandchildren weren’t included. There were more pets pictured than children. Can you advise when our picture will be published? Still truly love the magazine!

Peggy Belinoski

From the Editor:

Peggy, we receive more Pet Pal submissions from our readers than any other type! Glorious Grandkids is second. I have checked with our design team, and we do have your submission in the “queue” for publication. We are considering temporarily expanding these favorites in order

to “catch up.” WE love sharing your photos and that you are anxious to see them published.

Wonderful

Katherine, thank you so much for writing such a wonderful article. Thanks to Tom, too, for his pictures. We have had several comments, and appreciate Magazine for featuring us.

Cherie Murphy

Publisher’s Post

Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Simply Thankful

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

FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above. Published Monthly by Altom Consulting &

Publisher Karen Altom

Editor Wes Altom

Operations Manager Marshall Altom

Advertising Team Nancy Jolly Leah Lamp Marshall Altom

Design Team Mary Partida April Key

We

and/ or its publisher.

It finally happened! After a long and very hot summer, the crispness of fall has arrived. What delightful days the cooler weather make.

Wes and I just experienced the arrival of grandson #4, Myles Wesley Altom, and we are so excited and thankful. As I stepped outside this evening to check something on our porch, I just stood and enjoyed the breeze and even pulled a few weeds without breaking into a sweat. It reminded me how things have been so busy lately that I have not been enjoying the simple pleasures every day.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I can easily name the “big things” we are thankful for, but I decided to write down some of those simple pleasures I take for granted.

Making the bed. I am always amazed how much better the whole room looks by doing this one small thing.

A fresh loaf of Mrs. Baird’s bread. We have been eating different bread for a long time, but a recent random purchase took us straight back to childhood and reminded us how very good a fresh loaf is!

FaceTime. The joy we have in seeing the face and expressions to accompany hearing the voice of loved ones far away. It is truly something to be treasured. Sitting on the porch. The birds, the sounds, and the fresh air are uplifting.

Reading a book (one you don’t scroll, but have to turn actual pages).

Ocean waves and an ocean breeze.

So, I guess perfection would be sitting on a porch by the ocean reading a book with a sandwich? Maybe not! Your list might have some of these same things, or it may be very different; either way, the message is the same. Take a moment to think about simple things you enjoy. Be thankful for the things that make you smile…and try to make it a point to enjoy a few, too.

I’m headed to the porch.

Happy Thanksgiving, ~Karen

Phil McGraw

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Do You Know?

PATRICK SHANNON

While this military veteran hospital CEO could “command” respect, he aims for a “servant leader” image instead.

Story by Lauren Swonke

Photos by Tom Miller

U.S. military veterans deserve honor and respect every day of the year, but around Veteran’s Day, our attention turns to those special people who have given of themselves for the safety and betterment of this nation and the world. Retired Colonel Patrick Shannon, Chief Executive Officer of Huntsville Memorial Hospital, is one of those outstanding individuals. He retired after 35 years in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard and has worked professionally in hospital administration in Texas and Louisiana for a number of years. His military career began at 17, when his parents co-signed with him for his enlistment. He was inspired by his father, an Army veteran of the Korean War. Shannon joined the Army National Guard in Louisiana and later finished out with the Army Reserve in Texas at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. In 2004-2005, he was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as a member

of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His brigade took close to 3,500 soldiers overseas and lost 35 in service. During his time in the military, he was also involved in a medical training brigade that trained combat support hospitals to set up in the field. He is no stranger to the cost of serving others, and today he inspires the staff at HMH to practice servant leadership. Shannon holds a Master of Science, Health Services Administration, a Master of Business Administration (healthcare concentration), and a Bachelor of General Studies. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

Shannon and his wife Daishia (also an Army veteran, having served and earned the combat medic badge) have made their home in Huntsville and have five children: Maddy, Abbie, Emma Katherine, Audrey, and Wayburn. As impressive as his education,

Shannon says of his military experience, “It taught me to stay disciplined and to make sure that when we’re implementing strategies, we bring them across the finish line, get things accomplished, and work as a team.”

military service, and career are, Shannon really lights up with joy and warmth when his family is the topic of conversation. Shannon is excited about what’s coming for HMH and the Huntsville community and shared his perspective.

What led you to HMH, and how are things going since you joined the team?

I’m originally from Louisiana. I’ve been in Texas for about 15 years now. I was in Beaumont before coming here working for almost 7 years as the Chief Operating Officer at a sister facility owned by Community Hospital Corporation. I also previously worked in New Orleans for eight years as well as with HCA out in El Paso.

I came to Huntsville in 2021; COVID had a rise since the original wave, so we hunkered down and managed through it. The hospital

was very full. I think we did a great job of taking good care of the community during that time.

We feel like Walker County, and our entire area, deserves a hospital that can provide

Tadditional service lines so patients can get what they need here in Huntsville. Our focus has been on the strategic planning and growth strategies needed for this organization. We see the need for us to end

hanksgiving is much more than a day in November….

up being more of a regional medical center. That’s a vision for us.

Were there any surprises when you started here?

An unanticipated confusion, yes. At first, people didn’t realize I wasn’t my predecessor. His first name was Shannon, and my last name is Shannon. Many didn’t realize there had been a significant change in leadership.

How does your military career influence your work in healthcare administration?

Appreciation happens whenever we pause to remember the happiness gathered and shared year by year with people like you. We feel you are an important part of our family and want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your loyalty and confidence. We also invite those who are not yet part of our Sims Dentistry family to experience individualized compassionate care.

May all the tradition you care about, the laughter, warmth, caring and sharing be part of your Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Elmore & Dr. Sims The dedicated team of Sims Dentistry

It definitely influenced my career in terms of the rhythm and rigor, the accountability and structure. I’ve learned a lot through the years and have worked under great leaders, including several general officers that mentored me.

In your career, you’ve worked in hospitals in large areas, New Orleans, for example. How does working at HMH compare to those experiences?

I think working at the larger facilities has helped me to be successful with the team

here. Problem solving the complex issues in those large facilities and coming up with good growth strategies has helped me to put things into place here. We have a great executive team, great leaders, directors, medical staff and physicians. Everyone is so engaged here. I think it’s refreshing to see that; they want to see this hospital succeed. Our employees come to our town hall meetings, and you can tell by the questions they are asking that they want the hospital to do well and to provide a great service to our patients and the community. They truly care.

What do you believe are the most important aspects of providing quality healthcare today?

We’re very focused on quality and safety. We work hard at that with our Chief Nursing Officer, Jose Guerra; our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Yasser Zeid; as well as our

quality department under Jennifer Guinn. Everybody works very hard to improve from a quality standpoint.

Our emergency department has been doing phenomenal work. We are regularly checking reports like “Left Without Being Seen.” Those are patients who get tired of waiting in the emergency department and leave. The national average is 2 percent of your visit volume. At one point, this hospital was much higher than that, but in the last year or more, we’ve averaged 1.3 percent, so we’ve put focus into that, as well as our publicly shared quality scores. We’ve just made a formal announcement of strategic partnerships with Memorial Hermann and HCA Houston Healthcare to enhance our emergency medicine and stroke capabilities. Memorial Hermann has joined forces with us to provide comprehensive staffing solutions for Emergency Medicine physicians and providers in our Emergency

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Department. This fortifies HMH’s emergency medicine capabilities ensuring our patients receive a high level of care during critical moments.

We have also added an advanced teleNeurology platform in partnership with HCA Houston Healthcare. This allows access to a specialized team of vascular neurologists, epilepsy specialists, and other experts in stroke and neurological care. If a patient is experiencing stroke or other neurological emergencies, this aids in helping receive timely and accurate diagnoses, and advanced care. Neurology has been something the community has asked us for, and we are proud to say we are listening.

These collaborations represent a major milestone in our ongoing pursuit of excellence in patient care. By working with our regional healthcare partners, we are confident in our ability to deliver the most advanced, comprehensive, and compassionate care possible to our community.

What is your vision for HMH?

We will continue to add service lines and expand care for our patients. We have a great dialysis access surgeon who provides surgical interventions for dialysis patients who may need those. We are opening a new ambulatory surgery center early next year. It’s already built, and that will allow for procedures we don’t have here--ear, nose and throat; spine surgery; additional cardiology; vascular surgery; podiatry and more; and we’ll keep adding for the benefit and health of our community.

We’ve improved like we have because of our employees; our medical staff wants to provide great service to our patients. Every day we do something called leader rounding, and it has been very rewarding. All leaders in the hospital, including executives, are required to round on all our patients Monday through Friday, so every patient is seen. With the leaders involved it allows us to engage and intervene in a timelier way. We are committed to continuing the positive trends happening now, and we are committed to further advancing our mission to care for our community with compassion, integrity, and excellence.

Shannon is proud of the improvements that have been made thus far at HMH under his leadership. The hospital has increased from a one-star to a three-star rating on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services scale, and he believes they are on their way to earning four stars. The hospital is trending upward on other quality rankings as well.

You’ve had an incredible career so far with much more to come. What would you say is your mission statement for life or what drives your work?

I talk with my team a lot about being a servant leader and being authentic. When you have conversations with people--vendors, physicians, patients, employees--you need to make sure you’re not here just to be a boss. That means caring that the patient is having a great experience and that our employees have what they need to be successful. When my executive team reports to me, I know I’m only successful if they’re successful. My role is to make sure I’m supporting them and giving them the resources and information they need to do that.

What do you and your family enjoy most about living in Huntsville?

I think the word “community” sums it up. We love the small community atmosphere and the people who live here. The events we have like Fair on the Square, Bearkat sports, and our Fair and Rodeo just make living here so enjoyable! Add to that, the mix of outdoor activities like Huntsville State Park, and this is just an awesome place to live.

On behalf of Postcards, thank you for your military service! What would you say to the public about what can be done to show our appreciation for veterans?

I think most veterans appreciate it when they’re acknowledged and thanked for their service. I know that’s a small thing, but it is appreciated. When I see veterans from other wars, I’m always thankful, and I thank them for their service. I never tell them that I served. It’s for them. They need to be appreciated.

Teachers Touching Tomorrow

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

Tony Cherry

CT Business, A/V Club

Huntsville High School

Nominated by Kursten Villarreal

Mr. Cherry has made a difference because he always has a smile on his face and brightens other people’s days. He is a very outgoing and caring teacher.

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

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

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Bob the Feral Cat

by Janet Sawyer Brown

This is Bob. He and his brother Simba are wild kittens. One day last December, I opened the front door, and Bob rushed inside.

It was common for outside kitties to visit our indoor cats at the window. They rubbed against each other through the screen. Bob, named for his constant bobbing up and down to see inside, decided he didn’t like cold weather. At the first opportunity, he decided to become our cat. He is half a year younger than our kitties. He looks so tiny. Plus, it doesn’t help the situation that Bob is an orange tabby, and ours are gray and black tabbies.

At 2:00 pm, the kitties climb onto my bed for the “sunshine nap.” Bob gets in the mix and usually snuggles with Dazy Mae or Tiglet. Everyone is happy until “Crack” time. This is when they get cat treats. That’s when the claws come out. Bob stands his ground. He quickly figured out it was worth the growls and snarls to get treats.

We tried to coax Bob’s brother Simba inside, but he wasn’t having it. Bob told him about the great food and soft kitty pile. It didn’t matter. Simba wanted to stay outside. We are taking Bob to the vet for the old snip-snip. Simba will be certain to tell Bob, “I told you so!” What Simba doesn’t know is that if we can catch him, he’s going, too.

Cassie Fry, PTA

Tommy Brabham,

Glorious Grandkids

Rynlea Grandchild of Vickie Jones

Mia Elena Osth Grandchild of Nickie Mayberry

Lane Nathan Pulling Grandchild of David & Sarah Pulling

Things My Granddaddy Said

When you let something simmer too long, it will eventually boil over and extinguish your pilot light.

A wink’s as good as a nod to a blind mule.

Swallow your pride occasionally. It’s non-fattening!

When you’re looking for someone to criticize, look at a mirror, not a telescope.

A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.

There are certain bridges that are not worth crossing, no matter what others think.

Loyalty and relationships are important. --Tony Dungy

If the grass is greener on the other side, yours may need watering.

Growth is the ONLY evidence of life.

Grandpa used a tranquilizer too. He called it WORK.

God does not promise a comfortable journey – only a safe landing.

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

Students

Marisol Lopez Trinity High School

Things I Hate About You

Music/Artist: Country / Cody Johnson Cane’s life to the fullest.”

senior at Trinity High School and is the Maria Gaytan. Her activities include Beta, council, soccer, cross debate UIL, and FFA. Marisol plans to attend the University of study business and work in sports marketing. makes you happy, because life is too short.”

Favorite Movie: Rock of Ages

Favorite Music/Artist: SZA

Favorite Food: Pasta (of any kind)

Kursten Villarreal

Huntsville High School

Favorite Quote: “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let it go.” –Carol Burnett

Kursten is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Louisa and Kurt Villarreal. Her activities include golf, A/V Club, and student council. Following graduation, Kursten plans to attend college, go into the medical field, and own her own business. She believes, “Life is too short to worry about the ‘what ifs.’”

Favorite Movie: The Great Gatsby

Favorite Music/Artist: Post Malone

Zach Steffa

Alpha Omega Academy

Favorite Food: Dorito Chicken Casserole

Favorite Quote: “Don’t wish things were easier, wish you were better.” –John Slaughter

Zach is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the son of Ronald and Christy Steffa. His activities include football, swimming, track and field, Interact, and volunteering at church. Following graduation, Zach plans to study forensics in college and pursue a master’s degree. He believes, “Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you have to.”

Favorite Movie: The Notebook

Favorite Music/Artist: Zach Bryan

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Quote: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:6

Olivia is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the daughter of Marcus and Lesa Bradley. Her activities include breakaway roping, Interact Club, TAPPS Academics, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, Olivia plans to attend Texas A&M University to study business then become an attorney. She believes, “Work hard, strive for success, and glorify God in all you do.”

Texas Talent

Story by Lauren Swonke

Submitted Photos

Jack Nelson

The flight plan for this rising country artist led through SHSU and a Navy P-3 Orion.

For creative folks, experiences provide a treasure trove of material to feel deeply, write about, sing about, and ultimately mold into something meaningful to the world. Life’s experiences make for beautiful art. For Texas Country artist Jack Nelson, the path to becoming a professional musician has created an incredible journey of story and sound for the listener. He’s bringing his artistry to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek this season for the third year. Let’s learn where he’s been and where he’s headed.

Share a little about yourself.

I like to refer to myself as a nomadic Texan. I was born down in Corpus Christi; I lived in Riviera, Texas through my elementary years. I went to high school east of Dallas. I went to college at Sam Houston [State University]. I bounced all over the state a lot growing up, hanging out with family. My dad would get together with buddies on the weekend to play music just for fun. I think I got my first guitar when I was 4 years old. We grew up

with music always being around, more so as a hobby than a career choice. We had a drum set instead of a dining room table growing up. I always say I don’t remember not knowing how to play and sing. I think, the day I was born, I came out crying in key.

What brought about your military service, and were you involved in music during that time?

When I went to Sam Houston my first year, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I found out about this program in the navy that would allow me to fly as an enlisted person, so I did that for five years, flying around the world as a flight engineer on a P3-Orion. When I got to my first duty station in Jacksonville, Florida, I stopped at a music shop and picked up a guitar. I took it with me to all four hemispheres in 15 different countries. I was always playing in the barracks or playing for the folks I was serving with at the smoke pits when we’d barbecue. Even then, it wasn’t something I had ever fathomed I would make

a career of or grow into. It was just something

How did your music go from being a hobby to a career?

When I got out of the navy, I went back to college at Sam and just started picking up gigs on the side as a hobby player. It started growing more and more as I was finishing up my degree. I had one semester left before I would graduate; I took that semester off to focus on music to see if I could make a living doing that. I was able to

do it, so I went back and finished my degree. I’ve been traveling all over the country, playing and singing for people, ever since. Your sound has been described as “breathing life back into the reminiscent sounds of the wild west” by The Texas State Line podcast. How would you describe your sound in the broad and loose genre of country music these days?

They’re not far off on that. I don’t intentionally focus on what it’s going to sound like. That’s not typically my priority with music and creativity. I kind of let it create itself and flow out of me and capture whatever that is in the best way. It’s a lot of the wild west and the traditional country style, as well as stuff I’m doing that can range anywhere from folky to groovy and anywhere in between. I just like to have fun with it and let it grow and be good. It’s country music through and through; I’m from the country, and it’s the music I make. It’s all about my life and experiences, or at least drawn from that.

Tell me what a Jack Nelson show is like.

There are two different versions of the Jack Nelson show. There’s the acoustic, broke-down version, which in its own way is one of my favorite kinds of shows to do. I get the opportunity in certain settings where you have a good group of people that are captivated and want to hear the stories behind the songs and enjoy the evening together. Those nights are magical in their own way. The other side of that coin is the full band, big production show. That is so much fun. It’s great to be able to get together with the big drums, the keys, the fiddle, and other guitars, and just to be able to create that big sound with my peers--to put on a large production with a much higher energy as well as a greater wall or canyon of sound, which is the effect I want to go for. I want the music to surround and engulf you. The acoustic shows are great, but not like when I get all my friends on stage, and we can make these songs come alive together.

Jack received the Texas Internet Radio Chart Rising Star Sebby Award earlier this year. In addition, his album “Going Places” was a number one on folk charts when it was released.

Parks and Recreation

In July 2023, your song “RoadRunner” was Texas Country Music Magazine’s “Song of the Week”; more recently, you are a finalist in the Texas Country Music Awards “Emerging Artist” category. What does it mean for your music to be recognized this way?

It’s awesome! When we go and play shows as musicians and entertainers, we’re usually playing someone else’s birthday, wedding, retirement party, or cul de sac crawfish event. We’re more a fixture of the place than us being the entertainers that we are. When the music industry does things like recognizing “RoadRunner,” it’s our own form of a birthday party. I think it’s great, and I don’t take them for granted. Win, lose, or draw on any of them, it’s nice that people are paying attention.

What is coming up in the future you’re particularly stoked about?

Last summer was our 9th year and 10th trip up through the Rocky Mountains. We do it every year and call it the Rocky Mountain Run. For the first six years, it was me and the band, dragging the guys all over the mountains in the summertime. Three years ago, we decided to try it with just me and the wife and the dog (because some of the guys weren’t able to make the trip) and make it a solo acoustic run. We had such a great time doing that, we ended up doing the run like that for the next three years. It has made me a better musician, in many regards, both as a band leader and as a solo artist. We’re working on making next year our biggest year. We have a lot of goals we want to achieve and knock off the bucket list…and hopefully do that with the band, too.

You’ll be performing at Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek again this year. Will you be playing some of your own music along with Christmas tunes?

I’m definitely going to be doing both. If there’s one thing I love playing more than my own songs, it’s Christmas music. It’s ingrained in me somehow. There’s something about Carolina Creek that I haven’t found anywhere else in holiday venues. The environment just really embodies the true spirit of Christmas. The origin of what Christmas is to us as Americans and as Christians is truly kept there.

do the cooking so you can enjoy your friends and family.

To check out more about Jack Nelson, and to take a listen, visit jacknelsonband.com.

Giggles & Grins

The doctor told me my prostate was good. I was deeply touched.

I’m really tired of people who complain about the price of everything…

$2.00 for a cup of coffee

$3.00 for coat check

$4.00 an hour for parking

I’m just going to stop inviting them to my house.

The Stock Market and Presidential Elections: A Tightrope Walk Understanding the Link Between Politics and Stocks

Justice is best served cold. Because if it was served warm, it would be justwater.

Being popular on Facebook is like sitting at the cool table in the mental hospital.

I got thrown out of the grocery store today when I tried to unionize everyone using the self-checkout.

My neighbor couldn’t afford his water bill… so I got him a “Get Well Soon” card.

Please cancel my subscription to your issues.

Do race horses slow down when they see police horses?

To spell the word panda, you just need p and a.

Have you ever noticed how the stock market seems to react when it’s election season? It’s like the stock market has its own mood swings, and they often come with political tides. When a presidential election is on the horizon, traders start to wonder: How will the outcome affect their investments? The relationship between presidential elections and the stock market is more than just coincidence; it’s a dance of economics, sentiment, and expectations.

Market Reactions to Election Outcomes

Imagine the stock market as a dance. Sometimes, it glides smoothly when a candidate is frontrunner, and other times, it stumbles during unexpected twists. When election results come in, the market’s response can be immediate. A candidate viewed as “business-friendly” might send stocks soaring, while a perceived threat to economic stability can cause sharp declines.

Take, for instance, the 2020 presidential election. The market faced wild fluctuations as results filtered in. When it became clear that Joe Biden was the projected winner, certain sectors like clean energy and technology saw boosts. Investors began making decisions based on anticipated policies. It’s fascinating how a single announcement can pivot the market, isn’t it?

The Power of Predictions: Polls and Sentiment

Polls play a significant role in shaping market sentiment. Traders often scan the horizon, looking for hints about election outcomes. If polls show a leading candidate, investors may start buying stocks, hoping for a favorable outcome. This anticipation can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, pushing stock prices up even before the polls close.

Yet, polls can be tricky. Remember the 2016 election? Many experts predicted a Clinton victory, only for Trump to win. The stock market reacted swiftly, illustrating how wrong predictions can lead to rapid sell-offs, and then large boosts. It’s a reminder that in the world of finance, certainty is often an illusion.

Final Thoughts: Market Outlook Post-Election

So, what happens after the election? The stock market usually takes a breath and reassesses. If the new president’s policies align well with market interests, we might see an upward trend. If not, prepare for a bit of a roller coaster ride. Investors need to keep a close watch as policies unfold and market conditions shift.

In the end, the dance between presidential elections and the stock market is complex. Emotions, data, and politics all intertwine to create a vibrant, albeit unpredictable, financial landscape. Whether you’re an investor or just a curious observer, understanding this connection could make all the difference when the next election rolls around.

We have been helping clients navigate markets, and more importantly set and attain goals for over 38 years. Please contact us if you have questions, we would love to help you “Enjoy More, Worry Less.”

Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP®

Medical Matters

By Greg Seelhoefer, MD Primary Care Sports Medicine

Your Knees Crack When You Squat or Bend?

You’re in the middle of a workout, powering through your first squat, when suddenly you hear it — an unsettling crack. Or perhaps you’re not even exercising, just walking up a flight of stairs. And maybe it’s not quite a crack but more of a click or pop, and it seems to happen a lot.

It’s not the first time you’ve wondered whether you should make a doctor’s appointment or just shrug the sound off. Could cracking knees be a sign of arthritis? Or is this just a harmless quirk of the human body?

When this joint is making noise, is it trying to tell you something?

Why knees crack, click and pop

“The knee is a workhorse joint for the body,” explains Dr. Greg Seelhoefer, a sports medicine physician. “A knee has to be strong enough to support almost all of your body weight and it needs to be flexible. There is a lot of pressure on one hinge joint that allows you to walk, run, bend, squat and more.”

Just like a door’s hinges might start to creak after years of use, knees can develop a bit of a “creak” too.

The most common reasons for knee clicking, cracking, and popping include:

• Air bubbles – popping of gas bubbles within the fluid of the knee joint

• Irritation under the kneecap – when inflammation occurs in the space between the kneecap and femur, it can increase resistance in the joint and cause knee components to make noise as they move

• Wear and tear of cartilage – if the surface of cartilage has become very rough, the surrounding knee components move less smoothly over it.

When should you worry about noisy knees?

How can you tell when knee cracking, clicking or popping isn’t harmless? Dr. Seelhoefer recommends being on the lookout for the red flags that signal there might be a problem.

“If pain comes along with the noise from your knee, and it leads to swelling or movement limitations — such as locking or catching sensations — that’s when we get concerned,” says Dr. Seelhoefer. “But if the knee is just popping and there’s no pain, we’re not worried. Some people just have noisy knees.”

In other words, it’s more about the sensation you feel rather than the sound you hear.

“Leaving issues like these unaddressed can lead to bigger problems down the line, sometimes even serious injury,” adds Dr. Seelhoefer. “We always want someone

experiencing knee pain to come in for evaluation so we can identify and treat the cause.”

Your doctor can help you understand what’s causing your knee pain and the exercises needed to help relieve (and prevent) it. If you’re experiencing knee pain, a sports medicine physician may be able to help.

From the Mouths of Babes

I’m 14. At the beach in my hometown, I was feeling like “whatever.” It’s so boring, who cares really? And then this woman ran out onto the sand and exclaimed, “It’s the ocean!” I ask, “What?” She said, “I grew up in Colorado. I’ve never seen the ocean. My God! There’s so much water!” Tears began to stream down her face, and I thought, “We’re on the same beach, but mine is boring, and hers is beautiful… and if I have to choose…I’d rather be on her beach.” As she walked away, continuing to exclaim about palm trees and coconuts, I thought about how easily time makes us numb to beauty and how I didn’t want to live that way anymore. For the rest of my childhood, the beach will be very different.

My son asked for a new Xbox controller for Christmas. I didn’t think about why he needed a new one…until he opened it up and got all excited because now his sister could play games with him. He didn’t want the controller for himself, he wanted it so they could play together.

My daughter just called a cemetery a person garden. I’m not even sure what she thinks is happening there.

Thank You

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

Holiday Prep

The holiday season is upon us once again! For newcomers to the area, Thanksgiving and Christmas are “huge” decorating seasons. Texans take it to a whole new level. Décor inside and outside the home creates a feeling of warmth and welcome invitation. Create “that holiday feel” with a quick checklist:

Clean out beds of weeds, prune as needed for shrubs with 12” shoots, and place a new layer of mulch for winter. Mulch installed in the last 5 months can be raked and turnedover; older mulch will need a refresher of 1”–3”. USE PINE BARK MULCH ONLY on azaleas, camellias, gardenias, roses, and other acid lovers. If using black mulch, ensure it is organic, so the dye doesn’t cause chlorosis (yellow leaves).

Place fresh color in pots or beds by the entrances, as well as your outdoor living space. Deer-proof winter flowers have always been a challenge, but consider dianthus (tough sun loving perennial) and calendulas,

as well as stock, violas, and snapdragons for sunny areas. For deer-proof plants in very shady locales, flowering kale and cabbage in red/purple/or white (although non-bloomers) will make a sensational display and are edible.

Do not forget to look to your landscape for fresh foliage to use in your home. A few cut branches of red berried holly in a vase always makes a beautiful statement, as well as a basket of fresh pinecones and rose hips. Mother Nature has more choices than Hobby Lobby, if you just open your eyes and look. You might add a few soft small branches of pine for the fragrance. You can expect these

to last 4-5 days with water and a tablespoon of sugar or florist preservative.

It is time to apply winterizer and fungicide to St. Augustine lawns. Late fall and winter weather can become warm and rainy and then cool again, making the perfect petri dish for fungal growth in grass over the winter.

Yes, it is now pansy season. These little annual beauties are hitting the market, and they come in every color and size imaginable. Pop pansies into half sun to full sun areas and fertilize with a tablespoon of blood meal (10-0-0) under each 4” pot before planting. Pansies are odd; they prefer nitrogen over phosphorous, giving them brighter colors and stronger stalks. Pansies and deer are not a good garden combination and should be avoided where deer populations are a nuisance.

Finally, poinsettias and Christmas cacti are considered “tropicals” and will not survive

Pansies

Christmas Cactus

freezing temperatures. They both require bright sunlight 6-8 hours a day to thrive. Poinsettias tend to be water guzzlers, but need good drainage, so do not leave the water in the foil hat or the poinsettia will

develop black leaves. Christmas cacti will require more water with good drainage during the blooming phase, generally every 10 days.

It will not be long before plants will need to come in off the patio for winter. Two weeks prior, spray the plants with an organic insecticide/fungicide to deter from bringing any unwanted “pests” into the house (also check to ensure there are no snakes or frogs in the pots; they love warm soil for hibernation).

Enjoy this beautiful time of the year!

Happy Gardening.

Poinsettias

What’s Cookin’

Pumpkin Bread

Compliments of Edna Lagravier

Ingredients

3 cups sugar

1-2 tsp nutmeg

1-2 tsp allspice

1-2 tsp cloves

1-2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup vegetable oil

3 ½ cups flour

4 eggs

1 cup water

15 or 16 oz can pumpkin

1 cup raisins (I use golden raisins)

1 cup pecans

Directions

Step 1: Mix dry ingredients.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix oil, water, eggs, and then pumpkin. Add dry ingredients.

Step 3: Fold in raisins and pecans.

Step 4: Original recipe says to bake in 4 coffee cans at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. I bake in 4 smaller loaf pans or 2 larger loaf pans, greased well, and check centers with toothpick until it comes out clean.

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Ingredients

2 (8 oz) pkgs fresh cranberries

6 med fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced

1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1 ½ cups white sugar

2 med limes, juiced

1 ½ tsp salt

¾ tsp ground black pepper tortilla chips for dipping

Directions

Step 1: Combine cranberries, jalapeños, and cilantro in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until blended, working in batches if necessary. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2: Stir in sugar, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Serve with chips.

Sweet Potato Dump Cake

Ingredients

2 (15 oz) cans sweet potatoes in light syrup, drained 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 Tbs vanilla extract

1 Tbs pumpkin pie spice

1 pkg (2 layer) spice cake mix or yellow cake mix

1/2 cup salted butter, cold, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, to serve, if desired

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan; set aside.

Step 2: Combine drained sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Beat until almost smooth with an electric mixer. There may still be some small chunks of sweet potato.

Step 3: Spread sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle cake mix over the sweet potato mixture. Place cold butter pieces evenly over cake mix. Sprinkle with pecans, if using.

Step 4: Bake until golden brown and set, about 45 minutes. Cool at least 20 minutes in pan before serving. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Easy Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Ingredients

40 ounces apple pie filling

1/3 cup caramels diced into small bits (or Kraft caramel bits)

1 box yellow or white cake mix

2 sticks salted butter 16 ounces, melted

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare a 9x13’’ cake pan or baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3: To the prepared dish, add apple pie filling. Sprinkle caramel bits over the top.

Step 4: Next, layer dry cake mix over the top, smoothly with a spatula.

Step 5: Finally, pour the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix. Do not stir.

Step 6: Bake for 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Old-Fashioned Scalloped Corn

Ingredients

3 (15 oz) cans cream-style corn

1 cup crushed saltine crackers, divided

½ cup butter, melted, divided

2 large eggs

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp ground black pepper

•

•

•

•

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8x11x2-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Combine creamed corn, 1/2 cup cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl; mix well.

Step 3: Pour mixture into the prepared dish.

Step 4: Mix remaining 1/2 cup cracker crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup melted butter with paprika and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle crumb topping over casserole.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until topping browns slightly and filling bubbles along edges, 30-40 minutes.

• Bake your pies and rolls the day before.

• Empty the dishwasher and trashcan the night before.

• Work ahead on non-food prep.

• Never turn down help. Save easy jobs for early birds to help.

• Ask guest to bring ice.

• Send leftovers home with guests.

Cajun Crab and Shrimp Dip

Ingredients

1 cup crab meat

2 cups cooked shrimp, chopped

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 green onions, chopped

1 Tbs Cajun seasoning

1 Tbs fresh lemon juice

1 tsp hot sauce (optional)

½ tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth.

Step 3: Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, hot sauce, and lemon juice.

Step 4: Fold in crab meat, shrimp, green onions, cheddar, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

6 fresh Anaheim chile peppers

1 (8 oz) pkg queso asadero (white Mexican cheese), cut into

3/4-inch thick strips

2 large eggs, separated

1 tsp baking powder

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup vegetable shortening for frying

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven broiler; set the oven rack about 6 inches below the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Place peppers onto the prepared baking sheet and broil until skins are blackened and blistered, about 10 minutes. Use tongs to rotate peppers often to char all sides. Place blackened peppers into a bowl and tightly seal with plastic wrap. Allow peppers to steam as they cool, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Remove skin from peppers, then cut a slit down the long side of each one to remove seeds and core.

Step 4: Rinse peppers inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Stuff peppers with strips of cheese.

Step 5: Whisk egg yolks and baking powder in a bowl until combined.

Step 6: Beat egg whites with an electric mixer in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Gently fold beaten whites into the yolk mixture. Place flour into a separate shallow bowl.

Step 8: Melt vegetable shortening in a skillet over medium heat. Roll each stuffed pepper in flour, tap off excess flour, and dip into the egg mixture to coat both sides. Gently lay coated peppers into the hot shortening. Fry peppers until lightly golden brown and cheese has melted, about 5 minutes per side.

Copycat Chuy’s Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Dip

Ingredients

1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus leaves for serving

1/2 cup hot pickled jalapeño chiles, drained, plus 2 tablespoon liquid from jar

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

3 Tbs buttermilk ranch seasoning (from 2 [1 oz] envelopes)

1 Tbs fresh lime juice

2 garlic cloves, grated

3/4 tsp kosher salt

tortilla chips, fresh jalapeño slices, pickled jalapeño slices, and pickled red onions, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Combine cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and liquid from jar in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.

Step 2: Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, lime juice, garlic, and salt, and pulse until smooth.

Step 3: Serve with tortilla chips, fresh jalapeño slices, pickled jalapeño slices, pickled red onions, and cilantro.

Story by Wes Armstrong

Submitted Photos

What’s New in 2024

Anyone can hang Christmas lights, but it takes a special creative team with careful planning and determined effort to immerse people in the Spirit of Christmas. »

The lights are going up, the tree is getting trimmed, and we’re gearing up for another magical season at Lone Star Lights! As we look forward to welcoming families and friends this Christmas, I’m excited to share what’s new for 2024 and how we continue to evolve this beloved event, while staying true to our mission at Carolina Creek.

At the heart of it all, Lone Star Lights remains a reflection of our mission: to “invite people to experience and know the love of Jesus.” Every detail, from the light displays to the way we greet guests at the gates, is designed to create a space where families can feel connected—to each other, to the Christmas spirit, and to the love of Jesus. This mission is something we’ve carried forward from the beginning, and it continues to guide everything we do.

Expanding the Experience

For those who have joined us in the past, you know Lone Star Lights isn’t just about looking at Christmas lights—it’s about creating an immersive experience that engages all the senses. Whether you’ve come to ride the zip lines; sled or throw snowballs in the snow zone; meet Rolly the Talking Reindeer; or

wander the Fractal Forest, each element has been thoughtfully curated to foster moments of joy and connection. And while the heart of Lone Star Lights remains unchanged, I’m excited to share how we’ve grown and added even more for this year’s visitors. One of the biggest additions for 2024 is our stunning entry tunnel—a 100-foot-long corridor of sparkling lights that welcomes you into the park. It’s designed to immediately transport guests into the world of Lone Star Lights and set the stage for the magic that lies ahead.

We’ve also introduced a brand-new zone, Yuletide Square, which adds even more charm and interactivity to the park. Rolly the Talking Reindeer, a declared Lone Star Lights favorite celebrity, has settled into a new home at the Reindeer Stables

For those who love to get hands-on, Yuletide Square also includes two delightful craft shops: Timber & Twine and Noel’s Leatherworks. Guests can create personalized holiday keepsakes that they’ll cherish for years to come—whether it’s crafting a handmade ornament or a leather good. These little touches add to the overall sense of wonder and personalization Lone Star Lights is known for.

New Adventures Await

This year, we’ve also expanded our Arctic Adventure offerings, adding more

opportunities for families to engage in exciting, physical ways. The popular Arctic Adventures has two new features that are sure to thrill guests of all ages. First up is the Glacier Climb, an ice-themed climbing wall that lets adventurous guests scale a frosty peak right here in Texas. Next is the Arctic Swing, a two-person giant swing that lifts riders 25 feet into the air before they pull the ripcord and swing out over the lights in Candy Cane Lane—a breathtaking experience that’s sure to be a highlight for thrill-seekers.

Another new addition we’re particularly excited about is the Luminous Lilies in Fractal Forest Over 50 of these illuminated lily pads respond to your steps, changing colors as you move across them. It’s an interactive, playful feature that adds a new

layer of discovery to the Fractal Forest, which has been a favorite zone for its immersive lighting designs. Whether you’re 6 or 60, there’s something magical about watching the ground light up under your feet.

For our younger guests who love the train ride through the park, we’ve added a second train station in Yuletide Square, supplementing the original train station in Candy Cane Lane This gives you two unique routes to explore, making it easier than ever to see all Lone Star Lights has to offer. It’s a great way to relax and take in the sights while spending quality time with your loved ones.

The Reason for The Season

Our cherished zone Reason for The Season has a new location this year, offering a new way to experience many of this area’s

beloved features. The Vertical Cathedral is an inspiring light display that invites you to pause and take in the celestial moment. The Prayer Arbors return as a wonderful invitation for you and your guests to prayerfully give thanks or lift requests up to Heaven. And the Nativity is sure to capture hearts as you walk through the Christmas Story in a reflective and contemplative scripture journey.

Bringing Stories to Life

One of the optional elements that makes Lone Star Lights so special is our Dinner Theatre experience, which continues to be a highlight of the season. This year, we’re proud to present Gift of the Magi, performed once again by the talented team at Houston’s AD Players. We’ve taken this classic story

and set it against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, bringing a contemporary twist to O. Henry’s timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and grace. It’s a beautiful reminder of what truly matters during the holiday season, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this original production created exclusively for the Lone Star Lights stage.

Of course, no dinner theatre experience is complete without a festive meal to accompany the show. This year’s menu includes a first course of holiday salad, followed by a choice of hearty soups - Broccoli Cheddar or Classic Minestrone For the main course, guests can choose between Ribeye Steak, Lemon Dill Salmon, or Vegetarian

Spinach Cheese Tortellini, all served with sides of creamy garlic mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. And for dessert, there’s something for everyone — rich Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, or a refreshing Fruit Cup for those looking for a lighter option.

Memories That Last

While the new attractions and experiences are exciting, what I’m most looking forward to this year is seeing how our returning guests react to the way we’ve reimagined the park. We’ve worked hard to strike the perfect balance between keeping familiar areas— like Candy Cane Lane and Lone Star Ranch—while introducing new, surprising zones and elements around every corner. I think guests will love that feeling of coming back to something they know and love, while still being delighted by new discoveries throughout the park.

At the end of the day, our goal remains the same: to create a space where families and friends can make memories that will last a lifetime. From the moment you drive through the gate and see the lights to the final goodbyes in the parking lot, our hope is that every guest feels cared for and loved.

We’re here to serve you, to make sure your experience is magical and meaningful, and, most importantly, to reflect the love of Jesus in everything we do.

Looking Ahead

As Lone Star Lights continues to grow, it’s been amazing to see how this event extends the reach of Carolina Creek’s mission. Traditionally, the winter months are quieter at camp, but with Lone Star Lights, we get to fill that season with the sounds of laughter, music, and joy. It’s a way for us to steward our resources and use this beautiful property to welcome tens of thousands of people— many of whom may otherwise never have had the chance to experience Carolina Creek.

Looking ahead, we hope to continue growing and refining this event, finding new ways to surprise and delight our guests each year. Whether this is your first time visiting Lone Star Lights or you’ve been coming since the very beginning, there’s always something new to discover. I can’t wait to see the memories made this year and to welcome you all back to celebrate the true reason for the season.

Thanksgiving jumps a week later this year, causing a pretty big change in our season. Rather than starting on weekends only and ending with a full week run, we will start with a full week run before and after Thanksgiving, then go to weekends only in December. This is to accommodate families and school schedules. Don’t be caught offguard! Lone Star Lights runs select nights from November 22 through December 22. Be sure to bring your family and friends and experience the magic for yourself! Tickets are available online at LoneStarLights.org Wes Armstrong is Director of Lone Star Lights and Director of Creative, Production & Digital Services for Carolina Creek.

936.744.0134 5 Anticipation Drive Huntsville, TX 77320

Early Worship: Sunday Mornings, 9:00 am

Bible Study: Sunday Mornings, 10:00 am Late Service: Sunday Mornings, 11:00 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

Dr. Aaron FritschDr. Scott Logan

Dear Gabby

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I am so ready for fall in Texas (when the high temperature is 93° instead of 98°)! We have two national holidays in November and a very important election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. Rule number one is: If you don’t vote, don’t complain. Monday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day, and we must never forget to honor those brave men and women who have ever risked life and limb to protect our freedoms. Thursday, November 28 is Thanksgiving. I’m convinced they hold elections in November because it’s the best time for picking out a turkey. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www. PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY

I will be so thankful when the election results are tallied and people can start talking about

something (anything) other than this politician or the other. I don’t understand all the minutia of elections, but I do enough research to cast an educated ballot. I’ll just be glad when it’s all over.

SICK OF POLITICS

DEAR SOP

It would seriously be in your (and the country’s) best interest if every eligible voter would brush up on our election process. With that being said, here is a quick definition of politics that may give you an idea of how it works. Poli means many. Ticks are blood sucking insects, therefore politics means many parasites. The next statement is made in the most general of terms and is simply stated to help explain politics since the beginning of time. Sheep spend their whole lives fearing the wolf, only to be eaten by the shepherd. Once you

understand this statement, you will start to understand politics.

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “COOKING MISTAKES”:

To answer your question, I have made lots of mistakes in my life, but adding more cheese or more chocolate chips than a recipe calls for has never been one of them. Just don’t forget to thaw the Thanksgiving turkey several days in advance, and take out the package of giblets before cooking!

Count your blessings and enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. I’m very thankful for my readers!

Precision Repairs. Peace of Mind.

We are thankful for another year of serving our community. Wishing you safe travels and memory making moments with family and friends.

OLLIE & MOLLIE loved by Dianne Ross

LOLITA loved by The Almazna Family

PISTOL loved by Robert & Stacie

I Am THANKFUL!

List what you are thankful for beginning with each leter of the alphabet.

Grandma’s Corn Pudding

Ingredients

5 large eggs

⅓ cup butter, melted & slightly cooled

¼ cup white sugar

½ cup milk

¼ cup cornstarch

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

2 cans cream-style corn

Directions

An easy recipe to get the kids involved on Thanksgiving.

Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

Step 2: Wisk eggs lightly in a large bowl.

Step 3: Add milk, melted butter, sugar, and cornstarch; whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Stir in drained corn and cream-style corn until fully blended.

Step 5: Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 1 hour.

Thankful

Why couldn’t the Thanksgiving band perform? Somebody ate the drumsticks.

What side dish tells the worst jokes? Corn-y bread

What’s the key to a great Thanksgiving? The tur-key

What do you call a running turkey? Fast food.

Why didn’t the turkey want dessert? He was stuffed.

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Story by Katherine E. Stephens

How a family legacy of customer service grew into a culture of personal service today.

Photos by Julie Knight

Walking into Ward Furniture and Flooring, you’ll see the sleek details of a wide variety of furniture styles, beautiful art pieces on the walls, and lovely selections of seasonal décor to accent your home. With the smell of an autumn candle filling the room and upbeat music quietly playing, you’ll also hear the laughter of employees who have made a home away from home – and they are welcoming you to experience the culture of personal service they are keeping alive and well after 80 years of business. Welcome to Ward Furniture and Flooring, proudly owned by David and Jackie Ward.

All in the family

Ward Furniture opened business as “Hardy Furniture” back in 1944. David Ward’s maternal grandfather, G.A. Hardy, forged the family business success by gaining the trust of the community and showing generosity to those who walked into the store. “My grandfather, did business sometimes off the shake of a hand,” says David Ward. Reflecting on this generosity and the stories he has heard of his grandfather; customer service is something David ensures stays at the forefront of Ward Furniture and Flooring today.

As the years went by and success grew, it eventually became time to pass to torch –Hardy Furniture became “Ward Furniture” as the business was bought by G.A. Hardy’s daughter and son-in law (Norman and June Ward, David Ward’s parents.) The

business continued to grow, as flooring and appliances were added. As a boy, David enjoyed helping at the store; as he grew older, the love for the family business didn’t fade one bit. He stepped into the shoes of businessowner in 1993. “There was never a doubt in my mind [about joining the family business],” says David. In 1997, David and Jackie moved the business from downtown to the current location, 180 IH 45 S, and changed the name from Ward Furniture to Ward Furniture & Flooring.

The Wards have two daughters, Madison and Scottie.

Scottie makes the fourth generation of family members to work for Ward Furniture. “She is the bookkeeper and so much more,” beams David. Jackie and David are undoubtedly proud of both daughters, and the family culture is evident.

David and Jackie Ward

Scottie Ward

The

process

Today, Ward Furniture & Flooring specializes in furniture, flooring, accessories, window treatments, and their newest addition of service – complete kitchen and bathroom renovations. Assisting customers with remodel designs has been a natural evolution

in the process of helping them make their home as beautiful as they wish.

Designers Kim Sanders and Janice Edwards can help walk customers through the process, start to finish. Often visiting a customer’s home to scale the location, they work with the customer hand-in-hand to find

Janice Edwards and Kim Sanders

the perfect custom items for each individual. With furniture available to select from in the showroom, some customers prefer to customize their orders – and in doing so, find plenty of options available.

Says Kim, “November tends to be a busy time as customers get ready for the holidays.

Happy

Some of the most popular things are bedroom and dining room furniture, as well as living room.” Janice adds, “November is also our big storewide sale, and all of our instock furniture is on sale at 40% off retail, so it is a great time for people to come in and check out their options.”

Brad Sherman

At the back of the showroom, you’ll discover a plethora of options of samples for all your furniture and flooring needs. David notes, “More often than not, our customers special order. They can customize an order, and when it gets here, it’s exactly what they’ve selected and exactly what they wanted [for their home.]”

David pointed out the addition of project manager Brad Sherman to their team in 2022. “Brad has been a big asset for the store. He helps with estimations and job visits for both residential and commercial customers. He’s much more savvy with technology than I am, and just an overall good person.”

What sets Ward apart

When asked why customers may choose Ward over any other furniture store, Jackie stated, “I want our community to know that we care. We’re not in this just for making a living. It’s been very successful for us, and it’s done us well. God has blessed us. But one of the biggest compliments I ever remember getting is a customer came in here and said when he left, ‘This is a Christian business’; I could not have been more proud, because that’s what we’re hoping they can sense…

that we’re real, we’re not putting on a front, we want the best for them, and we think they’ve come to the best place to get that. Jackie’s words were met with actions as a customer walked in during this interview –Jackie got up to greet the customer, who seemed to be a regular. After a few moments, she sat back down – but with a genuine smile beaming from her face that had not been there before. Jackie says David coined a phrase often used now when referring to their business: “Where personal service is a tradition.” And this customer service and kindness is something David Ward has aimed to keep going, from the days of his grandfather’s smalltown furniture store – to now a now bustling enterprise that services many surrounding towns and cities.

What’s next

Scottie Ward, much like her father, grew up around the business. When she was a child, she often went with her dad on deliveries, and she is now officed alongside her parents, helping the family continue the 80-year legacy of providing quality furniture and services to Huntsville and surrounding areas and building relationships that last.

Scottie says, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m watching and listening. We will keep evolving and becoming better.” Echoing what her father says about “keeping up with the times,” Scottie has her sights on the betterment of the store and offering the best to their customers.

David said, “When we are thinking about the future of this business, we look to Scottie –she’s the future. The younger staff members bring fresh and new ideas to the table, and I need to get out of the way and let them do their thing.”

Located at 180 I-45, Ward Furniture and Flooring has easy access from the interstate and offers quality parking. Owners David and Jackie Ward; bookkeeper Scottie Ward; designers Kim Sanders and Janice Edwards; project manager Bradley Sherman; along with support staff, delivery drivers, and more-the team at Ward Furniture and Flooring-welcome your business and would love to show you how they have created a culture of values that transcend the bottom line.

180 IH 45 S Huntsville, Texas 77340 936-295-2514

wardfurniture.com

Twenty Questions

Oscar Amaya

General

THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU?

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

SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU? I roast coffee as a hobby

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING ON YOUR DAY OFF?

HOW WOULD YOUR PERFECT DAY BEGIN? Seeing my son and making him breakfast.

HOW DO YOU CLEAR YOUR MIND AFTER A BAD DAY? A silent drive home to think about my day.

ONE THING YOU’RE EPICALLY BAD AT?

I’m epically bad at timing a hello/ hand wave. If I wave at you or even say hi you most likely wouldn’t know it. My timing is bad and my success rate is probably 25% lol

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

Probably going to El Salvador.

16 TOP THING LEFT TO DO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Visit Japan.

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

18 WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?

I admire my parents. Both for the same reason, they left their home country because of a civil war, and sacrificed so much to give their children the opportunities they never had.

19 BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN?

“Expect the worst and you can never be disappointed.” It seems dark and pessimistic but it allowed me to see the reality of life, and when something bad does happen I’ve learned to not dwell on it. Just overcome and move forward, find a solution and keep

for more.

Your Best AgriLife

By: Kristy Titzman, Walker County Extension Agent Kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu, 936-435-2426

or

Meet a 4-H Member

Meet Kelsey Johnson. Kelsey, a 10-year member of Walker County 4-H, is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy in Huntsville, Texas. She is the daughter of Benjie and Michelle Johnson of New Waverly, Texas.

What inspired you to join 4-H?

My older brother started showing goats when he was in 3rd grade, and I always enjoyed helping him, so I joined as soon as I was eligible and have loved it ever since.

What projects have you participated in during your time in 4-H?

I have raised goats, lambs, chickens, and turkeys. I have also competed in Educational Presentation, Ag-Robotics, Livestock Judging, Livestock Skill-a-thon, Food Challenge, Duds to Dazzle, Ag Product ID, and Consumer Decision Making. I also attended Texas 4-H Congress as a representative and lobbyist and I am a Texas Youth Livestock Association Livestock Ambassador.

Which project has been your favorite and why?

My personal favorite is raising goats, because it is what got me into 4-H and has been my main project since the 3rd grade. I enjoy going to show with my family and working with each individual animal. Goats have personalities!

What skills have you learned from your 4-H projects?

I have learned many valuable skills including responsibility, time-management, leadership, teamwork, consumer education, and public speaking. As I’ve gotten older, it’s neat to look back and think how different I am than when I started. I have so much more confidence in myself now.

Can you describe a memorable experience from a project or event?

One of my favorite memories is when the family of a young 4-H member reached out to me to help their child with showmanship. This was an honor, because they recognized my years of hard work and wanted me to share my experience with them. I worked with her a few times, and she went on to win showmanship at our county fair. I was blessed to share what I have learned over the years and help another child succeed. Have you taken on any leadership roles in 4-H?

I have served in many leadership roles from Recreational Leader to President of my community club, as well as many positions

on our County Council team including current President. One of my favorite leadership experiences so far is being selected as a Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador where I learned a lot about production agriculture. It opened my eyes to a bigger picture of the industry. I am now comfortable advocating for agriculture and interests I hold close to my heart.

How has 4-H influenced your involvement in your community?

Being involved in 4-H has given me numerous opportunities to give back to my community. 4-H has always encouraged community service. “One day 4-H” stands out in my memory because it is a day we gather with 4-H members from the surrounding areas to better our community. I can remember

gathering at the high school to plant trees one year. Those trees are still there, a reminder of what we did. Another year, we gathered at the fire station for a beautification project. We cleaned up an area next to the station where an old tractor was, planted flowers, spread mulch, and placed a bench. This is now a beautiful place for firefighters or visitors to sit and relax for a moment.

What is it like competing in 4-H events or fairs?

I have been an exhibitor at the Walker County Fair every year since third grade. I have also participated in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, State Fair of Texas, Rodeo Austin, Fort Worth Stock Show, and San Antonio Livestock Show. Additionally, I compete in 4-H Roundup at the County, District and State

Level. It is always fun to compete, but what I enjoy most is time spent with 4-H members from across the state I have met over the years and may only see at these events. They have become lifelong friends. I have no doubt our paths will cross in the future, and I have 4-H to thank for this opportunity.

As an Extension Agent that works closely with the youth of Walker County, I get to see kids blossom into young adults thriving in today’s world. Kelsey is just one example. There are many young people doing great things in our local community that have come through the 4-H program, and I am proud of each one. It’s not too late to get your kids involved. Contact us at the County Extension Office for this opportunity. 936-435-2426 or Kristy.titzman@ag.tamu.edu.

Wildlife Wonders

SMOOTH OPERATORS

By Cheryl Conley, Lake Creek Preserve Board of Directors

Both lizards and snakes freak me out. But what about a lizard that looks and acts like a snake? Wow! I didn’t even know there was such a thing. It’s called a skink.

Skinks are lizards that resemble snakes, and there are eight species native to Texas: the five-lined; the four-lined; the ground skink; the coal skink; broad-headed; many-lined; Great Plains skink; and southern prairie skink. The most common found in our area is the fivelined species. They are non-venomous and harmless. They can grow to about 8 1/2 inches and have a red head with a blue tail. Like the name implies, they have five white or yellowish stripes running along the body. As the skink ages, the stripes may fade away. They have tiny legs and very smooth, glass-like scales that make them look like snakes.

This species prefers to be near a permanent water source and enjoys basking in the sun.

The mating season begins in May, and the female will lay between 15 and 18 eggs between mid-May and July. She seeks out a small cavity beneath rotting logs, stumps, boards, loose bark, or even an empty rodent burrow. She prefers her nest to be in places where soil has a high moisture content. The eggs are very delicate and can be damaged very easily. It seems the moms know this and demonstrate high levels of care. Brooding positions vary depending on the moisture content of the soil. She may position beside, over, or in a coil over the eggs. Body contact with the eggs increases when moisture levels are low, because the eggs need more protection then. If the humidity is too low, the females may urinate in the nest to maintain the moisture level. Fluctuations in temperature determine the incubation period which ranges 24-55 days. The hatchlings leave the nest after a day or two, and mom duties are over. The babies

reach sexual maturity within 2 to 3 years and they can live up to 6 years.

Five-lined skinks have a unique way of protecting themselves from predators like moles, skunks, raccoons, snakes, and opossums. They can disconnect their entire tail or a small segment of it. It is believed the blue color of the tail and the fact it continues to twitch after detaching attracts the predator while the skink runs for shelter. If the skink is grabbed by the body, it will bite.

Five-lined skinks eat mostly insects, including crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, spiders, earthworms, snails, slugs, isopods, amphibians, smaller lizards, and newborn mice.

Like my mom used to say, “You’re never too old to learn.” So true. Having never seen a skink or even heard of them, I learned something new. How about you?

Ask The Doc: What Are The Long Term Effects of Untreated Back Pain?

Dr. Brian McGee, DC

Back pain is a common complaint, especially as we age. Whether it’s from a lifetime of hard work, long hours sitting, or simply the natural wear and tear on the body, many people believe back pain is just part of getting older. Leaving back pain untreated can lead to significant long-term consequences that affect your mobility, quality of life, and overall health.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in non-surgical treatments, I’ve worked with countless patients who, over time, allowed their back pain to become part of their daily routine. By the time they visit my clinic, the pain has often worsened, and they’re facing more serious health concerns. The good news? It’s never too late to take action. Let’s explore the long-term effects of untreated back pain and what you can do to avoid them.

Chronic Pain and Decreased Mobility

Untreated back pain can quickly become chronic. What starts as an occasional ache can develop into constant, debilitating pain that limits your ability to perform even simple tasks, like bending over to pick something up or walking for extended periods. The spine is the body’s foundation—when it’s compromised, the muscles around it tighten, weaken, and eventually start to deteriorate. As a result, many patients lose flexibility and strength, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. This lack of movement only compounds the problem, increasing the risk of other conditions such as weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes.

Nerve Damage

One of the most concerning long-term effects of untreated back pain is nerve damage. Conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can compress the nerves in your spine, causing sharp, radiating pain that travels down your legs (sciatica) or arms. If left untreated, this compression can lead to permanent nerve damage, which may cause numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the affected areas. In some cases, severe nerve damage can impact your ability to walk or maintain balance, greatly affecting your independence.

Increased Risk of Surgery

Many people try to manage back pain with over-the-counter medications or home remedies, hoping it will simply go away.

However, without proper treatment, the pain often worsens, and more invasive solutions like surgery may become necessary. Surgery, while sometimes effective, carries its own set of risks and a longer recovery period. Non-surgical treatments, such as chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and regenerative therapies, can address the root cause of back pain without the need for invasive procedures.

Take Action Today

The good news is that back pain doesn’t have to control your life. At our clinic, we specialize in non-surgical, drugfree treatments designed to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or chronic pain, we can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute we’ve been helping people get rid of their pain for over 40 years, and we’re here to help you too. Call 936-241-7673 TODAY and take the first step to eliminating your pain.

Thru 3

CALENDAR

Conroe “Dracula” crightontheatre.org

Galveston Lone Star Motorcycle Rally visitgalveston.com

Thru Dec 1

Todd Mission

Texas Renaissance Festival texrenfest.com

Woodlands Texas Fine Craft Show visitthewoodlands.com

Huntsville

A Time 2 Read Storybook 5K & Fun Run runsignup.com/Race/TX/Hunts ville/A2RStorybook5KandFunRun

Comedian Karen Morgan oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org 2, 9, 16, 23

Montgomery Free “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Concert Series” margaritavilleresorts.com/ 3

Montgomery “Game On!” A Video Game Concert facebook.com/ montgomerycommunityband

5

College Station

“BalletX” academyarts.tamu.edu

8-Jan 1

College Station

Christmas in the Park visitcollegestation.com

8-17

Conroe “Annie Jr” cythouston.org

8-Dec 23

Galveston Polar Express Train Ride galvestonrrmuseum.org

9

Galveston

The Righteous Brothers thegrand.com

Henderson

Heritage Syrup Festival visithendersontx.com

Galveston

Straight No Chaser thegrand.com

Huntsville

Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org/donor/schedules

Madisonville

Band Holiday Market Day 281-782-5632

9-10

Huntsville Holiday Market huntsvilleantiqueshow.com

12-Dec 12

Montgomery

Friends of the Library Silent Christmas Tree Auction (936) 788-8314

13-16

Montgomery “The Thanksgiving Play” lonestar.edu/ticket-info

14-17

Houston 44th Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market nrgpark.com

44th Disney on Ice: Frozen and Encanto nrgpark.com

15-Dec 30

College Station Santa’s Wonderland santas-wonderland.com

15-Feb 2

Houston Ice Rink at Discovery Green discoverygreen.com

15-Dec 28

Palestine

The Polar Express Train Ride texasstaterailroad.net

Mustard Seed Moments

by Ruth Fields

Many years ago, I was on my way to church orchestra rehearsal when I was stopped by a train. The train was slowly moving north, and it was not a short train. As I watched with frustration, the train slowed to a complete stop. I executed a U-turn and took about a three- or four-mile detour to an adjacent road to the south. Surely, this would be the fastest way to get around the train. I commended myself for quick thinking.

When I arrived at the railroad crossing on the adjacent road, I realized the train had switched directions and was now crawling slowly toward the south. I was aghast. The train had blocked me again, while the railroad crossing I had first encountered was probably clear. Sighing, I retraced my route. I finally got across the railroad crossing, but I was late to orchestra rehearsal.

I scolded myself. If I had only been patient, I could have sat only a short time before the train changed directions and moved out of my way. I would not have been late. I was reminded the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, is characterized by “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” I had not exhibited patience.

When God told him he would have many descendants, Abraham did not have patience either. He took matters in his own hands, and the results were disastrous. Abraham, like many of us, should have waited on God’s perfect timing, as we are told in Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

I still tend to be impatient, years after the train incident. After all, quick results are demanded in our era. I have a microwave oven, a remotecontrolled television, a smart phone, and an automobile. Our culture is fond of instant gratification—not waiting. It’s hard to be patient, even tempting to expect our prayers should be answered immediately.

Lamentations speaks on the subject: “The Lord is good to those who await Him, to the person who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Yet those who wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. – Isaiah 40:31