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Postcards Magazine

Lake Conroe

October 2026

Texas Mushroom Festival • Thrifting • Elliott's Jewelers

Contents October 2026 | Volume 15, Issue 10

Lake Conroe | October 2026

Features

10 28

Texas Treasure

Texas Mushroom Festival Community Builders

Thrifting

Calendar - Making Tracks.....................40 Dear Gabby............................................ 25 Feedback.................................................. 8 Glorious Grandchildren ........................15 Kidspeak................................................ 39 Library Picks........................................... 9 Milestones............................................. 27 Mustard Seed Moments ....................... 42 Pet Pals .................................................. 38 Puzzle Solutions.................................... 33 Sudoku Marketspace ............................ 33

4 Postcards

Favorites

Tasty Bites ..............................................18 Things My Granddaddy Said..................17

BUSINESS FOCUS

Columns

Medical Matters .................................... 24 Publisher’s Post ...................................... 6

On The Cover 2025 Postcards Photo Contest 1st Place Winner Seasons

Elliott's Jewelry

Cover Photo by Tammy Seiter

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

Marshall Altom

ADVERTISING TEAM

Tammy Farkas Nancy Jolly DESIGN TEAM

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

Publisher’s Post Halloween: Then and Now

Lake Conroe | October 2026

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oes anyone else remember when a Halloween costume required approximately five minutes of preparation and whatever you could find around the house? Want to be a ghost? Find an old white sheet and cut two holes in it for your eyes. Done. Or maybe you pulled out some old clothes, added a few patches, tied your pants up with a piece of rope, grabbed a stick with a handkerchief tied to the end, and went as what we called a “hobo” back then. Also done. There were no coordinating family costumes. No elaborate makeup tutorials. No packages arriving on the front porch containing “the one specific accessory” absolutely necessary to complete your look. We just rummaged through closets. And somehow, we thought we looked GREAT. I still remember one of my junior high girlfriends showing up dressed as an old lady. Her costume consisted (in part) of two rolls of toilet paper tucked into the front of her shirt and a roll of paper towels stuffed into the back of her pants. We thought it was HYSTERICAL. And honestly, it still makes me laugh. The best part? That same girlfriend and I now share grandbabies. Who could have imagined back then, while we were laughing ourselves silly over her homemade “old lady” costume, where life would take us? What a delight. Halloween has changed a bit since then. My kids and their families now do themed costumes, and I have to admit, they are stinking adorable. We’ve had Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook. The entire Incredibles family. Snow White and her dwarfs. And the list goes on. These are not costumes thrown together 20 minutes before trick-or-treating. There is a PLAN. Everybody has a character. Everybody coordinates. And somehow even the smallest child gets incorporated into the theme, whether they understand what is happening or not. I look at the pictures and absolutely love it.

Karen Altom, Publisher

But I also have to laugh when I think about how different it is from Halloween when I was a kid. Nobody was asking, “What’s our family theme this year?” Our family theme was pretty much, “What do we already own?” Maybe that is part of what makes watching the next generation so much fun. Traditions change. Our kids take some of the things we loved, add their own spin, and then pass the fun along to their children. I still have a soft spot for those simple Halloweens when a sheet could turn you into a ghost and a pillowcase made a perfectly acceptable trick-or-treat bag. But I wouldn’t trade seeing my kids and grandkids dressed up together for anything. So whether your Halloween involves a perfectly coordinated family theme or two eye holes cut in an old sheet, I hope your night is filled with laughter, good memories, and way more treats than tricks.

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October 2026 | Lake Conroe

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The Weekly Post...your front porch view of the week.

Happy Mail

In the midst of sadness and chaos, I got a little happy in the mail yesterday! My cutie-pie raccoon made the front cover of Postcards Magazine. Thanks for choosing my photo. What an honor!

Friendly faces, local highlights, and stories that connect us all.

Lynette Dobbins

FALLING LEAVES, RISING PERFORMANCE SERVICE YOUR CAR TODAY.

We provide car owners with valuable information and point out the most economical options, so you can make the best repair decisions for your vehicle!

WE BEAT THE DEALERSHIP ON SERVICE & VALUE.

Library Picks

Leeann Woods reading

The Doorman BY CHRIS PAVONE October 2026 | Lake Conroe

9 reading

The Lobotomist's Wife BY SAMANTHA GREENE WOODRUFF

Tom Evans reading

Never

BY KEN FOLLETT

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Sally Downs

P TEXAS TREASURE

25th Annual Texas Mushroom Festival Lake Conroe | October 2026

How one rainy tent grew into a Texas tradition.

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BY NANCY JOLLY | SUBMITTED PHOTOS

he Texas Mushroom Festival has certainly lived up to its name—it started small and just kept mushrooming. This year marks the 25th annual Texas Mushroom Festival, making it an especially meaningful time to look back at how Madisonville’s signature celebration began and grew into one of our area’s most recognizable traditions.

But before there was a Texas Mushroom Festival, downtown Madisonville merchants were already bringing the community together for an event known as Fair on the Square. The festival grew from that downtown tradition, eventually taking on a new identity that celebrated something uniquely Madisonville…mushrooms. In 2001, the first Texas Mushroom Festival kicked off beneath a single tent on Madison Street beside the courthouse, right in the middle of a massive thunderstorm. That first celebration was a humble one, featuring only one entertainer, approximately 10 T-shirts and a small handful of vendors (Today, nearly 700 festival T-shirts are sold, a remarkable contrast and another sign of just how much the festival has grown). As the storm rolled through downtown, everyone squeezed beneath the tent and gathered around bowls of warm mushroom soup. What could have brought the event to an early end instead created a lasting memory and helped set the tone for a festival built on good food, community spirit, and the ability to make the best of any situation. From those modest (and very soggy) beginnings, the Texas Mushroom Festival grew into a beloved annual tradition. Twenty-four festivals later, the event continues to celebrate the people, businesses, and agricultural heritage that make Madisonville the Mushroom Capital of Texas.

Monterey Mushrooms has remained closely connected to the festival throughout its history. One of the most popular traditions is the company’s complimentary portabella mushroom fajitas. The fajitas are now served from a tent located in front of the Madison County Courthouse, where a line of hungry festival goers eagerly waits for this longtime favorite.

A festival takes shape

button, portabella, crimini, oyster, and other varieties were shipped to markets throughout Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The company was recognized as the largest mushroom producer in Texas and was credited with producing an estimated four percent of the nation’s mushrooms. Today, Monterey delivers fresh mushrooms and mushroom products across all 48 continental states and Mexico.

As attendance increased, cooking demonstrations became one of the festival’s signature attractions. Experienced chefs showed audiences how mushrooms could be stirred, sauteed, and incorporated into everything from appetizers and entrees to unexpected desserts. Cooking demonstrations, samples of mushroom-inspired dishes, and tastings from Texas wineries helped establish the festival as a destination for food lovers. The combination of unique cuisine, local agriculture, and Madisonville’s friendly small-town atmosphere began drawing visitors

Why mushrooms?

Madisonville’s connection to mushrooms began years before the festival. A mushroom-growing operation was established near the community in the 1970s and was later acquired by Monterey Mushrooms in the early 1980s. The facility, located approximately six miles south of town, became an important local employer and helped establish Madisonville as a major center for mushroom production. In 2005, the Texas Legislature officially designated Madisonville as the “Mushroom Capital of Texas,” recognizing the Monterey facility produces around 600,000 pounds of mushrooms each week. White

Serving complimentary portabella mushroom fajitas from a tent located in front of the Madison County Courthouse

from near and far. The festival soon expanded beyond food. Arts-and-crafts vendors filled the streets surrounding the Madison County Courthouse, while live entertainment, photography and art contests, children’s activities, an automobile showcase, wine tastings, and the cleverly named Shiitake 5K gave people of all ages something to enjoy. Whether you are a local business, artisan, food vendor, sponsor, volunteer, entertainer, car enthusiast, photographer, runner, or simply looking for a fun day with family, there is a place for you at the Texas Mushroom Festival. The event’s wide range of activities and opportunities reflects the same community spirit that helped it grow from one rainy tent into a major annual celebration. Shiitake 5K Run + Kids Mile

Rainy-day resilience

The first festival would not be the last time the weather tested Madisonville’s determination. In 2015, a recordbreaking 36 hours of rain reportedly brought more than 21 inches of rainfall during festival weekend. Every available tent that could be found was put to use, but standing water beneath them reached approximately five inches in some areas. Mulch from the local Standley Feed was brought in and spread across the saturated ground to help visitors navigate the muddy festival area. According to local lore, nearly every tent in town leaked - but once again, the rain could not wash away Madisonville’s festival spirit.

Today, the Texas Mushroom Festival welcomes approximately 11,000 to 12,000 attendees and typically features just over 150 vendors. Booth sizes vary according to each vendor’s individual needs. Before COVID, festival attendance was reported to have reached as many as 16,000 people. Although mushrooms provide the theme, the festival has always been about much more. It is an opportunity for Madisonvillebusinesses, restaurants, schools, civic organizations, and agricultural heritage. It brings the community together while welcoming thousands of guests to experience the history, hospitality, and character of the Mushroom Capital of Texas. As the festival celebrates its 25th annual event, its story remains rooted in the same qualities that made that first stormy gathering special: community spirit, good food, local pride, and a willingness to keep growing (rain or shine).

Celebrating local history

Another popular stop for festival visitors is the nearby Madison County Museum. Its photographs, artifacts, and exhibits share the stories of the people, places, and traditions that helped shape Madisonville and Madison County. The museum’s current featured display is an extensive horse exhibit highlighting local horses and the community members connected to them. It offers visitors another opportunity to experience a special part of Madison County’s history and heritage while exploring the festival.

Join the community on October 17, 2026, in historic downtown Madisonville for one of Texas’ most unique and enjoyable festivals. There will be something for everyone as the Texas Mushroom Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary and looks ahead to many more years of food, fun and fellowship. What began with one tent, one entertainer and bowls of warm mushroom soup has grown into a treasured Texas tradition… and a celebration that is uniquely Madisonville. For more information, visit txmushfest.org.

FUN FUNGI FACT:

Crimini and portabella mushrooms are the same variety at different stages of maturity. Criminis are harvested while young; when allowed to mature longer, they develop into portabellas.

Ingredients •

Monterey® Portabella Mushrooms

•

Fajita seasoning

•

Olive oil

Portabella Fajita Tacos

•

Lime juice

•

Tortillas

Want to find that festival flavor for your own family feast? Here is a simple recipe for you to follow at home: Choose Monterey Portabella Mushrooms for a bold, festivalinspired meal. Our Portabellas are also available with high Vitamin D, which will provide you with 400 IU's of vitamin D per 3 oz serving, which is 50% of the Daily Value as recommended by the FDA.

Toppings

Recipe Spotlight:

•

Grilled peppers & onions

•

Avocado

•

Guacamole

•

Sour cream

•

Cilantro

•

Black beans

•

Pico de gallo

Lake Conroe | October 2026

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Glorious Grandchildren

The Seven Scott & Shannon Williams

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Libby & McKinlee Grandchildren of Chris & Colette Proske

October 2026 | Lake Conroe

Grandchildren of

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Tribute AS UNIQUE AS THE PERSON BEING REMEMBERED.

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We’re here for every step of the journey.

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Our Family Serving Yours Since 2002

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Things My Granddaddy Said They're slower than molasses in winter. Not every lion that chased the deer caught it. But every lion that caught a deer chased it. You don’t build a fence in the middle of a stampede. Hindsight is the only exact science.

A frog in a well has never seen a sunset.

~ Jim Nissen

You shouldn't go talking about ropes in the house of a hanged man.

Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!

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His hogs are so poor it takes six of them to make a shadow.

October 2026 | Lake Conroe

The shoemaker's children are always the ones who are barefooted.

Tasty Bites Queso Chicken and Rice

Lake Conroe | October 2026

INGREDIENTS

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1 Tbs olive oil 1 ½ lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 ½” pieces 1 tsp garlic powder, or to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 yellow or white onion, finely chopped 1 Tbs butter 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice 1 (1-oz) packet taco seasoning 2 ¾ cups water, or as needed 1 cup prepared queso dip green onions, pico, avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños, for topping (optional) DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high

heat. Add chicken and cook, undisturbed, until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes (chicken will not be fully cooked at this point). Step 2: Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften. Add butter and allow it to melt. Add rice and cook, stirring, until rice is coated and lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Stir in taco seasoning until well combined, about 30 seconds. Step 3: Add water and stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil. Stir once more and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Step 4: Warm queso in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Top chicken and rice with queso and serve immediately with desired toppings.

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October 2026 | Lake Conroe

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Tasty Bites Pumpkin Cheese Ball INGREDIENTS

2 (8-oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened 1 Tbs bottled hot pepper sauce 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp minced garlic 2 cups finely shredded yellow cheddar cheese 1 stem from a bell pepper crackers for serving

Lake Conroe | October 2026

DIRECTIONS

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Step 1: Combine cream cheese, hot pepper sauce, paprika, and garlic in a food processor. Process until well combined. Step 2: Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese and process until cheese is finely chopped but still very visible. Step 3: Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of the remaining shredded cheese into a 4-inch pile on a large piece of plastic wrap, and top with a rounded scoop of the cheese ball mixture.

Step 4: Sprinkle the cheese ball mound with the remaining shredded cheese. Step 5: Pull sides of plastic wrap up and over the cheese ball mixture to wrap tightly and shape into a ball. (If needed, wrap with an additional piece of plastic wrap to ensure the mixture is very tightly wrapped.) Step 6: Wrap 4 wide rubber bands around the cheese ball, evenly spacing them to create the indentations that are found on a pumpkin. (Depending on the size of the rubber bands, you may need to double wrap each one to create indentations that are deep enough.) Step 7: Chill cheese ball in the refrigerator at least 3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cream cheese to become firm. Step 8: Before serving, remove rubber bands and unwrap cheese ball. Place a bell pepper stem on top of the pumpkin and gently press to adhere. Serve with crackers.

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Medical Matters Avoiding and Managing the Flu:

Tips for Staying Healthy

Lake Conroe | October 2026

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Elizabeth Sargent, DO Family Medicine

lu season typically peaks between December and February, but with the right prevention and care, you can lower your risk and recover faster if symptoms appear. Use these quick tips to stay healthy and handle the flu effectively.

3. Take antiviral medications If prescribed, antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can reduce symptom severity and recovery time. They work best within 48 hours of symptom onset, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you suspect the flu.

How to Avoid the Flu

4. Relieve symptoms

1. Get vaccinated It’s not too late for your flu shot! The vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Updated each year to fight new strains, it reduces your risk of catching the flu and prevents serious complications. 2. Practice proper hygiene Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces. When soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. 3. Avoid close contact with sick individuals Flu spreads through droplets in the air. Keep your distance from those showing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or fever. If you’re in a high-risk area such as a clinic or hospital, consider wearing a mask for extra protection. 4. Strengthen your immune system Healthy habits help your body fight infections. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, get 7–9 hours of sleep, and manage stress through exercise or relaxation techniques. 5. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces The flu virus can live for hours on hard surfaces. Clean items like doorknobs, light switches, and keyboards regularly with disinfectant wipes or sprays. What to Do if Symptoms Appear Early action can shorten recovery and ease discomfort. 1. Stay home and rest Give your body the downtime it needs to heal. Avoid work, school, and gatherings to prevent spreading the flu. Rest allows your immune system to fight the infection effectively. 2. Stay hydrated Fever and congestion can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea, or broth, and use electrolyte drinks if needed to replace lost nutrients.

• Reduce fever and aches with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. • Ease congestion with a humidifier or saline nasal spray. • Soothe a sore throat with warm saltwater gargles. 5. Watch for complications Seek medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or persistent high fever, especially if you have a weakened immune system or underlying conditions. The Bottom Line Prevention starts with vaccination, good hygiene, and healthy daily habits. If you do get the flu, rest, hydrate, and act early to recover faster. Staying prepared and mindful helps protect you, your family, and your community this flu season.

Dear Gabby

Send me your questions at

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Welcome back to the October 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. We’re approaching the middle of the “ber” months (months that end in ber). This means you should get ready for Halloween, Renaissance Festivals, football, and lesser sports (sorry, I was raised in Texas). Our federal holiday is Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 12. In defense of my last month’s column, it is now officially fall. My pumpkin spice comments, in no way, apply to pumpkin pie or pumpkin rolls. Those two applications are where they belong. Send your questions to me by clicking Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. DEAR GABBY

DEAR GABBY

Is anyone else getting tired of “them” telling us what we can do and what we can have? I am a lady who has lived long enough (independently) to make most decisions of my own volition, and I resent the intrusion. How do you feel about that?

I am trying to differentiate between friends and acquaintances. Some people I think are my friends don’t always seem to have my best interest at heart. And some I was thinking of as acquaintances turn out to have my back, and then some. How do you know?

MOTHER MAY I?

FRIENDS OR NOT?

DEAR MMI

GABBY

DEAR FRIENDS OR NOT My hero/husband Dud has a saying as true as they come. You can count your friends on the fingers of one hand. All the other people are acquaintances. I say: friends are like panties. Some get a little twisted, some are your favorite, some are holey, some are cheap, some are naughty, and some actually cover your butt when you need them. Assuming you are asking about lady friends, it is really hard to tell in advance. Eleanor Roosevelt explained it best: “A woman is like a teabag you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “MY BODY IS A TEMPLE”: My body is not a temple. It’s a haunted house. It’s slowly falling apart, makes weird noises, and contains the spirit of an old person who’s always mad about something.

This co-op appreciation month, join us in celebrating the communities that make MidSouth what it is. Planning some fall landscaping?

Know your utility guidelines before you plant or dig.

Visit midsouthelectric.com

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Reliable is What We’ve ALWAYS DONE.

October 2026 | Lake Conroe

I’m with you, Sister! Let me tell you a little story. A number of years ago, I went to a grocery store in Austin and bought: a pound of sliced ham in a plastic bag, a loaf of bread in a plastic bag, a gallon of milk in a plastic jug, a pack of napkins in plastic wrap, a store-made salad in a plastic tub, a plastic bottle of mustard and catsup, but they wouldn’t give me a plastic bag to carry it home because the plastic bag was bad for the environment! I’m happy to report the city of Austin overturned that ban when the Texas Supreme Court ruled the single use bag ban violated state law. Who are “they”, anyway?

Lake Conroe | October 2026

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Casey & Natalie Cox celebrated

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October 2026 | Lake Conroe

Don & Lana Plunkett

Milestones

The ﬁrst piece may bring you through the door. The From engagement rings and anniversary gifts to relationship is what brings you back. meaningful heirloom redesign, Elliott will help you create From engagements and anniversaries to redesigning family a one-of-a-kind piece using natural diamonds and jewelry and ﬁnding the perfect gift for any season, Elliott is precious metals, with care for part theofmoments here for crafted the moments that become your story. that matter most. Discover the Difference of a Private Jeweler

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CustomA Jeweler Jewelry Designed for More Than Moment AroundOne Your Story

COMMUNITY BUILDERS

Thrifting

in Downtown Conroe Lake Conroe | October 2026

Five thrift shops, each generating support for local charitable work.

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BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY GINA TURNER

in. Win. Win. When families donate gently-used clothing, furniture, and household goods to nonprofit organizations, they can enjoy decluttered homes and tidy closets. Win. When shoppers purchase donated items at those organizations’ thrift shops, they get great deals. Win. And perhaps best of all, thrift shop sales enable these non-profit organizations to do good work in the local area. Win. We recently visited five thrift shops in downtown Conroe, all within about a one-mile radius. Some are within walking distance of each other. All the shops have something in common: money generated from sales of donated items is funneled directly into local charitable work. However, each shop is special in its own way.

Angelic Resale

Located at 727 West Davis Street, near the intersection with North Frazier, Angelic Resale has thousands of square feet of display space, plus a large warehouse for sorting donations. Angelic Resale is perhaps best known for its

Angelic Resale

furniture. In addition to “gently-loved” furniture, says Manager Shellie Lofton, the shop has an enormous selection of new furniture that is priced at 70 to 80 percent below retail prices. Angelic Resale also has many household goods, including small appliances, linens, and decorative items—plus books, electronics, and a vast array of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. Pullovers are priced at $4;

button-up shirts are $5. Jeans are $4 to $6. Each month, discounts of 50 percent are given on selected items (based on tag color). In addition, seniors and veterans receive discounts on Wednesdays. Angelic Resale is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Donations are accepted from

10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday, (note Angelic Resale does not accept donations that conflict with its Christian mission, such as Halloween or alcohol-related items). To donate furniture and other large items, email a photo to angelicresale77301@gmail.com. “This store runs on faith and donations,” Shellie says. Proceeds from sales support the Magnolia men’s campus of Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas, a Christian residential recovery program that has a high success rate in combating substance abuse. “It’s a very powerful program,” Shellie says.

It’s All Good Thrift Store

accepted during store hours. Money generated from the sale of donated items goes to PACN, “a Christcentered, pro-life pregnancy medical clinic offering life-affirming services to women and couples to help with their pregnancy needs up to age three of the child,” Jennifer says. “Everything we offer is free of charge to the clients.” PACN was founded in 1987; the thrift shop came into being in 2004, says Jim Wenstrom, shop manager. “It’s all about the unborn baby,” says Lynn McMain, a volunteer at It’s All Good.

Located at 123 North Thompson Street in a vivid royal-blue building, the Bargain Box is just a short walk away.

Assistance League Thrift Shop It's All Good Thrift Store

Another short walk brings thrifters to the Assistance League Thrift Shop,

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Bargain Box Resale Shop

The shop is chock-full of clothing, shoes, and household goods, all at low prices. For example, dresses and coats are priced at $5; Pants, shorts, tops and robes are $4; swimsuits and pajamas are $3. Twice a year—usually in March and October—the Bargain Box restocks, says Evelyn Bowden, community outreach chairman, and shoppers can take advantage of bag sales. They are announced on Facebook and on signs outside the shop. The Bargain Box is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Donations are accepted during store hours. Children’s items are particularly appreciated, Evelyn says. Money generated from sales benefits the Conroe Service League (CSL), which has been helping underserved local residents since 1955, when 12 Conroe women organized to meet a local need. Today, CSL is still relatively small, Evelyn says, but packs a big punch. Members serve the community in a variety of ways, and the Bargain Box and other fundraisers allow the organization to give $67,000 in scholarships each year. “Everything we do goes to the community,” she says.

October 2026 | Lake Conroe

It’s All Good, located at 115 N. San Jacinto Street, is a cozy shop filled almost to overflowing with clothing, small furniture, and an impressive selection of upscale home furnishings. “People say, ‘This isn’t a thrift store. This is like an upscale resale shop,’” says Jennifer Perregrino, executive director of Pregnancy Assistance Center North (PACN), which the shop helps support. While most of the shop is dedicated to displays of interior furnishings, there is also a good selection of clothing and shoes. Some clothing items find their way to a popular rack outside the shop, where they are priced at $1 each. It’s All Good is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Donations are

Lake Conroe | October 2026

Assistance League Thrift Shop

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located at 126 North San Jacinto Street. Inside, they’ll find racks of clothing for men, women, and children, plus large displays of upscale home furnishings. The back room is a beehive of activity as volunteers sort and price donated items. “We are known for quality,” says Pat Edwards, thrift shop team leader. “If we wouldn’t buy it, it doesn’t go on the floor.” (Other items are donated to partner organizations.) The thrift shop has frequent sales, which are announced on Facebook and X. The Assistance League Thrift Shop was founded in 1985, when 41 members of the Assistance League of Montgomery County “emptied their closets,” Pat says. Today, the Assistance League has more than 200 members who log more than 50,000 volunteer hours annually. The thrift shop brings in a staggering $800,000 in sales each year, generating about 80 percent of the funds needed for the organization’s many philanthropic programs. Among these are Operation School Bell®, which provides new clothing to economically disadvantaged students in Montgomery County, and Assault Survivor Kits®, which supplies local hospitals with clothing, toiletries, and comfort items to give to victims of assault and trauma. “Everything goes back into the community,” Pat says. The Assistance League Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Donations are welcomed during store hours.

Unique Resale Shop

Tucked away at 1022 McCall Avenue, Unique Resale Shop can be a challenge to find; however, it is worth the extra effort. “The Welcome to Conroe sign is right by CVS, and we are up the hill,” says Jerry Durham, manager. Shoppers can almost get lost in Unique Resale’s cavernous interior, which is stocked full of clothing and shoes for men, women, and children, plus many household goods and home décor items. There is even a boutique section at the front of the store, which features name-brand items priced at 1/8 to 1/5 of retail prices. Elsewhere in the shop, shorts and short-sleeved

shirts are $4; pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes are $5. Proceeds from the sale of donated items go to Community Assistance Center, a non-profit organization that has been providing emergency assistance to Montgomery County residents for more than 40 years. (While some donated clothing is sold, other items go directly to people who need them because of unexpected financial issues.) “People find themselves in situations they never imagined,” Jerry says. Community Assistance Center can help by providing essentials in a hurry. “They can leave here today with food and clothing,” Jerry says. The organization can ultimately help with other needs, too, like assistance with rent and overdue bills. Unique Resale is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. Donations are accepted during store hours, and volunteers are welcome. “Volunteer your stuff or your time,” Jerry says. Conscientious thrifters know there are other thrift shops in Conroe, too, including Goodwill, located at 1102 West Dallas Street, and Angel’s Loft Resale, at 2121 Timber Lane (near North Loop 336 West). Win!

Unique Resale Shop

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Lake Conroe | October 2026

NERDS BABY RUTH

PAYDAY

BIT O HONEY

RAISINET

CANDY CORN

REESES

WHOPPERS

SKITTLES

GUMMYBEAR

SMARTIES

JOLLY RANCHER

SNICKERS

KITKAT

STARBURST

MILKYWAY

TWIX

MOUNDS

TWIZZLERS

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32 T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F T H E AT R E & M U S I C A L T H E AT R E P R E S E N T S

K E N

L U D W I G ’ S

Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas

NOV 19-21 NOV 21-22

7:30 PM 2:00 PM

“Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

E R I C A S TA R R T H E AT R E , U T C

SCAN FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION shsutickets.com | tickets@shsu.edu | 936.294.2339 1740 Bobby K. Marks Huntsville, TX 77341

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Answers

Sudoku #1 5 8 6 2 1 7 4 2 4 9 6 5 3 1 7 3 1 4 8 9 2 4 6 3 7 9 8 5 8 1 7 3 2 5 6 9 2 5 1 4 6 7 3 9 2 5 7 1 8 2 9 6

4 8

Sudoku #3 5 4 9 7 6 1 1 8 2 9 5 3 6 7 3 2 8 4 3 6 8 4 7 9 4 9 1 5 3 2 7 2 5 6 1 8 8 3 6 1 4 5 2 5 7 8 9 6 9 1 4 3 2 7 Sudoku #5 9 6 3 2 1 8 2 4 7 9 5 1 7 8 4 6 9 8 5 7 1 7 5 6 3 4 3 2 9 8 2 4 1 3 5 9 4 6 6 1 2 7 3

5 8

Sudoku #7 7 5 2 6 4 6 9 5 8 1 3 9 5 4 7 2 2 3 6 7 1 9 8 4 6 7 4 8 1 3 5 1 9 3

6 5 2

9 8 4 1 5

4 3 6 7 2

8 3 2 6 4 7 1 9

7 6 8 4 9 3 2 7 9 3 1 4 5 8 6

5 8 4 7 3 5 6 1 6 2 3 9 2 3 1 4 4 9 8 2 1 7 5 6 7 6 9 8 1 2 3 4 7 5 8 9

1 4 9 3 8 1 7 2 6 6 1 8 8 9 4 5 3 2 9 5 3 4 7 5 2 6 7

8 2

7 5

7 6 1 6

8 4

Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 25, Book 1

Sudoku #2 2 6 5 3 7 9 1 8 4 7 9 8 5 1 4 2 6 3 1 4 3 6 2 8 5 9 7 6 5 9 7 3 1 4 2 8 8 2 4 9 6 5 7 3 1 3 1 7 8 4 2 6 5 9 5 8 6 4 9 7 3 1 2 4 3 2 1 8 6 9 7 5 9 7 1 2 5 3 8 4 6 Writing free verse is like playing tennis with the net down.

EASY

Sudoku Solution Sudoku #4 5 6 8 2 4 3 9 1 7 1 9 7 6 8 5 2 3 4 3 4 2 9 1 7 5 8 6 9 5 3 8 7 6 4 2 1 2 8 6 4 3 1 7 9 5 4 7 1 5 9 2 3 6 8 9 3 5 4 8 7 2 5 3 4 9

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October 2026 | Lake Conroe

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. 6

1 6

8 4

5 7 1 3

6 3 2 8 9 4

6 8 3 7

2 8 6

Sudoku #6 5 2 4 3 7 3 8 1 9 6 9 6 7 2 8 7 1 8 5 4 2 5 3 1 9 4 9 6 8 2 1 7 2 6 3 5 4 1 9 7 5 6

8 4

Sudoku #8 8 6 1 2 3 9 7 4 4 2 5 1 7 9 5 2

1 6 8 5 7 4 4 3 5 6 9 2 7 8 6 3 5 1 8 4 9 7 9

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

8 6 2 1 7 4 3 9 5 3 7 8 1 9 2 2 1 3 5 9 2 2 5 8 6 5 8 3 9 7 8 9 6 4 3 5

Sudoku #1Easy

2 1

3 4

Easy Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, Volume 25, Book 1 7

5 8 6

7 3 5 9 4 6 5 1 8 2 9 8 6 3 7 3 2 4 1 5 5 7 8 2 9 4 1 3 7 6 2 4 9 5 1 6 2 4 3 9 7 6 8 8 1

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Lake Conroe | October 2026

Elliott’s Jewelers

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PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER

Gift-giving with meaning: choosing jewelry that feels personal.

lose your eyes and think about a piece of jewelry you would never part with. Maybe it is your wedding band, a pendant your mother gave you, or the watch your father wore every day. Chances are, what makes it valuable has less to do with what it cost and more to do with the person, memory, or milestone connected to it. That is what Elliott believes makes jewelry such a meaningful gift. “The best jewelry gifts are the ones that feel personal,” Elliott says. “They do not have to be elaborate. They just need to make sense

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Lake Conroe | October 2026

Ring polishing & engraving

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36 for the person receiving them.” If you are choosing jewelry for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, graduation, or another milestone, start with the person. Notice what they already wear. Do they prefer yellow gold or white metals? Is their style classic and understated, or do they enjoy bolder pieces? Do they wear the same jewelry every day? Those details can make the decision easier. For someone who wears jewelry every day, consider pieces that can naturally become part of her routine. Diamond or gemstone stud earrings, classic hoops, a simple pendant, or a bracelet can be thoughtful choices because they are easy to wear and work with many styles. If she enjoys layering or stacking jewelry, a delicate necklace, charm bracelet, or stackable band can complement pieces she already loves.

Milestones can also help guide the gift. An anniversary band can carry a couple’s story forward. A birthstone can mark a birthday or the arrival of a child. A natural diamond pendant or custom piece can celebrate a graduation, accomplishment, or new chapter. Sometimes, the most meaningful gift may already be in the family. An inherited diamond can become a pendant. A gemstone from an older ring can be reset into a setting that feels more wearable today. A treasured piece that has spent years in a jewelry box can be redesigned while preserving the part that carries the memory. “Sometimes you are not really buying something new,” Elliott says. “You are giving new life to something that already means a great deal.” If you are unsure what to choose, you do not have to make the decision

alone. During a private appointment, Elliott can help you think through the recipient’s style, lifestyle, the occasion, and the story you want the gift to tell. He can also help you explore natural diamonds, precious metals, custom design, heirloom redesign, sizing, engraving, and other details that require planning. Above all, Elliott encourages clients not to put too much pressure on finding the “perfect” gift. Focus instead on intention. Choose something because it reflects the person, honors the moment, or carries a memory forward. Years from now, the most meaningful jewelry will not solely be remembered as a gift. It will be remembered as part of the story. Schedule your private appointment with Elliott and let him help you choose a piece that feels personal from the beginning.

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October 2026 | Lake Conroe

37 Postcards

Lake Conroe | October 2026

Pet Pals

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Share Your Pets Photos with Us!

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Tucker

Sadie

Sophie Rose

loved by

the Ruffs

Nathan, Denna & Finley

Adrienne & Owen

Kidspeak I was singing "You Are My Sunshine" to my 3-yo, and he told me he hates that song. I said that's a shame because I used to sing it to him when he was in my tummy before he was born. He looked me dead in the eyes and said, "I hated it then, too." •••••••••••••••••••• My 7-yo, after watching me (unsuccessfully) negotiate with the 2-yo for several minutes: "It's tough having a baby like that."

Today, my 7-yo came into the room crying. I asked him what happened, and he said that his 5-yo brother put 80 cows in his house in Minecraft while he was offline, and it was "entirely too many cows."

A teacher asked the children in her Sunday School class, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all the money to the church, would I get into heaven?"

Honestly...I have no idea how to parent any of this. ••••••••••••••••••••

"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?"

Teacher: What is half of 8?

Again, the answer was "NO!"

Student: Horizontally or vertically?

"Well," she continued, 'then how can I get to heaven?"

Teacher: What do you mean?

••••••••••••••••••••

Kara Tipton

Student: Horzontally it's 0; vertically it's 3. •••••••••••••••••••• Dad: Would you like anything to eat for dinner? Son: What are my choices? Dad: "Yes" or "no."

In the back of the room, a 5-yo boy shouted out, "You gotta be dead!" October 2026 | Lake Conroe

Juliet thanked me for getting "reasonably sized paper towels this time," and I don't really know what that means, but it feels like a backhanded compliment to both me and the paper towel industry.

"NO!", the children all answered.

39 Postcards

October 2026 2

“Silent Sky”

The Great Pumpkin Shoot @ Able’s: MOW MoCo

“The Phil Collins Story”

owentheatre.com

Thru 4 HOUSTON

“The Sound of Music” houston.broadway.com

Lake Conroe | October 2026

1-3

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Thru 4 CONROE

See More Events Online!

CONROE

Library Friends of Conroe Book Sale countylibrary.org

1-2

CONROE th

40 Annual Lobsterfest chamber.conroe.org

1-3

MONTGOMERY

“California” lonestar.edu/ticket-info

2 - 11 AUSTIN

Austin City Limits Music Festival aclfestival.com

2-3

CONROE

“Deck the Halls” Fall & Christmas Market fbcconroe.org

HUNTSVILLE

mowmc.org

HUNTSVILLE nd

52 Annual Fair on the Square walkercountychamber.com

HUNTSVILLE

Airport Fall Fly-In huntsvilletx.gov

3-4

HUNTSVILLE

Huntsville Card Show Facebook: Huntsville Sports Cards and Collectibles Show

MONTGOMERY

COLLEGE STATION opastickets.org

7-8

LOCKHART

Texas Monthly Barbecue Fest texasmonthly.com

8 - 11

GRUENE

Gruene Music and Wine Festival gruenemusicandwinefest.org

BRYAN

Boonville Days brazosvalleymusuem.org

10 - 11

GALVESTON

Greek Festival

19th Annual Duck Race

galvestongreekfestival.com

duckrace.com/moco

HUNTSVILLE

Jane Monheit in Concert shsu.universitytickets.com

6-8

BRENHAM

Christmas Magic giddingsstonemansion.com

HUNTSVILLE

Fall Plant Sale facebook.com/walkercountymastergardeners

HUNTSVILLE

San Antonio Transit (Chicago Tribute) oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Making Tracks 13 - 25

23 - 25

“Mrs. Doubtfire”

Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo

HOUSTON my.tuts.org

16 - 18

BRENHAM

Texas Arts and Music Festival texasartsandmusicfestival.com

destinationbryan.com

HUNTSVILLE

Butterfly Festival facebook.com/walkercountymastergardeners

CONROE

crightontheatre.org

Mo Pitney Trio

“Frankenstein”

17 - 19

HUNTSVILLE

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

CORPUS CHRISTI

24 - 25

texasjazz-festival.org

Texas Clay Festival

Texas Jazz Festival

HUNTSVILLE

The French Family Trio oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

MADISONVILLE th

25 Annual Texas Mushroom Festival txmushfest.org

MONTGOMERY

Mini Golf Fundraiser folstewart.org

texasclayfestival.com

MONTGOMERY

“Under the Bright Lights” Symphonic Concert mcb-tx.org

29 - Nov 5 AUSTIN

Austin Film Festival austinfilmfestival.com

30 - 31

COLLEGE STATION

Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live opastickets.org

41 Postcards

NEW BRAUNFELS

October 2026 | Lake Conroe

16 - Nov 1

BRYAN

Mustard Seed Moments By Ruth Fields

Giving Whole-hearted Thanks I

Lake Conroe | October 2026

was recently reminded of the time my mother opened a thank-you note from the son of a friend and howled with laughter. It read—in its entirety— ”Dear Mr. and Mrs. Graves, thank you for the graduation gift. Love, Steve.”

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I sometimes think about young Steve (whose name has been changed to protect his anonymity). I’m sure his mother insisted that he write thank-you notes to the people who gave him graduation gifts, and Steve did what he was told! Recently, however, Steve’s lackluster thanks made me think about my own life. How thankful am I for the abundant gifts God has given me? Am I giving him the equivalent of a one-line thank-you note? Hebrews 12:28-29 tells us, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. . .” Fortunately, there are many, many verses in the Bible that teach us to be thankful, and to therefore “worship God acceptably.” (One might deduce that showing gratitude is important!) Many of these verses talk about giving our

wholehearted thanks to God. For example, Psalm 9:1 states, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Other verses mention giving thanks in every circumstance, such as I Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” And Ephesians 5:19-20 instructs us to “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These verses remind me that I should spend more time every day showing gratitude. Although Steve’s infamously brief thank-you note was penned decades ago, it still serves as a good reminder: be thankful. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6