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Cy-Fair Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 4 DEC. 11, 2024 JAN. 15, 2025
Each year, Cy-Fair ISD spends about: $15,336 per special education student $10,614 per general education student
SOURCE: CY FAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Cy-Fair ISD teacher Sheree England works with a student receiving special education services at Farney Elementary School.
COURTESY CYFAIR ISD Cy-Fair ISD requests more special education funding
Additionally, district leaders are asking the state for more funding. CFISD Chief Financial O cer Karen Smith said the district spends about 45% more to serve special education students than general education students.
CFISD o cials attribute this jump to Texas expanding special education qualications. District administration has hired more sta to keep up with student evaluations and to ensure students receive the services they need, Chief Academic O cer Linda Macias said in an email.
BY DANICA LLOYD & HALEY VELASCO
The number of students receiving special edu- cation services in Cy-Fair ISD has risen nearly 86% since the 2014-15 school year, while the district’s total enrollment increased by less than 5%, accord- ing to Texas Education Agency data.
CONTINUED ON 12
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Impacts: Politics-themed bar The Angry Elephant opens in Cypress (Page 6)
Community: Explore senior living facility options in Cy-Fair (Page 20)
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CYFAIR EDITION
Impacts
• Opened this summer • 25704 Hwy. 290, Cypress • https://ohsewpeachy.com
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4 Bricks & Minigs The toy store allows customers to buy, sell and trade new and used LEGO items. • Opened Nov. 2 • 13611 Skinner Road, Ste. 170, Cypress • www.bricksandminiigs.com
G R A N T
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5 Lively at Cypress Creek The apartment complex has 324 units. • Opened Sept. 15 • 13030 Perry Road, Houston • www.livelycypresscreek.com
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6 Little Caesars The eatery oers pizzas, breadsticks and wings. • Opened Oct. 16
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N. BRIDGELAND LAKE PKWY.
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290
• 20611 FM 529, Cypress • www.littlecaesars.com
1960
CYPRESS N. HOUSTON RD.
BRIDGELAND CREEK PKWY.
7 Eye Level Learning Center The supplemental education service provider oers English and math programs for ages 4-15. • Opened Sept. 26 • 8020 Fry Road, Ste. 105, Cypress • www.myeyelevel.com 8 Raahi Indian Kitchen The eatery oers dishes such as tikki chaat, samosas, corn chops and butter chicken. • Opened Nov. 12 • 17695 Hwy. 249, Houston • Facebook: Raahi Indian Kitchen & Sweets 9 Fan Outtters The business sells sports apparel for teams in various leagues and cities. • Opened Nov. 8 • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Ste. 134, Houston • www.fanoutitters.com
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20
25
24
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GREENHOUSE RD.
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14
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529
MAP NOT TO SCALE
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N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2 CrAzyMia Sandy Schwaderer’s craft studio is located at the Lakewood Forest Residents’ Club. • Opened Nov. 2 • 15006 Lakewood Forest Drive, Houston • www.crazymia.com 3 Oh Sew Peachy Boutique Kari Harrison’s boutique oers women’s clothing.
Now open
1 The Angry Elephant The politics-themed restaurant and bar serves hot dogs, burgers, salads and sandwiches. • Opened in late October • 15103 Mason Road, Ste. B3, Cypress • www.theangryelephantbar.com
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10 Infatuated Clothing Co. The business oers women’s clothing. • Opened Sept. 7 • 9934 Jones Road, Ste. D7, Houston • www.infatuatedclothingco.com
• 20611 FM 529, Ste. 106, Cypress • Facebook: Seafood Central
Now open
17 Memorial Hermann- GoHealth Urgent Care The urgent care center will oer treatment to patients as young as 6 months old. • Opening in 2025 • 20115 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Cypress • www.gohealthuc.com/memorialhermann 18 Sweet Paris Creperie & Café The crepe cafe also oers soups and salads. • Opening in 2025 • 20240 Summit Point Crossing, Ste. B1-150, Cypress • www.sweetparis.com 19 Auntie Anne’s The pretzel chain’s menu features soft pretzels, pretzel 20 Verlo Mattress The business will oer custom, locally made mattresses. • Opening in February • 9430 Fry Road, Ste. 200, Cypress • www.verlo.com 21 Portillo’s Customers will be able to enjoy Chicago-style hot dogs. • Opening in 2025 • Near the Hwy. 249 and Grand Parkway intersection • www.portillos.com dogs and dipping sauces. • Opening in mid-January • 20017 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Cypress • www.auntieannes.com
11 Azalea Primary Care Danielle Hughes oers primary health care services, hormone replacement therapy and more. • Opened this summer • 7825 Hwy. 6 N., Ste. 103, Houston • www.azaleaprimarycare.com 12 Cypress Event Hall The event venue accommodates up to 80 guests. • Opened this summer
23 Memorial Hermann Sports Park-Cypress The 50,000-square-foot facility is a comprehensive sports medicine and human performance facility in partnership with Athlete Training & Health. • Opened Nov. 2 • 27646 Hwy. 290, Ste. 150, Cypress • www.memorialhermann.org/locations/ sports-park-cypress
• 7334 Fry Road, Ste. B, Cypress • www.cypresseventhall.com
Coming soon
13 KK Cheesecakes The bakery oers 18 £avors of cheesecake. • Opening in December • 29110 Hwy. 290, Ste. 220, Cypress • www.kkcheesecakes.com 14 La Argentina Artisanal Gelato The business will oer gelato, coee and desserts. • Opening TBD • 8301 Jones Road, Ste. 101, Houston • www.argentinagelato.com 15 Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers The franchise has a vestibular therapy program. • Opening TBD • 18747 Mueschke Road, Ste. D, Cypress • www.fyzical.com 16 Seafood Central John Huynh is opening the ¤sh market next spring. • Opening in March
Closings
24 Voodoo Doughnut The shop opened in May 2022 and oered doughnuts. • Closed in October • 9320 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.voodoodoughnut.com 25 Más Furniture & Mattresses The furniture store is set to close its Cy-Fair location. • Closing TBD
In the news
22 Bojangles The fried chicken eatery is coming to Cypress, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 9534 Fry Road, Cypress • www.bojangles.com
• 19714 Hwy. 290, Houston • www.mas-furniture.com
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CYFAIR EDITION
Government
BY HANNAH BROL, CASSANDRA JENKINS & ANNA LOTZ
LGBTQIA+ commission presents rst report Members of Harris County’s rst LGBTQIA+ commission presented the organization’s inaugural report during the Nov. 12 Harris County Commis- sioners Court meeting. The backstory Spearheaded by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, the court voted in June 2023 to create the county’s rst LGBTQIA+ commission, which is made up of 10 volunteer members appointed by the court. The commission serves in an advisory function to the court providing recommendations regarding improvements for the LGBTQIA+ community. Major takeaways The commission hosted a series of listening ses- sions, during which LGBTQIA+ residents and allies voiced concerns on issues such as safety, access to mental health resources, representation and
Sports Authority names new CEO, chair In November, Ryan Walsh and Juan C. Gar- cia were named the new CEO and board chair, respectively, of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. What you need to know Eective immediately, Walsh—the former CEO and executive director of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation— will be taking the place of former CEO Janis Burke, following her departure in October. Meanwhile, Garcia will be taking the place of former Chair J. Kent Friedman following his departure in October. Garcia’s term is eective immediately and expires Aug. 31, 2025. The HCHSA was created in 1997 to nance, maintain and build sports venues in Houston, and has since expanded to also promote the region for sports-related events.
“This commission is history-making and gives our community a voice we have never had before.” BRAD PRITCHETT, HARRIS
COUNTY LGBTQIA+ COMMISSION CHAIR
support for LGBTQIA+ youth encountering hostility. Policy recommendations included: • Enhancing local data collection through a quality-of-life survey • Becoming the named LGBTQIA+ liaison and advisory council for the Harris County Sheri’s Oce, and other county departments • Introducing consistent LGBTQIA+ awareness and cultural competency training for Harris County law enforcement agencies • Developing a pipeline of qualied LGBTQIA+ residents for county boards and commissions • Investing in LGBTQIA+ educational resources
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Education
BY DANICA LLOYD
Pay raises approved for Cy-Fair ISD bus drivers At the Nov. 11 board meeting, the Cy-Fair ISD board approved raising the starting pay rate for bus drivers in a 6-0 vote. The district competes with neighboring school districts and entities such as Amazon Freight Part- ners, CFISD Chief Operations Ocer Matt Morgan said at the Nov. 7 board work session. By the numbers In addition to the nearly 20% bump in the starting pay rate, all current drivers, attendants, dispatchers and trainers will see a $3.81 equity adjustment to their pay rates, ocials said Nov. 7. Morgan said despite reducing bus service for the 2024-25 school year, the department has about 56 bus driver vacancies and 50-75 driver absences daily. In June, the board unanimously approved updating transportation service eligibility criteria
CFISD nalizes 202526 calendar
Bus driver starting pay in Cy-Fair ISD Old $19.19 per hour
New $23 per hour
Cy-Fair ISD’s board of trustees approved in a 6-0 vote the Districtwide Educational Improvement Council’s 2025-26 academic calendar recommendation at the Nov. 11
SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
to save about $4.8 million in the scal year 2024- 25 budget. This mid-year pay increase is expected to cost $5.4 million—prorated to $3.5 million. Also of note Superintendent Doug Killian said Nov. 7 if this eort suciently boosts the district’s bus driver numbers, ocials could reinstate the bus routes that were cut this year, but it’s also dependent on revenue. “We’re going to try this out to see if we can attract some more drivers and ll those empty positions that we have. ... I know there’s been a lot of talk in the community about restoring some routes. That might be possible if we can actually get bus drivers to ll the vacant positions right now,” Killian said.
board meeting. Dates to know
• Aug. 4-12, 2025: Professional days • Aug. 13, 2025: First day of school • Nov. 24-28, 2025: Student/sta holiday • Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 2, 2026: Student/sta holiday • Jan. 5, 2026: Professional day/student holiday • March 9-13, 2026: Student/sta holiday
• May 28, 2026: Last day of school See the full approved calendar at www.csd.net.
9
CYFAIR EDITION
Transportation
BY DANICA LLOYD
Harris County improves 4 intersections in Cy-Fair Harris County Precinct 3 has several intersec- tion improvement projects underway or recently completed to improve safety conditions for drivers in Cy-Fair. What’s happening Recently completed projects include a $756,000 eort to improve the Telge Road at Hwy. 290 intersection, including the southbound right-turn lane and left-turn lane. Work nished up this fall. Improvements to the intersection of Hu- meister Road at Hwy. 6 wrapped up in the third quarter of this year. Phase 1 addressed the southbound dual left-turn lane, and Phase 2 is in the design phase to address the southbound right-turn lane by the end of the third quarter of 2025. The intersections of Fry Road at Mound Road
Telge Road widening continues in Cypress Harris County Precinct 3 ocials said detention is under construction near the intersection of Telge Road and Spring Cypress Road for the Telge Road widening project. The next portion of the project will widen the two-lane road to a four-lane concrete bou- levard from north of Louetta Road to north of Telge Ranch Road. It is expected to cost $15.1 million and wrap up in the third quarter of 2025, ocials said.
MOUND RD.
BARKER CYPRESS RD.
290
HUFFMEISTER RD.
HOUSTON RD.
E
BARKER TRACE DR.
QUEENSTON BLVD.
290
R D .
GREENHOUSE RD.
6
TELGE RD.
N
and Cypress North Houston Road at Barker Trace Drive will be improved for a total of $380,000. Both projects are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. Learn more For a complete list of road work ongoing in Precinct 3, visit www.pct3.com/services/ infrastructure-projects.
R E S S R D .
TELGE RANCH RD.
N. ELDRIDGE PKWY.
E T T A R D .
N
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Real estate
About the same number of homes sold in Cy-Fair this October compared to 2023, but the 77429 ZIP code was the only one to see an increase in homes sold. The 77065 ZIP code saw the largest year-over-year decrease in homes sold. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
October 2023
October 2024
-22.73%
-8.33%
-31.25%
-5.71%
-9.09%
+60%
-6.45%
77040
77064
77065
77070
77095
77429
77433
99 TOLL
77429
290
77070
1960
Median home sales price
77064
77433
249
October
2023
2024
529
$263,500 $255,000 $278,000 $315,000 $327,000 $335,000 $428,000
$294,000 $261,750 $280,000 $320,000 $327,000 $386,211 $429,723
77095
77065
77040 77064 77065 77070 77095 77429 77433
77040
N
Homes sold by price point
October 2024
29
$800,000+
41
$600,000-$799,999
108
$400,000-$599,999
Average days on market
+100%
+225%
+133.33%
-11.11%
+10.81%
+57.14%
0%
234
$200,000-$399,999
13
<$200,000
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY BOUTWELL PROPERTIES 17506 BOBCAT TRAIL, CYPRESS. 2813058533. OFFICETHEBOUTWELLTEAM.COM
77040
77064
77065
77070
77095
77429
77433
Start the New Year by joining Meal Plans | Workouts | Events | Meditations
11
CYFAIR EDITION
Cy-Fair ISD requests more special education funding From the cover
The overview
Cy-Fair ISD special education enrollment Cy-Fair ISD Texas
14%
About 14% of CFISD’s 118,000 students—over 16,000 students—are receiving special education services in the 2024-25 school year, according to district data. This percentage nearly doubled from 7.3% a decade ago. Eligibility criteria may include a child having autism spectrum disorder, an intellectual disability, a health impairment, emotional disturbance, a speech or language impairment, a vision or hearing impairment, or a specic learning disability, according to the district. Texas has expanded how many students qualify for special education and added dyslexia and dysgraphia to the eligibility criteria, Macias said. Statewide, there’s been a 71% increase in special education students since 2014-15, according to the TEA, which advocacy groups said has created
15%
8.6%
10%
13%
5%
7.3%
0%
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The state funds special education services based on the number of special education students and the instructional setting—such as a general education classroom, resource classroom, self- contained classroom or homebound instruction.
funding challenges for many districts. “The current funding model has been in place since the 1990s and does not consider the intensity or specialized services required,” CFISD trustee Justin Ray said at the Oct. 7 board meeting.
Diving in deeper
By the numbers
piloted a paid teacher residency program with 43% of enrollees completing their residency in a special education classroom. “We’ve had signicant underfunding of our special education services within Texas and within the district, and there’s a signicant shortage of special education teachers and para- professionals,” trustee Julie Hinaman said at the Nov. 11 board meeting. “They require advanced certications, additional paperwork, and they really need additional support. It’s demanding work physically, mentally and emotionally.”
The spike in special education students in recent years has increased demand for the already small pool of teachers qualied to serve them, said Deborah Stewart, chief employee and student services o cer for CFISD. This is a critical teacher shortage area at both the state and federal levels. Stewart said heavier workloads due to increased state and federal documentation requirements have also made retention a challenge. To help recruit special education certication candidates to the district, she said CFISD has
For scal year 2024-25, CFISD o cials esti- mate the state will only cover about 48.56% of the district’s total special education expenses compared to 60.65% on average over the past decade. Smith said special education services weren’t aected by the district’s 2024-25 budget cuts approved in June, but additional cuts could be on the way for other departments if the funding model isn’t updated.
Funding special education services
State funding Local funding Total expenses
Cy-Fair ISD special education students vs. stang
$0
$50M $100M $150M $200M
Special education students
Special education employees
$84.5M
2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2024-25* 2023-24
$91.5M
20K
+85.7%
$96.4M $97.9M
15K
$105.4M
10K
$117.5M
+69.55%
5K
$125.7M
$138.5M
0
$157M
$184.8M
*THE TOTAL STAFF COUNT FOR THE 202324 SCHOOL YEAR HAS NOT BEEN FINALIZED.
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CYFAIR ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
*PROJECTED
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY DANICA LLOYD & HALEY VELASCO
Zooming out
Looking ahead
Increase in special education students
Texas is the lone state in the country to increase its special education enrollment by over 20% from 2017-21. Texas made up more than half the national growth in special education students from 2017 to 2021.
The state’s spike in students needing special edu- cation services came after a series of investigations and lawsuits dating back to the late 2010s that found Texas was not providing special education services to enough students, said Jolene Sanders, advocacy director for the nonprot Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. Previously, Texas had an 8.5% cap on the number of students a school district could classify as need- ing special education, Sanders said. Since removing the cap in 2017, that number across the state has increased from around 9% of students to 14% during the 2023-24 school year. For the U.S., the average number of students receiving special education services is 15%, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. From 2017-18 to 2020-21, Texas saw a 21% spike in students needing special education, TEA data shows, the highest increase of any state. The second-highest increase was less than 12%, and the national average was 3%.
Going into the upcoming legislative session, the district and other advocacy groups hope lawmakers update the funding model to be based on the intensity of services provided. “The [current] model hasn’t been revised in over 30 years,” Sanders said. “[Legislators] are ¦ghting back and forth because everyone wants their bills passed and their priorities. And somehow special [education] funding ends up being a bargaining tool. And nobody has won so far.” CFISD is also advocating for other recommendations from the December 2022 Texas Commission on Special Education Funding Report to the 88th Texas Legislature, such as providing special education teacher stipends and increasing reimbursement rates for special education transportation services.
+21%
+106,000 additional students
The nation saw an average of 3% growth in special education students from 2017-21.
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Sanders said this correction has not only led to more students in special education, but has created more challenges with funding. Advocacy group Disabilities Rights Texas noted in a 2023 report that school districts funded $6.3 billion in special education programs in 2020-21, but the state only covered $4 billion.
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13
CYFAIR EDITION
Health care
BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR
Texas sees fewer drug overdoses, lags behind U.S. progress
An increase in the distribution of fentanyl-laced substances is among the deadliest drug threats for Texans right now, said Wendell Campbell, a drug intelligence ocer with Houston High Intensity Drug Tracking Areas, a federal agency focused on reducing drug tracking. “About 7 out of 10 pills that we seize o the streets and send to the [Drug Enforcement Administra- tion] lab ... are all fake pills,” Campbell said. Over the last year, the U.S. has seen a 15% decline in the number of all drug overdose deaths report- ed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. Texas, while improving, only saw a 1.67% decline. Just nine states nation- wide saw an increase in the number of overdose deaths in that time. Dr. Allen Dennis, the medical director of Round Rock Surgery Center and a member of the Texas Medical Association, said states such as Florida and Kentucky have seen higher levels of opioid use in the last few decades, which could explain why other states have seen larger declines. Dennis also said manufactured fentanyl is coming into the U.S. from across the Mexico border, so Texas being the largest border state in the nation is an additional factor to consider, he said.
Change in drug overdose deaths, June 2022May 2023 vs. June 2023May 2024 Health care experts report the majority of all drug overdose deaths involve the use of opioids.
Less than -20%
-20% to -10%
-9% to 0%
0% to 10%
More than 10%
U.S. overdose deaths
111,422 94,758
2022-23: 2023-24:
-15%
70%+ of all drug overdose deaths involve opioids
5 Texans die every day from fentanyl poisoning
Overdose deaths per 100,000 residents
Texas overdose deaths
5,643 5,549
27.34 18.19
2022-23: 2023-24:
U.S.
-1.67%
Texas
N
SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The background
The approach
This year, Texas is expected to see the lowest number of drug overdose deaths since 2020, according to the CDC. Overdose deaths decreased in Texas from 5,643 between June 2022-May 2023 to 5,549 between June 2023-May 2024—a 1.67% decrease. About 18 in 100,000 people die annually from an overdose in Texas compared to the national average of about 27 per 100,000 people, according to a report from the CDC. The majority of drug overdose deaths can be attributed to illegally manufactured fentanyl being added to other pills, according to the National
Institute on Drug Abuse. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 79 fentanyl-related overdose deaths in 2014 and 2,306 in 2023. “There’s a huge increase in counterfeit pills. What that means is, if you get a pill o the street, it’s likely to ... have fentanyl as part of the drug,” said Marcia Ory, a professor at Texas A&M University School of Public Health and the co-lead of the TAMU opioid task force. “So, before, [what] people talked about was prescription drugs; ... what’s killing people [now] are counterfeit drugs that are laced with fentanyl.”
In 2023, Gov. Greg Abbott launched a $10 million multimedia awareness campaign as a part of his “One Pill Kills” initiative to combat the fentanyl crisis. The initiative through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission educates Texans on how to prevent, recognize and reverse fentanyl poisonings. The campaign also distributed naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug also known as Narcan, to all 254 Texas counties through the Texas Division of Emergency Management. For the upcoming 89th Texas Legislature, Dennis said the Texas Medical Association is asking the state to pass bills that would: • Legalize fentanyl test strips • Mandate the tracking of opioids from manufacturers to patients “There are things we can do to mitigate the issue, but it’s going to take a collaborative eort with everyone concerned,” Ory said.
5,093
Fentanyl poisoning deaths in Texas All drug poisoning deaths Fentanyl-related deaths
0 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000
2,306
2,111
79
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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CY FAIR EDITION
HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879
BARKER CYPRESS 17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200
SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383
JONES ROAD 17414 NW Fwy (713) 983-8827
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Holiday Follies Stageworks Theatre is presenting a family-friendly show with holiday performances. • Dec. 13-14 and 20-21, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3 p.m.; Dec. 21, 2 p.m. • $26-$38.75
Cy-Hoops Invitational The 15th annual Houston Methodist Cy-Hoops Invitational will showcase 12 Cy-Fair ISD and 12 out- of-district boys’ varsity basketball teams at the Berry Center. The event supports the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships for students.
• Dec. 12-14, 8 a.m. • $5 (adults), $3 (students), $10 (tournament pass) • 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.c¤isd.net
• 10760 Grant Road, Houston • www.stageworkshouston.org
Menorah Lighting and Grand Chanukah Celebration Join the Jewish community of Cypress and northwest Houston for a public menorah lighting and Chanukah celebration featuring traditional foods and entertainment at the Houston Premium Outlets.
• 110 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. 240, Houston • www.vintageparkhouston.com
December
‘Into the Woods’ Playhouse 1960 is presenting “Into the Woods” based on the Tony Award-winning musical following a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child. • Dec. 13-14, 8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 3 p.m. • $25 (adult), $22 (active military, veterans, students and seniors) Christmas in the Park Harris County Precinct 3 is holding a Christmas celebration featuring letters to Santa, Santa, hot cocoa, snow play, crafts and Christmas music at Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth Park. • Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • 9402 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.pct3.com Stories with Santa Join Santa at the annual Living Legacy Center event featuring stories, hot chocolate, light refreshments and photo opportunities with Santa. • Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • 12527 Cypress N. Houston Road, Cypress • www.livinglegacycenter.com • 6814 Gant Road, Houston • www.playhouse1960.com Photos with Santa Several photo sessions with Santa will be available at the Vintage Park shopping center. • Dec. 14 and 21, 1-5 p.m. • Free
A Merry Magnicat Celebrate Christmas with holiday sing-alongs, Christmas carols and a full orchestra at The Foundry Church. • Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. • $15-$30 • 8350 Jones Road, Houston • www.houstonchoralsociety.org Buscando Talento con David Olivarez Traders Village invites the community to audition for talent show Buscando Talento con David Olivarez.
• Dec. 29, 5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 29300 Hempstead Road, Cypress • www.chabadcypress.com
Dasher’s Lightshow Dasher’s Lightshow at Sam Houston Race Park features a drive-thru experience with twinkling lights choreographed to holiday music favorites. • Through Dec. 31, times vary • $15 • 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Gate 3, Houston • www.dasherslightshow.com
• Dec. 15, 11 a.m. • Free (admission) • 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston • www.tradersvillage.com
World of Beer Holiday Movie Trivia Night World of Beer at the Boardwalk Towne Lake is holding a trivia night with questions on classic holiday ¢lms including “The Grinch” and “Home Alone.”
January
Cy-Fair ISD Wrestling Invitational The largest wrestling tournament in the nation returns to the Berry Center this January. Dozens of boys’ and girls’ teams from across the state compete in this event each year. • Jan. 3-4, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (Fri.), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.) • Ticket cost TBD • 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.berrycenter.net
• Dec. 18, 7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 9945 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.worldofbeer.com
Blood drive The Boardwalk at Towne Lake is holding a blood drive. All donors will receive free A1C testing and a hoodie. • Dec. 19, 8:15-11:30 a.m. • Free • 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.boardwalktl.com
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CYFAIR EDITION
Community Senior Living Guide
2024
Faireld Creek Estates Type: Independent living Opened: 2014 Cost: $462-$1,609 per month Total units: 140
Types of communities
Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as tness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently oer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Sta members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care. Amenities: Gaming lounges, tness studios, spas, faith rooms, movie theater, bar, physical therapy, outdoor kitchen/dining, pool, outdoor activities, dog park, storage • 12840 Jones Road, Houston • www.arellajones.com The Auberge Type: Memory care, assisted living Opened: March 2014 Cost: $1,999-$3,199 plus $750 per month Total units: 90 Amenities: Nursing; therapy; activities; physician visits; lab, home health, dental, pharmacy and hospice services Arella on Jones Type: Independent living Opened: April 2021 Cost: $1,359-$2,650 per month Total units: 229
Amenities: Covered entries, microwave, 9-foot ceilings, controlled accessed gates, community laundry room • 27550 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.fairieldcreekapartments.com Mansions at Hastings Green Senior Type: Independent living Opened: 2008 Cost: $1,006-$1,203 per month Total units: 252 Amenities: Salon, meditation room, garbage disposal • 11707 Fallbrook Drive, Houston • www.mansionshastingsgreensenior.com Misty Willow Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center Type: Short-term rehabilitation and long-term care Opened: 2016 Cost: $195-$260 per day Total units: 124 Amenities: In-house therapy, skilled nursing, activities, gym, bath spa, garden
Cadence Creek at Towne Lake Type: Independent living Opened: August 2023 Cost: $1,723-$3,350 per month Total units: 237
Amenities: Cottages with attached private garages, resident dining lounge, theater, game room, arts and crafts studio, pool, tness center, Wi-Fi
• 11411 Greenhouse Road, Cypress • www.cadencecreektownelake.com
• 12921 Misty Willow Drive, Houston • www.mistywillowhealthcare.com
Morada Senior Living Type: Independent living, assisted living, memory care Opened: 1998 Cost: $2,110-$4,800 per month Total units: 112 Amenities: Full-sized kitchens, walk-in showers, pet friendly, outdoor spaces, arts and crafts, game rooms, beauty salon, Bible study, generator, transportation • 11500 Fallbrook Drive, Houston • www.moradaseniorliving.com/morada-cy-fair Park Creek Type: Independent living, short-term living, personal care Opened: January 2018 Cost: $3,595 and up per month Total units: 126 Amenities: Gated community, pool, courtyard, front yard options, library, salon, itness center, media room
The Solana Vintage Park Type: Assisted living, memory care Cost: $6,150-$10,155 per month Total units: 87
Amenities: Clinic, general store, salon, therapy room, chapel, cafe, community kitchen, private dining room • 19929 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston • www.brookdale.com
Solea Coppereld Apartments Type: Independent living Opened: April 2017 Cost: $1,599-$2,675 per month Total units: 129
• 10120 Louetta Road, Houston • www.aubergevintagelake.com
BeeHive Homes of Cypress Type: Assisted living, memory care, short-term care Opened: May 2020 Cost: Call for pricing Total units: 16 Amenities: Activities, dining, personal rooms
Amenities: Resort pool, coee bar, tness classes, library, pet friendly, Wi-Fi, outdoor grilling stations • 8300 Queenston Blvd., Houston • www.soleacopperield.com Village Green Alzheimer’s Care Home Type: Memory care Opened: 2017 (Humeister), 2019 (Grant) Cost: $6,500 per month Total units: 16 at each location Amenities: Housekeeping, nurse on call, hair salon, physical therapy, customized menu, pet friendly • 14520 Huffmeister Road, Cypress; 13058 Grant Road, Cypress • www.villagegreenalzheimerscare.com This list is not comprehensive.
• 16718 Huffmeister Road, Cypress • www.parkcreekactiveliving.com
• 16220 West Road, Houston • www.beehivehomes.com
The Solana Preserve Vintage Park Type: Independent living Cost: $4,390-$6,210 per month Total units: 117 Amenities: Clinic, general store, salon, therapy room, chapel, cafe, community kitchen, private dining room • 14221 Vintage Preserve Parkway, Houston • www.brookdale.com
Bristol Park at Cypress Type: Assisted living, memory care Opened: 2016 Cost: $3,995-$5,195 per month Total units: 78 Amenities: Three meals a day, transportation, activities • 17935 Longenbaugh Drive, Cypress • www.bristolparkcypress.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Ivy Point Type: Independent living Opened: July 2020 Cost: $1,543-$2,472 per month Total units: 136 Amenities: Library, movie room, on-call maintenance, gated access, dog park, elevators, greenhouse, lounge area, yoga room, pool • 14928 Mueschke Road, Cypress • www.ivypointcypress.com
Silvercrest Assisted Living & Memory Care Type: Assisted living, memory care Opened: 2022 Cost: $5,000-$5,500 per month Total units: 28
Coppereld Healthcare and Rehabilitation Type: Skilled nursing, short-term rehab, long- term care Opened: 2009 Cost: $195-$300 per day Total units: 124 Amenities: In-house therapy, skilled nursing, in- house and outpatient therapy services, specialized wound care, activities program, dining program
Amenities: Exercise programs, arts and crafts, pet therapy, music therapy, outdoor activities, homemade meals, beauty salon, physical therapy
• 7002 Settlers Village Drive, Katy • www.silvercrestseniorliving.com
• 7107 Queenston Blvd., Houston • www.copperieldhealthcare.com
$664,990 The Pinto 21915 Glasswing Dr. Cypress, 77433 3,022 sq. ft., 1 Story 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath, 2-car Garage
$699,990 The Milburn 21931 Glasswing Drive, Cypress, 77433 3,100 sq. ft., 1 Story 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 3-car Garage
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CY FAIR EDITION
PRIMARY CARE QUALITY CARE FOR EVERY STAGE OF LIFE
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
The Craft Cigar Company provides products based on customer requests.
The Craft Cigar Company oers a variety of cigar options.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT
The Craft Cigar Company oers cigars, community
From left: Owners Justin and Jason Curran sit in their VIP cigar lounge.
Cypress community including the COVID-19 pan- demic, Winter Storm Uri and a derecho earlier this year, Justin said The Craft Cigar Company strives to support its community through various events. What they oer The Craft Cigar Company oers premium cigars from 42 companies including Kristo, Crowned Heads and Aladino Maduro, as well as cigar boxes, humidiers and accessories. “From time to time we have some special edi- tion, limited edition and limited release products available,” Justin Curran said. With plans to expand with a second location early next year, the Currans said customers can expect more additions to their cigar collection.
Longtime Cypress residents and brothers Jason and Justin Curran opened The Craft Cigar Company in 2018 to provide the community with luxury cigar products. “Our cigars are selected with the knowledge we have, but a lot of [our cigars] show us listening to our customers and what they’d like to see us bring in,” Justin Curran said. Staying local Previously in the advertising and sales industry, the Currans said they decided to partner up and create a business surrounding their passion for cigars. At the time, their inventory was one-third the size they have now. Having survived multiple disasters with the
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15103 Mason Road, Ste. B5, Cypress www.cigarshopcypress.com
Want a sales career with purpose & connection?
hr@communityimpact.com Contact our team today!
Jason Culpepper Publisher
Laytoamb Wiggins Chief Talent Ocer
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CYFAIR EDITION
Dining
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
across the Houston metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie
Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from
Houston
Katy
Humble
Afuri Ramen The Houston location is the rst restaurant to open in Texas. Located on North Durham Drive, the Heights spot features a full bar and a large open-concept kitchen where guests can watch the noodle and broth-making processes from the comfort of their table. • Opened Nov. 1 • 1215 N. Durham Drive, Ste. B-100, Houston • www.afuriramen.com/houston-tx
Charcoal Eats The North Indian fast-food eatery is known for its authentic biryani, curries, kebabs and other street food, franchise co-owner Neeraj Kumar said. Other menu items include kati wraps and various sides such as naan and salads. • Opened Oct. 23 • 6734 Westheimer Lakes N. Drive, Ste. 112, Katy • www.charcoaleatstx.com
Letty’s Authentic Mexican Cocina Owned by Letty Martinez—who also owns Yummy Tummy Bakery in Humble and New Caney—the new concept serves family recipes and specialty cocktails with menu items including menudo, carne guisada, carpacho salmon and chile en nogada, as well as Tomahawk and ribeye steaks. • Opened Oct. 26
• 1005 First St. E., Humble • www.lettyscocina.com
Pearland
Webster
Spring
Lindo Mar Bar & Grill Lindo Mar Bar & Grill opened Oct. 21 in Pearland, according to a social media post from the business. The restaurant serves seafood, American and Mexican cuisine, according to the business’s social media page. • Opened Oct. 21
Lobster & Beer NASA The California-based counter-service seafood restaurant and bar serves a lobster-centric menu featuring lobster rolls, lobster macaroni and cheese, and craft cocktails. • Opened Oct. 28 • 20801 Gulf Freeway, Ste. 24, Webster • www.ilovelobsterandbeer.com
Nacho Padres Cantina According to an October new release, the Tex- Mex restaurant oers fajitas, craft nachos, auta towers, cactus tacos and enchiladas. • Opened Oct. 21 • 2121 Rayford Road, Spring • www.nachopadres.com
• 6200 Broadway St., Pearland • Facebook: Lindo Mar Bar & Grill
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
OUR SERVICES TEXAS URBAN ELEMENTS
www.cyfairfunerals.com
STORM DRAINAGE, IRRIGATION, AND LAND LEVELING
Providing funeral home, burial, and cremation services
LANDSCAPING DESIGN
FULL-SERVICE LANDSCAPING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION.
HARDSCAPING DESIGN
ADDITIONAL DWELLING UNITS (ADU’S) PAVERS AND MASONRY: CUSTOM PAVER DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS, AND RETAINING WALLS. PATIO EXTENSIONS: EXPANDING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES WITH QUALITY MATERIALS AND DESIGNS. OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND FIRE PITS: CUSTOM-DESIGNED OUTDOOR KITCHENS, BBQ AREAS, AND FIRE PITS. STAMPED CONCRETE: CUSTOM-DESIGNED PAVER DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS, AND RETAINING WALLS. CONSTRUCTION OF ADUS, INCLUDING GUEST HOUSES, POOL HOUSES, AND IN-LAW SUITES.
Our friendly and professional sta is at your service - 24/7.
Call us: 281-897-9823
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
OUTDOOR LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS, WIRING FOR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES, AND FULL ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE. 832-304-7007 | www.txurban.com
TRANSFORMING HOMES SINCE 2016
Queen Cake & Pralines
Available to Order!
THE GREAT TASTE OF MEXICO
Daily Specials Lunch Special Monday through Friday from 11a to 3p Taco Tuesday ALL Tacos on Special Price All Day
Fajita Wednesday Fajitas for Two $27.99 Kids Thursday Kids 12 and Under Eat FREE w/purchase of Adult Entree
Order your Holiday Meal Today!
PRIVATE DINING ROOM, CATERING AND BOXED MEALS! *PRIVATE ROOM AVAILABLE Scan the QR code for the 2024 Holiday Catering Menu!
Enjoy our Happy Hour Monday and Tuesday all day Wednesday through Friday 11 to 6 Saturday small margaritas three dollars all day
AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER AT: catering@littlekitchenhtx.com 48 HOURS LEAD TIME REQUIRED. Pick up at: Little Kitchen HTX Jersey Village 16000 Dillard Drive, Jersey Village, TX 77040 832-295-3020
$10 Off on purchase of $50 or more must present coupon, not valid with any other offers, excludes alcohol, one coupon per table. Exp. 1/15/25
Small Chile Con Queso with purchase of meal FREE Lunch time only 11a - 3p one coupon per table. Exp. 1/15/25
16000 Dillard Drive Suite A | littlekitchenhtx.com Follow us on social media
Order online at www.pichurrosgrill.com
12215 Grant Rd Ste E, Cypress, TX 77429 • (832) 843-6901
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CY FAIR EDITION
G eyer Roofing
Specializing in Re-Roong
Ron Geyer 713-462-3898
“We work as unto the Lord”
REMODELING RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Kitchens • Bathrooms Windows/Doors • Floors Hardie Siding • Room Additions Complete Renovations • Patio Covers Rob Geyer | 281-477-3456
Photos with Santa 12/14 from 6-8p and 12/18 from 6-8p
DOWNLOAD THE BYG APP AND START EARNING REWARDS!
PRESENT THIS VOUCHER FOR A $9 CHILD ENTRY ADULTS ARE ALWAYS FREE!
$5 SPECIAL OFFER Early Bird: 9AM - 10AM Last Call: 5PM - Closing STORYTIME TUESDAY 9:30 AM - 10 AM ideal for ages 3 and under
Your Birthday Party Headquarters! With pricing to meet every budget!
HOMESCHOOL THURSDAYS $7 Entry from 10AM - 2PM
thebackyardgrill.com 9453 Jones Road, Houston, 77065 281.897.9200 Call us to cater your holiday event!
OPEN 7 DAYS!! 9 AM to 6 PM
• Fully air-conditioned • Open 7 days a week • Fun for all ages & budgets
• Secure • Toddler friendly • Full Service Cafe
Kanga’s Playcenter Cypress 11037 FM 1960 W D-1 (behind the Amegy Bank) Houston, TX 77065 (832) 688 9916 Expires 12/31/2024
See website for new January 2025 hours.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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