Blog entries

Houston Rockets Dribble-A-Thon Fundraiser Comes to Berry Center

Scott Tran — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:07:45 +0100

Join the Houston Rockets as they host Dribble-A-Thon, a fundraiser for Cy-Fair Independent School District Libraries on Saturday, February 18, at the Berry Center from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.

The Dribble-A-Thon will feature hundreds of area students, be they basketball fans, or newcomers to the sport, as they fill the court of the Berry Center and participate in various games for a great cause. All proceeds raised will go directly to Cy-Fair ISD school libraries.

There will be a dribbling competition, passing stations, a pop-a-shot, a “cha-cha-slide”, and other contests, as well as the opportunity to meet with Clutch, the Rockets mascot.

Participants will receive a free ticket to an upcoming Houston Rockets game, t-shirt, basketball, and event certificate.

You can choose from the following home games for the free ticket:

Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Friday, February 17, at 7:00 pm

Rockets vs. Utah Jazz, Sunday, February 19, at 6:00 pm

Rockets vs. Charlotte Bobcats, Wednesday, March 14, at 7:00 pm

Friends and family wishing to accompany dribblers to these games can sit with them by purchasing special-priced tickets at $20 for upper baseline, $27 for upper corner, or $47 for lower baseline seats.

There is a $25 registration fee to participate in the Dribble-A-Thon. Each student is also encouraged to ask friends, neighbors, teachers, and family for additional sponsorship to meet the goal of $50 per dribbler.

The Berry Center is located at 8877 Barker Cypress Road.

To sign up you can print or fill out the registration form here.

Forms can be emailed to Joelle Hardin at joelleh@rocketball.com, or faxed to (713) 758-7343. Please call (713) 758-7459 for more information.

Rhythmic Circus to Perform Energetic Dance Show at Centrum

Scott Tran — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:14:49 +0100

The energetic performance quartet Rhythmic Circus tap dances their way to Cypress with the hit show ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!’ on Saturday, February 4, beginning at 8:00 pm at The Centrum Theatre.

Rhythmic Circus will present an innovative live performance that blends hard-hitting tap dance with high-spirited humor and finger-snapping tunes. Enjoy musical genres ranging from salsa to funk, and everything in-between as they wow the audience with percussive dance. They will be backed by an ensemble of seven vocalists singing along.

The show ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!’ will change the way you see tap as Rhythmic Circus demonstrates the sounds that can be produced by dancing on everything from steel chairs to sand to electric drums.

Tickets to see these Minnesota natives on tour start at $20 for students, and range from $30 to $60 for adults.

The Centrum is located at 6823 Cypresswood Drive.

For more information or to purchase tickets please call (281) 440-4850 or visit the production's website.

Cy Falls Faculty Member Receives Award for Outstanding Texas Teacher

Scott Tran — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:46:39 +0100

A teacher at Cypress Falls High School was recently selected as a 2012 honoree of the prestigious Texas Exes Award for Outstanding Teachers, given by the University of Texas Allumni Association and College of Education.

Janice Reed, a Latin and English teacher at Cypress Falls, is one of only ten high school teachers in the state to receive the honor.

Reed will attend the Conference on Texas Excellence in Education in Austin on February 23 and 24, to accept her award.

The Texas Exes Award for Outstanding Teachers recognizes teachers who are supportive of their students, bring credit to the teaching profession, and who are held in the highest regard by their current and former students, fellow teachers, administrators, students’ parents, and the community at large.

The award has been bestowed on 287 teachers since first given in 1987 by the Texas Exes.

“These teachers are at the top of their field and they make a difference daily in the lives of students throughout Texas,” said Leslie Cedar, Executive Director and CEO of the Texas Exes.

In addition to the award, Reed will receive a prize of $2,250, a specially commissioned sculpture, and an all expense paid trip to the Conference of Texas Excellence in Education.

She was nominated by Rebecca Denton, Cypress Falls High School Principal, and chosen by a board of alumni volunteers, former recipients, and UT College of Education faculty.

“The foundation of any teacher’s success is our students and the support of our colleagues,” Reed said. “Though this award came to me as a happy surprise, I share it with every student and staff member who has touched my life as a teacher.”

Who Will Be Mr. Mustang?

Scott Tran — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:36:30 +0100

The Cypress Ranch High School senior class, theatre department, and M.A.N.E. host a pageant to crown this year’s Mr. Mustang on Thursday, January 19, in the auditorium at 7 PM.

This contest is presented by Mustangs At Night’s End (M.A.N.E.), a non-profit organization of students and parents who host a yearly all-night after-prom party that is drug and alcohol free and filled with activities, music and games.

The Mr. Mustang competition is a yearly fundraiser for M.A.N.E.

The pageant is open to senior class boys. The show will allow them a chance to demonstrate their talents, sense of humor and personalities. It consists of three categories in which the boys are judged: tuxedo, swimwear, and talent.

Aside from the grand prize of Mr. Mustang, awards will be given for other criteria such as best eyes and best smile.

Tickets for this event are $10 and are available at Cy Ranch High School during lunch hours until January 19.

Come out for a fun night of entertainment while helping raise money that will keep neighborhood kids safe on prom night.

Cy Ranch High School is located at 10700 Fry Road, in Cypress.

For more information visit mane2012.com.

LSC-CyFair Offers January LIFE Programs

Scott Tran — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:12:25 +0100

Lone Star College-CyFair’s Learning, Inspiration, Fellowship, and Enrichment (LIFE) Programs are scheduled through the month of January as the Spring 2012 semester begins.

LIFE sessions are free and open to the public and held Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the library (Room 131 unless otherwise noted) at 9191 Barker Cypress.

January’s slate of classes cover how to improve your health, the influence of President Lincoln on emancipation, and how magicians changed world history.

The following are the sessions offered this month:

Detoxification and Your Health (January 11):

Did you partake a bit too much in the holiday spirit? If you gave into food and drink temptation and now your waistline is paying for it, start the year off with this detoxification program. Dr. Chase Hayden of the Hayden Institute will explain the process of detoxification and how it can improve your life.

Lincoln and the Road to the Emancipation Proclamation (January 18):

Caleb McDaniel, history professor at Rice University, gives a frank look at President Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on slavery and his decision-making process toward emancipation. This is part of the ongoing exhibit Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, running from Dec. 28, 2011 – Feb.17, 2012.

The Perfection of Deception: Magicians Who Have Changed World History (January 25):

Can magic tricks stop a political uprising? Have magicians helped the CIA write their training manuals? Does the military use magic as camouflage in battles? Learn all about the secret history of how magic has influenced world events from renowned magician and comedian Harry Maurer. Aside from this engaging story he’ll also have a few tricks up his own sleeve. This course only will be held in Recital Hall ARTS 102.

For more information please call the library at (281) 290-3214 or go online to LoneStar.edu.

Free Exercise Classes Available for Seniors at Library

Scott Tran — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:40:24 +0100

Texercise and the Northwest Branch Library team up to present ‘Texercise For Seniors’, a weekly exercise class meeting weekly at the library every Tuesday from January 10 through March 27 beginning at 2:00 pm.

This 12-week program will feature a minimal impact exercise program designed specifically for seniors to keep them healthy and active.

The Texercise program is an initiative by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services that encourages individuals and communities to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as regular physical activities and good nutrition.

Attending these sessions will help seniors get off to a healthy 2012.

Classes are free and open to any area senior and their friends.

The Northwest Branch Library is located at 11355 Regency Green Dr. Classes are held in the meeting room.

For more information please call (281) 890-2665.

Celebrate the New Year with the John Evans Band

Ken Hooper — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:18:18 +0100

Do you want to ring in 2012 with a little boot-scootin’ and blues by Houston’s six-time Male Vocalist of the Year?

Spend your New Years Eve at the Cypress Saloon and enjoy a concert by the John Evans Band on Saturday, December 31, beginning at 7:00 pm and lasting well past midnight.

John Evans has dominated the Houston Press Music Awards in his hometown since achieving stardom a decade ago. He has been honored with Male Vocalist of the Year six times, four times for Best Songwriter, and is a two-time overall Musician of the Year, among other awards.

His music is described as a unique blend of Delta blues, Texas country, Americana, Rockabilly, honky tonk, and pop rock to create a sound unlike any artist today.

This will be a fun night of dancing with your special partner and great times with friends.

Tickets are $15 each or $25 for a pair.

Cypress Saloon is located at 12710 Telge Road, in Cypress. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit http://outhousetickets.com/Event/Event2415.

Cypress Area Christmas Eve Services

Scott Tran — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:35:01 +0100

Christmas Eve is almost here and for many families this means spending time at church services.

Many families choose to attend a service on Christmas Eve due to the busy nature of Christmas Day activities. The following is a list of Cypress-area churches offering Christmas Eve services with times and location:

Bear Creek United Methodist Church

16000 Rippling Water Drive

5:00 pm - Family Service, Sanctuary

7:00 pm - Contemporary Service, Fellowship Hall

9:00 pm - Traditional Service, Sanctuary

11:00 pm - Traditional Service, Sanctuary

For more information, visit this website.

Christ the Redeemer

11507 Huffmeister Road

4:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 12:00 am - Traditional Service

For more information, visit this website.

Connextions Church

13235 Kluge Road

6:00 pm - Traditional Service

For more information, visit this website.

Copperfield Church

8350 Highway 6 North

3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm - Traditional Service

For more information, visit this website.

Cornerstone United Methodist Church

18081 West Road

4:00 pm - Family Children's Service

6:00 pm - Scripture/Candlelight Communion Service

11:00 pm - Candlelight Communion Service

For more information, visit this website.

Cypress United Methodist Church

13403 Cypress North Houston Road

2:00 pm - Love Out Loud Service, Worship Center

3:00 pm - Traditional Service, Sanctuary

5:00 pm - Family Service, Worship Center

7:00 pm - Traditional Service, Worship Center

9:00 pm - Spanish Language Service, Sanctuary

11:00 pm - Traditional Service, Sanctuary

These are all candlelight services. For more information, visit this website.

LifeBridge Church

14808 Grant Road

5:00 pm - Christmas in a Barn. Features food, Christmas carols, crafts and more

For more information, visit this website.

Second Baptist Church

8877 Barker Cypress Road, at the Berry Center

6:00 pm - Candlelight Service

For more information, visit this website.

Open Auditions, Weekly Performances by Sounds of Cypress Concert Winds Every Tuesday

Ken Hooper — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 04:17:45 +0100

Enjoy free music every Tuesday evening from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Lone Star College-CyFair performed by the Sounds of Cypress Concert Winds.

They play various musical styles, including jazz, pop, show-tunes, and classical.

Sounds of Cypress Concert Winds is also looking for talented local musicians to join them in these weekly sessions and as they play at events across the Houston area. There are no dues or fees to become a member.

If you would like more information on joining Sounds of Cypress Concert Winds please contact the band at cyfair-community-band@googlegroups.com.

Come out each and every Tuesday whether you would like to join the band yourself or simply enjoy their music.

Performances are held in Room A104 at LSC-CyFair, located at 9191 Barker Cypress.

For more information please visit http://www.soundsofcypress.org.

Langham Creek YMCA Offers Winter Camps, Cookies with Santa, Free Fitness Classes During December

Scott Tran — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:14:44 +0100

The Langham Creek Family YMCA offers a jam-packed month of December events and programs for Cypress-area families.

On Saturday, December 10, bring the kids out for Cookies with Santa from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This is a chance to meet Santa Claus, tell him your wish-list, and enjoy some free treats with him before he heads back to the North Pole.

Are you unsure of what to do with your children when school is out of session for the holiday break? Enroll them at Langham Creek Winter Camp. Kids aged 5 through 12 are welcome to enjoy days full of sports, arts & crafts, games, archery, skate boarding, camper challenges, BMX biking and more. Camp dates are from December 21 to 23, then from December 26 to 30, and January 2 and 3. Times are from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. The cost per day is $25 for facility members or $30 for program members. The cost for the entire session is $185 for facility members or $220 for program members.

Holidays can wreck havoc on your diet and fitness goals. How about instead of gaining weight this year you lose some and increase your fitness levels? The Langham Creek YMCA is offering the ‘12 Days of Fitness’ program now until December 24. YMCA members and their friends can attend 12 free exercise sessions with the goal of participating in six cardio sessions and six strength-training sessions.

The Langham Creek Family YMCA is located at 16725 Longenbaugh Drive.

For information on registering for these and other YMCA programs please visit this website.

Langham Creek YMCA Offers Winter Camps, Cookies with Santa, Free Fitness Classes During December

Scott Tran — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:31:09 +0100

The Langham Creek Family YMCA offers a jam-packed month of December events and programs for Cypress-area families.

The Langham Creek Family YMCA is located at 16725 Longenbaugh Drive.

For information on registering for these and other YMCA programs please visit this website.

Cy-Fair Rotary Club Donates $4,000 to Fresh Water Charity

Scott Tran — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:29:59 +0100

The Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks has recently made a $4,000 donation to Living Water International.

Living Water is a faith-based non-profit organization headquartered in Houston that works to help communities in developing countries attain safe drinking water. It is easy to forget sometimes in our beautiful community connected by water how scarce this life-sustaining resource can be for many people in the world.

Living Water has drilled more than 6,500 wells in 26 countries to provide water for more than 9.5 million people since its founding in 1990.

“This was a great opportunity for the club to extend beyond the great service we do in our community and help those around the world,” said Justin Jenkins, Rotary Club president.

The Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks has raised more than $600,000 since its founding to support local and international organizations.

If you are interested in becoming active, meetings are held every Monday at 12:00 pm at Carl’s BBQ at the intersection of Highway 290 and Telge Road, in Northwest Houston.

For more information please call (281) 955-5400.

The Sound of Music Comes to the Cypress Area

Scott Tran — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:39:48 +0100

The Houston Family Arts Center presents The Sound of Music live on the main stage from November 25 to December 18.

See the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that has become one of the world’s most beloved musicals just in time for the holidays.

Show times vary by day and performances are held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are affordable for the whole family and range from $12 to $16.

This faithful adaptation of The Sound of Music, directed by Teri Clark, tells the story of a postulant who proves too high-spirited for the religious life. She is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval Captain. Her growing rapport with the youngsters, coupled with her generosity of spirit, gradually captures the heart of the stern Captain. Upon returning from their honeymoon, they discover that Austria has been invaded by the Nazis, who demand the Captain's immediate service in their navy. The family's narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.

The Houston Family Arts Center is located at 10760 Grant Road, Houston.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by phone at (281) 685-6374, or online. Performances have begun to sell out, so consider ordering soon.

The Nutcracker Ballet Comes to Cypress

Scott Tran — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:23:59 +0100

Start off the holiday season with a performance of the beloved holiday classic ballet, “The Nutcracker” November 18 and 19 at the Berry Center in Cypress.

The Nutcracker is presented by Ballet Houston. This is its fifth year of the performance.

This show will be directed by Robert Underwood, formerly of the American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and several major European companies.

The cast features the most talented ballet performers in Houston, along with the sensational Brooklyn Mack of the Washington Ballet. Their jumps and turns will captivate audiences while telling the story of Clara as she journeys to the Land of Snow and Sweets with the sugarplum fairies.

There will only be three shows, so be sure to purchase your tickets soon. Tickets are priced at $15 and $20.

The Berry Center is located at 8877 Barker Cypress.

For more information please call (281) 444-4566, or visit the ballet online.

Lone Star College at Cy-Fair EMT Program Earns National Accreditation

Scott Tran — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:20:43 +0100

The Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Program at Lone Star College- Cy-Fair has recently earned national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

LSC-CyFair is now one of only 19 institutions in Texas with this accreditation. It is a full five-year accreditation.

“We are honored to have been awarded initial accreditation by the CAAHEP. This distinction places our program among the elite Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic programs in the state,"" said Dr. Ted Lewis, LSC-CyFair dean of science and public services.

LSC-CyFair has offered the EMT-Paramedic program since 2005. Students undergo an intense two-year program that allows them to become state-certified EMTs.

This accreditation should further allow qualified safety personnel to train and protect residents of the Cypress community.

For more information on this program, please visit the college's website.

Improvements Along U.S. 290 Approved, Construction to Begin Next Year

Scott Tran — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:31:59 +0100

Getting around on U.S. 290 in the Cypress area is soon to become faster for local residents.

On October 28, the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council approved several U.S. 290 projects in order to ease congestion in the corridor.

Construction will be in the area of the U.S. 290 and Beltway 8 interchange area to build a continuous frontage road along Beltway 8, main lanes, frontage roads, and collector-distributor lanes on U.S. 290 from West Little York to FM 529. This construction, known as Project G, is set to begin in July 2012.

Other project funding that was approved include intersection improvements along U.S. 290 at Texas 6, Spring-Cypress, Skinner, and Cypress Rosehill-Fry, with increased right and left-turn lanes.

A dedicated right-turn lane will be added at the U.S. 290 eastbound frontage road at Eldridge.

Project costs are estimated to total $144 million and will be paid for by bond money previously allocated by the Texas Transportation Commission.

Halloween Night ‘Time Warp’ Fundraiser at LSC Main Stage Theatre

Scott Tran — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 01:41:06 +0100

The LSC-CyFair Performance Troupe presents a Halloween night showing of the film classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” on Monday, Oct. 31, at 9:00 pm at the Center for the Arts Main Stage Theatre.

Proceeds from this showing go to a LSC-CyFair theatre department student scholarship fund.

This won’t be your typical movie-going experience. Audience members are encouraged to interact, sing, and dance along with the Performance Troupe throughout the musical.

Characters and costumes are encouraged.

To get the full audience experience, patrons are invited to bring newspapers, flashlights, party hats, noisemakers, rubber gloves, toilet paper, and playing cards as props throughout the film.

Tickets are $7, or $5 with a canned food item and can be purchased with cash at the box office, or online here.

What better way to spend Halloween evening than singing and dancing with a fun, campy crowd?

Thousands Turn Out for Memorial Hermann Houston Triathlon Hosted by Towne Lake

Scott Tran — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:56:19 +0100

The second annual Memorial Hermann Triathlon was a huge success again this year. The tree lined street of this beautiful master plan community was brimming with triathletes and spectators alike.

The event sold out with 1,500 participants registered in two race categories: the Olympic Distance Triathlon and the Sprint Distance Triathlon. There were over 2000 spectators on this event filled day.

Susan Caldwell with Caldwell Companies said,“We were thrilled to host the Memorial Hermann Houston Triathlon for the second year and are proud that our community and employees wholeheartedly supported these amazing athletes. The event fits perfectly with what Towne Lake embodies: a healthy way of life and a strong community spirit.”

Lone Star College Cy-Fair Showcases Passion and Education Through Theatre

Scott Tran — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:16:06 +0100

Claire Hart-Palumbo has passionately worked in theatre for over 30 years. This month she will see her dream and hard work come to fruition on stage at the Main Stage Theatre, 9191 Barker Cypress October 13th through October 23rd. Her adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” is titled “The Seagull in the Delta” - a story of people searching for love and acceptance in a world divided by class issues.

“In graduate school, my pre-thesis work focused on late nineteenth century Russian theater, with an emphasis on Chekhov,” said Hart-Palumbo. She is a talented actress, director, arts administration, teacher, voice and diction coach and most recently a playwright. “I tried unsuccessfully to get several theaters interested in producing Chekhov. But most did not have the passion for it that I had, citing reasons of large casts and poor translations as well as a general ‘unmarketability’ of these brilliant plays.”

Ironically, “The Seagull” and “Uncle Vanya” are slated for performanceat the Alley Theater for Houston audiences this season. Hart-Palumbo debuting her Chekhov adaptation at Lone Star College-CyFair this fall has turned out to be good timing.

“It is amazing to see my student actors exploring the emotions and complex relationships of this story. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve made this story ‘sing’ for a new generation of young actors, as it did for me.”

The Jeans & Jewels Gala: A Texas Sized Affair

Scott Tran — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:27:41 +0100

The Northwest Assistance Ministry is a "nonprofit, community-based, multi-program social service agency that strives to supply basic human needs through neighbors helping neighbors." They are essentially a "one stop shop" for people in need. They offer everything from one time assistance programs, child services, senior services, a shelter, and much more. They are an extremely cost effective charity with 90 cents of every dollar going directly to services.

This fall, join the Northwest Assistance Center in the 2011 Jeans & Jewels™ Gala on October 22nd at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. This year the Jeans & Jewels ® Advisory Committee will honor Michael and Joanne Watford. Tickets are available for purchase for $175 as well as tables which begin at $1750. Remember, 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to aiding their clients. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Help the Northwest Assistance Center help your neighbors in needs. To learn more about this effective, extensive charity visit their home page.