Postcards Magazine Piney Woods July 2020

Piney Woods Edition

July 2020

Do You Know?

Ray Hernandez

Trippin’’ Trippin

Virtual Vacations, Part 2

Community Builders

SAAFE House

Business Focus

Precision Pest Control

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FAVORITES

10 FEATURES 10

Do You Know?

Ray Hernandez

20 Trippin’

Virtual Vacations, Part 2

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Community Builders SAAFE House

Business Focus Precision Pest Control

6 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 24 25 26 27 30 31 32 34 35 41 42 44 49 50

Letters from Our Readers What Are You Reading?

From the Publisher Garden Post Dear Gabby Things My Granddaddy Said Health Matters

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Pet Pals Star Students Touching Tomorrow Tickle My Funny Bone Recipes Living with Children Community Postcards Puzzle Pages Out of the Mouths of Babes Milestones “Seens” from our world

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Glorious Grandkids Vet Connect Community Calendar Mustard Seed Moments

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Letters from Our Readers I enjoy reading your magazine each month. I especially enjoy Mustard Seed Moments, Out of the Mouths of Babes, Pet Pals, and Glorious Grandkids. I read your magazine from cover to last page.

Congratulations on a great magazine, and God bless you.

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Reading the baseball piece — the whole jumbo hot dog — in Postcards Magazine was almost as good as sitting at the ballpark watching a doubleheader. Mike handled it nicely and made those memories come alive. I could hear Harry Caray hollering through the radio when Stan the Man hit the ball on the roof. Thanks for asking me to contribute to this piece. Thanks for treating a dreaded Red Sox fan so kindly. We’re looking forward to the day when players hit the field again and we can turn on our transistor radios and listen to former Bearkats Steve Sparks and Mike Coffin call Astros and Corpus Christi Hooks games.

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I’m going through an old stack I think I set aside with the intent to look through “someday.” And found the September 2018 Postcards magazine in the stack. I read about how your father saved cigar boxes to give the kids at back to school time and what a great memory that was for you. My grandfather owned a bar that sold cigars and I had a variety of really cool cigar boxes in which to store things. What I remember most of all was keeping my crayons in one of those boxes.

Thank you so much for bringing back that memory.

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What Are You Reading?

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From the Publisher Karen Altom

Bloom Where You’re Planted

publisher@postcardslive.com

A dear friend of mine was recently here to check in on a family member’s The first – Life is hard. Hang in there. health situation, and we had time for a good visit. One of the afternoons during her stay, we found ourselves driving the roads looking for a stray The second – God provides. Even when dog that was reportedly in trouble. My friend is an animal lover in the it’s not what we want or expect, He will provide biggest sense of the word and, in addition to making her happy, it was a way and a place. great for us to spend some alone time catching up.

And finally – Be something beautiful when everything around As we drove, I enjoyed the multitude of wildflowers lining the highways you is ugly. (particularly the bright yellow coreopsis so prevalent this time of year).

I had no idea what would be happening in our world when I took that During one of the many “crossing overpasses and turning around photo. I didn’t even think it would be published, or I would have done a moments” we had, I spotted a little patch of flowers. I wasn’t sure I had better job and not gotten my finger in the top right corner! This photo seen what I thought I saw, so the next time we made that loop, I pulled was strictly for me. But as the weeks have progressed, and the lessons over and stopped. My friend thought I had continued…I thought I’d share. seen the dog and was a little sad when I told her it was something else and to Last month, I shared our newest family member with you. Needless stay put. to say, this last month has been one of lots of oohing and ahhing and baby snuggles--good stuff for sure. As we journey, let’s remember the There on the side of the highway, in a least of these, like our Walker. little crack, was a small bunch of bright yellow flowers. The flowers pictured are Trust God. Hang in there. And be beautiful. what stopped me. And they are what has had me thinking ever since. For almost Until next time, three weeks, I have found myself getting lessons from those flowers.

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 9

Do You Know?

By Claudia Kirkwood

Being in a family of eleven children, one is bound to observe service in action. And our guest of honor did just that! Meet Ray Hernandez, CEO and President of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce. As Mr. Hernandez puts it, “I come from a small family of 11, nine boys and two girls, and I was #10! They said I was the favorite. I am not sure my siblings would agree!” Watching ten other siblings serve has instilled within him the deeply embedded value of serving others, too. And this he does with both great ability and intentionality.

Ray Hernandez 10 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

You must have quite a story to tell, being one of eleven read to the children. We were Head Start graduates, so being able children. Please share a bit about your early years. to give back to the program was a satisfying experience. In those

I was born and raised in San Marcos. My early years, I was not outgoing, but rather mother’s family has been there since the reserved. That is why I was so surprised late 1800s, and my dad’s family since the when my San Marcos High School 9th grade early 1900s. My early years bring back DECA teacher, Mr. Jones, encouraged me to wonderful memories of family life in the step into a leadership role and recommended beautiful San Marcos area. During summers, I serve on the Student Advisory committee.

I remember riding bikes, going to the arcade, That was the beginning for me! and swimming and floating the spring-fed river with my friends. We would play all How did you take that great day, then go home for dinner and chores. I beginning and carry the ball on from remember trips with my dad to the dairy and there? chicken farms to purchase the weekly supply After high school, I worked in San Marcos of 8 gallons of milk and 18 dozen eggs. We for a couple of years before going into the Mom & Dad with two girls and nine boys also visited Wuests and HEB stores for all Army. I served two years as a culinary arts Ray is bottom left corner the other groceries and supplies a family chef and earned various recognitions. The of 14 would need. My grand aunt (adopted grandmother) Beatrice Army provided opportunities for me to grow and learn, and I built lived with us. several long-lasting relationships during these two years of service.

My mother was very civic-minded. She always told us, “We have a My roommate Timothy Sereda remains a brother to me. After the debt to pay, and we pay it every day in some way by being a servant Army, I worked as a sous chef in a couple of resorts and restaurants, in the community.” She planted the seed of service in all of us. A then was hired as an executive chef and food and beverage director at few years ago, I made a list of over 150 projects and organizations age 24. While in this role, I managed a staff of 45 employees. Then I the members of my family have been involved in over the years. We decided it was time for a college degree and returned to San Marcos, have achieved a wide variety of educational milestones, including attending Southwest Texas State University (renamed to Texas State Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees, and in careers including law, University-San Marcos). accounting, education, landscaping, and civic leadership. The common During my college career, I was presented with many leadership thread is we have all continued to serve our communities. I served opportunities. While working fulltime and taking classes, I still had in the U.S. Army like my Dad the time and energy to serve as President and Vice-President of several and brothers before me and business and advocacy organizations. I also learned the process and our eldest son Michael after skills involved in writing grants through the guidance of Dr. Jaime me. I think my mother’s Mejia, Associate Professor of English. These grants enabled us to bring wise advice was well-heeded. speakers to campus, including Tino Villanueva, author of Scene from Her civic mindedness has the movie Giant, and John Nichols, whose work includes The Milagro impacted all of us and the Beanfield War, The Magic Journey, and The Nirvana Blues. I along with communities we live in for Tacho Medellin and Dr. Mejia were instrumental in helping to establish the better. a yearly Women’s Conference at the university. Southwest Texas State University is also where I met my life partner and best friend, Belinda.

Can you pinpoint a specific time when Now, with a college diploma to hang on your wall, share you recognized your with us the next step in your career journey. leadership abilities?

Within months after graduation, I was asked to become President

Ray and twin sister Rose with mom at graduation of Head Start

As a middle school student, my sister Rose and I would regularly go to the Henry Bush Head Start Center and

of the San Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We worked on economic and tourism projects, which helped me to understand business and how it relates to the community it serves. I next served as Human Resources Director for Target. This enabled me to get actual experience

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with retail business, and I served there for five years before taking a position with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The goals and tenets of this company are focused on ethics, a topic which speaks volumes to me. Our parents taught us to treat people fairly, City of Kyle’s youngest Mayor with respect and dignity. This aspect of serving is a seed that took root and has grown with me through my career. I hope to continue to nurture it well!

After 13 months with Enterprise, I got a call in 2007 to go to Kyle, Texas, to serve as President of the Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce.

Each step of my career has been fun and has always challenged me to continue to learn, to apply what I have learned to new roles, and to foster new relationships. These values were put into practice in this new position, and I continued to see good things happen. I was part of a team that helped bring Austin Community College to Northern Hays County, and to influence the establishment of the largest hospital in the area, Seton Medical Center Hays. The Chamber, along with several partnerships, oversaw the successful $2.9 million bond project for roads.

That takes me to 2013, where I began serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce of Lewisville. During this tenure, we helped pass the largest bond election in the history of that city. We also played a very active role in encouraging the move of Mary Kay Cosmetics

research and development and manufacturing from Dallas to a new $110 million facility in Lewisville. Always ready for a new challenge, my next move was to join JL Powers & Associates, a consulting firm with branches in Texas, Washington, DC, and the Midwest. The goal of this company is to build relationships between businesses and communities and to provide relationship building and guidance to companies, enabling a solid platform for growth.

During this same period, in November 2016, I started my own LLC, “Ray Speaks Out.” This avenue of professional speaking has enabled me to train leadership within organizations, teaching them how to tell their stories. My intro is always, “Hello. My name is Ray. I am from a small family of 11, and I’ve been telling stories all my life. I hope I can help you tell your story, too!” It gives me great satisfaction to help improve the situation of others, which will increase their own opportunities for success.

You made your move to Huntsville in June 2019, another new opportunity for you! Tell us about your career move to our fair city!

I have been extremely excited about this move! Huntsville reminds me of Kyle in that it is a smaller city on the verge of expansion, especially as we watch the growth of I-45 and Sam Houston State University take place. I experienced this same phenomenon in Kyle as I-35 was expanded and understand the challenges when a smaller city is compelled to take on greater responsibilities that automatically present themselves. As more people move to the area, businesses must meet greater demands, and services must expand. This impacts the entire area, both Huntsville and Walker County as a whole. Having experienced this in Kyle, I have the historical knowledge of what is on the horizon.

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Additionally, Walker County is unique--there are more historical markers in Walker County than in any other county in Texas. This rich past must be preserved as new industry comes in and growth takes place. It is human nature to be cautionary about change, and change will occur, because communities never stay the same. We have a wonderful leadership team who understands that, as change does take place, our role is to guide growth with knowledge, wisdom, and a deep appreciation of this community. The Chamber must work hard to remain relevant in the life of our business community and help provide networking and new opportunities for each entity. We work for our members to further enhance the quality of life here. One Team, One Voice will continue to be our guiding theme. In good times and trying times, we are in this together.

You are busy! Are you up to the challenge of finding time for a hobby?

My family, my wife, four kids and yorkie, love this area and have enjoyed exploring all that it has to offer.

As far as hobbies, I still enjoy cooking and trying out new combinations of cultural favorites.

I also love to read.

My favorite author is Cormac McCarthy who wrote, among other titles, No Country for Old Men, Ray hanging out with Sammy and All the Pretty Horses, SHSU Cheerleaders

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I would like to share one last story I hope says something positive about my perspective on business and life.

While serving in the Army, I was charged with getting the MREs (Meal, ReadyRay with Chamber Institute classmates on the to-Eat) to 60 men red carpet of the Hollywood Premiere of the during a downrange movie Step Brothers. maneuver in the Rocky Mountains. I heard a rustling behind me where the MREs were stashed and saw our Command Sergeant Major help himself to the meal he wanted. I, a skinny 5’8” entry-level private, ran over to the 6’5” Commander and grabbed the meal out of his hands. He was not happy, and I caught hell for it that day! Years later, when leaving the Army, I was called into his office. He recalled the incident and wanted to know where my courage came from. I just told him I was acting on what I knew was the right thing to do. He agreed. That is how I hope to conduct myself in all my endeavors.

My advice to young people is to do what is right. Build relationships above all else and use your time and energies on spiritual things rather than seeking material things. Those will come over time. Have a giving heart, with no expectations of payment or recognition, and those things will usually follow. Let seeds of service grow within, and your life will be rich and full!

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Crawfish season is here!

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Summer Spaces

by Kim Bius

The outdoor space in summer now takes center focus for family time, entertaining, and private time for sanity. Creating an inviting outdoor living area is simple to do and should define your personality. Determine what your needs are for seating and eating. Formal or casual? Quality furniture that will give years of use is always the best use of funds. Add an outdoor rug to “anchor” your seating area, replace outdoor cushions and pillows, and outdoor wall art will give you an extension of your outdoor living space.

Container plants are, of course, the perfect accompaniment to your outdoor living space.

Keep in mind deep lanais and covered porches may have heavier shade requirements, so a mix of plants will be needed. So, what plants are the best for low maintenance container growing, withstand the heat, and bloom prolifically? Here are a few of my favorites.

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Hibiscus – The blooms only last 1 day, (same in tropical or perennial hibiscus) but the non-stop blooms lend a tropical feel to any outdoor space. Hibiscus are not deer proof, (place accordingly) and should only be fertilized with hibiscus food. A high phosphorous ratio in a fertilizer will damage the plant with repeated applications. Recommended application is 10% or less.

Dipladenia - Tropical bush or vine form, identical to hibiscus in growth and will require ½ day to full sun.

Purslane, portulaca (moss rose), lantana, blue daze, supercal petunias, verbena and vinca (periwinkle) are great choices for high heat and lots of sun. Most are deer proof, except for the petunias and purslane. For filler, use ipomea (potato vine), creeping jenny, verbena, cascade vinca, hedera ivy, or coleus.

If shade to morning sun is what you have, consider begonias, caladiums, torenia, Persian shield, hostas, oxalis, fern, or coleus. Heavy shade is a tough one. There are no blooming annuals that will do well in these conditions, but you might consider layering your foliage and adding “pops” of colorful foliage from coleus or caladiums in these deep shade areas.

White is a great color that stands out in deep shade. If you have at least 2-3 hours of direct sunlight, give New Guinea impatiens a try.

Care of containers during the summer: Pots need to be watered 4-5x a week during the heat of the summer for pots in direct sunlight and 3x a week for pots in a shady location. If your plant becomes too dry, the oxygen becomes depleted from the soil, and the soil will not hold water. You have seen the dirt pull away from the inside walls of the container. When this happens, place the pot in in a tub of water, the sink, or a kiddie pool filled with 2” of water. Let the plant soak for 2-3 hours and remove from the water to allow excess water to drain.

Annuals and perennials bloom their best when fertilized every 30 days during the growing season. Medina Hasta Gro is a personal favorite and can be used on everything. It is an organic, liquid fertilizer applied with a sprayer or drench method into the soil. Osmocote is my favorite for no mess, no time, and it works for 90 days in the summer. Keep in mind intense heat breaks downs compounds and chemicals, so if the insecticide states every 30 days, you will use every 20-25 in Texas during July to September!

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Enjoy the summer and happy gardening. Kim

Dear Gabby

FREE

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. July is here with all the festivities and celebrations of Independence Day. I suppose it’s time to take down my Christmas decorations. I got in trouble as a schoolgirl when the teacher called on me to ask where the Declaration of Independence was signed. She was not happy when I answered, “On the bottom?” If the Founding Fathers had spent any time with me, they’d probably have rethought that free speech issue. Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com, and I’ll give you a better answer than I gave my teacher back in the day.

DEAR GABBY I am very health conscious and have reached the age mammograms are recommended.

That makes me old enough for having been subjected to all sorts of tests but, for some reason, this one creeps me out. I know the techs are well-trained and female, but I feel uncomfortable besides the anticipated discomfort of the test. Do you have any suggestions for me?

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They did not attend years of school because they had a burning desire to see the bodies of half-naked women of all ages, shapes and sizes. They are there to fight cancer! With that being said, I have always dealt with uncomfortable situations with humor. For instance, at my recent mammogram appointment, the tech asked me if there had been any changes in my breasts since last year’s visit. She looked concerned when I said, “Yes!” Then I added, “They’re lower.” When we stopped laughing, we were both pretty comfortable with each other.

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Make Your Foundation an Obligation for Socialization Humans are undoubtedly the most social creatures on the Appreciation of those you surround yourself with is important. planet. It is the method we employ to attain meaning. How many of us wish we had voiced more appreciation to those departed? Don’t continue that mistake. Actively appreciate your According to Professor Robert Nozick, one of the great modern friends and loved ones, especially those you have chosen as partners philosophers, meaning by definition, requires crossing boundaries in life. Genuine appreciation is a coin of great value with two of other sentient beings (i.e. involving others). Love is generally sides—contentment for the recipient and giver as well. Like an considered the most important fulfilment, but it is nonetheless a echo, kind words come back. The Bible instructs, “A man that hath subset of achieving meaning, and “love” that is without meaning friends must shew himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24). Attentive, is a worthless endeavor. A person can care enough for another to responsive, approachable, outgoing, and social are synonyms of friendly. say they love them, but the importance of “love” as Spinoza opined depends on meaning being given to the loved by the loving one. AMEN! If you want to be liked by others, sow each relationship’s soil with kindness. Kindnesses are especially effective when they “One is the Loneliest Number” was a hit song by the Three Dog are a surprise. Every once in a while, when I am down, I drive to Night in 1969. By all available scientific data, the song is accurate. Starbucks, order a double expresso, and hand an extra $10 for Recent multiple well-done studies have shown social integration the next patron’s coffee. My mood elevates from just imagining has a significant benefit on health. In the Swedish Kungsholmen how that simple gesture makes someone else feel. Unanticipated Project, social integration lengthened useful life even in those over kindnesses are even more rewarding when given to a friend.

75 years of age. The study also demonstrated establishing a good social network reduces the chance of the dreaded dementia by 60%.

It deposits cash in your mental bank. MENTAL CASH is GOOD. Resilience is a personality characteristic that strongly promotes longevity. Being able to roll with the punches of life is important in reducing the harmful stress life imposes. Support from others, (friends in particular) is remarkably stress-busting, and friends are created and retained by socialization. Some of the unhappiest people I have encountered are those who believe life has been unfair to them; life is a stage, a medium for us to act our parts and at best learn. LEARN! To expect rewards and punishments in harmony with how good or bad we consider our behavior is absurd. As Shakespeare had Hamlet so ably observe, “For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

BEAUTIFUL CEREMONIES CELEBRATE LIFE You want your loved one’s funeral to reflect the unique character and personality that made them so very special.

Let us help you through this difficult time with a caring hand, a comforting touch and the compassion of a family friend. You’re not alone.

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 17

Pet Pals

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936-344-2424 newwaverlypharmacy.com 18 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 19

Postcwaitrh ds

Virtual Vacations

Part 2

TrippinExperiencing the Wonders of the World ’ without Leaving Home

By Linda W. Perkins

Growing up overseas, I had the unique opportunity to travel around the world without going all the way from the United States. I vaguely remember the trips my parents took me on during my elementary school days. I still have the polished green marble egg we got from a street vendor in India and the beaded necklace made by the Maasai tribal people in Africa. A photo reminds me of when my younger sister and I got dressed up in kimonos for dinner at a traditional tea house in Tokyo. Going to all of these unique places and experiencing their different cultures gave me an appreciation of the world beyond America.

This year, I decided it was time to take my daughter to Europe. She is 15, so I thought she would be old enough to appreciate it. When the airfares went on sale in late January, I jumped at the chance to buy tickets for our once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation.

Postcawitrhds

I didn’t realize at the time a pandemic was brewing, and within just a couple of months from our ticket purchase, many countries in Europe had closed their doors to tourists.

Sigh. That vacation will have to wait … but with today’s technology, all the historical sights and cultural experiences don’t have to go by the wayside. Many can be found online!

Follow me and let’s see some of the places that can be explored on the World Wide Web.

20 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

Tower of London

London

Since the United States was founded by the British, we will start our world tour in the United Kingdom. If you have never been to the UK, London is a great place to start. It’s where you’ll find London Bridge (which is not falling down), Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye, a giant ferris wheel which overlooks the River Thames. London is also home to some of the best museums in the world.

The best way to begin your tour of London is to hop over to YouTube, which is where The Ultimate 360 VR Tour of London is located (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=VPdzOmOtvSA). This is a unique video format that enables you to look up, down and around a full 360 degrees, so you really feel like you are there. Your tour guide will take you on a six-minute journey of Tower Bridge some of the city’s highlights and will share some interesting facts about each.

One of the most famous places to visit is the Tower of London. A fully narrated virtual tour, complemented by photos and video segments, is located at https://www.youvisit.com/tour/meadk. You will be guided you from outside the tower walls, through the garden and into the various parts of the tower to see the Crown Jewels as well as the ravens and the torture exhibition. You will also learn about the history of the Tower and its relevance today.

Australia

Australia isn’t just a country. It’s an entire continent! From the Great Barrier Reef in the north to the Great Ocean Road in the south, there is something for everyone in the Land Down Under. If you’re just wanting to feel like you’re there, Qantas has a number of 360 virtual reality videos that includes a tour of Sydney Harbour (https://www.qantas.com/travelinsider/en/explore/australia/new-southwales/sydney/video-tour-see-travel-sydney-harbour-bridge-opera-house.html), as well as other locations the airline flies to. These tours are not narrated, however, so you’re not going to learn about Australia’s unique plants and animals or its native aborigine culture. For that, you will want to check out Explore Daintree in 360 with Dan Churchill (who is not just a tour guide, but a celebrity chef) at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ezmZakArjQ&feature=emb_rel_pause. In this 360-degree video, you will fly over the Great Barrier Reef, travel along the Daintree River where you’ll meet a huge crocodile, visit the rainforest high in the clouds, and even learn how to throw a boomerang!

No virtual visit to Australia would be complete without a trip to Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock near Alice Springs, New Territory.

A monolith that sits alone in a vast red desert, Uluru is considered sacred by Australia’s indigenous people. The best way to explore Uluru in virtual reality is to visit the Australian National Parks’ site at https://parksaustralia. gov.au/uluru/discover/ virtual-tour/. In addition to being able to take a virtual tour of each area of the park in and around Uluru, the menu bar will take you to links for interesting facts about it.

Great Barrier Reef

Jerry B. Register, P.C.

Come celebrate july 4th and summer!

* Family Law

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»

We are open Richard and Debbie Henriksen, Wine Makers • Friday 2-6 PM • Saturday 11-6 PM • Sunday Noon-6 PM • Thursday by appointment

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 21

NEW TO HUNTSVILLE

Japan

Of all the countries in Asia, Japan is billed as a country that uniquely connects the past to the future. At https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AZSB-bCgKo you can tour Japan’s ancient history and modern marvels in stunning 360-degree virtual reality.

Learn about Japan’s history and culture, walking through rice fields and the crowded streets of Tokyo. You’ll meet craftsmen and farmers, watch a samurai sword fight, and attend a sumo wrestling match.

Africa

There are 54 countries in the vast continent of Africa, so there are a lot of sights and sounds to explore here. While most people associate Africa with safaris, there is so much more to see and do.

A great place to start is in the northern African country of Morocco. YouTube has a fantastic virtual tour titled Amazing Morocco 360 Video (https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=tr7HFZz76D8), which begins with a camel ride through the desert and culminates with a walking tour of the open air market in Marrakesh.

If you do want to go on a virtual safari, there are a couple of ways to do it. One is to find a VR 360 video of a safari, which will let you see what one is like in the span of just a few minutes. One of the better virtual reality videos is titled African Safari 360 Video – Kruger National Park (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_teiyaYic-w). This video is set in South Africa and you’ll be able to drive through the national park and see African elephants, lions, a giraffe and the critically endangered black rhino. Another way to experience a safari is to go on one via livestreaming, which will take you live to one that is actually taking place in Africa at the time you logon. The online magazine Departures has a page dedicated to livestreamed African safaris (https://www. departures.com/travel/ safari-livestreams), with information on each and African Safari links to all of them.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Back in the Western Hemisphere is one of the great wonders of the ancient world, Machu Picchu. Built by the Incas thousands of years ago, high in the Andes mountain range, it was never discovered by the Spanish who conquered South America. Its first sighting was in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham. In a virtual tour titled Machu Picchu: the Lost City of the Inca 360 Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXEIiqTfIAA), you will be guided by a native Peruvian who will take you from the city of Cuzco up the Inca Trail to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. She will explain the connection of the ruins to the sun worship of the Incas and will introduce you to the artisans who make the colorful textiles the region in known for.

For a more in-depth look at the ruins themselves, visit Machu Picchu with the Vagabrothers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM8UR-aQveQ&vl=en), who add a touch of humor to their tour.

These American world travelers will take you through each section to make sure you don’t miss a thing. If you prefer to look around on your own, search online for “Google Earth Machu Picchu” and you will find a link to the Google Earth site, where you can do a Machu Picchu self-guided tour.

22 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

Tokyo

Celebrate Independence Day! Call today to schedule your appointment

Paris

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Ah, Paris, the city of romance. Head on over to YouTube again to One Day in Paris: 360º Virtual Tour with Voice Over (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyWeSF9FAgA). In this narrated tour, you will have the opportunity to gaze up at the Arc de Triomphe from the Champs-Élysées and view the entire city of Paris from the Eiffel Tower. Because this was filmed in early 2018, you will also be able to walk inside the beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame, which was severely damaged by a devastating fire in 2019. Shopping lovers will be amazed by the Galeries Lafayette and history buffs will enjoy visiting the Palace of Versailles.

Art lovers wanting to go inside the Louvre can go to https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdiTy_YjVvg for a quick walkthrough of the museum that includes the famous Mona Lisa painting. A one-hour walk-through video at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=6vuFh6NNa70 (without narration), will enable you to see more works of art and a closer look at the Mona Lisa.

The museum itself has several online tours at https://www.louvre. fr/en/visites-en-ligne that enable you to take self-guided walking tours in virtual reality. The website also has links to videos from museum curators discussing various works of art.

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Google Earth has a lot of other places as well, so if you want to continue exploring various places in the world, that’s a great place to start.

Bon voyage!

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 23

Star Students



Bradley Rice

April Nicole Douget

Home School

Madisonville High School

Favorite Movie: The Martian





Favorite Music/Artist: Need to Breathe



 

Favorite Movie: Young Guns

Favorite Food: Burger

Favorite Music/Artist: Zach Williams Favorite Food: Cheeseburger

Favorite Quote: “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my

Favorite Quote: “If God is for you, who can be against you?”

B

father; prepare to die.” from Princess Bride

radley is a home school graduate and is the son of Elicia Rice. His activities include animation, drawing, singing, music, and acting at local community theaters. He plans to pursue a degree in animation, one day work for Pixar, and own a dog (since his mom never let him have one!). Brad believes, “If we show the love of Jesus throughout the world, society and the human race as a whole will be greater and will prosper.”

A

pril is a recent graduate of Madisonville High School and is the daughter of Tammy and Joel Douget. Her activities included 4-H and FFA. April plans to attend Lone Star Community College and to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse.

Vision Care

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Dr. Stephen H. Means & Associates Therapeutic Optometrists

24 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

936-291-8282

109 Medical Park Lane (Behind Hospital) • Huntsville

Touching Tomorrow Sponsored by:

Is pain stopping you from being your best?

#NowICan

Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”

Those chosen for publication will also be given a $50 gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.

Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com.

Thank you once again for choosing us

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 25

Tickle My Funny Bone PostcardsLive.com

In a Christian school cafeteria, a teacher places a note in front of a pile of apples, “Only take one. God is watching.” Further down the line is a pile of cookies. A little boy makes his own note, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”

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Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Homestead Guided Tours at 10am & 2pm Tues. – Fri. 1836 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com 936-294-1832

Sam Houston State University 26 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

My wife told me to take the spider out instead of killing him. We went out. Had a few drinks. Nice guy. He’s a web designer.

Recipes Red, White, and Blueberry Cheesecake Pie

4th of July Blast Smoothie

Ingredients

Ingredients

8 sheets phyllo dough

1 cup fresh blackberries or blueberries

¼ cup butter, melted

5 large strawberries, hulled and halved

2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese

1 large banana

½ cup white sugar

1/3 cup orange juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups crushed ice

2 eggs

1 tsp white sugar, or to taste

2 cups fresh blueberries

fresh additional fruit for garnish

½ cup strawberry jelly 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Directions

Directions

1. Place 1 cup berries, strawberries, banana, orange juice, and ice into a blender in that order, and blend on high speed until smooth, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour into 4 glasses and top each serving with 3 pieces of fruit for garnish.

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. On a flat surface, place one sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it with melted butter, and cover with another piece of phyllo. Repeat until all 8 sheets are used. Using kitchen scissors, cut layered phyllo into a 12- to 13-inch circle. Carefully press circle into a greased 9-inch pie plate; gently fan edges. Bake in preheated oven until edges are just golden, 6 to 8 minutes; cool slightly on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.

3. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs until well combined. Fold in 1 cup of blueberries. Pour filling into prepared crust.

4. Bake at 350 degrees until set, 40 to 50 minutes. To prevent the crust from over-browning, gently cover pie with foil for the last 25 minutes of baking. Cool completely on a wire rack.

5. In a small bowl, beat jelly until smooth; spread over cheese filling. Arrange 1 cup blueberries on top in a star pattern.

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SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 27

Recipes Firecracker Kabobs Ingredients 1 pkg skewers Marinade: ½ cup maple syrup ½ cup lime juice 6 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste 4 tsp ketchup 4 tsp soy sauce 1 tsp red pepper flakes Kabobs: 1 lb cubed beef stew meat 1 (8 oz) pkg whole mushrooms 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 yellow squash, chopped 1 zucchini, chopped

Directions 1. Whisk maple syrup, lime juice, garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl until marinade is smooth.

2. Place beef in a bowl; pour in marinade and stir to coat.

Marinate beef in the refrigerator, at least 3 hours. (Optional to also marinate mushrooms.)

3. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Soak skewers in water for at least 10 minutes.

4. Thread beef, mushrooms, onion, green bell pepper, squash, and zucchini onto skewers.

5. Cook kabobs on the preheated grill until vegetables are tender and beef is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes per side.

FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTS OF HUNTSVILLE Your feet are in good hands Dr. Clayton Toole, DPM 640 Interstate 45 S • Huntsville, TX 77340

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28 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

Summer Squash Puffs Ingredients 1 qt oil for frying

2/3 cup dry corn muffin mix

4 summer squash, cut into chunks

2 tsp baking powder

1 med onion, grated

¾ tsp salt

2 eggs, beaten 2/3 cup all-purpose flour Directions 1. Heat the oil in a deep, heavy skillet or deep fryer to 365 degrees.

2. Place the squash in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain, and mash.

3. In a bowl, mix 2 cups squash*, onion, and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, corn muffin mix, baking powder, and salt. Thoroughly blend the squash mixture into the flour mixture.

4. Drop the squash and flour mixture by rounded tablespoons into the hot oil, and fry until evenly brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

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Dr. Phillip Allred, Ph.D., FAAA Dr. Christie Cahill, Au.D. July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 29

Stevin Milton

by John K. Rosemond www.rosemond.com

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936-890-7296 30 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

“There’s no one-size-fits-all model of childrearing for all the world’s parents,” opines Alma Gottlieb, Professor Emerita of Anthropology at the University of Illinois. Gottlieb was quoted in an online article reporting actress Kristen Bell’s revelation that her five-year-old daughter is “still in diapers.”

Yes, Professor Gottlieb, there is indeed one world-wide model of childrearing. In every culture, in every historical time, parents have adhered to the objective of passing along to their children the core values of the culture in question. American parents were striving to raise children who respected the liberty and personal responsibility of the individual, for example, and so on. Every culture was striving to strengthen and perpetuate itself.

Until recently, that is. In the USA at least, we are currently living in the age of cultural relativism, the apparent fantasy behind which is world peace and climate utopia. Cultural relativism begets parenting relativism which begets the notion that the raising of a child should be tailored to the “individual needs” of said child. A child’s individual needs, in the final analysis, are determined by parental attitudes. Thus, if Kristen Bell is too lazy to toilet train her child, she claims that her child’s unique nature is not conducive to being properly socialized.

Bell’s revelation met with lots of backlash, so I’ll add my own: It is an insult to the intelligence of a human being to allow said being to soil and wet herself past age thirty months, which is my most liberal limit. A dog can be trained to eliminate only in the back yard before six months, the human equivalent of which is between eighteen and thirty months. It is disgraceful to expect less of a human than one would expect of a dog.

When the backlash began to circulate on the Internet, Bell revised her claim. Her daughter only wears diapers at night, she now says.

Okay. I can accept that she simply misspoke initially; that her daughter uses the toilet during her waking hours (albeit the full context of Bell’s original remarks renders that somewhat dubious).

In which case, I have a bit of advice for Bell: If you want your daughter to stop wetting the bed, do not put diapers on her at bedtime. The feel of bulky fabric around the pelvic area is associated with spontaneous release. Diapers and pull-ups at night extend bedwetting indefinitely.

To achieve night dryness, a child must wet the bed, not a diaper.

She must experience the sensation of wetness, which modern diapers inhibit. If she does not, she will continue to wet. Put the child to bed with one or two fluffy towels underneath her. Teach her to take care of herself when she wets, as in, “You do not need to wake us up. Here are more towels. Use them if you must.”

If that doesn’t do the trick within a month (and yes, it’s an inconvenient month), then purchase a bedwetting alarm (pad-andbell, not pull-up-and-bell) and do the work required to get the child to wake up when it signals urination. Specifically, because bedwetters, generally, sleep very deeply, one must wake the child when the alarm sounds until she begins to hear it on her own.

Expect two to six weeks of night training and then years of nighttime bliss.

S

R H Th g

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Community Postcards

SHSU Cheer Team Earns National Award For Community Service Recognized for their on-going commitment to community service, the Spirit Programs at Sam Houston State University received the National Dance Alliance’s NCA/NDA Go Be Great Award.

The organization established the award as a way to honor coaches, teams or programs that have gone “above and beyond” to make the world a better place outside the world of dance.

Sarah Garcia, in SHSU Student Activities, serves as Spirit Programs coach and says helping others is something the group places in high priority. According to Garcia, 88 students within Orange Pride Dance Team, Coed Team, All Girls Team, and Mascot Team each completed 75 hours of community service this year.

“For all Sam Houston Spirit Programs, that is a combined total of 6,600 community service hours - more than any other organization on campus,” Garcia said.

Submit your photo & description:

PostcardsLive.com

Photo features Bella Jolly, daughter of JC & Alexis Jolly, owners of Jolly Cattle Company, of Caldwell. Greatgreat niece of Gregg & Nancy Jolly of Madisonville.

Heifer owned and bred by Dolliver Brahams of Caldwell.

. r

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.

-

,

July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 31

Sudoku Puzzles Easy Sudoku

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HuntsvilleTruckAndTractor.com † For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. KCDA-04-144500-1

32 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

Medium Sudoku

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Montessori Child Care 6 wks to 12 yrs. old 2817 Old Houston Road • Huntsville, TX 77340 • 936-435-0303 July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 33

Because Pets Are Family Too

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.

‘Mama, look what I found,’ the boy called out.

Quality Veterinary Care

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

‘What have you got there, dear?’

With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered, ‘I think it’s Adam’s underwear!’

936.344.8469 Our daughter Juliet said, “Alexa, play the little teapot!”

GOT PESTS?

Alexa: Shuffling a playlist by Tupac.

CALL THE EXPERTS!

Kara Tipton

Household Pests • Rodent Control • Mosquito Control Roaches • Ants • Spiders • Termite Control & Inspection

Serving Huntsville & surrounding areas since 1981

D.L. Shiver II (936) 291-2902 Member of Walker County Chamber of Commerce

34 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

License: TPCL 0774786

“Mommy, I love you, but we seem to have our differences,” from my 4 year old at bedtime.

Autumn

When I told my then 6-year-old son that I was expecting our 3rd child he said, “You’ve got to be kidding me!!! Do you know how hard it is to raise 3 kids, mom?!”

Becky B.

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 Anniversary!!

Pamela & Bruce Baggett recently celebrated 30 years!

Happy Anniversary!!

D.C. and Joyce Nealy have been happily married 37 years!

July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 35

Community Builders

By Linda W. Perkins

Photos by Libby Rogers

By Monday, all Kimberly’s feelings had begun to overwhelm her. She skipped her daytime classes and that evening, when she was Kimberly supposed to be in a sorority Dyan was meeting, she sat alone in Twana Sullins: co-executive director, Cynthia Martinez: board just 19 when her dorm room wondering president & Alexis Anderson: co-executive director it happened. One how to deal with what had Saturday night in happened to her.

October of 1995, the Sam She picked up the phone book, looked up SAAFE House, and called Houston State University the 24-hour hotline. It was the first step in Kimberly’s journey from student went out to a party. It being a victim of sexual assault to becoming an advocate for other seemed like a good idea and, at first, people facing similar circumstances. Today, she sits on the SAAFE she was having fun like all the other House board of directors and is a frequent speaker at college campuses students there. By the time the evening on the subject of sexual assault. ended, however, she had been sexually assaulted.

“SAAFE House was very encouraging. I was able to tell them everything Like many sexual assault survivors, Kimberly that happened that Saturday night and how I was feeling. They advised knew her rapist. Her feelings of remorse and selfme to go to the police and press charges. They were very supportive doubt were typical of rape victims. Was there something and were there to listen to me when I felt I had no one else I could she could have done to have prevented the assault? Was talk to,” Kimberly said. there something she did wrong? To make matters worse, Kimberly ultimately decided to drop the charges against her assailant there were other students who witnessed her rape. for fear of victim-blaming in court and negative attention on campus Why didn’t they do anything to stop it? and in the media, a common decision among sexual assault victims Being young and not knowing any prior to the recent “me too” movement. The support she received from better, she blamed herself.

SAAFE House, however, stayed with her. The following semester, she 36 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

became reengaged with her sorority, and they began volunteering at SAAFE House. She has been involved with the organization ever since.

SAAFE House was originally organized as the Walker County Family Violence Council. It began its work in assisting victims of family violence in 1984 through the Good Shepherd Mission in Huntsville.

In 1985, the WCFVC was awarded a state grant and hired its first executive director. Using local hotels and the mission for emergency shelter, the organization began providing other services such as legal advocacy, police assistance, child care, emergency and medical care, and counseling. It also helped victims obtain secure, independent lifestyles and offered referrals to appropriate social service agencies.

In 1986, WCFVC acquired office space and a shelter facility; in 1988, it added a sexual assault program. In order to reflect the expanded services, the organization’s name was changed to Sexual Assault and Abuse Free Environment (SAAFE) House in 1989.

Since its inception over 35 years ago, SAAFE House has grown into a multi-county non-profit organization that serves victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault across Walker, Polk, Trinity and San Jacinto counties. It operates a 24-hour hotline, two shelters in Walker and Polk counties, and outreach offices in each of the counties it serves for clients to receive non-residential services.

SAAFE House also has two resale boutiques, Elite Repeat in Huntsville and a newly opened This & That Resale Boutique in Livingston, which provide income for the non-profit to supplement its donations and grant support. Some SAAFE House clients – individuals and families served by the organization – are able to shop for free at the resale stores for items they need to help rebuild their lives.

While SAAFE House employs a number of personnel to manage its facilities and programs, the organization has always been highly dependent upon volunteers. SAAFE House has grown from an

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Submitted Photo executive director and 10 volunteers in the beginning to more than 60 volunteers today.

The Sam Houston State chapter of Alpha Chi Omega sorority provides many volunteers, as its national philanthropy focus is helping survivors of domestic violence. Other volunteers include students and staff members at the university, local business people, and community members from across Huntsville and the surrounding areas, all the way down to Houston.

Some SAAFE House staff members and volunteers just feel led to get behind the SAAFE House mission, while others – including the majority of the board members – have stories to tell of how their personal lives have been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

One board member was raped as a teenager and then physically abused in a dating relationship when she was in her early 20s. The counseling she received as a young woman through a similar program in a larger city enabled her to work through the trauma and recover from those experiences, prompting her desire to help others through SAAFE House. Another board member began a similar non-profit after

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his daughter was raped and murdered by a stalker. When he moved to Huntsville, he brought his expertise to SAAFE House.

SAAFE House Board of Directors President Cyntia Martinez also had personal reasons of her own for volunteering. “Growing up, I saw and heard of family members and friends going through domestic violence, without any repercussions to the abusers. It was very hush-hush, though. No one wanted to talk about it,” Cyntia explained.

“When I was a child, I kind of accepted it as the norm, but that type of mentality started shifting when I started seeing it first-hand with my friends,” she said. “All I wanted to do was do give it attention, call the cops, call the family and to try and get the person out of the bad situation.”

When a close friend of Cyntia began being abused, she talked to her about it not being okay, but her friend wouldn’t leave her abuser.

“It was very crazy to me, because she was such an empowering type of girl, she did great in school, had a great support system at home, a solid religious background, and yet she was allowing her boyfriend to hit her,” she continued. “That’s when it dawned on me that it wasn’t

Submitted Photo

just as simple as just leaving the partner, because as hard as I tried (to change things for her), she went back.”

Eventually her friend left the abusive relationship, but Cyntia still wanted to do something to help others, so when she learned of the opportunity to join the board of SAAFE House, she jumped right in. “I wanted to stop the stigma and the silence around abuse, to show people there is a support system out there and resources to help people who are in domestic violence situations.”

SAAFE House Co-Executive Director Alexis Anderson joined the organization in 2014 after graduating from Sam Houston State’s criminal justice department with a degree in victim studies. She began as a residential advocate and subsequently a crisis intervention advocate before being named client services director in 2018. Alexis shared one of the personal stories that has touched her heart since joining SAAFE House.

“We had a client come into our shelter with her four children in 2017. The situation that brought them into shelter was bodily injury to herself and her oldest child. This client came in scared and unsure

of what the future would hold and how she would be able to take care of her kids on her own,” she explained. “We walked with her through the criminal justice process, the civil process for custody and divorce, and helped her secure housing. She had no support besides SAAFE House that truly understood what she and her kids had been through, and who did not blame her for it.”

“To this day, that client and her children still receive outreach services, but are in such a better place,” Alexis said. “She is currently in college, aspiring to become a nurse, and her kids are doing well in school.

Knowing what a difference we’ve made in their lives means the world to me.”

SAAFE House has kept both its shelters and outreach centers open and providing services throughout the past few months, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Shelters are considered an essential service (for good reason). Studies have shown that both domestic violence rates and sexual assault rates rise significantly during times of crisis and financial strain.

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“As the COVID-19 crisis has grown here in the United States, SAAFE House has seen a steady increase in the number of clients seeking services,” Cyntia said.

SAAFE House is continuing to recruit new volunteers and has openings on the board of directors for those who are interested in serving. They also need donations of funds to support their operations, as well as supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo and conditioner, soap and body wash, sanitary supplies, diapers, baby wipes and cleaning products.

For more information on SAAFE House, to donate or to apply as a volunteer, visit www.saafehouse.org. Any members of the community needing help with a sexual assault or domestic violence situation can call the SAAFE House hotline at 936-291-3369 or 936-327-2513.

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

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With summer months come hotter temperatures that can lead to overheating in our pets. Remembering important pet heat safety tips are key to keeping them cool during this time.

• Overheating symptoms include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit, along with body temp greater than104 degrees. Brachycephalic pets with flat faces (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats) are more susceptible to heatstroke since they cannot pant as effectively normally. These animals, as well as senior, overweight, and those with heart or respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, collapsed trachea, pulmonary hypertension, and laryngeal paralysis, should be kept cool in air-conditioned as much as possible.

• When the temp is high, don’t walk your dog on hot pavement. Your dog’s body heats up quickly, as they are lower to the ground, and

the sensitive pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum; go early or late during the day.

• Give your pet a haircut, but you shouldn’t shave the pet: The layers of animals’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Use sunscreen and bug repellant that is pet approved.

• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle--not only can it lead to fatal heatstroke, it is illegal in several states!

• Visit your vet during the earlier part of the summer for wellness checkups. Keep your pets current on their preventatives, as summers bring mosquitos which can cause heartworms. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworms and gastrointestinal worms (esp if they aren’t on year-round preventatives).

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun; be careful not to over-exercise them.

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Focus Business

by Rosa Coss

Submitted Photos

Your hometown business since 1987 Precision Pest Control has been serving and providing full-service residential and commercial pest control to the Huntsville community since 1983. It is locally owned and operated by Charissa Gibson. It was first opened by her late husband, Joe Gibson, who was well-known and loved by his customers and community members. After his passing in November 2012, the state of Texas gave Charissa 6 months (under the hardship clause) to take all her tests and obtain her licensing so she could continue running the business. Knowing she had to be there for her family, she took her tests and passed them, and she has kept moving forward ever since. “As a woman, I never gave a thought to what I could do for a living, because Joe always took care of everything, and although I knew how to run the business side of things, I never had to go out and do the work myself. Suddenly,” said Charissa, “I found myself having to wear many hats. Besides being a mother, I was also having to run the business alone, and do some of the hands-on work as well. I now realize how much my husband did on a day-to-day basis. He gave us a good life and took care of us.

to move forward in life, and do what we have to do.” Charissa is now engaged to Billy Don VanCleave, a native of Waco. He began working at the company two years ago, and he has been a tremendous help and blessing to me and the company, said Charissa. Currently, besides herself and Billy Don, she has two other full-time employees: Tyler from Livingston, and Cody from Trinity. She is very proud of their team and is always getting compliments from

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Things are good now, Charissa added, “Today, seven years later, Precision Pest Control is still a thriving business. We all still miss Joe, but it’s important

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 45

customers saying how much they like and appreciate their kindness and professionalism.

themselves, because they really don’t want to have other people (besides family members) inside their homes,” said Charissa. During the first few months after the pandemic began, Precision Pest Control made it a point to only treat the exterior of people’s residences. In an effort to provide a little additional relief, they also offered to work with those

Pest control is a complaint-driven industry

Charissa says she always tries to make sure to relay those accolades to her employees and adds they have been fortunate to have a lot of great employees over the years.

At Precision Pest Control, everyone is licensed through the state in pest and termite control, and they have all received extensive training from the Phillip J. Hamman Termite Control Training School. This training was developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to teach termite control practitioners the correct manner to apply treatments. Besides general pest and termite control, they also offer “do it yourself ” chemicals and try to provide customers with the information they need for proper application. Particularly now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some customers prefer to do it

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46 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | July 2020

customers that expressed a need, yet indicated they were struggling to pay their bills. All in all, they’ve managed to continue providing their services to the community, and even though they, too have seen a reduction in profits, they have managed to stay afloat.

“Fortunately, things are starting to pick back up,” said Charissa.

Besides the Huntsville area, Precision Pest Control also serve residences and businesses in a

25-mile radius outside the city limits, but if they get a call from someone that needs their help, “We will make it work,” said Charissa.

“I don’t like to turn anyone away simply because they live past the 25-mile mark.” Some of their biggest accounts are local state agencies, but Charissa admits she did have a hard time keeping some of the company’s accounts after her husband passed. “I truly believe people had their doubts whether I would continue running the business and, as a woman business owner, I’ve had to work extra hard to gain people’s trust.”

Pest control is a complaint-driven industry. People don’t call unless they are having problems, and they want us to fix their problem. Our goal is to always try to make our customers happy and do what we can to help them out. As Huntsville continues to grow, so does Precision Pest Control and, according to Charissa, at least 75 percent of the calls they receive are from people who are new to the Huntsville area. Has owning a pest control company been her lifelong dream?

“Not really,” said Charissa, “but I’ve managed to make a good and decent living with it, and I have been able to provide for my family and give back to the community.” Pest control is also a luxury.

“People take for granted that many cannot afford it and sometimes have to choose between living with bugs or feeding their family.

Although I do want to make a living, I also know that sometimes people are going through tough times and just need a helping hand… and, I enjoy helping people whenever I can.”

Precision Pest Control also handles wildlife removal if the critters are destroying people’s property. “We have removed everything from birds to raccoons.

Depending on the circumstance, we either take them to the state park or to the wildlife rehab.”

Pest control products have also come a long way since the 1970s, when products such as Chlordane were commonly used to kill and repel without much thought or concern of the hazards to the environment or human life. Dursban TC was another popular product until the early 2000s, when it was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today, Termidor is the best termiticide on the market. The termites from the colony feed off the material that

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July 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 47

has been applied and take it back to the colony for colony elimination. In our area, fire ants are very prevalent, but raspberry tawny ants, or crazy ants, can get into electrical conduits and cause problems. Carpenter ants are also a big nuisance, but are usually attracted to decomposed wood materials or cluttered gutters. Cleaning these out on a regular basis will take care of much of this problem.

When Charissa is not at work, she loves spending time with her family. Her son Tyler graduated from SHSU in 2014, and her daughter Kailee is a 2016 Texas A&M graduate. Charissa also enjoys her two grandkids, fishing, boating, being in the water, or just working in her yard. Although not a Huntsville native, Charissa has been here for more than two decades, has grown very fond of the people here, and truly loves providing service to her community.

Charissa said she and her team always strive to put their customers’ needs and safety first.

It’s the hallmark of how they do business.

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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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S

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love and forgive others, and to go to Him in humility to ask for help.

He is the all-knowing and all-powerful one, not us.

I have learned over the past few months of the COVID-19 pandemic we do not have all the answers we need. It is a problem bigger than us, and one we can’t fix in any timely manner.

Perhaps it is time we really let that sink in and turn our hearts towards the One who is bigger and stronger than all of this, who has the power to save and to grant wisdom and strength for the day. Perhaps

by Linda W. Perkins this is a reminder to go to Him not just now, but in our everyday lives.

When we do our part to honor God and love our neighbors, we can The subject arose when I was talking to a seminary professor about humbly go to God in prayer for healing of our bodies, of our souls, of the Spanish Flu of 1918. our relationships, and of our land. He is a God who loves, who listens, “Look up pestilence; you’ll see it’s always associated with the judgment and who cares. We don’t have all the answers, but He does. But in order of God,” he said. So I did look it up, first in the dictionary: “pestilence to get them, we must first humbly go to Him and ask.

- an epidemic.” I then went to my Bible concordance, and pestilence was in fact mentioned a number of times as it related to God’s judgment.

“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command I am not one to presume to know the mind of God. We have learned a lot about science since the Bible was written. At one time, people the locust swarms to eat up all of your crops, or if I send an believed the elements – like thunder and lightning – were directly tied epidemic among you, then if my people will humble themselves to messages from God. Today, not so much. Yet that doesn’t mean and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, God couldn’t use the elements to communicate to us. In the same I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal way, we now understand how bacterial infections and viruses work their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (The Living Bible) from a biological standpoint, but that doesn’t mean God couldn’t use them for His purposes.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the Whether God sends an epidemic or simply allows it is not a question shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge for me to answer. What is clear from the Bible, however, is what our and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save response should be: humble prayer and repentance. When we encounter you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. trials, God is not looking for us to proudly shout, “I got this!” He is Psalms 91:1-3 (NIV) looking for us to search our hearts, clean up our side of the street, to

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