Taking care of your breast health is important. And early detection starts with your annual mammogram. That’s why Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers offer:
• Innovative imaging technology
• Board-certified breast radiologists
• Online scheduling available when you are
• 13 convenient locations across Houston
Using cutting-edge breast screenings, such as 3D mammograms, to detect even the smallest lumps with accuracy, our breast experts have decades of experience and are all here to support you.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.
IN THIS SEASONS OF GIVING THANKS, I’m sitting in an abundance of thankfulness as I reflect on the journey that got me here. Counting my blessings has always been a good way to align–and maybe even readjust–my perspective.
For our annual Thankful Issue, we bring you inspiring and uplifting stories from around Cypress–filled with challenges, resilience and success!
Turn the pages for inspiration on Fall hosting hacks, easy yet classy decor tips, and of course yummy dishes to share with loved ones, perfect for this time of year.
This month, we are so honored for the opportunity to talk to the amazing people running Boys & Girls Country in Hockley–read about the remarkable, life-changing work they are doing for young people and find out ways to get involved.
We are also thankful for the chance to get to know local Mom and advocate, Tara Reynolds. Tara is the dedicated, dynamic and fun owner of Peace, Love, Autism . The storefront is more than just a place to buy awesome autism awareness accessories and apparel. Turn the pages to find out what else they’re doing!
I am also delighted to shine a light on The Living Legacy Center and the powerful and impactful work they are doing. This year The Living Legacy Center is celebrating 10 years of meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. Helping veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities and their families with various needs.
In this season, I invite you to give thanks, and to intentionally have joy in all circumstances, and in all seasons.
Thank you for allowing us to continue telling your stories each month, and thank you to our partners who make all of this possible!
Many thanks and blessings,
LAURA SANCHEZQUAN, MANAGING EDITOR @CYPRESSLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Laura SanchezQuan
laura.sanchezquan@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Sunny Rajabi | hello@sunburstphotography.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephanie Parnell, Kaylee Dusang, Samantha Durbin, Elaine Verde, Laura SanchezQuan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sunny Rajabi, Emily Merrill, Tara Reynolds, Daniel Arizpe/Apollo Productions
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
November 2025 Visit our Instagram
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
CUSTOM PRINTING & EMBROIDERY DONE RIGHT
Helping Children Live
business monthly
CFISD Student-Driven Baking Class Curriculum
As part of CFISD’s culinary program, co-piloted at Cy-Park and Cy-Ranch, the baking class is uniquely focused on a student-driven curriculum. Students are given a category to research how to make it from start to finish. Every week the class sends out a menu full of treats and an order form to staff, who can place orders for the students to fill. The baking class aims to teach students not only the basics of baking, but also to be a self-sufficient chef. cfisd.net
Scan to read more
Trader Joe’s Opening in Towne Lake
Trader Joe’s has announced they are bringing their signature mix of unique grocery items, quality produce, bakery goods, and regular Trader Joe's staples to Cypress sometime in December. A good source for great cheese, and offering a vibrant selection of fresh flowers and, as always, at Trader Joe’s; quality products at good prices. Conveniently located across from the Boardwalk at Towne Lake at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway. traderjoes.com
Cheesecake Factory Opens November 18
The popular restaurant favorite is opening a Cypress location at 29216 Hempstead Rd. Known for its extensive menu of appetizers, salads, seafood, burgers, steaks, pastas, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas with menu favorites like Avocado Eggrolls, Bee Sting Flatbread Pizza and the Macaroni and Cheese Burger with dozens of cheesecake varieties such as Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake, Triple Berry Bliss, and Cinnabon Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake. thecheesecakefactory.com
Photography by CFISD
Peak Health & Aesthetics Expands with Second Location
Health spa, Peak Health and Aesthetics has plans to expand with a second location in Cypress to be located at 9818 Fry Rd Ste 170 this fall. Peak Health and Aesthetics takes a functional approach to medicine as they strive to get to the true “root” cause of health issues through genetic and micronutrient testing. Peak Health and Aesthetics offers hormone replacement therapy, IV drips, medical weight loss, sports nutrition and medical aesthetics. Check out their holiday specials at peakhealthtexas.com
Cy-Hope Celebrates 15 Years of Impact
Non-profit Cy-Hope celebrates this big milestone as they continue to invest in the next generation and creating a tomorrow full of possibility. Cy-Hope helps through various ways including four afterschool Hope Centers, the Backpack Feeding Program , Counseling Center, Cy-Hope Mentoring, Providing Opportunities Program for college and career readiness, Cy-Hope Fine Arts/ Betty Devine Virtuosos, Camp Lemonade, and Dierker’s Champs Baseball as well as two Hope Chest Resale Shops. Find out how you can get involved. cy-hope.org
Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux Announcing Opening in Former Sam's Boat Location
With a planned opening of summer of 2026 Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux is moving into the former Sam's Boat location in the Towne Lake Center in Cypress, located at 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Suite 100.. The sports bar and restaurant offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails, appetizers and entrees such as cajun quesadillas and blackened chicken alfredo. walk-ons.com
Antique Cut Double Old Fashioned GlassesSet of 4, $72, potterybarn.com
Sur La Table Linen NapkinsSet of 4, $49.99, surlatable.com
FALL IN With Your Table LOVE
1. LAYER NATURAL TEXTURES
Ratan Charger - each, $9.50, theroyalstandard.com
ARTICLE BY ELAINE VERDE
Unique Terra Cotta Place Cards - each, $2.50, etsy.com
Start with woven placemats or chargers made from jute or seagrass to ground each setting with an organic feel. They add instant warmth and rustic charm.
2. USE AUTUMNAL TONES
Opt for napkins in burnt orange, rust, or terracotta tones. Tie them in a loose knot and lay them across the plate for a relaxed yet refined look.
3. MIX FRESH & DRIED FLORALS
Create a low centerpiece using a blend of fresh blooms (like roses and eucalyptus) and dried elements (like pampas grass or bunny tails). Stick to a palette of soft peaches, creams, and warm rusts.
4. TOUCHES OF GLASS AND CANDLELIGHT
Incorporate clear, textured glassware for a vintage feel. Tall taper candles in warm neutral shades add glow and height without obstructing conversation.
5. SIMPLE ACCENTS FOR A PERSONAL TOUCH
Add a small slice of dried orange or a handwritten name tag at each setting for a seasonal, personal touch that feels thoughtful but not fussy.
FINDING HOME BEYOND HOPE
Boys and Girls Country Helping Children in Crisis Become Thriving, Confident Adults for 50 years
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNNY RAJABI
Andrew’s journey from the streets of Trinidad to the corporate offices of ConocoPhillips reads like an impossible dream—yet it’s precisely the kind of transformation that Boys and Girls Country has been making possible for more than five decades. Born into poverty and abandoned as an infant,
Over five decades, the organization has grown to include modern cottage-style family homes, educational programs, and a pioneering College and Career initiative.
Andrew endured neglect until a chance encounter led to adoption by a loving couple in New York. But when his adoptive mother’s cancer battle brought the family to Texas and grief later consumed his adolescence, Andrew found himself struggling with anger and academic failure.
That’s when his father made a life-changing decision: placing him at Boys and Girls Country, where Andrew would spend the next ten years learning to confront his pain, discover his purpose, and ultimately earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. Today, as Andrew prepares for graduate school while working at ConocoPhillips, he represents the enduring impact of an organization that has proven, time and again, that a child’s past doesn’t have to define their future.
Founded in 1971 by Tom Robinson and community leaders, Boys and Girls Country has evolved from a small home for boys on donated Hockley land into a comprehensive 200-acre residential campus. Over five decades, the organization has grown to include modern cottage-style family homes, educational programs, and a pioneering College and Career initiative that supports graduates through adulthood.
Guided by core values of faith, family, relationships, integrity, safety, education, and stewardship, BGC operates as a Christ-centered community where up to 88 children ages 5-18 live with trained houseparents in family-like settings. They attend local schools while receiving trauma-informed care designed to heal their past and build their future.
“The greatest challenge we face today is that children arriving at Boys and Girls Country are coming from increasingly traumatic backgrounds,” said Nathan Doherty, Director of Development. “Many have experienced neglect, food insecurity, or abuse before joining our community. In addition, a significant number are academically behind their peers, which can compound the trauma they’ve already endured.”
BGC addresses these challenges holistically. On-site counselors assess and support children throughout their time there—and even after they leave. The team partners with tutors and professional educators to address academic needs while providing spiritual care as well.
The results are measurable. Using the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale, BGC tracks children’s progress across eight areas, including school, behavior, and mood. At admission, 52% of children score in the severe impairment range, but by six months that number drops to just 23%—a dramatic 29-point improvement that reflects the power of stable, caring environments.
Boys and Girls Country receives no government funding and relies entirely on community generosity. This makes volunteers, donors, and community partners absolutely vital to the mission. Support comes in many forms—volunteers who give time through campus projects, mentorship, or sorting donated items; donors who contribute financially or provide in-kind gifts; and community partners who lend support through service, awareness, and advocacy.
Guided by core values of faith, family, relationships, integrity, safety, education, and stewardship, BGC operates as a Christ-centered community where up to 88 children ages 5-18 live with trained houseparents in family-like settings.
“I want the community to know two key things about the difference Boys and Girls Country makes,” Doherty remarked. “First, it truly does take a village to raise a child. Caring for our kids requires many resources—cleaning supplies, food, clothing, financial support, mentorship, and more. This means almost anyone can make a meaningful contribution.”
and spirit. We also recognize that parenting doesn’t stop at age 18, which is why we continue supporting our ‘kids’ through our College and Career Program.”
boysandgirlscountry.org
“Second, our children are just normal kids. They are not ‘bad kids’—they are young people who want to grow, learn, and thrive. We’re committed to helping them do just that while understanding that caring for a child is a long-term responsibility. That’s why we address their needs holistically—mind, body,
Many children come from families affected by generational trauma. By helping one child succeed, BGC hopes to break that cycle, ensuring that not only does this child thrive, but their future children can grow up free from the hardships their parents faced.
“What may sound like a cliché is, for us, a lived reality,” Doherty adds. “We truly could not do this work without community support. Their generosity makes it possible for our children to heal, grow, and thrive.”
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
PEACE, LOVE, AUTISM
ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARA REYNOLDS A Place of Support and Community
Local mom, Tara Reynolds, shares her journey of finding the best ways to support her son, and discovered community and ways to give-back along that way.
CL: WHAT LED TO YOU OPENING YOUR SHOP?
TARA: I’m radical about community. When my son Robby was 18 months old, he was diagnosed with autism and for a long time I felt stuck in the grieving process, unaware that so much good (challenging, yes) but good times were ahead. As he got older, I realized that my son wasn’t who
needed to change, but it was actually me. In order to support his needs, I needed to adjust my expectations and throw out society’s typical parenting rulebook.
We were now on our own timeline, celebrating our own milestones and even inch-stones. I started surrounding myself with uplifting women, also parenting children on the spectrum and listening to autistic advocates. I realized there will always be so much to learn and unlearn as a parent to best support my son for exactly who he is and I wanted to create a space that could bring that to life in the area.
CL: WHAT DO YOU OFFER & SELL?
TARA: We have pretty rad autism awareness apparel and accessories with meaningful messages that advocate for the community and are beautiful conversation starters.
We also partner with local organizations like Aspire Accessories and Together at Mikey’s place, a non profit that employs adults with disabilities. These artisans create handmade candles, soaps and other items that we purchase and sell at our shop. Each quarter we donate a portion of our proceeds to other organizations not just in Texas, but also nationwide that support and give back to the autism and disability community.
The store front isn’t just for shopping. Along with our fun sip + shops, we also have educational workshops, play therapy, support groups, yoga and many more events that uplift and celebrate the autistic community and the people who love and support them.
CL: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW?
Be kind to all minds, y’all!
peaceloveautism.com
Tara Reynolds
After selling her designs online for a few years, Tara was ready to invest back into the local community with an in-person store that isn’t just for shopping.
BRIDGING THE GAP
ARTICLE BY KAYLEE DUSANG PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUNNY RAJABI
THE LIVING LEGACY CENTER IS BUILDING BRIDGES FOR CY-FAIR’S MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
Tammy Easley and Elizabeth Hilbun
After running her own law firm for 30 years, Elizabeth Hilbun wanted to find a way to help clients navigate the multitude of community resources for their legal, social, and medical needs.
Ten years ago, Hilbun helped found The Living Legacy Center, an organization that connects veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities and their families to legal and social services across the Greater Houston area.
“There’s lots of great nonprofits in the Cypress area and in the Houston area, but people don’t always know how to access them,” said Hilbun, who serves as Executive Director and Chairman of the Center.
For each case, the Center walks alongside their clients by helping them find, assess, and utilize different resources in the community, such as Food Banks, lawyers, support groups, educational and health services, among others. They also teach
them how to apply for various programs and services, such as benefits for housing, jobs, transportation, and more.
“We can connect them with those things, and then if they have a legal need, we have a list of lawyers that we pull from to help with that legal need,” Hilbun said. “And then, (we help them) know what information to bring the lawyer to get the need met.”
The Center supports and partners with a variety local nonprofits and businesses, including Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Cypress Assistance Ministries, Houston Stand Down, among others. They also run a local community garden, known as the Oasis Garden, that helps support their clients, volunteers, and local food banks.
For the Center’s population of clients –veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities – Hilbun said their most pressing need is connection. She said the Center offers a program called Time Travelers, where they match clients with volunteers who can visit and socialize with them.
“Their primary diagnosis is loneliness,” Hilbun said. “Every client that we have connected with since we started this struggle with isolation, loneliness, lack of connection, lack of support systems, lack of purpose, lack of hope. That is what we see. That is what we’re fighting.”
Hilbun said their overall goal is to “build a bridge, build a relationship, and build a community.” This encompasses the center’s mission to help the vulnerable populations of Cy-Fair find the right programs and resources for their unique situation.
The Center is mostly run by volunteers. Hilbun said they are always looking for retired social workers, case workers, nurses, or anyone who would be willing to volunteer their time to help work on a case. “We also look for people who might want to do visitation, and then we’re also looking for people to work in our garden,” she said.
The Living Legacy Center recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. They will hold a special event and potluck on November 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Cypress VFW Post.
livinglegacycenter.com
Elizabeth Hilbun
Tammy Easley
As a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and Relocation Specialist, I am dedicated to securing maximum listing value for sellers and finding buyers their dream home. As a longtime resident of Cypress, I have the local experience and background to help you with all your real estate needs.
SEASONAL
a simpler
RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN
HONEY
ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL
Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mind-reader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”
Ingredients
• 10 carrots
• ½ cup fresh dill
• 3 sprigs of thyme
Directions
• 1 cup labneh
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.
3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.
4. Add salt and pepper
5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes
6. Take them out of the oven and set aside
7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.
8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top
9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing
FLAVORS
FLAVORS
HONEYNUT SQUASH
Ingredients
• 3 honeynut squash
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• smoked paprika
• pomegranates
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds
3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes
4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
CRISPY POTATOES
Ingredients
• 10 small yellow gold potatoes
• 1/2 tablespoon baking soda
• olive oil
• salt
• rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to a baking dish.
4. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.
5. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy
6. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives
Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
CARAMEL CHEESECAKE
Ingredients
Crust
• 12 graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
Filling
• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temp)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Crust
• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• zest of whole lemon
Caramel
• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1-1⁄3 cup water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.
2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides
3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base
4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes
Filling
1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!
2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.
Caramel
1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.
2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk
3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top
ARCHITECTS OF THE GARDEN LIFESTYLE
events
NOVEMBER 1ST
Depot Day Fall Fest
Tomball Depot Plaza | 201 S. Elm St. | 11:00 AM
An unforgettable day where trains meet autumn charm, creating a perfect family outing. Dive into the excitement with a massive model train display that will captivate enthusiasts of all ages. Be thrilled by model trains, carnival games, and trackless train rides, a variety of fun activities, live music and browse through unique vendor booths and mouthwatering food choices. tomballtx.gov
NOVEMBER 6TH-15TH
Lone Star College CyFair’s Center for the Arts
Presents Silent Sky
LSC CyFair Mainstage Theatre at the Center for the Arts | 9191 Barker Cypress Rd
Travel back to the 19th-century with Lauren Gunderson’s “Silent Sky” for a riveting real-life story celebrating astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. With a blend of humor and romance, this play explores the career challenges in a male-dominate field and personal sacrifices of this passionate female astronomer as she balances family, romance and ground-breaking work in the scientific world. lonestar.edu/boxoffice
NOVEMBER 15TH
2nd Annual Fall Festival Supporting Backing the Brave
Unity Park | 19450 Unity Park Drive | 2:00 PM
A fun fall festival open to the community featuring live music, food trucks, cigar lounge, a full service bar, games
for all ages, vendors from all over Texas, and so much more. All donations will go to helping Backing The Brave TX to support our military community; veterans, active duty, and their families. hvhvfallfestival.rsvpify.com
NOVEMBER 15TH
The CFISD Health Expo and Cy-Fair Fire Department Fire Fest
The Berry Center | 8877 Barker Cypress Rd | 9:00 AM
The CFISD Health Expo is a partnership between CFISD and the Cy-Fair Chamber. It is a community event welcoming approximately 2,500 in attendance. The expo offers flu shots, health screenings, children’s activities and vendor booths. The Cy-Fair Fire Department is holding its annual Fire Fest outside where you can meet firefighters and see fire and rescue demonstrations, and enjoy kids activities. cfisd.net
NOVEMBER 22ND
Cy-Fair Nutcracker Market
The Berry Center | 8877 Barker Cypress Rd | 8:30 AM
Get a jump start on all your holiday shopping while supporting local small businesses. With over 280 vendors offering everything from women’s and children’s clothing, home goods, holiday and garden decor, gourmet food items, handmade and fashion jewelry, and more. Free Entry for under 16 and $6 cash entry fee at the door. facebook. com/cyfairholidayextravaganza
NOVEMBER 22ND
Cy-Hope’s Hope for the Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting
Cy-Hope | 12715 Telge Road | 4:00 PM
Hope for the Holidays is a festive tree lighting and community celebration at Cy-Hope! Enjoy photos with Santa, holiday crafts and games for kids, with cheerful caroling to kick off the season of hope and joy. Presented by Memorial Hermann Cypress. cy-hope.org
CY-FAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Join us for fun activities, live fire and rescue demonstrations, and essential health and safety information for all members of our community.
• Meet Real Firefighters
• Fire Truck and Medic Tours
• Emergency Equipment Up Close
• Tour Life Flight Helicopter
• Spray House and Kids Zone
• Local Vendors
LIVE FIRE
• Rappelling
• Kitchen Fire
• Fire Extinguisher
• Vehicle Extrication
• Christmas Tree Fire
• Forcible Door Entry
*Schedule Subject to Change.
Berry Center
8877 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77433
Fire Fest is taking place in partnership with the CFISD Health Expo. Attend two great events in one location!
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh
Groceries
• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
