Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe October 2020

Lake Conroe Edition

October 2020

Community Builders Memory Park

Trippin’

Perdido Key

Business Focus

Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates

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October 2020 | Volume 9, Issue 10

8

Community Builders

Trippin’

18

Business Focus

24

Memory Park

Perdido Key

We’ll get to know you, listen to your concerns for your business and financial future, then focus on realistic solutions.

Neuwirth Slaughter

& Associates

Features

18

You’re more than a tax return.

8

Dewitt Oleinik, CPA

Favorites

24

Brian Slaughter, CPA

15

“Seens” from Our World

5

Letters from Readers

16

Recipes

6

What are you Reading?

22

Pet Pals

7

From the Publisher

23

Star Students

12

Glorious Grandkids

28

Out of the Mouths of Babes

13

Dear Gabby

29

Community Calendar

14 Health Matters

Mustard Seed Moments

30

Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates, L.L.P. Certified Public Accountants

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Letters from Our Readers I love this whole magazine, but my favorite thing is the kids saying cute things and looking at all the photos that are sent in!

Paula Blanar Grace

In a world of evil and chaos, Postcards is always a feel good, pick-me-up read! I never miss a publication.

Erin Richie

You all do a great job of interviewing and researching. Love the main subject article each month. Keep up the good work!

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First of all, I want to CONGRATULATE Karen and Wes ON BECOMING GRANDPARENTS. IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL FEELING AND JOY IN THE WORLD! I love my two grandsons sooo much, so I know the feeling you have in your heart for your new grand baby. ...Grandparenting just gets better and better. When (our granddaughter) Harper saw her picture in Postcards, she called everyone she knew and told them her picture was in a famous magazine. Then she called her other great-grandparents and said, “Go out to your mailbox right now, there is a picture of me in a famous magazine.” Thank you and again, CONGRATULATIONS. We want to see pictures of your little one. Everyone just loves your magazine, so thank you for that, too.

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From the Publisher

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I was recently mowing the yard. This is usually a half to full-day project, time since we have lived here and a hurricane depending on whether I just mow our half-acre lot or decide to mow was in the gulf that Wes said, “Great! I have already mowed!” the extra couple of acres we call a pasture. This was once just woods, but my brother Jon decided our daughter needed a horse. That led to the pasture. The horses...well that’s another column.

So, as I write this column on my phone, I am sitting in our driveway watching hubby as he works underneath the mower. Why? Because the pasture REALLY needing mowing, and yours truly jumped in to help--but In most normal households when a hurricane is coming, people gather I hit some barbed wire hiding in the tall grass. supplies and batteries, etc., etc. Not us. I don’t know why, but in our house when a hurricane is coming, we have to mow the yard. My sweet husband will forget to take down hanging baskets and leave multiple So...I am providing moral support, keeping out of arm’s reach just in possible projectiles on the front porch, but the lawn? It’s got to be done! case that sweet man decides he wants to throw something at me, and waiting patiently for him to untangle that mess. I mean, we know we have a magazine going to press in two days, but the hurricane arrives I think it’s because we are so busy, we live in a deadline-driven world…a tomorrow. For 2020, that sounds about right. constant state of what has to be done today? (Ask my designer when she got this column!) Because of that, it always seems as if hurricanes Until next time, only hit our area when it’s time for the yard to be mowed. And since my sweet Wes can’t abide the thought of grass continuing to grow while it ~ dries out enough to mow – mow now we must! I cannot think of one

Karen

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 7

Community Builders

Memory Park

By Ruth Fields

Photos by Gina Turner

As Hurricane Rita churned toward the Texas coast in September 2005, Shane Carter was in the midst of another, more terrible, storm.

While the hurricane was causing destruction and flooding across the coast, Shane lost her fight with cancer. Don Carter, her husband, a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Lake Conroe, planned to honor her memory through a donation at a club function that had been rescheduled because of Hurricane Rita.

Friends at the Rotary Club, however, had a better idea--a memorial park in the town of Montgomery.

Don’s generous donation provided a good start for what would become a unique enclave to honor or remember those who have been loved and appreciated. Today, a fountain in Shane’s memory is near the entrance of Memory Park; it was one of the first of many tributes that have been constructed there. Other memorials include gardens, trees, benches, bridges, pathways, split-rail fencing and islands. The park is also the home of many community projects, including numerous Boy Scout and Girl Scout projects.

8 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2020

A

A hidden gem

The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe had been prepared to assist with a park in Montgomery for some time, but the stars aligned when Philip LeFevre, developer of Buffalo Springs, and his wife Holly donated a tract of unimproved land for use as a public park. The LeFevres, who have lived in Montgomery for four decades, have long held a vision for the town’s future that included fun outdoor activities to encourage residents to venture from their homes. The couple also donated adjacent land for a public library and for Fernland Historical Park, but they were particularly fond of a one-acre pond—previously a ranch’s stock tank—that would become Memory Pond, the focal point of Memory Park.

With help from Mike Meador, commissioner of Montgomery County Precinct One, Corliss O’Shaughnessy, then the Montgomery County Parks director, and Peter Wakefield, a landscape architect, work began. Gradually, the undeveloped property began to look like a park, and the Rotary Club of Lake Conroe began the long-term project of maintaining it. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on improvements around the park,” Philip says. “Lots of people get credit.” On June 28, 2008, Memory Park was dedicated. Philip calls it a “hidden gem.”

A stroll through the park reveals the many facets of this gem. There is a proliferation of native plants, including red yucca, umbrella plants, red oak trees, black haw and honey locust, as well as cultivated species. A series of waterfalls cascades toward the pond, where three islands provide a habitat for waterfowl. Large koi swim in the pond and enjoy being fed fish food or pieces of bread. “Stamp your foot on the bridge,” Philip suggests. “The fish will come, and you can feed them.” (The many turtles in the pond will snatch the food, too.)

“It’s a unique park,” Don says. “Have you ever seen a story walk before?” For The StoryWalk Project, pages of children’s books were reproduced on large signs. By walking around the circle of signs, children can read—or have someone read to them—two

classic storybooks. Along the outside of the circle, kids can see the pages of My Dream Dog by Arthur Howard; along the inside, they can read Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, retold and illustrated

by Eileen Christelow. The park has permission to use two additional books as well. Nearby, Nanny’s Reading Chair, surrounded by log benches, was also created with children in mind. In addition, there are two Little Free Libraries in the park—one for adults and one for children—where visitors are invited to read books and return them when they’re finished.

Relaxing and quiet

Montgomery resident Kim Tolley has been bringing her five-year-old daughter, Sophia, to Memory Park about once a week for more than two years. “It’s very relaxing and quiet,” Kim says. “We sit on the benches and picnic, and we love to read about the different memorials and learn about different kinds of wildflowers. During the spring when the flowers are in bloom, it’s so pretty.

We bring vegetable and fruit scraps to feed the turtles.” Kim and Sophia especially like the lending library and Nanny’s Reading Chair. Their favorite spot, where they like to feed turtles, is an area overlooking the pond that was dedicated to the memory of Wendell Joe Maxedon and Leonard Joe Maxedon.

There are many other memorial tributes to husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children, and grandchildren nestled among the trees and foliage in the park.

Some plaques honor veterans and wedding anniversaries; others commemorate people who have made contributions that helped create and improve the park. One enormous eagle-topped spire was constructed in honor of the 515 World War II veterans who participated in Lone Star Honor Flight, a project that began in Montgomery.

»

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 9

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The Rainbow Bridge Garden is a segment of the park dedicated to the memory of pets who have found a place in the hearts of their people. The name was inspired by William N. Britton’s book, The Legend of Rainbow Bridge, and it is used with the author’s permission.

Within the garden are “pet stones,” which are engraved with the names of pets that have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Don visits Memory Park about every other day. As a faithful member of the Rotary Club of Lake Conroe, his trips to the park include maintenance of some kind, whether it’s delivering materials for a small project or making sure plants are adequately watered. “My enjoyment of the park is seeing another project completed,” he says.

Still, he has great appreciation for some of the areas of Memory Park.

One of his favorites is the Children’s Walls, made up of hundreds of tiles that were decorated by local children. High school students glazed them, Don says, and the tiles were made into two, two-sided walls that beautify one side of the park. Don says with a chuckle that he likes to watch the excited confusion when children try to find the tiles that they decorated themselves.

Of course, when Don arrives at the park, he stops for a while at Shane’s fountain to pay tribute to his late wife. “It’s a quiet park,” he says, noting that there is no playground equipment there. It’s better suited to casual walks, reminiscence and reflection. There are numerous places to sit, to relax, and to take in the cultivated, welltended beauty of the park. It’s also a great place to take photographs, as many local residents have discovered.

Dewitt Oleinik, CPA

“Sit a spell,” advises one sign at the park. “Take it all in. Hear the sounds of nature. Watch carefully enough, and you just may get to see some of the plants and animals that call Memory Pond home. You will be amazed! Then, when you turn to leave and return home to your niche, remember, no matter how many of the pond’s residents you were lucky enough to meet, you only saw a fraction of those who live here.”

GOOD HAIR EVERY DAY

Memory Park accepts donations for future memorials. For more information, pick up a brochure at the park or at the adjacent Charles B. Stewart West Branch Library, or visit lakeconroerotary.org/sitepage/memory-park-project.

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I have intentionally avoided addressing Corona Virus, Covid-19, pandemic and other such topics unless asked a question directly. All of the closures are devastating to someone and we all long for the day when our world goes back to the new normal, whatever that is. I just have one comment that I cannot contain any longer, so I’ll get it off of my chest now. Whoever decided that a liquor store is more essential than a hair salon is obviously a bald-headed alcoholic. Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com/ and I’ll give you even more opinions.

DEAR GABBY My friend and I used to do everything together but, since she got her new toy watch, she just obsesses about taking 10,000 steps. I can’t keep up with all those steps, nor am I inclined to do so. Isn’t there a less strenuous way to burn calories?

OLD AND TIRED

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I can’t help you with a “snap your fingers and be fit” solution, but I I have a serious problem that I can’t discuss with anyone else, so I burned 8,000 calories just last night. I left the brownies in the oven thought I would write to you. I have kept a skeleton in my family closet too long. for many years. My children are all excited because they have taken DNA tests. The results are not going to be what one of them expects.

Should I tell them now or wait until I have no choice?

HEARTSICK CONFIDENTIAL TO THE GIRLS ALL GET PRETTIER AT CLOSING TIME: I’m not going to dignify that question with an answer. I think DEAR HEARTSICK Willie Nelson sang a song about you, though.

This is more common than you would imagine and there are online “Last night I came in at 2 with a 10, but at 10 I support groups for children with a “parent not expected”. My non-pro- woke up with a 2.” Serves you right! fessional opinion is that the impact would be softer coming from you directly. If you choose not to tell them, prepare yourself to answer some tough questions. You probably thought you were protecting yourself and possibly someone else when you kept the secret. I am sorry that you and your family have to go through this.

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 13

Health Matters www.drjimshealthtips.com

By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA, and GOB (Good Ole Boy)

Look Ahead and Thwart Age-Related Disease Dread

Stress can significantly upsurge age-related (chronic) diseases which are the most deadly threats to health in America. Seventy percent of all American deaths and 92% of deaths in people over 65 years are from those diseases.

Cures are directly related to how advanced the disease is when treatment begins, which should emphasize the importance of early recognition.

I do not want to alarm anyone excessively.

Although, I strongly believe that in important matters, if one errs, it should be on the side of carefulness. What I am classifying as alerts are warning signs that possibly indicate manifestations of treatable diseases. It is wise to recognize and scrutinize all alerts your body dispatches.

Note your general well-being daily. What is your energy level? Are you feeling more tired lately? Are you requiring more sleep? We all have intermingled good days and bad days, but when a pattern of decreasing energy becomes

obvious, it indicates a major change in our body. Investigate any change in functioning.

Everyone should weigh themselves regularly.

Unintended changes in weight are real red flags. Gains and especially unintended losses of over 5% within several months should result in a doctor visit. Especially during such times, it is wise to monitor blood pressure. Automatic BP monitors are reasonably priced and easy to use.

Pain is our the most common beacon of protection. Pain notifies us we have an injury or are being injured, and it also makes us withdraw and rest the injured part until it has recovered. Pain is unpleasant and teaches us to avoid behavior that could be harmful.

Going to see a doctor for pain is so obvious, you probably wonder why I would mention it.

Well, there are several types of pain, which are regularly misunderstood as innocent when not. A good example is back pain located in the flanks—this is likely not spinal; it can be from kidney disease and needs to be checked.

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Likewise, upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back often is an abdominal problem not a back problem. Newly onset back pain (or any pain) that continues for over a week should be evaluated.

Everyone knows heart pain, termed angina, is life-threatening. Most don’t know that, in a substantial number, angina is atypical; it may appear as indigestion or jaw pain. In others, about a third, it may be silent. When exerting, if you note extra beats or shortness of breath, get checked out.

Headaches are another common source of pain. One should become concerned when new recurring headaches begin in older adults, especially if severe enough to suspend daily activities. Headaches brought on with exertion or emotional stress should be investigated.

Headaches located on one side of the head rather than general are worrisome. Sudden onset of the worst headache ever should prompt a call to 911. It could signal a weakened artery about to rupture.

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3. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

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4. Meanwhile, mix ketchup, apricot preserves, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze together in a medium bowl.

5. Remove meatloaf from the oven and pour glaze over top.

Continue cooking until no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes longer. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Award-Winning Apple Cream Pie Ingredients 1 (14.1 oz) pkg refrigerated pie crusts, at room temperature 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

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OCT 1 OCT 15 OCT 22 OCT 29 Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Unroll 1 pie crust on a work surface. Cut out 2- to 3-inch hearts (or desired shape) with a cookie cutter. Transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet.

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4. Mix cream cheese, white sugar, egg, lemon zest, and salt in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

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6. Unroll the second pie crust in an ungreased, 9-inch glass pie plate.

7. Roll almond paste into a thin, 7-inch circle between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Remove the top sheet of waxed paper and turn the almond paste circle into the crust-lined pie plate; gently press into the pie crust and remove the waxed paper.

Spread cream cheese mixture over almond paste and arrange apples in a circular pattern over top.

8. Bake in the preheated oven until filling is set and slightly puffed, 40 to 45 minutes.

9. Microwave apricot jam in a small, microwave-safe bowl, uncovered, at medium power (50%) for 1 minute. Brush over apples. Top with heart cutouts. Cool until filling sets, about 1 hour.

THURSDAYS 7:00PM Concessions available on-site.

Beer & wine will be sold at event.

NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL may be brought in.

Lawn chairs or blankets recommended.

Per Governor’s order- social distancing required, facemasks are recommended, attendance will be limited.

Self-screening is requested prior to entrance into the park; if in the previous 48 hours to the concert you have experienced any of the symptoms- fever of 100 or above, new cough, new trouble breathing or shortness of breath, new chills, new muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, new loss of smell, new loss of taste or change in taste? If yes to any mentioned… do not attend the concert.

In the past 14 days, have you been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus, or who has COVID-19 or is under evaluation for Coronavirus? If yes to any mentioned… do not attend the concert.

Heritage Place 500 Metcalf St Conroe, TX 77301 cityofconroe.org 936-522-3900 October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 17

There is something about the beach that just seems to carry all your worries away. For some people, it’s about loving the squishy feeling of cool, wet sand between their toes and the bubbles in the surf splashing up on their feet. For others, it is the heat of the sun warming their skin while their body basks in a tropical concoction of salty seawater and coconut scented suntan lotion. In either case, a vacation on the ocean is made for relaxation.

How do you relax when the world seems like it’s going non-stop crazy, though? This September marks the nine-month anniversary of COVID-19 cases in the United States. In other words, we have had nine months of solid stress. At some point, something has to give. For our family, that meant heading to the beach!

Perdido Key – a barrier island between Orange Beach, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida – may be the perfect vacation spot for people who want to get away to a fun and relaxing spot while still staying safe from the pandemic. With its location on the border between Florida and Alabama, it is just an eight-hour drive from the Houston area, meaning you can get there in a day without getting on an airplane.

Getting there and staying there The townhouse where we stayed was an ideal spot for having fun while avoiding crowds. Located at Innerarity Point, just two miles north of Perdido Key Beach, we knew we were there when there was water on both sides of the road. Situated directly on Perdido Bay, the rows of white-trimmed pastel yellow, blue and aquamarine green buildings were a cheery sight for us road-weary travelers. Upon arrival, it took about five seconds for the two teenagers with us – our daughter and her friend – to jump out of the truck and over to the private beach directly behind the carport.

On the wall of the carport were two brightly colored kayaks, ready for a paddle, and a portable grill was set up by a picnic table that overlooked the water. Upstairs, there was a full kitchen so we could cook or order take-out (a pandemic favorite), and two balconies – one off the living area and one off the master bedroom – were ready for some post-beach relaxing and for viewing some of the most spectacular sunrises we had ever seen. Had we been forced to quarantine there, we would have been happy as pie!

Fortunately, we were only kept indoors on one day of the trip. We were not looking for night life or packed tour boats – although there was plenty of that if we were to go another time when health risks weren’t a concern – but there is a lot to do in and around the Perdido Key area, and we didn’t want to miss out.

Postcards with

Story and Photos by Linda W Perkins

18 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2020

Perdido Key Beach When we were doing our vacation research, it looked like Perdido Key had one beach. In fact, it has several: the public beach, Perdido Key State Park, and Gulf Islands National Seashore – Perdido Key Area.

The public beach is where we started. There are several points along Perdido Key Drive (292) where signs pointing to Public Beach Access peek out between high rise condominiums. Some will lead to narrow little stretches of beachfront hemmed in by roped off sections of beachfront labeled as private property for condo owners and renters only.

Other sections of the beach are wider and accommodate vendors such as parasailing companies that will take you out into the ocean for a one-hour trip that will include launching you high up in the air, holding you up by a parachute tethered to a speedboat.

The Perdido Key State Park encompasses 1.4 miles of beach and two boardwalks that allow beach access while protecting dunes from heavy foot traffic. Its entrance is on the north side of Perdido Key Drive, and it not only provides access to Gulf-side beachfront, but also the beach that faces inland towards Ono Island, Alabama.

By far, the longest stretch of beach (and the least crowded section of sand you will find in Perdido Key) is at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Unlike the public beach, which is free, and the state park, which charges a minimal fee for entrance, getting into the Gulf Islands National Seashore will cost you a pretty penny: $25 for a carload of up to six people, or $15 for one pedestrian entering on foot. That said, the entrance fee covers a full week of access, and it is well worth it.

Johnson Beach, the main swimming area, is named after Rosamond Johnson, the first soldier from Escambia County, Florida to die in the Korean War. He died a hero after pulling two members of his unit to safety and was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. There is an American flag flying and a plaque placed in his honor in front of the pavilion where the picnic area, restrooms and showers are located.

Looking out to the east from Johnson Beach, you can see the condos on Perdido Key in the distance. Turn west, and it looks like the seashore goes on forever. In fact, the

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

a short safety and operations video to familiarize ourselves with the jet skis, we jumped on board some snazzy Sea-Doos and took off across the lagoon. At one point, the girls spotted dolphins swimming nearby, while we marveled at seeing the Blue Angels fly by overhead at fighter-jet speeds.

road past Johnson Beach only goes so far. Much of the east end of Perdido Key is a nature sanctuary. It is not uncommon to see a great blue heron standing along the seashore, watching the waves come in from the Gulf of Mexico, or to see tiny ghost crabs scuttling back and forth across the road between the ocean and Big Lagoon. Signs along the boardwalk remind visitors to stay off the dunes in order to protect the nesting areas of birds and sea turtles.

Big Lagoon Big Lagoon, which sits between Perdido Key and the mainland, is a recreation area in itself. Big Lagoon State Park is a popular spot for hiking, camping, boating and birding. While some facilities at the park are closed due to COVID-19, the boat ramp, trails, canoe/kayak launch, the boardwalk and the playground are still open. Canoe and kayak rentals were available while we were there.

Rather than going to the state park, we decided to head over to Big Lagoon Jet Ski Rentals for some action-oriented fun. After watching

Orange Beach Head east on Perdido Key Drive and you will run right over the Florida-Alabama state line. There you will find the legendary Flora-Bama, a restaurant and beach bar known primarily for its live entertainment.

As we were seeking to stay away from crowds, we didn’t stop by there or some of the other highly rated restaurants in the area for which social distancing wasn’t a priority. Being safe doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though.

The Wharf, an entertainment district in Orange Beach, Alabama, was all over the idea of putting fun and safety together. We visited a number of their boutiques, gift shops, restaurants and coffee shops, all of which had hand sanitizing stations at the door and implemented social distancing measures. While we didn’t take a ride in their beautiful ferris wheel, we did stay for a musical laser light show that was held after dark in the common area.

Another gem we found in Orange Beach was Brick & Spoon. We chose it because it was in a cute gray building and there weren’t too many cars in the parking lot. If we return to the area, we will go back for the food, though! A well-known brunch spot, Brick & Spoon is only open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is famous for its Bloody Marys, which can be customized nine ways from Sunday, and Southern Living ranked it as one of the top breakfast joints in the South, describing it as “allergic to boring breakfasts.” Everything we had, from avocado toast to a burger and fries, was top-notch delicious.

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Pensacola Technically, Innerarity Point is in Pensacola.

The address is all it has in common with one of Florida’s most famous beaches, though. It is a solid 30 minutes to drive over to downtown Pensacola, and then another 10 minutes down the Pensacola Beach. On the way there is Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the Blue Angels. We didn’t realize until we arrived that the Pensacola Light House and Maritime Museum is on the base itself. Sadly, due to the pandemic, the base was closed to visitors and so we did not get to see the lighthouse. The officer who met us at the gate told us the lighthouse could be seen from Fort Pickens, however, which is on the western end of Pensacola Beach.

Fort Pickens is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, so your entrance ticket from Perdido Bay will get you into the fort as well.

There is no doubt that Pensacola Beach has its appeal, especially for teens like the ones we had with us. While not any whiter, its strip of sand along the ocean is wider than Perdido Key. Pensacola Beach also has its own “city center,” with well-known national chain restaurants, hotels and condos, as well as kids’ entertainment parks for go-karting and mini golf. It was much more difficult to stay socially distanced in the more crowded area, however; and while the girls were having fun flirting with boys and taking selfies on the beach behind Ron Jon Surf Shop, we parents were ready to get back to our quiet private beach on Perdido Bay. At the end of the day, we got exactly what we were looking for in Perdido Key: a beautiful place to get away to and “chillax” away from big crowds, while still serving as a jumping off spot for lots of fun and as much action as we did or didn’t want in nearby Orange Beach and Pensacola. For a perfect pandemic family holiday, this was definitely it.

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Favorite Quote: “You can still be who you are meant to be without meeting everyone’s expectation of you.” –Morgan Harper Nichols

Favorite Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.” –Winston Churchill

E

than is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the son of Chris and Monica McCarty. His activities include cross country, track, Interact, 4-H, and youth group leader. Following graduation, Ethan plans to attend Sam Houston State University to major in biochemistry. He believes, “Always finish what you start, and never quit.”

K

risten is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Everett and Nicky Harrell. Her activities include Huntsville FFA (chapter secretary), student and class council, and National Technical Honor Society. Following graduation, Kristen plans to attend Sam Houston State University and become an elementary school teacher. She believes, “It only takes a little courage to do amazing things.”

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 23

Focus Business

By Claudia Kirkwood Photos by Libby Rogers

“Effective communication is a means to understanding exactly what the client wants and helps to ensure that time and resources are used wisely.”

TRUST. INTEGRITY. RELIABILITY. These three hallmarks characterize a business which has earned a reputation of excellence since opening its doors to Huntsville in 2005. Welcome to Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates, LLP, located at 168 Col Etheredge Blvd, Suite B, a Certified Public Accounting firm committed to providing the highest standards in accounting services including tax preparation, financial consulting, and estate planning.

Brian Slaughter and Dewitt Oleinik, Certified Public Accountants, along with eight other professionals, are ready to provide services that include:

• Corporate, Partnership, Estates, Trust, and Personal tax preparation services • Estate planning • Business formation planning • Tax planning • Business consulting • Payroll assistance • Bookkeeping • Financial statement preparation • Retirement planning and wealth accumulation • Audits before the IRS • Tax matter controversy with IRS • Sales tax and unemployment audits

24 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2020

Pictured above from left to right: Melanie Pavelka, Brian Slaughter, Kathryn Keuper, Josh Adcock, Rosemary Sandoval, Dewitt Oleinik, Tricia Willismas, Kim Perkins, Carol Brown, and Kevin Parish

Brian notes that his firm specializes in planning and consulting for small business owners and serves a large number of small business clients in this area and throughout the state of Texas. In addition to CPAs Brian and Dewitt, the staff consists of accountants Kim Perkins, Josh Adcock, Patricia Williams, Kevin Parish, and administrative professionals Melanie Pavelka, Carol Brown, Rosemary Sandoval and Kathryn Keuper. All staff reside in Walker County and have been with the firm for more than five years, with several on staff ten years or more. All have a connection with Huntsville and take pride in seeing their clients prosper and grow.

To protect and grow their assets, a person needs to have a good CPA, attorney, and financial planner. These professionals should work in concert to make sure that the client’s needs are met and that the client is working to achieve his or her goals. Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates network with several financial planners and attorneys in both Huntsville and The Woodlands, including those who work in the international field. When asked for referrals for these professionals, Brian and staff will direct them to those that can best meet their needs. Teamwork spells success, yet another advantage in placing trust in their firm.

In seeking a CPA, a prospective client should look for someone who has experience and is able to provide planning to meet their specific goals or needs in a prompt and efficient way. As Brian states, “We treat each client with respect and individually tailor what we do for them. Also, too many people settle for letting their CPA take months to get their information prepared instead of finding someone who will handle it in a timely fashion. We handle calls promptly and take every measure to communicate efficiently and effectively with our clients.

Effective communication is a means to understanding exactly what the client wants and helps to ensure that time and resources are used wisely.”

The state of Texas does not require a person be licensed to prepare tax returns. And with the complexity and frequent modifications in tax laws, this can and has led to opportunities for both uninformed and intentional mishandling of tax returns. Clients can find themselves victims of error or theft, leaving them with penalties and unnecessary fees. The only recourse in these situations is to sue the

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“A little bit of p goes a very long

CPAs Brian Slaughter (right) and Dewitt Oleinik help tailor their services for each client individually

tax preparer. Brian and his staff take their obligation very seriously and take every precaution and careful measure to provide an accurate and optimal tax return for their clients. As an added benefit, they offer advice on how to improve the outcome the following year, a service that other preparers may not

offer. As Dewitt comments, “A little bit of planning goes a very long way. A person needs to know you did everything you could to minimize the tax bill and to advise them on what steps to take to optimize the next year’s return.”

Both Brian and Dewitt are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. They are licensed and reviewed every three years by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, as well as subject to review by the Office of Professional Responsibility with the IRS. Being licensed requires continuing education so the integrity of a CPA’s work is consistent with current tax laws and regulations, giving a client peace of mind in the services he or she receives.

Careful attention to detail characterizes their approach to every service offered, whether to an individual, a business, or a corporation. In addition to the security and peace of mind this offers, their approach to guarding clients’ online identity and assets is equally paramount. An online portal is utilized to provide the utmost in security

T m

26 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2020

f planning long way.” when transferring information between the firm and clients. As Brian remarked, “The business world is more global now. Even though technology has made life easier, it has also made it more dangerous. We do not use cloud-based applications. Everything is local, on-site, and protected.” Due to online availability of services, they have been able to provide service to clients across Texas and many other States many of whom they have not had the chance to meet in person. In addition to technology in communication, advances in technology have made tax preparation a more streamlined process and the services of a CPA very affordable!

In addition to providing high-quality accounting services, Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates are deeply involved in the community of Huntsville. They sponsor a table each year at the Wounded Warriors, the Hearts Veteran Museum, and the Alpha Omega banquets, and contribute to several activities of Huntsville High School and other community events, as well as provide pro bono services to the New Waverly Public Library. As individuals, several staff serve on local boards and are officers in community organizations.

In summary, Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates are ready to provide first-class service in tax preparation and a variety of other accounting services with the goal of protecting and growing their clients’ assets.

And with their network of financial planners and attorneys, the education, support, and actualizing of financial objectives is made more possible. To set up a consultation, contact them by phone at 936-291-8500, or email Info@MyCPASaid.com or simply be welcomed into their front door at 168 Col Etheredge Blvd and plan on a lasting and trustworthy relationship.

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

To learn more call 936-293-1188.

Taking life back from COVID-19 Those who have been hospitalized with the novel Coronavirus can expect their time in the hospital to leave them with neck and back pain, difficulty breathing and difficulty completing everyday tasks because of weakness. Current scholarly articles report most patients coming out of hospitalization with Covid-19 experience a decrease in ability to complete their daily activities.

1. Get Moving

Take short, safe walks throughout the day to slowly improve blood flow and the body’s ability to get oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. Take a friend, use a pool or try a recumbent bike for improved accountability and variety. If you hesitate to do this alone, seek out a physical therapist to help you get active again.

2. Breathe Properly

Yes! There are improper ways of breathing! Lay down and place a hand on your breast bone and a hand on your stomach. If the stomach hand doesn’t move when you breathe it is likely you are not breathing correctly! It may take a trained eye to get the muscles between the ribs, as well as the diaphragm, moving well again - see a physical therapist, we can help!

3. Check Your Posture

Forward, rounded postures will limit the rib cage’s ability to open front to back and side to side, motions required for breathing well. Improving posture can be harder than you think! Posture braces are a viable option, but if the front muscles and tissues are too tight and the back muscles are weak, then you may need some physical therapy. We can also offer postural kinesiotaping strategies for improved stability!

4. Sleep

You need to sleep in order to heal. Patients with breathing issues can frequently have altered sleep patterns and unusual dreams. We are currently offering free 15-min sleep consultations at both our Conroe and Huntsville locations to review sleep mechanics and get you through the night.

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 27

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 29

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Trusting God’s Might Over Fight or Flight

by Linda W. Perkins It is human nature to want to run away from danger, or to armor up for battle when faced with an enemy. Sometimes, we even want to try to do both at the same time. I think that’s where many of us have been lately.

Hiding in a dark corner, away from it all, or lashing out at others in anger is not how God would have us handle our problems, however.

God has a better way, if we would just have the courage to do it--to trust in His power to handle things in His timing and His way.

In the Bible, God uses the story of Joshua to illustrate how much easier God’s solutions are than running away or fighting it out, even when His ways seem like foolishness to the world. Scouts sent out to survey the area God promised came back and said it might be better to run than to face the giants in the land. Joshua, however, was ready to fight, even if that meant sustaining major casualties. When they got to the city gates, God had a different plan altogether. The Israelites marched around the city walls for six days, and on the seventh day, when they marched around them and Joshua blew his trumpet, the walls fell down on their own!

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30 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | September 2020

Scripture clearly tells us that our battles belong to the Lord. He has a way of working things out, even when we don’t see it for the moment.

The key to victory is standing firm on our faith, laying our weapons down, and moving forward in humble obedience to Him. When we turn away from our natural instinct for fight or flight, and instead look to the Lord, we find that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever do on our own.

“And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” – I Samuel 17:47 (NLT)

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” - Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

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September 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 31

Happy Fall, Y’all!