Curves for Women 
Huntsville: 279 TX-75, Huntsville 
Phone: 936.295.3900 
Willis/Conroe: 111 League Line Rd, Conroe 
Phone: 936.890.7299 
Website: www.curves.com   

“Strengthening Women Inside and Out” is the Curves motto.  Curves has helped women around the world get healthier and stronger with a unique fitness solution. In just 30 minutes, work every major muscle group through a proven gym program of strength training, cardio, and stretching.  Programs are available in club or at home. No more excuses! 

Ward Furniture & Flooring
Address: 180 Interstate 45 South, Huntsville 
Phone: 936.295.2514 
Website: www.wardfurniture.com 

A family owned business for more than 70 years. The Ward family offers an array of furniture, flooring, and accessories, as well as a design team to help you with your residential or commercial needs. Whether you need furniture or flooring or design services, the Ward team is ready to go to work for you to turn your dreams into reality

Kim’s Home & Garden Center 
Address: 2715 Lake Rd, Huntsville, Huntsville 
Phone: 936.295.5282 
Website:  www.kimshomeandgardencenter.com 

Kim’s Home and Garden, Inc. is fast becoming Texas’ most unique shopping destination.  A woman-owned and operated business, Kim’s has been “Where great gardens begin” since 1985. Whether you’re looking for items in the Garden Center or enjoying the Mansion for home décor and gifts, Kim’s has a staff dedicated to providing customers with unparalleled service, knowledge, quality products, and expertise.  

McCaffety Electric
Huntsville: 1711 Sycamore Ave, Huntsville
Phone: 936.295.2831
Conroe: 1610N. Frazier, Conroe
Phone:936.539.5411
Website: www.mccaffetyelectric.com

McCaffety Electric has been serving the Huntsville area since 1962, and in recent years, has expanded the service area with a second location in Conroe.There is also a beautiful lighting showroom at the Huntsville location.They stand ready to handle all your electrical needs–from small residential repairs and lighting design, to stand by generator power and large commercial projects.No job is too large or too small.

A Little Bit Western
Address:6753 FM 244, Anderson
Phone:936.581.2218
Website: www.facebook.com/LittleBitWesternMetalArt

A Little Bit Western is the business of metal artist Jeff Sullivan. Jeff creates custom work for his clients,including entry gates,ranch signs, overhead entrance signs,and yard gates. He also designs and create home items like fireplace screens, coat racks, stair railings,and home décor. Jeff was featured in the first issue of the Piney Woods edition of Postcards.

 

Global Financial Partners, Inc.
Address: 1211 Financial Plaza, Huntsville
Phone: 936.294.0201
Website: www.financialpartner.net

Global Financial Partners understands not everyone enjoys finance the way they do.They have a passion for what theydo and for helping people.They enjoy helping you better understand your current financial situation and developing a plan to move you toward your goals. Whether you are years away from retirement or already enjoying your golden years,they want to help provide you and your family with a plan to “Enjoy More, WorryLess.”

Physical Therapy Associates
Huntsville: 127 Medical Park Ln, Huntsville
Phone: 936.294.0283
Conroe: 1020 Riverwood Ct. Ste 120,
Conroe Phone: 936.494.1292
Website:www.ptaclinic.com

Physical Therapy Associates is the leading orthopedic and sports rehabilitation practice in the area. In addition to physical therapy, they offer wellness services including nutrition management, injury prevention programs,specialized golf performance training, and massage therapy. Founded in 2000, owner Dallas Williams has been voted “Best Physical Therapist” in the local newspaper’s Reader’s Choice Awards time and again.

Kelly Lawson Realtor
Address:7167 Lakeshore Ln, Willis
Phone: 936.525.9589
Website:www.facebook.com/KsueIt

Kelly Lawson is a Realtor high on communication.She knows that sometimes you“need to know,”even if there is nothing new to know. Kelly is never too busy for your peace of mind and believes serving others is her strongest skill. Striving to provide exceptional service and really caring about the tone and smoothness of your journey is her top objective. She feels the relationship part of the process is the most important,and that is where she earns yourtrust.

Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning
Address:7130 S State Hwy 75, Huntsville
Phone: 936.291.0968
Website:www.rainbowintl.com/huntsville

Established in 1981, Rainbow International offers professional service in carpet and area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, air duct cleaning,and odor control. They are also experts in home and commercial restoration.Restoration services cover fire damage restoration, water damage restoration, mold removal, smoke damage restoration, and more.Technicians are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week.Rainbow International is fully certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning,and Restoration Certification.

Veterinary Hospital of New Waverly
Address:455 W TX-150, New Waverly
Phone: 936.344.8469
Website:www.vethospitalnewwaverly.com

Veterinary Hospital of New Waverly provides veterinary service for companion animals and equine patients in New Waverly, Texas.They promise to treat your animal with the same care and concern they would give their own.The VanWagner team of Dr. Kim and Dr. Steve are both owners and practitioners. Dr. Kim has a special interest in small animals, critical care,and internal medicine. Dr. Steve has a special interest in equine medicine, lameness,and all aspects of reproduction.

Roy’s Air Conditioning
Address:318 S Main St, Conroe
Phone:936.539.3213
Website:www.roysair.com

Roy’s Air Conditioning has been in business since 1979 and services all brands of air conditioning equipment.“Service makes us different” is the Roy’s motto. They are proud dealers of Comfortmaker systems and are happy to give you a free estimate.Serving Conroe and the surrounding areas, owner Paul Lamp invites you to call and discover the difference Roy’s service can make.

Community Service Credit Union
Main Office:250 FM 2821 Rd W, Huntsville
Branch Office: 2526 Montgomery Rd, Huntsville
Phone: 936.295.3980
Website:www.cscutx.com

Founded in 1953 as the Texas Prison System credit union,Community Service Credit Unionoffers a variety offinancial services toindividuals who work, reside, worship,or attend school in Walker, Madison, Trinity Counties,as well as some portions of San Jacinto and Grimes counties; employees of the Texas Department of CriminalJustice, Windham Schools, Corrections Corporation of America;and others. More information can be located ontheir website

Alpha Omega Academy
Address: 3891 SH 30W, Huntsville
Phone: 936.438.8833
Website:www.alphaomegaacademy.org

Alpha Omega Academy is a Classical, Christ-centered school serving grades Pre-K to 12. The goal of AOA is to develop young adults who love God with all their heart, soul, and mind,and who have a commitment to serve others throughout their life-long journey.With a strong program of academics, athletics,and extracurricular activities,Alpha Omega seeks to provide students with an environment that offers them the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

First Financial Bank
Huntsville: 33 SH Texas 75 N, Huntsville
New Waverly: 9330 SH 75 S,
New Waverly Phone: 935.295.2224
Website: www.ffin.com

First Financial is a community bank with 78 locations across Texas providing services such as online banking, home loans,commercial lending,and wealth management. First opening in Abilene in 1890, First Financial has been named the Best Bank in Texas and one of the Best Banks in America by Newsweek for 2021.

McKenzie’s BBQ
Huntsville: 1548 11th St #101
Huntsville Phone: 935.291.7347
Madisonville: 1711 E Main St 
Madisonville Phone: 935.348.2118
Website:www.facebook.com/McKenzies-Barbeque

One bite of their slow-smoked meats,and you’ll know the McKenzie Brothers are serious about preparing and serving the best barbeque to be found in the Lone Star State. With the help of barbeque legend Roland Lindsey of Bodacious Barbeque, Kevin McKenzie and his wife Lisa opened the first McKenzie’s BBQ in Huntsville in 1992. Their approach was simple: slow cook the finest quality meats in custom-made smokers. A true family business, the McKenzie family welcomes you in.

Huntsville Rental Center
Address: 362 TX-75, Huntsville
Phone: 936.295.6417
Website:www.huntsvillerentalcenter.com

Why buy when you can rent? That’s the question Huntsville Rental Center asks. Huntsville Rental Center is your one-stop place for all your rental needs.They rent anything from backhoes to trenchers and wedding arches totables and chairs. They even have a dance floor and cocktail tables. If there’s a project you’d like to get completed, call Huntsville Rental Center to see how they can help.

Dr. Timothy J.Deahl
Address:260 I-45, Ste.B, Huntsville
Phone:936.291.2557
Website:www.drdeahl.com

2021 will mark 30 years Dr.Tim Deahl has provided highly personalized care in obstetrics and gynecology in the Huntsville and surrounding areas. Dr. Deahl is dedicated to providing compassionate medical care for women. From adolescence through menopause,they offer comprehensive expertise in all aspects of Obstetrics and Gynecology, treating the whole woman at every stage of the patient’s life. At Dr. Deahl’s office,their specialty is you.

Walker County Federal Credit Union
Address:1802 Normal Park Dr, Huntsville
Phone: 936.291.2171
Website:www.walkercountyfcu.com

Walker County Federal Credit Union is a member-owned “not for profit” financial institution. WCFCU’s mission is to enrich its members’ quality of life by providing high quality, fairly-priced financial services and to remain driven by member needs. Membership is open to all persons who live, work, or worship in Walker County, Texas,and their immediate family members.WCFCU is dedicated to providing courteous, efficient, and professional service to its members.

Dr. Stephen H. Means & Associates
Address:109 Medical Park Lane, Huntsville
Phone:936.291.8282
Website:www.huntsvillevisioncenter.com

At Dr. Stephen Means & Associates, the optometry staff works together to ensure your visit is comfortable and completed in a timely manner. A qualified team of professionals will work around your busy schedule and address any questions or concerns.From general eye exams to treating a condition that requires an in-depth diagnosis,their team provides undivided attention to each patient.If needed, their highly trained optical staff can lead you through the process of finding the perfect frame and lenses to fit your style.Their goal is to keep your eyes healthy!

Magnolia Lake
Address: 2001 Hwy 30 E., Huntsville
Phone: 936.294.0991
Website:www.magnolia-lake.com

Voted best event venue in Huntsville for years, Magnolia Lake’s theme is “A place to celebrate every occasion.”With multiple location options, they have hosted weddings, birthday parties, showers, Christmas celebrations,and more. As of press time, Magnolia Lake was not accepting any bookings. They have been a valued part of the Postcards family for a decade,and we look forward to their return.

Sam Houston State University
Address:1905 University Ave, Huntsville
Phone:936.294.1111
Website: www.shsu.edu

Named for Sam Houston, Texas’ greatest hero, Sam Houston State University continually strives to honor its historical roots through academic excellence that includes exceptional teaching from faculty. For more than 139 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its 21,500+ students and echoes across eight colleges and beyond its Huntsville roots.

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Phone: 936.295.2514 

Website: www.wardfurniture.com 

A family owned business for more than 70 years. The Ward family offers an array of furniture, flooring, and accessories as well as a design team to help you with your residential or commercial needs. Whether you need furniture or flooring or design services, the Ward team is ready to go to work for you to turn your dreams into reality 

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Sebastian Patterson

Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: John Wick 3

Favorite Music/Artist: Rap

Favorite Food: Hamburgers

Favorite Quote: “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” –Vince Lombardi

Sebastian is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the son of Janet and Bradley Patterson. His activities include football. Following graduation, Sebastian plans to attend college, play football, and study criminal justice. He believes the advice from Coach Lombardi and plans to work hard.

Sarah Nan Duncan

Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: Selena

Favorite Music/Artist: Kacey Musgraves

Favorite Food: My Honey’s Roast & Taters

Favorite Quote: “Be the light.” – Matthew 5:14

Sarah is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Kirk and Shannon Duncan. Her activities include golf, student council, and class council. Following graduation, Sarah plans to attend Sam Houston State University, pursue a career in criminal justice, and eventually have a family. She believes, “When you focus on the good, the good gets better.”

Nicole Kohers

Alpha Omega Academy

Favorite Movie: The Parent Trap

Favorite Music/Artist: Reckless Love

Favorite Food: Honey Baked Ham

Favorite Quote: “You are who you are, so thrive in it.” -Sadie Robertson

Nicole is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the daughter of Gerald and Suzette Kohers. Her activities include volleyball and softball. Following graduation, Nicole plans to attend Texas A&M University. She believes, “Every day is a chance to get better.”

Kelsey Drane

New Waverly High School

Favorite Movie: The Happiest Millionaire

Favorite Music/Artist: Any music

Favorite Food: French Fries

Favorite Quote: “I’m not so good at advice…can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” -Chandler Bing (Friends)

Kelsey is a senior at New Waverly High School and is the daughter of Jennifer and Kristopher Drane. Her activities include volleyball, wrestling, National Honor Society, Beta Club, FFA, Walker County 4-H Horse Club, New Waverly 4-H Food Club, Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, and UIL One-Act Play. Following graduation, Kelsey plans to attend Texas Tech University to major in animal science with a business concentrate, then attend veterinary school to become a large animal vet. She believes, “The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson.”

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Huntsville Pest Control, located at 1027 B IH 45 South, Suite 7, in Huntsville, Texas, has been locally owned by D.L. Shiver since January 26, 2018. The pest control business is nothing new to D.L., since he grew up working for his parents, Don and Diann Shiver, owners of Shivco Termite & Pest Control in Madisonville. It’s safe to say the pest control business has long been a “family affair,” since the Shivers’ have been in the business for the past 35 years. 

“As a young business owner, some people might look at D.L. and think, I don’t know if this kid knows what he’s doing,” said Don, “but he has been around the business since he was 8 or 9 years old. He would ride with me occasionally and was always good with the customers. They really enjoyed talking with him. He is a people person and can talk to people of all ages. He got his apprentice license when he was only 16 and became certified to do applications soon after that. By the time D.L. was 21, he already had years of experience. 

D.L. is a native of Madisonville, and after graduating from high school, he went to Texas A&M to pursue his undergraduate degree with a bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development with an emphasis in Public Relations, and went on to his masters in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication. He met his wife Shannon while in graduate school. In fact, they were married by the professor who taught the class where they met. She now teaches in Katy. Coincidentally, Don was also an Ag major at Sam Houston State University when he met his wife Diann, who was also studying to be a teacher. Before retiring, she taught in Madisonville for 29 years. 

According to D.L., he always knew he wanted to be in the pest control business. He worked closely with Dr. Briers at Texas A&M to get approval to do his internship while working for his dad. It just made sense to apply my knowledge and experience in my graduate studies. With the help of Dr. Briers, he was able to complete his internship at his dad’s pest control business. After graduating from Texas A&M, D.L. told his dad he wanted to work in the family business. They discussed their options and looked at what would be the best way to get the ball rolling. “We’ll think on it and pray on it,” D.L. recalls telling his dad, and literally that night, “I asked God to show me what I was supposed to do if this was meant to happen.” 

The very next day, out of the blue, his dad got a call from Russell Mauldin, owner of Huntsville Pest Control at the time, and good friend of the family. He said, “Hey, I’m looking at getting out of the business, and you’re the first ones that came to mind.” Then he asked, “Do you want to buy me out?” 

“Russell was in our wedding,” said Diann, “and we basically started our businesses around the same time. He was over the Huntsville area, and we were in Madisonville.” “We’ve remained friends throughout the years,” added Don, “so out of respect, we just didn’t play in each other’s backyards.” Don explained that, on occasion, a customer from this area would call him, and he would refer them right back to Russell, and sometimes, Russell would call him with similar circumstances. 

When Don called D.L. to tell him Russell had called and offered to sell, D.L. wasn’t sure he wanted to work in Huntsville. As an Aggie, he had been considering working in the College Station area, “but I knew this was a good opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” said D.L. Once he bought the business and obtained all the required licenses, he wanted the transition from one owner to the other to be as smooth as possible for the customers, or “friends,” as he likes to call them. D.L. started riding with Russell and was introduced to each of them, and gradually got acquainted with his new customers. He wanted to build mutual trusting relationships with his new friends. “Now, almost three years later, it has really been great getting to know everyone,” said D.L. 

Huntsville Pest Control provides both residential and commercial pest control services and serves Huntsville and the surrounding areas, which include: New Waverly, Willis, Conroe, Montgomery, Riverside, Trinity, Crabbs Prairie, and Shiro. Since their opening, they’ve designed a new logo, bought new equipment, new service trucks, and acquired new office space. Besides D.L., there are currently 4 other team members working at Huntsville Pest Control: Stephen Craig, Gordon Plumlee, Bebe Webb and Marty Fraley. “Gordon is like a double agent, because he has dual licensing, which means he can work for multiple businesses with the same license,” said D.L. “This is helpful when there is a sudden increase in calls. Our guys working in Huntsville can then easily go help out at the Madisonville location when needed.”

The pest control industry is a service-oriented business. “What we do is try to control outdoor pest invaders such as: ants, roaches, mosquitos, rats/mice, or wood destroying insects such as termites. We are getting away from calling ourselves ‘exterminators,’ because that is a misconception,” D.L. stated. “We offer weekly, bi-weekly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or 6-month maintenance. It just depends on the customers’ needs. Most of our customers are on a quarterly plan. This means that we’ll call you around 90 days to remind you that your house is due for a new treatment, but, if you have problems before then, we’ll come out and take care of the problem before the 90 days are up.”

The products used by Huntsville Pest Control are limited residual products, which means by the time the 90 days are up, it has totally dissipated, so it’s time to reapply. The product adheres to the surface when applied. When using termiticide, they dig a trench and treat the soil, because termites come up through the soil. They also have to make sure the weather is cooperating, and the ground is dry and has enough air pockets to allow the termiticide to dissipate into the soil to get the desired results. D.L. stressed that their products are intended to get rid of insects, but as long as it is used correctly and mixed properly, as indicated on the label, it is environmentally friendly and safe to use around humans and pets. “If you are spraying someone’s home, this means you have received the appropriate training and are qualified to do the work, which also means we have total trust in you,” said D.L.

“It is very important to be accommodating and mindful that, when customers are letting you into their homes, they are in a sense letting you into their lives. This means there’s a great level of respect and trust we have to earn in order for them to feel safe and comfortable. We believe the customer is always right. I feel fortunate to work with a great team,” said D.L. “We trust one another, and know our customers trust us to go into their homes.” Don added, “I tell people all the time, I wouldn’t send anyone out to your house that I wouldn’t give a key to my house.”

Punctuality is just as important, according to D.L. “We pride ourselves on being on time. If we tell you we’re going to be there between 8:30 am and 9:30 am, we will be there! Most of the time we are early, but if we are going to be late for any reason, we’ll call you and let you know. We don’t leave customers wondering where we are.”

According to D.L., he goes out to about 60 houses a week, and says once he arrives at the location, he will remember details about previous visits at that particular house. For instance, if a family has an indoor dog, whether it tends to be friendly, or if grandma lives with the family and she’s on oxygen, so it’s important to be very careful about spraying around her room. Remembering these minor details and sharing them with team members is very helpful, especially if someone will be going out to a customer’s house for the first time.

Huntsville Pest Control is open Monday through Friday, and can be reached by phone at 936-291-2902, or via email: huntsvillepestcontroltx@gmail.com, or visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntsvillepestcontrol/. 

Although he’s always on call, D.L. says he tries to separate his work and personal life as much as possible. Weekends are mostly spent with family and friends. He enjoys spending time with his wife Shannon at home, cooking, or going to the movies. The couple also enjoys traveling and going on cruises, although they haven’t done much of that lately due to COVID. D.L. also enjoys hanging out with his friends, Aggie football, hunting, playing video games, riding around in golf carts in the neighborhood, and taking his dogs to the dog park. 

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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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Christian Ortiz

Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: End of Watch

Favorite Music/Artist: Ed Maverick

Favorite Food: Homemade Burgers

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

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

Savannah Jensen

Huntsville High School

Favorite Movie: Secretariat

Favorite Music/Artist: Photo Finish by Chris LeDoux

Favorite Food: Chicken Fried Steak

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

Savannah is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of J.o. Jensen and Becky Jensen. Her activities include welding, FFA, and rodeo. Following graduation, Savannah plans to attend college to study equine reproduction. She believes, “Hard work eventually pays off, if you don’t give up.”

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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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When Noah was a senior at College Park High School in The Woodlands, he noticed there were students who were in need, even though they lived in an affluent area. Noah wondered if these students might be embarrassed to ask for help. Working with his JROTC instructor, Noah devised a plan whereby students could pick up healthy lunches at a locker. He theorized that if they could ask a trusted teacher, rather than a stranger, for access to the locker, they could get the help they needed and stay focused on their schoolwork. Despite logistical setbacks, Noah’s “Combo Meals” distributed 150 meals to disadvantaged students before the pandemic caused the early end of the school year. When Noah applied for a scholarship through the Assistance League of Montgomery County (ALMC), members of the organization were impressed with his desire to assist fellow students. He aspires to become a dentist so he can continue helping others. With help from his scholarship, Noah is now a student at the University of Texas at Austin. 

Other recent scholarship recipients, who graduated from high schools throughout Montgomery County this year, have similar, lofty goals. One aspires to become a doctor; several want to become attorneys. Others are pursuing careers in exploration geology, medical imaging, education, nursing, and architectural engineering. During their high school years, they helped others in many ways, through initiatives like voter registration projects, Hurricane Harvey relief, and aid to the homeless. 

ALMC started its scholarship program in 2006 with a gift from the estate of James D. Nunan; three scholarships were awarded the following May to students who were graduating from high schools in Montgomery County. Since that time, the budget for the scholarship program has grown exponentially from $12,000 per year to $150,000 per year, and the program recently reached an important milestone: over one million dollars in scholarships have been awarded, improving the educational opportunities for 1,616 students. “The Assistance League is a national organization, but the Montgomery County chapter is unique in having an extensive scholarship program,” says Dr. Joan Slater, retired Tomball Independent School District curriculum director and the chairperson of ALMC’s scholarship program. 

ALMC scholarships, once available only to graduating high school seniors, are now available for non-traditional students, too. Adults who attend public colleges and universities in Texas can now receive scholarships to help them handle events that have changed their lives or finances. So can students who want to receive training in workforce careers. In addition, ALMC awards scholarships to students who have physical or mental challenges and who are financially unable to pay for programs that will help them function well in society. Continuation scholarships are also available for recent high school graduates who have successfully completed a year or more of college. ALMC gives priority to students who want to give back to the community through their careers; furthermore, unlike some scholarship programs, ALMC gives special consideration to applicants who have financial need. “Without our help, a lot of them couldn’t do it,” Joan says. ALMC also assigns a mentor to each recipient to provide support. 

Triple win 

About 80 percent of the money needed to fund scholarships is provided by a surprising source–the Assistance League Thrift Shop. When members of the community generously donate clothing, furniture, housewares, small appliances, jewelry, toys, and other items to ALMC, these items are sold at its thrift shop, located at 126 North San Jacinto near downtown Conroe. Donating unneeded items provides a triple benefit, says Gale Drummond, president of ALMC. For one, local residents can gain extra space by cleaning out their closets, garages, and attics. When items are sold, they provide the needed funds for the organization’s humanitarian projects. Furthermore, items are priced reasonably to assist people who are on a tight budget (or those who like to find bargains). 

Shoppers often locate “finds,” Joan says, such as items of clothing with tags still attached. Some customers have been thrilled to pay just $25 to $30 for complete sets of Lenox or Royal Doulton china, and the store’s Halloween, fall, and Christmas decorations are profoundly popular among shoppers. “We only put out the very best,” she says. “The nice thing is what isn’t put out is either recycled or donated to other organizations.” 

The thrift shop has garnered many loyal customers who enjoy paying low prices for still-good, quality merchandise. “They know what kind of quality we have,” Gale says, noting that shoppers often line up outside the door 15 to 30 minutes before the store opens. During the pandemic, the thrift store is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. (Donations are accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 am until noon.)

Assisting the community 

If providing scholarships seems like a big job for a thrift shop, consider this–the Assistance League Thrift Shop generates enough money to fund a plethora of other ALMC programs, too. Among these is the signature program of the national chapter, Operation School Bell®. At the start of each school year—and throughout the year—school counselors refer students who need financial help to ALMC. Partnering with J.C. Penney, Burlington, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohl’s, ALMC provides vouchers families can spend on school clothing. Once only for younger children, this program now includes students who are in pre-kindergarten through high school. 

Several other ALMC programs also benefit children in the community, including Tender Loving Care Dolls. Handmade dolls, which have happy faces on one side and sad faces on the other, are distributed to Montgomery County agencies that counsel children in difficult situations. Poison Information—Always Ask strives to prevent children from becoming accidentally poisoned by providing informative presentations at elementary schools and daycare centers. Passport for Good Health distributes booklets that can be used to improve the health of children, as well as seniors, by providing a convenient place to record important medical information, such as immunizations, alerts and prescriptions.

Another ALMC initiative, Assault Survivor Kits®, assists victims of assault and trauma. Kits, which contain a change of clothing, toiletries and other items, are delivered to hospitals and local support agencies so that they can give comfort to survivors of violent crimes. Likewise, Caring and Sharing helps homeless and other disadvantaged residents by giving them items to meet basic needs, and Fans for Friends provides box fans in the summer, as well as blankets in the winter, to seniors who need them.

The joys of membership

When Gale retired from her job as assistant superintendent for secondary education of Conroe Independent School District, she planned to volunteer with a worthwhile community organization. Soon, she discovered ALMC. “When I was introduced to Assistance League, it was exactly what I was looking for,” she says. “The thing that impressed me was the ability to volunteer and know that we are serving Montgomery County, so the efforts stay in the county.” Because members volunteer their time, donations of merchandise and money go far in helping people in the area who are in need. “Our return to the community,” Gale says, “is close to 82 percent every year.”

Learn more about the Assistance League of Montgomery County, including how to become a member and how to donate, by visiting assistanceleague.com/montgomery-county.

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Ethan McCarty Alpha Omega Academy Favorite Movie: Black Panther Favorite Music/Artist: Circles by Post Malone Favorite Food: Fajitas Favorite Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.” –Winston Churchill Ethan is a senior at Alpha Omega Academy and is the son of Chris and Monica McCarty. His activities include cross country, track, Interact, 4-H, and youth group leader. Following graduation, Ethan plans to attend Sam Houston State University to major in biochemistry. He believes, “Always finish what you start, and never quit.”

Kristen Harrell Huntsville High School Favorite Movie: Dear John Favorite Music/Artist: Morgan Wallen Favorite Food: Cane’s! Favorite Quote: “You can still be who you are meant to be without meeting everyone’s expectation of you.” –Morgan Harper Nichols Kristen is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of Everett and Nicky Harrell. Her activities include Huntsville FFA (chapter secretary), student and class council, and National Technical Honor Society. Following graduation, Kristen plans to attend Sam Houston State University and become an elementary school teacher. She believes, “It only takes a little courage to do amazing things.”

Christian Ortiz Huntsville High School Favorite Movie: End of Watch Favorite Music/Artist: Ed Maverick Favorite Food: Homemade Burgers Favorite Quote: “But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” –Sylvester Stallone Christian is a senior at Huntsville High School. His activities include student council, Business Professionals of America, and photography. Following graduation, Christian plans to attend college and obtain a real estate license. He believes, “You can’t love anyone until you love yourself.”

Savannah Jensen Huntsville High School Favorite Movie: Secretariat Favorite Music/Artist: Photo Finish by Chris LeDoux Favorite Food: Chicken Fried Steak Favorite Quote: “You can do anything you set your mind to.” Savannah is a senior at Huntsville High School and is the daughter of J.o. Jensen and Becky Jensen. Her activities include welding, FFA, and rodeo. Following graduation, Savannah plans to attend college to study equine reproduction. She believes, “Hard work eventually pays off, if you don’t give up.”

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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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