Cypress, TX December 2021 by City Lifestyle

D E C E M B E R 2 02 1

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Merry Christmas to all!

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com PHOTO EDITOR

Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com

BRING THE HOLIDAY CHEER, CYPRESS, BECAUSE THE CHRISTMAS

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

SEASON IS HERE!

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

We love Christmas because it’s a time to celebrate the best things life has to offer.

Whitney Lockhart

So put on the holiday tunes, unravel those twinkle lights and toss a tray of cookies in the oven because Christmas comes but once a year. This season, I’m especially looking forward to spending time with my daughter Grace—a very active 16-month-old—who is at a ripe old age where she can really

AD DESIGNER

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Erica Hernandez

start enjoying all of the sights and sounds of the season. We’ve got massive plans to

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

bake cookies, see the lights at the Houston Zoo and snuggle up by our Christmas tree

Shannon Valentine, David Postma

to read the holiday classics. And let’s not forget about Christmas gifts! Grace is an only grandchild on both sides of the family and is probably going to get everything her little toddler heart might desire. (Who needs Santa when you have grandparents?!) And speaking of Santa. If you’re looking for gift-buying help, we’ve got you covered with our five-page gift guide starting on page 28. We scoured the web to find you a genius selection of gifts that will help make your holiday shopping experience a breeze. And if the idea of gift shopping makes your pulse race, then skip to page 38 for a tasty eggnog recipe that might help take the edge off things.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Finally, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a heartwarming story of faith,

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perseverance and miracles. This month, we profile Sister Helen Gay, an ordained

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

Baptist minister who followed the voice of God and began a mission 60 years ago

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

that has transformed the lives of those living in poverty. We remember her legacy with a feature story starting on page 20. Whether you’re planning on spending time with family or taking a special holiday getaway somewhere, we hope you truly enjoy these last few days of 2021. Reflect,

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Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cypress Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cypress area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cypress Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021

FEATURES 20 Sister Helen Gay and the Mission of Yahweh Her Legacy of Transforming Lives and Restoring Hope for Homeless Women and Children Continues

28 ‘ Tis the Season for Giving Perfect Gifts for the Ones You Love

34 Gratefully Giving Away After a Successful Campaign Last Year, Lifestyle Publications is Giving $300,000 to Recipients in Need this Christmas Season and Beyond... and We Need Your Help!

28 38

38 Boozy & Light Butterscotch Eggnog Enjoy a Special Eggnog this Holiday

DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local Experiences

20 Hometown Hero 28 Local’s Choice 34 Giving Back 36 Lifestyle Calendar 38 Culinary Creations

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GOOD TIMES

Cypress Lifestyle Celebrates Three-Year Anniversary Cypress Lifestyle celebrated its three-year anniversary with a party at Juanita's Mexican Kitchen. The magazine has been publishing since August 2018 bringing relevant stories about the residents, businesses, heroes, events and chrarities that make Cypress the wonderful place we call home. If you would to receive the publication at home contact us at CityLifestyle.com/Cypress.

Shield Bearer's Golf Tournament Fundraiser The Inaugural Mental Health Heroes Classic benefitting Shield Bearer Counseling Centers had over 60 golfers hit the links in a four-person scramble competition. The event raised over $20,000 for mental health in Northwest Houston. Save the date for the Second Annual Mental Health Heroes Classic, which will be held on March 30th, 2022! Photo credit: Stan Matzke Photography

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

Bridgeland Named Grand Champion at the Battle at the Berry The Bridgeland HS marching band was named Grand Champion at the Battle at the Berry marching band competition. Nineteen bands from across Houston competed in four classifications based on band size. Bridgeland won first in classification V, and all but one performance award. Cy-Ridge placed first in classification II, , Langham Creek won first and Cy-Park third in classification IV, and Cy-Falls placed second in classification V. Photo credit: Angel Verdajo and Abbie Geveshausen

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GOOD TIMES

Bridgeland Hosts 13th Annual Nature Fest Bridgeland’s Nature Fest featured Nat Geo WILD TV host Jack Randall and Twiggy the World-Famous Water-Skiing Squirrel. Other stage appearances included Crocodile Encounter, Texas Snakes, and Zoofari Exotic Animals. Attendees also enjoyed balloon art, a petting zoo, face painting, laser tag, pony rides and more. The event attracted 8500 people and raised over $12K for Cy-Hope.

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT! Join Us for a Grand Holiday Re-Opening Celebration featuring a tour of homes. We invite you to mingle and jingle your way through the newly redecorated Park Creek. Come share in the joy of the season with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, live entertainment, festive door prizes and a visit with Santa. It’s a spirited place for active, independent seniors to enjoy good friends and good cheer!

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Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

Greater Grace Ministry Holds Running for Greater Things Fall Fest Fairfield Baptist Church's Greater Grace Ministry held the Running for Greater Things Fall Fest in October. The ministry helps adoptive and foster families through education, training, counseling and other resources to strengthen families as parents love their kids from hard places. FairfieldBaptist.com

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

AROUND TOWN with senior Cassidy Graham finishing eighth overall. Senior Allison Millan made a 21st-place finish. Also running for the Bears were senior Madeleine Wilson, junior Emily Ellis, freshman Lily Fawcett, junior Macie Gunn and senior Elisa Grillo. This is the Bear's third qualification in four years.

TOP CFISD HIGH SCHOOL BANDS ADVANCE TO STATE BAND COMPETITION Bridgeland, Cy-Woods and Jersey Village high school marching bands advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest held at the Alamodome in November. The groups were among just four bands selected to advance from the UIL Area I Marching Band Contest. It was the second consecutive year for Bridgeland and Cy-Woods high school bands to advance to the state competition and the second time in program history for Jersey Village High School.

BRIDGELAND EARNS THIRD CONSECUTIVE DISTRICT TEAM TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP The Bridgeland High School tennis team completed a perfect 7-0 run through its District 16-6A season, clinching a league championship for the third consecutive year. The three championships come in the first five years of the school’s existence.

CFISD RUNNERS HEAD TO CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS The Bridgeland High School girls’ cross country team and Cy-Springs High School sophomore Manuel Vela qualified for the UIL Region II-6A

WALKER ELEMENTARY HOSTS FIRST CAMPUS COMFORT DOG IN TEXAS

Cross Country State Championships. Cy-Ridge

Walker Elementary School is the first Texas school

High School senior Devon Simmons also qualified

to host a full-time comfort dog on campus. Skye, a

for the Region III-6A state meet. The Bridgeland

two-year-old golden retriever, helps school staffers

girls placed third at the regional championships

CONTINUED >

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

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Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

CFISD FOOTBALL STANDOUTS RECEIVE ALLAMERICAN GAME JERSEYS Bridgeland High School senior quarterback Conner Weigman and Cy-Park High School senior linebacker Harold Perkins were both

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CY-RANCH, CY-FAIR WIN DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL TITLES The District 16-6A and District 17-6A volleyball seasons ended in October with six CFISD teams qualifying for the UIL playoffs. Cy-Ranch High School advanced as the undefeated District 16-6A champion. Bridgeland, Cypress

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

WINTER AND REVEL NOW IS THE TIME TO ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE USHERING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you are enjoying one of the many festive activities our city has to offer or spending time with loved ones, cherish those holiday memories!

SEASONAL LIGHT DISPLAYS AND EVENTS + The Johnson Family Christmas Corner’s exciting display includes 70,000 lights synchronized to music along with a snow and bubble machine. 14811 Cypress Meadow Dr. , Cypress, Texas 77429 + Franck’s Christmas Light Show runs nightly with fun and uplifting music. Shows run until 11 p.m. on weekends. It’s sure to bring smiles to the whole family. 15923 Viney Creek, Houston, Texas 77095 + Watch more than a million synced lights dance to holiday music that plays through your car radio at Rudolph’s Light Show. Plus, venture through giant Christmas trees, snowmen, and more. 19623 Bauer Road, Hockley, Texas 77447 + Prestonwood Forest neighborhood residents have been decorating their homes in grand fashion since the 1970s. Take a tour to experience the neighborhood’s holiday hoopla. Prestonwood Forest Dr & Hwy 249. Houston, Texas 77070 + Everyone will enjoy the Schultz Family Light Show and its animated holiday lights from Thanksgiving to New Years since 2010. 19827 Rose Dawn, Spring, Texas 77379 18

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

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HOMETOWN HERO

sister helen gay and the mission

of Yahweh HER LEGACY OF TRANSFORMING LIVES AND RESTORING HOPE FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AND CHILDREN CONTINUES ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID POSTMA AND PROVIDED

SIXTY YEARS AGO A HAIRDRESSER NAMED HELEN GAY QUIT

“It was just all about love,” says Helen Gay,

HER FANCY SALON JOB, LOADED UP HER LITTLE GREEN

Sister Gay’s daughter and namesake. “It was

PICKUP AND TOOK TO THE STREETS OF HOUSTON’S NOTO-

pure love.”

RIOUS FIFTH WARD. She was a college graduate, former school-

Helen recalls growing up in a “melting

teacher, and lived in a cozy brick home when she heard the voice of

pot” of personalities with children of all ages.

God directing her to do something drastic.

Sister Gay kept track of their birthdays, their

Her mission? Bring food, clothing and a message of hope to the

personal stories and school activities. Prayer

poverty-stricken lives of those around her. For years, she befriended

meetings were a regular occurrence in Sister

abused women in desperate situations along with motherless chil-

Gay’s bedroom—dubbed Grand Central

dren who had no place to call home. With unshakeable faith and

Station because of so many children coming

acting on directions straight from the divine, Sister Gay, as she came

and going. The children also attended regu-

to be known, founded The Mission of Yahweh. The faith-based home

lar church services, but above all, they were

is a refuge for women and children in crisis.

taught to love each other.

“It is not a shelter,” she said in a previously-recorded video interview. “It is Jesus’s home away from home for his least people.”

“Her speech, her actions, it was all in love,” says Helen, recalling lessons from her mother. “If you do anything, give love.

LOVE IS PARAMOUNT

Everything else will come.”

Sister Gay began her work serving meals, clothing and an endless supply of cheerful “God Bless You’s” to drug addicts and displaced

A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING

women. Some people ate then left and others slept in her two-bed-

Sister Gay passed away in 2008, but

room home. Soon, she began adopting children whose mothers

her legacy continues. Today, The Mission

were unwilling or unable to care for them. One child was even gifted

of Yahweh is now a tranquil campus in

to Sister Helen by a mother who’d just given birth at a nearby hospi-

Carverdale, an industrial Northwest Houston

tal. In all, Sister Gay, and her husband Fisher Gay, legally adopted 24

neighborhood dotted with warehouses and

children and raised them alongside the mission residents.

used car lots.

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

so cial skills and e ducation

co m m u n i t y

se rving neighborhoo d familie s

o ut re a ch

ch il d re n’ s

p ro g ra m s

he aling the b o dy, mind and soul

o g ra m s

wo m e n’s p r

Mission residents not only receive

At the mission, children have a

The mission distributes food for

immediate food and shelter, they get

safe place to live and a full spec-

Christmas dinner and gives toys

training and spiritual counseling to

trum of supporting services. The

to the children of low-income

help them end the cycle of poverty.

campus has playgrounds, on-site

families in the area. Mission

The goal is to empower women and

daycare, vacation Bible school and

children can also enjoy a special

restore their lives to be fully contrib-

afterschool programs to enrich

Christmas event complete with

uting members of society.

children’s lives during their stay.

real snow and toy giveaways.

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

In the beginning, Sister Gay would do anything she

HEALING THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT

could to supply the needs of her growing mission. She

The Mission of Yahweh is more than a homeless shel-

gleaned clothes from the garbage for the women and

ter. It’s a place of miracles. Stories of massive personal

children she cared for. She knocked on the doors of

transformations abound. Donations often show up just in

strangers asking for donations, food or money. Some

time to feed or clothe residents. Relationships between

people called her crazy, but Sister Gay knew she was

mothers and daughters are mended. People learn to

about the Lord’s work. Over the years her efforts drew the

forgive the traumas of their past. One resident was even

attention of wealthy donors who funded the construction

cured of stage four breast cancer.

of the mission’s twelve buildings. Today, the mission is

“At the mission, I have purpose and hope,” says

supported by dozens of local churches, foundations and

Vivienne Roberts, a former resident who underwent

hundreds of volunteers. Sister Gay never accepted gov-

cancer treatments during her stay. The staff shuttled

ernment funding, and the mission remains a completely

her to doctor’s appointments and cared for her after her

privately-funded, Christian non-profit organization.

radiation treatment. The mission children even made her

The campus began as a couple of simple “shacks” to house the poor, but today it’s a far cry from that. The

get-well cards. Soon after group prayers, and treatments, Vivienne was cancer-free.

modern Mission of Yahweh consists of residential dormi-

At Yahweh, residents receive everything they need to

tories, a kitchen, a learning center, administrative offices

get their lives back on track. They can eat a fresh meal

and a chapel. A garden, two playgrounds and a grassy

at the campus dining hall, sleep in their own bedroom or

courtyard offer plenty of space for children to enjoy the

alongside their children’s bunk beds. They learn how to

outdoors. Across the street is a resale shop—completely

budget their income, how to interview for a job or how to

staffed by the residents—where women can pick out

become better mothers. Everyone is expected to attend

new outfits for an upcoming job interview or receive

Bible study and chapel. Most women come to the mis-

school clothing for their children.

sion without a job but often leave employed, with new

At full capacity, the mission houses more than 120

job skills and a renewed sense of possibility. “I came here not knowing what was ahead,” says former

as they need, but the average stay is four to six months.

resident, Champernell Washington. “I just knew that I was

The mission also serves more than 4,000 monthly meals

tired. After coming here, I was able to take a break from some

to its residents and those in the community.

of the things that were wearing me down.”

CONTINUED >

R SPEECH, HER ACTIONS, IT WAS ALL IN LOVE. IF YOU DO Y THING, GIVE LOVE. EVERYTHING ELSE WILL COME.”

“H E

women and children a month. Residents can stay as long

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED) Champernell arrived at the mission years ago with her three children after a series of bad decisions and drug abuse. She had no place to live and was mentally, spiritually and physically exhausted, weighing only about 90 pounds. The mission was the last place she wanted to go, but when she met Sister Gay, all of that changed. “Mother Gay, she welcomed everybody,” Champernell said. “She loved everybody’s children. There were times she would just hug me and say, ‘Daughter, just take it to God.’” SERVING GOD, RENEWING HOPE, REBUILDING LIVES Now, 60 years after Sister Gay began trucking supplies to hopeless souls in Fifth Ward, the mission she founded celebrates her work. In October, the mission held a 60-year anniversary party complete with a proclamation from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee designating Oct. 9 as Mission of Yahweh Day. Dozens of Sister Gay’s children and grandchildren posed for pictures and former residents returned to walk the mission halls. A bronze figure sculpted by local artist Shirley Scarpetta was unveiled portraying Sister Gay adorned in her iconic white garment and clutching her large-print Bible. The sculpture now welcomes mission visitors at the front door of its administrative offices. Big things are on the horizon for the mission. The staff is gearing up fundraising efforts for a new dormitory to house 50 more residents. The new project is expected to cost about $2.5 million. They are also planning the annual Christmas on a Mission event complete with a toy giveaway and real snow for the resident children. Much has changed for The Mission of Yahweh in 60 years, but the one constant has been its unwavering focus on God. The team regularly prays together over their work and prays blessings over each resident’s life. Their hope is to help restore their residents to become self-sufficient, productive members of society. “The poor will always be among us,” says Tammie Jeffers, Mission of Yahweh’s development director. “But they don’t have to stay that way.” MISSION OF YAHWEH 10247 Algiers, Houston 713-466-4785 MissionofYahweh.org

how t

o h e lp Bottled Water Women’s Shower Shoes Lysol Spray and Wipes Latex Gloves Hand Sanitizer Pine-Sol Cleaner Laundry Sanitizer Masks for Women and Children Canned Vegetables Sculptor Shirley Scarpetta with some of Sister Gay's children and grandchildren pose with her bronze bust

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

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FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

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LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

gifts for

M E N

APPLE AIRTAGS | 1/$29 or 4/$98 | Apple.com THERAGUN VIBRATING WAVE ROLLER | $149 | Therabody.com SHINOLA BI-FOLD WALLET IN BLACK OR BROWN | $165 | Shinola.com RESTAURANT RECIPES AT HOME WITH GORDON RAMSEY MASTERCLASS | $15/mo | MasterClass.com 3-IN-1 CHARGING STAND | $26 | Amazon.com CASOULS CUSTOM MORSE CODE BRACELET | $38 | Etsy.com GOOD HURT FUEGO HOT SAUCE SAMPLER PACK | $35 | Amazon.com

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

gifts for

BIG JOE MILANO BEAN BAG CHAIR, VARIOUS COLORS | $55 | Walmart.com COOLUI MINI FRIDGE | $50 | Amazon.com GAME OF PHONES | $25 | UncommonGoods.com DR. MARTENS JADON PLATFORM 8-EYE BOOT | $200 | UrbanOutfitters.com WORLD INCENSE STORE BEGINNERS CRYSTAL KIT, 10 PCS IN VELVET POUCH | $16 | Etsy.com SNAPSHOT SHELFYSTAND 360 W/AI AUTO-TRACKING | $40 | ShelfyStand.com

T EE N S

INFINITY MIRROR LED WIRELESS SPEAKER | $55 | UrbanOutfitters.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

LOCAL’S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

gifts for

K I D S

WOWEE GOT2GLOW FAIRY FINDER | $35 | Walmart.com LOGROTATE 16 COLORS GALAXY MOON LAMP | $20 | Amazon.com GOOD HOUSEKEEPING KIDS COOK! COOKBOOK | $11 | Amazon.com VTECH KIDIZOOM CREATOR CAM | $45 | Amazon.com BOON BUILDING BATH PIPES | $15 | BlackToyStore.com AIR HOGS ZERO GRAVITY LASER RACE CAR | $30 | Amazon.com SLEUTH & SOLVE: 20+ MIND-TWISTING MYSTERIES BOOK | $18 | BraveandKindBooks.com

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

T H E BA K E R FO R E M A N TEA M

Your Houston Area Real Estate Advisors

(832) 900-0994 CuretheChaos.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.

Call us for complimentary market analysis of your home.

M E L I S SA BA K E R

REALTOR® 281.687.8077 Melissa.Baker@garygreene.com

T R AC Y FO R E M A N

REALTOR® 713.614.4690 Tracy.Foreman@garygreene.com

15103 Mason Rd Suite A-1, Cypress, TX 77433 | 832.334.0001 ©2021 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

GIVING BACK

Gratefully

ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES

GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my

“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” —Anna Sarol

family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have

Anna Sarol

otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.

Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

and family. Entrance fee is $2 and 1

shows the late 19th through the

can food item but all activities are

1970s, you’ll laugh, tap your toes,

LIGHT THE TOWNE EVENT

free. Santa photos are take your own

and be amazed as we entertain

for $5. Never a line and much better

you. Stageworks.org

The Boardwalk at Towne Lake

than going to the mall. You can also

Join us for our annual Christmas Tree

make your own old fashion candle

Lighting at The Boardwalk Towne

for $5. Donations jar set up through-

Lake starting at 6PM. We put a

out. 10AM - 4PM. Proceeds benefit

special call into the North Pole and

KleinHistorical.org.

rumor has it that Santa Claus will be in Towne with us! Christmas Tree lighting will be promptly at 7:00pm with snow to follow!

3-5

4 DECK THE DEPOT

18 WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA HONORS FALLEN ARMED FORCES Houston National Cemetery

Each

December

National

Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and

The Depot Museum, Tomball

Teach is carried out by coordinat-

Deck the Depot is the City of

ing wreath-laying ceremonies at

Tomball’s annual Christmas event

Arlington National Cemetery, as well

for families at the historic Depot

as at more than 2,500 additional

Towne Lake Boardwalk

Museum. Fun and games, entertain-

locations in all 50 U.S. states, at

With everything from apparel &

ment, Santa and more. Gates open at

sea and abroad. To participate visit

accessories for mom/baby/child to

10AM. Free admission and parking.

WreathsAcrossAmerica.org

16TH ANNUAL AVERY GRACE KARGEL MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

COOKIE DECORATING WITH VELMA PEREZ, COOKIE GRAM!

Houston National Golf Club

Join us from 10AM – 1PM for DIY

The tournament, which starts at

Cookies + Crafts! Learn the art

11AM is In memory of Avery Grace

of Cookie Decorating with guest

HEART TO MARKET

home decor, paper goods, sweets & treats, Heart to Market is your one-stop-shop for everyone on your shopping list! Friday VIP Sip and Shop 6-8PM, Sat & Sun 10AM-4PM.

4 FAIRFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET

Kargel who gained her angel wings

instructor

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

at birth. Benefitting organizations

Gram. You'll decorate a bouquet of

The holiday market will host a variety

that reach out to families who have

amazing sugar cookies and gain

of vendors selling an assortment of

lost a child due to miscarriage, still-

some sweet knowledge on this tasty

products - perfect for early Christmas

birth or early infant death. Individual

skill! ARWorkshop.com

shopping! The market is from 9AM –

entry is $125 and team entry is $500.

2PM. Come early, as we hear many

AGKMemorial.com

of the vendors often run out of their goods before noon! Following the market, we will hold our first Fairfield Christmas Parade at 5:30PM.

10-19 HOLIDAY FOLLIES

Velma

Perez,

24 & 31 HOLIDAY DINNER AT MEZZANOTTE RISTORANTE 13215 Grant Rd, Ste. 1200

Stageworks Theater

Celebrate

Experience the holidays as never

New Year’s Eve at Mezzanotte!

before! The whole family will be

Enjoy

dazzled by this bold and colorful

dinner

and

show that celebrates the enter-

with friends and family. Make

18218 Theiss Mail Rte Rd, Spring

tainers who brought magic to the

your reservations early because

Step back to a simpler time, when

Christmas season. Taking inspi-

they expect to be fully booked.

Christmas was about community

ration from Vaudeville and Follies

Mezzanotte-Ristorante.com

WUNDERLICH FARM OLD FASHION CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

AR Workshop Cypress

Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021

Christmas special live

Eve

and

four-course entertainment

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CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

ENJOY A SPECIAL EGGNOG THIS HOLIDAY

CULINARY CREATIONS

BOOZY & LIGHT BUTTERSCOTCH EGGNOG EGGNOG Brighten up your holiday party with this boozy holiday favorite. Eggnog is a classic Christmas drink made with cream and raw eggs. This month’s recipe is loaded with plenty of bourbon to keep your holiday cheer going all night long. Serve this lively refreshment with a dose of homemade butternut scotch sauce for a dynamic pairing of sweet and salty flavors.

INGREDIENTS + 10 oz bourbon

+ 1 cup heavy whipping cream

+ 1 tbsp almond extract

+ 6 eggs, separated into yolks

+ 1/4 cup sugar

and whites

+ 1/8 tsp ground cloves

+ 1/3 cup salted bourbon but-

+ 1 tsp vanilla extract

terscotch sauce*

+ 1 tsp ground cinnamon

+ 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

+ 5 cups 2% milk

+ 1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS 01 Whisk egg yolks, butterscotch sauce and salt until smooth. 02 Add milk, whipping cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE

vanilla. Whisk until smooth.

03 In a bowl with a standing mixer, or with a hand mixer, whip egg whites with 1/4 cup sugar until soft peaks form, around 8-10 minutes. Fold whites into cream mixture until smooth. 04 Chill until cold, serve in a punch bowl with bourbon. Top with more grated nutmeg. 05 Cheers!

SALTED BOURBON BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE BY Gastronomblog.com

INGREDIENTS + 1/2 stick butter

+ 1/4 tsp sea salt

+ 1/2 cup brown sugar

+ 1 tsp vanilla extract

+ 1 tsp bourbon

+ 1/2 cup cream

DIRECTIONS 01 Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. 02 Bring to a boil on medium heat. 03 Reduce to low when it starts to boil. Cook for 5 minutes. 04 Pull off heat and cool. *You can make your own bourbon butterscotch sauce or purchase a bottle to save a little time. Cypress Lifestyle | December 2021