4 December 2020 | January 2021
Contents ON THE COVER: Community Leaders Reflect on 2020
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
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6
Remaining Grateful & Blessed: Community Leaders Reflect on 2020
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16 2020 is Almost Over So... What Do We Do Now?
10 Cypress Happenings
18 Christmas Music Through Time
11 Canine Corner
20 Cypress School News
12 Dine Out for Charity to Feed Families in Need
22 CFHH Seeks Assistance with Holiday Giving
14 Best of Cy-Fair: Pho Houston
23 Dear Cypress
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Remaining Community ateful Leaders Reflect on 2020 & Blessed
By Patricia Hudson
A
s we enter this year’s holiday season, our thoughts turn to the blessings we have received this year. Cy-Fair community leaders share their reflections, reminders that despite the pandemic, we have many things for which to be grateful.
Dr. Mark Henry, Ed.D. Leslie Martone
Superintendent Cy-Fair Independent School District “Although 2020 has been a challenging year, I am thankful for my family. Since Cindy and I moved to Cy-Fair in 2011, we have gone from zero to seven grandchildren, and they all live in the Cy-Fair community – a real blessing. I am also thankful for my school family. Throughout this crisis, they have supported our students and families with love and care. I am truly blessed to have two wonderful families – home and school.”
IOM President Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce “I am so thankful for this amazing community that I live in and I choose to raise my family in. We have amazing folks that live in Cy-Fair that really understand what giving back is all about. Hurricane Harvey and COVID has brought out the best in our community. We have seen businesses helping businesses and neighbor helping neighbor. Most of all I am thankful for my health and my beautiful family and friends. And last but not least, I am thankful for my faith! God is our provider, comforter and Father of all!”
Jean Dreyer Founder and Executive Director of Homeless Initiatives Cy-Fair Helping Hands “As I look back over my life, I see that God is faithful to provide what is needed to those who love Him. I am forever grateful, thankful, and blessed that God provides what is necessary for us to continue His work through donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches. How great is our God!” 6 December 2020 | January 2021
Julie Hinaman Trustee, Cy-Fair Independent School District “Like so many others, I am often overwhelmed by feelings of worry and despair during these challenging times. Let’s face it…it’s hard to find the silver lining in a global pandemic. However, I have found comfort and hope by reflecting on what brings me joy and on the many blessings in my life. I am thankful for my family, especially the evolving relationships I have with my daughters as they become young adults. I am grateful for the partnership of my husband as we learn together how to parent through these new experiences. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community as a CFISD school board member as we focus on meeting the educational needs of all of the students in our community. I am blessed to be a part of two incredible organizations– the Cy-Fair Fire Department and Cy-Hope – that are near and dear to my heart. Looking outside ourselves and serving others can often bring a new perspective encouraging a thankful and grateful heart.”
Cindy Boutwell Co-Owner, Boutwell Properties The Boutwell Team “There are hidden blessings in every struggle we go through. Covid has shown the true grit and spirit of our Cypress Community. Thankful that we live in the amazing community of Cypress. Grateful for friendships and opportunities. Blessed to have my Mom, family and friends that inspire me to keep growing.”
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Dr. Seelpa Keshvala President Lone Star College-CyFair “In this season of Thanksgiving, we at Lone Star College-CyFair want you to know how grateful we are for you, the Cy-Fair community! You have supported us from the beginning -- starting in August 2000 when you voted overwhelmingly to approve an initiative to join the Lone Star College System (formerly NHMCCD). And since that time, you have partnered with us in so many ways to ensure we can provide the best possible educational experience for our students. We are so thankful for each of you, and we look forward to being your community college for years to come! Happy Thanksgiving!”
Daniel Arizpe Captain, Public Information Officer #1 Cy-Fair Fire Department “We are thankful for our first responders and medics serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyday our crews put their own health and safety on the line, we thank them for their dedicated service to the Cy-Fair community. We continue to persevere through this global pandemic and our crews stand ready to respond to any hazard that may threaten the Cy-Fair community.” 8 December 2020 | January 2021
Lynda Zelenka Executive Director Cy-Hope “Grateful for HOPE beyond what is seen and for our community rallying in the midst of a pandemic and helping Cy-Hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many. Thankful for support and encouragement from family, friends and work associates as we navigate uncharted territory. Being able to do life with each other and working for the better good for all. Blessed to be a blessing — even when life is not always easy, we have the opportunity to show love and grace, then see something beautiful emerge from adversity and brokenness.”
Cyndy Gusler Founder and Executive Director From the Vine Ministries “From the Vine Ministries is SO THANKFUL for our peaceful and gorgeous safe haven to welcome and minister to our community. We are SO BLESSED to partner with local health groups and businesses to provide resources for those overwhelmed with various issues of life. We are SO GRATEFUL for the opportunity God has given us to encourage, mentor and love on our women and teens, building up strong foundations for family and faith!”
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Cypress
HAPPENINGS
F O R M O R E , G O T O B E S T O F CY FA I R . C O M
CyFair Nutcracker Market Saturday, December 12, 2020 • 9am-5pm The Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX Women’s and Children’s Boutique Clothing, Home, Holiday and Garden Decor, Handmade and Fashion Jewelry, Gourmet food items and more. Interested vendors Email Holidayextravaganza@yahoo.com with full business info!
Let’s Talk Babies Online : LSC-CyFair Library Tuesdays • 1-2pm - ONLINE Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers, join our discussion group about taking care of babies, newborn to 2 years old. Tuesdays 1-2pm at cyflib.info/talkbabies. Rachel.Evans@lonestar.edu
Lone Star College and Harris County Are Helping GET YOU BACK TO WORK FREE training for in-demand careers for those impacted by COVID-19. TIME IS LIMITED! Lonestar.edu/CE
CFISD Student/Staff Holidays December 21, 2020 - January 1, 2020 January 18, 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Fairfield Women’s Club Monthly Meeting Tuesday, December 15, 2020 • 7-9pm White Elephant Gift Exchange ($10-$15 Limit) https://fairfieldwomensclub.org
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Blood Drive & Covid-19 Antibody Testing at the Berry Center Wednesday, December 16, 2020 • 3pm The Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX Please visit www.berrycenter.net/events to sign up. *This test is authorized by the FDA only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-Co V-2 and is not intended for diagnosis of Covid-19.
10 December 2020 | January 2021
For more upcoming Cy-Fair events, visit: www.bestofcyfair.com For more upcoming events in Houston, visit: www.houstonintown.com
A Tribute To
Bailey
Canine Corner
By Patricia Hudson
back on the amount of dog food she was receiving, and added a halfcan of no salt green beans, twice daily. While she did get down to a svelte 90 pounds, Bailey supplemented her diet with acorns, hibiscus flowers, and her favored delicacy, grubs. It was always apparent when she had something forbidden in her mouth; she would drop her head guiltily and avoid eye contact. Just recently, we pried a ripe jalapeno from her jaws. When Sean, our only child, prepared to go off to college, Sophia, the yorkie poo, joined our family. Wary at first, 9-pound Sophia soon learned that her big sister was a gentle giant; they would lay sideby-side by the pool, and at times, could be found sleeping together in Bailey’s crate. Her protector, Bailey would run interference for Sophie at the dog park. Bailey was a constant source of comfort for me, silently sharing my sadness when Sean was away. On his return home, or even if Robert and I had been away for just a moment, she would greet us excitedly, retrieving a favored toy for a game of tug-of-war. She was undoubtedly the sweetest, most intuitive, most intelligent dog we had ever owned. My only lament was that wherever Bailey went, tufts of white fur were sure to follow.
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ubba’s Beautiful Bailey, a lively three-month old yellow lab, came into our lives when Sean, our 11-year old son, chose her to join our family. By the size of her massive paws, we knew that she was not destined to be a petite pup. When she used one of the wooden pillars and the garage door trim as teething rings, husband Robert was none too pleased. “She’s just a puppy,” I offered, “She’ll grow out of it.” She did, but not before eating Sean’s retainer, an SD card, and her new bedding. True to her breed, Bailey was an excellent retriever, chasing, but not quite catching squirrels, and proudly offering up an array of bird parts, lizards, and yes, once even a still wiggling rat. To Sean’s delight, Bailey proved an excellent swimmer and never failed to join him for a dip. Their favorite game was running circles around the outdoor kitchen before launching themselves into the pool. Sean would dive in, with Bailey following closely behind. She became a celebrity after a dog food company caught Sean’s internet video and negotiated a deal to include them in an ad. In recent years, Bailey would take an occasional swim, but more often than not, she would either cool off by walking around the not-yet hot tub, or dipping her head and rubbing her back along the rocks of the beach entry. When finished, she would bask in the sun’s rays as she surveyed her backyard kingdom. Bailey liked to eat. At her heftiest, she weighed in at 114 pounds. At our vet’s advice, we cut
The Covid-19 pandemic found Robert working from home. To ensure that Bailey got some exercise, he began taking Bailey for short walks. Her joy at this new activity was evident, as she would wait for him to return from the golf course or from working out in the evenings, anxious to sniff out the new and exciting smells of the neighborhood. The last time she took that walk, Robert took her off lead a few houses down from home, and I called her to come. She ran with abandon, tongue out to the side, loping to me like the young dog she used to be. Her labored breathing Thanksgiving eve sent us to Animal ER. Her pulse was unintelligible, her heart rate weak. Dr.Mehanni did his best to explain to us what was happening to our sweet girl. A massive build-up of fluid around her heart was inhibiting her breathing. We made the tearful decision to leave her for the night, praying that draining the fluid would help, and asked for diagnostic testing to determine what was causing the fluid. Thanksgiving morning, Dr. Jennifer Hennessey gently explained that the fluid around Bailey’s heart had returned and that she had massive heart issues not detected in her annual checkup; there were cancerous tumors surrounding her heart and spleen. We took turns saying our goodbyes. First Sean, Sophia and I. When Robert came in, Bailey’s breathing had become more labored, so we knew it was time. Robert and I were with her when she drew her last breath. Our hearts are broken. We will miss you, girl. PinPointe Magazine
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of Cy-Fair Metta’s Local Eats The PBest L AC E S TO E AT Dine Out for Charity
to Feed Families in Need
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Story and Photos by Metta Marie Archilla-Ishida
hree years ago, I The participating list is established a partnership currently up to over forty with Cy-Fair Helping Restaurants and Artisan Hands, a community non-profit eateries, and is climbing daily. geared towards putting food Included are local favorites into the bellies of the Hungry like Duck ’n Bao, (Soup and Homeless. Since its Dumplings), Land of a beginning, this program has Thousand Hills, (Any resulted in providing more than Croissant), Charlie D’s Pizza, two tons of food, and funding for (Family Value Deal), Cupcake CFHH. For this year’s initiative, Cowgirls, (6-pak of Cupcakes), we’ve gone bigger and bolder Jersey Bagels, (Deli Turkey with “Metta’s Local Eats Dine Meal Deal), Nyam Nyam Café, Out for Charity.” MLE has (Any Sweet Crepe and a proudly partnered with local Mettamosa combo), Rockwell and area restaurants and Grill, (Soft Pretzel), Hanan’s artesian eateries to help feed Café, (Empanadas), 2 Guys 1 The Union Kitchen - Crispy Kraken those in need. It is as easy as Pit, (Burnt Ends), Brooks YOU dine out and enjoy eating a variety of Place, LLC, (3-Meat Plate), Ambriza, Andy’s participating appetizers, entrees, and sweet treats, Kitchen, The Union Kitchen, and many, and the restaurant/artesian eaterie gives a many more. designated dollar amount of your meal, for every unit purchased, now through December 31, 2020. With the first month of the quarter in the books, we find local restaurants digging deep and giving How does this all work? Join the “Metta’s Local it all they can in support of CFHH. Andy Correa Eats” Facebook Food Group OR click “Like” to of Andy’s Kitchen, a contributing front runner, together with other small local follow the “Metta’s Local Eats shops, have already raised Dine Out for Charity” FB page, w h e re a c o m p re h e n s ive , $5,000. up-to-date list of participating What is all this buzz for anyway? restaurants is maintained. There, This is the envelopment of Food you will see what each restaurant and Fellowship into the is offering as a qualifying item, Community to create a solid AND how much of each purchase foundation for our children’s goes directly to Cy-Fair Helping future. This is about helping our Hands. It is truly LOCALS helping neighbors during a time where LOCALS in a handshake to lift our the economy is proving to be a very own community, putting challenge and jobs lost or lives good sustainable food on shattered. This is about recipients’ tables. Land of a Thousand Hills - Croissants providing HOPE one can of 12 December 2020 | January 2021
feverishly every day to sustain a need that has tripled since COVID became prevalent. When you eat at any of the participating restaurants or purchase a qualifying item, save your receipts and join the Metta’s Local Eats FB Page for a chance to win one of many gift cards simply by “Dining Out for Charity.” If you are interested in becoming a partnered restaurant, please contact Mettaslocaleats@aol.com
soup or bowl of pasta at a time in feeding the hungry in our community. This is about giving to Cy-Fair Helping Hands, whose volunteers are working
Duck ’n Bao - Soup Dumplings
Graphics and Media Sponsorship for Metta's Local Eats Dine Out for Charity is being provided by Lisa C. Benoit of the Benoit Dream Team, Abby Realty. Metta Marie Archilla-Ishida is a Founder of Metta’s Local Eats - a local Facebook Group, #onmettasfork
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PHO HOUSTON
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT Story & Photos by Patricia Hudson our simple dishes. We use local ranch beef for our Pho, produce that was grown in our own greenhouse, homemade ingredients for our garlic oily, pate, and five spice sauce,” comments Vu. Getting back to the object of my affection, I asked Vu to explain the fascination of Pho. “Pho is a beef broth soup with rice noodles, served with various cuts of meat, from fresh cuts of filets to tender brisket. Pho is being served at every corner, every city in Vietnam, each region with its own flavor and herbs, mostly freshly prepared. It is a gourmet style meal, prepared fresh and served in the instant, the moment you order, perfect for lunch and this cooler Texas weather.”
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rowing up in a small Kentucky town, I have fond memories of family night dinners of egg rolls, fried rice doused in soy sauce and Chow Mein, all eaten gingerly with chop sticks, and of course, fortune cookies from Ho Kow, the one Chinese restaurant in town. Since then, my appreciation of Asian cuisine has grown to include one special Vietnamese dish: Pho. While many restaurants sell this savory dish, one of my favorites, Pho Houston, is owned and operated by Vu Nguyen. Not only do I enjoy his food, but it is his dedication to family and culture, community and commitment to country that draws me in, again and again. “My mama and I have been serving food in Houston for almost 20 years, and there is nothing that fascinates me more than finding my childhood memories through food. That's why at Pho Houston, we only use the best fresh ingredients for 14 December 2020 | January 2021
I truly enjoy the scent of a steaming bowl of pho as it is carried, almost reverently, to my table. There is something delightful at being able to select my cuts of meat, add crisp bean sprouts, my favorite herb, Thai basil, and LOTS of squeezed lime juice. I add hoisin sauce for sweetness, and, depending on my need for adventure, dashes of sriracha and a slice or two of jalapenos. Truth be told, I MIGHT add just one jalapeno. There is something so very comforting about that bowl of pho that I could honestly eat it EVERY DAY! Vu Nguyen Google experts say it might even reduce swelling and improve joint health for this decrepit body. Add a Shrimp Spring Roll, and a Fruity Mango Tea, and I’ve found my bliss! Pho is not the only thing that thrills the palette on the Pho Houston menu. Vietnamese Banh Mi, made with crispy baguettes, mouthwatering meats, homemade mayonnaise, a mix of cucumber and pickles with daikon, are popular diner choices. The Grilled Shrimp Rice Plate is another of my favorites, and if you’ve never had Shaken Beef, Mama Nguyen’s recipe is juicy and tender, with a
“French-influenced sauce,” butter and garlic, and Vietnamese style street fried rice with eggs. “We look for new ways to introduce Vietnamese tastes that match with the Tex-Mex culture. Our latest dish on the menu is a taco with Vietnamese style grilled pork shoulder or chicken breast with lemongrass-honey glazed sauce. The texture is crispy from fresh cut vegetables, and a balanced richness and savory taste from the well-seasoned smoky pork.” Vu Nguyen, at 32 years old, is one of the most driven young men I know. Not only is he the owner/operator of Pho Houston, but he keeps an eye on Viva, his mother’s restaurant, just down the road at 1960. He puts in “sweat equity” at his greenhouse which supplies flowers and plants to landscaping companies, and makes time to arrange get-togethers for his Vietnamese friends. As a high school student, he joined JROTC, where he decided that he wanted to serve this country. As that time, finances would not
allow him to follow his dream, so he worked alongside his mother to open a Vietnamese restaurant. Some 15 years later, he has enlisted in the Army Reserves. No novice to social media, Nguyen exhorts his Vietnamese community to “get involved in the community, and give back through service.” A regular bilingual volunteer at Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Vu has committed to donating $1 for every hot or cold sandwich sold until the end of December through Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity, benefitting Cy-Fair Helping Hands. One last thing; Vu Nguyen is single. Pho Houston 8552 Hwy. 6 North • Suite 300 • Houston, TX 77095 832-906-6893 • phohouston.co Days/Hours of Operation: Sunday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
For more restaurant reviews visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.
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I think we all can agree that 2020 has been a complete curveball. I can't even describe the wave of different emotions that I have felt in one day, which turned into weeks, and now, almost an entire year. It has been stressful, devastating, exhausting, lonely, divisive, and did I mention exhausting?
One thing that stands out to me during all of this madness, is how important community is. Your actual neighbors, those in close proximity to you, in real life, in the flesh, people that are around you (NOT an online community forum). It is times like this, where we realize how connected or disconnected we are from those who live so close to us. We tend to gravitate towards "safe spaces" online where we can connect with like minded people who share our views/morals/ideals, and then know nothing about the family that lives across the street. Instead of looking around asking what the community is doing for you, what are YOU doing to make your community better?
We have to stop holding on to the things that keep us divided, angry, and out for ourselves. We need to realize that life is better when we work together.
16 December 2020 | January 2021
My favorite neighborhood that I have ever lived in, was great not because we had the best amenities, or the most landscaping, or biggest house we have owned. The community that my family all remembers fondly had amazing neighbors. People that I could text and literally run next door to borrow an egg or a cup sugar. Yes, I did bake at least 2 times in the 6 years that we lived there. It was the late nights laughing in the cul de sac, or the crawfish boils, halloween parties, and there may have even been an animal skull being
boiled in the driveway that the kids still talk about. Our neighborhood was great, because of the people. We made an effort to get to know people as they moved in, and were able to share our successes and even our struggles. Great people make great neighborhoods.
WE are each responsible for the impact that we have in our small corner of the world, and quite frankly, we NEED each other. I encourage you as we go into this new year, to think about ways that you can make your neighborhoods and communities better.
How can I serve my community in 2021? 1. Introduce yourself to a neighbor you haven't met yet. Exchange numbers so you both can text if there are any issues.
2. Bring a plastic bag on your walks and pick up any random trash you might come across.
3. Communicate. If there is an issue, address it with the person directly, don't run to online forums to shame.
4. Make a point to connect with people, don't just drive in and close your garage door. Wave, say hello, smile, spread good energy people!!
I am hoping that 2021 brings joy, peace, healing, and comfort to those who dealt with heavy loss this year, and I encourage us all to make an effort to be better to each other in 2021.
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by Liz Arrington
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” - Buddy the Elf t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The familiar tune and Perry Como’s smooth voice is just one of many Christmas songs that will be running through my head through the entire month of December. Nothing puts me in the holiday spirit like a classic Christmas carol, and I have a long list of favorites. Each song holds a special memory or feeling of Christmases past, and feelings of hope and joy for the present. For so many of us, the music of the holiday season is deeply connected with our experiences and memories.
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Christmas music has been a fixture across the world for centuries. It’s incredible to think about the generations of people who sang similar versions of the songs that we still sing today. So, in honor of this long history of music, here are a few interesting facts about traditional 18 December 2020 | January 2021
Christmas songs that you might not have known. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World” are two of the oldest English language Christmas hymns, originating in the 1700s. The first Christmas song to mention Santa Claus was Benjamin Hanby's "Up On The Housetop." Written in 1864, Hanby was inspired by Clement Moore's 1823 poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." In 1906, a violin solo of "O Holy Night" was the second piece of music to ever be broadcast on radio. "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" is one of the oldest secular Christmas songs, originating in 16th century England. “Jingle Bells” was originally written as a Thanksgiving song, written by James Lord Pierpont for a church Thanksgiving concert in the 1850’s.
The music of Christmas, more than any other season or holiday, creates such a strong sense of nostalgia. Bringing forth memories of Christmases of our childhood, various different seasons throughout our lives, reminding us of our loved ones, and allowing us to pass along this experience to new generations. My call to you this Christmas season is to seek meaningful ways to include music in your holidays. Go beyond listening to music, or watching other people perform music for you. Create your own family musical moments by singing together at home or in the car. Explore music from your own family history or heritage. Gather your kids for caroling with family and friends. Host a sing-a-long movie night featuring your favorite Christmas movie musical. Share the joy of Christmas with others through the gift of music and carry on the long tradition of connecting with the spirit of the season through song.
Liz Arrington combines her background in working with children and families with her love of music, to provide early childhood music and movement classes to the families of Cypress. Online music classes also available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com.
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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS News Source: CFISD News
CFISD Athletes Choose Colleges During Early Signing period More than 40 CFISD athletes joined many others across the country in signing letters of intent to participate in collegiate athletics during the early signing period, which started Nov. 11. “It is gratifying to see so many CFISD athletes fulfill a lifelong dream by signing National Letters of Intent,” said Ray Zepeda, CFISD director of athletics. “We are proud of the students, coaches and programs in regard to their accomplishments on and off the field. To be considered for an athletic scholarship, athletes must meet stringent academic requirements as well as be great athletes. It is the utmost privilege to have the ability to see the athletes in CFISD grow up and compete in our activities. We celebrate with our students and their families and wish our them the best of luck as they continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.”
Tripp Cromer of Bridgeland, with parents, after signing letter of intent to Hill College (photo by Michelle Padilla)
Carson Dearing of Cy-Ranch, with family, after signing letter of intent to Angelina College (photo by Brittney Koblenz)
The following athletes from Bridgeland and CyRanch signed or plan to sign during the early signing period: BRIDGELAND HIGH SCHOOL Baseball Tripp Cromer: Hill College Josh Phillips: North Central Texas College. Girls’ Soccer Rebecca Grady: MO University of Science & Tech. Natalie Mason: University of Mary Hardin - Baylor Softball Kylee Gibson: University of Houston Lindsey Polleschultz: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Brodie Quinlan: Sam Houston State University Jaelyn Simmons: University of St. Thomas Avery Wagner: Cornell University Boys’ Swimming Jackson Dement: University of Alabama Girls’ Swimming Allie Thome: University of Arkansas Boys’ Track and Field/Cross Country Randy Smith: University of Alabama Volleyball Emily Adams: University of Louisiana at Monroe Jessica Frannea: Northeastern University Emerson Sykes: University of St. Thomas CYpRESS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL Baseball Carson Dearing: Angelina College Weston Williams: Hesston College Colby Wilson: Newman University Girls’ Soccer Aaliyah Bluett: Oregon State University Jordan Porter: Louisiana Tech University Softball Camryn Carmouche: Stanford University Volleyball Kailey Friedrich: University of Louisiana at Monroe Maddy Villarreal: University of Louisiana at Monroe
For more school news visit: www.bestofcyfair.com. 20 December 2020 | January 2021
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CFISD Trustee Julie Hinaman Selected for Leadership TASB program CFISD Board of Trustees member Julie Hinaman was selected to be a member of the 2021 class of Leadership TASB, a program sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The class of 2021 consists of 27 school board members from across Texas and represents school districts of all sizes, with student populations of 1,200-110,000. Participants will complete a yearlong education leadership study program, and those who complete all required elements of the study will graduate next year earning Master Trustee status. Master Trustee is the highest designation recognized by TASB. All Leadership TASB members from the class of 2021 met virtually Oct. 1-3 to receive training in conjunction with the Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB Convention. Other Leadership TASB sessions are scheduled throughout the 20202021 school year. Each session has a unique theme that builds on the previous sessions and features nationally recognized experts in the fields of leadership development and education. Leadership TASB has more than 900 graduates to date. “I am honored to be selected to join the 2021 Leadership TASB cohort,” Hinaman said. “I look forward to learning from my fellow trustees from across the state so that I can better serve the CFISD community.”
Bridgeland Runners Qualify for Cross Country State Championships The Bridgeland boys’ cross country team and senior Athena Reyna qualified for the UIL Cross Country State Championships at the Region II-6A Cross Country Championships on Nov. 10 at Jesse Owens Memorial Complex in Dallas. For the first time in program history, the Bridgeland boys placed third at regionals with an overall score of 103 with senior Randy Smith finishing eighth overall (15:38.66). Senior Jacob Grosch followed Smith with a 16th-place finish (15:55.91). Also running for the Bears were senior Ethan Conville (29th, 16:14.24), sophomore Noah Willows (38th, 16:23.90), junior Alex Chambliss (40th, 16:25.97), junior Reid Smith (47th, 16:36.94) and senior Jorge Cantu (58th, 16:54.48). “I am extremely proud of each and every one of the young men who have worked incredibly hard and fought through this unprecedented difficult time, kept the goal in mind and were able to make history by being the first boys cross country team in Bridgeland’s history to qualify for the state championships,” said Kevin Waters, Bridgeland boys’ cross country head coach. “From the moment that we opened the doors four years ago we have worked diligently and tirelessly to become one of the best programs in the state and by qualifying, we have taken a giant leap in reaching that goal.” Bridgeland runner Athena Reyna was the only female runner from CFISD to qualify for the UIL Cross Country State Championships finishing 20th overall (19:03.49). The UIL Cross Country State Championships was held Nov. 23-24 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Randy Smith placed 10th overall (15:39.64).
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Cy-Fair Helping Hands Seeks Assistance with Holiday Giving By Patricia Hudson
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Blesses Record Number at Thanksgiving
Cards of Hope
Thanks to a generous Cy-Fair community, and with the help of their dedicated volunteers, Cy-Fair Helping Hands provided a record number of Thanksgiving Blessings Boxes this year to families that are struggling to put food on their tables. Each box contained the contents for a complete Thanksgiving meal, together with a $20 - $25 gift card for each family to purchase a turkey, ham, or anything that was traditionally a part of their Thanksgiving meal. “With the increase in numbers of families coming to our drivethru food distribution, we knew that the need would be much greater this year. We set a goal of providing a holiday meal for 620 families, an ambitious increase of 44% from 2019. Our community recognized the need and held Thanksgiving food drives in their communities, schools and businesses. They came to CFHH, dropped off food, and helped us to sort and assemble the boxes. As a result, we were able to provide 667 Thanksgiving Blessings Boxes to our client families, as well as to others in need in our Cy-Fair community. Just knowing that we were able to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table for 3,105 individuals was indeed a blessing for which we were truly grateful,” reports CyFair Helping Hands Executive Director of Community Outreach, Patricia Hudson.
Did you know that there are hundreds of homeless students in CFISD? The holiday season is a bleak time for those living from day to day, not knowing where they will sleep, or if they will even have a meal to eat. With the help of our community partners, our Homeless Teen Initiatives’ Cards of Hope program added joy to the lives of 550 CFISD students at Christmas last year when each received a $50 gift card to use as they wished. These needs are even greater this holiday season. To donate, please email Jean Dreyer, Executive Director of Homeless Initiatives: jean@cyfairhelpinghands.org. Monetary donations may be made by going to our cyfairhelpinghands.org, to our gift catalog, or may be mailed to: 7710 Cherry Park Drive, #T-385, Houston, TX 77095.
Christmas Stockings
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For more information about our Homeless Initiatives and our Community Outreach Programs, please visit our website and our Facebook page, Cy-Fair Helping Hands.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands 7520 Cherry Park Drive Suite B • Houston, TX 77095 www.cyfairhelpinghands.org To Donate Funds: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org
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Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Client Christmas party this year. While it is disappointing, we know that it is the safest thing to do, and will ensure that volunteers and clients will be safer for it. Instead, with Santa’s help, we plan to hand out Christmas stockings to client children that come through a drive-through visit with the jolly old elf. Our goal is 500 stockings filled with candy and small toys. For more information contact Pat Hudson at phudson@cyfairhelpinghands.org.
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Dear Cypress, Thank you. by Lauren Koops
I wish there were a bigger phrase to express my gratitude to this community. For the readers who aren’t familiar with me, I’m a nineteen year old graduate from Cypress Ranch. I was the president of National Honor Society, National English Honors Society, and the Social Chair for our Theatre Leadership Council. I love writing and am so proud of the Scholastic International Medal I had been fortunate enough to earn with the help of my amazing English teachers. I love traveling, Willie Nelson, and hanging out with friends. The night of June 1, 2020, I was grabbing dinner with a few of them to finish planning our graduation party. I took Mound Rd. home from the Towne Lake Boardwalk and had parked my car to allegedly pick up some litter in the road (guilty tree hugger tendencies). Unfortunately, I was then struck by another car. One of my neighbors witnessed the entire accident and removed me from the oncoming traffic. Because Cypress is stationed between two police zones, we had countless first responders quickly there to help. I was then Life Flighted to the Med Center and followed by my parents. All in all, I shuffled between three hospitalizations suffering critical ligament and bone damage in both legs, a wrist break, and a traumatic brain injury. I returned home on July 2 and started the next chapter of recovery. I have now completed my four surgeries and look forward to marking a full
recovery the first week of November! Life after this journey is hopefully taking me to a spring semester at UT-San Antonio, and a sophomore year at UT-Austin. My best friend was updating a Facebook page to share my conditions as I recovered, and we were shocked to find that more than three thousand people followed. I am still so surprised by the heart that everyone has. My faith has kept my spirits lifted throughout this endeavor, and all of the love from my community has most definitely contributed, as well. I’ve learned how profound the principle of kindness is-- it truly saved my life by taking me off of that road on June 1. The extension of selfless kindness from all directions is inexplicably astounding. I’ve received such loving messages, letters, gifts, and even a signed Willie Nelson guitar! I never before knew the extent of goodness in this community’s heart. I hope all those reading would see just how vastly loved and cared for they are here in Cypress. We have incredible neighbors, and it doesn’t take being hit by a car to feel their support. Wishing a return of your outpouring love, generosity, and support - Lauren Koops
Photo Credit: Tanya Saenz
PinPointe Magazine
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