Postcards
Monte Robinson • Rita B Huff Humane Soc. • Bella Vita Community • Walker's Cafe
Piney Woods
Publisher’s Post
Better than Two Closets
Ijust got off a plane from North Carolina—a pretty good haul just to attend a baby shower, right? But this wasn’t just any baby shower. This was for the first baby of my college roommate’s middle child.
It still makes me smile to think of all the twists and turns that led to that friendship. When I went off to college, I roomed with a friend my freshman year—but she transferred out after a year. That left me flying solo sophomore year, with a randomly assigned roommate whose name I couldn’t even pronounce. (No, really—I stared at that name and thought, “What in the world?”)
But as it turns out, that roommate never showed up. I thought I’d hit the jackpot—an entire dorm room to myself and two closets!
Then came the curveball. A couple of friends asked if I’d consider rooming with a girl they met over the summer who needed a room. “She’s nice,” they said. “She’s funny. You’ll like her.”
Well, they were right. I did like her. A lot.
That girl became one of the dearest people in my world, and 40 years later, we’ve shared just about every season of life together— weddings, funerals, babies, teenagers, empty nests…and now grandbabies. Her family is part of mine, and mine of hers.
Over the weekend, she and her sister kept saying things like, “Remember when you handled that for Dad’s funeral?” or “You took care of this at my wedding.” The truth? I didn’t remember. I’m a bit of a “fixer” by nature. I see a need, I step in. My brothers say I’m bossy. I say I just do what needs doing.
But you know what? She taught me something I desperately needed.
Where I tended to barrel in like a bull in a china shop, she slowed things down. She gave me perspective. In moments that frustrated me or made me want to leap into action, she’d calmly ask, “Do you think you’ll care about this a year from now?”
Most of the time, the answer was no. And in those moments, I’d exhale, slow my roll (and roll my eyes), and remember that not every hill is worth climbing—or crashing down.
That’s the beauty of an old friend—one who knows when to let you be you…and when to lovingly call you out and hand you a piece of chocolate instead.
I thought I was gaining a roommate. God knew I was gaining a life companion—a soft place to land when life got messy, and someone to help me find the calm in the chaos.
So, here’s to the friends you didn’t see coming—the ones who show up when you least expect it and stay for a lifetime.
…a friend who knows when to let you be you… and when to lovingly call you out.
What a gift. What a life.
Until next time,
Thank You
Thank you for the follow-up article on our water plant in the Dominican Republic.
James Anderson, Be An Angel
Coloring Book!
Thank you for handing out coloring books at the Kids Expo and sponsoring a coloring contest for young ones. We missed out on the one from the local newspaper this year.
A Grateful Mom
Memories
I loved Mike Yawn’s story and photos of the Huntsville Fire Department. His story included one of my earliest childhood memories, watching the First Baptist Church in full flame. It prompted some good conversation amongst friends of other early childhood memories. I always enjoy the Publisher’s Post, too. Thanks for all y’all do.
Glynda
Turner
Library Picks
LOUIS L'AMOUR
MARILYNNE ROBINSON
If You’re Over 50 And Your Back Hurts All The Time… This Is For You
Every day, we meet folks just like you. Good hardworking people, 50 years or older, that are dealing with back pain that just won’t go away.
You bend over…sharp pain.
You sit too long…burning down your leg.
You wake up…stiff and sore.
You try to walk…and your leg feels weak or numb.
It’s not just back pain; it might be a bulging disc pressing on your nerve. That’s why you feel the pain. That’s why your leg might feel numb. That’s why you’re scared to do too much and worried your back might “go out” again.
This Is Not Just “Old Age”, This Is A Problem You Can Fix.
Many of our patients thought they were just getting old. That it was normal to feel this way. But now, they know better. Because we helped them feel better. They’re walking again.
Playing with grandkids. Even golfing and fishing again!
They aren’t scared to bend over. They aren’t scared to ride in the car, stand in the kitchen, swing a golf club, or work in the yard anymore. They’re living their life again.
We Know You’ve Tried Things Before
You might’ve tried pain pills. Or that heating pad. Or maybe stretching, or some exercises you found on YouTube.
But the pain’s still there. Why? Because most treatments only hide the pain. They don’t fix the disc.
If you don’t fix the disc, the pain keeps coming back. Or worse, it gets worse.
And let’s be real, most doctors just offer meds or surgery. But surgery? It’s risky. It’s expensive. And the results are hit or miss.
We do it different here.
Our Disc Relief Program Is Built For People Just Like You
At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute, we built a program just for folks like you, over the age of 50, still active, and tired of hurting.
Here’s what we use:
• Spinal decompression — gently stretches the spine to take pressure off the disc
• Chiropractic care — realigns the spine, improves nerve flow
• Rehab & therapy — rebuilds weak muscles, retrains movement
• Inflammation & nutrition — helps your body heal faster and stay pain-free
This is NOT one-size-fits-all. We test. We listen. We build a plan just for you.
No Drugs. No Needles. No Surgery.
Real People. Real Relief.
“I used to think I’d have to live with pain. But now I’m walking without hurting, sleeping all night, and even helping in the yard again.” – Susan M.
“I was scared I’d lose my job because of my back. These folks gave me a plan. Now I’m back at work and feeling strong again.” – Mike T.
Take Action Now , Before It Gets Worse
Bulging discs don’t just fix themselves. If you wait, it could get worse. The numbness might become permanent. The pain might spread. Or worse, you could end up needing surgery.
Don’t wait.
We’re offering a special Disc Relief Evaluation to find out what’s going on and if we can help.
CALL (936) 241-7673 NOW
Ask for your Disc Relief Evaluation at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute.
This Could Be Your Turning Point
If you’re over 50 and tired of pain controlling your life, tired of missing out, sitting out, and saying “no” to life, this is your chance.
Let’s fix the problem. Let’s help you feel strong and confident again.
Call now and don’t wait until you’re crawling on the floor. We’ll help you stand tall and stay that way.
Dr. Brian McGee, DC
P.S. You’ve waited long enough. You’ve tried the pills. You’ve hoped it would just go away. But pain like this only gets worse, unless you do something now. That’s why we set aside a limited number of Disc Relief Evaluations this month. Call (936) 241-7673 now. This could be your chance to finally fix the problem before things get worse.
Monte Robinson
New director finds a home transforming the homeless at Good Shepherd Mission. DO YOU KNOW?
BY LAUREN SWONKE | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
According to Texas Homeless Network, 57,685 people in Texas experienced homelessness in 2024. That number is likely much higher, as this statistic is based solely on the number of individuals who sought help from government agencies.
Some might feel the issue of homelessness is too great, too complex, or too difficult; however, not everyone sees it as an impossible challenge.
Good Shepherd Mission in Huntsville is a Christ-centered, non-profit shelter, food pantry, meal site, and thrift store with the goal of sharing the hope of Jesus Christ and caring for homeless individuals and families.
Monte Robinson is at the helm, having taken on the role of director in June 2024. He sees the task as great, but he is willing to get in the trenches with those who visit the mission to labor for their better tomorrow.
Share a little about yourself. I was a store manager for Eckerd Drug, working full-time there for about 10 years. Then I went into part-time ministry and continued with Eckerd part-time. I was in the ministry at Fellowship of Huntsville Church for 17 years. Then I became a church planter, training young pastors to preach and teach. I did that for four years. Fellowship started Restore Texas Ministries, a trade school for homeless men. I helped do that. That’s where I got experience working with the homeless. I have a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute and a master’s in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. I’m married to Debra, who is running the thrift store at the mission right now. She came on with me when I started here and is working part-time now.
What do you love about Huntsville I love this community because it’s a very giving and friendly community. When you stay in an area for 30 years, you grow accustomed to it. I have a lot of great friends here. It was a lot smaller 30 years ago. It was quaint. When I was single, I didn’t like the smallness as much. Once I got married, I enjoyed that much more. Even with the growth, I still love Huntsville.
When you’re not at the Mission, what do you like to do?
Right now, I’m building a sailboat. I’m about to try to get it back in the water with a smaller sail. I had a bigger sail, and it was too much to learn on. Right now, that’s my hobby. I love the ocean. We go on a cruise every now and then. I love water; I can’t be out on the ocean really, but I can get it out on a small lake.
There’s not an incredibly visible homeless population in Huntsville, but obviously there’s a significant need. Tell me about the need in the community.
There are people living in the woods, squatting in people’s homes, living behind businesses around their dumpsters. I think it’s a complex thing. You might see one or two out in the community, but behind those one or two there are dozens more. I think we all know there are homeless people in Huntsville, but I believe the quantity would shock people.
Let’s talk about the mission. What was it like taking on the role after Dave Smith’s 30-year tenure as director?
There’s been a lot to learn. This place is a food bank; thrift store; meal site 365 days a year; and a homeless shelter
for men, women, and families. When you roll all that together, there’s a lot to learn. There were changes I wanted to make to fit more of the vision I had—my personality, and what I thought needed to happen. That would have happened with any change in leadership. After 10 months, I feel like it has my stamp on it. For about the first 6 months, I didn’t make any changes.
What kind of changes have taken place since you started last year? We went from two voluntary classes to six mandatory classes for lodgers (people who live on site). They had one Bible study and one addiction recovery class. Those remained, and we added another Bible study class, two job training classes, and one class where they look for jobs in a computer lab once a week. We partner with WorkFaith out of Houston. They’re an excellent non-profit that does remote job skills
What kind of opportunities do lodgers have through your programs?
We started a job training program. They’re now learning how to build sheds. They’ve also learned to build picnic tables. People can hire our vetted men from the shelter who are hard workers to work in the yard or do projects. Their pay goes to Good Shepherd Mission, so the men can pay their own way through the program. At the end of six months in the program, we give them $3,000 to get on their feet. We have 4 people in that pilot program right now. Our goal for every single person in the Life Recovery Program (for lodgers) is that they’ll be stable, in their own home, and have a job when they leave here.
What else is on the horizon?
We are working on a tiny house village. We’re exploring it. It’s not finalized, but honor students from Sam Houston State University just designed a master plan
property. We’d like to put transitional housing on it in the form of a tiny house village. People would pay extremely affordable rent to cover our program costs. It would especially be geared
Joel working on a construction project.
How can the community help Good Shepherd Mission?
We need a few more volunteers at the front desk and in the thrift store. We’ve just started a chaplaincy program. We’re looking for volunteers that have been trained in Bible college and/or seminary who have time to be chaplains. We’d love to see mentoring as well. We’d love to have Christian counselors here, where they might complete their practicums with us. If someone has experience with case management, it would be great to have a volunteer case worker who could work with lodgers who are nearing the end of their time in our program.
Do you need donations?
Yes! We can always use donations in the thrift shop of sellable furniture and household goods. We could also use food donations. Also, we are looking for 1,000 people to give $25 per month. A lot of our donors have passed away or moved from the area, so we are inviting individuals to partner with us. God’s got us.
"Let’s not let our love for people grow cold."
About Good Shepherd Mission
The Mission exists to serve the spiritual and physical needs of individuals and families. Homeless individuals seeking assistance can find shelter (if there is capacity) at the mission by applying for entrance to the Life Recovery Program. This requires individuals to participate in classes and training, pursue employment, and volunteer at the mission. Lunch and dinner is provided daily to lodgers and clients from the public. The food pantry is open Monday thru Friday 9:00-11:45 a.m. and the last Thursday of the month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. The thrift store is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Good Shepherd Mission is located at 1005 Martin Luther King Drive in Huntsville. Visit goodshepherdmission.org for more information.
What keeps you going? This is a labor of love and requires a lot from your heart.
The call of God. I know he has called me to this ministry. That alone is enough. I realize this is why I exist right now.
There are many causes that people can support. Why support this kind of ministry?
As a society, we don’t want to give up on people. Let’s not let our love for people grow cold.
Special Editorial Comment
We set out to present a feature on Monte Robinson…but, whether it’s photography or discussion, the man at the Good Shepherd Mission is a man on mission-and doesn’t want himself to be the focal point! We did our best to present readers a glimpse of the man and the personality and experience he brings… but Monte would tell you the real story is told daily at the Mission--in every soul touched by hope.
Teachers Touching Tomorrow
HOME GROWN LAW FIRM
Our attorneys have been staples of the legal community in Walker County and surrounding counties for many years.
DEDICATION
We are dedicated to helping clients during their time of need. We work hard for our clients, whether big or small.
ATTORNEYS YOU CAN TRUST
We will stand by you during each step of the legal process to help ensure you achieve the best results possible.
ATTORNEYS YOU CAN TRUST. Haney, Paschal & Romoser
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
1300 11th St. • Ste 405 Huntsville 936-295-3712
Jeremy S. Romoser Partner, Attorney at HPR
www.huntsville-texas-attorneys.com
Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond, and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”
Ryann
KaaBauer
Huntsville High School Criminal Justice
NOMINATED BY April Garcia
Mrs. Bauer has never failed to show support for me. She inspired me to pursue criminal justice. Her impact goes beyond academics; she has shaped my character. She truly cares for her students equally, whether it is your first year or your last. I am truly thankful and blessed that Mrs. Bauer was my teacher.
Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com. Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.
Sponsored by:
Star Students
April Garcia
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
Legally Blonde
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Morgan Wallen
Favorite Food: Chick-fil-A
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Life is short; focus on what truly matters to you.”
April is a 2025 graduate of Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Rosa Garcia and Jesus Garcia. Her activities included Grenadier Guard, Criminal Justice Club, National French Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. April plans on attending Sam Houston State University to major in criminal justice.
Mia O’Donnell
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
Twilight
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST:
Lana Del Rey
Favorite Food: My Grandma’s Stuffed Shells
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” --My Mom
Mia is a 2025 graduate of Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Jessica O’Donnell and TJ O’Donnell. Her activities included volleyball team manager, Mu Alpha Theta (president), Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and proud Chick-fil-A employee. Mia would like to attend the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study international affairs. She believes, “Have courage, be kind, and always remember YOLO.”
Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris
Glorious Grandchildren
Adrian Alejandro Barahona
Grandchild of Roland & Diana Barahona
Henry Wroblewski
Grandchild of Bob Lepa, Kim Lepa & Mike Wroblewski
Wyatt & Brooklyn
Grandchildren of Steve & Kathy Kuhleman
Seen by: PC Staff
A DAY IN THE LIFE Rita B. Huff Humane Society
Local organization continues mission in a new location and facility.
BY CLAUDIA KIRKWOOD | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Trudging along the shoulder of a country road, I dreamed of a morsel to eat, a sip of water, and a kind face. It had already been a long journey, my journey to NOWHERE. That was my destination as I endured the cold wind under a dark midday sky, which began to clap and shout and send a deluge of rain downward. Now drenched and cold, I continued on and soon was delighted to find my thirst could be quenched from a recently formed puddle. As I lapped up the precious gift from above, I was startled to hear tires on gravel, an opening door, and footsteps headed in my direction. My
sad eyes peered up into a concerned face with warm eyes and a soft voice. My drooping ears were treated to kind words as I was bundled and placed in the vehicle. Exhausted but hopeful, I continued my journey in a deep sleep, now a journey to SOMEWHERE. Awakened way too soon, I was carried into a large building bearing the name “Rita B. Huff Humane Society.” That had a good sound to it! As we entered the facility, my now perky ears were met with exclamations, “Oh, you must be hungry!” “Get this sweet fellow dried off!” and “You must be so tired!” Yes! Yes! And yes! I was now at my
destination, SOMEWHERE, and I liked what I was hearing. My tail, formerly low to the ground, defeated and forlorn, was wagging uncontrollably.
The first order of business was to scan for a chip to see if I belonged to a human who loved and cared for me. If communication were not an issue, I could have told them there was no such human in my life. If a chip had been present, these kind people would have contacted that human to come and get me. With no chip, I was available for adoption by some nice person yet to be discovered. But first things first. They checked me over for any foreign
critters in my system that needed to be removed, such as worms and the like. I’m delighted to report minimal critters onboard! The remainder of the day was dedicated to tasty food, plenty of water, and restful sleep in my nice, clean kennel. With thirty-eight kennels, I see the possibility of making lots of new canine friends! There are also kennels for kitties and older felines in addition to isolation kennels for rabies observation in other sections of the building.
The next morning, following a rejuvenating sleep, I was full of happy energy and ready to run and play
outside in the fenced area under a bright morning sun. A family was there to add a new pet to their home. To ensure that this new canine member would be compatible with their family pet, the dogs got acquainted through adjoining enclosures. No scuffles and growls. I think it was a good match! Hopefully, my day will come!
I was shampooed, groomed, dewormed and de-‘everything’ed. And I got a real name! I was now “Charlie.” I felt like a new dog. Yep, I’m ready for my forever family to come and get me. The day came when I was led to a special “Meet and Greet” room
in the front lobby area. I was on my best behavior! This could be the day I’ve longed for. As I entered the room, a ten-year-old boy leaped up and shouted with excitement! I had found my new human forever friend whom I could previously only dream of! Before I knew it, I was wrapped in his arms and starting my journey anew. Not a journey to NOWHERE, not a journey to SOMEWHERE. I was now on my journey HOME! Thank you, all my wonderful friends at Rita B. Huff Humane Society, for the excellent care and companionship you provided. Forever grateful, Charlie
Captain Hook
Winnie
Gunner
Blair
Charlie gave us a sneak peek into the new Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County (RBH), but there is much, much more to see. Let’s take a “human” tour of this spacious and artistically appointed 9700 square foot facility, located at 1495 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Huntsville. This critically needed resource opened in February, after several years of meticulous planning and with significant contributions of land and money from donors, including Mac Woodward and others, with Ken Watford being a major contributor. And now, under the leadership of Executive Director Lori Toliver, the operation of RBH moves forward each day with excellence and compassion. RBH welcomes dogs and cats found in Walker County. Animals found within the city limits of Huntsville should be taken to the City of Huntsville Animal Control Facility at 590 IH 45 N. (For help with this, call 936-291-5988 or contact the City of Huntsville Police.) Animals accepted by RBH need to be in relatively good health and physical condition, nonaggressive, and deemed “adoptable”
since this is a no-kill facility. Aside from limited Walker County funding for a spay and neuter program, the shelter receives no government assistance, This low-cost procedure is available to the public by appointment on Tuesdays, and vaccinations are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis every Monday. RBH contracts with two local veterinarians who provide these services, utilizing the two surgical units designed to meet these needs.
Funding for the entire facility— including utilities, maintenance, staffing, medical supplies, laundering supplies, food, equipment, landscaping upkeep, and all other needs—is met through private donations. All contributions, large and small, are appreciated, but there is a great need to find individuals who will provide sustained giving. The facility is staffed by a small handful of capable individuals who are grateful for the energy and goodwill that cheerful volunteers provide. From playing with kitties, to cleaning kennels; walking and feeding dogs; washing and drying laundry; and folding endless stacks of towels (to name only a few of the
chores), the volunteers are priceless and appreciated!
For a quick tour, the front desk and two “Meet and Greet” rooms begin our journey as we walk in the front door. Continuing down the hallway, our eyes are treated to delightful visions of
Steven Lindquist, President of the Board of Directors & Executive Director Lori Toliver
"For an animal person, an animal-less home is no home at all."
playful kitties and “not-a-care-in-theworld” older felines, some sleeping and others finding adventure on the cat tree (recently assembled for the shelter by members of Christ the King Methodist Church). Volunteers and those looking to adopt a new pet were seen stroking and playing with the frolicking felines. Around the corner, we visit the laundry room complete with huge commercialsized appliances, stacks and stacks of towels, and an endless supply of detergent. Located across the hallway are isolation rooms for dogs needing a little peace and quiet or special attention. A large conference room, two surgical suites, a grooming center, and storage rooms populate this wing.
The Ken Watford canine kennels are
located in a building at the back of the facility, with 38 kennels in the main portion and 6 isolation kennels farther back behind an additional locked gate. RBH contracts with Walker County to take in dogs for observation of possible rabies. These animals are observed for ten days and, if deemed rabies-free, are returned to their owners. All kennels have an indoor and an outdoor area, with the dogs closed in at night. A safety fence surrounds the property, and several fenced enclosures provide dogs with ample space to exercise. Additionally, a family can bring their pet to see how he or she reacts to a potential adoptee. Walking trails are available, and plans are in the works to install outdoor equipment to keep
Piney
Welcome to where it all starts when meeting a potential new member of the family. Right: Clean, new surgical and grooming areas are used to care for the animals during their visit.
animals in good physical shape while awaiting adoption.
RBH has been wholeheartedly welcomed by many in this area. Steven Lindquist, President of the Board of Directors, shares, “We want to give back to this wonderful community, so we find ways to make that happen.” One way they help is to offer items to the public that have been donated to the shelter. These are quality items that, for one reason or another, RBH is unable to use. These donations may include pet food, blankets, bedding, leashes, and other items. The public is invited to come in during regular business hours, browse through the available items, and take what they need, no questions asked.
The Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County—a long-awaited, well-planned, and meticulously
maintained facility—will provide crucial services and acts of humane kindness to our feline and canine friends for many years to come. The Board and staff want to express gratitude for the many financial gifts, the artwork, the publicity, and services that have made and continue to ensure RBH is a top-of-the-line facility, providing the best of care to all animals who enter its doors. Some of these contributors include KSAM Radio (101.7), Hello Huntsville, and Precision Pest Control.
If you can provide a loving home to one of the many dogs and cats who are fortunate to be in the care of this facility, please call Rita B. Huff Humane Society at 936-295-4666 and welcome one of these precious furry friends into your home. They await your visit (with Charlie’s approval)!
Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County
1495 Veterans Memorial Parkway Huntsville, TX 77340
936-295-4666
rbhhumanesociety.org
Rita B. Huff Humane Society
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Giggles & Grins
"Can you fax the documents over to me?"
"Sorry, I can't fax from where I live."
"Oh...well, where do you live?"
"2025. I live in 2025, Suzanne."
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My dad was just introduced to Venmo, and it's the worst thing ever. He just requested $50 for "2001 tee ball registration fee."
••••••••••••••••••••
Not all construction work is equally enjoyable.
For example, enlarging a drilled hole is boring, but fastening pieces of metal together is riveting.
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Went to the doctor yesterday with a suspicious looking mole. He said they all look like that, and I should have left him in my garden.
Never use a GPS when going to a cemetery. Not nice to hear, “You’ve reached your destination.”
••••••••••••••••••••
Started a new job as a delivery man today. When I got to my first address, there was a sticky note on the door saying, “Dear Mr. Delivery Man, We’re out. Please hide in garage.”
That was eight hours ago, and still nobody’s found me.
••••••••••••••••••••
Walking home late last night, I passed a hot fudge sundae, a lemon cheesecake, and a slice of apple pie. I thought to myself, “The streets are strangely desserted tonight.”
••••••••••••••••••••
Well, today my neighbors spoke to me. So I did what I had to do. I strapped a monitor on my ankle, went outside with
my shirt on inside out, and argued with a pine tree.
That should hold them off for a while.
••••••••••••••••••••
My wife just turned to me and said, “I was talking to you, and you yawned six times… am I boring you?”
I said, “Those were not yawns. Those were six unsuccessful attempts to speak.”
••••••••••••••••••••
My wife said, “That’s the fourth time you’ve gone back for dessert! Doesn’t that embarrass you?”
I said, “No, I keep telling them it’s for you.”
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Today I stopped at this roadside stand that said, “Lobster Tails $2.” I paid my money, and this guy says, “Once upon a time, there was this lobster…”
A Spiritual Sanctuary
What’s parenting like?
It’s your toddler screaming bloody murder from the other room, then running and crying to you holding their finger yelling, “I bleeding!!!” To which I freak out, look, then say, “No, you’re not,” and he replies, “Oh, okay,” then goes back to playing like nothing happened.
Abby Boyd
I was talking to Kam about some claw machine games we saw at the store. He said, “Do you know they’re rigged, and the grip strength of the claw is manipulated so you spend a certain amount of money before you win?” I didn’t argue with him because, even though he’s 13, he’s usually right about this kind of stuff. I Googled it later. He was right. They’re even programmed to occasionally drop the prize right before the chute to get you to keep playing. I want my 200+ quarters back.
Kevin Brayson
Son: Dad, did you go to the same school as me?
Me: Yes. The same school as you, only 25 years ago. Why do you ask?
Son: Well, Mrs. Johnson said today that she hasn’t seen an idiot like me in 25 years.
My son on why Caleb is his best friend at kindergarten: “He doesn’t really speak English, so we can skip all the talking and just get right to the karate.”
My son told some dad joke I had said previously. My wife said, “That was funny when Daddy said it the first time.” He answered, “Was it, though?”
He’s 8 and funnier than me. I’m proud of him.
Medical Matters
Sleep Smarter This Summer
As summer rolls in, many find routines starting to shift. The kids are out of school, family vacations are near, and days are getting longer. While this season brings plenty of fun, it can also quietly throw off one of the most important parts of our health: sleep.
Getting enough good, quality sleep is just as important as eating well and staying active. When our sleep suffers, everything else tends to follow—our energy, our mood, and even our immune system. And summer can be a sneaky disruptor of rest.
Long daylight hours can tempt us into staying up later than usual. That might be fine occasionally, but over time, shifting bedtime too far can confuse your body’s internal clock. Our natural (or in other words, circadian) rhythm likes consistency. Going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day helps our bodies know when it’s time to power down and when it’s time to be alert. Yes, even on weekends.
Then there’s the heat. A warm bedroom can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Our bodies are designed to cool down a bit at night as part of the sleep process. If you can, keep your bedroom on the cooler side at night. Even a fan to circulate air and lighter bedding can make a big difference.
Another common challenge during the summer is the loss of routine, especially for kids and teens. Without the structure of the school day, sleep schedules can drift. Before you know it, bedtime has moved past midnight, mornings are starting late, and the whole rhythm is off. While it’s okay to loosen the reins a bit, it helps to keep some structure—regular mealtimes, outdoor play during the day, and consistent bedtimes when possible. Morning sunlight in particular plays a powerful role in reinforcing a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
Travel can also throw a wrench into
good sleep. When traveling, try to keep bedtime within an hour or so of your usual time. Also while it’s tempting to grab a coffee late in the day on a long drive, caffeine too close to bedtime can sabotage sleep.
And of course, there’s the ever-present glow of screens. Summer often means more movies, more scrolling. But all that screen time, especially right before bed, can suppress melatonin, the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. It’s best to power down electronics at least 30-60 minutes before bed. Try reading, listening to quiet music, or doing some gentle stretches to wind down.
What we eat and drink during the summer months can also affect sleep. Heavy meals, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol too close to bedtime can interfere with how deeply we sleep. Try to finish big meals a couple of hours before bed, and opt for a light snack if you need something before turning in. Staying hydrated throughout the day helps, but tapering off in the evening can help minimize middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom.
Finally, don’t overlook the role of stress. Unstructured days, travel logistics, or the challenge of balancing work with kids at home can create underlying tension. That stress can quietly build up and show up at bedtime. Incorporating relaxing rituals like journaling, meditation, or even just a few minutes of deep breathing before bed can help quiet the mental chatter and signal to your body it’s time to rest.
Sleep isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. It helps us think clearly, feel emotionally balanced, and even keeps our bodies healthier. Good sleep supports everything from memory to blood pressure to immune function. And when we sleep well, we simply feel better.
Dr. Lane Aiena Family Practice
Wishing you sweet dreams and a safe, restful summer, and, as always, let’s keep our communities healthy! Longer
20 �estions
That Left A Lasting
vacation was always at Lake Bruin in East Louisiana with my cousins.
Would We Find You Doing On Your Day Off? Tending to things at the Old Town Theatre or visiting my grandsons.
How Would Your Perfect Day Begin? Waking with no alarm, followed by a homecooked breakfast or on a cruise.
How Do You Clear Your Mind After A Bad Day? Chatting with my girls.
One Thing You’re Epically Bad At? Electronics and technology. Need it, but I despise it.
Bucket List Item You’re Most Glad You’ve Done? I haven’t conquered many, but glad I was able to get away on various cruises
Top Thing Left To Do On Your Bucket List?
Lois Stehlik Semi-retired
Going on an Alaskan cruise next year.
If You Could Live Abroad, Where Would That Be? I’m a homebody, so I’ve never wished to leave Texas.
18 Who Do You Admire?
My mother was the most levelheaded, calm person. We all went to her for advice and support.
19 Best Advice You’ve Ever Gotten?
My mother told me to “pick your battles” as a mom. Most things that bother us aren’t really that big after all.
20 Advice To Your Younger Self? Hang in there. Ups and downs build character, but you got this.
me your questions at
Dear Gabby
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. On Sunday, June 15, happy Father’s Day to all dads, not yet dads, stepdads, moms who are dads, adoptive dads, granddads, and dads who are no longer with us. Our federal holiday this month is Juneteenth, which is a celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. Rather than being a Monday holiday, federal offices are closed on Thursday, the 19th. Here’s a refresher course on writing to Dear Gabby. Patience is a virtue; it’s just not one of my virtues. If you don’t want a sarcastic answer, don’t ask me a question. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. Be brave and drop me a line!
DEAR GABBY
In all your columns, I have never read that you are getting any exercise. I am a firm believer in keeping your body fit. Would you consider starting an exercise program?
DRILL OR CHILL
DEAR D OR C
If God wanted me to touch my toes, he’d have put them on my knees. I’ve thought about jogging, but Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked run when no one is chasing them.” So, there’s that. And if walking is good for your health, the postman would be immortal. A whale swims all day, only eats fish, drinks water, but is still fat. A rabbit runs and hops and only lives 15 years, while a tortoise doesn’t run and does mostly nothing, yet it lives for 150 years. And you want me to exercise? I don’t think so.
Gabby
CONFIDENTIAL TO “PEOPLE PLEASER”:
DEAR GABBY
I have selective memory. I remember all the jokes I hear, but forget where I put my keys. My memory is like my smartphone - constantly running out of space. Does this ever happen to you?
BRAINLESS
DEAR BRAINLESS
I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that “take out” can mean food, dating, or murder. If you have ever panicked, flipped couch cushions, checked pockets, and turned the house upside down, only to realize your phone was in your hand the entire time, you are my kind of people.
Gabby
Never set yourself on fire just to keep others warm. Oprah Winfrey once wisely stated, “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” Please take care of yourself.
ways to pass on your legacy
families of Madison and surrounding counties "The Walters Way" for over forty years. Identify the things that are most important to you Learn from your loved ones Bring peace of mind to all involved Save your family money
The Garden Post
Summer Livin’… Texas Style
Anewcomer to the area recently asked, “What does summer livin’ mean?”, referring to a sign in the store. It’s different things to different folks, but I think of gardens with fragrance, harvesting fruit and berries, pool time, outdoor barbeques, morning coffee on the patio, entertaining with friends, evenings with fireflies, ice cold watermelon, trips to the river—all the things “Texans” love doing before true summer heat arrives. It is a unique way of life, and I love
Gardening backdrop for these activities.
June is harvest everything, from unpredictable growing season and cucumbers but tomatoes This will be a fungicide/insecticide lawn and garden; Late May/ June is the time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to lawn and shrubs to them nutrients thrive through A granular pre-emergent keep weeds from is a must to be days. Apply to where you want return.
Fertilize hibiscus, every 30-45 days. composition whether organic 60 days, it may plants and see
Kim Bius President, Kim's
Home & Garden Center
phosphorous fertilizer on hibiscus of any variety. This includes perennials, tropical, and deciduous hibiscus, such as althea. High doses of phosphorous (over 10%) can be lethal to hibiscus (definitely do not use Miracle-Gro).
Heavy rains have had fire ants surface in lawns and flowerbeds. A great product for this is Surrender. Although not an organic, this product will treat up to 54 mounds with one container. It is not a great aroma, but the fire ants will not
Reminder to only use hibiscus food or a low dose
irrigation/water than summer. and trees remember to ground needs to you use a drip water in 1.5 it will need up to a ½ a on larger shrubs and trees. emitters weekly; our heavy sedimented water easily clogs holes with scale. Be vigilant watching for spider mites. will notice a turn brown seemingly no reason, another, while green. If you will notice tiny dangling debris prey to spider boxwood, all (these are the cypress. A systemic definite on an infestation of spider mites.
Your Financial Partner
We are almost halfway through 2025, and it seems as though time just keeps moving faster. Through the first several months of this year, we have seen a wide range of financial market activity. We started the year with very good markets throughout the first month and a half. Since that time, markets have been quite volatile. We experienced a significant sell-off throughout March, followed by a rebound in April. So, where does that leave you as an investor?
Your account returns are likely somewhat flat for the year. However, this lack of return has not come without considerable concern for many investors. The volatility we have seen has stemmed from factors such as politics, corporate earnings, and geopolitical tensions. Financial markets dislike uncertainty, and it often results in volatility.
As it turns out, most investors dislike volatility. As humans, we know, that volatility is a normal part of investing. However, knowing that does not make it easy to endure while it is happening. As individuals, we tend to let our emotions cloud our intellect. Consequently, we make decisions that we may know are not in our best interests, but emotionally we just can’t help ourselves. The emotional maneuvering many investors engage in often results in lower overall returns than they would have received had they just stayed the course. So, as an investor, how do you change this behavior?
You need a financial partner. A qualified partner can help take the emotion out of markets and investing. Your partner will likely do this by generating a plan to help you visualize where you are today and set a path to your desired outcome. When volatility arises, as it is likely to do, you and your partner can refer to the plan you have created together and discuss the current market situation to determine if it alters the plan in any way. If changes are warranted, those decisions can be made based on your progress toward goals, the time frames allotted to meet those goals, and your tolerance for risk (volatility). If you are still on track to achieve your goals, then often an open discussion regarding your situation and what is causing the volatility is sufficient.
At Global Financial Partners, we have been the financial partner for local families for nearly 40 years. We would be honored to help your family as well. If this year’s volatility has been difficult to endure, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Let us be your Financial Partner.
Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP®
Tasty Bites
Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas
INGREDIENTS
1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde
2 Tbs avocado oil, or more as needed
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
1 cup crumbled Oaxaca or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream, or to taste fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for optional garnish
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Set a strainer over a bowl and pour salsa into strainer. Strain out excess liquid until 1 1/2 cups salsa remains. Discard liquid.
Step 2: Heat oil over medium-low heat in a large nonstick skillet. Place 2 tortillas in the warm oil, heat for about 1 minute, then turn and repeat on the other side. Place warmed tortillas in a single layer on a work surface, and repeat with remaining tortillas. Wipe out the skillet with clean paper towels, and place skillet over low heat.
Step 3: Place about 2 tablespoons shredded chicken across the center of each tortilla. Add about 1 tablespoon chopped onion, and 1 tablespoon cheese on top of chicken. Reserve extra cheese for later use.
Step 4: Roll up each enchilada; place in the skillet, seam side down.
Step 5: Pour salsa over enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and heat enchiladas gently until cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Top with dollops or sour cream, and garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges.
Tasty Bites
Mama Moe’s
Scalloped Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
10 Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
¼ cup chopped white onion
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of potato soup
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Stir together the soups and onion in a bowl. Heat in the microwave until hot, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Make a layer of potato slices in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with a layer of the soup mixture and then sprinkle with some of the cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is browned on top, about 1 hour.
Tasty Bites
Chimichurri Potato Salad
INGREDIENTS
Potatoes:
3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled 2 Tbs kosher salt
Dressing:
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup mild olive oil
1/3 cup champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1/3 cup fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped
2 Tbs chopped fresh chives
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Cut potatoes in quarters lengthwise, and then slice across into 3/8-inch-thick pieces.
Step 2: Place potatoes in a pot with 2 tablespoons kosher salt and enough cold water to cover; bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until just barely tender. Potatoes may cook in 10 minutes or less once water is simmering, so test early and often— the tip of a knife should slide in easily.
Step 3: Drain potatoes thoroughly and let cool in the strainer until just warm, about 20 minutes; transfer into a bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Combine garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin, black pepper, dried oregano, olive oil, champagne vinegar, and salt in a blender or blender cup. Blend until smooth; add fresh oregano, cilantro, and parsley, and continue blending until a relatively smooth purée is formed.
Step 5: Pour over potatoes and mix thoroughly with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours.
Step 6: Remove from the refrigerator to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Stir in chives, then taste and adjust seasoning. adding more salt if necessary. The texture of the salad can be adjusted with more oil and vinegar, or a spoon of mayonnaise for a creamier version.
Tasty Bites
Peppercorn Sauce
INGREDIENTS
2 Tbs mixed peppercorns or more to taste
1/4 cup butter
1 shallot, minced
1/3 cup brandy or cognac
3/4 cup beef stock
1/4 cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Crush peppercorns slightly using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin.
Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add shallot and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add crushed peppercorns and brandy; bring to a boil and simmer rapidly until brandy is almost completely reduced, 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add beef stock; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in cream and simmer until sauce coats the back of a spoon, or to desired consistency, without letting sauce boil too rapidly, 3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste and serve hot with your favorite steak.
COOK’S NOTES
If you pan-fry your steak, you can remove the steak from the pan, let it rest, and then make the peppercorn sauce in the same pan. This will add a lot of rich flavor to the peppercorn sauce…If your sauce breaks, add a splash of stock and whisk vigorously…If you need to reheat your sauce, add a splash of cream and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Tasty Bites
Dave’s Georgia Black-eyed Peas
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs dried black-eyed peas
12 cups water
8 cubes chicken bouillon
1 lb bacon
½ cup butter
2 large yellow onions, chopped
1 lb cooked ham, cut into bite-size pieces
salt and black pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Rinse, pick over, and place peas in a large bowl. Cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse.
Step 2: Pour water into a large saucepan or stockpot. Add bouillon cubes and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve bouillon. Stir in peas; reduce heat and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Place bacon in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble bacon and set aside.
Step 4: Melt butter in the pan with bacon grease; cook and stir onions until they begin to turn brown at the edges, about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Stir onions and cooking fat into peas; add crumbled bacon, ham, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer over low heat for 8 hours, stirring every hour.
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
Bella Vita Community Organization helps build a beautiful (and purposeful) life for those with special needs.
BY RUTH FIELDS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Ona warm spring morning, members of Bella Vita Community—all adults with special needs—start their meeting by being thankful. One young man appreciates an aunt and uncle who are renovating a country house; another enjoys having a great class. Most express thanks for friends and family. “I am thankful for just hanging out here,” one young woman says. “The glorious part of it is that they have each other,” says Linda Bartels, co-founder of the community.
Finding a purpose
Greg and Linda Bartels were the parents of three children ranging in age from 10 to 14 when their son Michael was born in 1995. The whole family embraced Michael, who was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome. “His life has had a positive impact on the whole family,” Linda says.
The couple, unfamiliar with the implications of Michael’s diagnosis, soon became students of brain development. They started teaching
bump in order! Matthew & Michael collected a few eggs.
Michael to read when he was just 12 weeks old. Over the next decade and a half, Linda, with help from private tutors, homeschooled Michael before enrolling him in public high school. When he graduated three years later, his education was deemed complete; however, Greg and Linda knew that the human brain has great potential for learning throughout life. Learning doesn’t stop just because a diploma has been awarded.
After much research, Greg and Linda discovered that Houston Community College (HCC) offers advanced learning opportunities for adults with special needs through its Vocational Advancement and Skill Training (VAST) Academy. So, the Bartels left their home in Missouri and moved to Texas so Michael could attend. In 2018, Michael graduated from the HCC program and began his collegiate studies at Lone Star College’s Life Path Program. “Both are incredible programs,” Linda says. In 2022, Michael graduated from Lone Star College with an Associate of Occupational and Life Skills degree.
Although he is a good reader and is well educated, it was hard for Michael to find gainful employment, and Greg and Linda worried about his long-term job prospects. With time, their worry became a vision of a place where Michael could find
continued educational opportunities and purposeful work in a loving atmosphere. They dreamed this haven would benefit other young adults with special needs, too. Over the next few years, their dream became a reality.
In 2021, Greg and Linda purchased
55 acres near the Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport and began transforming the outbuildings on the property, turning them into a classroom, a lunchroom and a dance studio. They began learning how to operate a small farm and spent time researching the most suitable animals to raise. They eventually settled on two types of chickens— queen cinnamon, which are known for their large, brown eggs; and Americanas, which lay eggs in various shades of blue. They also decided to raise St. Croix sheep, which are gentle and do not need to be
"His life has had a positive impact on the whole family"
The sheep know it is feeding time
Greg explaining the worm bed process
sheared. The farm even began raising worms so they could harvest their castings, a popular fertilizer among organic gardeners. “We have 100,000 worms,” Greg says. “Worm castings are black gold.”
Bella Vita
In 2022, the Bartels invited Michael’s friends and their families to come explore the farm one day a week. There, at no charge to the families, young adults with special needs learned about farm life and enjoyed spending time with their friends. Greg and Linda were grateful for Debbie Ehrhart, a retired teacher, who began her long tradition of volunteering at Bella Vita at that time. Those days on the farm were the first step toward creating the community that Greg and Linda envisioned. They
Left: Ms. Barber with students, preparing to feed the sheep
Below: Mary Jo, Matthew, Emily & Michael petting Happy (Great Pyrenees) & Chloe
Right: Students with a litter of Great Pyreneese puppies
Feeding time has students and animals alike excited.
named the farm Bella Vita, Italian for “the beautiful life,” because it captured the essence of their goal. They also adopted a slogan: “Building a beautiful life for those with special needs.” In time, Bella Vita Community became a 501(c)(3) organization.
In May 2023, Greg and Linda opened their gate to other young adults with special needs, including those with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other brain disorders. Bella Vita Community meets on Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Some young adults participate on all four days; others come just one or two days a week because they travel for many miles to attend. In May 2025, Bella Vita Community celebrated its second anniversary.
Members of Bella Vita Community have gained much knowledge on their days at the farm. Melissa Barber, a certified special education teacher with 13 years of public-school experience, conducts the classroom portion of the day’s activities with help from Linda. (Because children go to class and adults go to meetings, the Bartels call the classroom portion of the day’s activities “meetings.”) Melissa focuses on science-based lessons that pertain to the farming operations at Bella Vita. “They can apply what they are learning in the classroom, hands on. When you see them learning something new, they get excited about it. That’s the best
part,” Melissa says. “Every human has a natural need, want, inner desire to learn,” Greg agrees. “We all feel good when we learn something new or accomplish something.”
In addition to attending classroom meetings, the young adults at Bella Vita participate in dance lessons, combining the brain-stimulating disciplines of music, exercise and choreography. They also complete farm tasks, such as bottle-feeding lambs, tending raised-bed gardens and worm beds, and gathering the eggs from a growing flock of chickens. (The non-soy, nonGMO eggs are available on Saturdays at Montgomery Farmers Market.) There is even time to show affection to the six Great Pyrenees dogs that patrol the farm. Days are busy, but because it was founded on Christian principles, the Bella Vita Community always takes time during the day for prayer.
Greg and Linda are pleased they are helping members of the community find their niche in life. “We all need to have a reason to get out of bed. We need to be needed. We need to have purpose,” Greg says. “They all have things they are good at and things they like. They all have a skill set. Once we hone in on that work, we find something for them to do so they can say, ‘That’s my job.’ They are doing something meaningful. They are doing something productive. We give them independence so they can have a fulfilling life.” Linda agrees. “Everybody
has something important to do, like feeding animals or gathering eggs,” she says. “That’s important so that they can be a part of a community and have purpose. That’s what makes life happy.”
The Bartels are working hard to perfect their innovative concept, simultaneously striving to make Bella Vita financially feasible in the long run while keeping it affordable for families. Their ultimate goal is to make Bella Vita Community a suitable place for young adults with special needs to live. Meanwhile, members of the community enjoy their days at the farm. “My favorite thing about coming here is coming to see the sheep, lambs, and chickens and learning all about the digestive system for the human body,” says one member of the community. “They are excited when they get home,” Greg says. “We know from the parents’ feedback that they like it. They have something real, so they fit in as a cog in a wheel.”
Greg and Linda have lofty goals and aspirations, but they have already succeeded in providing camaraderie and happiness to the members of their budding community. As one reticent young woman says shyly, “I always look forward to coming to Bella Vita every Tuesday.”
Bella Vita Community welcomes donations, as well as volunteers. For more information about the farm and community, visit bellavitacommunity. com.
Pet Pals
Charlie
loved by Angie & Pop
Polly loved by Lisa & Steve
Cocoa loved by Carolyn Bost
Marybell loved by Marty & Lisa Johnson
Bella Luna loved by Nancy & Hays
Sergio loved by Nancy & Hays
Funspace
Cryptogram Use the key below to solve the words.
Who's Your Daddy?
Use the word bank below to solve the puzzle.
DOWN
2. Source of wisdom and guidance.
3.Biggest of the Three Bears.
5. Might be served in bed on Father's Day.
7. Closeknit group of relatives
8. Feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.
9. Father's Day is on the Sunday of the month.
10. Brave and determined.
12. Day of the week for Father's Day.
13. Popular sport for some fathers.
15. Beliefs and principles that are important
18. Companion and confidant.
20. Superlative form of good.
ACROSS
1. Male parent.
4. Hallmark specialty: greeting
6. Physically and mentally robust.
8. Male head of the family.
11. Recreational activity for some fathers.
14. Another name for father.
16. Male offspring.
17. Token of appreciation.
19. Affection and devotion.
21. Month in which Father's Day is celebrated.
22. Loud explosive sounds and also an informal term for dad.
23. Female offspring.
Funspace
Father's Day Word Scramble
Unscramble the
Funspace DAD JOKES
Want to hear a joke about paper? Never mind-it's tearable!
When does a joke become a dad joke? When it becomes apparent.
What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.
How can you tell if a tree is a dogwood tree? By its bark.
Cryptogram
1. Fathers Day , 2. BBQ, 3. Summer , 4. Sun , 5. Hot, 6. Beach , 7. Vacation, 8. Solstice , 9. Camping, 10. Swimming , 11. Picnic, 12. Ice cream , 13. Travel, 14. Sandals , 15. Shorts
Crossword
About My DAD
My Dad's name is _________________________ but I call him _____________________________. He is _______ years old. His favorite color is
His job is
His favorite food is
His favorite thing to do
He is really good at _________________________.
He cooks the best __________________________.
My Dad always says ________________________.
My Dad and I like to ________________________.
I love him because _________________________.
Father's Day Word Scramble CAREFUL, HANDSOME, STRONG, LOYAL, HELPFUL, KIND, CLEVER, DEVOTED, BRILLIANT, WISE
RIDDLE: A CHIMP OFF THE OLD BLOCK DOWN 2. Teacher 3. Papa 5. Breakfast 7. Family 8. Proud 9. Third 10. Courageous 12. Sunday 13. Golf 15. Values 18. Friend 20. Best ACROSS 1. Father 4. Card 6. Strong 8. Patriarch 11. Fishing 14. Dad 16. Son 17. Gift 19. Love 21. June 22.Pops 23. Daughter
Dallas Williams
Sudoku Marketspace
Sudoku Marketspace
Walker's Café
BY KATHERINE E STEPHENS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Someoneput an old Shenandoah song on vinyl. It’s feeling like a “Sunday in the South” here at Walker’s Café in Madisonville, Texas.
When I opened the door to Walker’s, it felt like I had stepped back in time. Everyone seemed to know each other, or at least many of them did. The staff were cheerfully communicating food orders in. I was greeted with a smile, then made my way to a red booth towards the center of the café—a red booth I later learned had great significance. This booth used to be situated
"good food, community involvement, and family values"
Angela & Sierra talking with writer Katherine in the cafe historic red booth.
Angela, Ronnie, Gala, & Noella
next to the front window of the café.
Owner Angela Culbreth would share that it was in these very seats where she and her best friend Noella Smith would decide to buy the café and continue the Walkers’ legacy. And that legacy is simple, yet profound—good food, community involvement, and family values. Walkers Café takes you back to the cowboy lifestyle and sparks an old dirt road memory. It highlights Friday night lights, and (most importantly) it provides fresh, real food. Angela and I had a great conversation about the past, present, and future of Walker’s Café. I got to peek behind the curtain to see her charm in real time as she interacted with her staff and their usual customers. It left me grinning ear to ear as I sat and enjoyed my 25-cent coffee.
“Let’s buy it”
After meeting through their children and becoming fast friends, Angela and Noella would spend a lot of time together. Much of that just happened to be at Walkers Café—then owned by Ken Martin.
The year was 2008, and Walker’s was for sale. As Angela and Noella sat by the window in the red booth one day, the words “Let’s buy it” fell out of Angela’s mouth. And the rest is history. The four owners of Walker’s Café are now Teddy and Angela Culbreth; and Russell and Noella Smith (It is made very clear to me—the women are running the show!).
When asked what it’s like being in business with her best friend, Angela
observed, “We are more like sisters; our lives are so intertwined with each other. The friendship was there before and will be there after the business.”
“We are very different,” says Angela, as she explains the business partnership works well because they each focus on different aspects of it. Angela may be the face who customers see more regularly, but Noella is working hard behind the scenes to make it all come together without a hitch.
The building dates to 1886 and first became known as “Walker’s Café” in
served the community as a pharmacy as well as a diner, making it a one-stopshop for people to come pick up their medicine and stay for lunch.
From the real-life Madison County cowboy-inspired murals on the walls, to the very medicine jars used in the pharmacy many decades ago (now donning the walls as décor), the history is rich in Walker’s Café. And Angela and Noella were thrilled to carry on the legacy (and have even tried to improve upon it over the years).
Angela & Ted Culbreth, and Noella Smith
What’s on the menu
A good, southern variety, that’s what! Many of these items are original recipes that have been used at Walker’s for more than 30 years. Some menu items include: a hearty breakfast selection, chicken fried steak, burgers, chicken salad sandwiches, and on Fridays – all you can eat fried fish! When autumn rolls back around, customers also get to anticipate the return of seasonal items like gumbo and chicken and dumplings. And don’t forget a free scoop of Blue Bell ice cream after your meal!
25-cent coffee and a free scoop of ice cream? You might think it’s too good to be true, but it is certainly happening Monday through Saturday at Walker’s Café. “We started [the free ice cream] because we wanted to thank our customers for coming in and having lunch with us. And now, our customers are so thankful to have something free. It blows their minds,” says Angela. Walker’s opens at 7:00 am for the breakfast crowd to enjoy a nice meal as they get their day started. They close at 2:00 pm daily, except Fried Fish Fridays when they are open until 8:00 pm. These hours may be atypical, but the owners of Walker’s Café have
found what works for them. “It allows us to have more involvement in the community and spend time with our families,” Angela explains. This is also why they are closed on Sundays. This allows employees to be able to go to church if they wish and have a day of rest, because Angela says she knows how hard her employees work all week. Multiple employees have been at the café for over a decade—one for three decades!
Hard to resist dessert
Emilie & Lindsie
Clay, JD, & Carlos
Carlie & Luke Maher
A typical day at the cafe
Kitchen staff hard at work making great food
Friday night lights!
But first: Walker’s Madisonville is just like any small Texas town. Sporting events become a piece of the town’s heart. With that comes a need to take care of those athletes, and Walker’s takes pride in doing just that. During football season, after the high school pep rally for home games, the varsity football team loads up on the bus and heads to Walker’s for a free meal. Not only are they fed, but a local preacher also comes in to give an encouraging word alongside their coach.
It’s a tradition that’s been going on for about 11 years now,” explains Angela. “It means a lot to the football team.” Angela expresses gratitude to members of the community who show up for the athletes by footing the bill for these pre-game meals.
With Noella being a former teacher, and Angela's husband Teddy being a retired coach from Madisonville ISD, it makes giving back a little extra special for the owners of Walker’s. And it’s not only the athletes being taken care of. Walker’s Café enjoys delivering lunch meals daily to the school. Students and faculty alike will place their orders, and Walker’s delivers to the school a whopping three times a day!
Where it’s been… and where it’s
going
Once a pharmacy and small diner, now a lively café, Walker’s has many stories within the walls. From local cowboys inspiring the mural paintings, to the beautifully crafted original ceiling, everything about Walker’s seems to have a story to tell. I got to sit back and see Angela in her element as she spoke across the room to her husband and his table of regulars he was eating with. I got to see her interact with the staff, joking and smiling. It felt like watching something really unique and special, like a unicorn in the restaurant world. Walker’s way of life has been around for many years. So, my question for Angela was, “What’s next?”
“We’re not supposed to own this forever,” said Angela. “There will be another set of people that will come when it’s time, and they’ll buy Walker’s. I truly believe everyone is
meant to own Walker’s for a season. We will do this until the Lord says it’s time for the next owners to step in. We want it to be someone who loves Madison County and loves the people of Madison County.
If you’d like to visit Walker’s Café, go see them on Main Street in Madisonville, Texas. Don’t forget to save room for your free scoop of Blue Bell ice cream!
Café 112 W Main St. Madisonville, TX (936) 348-2672
Walker’s Café also provides catering!
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
Walker’s
Above: A few teammates enjoying a free meal on game day.
Below: Ronnie depicted in the mural above him.
Lindsie & Candace
Grace & Emilie
Along the Road
Bethea Creek
Marker Text: A tributary of the Trinity River, Bethea Creek (pronounced Buh-thay) is named for John and Elizabeth Bethea, pioneer settlers of the area. John settled in present-day Walker County in the 1830s and was an early gristmill operator and postmaster in the nearby riverport settlement of Newport, now a ghost town. Soon after Riverside was established along a rail line in the early 1870s, the Betheas moved to the town and operated a gristmill. This stream, which bears their name, remains as a symbol of the contributions made by the area’s earliest settlers.
Location: From the intersection of SH 19 and FM 980 (Riverside) take FM 980 southeast approximately 1.8 miles.
Your Best Agrilife
The Importance of Adult Volunteers in Youth Organizations
Organizations that serve children in our communities are a staple that should not be taken for granted. I bet, when asked, most of us have a good childhood memory that includes a mentor of some sort who was not a parent or relative. Coaches, teachers, scout leaders, and club advisors all play an important role in the upbringing of our children—and I, for one, do not want to see this slip away for our future children. I would assume most youth organizations feel this way, but it does seem to be increasingly difficult to recruit dedicated volunteers for the Walker County 4-H program.
Adult volunteers contribute their time, experiences, and care in creating positive environments where kids can grow. One of the most critical roles adult volunteers play is that of a mentor. Research consistently shows the importance of a stable youth-mentor partnership and how this relationship impacts the youth’s overall outcome as an adult. Mentored youth are more likely to stay in school, avoid risky behaviors, and engage positively in their communities. According to MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, young people
with a mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in college, and 78% are more likely to volunteer themselves, demonstrating a powerful ripple effect of community engagement.
Youth development research further supports the value of adult/youth partnerships. Studies by the Search Institute and others have shown that when young people are given opportunities to lead alongside adults, rather than being directed by them, they build critical life skills such as decision-making, communication, and resilience. These partnerships are most effective when adults treat youth as capable contributors rather than passive participants. Programs that promote shared leadership between adults and youth are linked to higher levels of youth engagement, empowerment, and longterm success. The 4-H model is a great example of this partnership.
Beyond mentorship and partnership, adult volunteers bring skills and leadership that help organize and sustain youth programs. They plan events, teach practical skills, and ensure activities run smoothly and safely. Their presence also provides consistency and emotional support, especially for youth
Kristy Titzman Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent
who may not have strong adult figures in their lives. In organizations like 4-H, volunteers often serve as project leaders, helping youth develop competence in a wide variety of subject areas.
Perhaps most importantly, adult volunteers model the values of service, responsibility, and commitment. Their example teaches youth the importance of giving back and being active contributors to their communities. In doing so, they help cultivate a new generation of confident, capable, and compassionate leaders.
In short, adult volunteers are not just helpers, they are foundational to the mission and success of youth organizations. Their influence, strengthened by youth-adult collaboration, lasts far beyond the activities they lead, often shaping the life paths of the young people they serve.
I encourage you to search within yourself and see if you have a desire to serve in our community as a volunteer in any of our youth organizations. For information on working with the Walker County 4-H program, please call the Extension Office. We would love for you to share your knowledge and experiences through our programs.
Wildlife Wonders
Being Called A Bird-Brain Might Be A Compliment
Although measuring avian intelligence can be challenging, scientists and researchers agree the crow is the most intelligent bird in the animal kingdom. With a range covering nearly all the lower 48 states, the American crow is a familiar sight. They are very adaptable and found in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Distinguished by glossy black feathers that shimmer iridescently, it possesses long legs and a sturdy, straight bill. Adults typically measure between 16-21” in length (about 40% is tail) and weigh approximately one pound. These intelligent birds are omnivores with a remarkably broad diet, consuming natural foods like worms, insects, seeds, and fruit, but also scavenging trash and carrion, and opportunistically preying on baby birds from nests.
Young American crows don’t breed until they are at least two years old, but most don’t breed until they are at least four. They are territorial and will defend their nests and foraging areas.
Crows are monogamous, and their lifespan is 7-15 years. Interestingly, when a crow sees a dead crow, it will send out a loud call to other crows. The group will then perform aerial maneuvers and vocalizations at the “funeral.”
Crows have demonstrated remarkable memory skills. They can identify and remember individual faces and associate them with positive or negative experiences. They effectively communicate these occasions to others in their murder (a flock of crows), who may then collectively react to the person involved. An experiment at the University of Washington proved this to
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors
treats. She was pleasantly surprised when the crows began reciprocating by leaving Gabi an assortment of small items that would fit in a crow’s mouth like buttons, paper clips, screws, and even a rotting crab claw!
Here are a few other examples that demonstrate the intelligence of crows:
• They’ve been observed bending materials like sticks and wire to make hooks to retrieve food from small spaces.
• Crows will drop rocks into a container to raise the water level in order to reach floating food.
• Their problem-solving skills were observed when they waited for a traffic light to turn red before retrieving food on the street.
• The Magnuson Children’s Garden watched as one crow taught other crows how to use tools.
• Crows have been tested with various puzzles and have been able to solve them.
Until recently, it was believed that only humans could recognize and differentiate shapes based on geometric regularity. At the University of Tübingen in Germany, two tamed crows were shown a computer screen with 6 shapes. In order to get a treat, they had to peck at the shape that was different. They gradually made the experiment harder. In the end, the crows were shown 4 perfect squares and one shape that very closely resembled a square. It had only one slightly different part. Could they pick it out? Absolutely!
Mustard Seed Moments
By R.J.A.
Come as You Are
When receiving invitations, such as to a wedding or a birthday, we often find four letters at the bottom: RSVP (from French répondez s’il vous plait). These invitations require a response of: yes, I can come; or no, I cannot make it. The sender needs to know how many are coming so they will know how much to prepare.
In the second chapter of John, Jesus is invited to a wedding. We know the story. They run out of wine, but Jesus met the need. Maybe they should have put RSVP on their invitation!
In Mark, we find Jairus coming to Jesus. He invited Jesus to come heal his daughter. This is another invitation Jesus accepted where he performed another miracle. Jairus asked for healing of his daughter, yet Jesus did not answer the way Jairus asked. Jesus did not heal the girl; he raised her from dead, going farther than he was asked.
The first invitation by Jesus in the book of John comes in chapter one, verse 39, where he says, “Come and see.” Jesus offered other invitations like, “Follow me”, or “Come unto me.” Notice this…none of the invitations from Jesus required an RSVP. They are “come as you are; no need to bring anything” invitations. The one doing the inviting can and will supply all that is needed from his endless supply. Come to him today; follow where he leads and receive his richest blessings. Do not measure the size of the mountain before you—instead, turn to and look to the One who can move it.
“If you are thirsty, come to me and drink!” - John 7:37
FOR THOSE WHO ARE BUILT FOR THIS,
WE’RE BUILT FOR YOU.
Caring for the land is hard work. And although not everyone is built for the amount of effort it takes to get the job done right, you are. We know because we are caretakers ourselves, which means we also know exactly what you need to succeed. The best equipment you can buy, backed by over a century of industry experience, supported by trained professionals who know the machines and the people like you who operate them. You’re built for hard work. And we’re built for you.
