“She is the spontaneous, outgoing, loves-to-have-fun one in the relationship.”
-Jeff, on his wife, Michaela
By Patricia HudsonWhen choosing an individual or family to feature, we often take suggestions from the community. Michaela Lester was hands down, a Cypress Creek Lakes favorite. Michaela and her husband Jeff share about their love and lives together.
Where did you grow up?
“I am originally from Oklahoma. We moved to Houston, Texas when I was 10 years old; it was a great time and place to ‘start over.’ I missed years of school and was mostly homeschooled by my mom during my cancer treatments,” Michaela explains. “I was behind socially and physically. I was able to repeat 4th grade, and have the fresh start I needed, without having to explain myself to my peers because no one knew me. Jeff was born and raised in Houston. We met in high school; I was a freshman and he was a junior, and went to the same church. We started dating my sophomore year, his senior year.”
What do you recall about your first date?
“I picked her up with a single rose. We went to Chili’s for dinner. I remember sitting across the booth, just amazed at how beautiful she was. She had braces and had to cut the corn off the cob to eat, and we had chicken fingers. She always seemed comfortable on our dates; Michaela was not one to act different to
impress anyone. She wasn’t going to order a salad and pretend she didn’t eat,” declares Jeff.
When did you know that Michaela was The One?
“We dated for two years and then took a break during my sophomore and junior years at West Point. No one held a candle to Michaela. I focused on my classwork, military training, and working out. We got back together when she came to West Point in August 1999 for Ring Weekend, when the seniors all get their rings and there is a formal. We were alone riding an elevator in NYC and she turned around and said, ‘I never stopped loving you.’ It was then that I knew she was The One.”
Michaela?
“Jeff went to West Point and we broke up for a bit wh ile we were so far apart, and while I was in my first year of college in Oklahoma. I dated a few other guys and always found myself comparing
them to Jeff, and Jeff always won. We remained friends over the next few years and I would even go see him in New York. I remember seeing him in his white West Point senior uniform and thinking wow! I felt so proud of him and his accomplishments. I knew in that moment that I truly loved him.”
How long have you been married?
“As of July 1, 2000, we have been married 23 years. We have moved 6 times, and spent a year apart while I was deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005,” shares Jeff.
Michaela, you had a health scare early in your life.
“I am a childhood cancer survivor. I was given a death sentence at the age of 6 when I was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor. I fell hard on a slip n slide and ruptured a tumor that had been growing my whole life. The x-rays showed that the tumor was growing on both of my kidneys. The plan was to go into surgery to remove the 15-pound tumor, the size of an NFL football, and the worst of my two kidneys. I was to be put on medication and kept comfortable until I passed away. By God’s grace, when the doctors opened me up, the tumor was only connected to one of my kidneys, so only the tumor and one kidney had to be removed. I went through a year and a half of chemotherapy. The treatment of my type of childhood cancer was discovered only about two years before I was diagnosed! I lost all of my hair, missed two years of school, shrunk to the size of a two-year-old, and missed out on years of my childhood. I was constantly told that I would
never have children or if I did, they would be premature and unhealthy. Cancer didn’t win! I AM HERE and have four amazing, h ealthy, kids (full term, fat babies) that are here because God answers prayers and I survived childhood cancer! We are beyond blessed!”
About the kids…
“Hunter, 17, plays the tenors on the Cy Ranch drumline. He’s a senior and is undecided what college he’ll attend; he has a list of 9 schools that he’s narrowed it down to. He does know he wants to major in: engineering,” comments his mom. “When he isn’t bus y drumming, he’s a lifeguard at Lifetime. Seeing his extended family at our annual beach trip is one of his fondest memories.
Lily is 15 and will be one of only two sophomores on the Cy Ranch Varsity Cheer Squad. She not only cheers for her school, but also cheers for Woodlands Elite Katy.
Rylen, 12, will be a 7th grader at Smith. He loves baseball and played in Cooperstown, NY this summer. He’s played fo otball for years and will play
for Smith, but his first love is baseball. He is a trained, paid umpire. We’re proud to say he was chosen as the 6th grade Boy of the Year, based on character, at Smith. Sports, getting to play baseball with his friends and traveling to NYC with his family are memories of a lifetime.
Lacy is our little caboose and is 10. She’ll be in 5th grade at Warner. She’s following in her sister’s footsteps, cheering for the JV Vikings through CFSA and at Woodlands Elite Katy. She has also been a part of the Towne Lake Wake swim team for several summers.”
What’s a typical week at the Lester house?
“It might look like a zoo to outsiders, but it’s our normal. Most evenings are spent running kids to their activities or attending an event so as not to miss a single thing! Sometimes that means we’re dividing and conquering, but we’ve made it a priority to be as involved in our children’s lives as possible. If we’re all home, you’ll hear drums being played, girls tumbling down the hall, a boy tossing or kicking a ball, a lazy dog and a fat cat wondering what all the commotion is about, dad hard at work on the computer, and mom trying not to pull out her graying hair! We eat dinner as a family as much as possible and work as a team,” comments Michaela.
What is the biggest challenge as parents?
“As my kids have gotten older, I’ve come to learn that the hardest part of being a parent is the emotional ups and downs. I was in the baby/toddler/preschool stage for so long and I remember thinking it was hard. I would go back to that in an instant if I could. The emotional strain of seeing your growing children have to learn the hard way or go through a tough time is heartbreaking. At the same time, the joy and happy times they get to experience are so fun and exciting. The roller coaster of emotions is exhausting, though,” Michaela discloses.
“For Jeff, the biggest challenge is trying to provide for all four kids in a way that they can participate in all the activities that we feel are important, along with being able to juggle the schedules enough to ensure each of the kids know how important they are to us and no one feels left out. The goal is for each of them to feel like they are The Favorite.”
What do you do with your “free time?”
“Free time? What’s that?” laughs Michaela. “We spent our 23rd anniversary working a fireworks store for the Cy Ranch band fundraiser! I joke that we would be on a paradise island if it weren’t for our kids, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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 at: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
Summer is here, and so is the hot housing market! If you're planning to sell your home this season, don't sweat it. I've got some cool tips to help you prepare your home for the scorching summer market.
1. Amp Up Your Curb Appeal:
Make a lasting first impression by sprucing up your front yard. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add pops of summer color with flowers. It is too hot here to buy expensive flowers. Grab some from HEB and replace them when you inevitably let them die. We all do it. Let’s accept it.
2. Windows that Shine, Sunburns Decline:
Clean your windows early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid battling the sun's wrath. It is not a proven fact, but I have a theory you could endanger your life with an ill placed reflection from the rays!
3. Embrace the Scents of Summer:
That scent would be pure AC. Don’t fall for blogs that tell you to open windows and let the fresh air in. We don’t have any right now. That brings us to #4.
4. Cool Air, Warm Hearts:
Keep potential buyers comfortable by ensuring your air conditioning is in top shape. Make them feel at home, even in
the midst of summer's heat. I walked out of more than one home when I was looking because it was hot. There was nothing I needed to see upstairs under those conditions!
5. Stage with a Summer Vibe:
Add cheerful accents throughout your home to create a summery feel. Think bright throw pillows, beach-themed artwork, or a bowl of fresh citrus fruits. Do not mistake this for advice to have a bowl of shells. That went out of style when I was a first grader and now I am a mom of adults.
Selling your home in the hot summer market doesn’t have to be a meltdown. Stay calm, embrace the summer spirit, and get ready to showcase your home's sizzling potential.
Sophia has a new friend. Her name is Reba, and she is being fostered by a caring Cypress neighbor. Reba is a lovely 1.5-yearold, 45 pound red Border Collie Mix. Reba can be a bit shy at first; no doubt, we discovered, because she was tossed out of a car. She has been learning to trust again. “Once she warms up to you, she is the sweetest cuddle bug,” says foster mom Kristin Carroll. “She is really a gentle girl that wouldn’t hurt a fly. She likes to sing to you at dinner time if you’re taking too long to feed her! She is good on a leash without pulling, but needs more training to learn to walk at your side. Sometimes, fast movements can startle her, so a house that is calm and with no little children might be best. When she gets over excited, she sometimes gets a bit jumpy and may try to give you a hug. She’s working hard at learning that she shouldn’t do this, so we give her encouragement and grace if this behavior occurs.”
When it comes to meeting new people, Reba warms up faster to ladies than men, but once she gets to know you, she will be your shadow and is happy to just lay at your feet. Reba does well with her crate and if afraid, recognizes it as her safe space. She is house trained and would definitely love to have at least one doggie playmate to help build her confidence. She has three female Border Collie foster sisters that she loves to play, snuggle, and goof around with. While she has never had close contact with cats, she has
seen a few, barked at them and chased them along the fence line. Reba is not sure if she likes them, but definitely enjoys the chase. Reba shares toys well and relishes treats as a reward. One thing that Reba is not fond of is getting in and out of a car. Cars just still scare her, but with time, her foster mom is confident that she will let go of that fear. Reba is waiting patiently in northwest Houston to meet her new family.
Border Collie Rescue & Rehab is a network of volunteer foster homes; all dogs that are adopted through BCR&R come from loving, caring homes, straight to the adopter. Dogs are evaluated, rescued and rehabilitated. All are fully vetted: vaccinated, spayed, neutered and microchipped. For information about completing an Adoption Application for adopting Reba, go to Border Collie Rescue and Rehab, bc.rescue.rehab@gmail.com, and check out their Facebook page.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Back To School Bash
Saturday, August 12, 2023 • 9am-Noon
9606 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095
Open to CFISD Students in need. Join us for a fun family day and pick up FREE school supplies. Games and activities, Books, First Responders with equipment, Face Painting, Family Resources and more! For more info visit: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org.
Accepting Donations until Thurs, August 3, 2023 Mon-Thu 9am-12:30pm
Drop off at CFHH offices: 9606 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095
Wish list: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1E3FW17BZ2DX5
2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace
Saturday, September 9, 2023 • 9am-5pm
The Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, Texas.
2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace
Annual fundraiser for Scholarships and nonprofits in our community. 300+ booths & 250+ vendors. Free parking and free admission. No strollers, wagons, rolling carts. cy-fair-womens-club.portalbuzz.com
Kiwanis Club of Cypress August Meeting
Thursday, August 10, 2023 6pm
Rudy's Cantina
11760 Grant Road, Cypress, TX 77429 www.cypresskiwanisclub.com
Ranch Roundup
Friday, August 25, 2023 • 6:30-9pm
Cypress Ranch High School Back Parking Lot
10700 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Free event for the entire Mustang community! Games, Food Trucks, Giveaways! Meet the Mustangs!
2023 Tunnel to Towers 5k Run & Walk
Saturday, September 9, 2023 • 7am-4pm
John Paul Landing Park, Environmental Education Center
9950 Katy Hockley Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Join the Greater Houston Community as we come together to NEVER FORGET those we lost on September 11th, 2001, our first responders and military who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and our heroes who continue to make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty every day! runsignup.com/Race/TX/Cypress/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkCypressTX
Cy-Fest 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 10am-2pm
Lone Star College-CyFair • 9191 Barker Cypress Rd • Cypress, TX
Cy-Fest, a free family-friendly community celebration for all ages, returns with a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, book mobile, bounce houses and food trucks, just to name a few.
LSC-CyFair’s academic and workforce departments will be active, showcasing their certificate and degree programs and class selections as well as hosting science, art and math activities. Attendees can also get information on the college’s the Center for the Arts, Academy for Lifelong Learning, library services and more. www.lonestar.edu/cy-fest
Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
Eleftherios Stamatakos, known as “Lefty” or “Terry” to his friends and followers, is the owner of “Simply Greek,” located at 14030 Telge Rd. Cypress, TX 77429. Simply Greek is just that, a local pop owned shop that serves up some of the most delicious authentic Greek food around town. No burgers, no pizza, no hot dogs; just go ole tasty Greek food.
Lefty bought out this location just a few months back and has transformed it into his vision of homeland cuisine, which is gaining popularity by the day. Before his brick and mortar, Lefty owned and operated a food truck in the Spring Branch area, but travelled all over the greater Houston Metropolitan bringing his sought-after Gyros to the public and his growing list of followers.
Born in Europe, Lefty grew up on the streets of Greece. As a young boy, Eleftherios always loved cooking. He enjoyed the way aromas and natural ingredients would elevate a dish and the excitement for him was in perfecting by practice. He opened his first tiny Gyro stand along a small alley in Greece. Before he knew it, he was selling out daily and could hardly keep up with the demand. “I’ve been in the
business for over 30 years and for me, it’s still best business in the world,” he asserts.
When Lefty went to New York to attend culinary school, he found himself missing the intricate fastpaced environment of the kitchen and opened a small pizzeria. Classes completed, Lefty headed for Houston to understand its demographics and culture and fell in love.
Settling in Cypress, Lefty reflects on his decision. “This town is welcoming, and the folks really love good food at a reasonable cost. I want folks to know that I am thankful for their support these last four months. On Opening Day, I did six tickets. Now things have grown with so much support that I stay busy every day. I could not be more grateful.”
Eleftherios’ lone helper is his trusty friend and kitchen manager, Sammy Ortega. Sammy came to Lefty five years ago when he started as the dishwasher. He has since proven himself invaluable, and these two guys knock it out of the park.
But let’s talk food. I am confident that like me, once you try Simply Greek, you will definitely return.
While the restaurant has a limited all Greek menu of traditional offerings, his specials change weekly. The Moussaka is heavenly with its eggplant base, smothered in a creamy bechamel. They serve up one of the tastiest Pastitsio, a Greek lasagna and crowd pleaser. Lefty’s take on the Saganaki is a comfort food of pan fried flambeed cheese served with pita is hard to share, as it’s so good. Lefty invented a heaping pile of “Greek Nachos,” Gyros and cheeses and all the good Greek things piled high on soft pillowy triangles of pita bread. Other favorites include his Gyro platter, Falafel, and the appetizers are all a must have. The Hummus hands down is one of the best anywhere.
The website is currently under construction. For more information, go to the Simply Greek Facebook page. Have a question? Contact Lefty at 631-902-5119.
Simply Greek 14030 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429 (631) 902-5119
Hours of Operation Mon. – Sat.: 11am - 8:30pm
Metta Archilla-Isheda is a contributing writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, and #onmettasfork. On Metta’s Fork is a local mom and pop commercial kitchen that brings a touch of Southern comfort dinners incorporating fresh local ingredients to your table. Metta is the creator of “Mah Pahs,” a savory spin on a crusted pie, as well as a variety of heat and eat quiches, hearty stews and soups. Connect with Metta Archilla directly On Metta’s Fork and via her Facebook social media page.
2920 ROADHOUSE SHOWS START AT 8PM
8/4PIANO PuNCH
8/26JON STORK
9/8JAKE WORTHINGTON
9/16ALREADY GONE (Eagles Tribute)
9/22MICKY & THE MOTORCARS
9/23NEAL MCCOY
9/29BRAXTON KEITH
9/30JOHNNY LEE THE FAREWELL TOuR
ANDY’S BAR & GRILL
8/4DJ PARTY
8/5TALLYWACKERS
8/11MIKE GILBERT’S BIRTHDAY BASH
8/12BRONCO JR.
8/18PBR
8/19LANE O’NEAL
8/25DJ PARTY BACK TO BASH
8/26TEXXAS HEAT
THE BARN
SHOWS START AT 8P
8/04CLOuDNINE
8/05SHOTGuN ROAD
8/11ONE OF THESE NIGHTS (Eagles Tribute)
8/12THE SLIM SHADY (Eminem Tribute)
8/18THE LOST 80’S LIVE (Flock of Seagulls)
8/19TIMELESS HTX
BREW:30 TAPHOUSE & BREWERY
8/5RIGHTEOuS CAuSE TRIO
8/12MARCuS BREIDENTHAL
8/18IRISH MuSIC SESSION
8/19ROD BRANCH
8/25MIKE AMABILE
8/26MATT SEBASTIAN
9/9LOADED DAN
9/15IRISH MuSIC SESSION
9/16BREW:30 OKTOBERFEST
Feat.THE HOME BREWED BRASS ENSEMBLE
9/22MARK CHILDRES
9/29DANVILLE TRAIN
8/17STACEY STEELE
8/18SIX ALARM
8/19JuBA & DEMARCO WARE
8/25VINCE KING ELVIS SHOW
8/26TIME WARP
Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson
With the release of the Barbie movie, Barbie themed events are springing up all over Cypress. One of the most colorful events was held at the Boardwalk Towne Lake's Union Kitchen. PinPointe Magazine contributing writer and Metta's Local Eats founder, Metta Archilla and I met up to check it out. The patio, restaurant, waitstaff and guests were resplendent in shades of Barbie. Menu offerings included a themed Mimosa bar, pretty pink cocktails, a delightful Barbie Brunch menu, and a pink and white table laden with candies and cookies for the little ones. The festivities were so well received that General Manager, Anthony Messina, predicts similar events will pop up in the months to come.
August 24: Sandwiches & Sundaes at Lakeside Trails Clubhouse, 16125 Country Fair Lane, in Fairfield. Aug 24th. Ice cream sundae bar & assortment of sandwiches plus drinks. Noon, $12.00. RSVP limited space.
August 30: The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Tour, Murals of Houston, and lunch at Treebeards on your own. $10.00. Leave FBC at 9:00 am.
September 19: Port of Houston boat ride, lunch at Ninfa's on Navigation, visit the Beer Can House. Leave GSC at 8:30 am. Cost: $5.00.
September 26: Explore historic LaGrange starting at the Visitors Center. Lunch on the square on your own. Tour the Texas Czech Heritage Center, visit a local bakery, tour the Santa Claus Museum in Columbus. Leave at 8:30 am from FBC. $10.00.
October 17: Danish Museum tour, pioneer house, and lunch (cooked by church women). Enjoy a brief history of the area, and a 15 minute video on Danevang history. Leave from FBC at 8:30. Cost: $25.00.
October 26: Halloween Potluck at Lakeside Trails Clubhouse, 16125 Country Fair Lane, in Fairfield. Gather at noon. Wear your festive Halloween attire. Prizes and fun.
November 21: Brookwood Tour: Poinsettias will be in full bloom and available for purchase. Explore the gift shop and marvel at the products made by residents—lunch on your own in the fabulous Brookwood Cafe. Leave Good Shepherd Church at 8:30 am. Free trip—lunch on your own.
November 28: Holiday Lights at Constellation Field 10th Anniversary with 9 themes Carnival, Santa, Craft and Food Vendors. Tickets: $13.00 Bus leaves from Fairfield Baptist Church at 5:30.
December 12: Moody Gardens in Galveston Enjoy Iceland, Festival of Lights, and a delicious dinner from the buffet at the Garden Restaurant. Leave FBC at 3:30 pm. Tickets are $50.00. Please call or text to sign up quickly. Trips will fill up fast.
November 13-18: Branson Christmas Show: Three morning and evening shows. All the Christmas shopping you desire. $750.
September 7-15, 2024: Myrtle Beach Show Trip. Amazing Alabama Theater, Legends in Concert, Carolina Opry, Barefoot Landing, Man of a Thousand Voices. $1229.00.
The Baltimore Orioles promoted outfielder Colton Cowser to the major leagues Wednesday.
A Cy-Ranch graduate, he 23-year-old Cowser was batting .330 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs for Triple-A Norfolk this year. He was the fifth pick in the 2021 amateur draft.
“I don’t think it’s really, truly hit me yet,” Cowser said after joining the Orioles at Yankee Stadium.
With his parents smiling in the stands, Cowser made his big league debut against New York, starting in left field and batting seventh. He laced a line drive up the middle his first time up that was caught by Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe.
“It was awesome. A cool ballpark, kind of soaked it in and once I did that, I took a moment and then was like, all right, let’s go,” Cowser said after his team’s 6-3 win. “Honestly, I was more nervous the wait before the game. Once I got through my daily schedule, I was like, same game, just go out and play.”
Cowser got his first hit with an RBI single in the sixth inning off reliever Nick Ramirez that trimmed Baltimore’s deficit to 2-1.
Cowser scored the go-ahead run when fellow rookie Jordan Westburg followed with a two-run triple, sending the secondplace Orioles to just their second victory in eight games.
Cypress Woods High School 2019 graduate Justin Wishkoski and 2023 graduate Ethan Farris were both selected during the third day of the 2023 Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft.
Wishkoski was selected in the 16th round by the San Francisco Giants. The Sam Houston State third baseman was the 480th overall selection in the draft and among 20 picks made by the Giants.
Farris was selected in the 18th round by the Detroit Tigers. Also a standout third baseman, Farris was the 530th overall selection and among nine 2023 high school graduates in Detroit’s 20-member draft class.
Wishkoski attended Howard College for the 2021 season, helping lead the Hawks to the Western Junior College Athletic Conference championship and earning all-conference honors. He transferred to Sam Houston State, earning all-Western Athletic Conference honors in 2022 at first base.
As a junior third baseman in 2023, Wishkoski hit .332 with 64 runs scored, 11 home runs, 54 runs batted in and a team-high 16 stolen bases. He earned a second consecutive allconference accolade.
Farris helped lead Cypress Woods to the uIL Baseball State Tournament for the first time in program history, a No. 1 state ranking to end the regular season and two national top-10 rankings.
He was voted unanimously as the District 16-6A Most Valuable Player, was named the Houston Chronicle’s All-Greater
Houston Hitter of the Year and made the first-ever Texas High School Coaches Association Class 6A Baseball Super Elite Team as t he Slugger of the Year. Farris, who signed with Texas State university in November, hit .477 with 11 doubles, 10 home runs, 47 runs batted in and 42 runs scored.
