PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes

Photo Credit: Gary McMullen

Mike & Darlene Jarrar: Cypress Creek Lakes Couple Recognized for Support of Cy-Fair FFA

By Patricia Hudson

As the saying goes, Cypress Creek Lakes residents Mike and Darlene Jarrar weren’t born in Texas, but they got here as fast as they could. Darlene moved to Houston with her family in 1972. She attended Dean Middle School and graduated from Jersey Village High School. Just 17-years-old, Mike graduated high school, left his home land of Israel, and moved to Houston in 1973.

The couple met at a country western club and married a year later in Las Vegas in 1982. “That's when I convinced him to move to Cypress. He thought Cypress was in Timbuktu, since he was living in southwest Houston,” reminisces Darlene wryly. Little did they realize the impact their move would make on hundreds of CFISD students.

Mike is founder, president and CEO of Jarrar & Company, Inc., a commercial plumbing enterprise. “M ike has run the company for 45 years,” explains Darlene. “I worked in the business from 1981 until 2014, and continue to help out in the office when needed.”

Mike and Darlene supported each of their four children’s extracurricular activities. “Rebecca went to Cy-Fair, (drill team); Nadia attended Cy-Falls, (varsity softball and FFA); Jennifer went to Cy-Falls, (varsity softball), and Michael graduated fr om Cy-Woods, (drum line and musicals). I volunteered in the Cy-Fair schools for 10

years, and served on the Adam Elementary Board for two years,” comments Darlene.

Nadia’s interest in raising a goat for Future Farmers of America, (FFA), led to her parents’ introduction to the program. Darlene explains, “We were asked to go to the livestock show; her goat did not make the auction. The following year, she raised a turkey, it didn't make auction either, but we were at the show and were impressed with the program. These students are the future of America. They learn work ethic, community service and leadership skills. A lot of work goes into raising these animals and a twice daily commitment to taking care of them. We love helping these kids because a lot of them would not be able to afford college or pursue their dreams without the buyers from the FFA show. We attend the auction from the time it starts until the last

animal is auctioned off; this will be our 21st year.”

Mike and Darlene’s efforts on behalf of CFISD FFA did not go unnoticed. Kyle Atkins, CFISD alumni and CyWoods agricultural teacher petitioned the school board to consider naming the Arena after the Jarrars. On December 12, 2022, the CFISD Board of Trustees approved Mike and Darlene Jarrar as the namesakes for the arena of the CFISD Exhibit Center.

The Board action was documented as follows:

The Jarrars have generously supported the CFISD Livestock Show & Sale since 2003, donating a total of $1,440,606 to student projects. They have received the Livestock Show Association Top Volume Buyer award—given to the buyer who made the largest contribution at the show—for 14 of the 16 years it has been given. At the 2022 show, the Jarrars contributed $76,890, accounting for more than 10% of the total sales.

More than 400 students have benefitted directly from the money spent on projects by the Jarrars, and countless more have benefitted indirectly. Throughout the years, Mr. Jarrar has personally spoken with others before,

Darlene Jarrar, fourth from right, and Board Trustee Debbie Blackshear, third from right, join agricultural education students and staff from Cypress Falls and Cypress Woods high schools and CTE Director Denise Kubecka, far left, at the Dec. 12 Board of Trustees meeting. The Board unanimously voted to approve the namesake for the Mike & Darlene Jarrar Arena at the CFISD Exhibit Center.

Mike & Darlene’s granddaughter Aubrey

during and after the show, encouraging them to become or remain buyers. Once the sale floor starts to fill with buyers, it is not uncommon for him to encourage fellow buyers to contribute a little extra for the good of CFISD students.

The Mike and Darlene Jarrar Arena is located at the CFISD Exhibit Center at 11206 Telge Road. The CFISD Exhibit Center was recently renovated as part of the 2019 Bond to accommodate additional seating in the arena area, an enlarged area for animal pens and student projects, and new restrooms with dressing room stations.

When he isn’t supporting CFISD students, Mike can be found working, cooking, painting and wanting to repair any and everything that breaks down. Darlene's hobbies are scrapbooking, diamond dotting and spoiling her five grandchildren, Asher, (13), Kaia, (12), Clara (11), Zechariah (8), and Aubrey (5). “We love to go to Las Vegas, go on cruises and take our RV on the road. We love to have our neighbors over for summer barbecues,” shares Darlene. “I go on scrapbooking weekends with my friends as much as I can. I am also a part of the Cypress Creek Lakes Empty Nester's and Bunco group.”

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.

Canine Corner

Meet Bailey and her best buddy Jax. This beautiful bonded 9-year-old pair was recently surrendered when their owner took a new job and is now traveling frequently. These guys have been together since they were pups and seem to really love each other and snuggle up together in a puppy pile. They are happy and seem well adjusted, even after this recent upset and relocation.

Linné Girouard, President of All Texas Dachshund Rescue, Inc., explains, “The best possible outcome for these sweet babies would be to find a calm and quiet place to call their own, where someone would be around a lot and benefit from the excellent company that these guys can be! They enjoy couch time and snuggle time and occasionally, some walk time or yard time! They are learning the doggie door

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

as well in the foster home and don't mind piling up together in the kennel at night.”

All Texas Dachshund Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is made up of volunteers who rescue, rehabilitate and re-home disabled and otherwise endangered Dachshunds throughout the state of Texas. All are spayed or neutered, have had all vaccines updated, are heartworm negative, are on heartworm preventative, and have had all other health issues considered important to the pet’s life addressed. Financial and educational assistance for the purchase and use of necessary medical equipment such as wheel chairs (carts), sanctuary and adoption services for disabled Dachshunds at risk of destruction due to their disabilities are provided, as needed.

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

The Cypress Market @ Cy-Hope

VIP Event: Friday, April 28, 2023 • 6:30-9:30pm $20 entry

Open to Public: Saturday, April 28, 2023 • 6:30-9:30pm

Sunday, April 29, 2023 9am-4pm

Cy-Hope • 12715 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429

Artisan Vendor Shopping, Live Music, Food to Purchase, Wine Pull, Silent Auction, and MORE! Visit cy-hope.org for VIP Tickets.

Boys and Girls Country Spring Festival

Saturday May 6, 2023 • 11am-4pm

18806 Roberts Rd. • Hockley, TX 77447

Join us as we gear up for a day full of games, food, and fun, we are in need of sponsors to help make the event a success. More information at www.boysandgirlscountry.org

3rd Annual Putting For A Purpose

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Benefiting Elijah Rising

Sponsorship opportunities are available and registration is open! Golfer registration will be at 11:30am and shotgun start at 1pm followed by a dinner reception at 7pm. www.elijahrising.org

B.F. Adam Golf Classic

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Benefiting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation Visit www.thecfef.org for more info. Sponsor/Donations: Contact Marie Holmes, Marie@TheCFEF.org or 281-370-0144.

Beauty & the Beast Musical

Thursday, May 11, 2023 - Saturday, May 13, 2023

Bridgeland High School • 10707 Mason Rd • Cypress, TX 77433

Opening Night: Thursday, May 11 • 7pm

Elementary Field Trip Matinee: Friday, May 12 • 9:30am

Friday Night: May 12 • 7pm

Breakfast with Beauty & The Beast: Saturday, May 13 • 10am

Saturday Matinee: May 13 • 2pm / Closing Night: May 13 • 7pm

Tickets available at www.bridgelandhstheatre.org/spring-musical

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress

Grato Italian Restaurant PLACES T O EAT The Best of Cy-Fair

By Patricia Hudson

Billed as “A Family Friendly Italian Restaurant with great prices and atmosphere,” Grato Italian Restaurant is a welcome addition to the Cypress area. Since opening in October in a small strip shopping center at Fry and FM529, this humble little restaurant has acquired quite a following. “I’ve been to many Italian restaurants in our area and let me tell you, there are not any better than Grato,” asserts Tony Krzyzanowski, a frequent customer. A family run business, customers like Teri Norton are quick to compliment “the friendly staff, authentic freshly prepared cuisine, and ample serving portions.”

From the Artichoke and Spinach Dip to the Pasta Alfredo, to the Tiramisu, Grato, (which means “gratitude” or “thankful” in Italian), offers an impressive variety of Italian fare. Pasta dishes paired with chicken, veal, and seafood, calzones, pizzas and sandwiches tempt hungry guests. Choose from an assortment of beer and fine wines. Linda Grape commented on a recent meal. “My

husband’s favorite was the Pasta Trio of manicotti, lasagna and cannelloni. I had the Salmon Piccata and gluten free penne with marinara and a side of mixed vegetables which are always fantastic. All (were) very good. Love the chocolate gelato with whipped cream.”

Tony Krzyzanowski recommends the Chicken Parmesan.

Chicken Parmigiana

“It’s absolutely delicious. The fettuccine Alfredo is amazing as well.”

My personal measure of a quality Italian restaurant is the Eggplant Parmigiana. This one came with a fresh Caesar Salad and a large portion of breaded and perfectly fried eggplant, covered in a delicious marinara and a mound of mozzarella. The remainder of the plate was filled with a generous side of spaghetti. My son selected Chicken Alfredo. There was little conversation as we concentrated on the meal in front of us, relishing each delectable morsel. I would not do the meal justice if I didn’t mention the hot homemade garlic knots that accompanied our order. As others had asserted, I ended up taking a nice portion of eggplant home for the next day. Truth be told, I jumped at the opportunity to tuck several of those garlic knots into my to-go box! My next visit I might just have to save room for something sweet. As Teri Norton says, “Their desserts are divine.”

Grato offers lunch specials Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Served with your choice of Garden or Caesar salad, (and those amazing garlic knots), the waitstaff is quick to divulge that the lunch portions are as generous as the dinner entrees and reasonably priced. Pizza by the slice is offered only at lunch. Have a business luncheon or a family event coming up? Consider letting Grato handle your catering needs.

Grato Italian Restaurant

20503 FM 529 • Cypress, TX 77433 (346) 220-0937 • italianrestaurantgrato@gmail.com

Hours of Operation

Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

Lunch Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm daily

Salmon Piccata over Penne

Red Snapper Florentine

“MOM, WE ARE ON LOCKDOWN AND I’M SCARED.”

Parenting has always been hard... but why does it feel SOOO hard right now?

By Allison Okuneye

I know that parenting has been difficult for EVERY generation. The struggles may have looked different, but the stress has always existed. Am I the only parent that feels like this period of time is different. Now, I want to fully acknowledge that these are my thoughts and feelings and opinion after a week of school where there were multiple threats at your kids school, many hours of lockdown with no answers, and then we wake up the next day to do it all again.

I recognize that my experience in this period in time is in NO way an attempt at diminishing the struggles of past generations, and I also know that my experience as a white, suburban mom does NOT compare with the struggles that women of color experience daily.

I think that all of us can agree that the feeling of utter hopelessness when you receive word that there has been a credible threat to your child's safety when they are at school shakes all of us to our core.

I have distinct memories as a kid doing tornado drills in the hallway, sitting quietly on the floor or under our desks

in a classroom thinking...I'm glad this kind of stuff NEVER happens because that would be scary.

Fast forward to today, our kids going through active shooter drills knowing full well that this DOES happen in schools across our country every day. I just don't know how you manage that as a parent! The added stress and anxiety that alone can give your kids, what that must do to their minds, and how can we provide comfort to them when there is really nothing WE could do to keep them safe in that situation?

This has been heavy on my heart this week, and I know I can't be the only parent struggling. I can't tell you how much I wish there was a "Top 5 things to do" list for this situation but unfortunately I do not have the answers. Just know that as a fellow parent, you are not alone in those feelings, it's ok to feel overwhelmed and helpless. If we are lucky, we get to wake back up and do it again tomorrow. **insert sarcasm**

Questions? Thoughts? Feels? Contact Allison @ dkdesignheadwear@gmail.com

TEENAGER

Where daily bomb threats are just a cause for eye rolls.

Where all nighters are normalized, and being tired is just our state of being.

The life where if we don't post about it, we aren't really living at all.

Where first impressions are over instagram pages and first conversations are held with a phone in hand.

Our feelings of being wanted only fulfilled by follow requests, and cutting people off only counts through the block button.

You see us in real life watching others' lives online.

By Nadiah Okuneye Photo by Anthem Art Photography

Only feeling accepted through college letters,

Our knowledge only exists on scantrons.

Wanting to be remembered by someone.

Wanting to be someone worth remembering.

Wanting to be something to someone so bad that we can't even be ourselves.

Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Holds Ribbon Cutting for Kelsey-Seybold’s New Fairfield Clinic

The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fairfield to the business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Located off Hwy US 290 and Mueschke Road, 4 miles southwest of the Grand Parkway, Fairfield Clinic provides primary care for adults and children, onsite lab services, and easy access to specialist care at Kelsey-Seybold’s nearby Cypress clinic and other locations.

Adriana Gonzalez, M.D., Fairfield Clinic’s managing physician, cut the ribbon on behalf of the clinic. Chamber members, including President and CEO Bobby Lieb, were greeted by Clinic Administrator Holly Collins, who led a tour of the new 22,500-squarefoot clinic.

Fairfield Clinic joins Kelsey-Seybold’s nearby Cypress Clinic as the second location in the Cypress area. The two clinics are approximately 8 miles apart. Fairfield Clinic expands convenient, high-quality healthcare to the residents of Fairfield and surrounding communities.

ASK

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Constipation

Constipation isn’t something most people talk about, but about 16% of American adults experience it regularly. The condition is even more common among adults 60 and older.

An occasional case of constipation is normal. It can be the simple result of long travel, illness, or pregnancy. Constipation can also be a result of taking certain medications, like antidepressants and pain medicat ions. Lifestyle habits also contribute to your bowel situation.

If you live in the Greater Houston area and are struggling with constipation, seek care from our expert at GastroDoxs. Dr. Bharat Pothuri can help you manage your symptoms or ease its frequency.

We can also evaluate your symptoms to make sure constipation is not a sign of a more serious medical condition. Don’t just accept constipation as a normal state; here’s why you should set up an appointment today.

Definition of Constipation

When you have difficulty passing stools, you have constipation, defined as:

•Having fewer than three bowel movements a week

•Difficulty passing a bowel movement and a sense of not being “done”

•Firm, dry bowel movements, even if you have them frequently

If your bowel movements are soft, easy to pass, and leave you feeling “empty,” you have healthy bowel habits. It’s OK if you don’t poop every day.

Constipation Concerns

Constipation accompanied by rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and/or unexplained weight loss definitely should not be ignored. Constipation along with these

symptoms could indicate a metabolic disorder, problems with intestinal function, cancer, bowel obstruction, or pelvic prolapse.

Constipation cou ld also be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common, uncomfortable condition that affects your digestive tract. Many people with IBS have diarrhea, others suffer constipation, and some people have both. You may also have abdominal pain, mucus in your stool, migraines, sleep problems, and fibromyalgia. IBS can’t be cured, but it can be managed with Dr. Pothuri’s care.

Untreated Constipation

Even if constipation isn’t a sign of a larger problem, ignoring it can cause further health problems. You may develop uncomfortable hemorrhoids or tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissures), which result when you strain the skin and muscles of the anus and rectum.

Straining can also cause rectal prolapse. This condition happens when some of your intestinal lining pushes out from your anus. Another serious complication of untreated constipation is fecal impaction, which occurs when hard stool packs the intestine and rectum tightly. Then you’re unable to naturally push out this impacted stool.

Managing Constipation

Your daily habits can be the reason you have constipation. Dr. Pothuri recommends you eat enough fiber, mainly from food like whole grains and vegetables. If you need a fiber supplement, D r. Pothuri can recommend one for you.

You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and stay active. Even a 20-30 minute daily walk can help keep your bowels moving.

Dr. Pothuri also advises you to pay attention to your body’s signals. Don’t put off using the bathroom when you need to pass stool – this only makes constipation worse.

If you make these lifestyle changes, but still struggle with constipation, Dr. Pothuri may recommend you trial mild laxatives. Stool softeners are the best place to begin, as they don’t affect your digestive tract. Rather, stool softeners help your stools absorb more water so they’re easier to pass.

If you’re bothered by constipation, contact Gastro Doxs today to rule out any serious causes at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team onli ne at gastrodox.com.

Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs

From left: Chamber member Lane Peeler; Bobby Lieb, Chamber president and CEO; Meagan Zeigenbein, senior director of ambulatory clinics, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic; Holly Collins, clinic administrator; Luis Juarez, M.D., Family Medicine; Adriana Gonzalez, M.D., managing physician; Wesley McCreary, P.A.-C., Internal Medicine; Judith Renner, R.N., nursing supervisor; Caroline Okemwa, clinic administrator, Cypress Clinic; Chamber members Harold Hatcher and Zachary Hatcher

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Livestock Show and Sale Generates More than $760,000 for Projects

The 29th Annual CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale, held Feb. 2-4 at the CFISD Exhibit Center, had a record-breaking year due to the incredible generosity from the CFISD community through the live auction, with no exhibits in the last third of the sale selling for less than $1,500. CFISD community members also came through by showing their support of our sales happening outside of the live auction.

Unofficial totals indicate this year’s sale raised more than $760,000. The premium sale (live auction) raised $505,450, an increase of $75,150 from the 2022 sale. Final amounts from the freezer sale (animals not placing high enough for the live auction) totaled $146,126. The agriculture mechanics and horticulture silent auction raised $28.051.48, and $11,406 was awarded through royalty scholarships and cash prizes. Monetary donations and t-shirt sales are still being tabulated. In addition, two new champion sale records were set for Grand Champion Goat and Grand Champion Horticulture. Houston Stainless & Alloys LLC paid $17,000 for the Grand Champion Goat exhibited by Blake Wells from Cypress Ranch High School. Cypress Signs & Graphics paid $6,500 for the Grand Champion Horticulture project by Sophie Gunderson from Cypress Woods High School.

Cypress Ranch High School senior Faith Smith had the Grand Champion Steer at the CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale, which sold for $30,000 to Jarrar & Company Inc., Lone Star Chevrolet and Houston Area Chevrolet Dealers.

Prior to the premium sale, CFISD officially dedicated the Mike & Darlene Jarrar Arena in the CFISD Exhibit Center. Jarrar & Company Inc. was recognized as the event’s volume buyer for the 15th time in the 17 years the award has been presented. A portrait of Mike and Darlene Jarrar was unveiled before the premium sale, recognizing the family’s decades of support for CF ISD students.

Bridgeland, Cy-Ranch, Cy-Woods Advance to Area One-Act Play Contest

The Bridgeland High School, Cypress Ranch High School and Cypress Woods High School University Interscholastic League (UIL) One-Act Play productions were selected to advance to the area competition following the Bi-District 15/16-6A One-Act Play contest on March 21.

The top three plays from each bi-district competition advance to the area contests. Bridgeland’s production of Henry Lumper, Cypress Ranch’s production of Macbeth and Cypress Woods’ production of Anna Karenina were all selected as the top three plays at the Bi-District 15/166A contest.

Cy-Fair High School’s production of Machinal and Cypress Creek High School’s production of 1984 competed in the Bi-District 17/18-6A competition but were not selected as one of the top three productions to advance to the area contest. Cy-Fair was named first alternate.

Bridgeland, Cypress Ranch and Cypress Woods will all compete in the Region II-6A Area II UIL One-Act Play competition on April 1 at Magnolia High School.

The following students earned bi-district one-act play awards:

BRIDGELAND

Mackenzie Mann - Best Performer

Rex Koern - All-Star Cast

Reid Adkison - All-Star Cast

Jackson Nichols - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Sophia Bolanos - Best Technician

CYPRESS RANCH

Thomas Boyce III - All-Star Cast

Makenzie Woolridge - All-Star Cast

Ian Hayes - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Emma Elsbury - Best Technician, Best Technical Crew

Haley Bowers - Best Technical Crew

Lexie Carty - Best Technical Crew

Tallula Molay - Best Technical Crew

CYPRESS WOODS

Nicole Howard - All-Star Cast

Matthew Call - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Jordan Bingham - Honorable Mention All-Star Cast

Keoni Saadat - Best Technician

Faith Smith with Grand Champion Steer

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Honors Businesses of the Year for 2022

The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce announced the 2022 Business of the Year winners at the February Chamber Luncheon on Tuesday, February 21, at The Berry Center. Award recipients included:

Small Business of the Year:

Cypress Optique

Medium Business of the Year: Elite Auto Experts

Large Business of the Year:

Community Impact

Non-Profit Organization: Reach Unlimited

Story by Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Genesis Photographers

Community Impact

Reach Unlimited

Cypres Boutique Elite Auto Experts