PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes

FRI, DEC 1 @ 7P (DOORS OPEN @ 6:30P) TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HOUSTONSFIRST.ORG

GREGG MATTE, PASTOR JASON SWIGGART, CAMPUS PASTOR

SUNDAYS @ 9:30A & 11A 11011 MASON ROAD (NEXT TO BRIDGELAND HIGH SCHOOL)

David Fuselier

Cypress Creek Lakes Mother Recounts Devastating Pregnancy Diagnosis and Son’s Long Journey to Health

As told by Stacey Fuselier and Texas Childrens’ Newborn Center

David Fuselier is a happy 3-year-old with a healthy appetite and the ability to light up a room. But this wasn’t always the case. Cypress Creek Lakes’ resident Stacey Fuselier shares her story about how complicated and scary pregnancy can be and about David’s subsequent journey with a rare birth defect.

“When I was 23-weeks pregnant, I went to my OB/GYN for a routine ultrasound, but my husband, Arlen, stayed in the car because of COVID-19 visitor restrictions,” Stacey Fuselier said. “That day, I had a feeling something might be wrong with our baby. During the previous appointment, my doctors had a suspicion that they were able to confirm this time. My OB/GYN read my son’s ultrasound; our baby was diagnosed with esophageal atresia Type-A.” Esophageal atresia Type-A is a rare birth defect, (1 in 4,100 births), where a baby’s esophagus and stomach are not connected, which can lead to swallowing and breathing difficulties. In David’s case, opposite ends of his esophagus did not meet, causing a 5.5-centimeter-long gap. Since amniotic fluid is normally swallowed by the baby in utero, babies with esophageal atresia can’t swallow, which can cause a buil d-up of fluid in the amniotic sac. If too much amniotic fluid builds up in the uterus over time, the baby could be delivered prematurely.

After receiving this unexpected diagnosis, Stacey’s OB-GYN referred her to the maternal fetal medicine team at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women®. For the next 11 weeks, Stacey and her baby were closely monitored with regular ultrasounds and tests to assess David’s fetal development and the risk of premature delivery. To keep David from being born too prematurely, Stacey had two amniotic reductions at 29 and 32 weeks. Stacey and Arlen welcomed their newborn son, David, into the world via Cesarean section at 34 weeks, on July 11, 2020.

“When David was born, he was healthy despite his esophageal issue,” Stacey said. “After his birth, the biggest

concern was him choking on his secretions since he couldn’t swallow. As soon as he was born, he had a tube inserted in his throat to suction his secretions so they wouldn’t overflow into his trachea and cause aspiration. Since he had esophageal atresia Type A, I knew he would be in the NICU for quite some time, but I had no clue we were going to be in the NICU for seven months. Arlen and I took turns visiting David due to the hospital’s visitor

limitations during COVID, but we had a great family support system in place, incredible nurses and an awesome care team who helped us on this journey.”

In November 2020, once David reached the required weight, he underwent the first of several procedures, the Foker process, to restore connection from his esophagus to his stomach. Since David had long-gap esophageal atresia, his surgical team at Texas Chil dren’s had to stretch his esophagus. During the procedure, several sutures were placed on the upper and lower ends of David’s esophagus. Tension was applied to the sutures little by little, allowing each end of the esophagus to grow towards each other over time. David was sedated for one month while his esophagus was being stretched. Once his esophagus reached a desired length, his surgeons completed the connection surgery.

“Our son had to be fully sedated to ensure the success of the stretching procedures because any extensive motion could pull out the sutures,” Stacey said. “It was hard seeing David, just 4-months old, in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. He wasn’t a sick baby; he was just broken. He had a broken esophagus. As hard as it was seeing our baby under sedation for a whole month, I knew it was necessary to ensure the success of this procedure, and I knew our son was receiving the best care possible at Texas Children’s. One month later, David’s esophagus grew long enough for surgeons to complete the Foker procedure. On Dec 21, 2020, David had his surgery to connect his esophagus to his stomach.”

From birth, through surgical corrections and recovery, the Fuselier family spent a total of seven months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Stacey was thankful for the incredible support team she and David had in the NICU. While the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges, like visitor limitations, the Fuselier family developed a second family inside of Texas Children’s. David’s NICU nurses became part of their extended family,

which helped make the extended hospital stay in the NICU more manageable.

“Nurse Lolita was David’s NICU grandma and my NICU mom, as I didn’t have my mom with me. Nurse Lauren became a friend I could talk to about what I was going through. While they are taking care of your child, they are taking care of you, too. During this pandemic, my nurses

became my family and my saving grace.”

Today, David is at home and doing very well. He no longer needs physical and occupational therapies, but receives follow-up care with his GI doctor. “He will get a scope soon to check on his esophagus and to see if he will need another dilation,” says Stacey. “David’s Gtube was removed when he was two. His favorite foods are strawberries, veggie straws, French fries, and pizza.” He is a happy and playful toddler. “David loves to go to the park and play with any and all cars, and go to the library to get new books,” shares his mom.

“Our journey was a difficult one, but I never doubted we’d found the right care team,” Stacey said. “Even on the tough days, I was thankful that our baby could get better in a place as exceptional as Texas Children’s Newborn Center.”

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.

Finding Community and Support With MOMS Club

by Liz Arrington

Recently I’ve seen and heard from a lot of local moms who are looking for some very important things for their children. Community. Support. Friends! This need for connection is an experience that each generation of new mothers face- and one of the most common things I talk about with the moms I see every day.

I sat down with Karen Bastian, president of MOMS Club of NW Houston, to talk about this need and how she found her community in MOMS Club.

I’m not sure a lot of moms in our area know that groups like this exist! Can you give us a little background?

MOMS Club stands for Moms Offering Moms Support. It was founded in 1983 by an at-home mother in California, as a way to connect with other at-home mothers and organize activities for moms and kids to participate in together.

The mission of MOMS Club is simply getting support from other moms. To have a place to meet, build new friendships, get support and help when needed- all with the kids included. Each chapter is boundary based, so you don’t have to go far for playdates and activities, and the kids get to grow up together!

How did you first find MOMSclub and what initially made you want to get involved?

A friend told me about it when we were moving from South Carolina to Philadelphia for my husband’s job. We didn’t know anyone, and I was desperate to feel connected and make new friendships for me and my son. What I didn’t expect were the fun playdates and activities in the area that we never would’ve known about otherwise! When we found out we were moving to Cypress, I immediately loo ked up the local chapter here and joined! Since then I have added two more children to my family, and MOMS Club has been there for me through it all!

What are some of the benefits of being a member of an organized group like MOMS Club versus just parenting in the wild?

There are so many! One major benefit is it’s not all up to you. Every month, we fill the calendar with new and fun activities and playdates. Everything we do includes our children, with the exception of a monthly Moms Night Out (which is so important too). Aside from the activities, the support is the other huge benefit. To be able to discuss any issues you may be having with your children, to ask for advice, to know that many of us have experienced the same thing. I have personally received so much support over the years in different stages and challenges of my life as a mom, knowing that I have the support of that community is the best gift ever! Do you have any advice for new moms out there who might be looking for community, or are interested in getting involved in a group like MOMSclub?

Don’t hesitate and wait. Don’t worry that you won’t be accepted. Don’t worry that your kid is too “fill in the blank” for you to join. Everyone is welcome, and we are all moms! We get it! Odds are someone else in the group has experienced or dealt with the same things you might be dealing with, whether that be parenting related, relationally, mentally, etc. Send an email to momclubfnw@gmail.com and let us know you’re interested and we will be happy to connect with you!.

Thank you for your time, Karen!

Liz Arrington and Karen Bastian are mom friends and neighbors in Cypress.

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 songfulbeginnings.com

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

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. www.lonestar.edu/cy-fest

5th Annual A Taste of Cy-Fair

Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 5-8pm (4pm VIP Entry)

Lakeland Village Center • 10615 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433

Loads of food, wine, beer, music, a silent auction, and festivities! Proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope to help local families and residents in need. Purchase tickets at: atasteofcyfair.com

Cy-Fair Fire Fest

Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 10am-2pm

Cy-Fair Station 11 • 18132 West Rd. • Cypress, TX

Join us for a fun-filled day for the family with live demonstrations, Kidz Zone, Smoke House, Local Vendors, Food Trucks, and more!

The Patch @ Good Shepherd

October 9-31, 2023 • 10am-Dusk

Front Lawn of Good Shepherd Church-Cypress

20155 Cypresswood Dr. • Cypress, TX 77433

Lots of pumpkins for sale! Family Fun Day on Sundays Oct. 15 & 29 with face painting, pumpkin decorating, hayride, storytelling & More! More details at: www.goodchurch.us

Cy-Hope Larry Dierker Celebrity Golf Shootout

Thursday, November 2, 2023

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

10am: Check-In & Lunch • 11:30am: Shotgun Start

5:30pm: Dinner • 6pm: Raffle, Awards & Auction

cy-hope.org/larry-dierker-celebrity-golf-shootout

2nd Annual Festival of Trees

Saturday, November 11, 2023

VIP Cocktail Hour 6-7pm

9609 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095

You, your family, your business, church, restaurant, organization or group of friends can decorate a tree or wreath and donate it for inclusion in the auction and in the wonderland of trees. You can sponsor the event, knowing you are an integral part of helping CFHH serve our community. Tickets $50 each.

Tickets and more info at: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org/fot2023

Fairfield Christmas Market & Lighted Parade

Sponsored by Fairfield Womens Club

Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 9am-2pm

Good Shepherd Church Parking Lot

20155 Cypresswood Dr. • Cypress, TX 77433

Free admission! Support local crafters and vendors!

Enjoy homemade baked goods and get a head start on your holiday shopping! Holiday music, food trucks, face painting, raffles & More! Following the market, we will hold the Fairfield Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:30pm starting at Ault Elementary and proceeding to Central Park. Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade procession. More information at: fairfieldwomensclub.org

Salt & Sugar Gastro

Bar Brings

The Best of Cy-Fair

Upscale Dining to Cy-Fair PLACES T O EAT

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

Owners Lini Correa and Martin Garcia had a dream and a vision. That vision is now an upscale reality located at 16010 West Road, Houston, TX, 77095. Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar is a compilation of classy lines, craft food, and contagiously delicious cocktails. "We are an international restaurant with a great influence in Italian and French cuisine, live entertainment and the best cocktails in town."

Lini and Martin grew up in their native country of Columbia; Lini has lived in the Cypress area for over 10 years. While this is not Martin’s first business enterprise, it is their beloved flagship. In time, they have plans to replicate this eatery throughout Houston and surrounding areas. What I’m most excited about this newly sculpted eatery are the Chefs: Executive Chef Osman Moya and his Sous Chef and Leamsi Granadilla. One can describe this dynamic duo of lifetime friends as two peas in a pod. Executive Chef Moya packs an impressive culinary track record with over 22 combined years in the industry with his formal training from the Venezuela Culinary Institute to

Florida, and now they’ve landed in our humble Cypress community. While Moya and Granadilla share an expert eye in culinary presentation and elevated flavor design, their passion is truly in crafting big flavor essence from natural local ingredients.

This high-end little gem in the middle of an older established neighborhood is the perfect people temperature for Chef, and he adds, “I bring my Sous Chef with me always, we’ve been together since grade school, and I trust him in the kitchen. His nickname is ‘Chickie,’ like the little bird.” This drew a fond laugh from Moya.

What’s most impressive in my honest opinion, is that Chef Moya dropped out of high school and spent his time doing nothing for nearly a year. He was watching Gourmet TV when a commercial for the Venezuela Culinary Institute flashed across the screen. A lightbulb flashed on and he ran to tell his parents that THIS was what he was going to do, that he was going to be a Chef. His parents made him promise to finish his culinary training. Chef not only finished, but that light bulb has burned brightly every second since. Moya finished his culinary training before looping back around to finish his

high school diploma. He’s been commanding and orchestrating mainstream kitchens ever since.

When I asked Chef if he could do anything else in the world, what would that be, and Chef replied with conviction, “A Chef, every single time.”

Go and check them out folks, and welcome the Salt & Sugar team to the neighborhood. Kaylynn, a phenomenal staff waitress, recommends the Angus Tenderloin, it’s her personal favorite. But to explore their food and craft cocktail menu of offerings is to take a journey into the realm of sophistication, without having to drive into downtown Houston. Full Menu: saltandsugarhtx.com.

Metta Archilla-Ishida is a contributing PinPointe Magazine writer and founder of Metta's Local Eats FB group. 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. The creator of “Mah Pahs” (a savory spin on a crusted pie) with local favorites such as the Sausage or lem-Chicken Mah Pah topped with a loaded smashed potato. But what steals the show are her ANYTIME Quiches from a Pulled Pork and Potato Hash, to Garden Vegetable and Feta, and all between. The Quiche menu rotates weekly as do their hearty Stews and Soups. This is family mealtime at its finest where all you do is heat and eat. On Metta’s Fork can be located on Facebook and services the Cypress and surrounding areas. Or you can reach out to Metta Archilla directly via her Facebook social media page. #onmettasfork

Canine Corner

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

Meet our friend Rocco. Rocco has been at the Abandoned Animal Rescue shelter for 587 days. That’s most of his life! (Estimated DOB: 6/16/21). Rocco is a great dog. He went to training because the stressful life of the shelter was beginning to get to him. He's back at AAR and is patiently waiting. He loves to play! He loves the water! He loves balls! He loves all of the volunteers! He loves people! He's a fun and friendly 46-pound dog that deserves his very own loving family, a warm bed and a nice home with a yard. Won’t you please share and help us find Rocco his home? It's his turn!! If you are interested in learning more about Rocco, please send an email to dogadoptteam@aartexas.org.

By Patricia Hudson

“Thank you for all that you do for our CFISD community. Best back to school event two years in a row. My boys love attending this event!”

- T.C.J. (CFHH Client)

Despite the soaring temperatures, Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ 2nd Annual Back to School Bash was an absolute success, drawing a crowd estimated at more than 1,500. Organized for CFISD students with limited

financial resources, the event had two major purposes: to provide age-appropriate backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need, and to kick off the school year with an exciting carnival inspired event filled with fun games and activities for the students and their families.

Led by Backpacks Coordinator, Muriel Kruger, her visiting family from France, a team of Cy-Fair Womens’ Club and NCL Diamonds volunteers, 955 backpacks were distributed in less than three hours. 125 “vendors” representing seven churches, and 23 businesses and organizations enthusiastically engaged with the crowd at each booth. Cypress Ranch Cheerleaders and mascots, together with DJ Chris McCarthy laid down the beats and performed exciting routines, while Sweetie Pie Rental captured the moment in their photo booth. To the kids’ delight, Spiderman made an appearance and taught CPR techniques and the Cy-Fair Firemen gave a hands-on tour of a gleaming red fire truck.

Families were delighted to select school clothing donated by the community, and to learn about services available through Lone Star

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Cy-Fair Helping Hands' Back to School Bash Committee, L to R: Janet Grau, Laura Cox, Terry Gladstone, Celeste Smith, Cheryl Shepherd, Deb Fisher, Pat Hudson. Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe/Cy-Fair Helping Hands

Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe/ Cy-Fair Helping Hands

College-CyFair and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults (CFISD Guidance and Counseling). Non-profits

Naomi’s Grace educated families about water-safety awareness, and Barkley’s Bookshelf distributed 1,174 new books. A total of 45 volunteers representing Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Young Men’s Service League Cy-Fair Chapter, YMSL Tomball, National Charity League Champions, Langham Creek NHS, VFW Post #8905 and the Missions Cook Team helped to set up and tear down booths, move backpacks, collect trash, hand out bracelets emblazoned with encouraging messages, distribute 1,000 bottles of water, sodas, popsicles, and grill LOTS of hot dogs.

“This amazing event would not have been possible without the generous donations of backpacks and school supplies, funds, food and services from the community. Our Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Back to School Bash Committee spent countless hours planning and implementing this monumental project for our CFHH clients and CFISD students in need. Oh, and we cannot forget Tom S Ramsey, Har ris County Precinct 3 Commissioner's Office for providing port-a-johns and handwashing stations,” smiles Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Executive Director, Janet Ryan.

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe/ Cy-Fair Helping Hands

Photo Credit: Daniel Arizpe/ Cy-Fair Helping Hands

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Cy-Ranch High School Hosts Round Up 2023

Cypress Ranch High School kicked off the school year with its Annual Round Up, a community back to school event featuring a school carnival hosted by Cypress Ranch athletes, school organizations and community businesses. Round Up visitors had an opportunity to meet the athletes, try their hand at games of skill, and join in on the first pep rally of the year.

Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson

Source: CFISD News Media

Spillane MS Orchestra Named Houston Cup Finalist

Seven Lakes Junior High School was named the 2023 Houston Cup winner. “The Spillane Middle School orchestra is honored to have been selected as a finalist for the 2023 Houston Cup, alongside numerous exceptional middle school orchestras within the greater Houston community,” said Jeannine Adams, Spillane orchestra director. “Our students’ dedication to excellence, the invaluable support of our parents, clinicians and administration, as well as the exceptional collaboration between my colleagues, Ms. Wollum and myself, have made this possible.”

Held in conjunction with the Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, which is the state’s oldest orchestra-only festival, the Houston Cup began in 2019 to honor and recognize outstanding varsity orchestras and directors.

Participants are invited to enter based on receiving a superior rating at their respective regional UIL concert and sight-reading evaluations. Directors submit recordings and scores of two selections from the school year.

The Spillane Middle School orchestra was named a finalist for the 2023 Houston Cup for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes excellent orchestra teaching and directing at the middle school level in greater Houston.

Spillane, led by directors Jeannine Adams and Michelle Wollum, was among the six orchestras honored as finalists for the award. Katy ISD’s

The 2023 contest adjudicator was Kirt Mosier, an internationally known conductor and composer who currently serves as the artistic director for the Youth Symphony of Kansas City and is also the associate conductor of Lee’s Summit Symphony.

Each finalist will receive a certificate and the Houston Cup winner will receive a traveling trophy with the school’s name added to the trophy’s base.