3 February | March 2017
PinPointe Magazine
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6 February | March 2022
Contents ON THE COVER: (left to right) Beth Douglass, Ruth Mulligan, Kim Andrews, Maryanne Dersch
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
Photo Credit: Greg Andrews
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Andy's Bar & Grill to Open in Cypress
14 16 Set Yourself Up For Success in 2022!
10 Cypress Happenings
18 31 Little Ways to Boost Your Child's Self Esteem
12 Cy-Ranch Staff Pieces Together Puzzle Challenge for the Gold
20 Best of Cy-Fair: D'Vine Wine & Bistro
14 100+ Women Who Care Cy-Fair Chapter Makes a Collective Community Impact
23 What Are Your Financial Resolutions For 2022?
22 Canine Corner
Andy’s Bar & Grill
PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Soon to Open in Cypress Story & Photos by Patricia Hudson
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n Cy-Fair circles, the mere mention of the name “Andy,” conjures images of good food, family-friendly service, and a burly man with a strong sense of community. Andy Correa, owner/operator of Andy’s Kitchen and We Wagon Catering, is at it again. With more than 30 years’ experience in the food industry, he will soon open Andy’s Bar & Grill, at 27200 Hwy. 290, Ste. 160, Cypress, TX. Loyal customers of Andy’s Kitchen can’t wait for his projected March opening. Andy Correa’s passion for the kitchen was ignited when he was around 13 or 14. “My dad worked at a pizza restaurant. He was the guy in the kitchen, the chef. Taking it all in, I fell in love with everything about the restaurant industry! My dad? He was tickled pink that I wanted to pursue a career in food,” recalls Andy.
“I started catering in 1997, and spent 23 years working In Ninfa’s, Las Mañanita’s, and Rosa’s before opening Roosters Sports Bar and Grill in 2012; that’s where the recipes for Andy’s burgers were developed. The goal was to have a familyoriented bar and grill that served good food with good service. In 2015, I added Andy’s Mobile Kitchen. 8 February | March 2022
Correa has made a name for himself by providing a cozy family-friendly atmosphere with a great downhome menu at Andy’s Kitchen. “When dine-in was closed during Covid, we tripled our volume with delivery curbside and take out. We have been blessed by this community’s support,” commented Andy gratefully. Are there plans to change the menu at The Kitchen? “We will continue to serve the comfort food that has drawn in the community since we opened, those great Texas style burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and special night meals that we are so well known for,” he assures his customers.
A larger-than-life figure with a heart to match, Andy has a reputation for reaching into his own pocket to feed first responders and faculty and staff from schools in the community. “Andy’s Kitchen in Fairfield has been our ‘Go To’ for Boutwell team lunches and client meets,” relates Cindy Boutwell. “Dan and I first gave his restaurant a try when we noticed how much he gave back to the community. Every fundraising event for Cy-Fair Helping Hands that I have attended, Andy has been a part of by either donating a significant amount of food, funds or time.” Andy’s Bar and Grill food and concept will be totally different from The Kitchen,” asserts Andy. “We’ll have 3,100 square feet with seating for 100, seven days a week, and a full bar. As with Roosters, we will have live entertainment, so we are planning on bringing in bands and a DJ. We will also have Trivia Nights and Kids’ Karaoke on a weekly basis. Our menu will feature Cajun pasta, flatbreads, and wraps, American cuisine like Chicken Fried Steak and Chicken Fried Chicken. Eventually, we’ll have pizza. We want you to come in, sit down, take your time and enjoy your meal. After 9 pm, the menu will change to bar fare such as street tacos, nachos, and fried items.” Can Best Comfort we expect to see the iconic owner at his newest eatery? “I plan to be at the front of the house for the first 46 weeks,” comments Andy. While Andy works to get his newest eatery ready, his customers eagerly anticipate its opening. “We are so excited about his second location in Cypress,” says Boutwell. “I believe it will become a great dining and entertainment option for Cypress,” Andy’s Bar & Grill 27200 Hwy. 290, Ste. 160 Cypress, Texas Sunday – Wednesday 11a.m. - 9p.m. Thursday – Saturday 11a.m. - 2a.m. www.facebook.com/ andys-bar-grill-102023315626631
Andy & Kristi Correa
Food in Cypress!
Est. 2018
Voted t Best Bu he rg in Cypr ers ess!
15202 Mason Rd #700 | Cypress, TX 77433 (832) 653-3802 | www.andys.kitchen
Coming Soon!
27200 Hwy 290 Cypress Tx 77433 PinPointe Magazine
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Cypress
HAPPENINGS
From the Vine Ministries Events The Vineyard • 19125 Mueschke Rd. • Tomball, TX 77377 We offer a wide variety of workshops, groups, speakers, bible study and more! Visit: www.fromthevineministries.com/event/
1st Annual Stetsons & Stilettos Gala Presented by Cy-Fair Helping Hands CANCELLATION NOTICE The Cy-Fair Helping Hands Stetsons and Stilettos Gala has been canceled due to COVID. This decision was not made lightly, but with prayerful consideration for our sponsors, volunteers, and guests. Beginning February 7, 2022, and ending on February 11, 2022, an exclusive VIP Bid week will afford our sponsors the opportunity to view and bid on some very special auction items. Bidding will open up to the general public beginning February 12, 2022, with the all bidding ending on Saturday, February 19, 2022. For additional information, please go to the Cy-Fair Helping Hands Facebook page.
10 February | March 2022
Cy-Fair Home & Outdoor Living Show Saturday, March 26, 2022 • 9am-6pm Saturday, March 27, 2022 • 10am-5pm Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 The Annual Cy-Fair Home and Garden Show is the first event of its kind in the Cy-Fair area and features appearances of some of the top names in home and gardening and over 100 exhibitors with the latest in home products and services on the market. Hottest Remodeling, New Home-Products and Services on view at the Cy-Fair Home & Garden Show! www.texwoodshows.com/live-shows/cyfair-show/
2nd Annual Mental Health Heroes Classic Wednesday, March 30, 2022 • 1pm (11:30am Registration) Gleannloch Pines Golf Club 19393 Champion Forest Drive • Spring, Texas 77379 Join us for a fun day of golf and support Shield Bearer Counseling Centers! Register at: one.bidpal.net/mhhc2022/browse/featured
9th Annual CFISD Superintendent’s Fun Run Saturday, April 9, 2022 Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Proceeds from the Superintendent’s Fun Run benefit the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF), which awards student scholarships and staff development grants, directly benefitting our CFISD community. Register at: www.cfisd.net/funrun
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Cy-Ranch Staff Pieces Together Puzzle Challenge for the Gold Story by Patricia Hudson Photos by Greg Andrews
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hile Cypress Ranch High School is well known for its high achieving students, it was staff members that put the Mustangs in the news last month. Competing against 41 other 4-person (left to right) Beth Douglass, Ruth Mulligan, teams, Kim Andrews, Maryanne Dersch, Beth Douglass Kim Andrews, Maryanne Dersch and Ruth Mason Mulligan claimed the gold medal in the in 2019. All of us are competitive and love puzzles, however none Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition held in Missouri City. of us had ever done a puzzle competition before.” With a time of 51 minutes, the team won bragging rights for their 1st place finish. Held annually, the competition benefits the Hope This is the team’s fourth year in the contest. In 2019, their first for Three, an autism advocacy group in the Greater Houston area year of competition, the team took 2nd Place out of 38 teams. which provides resources and support to families and children In 2020, the group moved up to 1st Place of 53 teams. With living with autism spectrum disorder. Covid, the competition was held virtually via Zoom; the team Kimberly Andrews explained how the team came together. “A co-worker asked if we would be interested in competing back
placed 4th of 62 teams in 2021. This year’s 1st place finish was especially sweet. From www.HopeForThree.org: Hope For Three was inspired by the plight of an amazing mother and father in Fort Bend County who experienced the triple pleasure and heartbreak of having identical triplets, all diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism). Helplessly watching this family navigate the frustrating waters of maxed-out social services, excessive bureaucracy, denials by insurance companies, and indifference by society, close friends pondered their options. As a result, Hope for Three was born in April 2011. Inspired by the Montgomery triplets, Hope for Three, a local nonprofit and autism organization, was established to raise community awareness and provide resources and support, in the form of financial aid, to families with children diagnosed with ASD.
12 February | March 2022
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100+ Women Who Care
(left to right) Tricia Balmos, Keeli Almaraz, Michelle Baldwin, Jodi Johnston-McNiven, Michelle Mawford, Angie Vowell, Kathryn Trotti
Photo Credit: Karen McConaughey Photography
Cy-Fair Chapter
Makes a Collective Community Impact
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Story by Patricia Hudson
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aby cribs. It was at a Center for Family Health meeting in Jackson, Michigan that Karen Dunigan learned of impoverished new mothers that were bringing their new babies home and placing them in boxes, dresser drawers, and in their own beds. As they could not afford to purchase proper cribs, some of the infants did not survive the night. Presented with the bottom line, Karen learned that the cost of cribs, complete with mattresses and blankets, was $10,000. Dunigan realized that she could ask ten Center for Family Health supporters to each write a check for $1,000, but even better, she knew that 100 women could donate $100 each. Phone calls were made and a meeting was set. Within an hour, $12,800 was raised for baby cribs. Karen founded the first chapter of 100+ WOMEN Who Care; currently, there are more than 900 chapters comprised of women, as well as men and children, worldwide. “I first heard about 100+WOMEN Who Care and the concept of ‘collective giving’ when I was in Canada visiting family for the summer. I was instantly drawn to the idea. I’ve always been involved in philanthropy, but this concept ticked all the boxes for me. Women supporting women, networking, learning about issues facing our community and then working as a 14 February | March 2022
collective to make a big impact. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to create back in Cypress. I talked to some friends, rallied some support and in September 2016, 100+WOMEN Who Care, Cy-Fair was founded,” shares Founder and President, Jodi Johnston-McNiven. Angie Vowell was one of the women to whom Jodi turned for support. “Jodi came back from Canada where she heard about this organization, said she wanted to start a group in Cypress and asked if I would like to help her. It sounded amazing, so I said ABSOLUTELY!” 100+ WOMEN Who Care, Cy-Fair is a giving circle of women who gather four times a year and make a real impact in their community through a collective donation of $100 each to a local charity nominated by its members. “We are always looking for new members and sponsors,” comments the founder. “Members are asked to commit for a year of collective giving where they are asked to contribute $100 a quarter. They are then able to nominate local charities and vote at each meeting for who they think should be rewarded the money.” Johnston-McNiven is a motivating woman with high aspirations; she is President of Kairos Consulting, Switch on Coaching, and is a RISE Facilitator for The
Women’s Resource. “The members of our Chapter are from all walks of life, but what we all have in common is the commitment to lifting each other up, and making our community as strong as it can be. Our goal is to exceed $10,000 consistently every quarter. We’ve raised over $150, 000 for local charities and have shown time and time again what a group of determined women are capable of accomplishing when we work together! Covid wasn’t easy, but we pivoted, went viral for a while and our members stayed with us. I am proud of these ladies who care so much.”
Angie Vowell has witnessed first-hand the power of collaborative giving. “We have awarded somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 nonprofit organizations. Some of these include Big Love, Joy Ride, Kindness to Action, Our Daughters House, Houston Area Women’s Center, Heaven Instead, Shield Bearer, and Reach Unlimited.” 100+ WOMEN Who Care Board Members Jodi Johnston-McNiven - Founder/President Keeli Almaraz - Charity Analyst Kathryn Trotti - Charity Analyst Angie Vowell - Charity Liaison Tricia Balmos - Chief Financial Officer Michelle Mawford - Member Coordinator Michelle Baldwin - Social Media Coordinator 100womencyfair.wixsite.com/100wwc 713.591.2447 • 100womencyfair@gmail.com 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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16 February | March 2022
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Little Ways by Liz Arrington
to Boost Your Child ’s Self -Esteem think most parents are aware of the tremendous responsibility that we carry when it comes to shaping and supporting a healthy sense of self esteem in our children. With all of the ups and downs of life, a positive sense of self is one of the greatest protective factors for resilience and happiness in children.
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We know that unconditional consistent love and affection build trust and security, and fill our children with feelings of positive self worth. However, as busy parents deep in the day-
to-day interactions of life, sometimes we could use some fresh ideas for how to fill our children’s self-esteem bucket. So, in honor of a new year and new beginnings, here’s a list of 31 Different Ways to Boost Your child’s self esteem and make them feel really great. Boosting your child’s self-esteem also helps YOU: it strengthens your relationships, helps you feel better about yourself and your child, identifies values and priorities for yourself and your family, and protects you from the hardships of an uncertain world. 1.
Let your child overhear you complimenting them to other people.
2. Thank your child for something they do to help out, or for just being themself. 3. Spend one-on-one time with your child for a designated and uninterrupted amount of time. 4. Ask for their help with a task you usually do alone. 5. Trust them to do things they never thought they could. 6. Tell them the story of how you named them- why is their name special? 7. Sing and dance together on a regular basis. 8. Allow your child to make age-appropriate choices as often as you can. 9. Ask them to talk to you about their interests- and actually listen. 10. Focus on strengths- but avoid OVER praising. 11. Cook a meal together. 12. Learn a new skill together. 13. Start a family positive affirmation or gratitude jar. 14. Emphasize effort instead of outcomes. 15. Spontaneously give extra cuddles and smiles. 18 February | March 2022
16. Tell each other your favorite jokes and laugh together.
18. Designate screen free time in your home.
30. Create your own special high- five to use when your child tells you about an accomplishment they have made.
19. Tell them stories about them as a baby- focusing on happy memories of them.
31. Repeat these activities regularly to make them a familiar and comforting part of family life.
20. Research your child’s learning style and help them to identify strategies for learning based on this.
Parents- you know your child better than anyone else. There are so many ways to adapt any of these simple activities into your family life, based on your comfort level and the comfort of your child. Displays of attention do not need to be overthe-top or complicated.
17. Ask your child to teach you to do something they are good at.
21. Get involved in helping others by volunteering in your community. 22. Demonstrate positive self talk and acceptance for yourself. 23. Share successes from the day together as a family or at bedtime. 24. Read together- select books that nurture positive self identity. 25. Create a unique family chant or special handshake. 26. Assign them age appropriate chores and responsibilities. 27. Connect BEFORE you correct, practice empathy and make an effort to separate their behaviors from their personality. 28. Play, Play, PLAY! 29. Eat dinner together as a family
In fact, the more natural and authentic these experiences are for your child the more impactful they will be in building a healthy sense of self. The key to a healthy self esteem is the confidence and security that comes with knowing and loving the person that you are, not perfection. Enjoy your time together and let’s make 2022 the year of positive self esteem! You got this!
Liz Arrington combines her back-ground 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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D’Vine Wine & Bistro
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT
By Patricia Hudson
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’Vine Wine & Bistro, located in Cypress Village Station, provides a welcome respite from fast food dining in Cy-Fair, offering an impressive wine list, upscale food, relaxed ambience, and excellent service. Amy Vasquez, is owner and CEO of D’Vine Wine, and Hanan’s Café. “I’m the owner at both locations, but most of my work is from my desk. However, I’m 100% involved in menu development for both restaurants, alongside my team. I oversee all behind-the-scene operations and decision making. I also head our catering company, All Flavors Catering.” D’Vine Wine’s menu includes everything from cheese and charcuterie boards, and small tapas to complete meals. “Our flatbreads and cheese boards are amazing Social Hour favorites!” comments Vasquez.
• Tuesday is Italian night. Choose Spaghetti and Meatballs or Grilled Chicken Picatta ($15). • Wednesday is Pork Chop Night, ($15), is served with mashers and seasonal veggies. • Thursday Steak Night features Churrasco, Shrimp, mashers and seasonal veggies ($20). • Friday nights, guests can enjoy live music from 7pm until 10pm. • Social Hour, 4pm to 6:30pm wines by the glass and tapas plates are $7 Five days a week.
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• D’Vine Wine’s VIP Locker Club members enjoy complementary tasting events.
D'Vine Wine & Bistro often receives rave reviews from Metta’s Local Eats members.
Ashley Clarabut- The lobster risotto is number one for me!
Stephanie Dyott- Our favorite date night spot! We can relax, sip wine, and enjoy each other’s company.
Joni Noble- The mushroom risotto is amazing…the Pork Chop and Steak nights, the empanadas.
Kristi VanHuss- Love the wine flights and the food is delicious.
Karen Okabayashi- The wines are great, and the service is consistently excellent.
Jan Provine- The owners are absolutely the best. The service is always top notch. Fantastic flatbreads, charcuterie, salmon and mussels. Nice wine list that is always evolving. Without a doubt, our favorite local place to eat! Heather Henry- Love it all…people, food, wine list, atmosphere, location. Seriously, can’t think of one thing I don’t like.
D’Vine Wine & Bistro
25202 Northwest Fwy Suite 100 Cypress, TX 77429 Phone 281.213.4656 Fax 281.213.4750 www.dvine-winebar.com For more restaurant reviews visit: www.bestofcyfair.com. And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
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By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
Canine Corner I
want to introduce you to Mimi. “I’m about a one-year-old black German shepherd and I’m heartworm negative. I had a little injury to my back foot, but the vet has taken great care of me and my surgery is complete and I am well healed! My foster mom is teaching me the basics about walking on a leash and sitting like a good girl. I get spayed on December 30, and after I recover, I will be available for adoption. There’s a few things that I still need to work on. I would be best in a loving home with no other dogs, but if you’re willing to work with me, I’m happy to share my love with you. My adoption is being held through Sauver Des Chiens German Shepherd Dog Rescue. My foster mom tells me I’m super smart and I’m very loyal; she is excited for me to find my forever home.” Sauver Des Chiens, French for “to save the dogs,” is an all-volunteer foster based 501(c)3 organization with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home German Shepherd Dogs, mixes and other large paw breeds. SDC is available to help any dog from being euthanized by cross-posting and finding other rescues to help, putting the welfare of the dog first. Mimi would love to start off the new year with a loving family. To adopt Mimi, please contact Sauver Des Chiens German Shepherd Rescue.
Mimi
22 February | March 2022
Sauver Des Chiens German Shepherd Rescue (To Save The Dogs) sauverdeschiens.org
FINANCIAL FOCUS
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s you know, 2021 was full of challenges. We were still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains shut down and inflation heated up. So, if you’re like many people, you might not be sorry to see the year come to a close. But now it’s time to look ahead to a brighter 2022. And on a personal level, you may want to set some New Year’s resolutions. You might resolve to improve your health and diet, and possibly learn some new skills, but why not make some financial resolutions, too? Here are a few ideas to consider:
• Prepare for the unexpected. If you haven’t already created an emergency fund, now may be a good time to start. Ideally, you’d like to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this fund, with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account. (If you’re retired, you may want your emergency fund to contain up to a year’s worth of living expenses.) Once you’ve got this fund established, you may be able to avoid dipping into longterm investments to pay for short-term needs, such as costly home or auto repairs or large medical bills. • Boost your retirement savings. The pandemic caused many us to reevaluate our ability to eventually enjoy the retirement lifestyles we’ve envisioned. In fact, 33% of those planning to retire soon said they started to contribute even more to their retirement savings during the pandemic, according to a study from Age Wave and Edward Jones. This year, if you can afford it, increase your contributions to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.
of 2023. If the numbers have dropped, you’ll know you were making the right moves.
• Don’t overreact to the headlines. A lot can happen during a year. Consider inflation – it shot up in 2021, but it may well subside in 2022. If you changed your investment strategy last year to accommodate the rise in inflation, would you then have to modify it again when prices fall? And inflation is just one event. What about changes in interest rates? How about new legislation coming out of Washington? And don’t forget extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods. Any or all of these occurrences can affect the financial markets in the short term, but it just doesn’t make sense for you to keep changing the way you invest in response to the news of the day. Instead, stick with a strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You may need to adjust this strategy over time, in response to changes in your own life, but don’t let your decisions be dictated by external events. These aren’t the only financial resolutions you can make – but following them may help you develop positive habits that can help you face the future with confidence. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
• Reduce your debt load. The less debt you carry, the more money you’ll have available to support your lifestyle today and save and invest for tomorrow. So, this year, resolve to cut down on your existing debts and avoid taking on new ones whenever possible. You can motivate yourself by measuring your progress – at the beginning of 2022, record your total debts and then compare this figure to your debt load at the start
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