POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - June 2024

POSTCARDS Magazine

Museum

Chad Zunker

Kelly Lawson, Realtor®

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Publisher’s Post

Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

That’s What It’s All About!

Happy June! Summer is upon us, as is Father’s Day and all the fun, sunny things we enjoy this time of year.

One recent morning, I started the day with a tremendous grin. Why? As I was getting ready to begin the workday, my phone rang. It was a FaceTime call from Abilene, where our daughter and her family live, but I knew she would not be the “Face” that would appear. As expected, an (almost) 2-year-old, curly-headed little boy appeared with a grin from ear to ear. He has discovered when he takes the phone to his mom and says “Sassy? G?” that she will push a button and we will appear. More importantly, when we appear, we will do whatever he wants us to do! Currently, that means asking Alexa to play the “Trucks” song from the Disney show “Cars on the Road.” Like any good grandmother in this decade, I also have that video saved on my YouTube channel so I can readily access it when he wants to see it. The giggles and delight are worth figuring all this out! This particular morning after the “Trucks” video, he asked for “Itsy Bitsy Spider” followed by “Wheels on the Bus.” Alexa obliged, but after those songs ended, she kept going, and up next was “The Hokey Pokey.” At first, his face did not indicate excitement about this song he had never heard…. that is until his grandmother and his mother started putting their right arm in and shaking it all about! Then the giggles started.

After we hung up, I thought how times have changed and how very fortunate I am to live in an age where I can see my grandson every day, whether he lives six hours away or not. I thought of my own grandparents-- I was blessed early in life to live very close to my mother’s parents and to attend church with them every week.

It made me realize how important those “little years” are. The years when you get to be silly and fun. The years when Mom and Dad are the rule makers and grandparents get to be the rule breakers. (Don’t tell them I said that!)

These are the years when little ones learn you will bend over backwards to do what they want to do, and that you will be a safe space for them always. And… sometimes that means starting the day dancing a little hokey pokey and hanging up with a grin on your face, knowing all is right with your world.

Until next time, ~ Karen

From Our Readers

Recipes

I’m fairly new to the area and thoroughly enjoy your magazine. The recipes are amazing.

Have you ever considered collecting all the recipes throughout a given year and publishing them in a magazine format at the end of each year? You could possibly include recipes from other years as well and do this every three or four years instead of annually. I believe you could take advanced orders and people would be willing to purchase the publication at a reasonable price that would cover the cost and potentially provide enough to help pay for the existing magazine.

I’ve seen this done with cookbooks, and having all the recipes in one location was the perfect answer for having to dig through multiple publications to find the one thing you need. Have a good day. I appreciate your work.

Brenda Ratliff

From the Editor:

Brenda,

So glad to hear you enjoy the magazine and are a fan of the recipes. Please note the recipes are available on our website at postcardslive.com and are searchable and expandable to view

way beyond the ones in the current issue. We truly appreciate your suggestion and will look at that idea for the future! In the meantime, we hope the online option helps you to continue to enjoy.

Thanks for sharing!

Good Samaritans

I am 87 years old, and it has been a long time since someone has really been genuinely kind. But on February 14th, I went to H-E-B on 336 West and at checkout, my debit card was declined. I was in a panic, when this young man checking out after me came over and swiped his card. I told him he could not do that, and he said, “I just did. Have a nice Valentine’s Day.” When leaving, I asked for his mailing address and I would mail him a check. Once more, he said, “It’s on me,” and left. I went to the bank and took care of my problem. But…

I want everyone to know that there are still Good Samaritans in this town and our USA. I just had an encounter with one, but I don’t know his name.

So, I want to say God Bless this young man. I will never forget you. The bill was $69.13.

Anonymous

Texas Treasures

Story by Ruth Fields

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

Heritage Museum tells the stories you need to hear—from the roots of Texas… to local programs and history.

A strange procession made its way through Conroe during the fall of 1985. The Grogan-Cochran House, built in 1924 with timber milled at the local Grogan-Cochran Lumber Company, was separated into two halves so it could be moved from downtown Conroe to its current location adjacent to I-45. Carolyn Walker—the last family member to live in the house—donated it to the City of Conroe to use as a museum. It became the main building of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, which opened in May of 1986.

Photos by Tom Miller

Suann Hereford & Carolyn Walker

It is a treasure hidden in plain sight. The museum, located adjacent to Candy Cane Park, regularly hosts visitors from throughout the nation— and the world. These travelers often congratulate the museum staff on the interesting displays of local historical artifacts; however, many of the most enthusiastic visitors are people from Montgomery County who have discovered the museum for the first time.

Consider, for example, the man who made the short walk to the Heritage Museum from National Tire and Battery a few months ago. He was having work done on his car, he explained to Dr. Suann Hereford, the museum’s executive director, but it was going to take longer than expected. He decided, therefore, to tour the Heritage Museum while he waited. “He was amazed,” Suann says. “He told me that he had lived in Conroe for more than 40 years. He said, ‘I have driven by it and seen it day after day. Who knew all this was here?’”

A tale of two houses

On August 23, 2015, the museum gained another structure: the Strake-Gray Oilfield House, which was originally located in the Conroe Oilfield near Duffy Road and F.M. 1314. The prefabricated structure is believed to have been ordered from the Sears and Roebuck Catalog, delivered by train and constructed on site in 1938 to be the home of the oilfield superintendent. (A minuscule oilfield bunkhouse is adjacent to the Strake-Gray Oilfield House and is one of the museum’s

outdoor exhibits.) Sarah Bess Gray Crow, the daughter of Clyde “Dolly” Gray, who was the second oilfield superintendent and the coach of the company baseball team, grew up in the house. She donated the building to display artifacts documenting the history of the Conroe Oilfield and the people who lived there.

“Carolyn Walker and Sarah Bess Crow are here often,” Suann says, “so people can talk with individuals who actually lived in the homes.” These two historic structures, however, are a fraction of the story. Once inside, museum visitors can view hundreds of photographs, documents and memorabilia that paint an accurate picture of the Montgomery County of yesteryear.

One of the first displays visitors encounter pays tribute to noteworthy people who have ties to Montgomery County. Students who tour the museum often recognize the names of Isaac Conroe, Peter Willis, and Margaret Montgomery (who married Owen Shannon). Nearby, an exhibit displays memorabilia donated by Pat Spackey, a descendant of Dr. Charles Stewart, the Montgomery County resident who designed the Texas flag.

An adjacent room contains a mockup of a general store, as well as a reproduction of the inside of a log cabin. All of the artifacts, such as farm implements, vintage clothing and cooking utensils, were donated by residents of Montgomery County.

Exhibits displaying memorabilia including the military uniforms, a spinning wheel, cash registers & switchboard. »

Nearby, several rotating displays ensure the museum always has items of interest to repeat visitors. For example, during the summer of 2023, so many local residents furnished family wedding photos, more tables had to be brought in. In November, local veterans and their families loaned their military memorabilia and photographs to the museum. Another recent temporary display honored Conroe radio personality Mary McCoy, who holds the world record for being the longest-serving female radio DJ.

Children are often fascinated by the museum’s collection of vintage telephones; most have no idea how to dial a phone with an actual circular dial, says Dr. Mike Hall, a retired history teacher and professor who lends his expertise to visitors on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Some of the telephones in the collection are from an earlier era, such as the one that was originally in the lobby of the Conroe Hotel. (There were no phones in rooms, so guests had to go to the hotel lobby to use the phone, Suann explains.)

The museum also displays the switchboard that was once used in the nearby Madeley Building to connect residents’ calls.

In addition, the Heritage Museum is the home of the Mark Clapham Art Collection, which includes the paintings, drawings and sculptures of the well-known local artist. “When he passed away in 2012, he left his

collection to the Heritage Museum so we would keep it all together and display his work,” Suann says.

Outside, there are a variety of exhibits, including sawmill equipment, a 1904 printing press and a 1930s fire extinguisher that was used in the Conroe Oilfield. Perhaps the most visible is the neon Pegasus that was originally atop the Mobil service station in downtown Conroe.

More than a museum

Suann was born in Conroe to parents who were also born in Conroe. When she retired in 2021 after 30 years as a counselor/ professor at Lone Star College – Kingwood, she was hand-picked to fill the vacant position of the museum’s executive director.

“I hit the ground running,” Suann says. One of the first things she did was to create the museum’s Intimate Gathering Series and host the first of many presentations. Held at the Strake-Gray Oilfield House, these events allow visitors to learn about a variety of topics in a casual environment. Past programs include presentations by local sculptor Craig Campobella, the Moorhead Blueberry Farm and ghost tour guide Leah Lamp. Intimate gatherings usually include about 35 people. They are offered at no charge, but reservations are required. Sometimes, larger gatherings are held at the

Owen Theater, such as presentations by two noteworthy Conroe High School graduates: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annette Gordon-Reed and Col. James Ray, who was held for nearly seven years in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war.

The museum also hosts Saturday Pioneer Events for children and families. Recent programs include lessons in basket-making and beekeeping, and presentations by Texas Snakes and More Company. “We also do targeted programs for home school groups, special needs groups and senior citizens who live in assisted living and retirement communities,” Suann says. For example, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently modeled vintage clothing for a group of seniors. The museum also hosted the entire fourth grade of Runyan Elementary School. With help from the DAR, the Sons of the Republic of Texas and other historical organizations, the tour wowed the students and their teachers. The museum is fortunate, Suann says, to have volunteers who belong to such groups.

A friendly place

When visitors arrive at the museum, they are greeted by Suann, Mike, or one of the other friendly members of the staff (Doug Collings, the assistant to the director, or Dr. Blake Spencer) and are directed to the guest register. Thanks to this record-keeping, the

staff knows that during the past year, the museum hosted 20 international visitors from countries including Canada, South Africa, England and Spain, as well as 236 visitors from states other than Texas. Not to be outdone, 615 Texans from counties other than Montgomery County visited the museum. Furthermore, the museum hosted 1,223 visitors who live in Montgomery County; another 1,766 attended organized tours and programs.

Left: Cecily Kelly & Linda Friend (members of the Daughters of the American Revolution) & John Thompson (member of the Sons of the American Revolution) model vintage clothing.

Below: Blake Spencer and the dress that his grandmother wore when his parents were married. This was a part of the bridal display in 2023.

Right: Mary McCoy, holder of the world record for being the longest-serving female radio DJ.

Many visitors, especially those who live in the area, were so impressed with the Heritage Museum that they became Friends of the Museum through donations both large and small. “Donations make up one-third of our annual budget,” Suann explains, and helps the museum continue its mission of promoting “the rich historical and cultural heritage of the community.”

The Heritage Museum is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, visit heritagemuseum.us.

Glorious Grandkids

Branch Gunner Grandchild of Paul & Robbie Moralez

Juliette Lee Grandchild of Denese & Peter Rancharan

Texas Talent

Story by Karen Altom

Submitted Photos

Chad Zunker

From college football to creating baby products, this best-selling Texas novelist has traveled a unique path.

An email from Amazon Prime started my relationship with Chad Zunker. Apparently, one of the lesser-known benefits of Prime membership is First Reads, a program that offers customers early access to new books across popular genres for free. Each month, I peruse the list of offerings and read the descriptions and reviews before making my selection. One of the books listed was called “The Tracker.” Not only was it written by a fellow Texan, there seemed to be a little John Grisham feel to the description as well, so I decided to give it a try. I was hooked. Three books later, I reached out to Chad requesting an interview, and he graciously accepted.

Twenty years. 10 unpublished novels. Over 1,000 rejection letters. You say your story is one of incredible perseverance or complete insanity. As we have this conversation, you are a best-selling author on Amazon, and your latest book (The Wife You Know) has just been released. Thanks to you, I was able to read an advance copy and loved it. How’s that going?

It’s an exciting week! The funny thing about writing is you work for a whole year, followed by a two-to-three-week exciting window where the book is released, things are happening, people are posting, things like our conversation are going on…and then you get to crawl back into your cave and do it all over again. I’m definitely trying to enjoy this little sweet spot.

You are the first author I’ve read since Grisham that will hold my interest all the way through a novel. On your website, you mention it was a Grisham book that helped you realize a novel could actually be fun. Was that what started you down this path?

A couple of things happened at the same time. I really went to college (University of Texas) majoring in journalism, but hoping to play professional football. Once I got there and saw how good those guys really were (and that I was a skinny eighteen-year-old freshman walk-on wide receiver, barely 165 pounds soaking wet), I started thinking, “What else do I like to do?” This all happened about the same time I was reading and enjoying Grisham, so I thought, “I could do this…I could be a famous writer!” Little did I know.

Did you ever follow the journalism path?

I never really wanted to be a journalist, but I had to pick something, and I’m good at

writing. As I got closer to the end (of school), I realized I really didn’t like journalistic writing. I preferred creative writing. The question then became, “How can I stay in Austin, try to become a novelist, and just work? Surely within a couple of years it will all come together.” I guess I always had this creative bent, but my early childhood was just sports, sports, sports. I’ve also always had this builtin self confidence that I could do whatever I set my mind to; it just took a whole lot longer than I thought!

On the author page in your books, it is noted you have clerked for some of the most powerful law firms in the country. Did you entertain becoming a lawyer, or was that also due to Grisham influence?

I just happened to get a job there! I was looking for a 9-5, good job (that hopefully didn’t tax me too much) so I could write during my off hours. It ended up being a fascinating place to be, and because I was so in love with Grisham’s early work, I found a lot of great material and parallels and thought it was good experience. It was a dynamic experience for about 6-7 years, and I learned a lot. But really, from the moment I stepped out of school, it was “Novelist or nothing.” There have certainly been times over the years I questioned whether I should give this up, but nothing ever rose up to take its place where I wanted to do anything else.

So, what were you doing while you were trying to make your novelist career happen?

I had three different things happen, and I was writing the entire time. First, was the little mini-legal career I mentioned, then I got into doing full time ministry with a church here in Austin. It started by leading college ministry, then singles ministry, and then overseeing »

operations for the church. Eventually, I became a campus pastor for a satellite campus we had started in downtown Austin. That was my second career, which I enjoyed a lot.

My third career came after my wife and I got married. We have three girls, but our first daughter (now almost 16) was a really fussy baby we couldn’t soothe. We started using this technique we had learned from a doctor – a really rhythmic shushing that worked like magic – but my wife couldn’t do it. She didn’t have the volume or lung capacity to do this really long technique, so I got a digital recorder to see if I could replace myself. It worked, and to make a long story short, that led us to inventing a product and starting a company (again on the side) called the Baby Shusher. It went global, is now in every Target, and we sold the company a few years ago…kind of living out the American dream. In spite of this, the whole time, I was never in a place where I put writing to the side. The writing was always shifting around all of this. Even when we started the company and it started to become really successful, I found myself at a crossroads. If I was to give up

NEED A WILL?

the writing and really commit myself to this company, we could probably raise hundreds of thousands of dollars…and I could be the CEO of a traditional company, but I told my wife I didn’t want to do that. It wasn’t my passion. As much as I wanted to see it succeed, I didn’t want to commit my life to it and give up my writing. Thankfully, I didn’t.

What was the pull to stay in Austin?

We love it. It’s just a great city, and certainly the entertainment capital of Texas. While I was in college, my mom moved from Houston to Austin, and then my brother and his family came. There were a lot of reasons to want to be here. I never felt like I had to be anywhere else to be a novelist. I do have a brother who lives near Huntsville with his family, so it’s awesome to share this there.

Interesting about the characters you create (other than the things most of us would never encounter in day-today life…like assassins chasing you) is their real-life struggles, emotions, and even faith journeys they have. Why is it important to you to include those?

I’ve always felt things really deeply and been

a pretty emotional guy. I lost my father in high school to leukemia, so I went through tremendous pain and loss and hurt. It felt like I overcame some of that and dealt with life trauma with the Lord. It was just my mom and I left at home dealing with it, so a lot of my characters suffer through things that are real, difficult life experiences.

You are involved in work with the homeless. Tell a little about that.

For ten years, my wife worked with a great

non-profit called Mobile Loaves & Fishes, which serves the homeless here. The Community First tiny house village is part of this organization, and I have seen it grow into more than we ever imagined it could. Through that, we met a lot of people on the street and heard a lot of stories. I have a lot of empathy there. In my David Adams series, a lot centers around that world. It means a great deal to our entire family.

One thing that stands out about your writing is that I never know what’s going to happen until the end. Invariably, I close the book thinking, “I didn’t see that coming!” Share your process for accomplishing that.

Well, (laughing) I don’t know! I am unsure how I do it, other than maybe I am intuitively gifted, having a bunch of creative thoughts running through my mind and can process them. I have probably trained my brain that way. Obviously, I want this experience for every reader. No one wants to read an anti-climactic book. I try to give my brain creative space to work in and for me; a lot of that involves running. I do long runs, and I pray a lot when I run. It is almost guaranteed there is always one run where the ideas start churning, and I will make 50-60 voice notes about the story. I will call my wife afterwards and say, “This was the run.”

I have turned in next year’s book to my editor, and I already have a general thought for the book following that, but I still need the hook… what is the one thing the reader won’t see coming? I have a lot of running ahead of me to figure it out!

If you enjoy domestic thrillers and would like to know more about Chad, you can find him on Amazon and at ChadZunker.com.

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Dear Gabby

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. There are so many weddings in June that we need to find a way to liven up all these gatherings. I’m trying to choreograph a line dance to the wedding march. Stay tuned for that one. Father’s Day to celebrate on Sunday, Thanks for all the jokes, Dads. Federal Emancipation Day closures will on Juneteenth, which is a Wednesday not on a Monday. Safely enjoy and meet me back here next month. your questions by clicking on www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY

I live in what I consider a safe but I am also addicted to national news. If you believe your own is someone lurking around every relieve you of your property and has affected how I conduct existence. How can I get past murder phobia of mine?

FEAR OF BEING

DEAR FRED

A phobia is an extreme, something. Awareness is becoming a victim of crime If it doesn’t look right, it probably area still has sense enough law enforcement departments. say it, but remember the news grab and hold your attention. good at that. Try to soften some healthy human-interest share your fears with your I temper every facet of my The last time I acted my age, silly world, you can’t have laughter For instance: I need If I were murdered right now, would be a circle.

CONFIDENTIAL TO DENTAL

my dentist told me I needed like, I know, right?

What’s Cookin’

Hamburgers with Grilled Apple and Chili Crisp

Ingredients

2 red apples, cored (such as Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady)

1 lb ground beef

1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs

1 Tbs plus 2 tsp chili crisp, divided, plus more for serving

1/2 tsp salt

2 (1/3-inch) slices red onion

4 hamburger buns

1/4 cup mayonnaise

Directions

Step 1: Slice 1 apple using a mandolin slicer to create 8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Shred any remaining scraps plus all or part of the second apple

to get 1/2 cup shredded apple. Squeeze shredded apple to extract some of the moisture. Reserve any remaining apple for another use.

Step 2: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat (350-375 degrees).

Step 3: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1 Tbs chili crisp, salt, and the 1/2 cup shredded apple in a bowl. Shape and tightly pack into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) patties, 4 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Oil the grill grate. Grill patties, covered, carefully turning halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into centers of patties reads 160 degrees, 10-13 minutes. Grill onion slices, turning halfway through, 8-10 minutes. Grill apple slices, turning halfway through, 4-5 minutes. If you like, grill

buns, cut sides down, until toasted, 1-2 minutes. When onions are cool enough to handle, separate rings.

Step 5: Stir mayonnaise and remaining 2 tsp chili crisp together in a small bowl. Spread buns with mayonnaise mixture and fill with patties, onion, and apple slices. Serve with additional chili crisp.

Ham and Egg Salad Sandwich Spread

Ingredients

4 (1/4-inch thick) slices ham

4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

3 stalks celery, minced

1 ½ cups light mayonnaise

½ cup dill pickle relish

¼ cup minced onion

2 Tbs Dijon mustard (Optional)

ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Shred ham using the shredding blade on a food processor. Transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2: Add eggs and celery to ham in the bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, relish, onion, mustard, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

1351WestDavisSt,SuiteB

Conroe,TX77304

Monday-Saturday9:00am-7:00pm Sunday12:00pm-4:00pm Hours (936)283-5450

Father’sDay

Sunday,June16

“If

There are many “rules” in real estate transactions, but nothing beats having a Realtor who follows the “Golden Rule.”

you are working with me, I will be with you throughout the process, from the start to the closing table. You will not be handed off to a team member.”

When Gigi Peacock decided to sell her home on Lake Conroe several years ago, choosing a real estate agent was difficult. She knew and respected about 15 area Realtors, but

after careful thought, she listed her home with Kelly Lawson. She had known Kelly for almost three decades; they attended the same church and had also volunteered at

their children’s school together. Gigi knew Kelly would be responsive and attentive, and would exhibit an admirable attention to detail. Gigi soon learned she had made the right

Story by Ruth Fields

Photos by Tom Miller

choice. “There’s nothing Kelly said ‘no’ to,” she says, “even when I didn’t ask.” Today, Gigi knows even more Realtors than she did when she relocated, but she still recommends Kelly to friends, family members, and acquaintances.

One simple rule

The week Hurricane Alicia made landfall in 1983, Kelly joined the adult workforce as an employee of the J.C. Penney store at Greenspoint Mall in Houston. During the aftermath of the hurricane, she attended a required orientation class for new employees. There, she learned James Cash Penney’s “one simple rule:” to treat others as we would like to be treated. Kelly has remembered this rule throughout her career, as Gigi can attest. “Kelly puts others ahead of herself always,” she says.

After graduating from Sam Houston State University, Kelly began her professional career at The Huntsville Item, and by 2010, she had spent 15 years in the newspaper industry. She had worked most of those years at The Courier in Conroe, first as the newspaper’s operations director and later as IT director, but she was contemplating a career change. When a friend, a real estate broker, suggested to Kelly that she should consider becoming a Realtor, her interest was aroused. When she left The Courier in 2010, Kelly took the required coursework and studied non-stop until she earned her real estate license.

As she embarked on her new career, Kelly was determined to develop her business through organic growth and client referrals. One of her top priorities was to make sure clients were able to reach her when they called. This remains true today.

Kelly joined a small brokerage company, where she was able to gain in-depth knowledge of the real estate business. As she had hoped, she got many referrals from satisfied customers. As her clientele grew, she worked with more agents at a larger brokerage. Before long, she was a top producer.

Today, Kelly is a top producer for Walzel Realty, a state-wide brokerage with 1,400-plus Realtors, with seven offices throughout Houston and others in San Antonio, Austin, and Bryan/College Station. She works with clients in the areas she became familiar with during her time in the newspaper industry, including Conroe, Huntsville, Katy, Cypress, Humble, Spring, Centerville and Bryan/College Station. She also assists clients who are relocating from our area to other Texas cities. For example, if a client sells a home in Conroe and wants to move to Austin, Kelly can refer them to a colleague at Walzel’s Austin office to help them find a home there.

Kelly is not boastful, so friends and acquaintances might not know she has earned several prestigious awards. Based on feedback from all her real estate transactions, Kelly has been a Houston Area Realtors (HAR) five-star Realtor every year she has been in the industry.

A House of Cards

Kelly still has the business cards she used before she became a Realtor, and she has often considered building a “house of cards” with them to show her clients how her previous jobs equipped her for a successful career in real estate. For example, her time in the newspaper industry taught her it is crucial to embrace changing technology to keep pace with current business trends. Meanwhile, her side job as a professional photographer showed her how to showcase homes »

through excellent photography. Her photographer’s eye helps her see things in a home that are out of place—“like a dishtowel on the kitchen counter or an empty toilet paper roll,” she says with a chuckle.

Kelly is quick to give credit to others, and she often compliments the remarkable supervisors she has had throughout her career.

helped me through all the hiccups and hassles. She was patient to a fault. She went above and beyond at every turn,” Gigi says. “It was a very stressful, out-of-the-ordinary transaction, but Kelly helped me through that process. She never discounted my concerns, even if they sounded unreasonable. It spoke more than volumes. It spoke the whole library.”

“They taught me to prioritize my clients’ needs and to provide exceptional customer service,” she says. “This has become the core principle of my professional approach.”

One way Kelly serves clients is by easing their concerns during the stressful time of buying or selling properties. Kelly’s friend and client Gigi knows this well. What started off as a smooth real estate transaction became complicated when the sale of Gigi’s home fell through shortly before closing. Fortunately, Kelly helped locate another buyer promptly. Meanwhile, Gigi lost out on the house she planned to purchase; however, with Kelly’s help, she was able to find a newly-listed home with the same floor plan. As an added bonus, it was in a location Gigi liked better. “Kelly stayed diligent and

‘Your preference is my preference’

For Kelly, a self-professed “people person,” the best part about her job is getting to know her clients well. One way she does this is by being a good listener. Over the years, she has learned to “listen” to her clients in a variety of ways, through in-person meetings, emails, text messages, and phone calls. “Your preference is my preference,” she says. Regardless of the form of communication, Kelly always strives to be responsive. Her goal is to answer every message within two hours.

The business of real estate has changed dramatically over the past few years, but Kelly is determined to change with the times. “I am open to integrating new tools and processes,” she says. She is also committed to the important job of keeping up with the fluctuations in the local real estate market. Twice

Left: Kelly’s daughter, Annie, son Devin, & his fiance, Katie.

Above: Kelly & husband, Rayford

in her career, she has seen home values change in a matter of hours. “And it is so important to stay on top of what is happening in the micro-markets. They truly differ from one end of Montgomery County to the other,” she says. “I am always focused on helping my clients achieve their goals.”

Interestingly, there has been an unexpected by-product of Kelly’s work. “Real estate has strengthened my faith,” she says. “I have seen things happen when I thought, ‘that was God’. I am not ashamed to tell people that He’s got a plan. If it doesn’t work out on this one, there’s something better.”

Follow Kelly on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram. Contact her by phone at 936-525-9589.

Medical Matters

By Kelli Y. Ha, MD

Questions About Breast Lumps

It can be scary to find a lump while doing a breast self-exam, or just by happenstance. Even though most lumps are benign, discovering one often elicits fears of breast cancer — and triggers an urgent call to the doctor’s office.

Let’s explore the top questions about breast lumps and what to expect should you encounter one.

What kinds of lumps should you worry about?

If there’s anything that’s out of the ordinary for how your breasts usually feel, talk to your doctor and ask to get a mammogram.

“A mammogram can help detect early-stage breast cancers that are still very small,” says Dr. Kelli Ha, a breast radiologist at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. “Catching breast cancer early is critical since it provides more treatment options and greatly improves prognosis.”

Where are abnormal breast lumps commonly found?

“Abnormal breast lumps can be found in any part of the breast, from right behind the nipple

to near the axillary (underarm) region,” says Dr. Ha.

Are there areas we should pay closer attention to than others when completing breast-exams?

“The most important part about breast exams is doing them around the same time every month,” explained Dr. Ha. “Make sure you include the entire breast, from the nipple area to the axillary region.”

Is there any way for you to tell, just by feeling, if your lump is a cyst?

“There is no way to tell for sure whether a lump is a cyst, which is why mammograms are so important,” says Dr. Ha.

The newest, state-of-the-art technology-including molecular breast imaging, contrastenhanced mammography, cryoablation of breast cancers and various non-wire localization devices to help surgeons find breast cancers in the operating room--can make all the difference in diagnosis and treatment.

To ensure the most seamless care possible, choose a breast imaging center that’s part

of a hospital offering other women’s health services, including breast cancer treatment.

The advantage of starting at a specialized breast care center is that all of the expertise and technology that might be needed is offered at one place, providing both convenience and peace of mind.

You do not need a doctor’s referral to get a yearly mammogram.

Sometimes, beauty arises from destruction.

Submitted by Michele Miller

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

Water, Water Everywhere!

While landscape tips cannot prevent water of the volume we have seen recently, it can be helpful in normal rains of less than 3” in a 72-hour period. French drains, pop up drains, and above-ground dry river beds will never be able to control excessive water from severe flooding. Retaining walls may even fail, just as entire roads/bridges have washed out. There are just no “forevers” with Mother Nature. So, what can we do?

1. Keep beds a minimum of 3” below the weep holes of a home, and never plug the weep holes, which are made to allow trapped water within the interior of the wall to drain.

2. The house/foundation should sit a minimum of 4”-6” above existing grade. Over time, silt and soil will accumulate in older homes (over 20 years) where the slope away from the residence becomes diminished and the lawn/flower bed/foundation grade is level.

3. To correct (without tilling and re-grading

the entire landscape), consider gutters, with downspouts tied into drainage pipes that move water away from the residence a minimum of 10’.

4. A 6” drainage channel with filter cloth and drainage gravel/rock can be installed against the foundation to move water away from the structure and into a drainage area or a French drain.

5. It is always a better plan to stop the flow of water before it hits the perimeter of a structure. Either redirect with berms, retaining walls, or above ground drainage flows at least 10’ away from the structure. Retaining walls over 3’ should be installed with a drainage system to move water away from top of the wall to the bottom. Without proper drainage, even a small wall can fail easily.

6. Do not build in a flood plain or in a drainage easement. Many homeowners do not know

to do a bit of research first--those lots were very inexpensive for a reason.

7. Plant shrubs a minimum of 30” away from the structure, allowing for drainage against the foundation and to keep beds from slowly building up against the foundation.

8. Plant trees a minimum of 15’ away from a foundation.

9. Be vigilant in watching where water is standing in the lawn after 24 hours of rain. These areas can be raised by applying 1⁄2” of sand every few weeks to slowly raise the sod level (or if deep channels/trenches have been created, pack with builders clay and topsoil).

If you prefer to “work” with Mother Nature in the low lying area, plant in fern, elephant ears, swamp iris, umbrella sedge, and just “go with it.”

Happy Gardening!

CALENDAR

Conroe

Conroe Symphony Orchestra Auditions conroesymphony.org

The Billy Joel Experience crightontheatre.org

Galveston

World Ocean Day Festival artistboat.org

Nacogdoches

Texas Blueberry Festival texasblueberryfestival.com

New Braunfels

Hayes Carll gruenehall.com

College Station

41@100: A Celebration of George H.W. Bush 41at100.org

“Bug” shsu.universitytickets.com

“The Star Spangled Girl” unitybrenham.org

Huntsville

Brandon Davis oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Water Lantern Festival waterlanternfestival.com/waco.php

Conroe

“Butterflies are Free” owentheatre.com

Huntsville

Community Kickball Tournament huntsvilletx.gov

Dailey & Vincent oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

The Woodlands

Styx & Foreigner woodlandscenter.org

25-26

College Station

“Come From Away” opastickets.org

Woodlands

The Music of Pink Floyd woodlandscenter.org 26-Aug 4

Houston

“Fiddler on the Roof” adplayers.org

Huntsville

“Marisol” shsu.universitytickets.com

27-29

Montgomery

“The Ghost of Splinter Cove” lonestar.edu/ticket-info

Mustard Seed Moments

by Ruth Fields

Run with Endurance

Back when I was in marathon-running shape, I ran part of the Houston Marathon one year with an Aggie buddy who was seriously undertrained for the event. By the time I caught up with him at about mile 18 or 19, he was hurting. I was hurting by this point in the race, too, but not as much; furthermore, it was not my first Houston Marathon, so I kept telling my friend what to expect in the miles ahead before we reached the finish line. The next week, he sent me an email, thanking me for keeping him focused on the finish. (He also said he wished he lived in a one-story house and drove a car that wasn’t so low to the ground, but that is another story for another day.)

Running a marathon isn’t the only time it’s good to keep our focus on the finish line. It’s probably much better to think about life’s finish line. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us, “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” That is quite an example of keeping our eyes on the finish line.

But why do we need to run a race with perseverance? The writer of Hebrews must have recognized life would have difficulties, and

overcoming adversity requires endurance. After all, Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The endurance required for running a marathon doesn’t magically appear on race morning when you pin on your race bib. It comes after months of preparation. Even after all the miles of training, it’s easy to find a reason to drop out of a marathon. It’s hot. It’s windy. It’s cold. It’s raining. You didn’t sleep well last night. You have muscle cramps. You’re tired! Sometimes, you have to ignore the pain and keep putting one foot in front of the other one. Sometimes, you have to walk for a little while.

I’m convinced the secret to successfully finishing a marathon is to refuse to consider the possibility of dropping out. The reward is at the finish line, where there’s food, cold drinks, a finisher’s medal, and bragging rights. It’s a wonderful feeling…but I’m pretty sure it is nothing compared to what waits for us at life’s finish line.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

ILegal Corner: HORRORS OF PROBATE - FACT OR FICTION?

By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

n my practice, one of the most common concerns encountered is the dread of dealing with the perceived “horrors of probate.”

Many of these fears and concerns are the result of a skillful attempt by sellers of estate planning products to market their services (usually for a dollar amount that exceeds the cost of probate many times over).

In order to dispel the myth that the probate procedure in Texas is a legal horror, the following answers to frequently asked questions are offered for your consideration:

What is probate?

Probate is a court procedure by which a will is proved to be valid or invalid. As normally used, this meaning has been expanded to include all matters pertaining to the administration and settlement of the estate of a deceased person or management of the estate of a person who is subject of a guardianship.

Will the estate be tied up in probate for months or even years?

In all but the most rare of occasions, absolutely not. Assuming that the decedent’s will was prepared by competent Texas counsel and provides for independent administration (see below), in most cases letters testamentary will be issued within 2-5 weeks following application.

What are the steps involved in probating a will which calls for independent administration and which has been properly drafted, executed and witnessed?

* Applicant (the person who is asking that the will be admitted to probate) takes the original of the will to his/her attorney to be reviewed for essential elements of wills, examination for self-proving affidavits, designation of an independent executor/executrix, etc.

* Your attorney will prepare an application for probate and file it along with the original of the will with the probate court in the county of the decedent’s domicile.

* Your attorney, through the county probate clerk, will provide for notice regarding the probate pursuant to state law.

* The court will notify your attorney when the statutory notice has been given and will

give a date after which a formal hearing may be conducted and he will contact you and coordinate a time which is convenient to both you and the court for the hearing. Usually 3-5 weeks after the application has been filed.

* Court appearances are normally limited to one short Zoom proceeding where testimony is presented through your attorney’s questions which offer proof of the facts.

* Your attorney will prepare an order for the court to sign, a statement of facts which the executor will be asked to sign and an oath to be taken by the administrator.

* Attorney will, send the oath of the executor to the court clerk authorized to issue letters testamentary.

* Attorney will cause notice of the executor appointment to be printed in a local newspaper in compliance with state law.

* Attorney will work with executor to prepare and file an inventory of items belonging to the estate at the date of death. (This is not a complicated document and will speak in fairly general terms regarding items of inventory.)

* Your attorney may, if requested, work with your executor to notify creditors. This serves some very useful purposes which should be discussed between attorney and executor.

* Your attorney or your executor (depending upon what is requested by executor) will coordinate efforts to pay creditors or compromise liabilities.

* Attorney will work with survivors and/or family to determine if other special needs exist.

What is the significance of independent administration?

If one factor could be highlighted to demonstrate the reason that probate is not a horror in Texas it would doubtless be the fact that Texas allows independent administration. This type of administration is a tool which is not available in all other states and is not always made part of wills prepared in states other than Texas.

The practicality of independent administration is that once the executor is appointed (usually 4-5 weeks), the representative who was selected by you is authorized to represent your estate without the necessity of obtaining court permission or consulting an attorney to carry out your testamentary wishes. The executor (a person that you personally selected) is charged

with following the instructions that you left in your will in an effort to carry out your exact wishes.

Will my attorney be paid a percentage of the value of the estate?

The answer to this question is an unequivocal and resounding NO. Attorney fees should be based upon actual work performed. In most cases this will be the result of an hourly fee multiplied by the hours expended. In my own firm, it is our practice to set flat fees and to perform all agreed services for one predetermined sum.

How large must my estate be to need probate?

There is no dollar minimum or maximum to require probate. Although many property issues can be solved outside of probate, many cannot. There are instances where something as minor as a deposit account can only be practically accessed by the estate. In this case, even an asset of only $4,000.00 or $5,000.00 may require probate to fully settle the estate.

The bottom line is that probate in Texas should be neither expensive nor a horror. This writer does not wish to imply that there can not be problems which arise in probate, but it must be noted that most, if not all, of those potential problems can be avoided through thoughtful planning by competent legal counsel.

There is no practical substitute for an attorney of your choosing who will work with you to express your exact testamentary wishes at the time of will drafting.