Postcards Magazine Piney Woods - May 2024

From Our Readers

SCHOOL HUNTSVILLE ISD FALL 2024 REGISTRATION

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 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…

All Registration will be completely ONLINE this year!

All Student Registration for Fall 2024 will be done ONLINE via the link on the Student Registration page on the HISD website.

All NEW & RETURNING Students will be required to provide Proof of Residency this year.

RETURNING HISD Student Registration will open in late May/early June.

All New Student Registration OPENS Monday, April 22

What school is your child zoned for? Begin the ONLINE process and use the Versatrans E-Link search program to find out!

PRE-K ROUND UP EARLY REGISTRATION

Thursday, May 2, 2024 • 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

All 4 Elementary Campuses

If you need assistance with PreK online registration, please visit the child's zoned elementary campus during the Pre-K Round Up time, or by appointment at the zoned campus beginning Friday, May 3.

All Campus Tours / Meet & Greet events will be held in August. Monitor HISD website or social media pages for updates.

All Enrollment Criteria & Registration Requirements can be found on the Student Registration page on the HISD website.

WWW.HUNTSVILLE-ISD.ORG

936-435-6300

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

Queen of Falls

Being the “Queen of Falls”, I found your article on falls (Publisher’s column, February 2024) one I could relate to. They are the bane of our existence! I could go on and on about people I know that have suffered injuries from their falls. Even being careful and being aware of the what “ifs” these accidents can happen. My latest one was in the shower when I reached for the handicap bar that wasn’t there. Scraped my back coming down in slow motion on the corner tiled area. Boy, did that hurt. Fortunately #2 son was visiting and after I could crawl out of the shower called for help.

My daughter with her dry wit said, “Well, Mother now all three of your children have seen you naked!”

Look forward to your magazine and especially loved your cover this month.

Sincerely from a friend,

Jo Keller

We Stand on Their Shoulders

May is here, and I am once again reminded of May flowers and mothers. I thought I knew what I was going to share with you this month, but something happened last night that made me realize it needed to wait. (And at this moment, I shall jot a note about it while I remember it…or you may never see it!)

Last year, we shared an interview with Jimmy Fortune, Grand Old Opry star and the former tenor for The Statler Brothers (the most awarded act in music history). Jimmy was coming to Huntsville for the first time to perform at The Old Town Theatre, and his show was wonderful. Last night, he returned--and while the show was just as good as last year, there was a special difference in the attendance.

This year, a special guest was in the audience: Mr. Buck Sloan. Mr. Sloan, who served in World War II, is 99 years young and still quite the spry fellow. It is fairly rare in this day and time to meet someone who served in WWII; especially when you and that someone almost bump into each other in the aisle, and he asks you with a wink if you would like to dance. Laughing, we decided neither of us had the current coordination to “cut a rug” on a sloping theatre aisle! The icebreaker of our moment allowed me the opportunity to visit with him (and his friends) several times throughout the evening – long enough to see the amazement in his eyes as he told me he could not believe he had been specially introduced, or that all these people applauded for him.

As the evening progressed, I learned Mr. Sloan landed on Utah Beach in Normandy in an amphibious vehicle in June 1944. He turns 100 this June, and the day after his birthday, he intends to go back to Normandy--80 years after he first landed there.

When Memorial Day rolls around this month, I will think of Mr. Sloan and his upcoming trip. I will think of his fallen comrades. I will always remember the look on his face and the tears of gratitude in his eyes as he made his way to the front of the theatre and sang along with the rest of the standing crowd to God Bless America and America the Beautiful It is on the shoulders of these great men we stand. Take a moment during this holiday to honor the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we have today. Be grateful, because as Jimmy said, “In spite of all our problems, this is still the greatest country in the world.”

God bless America.

Until next time,

~ Karen

Chester Pike “Buck” Sloan and Jimmy Fortune

Tallent Sausage

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A1 Smith Septic

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See their ad on page 71

Wiesner Huntsville

Celebrating 30 years

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Covenant Fellowship Church

Celebrating 16 years

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Woods Welding

Celebrating 28 years

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See their ad on page 22

U-Rent-EM

Celebrating 12 years

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Bluebird Haven Estates

Celebrating 12 years

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See their ad on page 43

Eastex Trailers & Storage

Celebrating 12 years

Founded 2012

See their ad on page 23

A Special Conversation

Story by Wes Altom Submitted Photos

Jonathan Michael Fleming

This young Texas soldier marches to a different… but very familiar…beat.

“Cadence,” in military contexts, refers to the rhythmic chants sung by soldiers in marching formation. These chants help keep marchers in line with the rhythm of the march, and they are more than just words—they’re an essential part of military discipline and tradition.

Jonathan Fleming’s story just makes you go…“Wow.” The seventh of nine children in his family, he lost his mom in a car accident when he was twelve. With faith in God and the support of family and friends, that tragedy molded him, but did not come to define him. He used it as motivation to finish home schooling at age 16 (with a dual credit equivalent of an associate’s degree). He married at 18 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves at 19. Now 23, he has found his footing as a husband, father, soldier, musician...and a once-reluctant online influencer who has grown to use the platform to support, comfort, and motivate military members, veterans, and their families. Postcards met with Jonathan at his studio in Humble, where he shared his story.

Where did the love of music come from?

My dad founded Heaven Sent Choirs in Houston and taught music there for 16 years, after which my sister took over the program. Because he made training CDs for students, my dad had studio equipment. By the time I was 12, I was going in and playing around with the equipment by myself (I don’t even know if my dad knew <laughs>). I was a part of that program, and that’s where I met my wife when I was in junior high.

A little unusual that you got married first and then joined the Army…

The only military influence or history in my family was that my great-grandfather was in the Marines. He definitely shared his experiences with me.

I was also born the year the war on terrorism started. So, I grew up with a pull to those principles and values. My wife was not a fan of the idea of me joining the military, so I had to work on her for quite a while. Eventually, when I talked about entering the reserves and she saw the vision, what it could do for our family, and realized how important it was to me, she said, “Okay, I’ll buckle in. Let’s do it.”

How did the connection of the military and your music come about?

After basic training, when I moved on to AIT (Advanced Individual Training-- job school basically, and I am an engineer), I started calling cadence for our group. I started Googling cadences, because I was tired of the same five we were doing all the time.

I learned there are very few quality recordings. I could find lyrics, but words don’t mean much without a tune. We found an old cadence called “Down in the Battlefield.” I used that tune, substituted Airborne “sapper” for “ranger” as a nod to my engineer group, and wrote additional lyrics for “Fallen Soldiers.”

A “sapper” is a soldier who performs a variety of military engineering duties--breaching fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying or clearing minefields, preparing field defenses, and road and airfield construction and repair. The term sapper comes from the practice of digging “saps”, or trenches, to

undermine the walls of fortifications.

My buddies convinced my drill sergeant to let me call that cadence with the group, and she recorded it. My brother-in-law eventually convinced me to post it online to TikTok in January of 2022. I posted it, then deleted the app. It wasn’t until about six months later I went on and saw it had gone viral.

I started doing more cadence recordings for fun, and it just blew up. People started requesting them. By the beginning of 2023, I put out three cadence albums, and I have another album of 12 coming.

It was getting crazy trying to manage my regular job and the internet platform side of things. I worked for five years in construction in Porter and Spring and was an assistant project manager. I made the hard decision to leave that and go into the music work fulltime. I had begun to realize I could use the platform to help non-profits and give back to the community that had given so much to me.

What’s so powerful and motivating about cadences?

They connect people from diverse backgrounds who come together and work together to overcome obstacles and achieve common goals—in not just the military, but police academies, fire academies, and other institutions. They also provide a means of positive memory and connection for veterans and surviving family members.

How much work goes into recording a single project?

It varies, but a recent personal music project called “The Garage” was well over 100 hours of work. There’s a lot, with writing, performing the music, video production, and editing. There’s also separate optimizations and uploads for each online source, and backend work crediting those involved and registering the song. It’s a lot more than people think when they see it on a TikTok. What projects have been the most successful?

The biggest in terms of popularity, by far, is the cadence “I Left My Home.” In fact, there’s a good chance that one ends up hitting gold status, which is incredible.

The work I’m most proud of is a song I wrote “Strength Like This.” It’s about Samson,

but the lyrics never say his name, so the creativity with the lyrics is really special to me. In fact, it’s the reason I decided this January to separate my personal music projects from the military music ones with a separate account. I began to realize that, unless they were military based, songs weren’t going to perform well on that main account.

Tell us about the non-profits you work with.

A big one is Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They just opened Houston Veterans Village in Tomball. They have taken in 150+ homeless veterans, with programs to help them find work and get them counseling and other resources they need. It’s amazing people with this organization can get buy-in from veterans who have been living on the streets for sometimes 20+ years to come into this new home and trust the people and the programs.

U.S. VETS is another organization. They are the ones providing the counseling services and working with the veterans in that home. I’m helping them with a 5k coming up and other projects as well.

What’s been encouraging about working with the veteran non-profits is they don’t see each

other as competitors—they see each other as “on the same team.”

What’s ahead?

Cadences, Volume 4 on the military side, as well as a cadence project that will give a nod to Private Willie Lee Duckworth’s “Sound-Off”

chant from 1944, which started the cadence tradition.

On the personal side, some additional video work for “The Garage,” which speaks to the struggle of a provider—so it has resonated with a lot of men, but also a lot of wives, moms, and single moms. It speaks to that

moment when you get home, and you just want to sit in your car for a few extra minutes and decompress before you walk inside.

My wife and I wouldn’t be where we are today without a lot of people and a lot of support, and a lot of circumstances lining up. God definitely deserves the credit for the path, so

we will keep trusting...and keep marching!

Check out Jonathan’s music through his website at jonathanmichaelfleming.com.

Locate his main (military) account on social media under @jonathanmichaelfleming and his personal project account under @officialjonathanmusic.

Vs. 1

Out on the battlefield covered in blood, There’s an Airborne sapper dying in the mud.

The enemy came closing in until the soldier fell;

So, with one final magazine He sent ‘em all to hell.

Vs. 2

Out in a foxhole, shaking in his boots— There’s a brand new private too afraid to shoot. The soldier to his left jumped on a hand grenade; And the gruesome price of war he paid.

Chorus Fallen soldiers, we stand on your shoulders; we carry your legacy, ‘cause no one said that freedom’s free.

Fallen soldiers, we stand on your shoulders; I’ll carry your legacy, till someday they remember me.

Fallen Soldiers

Dear Gabby

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. We have a lot of celebrating to do this month. In numerical order, May the fourth be with the Star Wars fans. I’m thankful Cinco De Mayo is not going to interfere with getting into my Taco Tuesday restaurant this year. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, both here on earth and up in Heaven. Bless them all. Remember to honor our fallen service personnel on Memorial Day. Some gave all, and it’s a debt we can never repay. Silly or serious, reach out to those who deserve a pat on the back for any reason. Reach out to me--send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www. PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY

What is going on with being asked to take an online survey about every single thing we do and spending more time trying to log into the site than it takes to do the survey? I’d be more

likely to answer the survey if they would make it a little easier to access.

CRANKY FRANKIE

DEAR C F

Fortunately, those ubiquitous surveys are not mandatory, and you may pick and choose which ones to take. Or not. Logins are pervasive, though. I found a lamp on the beach last summer, and rubbing it no longer produces a genie. Now you need a username, password and, an unreadable CAPTCHA.

GABBY

DEAR GABBY

Sometimes, when I ask my family where that “thing” is because I can’t remember what it’s called, I can hear them talking about me behind

my back. I describe it perfectly and explain exactly what it does, but I just can’t remember what it’s called. You may have guessed that I’m a senior citizen. Should I start worrying?

UNEASY

DEAR UNEASY

Not at all. It sounds like your family already has that covered. That scenario sounds perfectly normal to me. It happens.

CONFIDENTIAL TO

DECREPIT: I can relate! I don’t want to I’m old

GABBY

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“Seens” from our World

I have questions about the manufacturing process

Seen by: PC Staff

Promotes growth(s) as an artist

Seen by: Judith Miller

Share the funny and unusual things you’ve seen! PostcardsLive.com

By Kim Bius

The Garden Post Spring into Combos, Tropicals, and Texas Natives!

It is the perfect spring day. No humidity, under 82 degrees, low wind, and bright sun-it just does not get better than this in Texas. The garden is calling, and the urge to be “gardening” is overwhelming. As a gardener (and as most gardeners), our patio pots and containers are one of our favorite garden “chores.” Many spend hours choosing just the right combination of plants to make a spectacular display.

There is an old saying in the industry: each pot should have a filler, a spiller, and a thriller….What does that mean? One plant is 18” or taller with upright growth (filler); the second (thriller) is under 14” and a profuse bloomer; and the third (spiller) is a draping or cascading plant. To do this, a 10-12” container is required to give the plants room for growth. Here are a few of our favorite ½ day to full sun combos:

Lime potato vine or creeping jenny / bright yellow or blue calibrachoa or petunia / mystic spire salvia. (3 plant combo) Great in an indigo blue pot!

Creeping jenny or hedera ivy / supertunia (tropical color) / dwarf canna….for an extra twist and texture, add a tricolor dracaena (3-4 plant combo)

Variegated fig ivy / red geranium (or whatever color you prefer) add ageratum or blue daze and dwarf white adagio grass or white euphorbia in a white pot. Great red/white/ blue 3 plant combo.

April/May is the time to plant “tropicals” around the pool and patio. Of course, these beautiful plants are called “tropicals” because their native habitat is the tropics, where temperatures rarely fall into the mid50s. Tropical plants such as bougainvillea,

hibiscus, duranta, dipladenia, and mandevilla are just a few varieties. These beauties are coveted for their amazing blooms and thrive in heat and high humidity, making them the perfect Texas plant. Yes, in our area and to the north, they do not sustain the winter well and should be considered an annual (although, with the right protection, they will die to the ground and return slowly the following spring). Just a reminder, do not

feed hibiscus with a phosphorous # higher than 5% (they are the exception to the rule

and large doses can be lethal). Hibiscus are one of the few plants that truly need a Hibiscus food (never use Miracle Gro on them). Bougainvillea, on the other hand, are Texas Tough. Bougainvillea need to be rootbound, require full sun, and just enough water to keep them from wilting to keep blooming. Do not plant bougainvillea in the ground here; they will not survive. A large pot is best for easy transport in winter.

One last topic, there seems to be a craze for Texas natives, and there is a misconception involved. I am not sure if the misconception comes from “marketing” or just lack of knowledge on the topic. Texas is a huge state with many different terrains—so, what is native in Fredericksburg may not do well in the woodlands of East Texas, and vice versa. Once planted, Texas natives will need the

same care (water) until established…which is generally the second year in production. So, what is the difference between a native non-cultivar and a newer hybridized cultivar of the same plant? In my book, it is huge. This begs the question--why so many cultivars of the same plant? Generally, because the original bloomed for a very short period of time, had a weed appearance with spindly texture, and was only available in one color. Hybridization took the best qualities of the plant and improved them: blooms all season, compact growth, shinier texture, and larger color range. This does not mean it is less hardy than the original plant--just improved. The difference in water requirements is minimal, and I believe that is the crux of the misinformation.

Happy Gardening.

Mandevilla

Sarah Hebert, Devan Dawson, Jacob Paschal, Michael Foreman, Chris Thompson & Jeremy Romoser

Happy 60th Birthday to Claudia Carrington!

Happy 87th Birthday to Anna Hyman!

Texas Treasures

Story by Ruth Fields

Photos by Tom Miller

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

So…why are we telling readers about a local museum down the road in a county outside our readership area? Read on, and you will learn the ties to our communities and to our state’s history that make this collection a Texas Treasure.

Suann Hereford & Carolyn Walker

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. It became the main building of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, which opened in May of 1986.

It is a state 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.

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 FM 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.

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 Republic of Texas, early statehood, and the Montgomery County of yesteryear.

One of the first displays visitors

Exhibits displaying memorabilia including the general store, a printing press, cash registers & switchboard.

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. Nearby, several rotating displays ensure the museum always has items of interest to repeat visitors.

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.) 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. “

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

Dr. Suann Hereford 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

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

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

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.

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.

Many visitors, especially those who live in the area, are so impressed with the Heritage Museum that they become 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.

Gloria White & Suann Hereford

From Colony to County to Counties

In the 1820s, the fourth and last colony of Stephen F. Austin was settled in our area of the state. When Texas won her independence in 1836, Montgomery County was named the third county in the Republic of Texas. It included all of what is today Walker and San Jacinto Counties—and parts of Grimes, Madison, and Waller Counties. When Texas joined the United States, they were asked to downsize the counties, resulting in the borders we see today. The town of Montgomery was the geographic center of Austin’s fourth colony and was the original county seat. Three courthouses were built and occupied there from 1838-1889.

Birthplace of the Texas Flag

Dr. Charles Stewart, a medical doctor and pharmacist in Montgomery, had quite the resume: Soldier with the Army of the Republic of Texas; Interpreter between Sam Houston and Santa Anna at San Jacinto; Signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and first Secretary of State of Texas. He also designed the Lone Star flag and the original Seal of the State of Texas.

The Oil Boom

George Strake persisted in a search for oil in Montgomery County after others performed tests and left. Many thought he was out of his mind. He discovered oil in 1931—and because of his persistent belief when others bailed, he controlled 50% of the producing acreage in the oil field. By 1956, with over 900 producing wells, the Conroe oil field was the third largest in the nation. Strake became one of the state’s wealthiest citizens, and he is known for donating land for one of the largest Boy Scout camps in the nation.

From the Woods to The Woodlands

Richard W Grogan founded the Grogan-Cochran Lumber Empire with mills in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. In 1917, the Tamina Mill (The Woodlands) was built, and the Magnolia Mill was bought in 1927. Grogan came to control several other sites and industries in the county. In 1964, oil entrepreneur and philanthropist George Mitchell acquired about 50,000 acres from the stockholders and heirs of Grogan. He founded The Woodlands in 1974 as a masterplanned community where the natural forested environment would be preserved, and residents could live, work, learn and play.

Keeping Growth “On Track”

Make no mistake, growth followed the path of the railway. Montgomery and Old Waverly were not on railroad lines and declined. Willis, New Waverly, and New Caney were born by the rails and did well.

The first railroad was built in the early 1870s, originally with a north-south line to Houston. In 1889, an east-west line came through. With Conroe at the rail crossroads, it prospered more than any community, and the county seat was relocated there.

Medical Matters

By Luis D. Neve, MD

Sleep Apnea Treatment: Know Your Options

Have you been told you snore loudly? Are you tired or sleepy during the day? With obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the flow of air into the lungs is either partially or completely obstructed in the upper airway, causing at least 10 seconds of unconscious stoppage breathing. A narrow airway, large tongue, or obesity are some of the risks for OSA. Treatment helps keep your airway open while you sleep so your breathing is not interrupted.

If snoring is keeping you up at night, maybe it’s time to act. Getting treatment for obstructive sleep apnea can help you get a better night’s rest and avoid serious health consequences, including high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attack, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other health risks.

“Not only is your sleep impacted by sleep apnea, but also your productivity and relationships,” said Dr. Luis D. Neve, an otolaryngologist (ENT) with Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital.

Depending on your condition, sleep apnea treatments can range from breathing machines to surgery. Your doctor can help you understand which option is best for you.

HOW DO CPAP MACHINES WORK?

Many sleep apnea sufferers are prescribed a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP machine delivers oxygen into your nose and mouth via a mask. This air keeps your airway open, preventing any interruptions in your breathing.

Using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea can reduce your risk of chronic health disorders, enhance sleep, and increase daytime productivity. “To get the most out of this machine, you need to use it every night,” Neve said.

WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED FOR SLEEP APNEA?

If you find a CPAP machine hard to tolerate or unable to fully manage your sleep apnea, sleep surgery may be an option. There are various sleep apnea surgeries, depending on where your specific obstruction is located.

To locate the obstruction, the doctor will perform a drug-induced sleep endoscopy. An endoscope is used to look at your throat and airway to identify exactly where you’re obstructing. “With this information, we can determine the best surgical option,” Neve added.

WHAT IS HYPOGLOSSAL NERVE STIMULATION?

Advances in sleep apnea treatment have resulted in new, less-invasive techniques for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a treatment that uses a device to stimulate your hypoglossal nerve, which is the nerve responsible for controlling several of the muscles in your tongue.

“This device, which is implanted in the upper chest using just two small incisions, is only turned on while you’re asleep,” Neve explained. It works by detecting respiration and, each time you breathe, stimulating your hypoglossal nerve to push your tongue forward, opening your airway.

Proven to work remarkably well, hypoglossal nerve stimulation eliminates the need for a CPAP machine.

Brianna Nicole Greer Harper Jo Hyde

Ava Isabella Niño Kathryn Renae Peach

Anthony James Steffa Gino Daniel Theodori

Esme Campbell Ward

Allie Rene Warren

Noah Wayne Weeks

Jordan Brianna Winningham-Jordy

Hudson Charles Allen Catherine Colleen Blevins

Zachary James Brega

Cyle Andrew Burkhalter Blake Calvin Christian

CHICO & ABBY loved by Virginia Matthews

Texas Talent

A friend once introduced him, saying, “This is Smokey. He’s a cowboy, a poet, and a musician.”

Story by Ruth Fields

Photos by Tom Miller

When Charles “Smokey” Culver was a young boy, his grandfather hoped he’d become a rancher; he nicknamed him “Smokey,” because it sounded like a respectable cowboy name. The moniker must have worked its magic, because Smokey, who grew up in Pasadena, spent lots of time working cattle at his grandfather’s ranch in Georgetown. He took to the cowboy lifestyle so well, his grandfather asked him to take over the ranch one day. Unfortunately, that day never came. The family went through hard times and the ranch was lost, but Smokey never forgot the lessons learned.

As it turned out, “Smokey” was also a good railroad name. Smokey joined the Missouri Pacific Railroad (later Union Pacific Railroad) in 1970 as a track worker. He began training to become an engineer in 1971 and was promoted to engineer in 1973. He ran freight and passenger trains until his retirement in 1995. Over the years, he became quite knowledgeable, and he was known for his expertise in interpreting “black boxes,” which trains—like planes—have on board. He is still called upon to testify as an expert witness at court proceedings. Smokey notes that every 90 minutes, there is a railroad accident in this country that causes a person to be injured. Most of the time, a lawsuit follows. Smokey travels throughout the country, providing assistance when needed.

Even during his years on trains, the cowboy lifestyle kept tugging at Smokey. He has entered many local rodeos as a calf roper and a team roper, and has earned a reputation for throwing loops accurately. “I don’t miss that often,” he says, “but I’m not that fast getting there.” Even today, his usual attire includes a cowboy hat and cowboy boots, and some of his favorite days are spent in the company of cows and horses. “I’m still roping cows and riding horses at 74,” he says.

Smokey with kindergarten class in Angleton, TX-1986

Smokey at railroad inspection-Phoenix AZ-1996

Smokey at 18 months old

Smokey at the throttle of locomotive in 1997 above & 2018 below

Coffee With the Lord

The workday will be startin' soon, a chill is in the air the cows are stirrin' in the mornin' light

The coffee's brewin' on the fire, a cowboy's wakeup call I had myself another restful night

I look up at the sky as stars make way for rays of sun

I think of just how all this came to be Creation lies before me, all its beauty to behold it's coffee time with just the Lord and me

I think about the life I might have had if I had gone the other way, not lived the cowboy's dream

If I had never spent the night out on the open range or tasted water from a mountain stream

I guess a hand reached down to me from up above somewhere and pointed me to-ward the western sky

Cause I was destined to become exactly what I am I guess I'll be a cowboy till I die

Every time I bow my head to say a prayer of thanks I look down at these old dusty boots I wear

And realize how blessed I am, no brief case in my hand a saddle, not a fancy office chair

Now, I'm not sayin' that my life is easy, not at all but I'd not want to trade with anyone

I'll ride as long as I can saddle up and say a prayer and work each day from dawn till setting sun

This life of workin' cattle has been one of great rewards

He rides beside me watchin' o'er the herd

We have this talk each mornin' while the world is quiet and still and when I speak He listens to each word

That special way he answers me, I always understand he tells me of his love in many ways

A gentle breeze across the grassy plains, a sky of blue a field of wildflowers on a sunny day

Recalling when I saw a herd of mustangs running free across a canyon on a winter morn

I pull my Stetson down and feel the comfort that it brings cause just like me, it's gettin' kinda worn

Of all the trails I've followed in the years that I have lived they've wound around, not one has yet been straight

But I've survived the challenges, the trials that I have faced

Cowboy, poet, musician

When Smokey was a teenager, he learned that he had a way with words. “In high school, I started throwing rhymes out there,” he says. “I started writing poems about one thing and then another.” Poetry writing eventually led to songwriting. Smokey has played the guitar since he was 14 years old, and he has been writing songs since the early 1970s. Although he doesn’t read music, he writes both lyrics and music, playing by ear. “I get the melody down in my head,” he says. He estimates he has written 100 songs, including the western song “One More Star,” which was recorded in 1974 by vocalist Pat LaSalle. “It never went anywhere,” he says, “and that was the end. I published a lot of poetry, but not any other song.”

Smokey isn’t a fan of the way country music has drifted during the past decades, so he writes only western music that evokes the cowboy state of mind. For example, in one of his favorite musical compositions, “Arizona Sky,” he sings: “Riding through the canyon on my old paint horse, the Arizona sun is sinking low.” He likes to perform his own songs, especially at retirement centers

in and around League City, where he lives today. When he packs up his gear to go home, he hears comments like, “Thank you so much for coming,” and “You just made our day. We really enjoy your music.” It pleases Smokey to make his audiences so happy.

Over the years, Smokey has become a prolific poet, composing an estimated 500 poems. Like his songs, many are about the cowboy way of life, but others were written at the request of friends to pay tribute to family

members who have passed away. His latest work is a book of poems called True and Faithful Friends, which is about connections with dogs and horses. Some of his poems are happy, and some are sad. “If I make you laugh, I have done my job. If I make you cry, I have done my job,” he says.

The inspiration for poems can come from just about anything. Consider, for example, “A Walmart Rodeo,” which Smokey wrote after getting tangled up in a clothes rack at Walmart. “When something bad happens, you can make something good out of it,” he says.

Smokey never writes alone. “When I sit down to write a poem, I say a prayer asking for the words. I don’t do it on my own,” he says. “I ask for some assistance from above.” He does not have a secret formula for writing poetry, but once he has an idea for a poem, he can compose it pretty quickly. He sometimes writes a poem a day on his trusty computer. “Whenever I see anything that needs a poem written about it, I write one,” he says.

Smokey has published many of his poems. At first, he went through a publisher; today, he has a cowboy friend in Canada who

Happily Ever After Begins Here

Top left: Smokey & Mitch at Orchard Park Retirement Community-2024

Top right: Granddaughter Kylie & Smokey at a nursing home performance-2019

Bottom left: Starting them young at George Ranch-2019

What is Baby Bottle Boomerang?

Baby Bottle Boomerang is our annual fundraiser!

Care Center Huntsville is a donor-supported non-profit ministry. We offer pregnancy tests, STD tests, parenting classes, Bible studies, and more- free of charge to all clients.

Baby Bottles are sent out by Mother's Day to local churches to collect coins, checks, and cash until Father's Day.

GO SEE TIM

makes the self-publishing process easy. “It’s a very simple operation, and it doesn’t cost me a lot,” Smokey says. “I send him the transcript, and the next thing I know I’ve got books out there.” Although Smokey sells his books on Amazon, he gets more satisfaction from giving them to people who will enjoy them. “If I had sold as many books as I’ve given away, I would be driving a Cadillac Escalade right now,” he says with a chuckle.

Left: Smokey & mother, Billie at 95 years old

Below: Smokey, wife, Susan, & rescue, Dally

Smokey, along with a tightly-knit group of writers from throughout the U.S. and Canada, is a frequent participant at cowboy poetry competitions. He sometimes serves as a judge and is quick to credit his fellow poets for their abilities. “They know their poetry,” he says. Participants perform their own compositions from memory and are judged on rhyme, meter, delivery, stage presence, and other variables. Cowboy poetry competitions, like rodeos, often award belt buckles to winners, and Smokey has won a few. He humbly says, “It’s kind of like a rodeo. If you stay on the bull for eight seconds, you might win.”

Smokey is also a family man. He and his wife Susan have four children between them and have been blessed with 10 grandchildren and two great-grands. Smokey hopes he inherited his mother’s longevity. “She is 95 years old and going strong,” he says. “She drives a Mercury Marquis like A.J. Foyt.”

As the saying goes, Smokey has a lot of irons in the fire. While he doesn’t have a daily routine, during a typical week he might write poetry, participate on a conference call to discuss an upcoming trial about a railroad

accident, perform at a retirement center, and work at the George Ranch and Historical Park near Richmond. The 23,000-acre ranch is 200 years old this year, and people come from all over the world to see what its cattle operation was like in years gone by. Smokey often demonstrates calf roping, branding, and dipping at the George Ranch 1930s Cattle Complex. He tells visitors that the ranch sprawls for 36 square miles and quips, “When I mow the grass here, it takes me a week and a half.”

Although his resume is long, Smokey likes the short version. A friend once introduced him, saying, “This is Smokey. He’s a cowboy, a poet, and a musician.”

Perhaps Smokey said it best himself in “Coffee with the Lord,” his favorite of his own poems:

I guess a hand reached down to me from up above somewhere

And pointed me toward the western sky

Because I was destined to become exactly what I am:

Guess I’ll be a cowboy ‘til I die.

Now that we are through Super Tuesday and nominations from the two major parties seem inevitable, many investors are beginning to express concern about how investments will perform throughout this election cycle. Much of the concern is likely driven by the media whose job seems to be less about reporting news, and more about creating hype. So, let’s take a few minutes to report facts.

Janus Henderson Investors recently surveyed 1,000 investors with at least $250,000 in investable assets to gauge their level of concern around several topics. The results indicated that the investors surveyed are more concerned about the 2024 presidential election than the impact of inflation, recession, or higher interest rates. In addition, older investors displayed higher levels of concern than younger investors. While the concern is understandable, if we look at what markets have done during presidential elections in the past you should find some reassuring trends.

On average, stocks have gained 10% in presidential election years since 1976. During that same time-frame markets were only negative on two occasions during election years, the dot-com bubble burst of 2000 and the financial crisis of 2008. More encouraging news, bond markets in the U.S. have been positive in every presidential election year since 1976, gaining on average 7%.

Overall, markets are not significantly different based on which party holds the presidential office. In fact, it seems the best combination is a split presidential office and congress. The biggest driver of volatility for the markets during an election year is the uncertainty of the election itself. So, while markets tend to perform well during election years, we may still see some volatility as we approach election day. The volatility may be amplified if the outcome of the election is uncertain; meaning one candidate or the other does not have a decisive lead.

While this information is useful in evaluating trends in markets, we can never really predict what markets will do. We can work to understand where markets are now and try to identify opportunities to help our client reach their goals. It often helps to have someone to talk with about your concerns and how your concerns may impact your goals. If you don’t have someone to talk with, maybe we can help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we would love to help you “Enjoy More, Worry Less”.

Along the Road

DUST BOWL

In the latter half of the 1930s, the southern plains were devastated by drought, wind erosion, and great dust storms. Areas most severely affected were western Texas, eastern New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle, western Kansas, and eastern Colorado. This ecological and economic disaster (and the region where it happened) came to be known as the Dust Bowl.

In historic times, there is no record of such wind erosion as accompanied the drought in the thirties. Some of the storms afflicting the plains were merely “sand blows.” Less frequent but far more dramatic were the “black blizzards,” which appeared with a sudden, violent turbulence. The most notorious of these occurred on April 14, 1935.

Repeatedly in those years, dirt and sand destroyed crops, property, and mental and physical health. People shoveled the dirt from their front yards and swept up bushel basketfuls inside their houses. Automobile and tractor engines were ruined by grit. Domesticated and wild animals often suffocated or were blinded.

In May 1934, dust from a massive storm fell on the Mall and the White House in Washington, D.C. and helped focus federal attention on the desperate situation. That year, $525 million was distributed to cattlemen for emergency feed loans and as payment for some of their starving stock; farmers were also provided with public reclamation jobs.

In 1935, the Soil Conservation Service of the USDA opened the Region Six office in Amarillo and made efforts to limit the worst effects of wind erosion.

Star Students

Anna Byler New Waverly High School

Favorite Movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Favorite Music/Artist: Sabaton

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Quote: “Per aspera ad astara.” (Through difficulties to the stars.)

Anna is a senior at New Waverly High School and is the daughter of Shawn and Kimberly Byler. Her activities include FFA, softball, Beta Club, Art Club, and UIL Social Studies. Following graduation, Anna plans to attend Sam Houston State University. She believes, “Treat others how you want to be treated.”

Favorite Movie: Pitch Perfect

Favorite Music/Artist: Taylor Swift

Favorite Food: Chicken Pot Pie

Chelsea Loftin Trinity High School

Favorite Quote: “She is clothed in strength and dignity and can laugh without fear of the future.” –Proverbs 31:25

Chelsea is a senior at Trinity High School and is the daughter of Amanda Danielle Loftin and Robert Joe Lee. Her activities include FBLA, FCA, HOSA, student council, FFA, BETA, cheerleading, and Culture Club. Following graduation, Chelsea plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in nursing. She believes, “You should always treat others with kindness, because you never know what they are going through.”

Favorite Movie: The Batman

Blake Christian Alpha Omega Academy

Favorite Music/Artist: Rap / Brent Faiyaz & Future

Favorite Food: Grilled Chicken

Favorite Quote: “God always has a way of showing me ‘you’re good.’ Don’t go against the blessing.”

Blake is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the son of Melissa Doerr, Jeff Christian, Jerry Doer, and Meka Durham. His activities include working out, Interact, FCA, football, and working at Discount Tire. Following graduation, Blake plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in kinesiology. His philosophy is, “It’s not that serious.”

Favorite Movie: Kung Fu Panda

Favorite Music/Artist: Linkin Park

Favorite Food: Taco Salad

Cheyenne Folkers

Huntsville High School

Favorite Quote: “Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.” –Anton Chekhov

Cheyenne is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Cassie Landrum and Jason Folkers. Her activities include FFA, tennis, band, Mu Alpha Theta, Arriba y Adelante, student council, NTHS, NEHS, CTE Ambassador, Chick-fil-A Leadership Team, vet science team, radio team, leadership team, and cross country. Following graduation, Cheyenne plans to attend Sam Houston State University to major in animal science with a minor in general business. She believes, “There’s always room for improvement.”

Teachers Touching Tomorrow

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

Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.

Jennifer Mims

English Huntsville High School

Nominated by Cheyenne Folkers

Mrs. Mims showed me the value of writing and opened her arms to me and others. She helped me find a community to worship with.

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

Sponsored by:

What’s Cookin’

Charred Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad

Ingredients

2 Tbs vegetable oil, divided

2 1/2 lbs red cabbage - halved, cored, and cut into 1-inch slices

1/2 red onion, thickly sliced

2 large carrots

1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste

1 tsp garam masala or curry powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1 Tbs honey, or to taste

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

2 Tbs olive oil

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with foil, and grease with a few teaspoons of vegetable oil. Arrange cabbage slices, cut side up if possible, on the sheet, and drizzle remaining vegetable oil evenly over cabbage.

Step 2: Set an oven rack about 7 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler.

Step 3: Broil until the surface of cabbage is lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Times will vary depending on your oven, so watch closely during each charring step.

Potato Waffles Ingredients

2 Tbs butter

1 onion, chopped

1 Tbs minced garlic

2 cups mashed potatoes

2 large eggs

Step 4: Use a spatula and tongs to turn cabbage over; return to the broiler to char the other side of cabbage, 3 to 6 minutes.

Step 5: Once both sides of cabbage are lightly charred, scatter over sliced onions and use a vegetable peeler to make long, thick strips of carrot over the top. Arrange carrot strips evenly on top, and return pan to the broiler.

Step 6: Broil until carrots and onions begin to soften, about 3 minutes.

Step 7: Sprinkle salt, garam masala (or any prepared curry powder), and cayenne, and use tongs to mix evenly. Because vegetables will shrink as they cook, use a spatula to move them in from the edges of the pan, removing empty space between them, and forming a nice, even rectangle.

Step 8: Return pan to the broiler; broil until cabbage is tender, and is charred to your liking, a few minutes more.

Step 9: Transfer into a bowl, and dress with honey, vinegar, and more salt if needed. Stir in olive oil and green onions. Serve warm, room temperature, or cold.

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 3: Combine onion mixture, mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well blended.

Step 4: Scoop 1/4 to 1/2 cup batter (depending on size of waffle iron) into the center of waffle iron and close lid. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Southern-Style Baked Banana Pudding

Ingredients

Custard:

4 egg yolks

½ cup white sugar

¼ tsp salt

⅓ cup all-purpose flour

1 Tbs all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 Tbs banana liqueur (optional)

½ tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbs cold butter

Pudding:

3 very ripe bananas, or more to taste, sliced

1 ½ tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 (12 oz) pkg miniature vanilla wafers

Meringue Topping:

4 egg whites

⅛ tsp cream of tartar

2 Tbs white sugar

Directions

Step 1: Separate eggs, placing the whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and the yolks into a saucepan.

Step 2: Prepare the custard: Add sugar, salt, and 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour to the yolks. Splash in about 1/4 of the milk and start blending mixture with a whisk. Pour in remaining milk and whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Cook and stir mixture over medium heat until hot to the touch, occasionally dipping your finger in to test. Whisk constantly until custard is thick enough to form ribbons.

Step 4: Remove custard from heat and add banana liqueur, vanilla, then cold butter. Whisk until butter dissolves. Set custard aside.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Step 6: Begin to assemble the pudding: Toss banana slices with lemon juice.

Step 7: Spread 1/4 of the custard over the bottom of a baking dish. Add a single layer of vanilla wafers. Cover with 1/2 of the bananas and spread 1/2 of the remaining custard on top. Add another layer of vanilla wafers, using slightly fewer this time. Top with remaining bananas and custard. Smooth the top and tap dish against the counter to settle the pudding.

Step 8: Make the meringue topping: Add cream of tartar to the egg whites. Beat using the whisk attachment until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, but not dry, peaks form. Spread meringue over the pudding using a soft spatula, creating ridges for contrast.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven until meringue is nicely browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Serve warm or chilled.

Chef’s Notes

For the traditional look, bake this in a clear oven-safe glass dish. I think this is best served cold, but suit yourself!

Crispy Fried Poached Eggs

Ingredients

4 large fresh eggs

2 Tbs white vinegar

4 cups vegetable oil

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 tsp salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

2 Tbs chopped pickled red onions (for garnish)

2 Tbs chopped green onions (for garnish)

1 Tbs red pepper flakes for garnish, or to taste

Directions

Step 1: Fill a saucepan with cold water and place over medium heat. Stir in vinegar and bring to a gentle, slow simmer. Working with one egg at a time, crack an egg into a ramekin or measuring cup for easier transfer.

Step 2: Stir the water vigorously to create a whirlpool effect. As the whirlpool is turning, drop the egg into the center of the water. Continue to stir gently, cooking until the egg white turns opaque. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the egg from the water and move to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: In a medium saucepan, heat oil to 375 degrees.

Step 4: Meanwhile, set up a dredging station with 3 separate bowls. To the first bowl, add the flour. Beat 2 eggs with salt and pepper in a second bowl. Add breadcrumbs to the third bowl. Carefully dip the cooled egg first into the flour, second into the egg mixture, and last into the breadcrumbs, coating egg on all sides at each station.

Step 5: Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop the egg into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate.

Step 6: Garnish with pickled red onions, green onions, and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

cheese

3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef; cook and stir, breaking up clumps with a spatula, for a few minutes. Stir in onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 8 minutes total.

Step 2: Sprinkle orzo pasta on top of mixture. Stir in marinara sauce, water, and 1/2 cup half-and-half. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook at a low simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Remove lid, stir in remaining 1/2 cup half-and-half and mascarpone. Spread mixture out in the skillet, and top with shredded fontina and Parmesan.

Step 4: Preheat the oven’s broiler and place a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.

Step 5: Broil until cheese is golden and melted, about 3 minutes.

Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) pkg penne pasta

6 Tbs butter

½ onion, finely chopped

2 Tbs all-purpose flour

2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups skim milk

½ cup grated Romano cheese

1 cup frozen green peas, thawed and drained

½ cup canned mushrooms, drained

10 oz smoked salmon, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain.

Step 2: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion in butter until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir flour and garlic powder into onion.

Step 3: Gradually stir in milk. Heat to just below boiling point, then gradually stir in cheese until sauce is smooth. Stir in peas and mushrooms; cook over low heat until warmed through, about 4 minutes.

Step 4: Toss in smoked salmon and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve over pasta.

Ask The Doc:

I have numbness and tingling in my feet, what is going on?

Dr. Brian McGee, DC

Numbness and tingling in the feet can be unsettling and confusing. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s natural to wonder about the underlying causes and the best course of action. Let’s explore this in three sections: common causes, home remedies for relief, and when to seek professional help.

Common Causes

The sensations of numbness and tingling, often described as pins-and-needles, can arise from various conditions. Two prevalent causes are a pinched nerve in the back, which can radiate pain down to the feet, and neuropathy, specifically damage to the small fibers in your feet. Distinguishing between these is crucial for effective treatment. For instance, a pinched nerve might stem from spinal issues, while neuropathy can be linked to diabetes or other systemic conditions. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward the right treatment plan.

Home Remedies for Relief

While addressing the root cause is essential, there are several strategies to alleviate symptoms at home. Gentle exercises and stretching can improve circulation and reduce pressure on nerves. Warm baths and massage can stimulate blood flow, potentially easing discomfort. Remember, these are temporary solutions meant to provide relief as you seek a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have felt the numbness or tingling in your feet for more than 90 days, then it is time to get professional help. With advancements in health care research and technology, there are now therapies that can slow down and even reverse nerve damage caused by a pinched nerve in the back or from damage to the small nerve fibers in the feet. These therapies help remove nerve pressure in the spine, help to restore normal blood flow and oxygen to the nerves in the feet, and help to regulate blood sugar and metabolism. The key is creating the right environment

where the nerve tissue can heal and regenerate. This means no more numbness, no more tingling, and normal sensation in the feet restored.

Understanding the cause behind numbness and tingling in your feet is the first step toward finding relief. While home remedies can provide temporary ease, professional evaluation and treatment are vital. At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, we’re dedicated to identifying the root cause of your symptoms and offering a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait for them to get worse. Contact us today at 936-241-7673 and let’s work together towards your recovery and well-being.

For over 40 Years, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute has been successfully restoring health to our community.

Welcome to “Ask the Doc,” your go-to source for valuable healthcare insights and advice from our expert team at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute. 936-241-7673 901

Kidding Around

Armed Forces & Memorial Day

AIR FORCE

AMERICA

ARMY

COAST GUARD

COMMITMENT COUNTRY

DEDICATED HONOR INFANTRY LOYALTY MARINES MEDALS

NAVY OFFICER

PEACE PROUD RECRUIT SALUTE SOLDIER WARRIOR

RegisterApril1!

Bedtime Ballet

Ages 3 - 9

June 11 - July 30

Tuesday’s 5:45 - 7:00 p.m.

Shake it Off Swifties Camp

Ages 5 - 7 & 8 - 11

June 26 - 28

Technique & Acro Classes

How many feet are in a yard? It depends how many people have come to the Memorial Day barbecue.

What is a cow’s favorite holiday? Moomorial Day.

What did one flag say to the other? It just waved!

Things My Granddaddy Said

If it ain’t broke, chances are it will be.

Every path has some puddles.

When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

Life is simpler when you plow around the stumps.

Trouble with a milk cow is she won’t stay milked.

Always dance with the one who brung you… unless it’s your cousin.

Don’t skinny dip with snappin’ turtles.

Meanness don’t happen overnight.

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!

Growing Our Local Economy.

Ben is a Sam Houston State University graduate, class of ’79, and his wife, Kim, a graduate of SHSU class of ’83. Ben and Kim have been building successful businesses and creating jobs in Walker County since the early 1980’s. They have been growing our local economy and helping shape our community for the past 40 years.

“I would like to welcome Texas Roadhouse to our community. It is an honor and delight to work with a great company like Texas Roadhouse. I am looking forward to a great relationship for years to come!”

- BEN BIUS, DEVELOPER

“Texas Roadhouse is excited about being in Huntsville. Thanks Ben! Without Ben’s expertise, diligence and local knowledge this may not have been possible. It is so helpful to have a local developer, who knows the community like Ben Bius does. It is great to be so welcomed into the communities we serve.”

- AARON HAMILTON, TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Story by Claudia Kirkwood

Photos by Tom Miller

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Sims Dentistry

Sims Dentistry, established in 1999 by Dr. Debra Sims, is committed to providing a dental experience that is comfortable, welcoming, safe, and technically advanced. Creating the smile of your dreams is a part of that goal as well. Their comprehensive approach to dentistry encompasses a full range of dental treatments and procedures including:

• Comprehensive restorative including bite analysis

• Cosmetic veneers and smile makeovers

• Sedation options: oral and I.V.

• Implants

• Oral surgery

• Implant overdentures

• Whitening

• Cone Beam Technology

• Scan Impressions

• Professional cleaning

Dr. Debra Sims, a native of Huntsville, began practicing dentistry here in 1984. This followed her graduating from Sam Houston State University with honors and graduating from the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio in the top 10% as a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Inspired by her father to become a dentist (and becoming the first female dentist in Huntsville), she then pursued the goal of achieving an exceptional level of skill in her field. To achieve this high standard, she continued to improve upon her knowledge and skills by staying current with the newest technology and procedures in dentistry through the completion of five Continuums at the Pankey Institute in Florida for Advanced Functional Dentistry, along with accomplishing ongoing continuing education with an emphasis on Full Mouth Reconstruction, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Functional Applications.

Dr. Debra Sims

Dr. Rodney Elmore

Dr. Sims is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Brazos Valley District Dental Society, and has been involved in several distinguished organizations and study groups--but above all, she has true compassion for this community and is pleased to offer high-quality dental care to her “neighbors.” Asked why she came back to her hometown to practice, she replied, “Both my husband Kelly and I are multi-generational Huntsville natives. We love this area and wanted to raise our children in a small-town atmosphere, while also having access to the amenities available in nearby cities. I treasure being outdoors, enjoying water activities, and discovering

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Tracey, Sherry, Tara, Dr. Rodney Elmore, Dr. Debra Sims, Francesco, & Lauren

(now retired) practiced dentistry for forty years. Dr. Elmore attended Prairie View A&M University and began his professional career as an electrical engineer in 2005. His engineering career included a prestigious position with NASA as the team lead for laser-guided equipment to ensure a successful space shuttle docking with the International Space Station. Dr. Elmore loves to travel and, during a trip with his father to South Africa, he visited several shantytowns and was stunned by the deep poverty he saw. As he shared, “Seeing people in abject poverty and realizing that I have been given abilities and opportunities they do not have, I

realized my responsibility to help others. This is why I became a dentist. Through dentistry, I can help others achieve a healthier lifestyle through proper dental care and hygiene and build their confidence as they share a beautiful new smile with those around them.”

He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry in 2016 and completed an Advanced Residency Program at Idaho State University in 2017. His Residency included implant placements and complex fixed and removable prosthodontics. Dr. Elmore holds a Level 3 Sedation license and can use various levels of sedation to relieve a »

patient’s dental anxiety. He is the only dentist in Huntsville who is certified to use I.V. sedation. Dr. Elmore is married to Erika, a Huntsville native who graduated from both Huntsville High School and Sam Houston State University. They have enjoyed making Huntsville their home.

In addition to Dr. Sims and Dr. Elmore, the Sims Dentistry team is made up of very qualified and caring individuals who exhibit great skill and excellence in their fields of work. Office Manager

Sherry Gray has been with the practice for 34 years. Through her talent, compassion, and cheerful outlook, she contributes to all areas of the practice. Lauren Holik serves as the Treatment Coordinator/Case Director. Her drive to help patients achieve better health has resulted in long-lasting benefits for them and has promoted enduring relationships between patients and team. To say she is an asset does not begin to describe her value

and contributions to this practice. Are you looking for a dental care provider who values you, your health, and your well-being? A phone call will put you in contact with one of their new patient advocates, who will introduce you to Sims dentistry.

Your advocate will provide you with an expectation of your experience for your first visit. The most important aspect of this call will be the opportunity for you to express your interest in your dental health and personal preferences. Sims Dentistry is here to listen

to your expectations of your dental provider and team. Please visit their website for more information and a complete introduction to the benefits of Sims Dentistry.

Dr. Sims and Dr. Elmore take immense pleasure in building our community and giving back by participating in various charities and organizations that promote both progress and our citizens. They are appreciative they get to contribute to the positive well-being of their friends and family in the community by providing excellent dental care in a trusting relationship and compassionate manner.

As Dr. Sims shares, “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide such care and to enjoy the many relationships we have built over the years. We look forward to seeing you soon!”

3201 Robinson Creek Parkway

Huntsville, Texas 77340

(936) 295-5404

Email: info@simsdentistry.com simsdentistry.com

Monday-Thursday 7:30-5:30 Friday 7:30-3:30

From the Mouths of Babes

Me (Dad): What’d you do at school today?

Xander (7): I don’t know.

Me: Did you learn anything?

Xander: I don’t know.

Me: How was the field trip?

Xander: I don’t know.

But set one little stove on fire for a second, and he’s suddenly a master journalist, crafting the perfect report for his mommy.

Asher, intending to use the expression, “I’m dying of thirst,” instead says, “I’m thirsty for death.”

Things I never thought I would hear my wife say to our child (3): Son, don’t pee on your food!

Name

Garrett Carson

Kara Tipton

Withheld

Giggles & Grins

I tried to look at the eclipse through a colander… it strained my eyes.

Me: So…

Wife: No.

Me: You didn’t even let me finish.

Wife: I read your mind.

Kevin Brayson

Chuck Norris destroyed the Periodic Table…because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

The boss just said to me, “This is the fourth time this week we’ve had complaints about your attitude. Do you know what that means?” So I said, “Yeah, it must be Thursday.”

Juan and Amal are identical twins. Their mom only carries one baby photo in her wallet. Because, if you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal.

The guy at the dealership told me the SUV would seat 5 people without any problems… Then it occurred to me that I don’t think I know 5 people without any problems.

Wildlife Wonders

A GUIDE TO EVICTING AN UNWANTED GUEST

By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Preserve Board of Directors

These opportunistic rascals with masked faces are everywhere. They’re highly intelligent, with amazing problem-solving skills, and thrive in cities. Often called “trash pandas,” I’m referring to raccoons. Although nocturnal, you might see one during the day. Don’t automatically jump to the conclusion that they must have rabies. Most likely, they are pregnant or nursing moms foraging for food.

Like any good mom, pregnant raccoons seek out den sites that offer protection from predators and the elements. Acceptable sites are tree cavities, underground burrows dug by other animals, rock crevices, brush piles, fallen trees and even sheds, garages, and attics. Why do they choose human dwellings to give birth? Because they can. Raccoons can enter your attic or other structures through ventilation openings on the outside of your house. Any warping or tears in house siding is another easy way. Structural problems in things like trim boards and dormer junctions can provide easy access as well. In early spring, you should check both the inside and outside of your buildings for any damages or structural issues.

If you find you have an unwanted guest, your first reaction may be to call an exterminator. For several hundred dollars, they’ll set a trap to catch the mom. What do they do with her, and what about the babies? That’s the million-dollar question. There are some ethical companies out there who will do their best to save the mom and babies, but there are also many unethical ones as well. Rather than spend your hard-earned money on an exterminator, let me share a method to strongly encourage Mom to move out and take her kits with her.

The most effective way to evict your raccoon mama is to make it unpleasant for her to stay. You must “attack” her three senses— sight, sound, and smell. Since raccoons are nocturnal, they don’t like lights. If you know how she’s getting in, shine a light in the entry hole or in the area where she’s living. If you use the entry point, be sure you don’t block it, or she won’t be able to leave. Leave it on 24 hours a day. Now place a radio in the area (tuned to talk radio) and play it loud. Raccoons don’t like

the sound of the human voice. Maybe Howard Stern? He’s annoying (even to people)! The third step is smell. There are commercial repellants you can buy from Amazon or a big box store. One of them is called Repels-All. Better yet, purchase fox or coyote urine at Academy or from Amazon and soak some rags with it. I would put the rags in a plastic tub and then place it near where she’s living. If animal urine grosses you out, you can try peppermint oil or vinegar. The smell has to be strong, so use several rags. By doing these three things, she will move her babies to a more suitable location. She may move out immediately, or it may take a few days. Be patient.

Don’t try to trap her! When a mom is separated from her babies, they will severely injure themselves trying to get to them.

If you choose to do nothing at all, mama will leave when her babies are about 8 to 10 weeks old.

The most important thing in this whole process is to repair any holes or damaged areas on your house, garage, or shed once the family moves out. Another animal is sure to find any entry points, and you’ll be going through this again. Better yet, inspect your buildings now before unwanted animals move in.

Remember to be kind and humane. After all, it’s just a mama raccoon trying to find the safest possible place to give birth.

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Wyatt & Waylon Ready Grandchildren of Raymond & Dottie Kiser and Gary & Jenny Ready

Wyatt Almond, Tanner Hill, & Elenor Hill Grandchildren of Judy Stovall

Hudson John Holder Grandchild of GG

Your Best AgriLife

By: Jamie Sugg , Walker County Extension Agent jamie.sugg@ag.tamu.edu

June Bugs - More than a Flying Nuisance

We all know the June bug as the brown beetle that flies around in any outdoor light during the evening and clings to the window screens outside a lighted room. While they don’t bite or sting, they can cause damage to your landscape.

What is not commonly known is the June bug’s propensity to feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs at night. Honestly, how often does one go into the yard late at night with a flashlight to look for bugs on tree limbs? Yet, depending on the severity of the infestation, you may find some chewed up leaves, some skeletonized leaves, or even

a young tree stripped clean of all its leaves come morning.

These adult beetles, commonly referred to as June bugs or May beetles, are ½ to 5/8 inches long and reddish brown. Their very destructive larvae are the common grub worms in the soil. These grub worms are the white “C”-shaped larvae, up to 1 inch long, with cream-colored bodies and brown head capsules. As a true insect, they have three pairs of legs, one on each of the first three segments behind the head.

June bugs are a member of the scarab beetle family. There are more than 100 species of scarab beetles from several genera in Texas that are considered to be white grubs, May beetles, and June bugs. However, the most common is Phyllophaga crinita.

The adults begin to emerge in spring. During adult flights, you can find large numbers of beetles attracted to lights. The first flights begin as early as April and continue into June in our part of East Texas. Females, which are less attracted to lights, tunnel 2 to 5 inches into the soil and deposit their eggs. In 3 to 4 weeks, small grubs (the larvae) hatch from eggs and develop through three stages, called instars, with the first two stages lasting about 3 weeks. The last larval stage remains in the soil from fall through spring. In spring and early summer, white grubs pupate 3 to 6 inches deep in the soil. Adults emerge

from pupae in about 3 weeks. There is one generation per year, but in north Texas and colder climates to the north, development may take two years.

June bug grubs are common in Texas turfgrass, particularly Bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass. The feeding of large numbers of grubs on turfgrass roots causes lawns to turn yellow and die. This feeding can be so severe that damaged grass can be “rolled up” like a carpet. Grubs also feed on the roots of weeds, vegetable transplants, and ornamentals. In agriculture, they are important pests of forage, corn, sorghum, and sugarcane.

The most severe injury to plants is caused by large (third stage or instar) grubs feeding on roots in the fall and spring. There is no doubt that most every gardener has seen them before. White grubs are frequently encountered when tilling garden soil or by sifting through soil underneath damaged turfgrass. Larval stages eat roots of grasses, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

To control June bug larvae (and ultimately the flying adult beetles), you can purchase a granular soil-applied insecticide labeled for grub control. The best time for preventive control is anytime in June, before the eggs hatch. If grubs are already present, curative control via insecticide can be used in late July and early August when grubs are still

small. They are much harder to control in late summer when they are full-sized. Water thoroughly following insecticide applications and avoid using a granular product when the foliage is wet.

Never use pesticides on plants other than those listed on the label.

Thru 12

Houston

“Driving Miss Daisy” adplayers.org

Thru 26

Waxahachie Scarborough Renaissance Festival srfestival.com

Thru 31

Palestine

Piney Woods Vintage Train Rides texasstaterailroad.net

Huntsville National Day of Prayer Programs wcnationaldayofprayer.org

The Woodlands

Montgomery

Charles B. Stewart – West Branch Library FOL Book Sale facebook.com/FOSWBL

Sugar Land

Larry the Cable Guy smartfinancialcentre.net 3-4

Brenham Maifest brenhammaifest.com

Bryan Big Barn Dance Music Festival bigbarndance.com/home-bryan

Barbershop Quartet Convention & Competition swd.org

Brenham

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder thebarnhillcenter.com

Conroe

Conroe Music Festival houstonfolkfestival.com

Friends of the Symphony Kentucky Derby Fundraiser conroesymphony.org

Huntsville

Run with Your Imagination

Annual 5k Color Run unleashyourimagination.org

Cinco de Mayo Celebration facebook.com/people/Cinco-deMayo-Huntsville-TX/10009011

Dale Watson oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Madisonville

MSCA Steak Dinner & Dance featuring Moe Bandy sidewalkcattlemens.com

“Into the Woods” owentheatre.com

Huntsville Southern Raised oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Madisonville

MSCA BBQ Cook-Off sidewalkcattlemens.com

Conroe

Big as Texas Festival bigastexasfest.com

“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” cythouston.org

Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll IV thegrand.com

Huntsville Blood Drive commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/ drive_schedule/372538

Mustard Seed Moments

by J.R.A.

Come and See

“Come and see,” and “Come, see a man…”

These words are found in John 1:46 and John 4:29. The first reference was an invitation from Philip to Nathanael, and the second was an invitation from a Samaritan woman to her townspeople.

These simple words had such an impact on the lives of so many. Just look at the responses of Nathanael, “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God” (John 1:49) and “…many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, ‘Come see a man that told me all that I ever did.’” John 4:39.

Notice, Philip and the woman at the well had just met this Jesus. They had no formal training, and they did not present a plan of salvation… they just said, “Come and see.”

We can extend an invitation to anyone at anytime, by simply saying, “Come and see what God is doing.” We do not have to profess to know it all or to understand the mysteries of God.

Come and See

When we say, “Come and see,” we loose the Holy Spirit to work his mighty work.

Who can you invite to “Come and see” today?

DENTAL CARE TIPS

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.

Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.

Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can damage your teeth.

Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.