PinPointe Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch

The Reagan Project

Philanthropic Ministry Springs From Family Tragedy

By Cleve Allen

The mission of the Reagan Project Inc. is to provide community outreach in memory and honor of Reagan Allen. As Christians we seek to provide community service to underserved populations by showing encouragement through love and Christ Jesus. To promote relief to the poor, distressed, underprivileged, and combating community deterioration.

- Reagan Project Mission Statement

On January 8, 2014, the Allen family suffered a devastating loss; their 29-year-old son took his own life. This is his father’s account of the circumstances that led to Reagan’s tragic demise.

Reagan, our younger son, inherited bi-polar disorder from his maternal grandmother, and when he was in high school, it reared its ugly head. We took Reagan to doctor after doctor and the answer was the same – drug him. Reagan didn’t like the way the drugs made him feel or act, and he was allergic to many of them. At the same time, he was toiling with his sexuality.

Fast forward to 2013. As best we can tell, this was when he tried and was hooked on crystal meth. If you are not aware, we certainly were not, once you try crystal meth, you are hooked and very few escape this horrible addiction. Life started to spiral downhill. Reagan had been a highly successful software trainer for Fidelity Financial. On the seventh layoff, he was terminated. By the fall of that year, his life was totally out of control and he finally decided he needed help to try and kick his addiction to crystal meth. Right after the first of the year, we secured a bed at a treatment facility in Waco. Because Reagan was gay, he had to be

examined by both a psychiatrist and infectious disease doctor. At the time, there was only one infectious disease doctor in College Station, where we lived.

Reagan was scheduled to have both appointments on January 8th and go to rehab on the 9th. He and I were out getting the last items he needed to take to rehab when Reagan received a call from the infectious disease doctor’s office, canceling his appointment because the doctor had a cold and was staying home. They told us it would be eight days before Reagan could be seen. This news devastated Reagan. We went home. I talked to the rehab center and they said he could not come until he had both medical appointments.

When we got home, Reagan said he wanted to take a nap and to wake him up for the psychiatrist appointment. When I went to wake him, he had hung himself. I tried CPR and called 911. The doctors at the hospital worked on him for close to two hours before finally deciding it was over.

(from left) Jennifer Allen, Rev. Dr. Sterling Allen, Hannah Allen, Cleve Allen, Benadine Allen, and Adrian Griffin, Kids Meals CFO

Reagan Allen

That night, while trying to plan a memorial service, the family decided to be honest about Reagan’s suicide and drug addiction. We have never once regretted that decision.

We truly believe God has laid this path before us. By helping others, and by talking about these issues, we might just save one life.

By Patricia Hudson

In 2015, on the first anniversary of Reagan’s death, the Allen family established The Reagan Project. The ministry’s first gift was a $600.00 donation of Starbucks Gift Cards to the HIV/AIDS ministry at Bering United Methodist Church, Houston. Reagan’s parents, Cleve and Benadine, their son, Reverend Dr. Sterling M. Allen and his wife Jennifer have honored Reagan through annual community service. Projects have included delivering dinners to homeless camps in downtown Houston, serving breakfast tacos to veterans, their families, and VA Hospital Houston staff, and providing 66,372 individual meals, a week’s pantry staples, to single parent and homeless families in Harris and Waller Counties.

“On November 7, 2018, the Reagan Project Inc., became a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit. This allowed us to accept donations on behalf of the ministry. Prior to this, our family covered all of the costs,” explains Cleve, President of the Reagan Project, Inc. “The Reagan Project is supported by the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Missions Committee, church members, community businesses, organizations and individuals. Volunteers come from Good Shepherd Church, Harris County Youth Services, Precinct 1 Community Emergency Response Team (Pct. 1 CERT), the Fairfield 4-H Club, the Jersey Village High School ROTC, and other community groups.”

Since January 2021, The Reagan Project Inc. has supported Kids Meals of Houston with monetary donations of over $33,000. “During the summer when lunch needs increase, the rising cost of peanut butter and jelly, together with the recall of peanut butter made it difficult to get a supply. This year, we were able to purchase $3,000 in peanut butter and jelly, and boxed cereal for Kids Meals,” recalls Cleve. Extending its reach worldwide, the RPI sent two money wires to the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary in Kiev, Ukraine earlier this year. These funds will be earmarked for food and first aid supplies for

Rev. Dr. Sterling Allen, Hannah Allen (Sterling's daughter), and Benadine Allen

those that are unable to flee the bombing and shelling in Kiev due to age and medical condition.

On Sunday, January 8, 2023, The Reagan Project, Inc. will help support Kids Meals’ family food bag operation in delivering approximately 3,399 family food bags of canned goods and a bag of rice or beans. The hope is to fill 2,500 bags with groceries at Good Shepherd Methodist Church that Sunday.

To date, The Reagan Project, Inc., has donated $116,650 dollars in food and supplies for the underserved population of Houston. However, the current economy and lack of substantial donations have caused the Allen family considerable concern. “The Reagan Project, Inc. starts each year with a zero balance. We give away every dollar raised. We do not have any corporate sponsors at this time; all of our monies come from donations. To continue to serve, we need your donations.” Please donate by sending a check to: The Reagan Project, Inc., 20263 Ivory Valley Ln, Cypress, TX 77433, or through Zelle: 512-925-4984. For additional information, email: cleveallen@att.net.

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

Jennifer Allen (Sterling’s wife) and Benadine Allen loading grocery sacks for the food drive

Canine Corner

Sophia would like to introduce you to her new friend, Mayonnaise. Mayo is almost 3 years old and is a big girl at just over 80 pounds. Mayo arrived at Houston Pets Alive! as a four-month-old pup and was quickly adopted to what was thought to be her fur-ever home. Two years later, her family was transferred overseas. Though devastated, they returned Mayo.

Despite her size, she is cuddly, and good with children. Mayo is crate-trained and knows basic commands. She can be excitable at first, but then becomes “super chill” after a bit. She is not much of a talker, but will alert when someone or something is out of place. Mayo is great on a leash and enjoys long walks, toys and sunbathing. The perfect home for this gentle giant is with a suburban family with kids to play with in a backyard she can call her own, laying in the grass, soaking in the Texas sunshine and cuddling on the couch in the evening, surrounded by her new loving family!

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

HPA!’s mission is to save the lives of at-risk companion cats and dogs and find them loving homes. It acts as a safety net for shelters/impound facilities and serves at-risk animals by working to reduce euthanasia, pet homelessness, and animal suffering in the Houston area. HPA! empowers the community through education, outreach, and accessible care.

If you are interested in adding Mayo to your pack, please contact Houston Pets Alive!

info@houstonpetsalive.org www.houstonpetsalive.org 832-786-9310 2800 Antoine Dr. Suite 2854 Houston, TX 77092

Mayonnaise

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

Bridal and Quince Show Expo

Sunday, January 22, 2023 • 12-5pm

La Hacienda Banquet Hall • 12503 Telge Rd • Cypress, TX 77429

Be a part of our Bridal and Quince Show to celebrate the New Year at our Colonial Mexican Architecture-styled venue. Free admission to the public. www.lahaciendabanquet.com

Celebrate Cy-Fair

Friday, January 27, 2023 • 7-10pm

Lindsay Lakes • 16536 Mueschke Rd. • Cypress,TX 77433

Join the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce for a night of full of fun! Enjoy sampling of bites & booze from local upscale vendors, a professional photo-booth, DJ, and a dance floor as we celebrate the best businesses in the Cy-Fair Houston community and unveil the top 3 finalists for Business of the Year Awards in each category!

Underwritten by HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress. Tickets available at CyFairChamber.com.

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

CYFEN Chili Challenge

Saturday, January 28, 2023 • 11am-2pm

Creekwood Grill • 12710 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429

Join the Cyfair Express Network of the American Business Women's Association for our 7th Annual Chili Challenge. This year we will be at Creekwood Grill in Cypress. We will have a live band, raffles, a playground for the kiddos, and CHILI to taste for only $5!

Mark your calendar or if you would like to enter a team to cook or sponsor the event send us a PM or email events@cyfen.org.

Cirque Italia Water Circus

Houston Premium Outlets • 29300 Hempstead Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Thu. Feb. 2 at 7:30pm; Fri. Feb 3 at 7:30pm; Sat. Feb. 4 at 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm; Sun. Feb. 5 at 1:30pm & 4:30pm

Cirque Italia brings a performance of European style. Described as a “vivid, dramatic, and moving experience”. www.cirqueitalia.com

11th Annual Car Show at the Heritage in Towne Lake

Saturday, February 25, 2023 • 10am-5pm

Heritage at Towne Lake Lodge

19201 N. Canyon Lake Springs Dr. • Cypress, TX 77429

Join us for the 11th annual vintage car show in The Heritage, Towne Lake’s Active Adult Community! A portion of the profits will be donated to local charitable organizations. Fun for the whole family! If you would like to display your car please contact: Joe Incognito 281.728.5784 / Lodge Staff 281.373.0970

*Rain date February 26

The Best of Cy-Fair

PLACES T O EAT IN 2023

by Patricia Hudson

Let’s face it; sometimes we base food choices on convenience. Sure, there’s a McDonald’s and Starbucks on every corner, and there are too many Domino’s and Little Caesar’s Pizzas to count. Next time you have a hunger for something delicious, why not support our locally owned and operated food and beverage establishments? Like these Metta’s Local Eats foodies, you might just find your bliss!

Tony Krzyzanowski: I am nominating the newcomer serving the best Italian food at the best prices providing the best service. Grato Italian is the best and makes real deal authentic Italian dishes. I cannot live without Chicken Parmigiana.

Cathy Huebner: Senate Avenue Brewing Company is way more than a brewery. They have a chef. All their food is amazing. I highly recommend the crab cakes, the Mayors Burger, the pretzel and bread pudding!!!

Julie Arnold Dunlap: D’Lites Houston low carb, low sugar soft serve ice cream!

Kristina Perez Elote: from Angels Churros & Chocolate on Barker-Cypress and Creme Brulee

from D’Vine Wine! Love their appetizers and lots of their food items!

Vannessa Henley: I nominate Kurry Walah. I love every dish I’ve ever tried there (we eat there almost every week), but my favorite comfort food is the Chicken Tikka Masala, paired with garlic naan fresh from the oven. Natalita’s Jersey Village is a hidden gem, and home to my favorite enchiladas and nachos. Their carnitas nachos are my favorite nachos EVER. Tender, marinated pork chunks, caramelized to perfection.

Lynda Fikac: Duck ’n Bao Honestly, I love both the chicken and pork soup dumplings, but the pork dumpling is probably the #1 to try.

Susan Mathis: Milkshakes from PoppsParlor and Popcorn (Old Town Spring)

Popps - Parlor and Popcorn

Kurry Walah Chicken Tikka Masala

Senate Avenue Brewing Company Mayor's Burger

D’Lites Houston Soft Serve Ice Cream

Grato Italian Chicken Parmigiana

Suzanne Vo Gilman: I love Pho at La’ Pho & Seafood and everything at Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory.

Jennifer Moya: Blue Water Seafood- I love the fried catfish and the blacked salmon; their veggies are AMAZING. Local Table is my absolute favorite. I have loved everything I have tried, but my favorite is their crab cakes and chipotle burger. Passerella! I’m still dreaming about their Alfredo.

Keri Holloway: Yokohamaya Cypress! I love their Cypress Roll and all of the others too! Definitely the best sushi in Cypress.

Natalia's Carnita's Nachos

Cypress Yokohamaya Cypress Roll

Angels Churros & Chocolate Elote

D'Vine Wine Creme Brulee

Duck ’n Bao Soup Dumplings

by Liz Arrington

In December, my oldest son and I attended the performance of one of our favorite local musical groups. As we settled into our seats, I watched as the players of the Cypress Symphonic Band settled into theirs. Adjusting stands, warming up their instruments, and chatting amongst themselves. Everyone looked relaxed, comfortable, excited for the concert.

The musicians sounded their first note, lingering on that moment when all of the instruments came together in tune. A hush settled over the audience and the conductor took his place. The group launched into a jaunty version of a classic Christmas tune… and we were off on a musical journey that simultaneously lifted your spirit and soothed your soul.

To my surprise, a friend of mine was up on the stage that night playing in the band. Another mom I’ve known for years, our circles have crossed in multiple ways. We’ve been in book clubs, had moms nights out, and attended playdates with our children. I knew she was passionate about music, something we also both have in common, but I had no idea she even played an instrument!

My heart was so happy, not just because I was seeing a friend that I hadn’t seen in a long time, but because she was doing something so entirely her own. She looked so natural up there, surrounded by other adults sharing their gift of music. I looked around and spotted her children sitting nearby in the audience with their dad. Their faces lit up with pride and wonder. One of the kids caught my eye and excitedly waved, pointing up to the stage. “That’s my MOM!”, she mouthed. So proud.

The concert went on, and I was able to catch up with my friend after the final notes were played. I won’t type out our conversation, but I’m sure you can imagine it was animated and joyful and I must have said “I’m sooo happy for you!” over a dozen times. She shared with me

that she’s playing in not one, but TWO different musical groups. She practices at night after her kids go to bed. She feels a little guilty about the extra time away from home for rehearsals and performance schedules, but her husband is awesome and supportive.

I am truly, genuinely, so happy for her. For any mom who finds her way to her passion! For an overwhelming number of women, making decisions about how to navigate life after having children is monumental. Especially when children are very young, and their schedules and needs overtake the hobbies and interests of their parents.

If you’re early in your parenting journey, remember your passions are important. It might be harder to fit them in, when late nights and unpredictable nap schedules leave you exhausted and foggy. It’s okay if it looks different than it used to, and it’s also okay if you have to hit the pause button. Soon, you will round the corner into a new stage of motherhood, one where your children are older and less dependent on you for literally everything.

This is your sign to take action. Surprise your friends, surprise yourself! Pick up your instrument, paint brush, dance, write, read, do more of what makes you feel like YOU! Even if you only have time and energy to do it a little bit at a time, you are worth it. It takes planning, courage, and persistence to follow your dreams- but the joy of doing it is the greatest reward.

Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com

“One of the greatest joys in life is doing what you love”

Hey girl!

By Allison Okuneye

Have you tried taking it out on your partner?

How does this happen? I try every year to get more organized. Make more lists, write it all on the calendar, post it notes everywhere. It never fails, the stress level is there, and I do not have any solution. One thing that I have tried a few times, is raging out against my husband. I know I can't be alone in this. Right?

After all it is his fault that I couldn't find two giant nutcrackers anywhere in town, and I am pretty sure he suggested that I overextend myself over the entire holiday season so by the time January hit I had no energy left. Just when I think life has calmed down, its time for vision boards and a whole recap of last year and all of the ways I need to improve.

Consider this your friendly reminder to work WITH your partner to ensure that you start off the new year working together. It makes everything more difficult and stressful when you aren't on the same page, so here are some tips for working together this year.

Ask for help.

We have to stop expecting our partners to be mind readers. Especially if they have proven to not have this skill in the past. Let go of control, ask for what you need. Be specific.

Find ways to connect.

It is easy to get caught up in social activities and the presence of others. Be intentional about making time for the two of you. If this means folding laundry together, or sneaking away for a lunch date in the middle of the day DO IT. You have to actively LOOK for ways to connect in order to make it happen.

Remind yourself why you chose them in the first place.

Sometimes we are sooo good at finding the faults in our partners, that we forget why we fell in love in the first place. Remind yourself DAILY, moment to moment if you need to, of the reasons WHY you are happy to experience the madness with them. This is not always easy, but if you intentionally look for the positive things your partner does, you might be shocked at the energy shift you feel. There is no doubt that life is stressful, but we can choose to add to our own stress, or find ways to eliminate it and work together. We just have to let go of a little control, and communicate our needs, and actively find ways to work together.

SENIOR YEAR STRESS

Now, I am stuck somewhere between work, school. homework, college applications, self care and trying to have a social life. I am drained.

I am beyond stressed about my future. What do I do after this? Graduation was such a far off goal and now, it is here right in front of me. So many BIG life decisions to make and the pressure is on.

Every decision you need to make has a lasting impact, and knowing this has left me completely frozen, unable to make ANY decision at all. If you are also in this same headspace, here are a few things I think we need to remember in order to help us get through this year.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

When freshman year started, we were barely getting adjusted and Covid hits. We expected to start making our high school years full of memories, and next thing we knew, it is now senior year and we are all stressed.

When I started my senior year my goal was to enjoy myself, no plans, no goals, just have fun. I had not fully come to terms with the fact that this was my last year.

Take the time to do what you enjoy, and spend time with the people that bring you joy. This is a core time in our life, and we have the rest of our adult lives to be stressed and unhappy. Love yourself and those close to you; you do not want to take this stage of life for granted.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT.

That is it. That is the advice.

By Nadiah Okuneye

IT IS OK TO CHANGE YOUR MIND. Have a plan, work towards it, and if you realize it is not what you want, CHANGE it. Sometimes you have to learn more about a topic, or a career to find out that it actually isn’t for you. THAT IS OK. We are learning a lot about ourselves in this transition.

JUST KEEP MOVING.

High school and college is all about learning who we are, and who we want to be. Pursue the things that interest you, focus on what you are passionate about. Just don’t stop moving forward. It doesn’t matter how big or small the step is, just keep moving.

While this year brings a lot of stress, it is also where we learn about ourselves and how we want to fit into this world. We are transitioning to adults. We aren't supposed to have it all figured out when we walk across the stage. This is where life begins, just keep moving forward even if it with small steps. We’ve got this.

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

CFISD Theatre Arts Students Excel at Texas Thespian Festival

More than 140 CFISD high school theatre arts students received first and second place rankings at the 2022 Texas Thespian Festival, held Nov. 16-19 in Grapevine.

Students receiving these designations have qualified for the national competition, sponsored by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), scheduled for June 19-23 at Indiana University— Bloomington.

Cypress Woods High School performed A Monster Calls as part of the festival’s play marathon. Cypress Woods junior Logan LaFave and freshman Masen Spears were both named Excellent Performer. Bridgeland High School production of Requiem for a Heavyweight was selected as one of five mainstage productions at the festival. Bridgeland senior Rex Koern was named Best Actor, fellow Bridgeland senior Jackson Nichols was named Best Supporting Actor, and the production was recognized for Best Props, Best Hair and Best Sound. Bridgeland was also honored with an All-Star

Troupe Display Award. Bridgeland senior Ethan Miller was honored at the closing ceremonies for his Costume Design. Fellow Bridgeland lip sync team comprised of Rex Koern, Joshua Cremer, Jake Ulanday, Rodrigo Gutierrez and Samuel Choi, were also honored at the closing ceremonies.

The following CFISD theatre students received Texas Thespians scholarships:

Bridgeland senior Joshua Cremer – $500; Bridgeland senior Jackson Nichols – $1,000; Bridgeland senior Rex Koern – $1,000; Bridgeland senior Rodrigo Gutierrez – $2,000; Cypress Creek senior Scout Marquez – $500; and Cypress Ranch senior Kenzie Wooldridge – $500

The following students were among those who earned awards or special recognition at the festival:

BRIDGELAND

Costume Design: Zoe Slot, Ethan Miller; Duet Acting: Rex Keorn, Joshua Cremer, Reid Adkison, Matteo Caruso, Sophia Bolanos, Lily Landry; Group Acting: Eden Avera, Ryan Davis, Abigail DiCaro, Anna Grogan, River Kelly, Colin Langenberg, Angelica Melgar, Griffin Paxton, Rylan Perkins, Daniel Salas, Shelby Scott, Kai Stewart; Group Musical: Natalie Green, Rosalie Greenberg, Addison Gully, Cloe Lehmann, Hannah Miday, Haley Mitchell, Hannah Tomaszewski, Samuel Choi, Rodrigo Gutierrez, Caden Van Sickle, Jordan Blunt, Walter Carmack, Jake Ulanday, Joshua Wagner, Gabriella Barbosa, Madeleine Burditt, Kylie Burns, Juliana Cremer, Alexa Divirgilio, Madison Friedman, Kaylia Hairston, Jodi Mercado, Nia Mire, Zoe Ng, Vanessa Salas, Alexis Schelski, Kavy Vo, Ytzel Maldonado; Monologue: Mackenzie Mann; Solo Musical: Jackson Nichols; State Management: Corbin Garrett CYPRESS

RANCH

CFISD students from nine high schools earned first and second place rankings in the 2022 Texas Thespian Festival held Nov. 16-19 in Grapevine.

Group Acting: David Connor, Adam Clark, Landon Rouse, Max Bloom, Ian Hayes, Daphne Garza, Nneoma Mgboji, Sydney Lowe, Camila Horberg-Perez, Henry Harrison, Avery Grace Payne, Ava Truan, Makayla Wright, Aditi Sudharsan, Reuben Bloom, Sebastian Brewer, Grant Tullos, Madeline Kling, Kerrigan Gatson, Parker Edwards, Kayla Ballard, Rouzat Ali, Amaya Brown, Meghana Munduru; Makeup Design: Emma Elsbury; Scenic Design: Jules Megason; Short Film: Adam Clark; Solo Monologue: CJ Friend; Solo Musical: Kenzie Woolridge, Mali Velasquez, Alec Anderson; Sound Design: Brenna Bush

CFISD Football Standouts, Coach Honored as Touchdown Club Award Finalists

Bridgeland High School senior Reid Mikeska and Cypress Ranch High School senior Ashton Porter joined Cy-Fair High School head football coach Jeff Miller in being honored as Touchdown Club of Houston award finalists. They joined fellow honorees in being recognized Dec. 14 at a ceremony at the Bayou City Event Center.

The Touchdown Club’s 43rd annual UIL High School Awards Dinner, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System and Gallery Furniture, showcased the finalists for the organization’s awards.

Mikeska, a tight end for the Bears, was among 10 who were up for Offensive Player of the Year. He helped lead the team to a District 16-6A co-championship and fourth consecutive playoff appearance. Mikeska is verbally committed to the University of Miami.

Porter, a defensive end for the Mustangs, was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. He helped Cypress Ranch earn a share of the 16-6A championship.

Cypress Ranch High School senior Ashton Porter, left, Cy-Fair High School head football coach Jeff Miller, center, and Bridgeland High School senior Reid Mikeska