Postcards Magazine Piney Woods March 2024 by Digital Publisher

Piney Woods

March 2024

POSTCARDS Magazine

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HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 51 PAID U.S. POSTAGE PRSRT STD

Lions Club Benches • Walker County Fair Queen • Charleston, South Carolina • Livingston CPA

BEDROOM FURNITURE Sale 40% OFF In Stock AND Special Order Ends 3/31/24

180 I-45 • Huntsville Mon. - Fri. 8-5:30 • Sat. 9-4 2 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

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March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

FEATURES

March 2024

| Volume 14, Issue 3

14 Community Builders

Lions Club Benches

30 A Day in the Life

Walker County Fair Queen

Cover Photo by Raymond W Carroll Postcards 2023 Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner

40 Trippin’

Charleston, South Carolina

66 Business Focus

Stephanie Livingston CPA

FAVORITES 20 Questions -13 Community Calendar -80 Conundrum -48 Creative Corner -38 Dear Gabby -20 From Our Readers -6 From the Mouth of Babes -72 Garden Post, The -24 Giggles & Grins -39 Glorious Grandkids -76

Kidding Around -62 Latest, The -21 Let’s Celebrate -12 Medical Matters -36 Milestones -27 Mustard Seed Moments - 82 Pet Pals -46 Publisher’s Post -9 Puzzle Solutions -28 “Seens” from our World -22

Star Students -54 Sudoku Marketplace -49 Teachers Touching Tomorrow -53 Things My Granddaddy Said -26 What Are You Reading -10 What’s Cookin’? -57 Wildlife Wonders -74 Your Best AgriLife -78

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March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

From Our Readers Thank you!

Local celebrity

We truly enjoyed the evening with the 3 Heath Brothers with the tickets sponsored by Postcards. Thank you. Yes, indeed, thank you so very much!

Thanks for using my little story in the January Piney Woods issue. (Lemon Meringue Pie and a Barefoot Boy) I’ve had fun sharing with my writing group that I am now a published author. It was even mentioned in the Genealogy Society newsletter. No one has asked me for an autograph yet .

Sue & Terry Clyde

Glynda Turner

Amazing article My wife & I enjoy reading Postcards. The recent article About Col. James Ray, POW in Vietnam for 6 years, was amazing. Thank you, Ruth Fields. Robert Coats

6 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Monthly enjoyment I have enjoyed your monthly magazine. Henry D. Rhoden

Hello

SPRING

Seasons are changing. Protect your skin with sunscreen. Remember to come in for your annual checkup.

ANTHONY J. PERRI, M.D. BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

936-522-4966

The Woodlands

Conroe

281-943-2749

936-522-4966

9305 Pinecroft Dr. • Suite 305

4015 I-45 N @ League Line Rd.

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Conroe, Texas 77304

Se Habla Español

Visit us at: PerriDermatology.com March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

8 Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Publisher’s Post Karen Altom

Your Local Community Magazine! PostcardsLive.com

If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available. MAILED to select postal routes in Huntsville, New Waverly, Midway, Madisonville, Riverside and Trinity. FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above. Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher Karen Altom Editor Wes Altom Operations Manager Marshall Altom Advertising Team Nancy Jolly Kent Holder Leah Lamp Marshall Altom Design Team Mary Partida April Key

Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/ or its publisher. Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2024 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

publisher@postcardslive.com

The Forecast Calls for FAIR Weather I remember, as a child, going to the feedstore with my Granddaddy. It was always an adventure. I would stand beside him and listen as he and the other men would talk about things--happenings in town, what time the domino game would be, and (of course) the weather…always the weather. The weather discussion that day might have been because of animals, farming, or planting--but people who frequent feedstores care about the weather (and rightly so). The weather has certainly been a topic of discussion since the beginning of the year. Whether freezing or pouring, 2024 has done its best to make sure we took notice of its arrival. I am personally delighted to be past the point where I walk outside, shiver, and yearn for warmer days. Knowing those warmer days are coming is exciting, especially when I consider the things that come along with them--like spring blooms, bluebonnets, birds, bees, and communities seemingly coming to life after the dreary days of winter. County fairs are one of my favorite signs of spring, and they are happening soon all over our area. If you have never been – make it a point to go! There is SO much to see and experience, projects from all over the spectrum— animals; crafts; photography; quilts and sewing; baked goods and foods; and construction. There are also livestock shows. Even if you have never been to one and have zero knowledge about what they are showing, it is super encouraging to the young people (who have worked so hard) to have their community there cheering them on. Your little ones may enjoy petting zoos and carnival rides, and let’s also remember the food-- funnel cakes, footlong corn dogs, and so much more. Fair food is always best when eaten at the fair! If I had to name a personal favorite about the fair, I think it would be the auction and freezer sales. This is when our community really shows up to let these young men and women know their hard work has been noticed, and we are proud of them. Local citizens, businesses and organizations come together to purchase the projects of these young people. Those who cannot afford large amounts can do “add-on” money to help bump up the winnings these youngsters get to take home. I am always reminded these are local people and businesses helping local children, and I am so thankful for each of them. In the same way, I am incredibly thankful when I flip through the pages of this magazine. When it comes to community, Postcards shares that gratitude. We are able to do what we do because of the advertisers in these pages. Please let them know you appreciate them! You have no idea how much that will mean to them and to us. Enjoy warmer days!

Until next time,

Karen

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

What Are You Reading?

Chantel Finley

Gorgana Hyde

Tammy Bybee

reading

Miracles Happen

The Late Mrs. Willoughby

The Silent Patient

By Mary Kay Ash

By Claudia Gray

By Alex Michaelides

Tell us what you’re reading!

PostcardsLive.com

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

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Ask The Doc: My Elbow Hurts When I Swing My Golf Club, is this Golfer’s Elbow? Dr. Brian McGee, DC Welcome to “Ask the Doc,” your go-to source for valuable healthcare insights and advice from our expert team at Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute. What is Golfer’s Elbow? What if I told you that the sport you love is the source of your pain? This condition isn’t exclusive to golfers, but the repetitive motion of swinging a golf club is a common culprit. It manifests as pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. This is a fairly common condition and clinically known as medial epicondylitis.

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow? Every swing of the golf club not only brings you closer to perfection in your game, but also nudges you towards this painful condition. It’s not just the sport of golf that can lead to this condition, but any activitity that involves wrist flexion or gripping. This includes everything from racket sports to manual work that involves gripping and twisting of the wrist and arm. The question then becomes, “How can you continue to do what you love without having to deal with ongonig elbow pain?”

Options for Relief

acoustic waves to stimulate pain relief and healing in the elbow without the need for needles or any medication. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our team is ready to help you get rid of your elbow pain and back to doing the things you love. Call us at 936241-7673 to schedule an appointment today. Mention this article to receive a FREE Consultation.

First, rest and ice are crucial in the initial stages to For over 40 Years, Huntsville Physical Medicine Institute reduce inflammation. If this does not work, it’s time to has been successfully restoring health to our community. see a professional for help. Two of the best non-surgical Call us at 936-241-7673 for help today. treatment options that I’ve come across for this condition are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Shockwave Therapy. PRP’s benefits are multifold: reducing the painful inflammation, stimultaing tendon repair, and speeding up recovery. Even golfer’s like Tiger Woods are reported to use PRP to help get out of pain and stay on the golf course. Shockwave Therapy is another great option, utilizing

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March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Let’s Celebrate! This Month’s Business Anniversaries:

1936 - Celebrating 88 years Sam Houston Memorial Museum See ad on page 51

1997 - Celebrating 27 years W.C. Auto Center See ad on page 70

2001 - Celebrating 23 years Care Center See ad on page 78

2003 - Celebrating 21 years American Glass & Mirror See ad on page 49

2004 - Celebrating 20 years Madison County Museum See ad on page 55

2008 - Celebrating 16 years Rita’s Playschool & Daycare See ad on page 48

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Twenty Questions

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SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED? Lone Star College System

FAVORITE MOVIE? Clueless

HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR FIRST DOLLAR? I made my first dollar at my grandparent’s tax office in 2004, folding tax return folders!

BOOK THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU? Try Softer

LAST THING YOU BINGE-WATCHED? Scandal!

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU RIDING DOWN THE ROAD LISTENING TO? Praise Jah in The Moonlight - YG Marley

YOUR FAVORITE DISH? Potatoes in any form!

YOUR GO-TO BARISTA ORDER? Vanilla Cold brew

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY The Jillian’s dance recital of 2006, gymnastics routine with Tyra and Marci!

SOMETHING THAT WOULD SURPRISE US ABOUT YOU? I only have one kidney!

WHAT WOULD WE FIND YOU DOING ON YOUR DAY OFF? You can most likely find me at the park with my daughter!

HOW WOULD YOUR PERFECT DAY BEGIN? With quiet time and a large cup of coffee!

HOW DO YOU CLEAR YOUR MIND AFTER A BAD DAY? A phone call to my cousin Gabbi always clears my mind; she lets me know that I always have a fresh start the next day.

ONE THING YOU’RE EPICALLY BAD AT? I was epically bad at calculus in high school!

BUCKET LIST ITEM YOU’RE MOST GLAD YOU’VE DONE? Visited New York City!

TOP THING LEFT TO DO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Visiting “the wave” in Arizona!

IF YOU COULD LIVE ABROAD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE? I would live in Paris!

WHO DO YOU ADMIRE? I admire my older brother, Johnathan Ramey, because he is a true ‘self-starter’ and motivates me to perfect my craft. His guidance and advice is unmatched.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? Show up for YOURSELF the way you do for everyone else.

ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Doing whatever YOU want is NOT true freedom.

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3156 State Highway 19 • Huntsville March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Community Builders Story by Wes Altom Submitted Photos

Huntsville Lions Club Benches Local project diverts stretchable plastics from the landfill while filling recreation spaces with seating.

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

When it comes to being a member of the Huntsville Lions Club, Noah Speer is definitely a team player. He is different than most players, however, who seemingly always repeat the chorus of, “Put me in, Coach!” When it’s gametime, Noah proudly says, “Bench me!” Noah and his wife Patricia (Pat) head up the Huntsville Lions Club Bench Recycling Project. To date, the program has resulted in the recycling and conversion of over 2 ½ tons of stretchable plastic into 10 beautiful benches which the Club has placed around the community. Noah and Pat shared how the program works and how it all began. “We got started here in late 2018,” said Noah. “We had read an article in Lion magazine about a club in Washington state who was collecting stretchable plastic and sending it to TREX, a corporation that makes a building product from wood fiber and plastic. They take the plastic, wash it, shred it, heat it up, and spin it out into pellets. They then use another process to combine the fiber and

Noah & Pat Speer

plastic into a board—for decking materials, lawn furniture, and such. TREX has a program where they will accept the recycled plastic and donate a bench, which they ship to our Club, when the target collection amount is reached.

waste (think shrink wrap from all those pallets). The Lions Club marks and tracks their submissions, and TREX documents the amounts upon receipt. “Home Depot has been a great partner in the project, and we appreciate their help very much,” said Noah.

We shared information about the program with club members here, and they thought it would be a good local project. My wife Pat is chair of the project, but I do most of the legwork on it.”

Once they got the project rolling, the Lions were collecting enough plastic for two benches per year. As word spread and more donations came in, the Lions are now partnering in the project with First Presbyterian Youth Group, as well as the Christian Community Construction Team, a local nonprofit. In 2023, the groups paced 500 pounds of plastic, enough for one bench, collected every 4 months. However, in November 2023, TREX increased the target

The Club gathers plastic from donation sites, and members sort through it to remove anything that doesn’t meet donation criteria. They then bag the plastic and take it to our local Home Depot, who ships the plastic to TREX with their own recyclable plastic

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

from 500 pounds for a bench to 1000 pounds for a bench. Noah and Pat hope to increase collections so they don’t lose pace. The 10 benches placed to date are located at: Kate Barr Ross Park, the skate park, EasthamThomason Park, Hospitality House, Stewart Elementary School, First Presbyterian Church, Huntsville State Park, 12th & University (on the square), and two on Veterans Memorial.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Sunday Worship Service @ 10:45 AM Adult Bible Study and Children’s Sunday School @ 9:30 AM Sunday Youth Group from 12:00-2:00 PM Pastor Daniel Paul

Upcoming Special Events

Lent Soup Suppers Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm

Special Palm Sunday & Easter Sunday Services Church of the Wild March 10 @ 4:00 pm St. Stephens Bird Sanctuary 16

George Oliver, Choir Director

Nursery Available

Traditional Worship: Post-Modern Theology

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): A Movement for Wholeness in a Fragmented World.

• Weekly open communion

Worship services are live streamed on our FB page First Christian Church - Huntsville, TX

• Sermons that make you think • Inspiring music

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Wednesday Bible Study @ 10:00 AM

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(936)295-3677 Email: firstcchuntsville@gmail.com

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Local collection points include: VeraBank, First Financial Bank, Prosperity Bank (New Waverly), Snap Fitness, First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Noah’s shop at 2013 Sycamore. Businesses who regularly donate include MRC-Creekside, Gina Tees, Huntsville Farm Supply, and the members of the Chamber of Commerce Thursday Morning Leads Group. With the local Club’s success, other Lions Clubs in the area

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“I would love to see us grow to that level of support from the community.”

are taking notice. Pat did a presentation on the local project in Cy-Fair. Since that time, clubs in Cy-Fair, Magnolia, and Tomball have all begun their own bench projects. Said Pat, “One of the advantages of the benches that isn’t apparent until you stop

and think about it that we did NOT put all that plastic in the garbage to go into a landfill. The city recycling program does not accept that type of plastic. There’s currently no other way locally to dispose of it, so GIVE IT TO US...please.”

Noah hopes to see collections continue to grow. “There is a threshold you reach where TREX will actually begin paying you for the amount collected,” he said. “I would love to see us grow to that level of support from the community.”

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

From Pat Speer:

Recycle your household bags & wrap into Trex’s Earth-friendly composite decking and railing!

FROM THE STORE 3 Produce

3 Store

bags

3 Ice

bags

FROM YOUR PANTRY 3 Ziploc® & other

reclosable bags

3 Cereal box liners

3 Case

overwrap

3 Bread bags

FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR 3 Newspaper 3 Dry sleeves

cleaning bags

3 Bubble 3 Plastic wrap

e-commerce mailers

The Huntsville Lions Club meets on Thursdays at noon in the meeting room at Grand Buffet in Huntsville. You are welcome to come visit anytime. Our service projects include the Coats for Kids program (we provided coats for 840 children this year), the Annual Christmas Parade, the Downtown Flag Project, and the Bench/Plastic Recycling Project. We have also provided meals for our emergency responders, supplies for homeless students in our schools, and eyeglasses for needy students. We collect used eyeglasses to be refurbished and distributed as needed and provide scholarships for our local seniors. Statewide, we support the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, which provides a summer camp experience for children with physical disabilities, Down syndrome or type I diabetes from across Texas. We’re looking for members who want to do service in the community. The Lions Club motto is, “WE SERVE!”

Plastics must be clean, dry and free of food and organic residue

For more information, visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/huntsvilletx trex.com/recycling 1-800-Buy-Trex

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raneriley@parklawfirmtx.com March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. Spring cannot spring early enough to suit me this year! I’m not going outside again until the temperature is above my age. That may take a while. My cartoon idol, Maxine, explains it best. Her ‘March Madness’ fits perfectly between her ‘February Fits’ and her ‘April Agitation.’ Enter Saint Patrick’s Day. Just because the beer is green doesn’t mean it’s good for you (and not everyone can be Irish). Someone has to drive. Wishing you blessings on March 29th. Good Friday is a day of hope where we look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share. DEAR GABBY There is a quote about one door closing and another door opening. That doesn’t seem to be working for me. SLAMMING DOORS

DEAR SLAMMING I’ve always thought that, when one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison. However, according to 5 minutes of exhaustive research on Google, that quote has been credited to Fernando de Rojas (c. 1500ish), Helen Keller, and Alexander Graham Bell (most common). In its entirety, the quote is “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” Start living by this unaccredited quote: “It’s okay to look back to see how far you’ve come, but keep moving forward. If you’re feeling doubtful or discouraged about your progress, remember that none of your efforts have gone to waste. Often, the things we want most in life will come when we least expect them, and in ways that might surprise us”. One of my husband/

hero Dud’s favorite quotes is from the late, great Satchel Paige (professional baseball and Harlem Globetrotter fame). “Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” GABBY

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

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The Latest

Empty Bowls Feb 2023 – Claudia Kirkwood

Last year, we shared about Empty Bowls, an annual fundraiser at the Wynne Home in Huntsville benefitting Meals on Wheels.

This year’s 14th Annual Empty Bowls event on March 6th looks to be bigger and better than ever! Over the last couple of months, skilled and aspiring artisans have crafted handmade bowls for use at the event. The public is invited to come enjoy lunch! For a suggested minimum $15 donation, you will get to choose and keep one of the crafted bowls to go along with your meal. The food offerings this year are being provided by Sam’s Table, Five Loaves Deli, Potato Shack, City Hall Café, and the Huntsville High School Culinary Arts Program, whose soup is always a hit. There will also be a silent auction featuring ceramic pieces created by local instructors for the event. According to Angela Robinson, event coordinator for the Wynne Home, “Entergy is proud to join H-E-B as a sponsor this year. We also want to recognize partners at Cork and Canvas and the Senior Center of Walker County, who both have contributed bowls for the event. And we definitely appreciate our volunteers who work and serve at the event, which include students from the SHSU Leap program and members of Friends of the Wynne.” Come fill your bowl and your heart, knowing you will help Meals on Wheels fill members of our communities in the coming year.

March 6, 2024

11:00 am – 2:00 pm The Wynne Home Arts & Visitors Center 1428 11th St. Huntsville, TX 77340 (936)291-5424

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March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

“Seens” from our World

Unfortunate typo, or kitchen accident?

Seen by: PC Staff

Seeing is believing. Bumper looks like they mean it!

Seen by: PC Staff

Share the funny and unusual things you’ve seen!

PostcardsLive.com

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Clayton Toole, DPM

Come as you are! Covenant Fellowship Bible Study: Sunday Mornings, 9:30 am Worship Time: Sunday Mornings, 10:30 am

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cfhuntsville.org

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Church Phone:

(936) 435-0993

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. ~ Ezra 8:23

Lead Pastor: David Valentine

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

The Garden Post By Kim Bius

Roses Site Preparation/Soil – Roses will require a raised and prepared bed. A good rose bed is 2”-3” above the existing soil level and consists of 1/3 humus, 1/3 peat moss and 1/3 sandy loam topsoil. Recommend a pre-emergent every 45 days to keep from weeding your beds. An excellent addition is worm castings twice a year for beneficial bacteria and other nutrients. Planting – Plant the rose 1” above the existing soil level to keep the rose above grade and keep from planting “too deep.” In very dry soils, drench the soil with water, Rose season is here. Gardeners choose roses on a variety of factors, but the most common are fragrance and appearance, followed by hardiness. Not all varieties are hardy; be sure the roses you choose are a good match for your area (our roses must have high heat tolerance and high disease resistance). Site Selection – Roses require a full day sun of 6-8 hours. Morning sun will dry the dew off the plants to decrease the chance of disease and fungi growth. Roses require excellent drainage and prefer to be on the drier side with good air flow.

then water again with root stimulator upon planting. Choosing Quality Roses – Roses are sold by grade level assigned by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Always look for jumbo #1, #1, or #1.5 grade. Steer clear of roses sold in a box and sprayed with wax. There are thousands of varieties on the market, and many go out of production each year to make room for new varieties. The following will give you the main categories. Hybrid Teas – Characterized by one large, beautiful bloom on top of a long stem; grafted roses, generally reach 3’-5’ in height; space 3’ apart when planting. Floribunda – Multiple roses per stem, reach 3’-4’ tall; space 3’ apart. Grandiflora – Very large; often grow to 5’-6’+ and have

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Disease/Insect Control – Hybrid roses will need to have a spray schedule to keep black spot, powdery mildew, thrips, and aphids at bay. To control disease, spray once a month with systemic fungicide/insecticide. If you prefer an organic solution, spray with Fertilome Triple Action every week in high heat and every 2 weeks in milder weather. Dusting Sulphur is an excellent organic your great-grandmother used for fungi and insects…and it still works today.

large clusters of blooms per stem; give plenty of room to grow and space 5’ apart. Miniature/Polyantha -- Much smaller replica of floribunda; only 12”-24” in height, with a few reaching 30”; perfect for containers.

Most of all, enjoy your roses, and enjoy the fun of growing your own. Happy Gardening!

Climbers/Ramblers – Best grown with a support structure; grow to 12’-14’. Shrub/Landscape --Fairly new; developed by crossing floribunda with hardy antiques; ever-blooming from early spring until first freeze; grow to 3’-6’; best described as a blooming hedge (aka knockout rose, carefree series). Antique – By definition, produced before 1935; not grafted, cuttings can be made easily; do not require much care, but will not have the ever-blooming ability modern day roses have. Ground Cover – Fairly new; grow 5’-6’ wide

and 18”-24” tall; excellent in containers or large hanging baskets; great on slopes and hard-to-mow areas. Fertilizer/Water – Roses can be fertilizer and water guzzlers. Roses should be watered 3x a week and fertilized monthly. Landscape roses do not require heavy fertilization, but will bloom profusely with the right care. Water thoroughly before fertilizing. Do not apply fertilizer after October 1st to keep from putting on new growth before the first freeze.

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March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Things My Granddaddy Said A journey of a thousand miles… sometimes begins with a swift kick in the pants.

Partners Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP®

Your Succession. Our Succession. Is there a plan?

Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

suc·ces·sion : “…the action or process of acquiring ownership, control, and responsibility of, a title, office, property, etc…” For our families, it means who is left behind and how will they manage any assets that may pass to them. • Proper documents have been put into place. The wills, power of attorney, medical power of attorney and other things like proper beneficiaries have been named and or updated to current date. All these items can cause lots of issues for the next generation if not done correctly and left for the next generation.

Be neither a hedgehog nor a doormat.

If it’s dirty–it’s doubtful. (Meaning if it’s questionable – don’t do it.)

• Are financial institutions and other entities up to date on how they should transfer assets? • Property deeds are in good order?

In for a penny, in for a pound.

• Debt is under control, and good records of the same? • And maybe, just as important, current advisors like Attorneys, CPA’s, Financial Advisors, bank officers, medical professionals, and others…. Have met adult children or at least understand your circumstances so they can lend a hand to the next generation? For our industry or our business, it means who runs the business and serves our clients, which personally also includes our own families and spouses. How can our clients be assured continuity of service by our business so that their needs continue to be met?

If you can’t be good, be careful.

The bigger the battle, the bigger the victory.

For Global Financial Partners, there has been a very solid succession plan in place since 2020. Our founder, Brian Smith, CFP®, made Bryan Masten, CFP®, a full partner in that year. Now, beginning in 2023 and forward, Riley Smith, CFP®, has become a full partner as well. No one is retiring, therefore, lots of years to easily transition the many years of relationships that began when we were founded in 1986… 38 years ago. Call us. Come see us. We’ve been here. We’ll be here. For a very long time. Still serving this community, as well as clients all over Texas and 20 other states in this great country we are proud to call home. So many thanks to all!

www.financialpartner.net (936) 294-0201 • 1211 Financial Plaza • Huntsville Securities offered through Registered Representatives of 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.

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

As I grow older, more and more often I find myself saying, “Like my Granddaddy used to say…” In an effort to keep some of these old sayings alive, we are sharing them here. Please feel free to share yours with us!

Milestones

Happy 40th Anniversary to Tim & Delia Ramsey!

Share your Milestone!

PostcardsLive.com/Share

Happy 60th Anniversary to Martin & Linda Slott!

Happy Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 Service starts 10:45 am

First Baptist Huntsville 1229 Avenue J

Egg hunt, petting zoo, free Easter bunny pictures & snow cones, music Learn More: www.fbchuntsville.org March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

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March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

A Day in the Life Story by Linda W. Perkins Photos by Gina Turner

Walker County Fair Queen It’s Saturday, April 1, 2023 and the arena at the Walker County Fairgrounds is bustling with activity. The stage is decorated with an assortment of red, white, silver and black balloons. Some resemble black and white cow spots, and there is one special balloon in the middle, which is a silver crown. A number of girls dressed in sparkly long dresses and cowboy hats, all with long hair and perfectly applied makeup, are mingling with the crowd that has gathered. They are there to attend the crowning of the Walker County Fair Queen.

Lillie Burris, 2023 Walker County Fair Queen

The first onstage presentation is of the youngest competitors, in the Fair Prince and Princess competitions. There is a little girls division and an older girls division, but only one division for the boys. The competition chairperson explains that some of the runners-up aren’t able to make the presentation because they are participating in the rodeo’s Mutton Bustin’ competition. After the crowning of the Fair Prince and Princesses, it is time for the high school girls – those competing for the title of Walker County Fair Queen – to be

Haygen Perkins

Caroline Pool

Kynlynn Woods

introduced. They are each walked onstage by their parents and then one-by-one, they are individually presented. Contestant number five is Lillie Burris, daughter of Damon and Amanda Burris. By the end of the day, she will be crowned as the 2023 Walker County Fair Queen. As sweet and elegant as she looks in her beautiful gown, Lillie is also smart as a whip (ranked in the top one percent of Huntsville High School Class of 2025 and a 2023 National Youth Leadership Forum Invited Scholar) and tough (she needs to be as a member of the Huntsville High School wrestling team, the Huntsville Military Marching Band, and the Walker County 4-H Swine Club). She has been raising swine for years with her brother and raised the WCFA Grand Champion Market Barrow in 2022--so when she says her post-graduate plans are

to go to Texas A&M, it is natural to ask if she will be pursuing agriculture. In fact, she plans to become a doctor, a lifelong dream born from her experience as a micro preemie. Almost a year later, Postcards caught up with Lillie to talk to her about what it was like to win the Fair Queen competition and what it has been like to serve in this prestigious role. What made you decide to run for Fair Queen? When I was six or seven, my best friend Harper and I were in the Princess competition, and that was the year Kara Kuykendahl was crowned Fair Queen. On my fridge, I have a picture from that year of her with me. She was my inspiration. How did it feel to be declared the Walker County Fair Queen? Honestly, it felt unreal. We were standing

Kelsey Johnson

Margaret Beal

Lillie Burris, 2023 Walker County Fair Queen & Lauren Klawinsky, 2022 WC Fair Queen

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

on the stage, and they were opening the envelopes. I had already stood on stage the year prior, when I was on the court. And I was sitting there and didn’t hear my name being called. I was like, that’s okay, you always have next year. But then I heard Miss Kuykendahl call my name, and I stepped forward, but it felt like a dream. It didn’t really feel real until I got home later that night and

took off my sash and crown. I looked down at it and was like…wow, I really won the Fair Queen competition! It was pretty amazing. What was the response in your school and the community? It’s been really surprising. Obviously, I was out of school for a week, but when I came back, everyone was so supportive. My friends were

excited, and the teachers were amazing. Everybody was telling me how proud they were of me. It was really cool to have that support system. And in the community still, it seems like more people know who I am; not just because they know my parents, but because of what I’ve accomplished. The Walker County Fair Queen competition is much more than a beauty

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contest. Tell me a little more about it. Personally, I don’t consider it a pageant, and I don’t think the sponsors or board members

would consider it a pageant, either. We’re not being judged on our clothing, or how our dress and makeup look. We are being judged

by our personality, how well we present ourselves as a person, our conversational skills, our knowledge of the world around us,

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and our knowledge of the projects we are raising. Okay, so tell me a little bit about the projects. Are all you girls doing the same project, or do you each have separate projects? The girls don’t all have the same project. The only thing you can do for your project is what you’re showing at the Walker County Fair that year. The majority of what you’re scored on is your project presentation. There is a time limit, and it is normally memorized, with strict parameters on what you can and cannot do. I did my project on the feeding of swine, of our show pigs. Last year, my project was about how the ingredients in swine feed can affect your pig’s muscle and weight gain, and how to adjust your feed to achieve your desired result.

You really have to become a real expert in your field. It’s not something to be taken lightly. You have to have a very thorough understanding of whatever your project is over. It requires hours and hours of research, revisions, and editing. So, once you were crowned Fair Queen, what came next? First, during the week of the rodeo, my court – the first runner-up and the second-runner up – and I volunteered with Kindergarten Day and the Special Kids Rodeo. We also attended every event and awards presentation at the county fair, the livestock show, and the rodeo. That included doing our own shows (other competitions we were in). That’s a lot! How do you balance doing your own showings with your Fair Queen

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

duties? That has to be difficult. Yes ma’am. There’s no way I could have done it without my mom and dad. My dad helped me look after my pigs and get them in the barn so I could run around and do all the (queen) stuff, and my mom was there with lipstick and blush. I could not have done it all without them. So that was the County Fair and Rodeo week, but your reign as Fair Queen lasts all year. What other duties do you have? My court and I make appearances at community events, like the Go Texan Crawfish Boil in May. We also attend the monthly fair board meetings and are involved with the comings and goings of the fair throughout the year. We volunteer at events and say a prayer and the pledge, and if there

is an event going on we want to attend, we can go and represent the (Walker County Fair) organization there. There’s a lot you do with your court. Are there any duties that are just yours as the Fair Queen? There is a lot of teamwork throughout the year, but one duty that falls specifically on me as the queen is getting ready for the next Fair Queen competition. I am a support person for the girls who are competing for the title of Fair Queen. I help coordinate the judges’ lunches and dinners, as well as the girls’ projects. I emcee the contest on crowning day; I have a parting speech; and I crown the next Fair Queen.

GOT PROBLEMS?

Is there any moment that stands out as particularly memorable in your time as Fair Queen? Yes, there was one really funny moment. During the fair, we do the barbeque cook-off awards. Last year, it rained so much there was mud everywhere. There were places where it was literally up to your knees. We (my court and I) wore dark jeans so we wouldn’t look too dirty, but we still had to wear our hats, crowns, and sashes. So there we were, walking around with these giant mud boots on, the bottom half of our bodies covered with mud, and the top halves of us in makeup and curls. It just makes me laugh because it was such a contrast. What do you think you’ve gained by participating in the Fair Queen competition? Competing for two years, I’ve been able to see myself grow from year one to year two. Obviously, I learned more about my project and the fair; but most importantly, I learned social skills and I learned how to speak in front of people. I think the most important skill I gained from this competition was public speaking. Has this opened up new doors for you? It really has. There’s a scholarship that comes with the crown, which is going to be a huge help for my education. It’s also an amazing role which has taught me so many leadership skills. I’ve learned how to hold myself to a higher standard and present myself well, and people respect that. One of the things you said on stage the day you were crowned is that you wanted to be an inspiration for younger girls. How do you want to inspire them? What are you trying to get them to aspire to? Obviously, I would love for them to participate in competitions like I have. I just want to inspire them to know they can have confidence in themselves; that they can put their minds to something and can achieve it. They’re not limited by the people around them. How do you think it will feel when your reign comes to an end and you crown the next Walker County Fair Queen on March 30th? I think it’s going to be bittersweet. I know all the girls who are going to compete this year, and I would be happy for any one of them to win. But I’m also going to be sad, because I have had so much fun and have loved it so much. What advice would you give to the current group or future groups of Fair Queen contestants? Keep your shoulders back and your head up, and be confident in yourself. You have to know who you are and be true to that, no matter what anybody says.

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Medical Matters By Elise Breaux Rogers, MD

Common Pregnancy Concerns & When to See Your OB-GYN About Them Common Pregnancy Concerns & When to See Your OB-GYN About Them Your body changes significantly when you’re pregnant, leading to some uncomfortable — and sometimes alarming — symptoms and issues. “Your body is changing, and it’s normal to be concerned about the symptoms you may experience,” says Dr. Elise Breaux Rogers, an OB-GYN at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. “It’s important to know the difference between typical changes and those that warrant medical attention.” Dr. Rogers explains when it’s time to worry about common pregnancy complaints and concerns. Back pain Back pain during pregnancy can be concerning in some cases — especially if it’s pain that comes and goes in waves during the third trimester. “This is when we worry that the pain could actually be preterm contractions,” warns Dr. Rogers. “If you have pain that lasts about a minute and goes away, but then it comes back again — and this cycle repeats every five minutes or so for longer than an hour — I recommend that you be evaluated.”

Belly pain Similar to back pain, belly pain during pregnancy is almost always related to the changes happening in your body. “A constant pain or pressure in the belly isn’t as worrisome as tightening and then releasing that’s happening in a pattern,” says. Dr. Rogers. “Similar to waves of back pain, this could be a sign of preterm contractions.” Swelling in your feet “Feet swelling during pregnancy is incredibly common,” says Dr. Rogers. “We do worry about feet swelling more in women who are at risk for pre-eclampsia, which is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy,” warns Dr. Rogers. If your feet seem unusually swollen and your blood pressure is high or you notice other signs of pre-eclampsia, it’s a good idea to get evaluated by your OB-GYN. Decreased fetal movement As your baby gets bigger, he or she runs out of room to move around in your womb. Therefore, it’s normal for his or her movement to feel less pronounced as you reach your third trimester. Dr. Rogers stresses, however, that you should still be feeling the same frequency of movement throughout the day.

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

“If you notice your baby is moving less frequently than he or she normally does, go straight to your Labor & Delivery unit’s ER,” Dr. Rogers warns. “Decreased fetal movement could be a sign your baby is in distress and an immediate evaluation is essential to check on the wellbeing of your baby.”

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Creative Corner THE ORIGINAL EASTER HUNT By Ellegra S. McDaniel There were no brightly colored eggs

So as we approach

Scattered on the ground

This Easter season

But the precious blood of Jesus

Let us remember

From the cross, running down

The true celebration reason

There were no cute bunnies

Nothing against eggs, bunnies,

Running free

Or Easter candy per se--

But one perfect Lamb

But far greater is the Eternal gift

A sacrifice for you and me

Purchased for us that day !!

The “Hunt” was for Jesus’ body Instead of eggs for child’s play There was the Sweet Smell of Victory As He arose on the third day

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

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Giggles & Grins My wife yelled from upstairs and asked, “Do you ever get a shooting pain across your body, like someone’s got a voodoo doll of you and they’re stabbing it?” I replied, “No…” She responded: “How about now?”

I was dozing in church…then I heard, “Stand up.” I stood up, and people clapped; then the pastor said, “Who else will give $5000?”

2024 Walker County Fair & Rodeo

Treasure Chest Full of the County’s Best Walker County Fair Week March 29th to April 6th

The Huntsville ISD Board of Trustees & Administration proudly supports the Walker County Fair & Pro Rodeo

Good luck to all of our HISD youth participants!

At my funeral, I want a group of Italian guys in all black suits to walk up to my casket and say, “I’m gonna miss you, boss.” That way my family will think I had something big going on.

I’m so single right now that, if I stood on a cliff and shouted, “I love you!”…my echo would reply, “I just want to be friends.”

I love putting on warm underwear fresh out of the dryer. Plus, it’s fun to look around the laundromat and guess who they belong to.

2023 - 2024 HHS FFA OFFICERS

We invite you to join us in helping to support our HISD students participating with projects in this year’s fair...

JOIN THE HISD BUYERS GROUP An investment in our youth through community involvement. We welcome and appreciate donations of any amount.

Contact Shannon Hollis HISD Director of Communications

The next time your wife gets angry, drape a towel over her shoulders (like a cape) and say, “Now you’re SUPER ANGRY!”

(936) 435-6397 or shollis@huntsville-isd.org

Maybe she’ll laugh. Maybe you’ll die.

936-435-6300 or visit www.huntsville-isd.org March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Trippin’ Story by Karen Altom Photos Courtesy of Charleston.com

Charleston, South Carolina A Timeless Tapestry of History, Cuisine, and Charm

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Charleston, South Carolina, nestled along the Atlantic coastline, beckons travelers with its timeless charm, rich history, and culinary delights. A city steeped in Southern elegance, Charleston offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses. On a recent visit to see friends in the Columbia area, we set aside a couple of days to swing down to Charleston to explore the top sights, culinary treasures, and must-do activities that make Charleston a destination like no other.

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Historic Marvels: A Stroll Through Time

back to a much different world--with an infinitely slower pace.

Charleston’s historic district, a living museum of cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture, is a testament to the city’s rich past. The iconic Battery promenade along the seawall is adorned with majestic mansions and provides a picturesque journey through time. Visitors can lose themselves in the stories whispered by Rainbow Row, a row of pastel-colored Georgian homes that seem to blush under the Southern sun. Each house told a story of resilience and revival, standing as vibrant witnesses while they reflected the

To delve even deeper into the city’s history, you can also explore the historic plantations along the Ashley River. Magnolia Plantation, with its romantic gardens, and Boone Hall Plantation, featuring

city’s diverse history. We embarked on a narrated horse-drawn carriage ride down the narrow streets through the historic district, and as we rumbled past homes where renowned historic figures were known to visit, the past seemed to whisper through the mossdraped oaks. It took us

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

time was limited, we chose to see those during our next visit.

the iconic Avenue of Oaks, offer an immersive experience into the region’s antebellum heritage. They are known to transport visitors to an era of Southern gentility. Since our

While historic homes may immediately come to mind when thinking of Charleston, historic vessels may not. However, a trip to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum allows visitors to explore the USS Yorktown. An American Heroine from WWII to Vietnam, the ship was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Commissioned on April 15, 1943, World War II’s famous “Fighting Lady” would participate significantly in the Pacific offensive that began in late 1943 and ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945. She received the Presidential Unit Citation and earned 11 battle stars for service in World War II and would later earn 5 battle stars for service off Vietnam. The ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December 1968. Decommissioned in 1970 and placed in reserve, Yorktown was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Charleston in 1975 to become the centerpiece of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Berthed beside the carrier is the destroyer USS Laffey, whose size may pale next to the mammoth Yorktown, but whose story does not. She earned the

nickname “The Ship That Would Not Die” for her exploits during the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Okinawa, when she withstood a determined assault by conventional bombers and the most unrelenting kamikaze air attack in history. Laffey survived despite being badly damaged by four bombs, six kamikaze crashes, and strafing fire that killed 32 and wounded 71.

Culinary Odyssey: Savoring the Flavors of the Lowcountry Charleston is a culinary haven, where every bite tells a story of tradition and innovation. The city’s vibrant food scene ranges from classic Southern comfort food to inventive, modern cuisine. Indulge in the quintessential flavors of the Lowcountry with dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes. Charleston’s historic market, a bustling hub of activity, is a sensory delight inviting you to meander through its stalls. Sample local delicacies, pick up handmade crafts, and marvel at the craftsmanship of sweetgrass baskets, a traditional art form passed down through generations. From these baskets to handmade crafts, the market is a treasure

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trove of Southern craftsmanship and goodies.

Restaurants in the World for their dish of Shrimp and Grits.

If you know us, you know we love to explore truly local restaurants, and Charleston did not disappoint. Each restaurant has its own unique flair, and with only a couple of days, we opted for a “tried and true,” a “new,” and a “sounds different!” They were all delicious. Our first stop was the iconic Hymans. A “tried and true” for me, but a first time visit for Wes. Serving hungry diners since 1890, Hymans has been named #15 on TasteAtlas’ List of the 150 Most Legendary

Since we love seafood, and Charleston sits right on the Atlantic, we took in the “new” while visiting the historic district. After some exploration, we grabbed a booth at the Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar and were treated to the best shrimp platters we have experienced in a long time. The ambiance and options of both indoor and outdoor dining were enjoyable, as was the incredible selection of market fresh fish. Amen Street proudly supports Charleston’s local fishing industry with fresh fish, and a daily changing menu which includes a variety of seafood dishes as well as a Raw Bar featuring a comprehensive oyster selection of more than 20 varieties from local suppliers and respected sources along East Coast.

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Home and Land Ownership…The American Dream! 1702 E Main St. Madisonville, TX 77864 936-348-9977 (Office) www.dblrealestate.com 44

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Before leaving the historic district, we made the obligatory stop to pick up pralines. Whether your first choice is Savannah’s Candy Kitchen or Savannah Sweets, don’t let the name fool you. Those pralines are a favorite in the Lowcountry whether you are in Georgia or South Carolina. Grits is a staple of Lowcountry cuisine and when we got ready to experience the “sounds different,” I told Wes he could choose. That is how we ended up experiencing The Grit Counter. Self-described as “nothing more Southern than a bowl of grits - and nothing more fun than a Grit Bowl,” we were amazed by the options on the menu along with a “Build Your Own Bowl” experience where you select your meat, your grit flavor, two fixin’s, and sauce. Wes selected The Harvest Bowl which consisted of grilled chicken, carrot cake grits, smoked gouda mornay sauce, roasted corn, fried hominy, and dried cranberries. I kid you not. He liked it. I was glad he did (and glad I did not order it). I opted for the Hot Chicken Sandwich and sweet potato fries. If you visit, be sure to top off your meal with the “Banana Pudding” Sweet Corn Soft Serve Ice Cream. Sounds weird, but was weirdly delicious!

its museums and galleries. The Gibbes Museum of Art, an architectural gem in itself, features a collection that spans centuries and genres. From classical Southern portraiture to contemporary Lowcountry masterpieces, the museum is a testament to Charleston’s rich artistic heritage featuring more than 10,000 American works. The city’s commitment to the arts extends beyond museums. The Gaillard Center is a state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Charleston that produces, commissions, and presents year-round music, dance, comedy, theater, and family performances and programs. You may opt to take a stroll through the French Quarter Art Walk, where galleries open their doors to showcase the talents of local and international artists. The vibrant arts scene adds a dynamic layer to Charleston’s cultural landscape.

Southern Hospitality: A Warm Welcome What truly sets Charleston apart is the genuine warmth of its people. Locals welcome visitors with open arms, sharing stories and recommendations that add a personal touch to the experience. From the knowledgeable guides leading historic tours to the friendly faces in the market stalls, Charleston’s hospitality is as much a part of the journey as its historic landmarks and culinary delights. In Charleston, time seems to slow down as visitors are transported to an era where Southern grace and charm makes one feel like a welcomed guest in a grand Southern home. With its historic marvels, culinary treasures, artistic gems, outdoor adventures, and welcoming atmosphere, Charleston invites travelers to become part of its story—a story that unfolds with every step through its charming streets and every savory bite of its delectable cuisine.

From the refined to the lively buzz of a diner counter, the city’s dining establishments offer a diverse array of culinary delights.

The enchanting city of Charleston, South Carolina beckons with its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and antebellum elegance. We will remain drawn to this Southern gem, a destination where past and present embrace each other and dance together in harmony.

Artistic Treasures: The Cultural Heartbeat

For more information, visit charleston.com or charlestoncvb.com.

Charleston’s artistic soul is showcased in

Get your

“FILL ON” at

• Large variety of delicious seafood • Best steaks in TX • Pork Chops to die for • And the friendliest atmosphere around!

Join us for: Wing Wednesdays - Triva night Thursdays - Pork Chop or Steak night

(936) 295-2003 2707 S. SAM HOUSTON AVE. HUNTSVILLE, TX 77340

facebook.com/bigecrawfish March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Pet Pals

Share Your Pets Photos with Us!

PostcardsLive.com

LINK

IVEY ROSE

Rob & Catharine James

Barbara Rodriguez & family

SHELBY loved by

John & Susan

LOVE YOUR CLEAN HOME

loved by

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Call and We’ll Clean It All LAURA’S CLEANING SERVICE • Adult/Child Protective Cleanings • Certified Hoarder Specialist • Extreme Cleaning For Hoarders and Packrats • Garage Clean Outs • Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning • New Construction and New Remodel Cleaning • Real Estate Cleaning (Buying or Selling) • Trash and Junk Removal And More...

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Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Tractor Mini-Excavator Trencher Much More

936-439-4848 Mon. - Fri. 7am - 5pm Sat. 8am - 12pm

103 Hwy 30 East Huntsville

LET’S TAKE BACK TEXAS “I am not seeking a job, pension, or to advance a political career. I pledge to always follow the Word and our Constitution—and never back down from these principles.”

Growing Our Local Economy

Ben is a Sam Houston State University graduate, class of ’79, and his wife, Kim, a graduate of SHSU class of ’83. Ben and Kim have been building successful businesses and creating jobs in Walker County since the early 1980’s. They have been growing our local economy and helping shape our community for the past 40 years.

Faith and Family Pol. ad. paid by the Ben Bius Campaign.

#BenBiusTX |

@BenBiusTX

Ben and his family are Christians who practice the values and traditions of hard work, community service, and dedication to God and family.

Lifelong Conservative

Ben has always been a strong conservative Texas leader, who has always answered the call, taken a stand, and fought to protect and defend our freedom and values!

Let’s Join With Ben and... • Take back our border by electing Ben Bius and Donald Trump • Take back our schools by putting an end to unfunded mandates • Take back our classrooms by restoring teacher control ...After All, it’s Our Nation, it’s Our Money, and They’re Our Children! Join Us: www.benbiusfortexas.com Republican Primary—Early Voting: February 20-March 1 • Election Day: March 5 March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

see answers on page 28 1314 10th St. • Suite 130 Huntsville, TX 77320 936-295-1151

“Building the American Dream” A True Custom Home Builder

Sullivan Classic Homes, Inc.

Christopher L Davis, LUTCF Financial Advisor chris.davis@mutualofomaha.com

www.get-retirementright.com Million Dollar Round Table

You have dreams. We all do... RETIREMENT PLANNING MANAGED INVESTMENTS INCOME PLANNING 401 (K) ROLLOVER ANNUITIES LIFE INSURANCE MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT GROUP HEALTH LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE

Email:

psullivan@sullivanclassichomes.com Website:

43rd Annual Miss Rita’s Playschool & Daycare Community Wide Easter Parade and Egg Hunt Saturday March 30th Children ages 0 – 10 Easter Parade starting at 12 noon. Easter Egg Hunt to follow at the First Baptist Church. There will be entertainment, food & the Easter Bunny.

www.sullivanclassichomes.com

Making our customers dreams become a realty in Walker, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Montgomery, and other surrounding counties.

New Construction & Remodeling Metal & Pole Buildings Paul Sullivan: 936-672-4713 Danica Reese: 979-571-4000

What’s your dream? chris.davis@mutualofomaha.com Securities and advisory services offered through Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Davis Wealth and Risk Management Inc. and Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. are not affiliated. Insurance producats and services are offered by various underwriting companies

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

114 York Drive • Madisonville 936-348-0276 • Curtis & Donna O’Brien

GLASS Huntsville

MIRROR Madisonville

2612 Montgomery Rd Huntsville, TX 77340

503 S. May St. Madisonville, TX 77864

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Suduko Marketplace see answers on page 28 Easy Sudoku

8 4 9 5 3 2 9 4 3

4 8 5 8 9 1 3 2 4 7 2 8 5 8 3 4 1 4 9 6 6 5 2 8 9 5 7 4

Huntsville’s Biggest Scavenger Hunt! April 13th & 14th Presented by:

For more information Scan thee QR QR Code Code or or Call 936-220-2502 936-2 220-2 2 50 2

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Easter @ ELBC Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30am Sunday Evening Choral Presentation - 6pm Refreshments to follow

GLYNA & RAY BROWN, P.C. Certified Public Accountants PO Box 357 710 S. Madison Madisonville, Texas 77864 (936) 348-2705 RAY BROWN, CPA

Rbrown1989@aol.com

Fax: (936) 348-5905

Elkins Lake Baptist Church 206 State Highway 19 Huntsville, TX 77340 elbc.org

GLYNA BROWN, CPA

GlynaBrown@aol.com March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Do you owe the IRS $$$ Chester Crawford, EA Since 1981

chestercrawford.com

National Association of Enrolled Agents • National Society of Tax Professionals

Ken Holland Financial Advisor 130 Col. Etheredge Blvd. • Suite D2 Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 755-8086 edwardjones.com edwardjones.com/financial-advisor/kenholland

Email: ken.holland@edwardjones.com

s s s s

Income Tax • IRS Representation • Insurance • Notary Public 100 Hwy 190 East (936) 291-1887 (Direct) Huntsville, TX 77340 (936) 661-0692 (Cell) Email: onecdcrawford@aol.com (936) 291-1789 (Fax)

member SIPC

Preparing for Retirement Paying for Education Living in Retirement Assist with 401k, 403b, 457, Optional Retirement Plans and more.

Suduko Marketplace

Novice Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 20, Book

SudokuMedium #8 Sudoku 8

HANDS DOWN... BEST BURGER IN TOWN!

7 6 4

1 2 4 3 7 9 6 1 7 6

7 8

2 3 9 9 8 5 6 4 3 2

6 1 5

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Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

Receive one-on-one service

1548 11th St • Huntsville

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

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

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

RESOURCES SECURITY, INC. License numbers: C-02898, ACR-1696

In business since 1972

Honoring the life & times of Sam Houston

Locally owned and operated Residential and Commercial Service

UPCOMING EVENTS 3/12-15 Spring Break Spotlights Events 4/18, 5/2, 5/16 Sundown@Sam’s - Live Music 4/27 General Sam Houston Day

Security and Fire Systems Fire Inspections • Access Control Cameras • Alarm Monitoring

936-291-0068

1836 Sam Houston Avenue • Huntsville, TX

samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com

PO Box 425 • Huntsville 7022 B Hwy 75 South • Huntsville

see answers on page 28

k 50

Intermediate Sudoku by KrazyDad, Volume 20, Book 50

Hard Sudoku Sudoku #8

7 4 9 2 5

1 9

1 3

7 6 4

9 4 2 7 1

4 3

1 2 1 7

Genera t ions S alon

Want to help me pay my Internet bill? You can make a donation at http://krazydad.com Or by mail: Krazydad, P.O. Box 303 Sun Valley, CA 91353 USA Thank you!

KrazyDad's puzzle website is maintained with the help of your generous donations. Give online at http://krazydad.com Or by mail: Krazydad, P.O. Box 303 Sun Valley, CA 91353 USA Thank you!

Call or Text (936) 348-0559 2804 Lake Road • Huntsville

Dani t a Reed

We have what it takes.

ZERO-TURN MOWERS • UTILITY VEHICLES 141† HORSE POWER CAB TRACTORS

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

We Are Your Other Family Doctor

11th Street Veterinary Hospital

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

Huntsville Truck & Tractor Serving Walker County for over 40 years.

Your Pet, Our Priority!

Exams • Ultrasound • Boarding •Day Care • Therapeutic Laser Dental Procedures • Radiographs • Microchipping • More Mon., Wed., Thur., Fri. 7:30 to 6 • (closed 1-2)

Schedule an Appointment Today for Your Four-Legged Family Members

Tues

7:30 to 1

Sat.

8 to 12

(936) 293-8900

1705 11th Street • Huntsville

(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-04-150493-1

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Deep Roots. Strong Branches.

Need to meet at your office? No problem, we’ll meet you there.

Greg McBee, President

Banking on YOUR terms.

936-295-5701 • www.fnbhuntsvilletx.bank HUNTSVILLE • CROCKETT • MADISONVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRYAN / COLLEGE STATION 52

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Teachers Touching Tomorrow

Nominate a special teacher today by going online: www.PostcardsLive.com. Those chosen for publication are awarded a gift card to 1836 Steakhouse.

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

Agricultural Education Trinity High School Nominated by Richard Johnson II Ms. Gobert encouraged me to join FFA and to build projects in welding. She pushes me to my best ability.

Sponsored by:

936.755.4296 FAMILY HEARING & SENSORY NEURAL CENTER Serving Huntsville for over 40 years

2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Star Students Lela Denise Hollis

Richard Johnson II

Huntsville High School

Trinity High School Favorite Movie: Mamma Mia! Favorite Music/Artist: ABBA

Favorite Movie: Back at the Barnyard

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Music/Artist: Whiskey Myers

Favorite Quote: “For with God, nothing shall be

Favorite Food: Steak

impossible.” –Luke 1:37

work hard, then succeed on purpose.” –Nielson

ichard is a senior at Trinity High School and is the son of Patrick and Brenda Knight. His activities include golf, FFA, forestry, livestock judging, and welding. Following graduation, Richard plans to obtain a business degree from Texas A&M University, then work in real estate. He believes, “I always want to improve my work by gaining new skills and becoming proficient.”

ela is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Todd and Shanna Hollis. Her activities include cheerleading, band, powerlifting, student council president, National Honor Society, English Honor Society, French Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, Lela plans to attend Baylor University to major in business, minor in ministry, and be part of The Golden Wave Band. She believes, “Trust God, be kind, try your hardest, and always wear a smile.”

Happily Ever After Your Full Service Advertising & Promotional Product Solution Source!

Begins Here

Premier Wedding and Event Venue

Check us out at

advantagespecialties.com 54

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

EA N

ING TEXA

TAN TIM K AT A

• Top of the industry equipment

• Commercial Grease Traps • Residential Septic • Uniformed, knowledgeable drivers

• In-house Embroidery • In-house Screen Printing • Signage, Flags, Banners, Table Coverings and Tents • Corporate Recognition Programs • Premiums and Incentives • Trade Show Programs • Safety Programs • Service Awards • Employee Recognition • …and so much more!

936-291-3222

Favorite Quote: “Successful people are not gifted; they just

Now hiring CDL drivers!! A-1 Smith’s Septic Service, Inc. Serving Walker County Since 1989 Retreat and Wedding Venue

Bluebirdhaven.com

(936) 245-0057

936-291-3526 313 FM 3478 Huntsville, TX 77320 A1pumpingandrentals.com

Natalie Flores

Noah Weeks Alpha Omega Academy

Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: Purple Hearts

Favorite Movie: Spider-man: Far From Home

Favorite Music/Artist: Pop

Favorite Music/Artist: Country / Christian

Favorite Food: Tamales

Favorite Food: Chicken & Dumplings

Favorite Quote: “For I know the plans I have for you,

Favorite Quote: “I wish there was a way to know you

declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

atalie is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Jenny Machado. Her activities include Huntsville Hornet Military Marching Band, Business Professionals of America, student council, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Following graduation, Natalie plans to attend college and become a pediatric nurse. She believes, “Everything happens for a reason.”

were in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” –Andy Bernard

oah is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the son of Jerry Weeks. His activities include fishing, hunting, riding four-wheelers, hanging out with friends, and golf. Following graduation, Noah plans to attend trade school to go into HVAC work.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

i s d on a M County Museum

Keeping Madison County History and Traditions Alive Open Wed - Sat 10 am - 2 pm

(936) 348-5230

201 N. Madison • Madisonville, Tx One block off the Downtown Square

At Haney Paschal & Romoser, we specialize in personal injury, family law, real estate, estate planning, corporation law and partnerships. We are here to serve you! Haney, Paschal & Romoser ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1300 11th St. • Ste 405 • Huntsville • 936-295-3712

www.huntsville-texas-attorneys.com March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Everyone loves options!

NEW! CSCU FLEX DRIVE

With Flex Drive you get lower monthly payments than traditional financing without all the restrictions and hidden costs of leasing. Plus, you’ll enjoy all the flexibility and benefits of vehicle ownership. Explore your options at cscutx.com/flexdrive and apply today!

All Loans Subject to Credit Approval. Membership Eligibility Required. Other terms and conditions may apply. 56

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

CSCUTX.COM Text or Call 936-295-3980 Huntsville, TX: 250 FM 2821 Rd. W 2526 Montgomery RD

Federally insured by the NCUA

What’s Cookin’ Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Ingredients 8 cups chicken broth ½ cup fresh lemon juice ½ cup shredded carrots ½ cup finely chopped onion ½ cup finely chopped celery 6 Tbs chicken soup base

Step 2: Blend margarine and flour in a small bowl; gradually stir into soup mixture. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes. Step 3: Meanwhile, beat egg yolks in a bowl until light in color. Gradually whisk in some hot soup, using a ladle to pour in a thin stream while whisking the egg yolks vigorously. Add egg mixture to the pot in same manner, and heat through. Step 4: Add rice and chicken; cook until warmed through. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices.

¼ tsp ground white pepper ¼ cup margarine ¼ cup all-purpose flour 8 egg yolks 1 cup cooked white rice 1 cup diced, cooked chicken meat 16 slices lemon Directions Step 1: Combine chicken broth, lemon juice, carrots, onions, celery, soup base, and white pepper in a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Directions Step 1: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a 12-inch skillet. Season both sides of pork chops with taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Step 2: Place chops in the hot skillet and cook, turning once, until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate, and keep warm. Step 3: In the same skillet, cook and stir onion and bell pepper, until the vegetables just begin to pick up a little color, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet Ingredients 2 Tbs olive oil

Step 4: Pour in diced tomatoes and green chilies, with their juices, and stir, being sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet.

4 boneless pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick 2 tsp taco seasoning spice blend

Step 5: Add chili powder and black pepper to the chicken broth, and stir in.

1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika

Step 6: Add thawed corn kernels, sliced zucchini, and uncooked rice. Stir until vegetables are evenly distributed, and make sure all the rice is submerged in the cooking liquid. Bring to a boil.

1/4 tsp salt 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 (10-oz) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies, with juice 1 tsp chili powder freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/4 cups chicken broth 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed 2 cups sliced zucchini 1 cup uncooked rice flat-leaf parsley or cilantro (optional)

Step 7: Nestle pork chops into the skillet contents and add any accumulated juices from the chops. Cover, reduce heat to low; simmer about 20 minutes. Step 8: Remove cover and continue to simmer until rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of pork chops should read 145 degrees. Step 9: Garnish with flat-leaf parsley or cilantro and lime slices. Serve warm.

lime slices (optional)

PROFESSIONAL

LAW FIRM & LEGAL SERVICE Wills & Probate • Estate Planning • Guradianships Trusts • Elder Law • Business Planning • Real Estate

www.moakandmoak.com 1315 11th St. • Huntsville, TX

(936) 295-6394 Attorneys at Law Sam A. Moak 58

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Serving East Texas Since 1972

Licensed by The Texas Supreme Court

Copycat Chili’s Queso Dip Ingredients 16 oz processed cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 cup whole milk 1 (15 oz) can no-bean chili 1 Tbs fresh lime juice 1 1/2 tsp chili powder 1 1/2 tsp paprika 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1/4 cup finely chopped white onion 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro pkg yellow or white corn tortilla chips Directions Step 1: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add cheese and milk; cook, stirring often, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Step 2: Stir in chili, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Step 3: Mix together onion and cilantro in a small bowl. Step 4: Top queso with cilantro-onion mixture and serve with tortilla chips.

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Easter Breakfast Casserole Ingredients cooking spray 1 lb bacon 8 large eggs 2 cups milk 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ¼ cup diced onion ¼ cup diced green bell pepper 1 (16 oz) pkg frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed Directions Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 7x11-inch casserole dish.

Step 4: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake until eggs have set, another 30 minutes.

Step 2: Fry bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble. Step 3: Beat together eggs and milk in a large bowl. Mix in cheese, bacon, onion, and green pepper. Stir in thawed hash browns. Pour mixture into prepared casserole.

Buying or selling, I’m YOUR next door agent.

936.581.4434 Let me get you in a home you’ll LOVE!

Broker Associate 60

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Cook’s Note: Cook the hash browns first for a little extra texture and flavor. You can assemble this ahead of time and bake it on Easter morning.

"BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SEEN AND YET HAVE BELIEVED." JOHN 20:29

Believe. Belong. Be Loved. You belong at HCOC. SUNDAY WORSHIP - 10 AM hcoc.church

HCOC HUNTSVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST 3737 Hwy 30 West • Huntsville 936 • 295 • 3884 March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Kidding Around

Spring Flowers CARNATIONS

JONQUILS

CREPE MYRTLE

LAVENDAR

CROCUS

LILAC

DAFFODILS

LILLY

DAHLIA

PANSY

DAISYS

SWEET WILLIAM

FORSYTHIA

TULIPS

HYACINTH

WYSTERIA

IRIS

ZMO L QMCA M KMJMJM RMJBULFQ

Use the clues to decode what Marvin the monkey is asking you! Change all of the Ms to As Change all of the Js to Ns Change the R to a S Change the A to an E Change the K to a B Change the Z to a M

Change all of the the Ls to Is Change all of the Fs to Cs © thewordsearch.com Change the U to a W Change the C to a V Change the O to a Y Change the Q to a H

Rebus puzzles Can you guess the words and expressions?

M1Y L1I1F1E

TRAVEL ccccccc

Try

oo oo oo oo

stand 2

T O W N

FAST

eye

POT

Get it Get it Get it Get it

D movie D movie D movie

ONCE

SECRET SECRET SECRET

https://eslvault.com

TIC-TAC-TOE XOXOXO

Funded in part by a grant from the City of Conroe.

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Riddle: What vegetable always loses in every competition yet is a terrific rapper Answer: Beets. Riddle: What vegetable can you use to tie your shoelace? Answer: A string bean.

Marvin the monkey asked: MAY I HAVE A BANANA SANDWICH?

Riddle: What fruit never wants to be alone? Answer: A pear. Riddle: I am a stick stuck in a ball of sweetness. What am I? Answer: Lollipop.

Rebus Solutions

1 – For once in my life (four ones in my life)

7 – Eyeshadow

2 – Forget it

8 – Stepfather

3 – Try to understand

9 – Once upon a time

4 – Travel overseas or overseas travel

10 – Potatoes (pot 8 O’s)

5 – Breakfast

11 – 3D movie

6 – Downtown

12 – Top secret

• Ford Diesel Specialist

THE EXPERTS IN PEST CONTROL SINCE 1981! Serving Huntsville, Madisonville and surrounding areas for over 40 years!

Rodent Control • Ants • Mosquito Control Roaches Household Pests • Spiders • Termite Control & Inspection Lawn and Ornamental Treatments • Weed Control

D.L. Shiver II (936) 291-2902 Don Shiver (936) 348-9135 Follow us on Facebook! 64

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Licenses: TPCL 0774786 6769

• Repair All Makes & Models • Vehicle Maintenance • Major & Minor Repairs • 70+ Years Combined Tech Experience • Complete Diagnostic Tools

1248 Hwy 75 N. • Huntsvlle, Texas

936.438.4060 Chris and Kathy Cunningham, Owners

THE WAIT IS OVER!

Hop on over and check out our NEW THIRD LOCATION!! Montessori Child Care 6 wks to 12 yrs. old Multiple locations to better serve you.

936-435-0303 2817 Old Houston Rd. • Huntsville Monday - Friday 5:00 AM - 6:30 PM

1157 Veterans Memorial • Huntsville

906 10th Street • Huntsville

Monday - Friday 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Monday - Friday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

Business Focus

The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.

Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Tom Miller

Stephanie Livingston CPA Meet a multi-talented accountant who does MUCH more than taxes.

Huntsville is a memorable place for Stephanie Livingston, a certified public accountant (CPA) in Montgomery. In 2023, she opened a Huntsville office; since that time, she has been able to rekindle some of the lasting friendships she made twenty years ago when she lived in the area. She also remembers with nostalgia the recital she performed as a 16-yearold aspiring concert pianist at the Gaertner Performing Arts Center at Sam Houston State University. “I played one of the best recital performances of my life there,” she says.

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

Artistry and accounting When Stephanie was growing up in College Station, she reached the point in her piano studies that her instructor could teach her nothing more. She suggested Stephanie take private lessons from Dr. Richard Smith, a professor at SHSU. Later, while still in high school, Stephanie studied with another professor at Baylor University. She was somehow managing to go to class, work part-time and drive to distant piano lessons; in addition, she practiced two to three hours per day. Although her “first love career pursuit” was to become a concert pianist, she says, she began to wonder if being a professional musician and performing artist was the right choice for her. She realized such a demanding career would make it hard for her to have a family; besides, her income would be unpredictable. Fortunately, at the suggestion of her best friend, Stephanie took a basic accounting class and discovered she had a remarkable aptitude for accounting; furthermore, she enjoyed it. “Numbers are fun,” she says. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, she began working professionally for UT Austin, then for Texas A&M University, as a fund accountant. She later earned her Master of Business Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University before becoming licensed as a Texas CPA. When people learn Stephanie is a CPA, they usually ask, “So, you do taxes?” Although every CPA knows how to prepare taxes, Stephanie typically works for small businesses and corporations, including non-profits, to perform a variety of other important tasks. “I do so much more,” she says, noting she is well-known professionally by her peers and colleagues for being able to solve sophisticated accounting and taxation issues for businesses, both large and small.

“I have developed a very diverse skillset with many tricks in my bag.”

A few paintings by Stephanie

Besides being an accomplished pianist, Stephanie plays guitar, sings, draws, paints, and makes a variety of crafts. This creativity is also evident in her work with businesses. Her imaginative thinking has given her a reputation for providing unique ways to solve business operational and accounting problems her business clients encounter. “The creative side of business strategy is so easy for me,” she says. “I seem to be able to provide high-value, strategic execution for businessissues problem solving, where most people are unable to see a way. And because of my many years in private industry, as well as my artistic background in music, I have developed a very diverse skillset with many tricks in my bag.” One of the jobs Stephanie enjoys most is forensic accounting. In this role, she usually answers the question, “What happened to the money?” Sometimes, her client is going through a divorce and believes a spouse is hiding money or is undervaluing a business that should be split equally between spouses. Sometimes her client is a corporation. “They will say, ‘We are not sure how it’s happening, but we

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believe something nefarious is going on in our organization.’ I found out I was highly gifted in this area of accounting,” she says. “I also enjoy the legal aspects of accounting, because part of my strategic services is not just how to save money at tax time, but how to structure a business so there can be legal separations from business-related liabilities.” Furthermore, as a CPA expert witness, she is qualified to defend her forensic work in court if needed.

Stephanie also performs business valuations and can use this expertise—along with her negotiating skills—to neutrally broker the buying or selling of businesses for one or both sides. One of her favorite success stories involves a business that was profitable for decades until crippled by fraud and theft. Through her accounting, Stephanie was able

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to show the true worth of the business. Both the buyer and the seller were Stephanie’s clients, and both benefited from her ability to use proven business valuation methods and to negotiate a sale of more than $10 million. Stephanie can also bridge the gap for small

sense for such businesses to hire Stephanie on a part-time, as-needed basis. “I solve high value problems or introduce procedures and processes to streamline cash flows, resolve business-flow bottleneck issues, and show ways to increase profit margins in the many layers businesses revenues have. This helps businesses more strategically align their day-to-day with their end goal—which is usually how to make more profit, increase profit margins, and pay less tax.”

Stephanie’s creativity has also helped her to become an entrepreneur and inventor. She has successfully engineered many business start-ups, and is also an inventor and coinventor with patents pending. businesses that need chief financial officer and controller services, but do not need them full-time. It often makes good financial

Teaching and strategy A former boss used to tell Stephanie her managerial style reminded him of a teacher.

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This came as no surprise to Stephanie, who loves to teach. She instructed her first beginner piano students when she was a teenager-today, she offers pro bono classes several times a year on a variety of accounting topics. (She is most-commonly requested to teach the fundamentals of non-profit accounting.) Stephanie also helps her clients understand accounting principles. “Too many people don’t use their financial statements for directing and predicting business operations,” she says. “Metrics don’t lie, and analytics using percentages are critical. There is hidden information inside the profit and loss statement that is understandable when you perform analytical diagnostics. These techniques allow for the profit and loss statement to perform a higher role in strategic business planning. It is one great way to reveal how much money a business is really making, and can pinpoint what

“Strategy and creativity produce a unique synergy.”

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aspects of a business’s products or services are the true money-makers.” Stephanie’s business motto is “Strategy wins the game,” because she believes running a successful business requires strategy. “It’s like playing a game of chess,” she says. “Every move is a strategy. You know winning the game means more profit and less tax for your business, but there are many ways to get there. I help them pick the best one for their particular business. Strategy and creativity produce a unique synergy. When they are paired together, more solutions are available.” While many business clients initially contact Stephanie because they need help with their taxes, they soon find she can help them in many other ways. “They are happy they landed with somebody who basically is a onestop-shop for problems needing the expertise of a CPA,” she says. Furthermore, clients are usually pleased she is so responsive. Her reputation is spreading, and she has clients in Montgomery, Walker, Harris, Polk, and Grimes counties.

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My nine-year-old is in the “would you rathers” phase. A recent example: Would you rather be able to teleport anywhere on earth by just speaking a command OR would you rather be able to explore outer space anytime you want without the need for extensive astronaut training?? Saralynn Portwood

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Wildlife Wonders LET’S TALK BUGS By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Preserve Board of Directors Bugs bug me. They give me the creeps whenever I see one. Sometimes it feels like I have one crawling on me, and I immediately freak out. I don’t think this will ever change, but I know they all have a place on earth and they all serve a purpose. Let’s take a look at one you’ve probably seen in your yards. Have you ever picked up a rock and seen this little black bug? Maybe you’ve seen them in other damp areas, like mulch or under logs. My grandchildren call them “roly-poly” bugs because they roll themselves up into a ball when threatened or to retain moisture. This process is called conglobation. Their scientific name is Armadillidium vulgare. The roly-poly, or pill bug, is a terrestrial crustacean that looks just like an insect, but is actually not an insect at all. They are more closely related to lobsters, crabs, and shrimp--but have adapted to living

life on land. No one really knows how they became land animals. They have a hard shell, seven sets of legs, and they breathe through gills. The problem with gills is they can dry out, and that’s the reason they are found in damp areas. Even though they are not actually a bug, that term is a catch-all for small creatures, so many of us still refer to them as bugs. The bodily functions are quite unique. They don’t urinate. Their waste fluids are secreted through their shells. They eat their own feces, where they obtain nutrients. This is known as self-caprophagy. When they’re thirsty, they can drink from their mouths or drink through a tube-shaped structure that juts out from their rear ends—sort of like a straw I would guess. Females have a pouch on their underside called a marsupium, where they carry their

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eggs until they hatch. This is usually two or three months. After the eggs hatch, the babies may return to the pouch to grow. Mom produces a marsupial fluid that nourishes the young ones. Are these bugs good for anything? Yes, they certainly are. They are great composters. They prefer to eat dead organic plant matter which speeds up decomposition. They have bacteria in their guts that gives them the ability to process dead fruit, leaves, and other vegetation and return it to the earth or compost pile where it is then digested by fungi and bacteria. There is a downside to having these animals around, especially in certain agricultural areas. Because they are attracted to wet areas with decaying plant matter, they thrive in locations with heavy rains where they eat decaying crop matter and emerging seedlings. Farmers report an increase in these fellas destroying soybean crops, corn, beans, squash, peas, melon, chard, beets, cucumbers, potatoes, spinach, and lettuce, with potential for significant losses in strawberries. They will also eat wood supports in houses. Good or bad, they’re here, and having just learned they’re not really an insect, I find them quite amazing! However, I still don’t like them. March 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition

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Your Best AgriLife By: Meredith Cryer – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Meredith.Cryer@ag.tamu.edu (936) 435-2426

National Caffeine Awareness Month National Caffeine Awareness Month is observed to help individuals increase their awareness of how much caffeine they are consuming each day and identify ways to reduce their intake. Caffeine is a bitter tasting compound found naturally in various plants which acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system. For many, caffeine is typically included with their early morning coffee or mid-day teas--aiming to help individuals stay awake, focused, and reduce tiredness. Caffeine is widely consumed throughout the world, and in the United States, it is vastly known for its presence in coffee and ability to help increase energy. Many noncoffee drinkers think they may be out of the woods, but this is not the case. According to Amy Valdez, Texas A&M AgriLife Program Specialist, “Caffeine is not only found in a

variety of drinks, but some foods and overthe-counter medications as well”. In fact, caffeine can be found in various drinks, such as sodas, energy drinks, black and green tea, and espresso. Foods that contain coffee (tiramisu, coffee ice cream, coffee flavored foods), chocolate, and chocolate-flavored foods also contain caffeine, as well as any “energy boosting” snacks or gums. Caffeine can even be found in small amounts in some decaffeinated beverages. In addition, some medications which may contain caffeine include supplements, pain relievers, and cold medications. While a caffeinated drink is great for a quick pick-me-up, sometimes the caffeine can mindlessly add up throughout the day. Caffeine in small amounts is safe for most individuals--but in rare cases, overconsumption of caffeine can have

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adverse effects. Having too much caffeine can lead to headaches, dehydration, increased anxiety, increased heart rate, insomnia, indigestion, and more serious risks such as an increase in blood pressure and increased risk of a heart attack. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends healthy adults limit their caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day. According to the FDA, this amount of caffeine is equal to approximately four or five cups of coffee and is “not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects.” Certain individuals are more sensitive to caffeine; they should discuss their limits with their primary care physician. These individuals include those with sleep disorders, GERD or ulcers, those diagnosed with arrythmia and high blood pressure, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. According to the

College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should limit their caffeine to 200 mg. Below is a guide to some common caffeine sources and how much they contain.

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Drink sizes are listed in fluid ounces (oz.) and caffeine in shown in milligrams (mg).

Food sizes are listed in weighted ounces and caffeine is shown in milligrams (mg).

Identifying sources of caffeine you typically have in a day is a great way to make changes in the amounts you consume. A few additional ways you can observe National Caffeine Awareness Month include: •

Track your caffeine intake to identify what sources to reduce in your daily routine.

•

Try a brisk walk or morning exercise to give you that much needed boost of energy.

•

Aim to drink more water and switch out caffeinated beverages, when possible.

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Reduce caffeinated beverages gradually to reduce potential symptoms of withdrawal.

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Remember, while caffeine is a great option for energy, there are other ways that we can get a similar boost while also maintaining our health and hydration! Try this Blackberry Basil Iced Green Tea recipe for a less caffeinated option.

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Blackberry Basil Iced Green Tea Ingredients 48 ounces water divided 6 bags green tea 1 cup Blackberries crushed 1.5 Tablespoons honey 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves Juice of 2 limes

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Mustard Seed Moments by Wes Altom

The Prime Factor I saw a meme the other day that really resonated. It said, “I’ll never forget how my father told me, ‘When God put a calling on your life, He already factored in your stupidity.’ That’s the most reassuring thing I’ve ever heard.” This is something that could be said by a lot of fathers—and, assuredly—an accurate sentiment from the Father of us all. Whether ignorance, stubbornness, pride, fear—or just plain gravity and inertia that work to keep us held down and not moving forward—the obstacles before us are much less powerful than the power of God, who came to live in us and through us. So don’t let “stupid is” keep you from working toward “stupid does.” For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

Postcards Magazine: Piney Woods Edition | March 2024

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