LEADING CANCER CARE
At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, our dedicated oncologists are working to stop cancer using the latest innovations in research, treatments and technology. From genetic screenings and clinical trials to advanced imaging and robotic surgery, our cutting-edge cancer care is available in Cypress.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
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Cypress
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Letter from the Editor
There is nothing more fulfilling and rewarding–yet challenging–than kids and pets. As parents of three teenage sons, and their furry sidekick (our three year old male mini Australian shepherd) our home is full of love, noise and boyhood shenanigans. I wouldn’t have it any other way! They’re loyal–and as intensely as they may fight–they love and defend each other even more. Cliches such as ‘the days are long, but the years are short’ only sound like a cliche until you experience it–and then you get it!
We are excited to share some favorite people and places in this issue, all about kids and pets!
Emmy winner, host of Animal Planet's Coyote Peterson: Brave the Wild , YouTube star, and wildlife and conservationist educator Coyote Peterson came to Cypress! We jumped at the chance to sit down and get to know the man behind jaw-dropping voluntarily-inflicted insect stings and animal encounters. (If you know, you know)! An inspiration to kids, adults and animals alike, Coyote’s passion and dedication is built on the foundation of the importance of conservation.
Next, we’d like you to meet experienced diagnostic sonographers, friends, and former coworkers Star Rodriguez and Sarai Olvera. Together, they’re the proud owners of newly opened Vida Imaging. With a mission to better serve the Cypress community; specializing in diagnostic and elective ultrasounds and imaging, they’re taking patients in their office as well as from the comfort of your home–uniquely offering mobile ultrasound options. We are excited for you to get to know this dynamic duo.
Here at Cypress Lifestyle, we love supporting local businesses, and highlighting amazing people doing great things in the community. If you know someone who could use a little love, support, and attention, reach out, I’d love to hear about it! Cheers!
LAURA SANCHEZQUAN, MANAGING EDITOR
August 2024
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
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erica Hernandez, Laura SanchezQuan, Hope Vanderburg
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Daniel Arizpe, Larry Ayala
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
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8: 2024 Cy-Ranch Athletic Booster Club Scholarship Winners: Gavin Vihn Nguyen, Isabella Griffin, Julianna Linton, Jorge Ortez, Ashley Murphy, Jacey Condo, Avery Shih, Carson Littlefield, Jason Dennis & Hannah Carrier. 9-13: Five CFISD student artists won a Gold Seal Medallion at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). 9: Cy-Ridge senior Amaya Hayes’ artwork, “Once In A Lifetime.” 10: Cy-Woods senior Mia Estrada’s artwork, “Torn In The Face Of Fate.” 11: Cy-Creek High School sophomore Mu Paw’s artwork, “The Rothschild Manor.” 12: Cy-Fair junior Ravine Cohen’s artwork, “The Curator.” 13: Cy-Fair sophomore Madeline Nguyen’s artwork, “Unspoken Connections.” 14: Ault second grader Cash Allen recently became a published author after writing his first book titled “Saying Goodbye To A Pet.”
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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.
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.
Memorial Hermann Cypress Opens Athlete Training & Health Center
Memorial Hermann Cypress recently opened a science-backed, resultsbased training center for adults, youth, collegiate and professional athletes as well as those rebuilding strength after an injury. The center offers group, one-on-one or semi supervised training options, as well as customized programs for teams, clubs and other organizations to develop athletes in a supportive team setting. The facility boasts two rental turf fields suitable for multi-sport use, events, large group gatherings and indoor/outdoor venue spaces for special events. AthleteTrainingandHealth.com
Become a Sponsor & Register to Play; Putting for a Purpose
Register for a fun-filled day of ‘putting for a purpose’ benefiting The Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The golf tournament, brought you to JST Cares and Lippincott Loves, will be held September 11 at Blackhorse Golf Club. The proceeds help the SOWF provide “cradle to career” education support to children and spouses of fallen Special Operations personnel and Medal of Honor recipients. Sponsorships opportunities and registration at PuttingforaPurpose.com
Early Bird Registration For Bridgeland’s Fun Run/Walk for Heroes
Save the date for Bridgeland’s Fun/ Run Walk for Heroes on October 21, and register now for discounted registration! Early bird discount deadline is August 7. The event will include a 10k run, 5k run/walk, a children’s 1k run as well as booths to visit sponsors, entertainment, and activities for the children. The children’s walk is open to strollers and wagons. BLRunforHeros2024.eventbrite.com
Solcore Wellness, located at 11403 Barker Cypress Rd, offers full body cryotherapy with a plethora of benefits for everyone. For those with more sedentary lifestyles, to regular gym goers, and even for the elite-level athletes, full body cryotherapy benefits everyone. Experience weight loss, reduced inflammation, relief from joint pain and mobility issues, enhanced immune function as well as improved sleep and mental health, and more. SolCoreWellness.com
produced a total of 8,873 graduating seniors for the Class of 2024. In addition to earning high school diplomas, approximately 765 CFISD seniors from all 12 district high schools also graduated with their associate degrees from Lone Star College—CyFair through the CFISD College Academy. CFISD.net LoneStar.edu/CyFair
New Brick and Mortar Waffle Bus Location
Coming to Cypress
Coming in fall of 2024, the new Waffle Bus’ third Houston area brick and mortar location is set for Lakeland Village Center at 10615 Fry Rd in Cypress. The Waffle Bus grew in popularity as a well loved and renowned food truck, drawing crowds from all over. Known for their light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, Waffle Bus has something for everyone on their menu. TheWaffleBus.com
Wilderness BRAVE
Brave Wilderness Show Host Coyote Peterson on What it Means to be Brave
ARTICLE BY ERICA HERNANDEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRAVE WILDERNESS
On a warm spring day, before swarms of wide-eyed children, Coyote Peterson takes the stage cuddling a giant monitor lizard like an infant. The lizard – an apex predator the size of a well-fed toddler – claws at Coyote’s shoulder and eyes the throng of hyped-up humans who’d gathered to watch their favorite wilderness YouTuber handle dangerous and cuddly animals alike.
Coyote tenderly taps the big-bellied reptile and sways into a soothing lizard-dance, speaking gently. It’s enough to calm both the sharp-toothed reptile and the sea of giddy children.
“Now that he feels pretty calm, he’s pretty comfortable,” Coyote says. “I’m going to put the lizard down.”
Just moments before, the kids chanted, cheered and lurched their little bodies across the stage to high-five Coyote, a wildlife adventurer and storyteller. But for now, the crowd is attentive, inspired by Coyote’s cool confidence, ready to pet a prehistoric predator.
INSPIRING FUTURE CONSERVATIONISTS
Coyote’s signature charm, passion for animals and insatiable fascination about the natural world is part of what’s fueled his wild acclaim. His YouTube show Brave Wilderness, now in its tenth year online, has amassed more than 21 million subscribers and 5 billion video views.
“We certainly want people to have a great respect for all of the animals on our planet,” Coyote says. “Whether the things that are living right in your own backyard or the things that are in a far off country that you're traveling on an epic vacation to go and see. Every animal plays an important role within its own respective ecosystem.”
Some of his most-watched videos feature Coyote purposely stung by giant ants, foot-long centipedes or 200 angry yellow jackets. One video of Coyote wincing in pain from a red velvet ant bite garnered 84 million views. But for all of the shock and awe, Coyote insists his bite-sting videos serve a higher purpose. The viral videos lure masses
CONTINUED >
of viewers to his channel where they can discover Coyote’s more conservation-centric episodes aimed at inspiring younger generations to be brave and take interest in the natural world.
“What we hope people walk away with is just a new found fascination,” Coyote says.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BRAVE
Coyote often tackles issues surrounding apex predators such as wolves or mountain lions and teaches his audience about these often misunderstood creatures. In one show, he enters a wolf enclosure and feeds it a deer carcass while cameras film nearby. Across his 900+ videos Coyote shares up-close encounters with manatees, jaguars, rhinoceros, sharks and baby foxes. Working alongside trained wildlife biologists, he offers dramatic glimpses into daily animal life, their natural habitats and often ends with a call to action to protect the species. Sometimes Coyote suggests ways to donate to conservation or offers a petition to sign. Other times he simply encourages his followers to be brave and stay wild. At the heart of the show is exploring what it means to be brave both personally and in the world.
“Being brave is honestly just believing that something is possible,” he says. “I think the biggest fears people face in life are more so what they can't do than what they can do. And to be brave is to be like, yep, I'm gonna get that done. I'm gonna figure out how to do it even though it seems impossible.”
BECOMING COYOTE PETERSON
Coyote’s own fascination with animals began as a toddler when he witnessed a horse giving birth on his family farm in Northeastern Ohio. As a young boy, he’d often spend hours playing in the woods miles away from home. Later, he studied film at Ohio State University and – inspired by Steve Irwin, Jeff Corwin and Bear Grylls and other wildlife adventurers – chose to share his love for animals by filmmaking, eventually winning an Emmy for his work. In 2019, he produced 18 episodes for an Animal Planet series called Brave the Wild before covid restrictions halted production.
These days, Coyote is a non-stop creative force, simultaneously managing a dozen projects, a dedicated production team and grueling travel schedule. His projects include an animated series, video game developments, conservation initiatives, land acquisitions and directing a documentary feature film telling the story of four boys who survived a grizzly
bear attack in 2022. This summer, Coyote accompanied the boys and a wildlife expert as they lived among giant bears in Alaska, marking the first time the boys saw bears since their attack.
And while he hopes his content inspires kids toward conservation, he also has a word of advice to parents along the way: Don’t be afraid to let your kids experience nature.
“You have to let kids get out there and experience nature,” he says. “And to experience nature, you're going to get dirty. You're going to fall down. You're going to experience discomfort in no matter what way, shape or form that is. And you have to embrace that and you learn from it.”
A Latte Love for Cypress
Small Coffee Shop with a Big Heart
With a love for small, locally owned coffee shops, Plum Coffee Shop owners and Texas natives, Jerry and Elizabeth Hale were originally customers before they came to own it. Back in 2019, Elizabeth already owned a successful bakery, Cake Fine Pastry and couldn’t bear the idea of a local small business being forced to close its doors. “When we heard that Plum was either going to close or need to be bought-out, we decided to take the leap of faith and bought it from the previous owners,” Elizabeth recalls.
The small, welcoming feel of Plum Coffee is what sets it apart from the hustle and bustle of bigger corporate coffee chains. Offering a great selection of gourmet coffee and tea options as well as menu items like paninis, breakfast sandwiches, scones, muffins and bagels. “Our light shines brightly on our espresso and coffee. We also carry a variety of tea that we serve in a cute little teapot with a china teacup,” Elizabeth shares. Through storms, hurricanes and even Winter Storm Uri in 2021 Plum Coffee has
fortunately always had power and water, and were a refuge with their doors wide open; generously giving what they could and welcoming anyone who needed help or a place to charge their phones and grab a bite to eat.
Jerry and Elizabeth are passionate about customer service and coffee education, and are proud to be family-owned and community driven. “It’s so important to us that we provide a safe haven for the community and a sturdy launching-pad for our baristas. We want our barista’s to feel loved and confident when they move on to their next journey,” says Elizabeth.
In a tough economy, Plum Coffee is keeping their fingers on the pulse of coffee trends and with diligence, dedication and passion will continue serving the community, through thick and thin; “We care about the deep roots of the many diverse cultures of Cypress. We’re all about making a good cup of coffee–served with a smile and a latte love.”
We’re all about making a good cup of coffee–served with a smile and a latte love.
Plum Coffee Owners, Jerry & Elizabeth Hale
The Gift of a Good Book
LOCAL NONPROFIT INSPIRES CHILDREN’S PASSION FOR READING THROUGH BOOK OWNERSHIP
After becoming an empty nester, Brenda Polivka was looking for volunteer opportunities in Northwest Houston that focused on children’s literacy when she found there were no local nonprofits serving this specific area.
“During this time, the national media began reporting on a drop in reading proficiency across the country due to the aftereffects of the pandemic. It seemed like the time was right to focus on literacy,” said Brenda Polivka, president and founder of Barkley’s Bookshelf.
When Polivka decided to start a literacy nonprofit of her own, she reached out to four friends – all sustainer members of the National Charity League, Inc. along with Polivka. She asked them to sit on the founding board to which they all happily agreed.
“There wasn’t one person that I had to convince or twist their arms,” Polivka said. “We all knew there was a need for literacy nonprofit in this area.”
Barkley’s Bookshelf was officially founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in March 2022.
“All five of the ladies who started this organization have a love of reading and a love of literacy, so we jumped in with both feet, and here we are,” she said.
Their vision is simple – every child is a reader, and every child is a book owner. Polivka described her personal connection to this
mission, “I have always loved reading, especially as a child. I instilled the love of reading in my children and now in my grandson too,” she said. “Reading is a way to relax, to learn and to see the world is a much bigger place than your surroundings.”
Barkley’s Bookshelf celebrated its twoyear anniversary in March. Polivka reflected on the organization’s greatest accomplishment to date: the very first book fair hosted at the Cy-Fair Helping Hands “Back to School Bash” in August 2022.
As a new organization, Polivka knew being asked to participate in this event was a great opportunity to begin the work of Barkley’s Bookshelf. The organization successfully distributed 576 free books to students ranging from preschool to high school. “That very first event, we knew we had hit on something special – that we were doing something that no one else in the community was doing,” Polivka said.
Since then, the organization has distributed over 8,000 free books to children who lack reading resources through partnerships with other local nonprofits and Title I schools. “For most of us, buying books or going to the library is the norm, but that’s not the case for the children Barkley’s Bookshelf serves,” she said. “We are bringing book fairs to children who, in many cases, have not had that opportunity.”
The organization also partners with local businesses and community organizations that want to host book drives on behalf of Barkley’s Bookshelf, accepting donations of new and like-new children’s books appropriate for age groups kindergarten through 5th grade. “We are assisting these children in building personal libraries which offer the ability to read on the weekends, during school holidays and the summer which is so important in improving reading skills,” Polivka said.
“Literacy is the key to education, and it translates to success in later life. We're just happy to be a part of that.”
“That very first event, we knew we had hit on something special – that we were doing something that no one else in the community was doing.”
In the future, Polivka hopes to expand the organization’s Young Ambassadors Program with new members. The program is open to high school and college-aged students, and these ambassadors will assist with book drives, aid with programming and promote literacy among their age group.
The work of Barkley’s Bookshelf strives to empower children through literacy, making an impact on the rest of their lives.
“Literacy is the key to education, and it translates to success in later life,” Polivka said. “We’re just happy to be a part of that.”
BarkleysBookshelf.org
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Oh Baby!
ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY AYALA | PRIMA VISUAL
Bringing 3D and 4D Ultrasounds to Your Door
"Our focus on community and patient-centered service ensures that everyone receives the care they need in the most convenient and comfortable way possible."
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELVES?
Star: Born in Houston, I am a devoted wife and mother, with God at the center of our life. Six years ago, I began my fulfilling career as a sonographer in a hospital setting. While I loved serving patients there, I always felt a calling to do something more. This ambition sparked the idea to start my own business. Today, I am the proud co-founder of Vida Imaging. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, spending time in nature, traveling to new destinations, but most importantly spending quality time with my husband and son.
Sarai: I’m twenty-nine years old, and have been happily married to my best friend for five years. Raised in Hempstead, faith and family are the center of my life. I love traveling, spending time outdoors, and creating new memories with my loved ones. I have been a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer for six years, where I’ve grown my skills, while being able to better serve and meet the needs of my patients. My time working in a hospital setting made me appreciate my work and my patients, and led to the desire to start my own business and be the proud co-founder of Vida Imaging.
WHAT LED TO YOU OPENING VIDA IMAGING?
The inspiration behind Vida Imaging came from feeling limited in our ability to better serve patients in the traditional hospital setting. We encountered patients from all walks of life and recognized the need to provide more affordable healthcare while making it more accessible for our community. This desire to make a positive impact led us to establishing Vida Imaging.
Sarai Olvera and Star Rodriguez | Registered Sonographers and Vida Imaging co-founders
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT VIDA IMAGING?
We provide a variety of services, including elective 2D/3D/4D ultrasounds, as well as diagnostic ultrasounds. Whether a mother wants an ultrasound for enjoyment or a patient requires a diagnostic exam, we cover all needs. We also uniquely provide mobile ultrasound services, bringing our expertise directly to the comfort of the patients’ homes.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER ULTRASOUND AND IMAGING SERVICES?
What sets us apart from other ultrasound and imaging services is our commitment to accessibility, affordability, and personalized care. Our focus on community and patient-centered service ensures that everyone receives the care they need in the most convenient and comfortable way possible. Additionally, we have partnered with a great radiology group, enabling us to provide a 24-hour turnaround time for all diagnostic exams.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WANT THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW ABOUT VIDA IMAGING?
At Vida Imaging, we are driven by passion for what we do. We view every patient as a member of our own family, treating them with the love and respect that everyone deserves. This personalized approach ensures that each individual receives the highest level of care and attention, creating a welcoming and compassionate environment for all.
DR. LYNSEY HACKLER
DR. TREY PATTERSON
W A T C H THEM GROW
The days are long, but the years go fast. So they say with raising children. I have to agree with that sentiment. Each year as summer ends I find myself looking at my kids and reminding myself to “Watch them grow!” Both as a reminder to not miss the growth (with all the distractions and responsibilities that adult life brings) but also as reflection on how far they’ve come since the last time we turned the calendar page to August. Whether there are children in your life or not, I’m sure we can all agree that childhood is fleeting. Instead of stopping to smell the roses, I need to remind myself to “stop and watch them grow”—you can’t see it if you stare, but you’ll surely miss it if you blink! It helps me to set aside intentional time to be present with these fast little growers.
For us that looks like setting a special table to spend time sharing (or drawing) how we’ve seen them grow over the summer before jumping back into school routines. Making DIY game boards together and then having a family game night. Making snow cones for an after-dinner treat or, for a bigger wow factor, for breakfast! They will never forget that one, I promise. (Psst! my snow cones are made with fruit juice so it’s Mommy approved too!)
As August rolls in and the calendar tells us that it’s time for back-to-school shopping, the weather does not usually agree that the times are changing. I find that it’s such
a weird dance between what looks like the change of seasons when I open my calendar but not when I walk out my back door (heat wave!). On one hand, we’re still in full throttle of blazing temperatures in the Midwest and with no end in sight. At the same time, being thrown into back-to-school shopping, Meet-the-Teacher nights, resuming the regiment of packing school lunches, and if you’re a homeschool parent, all the to-do lists and lesson plans in order to launch into another school year. As we find ourselves
with one foot in summer and the other in a classroom, how do we embrace and (dare I say) celebrate this month? Instead of feeling ungrounded in the juxtaposition of August, I am inviting myself, and anyone who would join me, to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the in-between seasons that this month brings. My hope is that these ideas help spark your imagination on how to keep you cool in the heat, launch your kiddos into a new school year, and to set aside time to watch them grow.
DIY GAME BOARDS
Welcome more play into your life with this little DIY project. At our house we like to keep outdoor game boards around for short moments together as well as full blown game nights. These game boards are meant to be kept outside but could also be brought indoors as well.
Materials
• Pebbles for Checkers, 24 similar sized
• Small stones for Tic-Tac-Toe, 8 similar sized
• Acrylic paints (black, red, yellow and white)
• Paint brush
• Raw wooden boards + black paint marker
• Reclaimed wood + black acrylic paint
• Polycrylic spray
Instructions
1. Game Pieces: Paint your rocks with acrylic paint. For Tic-Tac-Toe you’ll need a total of 8 rocks, 4 of each type (here I’ve painted 4 lady bugs and 4 bumble bees). For Checkers you’ll need a total of 24 rocks, 12 of each color (here I’ve used black stones, painting half of them red).
2. Game Board: For raw wood (such as our TicTac-Toe board), use a ruler and black paint marker to create board lines. For reclaimed or treated wood, use paint. Let game pieces and game boards fully dry. Seal with a polycrylic spray for protection from heat and moisture.
SNOW CONES
We adore snow cones at our house! If you’ve been to our house then we’ve probably served them to you. A shaved ice machine makes it oh-so-easy! You can purchase premade snow cone syrup flavors or make your own healthier version by using fruit juice concentrates. Simply thaw the frozen fruit juice concentrate and put the liquid into squeezy bottles for an easy way to pour over shaved ice.
Assemble
• Ice, lots of ice!
• Snow Cone Machine
• Snow Cone Cups
• Snow Cone Straws
• Snow Cone Syrups (or frozen juice concentrates, thawed)
Use a snow cone machine to shave ice into snow cone cups. Top with your favorite flavor—either store bought snow cone syrups, homemade syrups, or our favorite—fruit concentrates. Stay cool and celebrate the last days of summer heat!
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES | STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
DOG
SOCIALIZING
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a form of therapy used primarily for children. That’s because children may not be able to process their own emotions or articulate problems to parents or other adults. While it may look like ordinary playtime, play therapy can be much more than that. Here at Cypress Therapy, we start at 4 years old and up.
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Dr. Celesta Ferreira Owner & Optometrist
summer is POPSICLE SEASON
KIDS AND POPSICLES ARE THE PERFECT SUMMERTIME PAIR
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
SPICED GRAPE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
CHERRY LIMEADE POPSICLES
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
JULY 19TH - AUGUST 11TH
Stageworks Theatre Presents You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Stageworks Theatre | 10760 Grant Road | 7:30 PM
Happiness is great musical theatre! With charm, wit, and heart, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. Evening performances are at 7:30PM and Matinees are at 3PM. Check the full schedule at StageworksHouston.org.
AUGUST 2ND
Friends Trivia Night at the Barn
The Barn at Frio Grill | 16416 Mueschke Rd | 7:00 PM
Think you know everything about Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe? Prove it at this ultimate Friends Trivia Night! FrioGrill.com/Trivia
AUGUST 3RD
Easy Asian Cooking with Cy-Fair Women’s Club
Founder’s Conference Room, HCA Houston 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 3RD
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Back-to-School Supply Drive
Calvary Community Church | 7750 Cherry Park Drive | 7:30 AM
Accepting donations to fill backpacks with school supplies given to students attending CFISD schools and Lone Star College. Drop offs donations can be made at from 7:30am - 12:30pm at Calvary Community Church. This year will be held indoors. For a full list of donations, visit CyFairHelpingHands.org.
AUGUST 17TH
Katy Market Days
5717 Second Street in Downtown Katy | 9:00 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
AUGUST 24TH
Marvel Themed Brunch at World of Beer Towne Lake
World of Beer | 9945 Barker Cypress Rd | 11:00 AM
Assemble your brunch squad for a heroic feast! Indulge in Marvel-inspired delights, sip on themed drinks, and embrace your inner superhero. An epic brunch adventure! WorldofBeer.com
