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• February 28, 2023
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“The quilting industry has been so good about including everybody.”

Although the town of Huntsville has experienced phenomenal growth in the past several years, the downtown square preserves a rich legacy of long-time storefronts. A quaint little store on the corner of University Avenue and 12^th Street carries on this tradition of heritage. Fabric Carousel marries modern-day innovation with the long-standing craft of quilting. In 1984, Karl and Doris Collins purchased this business, which has occupied this location since 1969. While Doris was attending SHSU majoring in Fashion Merchandising, she thought her summer job at this store would be temporary. Little did she know that, over 45 years later, she and her husband would still be helping many in the community satisfy their creative desires. 

Since its inception, this store has sold and repaired BERNINA Sewing Machines. As these machines have evolved from the simple mechanized equipment of 1893 to the highly-computerized machines of today, Karl and Doris have educated themselves so as to meet the needs of their clientele. “These sewing machines have touch and drag screens now. The bigger machines have about six computer boards that control their operations. I have to stay up-to-date with training to be certified to work on the machines. I have been working on BERNINAS for about 30 years,” Karl shared. Although they only sell and service this brand, they have a contract with someone who picks up and services other models. The Collins also proudly shared that BERNINA is the last completely family-owned sewing machine company in the world. “We have been fortunate to earn three incentive trips to Europe; two of those were to the factory in Steckborn, Switzerland. The Swiss are methodical in their manufacturing process. As a product goes down the assembly line, an assembler will check the work of the last assembler before he does his task, so every step is double-checked,” Doris mentioned. “BERNINA still supports ‘major wear’ parts for 35-year-old machines. They are famous for their 20-year warranty on main gears, which is twice as long as a lot of machines on the market.” Recently, a BERNINA owner from south of Houston called crying, saying she could not get her machine fixed. She and her husband came to this store. Karl, even after calling the company and trying all they recommended, was unable to make the repairs himself. They told him to send the two-year-old sewing machine to them. BERNINA paid for shipping both ways; they fixed the machine and did not charge for any labor. “This lady was so appreciative that she wrote a two-page letter to BERNINA and Fabric Carousel for helping her. That is the way we treat our customers. If they walk in with an issue, we can help them,” Karl enthusiastically stated. It is not unusual for customers from Waco, Bryan/College Station, the Houston area, and even as far as Louisiana to bring their BERNINAS to this store to be serviced. 

Fabric Carousel caters to hobbyists who are interested in quilting. “The quilting industry has been so good about including everybody. If you want to make an old-fashioned quilt like your grandmother’s, you can do that. If you want to do a modern quilt, you can do that. You can find patterns to do an art-quilt. There is something for everyone,” Doris commented. “Quilters know where every quilt store is in their area. They plan trips around the quilt stores. During ‘Airing of the Quilts,’ quilt guilds from all over Texas would charter buses to come here,” Karl proudly shared. 

Although Covid-19 halted the classes hosted at this fabric emporium, gatherings of craft-minded individuals have returned. “We love teaching about the BERNINAS or quilting! The groups love getting together to be a community. Whether it is a guild, a retreat, or a class, they love to sew together and share ideas. They love to improve their talents. The big-box stores can’t cater to their clientele with entertainment and community like the smaller boutiques can. These people are not just customers. They are our friends. We want this to be a warm, welcoming place,” Doris and Karl articulated. When Hobby Lobby initially closed at the beginning of the Coronavirus, people were turning to crafting to occupy their time. Walmart could not keep up with the demand for fabric at this time; thus, Fabric Carousel inherited new customers in need of materials to work on projects that had been shelved in the bustle of life. Also, during this chaotic time, many people were seeking repairs on their sewing machines. “The sewing-machine-repair business went berserk! People were pulling machines out that had been sitting on a shelf for many years. As well, ladies were putting a lot more pressure on their machines, as they were finishing projects over what they would normally do because they were at home and couldn’t do anything else. It was their therapy; it kept their sanity. They love sewing, so they found their happy place in their sewing rooms,” Doris and Karl explained. “So many of our customers are mothers and grandmothers who show their love with their quilts. They want to make something special, make it an heirloom item,” Doris added. 

“People have a misconception about quilts.” 

The quilt is your creation. It never goes out of style. You can lay it down for six months and pick it back up, and it is still in style,” Karl added. “There are so many different types of quilts. Let’s say that your dad or granddad was an executive, and he had 100 ties. If you want to remember him, we will show you how to make a tie-quilt. We have seen so many different types of quilts: camouflage quilts, flour-sack quilts, T-shirt quilts… It is not just a quilt to cover yourself up; it is art. It is always something that speaks to you and your family. If you don’t know how to sew, we can help you learn. We also have used machines where we can teach you how to sew.” 

Doris and Karl enjoyed participating in the Wine Down event which has been hosted by the Downtown Business Alliance, an organization of which Doris was not only a catalyst in helping to create, but she served as a former President and Treasurer. Local wineries set up tastings in various shops, and the stores on the square stay open until 9:00 pm. Since the community is important to both of these individuals, Karl, a Sam Houston graduate with a degree in Ag Mechanics, is involved in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ag Mechanics Committee as well as serving as the Vice President of Walker County Farm Bureau. 

Rounding out the Fabric Carousel team is Jeanette Allen, who is the software and embroidery teacher, and Kristie Munson, who works on the sales side of the business. Hanging in the classroom of the store, you will see two intricate embroidery projects that Jeanette created from a couple of million stitches. 

If you want to stir up your creative juices, look up Fabric Carousel on their website, www.fabriccarousel.com, or keep up with them on their Facebook page where you will find new fabrics, classes, or maybe even show-and-tell of a customer’s completed project. 

Stay Calm and Quilt On! 

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On a verdant plot of land on Highway 19, a trifecta of trailers, self-storage, and portable buildings come together on four acres of land to meet the needs of long-haulers, RV owners, a local civic organization, commercial businesses, individuals looking to cover their cars from the elements, and even someone turning storage into a “man-cave.” Eastex Trailers & Storage, located on 3156 State Highway 19, meets the varying needs of its customers. Owner John Cole and his mom decided to buy this piece of real estate with a couple ideas of what the business would be. “She had the idea of self-storage, and I had the idea of trailer sales. I started calling trailer manufacturers to find ones that would want me to be their dealer. One of the manufacturers told me I should contact a guy down in Katy to get his perspective. He told me I should think about renting as well as selling trailers. We also keep a few select parts on hand, like lights and jacks, things that get torn up. We also sell accessories for people who buy trailers,” John explained. Continuing his research for this project, Cole spoke with a trailer dealer in Cuero, who suggested that he contact Cook Portable Warehouses. As a result of this fortuitous meeting, Eastex also began selling portable buildings. John’s representative from Cook Portable Warehouses suggested he look into selling carports, steel buildings, and garages. “The business has evolved over time. We bought the property in April of 2016 and within six months, everything just fell into place,” Cole shared. 

Although the storefront address lists Huntsville as its town, the business is almost halfway between Sam Houston’s home and Trinity. “Some people find us on the internet, but a lot of our customers stop in simply because they were driving by. A man who rented a trailer from me recently just happened to see our sign. I have people who come from all around who buy trailers–Houston, Crockett. I had a gentleman from Tennessee Colony, Texas, who bought a livestock trailer from me recently. I have had people come from Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Mississippi to buy trailers from me,” John communicated. Customers have the opportunity to select from different brands of trailers such as Ranch King, Diamond C, Cargo Mate, and Longhorn, and varying sizes and types of cargo trailers. One can rent a dump trailer, a deck-over trailer, a small or large car-hauler, a landscape utility trailer, or a livestock trailer. Eastex offers a weekly rate and a daily rate. “The weekly rate is five-times the daily rate and can be up to seven consecutive days. You end up getting two days free if you rent it up to the full seven days,” John pointed out. “If a person wants to haul something like a riding lawn mower or a piece of furniture, our small trailer is ideal for that.” Being community-minded, Cole gives a 10% discount to Future Farmers of America and 4-H members. The business also helps to sponsor the Ag Project show at the Walker County Fair. 

On a verdant plot of land on Highway 19, a trifecta of trailers, self-storage, and portable buildings come together on four acres of land to meet the needs of long-haulers, RV owners, a local civic organization, commercial businesses, individuals looking to cover their cars from the elements, and even someone turning storage into a “man-cave.” Eastex Trailers & Storage, located on 3156 State Highway 19, meets the varying needs of its customers. Owner John Cole and his mom decided to buy this piece of real estate with a couple ideas of what the business would be. “She had the idea of self-storage, and I had the idea of trailer sales. I started calling trailer manufacturers to find ones that would want me to be their dealer. One of the manufacturers told me I should contact a guy down in Katy to get his perspective. He told me I should think about renting as well as selling trailers. We also keep a few select parts on hand, like lights and jacks, things that get torn up. We also sell accessories for people who buy trailers,” John explained. Continuing his research for this project, Cole spoke with a trailer dealer in Cuero, who suggested that he contact Cook Portable Warehouses. As a result of this fortuitous meeting, Eastex also began selling portable buildings. John’s representative from Cook Portable Warehouses suggested he look into selling carports, steel buildings, and garages. “The business has evolved over time. We bought the property in April of 2016 and within six months, everything just fell into place,” Cole shared. 

Although the storefront address lists Huntsville as its town, the business is almost halfway between Sam Houston’s home and Trinity. “Some people find us on the internet, but a lot of our customers stop in simply because they were driving by. A man who rented a trailer from me recently just happened to see our sign. I have people who come from all around who buy trailers–Houston, Crockett. I had a gentleman from Tennessee Colony, Texas, who bought a livestock trailer from me recently. I have had people come from Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Mississippi to buy trailers from me,” John communicated. Customers have the opportunity to select from different brands of trailers such as Ranch King, Diamond C, Cargo Mate, and Longhorn, and varying sizes and types of cargo trailers. One can rent a dump trailer, a deck-over trailer, a small or large car-hauler, a landscape utility trailer, or a livestock trailer. Eastex offers a weekly rate and a daily rate. “The weekly rate is five-times the daily rate and can be up to seven consecutive days. You end up getting two days free if you rent it up to the full seven days,” John pointed out. “If a person wants to haul something like a riding lawn mower or a piece of furniture, our small trailer is ideal for that.” Being community-minded, Cole gives a 10% discount to Future Farmers of America and 4-H members. The business also helps to sponsor the Ag Project show at the Walker County Fair. 

Eastex offers a weekly rate and a daily rate on trailer rentals. 

“We were going to give up selling the woodside portable buildings. Our representative had someone signed up to be a dealer, but it didn’t work out. When he came back to me, I allotted him a portion of the front lot that would not block a passerby’s view of our self-storage. The small and mid-sized buildings sell really well for me. People always ask if they can buy what is on the lot, which they can. But if we don’t have the color, size, or style they want, we can custom order it. They build these in Bastrop; it is a fast turnaround order,” John said. “Cook Portable Warehouses is a family-owned business. They are great people to work with and have a great product.” 

Walking onto the lot, one will not have to look far before spotting the Eagle Carports. Whether a consumer desires a standard carport, an enclosed storage area, a barn, an RV cover, or more, Eagle will build to a customer’s specifications. “These buildings can be set on grass, rock, concrete, asphalt, etc. Your options include 14 different colors, windows, wainscot, walk-in doors, roll-up doors, different roof styles, different lengths, and widths, etc…You can do so many different things with these buildings. Eagle Carports has a place on their website where a customer can design and receive a price online. People like that they can really see what the end product will look like. The staff at Eagle is very nice and knowledgeable,” Cole mentioned. 

Behind the trailers, carports, and portable buildings are varying storage configurations to meet just about anyone’s needs. “We cater to RVers, boaters, and anyone needing large self-storage units. All the units are very large and include electrical outlets. Every enclosed unit also has a 4’ LED light inside it. These units are 14’ wide by 30’, 40’, or 50’ in-depth on the inside. Each one has a roll-up door that is 12’ wide and 14’ tall…We have an eclectic clientele. One man, who lives in an RV park nearby, uses the unit as his man-cave. He hangs out here,” John quipped. “A local civic organization keeps their flag-trailer out here with us.” Many of the customers appreciate the wide paved area between the buildings; it makes navigating large vehicles, trailers, etc. a more manageable task. People who want to park their vehicles in a covered (but not enclosed) space have that option available to them as well. “Every tenant has their own individual code. We have cameras trained on the buildings. We have never had any issues about people breaking in or any problems whatsoever. We are well patrolled. DPS and county law enforcement are always watching out here. The lighting is solar-controlled and comes on automatically. A young man who is on the Sam Houston Fishing team keeps his boat out here. He had asked me about the lighting, because he may come out here at 3 or 4 in the morning to get his boat. Everyone has been pleased about the security. We have a good group of tenants,” John proudly commented. 

Cole adds a personal touch by writing a “Thank You” note to his customers, and he includes a business card asking the consumer to leave a review for Eastex Trailers and Storage through Google. “We are a multi-faceted business catering to so many different types of individuals–whether it is someone who only needs our services temporarily or utilizing our storage buildings over a long period of time. We support our community, support other small business owners, and support our customers with excellent service in storage, portable buildings, and trailers.” 

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What do a human-hamster-ball, Bigfoot, and a general tool rental company have in common? LoneStar Outdoor Power Equipment. The dream of Ken Krieger and Ryan Stelck, who moved from Ohio and Canada respectively, brought them to Texas to service the needs of owners of major oil pipelines, local general contractors, and the weekend warrior tackling projects around the house. This company spends time building relationships with their consumers, whether serving a small business owner or their larger clients such as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or Sam Houston State University. After opening their successful location in Onalaska, Texas, in 2014, they decided to bring their wares to Huntsville in September 2017. 

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

As a patron entering the storefront at 6024 S State Hwy 75 S, many brand names will automatically be recognized: Yanmar, Gravely, and Toro, just to name a few. Their website boasts that LoneStar has “the right tools for your job!” “Yanmar was a major purchase for us. They have been around for over 100 years, and we were very blessed to get ahold of that brand out here,” Ken highlighted. Although they sell new products, they also rent out equipment and vend used products as well. “We like to keep our rental fresh. When people drive up, they don’t realize how large we are; they only see a couple of skid steers or excavators. We actually have 20 excavators and 18 skid steers. At any given time, there are only three of them at each of our locations. We have a constant rotating fleet we like to keep fresh for folks. We know how we maintain our equipment. We take care of our stuff! That makes it easy to sell! People use it and understand that it works right. We don’t like drama. If something is going to keep breaking down, it goes immediately to auction,” Krieger explained. “We love the fact that it is easy to take care of people when you have good equipment to sell them. We have customers who originally come in to rent from us and then transfer over when they see the products in the store. The people who rent from us know us, such as the lawn and garden businesses. Then, they start telling others about us. The spillover may start on the rental side, move to sales, and also see us servicing equipment or helping people obtain parts that they need to repair their machines. Rental put us on the map in Huntsville, and it has taken off from there.”

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

LoneStar Outdoor Power Equipment goes beyond offering tools for contractors, etc.; this community-minded institution supports their neighbors in need. After COVID threw the first curveball of 2020, a tornado tore through Onalaska. Although the path of the twister passed about a mile north of the store in this small town, it impacted many friends and family in this close-knit population. LoneStar closed the Huntsville location for a couple of days and turned its focus to serve the needs of this rural community. This institution not only reaches out during disasters but, in varying ways, they also support other community organizations. Ken serves on the board of the Tu-Mile Sportsmen’s Association; they have contributed to Habitat for Humanity, and also sponsor a young local, rising rodeo star, Rhody Niles.

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

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

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 “Play it Safe!” “Safety First!” “Safe Haven!” “Better Safe Than Sorry!” People need to feel secure and protected. As a result of Covid, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and social distancing are all current signs of this innate desire. One local company has been a hallmark of a different type of protection for over two decades. 

Whether one is a high-profile individual seeking a security detail, a homeowner seeking to keep one’s family and dwelling protected in every conceivable way, an employer vetting a possible new-hire before extending a job offer, a law enforcement professional needing to complete Continuing Education Units to remain certified, a person seeking to obtain a License to Carry, or somebody desiring to learn varying self-defense techniques, Global Executive Protection (Global) offers the services to meet these needs. 

“We have been in business for twenty years. We do Executive Protection, Threat Assessments, Security Surveys, high-end security, and we have a regional training academy here as well. We are a state-licensed DPS academy,” Agent Director T. L. “Tom” Johnson shared. After 25 years in law enforcement, Tom said this vision developed from working security and other extra jobs within this field. This unique business offers varying classes for law enforcement agents, such as a course in investigative hypnosis, but they also present instruction to private citizens. “People are watching the news and are scared to death right now. They are showing up at the gun range and trying to shoot a gun that they just bought. To keep yourself safe, there are a number of other protocols to learn before you try to shoot a firearm. We teach people how to protect their homes and their businesses,” Johnson explained. “We teach proper use of firearms: rifle, pistol, shotgun, as well as a taser, baton, and pepper spray.” 

Pulling into the parking lot of 2125 North Loop 336 West, and walking into the offices of Suite 120, one would not understand the wealth of security knowledge contained here. Mr. Johnson is the security consultant for the Houston Rockets and the Texans. Their nine bomb dogs have kept citizens safe in locations such as the Toyota Center and the NRG Stadium. Their bodyguards have also protected the homes and families of nationally known local celebrities, such as the owner of the Astros. “When people receive death threats, we will monitor the web and do an analysis to prepare a plan of action. Sometimes, that means putting 24-hour security at their house,” Johnson noted. Depending on the type of threat being faced by the customer, the staff will send out from their well-trained pool of licensed men and women anywhere from regular security officers to Navy Seals. This security company uses state-licensed and background checked security officers, locksmiths, private investigators, alarm, and camera installers to ensure the safety of their consumers. They are state-licensed to keep such individuals certified through their regional training academy. They also have retrieved jewelry from high-end companies such as Cartier® or De Beers® and delivered them to fashion shows and fundraisers. 

“Our motto is, ‘To report a crime, call 911. To prevent one, call us.” 

Former death-row prison guard and security officer Mandie Medina greets potential clients with a smile. As an administrator, she takes care of all who are seeking to become licensed. “It is often difficult for people to understand all the details required by DPS, so I take care of all of the paperwork and processing; I get them set up for fingerprinting. I also take care of all our invoicing, incoming and outgoing phone calls, setting up private citizens for various trainings, etc. I am human resources and administration all wrapped up in one package,” Medina laughingly quipped. “Back when I was young, I didn’t understand what all the laws were in this field. I thought I wanted to be a marine biologist, and somehow, I got twisted up into law enforcement. With Tom’s experience, he knew how to place me in a position to succeed in this field. I have been a bodyguard and an executive security officer for his company.” 

Senior Agent Russell Rhodes met Mr. Johnson about a decade and a half ago when he was doing personal protection for a client who was contracted with Global Executive Protection. Rhodes, who has a military background and who had worked in safety management in the oil field, is no stranger to offering personal security and protection to those in need. “Any person can increase or decrease his/her chance of being chosen as a victim of a violent attack by the way he/she walks, moves, or carries himself/herself. We train individuals on how to present themselves. You don’t have to be somebody who learns to do barrel rolls or hide behind stuff when you are walking out of the grocery store…but you can let people around you know, ‘Hey, I am paying attention to my surroundings; my phone is in my pocket. I know if you (a perpetrator) are out here looking for me,’’ Rhodes communicated. 

If Homeland Security has flagged a sailor on a ship that is not allowed to disembark into our country, they have often reached out to Global to help protect the Texas coast. At times, this means apprehending an individual, processing said person and putting him on a plane headed home. They have kept bedside vigil over injured individuals identified by Homeland as a threat, as well as detaining stowaways. 

If a private citizen desires to explore one’s own residential safety, preparedness, and protection, a call to Global will begin an in-depth and thorough process. Some of the things evaluated in the five-page Residential Security Survey include inspecting locks, lighting, internet, emergency preparedness, etc. This company protects their clients by signing a non-disclosure agreement from the onset. After the survey is complete, they will return with a package which details what “must” be completed, what “should” be completed, and what “might” be completed to garner the safety of the dwelling and its occupants. They have even built panic rooms in and around the area. They also offer personal training, so the family knows what to do if there is a situation that requires emergency action. “Our motto is, ‘To report a crime, call 911. To prevent one, call us,’” Medina commented. “Statistically, there is a one-in-four probability of a person being assaulted in a lifetime. There is hope, and there is a way to protect yourself, and we can help you get there,” Johnson concluded. “We are here to help our neighbors be safe. We have the knowledge, technology, and ability to do that.”

2125 N Loop 336 W, Ste 120, Conroe, TX 77304 Phone: (936) 441-8818

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In 2000, Tish and a friend joined the Huntsville Curves with a gift certificate that had been purchased through a Sam Houston Football Auction. “I fell in love with the concept! Although my mom is a wonderful example of staying active and exercising, I hadn’t worked out in 20 years,” Tish noted. In 2000, Tish bought her first Curves, which was one of the fastest-growing franchises. Her husband told her that she should buy the Willis location as well. “So, at this time, I had two businesses, two kids, a marriage, and a fulltime job. God was so involved with these opportunities.” 

Last year, Curves North America, New Zealand, and Australia were bought by Krishea Holloway, who Tish believes was probably 18 years old when she bought her first Curves. As the President, last year, she introduced the MyCurves on Demand workout.” As a club owner, Tish questioned why the company was encouraging people to workout at home; however, this foresight had set in motion what women would need as Covid-19 altered the reality for many of the gym members.

“We have an at-home option that interfaces with the Curves philosophy.”

When ladies moved away from their cities or when a Curves closes in their area, this program allowed them to continue their health journey. “MyCurves on Demand is an online portal where anyone can get access as a member. It comes with a resistance band that is soft and safety tested. It is $24.99 a month for non-

Curves members; Curves members get a discount. It is hard sometimes for working moms; they might be able to make it to the club a couple of days a week, but they want the consistency of what Curves is. Curves is 30-minutes; Curves is fun, fast, and safe. The coach is always there training you. The videos are made by ‘real women’ –members, owners–so it is relatable”, Tish stated. Another advantage is that a person can use MyCurves on Demand when one travels; taking the band and logging in when someone is traveling keeps that person from having to work out in a hotel gym.   

She went on to say, “I have tried so many things in this setting that I would never have tried in a traditional gym. A lot of women feel like me; I can be silly here; I can be myself. When I purchased Curves, I was 30 pounds heavier. Curves changed my life! I learned that dieting is not a way of life.” Curves produced a book in 2002 called Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting. The paradigm of most gyms is intimidating to most women. Many people aren’t sure how to do the exercises, and they are too embarrassed to ask someone for help. Curves has all the traditional offerings of cardio, boxing, balance, etc. that can meet the needs of a young lady who is fifteen or a wise woman who is ninety. “A twenty-year-old can work out with her forty-five-year-old mom, who is working out with her seventy-year-old mom in the midst of this pandemic,” Tish added. They encourage everyone to keep working out so as not to lose muscle mass, which helps with balance, health, a stronger immune system, etc.  

The 30-minute Curves workout is based on five components: Warm Up, Cardio, Strength, Cool Down and Stretch. The upper and lower body are worked out through concentric and eccentric movements. “We go through a circuit: you go from band/machine work to body movement, then you go back to strength training. You go back and forth, and then you start cooling down and then go to stretching. Stretching is critical. You get a 19% strength gain by stretching,” Tish explained.  

Tish has been able to marry her computer programmer mind with her heart to help and love on people. “In Curves, the coaches and I get to interact with people; we get to listen to them. We get to get into their hearts and find out what it is that makes them want to lose weight, to be healthier.” Some of the members want to be able to play with grandkids or not be a burden to their families. Tish’s amazing coaches are Cindy Hardy, Kaylie Perez, Melanie Michaelchuck, Deborah Obarr, Fran Balko, Jami Slott, Jill Nowell and Mary Kay Skinner.  

 One member, Shirley, joined Curves after beating cancer. She wanted to be strong enough to make a trip with her family. Another lady, Melanie, was an active person before joining Curves. Since joining, she lost 40+ pounds and has since climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Client Melinda recently celebrated her year anniversary and proudly shares her weight-loss/health journey on Facebook.  The members of this facility enjoy the monthly coaching that keeps them accountable.  

“On Facebook, we have free workouts that are available to everyone in the community,”

“While we are closed, we are helping our members set goals, helping them through struggles, sending classes online and on Facebook. We are also offering something to the community. Depression can hold people back. We are reminding people to celebrate their downtime. On Facebook, we have free workouts that are available to everyone in the community,” Tish said.   

Although health and fitness are the main priorities of this institution, Curves also contributes to the community in several ways. “We are community! We are a beacon!” During the current pandemic, Curves has concentrated on “loving our neighbor” and helping people. “While we are closed, we are calling people to see if they need anything. Even our members have called us and said, ‘Hey! If you hear of somebody who needs something, please tell me; I want to help!’”  Curves also does an annual food drive each year. This year, they decided to include local businesses.  They did a Basket Parade down Highway 75 in Huntsville. “We called all the businesses and told them what we were doing. These businesses got to participate in a big way. We were able to contribute around 400 pounds of food to the Good Shepherd Mission. Even though we do not have a location in Willis anymore, we continue to support the TLC Food Pantry. We were able to give almost 250 pounds of food to them before the more restrictive measures were put in place,” Tish offered.  

Tish mentioned that some women drive a good distance to go to her clubs. “Once you get Curves in your blood, you know the difference! The strength training is going to help keep you strong and help you feel good. It is hard to give it up. Members who have left and tried other things come back and say, ‘I wish that I had never left!’ It is like family!” 

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What do 9,000 empty milk jugs, butterflies, herb gardens in prisons, and a recycling cemetery have in common? They all intersect at a half-acre tract of land off FM 75 in Huntsville. A hidden gem of this town sits behind the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 102 TamRoad. Out of this office, the Walker County Master Gardeners program contributes in numerous ways to this community. “The Master Gardeners Program is a marriage between a state university system and the county government. An extension agent in Seattle, Washington couldn’t answer all the horticulture calls he was receiving daily and complete all the other jobs he had to do. His answer to this problem was to train individuals to respond to the questions about growing plants, fighting pests, landscaping, and more,” Rhonda Hanks, a longtime Master Gardener shared.

Nestled behind this county office are places one would expect to find in an area nurtured by “green-thumbs,” and a few unique features as well. “All the walkways are made of Trex® [recycled plastic and wood byproducts]. The six benches each took 1500 recycled milk cartons to make. The storage buildings are made from recycled door panels. When I first started, all that was here was the Rose-Star Bed and the Butterfly Bed,” Hanks pointed out. The tour now consists of an herb area, an outdoor learning center, a hoop house, a tank for rain-water-harvesting, a bed for plants native to Texas, a fruit tree area, a composting area, and a root cellar in which to store fruits and vegetables without refrigeration. “The Recycling Cemetery is used to educate people on how long it takes for things to decompose. We often will cover up the answers and ask how long it takes for these items to turn back into nothing.

“All the food grown in the vegetable garden is donated back to the community: to senior citizens, The Good Shepherd Mission, the county organization that assists adults with disabilities, etc.; this productive spot is educational for kids, and it is fun to watch children who have never eaten vegetables fresh from the garden. There is also a keyhole garden that is formed so you compost in the middle of it. This type of garden originated out of Africa,” Hanks commented.

Master Gardeners are set apart from other home gardeners by their special training in horticulture. In exchange for their training, persons who become Master Gardeners contribute time as volunteers, working through their cooperative Extension office to provide horticultural information to their communities. What does that look like in WalkerCounty? In 2019, this group presented 45 formal education programs which reached 2300 people; 28 programs specifically targeted youth, including an eight-day summer camp which focused on recycling, composting, soils and bugs. Currently, this nonprofit has 106 active volunteers with a total of 339 Master Gardeners that have been certified since Reggie Lepley, Walker County’s Extension Agent, started the program almost twenty years ago.

To be certified, one must complete 60 hours of classroom training from January through May and contribute 50 hours of volunteer time.“I think it is a wonderful thing. You take what you learn and give to the community. Everything we do–everything we generate–goes back to the community in one form or another. Last year, we had8600 combined volunteer hours (and that is with many not reporting their hours). Our local economic impact, factoring in the educational programs, is over $469,000,” Hanks offered. Over the years, they have also beautified the landscapes of the courthouse, storm shelter, and hospital. Providing scholarships to high school and college students is another way this group gives back to this growing area.

Interns who sign up to become Master Gardeners range in age from young 20s all the way up to people in their 90s. “There is a waiting list every year. We open registration in November every year. The first 24 who pay are in the class. The $150 fee covers an$80 textbooks, background checks (because we do work with children), classroom instruction lead by PhDs from A&M and SHSU as well as other Horticulturists and Specialists, and hands-on training,” Hanksimparted.

Annually, the Walker County Master Gardeners host a Spring GardenExpo. This year, the event will be held at the Walker County Fairgrounds on February 22 and 23. For a $3 donation for adults or $5 for birthdays, an individual receives access to a lineup of special speakers, vendors, an Ask-a-Master-Gardener Booth, and a Kids Zone booth. Their Spring Plant Sale, which is March 14, 2020, and the Fall PlantSale raise most of the funds that these avid green-contributors use to support Huntsville and the surrounding areas. There is also a Butterfly Festival in the fall season.

The Master Gardeners reach doesn’t stop at the walls which enclose offenders. Rhonda Hanks has been teaching a program called Herbs Behind Bars for the past 10 years.“TDCJ couldn’t figure out why some food at certain prisons weren’t very good in comparison to other units since they all get sent the same thing. They found out the ones that were good were growing herb gardens by the kitchens. By using these herbs, they were making better-tasting food. They also found out people they were putting in the kitchen had no idea how to prepare food. Out of this discovery, came two programs through Lee college: a culinary program and herbs Behind Bars. Seeds are sent to all 95 prison units. Each unit documents every step: how they planted the seeds, how they grew the seeds, how they prepped the beds, how much they harvest, what savings there were, etc. They document with pictures and stories. Every year in October, all the units send in the documentation in book form. They compete for who has the best herb garden. The collections are judged by certain criteria. The units are broken down into the categories of small, medium and large prisons. The units receive nice awards for first, second and third place,” Hankjoyfully mentioned.

Grow, Eat, Go takes the knowledge of the MasterGardeners into the elementary schools. They have helped to plant gardens on various campuses.“The students take the food they have grown inside. They learn to prep the food to eat. Watching students eat things like cauliflower, broccoli, and things they wouldn’t normally eat was a great experience,” Hanks said.

“We are here to help the community. We go to garden clubs, the Rotary club. I have done programs at the hospital about growing healthy food… So many people are interested in gardening at home and growing their own food. The“edible-yard” is the cool new thing,” Hanks expressed.“We get a lot of requests to help people find the right plants to plant, how to lay it out, how

to take care of the foliage, etc.”LEAF-PRO: Landscape Environmental Awareness Facility-Protection, Reduction, Outreach is the educational tag-line of the Walker County Master Gardeners. They truly exemplify and embody these words. Anyone wanting to know how to grow plants in the thick clay of Huntsville or have success in cultivating vegetations in sand and silt should peruse the Walker County MasterGardeners Facebook page for gardening tips, scheduled events, links to relevant information, and more.

• “Do I want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants?”

• “Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?”

• “Do I look forward to sharing my knowledge with people in my community?”

• “Do I have enough time to attend training and to complete the volunteer service?”

If an individual answered “Yes” to these questions, stop by the Master GardenersFacebook page and start your journey. Even if you cannot become a Master Gardener, stop by the Walker County, Texas AgriLifeExtension Office and take a stroll through the greenery, learn about being a good steward of our natural resources, soak in the beauty of the vegetation, and “stop and smell the roses” (in season of course).

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