Postcards

Lake Conroe Edition

March 2019

Do You Know?

Frank Minton

Texas Talent

Parker McCollum

Just for Fun

Prison City Film Festival

Business Focus

Perri Dermatology

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March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 3

March 2019 | Volume 8, Issue 3

Do You Know?

Texas Talent

14

8

26

Frank Minton

Parker McCollum

Prison City Film Festival

Just for Fun

20

Business Focus

26

20

8

Perri Dermatology

Features

14

Favorites 7

From the Publisher

7

Letters from Our Readers

12

Dear Gabby

13

Glorious Grandkids

18 Star Students 24 Community Postcards

Magazine™ Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher: Karen Altom Editor: Wes Altom Social Media Management: Abby Altom Boyd Advertising Sales: Janet T. Jones, Marshall Altom Designers: Chris Blair, Mary Partida Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media CORRESPONDENCE Postcards Magazine™ welcomes reader feedback.

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Vet Connect

29 Out of the Mouths of Babes 30 Pet Pals 31

Milestones

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Calendar of Events

34 Mustard Seed Moments

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March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 5

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Clear Lake

From the Publisher Karen Altom

publisher@postcardslive.com

I once read that the sense of smell is one of the strongest senses connecting to memory. I believe it.

Walking through a large club store recently, I realized I had turned onto the candy aisle while “cutting through” to get to the frozen foods section. Historically, I would have looked at the options and spent a little time there, but because our family has decided to get healthy (and I’m addicted to chocolate), I was moving more quickly than usual.

Breezing down that aisle, the smell of those boxes of chocolate candy hit me, and I was transported back in time to memories not thought of in many years.

Thomas Adams, the dad of one of my dear childhood friends, was a candy distributor and made deliveries keeping sweets on the shelves of area stores.

Outside, in the back of their house, was a warehouse. Maybe it was a garage turned warehouse, I don’t remember for sure; what I do remember was the smell. It was the same smell that hit

me walking down that aisle. Patty and I used to go hang out in the warehouse and climb on all the boxes. Often, Mr. Adams would let us pick something as a treat—and there was SO much to pick from!

You know that scene at the end of the first Indiana Jones movie where they store the Ark of the Covenant in a nondescript crate in that huge warehouse? Well, scale that down considerably, but that’s what it FELT like to a junior high girl who had to CHOOSE which treat she wanted! Just the memory brought a smile to my face.

That moment made me realize we are making those little memories every day. I’m sure Mr. Adams never thought that when I was 54 years old, the smell of boxes of chocolate would still make me think of his sweetness and the friendship and times spent in their home with daughter Patty. But it does. And it still makes me smile.

It also made me realize this—whether or not we know it, our actions may very well be remembered by someone decades from now. I hope when I come to mind, it makes them smile.

Until next time, ~ Karen

Letters from Our Readers I am with the Lake Conroe Sailing Association...Claudia Kirkwood did an excellent job covering our club with a fabulous write up and great pictures as well. Last year, in fact, the Postcards coverage helped grow our club substantially!

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I love how you guys support our community and local businesses!

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March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 7

Do You Know?

Frank and Joyce Minton (both 84) have been married for 62 years!

By Ruth Fields Photos by Gina Turner When Frank Minton and his identical twin brother Fred were 10 years old, they attended a San Diego Padres baseball game. Right then, Frank decided he wanted to be a baseball player.

Not long afterward, he felt God’s call to be a preacher, but that calling would have to wait a few years. Frank bargained with God, saying, “If you would just let me play a few years first.”

And play, the brothers did. With Frank as a left-handed pitcher and Fred in the outfield, the twins were crucial in helping their Wichita North (Kansas) High School team win a state championship. Then, both brothers earned full baseball scholarships to the University of Oklahoma, and then both played with the Brooklyn Dodgers. (Frank played with the Dodgers’ farm club from 1955 until 1958; Fred played with the farm club for two years until being traded to the Baltimore Orioles.)

Then, Frank started to preach, helping churches in six states grow into thriving congregations.

Along the way, he graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and authored two books, Baseball’s Sermon on the Mound and Baseball Hits and Bible Bits. Today, Frank and his wife Joyce live in Walden. They are both 84 years old.

What is it like being an identical twin?

I always felt like Fred was another me.

He was more carefree, but I never felt competitive. For him, I was the competition.

When we were born, I was first by four hours.

He would say, “After you were born, the Lord said, ‘I think I can do better than that.’”

When did you meet Joyce?

I met Joyce in high school. She was 14; I was 15. When I saw her, I said, “Dear Lord, do you see what I see?” We have been married for over 62 years. People said, “You are one of the best preachers we’ve had, but your wife is the best preacher’s wife that we’ve had. They really loved Joyce.”

What launched you into professional baseball?

I remember the high school state championship game. They had changed the rules so a high school pitcher couldn’t pitch more than nine innings in a 24-hour period.

They didn’t want one pitcher pitching all the games. There were three regional games and three state games. We won five of them. We came into the last one, and I couldn’t pitch until nine o’clock because of the 24-hour rule.

When I came in, it was tied, five to five. I

Fred and Frank Minton, twin brothers, both played for Dodgers

struck out the next ten guys. My twin brother hit a booming triple, and we won the game.

They said, “The twins did it.”

That was when the Dodgers picked up on me. I got a full scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, and so did my brother. They didn’t care what I did in college. They knew what I did in high school. The Dodgers had a dragnet for left-handed pitchers. The same year, Sandy Koufax, the great left-handed pitcher, signed. He went on to greatness.

That’s why you have never heard of me! When I was pitching, they would call me “the tall, rangy left-hander.” I am six feet tall, but they wouldn’t even look at me today. You’ve got to be at least six foot-two or maybe six footfive, or you can forget it.

What put you on the path of becoming a preacher?

I was brought up in a non-Christian home.

My dad was a notorious drinker and gambler.

My mother was emotionally disturbed and had problems. I went by a little Baptist church one night. I walked in and heard about Jesus.

I said, “Whoa!” I learned how to follow Jesus from the people of the church. The church saved my life.

How was your intent to preach received among professional baseball players?

When I was as rookie, we went to spring training, my twin brother and I. It’s amazing.

By the time we got to spring training, all the Dodgers knew we were church guys.

One time, Fred and I were leaving, and Don Drysdale said, “Where are you guys going with those Bibles?” It was quiet, and my twin brother said, “Oh, we are going to church. It’s Wednesday night, isn’t it?”

We played other teams in the “Grapefruit League” in Florida. They said, “You want to meet Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle?” I said, “Yeah!” The Yankees’ bus was coming up. Don Drysdale called ahead and said, “Hey, Mickey, here’s what we’re going to do.

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The Minton twins are going to try to convert Yogi. Make sure he’s the first one off the bus.

Mickey, don’t let Yogi get back on the bus.”

So we’re there, and here it came, and the first one off the bus was Yogi. Fred and I didn’t know it was a set-up. They said, “Hey, Yogi, here are the Mintons. They are going to try to convert you!” My brother and I knew we had been had. He tried to get back on the bus, and Mickey wouldn’t let him.

Was it hard to leave baseball?

After three years in professional baseball, I did not sign my fourth-year contract. Baseball people told me, “Old guys preach; young guys play baseball,” but I knew that God had called me earlier. It was one of the most difficult decisions that I ever made, because I loved baseball, but that’s what the Lord put on my heart. The Chicago Cubs called me and wanted to know if I had any interest in going to Chicago, but by that time, I was into pastoring and really never looked back.

Road Baptist Church. From 1959 to 1989 it grew from 17 to 1,076 in attendance.

How many churches did you pastor?

I pastored ten churches in six different states: Kansas, Texas, Missouri, Alaska, Ohio, California—small churches, big churches, mega-churches. I have enjoyed being a pastor.

I called myself America’s pastor, because I preached all over the country. I feel like God blessed me, because all those churches grew tremendously. Our last three years at South Cliff in Fort Worth, we averaged 10 additions a Sunday. I preached on Sunday, and my people preached every day.

Can you describe your preaching style?

All during my ministry, I used baseball illustrations. Everybody knew I was as baseball player. That helped, because I wasn’t just a religious person. They identified with me as a person. I told people, “If you got

Tell us about the first church you pastored.

We went back to our hometown of Wichita, Kansas and built a home in suburban Wichita.

We started a church with 17 people in our home. We led them to buy an entire city block out in the suburbs of Wichita. It became Tyler

me, it’s baseball. If you got me, it’s the Lord.

They go together. It’s the same package.” I preach to reach the 10-year-old, freckle-faced boy, and I know that when I reach him, it will touch the heart of the Ph.D., too. I am not sophisticated, but always use the language of the people of the street.

What made you decide to become an author?

I didn’t write the book to make money.

I wrote it as a legacy for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as a testimony, but not to be a money-maker, and it certainly isn’t. Only three percent of people will read a religious book, and I wanted to reach out to those who aren’t particularly religious, but are interested in the sports world.

When did you leave the full-time ministry?

I was a full-time pastor until 2010. I was preaching in Sugar Land. We moved to

The legacy that I want to leave with my children is my faith in Jesus Christ. I can’t leave fortunes to them, but that’s the one thing I want to leave them.

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The people are friendly. I walk about three or four times a week along this land barrier.

It’s a little under a mile. It’s my mission field.

I talk to everybody out there. I say, “Did I ever give you one of my baseball cards?” It’s a little braggadocious to have a card of me when I was 20 years old, but here’s the thing: I talk about baseball, and then I talk to them about the Lord. I say, “Hey, where do you go to church?” And away I go. One guy had just had heart surgery. I started talking to him before he got in his pickup truck. I said, “You have a heart problem, and you don’t know when you are going to meet the Lord,” and we prayed together. He came by later and took us for a boat ride.

We go to First Baptist Church of Montgomery. The pastor has been there for three years, and it is his first pastorate. I call him my rookie pastor. I go in and say, “Hey, pastor, you know rookies are great, but they make rookie mistakes. I can give you something that you don’t have, and it will take you a while to get it—experience.”

There is a filling station—a Shell station—on Walden Road, and they have a little lunch

cafeteria. This one is terrific. We go down there, Joyce and I do, for lunch. Here’s the thing: there have been nine people visit First Baptist Church of Montgomery that we have met in that filling station. Nine! One has already joined the church, and they bring other people.

How do you want to be remembered?

The legacy that I want to leave with my children is my faith in Jesus Christ. I can’t leave fortunes to them, but that’s the one thing I want to leave them. We have four children, 12 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren. Here is what I want Joyce to put on my gravestone: “Jesus saved my soul.

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Frank Minton 1955 Shawnee Oklahoma first year player

His church saved my life.” I did love baseball.

Baseball is part of my life, just like preaching is, but leaving baseball was like trading a diamond for a crown. I really, really enjoyed being a pastor. I never really had a job. I loved doing everything I did. I never worked a day in my life.

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Dear Gabby

Get back to the activities you love!

Together, we can: v improve your mobility and motion v reduce pain without medication in many cases v improve surgical outcomes

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. St. Patrick’s Day is always such a fun day in March. Here’s my worst St. Patty’s Day joke: What’s Irish and stays out all night?

Patty O’Furniture. My worst Patty’s Day party was the time I had too much to drink and took a bus home. It may not mean much to you, but I’d never driven a bus before. You should always do as I say, not as I do, so drop me a line to Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com for some “no blarney” advice. And don’t forget to wear green!

DEAR GABBY I recently met an awesome guy through an online dating site and we are really getting serious. We haven’t met in person, yet, but we are scheduled to have a real face to face date very soon. I have found the perfect dress to wear when we meet, but you never know how sizes run when you order something online, so I ordered the dress in several sizes and will return the ones that don’t fit?

I’ve never done that before, but I can’t see any harm in it.

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T

H

xas

Talent

By Amy Barnett Submitted Photos

C

onroe native Parker McCollum is someone we could easily describe as “the whole package.” He’s handsome and confident, but not pretentious.

He’s talented and smart, yet still humble. He’s an old soul with a laidback Austin vibe and can write a heartbreak song that is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever loved and lost. Wrap that up with a slightly mischievous smile, a tucked-in t-shirt and a mamma-raised-himright “yes ma’am,” and you have one of the hottest new acts in country music. Postcards Magazine recently visited with McCollum on his tour bus outside Shenanigans & Confettis Beach Club in Huntsville. The 26-yearold Misunderstood singer shared stories about his childhood in Conroe, the moment he thought about giving up, and an incredible year that put his brand of honest country music on the map.

parkermccollum.com

What was life like growing up in Conroe?

Growing up in Conroe was pretty normal. Back then, it seemed more like a small town, but it has grown so much over recent years. My parents and grandparents all went to Conroe High School. My family has been there a long time. My brother is six years older than me and was always writing and singing and playing guitar while I was growing up, so that’s how I got into it. I was always singing country music.

I remember my mom would get so mad and say, “How can you remember the words to a song after hearing it one time, but you can’t remember your multiplication tables?”

Who were some of the singers that influenced you at an early age?

The first people I remember hearing were Porter Wagoner and Johnny Cash, in my aunt’s car; of course, my cousins thought it was weird, but I remember always connecting to that music.

By the time I was in junior high, I got into guys like Hayes Carll, Chris Knight, and Adam Carroll; and then Ryan Bingham and the Turnpikes came along (Turnpike Troubadours). I was a huge Pat Green and Randy Rogers fan, too; and now Randy Rogers manages us, so that’s cool.

When did you decide to pursue music as a career?

I got my parents to let me go to a community college in Austin just so I could move there, because I knew I wasn’t going there to go to school. I went a little bit the first year—not a whole lot. I was in Austin about two years before I started getting serious about music.

You had your first taste of success in 2015 with your debut album, The Limestone Kid, and now your sophomore album, Probably Wrong, has really launched your career. Was there ever a time that you thought about giving up?

One day when I was picking up copies of The Limestone Kid, I was outside the guy’s house who printed them, and he wasn’t home yet. I called my dad—because I was having a moment—and said, “What am I doing?” He said, “I don’t know, but you need to make up your mind right now. You’re either gonna do it or figure something else out and stick to it.” I said, “Never mind. I’m going to do this.” I never looked back.

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What drives you to keep pressing forward in this business?

it to do so well or become anything, but it has become a fan favorite.

I just want to be a songwriter. I don’t connect to songs that aren’t super honest.

When you hear a song, you know right away whether you buy it or not. I just always felt I could deliver that. I’m not saying I’m a really good songwriter, but I’d like to be one day.

You are managed by Randy Rogers, someone who has made a name for himself in Texas Country Music for 20 years. How did that relationship come about?

What is your songwriting process?

I put large Post-it notes on the walls with my ideas on them. I stand up, walk around and play guitar—it’s really weird, but it works.

When I was writing songs for Probably Wrong, I would go to my brother’s house to write, because he would work all day, and I had a roommate. Hell of a Year was the last song I wrote for the album, and I wrote it in a Whataburger parking lot in Austin at 2 or 3 in the morning. I had the guitar picking part, and I just started singing the words. I drove back home and finished it.

Misunderstood has been a huge hit. Are you surprised how much attention and airplay it has received?

Yes. It was kind of the sleeper song on the record. I don’t think anyone really expected

I CHOOSE OPTIMAL

We were playing in Corpus Christi with Kevin Fowler, Cody Johnson, and Randy Rogers. There were three tour buses and our little van. This dude walks up in a Texas Rangers ballcap, shorts, Gucci shades and a gold chain, and I knew it was Randy Rogers, but I had never met him before. He hopped in the van and immediately started telling stories—I don’t think he even introduced himself, which was really cool. Then, when we started playing, he stood on the side and watched our whole show. Afterwards he said, “We really like what you’re doing and want to be a part of it.” There was no question in my mind that I wanted him to manage us. I had listened to him my whole life; it was the best decision we have made—hands down.

The advice he has given me—how to carry yourself in this business, how to pick who you work with and who to let in your circle—has been amazing. I joke and call him Daddy. He hates it and tells me to call him Big Brother.

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Let’s talk about your brand. How would you describe your sound?

I don’t really think about our sound. It’s something that is just natural and honest. I can’t fake it, which is kind of a blessing and a curse.

What about your look?

My tucked in t-shirts? Well, I’m not good at dressing myself. I wear Target shirts and Wranglers or Levi’s, but when a guy that lives near me gave me this cool belt from where he works, I started tucking in my t-shirt—a full

tuck—it’s a way of life (cue the mischievous grin).

Any unique habits we should know about?

I used to drink pickle juice on stage every night because it’s good for your vocal chords, but I quit. I thought—what if I get a weird disease from drinking too much pickle juice?

What does your family think about your success?

My mom thinks it’s really cool. My dad and stepmom are blown away. My brother is very supportive and is about to pursue music, too. He is super talented and a way better songwriter than I am.

This past year has been remarkable for your career. How would you sum it up?

We got our first tour bus—that’s probably the coolest thing I will ever do in my whole life. We got to tour the west coast with Randy Rogers. We signed a publishing deal with Warner Bros.—it was wild. And it was the greatest deer season of my life, no doubt.

It was insane. I was on the ranch in East Texas that I have been hunting on my whole life, and the biggest deer I have ever shot walked out 20 minutes after daylight—after I had been sitting out there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday by myself. That deer walked out, and it was worth the wait.

McCollum has now begun writing songs for his third album and said he is approaching it the only way he knows how—with honesty, and a room full of extra-large Post-it notes.

Don’t miss your chance to see Parker McCollum in concert. Visit parkermccollum.com for tour dates.

March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 17

  

Star Students

Cinmeco Kittrell

Karla Fuentes

Conroe High School

Conroe High School

Favorite Movie:

Favorite Movie:

Infinity War

Peppermint

Favorite Music/Artist: Troye Sivan

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Quote:



“You never realize how strong you are until it’s the only choice you have.”

C

ici is a senior at Conroe High School and is the daughter of Natlie Kittrell. Her activities include playing the guitar, listening to music, and learning Japanese. Following graduation, Cici plans to attend college with a dual major in art history and photography. She believes, “It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, you can still waste your life if you don’t pursue your passions.”

Favorite Music/Artist: Khalid

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Quote: “Love the life you live; live the life you love.”

K



arla is a senior at Conroe High School and is the daughter of Gloria and Walter Fuentes. Her activities include soccer.

Following graduation, Karla plans to attend college at Lamar or SFA, then pursue as career as an engineer. She believes, “Your life is built by the reality of things.”

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18 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | March 2019

 

Star Students

Taylor Rae Bennett New Waverly High School

Favorite Movie: The Great Gatsby

Favorite Music/Artist: Cody Johnson, Post Malone

Favorite Food: Pasta

T

Favorite Quote:



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“Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.” ~Dolly Parton

aylor is a senior at New Waverly High School and is the daughter of Brian Bennett and Denise Bennett. Her activities include softball, athletic training, discus, commercial heifers, Beta Club, FFA, and UIL Academics. Following graduation, Taylor plans to attend Stephen F. Austin State University to study nursing.

She believes, “Be the leader, role model, good Samaritan people can look up to. If you want to be a leader to your friends, family and co-workers, you have to work for it.”

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More Info: prisoncityfilmfestival.com Tickets: filmfreeway.com

By Rosa Coss

Attending filmmakers gather in front of Old Town Theatre

Paul Shiver’s dream became a reality in 2018 with “Prison City” Film Festival in downtown Huntsville.

Photos by Libby Rogers

A

s a media producer and filmmaker for many years, Paul Shiver had always thought Huntsville, Texas, and more specifically downtown Huntsville, would be a perfect place for a film festival. He envisioned taking 12th Street and putting on some entertainment to draw people in and build an audience for independent filmmakers. “They work really hard investing their time and their own money to create their movies,” said Shiver. “In all likelihood, their movies will not get picked up by well-known film studios like 20th Century Fox, because such studios already have their own system in place, but for independent filmmakers, film festivals are how they showcase their work.”

In 2018, dream became reality with the inception of the “Prison City” Film Festival in downtown Huntsville, Texas. According to Shiver, many people ask how the name came about. It’s a well-known fact, that Huntsville, Texas, within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), is recognized for having the state headquarters and several prisons. For this reason, Huntsville is often referred to as, “Prison City.” Hence, the name, “Prison City” Film Festival. “We receive lots of submissions of documentaries about the prisons. In this respect, it has worked in our favor,” said Shiver. He also believes that the

name is the reason they’ve received so many submissions. According to Shiver, many Independent Filmmakers said they don’t usually deal with first-year film festivals, but they admitted they were intrigued by the name, and decided to take a risk.

Originally, the idea was to create a small-town film festival to showcase independent films and filmmakers, with anticipation of getting anywhere from 10 to 15 submissions. Ultimately, they received over 40 submissions from all around the world. Before they knew it, Film Freeway had caught wind of it, then they were listed with the Texas Film Commission, and soon started receiving phone calls from the Houston Film Commission. Some of the main events last year included a welcome dinner and party for filmmakers, hosted by Mayor Andy Brauninger. Almost 40 filmmakers were in attendance. They met with the executive staff responsible for coordinating the event, and expressed their appreciation for the recognition and warm welcome they received. Other activities included a welcome luncheon hosted by the Wynne Home, and a mixer held at Crazywood Art Gallery, hosted

by John Smither, Huntsville entrepreneur and art enthusiast. These various events created lots of opportunities for networking, and plenty

»

March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

Mayor Andy Brauniger and wife Marlene (right) attend Red Carpet Opening Night at 2018 PCFF. Opposite Page: Host Jennifer Shiver Q&A with Filmmakers.

to see and do. “Overall, the event went well, with a bit of a learning curve,” said Shiver.

As a result of last year’s success, Huntsville is now getting ‘revved up’ to host the 2nd Annual Prison City Film Festival (PCFF) at the Old Town Theatre located in downtown Huntsville.

The 4-day event commences Wednesday, February 27 with a special guest presentation and Q&A session on Creative Screenplay & Script Writing, by James Christopher, Austin filmmaker, and founder of the Austin Revolution Film Festival. Film screenings will be shown in blocks throughout the week, and on Thursday, February 28, special guest Mark Allyn, Actor/Voice Artist/Producer, will have a presentation and Q&A session on Acting & Auditioning. Later that evening, John Smither, will host the PCFF VIP Mixer, at The ‘Crazywood’ Art Gallery. A luncheon in honor of the filmmakers will be held on March 1, at The Wynne Home Arts Center.

Other activities include: the PCFF 12th Street Party, featuring R.L. Bell, of America’s Got Talent, and winner of the 2010 Huntsville Superstar. Also on Thursday, will be the VIP Reception hosted by Andy Brauninger, Mayor of Huntsville, TX, and the City of Huntsville, TX Tourism. The festival will conclude on Saturday, March 2 with the Red Carpet Event, followed by the PCFF Awards Show & Ceremony, and the PCFF After Party. For a complete schedule of the activities and film

screenings, visit prisoncityfilmfestival.com, and go to filmfreeway.com to buy tickets. For those interested in getting the VIP All-Access Pass (valued at $340) for only $140 (includes access to all screenings, presentations and special events), tickets must be purchased before February 27.

This year, over 100 submissions were received from all around the world, including: Sweden, Australia, Switzerland, UK, Croatia, Belgium, France, Indonesia, Morocco,

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and Italy, to name a few, as well as from students from our very own Sam Houston State University. The selection committee carefully reviewed all of the submissions, and selected eighty-six films to screen at this year’s festival. Fifty-nine have been nominated to receive an award in one or more of the following categories: THE C.O. AWARD (Best in Category), THE SERGEANT’S AWARD (Best Production), THE CAPTAIN’S AWARD (Best Director), THE MAJOR AWARD (Best

Acting), THE DESK BOSS AWARD (Best in Genre), THE NEXT-GEN AWARD (Best Student Filmmaker), THE OUTSIDE PICKETT AWARD (Most Original), THE AD-SEG AWARD (Most Intense, and/or Uniquely Creative), and THE WARDEN’S VANGUARD AWARD (Best Overall Submission).

The Prison City Film Festival comes together with collaboration of various local businesses and organizations that have shown interest in getting involved. The

festival also opens up opportunities for visitors to learn about Huntsville, get to know the community, and visit local businesses. Many restaurants are on board, and will be offering discounts. “Sponsors also play an important role, and are very much appreciated,” said Shiver.

Some of the strongest supporters this year include, Danny McNease, owner of McNease Drugs and Market Creek (a new food truck park that will be opening soon near the Huntsville Public Library). He will be providing funding for the awards, and will be helping out with the operations of the theatre throughout the event. H-E-B, the City of Huntsville, and Main Street Program are working together to create a party on 12th Street. There will be live music, food, and lots to see and do! Hampton Inn and Best Western will also be offering discounted hotel rates for visitors. Other sponsors include: Smither Co. Real Estate, Wish Wash Car Wash, Ceebee’s Furniture, and Smooth Rock 93.5.

Shiver hopes the Prison City Film Festival continues to grow year after year. It’s a great opportunity to promote the arts and provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work.

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Community Postcards

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Datrin Rogers, City of Conroe Recreation Coordinator, was recently recognized as the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) East Region Young Professional of the Year.

Sam Houston State University’s Pirkle Engineering Technology Center has been selected for The American School & University 2018 Architectural Portfolio. Viewed as the ultimate tribute to education design excellence, the distinctive honor positions SHSU’s center among outstanding architectural projects of national acclaim.

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

Many people do not think to worry about their horse’s eyes, since the majority of equine are considered working animals. Horses were made to be in the outdoors, so one would think they have all the necessary means to “handle the outdoors.” Unfortunately, for this reason, horses are known to have more severe eye injuries and state of disease once they finally make it to the veterinarian. Owners do not usually notice if their horse’s eye is cloudy or irritated. They usually only realize the issue as their horse is scratching on a post, not turning the poles or barrels the way they used to, or not staying with the cows as they did in the past.

The horse’s eyes are very complex in the way they are constructed. Details on the makeup of the eye help to show how issues can arise and where they are most commonly seen. The eye is connected to the brain which communicates through nerve signals. It is a sphere filled with fluid and is fragile. For this reason, it sits inside the eye socket, a circular structure made of bone. The cornea is also an important part of the eye; it is the outermost layer of the eye and is like a window, controlling the entry of light into the eye. Just inside the cornea is the anterior chamber. This chamber holds a thick, clear fluid called aqueous humor. The aqueous humor is very important for supplying nutrition to the cornea and lens, nutrients such as amino acids and glucose. The colored part of the eye is known as the iris, which functions to control the size and diameter of the pupil. Finally, the pupil functions to

The Equine Eye and Its Concerns

determine the amount of light allowed in the image-forming part of the eye.

Horses can injure their eye on branches, halters, dust—and anything else you can think of. Signs to watch for are redness, swelling, eye rubbing, blinking, and excessive drainage. If any of these start to occur, it is ideal to get the horse to a veterinarian as soon as possible. If delayed too long before being seen, the owner risks severe and long-term damage to the horse’s eye.

Certain conditions are known to affect horses more than other animals. To list a few: traumatic injuries, equine recurrent uveitis, squamous cell carcinoma, cataracts, and corneal disorders. Out of those listed, 90 percent of horses that come into the clinic have corneal disease, squamous cell carcinoma, and equine recurrent uveitis.

Another big one that affects horses’ eyes is physical trauma to the cornea. Equine recurrent uveitis is one of the most common and one of the most challenging to treat and, in severe cases, will lead to blindness. The cowboy term of ERU is moon blindness. ERU is an autoimmune disease that is clinically diagnosed with excessive squinting, redness, cloudiness, and watery discharge that will increase in frequency and severity. There are three types of equine recurrent uveitis: affecting the front of the eye (classic), subclinical (insidious), and the back of the eye (posterior). Unfortunately, there is no real cure for ERU. Topical and oral medications have been used to try to manage these conditions. Steroids can be used to help

with inflammation and any existing ocular damage, but in severe cases these do not help, and the horse may need to undergo eye surgery. Research being done using stem cells to help fight off ERU is in the very early stages. Corneal ulcers or any injury to the cornea are also big issues in the eye due to the cornea being constructed by collagen fibers, which lack blood supply. It is very difficult for the cornea to fight off bacterial or fungal infections. In this case, they need to be treated aggressively with topical antibiotics or antifungals. The most common eye cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors tend to develop on the third eyelid or on the inside of the eyelid. These cancer spots appear most like warts. Common treatment involves freezing (cryotherapy) to remove.

The removal of the mass or sometimes even the eye may be necessary.

Remember to check your horse’s eyes periodically and monitor for any signs listed above. Watch for subtle behavior changes to help catch problems early on. Don’t delay in having an eye checked. Eye concerns are commonly considered an emergency and need to be dealt with promptly.

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March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 25

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“Having a father that is a melanoma survivor has certainly influenced my commitment to the early detection of skin cancer. I am dedicated to ensuring the community has accessibility to a board certified dermatologist.”

By Ruth Fields Submitted Photos Texas raised and Texas trained. As a child growing up in Corsicana, Dr. Anthony Perri learned the importance of early detection of skin cancer, as his own father was diagnosed with melanoma. Fortunately, the melanoma was treated before it became more advanced and his father is alive and well today due to a skin cancer screening.

“Having a father that is a melanoma survivor has certainly influenced my commitment to the early detection of skin cancer. I am dedicated to ensuring the community has accessibility to a board certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Perri.

As a board certified dermatologist, Dr. Perri treats all skin conditions and is committed to ensuring patients do not have to wait weeks or months for an appointment. He maintains an open access policy with several appointments reserved each day so patients can be seen immediately if they are concerned about a changing skin lesion or a severe rash. Dr. Perri’s practice has also eliminated many of the 26 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | March 2019

traditional barriers to dermatology access, as his clinic is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Just a few years after graduating and serving as chief resident of dermatology at he University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Perri became chief of the Dermatology section at Sadler Clinic and then founded his own practice, Perri Dermatology, PLLC. He has been selected as Top Doctor in H Texas Magazine for the past eight years and he has been honored as a Super Doctor in Texas Monthly Magazine 2015-2018.

Dr. Perri has two convenient offices: 9305 Pinecroft Drive in The Woodlands and at 4015 I-45 N League Line Road in Conroe. He is committed to educating the public about dermatology and maintains a daily dermatology blog on his website at www.PerriDermatology.com and www.facebook.com/TheWoodlandsDermatology.

Locations: 9305 Pinecroft Dr., Ste. 305 The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 943-2749 4015 I-45 (at League Line Rd.) Conroe, TX 77304 (936) 522-4966

Steps for Summer Sun Safety According to the American Cancer Society, there is a direct link between sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer. Sunburns are linked to melanoma (the most deadly kind of skin cancer), and the more common basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are generally found on parts of the body that have received years of everyday sun exposure. Fortunately, there are steps that can prevent over-exposure to the sun’s damaging rays:

Play it smart at midday UV rays are a concern all year long, but they’re stronger during summer and during the middle of the day. The American Cancer Society recommends that people avoid direct exposure to the sun

during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. As a general guide, if your shadow is shorter than you are, it’s a good time to be indoors or in the shade. Don’t forget that sand, snow and water can reflect sunlight, increasing UV exposure.

Remember that sunscreens aren’t perfect The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreens with Sun Protection Factors (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF 30 sunscreen, in theory, multiplies the amount of time people can spend in the sun by 30; however, a sunscreen’s SPF is only valid if the sunscreen is applied generously, according to package directions.

Adults of average size need about one ounce—the amount it would take to fill a shot glass—to cover their arms, legs, necks and

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faces. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, and should be reapplied sooner after sweating, swimming or toweling off. New sunscreen labels no longer use the words “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” but “water resistant” sunscreens state on their labels whether they will protect 40 minutes or 80 minutes in the water. The AAD recommends “broad spectrum” sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays; however, no sunscreen provides 100 percent protection from the sun’s damaging rays.

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Use lip balm that contains sunscreen and wear sunglasses during times of sun exposure.

Be sure to check the labels of sunglasses.

If they say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements,” the sunglasses block at least 99% of UV rays.

If labels say “cosmetic,” they block about 70% of UV rays. If sunglasses are not labeled, it’s best to assume that they do not provide any protection from UV rays. Because UV protection on sunglasses is invisible, darker glasses are not necessarily better than lightercolored glasses.

Remember to wear a hat While caps protect the scalp and face, it’s better to wear hats with 2- to 3-inch brims that go all the way around, because they protect the vulnerable neck and ears.

No tan is a good tan Although some people get “base” tans to protect them from burns, the American Cancer Society warns that tanning—even tanning from tanning beds—injures the deeper levels of the skin, where damage is cumulative.

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

One year, after our Easter festivities, my 7-year-old Dylan told me he had just learned from his older cousins that the Easter Bunny was a fake. He was quite angry with me for lying to him about it.

I explained to him that parents do that sort of thing as a tradition and to make the holiday special for our children. I then inquired if he would like to know the truth about Santa Claus as well. He quickly stated, “No! I think I’ll wait until AFTER Christmas to ask about him.”

Becky Fulenwider

Partners Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP® & Bryan M Masten, CFP®, AIF®

What is Wealth?

For many people wealth is about money and belongings. In fact, Merriam-Webster defines wealth as: Wealth (noun) – Abundance of valuable material possessions or resources But what is it really? Are you only wealthy if you have a lot of money or other valuable possessions?

What if you have money and poor health? Or what if you have money, but no loved ones around you? Are you still wealthy?

I would argue that wealth is more about what you consider important. If time with your family is important to you, you may be wealthy without an abundance of material possessions.

My niece, Sara, called my parents in Chicago, who had no electricity because of the winter storm. The weather wasn’t that bad here.

Sara: Whatcha doin’ Grandma?

Grandma: Sitting here in the dark. What are you doing?

Sara: Watching TV. Why aren’t you watching TV? Grandma: Because our lights are out.

Sara: Do you have a flashlight? Just shine it on the TV; then you can see it.

Mary E. Park

So, with that in mind, when you hear us say we offer wealth management services what does that mean? To me it means we help clients identify what is important and find a way to help them achieve those things. In some cases, the things that are important will require large sums of money to achieve.

In other cases, the money requirements may be much more modest. It is really not about the money, but the things the money will allow you to do. So, what does it take to be wealthy, whatever that means to you?

1. Identify your wealth – This will require some serious introspection. What is important to you and your spouse? Are you on the same page, or do you need to identify wealth separately?

2. Determine what it will take to achieve your wealth – Does your wealth require an abundance of possessions or resources? Or is it more modest? Is your wealth realistically achievable? And do you have enough time to achieve your wealth? This is where we may be able to provide some assistance.

3. Set obtainable goals to achieve your wealth – Sometimes it helps to take small steps. Once we understand what you want, and when you want it, we can help set and track progress toward your wealth.

4. Focus on your wealth and not the daily market noise – Too often we get caught up in what is going on in the world around us – those things that we can’t control. Tune out the noise and focus on your wealth.

5. Review progress regularly – It is important to understand how you are progressing. Do you need to make adjustments or just stay the course? Has your personal definition of wealth changed, and if so, do we need to start the process again?

We were having family prayers, and for the first time ever at such times, our 3-yearold son piped up, “And dear Jesus, we pray for Superman. He is a superhero but needs your help against all the evil villains, Amen.” I like to think that our dear Lord was smiling at our little man’s first prayer.

Meg Nicol

6. Once you achieve your wealth, it is time to re-evaluate – Life is full of goals and achievements.

Some small and some much more challenging. As with any accomplishment in life, when you achieve your wealth it is time to once again determine what is important to you. Do we need to start the process again?

Wealth can be many things to different people. Do you know how you define wealth? If not, we may be able to help.

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(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.

March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 29

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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!

Congratulations!!

Michael A. Curtner ll from Normangee graduated from United States Marine Corp Boot Camp.

Proud parents are Michael, Sr. and Kimberly Curtner and grandparents Donna and John Coleman.

Submitted by Donna Coleman

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Cannon Currie turned 2 on January 27th.

Proud parents Cody and Amber Currie.

Submitted by Amber Currie

March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 31

03 MAR 2019 BEAUMONT Southeast Texas State Fair March 21-31 ymbl.org

BRYAN Downtown Bryan Firkin Fest March 30 downtownbryan.com

COLLEGE STATION Koresh Dance Company Show March 8 academyarts.tamu.edu Red Hot Chilli Pipers in Concert March 19

Boston Pops in Concert March 22 mscopas.org

CONROE Montgomery County Home & Garden Show March 2-3 woodlandsshows.com Young Texas Artists March 7-9 ytamc.com “Godspell” March 8-24 owentheatre.com Rising Stars and Legends of Texas March 9-16 greaterconroe artsalliance.com

Calendar of Events

Sound of Texas Music Series featuring Pam Tillis March 16 friendsofconroe.com

McDonald’s Houston’s Children’s Festival March 30-31 houstonchildrensfestival.com

Montgomery County Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale March 23 mcmga.com

Jeff Dunham: Passively Aggressive March 31 nrgpark.com

Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo March 29-April 7 mcfa.org

CROCKETT Blood, Sweat, and Tears in Concert March 9 pwfaa.org

FULTON Oysterfest March 7-10 fultonoysterfest.org

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“Mamma Mia!” Feb. 19-March 3 tuts.com Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Feb. 25-March 17 rodeohouston.com “Anastasia” March 5-10 houston.broadway.com “Little Shop of Horrors” March 6-April 28 stagestheatre.com P!NK March 19 Michael Bublé March 26 houstontoyotacenter.com

32 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | March 2019

HUNTSVILLE Texas Independence Day & Sam Houston’s Birthday Celebration March 2 huntsvilletexas.com

“

Veteran’s Breakfast (Free) March 2 936-714-1338 King Cole Circus March 5-6 kingcolecircus.com Rusty, Chippy, Vintage, Hippy and Garden Show March 9-10 huntsvilleantiqueshow.com “Silence” March 20-23 shsu.universitytickets.com Faith Baptist Church 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff & Bakeoff & Fair March 23 936-581-3434 Walker County Fair & Rodeo March 21-30 walkercountyfair.com H.E.A.R.T.S. Muster & 5K Ruck/Fun March March 30 www.facebook.com/ heartsveteransmuseum Herb Festival March 30 texasthymeunit.org

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KilGogh Arts Festival March 29-31 kilgogh.com

Spring into Quilting Show March 8-9 shinerheritagequilters.org

Azalea & Spring Flower Trail March 22-April 7 visittyler.com/azaleatrail

35th Annual Shriner’s Chili Cook-Off March 15-16 936-856-5224

Lone Star Lugnuts Car Show March 30 903-235-0167

LIBERTY Liberty Jubilee March 22-23 cityofliberty.org

LUFKIN “Celtic Nights: Oceans of Hope” Mar. 10 angelinaarts.org

MADISONVILLE Madison County Rodeo & Fair March 15-23 mcfa.net

MONTGOMERY Harlem Wizards vs.

Montgomery Hot Shots March 3 www.HarlemWizards.com

NACOGDOCHES Azalea Trail March 15-April 15 visitnacogdoches.org

PALESTINE Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival March 29-31 903-723-3014

SAN ANTONIO Bud Light Mardi Gras River Parade and Festival March 2 thesanantonioriverwalk.com

SPRING Sister Hazel March 7 doseydoetickets.com

New York Philharmonic in Concert March 30 cowancenter.org

WASHINGTON STAFFORD World Water Day 5K March 23 water.cc/wwd

SUGAR LAND Mariah Carey: Caution World Tour March 1 George Lopez March 9 Michael Carbonaro Live!

March 14 Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Farewell” March 15-17

Texas Independence Day Celebration March 2-3 wheretexasbecame texas.org

American Legion Post 618 Centennial Celebration March 19 936-856-5224

WOODVILLE Tyler County Dogwood Festival March 22-April 6 tylercountydogwood festival.org

WACO The Texas Food Truck Showdown March 16 thetexasfoodtruck showdown.com

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Why Don’t We: 8 Letters Tour March 29 The Beach Boys: Now and Then March 30 Impractical Jokers: Cranjis McBasketball World Comedy Tour March 31 smartfinancialcentre.com

THE WOODLANDS Boston Pops on Tour March 21 woodlandscenter.org

TOMBALL Honky Tonk Chili Challenge March 16 tomballtx.gov

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March 2019 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 33

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Mustard Seed Moments

The Light of Dawn

by Chris Blair “Dawn” is a great word. It is not night. It is not day. Yet, one is transforming into the other. You see both night and day during the dawn. Darkness fades into light of dawn, which slowly and eventually becomes full light.

I also love how we use the phrase, “It dawned on me.” It is like one way of thinking fades and another way of thinking comes to light. The shadows give way to clarity and meaning.

Learning to live fully alive in Jesus is like the dawn. It does not happen in a flash, all of a sudden. Our growth is gradual, subtle, and in small increments. Most of the time we are completely unaware of it. Yet, darkness continues to give way to light.

Your commitment to make small Jesus-like decisions over time will cause tremendous growth in your life. It will affect every aspect of who you are. Those who know you will notice the change without you even trying.

Like a city on a hill cannot hide, so God in your life will be seen.

I want you to be encouraged as you renew your commitment to go deeper as a follower of Jesus. Remember that we are taking our time and consistently turning ourselves over to the Lord. He is the one who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:21).

Today’s Assignment Spend some time thinking about where you were at this time last year. Where were you spiritually? How has life changed for you?

What new insights have you received? How has the light of Christ dawned in your life?

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:14-16

“More than a Church, A place to call Home”

Upward Soccer at Mims It’s not too late to register!

K5 - 6th Grade | Cost: $90 Games begin Saturday, March 16th Please register online at mimsbaptist.org

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