Publisher’s Post
Through Your Lens
Every month, our cover tells a story before a single page is turned.
Sometimes it’s a breathtaking sunrise over Lake Conroe. Sometimes it’s a child’s smile, a weathered cowboy, a quiet country road, or wildlife caught at just the right moment. The best photographs don’t just show us what something looks like. They make us feel something.
That’s why our annual Postcards Cover Photo Contest has become one of our favorite traditions.
Beginning August 1, we’re inviting photographers of every skill level to share the images that capture the spirit of our community. Whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or your favorite smartphone, what matters most isn’t the equipment. It’s the eye behind the lens.
We want to see your perspective. The hidden gems, unforgettable sunsets, hometown traditions, familiar faces, wildlife, local life, and everyday moments that remind us why we love living here. Our communities are filled with incredible stories, and often the best ones are told without a single word.
Karen Altom, Publisher
Every year, our entire team is inspired by the talent and creativity we see. Some entries come from experienced photographers, while others are captured by someone who simply happened to be in the right place at the right time. That’s the beauty of this contest. It reminds us that extraordinary moments are happening around us every single day.
The winning photographs will earn some great prizes, but even more importantly, they’ll help tell the story of our communities to more than 190,000 readers each month.
So here’s my challenge.
Some people take pictures. Others capture moments we’ll never forget.
Go find the moment everyone else walks past. Capture it. Then share it with us.
It just might become the next cover of Postcards Magazine.
I can’t wait to see what you capture.
your questions at
Dear
Welcome back to the August 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. You’ve got to feel for the teachers who feel like it’s the first day of school, but the last day of school was yesterday! The good news is the 2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday in Texas will take place from Friday, August 7, through midnight on Sunday, August 9. During this three-day weekend, shoppers can buy most qualifying school supplies, backpacks, and clothing/footwear priced under $100, completely free of state and local sales taxes. I hope you can take advantage. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.
DEAR GABBY
I am a self-admitted exercise freak and probably not much younger than you are. Do you have an exercise program to keep you healthy and in shape?
EXERCISE GRANNY
DEAR E.G.
Research has shown that laughing for two minutes is just as healthy as a 20-minute jog. I’ve already talked the talk and walked the walk. From now on, I’m going to sit the sit and laugh at all the joggers. I used to like to dance, so I tried “dancing like no one was watching.” Someone was watching, thought I was having a seizure, and called an ambulance. I also tried hiking once, and it is another great way to meet new people. On that one day alone, I met two paramedics, three nurses, a cardiologist, and I nearly met Jesus!
GABBY
DEAR GABBY
Please tell me I’m not the only person of a certain age who has trouble with recall of the simplest of things. Something I told myself five minutes ago is, lately, gone forever. I’d like to think this is normal and I’m not alone. If you think about it, let me know.
DEAR WHO
Please know you have plenty of company! My ability to remember song lyrics from the 60s and 70s far exceeds my remembering why I walked into the kitchen. To help keep my sanity, I hung a sign in each room with possible reasons I may have come in there. Try it; it helps.
GABBY
CONFIDENTIAL TO “NO FAN OF TECHNOLOGY”: I can relate. I’m old enough to remember when the phone was tied with a wire and people were free.
Curtis Grimes
CurtisGrimes never dreamed of becoming a country music star. Growing up in East Texas, baseball was the plan. Music was little more than something playing on the truck radio between practices. But life has a way of changing course. A broken engagement, a borrowed guitar, a local radio contest and a little television show called The Voice led Grimes to a career that has produced more than 20 No. 1 singles, millions of streams, and more Texas Country Music Association awards than any artist in the organization's history.
Yet for all the success, Grimes remains remarkably grounded. The husband, father of three, and founder of the Ten Finger Ministry talks more about purpose than popularity and more about faith than fame.
Ahead of his August appearance at Old Town Theatre in Huntsville, Postcards sat down with Grimes to talk about baseball, music, faith and the unexpected path that changed everything.
You’re originally from East Texas, right?
I currently live in the San Antonio area, because my wife is from down here. But I grew up in East Texas and graduated from Harmony, about halfway between Gilmer and Quitman.
You were on a baseball career path before music entered the picture. Do you think music was always waiting for you, or did life genuinely take an unexpected turn?
Baseball was my thing when I was young. I didn’t have a desire to play music, but it was easy for me. I remember being able to go on the piano and pound out songs, just had the ear for it, I guess. In the truck riding to and from baseball practice…Alan Jackson, George Strait and ‘90s country. I really liked that. I never had a desire to sing in front of people or play instruments. When I got to college, my roommate had a guitar he would leave in the dorm room. That’s when I started messing around with the guitar.
What did music give you that baseball couldn’t?
Long story short, I messed up my scholarship baseball career myself.
I quit halfway through my freshman year, got engaged to the girl I was dating, high school sweetheart type of deal. Then we ended up breaking up. So music was, I guess you could say, therapeutic in a way, just kind of what I did to fill that space. And that’s what really started the songwriting deal… just kind of getting that stuff out.
I was into the Texas country thing that was going on underground at the time. That’s the kind of music I was listening to when I started trying to play guitar and write songs, so that’s the direction I went.
My sophomore year, I moved down to San Marcos to go to Texas State, and I didn’t do very good at school. I got on probation and suspension. I had friends in Austin at UT, so I was always back and forth between San Marcos and Austin. I was working in a trophy shop at the time to pay bills.
Then one opportunity changed everything. There was a radio contest about opening for Kenny Chesney, and all you had to do was submit a video. They picked four finalists and then you had to battle. We did all that, and we won. So, here I was on stage with Kenny Chesney not long after I’d started playing guitar, singing in front of people. At that point, I was like, “Well, all right. I guess we’ll see what happens with this music stuff.”
We used that new splash to get more shows booked. We started playing other places outside of Austin. Then, in 2011, I got to be on season one of The Voice. There were eight people left when I got kicked off.
That’s where I met a guy who worked for ASCAP who said, “When the show’s over, come to Nashville. I’ll set you up with some publishing meetings and some co-writes.” So, that’s how I got plugged in there. Yet something was still missing.
How did faith enter your music?
About three years in, I had a booking agent, a publishing deal, and all the pieces in place. I just didn’t have a lot of conviction about where I was, with music or life in general. Around 2015, I thought, “If this is what pursuing music
looks like, I’d rather do something else.”
In that moment, God said, “No, I’ve given you this gift, this platform and this unique opportunity.” I thought, “Okay, I’ll go sing in a church or whatever.” But He said, “No, I’ve got you where I need you, so you just do that here.”
I started doing that through my songwriting. I always tell people my goal is to point people to Jesus, because He’s the one who is going to make any life changes. That’s what we try to do through our songs and our shows. My favorite part of the night is getting to engage with people after the show.
What happened after that?
About three months after that, my team let me go. That’s when I started doing it how I wanted to do it. And that’s been going 10 years now. So far, that door has remained open. Radio kept playing our songs. Some venues quit booking us. We probably hurt alcohol sales a little bit by being wholesome, but we still have fun, put on a good concert and engage with people and have a fun night. But we try to do it the right way. Other venues started booking us for that reason. So now we get to play pretty much all ages, any space from bars to honkytonks to festivals, fairs, rodeos, or even church on Sunday morning. The goal is to play anywhere and everywhere we can with the intention of trying to be a positive influence and point people to Jesus. Just trying to make money, get national radio play, trying to play the game, trying to do whatever you think is going to sell… It just gets very empty. And I’ve seen that. I’ve seen guys who pursued that and got to a level of success that most people would love to have, and these people are just not in a good place.
What makes Texas country different from Nashville country
in your eyes?
I’d say the biggest difference is the entry point, right? In Nashville, it’s a few years of bumming around trying to meet people, trying to write with people, before you even get to record music and dig in as an artist.
But the Texas deal is kind of fair game where anybody can do it. There
are lots of studios in Texas where you can go record your own music and get that out without having to wait. There’s also a huge support cast: a foundation of fans, industry people, radio, and folks that appreciate young artists who are developing and trying to find their footing as artists. There aren’t many other areas in the country that have that scene or support established like it is here.
The interesting thing, too, is it doesn’t all translate. You could have a big resume in Texas, and in Nashville they’re not impressed. So, there’s a divide, even though a lot of the business and publishing still funnels through there.
If you could go back and give that season one Curtis Grimes from The Voice one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’d probably say, “Lobby a little harder on songs,” because that was the only negative about that whole scenario. It was an awesome experience, obviously, and I got priceless exposure, but they assign you songs, so it’s not really putting you in the best spot to try to impress the world.
And probably, “Sober up.” I didn’t really maximize opportunity, because I was just doing dumb stuff, instead of taking it as seriously as I would now if I got that same opportunity.
You’ve had more than 20 number one singles. What still excites you about making music?
It never gets old when you hear your song being played when you’re out somewhere. I don’t think I’ll ever get
numb to that, because it’s just cool. It’s all just icing on the cake. I don’t put that stress on myself maybe like some others do…whereas, I might have in baseball. It’s funny to think that I probably have a better platform now doing this than I would have if I was just some random minor league baseball player.
Tell about the Ten Finger Ministry you founded in honor of your grandfather. My grandfather loved gospel music, and we would sing it together. About a year or two after deciding what I wanted to do with music, I started posting worship songs or old hymns on social media. That’s when people started asking about a gospel album.
I didn’t really have extra funds lying around to record another project, so I started a GoFundMe and raised more than enough money to record a gospel album. I didn’t want to do it as a profit endeavor, so I thought I’d funnel anything that comes from this into a ministry. My grandfather passed away around that time. He had nine fingers. He was missing a finger from roping a horse when he was little. My dad commented that now he’s got ten fingers to worship the Lord. That’s where we got the idea for Ten Finger Ministry in his honor.
God was putting it on my heart to give people Bibles. I bought some and put them on our merch table for free, and they slowly disappeared. So, I just kept buying more and replacing them. Then people started asking me about it. I set up a website, and we’ve been able to distribute free Bibles. People are always surprised by that.
We try to get good quality ones to have on the merch table or send some overseas for different mission trips and things. It’s been a few years, so I need to record a new gospel album, volume two at some point.
East Texas has a way of shaping people as they grow up. What values from your hometown do you still carry today?
Humility. Not forgetting where you came from. Helps put everything in perspective. My mom still lives in Gilmer. My sister still lives in Gilmer. I’m hoping to play the
Yamboree next year.
Also the work ethic aspect, doing things just because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t see that much outside of that bubble. You learn really quickly everybody wasn’t raised like you were. And the faith element. Growing up, we took belief in God and Jesus for granted. It was rare that people didn’t believe. It was all we knew. When you go off, it’s not like that. You lose a lot of accountability. There is a community aspect of faith you lose when you leave that bubble.
What does a perfect day off look like for you?
I usually go to the gym every morning. That’s still how I get my fix and feel like an athlete, I guess. Then we have 20 acres out here. I enjoy working, tinkering. That’s my happy place. That and hanging out with my wife and three kids (ages 2-8).
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m more introverted than extroverted. I don’t know how I’ve learned to be the guy to sing and speak in front of people. I would probably rather not be the one in the center of the deal.
When your music career is eventually written into the Texas music history book, what do you hope the final sentence will say?
I hope it has something to do with using this gift to put some positive influence into the world.
Town Theatre, Huntsville August 15, 2026
Glorious Grandchildren
Arbor, Noah, Addie, Sadie, & Jett
Grandchildren of Scott & Shannon Williams
COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA
Asher & Ryleigh
Great-grandchildren of Eddie & Dianna Woodfield
SEASON PREVIEW
CABARET
Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten and Stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Oct. 1-3 | 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 3-4 | 2:00 p.m.
Erica Starr Theatre, UTC
JANE MONHEIT
LIVE IN CONCERT
Oct. 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Payne Concert Hall, GPAC
*Early purchase access for season ticket holders through August 31.
SPONSORSHIPS & VIP AVAILABLE
KEN LUDWIG’S THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas
Nov. 19-21 | 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 21-22 | 2:00 p.m.
Erica Starr Theatre, UTC
HOLIDAY CONCERT
Dec. 3-4 | 7:30 p.m.
Payne Concert Hall, GPAC
*Early purchase access for season ticket holders through September 30.
DANCE SPECTRUM IN CONCERT
Dec. 3-5 | 8:00 p.m.
Montague Dance Theater, GPAC
My 11-yo has drafted a fiction story for class and just asked me to look it over with her. As we sat down to read it, she said, "It's either a masterpiece or a disasterpiece."
Friends, I would like you to meet my new favorite word.
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Told my daughter work was tough today, and she patted my back and said, "Life isn't always pickles and peaches," like some kind of 3rd grade Confucius.
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My son just told me that a fire truck is actually a water truck. He then asked me, "If you're waiting for the waiter, aren't you the waiter?"
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Me: I didn't plan dinner--I have a Zoom...can we make PBJ?
My 8-yo: Oh, no rush, take your time. I'll wait for the Zoom to be done. I'm not a PBJ-for-dinner type of kid. I wasn't raised like that.
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I don't know what just happened, but I was at the animal shelter, and a toddler walked in, pointed at me, and went, "I want that one." His mom just looked at me and said, "You can't have that, that's a grown man."
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Last night, my 10-yo couldn't go to bed until he practiced how he would clap if he got nominated for an Oscar and lost, but was on camera and needed to look like he was okay.
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My friend's toddler used to be afraid of thunderstorms until she told him that thunder is just the sky farting... ...and now, every time there's a storm, he just laughs his little head off. Sometimes, all you need is a good rebrand.
Tasty Bites
No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Bars
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbs white sugar
1/4 cup melted salted butter
Orange Filling:
3 oz orange flavored gelatin
3/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup ice water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
8 oz frozen whipped topping (thawed)
Creamy Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp orange extract
8 oz frozen whipped topping (thawed)
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to a bowl; mix with a fork until it resembles sand. Pour into the prepared
pan and press evenly into the bottom of the pan with your fingers. Place in the refrigerator to chill, about 20 minutes.
Step 2: For orange filling, add orange gelatin to a bowl; pour in boiling water, and stir until dissolved. Stir in ice water, then place bowl in the refrigerator to cool for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, beat cream cheese with a mixer in a bowl until smooth. Scrape bottom and sides of bowl down, then add confectioner’s sugar. Beat again until well combined.
Step 4: Blend in cooled orange gelatin on low, until smooth with no cream cheese lumps. Fold in the whipped topping until completely combined, then place bowl back in the refrigerator.
Step 5: For creamy filling, add cream cheese to a clean bowl and beat until smooth. Add confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Beat until completely smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
Step 6: To assemble, pour half the creamy filling over graham cracker crust; smooth into an even layer with a spatula. Layer on orange filling and smooth out evenly. Add remaining creamy filling on top, and smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Find YOUR Place at the 25th Annual Texas Mushroom Festival
Whether you're a local business, artisan, food vendor, sponsor, volunteer, entertainer, car enthusiast, photographer, runner, or simply looking for a fun day with family, there's a place for you at the Texas Mushroom Festival.
Join us October 17, 2026, in historic downtown Madisonville for one of Texas' most unique festivals.
Email: info@txmushfest.org Contact US Website: www.txmushfest.org
Tasty Bites
Cowboy Coleslaw
INGREDIENTS
1 (16-oz) pkg shredded coleslaw mix
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 cup seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 Tbs canned adobo sauce
1 Tbs taco seasoning mix
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions lime wedges, for serving
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Toss coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeño together in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, adobo sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and cumin together in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Pour dressing over the coleslaw mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Garnish with scallions and serve with lime wedges. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before serving.
his 60th birthday
their 43rd Anniversary
Winston Spencer, Jr. celebrated
Dale & Kendra Tarney celebrated
The Garden Post August To-Do List
It’s not too late! Did you get sidetracked and not get flowers planted earlier this year?
Don’t worry, you can still plant several warmseason varieties. A few good choices are zinnias, lantana, periwinkles, tropical hibiscus, Mexican heather, and blue daze. However, be sure to mulch heavily and water accordingly, as some plants require more water than others to survive.
Remember to cut back, fertilize, and water your flowering perennials. They will get their second wind and give you a beautiful, late-summer and fall show.
Also, don’t forget about ornamental trees, shrubs and grasses. Some great choices are crape myrtles, Texas sage, and Muhly grasses. Make sure they’re watered well if we don’t get rain. And please don’t skimp on mulch! If you’re planning on adding new ornamentals to your landscape, fall is an excellent time to plant. Be proactive and get your area ready. If you need to amend your soil, do it now! If you’re not sure what your soil needs, please reach out to your local extension office and pick up soil test kits. The soil samples are sent to Texas A&M for analysis. They will send you a detailed report, and you can go from there on how to amend your soil if needed. Afterwards, mulch the area heavily to prevent weeds until time to plant.
When you’re ready to plant your ornamentals, it’s a good practice to use a root stimulator to give them a head start, but don’t fertilize them (This would encourage late-season,
Ginger Vybiral
Bobo’s Nursery Buffalo, Texas
new growth, which would be vulnerable to damage from an early freeze).
Get excited for fall vegetables and herbs! Plant in late August through early September. Some shining stars to consider are broccoli, cauliflower, greens, lettuces, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
We’ve touched on the subject, but let’s talk about fertilizing. Why do we fertilize in the hot summer months? Well, plants have to eat too, right? Most plants are at their peak growing cycle, and the heat really depletes their nutrients, so yes, they need it. But if you think, “Well, I’ll give it more so it will do better,” that’s a no-no. Fertilizer can burn plants to the point of no return, a total apocalyptic situation. Best advice: do your homework and know what your specific plant needs. There are slow-release as well as water-soluble options that are good. If you’re not sure, always consult your local nursery; they will give you expert advice and recommend what you need.
Let’s talk about those pesky critters that think they have the right to move in and take over our beautiful plants. Some of the usual suspects: mealy bugs, spider mites, white flies, aphids, slugs, tiny worms, cutworms, caterpillars (the list goes on and on). We had a mild winter, so the critter population wasn’t cut back like we would have liked. We have seen an upswing in infestations, but we can be proactive and head them off. Be diligent, check your plants regularly, do your homework, and know what products to treat the problem with. Check with your local nursery or garden center to find the right product to eradicate these tiny little monsters before it’s too late!
Not to be outdone, it appears we will have an El Nino year, which ups the possibility of a wetter-than-usual climate. This can lead to diseases and fungus. A good triple action is always a good choice; it takes care of everything.
Remember: children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
Lone Star Family Health Center
Working for healthcare that is affordable, accessible, friendly, and professional.
BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Manymembers of Erika Lira’s family have diabetes, therefore Erika was concerned that she might also be diabetic. So, she reached out to Lone Star Family Health Center (LSFHC). There, Erika was diagnosed with diabetes, and she also got real help. At the advice of her physician, she began attending educational classes at the health center, where she learned to check her blood sugar, read food labels, make better food choices, and exercise.
Erika is not alone. LSFHC served approximately 30,000 patients in 2025; more than 11 percent of those patients had a diagnosis of diabetes. Fortunately, like many others, Erika was able to make positive lifestyle changes that will help her manage her diabetes throughout her life. She also learned the importance of taking those steps. According to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term high blood sugar levels can damage vital organs and blood vessels; diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, kidney failure, lowerlimb amputations and even blindness. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America. More than 40 million Americans—roughly 12 percent of the country’s population—have diabetes.
Erika is grateful the professionals at LSFHC are so responsive to the needs of their diabetic patients, and she now knows how important it is to see her doctor regularly. She has high
praise for the educational classes she attended, as well as for her physician, Dr. Hurr Murtaza. “Dr. Murtaza treated me like family and would listen,” Erika says. “I also am grateful LSFHC helps so many low-income patients with affordable healthcare, like the Sliding Fee Discount Program.”
Serving the underserved For many families, healthcare can be difficult to access, and the cost can make an adverse economic impact. Fortunately, LSFHC can help. “We are very specifically for the underserved in the community,” says Heidi Bunyan, LSFHC chief operations officer. “That’s a huge benefit to the community.” As a “safety net provider,” LSFHC is able to help the uninsured, the underinsured and people who have gaps in their coverage. Many patients take advantage of the LSFHC Sliding Fee Discount Program (eligibility is based on household size and income).
Although a majority of LSFHC’s patients are covered by Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), many uninsured patients also receive care. In addition, some patients with private insurance or Medicare utilize LSFHC’s services. Because it is a federally qualified health center (FQHC), the federal government reimburses LSFHC for patients who have Medicaid and Medicare. LSFHC is available to everyone,
including people who live outside Montgomery County. “Our mission is to provide compassionate, affordable healthcare for all,” says Courtney Galle, marketing and communications manager. “We want people to thrive.” The Conroe location was the first and is the largest center in the LSFHC system; there are also locations in Grangerland, Huntsville, Magnolia, Spring, and Willis.
In 2025, LSFHC logged more than 87,000 patient visits. About threefourths of those were family medicine visits, but patients were also seen for women’s health, behavioral health, substance use disorder, nutrition, and even dental treatments. “When you are on a budget, things get cut,” Courtney says, noting that dental visits are often sacrificed. The good news is dental treatments at LSFHC can be discounted for qualifying families.
All six LSFHC locations have lab and X-ray equipment on site; in addition, the Conroe location has an in-house pharmacy, where LSFHC patients can conveniently have prescriptions filled at discounted prices.
Families with children are a common sight at LSFHC, Courtney says, and many have been asking about this year’s Don’t Miss the Bus Vaccinations and Well-Child Visits program. Now in its ninth year, this program provides free vaccines and well child visits for uninsured patients. Every participating
Our mission is to provide compassionate, affordable healthcare for all ”
child also receives a backpack that contains basic school supplies. Don’t Miss the Bus will be held July 27 through August 14.
Vision for the future
For some time, LSFHC has realized the need for vision services. Every child needs a vision screening, Heidi says; furthermore, vision care is important for adults, especially those who are diabetic. Diabetes can cause damage to eyes that, if untreated, can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Few FQHCs in Texas offer vision services, Heidi says, but thanks to generous grants from the Episcopal Health Foundation and Conroe Noon Lions Club, LSFHC’s new vision clinic should be operational by fall. There, qualifying patients will be able to get discounted vision screenings and low-cost glasses and contact lenses.
One full-time optometrist will be on staff; during ramp-up, there may be an additional part-time optometrist. With optometrists on staff, Heidi believes it will be easier to find participating providers for patients who need to see eye specialists, such as eye surgeons.
Dedicated providers
LSFHC’s story is intertwined with the history of the Conroe Family Medicine Residency Program (CFMR), which was founded in 1979. In 2002, responding to the need for an associated healthcare clinic, LSFHC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was created. In 2012, the center moved to its current location near HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe Hospital. A 25,000 square foot addition was completed in 2025, bringing the total square footage of the center to an impressive 93,844.
Since 1979, 42 classes of physicians
have graduated from CFMR, including Dr. Daniel Porter, the medical director of LSFHC. Residents follow one of three family medicine tracks, with concentrations in hospitalist practice, obstetrics, and medicine for the underserved. The program, which admits 12 recent medical school graduates each year to its three-year program, has a 100 percent pass rate on the Board Certification Examination offered by the American Board of Family Medicine.
CFMR providers have a heart for the underserved, uninsured, and underprivileged, Heidi says, and many of the physicians have been at LSFHC for years. For many, working with the underserved is their first choice, and they have developed a rapport with their patients. “Our physicians are really dedicated to the care of the community,” Heidi says.
“If you don’t have insurance, you don’t have many choices,” she says, noting that when healthcare is unaffordable, people are tempted to postpone healthcare visits. Sadly, this can often lead to complex medical issues difficult to treat. The good news for underserved patients in the area, however, is LSFHC provides a clean, spacious facility with friendly, compassionate providers. The cost of services is reasonable, which, for many patients, means healthcare issues can be addressed promptly, before they get out of control.
Unfortunately, many LSFHC patients lack reliable transportation to and from the health center. “Transportation is our number one barrier,” Heidi says. The staff of LSFHC is grateful the City of Conroe’s bus system, Conroe Connection, has a bus stop at the Conroe location; however, Heidi hopes bus service will be expanded in the future.
Although LSFHC earns favorable reviews for its affordable prices and its modern, inviting facility, it is the friendly, caring faculty and staff that seem to make the biggest impression on patients. “Everyone was friendly and professional,” says one patient. “I was very impressed with the staff here and how I was treated,” says another. “I have referred everyone I know because of how wonderful the entire staff is here!”
Medical Matters
Skin Safety 101: Protecting Against Sunburn and Skin Cancer
Alittle sunshine can do wonders for your mood, but when it comes to skin health, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Summer in Texas means long days outdoors, but it also means increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin.
Sunburn is the most immediate effect of UV overexposure. Even a mild burn can cause discomfort, peeling, and longterm skin damage. But repeated sunburns or chronic sun exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer— the most common type of cancer in the U.S. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and many cases are preventable with proper protection. Here’s how you can protect your skin this season:
• Apply sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it 15–30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Don’t forget easily missed spots like ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of your feet.
• Cover up. Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses when spending extended time outdoors. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) for added defense.
• Seek shade. Stay in shaded areas, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Bring umbrellas or pop-up tents if natural shade is scarce.
• Don’t be fooled by clouds. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even overcast days require sun protection. Reflective surfaces like water, sand, and pavement can intensify UV exposure.
• Avoid tanning beds. Artificial UV light is just as harmful as the sun and significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. Opt for sunless tanning lotions or sprays if you
Craig Boudreaux, DO Family Medicine Medical Director, SHSU Physicians
want a golden glow.
Children are especially vulnerable to UV damage. Childhood sunburns are linked to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life. Make sure they wear sunscreen and protective clothing and take frequent breaks from the sun. Teach them early about the importance of skin care and sun safety.
In addition to daily protection, regular skin checks are important. Examine your skin monthly for changes in size, shape, or color of moles or new spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal. The ABCDE rule can help you identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time.
If you have a family history of skin cancer or concerns about any skin changes, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. We’re here to answer questions and help you stay healthy year-round. Sunshine and summertime go hand in hand in Texas. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer—without putting your skin at risk. Protecting your skin today means healthier skin tomorrow.
August 2026
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CONROE
“Shrek JR: The Musical” crightontheatre.org
1
CONROE
Terrain Race Houston terrainrace.com
1
CONROE Stars, Stripes, & Stories: An America 250! Celebration countylibrary.org//central_library.php
2
TOMBALL
Tom Glynn: American Tune (Simon, Groce, & Taylor) mainstreetcrossing.com
6
THE WOODLANDS John Mellencamp thewoodlandscenter.org
6-7
COLLEGE STATION Global Leadership Summit 20226 christchurchcs.org
6-9
HOUSTON Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus nrgpark.com 7
CENTERVILLE Kids Book Club – Journey to the Center of the Earth wardmemoriallibraryctx@gmail.com
7-8
HUNTSVILLE St. Thomas Rummage Sale (936) 581-0451 7
THE WOODLANDS
TOTO + Christopher Cross + The Romantics thewoodlandscenter.org
8
BRYAN Lion King Movie Night at Aggieland Safari aggielandsafari.com 8
HUNTSVILLE Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org
8
THE WOODLANDS YES to YOUTH Gala app.betterunite.com/yestoyouth-2026gala-everafter
8 THE WOODLANDS
The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers thewoodlandscenter.org 8
PALESTINE Pints in the Pines texasstaterailroad.net
14-30
CONROE
Three Cross Meat Ministry Gala lonestarcowboy.ticketspice.com/threecross-gala
14-30
CONROE
“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” owentheatre.com
14-15
HOUSTON FRAGCON Global Fragrance Convention globalfragranceconvention.com
Mustard Seed Moments
By Ruth Fields
A Bright Idea
Several years ago, I heard about a remarkable invention. Two architecture students, inspired by Haiti’s catastrophic 2010 earthquake, created an inflatable, waterproof, solar-powered lantern that was featured on the TV show Shark Tank. It sounded like a good idea to me, so I ordered a LuminAID lantern to have on hand for minor power outages.
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl took many of us by surprise. My solar-powered lantern came in handy during the subsequent power outage; however, I have to admit it worked better when paired with ancient knowledge. As my husband and I sat down for dinner (prepared on our gas-powered stove), I plunked my nifty lantern on the table. It didn’t help much. “Put it up higher,” my husband suggested, so I hung it from the light fixture that hangs over our dining room table. Instantly, the whole room lit up with a warm glow.
I was suddenly reminded of Matthew 5:1416, where Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
This probably made perfect sense to people who used oil lamps to light their homes, and who knew what a lampstand was, but it took a hurricane and subsequent power outage for me to think about the deeper meaning. Jesus went on to say, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The concept of “light” is used many times throughout the Bible. Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” And in Acts, 26:16-18, we learn God sent the Apostle Paul to Gentile territory “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
The song many of us learned as children still rings true: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. . .”
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” – John 8:12
