Postcards Piney Woods 10 Year Anniversary Edition

Piney Woods

KEEP YOU MOVING

POSTCARDS Quilts of Mary Laura Gibbs / 10 Years of Community / Meet the Team / Firsts / In the Beginning

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ANNIVERSARY EDITION January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

1

With Ward Furniture, you can live the life you imagined.

I have worked as a builder, a designer, and I enjoy doing remodels too. Over 20 years ago, Ward Furniture “staged” our office and it was absolutely lovely. We received compliments constantly. I began to send customers their way and they were all “thrilled” with the work and the furnishings and décor from Ward Furniture. Now, all my customers use them!

When I work with the designers at Ward, there is an ease of doing business with them. Their level of service exceeds all my expectations. Style, options, opportunities are at our fingertips when we enter their doors. Our collaboration always flows naturally. The key to their success is that they “listen” to customers as they share their vision and ideas. They walk beside their customers to insure those dreams become “the life they imagined and more.”

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Twenty Questions

New Year Means A

Darryl

GARDNER

NEW RIDE! Our anniversary issue wouldn’t be complete without including the first person who gets our magazines “hot off the press” when they arrive at the post office. Darryl doesn’t like the limelight and it took a LOT of coercing to get his answers (see question 12), but we sure appreciate him!

1

SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED? Center High School

2

FAVORITE MOVIE? The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings

3

HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR FIRST DOLLAR? Mowing grass

4

BOOK THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU? The Bible

5

LAST THING YOU BINGE-WATCHED? What’s binge watching?

6

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU RIDING DOWN THE ROAD LISTING TO? Contemporary gospel or R&B

7

YOUR FAVORITE DISH? Chocolate chip cookies with pecans

8

YOUR GO-TO BARISTA ORDER? I don’t drink coffee

9

THREE WORDS THOSE WHO KNOW YOU BEST WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU? Hard-headed, hard-working, kind

10

SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU? I like Christian music

11

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING ON YOUR DAY OFF? Sitting in my recliner

12

HOW WOULD YOUR PERFECT DAY BEGIN? Praying hard, because I gotta deal with people like you (laughing)

13

HOW DO YOU CLEAR YOUR MIND AFTER A BAD DAY? Some things people just not gonna know

14

ONE THING YOU’RE EPICALLY BAD AT? Having my picture taken (as you can tell)

15

BUCKET LIST ITEM YOU’RE MOST GLAD YOU’VE DONE? Travel

16

TOP THING LEFT TO DO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Retire

17

IF YOU COULD LIVE ABROAD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE? Germany

18

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? My mama (because she’s mama) and my daughter

19

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? Learn a trade

20

ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Education

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

67

New Year Means A

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 3

FEATURES

January 2021 | Volume 11, Issue 1

36

10

POSTCARDS

Texas Treasures

Anniversary Special Meet the Team & Firsts

Quilts of Mary Laura Gibbs

20

52

A Special Conversation

Business Focus In the Beginning

10 Years of Community

FAVORITES 6 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 26 30 34 35

From Our Readers What Are You Reading?

From the Publisher “Seens” from our World Dear Gabby Things My Granddaddy Said Garden Post Pet Pals What’s Cooking Star Students Touching Tomorrow Milestones

46 Glorious Grandkids 48 The Grands 49 Vet Connect 50 Health Matters 51 Happenings 59 Giggles 60 Wildlife Wonders 61 From the Mouths of Babes 62 Sudoku Marketplace 65 Community Calendar 66 Mustard Seed Moments 67 20 Questions

Loved Ones deserve only the best

Planning ahead for a peace of mind

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3

GIVING a gift that keeps on

BLESSING OTHERS Dr. Ronald Johnson was a kind man and loved our mission and our impact. This year Dr. Johnson passed away, but even in his death, he continued to support the Boys & Girls Club by bequeathing his beautiful home to us. It’s a true testament to who he was and what he loved the most. We would like to thank Dr. Johnson. His generosity will continue to bless children today, tommorrow and in the future.

From Our Readers Thanks for publishing “What Are You Reading?”

Blessings to everyone at Postcards!

Mary Ellen Sims

I really enjoy your magazine. I look forward to getting it every month.

Marshall Clouser

My wife and I love Postcards. We look forward to it every month and both read it cover to cover.

Keep up the good work!

Jack Heintschel

Dr. Ronald Johnson

“In my profession it’s always about touching young people’s lives and making the world a better place.” ~ Dr. Ronald Johnson

Michelle Spencer Chief Executive Officer Boys & Girls Club of Walker County

Ten years of Postcards means SO many things.

Community, kindness and love! I have learned so much about so many people and places.

Even though I already knew him, I loved the story on Clint McClaren, and I enjoyed getting to know more about Ray Hernandez, too. I also was glad I was able to recognize a teacher (in “Touching Tomorrow”) and it made my heart smile when she saw it. I know you have so many submissions.

On a professional note, your writers and layout artists are top notch - the story they did during 2020 about our at-home workout was beyond professional and amazing! Great work, love to be a part of this magazine.

Tish Humphrey Curves Huntsville and Conroe

At this time of year we want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our mission for the youth of our community! If you would like to share your love with a GIFT OF GIVING, we would love to talk to you.

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Boys and Girls Club of Walker County 6 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

I love your magazine and enjoy reading it cover to cover. I feel it keeps me in touch with our community. Thank you for covering our community with interesting stories and positive messages!

Kari Zella

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Visit us today and experience what we mean when we say, “You First.”

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 7

What Are You Reading?

Thank you, HISD Board of Trustees!

Trey Wharton President

Rissie Owens Vice President

Kelli Vossler reading

Where the Crawdads Sing

By Delia Owens

Tracy Stoudt Secretary

Nancy Jolly reading

Devotions for Christmas

By Zondervan Ken Holland Trustee

J.T. Langley Trustee

Cathy Schweitzer Trustee

Dr. Karin Olson-Williams Trustee

Gina Ernst

936-435-6300

www.huntsville-isd.org

8 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

reading

Life Lessons in Barrel Horse Training

By J.W. Richie

From the Publisher

Karen Altom

publisher@postcardslive.com

Your Local Community Magazine!

PostcardsLive.com

PostcardsPineyWoods

If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available.

MAILED to select postal routes in Huntsville, New Waverly, Midway, Madisonville, Riverside and Trinity.

FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above.

Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.

Publisher Karen Altom Editor Wes Altom Advertising Team Janet T. Jones Nancy Jolly Marshall Altom Design Team Mary Partida April Key Social Media Management Abby Altom Boyd Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media ADVERTISE IN POSTCARDS Call our Office: 936.293.1188 Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 • Huntsville, TX 77342 Phone: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval

by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2021 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

Something Old, Something New…

and Our Heartfelt Thanks

To say we are excited is an understatement.

The issue you hold in your hands is our 10th Anniversary issue. 10 YEARS! We can hardly believe it.

Hopefully, you have already noticed the sleeker new design we will be carrying forward. You will also see updated fonts and styles on some of your Favorites and Features as we worked to marry the new with the old. A perfect example of this is the new logo/masthead on our cover. “Postcards” got a little facelift, but we loved “Magazine” just like it was. We know change is always difficult, but after 2020, we think many of us are ready for some change, and 2021 seems like a great year for it!

As we planned this issue over the past several months, our team decided you might like to know how we started, who makes this happen each month, and who has supported us from the very first day. One thing Wes and I didn’t count on was being completely outvoted when it came to having a story that featured the two of us. When you are used to having “veto power,” it is more than a little humbling to be unanimously outnumbered! Since starting this magazine, our goal has always been to focus on our communities and not ourselves, but knowing we have an amazing team, we chose to listen to and trust them when they said you might be interested in how Postcards came to be.

Over the last ten years, you--our readers--have shared your photos, your ideas, your funny moments…you have shared YOUR LIVES. The letters you send and the comments you share mean more than you will ever know. The dollars you spend supporting our advertisers keeps us able to do this. The calls you make letting them know you appreciate their advertising in Postcards allows them to know their money is well spent.

Ten years ago, Wes and I were in our mid-forties and our children were teenagers. Now both children are married, and we are grandparents.

While the official paperwork for this magazine bears the name Altom, we always want to point you to the One who is really in charge.

He gave this idea, and He has granted us this work. Our goal will always be to honor God in all we do.

From our family to yours, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Let’s start a new decade!

Until next time,

~

Karen

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 9

Texas Treasures

By Claudia Kirkwood Photos by Gina Turner

The Quilts of

Mary Laura Gibbs Mary Laura Gibbs

Quotes abound in the world of quilting, such as, “Behind every quilter is a big pile of fabric,” “Every quilter has a masterpiece inside,” and “Sew on and sew forth!” But my favorite quote is from our featured artist, as she once remarked,

“I love this pastime because there are no rules!”

Meet Huntsville’s own Mary Laura Gibbs, born here and, after a time of sojourn, returned to Huntsville in 1986. Her love of sewing began early. After taking sewing classes and garment design at Fabric Carousel in Huntsville, she enjoyed creating her own jackets and other apparel, as well as employing the craft of embroidery to embellish a plethora of projects. When asked about quilting, her response was, “Why in the world would anyone do that? It’s not even anything you can wear.” She added, “I’ll never make quilts, because the one thing you do is take perfectly good fabric, cut it up in pieces, sew it back together again and, in the process, waste a lot of fabric.”

That all changed one morning as she watched a television program on quilting while preparing to jog. “I can do that,” she declared, and since venturing into this historic craft, Mary Laura has produced numerous quilts and enjoyed the recognition her exquisite artistry deserves. Over 20 of her quilts are presently on display through February 15, 2021, at The Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center in Huntsville. The exhibit, entitled “Step UP Step Back,” is a collaboration between Mary Laura and David Carpender, a local graphic artist and photographer.

It is a fascinating show which interlinks the age-old craft of quilt-making with 21 st century technology.

O n e unique digital

display features several quilting blocks of the same pattern, constantly rearranged on screen to portray an almost unlimited number of overall designs.

It is intriguing, as is the 16-panel free-standing digital LED display featuring many of the quilts in the exhibit. Mary Laura’s artistry--paired with David’s photography, technological expertise, and imaginative presentation of her work-are a winning combination.

Mary Laura was greatly influenced a n d

encouraged in the early years of her work by two friends. Samuella Wynne Palmer, who donated the house which has become The Wynne Home Arts & Visitors Center, was a colorist and produced gorgeous quilts. Within the quilt-making craft you will find colorists, designers, and others who are skilled in areas which become hallmarks of their creations. Another friend, Moselle McLeod, loved natural dyes and would produce dyes for her own quilts. Natural dyes produce subtle and exquisite colors which are unmatched in their beauty, according to Mary Laura.

Several of Mary Laura’s quilts were once displayed at the First Christian Church in a show entitled, “Off the Bed, On the Wall.” This brings the history of quilting into view. Quilts originated to address a need using available resources. The need was to make a warm, soft, pliable covering for a bed, and the materials were usually the gathered scraps of used clothing and other household fabrics which no longer served their purposes. The shape, a rectangle, conformed to the shape of the bed with a central motif, a border, and a bound edge sturdy enough to keep everything intact. Many quilts still retain this shape and these characteristics, but as Mary Laura likes to point out, apart from the bound edge which holds the quilt components intact, the other features are all up to personal choice. A quilted piece of art does not have to be rectangular, nor must the materials be purchased from the local fabric store.

“Take It

Outside,” created in 2019, is a quilted work made from a feed sack which portrays a Japanese motif of fighting cocks. Since the design is of Japanese origin, Mary Laura fashioned this piece into the shape of a kimono, providing an overall consistency to the project.

Several years ago, while walking around the Huntsville Square during the “Airing of the Quilts,” she came upon a pile of feed sacks in front of an antique store. As she related, “I thought, wow, those are wonderful designs (although they smelled strongly of feed). They were $2 each.

I walked off without

making a purchase. The next year, during the same event and in front of the same antique store, there sat the same stack of feed sacks.

I was delighted to see them and asked the price. The store owner said, ‘Take them.’ I insisted on paying at least a small fee for them, and it was a profitable purchase for me.” As she relates, you can go online to purchase feed sacks now and pay hundreds of dollars for a rare find.

One of her fascinating finds was a sack featuring Buffalo Bill on horseback. She laughingly adds, “Anything with a gun on it, people love.” Buffalo Bill, the great showman, is now onstage in one of Mary Laura’s delightful creations. The piece is further

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 11

COVID HAS CHANGED EVERYTHING

COME SEE HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT!

We are ALWAYS HERE even during emergencies.

We are proudly taking ALL PRECAUTIONS and measures to keep everyone SAFE AND HEALTHY.

“There are no quilt police.

Do what you want.” embellished with silk neckties, hand-dyed cotton, and 3-D printed plastic stars. The old with the new. Buffalo Bill would be proud.

Beautiful fabrics and free-flowing creative design are what keep Mary Laura at her sewing machine, always dreaming up and working on her next project. She uses her sewing machine for all her quilting, with the exception of a hand stitch here or there as needed. As she shares, “There is a myth that hand-quilters look down on machinequilters. Not true. Quilters appreciate the craft, regardless of the process used. One factor in why I use a machine is that I can always be looking forward to the next project in the not-too-distant future. A hand-quilter makes one quilt in four years. I can do several quilts in one year, which keeps my imagination honed.”

Mary Laura, never one to discard an imaginative idea, created a quilted piece containing sweepings from her sewing room floor. The finished work showcased thread, fabric, gum wrappers, paper, and…. a cockroach! According to Mary Laura, cockroaches split into two parts when you try to sew them on a quilt. This one was eventually glued to the piece. In addition to these items, she confesses that all her quilts contain at least trace amounts of hair from her beloved cats. In fact, she plans to incorporate their rabies tags into a piece, just as she has added laminated baseball ticket stubs to her work entitled, “Sell Out,” made in 2019, which features a baseball diamond enclosed within a crowded stadium.

She has created several quilted pieces featuring the face of Andy Pettitte, former Major League Baseball pitcher for both the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. Mary Laura loves baseball and has worked this love into her favorite artistic pastime.

When asked about the do’s and don’ts in quilting, her quick response was, “There are no quilt police.

Do what you want.” The best advice she ever received was from Doris Collins, owner of Fa b r i c Carousel on the Huntsville square. Doris a dv i s e d her

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to decide how she wants the finished piece to look and do whatever she has to do to make it look that way. Further sage advice from Mary Laura’s quilting experience is, “If you make a mistake, either throw it away and start over, or finish the quilt and pretend you meant for it to look that way.”

Lastly, and as the title of The Wynne Home exhibit conveys, step back as you work on a project to see how it looks from a distance. A piece can portray one idea up close, and another one at a distance. Mary Laura has a fascinating piece in the show entitled “Sea Turtles,” made from Hawaiian cotton shirts.

A close-up view reveals turtles, but from a distance a cross appears.

Truthfully, words simply fall short in describing Mary Laura’s work. A visit to her exhibit will provide you with a deep appreciation for her rich creativity and exquisite craftsmanship. The Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center is located at 1428 11th Street near downtown Huntsville. For more information visit the website at www.TheWynneHome.com.

The digital LED display showcases an imaginative presentation

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“Seens” from our World

Can I get directions to ACME Paint & Body?

How fast was this ostrich going when it hit the tree?!!

Seen by: Mike English

Seen by: PC Staff

We want to see what you’ve seen!

When you see the unusual, funny or absurd, break out your camera, take a picture, and submit to us with a description at:

PostcardsLive.com

2801 Sam Houston Ave. Huntsville, TX 77340

14 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. Happy New Year!!

I heard about a new movie coming out soon. It’s a mystery called “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” It’s going to be a bust, though. We all know what we all did last summer. Nothing! My first New Year’s resolution is to stop procrastinating. I’ll write down the rest of them tomorrow…or maybe the next day. This year, I can honestly say I am very thankful hindsight truly is 2020! Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com/share but only if you really want to know my opinion.

DEAR GABBY Why do people make such a big deal out of New Year’s Resolutions?

They’re just a to-do list for the first week in January.

me to see it. Shouldn’t he do that to let me know how much he likes it? He’s now on my naughty list.

M-I-L

DEAR M-I-L No one should be expected to display or use a gift according to the wishes or expectations of the giver. Once you give a gift, it belongs to the recipient, and you are not entitled to dictate what happens after that point. The fact that you received a thank you note from him should let you know he is grateful and thoughtful. If he chooses to wear the shirt when he washes his car, or uses it to wash his car, is no concern of yours. Your S-I-L is on my nice list. I’m still impressed that he sent you a thank you note!

REALIST

GABBY

DEAR REAL No kidding! Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve is a time when many people make pour decisions!

GABBY DEAR GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO STILL UNEMPLOYED: Thanks for sharing your resume. I think I have a clue as to why you didn’t get the job. For starters, it’s b-e-f-o-r-e, not B4. Adults speak English, not Bingo.

My son-in-law is so ungrateful! I bought him a shirt for Christmas; he sent a thank you note, but he has not even worn the shirt over here for

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 15

Things my Grandaddy said...

Divorce changes the tire; marriage fixes the flat.

Don’t gobble in the woods during hunting season.

Firewood warms you twice: when you cut it and when you burn it.

Some folks have 20 years of experience; others have one year of experience they’ve had 20 times.

Advice most needed is least heeded.

Going to bed mad is no fun, but it’s better than fighting all night.

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16 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Sat.

8 to 12

For rusty joints, try a little elbow grease.

Small minds and big mouths have a way of hooking up.

The Garden Post Get the Fruit Trees Going!

By Kim Bius

January in East Texas is fruit and nut tree season. As gardeners, we prefer the sunny, mild, dry days of early spring, but your fruit trees do not! The wet soil gives that added boost of moisture, and the cold temperatures keeps the plant in dormancy for less shock and better root growth until first bud break.

level for drainage, fertilize with a root stimulator at planting and again in 6 weeks. Fruit trees will require pruning and shaping in late January for easy harvesting, and your fertilization schedule will depend on the variety selected.

Enjoy, have fun, and Happy Gardening.

Let us review the requirements and a bit of background knowledge to give you the 101 of fruit tree gardening. Fruit trees require full sun (8+ hours of unobstructed direct sunlight), excellent drainage, and consistent watering throughout the year. Fruit trees are a crop and must be treated as such for successful production. Fruit trees require maintenance and care, some more than others.

Fruit trees are either self-fertile or require a cross pollinator. Peaches, apples, figs, apricots, nectarines, and citrus are self-fertile and can cross pollinate themselves, BUT for your best bet at production, plant two fruit trees with a cross-pollination time. In other words, 2 varieties of peach trees that have a least a one week overlap on pollination time will give you the success you want. Independent garden centers have already taken this into account, and only have trees in stock that will pollinate each other and have the correct chilling hour requirement for your gardening area. The term “chilling hour” is the amount of time below 42 degrees a tree must receive to set buds. The chilling hour on a Each moment in a day has its own value.

75-year average for Walker County is 650 and Morning brings hope, afternoon brings faith, Montgomery County is 600-625.

By far, the most popularly grown fruit tree in Texas is the peach tree, which is also the least drought tolerant. The apple follows closely, with several low chilling hour beauties that A&M has produced so Texans can enjoy homegrown apples. The pecan is next, one of the fussiest trees. Once established, pecans are a breeze, very similar to taking a teenager into adulthood.

The first few years are the most crucial, but given the right background and growing conditions, everything is great! Plums, pears, figs, nectarines, almonds, and even a few select cherries can also be included in your garden, with figs and pears being the hardiest and most drought tolerant. In other words, if you miss two weeks of watering in summer, the fig and pear will be a better bet on surviving, the peach will be the first down.

Fruit trees will do best in a deep sandy loam area, devoid of heavy clay. The tree should be planted at the established soil level in the pot or, if bare rooted, a minimum of 2” below the graft. Plant your tree higher than the existing soil

evening brings love, night brings rest, hope you will have all of them everyday in the coming year.

Happy New Year

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 17

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18 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Share your pets with us by submitting a photo and information to:

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CRAWFISH SEASON IS HERE

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facebook.com/bigecrawfish January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 19

A Special Conversation

By Mike Yawn Photos by Kelly Lawson

Postcards: A 10-Year Celebration of Community

20 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Mass media specialists and social scientists have painted a depressing trend over the past 25 years: communities are growing more fragmented and, not coincidentally, print journalism is suffering. Social media, on the other hand, is all the rage—in all meanings of the word. It was a bit of a surprise then that Wes and Karen Altom decided some 10 years ago to launch a community magazine. Against prevailing trends, and no doubt counter to economists’ prognostications, the magazine has thrived, filling a niche in Walker County and, beginning the following year, in Montgomery County. What follows is the story of that success and, more broadly, the success of two community areas in southeast Texas.

In 2009-2010, the country was in the midst of “The Great Recession.” Print journalism was in a freefall. What made you wake up and say, “Gosh, this would be a great time to start a print magazine?!”

Karen Altom: It was really many things coming together serendipitously. I had worked with Mary Partida for several years in our advertising agency business, and we were realizing it was becoming more and more difficult to market events. Communities were turning away from a single source of information and, consequently, it was becoming increasingly difficult to reach an entire community. At the same time, stories would pop into my head, and I would think, “That would make for a great magazine article.” But I would back off and say, “I don’t have time to take on another project.” But in 2010, one of our largest clients sold their company, and we took a big hit in revenue. It also opened up a time window. And I said, “Okay, Lord, I don’t have an excuse anymore.

Maybe it is time start a magazine.”

enough to have a customer base and some advertisers, but small enough to still have a sense of community and an identification as such.

How did you plan out the division of labor?

KA: Wes is more of “Just the facts, ma’am.”

(Wes nods at this point.) I try to ensure there is “heart” in each issue. So, in a way, I am the touchy-feely aspect of the magazine, and he is the facts and history aspects of the magazine. But on an operational level, I have served as the publisher, and he has served as the editor.

WA: I am the comma police.

What goes into 10 years of Postcards: • 191 separate issues, with more than 5.1 million printed copies distributed between Walker and Montgomery counties; • 515 separate stories, all edited by Wes, broken down by:

• 87 “Do You Know?”

• 40 “Gotta Get Away”

• 58 “Texas Treasures” or

“Local Treasures”

• 54 “Just for Fun”

• 11 “Special Conversation”

• 17 “Inspirations”

• 39 “Community Builder”

• 6 “Hidden Treasures”

• 40 “Mustard Seed Moment” • 56 separate writers:

•Ruth Fields heads this list,

with an amazing 119 stories,

followed by Mike Yawn with

70 stories!

How did you put that plan into action?

KA: We had our first planning session with Mary at IHOP, and Wes asked some of the hard questions. “What are our resources?

What is the content?” Those were questions we had to answer, but we had experience in media, the ability to write, some of the infrastructure, and we had Mary as a graphic designer and our friend Julie Knight who agreed to be our photographer.

Wes Altom: We thought there was a need.

We believed there was still a demand for community journalism, and we could provide the material—the photos and the stories—that no one else, certainly no one else at the national level, was providing about this area at the time. Our area is large January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 21

“The Postca of years ago, and we both write less than we first did. We want as many people as possible in the community to contribute as writers. We have talented people in our community, and we want to display both the community and its talented writers. The other two big aspects of the magazine’s evolution include the addition of the Lake Conroe edition, which we began in 2012, and the increased frequency of publication.

We began quarterly, moved to six times a year, and within a couple of years, we were doing monthly issues...in both markets. We now print 25,000 copies of each edition every month. Our print deadline is the same day for both issues, so it makes for a long day. But our goal, as Wes said, is to get positive stories out there each month, and to provide content people want to read, and from the responses we get, I feel we’ve done that.

You’ve hinted at this, but how do your different personalities affect the magazine?

KA: And I deal more with sales, but we both do the office duties. Wes does give me the veto power. Sometimes we get some content in articles that I don’t think my mother would appreciate, and I get to veto that…

I think you’ve vetoed some of my things…

KA: Deservedly so…

WA: …Don’t feel bad, she has vetoed some of my content, too.

KA: Also deservedly so…

WA: We may put together a “Postcards Uncensored.”

Can I be the photographer for that issue?

KA: That issue is also vetoed.

WA: But, seriously, we agreed at the outset our focus was on the community, that we would avoid politics, and we would emphasize positive stories. Our hope is when people read the magazine, they say, “I didn’t know that! I’ve lived in Huntsville for 15 years, and I didn’t know that.”

This Altom partnership began more than 28 years ago. Although Karen went to school at Abilene Christian University and Wes attended SHSU, the two became friends through a church group in Huntsville, soon after began dating, and were married on October 17, 1992. This particular date came about after Wes suggested October 31, and his idea—not for the last time—was vetoed. Karen has enjoyed careers in radio, newspapers, and advertising. Wes was a police officer for more than two decades, before going into consulting. They have also raised two children—Abby and Marshall—and have recently taken up yet another hobby: spending time with their grandson Walker.

Nothing works out exactly as planned. How has the job evolved over the years?

KA: Well, Wes took over supervision of the story assignments a couple 22 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

KA: Several years ago, we took a marriage class at church led by Dr. Foy Mills. We took the Gallup Strength Finders Assessment, and my number one strength was “positivity.” I want to paint my sky blue, my lawn green, and my picket fence white. Wes is about analyzing situations and processes, figuring out how things fit together. At first, I was alarmed because our personalities don’t have a lot in common, but we learned that it’s more about complementing one another, and we do that in life and on the magazine.

I ask Wes if he’d like to add to this, to which he responded: “No.” This reminds me of the time a woman sat next to President Calvin Coolidge at a dinner party. Even as President, Coolidge was notably taciturn, prompting the woman to say, “My friend bet me that I couldn’t get you to say more than two words all evening.” He replied: “You lose.”

What has proved most popular in the magazine?

KA: The most popular in terms of submissions are our sections on “pets”

cards Lady” and “grandchildren.” When the issues hit the street, our emails light up with new submissions from readers.

What has been least expected?

KA: We didn’t realize the concept would take off like it did. When we began—with just one edition—we had 175 rack locations, and we also mailed them out. We wanted the magazine to be everywhere.

But we were surprised by the response. When we’d walk into our rack locations to refill, people would say, “Are you bringing the new one?”

WA: Also, Karen is now occasionally recognized as “The Postcards Lady.”

KA: I was with Marshall one day at the grocery store, and a lady walked up to me, threw her arms around me (this was Pre-COVID), and hugged my neck. “I love your magazine,” she said. When she left, Marshall asked me, “Who was that?” And I didn’t know. It was just someone who knew me from the magazine!

Your key to great service starts here.

It’s probably good this doesn’t happen to Wes. WA: Now that people know her, Karen has to behave in public.

I like to think of milestones. Since the magazine began, we have had, as of this month, three presidents, an economic recession, a long economic expansion, now a pandemic economy—and, of course, COVID and all its effects. But on a personal level, what are some milestones since you began the magazine?

WA: It’s been a family business. Marshall and Abby have been involved in multiple ways, and I think they’ve become more well-rounded as community citizens as a result.

KA: Both our kids graduated from school since the magazine began.

Abby did a study abroad program in college, and we traveled to see her, so we did a story on Germany. When the kids were small, we had

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The magazine is a part of our life in ways far beyond the profits and losses, and we’re a better and stronger family because of it.

a foreign exchange student from Denmark, so we visited there and did a story on that. Both our children are now married, and Marshall and his wife Kathryn have a baby.

You’ve had some more somber changes, as well.

KA: We’ve lost three out of four parents, and that has been tough. One of our team members, Chris Blair, died in a motorcycle accident. That was completely unexpected and horrible for us and his family. These losses can be quite emotional, and they can also have practical implications.

My father was a minister, but he was also a retired mail carrier, and he would do all the rack deliveries in Madisonville. He loved doing that to

24 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

help us, but I know he also enjoyed running into people. He would call us and say, “I ran into so-and-so, and they loved the story on such-andsuch.” I have kept some of those voicemails. The magazine is a part of our life in ways far beyond the profits and losses, and we’re a better and stronger family because of it.

And do you think the community is stronger for it?

KA: We hope so. That’s been our goal for the past 10 years, and it’s our goal for the next 10 years. The greatest compliment we received was when both a county and city official told us they felt this was the best thing that had happened to our community in decades.

McCAFFETY I ask Wes if he’d like to add anything. He says, “No.” Karen informs me that he has used up all his words today, and will begin speaking again sometime tomorrow. I say goodbye to the two of them: Karen gives me an air hug, and Wes nods.

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As noted in the interview, Postcards is a family enterprise, and the Altom children have been part of the magazine’s operations—sometimes willingly.

Originally, both Marshall and Abby thought it might be a multi-year project that could lift the community.

After seeing the work that went into it, they realized it was a long-term commitment on the part of their parents. “They started this magazine,” reflected Marshall, “because they love our community, and they wanted the community to unite around something positive.” Abby echoed and amplified those thoughts: “The magazine began at a tough time for our family, and I think we needed the magazine as much as the community did. I could not be more proud of my parents and their continued dedication to the magazine, the community, and to God.” Both, too, have been influenced personally by the magazine. “I was born and raised in Huntsville,” noted Marshall, “but through the magazine, I’ve learned of amazing people in the community. There is always more to a community than you know.” For Abby, the impact has also been personal, at times almost traumatically so. There was the time, as a college freshman, that she got to interview Aaron Watson for the magazine, only to find her only recording became corrupted— the file was irretrievably lost—prompting an awkward callback. But even while living in the Abilene area, she is amazed by what she learns from the magazine: “…a person in the community doing amazing things, or a new recipe, or keeping up with my mom through her publisher column. It makes me feel closer to my family. Oh yeah, one more thing I’ve learned: have a backup recording device for interviews.”

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What’s Cookin’ Easy Sheet Pan Roasted Cauliflower with Curry Ingredients 3 Tbs olive oil 1 Tbs yellow curry powder 1 Tbs lemon juice 1 tsp salt ½ tsp ground black pepper 1 lb cauliflower florets, cut into 1/2-inch slices Directions

Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, about 25 minutes.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Combine olive oil, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Add cauliflower and toss until well coated. Place in a single layer in the prepared baking sheet.

26 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Bakers Tip: Making a layer cake? Flip the top layer upside-down to get a perfectly flat and even top — perfect for frosting application.

a shallow bowl. Pour milk into a separate bowl. Dip chicken in the milk, allowing excess milk to drip back into bowl.

Dredge chicken through flour mixture until evenly coated.

Simple and Easy Coq au Vin Ingredients 3 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups all-purpose flour

Step 2: Cook 1/2 of the chicken in the hot oil until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pot and brown remaining chicken. Return all the chicken to the pot.

½ tsp salt ½ tsp ground black pepper 1 cup milk 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1 (8 oz) pkg button mushrooms, sliced

Step 3: Mix mushrooms, carrots, and onion into chicken, stirring gently to distribute vegetables among the chicken. Pour wine over chicken and vegetables, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pot. Add enough chicken broth to nearly cover the chicken and vegetables.

2 cups halved baby carrots 1 onion, chopped 2 cups red wine 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, or as needed 2 tsp Italian seasoning ½ tsp dried rosemary salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Mix flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in

Step 4: Stir Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and pepper into broth mixture; bring to a boil. Cover pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 1 hour. Remove lid and turn heat up to medium-high; boil, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced and thickened, about 15 minutes.

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What’s Cookin’ Healthy Garden Salad Ingredients 5 Tbs red wine vinegar 3 Tbs grapeseed oil 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 limes, juiced 1 tsp white sugar ¾ tsp salt 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (1 lb) pkg frozen shelled edamame (green soybeans) 3 cups frozen corn kernels 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained Directions Step 1: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, grapeseed oil, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, salt,

and garlic. Set aside.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Add the soybeans and boil for 3 minutes. Add corn to the boiling water and continue cooking for 1 more minute. Drain very well and pour into the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix in the cherry tomatoes, green onions and black beans.

Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to chill and blend the flavors.

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Potato Latkes Ingredients 2 cups peeled and shredded potatoes 1 Tbs grated onion 3 eggs, beaten 2 Tbs all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp salt ½ cup peanut oil for frying Directions Step 1: Place the potatoes in a cheesecloth and wring, extracting as much moisture as possible.

Step 2: In a medium bowl stir the potatoes, onion, eggs, flour and salt together.

Step 3: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until hot. Place large spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, pressing down on them to form 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick patties. Brown on one side, turn and brown on the other. Let drain on paper towels. Serve hot!

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Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

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Care Center Huntsville BBQ FUNDRAISER Sunday, January 17th • 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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Donations by cash, check or credit card will be accepted.

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Please join us in support of LIFE! For more Information call 936-294-0404 January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 29

Star Students Jake Holland Huntsville High School

Alexa Linares Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: After Favorite Music/Artist: Spanish

Favorite Movie: none

Favorite Food: My Mom’s Pupusas

Favorite Music/Artist: R&B, Rap

Favorite Quote: “When life gets too hard to stand, kneel.”

Favorite Food: Fried Chicken Favorite Quote: “Uh...khakis?” - Jake (from State Farm)

J

ake is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the son of Ken and Nicole Holland. His activities include band and golf. Following graduation, Jake plans to attend Texas A&M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets, then become a navy pilot. He believes, “Never underestimate the power of people.

Everyone has a story, and everyone has a motivation to keep pressing onward.”

A

lexa is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Carlos Linares and Gloria R o b l e s . H e r a c t iv i t i e s i n c l u d e c r o s s c o u n t r y, N a t i o n a l H o n o r S o c i e t y, N a t i o n a l E n g l i s h H o n o r S o c i e t y, N a t i o n a l A r t H o n o r S o c i e t y, a n d N a t i o n a l Spanish Honor Society. Following graduation, Alexa plans to attend Sam Houston State University to study e d u c a t i o n , t h e n b e c o m e a t e a ch e r. S h e b e l i e ve s , “Everything that happens to you is for a reason!”

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www.facebook.com/ jannell.healthcoach 30 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

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Favorite Movie: Cars

Favorite Movie: The Notebook

Favorite Music/Artist: Travis Scott

Favorite Music/Artist: 7 Summers, Morgan Wallen

Favorite Food: Mac N Cheese

Favorite Food: Salad

Favorite Quote: “Life’s simple. You make choices, and you

Favorite Quote: “I’ve failed over and over again in my life;

don’t look back.” – Sung Kang

that’s why I succeed.”

C

hristian is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the son of Mario Marquina and Zuleyma Avelar. His activities include football. Following g ra d u a t i o n , C h r i s t i a n p l a n s t o a t t e n d c o l l e g e a n d p u r s u e a c a r e e r i n l aw e n f o rc e m e n t , b u s i n e s s , o r coaching. He believes in respect, kindness, generosity, and honesty.

A

lyssa is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Asherah Hawkins and Edward H aw k i n s . H e r a c t iv i t i e s i n c l u d e b a s k e t b a l l , golf, and tennis. She also loves to shop. Following graduation, Alyssa plans to continue her volleyball c a r e e r, a t t e n d S a m H o u s t o n S t a t e U n ive r s i t y, a n d major in kinesiology. She wants to become an athletic trainer. She believes, “Sometimes sacrificing means being alone.”

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Touching Tomorrow Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out. They go above and beyond and really do “Touch Tomorrow.”

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we also celebrate the blessing of helping our patients achieve a more active and pain-free life.

Diana Teel

Together we can overcome!

Huntsville ISD Teel taught 6th grade in 20152016. Since then, she has served as an Innovative Learning Specialist, training teachers on how to use and integrate technology.

Nominated by Christian Avelar Mrs. Teel made a difference in my learning by being someone I could easily talk to if I was having trouble.

She was always there to help and made learning fun. The energy she had was incredible, and she made sure I was on track with what we were learning.

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32 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

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Those chosen for publication are given a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.

Milestones

Our little bundle of joy has arrived!

Kendall and Mandy Cason are ecstatic to welcome their daughter, Molly Ann Cason, into the world!

Born on the 30th of October, 2020 at Huntsville Memorial Hospital, 7 pounds, 10 ounces and 19 inches.

Grandparents are Dick and Ann Cason of Huntsville and Susan Bohan of Huntsville.

Silas Garland Lyle made his arrival December 15, 2020. He weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. and is the son of Kris and Jayna Lyle. Proud grandparents are Bert and Susie Lyle.

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 35

Meet the Team Submitted Photos

Abby Altom Boyd ~ Social Media

Growing up in the Postcards family, Abby has long-term experience pitching in multiple ways toward the publication. She has been a writer/photographer and currently manages our social media presence. She and her husband Ryan live in Abilene, where Abby works for Hendrick Health System as their compensation coordinator in HR and Ryan is a city police officer. Abby says, “Of all I have done for the magazine, one of my favorites has been taking several of the photos for the covers. Regardless of how I am able to contribute, I love being part of something that brings such joy and positivity to my hometown (even if it’s from afar now)!”

Marshall Altom ~ Utility As he has remained local, Marshall has had more and more varied all-around experience with Postcards. He has served stints overseeing deliveries and managing the office/bookkeeping, has been a writer and photographer, and still works parttime in ad sales. He and his wife Kathryn live in Huntsville. Kathryn even helped in the office with filing and subscriptions up until their new son Walker was born this year. Marshall now works full-time for Walker County Federal Credit Union. His favorite thing about Postcards is the community interaction and engagement.

Mary Partida ~ Design I have been blessed to have been a part of the Postcards family from day one! Being part of the initial team as a graphic designer has been one of my greatest joys and accomplishments.

One of my favorite things is sharing our readers’ and advertisers’ submissions, along with the many new friends I have been blessed with on this journey. I look forward to working with my awesome team and helping our communities grow and come together through our publications for many years to come. I would like to thank each and every individual, business, and co-worker for helping us make Postcards the best community magazine around!

April Key ~ Design Joining the workforce at 14, April learned early that having integrity and determination pays off. Taking advantage of every opportunity to learn a new skill has taught her a lot.

She prides herself on providing exceptional service and treating customers the way she would want her grandmother to be treated. April officially joined the “graphic design” world in her 30s. At a young age, her grandmother introduced her to painting. From then on, she has been enthralled.

April joined the printing industry in 2009 and has integrated into the mailing industry over the past 7 years. During that time she began working with Karen & Wes on the printing side of production, but since joining the design team, she has enjoyed learning so much about the Postcards communities. Currently she is working on projects while traveling the U.S. with her husband Scott & dog Luna Mayo.

36 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Janet Jones ~ Sales After a 30-year career with Southwestern Bell (now AT&T), Janet retired and moved to Huntsville shortly thereafter. Janet has been a part of the Postcards family since 2012. She began selling ads for the Lake Conroe publication and now covers Piney Woods market as well. Janet and her husband James, who is a retired AC contractor, celebrated their 40th anniversary this past November. They were blessed with two wonderful children, JW Jones and Courtney Woods and four grandchildren, Jake Wyatt, Kynlynn, Kord and Kash. Janet says, “One of my favorite things is getting feedback from my advertisers how they love being in the magazine and how Postcards has benefited their business.”

Nancy Jolly ~ Sales Watching my forever friend bring her dream of Postcards Magazine to life from the sidelines was such fun! Now getting to “play” on her team is beyond exciting! I came to Postcards with 30+ years of experience with advertising and marketing which allowed me to join this group of very talented individuals with a unique understanding of our goal. We bring “community” to individuals in their homes, to our local businesses, in their minds and their hearts. To be a part of such an important connection allows me to be the one blessed. My coworkers have embraced me. Businesses have welcomed me. My friends, my husband Gregg, and my children have seen the joy all over my face because I get to do what I love! When Karen and I were discussing our future, I was very clear when I told her, “You do know I plan on retiring here! When you go, I go…and I don’t want a watch for my retirement! Just saying!” #teamPostcards #teamACMI

Ruth Fields ~ Writer When Ruth was a high school senior, she won a statewide essay contest and scholarship sponsored by the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Encouraged, she then earned a degree in journalism from Texas A&M. She and her favorite Aggie classmate Charlie have been married 38 years and have three adult children. While Charlie served as a U.S. Army officer, Ruth had her first freelance article published in the Army Times. Since then, she has had over 1,000 articles published in newspapers and magazines. Ruth joined the Postcards team in 2013. Her favorite memories include indoor skydiving, riding on Lake Conroe in an amphicar, and meeting interesting people, like two sisters—both adopted—who share an unlikely bond: one donated a kidney to the other. When she’s not writing, Ruth enjoys running, vegetable gardening, hiking, and playing in her church and community orchestras.

Linda W. Perkins ~ Writer Linda’s background as an expat growing up overseas planted within her a deep desire to explore different places, meet new people, and share God’s love with others, which she gets to do often as a Postcards feature writer and contributor to Mustard Seed Moments. Linda lives in Houston with her husband Ben and daughter Jenna, but considers Huntsville her “home away from home” and can often be found hiking or kayaking in the area. In addition to being a freelance writer and journalist, Linda is an artist and an active volunteer with several non-profits.

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 37

Mike Yawn ~ Writer Mike Yawn spends much at time at SHSU, where he is the Director of the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics. When not working, Yawn spends much time reading, learning about art, hiking, and traveling. Some of these activities find their way into Postcards as stories.

Rosa Coss ~ Writer Rosa came to Postcards from Sam Houston State University, where she worked for 27 years in various capacities. Most recently, she was Marketing Coordinator for the Office of the VP for Student Affairs, prior to retiring in 2017. She has done freelance writing and photography for several years, and currently also works part-time at ESC Region 6 as a migrant recruiter.

“What I enjoy most about writing for Postcards is having the opportunity to meet community members and local business owners and getting to know them on a more personal level.”

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Amy Barnett ~ Writer Prior to moving to Huntsville in 2010, Amy enjoyed a 12year career in broadcast news, including working for KPRC Channel 2 in Houston as a news reporter. During her television career, she got to cover hard news stories and fun ones, including the 2005 World Series and Super Bowl XXXVIII. She interviewed numerous celebrities and political figures – some of her favorites include Margaret Thatcher, Gen. Colin Powell, Benjamin Netanyahu, Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, Matthew McConaughey, Justin Timberlake, and Kelly Osbourne.

Her favorite part of the job was always storytelling. That’s what brought her to the Postcards family in 2016, when her first interview was with country music’s hometown boy Cody Johnson.

Amy’s favorite stories to tell are those of musical artists in our Texas Talent segment, probably because she is a songwriter herself. She believes everyone has a story, and every story can be turned into a song! She also enjoys playing guitar, painting, baking, and sculpting cakes.

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 39

Janet Davidson ~ Writer Janet has been a part of the Huntsville community for almost 20 years. She taught for 15 years at Alpha Omega Academy in numerous positions. Her passion for writing led her to seek a freelance position with Postcards.

One of the highlights of writing the Business Features has been when a subject said, “I didn’t know how you were going to make screwdrivers and wood sound interesting, but you did!”

Janet Allen Batchelor ~ Writer Janet calls herself a proud native Texan who lives in the country with her husband Tom, two border collies, and an ornery feral cat. Between them, she and Tom have six children, eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her first children’s book, Al and the Owligator, has just been published, and she has had human interest and travel articles published in local, regional and national magazines.

“Being a writer/contributor for such a quality magazine as Postcards is rewarding in many ways. Working with the Altom family and the team to enlighten and entertain our local communities is a pleasure.”

40 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Claudia Kirkwood ~ Writer Since moving back to Huntsville in 2015, I have had the immense pleasure of writing for Postcards Magazine. It has been a joy to meet and get better acquainted with citizens and friends of this wonderful city, and to learn first-hand about the fascinating roles they are filling, the handiworks they are producing, and the interesting lives they have led. I feel this magazine plays an important role as it portrays these people and the beauty they impart to our community.

My deepest thanks go to Wes and Karen Altom for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the blessing they are to our communities.

Emily Langley ~ Distribution As a former employee to the publisher, Emily is glad to be back on the team and part of the Postcards family. She has been taking care of magazine distribution for the Piney Woods edition-which takes her to Huntsville, Madisonville, and Trinity to provide Postcards to the communities through local businesses.

Emily and her husband Scooter have three sons and live in Huntsville, but she grew up in Madisonville.

“It is so great to see so many business owners and workers face-to-face while delivering magazines.

I especially love the excitement so many have about the magazine, and they are so appreciative to have them to give to their customers.”

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 41

Libby Rogers ~ Photographer Libby grew up in Huntsville and began working as a photographer in her early teens. While attending Baylor University, Libby began her Postcards journey as a photographer. Libby and her German Shepherd Atticus moved back to Huntsville in 2016. In addition to Postcards, she is on staff at University Heights Baptist Church and runs her own business, Elizabeth Shae Photography.

“I love all the different people I get to meet through Postcards,” Libby said. “It’s a joy to meet people from all different walks of life who are passionate and excel in their given fields. I learn something new with every story.”

Gina Turner ~ Photographer Gina Turner, a photographer and long-time resident of Madisonville, is happy to be a part of the Postcards team. She now resides in The Woodlands with her husband Tommy, who is an IT network engineer, and her son Duncan, who is a student at Baylor University. Gina graduated from SHSU with a degree in photography and calls the Madisonville/Huntsville area home in her heart. She is now the owner and operator of her own photography studio, Graphics and Photos by Gina. She says, “I love capturing the diversity of the people I encounter and sharing their stories.”

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It has been my pleasure to work with Karen Altom and the Postcards team since day one. I have returned year after year, and advertise in both the Piney Woods Edition and the Lake Conroe Edition, for two reasons: first, it produces a great return on investment and is a quality product. Second, they provide a topnotch, professional staff dedicated to helping my business be as successful as possible. When 10% of new customers let us know they came to visit as a direct result of our ad, the ad has paid for itself and we have increased our customer base! (investment/not an expense)…..win/win for everyone!

Kim Bius, Owner Kim’s Home & Garden Center

Julie Knight ~ Photographer A long-time friend of Karen’s, Julie was the original photographer for Postcards and shot lots of the stories for the first several years. When she and her daughter opened a bakery, she had to cut back to shooting here and there, but is still a part of the Postcards family.

Julie is married to John and they have two grown children, Annie (Sherman) and Michael.

Her biggest claim to fame is her precious grandson Duke, whom she adores. When asked about her favorite Postcards story, she replied, “Oh, there are so many, but it was really fun to travel with Karen to Kerrville to the headquarters of James Avery. We had both gotten so busy; getting to spend all day together was like old times, not to mention it was a really cool piece.”

Kelly Lawson ~ Consultant Kelly and her husband Rayford have lived in Willis for over 30 years, but still think of Huntsville as homebase. Both are graduates of SHSU who began their careers in Huntsville, Kelly at The Huntsville Item and Rayford with Walker County. Their paths never lead them too far away from the community. Now a full-time real estate agent, Kelly enjoys working around Montgomery and Walker County, always ready to pass on exciting stories and people to Postcards. She is also still prepared to grab a camera to help shoot a feature as needed.

“I have watched Postcards from the start, and I was so pleased when God and the Altoms offered me a chance to hold a role as a photographer and then on staff. The blessings and smiles resulting from Karen, Wes, and Postcards are too many to recount in the space provided.”

We would be remiss if we failed to mention a few notable individuals who have contributed significantly to our decade of success, but are no longer “active” staff working with our team.

We greatly miss Chris Blair, our longtime graphic designer who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. His efforts took us to a new level, and his absence has challenged us as much or more than did his ongoing “pursuit of excellence” during our time as teammates with him.

Writers who contributed 20 or more features are Andrea Lee, Claude Wooley, Leah Lamp, and Winston Spencer, Jr. Writers who penned at least 10-20 stories are Kara Tipton, Kristin Humphrey, Bambi Kiser, and Jim Belew.

Their efforts are appreciated and helped us reach this milestone.

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 43

Firsts...

FIRST COVERS

By Wes Altom

 Spring 2011 Complimentary

INSIDE > Piney Woods Pop Quiz > Do You Know?

Jeff Sullivan > Gotta Get Away?

Tr y Fredericksburg! > Outdoor Adventures The Duckman Cometh > Business Focus K2 Images

HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS

PERMIT NO. 51 PAID U.S. Postage PRSRT STD

1314 10th St. • Suite 130 Huntsville, TX 77320 936-295-1151

DEBUT ISSUE!

Postal Customer

We all started somewhere! And most of us remember (hopefully with fond reflection) many of our firsts—first job, first car, first love… We have certainly had fun as we looked through old issues for information and counts putting together this anniversary edition.

More than once, we have demonstrated a few cobwebs in our brain as we have commented, “I had forgotten about that!” or “I can’t believe that was so long ago!” Whether you have been with us as a reader for the full journey, or you have gotten on our community train at the last stop, we value YOU! Individuals make up our wonderful communities, and people are what make sharing through Postcards so great. We hope you enjoy a look back at some of our firsts!

oods Piney W from the

Piney Woods Spring 2011

Lake Conroe Summer 2012

FIRST MUSTARD SEED MOMENT Written by Abby Altom FIRST CONTRACT WRITER Kritstin Humphry FIRST PHOTOGRAPHER Julie Knight FIRST GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mary Partida FIRST STAR STUDENTS

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44 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Madison Hayman

JAMES OSBORNE

FIRST

FIRST

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Sissy Spacek

TEXAS TALENT River Road Boys

FIRST

BUSINESS FOCUS K2 Images FIRST

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GOTTA GET AWAY Fredericksburg FIRST

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES The Blue Lagoon DAY IN YOUR LIFE Shipley Donuts

FIRST CONTRACT ADVERTISER

DO YOU KNOW Jeff Sullivan

2021 Wishing you and your family a joyous and prosperous New Year!

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46 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 47

The Grands

Thank you for shopping local and supporting the retailers located inside West Hill Mall

Betty Jo

STEVENS 1

What is your grandparent name, and does it have a special meaning?

DeeDee. My first nephew died of leukemia and he called me Dee, so the other nephews and nieces called me Aunt Dee. When my daughter was born, I named her Karen Dee, and she named her daughter Abby Deeann. It seemed natural to choose DeeDee as a grandmother name!

2 Number of grandchildren and age range?

For many years there have been 12, seven girls and five boys, and we called them DeeDee’s Dozen. My son Dan and his wife just adopted a little girl, so now I have a Baker’s Dozen! My oldest granddaughter is 26 and the youngest is 3. Plus I now have one great grandchild - we are starting on the second dozen.

4

Favorite activity with grandkids?

DeeDee Camp! When the kids were growing up, I would host all the grandkids every summer for “camp.” We did brown bag skits, waterslides, scavenger hunts, games and day trips. Ten years and tons of memories!

5 Advice to other/new grandparents?

Enjoy them all you can, because you will turn around and they’re 26!

6 What do you hope your grandchildren remember about you?

That faith and family are so important.

7 What’s your fondest memory of your grandparents?

I only knew one - my granddaddy, Theodore Hall. Just spending time with him in his garden was special, and when I was in college, he would cook lunch for me several times a week - just him and me.

If you’re a grandparent and would like to share, or you would like to nominate a grandparent, go to our website at www.PostcardsLive.com and click share!

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48 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

r y

,

Vet Connect:

By Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.

When Saying Goodbye to a Pet The human-animal bond created is one of the most beautiful parts of having a pet. A pet becomes part of the family for many. Unfortunately, the heartbreaking part of having a pet is their lives are so much shorter than ours. End-of-life care is dealt with by all pet owners. As pets begin to show a decline in quality of life or have acute illness or trauma, owners have to make a difficult decision about choosing euthanasia for their pet.

During this difficult time, things to consider for end-of-life options are: 1. Let your pet pass away naturally, but you must stay in close contact with your vet for guidance to avoid prolonging serious pain or suffering.

2. Try to extend your pet’s life length as much as possible – this strategy often results in emergency vet visits to euthanize.

3. Maximize your pet’s quality of life, then strategically choose the time of euthanasia while your pet still has dignity (i.e. some dogs know they shouldn’t potty inside, but are too weak to hold it).

Deciding when to end a pet’s life involves the owner and their vet weighing a number of factors: the animal’s current quality of life; what type of disease they may be suffering from and how it is likely to progress; and what the family is able to endure. The quality of a pet’s life is different for each pet and has to do with the disease process, pain level, mobility, ability to engage in normal activities, mental state, and other factors specific to their home, family, and finances. Several quality of life scales are available to help assess this.

coming home, sharing steak or ice cream and then “letting them go” may be better than “let’s play it by ear” and suddenly needing euthanasia due to distress and not having availability. It’s ok to end on a good day.

There is no perfect time. Euthanasia can be performed in your home environment (with vets that offer house calls) or at the clinic. Being at home means not having to get a sick pet into the car and not having to bring them to the vet’s office, which may be associated with anxiety or pain. It allows the final moments to be spent in their familiar home setting, surrounded by comforts and smells they have known all their life.

When the procedure cannot be done in your home, your vet may have a back entrance, quiet room, or other special area set aside so you and your pet can avoid the loud waiting room and bring along their favorite toy, bed, or blanket.

Afterwards, you have options as to what to do with your pet’s body.

Depending on local ordinances, you might be able to take them home for personal burial, communal or private cremations, and even burial services. Your vet team will go over options available.

Be sure, finally, to give yourself time and space to grieve.

Consider joining a pet loss support group. Many books and guides such as Missing Pieces… Broken Heart, are available to help support those coping with a loss of a pet. A pet’s death can be as traumatic and difficult as the loss of a human family member. Loving a pet is not a sign of weakness, nor is it a sign of weakness to mourn their loss!

The word euthanasia comes from the Greek word euthanatos which means “good death.” A planned euthanasia – having a good day, going to the park,

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 49

Health Matters www.drjimshealthtips.com

By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA

Let Your New Year’s Resolutions Make Contributions to Needed Solutions New Year’s resolutions have been around a long time, thought to begin with the Babylonians, made during extensive festivities to their gods and kings, at least two thousand years before Jesus. Continuing, the Romans payed homage to the two-faced god Janus, the god of beginnings, by resolving.

The practice endures, but has changed considerably-- although a sizable number are made, only a minuscule number are kept after a few months.

To assess how you can improve your life is admirable, and we should do so often; however, we should consider the focus of the resolution carefully.

I recommend that New Year’s is a good time to self-evaluate. My Mom told me (from the time I was able to walk) over and over, “Son, in this life, if you don’t continually try to better yourself, you’ll surely wind up as sorry as dirt.” She exaggerated, of course, but made a point that guided me to grow mentally. WE ALL WANT TO GROW. Make certain whatever you desire to expend effort to improve is worth the endeavor. Consider what is most important that lies distinctly within

your sphere of influence. Do not let temporary efforts edge out enduring endpoints. The more indispensable things are in living, the more important they are to us. Choose important and enduring resolution goals.

Getting a novel, sought-after item such as a house or car is commendable, but it meets neither the best criteria of important nor enduring. Seeking better employment meets both criteria, but is outshined by your overall health. Obviously, pain or other physical discomfort commands our attention, but more enduring is when we find we have a serious disease or condition. I have seen this happen many times, and all else in life becomes unimportant, indeed. Maintaining health at desired levels triumphs greatly over other accomplishments. But what extent of effort is necessary?

Choosing healthier living styles fits the criteria for success in resolution achievement wonderfully. Resolutions should be doable. They should have steps that can be added incrementally. And, depending on your situation, your resolution can be designed to fit your lifestyle well.

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Ponder which of the many healthier diet or exercise improvement steps would fit your lifestyle. One could start by excluding certain foods (such as processed ones) or adding more courses of fruits and veggies. Physical activity also fits well. One can start slow and gradually increase walking or cardio at the gym. Also, Tai Chi, yoga, or even Zumba could be started (depending on the initial level of fitness).

The quality of our lives is directly related to the quality of our thoughts and ideas. THINK HEALTHIER!

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50 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Happenings A Sam Houston student enjoys the sunset on a recent Kats for Christ retreat to Martin Dies, Jr. State Park near Jasper.

GOT PESTS? CALL THE EXPERTS! • Household Pests

Christopher Hobbs, assistant professor of Chemistry at Sam Houston State University, has been named a 2020 Henry Dreyfus TeacherScholar. One of only eight recognized from top institutions across the nation, the award honors young faculty in the chemical sciences who have created an outstanding independent body of scholarship and are deeply committed to education with undergraduates.

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Covenant Fellowship Worship Time: Sunday Mornings 10:30am Worship Place: Alpha Omega Academy 3891 Hwy 30 West

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(just before Walker Co Fairgrounds)

(936) 291-2902

Celebrate Recovery: Tuesdays • 7 pm at the the church Church Email: Church Website:

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Church Phone:

(936) 435-0993

Office: 606 FM 1791 North • Huntsville

Serving Huntsville & surrounding areas since 1981

Lead Pastor: David Valentine

Member of Walker County Chamber of Commerce License: TPCL 0774786

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 51

Business Focus

By Karen Altom

In the Beginning...

Creation...when God created the world, He looked at the miraculous things He had done and said, “It is good.” As we look back at the last ten years, we too can say, “It is good.” But we have to give credit where due. The businesses listed here are the heroes. THEY are the ones who have been with us since the beginning--day one. They have never wavered. They have been steadfast. The miraculous thing is that they looked at the blank sheet of paper we handed them with only a few words…words like Pet Pals with spots for ads. They caught our vision and committed to help bring a magazine to our community. As we look back at the beginning, we want to publicly acknowledge how much we appreciate them, and we want our readers to know how important they have been in bringing Postcards to you for the last decade.

A Little Bit Western

Address: 6753 FM 244, Anderson Phone: 936.581.2218 Website: www.facebook.com/LittleBitWesternMetalArt A Little Bit Western is the business of metal artist Jeff Sullivan. Jeff creates custom work for his clients including entry gates, ranch signs, overhead entrance signs and yard gates.

He also designs and create home items like fireplace screens, coat racks, stair railings and home décor. Jeff was featured in the first issue of the Piney Woods edition of Postcards.

Alpha Omega Academy

Address: 3891 SH 30 W, Huntsville Phone: 936.438.8833 Website: www.alphaomegaacademy.org Alpha Omega Academy is a Classical, Christ-centered school serving grades Pre-K to 12.

The goal of AOA is to develop young adults who love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and who have a commitment to serve others throughout their life-long journey. With a strong program of academics, athletics, and extra-curricular activities, Alpha Omega seeks to provide students with an environment that offers them the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

52 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

k . d

. d h a p

Community Service Credit Union

Main Office: 250 FM 2821 Rd W, Huntsville Branch Office: 2526 Montgomery Rd, Huntsville Phone: 936.295.3980 Website: www.cscutx.com Founded in 1953 as the Texas Prison System credit union, Community Service Credit Union offers a variety of financial services to individuals who work, reside, worship, or attend school in Walker, Madison, Trinity Counties, as well as some portions of San Jacinto and Grimes counties; employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Windham Schools, Corrections Corporation of America; and others. More information can be located on their website.

Curves for Women

Huntsville: 279 TX-75, Huntsville Phone: 936.295.3900 Willis/Conroe: 111 League Line Rd, Conroe Phone: 936.890.7299 Website: www.curves.com Strengthening Women Inside and Out is the Curves motto. Curves has helped women around the world get healthier and stronger with a unique fitness solution. In just 30 minutes, you work every major muscle group through a proven gym program of strength training, cardio and stretching. Programs are available in club or at home. No more excuses!

Dr. Timothy J. Deahl

Dr. Tim Deahl

Address: 260 I-45, Ste. B, Huntsville Phone: 936.291.2557 Website: www.drdeahl.com 2021 will mark 30 years Dr. Tim Deahl has provided highly personalized care in obstetrics and gynecology in the Huntsville and surrounding areas. Dr. Deahl is dedicated to providing compassionate medical care for women. From adolescence through menopause, they offer comprehensive expertise in all aspects of Obstetrics and Gynecology, treating the whole woman at every stage of the patient’s life. At Dr. Deahl’s office, their specialty is you.

First Financial Bank

Huntsville: 33 SH Texas 75 N, Huntsville New Waverly: 9330 SH 75 S, New Waverly Phone: 935.295.2224 Website: www.ffin.com First Financial is a community bank with 78 locations across Texas providing services such as online banking, home loans, commercial lending, and wealth management. First opening in Abilene in 1890, First Financial has been named the Best Bank in Texas and one of the Best Banks in America by Newsweek for 2021.

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 53

Your New Waverly Pharmacy

Global Financial Partners, Inc.

Address: 1211 Financial Plaza, Huntsville Phone: 936.294.0201 Website: www.financialpartner.net

Retail Pharmacy Compounding & Custom-Made Medications

936-344-2424 newwaverlypharmacy.com Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 6:00 • Sat. 9:00 - 1:00 9320 C Hwy 75 South • New Waverly

Wishing you a happy New Year!

Partners

Global Financial Partners understands not everyone enjoys finance the way they do.

They have a passion for what they do, and for helping people. They enjoy helping you better understand your current financial situation and develop a plan to move you toward your goals.

Whether you are years away from retirement, or already enjoying your golden years, they want to help provide you and your family with a plan to “Enjoy More, Worry Less”.

Huntsville Rental Center

Address: 362 TX-75, Huntsville Phone: 936.295.6417 Website: www.huntsvillerentalcenter.com Why buy when you can rent? That’s the question Huntsville Rental Center asks. Huntsville Rental Center is your one-stop place for all your rental needs. They rent anything from backhoes to trenchers and wedding arches to tables and chairs. They even have a dance floor and cocktail tables. If there’s a project you’d like to get completed, call Huntsville Rental Center to see how they can help.

Kelly Lawson Realtor

Address: 7167 Lakeshore Ln, Willis Phone: 936.525.9589 Website: www.facebook.com/KsueIt

ALL MAKES/MODELS 1248 Hwy 75 N. • Huntsvlle, Texas

936.438.4060 54 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Kelly Lawson is a Realtor high on communication.

She knows that sometimes you “need to know,” even if there is nothing new to know. Kelly is never too busy for your peace of mind and believes serving others is her strongest skill. Striving to provide exceptional service and really caring about the tone and smoothness of your journey is her top objective. She feels the relationship part of the process is the most important, and that is where she earns your trust.

Kim’s Home & Garden Center

Address: 2715 Lake Rd, Huntsville, Huntsville Phone: 936.295.5282 Website: www.kimshomeandgardencenter.com Kim’s Home and Garden Inc. is fast becoming Texas’ most unique shopping destination. A woman-owned and operated business, Kim’s has been “Where great gardens begin” since 1985. Whether you’re looking for items in the Garden Center or enjoying the Mansion for home décor and gifts, Kim’s has a staff dedicated to providing customers with unparalleled service, knowledge, quality products and expertise.

Magnolia Lake

Address: 2001 Hwy 30 E., Huntsville Phone: 936.294.0991 Website: www.magnolia-lake.com Voted best event venue in Huntsville for years, Magnolia Lake’s theme is “A place to celebrate every occasion.” With multiple location options, they have hosted weddings, birthday parties, showers, Christmas celebrations, and more. As of press time, Magnolia Lake was not accepting any bookings. They have been a valued part of the Postcards family for a decade, and we look forward to their return.

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Postcards has consistently been the most effective form of advertising we use. Customers come in from all over, and we have seen specific growth from using the Lake Conroe edition of Postcards! Just recently a couple came in and said the photos of our store in our ads were so pretty, they just had to come up and see it for themselves!

We hear this all the time. Postcards is a good quality form of advertising that people notice and pay attention to!

Congratulations on 10 years!

David & Jackie Ward Ward Furniture & Flooring

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

BBQ Sandwich Side & Drink Potato with Meat & Drink Hamburger Basket 2 Meat Plate with Drink

mckenziesbarbeque.com 1548 11th St Huntsville 291-7347

1711 E. Main St Madisonville 348-2118

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 55

McCaffety Electric

McCAFFETY ELECTRIC

Huntsville: 1711 Sycamore Ave, Huntsville Phone: 936.295.2831 Conroe: 1610 N. Frazier, Conroe Phone: 936.539.5411 Website: www.mccaffetyelectric.com McCaffety Electric has been serving the Huntsville area since 1962, and in recent years, has expanded the service area with a second location in Conroe, Texas. They also have a beautiful lighting showroom at our Huntsville location. They stand ready to handle all of your electrical needs from small residential repairs and lighting design, to standby generator power and large commercial projects. No job is too large or too small.

McKenzie’s BBQ

Huntsville: 1548 11th St #101, Huntsville Phone: 935.291.7347 Madisonville: 1711 E Main St, Madisonville Phone: 935.348.2118 Website: www.facebook.com/McKenzies-Barbeque One bite of their slow-smoked meats, and you’ll know the McKenzie family is serious about preparing and serving the best barbeque to be found in the Lone Star State. With the help of barbeque legend Roland Lindsey of Bodacious Barbeque, Kevin McKenzie and his wife Lisa opened the first McKenzie’s BBQ in Huntsville in 1992. Their approach was simple: slow cook the finest quality meats in custom-made smokers. A true family business, the McKenzie family welcomes you in.

Dr. Stephen H. Means & Associates

Address: 109 Medical Park Lane, Huntsville Phone: 936.291.8282 Website: www.huntsvillevisioncenter.com At Dr. Stephen Means & Associates, the optometry staff works together to ensure your visit is comfortable and completed in a timely manner. A qualified team of professionals will work around your busy schedule and address any questions or concerns. From general eye exams to treating a condition that requires an in-depth diagnosis, their team provides undivided attention to each patient. If needed, their highly trained optical staff can lead you through the process of finding the perfect frame and lenses to fit your style. Their goal is to keep your eyes healthy!

Physical Therapy Associates

Huntsville: 127 Medical Park Ln, Huntsville Phone: 936.294.0283 Conroe: 1020 Riverwood Ct. Ste 120, Conroe Phone: 936.494.1292 Website: www.ptaclinic.com Physical Therapy Associates is the leading orthopedic and sports rehabilitation practice in the area. In addition to physical therapy, they offer wellness services including nutrition management, injury prevention programs, specialized golf performance training, and massage therapy. Founded in 2000, owner Dallas Williams has been voted “Best Physical Therapist” in the local newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards time and again.

56 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning Address: 7130 S State Hwy 75, Huntsville Phone: 936.291.0968 Website: www.rainbowintl.com/huntsville

Established in 1981, Rainbow International offers professional service in carpet and area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning and odor control.

They are also experts in home and commercial restoration. Restoration services cover fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, mold removal, smoke damage restoration, and more. Technicians are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Rainbow International is fully certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Sam Houston State University

Address: 1905 University Ave, Huntsville Phone: 936.294.1111 Website: www.shsu.edu Named for Sam Houston, Texas’ greatest hero, Sam Houston State University continually strives to honor its historical roots through academic excellence that includes exceptional teaching from faculty. For more than 139 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Their motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its 21,500+ students and echoes across eight colleges and beyond its Huntsville roots.

U-RENT-EM U-RENT-EM, WE-GOT-EM

A-1 Smith Septic Service, Inc. Serving Walker County Since 1989

Protect Your Investment Complete Pest Control Termite Control

Mini-Ex’s • Zero Turn • Trencher Jack Hammer • Generators Trowell Machine • Much More

936-439-4848

• Top of the industry equipment • Commercial Grease Traps & Portable Toilets • Residential Septic & Portable Toilets • Uniformed, Knowledgeable Drivers

Rodent Control

• Septic System Installations • Aerobic Maintenance Contracts • Conventional & Aerobic and Specialty System Designs

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Need a rental vehicle CALL HERTZ 936-207-1119

A1pumpingandrentals.com 313 FM 3478 Huntsville, TX

(936) 291-3526

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 57

Veterinary Hospital of New Waverly Address: 455 W TX-150, New Waverly Phone: 936.344.8469 Website: www.vethospitalnewwaverly.com

Veterinary Hospital of New Waverly provides veterinary service for companion animals and equine patients in New Waverly, Texas. They promise to treat your animal with the same care, and concern they would give their own. The VanWagner team of Dr. Kim and Dr. Steve are both owners and practitioners. Dr. Kim has a special interest in small animals, critical care, and internal medicine. Dr. Steve has a special interest in equine medicine, lameness, and all aspects of reproduction.

Walker County Federal Credit Union Address: 1802 Normal Park Dr, Huntsville Phone: 936.291.2171 Website: www.walkercountyfcu.com

Walker County Federal Credit Union is a member-owned “not for profit” financial institution.

WCFCU’s mission is to enrich its members’ quality of life by providing high quality, fairlypriced financial services and to remain driven by member needs. Membership is open to all persons who live, work, or worship in Walker County, Texas, and their immediate family members. WCFCU is dedicated to providing courteous, efficient, and professional service to its members.

Ward Furniture & Flooring

Address: 180 Interstate 45 South, Huntsville Phone: 936.295.2514 Website: www.wardfurniture.com A family owned business for more than 70 years. The Ward family offers an array of furniture, flooring, and accessories, as well as a design team to help you with your residential or commercial needs. Whether you need furniture or flooring or design services, the Ward team is ready to go to work for you to turn your dreams into reality.

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Call or text Karen: 936-581-1776 58 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Consultant Exclusively for Godiva's Secret Wigs

Giggles Why did the diet coach send her clients to the paint store? She heard you could get thinner there.

I’m only interested in a diet plan that lets me use rollover calories.

I discovered a shortcut today. If you put your Fitbit in the dryer, you can get a head start on your steps. I had 3,800 steps in before I put on my pants!

Q. What do you call someone who can’t stick with a diet?

A. A desserter.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for our

The only difference in my life when I’m on a diet is instead of saying, “I ate nachos,” I say, “I accidentally ate nachos.”

Annual FUNDRAISER Raffle and BBQ Sandwich Sale

Friday, February 26th 2

3891 Hwy 30 W. Huntsville

TH

5

NIVERS AN AR Y

I ate salad for dinner! Mostly croutons and tomatoes. Really just one big, round crouton covered with tomato sauce. And cheese. Fine, it was pizza. I ate a pizza.

1 9 9 7 -2 0 2 2

I choked on a carrot this afternoon, and all I could think was, “I bet a donut wouldn’t have done this to me.”

For more information Check out our event on Facebook!

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 59

Wildlife Wonders THE GREAT FISHERMAN

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

There are species of raptors people are very familiar with-like owls, eagles, and hawks. The osprey, however, isn’t a familiar species to most people, even though it is one of the most widespread raptors in the world. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Like all raptors, the osprey is a large bird with a hooked beak and sharp talons, both of which are used to catch their prey and tear it apart to eat.

About 99% of the osprey’s diet is made up of fish, so it only makes sense they nest near water along the coasts and large lakes. Occasionally they can be seen along rivers. They build their nests at the tops of dead trees, buoys, chimneys, and even atop power poles. Like the bald eagle, they use the same nest year after year, but can be seen making minor repairs each spring.

They are amazing to watch as they glide over water looking for a fish. Sometimes they plunge so forcefully into the water they are totally submerged. After catching a fish, they arrange the fish so it faces upright with the head forward.

The osprey is a great fisherman, successfully catching a fish one out of four tries. They have a much higher success rate than relatives like the eagle. Sometimes eagles watch and, when an osprey catches a fish, the eagle will attack the osprey causing it to drop the fish. Easy meal for the eagle! Benjamin Franklin said in 1784 that, “Bald eagles are too lazy to fish for himself…….and does not get his living honestly.” True then, true today.

If you’d like to watch an osprey nest, there are many online.

The Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey has an osprey cam you can watch here: http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/ education/ospreycam/. In the New Jersey area, nest building begins in early April and eggs are laid from mid-April to early May. You can watch the eggs hatch and observe mom and dad caring for the babies. It’s interesting and educational.

TWRC Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) organization located in the Spring Branch area of Houston. Since 1979, we have been committed to providing quality emergency care and rehabilitation for injured, ill, orphaned and displaced wildlife.

We are proud to be making a difference for the wildlife in our area. www.twrcwildlifecenter.org

Ospreys generally mate for life but will find a new partner should their partner die or disappear during spring migration.

Woods Welding Inc. Shop & Field Serving The Area Since 1976

• Shop & Field Fabrication - Repair • All Type Of Metals • Custom Fabrication • Wholesale Steel

• Pole Barns • Pipe & Cable Fencing • Large & Small Jobs • Free Estimates

No Job to big or to small.

Shop (936)

294-9708

Mobile (936)

577-4300

PO Box 1477 • 1023 FM 1696 West • Huntsville, TX 77342-1477 • Fax # (936) 294-9728 60 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

From the Mouths of Babes...

Gifts for your

I asked my 5-year-old daughter Anikka, “How many wheels are on a tricycle?” She said, “I don’t know! I don’t know Spanish!”

Valentine

Dan M.

Our two girls share a bed. I heard the 6-year-old tell the 3-year-old to be quiet and go to sleep. The 3-year-old told her to be quiet or she’ll kick her in the face!

Andrew P.

My son Connor said, “I love Twinkies®! They’re filled with cream and hopes and dreams!”

Al T.

Gifts. Flowers. Coffee.

Bluebird Haven Estates (936) 245-0057 109 W. Trinity St. Madisonville, Tx 77864 936-348-5903 shophearttoheart.com

Hot Shot Photography

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January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 61

inery First W lker in Wa County

Happy New Year!

Friday 2-6 PM • Saturday 11-6 PM Sunday 12-6 PM

936-293-8855

Richard and Debbie Henriksen, Wine Makers

104A Knox Circle • Huntsville

Suduko Marketplace Easy Sudoku

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Get your orders in now for your special

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936-291-6929 1329 University Ave Ste E Huntsville, TX sweetkarolinesfloral.com

62 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Jerry B. Register, P.C. * Family Law

* Child Custody

* Assault

* Criminal Law

* Adoption

* Probate

* Oil and Gas

* CPS Cases

* Wills and Trust

* Divorce

* DUI

* Estate Planning

* Child Support

* Felony Misdemeanor

* Mediation

Jerry B. Register Attorney At Law

1202 Sam Houston Ave. Phone: 936-295-9109 Fax: 936-295-4424 Suite 5 jerrybregister.com Huntsville, TX Email: Registerjb@outlook.com

Do you owe the IRS $$$

www.Joettas.com is always open!

Chester Crawford, EA

located inside West Hill Mall

Since 1981 Income Tax • IRS Representation • Insurance • Notary Public 100 Hwy 190 East Huntsville, TX 77340 Email: onecdcrawford@aol.com

936-661-6125

(936) 291-1887 (Direct) (936) 661-0692 (Cell) (936) 291-1789 (Fax)

National Association of Enrolled Agents • National Society of Tax Professionals

see answers on page 64 Medium Sudoku

Receive one-on-one service www.myuhcagent.com/Lauri.Wenzel 832-244-1973, TTY 711 Fax: 832-201-5359

Sam Houston Memorial Museum & Homestead Honoring the life & times of Sam Houston 1836 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com 936-294-1832

Sam Houston State University

FOOT & ANKLE SPECIALISTS OF HUNTSVILLE Your feet are in good hands Dr. Clayton Toole, DPM 640 Interstate 45 S • Huntsville, TX 77340

281-909-7722

FASHuntsville.com

Wishing you only the best for the new year!!

(936) 291-8062 taxexpresshuntsville.com January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 63

Suduko Solutions

from page 62

Monday - Saturday 10 am - 7 pm Sunday 11 am - 6 pm

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Custom Metal Art by Jeff Sullivan

Commercial • Residental • Refinancing • Land Services M-F 8 am - 5 pm

(936) 349-8515

Email: dean@mustangtitletx.com 114 S. Elm Street • Madisonville

mustangtitletx.com

A Division of Walker County Title Co.

64 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Specializing in:

• Gates

• Ranch Signs

• Entrances • Fireplace Screens

6753 FM 244 • Anderson, TX 77830

(936) 581-2218

CALENDAR

JANUARY

Nov 4-Feb 15

Huntsville

Step UP Step Back: Quilts of Mary Laura Gibbs thewynnehome.com

21-24

Round Top

Winter Antiques Show

exploreroundtop.com

22-Feb 7

Houston

“Photograph 51”

adplayers.org

24

Bryan

BVSO Presents “Tangos and More” bvso.org

26

Houston

Calidore String Quartet in Concert chambermusichouston.org

30

Conroe

HERPS Exotic Reptile Pet Show

herpshow.net/shows

Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, some events have been postponed or canceled. Please make sure to check the event website, social media, or call ahead to confirm an event is still taking place if you are interested in attending.

1370 Hwy 75 N • Huntsville 936-291-7100 January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 65

Mustard Seed Moments

would never leave or forsake us. Ponder a few words of encouragement of David, a reset veteran, from Psalm 40.

by Wes Altom

READY, SET, GO! Anyone operating in the electronic world is familiar with the reset button. To some, like gamers, it’s intentional—a do-over, chalking up lessons learned and mistakes made. To others, it’s quite unplanned— as in the program/device froze up, and…hopefully…you haven’t lost hours of work.

Many hope January brings a reset to 2020, which was overflowing with “unplanned” challenges. The God of the universe probably doesn’t conform so neatly to our meager calendar. One thing is certain, though.

Scripture is full of resets—too many to recount here, but below are a few examples.

The exit from the garden; Noah and the great flood; Israel…Israel…

Israel (slow learners, lol); Jonah and the great fish; Job and his great trials; the calling of the twelve; the woman at the well; the Resurrection; the conversion of Paul; the Second Coming…and so many more.

I don’t know the timing, but I do believe a reset is coming for whatever personal and unique challenges each of us face. Christ came to earth, endured suffering to the point of the greatest reset, then assured us he

I waited and waited and waited for GOD. At last he looked; finally he listened.

He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud.

He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip.

He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God. More and more people are seeing this: they enter the mystery, abandoning themselves to GOD.

Tax Time...

We can help!

Tax laws are complex. It’s our business to stay informed about the latest changes in the tax laws, so we can identify the money-saving deductions and credits available to you. We work year-round to make tax time easier for our clients. Take advantage of our experience and competitive rates this year, and save yourself the unnecessary stress of struggling through tax season.

Neuwirth Slaughter & Associates, L.L.P. Certified Public Accountants

168 Col. Etheredge Blvd. • Suite B Huntsville, TX 77340

Brian Slaughter, CPA

936-291-8500

www.MyCPAsaid.com

66 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Dewitt Oleinik, CPA

With Ward Furniture, you can live the life you imagined.

I have worked as a builder, a designer, and I enjoy doing remodels too. Over 20 years ago, Ward Furniture “staged” our office and it was absolutely lovely. We received compliments constantly. I began to send customers their way and they were all “thrilled” with the work and the furnishings and décor from Ward Furniture. Now, all my customers use them!

When I work with the designers at Ward, there is an ease of doing business with them. Their level of service exceeds all my expectations. Style, options, opportunities are at our fingertips when we enter their doors. Our collaboration always flows naturally. The key to their success is that they “listen” to customers as they share their vision and ideas. They walk beside their customers to insure those dreams become “the life they imagined and more.”

Glenda Mariott, Builder/Designer

Ward Furniture & Flooring www.wardfurniture.com 180 I-45 • Huntsville • Mon. - Fri. 8-5:30 • Sat. 9-4

936-295-2514 2

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | January 2021

Twenty Questions

New Year Means A

Darryl

GARDNER

NEW RIDE! Our anniversary issue wouldn’t be complete without including the first person who gets our magazines “hot off the press” when they arrive at the post office. Darryl doesn’t like the limelight and it took a LOT of coercing to get his answers (see question 12), but we sure appreciate him!

1

SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED? Center High School

2

FAVORITE MOVIE? The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings

3

HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR FIRST DOLLAR? Mowing grass

4

BOOK THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU? The Bible

5

LAST THING YOU BINGE-WATCHED? What’s binge watching?

6

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU RIDING DOWN THE ROAD LISTING TO? Contemporary gospel or R&B

7

YOUR FAVORITE DISH? Chocolate chip cookies with pecans

8

YOUR GO-TO BARISTA ORDER? I don’t drink coffee

9

THREE WORDS THOSE WHO KNOW YOU BEST WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOU? Hard-headed, hard-working, kind

10

SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU? I like Christian music

11

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING ON YOUR DAY OFF? Sitting in my recliner

12

HOW WOULD YOUR PERFECT DAY BEGIN? Praying hard, because I gotta deal with people like you (laughing)

13

HOW DO YOU CLEAR YOUR MIND AFTER A BAD DAY? Some things people just not gonna know

14

ONE THING YOU’RE EPICALLY BAD AT? Having my picture taken (as you can tell)

15

BUCKET LIST ITEM YOU’RE MOST GLAD YOU’VE DONE? Travel

16

TOP THING LEFT TO DO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Retire

17

IF YOU COULD LIVE ABROAD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE? Germany

18

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? My mama (because she’s mama) and my daughter

19

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? Learn a trade

20

ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Education

Magazine

2021 Chevrolet Silverado

230 I-45 North • Huntsville

wiesnerhuntsville.com

(936) 291-7500

January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

67

Piney Woods

KEEP YOU MOVING

POSTCARDS Quilts of Mary Laura Gibbs / 10 Years of Community / Meet the Team / Firsts / In the Beginning

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ANNIVERSARY EDITION January 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

1