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Piney Woods Edition

May 2020

Do You Know? Michael Holland

Just for Fun

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Texas Treasures Business Focus Sports Museum Palestine

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May 2020 | Volume 10, Issue 5

FAVORITES

10 FEATURES 10

Do You Know? Michael Holland

20 Just for Fun

Baseball Memories

40 Texas Talent Mike Ryan

Business Focus Curves for Women

6 9 15 16 17 18 19 25 26 28 33 34 35 36 38 45 46 48 49 55 56 58

Letters from Our Readers From the Publisher Things My Granddaddy Said Garden Post

Dear Gabby Along the Road Health Matters What Are You Reading? Star Students Recipes Tickle My Funny Bone Living with Children “Seens” from Our World Puzzle Pages Pet Pals Wildlife Wonders Glorious Grandkids Community Postcards Vet Connect

Out of the Mouths of Babes Milestones Mustard Seed Moments

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Letters from Our Readers

I want to thank you and the staff for featuring me in your magazine. I just saw the article online. I have already had many favorable comments. My son said, “Mom, that’s a great article!” It is so nice to be recognized for a lifetime of work at my passion. Thanks a bunch ! Lois Blackburne

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Thank you Postcards Magazine for sharing the talent of my great niece Tanna Freedman in the Creative Corner of your April 2020 edition, “What to See in Sunsets.” Tonie Sikes Matthew DeMatos

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From the Publisher

No Shortage of New Perspective Over the past month, we have lived in a world very different from that to which we are accustomed…a quieter world…a more distant world, yet more connected than ever. Just the other night, my entire family (mother, brothers, sisters-in-law, and all the grandchildren) chatted together on a video call. I’m not even sure “The Jetsons” had video conference calls! It was wonderful to see everyone, and the younger children thought it was great fun, as did I. This call did make me think--our entire family normally sees each other only once or twice a year. Even then, there are those who are sometimes unable to join us for various reasons. The end of April is not a time we would normally get together, but the fact that we CAN’T makes us painfully aware of how much we love each other and want to be together. I hope we continue to make the time and effort to be together – whether in person or virtually. In fact, I’ve thought about several things I think we may be learning from this time of quarantine.

Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

how much our teachers do, and I hope they have a renewed commitment as parents to support our educators. I hope we appreciate the freedom we have to come together and worship. I hope we don’t take that for granted again. I hope that, when the church doors re-open, empty seats will be few. I hope that new habits have been created--those of taking time for yourself to read, to exercise, to meditate. I hope those habits continue and are a priority when this is over. I hope we remember to support our small business owners and neighbors. I hope you think when making a purchase to choose to shop where it will impact a local family. I hope you remember it is not Amazon who supports the Little League teams. I hope we have more patience and more empathy. I hope we are able to focus on what is truly important. And…I hope all the flowers I’ve planted will survive the summer. We are in this together, and I hope we all come out of this better versions of ourselves.

I hope we have learned to appreciate our teachers. I hope the parents who have been required to handle homeschool duties realize

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Do You Know? By: Rosa Coss

Michael Holland is Executive Director at ESC (Educational Service Center) Region VI in Huntsville. Region VI serves 15 counties (Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Houston, Leon, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Trinity, Washington, and Walker). The center provides educator resources that range from adult education, educator certification, leadership and accountability, safety education and training, special education, special programs, school technology services, and so much more. Holland grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, and moved to Dallas, Texas during his 9th grade year and attended Thomas Jefferson High School. He received his bachelor’s in education from North Texas State, majoring in physical education, since he wanted to be a coach. After graduating, he accepted a position at Temple High School as the head basketball coach, where he coached for 11 years. He decided to serve as assistant principal at the high school, and enjoyed the administration aspect, so he gave up coaching. During that time, he went back to school and got his Mid-Management and Superintendent Certification at Tarleton State University. It was sometime around 1995-96, he accepted his first position as superintendent in Thorndale, Texas.

Michael Holland Would you say that education is important in your family? and community. I stayed there for three years before accepting a position in China Spring, just outside of Waco. I served as superYes, we’ve been very blessed. I have always had a passion for ed- intendent there for three years, and from there I went to Magnolia, ucation. Both my mother and grandmother were educators. My where I was superintendent for 10 years. In 2011, I took a superwife Lori is a retired teacher. She retired three years ago to take intendent job at Forney ISD, and stayed there three years. When care of our grandson. Both of our daughters work in education; I got there, they were going through a financial crisis and were at Paige, our youngest daughter is 27. She served as a missionary in risk of losing funding for the following year. Fortunately, we had Africa and is currently a 6th and 7th grade math teacher at a pri- very good CFOs, and we were able to turn their financial situation vate school. Caitlyn was serving as associate principal at Magnolia, around. Forney has a great group of people that truly have a love but is now the director of secondary English Language Arts (ELA) for service, and for their kids. at Tomball ISD. Her husband Derrick is head basketball coach at Magnolia High School. How did you arrive at your current position as Executive Director with Region VI? Education is the one thing everyone in the state of Texas has an opportunity to obtain. I love working with kids, and it’s so important I always loved the Region 6 area, and when Mr. Poe, the former to me that we give all of them the opportunity to get an education. executive director, decided to retire, it occurred to me this would be a job I would love. I had promised the board at Forney ISD that How was it transitioning from coaching to administration? I would stay there until we either got them into the black, or until the state shut them down. Fortunately, we were able to turn things I didn’t know very much about superintendency, but I was blessed around, and today, they are thriving. From there, I transitioned and had a great staff, and a great school board. They took me under into this job. I am in my sixth year at Region VI. I liked the idea of their wing and guided me. I’ve always had a love for children, staff finishing up my career helping less-experienced superintendents 10 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | May 2020

Paige, Lori, Michael, Caitlyn, Derrick & grandson

gain knowledge and experience. At Region VI, we are about providing service and guidance to our districts, especially in times like these, when we are dealing with situations beyond our control, as is the case with the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to be the helping hand through these difficult times, and whichever situation that our districts are dealing with on a daily basis. What do you love most about your job? Just being around people that have such a love for serving our schools. When I speak about serving schools, I’m talking about serving children, our future--serving the employees, the staff members that work in our schools, and helping superintendents in our districts. It’s such an honor to be able to do this. I’ve been in this profession for almost 40 years. I feel blessed to be a part of Region VI and to be working with such a great team. What would you say makes a great leader? A great leader brings wisdom, a calmness to people, and in this field, has the foresight to predict how different decisions can affect the districts, or the students. Everyone has different leadership styles, but I think a good leader is very collaborative. They want to hear other people’s ideas. They know that no one is as smart as all of us. I don’t consider myself a great leader, or even a good one. I do the best I can. If others saw me as a leader, I would hope they know that I genuinely care about them. I don’t think anyone cares about

what you know, unless they know you care first. How is Region VI handling “social distancing” during this COVID-19 pandemic? Our facility is closed, but we are continuing to work remotely from home. Our leadership team starts the day at 7:30, via Zoom conferencing. We discuss everything we are doing right now to help our districts, what more we need to do, and how we can continue to support them, as time goes on. While some districts are reviewing curriculum and instruction, other districts may be covering new material. We also meet with our superintendents and discuss concerns such as the future financial impact the districts will be facing, how we will handle employee issues, policies, grading surveys to school improvement, and instruction. I am very proud of our superintendents who are meeting the needs of their community, of their staff and students, by providing not only instruction, but in many cases, meals for their students. Some are providing instruction using high-tech, such as Chromebook. Others are simply handing out packets, trying to keep students on task. Parents are doing a phenomenal job, despite the fact the some are experiencing the loss of jobs, having to take care of their children, and everything else they might have going on. These are very different times than any of us have ever faced, and I pray we never have to face again. I was watching the news yesterday, and they said that major crime is way down, but the sad thing is that

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 11

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domestic violence is up. I hate that, because families are spending more time together, but they’re not getting along. I hope everyone uses this time wisely, to reflect on who they are, and what kind of person they want to be. What message do you want to share with the community about Region VI?

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I want people to know, that although our building is closed to protect our staff, we are still working, taking care of business. We are answering calls. It is easier for some groups at our service center to do this than it is for others, but as a whole, we want to relay that education has not stopped. It has just changed, and we all have to change along with it. School buildings may be closed, but education is still happening across the state of Texas and throughout this nation. We are doing everything we can to keep our children on the same academic level and continue to move forward as the semester progresses. I want our districts to know that we at Region VI are behind them. It makes me so proud to be a part of this region, and a part of education across the state of Texas.

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I would like them, as well as parents, to know that they are rock stars! I don’t want to compare educators to first responders such as doctors, nurses and care workers, but in the academic world, educators are right there with them. Everyone who works at our districts, from teachers, food service, bus drivers, superintendents, etc., they truly are first responders when it comes to education and taking care of our schoolchildren. They have put themselves out there, sacrificing their own health and safety, as well as that of their own families, to take care of everyone else’s children and families. They’re not just hunkered down, waiting for all this to pass, they are working in the front lines taking care of our kids, our communities, and making sure children are getting fed. They are passing out Chromebooks, grading, and making sure their families’ needs are being met. In the midst of this situation, they are doing whatever needs to be done to ensure that our kids don’t slip backwards, and everything continues marching forward. I hope this experience helps people realize how awesome educators truly are and to have more appreciation for them. What direction do you see the service center going for the remainder of the year? How does the future look for Region VI? Our service centers have been around for over 50 years. I think we

will see a change in the way we operate. We will potentially see more online professional development. Everyone is going to be a little leery for a while, but I believe we need to have strong faith that God knows where this is going, and just leave it in His hands. It’s hard to predict what our services will look like, and how we will continue to provide services to our districts. I think they count on us to be there for their successes as well as see them through their failures. I take it very personally if we have a district that is not doing well academically, or if they lose a staff member or a student. I get emotionally involved, probably more than I should sometimes, especially when it comes to areas where I have some responsibility, but I can’t help myself…that’s just who I am. Region VI will always play a role in public education. As time goes on, I believe we will also take part in private education. Although that’s not one of our charges, ultimately, it’s about kids. It’s about helping schools help kids meet their maximum potential, and teaching children and preparing them for the future, because one day, they will be the

ones taking care of us. For these reasons, we must continue. In my opinion, there is nothing more important than public education, and education as a whole. We’ve got to continue moving forward. Who knows if the next young lady or young man that walks across the stage at graduation will be the person that finds the cure for the next pandemic. I feel confident we will continue to see service centers thrive. How that will look 5, or 10 years from now is unclear, but we will continue to adjust and be flexible, to provide what our districts need. Education today does not look like it did even six years ago. We are forever changing. This will definitely have an impact on how instruction will look going forward. I believe we are still going to have schools, Friday night football, basketball games, but our instruction may look a little different. I don’t think anyone is ever prepared to be at home for 4 to 6 weeks or more. When we have a hurricane, we know it’s coming, and after a few weeks, we see the end in sight. This is totally different. We don’t know when this will end. So, we’ll just have to continue to adjust and be there to help provide for the needs of our districts. Outside of your professional career, is there anything you have achieved in your personal life that surprised even you? During Christmas holiday, my daughter Paige and I flew to Tanzania, in East Africa, and together, we climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits and highest freestanding mountains in the world. (https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/kilimanjaro/) It was a 7 day climb, and we summited at 5:15 on Christmas morning. I don’t think I ever thought I would do something like that. I am 63 years old, but I’d like to think I’m in good shape. I’ve run a few marathons, and still run pretty much daily to try to stay in good shape. I think that’s important. “Don’t let the old man in,” like the song says. This was a tremendous and spiritual experience. I truly felt God’s presence during our climb. It was also a really unique opportunity to spend quality time with my daughter and to show our love and appreciation to the porters and guides that helped us during the climb.

Holland presenting Dr. Walter Jackson the Superindendent of the Year award for Region VI

What was your takeaway from this experience?

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 13

It made me realize how blessed we are in America. Arriving at the gates of Kilimanjaro, you see 200-300 people (porters) sitting outside begging to be part of your group. They know that in a 7-day trip, they can make at least $35. Everyone is shouting, “Pick me, pick me!” The porters help climbers carry their equipment: tents, food, etc., for only $5 to $10 a day. Once I learned how much they made per day, I knew how fortunate we are here in America. Many of them have no way out, and no way to get an education. Whenever we got back down from the summit, we all said a prayer and thanked the porters and guides for helping us reach the top. They carry 30-50 pounds of equipment on their shoulders and on their heads, compared to our 15. So, if they’re not physically and mentally prepared for that, they can easily fall. It’s just a blessing to know the possibilities we all have in America, as opposed to some of our third world countries that live every day, just trying to survive until the next day. This pandemic has given us all time to reflect on our lives and what purpose we serve on earth. What have you been able to reflect on? God has blessed me well beyond what I deserve, with family, friends, and a great job. I hope I’ve been a great husband and father, that I’ve been a person who has a strong Christian belief, and that my lifestyle has been a good representation of my belief. I hope I’ve been a good example or role model to others, and that people think of me as someone who always cares about others, and that I’ve put others before myself. This experience has given us all time to reflect on life in general, and what our purpose here really is. I think our purpose is to serve one another. Paige & Michael on Kilimanjaro

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Many gardeners are on the quest for edible landscapes and easy, foolproof fruit trees. The pomegranate produces easily, has no insects or diseases, is drought tolerant, and produces fruit full of antioxidants and essential vitamins. In addition, the pomegranate has beautiful blooms, table ready fruit, and is known to be deer proof. Pomegranate trees require full sun for production, but will survive in a ½ day sun. They prefer well-drained soil, but will grow in coastal salty soils as well as clay…..making them the perfect Texas tree.

On the medicinal front, the pomegranate is an amazing fruit source, The pomegranate is rich in history and Christian symbology. The providing potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found pomegranate first appeared in Persia 4,000 years ago and was often pomegranate juice can help rid inflammation in the digestive tract as used as a source of water and nutrition by caravans crossing the Sahara. well as decrease breast and colon cancer cells. It’s very name, Punica Granatum, means “seeded apple” in Latin, leading many scholars to believe the pomegranate is the “apple” in the garden • Wonderful – is the most common variety and characterized by large red fruit, the size of a grapefruit. Tree will reach 8-12’ with of Eden. Many Christian scholars refer to the pomegranate as the a width of 6’ to 8’ and grows like a shrub in appearance, but can symbol of the resurrection and hope of eternal life due to its abundance be pruned to a single trunk. of seeds. Other Christian theologies refer to the pomegranate as the • Red Silk – Characterized by large red fruit and blood red seeds, church, where the seeds represent the many believers who make up very sweet juice with a chill hour of 150-200 hours. the church. • Sharp Velvet – Produces large fruit with unique, refreshing flavor and dark red Say it with flowers on seeds. Produces heavy juice and is a heavy Mother’s Day... bearer. • Texas Pink – is a medium sized fruit with Mom, I love you! pink seeds and 200 chilling hours. • Slavatskia – a Russian variety that will withstand to 8 degrees and orange/red fruit resembling the Wonderful. Pomegranates will produce their best if given a southern exposure protected from the north winds. Once established, these trees are very drought hardy and will make the perfect addition to every Texas landscape.

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. May is such an awesome month. Any month that hosts Mother’s Day and the National Day of Prayer has to be good. Since I’ve been spending a lot of time at home lately, I’ve been cleaning out everything--and I mean everything. To make sure I hadn’t missed anything, I even took a decongestant and a laxative. I really don’t know why I bother with spring cleaning. I’ll just have to do it again next year. Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com/ share for some downhome advice from someone who’s probably been there, done that, and found out what you shouldn’t do.

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On March 13, 1848, the legislature passed the act that began the Texas penitentiary. Abner H. Cook supervised the construction in Huntsville and was the first superintendent of the prison. The facility held only three prisoners in 1849, but by 1855 it housed seventy-five convicts. By 1856 the state had built a cotton and wool mill at Huntsville in order to make the penitentiary self-sustaining. The number of convicts increased from 146 to 264 between the end of the Civil War and the fall of 1866. General manager Marshall Lee Simmons, who served from April 1930 to November 1935, proved especially adept at public relations and helped promote a favorable image for the prison system by inaugurating the Texas Prison Rodeo, which was performed from 1931 to 1986 at the Huntsville Penitentiary. The prison population increased to almost 7,000 prisoners by 1939. In 1957 the legislature renamed the state prison agency the Texas Department of Corrections. The Texas Prison Board became the Texas Board of Corrections, and the general manager became the director. During the 1960s TDC designated the Huntsville Penitentiary and prison farms as “units” and opened several new facilities. The number of prisoners reached 22,439 by the beginning of 1978. The inmate population grew to 39,664 at the end of August 1988. Effective September 1, 1989, the Texas legislature once again changed the administrative structure of the Texas prison system. The legislature abolished the Texas Corrections Board, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Adult Probation Commission and merged them into a Texas Department of Criminal Justice, supervised by a nine-member Texas Board of Criminal Justice. The new law renamed TDC the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Institutional Division. Today, the state prison system houses over 140,000.

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

Let’s Address and Outguess the Stress of the COVID Mess Scientific studies also show effectiveness from stress buster mindfulness. Find a quiet spot, sit upright, place hands on lap, close eyes, and concentrate on your body sensations. Feel your chest lifting as breath enters your nose then lungs and feel an unhurried exhale. Feel your feet and proceed up the body concentrating on different areas. Try this for several minutes until your mind is at peace. If your gym is closed, exercise regularly by walking, Foremost, we need accurate reasoning for perspective. jogging, or bicycling in your neighborhood. Keep your Recall your roughest times, how you persisted and arose core strong (which keeps posture decent) by plank stronger afterward. As notable minister Robert Schuller exercises. See the web and start carefully. Do chores said, “Tough times never last, but tough people such as yardwork or gardening. Read books or do puzzles. do.” AMEN Mood is better when active. KEEP OCCUPIED! Carefully follow guidelines for avoiding COVID. Then Restrain the COVID news you read or watch; much does take heart that, having done all you can, your chances not apply to those remaining healthy by appropriate of becoming sick are insignificant, and worrying will protective measures. CDC and medical schools are good not help. It might even lower your immunity (which you do not want). info sites, but much other is often distorted. Laughter emits feel good hormones (termed endorphins) which Studies conclude religious participation has protective effects in times counteract harmful stress hormones. GO AWAY! Scientific studies of stress caused by negative life events. STRESS BEGONE! revealed depression and stress were reduced after laughter classes. BENEFICIAL! When we experience major second-rate lifestyle changes, the body’s reaction is STRESS. Stress can be motivating to act, as in work situations, but when significant stress lingers, it results in depression and can damage health. The stressed body becomes awash in harmful hormones. Social distancing has altered the lives of many Americans more than ever before (not to mention the virus and unceasing negative news barrages).

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“The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall all alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.” --Bart Giamatti, former Baseball Commissioner

Diam nds in Our Eyes By Mike Yawn

This year, baseball stopped early, another casualty of the COVID-19 virus. On March 12, with all the hopefulness of a Cubs’ fan in Spring Training, Major League Baseball delayed the opening of the season for at least “two weeks.” More than a month later, the season is still on hold, leaving baseball fans without their national pastime (at a time when there is much time to be passed). To help fans get through this dark time, Postcards reached out to members of the community to share their favorite baseball memories. It is, we hope, a reminder that, while “Love is the most important thing in the world,” as Yogi Berra once said, “baseball is pretty good, too.”

20 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | May 2020

Dr. Lee Courtney taught English at SHSU for more than four decades, but has loved baseball all his life. I have lived and died with the Houston Astros ever since they were the Colt .45s and Bobby Shantz threw the first pitch to Lou Brock in April of 1962. I listened to that game on what we called a “Japanese transistor radio.” And yet, my two favorite baseball memories feature the Cardinals. In September of 1963, the Cardinals, who had not won a pennant in 17 years, made a late run at the Dodgers. They won 19 of 20 to close to within a game or two—and the Dodgers were coming to Sportsman’s Park. For me, this was another radio experience. At night in the fall, KMOX from St. Louis came in like it was next door--and Harry Caray was in his glory. (This was long before he became a self-parody with the Cubs.) In the first game of the series, the Dodgers (Podres was pitching, I believe) led 1-0 going into the bottom of the sixth. Stan Musial was in the deep twilight of his career. I think he hit about .250 that year. But in the sixth, “The Man” put one on the right-field roof. The combined reactions of the crowd and Caray will stay with me always. Bob Rule, then the sports editor of the late and lamented Houston Press, wrote in his column the next day that you could have turned the radio off and still heard Harry screaming. The Dodgers won that game and swept the series.

Dr. Lee Courtney

the scoreboard had visual and sound effects I had never seen before. It was, The other best memory, I was there. In one of the first two summers of if I recall correctly, the first animated scoreboard. the National League in Houston, I saw Bob Gibson pitch against the Colts. Colt Stadium was uncovered, and the temperature was near 100. Although Tom Waddill worked for “The Huntsville Item” for 20 years and is the crowd was a good one, by the fifth inning more people were under the now a realtor in the Walker County and Montgomery County region. stands than in them. In that heat (and in Houston’s characteristic humidity), His favorite team, unfathomably, is the Boston Rod Sox—although, Gibson was magnificent. He pitched a complete game, allowing one run. He remains the most elegant athlete I have ever seen; but on that occasion, he was also the most stalwart and imperturbable. I often wonder what his reaction would be to the 21st century managers who think a pitcher’s arm falls off after 90 pitches. Richard Yawn grew up in the Houston area and, like Dr. Courtney, spent his life in education. But he was a Yankees’ fan, at least until Houston got its first major league baseball team in 1962. Because of Mickey Mantle, the Yankees were my favorite team growing up, and I hated the Boston Red Sox. Once the Colt .45s came to Houston, they became my favorite team. I still root for the Yankees, just not when they play the Astros. My favorite memory was from 1956, when Don Larsen pitched a perfect game for the Richard Yawn Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the World Series. It remains the only perfect game in World Series history—indeed in post-season history—and Larsen struck out seven that day and, of course, walked no one and allowed no hits.

Tom Waddill & Family in public, he quickly adds that the Astros are his second favorite team and the Rangers his third favorite team. (Author’s note: I have not been around him in Dallas to see if he reverses his second and third favorite teams….) It is odd, springtime without Opening Day. I capitalize Opening Day, because I’m one of those baseball nuts who believes it ought to be a national holiday. Well, this year some of us didn’t go to work on Opening Day. Ballplayers didn’t hit the field for work, either. Strange days.

Two memories stand out as favorites. Many years back, the Red Sox opened the season with a road game against the Rangers in Arlington. Fans Another great baseball memory I have was attending a game at the gobbled up tickets like 25-cent hot dogs and free nachos. I called the Astrodome for the first time, in April of 1965. It was quite an experience: ticket office, and, fortunately, I was blessed with the friendliest and

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 21

most helpful ticket lady ever. I told her I wanted to take my mom and wife sure enough, Price performed to our first Opening Day game. We got wonderful seats behind home plate. like a champ, outdueling Justin Verlander that evening. The Longhorn Band, or a mini version of it anyway, handled the pregame The Red Sox won 108 games entertainment; and jets soared through the bright, blue sky at the conclusion that year and went on to win of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Our beloved Red Sox won the game, I think, the World Series, 4-1 over the and we all had a huge time at our favorite place to hang out. Dodgers. It was a wonderful season—and it was even more Another favorite memory also involves family. We had a mini-family wonderful I had a chance to see reunion at a playoff game in Houston. The Sox and Astros — probably the them in person and surrounded best two teams in baseball in 2018 — battled for the American League by family. I hope all those things pennant. Boston led the series the night we all met at Minute Maid Park. happen again soon. Sister Sue, brother-in-law Eddie and brother Dan drove many miles to see the game with me, my wife, Stephie, and our son, Johnnie. Coach Jay Sirianni is the head coach for the Sam Johnnie was the only one who believed the Bosox would get the job Houston State University done and close out the series that night. He had faith in David Price, and Bearkats baseball team. He

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Crawfish season is here!

This is the first spring without baseball in my life. My dad was a college coach for a long time, and being without it now makes for a very different spring. The first memory that stands out was the 1985 World Series, when the Cardinals played the Royals—the so-called “I-70 series” or “Show-Me Series,” since both teams were from Missouri, the “Show-Me State.” I was a Cardinals fan, and it was Game 7. Unfortunately, the Cards lost, but it remains a highlight because I had a chance to see my favorite team in-person at the World Series, and I got to see them with my dad. My second favorite memory is when SHSU won the Regional Tournament in Lubbock in 2017. We beat the Red Raiders in back-to-back games to advance to the Super Regional, and just remembering that scene—seeing our kids celebrate—gives me chills.

Dr. Mitzi Mahoney

Dr. Mitzi Mahoney has taught political science at SHSU since 1988. She was drawn here, at least in part, by the city’s proximity to a major league baseball franchise. I became a baseball fan in utero, as my father played on a Milwaukee Braves’ farm team in Midland in the late 1950s. I watched major league games in cities near where I lived. In graduate school, that was the Cincinnati Reds; when I lived in Atlanta, it was the Braves; and then when I moved back to Texas in 1988, it was the Astros. What deepened my love of the game was my nephews’ interest in baseball cards in the early 1990s. I wanted to know more about their passion so I could converse with them about it; I wanted to have something in common with them; and, of course, I hoped, perhaps, they would have reason to think me a “cool aunt.” My love of baseball has grown since then, and my goal is to visit every major league ballpark. This actually combines two passions: traveling and baseball. My favorite is Miller Park in Milwaukee, where they host a sausage race in the 6th inning. (Author’s Note: The Johnsonville Sausage Race features (1) the Bratwurst, (2) the Polish, (3) the Italian, (4) the Hot Dog, and (5) the Chorizo.) I have three favorite baseball memories, and they cover different aspects of the sport. I spend summers in the northeast, and I have the opportunity to watch the Cape Cod League, a college summer baseball league. I love these types of games, where the players have much at stake and are eager, and my highlight was seeing an SHSU ballplayer compete there. I also traveled to Cooperstown, NY, where I saw Jeff Bagwell inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame, and that is another of my favorite baseball memories.

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But perhaps my all-time favorite memory, this time from a Major League game, was seeing my favorite all-time ballplayer, Brad Ausmus, hit a home run to tie the fourth game of the National League Division Series in 2005. It was very consequential and highly improbable.

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 23

(Author’s note: Ausmus hit 3 home runs in 134 games during the 2005 regular season. He was Mahoney’s favorite player owing, she claims, to his reputation for working with pitchers. She sometimes mentions that he was a political science major at an Ivy League school. Sometimes she gushes when she speaks about him.) Dr. Mahoney is not the only baseball fan with the goal of visiting all of the sports major-league parks. This is almost never heard of in other sports, where the “fields” of play are uniform and, often, rather sterile. A football venue is referred to as a “stadium,” a word derived from the Greek “stadion,” which simply means a unit of length (approximately 600 feet). Basketball games are played in “arenas,” which originally meant “place of combat” or sometimes “sandy place of combat”—the sand helpfully soaked up blood. Hockey games are played in a “rink,” which derives from “rinc,” which means circle. And who would want to visit a unit of measurement, place of bloody combat, or a circle?

“People ask me what I do in the winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do: I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

--Rogers Hornsby, Baseball Hall of Famer

But baseball is played in a “park,” deriving from the Latin “paridisus,” which means: “a park, an orchard; the Garden of Eden; the abode of the blessed,” and there you have it. The allusion to Eden is not misplaced. We know from the Bible, for example, that God was a baseball fan. Indeed, the first words of the Bible are: “In the big inning, God created heaven and earth.” A big inning, indeed.

Mike Yawn (@mike_yawn) teaches at SHSU

And so at Postcards, we wish all of you a quick and safe resolution from the COVID-19 pandemic, and for all the baseball fans, we hope that you can soon embrace the “sunshine and high skies” and join your family and friends in a ballpark, the “abode of the blessed.”

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Recipes

Keto Chicken-Broccoli Casserole Ingredients 2 Tbs butter

Marinated Grilled Shrimp

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

Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup olive oil

2 Tbs dry ranch dressing mix

1/4 cup tomato sauce

2 cups chopped cooked broccoli

2 Tbs red wine vinegar

1 3/4 cups diced cooked chicken

2 Tbs chopped fresh basil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 lbs fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined skewers

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Directions

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in cream cheese, Gouda cheese, mayonnaise, chicken broth, and ranch dressing mix. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until completely incorporated, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in broccoli, chicken, salt, and pepper until combined. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese.

1. In a large bowl, stir together the garlic, olive oil, tomato sauce, and red wine vinegar. Season with basil, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add shrimp to the bowl and stir until evenly coated. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring once or twice.

3. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and broccoli-chicken mixture is heated through, about 25 minutes. Switch the oven to broil, and cook until cheese starts to brown, 2 to 4 minutes.

2. Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head. Discard marinade. 3. Lightly oil grill grate. Cook shrimp on preheated grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until opaque.

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Better-Than-OG Alfredo Sauce Ingredients 3 Tbs sweet butter 2 Tbs olive oil 2 cups heavy whipping cream 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp ground white pepper 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 pkg pasta of choice

Melinda’s Porcupine Meatballs

Directions 1. Melt butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add cream, garlic, and white pepper; bring to just under a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until mixture is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. 2. Stir Parmesan cheese into cream mixture and simmer until sauce is thickened and smooth, 8 to 10 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese to sauce; cook and stir until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. 3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain and transfer pasta to serving plates. Spoon sauce over pasta.

Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 1/2 cup uncooked white rice 1/2 cup water 1/3 cup chopped onion 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp celery salt 1/8 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp ground black pepper 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 1 cup water, or more as needed 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce Directions 1. Mix the ground beef, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt, celery salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Roll the mixture into 12 meatballs. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until evenly browned. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour the tomato sauce, 1 cup water, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Stir in more water if the sauce becomes too dry.

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Recipes

Corn Dip Ingredients 2 cans Mexi-corn, drained 7 oz can chopped green chiles 7 oz can chopped jalapeños 8 oz sour cream 8 oz mayonnaise 12 oz grated cheddar cheese

Directions 1. Combine and refrigerate. Best served with corn chips.

Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad Ingredients 1/2 cup pecan halves (or more, to taste) 3/4 cup orange juice, divided 2 tsp cornstarch 1 1/2 Tbs honey 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 lime, juiced

Mercer Plumbing

7 fresh tarragon leaves, thinly sliced crosswise, or more to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste

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1 (8 oz) pkg herb salad mix 2 Fuyu persimmons, peeled and each cut into 8 pieces 1 large pomegranate, peeled and seeds separated

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Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

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2. Spread pecans onto a baking sheet. 3. Bake pecans in the preheated oven until toasted and fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool. 4. Whisk 1/2 cup orange juice and cornstarch together in a small saucepan; cook and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in honey until dissolved. Stir remaining 1/4 cup orange juice, olive oil, lime juice, tarragon leaves, salt, and pepper into orange juice mixture. Chill dressing in refrigerator, at least 30 minutes. 5. Spread herb salad mix into a serving bowl or on individual plates; top with persimmon slices, pomegranate seeds, and pecans. Drizzle cooled dressing over salad.

Baker’s Tip:

If you have a recipe that calls for buttermilk, you can make your own–use 1 1/2 Tbs of vinegar or lemon juice and add regular milk to make one cup.

Coconut Bread Pudding Ingredients 2 Tbs butter 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup white sugar

Directions

4 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter, and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

1 egg yolk 2 (14 oz) cans coconut milk 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt 2 Tbs coconut extract 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut, divided 1/2 cup fresh coconut 1 (1 lb) loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, egg yolk, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and coconut extract. Mix until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of flaked coconut, and 1/2 cup fresh coconut. Fold in bread cubes until evenly coated. Pour into prepared baking dish. Set aside for 30 minutes. 3. Bake on a cookie sheet in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup flaked coconut. Continue baking for 25 to 30 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly tapped.

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Schools Remain Closed but School is

My 8-year-old son Kam has been studying about salmon. Kam: “What is your favorite type of salmon?” Me: Smoked. Kam: “Mine is Chinook--they’re the king of the salmon.” Me: ….I didn’t understand the question. Submitted by Kevin Brayson

NOT OVER! • Schools Remain Closed On Friday, April 17, Governor Greg Abbott ordered all Texas schools to remain CLOSED for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year; however, school is not over!

• Hornet Remote Learning Continues I went to the Psychiatrist today. She told me I had a split personality and charged me $160.I gave her $80 and told her to get the rest from the other idiot!

At my age, rolling out of bed in the morning is the easy part.Getting off the floor is a whole other story.

HISD's Remote Learning for Hornets will continue through May 22. Please connect with your child's teacher/campus for all Instruction and Technology support.

• Free Meal Distribution Continues HISD's No-Cost Meal Program for Huntsville area children ages 0-18 will continue distribution weekdays via the Green Hornet Food Bus, curbside at campuses and multi-meal pack bus delivery on Tuesdays. HISD regular Summer Feeding Program will begin after the Memorial Day holiday.

• Graduation Rescheduled The SHSU Johnson Coliseum has been secured for Huntsville High School Graduation on Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 AM. All Senior Class activities & information will be shared with families and the community once confirmed.

• Website address for all updates, etc. I often wonder who Pete is and why we do things for his sake….

LDSKCNAD

Huntsville ISD misses all of our Hornets and we look forward to the time when we can safely be together again. Look for regular updates as we continue to navigate this unprecedented event together and continue Building Champions in Huntsville ISD.

Frequently monitor school emails and the HISD website for all COVID-19 Closure Information & Updates @ www.huntsville-isd.org/coronavirus

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 33

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by Dr. John K. Rosemond

The Biggest Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Stop Making Them!) Part 3

This concludes my three-part series on the Ten Biggest Mistakes Parents Make. The mistakes covered to date include: Explaining oneself to one’s children. This is why so many children are called “argumentative” when they are actually taking advantage of opportunities provided by their parents. Placing relationship in front of providing leadership (authority). You want your child to like you? Don’t you have enough adult friends? Giving children lots of choices. The more choices I must contend with, the more stressed I am. Do you think that might apply to children as well as adults? Believing people with capital letters after their names know what they are talking about when it comes to children. Said lettermongers have been giving bad advice since the American parent began listening. No end is in sight. Getting down to the child’s level when addressing a child, also known as the “sycophant squat.” Children do not obey people who look like lackeys. Ending instructions with the question, “Okay?” Children do not obey people who sound like lackeys. Using consequences that are meaningless, otherwise known as time-out and other forms of flailing at charging elephants with flyswatters. Picking up right there, Number Eight (these are in no particular order, mind you) is putting your marriage on a shelf in a seldomvisited closet and “parenting” (acting like your wedding vow was: “I take you to be my husband/wife until children do us part.” Husband and wife do a much better job of raising kids than do dad and mom. In a family, children should come no less than third – as in, marriage, parents, children. The ninth biggest mistake is using recreational time (e.g. vacations) to do what children want to do. Visiting a foreign country may cost less for a family of four than going to Dizzy World and bulldozing through crowds of people. Cost includes the stress of such insane activities to otherwise sane adults. There are plenty of peaceful places in the North American hemisphere that are both enjoyable and educational. Name one ride at Dizzy World that is as stunning as the Grand Canyon (where children can learn basic geology) or Mount Rushmore (where children can learn American history). For lasting learning, try Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Ask yourself: Who earned the upcoming vacation? YOU did! Need I say more? And the tenth biggest mistake is causing children to develop Vitamin N deficiency. This nutrient – the most powerful two-letter word in the English language – is essential to the development of emotional resilience, which is widely recognized as key to good mental health. A lack of Vitamin N accounts for the proliferation of “safe spaces” on college campuses where run spoiled rotten youth who become “triggered” when confronted with a world that does not recognize their specialness. Vitamin N builds strong character, which builds strong communities. And NO, if you haven’t figured out what I mean by Vitamin N, there’s NO way I’m going to tell you. Get it? How does one stop making the Ten Biggest Parenting Mistakes? One simply stops making them.

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 37

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40 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | May 2020

Many people in the country music industry have credited Mike Ryan as being one of the best songwriters to come out of Texas in the last decade. The 31-year-old singer, originally from San Antonio, is a thoughtful lyricist and incredible guitarist with a smooth, soulful sound. He’s had five No. 1 songs on the Texas Country Music charts so far and more than 105 million streams to date. His latest single, “Dear Country Music,” is a love song to a genre he grew up listening to, painted with memories of his youth. And, like many of his other hits, he wrote it in such a way that many of us feel he was writing about our memories, too. Postcards Magazine sat down with Ryan at one of his last shows before COVID-19 brought live performances to a screeching halt. And, we later checked in with him to see how he and his family were adjusting to social distancing.

The songwriting was fun and, at first, it was kind of therapeutic, because that girlfriend didn’t work out. I realized I could turn sad memories into something better and make other people feel something. I didn’t I was whistling before I could talk, if you ask my dad. He said he realize it at the time, but I was setting myself up for what I would end always knew if I was in a bad mood or if I was sick, because I wasn’t up doing. whistling. When I was whistling, everything was good. Being a father myself now – if my kids were whistling all the time, I’d probably get tired of that. My 2-year-old is a fan of the drums, so he just beats on What happened after you graduated from college? everything all day long. I gave myself a 5-year music plan. That’s how long I had to figure out if And, my grandfather was a band director, so from as early as I can I could make it playing music. And, at 3-and-a-half years, I got a pubremember, there was always an instrument involved. I had piano lishing deal with Sea Gayle Music in Nashville – that was 2013. That lessons starting in elementary school; I played saxophone in middle is where the growing and hoping turned into a business and thinking school; I was in choir; I started playing guitar my senior year of high this could work out. school; and when I got to college, I started writing songs. Music got its hooks in early.

How did you discover your love for music?

Since then, you have written and recorded some cool

When did you start honing your crafts as a singer and songwriter? I was singing a lot during my senior year of high school, and I had an incredible range – I don’t have it anymore. I can still hit some high notes, but I can’t get as low. That’s when American Idol was getting big, and I would hear people sing, and the judges would be so impressed. I would think, “I can do that.” Maybe it was just supreme confidence (laughs); I was a very confident high schooler, for sure. When I first started playing guitar, it was because I had nothing better to do. It was the second semester of my senior year, so football season was over, and my girlfriend at the time had already gone off to college. I had all this time on my hands, so I put a guitar in them and would play for 4 or 5 hours a day. I progressed quickly. I then started writing songs – those progressed slower (laughs).

songs, and you’ve co-written with some big names out of Nashville… even Brad Paisley. How did that relationship get started? There’s that saying – “there’s a first time for everything.” I was in a writing session, and we started talking about how sometimes there’s a last time for everything, and not always because of death. You grow up and change, and things don’t happen like you think they would. We sketched out a chorus and a couple of verses before I had to head back to Texas. We were going to finish it the next time I got back to Nashville, but two of the writers, Chris DuBois and Brent Anderson, had a session with Brad Paisley the next day, and they played him what we had written. Brad loved it and finished it and recorded it in his home studio the next day. A week later, Chris called me and said, “Hey man, I just wanted to let you know that song – ‘Last Time for Everything’ – we played it for Brad, and he’s thinking about making it a single.”

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 41

and I ain’t George Strait, but I’m close enough for the girls I date.” That’s the coolest!

I’m pretty sure Chris (DuBois) came up with that line. We went into a writing session, and I was just tuning my guitar. It must have had an old set of strings. I was having trouble locking it in, and it was taking longer than normal to tune. Then I was just like, “…close enough for the girls I date.” Chris said, “Well, that’s what we’re writing today.” It’s just about a guy who appreciates the simple things.

What artists inspire you? I’m still inspired by The Eagles, ZZ Top, John Mayer and a lot of 90s country artists, but I like all kinds of music – Stevie Wonder and Elton John are big favorites. But now that we’re out playing shows with our friends, my peers are my inspiration. Guys like Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Wade Bowen. You see them hustling, and they subtly remind you – you better be doing this too, dude. It keeps you on your toes. And it’s cool to call some of these guys my friends, because I grew up I thought – this is the best phone call I’ve gotten in my life. And, I had listening to them – like Stoney LaRue, Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers. a co-write with Brad. I’ve done shows will all of them, and they still keep it fresh. People He’s an incredible artist and guitar player. I’ve been a massive fan for say Texas Country and Red Dirt is a family, and the longer I’m in it, I a long time, and to get to meet him and later end up recording part of know it’s true. my record at his house – and to get to write with him and have a song cut by him – it’s pretty cool.

Let’s talk about life on the road. What’s in your tour bus

Talk about the writing behind one of my favorite songs of

fridge right now?

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majority is meal preps. About half the band and me have been regular When you’re not on tour or spending time with your family, meal preppers. It’s easier to stay on task when you have something what do you like doing? to heat up, and you spend less money and eat less garbage. It’s convenient, and you can have something wholesome – sounds kind of Cooking, working out, playing golf. I like any kind of hunting, but boring (laughs). prefer hunting with a bow. To be prolific with a bow, you have to put time in and think about what your body is doing. That way, when it’s Not boring at all! Tell us time to make the shot happen, you don’t have to think about about your family and it but can release the perfect normal life in Granbury. arrow and hopefully go right into the target. Sarah and I have two kids. M.J. turned two in December, and Recent weeks have been he is getting into everything. unprecedented with the And, if he doesn’t get what he wants, he will keep asking the coronavirus pandemic. same question. He’s a handful, Your shows were canand he looks almost exactly like me. It’s weird when you pull out celed, and the nation a picture from my childhood. I see the satisfied looks on my pretty much shut down. parents’ faces, and I know it’s What has life been like because they love him and are living vicariously through me; recently? but part of it is them thinking, “Now it’s your turn.” Myles is almost 8 months. Of course, I have loved him ever since we got We’ve been enjoying a lot of family time. We’ve been spending time him, but I’m liking him more and more. His personality is coming out out at our place in Oklahoma. We’ve been taking some jeep rides, ridand he makes “Dada” sounds a lot; and he has the cutest smiles – the ing around checking on cattle, and we tilled up some soil and planted biggest toothless grins. It’s a real cool thing to see every day. a garden. My dad and I built a lofted bed with a fort underneath for M.J. We are trying to get M.J. on this potty-training deal, but he’s

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providing significant resistance. As for songwriting, I’ve been doing some with Zoom video conferencing. It’s different. The concept is new for me, but I might end up doing more because it gives us an opportunity to get in sessions with different writers.

Last question: Let’s pretend this is a job interview. Mike Ryan, where do you see yourself in 10 years? Well… (laughs)… Still playing music in some form or fashion – hopefully in arenas or stadiums. But if I’m still playing in honky-tonks, well, I’m a musician; I’m a lifer. When you do music, it’s because you love it-- and it would be hard to fall out of love with it.

Mike has a brand new single out now – Ghost Town. Listen for it on country radio or download it on iTunes. He hopes to be back on the road very soon, playing live for his fans across the U.S. Visit mikeryanband.com to find out where you can catch him live.

44 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | May 2020

WILDLIFE WONDERS

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

Did you know there are 30 different species of frogs and toads in Texas? The problem I have, however, is telling the difference between a frog and a toad. Can you tell the difference? First, let’s explore the similarities. Both frogs and toads are members of the amphibian class. Both have short bodies, two hind legs, two front arms, and a wide head. Both frogs and toads are carnivorous and eat worms, insects, slugs, spiders, and small fish. Toads may also eat dog food left outside. They catch their prey with their long, sticky tongues. Females lay their eggs close to water or actually in the water, and the males fertilize them. DIFFERENCES: • If you look at the hind legs, you’ll notice the frog has very long legs. They need longer legs because they hop more and higher than toads. Toads tend to crawl more. They can hop but they can’t hop very high or very far. • The frog spends most of its time in the water, so it has webbed back feet. Sometimes, the front feet are webbed as well. • Toads have a chubbier appearance than frogs. • The skin of the frog is much smoother. A toad’s skin will be bumpy, and the bumps resemble warts. • The coloring between frogs and toads is different. Frogs are a bright green or a yellow-olive in color. Toads are a dark green to an olive green in color. Make sure you don’t rely solely on coloring when trying to identify an animal though, because there are some brownish-green frogs. • Frogs spend the majority of their time near water and rarely venture very far away from a water source. During breeding season, frogs can be incredibly noisy. If you have security lights around your home, these lights will attract insects which will, in turn, attract frogs who want to eat them. If the noise bothers you, turn out the lights. If you have pets, don’t allow them to play with toads. When toads are threatened or bitten, they use the same defense mechanism as a skunk. The skin lets out a bitter taste and odor that burns the eyes and nostrils. It is highly toxic to pets and can cause death if left untreated. Humans, however, are not affected by a toad’s toxin. If your pet has been outside and you notice it pawing at its mouth or eyes, crying or whimpering, it may have encountered a toad. Other signs to look for: • • • • • • • • • •

Excessive drooling Seizures Yellow vomit Diarrhea Dilated pupils Irregular heartbeat Foaming at the mouth Hyperthermia Collapse Difficulty breathing

If you think your pet has had an encounter with a toad, contact your veterinarian immediately. For other helpful information, check out the blog on the TWRC Wildlife Center website. www.twrcwildlifecenter.org

May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 45

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

What We See and What We Do Not In Allergies Allergies in animals present with many different symptoms. Spring is when the majority of owners notice some clinical signs of allergies but may not even be aware of them. Pollen is at its natural high and, like humans, animals can also become affected. Spring is not the only season that produces allergens. Not all allergies are from the environment--some are caused by what the pet may consume.

of supplements include adding fish oils (i.e. Nutramaxx, Nordic naturals). Some topical treatment could be bathing with an oatmeal or a soothing type shampoo a few times a week to wash off any topical allergens. Essential 6 from Dermoscent is also a great product to apply topically to help repair damaged skin. Also, unscented wipes can be What can you (animal owners) expect to see in animals with allergies? used to wipe your pet down after going outside or eating to remove In dogs, symptoms can show up as excessive itching, hair loss, ear particles that could cause irritation. infections, skin sores and/or even thickened skin. Cats may exhibit some similarity. Sores can be present around the neck/head or hair All these recommendations are great to try at home first. In the case loss from excessive grooming. There could also be gastrointestinal where there are open sores on the pet or even a possible ear infection, signs as well. Cats may have some vomiting episodes that can show seeking veterinary help is recommended, as these situations can be up after eating. exacerbated and could get worse and painful to the animal. Most veterinary clinics offer treatment plans after the initial exam has Some helpful tips for at-home treatment if money may be of concern been performed that could help determine cost. They could also help can start with dietary changes. Eliminating table food would be step in trying to find over-the-counter medications to lower the cost. Not one. Step two is choosing an over-the-counter diet that is good for all allergy symptoms can be seen on your pet. Taking notice of what is the skin. For example: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, abnormal for your animal could be the first step in helping your pet. Royal Canin Sensitive Skin Care or Feline Hair and Skin, Iams Sensitive Digestive and Skin, ect. All these diets are nonprescription and readily available. When we talk about food change, there are some things to take into consideration to be effective. Cleaning bowls, food containers and/or and measuring scoops are a must to prevent cross-contamination of allergens in food. The reasoning in cleaning before getting a new food is that particles from the old diet can still be present, and improvements may be delayed or nonexistent. For an owner to actually see improvements can take up to 3 months, and that is step three--waiting. During what we call a “food trial” in the veterinary world, foods including treats have to be eliminated and become strictly limited for owners to see changes. Prescription veterinary diets are actually a better source to perform a true “food trial,” but you can try less aggressive over-the-counter foods first if not able visit your veterinarian. We are closed until May 3 Will reopen May 4 Supplements are always a good addition for at-home care. There are so many supplements out there, it makes it hard to know what Dates subject to change. Check website really works for your pet. It does take some time for pet owners to and Facebook for any changes do a little research into the purity and effectiveness of the many products and the company that produces the products. Some examples Call today to schedule

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By Janet Davidson

“I love to solve problems; I like puzzles; I love helping people and being around people,” the owner of the Huntsville and Conroe Curves gyms shared, explaining how this dynamic lady with a degree in computer science came to be an enthusiastic proponent of a unique way of working out specifically targeted for women. Proud Bearkat Tish Humphrey possesses an entrepreneurial spirit that has contributed to our community through numerous avenues.

Focus Business

Tish coaches Mel on proper form. 50 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | April 2020

Tish Humphrey - Owner

In 2000, Tish and a friend joined the Huntsville Curves with a gift certificate that had been purchased through a Sam Houston Football Auction. “I fell in love with the concept! Although my mom is a wonderful example of staying active and exercising, I hadn’t worked out in 20 years,” Tish noted. In 2000, Tish bought her first Curves, which was one of the fastest growing franchises. Her husband told her that she should buy the Willis location as well. “So, at this time, I had two businesses, two kids, a marriage, and a full-time job. God was so involved with these opportunities.” Last year, Curves North America, New Zealand, and Australia was bought by Krishea Holloway, who Tish believes was probably 18 years-old when she bought her first Curves. As the President, last year, she introduced the MyCurves on Demand workout. As a club owner, Tish questioned why the company was encouraging people to workout at home; however, this foresight had set in motion what women would need as Covid-19 altered the reality for many of the gym members.

“We have an at-home option that interfaces with the Curves philosophy.” When ladies moved

away from their cities or when a Curves closed in their area, this program allowed them to continue their health journey. MyCurves on Demand is an online portal where anyone can get

access as a member. It comes with a resistance band that is soft and safety tested. It is $24.99 a month for non-Curves members; Curves members get a discount. It is hard sometimes for working moms; they might be able to make it to the club a couple of days a week, but they want the consistency of what Curves is. Curves is 30-minutes; Curves is fun, fast, and safe. The coach is always there training you. The videos are made by ‘real women’--members, owners--so it is relatable”, Tish stated. Another advantage is that a person can use MyCurves on Demand when they travel; taking the band and logging in when someone is traveling keeps that person from having to work out in a hotel gym. She went on to say, “I have tried so many things in this setting that I would never have tried in a traditional gym. A lot of women feel like me; I can be silly here; I can be myself. When I purchased Curves, I was 30 pounds heavier. Curves changed my life! I learned that dieting is not a way of life.” Curves produced a book in 2002 called Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting. The paradigm of most gyms is intimidating to most women. Many people aren’t sure how to do the exercises, and they are too embarrassed to ask someone for help. Curves has all the traditional offerings of cardio, boxing, balance, etc. that can meet the needs of a young lady who is fifteen or a wise woman who is ninety. “A twenty-year-old can work out with her forty-five-year-old mom, who is working out with her seventy-year-old mom in the midst of this pandemic,” Tish added.

Curves coaches (starting with closest and clockwise): Fran Balko, Melanie Michaelchuk, Kaylie Perez, Tish Humphrey, Deborah O’Barr, and Cindy Hardy. Not pictured: Jami Slott, Jill Nowell and Mary Kay Skinner April 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 51

Melinda C. before

“On Facebook, we have free workouts that are available to everyone in the community” Tish has been able to marry her computer programmer mind with her heart to help and love on people. “In Curves, the coaches and I get to interact with people; we get to listen to them. We get to get into their hearts and find out what it is that makes them want to lose weight, They encourage to be healthier.” Some of the members want to be able to play with everyone to keep grandkids or not be a burden to their families. Tish’s amazing coaches working out so are Cindy Hardy, Kaylie Perez, Melanie Michaelchuk, Deborah O’Barr, as not to lose Fran Balko, Jami Slott, Jill Nowell and Mary Kay Skinner. muscle mass, One member, Shirley, joined Curves after beating cancer. She which helps with wanted to be strong enough to make a trip with her family. Another balance, health, a s t ro n g e r Tish & Mel immune system, etc. T h e 30-minute Curves workout Melinda C. after is based on five components: Warm Up, Cardio, Strength, Cool Down and Stretch. The upper and lower body are worked out through concentric and eccentric movements. “We go through a circuit: you go from band/machine work to body movement, then you go back to strength training. You go back and forth, and then you start cooling down and then go to stretching. Stretching is critical. You get a 19% strength gain by stretching,” Tish explained.

Worship Time: Sunday Mornings 10:30am

Come as you are — our founder often wore sandals. 52 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | April 2020

Worship Place: Alpha Omega Academy • 3891 Hwy 30 West (just before Walker Co Fairgrounds) Church Email:

covenantpastor@gmail.com

Church Website:

cfhuntsville.org

Office:

606 FM 1791 N. • Huntsville

Church Phone:

(936) 435-0993

Lead Pastor:

David Valentine

Covenant Fellowship

Your New Waverly Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy, Compounding & Custom-Made Medications

936-344-2424 newwaverlypharmacy.com

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 6:00 • Sat. 9:00 - 1:00 9320 C Hwy 75 South • New Waverly

Tish during the Food Drive Basket Parade

lady, Melanie, was an active person before joining Curves. Since joining, she lost 40+ pounds and has since climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Client Melinda recently celebrated her year anniversary and proudly shares her weight-loss/health journey on Facebook. The members of this club enjoy the monthly coaching that keeps them accountable. “While we are closed, we are helping our members set goals, helping them through struggles, sending classes online and on Facebook. We are also offering something to the community. Depression can hold people back. We are reminding people to celebrate their downtime. On Facebook, we have free workouts that are available to everyone in the community,” Tish said. Although health and fitness are the main priorities of this institution, Curves also contributes to the community in several ways.

“We are community! We are a beacon!” During the current pandemic, Curves has concentrated on “loving

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our neighbor” and helping people. “While we are closed, we are calling people to see if they need anything. Even our members have called us and said, ‘Hey! If you hear of somebody who needs something, please tell

Advertising in the Postcards Magazine really helps to get the word out that Froggy Wines is open in Huntsville and has increased our business from Walker and surrounding counties. Cindy at a local health fair

Thanks Postcards, Froggy Wines April 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 53

me; I want to help!’” Curves also does an annual food drive each year. This year, they decided to include local businesses. They did a Basket Parade down Huntsville Crazy Luncheon Highway 75 in Huntsville. “We called all the businesses and told them what we were doing. These businesses got to participate in a big way. We were able to contribute around 400 pounds of food to the Good Shepherd Mission. Even though we moved our Willis location to Conroe, we continue to support the TLC Food Pantry. We were able to give almost 250 pounds of food to them before the more restrictive measures were put in place,” Tish offered.

Tish mentioned that some women drive a good distance to go to her clubs. “Once you get Curves in your blood, you know the difference! The strength training is going to help keep you strong and help you feel good. It is hard to give it up. Members who have left and tried other things come back and say, ‘I wish that I had never left!’ It is like family!” For more information contact Curves.

Huntsville

Email: healthy@huntsvilleCurves.com Facebook: facebook.com/Curveshuntsvilletx

934-295-3900

Conroe

Email: healthy@Curveswomen.com Facebook: facebook.com/Curvesnorthconroetx

936-890-7299

Your

Homegrown H E A R I N G E X P E RT S m

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936.755.4296 Call today to learn more about our May offers! Schedule your diagnostic hearing evaluation with a complimentary hearing aid test-drive.

Dr. David Cahill, Au.D. • Dr. Phillip Allred, Ph.D., FAAA Dr. Christie Cahill, Au.D. 54 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | April 2020

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Out of the Mouths of Babes...

NEW TO HUNTSVILLE

From my 8-year-old son Max - “Why does it tell you there is a hidden drive? Not much of a secret if they tell you. ~ Jackie

I was doing dishes one day, and my very busy/strong willed 3-year-old comes up to me and says, ”Mama…. when I open my mouth. I talk.” I had to do everything to keep from just dying laughing!

SALES - RENTAL - SERVICE

~ Fawn Located across from McCoys

My 4-year-old daughter asked, “Is that makeup so you don’t look old? Cause you don’t look old… your face is still straight.”

Because Pets Are Family Too

~ Lisa

One morning my 4-year-old daughter was fighting me for the remote. She got it away from me, so I opened my container of mini Oreos and offered her one since there was only one left in the container. She took the container, and I grabbed the remote back. She looked at me, shook her head and said, “Man, I didn’t see that coming.” I laughed so hard.

Quality Veterinary Care

~ Coreana

www.vethospitalnewwaverly.com 455 W SH 150 • New Waverly

• Internal Medicine • Preventive Care • Vaccines/Titer testing • Online Pharmacy and Medical Records • Surgery • Spay & Neuter • Digital Dental Xrays

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• Dental Care • Microchipping • Convenient Drop Off and Pick Up Hours • Geriatric Care • Laser Therapy • Equine Reproduction

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 55

Thank you!

Thank you to all the healthcare workers, EMTs and all essential employees who are working hard every day during this outbreak.

We appreciate every single one of you! Dallas Williams and the therapists of PTA

127 Medical Park Lane Huntsville

936.294.0283

56 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | May 2020

1020 Riverwood Ct. • Suite 120 Conroe

936.494.1292

Milestones

Welcome newborns!! Luke Matthew & Leah Gretchen Hoadly born on October 1st Parents: Bob & Rosa Hoadley.

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!

Happy 35th Anniversary!!

Happy 40th Anniversary!!

Happy 46th Anniversary!!

Glenn & Laura Green celebrated 35 years on April 6, 2020!

Keith & Shelby Palmer celebrated 40 years on April 5, 2020!

Terry & Denise Vogler celebrated 46 years on April 6, 2020!

CREATIVE ARTS C O

O F

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May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 57

Mustard Seed Moments

Trusting God with Our Lives By Linda W. Perkins

I was nine years old when I walked down the aisle and declared Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I loved God with all my heart and would spend hours reading my Bible. Knowing I was already a bit of a worrywart, I claimed Philippians 4:6 “Do not worry about anything, but instead pray about everything” as my favorite verse. And yet, it wasn’t until many years later that I truly began to understand what it was to place my life in God’s hands. My early faith life consisted of saying I trusted the Lord, but still trying to control everything myself. My prayers consisted mostly of requests for my plans to succeed. At some point, however, I came to the realization that all my best-laid plans weren’t working out too well. Some just didn’t happen, and others were complete disasters. When I came to the end of myself, I realized I had to let go and let God direct the show. I had to trust that, even when things weren’t going my way, that didn’t mean he had abandoned me. It meant he had a

58 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | May 2020

bigger purpose for the way things were working out. Perhaps God had something better in store, or he wanted to teach me something from the situation. Often, he needed me to see that it wasn’t all about me; there were others to consider as well. The biggest lesson God wanted me to learn, though, was just to trust him – in good times, in bad times – ALL the time. When life is confusing and circumstances are difficult, that is when we need our faith the most. Even when Jesus was at his lowest moment, knowing he would soon be crucified, he wept at his circumstances, but was still willing to surrender His will to the Father’s. He knew about the pain that was coming, but he also knew the Resurrection would follow. Don’t worry about anything, but instead pray about everything. God’s got this, no matter how things turn out.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” – Ephesians 3:17

SAY “I DO”

WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE REST

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magnolia-lake.com • info@magnolia-lake.com May 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 59

HOUSTON, WE CAN CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY, CONTROL THE SPREAD,

SAVE LIVES

Houston is strong. When confronted with adversity, we band together and overcome. And though this coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented, we face it the same way — together. Houston Methodist would like to thank our employees, physicians, scientists and all health care workers who are committed to helping the community. Together we can make our city healthy and vibrant again.

houstonmethodist.org | #houstonwecan