Postcards
Huntsville Fire Department
Laurel, MS
Mary C. Gautreaux
Piney Woods
” x ”
Publisher’s Post
Let’s Be Nice – Really!
Last month, we shared the story of meeting and interviewing influencer Landon Bryant. This month, our travel feature shares more about his hometown of Laurel, Mississippi.
I was watching one of Landon’s “Let’s Discuss” videos the other day—you know, the ones where he sits with his sweet Southern drawl and calmly addresses life’s biggest debates… like whether sugar belongs in cornbread. (Bless it, I still don’t know why everyone doesn’t agree with my momma.) But what got me thinking wasn’t so much the cornbread itself, but the kindness in the conversation. The way he says, “Now listen, we don’t have to agree, but we can be nice about it.”
Be nice about it. Imagine that.
Y’all, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard folks get all worked up over things big and small—whether it’s politics, preferences, or how early is too early to start decorating for Christmas. (This one hits close to home in our family.) But somewhere along the way, we’ve started confusing “different” with “wrong.” And that’s a shame.
Because the truth is, we are different. God made us that way. Just like a good stew needs more than potatoes, the world needs more than one flavor of people. And while some folks might be spicier than others—and yes, some might just plain get on our nerves—that doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of kindness.
Kindness doesn’t mean we have to agree. It means we care enough to listen. It means we show grace, even when we don’t understand. It means we remember that every person we meet is someone’s baby, someone’s friend, and most importantly— someone God created and loves. It means we don’t have to berate people or call them ugly names in order to make ourselves feel better.
Kinda like a momma who loves all her kids—even the one who can push her buttons so well, he could do it blindfolded.
So maybe next time we come across someone who thinks differently than we do, we can take a breath. Maybe even smile. And, remember: it’s okay to disagree… just be nice about it.
We don’t have to all eat the same kind of cornbread to sit at the same table.
Love y'all,
...somewhere along the way, we've started confusing "different" with "wrong."
Why?
Why isn't Trinity getting Postcards? It's been months.
Barbara Gilbert
From the Editor:
Thank you for your concern and for reaching out. At the first of the year, we moved Trinity to rack deliveries only. With the rising cost of postage and printing, we had to make some tough choices. We also had several Trinity residents
who had emailed asking us to stop delivery.
We are replenishing racks each month at the following locations: Dairy Queen, Higginbothams, and Trinity Cafe. We also deliver in Riverside to Tallents and Daisy's Diner.
Thank you again for contacting us and being a valued reader. Should you want a copy mailed directly to your home, we do offer subscriptions for $36/year. The magazines are also available free online as a flipbook on our website www. PostcardsLive.com.
Editorial Feast
I really love the new look of the recipe section, it looks very editorial and a feast for the eyes!
Christa Ashworth-Perkins
Because She Deserves More Than Flowers…
Advertiser Anniversaries
Tallent Sausage
Founded 1977
SEE THEIR AD ON PAGE 34
Covenant Fellowship Church
Founded 2008
SEE THEIR AD ON PAGE 75
Bluebird Haven Estates
Founded 2016
SEE THEIR AD ON PAGE 43
Woods Welding
Founded 1996 SEE THEIR AD ON PAGE 35
U-Rent-EM
Founded 2012 SEE THEIR AD ON PAGE 36
Eastex Trailers & Storage
Founded 2016
THEIR AD ON PAGE 53
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is courage to continue that counts.
COMMUNITY BUILDERS P
Last fiscal year, HFD responded to 2119 calls, taught fire safety to 4563 people, and completed 3859 hours of personnel training.
Huntsville Fire Department
A Century (Plus) of Service
BY MIKE YAWN
We care about our history here,” notes Chief Greg Mathis.
“The department has a long history in the community; it’s made up of community members, and we serve the community.” Mathis is speaking to a dozen or so college students, one of the many tours he does to educate the public about the department. “Indeed,” he continues, “we are celebrating our 100th Anniversary on May 17, and this is a perfect time to highlight our time serving the community.”
Huntsville: A Century Ago
In 1925, Huntsville was at a crossroads. In the years following World War I, this town of fewer than four-thousand residents was still comfortable in its 19th century origins.
It was a sleepy town. In a rare mention, The Houston Chronicle noted on May 1, 1925 that berry-pickers from Huntsville had been alarmed by a “great panther” that was, apparently, still prowling among the backwaters outside of Houston. The Huntsville Item could still offer observations, without fear of reader blowback, that there is “no need in telling a girl her hair looks like a mop—too many of them nowadays don’t know what a mop looks like.” And the chair of the Texas Penitentiary Commission openly considered moving the State’s “central prison” from Huntsville, which he described as “about as inaccessible place as could be found.”
But in this “inaccessible place,” citizens had found capable leaders. Thomas Ball was mayor; A.T. McKinney was county judge; and C.E. Bobbitt, a relatively recent resident of Huntsville, had nonetheless established himself as a local business owner. They, and the citizens of Huntsville, would have a busy year.
The leaders had some momentum. In early 1924, the county’s voters faced a massive bond issue, a $1,500,000 road bond. “If HELL is PAVED with GOOD INTENTIONS,” noted The Huntsville Item, “Let’s pave Walker County With CEMENT.” The voters agreed, approving the bond two-toone, in what the Item referred to as an
“awakening.” A chamber of commerce was established, with Sam McKinney serving as its inaugural director.
Huntsville’s first traffic signals were installed in early November. Serious discussions began on the need for modernization: a new hotel—plans that would culminate the next year as the “Keep Hotel”; the desire for a city park and playground; and the necessity of an up-to-date hospital for “the growth of Huntsville.”
Perhaps the most important decision of 1925, however, was to re-organize and professionalize the city’s fire services.
The Huntsville Fire Department
There have always been fire services, of a sort, in Walker County. A Dallas Morning News article from 1887 mentions a fire that was squelched by “the heroic efforts of citizens and the Huntsville Fire Company.” But these volunteers, no matter how civic-minded,
were working with rudimentary water lines. Indeed, as late as the 1880s, the city was largely reliant on natural springs for its water supply, limiting the department to pumping approximately 75 gallons per hour.
The Huntsville City Council contracted with the Huntsville Unit to gain access to four fire plugs around the courthouse square in 1893, and a true water-line system was developed over the next three decades, with the first line running connecting 8th Street to what was then Sam Houston Normal Institute.
Unfortunately, this new water supply did little to help things in 1899, when a fire damaged the Huntsville Unit. With a record low of -4 degrees, the pipes were frozen, and the prison hospital burned. Such were the vagaries of a primitive infrastructure and a purely volunteer “Fire Company.”
But with modernization reforms afoot in the mid-1920s, the city moved
Fire Department in 2009. Mayor Turner standing in same spot as Mayor McKinney in 1929 photo.
Fire Department in 1929. Chief Bobbitt is on the left and Mayor McKinney is on the right
to a more tightly structured fire unit. In 1925, city council launched a “re-organization” of the department, appointing Chief C.E. Bobbitt to supervise the work of a team of volunteers, who, in turn, were greeted with a renewed investment in training. Council members also purchased new equipment. They acquired a new fire truck, one that could pump 500 gallons of water per minute—a 400-fold increase over the pumping capacity of the 1880s. And for added security, council installed an “electric siren” in the “courthouse tower.”
Progress begat progress: in the late 1920s, the city purchased two new fire trucks, including a 1928 model Seagraves City Service Ladder Truck. That truck can be seen today in parades and on display in the city’s Fire Station #2. In 1929, the Department’s organizational structure was further supported by an actual physical structure: a two-story City Hall / Fire Department was constructed on Eleventh Street.
These improvements showed immediate results. The volunteers— unpaid except for the waiver of street taxes—were described by The Huntsville Item as men “who have a pride in Huntsville and a desire to see the city progress.” The fire records suggest this narrative was not merely a hometown paper’s hyperbole: the participation rate of the twenty-plus volunteers exceeded eighty percent.
This volunteer model served Huntsville well for approximately three quarters of a century, even in the face of epic fires.
On January 21, 1954, Major Gibson, an African-American inmate who worked as a trustee for TDCJ Director O. B. Ellis, spotted flames and smoke coming from the upper floors of the First Baptist Church. He and other trustees went to work as makeshift first responders, armed only with a garden hose. “I have known these good Baptist folks for 20 years,” Gibson noted, “and have watched them build a fine church. When I saw flames…I knew they needed help and needed it quick.”
They needed a lot of help: firemen from Conroe, Trinity, Willis, Madisonville, and Country Campus traveled to help. Citizens also assisted,
and one of those, a “Sam Houston College” student, James Davis, Jr., lost his life while trying to save church possessions. The church, too, was reduced to ashes, settling in the dust on which it had risen in the mid-1920s.
A similar tragedy struck on Christmas Eve 1968, when the courthouse caught fire. An alert janitor reported the fire, but the conflagration had already damaged the siren housed in the courthouse tower, and no effective all-alert could be issued. The delay was devastating: the building suffered $300,000 in damages; it was destroyed.
An even greater disaster befell the community in 1982, when the historic Old Main was reduced to ruins. The structure, which had been described as “the most beautiful in the state,” January 24, 1954 First Baptist Church Fire
Children riding fire truck in parade, with Walker County Courthouse in the background
1968 Walker County Courthouse Christmas Eve Fire
was also a firetrap. Shortly after the first spark found kindling, the building burned with an ineluctable momentum, blazing for twenty-two hours and smoldering for days more. Firefighter (and later Chief) Tom Grisham remembers it as “devastating” and “the most emotionally exhausting” fire response in his career—a career that lasted almost half a century. While the peculiarities and severity of these fires likely would have resulted in complete destruction under any organizational structure, some of the department’s limitations in resources were beginning to show. As late as the 1960s, firemen were still being equipped with rubber boots and rain slickers, as though they were fighting rain rather than fire. In the 1970s, Huntsville Fire Station #1 (on 14th Street and Avenue M) had to discontinue its siren, because the dispatcher, who lived across the street, could not be heard over the sound of the siren. And at the time of the Old Main fire, the Department only had three fulltime firemen.
Calls for Modernization
By the turn of the century, the city was again facing calls for modernization. Consultants suggested the addition of fire stations, purchasing new and improved equipment, and adding professional firefighters. They were less vocal on how to finance such improvements.
But over time, and under the leadership of several city councils, city managers, and fire chiefs, positive change has occurred. There are now four fire stations; 27 full-time firefighters, complemented by 30 volunteers; and a fleet that includes four fire engines, two ladder trucks, two tank trucks, as well as numerous specialized and support vehicles. A new fire engine should be added by 2027, with a new ladder truck in place by 2028.
And while the National Fire Protection Association’s standards
suggest that Huntsville still needs more full-time firefighters, the city’s recent investment in the department is promising, perhaps best exemplified by the recent (2021) completion of a new fire station on Sam Houston Avenue, which features state-of-the-art training facilities, sleeping quarters, administrative offices, and five truck bays. The station, notes Chief Mathis, “will serve the needs of the city for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
Mathis’ optimism keeps him looking to—and planning for—the future. He stresses being proactive about future needs, while highlighting his priority of achieving a fully staffed fire department.
But, as always, he displays a keen appreciation for the department’s history. Indeed, it was at his request that the
1928 firetruck—still running, always shiny—is on display in the front of Fire Station #2, where Chief Mathis often begins his tours of the station. “We’ve been serving the community a long time,” Mathis recaps, “and, God-willing, we will continue to do so.”
The Huntsville Fire Department will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on May 17, 2025. The city will post information and updates on social media, and interested citizens can learn more by calling 936-291-3047.
(Many thanks to Barbara KievitMason and the University Archives /
Chief Greg Mathis during a tour with a group from the community
Where Beautiful Homes & Gardens Begin
In the Garden In the Mansion
• Statuary
• Pottery
• Roses & Azaleas
• Shrubs
• Garden Decor
• Tropicals
• Herbs & Veggies
• Fragrances
• Tabletop
• Candles
• Gourmet Foods
• Linens
• Inspirational Books
• Gifts & Antiques
Snapshots
Waverly
Teachers Touching Tomorrow
Spiritual Sanctuary
Mrs. Theisen is one of the most supportive and genuine teachers I have ever had. The way she believes in me and all her students has made the biggest impact.
Star Students
Nancy Chibuikem
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE: La La Land
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Beyonce
Favorite Food:
Plantain and Stew
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“That dream was placed in your heart for a reason.”
Nancy is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Ijeoma and Chibuike Chibuikem. Her activities include National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Grenadier Guard Drill Team, National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and theatre. Following graduation, Nancy plans to become an investment banker. She believes, “Always be open to learn anything from anyone!”
Hannah Jones
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST:
Taylor Swift
Favorite Food:
Hot Dogs and Pizza
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“People change and things go wrong, but just remember life goes on.” - Mac Miller
Hannah is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Barbara and Greg Jones. Her activities include yearbook staff, Mu Alpha Theta, church, drinking coffee, and karaoke. Following graduation, Hannah plans to attend Dallas Baptist University and become a pediatric nurse. She believes, “Always look for the bright side and stay positive.”
Always be open to learn anything from anyone!
May Happenings Huntsville Public Library
@
Teen Thursdays
We welcome teens ages 13-17 to come to the library and have a special program just for them. We will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and enjoy making new friends, having snacks and drinks, and participating in a themed activity each week. All supplies are provided, and registration is not required.
Story Time
A fun, early literacy program for kids ages eight and under. Join us for interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. Registration is not required. Join us on Wednesdays and Fridays 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Art Fun for Everyone
An hour of creativity each Friday from 1:30 - 2:30 pm! These art classes are for beginners from ages 6 to 16. There will be painting, sculpting, and experimenting with many art styles and techniques. No registration needed and all supplies provided.
Homeschool Hub
Join on the first Monday of each month from 2:00 – 3:30 PM, For all ages, each session encourages whole-family participation. The library provides lending materials, educational materials, and a meeting space for support. Learn about library resources, participate in STEM lessons, and build a sense of community amongst families through the events and activities. All co-ops and independent homeschoolers are invited!
Builders Club — New Days!
Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., for children in grades K and up, including preteens and teens! Provided building materials include Legos, Magnetic Tiles and more.
Chess Club
Join all ages & levels of experience for a game of strategy and problem solving. Meets every Wednesday evening from 5:00-6:30 pm. No registration necessary.
Things My Granddaddy
It’s
If
Don’t smoke in the hayloft.
Hunt
It’s
Don’t
Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris
Fun space from page 62-66
Glorious Grandchildren
James Garcia
Grandchild of Glenn & Laura Green
Deacon
Grandchild of Wes & Karen Altom
Olivia, Amelia & Lyla Ruiz
Grandchildren of Mary Partida
Noah Scott
Grandchild of April Key
Ezra & Isabella
Grandchildren of Becky Wiley
Colt Bradley James Key
Grandchild of James & Jessica Robertson
Seen by: PC Staff
Laurel, Mississippi
Take a stroll through Southern charm.
BY KAREN ALTOM | PHOTOS BY WES & KAREN ALTOM
There’s just something special about a small town with a big heart—and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Laurel, Mississippi. Tucked away beneath a canopy of moss-draped oaks, this quaint Southern town invites you to slow down, sip sweet tea on a front porch, and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures.
Chances are, you’ve seen Laurel come to life on HGTV’s Home Town, where Ben and Erin Napier lovingly restore historic homes with
heart and soul. Or maybe you’ve laughed along with hometown favorite and now-famous social media influencer Landon Bryant, known for his witty Southern storytelling and big personality (whom we proudly featured in our April issue!).
But whether you come for the charm, the creativity, or the community—you’ll find all three in abundance. Laurel is full of warmth, character, and the kind of hospitality that feels like a hug from an old friend.
Where to Eat
No trip is complete without a good meal—or three. Laurel might be small, but its food scene is full of flavor, personality, and Southern soul.
• The Pearl Diner – A retro gem with fried chicken that’ll make you close your eyes and say “mmhmm.” Bonus points for the banana pudding.
• Lee’s Coffee & Tea – A local favorite for breakfast or a midday break. The atmosphere is cozy, and the homemade quiche is perfection.
• The Loft – When you’re ready for a nice dinner, this charming upstairs bistro delivers. Steaks, pasta, and a wine list that surprises in the best way.
• Sweet Somethings Bakery –Every bite feels like a little celebration. Don’t miss the pecan pie bars or lemon cupcakes.
• Bird Dog Café – Casual brunch spot with elevated Southern staples. Try the chicken and waffles or the pimento cheese BLT.
• Mimmos Ristorante Pizzeria –You might not expect top-notch Italian in a Mississippi town, but Mimmos nails it. House-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a cozy, welcoming vibe, plus our waitress was a delight!
• Café La Fleur – With its Cajuninspired menu, this spot adds a little Louisiana flair. The gumbo and shrimp and grits are both standouts.
It doesn't get any more fresh than this at Lee's Coffee & Tea
Cajun food was a hit at Cafe Le Fleur
Where to Stay
After a day of exploring, you’ll want a cozy place to rest your head—and Laurel has several stays that match the town’s charm.
• The Laurel Cottages – These beautifully restored homes make you feel like you’ve stepped into an episode of Home Town. Perfect for a more personal, immersive experience.
• Wisteria Bed & Breakfast – A classic Southern B&B with wraparound porches, welcoming hosts, and a pecan pie that deserves its own award.
• Holiday Inn Express – Clean, comfortable, and conveniently located—ideal if you prefer traditional accommodations.
• Buzzard’s Roost – This fun and funky Airbnb, featured on Home Town, is full of personality and Southern style. It’s just a short walk to downtown, and it makes for a great photo op, too!
What to Do
There’s more to Laurel than meets the eye. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a fan of handcrafted goods, there’s plenty to fill your itinerary.
• Laurel Mercantile Co. – Co-owned by Ben and Erin Napier, this shop is packed with locally made goods, candles, books, and décor that feel
like home.
• Scotsman General Store & Woodshop – Watch real woodworkers in action, grab a unique souvenir, and maybe even catch Ben Napier himself behind the scenes.
• The Scent Library – Another cool Napier shop where fragrances tell stories and bring back memories. Test scent strips, browse locally inspired candles and perfumes, and let your nose lead the way. It’s a fun, immersive stop for all your senses. There’s even a section the guys like.
• Lauren Rogers Museum of Art –Mississippi’s first art museum, and a real gem. The permanent collection features American, European, and Native American works—plus, the building itself is a beauty.
• Walk the Historic District – Stroll tree-lined streets filled with lovingly restored homes. Take your time; Laurel was made for walking.
• Grab a mural selfie – Bright, bold
murals are sprinkled throughout downtown—each one perfect for your next postcard or Instagram post.
• Hellfighters USA – This place is hard to describe and impossible to forget. Part motorcycle shop, part ministry, part museum, Hellfighters is huge—and even non-riders will find it fascinating. It’s a mission-driven business with heart and horsepower.
How to Get There
Getting to Laurel is easy—and the drive itself just adds to the experience.
• By Car – Located just off I-59, Laurel is an easy drive from Hattiesburg (30 minutes), Mobile (2 hours), or Jackson (about 1.5 hours).
• By Plane – The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport is the closest option, but many travelers fly into Jackson or Gulfport and enjoy a scenic drive into town.
Our Favorite Thing
While there’s no shortage of charm in Laurel, the hidden pearl for us was the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
From its elegant Georgian Revival architecture to its thoughtfully curated
collection, the museum is a quiet but powerful reminder of the town’s artistic soul. The Native American basketry collection is one of the most extensive in the South, and the peaceful galleries provide the
perfect place to reflect after a day of exploring. And it’s all free! It stands as a testament to the desire that all people should be able to experience and appreciate art.
And I have to say, I’m also pretty glad the Laurel Mercantile shipped all the candles I couldn’t resist—for free!
Final Thoughts
We originally came to Laurel to sit down with the ever-charming Landon Bryant—and what a joy that was. Warm, witty, and wonderfully rooted in his hometown, Landon made us laugh, reflect, and feel right at home. But somewhere between the front porch conversations, the museum strolls, and the friendly waves from total strangers, we found ourselves completely smitten.
By the time we packed up to leave, we weren’t just saying goodbye—we were wondering how hard it would be to make this place home. As Landon told us in our April issue, “Laurel has always been home to me—not just because I live here, but because it’s the kind of place that feels like it hugs you back.”
We couldn’t agree more. Laurel might just be America’s hometown and if you come for a visit, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay a little longer, too.
If You Go: Laurel, Mississippi
Local Events to Look For:
• Loblolly Festival (October) – Arts, crafts, food, and fun in the heart of downtown.
• Christmas in Laurel – Twinkling lights, carriage rides, and all the holiday feels.
Travel Tip: Downtown is very walkable—wear comfy shoes and take your time. Free parking is easy to find.
Souvenir to Grab: A candle (or three) from Scent Library—”Front Porch” is a local favorite, but “Mama’s House” was my favorite scent!
Can’t-Miss Photo Ops:
• Downtown murals
• Ben’s woodshop at Scotsman Co.
• The front steps of the Lauren Rogers Museum
Giggles & Grins
I bought
Guess what? Wooden
Run spelled backwards is nur…and it’s
Pretty sure I only need one more bad decision, and I’ll have the whole set.
••••••••••••••••••••
What's the difference between Iron Man and Aluminum Man?
Iron Man stops the bad guys, but Aluminum Man only foils their plans.
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Just because I like to walk around in my underwear, eating Doritos, does not make me strange. You folks in aisle 4 just need to stop staring.
Nobody is more shocked than a husband hearing his wife's plans for the third time.
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People ask, "Do I really need Jesus to go to heaven?" Bro, you need Jesus just to go to Walmart.
••••••••••••••••••••
I lost my job at the bank on my first day.
A woman asked me to check her balance, so I pushed her over.
••••••••••••••••••••
I debated a flat earther once. He told me he'd walk to the edge to prove me wrong.
I'm sure he'll come around eventually.
••••••••••••••••••••
Saw on the news that a cheese factory exploded in France. Da brie is everywhere.
My ancestors navigated the ocean using the stars, and I'm over here missing exits with a GPS.
••••••••••••••••••••
"Can you multitask?"
Yeah, I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once.
••••••••••••••••••••
This morning, I was walking down the street, and I was hit by a violin, then a clarinet, and then a French horn!
I think it was an orchestrated attack.
••••••••••••••••••••
At our prayer meeting, I asked my pastor to pray for my hearing. He placed his hands on my ears and prayed. Afterward, he asked if my hearing was better. I said I wouldn't know until Monday when I appear before the judge at the courthouse.
Kidspeak
YOU DID IT!
Congratulations HHS Class of 2025
My five-year old students are learning to read. Yesterday, one of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said, "Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"
I took a deep breath and asked..."What did you call it?"
"It's a frickin' elephant! It says so on the picture!"
And so it does... "African Elephant" Hooked on phonics! Ain't it wonderful? ••••••••••••••••••••
From my high-schooler:
I was in psychology class yesterday, and we couldn’t stop laughing about how stupid Pavlov’s dogs were. Then the bell rang, and we all had lunch.
••••••••••••••••••••
(watching The Little Mermaid)
Daughter: Why didn’t Ariel just write Prince Eric a note?
Me: Maybe she didn’t know how to write.
Daughter: But she signed her name on Ursula’s contract.
Me:
Daughter:
Me: [frantically flipping through parenting book.]
5-yo daughter: Mom, why is some of your hair white?
Me: *smiles* Every time you make me sad, another hair turns white.
Daughter: *wide eyes* Wow Mom, what did you do to grandma? ••••••••••••••••••••
When I was a kid, my parents would always say, “Excuse my French” just after a swear word… I’ll never forget my first day at school when my teacher asked if any of us knew any French.
Summer Safety
Summer is one of my favorite times of year. The days are longer, the kids are out of school, and there’s just something about the smell of sunscreen and barbecue that brings me back to my own childhood. Before we all dive headfirst into the season, I wanted to share a few tips to help you and your family stay safe and healthy all summer long.
Let’s start with sunscreen. Whether it’s by the water, at the baseball field, or just mowing the yard, sun protection isn’t just about avoiding a painful burn. It’s about preventing long-term skin damage and reducing your risk of skin cancer.
Every time your skin burns, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life—including melanoma, the most dangerous type. Sunburns also take a few hours to show up, so once you see the red, it’s already too late. That’s why it’s crucial to apply sunscreen before you start your outdoor fun.
I often get asked what SPF number
sweating. And don’t forget spots like your ears, the tops of your feet, and the back of your neck. Also, consider wearing a widebrimmed hat and UV-protective clothing, and try to stay in the shade if possible during the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Next up, let’s talk water safety. There’s nothing like cooling off in a pool or lake, but water can be dangerous—especially for kids. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 4, and most drownings happen in home pools.
Drowning can happen so quickly – it only takes a second of not paying attention to your little ones. Supervision is absolutely critical. If you’re at a pool, keep your eyes on your kids.
If you have a pool at home, it should be completely fenced in with a selflatching gate. Check it frequently to ensure it is closed and stays closed. Alarms on doors and gates can add an extra layer of protection.
For kids who can’t swim confidently
Dr. Lane Aiena Family Practice
currents, sudden drop-offs, and tangled weeds that make swimming more difficult than expected.
And finally, let’s talk grilling. Whether it’s burgers, brisket, or veggies, grilling brings people together, and we want to make sure we keep them all safe.
Always grill outdoors in a wellventilated area, away from overhangs, trees, or anything flammable. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill, and never leave it unattended once it’s lit.
No one wants to be the host who gave everyone food poisoning. Use a meat thermometer to make sure you’re cooking things to a safe internal temperature (Chicken and poultry: 165°F; Ground beef: 160°F; Steaks and pork: 145°F, with a 3-minute rest time).
Keep cold foods cold (below 40°F) and hot foods hot (above 140°F), and don’t let perishable items sit out for more than two hours—or one hour if it’s hotter than 90°F outside.
Keep the sunscreen handy, the life
Make
A
I worked in a salmon cannery in AK; in Yellowstone NP; and with rocker Ozzy Osbourne.
What Would We Find You Doing On Your Day Off? Bike riding , family time, Long walks
Matthew Lahey Director of Media, HISD
18
How Do You Clear Your Mind After A Bad Day? Gym. Loud music (see above). Walk/bike ride.
One Thing You’re Epically Bad At?
I am bad at many thingsjust ask around!
Bucket List Item You’re Most Glad You’ve Done? I’ve done a bunch.
Top Thing Left To Do On Your Bucket List? Own a pickup truck. It will happen...
If You Could Live Abroad, Where Would That Be? Maybe somewhere in The Netherlands; Kyoto, Japan; or Auckland, NZ
Who Do You Admire?
Mom and Dad- for their easy grace, their humility, their curiosity, their openness and their humor.
19 Best Advice You’ve Ever Gotten?
The harder you work, the luckier you get... The story of your life is not your life, it’s your story...What unites us is greater than what divides us...Pay Attention.
20 Advice To Your Younger Self?
Try not to make decisions based on fear; be honest with yourself; plans and preparation are absolutely necessary, but be open to spontaneity and improvisation.
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, is the nation’s foremost annual day to mourn and honor its deceased service men and women. Memorial Day is a day to reflect on their sacrifice and to honor their memory with gratitude. Let us never forget. Yes, it is still spring but, according to my tissue usage, it is still allergy season. My favorite allergy season song is “Blowing in the Wind” by Peter Pollen Mary. May the fourth be with you until Cinco de Mayo. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share
DEAR GABBY
I have a highbrow friend who questioned my use of the word “synchronicity” when I should have used “coincidence.” I should not try to match her vocabulary. Would you please give me a simple example so I may not make this horrendous mistake in her presence again?
COMMON MAN
DEAR CM
I’ll never know why you picked me to answer this question, but I’ll give it my best shot. Synchronicity is when you are thinking of someone that you haven’t heard from in a while and, out of the blue, they call you. Coincidence is when you get a new puppy, and you are in the process of scattering newspaper pages all over the floors in your house. By the time you get the first page on the floor, Frank Sinatra comes on the radio singing “Start Spreading the News.” Here’s a suggestion: Find a friend who is more interested sharing in friendly competition than orchestrating contests that are designed to attack your self esteem.
Gabby
DEAR GABBY
My husband and I are going on an extended vacation this summer. Everywhere we’re going, we may be up close and personal with dangerous critters. My husband is thrilled, but I am more than a little nervous. Do you know any rules of thumb to help keep us out of trouble?
LIVING DANGEROUSLY
DEAR LIVING
That is nowhere near the vicinity of my wheelhouse, but I do remember a couple of things I’ve heard over the years. When it comes to bears: If it’s black, fight back. If it’s brown, lie down. If it’s white, good night. And if you see coastal water, taste it. If it’s salty, there are sharks in it. If it’s not salty, there are alligators in it. Please rethink your plans. The zoo is always a good option.
Gabby
CONFIDENTIAL TO “GRACEFUL AGING”:
I envy people who grow old gracefully. They age like fine wine. I’m aging like milk; getting sour and chunky.
The Garden Post
Watering 101
Did you know there is a “right” way and a “wrong” way to water plants? With summer on the way, this is a great time to review your landscape’s water needs. If the plant is alive and looks great, the battle is won. If the plant you keep replacing dies, yet again, there is a problem. So, before we jump into watering, let’s discuss the planting and soil prep needed for healthy growth and success. Consider this the CliffsNotes version of Landscape 101. Prepare the soil before planting. For plants such as azaleas, roses, gardenias…it is imperative to have a raised prepared bed of 1/3 humus, 1/3 sandy loam, and 1/3 compost or peat-and raise to 2”to 3” above grade. If the soil has a heavy clay base, add ¼ cup of gypsum per plant, for existing beds.
For new beds, turn up the soil to a depth of 6” plus, add your landscape mix and gypsum (or whatever mix is appropriate for your plant selections).
If the clay is heavy (which new home builds will have due to dense properties of contractor clay used to build a slab and foundation), treat with gypsum prior to tilling. If you can, remove as much as 12” of clay and backfill with a topsoil/ humus mix, then PLANT YOUR NEW SHRUB 1”-2” ABOVE GRADE. Do not plant flush to the soil. The plant will settle with time, and if the established woody stem of a shrub or tree goes below the soil level or if bark mulch is raised too high, the plant typically dies. A wood stem will not become a root. That only works on tomatoes!
Now, let’s talk “watering.” The rule of thumb is 1.5” of irrigation a week during the heat of summer, which translates to 4x a week. If you have newly planted shrubs or trees (less than
Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
6 months old), additional hand watering may be required for that plant’s survival. Existing landscape has an established root system that is deep and can sustain itself on watering 2-3x a week. New plants do not and will struggle, if not die. Remember, the leaves always tell the story. A drought stricken plant will begin with yellow leaves that roll up. The leaves will become dry and crunchy, and the plant dies within a day or so. A plant with black tips on its leaves has too much water, or the root system is not draining properly. The truth can always be found in the new growth. New growth will tell the tale if the problem was temporary or persists.
If you are watering manually, a sprinkler is highly recommended, because it is almost impossible to stand and water adequately when temps are in the high 90s. Direct water to the root system only, and deep soak to a depth of 12”+, 3x a week. If you are “Zorro watering”, where you whip the hose back and forth over the foliage in a Z pattern, you are going to have problems.
Shrubs, trees, and bedding plants do not absorb water through the foliage or the air; water is absorbed through the root system only. Yes, we do demonstrations, and the slow count to 15 is needed on new shrubs, when watering with a hose. If you are headed out for a week or more during the summer, ensure your irrigation system is working and have someone who knows how to check the system go by to ensure it is working properly. Power outages have been known to keep systems from coming back on.
Happy Gardening….summer is on the way!
DENTAL CARE TIPS
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can damage your teeth.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
www.huntsvilletxdentist.com
Dr. Aaron Fritsch Dr. Scott Logan
Tasty Bites
Chef FreshJohn’sSalmon Cakes
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup minced onion
2 Tbs minced red bell pepper
2 Tbs minced celery
salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbs capers
1 ¼ lb fresh wild salmon, coarsely chopped
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
1 Tbs panko breadcrumbs, or to taste
2 Tbs olive oil, or as needed
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion, red pepper, celery, and a pinch of salt in hot oil until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add capers; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Stir salmon, onion mixture, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, garlic, mustard, cayenne, seafood seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper together in a bowl until well-mixed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firmed and chilled, 1 to 2 hours.
Step 3: Form salmon mixture into four 1-inch thick patties; sprinkle remaining panko breadcrumbs over each patty.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in hot oil until golden and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Tasty Bites
Coconut Milk
Ice Cream
INGREDIENTS
1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
1/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Whisk together coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Chill until cold, at least 2 hours.
Step 3: Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions.
Step 4: Freeze in an airtight container at least 4 hours or up to 3 months.
Tasty Bites
Greek Street Corn Salad
INGREDIENTS
6 ears fresh corn, shucked
1/3 cup mayonnaise
6 oz feta cheese
1 med English cucumber, seeded and diced
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 tsp smoked paprika, plus more for garnish
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Add corn, and cook, turning occasionally, until partially charred. Let cool.
Step 2: Cut kernels from corn cob and add them to a large bowl.
Step 3: Reserve 2 tablespoons feta for topping and add remaining feta to corn. Stir in cucumber, parsley, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with reserved feta. Sprinkle with parsley and smoked paprika as desired.
Tasty Bites
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
INGREDIENTS
Fruit Layer:
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3 cups diced rhubarb
1 cup white sugar
3 Tbs all-purpose flour
Crunch Topping:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup butter
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2: To make the fruit layer: Mix strawberries, rhubarb, white sugar, and flour together in a large bowl. Place the mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: To make the crisp topping: Combine 1 ½ cups flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter and mix until crumbly. You may want to use a pastry cutter for this. Sprinkle on top of the rhubarb and strawberry layer.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven until crisp and lightly browned, about 45 minutes.
TEXAS TALENT
Local author publishes a young adult fiction mystery series set in Huntsville. Mary Gautreaux
BY WES ALTOM | PHOTOS BY KATIE PITT PHOTOGRAPHY
Not gonna lie. You had me at ‘mystery’ or ‘set in Huntsville.’ With this one-two punch combination, I eagerly obtained and read the book, then contacted the author to learn more about her path and the ‘story behind the story.’ Here is a glimpse from the description of Mary's latest book, Friday Night on the Frio River: It is another scorching hot summer in Huntsville, Texas, and Caroline Mason is one year away from high school graduation. While living in an old building that houses her family’s bookstore business and working as a lifeguard, Caroline reads mysteries, explores old treasures inside the building’s attic, and contemplates where life is going to lead her next. But she has no idea that something is about to unfold deep in the heart of Texas that will lead her down a path she never expected. What no one knows is that the characters in Caroline’s favorite books have been coming to life and holding secret conversations with her in the attic since she was young. They have been assigned to train and assist Caroline in solving mysteries and righting wrongs. She finally gets her chance when she becomes entangled in a whodunit investigation surrounding a series of local robberies.
Share about your background.
I have a very large Texan family with deep roots, but my father was in the navy, and I ended up being the only person in the family actually born outside of Texas. We were stationed at a submarine base in New London, Connecticut at the time. My upbringing occurred in a lot of different places along the east and west coast, but that part of the country deeply imprinted me, and I love the perspective that has added to my experience. I love the history and the small towns, and just everything about it.
My last stop in high school was in California. I was a swimmer, and that’s what I stayed in California to do in college. While there, I met this wonderful young Texas man who was on the water polo team. We got married, and he brought me back to Texas, to the delight of my family. My parents retired to Huntsville, and now we all live here.
What did you study?
Eli and I finished up our degrees here at Sam Houston State, and my field of study was elementary education, with an English specialization. I taught a few years in both the Huntsville schools and private schools. I homeschooled our own children, Katie (Pitt) and Kory (Murphy) from about middle school on, so that was an important part of my story, and that of our family as well. Raising kids and writing is what I have always loved to do.
This latest work of young adult fiction appears to be something new, a departure from your previous work. Friday Night on the Frio River, which released in November, is the first writing of this type that I’ve produced publicly, but writing has always been a dream of mine. As a child, I loved books so much. My earliest dream was to be a librarian! <laughs> To the point where my parents bought me a little date stamp. I made little library cards in the back of each of my books and checked them out to myself.
My mother, Judy Ellis, is also an avid reader…and my greatest cheerleader. When I was in high school, she gave me a book and inscribed it, saying, “Imagine what you can write some day!” That opened my mind to the thought, “Wow. I love books so much that I could create some.” My dream shifted at that point. I have a big, literal stack of stories, short stories, and ideas I’ve played with over the years, but this series…I hope it’s going to be a series of six books.
Talk about the timing and how that works.
I just couldn’t get away from this idea. I worked on the first one, in and out over the years…I probably started it about 15 years ago! I was content through the first part of my life focusing on the kids and them growing up. Now that I’m an empty nester, I believe it’s time to focus on the stories that I have. I have picked up the pace. I have finished the second book, and I am about halfway through the third. When they publish will depend on how well the first book does.
Your previous publications were faith based. Share about that.
My husband and I were active in campus ministry for many years. Working with college kids, the piece I loved the most was helping people discover their faith.
If I combine my elementary education background, homeschooling my own children, and helping young people learn to “self-discover” their faith—I like to help people get started. That’s what I like to do. These areas of my life are all aimed at helping someone “new to the territory.” My prior books were just helping people “learn how to learn” basically.
Mary’s other works include "Kingdom Minded: Learning to Walk in Discipline as a Follower of Christ" and "Living Stones: Learning to Walk in Community as a Follower of Christ."
Personally, I believe writing for young adults would be a very challenging genre.
We homeschooled predominantly the teenage years, and we had a “bring your friends over” sort of house. We spent a lot of time around that age group, and I LOVE that age group. They are my favorite. Lights are turning on, they’re learning how to think, and exploring what they think and believe. That moment in time is so important. Frankly, the idea for this book series started the first time I took my kids as young teenagers to the bookstore. Between my childhood and theirs, the young adult section changed very radically. I just wanted to offer something positive and hopeful.
Do you have any ties to the Frio River area?
Both my family and Eli's family vacationed there regularly growing up. We all have a lot of love in our heart for Garner State Park, in particular.
Expand on the “special characters” in the story. Are they ghosts, angelic beings, or simply ‘imaginary friends’?
I believe they are the embodiment of what you ingest...from your experience and what you read. They are not necessarily a spiritual thing. But truly, I believe that what you read totally informs the way you think. I want kids to think, “What I ingest is really impacting me—my thoughts and my decisions.” What kids spend the most time with is what is going to speak to them and inform them.
What's ahead?
My first foray into adult fiction will probably be to write the book I reference
in the stories, the source where those special characters come from. It will be an adult mystery series based in 1880s Texas, and I will weave actual stories from our own family’s genealogy into it. I’m excited to try that. I have a bunch of “pre-work” done for that.
What would you tell young readers and young writers?
For young readers, finish the book and dream about how your own life can make a difference in the world around you. I want each person to realize their own life is a gift, and they have a way of looking at things that no one else does.
For young writers, my advice would be to read everything you can get your hands on. Fill your life with a lot of perspective. Then, just begin. Start writing. It can be a journal, or a story. Just begin the written conversation, and let it grow as you grow.
Visit www.marycgautreaux.com for more information.
When you’re in the market for a new mortgage, call Lorri Lehman at First National Bank of Huntsville. You’ll get the best mortgage team in town with more 40 years of experience in mortgage lending! In 2023, FNBH was voted Best Mortgage Lender with previous wins in this category and Lorri was voted Best Loan Officer (and not for the first time)!
Everyone knows FNB’s mortgage team is the go-to experts for home loans.
• Personal service, with unparalleled knowledge of this market
• Fast turnaround, with careful attention to detail
• A commitment to close on time with no surprises
At First National Bank of Huntsville, we believe our customers deserve the very best. You may apply online by clicking the link at www. fnbhuntsvilletx.bank.
Questions? Email me: lorri.lehman@fnbhuntsvilletx.bank
Pet Pals
Rigby & Reggie
loved by Scott & Misty Blakeway
Root Beer
loved by Maddison
TC
loved by The McClure Family
Trump loved by The Peach Family
Oatmeal loved by Maddison Daisy loved by The Glass Family
Funspace
Funspace
What's the Word?
Directions: Read the clues and try to figure out the mystery words.
Level A: Easy
1. Rain cover U __ __ __ __ __ __ __
2. Ice cream drink M __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
3. Girl with a little lamb M __ __ __
4. Birthday party decoration B __ __ __ __ __ __
Level B: Getting Tricky
5. Five-pointed ocean critter __ __ __ __ F __ __ __
6. Concrete pathway __ __ __ __ __ __ L __
7. Electronic number finder
8. Hopping animal __ __ G __ __ __ __
Level C: Tough Ones
9. Farmer's tool __ __ A __ __ __ __
10. European country __ __ __ M __ __ __
11. Brand of car __ __ __ __ T __
12. Keeper of treasure __ __ R __ __ __
Level D: Absolutely Crazy
13. Two-digit number __ __ U
14. Body parts __ __ __ __ H
15. Mythical animal
16. Place in space __ __ __ __ U
Spot the Difference
If You’re Over 60 and Your Feet Are Numb or Tingling…This Is For You
Every day, we talk to people just like you, 60 years or older, dealing with strange and scary symptoms in their feet. Numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or burning sensations. Or cold feet that never warm up. And that creeping fear of falling…
These are not just ‘signs of getting older.’ They’re red flags. And they all point to one thing: nerve damage also known as peripheral neuropathy.
You’ve Worked Hard Your Whole Life. You Deserve to Walk Without Fear.
Many of our patients are retired, looking forward to traveling, spending time with grandkids, or just being able to enjoy daily life. But neuropathy puts a stop to that. It zaps your confidence. You find yourself hesitating to walk across a parking lot, to mow the yard, or to get up from the recliner because you’re afraid of losing your balance.
And what’s worse? Most mainstream treatments offer only one thing: medication. Gabapentin, Lyrica, or Neurontin. These don’t fix anything. They just dull the symptoms, until they don’t. Then they add more pills, and the cycle continues.
Why the Standard Approach Doesn’t Work
Let’s be honest, the system isn’t built to heal. It’s built to manage. But managing nerve damage without treating the root cause is like putting a bucket under a leaking roof. The water may stop for now, but the damage keeps growing.
What’s needed is a comprehensive, plan that helps your nerves heal, not just hide the pain. That’s what we offer at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute.
Our Proven Neuropathy Protocol: Safe. Effective. Personalized.
We’ve developed a step-by-step program designed specifically for adults dealing with neuropathy. It includes:
Drug-free nerve stimulation to wake up damaged nerves. Circulation therapy to restore blood flow and oxygen.
Nutritional plans to fight inflammation and support nerve healing.
Gentle chiropractic care to boost nerve communication. Balance and stability rehab to help you move confidently again.
This isn’t a cookie-cutter approach. It’s a personalized plan, built around your needs, your health, and your goals.
Real People. Real Results.
We’ve seen people go from using a cane every day to walking unassisted. We’ve seen seniors regain their freedom to travel, visit family, and enjoy hobbies again.
One patient told us, “I thought I was just getting old. Now I know better. I can feel my feet again and I’m not afraid of falling anymore.”
But You Have to Take the First Step
Neuropathy is progressive. That means the longer you wait, the worse it gets. But here’s the good news: with the right treatment plan, nerve damage can be slowed, stopped, and even reversed.
We’re now offering a full Neuropathy Relief Evaluation to help identify what’s really going on and if you qualify for our treatment program.
CALL (936) 241-7673 TODAY
Ask for your “Neuropathy Relief Evaluation” at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute.
If you’re over 60 and tired of the tingling, the fear of falling, or the daily pain and frustration, don’t wait. Let us help you take back your independence.
This is your time. Let’s make it pain-free and powerful.
Dr. Brian McGee, DC
P.S. Don’t wait until your feet go completely numb… or you start naming your cane. Call us today, we’ll help you ditch the cane and feel steady on your feet again (no gear needed to get across the living room.)
At Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute we’ve been helping people get rid of their pain for over 40 years, and we’re here to help you too. Call 936-241-7673 TODAY and take the first step to eliminating your pain.
Why was the cookie sad?
Because its mommy was a wafer too long!
Did you hear about the mom that told a bad chemistry joke?
She didn't get a reaction.
Why was the baby strawberry sad?
Her mom got into a jam.
WC Auto Center
Sudoku Marketspace
Walker County Federal Credit Union
BY LAUREN SWONKE | PHOTOS BY LIBBY ROGERS
Walker County Federal Credit Union has been in business in Huntsville for nearly 70 years. They’ve made it their goal to provide customer service that makes every guest and member feel welcome. It’s an atmosphere where ‘everyone knows your name and they’re glad you came’ that makes it stand out as a Walker County financial institution.
“In our community, we have really tried hard to maintain that small town mentality. We have found this is the culture that works for us, and we feel we’re fulfilling our members’ needs by maintaining that,” said Toi Williamson, CEO.
Toi Williamson, CEO
From high schooler to CEO
Williamson is a lifelong Huntsville resident and has worked at WCFCU for 30 years. She started at the credit union in 1994 as a 16-year-old student at Huntsville High School. She found her first job through the high school’s co-op program. Over the many years she’s worked at the credit union, Williamson has served in nearly every aspect of the business. In 2012, she graduated from the Southwest CUNA Management School and became the CEO in January 2013. She credits her professional journey to their previous CEO, Rod Oliver.
“I honestly feel like what set the path for me is our previous CEO. His leadership, heart, and confidence in me gave me opportunities I may not have otherwise had,” she said.
The credit union difference
A credit union is a non-profit financial institution that serves a group of people who have some factor in common. In this case, people who live, work, attend school, or worship in Walker County (and their immediate family members) qualify
for membership. Once a member, individuals can remain members even if they later move, change jobs, or change places of worship. All members act as investors by buying shares, which function as deposits, and those funds are used for loans that pay dividends to members and provide them with affordable products and services.
WCFCU was started in 1957 as Walker County Teachers Credit Union by a group of Sam Houston State University professors on the campus at SHSU. It later became open to all residents of Walker County and moved to 13th Street and Avenue N, then to its present location at 1802 Normal Park Drive in Huntsville in 2001.
The credit union offers products and services common to most financial institutions. They provide personal and business accounts, savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, super shares, and more. According to Williamson, the credit union works hard to be competitive with loan rates and terms. What makes the business unique in comparison to traditional banking is that most funds earned in dividends go directly back to the members. Also, it is governed by a volunteer board made up of local individuals with a desire to make a difference in their community.
“All policies are set by the board of directors,” said Williamson. “We couldn’t do it without them. It’s challenging these days to find people who want to volunteer. They’re good people, and we’ve been very blessed. They take very good
Annie Dawson, Teller
care of us, which allows us to take good care of our members.”
Customer service is key
Customer service is the prime factor that sets the credit union apart in the community, according to Williamson. Every position in the business has a hand in providing quality member services. From the moment a member of the community enters the front doors, they’re greeted by a smiling face. It could be Terry Carter, a teller who joined the credit union in recent months; Ruthie Johnson, who
A live, local person answers the phone.
celebrated her 20th year with the business (after retiring and returning multiple times); or any of the other employees who are ready to help. There is a feeling of camaraderie among members and the WCFCU staff.
“We have a really good staff, which is indicative of the success of the credit union. A lot of our members have true, personal, professional relationships with our staff. We have certain members who want "their person" they like to deal with. People will sit and wait for that employee to become available,” said Williamson. “We know our members have choices, and we know we exist because of their choice."
There is one obvious difference that immediately stands out for those who place a call to WCFCU. A live person working in the local credit union answers the phone. This may seem trivial, but anyone who has tried calling a business lately knows it is rare to automatically and initially speak to a person that works there. You might hear the friendly voice of one of the tellers on the other end of the line. You might even get Williamson on the phone, if the lobby and drive-thru are particularly busy. No matter who it is, though, it will always be local, live people—the same people you’ll interact with when you step through
Paula Bear, New Accounts and Loan Officer, speaks to a member on the phone
Terry Carter, Teller, laughs with a member of WCFCU
Ruthie Johnson cashes a check for a WCFCU member
the doors to do business. These days, that’s refreshing.
Built on community
Another pillar of the credit union’s business is community service. Each year, they donate to many local groups and organizations. In 2024, they invested $18,500 in Walker County through programs such as the Huntsville Main Street Program, local schools, the Walker County Fair Association, H.E.A.R.T.S. Museum, CASA of Walker County, and many more. Williamson makes it a point to
attend Huntsville ISD athletic events, Walker County Fair shows, and other community events.
“A lot of our sponsorships and donations are motivated by our youth and other non-profits. The kids in this community are so important. They’re our future, and we have to invest in those children,” Williamson said.
After 30 years with WCFCU, Williamson is certainly the expert when it comes to what the business offers to the Walker County community. In her expert opinion, the credit union is a great option for individuals, families, and businesses seeking a strong, sound, friendly, customer service oriented financial institution.
“I feel like we can present an opportunity to potentially help families—whether it be by rates, relationship, or maybe through a product that would suit them well,” she said. “If you’re looking for a place to feel at home, that’s what we want for our members.”
For more information about WCFCU, visit walkercountyfcu.com or call 936291-2171 to speak with one of their friendly staff members.
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
Rachel McDonald, Debit Card Coordinator
Back Row Left to Right: Karen Denman, Ruthie Johnson, Terry Carter, Annie Dawson, Denise Olivas, Maria Castellon
Front Row Left to Right: Paula Bear, Toi Williamson, Taylor Chandler, Rachel McDonald, Kim Cade (not pictured Robert Logston, COO)
Your Best Agrilife
Preparing For Disasters
Texas has hundreds of miles of roads that cover this great state. Navigating these roads during normal conditions can, at times, become confusing and cause a person to get lost very easily (especially with road construction or road closures).
When a disaster strikes, many of these roads can become impassable or hard to operate a vehicle on. Some hazards include:
• Fires that can cause roads to be closed to the public.
• Tornadoes, which can cause debris or trees to be in the road, making it impossible to pass.
• Snow or ice that can cause roads to close or cause dangerous conditions.
• Interstates, during evacuations from hurricanes or floods, can become congested and have traffic jams. This can cause motorists to run out of fuel and become stranded.
All of the above are examples that can alter or cause closures to Texas roads. This is why it is important that all homeowners set up a primary, secondary, and tertiary escape route and an emergency preparedness kit, for which most items can be available in the home.
This article will include websites that can assist a homeowner in planning an escape route and show how to prepare and assemble an emergency kit.
One website that can assist homeowners in planning for closures is the www.drivetexas.org website. This will show a map of any road closures and
construction that could affect a homeowner’s escape route.
Another helpful site is on the Texas Department of Transportation website www.txdot.gov/safety/severe-weather/ hurricane-preparation.html where you will find hurricane evacuation routes. Here you can access the routes available to assist in planning your primary and alternate evacuation routes. There are also tips on how to drive in bad road conditions, such as floods, tornadoes, and snow.
Emergency preparedness kits are a great asset and easy to assemble. The items in the kit can help homeowners stay safe during a disaster event. The National Weather Service and the American Red Cross have great lists on their websites that can assist a homeowner in assembling their kit. Most of these items are inexpensive and are beneficial to have in any emergency.
Creating A Communication Plan and Disaster Preparedness Kit
When encountering disaster events, there is no better way to have households prepared than pre-preparing a disaster preparedness kit. Assembling the kit is simple, and most items are already in the home. Some recommended items that can be assembled are:
• Non-perishable food items, such as canned foods, dehydrated food, mixed peanuts
• Toilet paper
• Bottled water (enough for 3 days)
Cody Allen
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Disaster Assessment & Recovery
• Copy of important documents (birth certificates, driver’s license, deeds, medical records, etc.)
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Children and infant needs (diapers, wipes, milk formula, and play toys)
• First-aid kit
• Weather radio
• Tarp with duct tape
This kit can contain other items not listed. Assemble your kit on the needs of the household members.
After assembling items, make sure to create a communication plan. A communication plan will detail important information that is essential for someone to have. This can include:
• Doctor’s office number
• Names and information of household members
• Social security numbers for each member
Preparing the household before an event occurs is the best way to minimize stress and impact on your family.
Emergency preparedness kits are a great asset and easy to assemble. ”
EMERGENCY
Wildlife Wonders
TEXAS’
NATURAL TREASURE
Spring is here, and nothing’s more beautiful than the Texas landscape this time of the year. The hills and fields are painted with a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers--where the bluebonnets, our state flower, reign supreme. Miles of roadways are lined with these iconic flowers, inviting everyone to pause and admire the beauty of a Texas spring.
In 1901 there was a bit of a “flower war” in the Texas Legislature in selecting the state flower. The contenders were the bluebonnet, the cotton boll, and the prickly pear cactus blossom. Arguments highlighted the merits of each flower, but the National Society of Colonial Dames of America successfully convinced the Texas legislature to choose the bluebonnet, a name that paid homage to the many brave Texas pioneer women. The name comes from the shape of the flower which resembles the bonnets worn by pioneer women.
There are actually six different species of bluebonnets, all native to Texas, but the Lupinus texensis is the most well-known. All six are considered the state flower. Most bluebonnets are blue but due to genetic mutations, you might also find them in white, pink and maroon. Texas A&M calls the maroon flowers “Aggie bonnets.”
If ingested, all parts of bluebonnets are poisonous, especially the seeds and pods. In humans, ingesting the seeds can cause nervous system issues up to and including death. In animals, bluebonnets are moderately toxic and can cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, tremors, agitation, and seizures.
Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, played a big role in the appreciation and visibility of bluebonnets and other native plants in Texas. She grew up in East Texas and fell in love with the beauty of the state, especially the wild flowers.
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors
The Beautification Act of 1965 was a result of her efforts. The legislation called for control of outdoor signage along the Nation’s Interstate System. It also called for certain junkyards to be removed or screened from view and focused on improving the appearance of highways by planting native wildflowers and trees. In 1982, the National Wildflower Research Center in Austin was established to protect and preserve North America’s native plants and natural landscapes. In 1997 the center was renamed, becoming the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. They have a very interesting and informative website at https://www.wildflower.org.
The most significant factor in the proliferation of the bluebonnets and other wildflowers is the work of the Texas Department of Transportation. In the 1930s, as part of a beautification program, the department started sowing bluebonnet seeds along state highways. Today, TxDOT’s Wildflower Program continues to maintain the wildflowers and sows about 30,000 pounds of seeds every year.
Texans are proud of their bluebonnets and all the other wildflowers in our state. Although there is no law against picking the flowers, picture-taking that damages the flowers and picking them is discouraged. Many flowers (including bluebonnets) are annuals, which means they only flower for one season then die. After flowering, they go to seed, which is how they multiply. If the flowers are trampled or picked and the flower dies, they won’t go to seed to come back the next year.
In Texas, bluebonnets are more than just a flower. They are a true symbol of Texas pride and represent the natural beauty, resilience, and independent spirit of our state.
Yaga’s Wild Game and Barbecue Cookoff ycfgalveston.org
Fiesta San Antonio fiestasanantonio.org
LAND Alton Brown: Last Bite smartfinancialcentre.net
Sundown at Sam’s samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Walker County National Day of Prayer wcnationaldayofprayer.org
Waterwood Women’s League Garage Sale location: Point Blank Community Church
7 Bridges: Eagles Tribute thebarnhillcenter.com
All the King’s Horses 9th Annual Charity Golf allthekingshorses.org
Local Churches Blood Drive commitforlife.org
Katy Perry toyotacenter.com
Mudbug & Music Festival madisonvilletexas.gov
“Little Shop of Horrors” owentheatre.com
Scottish Highland Games nacscottishgames.com
Wiggy Thump visitpalestine.com
Mustard Seed Moments
By Wes Altom
Hope Lives On
Just two months ago, in our March issue, we published a piece in this space written by Pres Holcomb. He shared how his purposeful choice to reach out to minister to two older ladies in his church ended up blessing him as much or more than it did them (He shared this in a Facebook post; we sought his permission to share here with you). We met Pres and his family years ago, when they lived in Huntsville, attended church with us, and Pres was the girls’ soccer coach at Huntsville High School. His career removed them to Kingwood, but not from our hearts.
On April 5, Pres passed from this life, ending an over fiveyear battle with cancer. We followed the family’s difficult journey on a Facebook “Hope for Holcomb” page, and we prayed many prayers along the way.
Each of us longs to know our life makes a difference. We hear “Be the change you want to see in the world,” and “Leave the world better than we found it.” These are noble tasks, but can seem daunting, overwhelming, or even impossible at times.
I think Pres was onto something. It starts with the little things…a single choice, a single action, a single step down the
path. Speaking of paths, it’s not unlike The Good Samaritan— who made a single choice when encountering someone in need (along his literal path)—a story we are all still familiar with and talk about today.
God is faithful, and our hope is fulfilled. We always knew it would be. Pres was either going to be healed from cancer here…or in God’s arms. He is whole, and hope lives on. Hope persists in each opportunity we receive to make a single choice, a single action, a single step along the way that makes a difference.
For Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope. - I Thessalonians 4:13
But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
- Romans 5:3-5
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.
