Postcards Magazine Piney Woods September 2020

Piney Woods Edition

September 2020

™ e n i z a g a M

Local Treasures

Tosca Winery Log Cabin

Texas Treasures

The Two Worlds of Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker

Trippin’

Peridido Key

Business Focus

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2 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

C R EATIVE ARTS C O

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September 2020 | Volume 10, Issue 9

FAVORITES

10 FEATURES 10

Local Treasures Tosca Winery Log Cabin

20 Texas Treasures

The Two Worlds of Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker

36 Trippin’

Perdido Key

45

Business Focus United Healthcare Medicare Solutions

6 7 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 25 26 28 30 31 32 34 35 41 42 44 49 50

Letters from Our Readers Tickle My Funny Bone What Are You Reading?

From the Publisher “Seens” from our world Dear Gabby Things My Granddaddy Said Garden Post Pet Pals Wildlife Wonders Milestones Recipes Living with Children Community Postcards Puzzle Pages Health Matters Awesome Apps Out of the Mouths of Babes Vet Connect Community Calendar Mustard Seed Moments

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Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.

Photo by Lexie Berger

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(936) 291-7500 September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 5

Letters from Our Readers

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First of all I want to CONGRATULATE Karen and Wes ON BECOMING GRANDPARENTS. IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL FEELING AND JOY IN THE WORLD! I love my two Grandsons sooo much, so I know the feeling you have in your heart for your new grandbaby. ...Grandparenting just gets better and better. When (our granddaughter) Harper saw her picture in Postcards, she called everyone she knew and told them “her picture was in a famous magazine.” Then she called her other great-grandparents and said, “Go out to your mailbox right now, there is a picture of me in a famous magazine.”

Thank you and again, CONGRATULATIONS. We want to see pictures of your little one.

Everyone just loves your magazine, so thank you for that, too.

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KILLED by sanitizer and hand soap?

If these last few weeks have taught us anything-it’s that stupidity travels faster than any virus on the planet.

When does Season TWO of 2020 start?

I do not like Season ONE. I’m stuck between a rock and someone I would like to hit with it.

So let me get this straight, there’s no cure for a virus that can be

Is it too early to put up the Christmas tree yet? I have run out of things to do.

September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 7

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8 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

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reading

Before He Sees

By Blake Pierce

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From the Publisher

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Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Was There Ever Really an “Old Normal”?

You might have guessed…I love words. I’ve loved them for a long time. When I was in first grade, my teacher was Miss Diserens, and she helped me to LOVE school!

My mom remembers one day when I came home from school and, in telling her about my day, I used an uncharacteristically large word.

She said, “Karen, do you know what that word means?” I replied, “No ma’am, but my friends don’t either, and they think I’m smart!” I’m unsure how long it took my friends to “catch on” to me, but thankfully, they never quit being my friends, and we are still friends to this day.

tickled, he has a laugh that lifts your spirit!

Early in our marriage, I made it my goal to make him laugh every day.

Some days I have to work at it, and some days I don’t. Recently, I had a “wasn’t trying to” moment. We were getting in the car, and I told Wes I needed my purse. He watched me run in the house, come out of the house, go to the car and by the time I got back in the car, I had three purses. He looked at me and started laughing, “Weren’t sure which one you needed?” I was forced to explain that the first bag had some of what I wanted but the second purse had my keys in it which I needed to open the car so I could get the purse that had what I really needed. He said, “I think that’s a publisher column on our new normal.”

As we adapt to the “new normal” of our world, I must admit there are a few words I’m already tired of. Words like unprecedented, pandemic, I’m honestly not sure I can blame that on Covid, but I think I will. corona and Covid. When you think about it, our new normal also brings After all, you’re my friends, and you think I’m smart. Right? ;) some funny moments. For instance, whoever thought we would be ASKED to wear a mask into a bank?

Around our house, laughter is a daily occurrence. In fact, if you know my sweet Wes, you know he’s very quiet, but when he gets really

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Until next time,

~

Karen

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 9

LOCAL TREASURES

Tosca Winery Log Cabin History Preserved

By Claudia Kirkwood Photos by Gina Turner

The period between 1830 and 1850 brought many new inventions to America and across the world, including the mechanical reaper, which revolutionized farming, the building of railroads, and patents

by Louis Daguerre for his camera and Samuel Colt for the revolver.

Hans Christian Andersen published his first book of fairy tales in 1835. This era also birthed several prominent names, including poet Emily Dickinson, French sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty, and Wyatt Earp, legendary gambler and lawman who was famous for his part in the gunfight at O.K. Corral in Tombstone. These years also witnessed major events, including the California Gold Rush, the siege of the Alamo, and the annexation of Texas into the United States.

During this same period of time in Texas, near what is now the Willis and New Waverly area, the Olbrych family, immigrants from Poland, built a small log cabin and lived in it until the 1920s, when they built a new house in close vicinity to the cabin. Life was hard while living in the dog-run-style cabin, their first residence. They worried about the nomadic Karankawa Indians and the Yellow Fever epidemic. Work on the farm was strenuous as they cleared property, sold the lumber, farmed cotton and corn, and later produced tobacco for the Willis cigar factory. Several generations of the Olbrych family lived in this simple cabin and endured the challenges that life brought forth. The two-room structure included a living room and fireplace on one side of the open air “dog-run,” and a kitchen and area for other activities on the other side. The children slept in the attic.

Willy Liesner From the distant past, we now move to the recent past, 1982, when Willy and Inge Liesner bought the property. As Willy states, “The property was a wasteland, covered with weeds and strewn with waste and trash, and the soil was depleted from the single-crop farming of tobacco and cotton.” Growing up in Germany, 12-year-old Willy and a friend would work a plow together to ready the soil for planting.

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 11

been fully restored to become the beautiful and charming Tasting Room for the Tosca Winery.

Restoring the log cabin involved hours of labor with the goal of preserving as much historical detail as possible. In the original construction, the Olbrychs followed the practice of the day, combining straw and cow manure, both readily available, to fill gaps between logs to keep out wind and weather. This insulation had to be removed from the walls and flooring, and the process proved to be a time-consuming one. After its removal, the gaps between logs were covered with wooden beams in the interior of the rooms to help retain the original appearance and ambience of the room. Other than this added wood, the walls are original and display axe marks which attest to the handbuilt process used in their construction. A beautiful serving bar was added, and solid wood tables and chairs now adorn the tasting room to provide guests the charming atmosphere they hope to find as they relax and enjoy time with friends.

The dog-run cabin features the tasting room on one side, with the other side being restored to include a fullsize kitchen. Water and electricity, as well as telephone Tasting Room lines, were added during its renovation, making it fully functional for As he mentioned, men were somewhat of a modern day scarcity after the war, and he had to work hard life. Some of on a neighbor’s farm to help his family. In the process, he fell in love the support structure had with the land; watching it produce its bounty was a delight. This love to be replaced, as well as has been instrumental in his effort to transform this new property the entire roof and shingles, into a productive, beautiful, and bountiful vineyard and winery which with the cedar shingles being they named TOSCA, after their favorite opera by Giacomo Puccini. The installed in accordance to old log cabin is now a featured treasure and highlight of the winery. the original style. During The cabin was moved to its present location on the property and has the move, the white stone

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chimney had to be disassembled piece by piece. The stones were cleaned, and the chimney was reconstructed onto the house at its new location. The addition of a sliding wooden door to enclose the dog-run area has made this area “weatherproof” during storms. Willy shared that he and Inge rode out a hurricane in the cabin. They cooked on a gas grill and camped out in the dog-run. On many occasions, they enjoy sitting on the porch which overlooks the beautiful property and the vineyard, sipping a glass of their favorite Tosca vino. The entire venue is now also available to host small (up to 50 people) parties such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate events.

A vine-covered archway leads to the steps and front porch of this charming and revitalized log cabin. Who would have ever known that this old structure could be so valuable and utilized in such a prominent way at Tosca? A carbon dating test was performed on the cabin which verified its original construction being between 1830-1850. One can only imagine the hours of hard labor, with what today would be considered the simplest of tools, that went into its construction. And one can only guess at the conversations, the sad times and tears, the celebrations, and family fun that this small structure witnessed. It has endured the test of time through 38 United States Presidents, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the inventions of the airplane and automobile, two World Wars, the Apollo moon landing, the computer age and internet communication….we could go on and on. The point is that, through almost two centuries, this cabin is still in existence and being fully utilized for the pleasure and enjoyment of those who enter its doors to discover its rustic, charming, and history-laden atmosphere.

Come and enjoy your favorite wine at the Tosca cabin and try to imagine your own family enduring life day-to-day and year-to-year in a two-room dog-run log cabin in the 1830s. Then thank Willy and Inge Liesner for their vision and the tremendous effort they have made to restore this exquisite piece of history.

To visit this beautifully revitalized cabin, go to toscawinery.com or call 936-442-0555 for hours and directions. Tosca Winery is located at 231 Hostetter Road New Waverly, TX 77358.

September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 13

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I love my readers! They are more than happy to write to me and tell me what they think of my intelligence. Some declare that I’m a genius, and some imply that I’m crazy. There is an old adage stating there is a fine line between genius and insanity. I like to use that fine line for a jump rope.

Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive. com/share and we can play jump rope together.

DEAR GABBY I don’t like housework, and you’ve written that you don’t, either. I get more cleaning done in the 10 minutes before someone comes over than I do in a week. What are your tips for making the house look clean without working real hard to do it?

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GABBY DEAR GABBY I have a friend who gets offended when I try to help when she makes a faux pas in her make-up or wardrobe. What good is a “bestie” if you can’t give a little constructive criticism once in a while?

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 15

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Fall Planting

by Kim Bius

Can you smell the change of seasons? It is in the early morning air, a new fragrance of fall grasses, earth and cinnamon bark. It signals fall planting season in southeast Texas.

Fall planting season begins 8/1 for seed such as broccoli and 7/14 for pumpkins and gourds. For landscape shrubs and trees, there is no planting season, and they can be planted year round. Early fall transplants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash , and herbs can be planted August through early September for a crop in 60 days.

Keep in mind, we had a hard freeze (extremely unusual) last October that killed early season crops, but normally, our first hard freeze is mid-November. If planting seed, always read the back of the label for time to production. You need to harvest at least 2-3 weeks before the first frost date. Attached is a fall planting guide chart, Huntsville and surrounding area within 30 miles fall between Region II and III. This is a great guide to save for when shopping to know “what is when”.

Veggie and herb garden requirements: full 8 hours of direct sunlight, light topsoil/garden mix planting medium, and consistent watering Fall is the best season for planting non-drought tolerant plants 4-5 x a week during 95 degree temperatures. If the pots are smaller such as azaleas and camellias. These beauties will grace your landscape (under 10”), you will be watering almost daily. Plant with a fast release with blooms through the winter months and holidays and should be fertilizer for vegetables every 3-4 weeks and enjoy your first veggies in every southern landscape. in 60-75 days…..yes, it is that easy!

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www.eastextrailers.com September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 17

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The

s d l r o Two W of

TEX S TREASURES

Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker Story and Photos by Mike Yawn

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is hosting an exhibit featuring Cynthia Ann and Quanah Parker. On display at the Walker Education Center until October 1, 2020, the exhibit features rare photos of the two historic figures, while telling the “story of two persons caught between two different worlds.”

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20 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

The Parkers

Cynthia Ann

In 1833, the Parkers—a clan of six families—moved to Texas, settling near what is now Groesbeck. After taking a pledge to Mexico, the families were given some 16,000 acres of land--arable, replete with game, and beautiful. But it was on the frontier, extending far beyond settlements and into Comanche Territory. Although the Parkers erected heavy fortifications, their farmland was outside the walls of Fort Parker. So, when ten of the Parker men left to work in their cornfields, inexplicably leaving the door to the fort open, the families were vulnerable.

Five of the Parker clan were killed and another five captured that day. The captured included: Elizabeth Kellogg; Rachel Plummer; James Plummer; John Parker; and Cynthia Ann Parker.

Within a couple of years, Plummer was bought by a white couple in Santa Fe, NM and returned to her remaining family—who now lived in Huntsville, Texas. Much of what we know about the attack at Fort Parker is from a vivid account penned by Rachel.

Much of what we know about the other captives were from accounts written (or told) by James Parker, who made an Ahab-like quest of finding his relatives. With (President) Sam Houston’s help, he was able to pay $150 in ransom money for his sister, Elizabeth. In 1842, he paid ransoms to return his nephew (James Plummer) and son (John Parker) from the Comanches.

Cynthia Ann would remain “captive” for almost 25 years—although, for most of those years she was a willing, perhaps even a happy, Comanche captive. Indeed, she married into the tribe—possibly to one of the Comanche warriors who participated in the raid on her family’s home.

Little is known about her life with the Comanches. Although there were many purported sightings of her, most are of dubious authenticity.

We know she was adopted by a Comanche couple after the raid; she lost her ability to speak English, while, according Army Officer Randolph Marcy, adopting “all the habits and peculiarities of the Comanches.”

Of those who did claim to see her, they agreed on this: the Comanches would not sell her and, in any case, she evinced no desire to leave her Indian home. Her name was “Nautdah,” which meant “Someone Found,” and her husband, Peta Nocona, was a Comanche Chief. She was wedded to him and their three children: Prairie Flower, Peanuts, and Quanah.

Her time in the Comanche culture, however, neared its end in 1860.

Throughout the year, Peta Nocona’s raids of white settlers grew more frequent, prompting Sam Houston, in one of his last directives as Governor, to appoint 23-year old Sul Ross to command a company formed to end Comanche raids.

Following a Comanche raid on Parker County (named for Cynthia Ann’s uncle), the band retreated to the Pease River, near Chillicothe,

But it was his quest to find young blue-eyed Cynthia Ann that became the stuff of legend. He undertook at least eight searches for his niece—often alone, sometimes on foot—in journeys that totaled, according to historian S. C. Gwynne, at least 5,000 miles. That he survived his travels amounts to a minor miracle, and it earned him a reputation as a man with single-minded purpose (The John Wayne character in The Searchers was inspired by Parker.)

Among his friends, this tenacity was admirable. Among his enemies— many of whom were erstwhile friends—his single-mindedness was an unhealthy obsession, a madness.

Parker’s relationship with Sam Houston is instructive. According to Glenn Frankel, the Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Searchers: The Making of an American Legend, Parker sought Sam Houston’s assistance, requesting, “a large company of soldiers to hunt down the Indians and rescue the captives.”

Although Houston initially authorized such a search, Parker’s behavior—which was often irrational—led Houston to conclude that the aggrieved patriarch was an “Indian hater and a one-man wrecking crew.” He withdrew the soldiers and the funding, arguing that a peace treaty would be more effective than an erratic and destructive search party. In this manner, Houston earned the enmity of Parker, who believed the Texas President “betrayed too great an indifference to the matter.”

Texas. Ross and his company tracked the group and, in what would have been a minor battle were it not for the presence of Cynthia Ann, emerged victorious. Although Ross exaggerated the number of Comanche warriors involved, most historians believe that there were approximately 15 Native Americans at the camp, many of them children and women.

One of those woman was on horseback, with a small child, attempting to flee. When Ross’s soldiers caught up to her, she cried, “Americano.”

She had blue eyes.

For the second time in her life, Cynthia Ann experienced a traumatic clash between Comanche and white worlds. And for the second time, she endured a captivity of sorts in a strange culture. Although reunited with some of her Parker family and with Prairie Flower, she was separated from her husband and from her two sons: Peanuts and Quanah.

She was disconcerted by her surroundings, her new dwellings, even the food she ate. She and Prairie Flower shuffled to and from the homes of different branches of the Parker family. As it became clear that Cynthia Ann did not celebrate her “rescue,” newspaper reports of her wellbeing and activities dwindled.

The Parker family’s oral history suggest that Prairie Flower passed away, possibly from smallpox, before Cynthia Ann, but the dates of their passing differ by as much as a decade. The 1870 census reports Cynthia Ann as living, so reports of an 1871 passing may be the

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 21

most reliable, but as Frankel notes, “There are no newspaper accounts handsome.” Frankel describes him as “dignified, with piercing gray-blue of her later days, no obituary for her or Prairie Flower, and no reliable eyes.” Jeff Guinn, whose novel Buffalo Trail features Quanah, describes way to know exactly how or when she died.” him as possessing his “father’s battle skills, mahogany skin, and thick black hair, but also his mother’s gray eyes and a white man’s height.”

Quanah Parker Pictures of him, irrespective of age, show him to be a striking figure, handsome and imposing. He looked like the chief he became.

Cynthia Ann passed away not knowing the fate of her husband or her Quanah’s road to chiefdom, however, is obscure. In his years of sons, fearing they had died. And, indeed, Peanuts passed away in the ascendancy, numerous treaties were signed, increasingly relegating early 1860s, probably the victim of disease, and Peta Nocona passed Native Americans to reservation or private homesteads. Quanah, by 1864. By his late teen years, Quanah was an orphan. however, resisted, and he became, according to Gwynne, “at a very young age, one of a small, select group of Comanche men who would lead the tribe’s final raiding and military expeditions in the last years of their freedom.”

But much of what is known about raids and expeditions comes from his own (perhaps imaginative) retellings. In 1867, he was present (as an observer) at the Medicine Lodge Treaty negotiations; he led Being half-white, he was also somewhat ostracized. “I was left raids in Texas and Mexico; and he led the disastrous Second Battle friendless,” he recalled years later, adding that he was “often treated of Adobe Walls, where 28 men repelled more than 200 Comanches. very cruelly,” as “orphans only of Indians are treated.”

A year later, Quanah and his band surrendered to Colonel Ronald But in a culture that rewarded courage and a martial spirit, Quanah’s Mackenzie at Fort Sill. fortunes soon ascended. He was a warrior by 15, and he soon grew to Shortly after the surrender, Quanah learned that his mother and a height of more than six feet, probably six to eight inches taller than sister had passed, but until the end of his life, he sought to make contact the typical Comanche male. S.C. Gwynne describes him as “strikingly with his white relatives and to learn more of his mother.

“I was left friendless, often treated very cruelly”

Jerry B. Register, P.C.

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He began to go by the name Quanah Parker, rather than just Quanah. He also served as a go-between for the US Military, convincing recalcitrant Comanches to join the reservation.

But he also negotiated on behalf of the Comanches and other Native American tribes, arguing for more money, resources, amenities, and land—efforts that earned him the title, “Principal Chief of the Comanche Indians.”

Of course, Quanah used his negotiating skills to do well for himself, too. He befriended ranchers such as Charles Goodnight, cattlemen such as S. B. Burnett, and he used his friendship to sell grazing rights on more than 1,000,000 acres of Native American land—taking, of course, a middle-man cut in the process. Eventually, he would amass great wealth, allowing him to build a 19th century mansion: the Star House.

The Comanches had been known as a fierce, even fanatical, tribe. But Quanah was a realist, and he saw the future. He learned the English language, he dressed in “white man’s clothes”—when it suited him—and he sent his children to the government’s Native American schools.

But Quanah also worked to preserve Comanche culture. He would not convert to Christianity; he wore his hair in braids; and, as Frankel notes, “he refused to abandon polygamy, arguing that it was an essential part of the Comanche way of life.” Along with his great wealth, he amassed at least seven wives, not counting the ones who left him.

In many respects the last years of Quanah’s life were most remarkable. His rising fame coincided with a renewed interest in the life and death of his mother. Their stories, often embellished, gained currency--and their legend took hold.

He developed an alliance of sorts with Sul Ross who, in the late 1880s, became Governor of Texas—in part, based on his claim to be the man who rescued Cynthia Ann Parker. Ross sent Quanah a daguerreotype of Cynthia Ann with Prairie Flower. Quanah allowed Ross to exaggerate and twist the story of the Battle of Pease River.

He became friends with Teddy Roosevelt, who invited him to participate in his 1905 Presidential Inauguration. In return, Quanah invited Roosevelt to his Star House, and President Roosevelt spent four days in Comanche territory, eating and sleeping outdoors.

“It was,” as Roosevelt later described it, “a thoroughly enjoyable company.”

When Roosevelt returned to Washington, he signed paperwork establishing a Bison Refuge on Comanche land, and he sent 15 bison—culled from the New York Zoo—to Oklahoma, where Quanah greeted them, according to Frankel, “in full war feathers.”

»

Welcomes

Shop the Historic Top o’ the Hill Farm

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2715 Lake Road, Huntsville, Texas 77340 Open Monday - Saturday, 8:00 to 5:30 kimshomeandgardencenter.com

September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 23

In 1909, Quanah sought the help of powerful friends, and he requested that his mother’s remains be disinterred and transported to Comanche lands. After getting approval, he sent his son-in-law to find Cynthia Ann’s grave. Eventually, it was located in Anderson County, and, Cynthia Ann’s remains—along with those of Prairie Flower—were reinterred near the Star House on tribal lands.

Within a year, Quanah died, and he, too, was buried on tribal lands, near the Star House, which still stands.

Katy & E. Don Walker Education Center 1402 19th St. Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 294-1832

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WILDLIFE WONDERS River Otters

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center Most people assume the animal they are seeing in area lakes and streams is a beaver, but it could be a river otter.

Most people don’t realize we have otters in our area.

River otters are fascinating little creatures. They are semiaquatic, spending about two-thirds of their time on land and the other third in the water. They live in dens called holts, near water, that have several tunnel openings, with at least one leading them directly to a lake, stream, inland wetland or marsh. Their webbed feet and powerful tails make them strong swimmers. When they’re in the water, their nostrils and ears close to keep water out. They have a third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, that acts like the goggles we wear when we swim. It protects the eyes and helps them to see underwater. They can dive up to 60 feet and can hold their breath for up to eight minutes.

The diet of the river otter is mainly made up of aquatic organisms including fish, turtles, frogs, crayfish, etc. (but since they’re semi-aquatic, they’ve also been known to eat small mammals like squirrels and mice).

River otters are good communicators and have a variety of vocalizations. They yelp, whistle, growl and chirp and, when threatened, they emit a scream that can be heard up to a mile and a half away!

Although they live alone or in pairs, river otters are very social and playful—guess you could call them party animals. The playful furballs roll down hills, juggle pebbles, wrestle, frolic in the water, and even build themselves slides along the banks of rivers.

If you need assistance with an injured, orphaned or displaced animal, give us a call. In most cases, the animal doesn’t need rescuing but we will help you make that determination. If the animal does need help, we will walk you through the process to keep both you and the animal safe. Our phone number is 713.468.TWRC. Our website has helpful information as well.

www.twrcwildlifecenter.org

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 25

Milestones Join us as we celebrate life’s “mile markers” with our friends and neighbors. Share your milestones with us by submitting a photo and information to PostcardsLive.com.

We want to celebrate with you!

Congratulations!!

Patrick & Diane Keller of New Waverly, Texas are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Jonathan Keller to Dr. Lauren McTaggart, daughter of Dr. John McTaggart & Dr. Lucy Love of Tampa, Florida. A November wedding is planned.

Classy + Glam Happy Anniversary!!

Randy and Gayla Johnson celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

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26 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

Happy Birthday!!

Maedell Reid celebrated her 85th birthday with four generations. Submitted by Sallie Reid

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 27

Recipes

Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad Ingredients 2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans, drained 2 cucumbers, halved lengthwise and sliced

Tipsy Peaches

12 cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 red onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced

Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can black olives, drained and chopped

1 Tbs butter 4 cups sliced fresh peaches 2 Tbs brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 (1.5 fluid oz) jigger whiskey Directions 1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peaches, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla, and whiskey; simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, until peaches are soft and sauce has darkened.

1 oz crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup Italian-style salad dressing 1/2 lemon, juiced 1/2 tsp garlic salt 1/2 tsp ground black pepper Directions 1. Combine the beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olives, cheese, salad dressing, lemon juice, garlic salt and pepper. Toss together and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Serve chilled.

3. Serve as a side dish or over ice cream.

Watergate Salad

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Ingredients 1 (3.4 oz) package instant pistachio pudding mix 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, with juice

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½ (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

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½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix together pudding mix, pineapple with juice, marshmallows, and nuts. Fold in whipped topping. Chill.

Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken Ingredients 3/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1/8 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Yellow Squash Casserole Ingredients 4 cups sliced yellow squash 1/2 cup chopped onion 35 buttery round crackers, crushed 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tsp salt ground black pepper to taste 2 Tbs butter Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1/4 tsp dried parsley 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 2 Tbs butter 1 Tbs olive oil 2 tsp garlic powder 3 Tbs lime juice Directions 1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and parsley. Sprinkle spice mixture generously on both sides of chicken breasts.

2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 6 minutes on each side.

3. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons garlic powder and lime juice. Cook 5 minutes more, stirring frequently to coat evenly with sauce.

2. Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour in a small amount of water. Cover, and cook until squash is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well, and place in a large bowl.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together cracker crumbs and cheese.

Stir half of the cracker mixture into the cooked squash and onions. In a small bowl, mix together eggs and milk, then add to squash mixture. Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture, and dot with 2 tablespoons butter.

BAKERS TIP: Have a recipe that calls for chocolate squares? You can substitute 3 Tbs cocoa and 1 Tbs butter for each chocolate square!

4. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.

September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 29

by John K. Rosemond www.rosemond.com

10-Month-Old Tosses Food for Mealtime Fun Q: Our 10-month-old son has recently discovered the joys of throwing finger food on the floor at mealtimes. He doesn’t seem to care if I feed it to him myself, one piece at a time, but isn’t it important that he start feeding himself?

A: Not to worry. The emergence of “throwing food on the floor behavior” at this age, especially if a dog is waiting below, is indisputable indication that the child’s development, not to mention sense of humor, is proceeding according to plan.

Give your son one small piece of finger food at a time. If he throws it on the floor, ignore him. Continue eating and talking. When he motions toward the floor, pick up the morsel and give it to him. (My mother always made me eat “floor food,” pointing out that the floor was cleaner than the human mouth. I’m still alive!) Do so with great nonchalance, without saying anything or even looking at him. If he throws it on the floor again, repeat the sequence. When you are finished with your meal, clear the table, including his tray, and let him down. When he is hungry, he will let you know. In which case, feed him. Eventually, this too will pass.

Postscript: The child above is simply taking innocent delight in orchestrating a “dance” during family mealtimes. This is not a discipline problem but, if treated as such, has the potential of eventually developing into a major battle over food and eating. In fact, mealtime problems have become, in recent years, one of the most vexing of parenting issues. To significant degree, this has to do with the fact that today’s parents tend to pay entirely too much attention to their children during mealtimes, thus giving them a stage from which to perform. These performances usually take the form of picking at and complaining about food and refusing to eat or acting like anything other than ice cream and French fries triggers an involuntary gag reflex.

I say pay minimal attention to young children during the family meal. Parents should engage in conversation, only occasionally asking children questions that are not food related. As a child grows, he can be included more and more in mealtime conversation, but “table talk” should never be about food, and the understanding should most definitely be that if one cannot say something nice about the meal, one should say nothing at all. Under no circumstances should parents ever prepare a child a separate meal. As my wife and I told our kids, “None of us is more special than anyone else; therefore, no one gets a special meal.”

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30 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

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Board of Regents Confirms Alisa White, Ph.D., as President of Sam Houston State University The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System unanimously confirmed Alisa White, Ph.D., as president of Sam Houston State University during a special called meeting today. Dr. White will officially assume the presidency Aug. 10.

Dr. White, a Texas native, has served as president of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, since 2014. She previously served as vice president for academic affairs at the University of Texas at Tyler and Midwestern State University.

Dr. White and her husband, Elliott Herzlich, a jeweler, have three married children and five grandchildren. She succeeds Dr. Dana Hoyt, who is retiring after serving as president of SHSU since 2010.

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 31

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32 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

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936.344.8469 September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 33

Health Matters www.drjimshealthtips.com

By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA, and GOB (Good Ole Boy)

It is High-time We Put the Sublime Back in Mealtime

The word Dieting carries some distain, because it requires altering one of our most vital daily activities. It is always satisfying when a desired result can be achieved by doing something SMARTER rather than mindlessly following RULES. Counting calories can be monotonous at best. Regarding our appetites, we need to realize we have inherited the pondering of our ancient ancestors, which is survival. Prehistoric meals were opportunistic, occurring only when hunters had success.

Those who ate more, especially fat, had more reserve when game was scarce, and they survived. We have survivor’s genes!

In the Mayo Clinic book Guide to Stress Free Living, Dr. Amit Sood mentions how to maintain a vigorous physique by adhering to the four S principles: slow, small, savor, and smart.

SLOW: means to relax your eating process.

Initially, concentrate on taking more chews per fork portion, not just rushing with the fewest chews necessary to allow a swallow. Allow

the act of mastication to provide mealtime fulfilment instead of the stuffing of your belly.

Chewing satisfies (ergo, chewing gum). Also, after swallowing, allow a few seconds to expire before the next fork portion. There is no woe with going s-l-o-w.

SMALL: means to allow just a partial filling of your fork or spoon to serve yourself the next bite. It will be just as satisfying and will reduce your caloric intake considerably.

SAVOR: means to enjoy the tastes and texture of each bite. It is fun to relish the spices, varied flavors, the content’s essences, and the mouth feel of what you are eating. Doing so provides added satisfaction in consuming what will become part of you.

SMART: means to choose what you consume according to its nutritional value, not according to its caloric content. Avoid foods that contain a lot of salt, are high in calories, high in saturated fat, or are processed. Fruits and veggies are a bonus for your body, especially dark green veggies and berries.

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936-348-3522 34 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

Adopting the four S principles will allow your brain to decide sooner that you are satiated with smaller amounts and that more enjoyment accrues, especially when you stand before a mirror. In addition, try to eat with others so it becomes a social time as well.

An added recommendation is that three meals a day is a convention from European settlers who focused on a 9 to 5 workday. The Bible has reference to two meals a day in the morning and evening. Romans ate one meal daily, and eating more was considered gluttony.

Hello, fellow gluttons. It is hard to break what you were brought up doing, but consider whether you need to eat conventionally or smartly.

At mealtime, my bride and I frequently ask each other, “Are you hungry”? If each of us answers NO, we thankfully skip and do not miss the unnecessary meal. The FAT cells ante up the calories we burn until the next mealtime and shrink. SHRINK, YOU FREELOADERS!

Monday - Saturday 10 am - 7 pm Sunday 11 am - 6 pm

apps! awesome

This Month’s App We want to share one of our favorite awesome apps with you. If you have an amazing app you’d like to share with our community, let us know online at postcardslive.com

Genius Scan

Genius Scan is a scanner app in your pocket. Quickly scan your paper documents on the go and export them as multipage PDF files.

Place any document in front of your device’s camera: scanner app automatically recognizes the paper against the background, crops it, and cleans up the result. You obtain a crisp, legible scan. Batch scanning lets you scan dozens of pages in a matter of seconds. Powerful tools help you organize, share, or archive your documents.

You’ve Earned It Home Equity Loans Whether you want to build a pool or take a vacation, we are here to help. Talk to one of our expert lenders today and see what a home equity loan can do for you.

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 35

There is something about the beach that just seems to carry all your worries away. For some people, it’s about loving the squishy feeling of cool, wet sand between their toes and the bubbles in the surf splashing up on their feet. For others, it is the heat of the sun warming their skin while their body basks in a tropical concoction of salty seawater and coconut scented suntan lotion. In either case, a vacation on the ocean is made for relaxation.

How do you relax when the world seems like it’s going non-stop crazy, though? This September marks the nine-month anniversary of COVID-19 cases in the United States. In other words, we have had nine months of solid stress. At some point, something has to give. For our family, that meant heading to the beach!

Perdido Key – a barrier island between Orange Beach, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida – may be the perfect vacation spot for people who want to get away to a fun and relaxing spot while still staying safe from the pandemic. With its location on the border between Florida and Alabama, it is just an eight-hour drive from the Houston area, meaning you can get there in a day without getting on an airplane.

Postcards with

Story and Photos by Linda W Perkins

36 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

welcome back bearkats!

Getting there and staying there The townhouse where we stayed was an ideal spot for having fun while avoiding crowds. Located at Innerarity Point, just two miles north of Perdido Key Beach, we knew we were there when there was water on both sides of the road. Situated directly on Perdido Bay, the rows of white-trimmed pastel yellow, blue and aquamarine green buildings were a cheery sight for us road-weary travelers. Upon arrival, it took about five seconds for the two teenagers with us – our daughter and her friend – to jump out of the truck and over to the private beach directly behind the carport.

On the wall of the carport were two brightly colored kayaks, ready for a paddle, and a portable grill was set up by a picnic table that overlooked the water. Upstairs, there was a full kitchen so we could cook or order take-out (a pandemic favorite), and two balconies – one off the living area and one off the master bedroom – were ready for some post-beach relaxing and for viewing some of the most spectacular sunrises we had ever seen. Had we been forced to quarantine there, we would have been happy as pie!

Fortunately, we were only kept indoors on one day of the trip. We were not looking for night life or packed tour boats – although there was plenty of that if we were to go another time when health risks weren’t a concern – but there is a lot to do in and around the Perdido Key area, and we didn’t want to miss out.

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Perdido Key Beach When we were doing our vacation research, it looked like Perdido Key had one beach. In fact, it has several: the public beach, Perdido Key State Park, and Gulf Islands National Seashore – Perdido Key Area.

The public beach is where we started. There are several points along Perdido Key Drive (292) where signs pointing to Public Beach Access peek out between high rise condominiums. Some will lead to narrow little stretches of beachfront

(936) 295-2003 2707 S Sam Houston Ave Huntsville, TX 77340

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 37

National Seashore will cost you a pretty penny: $25 for a carload of up to six people, or $15 for one pedestrian entering on foot. That said, the entrance fee covers a full week of access, and it is well worth it.

Johnson Beach, the main swimming area, is named after Rosamond Johnson, the first soldier from Escambia County, Florida to die in the Korean War. He died a hero after pulling two members of his unit to safety and was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. There is an American flag flying and a plaque placed in his honor in front of the pavilion where the picnic area, restrooms and showers are located.

Looking out to the east from Johnson Beach, you can see the condos on Perdido Key in the distance. Turn west, and it looks like the seashore goes on forever. In fact, the road past Johnson Beach only goes so far. Much of the east end of Perdido Key is a nature sanctuary. It is not uncommon to see a great blue heron standing along the seashore, watching the waves come in from the Gulf of Mexico, or to see tiny hemmed in by roped off sections of beachfront labeled as private prop- ghost crabs scuttling back and forth across the road between the ocean erty for condo owners and renters only. Other sections of the beach and Big Lagoon. Signs along the boardwalk remind visitors to stay off are wider and accommodate vendors such as parasailing companies the dunes in order to protect the nesting areas of birds and sea turtles. that will take you out into the ocean for a one-hour trip that will include launching you high up in the air, holding you up by a parachute Big Lagoon tethered to a speedboat.

Big Lagoon, which sits between Perdido Key and the mainland, is a The Perdido Key State Park encompasses 1.4 miles of beach and two recreation area in itself. Big Lagoon State Park is a popular spot for boardwalks that allow beach access while protecting dunes from heavy hiking, camping, boating and birding. While some facilities at the foot traffic. Its entrance is on the north side of Perdido Key Drive, and park are closed due to COVID-19, the boat ramp, trails, canoe/kayak it not only provides access to Gulf-side beachfront, but also the beach launch, the boardwalk and the playground are still open. Canoe and that faces inland towards Ono Island, Alabama. kayak rentals were available while we were there.

By far, the longest stretch of beach (and the least crowded section Rather than going to the state park, we decided to head over to Big of sand you will find in Perdido Key) is at the Gulf Islands National Lagoon Jet Ski Rentals for some action-oriented fun. After watching a Seashore. Unlike the public beach, which is free, and the state park, short safety and operations video to familiarize ourselves with the jet which charges a minimal fee for entrance, getting into the Gulf Islands skis, we jumped on board some snazzy Sea-Doos and took off across

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the lagoon. At one point, the girls spotted dolphins swimming nearby, while we marveled at seeing the Blue Angels fly by overhead at fighter-jet speeds.

Orange Beach Head east on Perdido Key Drive and you will run right over the Florida-Alabama state line. There you will find the legendary Flora-Bama, a restaurant and beach bar known primarily for its live entertainment. As we were seeking to stay away from crowds, we didn’t stop by there or some of the other highly rated restaurants in the area for which social distancing wasn’t a priority. Being safe doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though.

The Wharf, an entertainment district in Orange Beach, Alabama, was all over the idea of putting fun and safety together. We visited a number of their boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and coffee shops, all of which had hand sanitizing stations at the door and implemented social distancing measures. While we didn’t take a ride in their beautiful ferris wheel, we did stay for a musical laser light show that was held after dark in the common area.

Another gem we found in Orange Beach was Brick & Spoon. We chose it because it was in a cute gray building and there weren’t too many cars in the parking lot. If we return to the area, we will go back for the food, though!

A well-known brunch spot, Brick & Spoon is only open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is famous for its Bloody Marys, which can be customized nine ways from Sunday, and Southern Living ranked it as one of the top breakfast joints in the South, describing it as “allergic to boring breakfasts.”

Everything we had, from avocado toast to a burger and fries, was top-notch delicious.

Pensacola Technically, Innerarity Point is in Pensacola. The address is all it has in common with one of Florida’s most famous beaches, though. It is a solid 30 minutes to drive over to downtown Pensacola, and then another 10 minutes down the Pensacola Beach. On the way there

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is Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the Blue Angels. We didn’t realize until we arrived that the Pensacola Light House and Maritime Museum is on the base itself. Sadly, due to the pandemic, the base was closed to visitors and so we did not get to see the lighthouse. The officer who met us at the gate told us the lighthouse could be seen from Fort Pickens, however, which is on the western end of Pensacola Beach. Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, so your entrance ticket from Perdido Bay will get you into the fort as well.

There is no doubt that Pensacola Beach has its appeal, especially for teens like the ones we had with us. While not any whiter, its strip of sand along the ocean is wider than Perdido Key. Pensacola Beach also has its own “city center,” with well-known national chain restaurants, hotels and condos, as well as kids’ entertainment parks for go-karting and mini golf. It was much more difficult to stay socially distanced in the more crowded area, however; and while the girls were having fun flirting with boys and taking selfies on the beach behind Ron Jon Surf Shop, we parents were ready to get back to our quiet private beach on Perdido Bay. At the end of the day, we got exactly what we were looking for in Perdido Key: a beautiful place to get away to and “chillax” away from big crowds, while still serving as a jumping off spot for lots of fun and as much action as we did or didn’t want in nearby Orange Beach and Pensacola. For a perfect pandemic family holiday, this was definitely it.

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

Mental Well-being I am prayerfully writing this aiming to shed some light not only from the perspective of the veterinary profession, but from all service-providing professions as well, as we all try to manage during an unparalleled global pandemic. These everchanging times have most everyone feeling anxious at some point or other. Veterinary healthcare team members are working diligently to recognize and ease anxiety in our pet owners.

The veterinary profession prior to COVID-19 outbreak knew psychological stress was a health hazard for professionals. While mental health has always been a concern within the industry, the current situation exacerbates this, with the addition of financial concerns, job security, and strains on client relationships. Veterinary professionals have an extra burden – they must remain calm, collected, and compassionate with frazzled pet owners and managing client relationships and expectations during these times.

Studies have shown not only substantial disruptions to a person’s personal and social life affect mental health, but also minor daily events, work hassles, family problems and physical health status play a role. Add to this an unparalleled global pandemic resulting in massive uncertainty, and veterinary team members are at their breaking point – all while trying to maintain a calm demeanor and remain compassionate and empathetic with concerned/upset clients.

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Professionals all over are at a higher risk and experiencing compassion stress and fatigue. This is where someone is just going through the motions, burned out from caring so much for so long.

In the recent absence of face-to-face contact, veterinary professionals (as I’m sure other service providers) have found it a struggle to communicate effectively with their clients. We are experiencing a form of broken connectedness with clients. Curbside services and care are becoming more commonplace, causing a loss of personal contact relationships.

Take a normal, busy business day that can be crazy, but now add on curbside service while trying to accommodate everyone with more drop off capabilities and last-minute appointments. It is a struggle trying to keep everyone happy and safe. Staffing may be limited due to members either quarantining or even sick themselves. Phones are overloaded as more calls are being made to check in/check out, discussing service details and recommendations, all while scheduling appointments, taking medication refill requests, and addressing questions or concerns.

The veterinary community is also currently experiencing an abundance of calls and requested services during this time in general. This could be from people in general spending more time at home and with their pets, noticing more what’s going on with the pets, being more active with pets which can lead to more injuries, etc. In our local, area we are also experiencing community growth which increases business.

As I go about my daily encounters, I remind myself what the business or personnel on the flip side of the coin may be going through and experiencing. Compassion and empathy is needed more than ever during these times. Remember to share the love of Jesus during this time. We are all in this together.

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Focus Business

By Rosa Coss

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United Healthcare Medicare Solutions Independent Licensed Agent, Lauri Wenzel Are you approaching your 65th birthday and considering retirement? If so, as with any new chapter in life, this comes with some decisions to be made. Whether you are nearing age 65 or just planning for the future, it is important to know your options, especially when it comes to Healthcare. Lauri Wenzel is a local, Independent Licensed Agent for United Healthcare Medicare Solutions, and she can help you review your healthcare needs and find the option that best fits your budget. United Healthcare Medical Solutions offers some of the best products in the industry. They are one of the largest companies that provide Medicare Health coverage and have a great reputation. They also rank #7 with Fortune 500 and are the only insurance company endorsed by AARP.

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 45

L aur i found out early in life she had a passion for helping people. While living in Houston, she decided to become an Ombudsman with UT, to advocate for people in nursing homes.

This involved building a trusting relationship with residents at nursing homes in order ensure their needs were being met. According to Lauri, she remembers her grandmother was in a nursing home, and recalls her mother having to make a lot of the decisions. This made her realize there was a need for someone to speak out for seniors, so she decided to do that. In 2012, she and her family moved to The Woodlands area. Once there, she began working for Aon Insurance.

“I was basically working as a third-party company to help Kimberly-Clark and Baker Hughes employees enroll in their benefits.” Through this line of work, she was able to talk to many retirees and people who were starting to receive their Medicare benefits and/or insurance coverage through Medicare. This again sparked an interest in Lauri to assist the retiring population with their healthcare and Medicare process, which opened the doors to her becoming an independent Medicare agent in the State of Texas. “My job is to build relationships with Medicare beneficiaries who are turning 65, and educate them about their Medicare options, so they can make informed decisions,” said Lauri.

as the deductible. The deductibles are set by CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services). This varies and tends to go up a little every year.

This is basic government Medicare. In other words, as long as you find a physician that takes Medicare, and the services provided are covered

by Medicare, it will provide 80% coverage, and you are responsible for meeting the deductibles, and paying the remaining 20%.

In general, Medicare offers two main options: Option 1: As long as you’ve worked for at least 10 years, once you have retired, and plan to take your social security, you will automatically qualify to get enrolled in Medicare. Soon after enrolling, you will receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card in the mail. You will qualify for the Part A, which is your hospital coverage, and you will automatically be enrolled in Part B, which covers your doctor and outpatient services. Payment for Part B, will be taken out of your social security check on a monthly basis.

Option 2: Once you retire, depending your situation, you may also be able to delay getting your social security, and continue working beyond the age of 65. Once you do decide to retire, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare, and Part B will kick in. Basically, when you turn 65, most people are automatically enrolled in Medicare, but if you decide not to receive your social security when you become eligible How Does Medicare Work? Basically, Medicare will cover 80% of medical for Medicare, you will have to enroll yourself. This can be done online costs, whether you go to the hospital or visit your doctor’s office. As a at www.SocialSecurity.gov, calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Medicare recipient, you are responsible for the remaining 20%, as well or visiting your local social security office.

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As an Independent Licensed agent, Lauri tries to help people figure out a way to supplement, or help pay for, the remaining balances not covered by original Medicare. Some of these options include: •Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers: vision, dental, hearing and prescription drug coverage, all in a single plan.

•Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans (or Medigap) help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Medicare Parts A and B. •Dual Special Needs (D-SNP) Plans are designed for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. They offer extra benefits and features not offered through original Medicare.

•Prescription Drug (Part D) Plans may be used in conjunction with original Medicare Parts A and B, or with Medicare supplement plans. (https://www.uhcmedicaresolutions.com/)

“Essentially, you can get a supplement plan to help pay the 20% and the hospital deductibles. I try to figure out what my clients need, show them options, and let them decide which way they want to go.” Some people have special needs and may be on Medicare before they turn 65. Sometimes people have difficulties understanding their options, and it takes a lot of patience to explain. “I like to treat people like they are my family,” said Lauri. “I want them to feel comfortable, because it can be overwhelming.” According to Lauri, she has members that span out to the Huntsville, Conroe, and Livingston areas. “Before COVID, I mostly visited clients at their homes or at my office, but since COVID, I’ve mostly been doing everything online or over the phone. Fortunately, I can utilize DocuSigns® (an electronic signature program), which makes things a lot easier.” Annual Enrollment is coming up October 15 – December 7, so SAVE THE DATES! Before Lauri decided to dedicate her professional life to helping the retiring population, circumstances, and her passion for helping people, took her down different paths. She was born and raised in the Houston area, graduated from Waltrip High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston. According to Lauri, it took her about 7 years to get her degree. After graduating from high school, she had been accepted to two different schools, but her dad informed her that he had just lost his job and did not have the money to send her to college. He said it was great that she had been accepted to these schools, but that she needed to get a job. In fact, he let her know he already had a job lined up for her, working for her aunt in the accounting department at Carpet World, and she was to start right away! She worked there full-time for a couple of years, before deciding she really wanted to go to college. While going to school, Lauri began doing temp work for oil and gas companies.

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After completing her degree, instead of getting her master’s to be a therapist, which had been her lifelong dream, she continued working in the oil and gas industry in corporate treasury, and gas marketing.

Soon after, during a trip to Cancun, she met Troy. At the time, he was living in Denver, and she lived in Houston. They dated for a while, and then decided to get married. Their wedding day was the first time they were both in the same city since they met. Later, the couple moved to Vancouver and lived there for 5 years. While living there, Lauri was unable to work because she was not a resident of Canada. Instead, she did volunteer work at United Healthcare, which started the journey to where she is today.

A fun fact about Lauri not too many people know about is that while living in Vancouver, she went to several auditions for commercials, and was spotted by a casting director. Thanks to these auditions, she was given the role as Jennifer in the 1998-99 (episode #153) series of The New Addams Family. Although she had no lines, it was a memorable role since during the episode, Uncle Fester gave her a stick of dynamite, and she was blown up. Needless to say, this was her big claim to fame!

to be a therapist, but after what happened with my grandmother, then working as an ombudsman, my attention shifted to helping out seniors, or people on Medicare,” said Lauri. Nevertheless, these paths have led Lauri to help a countless number of people through her job as an Independent Medicare Agent. She also helps by donating to Goodwill in Conroe, and sets up at Food Banks, and YMCA events. Furthermore, Lauri expressed that she also has a close personal connection to www. theMMRF.org (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation), her charity of choice, to which she donates regularly.

When she’s not working, Lauri enjoys spending time with her family.

Favorite activites are biking, hiking, or taking trips to San Antonio or Galveston. They also enjoy going to the movies and visiting local restaurants. Two of their favorites are Mister Hamburger in Huntsville, and Montgomery Bakehouse in Conroe. She is very proud of her kids, the oldest is currently going to school at the University of Oklahoma, and the youngest is a 10th grader in The Woodlands.

After the birth of their first child, they moved to Milwaukee, where they lived for about 3 years. Her husband worked for the National Basketball Association at the time, and was hired by the Milwaukee Bucks. They soon realized he wasn’t home very much, and hardly got to spend time with his 3-year old son, which led him to the decision to leave the NBA and brought them to Houston.

Once Lauri was back in her hometown area, she began thinking about For questions about Healthcare options after retirement, Lauri returning to school to become a licensed therapist, but instead, she can be contacted via email: l.wenzel.uhc@gmail.com, or by phone: ended with a master’s in psychology and leadership studies. “I wanted 832.244.1973.

48 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | September 2020

9 SEPT 2020

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Arts and Crafts Festival Sept. 19-20 gladewaterartsandcrafts.com

Historic Jefferson Railway Labor Day Celebration Sept. 5 jeffersonrailway.com

River Revival Music Festival Sept. 26-29 splicerecordstx.com/events/ river-revival

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Neal McCoy and Friends Benefit Golf/Dinner/Concert Sept. 25-26 easttexasangelnetwork.com/ events

All Aboard the Texas State Railroad Sept. 4-Oct. 28 texasstaterailroad.net

HOUSTON “Crimes of the Heart” Sept. 24-Oct. 11 unitybrenham.org

The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert Sept. 25 arenatheatre.net

CONROE

HUNTSVILLE

CASA Superhero Run (Virtual The Highwaymen: Live Event) Sept. 26 Sept. 26 oldtowntheatre-huntville.org bit.ly/2020_CASA_Superhero_ Run Fair on the Square Oct. 3 faironthesquare.com

GALVESTON Wild Texas Shrimp Festival Sept. 25-26 galvestonshrimpfestival.com

Calendar of Events

MADISONVILLE Fourth of July Celebration (rescheduled date) Sept. 5 (new date) visitmadisonville.org

SPRING The Texas Tenors in Concert Sept. 26 cypresscreekface.org

Submit your calendar items:

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Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, some events have been postponed or canceled in the interest of safety and participants’ well-being. Please make sure to check the event website, social media, or call ahead to confirm an event is still taking place if you are interested in attending.

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Thoughts from The Carpenter’s Bench

by Wes Altom

I am not a handyman…in fact, I am not even a handy man (it’s okay, really--I know I have other gifts). So, when it came time to remodel our home a couple of years ago, the only thing I was fully qualified to help with was—you guessed it—demo. I am firsthand evidence that it is much easier to tear down than to build (or build up).

It was no accident that Our Heavenly Father sent his human form likeness to earth in the trade of a carpenter—always seeing the potential…crafting and refining…be it disciples, the poor and downcast, the kingdom, even the very human spirit. Brings to mind his words, “Destroy this temple, and I will rebuild it in three days.”

Today, we see so many in the world around us overflowing with emotion…lashing out…rushing to tear down...taking the easy route. May we thoughtfully reflect, examine our hearts, and be a worthy apprentice to the Master Carpenter as we dare to be different and to always be about the more challenging family business of slowly and carefully building and building up.

Do not let unwholesome words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear you speak. –Ephesians 4:29

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