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There’s nothing quite like the moment you realize time didn’t just pass…it sprinted.
The other day, it hit me in a way that made me laugh out loud. That senior boy I had a crush on when I was a freshman in high school? Well, he’s officially a senior again… CITIZEN, that is…and I’m pretty sure he just got his Medicare card in his wallet!
How is that even possible?
It’s funny how life sneaks up on you like that. One minute you’re passing notes in class and worrying about Friday night football, and the next you’re watching your kids grow up, juggling careers, and catching yourself in conversations about grandchildren. Our grandchildren! I’m sorry…when did that happen?
Those moments can feel a little humbling, maybe even a tiny bit shocking. But if we’re honest, they’re also a gift.
Because what they really remind us of is not just that time flies, but that it fills up with moments that matter. The small things. The ordinary days. The people we love and the communities we build along the way.
May has a way of bringing that into focus. It’s a season of celebrations, graduations, transitions, and of course, Mother’s Day. A time to honor the women who shaped us, cheered us on, and somehow made everything look easier than it really was.
And maybe now, many of us are the ones stepping into those very same roles.
We spend so much time looking ahead to the next milestone that we sometimes miss the beauty of right now. And then one day, “right now” becomes something we look back on and wish we had slowed down just a little more.
So maybe this month is a good reminder to pause. To take it all in. To laugh at the passage of time instead of fighting it. And to hold a little tighter to the moments we’re living today.
Because one day, we’ll look back on this season, too…and wonder how it all went by so fast.
And when that day comes, I just hope I handle it gracefully… but I plan to keep that Medicare card tucked safely out of sight, where only my doctor will ever see it.
Time didn’t just pass… it sprinted.
BY CLAUDIA KIRKWOOD | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
The story of a storyteller who spreads the love of reading.
Onceupon a time in a city quaint and charming, lived Old Mother Goose, her kindness quite disarming. She delighted children of all ages with tales of lore and yarns of fable. And who might this prolific storyteller be? Why, she’s the beloved local educator Barbara Lewis! Let’s meet this storyteller extraordinaire, shall we?
The children are quite enamored with you and are so excited about story time. This did not happen without a love of literature having been built into the fabric of your own life. Share some details of your early childhood that influenced this love of reading.
I grew up in Lubbock, and in my early years, we did not have a television set. As a family, we would have dinner together, and after completing the dishwashing and homework, my parents would read to us. During these early years, they read many genres of books to us, as well as the Bible each night. Even in their nineties, my parents continued the same routine. They instilled in me and my two siblings a love of reading.
Tell us about your education and where you have worked.
I attended Texas Tech in Lubbock and earned a double major in home economics and elementary education. I then attended Sam Houston State University, earning two master’s degrees, one in education with reading specialist, and the other in library science. My different jobs have taken
me to Amarillo, Lubbock, Washington State, and here in Huntsville, where I taught at Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School when it was on 10th Street. I also taught a couple of courses at SHSU before they required that professors have doctoral degrees. Region 6 Service Center was another employer, where I served as a co-op librarian for several schools including
Somerville, "Baby" Centerville, Leggett, Hearne, Richards, Grapeland, and New Waverly. I also helped with two library academies when we brought librarians and library paraprofessionals to the service center for several days during the semester and taught them about libraries and how to perform the various tasks required.
Now to the present, please share information about your position and duties on the library staff at Alpha Omega Academy.
I have been the library helper at Alpha Omega for the past seven years and have had the honor and pleasure of working with our main librarian, Dana Brenton. She is a master in choosing books and knowing exactly what we
Story
time is not just the reading of a book.
need for a classical Christan school and library. We have over 13,000 books in our library, which span our grade levels from pre-K through 12th grade. Once the books arrive, they must be processed and made shelf ready. That involves putting the information of each book into a library database. We use a library program called Follett Destiny. I have to give the book a spine number, or address, which is used to find the book on the shelf. A barcode is then added for purposes of check out, and the book is entered in the circulation database. The books also have to be covered for their preservation, and we have wonderful volunteers who help with this.
But my favorite part of the job is inspiring children to love reading
and bringing the stories to life during our story time. The students gather by class at story time, and I select an age-appropriate book to share with them. Story time is not just the reading of a book, but I also include activities and questions so the experience is interactive. By doing this, the children know to listen to the story, because questions are coming! And children love to answer questions. They also enjoy participating in the activities I’ve prepared to go with the story. These activities help to enhance what we have learned in the book, and to expand the knowledge of certain topics involved. For instance, we read a story that included the topic of snowflakes, so I was able to teach them a few facts about snowflakes, how they are formed, and
the patterns they take, that sort of thing. Little by little, children learn facts about the world around them and can build on this education in the future.
Is it always Mrs. Lewis, the library helper, who shows up at story time, or might other beloved characters take center stage?
Other characters do show up on occasion! Sometimes I come as Mother Goose, or their very favorite, Mrs. Johnny Appleseed, complete with a cooking pot on my head! They love when I do this! I’ve also dressed as Mary Poppins, Amelia Bedelia, Laura Wilder, Mary Magdalene, and others. Becoming these characters draws the children into the story, and their interest level is heightened!
If you can read, you can teach yourself anything.
-Dolly Parton
”Reading aloud to children boots brain development, language acquisition, and develops vocabulary while fostering emotional intelligence. It enhances cognitive skills like critical thinking and imagination and helps to expand attention spans, while reducing stress and building a lasting love for reading. Reading also exposes children to new words and complex sentence structures, and creates better listening skills, thus fostering a greater chance of success in school and their future endeavors. Just fifteen minutes a day reading aloud can build knowledge, strengthen family connections, and set children on a path to long-term academic success.
“If you can read, you can teach yourself anything.” This is a quote from Dolly Parton, who created the Imagination Library, a program that sends free books throughout the world to children who otherwise would not have the privilege of owning a book and being inspired to learn to read. Her organization has done immense work in the field of brain development as it relates to reading. I agree with her about the importance of books, and paper books in particular, not reading on a screen, especially for young children. Children need to enjoy the feel of a real book in their hands. They need to hold, smell, and turn the pages of a book.
Research has been done in this area which supports the fact this is crucial in brain development.
You have been such an inspiration and blessing to children throughout your many years of education and serving as a librarian.
God has blessed me so richly, and I have had the privilege to pass this on to the children He has brought into my life through teaching and being a librarian. I hope to continue to inspire children with my love of reading and the immense joy it has brought me.
with
former teacher at Huntsville Elementary
NOMINATED BY
Jazlyn Hill
The then Ms. Turner was the first teacher to motivate my basketball dream as well as push me in the classroom. I remember I was having a hard time in the beginning of my fourth-grade year, and she promised if I could just get through it, she would surprise me with something at the end of the year. Excited at the possibility of a gift, I got through it and was surprised with a framed photo of her favorite player, Candace Parker.
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
The Princess and the Frog
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Beyonce
FAVORITE FOOD: Crawfish
FAVORITE QUOTE: The toughest battles are given to the toughest soldiers.”
Jazlyn is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Latasha and Anthony Hill. Her activities include basketball, track, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, HIP, Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, Jazlyn plans to pursue a degree in nursing and continue her basketball career at Hardin-Simmons University. She believes, “Treat others how you would like to be treated; differences set our personalities apart, not who we are as people.”
Huntsville High School
FAVORITE MOVIE:
The Ridiculous 6
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: Boosie
FAVORITE FOOD: Barbacoa Tacos
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“No matter what you choose to do in your life, always put God first.”
Kalvin is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the son of Paul Coker and Tiffany Fugate. His activities include welding and being on the build-off team for welding instructor Mr. Sockwell. Following graduation, Kalvin plans to join Local Union 211 in Deer Park as a pipefitter and work his way up. He believes, “Life is a continuous learning experience, and God and His word is our greatest teacher.”
Alpha Omega Academy
FAVORITE MOVIE:
Sweet Home Alabama
FAVORITE MUSIC/ARTIST: 7 & 7 by Turnpike Troubadours
FAVORITE FOOD: King Crab
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If you want any one thing too badly, it’s likely to turn out to be a disappointment. The only healthy way to live life is to learn to like all the little everyday things.” –Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)
Caycee is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the daughter of J.D. Curtis and Stacie Curtis. Her activities include softball, FFA (raising and showing livestock), and Interact Club. Following graduation, Caycee plans to obtain a degree in biology, then become an optometrist. She believes in the Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”
Life is a continuous learning experience, and God and His word is our greatest teacher.
When your friend complains about everyone they go out with being a loser, just tell ‘em, “When you plant taters, you get taters.”
Snuggled up with your sweetheart, you’re as "comfy as an egg under a hen sitting in a wool basket.”
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I’d get lost in my garden.
You’re the butter on my biscuit.
Loving you is like drinking hot cider - makes me feel warm all over.
Marriage is made in heaven. So is thunder and lightning.
As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!
from page 68-69 EASY MEDIUM
To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.
Thomas Paine
& Mildred Hunter celebrated their 66th Anniversary
celebrated their 69th Anniversary
There’s a new Huntsville chapter of this organization that believes all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering hand-made, fully furnished beds to children in need. From their website:
“Every great movement begins with a simple decision—the choice to step forward and make a difference in your community. We believe that when you take the focus off yourself and put it on doing good things around you, you receive true joy. Starting an SHP chapter is more than just organizing volunteers; it’s about answering a call to action that exists in every corner of America.”
We visited with Kelsey Allensworth, who recently answered that call in Huntsville.
What does it take to open a local chapter, and how did you get involved with SHP?
All chapters are started and run by local volunteers. To be a chapter president is to be a part of something truly special. It’s being part of a network whose focus is to help you succeed in raising money, building beds, and delivering beds. My husband Zack and I are members of Christ the King Methodist Church. Through a member, we learned about this organization and it really piqued our interest. We found out Madisonville was sponsoring a build day, so we signed up for it. The president of the Madisonville chapter shared info about the Huntsville area needing over 200 beds. At that time, there was no chapter in Huntsville, and the Madisonville chapter could not handle the volume that existed here. We decided then we would open a chapter for this area. We traveled to the
national headquarters in Utah for the initiation for new chapters. We have been “rockin’ and rollin’” ever since. You know it is all worth it when you see the smiles on the faces of the children who may be receiving the first bed of their lives from you.
There is much to learn about opening a chapter. Can you share some of your experiences? With SHP, many people went through the process before us and mapped out everything. Through training, we learned details about fundraising, ordering materials, building components, assembly, and additional aspects of running the chapter. There are rules for how we can fundraise, but anyone can fundraise on our behalf. We have had a lot of excellent support from this community.
Many of our builds have been sponsored by grants. Sam Houston State University groups like Aramark,
their catering organization, obtained grants for us. The Sam Houston baseball team facilitated a huge donation of lumber through the local Home Depot. Hailey Lowry, through a work-study program, and several students and staff within SHSU have volunteered time at builds and deliveries. Entergy has provided two grants for builds, and Lowes is a national sponsor that has teamed up with SHP. Mattress Firm is working with our chapter to supply twin sized mattresses at a very reasonable price. While individuals can host fundraisers, our church has done most of the fundraising to date.
What are some of the biggest hurdles to date?
Nothing ever seems insurmountable. Currently, our biggest problem is trying to handle the growth. We’ve absolutely boomed in what we’re able to do. We’ve only been in operation since May of 2025. From then until today, our lifetime number of bed builds is 131. Forty-four of them were built at our best build
day ever, where there were over 100 volunteers present. Each successive build day just gets bigger and bigger. Handling that amount of growth has been a challenge. We love having those types of problems. With our growth, we are better equipped to handle the amount of bed requests we are receiving. If this organization ever goes out of business due to lack of orders, it will be a good thing. If a time comes when our area is caught up, we will hopefully be able to expand and help out other regions in need. We have seen that if money is needed to buy necessities, money is donated. If more hands are needed, hands appear. No challenge has ever been a challenge for long. The Holy Spirit is at work in SHP, and prayers are answered daily.
Where are the bed components kept, and what’s the plan to get them delivered?
Once the bed components are finished, they are moved into a storage facility. Beds are not assembled until delivery
day. Each area of the storage unit is segregated into different parts of the beds. When recipients are contacted and distribution dates are set up, the chapter will set up a delivery day and ask for volunteers to meet at the church. Each team leader receives paperwork that directs them to the deliveries they have that day. The team members introduce themselves and talk strategy. Everyone loads up and drives across the street to the storage facility. Team leaders direct the members to collect the amount of components that will make up the total number of beds they are delivering that day. Upon arrival at a delivery location, the team leader meets with the recipients to find out where the beds are going to be placed. Components, tools, and bedding are carried in by the assembly team, and work gets underway. One team member is in charge of photographing the process. When the beds are assembled and the bedding placed on the bed, the children are allowed to see their new bed for the very first time. The joy on their faces is priceless.
Christmas Eve preparing for a Christmas day delivery
Share any additional special moments or special people.
Last holiday season, we thought “How wonderful if a bed could be delivered on Christmas Eve Day?” The chapter brought the topic up for discussion, and there was no hesitation. The recipients were thrilled. The thought of their children waking up in their own bed on Christmas morning was beyond special. The process went smoothly and was super impactful for everyone.
Another heartfelt moment was on a recent build day, when a volunteer shared she was without a bed for a time as a child. Hearing her story was a moving moment.
I want to acknowledge some people
who are special to the chapter. Zack Allensworth is the build and delivery manager, my parents and brother and mother-in-law (Mark and Dana Smith, Stan Smith, and Judy Allensworth) are build station leaders and delivery leaders; Leslie Nichaelson is our Vice President; Robyn Reeves is our applications manager and delivery scheduler; so many dedicated volunteers who are too many to list; and lastly, a very special team member, Janice Willett, who has created an adjacent ministry to ours and works with her son to hand-make custom pillowcases for every child who receives a bed from SHP Huntsville; she is called the “Pillowcase Queen.”
What is in store for SHP Huntsville in the future?
The goal for SHP Huntsville is to deliver 150 beds in 2026. We are on a pace to reach that goal and determined to make it happen. In April of this year, Zack and I traveled to North Carolina, where SHP had a huge build event. Teams from all over the U.S. gathered to build 11,000 beds in 24 hours. One hundred of those beds will be delivered to our Huntsville chapter. Our team hopes this article helps spread the word in three big ways: we want families in need to know how to apply (website: shpbeds.org); we want volunteers and donors to know how to reach and help us if they feel so led (follow us at facebook.com/SHPHuntsvilleTX); and we want to generate a lot of excitement as we continue to grow and make sure every kid in Huntsville who needs a bed gets one.
Two weeks ago, I told my students at school to write an essay titled "If I Were a Millionaire."
Everyone was writing except one girl, who leaned back with arms folded.
"What's the matter," I asked. "Why aren't you writing?"
"I'm waiting for my secretary," she replied.
Scored her 10/10.
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My son just told me that he LOVES the new toy trucks they got at daycare... (They are his toy trucks. We donated them because he refused to play with them.)
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I explained to my daughter that when Netflix started, they used to send you DVDs.
6-yo: [in old lady voice] You know, back in my day, the internet used to come in the mail.
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My kids each have 30 minutes tablet screentime, but yesterday they learned that if they agreed on what to do/watch together, they could turn it into an hour and a half.
So, now I either have to create distrust among them...or accept that they have unionized.
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Whenever my toddler is about to do something he's not supposed to, he says "Don't look at me." That's how I know he's not cut out for a life of crime.
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I cleaned out my teen's room, and I found 8 plates, 21 utensils, a TV remote, 8 chapsticks, a burner phone, and apparently we have a cat.
The year was 1939. The month was September. Only days after World War II broke out.
The woman was so moved to tears when she read the headlines of war in the papers. Her first thought was, “Another war?”
She was 59 years old. She’d already survived one World War in her lifetime. Now another? When was it going to stop? When were the men in suits going to quit playing chess by slaughtering the innocents?
They say she sat down and cried. Actually cried. Cried for all those people. For the horrors being committed. For all those young soldiers dying. For all those innocent families, wretchedly caught in a whirlwind not of their making.
The first thing the woman did was wipe her eyes and go into her office. She sat down and typed a letter. She had to stop typing a few times and dab the tears.
This is her letter:
Dear Friends—I have been following the news of the past few weeks with a heavy heart. I know that the night is dark, and that the shadows are deep. But I also know that the sun is still there, and that the light is still stronger than the dark.
We are all blind and deaf until our eyes are opened to the truth of our own souls. The news may be bad, and the reports of world strife are indeed a sorrowful burden, but the spirit of man is good.
Let us not be discouraged by the reports of the world’s strife. Let us rather be the light that we wish to see. It is in times like these that we must hold fast to the belief that the wrong which seems so strong is but a passing shadow.
The real map of the world is not the one drawn in blood and boundaries; it is the one drawn in the hearts of those who still believe in the triumph of the light.
Sean Dietrich
Let us not be discouraged by the darkness. Let us rather be the light that we wish to see. For even in the deepest night, a single candle can show the way to a miracle. We must work together, for in unity there is a strength that no darkness can overcome.
With my warmest hope,
Helen Keller
As summer gets underway in Texas, families across our community are gearing up for camp, sports tryouts, and the back-to-school season. While it’s tempting to wait until the last minute, scheduling your child’s physical early can help ensure a safe, healthy start to the new season—and give you peace of mind in the process.
What is a sports physical?
A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), helps determine whether it’s safe for a young athlete to participate in a particular sport. It’s not just about checking a box for school requirements. It’s an important opportunity to identify any underlying health conditions that could put your child at risk.
What to expect during a sports physical?
During the exam, we take a detailed medical history and perform a physical evaluation. We look at things like heart health, joint mobility, vision, and any previous injuries. If there are concerns—such as asthma, a history of concussions,
Craig Boudreaux, DO Family Medicine
or even just a growth spurt that’s affecting coordination— we can address those issues early and make any necessary recommendations before your child hits the field.
Why now?
Getting the physical done over the summer helps avoid the August rush. More importantly, it gives families time to follow up on anything that might come up—whether that’s additional testing, a referral, or simply getting your child fitted for new orthotics or a sports guard.
Why should my child have a checkup?
Even if your child isn’t playing on a competitive team, a summer check-in with your primary care provider is a smart move. Texas summers are no joke, and heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and sports injuries are all too common. A quick discussion about safe activity in high temperatures—along with tips on hydration, nutrition, and sun protection—can go a long way in keeping your family healthy all season long.
Banks Delesandri
Grandchild of David & Judi Delesandri
Legend, Legacy, Lemuel, & Leyla
Grandchildren of A.R. Jones
Arbor Jane Carlin, Noah Scott McBee, Addie Elise May, Sadie Ryan May, & Jett Patrick McBee
Grandchilren of Scott & Shannon Williams
Welcome back to the May 2026 edition of the Dear Gabby advice column. If May were an emoji, it would be the sun with sunglasses. However, April showers also bring May allergies. On the calendar: May the 4th be with you and May the 5th be with tacos! Monday, May the 25th is Memorial Day. Their sacrifice was the ultimate act of love for their country. We don’t know them all, but we owe them all. May we always remember them. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share
DEAR GABBY
School will be out this month, and I can tell you there is no tired like “end of the year teacher tired.” We love the students like they are our own because, during any given school year, they are. Our hearts break at the situations we can’t change, and we rejoice at their triumphs. We do our best, yet always wonder if we did enough. I’ll miss the kids but, parents, tag… you’re it. Thanks for letting me vent.
DEAR GABBY
I love dogs! With that being said, I come from a family that does not. Fortunately, I have my own place and do not take in more pups than I can take care of, as I would if they were children. I make arrangements so as not to inflict my furbabies on family members who are not like-minded. I just find it hard to understand their attitude.
PUPPY LOVE
DEAR W & T
You could think of an excuse about why you can’t join the Each month has an average of 30-31 days, except for the last month of school. It has 1,742 days. Ask any teacher. People always say the children are our future. I believe our children’s teachers are our future. I have so much admiration for teachers who do their best, in spite of the impediments that federal regulations, dysfunctional parents, and well-intentioned school districts put in your paths. You most certainly have done enough. God bless you all!
GABBY
DEAR LOVE
I’m with you! I’m the kind of person who goes to a party and makes friends with the dog. Bill Murray, actor and comedian, said “I’m suspicious of a person who doesn’t like dogs, but I trust a dog that doesn’t like a person.” The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails and not their tongues. My dogs understand quite a few human words. I don’t understand any dog barks, so they may be smarter than me. For example, three out of four dogs like burger meat. The fourth one knows there’s a pill in there. People think I’m crazy when I talk to my dogs. What am I supposed to do, just ignore them when they ask me a question? Get real.
Who can resist the aisles of blooming annuals and perennials in mid-spring? The selections at local garden centers are beautiful. There are so many blooms to choose from, but unfortunately the garden space has certain requirements. Let us explore this a bit and find where the biggest mistakes occur in selecting the perfect bloom for your garden.
Having knowledge of the light being received in your landscape versus what the plant requires is a great start. Know where the sun rises and sets. What direction does the front and the back of the residence face? This basic knowledge gives seasoned landscape designers/garden pros a lot of info and the ability to make better suggestions.
Northern/Eastern exposures are generally always morning sun and shady or filtered light in the afternoon, especially in summer. South/West exposure is generally full sun to fairly sunny most of the day. In the landscape/gardening industry, the term “full sun” refers to 8 hours or more of direct sunlight and will always have sun from 1-5 pm. The term “shade” is given to areas with a few hours of morning or noon direct light and fairly filtered from 1-5 pm. Yes, this will change with the seasons, but not enough to change your selections.
Perennials have received a ton of marketing exposure in recent years, but the “jewelry” of the garden will always be the annuals, and they have not been given the credit due for their immense contribution to the landscape. So, what exactly is an annual?
Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
Annuals – Plants that will live their life cycle in a 9-12 month period. Do not shy away from annuals, they are beautiful and often reseed and return every year (such as vinca, zinnias, and bluebonnets). Annuals are “showier” (if that is a word) and the showstoppers in the summer garden for their intense blooming ability, up to the first frost. My top favorites are:
For deer resistant and full sun to 1⁄2 sun: periwinkles (vinca) are a sure “thing.” Marigolds, snapdragons, and cleome have also been passing the test.
For full sun, without the danger of deer: zinnias, purslane, portulaca (moss rose), blue daze, ice plant, pentas, salvia, celosia, amaranthus, sun begonias, caladiums (sun varieties and strap leaf) and sun coleus are great suggestions.
Morning sun, filtered light after 1 pm: calibrachoa, petunias (definitely love the supertunias). These beauties have been known to return for 2-3 years. Bubblegum and Jazzberry are prolific varieties, but try the other new selections out, too.
Begonias and garden impatiens are often overlooked and create such an elegant landscape, especially when paired with coleus as a backdrop. Sunpatiens still do not take full Texas sun without watering daily, so they stay in the morning sun category, but definitely stunning. Caladiums are bulbs but considered annuals in our area (unless the bulbs are planted in extremely raised beds, and the bulbs are salvaged from year to year).
There are hundreds, if not thousands of choices, and everyone has a favorite. Veggies also fall into annual category and can be mixed strategically with your landscape. There is no rule that says you should not plant a summer tomato on that beautiful new metal trellis as a centerpiece, or that okra and peppers cannot be mixed with a bed of low growing verbena. Remember, you make the rules for your garden. As long as the plants growth requirements are met, everyone wins.
Happy Gardening
by Mary Kehoe
I’m not asking for ease, I’m asking for endurance. Not for comfort, but for conviction. Not for more stuff, but for more of Him. Because I’ve tasted the world— and it left me hungry. But I’ve tasted the Word— and it satisfies. So this year, I will rise early to seek Him. I will walk humbly to follow Him. I will stand boldly to proclaim Him. This is my resolution. This is my rhythm. This is my worship. This year— I will.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup melted butter
2 Tbs honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt-free Greek seasoning
1 (12 oz) jar marinated artichoke hearts
6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste fresh oregano sprigs for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, honey, minced garlic, and Greek seasoning, and stir.
Step 3: If whole, cut artichoke hearts into halves or quarters, and add them along with 1/3 cup of their marinade to the bowl.
Step 4: Pat chicken thighs dry and add to the artichoke mixture.
Step 5: Stir in lemon slices and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper; pour contents of the bowl into the prepared sheet pan. Spread evenly into a single layer, with cut side of the thighs up.
Step 6: Place in the preheated oven and bake about 15 minutes, then turn chicken and baste with pan juices. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken tests 165º on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 7: Drizzle chicken and artichokes with pan juices, garnish with fresh oregano, and serve.
IINGREDIENTS
4 (4 to 6 oz) salmon filets
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, plus more as needed
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
Sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
2 cups shelled edamame, prepared according to package directions, warm
1 avocado, peeled and diced, or more to taste
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and lightly grease the pan.
Step 2: Season salmon with salt and pepper and spread 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce over each fillet. Set salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until salmon flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 12 minutes, or to your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Meanwhile prepare rice and edamame according to package directions; keep warm.
Step 5: Divide rice among bowls and top with edamame. Flake 1 piece of salmon on top and add avocado.
Step 6: Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of remaining teriyaki sauce over each bowl and drizzle with hot sauce.
His Doctors Said Surgery Was the Only Option Left
How a Little-Known Non-Surgical Approach Is Giving People Their Lives Back When Everything Else Has Failed, Including Epidurals, PT, and Prescription Pain Medication
Robert T. had already started grieving the life he used to have. His wife was quietly researching wheelchairs. He had turned down his grandson’s birthday party, a boy he coached in Little League for six years, because he could not sit in a folding chair for two hours without the burning in his leg becoming unbearable.
He had done everything the medical system told him to do. Three epidural steroid injections. Weeks of physical therapy. A rotation of muscle relaxers and nerve medication that left him foggy by noon. Each treatment bought a week or two of partial relief, then the pain returned worse than before. His doctor’s final recommendation: “We should start talking seriously about surgery.” Robert did not want surgery. He came to our clinic as a last resort. What happened over the next six weeks changed everything.
Studies consistently show that roughly 40 percent of people over 40 have a bulging or herniated disc on MRI, and feel no pain whatsoever. The disc is not the problem. The problem is the compressed nerve pathways and mechanical dysfunction surrounding it that keep constant pressure on the sciatic nerve no matter how you sit, stand, or lie down. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation temporarily, which is why you felt better for a few weeks, but they do not release the compression. Physical therapy strengthens surrounding muscle, but if the nerve is still pinched, stronger muscles just squeeze it harder. Our protocol decompresses the nerve, restores proper spinal mechanics, and breaks the inflammatory cycle simultaneously. When all three happen together, patients experience results they had stopped believing were possible.
After his very first appointment, Robert slept the entire night through. “I didn’t even realize how much I had accepted the pain as just part of my life until it wasn’t there.” By week three he was walking without stopping. By week six he was driving himself to his grandson’s baseball game, sitting in the stands for two and a half hours, and driving himself home. No pills. No brace. “I got my life back,” he said. “And I almost didn’t make that call.”
If you have been living with back or leg pain for more than three months and have not found lasting relief, come in for a complete Disc and Nerve Relief Evaluation, the same evaluation Robert received. Full nerve and spine examination. Orthopedic and neurological testing. Advanced digital imaging. One-on-one consultation with Dr. McGee to map out exactly what is causing your pain and whether our approach is right for you. This month: $47 (regularly $249). Limited to 8 patients in May.
Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute • Dr. Brian McGee, DC
P.S. Every week you wait is a week the nerve stays compressed. Compressed nerves heal, but the window narrows with time. Eight spots. One month. Call 936-241-7673 today.
INGREDIENTS
Cornbread: cooking spray
1 (16 oz) pkg cornbread mix
1 ½ cups water
Salad:
10 slices bacon
1 ½ cups sour cream
1 ½ cups mayonnaise
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped green onion
2 (11 ounce) cans whole kernel corn, drained 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: To make the cornbread: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine cornbread mix and water in a large mixing bowl until smooth; pour into prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool; crumble and set aside.
Step 4: Meanwhile, make the salad: Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
Step 5: Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, and dressing mix together in a medium bowl.
Step 6: Crumble 1/2 of cornbread in the bottom of a large serving dish. Evenly layer with 1 can of pinto beans, 1/2 of the tomatoes, 1/2 cup green bell pepper, 1/2 cup green onions, 1 can of corn, 1 cup of cheese, 1/2 of the bacon, and 1/2 of the sour cream mixture. Repeat the layers. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup toasted sweetened coconut flakes, divided
1/2 cup cream of coconut
8 oz chilled full-fat cream cheese
1 Tbs caramel sauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp coconut extract (optional)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Combine 3/4 cup toasted coconut, cream of coconut, cream cheese, caramel sauce, vanilla, coconut extract, salt, nutmeg, and heavy cream in a blender. Blend on high speed until mixture is smooth and combined, about 1 minute. Pour mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until mixture is thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Remove dip from the refrigerator; beat with a hand mixer on high speed until light, fluffy, and holds stiff peaks. Garnish dip with remaining 1/4 cup toasted coconut just before serving.
COOK’S NOTE
Make sure to use cream of coconut, which is sweetened, not coconut cream. Cream of coconut is usually found in the liquor section of the grocery store. Also, be sure to shake the can or stir thoroughly before using, as the ingredients tend to separate.
This dad leans into the fact that,
"Our heroes have always been cowboys."
The first time I met Cowboy Jack (whose real name is John Havard) in person, was at our bakery in Huntsville, in August of 2021 when he came to film an episode of his YouTube show. My grandson Duke was just getting to the age of watching a video here and there, and our family was desperately looking for good content for him. We stumbled on this show called “The Cowboy Jack Show.” The show was a low key, calm, informative program, and Cowboy Jack was a man who spoke with a regular voice and didn’t have a lot of gimmicks. He was down to earth and could really pique Duke’s interest.
We became mega-fans as we got to know John and excitedly watched his show take off, get picked up on multiple platforms, and his viewership soar on the socials. We even got him to make a repeat appearance at the bakery for a gingerbread house making episode a year later. John’s the real deal. He’s devoted to his family and wants to put out fun, educational, and quality programming. I know you’ll love getting to know him.
How did Cowboy Jack come about?
We were always one of those families who said we weren’t allowing our kids to watch TV. Then Covid happens, and I’m home with my young child and my wife, spending a lot of time together and Daddy’s got to work, so we’re turning on the TV! My son really gravitated to these big, flashy, crazy wild shows. I kept telling my wife Andrea there’s got to be something better out there. Why can we not find something like Captain Kangaroo or Mr. Rogers, just something of a slower pace? I just kept talking about it, and eventually she said, “Well, if you hate it so much, why don’t you make your own show?” So, we did.
How did you come up with the cowboy theme?
When we started Cowboy Jack, we had our son Caden and my wife Andrea had just given birth to our daughter Addison, who is now 5 1/2 years old, and Caden just turned 8. It amazing we’ve been doing Cowboy Jack all these years.
You must have this huge
production team that follows you around, right?
Oh yeah, it’s really huge. My cameraman is Andrea. My editor is Andrea. My publisher is Andrea. My creative director is Andrea. My scheduler is Andrea. The brains of the operation is Andrea. Then there’s this guy named John who wears a big funny hat and does all the talking.
Who created the outfit, and how are you going to keep enough copies of it if you mess one up?
I’m actually in a very significant bind on the outfit, because the shirt is a Levi’s brand. When we first started, I bought two of those shirts. I am down to one. I have launched a global search through my network, and we cannot find another. There will come a time where we have to have to pick a new shirt.
I love that you focus on Texas locations for your episodes. How do you pick, and how far do you go from home?
Home is in Montgomery, Texas, and since Cowboy Jack is not the sole
provider for the family, we have to be cognizant of how far we can get away from home to film. We have to manage how it fits into our regular work schedules. We’re heavily concentrated in the Houston Metroplex and the East Texas side of things, but we have filmed shows as far as San Antonio, Dallas, and Fort Worth. We actually had a great opportunity this year to travel to North Carolina to film with the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission.
Do you have any favorite episodes, and have any really hit big in the view counts?
Some I think are going to just be explosive don’t really do anything, then something so simple can take off like crazy. Personally, my favorite experience was filming with Life Flight on top of Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Houston Medical Center (I have a special place in my heart for first responders). I got to meet a flight nurse, Ryan Price, and spent some time with him talking about the actual helicopter, what they do, and how they do it in the air. That was an incredible experience. We also got to film with the Houston Texans. We got to go in the stadium and learn some cheers with
the cheerleaders. That was fun. Those experiences are great, but surprisingly, they didn’t drive a lot of views. Sometimes what drives the views are things as simple as me giving my dog a bath. Things resonate with kids differently, and you just never know where that’s gonna take you.
You have a great theme song
telling me she talked to her friend, and he wanted to make my theme song. I asked her who it was. I was like, “The Kevin Russell, like Shiny Ribs?” and she was like, “Yeah.” That’s the theme song I have still to this day. I can’t get enough of it. I love it.
Tell me about, “Don’t make fun of my hair!”
Everything we do is unscripted. We show up on location, and I just roll with it, and Andrea chases me around with a camera. I think kids appreciate that authenticity. But this one time we were filming, and I took my hat off to scratch my head, and I just thought, I bet my hair looks funny. So, I just made a thing out of it. Kids really liked that, and they were mimicking it at home. Now I do it in almost every episode.
When did you first get recognized when you were out in the real world? My first celebrity appearance was when I came and filmed at the bakery
in Huntsville, and Cowboy Duke was really the first little cowboy fan I ever got to meet. I showed up, and he was dressed to the nines and ready to meet me, and that was literally my first encounter with somebody recognizing me.
It still happens to this day, and it’s fun. If anybody ever recognizes me, please come and say, “Hi.” That absolutely makes me feel ten feet tall. I love that so much.
What do you think it is about Cowboy Jack that kids and grown-ups can relate to? What do you think is your secret sauce?
In life, I’m always trying to make people laugh. I’m always trying to be the center of attention. The show gives me the opportunity to do that in a wholesome way. I think it’s because I try to be relatable, to be down to earth. And kids may think I’m cool because I’m Cowboy Jack, and they think they’re meeting a celebrity or something, but, you know, when I take the hat off, I’m really just a normal suburban dad.
What does John like to do aside from being Cowboy Jack?
My son is a really great baseball player,
so we’re very involved in his Little League, but we like to sneak off and go fishing every chance we get. Also, I am a Native American artifact nut, and I love to get out there and go hunt for arrowheads whenever I can.
How can our readers find Cowboy Jack episodes?
We’re on almost every platform now. We just got picked up by Pluto TV. The easiest way to find us is YouTube Kids and YouTube, but we’re also on Amazon Prime, Yippee TV, and other platforms. I also have a good Facebook and Instagram following, and I post as Cowboy Jack there.
What are your hopes for Cowboy Jack going forward into the future?
We’re going global. We’re trying a lot of different things, including a book series. We just got it translated into Portuguese and Spanish, and Farsi is coming soon. We’re doing a lot of things to try to globalize Cowboy Jack, especially in countries that really like cowboys. And we are going to stay here in Texas and keep doing our thing.
Yes, if you are a business owner and think something is cool kids would like to see, reach out to me. It could be as simple as being a librarian or working in a post office or working in a welding shop. I would love the opportunity to get kids exposure into skilled trades. I think that’s a big part of our country’s trajectory for the future.
This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday. This is it people. This is what we've been training for.
••••••••••••••••••••
Respect people who wear glasses. They paid money to see you.
••••••••••••••••••••
What do you call a herd of sheep falling down a hill?
A lambslide.
••••••••••••••••••••
What do you call a moose with no name?
Anonymoose.
How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?
Ten tickles.
••••••••••••••••••••
Why did the ram run over the cliff? He didn't see the ewe turn.
••••••••••••••••••••
What do you call a potato wearing glasses? A spec-tater.
••••••••••••••••••••
Once, I took a chess player to an Italian restaurant with checkered tablecloths. It took her half an hour to pass the salt.
Coffee was just voted the best drink in the nation.
It was an unfair vote. There were absent tea ballots.
••••••••••••••••••••
There's a fine line between a numerator and a denominator.
(Only a fraction of people will find this funny.)
••••••••••••••••••••
Carpe diem = Seize the day
Imodium = Don't sneeze today
Begin
Why did the banana go to the beach?
To put on some peeling lotion!
What did the ocean say to the sailboat? Nothing, it just waved!
How do you know the ocean is friendly? It waves!
What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh!
Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert on vacation? Because she was stuffed!
Where do sheep go on vacation? The Baa-hamas!
Why are fish so smart? Because they live in schools!
What has a neck but no head? A bottle of sunscreen!
Why did the robot go on vacation?
To recharge its batteries!
Page 1 of 1 https://www.supercoloring.com/puzzle-games/transport-codebreaker-puzzle
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
BY ROSA COSS | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
Living with persistent pain, reduced mobility, or lingering injury effects is a common reality for many, but it doesn’t have to dictate your permanent reality. Physical therapy can often provide a drug free pathway to recovery and wellness. Direct PT of Huntsville Tx, located at 3200
Robinson Creek Parkway, Suite B, offers a safe and friendly environment with licensed physical therapists to help patients reach their full wellness potential. Physical therapists utilize individualized, evidence-driven techniques and biomechanics to accelerate healing and improve patient outcomes.
At Direct PT, personalized care begins the moment patients walk in the door, as they are greeted and welcomed by patient care staff team members. The first consultation begins with an initial evaluation to assess the patient’s needs. Each therapist provides personalized care to no more than two patients per hour, with the intent to commit to offering the individualized care and attention each patient deserves to ensure optimal results.
Direct PT was established on July 7, 2022 by local physical therapist assistant Cassie (pronounced Kay-ce) Fry. According to Cassie, her journey into physical therapy began at an early age, rooted in the responsibility of caring for her single, working mother. Cassie explained that most people can’t afford to stop working simply because they experience pain or limited mobility, as was the case with her
mother. This realization ignited an interest inside her to learn more about the human body and how it functions. “The more we learn, the more we can pass on to others,” said Cassie. In 2007, she became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and currently has more than 20 years of experience in physical therapy, specializing in manual therapy for soft tissue and joint mobility.
“I am proud to work with a team that prioritizes compassion, a quality that is increasingly hard to find in today’s professional landscape,” said Cassie. Working alongside Cassie is Dr. Sean Chen, Supervising Physical Therapist. He has been a licensed physical therapist for over 10 years, with extensive experience in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. He utilizes sophisticated methodologies including visceral manipulation, movement-based rehabilitation, and craniosacral therapy. Dr. Chen
is certified in the McKenzie Method and trained in Kinetic Control to provide personalized and detailed care. Tony Delclos, Physical Therapist Assistant, has an innate ability to connect with patients, and Florencia Chacon, Supervising Technician, is the operational backbone of the clinic, directing clinical workflow and ensuring seamless patient continuity, while Elisa Canales, Receptionist, with her warm presence turns the clinical experience into a comforting, worryfree visit. Additionally, the clinic has welcomed interns from Sam Houston State University, who have proven to be a great asset to the team and have been able to connect well with patients. At Direct PT, it is their mission to treat every patient with the utmost compassion, dignity, and respect. “We want to create an environment where staff enjoy coming to work and patients know that we genuinely care about them,” said Cassie.
The human body is remarkably resilient but occasionally has to be retrained to remind it how to heal and maintain wellness. This may occur after a fall resulting in fractures and post-fracture stiffness, whiplash or neck injuries after an accident, or a job-related injury with torn ligaments (ACL, MCL), muscle strains and sprains, all of which can severely impact a patients’ independence and
ability to function normally. Direct PT creates personalized plans to help patients heal, regain strength, and forge ahead confidently.
Oftentimes, everyday activities or even lack of activity can cause joint stiffness, discomfort or swelling in knees, hips, ankles, elbows and various other joints, resulting in diminished range and articulation of motion, and limiting what we do on a day-to-day basis. Many people also suffer with osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
At Direct PT, they strive to rehabilitate joints and improve joint mobility using combined skilled manual techniques with tailored exercise to overcome pain from injuries or chronic conditions. Their ultimate goal is to increase range of motion and restore movement with confidence. Healthy joints are essential for smooth, pain-free movement. When stiffness, swelling, or discomfort limits your mobility, everyday activities can feel overwhelming
Direct PT also has a Sports Injury Rehab and Prevention Program designed to help athletes recover safely and swiftly from sport related injuries including fractures, sprains, strains, and tendonitis. Physical therapists utilize a comprehensive approach—integrating specialized hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and modern recovery tools— to optimize patient mobility, rebuild strength, and accelerate healing to help athletes return to the sport they love, and remind patients that in order to maintain progress, it is important to keep the body moving. Preventative Screenings are also recommended to detect and assess muscle weakness, joint restrictions, and neuromuscular control, in order to minimize the risk of injury.
There are various reasons why people may experience difficulties with balance and coordination: muscle weakness, which may onset as a result of inactivity or an illness; vestibular disorders (i.e. vertigo); or stiffness, all of which can make carrying out daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or simply standing from a sitting position, extremely taxing. To determine the underlying cause, therapists assess movement patterns and create a plan to improve stability, strength, and confidence, to help patients regain their independence and maintain an active lifestyle.
At Direct PT, patients have an opportunity to prepare their body before and after surgery through their Prehab and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation program. Whether surgery is to repair a rotator cuff, ACL reconstruction, spinal surgery, or joint replacement (shoulder, hip, knee), Direct PT offers a personalized rehabilitation plan to regain flexibility, strength, and function in a safe and effective manner. “Our primary goal is to help patients regain mobility and their independence,” said Dr. Chen.
The more we learn, the more we can pass on to others ”
“We want our patients to be able to understand how their bodies function, to know how joints and muscles work together. Ultimately, we want our patient to be able to do more, not less. That is the purpose of physical therapy,” said Cassie. According to Dr. Chen, when patients are empowered with knowledge about their bodies and given the tools they need, whether it’s through stretches, manual therapy, or exercises, this allows patients to continue their rehabilitation independently at home.
In the future, Cassie hopes to be able to expand the clinic to include a wellness program and an indoor pool for hydrotherapy, which has proven to be beneficial for pain relief, joint pressure, and muscle strength. Currently, they offer a Silver Sneakers program (provides free access to seniors for health and fitness programs). Patients enjoy returning to the clinic to use their exercise equipment and seeing familiar faces without having to go to a crowded gym.
To learn more, visit: https://www. directptofhuntsvilletx.com/, or schedule a consult by calling 936-439-4770.
hen I was a child, “lights out” was not a suggestion—it was a decree handed down nightly by my mother. No negotiations, no dramatic pleas for “just five more minutes,” and certainly no hiding under the covers with a flashlight and a book (although I may have tested that boundary once or twice). The moment those words were spoken, the house went dark, the day was officially over, and everyone was expected to cooperate. Funny how decades later, I’m still hearing that same command in my head—only now it’s not about bedtime, but about helping millions of migrating birds safely navigate the night skies over Texas
Back then, my mother’s reasoning was simple: people need sleep. These days, “Lights Out” carries another kind of wisdom. Texas is the main flyover state for migrating birds, and each spring and fall, about 2 billion birds travel across the state under the cover of darkness, using the moon, stars, and natural light cues to guide them. Artificial lights can overpower those natural signals. Our brightly lit homes, office buildings, parking lots, and city skylines can confuse the nighttime travelers, pulling them off course and sometimes leading to deadly collisions with windows and buildings. Some will circle the lights until sheer exhaustion sets in, while others drop lower into dangerous territory, attracted by the lights. At that level, reflections of the sky, trees, and clouds in glass can appear to be safe, open habitat. In an instant, what looked like a clear path becomes a deadly illusion—one that far too many birds do not survive. Between 365 million and 1 billion birds die each year due to collisions with buildings, the majority of which are during migration.
Sometimes, it takes a tragedy to force people to see a problem that has been there all along, and that is exactly how Lights Out for Birds was born in Texas. In 2017, Galveston workers arrived at the American National Insurance building to find nearly
By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors
400 migratory birds dead around the brightly lit tower. The sight was heartbreaking—a true wake-up call along one of the most important migration corridors in North America. Out of that disaster came action. Houston Audubon launched what would later become the Lights Out Texas movement. In 2020, that effort expanded into the broader statewide campaign.
While the Lights Out idea began in a different state, the tragic Galveston collision in 2017 sparked Texas’s own movement, and it is supported today by a coalition of Audubon Texas, Houston Audubon, Cornell Lab’s BirdCast, Defenders of Wildlife, cities, universities, and local partners across Texas.
Helping birds during spring and fall migration is remarkably simple. Homeowners can switch off porch lights, landscape lighting, and unnecessary indoor lights. Close blinds so window reflections don’t lure birds closer. If you work in or visit an office building, consider encouraging building owners or managers to join the Lights Out effort by dimming decorative lighting and upper-floor office lights after hours. In a city like Houston—where many downtown buildings already participate—every light switched off becomes one less deadly trap for birds crossing our night skies.
In Texas, the call for “lights out” begins March 1 and continues through June 15 for spring migration, then returns August 15 through November 30 in the fall, when billions of birds pass overhead. Think of it as bird rush hour—only instead of traffic jams on I-45, the skies above Texas are filled with warblers, thrushes, buntings, and other feathered friends trying to make their way safely south or north.
Texas’s largest skylines—from Houston and Dallas to Austin and San Antonio—are proving that even big cities can make room in the night sky for migrating birds. If entire city skylines can go dark for birds, surely the rest of us can switch off a porch light.
ay is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental wellness and to encourage open conversation about mental health. Just like physical health, our mental health plays a vital role in how we think, feel, and interact with others every day.
When we think about staying healthy, we often focus on eating nutritious foods, staying active, and getting enough sleep. These habits are important, but caring for our mental health is just as essential. Mental health affects how we handle stress, build relationships, and make decisions. Taking time to support our mental well-being helps us live more balanced and fulfilling lives.
Everyone experiences a range of emotions—including stress, worry, or sadness. These feelings are a normal part of life. However, when emotions begin to feel overwhelming or interfere with daily life, it may be a sign that additional support is needed. Learning to recognize these signs in ourselves and others is an important step towards maintaining overall health.
There are many simple ways to promote positive mental health. Staying connected with family and friends, spending time outdoors, getting regular activity, and maintaining healthy routines can all help improve mood reduce stress. Talking openly about feelings and seeking help when needed are also key parts of caring for mental wellness.
For more information: 936-521-6419 brittneyc@tcbhc.org M
Samantha Smith
County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health
Free Program Opportunity: Youth Mental Health First Aid
Tri-County & Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Walker County are excited to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid, the nationally recognized, evidencebased training, to help equip adults in our community to support youth struggling with mental health or substance use challenges. Through interactive instruction and hands-on activities, participants will build confidence in responding and strengthen their ability to offer meaningful support to others.
When: May 7, 2026, 8 AM – 12 PM
Mental Health Awareness
Month reminds us that mental health matters at every age. By supporting one another and learning more about mental health, we can build stronger families, healthier communities, brighter futures for our youth.
Where: Walker County Storm Shelter (455 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77320)
Meet the people behind the pages.
Every issue of Postcards is made possible by a dedicated team working behind the scenes.
With Getting to Know Us, we’re pulling back the curtain to introduce you to the people who make it all happen—one little question at a time!
"WHO'S
Flash - I am analytical and deliberative, so sometimes slow to decide. I envy fast.
Flash - Because I'd like to move fast and get more done!
Spiderman - Who wouldn't want to swing between buildings while being witty?
Mighty Mouse - <has to stop to argue with team about whether he is a real superhero> Because I grew up with him.
Dr. Strange - Because of spells and teleportation
Wonder Woman - She has strength, flight, stamina, speed, and endurance.
Batman - Because... George Clooney!
Best of Motown and More oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org
& Mulligans Crawfish Boil & Golf Classic
& Float”
in Wonderland Jr.”
By WES ALTOM
They don’t call it A.I. just to save us from having to pronounce all the syllables. Voicing the full name might just make us think. If we say the full words out loud too many times, it might just register a little deeper what the term actually connotes:
Artificial – While it certainly fits something manmade as opposed to something natural, the word also means feigned, insincere, fake, imitation, sham.
Intelligence – the ability to learn or understand things; comprehension, knowledge
So…an artificially intelligent person is someone who conveys fake knowledge…hmmm.
This is certainly not a new concept that dawned with the age of computers. Paul admonished Titus in the first century A.D. (Titus 1:10-11) to be wary of and silence “empty talkers and deceivers, teaching things they should not, for dishonest gain.”
While not new to our time and setting, this warning is certainly appropriate to us with all we see online. Growing up, I never imagined it would be this challenging to determine truth from falsehood. There is no shortage today of false (or even more dangerous, partially false) information being spread online by people driven to gain money through clicks as opposed to promoting true education or commitment to truth and principles.
I am not a conspiracy theorist, and I definitely see the inarguable value of technology-assisted tasks. Mankind, however, not machines, was gifted with being made in the image of God. Because of this, there is no replacement for human discernment and compassion, and that won’t ever change.
Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. -Philippians 4:8
“For I am the Lord, I change not." -Malachi 3:6
The Board of Directors of First National Bank of Huntsville is pleased to announce the promotion of Javier Chavez to the position of Trust Officer.
FNBH President & Chief Operating Officer Walter Bennett, Jr. stated, "From early on, we could tell Javier possessed both the work ethic and judgement to be a successful community banker. Javier earned his undergraduate and masters degrees from the banking program at Sam Houston State University. He is an integral part of our team and we look forward to his continued growth in the Trust Department."
Javier is a native of Groveton, Texas and built his foundation on small-town values that continue to guide both his personal and professional life. He earned his bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from Sam Houston State University in 2022, and completed his Executive MBA at SHSU in 2024, further strengthening his leadership and
strategic perspective. Javier began his banking career with First National Bank of Huntsville in 2021 as a teller. He was promoted to Credit Analyst, gaining hands-on experience in financial analysis and developing a strong appreciation for relationship-focused banking. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active through CrossFit and running, and can often be found walking his beloved German Shepherd, Athena. He is passionate about travel, spending time outdoors, and cheering on the Houston Texans. Congratulations, Javier!
Since1890,FirstNationalBankofHuntsvillehasproudlyhelpedourcommunitygrowintothecityitistoday.Weareequallyproudtobe Huntsville'sonlylocallyownedcommunitybank.FNBHisasubsidiaryofFirstNationalBancsharesofHuntsville,Inc.withitsmainoffice andbranchinHuntsvilleaswellasbranchesinCrockett,Madisonville,FranklinandBryan/CollegeStation.
