Montgomery County News, December 2, 2020 by Monte West

WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXV NUMBER 49 Section 1 8 pages

December 2, 2020 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and

John Montgomery

Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper

Established 1995

Montgomery County News

Montgomery, Texas 77356

Weekly

PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX

PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353

Tunnel to Towers Foundation Pays off the Lone Star Texas Mortgage of Houston Fire Department College

Weekly Arson Investigator Lemuel “DJ” Bruce Gas Prices (November 30, 2020) - Texas gas prices have risen 0.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.80/g today, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 13,114 stations. Gas prices in Texas are 2.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 44.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas is priced at $1.45/g today while the most expensive is $2.69/g, a difference of $1.24/g. The lowest price in the state today is $1.45/g while the highest is $2.69/g, a difference of $1.24/g. The national average price of gasoline has risen 1.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $ 2 . 1 1 / g t o d a y. T h e national average is unchanged from a month ago and stands 47.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa$1.91/g, down 4.8 cents per gallon from last week's $1.95/g. San Antonio- $1.63/g, down 0.9 cents per gallon from last week's $1.64/g. Austin- $1.68/g, unchanged from last week's $1.68/g. "As the nation saw subdued traffic for Thanksgiving, gas prices have been mostly stable in the last week as gasoline demand plummeted to the lowest since spring as Americans stayed closer to home," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "With oil holding near a pandemic high around $45 per barrel, we may see additional upward pressure in the weeks ahead, but it's unlikely to be earth shattering. We're likely to remain in somewhat of a limbo until early 2021 or vaccines begin to see widespread distribution and Americans slowly start venturing back to their normal lifestyle- if they ever do." SOURCE GasBuddy

Index Community............2, 3, 7, 8 Commentary............................4 Devotional..........................5 Legals.................................6 Business Directory.............8

At a ceremony on November 28, 2020 in Montgomery, Texas, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to To w e r s F o u n d a t i o n formally announced it is paying off the mortgage for the family of Houston Fire Department Arson Investigator Lemuel “DJ” Bruce. Investigator Bruce was shot and killed on October 16, 2020, while conducting surveillance into a number of arson fires set in the city. The ceremonial ribbon cutting and key presentation represented

the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s confirmation that it will pay the mortgage in full for his wife, Rachel and his two children, Sydney and Greyson. The Bruce home is the third home paid in the Foundation’s Season of Hope which will be providing 36 mortgage free home to Gold Star families, fallen first responder f a m i l i e s , a n d catastrophically-injured veterans through the end of the year. 2021 will mark the 20th

anniversary of the Foundation, started to commemorate the memory of Stephen Siller, NYFD, who on September 11, 2001, though off-duty, ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with his gear into the Twin Towers. He never returned. Through the years the Foundation has spent more than $150 Million in programs including: * Smart Homesprovide specifically designed homes for injured and disabled veterans, many are multiple

amputees. 72 homes completed and 14 in progress. * Fallen First Responder- supports law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency workers that lost their lives under e x t r a o r d i n a r y circumstances in the line of duty. 67 homes paid off. * Gold Star Family- the goal is to provide homes 100% mortgage free to the families of service members killed in the line

See Towers, page 2

Margaritaville Lake Resort and Bernhardt Winery Pair Up to Serve Unique Dining Experience

Montgomery, Texas (Nov. 25, 2020) – Make Fridays during December a culinary escape at License to Chill Bar & Cafe, located inside the tower lobby at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston. Specially curated in partnership with Bernhardt Winery, guests will enjoy Margaritaville-inspired dishes paired with wines from Bernhardt's Antiquity Wine Collection. Located just miles from Margaritaville Lake Resort in Plantersville, Bernhardt Winery is a scenic Tuscan-style boutique winery that produces 100% Texas wines, classic American

varietals unique blends, as well as the newly released ancient Antiquity Wine Curation series. These wines are sourced from Thrace's geographical and historical region in southeastern Europe, now split between Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. " We e n j o y o u r collaboration with Bernhardt Winery and are proud to be partnering with them on this unique dining experience," said Amit Sen, Director of Food and Beverage at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston. "We hope our resort guests and the general public take advantage of this distinctive dining

experience throughout the holiday season." The four-course pairing menu consists of: * Appetizer: Nueske's smoked bacon-wrapped shrimp, pan-seared, smoked gouda grits, Ali lime Amarillo aioli, and crispy leeks. Paired with Antiquity Chardonnay, Danube Plains, 2018. * Salad: Fresh Caprese salad with creamy burrata, tondo balsamic, basil, and olive oil. Paired with Antiquity Rose' Innana, Thracian Lowlands, 2018. * Palette Cleanser: Guests will enjoy a serving of the Chef's sorbet between the

salad and entree courses. * Entrée: Guests may choose from a selection of three carefully crafted main courses, including: o Crab on encrusted grouper with roasted root vegetables, fingerling potatoes, and Provencal vinaigrette. Paired with the Antiquity Sauvignon Blanc, Thracian Lowlands, 2018. o Texas prime petite filet served with Yukon Gold Gorgonzola mash and a balsamic Pinot Noir reduction. Paired with Antiquity Mavrud, Thracian Lowlands, 2017.

See Winery, page 2

to Host Virtual Career Fairs

HOUSTON – Lone Star College will host two virtual career fairs to help those looking for work or wanting to find a better job. “Employers are looking to hire even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Linda Leto Head, LSC senior associate vice chancellor, Office of External and Employer Relations. “These are good paying jobs that will lead to rewarding careers.” The Healthcare, Professional Careers and Administrative Service Career Fair takes place Tues., Dec. 1 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Participants can speak with employers about n u r s in g , emerg en cy medical technician, certified nursing assistant and pharmacy technician careers. T h e Te c h n i c a l Career, Skilled Trades and Customer Service Career Fair takes place Thursday, Dec. 3 from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Representatives will be available to speak about a u t o m o t i v e technologies, CDL truck driving, construction supervision, welding and more. You must register to participate and there is a V I P Ve t e r a n - O n l y admission from 1 – 1:30 p . m . Vi s i t LoneStar.edu/CareerFairs to sign up and find a complete list of opportunities available. Looking to upgrade your skills? LSC is accepting registration for spring 2021 classes. Discover all the great programs LSC has to offer to make 2021 your best year yet. Lone Star College offers high-quality, lowcost academic transfer and career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of almost $3 billion. LSC consists of seven colleges, 10 centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.

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Page 2, Montgomery County News, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Suggestions For Mindful Eating: Homemade Food Gifts Food for Thought Diana Anderson

DianaCAnderson@ gmail.com

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have recently passed and possibly you have made a dent in your Christmas shopping list. If you’re like me the people closest to you are at the forefront and get checked off the list first but what about the less obvious ones that might come to mind only when encountered and sometimes at the last minute. These could be anyone from neighbors to teachers, delivery people, service providers even distanced friends or relatives you might e n c o u n t e r. H a v i n g prepared some homemade gifts can fill this gap more authentically than anything purchased. Here are some ideas that

can be made in bulk and kept for when the need to gift arises. The trick is in the presentation. Getting your jars or bottles ahead of time and perhaps some appropriate ribbon or burlap with a gift card holepunched and pre-attached makes it come together festively. H o m e m a d e Marshmallows This is a really easy thing to make and sooo much better than store bought. Note that they only take 30 minutes to make but need to sit 8 hours or more to dry. These are light-asair and are a treat to give—recipients can add them to hot cocoa on a chilly night or to ooeygooey s'mores. Wrap the marshmallows in a cellophane bag topped with a small chalkboard gift tag (available at crafts or hobby stores). 3 packages unflavored gelatin

SHSU Professor Honored With National Teacher-Scholar Award Christopher Hobbs, assistant professor of Chemistry at Sam Houston State University has been named a 2020 Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar. One of only eight

recognized from top institutions across the nation, the award honors young faculty in the chemical sciences who have created an outstanding independent

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract Confectioners' sugar, for dusting 1. Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup. 2. Meanwhile, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat. 3. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin. Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes. Add the vanilla

and mix thoroughly. 4. With a sieve, generously dust an 8 by 12inch nonmetal baking dish with confectioners' sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with more confectioners' s u g a r. A l l o w t o s t a n d uncovered overnight until it dries out. 5 . Tu r n t h e marshmallows onto a board and cut them in squares. Dust them with more confectioners' sugar. Dip Seasonings This unique food gift is actually three presents in one! Create a pack of jars so your friends and family can season sour cream or plain Greek yogurt three tasty ways: 1. All American, 2. Fiesta, and 3. Ranch. Simply stack the jars from biggest to smallest and bind with a ribbon. On the card simply instruct to use the seasoning with a small container of sour cream and

to refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving 1. * 2 tsp dill weed * 2 tbsp. dried minced onion * 2 tsp garlic powder * 1 tsp parsley flakes * 1/2 tsp seasoning salt * 1/2 tsp onion powder 2. * 2 tsp. dried parsley 2 tsp. dried minced onion 1 tsp. dried chive 2 tsp. chili powder 3/4 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. salt 3. * 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons dried minced onion * 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes * 2-1/2 teaspoons paprika * 2 teaspoons sugar * 2 teaspoons salt * 2 teaspoons pepper Toasted Sesame Salt 2 cups unhulled brown sesame seeds

3 Tablespoons sea salt * In a heavy skillet (cast iron is best), toast salt until it turns a grey color. Set aside. * To a s t t h e 2 c u p s sesame seeds, stirring constantly, till they start popping and turn a nice brown. * Watch them closely, or they will burn! * The traditional way to grind them is with a mortar and pestle, just until the seeds crack open and release their oils. * The texture should be light and sandy. * They should ultimately be 95% crushed. You could use a blender or even one of those small coffee grinders to do the job of crushing. This is a delicious, low sodium topping for a variety of foods. It is a Japanese spice called Gomashito. You will probably have to order the unculled seeds online – I use Nuts.com.

body of scholarship and are deeply committed to education with undergraduates.As a recognized scholar, Hobbs received a $75,000 research grant that will support his work in environmentally friendly chemistry. “This grant will allow my research group

(composed of mostly undergraduate students) to explore new chemical methods for reusing and recycling molecular catalysts - species that speed up chemical reactions,” Hobbs said. The “green chemistry” approach to designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous waste is an area that continues to expand in research. “This is an important topic since most of these catalysts are based on toxic and environmentallyproblematic transition

metals,” he said. Throughout his academic career, Hobbs has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing research opportunities for undergraduate students, a practice emphasized by the Henry Dreyfus TeacherScholar program. “I think my track record of working with and publishing with undergraduates in regional, public universities may have stood out,” he said. “They also probably liked SHSU’s commitment to community service as well.”

Hobbs joined SHSU’s College of Science and Engineering Technology as an assistant professor in 2017. “I tell people that I came here from Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) for the division 1 football program, although this year has been a t r e m e n d o u s disappointment,” he said. “I was actually initially drawn to the beautiful campus. I really love the location and the people as well. I honestly could not ask for better colleagues.”

villeresorts.com/margarita ville-lake-resort-lakeconroe. About Bernhardt Winery What began as a passion led to fulfilling a dream for two dedicated Texas school teachers. This dream developed into a desire to produce quality wines from grapes not only sourced from our home state of Texas, but from diverse viticultural areas. Bernhardt Winery is a scenic Tuscan-style winery located in Plantersville, Texas that produces 100% Texas wines, American classic varietals and unique blends, and the newly released ancient Antiquity Wine Curation series. Set atop a rise overlooking rolling hills and valleys, Bernhardt Winery takes pride in offering guests a relaxing Houston Hill Country experience. The winery, vineyard and event grounds are at the heart of a 20-acre estate, a beautiful location just a short drive Northwest of Houston. The winery hosts a variety of special events such as live music, artisan vendor markets, weddings, and signature private events. Visitors can experience the ambiance of the Texas Hill Country just 8 miles from historical Montgomery, Texas, the birthplace of the Lone Star flag and 17 miles from Navasota, the Blues Capital of Texas, and home to numerous antique stores, easily accessible to travelers. About Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston T h e M a rg a r i t a v i l l e Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston, an all-suite resort,

features 335 guest suites; including 32 lakefront cottages, on 186 lakefront acres on Lake Conroe. It is the first Margaritaville Resort in Texas. Bars and restaurants feature signature Margaritaville dining concepts – the LandShark Bar & Grill with boat slips on Lake Conroe, the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, the Lone Palm Pool Bar, the License to Chill Bar & Café, Joe M e r c h a n t ’s C o ff e e & Provisions, and a Margaritaville Retail Shop. The new Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston offers an array of recreational activities: an 18-hole golf course, a three-acre waterpark with a lazy river and outdoor pools, pickleball, tennis, swimming, boating, fishing, and waterskiing. Margaritaville’s popular full-service St. Somewhere Spa, and a spacious, Fins Up Fitness Center, provide exceptional wellness o p t i o n s . Wi t h 7 2 , 0 0 0 s q u a r e f e e t o f indoor/outdoor IACCapproved meeting space, the resort can host special events and meetings of every size. Located just an hour from Houston and about three hours from the major hubs of Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, the resort is within easy reach of over 19 million Texans. The project is a joint venture of Songy Highroads (SHR) and The Wampold Companies. The Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe |Houston, is part of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company’s Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio.

Towers from page 1 of duty. 56 homes paid off * Covid 19 Heroes Fund- $5 Million to support front line health care workers by providing meals, personal protection equipment and, should tragedy strike, financial relief through temporary mortgage payments on homes of health care workers who lose their lives and leave behind small children. In addition to attendance by other family

Winery from page 1 members, friends and coworkers from the Fire & Arson Investigation Division and a presentation by the HFD Honor Guard, representatives from the Montgomery County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Department and

Constable’s Office paid tribute to Investigator Bruce. For more information about the Stephen Siller Tu n n e l t o To w e r s Foundation visit: https://tunnel2towers.o rg

o Barbequed medallion jerk chicken served with sweet plantain hash, and locally roasted pumpkin. Paired with Antiquity Sangiovese, Thracian Lowlands, 2017. "Our mission with the Bernhardt Antiquity wine series is to find indigenous varieties as close to the genetic original and grown in the same terroir as in ancient times," said Jerry Bernhardt of Bernhardt Winery. "We are proud to have them served at Margaritaville Lake Resort, and in doing so, hope to recreate a shared communal experience of our ancestors such a love, p a s s i o n , f a m i l y, a n d celebration through the tasting of these age-old wines." The pairing dinners are available for Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston guests, and the public, on Friday evenings Nov. 27 through Dec. 18. The Dec. 11 wine pairing dinner is booked. Interested guests should call 936-4483200 for more information about priority seating and reservations. To learn m o r e , visit https://www.margarita

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Montgomery County News, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Page 3

Comments According to Doc

The History, Decoration and The Tradition of The Christmas Tree Walden Happenings By Doc Fennessy The opinions expressed in this editorial do not necessarily reflect those of MCN.

W A L D E N HAPPENINGS Folks, it’s that time of the year for my “Christmas Series” with - of course The Christmas Tree! The evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals (pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, as it made them think of the spring to come. The Romans used Fir Trees to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. Nobody is really sure when Fir trees were first used as Christmas trees. It probably began about 1000 years ago in Northern Europe. Many early Christmas Trees seem to have been hung upside down from the ceiling using chains ( h u n g f r o m c h a n d eliers/lighting hooks). Other early Christmas Trees, across many parts of northern Europe, were cherry or hawthorn plants (or a branch of the plant) that were put into pots and brought inside so they would hopefully flower at Christmas time. If you could not afford a real plant, people made pyramids of woods and they were decorated to look like a tree with paper, apples and candles. Sometimes they were carried around from house to house, rather than being displayed in a home. It's possible that the wooden pyramid trees were meant to be like Paradise Trees. These were used in medieval German Mystery or Miracle Plays that were acted out in front of Churches on Christmas Eve. In early church calendars of saints, 24th December was Adam and Eve's day. The Paradise Tree represented the Garden of Eden. It was often paraded around the town before the play started, as a way of advertising the play. The plays told Bible stories to people who could not read. The first documented use of a tree at Christmas and New Year celebrations is argued between the cities of Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia! Both claim that they had the first trees; Tallinn in 1441 and Riga in 1510. Both trees were put up by the 'Brotherhood of Blackheads' which was an association of local unmarried merchants, ship owners, and foreigners in Livonia (what is now Estonia and Latvia). Little is known about either tree apart from that they were put in the town square, were danced around by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, and were then set on fire. This is like the custom of the Yule Log. The word used for the 'tree' could also mean a mast or pole, tree might have been like a 'Paradise Tree' or a treeshaped wooden candelabra rather than a 'real' tree. In the town square of Riga, the capital of Latvia, there is a plaque which is engraved with "The First New Year's Tree in Riga in 1510", in eight languages. You can find out more about the Riga Tree from this w e b s i t e : www.firstchristmastree.co m. A picture from Germany in 1521 which shows a tree being paraded through the streets with a man riding a

horse behind it. The man is dressed a bishop, possibly representing St. Nicholas. In 1584, the historian Balthasar Russow wrote about a tradition, in Riga, of a decorated fir tree in the market square where the young men “went with a flock of maidens and women, first sang and danced there and then set the tree aflame”. There is a record of a small tree in Breman, Germany from 1570. It is described as a tree decorated with "apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers". It was displayed in a 'guild-house' (the meeting place for a society of businessmen in the city). The first person to bring a Christmas Tree into a house, in the way we know it today, may have been the 16th century German preacher Martin Luther. A story is told that, one night before Christmas, he was walking through the forest and looked up to see the stars shining through the tree branches. It was so beautiful, that he went home and told his children that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas. Some people say this is the same tree as the 'Riga' tree, but it isn't! The Riga tree originally took place a few decades earlier. The custom of having Christmas trees could well have travelled along the Baltic sea, from Latvia to Germany. In the 1400s and 1500s, the countries which are now Germany and Latvia were then part of two larger empires which were neighbors. Another story says that St. Boniface of Crediton (a village in Devon, UK) left England and traveled to Germany to preach to the pagan German tribes and convert them to Christianity. He is said to have come across a group of pagans about to sacrifice a young boy while worshipping an oak tree. In anger, and to stop the sacrifice, St. Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and, to his amazement, a young fir tree sprang up from the roots of the oak tree. St. Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith and his followers decorated the tree with candles so that St Boniface could preach to the pagans at night. There is another legend, from Germany, about how the Christmas Tree came into being, it goes: Once on a cold Christmas Eve night, a forester and his family were in their cottage gathered round the fire to keep warm. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. When the forester opened the door, he found a poor little boy standing on the doorstep, lost and alone. The forester welcomed him into his house and the family fed and washed him and put him to bed in the youngest son’s own bed (he had to share with his brother that night!). The next morning, Christmas Morning, the family were woken up by a choir of angels, and the poor little boy had turned into Jesus, the Christ Child. The Christ Child went into the front garden of the cottage and broke a branch off a Fir tree and gave it to the family as a present to say thank you for looking after him. So ever since them, people have remembered that night by bringing a Christmas Tree into their homes! In Germany, the first Christmas Trees were decorated with edible things, such as gingerbread and gold covered apples. Then glass makers made special small ornaments similar to some of the decorations used today. In 1605 an unknown German

wrote: "At Christmas they set up fir trees in the parlours of Strasbourg and hang thereon roses cut out of many-colored paper, apples, wafers, gold foil, sweets, etc.” At first, a figure of the Baby Jesus was put on the top of the tree. Over time it changed to an angel/fairy that told the shepherds about Jesus, or a star like the Wise Men saw. The first Christmas Tree in the UK might well have been set-up by Queen Charlotte, the German wife of King George III. In 1800 she had a tree set-up at the Queen’s Lodge in Windsor for a children's party for rich and noble families. Soon having a tree had become popular amongst some rich families. They became very popular throughout the country from the mid-1840s, when reports of 'the Royal tree' were printed in newspapers. In 1848, a drawing of "The Queen's Christmas tree at Windsor Castle" was published in the Illustrated London News. It showed Queen Victoria, her German Husband Prince Albert and their young children around a tree which was set-up on a table. The drawing was republished in Godey's Lady's Book, Philadelphia in December 1850 (but they removed the Queen's crown and Prince Albert's moustache to make it look 'American'!). The publication of the drawing helped Christmas Trees become popular in the UK and USA. … In Victorian times, the tree would have been decorated with candles to represent stars. In many parts of Europe, candles are still used to decorate Christmas trees. Christmas Tree 'skirts' started as Christmas Tree 'carpets. They were made from heavy fabric, often decorated and with fancy frills around the edges, and were used either on the floor, or on tables, and went under the trees and their stands rather than 'around' them. They were used to catch the needles from the trees and also protect the floor or table tops from dripping wax coming from the candles on the trees. In Germany in the early/mid 1800s it was also 'fashionable' to have a forest scene and/or a nativity scene under trees (especially if the trees were placed on tables) and so these scenes also stood on the Tree carpets. At this point trees were either normally put in pots (if they still had roots on them) or they were attached to a larger piece of wood or other heavy support (if they'd been cut) and so the scenes help to hide these. In the 1860s proper metal tree holders, for cut trees, started being made. If you were rich, you could get them in very fancy shapes and some even had music boxes in them, so they 'plinked' Christmas tunes! Less expensive tree holders also became available and were made out of cheaper metals (and they also didn't look so good), so the 'carpets' became smaller and were also put 'around' the tree holders and became the Christmas tree skirts that we have. Tinsel and The Legend of the Christmas Spider: Tinsel was also created in Germany, where it was originally made from thin strips of beaten silver. But when plastic/man made tinsel was invented, it became very popular as it was much cheaper than real silver and also lighter to go on the tree! There are also folk stories about how tinsel was created - by The

Christmas Spider! These tales seem to have started in Eastern Germany, Poland or Ukraine but are also told in parts of Finland and Scandinavia. The stories are now also popular in other countries such as the USA; although I live in the UK and most people in my country have never heard of the story/legend! All the versions of the story involve a poor family who can't afford to decorate a Tree for Christmas (in some versions the tree grew from a pine cone in their house, in others the family have brought a tree into the house). When the children go to sleep on Christmas Eve a spider covers the tree in cobwebs. Then on Christmas morning the cobwebs are magically turned into silver and gold strands which decorate the tree! Some versions of the story say that it's the light of the sun which changed the cobwebs into silver and gold but other versions say it's St Nicholas / Santa Claus / Father Christmas / das Christkind which made the magic happen. In parts of Germany, Poland, and Ukraine it is meant to be good luck to find a spider or a spider's web on y o u r C h r i s t m a s Tr e e . Spider's web Christmas Tree decorations are also popular in Ukraine. They are called 'pavuchky' (which means 'little spider') and the decorations are normally made of paper and silver wire. You might even put an artificial spider's web on the tree. Christmas Tree Lights ….: There are a few different claims as to who invented the popularized first strings of 'electric' Christmas Tree lights. In 1880, the famous inventor Thomas Edison put some of his new electric light bulbs around his office. And in 1882 Edward Johnson, who was a colleague of Edison, handstrung 80 red, white and blue bulbs together and put them on his tree in his New York apartment (there were two additional strings of 28 lights mounted from the ceiling!). In 1890 the Edison company published a brochure offering lighting services for Christmas. In 1900 another Edison advert offered bulbs which you could rent, along with their lighting system, for use over Christmas! There are records in a diary from 1891 where settlers in Montana used electric lights on a tree. However, most people could not easily use electric tree lights at this time as electricity was not widely installed in homes. But rich people liked to show off with lights installed just for

Christmas, this would have cost about $300 per tree then, more than $2,000 today! Electric tree lights first because widely known in the USA in 1895 when President Grover Cleveland has the tree in the White House decorated with lights as his young daughters liked them! The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn started in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge. The first commercially available electric string of lights, which more people could afford, were advertised in 1903 when a string of 24 lights cost $12 or you could rent lights from $1.50. This was still quite expensive, but much cheaper than $300. Another claim to the first widespread sale of strings of lights comes from Ralph Morris, an American telephonist. In 1908, he used telephone wire to string together small bulbs from a telephone exchange and decorated a tabletop tree with them. Leavitt Morris, the son of Ralph, wrote an article in 1952 for the Christian Science Monitor, about his father in venting Christmas Tree lights, as he was un-aware of the Edison lights. In 1885 a hospital in Chicago burned down because of candles on a Christmas Tree. In 1908 insurance companies in the USA tried to get a law made that would ban candles from being used on Christmas Trees because of the many fires they had caused. However, people still used candles to light Christmas Trees and there were more fires. In 1917, a fire from Christmas Tree candles in

New York, gave a teenager called Albert Sadacca an idea. His family came from Spain and made novelty wicker bird cages that lit up. Albert thought of using the lights in long strings and suggested painting the bulbs bright colors like red and green. In the following years, he and his brothers formed the NOMA Electric Company, which became a very famous name in Christmas lights (I actually have some old NOMA lights in my Christmas decorations!) The most lights lit at the same time on a Christmas tree is 194,672 and was done by Kiwanis Malmedy / Haute Fagnes Belgium in Malmedy, Belgium, on 10 December 2010! Many towns and villages have their own Christmas Trees. One of the most famous is the tree in Trafalgar Square in London, England, which is given to the UK by Norway every year as a 'thank you' present for the help the UK gave Norway in World War II. The White House in the USA has had a big tree on the front lawn since the 1920s. The record for the most Christmas trees chopped down in two minutes is 27 and belongs to Erin Lavoie from the USA. She set the record on 19th December 2008 on the set of Guinness Wo r l d R e c o r d s : D i e GroBten Weltrekorde in Germany. Artificial Christmas Trees really started becoming popular in the early 20th century. In the Edwardian period Christmas. NEXT WEEK = The True Story of How “Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer” Was Born!

Page 4, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Montgomery County News

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Texas State Senator

My Five Cents...

Robert Nichols

A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols by Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3

Though the Capitol has been closed to the public for most of this year, my staff is hard at work preparing for the upcoming legislative session. Though session will surely look different this year due to the ongoing global pandemic, we are still focused on the needs of the state and our constituents. Please reach out to my office if you have any needs or concerns. Here are five things happening around your

state: 1. Neches High School Volleyball wins state championship for third year Congratulations to the Neches High School volleyball team on winning back-to-back-to-back UIL Class 1A State Championships! The Lady Tigers scored a 3-0 win over the Blum Lady Cats at the state championship game in Garland. They finished 294 on the season. Lexi Rodgers, a senior, was

Weather for the Lake Conroe area Wednesday A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Wednesday Night A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34. Saturday Sunny, with a high near 59. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Montgomery County News Phone (936) 449-6397 Fax (936)597-6395 E-mail: news@montgomerycountynews.net web; http://www.montgomerycountynews.net Publisher: M. Ryan West Editor: Monte West Account Executive: Camilla Blum, M. Ryan West Photography: Monte West, Wade Stultz, Bobby Strader, Lance Bridges R e p o r t e r s / C o n t r i b u t i n g Wr i t e r s : D o c Fennessey, Carol Fennessey, Gail Box, Margie Barlow, Kim West, Sharon Faison, Dortha Ruthstrom, Megan West Stultz, Narcissa Martin Boulware, Gary Curran, Students and Staff of MISD, and friends of Montgomery County News. ©Copyrights, Montgomery County News, Montgomery, Texas 2017-2018 Montgomery County News is a weekly, locally owned and operated newspaper and is published by Montgomery County News at 14375 Liberty St. PO Box 1, Montgomery, TX 77356. Telephone number 936-449-6397, Fax 936-597-6395. MCN welcomes any comments or suggestions, submitted in writing to the paper. Any editorials or opinions used in this publication are those of the writers and in no way reflect the views and opinions of the Montgomery County News. MCN is currently circulating 6,220 copies throughout the Montgomery County area by retail, subscriptions and occasional random distribution. Subscription rates are $40 per year in county and $45 outside Montgomery County. Bulk Rate Permit is held by the Postmaster at Montgomery, TX 77356, Montgomery County News is an official publication of the County of Montgomery, Texas. MCN expects honest advertising standards from its patrons, and does not in any way take responsibility for false or misleading advertisements. MCN reserves to right to refuse advertisement. All contents of Montgomery County News are reserved, and we prohibit reproduction of the items without permission. D&B #12-976-8354. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Montgomery County News, PO Box 1 Montgomery, TX 77356

Editor’s Express Your letters are appreciated and will be published as space will allow. We ask that you furnish facts that pertain to your letter, which you sign with your signature, address and daytime phone number to verify the author. We hold the right to edit or not publish letters that may not conform to the mission of this paper. Mail, Fax or E-mail: Montgomery County News, 14375 Liberty St, P.O. Box 1, Montgomery, Texas 77356-0001, Fax 936-597-6395, E-mail: news@montgomerycountynews.net Web page: http://www.montgomerycountynews.net

named MVP of the tournament. Though both teams played well, I’m proud of the hard work and dedication the Lady Tigers showed during the tournament and throughout their season. Once again, congratulations, ladies! 2. Texas Association of Rural Schools Champion of Rural Schools Award Last month, the Texas Association of Rural Schools recognized me as a Champion of Rural Schools. I’ve always believed that education is the most important issue the state legislature works on. I appreciate the hard work of all our teachers and administrators during this challenging time and know that in the upcoming legislative session education will be one of the most important things we discuss. Last session, I was happy to support House Bill 3, a landmark bill overhauling the public school finance system. I am particularly proud to receive the Champion of Rural Schools award. Ensuring a high-quality education that puts our students first is always my top priority. 3. Entergy announces $360,000 in funding for Hurricane Laura, Delta relief

This month, Entergy Te x a s a n n o u n c e d a commitment of $360,000 in Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta relief funds. A large portion of that fund, roughly $160,000, will go directly to Southeast Texas relief organizations. In total, eleven local organizations are receiving funds. Entergy partnered with Foundation for Southeast Texas to distribute the funds. Foundation for Southeast Texas is a nonprofit, public charity that accepts funds from donors, manages them, and distributes them to nonprofits in the community. Hurricanes Laura and Delta ripped through the Gulf Coast and Southeast Texas earlier this year, causing widespread damage and power outages. This year’s storm season was particularly active. We thank Entergy for their hard work to help rebuild after such a difficult year. 4. DSHS announces COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan I n N o v e m b e r, t h e Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and G o v e r n o r ’s O ff i c e announced the guiding principles for the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination

Distribution Plan. The plan is expected to be implemented as early as December. It outlines the criteria under which the vaccine will be initially available. Those criteria include protecting health care workers, protecting front line workers, protecting vulnerable populations, mitigating health inequities, datadriven allocations, geographic diversity, and t r a n s p a r e n c y. T h e s e guidelines were established by the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel ( E VA P ) , w h i c h w a s created by DSHS and includes 17 members from across the state. The EVAP also recommended that healthcare workers working directly with COVID-19 patients and other vulnerable populations to be the first to receive the vaccine. That would include hospital staff, emergency medical services, staff at long-term care facilities, and home health care workers. This announcement comes on the heels of several vaccine candidates reaching late stages in vaccine trials with high rates of success. Pfizer has applied to the Food and Drug Administration for an Emergency Use Authorization for their

vaccine. If approved, the vaccine could start being administered next month. 5. TxDOT emphasizes road safety projects, commits unprecedented $600 million in funding The Texas Department of Transportation has proposed spending $600 million on projects aimed at decreasing road deaths o n Te x a s r o a d w a y s . Roughly two-thirds of that money will go toward straightening roads, improving lighting, and adding guardrails. These projects are intended to reduce “departure incidents,” or incidents when a driver veers from the roadway. Texas leads the nation in auto-mobile related deaths. TxDOT has put an emphasis on road safety and hopes this investment will help to cut road deaths in half by 2035 and achieve zero roadrelated deaths by 2050. This additional investment will particularly benefit East Texas as rural roads can be some of the most dangerous in the state. Officials in each of TxDOT’s 27 districts will submit a four-year safety plan detailing projects that would enhance road safety.

Cornyn Op-Ed: We Have a Lot of Work Left to Do in 2020

‘Make no mistake: Congress needs to provide additional support for our ongoing battle against COVID-19, but we can’t afford to miss this opportunity to make headway on other important priorities. We’ve got to address the problems that existed long before the pandemic and that will remain once it’s gone.’ WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator John Cornyn (RTX) authored the following op-ed in the Dallas Morning News on his priorities in Congress as we near the end of the year: We Have a Lot of Work Left to Do in 2020 Senator John Cornyn Dallas Morning News November 25, 2020 https://www.dallasnews. com/opinion/commentary/ 2020/11/25/we-have-a-lotof-work-left-to-do-in2020/ As we enter the last month of the year, it should be as clear to everyone in Washington as it is to those in Texas that there is a lot of work left to do in 2020. Our first priority needs to be the pandemic. Coronavirus relief is and needs to be at the top of the Senate’s to-do list. The virus has claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Texans, and millions continue to grapple with the economic fallout. We’re past due for additional relief to expand testing, protect students and teachers, support workers and small businesses, and move us even closer to the distribution of safe and effective

vaccines. In short, it’s imperative that Congress deliver additional COVID19 relief to the American people. That work is critical, but we can’t stop there. Our country still faces a host of challenges that existed long before the pandemic arrived and are sure to outlive this virus. The legislative process is a marathon, not a sprint, and countless bills to address some of these looming challenges are in their final stretch. If we work hard and work with the right priorities, we can get them across the finish line. Prior to COVID-19, one of the biggest health concerns for Texans was rising costs at the pharmacy. Since 2014, prescription drug prices have surged by 33% — more than any other medical goods or services. In some cases, these high costs can be attributed to new, innovative drugs hitting the market for the first time. But too often, they’re the result of drug manufacturers gaming the patent system by using hundreds of overlapping patents to stave off competition. As the profits of these companies increase, it’s becoming more and more difficult for patients to afford the drugs they need to survive. For folks who have lost their jobs or health coverage during the pandemic, it can be impossible to afford. Last year, I introduced a bipartisan bill to stop this anti-competitive behavior.

This legislation streamlines the process for resolving patent disputes so newer, competing products can come to market sooner. This bill received unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee last summer, and would be a win for every American who has felt the pain of sticker shock at the pharmacy. It’s time to pass this legislation and get it to the president’s desk to stop drug companies from taking advantage of Texans. From health care to the economy, the pandemic has impacted virtually every part of our lives. And sadly, it’s having a devastating effect on instances of child sexual abuse. With many children isolating at home — out of sight from their teachers and other adults they would otherwise see on a routine basis — abuse is becoming more difficult to identify and report. To interrupt this cycle of abuse, the Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation I introduced called the Jenna Quinn Law, which carries the name of an inspiring Texan who is a survivor of child sexual abuse. Jenna was the driving force behind a 2009 Te x a s l a w r e q u i r i n g training for teachers, caregivers and other adults who work with children on how to prevent, recognize, and report child sexual abuse. The Jenna Quinn Law would finally back these training sessions with federal funding to help stop and prevent child sexual abuse nationwide. There’s

no reason for the House to ignore this legislation at such a critical time. This summer, the Senate passed legislation I introduced with Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein to stop the online sale of ecigarettes to children. We recently passed another bipartisan bill to ensure individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system have access to mental health resources. And just last week, the Senate passed legislation I introduced with Sen. Kamala Harris to help state and local governments identify and process unidentified remains found along the U.S.-Mexico border and bring closure to the families of the deceased. Make no mistake: Congress needs to provide additional support for our ongoing battle against COVID-19, but we can’t afford to miss this opportunity to make headway on other important priorities. We’ve got to address the problems that existed long before the pandemic and that will remain once it’s gone. This has been a difficult and tumultuous year for our country, with division and disagreement often taking center stage. But we’ve made serious progress in the legislative marathon — much of it through bipartisan teamwork — and we’ve got to push top priorities across the finish line.

Secretary Hughs Commends Texas Voters Following November 3rd General Election AUSTIN – Following the November 3rd general election, Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs today issued the following statement: "Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, this election was a resounding success, and turnout among registered voters was the highest in 28 years

as Texans exercised their right to vote. We owe our election officials and workers a debt of gratitude—it’s because of their continued commitment to ensuring safe, free and fair elections that we were able to successfully operate thousands of County polling locations across our state on Election

Day. Thank you for your helping to shape the future of the Lone Star State. service and dedication. On behalf of the State of I also thank Governor G r e g A b b o t t f o r h i s Texas—thank you." leadership in helping to make available the necessary resources for Counties to run their elections. Finally, Texas voters deserve praise for their doing their part to make Office Of The Texas their voices heard and Secretary Of State, 11/30/2020

Montgomery County News, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Page 5

www.montgomerycountynews.net

Devotional Handling Disappointments - Today and Beyond Spreading the Word

By Gail J. Box Gailbox@consolidated.net

It’s no secret. At some time or another each one of us faces a bit of disappointment. Whether it’s great or small, it has to be dealt with so life can go on and we don’t fall in the pit. As a youngster, I had the privilege of growing up in my grandmother’s home, along with my mother

and younger sister. Since our dad had gone, each of us contributed to current problems as they arrived. We helped one another out. That developed this one trait: perseverance. It means to “steadfastly pursue and be determined to persist.” (Oxford Dictionary – P. 5 8 6 . ) P a u l , i n Romans, has quite a bit to say about this word: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through

Area Churches This Devotional and Directory page is made possible by these businesses

Church, Hwy 105 W., Montgomery, 936597-4230 Honea Baptist Church, FM 2854, Montgomery, 936-588-1260 Jones Chapel Baptist, FM 2854, 936-7562505 Mt. Calvary Baptist, Old Hwy 105, 936BAPTIST 588-2330 Church of the Mt. Sinai Baptist, Good Soldier (Baptist Bethel Road, Affiliation), 1501 Montgomery, 936North Frazier 597-4668 (McKenzie's BBQ), Union Grove Conroe, Texas, Phone: Baptist Church of 936-494-5775, Richards, Texas www.churchofthegood About 11 mi N of soldier.org. Worship: Montgomery on FM Sunday at 10:30am, 149 Sunday School: 9:30 Sunday School all am Heritage Baptist ages 9:45 am, Church Service 11:00 am, Church 19087 Lake Wednesday Bible Mt. Pleasant Rd, Study and Youth Montgomery 77356 Group 6 pm Phone: Pastor Bear 936 448-4027 CATHOLIC Gary Chapel Sacred Heart Baptist Church Catholic, PO Box 125, 109 N. Frazier, Montgomery, Texas Conroe, 77356, 5525 Spring 936-756-8186 Branch Road, Montgomery. 713-478St. Mary’s 1256, Sunday Bible Catholic, Class 10:00 am, FM 1774, Worship Service at Plantersville, 11:00 am. 936-894-2223 Faith Baptist 7:45 Service Church St. Joseph’s CathoMeets at 464 lic, McCaleb Rd. CR 213, Stoneham, Sunday Morning 936-894-2223 Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 JEWISH a.m. Congregation Beth Sunday Evening Shalom, 5125 Worship 6:00 p.m. Shadowbend Place, St. Beulah Baptist The Woodlands, Church, located in 281-362-1100 Dobbin, P.O. Box 112, Montgomery, 77356 LUTHERAN Benui Baptist Grace Lutheran Church, (ELCA), Scott Ridge and FM Highway 105 W., 1097, Montgomery Lake Conroe, 936Antioch Baptist, 588-1944 Dobbin, 936-597Living Savior 5560 Lutheran ChurchChina Grove LCMS 309 Pond St. Baptist Church, Montgomery 77356 Willis, 936-767-4744 Church phone: 936Dacus Baptist, 597-8013 Web : Dacus, www.livingsaviortexas 407-735-6403, .org Pastor David R. dacusbaptist@consoli Bailes. dated.net www.dacusbaptist.org METHODIST First Baptist Montgomery ASSEMBLY OF GOD Cornerstone Christian Assembly of God of Conroe, located at 100 Mosswood Dr., Conroe, Texas in front of River Plantation. 936-273-1755 New Life Assembly of God, Rabon Chapel Road, Montgomery, 936-588-3399

whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, p r o v e n c h a r a c t e r, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5: 1-5.

As life brings us disappointments, we can always grab our Bible and find out how God wants us to deal with life. While we are being hopeful that a door will be opened in any area, we become ever persistent in waiting and not giving up until everything we try doesn’t work. Yet we wait, hope, and pray. Here is what Jesus told the church in Philadelphia: “Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from

the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:10. “I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” Revelation 3:11. There will be times of disappointments. As they arise, I say: “Well, this is still earth…I’m not in heaven yet!” Jesus tells us not to give up when problems come and things don’t

work out. We’re to be persistent until no more can be done. T h a t ’s w h e n h o p e kicks in. Hope is very close to perseverance. And along with hope, comes faith. There is one more word following faith. That’s right – patience. If we remember Job, we find out that “the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” J a m e s 5 : 11 c . S o should we be as we walk with Jesus.

United Methodist Church 22548 Highway 105 West Montgomery, TX 77356 Phone: 936-5976162 Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m., 9:45 am., 11:00 a.m. Praise & Worship Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Www.mumctex.org Richards United Methodist Church 6639 FM 1696 Richards Worship Service 11 AM Sunday School 10AM Porter Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 1308 S. Hwy 1486, Dobbin, 936-597-5331 or 936-449-5983 Living Way Church, 2080 Longmire Rd, Conroe 936-441-8875 Hope Tabernacle Pastor David Whitaker Meets at 18961 Freeport Dr Montgomery 936.582.7722 Thursday 7:30pm Sunday School at 10:00am Sunday Worship at 6:00pm Community And Interdenominational Lone Star Cowboy Church 21627 Eva St. Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 597-5742 Pastors Randy & Darla Weaver Service Times: Sundays 8:30; 10:00 and 11:30am Mondays 7:00pm Livestream: Watch us live Sundays & Mondays @ live.lonestar.tv or go to the Lone Star Cowboy Church Facebook page and click on the Livestream link. Website: www.lonestar.tv Abundant Life Ministries Corner of FM 149 & FM 1097 W. Montgomery TX 77356 Prayer /Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Service 11:30 am Wednesday Pray/Bible Study 6:30 pm

RiverStone Community Church 19380 Hwy 105 Ste. 500 Montgomery, TX 77356 Sun: 9:00 Kingdom Life, 10:30 Worship Wed: 6:30 p.m. RiverStoneCC.org April Sound Church, 67 ½ April Wind S., April Sound, 936588-2832 Lighthouse Fellowship Church, Montgomery, 936582-7700 Living Branch Church, Highway 105 W., Lake Conroe, 936588-3400 New Beginning Bible Church, 19087 Mt. Pleasant Cemetary Rd, 936597-8921 Father’s House, Family Worship Center, Highway 105 W, Lake Conroe, 936588-4660 Walden Community Church, 12400 Walden Rd, Walden, 936-582-6696 Services 9:30 and 11 a.m. WaldenChurch.com River of Life Church, 17156 FM 1097, Montgomery, 936449-4414 Cornerstone Church, 1011 W. Lewis, Conroe, 936-756-7792 Lakeside Bible Church, 18940 Freeport Drive Montgomery, 936582-1977 Church of St. John, retreat and wildlife center, 2615 St. Beulah Chapel Rd., Montgomery, 936-597-5757 Fellowship of Montgomery 12681 FM 149 Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 597-3949 Senior Pastor Dale Talbert Service Times: Sundays at 9:30am & 11am / Wednesdays at 6:30pm for Children & Student Ministries Watch us live Sundays @fellowshipofmontgo mery.online.church or

www.cfmlife.org Celebration Service 10am Sundays Youth Explosing 7pm Wednesdays Pastors Sean & Lori Jo Cook

EPISCOPAL St. James the Apostle Episcopal, 1803 Highland PRESBYTERIN Hollow, Conroe, 936First Presbyterian 756-8831 Church of Conroe The Grace Chris2727 N. Loop 336 tian Outreach Center West 25293 Tisdale Conroe, Texas 936Road, Dobbin, Texas 756-8884 936-689-3141 Sun. 9:00 & 11:00 Mt. Pleasent Sun Sch 10:00 Baptist Church Nursery provided FM 149 N., MontChurch of Christ gomery, 936-449-6807 in Montgomery The Church @ 301 Pond Street, Lake Conroe Montgomery, TX. 1701 McCaleb Rd Sunday Bible Class Montgomery, TX - 9:30 am 77316 Worship - 10:30 am 936-588-4975 and 6:00 pm www.lakechurch.com Wednesday - 7:00 Sunday worship @ pm 10:00 a.m. Wed. Phone: 936-582activites 6:30-8pm 4855 North Shore Email: Church cofcmontgomery@con 10 am Worship solidated.net Service Web: 18501 Fm1097 www.cofcmontgomery West @ the Bentwater .org West Paul Praschnik, Gate Entrance Minister Pastor Cary Smith Covenant Felloship 302 N. Danville, Willis, Tx. 77378 936/890-8034

Page 6, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Montgomery County News

LEGAL

CITATION BY PUBLICATION – CIVIL Cause Number: 20-08-09556-CV Clerk of the Court Melisa Miller P.O Box 2985 Conroe, Texas 77305

Attorney Requesting Service R. TODD ELIAS 1811 Bering Drive Suite 300 Houston TX 77057 THE STATE OF TEXAS

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: "You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney does not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days after the date of issuance of this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you." To:

Jarmon Treyvione Burkhalter

You are hereby commanded to appear by filing a written answer to the Silvia Elias' Original Petition in Intervention, Cross-Claim and Requests for Disclosure at or before 10:00 A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of forty-two days after the date of issuance of this citation the same being Monday, the 4th day of January, 2021 before the 284th Judicial District Court of Montgomery County, Texas at the Courthouse of said County in Conroe, Texas. Said Silvia Elias' Original Petition in Intervention, Cross-Claim and Requests for Disclosure was filed in said court on this the 20th day of August, 2020, in this case, numbered 20-08-09556-CV on the docket of said court. The names of the parties to the cause are as follows: Yasmin Elizabeth Elias are Plaintiffs and Jarmon Treyvione Burkhalter; Michelle L. Billingsley are Defendants A brief statement of the nature of this suit is as follows, to wit: On or about September 3, 2018, Defendant Jarmon Treyvione Burkhalter made an illegal turn into lane of traffic where Intervenor was a passenger in Plaintiff Yasmin Elias's vehicle. Defendant Burkhalter failed to yield the right of way, made an unsafe lane change, and failed to avoid the collision. Defendant had common-law and statutory duties to use ordinary care in the operation of their vehicles. Nothing the Intervenor did or failed to do caused or contributed to this collision and the resulting injuries she suffered. The collision and resulting injuries were proximately caused by the negligence of Defendant Jarmon Treyvione Burkhalter, among others. Intervenor filed this suit to recover damages from defendant. as is more fully shown by Silvia Elias' Original Petition in Intervention, Cross-Claim and Requests for Disclosure on file in this suit. The officer executing this writ shall promptly serve the same according to requirements of law, and the mandates thereof, and make due as the law directs. Issued and given under my hand and the Seal of said Court, at office in Conroe Texas, this on this the 19th day of November, 2020. (SEAL, District Court of Montgomery County, Texas) Melisa Miller, District Clerk Montgomery County, Texas By: /s/ Patricia Morrill 11/19/2020 9:29:2020 9:29:10 AM Patricia Morrill Published Dates: November 25, December 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2020 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The following vehicles will be auctioned by the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable Kenneth "Rowdy" Hayden at EMC Towing located at 22855 Gasoline Alley New Caney, TX 77357, 281-3995100 on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 9:30 am. In accordance with the Texas Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act, Article #4477-9A. Published Date: December 2, 2020

www.montgomerycountynews.net

LEGAL

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): "Additional Parties Attachment form is attached." YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): ANDREA GUINTA, an individual; NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: CASE NUMBER: (Múmero del Caso): (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): San Diego Superior Court 37-2020-00013557-CUFR-CTL 330 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 CASE NUMBER: (Número del Caso): The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Allan Cate (SBN: 248526), Cate Legal Group, 888 Prospect Street, Suite 200, La Jolla, CA 92037, (858) 224-5865 DATE: 03/13/2020 Clerk, by /s/ M. McClure, Deputy (Fecha) Secretario M. McClure (Adjunto) (For proof of service of this summons, use Proof of Service of Summons (form POS-010).) (Para prueba de entrega de esta citation use el formulario Proof of Service of Summons, (POS-010).) (SEAL Superior Court of California, San Diego) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served 1. □ as an individual defendant. 2. □ as the person sued under the fictitious name of (specify): 3. □ on behalf of (specify): Under: □ CCP 416.10 (corporation) □ CCP 416.60 □ CCP 416.20 (defunct corporation □ CCP 416.70 (conservatee) □ CCP 416.40 (association or partnership □ CCP 416.90 (authorized person) □ Other (specify): 4. □ by personal delivery on (date) INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE → This form may be used as an attachment to any summons if space does not permit the listing of all parties on the summons. → If this attachment is used, insert the following statement in the plaintiff or defendant box on the summons. “Additional Parties Attachment form is attached.” List additional parties (Check only one box. Use a separate page for each type of party.)” □ Plaintiff □ Defendant □ Cross-Complainant □ Cross-Defendant CASA MUIRFIELD, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; IVONNE MULLER, an individual; NICOLLE MULLER, an individual; MARIO MULLER, an individual; and DOES 1 through 99, inclusive; Publication Dates: November 18, 25, December 2, 9, 2020

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

PUBLIC NOTICE Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Public Hearings on Permit Applications, Special Hearing, and Regular Board Meeting. 6:00 PM, Tuesday, December 8, 2020 655 Conroe Park North Drive Conroe, TX 77303 Per Governor Abbott's March 16, 2020 order temporarily suspending certain open meetings requirements for governmental entities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the District may hold this hearing/meeting by telephone or videoconference. Published Date: December 2, 2020

Notice is hereby given that letters of guardianship for the estate of Dorothy Joan Martin, an Incapacitated Person, were issued on Novemer 24, 2020, in Docket No. 20-39394-G, pending in County Court No. 2 of Montgomery County, Texas, to Kenna M. Seiler, Guardian, as Guardian of the estate. The residence of Guardian of the Estate is in Montgomery County, Texas, and the mailing address is: Kenna M. Seiler, Guardian of the Estate of Dorothy Joan Martin, an Incapacitated Person, c/o Seiler Mitby, PLLC, 2700 Research Forest Drive, Suite 100, The Woodlands, Texas 77381. All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. All persons having claims should address them in care of the representative at the address stated above. DATED the 24th day of November, 2020. SEILER MITBY, PLLC _/s/ Kenna M. Seiler Kenna M. Seiler State Bar No. 13944250 Jennifer L. Zenero State Bar No. 24098655 2700 Research Forest Drive, Suite 100 The Woodlands, Texas 77381 kseiler@seilermitby.com jzenero@seilermitby.com (281) 419-7770 (281) 419-7791-Telecopier Published Date: December 2, 2020 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration for the estate of David Mark Weir, Deceased, were issued on November 2, 2020, in Docket No. 20-39813-P, pending in County Court No. 2 of Montgomery County, Texas, to: Deborah Ann Weir c/o Seiler Mitby, PLLC, 2700 Research Forest Drive, Suite 100 The Woodlands, Texas 77381 All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. All persons having claims should address them in care of the representative at the address stated above. DATED the 30th day of November, 2020. /s/ Tiffany R. Guerra Tiffany R. Guerra State Bar No. 24105975 tguerra@seilermitby.com Kenna M. Seiler State Bar No. 13944250 kseiler@seilermitby.com 2700 Research Forest Drive, Suite 100 The Woodlands, Texas 77381 (281) 419-7770 (281) 419-7791 – Telecopier ATTORNEYS FOR ADMINISTRATOR Published Date: December 2, 2020

SELF SERVICE STORAGE OF CONROE WISHING TO AVAIL, THEMSELVES OF THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 59 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE HEREBY GIVES NOTICE OF SALE UNDER SAID ACT THIS SALE IS BEING MADE TO SATISFY A LANDLORD LEIN BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON LINE AT www.storageauction.com STARTING ON 12/09/2020. CONTENTS ARE MISCELLANEOUS, HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL ITEMS OF TENANTS AS LISTED, KATRINA WALDEN, BRANDI LINDSEY, RUBEN HERNANDEZ, GLENDA WILLIAMS, CHANTELLE GOOSBY. PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE IN CASH ONLY. SELF SERVICE STORAGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANDY BID AND WITHDRAW PROPERTY FROM SALE.

www.MontgomeryCountyNews.net news@montgomerycountynews.net 936-449-NEWS (6397)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Louise Marie Evans, Deceased, were issued on November 19, 2020, in Cause No. 20-40173-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 2, Montgomery County, Texas, to: Lorie McKeon-Machart. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Gina A. Price, Attorney at Law, 101 Simonton, Conroe, TX 77301. DATED the 30th day of November, 2020. /s/ GINA A. PRICE Gina A. Price Attorney for Lorie McKeon-Machart State Bar No.: 16287350 101 Simonton Conroe, TX 77301 Telephone: (936) 756-5511 Facsimile: (936) 441-5745 E-mail: gaprice@priceandprice-law.com Published Date: December 2, 2020

Montgomery County News, Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Page 7

www.montgomerycountynews.net

Community The Howard Hughes Corporation® Presents Areas Envisioned for Future Commercial Development In The Woodlands® THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Howard Hughes Corporation® (NYSE: HHC) today announced the plan for submission of plat applications for the remaining commercial

700 acres, located primarily in Town Center and along commercial corridors such as I-45, FM 1488, FM 2978 and Kuykendahl Road, where commercial development already exists. While

candid communications with community stakeholders. “We are presenting the areas we envision for future commercial development in the interest of transparency

properties in The Woodlands® intended to be developed in future years. The plats represent approximately 2.5% of the total acreage of The Woodlands, approximately

no timeline for project development on these properties has been determined, the company has filed these applications in the interest of transparency and its commitment to

w i t h T h e Wo o d l a n d s c o m m u n i t y, ” s a i d J i m Carman, President of the Houston Region of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We know residents are curious about our plans, and

Natural Bridge Caverns to Host Seventh Annual Christmas At The Caverns

replaced with more than 1,200 lights all strategically placed to both enhance and showcase formations in a way never before seen in North America. “The quality of the LED light reveals textures and colors in the cave that you simply could not see before,” said Travis Wuest co-owner and vice president of Natural Bridge Caverns. “Programming allows us to create beautiful scenes for guests and gives us the ability to turn off lights as guests move from room to room inside the cave, or to illuminate specific speleothems that guides are interpreting.” Guests will be awed by the beautifully lit formations and inspired by the voices of the carolers echoing throughout the caverns. “The acoustics in the caverns provide an incredible soundstage for carolers and stunning backdrop for guests,” said Brad Wuest, President, and CEO of Natural Bridge Caverns. “We want families to come and enjoy Christmas at the Caverns knowing we have put in place additional measures to enhance health and safety including opportunities for social distancing without sacrificing the fun and entertainment of the event."

Celebration Offers Holiday Favorites While Keeping COVID Safety A Top Priority New Braunfels, TX (Nov. 24, 2020) – “Christmas at the Caverns” begins Saturday, Dec. 5. This annual family-friendly event brings you the sights and sounds of the holiday season combined with Te x a s ’ l a r g e s t c a v e r n system for a truly one-of-akind experience, all while providing extensive health and safety protocols to minimize the potential risk of exposure to COVID-19. Last year ’s popular hayride has transitioned to t h e Tr a i l o f L i g h t s , a spectacular one-third-mile walkthrough of lighted holiday scenes and characters with towering Live Oaks all wrapped and adorned in tens of thousands of lights, perfect for meandering and social distancing. The caverns, 180 feet below the surface, will resonate with traditional family favorite carols and new popular tunes filling the cave with the sounds of Christmas. Large choirs have been transitioned to

small intimate groups of performers, some with instruments and others filling the space with only the sound of voices in perfect harmony. Christmas at the Caverns will be held on nine evenings: Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19-23. For specific times, please visit our Christmas page for a schedule of events. Just because you may have attended Christmas at the Caverns in year’s past, do not let that stop you from coming this year, for an entirely new experience. While 2020 has brought about many changes, you must see this change to believe it. This year ’s Caroling in the Caverns has a whole new look. Literally. Earlier this year, Natural Bridge Caverns unveiled a b r a n d - n e w, d y n a m i c , multimillion-dollar programmable LED lighting enhancement package throughout the interior of the cavern. What used to be illuminated by a mere 319 fixtures has been

sharing this information eliminates the need for speculation or misinformation.” “We have seen misinformation shared and have heard resident concerns about the possibility that Woodlands Parkway will eventually become like FM1960,” added Robert Heineman, Vice President, Planning & Design of The Howard Hughes Corporation, who has been with the development company in The Woodlands for 46 years. “As our map indicates, this will never be the case. Howard Hughes has virtually no additional development sites along Wo o d l a n d s P a r k w a y. Existing covenants placed upon the land along Woodlands Parkway also ensure of its ultimate preservation.” “During this time of uncertainty surrounding the future governance structure of The Woodlands, we reaffirm our dedication to developing these properties in a way that is consistent with George Mitchell’s vision and The Woodlands’ covenants—whether it remains a township or incorporates,” Carman continued. “We are unwavering in our commitment to complete the vision for a cohesive master plan of The Woodlands, which has been recognized as one of the top places in the country to live, work, play and learn.”

Over The Woodlands’ 46year history, every parcel of land that has been developed has been subject to the same plat approval process—the first step in a multi-step process required for development. Plat approval does not establish a timeline for development, nor does it signal that a project is imminent. “We will develop these commercial properties thoughtfully and methodically over the course of the coming years, based on market demand and economic indicators,” said Carman. “As with all of our projects, storm water management, traffic and tree removal are among many items that will be carefully considered on a project-byproject basis prior to the start of any development, as we continue to abide by the covenants, and preservation and design standards of our master planned community.” With the exception of a very small area in Creekside Park and the remaining lots in East Shore, residential development at The Woodlands is complete. Of the 28,800 acres in The Woodlands, 7,665 acres are devoted to green space. Nearly 8,000 acres, or 28%, will remain undeveloped as open green space after full build-out. For more information, visit TheWoodlands.com. Safe Harbor Statement

Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements accompanied by words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “enables,” “realize”, “plan,” “intend,” “assume,” “transform” and other words of similar expression, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections as of the date of this release and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are set forth as risk factors in The Howard Hughes Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly and Annual Reports. The Howard Hughes Corporation cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. The Howard Hughes Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release.

Christmas at the Caverns activities start at 4:30 p.m. with Caroling in the Caverns tours, then at 5:30 p.m. in Discovery Village, guests can roast s’mores over a warm, inviting campfire, or drink hot chocolate while strolling through the brand-new Trail of Lights, a one-third mile walking trail covered with native Live Oaks wrapped in an array of twinkling lights. Adults and children alike will enjoy lighted scenes throughout the trail, highlighted with the sounds of Christmas music. After the trail, gather around our 30’ tall Christmas tree for the perfect family photo for this year’s Christmas card or search out our other amazing photo locations. Vi s i t w i t h S a n t a “Spelunker” Claus as he reads some of his favorite Christmas stories. Afterward, try your luck in the AMAZEn’ Reindeer Roundup outdoor maze and help Santa find Rudolph and the rest of his eight reindeer in this 5,000 square foot maze and save Christmas! Once your work is done, take a break under the stars and watch holiday movies on the lawn. Visit our website for the schedule of events. During this season of giving, Christmas at the Caverns continues to

support the San Antonio Food Bank, which serves residents of San Antonio and New Braunfels. Travis Wuest, co-owner and vice president of Natural Bridge Caverns serves on the New Braunfels Food Bank’s Advisory Board. “Natural Bridge Caverns is proud to continue its support of the New Braunfels Food Bank and its mission of feeding hungry families,” said Wuest. “To date, more than $76 thousand has been donated through Christmas at the Caverns, which equates to more than 532,000 meals for families in need, and we are proud to be a small part of solving hunger in our community.”

Support for the Food Bank this year will come in several ways, first, a community food drive will be held for the month of December, and area residents can even stop to drop off non-perishable food items via a contactless drop off program. Guest will have the option to Round UP for Hunger by adding a donation to their online ticket orders and every guest who brings a non-perishable food item will receive a free s’mores kit to enjoy by our campfire. Finally, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the Food Bank.

LOST PUPPY LONE STAR PARKWAY Montgomery, Texas I've lost a puppy on the Lone Star Parkway, on the convention center side. He's a small shaggy thing, super cute, 3 to 4 months old. We are worried sick about him. CALL Larry; Phone Number:346-364-0667

Page 8, Montgomery County News, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

www.montgomerycountynews.net

Community Veteran of the Week

Toni Sperduti McGrew

Toni Sperduti McGrew Contributing Columnist TonitheTGR@aol.com M y n a m e i s To n i Sperduti McGrew and I will be writing the veteran article. I am new to this, so be nice to me!!! I will write this first article about me because I am a veteran. I am ashamed to admit that I have not been involved in Veteran affairs because I felt like I was blessed to serve and developed no problems until recently and now I wear my veteran ball cap proudly and I stand a little taller when I see the flag and I want others to have the recognition they earned. I was born in New York to an Air Force family so my life involved moving often to Strategic Air Command bases where my father would be assigned and that included Minot AFB, North Dakota, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas and Duluth AFB, Minnesota where I graduated from

High School. I think I added up my moves and realized I went to 8 different schools in my life time, 4 in the last 3 years alone but you make so many new friends and see so many new places. I knew I wanted to go to college and had no guidance so I figured I would join the Army to get the GI Bill and I also remember wanting to know what this issue was that was going on with Vietnam and the military so I joined during that era. So in September 1972 I headed off to Fort McClellan, Alabama as a WAC for basic training. My first duty station was in Washington DC at the Defense Language Institute for the German Language course for the next 8 months with many types of other military officials and heads of state. But I was just a

young girl and did not realize who these people were except to me they were just nice, old men with lots of medals, shiny bars and stars!!! Language class was Monday thru Friday 8 to 5 with 8 other guys in my class (I was the only female). After language school I go to Goodfellow A F B , Te x a s t o r a d i o operator school for 3 months and now I am officially in the Army Security Agency, currently known as National Security Agency. In December 1973 I am assigned to Field Station Berlin as the first female language specialist assigned there and it is the most wonderful place to be sent to ever!!! I enjoyed 3 years there as a 98G2LGM working 6 days on and then 2 off switching shifts every week. Because of my Top Secret Security clearance, it was difficult to travel out of Berlin very often but I was lucky enough to ride the duty train through East Germany at night several times and often flew to Spain for vacation. Berlin is a fascinating place to visit and have been privileged to be back in 2016 and 2018. In 2016 I was honored to be

Food Drive Thursdays Return To Moody Gardens This Holiday Season Guests Can Help Local Food Banks and Receive 2 for 1 Admission to Festival of Lights G a l v e s t o n , Te x a s (December 1, 2020) — The holiday season is here, and with that comes the season

for giving. Food Drive Thursdays offers guests the opportunity to enjoy Festival of Lights at a special admission discount in recognition for helping those who are in need this holiday season.

Feed Store

Every Thursday night in December visitors can bring a non-perishable food item and receive 2-for-1 admission to the Festival of Lights. All donations will benefit the Galveston County and Houston Food Banks.

chosen by Checkpoint Charlie Foundation as part of the German government program to foster relations with the former military occupants. The trip involved a week long, all paid trip in Berlin with many daily adventures to places I was not allowed to go near when stationed there like Checkpoint Charlie. All I had to do for the trip was get myself there and that was only a flight costs. In 2018 I went back with BUSMVA, Berlin US Military Veterans Assoc, and stayed a week with other veterans of Berlin and some brought family and attended honors thru the Bundestag and Parliament for our service. It was a moving experience and occurs in Berlin every 4 years. But let's backtrack a little and let you know that when I was discharged in 1976 I used that GI Bill to become a nurse and worked as an RN for the next 30 years in various positions in this area and am now retired from that career. I have had a wonderful life and it all started with my decision to join the Army because I said to myself as I was waiting on tables at a diner,"I am not “We love that Festival of Lights has become part of the holidays for many families each year,” said Moody Gardens President and CEO John Zendt. “In light of every challenge that this year has presented, we are pleased to be able to offer guests the opportunity to take part in the spirit of the holidays and to save some money by helping those in need.” The one-mile Festival of Lights walking trail decked with two million lights and filled with sound enhanced lighted and animated

Pharmacy

doing this the rest of my life!!" I have met many interesting people, married a few, had a couple of my own and truly enjoyed life and that is what it is all about. Currently, I like to travel and often drive a 1948 Ford Pickup to car shows. I enjoy sewing and crochet (which two male colleagues taught me!!)

Now I want to write about my friends and fellow Vets so I will be finding them and if you have a story about yourself or a friend or relative, send an email to me with info to contact them. I can be reached at TonitheTGR@aol.com I hope you will follow me as I meet more new friends.

displays themed to everyone’s favorite holiday music is one of several holiday attractions at Moody Gardens. Other attractions

include Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer playing in t h e 4 D T h e a t e r, o t h e r holiday 3D films, the Arctic Slide and train rides, fireside s’mores, evening cruises aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat and plenty of dining and hotel options, including Breakfast with Santa. Admission to the Festival of Lights is $19 per person on regular nights and $14 on select Value Days. The Value Days are every Sunday – Thursday between Nov. 29 Dec. 17. Festival of Lights and other holiday attractions open at 6 p.m. nightly and close at 9 p.m. on Value Days and 10 p.m. regularly. Moody Gardens’ regular attractions open at 10 a.m. daily. Admission to all attractions is free for c h i l d r e n 3 a n d u n d e r. Parking is also free. For more information, including ticket and hotel package options, please visit www.moodygardens.com/h oliday_season.

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