Cy-Fair Fathers Speak from the Heart
Summer 2010
Fathers are natural providers and would supply any material thing 
necessary for their child, but a great dad understands the real exchange happens all year long and doesn’t cost a thing. That gift is time spent together as a family with benefits that last throughout a child’s life. Continue reading “The Importance of BEING DAD”
Cy-Fair Couples Find Romance in the Skies
Spring 2010
Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins
Holding a compass in one hand, Doug Watson releases a purple helium balloon with the other, noting the currents at various altitudes as it floats away. As Chief Pilot and owner of Air Texas Balloon Adventures, he will use this information to steer his craft – a hot air balloon – and plot the direction of an upcoming trip. “The whole idea is to get us airborne in a safe manner,” he says. He then unrolls a map to check angles. “When flying in an urban area, we look for places to land in an hour’s time, so the crew can pick us up,” he says, noting the crew as myself, Watson’s wife, Kathryn, and Dixie Turner. We will chase the balloon, and welcome Watson and his passengers back to Earth upon landing. Continue reading “Sky High Fun”
Sings Country Music for Local Audiences
Winter 2009
The band tumbles off the stage of the Dosey Doe Coffee House, full of the happy energy that transfers from singer to listener and back again. “The people ate us up,” seems the general consensus of their acoustic set, opening for the Real Life, Real Music event. “This is the target, this is our niche,” says Dixie Trahan of her music and of the night. “We got off the stage just grinnin’.” Continue reading “Dixie Trahan”
Former Globetrotter inspires Cy-Fair’s youth through basketball, comedy and words of encouragement
Winter 2009
Local resident Melvin Adams wants good things for kids and inspires them to want the same for themselves. The NBA player turned Globetrotter showman inspires youth by combining sleight of hand basketball, comedy, and motivational messages. Adams explains to students how hard work, responsible choices, and staying the course will help them realize their dreams. “God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” Adams tells youth at New Experience Fellowship Church. “Not only was I short, I was poor, my mother was abusive and my father wasn’t around.” His was a rough start, but he laces it with humor, “If you’re black, you’re from the hood; if you’re Hispanic, you’re from the barrio; if you’re white, you’re from the suburbs.” Laughter bubbles up, and Adams says, “I’m from duh hood.” Dressed in baggy jeans and a T-shirt, he looks like them. Born in the projects of Houston in 1971, Adams understands their temptations. And he challenges them to make it, too. “Your choices today will determine where you’ll be tomorrow. Drugs and alcohol will hold you back from your dreams, your vision and your purpose.” Continue reading “Melvin Adams”
Pet Therapy Benefits Cy-Fair Residents of All Ages
Fall 2009
Eric Harris sits with an open book in his lap, but doesn’t say anything. Bonnie, the collie, snuggled next to him on a blanket in Matzke Elementary Library, waits. She noses the boy’s arm to read. Eric pats the dog, his grin grows, and he begins. Reading is an adventure in itself, but when a child shares the story with a four-legged friend, they’re more eager to embark on it. That’s the point of BAK-PAK Critters Reading Program. Canine Behavior Specialist Mary Kegarise created the buddy system to encourage confidence and skills as children cozy up for reading. And Cy-Fair residents of all ages, from kids to seniors, are getting the opportunity to experience the positive impact it can have on their lives. Continue reading “Precious Pets With Purpose”
