By Patricia Hudson
Our Towne Lake featured residents are Neil and Radhika Patel. Their journey to Cypress, Texas took them more than 8,000 miles. Neil was born and raised in Gujrati, India. At the age of 11, his family moved and he began middle school in Texas. As a young boy, Neil recalls playing cricket with friends on the block. Radhika began her life in Punjab, India. Her family moved to El Paso, Texa s when she was five years old.
“My parents opened the first Indian grocery store in El Paso, Texas,” explains Radhika. “They worked a lot, so I grew up working in the family business and at the Indian restaurant they owned. Those were some of my fondest memories.”
The Patels have been together for 14 years; they have been married for 10. “Neil is in the hospitality business. Being an owner/operator, he plays many roles,” shares Radhika. “I am a
Math Interventionist at Arnold Middle School. A Math Interventionist is a certified teacher who is hired by the school to go in and re-teach material to students who are struggling. These students are hand-picked by the teacher and math specialist since its small group.”
One of the family enterprises had its beginning on a family trip. Radhika explains, “After visiting some family in Michigan, we fell in love with the taste and flavors of Hungry Howie’s Pizza; they have ten different crust flavors! Once our older child Laksh was in school full-time, we decided we wanted to be in business together. We brought those flavors home with us at our pizzeria, Hungry Howie’s Pizza in Jersey Village!”
Balancing work and family can be a struggle. “This is something we are both always working on,” admits Radhika. “Making changes when
needed has helped both of us. Neil also owns other businesses that require attention so he has to go to multiple places throughout the day. Once Neil is home, he makes it a point to spend time with family. My routine starts off in the morning making lunches, dropping off kids and going to work out. From there, I head to work and teaching our future generation.”
The Patels have two boys. “Laksh is six years old, and goes to Rennell Elementary. He is the genius of the family,” says Radhika proudly. “His love for math can be seen on a daily basis at home, as he turns any game or at home play into adding, subtracting, multiplying. With the same focus, he enjoys golf, karate and music. Ariyan is almost three years old and is currently attending Montessori Preschool of Copperfield. Thanks to his teachers, he is retiring his diapers! Ariyan loves to play outside, follow his brother around and sing when no one is watching him. He keeps us on our toes with his adventure seeking personality. It is up to me to juggle our kiddos’ busy schedules!”
Preserving their cultural heritage for the children is important for this family. “We have made some amazing friends in the community who help us keep the culture alive for the younger generation. Most, if not all of the festivals are celebrated in the community, either at a local park or on a more grand scheme, with the help of the community. The kids participate in learning the meaning behind these holidays such as; Holi, Diwali and many more by reading books and or cooking a meal associated with the festival,” explains Radhika.
While mom is usually in charge of the
kitchen, everyone enjoys cooking and grilling. “We use cooking as a way to get the kids involved as they love to chop, mix, blend etc…” acknowledges Radhika. “We cook lots of traditional Indian meals, but we also order take out and enjoy the options the Boardwalk has to offer.
Our family memories usually revolve around vacations. We enjoy travelling with the kiddos; it helps us teach them basic etiquette and have fun doing it!” As for those
elusive free moments in their schedule, Neil and Radhika can be found playing sports, cooking together, watching movies, working out or listening to music.
The Patel family is happy to make their home in Towne Lake. “We had our eyes on this neighborhood for about two years prior to moving here,” recalls Radhika. “The lake, amenities and boardwalk played a factor as it is like living and being on vacation as soon as you enter the neighborhood. The highly rated schools also played a vital role. We were waiting for the right time; once we were able to get the pizza shop open, we made our move!”
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
Meet Bailey and her best buddy Jax. This beautiful bonded 9-year-old pair was recently surrendered when their owner took a new job and is now traveling frequently. These guys have been together since they were pups and seem to really love each other and snuggle up together in a puppy pile. They are happy and seem well adjusted, even after this recent upset and relocation.
Linné Girouard, President of All Texas Dachshund Rescue, Inc., explains, “The best possible outcome for these sweet babies would be to find a calm and quiet place to call their own, where someone would be around a lot and benefit from the excellent company that these guys can be! They enjoy couch time and snuggle time and occasionally, some walk time or yard time! They are learning the doggie door
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
as well in the foster home and don't mind piling up together in the kennel at night.”
All Texas Dachshund Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is made up of volunteers who rescue, rehabilitate and re-home disabled and otherwise endangered Dachshunds throughout the state of Texas. All are spayed or neutered, have had all vaccines updated, are heartworm negative, are on heartworm preventative, and have had all other health issues considered important to the pet’s life addressed. Financial and educational assistance for the purchase and use of necessary medical equipment such as wheel chairs (carts), sanctuary and adoption services for disabled Dachshunds at risk of destruction due to their disabilities are provided, as needed.
Cy-Fair Home & Outdoor Living Show
Saturday, March 25, 2023 • 9am-6pm
Saturday, March 26, 2023 • 10am-5pm
Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
The Annual Cy-Fair Home and Garden Show is the first event of its kind in the Cy-Fair area and features appearances of some of the top names in home and gardening and over 100 exhibitors with the latest in home products and services on the market.
Hottest Remodeling, New Home-Products and Services on view at the Cy-Fair Home & Garden Show!
www.texwoodshows.com/live-shows/cyfair-show/
Facebook Class
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 • 10:30am-12:30pm
Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center 8440 Greenhouse Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Learn how to navigate a Facebook account. Facebook is a large social networking site, and learning the basics can help you stay in touch with relatives, or rekindle old friendships. Bring your device with you for this live demonstration with Harris County IT Specialist Michelle Richardson. Registration is required. For more information, call 713-274-3161 or visit http://hcp4.net/weekley.
3rd Annual Mental Health Heroes Classic
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 • Noon (10am Registration Opens)
Gleannloch Pines Golf Club
19393 Champion Forest Drive • Spring, Texas 77379
Join us for a fun day of golf and support Shield Bearer Counseling Centers! Register by March 17 at shieldbearer.org.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 1, 2023 • 10am-1pm
The Foundry Church • 8350 Jones Rd. • Houston, TX 77065
The Cypress Market @ Cy-Hope
VIP Event: Friday, April 28, 2023 • 6:30-9:30pm $20 entry
Open to Public: Saturday, April 28, 2023 • 6:30-9:30pm
Sunday, April 29, 2023 9am-4pm
Cy-Hope • 12715 Telge Rd. • Cypress, TX 77429
Artisan Vendor Shopping, Live Music, Food to Purchase, Wine Pull, Silent Auction, and MORE! Visit cy-hope.org for VIP Tickets.
10th Annual CFISD Superintendent’s Fun Run
Saturday, May 1, 2023
Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Proceeds from the Superintendent’s Fun Run benefit the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF), which awards student scholarships and staff development grants, directly benefitting our CFISD community. Register at: www.cfisd.net/funrun
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
By Patricia Hudson
Billed as “A Family Friendly Italian Restaurant with great prices and atmosphere,” Grato Italian Restaurant is a welcome addition to the Cypress area. Since opening in October in a small strip shopping center at Fry and FM529, this humble little restaurant has acquired quite a following. “I’ve been to many Italian restaurants in our area and let me tell you, there are not any better than Grato,” asserts Tony Krzyzanowski, a frequent customer. A family run business, customers like Teri Norton are quick to compliment “the friendly staff, authentic freshly prepared cuisine, and ample serving portions.”
From the Artichoke and Spinach Dip to the Pasta Alfredo, to the Tiramisu, Grato, (which means “gratitude” or “thankful” in Italian), offers an impressive variety of Italian fare. Pasta dishes paired with chicken, veal, and seafood, calzones, pizzas and sandwiches tempt hungry guests. Choose from an assortment of beer and fine wines. Linda Grape commented on a recent meal. “My
husband’s favorite was the Pasta Trio of manicotti, lasagna and cannelloni. I had the Salmon Piccata and gluten free penne with marinara and a side of mixed vegetables which are always fantastic. All (were) very good. Love the chocolate gelato with whipped cream.”
Tony Krzyzanowski recommends the Chicken Parmesan.
“It’s absolutely delicious. The fettuccine Alfredo is amazing as well.”
My personal measure of a quality Italian restaurant is the Eggplant Parmigiana. This one came with a fresh Caesar Salad and a large portion of breaded and perfectly fried eggplant, covered in a delicious marinara and a mound of mozzarella. The remainder of the plate was filled with a generous side of spaghetti. My son selected Chicken Alfredo. There was little conversation as we concentrated on the meal in front of us, relishing each delectable morsel. I would not do the meal justice if I didn’t mention the hot homemade garlic knots that accompanied our order. As others had asserted, I ended up taking a nice portion of eggplant home for the next day. Truth be told, I jumped at the opportunity to tuck several of those garlic knots into my to-go box! My next visit I might just have to save room for something sweet. As Teri Norton says, “Their desserts are divine.”
Grato offers lunch specials Monday through Friday, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Served with your choice of Garden or Caesar salad, (and those amazing garlic knots), the waitstaff is quick to divulge that the lunch portions are as generous as the dinner entrees and reasonably priced. Pizza by the slice is offered only at lunch. Have a business luncheon or a family event coming up? Consider letting Grato handle your catering needs.
Grato Italian Restaurant
20503 FM 529 • Cypress, TX 77433 (346) 220-0937 • italianrestaurantgrato@gmail.com
Hours of Operation
Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
Lunch Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm daily
The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fairfield to the business community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 14. Located off Hwy US 290 and Mueschke Road, 4 miles southwest of the Grand Parkway, Fairfield Clinic provides primary care for adults and children, on-site lab services, and easy access to specialist care at Kelsey-Seybold’s nearby Cypress clinic and other locations.
Adriana Gonzalez, M.D., Fairfield Clinic’s managing physician, cut the ribbon on behalf of the clinic. Chamber members, including President and CEO Bobby Lieb, were greeted by Clinic Administrator Holly Collins, who led a tour of the new 22,500-squarefoot clinic.
Fairfield Clinic joins Kelsey-Seybold’s nearby Cypress Clinic as the second location in the Cypress area. The two clinics are approximately 8 miles apart. Fairfield Clinic expands convenient, high-quality healthcare to the residents of Fairfield and surrounding communities.
Constipation isn’t something most people talk about, but about 16% of American adults experience it regularly. The condition is even more common among adults 60 and older.
An occasional case of constipation is normal. It can be the simple result of long travel, illness, or pregnancy. Constipation can also be a result of taking certain medications, like antidepressants and pain medic ations. Lifestyle habits also contribute to your bowel situation.
If you live in the Greater Houston area and are struggling with constipation, seek care from our expert at GastroDoxs. Dr. Bharat Pothuri can help you manage your symptoms or ease its frequency.
We can also evaluate your symptoms to make sure constipation is not a sign of a more serious medical condition. Don’t just accept constipation as a normal state; here’s why you should set up an appointment today.
When you have difficulty passing stools, you have constipation, defined as:
•Having fewer than three bowel movements a week
•Difficulty passing a bowel movement and a sense of not being “done”
•Firm, dry bowel movements, even if you have them frequently
If your bowel movements are soft, easy to pass, and leave you feeling “empty,” you have healthy bowel habits. It’s OK if you don’t poop every day.
Constipation accompanied by rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and/or unexplained weight loss definitely should not be ignored. Constipation along with these
symptoms could indicate a metabolic disorder, problems with intestinal function, cancer, bowel obstruction, or pelvic prolapse.
Constipation c ould also be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common, uncomfortable condition that affects your digestive tract. Many people with IBS have diarrhea, others suffer constipation, and some people have both. You may also have abdominal pain, mucus in your stool, migraines, sleep problems, and fibromyalgia. IBS can’t be cured, but it can be managed with Dr. Pothuri’s care.
Even if constipation isn’t a sign of a larger problem, ignoring it can cause further health problems. You may develop uncomfortable hemorrhoids or tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissures), which result when you strain the skin and muscles of the anus and rectum.
Straining can also cause rectal prolapse. This condition happens when some of your intestinal lining pushes out from your anus. Another serious complication of untreated constipation is fecal impaction, which occurs when hard stool packs the intestine and rectum tightly. Then you’re unable to naturally push out this impacted stool.
Your daily habits can be the reason you have constipation. Dr. Pothuri recommends you eat enough fiber, mainly from food like whole grains and vegetables. If you need a fiber supplement, Dr. Pothuri can recommend one for you.
You should also make sure to drink plenty of water and stay active. Even a 20-30 minute daily walk can help keep your bowels moving.
Dr. Pothuri also advises you to pay attention to your body’s signals. Don’t put off using the bathroom when you need to pass stool – this only makes constipation worse.
If you make these lifestyle changes, but still struggle with constipation, Dr. Pothuri may recommend you trial mild laxatives. Stool softeners are the best place to begin, as they don’t affect your digestive tract. Rather, stool softeners help your stools absorb more water so they’re easier to pass.
If you’re bothered by constipation, contact Gastro Doxs today to rule out any serious causes at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team on line at gastrodox.com.
The 29th Annual CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale, held Feb. 2-4 at the CFISD Exhibit Center, had a record-breaking year due to the incredible generosity from the CFISD community through the live auction, with no exhibits in the last third of the sale selling for less than $1,500. CFISD community members also came through by showing their support of our sales happening outside of the live auction.
Unofficial totals indicate this year’s sale raised more than $760,000. The premium sale (live auction) raised $505,450, an increase of $75,150 from the 2022 sale. Final amounts from the freezer sale (animals not placing high enough for the live auction) totaled $146,126. The agriculture mechanics and horticulture sile nt auction raised $28.051.48, and $11,406 was awarded through royalty scholarships and cash prizes. Monetary donations and t-shirt sales are still being tabulated. In addition, two new champion sale records were set for Grand Champion Goat and Grand Champion Horticulture. Houston Stainless & Alloys LLC paid $17,000 for the Grand Champion Goat exhibited by Blake Wells from Cypress Ranch High School. Cypress Signs & Graphics paid $6,500 for the Grand Champion Horticulture project by Sophie Gunderson from Cypress Woods High School.
Cypress Ranch High School senior Faith Smith had the Grand Champion Steer at the CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale, which sold for $30,000 to Jarrar & Company Inc., Lone Star Chevrolet and Houston Area Chevrolet Dealers.
Prior to the premium sale, CFISD officially dedicated the Mike & Darlene Jarrar Arena in the CFISD Exhibit Center. Jarrar & Company Inc. was recognized as the event’s volume buyer for the 15th time in the 17 years the award has been presented. A portrait of Mike and Darlene Jarrar was unveiled before the premium sale, recognizing the family’s decades of support for CFISD students.
CFISD’s office of advanced academics welcomed more than 3,8000 visitors to its College Knowledge Night on Jan. 31 at the Berry Center.
The event was open to current CFISD eighth through 11th grade students and started with a college fair featuring a number of colleges and universities most frequently attended by district graduates. The record crowd was more than four times the number from past events.
After the fair, students and families were invited to attend numerous sessions covering multiple college topics, including advanced placement and dual credit courses, the College Academy, firstgeneration students and the NCAA for those hoping to compete in collegiate athletics
Jersey Village High School alumnus Joseph Flores also offered a special presentation, s haring his experience through a non-traditional pathway to higher education. Following his high school graduation in 2019, Flores attended and graduated from both Lone Star College—CyFair and Rice University.
The event also included representatives from organizations such as the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union and CFISD elementary schools that provide scholarship opportunities specifically offered to seniors who are alumni from those campuses.
