JUNE 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
The Men’s Issue
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
3
LIFESTYLE LETTER
JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER
Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR
Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com PHOTO EDITOR
Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com
We are Cypress Strong HOPE EMERGES IN TOUGH TIMES The month of June marks a halfway point in our journey through 2020. And what a year it's been. While everyday life in Cypress is slowly returning to full speed, we can’t help but feel hopeful about the strength and humanity that’s on constant display.
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER
Bethany Alexander | bethany.alexander@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER
Dani Moore
We are thankful for our first responders and essential workers who have continued to keep our homes safe during this season of COVID-19. Together, we will emerge from this stronger than before.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erica Hernandez, Peggy Garner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
This month, in honor of Father’s Day, we’re recognizing men who are setting a pos-
Shannon Valentine | Lunalux; Mike Wilson | Crusader Media;
itive example of leadership for our community. There are men like fire Capt. Martin Morales, a father and longtime fireman, who works at two stations, stays fit and coaches others to improve their health. Then there are men like JR Smith, a former
CORPORATE TEAM
Marine, who uses his non-profit, Guns to Hammers, to renovate homes for wounded
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
or disabled veterans. We hope you are inspired by reading their stories and learning
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
how their efforts strengthen and uplift those around us. We’re also for the first time
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
featuring local artists who unite Cypress with music and song. Though the first half of this year has not been easy, here at Cypress Lifestyle, we believe in the power of our community to emerge with greater strength and hope.
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Let’s stay Cypress Strong! Erica Hernandez, Managing Editor
ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
ON THE COVER Fire Capt. Martin Morales PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX 4
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
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 areas’ 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.
Resilient and strong for our patients and their families.
© 2020 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. BRAND_290398_20
Texas Children’s is dedicated to providing the very best for our patients and their families. That commitment remains stronger than ever today as we confront this current challenging and ever-changing situation. As always, we are proud to offer you the same great care you know and trust – now with the safest, most convenient ways to access it.
Appointments Available We are open and have availability for clinic and video visits. You can schedule a new appointment, reschedule an existing appointment to a sooner video visit and even add yourself to a wait list in MyChart.
Access to Care Texas Children’s looks forward to seeing you soon, either by video or in clinic: • Video visits – We are able to convert many clinic visits to video visits. If you have an appointment, the specialty clinic will contact you directly if a video visit is available. • Clinic visits – If you need to come in for a visit, we have taken every precaution to keep you and our staff safe. When you arrive, you will experience a health screening and be issued a mask, be surrounded by a clean environment, and treated with care by medical staff wearing the right protective gear and following the latest safety protocols.
Texas Children’s wants you to know that we are here to support you, serve as a trusted resource, and most importantly, continue to provide the health care children need. Please visit texaschildrens.org/appt to schedule your new or return visit today.
INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2020
FEATURES 21 Cypress Men of Influence Local Gents Share Life, Community Insights
26 Rocking The Crowds Local Musicians Delight Crowds with Soulful Tunes
30 Fitness Fellowship Faith Military-Style Men’s Workouts Create Camaraderie and Spiritual Support
21 26
34 Father’s Day Gifts He’ll Brag About Cool Gifts for the Coolest Dad
34
30
DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Good Times
12
Around Town
14
Travel Destination
21
Inspired By
26 Back Stage 30 Giving Back 32 Trend Setter 34 Local’s Choice
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GOOD TIMES
Cypress Photographer Helps Houston Food Bank with Texas Front Porch Project Shannon Valentine, owner of Lunalux, started the Texas Front Porch Project to help the Houston Food Bank during the lockdown. In exchange for donations for HFB, she took fun family photos of Cypress residents on their front porch. See more of her photos on Instagram @LunaluxTX. LunaluxTX.com
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GOOD TIMES
Cypress Families Share How They Spent Time During StayHome/StaySafe We asked area families how they spent time with family and friends during the quarantine in March and April. Many kept in touch virually celebrating birthdays, watching movies and having Passover dinner. Others spent the time poolside, cooking out and having game night.
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AROUND TOWN Barrett made more than 300 masks for medical facilities in Florida, Michigan, California, Maryland, Ohio and across Texas. She also made some for her fellow teachers at Hoover.
CY-FAIR WOMEN’S CLUB ADOPTS SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE TX-SPRING CYPRESS The Cy-Fair Women's Club announced its 2020 Adopt-a-Cause recipient, Sleep in Heavenly Peace - TX, Spring Cypress. "No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in My Town" is the mission of this volunteer organization that builds beds for kids who do not have a bed
J.J. WATT FOUNDATION REWARDS GRANT MONEY TO FOUR CFISD MS
and may sleep on a couch or the floor. As the Cy-Fair
The J.J. Watt Foundation awarded grants total-
Women's Club Adopt-a-Cause recipient, they will
ing more than $11,000 to Arnold, Bleyl, Cook and
receive $15,000 which will enable them to build 77
Watkins Middle Schools for new baseball equip-
beds in the future. SleepinHeavenlyPeace.org.
ment to help each campus participate in Dierker’s
CyFairWomensClub.org
Champs. The organization is a collaborative effort between Cy-Hope and former Houston Astros pitcher, manager and broadcaster Larry Dierker, which offers economically disadvantaged CFISD elementary and middle school students the chance to play club baseball. Cy-Hope helps cover the costs to hire umpires and secure fields. Coaches are volunteers, with many CFISD teachers and staff members. Cy-Hope.org
CFISD ALUMNI MAKE NFL TEAMS; BRADEN MANN SELECTED IN DRAFT Former Cy-Fair HS football standout Braden Mann was selected by the New York Jets in the 2020 NFL Draft. Mann, a punter at Texas A&M University, was named an All-American by Sports
HOOVER ES TEACHER MAKES MASKS FOR COMMUNITY, FRONTLINE WORKERS
12
Illustrated for the second year in a row in 2019 after finishing fourth nationally. Following the draft, two other CFISD alumni also signed with NFL
Hoover Elementary School art teacher Kari
teams as undrafted free agents. Langham Creek
Barrett made masks for community members and
HS graduate Quartney Davis signed with the
frontline workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Minnesota Vikings. The wide receiver played three
Barrett, who studied fashion design in college, has
seasons for Texas A&M University, finishing with
been able to sew since she was 5 years old. When
99 receptions for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns.
COVID-19 started to spread, she wanted to help.
Cypress Ridge HS graduate Kemah Siverand
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
signed with the Seattle Seahawks. The defensive back spent three years at Texas A&M University before attending Oklahoma State University as a graduate transfer in 2018.
CITYLIFESTYLE.COM DEBUTS AS DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING Lifestyle Publications revamped the look and feel of our website and introduced City Lifestyle, your new digital home for Cypress Lifestyle. We’re bringing you an enhanced experience, with articles from current and past issues at your fingertips—along with a whole lot more. Read additional digital-only content, and connect with your favorite restaurants, businesses and events to bring a new meaning to local living. Whether you are looking to dine, read, shop or play in your community we’re bringing you everything you need, all in one place. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
HOUSTON NORTHWEST CHURCH HELPS LOCALS PAY THEIR MEDICAL DEBT Houston Northwest Church's funding of $30,000 eliminated $3 million of medical debt for more than 1,360 individuals in northwest Houston. The church selects one or more organizations each year to present with the gift, and one hundred percent of the funds collected during its Big Christmas Eve is given to the selected organization(s). They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a charity dedicated to removing the burden of medical debt for individuals and families and veterans across America, with any overage earmarked for the International Mission Board's Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. More than $66,300 was raised, exceeding the goal set for RIP Medical Debt and providing $30,000 toward medical debt. Each dollar given canceled $100 worth of medical debt in the northwest community. HNW.org RIPMedicalDebt.org
Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ Cypress using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
13
TRAVEL DESTINATION
plan a vacation with dad in mind ARTICLE PEGGY GARNER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
FOOD, BEER AND CARS OH MY!
BIRMINGHAM, ALA MIGHT NOT BE TOP
beautiful art, good food, relaxing spas, and
ON YOUR LIST WHEN YOU ARE CONSID-
unique experiences without even leaving
ERING A FAMILY VACATION DESTINA-
the premises. Each hotel is built to blend
TION, BUT YOU MAY WANT TO RETHINK
into its surroundings while celebrating each
THAT. The city is a thriving foodie, micro-
distinct location.
brew and entertainment community that may surprise you.
LEARN
STAY
riences on site to get in you touch with your
The Grand Bohemian offers unique expeJust a 10-minute drive from the airport
inner foodie personality. Sign up for the
and only seven minutes to Birmingham’s
Cooking School to learn new cooking skills
downtown city center, the Grand Bohemian
and how ingredients come together to cre-
Hotel Mountain Brook is nestled in the
ate scrumptious cuisine. A professional chef
“village” of Mountain Brook. Known as the
will show you how to perfect your knife skills,
tiny kingdom, Mountain Brook is a suburb
grill, prepare pasta and seafood, and create
of Birmingham with all the charm of a small
beautiful desserts. Classes include Perfect
town and a quaint Swiss Alps feel that is
Pasta,
replicated throughout the town center and
Staples and Three if by Sea, among others.
Sauce
Made
Simple,
Southern
beyond to the residential community. The
Do you love wine? Take the wine blending
community is one of three, picturesque
class! An expert sommelier will educate you
suburbs that are part of the residential
in the types of grapes used to make each
areas along the ridges of the Red and
type of wine and you’ll create your own blend
Shade Mountains.
mixing various red wines created specifically
The Grand Bohemian, one of seven bou-
for the Kessler Collection of hotels. You’ll even
tique hotels created by visionary Richard
leave with a bottle of your own creation to
Kessler, offers luxury accommodations with
share with friends.
14
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
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TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED)
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
16
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
Cooking school
EAT/DRINK
Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham was named the “Oscars of Dining”
The Birmingham Zoo, a short walk from the Grand
because of the many James Beard Foundation Award
Bohemian, is known for its amazing animal care, conser-
winners and nominees that make the list each year. The
vation initiatives, and Species Survival Plans, and is home
James Beard Awards “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs
to over 230 animal species from six continents. One of
and other leaders making America’s food culture more
the state’s most popular attractions, the zoo is a national
delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.”
leader in promoting the care and breeding of threatened
CNN Travel’s Andrew Zimmern recently touted
elephants, part of a world-wide effort to save various
the city’s food scene as “blazing hot” and the combined
elephant species from extinction. The exhibit, Trails of
award-winning chefs and hottest new talent has raised
Africa, offers a unique education experience for visitors
Birmingham’s profile as an up and coming foodie city.
to observe a herd of male African elephants both from an
Then there are the craft breweries. Thrillist recently
aerial and ground view.
called the city’s beer scene a “hidden gem.” With over
Of course, you’ll see many more animals including
10 breweries, each crafting original brews with names
red pandas, orangutans, sea lions, rhinos and even
like Naked Pig, Truck Stop Honey, Freckle Belly and Paw
Komodo dragons. Visitors can enjoy the 122-acre site
Paw’s (all available at the Back Forty brewery), you’re sure
any time of year.
to enjoy an eclectic, tasty tour of the best in microbrews. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum PLAY
Only a short 20-minute drive from the Grand
When deciding where to build his luxury hotels, Richard
Bohemian, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Kessler not only considered how to pamper his guests
is home to the largest collections of vintage motorcycles.
but also what kind of fun they can have during their visit.
The museum has over 1,600 motorcycles from 200 differ-
The Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook is no exception and
ent manufacturers and 20 countries, and spans over 100
close to many attractions for kids and adults of all ages.
years of production. Many of the motorcycles are rare and some have been restored to their original specifications
Birmingham Botanical Garden
in the onsite machine shop. Most can be made ready to
The Botanical Gardens offer a collection of diverse gar-
run within an hour.
dens, each based on culture or geography, and includes a
The Barber museum also has over 50 vintage Lotus
glass conservatory available for events. Not to be missed
racecars making it the largest collection in the world.
is the Japanese Garden, which features an authentically
The vintage collection includes other types of racecars
created tea house, the Seven Virtues Waterfall, bamboo
such as the 1964 Ferrari F-158, which John Surtees drove
groves and a beautiful cherry blossom tree. The gardens
when he won the 1964 Formula 1 World Championship.
are open from dawn to dusk and free to visitors.
CONTINUED >
experiences just for dad EAT/DRINK
PLAY
RELAX
Between the many micro-brewer-
Dad will fulfill his racing
Every Dad can use a
ies and James Beard recognized
fantasy at the Porsche Track
massage after a hard day of
restaurants, Dad can spend a
Experience, where he’ll drive
racing. The spa will pamper
day (or two!) touring the amazing
the newest model Porsche on a
him and he can even enjoy
foodie scene the city has to offer
genuine racing track
the experience with Mom
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
17
TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED) Birmingham Zoo
The Porsche Experience Do you ever feel the need for speed? Then buckle up and live out your driving fantasy at the Porsche Track Experience! Enjoy the thrill of racing while driving the latest Porsche sports car model. The track at the Barber Motorsports Park boasts 2.38 miles and 16 turns including 80 feet of elevation changes that will challenge even the most experienced driver. The Barber facility is one of the premier racing circuits in the world hosting major events like the IndyCar Series and the MotoAmerica Superbike Series. And it is home of the official US Porsche driving school. The Porsche Track Experience offers courses for all levels of driving skills and the instructors are either active race car drivers or a mix of professional drivers who are Porsche-Certified. Their belief is the best place for you to hone your skills is behind the wheel. Complete the advanced courses and you are eligible to apply for a Sports Car Club of America full competition license. The Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook and the Porsche Track Experience have partnered to offer special room pricing and the Barber Motorsports Park provides first-class transportation to and from your driving experience during your stay. RELAX No vacation is complete without a spa experience and the Grand Bohemian’s Poseidon Spa is just what a weary traveler needs. The menu at the spa offers an array of indulgent and rejuvenating facial, body and soul treatments. First-class massage packages for relaxation, detox, anti-aging and therapeutic treatments are offered, along with personalized facials for both women and men. Then treat the soul with the Privai Rituals, a wellness experience tailored to facilitate self-awareness and healing through a combination of treatments to balance your mind, body and spirit. PLAN While Birmingham may have been a surprise suggestion, it is a vibrant city that provides so many options to please everyone in your family! Just a short two-hour flight from Houston, you can enjoy one of the best cities the south has to offer! Good food, fun and experiences await you. And the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook is the gateway to all that the city has to offer! BirminghamAL.org KesslerCollection.com/Bohemian-Mountain-Brook
The Porsche Experience
18
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE
CYPRESS MEN WHO INSPIRE LOCAL GENTS SHARE LIFE, COMMUNITY INSIGHTS
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED AND WHO WAS IT FROM?
glen mayo
My father gave me the advice as a young man to treat everyone with respect. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL JOB AND HOW DID THAT INFLUENCE WHO YOU ARE TODAY? After graduating high school I joined the Army and served from 1981-1988 as a paratrooper. It was there I decided to become a police officer. I worked for the Houston Police Department for 27 years and retired in May 2018. I had several great jobs with HPD including a canine officer during my last six years. I had an explosives detection dog, Drummel, who retired with me. We worked two Super Bowls and the 2017 World Series. After retiring from HPD, CFISD PD was looking for an experienced canine handler to assist with their program. PERSONALLY, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN THE CYPRESS COMMUNITY? Community involvement such as National Night Out. If everyone would take the time to meet and get to know their neighbors, exchange phone numbers, and keep an eye out for each other, it would help to keep crime at a minimum and make Cypress safe. AS A K9 OFFICER, HOW DOES YOUR WORK POSITIVELY AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY? My canine partner, Astra, and I make up a team. We conduct canine deployments in middle and high schools looking for narcotics and
K-9 POLICE OFFICER
firearms. We act as a deterrent for the students not to bring narcotics
CFISD POLICE DEPARTMENT
where we get to see smiles on the young students’ faces and know we
into the schools. We also conduct elementary school demonstrations are building great and long-lasting positive influences.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
21
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL JOB AND HOW
proud of our partnership with Reach Unlimited which supports
DID THAT INFLUENCE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
My first professional job out of college was a manager for Houston’s Restaurant on Westheimer. When I started in 1992,
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED
Houston’s Restaurant training program for managers was 26
AND WHO WAS IT FROM?
weeks. To get out of the training program, you had to spend two
My grandfather was an incredible man who I looked up to
weeks at every position in the building and be proficient enough
growing up. He was a true gentleman who until his last day
to teach others how to work that job. The standard for excellence
continued to teach his grandkids the difference between right
and attention to detail with systems still drives me today.
and wrong. His advice to me was to live life in moderation and to help others in need. To this day, I continue to teach my kids
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
and staff to do the same thing. He would tell me there were
The accomplishment I am most proud of was being the
three things a person had to do to live to 100 years old: never
chairman for the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce in 2016. I
eat bread, eat a cup of oatmeal every morning, and drink a glass
was on the board for six years and chaired several committees
of red wine before you go to bed. I am not sure how well he
during that time. The Backyard Grill has been a member of the
followed his own advice – and I guarantee I have had many
chamber for 19 years. I can honestly say that many of the peo-
burgers and beers in my lifetime – but it worked for him. He
ple I have met through the chamber are now my best friends.
passed away shortly after his 100th birthday.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE TO BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE CYPRESS COMMUNITY? I am currently a board member of Cy-Hope and a trustee for the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation. The Backyard Grill is also
OWNER THE BACKYARD GRILL PARTNER CREEKWOOD GRILL
“ T h e B a c kya rd G r i l l i s a l s o p ro u d o f o u r par tnership with R e a c h Un l i m i t e d w h i c h su p p o r t s p e o p l e w i t h i n t e l l e c tu a l and developmental d i s a b i l i t i e s .” 22
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
mark mcshaffry
jr smith H-TOWNE & AROUND REMODELERS INC, OWNER GUNS TO HAMMERS CONSTRUCTION 501(C)(3), PRESIDENT HOW DOES YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE INFLUENCE WHO YOU ARE TODAY? My military experience didn’t start in the Marines. It started as a military brat in 1970, so you could say, I’m literally a product of our military. My dad met my mother while stationed overseas. I learned in the military that what makes us so powerful is our commitment and loyalties to one another. No matter what, we need to have each other’s back and we never leave anyone behind. Service to one’s country should never end. HOW DOES GUNS TO HAMMERS SERVE THE COMMUNITY? Many veterans today are amputees, victims of the infamous improvised explosive device. Most of them have been cut down in the prime of their lives. They’re suffering from post-traumatic stress with major physical disabilities. Our initiative is to go back for those vets left behind by our government and help them, through our remodeling services, get back on track to live more independent, manageable lives with dignity in their homes. WHAT PART OF GUNS TO HAMMERS MAKES YOU MOST PROUD? The whole thing! The mission and the jobs we’ve been able to accomplish around our country. We’ve built relationships with local companies who donate to our foundation including Wicked Boxer Brewing, who brew a beer called Jack Hammer, named after our English bulldog mascot, and Bearded Fox Brewing, who brew The Foxtrot. Both breweries donate $1 per pint, and it sure adds up!
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
23
INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL JOB AND
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT
HOW DID THAT INFLUENCE WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
ON THE CYPRESS COMMUNITY?
My first professional job I started as a low man on the
When the opportunity to serve presents itself, we do
totem pole on a framing crew building new houses. Pretty
everything we can to answer the call. During the aftermath
quickly I realized I liked working with my hands, figuring
of Hurricane Harvey, we were asked to cook meals on our
things out and building. I realized I wasn’t half bad, but
barbecue pit. That turned into a cooking marathon and dis-
when the opportunity to work in air conditioning presented
tribution of about 4,000 meals to people in need. We had
itself, I knew I’d found my calling.
a small army of employees, friends, family, customers and volunteers helping us help others.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED AND WHO WAS IT FROM?
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Twenty-five years ago my grandfather was trying to con-
Nearly 11 years ago, my wife and I started with my truck and
vince me to move to the Oregon Coast and said, “If you’ll just
our small savings account. We’ve built that into a company
show up, work, and be fair with people, you’ll have all the work
that prides itself on conducting business in an honest, trans-
you could want.” He’s the reason I got into construction and he
parent manner with the customers’ best interest at heart. As
set me on the path to being a self-employed business owner.
we’ve grown, we haven’t lost sight of where we started.
“ When the oppor tunit y to ser ve present s i t se l f, we do ever y thing we can to a n s w e r t h e c a l l .”
joseph severson BUSINESS OWNER/PARTNER, SERVICE MANAGER/ TECHNICIAN AIRE SERV OF HOUSTON NORTHWEST & KATY
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Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
martin m o r a l e s WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Having the honor of being a father to our two beautiful children. It has been a blessing to watch them grow up to be the great young man and young woman they have become. WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A FIREFIGHTER? I became a firefighter because I feel God gives everyone a gift. I believe God put me on this earth to help others during the toughest times of their lives. Whether it’s helping someone in a vehicle accident, a house fire, or even just listening to someone who’s having a bad day. Being a firefighter doesn’t stop when you leave the firehouse. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE TO BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE CYPRESS COMMUNITY? On my days off from the firehouse, I coach at BridgeLakes CrossFit. I enjoy teaching others about fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. The best reward I receive from coaching is watching our members getting out of their comfort zone and accomplishing things they never thought they could do. Let’s just say it’s breathtaking for me! I want members I coach to be confident, not only in the gym but during their everyday lives. WHAT INFLUENCES DID YOU HAVE GROWING UP? My parents were definitely the biggest influence on who I am today. They taught me to never take anything for granted, to work hard and be the best at whatever you set your mind to. I grew up in the small West Texas town of Monahans, Texas. Sports was a big deal there football in particular. I wasn’t a big guy, standing at 5’ 7” and weighed about 150 lbs. I usually was the smallest player on the field, but I refused to allow my size to be an excuse of being subpar at anything I did. This inspired me to work hard and to always lead by example.
FIRE CAPTAIN/COACH & ATHLETE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT & WILLOWFORK FIRE DEPARTMENT CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
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BACK STAGE
Rocking the Crowds LIFELONG MUSICIAN MIKE GILBERT
ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE GILBERT SHANNON VALENTINE
tastes in food, different tastes in clothes and different hob-
Music’s been a part of Mike Gilbert’s life since childhood
bies,” Mike says. “But the one common denominator that we
when he would fall asleep listening to the radio. As a teen-
have is music.” When he’s not strumming along with his fans,
ager he was a self-proclaimed ‘band nerd’ who played the
Mike and his wife are operating the local Gymboree Music
euphonium, an instrument he calls a “baby tuba.” A music
and Play center on House & Hahl Road. The 1,500-square-
scholarship paid for some of his college, and a job working at
foot center offers a place for young kids to pick up an instru-
the campus radio station filled his days with tunes from every
ment or tumble around a colorful play area. And when he’s
musical genre. “I’ve been in and around music for longer than
not helping run the center, he is making his living working
I can remember,” Mike says. He’s since quit the baby tuba,
oil pipelines. In spite of his recently slowed performance
but keeps up his guitar performances as a one-man band
schedule, his next musical endeavor is planning the second
playing all at local beer gardens and wherever small crowds
annual Cypress Music Festival. The October show last year
gather. “I like to tell people I played the food circuit, taco
featured five bands and two acoustic artists performing in
trucks, barbecue joints, whoever would have me,” he says.
Bridgeland. Nearly 3,000 people attended. Mike hopes this
With his signature hat, blue jeans and thick salt-and-pepper
year to make the show even bigger with more bands, more
beard, Mike jokes with the crowd and strums away familiar
vendors and more connections. “You’re able to bond over
songs on his acoustic guitar. He prides himself on engag-
that freedom and enjoyment and excitement that music
ing the audience with sing-along tunes, from Garth Brooks
brings everybody,” he says. “[Music is] the glue that’s pulling
“Friends in Low Places” to the Backstreet Boys. His goal is
everybody together in that moment.”
to create the feeling of an easy-going backyard performance
Facebook.com/mikegilbertmusic
where everyone feels connected. “We may have different
IG @mike.gilbert
LOCAL MUSICIANS DELIGHT CROWDS WITH SOULFUL TUNES
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Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
CONTINUED >
MIKE GILBERT CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
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BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)
SOULSHINE BAND
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Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
SOULSHINE BAND KEEPS CROWDS M O V I N G A N D S I N G I N G
ment to the group’s close-knit bond and love of music, they say.
When Soulshine takes the stage they’re always sure to bring
“We love each other and we know none of us are there to sat-
extra company. It’s pretty common for the band to invite up danc-
isfy youthful ego,” Al says. “We’re there because we enjoy what
ing audience members or hand the microphone to young kids
we do, and the crowds enjoy what we do.”
other and inherently knowing what tune to play next. It’s a testa-
who want to sing a tune. It’s all a part of putting on a show that lets
The band draws its name from the 1970s Southern rock song
the crowd escape and bond through a shared musical experience.
Soulshine performed by the Allman Brothers. The tune tells the
“We can look like we’re up there being silly,” says Al Hayes, the
mournful story of a father giving advice to his son on how to deal
band’s founder, guitarist and manager. “At the same time we’re
with life’s ups and downs. Experiencing ‘soulshine’ is like a life
always aware of what’s happening around us, and we always
force that’s better than rain or moonshine. So goes the song, and
make sure we incorporate an atmosphere of fun.”
so goes Soulshine the band.
During normal seasons, the band is often spotted at local
“We could be doing shots of tequila every night, or we could
taverns or charity events in the Cypress and Houston areas.
be doing a charity event for kids and all of that is valid,” Al says.
Their easy-going tunes are catchy covers of hit Southern rock,
“All of that is good.”
country, blues and any soulful song that can get a crowd moving
The group is eager to play at future events after canceling
and singing. With more than 100 years of musical experience
multiple appearances due to COVID-19 closures. During a typ-
between its four musicians, the band shuffles smoothly through
ical season, the band performs several times a month at bars,
songs that span every decade and musical genre. From Barry
private events and charities. They’ve been regular performers
White to Metallica, their musical tributes are soulful, rich and
for large-scale philanthropic events supporting veterans, breast
intriguing. And they do it all without group practice or rehearsals.
cancer research and children’s immunizations.
“There’s an element of danger in every show,” says Andrew
“There is no greater reward than giving back,” Al says. “We
Hamel, Soulshine’s bass player. The men practice on their own
feel that it would be disingenuous of our message of love and fun
time and come together on stage adapting their setlist as they go
if we didn’t take the opportunity to raise awareness about those
based on the changing spirit of the night crowds. As they perform,
who are less fortunate or need community help.”
the men communicate without words, often just looking to each
SoulShineRocks.com
CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
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GIVING BACK
FITNESS FELLOWSHIP FA I T H LAST YEAR, KEVIN HOOVER, A 33-YEAR VETERAN LAW OFFICER, DISCOVERED HIS YEARS OF POLICING THE COMMUNITY HAD LED HIM TO GAIN SOME EXTRA WEIGHT. The patrolling, the report writing and repetitive sedentary tasks as a Harris County deputy and later a constable created a ripe environment for the weight to slowly creep and cling to his body. Kevin had always worked out, but nothing was quite as exciting as when he was invited to an all-male, military-style workout group. It was downright addicting. “It’s being around your friends. Everybody is so friendly,” Kevin said. “You see them sweating and you’re sweating. You’re all in for the same purpose: for health.” After that experience last summer, Kevin left law enforcement. “I pretty much retired so I would never miss again,” he jokes. Since retirement, Kevin’s lost 35 pounds. He now works out four days a week and even leads classes for the fitness group called F3, which he found so addicting. The name F3 stands for the group’s core values: fitness, fellowship and faith. The group is made up of thousands of men across the country who gather for free community workouts, guys-only social events and spiritual support. Each workout features bodyweight movements like burpees, push-ups and jumping jacks with occasional runs or long hikes sprinkled in. Workouts are tough but doable. Men often joke but encourage each other to finish. A few get competitive. Others struggle to finish at their own pace. “My first week it was very difficult because almost every day toward the end I felt like I was about to puke or throw up,” says 30-year-old Kevin Sutanto who joined F3 last year. “As you keep going it’s definitely easier.” Everyone receives nicknames when they join which reveals a personal detail or inside joke about their lives. Kevin Sutanto earned the nickname Gladiator after he serendipitously joined an 30
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
MILITARY-STYLE MEN’S WORKOUTS CREATE CAMARADERIE AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
“If you have never worked out in your life you can come and join u p. We n e v e r l e a v e a m a n b e h i n d . Yo u always take care of all y o u r F 3 b r o t h e r s .” F3 workout when no one showed up for his scheduled Camp Gladiator boot camp. Names also build a sense of community and connection. The group is open to men of all fitness levels and all ages. “The fellowship aspect is huge,” says Paul Valdez, a co-leader of the Cypress F3 chapter, The Crux. “You very well might meet a guy or two that you never knew may be a really good friend to you.” Paul, a married father with two kids both under five years old, joined the group after realizing his social life was sorely lacking. Most married men end up focusing on their careers and families so much that they forget their own social lives, he says. F3 offers a way for men to get fit and connect with other men at the same time. Outside of workouts members will gather for scheduled happy hours, coffee or Bible studies. The goal is to develop members to be leaders both in fitness and in life. “If you have never worked out in your life you can come and join up,” he says. “We never leave a man behind. You always take care of all your F3 brothers.” F3Houston.com ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE WILSON CityLifestyle.com/Cypress
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TREND SETTER
02
01
03
MEN’S SUMMER WA R D R O B E ESSENTIALS 05
the pieces 06
GO ANYWHERE IN STYLE AND IN
the accessories
WARM-WEATHER CLOSET STAPLES
B/
07
D/
the outfits
E/
1+3+4 / A+E+F 2+ 8 / D + F 5 +7 / B + C + E
C/
F/
A / Neutral flip flops B / Casual sneakers C / Hat and baseball cap D / Breathable dress shoes E / Lightweight, active watch F / UV protection sunglasses
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08
01 Classic cotton tee 02 Classic lightweight polo 03 Short-sleeve woven shirts 04 Tailored lightweight shorts 05 Graphic + pattern tees 06 Short sleeve henley 07 Light, medium and dark-wash jeans 08 Breathable dress pants
COMFORT WHEN YOU GROUP THESE
A/
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Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
2+ 8 / C + D + E 6 +7 / A + E 3+4 / A+F
Debbie Benzel
YOUR cypress lender
YOUR FAMILY. YOUR FUTUR E.
our focus.
WWW.DEBBIEBENZELTEAM.COM CityLifestyle.com/Cypress 33
F AT H E R ’ S D AY G I F T S H E ’ L L B R A G A B O U T
LOCAL’S CHOICE
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COOL GIFTS FOR THE COOLEST DAD
MARLIN MESH BAND WATCH Timex + Todd Snyder ToddSnyder.com | $209
SMALL-BATCH QUARTERLY HOT SAUCE SUBSCRIPTION Fuego Box Food52.com | $120
SKIN SAVIORS SET Jack Black Nordstrom.com | $35
PERSONALIZED COOLER Combat Cooler GroovyGuysGifts.com | $40
Cypress Lifestyle | June 2020
HEADLAMP 200 BioLite REI.com | $45
OBLIO WIRELESS CHARGING STATION & SANITIZER Lexon MOMA.org | $80