PinPointe Greater Fairfield

Abba’s House A Place of Refuge

As shared by Michael Meissner

Abba’s House is a non-profit ministry home that welcomes in newly arriving refugee women and children and helps them adjust to life in the United States. We work in cooperation with the official refugee resettlement agencies in Houston to welcome in refugees who are coming through the formal/legal UN refugee resettlement program. That means they are vetted and approved prior to coming, and are on a formal track to become U.S. citizens. Normally, these new arrivals would go straight into their own apartment and have a short 4-6 month runway where they receive limited government support as they begin their new life. Abba’s House identifies the most vulnerable of this group (single moms who have no U.S. relatives or ties) and pushes “pause” on that process. We meet them at the airport, welcome them into a temporary home at Abba’s House, and pour into them for two months to help them adjust to their new reality here in the U.S. We have the joy of serving as the hands and feet of Christ to provide them a place marked by peace, safety, care, and rest. They become part of the Abba’s House family, and experience the love and welcome of God’s people here in the Cypress area. After two months of receiving all that we can pour into them, they then are placed in their new apartment (and then resume the more typical path of a newly arriving refugee.

What led you to this ministry?

Ultimately, this ministry is a response of faith. The Bible repeatedly talks about God’s compassion for the vulnerable, and specifically His heart for the “orphans, widows, and foreigners”. The refugees who come to Abba’s House often check all three of those boxes!

I had been involved in refugee ministry since the early 2000’s, starting initially as our church in Colorado helped welcome in

several of the Lost Boys of Sudan. When we started LifeBridge Church in 2008, we were regularly involved in serving the refugee community in SW Houston – doing parking lot VBS programs, helping out local missionaries, and attending events. But, always there was the desire to have more of a longstanding relationship with the refugee community. Through many conversations with the refugee resettlement agencies, the idea of Abba’s House was birthed. A group began exploring that possibility, and eventually the concept of this mission house was hatched – a home/place which would serve as an initial landing place for refugees coming to the U.S. through the formal refugee resettlement program. This home would serve as a house of welcome and hospitality; a place where they would experience good food, learn basic life skills, and have a season of safety and care before they begin the rigorous road to self-sufficiency in their new country.

Abba’s House is truly a community effort, with significant contributions from many different churches in the area. We knew early on that this venture would be best served if it was a community venture, rather than simply a ministry of any one church. Also involved were other key businesses and organizations. William David Homes played a huge role finishing out the initial ministry home. The camp-like setting of our campus was built in large part by Eagle Scout projects from troop 533. Countless volunteers have poured into making this campus and house such an amazing place of welcome and hospitality.

The challenges have been many –from the hyper-charged political atmosphere surrounding immigration, to the COVID debacle that slowed things to a crawl shortly after we opened, to the ongoing reality of trying to walk with and love people who come from messy and broken situations. But, with every challenge, we have found God to be faithful . . . guiding us through every obstacle and prov iding for all our needs along the way.

My family is invested in this ministry in a very personal way; I am Executive Director and Julie and I serve as “house mom and dad” in the ministry home. We live on site, and literally welcome in refugees from all over the world into our home. We have living quarters for our family on one side of the house, living quarters for the refugees on the other side, and then the shared middle space where we cook, eat, and gather all together. It makes for a unique and rich living situation, with all sorts of lively conversations and interesting meals.

The community gets involved on a daily basis as well, with women volunteers coming in each weekday morning to work with the refugee moms on basic life skills or with the children in a homeschool education setting. Evenings and weeke nds often provide opportunities for our volunteers to take the family out to experience “American life” – taking them to the movies, bowling, a youth sporting event, or eating out at a restaurant. For many of our guests, all of these things are brand new experiences, so we try to provide many opportunities for them to experience the joys of their new country. Still others help out around the campus on weekend -- working in the garden, taking on campus improvement projects, etc. This place is often bustling with life, activity, and community!

What have been some of the most impactful events for those you have served?

Almost every month we host a community potluck dinner with around 50-60 people from all different walks of life –volunteers, supporters, former guest families, and those simply interested in knowing more. At many of these, our guests will share their story. Sometimes they are careful and guarded, but other times they pour out their souls as they share their story. Many of them have experienced some of the worst that our world has to offer, but by sharing it out loud they find healing and comfort.

Also impactful is simply watching the friendships that develop as our American volunteers spend time with our refugee guests. We have much to offer our guests – food, shelter, and all the practical tips on how to adjust to life in America. But, we find that they have much to offer us as well – the power of human resiliency, the depth of faith that comes only through facing severe adversity, and the richness of cultural differences that can be such a beautiful thing. Abba’s House is a place where people from two extremely different worlds come together and often find some of deepest bonds and meaningful friendships that last long beyond the two months that they are here in this ministry home.

Assimilating into American culture must be difficult for these families.

Yes, adjusting to a new culture is often a difficult and scary endeavor! About half of our guests come in with at least a basic understanding of English, but many of them have to learn from the beginning. Others come from extremely remote situations, where they weren’t ever exposed to many of our modern advances. One family from Zambia stands out in particular. They lived their entire life in a remote refugee camp where the entire village shared a single handpumped well for water, and they cooked over an open fire. So, when they came here to America, we had the joy of introducing them to things like hot and cold running water, showers, locked doors, can openers, microwaves, washing machines, etc. All of it was brand new, and filled with wonder, complexity, and curiosity.

Another woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo showed us the vastly different life experience she had lived when she came to us the first morning and asked if we could help her build a fire in her room, as she had been cold during the night. We then got to introduce her to thermostats and electric heat and a.c.

Other families come from larger cities and are fairly westernized. Some are as highly educated as anybody here in the U.S. Others come in having never been to school and we are teaching the ABC’s to the mom, right alongside her children. One of the most humbling moments is watching as our volunteers teach a grown woman how to write her own name or read a simple sentence for the first time in her life.

Families are with us at Abba’s House for two months, and then they move on to their own apartment, the kids begin school, and the mom begins her job. Success is often simply survival.

Most of them live paycheck to paycheck, and the first 4-5 years they are hanging on by a thread. But they make it. They figure out how to pay their bills and keep food on the table. Most of them work extremely hard, oftentimes a couple of minimum wage jobs. Over time, they may learn how to drive a car. The kids struggle in school at first, but eventually catch up to where they should be academically. They start playing on a sports team, and begin exploring the possibility of going to college someday – all things that would have been fantasy dreams back in the refugee camps. Life is hard for a while, but through hard work, faith, and perseverance, they begin forging out a better life for themselves. This country is a blessing to them . . . and they are a blessing to this country.

For additional information, email Michael Meissner: michael@abbashousetexas.com

An extended version of this article is available at www.bestofcyfair.com

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.

HAPPENINGS Cypress

For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com

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B.F. Adam golf Classic

Thursday, May 9, 2024

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

Benefiting the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation Visit www.thecfef.org for more info.

Brew:30’s Cornhole Tournament

May 19, 2024 • 1pm (Bags fly at 1:30pm)

Brew:30 Taphouse • 15914 Telge • Cypress, TX 77429

Benefiting Cy-Fair Helping Hands

Tickets are on sale now! $40 per two man team. Join us – whether you're skilled or not – for a fun afternoon of cornhole, raffles, and a silent auction, all benefiting Cy-Fair Helping Hands. Just $40 for a twoperson team. Visit bit.ly/Brew30CornholeTourney2024 for tickets. We hope to see you there!

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber Spring Business Expo

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • 10am -1:30 pm (Break for lunch 12pm - 1 pm)

Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Road • Cypress, TX 77433

Please add Expo open to public. Lunch for Chamber members only www.cyfairchamber.com

vFW Memorial Day - Hosted by Post 8905 & Auxiliary

Monday, May 27, 2024 • 2-5pm

21902 Northwest Freeway • Cypress, TX 77429

Memorial Service 1-1:30pm

Bounce House. Cornhole Tournament @ 2pm (registration ends 2pm - Entry Fee $20) Hot Dogs or Hamburgers, Chips and Soda served by VFW members, FREE OF CHARGE!

Swenke Elementary Senior Clap-Out

Thursday, May 30, 2024 • 12:15pm

22400 Fairfield Place • Cypress, TX 77433

(Arrive at Noon w/ ID and cap & gown in hand)

If you attended Swenke Elementary, you are invited to walk the halls one last time. Seniors will lead our 5th grade class. Parents/Guests are welcome to attend and gather outside the building.

Fairfield Women's Club End of Year Membership Banquet

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 • 6:30-8pm

LaViva Cantina • 29040 Northwest Fwy • A15 • Cypress, TX 77433

Join us to celebrate a successful 2023-2024 year and welcome in the NEW 2024-2025 Board! We can’t wait to celebrate as a club together! Dinner is $30. Visit fairfieldwomensclub.org for details.

IMPORTANT CFISD DATES

Friday, May 31, 2022: Last Day of School GRADUATIONS (held at the Berry Center)

Visit: www.cfisd.net/graduation for more information

Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Cypress Ranch Graduation • 8pm

Thursday, May 30, 2024 : Cypress Woods Graduation • 4pm

Friday, May 31, 2024: Bridgeland Graduation • 4pm

TRAvElINg SENIOR OF CYPRESS TRIPS & ACTIvITIES

May 14: Yellowstone Paddlewheeler and Texas Sea Center in Lake Jackson on the San Bernard River (Day Trip). Lunch at Dido’s. Bus leaves at 8:30. $25

June 11: Ocean Star Off Rig Museum in Galveston and Lunch at Katie’s Seafood (Day Trip). Bus leaves at 8:30. $10

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. HIGHLIGHTS… Dublin, Irish Evening, Choice on Tour: Dublin City Bus or Walking Tour, Kilkenny, Waterford, Choice on Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory or Waterford Medieval Museum and Wine Vault, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry, Limerick , Cliffs of Moher, Sheepdog Demonstration, Galway, Castle Stay. 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.

1.4x converter for 840mm. Used 5.6 aperture and various ISO and shutter speed settings for this composite and added orange color for the filtered exposures.

Shot at High Rock Ranch near Llano, TX. I used Canon 5DSR at with 600 F4 lens with Mr Star Guy white light solar filter and

I’m

at Risk for Colon Cancer. What Should I Do?

The average lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is approximately 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. As many as 53,010 people are expected to die of colon cancer in 2024.

Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs

Your lifestyle, genetics, and age all influence your personal risk of developing colon cancer. If you have a higher-than-average risk of developing the disease, it’s important for you to take steps to protect yourself.

Here at GastroDoxs, Dr. Bharat Pothuri and our entire team recognize that colon cancer poses a significant health risk and is of extra concern for some people.

We offer the following proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk. We also recommend screenings to detect cancer early.

What raises your risk of colon cancer?

The following factors put you at higher risk for colon cancer:

Age: The risk of colon cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 50.

Family History: Know your family history and find out if anyone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has been diagnosed with colon cancer, your risk is nearly double the average.

Personal History: If you've had colon cancer or certain types of polyps in the past, your risk of developing it again is increased.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of colon cancer over time. Irritable bowel syndrome does NOT increase your risk of colon cancer.

lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption can all contribute to an increased risk of colon cancer.

What can you do?

If any of these risk factors apply to you, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself.

get Screened: Regular screening for colon cancer is the most effective way to detect it early. Early detection means early treatment, which gives you the best chance of beating cancer. For anyone with an average risk of colon cancer, screening with colonoscopies usually begins at age 45. If you don’t have any concerning signs, you can return for another colonoscopy in 5-10 years.

However, if you're at increased risk due to family history or other factors, Dr. Pothuri may recommend screening before age 45 and at more regular intervals.

Know the signs and symptoms: Be aware of any changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stool, abdominal pain or cramping, or unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Make an appointment with us at GastroDoxs immediately.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of colon cancer. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit your intake of red and processed meats. Get regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and drink alcohol only in moderation. If we recommend a colonoscopy or other screening test, don't hesitate to schedule it. These tests can save your life by detecting cancer in its earliest stages or identifying precancerous polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. By understanding your risk factors for colon cancer and taking proactive steps to manage them, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing this potentially deadly disease. Don't wait until it's too late – take control of your health today. Please reach out to our team at GastroDoxs to schedule an appointment at 832.632.4070 or online at gastrodox.com.

Cypress Community Garden Network Holds First Open Garden Day

By Patricia Hudson

As one drives around the Cypress area, chances are, you might just pass a thriving community garden; there are four such gardens and a greenhouse within four miles of one another. The brainchild of Ron Richter, Cypress Community Garden Network, (CCGN), was started to expand the community garden movement in Cypress. Its purpose is to share resources, develop best practices, build relationships, and support and educate the community.

The first Open Garden Day was held in March. Gardening aficionados and beginners alike began their day at the Reach Unlimited Greenhouse, 11832 Mueller Cemetery Road. Greeted by Reach Executive Director of Operations Kris Lusebrink and Gardening Instructor Rossana Gonzalez, guests perused the herbs, vegetables and trees offered for sale, and were invited to join “The Scavenger Hunt.” Gardeners collected a large plastic pot before being directed to the second location, St. John Lutheran Church, 15235 Spring Cypress Road. Gardening Director Mark Froehlich shoveled rich soil into each bucket from a large mountain of dirt. The next stop was the Cy-Fair Helping Hands’garden on the grounds of Bayou City Fellowship, 1 Kwik Kopy Lane. Following a brief history of the garden, volunteer Lynn Hummel and Garden Coordinator Ken Grau challenged visitors to match the garden bed numbers to the vegetables planted in them. Everyone added a healthy tomato plant to their pot of soil. Gardeners then drove to the Living Legacy Center, 12527 Cypress North Houston Road. Elizabeth Hilbun, Executive Director of the Center, scooped rich fertilizer into each pot. The final stop was the Messiah Lutheran Faith Community Garden, 11522 Telge Road. Garden Director Ron Richter explained their composting process, while seeds were disseminated to delighted gardeners.

Scavenger Hunt participants

Mark Froehlich at St. John's garden

Elizabeth Hilbun at Living Legacy garden

Lynn Hummel, Pat Hudson, Ken Grau at Cy-Fair Helping Hands' garden

Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails

Bringing Crave-Worthy

Southern Caribbean

Food to Cy-Fair

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

OThe Best of Cy-Fair

PLACES T O EAT

wners Bridgette Williams and Isaac Bradley had a dream. That vision is now an upscale reality located at 11702 Grant Rd Suite C, Cypress, TX 77429. The restaurant is a compilation of comfortable lines, Chef-led food, and contagiously delicious cocktails. "We wanted the name to be a one-word concept summary of what we were about at the heart of it all, ‘Crave’ Fusion Bistro," explains Williams.

The previous concept at this location was of a bar, and during COVID, Bridgette and Isaac took the opportunity to redesign the space to a restaurant that’s different than anything existing in the surrounding area today.

Executive Chef Leon Cedelli, with 15 years’ experience at the helm, did a bit of abroad travelling himself; he worked intimately with the owners on making their culinary vision a reality. Food is just one aspect of attention for this local eatery. Bridgette and Isaac also brought in

professional mixologist Justin McClendon, James Harden’s personal bartender, to create craft cocktails blended with comfort familiars, igniting a memorable experience between and food and drinks.

When Bridgette and Isaac were asked where their passion for food comes from, I always look forward to hearing it’s from deep family roots and table time with grandparents. An early on exposure to friends and family gathering over BBQ and a lick-the-bowl kind of childhood was the spark between food and fellowship.

Bridgette says, “You won’t be disappointed by coming to elevate your pallet to something you’ve never had before. A place of love, comfort, and libation. We crave to make you feel like family and welcome you to eat and be rejuvenated to tackle the world again.” Isaac adds, “We have clients that sit for hours to relax and just breathe.”

Go and check them out folks, and welcome the Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails team to the

neighborhood. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner Friday through Sunday and dinner five days a week, closed on Monday. Live music on the weekend. Crave became a part of the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce on November 2, 2023.

Crave Fusion Bistro & Cocktails

11702 Grant Rd. • Suite C

Cypress, Texas 77429

Phone: 832-559-3097

Days/Hours of Operation:

Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm

Monday: Closed

Tuesday – Thursday: 4 pm – 9 pm

Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm

Metta Archilla-Ishida

is a Contributing Writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, #onmettasfork

Canine Corner

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

Meet Prince

Mine is a particularly sad case. I was abandoned by my owner at a boarding facility with my little yorkie friend, Sparkle. We were inseparable. Unfortunately, my little friend passed away and I am now on my own. I am fixed, up to date on shots, healthy and weigh about 40 lbs. I am medium to low activity level and mostly want a soft bed and humans to love me. I am really looking forward to becoming part of a family. How about yours?

Loving Arms Pet Placement is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization created to address the problems of stray and abandoned cats and dogs in Houston and Harris County. This organization is comprised of dedicated volunteers who foster animals in their homes as an alternative to taking the animal to a shelter. www.lovingarmspetplacement.com

Isaac Bradley & Bridgette Williams

Cy-Fair’s Own Amy Ramon Has Been

Selected as Fire Chief of

the Year

Here’s Why.

By Leah Gowin Marketing & Community Relations Director Cy-Fair Fire Department

When you build a life on what you’re passionate about, it takes you to some surprising places. CyFair Fire Department Fire Chief Amy Ramon is a good example. When she started out with Cy-Fair Fire Department, she was a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter driven by a desire for saving lives and serving her community. Now, almost 34 years later, she’s accepting the prestigious Texas Fire Chiefs Association Fire Chief of the Year Award.

“The fire service is a calling; people get into it and never leave,” says Brent Scalise, chief of operations for Cy-Fair Fire Department. “Amy is the perfect example of that. She has a skill set that is not easily found in the fire service. Not only does she have an understanding of all aspects of emergency services, she’s also an attorney and a financial expert. Amy could have chosen any number of paths in the private sector, but her love for this profession and its people won out, and we are grateful for that. No one could deserve this honor more.”

1. Great People. Cy-Fair makes a real effort to attract and retain the best and the brightest talent. Its incredibly low turnover rate means experienced people, which is vital for a lifesaving profession.

The award, which is given by the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, is unique in that the recipient is chosen by his or her peers from around the state of Texas. Every Texas fire department is allowed one vote. (Notably, Ramon is the first woman to receive the award.)

Chief Ramon’s career in the fire service began in 1990, when she worked as a volunteer firefighter with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department. She quickly progressed to station officer, board member, and assistant chief of EMS, before accepting the role of fire chief in July of 2014. For the next five years, she built a team and a culture centered around service and community.

In 2019, Chief Ramon led the department in the transition to a career department utilizing full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters. Under her leadership, Cy-Fair has grown into a firstclass operation. It is now one of the largest, busiest combination fire departments in the United States, with over 38,000 emergency responses each year.

Today, Cy-Fair Fire Department is known for its “three-legged stool” approach to where it focuses resources and energy:

2. A Culture of Continuous Learning and Training. Cy-Fair invests heavily in training, both tactical and leadership. “At CyFair, a very high level of competency is just the price of admission,” notes Mike Clements, assistant chief–administration at the Cy-Fair Fire Department. “Our investment in both types of training keeps everyone safe, ensures optimal outcomes, and leads to happier, more engaged employees.”

3. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Facilities. Being the best in this area allows people to do their best work and protects people, property, and the environment from fire damage. Most important: It saves lives—both citizens’ and firefighters’.

Cy-Fair Fire Department is making a name for itself in the medical and first responder industries. Leaders are routinely recognized for their best practices and showcased in trade publications, podcasts, and other programs.

All that said, fire service is a tough field to excel in. There are multiple challenges to master: intellectual, emotional, political. A fire chief must be able to hold up under traumatic circumstances, make hard decisions quickly, gain the trust and respect of those they lead, and build cohesive teams out of individuals with strong personalities and a variety of strong (often conflicting) opinions.

Seniors of the Class of 2024

Share Their Future Plans

CHAYNE AllEN Bridgeland High School

Will attend University of Louisiana Lafayette playing Softball and majoring in Kinesiology

SIMONE ROSIA CADIEN

Ranch High School

Will attend Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia studying Biology to become Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

DEAN FANTASIA Bridgeland High School

Will attend Texas State University majoring in Clinical Psychology

ElIzABETH HAuBRICK Bridgeland High School

Majoring in Equity and Education at the University of Texas–San Antonio

CHRISTOPHER AllEN Bridgeland High School

Enlisted in the US Navy

COMPTON

High School

Will attend Oklahoma State University majoring in Recreational Therapy

TANYA FINKElSHTEYN Cypress Ranch High School

Will attend Texas A&M majoring in .Bioenvironmental Science

SCARlETT HEEFNER Cypress Ranch High School

Will attend University of Arkansas majoring in International Business

lIAM ARRI Cypress Ranch High School

Will attend Blinn Bryan Campus

Will attend Angelo State University where she will be a member of the Volleyball team

EMMA KATHERINE gOuRguES Bridgeland High School

Will attend Stephen F. Austin University. Majoring in Mathematics. Minor in Military Science/Army ROTC

HuNTER lESTER Cypress Ranch High School

Majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M

ETHAN BROWN Bridgeland High School

Plans to study Physics at University of Texas

Will attend Lone Star before transferring to Stephen F. Austin to study Business

Will attend Howard University where he will major in Finance

CAMBEl

Cypress

SARAH

Bridgeland

AMElIA CREACY Bridgeland High School

Major in Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University

IlIANA ENSlEY Bridgeland High School

HAYlIE gREEN Cypress Ranch High School

JOHN lAWRENCE lONg II Bridgeland High School

Majoring in Horticulture Plant Science to share his love of nature as a Park Ranger

QuENTIN MARTIN Bridgeland High School Enlisting in the US Army

ARIANNA vIElMA Bridgeland High School

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS

Source: CFISD News Media

Bridgeland Robotics Team Finishes Strong at World Championship

CFISD robotics teams completed a successful competition season at the Vex Robotics World Championship, held April 25-27 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

Bridgeland High School robotics team 77786, nOSHA, went 6-4 in the Science Division. After round-robin qualification matches, Bridgeland was ranked 15th out of the 82 teams in its division.

Bridgeland qualified for the elimination tournament as the 13th-ranked alliance, “Not only is making it to the World Championship a huge accomplishment, but qualifying for the elimination tournament at this extremely competitive tournament is a profound accomplishment,” said Devin Murphy, Bridgeland robotics adviser.

Bridgeland students also received a personal season best at the Skill Competition, scoring 302 points to rank 81st out of the 362 competing teams.fighting hard before losing in the Round of 16.

CFISD Track and Field Athletes Qualify uIl State Meet

CFISD track and field teams will send nine boys’ entries and six girls’ entries to the UIL Track and Field State Meet, May 2-4 at Mike A. Myers Stadium at the University of Texas in Austin. The Class 6A events will be May 4. Athletes qualified after placing in their respective events at the Region II-6A meet at Waco Midway High School and Region III-6A meet at Humble ISD’s Turner Stadium.

Among those who qualified for the Class 6A state meet were:

Cypress Ranch’s Celeste Robinson:

• Placed 1st in 100-meter dash (11.54)

• Placed 1st in 200-meter dash (23.39)

Bridgeland’s Lillian Harden:

• Placed 1st in 100-meter hurdles (13.98)

• Placed 2nd in 300-meter hurdles (42.41)

Bridgeland’s Adin Lathrop

• Placed 1st in 800-meter run (1:52)

Bridgeland’s Benjamin Montgomery:

• Placed 2nd in 1600-meter run (4:13)

• Placed 1st in 3200-meter run (9:06)

Cy Ranch, Cy-Fair Win District Baseball Titles

The District 16-6A and District 17-6A baseball seasons ended on April 26, with six CFISD teams qualifying for the UIL playoffs.

Cypress Ranch High School won the District 16-6A championship with a 13-1 record in league play. Cypress Woods High School finished one game behind to claim the second seed at 12-2.

Bridgeland High School went 10-4 in district play and Cypress Falls High School will be the fourth seed at 7-7.

Cy-Fair High School won the District 17-6A championship for the fourth consecutive year with a 12-2 record in district play.

Bridgeland HS Softball Team Earns Bi-District Postseason victory

The Bridgeland High School softball team advanced past the bi-district round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs and moves forward to the area round this week.

Bridgeland defeated Tomball in a best-of-three series by the scores of 12-0 and 4-2. The Bears advance to face Conroe in a best-of-three series at Tomball Memorial High School

Sprague Middle School eighth grade student Case Madison claimed the firstplace overall title in the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TAPT) School Bus Safety Poster Contest.

The TAPT School Bus Safety Poster contest was established to increase school bus safety awareness and to afford opportunities for students to win scholarships. School districts in more than forty states participate in local and state level competitions to select artwork that promotes school bus safety.

(from left) Robert Mock, Donovan Bechi, Joshua Holmes, Thad Rauch and Stephen (Wyatt) Conger

Celeste Robinson of Cy-Ranch

Cy-Ranch Baseball Team

Bridgeland Softball Team

Case Madison and his winning poster

THE BARN

5/10TEXAS LEGACY BAND 6PM

5/11FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE | NIGHTBIRD 6PM

5/17RHCP TRIBUTE | THREE HOT CHILI PEPPERS 6PM

5/18CASEY CHESTNUT 6PM

5/25SHOTGUN ROAD 6PM

5/31DON STALLING & THE DIVIDED 6PM

6/1THE SPICOLI’S 6PM

6/7KENNY COOPER 6PM

6/8HAIR METAL GIANTS 6PM

6/14LOGAN SOILEAU 6PM 6PM

6/15BRIAN WOLFF & THE HOWLERS

BFE ROCK CluB

5/17SHOWCASE TOUR W/ FAMOUS DEX 7PM

5/25KISSING JUDAS B-DAY BASH 7PM

5/30OVERTIME 7PM

BREW:30 TAPHOuSE

5/10MIKE AMABILE 6:30PM

5/11JUBA 6:30PM

5/17DANVILLE TRAIN 6:30PM

5/18MATT SEBASTIAN 6:30PM

5/24BAYOU JUNCTION BAND 7PM

5/31STREETER BROTHERS MUSIC & MAGIC 6:30PM

6/1LOADED DAN 6:30PM

6/8MARK CHILDRES 6:30PM

6/14KENDALE WALKER 6:30PM

6/15MIKE AMABILE 6:30PM

6/21MATT SEBASTIAN 6:30PM

6/22MATT CHAUVIN 6:30PM

6/28JOHN STEELE 6:30PM

6/29JAMES ROOSA 6:30PM

CREEKWOOD gRIll

5/10JEFF CANADA 6:30PM

5/11KYLE REED 6:30PM

5/12JOHN EBDON 6PM

5/17HEATHER RAYLEEN 6:30PM

5/18NATE GORDON AND DARYL SKEETERS 6:30PM

5/24MARK WARD 6:30PM

5/31KATIE KATY 6:30PM

6/7KENDALE WALKER 6:30PM

6/8MIKE GILBERT 6:30PM

6/14JEFF CANADA 6:30PM

6/15NATE GORDON & DARYL SKEETERS 6:30PM

6/21RANDY HULSEY & CHRIS HUGHES 6:30PM

6/22BRETT AXELSON 6:30PM

7/6FRANK MARTIN GILLIGAN 6:30PM

CYPRESS TRAIl HIDEOuT

5/10THE VIBES 7PM

5/17NIGEL EDISON 7PM

5/18BEAT BANDITS 7PM

HIDDEN CEllAR WINE BAR

5/9LEO MENDOzA 7PM

5/10MIKE CASEY 7PM

5/11NIK RINCON 7PM

5/16STACEY STEELE 7PM

5/17SCOTT BYERS 7PM

5/18LISA WHITLEY 7PM

5/23BRYAN SCOTT 7PM

5/24JAMES ROOSA 7PM

5/25MIKE AMABILE 7PM

5/30JUBA NORMAND 7PM

5/31MIKE CASEY 7PM

6/1JAMES ROOSA 7PM

6/6LEO MENDOzA 7PM

6/7MIKE AMABILE 7PM

| @cypressmusicscene

6/8NIK RINCON 7PM

6/13STACEY STEELE 7PM

6/14SCOTT BYERS 7PM

6/15JUBA NORMAND 7PM

6/20BRYAN SCOTT 7PM

6/21MIKE CASEY 7PM

6/22LISA WHITLEY 7PM

6/27JUBA NORMAND 7PM

6/28JAMES ROOSA 7PM

6/29PETE SCAFIDI 7PM

MIRAgE 38

5/8JUBA NORMAND

5/15MANDI POWELL

5/22TYLER HODGSON

5/29BRIAN SACCO

6/1LISA WHITLEY

6/5JAMES ROOSA

6/8DAN GOLVACH

6/12JUBA NORMAND

MAIN STREET CROSSINg

5/10 & 5/11 THE CLEVERLYS

5/17GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE | REBORN

5/18zz TOP TRIBUTE | zz TEX

5/24 & 5/25 BELLAMY BROTHERS

5/31BOB SEGER TRIBUTE | SEGER SYSTEM

6/1LED zEPPELIN TRIBUTE | DANCING DAYS

6/2PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE

6/5GARY MORRIS

6/6DOUG STONE

6/7MICHAEL GRIMM

6/8NEIL DIAMOND TRIUTE

6/9THE TEXAS TENORS

6/12TOME JONES TRIBUTE | VINCE KING

6/13SEAN MCCONNELL

6/14& 6/15 EAGLES TRIBUTE | ALREADY GONE

6/16JOHN FULLBRIGHT

6/19MO PITNEY

6/20CCR TRIBUTE | CREEDENCE REVIVED

6/21CHICAGO TRIBUTE | AUTHORITY TEXAS

6/25STEVE EARLE

6/26DALE WATSON

6/27 & 6/28 DAVE FENLEY

6/29 & 6/30 PRINCE TRIBUTE | PURPLE PIANO

2920 ROADHOuSE

5/17RICK TREVINO 6PM

5/18TY MYERS 6PM

5/31THE BAND OF HEATHENS 6PM

6/1WAYNE TOUPS 6PM

6/7MIKE DONELL BIRTHDAY BASH 6PM

6/14UNCLE LUCIUS 6PM

6/15LEE ROY PARNELL 6PM

6/22RADNEY FOSTER 6PM

6/28FRANK FOSTER 6PM

7/5ROGER CREAGER & KEVIN FOWLER 6PM

Story by Joyce Skala

Photos by Daniel Arizpe/Apollo Productions

The first ever CYPRESS MUSIC SCENE® CMS Music Fest was held on March 23rd, 2024 at The Barn at Frio Grill, 16416 Mueschke Rd, Cypress, TX. 77433.

The CMS Music Fest was a next-level, common-good effort by Joyce Skala, to raise awareness and rally financial support for Cy-Fair Helping Hands and Tunnel To Towers Greater Houston Area via ticket proceeds from CMS Music Fest. Information on attendance outcomes and tickets sales are still being calculated.

Live performances included local bands HURRY SUNDOWN, Million Dollar Red, Time Warp Houston, Nightbird|Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, Brian Taylor & The High Society, Father Figures and headliner, Mike Ryan.

The CMS Vendor Village was a scenic place to stroll, shop and enjoy some handmade treats to wear and share. Vendors expressed a strong interest in returning for a potential 2025 CMS Music Fest. The addition of axe throwing, cornhole tossing, liquor and beer sampling, custom glass engraving, photo booth shenanigans and sunshine made it an even merrier event.

CMS partnered closely with the Cy-Fair Women’s Club to coordinate 45 volunteer staff members working the CMS Music Fest. “They were a tremendous help,” comments a grateful Joyce Skala.

“Thank you to Cypress, TX and all of the various moving parts it took to execute this festival. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I look forward to continuing to serve my Cypress community with live music fun,” concludes Skala.

Look for updates and announcements about 2024 CMS Music Fest on facebook | @cypressmusicscene.

CYPRESS MUSIC SCENE® (CMS) was invented and launched by Joyce Skala in 2021 to bring awareness to the Cypress community and its budding and erupting live music scene, post covid lockdowns. The Facebook page gained attention, grew rapidly and before celebrating CMS’s 3rd birthday, it had become home to 8,000 musicloving locals and is still growing.

CMS serves to formally educate locals each week about live music events via the #cmsweekendlineup to deliver detailed information about the sounds and styles you will find on stages each weekend. It also serves as a conduit of information from other bands and music venues about upcoming events. Amongst local bands and musicmakers, it’s a culture of comradery, encouragement, love and support.

“The goal of CMS is to provide an outlet for musical sharing and discovery, to build a strong network of folks who share the same love –live music, and to enrich aspiring talent,” shares Skala. “There are many individuals, like me, who live in hope of an opportunity, a chance to make a dream of theirs come true. CMS provides that opportunity by shining light on music makers and venues folks didn’t know existed and directing foot traffic into their places of business.”

Owner and operator of CYPRESS MUSIC SCENE® since 2021, Joyce Skala is also the lead singer for her local band HURRY SUNDOWN and performs on stages in Cypress and surrounding areas. Her interest in, love for, and connection to the music world was the driving motivation behind her commitment and dedication to serving those with whom she shares a common interest.

Joyce Skala

CYPRESS MUSIC SCENE

HURRY SUNDOWN BAND

joycebehindthemic@gmail.com www.hurrysundownband.com

Facebook | @hurrysundownband

Facebook | @cypressmusicscene