Cy-Fair Edition | February 2023

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Cy-Fair Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 6 FEB. 9MARCH 7, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

1 in 10 Cy-Fair households received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benets in 2022 SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S 2022 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY COMMUNITY IMPACT

Rani Sankaran (left) and Mala Reddy serve at the Cy-Fair Helping Hands food pantry in January amid a rising demand for services.

DANICA LLOYDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Economic hardships drive food assistance demand

meaning most can’t aord to have savings. “If you’re just sick enough that you miss four days of work for the u, the u can leave you with an eviction notice,” Ryan said. “It can just be so fast.”

numbers,” Ryan said, noting 14-18 new families register for assistance every day the pantry is open. “We just don’t see a day under 100 cars now.” The Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey states 56% of Houstonians live paycheck to paycheck,

BY DANICA LLOYD

Although the Cy-Fair Helping Hands food pantry doesn’t open until 9:30 a.m., Executive Director Janet Ryan said cars start lining up by 7 a.m. “We’re almost back to the very peak of COVID[-19]

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Tosca Italian Gourmet opens in Cypress (Page 6)

Education: Cy-Fair ISD approves District of Innovation plan (Page 10)

Events: Cy-Fair ISD hosts UIL state wrestling tournament (Page 17)

Dining: Comfort Foodies serves Southern cuisine (Page 21)

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CYFAIR EDITION

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CYFAIR EDITION

Impacts

4 Crimson Crab Seafood & Bar The Crimson Eatery closed in October to rebrand and re-opened with seafood and Cajun dishes. • Opened Dec. 29 • 12120 FM 1960, Ste. B, Houston • www.crimsoneatery.com 5 Revolt The business sells clothing and accessories for women, men and juniors and is now open in Willowbrook Mall. • Opened Dec. 9 • 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Ste. 1112, Houston • www.shopwillowbrookmall.com 6 Sharetea The 1,724-square-foot space oers customers a place to hang out and sip Taiwanese drinks. • Opened Jan. 6 • 17375 Hwy. 249, Ste. 2B1, Houston • www.1992sharetea.com 7 Plato’s Closet The resale shop caters to teens and young adults. The store buys and sells gently used brand-name clothing and accessories. This location is owned by Kimberly and Christopher Dearing. • Opened in late 2023 • 25430 Hwy. 290, Ste. A1, Cypress • www.platoscloset.com/locations/cypress-tx 8 Verlo Mattress Owned and operated by Karen and John Draeger, the store oers mattresses, pillows and adjustable bases. • Opened Dec. 22 • 6911 FM 1960 Road W., Ste. B, Houston • www.verlo.com

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handcrafted tacos, chilaquiles, chimichangas, enchiladas, and drinks, including margaritas, cocktails and micheladas. • Opened in January • 7751 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 600, Cypress • www.luchadormicheladas.com 3 Primo Hoagies The franchise oers specialty sandwiches, such as turkey breast and roast beef. Sides options include coleslaw, pickles, potato salad and pepper shooters. • Opened Jan. 11

Now open

1 Tosca Italian Gourmet Founded by the Schiavo family, the Tuscan-themed bakery oers coees, cakes and other baked goods. The business also oers sandwiches and salads, charcuterie boards, pizzas, lasagna, meatballs and tiramisu. • Opened in early January • 17823 Longenbaugh Drive, Ste. F, Cypress • www.toscaitaliangourmet.com

Coming soon

9 Season’s Harvest Farmer’s Counter Beket and Joanne Grith are opening a second location of Season’s Harvest. The Farmer’s Counter will oer grab- and-go protein bowls, atbreads and sandwiches; an espresso bar; and cooking, baking and health classes.

2 Luchador Micheladas y Botanas The eatery oers dishes such as carne asada,

• 6608 Hwy. 6 N., Houston • www.primohoagies.com

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Now open

Relocations

10 Chick Houz A Peruvian restaurant has opened a new location in north Houston, chef Roberto Castre con¡rmed via email. The restaurant features a varied menu that includes rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, salads and bowls, according to its website. • Opened Dec. 29 • 20326 Hwy. 249, Ste. 100, Houston • www.chickhouz.com

13 Black Rock Coee Bar The coee shop oers a variety of caeinated drinks including Irish coee, the caramel blondie, Mexican mocha, caramel tru¨e, and the blackout— Black Rock Coee Bar’s signature espresso mixed with hazelnut syrup and chocolate milk. • Opening this summer • 10760 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.br.coffee

16 For Heaven’s Cake The bakery has closed at 17488 Hwy. 290, Houston, and is slated to relocate in February. It specializes in wedding cakes and also oers cookies, pies, brownies, cupcakes and cake balls, among other treats. Owner Dawn Bradley said the new location is larger and provides more space for events such as classes and birthday parties. • Relocating in February • 16726 Huffmeister Road, Ste. A400, Cypress • www.forheavenscake.org

• Opening in March or April • 17110 House & Hahl Road, Ste. D, Cypress • www.seasonsharvest.farm

• Opening Feb. 10 • 8301 Jones Road, Ste. 100, Jersey Village • www.fredastaire.com

Houston, has moved to a larger location with a grocery selection, meat market, bakery and taqueria.

• Relocated in November • 10860 FM 1960, Houston • www.lamichoacanameatmarket.com

11 Baskin-Robbins With over 40 avors, the ice cream shop serves ice cream by the scoop, sundaes, beverages, ice cream cake, cookie cakes and other treats. • Opening this summer • 20330 Tuckerton Road, Ste. 900, Cypress • www.baskinrobbins.com 12 Fred Astaire Dance Studios The dance studio teaches salsa, merengue, bachata, waltz and two-step. Private lessons and group classes are available for all ages and levels.

Relocations

In the news

14 Viva Restaurant by Ma Loan Formerly located at 10541 FM 1960, Ste. 290, Houston, the eatery serves Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. • Relocated in January • 9135 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Houston • www.vivarestaurant.co 15 La Michoacana Super Market The business previously located at 10937 FM 1960,

17 Teriyaki Madness The chain celebrated one year in business Jan. 27-28. In addition to chicken teriyaki bowls, orange chicken, steak teriyaki, spicy tofu teriyaki, chicken katsu and other featured bowls are on the menu.

• 14119 Grant Road, Cypress • www.teriyakimadness.com

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Village Medical at Copperfield 713-461-2915 15881 FM 529, Ste. A Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Village Medical at Walgreens 713-461-2915

Village Medical at Walgreens 713-461-2915 14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Village Medical at Walgreens 832-678-8252 12314 Jones Rd.

Village Medical at CyFalls 713-461-2915 9511 Humeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Village Medical at Walgreens 832-678-8252 12314 Jones Rd. Houston, TX 77070 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm Village Medical at CyFalls 713-461-2915 9511 Humeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

Village Medical at Riata Ranch 713-461-2915 10720 Barker Cypress Rd. Cypress, TX 77433 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Village Medical at CyFalls 713-461-2915 9511 Humeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm 10720 Barker Cypress Rd. Cypress, TX 77433 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm Village Medical at Riata Ranch 713-461-2915

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Village Medical at CyFalls 713-461-2915 9511 Humeister, Ste 100 Houston, TX 77095 Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm

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14317 Cypress Rosehill Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 Mon - Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Harris County to pilot solar energy hubs Ocials with Harris County’s Oce of Sustainability are anticipating breaking ground by the end of the year on a couple of locations, including community centers and libraries across the county, that will serve as a pilot program for solar and alternative energy hubs. The big picture Jesse Dickerman, Oce of County Administration chief of sta, said one of Harris County’s clean energy strategies is to decrease its reliance on the energy grid and increase its use of alternative energy. Once the pilot program is complete, it will encompass at least 12-15 chosen sites across the county that will be installed with solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations, ocials said.

‘Food Farmacies’ are coming to more Harris County health centers Harris Health System ocials are expanding the Food Farmacy intervention program to at least three additional sites after Harris County commis- sioners approved allocating close to $500,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding Dec. 19. Food Farmacies serve all adult patients experi- encing food insecurity by connecting them with healthy foods, dietician support, benets enroll- ment navigators and other community resources, according to the program’s website. What happened Before the commissioners’ approval to allocate the funds, Harris Health’s Food Farmacies existed at Acres Home Health Center and Strawberry Health Center, as well as Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. The services have been expanded to:

Existing food farmacies

Pending food farmacies

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249

610

SOURCE: HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT

• Precinct 1 : Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center • Precinct 2 : Gulfgate Health Center • Precinct 4 : El Franco Lee Health Center The date for service expansion in Precinct 3 was not set as of press time, but Cypress Health Center and Squatty Lyons Health Center were being considered.

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CY FAIR EDITION

Education

The Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees voted unanimously to approve a District of Innovation plan during its regular board meeting Jan. 18. Some trustees voiced concerns before ultimately voting to approve the plan by a vote of 7-0. The vote was the last step in a process considering the merits of adopting a plan to gain more local control over district operations per state law. The DOI plan was recommended by CFISD’s Districtwide Education Improvement Council, which includes teachers, parents, and community and business leaders. CFISD approves DOI plan

What else?

What they’re saying

According to the Texas Education Agency, 976 districts across the state have the District of Innovation designation. Neighboring DOIs include Katy, Tomball, Klein and Spring Branch ISDs. CFISD trustees said they had heard concerns about allowing teachers who are not yet certied to teach in Texas to work in CFISD as well as the plan’s component that allows teachers to teach grades other than the ones they are currently teaching. Trustee Natalie Blasingame said she believes the state’s insistence on state certication is the exception nationally, often hindering districts from attracting top talent. She believes teacher experience has proven to be more important than being certied in the state. Chief Academic O cer Linda Macias said the most widely accepted teaching credentials are from the National Board Certication, rather than state certications, and many prospective teachers applying to the district have that certication instead.

“We’re going to level the playing eld, just like other districts were, which is going to be great for a district that has to be more competitive. We’re going to hopefully reduce some of the long-term

sub situations, which is a good thing for our district.” SCOTT HENRY, CYFAIR ISD BOARD PRESIDENT

“I [was] actually an emergency permit person. I taught rst grade without [certication but] with a degree only and an emergency permit, and one of the things that really saved me was the support of the district.”

Pillars of innovation First day of instruction: The

DOUG KILLIAN, CYFAIR ISD SUPERINTENDENT

district will have more control of the school calendar. Career and technical education certi cation: The district can expedite the approval process for hiring CTE teachers. Flexibility for teaching outside of content or grade level: The district can allow certied teachers to provide instruction in classes outside of their content area or grade level. Out-of-state certi cation: This exemption will expedite the approval process for hiring teachers certied out of state.

What’s next?

The board could vote to approve the district’s 2024-25 academic calendar as soon as the Feb. 12 meeting.

Under the DOI designation, CFISD will now be exempt from the state law requiring districts to start school on the fourth Monday in August.

SOURCE: CY FAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Est. 2014 PreK3 - 8th Grade Est. 2014 NATIONALLY CERTIFIED STEM CAMPUS Est. 2014 PreK3 - 8th Grade 11511 Huffmeister Rd. Houston, TX 77065 ctrschool.com 281-469-8440 NATIONALLY CERTIFIED STEM CAMPUS 11511 Huffmeister Rd. Houston, TX 77065 ctrschool.com 281-469-8440

PreK3 - 8th Grade 11511 Huffmeister Rd.

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BY DAVE MANNING

Private School Guide

2024

Cy-Fair

Acton Academy Cy-Fair Type: nontraditional, project-based learning Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: N/A

Extracurricular activities: STEM, nature-based learning, art, theater, dance, sports, chess, robotics, Destination Imagination, entrepreneurship league, band, choir, tennis, golf, Spanish, music Enrollment: 85 Tuition: $10,000 annually • 8350 Jones Road, Houston • www.actoncyfair.com Christ the Redeemer Catholic School Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K3-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: sports programs, choir, robotics, STEM, martial arts, dance, art, chess, instrumental music Enrollment: 490 The Connection School of Houston Type: religion-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: music, art, Spanish, yearbook, STEM, National Honor Society, Student Council, athletics (volleyball, ag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, track and eld, cheer) Enrollment: 130 Tuition: $9,400-$9,500 annually • 11511 Huffmeister Road, Houston • www.ctrschool.com

The Met Christian Academy Type: religion-based Grades served: infants-rst grade (second grade will be added in 2024-25) Religious orientation: Christian Enrollment: 165

Tuition: $8,500 annually (elementary tuition); preschool tuition varies • 13000 Jones Road, Houston • www.themetchristianacademy.org

Extracurricular activities: 4-H, band, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, choir, cross country, debate, drama, golf, football, softball, speech, track and eld, volleyball, wrestling Enrollment: 503 Tuition: $14,700-$19,205 annually

• 11123 Cypress N. Houston Road, Houston • www.cypresschristian.org

Epiphany Lutheran School Type: religion-based Grades served: 18 months old-eighth grade Religious orientation: Christian (Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod) Extracurricular activities: band, Academic Honor Society, soccer, volleyball, basketball, track and eld Enrollment: 185 Tuition: $5,150-$8,580 annually • 14423 West Road, Houston • www.epiphanylutheranschool.org Heart of Christ Academy Type: religion-based, university model Grades served: K-7 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: art, music, Spanish, PE, STEM, life skills, computer literacy, eld trips, leadership excursions Enrollment: 40 Tuition: $4,200 annually • 14207 Telge Road, Cypress • www.heartofchristacademy.org

Tuition: $10,250-$12,500 annually • 15815 House & Hahl Road, Cypress • www.theconnectionschool.org

• 19830 FM 2920, Tomball • www.rosehillchristian.org

St. Jerome Catholic School Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K4-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and eld, chess, dance, scouts, instruments, liturgical leadership Enrollment: 150 Tuition: $8,700 annually • 8825 Kempwood Drive, Houston • www.stjeromecs.org The Woods Private School Type: traditional Grades served: early childhood preschool, K-5 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: chess, taekwondo, sewing, art, archery, ballet, soccer, coding Enrollment: 325 Tuition: $7,500-$12,600 annually • 15002 Lakewood Forest Drive, Houston • www.thewoodsprivateschool.com

Covenant Academy Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K4-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: volleyball, basketball, track, golf, math, chess club Enrollment: 187 Tuition: $7,150-$16,500 annually

• 11711 Telge Road, Cypress • www.covenantcypress.org

Cypress Christian School Type: religion-based Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: musical theater, show choir, band, football, volleyball, cheer, cross country, basketball, soccer, swim, baseball, softball, track and eld, golf, ambassador council Enrollment: 830 Tuition: $14,555-$21,675 annually

Rosehill Christian School Type: religion-based Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian

CYFAIR EDITION

Election

Voter Guide

2024

To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY

R Republican

D Democrat

*Incumbent

Texas Senate, District 15 D Michelle Anderson Bonton D Jarvis D. Johnson D Alberto “Beto” Cardenas D Karthik Soora

D Steven J. Keough U.S. House of Representatives, District 18 R Lana Centonze R Aaron Ray Hermes D Robert Slater D Sheila Jackson Lee* D Amanda Edwards U.S. House of Representatives, District 38 D Melissa McDonough D Gion Christopher Thomas State elections Railroad commissioner R Corey Howell R Petra Reyes R Christie Clark R Christi Craddick* R James “Jim” Matlock D Katherine Culbert D Bill Burch Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D Randy Sarosdy D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* R Brian Walker Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Joe Pool D Bonnie Lee Goldstein Presiding judge, Court of Criminal Appeals R David J. Schenck R Sharon Keller* Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 7 R Gina Parker R Barbara Parker Hervey* Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 8 R Michelle Slaughter* R Lee Finley Texas Senate, District 7

Dates to know

Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day

D Todd Litton D Molly Cook Texas House of Representatives, District 130 D Brett Robinson D Henry Arturo Texas House of Representatives, District 138 R Jared Woodll R Lacey Hull*

Where to vote

Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Harris County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

Sample ballot

Federal elections U.S. president R Ryan L. Binkley R Vivek Ramaswamy R Asa Hutchinson R Nikki Haley R Chris Christie R David Stuckenberg R Donald J. Trump R Ron DeSantis D Joseph R. Biden, Jr.* D Cenk Uygur D Marianne Williamson D Gabriel A. Cornejo D Dean Phillips D Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato D Frankie Lozada D Star Locke U.S. senator R Ted Cruz* R Holland “Redd” Gibson R R.E. “Rufus” Lopez D Mark Gonzalez D Carl Oscar Sherman D Meri Gomez D Roland Gutierrez D Colin Allred D A. “Robert” Hassan D Thierry Tchenko D Heli Rodriguez Prilliman

Local elections Harris County district attorney

D Kim Ogg* D Sean Teare

Harris County attorney D Umeka “UA” Lewis D Christian D. Menefee* Harris County sheri R Mike Knox R Joe Danna R Paul Day R Glenn Cowan D Vergil Rochelle Ratli

D Joe Inocencio D Dana M. Wolfe D Ed Gonzalez* Harris County tax assessor-collector

D Desiree Broadnax D Annette Ramirez D Claude Cummings III D Jerry Davis D Danielle Keys Bess

D Michelle Gwinn D Nasir H. Malik

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DANICA LLOYD

U.S. House of Representatives, District 38, Democratic Primary

Melissa McDonough Occupation: Realtor and brokerage owner; election judge Relevant experience: lobbying since 2004; election experience; lived in District 38 for 30 years www.melissaforcongress.com

Gion Christopher Thomas Occupation: CEO of Protest Organize Participate Relevant experience: vice president of Katy Area Democrats; worked in politics for over 10 years www.gionfortexas.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style

and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

Just a few of our challenges are inequality in health care cost, homelessness and veterans housing, aordable housing, and infrastructure. We need to properly allocate federal funds to local organizations and initiatives, and hold them accountable for those funds, making sure they reach the people of CD-38.

The district grapples with school closures, ooding risks and declining small-business growth. We address these issues by advocating for legislation to nancially support our struggling schools; pushing for infrastructure bills to address ooding; and promoting initiatives to bring back manufacturing, support startups and provide federal grants for small businesses.

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CYFAIR EDITION

Election

U.S. House of Representatives, District 18, Republican Primary

Lana Centonze Occupation: federal law enforcement ocer

Aaron Ray Hermes Occupation: artist and engineer Relevant experience: human rights advocate; lived through 9/11 in NYC; born and raised Texan; top- tier problem solver www.votehermes.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style

Relevant experience: 12 years of experience within the federal government as a federal ocer www.lanacentonzeforcongress.com

and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

The biggest challenges facing this district is infrastructure issues, better housing for the community members, investing in the small businesses in the community which helps creating a thriving economy.

Well, it’s taxes, ination, a border crisis, human tracking, election integrity, prison reform and much more challenging us today. I would start with eliminating the income tax for the bottom 50% of wage earners making under roughly $100K, who only contribute 3% to overall revenue. I would also ght in...

512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DAVE MANNING

U.S. House of Representatives, District 18, Democratic Primary

*INCUMBENT

Robert Slater Occupation: Business owner Relevant experience: life; statistical upbringing; jail; homelessness; redemption; hard work; business founder... www.standwithslater.com

Sheila Jackson Lee* Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Amanda Edwards Occupation: attorney Relevant experience: former Houston City Council member at- large; nonpro t leader advocating for Houston’s diverse communities www.edwardsforhouston.com

What are the biggest challenges facing the district, and how would you address them if elected?

Criminal justice reform—Focus on the recidivism crisis; Entrepreneurship expansion—Bringing in funding and resources to support small businesses; Community service—Supporting seniors and those in need with aected support and aid on a daily basis, not only in disaster times.

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

My priorities in Congress will be expanding access to quality, aordable health care; expanding economic opportunity for small-business owners and those seeking jobs in an evolving economy; lowering the costs of higher education; and securing our democracy, protecting voting rights and ending gerrymandering that dilutes the votes of communities of color.

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CYFAIR EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Harris County Precinct 3 launches new road de-icing method

Chili Cook-O The Cy-Fair Express Network is holding its eighth annual chili challenge. • Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission), $5 (tasting ticket) • Creekwood Grill, 12710 Telge Road, Cypress • www.cyfen.org Movie Night: ‘Zootopia’ Harris County Precinct 3 is holding a movie night featuring “Zootopia,” a Walt Disney animated lm. • Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, 20215 Chasewood Park Drive, Houston • www.pct3.com

February

‘The Revolutionists’ Stageworks is presenting “The Revolutionists,” a girl- powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. • Feb. 15-17 and 22-24, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 18 and 25, 3 p.m. • $27-$37 (admission) • Stageworks Theatre, 10760 Grant Road, Houston • www.stageworkshouston.org UIL Texas State Wrestling Tournament The state tournament features the top high school wrestlers in Texas. Concessions will be available throughout the arena. • Feb. 16-17, 7:30 a.m. • $15 (single day), $25 (all tournament) • Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.uiltexas.org World of Beer Brunch: Taylor’s Version A Taylor Swift-themed brunch features themed cocktails and treats for Swifties. • Feb. 17-18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • World of Beer, 9945 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.worldofbeer.com

To combat potentially dangerous roadways this winter season, Harris County Precinct 3 has plans to lay out brine solution that chemically breaks up the ice on the roadways, ocials announced in a Dec. 20 YouTube video. Crews used this new road de-icing method in mid-January amid freezing temperatures, Com- munications Manager Jeannie Peng said, and this is how Precinct 3 roads will be treated in future winter weather events. The details Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said rather than laying out chat rock as they have done in the past winter seasons, Precinct 3 is now laying out brine solution. The brine solution was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation through the County Assistance Program at no charge, Peng said. “During the last freeze season, we realized that with the size of our new precinct, we needed to

adapt to be able to cover over 300 bridges and 6,700 lane miles of roadway to keep them open and safe during winter conditions,” Road and Bridge Director Jennifer Almonte said. According to Precinct 3 ocials, while chat rock provides traction control, brine chemically breaks ice as vehicle weight travels the wheel path on roadways and can be used as pretreatment to prevent ice from forming in the rst place. Did you know? Almonte said brine is cheaper, is applied more quickly, is more environmentally friendly and can be used to pretreat the roadways. During pretreatment rounds, workers spray brine solution around 20 mph, and for de-icing, it is sprayed at 5-10 mph to spray a greater volume of brine, Peng said. When de-icing is needed, crews run routes until temperatures rise above freezing. “Typically this means that each bridge will be sprayed every 12-24 hours,” she said.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus Performers put on a fast-paced circus show featuring the Human Cannonball, aerial artists, the Wheel of Death, motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, clowns and jugglers. • Feb. 22-March 3, times vary • $14.50-$30 (general admission), $20-$40 (premium), $30 (handicapped accessible), $30- $60 (VIP) • Houston Premium Outlets, 29300 Hempstead Road, Cypress • www.gardenbrosnuclearcircus.com

March

West Houston Church of Christ Huge Garage Sale The sale features merchandise donated and collected throughout the year by members of the church. • March 2-3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • $5 (parking) • Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Road, Houston • www.tradersvillage.com

Precinct 3 crews lay brine solution ahead of freezing temperatures to de-ice roads.

COURTESY HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 3

HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879 SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383

BARKER CYPRESS 17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200 JONES ROAD 17414 NW Fwy (713) 983-8827

From the cover

Economic hardships drive food assistance demand

Put in perspective

The overview

A reduction in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program bene ts has also led to higher food pantry turnouts. Households receiving this government assistance—including 9.5% of Cy-Fair households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau— lost at least $95 a month when a temporary increase due to the pandemic expired after February 2023. The estimated average monthly SNAP bene t is $202 for a one-person household and $713 for a family of four. Borawski said due to their Social Security income, seniors may be eligible for much less in SNAP bene ts—as little as $23 per month. “We’ve noticed SNAP bene ts being less across the board for most families, and then it seems like everybody’s underemployed—they’re making money but not making enough,” Borawski said. The Census Bureau reports nearly 25% of Cy-Fair households earn less than $50,000 a year. Full-time minimum-wage workers, for instance, have a gross income of about $15,000. About 66% of Cy-Fair households receiving SNAP bene ts include children. Local nonpro t Cy-Hope sends 700 kids in need home with a backpack full of food each weekend, Backpack Program Director Essence Castro said. “Those kids who, unfortunately, are not getting the proper nutrition, act out ... They can’t concen- trate, so now they’re not passing,” she said. Ocials with Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, celebrated a handful of new Texas laws that went into eect in September that: • Increased the vehicle value limit for SNAP applicants • Allowed inmates to apply for SNAP bene ts before going on parole • Removed motor vehicle taxes and registration fees for vehicles used by food banks However, Feeding Texas ocials said addressing the SNAP application backlog should be a priority.

In October, 28 million Americans reported not having enough food in the last seven days—up from 19.8 million Americans in fall 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Cy-Fair food pantries saw high demand in 2023, and nonprot leaders said they expect to see this growth continue throughout 2024. Grocery ination; utility and rent cost increases; and more migrants coming to Houston from other countries all contribute to this growth, said Henry Lombraña, the food pantry director for Cypress Assistance Ministries. These higher numbers are driving some organizations to limit their services. Lombraña said increased demand in 2023 led to longer wait times for clients, so CAM sta decided to temporarily transition from having clients select their own food to distributing prepacked food boxes with clients’ needs. Additionally, food donations have been down for some organizations that partially rely on local churches, businesses and individuals to donate. Jeanie Borawski, the food pantry manager for Cy-Fair-based MESA Outreach, said the organization went from serving about 180 families at each food pantry in 2021 to 450 families by mid-2023. At the same time, food donations decreased by about 40% last year. “Donations have gone down so much because of the cost of food, and we found ourselves really having to kind of scrounge to make sure we had enough,” she said. “So we made the decision to change to being ZIP code-restricted for who we serve through our pantry.”

Food inflation

+10.4%

+6.3%

+3.9%

+2.7%

+1.8%

2019 2020

2021

2022

2023

Weekly SNAP shopping The average one-person household receiving SNAP benets gets $202 per month—about $50 a week—to spend on groceries. Pandemic- era benets, which provided at least $95 in additional funds each month, ended in 2023.

Grocery item 1 gallon milk 12 oz. cereal

Price $2.99 $3.99 $1.69 $7.49 $2.19 $3.79 $3.79 $4.19 $1.69 $4.99 $1.79 $2.39 $4.99 $4.49

12 eggs

12 oz. co¢ee

1 loaf sandwich bread 16 oz. peanut butter

18 oz. grape jelly

1 pound strawberries 10 oz. mixed vegetables 1 pound ground beef 16 oz. spaghetti noodles

24 oz. pasta sauce

Frozen pizza 11 oz. salad kit

$50.46

Total

The local impact

NOTE: GROCERY PRICES LISTED ARE FROM A CYPRESS KROGER STORE ON JAN. 15

SOURCES: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, KROGER COMMUNITY IMPACT

Cy-Fair Helping Hands 32,062 people were fed in 2023 Cypress Assistance Ministries 66% increase in demand from 2022-23 MESA Outreach 1,000 families being served each month Cy-Hope 200 kids added to the weekend feeding program from 2021-23

The conditions

58% of Houstonians spent more on groceries in 2023 than in 2022.

21% increase in Houston-area rent costs from 2020-23

3% increase in general food prices is expected in 2024, while beef and dairy products are expected to rise 5%-8%

$9.6B in emergency SNAP benets went to Texans from April 2020-January 2023.

SOURCES: CHARLES SCHWAB 2023 MODERN WEALTH SURVEY, COLLIERS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, GOV. GREG ABBOTT’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DANICA LLOYD

Oering input

Lend a hand

Those interested in volunteering, giving nancially or donating food can visit the following websites to nd out what the most-needed donation items are at Cy-Fair’s local food pantries. Cy-Fair Helping Hands 9606 Kirkton Drive, Houston www.cyfairhelpinghands.org Cypress Assistance Ministries 12930 Cypress N. Houston Road, Cypress www.cypressassistance.org MESA Outreach 16000 Rippling Water Drive, Houston www.mesa-outreach.org How to receive help: Visit www.houstonfoodbank.org/ nd-help to nd local food distribution services and SNAP assistance.

“Our volunteers and our sta, we want to build those relationships. When the client comes in, they look for us, and … we can share

“Things are expensive, and sometimes you have these parents working jobs but still can’t make ends meet, so they’re forced

[resources] with them.” HENRY LOMBRAÑA, CYPRESS ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY DIRECTOR

between paying the bills and putting food on the table.” ESSENCE CASTRO, CY HOPE BACKPACK PROGRAM DIRECTOR

“[Nonprots] that have people give us food have seen a big drop-o because disposable income is not disposable anymore.”

“We utilize these services as a stepping stone for the help that folks need, to empower [them]

in order to get them to where they need to be.” LAKESHA LINSON, CYPRESS ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR

JANET RYAN, CY FAIR HELPING HANDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CY FAIR EDITION

March 7, 2024

Bold Move

Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union Event Underwriter

Academy Award Superintendent Sponsor

HELP US HONOR CYPRESSFAIRBANKS ISD Sponsor a School Today TEACHERS OF THE YEAR SUPPORT STAFF and PARAEDUCATORS

Contact Marie Holmes at 281-370-0144 • TheCFEF.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

The chicken and waes dish at Comfort Foodies features fried wings on top of a Belgian-style wae.

The Dominican-style pollo guisado is served with white rice and two sides. (Photos courtesy Comfort Foodies)

Comfort Foodies oers Caribbean, Southern fusion Elsa Matthews, a Dominican Republic native, opened Comfort Foodies alongside her husband, Je Matthews, a native Houstonian, in June 2022. “I always had a passion for cooking and I loved cooking. I’ve been cooking since I was 13 and am that person that really does enjoy the kitchen,” Elsa Matthews said. How it happened What’s on the menu? Comfort Foodies provides home-cooked meals as well as catering for events. Empanadas are a popular menu item, including chicken, beef, spinach, shrimp and oxtail options. The menu also includes Dominican-style brown stew chicken called pollo guisado, Southern fried

Comfort Foodies oers cocktails and mimosas.

WINDFERN RD.

catsh, smothered pork chops and wings. Desserts include homemade peach cobbler, banana pudding and Dominican tres leches cake. The restaurant also oers cocktails, frozen margaritas and beer. Comfort Foodies also participates in charitable eorts, such as feeding unhoused mothers, as well as toy drives.

The Matthews family got their start in the food business selling crawsh in parking lots. Due to the demand for their food, they soon opened a food truck. When the food truck was damaged in a re, the couple decided it was time to open a brick-and-mortar eatery serving Caribbean and Southern soul cuisines.

8128 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Ste. B, Houston www.comfortfoodieshtx.com

The CyFair Fire Department is excited to offer AHA and NAEMT courses American Heart Month All classes offered at the Administration Office

10710 Telge Road, Houston, TX 77095

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