Cypress, TX May 2019

MAY 2019

CypressLifestylePubs.com

The Women’s Issue TOP WOMEN LEADERS SHARE LIFE LESSONS

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

CYPRESS VETERINARIAN BRAVES ALASKAN WILDERNESS

HOME-GROWN CARE

With over 65 years of leadership and experience in pediatrics, people come to us from around the world for lifesaving treatments and expertise. Others don’t even have to leave their block. With locations across Houston and Texas Children’s Specialty Care Cy-Fair right in your neck of the woods, you’ll find the right care at the right time – in the right place. For more information or to schedule an appointment online in specialties such as Otolaryngology, Sports Medicine and Urology, visit texaschildrens.org/cyfair.

Specialty Care © 2019 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. WC_083932_19

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2019 PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

Here’s to the Special Women in our Lives!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Peggy Garner, Erica Hernandez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Chavira, Erica Hernandez, Josh Olalde

SPRING HAS SPRUNG, FLOWERS ARE IN BLOOM AND IT’S TIME TO MAKE PLANS FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS AHEAD. But first, we celebrate the amazing women of Cypress! In this issue, we spotlight an artist, author, philanthropist, veterinarian and small business owners who contribute so much to our community.

In our feature story, five prominent ladies offer their insights to life and advice on perseverance in the face of adversity. Each of the women represents different ages, passions and reasons for what they do, but all have an impressive work ethic that helped them be successful.

Speaking of impressive, Cypress veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Hennessey volunteered her services for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, an annual long-distance race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Contestants, called mushers, and their team of 14 dogs race through difficult terrain to be the first to cross the finish line. The race is a test of endurance for both the mushers and their dogs because teams may encounter sub-zero temperatures, gale-force winds and white-out conditions.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

In keeping with the "Ladies" theme, we spotlight a women-owned hangout

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

called the Hidden Cellar, a local bar with an inviting vibe that is (thankfully) close

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

to home. The stonework and decor are upscale yet cozy, and you'll enjoy live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

May also means Mother’s Day, high school graduation and Memorial Day. We want to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, congratulations to all the grads and offer a special thanks to all of our veterans past and present, along with their families, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude beyond compare.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

And to you, our readers, thank you for your support and input over the last 10 months! This is YOUR magazine, and we strive to bring you stories that are meaningful and relevant. I encourage you to reach out by emailing me at peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com with your thoughts and ideas.

I hope to see you around town!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON

Peggy Garner, Publisher

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

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Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cypress Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cypress areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cypress Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

C us t o m J e w e l r y w A p p ra i s a l s w In -H o us e R e p a i r s Wa t ch R e p a i r s w J e w e l r y Insura n c e w F i na n ci ng Ava i lab l e www.haddadjewelers.com

Happy Mother ’s Day! 13 0 V I N TA G E PAR K B LV D, S T E E , H O U S T O N w 8 3 2 • 5 5 9 • 15 6 1 w S ALE S @ H AD D ADJ E W E LE R S . C O M

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2019 FEATURES 14 Discover the Ultimate Family Vacation at Palmetto Bluff Experience Luxury and Southern Charm at its Best

20 Inspirational Women of Cypress Life Lessons and Advice from Leading Businesswomen and Artists

26 Local Veterinarian Treats Alaska’s Toughest Sled Dogs at Iconic Winter Race Dr. Jennifer Hennessy Braves Icy Alaskan Wilderness to Volunteer at Iditarod

20 26

30 The Hidden Cellar Wine Bar Offers Worldly Wines, Relaxing Atmosphere Local Wine Bar Offers Flavorful Selection of Wine and Beer

14

30

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Travel Destination

26 Giving Back 30 Hops & Vine 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

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May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

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GOOD TIMES

Annual Superintendent’s Fun Run and Festival 2019 Nearly 6,000 CFISD staff, students, community members and business partners attended the sixth annual Superintendent’s Fun Run and Festival on March 2. The event raised a record $110,000 for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation. Sponsor and vendor booths, food trucks, bounce houses and student performances made the day even more special for all event guests.

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1.

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Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce Awards Businesses of the Year The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce awarded its Ambassador of the Year and Business of the Year winners in the nonprofit, small, medium and large categories at a special monthly luncheon at the Berry Center Feb. 19.

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1. Aire Serv, Small Business of the Year | 2. Backyard Gill, Large Business of the Year | 3. Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Nonprofit of the Year | 4. Montessori Preschools, Medium Business of the Year

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AROUND TOWN

BOOTS & SUITS GALA JUNE 1 The third annual Boots & Suits Gala presented

by Halford Busby benefitting Boots for Troops will be held June 1 at The Woodlands Resort from 6:30–11:30 p.m. The event will include the Miss Boots for Troops Combat Boot Runway Show and Auction featuring five gorgeous ladies modeling combat boots. Each pair of combat boots has a very personal story attached, which will be shared as the ladies walk the runway. The boots will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The winners will get them in a specially made shadow box featuring the story behind the boots which they can display in their home or office to help the story live on.

EVOLUTION FITNESS & WELLNESS CELEBRATES THREE YEARS IN BUSINESS Evolution Fitness & Wellness’ owners Jackie and Jason Bachmeier celebrated the third anniversary of

CYPRESS WOODS STUDENT EARNS PRESTIGIOUS SPEECH AND DEBATE ACCOLADES

the only gym in Cy-Fair focused on functional longev-

Cypress Woods High School junior Angela

ity specifically targeting the 50-plus population. Jackie

Zhong recently earned two national honors, as she

is a certified functional-aging specialist who is dedi-

was named among six finalists for the National Speech

cated to increasing her clients’ quality of life through

& Debate Association Exemplary Student Service

movement. She says being a certain age doesn’t have

Award and was selected to the 12-member USA

to mean slowing down and living with chronic illness

Debate Development Team. Nominated by Cypress

and disease. The well-rounded program addresses

Woods debate and world geography teacher Jacob

six areas of functional ability: musculoskeletal, cardio-

Koshak, Angela was selected as a finalist from more

respiratory, balance, mobility, neuromuscular, as well

than 120,000 student members in NSDA, the national

as cognitive and emotional balance. EFW.fit

honor society for speech and debate participation. The

CFISD ATHLETES NAMED TO BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONS’ ALL-STATE TEAMS

award was introduced in 2017 and given to a student who serves his or her school, community, city, region or state using skills honed through speech and debate.

Led by Jersey Village HS seniors Kayleigh Truong

Angela served as a student representative in the human

and Kaylynne Truong, five CFISD basketball stand-

trafficking branch to the NewGen Peacebuilders for

outs earned all-state accolades by either the Texas

the International Rotary District 5890 Conference for

Association of Basketball Coaches or the Texas Girls

Peace and Conflict Resolution. She also helped orga-

Coaches Association. Kayleigh and Kaylynne were

nize drives for school supplies after Hurricane Harvey.

named all-state honorees by both organizations.

Also named to the TABC all-state team was Cypress Creek High School sophomore Rori Harmon.

10

BootsForTroops.org

NEW LSC-CYFAIR AND SFA PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS GIS STUDENTS

Cypress Ranch High School junior Riane Burton and

Lone Star College-CyFair has added new career

Cypress Springs High School senior Tiffany Mack

options for students interested in Geographic

who also earned TGCA all-state honors. In addition

Information Systems through a partnership

to all-state honors, nine athletes from five different

with Stephen F. Austin State University. Spatial

high schools earned TABC all-region accolades.

science is the study of spatial information describ-

They include Rori and the Truongs. On the girls’ side,

ing the Earth, its physical features and the built

all-region honors were also earned by Riane, Tiffany,

environment. Spatial technology is a part of daily

Cypress Creek High School sophomore Kyndall

life, ranging from personal Global Positioning

Hunter and Langham Creek High School senior

System navigation devices to the sophisticated

Dyani Robinson. On the boys’ side, Cypress Ranch

system for air-traffic control. SFA’s spatial science

senior Delor Johnson and Cypress Springs senior

program offers two areas of specialization for LSC-

Bonke Maring earned all-region honors.

CyFair GIS graduates who plan to participate in

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

the collaborative program: natural resources and land surveying. A third emphasis area, cultural resources, will also be available at a future date.

Within the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a faster-than-average growth in the occupational fields representing key spatial science careers. LoneStar.edu/CyFair

CY-FAIR, CYPRESS RANCH FINISH FIRST, SECOND AT PRESTIGIOUS MADRIGAL CHOIR FESTIVAL Cy-Fair High School’s Cy-Fair Singers won first place out of 38 competing ensembles and were named the 2020 honor choir at the prestigious Madrigal & Chamber Choir Festival, held March 2 in San Antonio. As the honor choir, the group will return to the festival in 2020, perform a 30-minute concert and present the top award to next year’s winner. The Cypress Ranch High School Chamber Choir was named the first runner-up. Chamber choirs from Cypress Creek, Cypress Woods and Langham Creek high schools earned “Performance of Distinction” awards.

CYPRESS WOODS STUDENT SURPRISED WITH KPRC SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP Cypress Woods High School senior Sebastian Aguirre was one of the Houston-area high school students selected to receive a KPRC Senior Scholarship, sponsored by Texas Mattress Makers.

Sebastian was nominated by Cypress Woods college and career specialist Stephanie England.

Sebastian is heavily involved in volunteering and community service, not only through his involvement with the National Honor Society and Key CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

11

AROUND TOWN

(CON TI N UED)

Welcome to

SUNSET HARBOR

at Towne Lake Club at Cypress Woods but also working alongside his mother, Erika. She attended the announcement also. Morning anchor Owen Conflenti surprised Sebastian during the senior's forensics class to present him with the scholarship.

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

ARTICLE PEGGY GARNER

EXPERIENCE LUXURY AND SOUTHERN CHARM AT ITS BEST PHOTOGRAPHY PEGGY GARNER AND COURTESY OF MONTAGE RESORTS

Discover the Ultimate

Family Vacation at Palmetto Bluff 14

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

Known for its historic significance, nature conservancy, cultural history and Southern hospitality, Palmetto Bluff and its surroundings will be a vacation you won’t soon forget.

PASSING THROUGH THE PRIVATE GATES OF PALMETTO BLUFF, YOU IMMEDIATELY FEEL RELAXED YET EXCITED ABOUT THE ADVENTURE AHEAD. The long, winding road, lined with large oak trees dripping with live Spanish moss, eventually opens up to a beautiful residential and resort community comprising 20,000 acres located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. West of Hilton Head on the mainland across the May River and just outside of Bluffton, South Carolina, this hidden gem offers an experience your whole family will enjoy. Known for its historic significance, nature conservancy, cultural history and Southern hospitality, Palmetto Bluff and its surroundings will be a vacation you won’t soon forget.

Guests can choose from accommodations that include well-appointed antebellum-style vacation homes, riverfront cottages and suites, and luxurious rooms at the beautiful Montage Palmetto Bluff hotel. The hotel was constructed to be reminiscent of a historic mansion built in 1910 by the wealthy New York banker R. T. Wilson Jr. The building, along with the surrounding property, was the winter residence for the Wilson family, one of the wealthiest families of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, until it burned down in 1926. The front steps of the Wilson mansion have been preserved on the property where they stood so long ago.

Whatever you decide, you’ll enjoy deluxe accommodations and experience the Southern charm and congeniality indicative of the deep South. And you will not be lacking things to do during your stay.

The property boasts a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at the May River Golf Club, which was planned and developed so as not to disturb the natural slopes and trees that have been a part of the land for centuries. The par-72 course includes bunkers with sand shipped from Ohio, chosen for its ability to sustain coastal weather and its angular grain which adheres to sloped surfaces.

Prefer tennis? Check out the Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club where you’ll find eight Har-Tru tennis courts, two bocce courts, an extensive pro shop and four courtside shelters where you can enjoy a post-match sweet tea or stronger libation.

If clay shooting is more your style, the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club situated on 40 acres has a 13-station course with varying difficulty; an elevated, covered five-stand station; and a wobble-deck field. You can also test your skills shooting targets with bows and arrows.

For those who love horses or just want to experience them up close, you’ll be blown away by Longfield Stables, Palmetto Bluff's equestrian facility on a 173-acre farm that stands out among some of the best equestrian facilities in the country.

And then there are the 32 miles of waterfront along the May River to discover.

Schedule a fishing expedition; try your hand at paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing; or have a picnic lunch on the river sandbars that reveal themselves at low tide.

Your trip would not be complete without enjoying the 13,000-square-foot Spa Montage that includes a relaxing outdoor pool, men’s and women’s saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge pools and whirlpools. Expect to be pampered when you choose one of the personalized beauty treatments and spa therapies offered by the professional, caring staff.

CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

(CON TI N U ED)

Of course, every adventure isn’t complete without exceptional food, and Palmetto Bluff is not lacking in possibilities. With five eateries to choose from each offering diverse menus and beautiful views, you won’t go hungry. Options include exceptionally prepared fine dining and casual fare in relaxing atmospheres featuring signature cocktails, craft beers and wine by the glass or the bottle. Oysters harvested from the May River are a specialty of the area and a treat you’ll want more than once during your stay.

Your ultimate family vacation is waiting for you at Palmetto Bluff and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. And you will want to visit again and again.

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Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

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Inspirational Women of

LIFE LESSONS AND ADVICE FROM LEADING BUSINESSWOMEN AND ARTISTS ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY JOSH OLALDE

Kimberly Colley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, The Blue Bow Foundation, Inc.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR WORK WITH THE BLUE BOW FOUNDATION? I’d have to say that what inspires me most is knowing that we’re making a real, observable difference. When I have the privilege of talking with other police spouses, officers themselves or supporters of law enforcement, I am quickly reminded that what began from my passion for wanting to help and give back to others has grown into something life-changing. Every year, I look back at our growth and am so proud of where we have come from and where we’re going; and to see and hear the positive effect we have on police families is incredibly rewarding.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG PERSON WHO WANTS TO GIVE BACK TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY? I would ask them if they are expecting anything in return.

Giving back because you genuinely want to help others is the most rewarding thing that you can do. Your true character is shown by what you do when no one is looking, and giving from a servant’s heart screams integrity.

WHAT'S ONE LIFE LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? I think the most important one is that you never know until you ask or try. So many doors would never have opened for me if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone and gone after exactly what I wanted.

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Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

Anita Bunkley AUTHOR OF Emily, The Yellow Rose and A Thousand Steps (Rinard Publishing)

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE THE KINDS OF STORIES YOU DO? I enjoy the research involved in writing historical novels and strive to portray unique periods in history from the African-American female point of view. When I come across an unusual tidbit or historical fact (or legend) that intrigues me, I feel compelled to explore it further and often wind up incorporating my findings into my novels.

WHAT'S ONE LIFE LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? Remain open to change. Nothing stays the same. It is important to go with the flow, grow with the times and be patient when unsure about how to proceed. It is better to be cautious, rather than regretful, when pausing to reflect or consider how another point of view might have allowed you to avoid a difficult situation.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG PERSON WHO WANTS TO BECOME A WRITER? Write about what you love, not what you think others want you to write. Study the craft of writing. Surround yourself with others who share your passion for the written word. Read, read, read in your chosen genre.

WHAT'S THE BEST WRITING ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? When writing a novel, start as close to the end as possible. Only take advice or constructive criticism from those who have authored, edited or agented an impressive body of work.

CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

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WORDS OF WISDOM FROM CYPRESS WOMEN WHO LEAD

Alejandra Febre FRANCHISE OWNER, School of Rock Cypress

WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED AND WHY? The best advice I have received is to never be afraid to surround myself with people who are better than me, people who will push me to become a better version of myself.

Your job as a business owner is to inspire and lead the most talented individuals you are able to find and share your vision and make your dream become their dream.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? Success is a measure of the accomplishment of our dreams, but it is also a state of mind. Things usually don't go as planned, but our ability to adapt, to improvise and to change can turn any situation into a learning experience and the outcome into a positive result regardless of our original intent. As Thomas Alva Edison said, "I did not fail; I have learned 10,000 ways it won't work." Success is always persevering.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG GIRL WHO WANTS TO LAUNCH A BUSINESS? My advice for any young girl or woman who wants to launch a business would be: take a leap of faith and do it. However, plan ahead, do your research, take calculated risks and be prepared to work really hard and never give up because there will be obstacles in the way.

WHAT'S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED SO FAR IN LIFE? The most valuable lesson I have learned in life is to never define myself by the paradigms of others. We don't have to be what others expect us to be or limit ourselves by prejudices and preconceptions. We must be brave, we must question everything, we must think outside the box, we must stand for what we believe, and we need to be the most precious thing that we can be: our own selves.

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Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

(CON TI N UED)

Eileen Jones PARTNER, BUSINESS OWNER, Aire Serv of Houston Northwest and Katy, Klaus Brewing Company

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS? I have always been entrepreneurial even from a young age. I set goals so I have a target and surround myself with positive, like-minded people.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG PERSON WHO WANTS TO LAUNCH THEIR OWN BUSINESS? Find something that you are passionate about. It is so much easier to put your heart into a business that you love and enjoy. I would recommend that they have a mentor who can guide and direct them.

WHAT'S ONE LIFE LESSON YOU'VE LEARNED? Perseverance. When faced with difficult situations, allow it to grow and strengthen you. Never give up.

WHAT'S THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? I had a wonderful business mentor that was really tough and would find any mistake. It helped me to make sure I looked at the details and fully researched everything.

Bree Wristers ARTIST/OWNER, BREE The Mural Girl

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP CREATING? The smiles I get from clients and knowing I’ve made a lasting artistic impression on another family or business.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A YOUNG GIRL WHO WANTS TO BECOME AN ARTIST? Work hard. Stay loyal. Always do exactly what you promise. Do not give up.

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS AS A BUSINESS OWNER AND ARTIST? Hard work, continuing to rework the plan and truly putting my heart into each painting as if it was the only one I had.

May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

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GIVING BACK

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Local Veterinarian Treats Alaska’s Toughest Sled Dogs at Iconic Winter Race DR. JENNIFER HENNESSY BRAVES ICY ALASKAN WILDERNESS TO VOLUNTEER AT IDITAROD IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF THE ICONIC IDITAROD DOG SLED RACE THIS MARCH, CYPRESS VETERINARIAN DR. JENNIFER HENNESSEY FOUND HERSELF WRANGLING LOOSE RACE DOGS ATOP A FROZEN LAKE DEEP IN THE ALASKAN WINTER WILDERNESS. Dr. Hennessey was part of a team of specially trained volunteer veterinarians charged with medically evaluating all race dogs who passed their checkpoint. But the dogs—wildly energetic Alaskan huskies bred for extreme racing endurance—simply couldn’t stop themselves even after their musher dismounted the sled. It took five volunteers, including Dr. Hennessey, to finally halt and reunite the dogs with their musher. For the dogs, it was all in good fun.

“It’s like playtime constantly,” says Dr. Hennessey, owner and chief veterinarian at Animal ER of Northwest Houston.

26

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

Dr. Hennessey was part of a roughly 40-person veterinarian team

the dog world. They consume more than 10,000 calories a day, run

who cared for the sled dogs along the grueling 1,000-mile Iditarod

at an average of 14 miles per hour and are known for their “colorful

trail race. The annual race runs from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska,

personality,” Dr. Hennessey says.

and took place in early March.

While her main focus was dog care, Dr. Hennessey also enjoyed

This year was Dr. Hennessey's first time as an Iditarod vet. Before

the spectacular beauty of uninhabited Alaska. She traveled to

the race, she cleared dogs for racing by doing heart and orthopedic

checkpoints mostly by helicopter or airplane, conquering her

exams. During the race, she traveled from checkpoint to checkpoint

longtime fear of flying. She saw wild moose and glimpses of the

to reach racers. She examined their legs, paws and pads. She lis-

Northern Lights. She even used the snow as a freezer for meals she

tened to their heartbeat and checked for frostbite.

brought with her from Texas.

“It’s all about ensuring that they're healthy,” she says. “Nobody wants to see them get hurt. Not the mushers. Not us.”

Iditarod sled dogs are about equivalent to the Olympic athletes of

“There’s just so much to take in,” Dr. Hennessey says. “It was a unique and special way to appreciate the state and its beauty.”

AnimalERNWH.com

CONTINUED >

May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

27

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HOPS & VINE ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY JOSH OLALDE

LOCAL WINE BAR OFFERS FLAVORFUL SELECTION OF WINE AND BEER

The Hidden Cellar Wine Bar Offers Worldly Wines, Relaxing Atmosphere FOR CYPRESS WINE AFICIONADOS AND CASUAL DRINKERS ALIKE, A TRIP TO THE HIDDEN CELLAR WINE BAR CAN EASILY BECOME A FLAVORFUL TRIP AROUND THE WORLD. With 98 worldly bottled wines, 73 wines by the glass, 24 beers and a tasty selection of shareable meals at this cozy venue, it’s a hard-to-beat ambiance for locals who don’t want to venture into the city.

“If you’re wanting to stay in close proximity to your home, then we’re it,” says Karen Babineaux, who co-owns the bar with her friend Lisa Sprague.

True to its name, The Hidden Cellar wine bar is tucked in a quiet retail strip on House & Hahl Roadjust outside of the Blackhorse Ranch subdivision.

“Many people walk in the door as strangers, but they walk out as friends,” Lisa says.

The two friends opened the bar after traveling several times to California’s renowned wine country and experiencing the culture.

30

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019

“We wanted that feel,” Lisa says. “We just could never find that feel 1 here in Cypress that we could find in California.”

And so, in 2013, The Hidden Cellar was born. Today, the bar’s decor and laid-back vibe echo that of a Napa Valley tasting room.

Its dark wood floors, black bar tables and eye-catching interior stone archway create a relaxing atmosphere to unwind with friends. The 21-and-up establishment hosts live local musicians on Friday and Saturday evenings. Networking groups sometimes gather here for meetups, and the venue offers the space for private events such as baby or bridal showers. For the budget-savvy wine lover who wants to try new blends, the bar even offers half-priced opened-bottle wines by the glass starting at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for anyone to come out and try something new and be adventurous,” Karen says.

16518 House & Hahl Road, Cypress, 281.304.2940, HiddenCellarCypress.com May 2019 | Cypress Lifestyle

31

MAY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

4

in support of Houston firefighters.

BOYS AND GIRLS COUNTRY SPRING FESTIVAL

golf and more. Proceeds benefit the

Shotgun start is a 9 a.m. A $150 entry fee gets you breakfast, lunch, Houston

Firefighters’

Protection

20 ALZHEIMER'S GOLF TOURNAMENT Raveneaux Country Club

Boys and Girls Country, Hockley

Fund

financial

Village Green Alzheimer's Care and

Enjoy a day of games, crafts, giant

assistance to firefighters or their

Raveneaux Country Club are hosting

inflatables, music, a silent auction and

family members who have been

a golf tournament with more than

classic carnival food at this year’s fes-

hospitalized, affected by a natu-

$50,000 in prizes. Proceeds benefit

tival. Help support the children who

ral disaster or other emergencies.

the Alzheimer's Association. Come

depend on Boys and Girls Country for a

HoustonFireHotSpot.com

out to hole 17 for your chance to win a

which

provides

safe place to live. Admission and parking are free. All-day children’s activity passes are $20 or $5 (under 5). Snacks and meals are available for purchase.

BoysAndGirlsCountry.org

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2019 Cadillac XT4 sport utility vehicle

15 D-DAY AND THE EUROPEAN THEATER’S SECOND FRONT LSC-CYFAIR

In honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, military historian Keith

HOPE BEYOND BRIDGES GOLF FOR HOPE

Altavilla looks at the strategic decision-making that led to the develop-

courtesy of Tom Peacock Cadillac.

Sponsorships are available for as low as $150. TomballChamber.org

23 – JUN 30 "SHARED SOCIETY" ART EXHIBITION

Lone Star College Cy-Fair Bosque Gallery

Augusta Pines Golf Club

ment of Operation Overlord and the

Enjoy this art exhibition by Cyfair High

Join us for a day on the green benefiting

allied landings at Normandy on June

School students from May 23 – June

Hope Beyond Bridges, a Christian non-

6, 1944. LoneStar.edu/CyFair

30. Awards will be given on May 23

profit focused on helping the Houstonarea homeless. Cost is $125 per golfer.

Tee-off is at 1:30 p.m. Lunch, driving range and a silent auction begin at 11:30 a.m. HopeBeyondBridges.org

following a reception from 4 –7 p.m.

17 – JUN 9 HARVEY BY MARY CHASE Stageworks Theatre

LoneStar.edu/BosqueGallery

29 – JUN 1 CY-FAIR ISD HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS

8

Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize-winning

SOUL FOOD AND AFRICANAMERICAN CULTURE

strange best friend: a 6-foot-3 1/2-

Hats off to all our local high school

inch invisible rabbit named Harvey.

graduates who will cross the stage

StageWorksHouston.org

starting this month. Commencement

play is the story of Elwood P. Dowd,

Indigo

a polite and friendly man with a very

Restaurateur and chef Jonathan Rhodes of Indigo restaurant prepares his unique versions of AfricanAmerican

dishes

and

discusses

how they reflect culture, politics and history. LoneStar.edu/CyFair

Berry Center

ceremonies begin Wednesday, May 29

19

and last until June 1. Visit CFISD.net for exact times.

THE BLUE BOW FOUNDATION THIRD ANNUAL CRAWFISH BOIL Bareback Bar & Icehouse

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Get your napkins and bibs handy.

15TH ANNUAL HOUSTON FIREFIGHTERS CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC

enjoying a hearty crawfish meal and

We are always accepting sub-

live entertainment. Tickets are $20

missions for events you'd like to

for entry, crawfish plate and sides.

see included in our Calendar sec-

Support your local law officers while

Cornhole tournament is $10 for a

tion. Submissions are accepted

Pine Forest Country Club

two-person team. Raffle tickets are

via

Join us for a four-player scramble

$10. Kids are welcome. BlueBow.org

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33

LOCAL’S CHOICE

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas EDITOR’S PICKS FOR THAT SPECIAL MOM IN YOUR LIFE

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

1. Filter Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art | Minted.com | Price varies depending on size | 2. Handwriting Bracelet | Etsy.com | $37 | 3. Personalized Family and State Art | UncommonGoods.com | $55 | 4. Fern & Ever Necklaces Gift Set | KendraScott.com | $95 | 5. Master Class Gift Card | MasterClass.com |$180 | 6. Tile Pro | TheTileApp.com | $35 | 7. A Wine Subscription | Winc.com | Price varies | 8. Slate Cheese Board | WorldMarket.com | $15 | 9. Adjustable Bamboo Tub Tray | Amazon.com | $40 34

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2019