Cypress, TX August 2023

The Kids & Pets Issue

Expertise Matters When You Need BACK AND NECK CARE

If you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. At Houston Methodist Spine Center at Willowbrook, we offer comprehensive spine care ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive options to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists provide advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to your active life.

Our Spine Center offers:

• A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors and specialists

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs

• A dedicated care navigator who will connect you with the appropriate doctor for your condition

• Expedited appointments

• Advanced, state-of-the-art technology

Specialists Serving Willowbrook, Cypress, Spring and Tomball

Dog Days of Summer

Children are the hope for a brighter tomorrow; their curiosity, and endless potential have the power to shape the world. Kids represent our hardest work, biggest, most valuable and worthy sacrifices and our greatest investment. At Cypress Lifestyle we are always happy to highlight some of our youngest difference-makers here in Cypress.

The special kind of companionship of a beloved pet can change our lives. Our pets love us unconditionally, they don’t hold grudges and are happy to lend a listening ear.

In this issue, we are so excited to showcase local Dad, John Havard, who's bringing back wholesome children's educational tv. Drawing inspiration from classics of old--get ready to meet Cowboy Jack!

And don't miss our photo gallery in this issue of our local pets and the kids who love them! The bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends can’t be denied! It's a shining example of meaningful qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

We hope to inspire you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

August 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, Stephanie Parnell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Raske, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

LAURA SANCHEZQUAN, MANAGING EDITOR @CYPRESSLIFESTYLE

Reinvi MD Now Open

Dr. Sakina Broachwala, a licensed physician in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, opened Reinvi MD at 17138 North Eldridge Parkway, Ste F, Tomball. Services include medical aesthetics, weight management, and Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), as well as treatment for a range of skin issues, from acne to anti-aging treatments using non-invasive techniques and individualized care. Dr. B offers patients a way to reinvent, reinvigorate and re-envy themselves under a physicians care. ReinviMD.com

Save-the-Date for the NWHMOM Annual Boots & Bling Gala

Enjoy a fun night out at the Northwest Houston Mothers of Multiples Annual Boots & Bling Gala on September 16 at Hearthstone Country Club. A fun evening filled with music, dinner, drinks, and casino games; bid in the silent auction and shop the raffle in support of Northwest Houston Mothers of Multiples, a local 501c3 non-profit with the mission to educate, empower and support Mothers of Multiples (twins, triplets and more) in the Northwest Houston area. NWHMOM.org

August is Back to School Month,

DRIVING:

• NEVER PASS A SCHOOL BUS WHEN RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING.

• OBEY SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS.

• SLOW DOWN AND STAY ALERT.

• LOOK FOR CROSSWALKS AND PREPARE TO STOP.

• DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE.

WALKERS:

• WALK ON THE SIDEWALK, IF ONE IS AVAILABLE.

• WHEN ON A STREET WITH NO SIDEWALK, WALK FACING THE TRAFFIC.

• BEFORE YOU CROSS THE STREET, STOP AND LOOK LEFT, RIGHT AND LEFT AGAIN TO SEE IF CARS ARE COMING.

• STAY ALERT AND AVOID DISTRACTED WALKING.

Any Mini Dessert Cakes, Dessert Bar Opens in Cypress

Mother-daughter duo Tammy Allen and Jasmin Moore first created Any Mini Desserts a little over 10 years ago and have now opened a new dessert bar located at 7710 Cherry Park Dr in Copperfield. Offering a variety of sweet treats, including custom cakes, Jasmin, as sole owner and operator, plans to bring a fresh twist to the dessert bar. AnyMiniDessertCakes.com

BUS RIDERS:

• GO TO THE BUS STOP WITH YOUR CHILD TO TEACH THEM THE PROPER WAY TO GET ON AND OFF THE BUS.

• TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO STAND 6 FEET (OR THREE GIANT STEPS) AWAY FROM THE CURB.

• IF YOUR CHILD MUST CROSS THE STREET IN FRONT OF THE BUS, TEACH HIM OR HER TO WALK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL THEY ARE 10 FEET AHEAD OF THE BUS; YOUR CHILD AND THE BUS DRIVER SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABLE TO SEE EACH OTHER.

so let’s think about “Back to School Safety”:

Brisket & Rice Brings

Unique Menu to Cy-Fair's Barbecue Scene

Located at 13111 Farm to Market Rd 529, newly opened Brisket & Rice offers a unique menu including brisket, ribs, sausage, and mouthwatering sides like cranberry almond slaw, street corn, loaded baked potato salad and ‘poor man's macaroni’. Traditional meats sold by the pound, offering traditional sides, but with an Asian influence setting them apart. BrisketNRice.com

Enjoy a Meal and Help a Child

Have lunch or dinner at Union Kitchen or Passerella in the month of August and support at-risk kids at the same time. Owners Paul and Doris Miller will donate $2 from every lunch and $4 from every dinner to Casa de Esperanza, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect for at-risk infants, children and their families. Bring diapers, baby wipes, baby food, bottles, clothes or toys and get a free chef’s featured dessert. CasaHope.org

New Beginnings Women’s Care & Aesthetics Opens in Towne Lake

New Beginnings Women’s Care & Aesthetics opened at 10242 Greenhouse Rd #801, Cypress in Towne Lake, offering the most up-to-date gynecological treatment as well as luxury aesthetic services in a peaceful and soothing environment. The doctors combine innovative technology, refined techniques, positive vibes, and top-notch medical care to help clients look and feel their best. Services include women's health, hormonal imbalance, advanced aesthetics using non-invasive cosmetic procedures, weight management and laser hair removal. NBCypressAesthetics.com

MELISSA BAKER

REALTORS® | 281.687.8077

Melissa.K.Baker@exprealty.com

We understand your need to have confidence in your choice of real estate advisors. Our national brand allows us access to more information than other agents nationwide. We provide specialization and experience in the Houston area as well as a background in interior design.

SowCute Plant Shop Now Open in Cypress

Recently opened plant shop, located at 16718 House & Hahl Road, sells small plants and cuttings, including Monstera, Philodendron, Syngonium and Hoya. Shop on Saturdays and Sundays 12PM-7PM or by texting 346-946-8160 for an appointment. Instagram.com/SowCute_

OUTSTANDING KIDS OF CYPRESS

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE PARNELL

LOCAL KIDS LIVING BIG LIVES AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Sophia Heschel

4th Grade, Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

“In 2022 Sophia was rushed into the ICU in a state of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA),” said Sophia Heschel’s mother Marcey. “After a grueling four days we got to take our baby girl home, but life would never be the same. Sophia had been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.”

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease preventing your pancreas from making insulin. The life-altering diagnosis affected the entire family and 4th grader, Sophia Heschel, who now has to face multiple daily injections, blood sugar tests and critical decisions about eating and drinking. Living life with two pieces of medical hardware attached to her at all times; an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. Despite her setbacks, Sophia has maintained inspiring strength and resiliency.

Youth Ambassadors for JDRF such as Sophia represent all children living with Type One Diabetes and have represented at events such as the 2023 Fund-A-Cure Promise Ball.  She will continue to represent as an Ambassador every year moving forward. JDRF is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Type One Diabetes research.

“She never gives up and she doesn’t let Diabetes stop her,” said Marcey. “She says “Diabetes is tough, but I’m tougher. I am most proud of Sophia’s unparalleled sense of empathy and how she cares for everyone around her despite her own struggles. She is a warrior and we are so blessed to have her as our hero.  She is unwilling to let Diabetes stop her, and she is a shining example of how full a life a child can live with a chronic autoimmune disease. She is a beautiful 9 year girl with the whole world ahead of her and a whole lot of people behind her cheering her on.”

Mila McKeown

1st Grade, Miss Texas Junior Princess

“One thing that makes Mila so special is the fact that she always tries to include everyone. While at school, she actively seeks out children who play by themselves to play with,” said Mila McKeown’s mother, Mi McKeown. “Children need to feel included and she always makes sure everyone feels that way. She believes “there is something special about everyone” and “everyone needs friends”.”

Beyond Pope Elementary School 1st grade student Mila McKeown’s loving personality, she recently won the title of USA National Miss (UNM) Texas Junior Princess at the USA National Miss TX Competition held in Katy, TX. She won her age group for the entire state of TX with only one year of pageant experience. She also won Miss Congeniality which is an award voted on by all of the girls participating in the pageant.

“Mila makes us proud every day. Her giant heart and giving nature make her loved by many,” said Mi. “She continuously works to give her toys away to friends and even children she meets for the first time.”

In addition, Mila volunteers her time as an ambassador for the Caring Queens (a pageant designed to serve young girls in foster care, residential treatment centers, group homes, and shelters) to make the girls feel like queens on their special pageant day. She brought her Confidence Board to the most recent Caring Queens event to have each participant write one thing they love about themselves to illustrate that everyone is beautiful.

Maximo Luna

5th Grade, Graphic Novelist

”Maximo is a very bright kiddo,” says Xenia Herrera, mother of 5th grade Lowery Elementary School student Maximo Luna. “He continuously has so many ideas running through his mind from creating board games, creating costumes out of boxes and most recently publishing his own comic-book.”

Maximo recently published a new graphic novel called Super Luna Adventures. A highly creative young student, the idea came about after his teacher Kathryn Haskins gave the assignment to write a story. Following the writing assignment, Maximo turned it into a handwritten comic book. The book is available in both English and Spanish, and is inspired by Maximo’s dog, Luna.

“When he showed it to my mom, who has published several books, she asked him if he would like to publish it,” said Xenia proudly. “So they worked on it once a week after school for six months.”

In all, Maximo spent a full year planning, writing, editing and revising his book before it went to publication, and sold on Amazon. Full of creative spirit, Maximo already has rough drafts of the continuation of the Super Luna Comic series. He has also recorded a song with his cousin and the music video is being edited.

COWBOY JACK

LOCAL DAD DRAWS FROM CHILDHOOD HEROES; ENTERTAINING AND TEACHING A NEW GENERATION.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SHARE A BRIEF BIO ABOUT YOURSELF:

My name is John Havard, I was born and raised in Houston, and am the youngest of four brothers. I met my wife, Andrea, when I was sixteen, attending St. Pius X High School and she is now my camera crew, editor, promoter, scheduler, and idea person for the show!  We have two young kids; Kaden is five, and Addison is two-and-a-half years old.

WHAT LED YOU TO START UP COWBOY JACK?

When the pandemic hit, I went from spending the majority of my time traveling for work to working from home, and at the same time my son’s

school was closed.  We had to use the television as a babysitter to jump on Skype and Zoom calls and we were unhappy with how goofy and silly a lot of kids’ content was.  There was nothing organic and wholesome like what we grew up on. Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers were people who drew kids attention with what they were saying and showing rather than using loud music and silly speaking tones to draw kids in.  I talked about it enough until one day my wife said; “If it’s such a huge deal and you can’t find what you want him to watch, why don’t you make it yourself?” My son’s favorite movie at the time was Toy Story and he loves Woody, so I became Cowboy Jack modeled after Woody!  I had my wife film me at our neighborhood pond, learned how to edit via YouTube, and it was all downhill from there!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT COWBOY JACK:

Cowboy Jack is an educational and fun field trip style show for kids.  We encourage good moral character, friendly behavior, and learning through play.  Reminiscent of Mr. Rogers and Captain Kangaroo, I use my real adult talking voice and no silly gimmicks.  Kids are drawn to the show for the exciting things we show and teach, not because of loud music or silly dancing.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IN LIFE?

My greatest achievement is of course, my two beautiful kids that completely transformed my life.  Before having kids, I was honestly terrified of children!  Now children are the most incredible part of every day and we should celebrate and promote the joy they bring to the world!

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I’m inspired by Fred Rogers and great children’s entertainers from a simpler time.  There are so many “big topics” put into children’s content these days and we just want to focus on fun, educational experiences. When I see parents emailing and messaging us telling us their kids did great at the dentist or had the best doctors appointment ever because of our show it recharges my batteries like nothing else!

CowboyJackShow.com

“We encourage good moral character, friendly behavior, and learning through play. “

The Union Kitchen and Passerella family has partnered with Casa De Esperanza for our fourth annual “Month of GR8 Giving.”

We will donate $2 from every lunch and $4 from every dinner sold to support the Casa de Esperanza mission and we ask that you bring any of the items listed below to help support this amazing organization. With your contribution of any of these items, we will buy you chef’s featured dessert. Casa is an outstanding local organization that owners Paul & Doris Miller have been involved in for several years. Please feel free to check out their website at casahope.org.

Casa de Esperanza would appreciate your help: diapers of all sizes, baby wipes, baby food, toys (newborn – 3 years of age) bottles, clothes (newborn – 3 years of age).

Journey to a Kidtastic Adventure

KIDTASTIC PARK OFFERS A SAFE, FUN-FILLED PLACE FOR KIDS TO LEARN, DISCOVER AND PLAY.

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE PARNELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON RASKE | LUNALUX

More than just another indoor playground for kids, Kidtastic Park is about community, family, and sharing in the joy of seeing kids happy and smiling.

“It was always about making little ones happy and offering a safe, clean, and fun playground for local families. When I took over ownership in November 2022, I wanted to continue the dream of sharing a special place for the community and providing family-first special events,” says owner Bob Gitomer.

The Kidtastic Park experience is designed with parents and kids aged 0 to 10 in mind. From its special toddler area to twisty tunnels and super slides for the bigger kids, this adventure park is designed for fun. Perfect for a playdate, birthday party, or just to get out of the heat! Offering a variety of birthday party packages with dedicated birthday rooms, or with the VIP party experience guests can book the entire facility.

In addition to day passes and stellar birthday parties, Kidtastic hosts several special events that are second to none. “We also host group events, field trips, and recently, launched Kids’ Night Out (KNO). This is an opportunity for parents to drop off their kids to play. Every KNO is themed,” Bob says. “Some of our recent super fun themes have included Hawaiian Night, Night at the Carnival, and Paw Patrol.

In addition to themed adventure nights, Kidtastic Park is also known for their exclusive summer camps. Their Craft Camp has been a fan-favorite, and they’ve also teamed up with other small businesses like Cool Chemist to offer Science Camps. With the success of summer camps and themed Kid’s Night Out, Bob and his team are planning more events like “Mommy and Me” cookie decorating classes, “Daddy and Me” play time.

Kidtastic Park puts safety and cleanliness at the forefront with features like safety gates providing only one way in and one way out, cameras monitoring the play area, an exterior extension with full visibility of the play structure, and special grip socks. Even prior to the pandemic, maintaining a clean

structure was always a top priority. The facility is thoughtfully designed with helpful features such as a changing table in the men’s room and a Mommy Room if you need a quiet place for you and your little one. This indoor play park is a slam-dunk for parents looking for a fun place for high-energy kids.

“We are truly grateful for our community’s love and support since day one,” said Bob. “It is never lost on us how your kids’ smiles and laughter bring us so much joy. Thank you for sharing your families with us!”

KidtasticPark.com

"It's always about making little ones happy and offering a safe, clean, and fun playground for local families."

Clint Nabors

Rickey Chavez Team

Lori Barnett

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SCHOOL SPIRIT

AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS AT CYPRESS SCHOOLS

CY-CREEK HIGH SCHOOL INDUCTS THREE ALUMNI INTO 2023 WALL OF HONOR

Three alumni were inducted into the Cy-Creek High School Wall of Honor,  recognizing lifetime achievements and significant contributions made by former students dating back to the opening of Cypress Creek for the 1976-1977 school year. The Wall of Honor committee consisting of current and former principals, counselors and Cy-Creek staff to select the following three graduates to be inducted into the 2023 class:  Michael Acosta , class of 1993; Justin Allen , class of 2009; and Paul Sanders , class of 1984.

BRIDGELAND SOFTBALL ENDS SEASON AS AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Bridgeland softball ended their historic season with the program’s and CFISD’s first-ever appearance in the Softball State Tournament–finishing as state semi-finalists. Senior third baseman Trinity Allen was voted to All-Tournament Team. Allen also recorded a stolen base, scored Bridgeland’s first run and assisted on two defensive plays.

CYPRESS WOODS BASEBALL ENDS SEASON AT STATE

The Cy-Woods baseball team ended their season with the program’s first-ever appearance in State Tournament, finishing as state semifinalists.Senior outfielder Brady Sullivan was voted to All-Tournament Team .  Sullivan also recorded two stolen bases, scored a run and recorded a putout from his spot in right field. Going to State was a first in program history and capped their season as District and Region Champions. They reached as high as the No. 1 team in the Diamond Pro TXHighschoolBaseball.com poll and posted a twenty-game winning streak that began in district play and extended to the regional semifinals.

CY-SPRINGS SENIOR WINS PERFORMING ARTS HOUSTON STUDENT ART CONTEST

Cy-Springs senior Denysse Maldonado earned first place in her division at the Performing Arts Houston Student Art Contest. Marking the 25th year for Performing Arts Houston, who hosted the Student Art Contest, over 650 student submissions were featured from across the greater Houston area. The contest theme this year was Limitless encouraging students to explore their surroundings and reflect on their passions, while also thinking about how the world is vast and learning is endless.

CFISD ART STUDENTS WIN AWARDS AT STATE VASE, JUNIOR VASE AND TEAM CONTESTS

Forty-nine CFISD art students earned either a state medal, a platinum medal or Top of TEAM award at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), Junior Visual Arts Scholastic Event (Junior VASE) and the Texas Elementary Art Meet (TEAM) Contest, respectively. Langham Creek sophomore Katelinn Barnes ’ artwork, Loss, won a Gold Seal Medallion at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE), the contest’s highest honor. Cypress Springs senior Alexander Alvarado received a State VASE medal for his artwork titled Unbound . Alvarado also received a $400 scholarship for the artwork he completed during a workshop at the State VASE competition.

2023 CY-RANCH ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Cy-Ranch Athletic Booster Club Scholarships are awarded after a thorough application process involving consideration of the student athletes’ GPA, class rank, transcript, volunteering efforts, awards/honors, leadership skills, work history, and sports played. The application process also includes an essay as well as a letter of recommendation from a teacher and signature of the counselor.  Congratulations to the 2023 recipients:   Joah Bramwell, Golf;  Camryn Clark , Track;  Joshua Coniff, Cheer/ Baseball; Kaitlyn Harred, Volleyball; Tobias Motley, Baseball; Cort Roberson, Baseball;  Kristina Sanchez , Soccer;  Josh Smothers, Football; Taylor St. Fleur, Cheer; and Reuben Thomas, Soccer.

Ready, Set, Goals!

UNIQUE SERVICES HELPING CHILDREN REACH THEIR GOALS AND THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL

ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Apara Autism Centers

Apara was founded by parents of children on the autism spectrum, and their goal is to help children living with autism live to their fullest potential while giving parents and caregivers the help and information they need to make the right decisions for their child’s future.

Apara uses Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy (ABA), an evidence-based treatment for individuals diagnosed with autism and related disorders. ABA therapy and its principles are derived from years of scientific research and have been endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control since 1999. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the National Institute of Mental Health have also listed BA as the Standard of Care for individuals with autism.

ABA therapy is based on the principles of learning. When implemented at an individualized level, the treatment can decrease problem behaviors while increasing appropriate and wanted behaviors, such as communication and daily living skills. Apara’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts create individualized ABA treatment plans for each client based on initial and ongoing assessments.

With locations throughout the greater Houston area, Apara Autism Centers offers ABA therapy for children ages 18 months and up. Apara provides social skills, life skills, feeding programs, and parent training. Their team collaborates with the client’s speech and occupational therapy providers to ensure the best possible outcome. Apara Autism Centers accepts most insurance plans. AparaAutism.com

Apara Autism - Photo courtesy of Apara Autism Center

Dyslexia School of Houston

Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people who will be diagnosed with the neurobiological disorder. At the Dyslexia School of Houston (DSH), children receive the proper treatment needed to read and write. Since opening in 2020, DSH has served hundreds of families in the community lacking the customized support to ensure their children succeed beyond the classroom.

For founder and CEO Tammy Spencer, turning children with learning disabilities into spellers with superpowers, like confidence and character, results from her passion-filled efforts.

Spencer has joined forces with Scottish Rite for Children to provide the Take Flight, A Comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia curriculum in Houston and the surrounding areas. Scottish Rite is one of the nation’s leading pediatric orthopedic centers. A wide range of orthopedic conditions are treated, as well as certain arthritic, neurological, and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.

When Spencer founded DSH, she desired to bring quality curriculum, treatment, and learning to all children with dyslexia, regardless of their family’s ability to afford private therapy. As a public school educator for 27 years, she saw firsthand how students with learning disabilities statistically become entrepreneurs or incarcerated. The most significant catalyst in preventing the latter is the therapy and support DSH provides. “I want to be the solution,” Spencer says.

Thus, the 501c3 organization, The Code Academy, was founded in direct alliance with DSH to improve literacy by providing scholarships to children with dyslexia.

The Code Academy will benefit from the upcoming September 9th gala, Cirque Dy Slexia, hosted by DSH at The Health Museum and sponsored by Scottish Rite, among many other literacy and local supporters.

As DSH expands its scope across Houston in collaboration with Scottish Rite, they look forward to serving the Memorial community together. Development for DSH’s Certified Academic Language Therapist training center and lab school for children began earlier this year. DyslexiaHouston.org

"At Dyslexia School of Houston, we recognize dyslexia as both a challenge and an opportunity. We're here to help students tap into their talent and build confidence in their reading ability."

Dyslexia School of Houston founder, Tammy Spencer and students. Photo courtesy of Dyslexia School of Houston

Cypress Pediatric OT

A child’s occupation is to play, participate in school, and be independent with self-care tasks. Cypress Pediatric OT offers client-centered occupational therapy services to children aged six-weeks to 18 years. Working with children experiencing challenges due to Autism, ADHD, sensory processing, developmental delays, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, and many others.

Striving to promote and support the achievement of a child’s independence, Cypress Pediatric OT works alongside talented speech-language pathologists with Spring Branch Speech Therapy in-clinic making coordinating therapy

seamless and convenient. “Cypress Pediatric OT offers an intimate atmosphere where families feel comfortable and confident with the services they receive.” says owner and OT therapist, Rory Autry.

Offering smaller fine-motor rooms and a full-sensory gym equipped with swings, suspended obstacle courses, and other exciting equipment. Cypress Pediatric OT therapists are skilled at providing highly motivational treatments in the clinic environment but also have the flexibility to observe and treat patients at schools, create a sensory room in patient’s homes, or make a home-visit for the implementation of a home program.

OT can help improve fine motor skills, gross motor skills, self-care skills, coordination, sensory processing, self-regulation, and attention, and more. CypressPediatricOT.com

Inspiration Ranch

Located on forty sprawling acres in Magnolia, Inspiration Ranch uses equine therapy to help children, youth, and adults overcome physical, emotional, and social disabilities; providing hope and encouragement while strengthening core muscles and communication skills.

Set apart from similar programs due to highly-trained and skilled horses and experienced, compassionate staff.  Keenly trained horses instinctively react to nonverbal cues, with a natural gift of analyzing a situation to encourage safe and healthy interaction. Inspiration Ranch team members are breaking barriers and shattering stigmas, allowing clients to reach their goals through equine therapy in a loving, inclusive Christian environment.

Since opening in 2010, Inspiration Ranch has grown from 20 clients a week to over 115 therapeutic riding clients weekly and over 50 mental health clients annually. Committed to never turning away anyone due to financial reasons, Inspiration Ranch offers scholarships thanks to supporting partners. The volunteers at Inspiration Ranch play a vital role; from side-walking during therapeutic sessions to committee members to ranch chores–every volunteer is a valuable part of Inspiration Ranch.

Safety is taken very seriously at Inspiration Ranch, as a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Inspiration Ranch strives to create a joyful, peaceful environment while maintaining harmony with the land, horses, and one another, honoring God in every encounter and action. InspirationRanch.org

Gerri Francis, Memories for Keeps | MemoriesforKeeps.com

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Pamper your pet with homemade treats

PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4-1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour (whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-2 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional)

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4-1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

ARTICLE BY CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF WRITER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Cypress Pets and the Kids Who Love them

ARTICLE BY CYPRESS LIFESTYLE STAFF

We put out the call asking you to send us your favorite photos of your kids with their furry--or feathery, and even scaly--friends! We hope you enjoy this amazing collection of cuteness as much as we do!

Anabelle & Sara Charles & Spike the Bearded Dragon

Carter & Archie Raylan & Zoey

Ella & Snuggle Cuddles

Aidan & Calvin Klein, Savannah & Dylan, and Brooklyn & Bethany

Ezra & Gus

Maddie & Darwin

Eli & Charlotte

Eli & Parker, Ezra & Ambrose, and Hannah & Charlotte

Maren, Duggan & Darwin

Kylee & Bailey

Ezra & Tom Thumb

Precious & Pebbles

Lily & Eleanor

Adalyn & Piper

Rohan & Shadow

Camo, Wyatt & Frio

Photo credit: Perennial Love Photography

Anson & Juliette

Lillee & Ava

Haley & Remmy Sue

Photo credit: Perennial Love Photography

Aaron & Twix

Kolton, Kaden & Roxi

Aiden & Chickens

Charlie, Maisy, Ruby & Rocky Kelsey, Sayuri, Banks & Cheyenne

Adler & Juliette

Elijah, Elena, Elliot & Koda

b i r t h d a y s , t o d i s c o v e r i n g n e w a d v e n t u r e s , o u r e x p e r i e n c e i s d e s i g n e d w i t h p a r e n t s a n d k i d s i n m i n d F i n d o u t w h y b i r t h d a y s a r e b e t t e r w i t h u s !

events

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

AUGUST 2ND AUGUST 3RD

Kids Craft Club at the Public Library

LONE STAR COLLEGE-CYFAIR LIBRARY KIDS CORNER | 5:00 PM

Join the crafting club for a new fun craft each week. Free tickets available at the Kids Corner Reference Desk starting one hour before the program. cflib.info

Easy Asian Cooking Class with Cy-Fair Women's Club

HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE NORTH CYPRESS | 21214 NORTHWEST FREEWAY | 6:30 PM

Join the Cy-Fair Women’s club as member Susan Glass and friends share simple Asian recipes for easy entertaining or everyday cooking. With demonstrations, tablescape ideas, and secrets to some hands-on napkin folding techniques. Located in the Founders Conference room off the main lobby at HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress. Cy-Fair-Womens-Club.portalbuzz.com

AUGUST 12TH

36th Annual Sandcastle Competition

EAST BEACH, GALVESTON | 1923 BODDEKER DRIVE, GALVESTON | 10:00 AM

Competing teams stretch all along the beach front, meticulously sculpting piles of sand for five hours to win the Gold Bucket, Silver Shovel or Bronze Shovel. Judging based on originality of concept, artistic execution, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site. A great day for spectators and competitors, full of fun memories at the beach filled with sand and sun. VisitGalveston.com

AUGUST 12TH

Cypress Cars & Coffee

FAIRFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH | 27240 HWY 290 | 8:00 AM

Families and enthusiasts are welcome to come out to see the unique and incredible cars. No revving, no burnouts, no loud music, family friendly event for everyone. CypressCarsandCoffee.com

AUGUST 12TH

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Back-to-School Bash

CY-FAIR HELPING HANDS | 9606 KIRKTON DRIVE

Open to all CFISD students; enjoy games, face-painting, food trucks and more. Backpacks full of school supplies will be passed out to children in need who attend. CyFairHelpingHands.org

AUGUST 19TH

Katy Market Day

5717 SECOND STREET IN DOWNTOWN KATY | 10:00 AM

A fun day out, with 100 vendors, food trucks, inflatables for the kids and a wide array of antiques and boutique shops so you can grab a friend and shop till you drop! Hosted and organized by the Limited Edition Art & Antiques in the heart of Downtown Katy at 5717 Second Street. KatyMarketDay.com