PinPointe Towne Lake

Joyce Skala

Wife, Mother, Musician Lights Up Cypress Music Scene

By Patricia Hudson

Twenty years ago, Joyce DeLuco met fellow Cypress native, Kyle Skala. “We were in our early twenties. I had just moved back to Cypress after four years of living in Austin. It was a cold December night in 2003, at a country dancehall known as Red River (now District 249, Tomball). My cousin, Robby prompted the lifechanging event with an invitation to come hangout with him and his buds - I accepted.”

Joyce recalls what attracted her to Kyle. “His smile and the friendliness of his eyes. We’ve been happily married for the last 17 years of our 20-year relationship. His personality is one of generosity,

love, and service. He’s passionate about protecting his loved ones and his country; he served in the Marine Corp as a Lance Corporal. Kyle is loyal, dedicated, and compassionate. He’s a great father, a driven leader at his job, and his meat cookery skills are better than most!

When did you get interested in music?

Growing up, I’ve always been around music. Watching my dad play drums, practice with bandmates at home in the garage and perform professionally on local stages were my first exposures to music.

As I matured, so did my appreciation for music. I never took voice or instrument lessons as a kid, though I participated in Honor Choir as an elective in 6th grade. I preferred art; that’s what I majored in throughout high school.

At 35, I transitioned from singing for fun in the car to recording myself on an mp3 player. I was curious to find out what I sounded like in playback mode. For the next three years, I’d practice singing a song, recording it, and repeating –everyday, while my family was at school and work, for hours at a time. Three years later, I created a Facebook Page for my singing “hobby,” named it Kraftroom Karaoke, and posted my amateur singing videos there. I didn’t own any music equipment. I coined it my “Song Journal.” Six months later, God spoke to me and said, “You’re not giving yourself enough credit,” and Kraftroom Karaoke became “Joyce Behind the Mic.”

What jobs have you held?

For most of my marriage, I’ve been blessed to be a stay-at-home mother. Kyle, a Marine veteran, spent 2008 - 2009 in Afghanistan as a military contractor, while I stayed home state-side and raised the children. Post-high school, I didn’t aim for college. In fact, I didn’t have a plan for my next steps at all. I let nature take its course. But even with no long-term plans for my future, I managed to hold some personally fulfilling roles. I spent many years working for Wells Fargo Bank as a Personal Banker.

During 2009-2011, my husband, our very young children and I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee where I got educated, certified, and licensed as a Personal Fitness Trainer and accepted a job with National Fitness Center, one of the largest chains of gyms in the Knoxville area. I identified a need soon after joining the company. My recommendation was heard and adopted; as a result, I was able to design and help launch NFC’s brand-new “Bootcamp” exercise program. The program still exists today.

We spent the next 4 years in Amarillo, Texas, following Kyle’s job transfer. After a long battle from chronic back pain and open-back surgery ramifications, we moved back to Cypress in 2015 for moral support.

Three years later, I started a home-based art business, ReJoyceD Creative Design Co. Over the course of the next year and a half, I went on to hand-make and sell 150+ pieces of custom art. In 2019, my art business slowly took the back burner, soon to be phased out completely by my new hobby - singing. In 2020, at age 39, I got in a seriously committed relationship with music as my new band, HURRY SUNDOWN, began to take shape.

In 2021, my first published monthly magazine article, “Joyce Behind the Mic” was printed – I went on to contribute to the next 22 months of magazine issues until I resigned from my role.

I am currently writing my first book, “There’s No Such Thing as Bad,” which is inspired by my personal and practical approach to the life around and within us. It was motivated by my short time as a freelance writer and realizing that through my experiences, I held something valuable that I wanted to share.

When did you begin performing? How did HURRY SUNDOWN come about?

During 2019-2020, I dedicated my time to thousands of hours of rookie singing practice. In the summer of 2020, I spontaneously placed a want ad on a Fairfield Facebook page, looking for fellow music makers that might want to make music with me. A local resident and drummer, Paul Deas, quickly responded to my ad. He had seen my videos and thought I would make an excellent country music singer; his idea was to start a band together. Excitedly, I was all-in. The official name of the band became “Joyce Behind the Mic,” and just like that, my song journal days were over. Over the next week, a 5-piece band of talented musicians was formed in my home, ready to get to work, building a show to hopefully perform on stage one day! Eventually, I changed the name to HURRY SUNDOWN; my music making was no longer a solo operation. My first professional on-stage singing performance was on May 14, 2021, at The Burger Ranch in Cypress. I feel blessed and proud to say that I have performed over 52 live shows as the HURRY SUNDOWN front person on the local stages of Cypress and the surrounding areas.

HURRY SUNDOWN is a Country and Southern Rock variety cover band. Our members are:

Joyce Skala | Lead Singer / Percussion

Jim Embry | Guitar- Plays Fender guitars though a mic’d Vox amp

Richard Blackett | Guitar / Percussion- Plays a Gibson Les Paul through a Line 6 multi-effects pedal and Grace Design pre-amp

Doug Wagner | Bass- Plays a 5 string Ibanez bass, sometimes a 4string acoustic

Patrick Courtney | Drums- Plays an HP Customs drums set built by Mike Henry (Houston) and Zildjian K and A Custom Cymbals

My husband Kyle would describe himself as “not having a musical bone in his body.” Ironically, he volunteers as the official sound guy for the band.

Why did you start Cypress Music Scene?

To support my free-lance writing role as Cypress Music Contributor, (JBTM), informing the community about the local music scene and the musicians that brought it to life, I founded Cypress Music Scene®. Two years later, it’s still active, currently 5.6K members strong, and considered one of the top local sites for live music events.

Talk about your children. Do they show any signs of being musical?

We have two beautifully smart and talented kids. Kassidy Lynn just turned 18, is active in church and recently graduated from Bridgeland High School, where she served as Assistant Vice President and President of the Peer Assistance Leadership Program, (PALS). She will be moving to Blinn College this summer, where she aims to get her degree in Early Childhood Education.

Our son, Kole Jackson, will be a junior at Bridgeland High School. He loves music, plays the acoustic guitar, volunteers to play guitar regularly at the church Worship Ministry, and has even performed live on stage at a Hurry Sundown show!

Biggest family challenges?

We’re a family that loves and supports each other, personally and professionally. We’ve moved lots – 15 times from 2003 – 2019. This comes with its own challenges, but the biggest challenge we’ve faced as a family was losing our home to a devastating housefire the week of Thanksgiving, 2017. By the grace of God, The Red Cross and the Cypress community came through for us. They rescued us with food, clothing and donated furniture so we could have just a few of the creature comforts of life at our new temporary home. The kids’ schools helped us have a tree for the holidays and donated Christmas gifts to the kids. We remain eternally grateful to the friends, neighbors, and emergency responders the Lord saw fit to have us meet that day.”

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.

Greek

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

Eleftherios Stamatakos, known as “Lefty” or “Terry” to his friends and followers, is the owner of “Simply Greek,” located at 14030 Telge Rd. Cypress, TX 77429. Simply Greek is just that, a local pop owned shop that serves up some of the most delicious authentic Greek food around town. No burgers, no pizza, no hot dogs; just go ole tasty Greek food.

Lefty bought out this location just a few months back and has transformed it into his vision of homeland cuisine, which is gaining popularity by the day. Before his brick and mortar, Lefty owned and operated a food truck in the Spring Branch area, but travelled all over the greater Houston Metropolitan bringing his soughtafter Gyros to the public and his growing list of followers.

Born in Europe, Lefty grew up on the streets of Greece. As a young boy, Eleftherios always loved cooking. He enjoyed the way aromas and natural ingredients would elevate a dish and the excitement for him was in perfecting by practice. He opened his first tiny Gyro stand along a small alley in Greece. Before he knew it, he was selling out daily and could hardly keep up with the demand. “I’ve been in the

business for over 30 years and for me, it’s still best business in the world,” he asserts.

When Lefty went to New York to attend culinary school, he found himself missing the intricate fast-paced environment of the kitchen and opened a small pizzeria. Classes

completed, Lefty headed for Houston to understand its demographics and culture and fell in love.

Settling in Cypress, Lefty reflects on his decision. “This town is welcoming, and the folks really love good food at a reasonable cost. I want folks to know that I am thankful for their support these last four months. On Opening Day, I did six tickets. Now things have grown with so much support that I stay busy every day. I could not be more grateful.”

Eleftherios’ lone helper is his trusty friend and kitchen manager, Sammy Ortega. Sammy came to Lefty five years ago when he started as the dishwasher. He has since proven himself invaluable, and these two guys knock it out of the park. But let’s talk food. I am confident that like me, once you try Simply Greek, you will definitely return. While the restaurant has a limited all Greek menu of traditional offerings, his specials change weekly. The Moussaka is heavenly with its eggplant base, smothered in a creamy bechamel. They serve up one of the tastiest Pastitsio, a Greek lasagna and crowd pleaser. Lefty’s take on the Saganaki is a comfort food of pan fried flambeed cheese served with pita is hard to share, as it’s so good.

Lefty invented a heaping pile of “Greek Nachos,” Gyros and cheeses and all the good Greek things piled high on soft pillowy triangles of pita bread. Other favorites include his Gyro platter, Falafel, and the appetizers are all a must have. The Hummus hands down is one of the best anywhere.

The website is currently under construction. For more information, go to the Simply Greek Facebook page. Have a question? Contact Lefty at 631-902-5119.

Metta Archilla-Isheda is a contributing writer, Founder of Metta’s Local Eats FB Group, and #onmettasfork. On Metta’s Fork is a local mom and pop commercial kitchen that brings a touch of Southern comfort dinners incorporating fresh local ingredients to your table. Metta is the creator of “Mah Pahs,” a savory spin on a crusted pie, as well as a variety of heat and eat quiches, hearty stews and soups. Connect with Metta Archilla directly On Metta’s Fork and via her Facebook social media page.

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

Cypress Triathlon

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Bridgeland Festival Park • Bridgeland Landing Dr • Cypress, TX

Back for our 16th year as the most anticipated race of the season! Youth Triathlon and Doggie Du on Sat., Sprint Tri, Duathlon & Super Sprint on Sun. bayoucitytriseries.com/cypress

Hempstead Watermelon Festival BBQ & Cook Off

Thursday, July 13 - Saturday, July 15, 2023

Downtown Hempstead • Texas Chrome Hero's Foundation

Free Admission. Live entertainment, Watermelon Contest, Food, Rides & More. More info at www.hempsteadwatermelonfestival.com

Christmas in July Sip & Stroll

Tuesday, July 18, 2023 • 3-6pm

15800 Longenbaugh • Houston, TX 77095

Shop with unique Cy-Fair vendors. RSVP to Tiffany at 281-815-8013

College Campus Safety Seminar

Sunday, August 6, 2023 • Presented by Silverback Self Defense

11688 Barker Cypress Rd. B-1 • Cypress, TX 77433

Designed for young women who are going to be living on their own for the first time. Basic training focusing on awareness of surroundings and avoiding becoming a victim. Hands-on striking techniques and how to escape the most common grabs, chokes and holds. Contact Robert Webre at 713-894-6105 for more information.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ Back To School Bash

Saturday, August 12, 2023 • 9am-Noon

9606 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095

Open to CFISD Students in need. Join us for a fun family day and pick up FREE school supplies. Games and activities, Books, First Responders with equipment, Face Painting, Family Resources and more! For more info visit: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org.

Accepting Donations until Thurs, August 3, 2023 Mon-Thu 9am-12:30pm

Drop off at CFHH offices: 9606 Kirkton Dr. • Houston, TX 77095

Wish list: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1E3FW17BZ2DX5

2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace

Saturday, September 9, 2023 • 9am-5pm

The Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, Texas.

2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace

Annual fundraiser for Scholarships and nonprofits in our community. 300+ booths & 250+ vendors. Free parking and free admission. No strollers, wagons, rolling carts. cy-fair-womens-club.portalbuzz.com

CFISD Summer Camps Available

Visit www.cfisd.net/Page/1903 for more information.

Bridgeland Sports Camps

Visit www.cfisd.net/domain/1071 for more information.

FREE Healthy Summer Meals for Kids

This summer, Cy-Fair Nutrition Services will connect children 18 years old and younger and enrolled students with disabilities up to 21 years old with healthy breakfasts and lunches at no cost to the child. Visit the website for locations and service times. https://www.cfisd.net/Page/5565 #CFISDforAll #CFISDspirit