3 February | March 2017
PinPointe Magazine
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Contents ON THE COVER: Mary Anne Heckman with Finn & Sharky
Serving the Community of Coles Crossing
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9 6 Solid Gold Support: Golden Retrievers, Dog Therapy Volunteer Offer Cheerful Support to the Aged, Infirmed, Youth
9 This is Home: A Letter to My Community 12 Canine Corner
8 PinPointe Magazine Salutes Community 14 How Watching Cartoons With My Child Made Me a Better Parent Eateries, Beverage Businesses and Artisans for Charity Fundraising 15 Cy-Woods Student Spotlight
PinPointe Magazine
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Solid Gold Support
PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Golden Retrievers, Dog Therapy Volunteer Offer Cheerful Support to the Aged, Infirmed, Youth By Patricia Hudson
“Dog therapy is truly my passion; I love having the dogs make people happy and put smiles on their faces.” (left to right) Sharky, Mary Anne, and Finn
Undoubtedly one of the best commercials airing currently is one sponsored by a dog food company. The scene: a hospital room where a sick young girl lies in her hospital bed, resignedly offering her arm for yet another dreaded “treatment.” The nurse says, “We’re going to try something different, today.” To the little girl’s delight, a Grand Pyrenees /Bernese Mountain Dog mix trots in to bringing cheer her way. Coles Crossing resident, Mary Anne Heckman bills herself as a “Graphic designer, photographer, golden retriever lover and pet therapy volunteer.” It is her love of her goldens and her work as a pet therapy volunteer that garners attention for this Cypress resident.
Why did you decide to become a dog therapy volunteer? “I was at lunch with a friend and she told me about Faithful Paws. I decided that would be rewarding and a fun thing to do since my graphic design work had slowed down. This was in 2017. The dog therapy helped me recover from what a terrible year 2017 was. My mother was in the hospital from January, until she passed away in May. My sister and I had to deal with readying donations and an estate sale; the company that did it was AWFUL. Both of my previous goldens died in January 2017; I had Finn for two days before I put the first one, Buffett, to sleep. Hurricane Harvey flooded the house I had inherited from my mother. Work on the 6 September | October 2021
- Mary Anne Heckman house had been finished just two days before the hurricane came; there was even a “Coming Soon for Sale” sign in the yard. I wrote Connie Richards, founder of Faithful Paws, telling her how much she and Faithful Paws meant to me and how they saved me from a terrible time in my life.” Are Finn and Sharky rescue dogs? No, they both came from show dog breeders. I did not want to show my dogs, so I bought pets. I was already doing therapy with Finn when I got Sharky, so that was my purpose immediately with Sharky. What are their strengths? They are completely different dogs when they go for therapy visits. They know that is their job, and know what to do. Sharky really loves kids and Finn loves everyone. Heather Sessions and Mary Anne bonded over their love of Golden Retrievers. “After I lost my Goldens, Ellie Mae and Lilly, Mary Anne worked very hard to find the perfect dog for me, tagging every golden retriever rescue and breeder she could find on Facebook. You should ask her about the time Sharky ate a huge piece of raw chicken when she turned her back for three seconds. Or when he stole cake from someone that she was handing it to,” laughs Heather.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mary Anne and her pups were making more than 20 visits a month to facilities such as Spring Cypress Assisted Living and Memory Care, Sampson Elementary and Spillane Middle Schools and Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “We also visited the airport during Christmas holiday travel for United Airlines, and Lone Star Cy–Fair and Tomball High Schools for support during finals.” Finn and Sharky have resumed visiting memory care facilities, hospitals, and schools. ”I hope to increase our twice monthly visits to Methodist Willowbrook to every week, at some point.” To date, Finn has made 164 therapy visits, and Sharky, 90 visits.
How do Finn and Sharky made a difference in the lives of residents/patients/students? “There were two patients at Methodist Hospital. Patient 1 was a lady that had been unresponsive for several days. We walked in with the dogs and she sat up and starting loving on them. Her daughters were crying; they were so happy we came in because she actually woke up. We were told she was being discharged that day, and the daughters were taking her home to die. This gave them actual time to talk to their mom before she passed away. Patient 2 was at our last visit last month. I walked into the lobby at Methodist; this girl saw us and came running over. She said, ‘Thank you so much for being here, you have no idea what this means to me. My dad was just taken off a respirator from a heart attack.’ Her whole family then came over to love on the dogs. Both times, it is very rewarding to be able to help someone, but I had to turn away to hide my tears! I was so happy the dogs made a difference in someone’s final days. My goddaughter is a student that reads to the dogs. On one of the first visits to Sampson Elementary, she turned to me and said, ‘I can’t believe this is the same dog, (Sharky), because he is crazy at home, but so good here!’ “I told her they both know that therapy work is their job; they are great at it, and love to do it.”
“Mary Anne Heckman, along with her dogs Finn and Sharky, are part of the founding members of our pet therapy team at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Their purpose is to provide comfort, a little distraction, and pure joy wherever they go! We recognize that patients often benefit emotionally and even physically when the dogs visit, which can have an impact on their hospital stay. Employees also always look forward to a visit from Finn and Sharky and frequently ask when they’re coming back to the hospital. Mary Anne and her dogs are a blessing to the hospital, our patients and staff. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership,” comments Laura Gomez, Project Manager, Volunteer Services/Guest Relations, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Faithful Paws was founded in 1997 as a ministry of Bellaire United Methodist Church. The purpose of the organization is to provide a team of organized volunteers, involving the trained animals specifically designed to administer unconditional love and therapy to adults and children in nursing homes or hospitals, and to share the love of our pets with the people they visit. For more information about Faithful Paws, go to www.faithfulpawshouston.org. Paws for Therapy was founded in 2019 by a group of pet volunteers that are also members of Faithful Paws. Their mission statement is to provide affection, comfort, and love through therapy animals to people in various settings within the Houston metro area. To volunteer with Paws for Therapy, go to: www.pawsfortherapy.org.
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, p l e a s e contact me at: texasteacher024@outlook.com. PinPointe Magazine
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PinPointe Magazine Salutes AROUND Community Eateries, Cy-Fair Beverage Businesses and Artisans for Charity etta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity culminated its 2021 second quarter fundraising with an M Fundraising awards presentation held at Creekwood Grill. With Story by Patricia Hudson Photos by David Postma - Genesis Photographers
more than 40 food and beverage businesses participating, the event recognized the top fundraisers. MLE Dine Out for Charity raised over $30,000, surpassing the $27,000 raised for Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ programs in 2020. “These funds will allow us to better serve the homeless, as well as Cypress families struggling to put food on the table,” explains Executive Director of Community Outreach, Pat Hudson. “We are grateful to each of the participating restaurants, bakeries, and beverage businesses. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Metta’s Local Eats ‘foodies,’ for supporting Dine Out for Charity and to the hard working and caring Dine Out for Charity Executive Board.” Award Recipients in each category were presented with a framed certificate. In place of this edition’s restaurant review, PinPointe Magazine recognizes the top fundraisers.
8 September | October 2021
Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity 2nd Quarter Top Contributors 2021
Cottage Baker/Artisan 1st - Old 300 Ranch 2nd - Alchemy Bake Lab 3rd - The Spice Hippies 4th - The Flour Petal Bakery
Fred Stewart, GM - Backyard Grill with Committee
Restaurant 1st - The Backyard Grill 2nd - The Union Kitchen Cypress 3rd - Cypress Trail Hideout/Pappa Charlie’s Barbeque 4th - The Union Kitchen Katy 5th - Bao Bros Bistro
Multiple Location 1st - The Union Kitchen 2nd - Ambriza 3rd - Romero’s Las Brasas
Craft Beer/Wine 1st - Brew: 30 Taphouse 2nd - Wicked Boxer Brewery 3rd - The Hidden Cellar Wine Bar
Anthony Messina, GM - Union Kitchen Towne Lake with Committee
Storefront Baker 1st - Angel’s Churros ‘n Chocolate 2nd - Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee and Bakery 3rd - Cake Fine Pastry 4th - The Cupcake Cowgirls 5th - Just Love Coffee
PinPointe Magazine
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This is Home.
A LETTER TO MY COMMUNITY.
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here is no place like home. A phrase that we have heard a million times. Most of us know that it's never actually about the "home". It is the feeling, energy and love that we all want to experience inside of the home. The thing that I missed THE MOST about Cypress for the last 2 years was that Texas "feeling".If you know, you know. I never realized how important that feeling was in my daily interactions until we moved away. It's the little things, like chatting with the cashier at the grocery store, driving around without people honking their horns in anger at everyone,the genuine care and consideration for those around you, and the willingness to help and give whenever you are able. (I could go on and on..but you get the vibes) We knew we had to get back to this community, and two years later, here we are. Before we even had luggage out of the car we had neighbors offering their help. The thing about Texans, when they offer something, they truly mean it.
That feeling, experience and community that we missed so badly was there right away upon arrival.
I got choked up and emotional because this was what we missed. This was Home, and I had not even stepped into our house yet. Over the next few days we met so
10 September | October 2021
BY ALLISON OKUNEYE
many people who showed us so much love (and bourbon) and the genuine, caring, authentic excitement that was shown was overwhelming. There was a genuine excitement to welcome us into their homes and lives with open arms.
I wanted to share this experience as a reminder to all of us that we are active participants in the lives of those around us and THAT is what makes this community unique. We all know how great Texans are at in times of need (Ice storms, Harvey, etc.) and we should also keep that same energy in our daily, mundane interactions with each other. The love that we felt from our neighbors, and our community at 11:30 pm on a random Friday night in July after a 15 hour drive, meant EVERYTHING to my family. Thank you to our neighbors for the warm welcome, and thank you to our community for making the adjustment so easy. There TRULY is no place like home, and we are officially HOME.
PinPointe Magazine
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Canine Corner
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
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appy Fall, y’all! My mom and I often wonder what ever happened to the dogs whose stories we have shared. Have they found loving homes? Are they living their “Happily Ever After?” We featured Beau, a sweet basset fostered through Basset Buddies Rescue of Texas in 2019. We were so excited to hear that right after our article was published, Beau was ADOPTED! Alison Malone, his foster mom, says, “He is spoiled rotten!” The Bartletts, his adoptive family, was happy to share some photos and an update by their teenaged daughter, Gabby, who has forged an amazing bond with Beau.
“Beau has been with us for a little over two years now. For those two years, him and I have been best friends. Ever since the first day we got him, he’s been a sassy ball of light in our life, and loves swimming and snuggling with us. He’s blended so well with our whole family and our other dogs, constantly putting up with their craziness and them forcing him to “play” with them. Ever since the day we saw that Beau was looking for a home, we knew that our family needed him as much as he needed us. This turned out to be a decision that constantly keeps us all smiling.” If you know of a dog rescue organization with a foster in need of a forever home, please contact us at texasteacher024@outlook.com.
12 September | October 2021
Watching Cartoons With My Child
How
Made Me a Better Parent by Liz Arrington
’m cuddled up on the couch with my six-yearold son to watch a new show that I’ve heard a lot of friends talking about. Classical music plays as the first scene opens to a family of cartoon dogs playing together in their living room. The dad is pretending to play piano, and then the bongos, on his two daughters while they squeal with laughter. What happens next can only be described as absolutely delightful mayhem. Bluey- the big sister- is not sharing with her little sister, causing conflict and frustration during the game. Eventually the sisters work out their conflict, ending the episode sitting contentedly together while Dad remains fully committed to his role in their silly game. It’s hilarious, meaningful, musical, playful, and magical all at once. We are immediately hooked.
Through Bluey, my kids and I were able to reconnect through the power of play. I found myself drawing inspiration from the episodes and was served with many reminders to be more aware of my tone of voice, my willingness to slow down and connect, and just generally enjoy more of the time I spend with my kids.
Over the course of our long summer break, my family has watched every episode of this Australian children’s show- appropriately named, Bluey. Even my teenager secretly admits that he likes it. Ever since my little one and I watched that first episode
As Bluey is gaining popularity in the US, reviewers and early childhood professionals alike are pointing out the significance of this show for today’s young families. It really seems to capture the essence of modern parenting.
I
14 September | October 2021
together, he frequently climbs into my lap and starts singing the tune that is played in that first scene. Without speaking, I understand what I’m meant to do, and I begin vigorously “playing” the tune out on his back, like a wiggly little keyboard. This show has brought the game of “Keepy-Uppy” into our house, a game called “Octopus”, as well as countless other small ways of adding more playful interactions into our daily life.
This idealized image of parenting can make some parents uncomfortable and possibly left feeling a little guilty as they watch the grown ups in Bluey’s world play and entertain their children in the most over-the-top and spectacular ways. But, it’s not all fun and games. Some storylines are genuinely touching and emotional. Particularly one episode where the mom, Chili, recounts intense worry and competition with other babies in Bluey’s playgroup, until a more experienced mom gives her a hug and a pep talk. The parents have to leave to go to work, or engage in hobbies, fix a toilet, or hang out with friends. Sometimes they’re a little impatient, too tired to play, or just bored. But they show us how to parent through the imperfection, empowering their littles ones in the process. If I could sum up a few of the key lessons for parents as demonstrated in the world of Bluey, here are a few of them:
● You can be playful and fun, while still maintaining boundaries and structure for children.
● Imaginative playtime is the best playtime, and doesn’t have to involve a lot of “stuff”. ● Don’t be embarrassed about how your playful parenting looks to others.
● Your children learn by practicing and working through problems on their own. ● Messes can always be cleaned up.
● Engage fully when you can. A brief moment of fully engaged play is far more connecting than a long period of distracted or rushed play.
● Play is how children communicate and process their world. Play is the language of childhood. 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
Cy-Woods Student Spotlight
Source: CFISD News Media
Ramya Iyer Cypress Woods High School senior Ramya Iyer is praised by her teachers for being one of the top mathematics students in the state. She was recognized as the CFISD Student of the Week for August 23. Accomplishments: Iyer was recently named one of the top five scorers in Texas on the Mathematical Association of America’s (MAA) American Mathematics Competition 12 (AMC 12), a national math exam for students grades 12 and lower. Her score on the AMC 12 qualified her to take a more rigorous and prestigious exam, the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). In addition, Iyer is the founder and president of inteGIRLS Houston and is a 2021 National Center for Women & Information Technology (MCWIT) Texas regional winner. Favorite class: “Math, because it teaches valuable problem-solving techniques that can be applied to a wide variety of fields.” Favorite things to do after class: “Playing with my Yorkie, hanging out with friends and watching sitcoms.” Favorite song: “The Champion by Carrie
Underwood, but it probably changes every week.” Favorite website/app: “YouTube, because I can spend hours watching anything from Ted Talks to Taylor Swift.” Favorite TV show: “Friends, because despite having six different personalities, all of the characters compliment each other well.” Favorite movie: “The Truman Show, because the movie in its own beautiful and comedic way, shows the power of being truly free.” Ambition: “In the future, I would like to pursue a career at the intersection of computer science and mathematics. I enjoy problem-solving and see many applications of these subjects from building apps to finance.” What topics/things are you passionate about?: “I’m really passionate about women in STEM, environment sustainability and pop music.” What inspires you?: “I am inspired by the strong leaders that are all over the world, especially
those who use their skillset to change their communities.” What three things can’t you live without?: “My family, music and technology.” What are you most looking forward to this semester?: “Taking a break from Zoom classes and meeting my teachers and friends in person at Cy Woods!” PinPointe Magazine
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