Postcards Magazine ETX January 2024

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January 2024

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Camille Landry • A Day in the Life of a Beekeeper • Perri Dermatology

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition

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FEATURES 8

January 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 1

Do You Know?

Camille Landry Cover Photo by Kristi Dreher

14 A Day in the Life

Postcards 2022 Photo Contest Submission

Beekeeper

18 Business Focus

Perri Dermatology

FAVORITES Community Calendar -22 Conundrum -13 Dear Gabby -6 Glorious Grandkids -11 Mustard Seed Moments - 23 Pet Pals -7

Publisher’s Post -5 Puzzle Solutions -23 Sudoku Marketplace -12 Things My Granddaddy Said -17 What’s Cookin’ -21

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Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher Karen Altom Associate Publisher Kent Holder Editor Wes Altom

Karen Altom Blessings Big and Small. As I begin this new year, I admit I am still thinking about Christmas cards. Thanks to them, I begin this year with a strong sense of gratitude.

While addressing Christmas cards this year, I thought of each person(s) and the role they have played in my life. It also leaves me to wonder who I may address a card to next year that I do not yet know. New friends to be made…how much fun to think of that!

The other reason I am still thinking about Christmas cards is because this year, we decided to only use our three grandsons for the photo (instead of the entire family).

The most important reason for that is we never got around to taking the entire family picture, AND you grandparents know…those kiddos are just the cutest! We have giggled a little (ok, a lot) as our own children have made comments like, “Guess now we’re just chopped liver,” and “Nevermind about your OWN kids!” Heehee.

They’ll understand one day…but I will plan to have a family photo earlier in 2024 so they will not have to start therapy!

Thank you for the time you spend with us each month. Thank you for supporting the advertisers who make this possible. They are our heroes, because they believe in what we do and are investing in helping us keep our community connected.

Please let them know you appreciate them, too! Here’s to a wonderful year. We wish you all the best!

Happy New Year, ~

Karen

Operations Manager Marshall Altom Advertising Team Kent Holder Nancy Jolly Leah Lamp Marshall Altom Design Team Mary Partida April Key Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 Huntsville, TX 77342

Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher.

Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2024 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

I hope you enjoyed last month’s photo contest. It was a delight to see participation from Cleveland/Tarkington, especially with some of our own emerging as winners!

Kent Holder

January often prompts reflections and resolutions. Working another job about a decade ago, I discovered a unique New Year’s tradition. I observed an inventor’s secret approach to planning for the future.

Instead of typical resolutions, he set aside “seed money” for new endeavors. He would cut a corner off a pillowcase, then fill it with spare change and a few dollars.

After sewing it shut, he tucked it away, saying it would serve as funding when a deserving project emerged. This practice intrigued me and aligned closely with my beliefs.

I’ve always believed that if you give back and lead a good life, blessings will follow.

They may not arrive in the form or timing we expect, but they do come. I now create my own “seed money” pouch, hidden behind my 80s over-the-calf socks in my sock drawer. My wife threatens to discard them, but they hold a special place, much like my commitment to helping others and being grateful for life’s blessings.

As we step into 2024, I encourage you to find your own way of embracing the new year, whether it’s through resolutions, setting aside “seed money,” or simply being kinder to those around you. I wish you a year filled with growth, happiness, and blessings. .

Kent

See you around town! ~

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition

5

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. By the time you read this, we’ll probably have finished with our ‘To Do List for the First Week in January’, otherwise known as New Year’s Resolutions.

May your troubles last as long as your New Year’s Resolutions. My only resolution was to stop lying to myself about making lifestyle changes. We all know me better than that! Submit questions (about life in general, or specific problems), to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR TIWUTS If you thought this was a technical hotline, did you ever get a wrong number! All I can do is commiserate with you about the avalanche of technology that has buried most of us. It’s a good thing the new phones perform most of their functions without much input from the users. Unfortunately, those people who are so excited about the new iPhone are the same ones that missed the awesome technology of using their blinker when they drive.

GABBY

DEAR GABBY I am researching a new phone and got so confused with all the technology available on the new ones that I almost flunked my dry January protocol.

There are pages of specs on categories that I wasn’t aware existed.

The TrueDepth camera comes with Animoji and Memoji. I don’t even know what that is. The only choice I am fairly sure of is the color.

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Do You Know?

Story by Kelly Thomas Photos by Cara Williams

Leading the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce into a Bright Future

Camille Landry

8 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | January 2024

In the heart of Cleveland, Texas, The Cleveland Chamber a vibrant community builder and of Commerce plays a vital “ Y O U G E T W H AT Y O U G I V E ” advocate, Camille Landry, has role in supporting workforce been diligently serving as the development. It collaborates with President of the Cleveland Chamber of local workforce development organizations hidden gems and benefits. Camille’s journey Commerce. With a genuine passion for and coordinates job fairs and presentations, reflects her belief in the power of local fostering growth and connectivity in the local providing valuable resources for job seekers relationships and collaboration, underlining business community, Camille has dedicated and employers alike. By facilitating these the essential principle that “you get what you herself to making the Cleveland Chamber connections, the chamber contributes to give” in any chamber of commerce. a hub of opportunities and support for strengthening the local workforce and businesses of all sizes. ensuring a prosperous future for Cleveland.

A Home for

Championing the Chamber Camille’s role as the President of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce is multifaceted. She serves as the face of the chamber at various meetings and events, playing a pivotal role in promoting its objectives and benefits. One of her primary responsibilities is to lead the chamber in exploring and planning initiatives for the year ahead. In the past year, Camille and her team have successfully overseen a rebranding effort aimed at modernizing the chamber’s image. This transformation includes a fresh digital approach, a new logo, and an updated website, all of which align with the evolving needs of today’s businesses. Additionally, Camille dedicates a significant portion of her time to highlighting the advantages of chamber membership, emphasizing the incredible value of building relationships and collaborations with fellow local businesses.

From Ambassador to President Camille’s journey with the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce began as a small business owner herself. Her introduction to the chamber was a conscious decision to engage with the local business community more deeply. Camille’s experience with the Cleveland Chamber stands out due to its intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Despite not being a native of Cleveland, her transition into the community was seamless, thanks to the warm and friendly reception she received.

She started as an ambassador, actively engaging with the chamber’s activities, volunteering, and forming connections. Her involvement in the Rock-N-Ride cycling event, which she eventually chaired, allowed her to draw newcomers’ attention to Cleveland’s

Businesses of All Sizes

Cleveland Chamber of Commerce serves as a bridge between businesses, both large and small. As Camille highlights, the chamber offers a unique sense of community compared to larger chambers. The close-knit atmosphere allows for personal connections and meaningful interactions among members, something that can be challenging in more massive organizations.

While larger chambers have their merits, smaller chambers like Cleveland’s have the advantage of fostering a stronger sense of belonging. Businesses here have the opportunity to be seen and heard within the community, and individuals like Camille help facilitate that engagement.

Challenges and Opportunities for Cleveland Businesses

A Small Business Owner with a Big Vision Camille Landry is not only the President of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce but also a successful small business owner.

She and her business partner have created a thriving pest control company committed to providing excellent service while utilizing environmentally responsible practices.

Camille’s background in entomology, the study of insects, provides a strong foundation for her business. She also has a focus on science-based solutions and the responsible use of advanced pest control products.

But her dedication to professionalism and customer service are a testament to how Cleveland businesses can excel, and these values carry over to Camille’s service with the Chamber.

»

For businesses in the Cleveland community, there are challenges and opportunities to navigate. One of the primary hurdles is the relative obscurity of the town, preventing potential visitors and businesses from discovering its treasures. Despite boasting numerous attractions such as restaurants, shopping areas, a concert hall, libraries, and museums, Cleveland remains relatively unknown to many.

However, the chamber is keenly aware of this challenge and actively working to change that perception. As the town continues to grow and develop, the chamber anticipates a wave of new visitors and residents, transforming Cleveland into a bustling destination.

Supporting Workforce Development January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition

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The Essence of Cleveland When asked about her favorite aspect of Cleveland, Camille Landry emphasizes the people. She describes the town as reminiscent of her Cajun roots in Louisiana, where friendly interactions and warm greetings are the norm. The sense of community in Cleveland is palpable, where strangers are acknowledged, and residents go out of their way to assist one another.

Cleveland is a place where people know each other’s stories, share their joys and sorrows, and work together to build a thriving community. It’s this sense of belonging and togetherness that Camille cherishes and actively promotes through her role in the Chamber.

A Message to the Community As Camille concludes her first one-year term as President of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, she leaves a heartfelt message for the community. She encourages businesses to join, participate, and engage

fully with the chamber. The chamber is not just an avenue for professional growth but also a forum for sharing challenges, successes, and building lasting relationships.

Camille Landry is helping shape a brighter future for Cleveland, where businesses and individuals can thrive together. Joining

10 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | January 2024

the chamber, she believes, is an invitation to become a part of this journey towards a more vibrant and connected Cleveland. For more information, visit clevelandtxchamber. com or call the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce office at (281) 592-8786.

Glorious Grandkids

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A Day In the Life Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Gina Turner

Beekeeper What’s a day like for a full-time beekeeper?

Busy as a bee!

No day is the same for Cyrus Nasr, a full-time beekeeper. In some ways, he says, beekeeping is like any other agricultural operation: every day, a beekeeper must do what needs to be done (and not necessarily what he had planned). “There’s always something to be done,” Cyrus says. Days can be long, but the work is rewarding.

gardens of Texas. Bees busily collect nectar from blossoms and do their bee magic, storing it in the form of honey.

Because flowers bloom at different times, Cyrus notes, honey can usually be harvested throughout May, June and July, although thanks to late-blooming plants, some honey can also be harvested in the fall.

Harvest Season

On most days during harvest season, Cyrus loads his truck with his protective bee suit and equipment, leaving the farm at about 9 a.m. Hive Bee Farm owns more than 200 hives, which are located

Cyrus’s days are more predictable during the late spring and early summer, when flowers appear in the fields and

14 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | January 2024

on about 20 properties. Some are just a few miles down the road, while others are as much as 80 miles away. During harvest season, Cyrus visits the hives on at least one property each day. He does most of his beekeeping between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for two reasons: it’s not as hot then as it will be later; besides, about half of the bees will be out foraging for food.

A hive, Cyrus explains, is contained in several bee boxes. The bottom two are reserved for the bees’ use, but as many as four more boxes can be stacked on

top. These are the boxes that supply the extra honey that beekeepers harvest. While some beekeepers collect only liquid honey, Cyrus also harvests honeycomb. (Before he became a beekeeper, Cyrus owned and operated restaurants for 15 years. During that time, he learned that restaurants use honeycomb on cheese trays, charcuterie boards, and desserts. His fresh, virgin honeycomb is popular at many eateries.)

Although a good beekeeper won’t harvest honey the bees need for food, Cyrus says, bees don’t know this, so they don’t appreciate humans tampering with their honey. Furthermore, they don’t like the heat, and to harvest honey, beekeepers must lift the lid off the hive during the hottest months of the year. To minimize the chance of being stung, beekeepers use smoke. Cyrus points out that the smoke from a bee hive smoker will mask the pheromones that bees use to communicate; in addition, the smoke mimics a forest fire. The bees respond by consuming honey to prepare for the possibility of having to vacate their hive. Unfortunately, there is still a great possibility of being stung by irate bees, so beekeepers wear full-body bee suits. It’s a recipe for an uncomfortable experience. “You are in a ski suit in the sun doing CrossFit,” Cyrus jokes.

When honeycomb is capped with beeswax, it is ready to be harvested, either for the honeycomb itself or for liquid honey. When the honeycomb is ready, Cyrus brushes bees off the top box of the hive and uses an “escape board” so that bees can get out. The goal is to leave the bees behind because, he notes, a lost bee won’t find a new colony. Once the bees in the top box have flown out, Cyrus takes the honeycomb and honey—box and all—back to the farm.

Liquid honey pours better when it’s warm, but Cyrus allows honeycombs to cool in

the air conditioning for a few hours to firm up. “Honeycombs are soft and delicate,” he says.

Once the beeswax is firm, he cuts the honeycombs, puts them in food service boxes and stores them in a freezer to pause the crystallization process.

An unlikely beeginning In early 2016, Cyrus’s wife, Sandi Murray, an avid gardener, purchased two bee hives from a local beekeeper. At the time, the couple lived in Houston in a small house on a Houstonsized lot, and Cyrus was not enthusiastic about Sandi’s beekeeping endeavor. “I wanted nothing to do with it,” he admits.

Sandi, however, soon found that she found beekeeping as enjoyable as gardening.

She took a class from the beekeeper who had sold her the hives and followed him on Facebook. A few months later, he decided to move out of state and sell his 34 hives and vast assortment of beekeeping equipment.

He posted a notice on Facebook and Cyrus, who was contemplating a career change, responded. “It’s a business. I have been running businesses for 15 years,” he thought, figuring he could learn what he needed to know about beekeeping. Unbeknownst to him, Sandi responded too. “We became fulltime beekeepers overnight,” he says. The learning curve was steep, but the couple not only persevered, but grew their operation, too. It soon became known as Hive Bee Farm.

Cyrus and Sandi’s Houston residence was not ideal for beekeeping, but the situation was about to change. During the pandemic,

Sandi’s job in human resources became permanently remote, so she and Cyrus began looking for a roomier place. After looking “all over,” Cyrus says, they stumbled upon a house on seven-plus beautiful acres near Montgomery. They moved in 2021 and built a large workshop where they bottle honey, store honeycomb, make beeswax candles, and store beekeeping equipment.

Mondays and Saturdays Cyrus has established routines on Mondays and Saturdays throughout the year. On Mondays, he visits the restaurants that have placed honeycomb orders, as well as his wholesale customers. Currently, Hive Bee Farm honey is sold in Montgomery County at Conroe Feeders Supply, C&S Feed, McCoy’s, A Slice of Amish and Healthy Living. On Saturdays, Hive Bee Farms operates booths at three farmers markets, including Montgomery Farmers Market.

On other days (other than during harvest

»

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 15

season), Cyrus’s days are much less predictable.

From Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day, he maintains his hives, but doesn’t need to check on them as often. He often utilizes the “lift test:” if a bee box is so heavy that it can’t be lifted with two fingers, there is enough food for the bees and it does not need to be disturbed.

twenty acres, but who do not have the time or inclination to be beekeepers. It’s not unusual for Cyrus to respond to these landowners when they sense the beehives on their properties need Cyrus’s expert touch. Bees might be exhibiting swarm behavior; a storm might have knocked the hive over; the top might have blown off.

Sometimes, however, there are problems.

Bees have been having trouble lately, Cyrus says, mainly because of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), herbicides, pesticides and varroa mites. Sometimes, hives need mite treatments. Occasionally, a box needs to be repaired. And sometimes, bees exhibit behavior that indicates they’re about to swarm. When they swarm, about half the bees in a hive leave with the queen in search of a new home, leaving the rest of the bees behind to make a new queen. If a beekeeper senses an imminent swarm, he will “split” the hive, allowing the same benefits of a swarm while still keeping all the bees in producing hives.

“If a beekeeper does nothing else,” Cyrus says, “he manages space.” If there is too much space, there is room for the invasion of pests; furthermore, it’s hard for bees to stay warm in winter. If there is too little space, the bees run out of room for food and brood (baby bees).

Hive Bee Farm leases hives to many landowners in the area who wish to get agricultural tax exemptions for their five to

Honey, Honey Hive Bee Farm sells raw, unfiltered, local honey, which is popular because of its health benefits. Truly local honey, Cyrus explains, is honey that is made from the flowers that grow in the area where it is sold. Allergy sufferers often tout the benefits of local honey, but to be effective, Cyrus says, people must consume honey that is made from the same flowers they are allergic to. Although filtering honey makes it attractive on grocery store shelves,

he says, it removes beneficial properties.

The business also makes whiskey barrelaged honey. About every three months, Cyrus obtains a 50-gallon oak whiskey barrel from the William Price distillery in Houston.

He pours honey inside; after three months, the honey is slightly darker and has a subtle whiskey flavor. (After the honey is taken out, Cyrus returns the barrel and the distillery uses it to make honey whiskey.)

In addition, a newer product is being produced especially for athletes and health-conscious individuals. Bee Butter is a superfood made from honey and pollen. It has the consistency of loose peanut butter, Cyrus says, and can supply quick energy because honey can be broken down into glycogen—muscle fuel— efficiently.

In just seven years, Cyrus has become highly-knowledgeable about bees and their proper care, so people often ask him how to become beekeepers themselves. He often suggests that they join a local beekeeping organization, such as Montgomery County Beekeepers Association (mocobees.com).

For more information about Hive Bee Farm, visit hivebeefarm.com.

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Things My Granddaddy Said Mortgaging a future crop is saddling a wobbly colt.

Don’t share a crosscut saw with a quitter.

When you feel neighborly, dust a little sugar on your words and your cookies.

Turnips and sweet potatoes will get you through a depression.

Just ask Grandpa.

we are

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You have to bust some clods to make a crop.

We are grateful to be surrounded by your Love.

NEAL

FUNERAL HOME Publisher Karen Altom and her Granddaddy J.C. Farris

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

Please feel free to share yours with us!

NealFH.net 200 South Washington Avenue • Cleveland, Texas January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 17

Business Focus

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

Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Tom Miller

Perri Dermatology A Texas-raised and Texas-trained dermatologist. A team that is like a family. Patients who can get timely appointments and compassionate care. It’s what Perri Dermatology does best.

Texas raised and Texas trained Dr. Anthony Perri grew up in Corsicana, Texas, where his father was a general urologist. The younger Perri followed in his father’s proverbial footsteps and became a physician himself; however, when it came time to choose his own medical specialty, he found his father’s own surprising and sobering diagnosis had influenced him the most. During a routine skin screening, the elder Dr. Perri learned that he had developed a melanoma—an aggressive, deadly skin cancer. Fortunately, early detection allowed him to make a complete recovery.

After graduating from Baylor College of Medicine with honors, the younger Dr. Perri completed his dermatology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch and became a board-certified dermatologist. As he often tells people, he is Texas raised and Texas trained. When he

18 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | January 2024

s d n n d a e n a

Maria Rojero

was ready to set up his own practice, he remembered how much he liked growing up in a smaller Texas city, so he joined a large, multi-specialty practice in Conroe. In 2012, the practice closed, endangering thousands of patients who were without access to their physicians.

Dr. Perri soon formed Perri Dermatology so his patients were not left in the gap. “I am proud that my patients did not experience any disruption in their treatment or care for their dermatological needs,” he says. “My practice provided peace of mind, stability, and security on top of dermatological care during very difficult months.”

His commitment to his patients did not stop there. It can take months to get appointments with some dermatologists; however, Dr. Perri is committed to providing patients with easily accessible care. He notes it can be

Melissa Crawford

stressful for patients to have to worry about worsening skin conditions while waiting to see a dermatologist; furthermore, timely appointments can help detect skin cancer and other conditions when they are most treatable. “Fast access is one of the pillars built into my practice’s standard day-to-day business operations,” Dr. Perri says. “At Perri Dermatology, we know life is busy. We proactively work every day to make sure your interaction with us is efficient, so you are discouraged from postponing your medical care,” he adds. Not only are his patients able to get appointments without long waits, but they can expect to see Dr. Perri personally when they come to the office. In addition, they can readily speak with trained staff and will have their insurance claims processed quickly.

The Perri Dermatology family Dr. Perri is backed by a loyal staff that seems almost like a family. Many members of the Perri Dermatology team have been with the practice since it opened in 2012, and several members worked with Dr. Perri even before he founded his solo practice. Alba Galvez, office manager, estimates that two-thirds of the staff have been working for Perri Dermatology for five years or longer. “We are a family,” she says. “We work together for a common purpose: helping our patients. We make a difference.”

“It’s kind of like a little family unit here,” agrees Melissa Crawford, who has worked at the practice for 12 years, serving as medical assistant, clinical supervisor, and OSHA compliance officer. Like many of the staff members at Perri Dermatology, she is interested in medical issues and enjoys

»

h y d s e

Melissa Johnson

Alba Galvez

January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 19

helping people. Crawford and other staff members have high praise for Dr. Perri and enjoy being a part of the Perri Dermatology team. “Dr. Perri treats the staff with respect,” she says.

Tiffany Rushing, whose primary job as a certified medical billing and coding specialist is to help patients with insurance claims, concurs.

“Dr. Perri is a really good person to work for,” she says. “He is a loyal employer.” Rushing, who began working with Dr. Perri before he founded Perri Dermatology, has continued to work for the practice even after moving many miles from the office. She enjoys educating patients about their insurance concerns and works hard to ensure their claims are processed correctly. She is proud to be a part of the Perri Dermatology family. “We genuinely care about our patients,” she says. “I try to make sure their experience with us is a good one.”

Melissa Johnson, like Rushing, is a certified medical billing and coding specialist and began working for Dr. Perri before the formation of Perri Dermatology. “I am very proud to have been a part of this dedicated team of professionals for many years,” she says. She enjoys helping patients, especially those who are confused by the complexities they encounter when they switch to Medicare. “We love our Medicare patients,” Galvez says, noting that Johnson listens carefully to patients’ concerns. “I will take the time to explain it to them,” Johnson says. “Once they get the hang of it, they can feel more confident in their understanding of their insurance.”

Staff members also work with patients to make sure they understand skin diagnoses and treatment. Maria Rojero, a clinical supervisor who joined Perri Dermatology in 2013, particularly enjoys helping patients in this way. She answers their questions and makes sure they know

what to do in the days ahead, striving to treat patients the way she’d like to be treated herself. “I make them feel comfortable and make sure they get the appropriate information they need before they leave the office,” she says. “I’m proud of being able to work with Dr. Perri and to be able to educate patients about different dermatology diagnoses.”

By greeting patients with a friendly smile, treating them with respect, and taking the time to answer their questions, the Perri Dermatology team works together to make sure patients have a positive experience when they visit the office. Team members share a desire to help others and are proud to be able to give assistance to Dr. Perri’s patients.

And, behind the staff is a dermatologist who is known for his skill and compassion. Perhaps that is why so many people have been Dr. Perri’s patients since he first founded his practice. “I am honored to be their dermatologist,” he says. “I appreciate and value each patient’s trust.”

Perri Dermatology has offices in The Woodlands and Conroe. For more information, visit perridermatology.com or call 936-522-4966.

4015 Interstate 45 North, Suite #200 Conroe, TX 77304 9305 Pinecroft Dr., Suite #305 The Woodlands, TX 77380 perridematology.com (936) 522-4966

Being the connection between Christ and the struggling world.

First Methodist Church of Cleveland 100 North William Barnett Ave Cleveland Texas 77327

281-592-0545 church@clevelandmethodist.org 20 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | January 2024

fmcleveland.com

What’s Cookin’ Potato Chip Cookies Ingredients 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup very soft unsalted butter (2 sticks) 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 large egg 2 Tbs milk 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 2 cups lightly crushed potato chips 1 cup dark chocolate chips Directions Step 1: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl; set aside.

Step 2: Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together with

an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add milk and vanilla and repeat. Stir potato chips and chocolate chips in with a spatula until just combined. Add flour mixture; continue mixing in with a spatula until flour disappears and dough comes together.

Step 3: Wrap and chill dough for about 30 minutes, or until ready to bake. Dough can be used immediately if desired.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment.

Step 4: Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Space evenly, as dough will spread when baked. Bake in the preheated oven until outside edges of cookies are lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, before removing cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, let cool completely before serving.

Chef’s Note: Feel free to play around with varieties, but what I think works best is a nice, thick crispy kettle chip. I used regular sea salt flavor.

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January 2024 | Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition 21

January

2024 Thru Jan 7

CALENDAR 23-27

Houston

Houston

Houston

Zoo Lights

MLK Grande Parade Midtown

“The Golden Girls:

houstonzoo.org

mlkgrandeparade.org

The Laughs Continue”

Thru Jan 15

6

15

thehobbycenter.org

17

23-28

The Woodlands

Conroe

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

Houston

Town Center

facebook.com/

thehobbycenter.org

visitthewoodlands.com

events/2056979204017916?

thehobbycenter.org

ref=newsfeed

Conroe

Montgomery

A Tribute to Dean Martin & Friends

MACC Chairman’s Celebration

crightontheatre.org

montgomeryareachamber.com

Huntsville

18

Celebration of Gospel

Montgomery

Concert 2024

Houston “Steel Magnolias” adplayers.org

26 Cleveland

Candidate Forum

eventbrite.com/e/celebration-

Annual Awards Banquet:

lcarw.com

of-gospel-concert-2024- tickets-736071879807

24-Feb 8

Red Carpet clevelandtxchamber.com

19-Feb 11 Houston

The Woodlands

“Pictures from Home”

Boutique Bargains

26-Feb 11 Conroe

alleytheatre.org

bigtop.show/thewoodlandstx2024

“Wait Until Dark” owentheatre.com

19

11

Huntsville

Houston

Sundance Head

Shenandoah: Revival Tour

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

arenahouston.com

Houston Monster Jam

Conroe Beatlemania64 crightontheatre.org

mcmga.com

Comedian James Gregory oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org 22 Postcards Magazine: Eastex Edition | January 2024

Twitty & Lynn

Montgomery

Round Top

23

Huntsville

Huntsville oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

chamber.conroe.org/events

Spring Vegetables

Annual Fruit & Nut Tree Sale

nrgpark.com

2024 Chairman’s Ball

Education Session:

Conroe mcmga.com

20 13

27

Conroe 12th Annual Job Fair chamber.conroe.org/events

Asleep at the Wheel festivalhill.org

Sugar Land George Lopez smartfinancialcentre.net

Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins

Epiphany: God’s Wake-up Call Epiphany. In church tradition, that’s the name of the feast celebrated on January 6 to remember the day the Three Wise Men (also known as the Magi) visited the Christ child. It officially marks the end of the Christmas season and begins Carnival season in New Orleans. But Sudoku #2 why the name “epiphany”?

5 9 2 6 7 3 1 8 4 The epiphany I am most familiar with is an “ah-ha” moment, or a 7 revelation 4 1 8or insight, 5 2 as3 sudden in, “I9just 6had an epiphany!”

8 imagine 3 4 the1 surprise 9 7 of 2 I can6 only the 5 Magi when--after looking at biblical prophesy, current events, and 3 5 4 7 8 1 2 6 9 the unique astronomical configuration of the stars--they concluded the Jewish Messiah had 6 Wow, 9 what 2 3an epiphany 5 4 7 1 been8 born. that was!

9 epiphany 8 God’s 6 4 as 5 3wake-up call that spurs us I like1 to 2 think7of an to action.

2 1It’s 8almost 6 are 5 as 4 if we 9 asleep 3 7with our eyes closed, then something happens and pop! We jolt out of our slumber, sit straight up 9 3 6 1 2 7 5 4 8 with eyes wide open, and see what it is He is calling us to do.

4 7 5 3 9 8 6 1 2 When Esther became queen and Haman plotted against the Jews, she had an epiphany that she was in the unique position to save them. Centuries later, fishermen and tax collectors would suddenly Sudoku #4 of Nazareth was more than just a carpenter, and realize that Jesus they4would were2doing 7 drop 1 what 6 9 3 they 5 to8follow Him. Even those who 3

8 6 7 2

5

Puzzle Solutions 9 5 2 4 8 1 6 9 8 2 5 CONUNDRUM

4

1

9

7

3

6

1 page 3 4 from 7 13

1 3- a variant 7 8meaning 2 4 9 of clew, 5 6 CLUE a ball

of thread or yarn. It comes to us from 5 2 7 6 1 3 9 8 4 Middle and Old English. According to Greek 2 8 entered 4 1 7 6mythology, 3 5 when 9 Theseus the Labyrinth to kill the minotaur, he 2 1 a5 clew, 6 string 3 behind 9 7 8 a4 unraveled ball of him, so he could find his way back.

8 4 9 1 3 7 6 2 5 from page 12

SUDOKU

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

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

6

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9 2 7 1

scoffed at Jesus during his earthly lifetime would have encounters with the risen Christ and become changed forever.

Over my lifetime, I have had a number of wake-up calls leading me to a deeper trust in God and to a life of greater obedience. In some cases, I was called to take action; in others, I was called to be patient and still, and to know He was in control of the situation I was facing.

God is not silent. He speaks to us in many ways. The question is, are we listening? What epiphany have you had recently that is calling you to go deeper with God? If you have unanswered questions about your life, pray for your eyes to be opened to the truth of what God is trying to tell you. According to Scripture (James 1:5) He will always grant us wisdom when that is our prayer.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’” – Esther 4:14 (NIV) “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. They their eyes were opened and they recognized him… – Luke 24: 30-31 (NIV)

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