-year-old Cypress
resident Lieutenant
Colonel Gordon Carpenter has lived a fascinating life. He shares his story in his own words.
“My name is L/Col. Gordon Carpenter; my wife’s name is Elnora. We met in 1951 in Columbus, Ohio, where I was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base as a Sergeant who was assigned as a flying radar trouble shooter on the B-45 jet bomber. In August 1952, I was com missioned as 2nd Lieutenant and that December, married Elnora. Later, I was sent to the Korean conflict as a communications intelligence officer. When I returned, I was assigned to monitor the design of the communications systems to support the Thor ballistic missile deployment. As the Atlas, Titan I and Titan II missiles came on line, My assignment was the same. In 1962, I was directed to complete my Master’s degree at the University of Colorado under AFIT (Air Force Institute of Technology). Upon completion of my studies, I was tasked with monitoring the design of all the electronics in the development of Titan III space launch booster. In 1968, I was assigned to the Aeronautical Standard Group, Department of the Air Force and Navy in Washington D. C. as the Air Force member. When that Unit was cancelled by Congress, I was assigned to take over all control of the Standards
and Specifications of the Air Force. Upon completion of my four -year tour there, the Commander of Los Angeles Air Force Base wanted me back in Los Angeles to evaluate problems which occur on one satellite program that didn’t show up on the other satellite programs. In 1978, I hit my 28 years in the Air Force, so it was time to retire. All that time my wife and our three children had to follow me on my assignments,” recounts Carpenter.
For daughter Becky, memories of those years are treasured. “My brothers and I love the military life. We moved a lot but we have, to this day, friends all over the United States. The best advice my dad ever gave me and my brothers was to always have respect and patience for others. Mom was always
there for us and our friends. She was a superwoman during the holidays, decorating the house and baking tons of cookies and candies. She was amazing,” she recalls.
“After my Air Force retirement, I accepted a job as a college professor in Electrical Engineering at California State University in Long Beach, California. While there, another professor and I didn’t like the book on solid state design, so we wrote our own. It was used by some colleges for almost thirty years. Once the internet became popular, sales declined, so we closed down the printing of it. After thirteen years of teaching, I finally retired again.
In 1994, we decided to move to Texas to be closer to our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. (We do have more grandchildren in Kentucky and Colorado). Having 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, we aren’t low on family love.
When we moved here, I really enjoyed my garden time and golfing with my son and his wife. Since I developed congestive heart failure and weak lungs, my favorite past times are gone. Then, in 2021, my beautiful wife was diagnosed with Dementia/ Alzheimer’s. I can’t put into words how devastating this disease was for me and my three kids, but we pulled together to make sure she is taken care of an able to stay home with her family. My wife and I
are truly blessed to have children to put their lives on hold to make their mother comfortable and happy,” concludes Lieutenant Colonel Carpenter.
“Dementia has taken all that away. No memories, no thoughts. It’s a devastating disease.” adds Becky sadly.
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 at: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
Summer is here, and so is the hot housing market! If you're planning to sell your home this season, don't sweat it. I've got some cool tips to help you prepare your home for the scorching summer market.
1. Amp Up Your Curb Appeal:
Make a lasting first impression by sprucing up your front yard. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add pops of summer color with flowers. It is too hot here to buy expensive flowers. Grab some from HEB and replace them when you inevitably let them die. We all do it. Let’s accept it.
2. Windows that Shine, Sunburns Decline: Clean your windows early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid battling the sun's wrath. It is not a proven fact, but I have a theory you could endanger your life with an ill placed reflection from the rays!
3. Embrace the Scents of Summer:
That scent would be pure AC. Don’t fall for blogs that tell you to open windows and let the fresh air in. We don’t have any right now. That brings us to #4.
4. Cool Air, Warm Hearts:
Keep potential buyers comfortable by ensuring your air conditioning is in top shape. Make them feel at home, even in
the midst of summer's heat. I walked out of more than one home when I was looking because it was hot. There was nothing I needed to see upstairs under those conditions!
5. Stage with a Summer Vibe:
Add cheerful accents throughout your home to create a summery feel. Think bright throw pillows, beach-themed artwork, or a bowl of fresh citrus fruits. Do not mistake this for advice to have a bowl of shells. That went out of style when I was a first grader and now I am a mom of adults.
Selling your home in the hot summer market doesn’t have to be a meltdown. Stay calm, embrace the summer spirit, and get ready to showcase your home's sizzling potential.
Sophia has a new friend. Her name is Reba, and she is being fostered by a caring Cypress neighbor. Reba is a lovely 1.5-yearold, 45 pound red Border Collie Mix. Reba can be a bit shy at first; no doubt, we discovered, because she was tossed out of a car. She has been learning to trust again. “Once she warms up to you, she is the sweetest cuddle bug,” says foster mom Kristin Carroll. “She is really a gentle girl that wouldn’t hurt a fly. She likes to sing to you at dinner time if you’re taking too long to feed her! She is good on a leash without pulling, but needs more training to learn to walk at your side. Sometimes, fast movements can startle her, so a house that is calm and with no little children might be best. When she gets over excited, she sometimes gets a bit jumpy and may try to give you a hug. She’s working hard at learning that she shouldn’t do this, so we give her encouragement and grace if this behavior occurs.”
When it comes to meeting new people, Reba warms up faster to ladies than men, but once she gets to know you, she will be your shadow and is happy to just lay at your feet. Reba does well with her crate and if afraid, recognizes it as her safe space. She is house trained and would definitely love to have at least one doggie playmate to help build her confidence. She has three female Border Collie foster sisters that she loves to play, snuggle, and goof around with. While she has never had close contact with cats, she has
seen a few, barked at them and chased them along the fence line. Reba is not sure if she likes them, but definitely enjoys the chase. Reba shares toys well and relishes treats as a reward. One thing that Reba is not fond of is getting in and out of a car. Cars just still scare her, but with time, her foster mom is confident that she will let go of that fear. Reba is waiting patiently in northwest Houston to meet her new family.
Border Collie Rescue & Rehab is a network of volunteer foster homes; all dogs that are adopted through BCR&R come from loving, caring homes, straight to the adopter. Dogs are evaluated, rescued and rehabilitated. All are fully vetted: vaccinated, spayed, neutered and microchipped. For information about completing an Adoption Application for adopting Reba, go to Border Collie Rescue and Rehab, bc.rescue.rehab@gmail.com, and check out their Facebook page.
Cypress Triathlon
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Bridgeland Festival Park • Bridgeland Landing Dr • Cypress, TX
Back for our 16th year as the most anticipated race of the season! Youth Triathlon and Doggie Du on Sat., Sprint Tri, Duathlon & Super Sprint on Sun. bayoucitytriseries.com/cypress
Hempstead Watermelon Festival BBQ & Cook Off
Thursday, July 13 - Saturday, July 15, 2023
Downtown Hempstead • Texas Chrome Hero's Foundation
Free Admission. Live entertainment, Watermelon Contest, Food, Rides & More. More info at www.hempsteadwatermelonfestival.com
Christmas in July Sip & Stroll
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 • 3-6pm
15800 Longenbaugh • Houston, TX 77095
Shop with unique Cy-Fair vendors. RSVP to Tiffany at 281-815-8013
College Campus Safety Seminar
Sunday, August 6, 2023 • Presented by Silverback Self Defense
11688 Barker Cypress Rd. B-1 • Cypress, TX 77433
Designed for young women who are going to be living on their own for the first time. Basic training focusing on awareness of surroundings and avoiding becoming a victim. Hands-on striking techniques and how to escape the most common grabs, chokes and holds. Contact Robert Webre at 713-894-6105 for more information.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Back To School Bash
Saturday, August 12, 2023 • 9am-Noon
9606 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095
Open to CFISD Students in need. Join us for a fun family day and pick up FREE school supplies. Games and activities, Books, First Responders with equipment, Face Painting, Family Resources and more! For more info visit: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org.
Accepting Donations until Thurs, August 3, 2023 Mon-Thu 9am-12:30pm
Drop off at CFHH offices: 9606 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095
Wish list: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1E3FW17BZ2DX5
2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace
Saturday, September 9, 2023 • 9am-5pm
The Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, Texas.
2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace
Annual fundraiser for Scholarships and nonprofits in our community. 300+ booths & 250+ vendors. Free parking and free admission. No strollers, wagons, rolling carts. cy-fair-womens-club.portalbuzz.com
CFISD Summer Camps Available
Visit www.cfisd.net/Page/1903 for more information.
Bridgeland Sports Camps
Visit www.cfisd.net/domain/1071 for more information.
FREE Healthy Summer Meals for Kids
This summer, Cy-Fair Nutrition Services will connect children 18 years old and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy breakfasts and lunches at no cost to the child. Visit the website for locations and service times. https://www.cfisd.net/Page/5565 #CFISDforAll #CFISDspirit
Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
Eleftherios Stamatakos, known as “Lefty” or “Terry” to his friends and followers, is the owner of “Simply Greek,” located at 14030 Telge Rd. Cypress, TX 77429. Simply Greek is just that, a local pop owned shop that serves up some of the most delicious authentic Greek food around town. No burgers, no pizza, no hot dogs; just go ole tasty Greek food.
Lefty bought out this location just a few months back and has transformed it into his vision of homeland cuisine, which is gaining popularity by the day. Before his brick and mortar, Lefty owned and operated a food truck in the Spring Branch area, but travelled all over the greater Houston Metropolitan bringing his soughtafter Gyros to the public and his growing list of followers.
Born in Europe, Lefty grew up on the streets of Greece. As a young boy, Eleftherios always loved cooking. He enjoyed the way aromas and natural ingredients would elevate a dish and the excitement for him was in perfecting by practice. He opened his first tiny Gyro stand along a small alley in Greece. Before he knew it, he was selling out daily and could hardly keep up with the demand. “I’ve been in the
business for over 30 years and for me, it’s still best business in the world,” he asserts.
When Lefty went to New York to attend culinary school, he found himself missing the intricate fast-paced environment of the kitchen and opened a small pizzeria. Classes
completed, Lefty headed for Houston to understand its demographics and culture and fell in love.
Settling in Cypress, Lefty reflects on his decision. “This town is welcoming, and the folks really love good food at a reasonable cost. I want folks to know that I am thankful for their support these last four months. On Opening Day, I did six tickets. Now things have grown with so much support that I stay busy every day. I could not be more grateful.”
Eleftherios’ lone helper is his trusty friend and kitchen manager, Sammy Ortega. Sammy came to Lefty five years ago when he started as the dishwasher. He has since proven himself invaluable, and these two guys knock it out of the park. But let’s talk food. I am confident that like me, once you try Simply Greek, you will definitely return. While the restaurant has a limited all Greek menu of traditional offerings, his specials change weekly. The Moussaka is heavenly with its eggplant base, smothered in a creamy bechamel. They serve up one of the tastiest Pastitsio, a Greek lasagna and crowd pleaser. Lefty’s take on the Saganaki is a comfort food of pan fried flambeed cheese served with pita is hard to share, as it’s so good.
Lefty invented a heaping pile of “Greek Nachos,” Gyros and cheeses and all the good Greek things piled high on soft pillowy triangles of pita bread. Other favorites include his Gyro platter, Falafel, and the appetizers are all a must have. The Hummus hands down is one of the best anywhere.
The website is currently under construction. For more information, go to the Simply Greek Facebook page. Have a question? Contact Lefty at 631-902-5119.
Metta Archilla-Isheda is a contributing writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, and #onmettasfork. On Metta’s Fork is a local mom and pop commercial kitchen that brings a touch of Southern comfort dinners incorporating fresh local ingredients to your table. Metta is the creator of “Mah Pahs,” a savory spin on a crusted pie, as well as a variety of heat and eat quiches, hearty stews and soups. Connect with Metta Archilla directly On Metta’s Fork and via her Facebook social media page.
CYPRESS TRAIL HIDEOUT
ALL SHOWS START AT 7P
7/1 PECOS JANE
7/7NIGEL EDISON
7/8WES NICKSON
7/14THE VIBES
7/22HURRY SUNDOWN
ROSEHILL BEER GARDEN
ALL SHOWS START AT 7P
7/1CODY TAYLOR
7/7BRETT AXELSON
7/8THE PELOS BAND
7/14MIKE AMABILE
7/15THE DREWBADOUR
7/21MIKE GILBERT
7/22LOUIS LAMB
7/28FRANK MARTIN GILLIGAN
7/29MATT SEBASTIAN
8/26HURRY SUNDOWN
BREW:30 TAPHOUSE
SHOWS START AT 6:30
7/15MARK CHILDRES
7/21LIVE IRISH MUSIC
7/28KATIE KATY
LAMBEAUS
SHOWS START AT 7P
7/11MATT SEBASTIAN
7/18RYAN PINNICK
7/25JAMES ROOSA
HIDDEN CELLAR WINE BAR
SHOWS START AT 7P - SCHEDULE TBA
THE BARN
SHOWS START AT 8P
7/7SHAWN LEE STAMPS
7/8THUNDERPANTS
7/14THE COMMON GROUND BAND
7/15THE LONELY ROAD BAND
7/22COLE STEPHENS
7/28THE TOADIES
8/11ONE OF THESE NIGHTS (EAGLES TRIBUTE)
8/18 THE LOST 80’S LIVE (FLOCK OF SEAGULLS)
MASONS NORTHPOINT
SUNDAYS 12-3P - SCHEDULE TBA
MO’S IRISH PUB
VINTAGE SHOWS START AT 8P
7/1TYLER HODGSON
7/7MR. WONDERFUL
7/8JAMES ROOSA
7/13VINCE KING’S ROCKIN COUNTRY
7/14TEXXAS HEAT
7/15HONEY BOY NELSON
7/21THE FAB 5
7/22BROOK ALYSON
7/28JUBA & THE JUKEBOX JUNKIES
7/29HEATHER RAYLEEN BAND
MAIN STREET CROSSING
SHOW TIMES VARY
7/5THREE HOT CHILI PEPPERS & EVERLONG (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS / FOO FIGHTERS TRIBUTE)
7/6DYLAN WHEELER & LOGAN JAHNL
7/7CHAD PRATHER
7/8BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE
7/9BRITISH INVASION TOUR
7/11BEET ROOT REVIVAL
7/12CODY HIBBARD
7/13PEARL JAM TRIBUTE
7/14WILLY & WAYLON TRIBUTE
8/27WADE HAYES
8/30RUTHIE FOSTER
8/31SHEMEKIA COPELAND
2920 ROADHOUSE
7/8MOE BANDY - LIVE
7/14FRANK FOSTER
7/15GLEN TEMPLETON
7/22JOHN CONLEE WITH JESSE LOVING
7/28WAYNE TOUPS
8/4PIANO PUNCH
8/26JON STORK
9/8JAKE WORTHINGTON
9/16ALREADY GONE (EAGLES TRIBUTE)
9/22MICKY & THE MOTORCARS
9/23NEAL MCCOY
9/29BRAXTON KEITH
9/30JOHNNY LEE THE FAREWELL TOUR
All images credit: Daniel Arizpe/ OnScene.TV
July 14: Space Cowboys vs. Sacramento, Regions Bank Suite. Catch bus at FBC at 5:00 (PROMPT). Buffett $55.00. Friday night fireworks!
August 7: Classic Adults CyFair Helping Hands Potluck will give you an overview of their presence in Cypress. Register with Good Shepherd and bring a dish to share.
August 24: Potluck at Lakeside Trails Clubhouse, 16125 Country Fair Lane, in Fairfield. Ice Cream Social with finger sandwiches.
August 30: The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Tour, Murals of Houston, and lunch at Treebeards on your own. $10.00. Leave FBC at 9:00 am.
September 19: Port of Houston boat ride, lunch at Ninfa's on Navigation, visit the Beer Can House. Leave GSC at 8:30 am. $5.00
September 26: Explore historic LaGrange starting at the Visitors Center. Lunch on the square on your own. Tour the Texas Czech Heritage Center, visit a local bakery, tour the Santa Claus Museum in Columbus. Leave at 8:30 am from FBC. $10.00
October 17: Danish Museum tour, pioneer house, and lunch (cooked by church women). Enjoy a brief history of the area, and a 15 minute video on Danevang history. Leave from FBC at 8:30. $25.00
October 26: Halloween Potluck at Lak eside Trails Clubhouse, 16125 Country Fair Lane, in Fairfield. Gather at noon. Wear your festive Halloween attire. Prizes and fun.
August 4-14: Niagara Falls and Toronto: $1369.
November 13-18: Branson Christmas Show: $750.
For more information, contact Jo Ann Lambert at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie Devine at jackie.devine@comcast.net.
Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools for CFISD, announced his retirement effective December 2023 on May 8. His retirement announcement follows a 42year education career in which he served 32 years as a superintendent—including the last 12 years in CFISD.
During his time in CFISD, Dr. Henry has been named Region 4 ESC Superintendent of the Year. He oversaw the passage of two bond programs—a $1.2 billion referendum in 2014 and a $1.762 billion referendum in 2019—that addressed significant student growth, facility renovations, transportation upgrades and safety and security enhancements.
The CRABC Board congratulates the follwing 2023 Scholarship
Recipients:
Joah Bramwell, Golf
Camryn Clark, Track
Joshua Coniff, Cheer/Baseball
Kaitlyn Harred, Volleyball
Tobias Motley, Baseball
Cort Roberson, Baseball
Kristina Sanchez, Soccer
Josh Smothers, Football
Taylor St. Fleur, Cheer
Reuben Thomas, Soccer
District 16-6A softball coaches released the 2023 AllDistrict Teams. Bridgeland High School senior Trinity Allen was named Offensive Most Valuable Player and Bridgeland junior Sydney Jackson was named Pitcher of the Year.
The following CFISD athletes were among those named to the All-District 16-6A First Team, Second Team and Honorable Mention Team:
FIRST TEAM
Bridgeland
Lilli Piersons
Haylie Stum
Chayne Allen
Mia Landry
Ellen Shull
Trinity Allen
Sydney Jackson
Cypress Ranch
Vanessa Soza
Victoria Sossaman
Emily Landry
Cypress Woods
Megan Huang
Halee Vance
Haley Crawford
Kassidy St. Clair
Students from Bridgeland and Cypress Ranch high schools were recognized as winners at the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) Tommy Tune Awards, held May 4 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The Tommy Tune Awards are Houston’s high school version of the Tony Awards, which recognize and celebrate musical theatre.
The 2023 awards were highlighted by Cypress Ranch High School senior Makenzie Woolridge being named a Jimmy Awards Nominee Winner for her role of “The Witch” in the school’s production of Into the Woods, and Bridgeland High School senior Jackson Nichols being named a Jimmy Awards Nominee Runner-Up for his role of “Applegate” in the school’s production of Damn Yankees. The National High School Musical Theatre Jimmy Awards is a
SECOND TEAM
Bridgeland
Mady Taylor
Rylie Marquart
Cypress Ranch
Amarissa Garza
Ashlynn Massey
Cypress Woods
Samantha De Los Santos
Abigail Sliman
HONORABLE MENTION
Bridgeland
Molly Swisher
Chesley Swisher
Cypress Ranch
Mia Diaz
Reagan Morse
Ryleigh Senegal
Cypress Woods
Hailey Summers
national competition that brings together students from across the country to work with Broadway professionals for a week. The week concludes with the Jimmy Awards, which includes both awards and scholarships.
