Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods October 2020

Piney Woods Edition

October 2020

â„¢ e n i z a g a M

Do You Know?

Virilene Freemen

Community Builders

SHSU Psychological Services Center

Texas Talent

Darrin Morris Band

Business Focus

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2 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 3

October 2020 | Volume 10, Issue 10

FAVORITES

10 FEATURES 10

Do You Know?

Virilene Freemen

20 Community Builders

SHSU Psychological Services Center

40 Texas Talent

Darrin Morris Band

50

Business Focus LoneStar Outdoor Power

6 7 8 9 14 15 16 17 18 24 25 26 28 33 34 35 36 39 45 46 48 49 55 57 58

Letters from Our Readers Tickle My Funny Bone What Are You Reading?

From the Publisher “Seens” from our world Dear Gabby Things My Granddaddy Said Garden Post Pet Pals Out of the Mouths of Babes Milestones Star Students Living with Children Health Matters Community Postcards Touching Tomorrow Recipes Along the Road Wildlife Wonders Awesome Apps Vet Connect Puzzle Pages Community Calendar Mustard Seed Moments

Magazine™

Publisher: Karen Altom Editor: Wes Altom Social Media Management: Abby Altom Boyd Advertising Sales: Janet T. Jones, Emily O’Rear, Marshall Altom Designers: Mary Partida, April Key, Chris Blair Webmaster: Steve McMillan Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media Postcards Magazine™ welcomes reader feedback.

4 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

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Glorious Grandkids

Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc.

Photo by Katherine McCaffety

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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. © 2020 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

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Letters from Our Readers

P In a world of evil and chaos, Postcards is always a feel good, pick-me-up I love the different towns and history (you write about). Love the read! I never miss a publication. recipes, too. Love the whole magazine!

Michele Verzwyvelt Erin Richie

Love, love, loved the From the Publisher column! It made me feel You all do a great job of interviewing and researching. Love the main normal. subject article each month. Keep up the good work!

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Tickle My Funny Bone

Happy Halloween

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How do you fix a broken pumpkin?

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Remember: Rapunzel was quarantined and met her future husband. Let’s think positive here.

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Sometimes

What Are You Reading?

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The Book of Longings

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www.huntsville-isd.org/hsa 936-435-6121 8 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

The Power

By Naomi Alderman

u ?

! m

From the Publisher Karen Altom

A Cut Above

publisher@postcardslive.com

I was recently mowing the yard. This is usually a half to full-day project, time since we have lived here and a hurricane depending on whether I just mow our half-acre lot or decide to mow was in the gulf that Wes said, “Great! I have already mowed!” the extra couple of acres we call a pasture. This was once just woods, but my brother Jon decided our daughter needed a horse. That led to the pasture. The horses...well that’s another column.

So, as I write this column on my phone, I am sitting in our driveway watching hubby as he works underneath the mower. Why? Because the pasture REALLY needing mowing, and yours truly jumped in to help--but In most normal households when a hurricane is coming, people gather I hit some barbed wire hiding in the tall grass. supplies and batteries, etc., etc. Not us. I don’t know why, but in our house when a hurricane is coming, we have to mow the yard. My sweet husband will forget to take down hanging baskets and leave multiple So...I am providing moral support, keeping out of arm’s reach just in possible projectiles on the front porch, but the lawn? It’s got to be done! case that sweet man decides he wants to throw something at me, and waiting patiently for him to untangle that mess. I mean, we know we have a magazine going to press in two days, but the hurricane arrives I think it’s because we are so busy, we live in a deadline-driven world…a tomorrow. For 2020, that sounds about right. constant state of what has to be done today? (Ask my designer when she got this column!) Because of that, it always seems as if hurricanes Until next time, only hit our area when it’s time for the yard to be mowed. And since my sweet Wes can’t abide the thought of grass continuing to grow while it ~ dries out enough to mow – mow now we must! I cannot think of one

Karen

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 9

“A painter paints pictures on canvas.

But musicians paint their pictures on silence.”

- Leopold Stokowski

Do You Know?

By Claudia Kirkwood Photos by Gina Turner

Virilene Freemen Meet Virilene Freemen, an accomplished musician, who has painted the canvas of her life to portray a beautiful symphony full of friendships and experiences that have brought immense pleasure and success, not only to herself but to many others as well; a most harmonious and delightful melody!

10 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

When did your love of music begin, Houston in 1972. My post graduate work was Twice I performed in a choir at Carnegie and who inspired your career in done at Columbia University Teachers College Hall in New York City and had an interesting this field? in New York City from 1979-1983. experience during one of those visits. The My father was my inspiration. He grew up in a musical family, and although not performers, they were good musicians. Music was important to him, so he made sure that, at age seven, I was enrolled in piano lessons. At that time, we lived in the Smoky Mountains, and I loved playing outside. Coming inside to practice piano was not always my top priority.

But my parents said if I was not going to practice, then they would not need to make the sixty-mile trip every Saturday for my piano lesson. So, I practiced!

I served as Choir Director at Angleton First United Methodist Church (FUMC) from 19791982 and oversaw the adult choir, the youth choir, and two handbell choirs. I then took the position of Choir Master at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Angleton from 19822003. My responsibilities included serving as organist, pianist, and the adult choir director for both the English and Spanish services.

From 2011-2012, I served as Interim Choir Director for traditional worship services at Bellaire FUMC.

My father was an electrical engineer and worked for a major company. He was also a fine singer, an excellent musician, a church choir director, and an accomplished saxophone player. He bought pieces of music so I would learn to play them and be able to provide piano accompaniment for him on various occasions.

I have served as a consultant for International Piano Teachers Foundation, teaching certification classes for piano teachers. And I was a participating member of the National Pastoral Musicians Foundation from 19832003, attending international conferences in St. Louis, MO, Indianapolis, IN, Pittsburgh, PA, Long Beach, CA, and Cincinnati, OH.

performance hall is surrounded by a large hallway adorned with pictures of people who have performed there. As I toured this area, I came upon the picture of my favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor of the late Romantic period. My favorite piece of his is Piano Concerto No. 2, completed in 1901. I was astonished and thrilled to learn he played this piece in Carnegie Hall the night I was born! I obtained a copy of this recording during my college years and played it until the grooves were worn through. Then I quickly found another!

I also sang with a 300-member choir at a four-day international festival in Bern, Switzerland. We performed a concert with orchestra under the baton of the great Sir David Willcocks. An extra treat was our trip through France the following week. We toured Notre Dame Cathedral, an experience for which I am especially grateful, since it was devastated I taught music in elementary by fire in 2019. schools in Columbia-Brazoria ISD, Danbury ISD, and Our What is your singing voice type, Lady Queen of Peace School. what are your favorite styles I taught at Alvin Community of music, and are there other College and afterwards held composers whose work you admire the position of Associate and enjoy?

Professor at Brazosport College.

My answer will be a bit amusing! My dad as church choir director had me sing alto, because You have touched I could read music. Later, in college, I sang the countless lives through lowest alto part when our choir performed in teaching and serving in the San Antonio Opera Company’s staging of so many places. Please share with the opera Martha. After lessons and a degree, us some of your performance I found out I am actually a soprano! As for my experiences. favorite genres of music, I would have to list several styles including classical, jazz, worship I have had many wonderful experiences music, and even barber shop quartet music. But when performing with various choirs and most of my training and teaching has been in have had the opportunity to travel worldwide the field of classical music. for some of these events. For five years, I greatly enjoyed singing with the Houston I listed worship music as one of my favorite Masterworks Chorus. One of our venues was genres, and there are two living composers the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico whose works I enjoy. In fact, I have had the City. Another memorable experience was when delight of getting to know both composers, I sang with a Houston choir. We traveled to Michael Joncas and David Haas. Michael’s Italy and performed in Assisi, Florence, and On Eagle’s Wings and David’s You Are Mine are Rome. While in Rome, we were privileged to both exceptionally beautiful pieces. I have had have an audience with Pope John Paul, and to my choirs singing You Are Mine and currently sing for Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica with Pope have our congregation singing it as well. Such John Paul presiding. worshipful pieces!

“Twice I performed in a choir at Carnegie Hall in New York City” He also took me to concerts. By the time I was in high school, I was asking everyone to leave me alone, I just wanted to practice! My father’s attention to my early musical education inspired and enabled me to develop the skills and confidence that guided my career. During my junior high years, I was asked to teach piano lessons, and I have done so ever since. In high school, I was student director for the band.

These responsibilities contributed toward my earning a music scholarship for college.

What degrees did you earn and what positions have you held?

I earned a Bachelor of Music Education at Southwest Texas State in 1959, and later graduated with honors with a Master of Music in Music Literature from the University of

»

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 11

“300th year of Bach’s birthday” Speaking of worship music remind s me of another experience that really touched my heart. For over thirty years, I have attended the Te x a s Conference Choir camp at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine as either a director or an attendee. This conference is for all ages. We begin the day by singing hymns in Copeland Hall. As I entered the Hall during my first time at the camp, I was met by the voices of 700 people singing to the glory of God! What a joyful sound! I realized what heaven is going to be like!

and breakfast inns. We went to England, Belgium, Germany, as well as Austria, where we spent a full week in Salzburg. This was the 300th year of Bach’s birthday, and Europe was alive with concerts honoring the composer.

It was a month filled with sightseeing and concert, after concert, after concert! Glorious!

You have given us a full repertoire of memories, responsibilities, places, and events! What are your future plans, and what advice would you give to an aspiring musician?

My husband Norm and I married eight years ago and moved to Huntsville a year later. We absolutely love it here! He is retired, and my plan was to retire as well. But my love for people and music has continued to keep me busy. I teach piano lessons and serve as director of the traditional choir at the First United Methodist Church.

I enjoy time spent with my three adult children and their families.

My oldest daughter, Valeria Hudson, is a Methodist pastor and a fine musician. She is the mother of my oldest grandchild, Michelle Hutchinson, who is married to Michael, with a precious five-year-old, Isaac. My middle daughter is Laura Garner who is married to Kirk, with two college-age children, Katherine and Joel. She is a writer under the pen name Laura Domino. My son Howard Martin and his Another memory of note is a trip my husband and I made in 1985. wife Maria are parents of Alex, Nico, John, Madison, and Brenna, and For a month, we traveled all over Europe by car and stayed in bed live in Austin, both educators with Austin ISD.

"Have gospel, will travel.”

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God’s Redeeming Love International We provide training for new missionaries prior to each trip!

We want to encourage others to step out of their comfort zones. It will change your world.

For speaking or preaching engagements, information, or interests in possibly going on a mission trip please call.

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I do love teaching and watching students “light up” when they realize their success in learning. When I was a consultant for International Piano Teaching Foundation, I found myself multi-tasking, teaching at school during the day and directing a choir at the church, as well as teaching private piano lessons.

It has always been clear to me how one of these ventures affects another one.

It is a blessing in each role to see the growth and inspiration within myself and how that flows over into my students. I have learned that, every day when I go to the piano, I am a new person, not the same as I was the day before. What goes on inside of us shows up in our playing. I finally realized to not be upset about this, but to enjoy and appreciate that fact. It is liberating and expands our musical experience. It has been a healthy and good thing musically, and I try to give that to my students.

Music has helped people of all ages overcome things, emotionally and educationally. We as teachers can nurture, inspire, and console. If we dance and lift our songs to the skies, it carries over to others.

Thank you, Virilene, for sharing your life’s melody with us, such a sweet song and a glory to God! I am sure you would agree with George Eliot when he said, “Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music.” And as Hans Christian Andersen so aptly stated, “Where words fail, music speaks.”

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I have intentionally avoided addressing Corona Virus, Covid-19, pandemic and other such topics unless asked a question directly. All of the closures are devastating to someone and we all long for the day when our world goes back to the new normal, whatever that is. I just have one comment that I cannot contain any longer, so I’ll get it off of my chest now. Whoever decided that a liquor store is more essential than a hair salon is obviously a bald-headed alcoholic. Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com/ and I’ll give you even more opinions.

DEAR GABBY My friend and I used to do everything together but, since she got her new toy watch, she just obsesses about taking 10,000 steps. I can’t keep up with all those steps, nor am I inclined to do so. Isn’t there a less strenuous way to burn calories?

OLD AND TIRED

DEAR TIRED

DEAR GABBY

I can’t help you with a “snap your fingers and be fit” solution, but I I have a serious problem that I can’t discuss with anyone else, so I burned 8,000 calories just last night. I left the brownies in the oven thought I would write to you. I have kept a skeleton in my family closet too long. for many years. My children are all excited because they have taken DNA tests. The results are not going to be what one of them expects.

Should I tell them now or wait until I have no choice?

HEARTSICK CONFIDENTIAL TO THE GIRLS ALL GET PRETTIER AT CLOSING TIME: I’m not going to dignify that question with an answer. I think Willie Nelson sang a song about you, though.

DEAR HEARTSICK “Last night I came in at 2 with a 10, but at 10 I This is more common than you would imagine and there are online woke up with a 2.” Serves you right! support groups for children with a “parent not expected”. My non-professional opinion is that the impact would be softer coming from you C=65 C=19tell them, C=0 prepare yourself to answer directly. If you choose not to M=0 M=68 M=0 some tough questions.

YouY=73 probably Y=0 thought you were protecting Y=100 K=50 K=5 K=50 yourself and possibly someone else when you kept the secret. I am sorry that you and your family have to go through this.

GABBY

Join us for our first-ever PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST! Time to get your creative juices flowing and carve your way to scary good prizes! Entries accepted October 26-29.

Bring your carved pumpkin to WCFCU to be entered to win a prize. All ages welcome to enter!* • 1st Place - Dinner for 4 at 1836 Steakhouse • 2nd Place - Dinner for 2 at Farmhouse Cafe • 3rd Place - $25 Cash

Pumpkins will be displayed around the Credit Union for everyone to see. Winners will be announced on Facebook on Oct. 30.

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 15

Meet

Melisa Lawler Dehnert

She has been providing Huntsville and surrounding counties with all their hair care needs for the past 20 years. She was raised in Huntsville and attended Sebring Beauty School. Melisa has been with Salon Chic since it opened in July 2011 working her magic as a color specialist.

She has always had a passion for making people feel beautiful and feels that being a hairdresser is a unique and rewarding profession. “We have the opportunity to meet new people everyday and make the world beautiful, said Melisa.” Stop by Salon Chic Tuesday through Saturday to meet Melisa and the Salon Chic staff.

Melisa is booking her appointments at Vagaro.com.

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Huntsville 16 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

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The “Magic” of Fall Gardening

by Kim Bius

October is a magical month for gardening. tolerance and gives only a small bit of nitrogen to feed the roots The temperatures have subsided, as well as bugs through the winter months. and disease, and rains are more frequent. Holidays Begin preparing for the first cold snap and have freeze cloth are just around the corner, so NOW is the time to get the on hand for those unexpected premature dips in temperature landscape looking its best. that always occur in late October. Freeze cloth will give you an The months of October and April have a lot in common. Both additional 12 degrees of protection and is extremely lightweight are “high” planting seasons, bring unexpected weather extremes, as well as water and air permeable…..so it does not have to be and are the best weather Texas has to offer--so do not waste it! removed till next spring……..and you can harvest those last Plant non-drought tolerant plants that will benefit from the tomatoes easily.

8-month establishment period before the heat of a Texas summer Gardening in October is as good as it gets, so let’s get started! returns. Plants such as azaleas, dwarf Japanese maple, dogwood trees, camellias, gardenias, and shade trees do exceptionally well Happy Gardening. with fall planting. The rule of thumb is if the plant is container grown, it can be planted any time of year, so long as the ground is not frozen (which is an extreme rarity).

If you have not changed out your summer annuals, now is time to do so. Fall pansies will be hitting the market as soon as temperatures stay in the low 80s (high 70s is better).

If deer are a problem, consider marigolds, celosia, periwinkle, snapdragons, and flowering kale or cabbage. On the perennial front, chrysanthemums (mums), salvia, and dianthus cannot be beat for heat tolerance, abundance of blooms, and low maintenance (as well as deer proof).

If you are thinking this is the year to really make a splash with fall color, keep in mind color hues are important. White, yellow, and orange are “seen” from a distance, and pink/red will recede into the landscape until viewed at close range. This rule of thumb will come in handy when planning your beds for street appeal versus front door visitors. If you are perplexed by texture/color combinations, try these combos in a 12” pot: blue salvia, marigold (either yellow or gold), creeping jenny (lime vine), purple fountain grass, white flowering kale/cabbage, yellow 8” mum, or croton, burgundy petunia, and yellow/ copper celosia. Of course, it will be fun to come up with these on your own. Do not forget the Fertilome bedding plant food or the Osmocote 14-14-14.

Frequent rain and warm temperatures make the perfect growth scenario for brown patch in St. Augustine. Summer rhizoctonia (brown patch) is “tricky”; this disease can hide in dormant grass (where Worship Time: Sunday Mornings 10:30am you cannot see the yellow patches) and thrive during the winter months, feasting Worship Place: Alpha Omega Academy • 3891 Hwy 30 West on your lawn in a mild winter. In spring (just before Walker Co Fairgrounds) when the grass should become green, it will Celebrate Recovery: Tuesdays • 7 pm at the church office become evident that nothing is returning-the grass is dead. For this reason, an Church Email: covenantpastor@gmail.com application of systemic fungicide along, Church Website: cfhuntsville.org with an application of winterizer fertilizer Church Phone: (936) 435-0993 high in potassium is highly recommended.

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 17

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Community Builders

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By Ruth Fields Photos by Libby Rogers 20 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Sarah Barksdale-Clinic Coordinator

When Bob, a correctional officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, happened to pass by a horrific automobile accident in late 2019, he witnessed a gruesome, bloody scene. Later, the image popped into his mind without warning, and he began to hyperventilate. He thought momentarily he might be having a heart attack, but his wife correctly suggested he was experiencing a panic attack. Over the next few months, he had occasional panic attacks when he saw someone bleeding. Knowing he might have to deal with the sight of blood while on the job, he was concerned. What if he had a panic attack while on the job? Bob worried about this scenario so much that he actually had panic attacks because he was worried about having panic attacks.

Bob began to search the internet desperately, and he soon stumbled upon Sam Houston State University’s Psychological Services Center. The center’s website noted that, because of the pandemic, telehealth appointments were available.

Bob also discovered the center utilizes a sliding fee scale based on income. Encouraged, Bob called. He learned clients like him have had remarkable success with self-help techniques, and he scheduled a telehealth appointment. After four sessions—which cost him just $13 each—he felt confident he could manage any future panic attack.

Although Bob is not a real person, his story is typical of clients who seek help at SHSU’s Psychological Services Center. Panic attacks are common, says Dr. Mary Alice Conroy, a professor of psychology and the director of the center.

While some people can identify a trigger, other sufferers have panic attacks without warning. There is, however, good news: self-help techniques are highly effective. Although providers are trained to guide clients through as many as 12 sessions, most clients have the problem under control in far less time. “I have never had a client get past the sixth session,” says Dr. Darryl Johnson, a staff psychologist at the center. “Usually by the fourth session, they improve so much they say, ‘I don’t need this anymore. I feel like I’ve got it.’”

A dual mission SHSU’s Psychological Services Center was created in 1999.

There, doctoral students in psychology see clients under the close supervision of licensed psychologists. “Our primary mission is to train the next generation of clinical psychologists,” Conroy says.

“Our second mission is to provide services to the community.”

Remarkably, the center has provided services to residents of 23 nearby counties, including Grimes, Polk, and Leon counties.

“All those many counties are within driving distance,” she says.

Clients who utilize the center’s services can benefit from the latest techniques in the field of psychology. “Psychology is a rapidly-developing field, so there are new treatments that are coming out every few years; someone who is not staying on top of those may be unaware of some of the available treatments,” Johnson says. “The belief persists that therapy involves talking about your problems with a therapist once a week for an hour and then going about life, and for some, that has been their prior experience. Our interventions are much more directive and involve work between sessions. Because we are a university training center, faculty are obligated to use the most up-to-date, well researched interventions available.”

Turning a profit is low on the center’s list of priorities. In fact, one of its goals is to provide services to underserved members of the community, and the center even offers sessions in Spanish. Although cost varies by clients’ income, the average session is just $13—a fraction of the average cost of seeing a psychologist elsewhere in the community. This low economic burden can be particularly appealing to

people who need to undergo assessments. For example, if a parent suspects a child has a learning disability, having it diagnosed can be expensive. In addition to the cost of testing materials, most assessments take many hours of a professional’s time. It’s not unusual, Johnson says, for an assessment to cost $2000. At the SHSU Psychological Services Center, the average assessment costs $153. Once a student is equipped with an assessment report, he or she can receive educational accommodations—even in college. “The evaluation basically outlines the person’s strengths and weaknesses,” Johnson says. “Most colleges have on-campus tutoring and assistance, and students can get

»

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 21

“Life hasn’t stopped just because we have a lockdown,” Therapy, however, is the most common request at the center. “We are very much in the business of providing general therapy services for a broad range of problems,” Conroy says. While the center sometimes identifies conditions that require medication, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, staff at the Psychological Services Center are willing to make referrals and work alongside physicians to maximize quality of care. However, many problems—such as anxiety, mood swings, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder—can be treated by teaching psychotherapeutic techniques to clients. “You don’t need a prescription to use them. Once you have them, you can use them for the rest of your life, and you can come back to brush up on the skills,” Johnson says. The center can also help people who are struggling with life disturbances, such as dealing with the loss of family members more time on tests and can be tested in isolated testing rooms. They through death or divorce. can get note-taking assistance and can be allowed to record lectures.”

The center also provides assessments that can help diagnose psychological problems. Such assessments can help clients understand what is causing their symptoms, says Sarah Barksdale, a doctoral student who works at the Psychological Services Center. “It can explain what’s happening. Do they have depression, anxiety, a conduct disorder?

That’s another kind of assessment that we do.”

22 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Life problems during a pandemic

Because few, if any, Americans remember the 1918 pandemic, Conroy says, virtually all of us are dealing with issues we’ve never faced before.

“Life hasn’t stopped just because we have a lockdown,” Johnson says, “and on top of that, we have increased stressors, like health, job security and isolation. People have more time with their own thoughts and fears, and less time to discuss those with others. And there are many

welcome back bearkats!

support systems they can’t utilize. A lot of times there are some substance issues. You are stuck at home, and you don’t have anything to do. People who struggle with substance abuse—this is a horrible time for them.”

“It is a difficult, isolating experience,” Barksdale agrees. “We get a lot of calls about people struggling at home. There are things they haven’t experienced before. People call because their functioning is not where it should be. For whatever reason, there has been a motivating factor that they want to better themselves.

We are really good at tailoring our treatments to the individual and really fostering a welcoming environment for all phases of life.”

Life during a pandemic can be especially stressful for first responders and medical personnel.

“During a pandemic, they’re always essential,” Johnson says. “Are they going to bring this home to an elderly parent? They aren’t able to avoid infection, and there is a lot of stress involved in that.”

To help first responders and medical personnel during this difficult time, the Psychological Services Center now offers a reduced fee schedule for sessions. “We have low rates anyway,” Conroy says, “but rates are even lower for first responders and medical personnel.”

If a person is hesitant to receive services through his or her employer, getting help at the SHSU Psychological Services Center can be an ideal solution. Sessions may be accomplished either via a telehealth platform or by in-person visits, and the students and supervisors at the center go to great lengths to ensure sessions are kept completely confidential. “The really nice thing about our facility is we have our own building on the edge of campus, we have our own parking lot, and we have our own waiting room,” Conroy says. “It’s very private.”

Meanwhile, the telehealth platform has been so successful, the Psychological Services Center plans to keep it as an option, even after the need for social distancing is an unpleasant memory.

In the future, Conroy says, both in-person and telehealth visits will be available to clients.

Still, some people avoid asking for help because they perceive others might hold a negative view of those who seek mental health services. “There are groups of people who still think of it as a stigma,” Conroy says. “They have the feeling that they are weak if they come in for services.” She vehemently disagrees. “You are strong if you come in for services! You say, ‘I have a problem, and I am working on it. I am going to take responsibility for my problem. And I want to come in for services.’”

For more information about SHSU’s Psychological Services Center, call 936-294-1210.

• Live Crawfish

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• Boudin • Cajun Fried Turkeys • Gumbo • Étouffée • Catfish • Shrimp

• Hamburgers • Frog Legs • Oysters • Crabs • Axis • Nilgai • Wings • Po ‘Boys

Upcoming Live music Saturdays 7pm - 10 pm October 3 Sarah Green October 10 Jerrett Zoch October 17 Down Home Band October 24 Chris Crisp/Logan Beard

(936) 295-2003 2707 S Sam Houston Ave Huntsville, TX 77340

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 23

Taking life back from COVID-19 Those who have been hospitalized with the novel Coronavirus can expect their time in the hospital to leave them with neck and back pain, difficulty breathing and difficulty completing everyday tasks because of weakness. Current scholarly articles report most patients coming out of hospitalization with Covid-19 experience a decrease in ability to complete their daily activities.

1. Get Moving

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

My 12 year old said, “Mom! Do you know that 75% of teenagers die in a car accident?” He actually meant a 75% chance!

Rea

Take short, safe walks throughout the day to slowly improve blood flow and the body’s ability to get oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. Take a friend, use a pool or try a recumbent bike for improved accountability and variety. If you hesitate to do this alone, seek out a physical therapist to help you get active again.

2. Breathe Properly

Yes! There are improper ways of breathing! Lay down and place a hand on your breast bone and a hand on your stomach. If the stomach hand doesn’t move when you breathe it is likely you are not breathing correctly! It may take a trained eye to get the muscles between the ribs, as well as the diaphragm, moving well again - see a physical therapist, we can help!

At bedtime my son Wiley said, “Wrap me up like a Dorito, Mommy!”

Kim

3. Check Your Posture

Forward, rounded postures will limit the rib cage’s ability to open front to back and side to side, motions required for breathing well. Improving posture can be harder than you think! Posture braces are a viable option, but if the front muscles and tissues are too tight and the back muscles are weak, then you may need some physical therapy. We can also offer postural kinesiotaping strategies for improved stability!

My five year old said, “Mom you may be forty, but you can boogey like you’re fourteen!”

Melissa

4. Sleep

You need to sleep in order to heal. Patients with breathing issues can frequently have altered sleep patterns and unusual dreams. We are currently offering free 15-min sleep consultations at both our Conroe and Huntsville locations to review sleep mechanics and get you through the night.

If you’ve been hit by Covid-19, here’s your chance to strike back!

Our three year old Lance said, “Mommy, tigers live in the wild, and they live in zoos. They DON’T live in Texas!” (Dead serious, like this was something I should already know and he couldn’t BELIEVE he had to explain it to me. I almost hurt myself trying not to laugh!)

Heather

It was the end of the day when I parked my police van in front of the station. As I gathered my equipment, my K-9 partner Jake was barking, and I saw a little boy staring in at me.

‘Is that a dog you got back there?’ he asked.

‘It sure is,’ I replied.

Puzzled, the boy looked at me and then towards the back of the van. Finally he said, ‘What’d he do?’

127 Medical Park Lane Huntsville

936.294.0283

1020 Riverwood Ct. • Suite 120 Conroe

24 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

936.494.1292

Share the funny things your kids or grandkids say: PostcardsLive.com/share

Milestones Join us as we celebrate life’s “mile markers” with our friends and neighbors. Share your milestones with us by submitting a photo and information to PostcardsLive.com.

We want to celebrate with you!

Happy Anniversary!!

Dave and Connie Brinson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Happy Birthday!!

George H. McCoy will celebrate his 105th birthday on October 11 making him possibly the oldest resident in Walker County (original parts and all!).

Submitted by Patty Crawford

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 25

Star Students



Nominate your Star Student today!



Ethan McCarty Alpha Omega Academy

Favorite Movie: Black Panther

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Favorite Music/Artist: Circles by Post Malone Favorite Food: Fajitas

Favorite Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.” –Winston Churchill

E

than is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the son of Chris and Monica McCarty. His activities include cross country, track, Interact, 4-H, and youth group leader. Following graduation, Ethan plans to attend Sam Houston State University to major in biochemistry. He believes, “Always finish what you start, and never quit.”



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Visit PostcardsLive.com/share and tell us about a “Star Student” you’d like to see recognized.



Savannah Jensen Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: Secretariat

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Favorite Music/Artist: Photo Finish by Chris LeDoux Favorite Food: Chicken Fried Steak

Favorite Quote: “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

S

avannah is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of J.o. Jensen and Becky Jensen. Her activities include welding, FFA, and rodeo. Following graduation, Savannah plans to attend college to study equine reproduction.

She believes, “Hard work eventually pays off, if you don’t give up.”

Plan for your family.

When you prearrange a funeral, you want to arrange one which fits your needs today and into the future.

Call us, we can help!!

shmfh.com

26 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

1700 Normal Park Dr. • Huntsville

936-291-7300



Christian Ortiz



WE’RE OPEN & HERE TO SERVE YOU! MON - FRI • 5 AM - 6 PM

Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: End of Watch Favorite Music/Artist: Ed Maverick Favorite Food: Homemade Burgers



Favorite Quote: “But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Sylvester Stallone

C

hristian is a senior at Huntsville High School. His activities include student council, Business Professionals of America, and photography. Following graduation, Christian plans to attend college and obtain a real estate license. He believes, “You can’t love anyone until you love yourself.”

We are always here even during emergencies.

We are proudly taking all precautions and measures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Montessori Child Care 6 wks to 12 yrs. old



Kristen Harrell



Huntsville High School

2817 Old Houston Road • Huntsville, TX 77340 • 936-435-0303

CARE CENTER HUNTSVILLE

In His Image Genesis 1:27

Favorite Movie: Dear John Favorite Music/Artist: Morgan Wallen Favorite Food: Cane’s!

Favorite Quote: “You can still be who you are meant to be without meeting everyone’s expectation of you.” –Morgan Harper Nichols

K

risten is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Everett and Nicky Harrell. Her activities include Huntsville FFA (chapter secretary), student and class council, and National Technical Honor Society. Following graduation, Kristen plans to attend Sam Houston State University and become an elementary school teacher. She believes, “It only takes a little courage to do amazing things.”

Virtual Fundraising Banquet October 5th - October 31st pcc.huntsville for more information

carecenterhuntsville.com

A gift for any amount as a donation to the ministry of the Care Center is so appreciated. You can mail a gift to Care Center P.O. Box 7125 Huntsville, TX 77342 or if you would rather use a credit card, just go to our website carecenterhuntsville.com and click on partnership.

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 27

by John K. Rosemond

DRAKE’S TOWING & RECOVERY drakestowingandservice.com

24 HOUR WRECKER SERVICE RV’s • Boats • Trailers • Motorcycles Statewide Fleet/Commercial Accounts

936-295-3663 800-347-0126

2303 E. Main St. • Madisonville

Handle Split Custody Parenting Issues with Grace Q: My 13-year-old son’s grades and overall respect for me and other adults – teachers, in particular – began going downhill last year (8th grade), even before the shutdown. He began school this year with the same attitude, if not worse. In response, I have taken away most of his privileges, including his phone and video game.

When we divorced four years ago, the judge ruled for split custody, so he spends 3-4 nights a week with his dad. That, unfortunately, is the problem. His father strives to be a “buddy-dad” and will enforce no rules. When he’s with his dad, he enjoys a smartphone, video games, and wears clothing I associate with sociopaths. I feel like I am constantly taking one step forward and then one step back. Do you have any suggestions?

A: My first suggestion will fall on deaf ears, but they are not yours.

With a minority of exceptions, my second-hand experience has been that split custody arrangements are not in the best interests of children. All too frequently, they lead to exactly the sort of problems you describe. One parent ends up being a disciplinarian while the other, seeking to be viewed by the child or children as a “good guy,” undoes what his or her ex- is attempting to accomplish at every turn.

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Split custody, meaning a 50/50 arrangement (or close approximation thereof), is intended to be “fair” to both parents involved in a divorce. In so ruling, however, family court judges seem to have lost sight of their mission, which is to rule in the best interests of the children, not the parents. Compounding the problem, split custody also creates the impression that neither lawyer has lost. By issuing rulings that preserve the self-esteem (or, in the case of attorneys, their reputation), judges often, but unwittingly, rule against the interests of the kids.

There’s no viable solution to this sort of problem, in which case I invoke the rule of muddling: Sorry, but you’re just going to have to muddle through this.

Two locations to serve you 1548 11th St • Huntsville

(936) 291-7347 Open: Mon.-Thurs. • 10:30 am - 8 pm Fri. - Sat. • 10:30 am - 9 pm

1711 E Main St • Madisonville

(936) 348-2118

Open: Mon.-Thurs. • 10:30 am - 8 pm Fri. - Sat. • 10:30 am - 9 pm

mckenziesbarbeque.com 28 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Let’s face it, if you and your ex- were able to parent cooperatively, there’s some likelihood you would still be married. The first thing you need to do is accept that there is no solution to this problem. Dad is getting reinforced for being a buddy. Furthermore, his incorrigible undermining of your discipline is likely a form of retaliation, in which case we can double his reinforcement. In effect, he’s a coward, but such is the nature of the divorced buddy-dad.

Accept the realities of your situation, but don’t give up the good fight. Continue to enforce rules when your son is in your care but do so knowing that you’re going to be in a one step forward, one step back state of affairs for some time to come.

There is always the possibility that your son will someday realize that you are the more responsible parent, but don’t count on it. In any event, stay your present course with grace.

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-19

Bouncing Back

m

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SMALL BUSINESS Recovery Guide

RECOVERY Business advisors and staff at the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by the College of Business Administration, are working hard to support small business owners who are facing unprecedented and steep challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their commitment is to share the most timely information, processes, and resources available.

Serving Huntsville-Walker County, as well as the counties of San Jacinto, North Montgomery, Trinity, Madison, Leon, and the City of Cleveland, the - -1 -

vviÀÃ V w`i Ì > i i] cost, professional business advising services to small business entrepreneurs and those wanting to start

a new business. We have a number of resources available to help small businesses during this extraordinary time, including tips and solutions to navigate COVID-19, access to business specialists, and free business webinars taught by industry experts, just to name a few.

The advising staff can also assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in various stages of the business life cycle: pre-venture or early stage, startup, expansion, growth, and exit.

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 29

DID YOU KNOW WE PROVIDE: U Ƃ LÀ >` À> }i v w > V > ] >À iÌ > ` `i }À>« V ÀiÃi>ÀV Ài« ÀÌà VÕÃÌ âi` Ì Þ ÕÀ `ÕÃÌÀÞ > ` }i }À>« V V>Ì U ,iÃi>ÀV Ài« ÀÌà « «Õ >À à > LÕà iÃà `i>Ã] V Õ` } `>Ì>] ÌÀi `Ã] >Ãà V >Ì Ã] Ài >Ìi` à ÕÀVià v v À >Ì > ` à U «iÌ Ì À ÃÌ > ` V>Ì >« Ì ÀiÛ iÜ V «iÌ Ì Ûi > `ÃV>«i > ` « « Ì market opportunities U Õ `iL à v À Õà iÃà * > Ã] >À iÌ } * > Ã] 1 `iÀÃÌ> ` } > V > -Ì>Ìi i ÌÃ] > ` > >} } >à Ü

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS Designed to give businesses quick bursts of solutions, tips, and recommendations are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and include a variety of topics in the following areas:

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BUSINESSES

THE SBDC

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Hello Beautiful Nails & Spa

As a lifelong educator, Lisa’s heart has always been with those that struggle the most with learning. It has been her passion and highest achievement to bring a program to this area that provides help to those with learning ` vwVÕ Ì ið Ã> ` ÃV ÛiÀi` i>À } ,Ý > ` Ã>Ü Ì i ÌÞ«i v ÀiÃÕ Ìà à i wanted for children using a cognitive training program designed to train LÀ> Ã Ì Ü À Ì À Õ} ` vwVÕ Ì ià using core learning and thinking skills and modalities. Lisa became acquainted with the SHSU SBDC team at local business events and Chamber of Commerce functions.

Hello Beautiful Nails was a conjoined dream created by Trinh’s mother, grandmother and aunt. She stepped in to help them make it happen and started this past June. They provide you with a salon feel that is lavish and modern and deliver exceptionally } µÕ> ÌÞ > ÃiÀÛ Við Ƃà > wÀÃÌ time business owner, Trinh needed help and turned to the SHSU SBDC after being referred by the local Chamber of Commerce. COVID-19 delayed her business start, so while waiting, she and her family chose to give back to the community by sewing masks and donating them to the hospital and all essential workers.

Lisa Branch, Franchise Owner

“When the pandemic began, I knew exactly who to call! The SBDC has always been a great source of information concerning best practices for my business, so there was no doubt that they would help guide me through this trying time. I received information, suggestions, advice concerning the various lending options, and timely assistance regarding the application process. They helped cut through the confusion and chaos. With their help, I was able to work through the application process to receive funds for both the EIDL and PPP loans. I also received information about PPP loan forgiveness. Thanks, SBDC for all you do to help small businesses succeed!

30 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Trinh Thao Huynh, Owner

“Working with my SBDC advisor, I obtained general business-related information, considerations for legally structuring my business and types of taxes that could affect business operations. I also learned about planning for the business, start-up considerations and employee matters such as hiring procedures and developing my employee manual/handbook. When COVID-19 started, I obtained information about the types of disaster assistance available and Ü iÌ iÀ Ì V Õ ` Li iwÌ i°»

Food-4-tha-Soul, LLC LaTanya Lewis, Owner

Cooking and baking with a sincere «>Ãà > ` Ûi v À Ì iÀÃ] ` 4-tha-Soul was started by LaTanya Lewis in May of this year. It is a place where guests go to fellowship and experience childhood memories of love, family, church and community through Southern hospitality while enjoying Southern cuisine. LaTanya brings recipes handed down through her family back to life and intertwines them with her own culinary creations with an emphasis on providing healthy and nutritious options for families to enjoy together at the food park. LaTanya was referred to the SHSU SBDC for startup >Ãà ÃÌ> Vi LÞ iÀ ViÀÌ wi` «ÕL V >VV Õ Ì> Ì° “The SBDC Director and staff were very helpful and resourceful in providing guidance for the business startup of Food-4-tha-Soul, LLC. They assisted me with my questions regarding legal structure, city i> Ì > ` «iÀ Ì ÀiµÕ Ài i ÌÃ] Ã> ià Ì>Ý V iVÌ > ` w } «Ì ð The SBDC also provided membership information for the HuntsvilleWalker County Chamber of Commerce, which Food-4-tha-Soul has since joined. In addition, the SBDC discussed marketing for my grand opening and always gave encouragement with ideas on how best to «À Vii` Ü Ì Þ «i } `ÕÀ } Ì i "6 £ «> `i V°»

BUSINESSES

3 Spoons Yogurt & Nelson Amaya’s Collision Center

Nelson & Cecilia Amaya 3 Spoons Yogurt is centered on a unique self-serve, pay-by-weight system. "vviÀ } > Û>À iÌÞ v y>Û ÀÃ v vÀ âi yogurt and countless fruit, nut, candy, and cereal toppings, 3 Spoons offers a fun, family friendly environment to their customers. Managed by Cecilia Amaya, they are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and µÕ> ÌÞ vÀ âi Þ }ÕÀÌ Ü Ì iÛiÀÞ Û Ã Ì° 7 Ì Ài Ì > Óä Þi>ÀÃ v industry experience, Nelson established Nelson Amaya’s Collision

i ÌiÀ ÓäÓä° 7 >Ì ÃiÌÃ >«>ÀÌ vÀ Ì iÀÃ Ã Ã i « >Ã Ã community involvement. He proudly serves the Walker County area Ü Ì Ìi}À ÌÞ > ` iÃÌÞ° À Ì i À ÌiV V > Ã Ì Ì i À iÃÌ >Ì ÀÃ] and everyone in between, the shop staff has years of experience required to get the job done, as they provide high quality service and friendly customer service.

“The SHSU SBDC has provided important assistance to help us establish and manage our businesses, including demographics for Ì i ÌÀ>`i >Ài>] >Ãà ÃÌ> Vi Ü Ì w > V > «À iVÌ Ã > ` `ÕÃÌÀÞ `>Ì> Ü Ì `ÕÃÌÀÞ Ã«iV wV ÀiV i `>Ì Ã] > ` w > V } «Ì à that included traditional and SBA small business funding. During this pandemic, the SBDC has also provided timely information that allowed us to apply for and receive the COVID-19 disaster funding and the Paycheck Protection loan.“

THE SBDC

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Curves for Women

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Iron Brothers Metals believes great service and value will keep customers coming back. They want their customers to get the right materials for their metal buildings at a competitive price and not have to wait. They strive to keep overhead low, treat customers the way they want to be treated and V Ì Õ> Þ «À Ûi Ü >Ì Ì iÞ ` ° / iÞ Ü> Ì Ì Ài`iw i VÕÃÌ iÀý expectations by raising the bar and providing services that keep them ahead of the competition.

Curves is a passion, not just a business, for Tish Humphrey. Her desire to help her community be healthier and women live a better life using a proven method for weight management and strength training, cardio and stretching has been }À Ü } v À Óä Þi>Àð Ƃ«À Óäää] à i started working out at Curves and fell in love with the circuit workout and Curves V Õ ÌÞ° - i Ûi` Ì Ã ÕV Ì >Ì] à >vÌiÀ] à i Ü i` Ì i LÕà iÃÃt The following year, she expanded her business with a second location, now located in Conroe. Tish loves being the owner where she can see the women of her community change their lives by becoming stronger, losing weight > ` Ài>V } Ì i À i> Ì } > à LÞ ÕÌ â } µÕ> ÌÞ Ü À ÕÌà > ` V Õ ÌÞ°

Richard Pfahl, Eric Silvis, David Taylor, Partners

“Iron Brothers started working with the SBDC from the start, and we’re glad we did. They immediately wanted to learn as much as possible about our business to start matching our needs with their Û>ÃÌ iÌÜ À v Ü i`}i > ` Àià ÕÀVið / iÞ Ã >Ài` w > V } > ` capital options available and guided us through the process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we needed help with our bookkeeping, > ` Ì iÞ «À Û `i` > ëiV > ÃÌ Ì >Ì i «i` Õà µÕ V Þ > ` ivwV i Ì Þ streamline processes. We needed help with people that had very unique skills, and the SBDC advised and guided us the right direction > ` «À Û `i` Ì i iÝ«iÀÌ Ãi ÕÀ ëiV wV >Ài>à v ii`° / i -

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Tish Humphrey, Franchise Owner

“The SBDC has always been there when I needed them and sometimes were there even when I didn't know I was going to need them. The internal training and workshops over the years have made me more familiar with what SBDC has to offer and more comfortable reaching out when I needed the help. Accounting, business planning, social media and marketing were just a few of the areas. When COVID started affecting my business in March, Ì iÞ ÜiÀi i v Ì i wÀÃÌ ià Ài>V i` ÕÌ Ì v À i «° / iÞ iÝ« > i` and helped me navigate the fast-changing information and requirements for the PPP, EIDL and other economic disaster resources. I am thankful for Ì i -

] v À > Ü>ÞÃ V>À } > ` Li } Ì iÀi Ü i ii` Ì i °»

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 31

E E R F AND IAL DENT I F N CO

COVID-19 Small Business Specialists

Get help navigating COVID-19 from our team of industry experts Contact the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center to connect with an advisor.

Your advisor can assist you and schedule your time with an SBDC Business Specialist for expertise in a variety of topics to help grow and sustain your business.

Specialists available for one-on-one Virtual Sessions:

Doug /CPUƂGNF

Chris Tripoli

Marsha Hudson

Julie Gilmer

SEO | Marketing

Hospitality | Finance

Branding | Social Media

QuickBooks Training

Doug helps clients with -i>ÀV } i "«Ì â>Ì (SEO), social network marketing, website development, email marketing and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).

Chris assists hospitality related industries including restaurants, bars, catering companies, food trucks and bakeries on topics relating to budgets, menu development and more.

Marsha provides one-onone coaching and client assessments on branding and social media. An experienced branding strategist, she hosts webinars on branding and social media.

Julie provides one-onone QuickBooks training including client assessment and staff training recommendations. Julia also hosts live QuickBooks webinars.

Rebecca Schultz

Marc Willson

CJ Petitt

Angela Randolph

Loan Services

Retail | Customer Service

Human Resources

Financial | Accounting

,iLiVV> «À Û `ià > underwriting and loan packaging services and can V wÀ «À }À> i } L ÌÞ based on application review and credit report information.

Marc aids retail clients on operations, inventory, w > Vi] ` ë >Þ Ü ` ÜÃ] ÌÀ>vwV y Ü] iÀV > ` Ãi] personnel, customer service, marketing, promotions and more.

CJ provides assistance with employment, disciplinary, and hiring issues. Her areas of expertise include training, `iÛi « i Ì] Li iwÌÉÜ>}i benchmarking and more.

Ƃ }i > Ã Vi Ãi` >Ã > *Ƃ in Texas and serves small to medium businesses providing bookkeeping/accounting, w > V > V >V } > ` consulting services.

For more information contact us at

(936) 294-3737

www.shsu.edu/sbdc / i - -1 -

à > LÕà iÃà >`Û Ã } > ` ÌÀ> } Vi ÌiÀ v Ì i 1 ÛiÀà ÌÞ v ÕÃÌ /iÝ>Ã Õ v >ÃÌ -

iÌÜ À ÃiÀÛ } ÎÓ V Õ Ì ià - ÕÌ i>ÃÌ Texas. The SBDC program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the United States Small Business Administration.

32 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Health Matters www.drjimshealthtips.com

By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA

Look Ahead and Thwart Age-Related Disease Dread

Stress can significantly upsurge age-related (chronic) diseases which are the most deadly threats to health in America. Seventy percent of all American deaths and 92% of deaths in people over 65 years are from those diseases.

Cures are directly related to how advanced the disease is when treatment begins, which should emphasize the importance of early recognition.

I do not want to alarm anyone excessively.

Although, I strongly believe that in important matters, if one errs, it should be on the side of carefulness. What I am classifying as alerts are warning signs that possibly indicate manifestations of treatable diseases. It is wise to recognize and scrutinize all alerts your body dispatches.

Note your general well-being daily. What is your energy level? Are you feeling more tired lately? Are you requiring more sleep? We all have intermingled good days and bad days, but when a pattern of decreasing energy becomes

obvious, it indicates a major change in our body. Investigate any change in functioning.

Everyone should weigh themselves regularly.

Unintended changes in weight are real red flags. Gains and especially unintended losses of over 5% within several months should result in a doctor visit. Especially during such times, it is wise to monitor blood pressure. Automatic BP monitors are reasonably priced and easy to use.

Pain is our the most common beacon of protection. Pain notifies us we have an injury or are being injured, and it also makes us withdraw and rest the injured part until it has recovered. Pain is unpleasant and teaches us to avoid behavior that could be harmful.

Going to see a doctor for pain is so obvious, you probably wonder why I would mention it.

Well, there are several types of pain, which are regularly misunderstood as innocent when not. A good example is back pain located in the flanks—this is likely not spinal; it can be from kidney disease and needs to be checked.

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Likewise, upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back often is an abdominal problem not a back problem. Newly onset back pain (or any pain) that continues for over a week should be evaluated.

Everyone knows heart pain, termed angina, is life-threatening. Most don’t know that, in a substantial number, angina is atypical; it may appear as indigestion or jaw pain. In others, about a third, it may be silent. When exerting, if you note extra beats or shortness of breath, get checked out.

Headaches are another common source of pain. One should become concerned when new recurring headaches begin in older adults, especially if severe enough to suspend daily activities. Headaches brought on with exertion or emotional stress should be investigated.

Headaches located on one side of the head rather than general are worrisome. Sudden onset of the worst headache ever should prompt a call to 911. It could signal a weakened artery about to rupture.

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MediTrimLLC.com October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 33

Community Postcards SHSU Medical Director Appointed as Local Health Authority

When was the last time you had that prescription checked?

Robert Williams, MD, director of medical services at Sam Houston State University Student Health Center was appointed to a two-year term by Judge Danny Pierce at the end of July as a Walker County Local Health Authority. In this role, he will work alongside Walker County Local Health Authority, Darrel Wells, MD. The position is responsible for administering state and local laws relating to public health. Williams’ duties include aiding the county with quarantine and public health law enforcement.

Schedule your appointment today!

Vision Care for the Entire Family Ocular Diagnostics • Therapeutics Dr. Lindsey Mills

Dr. Stephen Means

Dr. Stephen H. Means & Associates Therapeutic Optometrists

936-291-8282 109 Medical Park Lane (Behind Hospital) • Huntsville 34 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

SHSU Food Pantry and Wesley Foundation Join Efforts to Build Vegetable Garden Positioned side by side, the SHSU Food Pantry and the Wesley Foundation are good neighbors, with just a grass alleyway between them. Thanks to a missions grant from the West District of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, phase one of a vegetable garden on that grass alleyway has now become a reality. Over 40 percent of SHSU students struggle with food insecurity. In the 2018-2019 academic year, there were 1,661 visits to the SHSU Food Pantry. Kathleen Gilbert, director of the SHSU Food Pantry, explained that fresh produce always goes quickly during times of distribution.

Submit your photo & description:

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Honoring teachers who work with our kids day in and day out.

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Those chosen for publication will also be given a $50 gift card to 1836 Steakhouse. Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com.

Huntsville Truck & Tractor

Serving Walker County for over 30 years.

(936)291-8103

2124 HIGHWAY 30 EAST • HUNTSVILLE, TX 77320

HuntsvilleTruckAndTractor.com † For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. KCDA-04-144500-1

Ruby Osborne Former teacher at Alpha Omega Academy

Nominated by Ethan McCarty

Mrs. Osborne helped me pass the fourth grade by showing me lots of grace, and she loved her students unconditionally. She is the reason I love learning.

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 35

Recipes

Simple Apricot-Glazed Meatloaf

Award-Winning Apple Cream Pie

Ingredients Loaf:

Glaze:

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs ground beef

1 cup ketchup

2 3/4 cups 1% milk

1 cup breadcrumbs

½ cup apricot preserves

1 small onion, minced

¼ cup brown sugar

1/4 cup whipping cream

1 large egg, beaten

2 Tbs hot sauce (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ Tbs apricot preserves

1 Tbs apple cider vinegar

1 Tbs kosher salt

1 1/4 cups finely ground white cornmeal 3 eggs, well beaten 3 Tbs unsalted butter, divided 3 Tbs white sugar

1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

Directions

1 tsp salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

1 cup corn

2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, garlic, apricot preserves, salt, and pepper for the loaf in a large mixing bowl; mix well until thoroughly combined. Transfer to a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

3. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, mix ketchup, apricot preserves, brown sugar, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar for the glaze together in a medium bowl.

5. Remove meatloaf from the oven and pour glaze over top.

Continue cooking until no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes longer. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

BAKERS TIP: Coat things like fruit and chocolate chips in flour before adding them to your mix. This prevents all the bits from sinking to the bottom and ensures you’ve got an even distribution of flavor.

We consider the whole picture.

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

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www.MyCPAsaid.com Brian Slaughter, CPA

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36 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Dewitt Oleinik, CPA

Directions 1. Combine milk and cream in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat, whisking occasionally. While whisking, pour in cornmeal in a steady stream. Whisk vigorously to incorporate the cornmeal, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.

2. Transfer cornmeal mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add eggs, 2 tablespoons butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on medium speed until uniform and aerated, about 15 minutes. Mix in the corn by hand.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

4. Lightly butter a round 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Pour batter into the casserole dish.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and puffy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Madilene’s Piano Tuning & Repair Since 2004

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Carrot-Star Anise Soup

Pineapple Mojito

Ingredients

10 fresh mint leaves, divided

1 Tbs olive oil

1 Tbs white sugar

10 med carrots, chopped

1 Tbs chopped fresh pineapple (optional)

1/2 med onion, chopped

Ice

3 cups water, or as needed

6 fluid oz pineapple juice

1 star anise pod 1 cube chicken bouillon 1 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, or more to taste 1/2 tsp chopped fresh marjoram, or more to taste Directions 1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Saute chopped carrots and onion in the hot oil, 10 to 15 minutes. Add water slowly, adjusting so that the vegetables are just covered.

Add star anise, chicken bouillon, and coriander and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer, about 40 minutes.

2. Remove star anise. Puree soup with an immersion blender to desired consistency. Garnish with thyme and marjoram and serve hot.

Ingredients

2 fluid oz rum 1 splash club soda 1 wedge fresh pineapple Directions 1. Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and pineapple in a highball glass.

2. Fill glass with ice cubes. Pour in pineapple juice and rum. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with pineapple wedge and remaining mint leaves.

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 37

Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad Ingredients 1/2 (16 oz) pkg mezze (short) penne pasta

Directions

1 cup sliced and quartered cucumber

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Drain, rinse in cold water, drain well, and place in a serving bowl.

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

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2 Tbs minced shallot 1 (2.6 oz) pouch wild-caught pink salmon Vinaigrette:

2. Top pasta with cucumber, tomatoes, and shallot. Break up salmon and sprinkle on top.

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbs white wine vinegar 1 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice

3. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon-pepper seasoning, mustard, salt, and dill in a small bowl for the vinaigrette. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.

1 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp dried dill weed

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Yes, there really is a round rock in Round Rock, Texas.

In 1851, a small community was formed on the banks of Brushy Creek, near a large round and anvil-shaped rock in the middle of the creek. This round rock marked a convenient low-water crossing for wagons, horses, and cattle. The first postmaster called the community “Brushy”, and the creek was called Brushy Creek, When asked to change the name by postal officials in 1854, at the suggestion of the local postmaster, the small settlement was renamed Round Rock in honor of this now famous rock. After the Civil War, Jesse Chisholm began moving cattle from South Texas through Round Rock on the way to Abilene, Kansas. The route he established, which crossed Brushy Creek at the round rock, became known as the Chisholm Trail. Most of the old buildings, including the old Saint Charles Hotel, have been preserved. This historic area Round Rock called “Old Town”. is now Yes, there really is a round rock in Round Rock, Texas.

In 1851, a small community was formed on the banks of Brushy Creek, near a large round and anvil-shaped rock in the middle of the creek. This round rock marked a convenient low-water crossing for wagons, horses, and cattle. The first postmaster called the community "Brushy", and the creek was called Brushy Creek, When asked to change the name by postal officials in 1854, at the suggestion of the local postmaster, the small settlement was renamed Round Rock in honor of this now famous rock. After the Civil War, Jesse Chisholm began moving cattle from South Texas through Round Rock on the way to Abilene, Kansas. The route he established, which crossed Brushy Creek at the round rock, became known as the Chisholm Trail. Most of the old buildings, including the old Saint Charles Hotel, have been preserved. This historic area is now called "Old Town".

(936) 291-0404

Dealer for:

Ask for John Cole 3156 State Highway 19 Huntsville

www.eastextrailers.com

Woods Tree Service Texans Serving Texans • Total Removal • Trimming • Stump Grinding • Land Clearing

• Insured Locally • Dozer & Excavator Work • FREE Estimates • Senior and Veteran Discounts

Owner: Gene Woods

Resident of Walker County for 44 Years Graduate of HHS & SHSU

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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 October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 39

H

By Amy Barnett Submitted Photos

They have made a name for themselves as one of the best live acts on the Texas Country Music Scene. Darrin Morris Band--based out of Gilmer, Texas--knows how to deliver a high-energy show that is perfectly balanced with sing-along songs and whiskey-smooth harmonies. The guys have been making music together since 2012 and continue to earn die-hard fans in every town they play. While the pandemic has slowed touring, DMB has seen an opposite effect on Texas country radio, as their two most recent songs have soared up the charts. Dancing in the Rain made it all the way to the No. 5 spot on all major charts, becoming the band's first Top 10 single. And by late August, Country to the Bone had broken into the Top 20, continuing to move full steam ahead.

If that’s not enough - DMB earned nominations in four categories at the upcoming Texas Country Music Awards. Lead singer Darrin Morris talks about 2020 - a year for the history books; and one award nomination that means more to him than he can express. » 40 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

Blake Watson, bass guitar; Michael Olson, lead guitar; Darrin Morris, lead vocals; Jeremy Moore, drums; Phillip Griffith, rhythm guitar

What a crazy year you guys have had - but let’s start from the beginning.

When did music become important to you?

My dad was a minister, so we were always in church. That’s where I started singing. Then I got into choir in high school and loved doing musicals and acting. I just loved performing and singing. In the ‘90s, when I was in high school, Garth Brooks was the man. I was definitely influenced by his music and by Keith Whitley, who is my favorite artist of all time.

How did the Darrin Morris Band get its start?

I was doing electrical work as a career, but after getting laid off a couple of times, I finally said, “Forget this.” I loved to sing and had done some weddings, and people encouraged me to pursue it. In 2012, I decided to start my own band. We started playing at local restaurants and venues in East Texas. I love different types of music, but country music is where my heart is and where I naturally fit in – especially when it comes to writing. I grew up a pastor’s son, but I also grew up a country boy with cows, horses, and chickens – and have always loved hunting and fishing. So, we started playing locally in the Gilmer area, then started getting booked to play in other areas.

It just took off from there.

they heard it in Houston and in Conroe – it was crazy. Because of the success of this song, we got invited to play in the KILT - The Bull tent at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It was phenomenal.

What gave you the idea to write that song?

I was taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon, and I have no idea why or where this came from. It wasn’t a rainy day – it was beautiful with the sun shining – but I woke up, and in my head, I started singing, “She likes dancing in the rain.” It was so weird. I don’t know other than the Good Lord above just planting that song in my heart – but within about 15 or 20 minutes, I had written that whole song, based on that one line I woke up to.

I love the message of the song - it’s about appreciating the simple things in life...

I will say, looking back on it now – that song is really how my family lives our life. We try not to focus on material things that life can give you – and there’s nothing wrong with nice cars and big houses – but it’s those moments that you spend with family and friends that matter. It sounds cliché, but moments like those are really priceless.

I will always cherish the times I got to hunt with my dad, or the times now that I can hang out in the front yard and play kickball with my kids. I truly believe when we spend so much You guys have had success on the music charts, but this year has been time trying to get better jobs and accumulate stuff, we miss out on incredible. Dancing in the Rain was your first Top 10 song. What was what’s really important. that like?

The song has certainly resonated with so many. What reaction have you I am still amazed at how well it did. When you’re wedged between gotten from fans?

Casey Donahew and Josh Ward and those guys – it’s so cool and People will send videos of them dancing and singing in the rain or really makes you feel good. It was definitely our breakthrough song swinging on a porch swing – so many people relate. It’s been really cool. in Houston. People started calling me and messaging me to tell me

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Christopher L Davis, LUTCF Financial Advisor

Shop & Field Serving The Area Since 1976

1314 10th St. Suite 130 Huntsville, TX 77320 936-295-1151 chris.davis@mutualofomaha.com

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PO Box 1477 • 1023 FM 1696 West • Huntsville, TX 77342-1477 • Fax # (936) 294-9728 42 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

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You guys followed that song with Country to the Bone, which is still on the charts. Why is this song important to you?

This song has two meanings – Country to the Bone is about living the country lifestyle – being in the woods and riding the backroads with a 4-wheel drive, a gun and dog…or having a campfire in the front yard.

But it’s also about the country we live in. We live in the best country that God ever allowed to exist. I’m pro-USA all the way. I am proud to be an American. To me, that’s an important message.

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Let’s talk about your live shows. You guys have so much energy.

Yeah… we do. (laughs) I like to move around a lot. I love to interact with the crowd. If I can, I will get out in the middle of the crowd, on a bar or on a table. I love to be right there with our fans, because our fans are crazy awesome.

And they are dedicated!

They are so dedicated and loyal. Anything I ever ask them to do – whether it’s on social media or at a live performance – they do it. Not only do they do it, but they make their kids do it, their husbands or wives do it – and their mammas, aunts, and uncles (laughs). We may not have the biggest fan base, but they are go-getters. We have been up against people at different award shows that should have killed us in every category; and we’ve ended up winning some of those categories. That proves our fans are 100% behind us. We’ve been on the Texas Country Music Cruise, and our fans purchased more cabins than those of any other artist the first 2 years. They are the absolute best!

You mentioned awards. You guys are up for four awards at this year’s Texas Country Music Awards in November. That must feel good.

Yeah, it’s incredible. Blake is up for Bassist of the Year, and Jeremy is up for Drummer of the Year. We are up for Band of the Year, which we were blessed to win in 2018 – again because we have incredible fans. We are also up for Christian Single of the Year for a song called Preacher Man. I cannot express what this nomination means to me.

I originally wrote Preacher Man for my dad, who was a pastor for 48 years and passed away a few years ago. My parents were married for 53 years. I just recently lost my mom, and I’ve come to realize that my dad could never have been the successful pastor he was without my mom being by his side every step of the way. There is a line in Preacher Man that specifically talks about my mom. This song is really about their journey together for the cause of Christ. I am so glad they raised us to want to go to church. My wife and kids – even though two of my daughters are grown – we all still go to church together on Sunday mornings when I’m not traveling. That is the most important thing and will always be the most important thing in our lives.

Darrin Morris Band would not be what it is today without the four guys standing up there with you each night. How would you describe these guys?

These guys have the biggest hearts. We all grew up in the church and have the same perspective on life – and we have the same goals, which is so important. What is unique for us is that Jeremy, Michael, Blake, and I have been together for 8 years. Phillip joined us two-and-a-half years ago and fit right in. But, that’s a really long time to have the same group together. That’s why the music is so tight. We know what each other is going to do. If one of us messes up in a live performance, we all know how to cover for each other. Being together for so long has been a major blessing for sure.

What are your hopes for DMB in the future?

Just to keep making new fans, writing and recording great songs, and getting to perform across the state and the U.S. We’ve been blessed to take our tour outside of Texas and hope we continue making a name for ourselves across the country. It’s all about making great music.

»

• and much more

662-2550 cell (936) 435-9452 office (936)

Nate Grigsby,

Owner/CEO

grigsby2@netzero.com

Locally owned & operated for 4 generations

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 43

Darrin Morris Band has a new single coming out next month called I Will. It will be available to download on all music platforms. Visit darrinmorris.band to find out when you catch a live show.

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

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Richard & Debbie Henriksen, Wine Makers

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montereymushrooms.com Spent Compost For Sale 44 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

936-293-8855 104A Knox Circle • Huntsville www.froggywines.com Richard and our son-in-law Eddie with the first wine they made together from start to finish

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WILDLIFE WONDERS THE MOURNING DOVE

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

The mourning dove is native to Texas and gets its name from the soft, sad-sounding coo that usually only the male makes. You may not know the mourning dove also has a non-verbal whistling sound it makes when it takes off and lands. This sound is an alarm signal and is also associated with courtship. They are one of the most abundant of all North American birds.

Doves are highly-developed and range in size from a sparrow to a chicken. Mourning doves are one of seven species of doves in our area. The others are the white-winged dove, the white-tipped dove, the Eurasian collared, the rock dove (pigeon), the band-tailed pigeon, the Inca dove, and the common ground dove. Some of them, like the mourning dove, are monogamous. That means they’ll stay with their mate for life, unless something happens to the mate, then the dove will find a replacement.

Mourning doves are recognizable by black spots on brown wings, a black beak, black eyes, and a long, pointed tail. They look somewhat plump, with a small head that looks a little too small for the size of the body.

You might catch a glimpse of a mourning dove on the ground or on a limb, leaning over and stretching one wing. The bird is either sunbathing or rain-bathing. It can hold this position for up to twenty minutes. They also like to dustbathe.

Their diet consists mostly of seeds. They have a preference for rapeseed, corn, millet, safflower, and sunflower seeds. They eat until full,

then fly away to digest the food. They’ll often swallow sand or fine gravel to aid in digestion.

Doves are the number one game bird in the country, and Texas leads the nation in hunter and harvest numbers. Every year from June to August, Texas Parks and Wildlife place leg bands on thousands of mourning and white-winged doves. The primary reason for banding is to track the harvest. This is done in order to monitor the factors that influence the populations. Hunters report banded birds, and the information gathered provides estimates of harvest and survival rates.

The data is used in several programs to help manage populations and set hunting regulations. Hunters are urged to report any bands they find.

Here are a few very interesting facts about this very common bird.

• They have a very short life span. They usually only live about 1.5 years. The oldest recorded age of a mourning dove is 31.

• They are one of only a few birds that can actually sip water like humans. Most birds gulp water and then rotate their heads until the water goes down their throats.

• Many of them lay eggs several times a year.

• Mourning doves can fly up to 55mph. Compare that to a Northern Flicker, that weighs about the same, but can only fly 23 mph.

• Another name used for mourning doves is turtle doves.

TWRC admits hundreds of injured, orphaned and displaced doves every year. Some have dog and cat wounds, some have had collisions with windows, or have fallen out of a nest.

Whatever the reason for their admission, we care for them until they are able to be returned to the wild. If you’d like more information about what we do, check out our website at www.twrcwildlifecenter.org.

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 47

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Stock Tip from Your Brother-In-Law: Buy Enron NOW! “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

- Red Adair

In today’s world of social media and technology, there is a constant barrage of advertising and opinions being thrown at us. Some of that includes “hot stock tips” from friends, family, or general ads. Some of the more frequent financial difficulties people face, is what to invest in, when do you buy and sell it?

Too often I hear, “someone told me I need to buy this stock because it is about to skyrocket!” Many of those times when I do a little research, it is close to, or at the highest price it has historically ever been. By the time that word of mouth gets around, it is usually a bit late to get on board. Or perhaps it is too risky of an investment from the start to be involved in, for that person’s tolerance.

Blanket financial advice has many pitfalls, including not fitting an individual’s investment timeline, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance. By taking amateur advice, you do of course have the potential to come out on top, but with a higher likelihood of outcome on the less palatable side of the spectrum.

One of the many reasons it is worth your time and money to hire a professional, is to get financial advice tailored to you and your unique situation. Everyone is different, whether that is in family matters, salary, savings, retirement timeline and needs, risk tolerance, and goals. A good financial advisor will strive to develop a professional relationship with you, help guide you, and build a plan that fits your needs specifically. It is also important to have your spouse or significant other build the relationship as well, in case something happens to you along the way, and to be a part of planning for the future. Meet with them as regular as you and they see fit to update your goals as your life changes. By taking this action, your preparedness and probability of success increases dramatically, as opposed to taking the “hot stock tip” and hoping for the best.

What now? Most financial advisors have free consultations, take advantage of that, and set up a meeting to discuss your wants, needs, and goals. That way you can get on a track to success, and Live Life with Purpose!

www.financialpartner.net (936) 294-0201 • 1211 Financial Plaza • Huntsville Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member, FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Cambridge and Global Financial Partners are not affiliated. Cambridge does not provide tax advice.

48 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

This Month’s App We want to share one of our favorite awesome apps with you. If you have an amazing app you’d like to share with our community, let us know online at postcardslive.com

Libby is used by millions of library patrons all over the world to enjoy ebooks and audiobooks from their public libraries.

Libby is completely free. It’s free to install, and there are no subscription costs, no in-app purchases, and no late fees. All you need a valid library card from your library. Libby works with public libraries that use OverDrive. Over 90% of public libraries in North America have OverDrive, and Libby can be found in 78 countries worldwide.

Read across devices All your loans, notes, bookmarks, and reading progress sync across your devices.

Offline access Download ebooks and audiobooks for offline reading or stream them to save space.

Listen in your car Enjoy audiobooks in your car through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a Bluetooth connection.

Send to Kindle If you prefer reading on your Kindle, Libby can send your library books to it.

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Vet Connect: Article Submitted by: Steve VanWagner, D.V.M.

Should I Vaccinate My Pregnant Mare?

Vaccinations in the pregnant mare serve two main purposes. The first is to stimulate antibody production that will help protect the newborn foal. The second is to protect the mare herself from viruses which may cause her to abort the pregnancy.

they are too large to cross the placenta while the fetus is in utero, and the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn is only able to absorb them for a short time. These vaccines provide the proper protection until the foal is old enough to receive its first series of vaccines. There are many different vaccines produced for many different diseases. It is Pregnant mares should be vaccinated for Equine Herpes Virus type preferable to use a killed form of the vaccines instead of modified live 1 (EHV-1) at 5, 7, and 9 months of gestation. Some veterinarians will forms due to the possibility of the modified live form allowing the recommend a vaccination at 3 months of gestation as well. EHV-1 is virus to replicate in the pregnant mare. the number one infectious cause of abortion in the mare. Foals can also be born weak and nonviable. The virus is shed in respiratory secreVaccinations are only a part of the management practices to be tions of infected animals and by the fluids, placenta, and fetus in the followed for the pregnant mare. Pregnant mares should be grouped case of abortions. Horses can be asymptomatic carriers of the disease, according to stage of gestation and should ideally be separated from shedding the virus without actually being clinically ill at the time. horses of other ages. Pregnant mares should also ideally be moved to the place where they will foal 4 to 6 weeks prior to their due date Pre-foaling vaccinations are another important group of vaccines in order to allow their immune systems to adjust to the pathogens given to pregnant mares 4-8 weeks prior to the calculated foaling date. present in the foaling environment. This natural exposure will also These vaccines induce an antibody response in the mare and result in induce antibody production to these pathogens, again allowing for the secretion of antibodies in her colostrum. Once the newborn foal antibody passage to the newborn foal via colostrum. This will allow ingests the colostrum, these antibodies are absorbed from the gastro- the foal to be well prepared to handle the challenges of its new world. intestinal tract and enter the foal’s bloodstream, providing a strong It is critical to visit with your veterinarian about which vaccines are foundation for its immune system. Ingesting colostrum in the first best suited for the risk associated with your farm.

12 hours after birth is critical to acquiring these antibodies, because

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LoneStar Outdoor Power Equipment

By Janet Davidson Photos by Gina Turner

Ken Krieger

What do a human-hamster-ball, Bigfoot, and a general tool rental company have in common?

LoneStar Outdoor Power Equipment. The dream of Ken Krieger and goat rancher Ryan Stelck, who moved from Ohio and Canada respectively, brought them to Texas to service the needs of owners of major oil pipelines, local general contractors, and the weekend warrior tackling projects around the house. This company spends time building relationships with their consumers, whether serving a small businessowner or their larger clients such as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or Sam Houston State University.

After opening their successful location in Onalaska, Texas, in 2014, they decided to bring their wares to Huntsville in September 2017.

50 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

This general tool rental company rents out and sells floor sanders, skid steers, excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, and more, including a human-hamster-ball. “We try to have fun with everything that we do. When we see something cool, we just go for it and buy it. If we like it, somebody else is going to like it, too!” Krieger shared with a smile. Stehlk and Krieger complement each other as business partners. “We are ying and yang. He is the business/ human resources/ processing and management side, while I am the sales and marketing side of our company. We have found that, as complete polar opposites, we work amazingly together.”

As a patron entering the storefront at 6024 S State Hwy 75 S, many brand names will automatically be recognized: Yanmar, Gravely, and Toro, just to name a few. Their website boasts that LoneStar has

“the right tools for your job!” “Yanmar was a major purchase for us. They have been around for over 100 years, and we were very blessed to get ahold of that brand out here,” Ken highlighted.

Although they sell new products, they also rent out equipment and vend used products as well. “We like to keep our rental fresh.

When people drive up, they don’t realize how large we are; they only see a couple of skid steers or excavators. We actually have 20 excavators and 18 skid steers. At any given time, there are only three of them at each of our locations. We have a constant rotating fleet we like to keep fresh for folks. We know how we maintain our equipment. We take care of our stuff! That makes it easy to sell! People use it and understand that it works right.

We don’t like drama. If something is going to keep breaking down, it goes immediately to auction,” Krieger explained. “We love the fact that it is easy to take care of people

»

Focus Business

October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 51

when you have good equipment to sell them. We have customers who originally come in to rent from us and then transfer over when they see the products in the store. The people who rent from us know us, such as the lawn and garden businesses. Then, they start telling others about us. The spillover may start on the rental side, move to sales, and also see us servicing equipment or helping people obtain parts that they need to repair their machines. Rental put us on the map in Huntsville, and it has taken off from there.”

Although LoneStar possesses a large inventory, the employee roster is small. Krieger and Stelck don’t simply teach the young employees about heavy pieces of machinery; they pour life lessons into every member of staff. “We love turning kids into somebody. We have zero turnover. We are a fun place to work. We are laid back. A student might come to us in high school, work with us until they graduate, and then go on to become police officers, nurses, highline workers, etc. The young people who work here might wear the hats of loader/unloader, mechanic, technical support, delivery, customer service, and more,” Ken commented.

“These young people are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

They will strap on their boots to pressure wash products upon return or dig out the mud from equipment.”

LoneStar Outdoor Power Equipment goes beyond offering tools for contractors, etc.; this community-minded institution supports their neighbors in need. After Covid threw the first curveball of 2020, a tornado tore through Onalaska. Although the path of the twister passed about a mile north of the store in this small town, it impacted many friends and family in this close-knit population. LoneStar closed the Huntsville location for a couple of days and turned its focus to serve the needs of this rural community. This institution not only

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52 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

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“We try to have fun with everything that we do. When we see something cool, we just go for it and buy it. If we like it, somebody else is going to like it, too!” reaches out during disasters, but, in varying ways, they also support other community organizations. Ken serves on the board of the Tu-Mile Sportsmen’s Association; they have contributed to Habitat for Humanity, and also sponsor a young local, rising rodeo star, Rhody Niles.

my Facebook. So, now the metal cutout of Big Foot looks over my shoulder while I am at work every day,” Krieger laughingly relayed.

»

About every other Saturday, Kieger records a Facebook Live Event called Saturday Spotlight. He will share about varying pieces of equipment and services they provide. They also commit to posting to Facebook at least five times each day. “This past Fourth of July, I was recording a video early in the morning. One of our contractors took a freeze frame of part of the recording where I was trying to catch my breath, and my eyes were kind of closed. He produced an entire article about a man who was accosted by Big Foot in the woods. He taped it to the window so I would see it when I came to work the next day. I published it on

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October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 53

If you are a contractor looking for quality equipment, an urbanite needing machines to maintain a weekend getaway, a small lawn and garden landscaper or just an average person tackling projects around the home, LoneStar Outdoor Power Equipment will meet your needs. Whether it is sales, rentals, repairs, or parts--this company will meet your needs, laugh with you, and become a true neighbor.

HUNTSVILLE 6024 US Hwy 75 S Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 294-0282 ONALASKA 13505 Hwy 190 W Onalaska, TX 77360 (936) 646-4028 lonestaroutdoorpower.com

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54 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | October 2020

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10 OCT 2020 BRENHAM

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Trusting God’s Might Over Fight or Flight

by Linda W. Perkins It is human nature to want to run away from danger, or to armor up for battle when faced with an enemy. Sometimes, we even want to try to do both at the same time. I think that’s where many of us have been lately.

Hiding in a dark corner, away from it all, or lashing out at others in anger is not how God would have us handle our problems, however.

God has a better way, if we would just have the courage to do it--to trust in His power to handle things in His timing and His way.

In the Bible, God uses the story of Joshua to illustrate how much easier God’s solutions are than running away or fighting it out, even when His ways seem like foolishness to the world. Scouts sent out to survey the area God promised came back and said it might be better to run than to face the giants in the land. Joshua, however, was ready to fight, even if that meant sustaining major casualties. When they got to the city gates, God had a different plan altogether. The Israelites marched around the city walls for six days, and on the seventh day, when they marched around them and Joshua blew his trumpet, the walls fell down on their own!

Scripture clearly tells us that our battles belong to the Lord. He has a way of working things out, even when we don’t see it for the moment.

The key to victory is standing firm on our faith, laying our weapons down, and moving forward in humble obedience to Him. When we turn away from our natural instinct for fight or flight, and instead look to the Lord, we find that He is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever do on our own.

“And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” – I Samuel 17:47 (NLT)

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” - Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

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936.294.0991 magnolia-lake.com October 2020 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition 59

Getting your annual mammogram is still important.

During the coronavirus pandemic, we are:

Screening all patients, ensuring only those without COVID-19 symptoms are seen in the office.

Houston Methodist can see you safely.

Getting your annual mammogram is one of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy. That’s why our Breast Care Center is taking every necessary precaution during the coronavirus pandemic to keep you and our staff members safe.

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HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST CARE CENTER AT THE WOODLANDS

Wearing masks and other personal protective equipment while providing patient care.

Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces.

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Redesigning waiting rooms and check-in procedures to ensure social distancing.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 936.270.3600 to schedule your mammogram today. We do not require a doctor’s order for your annual screening mammogram.