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Postcards Magazine

Lake Conroe

July 2026

SAR/DAR • Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home

Contents July 2026 | Volume 15, Issue 7

Features

Local Treasures

Sons & Daughters of the American Revolution

Advertiser Anniversaries........................ 8 Calendar - Making Tracks..................... 32 Dear Gabby.............................................. 9 Glorious Grandchildren ........................15 Kidspeak.................................................17

Lake Conroe | July 2026

Milestones..............................................21 Mustard Seed Moments ....................... 34 Pet Pals .................................................. 24 Puzzle Solutions.....................................31 Sudoku Marketspace .............................31 Tasty Bites ..............................................18

4 Postcards

Favorites

BUSINESS FOCUS

Columns

Garden Post .......................................... 22 Medical Matters .................................... 30 Publisher’s Post ...................................... 6

On The Cover 2025 Postcards Photo Contest Submission

Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home

Cover Photo by Michele Miller

Postcards Magazine

Community. It's what we do!

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If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available. DIRECT-MAILED to select postal routes in Willis, Conroe, and Montgomery. FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above. Owned and Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. PUBLISHER

Karen Altom EDITOR

Wes Altom OPERATIONS MANAGER

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ADVERTISING TEAM

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Mary Partida April Key Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any material without written preauthorization. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, scanned, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2025 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved. Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media

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Publisher’s Post Lessons from the

Front Porch

Lake Conroe | July 2026

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ome of the most important lessons about America were never taught in a classroom. They were taught from a front porch. As we celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday, I find myself thinking less about monuments and history books and more about the generations who came before us. Maybe that comes naturally because I’m now a grandparent myself. I find myself reflecting more often on the people who shaped my life and the values they passed down long before I understood just how important they were. The grandparents and great-grandparents who helped build this nation rarely considered themselves remarkable. Most never held public office or made headlines. They simply lived their lives with a quiet sense of responsibility, faith, and purpose. Many of life’s greatest lessons were shared from front porches and kitchen tables. They taught us a handshake should mean something…hard work matters…neighbors help neighbors…freedom comes with responsibility…and character is built one decision at a time. Those front porches were more than a place to sit at the end of the day. They were classrooms. Stories were shared there, wisdom was passed down, and children learned what it meant to be part of a family, a community, and a country. Through wars, economic hardships, droughts, and uncertain times, those generations persevered. They didn’t have all the conveniences we enjoy today, but they possessed something just as valuable—a deep appreciation for

opportunity and a belief that tomorrow could be better than today. The freedoms we enjoy did not simply appear. They were preserved and strengthened by ordinary Americans who understood building a strong nation begins by building strong families, strong communities, and strong character. That may be America’s greatest achievement. Not what was built in Washington, but what was built in towns and communities across this country by people who showed up, worked hard, kept their word, raised their families, and invested in the future. At Postcards, we have the privilege of sharing those stories every month. They may never appear in a history book, but they are part of the American story, just the same. As we celebrate this Independence Day, I am grateful for the freedoms we’ve inherited, the opportunities we’ve been given, and the generations whose wisdom still echoes from those front porches today. The front porches may be quieter these days, and their chairs may now sit empty, but their wisdom remains. And the next chapter of America’s story is still being written.

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Advertiser Anniversaries 6 Stampede Coatings Founded 2020

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Dear Gabby

Welcome back to the July 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY, USA! July 4, 2026.“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” - Abraham Lincoln from The Gettysburg Address, 1863. Independence Day is an American holiday loaded with baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie, but keep the ties that bind us together as a nation in mind. Things like patriotism, family, friendship, and faith in a higher power are the long-held American values that made America great. Hold to those values at all costs. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY My senior-aged friends and I are being bombarded with phone calls of a dubious nature. These friendly young people give you their first name and immediately start asking questions to see if you qualify under the new Medicare laws. I hang up eventually, but it’s hard to turn down increased Medicare benefits. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

DEAR TGTBT

CONFIDENTIAL TO “WHICH WAY DO I CHOOSE?”: Do the harder right instead of the easier wrong.

July 2026 | Lake Conroe

Yes! Definitely too good to be true! Medicare NEVER makes unsolicited calls to Medicare participants. And those nice young people are likely recordings that are programmed to respond when you ask questions about their intentions. The phone number on caller IDs can be manipulated with current technology. If a call initiates with a question like “Can you hear me? or “Is this (your name)?... hang up immediately. Artificial Intelligence can use your voice to authorize fraudulent charges. Real organizations that are entitled to have your social security number, banking details

or passwords already have that information. If you haven’t entered a sweepstake or lottery, you are probably not a winner. My husband/hero Dud has a code word to weed out the spam callers. Mention the word SCAM and see how quickly they hang up on you. If you ever receive an unexpected call that feels suspicious, just hang up. You don’t owe scammers an explanation or a conversation. Personally, I don’t answer calls from anyone who is not in my phone directory. I figure that, if it’s important, they will leave me a message. So far, that’s working. Not one scammer has left me a message, and now I receive very few spam/scam calls. Protect yourselves and be safe. Most unfamiliar calls are not your friends. GABBY

9 Postcards

P LOCAL TREASURES

Sons of the Lake Conroe | July 2026

American Revolution Daughters of the American Revolution

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Appreciating our past and paying it forward… patriot-style. BY WES ALTOM | SUBMITTED PHOTOS

n 1889, the centennial of President George Washington’s inauguration was celebrated, and Americans looked for additional ways to recognize their past. William O. McDowell, a New Jersey financier and businessman, organized the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) at Fraunces Tavern in New York City, on April 30, 1889. The SAR is a male lineage society that recognizes men who can trace their ancestry to patriots of the American Revolution. After the Sons of the American Revolution refused to allow women to join their group, McDowell and others helped them form the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a national organization for women who descend from American Revolution era figures. The first meeting of the society was

held October 11, 1890, at the Strathmore Arms boarding house in Washington, D.C. U.S. First Lady Caroline Lavina Scott Harrison (wife of President Benjamin Harrison) served as the DAR first President General. She helped establish the goals of DAR, which was incorporated by congressional charter

in 1896. On June 9, 1906, SAR was formally granted a congressional charter. The act was signed by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a member. Today, SAR, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 30,000 members in more than 500 chapters across the United States and other countries. The society is involved in historical research, raising funds for local scholarships and educational awards, and preservation of sites and documents related to the American Revolution. Historically, SAR petitioned Congress to store Revolutionary era documents in a fireproof area and make them available to the public, leading to the creation of the National Archives, and was also instrumental in the establishment of

Constitution Day. The society is active in promoting patriotism, cataloging and marking Revolutionary War patriot graves, and conducting an annual Eagle Scout scholarship program. DAR, headquartered in Washington, DC, has over 190,000 current members in more than 3,000 chapters in the United States and other countries. The organization’s original motto, “Home and Country,” was changed in the twentieth century to “God, Home, and Country.” The organization promotes historical preservation, education, and patriotism. In addition to their historic and educational work (which supports schools, literacy programs and scholarships), DAR members provide over 200,000 hours of volunteer time annually to veteran programs. Members also offer support to America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad through care packages and other needed items. Joining SAR or DAR is a way to honor one’s ancestry while actively participating in efforts to preserve the legacy of those who fought for American independence.

Joining

The SAR and DAR organizations have grown to become significant custodians of American heritage, offering educational programs, scholarships, and community service projects, all aimed at preserving the legacy of those who fought and supported the fight for freedom. To join either organization, applicants must demonstrate direct lineal descent from a patriot who supported the American cause during

the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). This can include military service, civil service, or other forms of support, such as providing supplies or signing oaths of allegiance. Applicants must gather extensive genealogical documentation to prove their lineage and the patriot’s contributions. This often involves tracing ancestry back several generations. The application process typically involves contacting a local chapter of SAR or DAR for guidance, completing a specific application form, and submitting supporting documentation. Local chapters can provide valuable assistance throughout the process. One of the most significant hurdles applicants face is the scarcity or absence of direct documentation, especially for connections that span several generations. Early American records can be incomplete, lost, or destroyed, making it challenging to establish a direct lineage. Applicants often need to rely on secondary sources or circumstantial evidence that requires careful interpretation and verification against genealogical standards. Tips for Overcoming Documentation and Eligibility Hurdles: • Start with what you know • Utilize multiple sources • Explore local histories and genealogical societies • Leverage SAR and DAR libraries and databases • Consider DNA testing Even with careful preparation, you might encounter questions or need assistance with your SAR/DAR application. Local SAR/DAR chapters are

Don Kluth and Charles Lano from the Freedom Chapter SAR speak at The Coushatti Trace Chapter, NSDAR’s first meeting in its new Willis, Texas location.

valuable resources for applicants. Many offer workshops, one-on-one assistance, and review services to help you with your application. Online genealogy forums and social media groups can be excellent places to seek advice, share research tips, and connect with others going through the application process. If you hit a significant roadblock or have a complex case, visit your local library’s genealogy center and/or a local genealogy society. The journey to discover our roots and understand our heritage is fascinating and deeply rewarding. For descendants of those who fought or contributed to the American Revolution, this journey holds the promise of connecting with a pivotal moment in history. Membership in SAR or DAR is not only a tribute to one’s lineage, but also an opportunity to engage with a community dedicated to preserving historical sites, educating the public about the Revolution, and promoting patriotism. In researching this article, Postcards spoke with both a local SAR and DAR member. Here are some thoughts and perspective shared by each.

Kristal Wood - DAR Member

“The three main pillars of DAR are historic preservation, education, and patriotism. It is the largest women’s service organization in the world, with more than one million women admitted throughout its history. To join DAR, a woman must be able to prove direct descent from someone who aided or fought in the Revolutionary War. I grew up hearing stories about our family history from my great-grandmother— my father’s grandmother. Her family immigrated from France to Germany and eventually settled in Deep East Texas, in Deadwood near Carthage. She passed away in 2008. Several years later, around the time of COVID, we discovered a DAR membership card in her wallet while sorting through old photographs and family keepsakes. That discovery sparked my interest in learning more about the organization. With help from a state committee chair, I provided my greatgrandmother’s national membership number, which allowed them to locate her original application. Because the earlier generations had already been documented and approved, I only needed to gather records proving the more recent

Members of the Freedom Chapter SAR provided Color Guard for the Margaret Montgomery Chapter, NSDAR at the America 250 Marker ceremony in Montgomery, Texas.

Lake Conroe | July 2026

Linda Freund, Anita Stevens, Debbie Aiello, Sally Hook and Julie Luettgen (Coushatti Trace Chapter) making Valentines for active duty military.

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generations in my family line. When someone joins DAR, the organization considers factors such as location, meeting schedules, travel preferences, and service interests to help match them with a chapter. At the time, I was living in Huntsville, but I knew I would soon be moving to Montgomery. I joined the Margaret Montgomery Chapter in Conroe and moved to Montgomery shortly after my application was approved. I immediately felt welcomed and quickly became involved in chapter leadership. A few years later, a couple of friends and I undertook the process of researching and applying to charter a new DAR chapter in Montgomery, a community rich in Texas history. In June 2025, the Mary Vaughan Corner Chapter was officially approved. Cindy Amburgey serves as Regent, and I currently serve as Vice Regent. This year, the Texas State Historic Preservation Committee sponsored a statewide contest that encouraged members to visit and photograph Texas historical markers. Even though ours was a newly organized chapter, we won the statewide competition by visiting more markers than any other chapter in Texas. It was especially exciting because it was our first year as an official chapter. My original reason for joining DAR was simple: I wanted a connection to my great-grandmother. She was

a teacher who graduated from Sam Houston State Teachers College in the 1920s. I also became a teacher through Sam Houston, and I have always felt a special connection to her because of the many similarities in our lives. For me, DAR has strengthened the connection to my great-grandmother. I wish I had joined when I was younger, but I am grateful to be involved now. It has also deepened my appreciation for the freedoms and responsibilities that come with living in a democracy. While DAR is a nonpolitical organization, it is deeply committed to community service, historic preservation, education, and strengthening local communities. That is why I joined, and why I continue to be involved today.”

Loren Johnston - SAR Member

“I joined SAR after I retired in 2021, and I became President of the Capt. John McAdams Chapter in Huntsville, Texas in March 2026. I joined to engage in a beneficial hobby with my community that promotes education of the ideals of our patriot ancestors found in the constitution, declaration of independence, and the history at the time. Some of my favorite activities have been: • Presenting life in Revolutionary America to elementary students using a chest of replica items of everyday life

during colonial times and dressing in period attire to represent my militia patriot ancestor. • Participating in living history events in period attire to help educate the public on the history of our country’s founding. • Honoring veterans and members of the military through activities with the HEARTS Museum. Also presenting JROTC awards for school students and service awards for veterans. • Color Guard activities at veteran’s organizations; federal holidays; schools; other lineage society events; Patriot grave markings; and U.S. Naturalization ceremonies.”

For more information, visit sar.org or dar.org. Area DAR Chapters: Conroe -Margaret Montgomery Huntsville - Mary Martin Elmore Scott Madisonville - Captain John McAdams Magnolia - Joanna Troutman Montgomery - Mary Vaughan Corner Shenandoah - Twin Creeks The Woodlands - Spring Creek Willis - Coushatti Trace Area SAR Chapters: Huntsville - Capt. John McAdams Active across the state, homebase Montgomery County - Freedom

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Glorious Grandchildren

Grandchildren of Kelli & Joshua Gantz, Jody & Ronald Gantz, Dinger Ashwell

July 2026 | Lake Conroe

Aiden & Arya McCathern

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Miles, Chloe, & Max Grandchildren of Brad & Diana Kern

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Kidspeak My 8-yo is confused but not wrong. Sam: Dad, don't you have today off? Me: Yup. Sam: Then why are you working? Me: Stuff needs to get done. Sam: So, even when you have days off, you don't really have days off? Me: Yup. Sam: Being an adult sounds stupid. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Now Alexa is playing funeral dirges and 3-yo is sadly playing along on a recorder. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I'm taking a walk with my 6-yo and he goes, "Did you know I retired from rock collecting?" Why no, son, I did not. lol ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My son's 6th birthday is June 20. Today, he reminded me to invite Taylor Swift and Walter. Walter is a praying mantis who was on our deck two years ago. He asked me to email Walter because he doesn't know Walter's phone number. I feel like I have a better chance of getting ahold of Taylor. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I think my son planned a birthday party without telling us. These neighborhood kids showed up with presents and came inside, and now they're playing.

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I was in the bathroom when my 4-yo started furiously knocking on the door, shouting, "Mommy!" Without thinking, I shouted back, "I'm not in here!" She said, "Oh," and left.

July 2026 | Lake Conroe

I told my 3-yo she couldn't play with makeup, so she ran away sobbing and yelling, "Alexa, play crying music!"

Lake Conroe | July 2026

Tasty Bites

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Chicken Marbella INGREDIENTS

⅓ cup pitted prunes, halved 8 small green olives 2 Tbs capers, with liquid 2 Tbs olive oil 2 Tbs red wine vinegar 1 Tbs minced garlic (about 3 cloves) 1 Tbs dried oregano 2 bay leaves salt and pepper to taste 1 (3 lb) whole chicken, skin removed and cut into pieces ¼ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup dry white wine 1 Tbs chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Combine prunes, olives, capers, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well. Spread mixture in the bottom of a 10x15-inch baking dish. Add chicken pieces, stir and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle brown sugar on top of marinated chicken and pour white wine all around chicken. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, spooning juices over chicken several times as it is baking. Serve on a platter, pouring juices over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.

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July 2026 | Lake Conroe

19 Postcards

Tasty Bites Lemon Texas Sheet Cake

Lake Conroe | July 2026

INGREDIENTS

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Cake: 1 cup butter 1 cup water 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups white sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tsp lemon extract 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt Glaze: 2 cups confectioners sugar, plus more as needed 2 Tbs 1% milk 6 Tbs salted butter 1/4 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp lemon extract 2 Tbs lemon zest

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 10x15inch baking pan. Step 2: Bring 1 cup butter and water to a boil in a large saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, lemon extract, baking soda, and salt until smooth. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until cake is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Step 4: Meanwhile, for glaze, place confectioner’s sugar in a bowl. Step 5: Add milk, butter, and salt to a small saucepan over medium heat, and bring just to a boil, stirring occasionally; pour over confectioner’s sugar and whisk to combine. If glaze is too thin, whisk in more confectioner’s sugar. Whisk in lemon extract and lemon zest. Step 6: Pour glaze over cake while still warm. Spread evenly over cake with a spatula. Cool completely before serving, about 50 minutes.

Milestones

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Brian & Karen Koerselman celebrated

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the 2026 TAPPS State Championship

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Alpha Omega Academy Dance Team

The Garden Post

Texas Master Gardeners Program Lake Conroe | July 2026

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aster Gardeners are volunteers who are members of a program designed to provide horticultural information and educational programs throughout the state. To become a Texas Master Gardener, a participant attends 50 hours of instruction, presented by the local County Extension Agent, then shares this knowledge by donating 50 hours of volunteer service back to the community. Master Gardeners’ green thumbs can be found in school garden projects, educational programs and demonstration gardens. Our volunteers also provide speakers on various gardening programs and answer gardening questions. Anything anyone wants to know about gardening, a Master Gardener can help. That includes young wannabe gardeners too – Master Gardeners help set up 4-H gardening clubs and Junior Master Gardener groups. In fact, when it comes to green and growing things, Master Gardeners dig into their service in all kinds of ways: teaching, giving presentations, writing newsletters and articles, providing clerical help, and designing and maintaining Web pages.

Montgomery County Master Gardeners web: mcmga.com email: mcmga9020@gmail.com phone: 936-539-7824

Walker County Master Gardeners web: txmg.org/walker email: walkercomg@gmail.com phone: 936-435-2426

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July 2026 | Lake Conroe

An exhibition of unique, unusual, and off-the-wall items from the museum’s vault. June 16 - August 30, 2026

The Katy and E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center 1402 19th Street, Huntsville

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PRESENTS

Lake Conroe | July 2026

Pet Pals

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Letty & Molly

Precious

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Mike & Cindy

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Sam Houston Memorial

Funeral Home

Serving your family is a privilege this family takes “personally.” Lake Conroe | July 2026

BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER

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ver the years, Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home (SHMFH) has hosted many unique funerals at its Willis and Huntsville locations, and caskets have sometimes been transported in unusual ways. A trucker’s casket was taken to the cemetery in an 18-wheeler; one man took his last ride in an airboat on the Trinity River. Another family supplied a horse and wagon to transport a casket. The horse and wagon resonated with Greg Smith, funeral director and

owner of SHMFH. Greg has always been a horse enthusiast, and he recently learned funeral homes in other parts of the country are now providing horsedrawn hearses. Noting the rural history of this area, Greg took action. Just a few weeks ago, SHMFH acquired a horse-drawn hearse which is a reproduction of those used during the 1800s. “I thought it would be a great addition to our funeral home because of our rural heritage, to honor the lives of people who liked

the western lifestyle,” Greg says. “This is another option in our repertoire of personalization no other funeral home in the area has.” SHMFH does not offer “cookie cutter” funerals. Over the years, the funeral home has been decorated with all sorts of memorabilia provided by families, including golf clubs, fishing gear, quilts, cookbooks, saddles, and even motorcycles and boats. “In everything we do, we try to personalize services that honor the life and legacy

of the family we are serving,” Greg says. SHMFH has also conducted the funerals of many veterans. The funeral home staff works with the American Legion to coordinate military honors—such as 21-gun salutes and the playing of Taps—for veterans, and works directly with military units for the funerals of active-duty military personnel. SHMFH has arranged for the transportation of caskets to national cemeteries in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, as well as Washington, D.C.

Family owned, family operated

Designed to serve your needs

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For example, SHMFH offers only the finest, American-made caskets in many styles; some can be personalized. Many families choose to hold services in the funeral home’s beautiful chapel, which has a high-tech sound system that can be adapted for live or recorded music. SHMFH also offers professionallyprepared, multi-media presentations to be viewed at visitations and funerals. Family members can upload photos through convenient links, and can even select the background music for the presentations. Furthermore, the grounds of the 18-acre, perpetual-care cemetery adjacent to SHMFH are constantly maintained. It is over-seeded with rye grass in the winter and irrigated in the summer, so it’s always green. Because cremation is becoming much more common, SHMFH has several funeral options available for families who choose cremation, and recently built a columbarium in the cemetery for the respectful treatment of remains. Within the past year, SHMFH has made another addition that has been well received by grieving families. Both Huntsville and Willis locations now have community rooms, where attendees can gather after visitations or funerals for meals or refreshments. Each community room has a full kitchen and table seating for about 100. “It’s something else setting us apart,” Greg says. He estimates 80 percent of

July 2026 | Lake Conroe

When Greg was growing up in Sanger, Texas, his parents were close friends with the Coker family, who owed the local Coker Funeral Home. Greg worked there while he was in high school, and learned funeral homes provide a much-needed service by helping families during difficult times. After an eclectic career in aviation and real estate, Greg discovered there was a need for a new funeral home in Huntsville. “I jumped at the chance,” he says. “I always had the desire to serve families.” In 2002, he founded Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville. He acquired the funeral home and adjacent cemetery in Willis, located just west of I-45 on FM 1097, a few years later, enabling his family to serve residents of Montgomery County as well.

“For me, it’s a calling,” Greg says. “This is ministry. I have been involved in the ministry throughout my adult life. I have been called to serve in the church, and this is no different. This is a calling from God to serve families, and we treat it—everybody in my family treats it—just like that.” Greg has an impressive record of community service. He is the recipient of the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce’s Ed Sandhop Award for demonstrating dedication to the community. In addition, he received Sam Houston State University Alumni Association’s Service Award, which is the highest honor the organization gives to a non-graduate of the university. Greg is also a member of the Lions and Rotary clubs. Greg’s son Will, a graduate of Sam Houston State University and the Commonwealth Institute of Mortuary Science, has been a part of the funeral home from the start. Will worked part time while he was in school and joined SHMFH full time in 2006. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and is the general manager of the Willis location. “It’s my family serving your family,” Greg says. “We try to treat every family the way we would want to be treated. We strive to provide the highest-quality, personalized services in the funeral industry; everything we do, we try to do first class.”

families have used and appreciated this service; many have hosted gatherings catered by local restaurants. “The level of service we provide as a locally-owned, family-owned funeral home cannot compare to a corporateowned, employee-run funeral home,” Greg says. Furthermore, because SHMFH does not take orders from a corporation, he says, the cost of a funeral at SHMFH is significantly less than those at corporate-owned funeral homes in the area. “For a full, traditional service, we are the least expensive funeral home in the area,” Greg says. “We have far and away the nicer facilities, and certainly the best service.” Another way SHMFH serves the community is by offering a “pre-need” program so families can arrange funerals in advance. “Pre-planning a funeral is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your family,” Greg says. One benefit is families can pay for funerals—as well as cemetery plots—at today’s prices, rather than the inflated prices of future years, and several payment options are available. Greg encourages pre-planned funerals because they take the guesswork out of the equation. “The thoughtful thing to do would be to come into the funeral home and pre-plan your funeral so you can avoid conflict that might arise

in the future,” he says. “It’s a more peaceful time when we are arranging funerals that have been pre-planned.” Whether helping families with preplanned funerals or unexpected ones, Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home promises to provide caring, compassionate service. “My family received the utmost care, compassion and professionalism from Sam Houston Funeral Home in Willis,” one person recently wrote. “From the initial arrangements to the final farewell, every detail was handled with sensitivity and respect.” Another family agreed: “We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your professionalism, patience and compassion made our difficult days so much easier. Thank you for going above and beyond while caring for our family. We will never forget your kindness.”

For more information, visit shmfh.com.

10129 FM 1097 W Willis, TX 77318 (936) 890-0454 1700 Normal Park Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 291-7300

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Medical Matters Staying Active as a Family During the Summer

(Without Overheating) S

Here are some family-friendly ideas to keep everyone moving safely this summer: • Shift your schedule. Aim for outdoor playtime early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler and the sun is less intense. This helps reduce sun exposure and lowers the risk of heat-related illnesses.

• Get in the water. Swimming, splash pads, or backyard sprinklers are great ways to stay active and cool down. Water games like races or floating contests can make it even more fun.

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Lake Conroe | July 2026

ummer is a great time for families to reconnect, spend time outdoors, and enjoy a break from the school-year routine. But when the Texas heat cranks up, it can be tough to keep everyone moving without feeling wiped out. Staying active is important for all ages. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, supports mental well-being, and helps children build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories. So how do you stay active while staying cool?

• Try indoor activities. On extra-hot days, head to a local recreation center, roller rink, or bowling alley. Or get creative at home with dance parties, yoga sessions, or active video games that get everyone moving. • Make it a game. Nature scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, or backyard games like frisbee, soccer, or freeze tag can be fun ways to sneak in exercise while keeping things exciting. • Keep hydration a priority. Always bring water when you head outside and encourage kids to take frequent breaks. Freeze

Craig Boudreaux, DO Family Medicine Medical Director, SHSU Physicians

water bottles ahead of time for a refreshing treat. • Dress for the weather. Lightweight, breathable clothing and hats can make a big difference in comfort and safety. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics to help stay cool.

Heat-Related illness Summer is also a great time to teach kids about listening to their bodies. Encourage them to speak up if they feel tired, dizzy, or overheated. Symptoms like flushed skin, headache, or nausea may signal heat exhaustion and should be taken seriously.

Sunscreen Don’t forget the sunscreen—even during early morning or late afternoon outings. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re near water or sweating. Consistent sun protection with an SPF rating of 15-30 or higher helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Applying sunscreen is most important prior to age twenty to prevent skin cancer later in life, but all should apply early and often.

Make Fitness a Priority Consider setting family fitness goals. Whether it’s walking a certain number of steps per day or trying out a new activity each week, having a shared goal can motivate everyone to participate. Celebrate progress together with a healthy reward like a homemade smoothie or picnic in the shade. Summer doesn’t have to mean sitting still inside. With a little planning and creativity, you can keep your family active, healthy, and happy all summer long. Beat the heat with fun, movement, and mindfulness.

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Lake Conroe | July 2026

s a former career police officer/administrator and current church leader, I have been present on numerous occasions when a man has been brought to tears—due to joy, pain, sorrow, or stress. Men who shed tears often apologize. My standard response is, “Don’t ever be ashamed of being human.”

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Men who cry are in good company. Following the death of his friend Lazarus, Jesus wept (John 11:35). Jeremiah was known as “the weeping prophet” over the sins of his people. Peter wept after denying Jesus. David wept for a lost son and in distress many times in his psalms. In Romans 9, Paul expressed “a huge sorrow” for his people. In fact, Paul is a great case study for being human. Because of his blinding (and then sight-recovering) conversion experience, many tend to think Paul’s broader life experience

also changed like “flipping a light switch.” Yet a human does not go from a vicious persecutor and murderer to apostle and author of nearly half of the New Testament without a process of progress. In Romans 7:15, Paul writes “In fact, I don’t understand why I act the way I do. I don’t do what I know is right. I do the things I hate.” Christians have been liberated from the penalty and power of sin, but we continue to live in the presence of sin. As a result, there is an internal battle between our sinful flesh and the Holy Spirit. The battle rages on…because we are human. Seems we are all in a process of progress. Yet, in being human (and made in the image of God), we have great capacity in that process—for growth, service, love, compassion, and emotion (even tears). Jesus knows firsthand how great it is to be human—and he thinks we are terrific. He might even say we are “to die for.”