PinPointe Coles Crossing by Intown Magazine

Contents ON THE COVER: Happy Holidays from Pinpointe

Serving the Community of Coles Crossing

12 8 Empowering Generations: The Legacy of National Charity League, Inc. 12 Holiday Guide to Cypress Eateries 14 Wishing You a Peaceful Holiday Season

6 November | December 2023

PinPointe Magazine

Empowering Generations: The Legacy of National Charity League, Inc.

By Brenda Polivka

Brenda Polivka (right) NCL Board Member and President and Founder of Barkley’s Bookshelf with Laura den Boer (left) Chapter Coordinator for NCL’s national chapter support team and founding board member for Barkley’s Bookshelf.

In the heart of communities across the United States, the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) stands tall as a beacon of philanthropy and community service. Established in 1925 by the visionary Gladys Wilkerson in Los Angeles, NCL has evolved into the preeminent mother-daughter service organization in the nation. With a steadfast commitment to fostering the motherdaughter relationship through philanthropy, culture, and leadership, NCL has become a powerhouse of positive change.

National Charity League Board of Directors

8 November | December 2023

NCL's influence spans from coast to coast with almost 300 chapters across the nation, where more than 80,000 active members are devoted to making a difference. The collaborative effort of mothers, known as Patronesses, and their daughters, lovingly referred to as Ticktockers, contribute 2.9 million volunteer hours annually, benefitting more than 6,000 charities. Our service translates into a remarkable $92 million fiscal impact, enriching causes ranging from supporting disadvantaged children's agencies, soup kitchens and food pantries, performing arts institutions and programs, senior citizens centers, children’s hospitals, women’s health initiatives, and aiding military veteran organizations. Through a meticulously crafted six-year program, active members immerse themselves in these essential elements. Philanthropy becomes an endeavor as members engage with local and national nonprofits, understanding and serving their communities in profound ways. Simultaneously, leadership skills are nurtured, empowering young women to

Cypress Belles

moments create a bond that endures, extending well beyond the active years. My daughter, Jenna, and I joined NCL in 2009 as members of the Yellow Rose Chapter. We made many memories while volunteering with a wide variety of philanthropy partners. Every Thanksgiving we would prepare large pans of cornbread dressing for the REACH Unlimited resident’s luncheon. We always enjoyed volunteering at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, assisting local artists with on-site classes. We also delivered a car-load of baked goods at 6:00 a.m. to SIRE’s annual festival and that is a time we won’t forget.

become capable, courageous leaders who reflect and develop their potential. Amidst this journey, the preservation of NCL traditions and values harmonizes with an appreciation for diverse cultures, fostering an environment of inclusivity and understanding. As NCL approaches its momentous 100th anniversary next year, we are celebrating a century of unwavering dedication to philanthropy, unity, and leadership – all while building the bond between mothers and daughters. This significant milestone marks a century of significant national impact through inspiring moments, countless lives touched, and enduring bonds formed, helping our communities to thrive. With a legacy rooted in service, compassion, and leadership, our organization looks forward to commemorating this historic occasion with gratitude for the past and in anticipation of what the future holds.

There were special occasions too. Every year a cultural event was attended and a favorite of ours was a Very Merry Pops at Jones Hall during the holidays. The annual tea was always a fun time to come together and enjoy themed afternoons such as the Kentucky Derby or Alice in Wonderland. And of course, Senior Recognition, a time to honor the senior class Ticktockers for their dedication and service to NCL, was always a highlight. Our active six years went very quickly, and fourteen years later, we continue our membership as NCL sustainers. Now I have the honor of serving on the NCL, Inc. Board of Directors. Together with 12 other women from chapters around the country, we focus on strategic

NCL isn't just an organization; it's a tapestry of traditions and memories woven by dedicated women. Mothers and daughters share heartwarming experiences, from preparing holiday feasts for the less fortunate to assisting and organizing local cultural events. These cherished

Kashyapi Atri, Presley Weathers Katy Cox, together with their NCL Tick Tocker sisters collected books for underprivileged children to be donated through Barkley's Bookshelf. PinPointe Magazine

planning, nonprofit governance, and financial oversight. I am privileged to engage in work that will chart the future of our organization. I continue to serve in NCL to support a framework that affords other mothers and daughters the opportunity to experience the joy of serving and growing together while actively contributing to their communities. “NCL has indubitably become an integral part of my life as I navigate the journey of growing up,” says Kashyapi Aditi, a senior Ticktocker in the Texas Diamond chapter. “My favorite part about NCL is how it incorporates life lessons and exciting bonding events into serving our community, fostering a passion for helping others,” she adds. NCL is open to mothers and their daughters in grades 7-12. Prospective members can apply in their daughter's 6th grade year, with active participation beginning the summer prior to 7th grade. In the Cypress community, there are seven chapters that mothers and daughters can apply to: Champions, Cypress Belles, Cypress Creek, Cypress Gems, Cypress Pearls, Texas Diamonds, and Yellow Rose. The membership drive is open for most chapters from January to March. To learn more about becoming a part of this inspiring legacy, to support the mission through a partnership or through a financial gift, visit nationalcharityleague.org.

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.

10 November | December 2023

PinPointe Magazine

Holiday Guide

The Best of Cy-Fair P L A C E S T O E AT

Cypress Eateries

Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida

f you are visiting our fabulous community for the holidays, or if you live local and just want a refresher list, here is my Top 10 Guide of Cypress Eateries:

1. If you are seeking an upscale environment with elegance and class, my top two picks would be for Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar, (16010 West Rd), and Passerella, (945 Barker Cypress Rd #122). Both offer stunning surroundings with Executive Chefs that are vested in the finer details of your food journey. 2. Equally fun with a casual atmosphere, I would include d’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, (25202 Northwest Fwy Ste 100), and The Union Kitchen Boardwalk, (9955 Barker Cypress Rd Suite#104). Fantastic food offerings with a comparable wine variety to create a perfect dinner pairing.

Steak Dinner - Salt & Sugar

3. What about a place with bold action, lots of laughs, and live music? I’d most definitely recommend you seek out

Chicken Piccata - - Passerella

Andy’s Bar & Grill, (27200 US-290 Ste 160), or Creekwood Grill (12710 Telge Rd,). Libations and a cheer of a good time. 4. Interested in a delightful menu of breakfast offerings to bring a relaxed start to your day? Head on over to Café Marrese, (11729 Spring Cypress Rd), or just down the way to Sizzle & Brew, (16949 N Eldridge Pkwy #700). But don’t discount the deliciousness at Hannah’s Café, (25282 Skinner Rd), and Just Love Coffee Café, (13727 Sunset Canyon Dr). Cypress does breakfast really well and if you are an avocado toast fan like me, then these spots will surely please.

5. Feeling frisky for brunch? First Watch, (28902 Northwest Fwy Ste. J10) and Seasons Harvest Café, (17303 Shaw Rd),

12 November | December 2023

offer two of many great brunches around town. Seasons Harvest Café takes a holistic approach on all natural, locally sourced ingredients, while First Watch is a healthy alternative that offers big flavors and milliondollar bacon. But it's the craft cocktails that will suck you in to stay awhile. 6. Speaking of coffee, there are so many clever spots around town to explore! You could pick a different small local mom and pop shop every day of the week and not hit the same one twice. My personal favorites are Plum Coffee Shop, (11688 Barker Cypress Rd #A2), located just off of Barker Cypress and 290 and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee & Bakery, (9935 Barker Cypress Rd Suite 130). We all need to recharge and refuel, so stop by and say hi. You can certainly grab a bite of breakfast or pastry, too. 7. Nothing wrong with the deliciousness of sushi or sashimi during the holidays; the best can be found at Yokohamaya, (27200 US290 #150), and Edojin Sushi Restaurant, (12344 Barker Cypress Rd #210). Great Ramen and fantastic creative starters!

Avocado Toast - Cafe Marrese

Mexican Hot Chocolate - Plum Coffee

8. If you’re looking for a roll up your sleeves and kick off your boots kind of casual atmosphere, then head on Bang Bang Shrimp - The Union Kitchen over to The Frio Grill – Hill Country Grill & The Barn, (16410 Mueschke Rd,) or check out Local Table, (Lakeland Village Center, 10535 Fry Rd Ste 100) with Local Bar just across the way. 9. We all have a sweet tooth to satisfy; mine takes me over to the Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory, (15014 Spring Cypress Rd Suite 145), or Sleek Creperie & Café ,(28610 US-290 STE F-02). Y’all are encouraged to allow the kid in you to freely enjoy all ya want. Truffles, chocolates, and sugar. Oh, My! 10. And last in my Cypress tour of recommended eateries is a fanfare of Mexican flavors. My favorites for the Cypress area include Juanita’s Mexican Kitchen,(29110 US-290 Suite 500), La Viva Cantina, (29040 Northwest Fwy Suite A15), and Rita’s Cantina Mexican Kitchen, (32015 TX-249 #100). Trust me when I say this is a pinch of a few grains of salt amongst hundreds of fantastic eateries that Cypress houses. This is simply a high-level guide for those visiting family and friends for the holidays that may ask that impossible question, “Where do we eat?” For an all-inclusive list of fantastic eateries around this community, join Metta’s Local Eats Facebook food group for instant guidance and an interactive consult of where to go and what to do in Cypress, Texas. PinPointe Magazine

Wishing You A Peaceful Holiday Season T by Liz Arrington

here’s a meme that has been circulating online for several years, usually shared by parents at the beginning of the school year or around September. In a nutshell it says, “It’s September, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Time to thaw out the turkey, and start shopping for Christmas presents. Happy New Year everyone!” Every time is see it I have to laugh to quiet the creeping dread that comes with this reminder that the last few months of the year really are a marathon!

Year after year, it feels like my family is racing through the highlights of each season. Hardly pausing to take a breath before moving on to the next stage of planning. Being out in the stores doesn’t help to calm that sense of panic, with products for the next major holiday stacking the shelves before I’ve had time to prepare for the one right in front of me. Each year I tell myself “I’ll do it better this time” I’ll be more intentional, I’ll plan ahead better, I’ll start in September so I’m a calmer, happier person in December. Yet, year after year, it’s the same race to the finish line. I’m beginning to realize that the hurried, frantic, feelings that settle around me during the months leading up to the end of the year actually have little to do with planning ahead. This chaotic feeling comes from a lack of peace in the process. I know I’m not alone in this, but my solution of doing MORE actually contributes to the feeling that I’m not doing enough. It leads to a level of multi-tasking that is unsustainable and leads to burn out so quickly. Above all, it sucks the joy right out of the season. When I’m scrambling to stay ahead of the chaos, worrying about all the details and requirements for everyone around me, I stop taking care of my own needs. This endless loop of self-sacrifice, something mothers know all too well, is the real problem here.

14 November | December 2023

It’s not the stores with their Christmas decorations up before Halloween. Not the schools with their added events and endless spirit days. This year, I’m choosing to take control of protecting my own peace. I’ve made a little list for myself, and I’m sharing it here so everyone in NW Cypress can hold me accountable, or maybe do this with me?

Eight Ways to Protect My Peace 1. Set timers for necessary tasks 2. Focus on what I can control and what my priorities are 3. Do something just for me every day, allow time for what I enjoy 4. Plan the simple things first 5. Spend less time on social media apps 6. Slow down, pause, and breathe before reacting 7. Stay mindful and present in a moment 8. Keep it simple, done is better than perfect! This is just a sample of eight ways I’m trying to protect my peace as the end of the year rolls out. I encourage you to build your own list, personalized to the areas that stress you out the most in your life. Maybe your list will help you create room for more rest and relaxation, more self-reflection, more music, or more quality time with the people that you love. Whatever it looks like, my wish for you this holiday season is more peace. You deserve to slow down and enjoy the moments as they come. We all deserve a little more peace. Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at songfulbeginnings.com

Leading Medicine in

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HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP IN ROCK CREEK G

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14044 Spring Cypress Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Schedule online at houstonmethodist.org/pcg/rock-creek or call 713.394.6638. PinPointe Magazine

16 November | December 2023