Remaining Grateful & Blessed Community Leaders Reflect on 2020

Remaining

By Patricia Hudson

As 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.

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.”

Leslie Martone

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

H A P P E N I N G S

FO R M O R E , G O TO B E STO FCY 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.

For more upcoming Cy-Fair events, visit: www.bestofcyfair.com

For more upcoming events in Houston, visit: www.houstonintown.com

10 December 2020 | January 2021