Darlene Dufour, Author at Postcards Magazine

Forrest Waddill

Darlene Dufour — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:09:30 +0000

Forrest Waddill goes to a bookcase and returns with something in his hand. He hands me an object. “Do you know what that is?”
“It’s rust colored, round, and heavy. It looks like a petrified rose,” I answer.
Forrest grins. “It’s a fossilized buffalo patty.”
He takes it back and hands me a second fossil. “What’s that?”
“I think it looks like leaves on a jade plant.”
He grins again. “Nope. That’s ant droppings.”

He may be 101 years old, but Forrest Waddill is certainly no fossil! He keeps his mind and body active. His daily routine is to get up about 6:00 AM. After breakfast he goes outside for a half mile walk, depending on the weather. Then he visits with other residents at Watermere at Woodland Lakes in Conroe and works on jigsaw puzzles until lunch. He takes a nap after lunch. He often bakes a pan of brownies to share when he goes back downstairs to work on his puzzle or take part in group activities like a trivia contest in the afternoon.

“I never expected to live to be a hundred and one years old,” Forrest Waddill said.

Early Years

Born December 18, 1921 in Edgewood, Texas, Forrest was the sixth of ten children born to Albert and Lillian Waddill. The family lived on a 160-acre farm near Star, Texas–which had three grocery stores, two garages, a filling station, the post office, and a blacksmith shop. “A hundred years ago, the blacksmith fixed anything that was broken, because there was no welding back then,” said Forrest. “The blacksmith would heat the iron and beat it back together.”
“I was nine years old when the Depression hit,” recalled Forrest. My family survived the Depression because we raised our own food, animals and a vegetable garden. All of us children worked on the farm. We bought a pressure cooker to can the food. We made ketchup, chili, jelly, and everything we could. We never missed a meal; we never went hungry. Everybody had their own place at the table. There were my parents and us kids: Clifford, Leonard, Leona, Grace, John, Forrest, Wesley, Bob, Henry, Dorothy.”

Even though food was plentiful, the family was affected by the Depression, because Forrest’s father Albert had bought 250 acres of land about a mile from their house. “He had paid all but $500 on it, and when he couldn’t pay it, the bank took the property. But he never mortgaged our home or livestock.”

Forrest left school after he completed the eighth grade to help on the family farm. “At 16, I could pick 400 pounds of cotton a day,” said Forrest. “Cotton sold for $45 or $50 a bale back then.” In the 1930s, students were required to complete the eleventh grade to receive a high school diploma.

He eventually got a job working on government projects. “I helped build the airports in Gainesville, Ft. Worth, Arlington, Mineral Wells, and Wichita Falls.”

Military Service in WWII

Forrest had a deferment because of his job. “They told me they could keep me out of the war, but everyone else was going, and I thought it was my time to go,” stated Forrest. “I enlisted on August 20, 1943. I was 22 years old.

“I joined the U.S. Navy Seabees and served in the 134^th and 135^th Construction Battalions in the Pacific islands of Tinian and Okinawa. I helped build two-mile-long airstrips for B-29 bombers to take off and land. On Okinawa, I helped build roads and living quarters.

“I had the best job I the service. I was a field mechanic. That gave me a jeep and a pass that let me through roadblocks anytime I wanted. I saw a lot of Okinawa. It was a muddy place because it rained a lot. The road was washed out in one place, and the trucks got stuck in the black mud at the roadblock. They’d wait until five vehicles were stuck, then bring out the bulldozer to push them over the hill.”

Forrest was honorably discharged on March 4, 1946. “I left Okinawa with a lot of money. I wish now that I had saved it or at least spent it more wisely. Men were getting discharged and getting married. I wasn’t about to get married right away.”

West Texas Days

Forrest moved to Midland in 1951 where he lived for sixty years. He and his brothers started the Waddill Brothers Painting Company and painted houses for over fifty years.

Forrest married Ann Manuel from Goldthwaite when he was 29 years old. They had two daughters, Sharon and Alicia. The marriage ended in divorce after 27 years.

Four years later, he married Christine Riggs who had three children: Dale Riggs, Anita Starrit, and Connie Flewellyn. The blended family had 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

Forrest indulged his sense of adventure after he retired. He bought a trailer, and he and Christine visited 43 states, Canada, and Mexico. They visited many national parks and more than 80 state parks in Texas over twenty years. Christine died in 2014.

Forrest and his daughter Sharon Sanchez now share an apartment at Watermere. Sharon retired from Anadarko Petroleum, where she was an engineering technician.

Reflections

“I’ve seen a lot of changes during my lifetime. I’ve seen us go from a horse and buggy to sending men to the moon in spaceships.

My daddy bought a Model T Ford in 1925. They delivered it on a Sunday morning. We were already loaded up in the buggy to go to church. Daddy told them to just leave it there in front of the house, and we went on to church in the buggy. I asked Daddy years later why we didn’t just get in the car and go to church. He said, ‘Because I didn’t know how to drive the car.’”

While he appreciates many technological advances, Forrest is disappointed in what causes mistrust of one another. He grew up in a time when “My word is my bond.”

“The thing that bothers me most is this. When I was growing up, what you said is what you did. It’s not that way anymore. There are still good people, but a lot of people don’t keep their word. You’re supposed to do what you say you will do.”

Forrest keeps up with world events and knows that another world war will be fought much differently than the first two. “ Another war will wipe out civilization.”

Like most people, Forrest is concerned by the mass shootings at schools, malls, and clubs. “There are too many guns. Let everybody have whatever gun they want, but if it shoots more than one bullet at a time, the barrel should be full of lead.”

“Tell them what you did with your gun after the war,” Sharon says.

“All military weapons were to be turned back in; no one was to keep them, so I followed policy after WWII and turned in my gun when I was discharged. I haven’t owned a gun since.”

As for whether Americans are better off economically now than in the past, Forrest says, “Wages are higher than when I was a young man, but so is the cost of living. It balances out. The Depression left a mark on me. I’m careful with my money. My advice to young people is to be careful and cautious with how you spend your money.”

Daily Life

Forrest is an active member of a veteran organization. One of the highlights in his life was being chosen for the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2015. He was one of the veterans of WWII who were flown to the nation’s capital and honored there for their service. A highlight of the trip for Forrest was when he got to meet Senator Bob Dole.

Forrest has a life-long interest in collecting fossils that began when he was young. Farming unearthed many arrowheads. “I liked the way they were different from each other, and I started collecting the arrowheads. I saved them in a cigar box,” said Forrest.
He contacted the geology department at Midland Jr. College and donated most of his collection to the college, because he had too many fossils to take when he and Sharon moved into the apartment. “And rocks are heavy,” Sharon pointed out.

Forrest’s Christian faith is an important part of his life. “God has been good to me. God has charge of my life. Everything good shows there is a God,” declared Forrest. Sharon added, “He studies his Bible every day.”

Forrest said, “My favorite Bible reading is the first three chapters of the Gospel of John. My favorite scripture is Ephesians 2:8, ‘For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’”

Adrienne Cooper, Resident Lifestyle Director at Watermere said, “Forrest is a wonderful example of how to live your life. He has lived through so much and has so much wisdom. He is kind and friendly to everyone. He and his family are all wonderful people, and I’m thankful that I get to know them.”

Forrest summed it up, “I’ve enjoyed life. Every part has had its place. I have no major regrets. I wish I’d led a better life. I could have lived a better life if I’d learned to control my mind.”

The post Forrest Waddill appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

James M. Bright- Attorney at Law

Darlene Dufour — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 12:53:01 +0000

My friends: Jim, you’ll be 42 years old when you get out of law school.
Me: With any luck, I’ll be 42 anyhow, so I may as well be a lawyer.

Do I need a will?
Can I use a fill-in-the-blank will from the internet?
What’s probate? How long does it take?

Experience and wisdom have led attorney James M. Bright to focus his law practice on answering these and many more questions about wills and probate.

“The time when a family has suffered the loss of a loved one is not the time to suffer a financial loss also. I charge flat fees for what I do because I want people to ask questions. I used to charge hourly fees, but when I did that, people wouldn’t call and ask questions because they were afraid they were going to be charged an additional fee. We will perform all the legal duties involved in having a will admitted to Texas probate and will do so on a flat fee basis so clients do not experience further surprise or unintended expense. “

Nancy Sellstrom, his secretary for 40 years, said, “Clients who have lost a loved one are at a point in their life when they are overwhelmed anyway, so we try to make it as simple as possible for them.”

James sees clients by appointment in his office at 208 McCown Street, Suite 114 in Montgomery. He no longer has an office in Houston, but he has entered into an “of counsel” agreement with a Houston attorney so that he can still care for his current and future clients in Houston.

His website, houstontxprobate.com, offers a wealth of free information from everything about basic types of wills (which may be used to pass property at death) to how to make sure your pet is cared for after your death. Information about making wills and probating wills is also on the website.

“He loves educating people,” Nancy said.

The atmosphere in James’s office in Montgomery’s historic district is relaxed. He said, “The majority of our clients come from word-of-mouth advertising. A lot of our probate cases come from the wills we’ve done, and they were happy with our service. People tell their neighbors, and they come in.”

Clients and friends also stop by to give a greeting and to pet Sonny, the white lab who comes to the office with James. He had owned a couple of rescue labs over the past years and wanted another, but he had trouble finding a lab rescue at that time. He’d given up.

“The day I found Sonny through a rescue organization, I’d already made the reservation to see some puppies in Magnolia, so I went ahead. I hate to make a reservation and not show up. Well, you know what happened; when we saw the puppies, we fell in love with one. Since the first was already named Sonny, we named her Cher. She’s about seven years old now; Sonny’s about nine or ten.”

Two color photos of his wife Carol adorn his office. They have been married for 63 years.

A Texas native, James Bright was born in Waco and went to grade school there before moving to Fort Worth for high school. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961-64. After discharge, “I designed and sold manual accounting systems when I was in Kansas City, Missouri. This was before computer programs that make it a lot easier.”

After he finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in Kansas City, James returned to Texas in 1975 and attended Law school at South Texas College of Law at night. “I’d always wanted to go to law school. Fortunately, I have a wife who was very supportive. I think we can do anything together.”

My friends said “Jim, You’ll be 42 years old when you get out of law school.” I said, “With any luck, I’ll be 42 anyhow, so I may as well be a lawyer.” His wife Carol also attended college and later got her degree in computer science.

When asked about the changes since James first began practicing law, both he and Nancy agree that technology has played a major part. Nancy said, “The biggest change on my side is the technology. We couldn’t do the job we do without the computers. At first, we had a typewriter and carbon paper. Then we got a typewriter that had five pages of memory. And then there was the computer, which I converted to kicking and screaming. Now I can’t imagine trying to do wills without a computer.”

Both agree the change to having the hearings via Zoom instead of in person has saved time and money. Prior to Covid, everyone (including the executor), had to appear in person at the courthouse at the same time. Many times, the executor who had to appear in court lived out of state. “That was a hardship for everyone to assemble for a hearing that took five minutes,” Bright said. Not requiring the witnesses and attorneys to be present in the courthouse is a welcome change for everyone, because it saves everyone’s time and money.

James has no plans to retire because, “I like what I do. Law practice is interesting. Sometimes you think you’ve seen or heard it all, and then something pops up. It feels like you’re performing a service. Clients seem to appreciate that.”

“What is most important in my life is my marriage. I get up and thank God every morning for my life.” James and his wife Carol appreciate simple things in life. A relative gave them a bird feeder a couple of months ago, and they enjoy watching the birds it attracts. Watching the acrobatics of the squirrel who routinely steals the bird food provides amusement for the couple.

Become informed. Find answers to many of your questions about wills and probate on James Bright’s informative website, houstontxprobate.com. It even addresses scams directed toward senior citizens. James invites you to call his office at (936) 449-4455 or (281) 586-8277.

The post James M. Bright- Attorney at Law appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Baker’s Bouquet

Darlene Dufour — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 14:28:45 +0000

If you have but three pence,
With one buy bread,
With one buy wine,
And with the third
Buy hyacinths for the soul.
(English proverb)

Baker’s Bouquet is a one-stop shop for baked goods, floral arrangements, gifts, and unique items. Located at 806 North Loop 336 West in Conroe (“sandwiched” between fast-food giants Sonic and Burger King), Baker’s Bouquet offers a coffee-shop atmosphere where people can relax, visit with one another, and enjoy coffee and pastries.

The shop’s furnishings run the gamut, from two oversized easy chairs to original chemistry lab tables from Texas A&M College; as well as Fiesta dishware to a pie safe from the 1800s. Everything is for sale, including the small table made from the base of a treadle sewing machine. Customers like the unique mix of furnishings, potted plants, and desserts, with floral arrangements interspersed among them. Customer Bobbi Wingard said, “The sugar cookies are amazing, and I love the eclectic welcoming atmosphere.”

Baker’s Bouquet is the dream of mother/daughter duo Leslie and Sarah Moore. They bought the business two years ago. “Sarah and I always baked together when she was growing up,” Leslie said. “We often talked about opening our own bakery.”

Leslie earned degrees in interior design, art, and English. She retired after teaching school for twenty-five years. The shop’s décor and furnishings reflect her flair for interior design. Her daughter, Sarah Moore, graduated from Texas A&M in 2020 with a degree in psychology. Sarah was teaching eighth-grade U.S. History in Florida when Leslie brought up the idea of buying the business and operating it together. “I had to lure her home somehow,” Leslie jokes. Running this business is a dream come true.”

Leslie and Sarah credit the staff as the reason for their success. “The staff is like a family. God placed every one of them here. They care about the customers and want to please them. They are special people with unique talents. The business runs because of them, not me,” Leslie stressed.

“The staff is comprised of a wide variety of amazing individuals. Laura Gray is our overall manager. Laura is the person everyone can go to for advice, help, and true friendship,” Leslie says. “She keeps us together.”

The floral side has Molena Dowell and Devyn Falkenbury. Molena is a floral designer with over twenty years of experience. She is a master at creating beautiful arrangements for every occasion–from weddings, birthdays, events, to funerals and “just because.” Devyn is newer to the floral business, but has so much talent, her arrangements look like she’s been designing for years.

The bakery side has Kendall Dodd and Olivia Walton. Kendall manages the bakery and is incredibly talented at anything and everything involved in the bakery business. Her cake designs are really beautiful. She is also a student at Sam Houston University, majoring in plant and soil science. Olivia bakes, creates, takes orders, and helps in all aspects of the bakery. Olivia is also the “go-to-girl” for anything computer-related. She, too, attends Sam Houston State University, majoring in engineering design technology.

George Grady, Kendall’s husband, is the overall handy man. “He can do a little bit of everything, from creating fruit bouquets to making minor repairs. He also makes sure the “happiness meter” at the shop is always turned to full blast. The staff is rounded out with Bonny Townsend. “She is such a great addition to the staff. Bonny helps on every front. She bakes, cleans, sweeps, does floral designs–anything that is asked of her, and she always has a smile on her face,” Leslie said.

Customers like Myssi Rogers appreciate the staff, too. “The reason I will always stop and shop with Baker’s Bouquet is because, first and foremost, the staff is absolutely wonderful. They are always cheerful and very helpful. They have some of the most delicious bakery items. They have a large variety of baked goods, and the taste…well, all I can say is YUM! You just have to try them yourself.”

Baker’s Bouquet offers a wide range of flowers, roses, plants, dish gardens, gourmet/fruit gift baskets, and exotics. They can create all the floral needs for any event you can imagine. And, since they are a full bakery, they can do all the desserts for the event as well. “We have an upcoming order for 50 dozen mini cupcakes, 54 dozen cake balls, 30 dozen cake cookies, and 10 dozen dipped pretzels,” Sarah said.

When Donald Trump came to town, Baker’s Bouquet was the florist and baker for the event. They also especially like helping brides make their wedding special. “If a bride knows the colors she wants to use and has a photo or magazine page showing the style she wants to use, we can start from there and help her achieve her vision for her wedding,” states Leslie. They had three large weddings in April to provide food and flowers for.

While cake balls are the biggest seller, other customer favorites are the peanut butter cookies and sugar cookies. “They have the best peanut butter cookies anywhere. And they make them fresh out of the oven for us,” said Brian Beamon.

The bakery delights in specialty orders, like the armadillo groom’s cake seen in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. They have produced several of them. The next challenge will be a boxing gloves cake.

“I absolutely love ordering from Baker’s Bouquet, and Leslie’s cakes are so delicious. My favorite is that you can go in with any ‘out-of-the-box’ idea, and she will always deliver. I have requested things from a quilter sewing motifs cake; to special Easter cupcakes; to my most recent, a specialized princess personal cake with a fondant tiara, wand, and flower petals all wrapped with a bow. I love this bakery, and I think it’s one of the best in town! I am one loyal customer,” said Cora Johnson.

Customers often become friends…who occasionally share the ups and downs of their lives.

“When visiting Baker’s Bouquet, the desserts and baked goods speak to my soul. Regardless of what goes on in my life, there is always a treat that says, ‘this will hit the spot.’ Whether it’s their lemon cookies or their cupcakes, I have a treat that makes me smile,” stated Cherie Busch.

Baker’s Bouquet also supports local artists by offering their products for sale. For example, Willis High School student Zoe Rogers makes car fresheners to make money for her college fund. Lisa Harrington makes handmade greeting cards, and Krystal Edmonds makes candles that look like a slice of cherry pie.

Baker’s Bouquet is a convenient and hospitable place for groups to meet. The shop hosts wedding showers, birthday parties, baby showers, graduation parties, along with Bible study groups. Once a month, they host a presentation on essential oils and invite everyone to come learn about natural and healthy ways to live.

They are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. They are closed on Sunday.

They offer same-day delivery for orders placed before 1:00 PM and free delivery Tuesday – Friday within one mile of the shop (minimum order for delivery is $50).

Stop by during the week to visit with the staff at Baker’s Bouquet. and allow them the opportunity to take care of all your needs. They’ll offer you a cup of coffee and may just become your favorite go-to shop for all your floral and bakery needs.

806 North Loop 336 W
Conroe, TX 77301
936-756-5000
bakersbouquet.com

The post Baker’s Bouquet appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

MHW Real Estate

Darlene Dufour — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:28:50 +0000

MHW Real Estate (MHW) is one of Texas’ newest and most dynamic leaders of real estate investment, construction and development, and commercial brokerage. Their team creates custom innovative plans specific to each client to meet their prerequisites, monetary conditions, expectations, and goals. This growing portfolio includes over $1 billion in industrial parks, medical office buildings, retail centers, and residential housing communities. The company’s diverse team of industry experts includes a combined 75 years of industry experience, which allows MHW to provide exceptional service, start to finish, in all aspects of real estate.

From brokerage to property management, MHW Real Estate is a principal’s stress-free solution. MHW simultaneously focuses on the present and looks to the future to offer superior service at a reasonable cost, which creates long-lasting, fruitful relationships. MHW’s drive for innovation, coupled with their tireless commitment, helps ensure delivery every time.

Leading the charge are MHW’s three Principals: Jody Czajkoski, Mitchell Oxman, and Stephanne Davenport. Each are commercial real estate experts, contributing robust experience (as well as community-minded leadership) to the team. Czajkoski is Conroe’s current mayor, and Davenport is a former treasurer for Montgomery County.

Davenport describes the company as a “one-stop boutique firm, servicing all your commercial needs.” She is also MHW’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations from the primary goal of investors and investor relations to sales and brokerage, development and construction, contract negotiations, contractors and vendors, and financial reporting and banking relationships.

Oxman offers clients and investors four decades of commercial real estate development experience, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, with a track record of transforming investments into profits. He serves as an active force in identifying, financing, and refining viable projects–from concept through fruition–for the company’s clients. “We find a need and fill it,” he shares.

Czajkoski launched MHW in 2011. The name comes from his vision of doing business in Montgomery, Harris, and Walker Counties. Bringing a fresh perspective to his years of brokerage, construction, development, and investment of commercial real estate, he gives more than lip-service when it comes to improving the community he loves.

The investment branch of MHW believes in beginning with the end in mind and provides a variety of investment opportunities uniquely tailored for each investor. Collectively, the team possesses years of experience and accomplishments, bringing their clients security and success in joint ventures, partnership syndications, and investment properties.

MHW’s Property Management provides clients comprehensive management services. They handle all aspects of property management with a focus on strategic planning, which helps clients establish and maintain strong tenant relations.

It is no surprise MHW takes much pride in the location of their office space. “We wanted to take the opportunity to bring MHW back to downtown Conroe where we started,” says Czajkoski. “We are one of the major commercial investment firms now in Montgomery County, and Conroe is the place for growing businesses to be.” Relocated to downtown Conroe on 336 North Main Street, their historic 11,000 square foot building has been completely rehabilitated, but some aspects of the building’s antique charm remain. “We did that without city funds or federal or state tax incentives–simply good, old-fashioned hard work,” Czajkoski said.

MHW’s latest projects include Summerwood Trails, Glenwood Villas, and Lake Shore Cove II, located on the waterfront of Lake Conroe.

Summerwood Trails is situated in Willis, Texas on over 60 acres of residential land. MHW has effectively developed and sold over 200 residential lots and will begin the development of the third phase in 2023. The property lies less than one mile from Lake Conroe and is only four miles west of Interstate 45. There is a tremendous demand for developed lots in the price range established in Conroe and Willis.

MHW’s Glenwood Villas development on Lewis Street includes about 22,500 square feet of land near Downtown Conroe. This urban redevelopment project took only 18 months and included 6 attached single-family homes which feature three bedrooms, two baths, and a garage.

Lake Shore Cove II includes 1.46 acres of premier waterfront property now for sale. Located in Lake Conroe’s luxury neighborhood of Lake Shore Cove, this was one of the last waterfront properties for sale in the area. Located across the bay from the best of Lake Conroe’s retail and dining options, the property offers a perfect location for resort-style living. This second phase of Lake Shore Cove comes on the heels of the success of the first phase, which was purchased in 2019. “The luxury homes in phase one sold instantly because of this incomparable location and MHW’s caliber of luxury homes,” says Oxman. The site is approved for both permanent residences and vacation-rental use.

“Upon being introduced to the team at MHW Real Estate, I was attracted to their professionalism and market knowledge. The Principals and Management Team are always very forthcoming with investment updates and market changes, and they are just a phone call away to patiently explain the status and outlook of all investments and projects, as well as answer any questions I may have.”

~ a satisfied MHW Investor

To learn more about MHW Real Estate please contact them directly:

Stephanne Davenport
stephanne@mhwre.com
281.651.4898

Jody Czajkoski
jody@mhwre.com
713.560.6069

Mitchell Oxman
mitchell@mhwre.com
281.910.6687

MHW Real Estate
336 1/2 N Main Street, Suite 214
Conroe, TX 77301
info@mhwre.com
Tel: 281.651.4898

The post MHW Real Estate appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Dillon and Nicholas Federico

Darlene Dufour — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:58:51 +0000

Dillon and Nicholas Federico, two elementary school-age brothers in Conroe, have been honored by the American Legion Auxiliary – Unit 305, with the Youth Hero Award. The brothers’ quick-thinking actions saved the life of a four-year-old child on Saturday, October 23, 2021.

Four-year-old Stella Blouin from Sacramento, California was visiting their home with her father and his girlfriend. This was Stella’s first visit with her Texas family. Nicholas (age 11) and Dillon (age 9) had never met Stella and didn’t know anything about her except that she was their cousin.

The family gathering was bittersweet. Family had come together from Texas, Illinois, and California to celebrate the life of Gerald Mulvihill, who was Dillon’s and Nicholas’ great-grandfather. Kari Federico, the boys’ mother, had invited the family to gather at her new home.

Even though it was October, the Texas 80-degree weather was warm enough for Dillon and Nicholas to swim in the backyard pool.

Mary Sanchez, the boys’ grandmother, lives with the family and homeschools the boys. She is a retired teacher and school principal. According to Mary, “This was the first time we had several people at the house. There were about 30-40 people here. We just got this house right before my dad had died.”

Kari bought the house because it had a pool, and the boys are such great swimmers. They took swimming lessons at the YMCA when they were five or six. Swimming was so natural to them that it never occurred to either of the boys that maybe Stella shouldn’t be on the float.

“My daughter Kari and others were in the kitchen preparing food for everyone. I was sitting outside with another group of adults,” Mary said.

Nicholas remembers the event like this: “That night, I had a baseball game, and I was sitting in a chair beside the pool in my uniform. It was about two hours before the game, so I decided to change and go swim. I saw Stella on a blue float when I went in the house. But when I came back, she was in the middle of the pool. She was on her stomach floating with her head in the water.

I thought maybe she was just playing around or something. That’s why I told Dillon to bring her over to the shallow end just to be sure. Dillon pulled her over from the middle of the pool to the side. I went over to the shallow end where she was, but when I didn’t see her moving, I picked her up out of the water. She started spitting out water. She was all blue and everything.

But after she started spitting out water, I didn’t know what to do, so I just held her out of the water and let her breathe. Then she started screaming and the adults came over. They dried her off and put her in a blanket. She fell asleep. Someone called 911, and the firefighters came over and checked her out for about 20 minutes.”

Mary Sanchez remembered, “It was her screams that got our attention. None of us adults saw what happened, because a built-in serving counter blocked the view of the pool to anyone sitting on the patio.

My sister is a nurse, so she checked her out, but when she saw Stella’s lips were still blue and it wasn’t going away, she told us to call the EMTs. They got here within minutes. They checked Stella out and gave her oxygen.

Stella’s dad asked her what happened, and she said, “I was floating on the blue float, and then I just slipped, and I went under the water. I kept trying to come out of the water, but I couldn’t, so I fell asleep.”

The boys agree they would do the same thing again if they had to, but Nicholas added. “Yeah, once I got her out of the water, I’d get an adult.”

Members of American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 305, nominated the boys for the Youth Hero Awards. The unit serves The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe. Members began the process. First, they completed the formal paperwork and sent it to the Texas State Department of ALA in Austin for consideration. The state office then forwarded the application to the national headquarters, who approved the award and sent the certificate and medals.

Throughout the process, Dillion and Nicholas were unaware of any of the activities until the day they were to receive the award. The American Auxiliary presented the award to Nicholas and Dillon at their May meeting at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church in The Woodlands, where they meet the third Thursday of the month.

Even after receiving the recognition, the boys don’t consider themselves heroes. Their days are spent being homeschooled by their grandmother, Mary Sanchez. Nicholas said “The advantage to that is we get breaks in the middle of the school day. We get off early.”

Dillon points out that, “One drawback to being homeschooled is that we’re not around too many other kids.” They agree that science is their favorite subject. Math is their least favorite, closely followed by history or English.

Baseball is important to the whole family. Clues to the family’s love of baseball are obvious from the baseball-themed wreath on the front door and the doorbell’s ring.

Mary said “We eat, sleep, and breathe baseball. We’re huge Astros fans. We were at a game last night. Nicholas, show her what you got.” Nicholas leaves and returns quickly. He proudly hands over an autographed baseball and explains: “The guy who signed it is Martin Maldonado, Number 15. He’s the catcher for the Astros. He was warming up in the bullpen. I went over there and asked him if he’d sign my ball. I threw the ball over the bullpen fence. Maldonado signed the ball, threw it back over the fence to me, and pushed the pen back through the fence to me.”

The boys play baseball with the Montgomery Little League and the homeschool Mustangs teams. In addition, both boys take private baseball lessons every week with Lance Miles, a private coach. They also participate in summer baseball camp a couple of days a week.

Although they are young to have plans for after graduating high school, Nicholas hopes to get a college scholarship for baseball and play for Texas A&M or Texas Tech. “I do some catching, pitching, and second base for the Mustangs.” After college, he wants to play major league baseball. He hopes to eventually start a business in baseball memorabilia.

Dillon is leaving his options open, but he doesn’t seem enthusiastic about attending college.

Fortunately, both boys are eligible for financial assistance to attend college because of their mother’s service. She was in the Army for eight years, including 33 months as a combat medic in Iraq. The Hazlewood Act provides qualified veterans an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition and fee exemption at Texas state-supported colleges or universities.

Mary said, “I don’t think people know how much the American Legion does to honor civilians as well as veterans. The ALA loves to honor youth who do good deeds. It doesn’t have to be heroic. They like to hear stories about kids doing good deeds and heroic deeds. The Legion has a Good Deed Award as well as a Youth Hero Award, and seeks to honor our youth, as well as adults and our veterans. Unit 305 serves the Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe. To nominate someone for an award in this area, email mcatsanchez@yahoo.com.”

The post Dillon and Nicholas Federico appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

DBL Real Estate

Darlene Dufour — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:43:27 +0000

Despite the occasional unexpected meeting with an alligator, a snake, or wild hogs, ask Lisa Hatcher Taylor about the real estate business, and she is all smiles. She realizes critters just come with the territory at times. Lisa is a Broker Associate and SRES with DBL Real Estate in Madisonville, Texas. She, along with her parents, Don (Realtor® and Owner) and Beverly (Broker and Owner) Hatcher, established the business in 2000 to serve the counties of Madison, Leon, Grimes, and Walker. DBL Real Estate is a thriving company that handles all types of real estate needs in the area–including residential, commercial, and all types of land sales.

DBL specializes in selling homes, farm and ranch, raw and hunting land, investment properties, and commercial transactions. They aggressively market properties through advanced technology and advertise on many platforms, including two MLS (multiple listing service) databases (HAR – Houston) and BCL (Bryan/College Station). They also advertise through The Madisonville Meteor, LandsofTexas.com, Lands of Texas magazine, TXLS, Facebook, www.dblrealestate.com, and many more. Over the years, they have compiled a list of contacts who are skillful in preparing properties for showings, as well as a team of trusted vendors to ensure successful transactions. This team includes title companies, inspectors, surveyors, appraisers, contractors, and lenders who are knowledgeable about lending in rural areas. Some of these include Prosperity Bank, First National Bank, the Mortgage Corner, Gold Financial, Bradley Home Inspections, and Duke Home Inspections, among others.

In addition to the team of experts who partner with DBL Real Estate, let’s get acquainted with the DBL team of Realtors.®

• Don and Beverly Hatcher, owners and agents, are native Texans married for 54 years. They enjoy living in Huntsville and keeping their four children close by! Don specializes in ranch, recreational, and commercial properties, with over 40 years of experience in a diversity of careers that include retail sales manager, farmer, and real estate developer. Beverly has played an important role in their business ventures and applies her knowledge and abilities in the administrative side of the business.

• Lisa Hatcher Taylor is the eldest daughter of Don and Beverly and has been with the business since its beginning in 2000. She is a Broker Associate and holds an SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) designation. A current member of RLI (Realtor’s Land Institute), she plans to obtain her ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) designation in the spring of 2023. She offers 22 years of real estate experience and specializes in home and land sales, with a background in mortgage processing. Lisa lives in Huntsville with her husband. They have four sons (the youngest is currently a senior at Huntsville High School), one adorable grandson, and one spoiled Aussie Doodle.

• Zulma Cuevas has been a Madison County resident for over 25 years. She lives in Madisonville with her husband and four beautiful children, and she has one grandchild. She is a Madisonville High School graduate, started her career as an investor in 2008, and has been a Realtor® for six years. Zulma loves going to the beach and spending time with her family and extended loved ones.

• Tyler Yeager is the grandson of Don and Beverly and has been with the business since May 2021. He was born and raised in Huntsville and currently lives in Huntsville with his beautiful wife, Jesse Oden Yeager, and their 11-month-old baby boy Elijah. Tyler is a Huntsville Hornet graduate and has an extensive background in HVAC and construction. He spends his spare time with his large extended family (and all that comes with it) and golf.

• Brittany Langley is the granddaughter of Don and Beverly and has been with the business since May 2021. She was born and raised in Huntsville and currently lives in Huntsville with her husband and three children. She is a graduate of both Huntsville High School and Sam Houston State University, with a background in education. She loves the Lord and is a devoted member of Northside Baptist Church of Huntsville; she also serves as a Unit Leader in the American Heritage Girls Troop TX2020 in Huntsville. Her free time is spent with her husband, children, and extended family at the beach, boating on a lake, or traveling. As a past Hornet and Bearkat, Brittany loves her community and all in it. It is a privilege for her to serve her community, and real estate provides the perfect opportunity for her to do just that.

• Kristen Olney is a Texas Realtor® from Madison County who is committed to serving clients and listening to their needs. With a background in banking and marketing, she can utilize those skills in real estate. Serving clients and listening to them daily made it easy for her to understand them and place their interests above her own. Her goal is to serve her clients in a way that works best for them. A wife and proud mother to her children, she spends her free time with family enjoying fun in the sun on the beach or around her ranch with her dogs, cows, horses, ponies, turkeys, chickens, and hogs!

• Lois Irving was born and raised in Huntsville where she currently resides with her husband of forty years. She is the mother of two and the grandmother of three. She is a local business owner and has been in real estate for over twenty years. Lois is an active member of her church and is a joy to anyone who meets her.

Why go to DBL for your real estate needs? Lisa confidently states, “Making our clients’ transactions as stress-free as possible is our goal. Here at DBL Real Estate, we see buying a home as a process and not a one-time meeting. We walk with all our clients and customers through this process and build lasting relationships with them. We are trained and committed to working a transaction from start to finish, no matter what challenges occur in between. Our experienced group and the team of vendors we partner with are adept at overcoming the challenges that often occur in real estate transactions.” And, she adds, “Our extensive knowledge of ranch land and improvement values has proven to be an invaluable asset countless times over the years. Understanding your needs allows us to narrow down the potential properties which will work best for you and your family.” Lisa is also a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and is trained and knowledgeable in helping maturing citizens as they consider life-changing decisions regarding their real estate needs. She can provide them with the best options in selling, buying, relocating, and refinancing their residential or investment properties.

From start to finish, DBL Real Estate covers it all. As Lisa relates,

“I enjoy the fast pace of the business, the diversity of the people I meet and work with, and the fact that no one day or transaction is the same. Seeing the success of our clients, whether buying or selling property, is the greatest enjoyment of this business.”

Lisa is known for making a career out of helping people whom others could not. DBL Real Estate invites you to bring your real estate needs to them and welcomes you into their family of friends.

DBL Real Estate
1702 East Main Street
Madisonville, TX 77864
936-348-9977
www.dblrealestate.com
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
After hours and weekends by appointment only

The post DBL Real Estate appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

AREA TEENS FLIP OUT

Darlene Dufour — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:15:58 +0000

Five local teens have qualified to compete in the 2022 World Championships and World Age Group (WAG) Competitions in Trampoline & Tumbling in Sofia, Bulgaria November 16-19.

They were among multiple USA Elite gymnasts who competed in the qualifying tryouts at the 2022 USA Gymnastics Championships held in Des Moines, Iowa in June. Two athletes, Morgan Kessler and Miah Bruns, won the national championship in their divisions.

Morgan Kessler (18) from Katy won the National Championship in Tumbling-Intermediate Elite. Morgan began taking gymnastics lessons when he was six years old because, “I was always a very active kid and needed an activity to keep me occupied. I like competing in tumbling because I love to demonstrate both power and grace.”

Miah Bruns (18) defended her 2021 title to win the 2022 Senior Women’s Tumbling National Champion again. According to Miah, “This year, I achieved one of my biggest dreams, which was to represent Team USA at the World Games this July. The World Games is the Olympics for non-olympic sports. After this year, my goal is to continue training for the next World Games in 2025 in China.”

Conroe was well represented, too. Jordy Maldonado began gymnastics training when he was ten years old. “My medical doctor recommended it. The doctor thought the sport would help me cope with my ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder). Jordy started focusing on tumbling and trampoline about two years ago, but he has done well enough to compete in trampoline at the Intermediate Level. He placed second in synchronized with his partner Syler Buck. Jordy also placed sixth in the Individual Trampoline event.

Do you think the sport helped you with your ADHD?

“Yes, it helped me get a lot of energy out and it helped me learn to focus.”

There are several other gymnasts going through their routines at the same time. How do you maintain your concentration when you compete?

“I have to focus. I listen to music while I’m waiting. Then, just before my turn, I pray. I like it when people cheer when I’m performing. That helps.”

Alec Pelezo (17) from Magnolia placed eighth in the Power Tumbling -Elite Category in Des Moines, Iowa, and ninth in the event in Italy. He also ranked tenth in Double Mini-trampoline, the Senior Elite division in Des Moines. Alec said , “I like tumbling because of how fast the pace is.” Alec is a senior and, after high school graduation, he wants ”to continue the sport and go to junior college in order to keep competing.”

Isabella Pansano, from The Woodlands, placed third in Trampoline as a Junior Elite, and she placed fifth in the Double-Mini category. “I like the Double-Mini because it’s fun,” Bella said.

Fourteen-year-old Cole Bianca, from Spring, placed third in the Youth Elite category of Tumbling. “I’ve been taking gymnastics lessons since I was four. I was always flippin’ around.”

Fifteen-year-old London Hunt of Spring competed in tumbling as a Junior Elite Female and placed fourth. “I like competing in tumbling because it’s fun.”

Tasha Williams ranked second in the Senior Women’s Tumbling in Italy. She also ranked second in the same event in Italy. She and Miah Bruns came from Illinois to train with Jeffrey Brown. Tasha is hosted by Dr. Marixa Maldonado, a medical doctor in Conroe. “Jordy’s mother has hosted several students at their home in Conroe so they can reach their potential.”

Four athletes also competed May 25-27 in Rimini, Italy, for the Aere World Cup Championships in Tumbling and Double Mini-trampoline. The group remembered that it was a difficult venue to compete in “because the weather was hot and the building we competed in was not air-conditioned. “

London Hunt (15) of Spring competed in tumbling as a Junior Elite female and placed fourth. She began taking gymnastics lessons when she was eight years old and describes herself saying, “I am very competitive. I like competing in tumbling because it’s fun.”

London is also impressed with the leotards Coach Brown designed for the team. “Mine’s pink. I got to choose the color. “

Why do you train at WCC? What do you like about Coach Jeffrey?

The gymnasts train at the World Championship Centre in Spring, Texas. (Think Simone Biles.) Jeffrey T. Brown and Amanda Bianca (Cole’s mother) are the team’s T & T coaches.

Why do you train at WCC? What do you like about Coach Jeffrey?

Tasha Williams said, “My father owns gyms in Illinois and is a coach himself, but I had big goals. I wanted to make Senior Elite. I wanted to make the national team, and I wanted to make World Cup in Italy in 2022. I did all that. My goal for 2023 is to make World again.”

Miah said, “The reason I train at WCC is because of Coach Jeffrey and the facility. I moved away from home in Crete, Illinois, in order to be coached by Jeffrey and follow my dreams.”

Her host family is Dr. Amelia Robinson and Joshua Johnson. Dr. Robinson is the principal of the Academy at WCC, which helps the gymnasts balance school with their intense training hours.

“It’s a compressed school day, with a small student-teacher ratio. This allows each student to receive direct and tailored help in order to maximize their learning abilities. My season never ends, because I’ve been an international athlete for eight years, so I compete in more world and WAGS meets than most people,” Miah explained. “I go home to Illinois at Christmas. Otherwise, my family comes to see me at meets.”

Morgan Kessler drives two hours each day from Katy. “I always wanted the opportunity to pursue an elite gymnastics career at a facility that could support my needs as an athlete. Jeffrey is so understanding and supportive. He has helped me get to where I am today and has allowed me to grow as both an athlete and a person.”

London appreciates, “The way coach pushes me to be my best.”

Alec said, “He always supports me, even when I’m having a bad time. “

Jordy said that he likes, “The way they encourage me and push me every day to do my best.”

How did you learn about Coach Jeffrey?

The group agreed with Miah, who said, “We knew him from meets and other events for about eight years. We knew his reputation and athletic ability, so when we heard he’d started coaching full-time, we got in touch with him. “

Jeffrey had won five national titles and competed for the United States in South Africa. He has been a member of the USA Gymnastics National Team since 2001 and has competed in Canada, Belgium, Russia, Belarus, two World Cups and two World Championships. In addition to his achievements in tumbling and trampoline, Jeffrey trained in tap, jazz, and ballet dance for ten years. He also performed with Walt Disney World as a tumbler in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida. Jeffrey also performed stunts, dance, and acting roles for Universal Orlando, Sea World, and Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba.

Describe a typical weekday; what’s your routine?

The gymnasts are in home-school programs offered at WWC that allow them to practice 25 hours a week. They are up by 7:00 AM and off to the gym for practice from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. They do lunch and school work from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, then it’s back to practice from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Afterwards, they finish up any needed school work, have supper with the family, play with the pets, watch television, and get to bed by 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.

What is your favorite thing about going to competitions in other states or countries?

Miah: “Meeting all the gymnasts from around the country and world. When traveling to international competitions, I enjoy getting to experience and learn about the different cultures.”

Morgan: “Seeing all of my friends from across the nation; traveling to new locations.”

Alec: “Getting to experience new cultures.”

London: “Seeing different parts of the world; spending time with friends and competing.”

Cole: “Getting to see friends from other states…but I don’t like the plane rides.”

Isabella: “Meeting people from everywhere.”

Do you have any role models in your sport?

Cole’s role model is Elliot Browne from Great Britain.

Isabella admires Lina Sjoberg, “Because she is a good Double Mini athlete.”

Miah admires Jia Fangfang from China because, “She is one of the best women power tumblers, and I aspire to be as good as her one day.”

Alec and Morgan both admire Kristoff Willerton of Great Britain. They say, “His tumbling style inspires me.”

Who knows? Maybe one day a young gymnast will be regarding one of these athletes as their role model. Oh, wait. One already does.

According to London Hunt, “My role model is Miah, my teammate, because she is the best women’s tumbler in the world.”

And the results confirm it: Miah Bruns won the 2022 World Cup Tumbling championship in Italy. She then won the silver medal for Team USA at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July of this year.

The post AREA TEENS FLIP OUT appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Jordan Smith

Darlene Dufour — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 14:15:14 +0000

Elvis is alive and well in Conroe! I know, because he surprised my granddaughter Jessica Dufour and me on our birthdays on May 29. Our neighbors saw him, too; they were hanging over the backyard fence watching him perform. The iconic beaded white jumpsuit, coupled with the Elvis hairstyle, added to the believability. Yep, no doubt. I knew it was Elvis.

Jordan Smith is an Elvis tribute artist, commonly referred to as an Elvis impersonator, which is a misnomer. The term impersonator connotes an attempt to deceive; however, this Elvis tribute artist’s goal is to keep Elvis’ music and performance style alive, both for audiences old enough to remember Elvis when he was alive and for future generations. Jordan’s performance brought smiles to the faces of his audience (from 21 to 78 years old). His music inspired audience singalongs and an impromptu dance, as Jordan sang and swiveled his way through several of Elvis’ hit songs.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Houston, but I’ve also lived in Pasadena, Lufkin, and Cleveland. Growing up was tough, because as soon as I made new friends and felt like I was starting to fit In, we’d move again. My mother was sort of a nomad. I’ve lived in Conroe since 2014.

What drew you to Elvis’s music?

I grew up listening to the country classics at my grandparents’ house and at home. I especially like singers like Elvis, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Frank Sinatra, Louie Armstrong. Back then, music had a meaning behind the songs. Besides the music, I also like the older style clothes from the 50s.

What got you interested in Elvis music and performances?

I saw the 1973 concert in Hawaii on YouTube when I was 14. I liked the clothing Elvis wore and the way he moved around on stage. I admired the way Elvis put his heart and soul in songs. Today’s performers don’t walk around on stage like Elvis did. They rely on fancy lighting and special effects.

You vocalize the lyrics; you don’t lip sync. Have you had any vocal training?

Just four years of choir when I was in Conroe High School.

What are your favorite Elvis hits to sing?

I especially like performing You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling, Suspicious Minds, and C.C. Rider.

Do you have favorite Elvis movies?

I like all of them, but my favorites are G.I. Blues and Blue Hawaii. I’ve watched his 1973 concert in Hawaii more times than I can count to study the way he moved and sang.

What surprises people about you?

My age. The fact that I’m only 22 surprises them.

How do you rehearse to learn Elvis’ songs and karate-inspired moves?

I study the way he moved around on stage and study the lyrics to his songs while listening to them. I practice any time I get the chance, when I’m not working or doing things around the house. It takes a lot of effort.

You’ve obviously invested a lot of money to be able to give a believable performance. How do you cover expenses like the jumpsuit, sound equipment, and travel expenses?

I’ve been working from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM as a molding operator at Steris Medical Factory in Conroe for the past three years. We make medical pieces that are used in biopsies and endoscopies. Of course, my performance fees help a lot.

Tell us about how you got your costume. How did you find where to get your jumpsuit?

I started out with a simple DIY jumpsuit, which was very basic. Then I looked online and came across proelvisjumpsuits.com, and that’s where I got my Aloha Jumpsuit.

How much does it cost, and how long did it take to get it after you ordered it?

Well, I’ll tell you one thing; it wasn’t cheap. At the time I bought it, the jumpsuit alone –which was custom made by the company to size–was $2,075 plus shipping. The white boots with the Cuban heel were about $180 with the shipping included, and then the rings were around $400 total. First, I had to get and send in all the measurements for the jumpsuit. I got the shell two weeks later. It fit, so then I sent it back to get it tailored and have all the rhinestones put on it, which took about another 6 to 8 weeks.

Who is the lady who operates your sound equipment? I noticed she wears her hair in a ponytail and wears a poodle skirt, which was the fashion in the late 1950s.

That’s my fiancé Chelsea Macha. She loves the 50s Elvis. She operates the sound equipment to add to my performance.

How long does it take for you to get in character?

It takes about 30 minutes for me to style my hair and do the light stage makeup needed, and then another 15 minutes to warm my vocals.

My lovely fiancée Chelsea helps to ensure everything is in order and I don’t look like a hot mess. I use pomade and then a coat or two of hairspray so my hair doesn’t friz out too bad due to humidity and/or weather conditions.

Who is your favorite audience to perform for?

I like performing for people old enough to remember Elvis songs, concerts, and movies. They smile, sing along, and often tell stories about their Elvis memories–kind of makes me wish I’d been living then.

Have you ever been to Graceland, the mecca for Elvis fans?

No, but I hope to visit it someday. I’ll be like a kid in a candy store, I’ll be so excited.

I heard that you went to see the ELVIS movie in costume and created quite a stir in The Woodlands.

Yeah, that was a lot of fun. A lot of people stopped me before I could get in the theater. They wanted to take pictures with me. I enjoyed that. Many of them wanted to know why I do this. I just tell them I love Elvis’ music and want to keep it alive.

What did you think about the movie?

I thought it was phenomenal. I liked the way the movie showed the conflict between Elvis and his manager. I didn’t know Elvis was forced to perform in Las Vegas so many times because of his manager’s greed. I don’t usually cry at movies, but this one brought tears to my eyes.

Do you think the Elvis movie will change the way people think of Elvis?

I hope the movie will revive interest in his music and introduce Elvis to a generation that doesn’t know him. I think he was the best entertainer of all time.

You’re just getting started. How can people reach you to schedule a performance, and do you have set rates?

My Facebook page is JordanElvis SmithPresley. My Email address is jtsConroe18@gmail.com.

My rates vary depending on the venue and the length of my performance, because each venue is different. A performance in an indoor auditorium has different physical requirements from one on a backyard patio, and I do both.

Getting the sound equipment in place ahead of my performance can be challenging. I scout the site a few days ahead to check out electrical outlets and see the amount of space I will have to perform. I need to know ahead of time where I can setup my equipment. Getting the equipment to the “stage” and set up properly takes time before I change into my jumpsuit, but it’s all worth it when I see the faces of my audience light up when I step on that stage—even if the stage is the patio of a home.

Of course, I make some appearances for charity or as a community service.

Tell me where you’ll be performing next.

On August 31^st, I’ll be performing at the Watermere at the Woodland Lakes in Conroe.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

An older man, who I considered my mentor, told me, “Never give up on your dreams, no matter what anybody says.” I’ve held on to that ever since.

What advice do you have for anyone else who might want to become an Elvis tribute artist?

Go for it. It doesn’t matter what race or ethnicity you are; if you’re inspired by something, even if it isn’t Elvis, go for it. Believe in yourself and ignore anyone who puts in their negative “two-cents.” Practice makes perfect. Practice and study. Do what you love, and have fun doing it!

The post Jordan Smith appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Sparkle Women’s Conference

Darlene Dufour — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 14:57:57 +0000

The annual Sparkle Conference for women began in 2018 and was/is the brainchild of Pastor Sharon Fridge, who came to Conroe First Assembly of God from Kentucky in 2016. She wanted to reach out to women who had suffered rejection, trauma, addiction, abuse, and the feeling of not being enough.

Fridge began by creating special events for women throughout the year. At first, women met for dinners together at restaurants and similar activities. However, she and the core leaders of women’s ministry at Conroe First wanted to reach out to women outside the church building.

The planners avoided calling the conference by familiar names, because one of the biggest drawbacks can be when the name has “ministries” or another religious tag attached to it. That name sometimes prevents the involvement of folks who may be intimidated or shy away from coming to gatherings where people talk about Jesus.

Under the leadership of Pastor Sharon Fridge, a group of 75 volunteers from her church began planning the Sparkle Conference of 2017. They decided the conference would be an annual event and would have a different theme each year.

The scripture that inspired the name Sparkle was Isaiah 1:31 “The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire. Since then, the church calls women’s special events Sparkle Events.

The first two-day conference was in 2018. As one of the conference planners put it, “The difference between our conference is this gathering is spirit led, and we wait on the Holy Spirit with no agenda. God just moves in a mighty way that touches everyone with whatever need they have. It’s just liberating when you have that freedom to worship and glorify God.”

|Marsha Loucks attended the 2021 conference and remembers, “The conference was so refreshing. I saw the Holy Spirit move in amazing ways. Women’s lives were touched. And the worship was amazing.” Marsha is already registered for this year’s event.

In 2021, nearly 300 women from 24 churches in Beaumont, Houston, and San Antonio attended the conference. Women who attend the Sparkle Conference become a spark of their own and take it back to their home church.

More are expected at the 2022 event on June 3-4. This year’s theme is “Wildly Blessed.” The conference is being hosted by Conroe First Assembly of God at 3993 Interstate 45 (Exit 90) in Conroe. Services start Friday, June 3 at 7:00 PM and resume on Saturday, June 4 at 9:30 AM (CDT). Saturday’s lunch is included in the registration costs. No childcare will be provided.

The main speakers will be Sharon Fridge, conference organizer, and Susanne Cox.

Sharon Fridge is an anointed speaker. She is an Ordained Assemblies of God Minister and Co-Pastor of Conroe First, along with her husband Ernest. Sharon ministers across the nation and overseas at conventions, retreats, conference, and church services. She delivers a message that encourages the listener to live a life empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. Sharon’s passion is to see people hungry and desperate for a more intimate relationship with God.

“Suzanne Cox was here in 2017 and I enjoyed every word that came out of her mouth,” Rebecca Barker said.

Susanne Cox is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God. She has served as General Presbyter for the Southeast Region as well as on the National “Women in Leadership” Committee for the Assemblies of God. Her life experiences have uniquely positioned her to minister hope and encouragement to others. After many years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, she experienced a miraculous salvation at age 31 which radically transformed her life and gave her a great hunger for God and a desire to serve the Lord.  Susanne passionately challenges and inspires her audience to be transformed by the Word of God and to fulfill their divine destiny. Her unique blend of humor and honesty is refreshing and appealing to all generations.

The Conroe First Worship Team, led by Chase Hasara, will be leading worship during the conference. Chase credits his healing from cancer to an event at a previous Sparkle Conference. (see photo)

Early registration is available at https://wildlyblessed.eventbrite,com. The conference cost is $40 per person; Students over 18 pay $20. T-shirts sizes small through 3X are available for $20 and must be ordered prior to the conference.

On-site Registration starts on Friday at 5:30 pm. The cost will be $50. For hotel discounts mention Sparkle Conference / Conroe First Assembly for best rates at Fairfield Inn & Suites – $104 and La Quinta Inn – $89.

The post Sparkle Women’s Conference appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

CK Ray Recreation Center

Darlene Dufour — Mon, 02 May 2022 14:58:12 +0000

One of Conroe’s treasures is tucked away in Candy Cane Park.

Formally named the C.K. Ray Recreation Center, locals simply call it The REC. The REC’s busy activity schedule and low membership fees reflect its commitment to serve the citizens of Conroe. (The facility was remodeled in 2010 and was renamed after C. K. Ray to honor his 30 years of service on the City of Conroe’s Parks and Recreation and Advisory Board. Ray remembered when the only thing the park had was one rose bush, a flagpole, and a swing set.)

The REC is open from 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Monday through Thursday. It closes at 8:00 PM on Friday. Saturday’s schedule is 7:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The center is closed on Sunday. Recreation and aquatic memberships are available for only $25 a month for Conroe residents; $32 a month for non-residents. No contract is required. Discounts are available for seniors, students, special needs, retired military, and government employees. A household of four Conroe residents pays only $55 a month; non-residents pay $69. There are approximately 3,000 paid members.

The full-fitness facility has something for everyone. It offers two racquetball courts, a gymnasium, locker rooms, a cardio fitness room, a child care room, a weight room, and fitness classes for all levels. The cardio fitness room is equipped with elliptical trainers, treadmills, and upright recumbent bikes. The weight room has a variety of machines and free weights.

Fitness classes suitable for adults, including seniors, begin at 8:00 AM and include Zumba, Pilates, and Yoga. About 35 classes are included in the membership fee. All needed equipment is provided. Instructors offer modifications to participants’ fitness levels.

The KidZone offers members valuable child care service for an additional fee. An experienced staff of college students and retired educators provide child care for children ages 6 months to 8 years old for two hours a day while the adult participates in activities at the center. Sara Vanwassehnova has been working part time in the KidZone for nine years. Noel Carmona, who also works there now, says “I’ve been coming to The REC with my brothers since I was 14. I love this place.”

In addition to fitness classes, The REC also offers special interest classes such as gymnastics, karate, and dance. Those activities require extra fees.

Gymnastics will begin May 1 for ages 3-11 and will meet twice a week. Karate classes meet on Tuesdays and include instruction for white belt, yellow to red belt, as well as classes for adults.

One of the most popular activities is Mary Martin’s dance classes for children. Approximately 100 students ages 18 months to 16 years old are enrolled. Six-year-old Viviana Ocheh is wearing black ballet slippers and a black leotard. She watches dancers in the class before hers go through their routines. “This is my first time. I want to be a good dancer.” Lisa Otwell brings her daughter Ava Robinson each week. She said, “The class is a mix of ballet, tap, and jazz. Miss Mary makes it fun for her. It’s not all work; they get a few minutes to freestyle.” Another mother said, “My daughter has been in dance since she was 18 months old. We’ve tried other places, but we always come back here. My daughter really likes Miss Mary. She makes it fun for them.” Gabi Kingsley said, “Miss Mary is great. She’s no nonsense, but they listen to her and follow directions.” Her daughter Arden is in the six-year-olds class.

In addition to weekly classes, the dancers perform at events like the Crawfish Festival and at two recitals a year. Their Spring recital is scheduled for May 14. The next recital will be in December.

“Pickle ball is one of the fastest growing sports,” according to Mike Cantu, who is the Recreation Center Supervisor. “Pickle ball is similar to tennis, but it’s played with a plastic ball and paddles instead of racquets. We have three courts, and thirty to forty people are here Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM waiting for courts.”

For water lovers, the Conroe Aquatic Center/Waterpark has two year-round pools that are heated and covered. The Competition pool is 25 yards long and is heated to 82 degrees. The other pool is 25 meters long and is heated to 85 degrees.

The water park has zero depth entry and interactive play structures. There are five water slides and three pavilions that have chairs and tables around the pool. It is in demand for rental for birthday parties and celebrations. Facility membership is not required to purchase a Water Park Season Pass; however, active members get a super-discounted rate.

The REC also serves special needs individuals. Edie Lara expressed her appreciation for the Recreation Center this way, “I work with intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals, helping them get exercise and develop social skills. I’m so glad the Center has reopened after Covid, because our clients really need it. They use the exercise equipment, play basketball in the gym; sometimes they want to play racquetball. The REC center is an important part of the community.”

A small group of men who “do little exercising, but lots of socializing” sit at a table near the coffee pot. Glenn Ehlers, a Vietnam veteran says, “The coffee’s free, and we can come here and forget our problems. We learn something every day from one another. I’m a retired insurance agent.” He nodded to the man across the table from him. “That fellow’s a retired dentist.”

The Activity Center is a separate building. It hosts Rock Steady boxing, one of the two fastest growing programs according to Mike Cantu. Rock Steady is a non-contact boxing program for adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. There are several classes each week for varying ability levels. Dr. Carly Wilson, described by one participant as “an encouraging angel” directs physical therapy activities for participants. She and the other coaches provide activities that improve the cognitive and physical abilities of participants. The classes also encourage social interaction with peers.

The Activity Center comes alive on Friday nights for the senior dances. For only $5 per person, about a hundred seniors ages 55 and older can spend an evening dancing and listening to music provided by a live band that changes every week.

The Senior Center at 1202 Candy Cane Lane is open Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM. Seniors socialize by playing games, painting, crafts, bingo, and movie days. Coffee and light snacks are available. Lunch, provided by local restaurants, is served daily. Special events such as Senior Day at the Fair and workshops are held throughout the year.

Amenities at The REC include ample parking (including bike parking), several designated handicapped spaces, and the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Need a venue for a family reunion or a party or wedding reception? Both the Activity Center and the Waterpark are available for rental and are in demand for social events.

Phone 936-522-3900, email recreationcenter@cityofconfoe.org or check www.cityofconroe.org/departments/parks-recreation for more information, or visit the Recreation Center at 1203 Candy Cane Lane, Conroe, TX 77301.

Plans for 2022 include expansion of Conroe’s Parks and Recreation facilities. The City of Conroe has purchased the former YMCA near the South Loop and plans to open the location as the Westside Recreation Center. It will include a gymnasium, a pool, a fitness center, and new racquetball courts.

The park on Candy Cane Lane has come a long way from a rose bush, a flagpole, and a swing set. C. K. Ray would be proud.

The post CK Ray Recreation Center appeared first on Postcards Magazine.

Darlene Dufour, Author at Postcards Magazine

Forrest Waddill

Forrest Waddill

Early Years

Military Service in WWII

West Texas Days

Reflections

Daily Life

James M. Bright- Attorney at Law

James M. Bright- Attorney at Law

My friends: Jim, you’ll be 42 years old when you get out of law school. Me: With any luck, I’ll be 42 anyhow, so I may as well be a lawyer.

Baker’s Bouquet

Baker’s Bouquet

If you have but three pence,With one buy bread,With one buy wine,And with the thirdBuy hyacinths for the soul.(English proverb)

MHW Real Estate

MHW Real Estate

Dillon and Nicholas Federico

Dillon and Nicholas Federico

Dillon and Nicholas Federico, two elementary school-age brothers in Conroe, have been honored by the American Legion Auxiliary – Unit 305, with the Youth Hero Award. The brothers’ quick-thinking actions saved the life of a four-year-old child on Saturday, October 23, 2021.

DBL Real Estate

DBL Real Estate

In addition to the team of experts who partner with DBL Real Estate, let’s get acquainted with the DBL team of Realtors.®

AREA TEENS FLIP OUT

AREA TEENS FLIP OUT

Do you think the sport helped you with your ADHD?

There are several other gymnasts going through their routines at the same time. How do you maintain your concentration when you compete?

Why do you train at WCC? What do you like about Coach Jeffrey?

Why do you train at WCC? What do you like about Coach Jeffrey?

How did you learn about Coach Jeffrey?

Describe a typical weekday; what’s your routine?

What is your favorite thing about going to competitions in other states or countries?

Who knows? Maybe one day a young gymnast will be regarding one of these athletes as their role model. Oh, wait. One already does.

Jordan Smith

Jordan Smith

Where did you grow up?

What drew you to Elvis’s music?

What got you interested in Elvis music and performances?

You vocalize the lyrics; you don’t lip sync. Have you had any vocal training?

What are your favorite Elvis hits to sing?

Do you have favorite Elvis movies?

What surprises people about you?

How do you rehearse to learn Elvis’ songs and karate-inspired moves?

You’ve obviously invested a lot of money to be able to give a believable performance. How do you cover expenses like the jumpsuit, sound equipment, and travel expenses?

Tell us about how you got your costume. How did you find where to get your jumpsuit?

How much does it cost, and how long did it take to get it after you ordered it?

Who is the lady who operates your sound equipment? I noticed she wears her hair in a ponytail and wears a poodle skirt, which was the fashion in the late 1950s.

How long does it take for you to get in character?

Who is your favorite audience to perform for?

Have you ever been to Graceland, the mecca for Elvis fans?

I heard that you went to see the ELVIS movie in costume and created quite a stir in The Woodlands.

What did you think about the movie?

Do you think the Elvis movie will change the way people think of Elvis?

You’re just getting started. How can people reach you to schedule a performance, and do you have set rates?

Tell me where you’ll be performing next.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

What advice do you have for anyone else who might want to become an Elvis tribute artist?

Sparkle Women’s Conference

Sparkle Women’s Conference

CK Ray Recreation Center

CK Ray Recreation Center

One of Conroe’s treasures is tucked away in Candy Cane Park.

My friends: Jim, you’ll be 42 years old when you get out of law school.
Me: With any luck, I’ll be 42 anyhow, so I may as well be a lawyer.

If you have but three pence,
With one buy bread,
With one buy wine,
And with the third
Buy hyacinths for the soul.
(English proverb)