PinPointe Coles Crossing

Photo Credit: Rose Poole

Texas Association of First Responders Holds Wild Game Cook-off,

Rough

Stock Rodeo

Story by Patricia Hudson

Photos by Rose Poole Photography

The Texas Association of First Responders is a 501 (c)(3) allvolunteer organization created in 2007 to assist Texas law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel injured in the line of duty. Since 2007, TAFR has distributed over $400,000.00 in funds to assist injured First Responders.

Since 2008, the Wild Game Cook-Off has been the organization’s major fundraiser. In its 15th yea r, Director Amy Sustaita pitched an idea to President/CEO Joe Matthews and VP/COO Jimmy Thornton to make the annual Wild Game Cook-Off an even bigger fundraising event by adding a rough stock rodeo.

The first Annual Bar-B-Que Bronc & Bulls Rodeo kicked off on Friday, April 19, at the Waller County Fairgrounds, 21988 FM 359, Hempstead, TX. ”A crowd favorite, Mutton Bustin,’ featured 32 little cowboys and cowgirls. Champion C.C. Ward took home a buckle with each participant receiving a trophy,” relates

Director Sustaita. Bareback, Saddle Bronc, and Bull Riding competitions kept the level of excitement high. To the crowd's delight, the Charlie Lucas Band closed out the night's rodeo.

Teams from across Texas and surrounding states competed in the two-day event in Wild Game, Brisket, Pork, Pork Ribs, Chicken, and Beans. This year, Seafood and Margaritas categories were added.

Cy-Fair’s Own Amy Ramon Has Been

Selected as Fire Chief of

the Year

Here’s Why.

By Leah Gowin Marketing & Community Relations Director Cy-Fair Fire Department

When you build a life on what you’re passionate about, it takes you to some surprising places. CyFair Fire Department Fire Chief Amy Ramon is a good example. When she started out with Cy-Fair Fire Department, she was a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter driven by a desire for saving lives and serving her community. Now, almost 34 years later, she’s accepting the prestigious Texas Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chief of the Year Award.

“The fire service is a calling; people get into it and never leave,” says Brent Scalise, chief of operations for Cy-Fair Fire Department. “Amy is the perfect example of that. She has a skill set that is not easily found in the fire service. Not only does she have an understanding of all aspects of emergency services, she’s also an attorney and a financial expert. Amy could have chosen any number of paths in the private sector, but her love for this profession and its people won out, and we are grateful for that. No one could deserve this honor more.”

1. Great People. Cy-Fair makes a real effort to attract and retain the best and the brightest talent. Its incredibly low turnover rate means experienced people, which is vital for a lifesaving profession.

The award, which is given by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, is unique in that the recipient is chosen by his or her peers from around the state of Texas. Every Texas fire department is allowed one vote. (Notably, Ramon is the first woman to receive the award.)

Chief Ramon’s career in the fire service began in 1990, when she worked as a volunteer firefighter with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department. She quickly progressed to station officer, board member, and assistant chief of EMS, before accepting the role of fire chief in July of 2014. For the next five years, she built a team and a culture centered around service and community.

In 2019, Chief Ramon led the department in the transition to a career department utilizing full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters. Under her leadership, Cy-Fair has grown into a firstclass operation. It is now one of the largest, busiest combination fire departments in the United States, with over 38,000 emergency responses each year.

Today, Cy-Fair Fire Department is known for its “three-legged stool” approach to where it focuses resources and energy:

2. A Culture of Continuous Learning and Training. Cy-Fair invests heavily in training, both tactical and leadership. “At CyFair, a very high level of competency is just the price of admission,” notes Mike Clements, assistant chief–administration at the Cy-Fair Fire Department. “Our investment in both types of training keeps everyone safe, ensures optimal outcomes, and leads to happier, more engaged employees.”

3. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Facilities. Being the best in this area allows people to do their best work and protects people, property, and the environment from fire damage. Most important: It saves lives—both citizens’ and firefighters’.

Cy-Fair Fire Department is making a name for itself in the medical and first responder industries. Leaders are routinely recognized for their best practices and showcased in trade publications, podcasts, and other programs.

All that said, fire service is a tough field to excel in. There are multiple challenges to master: intellectual, emotional, political. A fire chief must be able to hold up under traumatic circumstances, make hard decisions quickly, gain the trust and respect of those they lead, and build cohesive teams out of individuals with strong personalities and a variety of strong (often conflicting) opinions.

Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails

Bringing Crave-Worthy

Southern Caribbean

Food to Cy-Fair

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

OThe Best of Cy-Fair

PLACES T O EAT

wners Bridgette Williams and Isaac Bradley had a dream. That vision is now an upscale reality located at 11702 Grant Rd Suite C, Cypress, TX 77429. The restaurant is a compilation of comfortable lines, Chef-led food, and contagiously delicious cocktails. "We wanted the name to be a one-word concept summary of what we were about at the heart of it all, ‘Crave’ Fusion Bistro," explains Williams.

The previous concept at this location was of a bar, and during COVID, Bridgette and Isaac took the opportunity to redesign the space to a restaurant that’s different than anything existing in the surrounding area today.

Executive Chef Leon Cedelli, with 15 years’ experience at the helm, did a bit of abroad travelling himself; he worked intimately with the owners on making their culinary vision a reality. Food is just one aspect of attention for this local eatery. Bridgette and Isaac also brought in

professional mixologist Justin McClendon, James Harden’s personal bartender, to create craft cocktails blended with comfort familiars, igniting a memorable experience between and food and drinks.

When Bridgette and Isaac were asked where their passion for food comes from, I always look forward to hearing it’s from deep family roots and table time with grandparents. An early on exposure to friends and family gathering over BBQ and a lick-the-bowl kind of childhood was the spark between food and fellowship.

Bridgette says, “You won’t be disappointed by coming to elevate your pallet to something you’ve never had before. A place of love, comfort, and libation. We crave to make you feel like family and welcome you to eat and be rejuvenated to tackle the world again.” Isaac adds, “We have clients that sit for hours to relax and just breathe.”

Go and check them out folks, and welcome the Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails team to the

neighborhood. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday and dinner five days a week, closed on Monday. Live music on the weekend. Crave became a part of the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce on November 2, 2023.

Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails

11702 Grant Rd. • Suite C

Cypress, Texas 77429

Phone: 832-559-3097

Days/Hours of Operation:

Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Thursday: 4 pm – 9 pm

Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm

Metta Archilla-Ishida is a Contributing Writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, #onmettasfork

Isaac Bradley & Bridgette Williams

Seniors of the Class of 2024

Share Their Future Plans

cHAyne Allen Bridgeland High School

Will attend University of Louisiana Lafayette playing Softball and majoring in Kinesiology

cAmBel Simone roSiA cADien cypress ranch High School

Will attend Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia studying Biology to become Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

DeAn fAntASiA Bridgeland High School

Will attend Texas State University majoring in Clinical Psychology

elizABetH HAuBrick Bridgeland High School

Majoring in Equity and Education at the University of Texas–San Antonio

mArtin

cHriStopHer Allen Bridgeland High School

Enlisted in the US Navy

SArAH compton Bridgeland High School

Will attend Oklahoma State University majoring in Recreational Therapy

tAnyA finkelSHteyn cypress ranch High School

Will attend Texas A&M majoring in .Bioenvironmental Science

ScArlett Heefner cypress ranch High School

Will attend University of Arkansas majoring in International Business

in the US Army AriAnnA VielmA Bridgeland High School

liAm Arri cypress ranch High School

Will attend Blinn Bryan Campus

creAcy Bridgeland High School

Will attend Angelo State University where she will be a member of the Volleyball team

emmA kAtHerine gourgueS Bridgeland High School

Will attend Stephen F. Austin University. Majoring in Mathematics. Minor in Military Science/Army ROTC

Hunter leSter cypress ranch High School

Majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M

etHAn Brown Bridgeland High School

Plans to study Physics at University of Texas

iliAnA enSley Bridgeland High School

Major in Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University

green cypress ranch High School

Will attend Lone Star before transferring to Stephen F. Austin to study Business

JoHn lAwrence long ii Bridgeland High School

Will attend Howard University where he will major in Finance

AmeliA

HAylie

Majoring in Horticulture Plant Science to share his love of nature as a Park Ranger Quentin

Bridgeland High School

HAPPENINGS Cypress

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

B.f. Adam golf classic

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Benefiting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation Visit www.thecfef.org for more info.

Brew:30’s cornhole tournament

May 19, 2024 • 1pm (Bags fly at 1:30pm)

Brew:30 Taphouse • 15914 Telge • Cypress, TX 77429

Benefiting Cy-Fair Helping Hands

Tickets are on sale now! $40 per two man team. Join us – whether you're skilled or not – for a fun afternoon of cornhole, raffles, and a silent auction, all benefiting Cy-Fair Helping Hands. Just $40 for a twoperson team. Visit bit.ly/Brew30CornholeTourney2024 for tickets. We hope to see you there!

cy-fair Houston chamber Spring Business expo

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • 10am -1:30 pm (Break for lunch 12pm - 1 pm)

Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Road • Cypress, TX 77433 www.cyfairchamber.com

Vfw memorial Day - Hosted by post 8905 & Auxiliary

Monday, May 27, 2024

21902 Northwest Freeway • Cypress, TX 77429

Memorial Service 1-1:30pm

Bounce House. Cornhole Tournament @ 2pm (registration ends 2pm - Entry Fee $20) Hot Dogs or Hamburgers, Chips and Soda served by VFW members, FREE OF CHARGE!

Swenke elementary Senior clap-out

Thursday, May 30, 2024 • 12:15pm

22400 Fairfield Place • Cypress, TX 77433

(Arrive at Noon w/ ID and cap & gown in hand)

If you attended Swenke Elementary, you are invited to walk the halls one last time. Seniors will lead our 5th grade class. Parents/Guests are welcome to attend and gather outside the building.

fairfield women's club end of year membership Banquet

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • 6:30-8pm

LaViva Cantina • 29040 Northwest Fwy • A15 • Cypress, TX 77433

Join us to celebrate a successful 2023-2024 year and welcome in the NEW 2024-2025 Board! We can’t wait to celebrate as a club together! Dinner is $30. Visit fairfieldwomensclub.org for details.

importAnt cfiSD DAteS

Friday, May 31, 2022: Last Day of School GRADUATIONS (held at the Berry Center)

Visit: www.cfisd.net/graduation for more information

Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Cypress Ranch Graduation • 8pm

Thursday, May 30, 2024 : Cypress Woods Graduation • 4pm

Friday, May 31, 2024: Bridgeland Graduation • 4pm

trAVeling Senior

of

cypreSS tripS & ActiVitieS

May 14: Yellowstone Paddlewheeler and Texas Sea Center in Lake Jackson on the San Bernard River (Day Trip). Lunch at Dido’s. Bus leaves at 8:30. $25

June 11: Ocean Star Off Rig Museum in Galveston and Lunch at Katie’s Seafood (Day Trip). Bus leaves at 8:30. $10

April 24-May 3, 2025: Shades of Ireland, 10 Days: 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Optional 3-Nigh Lond Pre Tour Extension or Optional 3-Nigh Edinburg Post Tour Extension. HIGHLIGHTS… Dublin, Irish Evening, Choice on Tour: Dublin City Bus or Walking Tour, Kilkenny, Waterford, Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry, Limerick , Cliffs of Moher, Sheepdog Demonstration, Galway, Castle Stay. Round Trip Air from Houston Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers. Double Occupancy: $3,999.

All trips leave from Fairfield Baptist Church. Please park facing the ditch and apartments. All trips must be paid for within five days of registering, or you will be removed from the list. For info, contact Jo Ann at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie at jackie.devine@comcast.net.

ISO and shutter speed settings for this composite and added orange color for the filtered exposures.

Shot at High Rock Ranch near Llano, TX. I used Canon 5DSR at with 600 F4 lens with Mr Star Guy white light solar filter and 1.4x converter for 840mm. Used 5.6 aperture and various