Postcards Magazine Lake Conroe October 2021

Lake Conroe

POSTCARDS Conroe Service League / Lee Jamison / Kwik Kar

Magazine

INSIDE!

Good Eats Food & Dining Guide Special Advertising section

October 2021 Postal Customer

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 3

FEATURES

October 2021 | Volume 10, Issue 10

10

31

Community Builders

Good Eats

Conroe Service League

Food & Dining Guide

20

48

Texas Talent

Business Focus

Lee Jamison

Kwik Kar

FAVORITES 6 7 8 15 18 26 28 29

From the Publisher Lets Celebrate From Our Readers Milestones Glorious Grandkids Health Matters The Latest Pets Pals

30 41 42 46 47 55 56 58

The Garden Post “Seens” from our World What’s Cookin’ Giggles & Grins Sudoku Marketplace Wildlife Wonders Community Calendar Mustard Seed Moments

Cover Photo by Robin Stonehouse

WHERE THERE IS GRIEF, THERE IS GREAT LOVE Grief is an individual journey, with a path as unique as each one of us. To offer support and hope, we provide online grief support. It doesn’t matter what time of day, or what day of the week you need support, we're here for you. You can access online counseling services, join in group grief support, or watch our interactive videos, anytime: 24/7. No matter how you feel

at this moment, you have our commitment - you're never alone.

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Publisher’s Post Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Your Local Community Magazine!

An Advanced Dilemma Happy fall, y’all! Cooler temperatures are on the way!

The other day I experienced a terrible ordeal. I left home for an appointment and was about 15 minutes away, when I realized I had left my phone at home. After the momentary panic, I had to make a decision. I could turn around and go back to get it, but 15 minutes home and back would make me 30 minutes late to where I was going--not really an option for “just a phone.”

That got me to thinking…”just” a phone? Not really. It is a phone, a camera, a texting device, a way to access my electronic files, my social media connection, the way my family reaches me, the way my clients can reach out, it holds my membership cards, my photo album (I am a grandmother now), and well, you get the idea. This is a mini-computer - this is my LIFE! When did that happen?

It happened gradually at first; then, as technology advanced, the changes came much more rapidly. I remember my first cell phone. It was the old “brick” phone with a foot long antenna that stuck out of my purse. All it would do was make phone calls, but that was enough, and it was awesome!

I was traveling all over the United States at that time, and it made me (and my mother) much more comfortable to have the ability to call someone if I were to break down on the side of the road. Before long, texting came along, to be followed by “everything else” soon enough.

Recently, Wes and I were in the car and talking about something we were curious about. Years ago, we would have just wondered and researched it when we had the opportunity. Now, I can grab my phone, google while he drives, and have the answer in minutes..thanks to my phone.

But, also thanks to my phone, I am rarely unreachable. Thanks to my phone, I have become accessible 24/7 with hardly any downtime or lack of screen time. Even if not working, I may be scrolling through social media to see what my friends are up to, or playing a game. I thought I was relaxing.

What that terrible ordeal the other day reminded me of is just how connected I am. And it gave me a few hours where I was “unreachable.”

Was I truly unreachable? Not really. My car has OnStar so if there had been a roadside emergency, the push of a button would have connected me with help. My family can look on their phones to see my location. Anyone who called could leave a voicemail, and I could call back later - like the old days. When did we reach a point where we have to be instantly reachable?

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Except for the multiple times I reached for my phone the first half hour, what I found during those few hours away from being constantly connected was a sense of peace….and a realization that leaving my phone at home really wasn’t so terrible after all. Try giving yourself a break. You might be amazed.

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.

© 2021 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

Until next time,

~

Karen

6 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

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From Our Readers I wanted to write and say thank you. I have been with your publication for about 10 years and have found my advertising to be helpful to the growth of our business.

You make me proud for all the good work you do for our community.

Dixie Robertson

May the Lord bless and keep you all close to Himself in all that you do!

Mark Peters, D.D.S.

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy Postcards. Being 86 years old, I have seen many changes to this town, and enjoy you highlighting some people I have known for years.

I also have three people who advertise with you. My son and two grandsons.

Thank you for sharing Gail Wright. She is amazing and I knew of her partner resource work because Curves had a table at couple of events, but I listened to speakers and I learned so much and loved her passion. I had NO idea of all her challenges and her business. Thank you again for sharing.

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 9

Community Builders Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Gina Turner

Conroe Service League

10 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

On a hot Sunday in July 1962, Marcia Reagan and her family stood in a long line outside David Crocket High School in Conroe. When they reached the front of the line, Marcia, her parents, her brother, and her sister were each given a sugar cube with two pink dots—a dose of the oral polio vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin. The Sabin vaccine was big news because, in addition to guarding against infection, it protected people from becoming carriers.

Marcia, then 12 years old, had no qualms about accepting the pink-dotted sugar cube. She had been horrified when she’d seen photos of child polio victims who were placed in “iron lungs” to help them breathe. “That was a scary thing,” she says, noting that in preceding years, the polio infection rate in Texas had been among the highest in the nation. Children were most vulnerable to the dreaded disease, which killed some and inflicted others with varying degrees of permanent paralysis.

women for working “day and night” to make sure all residents of the sprawling county would have the same opportunity to take the vaccine.

65 years of service After teaching middle school for 32 years, Kary Thigpen worried about what she’d do to have purpose during retirement. A few years later, she discovered CSL. “It was the perfect organization to meet and serve other people and form a bond with other women,” says Kary, who is now CSL’s president. Throughout the past six and a half decades, many other women have discovered the same thing. This month, the Conroe Service League, one of the first female-founded organizations in the county, will celebrate 65 years of continual service.

In 1955, Marcia reports, 12 young Conroe women began discussing the need for a service organization and sought the advice of the Junior

“the perfect organization to meet and serve other people and form a bond with other women” Marcia, a retired public-school librarian, now serves as the historian and recording secretary of the Conroe Service League (CSL). She reports that in 1962, CSL was one of several local organizations that joined forces to help the Montgomery County Medical Association’s “Victory over Polio” campaign, a grassroots vaccination effort that included several events throughout the county. CSL, which had been organized six years before, was blossoming, and its 40 members worked tirelessly during the week leading up to the first mass vaccination event. Volunteers provided logistical support and manned phones for long hours.

“Victory over Polio” was called a “big success,” with about 75 percent of the county’s population getting vaccinated for three strains of polio at three separate mass events at high schools across the county. A Conroe Courier reporter opined that without CSL, the campaign would have likely been a “flop.” He praised the

League of Lufkin. The Conroe Service League was chartered the following year. In the early years, one of the league’s main projects was to identify needy families in the community and to provide them with gift baskets and toys at Christmastime. The women also introduced children to the fine arts through annual trips to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and by making performances of plays, operas, and symphonies available locally. The league’s mission was to “provide organized service opportunities for the women serving in Montgomery County in the areas of education, cultural arts, health and welfare, and to effectively use the work of the league for the betterment of the community.”

Although CSL’s first members were young women, Marcia says, the organization evolved over the years as its members grew older.

Today’s league has 48 active members ranging “from 30 to 80,” Kary says. “There is no typical member.” CSL’s diverse membership includes

»

October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 11

parties, and other enriching events. Kary is hopeful that CSL volunteers can once again become actively involved with BridgeWay when the pandemic is over.

stay-at-home moms, career women, and retirees. Kary likes the fact members can choose to work on the organization’s programs that best suit their interests and abilities. One of her own favorites is the Community Outreach program. The endeavor has unfortunately been affected by the pandemic, but in past years, CSL volunteered extensively with Montgomery County Youth Services’ BridgeWay Emergency Youth Shelter,

which houses young people who are abused, neglected, or in peril. CSL members worked with the residents once a month, providing life skills training, cultural activities, holiday

Another of the league’s programs provides hearing and vision screening to children who attend area daycare centers. In 2012, CSL teamed up with the Lion’s Club, says Marcia, who serves on CSL’s audio/visual committee.

Today, the Lion’s Club provides the vision screenings at daycare centers, while CSL screens the preschoolers for hearing loss. The Conroe Service League also provides “baby bundles”—containing diapers, clothing and a variety of baby care items—to new mothers who might be struggling. “We send them home with essentials so they will have them when they leave the hospital,” Kary says.

In addition, CSL provides donations and

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Crafts, Food, Gifts & More 12 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

volunteers to help teenage girls find free prom dresses at an annual, fun event. Meanwhile, CSL has provided more than $200,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors since it began its scholarship program in 1961.

CSL also provides financial support to more than a dozen local organizations, including Family Promise, Journey Home and the Heritage Museum. In fact, the league spearheaded the organizational effort that resulted in the opening of the Heritage Museum, Montgomery County’s own historical museum, in 1985.

“We mark the items so people can afford to buy them”

The Bargain Box In 1957, CSL opened the Bargain Box, a resale shop stocked with donated items to be sold to generate money for the organization’s philanthropic programs. It has been operated by members of the Conroe Service League ever since. “We take all donations,” Kary says, but notes that only the best items are displayed in the shop. (Less saleable items are re-donated to other worthy organizations.) Not only does the Bargain Box generate money, but it also provides thrifty shoppers with bargains. “We mark the items so people can afford to

»

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buy them,” Kary says. Although the league’s annual Designer Purse Bingo is an enormously popular and successful fundraiser, the Bargain Box remains the league’s primary way of securing needed funds. The Bargain Box is located at 123 North Thompson Street in downtown Conroe. Now painted a vivid blue, it is easy to find. The Bargain Box is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays, and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Donations of clothing, accessories and household goods are accepted during operating hours.

The Bargain Box will host a reception and the unveiling of a historical plaque presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society on Thursday, October 14. Tribute will be paid to the original 12 CSL members for their foresight and dedication. Their efforts, and the efforts of those they inspired, have helped the underserved in the community for decades, and have brought many cultural opportunities to generations of local schoolchildren. Families of the original 12 members, as well as representatives from the City of Conroe, the Chamber of Commerce and the Montgomery County Historical Society, plan to be in attendance. On Saturday, October 16, the Bargain Box will celebrate a grand reopening and 65th anniversary party.

CSL welcomes new members who share the organization’s goals of assisting the underserved and helping to enrich the community. For more information, visit conroeserviceleague.org.

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Milestones

Norma & Felix Buxkemper celebrated 50 years of marriage, resulting in three children and nine grandchildren.

Congratulations to Mr. George Leinneweber. He celebrated his 100th birthday, on August 15.

Share your Milestone!

PostcardsLive.com/Share

School of Music

OCTOBER Theatre & Musical Theatre

HANDS ON A HARDBODY

Book by Doug Wright Lyrics by Amanda Green Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green October 7 - 9 | 7:30 p.m.

October 9 | Matinee | 2 p.m.

Erica Starr Theatre, UTC Art

SELECTED WORKS EXHIBITION

October 7 - 9 Reception | October 7 | 6 p.m.

Satellite Gallery Free Admission School of Music

THE FESTIVAL OF STRINGS: CELEBRATING THE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

October 8 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA FALL 2021

SHSU CHORALE FALL CONCERT

October 11 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Art

BFA SENIOR EXHIBITION I

College of Arts & Media

October 21 - 23 Reception | October 21 | 6 p.m.

Satellite Gallery Free Admission

UPCOMING NOVEMBER EVENT

CAM ARTIST SERIES: DIEGO CAETANO AND FRIENDS

Art

College of Arts & Media

October 12 | 7:30 p.m.

Recital Hall, GPAC Art

STUDENT ART ASSOCIATION EXHIBITION

October 14 - 16 Reception | October 14 | 6 p.m.

Satellite Gallery Free Admission Art

MARTIN AMOROUS EXHIBITION

October 18 - November 20 Artist Talk | October 21 | 5 p.m.

Reception | October 21 | 6 p.m.

University Gallery Free Admission

CENDRILLON – A CINDERELLA STORY

EXQUISITE CORPSE EXHIBITION

October 28 - 30 Reception | October 28 | 6 p.m.

Satellite Gallery Free Admission School of Music

JAZZ ENSEMBLES CONCERT

October 28 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC Theatre & Musical Theatre

MEN ON BOATS

By Jaclyn Bachaus October 28 - 30 | 7:30 p.m.

October 30 | Matinee | 2 p.m.

Showcase Theatre, UTC

Presented by SHSU Opera Performed in French with English supertitles November 18 - 20 | 7:30 p.m.

Erica Starr Theatre, UTC

UNIVERSITY GALLERY

Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building 1741 Bobby K. Marks Dr. Huntsville, TX 77304 Monday - Friday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 15

Dear Gabby Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. It’s October and time for my second favorite holiday--Halloween! I used to always disguise myself as a witch because I can do a world class cackle. As I got older, I needed less make-up for the witch effect and just wore the proper attire.

This year, I’m changing my costume. I’m going with a white bed sheet with holes cut for eyes. It’s depressing when you dress as a witch and people recognize you! Drop me a line to Dear Gabby at PostcardsLive. com for advice on subject matters that you don’t feel comfortable asking your mummy.

DEAR GABBY My soon-to-be-ex-husband is obsessed with golf!

Every conversation revolves around it and how well or poorly he plays every day of the week. I don’t even want to know how much money he spends on clothes, fees, and equipment, not to mention never spending any time with me. I understand enjoying a hobby and wanting to discuss it, but constantly and to the exclusion of everything else? I don’t think I can take much more.

GOLF WIDOW

DEAR GABBY I really like the new guy I’ve been dating. He’s financially stable, dependable, and reliable. He drives a sensible car and lives in a nice home within his means. He is kind to his mother and mine. He’s even nice to my cat, so what more could I ask? How about a little excitement and romance?

HOPEFUL ROMANTIC

DEAR HOPE I think your plus list for this man is a lot longer than the minus list, but I get your drift. My idea of romance is a man who will take me in his arms, throw me into bed…and clean the whole house while I sleep. Be careful what you wish for. Joan Crawford once said, “Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell.”

DEAR GW I sympathize with you and hope things work out between you, but golf is a tough one. He can play golf as long as he can move around. I tried it once and can honestly say golf clubs do not float. Obsession can apply to any sport. I once had dinner with a chess Grand Master in a restaurant with checked tablecloths. It took him two hours to pass me the salt!”

GABBY

CONFIDENTIAL TO “DATING QUESTION”: What do I call dating strangers (even perfect ones) that you meet on online dating sites? That’s an easy one. Playing with matches! Be very, very careful.

GABBY

Monday - Saturday 10 am - 7 pm Sunday 11 am - 6 pm

16 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

What Are You Reading?

Modern day repair with old fashioned care!

Emily Langley

e

reading

The Girl You Left Behind

W

By Jojo Moyes

s t y t

Laura Nesselrode reading

Y

Gospel of John What it Means to Believe Jesus

g s

With J. Vernon McGee

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Sudoku #6 October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 17 7 1 4 6 3 5 2 8 9 8 6 3 7 2 9 1 5 4

Glorious Grandkids

Landon

Noah

Waylon McClure

Grandchild of Larry & Cindy Woods

Grandchild of: Angela Jeter

Grandchild of: Gary & Carolyn, Cyndi & Paul, Randall & Amy

Share Your Grandkid Photos with Us!

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Share with us!

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18 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

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Come get your Cut…

John Wayne Henry, Maycn Henry, Kayslie Menard, back row Kryssa Menard Grandchildren of: YaYa Chris Henry

Audrey Kate Cheatham Grandchild of: Pawpa & MoMo Tellez Pa & Nae Nae Jackson

The man Shop In Salon Bei Elle

Bayley, Brynnley, Briley, & Mineola Grandchildren of Dan & Kim Moon

13185 FM 1097 W Willis, TX 77318 October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

Texas Talent Story by Mike Yawn Submitted Photos

Lee Jamis The region of East Texas, notes historian Dr. Caroline Crimm, is “little noted and often dismissed,” but “hidden behind the thick forest of the ‘Pine Curtain,’” it “holds a treasury of views and vistas.” Lee Jamison thinks so, too, and his newly published book, Ode to East Texas: The Art of Lee Jamison, lends considerable evidence to his belief. What follows is an interview with Jamison—part dialogue, part travelogue—as we explore the art, sights, and character of East Texas.

20 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

mison

Jamison matriculated at Lon Morris College, the now-defunct East Texas College located in Jacksonville, Texas. “It was where I got serious about art,” Jamison recalls. “I still think if you want to know who humans are, what they believe, and how they treat others, art history is a better way to do this than political history, and I learned that and more at Lon Morris College.”

Old Main had a classical appearance. But as you draw nearer, its Gothic style becomes more distinct, reflecting the aspirational nature of a university building and, as I argue, the nature of the community in which it was built. It’s not an inherent part of the landscape; it’s a reflection of the people. This includes Huntsville’s founder, Pleasant Gray; Sam Houston himself; and the people in the community who attracted Sam Houston to live here. So, in Huntsville, I focused a bit less on the landscape, and a bit more on the structures they created.

Vestiges of Old Main still exist, in the form of preserved ruins from the 1982 fire. Visitors can see the building’s footprint at its original site, which is next to Austin Hall, the oldest educational building west of the Mississippi.

What is it about East Texas that makes it art worthy?

LJ: The landscape possesses a very particular beauty, marked by pine forests, mixed timber, gently rolling farmland, meadows, and some grassland. Collectively, this is a pleasant landscape, but it also affords a privacy, a sense of being set apart, and it is a contemplative region.

Contemplative not only describes East Texas; it also describes Lee Jamison, as a thinker, artist, and (as I learned from reading his book) writer.

While Lon Morris may have been the “Genesis Nexus” for Jamison’s East Texas, also looming large is Sam Houston State University, in Walker County, where Jamison has lived for the past 40 years.

Across from Old Main is the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and the grounds, which are also included in the book. This setting captures both landscape and the character of the area’s residents.

LJ: One of the paintings I do is the “Frontier Law Office,” which is firmly nestled in the

»

One of the paintings I was a bit surprised to see in the book is “Old Main at Dusk,” capturing Sam Houston State University’s most impressive building (which, unfortunately, burned in 1982).

How does this Gothic structure embody East Texas?

LJ: Old Main needs an article of its own.

It is a beautiful and multifaceted design, with fascinating history. From a distance, October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

landscape tradition. The physical structure it depicts is the law office of Sam Houston.

Joshua Houston, the Houston family’s slave, was charged with the upkeep of the office, and he availed himself of its library of books: law, classics, and history. Following the Civil War, he was appointed alderman in Huntsville; he was subsequently elected as a County Commissioner and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention. In that sense, he reflects the aspirational character of the community.

Heading a couple of hours north, in our art travelogue, we arrive in Tyler. This city is designated not only as the “Rose Capital of the United States,” but it is also home to the beautiful Azalea District.

One of your Tyler paintings features the Goodman-LeGrant House and Museum, which you describe as anchoring “Tyler’s magnificent azalea tour.” Tell us about its intriguing history.

LJ: It is an Antebellum home whose significance is born in the horrible conflict of the Civil War. It was a place where refugees could come for comfort and respite. The home survived that catastrophe, was designated as a historic structure in 1962, and has been beautifully preserved.

It is an almost resurrectional symbol--capturing history, beauty, and place. The setting, however, is somewhat marred by a giant water tower in the background. If I were just

designing a beautiful painting, I would not have included the water tower, but as I say in the book, “this particular home’s depth of meaning seemed to make including the ugly thing the wrong thing not to do.”

About a half hour southeast of Tyler is the town of New London--a seemingly odd name for an East Texas town, until you remember the region also sports Paris, Carthage, New Boston, Atlanta, Pittsburg (no “h”), Palestine, and Athens. This town was the site of a 1937 public-school explosion that killed 294 people, almost all children. This event is captured in a monument, which is, in turn, captured by Jamison’s painting “Foundations of Progress.”

Perhaps another symbolic painting is “Foundations of Progress,” which depicts the New London memorial. Tell us about that.

LJ: I learned about the New London explosion from my mother, who told me about it within the context of the regulatory changes it brought about. Prior to the explosion, natural gas could be used without added odorants.

Following that explosion, Texas passed a law

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changing that, thus providing a warning of a leak. I have seen photos taken shortly after the explosion, and the scene was horrific, with bricks spread over the countryside.

Near the memorial is the New London Texas School Explosion Museum. One artifact on display is a reproduction of a piece of recovered chalkboard, on which is scrawled: “Oil and natural gas are East Texas’ greatest mineral blessing. Without them, this school would not be here and none of us would be here learning our lessons.”

At the time of the explosion, the town’s population was 2,129.

But with one explosion, an entire generation passed. A majority of these victims are buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery and can be identified by the date of their death (March 18, 1937).

Today, the town has fewer than 1,000 residents.

That explosion was brought about by neglecting safety standards.

Juxtaposed to that, however, you argue that, in the case of Jefferson, a form of benign neglect led to the preservation of one of Texas’s prettiest small towns.

LJ: Yes, Jefferson was a busy port in the 19th century, heavily reliant on steamboat traffic for its commerce. As such, it wasn’t interested in other income streams such as the railroad.

Unfortunately, the flow of the Red River changed in the late 19th century, the water level in Jefferson was reduced, and this ended the town’s status as an important port.

Without shipping traffic, it became isolated, with little new development or investment.

Whatever negative effects this had, the lack of development also meant old things weren’t torn down, thus preserving the town and giving us a pretty good picture of what a river port in the middle 1800s would have looked like.

What’s your favorite spot in Jefferson?

LJ: I love the old federal courthouse; it is a beautiful building, with a RichardsonRomanesque style of architecture.

2011-2021

About 30 minutes from Jefferson is Caddo Lake, one of the intriguingly beautiful spots in Texas.

»

Magazine October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 23

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LJ: Caddo Lake is Texas’s only natural lake, and it possesses remarkable beauty. It has been an artistic haven for years and years, and it comes with a mystery deepened by its seemingly endless channels, which are often hidden away, as if you are entering the underworld. It is Dante-like in its mystery and intrigue.

today, on the grounds of SFA.

As an artist, what approach do you take to capture that mystery and beauty?

LJ: Caddo Mounds is a wonderful ancient place, where people have been living for hundreds of years, possibly even longer.

Interestingly, my painting reflects a view that no longer exists. The hut I depicted was built not long before I visited and was crafted by a Caddo elder from Oklahoma. In 2019, a tornado blew through and destroyed that hut.

The mounds, of course, remain, and their simple beauty also elicits contemplation.

I keep coming back to the cathedral-like space in Caddo Lake, defined by the Cypresses that populate the region. As you travel through these areas, you find yourself looking out from tree canopies into places of light, seeing open water. It is as though you are peering out from a mystery into light, and as an artist, I try to explore that sense of enclosure and release.

From the seemingly pre-historic shores of Caddo Lake, we travel a couple of hours south to Nacogdoches—the State’s oldest municipality. Visitors here can find the redbrick roads of downtown, nature trails through pine forests, and Stephen F. Austin University (SFA).

Tell us about Nacogdoches and the Old Stone Fort.

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LJ: Nacogdoches illuminates the age of settlement in Texas. When the Spanish established a mission, they sought to establish a settlement to support the mission. In the case of Nacogdoches, the administrative center of that settlement was “The Old Stone Fort,” which is a misnomer, since it never served as a fort. Unfortunately, it was torn down in 1902, and those stones were used for another building. In 1936, however, as the city prepared for the Texas Centennial, they used these original stones to reconstruct the Old Stone Fort, and that structure still stands

24 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Just west of Nacogdoches is another historic destination, Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. You captured this site in your painting, “Journey to the Ancients,” which features a Mound and a Caddo hut.

From the primitive beauty of the Caddo people and their settlements, we travel two hours south to Polk County, the borders of which are formed in part by Lake Livingston and the Trinity River.

When painting a scene from Polk County, you eschew not only the pine trees, but also Lake Livingston, and instead focus on the courthouse. What prompted that decision?

LJ: I think courthouses are a source of civic pride for many East Texas towns, and I wanted to reflect that. In Livingston, the courthouse square is indicative of people’s need to share commonalities. The Polk County Courthouse sits near the railroad, next to the intersection of HWY 190 and 59, near the Trinity. It is a transportation hub, connecting people through travel. It also connects to other places architecturally. It shares, for example, elements with the Marion County Courthouse in Jefferson. And the red building on the Polk County Courthouse grounds, “the records vault,” was copied in Groveton and enlarged, becoming the Trinity County Courthouse.

Our courthouses should tie us together, and, at least in terms of architecture and pathways to elsewhere, they do.

Church and the tree—were matched together.

Speaking of tying people together, you highlight the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Waverly, Texas.

Coming full circle, both conceptually and geographically, we arrive in Dodge, north of New Waverly, and a few minutes east of Huntsville. What makes that a special place and an important focus of your book?

LJ: Yes, this church was the center of a rather isolated Polish community in East Texas. It is a prime example of Texas’ “painted churches,” more common in Central Texas, where they are often made of stone. While I studied the structure, I became interested in a large nearby tree and incorporated it. To me, the work of humans and the work of God—the

LJ: We lived in Dodge from 1984 to 2008, and during these years, I had the opportunity to complete my understanding of East Texas as a distinct place and culture. It’s one thing to experience a region as a college student; it’s another to live “in the soil of the earth,” to see people as they live, to witness the beauty —as well as the less attractive qualities—

they possess and display. It was where I experienced people as humans and, as I mentioned earlier, there is a tight connection between understanding art and understanding humans.

Settling in a place, even a place obscured in East Texas’s Pine Curtain, “is to come to love, and then lose, people and things” notes Jamison, in his book. These people and things “come and go”—much like travelers who seek out new memories by visiting new places. But Jamison’s travels, experiences, and artistic vision, are captured permanently in the images and words of Ode to East Texas, and sometimes, to quote the artist out of context, they repeat “like a melody in a symphony of light and grass and sun.”

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Health Matters www.drjimshealthtips.com

By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA

Don’t Hesitate…Instead, Appreciate it is Great to Hydrate We are enduring the summer in south Texas, and it is TOASTY--generating demands on our bodies for more water by increasing bodily water loss which may not be apparent. Come on equinox, and cross into autumn.

Our bodies are over half water (with some estimates as much as 60%), and our brains are astonishingly 73% water. WATER BRAINS! Water keeps our cells functioning normally, and we certainly want our brains to serve our needs suitably. Water allows our circulation to function properly and allows wastes to be eliminated. On a molecular level, water is the passageway that allows atoms to form molecules and molecules to do their jobs. When we do not have enough bodily water, it is termed DEHYDRATION. As we age, our instinctive regulatory mechanisms can become disordered; as a result, we may simply not become thirsty as needed.

Also, elderly people’s fluid reserves shrivel, meaning less water in the tank. These shortfalls are why dehydration is more common in the elderly (medically defined as over sixty-five). OH NO! But one may from earlier familiarity think, “All my life my body has told me when to drink, and I have done just fine when I heeded.” RETHINK NOW. There are studies documenting as many as one out of every four elderly persons are dehydrated. They do not consume the amount of water to keep their body prudently supplied.

1.5 million emergency room visits and over 40,000 deaths in America a year. This plague is more common in dehydrated people. Overall, a dehydrated person’s body is substandard for healthy desirable living, and we all want to LIVE FIT LIVES. Dehydration is associated with decreased cognitive performance. In one excellent study, scientists measured serum particles to water concentration by osmolality and tested mental functioning in several thousand elderly participants; in those with undersupplied water, function was worse.

In the case of quantities to keep fluid fitness, the furthermost central question is “How much is enough?” The answer is well- studied, and recommendations are eight containers of eight ounces of liquid for men and six for women. Allow for more intakes when engaging in activities involving sweating, GI illness, or when febrile.

Mild dehydration can produce fatigue, headache, dry skin, light headiness, and dry skin. You are well hydrated if your mouth has more noticeable saliva than just being moist, when skin snaps back if tweaked, and, more important, if your urine is clear or only slightly yellowed.

CHECK PERIODICALLY.

There are a number of undesirable effects in continually dehydrated elderly, including earlier mortality. Dehydration is associated with increased kidney stones, intestinal problems, dementia, certain cancers, and a host of other undesirable conditions. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most deadly of infectious diseases, aside from Covid, and triggers over

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From the Mouths of Babes...

My 4-year-old is currently singing a song he made up himself. He only has a chorus that goes “You can’t soooooolve Mississippi’s problems.”

My son and I were playing catch when I made a terrible throw that sailed over his head. I said, “Sorry, that was a bad throw.” He stopped, gave me a kind look and said, “No daddy, that was a wonderful throw.” Then he took 2 steps towards getting the ball, stopped again, turned back around and said, “When we say something nice, even when we don’t mean it at all, that’s called being polite, right?”

My mom took my baby sister to the doctor’s office for her annual check up, but she had to be somewhere around 3. The nurse was asking all the standard coordination type questions–touch your nose, put your hands up, jump, etc.

Being a healthy, capable little devil, my sister was doing everything fine. Then, the nurse said, “Stand on one foot.” My little sister looks at the nurse, looks down, and hesitates. Then she walked over and stood on one of the nurse’s feet.”

I gave my son a timeout from swords, light sabers, guns and (Thor) hammers due to him being too violent/aggressive.

After about 10 minutes of quiet, I went to check on him and found him building with his Legos. After I told him I was proud of him for listening, I asked him what he was building. He told me he was building an ultimate Lego weapon so he could destroy me. I think he may have missed the point, but at least he’s persistent.

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 27

The Latest

By Claudia Kirkwood JILL SHARP VAUGHAN Congratulations on being named the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking for the Sam Houston State University College of Business Administration. Please share information about this new role and what serving in this capacity means to you.

Visit Postcardslive.com to read the original story in the December 2018 issue.

I am so excited about this new opportunity. I have been blessed with an extremely rewarding career in banking, so in my post-retirement from banking itself, this is a way for me to give back to the industry that has been good to me for many years. I have been active with the program since it was endowed, and Dr. Jim Bexley played a very formative role in my career over the years. It is special to me to be able to join my alma mater and follow in his footsteps. Since Dr. Bexley’s passing in 2019, the team of Dr. Steve Nenninger, Pam Thaler, and Jackalyn Cauthen has worked tirelessly to continue building this great program.

I am very honored to be joining as Chair in January to work with this outstanding team.

SHSU offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Banking and Financial Institutions, which is the most tenured accredited undergraduate degree in Banking in the United States. The program was established with the mission of preparing students to be bankers and providing educational programs to community bankers. In my new role, I will be overseeing the college’s accredited BBA and Executive MBA degree programs in Banking and Financial Institutions. I will also be teaching in the classroom and cannot wait to work directly with the students. Currently, there are over 100 students in our Banking and Financial Institutions Major. I hope to engage my friends in the industry as guest lecturers to give the students a wide range of experience and perspective.

I plan to continue my role as Southwest Regional Credit Executive Vice President with Zions Bancorporation through the end of the year, but in the meantime, I look forward to reaching out to bankers, students, staff, and faculty to gather ideas for the future of the program. I also am interested in getting feedback from former students on how they are progressing in their careers and garner their support to help us recruit future bankers. There are many faces in banking and career opportunities, and we need to make sure students who are looking for career choices understand all banking can offer to a diverse and changing workforce.

Watching and listening to my dad, grandfather, and grandmother share their lifelong love for banking, I developed a passion for banking early on. It is a tremendous honor for me to follow in the footsteps of my friend and mentor, Dr. Jim Bexley, and have the privilege of serving as Chair of this wonderful program at SHSU. This new chapter in my life will bring me great satisfaction and many new friendships to cherish. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recruit and educate students while serving my alma mater and our industry. We find enrichment in our lives by continuing to learn, so entering academia is certainly a new challenge I embrace. I look forward to learning from the best. It is never too late to learn.

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 29

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

The Joys of October Gardening Planting in October gives shrubs and trees nine months to develop a hardy root system before the heat returns. Another benefit of fall planting is the rains and a marked decrease in the mosquito and insect population.

Plants that benefit the most from a fall installation are your nondrought hardy shrubs (specifically): azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, fern, hydrangea, and other acid loving, woodland plants. These plants will require a prepared bed of 1/3 humus, 1/3 peat moss and 1/3 sandy loam, that is 2” above the existing soil level and with excellent drainage.

Woody stemmed shrubs will not tolerate consistently wet, boggy soils or being planted “too deep.” Tip: always plant shrubs with 1” of the root ball above grade to increase drainage and the negative effect of “settling.”

Azaleas will grow beautifully in full sun or light shade, but hydrangeas and camellias will require morning sun, with shade after 1:00 pm.

A north or eastern exposure is the perfect place for camellias and hydrangea. October is also the time to have new landscapes installed for their best “show” in the holiday season.

October is also Pansy Season! When pansies hit the market, the daytime high will be in the low - mid 80s and that is also the perfect time to plant cool weather veggie starters such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage. Tip: Plant cool weather veggie SEED in August/September, but starters in late September/October, unless you can add shade to this section of your veggie garden. Chrysanthemums will rarely bloom past the second week in October, so do not get your heart set on bountiful garden mum displays for Halloween or early November……it is possible, but not likely.

The most frequently asked question in October is “when is our first

freeze”? So why is the first freeze date important? It tells us, when to apply winterizer fertilizer to the lawn and shrubs (3-4 weeks before the first freeze date). It tells us when to have our harvest “in by.” It tells us when to begin bringing patio plants indoors or cover with freeze cloth and be prepared to spray with a good organic insecticide to keep from bringing any pests indoors, find coasters, and replace watering trays. It also lets us know it is too late to prune, although planting shrubs and trees will extend through the winter months. The rule of thumb is you can plant until the ground is frozen.

October and late September is also a great time for planting sod. There seems to be a bit of confusion on how to plant sod.

• Always lay sod parallel to the slope to slow water runoff and stagger the sod, so the edges do not line up and cause erosion….much like laying tile.

• The area must be perfectly graded before installing or the “bumps” and lumps will be much worse.

• Remove all vegetation, till, and grade so water will move away from the house.

• All varieties of St Augustine require 4 hours of sunlight a day to grow successfully and trees may need to be thinned every 3-5 years to ensure proper sunlight is permitted or the grass will die out.

• If you are “patching” an area, remember to excavate 4” to allow the new sod to be ‘flush” with the existing sod.

• New sod must be watered heavily 4-5 x a week until it is tall enough to mow.

October is Pumpkin season! Ensure your pumpkins and gourds are not in afternoon direct sunlight (after 1:00 pm) and they are “lifted” and not sitting on the ground or cement where moisture can accumulate under them…..this causes rot. If the sprinkler is a problem, dry them with a towel or cover them with freeze cloth or plastic to keep from getting saturated. We use wood blocks, old clay saucers turned upside down, or anything you can devise to make this work. Wiping the pumpkins with a paper towel with bleach on it also deters mold and early rot. When done, throw into the woods to feed the wildlife and you will probably have a few pumpkins come up in the same spot next year.

Happy Gardening! Please direct all comments to kim@ kimshomeandgardencenter.com

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Good Eats

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 31

The evolution of The Big E-Z Crawfish and Oyster Bar is a story as old as time. Before owners Erik and Reba married, Erik owned a convenience store at the corner of I-45 and Highway 75, near the Sam Houston statue. It was a great location to draw people – not only those passing through from the freeway but it was convenient for their wonderful community.

Erik and Reba decided to start cooking on Saturdays next to the convenience store. They never imagined it would take off the way it did! They watched their idea, their dream, come to life before they could blink!

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Erik started out cooking 15 sacks of crawfish and sold out quickly. As with anything good, word spreads. Their reputation started out strong, and they pride themselves on working hard every day to make sure to continue to earn your business.

“We started in mid-April of 2015, only on the weekends, and continued for three months. The next year, we added a tent and two picnic tables. We began cooking on Fridays, which led to a lunch crowd.” As time went by, the two erected a carport cover, added a drive-through, and were up to 16 picnic tables. Erik shared, “We outgrew that, and it began to hurt my feelings when people would have to wait 45 minutes and then leave because we were so busy.” Reba said the effort of setting up and tearing down each night just became too much to handle.

The couple sold the convenience store and purchased Zach’s Bar and Grill which is now their current location. Zach’s had been in business 30 years and was an established local eatery. Erik decided it would be a good idea to keep the cooks — Daren O’Bryant, Anthony Johnson, and Eddie Davison — so when people question what happened to Zach’s... it would still be there in spirit.

With customer growth, The Big E-Z menu also grew to include crawfish, shrimp, crab, etouffee, gumbo, fried catfish, fried and fresh oysters, crab legs, chicken fried steak, chicken wings, shrimp, and fish tacos. The menu includes a skinny burger for people who are gluten intolerant along with a fan favorite all-you-can-eat catfish. During the offseason, you’ll find a delicious steak special on Thursday and Friday nights. The Big E-Z offers dine in and drive through service and they also cater for all types of occasions. Cajun Fried Turkeys are popular during the Thanksgiving and Christmas months!

Live entertainment is another offering at The Big E-Z. Check out their Facebook page to see the entertainment lineup – singers, Cornhole tournaments...you just never know!

Erik says, “The Big E-Z is where it is today because of wonderful staff (some with thirty plus years of experience), SHSU students, Huntsville High students, and the backing of wonderful customers from Huntsville and surrounding counties. Our gratitude is endless. We hope to see you soon!”

The Big E-Z Crawfish and Oyster Bar You gotta taste it to believe it!

2707 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX 77340 936-295-2003 Facebook: The Big E-Z Crawfish and Oyster Bar

Situated on the courthouse square in Madison County, we are a steakhouse that focuses on QUALITY. The food, drinks, service, and staff are a reflection of our core values. We take pride in sourcing local and American products to help grow our local economy and support local farms and ranches. We train the young people who work for us in our community the simple skillsets that revolve around work ethic, manners, patriotism, and the Bible. Our goal is to be thought of as “nice,” but not fancy, with great affordable food. We believe the best advertisement we can hope to achieve is our reputation. We try to positively impact everyone God places in our path and believe we have a crucial responsibility to teach and pass on to our youth the values they can use to manage life well, because they are our country’s future.

Ashley & Melissa Hull

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We are Melissa and Ashley Hull, and we are restauranteurs. The Lord decided to put us next to one another in 2010. We started working together for a common purpose and have become successful in a very challenging industry which is certainly is made easier by working with your best friend! Overcoming daily challenges as a family is the key to our business.

In 1995, I (Ashley) fell in love with the challenges of working in a scratch-made kitchen. Fresh food served correctly and quickly is the heart of our concept. Our steaks are cooked over mesquite and live oak. With us you can expect, “Hand cut steaks cooked on hand cut firewood.”

Fans love our Texas Kobe hamburger patties served on homemade hamburger buns, as well as our unbelievable pasta dishes. We have a well-trained kitchen staff highly skilled in preparing Texas sourced beef, seafood, and many other homemade items intentionally chosen for our menu. We just keep it simple and fresh. Melissa operates an equally matched quality bar with top notch Manhattans, old fashioneds, martinis and margaritas. Our margarita mix is simply sugar, limes, and lemons (freshly squeezed every day).

We are expanding to include Legends After Dark, which will serve high-end cocktails and ice-cold longnecks in a dancehall/icehouse setting. It’s a “Gastropub-meets-barn-dance” type atmosphere. We think it’s a perfect addition to our region for having a date night or just gathering with friends and family. You can expect to be taken care of by our hardworking staff in a place where southern hospitality meets delicious homemade food. It’s that simple.

We have been blessed to help train future policemen, nurses, teachers, firemen, and soldiers.

We believe we helped prepare them to operate in the real world through service, a selfless heart, and simple Christian values. Many of our staff work for us for years. It’s been our life’s work and honor to make a difference in the lives of young men and women. Seeing a guest’s face express joy and happiness by exceeding their expectations is why we come to work every day. It’s instant gratification for a job well done and a long day (and night’s) work. Come see us!

Texas Legends Steakhouse Our steaks are so tender, we wonder how the cow ever walked!

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Colin & Darin McKenzie

The McKenzie family has been cooking great Texas barbeque for over 25 years. One bite of McKenzie’s slow-smoked meat and you will know we are serious about preparing and serving the best barbeque in the Lone Star State.

McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers Because of the customer, we exist.

Conroe: 1501 N. Frazier St. Conroe, TX 77301 936-539-4300 Montgomery: 17099 Walden Rd. Suite #200 Montgomery, TX 77356 mckenziesbarbeque.com

Our story of great Texas barbeque starts in 1984 when Darin McKenzie got a job at a smalltown, family-owned barbeque restaurant. It wasn’t a fancy place — just good barbeque served up right. It was a good first step — in the right direction. Darin attended Louisiana Tech and earned a degree in accounting; during summers he would return home and work for his sister Shannon Fell, a Bodacious Bar-B-Q franchise owner in Longview, Texas. With the help of barbeque legend Roland Lindsey of Bodacious Barbeque, older brother Kevin and his wife Lisa opened the first McKenzie’s Barbeque in Huntsville in 1992. In 1995, Darin and wife Kathy quit their jobs and moved to Conroe to open a second location, attracting a loyal following from an appreciative community. The restaurant has won the “Best Barbeque in Montgomery County” title numerous times, and local media have proclaimed McKenzie’s Barbeque as the standard by which all other barbeque in Montgomery County should be judged. In 2009, Darin opened a third McKenzie’s in Montgomery. In 2018, after earning a degree in Finance from Louisiana Tech, Colin McKenzie joined the family business. Colin was 6 weeks old when the Conroe location was opened, and many customers still stop Colin and reminisce about holding him as a baby while Darin and Kathy worked a lunch rush.

At McKenzie’s, we exist because of the customer. That is why we strive every day to bring customers a quality product with exceptional customer service. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a personal craving or catering a meal for 5,000, McKenzie’s Barbeque is simply the choice for people who truly love Texas Barbeque.

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Nothing Bundt Cakes Bring the Joy! 1351 West Davis St., Ste B Conroe, TX 936-283-5450 nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/tx/conroe

Nothing Bundt Cakes – Conroe opened in April 2020 and our mission is to spread joy in everything we do.

Let us sweeten your day! Choose from up to ten delicious Bundt flavors made from the finest ingredients and crowned with our signature cream cheese frosting. Our standard flavors currently include Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Red Velvet, White Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon, Classic Vanilla, Confetti, Carrot, Marble and Pecan Praline. Our featured flavor is Pumpkin Spice and will be available through November 30. We offer the following products: Bundtinis ® by the dozen, which are bite-sized bundt cakes; Bundtlets, which can be shared or not….your choice; 8 inch cakes that can serve eight; 10 inch cake which serves sixteen; a tiered cake that can serve 26; and one tower, two tower, or three tower bundtlets. To elevate your occasion, select from more than sixty unique handcrafted cake designs themed around holidays and celebrations throughout the year. They can be customized for any occasion, including birthdays, showers, weddings and graduations.

Bring Joy to every company gathering and business opportunity. From holidays to special days like Boss’s Day (Friday, October 15, 2021), handcrafted cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes make every client, employee and company feel special! We have a Bundt Cake for every need and occasion.

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Corporate gifts for clients

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Vendor Appreciation and Referrals

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Office meetings and Catering Needs

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New Business Calls and Thank you Gifts

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Employee Appreciation Gifts

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Employee Birthday and Anniversary Program

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New Hire Welcome Gifts

Contact us and let us help you celebrate your clients, employees and company!

For that extra touch, we carry a variety of retail items to enhance your celebration. Next time you need a one-stop shop for your upcoming gathering, bring the joy with Nothing Bundt Cakes!

Shrimpy’s Seafood Restaurant Bringing the Ocean to the Country 3239 Interstate 45 S Madisonville, TX 77864 Phone: (936) 348-9450 shrimpys-seafood.com

If you’ve driven north on I-45 towards Dallas, you’ve probably seen Shrimpy’s Seafood Restaurant’s big billboard sign along the interstate.

With the dream of becoming restaurant owners, Robert and Sandy Bosley started Shrimpy’s in 2009 inside their home kitchen with a Fry Daddy, selling take-out orders to the local Madisonville residents. As their business grew, they converted their home into what is now the restaurant, with sit-down dining and later adding a large patio for outdoor dining. The onepage menu of only fried shrimp and catfish has grown into a five-page menu offering a Cajun style of fried, grilled and blackened seafood, and a long list of appetizers and desserts.

To ensure their customers enjoy the freshest seafood for miles and miles around, Robert makes a weekly trip to the Gulf to bring back fresh fish, shrimp, and oysters.

If you’re in the mood for some fresh seafood, Shrimpy’s Seafood Restaurant is the place to be.

From shrimp gumbo, New England style clam chowder, and shrimp etouffee, to fresh oysters, salmon, red fish and alligator, you are sure to find something to love about Shrimpy’s.

Make sure to top off your meal with our famous Heavenly Bread Pudding, hot out of the oven!

It lives up to its name and is simply HEAVENLY! Shrimpy’s is located 2 miles south of Hwy 21, inside Home On The Range RV Park, which is also owned and operated by Robert and Sandy. Traveling from the north, take exit 142, stay on the service road and follow the signs. If coming from the south, take exit 136, stay on the service road for about 2 miles.

Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11am until 8pm and Sunday from 11am until 3pm. We are closed on Monday and Tuesday.

James Otis Carter and his mom, Mary Frank Carter

Carter Enterprises /Texas Burger 2902 E Main St. Madisonville, TX 77864 (936) 348-2723 txburger.com

In 1973, James Carter opened up a hamburger restaurant that would make his mother proud. James’ mother was an incredible cook, and he knew if he duplicated the taste of his mother’s hamburgers in his restaurant, then he would be successful. He was right, indeed!

Soon, the TX Burger was born in Madisonville, Texas. James Carter’s goal was to serve a fresh, never frozen hamburger with extraordinary customer service. Very quickly, this small town became a popular stopping point for travelers and locals alike to enjoy a great meal. Since 1973, TX Burger has expanded throughout East Texas.

If you find yourself near a TX Burger, come on in and taste a hamburger that is “just like Mama used to make.”

& CAFE

Riverside, TX

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Happy birthday, Frank’s Taco Station, celebrating 5 years!!

All honor and glory be to God!

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Frank’s Taco Station & More 81 Front St. Riverside, TX 77320 936-594-8139 Facebook-Frank’s Taco Station Frankstaco2020@gmail.com

Tucked away in the Piney Woods of Riverside, a tiny cafe has become a must-visit destination for families in the area and passersby, offering the warmth of true southern hospitality to all who visit. The restaurant and property, owned by Frank and Sulma Olivares, is hidden from the hustle and bustle of the highway. “We’re on the original Front Street that cut up into Riverside where it all started,” Frank’s Taco Station owner said. The roar of the occasional train blows by a small historical marker across the street from the property, a strong deciding point when the Olivares family was considering purchasing the property on a prayer. Frank’s menu includes everything from chicken fried steak to street tacos. Come for a visit today!

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2021 Food & Dining Directory

Bakery

Seafood

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Big E-Z Crawfish and Oyster Bar

1351 West Davis St., Ste B Conroe, TX 936-283-5450 nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/tx/conroe

Barbecue McKenzie’s Barbecue & Burgers

Conroe: 1501 N. Frazier St. Conroe, TX 77301 936-539-4300 Montgomery: 17099 Walden Rd. Suite #200 Montgomery, TX 77356 mckenziesbarbeque.com

Burgers Carter Enterprises/Texas Burger

2902 E Main St. Madisonville, TX 77864 (936) 348-2723 txburger.com

Cafe Frank’s Taco Station & More

81 Front St. Riverside, TX 77320 936-594-8139 Facebook-Frank’s Taco Station Frankstaco2020@gmail.com

40 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

2707 Sam Houston Avenue Huntsville, TX 77340 936-295-2003 Facebook: The Big E-z Crawfish and Oyster Bar

Shrimpy’s Seafood Restaurant

3239 Interstate 45 S Madisonville, TX 77864 Phone: (936) 348-9450 shrimpys-seafood.com

Steakhouse Texas Legends Steakhouse 115 S. Madison Madisonvillle, TX 936.348.3927

“Seens” from our World

Looks like the danger may be inCREASING!

Some people’s driving really quacks me up!

Seen by: PC Staff

Seen by: PC Staff

We want to see what you’ve seen!

When you see the unusual, funny or absurd, break out your camera, take a picture, and submit to us with a description at:

PostcardsLive.com

Service Area Magnolia Conroe Montgomery North Houston New Waverly

Huntsville Willis Spring Tomball Pinehurst

The Woodlands Shenandoah Cypress Klein

Call or Text 713-570-6095 October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 41

What’s Cookin’ Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze Ingredients 6 (6 oz) boneless center-cut pork chops salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 Tbs vegetable oil 1 Tbs butter 3 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 2 cups apple cider 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp minced rosemary 1 pinch red pepper flakes

The Best Canning Salsa Ingredients 30 tomatoes, peeled and chopped 10 cups chopped onions 2 cups vinegar 2 (8 oz) cans tomato paste 2 green bell peppers, chopped 2 red bell peppers, chopped 4 banana peppers, chopped ½ cup white sugar, or more to taste 10 cloves garlic, chopped

Directions

8 tsp pickling salt 2 tsp ground black pepper

Step 1: Season pork chops with salt and black pepper.

½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Step 2: Heat oil and butter in a heavy skillet over mediumhigh heat. Cook pork chops in the hot oil mixture until browned on both sides and pork is slightly pink in the center, 5 to 7 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees. Remove pan from the heat; transfer pork chops to a plate.

17 (1 pint) canning jars with lids and rings

Step 3: Stir garlic into the pan and place over medium-high heat; cook and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add apple cider and Dijon mustard, bring mixture to a boil, and cook until sauce is reduced and thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in rosemary and red pepper flakes; season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Return pork chops to the pan to warm slightly, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

Directions Step 1: Combine tomatoes, onions, vinegar, tomato paste, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, banana peppers, sugar, garlic, pickling salt, and black pepper in a large stockpot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix cilantro into salsa.

Step 2: Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack salsa into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue.

Top with lids and screw on rings.

Step 3: Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 35 minutes.

Step 4: Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

42 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

King Ranch Chicken Casserole Ingredients 1 Tbs vegetable oil 1 white onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers 1 cup chicken broth 2 Tbs sour cream 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ancho chile powder ½ tsp dried oregano ¼ tsp chipotle chile powder 1 cooked chicken, torn into shreds or cut into chunks 8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese 10 corn tortillas, cut into quarters

, ,

Directions Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Saute onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper in hot oil until warmed through, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine onion-pepper mixture, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sour cream, cumin, ancho chile powder, oregano, and chipotle chile powder together in a large bowl and stir until sauce is well-combined.

Step 4: Spread a few tablespoons of the sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 the chicken over the sauce. Spread about half the sauce over the chicken and top with 1/3 the cheese. Spread a layer of tortillas over the cheese. Spread remaining 1/2 the chicken over the tortillas, and top with almost all of the remaining sauce, reserving 1/2 cup sauce. Top with 1/3 the cheese, remaining tortillas, the reserved 1/2 cup sauce, and remaining 1/3 cheese.

Step 5: Bake casserole in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 40 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to broil.

Broil the casserole until top is golden, 2 to 3 minutes more.

A FAMILY FRIENDLY MURDER MYSTERY

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.

Oct. 22 - Nov. 7

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Directed by Tina Cafeo

Friday & Saturday 8 pm Sunday Matinees 2 pm

Tickets Adults Seniors Youth

26 22 $ 17 $ $

,

Funded in part by a grant from the City of Conroe

For tickets: Crightontheatre.org or call the Box Office (936) 441-7469 October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 43

What’s Cookin’ Grandma’s Corn Pudding Ingredients 5 eggs 1/3 cup butter, melted ¼ cup white sugar ½ cup milk 4 Tbs cornstarch 1 (14 oz) can corn kernels, drained

Fajita Seasoning

2 (14.75 oz) cans cream-style corn

Ingredients 1 Tbs cornstarch

Directions

2 tsp chili powder

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

1 tsp salt 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp white sugar

Step 2: In a large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add melted butter, sugar, and milk. Whisk in cornstarch. Stir in corn and creamed corn. Blend well. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish.

Step 3: Bake for 1 hour.

½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground cumin

Directions Step 1: Stir cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin together in a small bowl.

• Hot Tubs • Custom Decks • Outdoor Furniture • Specialty Items

281-731-6974 dpbagley@offalyop.com

offalyop.com • Over 12 Hot Tub Models • Cypress Wood Furniture • Over 25 Furniture Items 44 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Polish Egg Salad

Directions

Ingredients 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1 Tbs butter, softened, or more to taste 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Step 1: Combine cream cheese and butter in a bowl and mash with a fork. If mixture is too thick, add more softened butter.

Step 2: Mix in eggs and onion.

1 small onion, chopped salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step 3: Season with salt and pepper; serve with parsley.

1 Tbs chopped fresh parsley, or to taste

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 45

Giggles & Grins What did the hurricane say to the island?

I’ve got my eye on you!

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

Inherited IRA Rules You Need to Know You’ve inherited an individual retirement account, or IRA. Now what?

Unfortunately, you cannot leave the money in the original IRA opened by the deceased person. There are several ways you can receive the funds after inheriting either a traditional or Roth IRA, but your options will be narrowed by a few factors. Failure to handle an inherited IRA properly can lead to a significant penalty from the IRS. The first step is finding out the titling of the account, whether it is a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. In Traditional IRAs, the owner must take “required minimum distributions” or RMDs, when they turn 72. Moving forward, if the original account owner was older than 72 when they passed, make sure the required minimum distribution has been met for the year of death. Otherwise, there may be a hefty penalty from the IRS. If you are the spouse of the deceased individual, you may transfer the funds from the deceased’s IRA account into your own account through what’s called a spousal transfer. Spousal heirs have the option to transfer the assets even if the original owner’s person was over the age of 72 and taking RMDs from a traditional IRA. With your existing or new IRA, you can delay RMDs until you turn 72. You can also complete this type of transfer with a Roth; since these accounts don’t require RMDs, you won’t need to worry about withdrawals. This is a great option for beneficiaries who are younger than the deceased spouse who may still be working or do not need the income from the account yet. However, if you would like to withdraw the funds from the new IRA before you reach the age of 59 ½, you’ll be subject to the 10% early-withdrawal penalty.

For non-spousal heirs to both ROTH and Traditional IRAs, the money must be distributed in 10 years of the original owner’s passing, regardless of their age. You do not have to withdraw a certain amount annually, but not having a process may result in a higher-than-expected tax bill. The only exceptions to the 10-year rule are if the heir is a minor, disabled, or not more than 10 years younger than the original owner.

This may seem complicated, but no need to stress on it! We have helped our clients navigate this process. We will make a plan on how and when to take distributions, keeping taxes and required income in mind. Please call us, and let us help you “Enjoy More, Worry Less”.

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.

46 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Why do we tell actors to “break a leg?”

Because every play has a cast.

What is thin, white, and scary?

Homework.

Yesterday I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble letters on the road. I asked him, “What’s the word on the street?”

Knock! Knock!

Who’s there?

Control Freak.

Con… OK, now you say, “Control Freak who?”

Once my dog ate all the Scrabble tiles.

For days he kept leaving little messages around the house.

Share what makes you smile!

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Do you owe the IRS $$$ Chester Crawford, EA

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 47

Business Focus Story by Linda W. Perkins Photos by Gina Turner

48 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Less than a block from I-45 on West Montgomery Street sits a red brick building adorned with bright yellow letters and a matching yellow awning over the front door. The name on the sign, Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, aptly describes the activity in and around the building. While customers sit leisurely in the waiting room, mechanics are speedily working non-stop on cars that are streaming in and out of the bays at a steady pace. The shop maintains roughly 60 to 65 cars a day, with a record of 120.

Kwik Kar Lube & Tune 808 West Montgomery St. (FM 1097) Willis, TX Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. willis-kwikkar.com 936-890-4707

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October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 49

“We want to make it a relaxed and easy place to do business,”

Since its inception in 2003, Kwik Kar Lube & Tune Willis has become a top spot for automobile service that is both high quality and fast. Its efficient service doesn’t take away from its personal touch, however. The business has been owned by long-time Willis residents Steve and Sharon Burrow for the past 13 years, and their son Jarrett works alongside them in the business as the store manager.

When customers come into the waiting area, they are greeted by a friendly receptionist, and the room is stocked with refreshments and reading material. Each full-service oil change comes with a full 20-point inspection plus a courtesy car window cleaning. The company’s website not only lists all its services, but also includes tips for customers on how to save

money as well as how to keep their vehicles well-maintained.

“We want to make it a relaxed and easy place to do business,” said Sharon Barrow.

“Our lube techs offer a one-on-one review of services and explanation of manufacturer recommendations.

We also maintain customers’ vehicle history records within the shop, which can be accessed in order to keep up with regular service intervals and warranty requirements.”

Barrow says that one of the reasons so many people choose Kwik Kar over its handful of competitors in Willis is that it is a one-stop shop.

“We do very fast oil changes, although we can’t say they’re done in 10 minutes anymore, because it’s not possible to do an oil change in 10 minutes these days. Vehicles have changed.

They have evolved and are a lot more complicated than they used to be,” she said.

“But we do all the preventative maintenance services, plus we do state inspections, and we have fully licensed mechanics.”

Kwik Kar Willis has about a dozen employees, which includes a mix of younger and more experienced lube technicians and certified mechanics who are qualified to provide comprehensive oil change services and engine maintenance. Their expertise not only includes gasoline-powered vehicles, but also diesel engines, and technicians keep current on new technology and engine repair techniques by completing periodic continuing education courses.

Stephen

50 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Because Pets Are Family Too

Jose

“Some of our mechanics have been here as long as we have been open,” Barrow said.

“Then we have a couple of students from Lone Star and Universal Technical Institute, as well as one from the high school, who are doing internships here.”

Barrow said one of the effects COVID-19 has had on the automotive industry is that people are keeping their cars longer because of the economic downturn, new-vehicle supply shortages, and higher used-car prices. As a result, people are paying more attention to preventative maintenance.

“We’re doing more transmission service, engine flushes and brake flushes,” Barrow said, adding that some parts and services wear down more quickly in the Texas heat.

Stephen Bayardo, the service manager at Kwik Kar Lube & Tune Willis, says one of the key benefits the business offers its customers is its use of BG products.

“If a customer’s vehicle has below 75,000 miles, each service using BG products comes with a 30,000-mile warranty,” Bayardo said.

“Then if they continue to service their vehicle at 30,000-mile intervals, the warranty can

»

Quality Veterinary Care

• Internal Medicine • Preventive Care

• Vaccines/Titer testing

• Online Pharmacy and Medical Records

• Surgery

• Spay & Neuter

• Digital Dental Xrays • Dental Care

• Microchipping

• Convenient Drop Off and Pick Up Hours

• Geriatric Care

• Laser Therapy

• Equine Reproduction www.vethospitalnewwaverly.com

936.344.8469 455 W SH 150 • New Waverly Like us on Facebook!

October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 51

“Our pricing is competitive and customer satisfaction is our number one priority” Alfredo be maintained for the life of the vehicle; and if they sell their car, the warranty is even transferrable.”

In addition to working on cars, trucks and SUVs owned by individuals, Kwik Kar Lube

& Tune of Willis also offers fleet services for commercially owned vehicles.

“They may be a local company and have 10 or 15 vehicles they service through us. We also work with national companies like Enterprise

and GE Fleets. The drivers may be from out of state and are just passing through, but they know we’re a designated fleet repair shop and so they will stop in,” Barrow said.

While business slowed down in the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, automobile service is considered an essential service, so Kwik Kar was never forced to close. They offered drive-through oil changes where the customers did not have to get out of their cars. Barrow says that now they are back up to their usual volume of vehicles, but with COVID still circulating, they still offer health and safety precautions to their customers.

“We give our customers a choice. If they want to stay in their car the whole time, they can stay in the car. If they want to come inside, they can sit in the lobby. If they prefer to sit outside, they can do that. We want them to be comfortable,” she explained.

As Montgomery County continues to grow at a rapid rate, Kwik Kar Lube & Tune is keeping up with that growth. “Our pricing is competitive and customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and so we enjoy having a lot of repeat customers,” Barrow said.

Kwik Kar Lube & Tune is located at 808 West Montgomery Street (FM 1097) in Willis. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on its services, visit it on the web at http://willis-kwikkar.com.

52 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Deck the Halls

Put a tropical twist on your family gathering or office Christmas party during this most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Conroe from one of numerous event spaces and custom holiday menus inspired by the Caribbean but with enough Texas flair to make any cowboy feel right at home.

Call or e-mail us today to learn about our exclusive 2021 holiday promotion and special overnight accommodation rates.

EVENTS@MARGARITAVILLERESORTLAKECONROE.COM | 936.448.3103

October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 53

Vet Connect:

By Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.

Cool Cases Illustrating the Importance of Diagnostics (Part 2) This month, we continue our look at some cases that might not have been treated properly if additional diagnostics had not been performed.

One recent case that shows the importance of radiographs was a dental recommended by a fellow vet. Initial instinct was to postpone the dental, since visually the teeth did not look too bad. However, once the dog was anesthetized and had full mouth dental radiographs, 3 abscessed teeth were found that had to be surgically extracted.

The teeth looked perfectly normal, even under anesthesia. It wasn’t until radiographs were done that abscesses could be seen below the gumline. Left in place, this causes severe pain and infection and can lead to kidney or even heart conditions, not to mention headaches.

Plain survey radiographs can be useful for other body systems as well.

A puppy had been diagnosed with pneumonia at the emergency clinic 2 weeks prior and was treated with antibiotics. The puppy showed significant improvement, almost back to normal; however, an astute owner knew the importance of follow-up radiographs to monitor the condition. The recheck radiographs ended up showing a collapsed lung and an air-filled chest (pneumothorax). A CT scan later revealed

the lung had adhered to the thoracic wall and required surgery. Luckily, the puppy was able to recover well, as it was caught in a timely manner versus during a crisis situation.

Ultrasonography is instrumental in further specifically evaluating conditions. An employee’s dog was presented for a routine wellness when a very subtle change in the heart rhythm was found, along with a minimal heart murmur. An echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) was recommended for further evaluation. The dog was found to have significant heart changes and enlargement which required specific medications. After six months of targeted therapy, the follow up echo showed significant improvement in the overall heart condition. On a side note, this case was a diet-related cardiomyopathy, meaning the heart condition was a result of the dog food the dog had been fed. Dog is doing amazing today!

A couple more interesting ultrasound cases. A dog presented after being hit by a car, needed to have surgery to repair a fractured leg. A week later, the pre-anesthetic exam revealed abnormal heart sounds.

An echo revealed the dog had a significantly compromised heart, so therefore was not a candidate for anesthesia.

Sad case, but at least the owners didn’t lose the dog from anesthesia. The dog is doing well, and pain is being managed. Finally, a dog presented for just not doing right and not feeling well. A combination of diagnostics were used to determine the dog’s condition.

Initially, bloodwork revealed elevation in a couple of liver enzymes and some mild kidney enzyme elevations. An abdominal ultrasound was recommended that revealed the dog had a gallbladder stone that had caused a previous rupture within the gallbladder requiring surgery.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING! Are you ready for all the family photos?

Jan Nell COPE Certified Health Coach

281-850-6426 j219nell@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/jannell.healthcoach 54 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

Some of these cases may seem a little extreme, but there are many situations where diagnostics can help pinpoint the exact cause of a condition that can be treated with specific targeted therapy versus just supportive treatments. If you are not sure why your veterinarian may recommend specifics tests or diagnostics, don’t hesitate to ask for an explanation of what is being looked for and why the test is important.

Wildlife Wonders

TIME TO HEAD SOUTH

By Cheryl Conley

With temperatures still soaring in our area, it’s hard to think about fall, but birds know it’s time for their fall migration. So, exactly how do they know? There are a number of factors. One way is the angle of the sun.

Days are growing shorter, and we have fewer hours of daylight. Summer crops are becoming scarce, and less food is available. In the fall, baby birds are now mature enough to be on their own, so Mom no longer has to tend to the youngsters. The location of the birds is important as well.

Arctic birds may begin migrating as early as July, while those closer to the equator start migrating in late September.

Although rare in the Greater Houston area, it is not unheard of to see a Broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus). These raptors have chunky bodies and a small reddish-brown head. Their tails are black and white striped, similar to a raccoon’s tail. The undersides of the wings are bordered in dark brown. These hawks live in forests and spend the majority of their time under the canopy of the trees. Here they look for small animals to hunt.

The female typically lays 2 or 3 eggs, and the incubation is almost exclusively taken care of by Mom. The male will bring food to her while she’s tending to the eggs. Mom takes care of the young for the first 1 to 2 weeks after hatching, and the male continues to deliver food for her and the young. Mom gets a break once the babies are a little older when Dad pitches in. At 5 to 6 weeks, the young are able to fly.

Almost all broad-winged hawks migrate in the fall to Central and South America. A great place to see these raptors as they make their way south is at Smith Point on Galveston Bay’s eastern shore. Smith Point features a land form that funnels the birds into a migration corridor. At peak migration periods, thousands of birds can be seen in one day. Broad-winged hawks make up approximately 70% of the birds traveling this route.

Beginning on August 15th and running through November 30th, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory keeps a daily raptor count at Smith Point called the Smith Point Hawk Watch. A watch tower has been constructed for this purpose and is open to the public from 8am to 4pm. Staff and volunteers are at the watch tower to talk with visitors and answer questions. There are scopes and binoculars so visitors can get a better view of the birds. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the raptor counting and a celebration is planned for October 2nd from 10am to 1pm. For more information, you can visit the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory website or call 979-480-0999 for more information.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

FREE Estimates Locally Owned and Fully Insured 10 Year Labor Warranty Military & Senior Discounts Residential or Commercial Insurance Claims Welcome Roof Repairs (Architectural) Hardie Siding Gutter and Down Spout Repairs Fascia & Soffit Repair Exterior Painting Sheetrock Work Emergency Repairs 24/7 References Available Upon Request

281-513-6263 Keith@onlyonehighlander.com

Real Volunteers Real Results

Striving to prevent accidental poisoning through its Poison Information-Always Ask™ program, Assistance League®...

• Touches over 4000 Kindergarten and pre-K students annually • Gives either a classroom presentation, or an optional video • Provides take-home information packets to families If helping children is your passion, Join Us! Call Sandra Katri at 936-760-1511 126 N. San Jacinto Street • Conroe, TX 77301

www.assistanceleague.org/montgomery-county

Thrift shop hours 10-3 Tuesday - Saturday October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 55

CALENDAR

October

Thru 29 Palestine All Aboard the Texas State Railroad

texasstaterailroad.net

1-2

Conroe Deck the Halls Fall & Christmas Market

936-756-6601

1-17

Waco Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo

hotfair.com

2

Huntsville

The Woodlands

& Kylie Frey

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Jefferson Halloween Express

diamonddonempire.com

14

Corsicana Mickey Gilley

corsicanapalace.com

15

Conroe “Rope”

owentheatre.com

15-16 Jefferson Texas Bigfoot Conference

texasbigfoot.ticketspice.com

Magnolia Magnolia Showdown Barbecue Cookoff

cityofmagnolia.com

15-17 Brenham Texas Arts and Music Festival

texasartsandmusicfestival.com

15-23 Liberty Trinity Valley Exposition Fair and Rodeo

tvefair.com

Lufkin Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

angelinaarts.org

16

Huntsville Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, and 5K

7hills.us

Huntsville “Hands on a Hardbody”

shsutickets.com

9

gardeners

Parker McCollum w/Flatland Cavalry

woodlandscenter.org

8-9

Huntsville Master Gardener Fall Plant Sale

facebook.com/walkercountymaster

Fair on the Square

faironthesquare.com

8

9

Spring The Texas Tenors in Concert

cypresscreekface.org

Conroe Dancing to a Different Tune

conroesymphony.org

Corsicana Gene Watson

corsicanapalace.com

16-31 Trinity Pumpkin Patch

936-828-7582

20

College Station Michael Cavanaugh

mscopas.org

21

The Woodlands The Doobie Brothers

woodlandscenter.org

22-Nov 7

Conroe “Whodunnit?”

crightontheatre.org

23

Palestine Hot Pepper Festival

facebook.com/hotpepperfestival

The Woodlands Jonas Brothers w/Kelsea Ballerini

woodlandscenter.org

24

Houston Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

arenatheatre.net

25-26 Humble Holiday Marketplace

holidaymp.wixsite.com/2021

28

Houston Amy Grant

arenatheatre.net

28-30 Huntsville “Men on Boats”

shsutickets.com

30

Huntsville “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Huntsville Scare on the Square

huntsvillemainstreet.com

Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, some events may have schedule changes. Please make sure to check the event website, social media, or call ahead to confirm an event is still taking place if you are interested in attending.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! NOV. 6-7

HUNTSVILLE HOLIDAY MARKET Walker County Fairgrounds 3295 SH 30 W - Huntsville Saturday 10 am - 5 pm • Sunday 10 am - 4 pm Admission - $7 • Good for Both Days!

Kids 12 & Under

FREE

We will have antiques, boutiques, home decor, holiday decor/decorations, collectibles, vintage, gifts and more!

www.huntsvilleantiqueshow.com Kay King 936.661.2545 Climate Controlled Indoor Venue - RAIN OR SHINE!

October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 57

Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins

The Heavens Tell the Story “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” When I was a child, this was one of the first Bible verses I learned, around the same time I learned the song “Jesus Loves Me.” I never had any doubt that God created the universe and everything in it. Half a century has passed since I first read the creation story, and I don’t need to read it again to know it is true. I look around me – the intricate details in nature’s flora and fauna, and the vastness of the galaxies in the night sky – and I can understand why David, the psalmist, wrote that “The heavens declare the glory of God.” What has always confounded me is the argument that the Bible and science contradict each other. ‘Why?” I reasoned. The daughter of a geologist, I knew a lot about earth science. Yet, I knew it could be tricky to connect the dots between what is taught in school and what is spelled out in the Word of God. Then one day, everything changed. I visited the Museum of Natural History in New York City and went to a presentation at its planetarium.

As I watched and listened, I got goosebumps.

“In the beginning, the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.” It was almost verbatim from Genesis.

The announcer continued … then there was light, and then dry land came up from the water and continents were formed. It went on from the appearance of the first microorganisms all the way to the earth’s population by humans. The order was the same as in the Bible!

How could people thousands of years ago know the exact sequence of creation, other than to be given it by God? They believed by faith that it was true, even though it took millennia for astrophysicists to be able to prove it.

Today, when I gaze up at the stars, I am reminded of that day at the planetarium in New York. Scientists are only just beginning to learn about what we already know is revealed in God’s word. His handprints are all over creation, and the heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Genesis 1:16 God made two great lights – the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

Psalm 147:4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

58 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | October 2021

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SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS ONLINE AT: WWW.CAMERONOPTICAL.COM October 2021 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 59

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