POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - April 2023

Cover Photo by Carolyn Payne Postcards 2022 Photo Contest Submission

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Close to Home

At Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, we provide comprehensive, expert care for mild to severe neurological conditions. With innovative and advanced treatment options, our doctors collaborate across specialties to meet each patient’s unique needs — from diagnosis and treatment through recovery.

Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders

• Brain tumors

• Headaches and migraines

• Neuropathy

• Parkinson’s disease and tremors

• Sleep disorders

• Spinal disorders

• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)

SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/woodlands-neuro or call 936.270.3900.

Springing Forward

I love spring. Aside from the sneezing, it may be my favorite time of year--warm enough to enjoy the sunshine, but still cool enough to enjoy being outside. It is the time of year many of us feel the deepening urge to get out in the yard and attempt to find our inner “green thumb.” I know that’s what it does to me.

Wes and I were engaged to be married before I ever met his parents. I will never forget our first meeting, and one of the first things my future mother-in-law Ann said to me. She hugged me and said, “My bridal wreath bloomed just in time to meet you.” I only knew what bridal wreath was because my sweet mother also loved it. (In fact, at that time, it was one of the very few things that would grow in her shady yard.) As Ann walked me around her lovely yard, I quickly realized she was a green thumb personified. She could grow anything!

Over the years, as she shared with me, I learned the names of plants and trees I had never paid attention to before. I learned to recognize the difference between azaleas and gardenias (don’t laugh), even when they weren’t in bloom. I discovered one of her favorite flowers, the Gerbera daisy, which soon became my most favorite. Without fail, every spring, and every trip to the garden center, brings sweet memories of her along with it. Of course, there are a few other things that go with spring, too. I tend to believe winter is really past when the “lovely” yellow-green pollen arrives. Coating everything outdoors, it is a sight that makes car wash owners giddy and convinces homeowners of the need to own a power washer. The sound of woodpeckers working, the buzzing of wasps searching for places to build nests, the arrival of hummingbirds, and the wildflowers popping up along roadways and in pastures are all included in the sights and sounds trumpeting the arrival of a new season.

Spring also reminds me that sometimes good and bad go together. Flowers come because of rain, and while too much rain can be a frustration, it will fill our lakes and rivers and aquifers. Warmer weather means more “critters” (some I like and some I don’t), but all are a marvel of creation. Even mistakes, whether gardening or otherwise, are an opportunity for growth and wisdom.

Every year, I cherish the memories of a second mom who helped teach me about plants and flowers. I see a new plant she would love, and I wish we could talk about it. Instead, I’ll smile and look forward to passing it on. And speaking of passing it on, please share with our advertisers how much you appreciate their role in bringing you Postcards each month. We couldn’t do it without them.

Until next time,

Let’s Celebrate!

This Month’s Business Anniversaries:

1986

Partners

2011

Celebrating 37 years

Global Financial Partners

See their ad on page 31

Celebrating 12 years

City of Conroe CK Ray Rec Center

See their ad on page 29

2020

Celebrating 3 years

Nothing Bundt Cakes

See their ad on page 27

2022

Celebrating 1 year

Texas Generator Solutions

See their ad on page 41

Postcards Magazine is read from cover to cover at my home (even my 10 year old grandson reads part of it)!

Sara Bartee

It is obvious to the multitudes that anything or anyone involved with Postcards Magazine must be considered outstanding in every way. This is our personal observation at Montgomery United Methodist Church. Thank you to Karen Altom for speaking and sharing with us. We look forward to the next visit!

Susie Turner

I wanted to tell you I have had so many people on my tour tell me that they read the article Ruth Fields did for Lamplight Ghost Tours and decided to book with me. I am so thankful for Postcards Magazine!

Leah Lamp

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your unselfish contributions to SAAFE House. Your donation of radio spots during the Holiday Giving Season was a blessing. It helped with our commitment to serving the victims of Family Violence and Sexual Assault in our community. Postcards Magazine was directly responsible for having at least two new donors (that we know of) find out about SAAFE House and what we provide to the community. I am sure there were others, but we know of these two. Thank you for all you do and know that you are appreciated.

SAAFE House, Tammy Farkas

Community Builders

Special to Postcards

God’s Hands Ministry

“We are to be His hands and feet” is the slogan for God’s Hands Ministry, a team of Christian women who minister in long-term care facilities in Conroe each month. The goal of GHM is to show God’s love to others. “We spend time with residents, give them an opportunity to share their thoughts with us, and remind them that God loves them,” said Mary Wagner, GHM team member.

When the idea of ministering in long-termcare facilities came to Darlene Dufour, GHM’s founder, she knew she needed to operate under spiritual authority. She sought and received spiritual covering from her pastor to minister in nursing homes. At the time, she had seen her purpose as going into facilities,

telling stories, and providing social interaction and encouragement to residents.

The next morning, Dufour phoned two longterm care facilities in Conroe and offered her services as a volunteer. “One told me I needed to provide a copy of my Covid vaccination, a copy of my driver’s license, and have a background check. I took the documents right over. Then I called Tina McBride, Lifestyles Director at Bristol Park Manor Memory Care. She said, ‘I’ve been praying for a storyteller.’”

Becky Barker, a woman in Dufour’s Sunday school class, was prompted to get involved. She said, “I was cleaning house one morning and listening to my praise music. I started thinking that God wanted me to go help

Darlene, so I phoned her said, “I think I’d like to go with you to the nursing home and help.” Dufour was surprised. “It never occurred to me anyone else would be interested, but I figured if Becky’s heart wanted her to be a part of this ministry, why not go a step further and invite our friend Mary Wagner to join us.” Wagner quickly agreed. “I really didn’t know what I was supposed to do or how I could help. I knew God wanted me to do it. I enjoy helping others. I think people in those facilities don’t get enough attention from relatives, and this helps encourage them,” Wagner said.

On Monday, September 5, 2022, the three women prayed, then piled in Barker’s car and headed off to Bristol Park Manor Memory

Photos by Tom Miller

Haley, Mary, Joanne, Rosie, Rita, Darlene, and Becky

Care facility. None knew exactly what they were going to do when they got there or how it would be received. “We only knew we wanted to share God’s love in whatever small way we could. We thought all we had to offer was our presence and our interaction with residents—but we also had a secret weapon: Coco the chihuahua.”

“I had been impressed on my initial visit with the gentle and respectful way Tina McBride and the staff treat patients at Bristol Park. Tina was constantly on the move, attuned to the needs of each patient, moving from one to another without missing a beat,” Dufour said. “Our team ministered to 17 residents that first day. We were so excited.”

“From the beginning, God started giving me ideas until I had the plans for August through December,” Dufour said. “I spent days studying and gathering materials.” The team has a flexible program structure. The program at Bristol Park follows a pattern: reciting The Lord’s Prayer and singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Coco offers canine therapy, and Barker speaks words of encouragement as she takes Coco to each person who wants to hold or pet her. Participants recite the story chant; Dufour tells stories; Wagner leads in singing a familiar hymn. The GHM team ends each program with a prayer of blessing for the attendees.

“The residents love to play bingo during the week, so we provide inexpensive prizes for them each month. We hope that will show God’s love for them, even when the GHM team is not there,” Dufour said. GHM helps residents fulfill their basic human need to belong (friends, family, love), to have fun, and to laugh. “I think the residents like what we do, because they keep coming back, and they participate more each time,” said Wagner. Tina McBride said, “People don’t realize that having someone spend time with them or read to them is very

important to a resident in a long-term care facility.”

Dufour was telling her pulmonologist about the activities GHM was doing at Bristol Park. He asked if she had considered going to Brightpointe, a facility right behind his office. It was just across the street from Bristol Park, where the team was already going. She immediately went and met Haley Chastain, Activities Director for Brightpointe. Chastain said, “I’m new to this job, and I’ve been looking for somebody to come and work with some of our residents.”

By mid-September, the GHM schedule for Mondays was set. The team goes to Bristol Park the first and third Monday of each month; they go to Brightpointe the second and fourth Mondays.

The program the team uses at Brightpointe differs from the one presented at the Memory Care facility, because the residents there are able to interact on a different level with team members.

Activities are designed to elicit interaction between the residents and the team. “We want to provide listening ears and open hearts to those residents. Some are memory impaired because of strokes, others’ minds and memories are sharp. One is nearly a hundred years old,” Dufour said.

“Facilities we go to are welcoming. We receive more than we give. Each time, we go with a general plan that is flexible. One constant is Coco, who provides affection; she also encourages residents to share stories about pets they once had,” Dufour said.

“The residents enjoy the programs you present,” said Rachel Mudd, Admission Coordinator for Brightpointe. “I see you singing with them, telling stories. It helps boost their spirits.” Chastain agreed. “They look

forward to your coming. They haven’t had church services available to them since Covid. Our long-term residents especially need that, because many of them don’t get visitors often. It also helps short-term residents, who are often confused and need something to give them peace of mind.”

Joanne Coberley and Rita Loveless joined Dufour in November in ministering at Lewis Park Estates Senior Living and Memory Care. The GHM team ministers on the second Tuesdays of the month in the memory care unit and on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the lifestyle unit.

In addition, Dufour will begin ministering at Park Manor of Conroe on the first Tuesdays of each month. “I now know how to establish a program, and I can show them the steps to get started. I believe what we are doing in Conroe can be replicated in other places with some changes, depending on the talents of those individuals and the needs of the facilities. Then I can work with them on Zoom to help in any other way.”

“There are thousands of Americans who want to do something to help someone else. They just need an opportunity to give what they can afford to give. What may seem a small act on your part may be the answer to someone else’s prayer. I’m 78-years-old, and God has given me a joy infusion! I’m so blessed,” Dufour said.

GHM team members are volunteers; no one is paid. So far, all expenses have been paid from their pockets. If you would like to help this ministry continue, tax deductible donations can be made at ConroeFirst.org. Enter the amount of the donation, then select God’s Hands Ministry from the list of recipients. Contact the GHM team at ghministry@gmail.com for more information.

Glorious Grandkids

Case Hooks Grandchild of Jim & Sue Roberts, Steve & Karla Bruno, and Barner & Brenda Hooks

Cason John Vernon Grandchild of Craig & Debbie DuBord and Diane Carney Vernon

Noah Ward Grandchild of Jennifer Larson

Story By Karen Altom

Submitted Photos

JIMMY FORTUNE

It took me about two minutes to purchase tickets to the Old Town Theatre on April 21 once I saw Jimmy Fortune would be in town. For those who do not know, Fortune was the tenor for The Statler Brothers and, along with them, has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Virginia Musical Hall of Fame as a solo artist. Jimmy began his journey with The Statlers, already a favorite of mine, when I was a senior in high school. In spite of my initial resistance to a change in my favorite group,

it took me about two minutes to recognize the special smoothness of this unique tenor. Coming from a family of singers who love harmony, Jimmy Fortune quickly became (for me) the standard by which other tenors were gauged. When I got on the phone with Jimmy for this interview, it took me about two minutes to decide he had to be one of the nicest people I had ever spoken with. Add to that his love of family, country and God, and you will find a voice and music that touches you where you live.

What was life in the music world like for you prior to the Statler Brothers?

I was playing hotel clubs in Virginia six days a week, four hours a night, and I had a daytime job as a service writer at a car dealership. Working myself in the ground, pretty much. Cover music, top 40 stuff, everything from rock to country to bluegrass to gospel…disco, you name it. With that kind of job, you just had to do it all.

How old were you when you joined the Statler Brothers?

I was 26, going on 12 (laughs). Thanksgiving 1981, I had a night off and was asked by some friends to come to a local ski resort and jam with them. To this day, I can’t figure out why I went to play music on my night off. Statler Brothers tenor Lew DeWitt was there and heard me, and we got to sing together a little bit. I didn’t think anything would come of it, but when he had surgery around Christmas, he recommended me to the group as a fillin. When he had to leave the group for health reasons, it turned into a full-time blessing. I see so many God things in my life, where He

put me in the right places at the right time for the right things. I don’t know how he steered a young, rambunctious guy like me, except for my Momma’s prayers.

In 21 years with the Statler Brothers and your career since, you have performed all over the U.S., internationally, at the White House, for Elizabeth Taylor, and more… what was the most memorable performance experience for you?

Whoa…there are so many! The first time on stage with the Statler Brothers was great, January 28, 1982, in Savannah, Georgia. I realized I was standing on stage with my heroes, and I had never seen that many faces looking at me!

We started the DARE program with President and Mrs. Reagan to keep kids off drugs, and we did several events with them at the White House.

Also, there were some performances at galas in Los Angeles, with so many actors and actresses, but we had a thing we did in Staunton, Virginia every year on the Fourth of

COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA

July called “Happy Birthday, USA” that grew to over 110,000 people in our little town. Those events were so memorable because our families also got to be there to celebrate our country, our independence, and our veterans.

You wrote the #1 hit Elizabeth. Was it planned as a Statler Brothers song?

I had never written a song before. I had always been so busy working I never had time to write. After I had been in the group awhile, I asked whether they would record a song if I wrote it. Harold Reid gave me a really honest answer. He said, “Well, little buddy, if it’s good enough…yeah, we’ll record it.”

I had a melody in my head, but I was looking for some words. We were leaving for a performance in Oklahoma and stopped at a Kroger to get some things for the bus. While I was there, I heard a mother fussing at her little girl for taking items off the shelves. She kept saying, “Elizabeth! Why did you do that?”

Then on the trip, the Statlers (being big movie buffs), asked me if I had ever seen the movie Giant, with Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. I hadn’t, so they pulled it out

APRIL EVENTS

Dance SENIOR STUDIO

April 13 – 15 | 8 p.m.

Dance Theater, GPAC

Art

GRAPHIC DESIGN SENIOR EXHIBITION

April 17 – 29

Reception | April 20 | 5 p.m.

University Gallery, HFAB Free Admission

Music

WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT

April 20 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

College of Arts & Media

CAM ARTIST SERIES: DIEGO & FRIENDS: A SOIRÉE OF PIANO TRIOS FT. MATT LAMMERS & CAIO DINIZ

April 24 | 7:30 p.m.

Recital Hall, GPAC

Music

CONCERT AND SYMPHONIC BANDS CONCERT

April 27 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Theatre & Musical Theatre

SWEENEY TODD

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler from an Adaptation by Christopher Bond

April 27 – 29 | 7:30 p.m.

April 29 | Matinee | 2 p.m. Erica Starr Theatre, UTC

To

and we watched it on the bus. Then, during the next concert in Oklahoma, this young lady comes up to the stage and grabs my hand. She kept saying, “I’m Elizabeth. I’m Elizabeth.” It just hit me that I had to put that name in this song. It was another God thing. That night in the hotel room, I started putting words down and played the song into my little recorder.

The next day, I played it for the guys on the bus, and they loved it. We recorded it, and it went #1. I won songwriter of the year, and it won song of the year for 1985.

Any other personal favorite songs you have?

All my patriotic songs…More Than a Name on a Wall That’s one of my favorites, because I get to say thank you to some very important people. Then I’ve written some…In God We Trust, and a song called Meet Me at Arlington These pay tribute to our veterans and are stories of people searching for comfort. Also, some gospel songs like I Believe, which are pretty much given to me by the Good Lord up above. One more recent special song is called I Love You More; it was inspired by my granddaughter. When I tell her I love her, she says, “I love you more!” That’s the way God is. He loves us more than any mistake we’ve ever made and is always there for us. That’s what

that song is about.

How did you connect with the Gaither group as a label?

We have always been fans, and Harold, Phil, Don, and Lew were good friends with Bill Gaither. When the Statlers retired and I was on my own, I didn’t have a record label. I did a few projects here and there, then Bill Carter, an attorney for so many big acts— like Reba McEntire, The Rolling Stones, and the Gaithers—contacted me. He had heard something I did and asked me to come to Arkansas to open for Dailey and Vincent and Jason Crabb. After that performance, he contacted Bill Gaither and told him he needed to do some projects with me.

How did the group “Brothers of the Heart” develop?

Mike Rogers was playing downtown doing some clubs, and Ben Isaacs and I would go down there and sit in with him from time to time. Eventually, Bradley Walker came

and sat in. We got to listening to the blend, and the Gaither group suggested we do a project. We thought “Okay, we’ll see.” We all have our own careers going, Mike is with Ricky Skaggs, Ben is with The Isaacs, and Brad and I each have our own thing. Our first studio project was called Brotherly Love. We recorded another project at the Grand Ole Opry. Don Reid of the Statlers came down and did the video interview portion, and he made the comment, “You guys really are brothers. You’re brothers of the heart.” We are now called “Brothers of the Heart.” We just released the first half of that project, called Listen to the Music. The other half, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, will probably come out in the fall. We only do about 5-10 live shows together a year, which makes it kind of a special thing.

You work closely with your wife Nina. What are the pros and cons of working together?

It can take its toll on a husband and wife. I write songs, play my guitar, and sing…Nina does the rest. She’s very overworked and underpaid! If it wasn’t for her, none of this would be possible. It’s hard to find people to hire with a strong work ethic who won’t drop the ball. She oversees all the details and when needed she steps in and gets it done. Now we are trying to be purposeful and take mini-vacations to not let work rule our lives.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want people to see a grateful person who has let the Lord lead him and has let them know they are loved—someone the Lord used through music to bring joy and laughter, comfort and healing…because we’re all in this together.

Jimmy Fortune will be performing in Huntsville at the Old Town Theatre April 21, 2023. Visit oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org for ticket information. For more information about Jimmy, his schedule, and his music visit jimmyfortune.com.

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. Ready or not, spring has sprung. I’m ready, how about you? We are blessed to live in Texas, where we are surrounded by beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Easter renewal is evident everywhere! Easter egg hunts are proof your children can find things when they really want to. Personally, I don’t hunt Easter eggs anymore. I can’t even find my car keys, and I spend way too much time looking for things, as it is! Send your questions to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive. com/share. Easter eggs aside, remember that it’s not about the bunny; it’s about the lamb.

Exam and X-Rays

*Must present coupon at the time of service. Some restrictions may apply, please contact our office for complete details. Not redeemable for cash. Cannot be combined with insurance, discounts or any other special offers. Expires April 30, 2023

DEAR GABBY

Spring cleaning is such a bore. I know it’s necessary, but what a pain! Do you have any advice on making the chore a little less dreadful?

NOT SUSIE HOMEMAKER

DEAR SUSIE

There is a serenity prayer just for your situation. “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the messy state my house is in, the courage to start cleaning, and the wisdom to not let it get this way again.” Upbeat music is a great distraction, but don’t wear headphones while vacuuming! I once vacuumed the whole house, then realized the vacuum wasn’t plugged in. You can always simply drink wine and spray everything with Febreze. Just don’t get them confused!!

DEAR GABBY

I’m not a day sleeper because of my job, but I do love to sleep in on Saturdays. The guy across the street prefers to do yardwork with power tools on the weekend at the crack of dawn. He’s retired and could do his lawn anytime. I’m ready to take drastic measures. I need my beauty rest!

DEAR SLEEPY

I have the same problem. Take him some cookies on Friday afternoon and ask nicely if he would mind picking another day to do his yard work. With that being said, do as I say and not as I do. I just sold a lawnmower on Craigslist. That’s the last time my neighbor wakes me up on a Saturday!

If you’re that gullible, I have some advice for you. If you see a rabbit laying little brown eggs, don’t eat them. It’s not chocolate!

GABBY

Legal Corner: CUSTODIAN OF A WILL

By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

Questions often arise regarding the duties and possible liabilities of the custodian of the will of a deceased person. “Custodian” for purposes of this article shall mean the person who has possession and/or control of a decedent’s will when they die. Is he/ she required to file it for probate after the decedent’s death? Should he/she just hold on to it until such time that one of the decedent’s survivors asks for it? Should he/she try to find one or more of the beneficiaries and give the will to them?

The answer to all of these questions is, actually, no none of the above. The Estates Code instructs the person who has custody of a decedent’s will to deliver it to the clerk of the court which has jurisdiction of the estate. (This is normally the county where the decedent resided.)

It should be noted that delivery to the county clerk is not the same thing as offering the will for probate. Offering the will for probate would strive to have the will recognized as authentic and ask that it be recognized as the decedent’s enforceable last will and testament. Filing with the county clerk without an application for probate does not seek Court authentication, but only makes it a part of the Court’s complete record if and when a probate proceeding is ever filed for that particular estate.

It is possible and does “in fact” occur that a decedent might have more than one original document which professes to be his/her Last Will & Testament. This does not imply that more than one document will be admitted to probate, but it does point out the need to provide the Court with an opportunity to examine each will and determine which, if either, should be recognized and honored. It is only the original of the will that is subject of this discussion and does not under normal conditions include photocopies of wills.

Occasionally this firm encounters a situation where the person who has possession of a decedent’s will does not wish to file it with the court clerk and may even wish to keep its existence a secret. The reasons for not wishing to produce a will can vary widely between persons and may run the gambit from very innocent to the very sinister. One person may erroneously believe that he will take on unwanted financial responsibility or wishes to not get involved. Another person might not file because they are under the belief that they lack authority to do so, while yet another person might not wish to file through a belief that filing might result in differences in distribution of the estate which are not in that particular person’s best pecuniary interest. A conflict might occur if the person who is in possession of a will is not a beneficiary under the will, or the will does not give them the amount that they feel that they are somehow entitled. A common example occurs when the person who fails to file the will is a child of the decedent who would otherwise have received little or nothing from the estate, but by withholding the will and relying upon laws of intestate succession, may receive a generous portion of a deceased parent’s estate.

If these occur, the person who is in possession of a decedent’s will may be compelled to produce the will upon performance of the following steps by persons who wish to have the will recognized:

*A sworn written complaint may be filed with the Court stating that a particular person has possession of the last will and testament of the decedent or other papers belonging to the estate of the testator. Upon receipt of the complaint, the Judge shall cause that person to be cited by personal service to appear in court and show cause why he/she should not deliver such will or other documents to the court for probate.

*If the person who was cited to appear fails to deliver the will or such documents that the Court is convinced were in his/her possession at the time of citation, then the Judge may cause the non-producing party to be arrested and imprisoned until such time that the will or other papers are produced

*In addition to the above, a person who refuses to deliver such will or papers shall also be liable to any person who is aggrieved for all damages sustained as a result of such refusal.

It is important to remember that any original document that purports to be the last will and testament of the decedent is of interest to the court. It is good practice for you, the testator, to avoid confusion to the future custodians of your will, to physically destroy the original of any will that you do not wish for the court to consider as your last will and testament.

If you are the custodian of the last will and testament for someone other than yourself, your duty in filing can always be clarified through discussions with an attorney of your choice who is familiar with probate law in Texas.

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“Water & Pump Resource Professionals”

Happy 7th birthday! Blakely Spencer

Shane & Madilene Loosier recently celebrated their 28th anniversary.

Luis & Lynne Benavides recently celebrated their 39th anniversary.

By Daniel Strigenz, MD

5 TIPS FOR AVOIDING SEASONAL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

A seasonal allergies is sensitive to allergens that are only around at certain times of the year. Plant pollens from blooming trees and grasses are the classic examples. Dr. Daniel Strigenz, an otolaryngologist at Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at The Woodlands, has five tips to help you prepare for seasonal allergies now that pollen has returned to Texas.

1. Know when it’s time to prepare

There are three different allergy seasons: spring, summer and fall. Each of these seasons is marked by a different type of plant pollen being released. Know your history of when your symptoms traditionally act up the most.

2. Take steps to reduce your pollen exposure

“Staying indoors is the best way to avoid seasonal allergy symptoms,” said Strigenz. “It is difficult, but at least take steps to limit your exposure.”

Tips to limit pollen exposure:

• Check the pollen count using your weather app and plan your day accordingly.

• Avoid driving with your windows rolled down, especially in the mornings.

• Wear a mask if you need to be outdoors.

• Set your car’s A/C to recirculate the air, rather than drawing it from the outside.

• Change clothes when you arrive home after being outdoors.

3. Pre-treat symptoms if you’re a regular sufferer

Start with an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray regimen or take a daily non-drowsy antihistamine when you know your allergy season is approaching.

“If you prefer a natural remedy for allergies, try frequent saline rinses,” offered Strigenz.

4. Know the allergy symptoms

As soon as you notice these symptoms, it’s time to start treating them:

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Itchy eyes

• Sneezing

• Scratchy throat

• General fatigue

• Headaches

5. Take an antihistamine

Allergies can hit even if you’re doing everything

right. Non-drowsy oral antihistamines are a preferred method of treatment. “These medications start to act within a few hours and target the histamine response itself,” explained Strigenz. “They are an excellent initial option for treatment of allergy symptoms.”

While nasal steroid sprays are also good options for treatment, he cautioned against using nasal decongestant sprays, as you can become dependent, and they can cause rebound congestion. “Your congestion actually gets worse as your system becomes reliant on the spray,” noted Strigenz. Should you see a doctor for seasonal allergies?

“The symptoms of congestion, drainage and facial pressure can be a bad bout of allergies or a sinus infection. If you’re not getting better in 7 to 10 days, it’s time to see a doctor,” Strigenz added. “There are new in-office procedural treatments that may help with allergy symptoms. For instance, we can try to calm down over-active nerves in the nose that stimulate mucous production and shrink congestion.”

Your primary care provider may refer you for chronic issues to a board-certified ENT specialist.

Special to Postcards

Submitted Photos

Be An Angel Be An Angel

Be An Angel is a Houston headquartered non-profit to assist children with severe disabilities. The organization is wellestablished and chaired by former Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini. Their mission:

It is our mission to improve the quality of life for children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness by providing needed adaptive equipment and select services.

We believe that children are the heart and soul of humanity, that they represent all that is good within us, and that we can help children with special needs experience life at their fullest potential.

The group’ efforts have wide reach, including not only efforts in Houston and statewide, but internationally as well. Below, board member Jim Anderson recounts a recent mission

trip to Casa de Luz, an orphanage in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Casa de Luz means “House of Light” and is a bright star in the lives of its young residents. Born into poverty, these children were neglected with no one to care for them. At Casa de Luz, they receive medical care, nourishment, physical therapy and a loving family.

As Close as You Can Get to Heaven on Earth

Well, here we are again. It’s four in the morning, and our group of 11 is headed down Interstate 45 to the airport for a trip we have waited on for over two years. We are headed on a mission trip to the orphanage we have been visiting for over 11 years, the House of Light (HOL), in the Dominican Republic. We had previously visited twice a year before the pandemic hit, then all visits came to a halt. You see, the House of Light is not your typical orphanage--many of the children in this home are described as “throwaway children,” whom parents decided they could not raise, with many being severely disabled. Some actually place their children in dumpsters, where local police find them and take them to the House of Light.

On previous trips prior to Covid, we have built a sanctuary and pews to go inside, a large kitchen and dining area so the

children could eat meals together, and a laundry room full of washers and dryers (that never stop being used) to keep the children in the cleanest clothes possible.

The importance of this trip is that Rotary International has chosen the HOL location to build a water plant to help the orphanage become self-sufficient.

The orphanage has been dependent on organizations to provide funding and has continued to receive support from the nonprofit Be An Angel in Houston and North Shore Church in Montgomery to pay the workers and owners who have kept this house open for 14 years. The water plant, being built by Water Works International (which has 8 other water plants in the Dominican Republic), will have 10 fulltime workers who will run the plant and produce bottled water to furnish to the orphanage and sell to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Our group’s mission was to put the first coat of primer on both the inside and outside of the plant, plus paint the outside and inside of the large walls that go around HOL. These two projects took

The water plant

Curtis painting at the water plant

from the first to the third floors. While this was being accomplished, half of the team was installing new doors inside the house (that

delivered an inch too long, and they had to be cut to the proper size to fit the doorways.)

completed our tasks one day early, this to spend our last day with the 34 the owners and workers at HOL. arrived at the HOL on our last day on children were starting their day their daily music session. They are one room. Several are provided to accompany the singing, and an event to witness. They have several songs, and this shows the happiness they still possess as children. I cannot say enough about the dedicated workers who stay 24/7 to provide care for

these beautiful children—true angels. We learned the new government in the Dominican Republic has taken control of the process of screening all children and deciding

whether they should officially be taken from their parents (or those relatives with custody) and placed in HOL. This is a fundamental change in the way this home has operated since its inception. Some children needing medicine or physical therapy have been returned to their homes for treatment, which puts several new requirements and needs on the staff for this to be accomplished. The mission continues to grow for the wonderful sanctuary, but with little or no support from the government.

We also had one more important duty to perform on this visit, and that was the dedication of the water plant in the name of our former leader, Raymond Solcher. Ray and his wife Karen were first taken to the orphanage while distributing hearing aids at the School for the Deaf in the Dominican, and they quickly fell in love with the children and staff. Ray, a board

member for Be An Angel and member of North Shore Church, established the connection that is still in place today. Postcards featured The Solchers in our May 2013 issue. A plaque which recognizes Ray has been placed on the water plant in his memory. It is anticipated the water plant will not be making a profit for another 12 months, so additional support is needed during this interim.

Special thank you to my fellow team members and the continued support provided by Be An Angel and North Shore Church over the last 14 years. The generous donations and offerings have supported these children at the House of Light, and I sincerely hope all will be blessed for their big hearts. You can donate by attending Be An Angel’s upcoming Gala on April 28th or by providing a donation at beanangel.org.

Jim Anderson with the newest resident. This girl fell out of a third story window and broke her spine. Her family brought her to HOL for care.

STAGE RIGHT OF TEXAS 2022 -

Vet Connect:

By Steve VanWagner, D.V.M.

Equine Joint Therapies (IRAP vs PRP vs Polyacrylamide)

IRAP

Interluekin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP) is naturally produced in the blood. IRAP therapy involves the collection of the horse’s blood, stimulating the growth of the antagonist protein in this blood, isolating the protein rich serum, and then injecting it into the affected joint.

Blood for IRAP therapy is drawn from horse’s jugular vein into a special tube used to stimulate the growth of the antagonist protein. It is incubated for 24 hours, then cetrifuged for 10 minutes. Each blood collection can yield 4 to 6 doses. Dose size is specific to each joint. Any remaining doses can be stored for future use.

Treatment with IRAP consists of four treatments, one week apart. These can be performed in hospital or on the farm. The most dramatic results occur typically after the third and fourth treatments.

PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine treatment that delivers a high concentration of platelets in the form of blood plasma to a joint, increasing the amount growth factors at the site to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Blood for PRP therapy is collected from the horse’s jugular vein into special tubes and then centrifuged, separating the majority of the red and white blood cells from the platelets and plasma, thus forming platelet-rich plasma.

Treatment of joints with PRP is the same as injecting any other products. This is typically performed at the hospital due to the short-term life of the sample after centrifugation. These samples must be used at time of processing and only allows one treatment per collection.

Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide Hydrogel comes in a prepacked application ready for injection. The hydrogel consists of cross-linked polyacrylamide in water. After injection, the cells integrate into the synovial membrane through blood vessel ingrowth. This helps to increase the cushioning and lubrication of the joint.

Treatment of joints with hydrogel can be performed in the field or at the hospital. One application is used per joint treated. Hydrogel is typically reserved for patients with more advanced osteoarthritis, but can be used at any stage.

If your horse is experiencing joint pain/osteoarthritis, consult your veterinarian to see which product is best for your horse’s condition.

BELA

loved by Leonard

ACE

loved by Ingrid & Ava Grooms and Veronica Landmann

GUNNER

loved by The Monjaras Family

What’s Cookin’

Easy Pineapple Casserole

Ingredients

1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits, drained

1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, partially drained

2/3 cup white sugar

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 stick butter, melted

1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 sleeve crushed buttery round crackers (such as Ritz®)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Mix pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple together in a bowl and layer into the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Mix sugar and flour together in a bowl and sprinkle mixture over pineapple. Spread cheese on top. Cover everything with crushed crackers. Drizzle with melted butter.

Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. Excellent side dish, especially for ham or pork.

Cook’s Note:

To soften your butter quickly, cut or grate butter. If you cut your butter into chunks instead of leaving it in one big stick, it’ll warm up to room temperature much faster.

To melt your cut or grated butter place in a small saucepan on the stove top on low heat. Stir the butter pieces with a wooden spoon until they are fully melted.

Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith

Why is everyone talking about recession?

You can’t turn on financial news without hearing speculation about an upcoming recession. While it seems everyone has an opinion to share, the fact is no one knows when we will have a recession or how severe it may be. This uncertainty is what drives volatility in financial markets. Investors, and markets, are trying to predict what will happen several months down the road. So, with the speculation and uncertainty, what is an investor to do?

It helps to have a little context. We need to know what a recession is. You may have heard that a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Gross Domestic Product simply measures the value of the final goods and services produced in the United States. But in reality we have seen multiple time periods with two consecutive quarters of negative GDP that are not recessions. One example is the “Recession of 2020”. In the early days of COVID we saw negative GDP growth in the first and second quarter of 2020. The negative growth was the direct result of an unprecedented shutdown of our economy – not recession. A more accurate definition of recession would be a business cycle contraction that occurs when there is a general decline in economic activity.

Let’s focus on the word cycle in that definition. Cycle is defined as a series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order. So, an economic cycle is a series of economic events that are regularly repeated in the same order. The economic cycle has four parts: expansion, peak, contraction, trough. If that cycle, which has gone on for many decades is to continue, we must go through each part. To get back to expansion, we must go through contraction, and trough.

This is all to help you understand that recessions (economic contractions) are necessary. It is not if they will happen, but when. From an investor’s perspective, what should you do? You should expect that recessions will happen. You should be confident in the plan you have in place and understand the process used to select your investments to support that plan. You should understand when you will need funds from your investments as timing may impact investment selection. Finally, you should be patient while the cycle runs is course.

If you don’t work with an advisor, you may find comfort in someone that has been through multiple economic cycles with clients in various life stages. We would be happy to help you better understand your current financial situation, and how you might be impacted by the economic cycle. We strive to help our clients “Enjoy More, Worry Less”.

By Kim Bius

Gardening Terminology

Spring is here, and everyone has the fever to plant, dig and shop! If you are new to the world of gardening, do not worry about asking questions, seasoned gardeners will welcome them and share information.

Beware of “plant Karens” (plant snobs of the gardening world). These folks are easily identified (male and female) and may ridicule and chastise your efforts--and often know just enough gardening info to be dangerous. The beauty of gardening is in the experience, so feel free to make mistakes and always be in “learning mode.” To get your feet on the ground and build your confidence while shopping, the following garden terminology will be helpful.

Annual – The term is often given to bedding plants that will live their entire life cycle in one year and require replanting each year! Cool weather annuals are planted in mid-late October, and warm weather annuals in midlate spring. Do not shy away from annuals; they are the jewels in every garden and will make it pop. Our growing season is about 6-9 months, and they are definitely worth the expense. Some annuals purchased at box stores “play out” too early. Growers have to meet the demands of large chains and will hit the plants at the seed stage with heavy fertilizers to be shelf ready quickly. You may

save a bit up front, but you will pay more on the repurchase.

Reseeding Annual – These will drop seeds and return the following year to grace your garden. Plants such as bluebonnets, zinnias, and vinca are prime examples of reseeding annuals. Ensure these plants are in an area that will stay undisturbed, and they will return year after year.

Perennial – These plants are often deciduous (lose their leaves in the winter months) to return each year in spring. Many perennials are “late,” and folks tend to lose patience and discard before giving them a chance to return. Ornamental grass is a prime example, returning as late as May.

Tropical – This is an industry slang term used to refer to a large group of plants that will not survive freezing temperatures and often incur damage below 45 degrees. These plants are evergreen in their native habitat and can be seen flourishing in the Caribbean countries and South America.

Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes -Tomato plants generally fall into one of these two categories. Determinate (bush) tomato plants are bred to stop growing around 3-4 feet tall. When flowers blossom at the tips of the branches, the plant has reached its full height.

The fruit of a determinate tomato plant ripens all at once. This type of plant is useful for those who want to grow tomatoes for canning. They can also be ideal for the small-space gardener. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow seemingly indefinitely. Depending on the variety, they can grow from 6-20 tall. This type continues to produce tomatoes all growing season until a hard frost hits and stops them in their tracks. These plants are particularly desirable if you’d like a continuous harvest for slicing or salad tomatoes. If canning, you may need a few more indeterminate plants so that you have plenty to can at any one time. Self-Pollinator – In the world of fruit trees, certain varieties do not require a second tree’s pollen to produce fruit--figs, citrus, Santa Rosa Plums, blueberries, grapes and a few others. Shade Plants – These plants will thrive in morning sun only and shady after 12:30 to 1:00. Intense shade refers to less than 4 hours of dappled or reflected light-areas. If grass will not grow, this is always a good indicator of high shade.

Full Sun – Plants require 8 hours or more of direct, unfiltered sunlight--such as fruit trees, crops, roses, and a large list of others. Spring has sprung, and I hope you are enjoying this glorious season of gardening.

With spring arriving, you may be looking for new landscaping ideas, starting a new garden, or maybe revamping your home decor. Whatever your project, Kim’s Home & Garden can help make what you imagine come to life! Located at 2715 Lake Road in Huntsville, Texas, Kim’s Home and Garden offers a wide array of trees and plants dispersed throughout several acres on the farm. They have

everything for outdoor living and landscaping ideas: trees and shrubs, houseplants, annuals and perennials, fruit trees and edibles, and Texas native plants in a variety of colors. They also have a lovely collection of patio furniture, outdoor and garden décor, fountains and statuaries, birdbaths, windchimes, seeds and bulbs, bulk soil and rock (including delivery), and also offer contractor discounts. There are always Certified Nursery Professionals onsite to assist or answer any questions.

Inside the Stone Barn on the property (along with the garden center) is Kim’s Landscaping Co. (established in 1985). Here, they provide quality commercial and residential landscaping services, as well as design and installation of pergolas and outdoor living spaces, retaining walls, patios and walkways, and assistance with fire, water, and drainage issues. For more information about any of these services, call 936.295.5282 or email sales@kimshomeandgardencenter.com.

Kim’s Fine Home and Gifts is located adjacent to the barn inside the beautifully restored and historical Mansion (Top O’ the Hill) situated

Story by Rosa Coss

Photos by Tom Miller

on one of the highest elevations between Galveston and Dallas. The home was originally built 1909-1911 by contractor C.G. Barrett. It was built over an existing structure in the very same location. Its classical revival architecture was a popular design at the turn of the century. It is unknown whether the material used for the new home was salvaged from the old or if that was destroyed. The home was featured in The Book of Texas, 1929.

Some of the many treasures that can be found on the first floor inside the Mansion at Kim’s Fine Home and Gifts are, fine home décor, lighting, collectibles, gift items, linens, bath and body items, framed art, home fragrances, accents and furnishings, a beautiful selection of Holiday décor, and yummy gourmet foods. The grounds are also available as an outdoor venue for weddings and special events, with access to an indoor bar.

With so much going on at “Top O’ the Hill Farm,” it’s no wonder it has become a popular destination venue and major tourist attraction. “We have visitors who come from all over the State of Texas and from other states,” said owner Kim Bius. People often ask how she ended up at this location. “In all honesty, it was God’s hand that led me here. I just kept praying about it, and I would drive up this sidewalk and

ask God,

“What do you want me to do here?”

And then the vision came. The property had been purchased two or three years prior,” Kim said. “I wanted to restore the house to start an event venue, but in early 2020, when the pandemic was starting, the renovation still wasn’t complete.

Businesses everywhere were shut down

because of the pandemic, but according to Kim, they started small, setting up old chicken coops in the spot where the parking lot currently stands, and this became the Garden Center. Since they were an outdoor venue, they became one of the essential businesses in Huntsville that remained open during COVID. Also, since they were one of the few places

that was open during this time, and people were looking for things to do (and reasons to get out of the house), visitors began to stop by. For almost a year, Kim and her staff ran the business in this manner, but not knowing how long COVID and its aftermath would last, she wasn’t certain whether to move forward with the renovation. Fortunately, by

February 2020, they were able to move Kim’s Fine Home & Gifts inside the Mansion. In 2021, Kim Bius received the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Walker County Historical Society for demonstrating outstanding commitment for the protection of the historic resources of Texas. To see pictures of the renovation process, visit Facebook and search “Top of the Hill.”

Around this same time, she decided to take a gamble and lease out a section of the property (to April, Caitlyn, and Blake Roberts) to open Louise and Oleta’s Teahouse and Café, which is named in honor of Louise Coleman and Oleta Huffman. Blake Roberts is the chef, and they serve great food! It’s a very popular location among the locals. To read more about their story and see their menu, visit: kimshg.com

Kim has been in the home and garden industry for 38 years and has proudly been serving the Huntsville and surrounding areas. She attributes her success to her staff. Most, including her senior management team, have been with her for more than 20 years. During high season, they have 30 staff members, and 15-16 during low season. A few are college students, but most are people who have had other careers in their lifetime and do this simply because it’s their passion. “We all love what we do and believe in what we are doing,” said Kim, “and we are all good at what we do.” Recently, Kim’s Home & Garden received the Silver Award by the Texas Landscaping Association for Best Retail Garden Center of 2022-23. This is a very prestigious award, because winners are nominated and recognized by those in the home and garden industry.

Kim’s Home & Garden invites you to visit their website often to stay updated on future seasonal events, such as “Fall at the Farm,” pumpkin patches, or live music entertainment held on the patio (lawn chairs are welcome). Other community events include: festivals, seminars, workshops, Easter egg hunts, open houses, and lots more! Kim has many plans for the future of the farm on “Top O’ the Hill.”

Hours of Operation:

Monday–Saturday, 8:00 am–5:30 pm Closed on Sundays.

2715 Lake Road

Huntsville, TX 77340

936.295.5282

kimshg.com

Choosing your first Medicare plan is a big decision. You don’t have to make it alone.

Mustard Seed Moments

by Wes Altom

That One Sheep…

If you’ve ever felt sad, misunderstood, isolated, beaten down, friendless, overcome by the world; felt like a failure; or felt like a loser when it comes to resisting temptation…you’re not alone. But even if you were…

We belong to the Good Shepherd, who will leave his flock of 99 sheep to go rescue that one sheep who is all alone and has wandered away. And, as in the parable he told in Luke 15, rejoices and celebrates when that lost sheep is found.

“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; Are they not enough for Thee?”

But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine Has wandered away from Me. And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep.”

From the Poem The Ninety and Nine

By Elizabeth Clephane, 1868

Like a shepherd he takes care of his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them in his arms. He gently helps the sheep and their lambs. Isaiah 40:11

Mike Park, Chrissy Wieghat, Machayla Longfoot, Rane Riley and Rhonda Brown (not pictured)

We treat you like family!

I was extremely impressed with the entire experience I had with Cameron Optical on 12.06.2022. At 75 years, I have experienced numerous eye care offices, not one even came close to the experience at Cameron Optical. The entire staff I dealt with were superb individuals. Dr. Bonnie Cameron gave me the most comprehensive explanation of my overall eye health ever!

~ Norman H.

I am shocked and amazed! I typically don’t enjoy eye exams or appointments but EVERYONE at this office made it easy AND enjoyable! I actually had fun!! They were thorough and professional and absolutely lovely! Held my hand when I needed it and were completely relateable. It almost makes me want to go again!

~ Paula P.