Postcards Magazine

Lake Conroe Edition

January 2018

A Special Conversation Charles Pebworth

Gotta Get Away?

Texas Hill Country

Texas Treasures SHSU Ring Ceremony

Business Focus

Huntsville RV Repair & Supply

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January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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January 2018

| Volume 7, Issue 1

A Special Conversation

10

Gotta Get Away?

16

Texas Treasures

22

Business Focus

30

Charles Pebworth

Texas Hill Country

SHSU Ring Ceremony

16 22 30

Huntsville RV Repair & Supply

Favorites 6

From the Publisher

6

Letters from Our Readers

8

Glorious Grandkids

14

Pet Pals

15

Community Postcards

20

Star Students

26

Recipes

Magazine™ Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher: Karen Altom Editor: Wes Altom Photo Editor: Kelly Lawson Advertising Sales: Janet T. Jones, Carolyn McMillan Designers: Chris Blair, Mary Partida Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media

Cover Photo by:

Karen Altom

Features

10

CORRESPONDENCE Postcards Magazine™ welcomes reader feedback.

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28

The Garden Post

29

Health Matters

34

Vet Connect

35

Dear Gabby

36

Calendar of Events

38

Mustard Seed Moments

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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. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2018 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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Notifications

From the Publisher Karen Altom

...and my red dot resolution!

A new year always brings new things—often, it’s excitement over what the new year will hold; sometimes, it’s gratitude that the old year is behind us; and usually, there are resolutions!

Personally, I’ve been all over the board where this one is concerned.

I tend to be one of “those people” who believes a goal is not really a goal unless it’s written down—so when I make resolutions, I write them down. This year, I only have one resolution.

Don’t let those little red notification buttons control you!

They are on EVERYTHING! I’m seriously considering a class action suit against the maker of the red dots…I believe they have given me Attention Deficit Disorder. I am working on something,

then I see it…the dot. I must make the dot go away, so I stop what I’m doing and “check it.”

Now, I know there are some of you who are thinking, “Just turn off the notification badges and ‘boom,’ you’re done!” NO, you silly rabbit!!! Then I won’t know what I’ve missed!

So, I have decided my resolution will be to practice keeping my focus and not let myself become distracted by the tempting red numbers until I am finished with the task at hand. I am in control. Right?

I’m pretty sure it’s going to take me all year to master it. I gotta go – my to do list just popped up with the number 6.

Happy New Year! ~ Karen P.S. – One of those 6 was for me to remind you to call an advertiser and thank them for making Postcards possible!

Email me at publisher@postcardslive.com

ADVERTISING WORKS! Magazine™ Postcards Magazine has been an essential part of our advertising plan since the opening of Drink Smart Plus in October 2016. Customers have told us Postcards helped them find our local water business in the Montgomery/Conroe area. As natives of the Montgomery area, we love to help people, and also love to support local businesses. Our sales representative Janet has been awesome to work with, and we certainly appreciate her willingness to “get-it-right” when setting-up our ads!

Thanks Postcards, Drink Smart Plus

6 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

Letters from Our Readers Have a blessed Christmas, and keep the magazine coming.

Clifford Barnett

Postcards is my favorite, because I love the local stories!

Cindy Nolen

Thank you for your magazine, which is always refreshing and a pleasure to read.

Dora Taylor

Postcards is my favorite magazine, because they do a great job writing about local people, and I love looking at the pet spotlight page! They’re also my favorite since every summer they give away free Schlitterbahn tickets.

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January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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A Special Conversation

Charles Pebworth

By Mike Yawn Photos by Lisa Saleme and Mike Yawn

Lisa Saleme

Charles Pebworth has been at it a long time. At 90, he’s still doing art and, although he hasn’t lived in Texas since 2001, his works still dot the region’s landscape (his works can be seen at the entrance of The Woodlands and at Huntsville City Hall, to name just two) and adorn homes, museums, and public buildings in the area—and across the country. These works reflect a passion that has lasted at least seven decades and continues with his ongoing work in watercolor. Speaking of passions, he’s still married to his wife, Nona; these two will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in 2018.

You are actually a member of the Choctaw tribe. Tell us about your upbringing.

You indicated you dropped out of high school. How did you enroll in college?

I was born in Kinta, Oklahoma. As you mention, I was born on a Choctaw Reservation. But I spent most of my time on the Osage Back then, in the name of patriotism, they went ahead and let me Reservation, because my father worked at the Indian Agency there. graduate with my class even though I was in the Army. I got a high I feel more attached to the Osage than to the Choctaw. school diploma, despite dropping out.

When did you leave?

Tell us about college.

I left during World War II. I actually dropped out of high school, and I enlisted in the Air Corps. I went into the Army to become a paratrooper, but while I was awaiting deployment in San Francisco, President Truman ordered the atomic bombs dropped, and the war ended. I went back home, but there were no jobs—nothing. I decided to go to college.

I had some false starts in Colorado and Los Angeles. I was originally majoring in forestry. The only class I enjoyed was biology, where I got to draw cells. That’s when I realized I liked art, and I could draw.

I wound up at Baylor in the late 1940s as an art major. After two years, my GI Bill had run out, so I signed up for the National Guard, was stationed in Japan, then went to Korea. I got out in 1952. My mother had moved to Norman, home to the University of Oklahoma,

10

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

and that’s where I went to school. There, I met Nona. We were in So the art department allowed you to do all of this as long as you the same art class. There were only three people in that class, so didn’t burn anything down? the odds were good.

Yes! I didn’t ask anyone. I just did it (laughs).

When did you get married?

What’s your largest sculpture?

I ended up moving to Houston, where my brother lived, and Nona The largest in metal would be “The Family” in The Woodlands. soon followed. We were married in 1953. I was working at Foley’s George Mitchell had already bought a couple of my pieces. When Department Store as a designer in the display department, and I he was planning The Woodlands, he came to me and said, “We want finished my bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston, before you to think about a sculpture for The Woodlands.” We drove on the moving to Baton Rouge to work on my master’s at LSU. My bachehighway, stopped, got out, crawled through a barbed-wire fence, lor’s emphasized drawing, and my master’s emphasized sculpture. and he said, “This is going to be the entrance to The Woodlands”!

You moved to Huntsville in 1957?

How much did you make off of that commission?

Yes. There were only three faculty in the Art Department at that $60,000. It was a large piece. We made it in four parts in Houston, time, including me. In the next few years, the school began growing. and they were going to fly the pieces in by helicopter, but they What was SHSU like in the 1960s?

»

Chris Liddell

James Surls told me that a chance meeting with you at SHSU in the 1960s was partially responsible for him being an artist today.

“The Family”

Lisa Saleme

It wasn’t as tumultuous as some of the other universities across the country, but there were some things going on. They fired one professor for his political views, primarily because he was in favor of civil rights. On a more trivial note, I began growing a beard in 1960, and that drew some negative reviews. My dean called me “Billy Goat.” My chair—who had hired me!—stopped talking to me.

She actually didn’t speak to me for her last two years as chair of the department. But overall, it was a good place to be. By the 1970s, I was showing in many galleries, and I was getting some attention from several newspapers and magazines.

One of the art buildings was just north of Old Main. I was working in the driveway of that building, and I was chopping wood. James walked by, stopped, and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was “working on a piece of sculpture,” and that’s how we met.

He told me he didn’t know chopping wood could be art, until you told him that. You mention wood, which you use, but you are probably best known for metal sculptures. How did that start?

A group of professors got together and decided to hold a conference with the idea of learning how to cast metal. We met in Lawrence, Kansas in 1964, and we learned new things. I went back to Huntsville, bought an old vacuum cleaner, reversed the suction, and hooked it up to an old furnace. And that’s when I began casting aluminum.

Aluminum is a common feature in your sculptures. Why aluminum?

Submitted Photo

Because of its weight, and it has a lower melting point. My ceiling was eight feet high, and the flames from the furnace came up pretty high. My solution was to get a sheet of steel and tie it up on the ceiling, so the flames would hit the sheet metal and not burn down the building. Eventually, I built a furnace in the backyard of the building.

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IT’S

Tell us about that.

It was a corporate commission in Houston.

It was commissioned for the 43rd floor of a skyscraper there, and they asked for a sketch.

I said, “No, I’ll just do it.” I did, and it was a $40,000 job. It was cut out of two-inch mahogany, twelve feet high, and various widths. Years later, the space was bought by a different company. That company’s vice-president was a graduate of SHSU, and he donated the piece.

That’s how it is in SHSU’s library now.

I’ve also seen some pieces of yours that are made from marble.

In the 1970s, I was able to travel to Italy with my family. There, I was able to access Carrara Marble, where they have been quarrying marble for 2,500 years—it’s the same place Michelangelo got his marble—and I ended up doing 40 marble sculptures. I shipped them back to Houston, which was costly. The largest one was 20 tons.

I actually saw one of those at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. It survived the 1995 bombing.

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Lisa Saleme

Lisa Saleme

couldn’t get permission to fly it over housing has lasted almost 50 years, and it is still up. An developments, so they ended up bringing it appraiser called me a couple of years ago, and in on trucks. we discussed the value of the piece, and it’s between $100,000 and $250,000 in today’s Sounds like a logistical nightmare. market.

Well, then they rigged up a crane, and they In addition to teaching, you were doing attached cables and a bathtub to it. I got in the numerous commissions. bathtub, they hauled me up, and that’s how I observed and directed the project.

I was fortunate, because I was active from the 1950s to the 1990s in different galleries How large is the piece in Houston’s Hyatt in Houston. Often, they would say, “We’d like Regency? to commission you, but could you do a sketch?”

I think it is 27 feet high and 50 feet wide. And I’d say, “No, let me do it, and you decide if This was in the 1970s, and the architects of the you like it or not.” They let me work that way. hotel chose a group of artists, which included That’s how I did the Mahogany Wall that’s David Adickes and me. They said, “Now, this now in the Newton Gresham Library at Sam art needs to last at least seven years.” My piece Houston State University.

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

The piece in Oklahoma was on display at the federal building, but before the bombing, it had been selected for an exhibition in Washington, DC. When the exhibition ended, they shipped it back to Oklahoma City, and the marble sculpture was still in a packing crate, so it wasn’t damaged.

You began at SHSU making $4,000 a year, but three or four decades later, you were doing commissions for tens of thousands of dollars.

How did that feel?

It felt good, because I had four kids to raise and send to school!

You are 90 now. At what point did you become uncomfortable doing large pieces?

Well, I was still doing fairly large pieces in the 1990s. I did the totem at the Huntsville City Hall in the 1990s.

Mike Yawn

Are totem structures and your use of turquoise, How long did you work at SHSU? also a common theme in your work, a direct I retired in 1993, after working there for line back to your Indian ancestry?

36 years.

I have always collected rocks and things. I When you retired, did you think you’d still be love turquoise and lapis; they are my favorite a working artist 24 years later? semi-precious stones. I have all the equipment to grind, cut, and polish stones. But, the white Not at all. I was in high school when Pearl man is always selling shiny things to Indians. Harbor was bombed, and people didn’t plan I sell the shiny things back. deep into the future then. But I went into the Army, served in World War II and Korea, met Which sculptors most influenced you?

Nona, and here we are. 2018 will mark our 65th I was influenced by German sculptors, along wedding anniversary. with Constantin Brancusi and Henry Moore.

Not bad for not planning.

How many pieces of art do you think you have We are blessed. done in total?

Before we left Texas, we counted around 4,000 pieces that we had sold in different galleries.

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Lisa Saleme

Yes. My watercolor studio is in my home, and I am still creating new works. I just sent 12 to the Wynne Home Arts Center in Huntsville.

I’ve always done watercolors. Back at SHSU, we couldn’t do nude paintings because, politically, it wasn’t acceptable. So I did watercolors of semi-nudes, but I put wings on them, and that made them okay.

Lisa Saleme

And you are still doing watercolors.

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Community Postcards

Debra Burleson turned 60 years young on October 21st. Debra (right) is pictured here with her friend Janice Schrader.

Submitted by Markeytta Galvan

Lone Star College-Montgomery student Alexis Custer (left) worked closely with Professor Julie Harless (right) to write her paper “Could Typhoid Mary Have Been a Carrier for cystic fibrosis?” Custer was awarded a writing commendation for her essay.

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15

Gotta Get Away?

Story and Photos

By Andrea Lee

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

If you’ve ever been to the Texas Hill Country, you can visualize what makes this beautiful part of Texas so unique. When I think of my visits, all my senses recall this area in some way. I remember the smell of cedar, the hills rolling with cacti and patchy grass, and the rocky terrain from scarce rain. These things are what I feel, smell, and see when I think about my favorite part of Texas and the sweet memories I associate with it.

My family is from the coast and lives just a few miles from Galveston, so when we would travel to the hill country to visit our deer lease, it was always a getaway that promised different weather, topography, and adventures. The deer lease was in Kendalia, and every time we’d take a trip there when we were young, we’d make a trip to the Riverwalk in San Antonio, where the streets are full of culture and color. When we were hungry for a hot meal, we’d drive into Boerne for BBQ or breakfast tacos. A stop at the Kendalia Country Store is essential at least once a trip to stock up on snacks and to get a styrofoam cup of freshly made iced tea. Just an hour away from the deer lease is my aunt in San Marcos and my grandmother’s lake house in Canyon Lake. On our drives to visit them while we were in the area, my sisters and I wouldn’t let my dad hear the end of it until we pulled over on the side of the road in Fredericksburg to buy some peaches from a truck bed or wooden stand. If you’ve never had a Fredericksburg peach, you are truly missing out. The fleshy fruit dissolves in your mouth and you think to yourself “If there ever was a peach to represent all peaches, this is it.” I believe wholeheartedly they are the best in the world (and there’s no talking me out of it).

Just a short drive away from the deer lease, the possibilities were endless. We could explore Gruene, Boerne, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Canyon Lake, just to name a few locations in the area settled by Germans long ago. The scenery between towns is rolling hills, winding roads, and big Texas skies stretching above them. When I got my driver’s license at 16, this was the ultimate game changer—the freedom and ability to explore and travel—driving to the deer lease and lake house to explore this beautiful part of Texas whenever I could. I started burning up the roads and never stopped.

During a weekend this past summer, my friends and I stayed four days on Canyon Lake. To say we were exhausted afterward is an understatement—we burned the candle at both ends and covered a lot of ground, but I warned them—I was so excited to share with them this place that was so dear to me.

Our first day there, we pulled into the neighborhood that borders Canyon Lake, and my friends were amazed at the big groups of deer wandering casually across roads and grazing in people’s front yards.

Here, it is perfectly normal to look outside your window and see 20 16

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

Chris Blair

deer only a few feet away. Here, deer are like squirrels. My friends couldn’t believe how many were walking around, not minding us a bit; as you can imagine, all the phones came out and started taking pictures. Judging by their reactions, you’d have thought we were on an African safari or something. Their excitement was hilarious!

Our second day at Canyon Lake, we stopped at a farmer’s market with signs for half a mile before the entrance, reading “peaches”...”squash…”tomatoes”…“bread”, every 50 feet or so. We parked and got out with anticipation; we were greeted with baskets of fresh, locally grown fruit. Inside are shelves of fresh produce, homecanned jams, breads, cookies, pickled items, cornbread mixes—a plethora of handmade, specialty items you can’t get anywhere else!

I sigh and take it all in. I imagine this is what heaven looks like. I accept the fact that my wallet is about to take a hit, and it did 15 minutes later, as I filled my brown paper bag at checkout with sourdough bread, tea, apple butter, homemade cookies, cornbread mix, and of course, a basket of peaches. My favorite form of nearly everything is either homegrown or homemade, and, boy, does the Texas Hill Country hit the spot in that area!

Aside from farmer’s markets and shops, we need something else.

Ultimately, we crave entertainment, young or old. But since summer is over and it’s getting cold outside, what is there to do in the area besides float the Guadalupe River? WHAT on earth can your family do for entertainment in the hill country when it’s far too cold to do anything in the lakes or rivers?! Well, there is quite a lot to do, and it is my pleasure to share my personal favorite places to eat, shop, and explore in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!

To tell you the best places to go across the entire hill country would take more space than we have, so I’ll narrow it down to

»

January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

17

The Gruene Historic District is packed with history, energy, amazing food, shops, wineries, and more. my two favorite towns—Canyon Lake and Gruene. The laid-back town of Canyon Lake is home to my grandmother’s lake house and some of the neatest places I know. If you’re in the area and your belly is growling for some good food, stop by Startz Café or Las Barcas Mexican restaurant for a homemade meal. For your shopping needs, there are multiple river supply shops to pick from, as well as fly fishing

shops, cafes, and antique shops. Pink Elephant Resale Shop is a great stop for used fashion and vintage accessories. For my fellow coffee lovers, there are many mom and pop coffee shops dotting the roads. My new favorite is Kafekali and Bakery. I recommend an iced macchiato and a raspberry or blueberry danish, made in house (heavenly).

On my most recent trip to stay in Canyon Lake, it was the weekend of December 9th, just a few days after Huntsville and much of Texas got snow. Perhaps this miraculous blanket of white put us Texans into holiday spirit mode, because the town of Gruene was alive and bustling with holiday cheer. Christmas decorations lined the streets, and lights shimmered from the roofs of restaurants and inns. People walked the streets in festive clothes, wearing jackets to break the chilly wind. A long line of parents and their children were wrapped around a building. Wondering what the fuss was about, I saw above the line a sign reading “This Weekend: Photos with Cowboy Kringle.”

Sure enough, at the front of the line sat Santa in his suit, wearing cowboy boots, a child atop his lap.

Finally, there is something for everyone in Gruene, Texas. In particular, the Gruene Historic District is packed with history, energy, amazing food, wineries, and most anything else your little Texan heart could hope for!

A few of my favorite shops are Rusty Bugs & Roosters, Hunters Junction, and Traveling Gypsy Antiques. If you’re a true Texan, you’ve probably visited Gruene Hall; at night, the band can be heard outside by passersby, and during the day, visitors are welcome to go inside and check out the iconic dance hall

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Next door sits the Gristmill, one of the most unique restaurants in Texas. The multi-layered balconies open toward the river, overlooking the beautiful woods, with seating both inside and out.

Down the road, on the corner of the street, sits Cantina Del Rio, an authentic Mexican restaurant offering some of the best enchiladas and quesadillas I’ve ever had.

Across the street from these incredible restaurants sits the Gruene General Store, a haven stocked with Texas memorabilia, canned salsas, gifts, and treats. Just down the road from Gruene Historic District sits Gruene Lake Village, home to High Cotton Inn, Two Rivers Yoga, Lil Connie’s Cottage Children’s Boutique, The Republic Cigars, and Allen Benjamin’s Salon and Spa, to name a few.

Being home to such a wide array of climates and terrains, Texas is an amazing state to drive across. I have always loved seeing the changes in landscape on long road trips across the state. The Texas Hill Country, in particular, has a unique terrain that somewhat makes you feel like you’re not in Texas anymore. The rocky hills and dips in the earth kind of take you somewhere else, and the beauty elevates the soul. There is no place like home, and there is no place like Texas! Hopefully, my itinerary will help during your next visit to the Texas Hill Country. Explore on!

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Star Students

Meagan Belote

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Veronica Holsem

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Conroe High School

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Favorite Movie:

Favorite Movie:

The Avengers Series

Love Actually

Favorite Music/Artist:

Favorite Music/Artist:

Carrie Underwood

Alternative / Two Door Cinema Club

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find that love actually IS all around.” ~from Love Actually

M

eagan is a senior at Conroe High School and is the eronica is a senior at Covenant Christian and is the daughter daughter of Crystal Belote and Aaron Belote. She enjoys of James and Jacqueline Holsem. Her activities include cooking. Following graduation, Meagan plans to attend National Honor Society (vice president), Spanish Club Lone Star College, followed by the University of Houston. Her philos- (president), Key Club (president), and student council (president). ophy is, “Don’t let anyone get in the way of your accomplishments.” Following graduation, Veronica plans to attend Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She hopes to become a CPA. She believes the words from I Peter 4:8, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

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20

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

Star Students

Iris Ayala

Victoria DeShaw

Conroe High School Favorite Movie: Elf

Favorite Music/Artist: Musical, hip hop, K-pop

Favorite Food: Mexican and Asian

Alpha Omega Academy



Favorite Quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~Winston Churchill

I

Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride

Favorite Music/Artist: Beach Boys, Chance the Rapper

Favorite Food: Fettuccine Alfredo

 V

ris is a senior at Conroe High School and is the daughter of Lucio Ayala and Lucina Ayala. Her activities include Child Care Program, Art Club, and Texas Association of Future Educators.

Following graduation, Iris plans to attend Brigham Young University in Hawaii and become an early childhood teacher. Her philosophy is, “Everyone has their own paths and obstacles, which we learn and gain knowledge from as we overcome.”



Favorite Quote: “Look for something positive in every day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.”

ictoria is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy is the daughter of David and Sherri DeShaw. Her activities include softball, student council, Interact (secretary), National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, Victoria plans to attend college somewhere in Texas. Her philosophy is, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

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January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

21

S TETXreasures

Ring Ceremony SHSU

By Wes Altom Photos by Jim King Photography - Longview, TX Sam Houston was the fifth of nine children and the fifth son. His father Samuel Houston had been a major during the American Revolutionary War. When Sam Houston joined the U.S. Army in 1813, his mother Elizabeth Houston understood her son’s decision. She called Sam to her side and handed him a musket saying, “Never disgrace it— for remember, I had rather all my sons should fill one honorable grave, than one of them should turn his back to save his life.” She told him to always remember, “While the door to my cottage is open to brave men, it is eternally shut to cowards.”

Elizabeth Houston placed a small gold band on his finger with a one-word inscription—HONOR. This served well the man who would soldier in the War of 1812 and the Texas Revolution, as well as serve as a U.S Representative and Tennessee Governor, President of the Republic of Texas, Texas Representative, U.S Senator, and Texas Governor.

In response to student demands, and in support of then SHSU President Dr. James Gaertner’s goals to revisit old traditions and start new ones, a committee composed of students, alumni, faculty and staff was formed several years ago to create a design for an official Sam Houston State University ring. The committee voted unanimously on a new design which they felt “depicts the character of SHSU.” Each gold ring symbolically captures the uniqueness of SHSU. The top of the ring features “SH” above a star and surrounded by the words, “Sam Houston State University.”

Students may select diamonds to highlight the top of the ring. One side of the ring displays

SHSU President Dr. Dana Hoyt hands out rings to seniors

Austin Hall with “SHSU” below, and the other side shows a high-contrast image of the statue of General Sam Houston with the founding year of “1879” below and the class year to the right of Sam Houston. Cast into the inside of the ring, as with Sam Houston’s ring from his mother, is the word “Honor.”

Along with the new ring began a new tradition of an official SHSU ring ceremony. The first annual spring ring ceremony took place on the steps of Austin Hall and the pit of Old Main on April 22, 2004 and was the kickoff for the 125th anniversary celebration of Sam Houston State University. At the first ceremony, 183 students received rings. The tradition took hold and has grown. By Gaertner’s final ring ceremony as university president in 2010, a record 540 SHSU students received their ring at the annual ceremony. In appreciation to Gaertner, an oversized replica of the official Sam Houston State University ring was presented to him during the ceremony. Along with the standard inscription of the word “honor,” an additional inscription read, “For your leadership and guidance in laying the foundation for the Official Ring Program.”

Concerning the ceremony, current SHSU President Dr. Dana Hoyt states, “The first time I attended the ring ceremony was as a Vice President for Finance…I was amazed at how the students really reacted so strongly to the ceremony, and I see that even today as President when you’re watching them out there, and you’re shaking their hands, and how excited they are.”

»

January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

23

Physical therapy keeps you

moving.

Since 2014, the ceremony has expanded to include even more special meaning in the conveyance of the rings marking a milestone of achievement toward college graduation. The journey begins the day before the ring presentation. The cases of senior rings are escorted to the Sam Houston home by the SHSU ROTC. The rings are placed in the bedroom of the homestead where they are guarded throughout the night. The day of the ceremony, the rings are escorted by the ROTC and the SHSU Police Department to the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, where they are handed out individually to the recipients by SHSU President Dana Hoyt during the evening ceremony.

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Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

Students continue to embrace and grow this tradition. This year marks the first year Sam Houston has had to split into two ceremonies, one in the fall, and one in the spring, to accommodate the growing number of incoming seniors eager to participate. The fall ceremony was held on November 8, 2017, and the spring ceremony is scheduled for April 3, 2018.

Frank Parker, SHSU Vice President for Student Services says, “I think ‘honor’ is a calling card for all our students. It is something that, when you look inside that ring, it reminds you that you came from a place where history is important, where we have been a part of something in your life, and you must honor that.

You have to honor your family, honor your friends, honor your job. Honor is a calling card and something that we all must live by. A person who lives by honor will achieve great things.”

January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

25

Recipes

Buttermilk Salad Ingredients 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, with juice 1 (6 oz) pkg apricot or peach flavored jello

2 cups buttermilk 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Sweet, Sticky and Spicy Chicken Ingredients 1 Tbs brown sugar

2 Tbs hot sauce

2 Tbs honey

salt and pepper to taste

2. Stir in the jello mix until completely dissolved. Remove to a bowl, and chill until partially set, about 1 hour.

¼ cup soy sauce

3. Stir in buttermilk, and chill again until thickened.

2 tsp chopped garlic

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into ½ inch strips

Directions 1. Place the pineapple in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil.

4. Fold in whipped topping, and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours.

2 tsp chopped fresh ginger root

1 Tbs vegetable oil

Directions 1. Mix together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and hot sauce in a small bowl.

2. Lightly salt and pepper the chicken strips.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.

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Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

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Orange Cake with Semolina and Almonds Ingredients 2 large organic oranges, ½ tsp vanilla extract scrubbed and coarsely ½ tsp Fiori di Sicilia chopped (with the skin) (optional) 5 eggs, separated 3 Tbs brandy-based 1 cup white sugar, divided ¾ cup ground almonds ¾ cup semolina flour

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orange liqueur

½ tsp confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Directions 1. Combine chopped oranges and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until oranges are soft and excess liquid has evaporated, about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool, about 20 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

3. Place oranges in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.

4. Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually add ½ cup sugar, continuing to beat for 1 more minute.

5. Beat egg yolks and remaining ½ cup sugar in a separate bowl until pale and thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in finely chopped oranges. Fold in ground almonds, semolina, vanilla extract, and Fiori di Sicilia. Stir in 3 spoonfuls of whisked egg white to loosen the batter. Gently fold in remaining egg whites with a spatula or large metal spoon. Pour batter into prepared springform and level the top.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until cake is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes.

Check cake after 20 and 30 minutes to see if it is starting to brown too quickly. Cover top lightly with aluminum foil once cake starts to brown.

7. Remove from oven and cool in the pan. Remove ring, peel away parchment paper and transfer cake to a serving plate.

Drizzle with liqueur and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

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The

Garden Post

New Year = New Fruit Trees!

January in East Texas is tree planting season. The cold, wet, blustery days of winter are perfect fruit tree planting weather. Trees respond best to cold, wet soils. Cold temperatures keep the plant in dormancy for less shock and better root growth until first bud break. As we venture into fruit tree gardening, let us review the requirements and a bit of background knowledge to give you the 101 of fruit tree gardening.

Fruit trees require full sun (8+ hours of unobstructed direct sunlight), excellent drainage, and consistent watering throughout the year. Fruit trees are a crop and must be treated as such for successful production. Fruit trees require maintenance and care, some more than others. Fruit trees are either self- fertile or require a cross pollinator.

Peaches, apples, figs, apricots, nectarine and citrus are self-fertile and can cross pollinate themselves, BUT for best production, plant two fruit trees with a cross pollination time.

In other words, 2 varieties of peach trees that have a least a one week overlap on pollination time will give you the success you want.

Independent garden centers have already taken this into account, and only have trees in stock that will pollinate each other and have the correct chilling hour requirement for your gardening area. The term “chilling hour” is the amount of time below 42 degrees a tree must receive to set buds for fruit production. The chilling hour on a 75 year average for Walker County is 650 and Montgomery County is 600-625. As you may have noticed, the winter

28

by Kim Bius

of 2014 put us over 1100 chilling hours, and fruit tree production was the heaviest yield we have seen in years. It also cut down on disease and insect control, and this year may end with the same result.

By far, the most popularly grown fruit tree in Texas is the peach tree, which is also the least drought tolerant. The apple follows closely, with several low chilling hour beauties that A&M has produced so Texas can enjoy homegrown apples. The pecan is next, and one of the fussiest trees. Once established, pecans are a breeze. The first few years are the most crucial. Plums, pears, figs, nectarines, almonds and even a few select cherries can also be included in your garden, with figs and pears being the hardiest and most drought tolerant. In other words, if you miss two week of watering in summer, the fig and pear will be a better bet on surviving, the peach will be the first down.

Fruit trees will do best in a deep sandy loam area, devoid of heavy clay. The tree should be planted at the established soil level in the pot, or if bare rooted, a minimum of 2” below the graft. Fruit trees are grafted, and the graft is the “humpy bend” at the bottom of the trunk, where a hardy root system was paired with a certain fruit variety to make your selected fruit tree. The seed will not bear true to form. Plant your tree higher than the existing soil level for drainage, fertilize with a root stimulator at planting and again in 6 weeks. Fruit trees will require pruning and shaping in late January for easy harvesting,

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

and your fertilization schedule will depend on the variety selected.

Enjoy, have fun and Happy Gardening; well wishes for a happy, prosperous and bountiful New Year.

Health Matters

By Richard C. Senelick, MD Neurologist and Editor in Chief of HealthSouth Press

Where You Go For Rehabilitation Does Make a Difference You or one of your family members are in the hospital, and your doctor has just advised you will need a course of rehabilitation. You may have had a stroke, fallen off your high-tech bicycle, or spent time recovering from a major operation that left you too weak to return home. Dr. Smith has been your family doctor for years, all your children have been born at the same hospital, but no one in your family has ever needed rehabilitation.

A short time after your doctor leaves your room, a case manager enters and gives you three choices--one is an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and two are skilled nursing facilities that provide rehabilitation services. How do you choose? Will your choice influence your ability to improve and reach your maximum potential? Absolutely!

What is the Difference?

We know that dose, function, and motivation make a difference.

Which facility will give you the greatest dose of therapy that performs functional tasks in a setting that motivates you to get better – an inpatient rehabilitation hospital or at a skilled nursing facility (SNF)?

You have to ask some questions: Does a stroke patient do as well in a SNF as in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital? Is that patient as likely to be discharged home and back to the care of their loved ones? The answer to both questions is, “definitely not!” I don’t just say this because I work in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, but because the medical literature supports this position. Evidencebased medicine is the gold standard for clinical decision-making, whether we are deciding what medicine to use or what is the best choice in rehabilitation. Just as you wouldn’t take a pill that had not undergone rigorous testing, you need to follow the evidence when making a decision about rehabilitation. As early as 1997, a major study1 in the Journal of the American Medical Association compared stroke patients who received their rehabilitation at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital (IRF) versus a skilled nursing facility (SNF). Those who received their rehabilitation at an IRF were three times more likely to be discharged home--three times more likely to sleep in their own bed, eat with their families and kiss their grandchildren goodnight. Knowing this, where would you want to go if you had a stroke?

Noted researcher Pam Duncan, PhD, looked at the same problem of poorer outcomes in patients who went to nursing homes for rehabilitation and determined that the practice of utilizing nursing homes “is now shown to be potentially cost ineffective and detrimental to patient recovery.”2 Not just less effective, but detrimental. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association looked at the highest levels of scientific evidence and in 2017 published guidelines that state, “Stroke survivors who qualify for and have access to IRF care should receive treatment in an IRF in preference to a SNF.” People are being sent to skilled nursing facilities to save insurance companies money, but the price in outcomes is being paid by the patient.

1 2

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9214526 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11779907

Which facility will give you the greatest dose of therapy that performs functional tasks in a setting that motivates you to get better?

What We Know Intensity of Rehabilitation Drives Success: The evidence is clear that success with rehabilitation is dose-related. The intense therapy provided in a Rehabilitation Hospital is superior to the less intense setting of a skilled nursing facility.

Functional Focus of Rehabilitation is Crucial: Animal and human research demonstrates that it takes functional tasks to “rewire” the brain and restore function. Most skilled nursing facilities do not have access to the latest technological advances that promote repair of the nervous system.

Even Modest Functional Improvement Affects the Future of the Severely Impaired: Too often, healthcare providers assume that severely affected patients are not candidates for an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. This is not true. If these people are provided proper rehabilitation, the majority of patients are returned to their homes and families.

Rehabilitation Hospitals Are Superior to Nursing Homes for Achieving Greater Gains and Going Home: The data speaks for itself.

Patients who go to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital achieve higher functional gains and are more likely to go home than those who go to a skilled nursing facility, or nursing home.

Hopefully, you are now a better informed consumer and will insist on the best care for you and your loved one.

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January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

29

Focus Business

Larry Webb, Owner

Huntsville RV Repair & Supply

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

To learn more call 936-293-1188.

30

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

Huntsville RV Repair provides a mobile RV repair service within a radius of about 50 miles

By Ruth Fields Photos by Libby Rogers Over the years, Larry Webb enjoyed vacationing in one recreational vehicle or another. Unfortunately, repairs were often needed, and it was difficult for him to obtain quick and reliable service. “I was tired of taking them to Houston to get them repaired,” Larry says. “More times than not, the repairs were not done, and I had to go back.”

Larry’s aggravation eventually became so great that he began to think about opening his own RV repair business. He confirmed that there was no other such business in the Huntsville area and, over the next several months, sought advice from the owner of an RV company in another area. Then, Larry contacted the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center, which helped him prepare a business plan. About four and a half years ago, his work came to fruition and he opened Huntsville RV Repair and Supply.

Larry soon discovered that his new customers were just as frustrated with RV service issues as he had been, and he resolved from the start to provide the timely and conscientious service he had always wanted to find for his own RVs. “That’s what we are all about,” he says. “Customer service is our mission. A lot of people come back to my business because they know that they can, nine times out of ten, talk to the owner instead of a service writer or someone who may not care as much as they should about the business.”

The business has exceeded Larry’s expectations. “I didn’t know a repair center was needed so badly in this area,” he says. “That was my big wake-up call. There were no repair centers within about 60 miles to the north, east or west.” He responded by stocking items for general RV maintenance, as well as commonly-needed parts for RV appliances. He also began offering hitches, sanitation supplies, and a variety of accessories, including outdoor lighting, clocks, and indoor-outdoor rugs. Customers, Larry says, are usually impressed by the inventory at Huntsville RV Repair. “They say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you had all this. I have been going to Conroe,’” he says. Furthermore, most special orders arrive within 24 hours.

Larry has also found other ways to provide service to RV owners.

While some customers live in the local area, many more are out-of-towners who stay in several RV parks in and around Huntsville.

“I have regular customers from as far away as Canada,” Larry says.

“They do business with me every year when they come into town.”

Such customers often discover that if their RVs are hooked up and in use, it’s highly inconvenient for them to bring them to a repair shop for service. So, Huntsville RV Repair provides a mobile RV repair service within a radius of about 50 miles. Larry also learned that there is a need to provide RV transport. Some people live in their RVs for long stretches—sometimes full time—but do not own a truck to move them from place to place. Huntsville RV Repair can move RVs for such customers. The company even provides consignment sales of RVs.

Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance Just like homeowners, RV owners need to maintain and repair their roofs, appliances, air conditioning, heating, water heaters, and other components. Many customers have learned that if they drop off their RVs at Huntsville RV Repair at the first of the week, repairs and maintenance can usually be completed in time for the weekend. “The only thing that keeps me from delivering a unit back to a customer on time is delay getting parts from a manufacturer,” Larry says.

“Larry is real quick about getting on things and fixing them,” says Mark Robinson, owner of Robinson and Sons Construction Services.

He has taken his 2016 fifth-wheel travel trailer to Huntsville RV Repair to add custom details, as well as for repairs. “He’ll go

»

A

Antiques & Collectibles

New Waverly Antiques & Collectibles 125 Gibbs Street, New Waverly Tx 77358

936-344-6666 newwaverlyantiquesandcollectibles.com January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

31

223 State Highway 75 N Huntsville, TX 77320-3171 (936) 295-3838 huntsvillervrepairandsupply.com that extra step that other places won’t,” Mark says. “I have told a couple of my friends, ‘He’s local, he gets right on it and he has done really good work for me.’”

Unfortunately, Larry says, customers frequently find malfunctioning RV components at inopportune times. “So many RVers wait until the night before they leave to test all their appliances, and then they’re in panic mode when they call me,” Larry says. To prevent that all-to-common scenario from happening, Larry suggests that customers bring RVs to the shop once a year—preferably about two weeks before scheduled trips—for

maintenance inspections. Not only will such inspections put RVers’ minds at ease, but they can also spot the need for minor repairs before they become major. Roof repairs, which are often needed on RVs, are a good example. “You can spend $600 to $700 to reseal a roof,” Larry says, “or you can let it go and spend $8,000 to replace the roof.”

Mike Weaver, the company’s service technician, has a background in auto repair and is certified to repair all RV appliances. He services all makes and models of RVs (including fifthwheel and bumper-pull campers, truck campers, and class A and class C motor homes) and

190

provides warranty work as well. In addition, Huntsville RV Repair is the certified Texas service representative for Cirrus truck campers.

In keeping with the company’s dedication to customer service, Larry and Mike stand behind repairs. “We are only human,” Larry says. “I always tell the customer if they get home and something is not right, we will make it right.

All they have to do is call.”

Because his business performs repairs on so many different types of RVs, customers often ask Larry for advice before they purchase RVs. Other customers take a different route to the vacations of their dreams. Huntsville RV Repair

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Larry suggests that customers bring RVs to the shop once a year— preferably about two weeks before scheduled trips— for maintenance inspections. can convert cargo vans and cargo trailers into RVs, with as few or as many frills as customers want. Some customers want nothing more than electricity and air conditioning, while others elect to have completely self-sustaining units. Larry thinks conversions are such a good idea, he plans to convert a cargo trailer for his own use in the future.

Huntsville RV Repair is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and by appointment on other days. For more information, contact the company’s website at huntsvillervrepairandsupply.com.

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Vet Connect Article submitted by: Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.

Pet Safe Car Rides

So, who doesn’t let their furry friend ride along at times? Or maybe you have never taken your pet for a drive and are considering it. The experience can be both fun and exciting, yet stressful and dangerous at the same time.

Your number one objective while traveling with your pet should be safety for you and your pet. There are 43.3 million households in the U.S. with pets. An American Automobile Association survey showed that over 80% of dog owners drive with their pets in the car. Only 16% of people who travel with pets use proper safety restraints; therefore, 84% of people are not restraining pets while driving. The American Humane Society states 100,000 dogs die in truck beds each year, which does not include those that may jump out of vehicle windows or are involved in a crash while riding within the car. According to the National Safety Council, over 2.5 million rear-end collisions, the most common type of accident, are reported every year. So, crash-tested pet safety products for your pets are a must. If a car crashes at just 25 mph, an unrestrained dog can be projected forward at a force equal to 40 times its weight. For instance, a 10 pound dog can exert 300 pounds of pressure in an accident and a 75 pound dog can achieve an impact force of 3,000 pounds in a crash, which could be a lethal blow for both you and your pet.

34

Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

There are several simple and inexpensive ways of keeping you and your pet safe in the car. You can find a good selection of safety harnesses and crates available today which prevent injury to your pets. Minimally, you can loop a strong, thick leash through the seatbelt to confine your dog from moving around. A protective back seat hammock can also be used to prevent falling off the seat during sudden stops, and will also keep your seat clean and protected. A towel or sheet can also be laid down over the seat, especially if your pet if prone to car sickness. A proper harness system can allow enough room to stand up and turn around and lay down if wanting. You can still open the window to allow them to feel the breeze, but protect them from flying objects instead of allowing them to hang their face out the window. Most of all, do not allow your pet to ride unsecured in the back of a pickup. Check out the many places available that carry crash certified safety equipment for traveling with your pet. You can visit www.centerforpetsafety.org for specific crash testing information.

If motion sickness or nervousness are an issue, there are several means to help lessen that. Exercising your pet prior to car travel may help them to feel calmer. Covering a crate during travel may help as well. Helping your pet adapt to its crate prior to traveling should be done beforehand.

Bring along a favorite toy.

Anxiolytic products and prescriptions are also available. A good, natural pet-specific anxiety reducer to consider for cats would be Feliway and Adaptil for dogs. Therapeutic grade essential oils that are good for stress and anxiety would be another great option. Safe travels!

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I have the perfect answer for a successful New Year.

I’ll open a gym called “Resolutions.” It will have exercise equipment for the first 2 weeks, then turn into a bar for the rest of the year. Just kidding! I’m just doing my usual resolution to lose 20 pounds, and I always do. The problem is that I gain 30!

Here’s one I’m pretty sure I can keep—not to shovel snow. I also resolved to read more, so I put the subtitles on my TV. Drop me a line to Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com and I’ll help you keep yours!

DEAR GABBY I am a very nice person. My telephone is smart, but not very nice! I was enjoying a relationship with someone that I thought might be “the one.” I sent him a cute little message via my phone and the auto-correct typed something that I would NEVER say to anyone! I can’t even tell you what it said because Postcards is a family magazine. Now he won’t answer my calls or texts to try to explain what happened. Be very careful with auto-correct!

NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL DEAR NTKOG My husband got in trouble without any help from his smart phone. Spelling mistakes can cause a lot of problems, too. He was on a company trip and texted me a message. He typed, “I’m having a wonderful time. Wish you were her.” He’s finally off the couch.

Maybe your guy will realize what happened and come to his senses.

DEAR GABBY I am a fitness trainer at a local gym. A new member asked which machine he should use to impress beautiful women! How am I supposed to answer a question like that without being rude?

FIT AND FLUSTERED DEAR F & F Humor works almost every time. Tell him the ATM machine.

Partners Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP® & Bryan M Masten, CFP®, AIF®

10 Questions You Should Ask Your Advisor The financial advisor you choose to handle your family’s hard-earned wealth will have a significant impact on your progress in your financial future. There’s considerable variation in the service, expertise, and abilities of the 200,000+ financial advisors across the country. (1) Often, a strong relationship with a good advisor can last a lifetime and even through multiple generations.

It’s important to find an advisor who can meet your family’s needs. As you consult with or consider advisors, ask them these 10 questions first before making the big decision.

1. What’s Your Industry Experience?

Don’t be shy about asking an advisor about their industry experience. It will give you peace of mind to know what market conditions they’ve experienced and how many years they’ve been working in the industry.

2. What are Your Credentials?

The credential of CFP® and AIF® are two of the most respected in the industry. www.cfp.net/ Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/aif Accredited Investment Fiduciary 3. What Services Do You Offer?

Ask a financial advisor what services they provide. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs, professional practitioners and retirees overcome the 5 major challenges facing affluent families.

4. What Do You Specialize In? We have focused our energy on understanding the multifaceted set of financial worries people face as they become more successful and are within 15 years of retirement. We have a deep knowledge of the challenges affluent families face as they approach retirement, and as they distribute assets during retirement.

5. Who Do You Serve?

While we serve a diverse range of clients, we predominantly work with affluent entrepreneurs, professional practitioners, and families who are within 15 years of retirement, or are currently retired.

6. What is Your Planning Philosophy?

Our mission is to help you make smart decisions about your money. To do so, we use a disciplined, professional process to establish a solutions-based wealth strategy to help you reach your goals. Our periodic financial checkups will ensure that when your life changes, your wealth strategy evolves with you.

7. How Much Do You Charge?

Financial planning and investment costs can be confusing. We believe it’s important for our clients to know our costs upfront and how we get paid. We want our clients to feel comfortable with their strategies and confident that there are no hidden fees eating away at their hard-earned savings.

8. Who Else On Your Team Will Be Working With Me? One professional advisor and an assistant cannot handle the complexity of today’s financial world. Along with our team of advisors, we can partner with CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals, based on a client’s needs.

9. Are You a Fiduciary? (2) As an independent advisor, we agree to abide by a strict code of professional conduct, and as a fiduciary, we believe in transparency and that the client comes first.

10. Have You Ever Violated Any Standards or Laws?

You can look up an advisor’s professional history by visiting FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Next Steps Take your time when selecting your advisor. An advisor should be happy to answer these 10 questions and others you may have about how they operate.

www.financialpartner.net

(936) 294-0201 • 1211 Financial Plaza • Huntsville Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member Securities, FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Cambridge and Global Financial Partners are not affiliated.

(1) https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm (2) http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/fiduciary.asp

January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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01 JAN 2018

Calendar of Events

BEAUMONT

COLLEGE STATION

CROCKETT

HOUSTON

Drillers Reunion: Spindletop’s 117th Anniversary Celebration Jan. 13 spindletop.org

Santa’s Wonderland Nov. 10 – Jan. 7 santas-wonderland.com

Crockett Trade Days Jan. 6-7, 20-21 936-204-0731

Zoo Lights Nov. 18 – Jan. 15 houstonzoo.org

Boots and Barbecue Jan. 13 acbv.org/events/2018/ boots--bbq

Larry Gatlin in Concert Jan. 27 pwfaa.org

The ICE at Discovery Green Dec. 16 – Jan. 21 discoverygreen.com/ice

GALVESTON

Bridal Extravaganza Show Jan. 6–7 bridalextravaganzashow.com

Ice Land at Moody Gardens Nov. 11- Jan. 7 moodygardens.org

Katy Perry Jan. 7

BRENHAM Uptown Swirl in Downtown Brenham Jan. 13 brenhamuptownswirl.com

CENTERVILLE Chapel of the Hills Annual Wild Game Dinner and Benefit for Speed the Light Jan. 27 at 6pm 903-536-2112

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” Jan. 23–24 mscopas.org

CONROE The Jazz Connection: A Night of Big Band Music Jan. 13 stage-right.org

Galveston Symphony Orchestra Jan. 7

Shakira Jan. 26 houstontoyotacenter.com/ events

The Official Blues Brother Revue Jan. 13

Hops n’ Hot Sauce Festival Jan. 13 hopsnhotsaucefestival.com

“Pete the Cat” Jan. 18 The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert Jan. 20-21 German Cornejo’s “Tango Fire” Jan. 26 thegrand.com 9th Annual Yaga’s Chili Quest and Beer Fest Jan. 19–20 yagaschiliquest.com

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Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

2Cellos Jan. 16 “Kinky Boots” Jan. 19–21 Piano Battle Jan. 28 spahouston.org Houston Auto Show Jan. 24–28 nrgpark.com/event-calendar

JONES CREEK S.F. Austin Funeral Reenactment Jan. 6 979-248-5961

KATY Spring Home and Garden Show Jan. 27–28 katyhomeandgardenshow. com

ORANGE “Kinky Boots” Jan. 2 “Cinderella” Jan. 19-20 “A Night with Janis Joplin” Jan. 25 lutcher.org

SAN ANTONIO U.S. Army All-American Bowl Jan. 6 usarmyallamericanbowl.com

LIBERTY Liberty Opry Jan. 6, 13, 27 libertyopry.com

SAN MARCOS Celtic Fest Jan. 27-28 sanmarcostx.gov

THE WOODLANDS Taste of the Town 2018 Jan. 18 woodlandschamber.org

“Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive.

TYLER The Doobie Brothers in Concert Jan. 11 cowancenter.org

One must never, for whatever reason, turn his

VICTORIA Victoria Comic Con Jan. 20-21 victoriacomiccon.org

back on life.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

LUFKIN “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” Jan. 21 angelinaarts.org The Lettermen in Concert Jan. 25 thepineslufkin.com

NEW BRAUNFELS The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert Jan. 19 John McEuen and Friends in Concert Jan. 20 brauntex.org

SUGAR LAND Shen Yun Jan. 6-7 The Moody Blues Jan. 17

Submit your calendar items:

PostcardsLive.com

The Price is Right Live Jan. 25 The Killers Jan. 26 Dennis DeYoung and Night Ranger Jan. 27 smartfinancialcentre.net

January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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S

mm

Mustard Seed Moments

Better to be Covered in Covenant than New Year’s Resolutions

by Wes Altom The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago. They celebrated the new year not in January, however, but in mid-March, when crops were planted. As part of a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians crowned a new king or reaffirmed their loyalty to the reigning king. They also made promises to the gods to pay debts and to return objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions.

For early Christians, the new year became the traditional occasion for thinking about past mistakes and resolving to do better in the future. In 1740, English clergyman John Wesley created the Covenant Renewal Service, most commonly held on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. These included readings from Scriptures and hymn singing, and served as a spiritual alternative to the raucous celebrations normally held to celebrate the coming of the new year.

While there is good and no harm in any occasion for self-refection and commitment to improve, God wants so much more for us than the occasional holiday or special event. We are so special to him, in fact, that he invites us to live in kingdom covenant with him, a daily relationship and renewal. And THAT is true cause for celebration— the party of the ages!

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me–watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Happy New Year!

What do you need?

• A new career?

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• More confidence?

• Tips on getting a new job?

• Someone to answer a question?

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Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | January 2018

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A NEW YEAR A BETTER YOU Make the Most of Your Independence in 2018 With the new year comes choices for a better you, which may include rehabilitation after an illness, accident or surgery. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Vision Park provides specialized rehabilitation teams offering more advanced technologies and intensive therapies than skilled nursing facilities.

Our expertise and around-the-clock rehabilitative care provide the higher level of care you need to reach your greatest independence for 2018.

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HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital The Woodlands 18550 IH 45 South Conroe, TX 77384 281 364-2000 healthsouththewoodlands.com HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital Vision Park 117 Vision Park Boulevard Shenandoah, TX 77384 936 444-1700 healthsouthvisionpark.com January 2018 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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Check out the all new 2018 Expedition