ON THE COVER: This issue’s Featured Family: The Mulhollands Photo Credits: Scott Stevens Photography
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Upcoming Events Featured Family: The Mulhollands Fitness Tips Mr. Mustang Pageant Best of Cy-Fair/Great Food in Cypress
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Financial: Inheritance Choice Photographer Heathre Black Cypress Ministry The Cheese Bar Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser
Important Numbers
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Upcoming Events February 17-28, 2017 Mardi Gras Galveston Parade, 5k Run, Entertainment, Contests, Balcony Parties and More! www.mardigrasgalveston.com
February 18, 2017 Cypress Ranch Theatre presents Shoot for the Stars 1st Annual Golf Tournament and Wine Tasting Cypress Lakes Golf Club 18700 Cypresswood Dr, Cypress, TX 77429 Register at www.cyranchtheatre.ludustickets.com
February 25, 2017 The Vineyard Grand Opening Saturday, March 4, 2017 Puttin’ on the Ritz 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Northgate Country Club 17110 Northgate Forest Drive, Houston, Texas Suggested attire is formal black and white For tickets, please contact: Shirley Carter, 281-222-7765, sjmcarter@att.net The “Awesome, Amazing, Associates” of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., North Houston Suburban Chapter will hold a “Puttin’ on the Ritz” dance benefiting the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, which supports education, literacy, scientific and charitable projects that benefit children. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a non-profit family organization which is dedicated to nurturing future leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. More information about the organization can be found at www.jackandjillinc.org.
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Vendor Market and Garage Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vineyard 19440 Cypress Church Road, Cypress, TX 77433 www.fromthevineministries.com
February 25, 2017 Mardi Gras 3-Miler Fun Run/Walk/Pet Parade 8 a.m. at Coles Crossing Park 13050 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77429 Benefiting the Cypress Woods Theatre Arts Booster Club www.cwtc.weebly.com
March 25, 2017 Cypress Family Color 5K Coles Crossing Park 13050 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77429 www.facebook.com/cyfamcolor5k/
The
Mulhollands
By Patricia Hudson
“Why is she so fat?” a Kazakh authority asked my adoption coordinator. It was a question I had become accustomed to hearing while completing the lengthy adoption process for my daughter in 2003. e country doesn’t have many overweight people, and the authorities are very protective of the children they allow to be adopted. I was worried that my weight could be a problem with the authorities in Kazakhstan. Although my weight didn’t prevent the adoption, the experience served as one of the pivotal moments that eventually caused me to decide to pursue gastric bypass surgery. -Excerpt from Obesity Help Magazine, Laura Mulholland, 2010
Single parent Laura Mulholland and her two daughters, Katie and Sarah, are a unique family. e girls were born in bordering countries, some 7,000 miles from their Cypress Creek Lakes community. Laura’s mother, Dawn, completes the extended family, sharing the first floor of 8 February | March 2017
their two-story Cypress home. Together, they form an interesting family dynamic.
joining her family in Houston, aer graduation. In 2002, her father lost his battle with cancer.
An oil and gas engineer, Laura’s dad moved the family from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, before landing in Odessa. Laura attended Auburn University,
“I was approaching my mid-30’s and still single. I wanted to be a mom, and I decided to adopt, but put my plans on hold until aer my father died. I began the
adoption process in 2003. My daughter, Katie, was born in Kazakhstan. My mother and I went to bring her home in January 2004. What was supposed to be a 28-day trip ended up being 55 days. Katie was 18 months old.” In 2006, Laura was eager to adopt a second child. She and her mother decided to combine households and move to Cypress. “It was important for me to have my family close,” explains Dawn. Her sons and their families live within a stone’s throw, in Blackhorse, and in Bridgeland. Researching adoptions, Laura discovered that children with a cle lip/cle palate were the last to be adopted. Sarah was born with the condition. Accompanied by Dawn and Katie, Laura made the trip to China to get Sarah. Two weeks later, 28month old Sarah was home. They found their perfect house in Cypress Creek Lakes. “It was the only neighborhood that fit our needs. A master up and down, 2 bedrooms down, on a lake, 3 car garage, and a laundry room up and down,” relates Laura. “It’s a great house, with plenty of room to congregate, and it’s a blessing and a joy to have Laura and her daughters living with me,” adds Dawn. Extreme weight was holding Laura back. Obesity made parenting difficult, and she was determined to make a drastic change. “As a single mom, I needed to be healthy for my kids, to be there through adulthood.” The decision to undergo weight loss surgery in 2008 was disconcerting for her older daughter, Katie. “I knew that she didn’t want my friends to tease me about her weight. She was beautiful, anyways. It’s always been the inside that matters to me. I’ll always support my mom for the things she wants to do to be better, but the thing is, she was always a good person” asserted Katie. “Losing weight does not solve the world’s problems, but it definitely makes them easier to deal with at a healthy weight.” Laura has maintained her weight loss of 199 pounds through diet, but when her boyfriend had a stroke two years ago, she became more active to stay healthy. “Our neighborhood has beautiful PinPointe Magazine | www.pinpointetx.com
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paths. I got a Fitbit and started walking. It keeps me on track, and is one of my favorite possessions. I have only missed my weekly step goal one week. I average around 14,000 steps a day over the past 2 years,” she commented. A math teacher at Cypress Lakes High School, Laura teaches Algebraic Reasoning and Algebra II. As a veteran teacher of 24 years, Laura reflects, “ere is a unique satisfaction in seeing the look on students’ faces as they absorb new information and ideas. As a teacher, I enjoy seeing the light bulb ‘click’ when they finally get it.” Dawn is a retired educator, a reading specialist English major with a minor in science. “Between Laura's math specialty and my English and science, we've got the girls covered if they need homework help,” she quips. Daughter Laura admits that between the two, her mom is the better cook.
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“What little free time I do have, I enjoy watching my daughter play sports or attending/watching other athletic events. My Auburn Tigers are my favorite sports teams to watch,” comments Laura. Sarah, 12, is a 6th grade student at Smith Middle School. She is an outgoing and energetic young lady, keeping active through sports, orchestra, and Girl Scouts. “I love lacrosse and basketball,” says Sarah. Katie, 14, attends Smith Middle School, where she is in the 8th grade. Katie is the quieter of the two siblings, is a deep thinker, and prefers to devote her time to art and writing. When asked about their relationship, Sarah was quick to say that it was great, while Katie admitted wryly, “We fight all the time.” When it came time for photos, however, the two easily settled into comfortable poses that contradicted the declaration.
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Mr. Mustang Pageant Raises Major Funds for M.A.N.E. EVENT By Patricia Hudson
For CyRanch High School seniors, one of the most anticipated of annual events is e Mr. Mustang Pageant. A joint project of the Ranch eatre Department and M.A.N.E. Event, this year’s pageant played to rave reviews, with magic acts, singing, dancing, and even cereal eating. With 26 contestants and their escorts, three emcees, theatre directors and tech kids, and countless parent volunteers, the four-month long project raised $17,000, for the senior class aer prom party. “It was a team effort,” recalls Mr. Mustang Chair, Yvette Hayes. "eatre lent their magic! Volunteers picked up and delivered tuxedos, published playbills, coordinated ticket sales, and concessions, and fed and coordinated the contestants and judges!” Michelle Leonard, theatre volunteer, reflected on the event, “Not only is Mr. Mustang a great fundraiser, but it is such a great representation of the CRHS student body. We had kids that have known each other literally since birth, have played on teams together, have been in classes together, and even some kids who just met doing this program. ey supported each other, laughed, and cheered for each other. ey reminded me of the best parts of high school.”
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Photo credits: Cori Sauer, Sweet & Sauer Studio
Mr. Mustang 2017
Chance Jarvis
1st Runner Up
Carson Leonard Second Runner Up
Liam McGarity Most Creative Swimwear
Patrick Sanchez Best Talent
Micah Marine Best Formal Wear
Chance Jarvis
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HEATHRE BLACK
By Patricia Hudson
“Photography has always been a hobby of mine,” explains Lakes of Fairhaven resident, Heathre Black, “but it wasn’t until our son, Garrett, a junior at UT Dallas, and our daughter, Taylor, a freshman at A&M, were in college, that I started to pursue it seriously.” It was a little over a year ago that Heathre was drawn to nature in pursuit of her passion for photography. “I have always loved camping, hiking, and just being outdoors. An appreciation for the beauty of the land and the animals, led me to shooting nature landscapes and wildlife.” Cognizant that she would need to learn from the experts, Heathre enrolled in a photography class through the Leisure Learning program in The Woodlands. “I learned so much that very first full day of class; it was well worth the $70.00!” recalls Black. She has since taken several classes from Instructor Kathy Adams Clark, whom she describes as “…very patient, and knows everything about every camera imaginable.”
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LOCAL RESIDENT CAPTURES NATURE THROUGH THE EYE OF HER CAMERA Since her first class, Heathre has been determined to visit all of the National Parks. She has found photography experts online and on Facebook, and has made many trips to hone her skills. “It is fun to go with a group that understands and shares my passion,” comments the novice photographer. “My husband Mike might come with me when I am shooting alone; he usually just brings a book and a stool. When I go on the group shoots, I have a friend that shares my interest in photography.” Heathre says that the groups are usually small, around six people, and
Photos Courtesy of Heathre Black
are usually individuals. “The expert will scout out the site prior to the photo shoot, making sure that the conditions are optimum for the time of the scheduled shoot. As a result, we are able to get the desired perspective as we work on lighting, composition and camera settings,” explains Black. Her photography has taken her on photography adventures to Big Bend National Park, The Smoky Mountains, Brazos Bend State Park, Mount Magazine State Park in Arkansas, Pedernales Falls State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama, Bastrop State Park, and Caddo Lake State Park. Heathre has transitioned from a Canon Rebel camera and a tripod for which she paid $150, to a Canon EOS 7D Mark II, and a $1,500 tripod. “I tried to place my heavy camera and lens on what I thought was a good quality tripod on a shoot, but the tripod mount would not support it. When I was lamenting about it, the expert leading the trip pointed to the man next to me and noted that while I was trying to use a $150 tripod, his equipment was valued at ten times
what mine cost! So if I have any advice for a beginning photographer, start with a Canon Rebel, and don’t buy three cheap tripods, buy ONE! That tripod is more important than you’d think! For wildlife photography, you’ll need a good zoom lens, a 110 – 300 mm. I also have an extender which I like to use. For landscape shoots, the 18 – 55 mm lens is good. I have upgraded to a 70 – 200 mm lens,” she divulged. “Shooting nature helps you appreciate more things. Often, individuals that come on the photo trips are facing devastating life experiences such as divorce, serious illness, or deaths, and have been referred by their doctors. It really helps you to appreciate more things. Being out in nature is very calming and peaceful,” concludes Heathre.
Local Photographer Heathre Black
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A Lifetime of God’s Work Provides Fruit for Cypress Ministry
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By Patricia Hudson
yndy Gusler came from the foster care system in Detroit, Michigan, a victim of her father’s physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Her 7 siblings are placed in various home across the US… somewhere. She was adopted. “I was just 12 years old, and sitting in a school assembly, when God clearly spoke to me, and entrusted me with a ministry vision to encourage and teach, to empower people.” Uncertain how to do this, Cyndy graduated from high school, went to college, and became involved in campus ministry and plays. She never wanted to get married and have children of her own, afraid that her own history would be repeated. Instead, she became a teacher. “For ten years, I taught low income children, kids that didn’t have anyone, that were falling through the cracks. In my classroom, friends would become mentors, providing the mothering that these students desperately needed.”
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Marriage to husband, Jay, led to the start of a family. “With no role models of my own, I tried to be the mother that I read about in Parent’s Magazine. Observing women 10 – 15 years older in Bible study and the church ministry, I was loved, encouraged, and mentored, and learned how to be a Godly wife and mother to our fourmonth old and two-year old,” recalled Cyndy. As a teacher and the head of the ladies’ ministry at a church, Cyndy thought that she was fulfilling her calling. Then, God spoke to her once again. “God said, ‘Step out. Go outside of the church walls, and take the church into the community.’” In 2008, Cyndy stepped out to begin “From the Vine Ministries,” and for over 15 years, she has taught dozens of Bible studies in churches, in her own home, and even at The Sunrise Café. She has written over 25 Bible studies, published one book, and has three more “on the back burner.” “My writing is based on the Great Women of the Bible, researching their
lifestyles and the choices they made, (and those made for them), and how they are role models for us today,” she explains. The Cypress community has begun to sit up and take notice of the work Cyndy is doing in God’s name. “Cyndy has had a passion for women’s ministry for years. Her creativity, compassion, and charisma are the catalyst for making the impossible happen! She has a heart of gold and the hands that meet the needs of those to whom The Vineyard ministers,” shares Fairfield resident and friend, Mindy Lucas. “For SEVEN years, I have been jotting down notes while watching and waiting as God grew the ministry vision in my heart. He was gently reminding me that one day, they would all be held under one roof and be named The Vineyard. Go! Start looking! Tell people!” recounts Cyndy.
While Cyndy will continue to provide motivation and encouragement, plans are in place for additional speakers: • Senior citizens sharing their wisdom and compassion for family unity, relationships and legacies • Professional counselors offering help/healing for depression, divorce, eating disorders and home issues Cyndy thought, “I have $62 in my bank account. I got on Facebook, and shared with everyone I knew. The more people I told, the more they said they wanted to help. God sent me people that I didn’t know I needed. They were coming out of the woodwork! From October through April, donations for The Vineyard poured in, filling the garage. My husband wanted his garage back, so we filled two storage units with furniture, each with its own story. It was July, and still no Vineyard. Lord, did you hear me? During this past year, our team looked at SEVEN properties, before finding this one. There was no floor, and the toilet and kitchen sink were in the middle of the room!” she recalls.
• College students coming back to share wisdom on finishing high school, dating, college life and parents • Youth pastors discussing today’s hot topics, mentoring teens, preparing them for future • “Mentoring Moms” - offering encouragement and prayer to younger moms, classes of “How To” • Nutritionists/Fitness instructors offering ideas and tips for healthy living • Community Bible study courses • “Senior to Senior” – Older generation interacting with youth, learning from each other
From the Vine Ministries is located off of the beaten path on Cypress Church Road. Nestled on acres in a stand of majestic trees, the property also includes a barn/workshop that has potential for more classrooms and events. While the site is currently being rented, Gusler is praying that adjoining land will eventually be purchased and cabins be built for future retreats. The newly renovated home has SEVEN different rooms, each named for a woman in The Bible. It is a homey, safe, and relaxing ministry center designed for women, moms and teens seeking mentoring and help; wanting to be empowered and encouraged to do what God is calling them to do; Biblical knowledge to apply to their everyday lives and adjust their priorities, and reduce stress; to make friends, social connections, and even planning menus and developing kitchen skills to benefit the family. FTVM is not associated with one church or denomination.
• “Under His Wings” – program for married women needing spiritual and emotional support due to an unbelieving/unsupportive husband, will be mentored by experienced woman (who was in that situation) • SAT prep, phone/interview communication skills for teens, area managers coming in to mentor • “P31 Girls” – based on Proverbs 31, teens will receive knowledge for their faith, home and dating situations • “Grief and Restoration” – helping community members move on from tragedies and personal circumstances
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From a conversation shared between a 12-year-old girl and God, The Vine Ministries has come to fruition. Cyndy Gusler has provided a safe haven for women and teens to come to “be nurtured, be pruned and be fruitful.” Cyndy and Jay, Vice President of Operations at Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, have been married for 20 years. Daughter Taylor, 19, is a freshman at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Nicholas, 17, is a junior at Cypress Ranch, and Benji, 14, is an 8th grader at Salyards Middle School.
Upcoming Sessions: “12 Steps to the Throne Room” offers 12 people in 12 stories depicting 12 characteristics learned through meeting Jesus from the cradle to the cross... providing 12 practical ways to draw you closer to Christ and make you wiser and bolder in your own faith! They all were ordinary people who chose to step up and make little changes that then made big impacts on their lives, thus becoming extraordinary for Him! “Therefore, let us come boldly into the throne room, that we may find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 Tuesday evenings, Jan. 17 – Apr. 18, 2017, 6:30-8:30pm
“Great Women of the Bible Club” showcases various Biblical women who encountered emotional, practical and difficult circumstances as moms, wives and women. Together we will strap on our Biblical sandals, sit in their family tents and examine their problems, choices and consequences - good and bad. God chose them as our role models for a reason! We will learn how to apply Jesus to our everyday lives, enhance our faith walk, and grow deeper in our love and knowledge for the Almighty. No memorizing, no homework, no tests – just Real Women living Real Lives serving a Real God!! 12 Monthly sessions Friday nights, Jan. 27, Feb 24, Mar. 24, Apr 21 (May-Dec. TBD), 7-9:00pm
From the Vine Ministries is a nonprofit entity. Become VINEYARD CARETAKERS by pledging to sponsor attendees, property/operational costs and events in a one-time gift or a monthly pledge. Donations may be sent to: FTVM, PO Box 2735, Cypress, TX 77410. Cyndy Gusler: From the Vine Ministries, 19440 Cypress Church Rd. Cypress, TX 77433 281-413-3256 | Cyndy@FromTheVineMinistries.com | www.FromTheVineMinistries.com
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By Patricia Hudson completed the 12-Step Program, and has been sober for eight years. The couple moved to Cypress in 2014. “God intervened again, by giving me asthma,” relates Troy. Melissa and Troy have been married for ten years, have a nine-year -old daughter, Madelyn Rose, and a menagerie of dogs, cats, and guinea pigs.
“MY BIG FAT REUBEN SANDWICH” WITH HOUSTON’S BEST MAC AND CHEESE
airfield resident owners, Troy and Melissa Boyce, are enticing Cypress residents with The Cheese Bar, “a boutique European style cheese and charcuterie shop and bistro,” in The Boardwalk at Towne Lake. Offering high-end cheeses and meats by the pound, wine/beer and cheese plates, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and cured, brined, and
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smoked meat, this “friendly and down to earth atmosphere” is drawing positive reviews from the community. Employed for ten years as a meeting and events coordinator in the travel industry, Melissa was exposed to epicurean excellence while being wined and dined by top notch hotels in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Troy had managed Outback Steakhouses in California and Pennsylvania, was at the helm of two grocery store cheese departments, and handled 400 different cheeses, dips, spreads, and charcuterie. It is ironic that cheese brought the two together. “We met at a fondue place called The Melting Pot. I had just gotten off from work at Landry’s, when I decided to stop there to eat. God put cheese in my way, when I met Melissa.” Troy is quick to relate that during this time, he
Noting the lack of quality cheeses in the area, the idea of pursuing a business enterprise centered around cheese was born. “Our goal was to bring Inside-the-Loop cuisine to the suburbs. We wanted to showcase great quality artisanal cheeses and meats, to educate, as well as feed our customers. Before deciding on a location, we did considerable research, and drew from our own cultural, business and travel experience. Houston is one of the up and coming areas for this type of restaurant, and The Boardwalk at Towne Lake turned out to be exactly what we were looking for,” explained Melissa. Troy and Melissa opened their European style eatery on May 15, 2016. ”One of our goals is to be a stage for local farmers. We try to carry as much local cheese as we can to tell the story of the farmers and their product,” explains Troy. Texas beer and wine are showcased, as well. Customers are encouraged to sample a variety of cheeses, and can learn about cheese, meat, beer and wine pairings. Two large deli cases are laden with 20 – 30 cheeses and meats and available for purchase by the pound. “We have some excellent Vermont white cheddar, imported Asiago,
thick smoked bacon, and Spec, dry-cured, lightly smoked ham prosciutto, aged for 21 weeks,” comments Troy. Cheese and meat selections, as well as sandwiches, salads and sides change regularly. “Since we’ve opened, we have developed a loyal following of repeat customers,” relays manager, Adrian Alva. One such aficionado of The Cheese Bar is Stephanie Odegard. “Friends recommended that I check out The Cheese Bar. Coming from Wisconsin, anything that has the word ‘cheese’ in its name, I’m probably going to have to try it! On this day, Stephanie was dining on Salmon crostini and
Caprese salad with Balsamic vinegar. When pressed to name her favorite dish, Stephanie laughed and admitted, “Pretty much anything. The turkey brie and apple sandwich (served with sautéed onions, arugula and peach jam on grilled artisanal bread), is to die for, and you have to say something about the mac and cheese; they make it to your specs when you order!” Odegard cautions customers, “Don’t worry about the calories; every bite is really worth it!” “If you haven’t tried The Cheese Bar, you’re totally missing out: great food, great atmosphere, and they make you feel like you’re family,” comments Fairfield
TROY AND MELISSA BOYCE
resident, Laura Robbins. “I was recovering from chemotherapy, and couldn’t make it out to the restaurant. The owner personally delivered my favorite, two pints of seasoned almonds, to my door! Talk about outstanding customer service!” Despite having been open just eight months, The Cheese Bar garnered top honors at Houston’s
REGULAR, STEPHANIE ODEGARD
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first Cheese Fest this past November, where their mac and cheese was named “Houston’s Best Mac and Cheese” winner. What’s next for the Boyce family? They have just signed the contract to open a second Cheese Bar location at La Centerra, at Cinco Ranch in Katy.
The Cheese Bar The Boardwalk at Towne Lake, 9945 Barker Cypress Road Suite 125, Cypress, TX 77433 phone: 281-245-0909 e-mail: melissa@thecheesebar.net Hours: M closed | T-Th 11-10 F-S 11-11 | Sun 10-6
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FUNDRAISER Breakfast Brunch CafĂŠ Boardwalk Towne Lake hosted a fundraising evening for Habitat for Humanity NW Harris County recently. Director of Development, Chad Greer, personally thanked BBC owner, Anthony Obodoechina. "We plan to host other nonprofits in months to come," commented Obodoechina.
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Chad Greer - Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity NW (left), and BBC Owner Anthony Obodoechina