Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe February 2021

Lake Conroe

POSTCARDS Kasowski Family / Remnant Stew Podcast / Cameron Optical

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HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS PERMIT NO. 51 PAID U.S. POSTAGE PRSRT STD

February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 1

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 3

FEATURES

February 2021 | Volume 10, Issue 2

8 Do You Know?

24

Kasowski Family

Business Focus Cameron Optical

16 Texas Talent Remnant Stew Podcast

FAVORITES 5 6 7 11 12 13 14

From the Publisher What Are You Reading?

Milestones Garden Post Glorious Grandkids Dear Gabby Health Matters

15 20 22 23 28 29 30

Pet Pals What’s Cooking Vet Connect Sudoku Marketplace From the Mouths of Babes Community Calendar Mustard Seed Moments

The remedy for "Bad Hair Days" The Cure for "My roots are showing!"

Private Consultations Consultant Exclusively for Godiva's Secret Wigs

FEATURING THE MOST REALISTIC WASH & WEAR WIGS YOU'VE EVER SEEN

4 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

GOOD HAIR EVERY DAY! Call or text Karen: 936-581-1776

From the Publisher Karen Altom

publisher@postcardslive.com

Your Local Community Magazine!

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Living in the Present Here we are...already a month into 2021...and, just when you think life might be getting back to “somewhat normal,” the unexpected happens. It happens to everyone. It happened in our world this week, when one of our team members ended up in ICU with a major heart attack. As we were celebrating the publication of our 10th anniversary issue, celebration turned to concern and prayers for our sweet friend.

This last year of pandemic has taught us the unexpected should be expected. There will always be those of us who are experiencing heartache and loss--those struggling with broken relationships, financial woes, and the loss of loved ones. The past year has just multiplied those things and how many are dealing with them at once. The truth is, this is life. 1920, 2020, or 2021, life is made up of highs and lows, sunny days and rainy ones, memories that will make your sides hurt with unbridled laughter, and those that make you smile through tears.

We are thankful our friend is still with us--thankful we have another day with her to enjoy and make more memories--thankful we have one more moment to cherish, before the unanticipated or the unforeseen makes an abrupt change in our life.

I love the old adage that says, “Today is a gift of God; that’s why we call it the present.” What will you do with your gift today? Whatever it is, make it count.

Online: www.PostcardsLive.com

To all who have reached out about our anniversary edition, thank you! It is our joy to be a part of your days. Be sure to thank one of our advertisers, too. That is a gift to them as well!

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 5

What Are You Reading?

Gayle Metcalf

Partners Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith

reading

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio

“Hindsight is Always 2020” While we have heard this phrase for most of our adult lives, we never could have been mentally (or otherwise) prepared for what 2020 turned out to be.

2020 “vision” took on a whole new meaning that no one ever envisioned. True?

Late in 2019, after a great year in the investment world, clients began to ask about what 2020 was going to be like. Our standard and best answer has always been, “Who knows for sure?”

But also, some other facts like: • 2020 is an election year, expect volatility • History has shown a steady “up” over the long-term • There are valid questions about our economy, but lots of positives. 2020 “should” be a good year.

Sure enough, 2020 took off like a rocket! But on February 21st, things suddenly went the other way, with COVID-19 creating a panic among investors. The panic persisted through most of March and resulted in the fastest market decline seen in years. During the period of February 21st – March 23rd, the S&P 500 Index was down just over 33%. Nobody knew how long the virus or market downturn would last. Uncertainty and fear were widespread.

By April, markets began to recover. In fact, April was one of the best months markets have had in many years. Again, the question became how long can this last. Many “experts” argued the market could not maintain growth while the economy was struggling through the pandemic.

Well, with 2020 hindsight, we know the markets did maintain that growth through the rest of 2020, and we ended the year with very solid returns across US markets.

The point of this lookback for 2020 is to reiterate the value of having a process for investing.

2020 was a very hard year in many ways, but a process may allow you to block out the noise and emotions that certainly can impact investing. We are not talking about “market timing,” but following trends and keeping investments balanced into the correct asset classes--a process that allows the ability to move out of investments if appropriate, and back into them when the time is right. We use data based on facts--not guesses, assumptions, or hearsay--with a 30+ year history behind it.

This year, many that followed the process were up double digits at year-end. They have been quite surprised to see what their positive outcomes were after enduring all the negative media sources.

How would a “Process” fit your circumstances? It is what we do. In the meantime, have a fabulous 2021.

Gina Ernst reading

Life Lessons in Barrel Horse Training

By J.W. Richie

Frankie McCaffety reading

Mr. & Mrs. 366 Devotions for Couples

By Rob & Joanna Teigen

Vicki Prentice reading

Woman of Troublesome Creek

By Kim Richardson

www.financialpartner.net (936) 294-0201 • 1211 Financial Plaza • Huntsville Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member, FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Cambridge and Global Financial Partners are not affiliated. Cambridge does not provide tax advice.

6 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

Tell us what you’re reading!

PostcardsLive.com

Milestones Silas Garland Lyle made his arrival December 15, 2020. He weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. and is the son of Kris and Jayna Lyle. Proud grandparents are Bert and Susie Lyle.

Our little bundle of joy has arrived!

Kendall and Mandy Cason are ecstatic to welcome their daughter, Molly Ann Cason, into the world!

Born on the 30th of October, 2020 at Huntsville Memorial Hospital, 7 pounds, 10 ounces and 19 inches.

Grandparents are Dick and Ann Cason of Huntsville and Susan Bohan of Huntsville.

Retirement!

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Eglsaer, SHSU provost and Vice President for academic affairs. Dr. Eglsaer will retire at the end of the academic year after more than 37 years.

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 7

Do You Know?

By Linda W. Perkins Photos by Gina Turner

The

Kasowski

Family

Sitting at a picnic table inside the Dosey Doe Big Barn in August of 2019, Mike and Regina Kasowski look like every other couple in the place, just out for dinner and some live music. Bri Bagwell, an award-winning Texas country music performer, is getting ready to take the stage.

My husband and I, who are sitting across from Mike and Regina, strike up a conversation. It is our first time at Dosey Doe, but they have been coming here for years. They are celebrating the 21st birthday of their daughter Kenna Danielle, who is friends with Bri Bagwell.

I look over at the cute blonde with bright eyes and big dimples, expecting her to be just a hometown fan. No, she’s a little more than that. She, too, is a singer and songwriter, and less than an hour later, she is introduced by Bri and joins her on stage. Mike and Regina are grinning ear to ear with proud parent smiles as they watch their daughter perform and hear the crowd’s applause. They have been doing this since Kenna was 12.

Kenna Danielle isn’t the only rising star in the Kasowski family, though. A few minutes into our conversation, I learn that one of Kenna’s brothers is a pitcher on the taxi squad for the LA Dodgers. A quick Google search tells me that Marshall Kasowski isn’t just a Big League wannabe. He has quite the story.

It isn’t every day you run across an ordinary family – Regina is a self-employed accountant and Mike is a regional sales manager for Liebherr Cranes – that can boast of multiple members who are making it in “spotlight” careers such as music and professional sports. It takes a special combination of talent, hard work and sacrifice, and a lot of love and support for one another to make it work; and the Kasowskis of Conroe have it.

8 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

Mike, Regina, Kenna, Justin, Amanda & Marshall

A love of music and baseball runs deep Music and baseball run in the family. Regina’s dad was a baseball player in the 50s and 60s. He attracted the attention of some pro scouts before joining the navy, where he was on a navy baseball team that played against Satchel Paige in Japan. Mike came from a family of musicians.

His mother’s family had their own country music and Polish dance band, and he played trombone through 11th grade.

Mike and Regina’s oldest son Justin inherited both talents, playing sports and playing trombone throughout high school. Not so for the younger two, according to Kenna.

“Marshall, he has no musical talent whatsoever. He can’t even carry a tune! But then, I am probably the clumsiest person I’ve ever met, and I know nothing about baseball. I don’t even know how to throw a ball, much less how to give it form! It’s amazing we’re even related, because we’re so different in that way, but we get along so well,” she said with a laugh.

Kenna got her first guitar for her 11th birthday (which she had been asking for since she was eight). Regina explained what happened next, “I told Mike, let’s just go ahead and get her some lessons, so she can get it out of her system, not knowing we were opening Pandora’s Box and it would become her life!”

It wasn’t long before Kenna was playing for family friends’ parties, then began performing on open mike nights at Dosey Doe. Soon, she was being regularly booked to open for other musicians in the area and eventually began to get her own gigs.

“We all love each other so much, and that’s what’s fun about it” Marshall started playing baseball when he was four, and Regina claims his first complete sentence was “Play with me ball.” While other kids were playing tee-ball, Marshall could play without the support of a tee and, pretty soon, he began pitching--which he is still doing today.

The uphill climb and overcoming life’s curveballs The pursuit of big dreams hasn’t come without challenges for the Kasowskis. When Kenna was 13, she was diagnosed with a bone tumor, and it was almost a year before she could walk again.

“Her guitar was her comfort – it always has been,” Regina explained.

“When we went to the hospital the morning of her surgery, she had her guitar and kept it with her all the way until they wheeled her back to the operating room.”

Marshall has had to push through even more hurdles and setbacks.

Despite playing on a select travel team, he didn’t make his high school team until his junior year. His senior year, he was put on the team, but then got mono in January, leaving him as just a reliever. In his junior year of college, he got into a major car accident then had to have gall bladder surgery several months later, which kept him out for the season.

Nevertheless, he bounced back and went to summer league in Wisconsin, where he was named Pitcher of the Year. His University of Houston scholarship was discontinued, so he transferred to West Texas A&M, where he broke all the school’s strike-out records and ended up as their Co-Athlete of the Year. He was drafted by the Dodgers when he was 22.

“You keep following your dream. Whatever comes your way, you try and build off it, rather than letting it drag you down,” he said.

Providing loving support from behind the scenes While the kids were growing up, Regina said they wondered at times if she and Mike were good parents, taking Kenna to her gigs at bars, but both Marshall and Kenna say they wouldn’t have made it this far without their family’s support.

l

Marshall expounded, “Each step along the way, they have been there for me. Letting me play in club baseball and on a select travel team, providing emotional support when I didn’t make my high school team, then getting me lessons to help me advance my abilities. When I finally made it, I couldn’t believe it, and my parents have been there for me the whole time. I know they worked very hard, and I don’t take it lightly.”

As for Justin, he jokes that he is “the invisible brother,” choosing to follow in his dad’s footsteps into the crane business, rather than seeking the spotlight. Justin says he was happy for Marshall when he was drafted by the Dodgers “even though I’m an Astros fan” and is glad his siblings are living their dreams. Marshall says he and Justin stay in touch behind the scenes, sharing text message jokes and memes that remind them of growing up.

“When we would be off school for the summer and mom was working, we would do crazy things together. One time, we had an airsoft gun war in the house. We had a solid go for about a week before our parents started finding the evidence, like BBs in the bed and chips in the wall,” Marshall elaborated, laughing.

Marshall and Kenna are also close, despite not seeing each other much due to their travel schedules, and he brags about her on Instagram and Facebook.

“We all love each other so much, and that’s what’s fun about it,” Kenna said.

Pushing through the pandemic and beyond Just six months after Kenna graduated from college with a double major in guitar and vocal performance, and not long after Marshall got to Big League Camp, COVID-19 hit, and the entertainment industry – including major league baseball and music venues – took a big hit. Many of Kenna’s live performances were canceled.

“A lot of the places are closed, not booking, or not legally allowed to book me. So it’s a weird game right now,” Kenna explained. I’ve done a few outdoor events, but most of them have been smaller scale. If

»

“You keep following your dream. Whatever comes your way, you try and build off it, rather than letting it drag you down,” Mike & Regina

Justin & Amanda Bri Bagwell & Kenna

Kenna

Marshall

February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 9

anyone is booking at all, they aren’t booking very far out, because they “I’m not sure what will happen. They don’t know if they’re going to don’t know what the situation will be.” push the season back or cancel some games. They are even talking about With pandemic restrictions in place, Kenna works during the day as getting rid of the minor league season, which would impact me. I’m a billing representative for a chiropractor. That doesn’t mean she is not not going anywhere. My goal is to just stay healthy and be ready for the active in the music industry, though. She recently entered into a short-term opportunity, whenever it will come.” sponsorship with guitar manufacturer Kepma, and “Marshall loves the game,” Mike said about she spends her evenings and weekends writing Marshall’s drive for success and lack of a backup songs and recording. She stays in front of her fans plan. “He will never quit baseball. They will have via social media. to quit him. He is not the athlete that was always “Right now, I am focused on the creative side great and just coasted along. He has always of things, a little bit behind the scenes, but also worked harder to always get better.” doing livestreaming and creating content like In December, all the Kasowskis gathered videos,” she said. together in Conroe for an outdoor house party Kenna Danielle , Ben & Marshall just completed his degree in finance, with family and close friends. Kenna played for Linda Perkins, & Bri Bagwell but has no intention of using it just yet. He was the group, but Marshall just liked being home and injured in August and, after minor elbow surgery, away from the spotlight. he has been focused on working out and making sure he is ready to go “Going home grounds me,” he explained. “It’s nice to be around people in 2021. who know me for my core, not just for what I do.”

10 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

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Winter in southeast Texas is “like a box of chocolates,” if I may parrot a phrase from Forrest Gump. You never know what you are going to get!

As I write, 3” of snow blankets the garden center grounds, whereas just a week prior, wearing shorts to work seemed a better plan.

If you follow the Almanac, 2021 in our area is predicted to be a fairly mild winter, with spring temperatures headed our way in March. A bit of research shows nighttime temperatures in the 40s fairly consistently through February and more than a few nights in the 30s. What does this mean for gardeners?

The time to plant fruit, nut, and shade trees is now, before the trees break dormancy. Citrus trees should be protectively planted after the last killing frost date. To plant successfully, choose a spot with 8-10 hours of direct sunlight a day, good drainage, and an area that can be easily irrigated consistently. Fruit tree varieties that have zero tolerance for drought are peach, apricot, and plum. Apples can be a bit more moderate, but figs and pears will be more drought tolerant, with citrus and pomegranate being the most tolerant of inconsistent watering. Fruit trees will take several years to establish themselves and should be planted with a root stimulator and followed up with a fertilizer program beginning in March.

My “go-to” is Fertilome’s fruit and nut tree granular. It is especially important to shop where the correct fruit tree varieties are being offered for your area, according to chill hours. A chill hour, is the amount of time below 43 degrees a tree must receive to set fruit. Low 250 chilling hour apples will do well into south Texas but a Red Baron Peach with a 900 chilling hour requirement will do best in the Dallas/Tyler area. Cold winters bring about massive fruit production from older heirloom trees.

In choosing your fruit tree, do not be so worried about how straight the tree is or how many branches. Most trees on the market are from 1-2 years old, and they will quickly grow out of any apparent shape. What you should look for is a tight graft, with 2” of trunk below the graft. Choose trees with no lesions on the bark and in biodegradable peat pots. This prevents transplant shock (you plant “pot and all”).

February is the month of roses, and like fruit trees, the earlier you shop, the more likely you will find the “hard to find” and new varieties. Like fruit trees, choose roses in biodegradable peat pots for easy planting.

Newer rose varieties are patented, thus the $12.00 plus royalty on the price. Patents last for 7 years, and roses are always “going out of patent” yearly. Varieties that DO NOT SELL WELL are dropped from production by growers. I am a rose fanatic and choose them over all other bloomers.

Are they easy to grow, and will they require maintenance to look their best? Yes. Water consistently, keep fertilized, give adequate air flow, keep away from deer, prune 2-3x a year, spray biweekly for insect/disease, and you are done. Landscape roses, such as knockouts and drifts, are even easier and look fabulous year-round.

If you would like to learn more about planting fruit trees and/or roses, visit our website at kimshomeandgardencenter.com for seminar and workshop info. January 30th is Fruit Trees and February 13th is Roses.

As always, Happy Gardening!

February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 11

Glorious Grandkids Kendall Grace Granddaughters of: Scott & Tammy Sonsel

Kinleigh Brae Baggett Granddaughter of: Pamela & Bruce Baggett

Logan Kellar Grandson of: John & Mary Kellar

Share Your Grandkid Photos with Us!

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COPE Certified Health Coach 12 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. February is a wonderful month. If you are into Baked Alaska, groundhogs, tater tots, carrot cake, golden retrievers, kite flying, fairy tales, umbrellas, public sleeping or innumerable other folly, there’s a day for you. For normal people (who might get a day off or a box of chocolates), we’re down to St. Valentine’s Day and George Washington’s birthday. If Valentine’s Day came before George’s birthday, that’s probably why he needed wooden teeth! Drop me a line at Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive.com/share if you have questions about any subject, serious or silly, but only if you really want my candid opinion.

DEAR GABBY I don’t mean to pry, but I’m just curious as to whether or not you have a date for Valentine’s Day. NOSY ROSIE DEAR NOSY If you must know, yes I do. It’s February 14th.

GABBY

DEAR GABBY I just had a major birthday and have been obsessing lately about how I will probably die. I don’t think of it as a morbid obsession, just a curiosity. Have you ever thought about that?

PRE-OCCUPIED

DEAR PRE-OCCUPIED I don’t think that’s necessarily a harmful fixation, but I’m not a physcologyst pyscologist head doctor. It has occurred to me, on occasion, that I would like to be remembered for dying while performing some heroic deed, but it’s more likely I’ll trip over my dog and choke to death on a spoonful of frosting.

GABBY

DEAR GABBY From time to time, I tell a little white lie, but only to prevent causing harm or discomfort to someone else. Otherwise, I am totally honest. I was once told that there are no degrees of integrity; you either have it, or you don’t. Do I? OCCASIONAL FABRICATOR DEAR FAB The actor/singer Richard Chamberlain addressed that about as well as I’ve ever heard it. He commented, “I suppose everyone tells little white lies. Quite often, they’re necessary to make someone feel better or prevent feelings from being hurt. Whopper? No, that’s dangerous, and they’ll boomerang.”

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “AM I OLD YET?”: Such a popular question! You know you’re old when you barely do anything all day, but still need a nap to continue doing barely anything.

February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 13

Health Matters • • • • • • • •

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By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA

Safeguard Your Body from a Covid ThirdParty and Remain Hearty We are programed to be alert to danger if detected by the five senses of the body. Unfortunately, viruses, especially those which poison our lungs, are not detectable. To accomplish something, it is best to understand the mechanism involved. Go to within an inch of a mirror, blow out a sizable breath, and the mirror will fog up.

This fog is composed of nearly countless infinitesimally tiny water droplets otherwise too small to be seen.

These precipitations come from the lungs, where a total moist body surface area the size of a swimming pool absorbs the oxygen to keep us alive. The Covid monsters live in infected people’s lungs.

Make no mistake the Covoid mess is the vilest seen in our lifespan, and hopefully the worst we will ever encounter. I have a grandson who played college football and is a super healthy guy. He was incapacitated by Covid for over a week and told me it was the sickest he had ever imagined one could be. Bad cases are hospitalized for weeks and running up gargantuan hospital bills. Also, this virus allows an infected person to infect others before becoming symptomatic.

OMG! You do not want this, but millions have become sickened by it, and millions more will.

While not the most uplifting idea, when we are around other people, they continually breathe out air containing droplets from their lungs--if we are too close, we breathe their air into our bodies. This is why distancing is important. Six feet has been determined to keep from breathing another person’s possibly contaminated air. But when shouting, coughing, or sneezing takes place, as much as ten feet should be observed. When in stores with narrow aisles, I will briefly hold my breath (even when masked) as we pass to avoid possibly breathing in any contaminated air.

Masks can be reasonably effective if properly adjusted. When going into public places, one can frequently see people with face masks under their noses. What are they thinking? Such flawed use has no protection for them at all and may be harmful when they behave as if they are being protected. Plastic air shields are not protective--don’t bother.

Contamination from hands is much less frequent as a cause, but any entry into your body should be avoided. When touching anything be cautious. Open doors with your non-dominant hand and, if your sleeve will reach, cover your hand. When opening and holding open doors, use the forearm or back of the hand not the palm or fingers. Whenever finger food is munched, wash using the recommended twenty second scrub and concentrate on the palms, especially the fingertips.

Fingers (especially the tips) are the danger zones and should receive extra attention.

Vaccinations should lead to herd immunity, but that may take a specific majority getting vaccinated. Let’s hope for the best.

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806 N. Loop 336 W. • Conroe, TX 14 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

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www.assistanceleague.org/montgomery-county February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 15

Texas Talent

By Ruth Fields Photos by Gina Turner

“If you have an appetite for the strange and bizarre, then pull up a chair and grab a spoon for another intriguing serving of Remnant Stew.”

w e t S t n Remna )

ew” (and the “Stew Cr

So begins another episode of Remnant Stew, a homegrown podcast recorded in downtown Conroe. After its inaugural broadcast in August 2020, the podcast quickly garnered a loyal following. While most listeners live in Conroe and The Woodlands, some are from other states, including Colorado, Oklahoma, Washington and California, and a few are from Europe and Asia. So far, podcasts have covered a smorgåsbord of topics, including imposters, great escapes, and things that glow.

Remnant Stew was the brainchild of longtime Montgomery resident Leah Lamp. She hand-picked her co-host, Dr. Steven Meeker, who had taught two of her four children, Joe and Tori, at Montgomery Junior High. She also selected her sound engineer, Philip Sinquefield, who has worked with her on the media team at Conroe Church of Christ for more than a decade. Leah and Steven—with help from Steven’s wife, Judy—research the topics. Meanwhile, Phil, in addition to doing the technical work, contributes spontaneous, unrehearsed jokes during broadcasts.

“We are having a blast!” Leah says.

The Postcards team recently met with Remnant Stew’s funloving “Stew Crew” and discovered the energy behind this entertaining podcast.

16 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

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“curious and bizarre”

Leah Lamp, Lamp, creator and co-host According to her email signature, Leah is Remnant Stew’s creator, researcher, writer, host, and--yes, its taco enthusiast.

In addition, she likes to read true crime novels and listen to podcasts, particularly those that cover crime stories and legends.

“I actually was chosen to be a co-host of an emerging true crime podcast, but that one never got off the ground,” says Leah, who has a professional background in media and graphic design.

“It did result in me having done a lot of research into creating and producing podcasts, though, and I decided to put that information towards creating my own.”

Leah opted for the theme of the “curious and bizarre” rather than true crime because she “didn’t want to have to constantly stay emerged in the horrible things people do to each other.” Besides, “to be successful as a podcaster, you have to choose a subject you can talk about for hours and hours without getting bored or running out of ideas. We want to provide something positive, interesting, and funny to tune into,” she says, noting podcasts can be great entertainment while performing repetitious tasks, like commuting, cooking and exercising.

To name her podcast, Leah wanted something compelling that had no existing internet footprint. “Naming something is so difficult,” she says, but from her time working at the Texas

Renaissance Festival, she remembered a band named Flying Fish Sailors, which performed a quirky song called Remnant Stew. It seemed appropriate, because Leah planned to gather “bits and pieces of stories and ‘stew’ it together.” With blessings from the band’s lead singer, the podcast became Remnant Stew.

Leah had been collecting strange stories for years, and with a new outlet to showcase them, she got busy. Once she had assembled her Stew Crew, the first podcast, titled Balloonacy, was recorded in March and released in August 2020. Soon, fivestar reviews began appearing on iTunes. “The balloon episode is great!” reported one listener. “Such a fun, lighthearted show with entertaining and fascinating historical stories.” Balloonacy remains one of Leah’s favorite podcasts, along with Yuletide Tomfoolery. “We record our episodes several months in advance, and we recorded that one in August, when it was super-hot outside,” she says. “When we showed up to the studio, Steve had Santa hats for us to wear and Christmas candy to snack on. The three of us were in such a fun mood, and I think it comes through in the recording. Plus, there’s a lot of fascinating information about the holiday, which has wild and varied origins, with crazy traditions from all over the world.”

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 17

Dr. Steven Meeker, Meeker, co-host

Leah wanted a conversational podcast “rather than me just droning on,” she says, so she needed a co-host. She made a list of the “kindest, most interesting people” she knew, and her children’s former teacher Steven landed on the list. “He’s a phenomenal teacher everybody remembers,” Leah says. “He’s not dry and boring. He makes it interesting and fun.”

So, Leah emailed Steven and told him her idea. He told her he would think about it. He also prayed about it, and soon felt inclined to proceed.

Leah later left a meeting with Steven and Judy “on cloud nine.” She had found her co-host. “I could not have picked anybody better,” she says.

“He brings so many stories and such personality and quirkiness. He hit the ground running.”

Steven finds there is never enough time in class to share all the interesting stories he has collected during 41 years of teaching history and world geography, so he’s pleased Remnant Stew provides him with another audience. One idea began to brew when Steven and Judy visited Auschwitz several years ago. “I have never been anywhere that you can feel sadness hanging in the air like you can there,” Steven says. There, the couple learned that a miniscule percentage of prisoners escaped the concentration camp. Among them were five who acquired guard uniforms, made a copy of the commandant’s car key and audaciously drove out the main gate. Intrigued, Steven did more research, which

resulted in a segment on the podcast titled Great Escapes.

Another favorite story was aired on a podcast called Four Legged Soldiers.

Cpl. Bill Wynne, while serving in New Guinea during WWII, adopted a homeless Yorkshire terrier, named it Smoky and taught it dazzling tricks that entertained fellow soldiers. When Wynne was hospitalized for dengue fever, a fellow soldier brought Smoky to visit.

Medical personnel soon discovered servicemen suffering from shell shock, now known as post-traumatic stress disorder, became responsive for the first time while holding Smoky. Thus, Smoky, later called “Yorkie Doodle Dandy,” became the first documented therapy dog.

Steven enjoyed introducing Remnant Stew to family members—now ardent listeners—who had never before heard of podcasts. In addition, he is pleased some of his sixth-grade students have become podcast listeners. “I am really honored it is taking off and doing well,” he says.

Phil Sinquefield, Sinquefield, sound engineer At the beginning of Yuletide Tomfoolery, a faint jingling noise can be heard in rhythm with the distinctive music of the podcast’s intro.

Leah: Those are not jingle bells! Those are keys. Those are Steve’s keys.

Steven: Well, it’s all I had with me, Leah. I had to do something to get in the spirit.

Phil: What key was that in?

It’s the kind of impromptu quip listeners have come to expect from Phil. In addition to sound editing and patience with open-source software, Phil brings his love of “dad jokes, one-line puns, and plays on words” to the podcast. “They’re jokes that will either make you roll your

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Remnant Stew’s entire 2021 schedule has been planned and recordings are underway.

“We have so many great episodes coming up!”

Steven says, noting that, in honor of Presidents Day, the podcast will report bizarre tidbits about presidents. “Did you know George Washington was also a fireman?” For April Fool’s Day, the Stew Crew will discuss some of the most noteworthy pranksters in history. As before, Leah and Steven will accept listener suggestions for future podcasts. And some recurring features will continue, such as the trivia challenge (which listeners can answer on the podcast’s Facebook page) and Oddity Du Jour—“a little nugget of a story that is completely off-topic and off-kilter, but always bizarre,” Leah says. As always, the podcast will stay true to its objective, which is announced at the end of each podcast: “Remember, please choose to be kind, and always stay curious!”

For more information, visit www.RemnantStew. com, or follow on Instagram or Facebook at @ Remnant Stew Podcast. Listen on any podcast platform, such as iTunes and Spotify, or on local Lone Star Community Radio FM 104.5 on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

00 - 2020 20

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eyes or laugh,” he says.

Phil is “funny, laid-back, and easy-going,” Leah says. So, when she asked him to help with the podcast, he said, “Okay, that’s cool. That will be fun.” He was right. By day, Phil is an IT professional in the financial services sector, accustomed to reading boring tech journals.

During the pandemic, he encountered the additional challenge of working from home, so he is pleased podcasting has provided some variety to life. While Leah and Steven research and prepare their podcast material in advance, Phil first hears it during recordings, allowing impromptu bursts of his sharp wit. He listens to the podcast a second time while editing. “I sit on the couch with a laptop and headphones, and I am giggling,” he says. “I think the shows are funny. There’s lots of good information, and they keeping you thinking.”

Phil was surprised by how quickly Remnant Stew gained avid listeners and hopes for more success as the podcast matures. One possibility for growth is through shout-outs to independent bookstores throughout the country. When a bookstore is featured, the Stew Crew sends it a poster and bookmarks advertising Remnant Stew.

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

What’s Cookin’ Popa’s Simple White Chili Ingredients 1 ¼ lb ground turkey 1 Tbs low-sodium chicken base 3 cups boiling water 3 (14.5 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained 1 (28 oz) can green enchilada sauce 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chiles, undrained 1 onion, chopped 1 Tbs granulated garlic ¼ tsp ground cumin 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 onion, diced Directions Step 1: Crumble ground turkey into a Dutch oven over medium heat; cook and stir until turkey is browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.

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Step 2: Stir chicken base and boiling water together in a bowl until base is dissolved; pour over cooked ground turkey. Add Great Northern beans, enchilada sauce, green chiles, chopped onion, granulated garlic, cumin, and oregano; stir well. Simmer until flavors have blended, about 1 hour. Spoon chili into bowls.

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Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the skillet; saute until vegetables are tender and mushrooms have released their liquid, about 8 minutes. Transfer vegetables to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess moisture.

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Step 5: Remove from the oven and top with the remaining 1/4 shredded cheese substitute. Broil until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes.

February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

Vet Connect:

By Dr. Steve Van Wagner

Pregnant Mare (Vaccinate or Not?) The pregnant mare should be vaccinated to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Vaccinations serve two main purposes. The first is to protect the mare herself from viruses that may cause her to abort the pregnancy. The second is to stimulate antibody production that will help protect the newborn foal after parturition.

Pregnant mares should be vaccinated for Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV-1) at five, seven, and nine months of gestation. EHV-1 is the number one cause of infectious abortion in the mare. Foals can also be born weak and nonviable.

Pre-foal vaccinations are another important group of vaccines that are recommended to be given at four to eight weeks before foaling. Typical vaccines given at this time are Rabies, Encephalomyelitis, West Nile, Influenza, and Rhinopneumonitis. Consult with your veterinarian in case there are additional vaccines necessary for your geographic region.

The pre-foaling vaccinations stimulate an antibody response in the mare that is passed in the colostrum (mare’s first milk) to the foal during the first 12 to 24 hours of life. They are only absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract during the first 24 hours of life, so foals must ingest this colostrum to insure a strong immune system. This will protect the newborn for approximately 6 months, at which time the foal will receive vaccines themselves.

Vaccinations are only a part of the management practices for the pregnant mare. Pregnant mares should be housed in the foaling area for at least 30 to 60 days before foaling to enable them to build up antibodies to any pathogens that will also be passed in colostrum, to again ensure a newborn with a strong immune system.

On a side note, this country that I love is in turmoil, and appears headed on a downward slope. I am an ardent patriot, but I am reminded that my hope is in Jesus and not in the USA. This does not mean I would not die for my country and its freedoms and liberties men and women have fought so bravely to defend. I would hope to go out the way my forefathers did, praying, seeking, and trusting God as they fought for this great nation. GOD BLESS THE USA!

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22 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 23

Business Focus

By Rosa Coss Photos by Gina Turner

Cameron

Optical 15260 SH 105 #127 Montgomery, Texas Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Dr. Bonnie D. Cameron and Mark Soveral, ABOC, are co-owners of Cameron Optical, located at 15260 SH 105 Suite 127 in Montgomery, Texas. A native of the south side of Chicago, Cameron came to Texas and attended Cy-Fair, where she graduated high school. She went

on to Baylor University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in 2002. Then, in 2005, she received her doctorate from Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, in Philadelphia, where she graduated with honors.

Dr. Cameron began her career with an ophthalmology group and stayed there for about 18 months. She then worked in general ophthalmology, surgical

retinopathy, and neuro-ophthalmology for about two years, before opening her own eye care center. She has been in practice for more than 15 years and has been at the current location for the past 7 years. Her husband Mark is the office manager and is a licensed optician, with 22 years of experience in optometry. He has been instrumental in training many new optometry students to the profession, as well as teaching them all that goes into making glasses. In fact, they are always excited about opening their doors to future local doctors by offering local high school students the opportunity to volunteer for their internship program.

The team, or “family” of professionals at Cameron Optical are: Dawn Benoit, Office Coordinator and Insurance Billing; Jamie Yow, C.P.O. & A.B.O.C, Doctor’s Assistant/Technician; Logan Vincent, Lab Technician; Andrea Tall,

24 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

Full staff to the right: Tyler Wernli, Avrey Hanlin, Logan Vincent, Mark Soveral, Dr. Bonnie Cameron, Dawn Omara, Jamie Yow, Dana Whitworth, Andrea Tall

To the left: Doctors’ assistants: Andrea Tall, Tyler Wernli, Dana Whitworth

Front Desk Receptionist and Optometric Pre-Testing Assistant; Tyler Wernli, Benefits Coordinator/Administrative Specialist/Doctor’s Assistant; and two part-time team members. Together, this group of professionals makes sure each patient receives excellent care and walks away with a great experience.

Dr. Cameron offers general eye exams for patients of all ages. Currently, she sees patients ranging in age from just a few months old to 102 years of age. She treats conditions ranging from medical red eye and loss of vision to dry eye, double vision and much more. As a therapeutic optometrist, she treats macular degeneration, glaucoma, neuro-retinopathy, vision therapy, and also cares for pediatric patients. Cameron Optical specializes in neuro-ophthalmological diseases and provides surgical referrals for all types of vision disorders. According to Dr. Cameron, common eye problems for people 35 and older are: aging eye, struggling with maintaining focus between far and near, glaucoma, cataracts, and the development of systemic diseases (such as high blood

pressure and diabetes) that can also adversely affect vision. “We have a device called NOCT,” explained Dr. Cameron, “that maps the back of your eye. It creates a 3-D image that sees all of the layers of the eye, and it can help us detect any problems that are occurring in the eye.”

The younger population, 34 and under, often have trouble with eye straining, eye teaming (a condition in which the eyes do not work well together), eye discomfort, and headaches. Often, these issues are a result of vision that is not mature enough to handle the excessive reading required when they are in school, looking at the boards from the back of the class, and straining their eyes for up to 8 hours during a day.

Cameron Optical offers state of the art digital vision technology for vision disorders such as those already mentioned, as well as those resulting from diabetes, high blood pressure, tumors, Alzheimers, amblyopia, and retinal detachments. As far as Lasik vision correction, “We will do the pre-qualification consultations, and pre-treatments. The patient is then referred to a surgeon, and returns to the clinic for post-surgery follow-ups,” said Dr. Cameron.

Although you can get Lasik surgery at 18, your eyes are still changing at this age--that is why it is recommended you wait until between the ages of 22 and 34 to maximize the benefits of having Lasik surgery. After the age of 40, your eyes begin to change again, and most patients are back to wearing glasses, even after having Lasik surgery.

Not everyone is a good candidate for having Lasik surgery. Here are a few factors that help determine whether a patient is a good candidate: 1) the patient must have sufficient cornea that can be altered to correct the vision, 2) must not have dry eyes, and 3) must not have a job in which he/she can easily injure their eyes. Having one or all these conditions would affect the likelihood of being a good candidate. Dr. Cameron recommends seeking out a qualified surgeon with experience in performing the procedure.

This will improve the possibility of having a successful and positive outcome.

Lipiflow is a new treatment for dry eyes that is designed to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) or gland blockages.

Approximately 85 percent of people suffering from dry eye are found to have this dysfunction. Lipiflow is a one-visit office

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 25

“We are always finding ways to give back to our community...” treatment that gives about 90% effective long-term success results. Dr. Cameron said they have been offering it for about 4 years, and most patients say they don’t need any further treatments. The procedure involves a small device that sits on the eyes, applying heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids. It stimulates the glands and cleans them out.

Once properly cleaned, the glands can begin producing their own natural oils (lipids) essential to maintaining moisture in the eyes.

Dr. Cameron added that each individual is different, but ideally, it helps to catch the problem early on, to monitor and treat it as soon as possible. That is why it is important to have annual eye exams. At Cameron Optical, new patients are always welcome, and the team is always ready to assist in finding the contact lenses or glasses that are right for you. They offer a wide selection of popular name brand frames.

One of the more popular for both men and women is Tom Ford. Tiffany & Company, Vera Bradley, and Coach are also among the most sought after. Other popular brands include: Oakley, Costa, Guess, Gucci, MK, and many, many more!

To find out more about the products, team of professionals and the services Cameron Optical provides, or to find out if your insurance is “in

Above: Dr. Cameron examines a patient network,” visit cameronoptical.com. Dr. Cameron can also be reached at 936.448.1200, or via text at 936.274.1924, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

When she is not at work, Dr. Cameron enjoys spending time at home in Montgomery with her husband Mark and five children (three girls and two boys). She also enjoys walking, hiking, traveling, and reading. A fun fact: Dr. Cameron owns an extensive shoe collection, close to 400 pairs.

She says she will rarely get caught wearing the same pair of shoes!

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EASY “We are always finding ways to give back to our community,” said Dr. Cameron, adding that she and her husband proudly sponsor and support local children, teachers, and schools. Furthermore, she believes giving back to the community is what makes a stronger, and more successful community. We couldn’t agree more.

Above: Andrea Tall

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From the Mouths of Babes...

Our two girls share a bed. I heard the 6-year-old tell the 3-year-old to be quiet and go to sleep. The 3-year-old told her to be quiet or she’ll kick her in the face!

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We heard a loud crash from the bathroom followed by crying. The explanation was, “I accidentally kicked my brother into the bathtub.”

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28 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

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February 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 29

Comfort... it’s what we do!

Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins Like Snow in Texas Ask anyone in America if 2021 is off to a great start, and most would say no. Between the COVD-19 situation and the political unrest, watching the news can be pretty depressing. But there, right in the middle of all of the negative topics, was a bright spot--it snowed in Texas!

Suddenly, people were building snowmen and sharing photos of their backyard winter wonderlands. Whatever pain there was in the world, it just seemed to disappear in a blanket of white. That rare, short-lived weather event brought something people needed so much in that moment--joy!

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30 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | February 2021

The Bible talks a lot about finding joy during trials, but that can be a challenge. It is easy to get so caught up in stress and sorrow, fear or anxiety, that we don’t see the good things. They are there, though, starting with the Father’s everlasting love for us. When we see through the lens of the God’s love, we see things anew. We know He has placed in our lives things that will bring us joy; we just have to look for them.

Like snow in Texas, God’s blessings are beautiful, yet often unexpected.

They may come when the sun is shining or may appear in the darkest of nights. Regardless of our circumstances, we find joy when we hope in Him.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13 “For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty and before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place.” – I Chronicles 16:26-27 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

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