20 Questions - 27
Along the Road - 46
Awesome Apps - 53
Community Calendar - 80
Dear Gabby - 20
From Our Readers - 6
From the Mouth of Babes - 29
Garden Post, The - 48
Giggles & Grins - 73
FAVORITES
Glorious Grandkids - 22
Kidding Around - 60
Let’s Celebrate - 12
Medical Matters - 36
Milestones - 74
Mustard Seed Moments - 82
Pet Pals - 38
Publisher’s Post - 9
Puzzle Solutions - 52
“Seens” from our World - 28 Star Students - 24
Sudoku Marketplace - 50
Teachers Touching Tomorrow - 26
Things My Granddaddy Said - 79
What Are You Reading - 10
What’s Cookin’? - 54
Wildlife Wonders - 64
Your Best AgriLife - 76
We are registering NEW & RETURNING Students entering PreK through 12th Grade for Fall 2024. The Registration process is ONLINE using the Skyward Family Access Center parent portal. If you don’t account yet, please log in and create one.
All students will be required to provide Proof of Residency this before the registration process can be completed.
Transportation Registration is included in the ONLINE process. July 31st is the deadline to sign up to ride the bus on the first day of school!
For all Back to School Information & Events visit the HISD website https://www.huntsville-isd.org/headquarters. For questions, contact 936-435-6300
Nominations are currently being accepted for Huntsville ISD Hall of Champions Induction Class
Please submit your nominations today to help us find more Champions “Best of the Best” among Hornet Alumni, former HISD employees & former trustees for the Hall of Champions Induction Class of 2024. Nominations must be received by Friday, August 16, 2024, to be considered. Visit https://www.huntsville-isd.org/hoc for criteria and instructions
If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available.
MAILED to select postal routes in Huntsville, New Waverly, Midway, Madisonville, Riverside and Trinity.
FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above.
Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.
Publisher Karen Altom
Editor Wes Altom
Operations Manager Marshall Altom
Advertising Team Nancy Jolly Leah Lamp Marshall Altom
Design Team Mary Partida April Key Printed in Texas by Shweiki
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 unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, 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. © 2024 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.
Publisher’s Post
Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com
Let’s HOLD IT Together!
What a month! When I was single, I worked for a company that required a great deal of travel. I remember one month in Illinois when I walked into the newspaper staff room and asked WHY anyone would choose to live in a place with so much snow and ice and wind every day. I think, after this past month, they might ask me a similar question! Between a hurricane, extended power outages, and our lovely heat and humidity, I think many would wonder why in the world we choose to live here. Well, I will tell you. It’s Texas. And there’s nowhere else on earth I would rather call home. If you want to know you live in a good place, think about this: last week, Wes and I were out to lunch, and two DPS troopers were lunching at the same location. When we checked out, Wes asked to pick up their check, only to be told it was already handled. Let me just tell you, when people in your community are jostling to see who gets to pay a first responder’s check, you live in a good place!
Recently, in a conversation with a colleague while talking about what we do, he said, “You know what the definition of magazine is, right? It’s a holder of things.” I did some research and found the historical definition of magazine came to English via the Middle French word “magasin” and the Italian “magazzino.” In its original sense, the word “magazine” referred to a storage space or device. The Arabic makhāzin means “depot or storehouse.”
A holder of things. That is what we do here at Postcards Magazine We collect and share the good things about our communities. We store them in print and online on our website so they are easily accessible. We love being a depot of positive news about good people. We appreciate the history of our great state and the many talented people who make it so. We share that, too. We share your lives because you are kind and trusting enough to share them with us, and you will never know what an honor that is for our entire family.
Keep making our communities awesome and support our local businesses. They are the gears that keep us all turning.
Until next time, ~ Karen
This Month’s Business Anniversaries:
HISD
Celebrating 116 years
Founded 1908
See their ad on page 6
Resources Security Inc.
Celebrating 52 years
Founded 1972
See their ad on page 50
Huntsville Pest Control
Celebrating 43 years
Founded 1981
See their ad on page 71
Terri Coleman
Celebrating 32 years
Founded 1992
See their ad on page 18
Madilene’s Piano Tuning
Celebrating 20 years
Founded 2004
See their ad on page 35
MC Dance
Celebrating 7 years
Founded 2017
See their ad on page 33
Foot and Ankle Specialist
Celebrating 6 years
Founded 2018
When you’re in the market for a new mortgage, call Lorri Lehman at First National Bank of Huntsville. You’ll get the best mortgage team in town with more 40 years of experience in mortgage lending! In 2023, FNBH was voted Best Mortgage Lender with previous wins in this category and Lorri was voted Best Loan Officer (and not for the first time)!
Everyone knows FNB’s mortgage team is the go-to experts for home loans.
• Personal service, with unparalleled knowledge of this market
• Fast turnaround, with careful attention to detail
• A commitment to close on time with no surprises
At First National Bank of Huntsville, we believe our customers deserve the very best. You may apply online by clicking the link at www. fnbhuntsvilletx.bank.
Questions? Email me: lorri.lehman@fnbhuntsvilletx.bank
Do You Know?
Story By Rosa Coss
Joy Fulp
“Ms. Joyful with a ‘p’” (as she often describes her name to students), a 5th grade teacher at New Waverly ISD, has been positively impacting her students through music for the past 18 years.
Photos by Tom Miller
Joy Fulp has been involved in music as long as she can remember. Growing up, she remembers her mom and dad being in church every time the doors were open. In fact, her parents, Vernon and Ozettie Bowman, met at a church revival. He was a song leader, and her mom was the pianist. Joy’s mother was originally from West Texas and moved to Trinity while still in school because her father worked for the railroad. After they married, Ozettie worked at a lumber mill office. Vernon Bowman, originally from Groveton, worked at Brookshire Brothers. As for Joy, she and her two siblings grew up in Crockett. She was in third grade when they moved there. “Back then, it was a sleepy little town,” she recalled. Joy had two siblings, older brother Kenneth and younger sister Margaret. “My sister currently lives in the Fort Worth-Arlington area and works for a real estate company, but my brother has already passed,” said Joy. “Kenneth was a marine. While serving in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange, and when he returned, although his body came back, emotionally he was never the same. He suffered from PTSD.
Because her brother shared so many of his experiences with her, Joy felt it piqued an interest in her about military life. She picked up on a lot on the military discipline, and it carried over to her students. “Without fail, I would have a student ask me, Ms. Fulp, were you in the marines?”
How did you develop an interest in music?
Growing up, we all played the piano. Our piano teacher was Mrs. Marguerite McClain. My brother was the most talented, I believe. I always felt my calling was in music, that’s why I started with the church ministry and became choir director. One day, when I was already teaching piano lessons, I mentioned to Mrs. McClain that I had these two little piano students. I explained to her that I literally had to get one of them out of the tree in my front yard to get her to come in and take her piano lesson. But when it came time for her to play, she did it with such ease. The other one worked so hard to learn music, but still struggled. Mrs. McClain said, “That reminds me of two students I had. One of them was named Joy, and the other one was Margaret,” she said, as she looked away with a smile. Then she added, “You worked so hard on your music, and for Margaret, it just came so naturally.” That day, I went home and asked my mom, “Why didn’t you tell me I didn’t have any talent?” To this, my mother explained, “It
wasn’t that you didn’t have any talent; it was just different. If I had said your sister was more talented, you would never have accomplished anything.”
I grew up thinking I was a special person, but my hard work paid off. Music was my major, and I was on a music scholarship. Although it took a lot of work, I began to love the theory of music. My sister could just sit down and play, but I had to work very hard to learn it, and having to actually learn the theory of music is what, I believe, enabled me to teach music.
After graduating from Crockett High School, Joy went on to school at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, fell in love during her first year, and ended up taking some time off from school after the birth of her daughter. Shortly after, she transferred to the University of Houston, where she got her bachelor’s degree.
How did you and your husband meet?
We met through pastor friends. I was serving in the ministry at Calvary Baptist in Trinity at the time, and my pastor was friends with the chaplain at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. My pastor was having a revival at his church, and he told me he had met Elmer, and described him as, “he’s about your biggon,” meaning about her size. “I’m not one on fixin’ people, he said, but the next time I’m out, I’m going to ask him to ‘supply preach’ (substitute) for me.” Well, that never happened, because Elmer was called to pastor a church, so the pastor wives ended up getting involved, and six months later, we were married. We got married at Trinity Calvary Baptist Church, where I was serving as Minister of Music. Shortly after, I resigned from my position and came here to First Baptist New Waverly, where Elmer was pastoring at the time. Soon after, I became the Minister of Music here. I love the ministry. When Elmer and I met, we were both on different journeys, but journeys take a different route from time to time. I had my daughter Teresa, from a previous marriage, and he had two sons, but somehow this worked for us.
When did you decide to become a teacher?
My husband was born with heart issues. He had open heart surgery when it was not yet popular to have that type of surgery. He began to deteriorate from the surgery, from pressure in his heart. He told me I needed to begin thinking about teaching. “Go back and get your teaching certificate,” he would say. He was a very wise man. He’d also say, “If you teach school, it would be better to have something academic, rather than music.” I got my teaching certification in 2006, and began teaching in Montgomery. I taught show choir and general
music, and since my field was in music and performing arts theatre, this was my dream job. We were still living here in New Waverly. When Elmer passed in 2011, he had been the pastor at First Baptist New Waverly for almost 20 years.
When did you begin teaching in New Waverly?
After my husband passed away, my daughter started to be concerned. I was living here, and the shows would be late at night, and she didn’t like that I was driving late at night. So, one day, she went into the administration office at New Waverly ISD and picked up a job application for me. I told her, “Nobody ever leaves New Waverly ISD,” but within a month, Kathy Lepley, who was the principal
at the time, called me in for an interview to teach social studies. Thanks to my husband’s advice, my teaching certification covered that. I went in for an interview, but I thought to myself, “Coaches always get those jobs.” Then, in just a few weeks, she offered me the job. At this point, I knew Gods’ hand was in this.
During my first-year teaching at NWISD, I asked my principal, “In February, what do you think about doing a patriotic program?” I explained to her that I teach the presidents, states, and capitals to music. She liked the idea, so every Friday, we would do a little song skit, and as time went on, it evolved. Now, I have a patriotic program in
February, and another in April. In February, we recognize Black History Month and the presidents. In April, it’s close to the end of the year, but by then, we’ve finished learning about the states in America (and how they were created), as well as Texas history. I told Larry Carlson, the new principal, “I need to explain something to you. When Mrs. Lepley was here, we had these music programs…” and when I was finished giving him my explanation, he basically threw his hands up in the air, and said, “You’re the captain
Ms. Fulp and her 5th grade history class.
of that ship, you sail it.” He also told me one time, “You teach the old way of teaching, I like that. Keep it up!”
Music seems to be such a big part of your life, yet you now teach social studies, history, and government. Do you regret not continuing to teach music?
I’ve been teaching 5th grade since I began teaching at NWISD. I believe 5th grade is probably the last opportunity to impact these kids’ lives. At this age, they begin getting into their own identity, and their hormones are kicking in. It’s a real critical time for them, so, I refused a music position at one point and stayed where I was because I wanted to make a difference in their lives. I believe it’s important to teach them responsibility and integrity, and to prepare them for their future. I was finally beginning to see what my husband saw in me, and the reason he kept encouraging me to get my teaching certificate. I have no regrets; I still get to enjoy my music ministry through my
church, and as I mentioned previously, I find ways to incorporate music in my classes. What do you find most rewarding about teaching?
Seeing my students succeed. Seeing them graduate from high school, go off to college, find jobs, and just knowing they are having a good life. Seeing how their character continues to develop. We started a program called the Cadet Training Honor Guard. It used to be called Color Guard. It teaches leadership skills, responsibility, discipline, citizenship, and it promotes patriotism. It’s really rewarding to see my students gain leadership skills and see them excel.
What does Ms. Fulp enjoy doing outside of school and church?
I enjoy reading, taking classes, doing crossword puzzles, and doing my Bible study in the mornings. I also love to swim and dance, and I especially enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. I have a 13-year-old German Shepherd named Roxie Hart. She has been a great companion to me since my husband died.
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. If you’re new to the great state of Texas, I think we’re finished preheating for this year. God made Texas summers to help us understand hell is no place to spend eternity. Southern hospitality also takes its vacation in the summer. I was barely speeding the other day, and a hot (feel free to use your imagination) police officer pulled me over. I lowered my window, and he simply said, “Papers.” So, I said, “Scissors.” I would have been asked to get out of the car on a cooler day, but an old lady with heatstroke would have required way too much paperwork, so he sent me on my way. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive. com/share.
DEAR GABBY
I had a wonderful childhood with the best parents anyone could want. Recently, I found out my “Daddy” isn’t my biological father, and I have children of my own who love him, too. He has always known I wasn’t his child, but I did not. How are adults supposed to adjust to a rug of this magnitude being pulled out from under them?
FORMER DADDY’S GIRL
DEAR
DADDY’S GIRL
Being a “Daddy” doesn’t require paperwork. A friend of mine was told something that helped her through a similar situation. “There is your biological dad, and then there is your logical dad. Your logical dad raised you with love, support, and protection. He taught you how to be a good person and how to be a good parent in turn. You are your Logical Dad’s much-loved daughter –nothing can change that.” He deserves even more love than ever!
GABBY
CONFIDENTIAL TO “WORRYWART”: The Bible tells you so: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
Our attorneys have been staples of the legal community in Walker County and surrounding counties for many years.
DEDICATION
We are dedicated to helping clients during their time of need. We work hard for our clients, whether big or small.
ATTORNEYS YOU CAN TRUST
We will stand by you during each step of the legal process to help ensure you achieve the best results possible.
Jacob Paschal Partner at HPR
Star Students
David Sprayberry
New Waverly High School
Favorite Movie: The Watcher in the Woods
Favorite Music/Artist: Country / Morgan Wallen
Favorite Food: Baked Spaghetti
Favorite Quote: “It is far better to be alone than in bad company.” –George Washington
David is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the son of Crystal Sprayberry and John Sprayberry. His activities included art and chess. David plans to go into the medical field. He believes, “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
Favorite Movie: Ratatouille
Favorite Music/Artist: MF Doom
Favorite Food: Whataburger
Jabe Lucas
New Waverly High School
Favorite Quote: “Those who fall will be forgotten; those who rise up, their names will be remembered forever.”
Jabe is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the son of Rebecca Ford. His activities included class officer, providing assistance in culinary for events, and ServSafe manager certification. Jabe plans to attend Lonestar College, then transfer to the University of Texas – San Antonio. He believes, “Don’t wish for an easier life; wish to be a better man.”
Favorite Movie: Coraline
Favorite Music/Artist: Lana Del Rey
Favorite Food: Tater Tots
Marco Hinojosa
New Waverly High School
Favorite Movie: Birdbox
Favorite Music/Artist: SZA
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Quote: “I believe nothing happens by mistake. You know, the universe has a divine plan. That sounds dramatic.”
Marco is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the son of Michelle Vaughn. His activities included band, Drama Club, and UIL. Marco plans to work as a flight attendant. He believes in following The Golden Rule.
G2 Construction Llc.
New Waverly High School
Favorite Quote: “My toughest opponent has always been me.” –Muhammad Ali
Deiveon is a 2024 graduate of New Waverly High School and is the daughter of Anquwia Terry and Dane Goodman. Her activities included basketball, track, cosmetology, culinary, yearbook, and Theatre Arts. Deiveon plans to attend college and major in diagnostic medical sonography. She believes, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
Teachers Touching Tomorrow
Alyssa Askew
8th Grade Science
Mance Park Middle School
Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond, and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”
Sponsored by:
Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com. Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.
Nominated by Cooper Dougherty
Ms. Askew makes 8th grade science FUN! She gives us interesting science lessons to discuss and discover the “why” behind. She makes each of us feel a part of a team during class discussions and group projects. It was nice to be in her class!
Twenty Questions
Amber
Van Roekel Academic Advisor
Poor
From the Mouths of Babes
My toddler just spent five minutes explaining that he can’t use his imagination because he traded it with a kid at daycare for some fruit snacks… Ok, bro.
Does anyone else’s kid keep you as a show-hostage? “Dad, watch this funny part of this show.”
15 seconds later: “Keep watching.”
30 seconds later: “Dad, watch.”
1 minute later: “Are you watching?”
5 minutes later: “It’s almost here. Watch.” This may be how I die.
A Day in the Life
Story by Lauren Swonke
Submitted Photos
Myths grow over time. So do ideas, and this one led to a feature film being produced in our area.
The legend of Sasquatch is known and shared throughout the world. Trinity, Texas is… not as well-known…but Terry Weaver’s film, The Beast of Trinity Texas, aims to change that. The feature will begin filming in September 2024 in Trinity County, and Weaver is certain the movie will play a big part in putting this small town on the map. It’s a movie that is over 20 years in the making, with the friendship of two veterans bringing it together.
“This actually started back in 2002 or 2003, when my friend Trevor Guerra and I were serving as navy corpsmen. We were stationed with the marines, and we were deployed in Iraq. We are just really good buddies; over a couple of decades, he and I lost track of each other for about 10 years. He went off and did some missionary work. I went into sales and got a couple of degrees. He went into education. We reunited seven years ago. I had gotten into film, and he was going to film school. He also has a doctorate in education, but he’s interested in film. We started talking about doing a project. I was wrapping up a TV project
last year. I said, ‘If there’s ever going to be a time, now’s the time.’”
Weaver was coming off acting in a series called Breaking Strongholds from 2019-2023. He was also cast as a villain in Parallel - The Triad in 2023 and King Alentius in Sword of Alentius, which filmed in spring and summer of this year.
Once Weaver and Guerra decided to come together for a project, Weaver began writing the script, an adventurous fictional tale that will leave audiences filled with hope. He also signed on as the executive producer. Guerra is the film’s director, which is the role responsible for the story’s creative vision.
“We’re making a really militarycentric film with this wild, mythic element to it, which is Sasquatch. Our goal is to entertain people. That’s the number one goal. Below that, there is going to be a very meaningful story, and we both agree it will encourage veterans. We’ve each gone through our own struggles, battling our own demons,” said Weaver. “Some of that is regular-life stuff, but
Above: Director Trevor Guerra at film launch party.
Cast and crew at the Trinity launch party.
Right: Terry Weaver, Trinity County Sheriff’s Department Captain Ricky Hope, Chief Deputy Jeremy Carroll, and director Trevor Guerra
~ Phyllis, Robert, and John Kennedy
Above:
Attendees at the local launch party, held at VFW Post 6899, enjoyed a unique beast cake and got first dibs on film merchandise.
some of it is military. I’ve recovered from a pretty bad drinking habit. We’re going to implement some of our life stories into this fictional tale--and by the end of it, we know it’s going to encourage veterans and law enforcement officers. They’re going to be very entertained while we’re telling this story of hope, family reconciliation, and adventure.”
Over the years, Weaver has become familiar with Trinity when driving his children to summer camp there. When he and his team began scouting locations for their movie, this small town and its powerful name came to mind.
“Trinity stood out to me for spiritual reasons; I love the name, and I love God. I love The Trinity. I just thought it was beautiful that there’s a city in Texas called Trinity. The motto there is ‘the city of prayer’,” he said.
Earlier this year, with a story in hand and a location in mind, Weaver and Guerra began contacting Trinity city officials to get their involvement and support. They wanted to honor those in authority in the community, so they started with the sheriff’s department, city council, mayor, and city manager. They’ve been delighted with the response they’ve received from the community. When the film comes out, those familiar with the city will recognize many of the locations, including the areas around the courthouse
and sheriff’s department.
“The pieces have been coming together, not falling into place,” Weaver said. “I don’t want to make it sound like it’s been easy, because we’ve been working hard. There’s a scripture in Matthew 7:7. It says, ‘Ask and it will be given to you, knock and the door will be answered, seek and you will find.’ That’s come true in this film journey so far.”
In addition to being a veteran, actor, and movie producer, Weaver has also been a pastor, written five books, and founded an organization for veterans. He attributes becoming a writer to his wife, who
encouraged him to pursue this calling. She’s been supportive of his drive to chase what he calls the ‘wild idea’ of producing a film. He’s also gathered insight from the writings and teachings of filmmakers, authors, and screenwriters such as Robert Rodriguez, Syd Field, Robert McKee, and John Truby. His desire to help others has been an inspiration throughout his life and even now, as he embarks into the world of filmmaking. “I was always a dreamer,” he said. “Not to be completely altruistic, but I’ve always dreamt of doing big things and impacting people. I feel like that’s my purpose.”
The Beast of Trinity Texas tells the story of a small town that finds itself in the center of a murder mystery. “I like murder mysteries, because they’re the most intriguing storythey come with the highest stakes. Anytime there’s life and death stakes, it raises the ante for anyone who is in the story, and who is watching the story,” said Weaver. “There’s a murder in the town. The sheriff is a former homicide detective from Houston. He made some mistakes when he was a detective. He moved away to this small town of Trinity. He ran for sheriff, and he got the position. His idea is to kind of coast it out until retirement and do as little as possible. He has some hangups. In the midst of that, there’s this horrific murder--and they can’t figure out what’s going on.”
While the sheriff wants to believe the murder has nothing to do with anything other than natural events, he has to come to grips with the fact that something quite unusual has occurred when the government gets involved.
“Over the course of the story, it becomes more and more likely that there is some kind of beast involved. A lot of things come to light. There are a lot of big twists in the story,” said Weaver.
The power of stories has been an intriguing topic for Weaver. He’s done a significant amount of research on the effects that
media has on people, particularly children. According to Weaver, the best part about this film journey will come when people see it and leave hopeful and inspired, with smiles on their faces.
Casting is nearly complete, with the majority of the film’s core cast in place. In addition, over 110 individuals have requested a spot as an extra in the film. The movie’s filming will begin September 30, 2024.
“We have probably 70 percent of our locations found. I’ve acted with most of the core cast,” he said. “These are people I’ve gone to acting school with or been on projects with.
Email: psullivan@sullivanclassichomes.com
Website: www.sullivanclassichomes.com
I couldn’t be more excited about the cast!”
Filming is set to wrap up on November 6th. The film will then enter postproduction-which includes editing, sound mixing and the score. This process will take six months, and then the film will be ready for professional distribution. Weaver predicts it will be ready for release, although not necessarily released, by summer 2025.
“We’ll have a local premier to give back and show the film off to the people that have helped us,” he said.
Now that Weaver is about to see his story come to life, he’s excited for what the future holds for the movie; for his future as a writer, actor, and producer; and for Trinity. He sees the film bringing visitors from around the world to come and experience the place where The Beast of Trinity Texas was created.
“I would love for our following to spread the word about the film. I would imagine it’s going to benefit Trinity County greatly to spread the message. Let’s make Trinity a well-known Texas county,” said Weaver. “Let’s make The Beast of Trinity Texas a buzzword. There’s a very important storyline that’s going to come through this film.”
For more information about The Beast of Trinity Texas, visit thebeastoftrinitytexas.com and follow their social media for updates.
Medical Matters
By Jason Balette, MD
Weight Loss Surgery Brings Hope After Other Treatments Failed
Patients who have long battled with high blood pressure, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes are turning to weight loss treatments like semaglutide injections. However, these interventions are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Carlos Hernandez, a patient of bariatric surgeon Dr. Jason M. Balette, has achieved significant health improvements following his decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery.
A transformative shift after weight loss medications failed
After struggling with weight and related health issues, Carlos had reached 368 pounds. Years of trying numerous diets and medications, including the weekly semaglutide injections, had failed to produce successful weight loss. Carlos came to the decision to have gastric sleeve surgery, a restrictive weight-loss procedure that helps a person feel fuller on smaller amounts of food by reducing the size of the stomach. Since the procedure, he has seen a transformative shift in his health and outcomes, losing nearly 100 pounds, thanks to surgical intervention.
Simple daily activities that were previously exhausting, like mowing the lawn and grocery shopping, are now manageable. I now walk over two miles a day, and my diet is tremendously improved because the cravings are gone, and I am full faster,” says Carlos. “After my gastric sleeve surgery, I’ve lost 97 pounds and am no longer on any diabetic or cholesterol medications.”
A more permanent solution to weight loss
Benefits of gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss include restricting the amount of food a person can eat and lowering the level of ghrelin, also known as “the hunger hormone.” It is also a minimally invasive procedure that involves just five small incisions.
Balette emphasized the limitations of longterm medication use for weight loss versus surgery.
“The use of semaglutide and similar medications is not meant for life, and many patients regain weight after stopping them,” Dr. Balette says. “In contrast, surgical weight loss has more sustainable outcomes. Seventy percent of our patients are off their medications within two years of surgery.”
Carlos’s decision to choose surgery came from a desire to avoid lifelong medication dependency and weekly injections as well.
“The medications improved my sugar levels, but I wasn’t losing any weight and was getting frustrated,” says Carlos. “Surgery presented a more permanent solution without weekly medication.”
Balette was impressed with Carlos’s most recent follow-up, and offered reasons why weight loss surgery might be beneficial for more patients struggling with medications. Enjoying a new lifestyle after weight loss surgery
“For patients like Carlos, weight loss surgery, combined with lifestyle changes, offers a comprehensive solution for lasting health benefits,” Dr. Balette says. “Weight management is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted approach. Surgery is a viable option for those frustrated with the costs, supply issues, and weekly injections associated with medications. Seeing patients achieve such positive outcomes is incredibly rewarding.”
Texas Talent
Story by Katherine E. Stephens
Submitted Photos
Timothy Lewis
SHSU Alum - Family Man - Teacher
Bestselling Author
Timothy Lewis remembers fondly where he came from, as mentions of areas from The Pineywoods to the Gulf Coast show up time and time again in his writings. This Sam Houston State University alumnus has written more than 20 plays, 100 songs, and numerous novels throughout his career. Lewis’ success reached new heights when his novel Forever Friday became a bestseller on Amazon. Local readers will find familiarity in this novel, as Huntsville, Texas is the main setting! A romantic at heart, Lewis has found a way to keep his writing, as he describes it, “clean, but compelling.” Lewis says, “Write what you know,” and it seems what Mr. Lewis knows is this—”faith, hope, and love” is not just something to hang on the wall or write about... it’s something worth living by.
I understand you lived in Huntsville and attended SHSU. Share with Postcards readers a little bit about that time in your life.
As a student, I transferred from Tyler Junior College in 1974. My senior year, I changed majors from agriculture to music education. I did that because I had begun writing plays and musicals at First Baptist Church. There was a woman there who was my Sunday School teacher and mentor. Her name was Helen Bass. She wrote a play and wanted me to be in it. I said, “I’m not an actor...” Sure enough, I was in it.
Then she said, “I want you to write a musical with me...” And I said, “I can’t write songs.” She said, “I think you can…you play the piano, don’t you?”
So, I went home over Christmas break, and I wrote a song, and I came back and wrote 10 more. We wrote the first three musicals together that were done by the college department of First Baptist. We loaded up an old school bus and traveled around all over Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico and would produce musicals
Helen and I had written. After that, I began writing plays and musicals. And it continued from there.
[After graduation] I taught 5th grade music at Scott E. Johnson Elementary, then was hired at First Christian Church in Huntsville to do an education program. I became an artist-inresidence in Huntsville and continued to write plays.
Speaking of Postcards, actual postcards are a big part of the storyline for your bestselling novel Forever
Friday.
Yes. The novel is about a man who goes through a divorce and doesn’t believe in love anymore. He’s an estate salesman, and he finds a collection of antique postcards at an estate sale. He starts going through the poems and postcards to try to discover, “Is there a secret to lasting marriage?”
There is a screenplay for Forever
Great Aunt Jewel and Great Uncle Bob’s secret to a long and happy marriage.
Where do you get your inspiration?
The inspiration for Forever Friday started because I found a collection of postcards at my great aunt and uncle’s estate sale back in the late 90s. I started digging through these albums, and what I found was not photos, but a collection of antique postcards. It was very obvious that my great uncle either mailed a postcard to his wife to get on Friday or just handed it to her. He did that every Friday for 60 years! That was the basis of the book. I put these albums on a shelf in my office. Five years passed. I couldn’t figure out how to turn it into a novel. One day the phone rang, and it was a friend from high school who was going through a divorce. He said, “I don’t know if I believe in love anymore.” I looked up on the bookshelf and thought, “There’s 60 years of a love story there. What was their secret?”
A lot of my inspiration comes from history. One of my latest novels, Running Downwind, is based upon
characters that experienced the UT Tower shooting and the Kennedy assassination. Greatly affected by these events in a personal way, the characters come together to have a love story.
The theme of LOVE shows up in your novels often. I hear you have quite the love story at home, too?
Yes – married 42 years to my wife Dinah. What I realized as a young man is I wanted a marriage that would last. I realized couples who do things to keep their romance active are the ones who had the best chance of working. We try to do something special every 6 months. A scene in Forever Friday where the couple has a first date in Galveston – that’s based off mine and my wife’s first date, because that’s where we went. There are other things in real life from our marriage that appeared in the book as well. People always ask me, “What’s the
secret to a lasting marriage?” What Gabe [in Forever Friday] found is there is no formula. There are three things: total trust, an unbreakable bond, and completeness. All of these are undergirded by the invisible forces of faith and hope. That’s what he found.
Forever Friday rose to bestseller status and is said to be, in the words of one reader, “Very captivating and hard to put down.” What does this kind of success and feedback mean to you?
It tells me maybe I’m doing something right. All my books are... they can be intense... but they are clean. I have no sex or language in my books. It doesn’t mean it’s not there, but there’s a way to write about it that doesn’t offend people. I teach that when I teach writing. I tell my students it takes more work, it’s harder to write something very compelling without using certain words, but you can do it. My books also all have an element of faith in them. I think people love my books because they’re real, and they tell the truth. They’re compelling, and they’re touching. If
Timothy and wife of 42 years, Dinah
“Total trust, an unbreakable bond, and completeness”
Dinah, Timothy and their daughter and son-in-law.
I write a scene and I end up in tears, I know the reader probably will, too. If I don’t laugh or cry reading my own writing, the reader won’t either.
When did you discover your love for writing?
I was not a reader as a kid. My mother was a librarian, and she insisted we do the summer reading program. I would barely get books read! Instead of reading about pirates, I wanted to be outside building a pirate ship. What got it all started for me was when I was in the 6th grade. I attended the senior play, “All Because of Agatha.” I remember, at that moment, falling in love with theater and the story.
What was the turning point when you realized you could make a career out of writing?
Early in my career, my wife was a nurse, I was a teacher, and our daughter was still a baby. We were living in Amarillo and were in the Toys R Us parking lot. I looked at Dinah
and said, “If I can start writing fulltime, I’ll do the washing, the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping--all you have to do is come home and put your feet up.” She looked at me and said, “I’m not stupid!”
That decision really changed our life right there. When I was in graduate school, I carried our daughter all around the city. I knew every clean men’s restroom in the city where I could change a diaper. My wife’s selflessness of saying, “Yes, I’ll work. You can stay home and write”—that allowed me to have the career at all.
Where do you do your best writing?
I like to be in my office or out on my back porch. I can edit in a coffee shop; the conversation can be energizing for me while editing. But for writing? I have to be alone. Oh, one more place – I write while I walk! I walk three miles a day. When I was writing Forever Friday, I had all these postcard poems I wrote for the book. I can’t tell you how many times I’d be out walking, and a poem would come to me, and I would literally
run home so I could write it down!
Some fun trivia questions now! What’s your favorite food?
Oh gosh, I love seafood. I also love a really good, tender steak... Barbeque. I guess anything that is made in TEXAS is done well!
What is your favorite book?
Gateway to Heaven by Sheldon Vanauken and Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
I know you just got back from vacation! Where do you like to go to get away for a while?
It has to be the beach. A close second is the mountains!
Where can our readers find your novels?
PLATINUM SPONSOR:
The best place to purchase my novels is Amazon.
Along the Road
Daniel Larrison
On Saturday, May 4, the Madison County Historical Commission hosted a dedication ceremony for a new Texas historical marker recognizing Daniel Larrison. The marker stands on the south side of Highway 21 in the Larrison Creek bottom between Madisonville and Midway.
Larrison Cemetery is about five miles east of Madisonville off Highway 21 East, about two miles into a wooded area and enclosed by a fence. Larrison Cemetery is on private property and has 21 known graves, all over a century old except for one in 1933. Most graves there contain Larrison family members, including the grave of Daniel Larrison.
Marker Text:
DANIEL LARRISON (1786-1845) A fur trapper by trade, Daniel Larrison was an early Anglo Texas settler who received a Mexican land grant in 1833, which included the area later organized as Madison County. Born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, Larrison served under Zachary Taylor in the War of 1812. He married Sarah Emmaus
Greenwood in 1815. In total, they would have twelve children. The couple settled in the area around 1828 near the junction of the La Bahia Trail and El Camino Real, which made a convenient stop for travelers. The Larrison family engaged in hunting, trapping, fishing, livestock raising, and corn and cotton farming. Larrison Creek is named for the family.
9:00 am Mornings, 10:00 am
Church Email: covenantpastor@gmail.com
Church Website: cfhuntsville.org
Address: 606 FM 1791 N. • Huntsville
Church Phone: (936) 435-0993
Lead Pastor: David Valentine
Recovery: Tuesdays, 7 pm
The Garden Post
By Kim Bius
Fall Gardening Begins in Summer!
Fall gardening in Texas begins NOW! Yes, during the hottest part of the year. Texas gardeners know fall gardening actually starts in late July/August and begins with tilling the summer garden under, then adding 1-2” of enriched topsoil, compost, and/or humus.
For the “from out-of-state newbies” to Texas gardening, this will be inconceivable, but this is what is needed to get the seed in the ground and harvest before the first frost.
To help in planning your fall garden, the following chart is from Texas A&M and will make a great “timetable” guide. As you can see, a few crops, such as pumpkins and corn, should be planted from seed in early July to harvest before first frost.
So, what is needed? A full sun area (8 hours of direct sunlight) for in ground or container gardening; good drainage and a consistent supply of water (which is 4x a week during the heat of the summer); a sandy, nutrient-rich
topsoil is ideal, with soil amendments such as worm castings, humus (aged compost), and compost (as long as the manure has been aged to a minimum of 3 weeks).
A black tarp over a fresh manure (compost) pile will increase the decomposition (release the nitrogen) and the heat will aid in sterilizing weed seeds in the manure so they will not germinate in your garden.
If we wait till the weather is “nice enough” to want to garden, we miss the timeframe required. Do not be intimidated, afraid, or inhibited from trying your hand at planting your own. There is no big secret--just consistency of care and maintenance--and the benefits far outweigh the work. A garden does not have to be a big production and
can be as simple as planting a few pots or adding a few tomato and pepper plants to an existing landscape bed. The size of the garden will determine how many selections can be planted, and that is where the garden pros at your favorite garden center will come in handy.
Check out this website for additional info: https://agrilifeextension.tamu. edu/browse/featured-solutions/gardening-landscaping/fall-vegetablegardening-guide-for-texas/
Do not be afraid to ask questions; many garden centers have a fall planting workshop you can attend for free. It’s fun, and there are no mistakes, just lessons learned. Once you get the hang of it, you will become smitten with the garden bug, too--and we welcome you to the club!
Happy Gardening!
Accepting entries for the 15th Annual Photo Contest
Deadline to enter Oct. 30, 2024
Rules & entry form: samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com/events/ samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Tiimo Planning & Learning
Tiimo is a daily planning and learning app designed for people with diverse cognitive profiles, such as ADHD, autism, stress, and anxiety. Visual, and research-backed, our app supports executive functioning, and offers a one stop hub for your neuroinclusive planning and learning needs. Simplify time management, build routines, get more productive and access expert advice with our kit of learning tools.
KEY FEATURES:
PLAN
• A visual timeline and focus timer
• Ongoing reminders (notifications, vibrations and sound)
• Positive reinforcement through small celebrations
• Home and lock-screen widgets
• An effortless calendar import
• +3000 colors, emojis, custom icons, and sounds to truly make Tiimo a reflection of you
• Up to 5 profiles to share Tiimo with friends and family at no additional cost (up to 5 users)
• Unlimited access to daily body-doubling sessions facilitated by Tiimo hosts
• Community tips and questions moderated by Tiimo
USERS SAY:
“This app is a godsend. I used to use a planner to get through each day, but a planner doesn’t notify you if you forget to check it. I highly recommend this for anyone on the spectrum--or even if you just struggle with executive functioning skills.”
LEARN
• AI-powered checklists to break down big tasks in one click
• A library of pre-made activities and routines to get inspiration on how to plan
• A library of bite-sized video courses with leading neuroinclusion experts. From productivity to career growth, personal well-being and nutrition, expert advice is just a click away.
“Tiimo makes me feel “in control” because I’m able to see my day visually, and I can build up a library of routines to make scheduling a breeze. I always know what is coming next which reduces anxiety and helps me focus on what I am currently doing.”
What’s Cookin’
Firecracker Shrimp Roll with Crab Aioli
Ingredients
6 soft sandwich rolls
2 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce
canola oil for frying
2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pinch cayenne pepper
For the Crab Aioli:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup lump crabmeat
2 cloves garlic, finely crushed salt to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper
¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs chopped fresh tarragon
For the Soak:
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp ground chipotle pepper
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp kosher salt
For the Breading:
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup cornmeal
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp kosher salt
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients
2 lbs cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbs crushed garlic
Directions
Step 1: Combine mayonnaise, crab, garlic, salt, cayenne, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and tarragon in a bowl for the crab aioli. Stir to combine and refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Remove tails from shrimp and keep chilled until ready to use.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Step 4: Whisk buttermilk, hot sauce, chipotle pepper, cayenne, black pepper, and salt together in a bowl.
Step 5: Mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, and salt together in a shallow dish for the breading.
Step 6: Slice partway through each
1 ½ cups tomato and clam juice cocktail
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup prepared horseradish
1 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste
salt to taste
1 ripe avocado - peeled, pitted and chopped
sandwich roll, splitting it open. Scoop out some bread from the top to make room for the filling.
Step 7: Toast rolls in the preheated oven until crisp, 7 to 10 minutes.
Step 8: Soak shrimp in the buttermilk mixture for about 5 minutes.
Step 9: Heat oil in a pan over mediumhigh heat. Spread crab aioli generously over both sides of each roll; top with sliced lettuce.
Step 10: Toss shrimp in the breading to coat; shake off any excess. Fry shrimp in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and immediately transfer shrimp onto the rolls. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on top.
Directions
Step 1: Place shrimp in a large bowl. Stir in red onion, cilantro, and garlic.
Step 2: Add tomato and clam juice, ketchup, lime juice, horseradish, and hot pepper sauce; mix well to combine. Season with salt.
Step 3: Gently stir in avocado. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Ingredients
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 cup minced celery
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tsp minced onion
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Step 1: Mix drained pineapple, cream cheese, celery, bell pepper, and onion together in a medium bowl until well combined; divide mixture in half and form two balls.
Step 2: Place chopped pecans in a shallow dish; roll each ball in pecans. Chill until ready to serve, at least 2 hours.
Lemon Lush
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
3 ½ cups milk
2 (3.4 oz) pkgs instant lemon pudding mix
1 (12 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Use a pastry cutter to combine flour and butter in a large bowl until mixture is crumbly. Press into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Beat together cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and well blended. Spread evenly over cooled crust.
Whisk milk and lemon pudding mix together in a second medium bowl for 3 to 5 minutes. Spread over cream cheese layer. Chill in the refrigerator until set, then top with whipped topping.
Grandma’s Sheet Pan Peach Crisp
Ingredients
Filling:
cooking spray
2 1/2 lbs ripe peaches (about 6), pitted and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp kosher salt
1 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Crisp:
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 cup salted butter, melted
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the filling: Toss peaches with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and 1/4 cup brown sugar; spread out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Make the crisp: Place oats, flour, pecans, salt and remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar in a medium bowl and toss to combine. Stir in melted butter, mixing until clumps begin to form. Cover peaches with topping.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden, 45-50 minutes.
Cook’s Note
Increase up to 3 to 3 1/2 pounds peaches, if desired.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad
Ingredients
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
2 Tbs Cajun seasoning, divided
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1/3 cup ranch dressing
1/3 cup hot sauce
8 cups torn green leafy lettuce, or as needed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, or to taste your favorite salad dressing
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet.
Step 2: Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to the hot oil, without crowding, and cook, turning once, until no longer pink at the center and juices run clear,
about 6 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the center will read 165 degrees. Remove chicken from pan to a plate to cool, about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir ranch dressing, hot sauce, and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning together in a large bowl.
Step 4: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; add to bowl with sauce mixture and toss well. Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until just beginning to get crisp, 5-10 minutes; remove to cool, about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Combine green leafy lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots in a salad bowl. Add Buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles. Serve with your favorite dressing.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Woods Tree Service
Owner: Gene Woods
Loaded Sour Cream & Onion Waffle Fries
Ingredients
Sour Cream and Onion Seasoning:
2 tsp powdered buttermilk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp onion powder Waffle Fries:
1 (22 oz) pkg frozen waffle fries
2 Tbs olive oil
7 slices bacon
2 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sour cream
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Step 2: Mix powdered buttermilk, garlic powder, parsley, sugar, salt, and onion powder together in a small bowl until combined.
Step 3: Place frozen waffles in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sour cream and onion mix and toss to coat evenly. Spread waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden and crispy, 20-26 minutes, or according to package directions.
Step 5: Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble and set aside.
Step 6: Remove waffle fries from the oven and sprinkle evenly with Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Step 7: Return fries to the oven; bake until cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Top with green onions and sour cream. Serve immediately.
Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing
Ingredients
6 boneless pork loin chops (6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 package (6 ounces) crushed stuffing mix
1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling with cinnamon
Minced fresh parsley, optional
Directions
Step 1: In a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil over mediumhigh heat. Meanwhile, prepare stuffing according to package directions. Spread pie filling into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Place the pork chops on top; spoon stuffing over chops.
Step 2: Cover and bake at 350° for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake until a thermometer inserted in pork reads 145°, about 10 minutes longer. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.
Photo by Jaimie Burrows
AN INVASION IN NEW WAVERLY
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Preserve Board of Directors
Have you seen the Alfred Hitchcock movie, “The Birds”? My daughter in New Waverly says she feels like she’s living in that movie. Cliff swallows have converged upon her home and are nesting under her eaves. In our area, it’s not uncommon to see these jug-shaped mud nests around overpasses, under bridges and in highway culverts. It is much less common to see them nest on someone’s house. Dealing with the noise is one thing, but the “poo” factor all over her patio and sidewalks is the worst!
Cliff swallows are the most colonial of all swallows. In the eastern U.S., colonies tend to be small--but further west, they increase, and pairs can number in the thousands. In Nebraska, one colony had 3,700 nests! The swallows can get quite physical when fighting for a nest site. They’ll peck at each other, strike with their wings, and even pull out feathers. Nests are made of mud and are sparsely lined with grass, feathers, and hair. They are shaped like a gourd, with a large chamber in the center and narrowing to a small opening, which is only about 2 inches
wide. Both sexes gather pellets of wet mud and deposit them in a shaking motion onto the structure, leaving behind a little mud nugget. The nuggets bond and harden and form the nest. They do this over 1,000 times until the nest is complete. Once complete, the nest measures about 8 inches long by 6 inches wide and 4.5 inches high. One really has to admire this avian architecture!
Females lay from 3 to 5 eggs that hatch in about 2 weeks. They all hatch on the same day. Both parents care for the nestlings. The young fledge in 23 to 26 days, but they depend on mom and dad for several days after that.
The diet of the cliff swallow consists mostly of flying insects. It’s fun to watch their graceful flight patterns while chasing and catching insects. They are a very effective insect repellant, eating hundreds of mosquitoes.
So how did my daughter handle the invasion, you ask? For some strange and unknown reason, she was finding nestlings on the ground. Were they pushed out by the other nestlings? Did they just fall out? No one knows for sure. She carefully scooped up the little ones that were still alive and delivered 21 of them to the best Texas-permitted avian
rehabilitator I know, Amanda Remsberg. Amanda knows exactly what to do. She will care for them and eventually release them back to the wild. She told my daughter she had never seen cliff swallows nest on someone’s house before (always a first for everything). Why didn’t my daughter just knock down the nests? She tried while the birds were in the building process, but she couldn’t get ahead of the little rascals. She left town for a few days and, by the time she got back, it was too late. Once the nests are occupied, it’s then illegal to destroy them under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. It states that all swallows are state and federally protected, and active nests with eggs or chicks inside may not be touched or destroyed without a permit. Before they arrive next spring, she plans to place physical barriers under the eaves. Netting, coroplast, Bird Slide (a trademarked product), plexiglass, or similar products under the eaves should deter them.
As an animal lover, I’m glad the swallows found a safe place to have their babies. As a mother, I felt bad for her. Trying to add a little levity to the ordeal, I told her there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that they’ll be back next spring. The good news is that she should appreciate all the mosquitoes they eat. She didn’t see the humor.
For help with wildlife, a great source is the Fort Bend Wildlife Rescue group. https://www.fortbendwildliferescue.com
When they sit down for coffee,
Story by Wes Altom
Photos by Marshall Altom
Local company celebrates 40 years of helping customers “tell the world” about their businesses through customized apparel and promotional products.
Advantage Specialties is proud to be a local resource to help businesses, organizations, and individuals “get the word out” through custom embroidery, screen-printing, and promotional products. Says owner/ president Stephanie Pitts, “People can get what we do through online vendors all-day every-day. But they can’t get the customer service and responsiveness we provide. We will jump through hoops to meet your needs. That’s the ‘advantage’ in Advantage Specialties.” She elaborated, “When you buy online, you are at their mercy, and your emergency is not theirs. And…they aren’t involved in this community, donating to local organizations and investing in local people.”
Advantage Specialties has been embroidering since its inception. Two years ago, the business bought out a screen-printing business in New Waverly and absorbed its operations into their facility. Doing production of both these mediums in a single facility is almost unheard of in the respective industries. This unconventional “crossing of the streams” by doing both embroidery and ink signals how serious Advantage Specialties is about meeting local customer needs—whatever they may be.
From then till now
Stephanie’s late husband, Bill Pitts, started Advantage Specialties in 1984, well before the couple married in 1998. “He was working out of his truck. He would sell during the day, then go home and sew caps and deliver them.” Eventually, Bill had an office on Avenue O, before moving to the current Highway 19 business location in 1996. Bill passed away in 2018, and Stephanie inherited the business (34 years in!), with very little knowledge of the day-to-day operations. She shared the challenge of making the difficult decision to step in as owner/president of Advantage Specialties at that time, after having been a stay-at-home Mom with three kids. “I had to support our kids somehow. When you have been out of the workforce as long as I had, they view you
as having ‘no marketable skills.’ So, my best option was to learn this business and make it work. A week after we buried him, I showed up here. Melissa Barham had been here for 8 or 9 years, and she was very patient with me and taught me the business.”
When asked what surprised her the most when she became involved in the business operations, Stephanie was quick to respond, “How much people wait to the last minute to try to get things done.” The most timeconsuming aspect of the business is not the production, according to Stephanie, but artwork. “People don’t understand the challenge of getting the artwork ready, in the right format, and giving a final approval for the job.”
Stephanie credits the entire Advantage Specialties team of 8 for working together
like a family, cranking out the products, providing excellent customer service, and helping in workplace efficiency gains over the past few years.
Melissa Barham is the embroidery manager and has been with the company for 15 years. Deanna Irwin currently serves as screenprint manager and has been working with Advantage for 5 years.
Stephanie described the rest of the team, “Cheryl, our production floor supervisor, has been here 30 years. Maria, one of our embroidery machine operators, has been here 25 years. Ericha, our other embroidery machine operator, has been with us for 2 years. Amy, our graphic artist, has also been here 2 years. And Griff, our screen-printer, has been with us approaching 1year.
Embroidery Manager Melissa Barham, Owner-President Stephanie Pitts, and Screen Print Manager Deanna Irwin
purchase them through the business. “We have many apparel suppliers, but we have a couple of primary suppliers in Dallas and Houston, allowing for next-day delivery on ordered clothing items,” noted Stephanie.
As a general rule, the business asks for a minimum order of 12 to get the most out of their embroidery and screen-printing production time. According to Stephanie, “We will take orders for fewer or for ‘one-
NEED A WILL?
offs’, but orders meeting the minimum have priority on the production schedule, with smaller orders being worked in as we can.”
Production time on promotional products varies, depending on outside vendor and delivery timelines.
Sharing about some of their customer-base, Stephanie said, “We work closely with the Quarterback Club at Huntsville High School. Doing their stuff is really fun. Deanna is very creative and good at helping people plan
Community and networking
Stephanie is a believer in utilizing the Chamber of Commerce for networking and meeting new people. Bill started that tradition with Advantage Specialties, having served as a chamber board member before his passing. Stephanie picked up that torch. She has served both as a board member and as chairman of the board for the chamber. Deanna Irwin serves as a chamber board member and as a chamber ambassador. Melissa Barham participates in the Walker County Referral Cooperative business referral group and also is vice chair of the
Chamber’s Huntsville Leadership Institute (HLI) Committee. All three of the Advantage Specialties executives are graduates of the HLI development program. Stephanie described the benefits of chamber membership, “Being a chamber member isn’t going to ‘make your phone ring.’ It is going to help you connect with other people and businesses for common goals. I believe you get out of it what you put into it.”
Stephanie, Melissa, Deanna, and the rest of the team invite you to visit with them and experience the local “advantage” of doing business with Advantage Specialties.
Ask The Doc: How Can I Improve My Posture and Get Rid of My Back Pain?
Dr. Brian McGee, DC
Welcome to “Ask the Doc,” your go-to source for valuable healthcare insights and advice from our expert team at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute.
Living with back pain can be tough, and many people worry that it will get worse over time. If you’re worried about your posture and how it affects your back pain, learning about the problem and how to manage it can make a big difference. Today we’ll talk about what causes bad posture, how it leads to back pain, and three simple exercises to help you stand tall and feel better.
Common Causes of Poor Posture
Bad posture can happen for many reasons. Sitting for too long, especially at a desk or in front of a computer, can make your posture worse. Not getting enough exercise, having weak muscles, and even feeling stressed out can also make you slouch or hunch over. When you have poor posture, it puts extra pressure on your spine and muscles, causing pain and discomfort. Over time, this can lead to long-lasting problems like stiffness and reduced movement.
Impact on Back Pain
When you don’t sit or stand up straight, your body has to work harder to keep you upright. This makes your back muscles tired and sore. Poor posture can affect your whole spine, from your neck to your lower back, leading to pain and stiffness. It can also pinch nerves and reduce blood flow, making your back pain even worse.
Top 3 Exercises to Improve Posture and Reduce Back Pain
1. Plank: A strong core helps you maintain good posture. To do a plank, get into a push-up position and hold your body in a straight line from head to heels. Keep your stomach muscles tight and hold the position for 30-60 seconds. This exercise strengthens the muscles that support your spine, helping to reduce back pain and improve posture.
2. Thoracic Extension: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Put your hands behind your head and gently arch your upper back over the top of the chair, then return to the starting position. Do this 10-15 times. This stretch helps correct the forward hunch from sitting too long, promoting better spine alignment.
3. Bridges: This exercise strengthens your lower back and buttocks. Lie on your back with your knees bent and lift your hips toward the ceiling. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. Repeat 10-15 times. Stronger lower back and glute muscles take the pressure off your lower back, reducing pain and improving posture.
Understanding why your posture is bad and using both home remedies and treatments from our clinic can make your life much better. If you are struggling with back pain, we are here to help you. At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, we offer full care that helps with both the symptoms and the root causes of back pain. Call us at 936-241-7673 to rediscover the joy of pain-free living.
For over 40 Years, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute has been helping people get rid of their back pain.
901 Normal Park Dr, #201 • Huntsville TX 77320
*This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for personalized advice or treatment
Giggles & Grins
Me: Give me your tenderest of loins. Butcher: That’s not…please don’t order it that way.
Me in 1988: My dad calls everything by the wrong name. Why doesn’t he know what anything is?
Me in 2018: Calling my kid’s Minecraft game “Computer Legos” is way funnier than saying Minecraft, and it makes her mad every time.
Is your refrigerator running? Because I might vote for it.
My brother’s ex had been stealing our Netflix for over two months by disguising her account as “Settings,” and honestly, I ain’t even mad. I’m just really disappointed in myself for actually believing that an account named “Settings” would legitimately be Netflix settings.
Your Best AgriLife
By: Jamie Sugg, Walker County Extension Agent
Wouldn’t it be great if our brutal summer heat could make a better vegetable garden? Even more so, what if the oppressive heat could make gardening easier?
It can, with a seldom-practiced trick called soil solarization.
Soil solarization is a simple, safe, and effective control of plant parasitic nematodes, soil-borne plant pathogens, and some weed pests. It offers an alternative to some pesticides and the lengthy crop rotations now needed to control many damaging pathogens that linger in the soil. In addition, this procedure may give good weed control in many situations.
Radiant heat from the sun is the lethal agent involved in soil solarization. A clear polyethylene mulch is used to trap solar heat
in the soil. Over a period of several weeks to a few months, soil temperatures become high enough to kill many of the damaging soil pests and weed seed to a depth of nearly 8 inches.
None of these pests will be completely eradicated from the treated area, but their numbers in the plow layer (the top 6 to 8 inches) will be greatly reduced, allowing successful production of a vegetable garden.
Just how hot can it get? Results from studies in 2011 and 2012 indicate that when the ambient air temperature reached 99 degrees F, the solarized soil reached over 170 F. That’s hot enough to cook chicken.
To be clear, none of these pests will be completely eradicated from the treated area, but their numbers in the top layer (say 6 to
8 inches) will be greatly reduced, allowing fewer problems in following crops.
The soil to be solarized must be worked up to seed-bed condition--that is, cultivated until it’s loose and friable with no large clods or other debris on the soil surface. A garden tiller will eliminate clods or other debris that create air pockets that reduce heating of the soil and keep the tarp from fitting tightly over the soil surface. A clean, flat surface will also prevent the accidental puncturing of the thin plastic drop cloth by debris.
Make sure moisture levels are adequate for working the soil before laying the plastic tarp. If the soil is dry, water the areas to be solarized before laying the tarp. This is crucial, because most soil pests are more sensitive to high temperatures in wet Soil Solarization
soil than in dry soil. When possible, lay a soaker hose or drip irrigation lines under the tarp to maintain moisture levels during soil solarization. Tarped raised beds may also be watered by flood-irrigating the adjacent furrows.
You can use any cheap plastic “painting drop cloth.” Using two layers of thin plastic sheeting separated by a thin insulating layer of air increases soil temperatures and the overall effectiveness of a solarization treatment. The edges of the sheets must be buried or otherwise secured to prevent blowing or tearing of the tarp by the wind.
For effective solarization, the edges of tarps laid over raised beds must be buried in the adjoining furrows. Expect some increase in pest and weed problems along the edge of the stripped mulches. Do not cultivate solarized areas, because healthy weed seed will be brought to the soil surface.
Long, hot, sunny days are needed to reach the soil temperatures required to kill soil borne pests and weed seed. The longer the soil is heated, the better and deeper the control of all soil pests and weeds will
be. During our hot summers, a solarization period of 4 to 6 weeks should be all that’s needed to control nematodes and soil borne plant pathogens.
For those concerned about losing beneficial microbes, indeed you will lose them in addition to your unwanted pathogens. However, populations of beneficial, growth-
promoting, and pathogen-antagonistic bacteria and fungi quickly recolonize solarized soil with the addition of compost or adding a biological control component to soil.
Soil solarization will tie up land for a period of 1 to 3 months. If you have plans for a fall garden, this can definitely interfere. But the results of letting our hot summer work for you can be fantastic.
Things My Granddaddy Said
You can’t unsay a cruel thing.
Don’t go hunting with a fella named Chug-a-lug.
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!
The best sermons are lived not preached.
A fella who is too quick with an apology likely screws up a lot.
Most of the stuff folks worry about never happens. There ain’t a horsehair’s difference between begging and borrowing.
maintenance.
• Ensures Reliable Operation:
Generators may sit idle for long periods & can lead to deterioration & potential malfunction.
• Prevents Unplanned Downtime: A generator failure during a power outage can lead to significant inconveniences & even safety hazards.
• Extends Lifespan:
Like any mechanical system, generators have a finite lifespan. Regular maintenance can help extend the life saving you the cost of early replacement.
• Optimizes Efficiency:
A well-maintained generator operates more efficiently, which can lead to fuel savings and reduced environmental impact.
• Warranty Requirements: Many generator manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Neglecting maintenance could result in a voided warranty,costing you more in case of breakdown
We offer annual and semi-annual maintenance on your generators. Call us today!
Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris
Double
Barry Manilow smartfinancialcentre.net
Brenham
Peter, Paul & Mary Tribute Concert thebarnhillcenter.com
Houston
Santana and Counting Crows toyotacenter.com
Jefferson
Texas UFO Con facebook.com/texasufocon
Deep Purple woodlandscenter.org
Stone Temple Pilots and +LIVE+ woodlandscenter.org
Summit LMCLeadershipSummit.org
Sammy Hagar woodlandscenter.org
Chris Stapleton / Miranda Lambert /Grace Potter
mlb.com/astros/tickets/concerts
by Wes Altom
A Leopard Doesn’t Change its Spots
Most modern-day sources recognize this as a “proverb,” but only a few attribute the saying to scripture.
Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.
– Jeremiah 13:23
I’ve heard this saying all my life…and found it quite troubling. It’s not bothersome at all if you always apply it to judging others. But…if you’re self-contemplating, it can make your situation seem quite hopeless.
Only when you come to look beyond yourself can you recognize that, while we cannot change our spots, He can.
Yet now he hath reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unspotted, and blameless before him.
– Colossians 1:22
It’s not about the spots…or even the leopard. It’s about the spot-remover.
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.
Dr. Aaron Fritsch
Dr. Scott Logan
