Cypress, TX June 2023

Leading Orthopedic Care to KEEP YOU MOVING

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we know your body is made to move. Our specialists use the latest technology, perform minimally invasive procedures and develop customized treatment plans, including physical therapy. Whether you’re getting back in shape or back to work, we have the expertise to get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.

Houston Methodist Hospital is the highest nationally ranked hospital in Texas for orthopedics.

Here’s to the Men

The value of fathers and father figures is tremendous. A role that is often understated, underappreciated, or overlooked; for better or worse, fathers are the scope through which we view our future, our world, and our Heavenly Father.

A father’s gifts of quality time, life-affirming words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children. They're the backbone of society leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

I’m thankful for my Dad, who showed me the world, and who continues to share wisdom with his children and grandchildren. I will never take for granted the exceptional man I have in my husband. He is our dedicated and selfless leader; a shining example of integrity and strength. I’m eternally grateful for the life we have built, following a more narrow path, I wouldn’t change a thing.

At Cypress Lifestyle we are sincerely thankful for the men in our lives and our community. From husbands, and fathers, to sons, nephews, friends, and colleagues; we are thankful for every one of them. We are so honored to highlight a few of the strong and influential men in the Cypress Community in this year’s Men of Distinction. Every single one of them is outstanding and I can’t wait for you to get to know them in the pages of this issue of Cypress Lifestyle.

Let your father or the father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable!

June 2023

PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Laura SanchezQuan

laura.sanchezquan@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Shannon Raske | shannon.raske@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Peggy Garner | cypress@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Cheyenne Leitch | cheyenne.leitch@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura SanchezQuan, Cheyenne Leitch, Lauren Lane

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Raske, Cheyenne Leitch, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

LAURA SANCHEZQUAN, MANAGING EDITOR @CYPRESSLIFESTYLE

Photography: Shannon Raske | Lunalux

Left to right: Robert Webre, Robert Oncken, Carlos Orozco, Daniel Arizpe & Brian Sandel.

to Creekwood Grill for hosting our photo

FACIALS

Signature MD Facial | Hydrofacial | Oxygen Facial | Skin Clearing Facial | Plasma Facial (PRP) | Chemical Peels | Microneedling

MASSAGE

Relaxation, Deep Tissue | Hot Stone | Lymphatic | Sports | Couples | Pre-Natal

BODY CONTOURING

Weight Loss Programs | Laser Lipo (Fat Removal) | EmSlim (Toning) | Cryotherapy (Fat Freezing) | Radio Frequency (Skin Tightening) | Butt Lifts | and more

INJECTABLES

B12/Fat Burners | Neourotoxins (Botox, Dysport) | Chin/Jawline Fat Removal (Kybella, PCDC) | Lip Injections (Versa) | Fillers (Voluma, Juvaderm) | PDO Threads (Non-Surgical Face Lift)

CALL FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!

Mazda’s new SUV is one classy vehicle, and not just in terms of its style, but also its substance. The CX-90 boasts impressive accolades such as ‘Largest in Class’, ‘Safest in Class’, ‘Most Horsepower in Class’, and ‘Best Mileage in Class’. This luxury SUV is roomy, with three generous rows, and features a turbocharged inline-six engine as well as a plug-in hybrid option. Experience it today at Jeff Haas Mazda. JEFF

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Approximately 8,000 CFISD staff, students, community members and business partners gathered at the Berry Center for the 10th annual Superintendent’s Fun Run. The fundraiser raised a record $210,000 for the Cy-Fair Education Foundation (CFEF) for student scholarships. See all the photos on the CFISD Facebook page under Albums. Photography by CFISD Communications

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @cypresslifestyle

8-10: A permanent outdoor art installation, “BuoyantSea,” was installed at the LSC-CyFair campus. The exhibit features a large school of vividly-colored fish swimming upstream through spherical obstacles. Student artists included Heather Silver, Sarah Silver, Patti Lozano, Vicky Suarez, Charlotte Donner and Lou Higdon seen pictured with LSC-CyFair Associate Professor of Art (Ceramics), Kelly Eggert. Photography by Daniel Herrera

Lacey's Golf Carts Opens Second Location

The newly opened second Lacey's Golf Carts is located near Grand Parkway and Franz Rd at 2533 W Grand Pkwy N Suite 105 & 106. Family-owned Lacey’s Golf Carts offers a large array of golf cart inventory options, while also specializing in custom-built golf carts, golf cart repairs on both gas and electric golf carts, as well as battery, parts, and accessories sales and installations. LaceysGolfCarts.com

Black Rifle Coffee Opens in Cypress Towne Center

Located at 25823 Hwy 290, Black Rifle Coffee Company is a veteran-founded coffee company. The Cypress location features a full espresso bar, grab-and-go menu with breakfast, sweets, and lunch options, as wells as more than fifteen different blends of coffee and a drivethru. BlackRifleCoffee.com

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Calls for More Volunteers

Cy-Fair Helping Hands is seeking more volunteers to help with various roles of service in the community to bolster and expand their outreach. Volunteers are encouraged to utilize their skills and passions to best serve the organization and its clients. Some volunteers serve on outreach teams out in the community, while others help at the center with meals and other tasks. Volunteers are also needed to help with legal or health care paperwork and internet connectivity access. CyFairHelpingHands.org

Symptoms:

Take immediate action:

• CALL 911

• GET THE PERSON INTO SHADE OR INDOORS

• REMOVE EXCESS CLOTHING

• COOL THE PERSON WITH WHATEVER MEANS AVAILABLE

Prevention:

• WEAR LOOSE-FITTING, LIGHTWEIGHT CLOTHING

• PROTECT AGAINST SUNBURN

• DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS

• TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS WITH CERTAIN MEDICATIONS

• NEVER LEAVE ANYONE IN A PARKED CAR

• TAKE IT EASY DURING THE HOTTEST PARTS OF THE DAY.

• BE CAUTIOUS IF YOU’RE AT INCREASED RISK, I.E. ELDERLY OR INFANTS

With the start of the high heat months ahead, the Cy-Fair Fire Department wants you to be aware of heatstroke, how to prevent it and recognize it.

A

Havana Bistro 555 Opens in Cypress

Owners, Carlos and Julissa Ramos, the original owners of Rice and Beans Cuban Cuisine, and Conga’s Cuban Restaurant, are now the proud owners of Havana Bistro 555 located at 28404 HWY 290 Suite #G09. Together, they created Havana Bistro 555 to maintain their love of Cuban Creole cuisine. Menu items include favorites such as Empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, fritters, as wells as cuban coffees and desserts. HavanaBistro555.com

Northwest Assistance Ministries Marks 40 Years of Service

NAM was founded in 1983 when ten interfaith congregations of Northwest Houston collaborated on assistance programs in the community. Forty years later, NAM is now a multiprogram social service agency that works to meet basic human needs by providing assistance with food, shelter, health, education, safety, and financial education through a neighbors-helping-neighbors philosophy. NAMOnline.org

Rich’s Car Wash Opens Cypress Location

Family-owned Rich’s Car Wash opens new Cypress location at 8102 Fry Rd. Boasting modern car wash services through their Express Car Wash Tunnel systems with a long standing record of dedication to customer service. Join a wash club and get free vacuums, free air fresheners, the 'Mat Wizard', and more.  RichsCarWash.com

Brooklyn Pizzeria

Offers Authentic New York Pizza

Locally owned and operated Brooklyn Pizzeria opened its ninth Houston-area location at 8020 Fry Road in Cypress. Boasting fresh ingredients directly from New York every week and authentic premium pizzas baked in brick ovens. Menu items include pizza, pasta, calzones, wings and subs as well as vegan and gluten-free options. They also have an in-house delivery team offering deliveries within six miles of the location. BKPizzeria.com

Kids Eat Free

Mention this ad for one free kids entree with the purchase of an adult entree Monday-Thursday from 11am-4pm. Not valid for tax or gratuity. One coupon per ticket. No cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Not valid on holidays or special events. Expires 6/30/23.

Complimentary Appetizer

Mention this ad for one free appetizer with the purchase of an entree Friday-Sunday from 11am-4pm. Not valid for tax or gratuity. One coupon per ticket. No cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Not valid on holidays or special events. Expires 6/30/23.

CYPRESS MEN OF DISTINCTION

INSPIRATIONAL MEN MAKING A BIG IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY

In this year’s Men of Distinction, we gathered a group of outstanding men in Cypress who are giving back, making a difference, and leaving a legacy; in their families, their businesses, and the community they serve as a whole.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON RASKE

CARLOS OROZCO

SHARE A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY ABOUT YOURSELF.

Born in California, and raised in Texas, I attended Cy-Falls High School and graduated from the University of Houston. I am passionate about helping others unlock their confidence and enjoy everything about health and fitness.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS?

My greatest personal achievement is marrying my best friend, Danielle. She has given me the greatest gift by allowing me to be myself and accepting me unconditionally. She is the greatest mom and stepmom to our three daughters. Professionally, I am honored to have been awarded Teacher of the Year in the 2021-2022 school year.

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST, AND WHY?

To this day I am still inspired by my mother. She taught me how to overcome adversity. A single mother and cancer survivor; a woman who led by example with relentless consistency.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help; don’t suffer in silence. Growing up without my biological father gave me a false sense of pride. I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. I have been blessed with positive male role models throughout my life, and I want to pass that on to the next generation.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR MANNERS RESPECT ATHLETICS?

I started MRA because I want to create a culture of students who think good sportsmanship is cool and to normalize respecting your peers and teachers. MRA focuses on teaching age-appropriate manners and etiquette to boys aged 7-12. I hope to create a generation of boys that breaks all the stereotypes of this generation.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

I’m in a very unique situation as the P.E. teacher. I can have every student in the entire school spend time in my classroom. I view every interaction with each student as an investment, an opportunity to support their growth and development.

Twitter: @CoachCarlos_21 | Facebook.com/MannersRespectAthletics  Manners.Respect.Athletics@gmail.com

P.E. TEACHER, CFISD & OWNER, MANNERS RESPECT ATHLETICS, LLC.

ROBERT ONCKEN

SHARE A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born and raised in the Houston area, I have a wonderful wife (best blind date ever) and two amazing daughters who grew up in the Cypress area. I graduated from Texas A&M University, but I’m an equal-opportunity-tuition-payer; I’ve got both a Longhorn-daughter and an Aggie-daughter who each make me immensely proud.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON LIFE?

Everyone needs help from time to time.  If you can truly help someone, do it.

WHAT IS THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?

Running a small business is every bit as rewarding…and difficult…as I imagined.  The growth and development of the employees that have worked with me through the years is what brings me the most professional satisfaction.

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST, AND WHY?

My father. He was and is the best man I’ve ever known. Whenever I wonder what I should do, he is who I think about.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

It doesn’t last forever. Take pride in what you do. And enjoy the struggle. Looking back, it’s what you’ll remember fondly.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

Honestly, just by stepping away from the office (and the phone and the computer) and getting involved.  Stepping away is the hardest thing to figure out when you’re running a business, but, when you put yourself out into the community, you will find ways to help, mentor, or give.

OnckenInsurance.com

AGENCY PRINCIPAL & OWNER, ONCKEN INSURANCE AGENCY

BRIAN SANDEL

OWNER, CREEKWOOD GRILL

SHARE A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY ABOUT YOURSELF.

Married for 33 years, my wife Alli and I have two beautiful grown daughters, and two, soon-to-be three, awesome grandkids! I have been in the hospitality industry since 1984, and in restaurants since 1990. I’ve spent time with many favorites over the years like Macaroni Grill, Pei Wei, Yard House, and Raising Cane’s before opening Creekwood Grill.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON LIFE?

No matter what situation you find yourself in, remember there is always a bigger picture than anything we can see.

WHAT IS THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?

The success of Creekwood Grill is definitely my greatest professional achievement!

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST, AND WHY?

My wife Alli is battling breast cancer right now and her attitude is amazing. She is totally trusting that God is in control and that he will find great work to do through her and her fight. She is the strongest person I know and my biggest inspiration.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN CREEKWOOD GRILL?

Growing up, from the time I was very young, I only remember my father ever having one “job.” After that, he always had his own business. Watching him work for himself his entire life inspired me to want to do the same.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

It would be difficult to say what my one favorite way to support the community would be. The intertwining of the school district, the business community, and the faith community in the greater Cypress area creates a dynamic that is simply amazing.

CreekwoodGrill.com

ROBERT WEBRE

SHARE A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY ABOUT YOURSELF.

I have lived in Houston for 30 years, but I’m Cajun at heart, born and raised in New Orleans. I’ve been married to my wife, Valerie for 29 years this year and we have four awesome children and three grandchildren.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS?

I am most proud of being a husband, father, and grandfather. As a competitor, one of my greatest accomplishments is the two bronze medals I won at the International Championship TaeKwon-Do tournaments in Seoul, South Korea in 2010 and in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2018. Professionally, I’m very proud of our martial arts school, Cypress Martial Arts and Fitness; a mainstay in the Cypress community for 20 years.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I didn’t learn this until I was in my mid-30s–when I made the shift from the corporate world to focusing on martial arts training full time–life is too short not to do what you’re passionate about. One of my favorite quotes is by Doctor Ivan Meisner, “Spend time in your fire and not in your wax.”

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

I was bullied as a child and that’s what led me to martial arts; it taught me discipline and confidence, and teaching that to my students is my biggest goal. The growth that happens as someone learns how to defend themselves empowers them in so many ways.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

I truly love teaching, training, and sharing my passion for self-defense with people. We do a lot of events for corporations throughout Houston but some of my favorites are always when we do MOPS groups, NCL groups, and Girl Scout troops in our own community.

Silverback-SelfDefense.com | SilverbackProtectionProducts.com

OWNER, SILVERBACK SELF DEFENSE

DANIEL ARIZPE

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE & PHOTOGRAPHER, APOLLO PRODUCTIONS

SHARE A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY ABOUT YOURSELF.

Native to Cy-Fair, I’m a photographer specializing in special event photography with a background in public relations and communications. I’ve enjoyed a decade of public service as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Cy-Fair Fire Department, and I’m honored to serve as a Board Member for Cy-Fair Helpings Hands, Reach Unlimited, and other local organizations.

WHAT IS THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?

As a leader of Cy-Fair Fire Department’s public relations team, one of my most rewarding experiences was guiding our communications during Winter Storm Uri, a statewide natural disaster in 2021. Our ability to effectively communicate during that crisis yielded national media recognition.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Instead of focusing only on yourself, invest in the lives of others. When you put others first, you’ll find your problems will become less significant. Enjoy the journey and live with intention, purpose, and gratitude.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE PHOTOGRAPHY PROFESSIONALLY?

I’ve always loved how a well-taken photo conveys emotions and tells a story in a way that words sometimes can’t. As my skills and confidence grew, it became evident that photography is more than just a hobby - it’s a calling. Photography is not only my passion but also my profession!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

Volunteering as a mentor to students through the CFISD Mentor Program has been the most fulfilling way of giving back to the community. My goal is to be a role model and a supporter and to encourage the students I’m honored to mentor. Twitter: @DanielArizpe  | Instagram: @Arizpephoto Facebook.com/Arizpe12

Locally owned since 1963, the Gary Greene name has been a part of the Greater Houston Metropolitan area real estate landscape and consistently provides high-quality representation and outstanding service to generations of home buyers and sellers. The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand was built upon a passion for the home. Sellers benefit from this well known brand through the exposure generated by millions of home searches on their website and the inherent trust of the iconic brand.

RUNNING AROUND THE WORLD

LOCAL BIOLOGY PROFESSOR BECOMES SEVEN CONTINENTS CLUB®️ MEMBER

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Lone Star College Biology Professor

Adam Eiler started running in his late 30s as a fitness goal. After completing a 5k, he added running a marathon to his bucket list to complete before turning 40. When he signed up for the Houston Marathon he distinctly remembers telling co-workers, friends, and family that this would be one-and-done for marathons and continued running smaller races. But after some friends returned from Ireland, Adam had the realization of how fantastic and fulfilling destination races would be. His second-ever marathon was the Athens, Greece Marathon. “My first goal was to run the Abbott World Marathon Majors (New York, Chicago, Boston, London, Berlin, Tokyo). Once I completed that goal, I had already completed three continents so I figured I was nearly halfway there,” says Adam.

Adam first learned of the Seven Continents Club®️ while running the Rio de Janeiro marathon with the tour group Marathon Tours and Travel; one of the few tour operators to organize an Antarctica marathon. It was at this point that Adam decided that the Seven Continents Club®️ would be

his next goal, with Antarctica being the last continent. His first trip was amidst the pandemic and he made it as far as Chile when the race was canceled. While some may have given up at that point, Adam persevered knowing how close he was to reaching his goal. “I feel so fortunate and grateful to have the ability to run and see the world; something I try to not take for granted,” Adam says. It was another fifteen months before Adam flew to Ushuaia, Argentina (the world’s southernmost city), took a boat across the Drake Passage (where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet), and was dropped off on King George Island to finally accomplish his goal in Antarctica. There is a multi-year waitlist for the Antarctica Marathon. It took not only dedication, drive, and persistence to press on towards his goal, but also years of planning and preparation. Achieving this goal is even more special because so few in the world have completed it; only 578 men and 305 women hold this title.

Adam shares how he anticipated Antarctica to be breathtakingly beautiful but it exceeded all of his expectations. “It is difficult to

describe all the shades of blue seen in the water, icebergs, and sky that pictures fail to capture. I felt almost as though I was the first explorer to this land since everything is so pristine.” Adam says “Our tour guides took tremendous effort to make sure we respected the environment to be conservators of the land. Our clothing was vacuumed before landings so we didn’t leave so much as a clothing fiber behind. I was unaware prior to my travel but tourists are limited to 100 people on land at any time. This again helps minimize human disruption to this fragile ecosystem.” Before teaching, Adam worked as a small-animal veterinarian in the Houston area and continues to enjoy veterinary relief work in his free time. “I won’t soon forget the penguin who attempted to jump into our zodiac boat a few inches away from me or the orca calf that swam alongside its mother just beneath me.”

Adam is yet to set his next goal, but considerations include running races in each of the 50 states and he still has a few destinations on his wish list to check off; The Great Wall, Cairo, Paris, and Rome. Adam draws inspiration from elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Tom Brady and admires how they push the limits of the human body, but his real inspiration comes from his fellow competitors; “At every race, I see a variety of everyday runners that inspire me,” Adam says “the 80-year-old completing a 5k (who I hope is me one day); the visually impaired runner with their guide and the hand-cyclist overcoming tremendous obstacles; the runner with their family member’s picture on their shirt supporting a charitable cause; the family running together with the stroller in tow; the final runner to cross the finish line because despite what individual challenges they face they persevered and completed it.”

The Inside Scoop on D'Lites

D'LITES HOUSTON BRINGS HEALTHY, SWEET TREATS TO CYPRESS

D’Lites Houston opened its doors just a year ago. Sam and Julie Dunlap decided to open D’Lites when they found out that Sam has diabetes. “We found a D’Lites location in Austin and we were so excited that Sam could eat the ice cream even with his diabetes,” said Julie “We fell in love with it and one day Sam said maybe we should open up our own location and we did!”

D’Lites is the first and only ice cream shop, in Cypress, that offers low-carb and low-sugar ice cream and groceries. When they found the D’Lites location in Austin, Sam and Julie did some research to find out if there was anything closer to them and realized there was nothing like D’Lites in Cypress. “We would drive out to Austin just to get the ice cream and I thought ‘Well, Houston is huge, there must be something like D’Lites in Houston and there wasn’t, so we’re finding a way to fill that gap.” Sam and Julie are helping those in the community who also have dietary restrictions like Sam, by making sure that they have an option for healthy sweet treats close to home.

The ice cream at D’Lites is made with skim milk, regular corn syrup, natural sugar, and a water-based extract to change the flavors and keep the nutritional value the same. Their healthy products allow the customer to satisfy their sweet tooth and eat clean at the same time.

Not only does their ice cream help people like Sam, with diabetes, to enjoy sweet treats, but also those with various allergies or dietary restrictions. “Bariatric patients or people with allergies or people who just want to lose weight or are on Keto can come and enjoy our products because they are low in sugar and carbs and they are egg-free, soyfree and gluten-free.”

D’Lites doesn’t only sell ice cream, they have a variety of healthy snacks and groceries. They offer bread, tortillas, muffins, chips, cookies, and other grocery items. All of the items are low-carb and some of them are gluten-free. “Our grocery products taste just as good as if you were to buy regular bread or regular cookies or chips. They have a great taste and great texture,” said Julie. D’Lites’ customers don’t have to sacrifice taste and texture for the sake of their health, they can remain healthy and still enjoy their snacks and sweet treats.

It’s clear that members of the community love the ice cream, snacks, and groceries from

D’Lites as they have had many customers come in after someone else recommended D’Lites. “We have a lot of customers come in and they’ll say ‘Oh my friend told me I had to come try this’ or someone brought tortilla chips or ice cream to a party and they tried it and loved it, so they came in to try it” said Julie.

Helping their customers with dietary restrictions is extremely important at D’Lites. Sam and Julie know that often when customers are coming into their shop, they have a medical condition that makes D’Lites the right choice for them and they take care of them as best as they can. “Our main goal is to just help people. We love helping people and filling the need for healthier options for those who need them especially since we know that there aren’t a lot of other options.”

Sam and Julie hope to help more people with dietary restrictions and medical conditions that might stop them from enjoying their favorite sweets and snacks. D’Lites will always make sure that they have healthier options that work for them.

DlitesHouston.com

26321 Northwest Fwy, Ste 400  Cypress, TX 77429

HOME RUNS AND MIRACLES

THE MIRACLE LEAGUE AND CY-WOODS VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY CHEYENNE LEITCH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JO ANN NOWAK, PHOLOXPHOTO

The Miracle League has been around since 1999 and is still very active and changing lives right here in Cypress. The Cy-Woods High School varsity baseball team has enjoyed volunteering with The Miracle League; giving kids with disabilities an opportunity to play baseball. The partnership between The Miracle League and the Cy-Woods varsity baseball team is making a lasting impact in the community.

Local Mom and volunteer, Elizabeth Farris has been involved with The Miracle League for two years now, and her son, a member of the Cy-Woods varsity baseball team, also volunteers. “Cy-Woods’ baseball team has been volunteering with The Miracle League for a few years,” said Elizabeth. “My son loves volunteering and working with the kids. He’s always asking me, ‘When can we go? When can we sign up?’ He loves going and loves being involved.”

The Miracle League players and the Cy-Woods baseball team form friendships they might not have been able to form if it weren’t for the time spent together at The Miracle League. “Some of The Miracle League players are also students at Cy-Woods and even though they go to the same school as the baseball team boys, they don’t always have classes together or opportunities to interact with each other,” said Elizabeth, “But now they all know each other and they’ll see each other in school and high five in the hallway or at lunch.”

The Miracle League’s ability to make such a huge difference is directly connected to the volunteers who give their time to make it all happen. Elizabeth encourages all who are able to volunteer and get involved so that The Miracle League can continue to change and enrich the kids’ lives. “Volunteering is huge, each player has a buddy, so having enough volunteers for buddies is important. It also gives kids’ parents a chance to just be parents as they watch their kids just be kids and play baseball.”

The Miracle League has a positive effect on all who participate in it, not only the kids with disabilities but also the Cy-Woods baseball players who volunteer as buddies to help on the field. “The kids all have different disabilities, some of them are in wheelchairs or are nonverbal, so it’s great to see them realize that they can do whatever they set their minds to, no matter their disabilities,” said Elizabeth. “For our varsity baseball boys, they love being able to put smiles on the kids’ faces and it gives them a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves and to do something for others.”

MiracleLeague.com

summer entertaining

YUMMY BITES FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Tomato Peach Burrata Salad

makes:

Makes about 1 cup

ingredients:

• A few big pinches of Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 teaspoons fresh oregano

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes or large plum tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes. (about 2 1/2 pounds total)

• Two peaches

• 8 ounces mozzarella pearls or small balls

• 4 ounces burrata cheese

• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves plus additional whole leaves for garnish

directions:

1. Combine salt through olive oil.

2. Place the burrata cheese round on a platter. Arrange the tomatoes, peaches and mozzarella balls around cheese.

3. Drizzle with dressing from bowl. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve.

Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

makes:

Makes about 1 cup

ingredients:

• 1 cup (packed) fresh Italian parsley

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/4 cup (packed) fresh cilantro (optional)

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled

• 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Steak

• 1 ½-2 pounds flank steak, or steak of choice. I use grass-fed beef from KC local Salt Creek Farms.

directions:

1. Make sauce: Puree all ingredients in processor. Transfer to bowl. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)

2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Sear steak for 6-8 minutes on each side until heavily browned on the outside and slightly pink in the middle.

3. Thinly slice steak across the grain and top with Chimichurri sauce.

Grilled Corn Salad

makes:

Serves 4-6

ingredients:

• 2 ears corn, grilled and cut from the cob

• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced into rings

• 1/4 cup fresh feta or goat cheese, crumbled

• 3 sprigs basil, leaves removed and torn

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• Black pepper to taste

• Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

directions:

1. Place corn kernels into a bowl with the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.

2. Taste, and re-season with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste.

Recipes by Lauren Lane Culinarian Lauren-Lane.com

Instagram: @Lauren_Lane_Culinarian

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JUNE 2ND

A "Pop" of Culture New York Wine Tasting

PLUM COFFEE | 11688 BARKER CYPRESS RD #A2 | 6:30 PM

Rhythm and Wine presents the "Pop of Culture" series. Next, we celebrate New York State Wines! You're invited to taste, pair, and learn about the best wines New York has to offer and enjoy bites by Overboard Event Planners. Cost is $50/pp with 10% benefitting our non-profit of the quarter, Bel Inizio. Get tickets at Eventbrite.com. RhythmandWine.com

JUNE 3RD

80s Summer Kick-off Party

THE BARN @ FRIO GRILL | 16416 MUESCHKE ROAD | 6:00 PM

Enjoy a summer kick-off party at The Barn, featuring authentic 80s party tribute band, The Spicolis. Grab your parachute pants and leg warmers and enjoy a night of your favorite 80s songs, sing-a-longs, cocktails, ice cold beer and a great time! Doors open @ 6:00 PM. Pre-sale tickets $10.00, Day of: $15.00 (if available). VIP tables available. Friogrill.com

JUNE 5TH-30TH

Vacation Bible School Events

VARIOUS CYPRESS CHURCHES | 9:00 AM

Lots of fun and adventure for pre-school and  elementary-aged kids, check out these offerings in the community for VBS this month. First Baptist Church | June 5-8 |  FBCCypress.org;  Fairfield Baptist | June 13-16 |  FairfieldBaptist.com/Event;  Good Shepherd United Methodist Church | June 19-23 |  Goodchurch. us/VBS; St. Aiden's Episcopal Church | June 19-23 | AidensChurch.org;  Cypress Bible Church | June 26-30 CypressBible.org/VBS.

JUNE 9TH-25TH

Stageworks Theatre Presents 'Misery'

STAGEWORKS THEATRE, GARZA MAINSTAGE | 10760 GRANT ROAD | 7:30 PM

Based on the novel by Stephen King, 'Misery' follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does. Showtimes are 7:30PM, Sunday matinees at 3PM. StageworksHouston.org

JUNE 22ND

Cake Class with The Flour Petal Bakery

9603 SHARPVIEW DRIVE | 6:30 PM

Grab your friends and learn how to decorate like a pro! Mini Vintage Cake Class + Boba Bar is one of many classes offered by The Flour Petal Bakery. Each ticket includes supplies, along with the cake and refreshments! TheFlourPetalBakery.com/PublicClasses

JUNE 28TH

Parents Night Out - SecondKids Summer Nights

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH - CYPRESS CAMPUS | 6:00 PM

Parents enjoy a night out! Drop your kids off from 6PM - 8PM for a themed night that will include door prizes, sweet treats, games, friends, and a message! Contact Virginia Abrams at vabrams@second.org for more information. Second.org.