Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022 by Peel, Inc.

July 2022 Volume 15, Issue 7

The Beacon

News For The Residents at Lakes of Fairhaven

Learning how to lean into life By Jackie Devine

It was one of those rare, golden mornings when the weather and the temperature merged to create a breathtakingly beautiful spring day. Feeling like a rebel hankering for an open-air expe-rience, I decided to take a drive west on FM 2920. My win-dows were open, and I anticipated something, but I wasn't sure what. As I sat idling at a four-way stop, I heard a small, still voice from the far recesses of my mind whisper, "It's time to learn to live a little." It was one of those rare, golden mornings in April when the weather and the temperature merged to create a breathtak-ingly beautiful spring day. Looking to my right, I heard an eruption of sound like an engine roaring toward me at full throttle as I watched a racy, black and red three-wheeler pull up to the intersection. Both curious and intrigued, I stared at the contraption, wondering what in the world it was: a car, a motorcycle, maybe a hybrid Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Bat-mobile? While their music blared The Eye of The Tiger, one of my all-time favorites, the couple sitting in the cockpit burst out in laughter, gave me an exaggerated wave, sped through the junction, up the road, and out of sight. Riveted to my seat, I leaned back and sighed, "Now, that's what I'm talking about! That's leaning into life not counting the days, but making the days count. What did I just witness, and where does someone find a toy like that?" Making my way back home, I was committed to discovering more about that nifty, little open-air roadster. Pulling on to Timber Trails, what to my wondering eyes should appear, not a little old driver so lively and quick, but a shiny new Slingshot basking in my neighbor's driveway! Tickled at my discovery, I thought, "Ask, and ye shall receive!" One minute, I'm wondering

how to put more pep in my step, and the next, the powers that be have provided me with a perfect example practically in my own backyard. The following Saturday, I found myself sitting with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) police officer Kurt Korenek and his wife, Karen, also a CFISD employee. I listened intently as they shared their exciting decision to kick their lives up a notch. Kurt explained, "We have four children, aged 24, 22, 21, and 17. Over the years, we've stayed pretty busy with our jobs, and, like many parents, our leisure time was spent raising our kids and keeping them in sports - whether it was baseball, football, soccer, or softball and volleyball." "Once they began to take on new hobbies and became more independent," Kurt explained, "we started thinking about trying out some Continued to Page 2 Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022 1

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Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022

Something Rare…Honesty

Continued from Cover things that wouldn't have crossed our radar a few years ago. And we got creative." "Last summer," he continued, "our oldest daughter worked at Camp Lone Star, a Christian ministry camp in LaGrange. She had a weekend where parents could visit. So, I thought, how can we make that fun and memorable? I had seen Slingshots were available to rent in our community, so I decided that would be a hoot. We rented one, drove there, and had a blast." "On the way there, Karen asked me, 'When are we getting one?' I asked her if she was serious? 'Surely you aren't.' She said, 'I am. We need to have one.'" Kurt let it go for a couple of weeks, but he, too, was beginning to feel a stir of excitement. So, he asked her again if she was serious. She was. "Several weeks later," Kurt continued, "I took her at her word and started searching the Internet and found the Polaris Fun Center in Bryan, Texas." One day in August, after Karen got off work, Kurt surprised her with a spontaneous trip to Bryan. Karen filled in; "I asked him why we needed to go to Bryan and he said it didn't matter; we were going on a road trip. Then, as we pulled up to the Po-laris shop, I felt like a kid in a candy shop! 'Are you for real? Are we getting a Slingshot?' We walked in, and suddenly the air went out of our balloon. They didn't have a single one for us to look at or test drive." Kurt jumped in, "I expected to buy one on the spot and take it home that day." Unfortunately, the salesperson told them they had no inventory and would have to order one, and it would probably be December before they could expect delivery. And the rest is history! So, what is a Polaris Slingshot? For you folks who are into "Car Speak," it's a cross between a motorcycle and a car. You might call it an autocycle weighing about 1,653 pounds. The Slingshot sports a 2.0 liter, fourcylinder, gasoline-powered Polaris ProStar engine with an automated manual transmission tossing 173 horsepower at 8500 rpm (!) and 120 lb/ft of torque to the single rear wheel, giving you a better power-toweight ratio than a Ford Mustang. With a top speed of 125 miles an hour, you can reach 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. To my delight, Kurt let me hitch a ride. Turning heads, as we buzzed down Cypresswood Drive, it felt surreal as the wind blew through my hair, and I breathed in the whole outdoors at once. Visceral and exposed, I took in a 360-degree rush of technicolor scenery—what an unforgettable ride. I may have lost track of the number of thumbs up, peace signs, and hang loose gestures we received along the way, but I'll never forget what a blast I had. I felt like I was 16 again. As I left, we talked about their possible participation in the Women's Club 4th of July festivities and dressing as Mr. and Mrs. Santa for the Christmas Parade. I told them it makes more sense for Santa to show up in a Slingshot in this day and age ra-ther than a sleigh!

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BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS Classified Ads Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $65, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512- 263-9181 or advertising@PEELinc.com. Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022 3

The Beacon Fairfield’s Most Recent Published Author Contributed by C. Rosemary Major Accomplishing a long-held dream is the most uplifting feeling in the world. My desire to write the story of my life for my children, grandchildren, and future generations surfaced almost four years ago when I took a class on memoir writing. And even though it took years to happen, it has been one of the most exciting experiences I could imagine. Writing my story enabled me to take a fresh look at my life, and it also allowed me to look at many of my personal circumstances from a different perspective. But the most amazing outcome was I recognized in hindsight that living through the last seven decades and raising six incredible children has been a colossal achievement, one that even my children seem to now view differently. Plus, I believe it brought my family closer together. I would never have produced this book if it hadn’t been for my memoir coach. I was so comfortable with her. She was my guide, my teacher, and my friend. She led the way in helping me to achieve success because she knew what my accomplishment would mean to my family and me. Because of that, she kept me on track and gently motivated me along the way. She helped me enhance, colorize, and digitize some of my photos and even helped to organize memories scattered on scraps of paper and in my head. Rosemary’s Journey is proof that it’s never too late to start your memoir. Just take your favorite stories, recipes, photos, and other memorabilia and organize them. You can even recruit your family to help you. A book about your life is the perfect legacy, and it is a treasure to keep and retell for generations to come. From Rosemary’s coach: Helping Rosemary tell her story offered me an unforgettable adventure with all the components of an award-winning novel: evocative, entertaining, historically accurate, and with an equal element of joy and sadness. Rosemary gives her readers a unique and vividly dramatic first-hand glimpse into our rapidly diminishing mid-twentieth-century Black American history with extraordinary skill. It took us almost four years to travel together down memory lane. Each time she unpacked a piece of her historical family luggage, I became immersed in the depth of her experience and the extent of her knowledge and prodded her for more. Now that it is complete, Rosemary’s Journey proves what everyone who knows her can already attest: She is a survivor! However, I’m convinced she is who she is because of the females in her life that helped strengthen her to the core. They were all strong-willed, determined, intelligent, courageous, stubborn, humorous, generous, and, to some degree, a little over-spirited, except for her angels Aunt Carrie and Aunt Katie. They always took the high road paved with love and forgiveness. Rosemary has given readers a peek into the soul of each of these ladies. Thank you, my dear Rosemary, for allowing me to hold your hand along life’s path and support you in creating a legacy for your children that will live through eternity. Rosemary’s Journey is available on Amazon. Jackie Devine, publishing coach 4

Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022

One of the hardest working teens in Fairfield If you’ve needed a babysitter or a lifeguard in Fairfield lately, chances are you’ve heard of Paisley Ferrell. Sixteen-year-old Paisley has been all over Fairfield Facebook answering the call for privateparty lifeguards, babysitters, nannies, and mother’shelpers. Paisley has earned American Red Cross Certifications in Adult CPR, Pediatric CPR, First Aid, Babysitting, Lifeguarding, Blood-borne Pathogens, and Water Safety Instruction in the hopes that she would stand out among the other teenagers. The straight-A gifted student started working as a babysitter at age eleven before most businesses would hire her. She often brings little activities to do with the kids and loves to sing, read stories, and bake with them. She even tries to leave each family’s home a little cleaner than when she arrived. As a lifeguard, Paisley earned her certification on her fifteenth birthday. She takes water safety very seriously and never leaves her post or succumbs to distractions when guarding the pool. Recently, Paisley obtained her driver’s license with a perfect score, enabling her and “Ladybug,” her red Jeep, to travel to any family in the neighborhood. Her goal is to save enough money for gasoline and tolls, so she is grateful for every opportunity Fairfield’s families have provided her. Paisley had over twenty-six jobs in May. She loves being just a tiny part of each family. Be on the lookout for more from Paisley as she plans to offer swimming lessons in July. You can contact Paisley Ferrell: at (832) 693-4334 or through email at p1ferrell@icloud.com Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

The Beacon

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The Beacon Cypress food purveyors step up to the plate to support Classic Adults

Submitted by the Classic Adults membership committee Local restaurants came out in full force to support Classic Adults’ Bill Page, the program chairperson, reminds friends and neighbors, CLASSIC TASTE OF FAIRFIELD, which was a huge success. “These restaurants are all ‘community-minded,’ and we encourage Eleven Fairfield area restaurants presented specialties of their cuisine you to support them! If you patronize one of these establishments in to members, community attendees, and staff. Over 100 people the future to enjoy their cuisine, please thank them for supporting our community and tell them that you saw them mentioned in this attended and enjoyed some delicious eating. magazine.” Classic Adults wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Good Shepherd Classic Adults welcomes any person 50+ to gather participating restaurants: with them for Christian fellowship, entertainment, adventure, and • Andy’s Kitchen • Olive Garden light-hearted inspirational programs. You do not have to be a member • Andy’s Bar & Grill • Jason’s Deli of Good Shepherd to attend Classic Adults. • La Viva Cantina • BreWingZ For more information on Classic Adults, go to the Good Shepherd • Sleek Creperie | Cafe • Yogurtland at Fairfield website www.goodchurch.us and click on Adult Ministries, or call • Carl’s BarBQ • House Of Pies the church office at (281-373-2273).

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The Beacon @CYPRESSMUSICSCENE

Moving My Music Down the Track Breaking news is coming straight to you from your CYPRESS MUSIC SCENE founder and administrator. With lots of love and excitement, and after taking an extended break to follow, support, and bring awareness to our local music scene, my band Hurry Sundown is returning to the stage. My most recent exciting journey began in May 2020, when I was tapped to be a "Cypress Music Contributor" sponsored by Peel, Inc. My coverage of Cypress music has appeared in local magazines monthly, where I have spotlighted top talent in the area. You may also recognize me as #joycebehindthemic "Joyce Behind the Mic," the face of #cypressmusicscene, or from the #WeekendLineUp, which I have posted weekly. I started this media vehicle out of love for live music and the need for the public to know more about what was happening around town. One year later, 4.6K people had become part of my family. It has been a labor of love to help artists and venues share their events for others to see! Amazingly, Cypress has nearly 200,000 likely readers! However, my band, HURRY SUNDOWN, is my passion. I'm honored and humbled to have been just a tiny part of northwest Houston's music movement and privileged to meet and become friends with the talent that supports our vast local music culture. But Hurry Sundown deserves to grow and prosper as well. If you like Rockabilly, Texas Country, Southern Rock, Americana, Blues, or Funk, look us up online! www.hurrysundownband.com or @ hurrysundownband on Facebook. We've got shows coming up soon and would be so happy to see you come to check out our sound and get a taste of our flavor! It's time to step back on stage—I've got some singing to do! But, keep watching for more of my insights on local music and the people in our community who are making music history!

The Beacon is a private publication published by Peel, Inc. It is not sanctioned by any homeowners association or organization, nor is it subject to the approval of any homeowners association or organization, nor is it intended, nor implied to replace any publication that may be published by or on behalf of any homeowners association or organization. At no time will any source be allowed to use The Beacon contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in The Beacon is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc. DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

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The Beacon CFISD softball players earn 2022 All-District 16-6A honors District 16-6A softball coaches released the 2022 All-District 16-6A Softball Team following the conclusion of each team’s season. Bridgeland High School senior Makenzi Jenkins was voted Most Valuable Player. Cypress Woods High School senior Katie Lott was voted Offensive Most Valuable Player while Bridgeland junior Trinity Allen was voted Defensive Most Valuable Player. Cypress Ranch High School freshman Ashlynn Massey was named Newcomer of the Year while fellow Cypress Ranch teammate and senior Molly Yoo was named Pitcher of the Year for a second consecutive year. Bridgeland Head Coach Candi Weige was voted Coach of the Year.

Paris Fulks Receives Bear Distinction Award All-District 16-6A Softball 1: Bridgeland High School senior Makenzi Jenkins was voted District 16-6A’s Most Valuable Player.

All-District 16-6A Softball 2: Bridgeland High School junior Trinity Allen was voted District 16-6A’s Defensive Most Valuable Player.

Hunger Hero Hall of Fame Diana Brown, quality assurance and compliance coordinator for schools, left, receives her No Kid Hungry Texas Hunger Hero Hall of Fame trophy from Darin Crawford, assistant superintendent of support services. Brown was one of five individuals included in the inaugural class inducted into the Hunger Hero Hall of Fame.

Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022

The last theatre performance of Paris Fulks’ high school career was on May 23. It was the final bow for all the seniors and their parents. Since the Bridgeland High School seniors missed the school’s awards ceremony last week due to the Shrek dress rehearsal, educators and school leaders recognized the seniors after the show. Paris Fulks received the Bear Distinction Award, the highest Bridgeland High School Theatre Award. Paris was recognized at all three levels of her educational career, receiving the Dragon Award as a fifth grader leaving elementary, the Dragon Award as an eighth grader leaving middle school, and finally the Bear Distinction Award as a high school senior leaving high school. Congratulations, Paris!

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The Beacon

Inclusive Playground Coming to Swenke Elementary Submitted by Nick Leluika, Swenke Special Projects Coordinator With the closing of the school year 2022, as the PTO Special Projects Coordinator, I announced the kickoff of an incredible Legacy Project that is currently in the works. The project is an inclusive playground, offering children of all abilities a safe place to play.

born. His body eventually went into complete septic shock, with all of his organs shutting down, eventually leading to a stroke that damaged over 50% of his brain. Doctors predicted he wouldn't live more than another 24-48 hours.

The playground will be constructed on Swenke Elementary property, where love and a sense of family are undeniable. Swenke is home to children of all likes and abilities, and the project has been planned and designed as an addition to the current playground, which will benefit all students throughout our Fairfield community. It will offer a play space for children of varying abilities and will foster a place of acceptance, inclusion, and learning.

Miraculously, after a few months in the ICU, Josh came home. Since then, he has had over a dozen surgeries and undergoes therapy several days a week. Josh has more diagnoses than I can even count. He is classiﬁed as non-verbal and non-motor, but he knows adaptive sign language. He either gets around in a wheelchair or is carried from place to place. Josh is our Miracle, and the best part is that he gets to go to school with other little Miracles. Each of his classmates has a unique story, and each one of them has a great spirit just waiting to be shared. I feel like we aren't on this journey alone for the first time.

Having a playground with accessible offerings such as ramps, special swings, spinning chairs, access to slides, special tables, and a wheelchair-accessible seesaw rocker (that can hold multiple kids at once) will be astounding. The new section of the playground will also have a rubberized foundation, which will create additional safety and space to play. They won't have to worry about unfavorable ground conditions on wet days. When I heard from Dr. Miller, the principal at Swenke, that an inclusive playground was being designed, I jumped at the opportunity to spearhead the fundraising, primarily since this project hits so close to home for my family. My son, Josh, will be headed into second grade this coming fall. Josh became very sick not long after being 10

Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022

It is heartwarming that people care enough to help these incredible kids be included rather than left on the outside looking in. I know that Josh loves going to Swenke and loves the other kids and the staﬀ. I'm dedicated to seeing this project through, especially knowing that the school has gone out of its way to make this project a reality. I look at things from a different perspective as I work to see the world through my child's eyes. For Josh and his friends, interaction with their classmates makes all the difference. And in the past, when it comes to playing outside, they have had limited options based on their abilities. Continued to Page 11 Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

The Beacon Inclusive Playground - continued from Page 10

Personally, I love the idea of an inclusive playground. It is a project for everyone, and every child at the school can utilize it for years to come. Plus, the playground will be nationally registered and available to anyone in the area looking for an inclusive playground. It will be open to the whole community outside of school hours. This playground will also be the first of its kind in CFISD, putting Swenke and Fairfield as trailblazers for school inclusion efforts. Fairfield is a fantastic community. Seeing the support of the residents and the local businesses through all that has already taken place, it is evident that this project is something everyone is getting behind. I look forward to the upcoming events to raise funds and we will gratefully recognize sponsor donors who are willing to contribute to the Legacy Project. More details will be coming out soon and I will do my best to keep everyone up-to-date on the progress and ways to help. If you want to know more or would like to help host/participate in an event, please feel free to email me at sprecialprojects@swenkepto. org. If we can find a way to help local businesses while at the same time supporting our community, let's make it happen! Please consider joining us in making this dream become a reality, as we cannot start the project until the funds are secured in their entirety. With an ultimate goal of $350,000, we know we have our work cut out for us. But as I tell my kids, many hands make light work when we do chores, sports, or service projects. Or, as we say as special needs parents, it takes a village to help make life work. We ask that you take a moment and scan the QR code provided to help us reach our goal and leave a legacy that will undoubtedly change lives as we embark on this journey. Scanning the QR code will take you directly to the PTO's 501c3 site designated for the inclusive playground donations. All funds on this site will be designated for this project only. Every dollar makes a difference, and we look forward to sharing our progress with the community as this is for everyone, not just the students. So, pull out those phones and start leaving a legacy.

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Lakes of Fairhaven - July 2022