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Postcards Magazine

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September 2025

Flowers on the Lake • Troop 491 • Houston Methodist Hospital

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Contents September 2025 | Volume 15, Issue 9

Lake Conroe | September 2025

Features

Postcards

10 28

Community Builders

Flowers on the Lake Local Treasures

Troop 491

Favorites

Advertiser Anniversaries.......................16 Calendar - Making Tracks.....................40 Dear Gabby............................................ 14 Feedback.................................................. 8 Glorious Grandchildren ....................... 22 Mustard Seed Moments ....................... 42 Pet Pals .................................................. 38 Puzzle Solutions.....................................31 Sudoku Marketspace .............................31 Tasty Bites ..............................................18

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Community. It's what we do!

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If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available. DIRECT-MAILED to select postal routes in Willis, Conroe, and Montgomery. FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above. Owned and Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. PUBLISHER

Karen Altom EDITOR

Wes Altom OPERATIONS MANAGER

Marshall Altom

ADVERTISING TEAM

BUSINESS FOCUS

Columns

Garden Post .......................................... 26 Medical Matters .................................... 32 Publisher’s Post ...................................... 6

On The Cover 2024 Postcards Photo Contest 1st Place Winner Nature

Houston Methodist Hospital

Cover Photo by Janice West

Marshall Altom Nancy Jolly Leah Lamp DESIGN TEAM

Mary Partida April Key Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any material without written preauthorization. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, scanned, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2025 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved. Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media

Publisher’s Post Back to School… and Back to Dreams

Lake Conroe | September 2025

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eptember always feels like the real settling-in month. The crayons are starting to wear down, the new shoes have lost their shine, and the excitement of the first day has given way to the rhythm of early mornings, homework, and after-school activities. It’s also the time when routines take hold—and (sometimes) when we start thinking about those big plans and dreams we’ve put on the shelf. When I was in college, like many of you, the plans I started with shifted as I explored and discovered my strengths and loves. Still, two “what ifs” have always lingered in the back of my mind. The first was my dream as a young radio/television major who adored radio—to move to Nashville and work for WSM, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The history of that station and the role it played in shaping country music fascinated me. With family roots in Tennessee, it seemed like a perfect fit. But this Texas girl just couldn’t bring herself to be that far away from her East Texas family. The second big one? A scholarship offer to attend law school at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. The thought of earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree intrigued me—but my sweet momma wasn’t quite sold. She gently reminded me that, whatever I did as a career choice, I needed to be sure I could go to heaven and always tell the truth—so help me God! The other day, as I was getting dressed, I reached for one of my favorite treasures: a necklace with an engraved heart bearing my grandmother name, Sassy, and the initial charms of my five grandsons—our newest, Jedson, just added. Our son’s boys are on one side of the heart, and our daughter’s sons on the other. I looked down, then froze. On the Altom side, in the order they arrived—Walker, Sutton, Myles—the initials spelled WSM. On the Boyd side? JD for Jedson and Deacon. For those who may not know, “JD” is the abbreviation for Juris Doctor—the standard law degree in the U.S. I had to stop and smile. Turns out, God had given me both of those “big dreams”—just in a way far sweeter than I could have planned or imagined. And honestly, I think I got the better deal. After all, this way I get to enjoy my WSM and my JD without having to move to Nashville, take the bar exam, or pay California rent! Until next time,

Sometimes the sweetest dreams are right under your nose.”

Feedback Old People

I just read your publisher’s post in the July issue. Bunk!!!!! You are the most vibrant “old” person I know and respect. Let’s have lunch soon and compare old folks notes! Chris Supan

Lake Conroe | September 2025

Granddaddy

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I had never seen your magazine until recently. A friend in Huntsville sent it to me after he read the story about the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Huntsville Fire Department. The article mentions my grandfather, C.E. Bobbitt, several times. I never knew him because he died several years before I was born. Even so, I appreciate the work that Barbara Kievit-Mason and the University Archives/Thomason Room at Sam Houston State University and Chrissys Beillo did to produce the article. I had always wondered how my grandfather became the city fire chief in 1925. The article explains that he was appointed by then Mayor Sam McKinney, and your article answered an important question for me. Growing up, I remember hearing my daddy, Fred Aubrey Bobbitt, talk about Sam McKinney, but I never really knew who he was. My daddy took me to the original fire station building on 11th Street (across from the old post office, now the District Attorney's office) several times and showed me the cornerstone of the building with my Granddaddy's name on it. After my father's death in 1989, my sister and I donated Granddaddy's Fire Chief badge to the City of Huntsville. I have copied the article and sent to several relatives.

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Lake Conroe | September 2025

Flowers Postcards

on the Lake

Event dedicated to promoting community awareness about domestic violence and supporting survivors. BY ROSA COSS | SUBMITTED PHOTOS

he Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and two independent non-profits, the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission, and the Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC) have partnered together to bring the Flowers on the Lake annual event to the community for the past six years. The purpose of the event is to show support and solidarity, standing with those who have been victims of domestic violence, remembering victims who didn’t make it out of domestic violence situations, and providing victims with resources within their community. This annual event takes place during the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This year, Flowers on the Lake will be held in Conroe on October 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., at Montgomery County Veteran’s Memorial Park, 1776 Freedom Blvd., off the southeast corner of Hwy 105 and Interstate 45.

Beginnings

According to the host of the event, Judge Echo Hutson (County Court at Law #4), the idea of Flowers on the Lake came about in 2020, during COVID. They had to practice social distancing, so they came up with the idea of having an event outdoors. “The park had just opened,” said Judge Hutson, “so I called Judge Jimmy Edwards, who runs the Montgomery County Veteran’s Commission, and called the Mayor of Conroe, and asked them if we could hold the event at the park, and they said yes!” That year, the event was not open to the public. They invited elected officials and first responders and did a web broadcast to include the public. People really seemed to love it, so the following year, they opened it up to everyone. Preparation begins the day before the event when the flowers (purple carnations) arrive at the MCWC. “We

A brief ceremony precedes placing the flowers on the lake.

use purple carnations because they represent strength and resilience,” said Judge Hutson, “which characterizes the victims as survivors, and purple is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness.” At least 10-15 volunteers come together for half the day, to help cut and prepare the flowers. Cutting the flowers is a process because besides cutting each stem, each flower has to be individually opened. “This is very symbolic because as we open the flowers, we discover the different shades of purple; it is like revealing the different layers of a person,” said Judge Hutson. The flowers are then chilled and stored overnight. It takes several hours to finish cutting and opening the flowers; therefore, they are very thankful for the volunteers and committee members that come out to help. All costs are covered through donations.

Lake Conroe | September 2025

The Ceremony

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On the day of the event, the ceremony starts with a meet and greet, followed by a welcome message and heartfelt appreciation for everyone that helps put this event together. “We invite and recognize all first responders, elected officials, medical personnel, and anyone who works with domestic violence victims in the community. Then, the committee members hand out pins for Domestic Violence Awareness. We have prayer and pledges, introduce the speakers, and they speak briefly about Domestic Violence and Awareness. Overall, the event only lasts about 30 minutes. “We keep it short because it is such a heavy topic,” said Judge Hutson. At the end of the ceremony, every participant is given a carnation to place on the lake in memory of, or in support of victims or survivors of domestic violence, and for those that suffer in silence. The Montgomery County Veteran’s Memorial Commission provides golf carts for anyone with mobility issues needing assistance. We also have volunteer photographers.

Meet and greet prior to the ceremony on, the lights are reflecting on the lake as the flowers are placed in the water. “It is just a beautiful sight,” said Judge Hutson. “For everyone present, it’s a meaningful and powerful ceremony filled with a great deal of emotion and hope.” “There is a psychological wellness in contributing to a cause,” said

The Big Picture

Judge Hutson stated they encourage community participation, but they also want to bring awareness, so people can understand domestic violence is not always what they may think or imagine it to be. It doesn’t follow a script, and it can affect people in all walks of life, and at any age… it doesn’t discriminate. “It involves human behavior. It can be learned behavior; it can be learned as a child with family, or it can be learned in a relationship and carried over to the next relationship, it’s one of those things that develop. A person may start off in a loving relationship that suddenly turns toxic. It can happen over a long period of time, or it can quickly become dangerous,” said Judge Hutson. Trying to get those conversations started can be really hard because for those who have experienced it, talking about it can be very triggering and dark. As the event comes to an end, it is a time for silence and reflection. The sun is setting, the water fountains are

with Law Enforcement. I wanted to start a division like that here,” said Judge Hutson. Since being sworn into office in 2023, Judge Hutson’s docket handles specialized Domestic Violence and Mental Health Treatment Courts. “The victims we work with are people in our community,” said Judge Hutson. “I wanted to do something to honor them and let them know people care.” In 2023, law enforcement agencies across Texas reported 247,896 incidents of family violence (Texas DPS). In the last 5 years, Montgomery County alone reported 20 domestic violence murders, stressing the severe and often fatal outcomes of intimate partner violence (Texas Council on Family Violence). In 2024, MCWC served 1,243 victims that accessed emergency shelter, and 2,791 survivors received advocacy and accompaniment during hospital visits or court appearances.

Judge Hutson. “That feeling of having contributed leaves you with a lighter heart.” “That first year when I started, there was no specialization for domestic violence in the district attorney’s office in Montgomery County. I came from El Paso where we had a robust Domestic Violence Division. We had prosecutors in every court. We worked

Melanie Jackman, MCWC Community Engagement Strategist, who has been with the organization for the past 10 years said, “The numbers are staggering. They are the reason this event is so important, and why we come together as a community to walk alongside victims and survivors in support and solidarity.”

Domestic Violence 24 Hour Crisis Line: 936-441-7273

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Dear Gabby

Send me your questions at

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Welcome back to the September edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. The national holiday this month is Labor Day, on September 1st. How convenient it falls on a Monday. I recently had a birthday, and I told my grandkids I was older than Google. They didn’t believe me. By the way, if you were born before September 4th, 1998, you’re older than Google, too! Fall begins on the 22nd, so stock up on your pumpkin spice items. I can live without pumpkin spice; just give me some cooler weather and high school football. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. DEAR GABBY I asked my big brother about some stories I read about pirates. I really like pirates and their stories are so exciting, but some things I don’t understand. Like earrings, eye patches, and parrots. He told me to ask you because you probably remember pirates. Jolly Roger

Lake Conroe | September 2025

DEAR JR Ahoy, Matey! That’s a real funny brother you’ve got there. Earrings, eye patches, and parrots, oh my! Some pirates believed gold had magical powers and could ward off evil spirits, seasickness, and even prevent drowning. They thought it gave improved night vision for raids after dark. Nope, but stay tuned. Since there are no banks on the high seas, gold earrings were a good way to keep some valuable gold where you could keep an eye on it. Some pirates would engrave their home port inside their earrings. It was widely believed, if you were lost at sea or battle, the gold in your earrings would cover the cost of whoever found you to ship you home and bury your

bones. (But these are pirates we’re talking about.) Regarding patches, pirates did not go around poking each other’s eyes out. Patches truly were good for improving night vision. By covering one eye, if you had to go down into the dark belly of the ship, you would switch the patch to the other eye and your unpatched eye would be much more able to see in the dark areas. Ditto for unexpected night raids. The high seas are a lonely place on long voyages, and parrots make good pets. Some could be taught to talk, and they worked cheap…for seeds and nuts. Being a pirate was an exciting life, and what kid wouldn’t want to sleep in a hammock and have a parrot for a first mate? Yo Ho Ho Gabby

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Lake Conroe | September 2025

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Tasty Bites Garlicky Grilled Pesto Chicken

Lake Conroe | September 2025

INGREDIENTS

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2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves, plus chopped basil for garnish 1/4 cup walnut halves and pieces 2 garlic cloves 1 ice cube 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp lemon zest 2 Tbs fresh lemon juice, divided 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated 4 (8-oz) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1-inch thickness 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Combine basil, walnuts, garlic, ice cube, 1/2 teaspoon salt, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a food processor. Process until very finely chopped, about 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. With processor running, slowly stream in oil until emulsified, about 15 seconds. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse until well combined, 3 to 4 pulses.

Step 2: Transfer 1/2 cup of the pesto into a large resealable plastic bag; add remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Divide remaining 1/2 cup pesto into 2 small bowls, 1/4 cup each; cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Step 3: Season chicken evenly with pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Add chicken to the bag with pesto; seal, and gently massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Step 4: Grill chicken, uncovered, until grill marks form, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip chicken; grill until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of chicken registers 160 degrees F. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Brush top of chicken evenly with 1/4 cup reserved pesto. Loosely cover with foil and let stand 5 minutes. Step 6: Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Serve remaining 1/4 cup pesto on the side and garnish with basil.

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Lake Conroe | September 2025

1 cup butter 2 cups white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella®) 3 cups rolled oats

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DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Line an 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Step 2: Melt butter in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Stir sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the melted butter; bring to a boil and cook and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium; add the peanut butter and chocolate-hazelnut spread. Cook and stir until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the oats; stir to coat evenly. Dump the mixture into the prepared baking dish; spread into an even layer using a spatula or spoon. Step 4: Allow the mixture to cool completely, at least 30 minutes. Remove from baking dish, lifting by the foil. Cut into bars to serve.

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Lake Conroe | September 2025

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The Garden Post

Let’s Do This Right! Lake Conroe | September 2025

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he fall planting season has begun, and everyone is ready to get started. To start your season properly, let us discuss some of the tried-and-true basics for installing your landscape...with tips formulated especially for our growing area. Walker County and Montgomery County share a woodland environment and dealing with clay; acid based soils and poor drainage are often a challenge to contend with. If you are a new contractor, gardener, or a do-it-yourselfer, I have found most folks “get into trouble” or have limited success by not following the three basic rules of landscape. Yes, there is a ton more info on the subject, but let us start with the bare basics and discuss. Light requirements: Know how much sun you have and what plants grow in these conditions. 1. In the landscape industry, morning sun till 12:00 noon is considered ½ day sun, or a shady environment. 2. Direct sun from 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm is considered a full sun area. Getting the correct plant variety for the amount of light the plant will receive is crucial to its growth and success. Much money is thrown away by planting that plant “you had to have” in the area where “you had to have it,” but failing to ensure it fulfills the light or space needs of the plant, and the plant dies. Placement: (Someone needs to hear this.) All plants grow and will not stay the size they are at purchase. Pruning it heavily (to keep it at 50% less than its intended mature size) will eventually kill it. 1. Plants should be planted at least 24” – 36” away from the foundation of the house and not under the dripline of the roof. Heavy rains will/can damage shrubs, and the plant

Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center

needs to have room to grow vertically and horizontally from the center of the plant. 2. Shrubs that grow to 3’ will need to be placed 3’ apart, measuring from the center of each plant. Plants that grow to 6’ in width can be planted on 6’ centers, with a minimum of a 4’ center. Large shrubs, such as vitex and dwarf crape myrtles, should be placed a minimum of 6’-8’ from a foundation (with 8’-10’ being preferred). 3. Shade trees with a 40’ height x 25’ wide are recommended to be a minimum of 15’ away from a foundation. Planting: Due to the heavy clay content often found in our soil and the use of contractor’s fill to build a foundation (which cannot be avoided), the area around the foundation is rarely without the need to be amended. 1. To make a planting medium sufficient to grow plants successfully, a soilless planting mix or a high-grade topsoil mixed with humus makes an excellent base when tilled into the existing soil. 2. On average, the top 3”- 6” of soil are removed on new home builds. Then soil additives are applied. Ensure your prepared beds are several inches below the weep holes when mulch is applied. If clay is still prevalent, apply garden gypsum. The gypsum will break the clay into smaller particles, allowing for better aeration and drainage. 3. Remember to plant 1” above grade. This means 1”-2” of the root ball is above the existing soil level, giving weight of the plant room to settle and elevation from poor drainage. These basic rules will save tons of money and frustration and as always, your local independent garden center can always help answer questions. Happy Gardening….fall is on the way.

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September 2025 | Lake Conroe

27 Postcards

LOCAL TREASURES

Lake Conroe | September 2025

Troop 491

Group goes from humble beginnings to a huge milestone, equipping youth for life and service.

STORY & PHOTOS BY RUTH FIELDS

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Troop 491 Eagles who attended 100th Eagle celebration

rian Elders really didn’t want to join Cub Scouts. He knew other 10-year-olds at his school who made fun of boys who were in Scouts, and that didn’t sound like fun. However, Brian’s father, Dale Elders, had been involved with Scouting briefly during his childhood and he thought that Brian might enjoy it. Besides, Dale says, “I didn’t want him sitting around the house playing Pac-Man all the time.” Brian and Dale disagree about how forcefully Dale pushed the issue. Brian remembers thinking, “No, no, no. I don’t want to go!” Meanwhile, Dale says that he never insisted that Brian join; he simply wanted him to attend a meeting. After all, how would he know if he liked it if he never went? In the end, Brian went to a meeting and agreed to go on a campout. There, he was impressed with the dinner of “silver turtles”—a Scout campout staple made of seasoned meat and vegetables, wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked on hot coals. He also learned about the many merit badges he could earn. “From that point on,” he says, “I was hooked.”

Troop 491

In the summer of 1991, soon after Brian had “crossed over” from Cub Scouts to Boy Scout Troop 907 in Montgomery, Dale and other Scout dads began thinking about starting another troop that would serve the quickly growing population center near Lake Conroe. They envisioned a troop with fun activities for the boys and lots of parental involvement. They soon learned that Troop 491, which met in Montgomery, had been deactivated decades earlier, and they applied to have the troop reactivated. With six boys—just one more than the minimum requirement for a troop— the newly-reactivated Troop 491 had its first meeting at April Sound Church on October 21, 1991. Dale became the troop’s first scoutmaster. It wasn’t long before Brian set his sights on making Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. “I remember them saying not everybody makes it to Eagle, and I thought, ‘I think I can do it,’” Brian says. “I wanted to achieve it because I

Above: Eagle tomahawk today Left: Eagle tomahawk early years

thought it was such a lofty goal. I loved the challenge of it.” He began mapping out a plan, thinking about which elective merit badges he would like to earn. Leaders told him it was a great honor, and that it would open doors for him later in life. On December 21, 1995, Brian completed the requirements for Eagle Scout, becoming Troop 491’s first. Bubba Henson, whose father Danny Henson became Troop 491’s second scoutmaster in 1996, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1998. Brian and Bubba did not realize that their accomplishments were the beginning of a robust troop tradition. About the time Brian became an Eagle Scout, Danny found an old piece of iron he made into a blade. He put a handle on it, creating a tomahawk, and an idea took shape. The tomahawk was presented to Brian at his Eagle Court of Honor. “We kind of made up the rules as we went,” Danny says. “Each new Eagle puts his mark on it and hands it off to the next Eagle.” Today, it is decorated so flamboyantly, it’s hard to see the tomahawk itself.

100 Eagles

In early 2025, Brian received an unexpected message on social media from a friend he hadn’t seen since his high school days. “Some Boy Scout troop,” the message said, was trying to reach him to invite him to a celebration for the troop’s 100 Eagle Scouts. Brian thought, “100 Eagles!” Unbeknownst to Brian, a social media flurry was in progress, and most of the troop’s former members who had achieved the rank of Eagle between 1995 and 2025 were located and invited to a celebration on June 7. Many of these former Scouts, like Brian, were amazed the troop had produced so many Eagle Scouts. It is estimated only four to six percent of Boy Scouts achieve this honor. Brian—and many of the other men who attended Troop 491 meetings at April Sound Church—were also astounded Troop 491 now has its own building, a distinct rarity among troops. “That blew me away,” Brian says, “and everything that’s in it. The history and the Wall of Eagles, the old flags. That, to me, was pretty incredible.”

Lake Conroe | September 2025

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Brian Elders, Dale Elders, Danny Henson, Bubba Henson

The Scout Hut

In its first life, the Troop 491 Scout Hut was a fire station in Lake Conroe Forest. During the early 2000s, Troop 491 acquired the building and, thanks to donations and lots of boy hours, a warehouse-like shell was transformed into a remarkable meeting place. One former Scout remembers tearing the inside of the building down to the studs, then rebuilding it. “It was a lot of work,” he says. “And that is an understatement.” Today, the Scout Hut is equipped with a large meeting room, a full kitchen and several patrol rooms—hidey-holes where boys can make plans, engage in patrol activities, and work on merit badges and rank advancement. One of the most beloved features of the Scout Hut is the Wall of Eagles, where the names of the troop’s Eagle Scouts are displayed on wooden plaques. It’s there to honor the Eagles, as well as to inspire future Eagles. “We are fortunate to have a scout hut permanently set up for us. The boys walk in here and see the Wall of Eagles. I think they are drawn to it and want to be a part of it,” says Kris Coates, Troop 491’s current scoutmaster. Kris hopes his son Konner will eventually make Eagle Scout, but acknowledges

attaining the rank of Eagle is something a boy must aspire to on his own. “I can only provide the boot to the butt,” he says with a smile. Today, Troop 491 is focused not only on perpetuating the troop’s strong Eagle tradition, but on encouraging other worthwhile goals, too. One of those is for Scouts to take part in Scouting America’s National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). In previous years, adults trained boys when they moved into new troop positions, says former Scoutmaster Mark O’Neill, who

introduced NYLT to the troop. Today, when Scouts graduate from NYLT, they are invited to teach younger boys who are elected to troop positions. “We want this to be a true boy-led troop,” Mark says. “It’s a privilege for them to come back and teach.” Mark says Troop 491 also emphasizes membership in Order of the Arrow, the honor society of Scouts, and encourages the boys to attend high-adventure camps such as Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of New Mexico; Northern Tier in northern Minnesota; and Sea Base in the Florida Keys. The boys have benefited from the troop’s excellence. Consider Daniel Dean, who has been in Scouting since he was six years old, starting with Tiger Cubs. When he was about nine or 10 years old, he met an Eagle Scout. That was all it took. He crossed over to Boy Scouts during the pandemic, but persevered. He enjoys high-adventure camps, especially Sea Base, and appreciates learning outdoor skills that “a lot of people don’t know,” he says. In October 2024, he became Troop 491’s 95th Eagle Scout. Daniel now has 61 merit badges—40 more than the requirement for Eagle. On July 13, William Larson, having completed his Eagle project, the required paperwork, and a final conference, officially became Troop 491’s 100th Eagle Scout. Like Daniel, he joined Tiger Cubs when he was six years old and has been in Scouts ever since. He is now 16 years old. At first, the idea of completing an Eagle project was “daunting,” he says, but he “took a step back, looked at it, and zoomed into the finer details.” Like Brian, who became an Eagle Scout 30 years before, he remembers thinking, “This is something I can do.” The tradition continues. Author Ruth Fields is the mother of Troop 491’s 18th and 30th Eagle Scouts.

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Medical Matters A Clear Start:

Grant Means

The Importance of Back-to-School Eye Exams s students sharpen pencils and zip up backpacks for the new school year, many families check off supply lists, sports forms, and annual physicals. But one essential health step often slips under the radar: a comprehensive eye exam. Clear vision plays a bigger role in a child’s learning than most people realize. It’s estimated as much as 80% of classroom learning is visual. From reading textbooks and solving math problems to catching a ball in PE, good vision is essential for academic performance and overall confidence. The challenge is that vision problems in children often go

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unnoticed. Kids may not realize they’re seeing the world differently, and even the most attentive parents may miss the subtle signs. Difficulty reading small print, frequent headaches, sitting too close to the television, or losing place while reading can all signal a vision issue. Left unchecked, these problems can impact grades, behavior, and self-esteem. A back-to-school eye exam isn’t just about reading the big “E” on the chart. A comprehensive exam checks visual acuity, depth perception, eye alignment, and focusing ability. It can detect common issues like nearsightedness (difficulty seeing far away), farsightedness (difficulty seeing up close), and astigmatism (blurry or distorted vision at all distances). These conditions are highly correctable with glasses or contact lenses — but only if they’re identified. Eye exams can also reveal more than vision problems. The eyes are often called the “window to your health” because they can show early signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain autoimmune disorders. For children with existing health concerns, regular eye exams can be especially important in monitoring changes.

O.D.

For students spending increasing amounts of time on screens — whether for school assignments, research, or social connection — eye care is even more critical. Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, can cause tired eyes, dryness, blurred vision, and headaches. While limiting screen time isn’t always realistic, proper lighting, regular breaks, and the right corrective lenses can make a big difference. The start of a school year is a natural time to schedule an exam, ensuring any needed corrections or treatments are in place before learning ramps up. For children already wearing glasses or contacts, an annual check-up helps ensure their prescription is still accurate and their eyes are healthy. Healthy eyes set the stage for success both in and out of the classroom. By prioritizing eye care alongside other back-to-school preparations, parents give their children the clear vision they need to thrive. After all, when a child can see the board, read with ease, and fully engage in their environment, they’re not just seeing better — they’re learning better.

Things My Granddaddy Said Live your eulogy.

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If you can’t sing, dance.

September 2025 | Lake Conroe

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Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

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

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Houston Methodist

The Woodlands Hospital Lake Conroe | September 2025

A Holistic Approach to Healing:

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Cancer Patients Find Strength, Support and Purpose Through Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands BY NAOMI SMITH-GEORGE

hen Elsa Cordera found a tiny spot on her tongue in December 2022, she didn’t think much of it. Perhaps an inflamed taste bud, as her dentist suggested. But within weeks, the pain worsened, her health began to decline and by New Year’s, she could barely eat. Her husband, Joseph, grew concerned and pushed for answers. That search quickly turned into a whirlwind of referrals, scans and, finally, a diagnosis: stage 4 squamous

cell carcinoma. “I was scared. We were afraid of the unknown. Elsa said. “But I also knew I had to fight. I was hopeful and held onto my faith.” The news came as a shock. The tumor had spread across the midline of her tongue and into her lymph nodes. Referred to a major cancer center in Houston, Elsa and Joseph found themselves caught in scheduling delays. Desperate for help, they turned

to Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, where everything changed for the better. “Cynthia understood the urgency,” Joseph said, recalling his first call with oncology nurse navigator Cynthia Andrews, BSN, RN, OCN. “She got us in for a scan, a consult and a treatment plan within days.” From that point forward, the couple was surrounded by a coordinated team of specialists who walked with them every step of the way.

I was scared. We were afraid of the unknown

”

Left:Billie Forrest (standing) and Alfred Cantu Right: Joseph (standing) and Elsa Cordera

Team-Based Cancer Care Close to Home

At the center of that support was nurse navigator Cynthia Andrews, who coordinated Elsa’s care from diagnosis through recovery. “Every patient’s experience is different,” Andrews said. “Our job is to remove as many burdens as we can so they can focus on healing.” In addition to medical care, Houston Methodist offers services that support the emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients and their families;

The HEAL program offers patients and caregivers a place to connect, recover and grow. Offerings include various therapies such as creative arts, nutrition workshops, fitness sessions and support groups. Each program is designed to promote whole-person healing. “Cancer treatment goes beyond medical procedures,” Dr. Ramshesh said. “HEAL embodies our belief that wellness involves mind, body and spirit.” After completing active treatment, Elsa began attending HEAL events, where she found comfort in connecting with other survivors. “I still have speech challenges,” she said, “but I’m here. I’m alive. And I want to use my experience to help others.”

One of the most powerful connections made through HEAL was between Elsa and fellow survivor Al Cantu. In 2019, Al was diagnosed with stage 2 base-of-tongue and lymph node cancer. He underwent 33 rounds of radiation and three rounds of chemotherapy, relying on a feeding tube to maintain nutrition during treatment. His partner, Billie, became his caregiver, learning to manage medication, nutrition and emotional support. “Houston Methodist guided us every step of the way,” Billie said. “They taught me how to care for Al at home. When things got hard, they never let us fall.” Al vividly recalls a moment during his treatment when a nurse noticed he was struggling and offered to pray with him. “That moment changed everything for me” he said. “It gave me the strength to finish.” Now in remission, Al and Billie stay active in HEAL activities. Billie teaches diamond art classes, and the couple

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The Role of Navigation and Support

HEAL: The Heart of Holistic Recovery

Mentorship Through Shared Experience

September 2025 | Lake Conroe

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands provides advanced treatment for a wide range of cancers, including head and neck, breast, lung, prostate and hematologic cancers. Patients benefit from the latest in medical technology, as well as access to clinical trials and precision genomics that tailor treatment to each individual’s unique cancer profile. Priya V. Ramshesh, MD, Medical Director of Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands, explained that the hospital’s model centers on collaboration and personalization. Patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, dietitians, speech-language pathologists, social workers and nurse navigators. “Our experts consult formally and informally every day to build tailored plans that reflect the patient’s needs and goals,” Dr. Ramshesh said. “Cancer care is like a journey in a large car. You need multiple drivers, each with a critical role, to steer together.” This collaborative approach was key to Elsa’s care. After a rapid series of scans and consultations, she began chemotherapy to shrink her tumor and prepare for surgery. In April 2023, she underwent a complex procedure to remove two-thirds of her tongue and 72 lymph nodes. The surgery was followed by radiation and additional chemotherapy. While her physical recovery was difficult, the team made sure she and Joseph never felt alone. “They were always one step ahead,” Joseph said. “For every concern, we had someone there to guide us.”

speech therapy, nutritional counseling, social work, and spiritual care are all part of the care model. That philosophy extends into the hospital’s Health Education and Learning (HEAL) .

Priya Ramshesh, MD

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supports patients as mentors. When Cynthia Andrews learned about Elsa and Joseph’s diagnosis, she reached out to Al and Billie, knowing their experience could offer the guidance and reassurance the couple needed. “We became like family,” Joseph said. “Talking to someone who had gone through it helped us stay grounded and hopeful.” “Patients who’ve walked the path often make the best mentors,” Dr. Ramshesh said. “Their strength and resilience inspire not only other patients, but our care teams as well.”

leading-edge treatment options. “All of our scanners are advanced and regularly updated,” Dr. Ramshesh said. “We incorporate precision therapies to match patients with treatments that provide the best possible outcomes.” Community outreach and early detection programs are another cornerstone of the hospital’s work. Screenings for lung cancer, a lung nodule tracking program, and community events help educate the public and promote timely intervention.

A Commitment to Innovation and Prevention

Today, Elsa and Al are in remission and looking toward the future. Elsa hopes to join HEAL as a volunteer. Al and Billie continue to serve as mentors, offering others the kind of support they once received. “These patients went through some of the toughest treatments we offer,” Dr.

Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands is committed to staying at the forefront of cancer care. The hospital offers clinical trials, state-of-the-art imaging, and precision genomics to help patients access

Healing That Extends Beyond Medicine

Ramshesh said. “They made it through because of a deeply coordinated team, strong family support and their own courage and resilience. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.” For Elsa and Al, Houston Methodist The Woodlands provided more than cancer treatment. It provided a path forward rooted in compassion, connection and hope. “I try to remember there is a purpose,” Elsa said. “I hope my story can offer hope to others in knowing a diagnosis does not have to be a life sentence.” Early detection and prevention are critical in the fight against cancer. If you or a loved one is seeking support, experts at Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center at The Woodlands are here to help. To learn more, visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer or call 936.270.3333.

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The Race of Life: On Your Mark, Get Set, DOUGH!

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t all started when I read a high school friend’s Facebook post about growing sourdough starter from scratch. My interest was aroused. A few weeks later, I was surprised and delighted when I was gifted a small jar of sourdough starter. I soon delved deep into the sourdough world, where I learned it is customary to give a starter a name. My high school friend named hers Lucy Ricardough; other popular names include Jane Dough and Edgar Allan Dough. Because I am a musician, I named my starter Dough-re-mi. Dough-re-mi did its job admirably, and I was amazed. After a sourdough baking frenzy that lasted several weeks, I began to notice something: there are lessons to be learned from sourdough. Lesson one: Sourdough starter must be fed. If left at room temperature, sourdough starter must be fed a mixture of flour and water at least once a day; if stored in the refrigerator, it must be fed at least once a week. If neglected, the starter will die and will no longer be useful in breadmaking. Christians, likewise, need to be fed. Matthew 5:6 states, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Lesson two: Sourdough starter grows. I learned quickly that I must only fill a Mason jar half full of starter, because otherwise, it will bubble right out of the jar. Christians should grow, too. II Peter 3:18 admonishes us: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:10 tells us we should “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. . .” Lesson three: Sourdough should be shared. Friends, family members,

and neighbors were thrilled when I gave them loaves of fresh, homemade sourdough bread. Already, two friends want some of my starter. Oddly, I’m in no danger of running out of sourdough starter. I can always grow more. In the same way, when we share the love of Jesus, our supply of love is never diminished. In John 13:34, Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Lesson four: Sourdough starter makes something wonderful, but it does so on its own schedule. Making sourdough bread is a process, so I learned to bake when I planned to be at home

all day. One website warns sourdough bakers to “watch the bread, not the clock.” Likewise, we often tend to want God to do things on our own timetable. Sometimes, we are even impatient with God when we ask him to make us more Christlike. The good news, however, is that even though we sometimes feel like nothing more than blobs of sourdough starter, we will one day be great loaves of bread. “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” –John 6:35

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