Payal Mandewalkar
Cypress Influencer and Fashion Blogger Realizes
Her Bollywood
Dreams of Glitz and Glamour
By Patricia Hudson
“Fashion is an individual’s statement of self-expression. What one wears should make them feel powerful, confident and beautiful in their own skin”
- Payal Mandewalkar, Times-Bulletin
Payal Mandewalkar was born in Maharashtra, India and was raised in Mumbai. As a child, she dreamed of becoming an engineer, but also of walking a fashion runway. Her aspirations included working for one of the most successful companies in the USA. In 2003, Payal married her husband Pavan in Hyderabad, India.
Determined to reach her childhood dreams, Payal studied Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University, SNDT, in Mumbai, India. Payal and Pavan moved to Texas in 2004 where she was awarded her Master’s Degree. “By profession, I am an IT Project Manager,” states Payal.
In a Times-Bulletin article, Payal divulged that she was always fascinated by the glitz and glamour industry of Bollywood and dreamed to walk the ramp one day, but an unrealistic image of a tall, thin, and “perfect” model body kept her childhood dream at bay. During the Covid Pandemic, she turned towards social media as an outlet for showcasing her styles and began to represent fashion as allencompassing and inclusive, while breaking the stereotype definition of models.
Within the Indian community, Payal is held in high esteem. Sonal Tuljapurkar, Cypress entrepreneur (featured in PinPointe Cypress Creek Lakes February/March 2024), comments, “Payal is one of the most hardworking people I know. She has achieved great success through determination and passion towards her word. At the same time, she hasn’t forgotten her roots, is kind-hearted, and is absolutely selfless while helping others.”
Payal’s social media reflects a staggering list of career and life engagements. We asked what she considers her motivation as an international influencer, world beauty pageant winner, engineer, model and fashion blogger.
“As an International Influencer and model, I am driven by a desire to inspire and make a positive impact on others through my journey and success I achieved after winning the title of Mrs. Asia World Elitec 2021 by helping many small to mid-size (businesses), not only womenoriented, but also other local businesses. I use my platforms to promote causes, help nonprofit charity organizations raise funds, support events through innovative marketing ideas and help build a successful environment around.”
In Feb 2023, Payal walked in New York Fashion Week for three
Pavan and Payal
renowned designers including Anjali Phougat Coutures at Designer Dream Collection, where she walked as a Brand Ambassador supporting sustainable fashion. Mandewalkar collaborated with a DDC campaign for beauty in diversity project for Elle magazine, and was a Times 40 under 40 award winner.
As an Instagram Influencer/fashion blogger, Payal won the title of International Instagram Influencer of the Year in 2021-2022 and The Inspiring Woman Award. She is a Brand ambassador for many well-known brands like Express, Tanishq Usa, Diamonds Direct, Pixi beauty, Uoozee, C bazaar. Shein, and kota silk. Her accomplishments include acting in several short films where she won the award for Best Make Up and Costume at the Texas Kannada Short Film Festival.
Launched in July 2024, Payal is the CEO and founder of InVogue Talent Agency. She continues to inspire women as a mentor and pageant coach.
“Women empowerment is challenging the status quo of the community, loving and respecting yourself as a whole and having the liberty to do what she desires. It’s about leading by
example and inspiring others to do their best and being able to live and strive for greatness while being vulnerable and ambivalent,” shares Mandewalkar.
If these accomplishments aren’t enough, Payal enjoys adding her determination and passion to the game of cricket.
Sonal Tuljapurkar and Payal Payal and Pavan
2024 Cannes Film Festival
Payal and her husband Pavan have two children. Parnika, 19, is a thirdyear engineering student at Rice University. Prayom, 9, is a 4th grade elementary school student. Culture plays an integral role in the lives of the Mandewalkar family. “Indian culture is vibrant and multifaceted, impacting daily life through its traditional food, daily prayers, the type of clothes, the different festivals we celebrate and we try to emphasize on concepts like respect for elders, hospitality, humility, and nonviolence which are deeply ingrained in Indian culture and influence daily interactions and decision-making,” explains Payal.
instagram.com/payalsfashionpalette
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 email: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
Canine Corner
Border Collie Rescue and Rehab attended the Houston Dog Show for the first time at NRG this year. Border Collie Rescue and Rehab has saved over 1100 dogs and that number continues to grow. “When you adopt a rescue dog from us, you are actually rescuing two dogs…the one you are adopting AND the one that you just made room for!” They are a 100% volunteer Texas based 501(c)(3) registered rescue organization.
Most recently pulled from the euthanasia list in Dallas is Dolly Madison, Kristin Carroll’s newest foster dog.
All dogs in the program spend a minimum of 30 days at their foster’s home to be evaluated
before they can be adopted. This gives the foster time to get to know the dogs so they can figure out what type of home the dog needs, to work on basic training, potty training, proper vetting, and be spayed/neutered if over 6 months old. The rescue currently has multiple dogs that are undergoing medical treatment for heartworm treatment and injured dogs that owners released due to the cost of treatment.
Border Collies are a working dog breed that can be extremely active, and they need homes that can handle and understand their energy and their intelligence. They make a wonderful family dog for families that are active.
Dolly
HAPPENINGS Cypress
Bridgeland Cheer Clinic
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Clinic: 8am-1pm / Performance (Open to Spectators) Noon-1pm
Bridgeland HS Performance Gym • 10707 Mason • Cypress, TX 77433
K-8th Grade. $50 General Ticket: Includes Clinic, T-Shirt & Snack
$70 VIP Ticket (Limited Special): Includes Clinic, T-Shirt, Snack and performance at BHS JV Game on 8/29 6:30 @ BHS. bit.ly/BHSClinic24
Ranch Roundup
Friday, August 16, 2024 • 6:30-8:30pm Cypress Ranch High School Athletic Parking Lot 10700 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Free event for the entire Mustang community! Games, Food Trucks, Giveaways! Meet the Mustangs!
Cy-Fair Houston Chamber Ten Pin Challenge
Friday, August 23, 2024 • 12:30-4pm Copperfield Bowl • 15615 Glen Chase Dr. • Houston, TX
Join us for Team Building and Networking. Register today for just $425 per team of 4 and secure your spot.
Reister at: public.cyfairchamber.com/events/register/36802
Pancakes for Positivity
Saturday, August 24, 2024 • 8:30am-10am Creekwood Grill • 12710 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX
Join us for a pancake breakfast and lively discussion on mental health. Panel beings at 9am. Families welcome. shieldbearer.org
Border Collie Rescue and Rehab currently has 14 dogs available for adoption and about 25 more that will be available soon. All dogs are located throughout Texas and Oklahoma and all applicants must be approved first before requesting a meet and greet with a dog in the program. If interested in adopting a Border Collie, you can find their application at bcrrt.com.
Shop 'til You Drop 2024 Marketplace
Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 9am-5pm 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Cy-Fair Women's Club Annual Fundraiser. There are over 250 vendors. All proceeds go back to the community through scholarships to graduating seniors in the CFISD area and financial assistance to nonprofits in the community. cyfairwomensclub.org
St. Cuthbert School 40th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, September 24, 2024 • 10am-1pm 17020 West Rd. • Houston, TX 77095
Bring the kids! Train rides, music, games, silent auction, craft area and food trucks. Admission is free! www.stcuthbert.org
Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes
Saturday, October 12, 2024 • 8am / Kid's 1K @ 9am
Bridgeland’s Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX
Details and Registration: blrunforheroes2024.eventbrite.com
TRAVELING SENIOR OF CYPRESS TRIPS & ACTIVITIES
Myrtle Beach Show Trip, September 14-22, 2024 • $137.00 a day. A minimum deposit is needed to hold your spot. We'll need the full payment by July 7, 2024.
April 24-May 3, 2025: Shades of Ireland, 10 Days: 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Optional 3-Nigh Lond Pre Tour Extension or Optional 3-Nigh Edinburg Post Tour Extension. Round Trip Air from Houston Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers. Double Occupancy: $3,999.
All trips leave from Fairfield Baptist Church. Please park facing the ditch and apartments. All trips must be paid for within five days of registering, or you will be removed from the list. For info, contact Jo Ann at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie at jackie.devine@comcast.net.
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
SUMMER HEAT=SWIMSUIT SEASON
By Allison Okuneye
Newsflash! Your CURRENT body, is your SUMMER body...and we are NOT going to avoid pools or water activities this year and let our insecurities win! It is WAY too hot here to hide out all summer!
Let’s just state the obvious. I know so many women of all shapes, sizes and colors and one thing they all have in common is not feeling 100% comfortable In a swimsuit. Some women I know have avoided outdoor water activities almost their whole lives because it is just too uncomfortable. This feeling of Insecurity is NOT
only a struggle for women!
There are A LOT of men that hide under tshirts, tank tops, etc. because of the same feelings of not being comfortable with their bodies.
Can we all please join together in yelling our motto for this summer....
“I am not living life on the sidelines anymore! I am using my body this summer!”
We miss out on so much life worrying about what other people think, and this is the last summer that we do that. A good reminder when at the pool and feeling uncomfortable is taking a moment to acknowledge that MOST people at that pool are feeling the EXACT same way! So let's just enjoy this feeling of awkwardness, stop sweating in the shade and jump in!
I can still sense your hesitation, so here are some summer beach accessories that might get you a little more excited about taking a dive!
FOCUS ON THE ACCESSORIES: get some funky bright sunglasses, or a big floppy hat or cute wedge sandals! Don’t let the swimsuit be the only thing you are wearing!
FIND A CUTE COVERUP: there are soo many kaftan and wrap skirt coverups that can cover those areas of insecurity while you aren’t in the water!
At the end of the day, when we choose to sit on the side and let our insecurities win, we miss out on valuable time and creating memories with those we love. Time is precious and we don’t want to miss out on the fun! I can’t wait to see all of you poolside this summer!
Season’s Harvest Café
The Farmer’s Table
The Farmer’s Counter in the Heart of Cypress
Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
The Season’s Harvest Café, also known as The Farmer’s Table, is now opening up a second location, The Farmer’s Counter, at 17110 House and Hahl.
The Best of Cy-Fair
PLACES T O EAT
Owners, Joanne Griffith, Executive Chef, and her husband Beket Griffith, Front of the House Manager, grew up in the Bear Creek area and remained close to Cypress even after they got married. Both loved the Cypress community they grew up in and wanted to make an impact on it in a holistic way. Joanne, a stay-at-home mom of five since 1999, aided her husband in ministry, as Beket was a church pastor and biblical counselor in prison ministry. Their journey to the restaurant life is an interesting and God-lead one.
Joanne credits her great grandparents and grandparents for her success in homesteading, farming, and organic living. She remembers tagging along as her great grandfather picked produce on his ranch in San Diego, Texas, then sold the freshly harvested goods to the locals. Joanne has fond recollections of spending time at the ranch hunting rabbit with a bb gun, swimming in the windmill water tank, picking peaches, and learning how to preserve foods though canning. These fond memories paved the way to the future success of the Cafe.
The main factor that led this dynamic couple to holistic eating and healing was when Joanne endured a variety of health issues and at the time, there was not much available by way of natural remedies. This is when Joanne began her own personal health journey and her discovery of clean eating/living.
By attending health seminars, visiting health food stores, and spending time at libraries, Joanne learned
how best to heal the body through good fats and superfoods and by engaging in trial and error and hands-on research in the kitchen. Joanne and Beket’s newfound perspective embodied the wholesomeness of nuts, legumes, dried herbs, local honey, and seeds.
Joanne says, “Because we were on a very tight budget, I learned to take the kids for drives out in the countryside and found farms that would let us pick our own fruits, where I could also buy vegetables and eggs. I was baking bread and making butter, almond milk, jams, and nut butters. It was fun learning the ins and outs of a healthier lifestyle coupled with homesteading.”
The heart of Season’s Harvest Café is personal, says Joanne; “In reality, the Café isn’t my own concept at all, but God’s. ‘Eat as close to the way the Lord made it, live as close to the way that He intended.’”
The original Farmer’s Table location at 17303 Shaw Rd, Cypress, TX 77429 is now offering gardening classes so that others can benefit from the healing of having their hands in the dirt, experiencing the morning sunshine, growing their own food, and building community. The Café offers a sanctuary where they serve whole, real food, a little bit of country to experience nature and farm life, and a farm store where clean local foods, products, and meats can be purchased.
The journey from the original Café to a second location was cultivated from more of an educational experience and wanting to reach more of the community with classes, events, and resources. Joanne says, “We needed a prep kitchen to help in the expansion of these efforts so instead of adding a building onto our farm, we chose to build out a new kitchen at a close location.”
The Griffiths continue building the new location, to reach a large customer base that comes from the Cypress area of Blackhorse Ranch and Bridgeland. The Farmer’s Counter will offer an expedited counter service with a full espresso
and juice bar, hot teas, smoothies, and chef-curated family style dinner meals that can be pre-ordered for pick up. This location will also include a bakery; all baked goods will be offered fresh out of the oven, including their own homemade breads.
Season’s Harvest Café / The Farmer’s Table 17303 Shaw Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429
Phone: 832-534-8686 seasonsharvest.farm
Days/Hours of Operation:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 8am – 3pm Friday: 8am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm Saturday 8am – 3pm
Metta Archilla-Ishida is a Contributing Writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, #onmettasfork
Beket Griffith
Lifestyle Adjustments to Manage Dysphagia
Dysphagia affects between 300,000 and 700,000 people in the United States. The condition, characterized by difficulty swallowing, significantly impacts daily life. It can also lead to serious complications like malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia.
By adopting certain lifestyle habits, like mindful eating and reduction in meal size, you or your loved one with dysphagia can manage the condition more effectively. Here are some lifestyle recommendations provided by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, our gastroenterologist here at GastroDoxs, to help you live more normally and comfortably with dysphagia.
Eat more mindfully
People with dysphagia benefit from eating slowly, which involves taking small, manageable bites and thoroughly chewing any food before swallowing. Rushing through me als can make swallowing difficulties worse and increase the risk of choking or aspiration.
Choose soft, moist foods
Choosing softer, moist foods can make swallowing easier when you have dysphagia. Incorporate cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, yogurt, and pudding into your daily diet. These foods are gentler on the throat and require less effort to swallow compared to dry or tough textures.
Modify food textures
Simply changing a food's texture can go a long way in improving the ease of swallowing it. For those with dysphagia, pureeing or mashing foods can make them safer and more manageable to swallow. Experiment with different textures to find what works best for you or your loved one. Also consider a food’s thickness and consistency.
Stay hydrated
Adequate hydration promotes good overall health, and it optimizes swallow function. If you have dysphagia, consistently sip water regularly throughout the day, as dehydration can worsen swallowing difficulties.
Also be mindful of the consistency of any fluids you consume, as thin liquids can be harder for people with dysphagia to handle. Thicker liquids like nectar-thickened juices may be easier to swallow safely. Dr. Pothuri can recommend special thickeners to stir into liquids to make them the right consistency.
Pay attention to your posture
Your posture can significantly influence your swallowing function. Sit upright while eating and drinking, as this helps the smooth passage of food and liquids through the throat. Avoiding reclined positions during meals can minimize the risk of aspiration and improve overall swallow coordination.
Have small, frequent meals
Rather than eating large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This approach can help prevent fatigue in your swallowing function. Smaller portions are also easier to manage and less taxing on the throat.
Professional support for those struggling with dysphagia is also important. At GastroDoxs, we offer personalized strategies, exercises, and dietary recommendations for each patient’s specific needs and swallowing abilities.
Please reach out to our team at GastroDoxs to schedule an appointment at 832.632.4070 or online at gastrodox.com. e welcome patients with dysphagia and want to help them live fuller, healthier lives.
Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs
4th @ Fairfield
Photos by Apollo Productions, Daniel Arizpe
ANDY’S BAR & GRILL
8/3FATHER FIGURES
8/10OTHER GUYS
8/17IAN MUSIC
8/24GRUPO BATCHTA LATIN NIGHT
THE BARN
8/3THE SPICOLI'S 6PM
9/20CASEY CHESTNUT 6PM
BFE ROCK CLUB
7/12DESTROYING TEXAS FEST DAY 1 7PM
7/13DESTROYING TEXAS FEST DAY 2 7PM
7/19BAR RATS BIRTHDAY SHOW 7PM
7/20WATCHTOWER 8PM
7/21FIGURE BELOW, WHITEHAVEN, STATIC SLUMS, SHROONS, HAPPIER THAN US 2PM
7/23FATALIST, LAST NIGHT OF SOLACE, VILAMOURA, APEX FALLEN, SUFFERING IN SILENCE 7PM
7/27DOWNFALL 2012, DEAD SET RED, & MORE 7:30PM
8/3RETURN OF MIDNIGHT CIRCUS 7PM
8/9DRIFTERS & GRIFTERS 7PM
8/10LUCID ILLUSIONS 7PM
8/18YOSEMITE IN BLACK 7PM
8/23TEXAS SWEET 7PM
8/24VICTIM 7PM
8/30EDM PROM 7PM
8/31BENEFIT FOR JOE CAIN 7PM 7PM
9/7VIA LINDA 7PM
9/13DEMI THE DAREDEVIL 7PM
9/14SATURATE 7PM
BREW:30 TAPHOUSE
8/3JULIA6:30PM
8/9JOHN STEELE6:30PM
8/10MARK CHILDRES6:30PM
8/16EVITTS & TERRANOVA6:30PM
8/23MATT SEBASTIAN6:30PM
8/24RIGHTEOUS CAUSE TRIO6:30PM
8/30MARCUS BREIDENTHAL6:30PM
8/31STREETER BROTHERS MUSIC & MAGIC6:30PM
9/7JOHN STEELE6:30PM
9/13EVITTS & TERRANOVA ACOUSTIC DUET6:30PM
9/14LOADED DAN6:30PM
9/20MIKE AMABILE6:30PM
9/21DANVILLE TRAIN6:30PM
9/27MARCUS BREIDENTHAL6:30PM
CREEKWOOD GRILL
8/2FATHER FIGURES6:30PM
8/3KENDALL WALKER6:30PM
8/9RANDY HULSEY & CHRISTIAN HUGHES6:30PM
8/10RIGHTEOUS CAUSE6:30PM
8/16JEFF CANADA6:30PM
9/6MARK WARD6:30PM
HIDDEN CELLAR WINE BAR
8/1RICK MARCEL 7PM
8/2MIKE AMABILE 7PM
LOCAL MUSIC CALENDAR
HIDDEN CELLAR WINE BAR(continued)
8/8STACEY STEELE 7PM
8/9MIKE CASEY 7PM
8/10PETE SCAFIDI 7PM
8/15JAMES ROOSA 7PM
8/16RICK MARCEL 7PM
8/17SCOTT BYERS 7PM
8/23NIK RINCON 7PM
8/24JAMES ROOSA 7PM
8/29JUBA NORMAND 7PM
8/31BRYAN SCOTT 7PM
MAIN STREET CROSSING
8/2JIMMY BUFFET TRIBUTE | LOST SHAKER OF SALT
8/3SELENA FOREVER TRIBUTE
8/7 & 8/8 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
8/9REO TRIBUTE | HIGH FIDELITY
8/10SIMON & GARFUNKEL TRIBUTE
8/11STATLER BROTHERS SALUTE
8/13RICK TREVINO
8/14GLEN TEMPLETON
8/15SHAKE RUSSELL
8/16BOB WILLS’ TEXAS PLAYBOYS
8/17QUEEN TRIBUTE | QUEEN LEGACY
8/18PETER, PAUL & MARY TRIBUTE
8/21THE FRONTMEN
8/22MIKE DAWES
8/23 & 8/24 HERMAN’S HERMITS
8/27SINATRA & DEAN MARTIN TRIBUTE | VINCE KING
8/28PROPHETS AND OUTLAWS
8/29YACHT ROCK TRIBUTE | THE WINDBREAKERS
8/30, 8/31, & 9/1 JOHN SEBASTIAN & JIMMY VIVINO
9/3 & 9/4 BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS
9/6GEORGE STRAIT TRIBUTE | DEREK SPENCE
9/8CARPENTERS TRIBUTE
9/9-9/11 JOHN CONLEE
9/12NOAH GUNDERSEN
9/13PAM TILLIS
9/14BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE | GOOD VIBRATIONS
9/18ELVIS TRIBUTE | VINCE KING
9/19EVERLY BROTHERS
9/21 & 9/22 GARY PUCKETT AND THE UNION GAP
9/24BARBRA STREISAND TRIBUTE | SHARON OWENS
9/25DYLAN WHEELER
9/26JIM MESSINA
9/27PHIL COLLINS TRIBUTE | PURE COLLINS
9/28SONS OF THE PIONEERS
9/29THE MALPASS BROTHERS
10/1 & 10/2 RODNEY CROWELL
2920 ROADHOUSE
8/3MIKE RYAN 6PM
8/23EASTON CORBIN 6PM
8/30KATE WATSON 6PM
9/14 THE BELLAMY BROTHERS 6PM
9/21BEATLES TRIBUTE | THE FAB 5 6PM
9/27TRACY BYRD 6PM
10/5JOURNEY TRIBUTE | ESCAPE 6PM
Mary Anne Heckman
Cypress Photographer Travels to France for 80th Anniversary of D-Day
By Patricia Hudson, as Shared by Mary Anne Heckman
All photos copyright MAH Design LLC
Local photographer and graphic designer, Mary Anne Heckman, traveled to France to see the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach and the celebration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Traveling with her camera in hand, this photographer had anticipated visiting Normandy for years. Mary Anne and her companions joined a Trafalgar Tour, Treasures of Paris, which included Normandy on the itinerary. A “Bucket List” item, their vacation began with a stay in Paris and dinner from inside the Eiffel Tower. An after-dinner stroll included some incredible views of the grounds where the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremonies will be held beginning July 26, 2024.
Mary Anne animatedly described some of the most memorable events of her trip. “The main highlight of the trip were the stops in Arromanches and Omaha Beach. Arromanches is where the Invasion of Normandy happened immediately after D-Day. The Allies established an artificial temporary harbour to allow the unloading of heavy equipment without waiting for the conquest of deepwater ports such as Le Havre or Cherbourg. The town was filled with tourists and also reenactors of World War II. The French were so appreciative of everything the Americans did on D-Day and remain so to this day. Next, it was on to Omaha Beach where the preparations were in place for the D-Day ceremonies for the following three days. The beach area was closed due to a high level of security in place. While at the American Cemetery, I got to photograph four WWII veterans visiting from the Boston area and were being honored in commemoration of DDay: Frank Simon, Bill Soule, Christy Fier and Marvin Gilmore. They visited the
graves of Joe Thibodeau, Malcom Carlson, Ralph Cunningham, and Theodore Postenbaum. I had always wanted to visit and photograph Omaha Beach; being able to be there to witness it with the four veterans was very moving. As I thanked Frank Simon for his service, he quipped, ‘I love all these pretty girls here!’ He was celebrating his 10 0th birthday that day. This was a very moving experience that I will never forget.”
As a college art major, Mary Anne studied the works of Leonardo da Vinci. “Visiting the Manor House of Leonardo da Vinci was an artist’s and a photographer’s paradise! The gardens were magnificent with beautiful flowers and a peacock as the manor pet. Seeing da Vinci’s house and works of art meant a lot to me,” reflected Heckman
Mary Anne Heckman Photographer and Graphic Designer mahdesigninc.com
With the visit to Normandy, another set of bucket list items have been checked off of Mary Anne’s travel and photography agenda. With camera in hand, this adventurous woman has plans for a trip to the Oregon Coast, and then on to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons!
Cathedral of Notre Dame de Bayeux in Normandy, France.
(top) Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach (bottomReenactors in Arromanches
Eiffel Tower with the Olympic rings, Strolling after dinner.
(from top) Leonardo da Vinci's Manor House in Ambroise, France, Dinner with friends from the Eiffel Tower, Peacock at the Manor House
CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS
Source: CFISD News Media
Ault Elementary Student Becomes Published Author
Ault Elementary second grade student Cash Allen recently became a published author after writing his first book titled “Saying Goodbye To A Pet.”
The book, which was written entirely by Cash, is based on the true story of losing his family pet, Scout. “Losing Scout was Cash’s first experience with any significant loss,” said Terry Allen, Cash’s father and the book’s illustrator. “Cash had a lot of questions and him writing this book helped him to process things.”
Cash wanted to write the book to help other kids understand that it’s normal to be sad when losing a pet, but it’s also normal to be happy when remembering good memories. Writing this book still makes me miss Scout, but I wrote it because I thought it would help other people,” Cash said. “That makes me happy.”
Cash is no stranger to writing, as he’s written many stories before. However, this was his first opportunity to have one of his stories published. Proceeds from book sales will be donated to animals in need.
Warner Elementary, Smith Middle School Destination Imagination Teams Place at Global Finals
Two teams from Warner Elementary School and Smith Middle School earned top three finishes at the Destination Imagination Global Finals, held May 2225 in Kansas City, Missouri. Team The All-Stars from Smith placed second in Engineering – Going the Distance, while Team Stellar Squad from Warner placed third in Scientific – Blast from the Past.
“I am so proud of all the work our Destination Imagination students have done this year with the support of their parents, school sponsors and the district,” said Michele Krimsky, CFISD Destination Imagination coach. “This was the biggest the Destination Imagination program has been since before the COVID-19 pandemic and the students’ performances were outstanding. It is an honor to facilitate these amazing students.”
Destination Imagination promotes team-building for students in kindergarten through 12th grade who form teams to solve a challenge that incorporates imagination, creativity, collaboration and fun. Teams create a skit with props and scenery that involve one of the following categories: Fine Arts, STEM, Project Outreach and Improvisation. This year’s competition featured hundreds of teams from around the world.
Eight total teams comprised of CFISD s tudents participated in Global Finals. The following teams also competed at Global Finals:
• Team Imagine Moore from Moore Elementary School;
• Team Rockstars from Rennell Elementary School;
• Team Fire Breathing Hamsters from Swenke Elementary School;
• Team Ideas R Us from Warner;
• Team The Athenas from Sprague Middle School; and
• Team Mystic Minds from Bridgeland High School
CFISD Softball and Soccer Athletes Earn 2024 Academic All-District Honors
More than 130 softball players and 300 CFISD soccer athletes were named to the Academic All-District 16-6A and District 17-6A soccer teams.
Athletes who earned academic all-district honors finished the season in good academic standing and earned a composite weighted GPA of 5.5 or higher for all classes for the two identified six weeks that make up the majority of their regular season. The following are among those named to academic all-district teams:
SOFTBALL
BRIDGELAND
Chayne Allen
Abby Bvunzawabaya
Vianey Cabrera
Addy Gibbons
Brooke Gonzales
Ariel Gonzalez
Sydney Jackson
Aubrey Lancaster
Camille LeBoeuf
Dani Lopez
Avery Marquart
Rylie Marquart
Carley Melton
Lucy Sharon
Chesley Swisher
Madysen Taylor
CY-RANCH
Darian Bridges
Brooke Crowl
Mia Diaz
Sophia Diaz
Ashtyn Domec
Layla Gallardo
Anaya Garza
Daniella Garza
Haylie Green
Maria Macijauskas
Ashlynn Massey
Ryleigh Senegal
Rylie Skibbe
Naomi Walker
Ainsley Wester
CY-WOODS
Morgan Becher
Samantha DeLos Santos
Avri Dennis
Iliana Flores
Ashley Garcia
Tristian Hopkins
Alexandria Malusa
Abigail Siman
Hannah Spencer
Kassidy St. Clair
Jordyn Traylor
Ainsley Vacek
Alexia Vazquez
Eastyn Wilkie
Peyton Wilkie
Sophia Wilson SOCCER
BRIDGELAND
Flori Allison
Taylor Barton
Jadyn Beauregard
Madeline Benker
Elise Bienvenu
Hayley Broeder
Kayla Gaskill
Riley Hammond
Taylor Hammond
Emily Hughes
Ava King
Elise Koenig
Catalina Le
Grace Lee
Brooke Martin
Elle Mexia
Reese Milefchik
Kate Ornelas
Sydney Robinett
Ciera Rochette
Emmalene Seiffert
Makenzie Simmons
CY-RANCH
Olivia Aguilar
Lauren Buerger
Miriam Bustami
Hannah Carrier
Alexis Crawford
Malaika Dadabhoy
Kamrynn Davis
Edie Dispensa
Allie Keene
Kennedi McPhee
Helena Orso
Lauren Russell
Lexie Ryan
Sophia Sandoval
CFISD Baseball & Softball Players Named to
District 16-6A released the 2023-2024 All-District 16-6A Baseball and Softball Teams following the conclusion of each team’s season.
In Baseball, Cypress Woods earned two superlatives as senior McClane Helton was unanimously named the district’s Most Valuable Player and sophomore Ross Sullivan was voted Newcomer of the Year. Cypress Ranch High School senior Austin Shirley was named Pitcher of the Year.
In Softball, Bridgeland senior Sydney Jackson was voted Most Valuable Player, while fellow Bridgeland seniors Chayne Allen and Madysen Taylor were voted Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Players, respectively. Cypress Ranch freshman Naomi Walker was named Newcomer of the Year and Cypress Woods senior Samantha De Los Santos was voted Pitcher of the Year. Bridgeland Head Coach Candi Weige was named Coach of the Year.
The following CFISD student were among those named to First Teams:
BASEBALL
BRIDGELAND
Carson Phillips
Weston Riddle
Hudson Pollard
Miles Syptak
Caleb Simons
Benji Barrera
Jake Webb
CY-RANCH
Marshall Forsyth
Brandon Lang
CY-WOODS
JT Darden
Cameron Neuman
SOFTBALL
BRIDGELAND
Rylie Marquart
Brooke Gonzales
Dani Lopez
Addy Gibbons
Chesley Swisher
CY-RANCH
Mia Diaz
Ryleigh Senegal
Darian Bridges
CY-WOODS
Tristan Hopkins
Abigail Sliman
Avri Dennis
Peyton Wilkie
Dive In! Summertime Reading Fun
“Bookish Friends: what’s on your summer reading list? Looking for ideas”
Irecently posted this question to my Facebook page, just to see what my friends are reading this summer and for research purposes for this article. The comments came pouring in from friends near and far: short lists of books just completed, authors that they absolutely obsess over, books that they couldn’t put down, books that kept them guessing, books that made them laugh out loud. Using beautiful descriptors like: “spellbinding, spicy, fascinating, hilarious, and thrilling.”
It is so much fun talking to readers about books. The way a person lights up when describing a book they just finished, what they love about it, what they didn’t love about it- it’s incredible what those conversations teach me about a person. I love seeing updates and posts from friends that I barely know in real life, but share similar reading interests. So, imagine my surprise when I uncovered the startling reality of the reading habits of most adults.
by Liz Arrington
Not sure where to begin? Ask your friends! One simple post on Facebook added over 10 books to my personal TBR (to be read) list! Here are some of the top suggestions from my friends, in no particular order and with very little detail:
The Women by Kristin Hannah (definitely in line to be the most popular book of the year)
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth
The Little Liar by Mitch Albom
Fourth Wing (the Empyrean Series) by Rebecca Yarros
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Here are a few of 2023 most popular authors to check out: Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Emily Henry, Frieda McFadden, Brandon Sanderson, Sarah J. Mass, David Grann, William Kent Krueger, Taylor Jenkins Reidjust to name a few!
Statistically, adults read far less now than in the past. While the numbers vary, it appears that only about half of Americans report reading one or more books for pleasure per year. However, there is an interesting contrast between the numbers of adults who read for pleasure versus the number of adults who report that they wish they could read more. It seems that most adults would like to read more, we just don’t have the time, energy, or attention span to commit to a book.
Summer is in full swing, and for many in our local community that means extra vacation days spent traveling to fun destinations, lounging by the pool, or catching up on a little much needed self care. When it’s time for long sunny summer days and a break from our usual routine, there’s nothing better than picking the perfect book to match the vibes!
Reading is a habit, something that requires just a little extra time and intention to include in your life. The beautiful thing is we have more access to information and resources than we ever have before. Whether you prefer an old school paperback, digital reading device, audiobooks (or a mix of them all) - there is no right way to consume stories. With a little research and exploration, you are bound to find books and authors that get you excited about reading again! It all starts this summer: one page, one chapter, one book at a time! Happy Reading!
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
