PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes

Bobbie Espinosa Fosters Hundreds for Cypress Based Dog Rescue

By­Patricia­Hudson

When­her­daughter­made­a­decision to­volunteer­with­a­dog­rescue, Bobbie­Espinosa­had­no­idea­that her­life­and­her­house­would­be­turned upside­down.­Since­then,­she­has­fostered hundreds­of­lost,­abused,­and­abandoned puppies­and­dogs.­

What fostered your love of animals?

As­a­child,­I­was­raised­on­25­acres­in­the foothills­of­Colorado.­We­actually­bred Quarter­Horses.­We­raised­them­from­the time­they­were­born,­feeding,­breaking­them in,­training,­everything.

Did you have other animals as children?

Growing­up,­we­probably­had­10­dogs. Usually,­there­were­two­to­three­dogs­at­a time­at­home.­Once,­when­were­out­riding horses­in­the­foothills,­we­came­across­this puppy­that­someone­had­apparently­dumped. We­carried­him­home­on­horseback,­and­like all­of­our­dogs,­Frankie­was­with­us­for­the rest­of­his­life.­My­mom­had­a­dog,­a­German Shepherd,­named­Sergeant.­He­was­our fierce­protector.­I­participated­in­4-H­and raised­ducks,­chickens,­rabbits,­and­lambs­for show.­Lambs­were­picked­and­raised­in­the spring.­We­fed,­and­exercised­them­to­get the­best­quality­meat­to­show­and­sell­for slaughter.­The­first­one­I­raised­and­sold,­it­was­so hard,­but­you­learned­a­lot.

Do you have children?

Kevin,­24,­and­Alison,­22,­graduated­from­Cypress Ranch­High­School.­Kevin­is­attending­Louisiana Tech­University­and­Alison­graduated­from­Lone­Star College­Cypress­1.5­years­ago.­She’s­currently working­at­Hermann­Memorial­Hospital­in­Fairfield as­an­X-Ray­Technician.

How did you begin fostering dogs?

Our­daughter,­Alison­was­a­member­of­the­Cypress Ranch­National­Honor­Society­and­needed­to complete­service­hours.­When­she­volunteered­with

Cypress­Lucky­Mutt­Rescue­and­sat­all­day­in­a­dog pen­at­a­“Meet­and­Greet,”­she­fell­in­love­with­a puppy.­­Her­daddy­told­her­“No,­we­can’t­adopt.­If­you want,­we­could­start­fostering,­but­all­fosters­must­go!”­

How many dogs have you fostered?

Foster Fails?

In­eight­years,­I’ve­fostered­hundreds.­There’s­not much­time­between­when­I­adopt­one­out­that­I­get another.­Usually,­they­come­in­pairs­as­they’re­easier to­take­care­of­because­they­have­someone­to­sleep­and play­with.­­It­took­us­about­three­years­before­we “failed”­with­the­first­one.­We­have­adopted­two.­We did­not­fail,­but­fell­in­love­with­Lacey­Lu­and­Ruux, whose­name­means­Spirit­in­Swahili.

Photo Credit: Thomas Coffman - Coffman Photography

Please share the story about the dog that was rescued in Fairfield in 2018.

Perdie­was­a­pregnant­dog­that­was­looking­for­a­safe spot­to­have­her­puppies.­She­crawled­into­a­culvert ditch­and­got­stuck.­A­group­of­children­alerted­the Cy-Fair­Fire­Department;­they­rescued­her­in­the­nick of­time.­She­landed­in­my­home­and­safely­gave­birth to­12­puppies­less­than­24­hours­later.­Lacey­Lu­was one­of­her­puppies.

How “Hands on” is everyone in the family?

All­of­my­family­helps­in­some­sort­of­way,­even­if­it’s just­giving­the­dogs­attention­or­cleaning­up­after them.­My­husband­James­works­a­full-time­job.­He­is usually­the­first­one­up,­so­he’ll­clean­the­crates­in­the morning.­He­primarily­finances­our­fostering.­Cypress Lucky­Mutt­Rescue­pays­for­vetting­and­shots­and sometimes,­there­is­a­donation.­To­be­honest,­I­don’t ask­for­donations­very­often.­We­just­bought­food­for Oakley,­one­of­our­current­fosters;­my­husband­was shocked­that­it­was­$65­per­bag.

What is the biggest challenge of being fosters? Needs as a foster?

The­biggest­challenge­is­losing­the­ones­you­can’t­save. Sadly,­I­have­lost­six.­The­next­hardest­thing­is rehabbing­the­injured­dogs.­One­of­these­dogs­was brought­to­me­by­the­police.­This­poor­pup­was­abused by­some­kids.­They­think­that­he­was­hit­on­the­nose with­a­hatchet.­When­people­went­to­see­what­was going­on,­the­kids­scattered.­I­nursed­Franco,­the

great­family,­Ricky­and­Nancy­Stewart­and­their­four kids.­It’s­also­very­hard­when­you­have­dogs­that­don’t trust­because­they­have­been­abused­by­someone.­­Our needs­as­fosters?­Food,­toys,­bones,­bowls,­bleach, laundry­soap,­paper­towels,­blankets,­and­towels.­

Hatchet­pup,­back­to­health­and­adopted­him­out­to­a

Photo Credit: Thomas Coffman - Coffman Photography

In addition to fostering, what do Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue volunteers do?

Working­on­behalf­of­these­puppies and­dogs­is­a­team­effort­and­we couldn’t­do­it­without­all­of­our volunteers.­Some­save­dogs/pups off­the­street­and­pull­them­from the­shelter.­Others­make­vet appointments­and­send­out­vet records.­Coordinators­make­sure pups­are­on­schedule­for­shots­and spay­and­neuters.­Coordinators­set up­transports,­local­and­out­of­state, screen­applications­and­send­to fosters­for­approval.­Volunteers work­community­events­and fundraise.­

Final words?

I­LOVE­these­dogs­and­Cypress Lucky­Mutt­Rescue.­CLMR­is always­in­need­of­more­fosters, volunteers­and­donations,­(money and­supplies),­to­help­pay­medical bills­and­support­the­fosters­with needed­supplies.

Visit­cypressluckymuttrescue.org for­more­information.

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.

Photo Credit: Thomas Coffman - Coffman Photography

Canine Corner

Sophia would like to introduce you to her new friend, Mayonnaise. Mayo is almost 3 years old and is a big girl at just over 80 pounds. Mayo arrived at Houston Pets Alive! as a four-month-old pup and was quickly adopted to what was thought to be her fur-ever home. Two years later, her family was transferred overseas. Though devastated, they returned Mayo.

Despite her size, she is cuddly, and good with children. Mayo is crate-trained and knows basic commands. She can be excitable at first, but then becomes “super chill” after a bit. She is not much of a talker, but will alert when someone or something is out of place. Mayo is great on a leash and enjoys long walks, toys and sunbathing. The perfect home for this gentle giant is with a suburban family with kids to play with in a backyard she can call her own, laying in the grass, soaking in the Texas sunshine and cuddling on the couch in the evening, surrounded by her new loving family!

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

HPA!’s mission is to save the lives of at-risk companion cats and dogs and find them loving homes. It acts as a safety net for shelters/impound facilities and serves at-risk animals by working to reduce euthanasia, pet homelessness, and animal suffering in the Houston area. HPA! empowers the community through education, outreach, and accessible care.

If you are interested in adding Mayo to your pack, please contact Houston Pets Alive!

info@houstonpetsalive.org

www.houstonpetsalive.org

832-786-9310

2800 Antoine Dr. Suite 2854 Houston, TX 77092

Mayonnaise

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

Cirque Italia Water Circus

Houston Premium Outlets • 29300 Hempstead Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Thu. Feb. 2 at 7:30pm; Fri. Feb 3 at 7:30pm; Sat. Feb. 4 at 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm; Sun. Feb. 5 at 1:30pm & 4:30pm Cirque Italia brings a performance of European style. Described as a “vivid, dramatic, and moving experience”. www.cirqueitalia.com

11th Annual Car Show at the Heritage in Towne Lake

Saturday, February 25, 2023 • 10am-5pm

Heritage at Towne Lake Lodge

19201 N. Canyon Lake Springs Dr. • Cypress, TX 77429

Join us for the 11th annual vintage car show in The Heritage, Towne Lake’s Active Adult Community! A portion of the profits will be donated to local charitable organizations. Fun for the whole family!

If you would like to display your car please contact:

Joe Incognito 281.728.5784 / Lodge Staff 281.373.0970

*Rain date February 26

Cy-Fair

Home & Outdoor Living Show

Saturday, March 25, 2023 • 9am-6pm

Saturday, March 26, 2023 • 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/

Cy-Hope Clay Shoot

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Westside Sporting Ground • 10120 Pattison Rd. • Katy, TX 77493

For sponsorship and team info Contact holly.calbat@cy-hope.org

10th Annual CFISD Superintendent’s Fun Run

Saturday, May 1, 2023

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

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

The Best of Cy-Fair

PLACES T O EAT IN 2023

by Patricia Hudson

Let’s face it; sometimes we base food choices on convenience. Sure, there’s a McDonald’s and Starbucks on every corner, and there are too many Domino’s and Little Caesar’s Pizzas to count. Next time you have a hunger for something delicious, why not support our locally owned and operated food and beverage establishments? Like these Metta’s Local Eats foodies, you might just find your bliss!

Tony Krzyzanowski: I am nominating the newcomer serving the best Italian food at the best prices providing the best service. Grato Italian is the best and makes real deal authentic Italian dishes. I cannot live without Chicken Parmigiana.

Cathy Huebner: Senate Avenue Brewing Company is way more than a brewery. They have a chef. All their food is amazing. I highly recommend the crab cakes, the Mayors Burger, the pretzel and bread pudding!!!

Julie Arnold Dunlap: D’Lites Houston low carb, low sugar soft serve ice cream!

Kristina Perez Elote: from Angels Churros & Chocolate on Barker-Cypress and Creme Brulee

from D’Vine Wine! Love their appetizers and lots of their food items!

Vannessa Henley: I nominate Kurry Walah. I love every dish I’ve ever tried there (we eat there almost every week), but my favorite comfort food is the Chicken Tikka Masala, paired with garlic naan fresh from the oven. Natalita’s Jersey Village is a hidden gem, and home to my favorite enchiladas and nachos. Their carnitas nachos are my favorite nachos EVER. Tender, marinated pork chunks, caramelized to perfection.

Lynda Fikac: Duck ’n Bao Honestly, I love both the chicken and pork soup dumplings, but the pork dumpling is probably the #1 to try.

Susan Mathis: Milkshakes from PoppsParlor and Popcorn (Old Town Spring)

Popps - Parlor and Popcorn

Kurry Walah Chicken Tikka Masala

Senate Avenue Brewing Company Mayor's Burger

D’Lites Houston Soft Serve Ice Cream

Grato Italian Chicken Parmigiana

Keri Holloway: Yokohamaya Cypress! I love their Cypress Roll and all of the others too! Definitely the best sushi in Cypress.

Suzanne Vo Gilman: I love Pho at La’ Pho & Seafood and everything at Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory.

Jennifer Moya: Blue Water Seafood- I love the fried catfish and the blacked salmon; their veggies are AMAZING. Local Table is my absolute favorite. I have loved everything I have tried, but my favorite is their crab cakes and chipotle burger. Passerella! I’m still dreaming about their Alfredo.

Natalia's Carnita's Nachos

Cypress Yokohamaya Cypress Roll

Angels Churros & Chocolate Elote

D'Vine Wine Creme Brulee

Duck ’n Bao Soup Dumplings

SENIOR YEAR STRESS

Now, I am stuck somewhere between work, school. homework, college applications, self care and trying to have a social life. I am drained.

I am beyond stressed about my future. What do I do after this? Graduation was such a far off goal and now, it is here right in front of me. So many BIG life decisions to make and the pressure is on.

Every decision you need to make has a lasting impact, and knowing this has left me completely frozen, unable to make ANY decision at all. If you are also in this same headspace, here are a few things I think we need to remember in order to help us get through this year.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

By Nadiah Okuneye

IT IS OK TO CHANGE YOUR MIND. Have a plan, work towards it, and if you realize it is not what you want, CHANGE it. Sometimes you have to learn more about a topic, or a career to find out that it actually isn’t for you. THAT IS OK. We are learning a lot about ourselves in this transition.

JUST KEEP MOVING.

High school and college is all about learning who we are, and who we want to be. Pursue the things that interest you, focus on what you are passionate about. Just don’t stop moving forward. It doesn’t matter how big or small the step is, just keep moving.

When freshman year started, we were barely getting adjusted and Covid hits. We expected to start making our high school years full of memories, and next thing we knew, it is now senior year and we are all stressed.

When I started my senior year my goal was to enjoy myself, no plans, no goals, just have fun. I had not fully come to terms with the fact that this was my last year.

Take the time to do what you enjoy, and spend time with the people that bring you joy. This is a core time in our life, and we have the rest of our adult lives to be stressed and unhappy. Love yourself and those close to you; you do not want to take this stage of life for granted.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT.

That is it. That is the advice.

While this year brings a lot of stress, it is also where we learn about ourselves and how we want to fit into this world. We are transitioning to adults. We aren't supposed to have it all figured out when we walk across the stage. This is where life begins, just keep moving forward even if it with small steps. We’ve got this.

by Liz Arrington

“One of the greatest joys in life is doing what you love”

In December, my oldest son and I attended the performance of one of our favorite local musical groups. As we settled into our seats, I watched as the players of the Cypress Symphonic Band settled into theirs. Adjusting stands, warming up their instruments, and chatting amongst themselves. Everyone looked relaxed, comfortable, excited for the concert.

The musicians sounded their first note, lingering on that moment when all of the instruments came together in tune. A hush settled over the audience and the conductor took his place. The group launched into a jaunty version of a classic Christmas tune… and we were off on a musical journey that simultaneously lifted your spirit and soothed your soul.

To my surprise, a friend of mine was up on the stage that night playing in the band. Another mom I’ve known for years, our circles have crossed in multiple ways. We’ve been in book clubs, had moms nights out, and attended playdates with our children. I knew she was passionate about music, something we also both have in common, but I had no idea she even played an instrument!

My heart was so happy, not just because I was seeing a friend that I hadn’t seen in a long time, but because she was doing something so entirely her own. She looked so natural up there, surrounded by other adults sharing their gift of music. I looked around and spotted her children sitting nearby in the audience with their dad. Their faces lit up with pride and wonder. One of the kids caught my eye and excitedly waved, pointing up to the stage. “That’s my MOM!”, she mouthed. So proud.

The concert went on, and I was able to catch up with my friend after the final notes were played. I won’t type out our conversation, but I’m sure you can imagine it was animated and joyful and I must have said “I’m sooo happy for you!” over a dozen times. She shared with me

that she’s playing in not one, but TWO different musical groups. She practices at night after her kids go to bed. She feels a little guilty about the extra time away from home for rehearsals and performance schedules, but her husband is awesome and supportive.

I am truly, genuinely, so happy for her. For any mom who finds her way to her passion! For an overwhelming number of women, making decisions about how to navigate life after having children is monumental. Especially when children are very young, and their schedules and needs overtake the hobbies and interests of their parents.

If you’re early in your parenting journey, remember your passions are important. It might be harder to fit them in, when late nights and unpredictable nap schedules leave you exhausted and foggy. It’s okay if it looks different than it used to, and it’s also okay if you have to hit the pause button. Soon, you will round the corner into a new stage of motherhood, one where your children are older and less dependent on you for literally everything.

This is your sign to take action. Surprise your friends, surprise yourself! Pick up your instrument, paint brush, dance, write, read, do more of what makes you feel like YOU! Even if you only have time and energy to do it a little bit at a time, you are worth it. It takes planning, courage, and persistence to follow your dreams- but the joy of doing it is the greatest reward.

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

Hey girl! Overwhelmed??

By Allison Okuneye

Have you tried taking it out on your partner?

How does this happen? I try every year to get more organized. Make more lists, write it all on the calendar, post it notes everywhere. It never fails, the stress level is there, and I do not have any solution. One thing that I have tried a few times, is raging out against my husband. I know I can't be alone in this. Right?

After all it is his fault that I couldn't find two giant nutcrackers anywhere in town, and I am pretty sure he suggested that I overextend myself over the entire holiday season so by the time January hit I had no energy left. Just when I think life has calmed down, its time for vision boards and a whole recap of last year and all of the ways I need to improve.

Consider this your friendly reminder to work WITH your partner to ensure that you start off the new year working together. It makes everything more difficult and stressful when you aren't on the same page, so here are some tips for working together this year.

Ask for help.

We have to stop expecting our partners to be mind readers. Especially if they have proven to not have this skill in the past. Let go of control, ask for what you need. Be specific.

Find ways to connect.

It is easy to get caught up in social activities and the presence of others. Be intentional about making time for the two of you. If this means folding laundry together, or sneaking away for a lunch date in the middle of the day DO IT. You have to actively LOOK for ways to connect in order to make it happen.

Remind yourself why you chose them in the first place.

Sometimes we are sooo good at finding the faults in our partners, that we forget why we fell in love in the first place. Remind yourself DAILY, moment to moment if you need to, of the reasons WHY you are happy to experience the madness with them. This is not always easy, but if you intentionally look for the positive things your partner does, you might be shocked at the energy shift you feel. There is no doubt that life is stressful, but we can choose to add to our own stress, or find ways to eliminate it and work together. We just have to let go of a little control, and communicate our needs, and actively find ways to work together.

Remember: you are on the same team.

xo,

You are probably fine. Maybe you need a new face serum? Or a bath bomb? Have you tried adding one more thing to your plate??

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Dance Students Perform at Annual CFISD Dance ShowOffs

Dance teams from all 12 CFISD high schools displayed their talents at the 2023 CFISD Dance ShowOffs on Jan. 26 at the Berry Center. The showcase kicked off with a performance from the All-District Dance Team, followed by two routines from each school. Dancers performed their solo and ensemble routines at the Berry Center on Jan. 24-25 prior to the team performances.

“CFISD Dance ShowOffs has grown substantially from a few schools in the district to all 12 campuses performing two team contest routines to create an entertaining and exciting show,” said Haley Lourenco, Cypress Ridge High School Dazzlers head director. “We are fortunate to be in CFISD where our district celebrates our dance teams’ successes and allows us to all showcase our growing and competitive programs. CFISD Dance ShowOffs helps us in

showcasing our programs to the community so that we can continue to be one of the most competitive districts in Texas.

“A long-standing tradition of CFISD Dance ShowOffs is the selection of our All-District Dance Team that is comprised of 10 dancers each from all 12 high schools. We were able to add a new element this year by adding in sponsorships from around our community. With the help of Kelley Hughes, coordinator of secondary fine arts, and Sandi Dunn, Cypress Ranch High School Classics head director, we were able to exceed our expectations of donations. We were able to hand out nine total scholarships to All-District Dance Team seniors totaling $6,300. We are going to continue this sponsorship opportunity in hopes to grow our scholarships for our graduating seniors. I feel blessed to work alongside 23 hardworking and dedicated directors to put on another amazing CFISD Dance ShowOffs.”

CFISD dancers display their All-District Dance Team Scholarships they received at the conclusion of the CFISD Dance ShowOffs on Jan. 26 at the Berry Center.

Pictured from left, Emery Harris, Cy-Fair Brigade, Katelyn Kilgore, Cy-Fair Brigade, Rylie Alcorn, Cypress Ranch Classics, Olivia Garcia, Cy-Fair Brigade, Krisha Khosla, Cypress Ridge Dazzlers, Emma Chedotal, Cypress Woods Crimson Cadettes, Alison Peiffer, Cypress Woods Crimson Cadettes, Amelia Hancock, Cypress Woods Crimson Cadettes and Morgan Johnson, Bridgeland Belles.

Ten CFISD Art Students Earn Rodeo Art awards

CFISD’s winners in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Program were announced after going through multiple rounds of judging. A total of 10 winners were selected from the Elementary, Middle School and High School divisions and will be displayed in the Hayloft Gallery at NRG Center during the HLSR, Feb. 28-March 19.

CFISD art teachers used two rounds of judging to determine the top 45 pieces that advanced to the official HLSR School Art Program contest at NRG Stadium. The initial round of judging also helped select pieces that were displayed at the CFISD Rodeo Art Exhibit, held Jan. 18 at the Berry Center.

The HLSR School Art Program added a new category this year for students with special needs and through collaboration between district art teachers and special education

coordinators, In total, five art pieces created by LIFE Skills students were selected to be judged in the official HLSR School Art Program contest. CFISD’s art students and their work were praised by judges throughout the judging process. The following were among the winners from CFISD:

Bridgeland High School senior Jacob Lemos won a gold medal for his artwork titled “Clovers;”

Cypress Woods High School freshman Chloe Moon won a special merit award for her artwork titled “Embracing a Friend;”

Spillane Middle School eighth grade student

Camilla Gamiz won a gold medal for her artwork titled “El Pollo.”

Keith Elementary School fourth grade student

Thema Fernando won a gold medal for her artwork titled “Ride of a Lifetime.”

“Clovers” by Jacob Lemos