Montgomery County Edition
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™ e n i z a g a M
Texas Treasures
Texas State Railroad
Do You Know? Jack Shepherd
Gotta Get Away? Brenham Bound
Texas Talent
The River Road Boys
Business Focus Willis Curves
December 2012 – January 2013
Coming soon! PANDORA’s new holiday collection Sterling silver charms from $25
Jewelers Since 1893 1115 12th Street Downtown Huntsville Square 936.295.7621 www.ernstjewelers.com 2 MKTG45175_ERNST.indd Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013 2
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 3
December 2012 /January 2013 | Volume 1, Issue 3
28
Texas Treasures
Do You Know?
13
Gotta Get Away?
18
Texas Talent
24
Business Focus
28
Texas State Railroad Jack Shepherd
Brenham Bound
24
13
The River Road Boys
Willis Curves
Favorites
5 From the Publisher
18
6
5 Letters from Our Readers 10 Star Students 12 Glorious Grandkids 17 Things My Granddaddy said 18 What Are You Reading?
Features
6
22 Pet Pals 23 Recipes 23 Postcards From Our Readers 32 Calendar of Events 34 Mustard Seed Moments On the Web Postcards Magazine: postcardslive.com
Magazine™ Published bi-monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher: Karen Altom Editor: Wes Altom Advertising Sales: Janet Jones
Cover Photo by: Annie Lawson and Kelly Lawson of Kelly Sue Photography
Contributing Writers: Kristin Humphrey, Matthew Jackson, Claude Wooley, Mike Yawn, Zachary Toney, Wes Altom, Karen Altom Designers: Chris Blair, Mary Partida Photographer: Kelly Lawson, www.kellysuephotography.com Webmaster: Lisa Gilbert, www.lisaGdesigns.net
4 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Facebook: facebook.com/ PostcardsMagazineMontgomeryCounty Correspondence
Postcards Magazine™ welcomes reader correspondence using the following venues. Email: postcards@usa.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Phone: 936.293.1188 Fax: 936.293.1171 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. © 2012 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Texas.
It Happened Today It’s here! This morning I walked outside and realized that the day had finally arrived. It’s a day I look forward to all year long. The day when I walk outside and immediately turn back to head inside and get a jacket!
I Love That Day!
From the Publisher and experiences I will treasure for a lifetime. It also makes me anxious to drag out the Christmas decorations! I love Christmas, and I love decorating for it; but, in the heat of an Indian summer that has dragged on and on, the thought of going into a hot attic for holiday décor doesn’t really put me in the proper spirit required for such festivities!
To me, it’s the day that really signals summer’s And even though I know it sounds incredibly end. Not the day that tricks you…you know “hokey”, this is the day that makes me giddy the one I mean—the one where you walk because it reminds me that family will be outside, and it’s cool and feels great, but you gathered together soon. soon realize it will be 84 degrees by lunch. No, THIS is the day that won’t quite make it to 70 degrees—the day that you’ll appreciate having a jacket or sweater on ALL day. The day when This year, it makes me a little giddier than usual, you’ll hear people talking about how cold it is! because it’s the first year that I’m waiting on Of course, this kind of talk is laughable to our a child to come HOME from college for the northern state neighbors…kind of like how we holidays. "I’ll be home for Christmas" has a laugh when they talk about how blazing hot sweeter meaning than ever before! summer is when it hits 85! So, if you see me grinning a little more than There are numerous reasons I love this day so usual, you’ll know why. The day arrived. The one much. It usually occurs sometime in November, that holds all the promise of family and friends. as it did this year. This day is the green light The one that reminds me of sweet memories, that allows me to drag out jackets and clothes and the one that heralds that Christmas Day that don’t see much wear in our Texas heat. It and a New Year are coming. This is the time to also reminds me of days I spent working in cherish those closest to us. It’s the time to share other parts of our beautiful country where a smile with those around us. The time to be the four seasons are very distinct—days gone thankful for what we have and certainly a time by that bring me memories of faraway friends to be thankful for the greatest gift mankind ever received – a child born in Bethlehem.
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Karen Altom, Publisher Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. We are excited to spend our first Christmas with you! Please take a moment to call or visit and thank our wonderful advertisers as well. They make this publication possible, and they would appreciate your business so we can ALL have a Merry Christmas!
Until next time , God’s blessings to you and your family!
~ Karen
Letters from Our Readers I just got my first copy of the Montgomery County Edition of Postcards Magazine. It's great! I've never contacted a periodical before, but I was inspired to tell everyone involved in this magazine that it's wonderful. It is NOT going into the recycle bin. I'm keeping it to refer back to it. There's some wonderful information that I can refer back to time and time again. Thanks so much for sending this and I look forward to receiving many more! I especially liked the article on Ralph and Mary Lou Riggs, what a love story! Debra Marshall, Via PostcardsLive.com
postcards@usa.com facebook.com/PostcardsMagazineMontgomeryCounty
I love this magazine! Gloria Levee, Facebook
I received the first issue of Postcards which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially since I know the Riggs. I certainly enjoy your magazine and look forward to receiving future copies! Ben Davis, Conroe
I am 84 years young, and I love your little magazine! I read it from front to back. I really loved the Thanksgiving article Mrs. Altom wrote. Thank you! Rita Ratcliff, Montgomery
December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 5
Railroad
B
efore my time, it was Casey Jones…when I was growing up, it was The Little Engine That Could… and, for my children, it was Thomas the Tank Engine. Whatever the generation, America’s love of trains transcends time. Railroads were the connect-the-dots exercise that built our nation. Always fascinating, but growing ever more elusive, the closest most of us get to our universal love is admiration from a distance as we sit in our vehicle at a crossing gate. Join us now as we bridge that gap (and the one between Rusk and Palestine) on the Texas State Railroad. Most museums are housed within a relatively small structure. A few occupy a city block. This one covers twenty-five miles. The Texas State Railroad, a museum on wheels and rails, connects
by Wes Altom
S TETXreasures Texas State
the Piney Woods communities of Rusk and Palestine. Offering passenger excursions via both steam and diesel locomotives, this attraction is a living exhibit and window into our past. Operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from 1976 to 2007, the TSRR has since been run through a contract with American Heritage Railways, and just recently operating control shifted to Iowa Pacific. The Railroad currently has two operating steam engines from the early 1900s, as well as two diesels from the mid-century. Maintenance operations for the railway, as well as a roundtable, are located in Maydelle, a small community on the line about 9 miles west of Rusk.
6 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
A basic excursion is about 1½ hours each way. A box lunch is included, and additional concessions are available for purchase on the train. Standard and premium seating is available. For an extreme experience (and a special fee), you can even make the journey in the cab with the engineer and fireman, if you are over 18 years old. Talk about your oncein-a-lifetime experience! The railroad offers ticket discounts for groups, seniors and veterans, and FREE passage for active duty military and during the week of your birthday. Beware! There are sometimes appearances by train robbers. I’ve also heard, however, that the Lone Ranger rides again along the rail lines to keep the peace. And, if we don’t have your interest yet, check out the railroad’s calendar of special events. Some regular favorites for children include The Polar Express, Peanuts–Valentine’s Express, Peanuts – Easter Beagle Express, and Peanuts – The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Thomas the Tank Engine has even been known to make an occasional appearance at the TSRR. For adults, special photo opportunity trips, Memorial Day Events, and a Valentine’s Dinner Train (complete with a candlelight, three course catered meal) are popular choices. You can even make your own special event and charter a train just for your occasion.
Enjoy the ride and create memories for your entire family
»
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 7
History
If all this sounds like too much for a day trip, don’t fret. The Palestine Depot offers primitive camping, picnic facilities, and pavilions. The Rusk Depot has even more facilities with both full hookup RV and tent campsites, as well as a laundry facility, restrooms, showers, wi-fi, and a campground office and store. There are pavilions and a dining hall available for rent, and on-site activities include a 15 acre fishing lake, spray ground water playground, tennis courts, basketball goals, horseshoes, shuffle board, and volleyball. For more information, schedules, and pricing, check out www.texasstaterr.com or call 1-877-726-7245. Explore a part of Texas history. Don’t just read about it— live it, and learn it! Adventures on the Texas State Railroad await. All aboard!
The Texas state prison system established the railroad in 1881. Inmates built the line, which was used to transport hardwood that was used as fuel for the furnaces at the prison-operated iron smelter at the Rusk Penitentiary. The furnace supplied the State of Texas with iron products, including the columns and dome structure for the capitol building in Austin. The original construction was a narrow gauge line, but it was later built in standard gauge in order to join into the main line. In 1906, prison crews extended the rail line to Maydelle and, in 1909, reached their final destination of Palestine. Once the train line was completed into Palestine, the line was easily accessible to the main lines, and commerce in and around the area flourished. In 1913, the prison ceased operations of the iron furnace and the Rusk Penitentiary was converted into the state mental hospital. In 1921, the regular rail service was discontinued and the line was leased to the Texas & New Orleans (Southern Pacific Railroad Co.). The Texas Southeastern Railroad leased the line in the early 1960s and continued operation of the line until 1969.
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8 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
The Polar Express™ Train Ride
Departing the Palestine Depot
All Aboard!
The Polar Express™comes to life at the Texas State Railroad.
December
Inspired by the award winning book by Chris Van Allsburg, come experience the magic of The Polar Express™. Read along with the story as the train makes a roundtrip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot chocolate and a treat. And, for those who believe, a special gift for each child. Everyone is encouraged to wear their pajamas!
Departs: 3:45pm ✴ 5:15pm 6:45pm ✴ 8:10pm
Sun Mon Tue
Wed Thu
Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
2012
Departure Dates School Runs
Polar Express photos are courtesy of Jennifer Williams. She writes about her family’s train experience last year on her blog, “Momma Made It Look Easy.” Check it out at www.mommamadeitlookeasy.com. She says, “Our kids really enjoyed this and haven’t stopped talking about it since then. In kid time that’s a pretty big deal.” She also has already purchased tickets for this year!
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Star Students
Brittany Morris
Morgan McLeod
Senior – Lifestyle Christian School
Senior – Montgomery High School
Favorite Movie: Courageous Favorite Music: Christian - Kari Jobe and
Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans
Jesus Culture
Favorite Music: Christian and Country
Favorite Food: All food is quite delicious:)
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Quote:
M
B
D
Favorite Quote: “Faith is not believing that God can; it's knowing that He will!”
"Life is a race against time, and the best way to use the time is to serve God and others."
organ is a senior at Montgomery High School and is the daughter of Dale and Kerri McLeod. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the student council. Away from school, she is a worship leader at church on Wednesday nights, and she also enjoys spending time with family and friends. After graduating, Morgan plans to attend a four year university and then law school. She expresses her personal philosophy as Paul did in Acts 20:24 by saying, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
Nominate a Star Student
Email us: postcards@usa.com
rittany is a senior at Lifestyle Christian School and is the daughter of Kent and Kathy Morris. At her school, she participates in basketball, cross country, and track. Away from school, she enjoys horseback riding, playing guitar, and playing piano. After graduation, Brittany wants to attend college and then pursue a career in Christian ministry. She says, "My goal in life is to love and serve God and do His will."
Please tell us about them!
Gloria Deveraux
We are looking for high school seniors who are involved and interested in making a difference in their world. These are the students who are often considered "unsung heroes"!
Senior – Willis High School Favorite Movie: Man on Fire Favorite Music: Gospel Favorite Food: Mexican Favorite Quote:
G
“Just do it!” ~ Nike
loria is a senior at Willis High School and is the daughter of John and Wanda Deveraux. She is in the National Honor Society and also participates in soccer, track and field, and choir. Following graduation, Gloria hopes to play soccer in college and major in sports medicine. She wants to be an orthopedic surgeon. Gloria says, "If I want to do it, then I'll go get whatever it is through hard work."
o you know a "Star Student"?
Email the name of your senior and why you feel they are a "Star Student" to postcards@usa.com. Be sure to include your contact information as well.
“
10 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Each of the seniors selected will be awarded a prize in recognition of this honor. Prizes sponsored by Northshore Church.
Knowing the Peace, Power & Presence of god
Proudly sponsoring the Star Students of our area.
You’re Invited to: Sunday, December 2nd
10:00 AM
Advent Season Worship Services
Sunday, December 9th
10:00 AM
Advent Season Worship Services
Sunday, December 9th
6:00 PM
Sunday, December 16th Monday, December 24th
10:00 AM 6:00 PM
Christmas Concert with Matt Etter Advent Season Worship Services Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Registration going on now for Spring! Sign up now
www.northshorechurch.org
18501 W. FM 1097 • Montgomery, TX 77356 • 936-597-7000 December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 11
G G
lorious s d i k d n a r Joshua Gryder
Grandson of: Rose Ellison of Conroe
Dylan Couch
Great Grandson of: C.D. and Lucille Davis of Conroe
Share your precious grandkids with us! Send in your photos to: postcards@usa.com
12 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Annie and Devin Lawson
Grandkids of: Joe and Anna Chapman of Willis
Written by Wes Altom
Do You Know...? Jack Shepherd
L
ife begins at retirement…just ask Jack Shepherd of Conroe. Shepherd, who will turn 77 in February, retired at age 55, and he has worked harder ever since. Postcards Magazine heard about Shepherd due to his knowledge of aviation history and the large collection of wooden model airplanes he has crafted over a period of 20 years. Recently, we sat down to visit with him at his home. As we found out more about his craftsmanship skills and historical knowledge in other areas, our admiration for this man really took flight.
We began with the planes; Shepherd took us to his garage, where numerous models of famous planes from civil and military aviation hang suspended from the ceiling. There’s a story behind each one, and Shepherd knows them all. Here’s a sampling: …The top ace for the Allies in WWII was not an American. It was Russian Ivan Kozhedub, known as Ivan the Terrible, who shot down 60 Germans. He was also the top flight commander in Korea for the Russians, and his unit shot down 207 Americans. So we don’t like him, and he’s been ignored in the history books… …The Stuka was a really famous plane in WWII early on. It really started the war big in the air. It was a dive bomber. It had a siren over its left wheel and, as it would dive, the siren would get louder and louder, and just formed terror on the ground. It was real accurate because he could dive right on his target, and then release his bomb and pull out. They were easy targets later on because it wasn’t a very aerodynamic plane…
Photos provided by Kelly Sue Photography
…The C-47 was the workhorse of WWII. This plane holds the record for most hours in the air of any type plane ever built. There were so many of them built—like 16,000. It’s a cargo plane. Eisenhower said his main weapon in WWII was the C-47. It’s called the Gooney Bird. I flew in it when I was in the Air Force. They’re still some flying, and every time they go up, they extend that record…
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 13
PC: Tell us about building the planes.
PC: How many planes have you made?
JS: I use blocks of wood and scrap metal. They JS: Well, there are 32 in the collection. I also are all hand painted. It takes a month or more made a B-17 for one of my grandsons, because to build each one. If I was inspired by it—if it his other grandfather flew one in World War II. broke some kind of record or something—then And I made a F-14 Tomcat for a neighbor boy I decided to build it. I would just find a picture across the street. Those are the only two others in a history book or something to go by, and I I’ve made besides the collection for display. made it from that. When I put them on display, PC: Where did your love of flight come from? I put a storyboard with it to tell the history behind each one. For the last 18 or so years, JS: Back in the late 70’s, I bought a little weekthey’ve been around at libraries and museums end place over at Lake Bonanza. For its day, it on display. was the April Sound, Walden, or Bentwater. It had an airstrip, and I didn’t know what it was. It looked like a long, skinny horse pasture. I was in my forties—you know, the mid-life crazies? And the ultra-lights had gotten real popular then—motorized hang gliders—I call them “flying coffins”. So I buy me a kit and put it together. I only crashed it three times. The last time I didn’t walk away real quick. So I decided if I’m going to fly, I better take lessons. I got my pilot’s license in 1981 at the Conroe airport. We flew a little 152 first, about five or six years, then I sold it, and bought a 172. My wife Susan and I flew it for twenty years. Finally, about seven or eight years ago, we had flown everywhere we wanted The whole collection was to fly, and it was too expensive to maintain, so on display at the Flight Museum in Galveston we sold it. During that time, that’s what got when Ike hit in 2008. I didn’t know for two me started building the models. months what happened. I read there was eight feet of water, and I couldn’t get hold of anybody. PC: Let’s talk about you a bit. Finally I got a call, and they said they had found JS: An old, retired, frustrated accountant. 30 of the 32 planes. I went down the next day Susan and I have been married about 40 years or two and retrieved them. Then there was a now. Between us, we have three daughters lot of time to repair, repaint, and rebuild. The and a son. I have eight grandchildren and salt water isn’t kind.
four great-grandkids. I worked for Dresser Industries and retired from them. Then I went to work for Mitchell in The Woodlands and retired from them. I have two pensions, and those are as rare as hen’s teeth. Most companies don’t do non-contributorial pensions anymore. PC: And you did accounting for those companies? JS: Accounting—all accounting. And I hated it my entire life! I despise accounting, but that’s what I did for a living. PC: How long have you been in this area? JS: Since 1978. I was born up in Van Zandt County, on a farm about six miles south of a little town called Wills Point. Mother and Daddy sharecropped a farm of 250 acres, and I was the last of five kids. Dad didn’t know anything about crop rotation or fertilization— all he knew how to do was plant cotton. If it
For information on the airplane collection, contact Jack Shepherd at 936-443-7319.
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For more information on Fernland Historical Park, visit www.fernland.org
hadn’t been for the garden and the orchard and Mother’s canning, we would have starved to death. But we made it through the Depression just fine, because she was a go-getter. She was a hustler—she swore she canned 3,000 quart jars of fruit every year. That’s what we lived on, until the spring crop came every year, and the rest she would sell up on Highway 80. Dad never had a decent crop. PC: I saw from the scrapbooks you showed us earlier that you are involved with Fernland Historic Park in Montgomery, and there was a photo of you dressed up as Charles B. Stewart. How did that get started?
was a lawyer, and a druggist, and a doctor in Montgomery for 50 years. He was a mover and a shaker. He served at all six of the major conventions of early Texas. Sam Houston was only at three. Stewart was the first to sign the Declaration and the Constitution. So I thought Stewart needed it. Stewart was not flamboyant or a prolific writer like Sam Houston. There are really no biographies or autobiographies about him, and he’s not mentioned in almost any Texas history books. He deserves a lot of credit. PC: So how did you get a connection with Fernland?
JS: About three and a half years ago, Philip JS: Oh, golly. About 15-20 years ago, I LeFevre donated the land for the park. I had would dress up at all the tours and events in gotten word that Carroll and Mae Tharp, who Montgomery as Sam Houston. And every- were serious antique collectors, had bought body knows Sam Houston. I probably did these cabins and all these antiques over a him 100-150 times. So then I thought, ‘Let period of 50 years and put them on their propHoliday2012.pdf me do somebody that needs some recogni- erty, some 70 acres down off Honea-Egypt tion.’ Stewart is the most logical because he Road. They donated it all to Sam Houston
K e ep
your home Cozy this
season!
Crane Cabin donated by Carroll and Mae Tharp State University in Huntsville. Sam Houston only wanted one of the cabins called Bearbend, which Sam Houston used to hunt out of. They cut a deal with the City of Montgomery that if we would move that cabin to Huntsville, that they would give us all the rest—well, a hundred year lease. So we did. We elected a board—Gareth Westlake is our President, and I’m the Vice-President and curator. So—real instrumental in moving the cabins, and then heavily involved in restoring the artifacts. We had two 18-wheelers full of artifacts in addition to the cabins. 1 11/6/12 PM PC: Were you2:52 involved in the actual restoration work?
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Merry Christmas
from our family to yours!
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 15
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JS: I did it all. I built a stick and mud chimney with donated money and materials. We couldn’t find anybody that knew about a stick and mud chimney because the examples are pretty much gone.
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PC: And refurbishing the artifacts as well? JS: Yeah. Well, it gave me something to do. PC: Tell us a little more about the Historic Park.
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JS: There are five structures there— two log cabins, two frame houses, and a blacksmith shop. One of the houses is the oldest in the city of Montgomery, built in 1845. It’s called the ArnoldSimonton House. It’s the only house in Montgomery County on the National Register of Historic Places. Other than that home, everything in the park is from the Tharp collection.
“
I love to tell the stories to people that are interested. It’s been fun—I’ve really enjoyed it.
”
Tours Available:
$5 per person donation, contact Jack Shepherd at 936-443-7319.
When we first opened about a year ago, we had enough volunteers to keep them open on the weekend. Now, the numbers have dwindled…and I opened my mouth and said I would do it on an appointment basis. So now, people call and I will go up there and open the cabins and give them a tour for a $5 per person donation. It takes about an hour to give a decent tour. I love to tell the stories to people that are interested. It’s been fun—I’ve really enjoyed it. PC: This is a full life! Are there any other interests we haven’t talked about?
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JS: Well, when I first retired from Mitchell, I got big into restoring houses. I was flipping houses long before they ever coined the phrase “flipping houses”. I bought several. I think at one time I had seven that I was flipping. I did that for a while. I also rebuilt that 1965 Mustang you saw. It’s probably about the tenth car I’ve rebuilt. I bought it in a junkyard for $500.
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JS: Well, I don’t have as much as I used to. I’ve had two heart attacks. They’ve got me on eight medicines now, and that just whoops the fire out of you. It takes all the wind out of your sails. But, I’ve outlived every male in my genealogy, as far back as I can go, by ten years. PC: You’ve worked harder at retirement than you did as an accountant! JS: It gave me something to do, y’know. An old man needs something to pick on besides his spouse! My theory is that if you don’t have something to pick on, then—at the insane asylum—they’re going to give you baskets to weave.
”
Things my Granddaddy said... from
our world
"Life is hard. It's harder if you're stupid." John Wayne "A broken clock is still right twice a day.” submitted by Postcards Staff My great-granny's favorite saying was, "Can't never could, and can't never tried!" I have lived by that philosphy my entire life! submitted by Kim Bius
“Seen” by:
"He's as useless as teats on a boar hog." Cavanaugh Farris
Tell us what your Granddaddy (or Grandmother) said! Submit your information to: postcards@usa.com or go to our Facebook wall facebook.com/PostcardsMagazineMontgomeryCounty
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 17
Dallas
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Austin San Antonio
Conroe
Gotta Get Away?
Houston
Written by Kristin Humphrey
am B re n h i. 67 m
Corpus Christi
Bar B Boutique
Nellie's
fancy that!
Must Be Heaven
Funky Cafe
67 Miles
Volare Italian Restaurant
Southern Flyer
Ann Street Inn
What aeraeding? you R
Tell us what you’re reading! Send your information to: postcards@usa.com.
Debbie and Mark Stovall of Conroe
reading
The Prodigal God By Timothy Keller
18 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Kim Pate of Conroe
reading
Summer By Karen Kingsbury
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The highlight of Brenham is definitely historic downtown where the majority of shops, restaurants, and hotels are located. The first shop I like to pop into is Nellie’s (www.nelliesbrenham.com, 200 W. Alamo St). At this sweet little boutique, you are treated not as a customer, but as a friend. They have everything western chic that you need, from boots to belts to home décor, hand bags, and hats.
Karen Altom
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of Postcards Magazine
reading
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T
he holiday season is upon Another store full of fun finds is Bar us, folks! Family is coming B Boutique (www.barbboutique.com, 111 S. into town, your fridge is fully Baylor). They carry one of my favorite prodstocked, and your house is spot- ucts, leather scent-infused car fresheners. less. Pat yourself on the back. But wait, Your car will smell new and fresh all at the what happens after the holiday merriment same time. With scents like strawberry has passed, the food is gone, your house is leather, vanilla leather, cinnamon leather, a wreck, and you still have company stay- and coconut lime leather, you can find someing for a few more days? What to do? You thing that will fit the preferences of each know the movies and the mall will be busy, family member. They also carry a variety and you can only watch so much television of "blingy" jeans, shoes and jewelry. If you before you, the kids, and the family get cabin are planning a girls' trip to Brenham, allow fever. Why not load up the car and head plenty of time to get lost in here. Sorry on over to Brenham for a day of shopping, guys! eating, and relaxing? A great place to find a last minute gift or two is fancy that! (www.fancythattexas.com, 120 W. Alamo St). Everything you need for relaxation can be found here. They have a variety of candles, fountains, and lavender products to revitalize and rejuvenate. You can also find fashionable clothing and stationary as well.
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 19
67 Miles
Brenham Visitor Center Location: 115 West Main St. in downtown Brenham www.VisitBrenhamTexas.com 1-888-BRENHAM (888-273-6426) | 979-836-3696
After a long day of shopping, you will definitely be in need of refreshment, and my absolute favorite place to visit in Brenham is Must Be Heaven (www.mustbeheaven.com, 107 W. Alamo St). The décor is old-fashioned ice cream shoppe, and the food is homemade. Pull up a chair and order a classic combo like PB&J or BLT; or maybe you want something a little more unique, like a muffuletta or avocado and sprouts. Whatever your sandwich craving, Must Be Heaven is bound to have a sandwich to satisfy your taste buds. And did I mention the soups, quiche, and desserts that are made daily? This restaurant is a must visit. Take a walk on the funky side and visit the Funky Art Café (www.funkyartcafe.com, 202 W. Commerce). Who doesn’t love a Christmas tree that is left up all year (decorated according to season, naturally) and bright purple walls?! The menu changes every four months, but a few tasty creations that caught my eye were the New Mexican Pumpkin Burger (pumpkin, wild rice, corn, jalapeños, cilantro, and jack cheese on a wheat bun, served with chipotle sour cream spread, avocado, lettuce, and tomato)
Volare Italian Restaurant
Funky Art Café Christmas Tree and Every Day’s a Holiday (ginger’d cranberry apple compote, mayo, turkey, swiss, and lettuce in a honey wheat wrap). And for the kid in all of
Hair care for the entire family.
All e y C uts
us, hot cocoa! Classic cocoa, North Pole cocoa, peanut butter cup cocoa, OH MY! I think I’ve died and gone to culinary heaven. If you are in need of a heartier meal for those bone-chilling days, stop in at Volare Italian Restaurant (www.volareitalianrestaurant.com, 102 S. Ross Street). The owner and chef, Silvio—a native Italian—moved to Brenham in 1997 and opened the doors of Volare shortly after. Since that time, his restaurant has maintained a reputation of excellent food and superior service. Volare provides lunch and dinner services, as well as catering. Their menu boasts delicious Italian fare including fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti bolognesi, and pollo parmiggiana.
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Gary Valmain gvalmain@computerwurx.com 20 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
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Volare provides lunch and dinner services, as well as catering
Blue Bell Creamery Tours: Mon-Fri 8:30am to 3:30pm General Admission $5 Seniors and Children $3
Strange as it may seem to some, folks and run on an as needed first-come, firstrave about the burgers at the Brenham serve basis. General admission is $5, with a Municipal Airport’s Southern Flyer Diner discounted price of $3 for senior citizens and (www.southernflyer.com, 3001 Aviation Way). children. Tours run about 45 minutes and Ask any area pilot, and they all seem to know conclude with a serving of ice cream. If you do about the burgers in Brenham; however, you plan on visiting the Blue Bell Creamery, be sure can get there by auto as well! The older genera- to call ahead to confirm they will be running tion will love the jukebox and the servers in tours during your visit. There are various days poodle skirts, while the young ones will appre- during the fall and winter months (October – ciate dining an arm’s length from the airplanes. February) that they do not make ice cream. Probably the single most iconic place for any Brenham is certainly close enough to make Texan to visit during their trip to Brenham is a day trip but, if you want to make the vacathe Blue Bell Creamery (www.bluebell.com, 1101 tion last a little longer, you will need a place South Blue Bell Road). Did you know that Blue to stay. Look no further than the Ant Street Bell is only sold in 26% of the nation’s super- Inn (www.antstreetinn.com, 107 W. Commerce markets, but it ranks as one of the top three St). The inn is located in nostalgic downtown best-selling ice creams in the country? Tours Brenham and is within walking distance of are Monday through Friday (8:30am-3:30pm) many shops and restaurants. It is such an
iconic spot that numerous weddings, receptions, and events are hosted at the Ant Street Inn. There are 15 rooms within the walls of the inn, each decorated with American antiques, hardwood, and oriental rugs. You can even enjoy a nice drink out on the patio while taking in the beautiful landscape. Breakfast is served at the adjoining restaurant, The Brenham Grill. If you are interested in visiting over the holiday season, be sure to call ahead for reservations, as space is limited. Now that you have a plan of what to do during the holidays, the hard part is figuring out where to start. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
amburger
Southern Flyer H
Blue Bell Creameries Delivery Truck
2011 Southern Flyer Diner Ladies
One of 15 rooms at Ant Street Inn
Blue Bell statue just outside the creamery
Ant Street Inn Front Door
Schedule Wed., January 9th – 7:00 PM Thursday, January 10th 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM *Noon Catered Luncheon/Speaker Friday, January 11th 9:30 AM & 7:00 PM *Noon Catered Luncheon/Speaker Sunday, January 13th 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM
December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 21
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Recipes
Share your favorite recipes with us! postcards@usa.com
Holiday Entertaining
Wassail Ingredients
Buttermilk Pie
Ingredients
• 1 qt. Cran-grape juice (32 oz.) • 1 qt. apple juice (32 oz.) • 1/2 qt. pineapple juice (2 cups)
• • • •
cinnamon sticks ground cloves 1 fresh orange 1 cup sugar
• • • •
Pour all juice in a large pot. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves. Cut orange in half and squeeze the juice from one half into the mixture and slice the other half and drop in the pot. Add sugar and heat. This is a great holiday recipe; makes your whole house smell like Christmas.
3 cups sugar 1/8 tsp salt 6 eggs 1 tbsp vanilla
• • • •
4 tbsp flour 1/4 lb butter 1 cup buttermilk 2 pie crusts
Cream sugar and butter. Add flour and salt. Add eggs one at a time. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Pour in two deep dish pie shells. Bake at 400º for 45 minutes.
Corn Dip Ingredients
Fruit Dip Ingredients • 1 - 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 jar marshmallow creme
Mix together thoroughly with mixer and then serve with your favorite sliced fruit.
• • • •
Thigpen Energy hosted Governor Rick Perry November 14th at their Cut and Shoot office. Governor Perry was in town to announce his support of pending legislation that would require drug screening for those receiving benefits from TANF and Texas Unemployment Insurance. Postcards photographer Kelly Lawson was among those in attendance. submitted by KellySue Photography
Share your favorite trip, vacation or significant event photos with us!
• 1 small can chopped green chiles • 7 oz. chopped jalapenos • 1 bunch scallions (optional)
Mix all ingredients together. Eat with corn chips.
Postcards From Our Readers
2 cans fiesta corn 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bet h Sm ith and Kri ste n Houten from C.C . Hardy Ele me nta ry and Ch ery l Hartner and Becky Godsey from Lynn Lucas Middle Sch ool attend ing Re gio n VI Ed uca tio n Ser vic e Center's Teacher of the Year luncheon. Houten was Willis ISD's Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2011-12, wh ile Ha rtn er too k the honor as Secondary Teacher. submitted by Erin Kleinecke, Willis ISD "I am so excited to help my Mom and Dad vote for my futu re!" -Justin Bohack submitted by Wayne and Amanda Bohack, Willis
postcards@usa.com or see our Facebook wall facebook.com/ PostcardsMagazineMontgomeryCounty
December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 23
xas
Swinging with the
Talent
by Claude Wooley
T
H
left to right: John Jones, Shelly Lee Alley Jr., Jim Johnson (below), Tommy Howser, Ralph "Dusty" Stewart, Bill Dessens
A
fter 41 years, the River Road rare form of music—it would just slowly Boys, one of Texas’ all time legend- fade away like the final overtones of the last ary swing bands, are still churning song of the night. The importance of music out some of the greatest Western in our Texas history is immeasurable. (And, Swing music you’ll ever hear. They are based having a group together for this long, in a out of Houston and, while the members are business that changes members like band scattered about across the region, when they uniforms, is truly amazing.) get together and “swing it”—they become one of the most steadfast Americana bands PC: How have you managed to keep this to survive the Western Swing era. Recently, group together for so long? founding member Tommy Howser, who lives TH: I think the good Lord had a lot in keepin the Tomball area, was kind enough to ing us together—everybody in the band is share with Postcards Magazine a brief history Christian-based with Christian backgrounds. of the group and new awards on the horizon. In forty-one years, we’ve only had sixteen But first, it needs to be mentioned here that, members. And, I’ve always felt that if you if not for the efforts of the River Road Boys can’t take your wife to the gig, then you don’t and a handful of others dedicated to this
24 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
need to be doing it. We’ve all been loyal and dedicated to each other, and we have fit into our own niche. It’s a matter of brotherhood. PC: How did the band begin? TH: Originally, it was Dick Allen on bass, me on drums, Clyde Brewer and Bob White on fiddle, and Troy Passmore on guitar. We’d always kick off our theme song with Peewee King’s “River Road Two-Step,” so I said, ‘why don’t we call ourselves the River Road Boys— after that song?’ And the River Road Boys were born. We wound up playing at the Esquire Ballroom in Houston four nights a week as the house band—that was 1969. We’ve been swinging ever since.
“
41 years... [and] still churning out some of the greatest Western Swing music you’ll ever hear.
”
Tommy added respectfully: “Me and Clyde on it. Then we cut our first single in 1971 at Brewer were the original founding members. Jones Sound Recording Studio in Houston. He passed away last year. You don’t replace It was produced by Eddie Arnold’s manager, Clyde Brewer, and we’re not even going to a fellow by the name of Gabe Tucker. He try—he was my best friend and mentor. He wanted to do something with us, so we was the best musician I ever played with, did a two-sided single, with one side called and losing him was like ripping the heart “Jole Blon.” Since then, we’ve cut over 20 out of this band.” albums and CDs. We’ve been through some member changes as all bands go through PC: I understand that Clyde was a major (laughs), but—after all these years, we’re part of your recordings as well. When did still playing and recording the music we you first begin recording songs? love for our fans.” TH: We did an album with Laura Lee in They have a newly released CD aptly titled, Beaumont—an album called, “Everything “Can’t Get Enough of Texas,” which is already Changes but Laura Lee.” That was the first up for Academy of Western Artists Album of album we did with the River Road Boys title
»
Kelly Sue Photography
above: Tommy Howser receives award Left: River Road Boys perform on stage
Kelly Sue Photography
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A New Paradigm In Medicine December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 25
WHAT DO... A Pop/R&B Singer
&
PC: What have you found to be your most popular selling album or CD?
A Nobel Prize Winner
HAVE IN COMMON?
Montessori Beyonce Knowles
9 America Pop/R&B singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer. 9 Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she attended St. Mary of the Purification Montessori School for her elementary years
the Year 2012, and a cut from the CD, “When I Grow Too Old to Dream,” is up for song of the year. The award ceremonies are held in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in February. (Good luck at the awards show, guys!)
TH: The first one we recorded for the River Road Boys was, “The Twin Fiddles of Bob White & Clyde Brewer.” It’s all instrumental, but—to this day—it’s still one of the best-selling albums we’ve ever done, and we’ve also put all of our albums into CDs since then. PC: Tell our readers about the current band members now, those who’ve been the mainstay for so many years. TH: I’m on drums and background vocals; Bill Dessens on fiddle, guitar, tenor banjo, and background vocals; Shelly Lee Alley, Jr. on guitar and background vocals; Jim
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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above: Ralph "Dusty" Stewart plays steel guitar
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26 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Right: Bill Dessens goes to town on the fiddle
Contact Information
Proudest Achievements:
“
For Booking Engagements: Contact Vivian Howser at 281-290-7255, or 281-989-0341 Mailing address: 2201 Rosewood Trail, Tomball, Texas 77377 Email: RiverRoadBoys@sbcglobal.net Website: www.RiverRoadBoys.com
As a band—when we were inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame.
”
Johnson, lead vocals; Ralph “Dusty” Stewart Western Music Hall of Fame in Mineral Wells. on steel guitar; and our newest member, John All of these well-deserved accolades are testaJones, on upright bass and vocals. He fits in ment to the spirit of this great group of guys just fine. I’d like to add that all of our band and a loyalty to their art. members have multiple Hall of Fame awards, Tommy also filled me in on their 6th Annual River Road—The River Road Boys. Folks, this not only individually, but as the River Road Christmas Ball at the VFW in Navasota, Texas would be good reading for those cold winter Boys as well. You can find a lot of our history on Dec 8. Admission includes dinner for every- nights coming on, or anytime one feels the on our website. one as well. This event is something that the need to see how these professional musicians PC: What are some of your group’s proudest River Road Boys put together for their fans. color our world with music. achievements? Tommy adds ,“As long as we can stand up and We welcome our readers to learn more about play, it would be good for people to come see TH: As a band—when we were inducted into the River Road Boys and spread the good word. us—just to be able say, ‘I heard those guys.’ We the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame. After This group also plays a variety of music from are the last of the pioneers.” Their schedule that, we were honored by the Academy of swing, to light jazz, to 50-60’s rock and roll, and is getting pretty full (as Tommy says) “for a Western Artists (AWA) Will Rogers Award for other musical genres as well. Get the full story bunch of old musicians.” He has also written Western Swing Band of the year 2005 and the of their well-traveled roads, as well as their CDs a book that chronicles the progression of the Academy of Western Artists (AWA) Will Rogers for sale on their website or by email. River Road Boys, entitled A Journey Down Award for Western Swing Song of the year 2004. Something else we are proud of is that we had the first country music album ever broadcast behind the Iron Curtain. This year Tommy was inducted into the Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame. Next year, Dusty Stewart and Tommy are scheduled for induction into the Cowtown Society of
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 27
Business Focus: Willis Photos provided by Kelly Sue Photography
”
Written by Kristin Humphrey
I
t’s great to be at Curves! How may I help you?” We’ve all done it—called our local gym or fitness center to get some information about what machines or classes they offer, and maybe check out the price—but were you greeted by someone who sounded like they were having a good day? Or even a great day? At Curves in Willis, every day is a great day. Friendly coaching staff, an upbeat environment, and lively music make this
spot one of the most popular places for women to workout. You are probably thinking, “Well, I’m too afraid of what people might think” or “I won’t know how to use any of the equipment.” Never fear, Willis Curves has coaches who will show you how to use the machines properly, explain what muscle groups you are working, and motivate you to push hard on each machine. The format of the Curves workout is a circuit. According to Curves International, circuit training is a form of training alternating high intensity strength training
movements with periods of recovery or light aerobic movements. This allows participants to combine strength training and cardiovascular exercise in one efficient and effective exercise session. Both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems will be active during circuit training. All the machines are hydraulic—meaning the more resistance you build up, the more challenging the workout, allowing you to push yourself and work at your own pace. Members alternate between machines and recovery boards working muscles within the range of arms, mid section, and legs.
28 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Curves owner Tish Humphrey believes workouts should be fun!
Curves recently underwent a bit of a facelift and is now a weight loss center with a gym. The new program is called Curves Complete and focuses on the three most important aspects of the weight loss and fitness journey: Diet, Exercise, and Motivation. So, let’s break down each section of the trifecta. When you start Curves Complete, you will begin a healthy diet regimen. The term diet has a negative connotation—this is not a life sentence, it’s just the term to describe eating habits. You will be prescribed a custom menu and grocery list through Curves Complete online. There is no counting required for this meal plan. It is easy, simple, and to the point. Again, by strength training and consuming more protein, participants will maintain more metabolically active muscle tissue and burn more fat. The second step is exercise. Curves recommends three to four strength training workouts a week complemented with a daily walk. Remember, each day we should strive to hit 10,000 steps. Lastly, participants will be able to watch daily coaching videos as well as meet weekly with a Curves Complete coach to go over the week’s peaks and pits. In research conducted at the Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University, Curves Complete was “shown to help participants burn more fat while protecting muscle than participants following the leading diet programs.” The biggest misconception with fitness and weight loss is that you need to be pouring sweat during each workout (to the point of passing out) while simultaneously starving yourself to
1
Diet
Meet weekly with a Curves Complete coach to stay motivated with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. achieve results. If you cut out meals, your metabolism will begin to slow down because your body thinks you are starving. If your body thinks you are starving, it will hold onto weight and fat and go into survival mode. Why do you think breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Because you are breaking the fast! Eat something 90 minutes after you wake up, even something as small as a banana or yogurt just to get your metabolism going. Secondly, Curves teaches the importance of regulating your heart rate during each workout. It is easy for the body to burn up muscle tissue for quick energy during a workout, while fat is more challenging to tap into. By maintaining your heart rate, your body will preserve the muscle it has and feed off the fat cells. Muscle burns more calories than fat alone, and your body will continue to reap the benefits of a strength training workout up to 24 hours after you have finished. This is exactly why Curves works, and millions of women have seen both pounds and inches disappear.
»
Motivation 2 3 Exercise
December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 29
Willis Curves Information: facebook.com/curves.of.willistx 10535 FM 1097 W., Ste G. (936) 890-7299 Did I mention Curves Circuit with Zumba?! That’s right, ladies. The traditional Zumba Fitness class has been transformed to fit the format of the circuit workout. So, not only do you get a fantastic cardio workout, you will also be strength training as well. This is completely different from any traditional Zumba format – aqua, toning, sentao, you get the idea. Every sixty seconds, the music will prompt you to alternate between machines and dance stations, allowing for muscle exhaustion and enough
This New Year’s, uncork some extra money. Jon Crenshaw, Agent 603 W Montgomery Rd Ste A Hwy 1097 Willis, TX 77378 Bus: 936-856-8200 jon@thecrenshawteam.com
recovery time before the next set. I speak from experience that you will have a blast and “laugh your booty off”. Forget about dance experience or coordination, all you need is the ability to have fun and laugh at yourself. After all, laughter is the best medicine. The last and most important things you need to know about Curves Willis is the tight-knit community they have, as well as how much they give back. It is not an uncommon thing to see members from Willis Curves laughing and carrying on at a local restaurant for one of their monthly “lunch bunch” events or putting together Thanksgiving meals during their annual “Give a Gobble” promotion. Just this past September, members donated blood for Curves “Not for Sissies” day. Members celebrate successes together and help each other through tough times. Everyone has a different reason for joining Curves in Willis, whether to lose or gain weight, to build muscle, to boost self-esteem, to fight genetic health conditions, or just to be a part of something. No matter the reason, you are part of the family and are welcomed with open arms.
A Season for Thanks
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We encourage you to stop during this season and take a moment to count your blessings! Wishing everyone a Blessed Holiday Season.
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30 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 31
Mark your Calendars BRENHAM “A Tuna Christmas” Nov 29 - Dec 16 unitybrenham.org Brenham Winter Antiques and Decorative Arts Show Jan 12 – 13 ruraltexasantiquesshows.com
CANTON First Monday Trade Days Nov 29 - Dec 2, Jan 3 – 6 visitcantontx.com
COLLEGE STATION “Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration” Dec 18 mscopas.org
CONROE My Three Angels Nov 30 – Dec 16 A Christmas Gift for You from Ray Price Dec 18 crightontheatre.org
Irving Berlin – White Christmas – The Musical Nov 30 – Dec 22 “The Lion in Winter” Jan 25 – Feb 10 owentheatre.com Sounds of the Season Dec 3 conroesymphony.org Annual Christmas Celebration Dec 8 cityofconroe.org Christmas Concert Dec 9 24th Annual Bible Conference Jan 9-13 mimsbaptist.org Donnie Gay’s Buckin’ for the Cure Jan 12 buckinforthecure.org
CROCKETT Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show Dec 14 Travis Tritt in Concert Jan 26 pwfaa.org
DALLAS “A Christmas Carol” Nov 20 - Dec 23 dallastheatercenter.org Mannheim Steamroller in Concert Dec 27 - 28 dallassymphony.com TicketCity Bowl Jan 1 visitdallas.com/TicketCityBowl
FORT WORTH “The Nutcracker” Dec 7 - 23 basshall.com Armed Forces Bowl Dec 29 armedforcesbowl.com
FREDERICKSBURG St. Nikolausmarkt Dec 7 - 8 stnikolausmarkt.com Black-Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cook-Off Jan 1 texashillcountrywine.com
32 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
Out and About GALVESTON Festival of Lights Thru Jan 5 moodygardens.com
Lasers, Lights and Magic in the Park Thru Dec 31 (409)762-0062 “The Nutcracker” Dec 8 - 9 The Texas Tenors in Concert Dec 15 The Shoji Tabuchi Road Show Dec 18 - 19 The Kingston Trio Holiday Show Dec 22 Jerry Jeff Walker in Concert Dec 29 William Shatner in “Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It” Jan 6 "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" Jan 15 The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert Jan 19 - 20 Ed Asner as FDR Jan 23 thegrand.com
Mark your Calendars HOUSTON “Peter Pan” Dec 11 - 23 “Camelot” Jan 22 - Feb 3 tuts.com
HUNTSVILLE Journey Through Bethlehem Nov 30 - Dec 1 journeythroughbethlehem.org Huntsville for the Holidays Nov 30 - Dec 2 huntsvilletexas.com A Houston Family Christmas and Angel Show Dec 1 samhouston.memorial.museum Downtown Christmas Fair Dec 1 huntsvilletx.gov
KEMAH
MAGNOLIA
Christmas on the Bay Dec 22 - 23 (281)451-7728
Hometown Christmas Dec 7 - 8 magnoliatexas.org
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk Dec 31 kemahboardwalk.com
ORANGE
LIBERTY Liberty Opry Dec 8, 15, 29, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 libertyopry.com
LIVINGSTON Alabama-Coushatta Children’s Powwow Jan 26 alabama-coushatta.com
LONGVIEW JEFFERSON Rail of Lights Christmas Train Dec 6 - 9, 13 - 16, 20 - 24 Rail of Lights New Year’s Train Dec 30 - 31 railoflights.com
Michael Bolton in Concert Dec 16 belchercenter.com East Texas Outdoor Expo Jan 25 - 27 texaslakecountryexpo.com
“A Christmas With Shoji Tabuchi” Dec 15 “STOMP” Jan 22 - 23 lutcher.org
PALESTINE “The Polar Express” Train Ride Dec 1 - 29 texasstaterr.com
THE WOODLANDS Winter Wonderland and the Woodlands Ice Rink Thru Jan 21 holidayinthewoodlands.com Caroling on the Square Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 thewoodlandscvb.com
A curriculum that’s as brilliant as your child. Balanced student assessment ms Before and After School progra n ldre for school-age chi Degreed lead teaching staff
Out and About
Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular with the Houston Symphony Dec 7 woodlandsonline.com Holly Jolly Pops Dec 7 woodlandscenter.org
TOMBALL German Christmas Market and Festival Dec 7 - 9 tomballgermanfest.org
WILLIS Christmas Parade and Festival Dec 1 ci.willis.tx.us
Tyler West Side Story Jan 22 cowancenter.org
Send your calendar items to: postcards@usa.com
Primrose School of Conroe 965 Longmire Road Conroe, TX 77304
936.756.8100
PrimroseConroe.com
Contact Us for Special Introductory Rate
Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Pre-Kindergarten and After School Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.
December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 33
S
Mustard Seed Moments
by Wes Altom
mm
...The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you say to this mulberry tree, ‘be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. Luke 17:5-6
Unsportsmanlike Conduct I
love the game of football...the crispness in the air, the strategy of pitting X versus O on play boards, the camaraderie of teams and fans, the focus and precision of executing the plan with as few errors as possible, and the energy that becomes the synergy of uniting for a common purpose and giving full effort. Yes, I do love the game of football…and I miss when it was a game. I’m not sure exactly when and where we strayed from the path. When did “fun” give way to “win at any cost”? When did fans transform into fanatics— we used to cheer for our team…now we cheer against the other team, their fans, the officials (real or replacement), and even our own players and coaches if
they dare disappoint. We seem to have become a people who stand against much more than we stand for. During a season when “bounty” should mean “a generous gift”, the term is now more readily recognized (from the NFL all the way down to Pop Warner) as a “premium” for taking another player out of the game by intentionally inflicting injury. While it’s hard to identify the turning point, it’s easier to identify the cause. When the game becomes more about money and pride than fun, it’s no longer a game—it’s a real battle—one in which there are real consequences and real casualties…loss of physical abilities, loss of spirit, and loss of character. This holds true at all levels of the game.
Sam Houston um Memorial Muse
•
Museum Hours:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” I Timothy 6:10 Have you ever noticed that the officiating sign for the penalty of “unsportsmanlike conduct” resembles a man on a cross? Perhaps a subtle reminder each time we see it that we are missing the example of our ultimate role model. For the love of the game (and the Role Model), let’s each do our part to make sure the turning point doesn’t become the point of no return. Game on!
“The Lord grants success to the one whose behavior he finds commendable.” Psalms 37:23
HAMM’S FLOORING.COM James
Tuesday thru Saturday
Jaynell
9:00am to 4:30pm
Sunday
Jay
Jaylyn
12:00pm to 4:30pm www.SamHoustonMe
moria lMuseum.com
936-294-1832
Mondays and Holidays Closed
•
1836 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State University – A Member of The Texas State University System
We Install We Finance
Our Service Will Floor You!
Carpet
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Laminate Floors Rental Tools Vinyl Floors Hardwood Floors Brand Names Low Prices 34 Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition | December 2012 – January 2013
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December 2012 – January 2013 | Postcards Magazine: Montgomery County Edition 35
A Holiday Favorite – Lucchese Boots at Baskins Whether for yourself, for a special occasion, or a gift for someone you love, Lucchese boots are one-of-a-kind. Made with the finest grade of leathers and individually hand inspected, they’re a gift of extraordinary comfort, quality and style. Lucchese boots bear the stamp of bootmaking excellence. Come check out our selection at Baskins, your western and work wear headquarters.
e razi N. F
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Conroe H 1908 North Frazier H 936.788.1193 Mon–Sat: 9AM to 8PM, Sunday: Noon to 6PM