3 February | March 2017
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Contents ON THE COVER:
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
8
14 8
Reflections of Momma
18 18 Best of Cy-Fair: Misfit Outpost
12 Cypress Happenings
19 If You Are Feeling Out, You Are In
14 Three Cheers For Teachers!
20 Cypress Area Seniors Share Their Plans
16 Canine Corner
22 Cypress School News
7 February | March 2022
PinPointe Magazine
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Reflections of Momma
PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
By Metta Marie Archilla
P
hyllis Evelyn Mooney-Zigenbein. Mom. Words cannot express the gratefulness and appreciation I feel for you! Neither can I define the thanks I give you for everything you have done for me. You have always been there for me, through right and wrong, and have shown me the way. You have always pushed me to be the best that I could be and man, oh man, I know I was a hyper handful! You were my greatest influence, an influence that will stay with me always. Mom is my guiding light. She is the beacon in the lighthouse, calling me home always. Momma taught me that kindness was necessary and helping others was just what we do, daily. She raised me to be strong and independent. But no matter what, I will always be her little girl. I will always need my mom. I thank her for the lessons she taught me and those she teaches me still at a frail 94. Momma taught me to smile in the face of hardship and to believe in myself, no matter what anyone says. I thank her for always making me feel unconditionally loved and appreciated and for instilling in me a sense of worth that I am good enough in the eyes of the Lord, that I do matter. As Momma struggles with this final grace in her life as late-stage Dementia takes hold, she still manages to laugh and smile through my stupid jokes and crazy little stories. What a remarkable woman to fight her last and still make me feel beautiful through gentle reminders that the world
8 June | July 2022
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
isn’t ending even, when I think it is. But mostly, I thank her for being the most wonderful mother imaginable, I can’t ever be the Mom I felt she was to that scared inner child I was growing up, but I sure do hope to one day become half the woman she continues to be: strong, beautiful, and intelligent. Thank you, Momma for loving Ashlynn, your “Grandcub,” and for co-parenting this young lady who is learning to make her own way in this big bad world. You have taught her as you did me, to buckle up and dig in, because life ain’t fair much
of the time. But for your gentle hand helping to carve her tender and beautiful heart, thank you HUGE for THAT. Day and night, Momma taught me patience, (although I’m still working on that). At bedtime, she taught me how to pray. Momma would sing children’s songs to me until I would fall asleep. I thank her for loving me when I didn’t feel lovable. I was to her, and THAT mattered. Now, as the tide turns and her mind betrays her body, I am blessed to be able to sing my mom to sleep every night. As I take off her tiny slippers and socks, she lays her glasses carefully on the nightstand beside her, and I tuck her in with our favorite lullaby, “Jesus Loves Me.” Yes, her meds help suppress the visions that severe Sundowners shower upon her, but my voice, the melody, the security of knowing God lives and we are safe, puts Momma to sleep, and for that, I’m grateful. Great trials are lived throughout our lives. People and instances test our character to mold and form us into better and braver people. Caring for my mom in this final phase of her life is a blessed gift;
Momma with Ashlynn
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it teaches me patience, understanding, and love as I care for her, a child regressing without the hope of what once was. In this, I am happy. She chose me 54 years ago; I choose her now. I choose to support her with the safety of my presence as she has provided me with a safe haven for all of my life. Each one of us has an “expiration date.” Experts have determined Mom’s, but I say only the Lord knows the day and the hour. Our family lives every single day as Mother’s Day because any day could be her last. Momma, I love you more than you can possibly imagine, but still, I know you have loved me so much more. Thank you for my life. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my mom! Happy Mother’s Day, Momma.
10 June | July 2022
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
CFISD Summer Camps Available Visit www.cfisd.net/Page/1903 for more information.
Bridgeland Sports Camps bridgeland.cfisd.net/en/parents-students/athletics/summer-camps
Cypress Ranch Summer Sports Camps Bridgeland Community Friday Night Bites 2nd Friday of the month: June 10 & July 8, 2022 • 6-10pm Lakeland Village Center • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy great food truck fare and live music!
Traveling Seniors of Cypress June 14, 2022: Ultimate Tour of Minute Maid Park Day Trip Visit the Upper Deck, Gallagher Club, Bank of America Suite Level, Honda Club Level, Press Box, and Houston Methodist Hall of Fame Alley. Check out the Lexus Field Club, Michelob Ultra Club, the Union Station Roof Deck. Lunch on your own at St. Arnold’s Brewery. Tour included. $20.00 Leave FBC at 8:30. Contact Jo Ann Lambert at pstlgrl@gmail.com for more info.
Fairfield Women's Club The 4th @ Fairfield Monday, July 4, 2021 Parade starts at Ault Elementary • 9am (line-up at 8:30 to join in) 4th @ Fairfield • Salyards Middle School • 10am-1pm fairfieldwomensclub.org
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
12 June | July 2022
cyranch.cfisd.net/en/parents-students/athletics/athletic-staff
Houston First Baptist Church Vacation Bible School 11011 Mason Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 • June 20-23 houstonsfirst.org/cypress/event/cypress-vbs-2022/
The Foundry Church Vacation Bible School 8350 Jones Rd. • Houston, TX 77065 • June 6-10 https://rock.foundrychurch.org/event/87 10203 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 • June 13-17 https://rock.foundrychurch.org/event/88
Christ the Redeemer Vacation Bible School 101507 Huffmeister Road • Houston, TX 77065 • June 27-July 1 ctrcc.com/vbs
Harris County Precinct 4 Summer Day Camps Summer day camps will be held for two weeks in July. Children ages 7-9 can participate in the junior rangers camp July 12-16, where campers will learn what a park ranger needs to know. The nature exploration camp from July 26-30 is for ages 10-12, and campers will learn about the local flora and fauna. Parents can register their children online. 9am-Noon. Free. Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, 20215 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston. 713-274-4299. www.hcp4.net/parks/kmp
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by Liz Arrington
o you remember your favorite teacher? What grade were you in? What do you remember about them? What did they do that made them your favorite? How has that influenced the person you are today?
D
Teacher Appreciation week takes place during the most difficult part of the year. Those final warm spring months of a loooong school year with testing, year-end programs and events on top of stir-crazy kids who are ready for a break!
The influence of a great teacher truly lasts a lifetime. I have many vivid memories of exceptional teachers I had growing up. As a parent- I am grateful for so many dedicated teachers who have made an impact in our lives. I wish I could individually recognize the educators at our Cy-Fair ISD schools who have gone above and beyond to nurture my boys’ love of learning, passion for science, and appreciation for the arts and music. Weaving their dreams for the future into their education and providing the perfect balance of unconditional love and persistent encouragement. If you are a teacher who is reading this right now, please know how incredibly valuable you are.
There are so many creative and thoughtful ways to show your appreciation for teachers. Gifts are always very nice- personalized cookies, coffee gift cards, fun supplies for the classroom like Sharpies or pretty Post It Notes, mini charcuterie boxes and even bottles of wine! But teacher appreciation doesn’t have to be costly, and it doesn’t have to be reserved for one week of the year. In fact, it shouldn’t be!
It’s about that time of year for Teacher Appreciation weeks. A chance for administrators and parents to shower our educators with welldeserved gifts, special meals, coffee delivery, and sweet treats. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that
● Tell them when they do something awesome! Share with them ways that your child is showing what they’ve learned at home, or a lesson your child was excited about.
14 June | July 2022
Here are some specific ways you can show your appreciation for teachers- year round: ● Donate classroom supplies throughout the school year, not just at the beginning
● Assume your teacher has your child’s best interest in mind
● Respect their hours and try to email within those hours, be patient in waiting for a response.
● Email the principal and brag on your child’s teacher.
● Provide context, not excuses. If a teacher is reporting an issue with your child, help the teacher by providing information that supports understanding and solutions.
● Help where you can, whether it’s volunteering for field trip duty, sharpening pencils or cutting out shapes! Not sure how to help? Just ask!
● Recognize ALL teachers and support staff. Music, Art, PE, Librarians, paraprofessionals, there is likely a whole team of passionate educators working with your child!
● Be informed about the workings of the school and the district. Become familiar with how decisions are made, who is in charge, and what their qualifications are. ● Get involved! Local non-partisan groups, such as the Cy-Fair Civic Alliance, are an excellent resource to engage, get information, and connect with other people in our community.
Above all- teachers need and deserve to feel supported by their community. They need to be recognized and compensated for their gifts and abilities. They need involved parents who are advocating for and with them. These past few years have been impossibly hard on educators… on all of us. As a community, we can help by approaching teachers with compassion and true appreciation for the critical role they play in shaping our next generation, trusting in their expertise, and giving them the credit that they have earned. Let’s start today- three cheers for teachers!!! We love you! 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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By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
Canine Corner
K
eri Taylor worked in the medical field as a medic, then as a nurse for 30 plus years and has been working with rescues for the last 20 years. She recently gave up her nursing hat and opened up a safe haven for Code Red dogs. (Code Red means the animals that are at the shelter are in danger of being euthanized at any time because either they have been there the longest with little to no interest, or they are owner surrenders).
Radar Best Comfort Food in Cypress!
“I recently lost my baby, Murphy, who at the hardest time in my life, literally saved my life. I feel like I can do that for others. I have a 20- kennel boarding facility; we take in dogs on the euthanasia list. Our goal is to decompress, socialize and fully Est. 2018 vet these animals and find them a forever home,” shares Taylor.” I want to be the voice of the ‘unwanted.’ I feel like with the right training and love, all Voted t h e Best Bu animals can become someone’s rg in Cypr ers best friend!” ess!
15202 Mason Rd #700 | Cypress, TX 77433 (832) 653-3802 | www.andys.kitchen
Now Open!
27200 Hwy 290 Cypress Tx 77433 16 June | July 2022
Meet Radar, an awesome dog that needs an active family. Radar loves the water, will play ball all day and enjoys playing tug-of-war with ropes. This boy is fully vetted and is ready for his forever home. Kari’s Kaws is located in Conroe, but will transport across the United States.
For more information about Radar or any of the dogs at Keri’s Kaws, contact Keri Taylor at 713-857-5178.
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Misfit Outpost
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT
M
isfit Outpost joined the Cypress community over Labor Day weekend in 2021 with a music-filled weekend and great craft beer! This new local favorite combines indoor and outdoor space, live music, kids play area, unique burgers and BBQ, and highly regarded beer offerings from Fortress and Misfit labels. The ownership team, comprised of local residents Dion Billard, John O’Hara, Juan Sanchez, and Kevin Smith Jr, all shared a vision to bring family friendly and pet friendly brewery atmosphere to their backyard. They acquired a well-known site on Cypress Rosehill Road that had served as ‘The Shack’ for over a decade as a staple in the creative burger world. After some renovations and rebranding, the vision came to life with immediate positive feedback. Recently the menu has taken an uptick with the addition of renowned pit master, James McFarland, of Nomad BBQ taking the helm in the kitchen. In addition to a la carte BBQ offerings, creative burgers, and kids menu, Misfit
The Hot Bird
now also offers Sunday brunch at 10am with delicious treats and mimosas! Tucked behind the non-descript entrance, guests walk to the back patio surprised by gorgeous trees, shaded cover, and perfect stage for a revolving door of talented musicians and open mic events. Whether you just want a quick burger and beer or want to let the kids play for the whole afternoon, Misfit is the welcoming place to spend your weekends.
Misfit Outpost
16602 Cypress Rosehill Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429 (281) 256-1575 • www.misfitoutpost.com Diablo Fires
18 June | July 2022
Connecting With Women In Our Community In a Non-MLM* Way *Multi-Level Marketing
By Allison Okuneye
How do we find ways to connect with other women in our community? How do we have authentic adult relationships as adults?
conversations, meet new people when you can, make eye contact, ask questions and be engaged!
I know I am not the only woman who has been invited to a "girls night" in a new social circle and got super excited. Finally! New city, and potential for new friends, I am ALL about that life!
Initiate Conversation.
You get all dressed up and are ready for some adult time, and once you get there you realize, this is NOT what you thought it was going to be. You have been bamboozled. Sign up for this, buy these products, join our girl gang! Yikes. This is NOT the community and connection I had hoped for. I was hoping for a community without expectations and sales goals. So now what? How do we connect with other women and find our circle? Whether you are new to a city or are born and raised, this is no easy task.
Be intentional. If connection is what you want, you have to look for ways to find it! Go out of your way to have
No one wants to be the initiator, so then we are left with no conversations! Don't be afraid to strike up the convo first!
Try Something New. If you want new friendships you have to do things you haven't done before. If you are used to hiding in a corner in social settings, don't! If you wait for others to approach you, DON'T! Don't get stuck in old ways of living. Every introduction has the potential to be a life long friend.
Join The Outer Circle. Of course I am going to tell you to connect with us! Find a group where you can feel free to be your authentic self, share your life experiences (the good and bad) and laugh. Laughing is key. I am obviously going to suggest The Outer Circle which is our new women's group here in Cypress, but no pressure! Find a local group that you feel will allow you to be exactly who you are and get connected! Have confidence in knowing that this connection thing isn't easy for any of us! But it is absolutely crucial for all of us! PinPointe Magazine
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Cypress Area Seniors
Share Their Plans For After Graduation The following Seniors from the Class of 2022 have graciously shared their plans for the future with us.
McKeNNA BoUDReAUX
CoNNoR CARPeNTeR
JoSHUA CIeRS
THoMAS ColoNeTTA
AleC CoNDo
Cypress Ranch High School
Blanson C.T.e. High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Graduating with Summa Cum Laude Honors. Will attend Texas State University. Majoring in Biochemistry.
Will attend Lone Star Cy-Fair and then transfer to St. Thomas or Rice.
Will be attending Bethel College. Majoring in Business.
Will attend Lone Star College. Studying Business.
NISCA All Academic Award. Will attend University of Texas San Antonio. Studying Engineering, Math & Science Studies.
JoSHUA T. CooK
CARTeR CRAWFoRD
gABBy De lA ISlA
DelANey DICe
AUSTIN Dooly
Home School
Bridgeland High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Will attend Lone Star College. Studying History & Business.
Plans to study Political Science at University of Arkansas.
Will study Actuarial Science at Oklahoma State University.
Will attend McLellan College. Studying Criminal Justice.
Will major in Education and minor in Psychology at University of St. Thomas. Will play on the Women's Soccer team.
ASHley DUNCAN
CHARlIe FeRIS
SHANe FISHeR
JUlISSA gARCIA
gRAHAM gIlleSPIe
Bridgeland High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Plans to study International Studies at Texas A&M University.
Will attend University of Texas. Studying Sports Management and playing Football as a Kicker.
Will attend University of Houston. Majoring in Biology. Minor in Music.
Will major in Biochemistry at Blinn College.
Will attend University of Texas at Austin, studying Physical Culture and Sports as well as play Football.
IMANol goNzAlez
JACK goURgUeS
PeyToN gUIDRy
MyleS JeTeR
MADDIlyNN Kelly
Bridgeland High School
Bridgeland High School
Bridgeland High School
Bridgeland High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Will attend Sam Houston State University. Studying Psychology.
Will be attending Texas Tech University. Studying Animal Science.
Will attend University of San Antonio. Majoring in Biology.
Will attend University of North Texas. Named Academic All-State. Will attend Studying Psychology. University of Texas San Antonio. Majoring in and pursuing a Masters in Accounting.
BRAyDeN KNIgHT
lAUReN loFTIN
MAlloRy MAloNSoN
DANIellA XeNA MARTINez
ANDReA MASoN
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Attending University of Houston. Studying Civil Engineering.
Will study Elementary Education at Texas State.
Will Major in Pharmacy at University of Texas at Austin.
Will be attending Lone Star College.
20 | July 2022 20 June June | July 2022
Texas A&M Corpus Christi, then College Station. Studying Environmental Design. Pursuing a Masters in Architecture.
JAy MoNTAlBANo
MACKeNzIe MoTzNy
CoNNoR NICHolS
SABRINA PAPeSH
CARTeR PReVATT
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
No plans finalized yet.
Plans to study Elementary Education at Blinn College.
Will attend Saint Xavier University.
No plans finalized yet.
Will attend Lone Star College.
MARy ClAIRe SARANDoS
AleXANDeR ReNFRoW
RoBeRT RoFF
BRADeN RoSS
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Bridgeland High School
Bridgeland High School
Plans to study Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University.
No plans finalized yet.
Will major in Business at Texas A&M.
Will study Maritime Business at Lone Star then transfer to Texas A&M Galveston.
Will attend Stephen F. Austin State University. Studying Early Childhood Education.
CHANCe SCHeIFFele
KATHARINA (KAT) SeAy
BRyCe SIMPSoN
CooPeR UlRICH
SHeRIDAN VeST
Bridgeland High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Cypress Ranch High School
Bridgeland High School
Bridgeland High School
Plans to attend Lone Star College. Will major in Business.
Will attend Blinn College, followed by Texas A&M. Studying Animal Science and Agricultural Leadership.
Attending Baylor University on a Football scholarship. Studying Engineering.
Will study Mechanical Engineering at University of Arkansas.
Will attend Texas State to study Psychology.
Congratulations CLASS OF 2022!
KyRA elIzABeTH QUINTeRo
MegAN WeAVeR
CYPRESS MAGAZINES
Cypress Ranch High School Will attend Texas Tech University.
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BRooKe WIllIAMS
Cypress Ranch High School
Will major in Psychology at Baylor University.
Molly yoo
Cypress Ranch High School
Will attend Nicholls State University on Academic and Athletic Scholarships to study History, Secondary Education and play Softball.
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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS Source: CFISD News Media
Cypress Ranch HS Wins First in Prestigious Madrigal Choir Festival Cypress Ranch High School’s chamber choir won first place and was named the 2022 honor choir, at the prestigious American Classic Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival, held March 5 at the University United Methodist Church in San Antonio. The Cypress Ranch chamber choir earned first place after competing against more than 40 chamber choirs from across the state. Cypress Ranch last won the first place honor in 2013. As the 2022 festival champions, the group will return to the Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival in 2023, perform an honor choir concert and present the top award to next year’s winner. “The American Classic Madrigal Festival is highly respected and valued across Texas,” said Cynthia Douglas, Cypress Ranch head choir director. “To simply participate with all of the amazing choirs, truly the best of the best, is always a highlight of our year. We come to compete, but also, we come to listen, learn and be inspired. The music the students learn for this event is extremely challenging and mature, and they polish and perform it to a collegiate standard. To win such a competition was a huge honor and very thrilling.” Chamber choirs from Bridgeland, Cy-Fair and Cypress Creek high schools earned “Performance of Distinction” awards in this year’s contest. The top three choirs earn recognition in addition to judges naming “Performance of Distinction” awards for notable performances.
Annual Superintendent’s Fun Run Raises Record $125,000 Nearly 4,500 CFISD staff, students, community members and business partners gathered at the Berry Center and Cy-Fair FCU Stadium for the ninth annual Superintendent’s Fun Run on April 9. The fundraiser concluded with CFISD and Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital representatives presenting a check worth a record $125,000 to the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF). The event featured a 5K run and 1-mile familyfriendly walk/run. The 5K course featured a route through Towne Lake and Lone Star College—CyFair. The 1-mile family walk path wound through the walkways of Cy-Fair FCU Stadium and featured high school inflatable tunnels on the field and spirit teams and groups encouraging participants. “I love this community, and everybody that came out is supporting future scholarships for CFISD students,” said Dr. Mark Henry, CFISD superintendent of schools. “I appreciate all the student and staff volunteers who made this event possible. This is not an easy event to put together, but it’s so worth it to see our families, our students, our employees and our whole community come together to celebrate CFISD.” The event drew approximately 3,200 total race participants. In addition, more than 4,000 registered for the sleep-in pass, which allowed an option for those who wanted to support the CFEF but were unable to attend. Approximately 450 students volunteered during the event and helped entertain fun run patrons.
22 June | July 2022
The event was underwritten by Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital.
Cy-Fair Women’s Club Awards Scholarships The Cy-Fair Women’s Club recently announced their 2022 Scholarship Recipients. Funds for the scholarships were generated by the club's major fundraising event, Shop 'Til You Drop. The "Pink Ladies" honored the scholarship recipients at a reception, Thursday, May 5th, at the Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX.
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Among the recipients were Ria Bhatia and Micah McAfoose of Cypress Ranch; Alayna Parlevliet, Camryn Cobb, and Alexis Womack of Bridgeland; and Dorina Balogh, Shea Ellis and Dia Rickert of Cypress Woods.
Bridgeland Color guard Named Finalist at Winter guard International
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FREE
The Bridgeland High School color guard competed and was named a finalist at the Winter Guard International (WGI) World Championships April 7-9 in Dayton, Ohio. The WGI World Championships Scholastic A class featured more than 95 high school winter guard teams from 27 different states. Bridgeland placed first overall in its preliminary competition, placed fourth in its semifinal and finished 13th overall with a final score of 86.98. Bridgeland’s top 15 finish at the WGI World Championships marks the first time a CFISD color guard team has been named a finalist in the prestigious competition since Cypress Falls High School in 2006. “I am so proud of the girls who had three really strong performances,” said Ryan Page, Bridgeland color guard director. “The crowd’s reaction during our finals performance in the sold our University of Dayton arena is something we will never forget.”
WWW.ISSUU.COM/INTOWNMAGAZINE
In addition to being named a WGI World Championships finalist, the Bridgeland color guard was named the WGI Houston Regional Scholastic A champions and finished third overall in the Texas Color Guard Circuit State Championships. “We are so thankful that CFISD supports the band and color guard activity and allows us the opportunity to travel, compete and represent our community at a national level,” said Shawn McAnear, Bridgeland head band director. WGI is the world’s premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion and winds competitions. Teams compete in regional and power regional competitions in hopes of earning a spot at the World Championships that includes more than 350 color guard ensembles.
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