Issuu

3 February | March 2017

PinPointe Magazine

Contents ON THE COVER: The Vargas Family Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson

Serving the Community of Greater Fairﬁeld including Lakes of Fairhaven, Fairhaven Estates, Saddle Ridge Estates & Villages of Cypress Lakes

Vargas Family Stands United Through Love and Faith

Soldier Honored with Welcome Home Parade

10 Cypress Happenings 11 Tips For Getting Your Home Ready For Spring and Selling Season 12 Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity Smashes Fundraising Goal for Cy-Fair Helping Hands

13 Houston Food Bank: Food in the Pandemic 14 Best of Cy-Fair: Eji’s Culinary Catering 16 2020 Is Finally Over So... What Do We Do Now? 19 Canine Corner 20 Cypress School News 22 Pelican Migration Delights Fairﬁeld Community

PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE

Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson

n 1994, Miguel Vargas and Laura Vargas met in a marketing company in Mexico City. “We came to Houston in 1998, looking for a different place to live, to start and raise a family,” explains Miguel. “We have been together for 26 years, 16 of which we have been married by law, and two years married by the church.”

Editor’s Note: Family feature ideas often come to us from the communities in which they live. The Lozano family, (January/February 2018 PinPointe, Fairfield), suggested that we connect with their good friends of five years, Miguel and Laura Vargas. Juan Lozano shared that their friendship with the Vargas family is “... a true blessing, an inspirational testimony of love and faith.” I had the pleasure of connecting with the family recently, for a photoshoot, and was charmed by their friendliness and strong family relationship. 6 January | February 2021

Miguel is employed by Brinker International, Chili’s Grill & Bar. Laura worked in childcare for 10 years, and is currently working for Salata restaurant. Determined to establish a business enterprise of their own, the Vargas family started Bunny Bounce Moonwalks, a party entertainment service, in 2009. “We rent bounce houses, water slides, tables and chairs, and offer face paintings, clowns, and concessions. We take pride in our customer service, and as a result, have been blessed with great acceptance in the Fairfield community, Cypress, and surrounding areas,” comments Miguel, gratefully.

As with everyone, the coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on the Familia Vargas. “We are a Catholic family,” explains Miguel, “and during Covid19, we haven’t been able to go to church in person. We also had to stop working a few weeks for the first few months of the pandemic. Now, we live with a lot of uncertainty to what could happen tomorrow, and in the future. We have been following protocol to stay healthy and safe from Covid-19, and we put our faith in God that this pandemic will pass very soon. But this time has definitely showed us how to value our health and our family union.” Their close family bond has helped them get through this difficult time. “Our family time usually includes praying every night, spending time talking and sharing stories, old or new, after lunch and or dinner, playing board games, and binge watching movies or series. Some of the relaxing things we do when we can are going out to eat, going to the movie theaters, and taking a walk in the evenings.” Active members of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, they serve in the Spanish ministry of baptism. Laura and Miguel are parents to three girls. Brenda, Carolina, and Sofia. Brenda, 20, attends Sam Houston

PinPointe Magazine

State University. Due to the pandemic, Brenda began her first semester online, not quite the full college experience for which she had hoped. “I am studying criminal justice, but my goal is to become a school social worker. In my free time, I enjoy painting, listening to music, and watching Netflix.” Laura is proud of her daughter’s work ethic. “Brenda has been working at the Fairfield TowneCenter Chick Fil A since the spring of 2018. She started as a team member; with her hard work and strong leadership, she was quickly promoted to a team leader in 2019.” Carolina is 15, and a freshman at Bridgeland High School. Her favorite subject is English because she loves writing. Carolina is great at drawing and

painting, and stays active as much as possible in sports. “She is such a social butterfly, and laments that she hasn’t been able to hang out with her friends as often, because of Covid-19,” shares Laura. Sofia, 11 years-old, is a 6th grade Bengal Tiger at Salyards Middle School. “I love science and when I have free time, I love to cook and bake. I play the cello and enjoy playing soccer,” comments the youngest Vargas family member.

8 January | February 2021

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Towne Lake, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, 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.

Fairﬁeld Soldier Honored With Welcome Home Parade By Patricia Hudson

rivate James "Dominick" White, a 2017 graduate of Cypress Ranch High School, left home 341 days ago to join the U.S. Army. “Saying goodbye to him in January was hard, but who knew how hard it was going to be? Since Covid19 hit this year, it canceled his BCT, (Basic Combat Training) graduation and the family weekend. He went straight to AIT (Advanced Individual Training), and again, no family graduation. They did not allow him to have leave after all his training, due to Covid. He was then shipped to his duty station nearly 4,000 miles from home. My heart was hurting for him not being able to come home and see friends and family, and me not being able to hug him,” explains Joan Peters, Pvt. Peters’ mother.

and cry. I am so proud of him and his decision to serve our country,” shares Joan. To honor Pvt. White, friend and neighbor Phyllis Kruger organized a “Welcome Home parade on December 19. “I showed him my

post on the Fairfield Facebook page; we had over 900 likes. He was in shock that so many people took the time to LIKE and leave comments for him. He was very humbled,” comments his mother.

When the opportunity finally presented itself, Dominick jumped at the chance to come home. “When Dominick walked in the back door, all I could do is hug him

PinPointe Magazine

Cypress

HAPPENINGS

For more upcoming Cy-Fair events, visit: www.bestofcyfair.com For more upcoming events in Houston, visit: www.houstonintown.com

All Shook Up Virtual Concert Friday, January 8, 2021 • Noon Harris County Precinct 4 Encore! invites everyone to sing, party, and dance along to a virtual performance by the king himself, Elvis impersonator Ralph Elizondo. Tune in to the All Shook Up Virtual Concert on Precinct 4’s Facebook page. Join us as we celebrate the King of Rock ‘n Roll on his birthday with your favorite hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. It’s Now or Never, so Don’t Be Cruel and don your Blue Suede Shoes for an afternoon of fun and music! Visit www.facebook.com/HCPrecinct4 to view the virtual concert or call 713-274-4050 for more information.

Vaudeville Follies Presented by Bridgeland H.S. Ursa Major Theatrics Thurs., January 21, 2021 • 7pm / Fri. January 22, 2021 • 7pm Sat., January 23, 2021 • 3pm & 7pm / Sun., January 24, 2021 • 3pm Bridgeland High School • 10707 Mason Rd. • Cypress Come schtick your nose in our business! Join USRA Major Theatrics in our knee-slapping new production! Vaudeville Follies features some of Bridgeland’s most talented crooners, hoofers and acts originating from a bygone era, all performed with a modern twist. When the curtain rises, you’ll be whisked back to yesteryear when entertainment giants like Laurel and Hardy, Burns and Allen, Abbott and Costello, the Three Stooges and the Marx Brothers pulled laughs from your heart and made all the troubles of the world disappear. Come enjoy our take on the art forms that led to the creation of our beloved Broadway American Musicals. www.bridgelandhstheatre.org/tickets

Let’s Talk Babies Online : LSC-CyFair Library Tuesdays • 1-2pm - ONLINE Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers, join our discussion group about taking care of babies, newborn to 2 years old. Tuesdays 1-2pm at cyflib.info/talkbabies. Rachel.Evans@lonestar.edu

Fairfield Women’s Club Monthly Meeting

Lone Star College and Harris County Are Helping GET YOU BACK TO WORK

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 • 7-9pm Tuesday, February 16, 2021 • 7-9pm https://fairfieldwomensclub.org

FREE training for in-demand careers for those impacted by COVID-19. TIME IS LIMITED! Lonestar.edu/CE

10 January | February 2021

Tips For Getting Your Home Ready For Spring and Selling Season By Cindy Boutwell, Boutwell Properties

1. Make a master list of maintenance items that you know need to be addressed. (That broken doorbell or hole in the ceiling). Walk your home’s exterior; look for faded paint, rotted wood, missing caulk, mildew, dirty spots and high soil.

2. Are your bushes or trees in need of a trim? If they are touching your home, for sure trim them.

3. Check your gutters and roof for debris, and remove.

4. Power wash or clean pool decking, patio, and walkway if black and dingy. 5. Verify all doors and windows open easily.

6. Clear any obstructions to furnace, HVAC, hot water heater and electric panel. 7. Have your HVAC serviced.

8. Your HVAC unit: Are the lines going into your home sealed up? Seal them to help prevent rodents from entering. 9. Replace batteries for your smoke detectors.

10. Check toilets and faucets for water leaks and that they are secure and not loose. Check for proper draining for bath faucets.

11. Your front door: Clean with soap and water. If it is a stained door, refresh with a product like Formsby’s. Paint, if faded (Check with your HOA, if needed).

12. Clean oﬀ your front porch/entry. Remove bugs, spider webs, and leaves. 13. Are your light ﬁxtures faded? Paint or replace them. Make sure all lights are bright. 14. Update your welcome mat.

15. Check lights to make sure all bulbs are the same color.

16. Check each room for paint touch-ups and caulk cracks, as needed.

17. All rooms: Pull blinds up, dust oﬀ, wipe down window sills. Clean windows if needed. 18. Check baseboards for dust/dirt/grime.

19. Wipe smudges oﬀ of light switch plates. (Replace broken and missing plates).

20. Does your furniture placement make sense for selling?

21. Wipe oﬀ decor and pictures.

22. Remove items from the front of your fridge and any food items on top of your fridge. 23. Declutter your pantry and cupboards. It’s okay to throw away all those plastic lids that don’t ﬁt anything. Organize your canned goods, turning the cans to face the pantry door. Keep what you are willing to pack.

24. Primary bedroom: If your bedding is 5+ years old or you are still using your bedding from college, replace it.

25. Primary closet: Color coordinate your clothes. Trust us on this one! Pick up a few colorful bins or baskets and store loose items in these. 26. Primary bath: Scrub it! Clean oﬀ your counters. Only have items on your counter that would be in a model home. Put toothbrushes, make-up, etc., away in a cubby.

27. Run hot water in primary bath tub if not used often. If you have a jetted tub, run it, as you may need to add bleach to the water. 28. Organize your linen closet, color coordinate your towels, and fold your extra bed linens neatly. Put medication in sealed containers. 29. Secondary bedrooms: straighten up and declutter. Donate old or unwanted items.

30. Clean and wipe down cabinets, baseboards, and ceiling fans.

31. Check the smell of your home. Do you have pets? Ask a friend if your home smells. If yes, consider having ﬂoors professionally cleaned by a recommended cleaning company. 32. Garage: Remove cobwebs and sweep out. Get rid of old paint cans. Purge items not used.

33. Backyard: Check fence pickets. If in good shape but older, consider power washing to freshen up. Replace broken pickets, secure loose ones. Get rid of ant beds.

34. Consider adding lights or sitting area.

35. Update your curb appeal with fresh mulch, plant some seasonal ﬂowers.

36. If you have a pool, check for leaks around your equipment. Make sure your pool is blue.

PinPointe Magazine

Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity

The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT

Smashes Fundraising Goal for Cy-Fair Helping Hands

t was a community of food enthusiasts, coming together on social media to share favorite recipes, give restaurant reviews, and provide an avenue for food related self-promotion on Work It Wednesdays. Enter Admin Metta Archilla-Ishida, who not only lives and breathes anything food-related, but is also a talented chef and entrepreneur, food blogger/ photographer, and is married to Chef Elias. With a heart for “food, fellowship and community,” Metta, together with BFF Nick Rama, (Nick’s Local Eats), jumped in to assist Cy-Fair Helping Hands in serving the homeless and hungry in Cy-Fair. “We were so proud of our 1st Annual Bash Out Hunger initiative in 2018. We held a peanut butter and jelly drive and collected 800 pounds of food and $700 in donations! Last year’s event was much bigger; we were able to fill Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ pantry shelves with more than 4,200 pounds of nonperishables and around $4,000 in donations,” shares Archilla gleefully. Fast forward to 2020. Led by the lady herself, Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity’s Executive Committee, (Lisa Johnson, Nancy Eugenio, Keri Holloway, Vannessa Henley, Ashley Clarabut, and Nick Rama), developed a plan which would ultimately involve 42 restaurants, local artesian shops and a cast of

12 January | February 2021

businesses in a collaborative effort to better serve the community. Each participating restaurant and food-related enterprise selected an item or two from their menu, and set a donation amount for each item sold during the months of October through December. “A big shout out to our supportive community of Cypress area patrons, along with participating restaurants and vendors of culinary treats and their generous sponsors. In October, you helped Metta's Local Eats Dine Out for Charity 4th Quarter 2020 Event raise over $7,500 for Cy-Fair Helping Hands. The November numbers came in at over $9,000…that’s over $16,800 in the first two months, comments Metta, happily. “What a wonderful way to ring in the holiday season.” At the time of this deadline, final totals for December had not been tabulated, but if the first two months are any indication, the final numbers should more than double the original goal of $10,000. “In these very difficult times, food and funds for our Homeless Initiatives and Community Outreach programs are crucial,” reports Patricia Hudson, Executive Director of Community Outreach, Cy-Fair Helping Hands. “We are so very grateful for MLE and this giving community!” “Checks will be presented at Cy-Fair Helping Hands on Thursday, January 14, 2021. We’ve already booked a Hill Country weekend retreat to plan our next quarter MLE Dine Out for Charity event; it kicks off in April,” grins Metta.

By Patricia Hudson Participating Restaurants and Artesians 1101 Southern Kitchen

2 Guys 1 Pit Adriatic Café Italian Grill Alchemy Bake Lab Ambriza Boardwalk Cypress Ambriza Mexican Kitchen Vintage Andy’s Kitchen Cypress The Backyard Grill Brooks’ Place, LLC Cake Fine Pastry Captain Brad’s Coastal Kitchen Center Court Pizza & Brew Vintage Park Charlie D’s Pizza CookieGram Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory Creekwood Grill Cupcake Cowgirls Bakery Dinner Winners Duck n’ Bao, Giannina’s Pizza & Catering Hanan’s Café Jersey Bagels The Kaffe Spot Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee & Bakery Nyam Nyam Café Pho Houston Copperfield Plum Coffee Shop Rita’s Cantina Mexican Kitchen Rockwell Grill Sizzle & Brew Suzybeez Bakery Tacoland Mex Mex Union Kitchen Boardwalk Towne Lake Union Kitchen Katy Vival Restaurant Yokohamaya Japanese Restaurant Business Sponsors: Lisa Benoit, Abby Realty (Graphics) Cindy Boutwell, Boutwell Properties Energy Capital Credit Union Craig Hoffman Righteous Cause Band Scott Realty Group David Canale, State Farm

Houston Food Bank Food in the Pandemic

Editor’s Note: These following excerpts were taken from an article written by Marene Gustin, Contributing Writer for Intown Magazine, our sister publication; “Catching Up with Houston Food Bank’s Brian Greene” and “Feeding the Hungry During the Pandemic”. COVID-19 has played havoc with the economy, but that has caused Houston Food Bank’s business to go up, but that’s rather a sad thing when you’re in the business of feeding the hungry.

“I was really nervous at the beginning of it,” says Houston Food Bank President and CEO Brian Greene, “because the energy crisis was already hitting Houston hard. But then Houstonians really stepped up.” But nothing in his past (food bank experience) could compare to the last year.

“At the peak in May,” Greene recalls, “ we we re s e r v i n g 1 4 0 , 0 0 0 households a day. Back then, the distributions ended when we ran out of food and that was one million pounds of food. By December, it slowed some, 800,000 pounds a day, and we managed to get to everyone in line.” In November, the Houston Food Bank served 103,000 households per week, compared to 74,000 for the same month in 2019. And while the economy improved a little at the end of last year, Greene expects the need for food to remain higher than normal through most of 2021. “Until the economy recovers there will be a significant food need through most of the year,” he says. “And my biggest concern is getting food in the new year.”

While monetary donations were up during the height of the pandemic, some food donations were lower. “At the beginning we wouldn’t get any donations from grocery stores, because they stopped having surplus,” he says. “Due to panic buying, their shelves were empty.” But with so many restaurants shut down, farmers and ranchers had food to spare. Because of the Trump administration’s trade wars, there was nowhere to sell the food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a plan to aid farmers during the pandemic by buying their food and donating it to food banks. “But they’ve cut that spending by 50 percent,” Greene says. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with that program this year.”

PinPointe Magazine

EJI’S

The Best of Cy-Fair

Culinary Catering & Food Truck

P L AC E S TO E AT By Patricia Hudson

any of our most treasured memories are centered around the family kitchen. For Eji’s Culinary owners, Dustin and Gina Reed, this is exactly how their love of cooking evolved. Dustin's grandmothers, Emma Joy and Irene, were the namesakes for Eji's Culinary. Through Grandma Emma Joy's holiday meals and Grandma Irene's Sunday fried chicken, Dustin saw, firsthand, how important a role food plays in family gatherings. Dustin attended the Le Cordon Bleu Program at Scottsdale Culinary Institute. He worked in hotels and restaurants in Austin, and the Hill Country, before moving to Houston, and among other culinary experiences, joining Sodexo, and becoming the Executive Chef at NASA/Johnson Space Center. Gina’s upbringing in an Italian family mirrored the importance of food, family, and friends. “I will never forget our Sunday dinners at my Grandma Sedita’s house every week. Those were the best times! No one left hungry, there was always plenty of spaghetti and meatballs, roast, chicken stew, cookies, cakes and pies… The day was filled with eating, talking, laughing and playing with cousins. My best memories are of Gina & Dustin those times!” Gina’s Reed culinary history includes more than 20 years in Arizona and Texas with Marriott International, the JW Marriott Galleria, before signing on with Sodexo as Catering Manager at ConocoPhillips. These experiences in food and beverage and event planning proved invaluable in Photo by forming Eji’s Culinary. Patricia Hudson 14 January | February 2021

“We focus on fresh, local ingredients that we procure from local farms and vendors within a 250-mile radius. While we are not ‘niche food’ oriented, we are a traveling bistro/café, with attention on bringing the best, freshest hand/scratch made food with a hint of trend and foundation of the classics to our customers. Fresh, local Texas ingredients with an international flair,” comments, Gina. Eji’s offers catering services for corporate events, business luncheons, weddings, and receptions, as well as intimate get-togethers with family and friends. “We can customize a menu to fit your tastes,” assures Dustin. A private dinner catering for a couple and their small group of friends included a menu of Chipotle Salmon Cake with Arugula, Avocado and Suno Mono Salad, Balsamic Braised Lamb Shank with Goat Cheese Scallion Mash, Haricot Vert, and Flourless Dark Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Coulis and Crème Chantilly. Ahi Tuna

Eji's Culinary's catering company added a mobile food unit mid-year, and is permitted in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties. “Our food truck business has been Eji’s Burger

coming along very well. Our catering business, without the trailer, has dropped off quite a bit. We’re hoping that with the new vaccines coming out, it will return once again,” shares Gina. The food truck is available for Cypress/CyFair community events, and has found success in multiple bookings at Bearded Fox Brewing Company and Mancuso HarleyDavidson Crossroads.

Honey Adobo Chicken Tacos

My first experience with Eji’s Culinary was at a grand opening, where their gazpacho “shooters” with shrimp garnish wowed the guests. An early fall visit in the Cypress Creek Lakes community provided an up close and personal tour of their new food truck and an opportunity to sample some of their upscale menu. At Dustin’s suggestion, I ordered the wild caught Togarashi Yellowfin Runs BLT, homemade potato chips, and a blueberry lemon bread pudding with a citrus glaze. On second thought, I added an orange cranberry with citrus glaze, triple chocolate with chocolate glaze, and pumpkin with pumpkin spice glaze bread puddings to my order. I cannot begin to tell you how amazingly mouthwatering that Tuna was! I LOVE seafood, so when I tell you that this sandwich ranks in my top five all-time favorites, know that

it was amazing! The chips were crisp and so tasty. I selfishly chose to scarf down the blueberry lemon bread pudding before guardedly offering the others to my husband and son. While not usually fans of bread pudding, they were complimentary of each flavor-filled morsel. A new Eji’s menu was introduced in November. Chicken Fried Shrimp, Wild Caught Yellowfin Togarashi Tuna, and Honey Adobo Chicken Tacos are served with Pico Slaw, Roasted Corn, Sriracha Lime Aioli, Flour Tortilla, and House Chips. Looking for a distinctive flavor profile? Texas Akaushi Steak Milanese Sliders with Panko Crusted Akaushi Beef, Caramelized Onion, Bacon Jalapeno Jam, Pure Luck Goat Cheese, Farm Fresh Fried Egg, Spring Mix, Challah and House Chips should do the trick! Go to www.ejisculinary.com for their complete menu. Eji’s Culinary Gina Reed, Marketing/Owner • Dustin Reed, Chef/Owner 713-423-7976 • info@ejisculinary.com

For more restaurant reviews visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.

PinPointe Magazine

2 0 2 0 I S F I N A L LY O V E R S O . . .

I think we all can agree that 2020 was a complete curveball. I can't even describe the wave of different emotions that I have felt in one day, which turned into weeks, and now, almost an entire year. It has been stressful, devastating, exhausting, lonely, divisive, and did I mention exhausting?

One thing that stands out to me during all of this madness, is how important community is. Your actual neighbors, those in close proximity to you, in real life, in the flesh, people that are around you (NOT an online community forum). It is times like this, where we realize how connected or disconnected we are from those who live so close to us. We tend to gravitate towards "safe spaces" online where we can connect with like minded people who share our views/morals/ideals, and then know nothing about the family that lives across the street. Instead of looking around asking what the community is doing for you, what are YOU doing to make your community better?

We have to stop holding on to the things that keep us divided, angry, and out for ourselves. We need to realize that life is better when we work together.

16 January | February 2021

My favorite neighborhood that I have ever lived in, was great not because we had the best amenities, or the most landscaping, or biggest house we have owned. The community that my family all remembers fondly had amazing neighbors. People that I could text and literally run next door to borrow an egg or a cup sugar. Yes, I did bake at least 2 times in the 6 years that we lived there. It was the late nights laughing in the cul de sac, or the crawfish boils, halloween parties, and there may have even been an animal skull being

boiled in the driveway that the kids still talk about. Our neighborhood was great, because of the people. We made an effort to get to know people as they moved in, and were able to share our successes and even our struggles. Great people make great neighborhoods.

WE are each responsible for the impact that we have in our small corner of the world, and quite frankly, we NEED each other. I encourage you as we go into this new year, to think about ways that you can make your neighborhoods and communities better.

How can I serve my community in 2021? 1. Introduce yourself to a neighbor you haven't met yet. Exchange numbers so you both can text if there are any issues.

2. Bring a plastic bag on your walks and pick up any random trash you might come across.

3. Communicate. If there is an issue, address it with the person directly, don't run to online forums to shame.

4. Make a point to connect with people, don't just drive in and close your garage door. Wave, say hello, smile, spread good energy people!!

I am hoping that 2021 brings joy, peace, healing, and comfort to those who dealt with heavy loss this year, and I encourage us all to make an effort to be better to each other in 2021.

PinPointe Magazine

18 January | February 2021

A Tribute To

Bailey

Canine Corner

By Patricia Hudson

back on the amount of dog food she was receiving, and added a halfcan of no salt green beans, twice daily. While she did get down to a svelte 90 pounds, Bailey supplemented her diet with acorns, hibiscus flowers, and her favored delicacy, grubs. It was always apparent when she had something forbidden in her mouth; she would drop her head guiltily and avoid eye contact. Just recently, we pried a ripe jalapeno from her jaws. When Sean, our only child, prepared to go off to college, Sophia, the yorkie poo, joined our family. Wary at first, 9-pound Sophia soon learned that her big sister was a gentle giant; they would lay sideby-side by the pool, and at times, could be found sleeping together in Bailey’s crate. Her protector, Bailey would run interference for Sophie at the dog park. Bailey was a constant source of comfort for me, silently sharing my sadness when Sean was away. On his return home, or even if Robert and I had been away for just a moment, she would greet us excitedly, retrieving a favored toy for a game of tug-of-war. She was undoubtedly the sweetest, most intuitive, most intelligent dog we had ever owned. My only lament was that wherever Bailey went, tufts of white fur were sure to follow.

ubba’s Beautiful Bailey, a lively three-month old yellow lab, came into our lives when Sean, our 11-year old son, chose her to join our family. By the size of her massive paws, we knew that she was not destined to be a petite pup. When she used one of the wooden pillars and the garage door trim as teething rings, husband Robert was none too pleased. “She’s just a puppy,” I offered, “She’ll grow out of it.” She did, but not before eating Sean’s retainer, an SD card, and her new bedding. True to her breed, Bailey was an excellent retriever, chasing, but not quite catching squirrels, and proudly offering up an array of bird parts, lizards, and yes, once even a still wiggling rat. To Sean’s delight, Bailey proved an excellent swimmer and never failed to join him for a dip. Their favorite game was running circles around the outdoor kitchen before launching themselves into the pool. Sean would dive in, with Bailey following closely behind. She became a celebrity after a dog food company caught Sean’s internet video and negotiated a deal to include them in an ad. In recent years, Bailey would take an occasional swim, but more often than not, she would either cool off by walking around the not-yet hot tub, or dipping her head and rubbing her back along the rocks of the beach entry. When finished, she would bask in the sun’s rays as she surveyed her backyard kingdom. Bailey liked to eat. At her heftiest, she weighed in at 114 pounds. At our vet’s advice, we cut

The Covid-19 pandemic found Robert working from home. To ensure that Bailey got some exercise, he began taking Bailey for short walks. Her joy at this new activity was evident, as she would wait for him to return from the golf course or from working out in the evenings, anxious to sniff out the new and exciting smells of the neighborhood. The last time she took that walk, Robert took her off lead a few houses down from home, and I called her to come. She ran with abandon, tongue out to the side, loping to me like the young dog she used to be. Her labored breathing Thanksgiving eve sent us to Animal ER. Her pulse was unintelligible, her heart rate weak. Dr.Mehanni did his best to explain to us what was happening to our sweet girl. A massive build-up of fluid around her heart was inhibiting her breathing. We made the tearful decision to leave her for the night, praying that draining the fluid would help, and asked for diagnostic testing to determine what was causing the fluid. Thanksgiving morning, Dr. Jennifer Hennessey gently explained that the fluid around Bailey’s heart had returned and that she had massive heart issues not detected in her annual checkup; there were cancerous tumors surrounding her heart and spleen. We took turns saying our goodbyes. First Sean, Sophia and I. When Robert came in, Bailey’s breathing had become more labored, so we knew it was time. Robert and I were with her when she drew her last breath. Our hearts are broken. We will miss you, girl. PinPointe Magazine

CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS Bridgeland Football Ends a Strong Season at 6A Regional Semifinals In the Class 6A Division II playoff bracket, Bridgeland defeated Spring Dekaney, 47-44, in quadruple overtime on Dec. 17 at Cy-Fair FCU Stadium. The Bears advanced to the Region II semifinals where they will faced Rockwall Heath on Saturday, Dec. 26 at Baylor University’s McLane Stadium. Bridgeland turned the ball over four times, resulting in 28 Rockwall-Heath points and an early deficit the Bears could not overcome. The result was a 48-24 victory for Rockwall-Heath in a Class 6A-Division II Region II semifinal playoff game at Baylor’s McLane Stadium. Bridgeland, playing in only its third varsity season, ends the year at 12-1 while Rockwall-Heath advances to play Cedar Hill in the region final next week.

CFISd Student-Athletes Earn THSCA Academic All-State Honors One hundred forty-nine CFISD athletes in cross country, football and volleyball earned Academic All-State honors and accolades for the 20202021 school year from the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), with Bridgeland High School senior Randy Smith (cross country), Cy-Fair High School senior Sidharth Shyamkumar (cross country) and Jersey Village High School senior Sami Farooqui (football) attaining Elite recognition. Twenty-nine students across nine high school earned first-team honors. Partnering with the Texas Army National Guard, THSCA recognizes students who earn all-state honors while excelling in the following categories: gradepoint average, class rank and ACT/SAT scores. Honorees then earn Elite, first-team, second-team or honorable mention honors based on their scores and averages. The following students earned THSCA Academic All-State honors:

ELITE

SECOnd TEAM

BRIdGELAnd H.S. Cross Country Randy Smith

BRIdGELAnd H.S. Cross Country Edward Berning Enrique Gonzalez Kaleb Funderburk Ryan Wilbanks Venkata Yalamanchili Football Jett Booker Ethan Hajdik Conner Motsinger David Cartwright Colby Long Luke Brooks John Lembeke

CYPRESS RAnCH H.S. Cross Country Lexie Burk Noah Tan Football Blane Channel Jensen Wester Robin Neely Volleyball Elyssa Escobar Karlee Eaton Ava Martinolli

FIRST TEAM BRIdGELAnd H.S. Cross Country Ethan Conville Everett Owens Jacob Grosch Jorge Cantu Volleyball Jessica Frannea Isabel Serralde Bella Griffin

20 January | February 2021

Dylan Goffney pulls away from a Spring Dekaney defender on the way to the endzone for the game-winning touchdown for the Bears. Photo courtesy: CFISD News

Bridgeland Runners Qualify for Cross Country State Championships The Bridgeland boys’ cross country team and senior Athena Reyna qualified for the UIL Cross Country State Championships at the Region II-6A Cross Country Championships on Nov. 10 at Jesse Owens Memorial Complex in Dallas. For the first time in program history, the Bridgeland boys placed third at regionals with an overall score of 103 with senior Randy Smith finishing eighth overall (15:38.66). Senior Jacob Grosch followed Smith with a 16th-place finish (15:55.91). Also running for the Bears were senior Ethan Conville (29th, 16:14.24), sophomore Noah Willows (38th, 16:23.90), junior Alex Chambliss (40th, 16:25.97), junior Reid Smith (47th, 16:36.94) and senior Jorge Cantu (58th, 16:54.48). “I am extremely proud of each and every one of the young men who have worked incredibly hard and fought through this unprecedented difficult time, kept the goal in mind and were able to make history by being the first boys cross country team in Bridgeland’s history to qualify for the state championships,” said Kevin Waters, Bridgeland boys’ cross country head coach. “From the moment that we opened the doors four years ago we have worked diligently and tirelessly to become one of the best programs in the state and by qualifying, we have taken a giant leap in reaching that goal.” Bridgeland runner Athena Reyna was the only female runner from CFISD to qualify for the UIL Cross Country State Championships finishing 20th overall (19:03.49). The UIL Cross Country State Championships was held Nov. 23-24 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Randy Smith placed 10th overall (15:39.64).

CFISd Athletes Choose Colleges during Early Signing Period

Tripp Cromer of Bridgeland, with parents, after signing letter of intent to Hill College (photo by Michelle Padilla)

More than 40 CFISD athletes joined many others across the country in signing letters of intent to participate in collegiate athletics during the early signing period, which started Nov. 11. For Division I football, the early period ran December 16-18. “It is gratifying to see so many CFISD athletes fulfill a lifelong dream by signing National Letters of Intent,” said Ray Zepeda, CFISD director of athletics. “We are proud of the students, coaches and programs in regard to their accomplishments on and off the field. To be considered for an athletic scholarship, athletes must meet stringent academic requirements as well as be great athletes. It is the utmost privilege to have the ability to see the athletes in CFISD grow up and compete in our activities. We celebrate with our students and their families and wish our them the best of luck as they continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.”

Carson Dearing of Cy-Ranch, with family, after signing letter of intent to Angelina College (photo by Brittney Koblenz)

The following athletes from Bridgeland and Cy-Ranch signed or plan to sign during the early signing period: BRIdGELAnd HIGH SCHOOL Football Dylan Goffney: Southern Methodist University Bryce McMorris: Southern Methodist University Baseball Tripp Cromer: Hill College Josh Phillips: North Central Texas College. Girls’ Soccer Rebecca Grady: MO University of Science & Tech. Natalie Mason: University of Mary Hardin - Baylor Softball Kylee Gibson: University of Houston Lindsey Polleschultz: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Brodie Quinlan: Sam Houston State University Jaelyn Simmons: University of St. Thomas Avery Wagner: Cornell University Boys’ Swimming Jackson Dement: University of Alabama Girls’ Swimming Allie Thome: University of Arkansas Boys’ Track and Field/Cross Country Randy Smith: University of Alabama Volleyball Emily Adams: University of Louisiana at Monroe Jessica Frannea: Northeastern University Emerson Sykes: University of St. Thomas CYPRESS RAnCH HIGH SCHOOL Football Romario Noel: Baylor University Benjamin Postma: Georgia Institute of Technology Baseball Carson Dearing: Angelina College Weston Williams: Hesston College Colby Wilson: Newman University Cole Clepper: Cisco College Girls’ Soccer Aaliyah Bluett: Oregon State University Jordan Porter: Louisiana Tech University

Softball Camryn Carmouche: Stanford University Volleyball Kailey Friedrich: University of Louisiana at Monroe Maddy Villarreal: University of Louisiana at Monroe Ty Shannon: LeTourneau University Wrestling Jude Camacho: Bellarmine University

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Pelican Migration Delights Fairﬁeld Community Photo by Mike Matassa

By Patricia Hudson “We walk around Silver Lake and Lake Point almost every day and the pelicans have been coming to Fairfield every year at Christmas for the past three years. Last year, there were approximately 120 and this year, I’ve counted 185. They are such magnificent birds to watch whether flying in and looking like a big jet, or feeding and looking like synchronized swimming. It is fascinating that they can turn their beaks around, tuck it under their wings and take a nap. God’s majesty!”

Photo by Donna Ganster

-Donna Ganster, on the annual pelican migration through Fairfield Donna Ganster and her husband, Alan, have been living in the Fairfield community for six years. Their daughter, Allison Faterkowski, husband Jason, and grandkids, Landon and Emerson, live several streets over. Mike Matassa and his wife, Tammy, residents of Fairfield since 2018, love to see the wildlife that populates the Fairfield lakes, but are particularly enamored of the pelicans. “It was December 2019, shortly after we started driving to the “Twin Ponds” off of Cumberland Ridge Drive, that we first saw a large number of pelicans congregated there. I’ve taken quite a few photos of the other birds and the occasional turtle at the Fairfield lakes. There were so many pelicans gathered and they seemed so much more majestic than I’d ever imagined. As a Louisiana native, I don’t recall ever seeing a pelican, the Louisiana state bird, in my first 21 years of life, in Louisiana! “My wife and I had started regular bicycling in June, and often ride over to the Twin Ponds. It was on a ride on December 9, that we first saw the pelicans again. We took a number of pictures with our cell phones, but I had to return with my “real” camera and a telephoto lens. We did so on the following day’s ride, and I snapped quite a few pictures with my Sony DSLR and an old Minolta 200mm lens.”

Photo by Mike Matassa

-Mike Matassa, on the winter migration of the pelicans

Photo by Mike Matassa

Photo by Donna Ganster

22 January | February 2021

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