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Contents ON THE COVER: Valerie Vallot & Doug Simon Mt. Squamish, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park British Columbia, Canada

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

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6

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Unlikely Couple Lives Life to the Fullest

19 Cypress Belles

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Celebrating a Rite of Passage

20 Cypress School News

10 What’s Going On in Cypress

24 Mr. Mustang Pageant

12 Best of Cypress: Jaxton’s Bistro

26 Food Network Star Opens Beer Garden

14 Pinpointe Interview: Jeff Luhnow

29 Cypress Students Place at HLS&R Arts Program

16 Goat Yoga Texas

30 Cypress Elementary Family Events

18 BIG Celebrates Year of the Dog

31 9th Annual Towne Lake Car Show

PinPointe Magazine

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Valerie Vallot and Doug Simon

RESIDENT PROFILE

Unlikely Couple Lives Life to the Fullest

By Patricia Hudson

“She provides that interior soul in my life, the happiness when it’s needed, and puts the glee into my eyes when the rainbow has gone away.”

– Doug Simon

I

f ever two people seemed unlikely to become a couple, one might say that Valerie Vallot and Doug Simon would fit that bill. Despite a nearly 20-year age difference, these Fairfield residents will celebrate 20 years of life together this fall.

A native Houstonian, Valerie was born and raised in Northwest Houston.

Doug was raised on an Indian reservation in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. “I am a member of the Ojibway tribe, recognized as Chippewa in white man’s terms. Being full-blooded is my heritage. When I lived

6 March | April 2018

on the reservation, everything was given to me. The best advice my dad ever gave me was ‘If you want to become somebody, you need to leave the reservation.’ I took the plunge, sold everything, and drove to Houston on July 4th, just three months before the

Oil Boom. I became an ironworker, and built the skyscrapers downtown.”

Valerie is well educated; she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and an Associates in Applied Sciences in Paralegal Studies. Doug has a high school diploma, or its Canadian equivalent. Valerie is a Paralegal with an oil and gas services company, while Doug is an owner-operator of an 18-wheeler. How did this pair ever get together?

“Doug and I met at Memorial Park, where we

competed throughout Texas, in Las Vegas, the Washington Marine Corps, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.

“Doug has run over 250 marathons, qualifying twice for the Boston Marathon, and has tackled St. George, a 6,000- foot elevation, straight down for 26.2 miles,” notes Valerie proudly.

both used to hang out after the ‘Thursday Night Group Run,’ explains Valerie. “I cannot lie; she looked very good in shorts,” says Doug, grinning. “After a few months, Doug finally asked me out. I did a background check; it’s my nature! When his record came back clean, I finally agreed.

We went to an Aeros’ game.

After the evening, he asked if I would like to go out again. I said yes, without hesitation, but wanted to dictate the second date.

We ended up ice skating at the Aerodrome. Struggling to stay on my skates, he was skating backwards and doing stunts. How was it that he was so good on ice skates? ‘Chief,’ as he is known, plays ice hockey,” shares Valerie.

Doug will be 65 in October; Valerie turns 46 in April. Has there ever been a problem with the age difference? “To me, it was for a month or so,” admits Doug, “but as I am strong mentally, and my competitiveness drives me, age has never been a factor with us.”

Valerie and Doug share a love of running marathons, and have

Taking delight in epicurean experiences, they readily share them on social media. “As far as restaurants, I like places that have unique culinary experiences, whether it be atmosphere or food.

I rarely decide to go to a place based on price. If they have something interesting, I don’t mind paying. I think Cypress is a hidden gem – there are some really great places here! I get excited when I hear of a new restaurant opening. I always hope that it’s a private business, as opposed to a chain,” says Valerie.

When it comes to their own kitchen, “Doug is by far the better cook; anything meat related is his specialty. I have two ice cream machines and started experimenting with making ice cream from scratch, then I moved into experimenting with ‘boozy’ ice cream. I had a couple of friends sample it. They love it, and tell me that I need to open up a boozy ice cream bar. Right now, I like to make it for friends.”

while traveling. “We have met so many kind people who have been the best sources of information in the ‘where to go and what to do’ wherever we visited. Our favorite vacation spot is Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, hands down,” exclaims Valerie. “It is a

Memories most dear are made PinPointe Magazine

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beautiful city to get lost in: great scenery, great food, super nice people and lots to do, as far as entertainment!”

His chiseled features and distinct knee-length ponytail neatly captured in multiple rubber bands, “Chief” is piqued by those that cite a 1/16 blood relative, attempting to identify with him.

“120 years ago, white people wanted to wipe us off the face of the earth. Now, they want to be part of us!” Doug has neither Canadian nor American citizenship. “I would have to renounce my Indian heritage.” The John Jay Treaty of 1794 allows him to use his native status to travel from Canada, throughout the United States and into Mexico, but since 911, he must carry a passport.

Felines Zamboni, 6, and Scrat, 17, round out the Vallot-Simon household. Zamboni is a diluted

8 March | April 2018

calico, born with three legs and a partial right front paw. “Scrat is named after the character in Ice Age; they have the same personality,” comments Valerie.

Spend some time with Valerie and Doug, and all doubts of their unique relationship melt away.

Saddened that he was on the road on February 14, Doug sent Valerie this message: “She provides that interior soul in my life, the happiness when it’s needed, and puts the glee into my eyes when the rainbow has gone away. You know her as Val, but to me, I know her as the WOMAN and she is my VALENTINE.”

Celebrating a Rite of Passage Story & Photos

by Patricia Hudson

The Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young girl's coming into womanhood on her 15th birthday is known as a QuinceaĂąera. A joyful event, her "fifteenth" includes a celebration of religious customs, family virtues and social responsibility, and a party with family and friends.

Resplendent in her QuinceaĂąera finery, this lovely young woman chose to mark her special day with a photo shoot on the Towne Lake Boardwalk, a popular destination for celebrations.

Accompanying her are her Chambelanes, Escorts of Honor, and friends.

PinPointe Magazine

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W H AT ’ S G O I N G O N

in Cypress

IMPORTANT DATES Primary Election- State, Local and National March 6, 2018

CFISD Student/Staff Holiday March 12 - March 16, 2018 & March 30, 2018

Having a Wonderful Time, Wish You were Her Playhouse 1960

Lone Star College Business Success Seminars: Presentation Skills Training

March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 8:00pm • March 18 3:00pm 6814 Gant Road #116 • Houston, TX 77066 281-587-8243 • www.ph1960.com

Karyn Friesen - Communications Professor, LSC-Montgomery March 21, 2018 • 8:00am - 9:15am Lone Star College: Cy-Fair Library • LRNC Room 131 9191 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 LoneStar.edu/library/business-seminars It's not just what you say that matters, but how you say it. Keep your audience on the edge of their seats using innovative presentation techniques. Free, Information-packed seminar designed to help you build your successful business. No Registration required!

Bridgeland Community Friday Night Bites Second Friday of every month Friday, March 9 & Friday, April 13, 2018 6:00pm - 10:00pm • Lakeland Village Center 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX 77433 Grab your lawn chairs, blankets and sample some great food truck fare!

Ault Elementary Spring Fling Rotary Foundation Casino Night

Friday, March 23, 2018 • 21010 Maple Village Dr, Cypress, TX 77433

Saturday, March 17, 2018 benefitting CyFair Nonprofit organizations Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 11507 Huffmeister Road

CFISD Superintendent’s Fun Run and Festival Saturday, March 24, 2018 Registration begins in January for event, Underwritten by Memorial Hermann Cypress.

Check cfisd.net for more details

Cars & Que 9th Annual BBQ Cook-Off & Car Show Saturday, March 24, 2018 • 11:00am Oak Meadow Park - Bridgeland • Cypress, TX 77433

Fairfield Women’s Club Garage Sale Saturday, April 7, 2018 • 7:00am - 2:00pm Visit website for Garage Sale Map Twice a year Fairfield Women's Club hosts a community garage sale to raise funds for all our schools, the Fairfield Volunteer Fire Department, the Fairfield Constable Precinct and several community events. The cost to each participating resident is $25.

Register at fairfieldwomensclub.org

Winefair Cy-Fair April 21, 2018 • Cypress Village Station Hwy 290 @ Skinner • winecyfair.com

Cy-Fair ISD Career Fair

10 March | April 2018

April 26, 2018 • 4:40-6:30 Berry Center 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. Cypress, TX 77433

11th Annual Nature Fest

Cypress Senior (50+) Tripsters Bus Trips

April 28, 2018 • 10:00am - 5:00pm Oak Meadow Park - Bridgeland • Cypress, TX 77433 See www.bridgeland.com for updated information

Wednesday, March 7, 2018: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

CFISD Substance Abuse Programs March 20, 2018 6:00pm Recognizing & Treating Substance Abuse Joel Smith, Executive Director of Lifeway International

Instructional Support Center • Board Room 10300 Jones Road • Houston, TX 77065 March 27, 2018 • 6:00pm TBA-Colleen Olfers, LCDC, Program Coordinator for Right Step Berry Center • Eagles Combo Room 8877 Barker Cypress • Cypress, TX 77433

Cost of the trip is $5.00 plus the cost of your lunch. Bus loads at 8:45am and leaves promptly at 9:00am, returning around 4:00pm.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018: Yellowstone Paddlewheel Cruise Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the beautiful San Bernard River where we will learn about the history of the river and the Paddle-wheel. Followed by lunch at Dido’s Restaurant. Cost is $29 per person plus the cost of lunch.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018: The Houston Museum of Natural Science We will see Knights, a special exhibit showing the exquisite craftsmanship of the objects used by the Knights. Additional exhibits included. Followed by lunch at the Downtown Aquarium. Cost of the trip is $17.50, which includes entry to the museum. Lunch is not included. We will depart promptly at 8:00am Be there no later than 7:45am. We should be back around 4:00pm.

April 17, 2018 • 6:00pm Technology Addiction

All trips depart from the Fairfield Baptist Church, located at 27240 Highway 290. Please park along the property line near the storage facility only. To reserve your seat, email: lorilynn@pdq.net Phone: 281-395-1385 Payment due upon signup. No Refunds.

Make checks payable to: Lori Skadowski 16906 Thomas Ridge Ln., Cypress, TX 77433.

Crystal Collier, PhD, Director of The Choices Program & Prevention Research for The Council on Recovery

Free Computer Classes at Lone Star College-CyFair

Instructional Support Center • Board Room 10300 Jones Road • Houston, TX 77065 April 24, 2018 • 6:00pm How to Identify if My Teen is Addicted Marcia Baker, PhD, Woodlands Behavioral Health & Wellness Ctr

9191 Barker Cypress • Cypress, TX 77433 No registration required. Classes in Word, Excel & Powerpoint .

All classes will take place in a computer lab, but you are free to bring your own computer as well. For more information, please visit www.lonestar.edu/library/15212.htm

Berry Center • Eagles Combo Room 8877 Barker Cypress • Cypress, TX 77433

PinPointe Magazine

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Boardwalk at Towne Lake Restaurateur Shares Vision for Fine Dining, Family Casual at

The Best of Cypress P L A C E S T O E AT Story & Photos by Patricia Hudson

JAXTON’S BISTRO If the Boardwalk at Town Lake is the crowning glory of the Caldwell planned community, Jaxton’s Bistro is one of its jewels. Opened just 22 months ago, 29-year-old Jason Howard has made his mark on fine dining in Cypress.

“I’m half French by nationality. I spent nine years with my mentor, Tony Vallone; I knew as much or more about Italian cooking than I knew about French. I combined my background and created an American restaurant with a French and Italian twist, explains Howard. “I didn’t want to give a preconceived notion by choosing a name that was super French or Italian. I remembered having that same struggle when we were trying to name Jax, my first born, and only son. Ultimately, we decided on Jaxton’s. It was significant. The restaurant industry is tough. It is easier if you are passionate about what you are doing. Having his name on the doors, the building, on the menu, everywhere I looked, would be a great reminder of that passion and why I started this business.”

12 March | April 2018

Jason Howard, Owner of Jaxton’s Bistro

Jason didn’t plan to open his own establishment. Starting at Tony’s at 19, he worked his way up through the ranks, from host to manager and Maître d’. “I learned everything that I could from my mentor, and had planned to grow with him, but it was all about this location. I don’t know if I would have opened this restaurant if it wasn’t for the excitement that I had around the Boardwalk,” shares Jason.

From a consumer standpoint, and spoiled by the fine dining experience at Tony’s, Howard realized that there was nothing comparable in the suburbs where he and wife, Sarah lived. “I would commute to town to work, and if we decided to go out, I’d pick up my wife, and we’d head back downtown,” relates Jason.

“Passing the Boardwalk signs d a i l y, my entrepreneurial spirit took over. Fred Caldwell saw something in me; we clicked.

We kind of had the same vision for the restaurant and the Boardwalk. I am grateful that he is gave me this

opportunity to do this,” shares Howard.

“There are some people who come here who perceive us to be a steakhouse. They want to come here, wear a sports coat and heels, order a steak, a $100 bottle of wine, a threecourse meal. Our steaks sell like crazy.

On the other hand, we’ve balanced the menu with items that aren’t quite so fancy. In my opinion, we have the best pizzas around. On Wednesdays, we have half-priced pizzas and wine. I love that our customers trust us enough to come for their special occasions, their date nights, but that they’re comfortable enough with us to relax and come for casual family nights.”

Cypress Area Eats Foodie, Metta Archilla, is a fan. “Jaxton’s is a creative, trendy and contemporary eatery that serves good food. I've never walked away hungry and it's perfect for date night, just hanging out with the whole family or chilling with friends. Jaxton's is always cooking up something new and works tirelessly to improve the customer's overall dining experience.”

Courtney Johnson Chumley agrees. “It feels like you are dining at a classy marina restaurant that happens to be in your own backyard. The menu has price points for every budget. They have an owner who is willing to listen to constructive criticism and make changes to keep loyal customers happy, and new ones coming. Love the crab bruschetta, the burrata caprese salad, chicken cordon bleu!”

Jason Howard’s personal meal selection reflects a cultured palate; “I

like wine paired dinners. I might start the night off with our Poblano soup, followed by a filet mignon Oscar style, a Bearnaise sauce with jumbo lump crab. I’d have a side of risotto or truffle mac and cheese, and afterwards, an original cream style, fluffy beignet, served with three dipping sauces: truffle honey, coffee cream sauce, and a Ghirardelli white chocolate sauce,” he says with a smile.

Despite his youthful age, Howard explains his mature outlook, “Two things made me grow up fast; I settled down really young. I married my Cy Falls High School sweetheart, Sarah.

We’ve been together since I was 15 years old. At Tony’s, I was the youngest among grown men. You learn you are either going to grow up, or you will get pushed out. It was not just Mr. Vallone’s expectations, but also the fact that I fell in love with the business. I decided that this is what I

Frequent customers, Shauna and Jason Barron, our Towne Lake featured couple, have a pizza named after them: The Barron.

wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

What does the future hold for Jaxton’s Bistro? “We definitely have plans for expansion. I can’t give you details, but it is already underway.”

Jaxton’s Bistro 9955 Barker Cypress Suite 104 Cypress, TX 77433 (832) 653-2297 jaxtonsbistro.com

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Pinpointe Interview:

Jeff Luhnow

SPORTS ON POINTE

by M.A. Haines

W

hen the Houston Astros raised the World Series trophy in 2017, it was the first baseball title by any Texas team (One more thing we can hang over our northern neighbors from the Big D). There may be plenty of credit to go around, but none more deserving than the entrepreneur turned baseball’s preeminent general manager, Jeff Luhnow. To say that he is an analytics guy is an understatement; he is reinventing the term. Jeff Luhnow is now a pioneer among baseball operatives. Not only have they done it through trades and the draft, Luhnow and the Astros have navigated the waters of free agency, international signings and the complicated Rule V draft to bring Houston possibly the first of many titles. Our sister publication, Intown, caught up with the undaunted General Manager as spring training was getting underway.

Photos © Houston Astros

Repeating as World Champs in baseball is no easy undertaking. As defending champs, what expectations do you have for 2018?

Nobody has repeated since the Yankees almost twenty years ago, and since that time, almost every team has made the playoffs… so it is very hard to do. The Phillies, Rangers and Royals all made it back to the World Series in consecutive years since the Yankees won three in a row, but nobody has repeated.

When a team wins, they face obstacles that perhaps are more challenging than the year they won. Every team gears up to play last year’s champion.

14 March | April 2018

Schedules become tougher with more televised night games and tough travel routes. We know we have our work cut out for us to repeat, but the good news is that we are the only team that can do it right now, and we are focused and doing our best to minimize the distractions.

You acquired a front of the rotation starter for the upcoming season and gave up a lot. What about that trade and any other new players we might see on this year's roster?

As our owner Jim Crane likes to say… it’s all about the pitching. We acquired Gerrit Cole to make a very good rotation even better. We gave up some very good young players, but that is the cost of getting a top of the rotation starter for two years, and we hope it pays off for us.

We also signed Joe Smith and Hector Rondon to add to an already strong bullpen. Our focus this off-season was to continue to build the best pitching staff we could to compliment the best offense

in the league last year, (and) that is mostly returning this year. The strategy is to score runs, lots of them, and prevent runs with good defense and pitching. Easier said than done, but we have the players to do it.

Who are some of the young players you will be looking at in camp, and do they have a chance to make the big league roster?

Derek Fisher has a chance to be a regular or a role player this year and he is a top talent; he runs well, can play defense well, and he can hit, and hit for power. Francis Martes can be a force out of the bullpen or rotation, depending upon the opportunity.

Rogelio Armenteros could be a factor this summer after a terrific year last year. Max Stassi could be a regular player for us behind the dish. Those are just a few as our system is still deep.

In what particular areas are the Astros looking to improve?

Our moves suggest we want to improve our pitching staff and take it to an elite level. I think we can do that. Overall, we need to stay focused and overcome the challenges that we know are ahead. It will take mental toughness and discipline. This team won 112 games last year, so it’s hard to improve too much from there!

Was there one thing that happened last year that you believe turned the tables from the Astros contending, to winning it all?

Bringing in Justin Verlander for September, and the post season was big for us. August was our toughest month, but by September, our players were healthy and we had added Justin. That helped us win it all.

Charlie Morton and Mike Fiers were a few players last season who really

filled a void. Do you see some up and comers on the current roster or in the minors that may make a big jump and possibly contribute to a new World Series title?

Morton and Fiers were critical to the summer and fall. We will have some heroes step up this year, and I don’t know who it will be, but it’s fun to think about that question. I think any of the young players we talked about, (Fisher, Martes, Armenteros, and Stassi), could play a crucial role.

Many others could too.

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Cypress Area Yoga Enthusiasts Welcome

GOAT YOGA TEXAS

By Minnie Payne Photo Credits: Patricia Hudson

promoting goat yoga and had seen it before, but had not really looked into it, thinking that it was sort of silly.

Becoming discouraged about driving a great distance to teach regular yoga, she started her first unofficial goat yoga class in Cypress in August 2017.

Kimberly Brooke, owner/instructor of Cypress’ new Goat Yoga Texas, teaches weekend goat yoga classes at Murdoch’s Backyard Pub, Cypress, after earning her yoga certification in 2012 and teaching regular classes of yoga in the far corners of Houston.

Brooke relates that she was getting requests from friends about

“I saw the change that goes over people,” she relates. “Stressed shoulders disappeared by the time class was over, everyone gave a big sigh, and tension was gone.

Interaction with the goats brings smiles to participants’ faces, and there is nothing that can be faked. In September 2017, Goat Yoga Texas came online, and we did our first official class.”

She and her husband, whom she met and married in 2013, acquired their goats with the intention of starting goat yoga classes. They moved to Magnolia and first got chickens for fresh eggs. They now have on their Micro Farm 18 goats, 40 chickens, two dogs, and one cat.

have somewhat Texas outlaw scene names.

Brooke teaches traditional yoga that concentrates on holding poses and breathing deep. It is geared for all levels – beginners to those participating in yoga for years and years. “I like to tell people to do what is comfortable. If you are a novice and want to try new things – great. If you just want to play with the goats – great. The class is whatever members want it to be.”

Tickets for weekend classes at the permanent location, Murdoch’s Backyard Pub, a local burger place in Cypress, are $29. “My ‘babies’ live with me in our backyard, and we load them onto a trailer which is hooked up to our Jeep and drive

The Brookes are in the process of bringing up a second goat generation. One goat, Heidi, just gave birth to a baby boy.

The original 10 goats

16 March | April 2018

1st row (from left): Sharon Mosmeyer, Haley Jackson, Rita Goebel, Heather Belen, Nancy Padilla, Kekoa Padilla, Dana Faulk, Dena Arosell • 2nd row: Mikayla Ward (Wrangler), Tanya Padilla, Kimberly Brooke, Tuya Batzorig, Chrissy Ward, Tina Davis

them to the pub. We like to refer to it as the goat chariot. They [goats] have plenty of water and hay in the trailer. Sometimes my husband helps, and sometimes I transport them alone. I do have at least one helper, usually a local young woman who belongs to the FFA. She is called a wrangler and assists if a baby goat gets stuck on the back of a participant while I’m teaching.”

Fees for different events such as private parties, wedding events, etc. vary according to the particular event. Brooke comments that she has the availability to do small or large classes, depending on the location and the number of participants. She also shares that sometimes a private event can seem intimidating, so she has started doing individual home visits with baby goats.

“We pack up three or four baby goats for an hour and just have a good time. You just want to go up to it [goat] and pet it. They are amazing little creatures.”

Classes can be conducted within a two or three hour radius around Houston. “We have gone south of the NRG Stadium.”

Kimberly Brooke, Owner/Instructor Goat Yoga Texas (w) 281-732-7833 | (c) 281-813-5202 howdy@GoatYogaTX.com www.GoatYogaTX.com

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Bridgeland International Group Celebrates Year of the Dog Submitted by Kevin Kaira, Bridgeland International Group The Bridgeland International Group, (BIG), ushered in the Year of the Dog and celebrated Lunar New Year last month. Guests played games to explore the Chinese zodiac, Lunar New Year trivia, and viewed Chinese artifacts. The event was spearheaded by residents Andra Yanchenko and Veronica Magali Iruzun, who share a common interest in exploring new cultures. Andra mentioned, "We not only wanted to celebrate Chinese culture, but as this is the year of the dog, we wanted to raise awareness about the value of our four-legged friends."

The Bridgeland International Group is a HOA-sponsored organization with over 130 members, and strives to create an environment that allows Bridgeland residents to share their cultural heritage with each other. Bridgeland International Group co-founder Satish Kalra said, "People from all over the world live in Bridgeland, from China, Russia, Iran and India and many other countries. BIG provides an opportunity to build relationships and engage our multicultural community.� Past events have highlighted Persia, Central Asia, India, Korea, France, and Italy.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/globalbridgeland.

18 March | April 2018

Cypress Belles

By Patricia Hudson

Graduating Class Presented at Formal Event

The 2018 Cypress Belles Senior Class, as pictured are: Front Row, Left to Right: Lauryn Davis, Reagan Waligura, Sabita Taylor, Caroline Hoehner, Delaney Anderson, Whitney Foreman, Mary Banks, Katie Patrick, Janna Skinner, Rachel Horne Back Row, Left to Right: Alicia Piper, Jamie Sahlberg, Savannah Griffin, Megan Gibson, Lyndsay Dow, Aubrey Parks, Braedyn Boston, Sarah Williams, Katie Hogan, Sydney Janner, Julianna Vecchio, Julia Williams, Alison Pinkerton, Rylie Wilson Photo Credit: Margaret Chapman Photography

T

wenty-four young women representing the Cypress Belles Chapter of the National Charity League senior class were recently recognized at a formal event held at the Omni Westside. The Cypress Belles graduating class of 2018 was presented by their families and honored for their contributions to their chapter and their communities.

National Charity League, NCL, is a motherdaughter service organization which focuses on community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. The Cypress Belles chapter of NCL is comprised of girls from Cypress Ranch, Langham Creek, Cypress Woods, Cypress Falls, Cypress Christian Academy and the Awty International School.

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Cypress School News Cypress Ranch Classics Winter Ball 2018 - February 3, 2018 held at Noah's Event Venue Katy, Texas.

Senior Classics pictured below with their escorts are: left to right - Seth Gunderson, Natalie Epperson, Matt McClure, Ally Buckley, Adam Herrera, Natalie Crowninshield, Aaron Thevenote, Kiley Evans, Logan Compton, Maggie Lucas, Matt Irwin, Allison Monacelli, Chris Castro, Mia Soto, Calum Main and Nikki Hy.

UIL State Swimming and Diving Meet Feb. 16-17 at the Texas Swim Center in Austin.

Bridgeland High School freshman Allie Thome was the only CFISD swimmer to medal. Thomas placed third in the Class 5A 500 freestyle with a time of 5:00.70.

CFISD Top Ten Female Finisher: Bridgeland freshman Allie Thome – fifth place, Class 5A 200 freestyle (1:52.48).

CFISD Top Ten Male Finisher: Bridgeland freshman Jackson Dement – eighth place, Class 5A 500 freestyle (4:43.95).

20 March | April 2018

Bridgeland Band & Color Guard Members of the Bridgeland Band received 53 superior ratings on Solos, and 48 superior medals for Ensemble members at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.

In their first ever competition, the Bridgeland Color Guard took 1st place at the Morton Ranch Show last month.

Cy-Ranch Band & Color Guard Congratulations to Cy Ranch band members, Alicia Piper and Seth Coleman. They were selected as members of the Texas All-State Band.

Cypress Ranch Color guard took 3rd place at the Morton Ranch Show and at the Jersey Village competition, with their program, XOXO.

Left: Seth Coleman, Right: Alicia Piper

CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale The 24th annual CFISD Livestock Show Association Show and Sale was held last month at the CFISD Exhibition Center, 11206 Telge Road. The Premium Sale, the live auction, unofficially raised nearly $340,000. Final results from the Freezer Sale, animals not placing high enough for the live auction, and additional gifts to the students were not available at press time.

Approximately 800 student exhibitors from all CFISD high schools and almost 900 student projects and animals were exhibited and judged. Cypress Ranch student, Caleb Abercrombie, was named Livestock Royalty Representative Show King.

GRAND CHAMPIONS

Cypress Ranch High School Students

Cypress Ranch High School Students

Breeding Rabbits: Jessica Green

Goat: Cierra Cadena Joe Myers Ford- $10,000

Goat: Hunter Castellese Joe Myers Ford- $8,500

Goat Showmanship: Emily Dennison Heifer: Brooke Blackshear

Steer: Brooke Blackshear Jarrar & Co- $20,000

Heifer Showmanship: Brooke Blackshear

Steer Showmanship: Brooke Blackshear

RESERVE CHAMPIONS

Swine: Taylor Bielamowicz Joe Myers Ford- $8,500

Bridgeland High School Student Left: Hunter Castellese, Cypress Ranch senior Right: Ilyn Bielamowicz, Cypress Ranch junior

Rabbit: Shaelyn Marlborough John Fox Chamber Herd- $3,500

National Merit Scholars, Hispanic Scholars Named Gavin, Samuel Haygood, Sathwik Iyer, Manish Koleti, A total of 27 CFISD students who were confirmed as semifinalists in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program were honored at a National Merit recognition program at the Berry Center on Feb. 5.

Commended and National Hispanic scholars were also recognized.

National Merit Semifinalists from Cypress Ranch High School are: Carissa Kumar, Thomas Seaver and Andrew Wang. Cypress Ranch High School had 21 National Merit Commended students: Nafisa Ahmed, Grant Deyoe, Collin Elliott, Kiley Evans, Luca Freitas, Madison

Dongwon Lim, Enzo Mesarick, Alexander O’Connor, Michael Ostrowski, Sarah Philip, Jacob Rodenbeck, Paul Roy, Andres Serina, Sargun Singh, Steven Wang, Emily Yang and Karen Yuan.

The National Hispanic Recognition Program provides national recognition of the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors and identifies them for postsecondary institutions.

Six Cypress Ranch High School students were named Hispanic Scholars: Antonio Delgado, Luca Freitas, Elizabeth Hail, Andres Serina, Mia Soto and Riley Zepeda.

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Cy-Ranch Athletes Sign Letters of Intent More than 80 CFISD athletes signed letters of intent to play collegiate athletics for colleges and universities on National Signing Day, Feb. 7.

The following Cypress Ranch High School students signed letters of intent: Madison Guidry, audio/visual - Stephen F. Austin University Adrian Stover, baseball - East Texas Baptist University Matthew West, football - Southern Nazarene University Myles McDowell, football - Stephen F. Austin University Ryan Fields, football - Grambling State University Shemar Bartholomew, football Northwestern State University Hayley Halliday, soccer - McNeese State University; Vanelly Aguirre, soccer - Delta State University Braxton Marion, swimming - Harvard University

22 March | April 2018

Warner Scholarship Opportunity for Cypress Ranch Seniors Seniors at Cy Ranch that attended Warner Elementary are eligible to apply for the Warner Student Council/PTO Scholarship.

Deadline to apply is April 27th. Applications are available in the Counselors office at CyRanch, or email Angela Bowen at angela.bowen@cfisd.net.

CFISD Writers and Artists Named Scholastic Art & Writing Award Recipients Nearly 150 CFISD students were among the 1,696 regional winners from 18 Harris County school districts in the 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, hosted by the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE).

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards provide teen artists and writers in grades 7-12 the opportunity to bring outstanding visual art and writing to a national audience by showcasing work and encouraging young students’ creative journeys and career development.

Cypress students recognized with Gold Key, Silver Key and Honorable Mention include: GOLD KEY WINNERS Erika Noda (Bridgeland) Drawing and Illustration Are We in This Together, Or Not? Yasmine Adi (Cypress Ranch) Printmaking - Down Under

Jarea Fang (Cypress Ranch) Drawing and Illustration - Caroline

Emily Ellis (Salyards Middle School) Photography - Pink Flower

Rhianna Garcia (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Too Much Flower Power

Addison Kelley (Salyards Middle School) Photography Ring of Fire

Abigail Gleinser (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Oben

HONORABLE MENTION

Reilly Jerding (Cypress Ranch) Digital Art - Confused Creature Issa Legaspi (Cypress Ranch) Digital Art - Goin’ Fishin’ Michelle Mwololo (Cypress Ranch) Digital Art - The Three Fates Michelle Mwololo (Cypress Ranch) Art Portfolio - Faces to Reality Abigail Shull (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Molten Movement Anna Whetstine (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Deterioration Matthew Woods (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Mine My Frozen Empty Heart lexa Berube (Smith Middle School) Photography - The Smell Hits You First Katie Dulevitz (Smith Middle School) Photography - Figuratively and Literally

WINNERS Mackenzie Stuart (Bridgeland) Photography - Grace Madison Gavin (Cypress Ranch) Photography - Innocence Erica Ginaven (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Exposed Jayvion Harold (Cypress Ranch) Digital Art - Emiree Bruce Kelly (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Milk-Man Casey Mass (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Rinoman Sophia Olsen (Cypress Ranch) Art Portfolio - Letters of a Traveler Tabitha Yates (Cypress Ranch) Sculpture - Masker-Piece

Jessica Harkness (Cypress Ranch) Photography - Ink Issa Legaspi (Cypress Ranch) Digital Art - Good Night, Corgi Issa Legaspi (Cypress Ranch) Art Portfolio - Digital Art and Imagination Colin Vargas (Cypress Ranch) Photography - Frozen in a Moment Grace Wright (Cypress Ranch) Photography - Through the Looking Glass Katie Dulevitz (Smith Middle School) Photography - Perspective After Destruction

SILVER KEY WINNERS Chanel Deady (Bridgeland) Photography - Girl in Glasses Faith Neumann (Bridgeland) Photography - Create or Destroy Alexa Toribio (Bridgeland) Drawing and Illustration - What?

Alyssa Cassity (Cypress Ranch) Digital Art - Reflection Sara Cremer (Cypress Ranch) Photography - Spring PinPointe Magazine

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Mr. Mustang Pageant Draws Rave Results and Raises Funds for Classics and Theatre Arts Submitted by Casey Buckley “Cypress Ranch’s Mr. Mustang 2018 pageant was a huge success! This annual fundraising event was a collaboration between the Cy-Ranch Classics Drill Team and Cy-Ranch Theatre Arts.

Senior men and their escorts entertained the crowd with amazing talent, couple’s swimwear and formal wear. The house went crazy for many favorites of the evening like a ‘Beach Ball Ballet’ routine, synchronized dancing and kick lines, a piano sing-along, an ‘Equestrian’ stick horse performance and so much more!

These 50 seniors represented over 11 school clubs and put in a lot of planning and rehearsal to deliver a fun and great show. Many memories were made for all and it was definitely a highlight of their senior year.”

-Casey Buckley, Mr. Mustang 2018 Coordinator

Mr. Mustang for 2018 Grant Deyoe, Talent winner 2nd Runner-Up Jonathan Thomas, Creative Swimwear winner 2nd Runner-Up Dawson McCarthy, Formal Wear winner

24 March | April 2018

CONTESTANT Aiden Gannon Anthony Macotto Austin Reid

ESCORT Nikki Hy Madeline Gaul Macy Wagner

Brett Nesloney

Hailey Peters

Brighton Lucas

Natalie Hill

Chandler Price

Jakki Posada

Chase Collins Colin Fedor Dawson McCarthy Grant Deyoe

Alicia Piper Emma Jordan Jadyn Bell Gillian Sauer

Grant Poole

Alena Scotton

Jacob Rodenbeck

Leilani Lawton

Jonathan Thomas

Sydney Young

Jordan Austin Kyle Sanders Luca Freitas Matt McClure Morgan Simon Nicholas Spencer Nicholas Gusler Parker Lowe

Marleah Human Ally Buckley Mattie Wimberly Maggie Lucas Charlynn Hanes Megan Stevenson Kaitlyn Reist Danielle Postma

Ryan Murphy

Rylea Villarreal

Trenton Hoyt

Victoria Dang

Zachary Turman Corey Jennings

Samantha Villarreal Chloe Drake PinPointe Magazine

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Food Network Star Opens Beer Garden in Cypress

NEW BUSINESS PROFILE Story and Photos

by Patricia Hudson

ypress resident Eddie Jackson, former NFL player, Season 11 Winner of Food Network Star, food truck owner, private chef and personal trainer, has opened a new place in Cypress: The Rosehill Beer Garden. We caught up with Jackson at his three-day grand opening, and managed to ask about his newest business enterprise.

C

What motivated you to open a Beer Garden in Cypress? How did you decide on the design concept?

“I came up with the concept from my travels on food network. I did a show in Austin called "Burgers, Brew and Que," at a BBQ joint called La Barbeque. It was tucked in a parking lot with a small area for beer and two BBQ food trucks.

Since then, I've kind of played

with the idea of opening a beer garden food truck concept. I wanted a Texas rustic theme that you could enjoy being at all day. I just needed to find the right location. Having lived in Cypress for the past 5 years, I felt we needed something like this.”

What is your target audience?

“We try not to target one particular group. I feel we have something for everyone. If you’re a foodie, we have amazing food trucks, and if you’re a beer enthusiast, we have over 25 taps with a room dedicated for craft beer.”

What are the features of Rosehill Beer Garden?

“We have a dedicated craft beer room, 12 TVs, 3,000 square foot pavilion, playground, seating for over 200 people, and a stage for live music. We also feature four or more food trucks on a daily basis. We operate from 11-11pm on weekdays, and 11-2am on weekends.”

26 March | April 2018

The food trucks were apparently a great hit, but when will you be cooking, Eddie?

“I can't wait to get in my own food truck and start producing delicious eats to serve here. My newest truck will be Eddie’s Smoke House, opening very soon at Rosehill Beer Garden.”

The Rosehill Beer Garden 14540 Cypress Rosehill Rd, Cypress, TX 77429 281-213-4347 rosehillbeer.com

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832-334-4862 (GUN2) 15926 Cypress N. Houston #100 Cypress, TX 77429 We have a great selection of Firearms! Both New & Used!

Pre-Owned Cash Consignment Guns & Appraisals Smith & Wesson • Howa • Beretta • Ruger • FNH Glock • Colt • Springfield • KelTec • Benelli • Savage Sig Sauer • Remington • DPMS • Henry • Winchester Taurus • HK • Bersa • Mossberg • Rock River Weatherby • Stag • Walther • And Much More!!!

www.agroutdoors.net 28 March | April 2018

Store Hours: Tue. - Fri. 9:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm Sunday-Monday CLOSED

Cypress Art Students Named Winners in Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program Young artists from Cypress CFISD schools were winners in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Program.

Following two judging rounds of art teachers and professors, and members of the Texas Art Education Association board, the winners were selected.

Spillane Middle School eighth-grade student Alan Moon’s artwork, “The Cow in Troughs Time;” earned Best of Show in the Middle School division of the HLSR School Art Program.

Spillane Middle School seventh-grade student Celeste Moreno won a gold medal for her artwork titled “It Was a Beautiful Day.” Bridgeland High School freshman Christen Lee‘s artwork, “The Country Life Is Sew Nice,” won a gold medal in the High School division.

Bridgeland High School sophomore Alexa Toribio won a special merit artwork for her artwork titled “It’s Getting Crazy.”

Above: “The Cow in Troughs Time Below: “It Was a Beautiful Day” Bottom: “The Country Life Is Sew Nice”

Cypress Ranch High School junior Ruby He’s artwork, “The Llama,” won a gold medal in the High School division.

Cypress Ranch High School freshman Amy Hammett won a special merit award for her artwork titled “Steady.”

Above: “It’s Getting Crazy Left: “Steady” Below: “The Llama”

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Cypress Elementary Schools Find Success in Family Oriented Events

Keith Elementary Mother/Son Dance

by Patricia Hudson It has been said that time waits for no man; for those with children, this proverb rings especially true. Cypress schools have found ways for parents to spend quality time with their kids.

PTO organizations at Ault, Keith, and Swenke Elementary are using family-oriented events as a great source for fundraising.

Tickets for father/daughter and mother/son dances are at a premium, selling out long before the event. Here are some memories made in Cypress elementary schools recently.

Dominic, mom Cherese, and Simon Sanchez

Ault Elementary Father/ Daughter Dance Father Anthony Brown and daughter Bella

Swenke Elementary Father/Daughter Dance

Chad Jurica with daughters, Avery (left) and Morgan

Swenke Elementary Mother/Son Dance

Twin 1st graders Jamie and Kalie with their dad, Jimmy Campbell

Michelle Henry, Jonathan Henry II, Jaiden Henry

Heather Weiland-Redgrave and son Kale

Andy Siems with daughter, Kylie

30 March | April 2018

Lisa Siems with son, Clayton

Kim Galley and son, Rylan Galley

Rylan Galley with his friend, Mason Watson

Heritage at Towne Lake Hosts 9th Annual Car Show

Photos and Story

by Patricia Hudson

Car enthusiasts flocked to the Heritage at Towne Lake Lodge for the 9th Annual Car Show on Saturday, February 24.

Joe Incognito, founder of the event and resident of the 55+ Active Adult community, takes satisfaction in the annual car owner participation and community support. “We had 100 cars entered, food, vendors, auction items, dog rescues, and a band. Lots to enjoy!�

Raffle proceeds will be donated to local charities.

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