3 February | March 2017
PinPointe Magazine
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Contents ON THE COVER: Happy Halloween from Pinpointe!
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
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Rose Poole: Cy-Fair Photographer Goes to Great Lengths to Capture “The Perfect Shot”
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Canine Corner
10 Cypress Happenings 12 Astros Dog Days Delights Fans, Elevates Canine to Celebrity Status 14 PinPointe Magazine Salutes Community Eateries, Beverage Businesses and Artisans for Charity Fundraising
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16 This is Home: A Letter to My Community 18 How Watching Cartoons With My Child Made Me a Better Parent 20 Solid Gold Support: Golden Retrievers, Dog Therapy Volunteer Offer Cheerful Support to the Aged, Infirmed, Youth 22 Cypress School News 23 Cy-Ranch Kicks Off Year with a Mustang Round Up Carnival and Pep Rally
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PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Rose Poole Cy-Fair Photographer Goes to Great Lengths to Capture “The Perfect Shot” PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Story by Patricia Hudson - Photos by Rose Pool Photography
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s journalists, the daily perusal of social media Facebook sites often produces potential story lines. A recent venture into the Cypress Photography FB page, this editor was mesmerized by the majesty of the Union Pacific Railroad Big Boy, captured through the lens of a camera. I wanted to know more about the talented photographer, Rose Poole. Rose and her husband, Radney, moved to the Bridgeland community in late 2009. “I have been a volunteer with 4H for over 16 years. I also contribute as a volunteer in the neighborhood for groups such as the Bridgeland Garden Club and Bridgeland Community Supports Veterans, Inc. as well as area non-profit groups.” The Poole’s 18-year-old daughter, Ruth, is a 2021 graduate of Bridgeland High School; she will be attending college at Lone Star this fall. “She had decided not to apply to colleges this year. They all called, asking her to consider them. As a graduate with high honors, apparently, she was on their radar. She plans to get her basics this year, and study Medical Administration,” shares Rose. 6 October | November 2021
Rose explains the role that photography has played in her life. When did you first become interested in photography? How has this interest evolved into a business? I started taking and developing photos when I was in high school. It was one of my 4-H project areas and also took photos for the school newspaper. While at Texas A&M I took many photojournalism classes as part of my degree plan in Agricultural Communications and worked as a part-time photographer for local publications while in school. While working on my master’s program I studied photography as an art class. Prior to Covid-19, I was employed as a contractor for Kinsmen Lutheran Church as their Communications Director. It was after my contract ended, that I decided to start my photo business. In preparation for taking senior photos of my daughter I decided to start taking more portraits and offered my
including our many local and migratory birds. How do you improve your photography skills?
services in the neighborhood for senior and family portraits and events.
I practice and challenge myself to try new things. Learning from my successes and failures helps me improve. Besides monitoring online photography groups, I learn from speakers and competitions through the Northwest Houston Photography Club. During the COVID shut down, I spent many hours taking various online courses from top photographers in the country.
What are your photography subjects?
Professional photographers are quick to criticize cell phone photography. What is your view of cell phone cameras?
Just about anything. I do a lot of shooting as a volunteer for events. In addition to portraits, I do sports, real estate and nature photography
Even my old iPhone 6 has been great for taking photos. I have many great photos that I took with my cell phone. I currently have two of my cell
phone photos in a juried art exhibit at Lone Star College in Kingwood. As most know, the best camera is the one you have with you — and it is not always a DSLR with interchangeable lenses but it does the job. Reminiscing about the past Although my current camera equipment is heavy, I am actually
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carrying less gear these days then decades ago when I used to shoot news for the TV station and the camera and the recorder I carried weighted 40-50 pounds together. Which of your photo shoots has been your favorite? Astrophotography in Big Bend. Even though this involved shooting all night, it was amazing see the resulting photos of the Milky Way and star trails. How far would you go for “The Perfect Shot?” I have negotiated large slimy rocks through the water in the dark to get a sunrise shot, photographed from a plane and helicopter, walked up the Great Wall of China, and climbed to the top of mountains. Recently, I went out early to get a good spot for shooting Big Boy and waited for hours in the heat. What advice would you give a beginning photographer? Learn how to shoot in different lighting scenarios. Learn your camera controls, and practice shooting in manual mode. I am currently teaching photography to two young students in my neighborhood and we spend a lot of time talking about the exposure triangle and how changing one setting affects another.
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If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Towne Lake, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
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Cypress
HAPPENINGS
Bridgeland Farmers Market (2nd & 4th Sundays) 10519 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 • 12:30-3:30pm Boardwalk @ Towne Lake Farmers Market (3rd Sat) 9945 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 • 12:30-3:30pm
Fairfield Farmers Market (3rd Sundays) 15103 Mason Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 • 11am-3pm The Jersey Village Farmers Market (1st & 3rd Sundays) Jersey Village Civic Ctr. Parking Lot 16327 Lakeview Dr. • 12-3pm This family-friendly event features locally grown food and handmade merchandise. Tomball Farmers Market (Saturdays) • 9am-1pm A year-round weekly North Houston Farmers Market, with over 60 local vendors featuring farmers, producers, bakers, artisans and more. Located in historic Downtown Tomball, TX TFM provides a diverse, fun, pet friendly, family outdoor shopping experience. Visit www.tomballfarmersmarket.org • (832) 422-5669
10 October | November 2021
VFW Post 8905 September BBQ Cook-Off Thursday, Sept. 9 - Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021 21902 Northwest Fwy • Cypress, TX 77429 Presented by VFW Post 8905 and the Post 8905 Auxiliary VFW Post 8905 and Auxiliary would like to invite all cookers to compete in our annual September BBQ cook-off. This will be an IBCA sanctioned event. Cash prizes and trophies. Raffles, Cake Bake, 50/50, and more! www.vfw8905.org
Bridgeland Community Friday Night Bites 2nd Friday of every month: October 8 & November 12, 2021 • 6-10pm Lakeland Village Center • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy great food truck fare and live music!
Fun Run/Walk For Heroes Saturday, October 16, 2021 • 8am Festival Park • Bridgeland Landing Drive START TIME: 8:00 am for adults and 9:00 am for children 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies for the 5K &10K race winners. Registration is $35 for adults/ Kids 10 & under $15-20 Children’s Superhero Costume contest, vendors, food trucks & more! Register at: www.bridgeland.com/event/fun-run-walk-for-heroes/
Fall Festival & Pumpkin Patch Saturday, October 16, 2021 • Noon-4pm Cypress Fellowship • 16620 Cypress Rosehill Rd. • Cypress 77429 Trunk or Treat, Bounce Houses, Games, Food Trucks, Craft Vendors cypressfellowship.org
13th Annual Bridgeland NatureFest Saturday, October 23, 2021 • 10am-4pm Oak Meadow Park • House & Hahl Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 Featuring zoologist Jack Randall, Jack Randall Petting Zoo, Food Trucks, Bounce Houses, Rock Wall, Outdoor Laser Tag, Paddle Boat Rides Canoeing, Kayaking, and more! Admission, stage performances and many activities are free of charge, while some will require a small fee to participate. All proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope, an amazing local organization whose goal is to bring hope and opportunity to every child in the Cy-Fair area. For more info, call 281-304-5588.
Cypress UMC Pumpkin Patch Ongoing through October 31, 2021 • Open Daily 13403 Cypress N. Houston • Cypress, TX 77429 www.cypressunited.org
dewberry Farm 2021 Fall Festival Ongoing through November 14, 2021 77045 FM 362 @ Morrison Road • Brookshire, TX 77423 Over 40+ Attractions to enjoy during Fall! www.dewberryfarm.com
For more upcoming Cy-Fair events, visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
BLeSSiNg BOxeS FOOd dRiVe October 10 - November 8, 2021 NEEDS $20-25 WalMart or Kroger Grocery Gift Cards for Turkey/Ham (attach receipt)
Canned Green Beans
Boxed/Bagged Stuffing Mix
Canned Peas
Cans/Boxes/Packets of Turkey Gravy Mix
Canned Sweet Potatoes
Canned Cream of Mushroom/Cream of Chicken Soup/Chicken Broth
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Instant Boxed Mashed Potatoes Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
Boxed Jiffy Pie Crust Mixes (no premade crusts, please)
Canned Corn
Boxed Jiffy Corn Bread Mix
Canned Apple, Cherry, Peach Pie Filling
Please deliver all gift cards (with receipts attached) and food donations to: Cy-Fair Helping Hands: 7520 Cherry Park Drive, Suite B, Houston, TX 77095 To become a community partner with Cy-Fair Helping Hands this Thanksgiving, or to arrange delivery of donations, please contact Patricia Hudson, Executive Director of Community Outreach: phudson@cyfairhelpinghands.org Office: 281-858-1222 Cell: 832-795-8862
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Astros Dog Days Delights Fans, Elevates Cypress Canine to Celebrity Status Story by Patricia Hudson • Photos by Juli Radcliff
The term Dog Days of Summer typically conjures up images of hot, sultry nights in the South. For Houston Astros fans, the annual August Dog Day event is an opportunity to have canine family members join in the fun at Minute Maid Park. While a late rally by the Seattle Mariners resulted in a loss for the Astros, it didn’t seem to faze these park visitors. One Cypress dog basked in the limelight, garnering the attention of delighted fans. Kuzco Radcliff, a Pomeranian/Husky mix with astonishingly piercing eyes, is a resident of Blackhorse Ranch, and makes his home with his dad, Jeff, mom, Juli, and his human siblings, Carter and Brady. Big brother, Tyler, and his new bride, Kasside, came along for the fun. “He made the Jumbotron and the Houston Astros twitter,” shares Juli delightedly.
12 October | November 2021
Canine Corner
H
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.
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
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 texasteacher024@outlook.com.
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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.
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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
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This is Home.
A LETTER TO MY COMMUNITY.
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BY ALLISON OKUNEYE
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 16 October | November 2021
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 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.
Style Questions for next issue? Email highheelsnmohawks@gmail.com
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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.
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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
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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 20 June | July 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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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS Source: CFiSd News Media
CFiSd Students Named 2022 National Merit Semifinalists
CFiSd inducts 2020 and 2021 Wall of Fame Classes
CFISD seniors representing seven high schools were confirmed as semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, officials announced on Sept. 15, allowing academically talented students to continue in the competition for approximately 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million.
Eighteen honorees of distinction were recognized and inducted into the 2020 and 2021 Wall of Fame for their commitment and contributions to the educational experience of CCFISD. The 27th annual ceremony recognized two years of Wall of Fame recipients, after the 2020 event was postponed.
The following students have been named National Merit semifinalists: CYPRESS RANCH: Miguel Alarcon CYPRESS WOODS: Tanvi Khandekar, Phuc Le, and Benjamin Yonas The semifinalists are among 16,000 students throughout the U.S. that placed among the top 1 percent of approximately 1.5 million students who entered the Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit School Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) during their junior year. To become a finalist, semifinalists must submit a detailed scholarship application, including information about academic records, participating in school and community activities, leadership skills, employment, and honors and awards. In addition to the scholarship application, semifinalists must be endorsed by a high school official and write an essay. Qualifying students will be notified of their final designation in February, with National Merit Scholarship winners announced beginning in April and concluding in July.
Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools, served as master of ceremonies for the annual event, held Monday, Sept. 27 at the Berry Center. The Langham Creek High School Air Force JROTC welcomed the honorees and guests with a line of honor. Cypress Ranch High School senior choir student Alexa Stracener performed for all the guests. Fourteen CFISD employees were honored for their professional achievements at the state and national levels, along with four recipients of the Friend of Education award, which is presented to a community member who has made major contributions to enhance the educational experiences of CFISD students. The 2020 Friend of Education award was presented to: Lynda Zelenka, the executive director of Cy-Hope, an organization that rallies the entire community to “Make Life Better for Kids in Cy-Fair.” The 2021 Friend of Education awards were presented to: Jerry Ashworth, Senior VP & CEO Memorial Hermann Katy and Memorial Hermann Cypress hospitals Keith Barber, CEO Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Jim Brown, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress The 2020 Wall of Fame inductees are: Sabrina dotson, dispatcher at the Falcon Transportation Center. Kathryn Haynes, former engineering teacher at Cy-Park High School. Lauren Hornbeak, biology teacher at Cy-Creek High School.
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Karen Smith, CFISD chief financial officer. dr. Michelle Pastorek, psychologist for CFISD’s Mental Health Intervention Team. dr. Kayne Smith, CFISD director of transportation.
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Jennifer Miller, director of cybersecurity, acquisitions and performance excellence for CFISD.
Joseph Thoede, lead parts technician at the Westgreen Transportation Center. The 2021 Wall of Fame inductees are: Timothy estelle, coordinator of secondary fine arts for CFISD.
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Karen Fuller, director of network infrastructure and communications for CFISD. Sign up for our newsletter at
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Sarah Lopes, head orchestra director at Bridgeland High School. Bill Powell, assistant superintendent of support services for CFISD. Joyce Simpson, school bus driver for the Falcon Transportation Center. Marney Sims, general counsel for CFISD.
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For more CFISD News, visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
Cypress Ranch Kicks Off Year with a Mustang Round Up Carnival and Pep Rally Story & Photos by Patricia Hudson Cypress Ranch High School invited Cypress to meet the Ranch Mustangs at a Round Up on campus, days before the start of the school year. Ranch athletes, club members, and organizations wrangled up a carnival atmosphere, complete with games, food trucks, and fun. A spirited pep rally capped off the day’s festivities.
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