Education

The Texas Snake Hunter

Faith and Fieldwork: Orry Martin teaches respect for misunderstood creatures Article by Texas Goodness When Orry Martin hears someone say they are afraid of snakes, he does not start with a warning. He starts with an invitation. “I can get you over that if you’re willing,” he says. For Martin, a biology teacher at The Woodlands Christian Academy and longtime reptile educator known as the Texas Snake Hunter, the goal is to move people from fear to curiosity, sometimes by showing them that...

Local Services

Pets Alive Project

The Volunteers Who Help Change Our Community Article by Andie Monet | Photography by provided Operation Pets Alive: The Volunteers Who Helped Change a Community In 2010, Montgomery County's animal shelter faced a heartbreaking reality—overcrowded kennels, limited resources, and far too many healthy animals running out of time. Rather than accept the situation, a small group of determined volunteers led by Marcia Piotter founded Operation Pets Alive (OPA) with one ambitious goal: make...

Life + Culture

Paws, Claws, and Lifelong Applause

The Lasting Benefits of Growing Up with Pets Article by Kevin Bratton | Photography by provided Pets Help Kids For a child, a family pet is rarely just an animal; they are a confidant, a playmate, and a living masterclass in emotional growth. While parents often hesitate at the thought of extra chores, medical and psychological research confirms that welcoming a pet into the home yields developmental dividends that deserve lifelong applause. From building robust immune systems to fostering...

Life + Culture

Experience the Children’s Entrepreneur Market

8th Annual Fall Montgomery County Home and Outdoor Living Show August 29th and 30th Article by Margie Taylor | Photography by provided Rarely do you get a chance to support young entrepreneurs and visit with a big room full of home services experts.  Now you can do both at the Lone Star Convention Center.  Experience the Children’s Entrepreneur Market at the 8th Annual Fall Montgomery County Home and Outdoor Living Show at Lone Star Convention Center Saturday, Aug. 29th and 30th.  Admission is...

Life + Culture

When Penguins Fly in Conroe

When Spirits Soar on Stage: The Penguin Project Brings Inclusive Magic to The Players Theatre Company Article by Kevin Bratton with help from The Penguin Project | Photography by provided “Our Penguins may not be able to fly, but that does not prevent their spirits from soaring.” This simple, beautiful sentiment captures the entire heart of The Penguin Project, a groundbreaking national initiative that recently made its emotional and triumphant debut in Conroe, Texas, through The Players...

Arts + Culture

Two Little Kids and the Donkey Named Loving

How two little goats, Theo and Percy, became best friends with Phil the Donkey Article by Phil the Donkey | Photography by Baasandbuzzes For our Kids and Pets Issue, we present this children's story from Baasandbuzzes... I am Philemon. My name means loving, or one who shows affection. Before I came to Ravenoak Farm, my last owners did not think my name fit. “That’s his name,” they said, “but that is not him.” I do not blame them. As you know, donkeys are misunderstood. Two little goats...

Life + Culture

The Goat Lady

On Goat Island, Trinity, Texas, Jennifer Staples shepherds goats and a beloved East Texas tradition. Article by Texas Goodness | Photography by GoatIslandNews.com In Trinity, Texas, around White Rock Creek, Jennifer Staples is known simply as “The Goat Lady.” On Goat Island, that title means hay in the winter, hoof care, tours, baby goat introductions, rocky shore rescues and the ongoing work of protecting a local legend. The goats are the first thing visitors notice, of course. They appear...

Professional Services

A Brand-Building Adventure For Small Business Owners

Shannon Matlock guides a studio day workshop for brand explorers. Article by Connie Monroe | Photography by Shannon Matlock, Arrowhead Photo For small business owners, creating content can feel unnatural and easy to overlook. Photos, video, social posts, and website images often get pushed aside between serving customers and running the business. At Creator Day on Lakeside Studios, Shannon Matlock of Arrowhead Photography gives those business owners a brand boost with a guided creative...

Sports + Recreation

THE ART OF SHOWING UP

Loren Goodrich shares Lake Conroe crappie wisdom, family lessons, and the steady value of preparation. Article by Chris Staples On Lake Conroe, summer crappie fishing rewards the angler willing to hunt. North of 1097, where standing timber and stump fields demand respect, Loren Goodrich eases forward with the trolling motor down. Fanning his sonar, he scans the underwater structure looking for a "big blob." Then, "Just pitch it to 'em, let it pendulum back, and you'll whack 'em." Goodrich, of...

Arts + Culture

Fredericksburg Uncorked

Exploring Fredericksburg through wildlife, wine, design and local makers Article by Laura SanchezQuan Fredericksburg is best experienced slowly, blending small-town charm with wineries, boutiques, historic spaces, making memorable experiences worth lingering over. In this curated guide we highlight standout spots reflecting the heart of Fredericksburg with each stop offering its own expression of Hill Country hospitality.  Whether it’s a weekend escape or rediscovering a familiar favorite...