Pinpointe Cypress Creek Lakes

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Photo by Patricia Hudson

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

The White Family

Cypress Creek Lakes Family Rings in the Holiday Season with Favorite Traditions

By Patricia Hudson

Mathew and Angela White were born in Houston and grew up in the Cypress area. Angela recalls, “Some of my best family memories growing up involve traveling with my immediate and extended family. Mostly beach vacations, as that is our happy place. It was very important to my grandparents that we spent quality time together, so they arranged a couple trips through the years for all of us… aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.” “My grandparents and uncle took my sister and I skiing in Colorado every year,” shares Matthew.

Angela reminisces about their first meeting. “We joke that we probably crossed paths as kids, but didn’t meet each other until we moved to another city to attend college. We met at Texas State on a blind date by a mutual friend. Mathew was unlike all other guys I had dated. I knew he was ‘The One’ pretty quickly. Although he graduated in 2004, Mathew waited to propose until I had finished college in 2005. We moved back to the Cypress area to live close to our families, and were married in 2007.”

Mathew had ambitions to run a business, but didn’t know that it would be his family’s enterprise. “My grandfather established D&W Nameplate Service, Inc., in his garage in April 1958. The ‘D’ is for my Uncle Dennis and the ‘W’ is for my father, Wayne. When my dad passed in December 2005, I stepped in and filled his role at the company. After graduating from college, I became an essential part of D&W Nameplate Service, Inc. Dennis

retired in July 2020, and I became President of the family business. Today, we service such industries as oil and gas and electrical fields. My dad was my role model; I strive to be as much like him as I can. I think that my dad would be really proud of the changes that I have made and the fact that I have kept it afloat through the downtimes and Covid.” Angela adds, “I help when I can, and assist with accounting work once or twice a week.”

The Whites have two children: Collin, 13, and Lexie, 10. Collin, a 7th grader at Smith Middle School, is a member of the school choir. “Collin spends every second he can playing baseball. He plays with the OPA Jays organization for his longtime coach, Alex Lator,” comments Angela. “Lexie attends 4th grade at Warner Elementary, where she is a junior counselor and member of the choir. She enjoys cheerleading with the Cy-Fair Sports Association.” Angela considers herself ‘blessed’ to be a stay-at-home mother; she began teaching preschool several days a week when Lexie started Kindergarten.

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

“The biggest challenge we face as parents is worrying if we’re doing it right! We want to raise responsible, independent kids and try our best to balance letting them be kids versus giving them responsibilities such as mowing the lawn and weeding the flower beds,” says Angela. “I just want to raise good kids that are well mannered, respectful and have a sense of working to get what they want,” adds Matthew.

The White family enjoys special holiday traditions. Angela explains, “First, we ring in the season by having a Christmas movie night. We always watch “Elf” first because it’s our family favorite, complete with popcorn and M&M’s. We like to make a cup of hot chocolate and drive around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights. We have a tradition of seeing the ‘Christmas Spectacular’ at Champion Forrest Baptist Church each year. We enjoy decorating cookies and gingerbread houses, and we try to get to see Santa. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without playing our favorite game, Left, Right, Center. We laugh so hard; it is so much fun with a big group!” For Matthew, Christmas ‘musts’ include Buckeyes, (chocolate peanut butter balls), and peppermint mocha coffee.

“We are a very blessed family and think it is important to pay it forward, especially around the holiday season,” asserts Angela. “We complete a random act of kindness during the holidays. Most years, it involves helping a family with gifts, or sometimes giving monetarily toward a hard time they are going through. It’s someone different each year.”

When time allows, Angela looks to some kind of quiet activity to re-charge, usually “…reading or grabbing a cup of coffee by myself.” Matthew prefers a “hands on” activity. “If I have a few hours to spare, it would most likely be working on a car. I have owned a couple of Mustangs in the past; they are my true passion and enjoyment. I like to work with my hands, so from changing the brakes to replacing the oil, I do my own maintenance on our vehicles.

“Together, Mathew and I really enjoy tasting and learning about wine. I am a (low level) certified wine sommelier, although I don’t tell most people that,” confesses Angela. “We take a yearly trip without the kids to taste and purchase wine. We travel within Texas and have also visited California and Oregon to search for hidden gem wineries. We LOVE to support family run wineries and have joined wine clubs at several throughout our travels.”

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, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.

by Liz Arrington

As October winds down in Houston- the days start to feel a little more chilly, a little more cozy, and a lot more festive. It’s a time where many of us are able to reflect on the year behind us, and take stock of all we have and all we hope to gain.

For many people, this is the season of giving. As we reflect on our lives with gratitude, we are often impressed with the desire to give back. Abundant Thanksgiving meals are a luxury while there are so many families in our community struggling to put food on the table all month long. All the gifts and extravagance of the Christmas season fill our spirits with joy, while so many go without. Gratitude has the incredible power to soften our hearts to the needs of others.

Traditionally, there are a number of ways to give back during the winter holiday season. You’ll begin to see opportunities to serve and contribute to local nonprofits, food pantries, and assistance programs. Schools, churches and community centers usually host large food drives, gift drives, or sponsorship opportunities to help provide support for families in need.

This spirit of giving is synonymous with the holidays, and Cypress really shines in the way that our city comes together with Texas-sized generosity. I’ll be the first to admit, when it comes to giving back, it’s not something I do nearly often enough. Or, it feels that way at the end of the year when I’m counting my blessings and realizing I could have given more. Like most busy parents juggling an overwhelming amount of tasks and responsibilities week after week all year long, the months absolutely fly by. I’m guilty of saying, “Life will settle down as soon as…..” over and over while life proceeds to never actually settle down.

For most of us- just getting started is the most daunting aspect of giving back. Time and money seem to be the two things I never have enough of, so the idea of adding anything that is going to demand MORE of these two precious resources absolutely stops me in my tracks.

Recently I sat down to brainstorm ways that I can make an impact that works with my busy life instead of comparing myself to others around me. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of taking the small steps that open yourself up to the opportunities that are around you.

Here are some of small steps you can take:

● Find and follow causes and organizations that resonate with you on social media, or join their mailing list. These groups are very good at letting people know exactly what they need, and often it’s simple things that make a big difference.

● Talk to that one friend. You know the one. The one who is always posting about their latest project or cause? They can often point you in a good direction for starting out. Or, they’ll welcome you to join them!

● Think outside the box. Most local groups often rely on volunteers or have a very small staff. Do you have skills that could support their goals? Graphic Design, writing, social media posts, photography, web design, analytics, these are all high level skills that can overwhelm and slow down progress in the non-profit sector.

● Involve the whole family! Even young children enjoy giving back and caring for others. Whether it’s a monthly volunteer opportunity locally, a project you can work on together at home, or simply having discussions about helping others and causes that are important to your family.

Giving back in a way that is personal, meaningful, and specific can be so incredibly rewarding. There is room in your life for it, and with a little creative thinking you can absolutely find a way to incorporate ways to give back into your life all year long!

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

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

Annual Cy-Fair FFA Country Christmas Craft Show

Saturday, December 3 - Sunday, December 4, 2022 • 9am-5pm

Cypress Fairbanks ISD Exhibit Center • 11206 Telge Rd • Cypress, TX

More than 175 vendors in over 225 booths. Find a nice variety and many one of a kind items. Get your picture taken with Santa, win some great prizes at Chicken Bingo, take home a cake at the Cake Walk, and enjoy great food at our bake sale, and concessions stand.

Fairfield Christmas Market & Christmas Parade

Saturday, December 3, 2022

CHRISTMAS MARKET: 9am-2pm

Good Shepherd UMC Parking Lot • 20155 Cypresswood Dr. • Cypress

CHRISTMAS PARADE: 5:30pm

Line-up begins at Ault Elementary at 5pm • 21010 Maple Village Dr. Sponsored by Fairfield Women's Club. fairfieldwomensclub.org

Community Mental Health Resource Fair

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 • 3:30-6:30pm

Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress • Cypress, TX 77433

Join the CFISD Mental Health Intervention Team to learn about community mental health resources available in our area.

Annual Chili Cook Off and Toy Drive

Saturday, December 10, 2022 • Noon

Bedrock Tavern • 12215 Grant Rd • Cypress, TX 77429

It’s that time of year again!! Chili Cook Off and toy drive!! Cash prizes and trophies plus a peoples choice award! Try chili from every team!! $10 wristbands available! Pictures with Santa! Bring a toy for the toy drive benefiting BEAR, a resource center that help local kids in the CPS system. Toys needed for all ages.

Fairfield Movie in the Park

Saturday, December 10, 2022 • 6pm

Fairfield Central Park • 15015 Heath Green Circle, • Cypress, TX 77433

Take a time out from the holiday craziness to cozy up with your family and enjoy a Christmas classic, The Christmas Chronicles! Enjoy dinner from Jason’s Deli, popcorn, candy, Nestle Tollhouse cookies and hot chocolate. (Box lunches are by prepay only)

Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and family!

$5 per person or $20 admission for a family of 5 $10 sandwich boxes from Jason’s Deli $2 popcorn and hot chocolate

All proceeds benefit the Ault 5th Grade Class.

Ready to buy your tickets and dinner for the show? Have questions? Email us at FFMovieNight@gmail.com

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Kicks Off Inaugural Festival of Trees

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CYPRESS

By Patricia Hudson

The spirit of the season came early this year at Cy-Fair Helping Hands, as the organization kicked off the holidays with a Festival of Trees. The two-day event featured an entertaining evening out for adults, followed by a Family Fun Day, complete with games, crafts, music and Santa. “It was wonderful how churches, organizations, and businesses came together and created and donated beautiful trees, wreaths, and centerpieces, chefs, bakers and restaurants provided fantastic food and drink, and the bands were amazing,” shares Janet Ryan, CFHH Executive Director. “We are so grateful to this community for supporting our programs through this fundraiser! This truly was a wonderful inaugural Festival of Trees; we will be holding it again next year!”

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

School of Rock - Cypress

Photo by Patricia Hudson

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

(from left) Janet Ryan, ED, Daniel Arizpe, Board Member, Kevin Polivka, Board Chair, Stacye Anderson, Board Member, Suzanne Gilman, Board Member, Jean Dreyer, Founder, Pat Hudson, Director, Community Outreach

Photo by Genesis Photographers

Genesis Photographers

Genesis Photographers

Pastors Hilliard Smith and Kim Smith

Hurry Sundown

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

Photo by Daniel Arizpe

Photo by Genesis Photographers

(from left) Mike Green, Amanda Green, Laura Cox, Volunteer Coordinator, Dave Humphreys, volunteer

Eji’s on Main Opens Brick and Mortar in Waller PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair

Chef’s Tasting

by Patricia Hudson

Several months ago, I received an invitation to attend a Chef’s Tasting and Open House in Waller. Normally, I would have passed, but as the invitation was extended by Chef Dustin and Gina Reed, I made it a point to make the drive. You might recall that we previously featured Eji’s Culinary, named for Dustin’s Grandma Emma Joy and Grandma Irene, in homage to the treasured memories of food and family shared at their tables. The French Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, together with his wife Gina’s own memories of food, family and friends at her Italian Grandma Sedita’s house every week, provided the foundation for Eji’s Culinary Catering and food truck enterprise. The food truck has gone by the wayside. In its place is a charming brick and mortar where Chef Dustin strives to source fresh local ingredients from local farms and small businesses within a 250-mile radius. Eji’s on Main held its Grand Opening on August 20, 2022.

“Dustin and I chose Waller because of the charm and unique qualities of the town. We fell in love with the building that is our new home the minute we saw it. The building was built in 1929; it was a feed store originally. We tried to keep as much of the original building as possible when planning our kitchen build out,” explains Gina.

The Eji’s concept of food service continues to revolve around delicious down-to-earth meals made from scratch. “Eji's on Main offers a three-fold approach. First, customers can come in and order hot food made to order from the counter and take it to go or take it next door to Location Six Brewery. We encourage the latter, as you can enjoy a beer while supporting two small businesses at the same time. Second, we offer prepared meals in our cooler to take home and heat. You will see meals such as Maw Maw's lasagna, Grandma's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, and Eji's Chicken N Dumplins'. In a rush during lunch? Just grab one of these meals and take it back to the office to heat up, or come in and get meals for the whole week,” comments Gina. “Lastly, we are offering some of our

Dijon Thyme Pork Tenderloin

space to other local, small businesses to sell their products. We currently have vendors who make hand poured soy wax candles, handmade clay earrings, shea butter and kombucha. We are always searching for new small businesses that we can help promote and get their name and product out to the local community.”

The Chef’s Tasting showcased a delightful selection from Chef Dustin’s repertoire: Dijon Thyme Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry balsamic onion jam and sherry mustard cream, “Yard Bird” of buttermilk fried chicken breast, Chappell Hill hickory smoked

bacon, Pure Luck goat cheese, balsamic roasted tomatoes, spring mix, shaved red onion, cilantro lime aioli, and fougasse, and Eji’s Umami Burger, Texas Gyulais (Wagyu) beef patty, fried duck egg, gruyere cheese peanut butter jalapeno bacon jam on a potato bun. Equally delectable offerings of side dishes were sampled and savored. Dustin and Gina have kept their irresistible Mini Bread puddings on the menu; I couldn’t decide which was my favorite: the Lemon Blueberry or the Triple Chocolate! Want to share the Eji’s on Main Experience? Consider booking a Chef’s Table Dinner with your friends and family. It’s worth a drive out to Waller.

Eji’s on Main 2322 Main Street Waller, TX 77484 713-423-7976 info@ejisculinary.com www.ejisculinary.com

Mini Bread Puddings

Chef Dustin and Gina Reed

Canine Corner

Christmas is a time when many people consider adding a four-footed member to the family. This decision could be one of the best gifts your family has ever received. We want to share about a little guy that could use a home, not only for the holidays, but forever.

Tammy Simper contacted Canine Corner about a special needs pup that she is fostering for Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue. “Reggie is a long-term foster; we have been his foster family for 2.5 years. This sweet boy is a terrier mix. He is approximately 4 years old and weighs 13 pounds. Reggie has epilepsy, so he will require an adopter that can commit to providing medications 3 times a day,” she explains.

Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue is a Houston 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned puppies and dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. They serve as a resource to our community and all pet owners by providing education and

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

information on responsible pet ownership, including the importance of spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and good nutrition and care. Those interested in fostering for Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue, fill out the application at: www.jotform.com/luckymutts/adoption-application or email: luckymuttrescuecypress@gmail.com

A Taste of Cy-Fair Sells Out, Nets $70K for Cy-Hope

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CYPRESS

Story by Patricia Hudson

A Taste of Cy-Fair, cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Pandemic, came back with a bang in 2022. Mark McShaffry, Cy-Hope board member, owner of Backyard Grill and Creekwood Restaurants, and founder of the event, was pleased with the effort benefitting CyHope. “Before the gates opened, we had a soldout crowd of 2,100. The event netted over $70K for Cy-Hope programs,” reports McShaffry.

Bigger and better than ever, 50 restaurants, 43 market vendors, 34 breweries, 12 wineries, community businesses and musical performances provided an exciting evening of beer and wine samplings, food tasting and entertainment.

Cy-Hope Executive Director Lynda Dierker expressed appreciation to the Taste of Cy-Fair steering committee, the sponsors and the Bridgeland community for hosting the event.

“Thank you for supporting Cy-Hope. We continue to make life better for kids because every student deserves hope for a brighter future and to become a well-educated and productive citizen.”

Find out more about CyHope at their website: www.cy-hope.org

ASK THE D O C:

Feel Like You Always Have Food Stuck in Your Throat? You May Have Dysphagia

Other symptoms that suggest dysphagia

Of course difficulty swallowing or inability to swallow are major indications of dysphagia. Other symptoms include:

•Pain while swallowing•Drooling

•Hoarseness

•Frequent heartburn

•Persistent sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest

•Sensations of regurgitation of food or stomach acid

•Gagging or coughing while swallowing

Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs

The irritating and even painful sensation of having something stuck in your throat can happen to anyone. But, if it’s persistent and causes you chronic irritation, coughing, and difficulty in swallowing your own saliva, it could indicate a serious medical condition. If you’re struggling with these symptoms, you may have dysphagia. Up to 700,000 Americans suffer from this condition each year. Our gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, at GastroDoxs in Houston, Texas, is available to diagnose and treat uncomfortable and potentially dangerous dysphagia. Here’s what you need to know about dysphagia

Dysphagia defined

Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing foods or drinks. A one-off case of getting a piece of food caught in your throat is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you have difficulty swallowing or moving food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach regularly – for months even – it is likely dysphagia.

Dysphagia can affect anyone of any age, but is particularly common among older adults and people with certain conditions like:

•Nervous system disorders, including stroke, head injury, dementia, or multiple sclerosis

•Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

•Cancer, including mouth and esophageal cancer

Dysphagia can be painful and make it almost impossible to swallow at times.

Dysphagia can cause unintended weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. Patients can also develop aspiration pneumonia from food or liquid entering the airway as they attempt to swallow. The food or fluid introduces bacteria into the lungs.

Choking is another possible effect of dysphagia. Food may block the airway when a patient attempts to swallow.

What to do about dysphagia

The first step is to get a diagnosis. If you or a loved one has symptoms of the condition, consult with Dr. Pothuri. He’ll do a thorough exam, review the patient’s medical history, and evaluate symptoms.

He can then determine which imaging tests are necessary for full diagnosis. X-rays with a contrast material, dynamic swallowing studies, CT scans, and endoscopy are options.

Treatment for dysphagia depends on the severity and nature of the condition. You may undergo learning exercises to coordinate swallowing muscles or to restimulate the nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex.

For people with dysphagia due to a tight esophageal sphincter or stricture in the throat, Dr. Pothuri might use a special strategy to expand and stretch the esophagus. If GERD causes your dysphagia, medications can help control stomach acid and your symptoms.In severe cases, surgery may be required. This is true if you have narrowing or blockages caused by bony outgrowths or cancer.

If you think you are suffering from dysphagia contact Gastro Doxs today at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team online at gastrodox.com.

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Cypress Woods HS Student, Alumna Cast in Broadway Musical Parade

Cypress Woods High School senior Erin Doyle and Class of 2016 graduate Ashlyn Maddox were recently cast in the Broadway musical Parade.

The musical, which first premiered on Broadway in 1998, tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man who was wrongfully accused and convicted of the murder of a 13year-old girl in 1913. The show received nine Tony Award nominations in 1999, winning two for book and score.

Doyle has been cast as “Mary Phagan,” one of the lead characters of the musical, and Maddox has been cast as one of the “Factory Girls,” in addition to playing an ensemble role.

A nationwide open casting call was put out for the part of Mary Phagan. Doyle, who is a personal fan of Parade, was encouraged by her older sister to audition for the role. Doyle submitted a virtual audition and received an invitation for an in-person callback in New York City. Three days after her callback, Doyle was offered the part.

As like Doyle, Maddox is no stranger to professional musical theatre. She’s starred as “Dorothy” in the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts production of Wizard of Oz, “Zaneeta” in the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts production of The Music Man and most recently was cast as “Jane Doe” in the McCarter Theatre Center production of Ride the Cyclone.

District 16-6A Girls’ Water Polo Athletes Earn 2022 League Honors

District 16-6A girls’ water polo coaches recently released the 2022 All-District 16-6A Girls’ Water Polo Team, following the conclusion of each team’s season in the UIL playoffs.

Four schools were represented among the three district superlatives. That includes Bridgeland High School, which captured the inaugural district championship.

Cypress Ranch High School senior Sarah Feely and Langham Creek High School senior Morgan Evans shared the league’s Most Valuable Player. Bridgeland junior Hannah Heinrich was voted Goalkeeper of the Year.

The following CFISD student-athletes were among those named to the first team, second team and honorable mention all-district teams:

First Team

CY-RANCH Rachel Cook Sarah Feely Jasmitha Munnangi BRIDGELAND Hannah Heinrich Sarah Klussmann Mikha Torres

CFISD Bands Perform at State UIL Band Competition

The Bridgeland, Cy-Fair and Cypress Woods high school marching bands represented CFISD at the UIL State Marching Contest after being among the five bands selected to advance from the UIL Area I Marching Band Contest, held Oct. 29 at the Berry Center. Bridgeland earned its third consecutive bid to the state competition. For Cypress Woods, the 2022 contest marked the band’s third straight trip and fourth overall to San Antonio. All 12 CFISD bands participated in the area competition preliminaries, and Bridgeland, Cy-Fair, Cypress Woods and Jersey Village were among the 10 out of 29 total ensembles chosen to advance to the area finals.

Cy Woods and Bridgeland placed 18th and 19th respectively at the UIL State Marching Band Championships in San Antonio.”

Bridgeland, Cy-Fair and Cypress Woods high school drum majors and color guard captains pose for a photo following their selections to the UIL State Marching Contest.

The Cy-Ranch “”Spriti of America” Cheerleaders in New York City

Second Team CY-RANCH Lana Isra Ally Pantin BRIDGELAND Jayden Cannon Clara Koenig Ella Paul

Honorable Mention CY-RANCH Hope Fischer BRIDGELAND Isabelle Fielding

Cy-Ranch Cheerleaders Perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Cy-Ranch High School cheerleaders were chosen from over 600 cheerleaders to perform at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The team also performed on the Today Show earlier in the week.

Cypress Woods High School senior Erin Doyle, left, and Cypress Woods Class of 2016 graduate Ashlyn Maddox

Cy-Ranch senior Sarah Feely