POSTCARDS MAGAZINE - Lake Conroe - March 2023

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Publisher’s Post Karen Altom

March: “Deep in the Heart of Texas”

Welcome to March! This month is always a welcome sight. It heralds the beginning of spring, the return of warmer weather, and many local events. In addition, March is one of the most important months in Texas history.

March 2 is a day celebrated and remembered in our area each year, not only as Texas Independence Day, but because it is our own Sam Houston’s birthday. In case you have forgotten some of the important things that happened in March in Texas history, here are just a few:

• March 2, 1793: Sam Houston is born in Virginia.

• March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is signed at the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

• March 6, 1836: Colonel William B. Travis and the Alamo defenders are overwhelmed by Santa Anna and his Mexican troops.

• March 27, 1836: Under orders from Santa Anna, Colonel James Fannin and more than 400 Texians are massacred at Goliad.

• March 25, 1843: Seventeen members of the Mier Expedition, a remnant of a failed raid into Mexico, are executed in the Mexican town of Salado. Notable survivors include famed Texas Rangers Bigfoot Wallace and Samuel Walker.

• March 2, 1861: Texas joins the Confederate States of America after seceding from the U.S. against then Governor Sam Houston’s wishes.

• March 30, 1870: The U.S. Congress readmits Texas into the Union.

• March 26, 1918: Texas women win the right to vote in primary elections.

• March 1, 1962: NASA opens the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston.

In September 2003, the Texas legislature proclaimed March would become “Texas History Month in honor of those Texans who helped shape the history of the State of Texas and in recognition of events throughout Texas’ history.” In this month’s issue, we are featuring the Bullock Museum, a true Texas Treasure dedicated to sharing and preserving the history of our great state. We are looking forward to a visit soon.

Over a recent lunch with a friend, we were discussing the pride native Texans have in their state (and why we tend to think everything is “bigger and better in Texas”). We ultimately decided the reason--because it IS. If you aren’t a native Texan or don’t “get it,” someday you will feel the same way…or probably move.

Until next time,

For 25 years I was Dr. Deahl’s patient. Not just my doctor, but my dear friend. Your “Publisher’s Post” in the December Postcards made me cry all over again. I will miss him something terrible. What a treasure he was to so many!!

Your picture of my Mother, Jo Ann Frizzell, in your October 2022 issue is priceless. We are so proud of her. She turned 90 in January 2023. Thank you so much for bringing such joy to my family.

I love this magazine and my favorite to read is “Dear Gabby.” She is a hoot!

Love everything about Postcards Magazine. I especially like reading, “Publisher’s Post”, “Medical Matters”, and “Mustard Seed Moments.”

Belinda Drake

Jacqueline Siegel

Joy McCracken

Patricia Stegent

Bullock Texas State History Museum

“Only death will end my love affair with Texas,” reflected former Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock. As it turns out, though, that wasn’t quite true. In April 1999—two months before he would die—Bullock managed to attend the groundbreaking for a new museum, one that would not only be named for him, but would also showcase the history of the state he loved.

The Bullock Museum of Texas State History—all 175,000 square feet of it—reflects Bullock’s larger-than-life personality and his love of Texas. It features two theaters—a 320-seat IMAX and the multi-sensory “Texas Spirit Theater”—an impressive rotunda that doubles as exhibit space, and three themed floors including hundreds of artifacts highlighting millennia of history.

Story and Photos by Mike Yawn

Texas Treasure

LEAP students Elisabet Ney’s “Sam Houston” statueBattle of San Jacinto

Three Floors, Three Themes: Land, Identity, and Opportunity

Visitors enter through the rotunda, where they see—and likely walk across—the mosaic “Born Around the Campfires of Our Past,” by Texas artist Robert Ritter. This colorful piece includes the state’s flora and fauna, while also depicting those who have shaped Texas history. These representative individuals— Buffalo Soldiers, Vaqueros, Conquistadores, Missionaries, American Indians—are sitting around a campfire, presumably telling stories of their people and the land.

Some of these stories are told on the first floor of the Museum, which highlights “The Land,” the sprawling, geographically diverse region that is now Texas. Visitors learn of the early nomadic peoples, the exploration of the territory, the cultivation of the soil, and the battles that took place in—and for control of—the region. The centerpiece of this floor, however, involves a sea-faring vessel, La Belle, a French ship that ran aground and was disabled in Matagorda Bay in 1685. The Spanish found the “broken ship” the next year, but after salvaging items from it, La Belle was abandoned, forgotten, and underwater—for more than 300 years.

It was rediscovered in 1995, and much of its skeletal structure and more than 1.5 million artifacts from the ship were recovered. Indeed, the storage capacity of the modestsized ship was staggering; among the many items it carried were more than 600,000 beads, 1,500 brass rings, and 100,000-plus

pounds of gunpowder. Some of these items are spectacular: a colander, which looks like it could have been lifted from a 20th-century kitchen; a helmet with fine etchings; and, perhaps most impressive, an exquisitely detailed crucifix.

Interestingly, the Bullock Museum is a noncollecting museum, which means that the artifacts on display are on loan from collectors, including other museums. Sam Houston Memorial Museum (SHMM), for example, has, according to former Director Mac Woodward, “loaned the Bullock Museum artifacts such as Sam Houston’s leopard (jaguar) vest, Santa Anna’s chamber pot, and other items of historical interest.” This type of arrangement benefits both museums. It offers new artifacts to the Bullock Museum for display, while providing exposure to the SHMM and its holdings.

Of course, this also means that artifacts leave the Bullock Museum periodically, to be replaced by items loaned from other sources. In the case of La Belle, however, the vessel has been a mainstay since its installation, and Museum staff note that their custodianship of their first-floor centerpiece is “very long-term.”

For many, the second floor, which tackles

the state’s quest for “Identity,” is the most intriguing and familiar. It is here visitors will learn about Stephen F. Austin’s journey to Texas and the work that made him the “Father of Texas;” see Elisabet Ney’s “Sam Houston” statue; follow narratives of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto; and explore the state’s tumultuous early days in the Union and unfortunate time in the Confederate States of America. Interpreters are occasionally on hand to provide information about the era or one of the Museum’s many artifacts.

The third floor of the Museum showcases collections that reflect the state as a land of “Opportunity.” The state’s oil industry is featured; ranching and farming are discussed; air and space exploration are highlighted; Texas’ first-class medical facilities are spotlighted; and Texas’ contribution to music are showcased. Images of and facts about notable Texans—from Farrah Fawcett to Michael DeBakey—are on display.

“Born Around The Campfires Of Our Past,” by Texas artist Robert Ritter

Looming large amidst these three floors is the omni-visible Goddess of Liberty. This artifact is the original statue that sat atop the Texas Capitol until 1985, when she was replaced by a younger, aluminum alloy replica. Following a brief tour of parts of Texas and some cosmetic surgery, this original Goddess was put on display in the Museum in 2001.

The Museum describes her as “formidable,” which is true, but it is also true that she was not chosen for her beauty. Rather, her features were purposefully exaggerated—protruding lips, a gherkin nose, and a brow that would embarrass a caveman—to provide shape to a face designed to be viewed from afar. These features are particularly emphatic when seen up close, which is the view from almost anywhere in the Museum. Standing at more than 15-feet tall, she continues to command Texans’ attention.

Theaters and Rotating Exhibits

The Museum features entertainment options in the form of an IMAX theatre, which occasionally offers movies or documentaries that reflect the theme of Texas, special exhibitions, or other “educational” fare. Currently, for example, they are showing films on the Serengeti, the Arctic, and dinosaurs. For pure entertainment, they are also offering AntMan and the Wasp: Quantumania In the smaller, multi-sensory “Texas Spirit Theatre,” visitors can view Shipwrecked to learn more about La Belle or The Star of Destiny, to brush up on key events in Texas history. The Museum also has gallery space for rotating exhibitions. With 2023 being the 100th anniversary of the Texas State Park System, the Bullock is featuring artwork capturing the beauty, mystery, and diversity of the state’s many parks and historical sites. The 34 paintings on view reflect a sample of the 65 works commissioned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for this centenary. The works, according to Museum staff, “prompt meaningful reflection on the natural beauty of public lands and their significance as places of solace, rejuvenation, recreation, and refuge.”

One of these paintings, undertaken by Lee Jamison, highlights a public site of great significance: the San Jacinto battlefield. The landscape was undertaken from a flattering angle, one that deemphasizes the region’s swampy terrain and minimizes the prominence of refineries and their attendant

San Jacinto battlefield by Lee Jamison

Art of Texas State Parks Exhibit

smoke plumes. What is depicted is a painting of variegated grasses and multihued plants, and a blue sky, composed in a horizontal landscape punctuated by a vertical monument to the State’s aspirational culture.

This quiet and beautiful scene depicting marsh grasses and woods, according to Jamison, somewhat disguises “the grim realities of the longago Battle,” which reflected, among other things, poor planning on Santa Anna’s part. But the “nature of the land contributed to the outcome of the battle,” continues Jamison, and therefore may “provide insight into our park system and the influence of the land on our state culture.”

The “Art of Texas State Parks” will remain on display through April 30.

Reflections

Apart from the Museum’s name, Bob Bullock maintains a presence in the structure. A bronze statue of the long-serving state official stands on the second floor, gavel in hand, in front of a limestone wall engraved with the words, “God Bless Texas,” a reminder of the force and the sentiment behind the Museum.

Bullock’s statue faces eastward, toward newly redesigned exterior grounds. The Lone Star Plaza remains, along with its large, bronze starshaped sculpture. But gone is a three-block portion of Congress Avenue; in its place is a pedestrian promenade that, with surrounding buildings, makes up the “Texas Mall.” This Mall will, according to its designers, serve as the “northern gateway to the Capitol,” where Bob Bullock once labored as Lieutenant Governor, and where, in 1995, he first discussed the idea of the state history museum that now bears his name.

7 of the 34 paintings on display at Art of Texas State Parks exhibit

LEAP students at The Lone Star Plaza

By: James M. Bright, Attorney at Law

Once we reach the age of 50-55, the self-proclaimed Revocable Living Trust (RLT) experts seem to come out of the woodwork, descending upon us like locusts and telling us that we need a RLT if we love our families. (We are even made to feel that if we do not have a RLT we might be the type of person who might even kick the dog.)

Contrary to this conclusion, it is this firm’s experience that many people love their spouses, cherish their children and never kick dogs without having a RLT. When I am approached to draft this type of trust, my first question is,” What purpose is it to serve?” There are many good reasons for a RLT but there are also many reasons that favor a different approach. The big question is, “What are you attempting to accomplish?”

There can be many reasons for having a trust; “in fact,” most of the Wills that this firm prepares have a testamentary trust, but trusts (RLT, Non-revocable or Testamentary) need to solve a particular problem.

Having a testamentary trust in your Will that serves a particular purpose is far different than making a RLT the primary instrument in your estate planning. Some of the false or misleading reasons given for having RLTs that this firm hears include:

My children will pay inheritance taxes unless they inherit in a trust – This assertion is very misleading because most Texas estates do not pay inheritance taxes in the first place. Under current laws, your estate pays no federal estate tax on the first $12,920,000 ($25,840,000) for a married couple, whether you have a trust or not.

A trust will save legal fees –

*Sometimes true – If every asset of every kind owned by an individual inclusive of every bank account, piece of real property, automobile, brokerage account and every other thing that was owned by that individual is captured by the trust and titled in the name of the trust, then you will avoid probate, but that is not usually what happens. In addition to a RLT, you should have a “pour-over Will.” This type of Will is intended to capture everything you own at the time of death and pour it over into the trust for planned distribution.

*Usually False - if your trust does not capture assets, it will actually cost more in both time and money than a welldrafted Will. You will bear the meticulous burden of keeping the assets in the trust for years, and your family will still need to go through probate for the pour over Will. Probate will take years– Ordinarily this is NOT TRUE Texas has very reasonable laws regarding probate. A probate proceeding with a Will can take as few as three weeks, but on an average, based on this firm’s experience, about 45 days from the time that your probate attorney is contacted until you have “Letters Testamentary,” giving the executor power to act, and all reporting to the Court has been completed.

Probate is very expensive and will take a percentage of the estate is a false statement. Most attorneys charge an hourly fee, and a few (including my firm) will quote you a onetime flat fee. Percentage fees in probate are considered taboo.

My beneficiary is a spendthrift and will waste the inheritance if not placed in trust. This is a very common problem that can just as easily be handled in a testamentary trust as it can in a RLT. The difference being that you do not need to go through the arduous task of keeping all

of your property titled in the RLT during your lifetime.

This firm is not declaring war on RLTs. “In fact,” they are very often the best way to settle an estate. What this article is intended to do is to say, that “they are not the only tool in the box.” It may be the proper tool and it may not be, depending on your particular circumstances. For instance, if you own real property in more than one state, a RLT, at least as regards that particular asset, might be the best and least expensive solution.

The determination of which tools are best to use in particular circumstances are best done with the guidance of an attorney of your choice who is experienced with wills, trusts and probate. The best results are not always accomplished with someone soliciting your business through telephone calls, mailers, dinner invitations or even well-meaning family or friends.

As always, it is recommended that you talk to an attorney of your choice rather than one who solicited you through a phone call, mailer or dinner invitation.

Day in the Life

Story by Ruth Fields

Hundreds of bottles of wine are poured each week at Bernhardt Winery’s tasting room, so the nearby dumpster is overflowing with empties. It’s the last stop for the bottles before being trucked to a landfill. Just 25 miles away, at the edge of the Sam Houston National Forest near Richards, hundreds more bottles await a similar fate at West Sandy Creek Winery. Once emptied of Texas wine, the bottles are no longer wanted or needed. Or are they? Join us as we learn a process that helps these empties come out of retirement and get a new lease on life!

An idea

In 2018, Montgomery resident Brent Stokes, a global business executive, was enjoying dinner with colleagues in Chile when he learned about a nearby business endeavor. Vagrants collected wine bottles to earn a meager living, and a local company upcycled them, transforming them into drinkware. Brent was intrigued, and he purchased a set of glasses to bring home to his wife Scarlett. Then he thought about it some more. “I think we can take a wine bottle and make it into

drinkware,” he told Scarlett. “He started playing around with it in the garage, trying to figure out how to make it work,” Scarlett says. Six months later, the project was too big for the family’s garage, sending the Stokes family scrambling to find a suitable production facility. Scarlett took care of the business end of things and became the business’ CEO, making A Second Round Glass, LLC a womanowned business with Brent as president. Brent and Scarlett’s son Brandon, a pole vaulter, was attending the University of Arkansas on

track and academic scholarships. When he graduated, he became the company’s vicepresident.

A Second Round has continued to grow. Today, it has nearly outgrown its headquarters on McCaleb Road. The Stokes family—with help from employees and creative friends— has perfected a system of upcycling bottles, transforming them not only into personalized, artisanal drinkware--but also home goods, such as lamps and planters.

Photos by Tom Miller

Left to Right: Brandon, Scarlett, Ethan & Chris

The second life of an empty wine bottle

Rescue: Every Monday, employees of A Second Round pick up a truckload of empty bottles at Bernhardt Winery, and hundreds more at West Sandy Creek Winery. “We call this ‘rescuing’ the bottles,” Brent says. Several restaurants and wineries, including Breakwater Grill, Walden Yacht Club, H Wines, and The Rancher’s Daughter (to name just a few), also contribute their empties to A Second Round; individuals contribute, too. The Stokes family calls these partners “the bottle brigade,” and rewards them with a discount on upcycled products.

Cleaning: The first step in the upcycling process is to remove labels and clean adhesive from bottles. Some bottles have labels that are painted on, so they their second lives while still displaying original brand.

Cutting: As recently as a year ago, A Second Round used a labor-intensive process cut wine bottles. First, they scored bottles at the appropriate places to create glasses holding 8, 10, 12 and 16 ounces. Next, they heated them, and then plunged them into an ice bath, which cleanly

the bottles. To save time during production, Brent experimented with a specialized saw to accomplish the task. The method worked, so he soon upgraded to a larger saw. It’s quicker than the old method of splitting bottles, and what’s more, it leaves a smoother finish, making the next step necessary for only about 20 percent of bottles. “With the old technique, they had imperfections every single time,” Brandon says.

Sanding: “In the beginning we sanded by hand,” Scarlett says, “but we are small, so we don’t have a lot of hands.” The Stokes family clearly needed a more efficient system of smoothing out imperfections in the cut edges of wine bottles, but they could not find a suitable product on the market. So, as they have done many times, they carefully considered the problem, thinking creatively; eventually, they “Frankensteined” a belt sander and a vacuum device.

Fire polish: To glaze the rim of glasses, A Second Round uses what Brandon calls “misapplied technology.” Glasses are placed

on inverted pie tins atop an old-fashioned record player. As the turntable spins, the rim of each glass is torched in a gas flame, one at a time, until the rim of the molten glass glows red. The record player seemed like a great idea, but, Brandon confesses, “We burned the first one to a crisp.” A heavy-duty silicone hot pad, placed under the pie tins, solved

takes over at this point, “slumping” the glazed rim into a rounded edge.

Annealing: After each glass is glazed, it is placed in an enormous cooler, which holds up to 42 glasses. “The cooler used to be on my boat,” Scarlett says with a laugh. Inside the cooler, the glasses cool slowly, giving them added strength. The glasses stay in the “annealer” overnight. “They are very durable because of this process,” Brandon says.

the problem. Brandon taught Ethan Yost, A Second Round’s first full-time employee, the heat-polishing technique, but Brandon says the student has now surpassed the teacher. “Ethan can glaze in his sleep,” he says. Gravity

Carbon removal: Unfortunately, the glasses acquire a buildup of carbon during the fire glazing process. Some of it can be wiped off with a cloth, but carbon can also penetrate the molecules of the glass. In the early days of production at A Second Round, carbon deposits were scrubbed off the low-tech way—with a Brillo pad. At one point, a Sam Houston State University Band tuba player (who was interning during the summer at A Second Round) put his internet skills to work in hopes of finding a better way to remove carbon. He was successful. Today, glasses are

soaked in a compound that quickly removes the carbon. (The intern was rewarded.)

Personalization: Glasses are now etched with a myriad of designs. Some are semistandardized, such as wedding motifs that can be modified to include names and dates, and A Second Round also makes fully customized drinkware. Designs were once sandblasted, but going forward, most will be etched with a laser engraving machine.

Finishing process: Finally, glasses are put to the test by subjecting them to heat. If a glass is going to break, the folks at A Second Round would rather it break in the production facility instead of in a customer’s home. Glasses, Brandon notes, are dishwasher safe.

Packaging and shipping: While many of their glasses and home goods are sold at craft and home interior shows, such as Lone Star First Saturday in Montgomery, others are ordered via A Second Round’s website, a2round. com, and are shipped to customers. Demand is increasing, so A Second Round actively encourages its “bottle brigade” to continue contributing bottles. “We don’t want to generate demand for a product we can’t fulfill,” Brandon says.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA

Upcycling and recycling

While recycling uses discarded products to make new ones of the same type, Brandon explains that upcycling takes a product that has already been used and converts it into another usable product. A Second Round does both. Although both the tops and bottoms of bottles are used to make glasses and home goods, not every piece of glass is needed, and there is some breakage. However, A Second Round Glass dutifully recycles unusable glass so that it can be recycled into the wine bottles of tomorrow. “We produce as little waste as possible,” Brandon says. “Everything that comes through here either goes into making glasses or it gets recycled into what it once was.”

With time, and thanks to suggestions from people in the community, A Second Round has discovered new ways to upcycle wine bottles. The company now offers a variety of decorator items, such as lamps and windchimes, and some bottles start their second lives while still holding on to the vestiges of their first lives.

For example, Coca-Cola purchased Topo Chico, one of A Second Round’s contributing partners, in 2017. Before the acquisition,

MARCH EVENTS

Art

SCARCITY AND ABUNDANCE EXHIBITION

January 26 – March 4

Reception | January 26 | 6 p.m.

University Gallery, HFAB Free Admission

Music

CONCERT AND SYMPHONIC BANDS CONCERT

March 2 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

College of Arts & Media

CAM ARTIST SERIES: TEXAS GUITAR QUARTET

March 3 | 7:30 p.m.

Recital Hall, GPAC

Music CHORALE SPRING CONCERT WITH SHSU ORCHESTRA

March 4 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

labels were painted on bottles, and upcycled

Topo Chico glasses with labels intact are popular with customers. (Unfortunately, it’s getting harder to find bottles with painted labels, which are identifiable by a yellow bar code. A Second Round now offers a bounty of $1 for each painted-label Topo Chico bottle.) Furthermore, some wine bottles have dimples—called punts—in the bottom. While glasses with punts look a bit unusual, some customers prefer them. “Some people like the punt because they get to brag on themselves that they are making a difference,” Brandon says with a smile.

The Stokes family is proud their company is able to rescue wine bottles and give them a new purpose. Meanwhile, the local community has embraced the idea. Some support the business by donating empty bottles, while others find joy in purchasing upcycled products. Brandon has observed that A Second Round’s success has been due, in large part, to a growing buzz in the community. “It’s native, locally driven traffic,” he says, “and we are passionate about supporting our community.”

For more information, to shop, or to learn how to donate bottles, visit a2round.com.

Music

JAZZ ENSEMBLE AND JAZZ LAB BANDS CONCERT

March 9 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Music

SHSU OPERA PRESENTS: TWENTY FOUR, OR THE CURE FOR LOVE

March 23 – 25 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Art

23RD ANNUAL JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION

March 27 – April 6

Reception | March 30 | 5 p.m.

University Gallery, HFAB Free Admission

Music

BELLES VOIX AND MUSIKANTEN CONCERT

March 28 | 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

FOR

Theatre & Musical Theatre 365 DAYS/365 PLAYS (FULL-LENGTH) (HOLE CYCLE)

By Suzan-Lori Parks

March 28 & 30 | 7:30 p.m.

April 1 & 3 | 7:30 p.m.

Showcase Theatre, UTC

Theatre & Musical Theatre 365 DAYS/365 PLAYS (FULL-LENGTH) (WHOLE CYCLE)

By Suzan-Lori Parks

March 29 & 31 | 7:30 p.m.

April 1| Matinee | 2 p.m.

April 4| 7:30 p.m.

Showcase Theatre, UTC

Music

SHSU BILL WATROUS JAZZ FESTIVAL

March 31 & April 1| 7:30 p.m.

Payne Concert Hall, GPAC

Physical therapy keeps you moving.

Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. I can’t believe that it’s already March! March Madness. Did you ever notice that Dads call this March Madness because of basketball and Moms call it March Madness because it’s the kids Spring break? St. Patrick’s Day is also a big deal. I guess it’s okay to pretend that we’re Irish on St. Patty’s Day. We pretend we’re good on Christmas, don’t we? My toast to you: “May the wind at your back not be the result of the corned beef and cabbage that you had for lunch!” Drop me a line by going to www. PostcardsLive.com/share and clicking on Dear Gabby for useful advice. Like: Cook your kale with a little coconut oil. It makes it easier to scrape into the trash.

DEAR GABBY

What is it with old people? They don’t have any sense of humor. I put bubble wrap under my neighbor’s door mat and he didn’t think it was funny at all. It really didn’t sound like gunshots, like he said. He won’t even talk to me now.

DEAR GUY

Old people don’t like to be startled. Even a funny guy should be able to figure out why. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have a sense of humor or know how to have fun. I live in the country and last month there was a rampant rumor going around that there was a Bigfoot in the woods. The neighbors said they make screaming noises, whistle and knock on wood to communicate with each other. They were very excited about that. I didn’t have the heart to tell them that I hit sticks of firewood together to get rid of debris before I bring them into the house at night. I whistle for the dog to come in. Oh, yes, and I am surprised by an occasional mouse in the wood rack. I didn’t know anybody could hear me. And they think we don’t know how to have fun!

CONFIDENTIAL TO “WORLD’S WORST DRIVER”:

I’m not so sure. On my last road trip, Siri said: ”In 400 feet, stop and let me out!”

FUNNY GUY

GABBY

Happy 18th birthday to Sharon Holland!

Luis & Lynne Benavides celebrated their 39th anniversary on December 30th.

Bob & Carol VanWassehnova are celebrating their 40th anniversary on February 12th

Is

By Jason M. Balette, MD

Surgery Worth It?

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery), understanding whether it’s right for you is an important step in the research process.

Perhaps you’ve already determined you’re a candidate, but now you’re wrestling with whether the procedure is worth it. Are you sure you want to take that step?

“What I don’t think many people realize is that more than 80% of obese people also have at least one weight-related chronic health condition,” said Dr. Jason Balette, medical director of the Bariatric Program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. “Weight loss on its own is an obvious benefit. But minimizing the impact that increased weight has on a person’s risk of developing many illnesses and diseases is even more important.”

What are the benefits of weight-loss surgery?

Diseases and health issues associated with excessive weight include:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Sleep apnea

• Depression

• Heart disease

• Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Stress urinary incontinence

• Arthritis

• Fatty liver disease

• Migraines

One of the costliest health conditions affecting Americans (currently rising at an alarming rate) is diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates about 21 million people have diabetes, with another 54 million people diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

Weight-loss surgery is shown to resolve type 2 diabetes in up to 83% of people who had the condition prior to undergoing the procedure. Weight-loss surgery can also help with GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and all of the other listed weight-related health conditions.

“Evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may be among the most effective treatments for diseases and conditions including obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Balette said. “Clearly, by moving toward a healthier weight and lifestyle, many serious diseases can be prevented and even eliminated.”

Who can benefit from weight-loss surgery?

Those who can benefit from weight-loss surgery include people who have a BMI of 35 or higher and one or more of the medical conditions mentioned. Additionally, those who have a BMI of 40 or higher can also benefit — since excessive weight puts them at risk.

Weight-loss surgery is only a tool, and long-term weight loss and resolution of weight-related health conditions isn’t a guarantee.

“After the procedure, you’ll have to focus on using this tool effectively,” Dr. Balette said. “Nutritional and physiological teams are available to guide patients to a successful and lasting recovery process. The post-op and follow up process is a vital part to each patient’s success. Managing each patient’s recovery personally ensures the best possible results.”

In other words, those who benefit most from weight-loss surgery are people who are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes, including eating healthy and exercising frequently.

National Treasures

Story and Photos by Wes Altom

It’s no secret most Texans view Colorado as a suburb of Texas, and it is a commonplace occurrence to see Texas license plates all over that state as Texans commute to and from leisure activities. Many Texans may not be aware, however, that a treasure trove of history lies just across the northern border of Colorado in Laramie.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wyoming Territorial Prison opened as a U.S. Penitentiary in 1872 and later became Wyoming’s first State Penitentiary. For 30 years, it held violent and desperate outlaws. During the three decades of operation, 1,200 prisoners (men and women) walked through the front iron doors and occupied the cells. Now a museum, visitors can walk the halls where prisoners were locked up, worked, and lived. This prison is one of only three federally constructed territorial penitentiaries that still exist in the western United States, and the only one in which most of the original structure is preserved.

Through informative displays, visitors discover the stories held behind the prison walls. At the “Big House across the River,” displays of

cells and artifacts reveal the prison’s past. A walking tour includes the prison building, the prison industries building, and the warden’s house. Located next to the prison building, the prison industries building (broom factory) was built to raise revenue, manage the prison population, and maintain a workshop yearround.

History

The prison was built in 1872 and began accepting prisoners in early 1873. The facility had problems from the outset, with a fire in 1873 and recurrent jailbreaks. Of the 44 prisoners accepted in the first two years of operation, 11 escaped. By 1877, the prison was overcrowded. As the prison filled, its reputation worsened, and it became less used, being considered more appropriate for those with light sentences. During the 1880s, the prison was under capacity, with as few as three prisoners at one time. However, in 1889, a second cellblock was constructed, expanding capacity to 150 and providing a central kitchen, dining hall, guards’ rooms, and steam heat. There were at least five cells

for female inmates and several solitary confinement cells. The Auburn Prison System was adopted to manage the prison population. Under this system convicts were sentenced to hard labor, required to be silent at all times, wear black and white striped uniforms, and their identities removed by replacing their names with numbers.

In 1890, Wyoming became a state, and the facility was transferred to the new state, which already had planned a new facility in Rawlins. Butch Cassidy was incarcerated here in 1894-1896. Prisoners were transferred to Rawlins in 1901; the prison was closed in 1903 and given to the University of Wyoming.

The university operated the property to conduct experiments in livestock breeding until 1989. In 1991, the property opened to the public. In 2004, it was established as Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site.

Famous Residents

• Robert LeRoy Parker aka Butch Cassidy, George Parker, and George Cassidy from 1894-1896. He began his outlaw career near Centerville, UT. His father had purchased a ranch known as a den for horse thieves and rustlers. Robert was tutored by outlaw Mike Cassidy and later adopted the Cassidy name. His first crime of note happened in 1897 in Colorado, but prior to that he was in Wyoming and involved in petty theft. His favorite haunts were Brown’s Hole, Hole-in-the-Wall, Lander, Sheridan and Thermopolis (all these areas are in Wyoming except Brown’s Hole, which was where Utah and Colorado met Wyoming).

• Clark Pelton, aka Billy Webster, aka “The Kid,” from 1880-1882; It is thought that Bill Bevins taught Pelton the ways of a road agent. He also ran with other noted outlaws who plagued the stage line that ran the Cheyenne River and was involved in murder, rustling, highway robbery, and interfering with the mail.

• George Currie aka “Flat Nose George” Widely quoted as being an outlaw “just for the fun of it.” He ran with the Hole-in-the-Wall gang for a time and left taking several outlaws

with him. The Gillette-Buffalo-Kaycee area of Wyoming knew George as a likable rancher who may have done a little rustling. The large cattle operations knew George as a man who did train robbery, a lot of rustling, and a little ranching on the side! He was implicated in an ambush murder of a Converse County Sheriff and 1897 murder of a Johnson County deputy.

More About Butch Cassidy

Of those who were locked in cells here, perhaps none is more notorious than Butch Cassidy. The famed outlaw spent roughly 18 months at the prison for stealing horses in the late 1800s, his only prison stint. Cassidy formed his “Wild Bunch” gang of criminals shortly after his release (which involved a pardon by the governor).

Wild Bunch (aka Fort Worth Five)

Broom-making equipment inside prison industry building

Female prisoners worked doing laundry and sewing uniforms.

Cassidy obviously had charm and connections. Many viewed him as a kind of “Robin Hood,” carefully planning heists to steal from the rich while attempting to stay non-violent. Not everyone in his gang, however, had a nonviolent gene. We know for sure that three members--Kid Curry, George Curry and Will Carver--killed people during their reign. There’s a good chance that others in the gang killed as well.

When there are gaps in historical records, vacancies are often filled in by legend. Though there are many facts in the Butch and Sundance story, it has no definitive ending, and legend persists. One ending is that the outlaws were trapped in San Vincente by Bolivian authorities, a gunfight erupted, and the bandits were found dead afterward. Another version claims that 1908 shootout involved two other outlaws deliberately misidentified, providing Butch and Sundance a new life free of pursuing authorities. This version has Cassidy returning to the U.S to live out the rest of his life in peace.

ADMISSION FEES

Adults: $9.00

Youth ages 12-17: $4.50

Children 11 and under Free

May - September 9am - 4pm Daily October-April 10am - 3pm (Wednesday - Saturday)

Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site 975 Snowy Range Rd

Laramie, WY 82070

307-745-6161

wyoparks.wyo.gov

*Must present coupon at the time of service. Some restrictions may apply, please contact our office for complete details. Not redeemable for cash. Cannot be combined with insurance, discounts

any other special offers. Expires March

Butch Cassidy

Vet Connect:

By Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.

How to Spring Clean Your Pet’s Health

Spring is a great time to rethink different aspects of our pets’ health. Here are some tips to give our pets’ health and well-being a little extra attention this spring.

Fill their bowls with good, wholesome, minimally processed foods. Canned foods are better options for animals with chronic inflammatory ailments, including allergies. There are even certain proteins, vegetables, and carbs that are more ideal for specific conditions and seasons. Most highly marketed treats are overprocessed and filled with chemicals which further increase inflammatory responses in the body. Select chews and toys carefully. Overly hard items cause damage and can even fracture the large upper premolars. Multi-layered rawhides can cause gastrointestinal upset and even blockage.

Keep them hydrated. When it’s warmer outside, more moisture is lost through sweating, even if animals do not seem hot. Dehydration can post a serious health risk if severe, and even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, low energy, headaches, constipation, poor appetite, and failure to thrive. Be proactive and offer plenty of clean fresh water throughout the day and night.

Getting enough physical activity every day is really important for our pets. It can be as simple as taking a walk or just spending time outside playing chase or ball. Any activity that gets their bones and muscles moving can help. Humans and animals are genetically programmed to enjoy the outdoors. It engages all the senses and has a big effect on moods and self-esteem. Walking or running on uneven terrain can cause more muscles to engage and improves overall balance. Sun can help the skin produce much needed vitamin D. Bright light exposure helps release serotonin in the body, which can boost overall moods. Be mindful of protection from sun exposure as spring turns to summer. Several protective items are available for pets.

Improve sleep routines by limiting exercise, activities, and feeding large meals within 2 hours of bedtime. Providing a dark, cool place to sleep can also be helpful. Supplements such as melatonin or other treatments for cognitive issues may be helpful, as well as diet changes. Check with your veterinarian.

Watch out for allergens. Springtime brings a spike in outdoor allergens such as pollen. For indoor allergens, spring is a good time to vacuum rugs and carpets, or even replace them if allergies are really bad. A good deep cleaning of dust and moving furniture around to clean under and behind helps, too. This is a good time to change your air filters and use ones rated for allergens. Air purifiers help indoor environments as well. Pet nasal saline sprays are effective to help flush allergens from nasal passages. Use hypoallergenic non-scented wipes or a moist cloth on pets to decrease exposure on the haircoat when coming in from outside.

Make time to check in with your veterinarian. Make sure pets are up to date with recommended health screenings and immunizations and discuss any health concerns you have. Today, 78% of Americans spring clean at least once per year. Let’s not forget about our furry family members!

What’s Cookin’

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (16 oz) bottle stout beer, divided

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 cup beef broth

1 Tbs garlic powder

1 Tbs onion powder

1 Tbs smoked paprika

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Slow Cooker Irish Stew

Ingredients

1 Tbs olive oil, or to taste

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed

3 russet potatoes, diced

1 lb baby carrots

1 large onion, chopped

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef; cook until evenly browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Step 2: Place potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker; top with browned beef.

Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup beer into the same skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of beef off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Stir in tomato paste; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Pour beer mixture into slow cooker.

Step 4: Pour beef broth, remaining beer, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into slow cooker.

Step 5: Cook on Low for 8 hours. Stew can alternately be cooked on High until potatoes and carrots are easily pierced with a fork, 3 to 4 hours.

Shamrock Lucky Charms Treats

Ingredients

3 Tbs salted butter

1 (10 oz) pkg marshmallows

3 drops green food coloring, or as needed

6 cups frosted toasted oat cereal with marshmallows (such as Lucky Charms®)

Directions

Step 1: Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and mix in a few drops of green food coloring (to your desired color).

Step 3: Place the cereal in a large bowl. Add marshmallow mixture and stir until the cereal is well coated.

Step 4: Evenly and gently press the cereal mixture into the prepared pan with a greased spatula. Set aside to cool.

Step 5: Once cooled, remove the treats (with the parchment paper) from the pan and place on top of a cutting board. Cut the cereal treats into shamrock shapes using a shamrock cookie cutter.

Cook’s Note:

If you want an extra fun presentation, separate some of the marshmallow shapes from the cereal before mixing with the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently press the reserved marshmallows on top of the treats after cutting to add some color and design to the final presentation.

By Kim Bius The Azalea……….. Spring’s Grande Dame

Azaleas are easy to grow, but their requirements are very specific. They are acid lovers, thus most soils in our area are their native habitat. Azaleas love rich, loamy soil and prefer raised beds, especially when poor drainage can become an issue. A perfect bed contains 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 heavy humus, and 1/3 growers mix or a sandy topsoil (no clay). Azaleas will tolerate full west sun exposure to a shady habitat, making them extremely versatile. Very sunny areas require additional irrigation, and heavy shade areas do not produce blooms. New plantings will not have an established root system and will require consistent watering at least 3-4 times a week on a 3-gallon size or larger. One-gallon azaleas require more care in becoming established. Three gallon or larger azaleas are generally recommended for planting unless you are a diligent gardener. Maintenance is easy. Pruning is done once a year, after the last bloom fades. Trim all top shoots back to the main “ball,” generally 2’3’ shorter than overall growth. Cut back 50% if they have grown too large for their area. You will see bare stalks for several weeks-in 6 weeks, the dramatic pruning will not be visible. Azaleas must be pruned yearly for best appearance.

Azaleas are fertilized twice a year with azalea fertilizer. Use after pruning and again in 6 weeks. Do not fertilize prior to or during blooming. Liquid or granular iron is often needed several times a year because our soils easily deplete of iron in heavy rains. Limey colored leaves with dark green stems are signs of iron deficiency.

Azaleas do have a few insects/diseases to watch for. Lacebugs can be spotted by mottled leafs that have turned “crispy, white, and devoid of chlorophyll.” Turn the leaf over and you will see hundreds of black and rust colored dots. A systemic liquid insecticide followed by a systemic granular is the best line of defense against repeated infestations. Rust is your next enemy. This fungi affects plants in rainy seasons and is apparent by the rusty powder on the topside of leaves. A systemic fungicide will keep this at bay.

Azaleas are available in a wide range of

varieties, colors, and sizes. The miniatures are the Gumpos. These little guys resemble a helleri holly in mounding growth to a height of 2 ½’ x 2 ½’. They bloom a bit later, but will sometimes “throw” a few single sporadic blooms during summer and fall. Gumpos have large blooms of white or medium pink.

The semi-dwarfs to dwarfs are a large grouping of azaleas that range in height from 3’ to 5’. Kurume and various other hybrids make up the population of this group. The most popular in East Texas:

Red Ruffle – large pink/red double bloom, 3’5’ plant. Easily pruned after blooming to keep them more compact.

Pink Ruffle- large baby pink double bloom, grows a bit taller than red ruffle, if left unpruned.

Fashion – orange/pink bloom, blooms spring and fall. Deep bronze-colored leaves in fall, 3’-4’ plant.

Snow – double white, blooms profusely, spring bloom only.

Christmas Cheer – cherry red bloom, spring and sporadically at Christmas.

Sunglow – blooms later than others, neon pink, blooms into May.

The Encore series has many varieties that fit this category. They will bloom heavily spring and fall and sporadically throughout the year. The kickback is the price. Encore azaleas are patented, so plan on paying double for these (can be easily mixed with standard azaleas).

Southern Indicas are the largest group of azaleas. These hardy azaleas can easily reach 8’ tall x 6’ wide, if left unpruned. They are “prettiest” in full spring bloom,should be pruned (heavily or lightly) after blooming, and maintained at 3’- 4’ or greater.

Purple Formosa produces a raspberry/purple bloom and is the true Formosa of the south; Red Formosa produces a ruby/magenta bloom and is easily detectable by its “hairy” leaves; the Pink Formosa produces a fuschia pink bloom; the G.G. Gerbing produces a large, white blooms and is most susceptible to rust and blight; and the George Tabor is pale pink with a purple throat and always a showstopper. Happy Gardening….Hurray for spring!

Walking into Nothing Bundt Cakes on West Davis Street in Conroe, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Everything about it exudes warmth and joy, from its friendly staff with wide smiles to the colorful cake displays placed around the store. There are examples of decorated cakes for every occasion, from graduations to birthdays to Father’s Day, and the display

case shows off many sizes and flavors of Bundt cakes, from Red Velvet to Strawberries and Cream.

I have to admit I didn’t expect the cakes to be that special. Growing up with a mother who made spectacularly decorated made-fromscratch cakes for every birthday, I was spoiled. I have spent my adult life disappointed over

and over again by cake mixes and bakeries alike, to the point where I told my husband to not even get me a birthday cake anymore. This year, however, I was given a Chocolate Chocolate Chip “Bundtlet” (individual serving Bundt cake) from Nothing Bundt Cakes for my birthday. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I was hooked. Light and fluffy, but still rich and

Story by Linda W. Perkins

Photos by Gina Turner

Owners Carol and Bill Green

chocolatey, with just the right amount of velvety cream cheese frosting, the Bundlet brought back memories of childhood birthdays filled with love and laughter and the kind of chocolate cake I hadn’t had in decades. From now on, I know where my special occasion cakes will come from.

Calling a bite or two of cake a life-changing experience might sound a little far-fetched, yet that is exactly how Bill and Carol Green ended up with three of the Houston-area franchise locations of Nothing Bundt Cakes, including the one in Conroe.

After selling his business, Bill was looking for a new entrepreneurial venture while Carol was still pursuing her corporate career. One day, someone at Carol’s office brought in a Bundt cake for a meeting. She took a bite, and it inspired her to look up Nothing Bundt Cakes online, where she saw they had franchises available. She called her husband and son Josh, who had graduated from Texas Tech with a restaurant and hospitality management degree. At first, they shook off the bakery idea as “kind of girly,” but they agreed to go and try the cakes for themselves.

“They got their Bundtlets, went to the car, opened them up and tried them. Then they called me and said, ‘Okay, we’re in!’” explained Carol. It wasn’t long before Bill and Josh donned aprons and became the first two male trainees at Nothing Bundt Cakes, not just learning how to manage and market the business, but also how to bake the cakes. Soon afterward, the family moved down from Dallas to open the Houston Galleria location (which has now been relocated to Voss and Woodway).

In 2010, the Galleria store represented the company’s early growth, as location #30. The Green family’s store in West University was the 71st Nothing Bundt Cakes location. By the time Bill and Carol opened the Conroe location in April 2020, Nothing Bundt Cakes had 330 locations, and today it is nearing 477 nationwide. The company’s explosive growth hasn’t affected its home-grown feel, however.

“There are 15 locations around the Houston area,” Bill said. “It’s a really close franchise. We all get along, and if any of us need anything, we reach out to the others for help.”

Within the three locations the Greens own and operate, each family member has his or her own role. “Bill is responsible for the back of the house – the baking, frosting, training people – and he is our maintenance guy, going between all three of our locations,” Carol explained. “I do the accounting, and Josh manages the managers down in Houston.”

“He (Josh) isn’t in the bakery as much as he used to be. When we were first getting started, we lived and breathed it 24x7,” Bill added. “Because, when we first opened in the Galleria, no one knew who we were. If you hadn’t been to Dallas and been to one (Nothing Bundt Cakes location), you wouldn’t know who we were, so that first year was tough. But now, just about everyone has heard of us.”

While it was difficult getting the word out about the Greens’ first location, their third location in Conroe has had different challenges, as its opening coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. By the time their

they ready permitting, everything was starting to shut down.

“We literally got the very last health department permit in Montgomery County before they stopped issuing them. The guy came by, did our inspection, handed us our permit, and then said ‘Okay, we’re done.’” Bill said.

Carol said it was hard to find employees to work when the Conroe store first opened. Their younger son Mitchell, a land manager, was in between jobs due to the downturn in the oil and gas market and agreed to come help for a while. An aunt was also instrumental

opening location; worked alongside Carol every day until the location was fully staffed. They found high school and college students to staff the front of the house. And if the pandemic didn’t make it challenging enough, they opened two weeks before Mother’s Day.

“It was crazy. It was the busiest Mother’s Day in the history of the company, nationwide,” explained Bill. “People were lined up all the way around the corner of the building to the dumpster in the back.”

Nevertheless, they didn’t run out of cakes.

“We worked all night and then all the next day to make sure we delivered on all our

orders,” he continued, adding that all the cakes are made fresh onsite.

The top-selling

flavor is Chocolate

Chocolate Chip, Lemon is popular in the spring, and each month they introduce a short-run flavor which is available for six weeks to two months.

“It is an exciting time for our brand,” said Carol. “The current featured flavor is a brand new one…Oreo® Cookies and Cream. Be sure to check it out!” The Blueberry Bliss

Left to Right: Mikaela, Hailey and Cortni

featured flavor, one of Carol’s faves, returns April 3 through May 21.

The Conroe store’s manager, Cortni Peters, not only makes sure the retail operation runs smoothly, but she also handles the franchisee’s robust marketing and community relations program.

As a way of saying thank you for all they do, Nothing Bundt Cakes loves working with the community via fundraisers, donations, etc. “We love doing stuff with the schools,” added Bill. “The administration building here in Conroe loves us!” he said with a chuckle.

While Josh is content to stay in Houston, Bill and Carol are Montgomery residents, so their business is an investment into their new hometown. They hint at the idea of opening yet another location but won’t say where.

“We really can’t say,” Carol says. “It’s still in the dreaming phase.”

Bill and Carol may not want to talk about where their dreams will take them next, but I won’t shy away from sharing one of my dreams. I am already imagining my next family birthday party, which will include a special treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes!

25

Huntsville

Herb Festival at the Wynne Home texasthymeunit.org

Piano Punch: Dueling Pianos oldtowntheatre-huntsville.org

Spring The StepCrew cypresscreekface.org

Sugar Land International Art and Kite Festival sugarlandtx.gov

27

Sugar Land

Astros – Space Cowboys Exhibition Game milb.com/sugar-land

28-29

College Station

“Anastasia”

mscopas.org

28-Apr 4

Huntsville

365 Days/365 Plays (Full-Length) by Suzan-Lori Parks shsutickets.com

31-Apr 1

Huntsville

SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival shsutickets.com

31-Apr 8

Huntsville

Walker County Fair & Rodeo walkercountyfair.com

Mustard Seed Moments

by Linda W. Perkins

Don’t Stop

One of my favorite songs growing up was Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac. The chorus line is “Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow; don’t stop, it will soon be here. It’ll be better than before; yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.” What encouragement for someone going through a tough time! The lyrics embody hope.

The Bible talks a lot about what to do when faced with struggles. We may wish for a carefree existence, but that’s not realistic. Everyone has problems at times in life.

It’s how we handle problems that makes the difference. Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace… take heart! I have overcome the world.” Our hope lies in the Lord. When we trust that God is bigger than all that scares us, our fears are calmed.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

When we trust only in ourselves and our strength to walk through troubled waters, we grow weak and faint. When we lean on Jesus and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, we find peace and joy and strength even in the midst of trying circumstances. We don’t need to wait until tomorrow; we can find what we need today when we go to God.

When we receive God’s grace through salvation, we are given the promise of abundant life for eternity. We are challenged to run the race of life in faith that God will work all things for good, for His purposes, and to press on towards the prize of heaven. When we let go of the past, stop worrying about what might

happen in the future, and focus on living in fellowship with God each day, we gain the strength to keep going even when times are tough.

If you are struggling to run the race of life today, place your burdens at Jesus’ feet, rest in His presence, and find hope in Him. Trust that His plans for you are good, get back up, and walk in faith. Keep your eye on the prize … and don’t stop!

“I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

– Philippians 3:14

H H H H H What our patients are saying

H H H H H Love Dr. Cameron and her entire staff. Always have a very professional interaction with the staff; and I appreciate the competent interaction and enjoyable experience with each appointment or phone call. She was able to help me with her advanced dry eye equipment where doctors in the Woodlands couldn’t. So glad they are on Lake Conroe!

~ Kay M.

H H H H H I am so glad I took my son to Cameron Optical! These people helped find out why my son was having so many headaches. They were extremely thorough with their exams. Dr. Bonnie was so nice and made him feel so comfortable during the whole visit. Realizing the situation my son was facing, they went above and beyond to help me be able to get him the lenses he needed to not only stop his headaches, but fix the problem causing it. They stepped in and helped my son get exactly what he needed when I was struggling to figure out how to afford them. I have never met such an amazing group of people with such big hearts! They don’t just treat you as a patient, they treat you with the love and care of a family member. Without them, my son wouldn’t have what he needed. I am eternally grateful for what they did for my family. I will never trust anyone else with our family’s eye care again.

~ A. Speight