POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - December 2023

Lake Conroe

December 2023

POSTCARDS Magazine

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

Gary Liebst • Postcards Annual Cover Photo Contest • The Color Bar

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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Merry Christmas FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

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2 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

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Visit us at: PerriDermatology.com December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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FEATURES

December 2023 | Volume 12, Issue 12

10 Do You Know?

Gary Liebst

Cover Photo by Kerry Daly

16 Postcards Annual Cover Photo Contest

Postcards 2022 Photo Contest 1st Place Winner

And the Winner is...

34 Business Focus

The Color Bar

FAVORITES Community Calendar -40

Publisher’s Post -6

Dear Gabby -9

Puzzle Solutions -15

Glorious Grandkids -15

Sudoku Marketplace -39

Mustard Seed Moments - 42

The Garden Post -38

Pet Pals -33

What’s Cookin’ -30

4 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

THERE’S A

BETTER APPROACH

TO CANCER CARE in The Woodlands At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in The Woodlands.

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Clear Lake

Publisher’s Post Karen Altom publisher@postcardslive.com

Your Local Community Magazine!

Family Matters @PostcardsMag

Our family is rolling full-force into the Christmas season, having just enjoyed a time of Thanksgiving. The holidays bring us into close proximity with our immediate and extended family. I know some readers do not have the same type of family relationships as others. Over the years, I have heard so many (good and bad) stories, and I am always reminded of the doormat I once had that said, “Everyone who passes through this door brings joy. Some by entering, and some by leaving!”

This magazine is a family venture. I had the God-given idea, and my sweet husband backed me up and signed on as our editor, working nights and weekends around his other full-time job. Our children, Abby and Marshall, were in high school, and they also were part of our team as we started. They began by helping with rack deliveries, photography, and writing. Son Marshall worked with us through college, until he married and went to work in the financial industry for four years. Even then, he still worked with us part-time, like his Dad once had.

As we enter this season of family togetherness, Wes and I are excited to announce we have hired Marshall back full-time as our Operations Manager. With three magazines, our advertising agency, and a new digital advertising arm of our company, we saw the need for the help! You may see him around “tending to business,” so feel free to congratulate him. Who knows? One of these days, his boys may be making rack deliveries, too!

In addition to those of us who are blood-related, there are a lot of people who work hard together every month to bring you this magazine. They are truly our Postcards family, and we love each and every one.

To you, our loyal readers, advertisers, friends, and colleagues, our family wishes you a Merry Christmas and all the joys of the season!

Until next time, ~

Karen

PostcardsLive.com

If you would like to receive our magazine and are not currently on our mailing list, subscriptions are available.

MAILED to select postal routes in Conroe, Willis and Montgomery.

FREE rack copies at advertisers and businesses in towns listed above.

Published Monthly by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc. Publisher Karen Altom Editor Wes Altom Operations Manager Marshall Altom Advertising Team Leah Lamp Nancy Jolly Kent Holder Marshall Altom Design Team Mary Partida April Key

Printed in Texas by Shweiki Media Online: www.PostcardsLive.com Address: PO Box 690 • Huntsville, TX 77342 Call our Office: 936.293.1188 We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of any unsolicited material. No material from Postcards Magazine™ can be copied, faxed, electronically, or otherwise used without express written permission. Publication of articles, advertisements or product information does not constitute endorsement or approval by Postcards Magazine™ and/or its publisher.

Business Focus stories printed in Postcards Magazine™ are drawn at random from contract advertisers. © 2023 by Altom Consulting & Marketing, Inc., All rights reserved.

Walker, Marshall, Kathryn, Sutton, Abby, Deacon, Ryan, Karen, and Wes

6 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

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8 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

IT Specialist

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Dear Gabby Welcome back to the December Dear Gabby advice column.

I’m convinced that any climate change we may be experiencing is caused by all the coal Santa left the bad kids all these years.

My family stopped doing a gift-exchange since I gave all the grandkids socks in smartphone boxes. No sense of humor, that bunch! I’m praying Christmas blessings for you and your family and hoping all your problems are silly little ones. Count your blessings and remember the real reason for the season. Send your questions to me by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share.

DEAR GABBY New Year’s Eve is creeping up, and I despise the obligatory parties people my age are expected to attend. I don’t drink, so usually wind up driving my friends home. Fortunately, they don’t remember how they got home, so they don’t call me on New Year’s Day to take them to their cars. Why do people who don’t normally drink decide to start a new year pedestrian and sick?

This holy season is so much more than Christmas parties and gift giving. May the miracle of Christmas fill your heart with wonder and joy!

“Oh come, let us adore Him!”

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

TEETOTALER DEAR TEE You’ve got me on this one! The good news is: when you get too old to drive, the invitations stop coming. Another upside is: you’ve got great stories about what your friends did that night (and, nowadays, you have pictures). My favorite story is the year (100 years ago or so) that the party emcee, two minutes before midnight, announced that every husband was to find the person who made their life worth living and kiss them at midnight. The bartender was nearly crushed to death.

GABBY

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CONFIDENTIAL TO “STOP ME IF YOU’VE HEARD THIS ONE” I have. What did the wise men say after they offered up their gifts of gold and frankincense? “Wait, there’s myrrh.” Merry Christmas to all!

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition

9

Do You Know?

Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Gina Turner

Gary Liebst How a “divine orchestration” united an area orchestra with a conductor.

10 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

There was no music program in the parochial school that Gary Liebst attended in Buffalo, New York, but just as he was about to enter the fourth grade, the school contracted with the local public school system to provide a beginner band class for the first time. It wasn’t ideal—just one day a week—but it was enough for a gifted young musician to learn to play the clarinet.

Neither of Gary’s parents nor other close relatives had musical ability, but as Gary grew older, it became apparent that he had what he acknowledges is a God-given talent. He began studying music in earnest in seventh grade, when he switched to public school. The following year, one of the high school band directors recognized Gary’s ability. There were only about 50 members in the high school band, and saxophone players were in short supply. So, the band director told Gary that if he’d learn to play saxophone—a cousin to the clarinet—he could play in the high school band as an eighth grader. “I thought my band directors were musical heroes and I would have done anything for them,” Gary says, so he learned to play the saxophone, earning a place in the high school band for the concert season.

No horses or tumbleweeds When Gary was 15, his father, a World War II veteran who coordinated incoming and departing aircraft for American Airlines, was transferred from Buffalo/Niagara International Airport to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, requiring the Liebst family to move to Texas. Gary envisioned a Texas with horses, backyard oil wells and tumbleweeds, but found none in the metroplex. Furthermore, he learned that Texans embraced stereotypes too, and usually assumed he was from New York City.

Gary soon found that he could nurture his musical talent in Texas just as well as he could in upstate New York. By the end of his junior year in high school, he knew he’d found his career path. He ultimately earned a Bachelor of Music Education from East Texas State University and a Master’s in Performance from East Carolina University.

He had “visions of grandeur,” he says, and hoped to play professionally, but as he neared the completion of his graduate courses, he realized that “not all of us can be performers in New York City and Los Angeles,” he says with a smile.

After graduate school, Gary got a job as a

junior high band director with additional duties as an assistant high school band director in Bay City, Texas. Being a new teacher in a small school district was a challenge, but the following year, Gary began teaching at Wharton County Junior College and found his niche in community college music education. Over time, he came to love directing ensembles. “I was really connecting with these students in a way I never thought I could,” he recollects, and he realized, “This is the right place for me.”

By the time Gary retired in 2021, he had spent a combined 37 years at Wharton County Junior College, Lone Star College and Angelina College in Lufkin. Although he ultimately worked in administration, he was able to continue conducting by virtue of his 18-year tenure with the Kingwood Pops Orchestra. Gary joined the community orchestra when it was beginning its fifth year, and it flourished under his leadership. “We were rocking and rolling on all cylinders,” he says with a chuckle.

A nearly-missed opportunity Looking back, Gary can’t believe how close he came to missing the October 2021 concert of the Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO).

»

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 11

His wife, Lee Ann, didn’t feel up to it, but Gary, who had just retired after 38 years in music education, wanted to support the local symphony orchestra. So, at the last minute, he decided to attend. It was the orchestra’s first live performance since the pandemic, and the emcee welcomed patrons with enthusiasm. And by the way, she said, the orchestra was looking for a new conductor.

Did anyone know a qualified candidate?

Gary was thunderstruck. For the previous three years, his job duties as a dean at Angelina College had prevented him from conducting, and he missed it terribly. He had wondered if he would ever be able to conduct again.

After the emcee’s surprising announcement, Gary hoped he would recognize a member of the orchestra who could provide an introduction. He knew that the Kingwood Pops Orchestra and CSO sometimes shared members; furthermore, Gary had been a part of the music community in the area for many years. But as he searched each face on stage, he made an unwelcome discovery.

“I didn’t know a soul,” he says.

After the concert, he gathered his courage

and embarked on what he admits was a rather awkward mission: to let the orchestra know that he did, in fact, have conducting experience, and that he wanted to apply for the job as CSO’s conductor. Over the next few months, several other job applicants served as guest conductors, but Gary finally had the opportunity to interview in April 2022.

He later learned from the hiring committee that his vast experience with volunteer adult ensembles and his zealous enthusiasm were the deciding factors. Gary took the baton just in time for CSO’s 25th anniversary season.

CSO’s 25th anniversary Like most musical groups, CSO struggled during the pandemic, but Gary joined the orchestra as it began its 25th anniversary season, bringing his infectious love of live music to the group. To start the season, CSO performed a Halloween-themed concert in October 2022. Dr. Gregg Hallbauer, a local physician and accomplished pianist, was guest musician. He played several selections with the orchestra, including Bach’s instantlyrecognizable and spooky-sounding Toccata in D Minor. The orchestra’s Christmas concert featured Nancy Curtis, a well-known

12 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

soprano, who charmed the audience with her velvety voice. In February, the CSO performed “Music of the Silver Screen” to commemorate its silver anniversary. Then, in April, the orchestra featured patriotic music, hosting the nationally-recognized Victory Belles, ambassadors of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, who are known for their three-part harmony and World War II-esque style.

Orchestra members have extended a warm welcome to Gary, citing his pleasing personality and vast musical knowledge. “He can bring the music to life in a different way than the conductors we have had before,” says Stephanie Harris, the orchestra’s principal flutist and one of its six charter members. “If we are not doing something right, he’s going to let us know, but he’s very personable all ’round and fun to talk to.”

The orchestra is currently in its 26th season, and Gary promises “an amazing mix of classical and popular music.” While the orchestra will perform some classical pieces, it will also play “well-known Broadway music, some jazz and some popular music,” Gary says. “There’s something for everybody,” he

says, noting that he is pleased to be a part of a musical organization that can connect with audiences in a meaningful way. “It’s local talent performing for friends, neighbors and families,” he says. “That’s pretty special.”

While rehearsals often concentrate on mastering technical aspects of the music, Gary says, live performances can unleash the music’s indefinable emotional qualities.

Sometimes patrons approach Gary after concerts to say that the music touched them in unexpected ways. And occasionally there are unforgettable moments during performances, like the time an aging veteran struggled to stand during the playing of an armed forces medley and then saluted crisply. “It’s something you don’t plan on, but when it happens, it’s always special,” he says. “Tell me, what better feeling is that?”

While Gary’s professional focus has always been on music, he and Lee Ann, who married in 2000, have other interests, too.

They enjoy spending time with their grown children, Kimberly, Carley, Alec and Evan, and like to travel. Although they didn’t know each other at the time, both Gary and Lee Ann grew up watching the Dallas Cowboys

with their fathers. This shared interest in professional football sparked a unique goal: to attend a professional football game at each NFL stadium. They sit in the “cheap seats,” Gary says with a laugh, and mingle with “the regular people of society.” They are particularly looking forward to visiting the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles because of its magnificent architecture. (For the record, Gary and Lee Ann have crossed 14 off their

list and have 18 to go.)

Meanwhile, Gary often reflects on his spur-ofthe-moment decision to attend CSO’s October 2021 concert. “If I hadn’t gone to the concert...” he says, shuddering. “What a lucky moment,” he says, acknowledging that perhaps it wasn’t luck so much as a divine orchestration. “I was the right person for them, and they were the right group for me.”

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Legal Corner: IF NO WILL By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

The following is for informational purposes. It should not be construed as legal advice.

T

he laws of intestate succession describe how the state of Texas determines the way your property should pass after your death if you do not have a will.

Basic to our understanding of these statutes is a clear picture of the differences in real and personal property together with the distinction between community and separate property..

COMMUNITY VS. SEPERATE The nature of property is always established at the time of acquisition. Therefore, if you purchased a rent house prior to marriage, that house would always be your separate property, but if rentals are received after your marriage, they would be community property.

All personal property to spouse.

As to real property, the surviving spouse gets one-half; the deceased’s father gets one-fourth; and the deceased’s mother gets one-fourth.

If one or more of the parents predeceases the decedent, then the portion that would have gone to that parent passes to the deceased’s brothers and sisters and their descendants.

If one parent survives, but no brothers or sisters survive, then one-half of the land will go to the surviving parent. It is only if there are no surviving brothers, sisters or parents that the spouse inherits all of the land.

POSSIBILITY THREE – If the deceased does not have a surviving spouse, but does have surviving children, then both the personal and real property are divided equally among the children.

POSSIBILITY THREE – Decedent is survived by a spouse and children or grandchildren, but the children or grandchildren are not also the children or grandchildren of the surviving spouse, then spouse retains onehalf of the deceased spouse’s community estate and the other one-half goes to the children/grandchildren of the deceased.

Unfortunately, the laws of intestate succession do not happen automatically. If there is no will, you will need to hire an attorney who will file what is called an heirship application.

This application seeks a determination from the court concerning the identity of each heir and then determines who should be in charge to administer the estate.

In addition to your attorney, the court must assign another attorney called the attorney ad litem to represent unknown heirs, if any.

Inherited property, gifted property, property earned in another state which is not a community. property state are all separate property.

POSSIBILITY FOUR – If the deceased has no surviving spouse and no surviving children:

An heirship proceeding, besides taking more of your time and money, requires more attorney time than offering a Will for probate.

There is a rebuttable presumption that any property that was acquired after marriage is community property.

If both parents are living, then the estate goes one-half of everything to each surviving parent.

REAL PROPERTY VS SEPERATE

If only one parent survives, then one-half of the estate will go to that parent, and the other one-half will be divided equally among siblings. If there are no siblings, then the surviving parent gets everything.

If no parent survives, but there are siblings, the estate is divided equally among the surviving siblings.

Having a Will drafted by an attorney of your choosing not only directs who and under what conditions your heirs receive your property, but also will be far less expensive when you die.

We also need to distinguish the difference between real and personal property.

An oversimplification can be, real property is the dirt and what is attached to it. Personal property is everything that is not real property including bank accounts.

The following describes how property passes under the laws of intestate succession.

SEPARATE PROPERTY POSSIBILITY ONE – Both a spouse and children survive the deceased: As to personal property, the spouse gets 1/3 and the remaining 2/3 goes to the children.

As to real property, the land goes to the children equally, subject to a life estate in one-third of the land by the surviving spouse.

POSSIBILITY TWO – Deceased is survived by spouse, but no children:

If no parent and no siblings survive, the law will still attempt to avoid escheat (i.e., reversion of property to the state), but it is too complex to cover in this writing.

COMMUNITY PROPERTY POSSIBILITY ONE – If decedent is survived by a spouse and is not survived by children or grandchildren, all community property passes to the surviving spouse.

POSSIBILITY TWO – Decedent is survived by a spouse and children or grandchildren where all such children or grandchildren are also the children or grandchildren of the surviving spouse, all community property passes to the surviving spouse.

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14 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

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

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Glorious Grandkids

Share Your Grandkid Photos with Us!

PostcardsLive.com Sudoku #6 7 1 4 6 3 5 2 8 9 8 6 3 7 2 9 1 5 4 5 2 9 1 4 8 7 3 6 1 9 8 2 6 3 5 4 7 6 5 7 4 8 1 9 2 3 4 3 2 9 5 7 6 1 8 9 4 1 8 7 2 3 6 5 3 7 6 5 1 4 8 9 2 Talia Grace Williams 2 8 5 3 9 6 4 7William 1 Wesley Wiseman Grandchild of Bonita Williams

Grandchild of Carl & Patti Wiseman

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December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 15

And the winners are...

2023 Postcards Cover Photo Contest 1ST PLACE IN EACH CATEGORY WINS:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER RECEIVES: • Photo featured on a Postcards Magazine Cover • 2 Nights at Margaritaville Lake Conroe Resort • 6 Tickets to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek • Specially Customized Postcards Award Gift • Recognition in Postcards Magazine

• Photo on a Postcards Magazine Cover • 1 Night at Margaritaville Lake Conroe Resort • 4 Tickets to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek • Specially Customized Postcards Award Gift • Recognition in Postcards Magazine

2ND & 3RD PLACE IN EACH CATEGORY WINS: • 2 Tickets to Lone Star Lights at Carolina Creek • Recognition in Postcards Magazine

WOW! You blew us away again in the third year of our contest with over 600 entries, and we are excited to share the results!

The contest categories were Animals, Nature, People, Local Living, and Seasons.

We thought you might appreciate knowing how the winners were selected.

• First, we removed any names or identifying marks from submissions.

• Our Postcards team then narrowed the field to multiple finalists in each category before the photos were submitted to our panel of judges. Photo contest judges consisted of several individuals (some local, some not) with photography experience and expertise.

• Each judge independently selected and ranked their top five photos in each category.

• From this information, we calculated numerical scores for the photos, which determined our winners.

Thank you to our sponsor!

16 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

Grand Prize Winner Raymond W. Carroll December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 17

Animals

1st Place Winner Roberta Cowan

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2nd Place Winner Justin Humphrey

3rd Place Winner Cade Crippin

As the year draws to a close, we want to thank you for allowing us to serve you and our community.

Enjoy doing the things you love with those you love.

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December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 19

Nature

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December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 21

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People

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December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 25

Local Living

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26 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

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December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 27

Seasons

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Rodent Control • Household Pests • Mosquito Control Roaches • Ants • Spiders • Termite Control & Inspection Lawn and Ornamental Treatments • Weed Control

D.L. Shiver II

You can also expect...

• Carolers • Historical Demonstrators • Holiday Goodies • And More

(936) 291-2902 License: TPCL 0774786

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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28 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

936-294-1832

1836 Sam Houston Avenue • Huntsville, TX 77340 ™

SamHoustonMemorialMuseum.com

Honorable Mentions

Animals Both: Pam Johnson

Nature Left: Jennifer Goins Right: Larry Fusaro

People Left: Emily Day Right: Seth Reissig

Local Living Left: Veronica Jozwiak Right: Karen Cox

Seasons Left: Michele Miller Right: Emily Day December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 29

What’s Cookin’ Sausage Balls

Best Spinach Dip Ever

Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork sausage, at room temperature 2 cups biscuit baking mix

1 (16 oz) container sour cream

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mayonnaise

Directions Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Combine room temperature sausage and biscuit mix in a large bowl; mix with your hands until well combined.

Add shredded cheese and mix until fully incorporated. Roll mixture into about 30 walnut-sized balls; transfer to a baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and sausage is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.

½ (10 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 (4 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped 1 (1.8 oz) pkg dry leek soup mix 1 (1 lb) loaf round sourdough bread Directions Step 1: Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, spinach, water chestnuts, and dry soup mix together in a medium bowl.

Chill in refrigerator 6 hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Slice off the top of the sourdough round and pull out the soft interior, leaving a sturdy bread bowl. Fill with spinach mixture. Tear removed bread chunks into pieces for dipping.

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30 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

Throwing away dental benefits?

Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Jalapeño Ingredients 8 oz cream cheese, softened 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped 1/2 cup minced jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed, or to taste 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

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PatientFirstDental.net Monday-Thursday 8AM - 5PM • Friday By Appt.

Saturday & Sunday Closed 1336 League Line Road, Suite 400 Conroe, Texas 77304

2 tsp dried thyme 2 (10”) spinach flour wraps or tortillas Directions Step 1: Beat cream cheese and feta together in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in cranberries, jalapeños, walnuts, and thyme.

Step 2: Spread half the filling over a tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Roll up tightly and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining tortilla and filling.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: To serve, trim the ends of the tortilla rolls, slice each roll into 1/2inch pinwheels, and serve.

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 31

32 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

Pet Pals

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

The Story Behind the Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem OCHO

There are many beautiful Christmas carols. Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and O Holy Night are classics. To me, one of the most charming is O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Kori & George Eichhorn

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie - Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by - Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light - The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

loved by

There is an interesting story behind this one…

In 1865, a man named Phillips Brooks needed a break.

A rector for a church in Philadelphia, Brooks was one of the country’s foremost abolitionists. For years, he had preached tirelessly against slavery. During the four long years of the Civil War, he had traveled around the country, advocating for the rights of freed slaves, ministering to soldiers, and paying tribute to those who had fallen serving their country – including his own brother, George, who died of typhoid while fighting for the Union.

Exhausted from years of war and work, Brooks decided it was time to get away for a while. So, he decided to visit one of the places he most wanted to see--Bethlehem.

CHARLIE loved by

Angie & Pop

After a long voyage across the sea, Brooks traveled on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. As chance would have it, he arrived at the little town on Christmas Eve. This is how he described it: “Before dark, we rode out of town to the field where they say the shepherds saw the star. It is a fenced piece of ground with a cave in it, in which, strangely enough, they put the sheep.

Somewhere [long ago] in those fields we rode through, the shepherds must have been. As we passed, the shepherds were still ‘keeping watch over their flocks’ or leading them home to fold.”

That night, Brooks participated in a Christmas Eve service in an ancient basilica built during Constantine’s time (way back in the 300s). The service lasted from 10 PM to 3 AM. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above - While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love - Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth - And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.

Moved by everything he saw, Brooks wrote about it--trying to describe the peace and comfort he felt in that holy place, on that holy night--so those who would never have a chance to go there could still see and feel it in their hearts on Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed the story behind this song. And I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful Christmas!

ROUX

loved by

Anita & Scott Lee Share Your Pets Photos with Us!

PostcardsLive.com

www.financialpartner.net (936) 294-0201 • 1211 Financial Plaza • Huntsville Securities offered through Registered Representatives of 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.

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 33

Business Focus

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

Story by Ruth Fields Photos by Tom Miller

THE

COLOR BAR HAIR SALON

Conroe Hair Salon 2200 IH-45 N, Suite B1, Conroe, TX 77301

Huntsville Hair Salon 2405 Avenue I, Suite A, Huntsville, TX 77340

Gayla Lewis, Justin Killingsworth, Abby Albright, Zac Yohn, & Amanda Hobart

34 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

Corporate life was a disappointment to Justin Killingsworth. After earning a business management degree from the University of Utah and acquiring a job with a large corporation, he soon had second thoughts. “I hated the corporate world,” he says. “I quit and went to hair school. Here I am, 10 years later, loving every second of it.”

Justin is the owner of The Color Bar, which has three stand-alone salons in Huntsville and Conroe. “My goal is five salons in five years,” he says. His business model, however, does not allow for greedy expansion. Instead, it is based on community service, amicable guest relations, quality services, and extreme pampering. “It’s about the experience,” Justin says.

Where your experience matters After graduating from the Aveda Institute in Shenandoah, Justin began working at an Aveda salon in Houston’s exclusive River Oaks area. He got along well with his wealthy clientele, who learned to respect his skill with scissors and hair color, as well as his sharp mind and business acumen. He earned a loyal following and a staggering 98 percent client retention rate. “River Oaks taught me a lot of life skills,” he says. “I learned how to deal with a lot of different personalities.”

In late 2019, Justin left River Oaks and founded The Color Bar in Huntsville.

About two years later, he opened a salon in Huntsville’s Creekside Retirement

Community. He enjoyed his lively conversations with his senior adult clients, who seemed to like to connect with people of younger generations. Justin is so fond of working with senior adults, he is considering opening another salon in a retirement community in Conroe.

In the summer of 2023, Justin opened The Color Bar in Conroe, selecting a convenient location in a shopping center on I-45 at North Loop 336 (near Kroger, Hobby Lobby and other major retailers). Guests of The Color Bar soon learn it’s no ordinary salon. Upbeat music provides a cheery ambience, and guests are welcomed with a smile. They are even offered a margarita (or a Dreamsicle if they are underage).

“It’s about the experience,” Justin says.

“Every guest that receives a shampoo gets complimentary aromatherapy, steam towels, and hand relief treatments. It’s about coming into a place where you feel welcome, you feel at home, and you can be yourself,” he says. “Being yourself is the most important thing. We want our guests to become our family. Our goal is to make every guest feel pampered.” In fact, The Color Bar’s slogan is “where your experience matters.”

Both men and women of all ages, as well as children, can be themselves at The Color Bar. “We have everything from twoyear-old children to 95-year-old grandpas,” Justin says. Furthermore, The Color Bar in Conroe offers all levels of stylists, from Justin, who is a master stylist, to junior stylists. “There is a price point that can fit every budget,” he says.

»

Color and more Justin selected the name “The Color Bar” for his business because he thought it had a nice ring to it. The name seems apt, because Justin estimates that a whopping 90 percent of The Color Bar’s clientele receive some type of hair color service—even more than the industry average of 76 percent. However, many guests utilize other services as well. Justin even provides men’s hair replacement. He is one of only a few stylists in this area who specializes in this procedure, which he promises is more economical than permanent hair replacement.

Finding the right color and cut is an art form at The Color Bar. “If you create great color, your cut is going to follow it,” Justin says, noting that stylists look at guests’ face structure and hair type before suggesting cuts. “The fun part is looking at someone and saying, ‘this would look the best for you,’ making them the best them and bringing out their inner beauty.”

When Justin opened the Conroe location of The Color Bar, he brought Gayla Lewis, one of his most tenured stylists, with him. Working at The Color Bar has all been “a plus” for Gayla, who has been a hairstylist for 16 years.

She is a “people person,” she says— although she does more listening than talking—and enjoys being in the presence of others. She is known for

her expert haircuts, but also likes being able to perform many other services, such as hair color and extensions. “At some point, a stylist’s dreams come true when they get to do everything under a stylist’s umbrella,” she says.

Hairstylist Amanda Hobart has been working at The Color Bar in Conroe since it first opened. She likes “making people feel beautiful,” she says, and enjoys the camaraderie with other stylists. “The best thing about working here is the energy, the vibe,” she says.

“The connection between the guest and the stylist has always been very satisfying. I like to call us ‘hair-apists.’”

Stylists agree that the best part of the job is observing the look on their guests’ faces when they see their new hairstyles. They also share Justin’s vision of caring for guests and making a contribution to the community.

Under his tutelage, two employees will soon become stylists. Abby Albright, who currently handles social media, advertising and networking, will begin cosmetology school in January. “I’m so excited,” she says. Zac Yohn, who now serves as Justin’s assistant, will also start cosmetology school in January.

Not long ago, Zac accompanied his mother when she went to a hair appointment, and he chatted with the hairstylist. “She asked me if I wanted to give it a try, and I said sure.” It was the start of a new career.

May all that is beautiful, meaningful and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year!

Give yourself or that special someone the gift of a smile that is a lifetime of happiness!

from our house to yours Before

After

Call for your complimentary smile transformation/veneer consult 3201 Robinson Creek Parkway (by hospital) • Huntsville, Texas • 936-295-5404

36 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

The Color Bar uses acclaimed Oribe haircare products, including shampoo, conditioner and styling aids. “It’s a luxury line that is carefully crafted to be the best product line you can use,” Justin says.

Each line has its own scent, he says, such as the popular Côte d’Azure, which is a blend of several fragrances, including bergamot, sandalwood, and white jasmine.

Where your experience matters!

Stylists use Kevin Murphy hair color products for their many guests who color their hair. “The base is honey, which is very nourishing, repairing and softening, with 100 percent gray coverage,” Justin says. He encourages guests to purchase products for home use so they can maintain their hairstyles, noting that “home care is just as important as care in the salon.”

Although Justin’s salons have been successful, the business end of the undertaking is not his favorite part. What gives him joy is helping people find their inner beauty through great hairstyles.

“That’s the fun part,” he says.

The Color Bar accepts appointments, as well as walk-ins. For more information, visit colorbartx.com.

Conroe Hair Salon 2200 IH-45 N, Suite B1 Conroe, TX 77301

Huntsville Hair Salon 2405 Avenue I, Suite A Huntsville, TX 77340 Email: INFO@colorbartx.com Phone (936) 439-4972

Conroe 1351 West Davis St, Suite B Conroe, TX 77304 (936) 283-5450

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 7:00pm Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm

ORDER ONLINE! WE DELIVER! NothingBundtCakes.com

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 37

The Garden Post

By Kim Bius

The Season of Merry is Here!

The season of “merry” is a state of mind, and it arises in everything you do! The smile and heartfelt “Merry Christmas” you give someone today……may just be that bit of faith needed to help someone struggling through the season.

Many of us will have poinsettias in our home for the holidays, and the following tips will help you keep your plants looking great well past New Year’s. Poinsettias require high light, consistent watering, good drainage, and warm temperatures.

Dark spaces, temperatures below 60 degrees, and water accumulating in the bottom of the foil are definite recipes for failure. Leaf drop occurs when plants are exposed to poor light and suffer from under/overwatering. Poinsettias are tropical plants and water guzzlers, but drier will always “win” over soggy soil.

The week of Thanksgiving (or earlier) is the time to start force blooming your narcissi or amaryllis for Christmas. These beautiful, fragrant bulbs are stunning when placed in glass containers with a sunny exposure. Fill the container with small rock or marbles and recess the bulb 1/3 into the rock. Bring the water level to 1/16” below the bulb bottom (refill as needed to keep the water level there), but not touching the bulb. The bulb will begin growing within days and will be blooming for gift giving or your enjoyment in three weeks.

Christmas cacti will need a bit more water during their blooming cycle and, like poinsettias, should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees or blooms will drop.

Merry Christmas to all…and may the season bring you peace, love, beauty, and joy!

Happy Gardening.

If you have a gardener on your gift list, check out the following list of gardeners’ favorite things: • Good gardening gloves in bright colors (that actually fit hands as a second skin).

• Gift certificates from their favorite nursery or garden center.

• Watering cans – I use mine all the time!

• A hand-made “gardening coupon” good for 4-8 manhours of gardening labor. This is a great gift for older neighbors, parents and the perfect “gift in kind” for teenagers and college students with limited funds, but giving hearts.

• Specialty rain gauges –a great gift for newlyweds and new homeowners.

• Windchimes – Corinthian Bells are a must for the windchime connoisseur on your list.

McCAFFETY ELECTRIC Licensed • Bonded • Insured • TECL-19206

Wishing you and your family an abundance of happiness, good health, and blessings.

CALL US For All Your Wiring Needs Huntsville: (936) 295-2831

Conroe: (936) 539-5411

Bryan/College Station: (979) 250-6091

Visit our lighting showroom at 1711 Sycamore or visit us online at www.mccaffetyelectric.com

38 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

• Fountains or water features-everyone loves the sound of falling water.

• A custom selection of seeds, bulbs, trowel, gloves, fertilizer (and top it off with a gift certificate), and place in a beautiful pot, with yummy chocolate and coffee!

Merry Christmas Cookies • Desserts • Keto • Gluten Free

Full Florist • Weddings • Birthday Parties Funerals • Flower Specials • More

806 N. Loop 336 W. • Conroe (936) 760-3499

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December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 39

December

2023

Thru 6

CALENDAR

Montgomery

Thru Jan 7

Zoo Lights

Silent Auction

houstonzoo.org

folstewart.org

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center

galvestonrrmuseum.org

Conroe Bethlehem City

“Christmas Belles”

mscopas.org

5-24 Houston thehobbycenter.org

8-10

crightontheatre.org

Madisonville The Pathway of Light

“Holiday Inn”

thepathwayoflight.com

owentheatre.com

1-3

9 Cleveland

Galveston

Jacob Stelly

Dickens on the Strand

Palestine

pwrtexantheatre.com

galvestonhistory.org

The Polar Express Train Ride

Huntsville

1-2

Annual Awards Gala & Auction

Huntsville

Thru 31 Huntsville

huntsvillewalkerchamber.com

Journey Through Bethlehem journeythroughbethlehem.com

Create a Bowl Workshops thewynnehome.com

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

“Cinderella”

Conroe

Thru 27 Houston

(for Empty Bowls Event)

College Station

1-17

lonestarlights.org

texasstaterailroad.net

5-6

wcbc.us/bethlehem-city/

Lone Star Lights

houstonballet.org

folstewart.org

1-3, 8-10

Huntsville

“The Nutcracker”

Christmas Open House with Santa

visitthewoodlands.com

Thru 22 Galveston The Polar Express

Montgomery

The Woodlands

Thru 17 Brenham unitybrenham.org

4

Thru Jan 15

owentheatre.com

“The Game’s Afoot”

eclubhouse.org/sites/huntsvilletx

Houston

Charles Stewart Library:

“Leading Ladies”

Lions Club Christmas Parade

Montgomery Christmas in Historic Montgomery

2

Thru Jan 6 Galveston Holiday in the Gardens moodygardens.com

Cleveland Creed Fisher pwrtexantheatre.com

Huntsville Christmas Fair & Winter in the Park huntsvilletx.gov

40 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

mhs-tx.org

9-10 The Woodlands Christmas Gift Market bigtop.show/thewoodlandstx

10 Houston An Evening with Howie Mandel performingartshouston.org

12 Cleveland Lions Club Pancake Supper (713)679-9189

15 Huntsville Wilson Fairchild (Statler Brothers sons) oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

15-17 Palestine “Miracle on 34th Street” thetexastheatre.com

16 Cleveland Glen Templeton pwrtexantheatre.com

Conroe “The Season to be Jolly” conroesymphony.org

17 Houston For King and Country toyotacenter.com

Montgomery Community Band Christmas Concert facebook.com/events/306492782167853

31 Spring “One Night in Memphis” cypresscreekface.org

Funded in part by a grant from the City of Conroe.

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 41

Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins

Blooms in the Desert This year, the intense summer heat scorched many delicate plants, especially the flowering ones. You can imagine my surprise when I noticed the Spanish dagger plant in my backyard had a big, beautiful bloom on it!

Out of curiosity, I began researching desert plants. What makes them able to survive – and even bloom – in an environment that would kill many others? I learned some plants have shallow roots that are spread out wide, so they catch even the smallest amount of moisture from dew or occasional rainfall. Others, like mesquite trees, have roots that go down deep, where they are not as vulnerable to changing surface temperatures and evaporation.

Our lives can sometimes feel like a desert. How do we become refreshed so that we can bloom again?

The answer is found in the secrets of the desert plants. When we reach out to others, we find a support system that will carry us through the hard times and give us more opportunities to experience joy. And when we are rooted in God’s word and our relationship with Jesus,

God gives us the strength to keep going under any circumstance, because we find our soul’s nourishment in Him. We can stand strong, not only surviving, but thriving in even the harshest climate.

How healthy is your root system today? Is it up to the task of supporting you in what you may be facing in life?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” – Isaiah 35:1-2a

Winter Wonderland Revival

Tuesday, January 2, 2024 through Sunday, January 7, 2024 featuring the Mark Trammell Quartet and Bro. Bob Pittman

Tuesday January 2, 2024

Cook Springs Baptist Church

Wednesday January 03, 2024 Thursday January 04, 2024 Friday January 05, 2024

Prayer and Praise Service

6:30 p.m.

Dr. Bob Pitman with Mark Trammell Quartet

6:30 a.m.

Dr. Bob Pitman with Mark Trammell Quartet

6:30 p.m.

Dr. Bob Pitman with Mark Trammell Quartet

6:30 p.m.

Saturday January 06, 2024

Dr. Bob Pitman with Mark Trammell Quartet

6:30 p.m.

Sunday January 07, 2024

Dr. Bob Pitman with Mark Trammell Quartet

6:30 p.m.

Sunday January 07, 2024

Dr. Bob Pitman with Mark Trammell Quartet

1936A State Highway 75 North • Huntsville

Website www.cooksprings.org

42 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

10:30 a.m.

936-295-7968 Email: office@cooksprings.org

December 2023 | Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition 43

MERRY CHRISTMAS A N D

H A P P Y

737 I-45 SOUTH HUNTSVILLE, TX 77340

BILLFICKFORD.COM 44 Postcards Magazine: Lake Conroe Edition | December 2023

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Y EA R