Villages of Cypress Lakes February 2021

Villages of Cypress Lakes
Your official HOA newsletter
SCHOOL NEWS | RECIPES | GARDENING TIPS
February 2021
The advertisers that make your
newsletter possible are small
businesses owned by your neighbors!
Please give them a call when you
need services for your home.
Villages of Cypress Lakes | February 2021 1

Providing Better Options for
HEART & VASCULAR CARE
in Northwest Houston
Through specialized programs, clinical trials and a commitment
to challenging conventional thinking, our comprehensive team of
cardiovascular specialists is improving outcomes and providing
better options for heart and vascular care in your community.
HARGRAVE RD.
CENTERFIELD DR.
Our doctors specialize in treating a wide spectrum of
cardiovascular diseases and disorders, including:
• Atrial fibrillation and
heart rhythm disorders
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Valve disease
• Vein and artery disorders
Willowbrook
HOUSTON METHODIST
WILLOWBROOK HOSPITAL
249
WILLOW CHASE BLVD.
And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary
precaution to keep you safe throughout your visit.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit
houstonmethodist.org/debakey/willowbrook or call 713.DEBAKEY.
2
February 2021 | Villages of Cypress Lakes

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VILLAGES OF CYPRESS LAKES IMPORTANT NUMBERS
MANAGEMENT
Villages of Cypress Lakes
Associa – Principle Management Company of Houston
11000 Corporate Centre Drive, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77041
Association Manager, Nicole Ginardi 713-329-7104
nginardi@pmghouston.com
Villages of Cypress Lakes West
Crest Management Company
17171 Park Row, Suite 310, Houston, TX 77084
Association Manager: Lindsey Wikenczy 281-579-0761
lindsey.wikenczy@crest-management.com
SECURITY
For a Real Emergency Dial 911
Harris County Sherriff’s Department
Non-Emergency 713-221-6000
Constable (24-Hr Emergency) 281-376-3472
TRASH/WATER
Best Trash 281-313-2378
Harris County MUD #391 713-860-6489
www.HCMUD391.org
Severn Trent Services 281-578-4265
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Poison Control 800-222-1222
Animal Control 281-999-3191
Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation 713-941-8972
Mosquito Control 713-440-4800
Children’s Protective Svs 713-394-4000
Harris Co. Public Health & Envir 713-439-6000
U. S. Post Office 800-275-8777
AT&T
www.att.com
AT&T Repair Center 800-246-8464
Comcast Cable 713-341-1000
En-Touch Systems 281-225-1000
Reliant Energy (Repair) 713-207-7777
Centerpoint Energy 713-659-2111
Street Light Repair (give pole #) 713-207-2222
www.centerpointenergy.com/outage
To report gas leaks 713-659-3552
Street Repair 281-463-6300
SCHOOLS
Ault Elementary School 281-373-2800
Farney Elementary School 281-373-2850
Keith Elementary School 281-849-8250
Goodson Middle School 281-373-2350
Salyards Middle School 281-373-2400
Cy-Ranch High School 281-373-2300
Cy-Woods High School 281-213-1800
www.cfisd.net
HELPFUL WEBSITES
DPS Sex Offenders website
City of Houston Main Page
Transtar Traffic Main Page
Harris County Appraisal District
http://records.txdps.state.tx.us
www.houstontx.gov
www.houstontranstar.org
www.hcad.org
PUBLISHED COURTESY OF KRENEK PRINTING
281-463-8649 • www.KrenekPrinting.com
Business Ads: ads@krenekprinting.com
Non-Profit Articles: news@krenekprinting.com
10710 Barker Cypress
(about one mile south of Hwy. 290 in the
HSE Medical Parking Lot)
Villages of Cypress Lakes | February 2021 3

VILLAGES OF CYPRESS LAKES YAHOO GROUP
We have a Yahoo Group for Villages of Cypress Lakes Neighborhoods.
Everyone is invited to join. Great way for us to all stay informed on day-today
activities in our neighborhood. Feel free to post concerns, garage sales,
things for sale, things you are looking to purchase & more! http://groups.
yahoo.com/group/villagesofcypresslakes/. If you have any questions or
need help signing up feel free to email Kim@PrettyPinkLimos.com.
NEIGHBORLY REMINDER
This is a beautiful community. In helping to keep it that way, it would
be great to remind people that they should clean up after their pets. It
is great for people to have pets and love their pets, but being a good
neighbor is also important. We can’t tell you how bad it feels to put work
and money into your yard so that you and your family can enjoy it and
play in it... but then you find that other people have left disgusting feces
on your yard - for you to find and clean up! It is simply not fair. Please be
courteous and clean up after your pets!
HOME IMPROVEMENT – ACC APPLICATION
The Architectural Control Committee would like to remind you that
approval is needed before you begin an exterior project or change to your
home. This includes exterior painting, new roofs, fences, pools, basketball
goals, etc. With your completed ACC form, please note what is needed for
your type of improvement such as, photos, paint samples, solar screen
samples, drawings, brochure, lot survey and your signature. If these items
are not submitted with your application, your request is denied and
returned to you for completion. Please read the application carefully.
• A lot survey is an architectural drawing of your property showing your
home, easements and building lines. A copy usually comes with your
closing papers.
• Please show on the survey in a distinguishable color, other than black
ink, the location of your project.
• Faxed pictures come across as a solid black picture, so please mail or
email pictures. Faxed pictures cannot be used.
You will be notified by letter after the ACC committee has made a decision.
They have at least 30 days to review and respond to your application.
TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS
If you are between 12 and 18 and would like to be added to the
teenage job seeker’s list, please fill out the form on our website (www.
krenekprinting.com, click submissions and choose Jobseekers) with
your name, birthdate (mo. & yr.), phone number, year you will graduate
and the name of your newsletter/subdivision. Check the list of jobs you
want on your form. Please make sure your email is correct, we send
emails in the summer to make sure all the info is still good and that you
want to stay on the list. If we do not hear back from you after 3 tries, we
will remove you from the list until we do. Must have parent(s) permission.
DISCLAIMER: Neither the subdivision, nor Krenek Printing is responsible
for those listed on the Teenage Job Seeker List. Please ask for and check
out references if you do not personally know those listed. This is just a
list of teenagers from the subdivision who wish to find part time jobs.
Responsibility for any work done by these teenagers is between those
seeking helpers and the teens and their parents.
CODE KEY: B - BABYSITTING, CPR - CPR CERT., FAC - FIRST AID CERT.,
RCC - RED CROSS CERT., SS - SAFE SITTER, SL - SWIM LESSONS, PP -
PET/PLANT SITTER, P - PET CARE ONLY, H - HOUSE CARE, L - LAWN
CARE, C- CAR CARE/DETAILING, T - TUTORING
TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS
NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE
NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY
Observed on February 17 th , National Random Acts of Kindness Day
has grown in popularity each year. It is celebrated by individuals,
groups and organizations nationwide to encourage acts of kindness.
It is a favorite day for many, as people everywhere are enjoying doing
these acts of kindness. Not only is it positive for the receiver, but for
the giver, too!
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation celebrates Random Acts
of Kindness Week (www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week). The
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized
non-profit organization founded upon the powerful belief in kindness
and dedicated to providing resources and tools that encourage acts of
kindness.
In New Zealand, where this day originated, celebrates Random Acts of
Kindness Day on September 1 st . It is also recognized by some on other
days throughout the year; however, doing random acts of kindness is
something that can be done every day of the year.
Make a note to do nice things throughout the day and use
#RandomActsOfKindnessDay to post on social media.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
NATIONAL HOT BREAKFAST MONTH
February is a cold month for most of us, so what better way to start our
days than with a steaming hot breakfast? National Hot Breakfast Month
is celebrated every February to encourage everyone to set aside some
extra time every morning to a make hot, fresh breakfast.
You know what they say about breakfast… It’s the most important
meal of the day! However, in the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to
put breakfast on the back burner and just grab a quick granola bar on
your way out the door in the morning. This month, we are challenged
to wake up a little earlier and take the time to really enjoy breakfast. You
may be surprised at how much better you feel throughout the day when
you allow yourself plenty of time in the morning to fully wake up, make
breakfast, maybe listen to your favorite podcast as you get ready for the
day. Appreciating the beauty that the morning brings and enjoying a hot
breakfast will surely make you feel more full, more energized and just
overall better all day long!
Use #NationalHotBreakfastMonth or #HotBreakfastMonth to post
pictures, recipes and other inspiration for your friends! Here are a few
ideas for healthy, hot breakfasts you can whip up this month. Hopefully,
you can get into a routine and continue making tasty, hot breakfasts
throughout the rest of the year! (Remember, you can do a TON of
variations of these ideas based on your preference.)
• Hot toast with peanut/almond/cashew butter, bananas sliced up and
chia seeds sprinkled over the top
• Berry smoothie. Throw your favorite berries, half a banana, some cashew
or coconut milk into a blender for a few minutes for a delicious, refreshing
side to your hot meal. (Smoothies obviously aren’t a hot breakfast, but
they go great on the side.)
• Oatmeal with fried egg(s) over the top
• Avocado spread over toast with a fried or poached egg on top
• Overnight egg bakes for much less work to do in the morning
• Egg breakfast muffins (basically mini quiche without the breaded crust
for a healthy version)
• Sweet potato and black bean stuffed breakfast burrito
National Hot Breakfast Month was created to encourage us to get up and
start our day the right way!
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
4
February 2021 | Villages of Cypress Lakes

NATIONAL HEART MONTH
February focuses on the heart making it National Heart Month. Anyone
can be at risk for heart disease. More and more, our sedentary lifestyles
are putting us at risk at a younger age. Obesity, high blood pressure and
smoking all increase our risk factors.
Each one of those we can take action to lower our risk. Get moving.
Remove stress. Quit smoking. Eat healthier.
Even small changes help make a difference. Reduce the amount of fast
food. Eat more greens. Take the stairs. Walk the kids to school. Go outside
and play with the kids or walk the dog.
Talk to your physician about your risk factors. Walking is one of the
healthiest and safest activities we can do for ourselves. Learn more at
www.cdc.gov and use #NationalHeartMonth to share on social media.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
NATIONAL DAYS IN FEBRUARY 2021
Did you know that every month has some sort of National Day, week
or even the whole month is a National month? Some could be used to
plan a fun day with the family or create a project for the kids on a rainy
afternoon or maybe just start an interesting discussion! Here is a partial
list (there are many more) of what we found for the month of February:
February 1 st : National Get Up Day
February 2 nd : National Heavenly Hash Day
February 3 rd : National Carrot Cake Day
February 4 th : National Homemade Soup Day
February 5 th : National Shower With A Friend Day
February 6 th : National Frozen Yogurt Day
February 7 th : National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
February 8 th : National Kite Flying Day
February 9 th : National Pizza Day
February 10 th : National Umbrella Day
February 11 th : National Make A Friend Day
February 12 th : National Plum Pudding Day
February 13 th : National Tortellini Day
February 14 th : National Ferris Wheel Day
February 15 th : National Gumdrop Day
February 16 th : National Do A Grouch A Favor Day
February 17 th : National Random Acts Of Kindness Day
February 18 th : National Battery Day
February 19 th : National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20 th : National Love Your Pet Day
February 21 st : National Sticky Bun Day
February 22 nd : National Margarita Day
February 23 rd : National Banana Bread Day
February 24 th : National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25 th : National Chocolate Covered Nut Day
February 26 th : National Tell A Fairy Tale Day
February 27 th : National Polar Bear Day
February 28 th : National Public Sleeping Day
NEW YEAR.
NEW HOME.
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it’s a great time to sell!
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832-797-1605
281-852-4444
dawnbsellshomes@aol.com
1100 W. Main St., Ste. 211
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MONTHLY OBSERVATIONS
An Affair To Remember Month, Black History Month, Creative Romance
Month, Great American Pie Month, National Bake For Family Fun Month,
National Bird Feeding Month, National Cherry Month, National Children’s
Dental Health Month, National Grapefruit Month, National Heart Month,
National Hot Breakfast Month, National Library Lovers Month, National
Snack Food Month, National Weddings Month, National Embroidery Month
Villages of Cypress Lakes | February 2021 5

6
Cy-Fair ISD
www.cfisd.org
2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR
To download the 2020-2021 school calendar, visit
the CFISD website at www.cfisd.net/en/calendar.
CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATION DATES ANNOUNCED
CFISD has announced graduation dates for the 2020-2021 school year.
All graduation ceremonies will be held at the Berry Center (8877 Barker
Cypress Road). The graduation schedule is as follows:
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Cy-Fair - 8 PM
Friday, May 28, 2021
Cypress Creek - 8 PM
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Cypress Falls - 8 AM
Cypress Lakes - 8 PM
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Cypress Ranch - 8 PM
Monday, May 31, 2021
Cypress Ridge - 8 AM
Cypress Springs - 8 PM
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Cypress Woods - 8 PM
Wednesday, June 2, 2021
Jersey Village - 8 PM
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Cypress Park - 8 PM
Friday, June 4, 2021
Bridgeland - 8 AM
Langham Creek - 8 PM
ALL 12 CFISD HIGH SCHOOLS
RECEIVE LTE 1:1 CHROMEBOOKS
All 12 CFISD high schools have received Chromebooks for students as
part of the district’s LTE (Learning Together Everywhere) 1:1 program.
Rollouts began before the Thanksgiving holiday and were completed
before winter break. More than 75,000 CFISD students have received a
Chromebook, which includes 100% of high school students having their
own device. In addition, 52% of elementary students and 46% of middle
school students have received their individually issued Chromebook.
CFISD has met all requests of CFISD Connect students who indicated a
need for a device in order to be successful while learning remotely.
“Successfully deploying individually issued Chromebooks to all
high school students in CFISD is an incredible feat that could not be
accomplished without the support of the community and the CFISD
Board of Trustees,” said Katie Gentry, director of 1:1 and inventory systems.
“These devices will enable teachers to transform learning anytime,
anywhere, allowing students to reach their full potential for college and
career readiness. The spirit of CFISD was evident in this project as many
departments stepped up and heeded the call to think outside the box to
make this happen in an expedient manner for our high school students
across the district.”
In a special-called meeting on July 7 th , the CFISD Board of Trustees
unanimously voted in favor of authorizing the superintendent to approve
the purchase of portable electronic devices, LTE internet access and
other items needed to support a one-to-one solution for CFISD students.
The LTE 1:1 program provides every student with an electronic device to
support quality instruction and resources. The program allows CFISD to
meet the needs of all students by providing appropriate teacher-directed
instruction, including real-time live virtual instruction.
A Cultural Experience
HOST A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT:
Want to bring a little culture into your life and the lives of your children?
Why not try hosting a high school foreign exchange student? It’s a great
way to learn about a new culture all from the comfort of your home.
STS Foundation is currently looking for host families for the 2021/2022
school year. Hosting is such a rewarding experience and it benefits all of
those involved. STS Foundation accepts all types of host families - from
single parents, newly marrieds, empty nesters and same sex couples. In
order to host, you would need to meet the following qualifications:
• Host must be 25 years or older
• Pass a background check
• Provide food for 3 meals daily
• Ensure reliable transportation to and from school (bus is ok)
• A bed for your student
• A safe and loving home
STS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that places foreign exchange
students with American host families. For more information about
hosting, please contact me at 832-455-7881, PM me or email at vicki.
stsfoundation@yahoo.com.
Pre-School Registrations
CORNERSTONE UMC PRESCHOOL
2021-2022 REGISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT
New family registration will be on Tuesday, February 9 th at 10 AM. Our registration
will be through our website at www.cornerstoneumc.org-Preschool. You may
visit our website starting in January for more detailed instructions.
Starting in January, if you are interested in touring our facility, contact
us at 281-859-1612 to schedule a tour. Tours will be offered after regular
school hours between 1:30 and 2:30 PM or by appointment for other
times. You may also watch a prerecorded tour of our school from our
website.
ST. CUTHBERT SCHOOL 2021-2022 REGISTRATION
St. Cuthbert Episcopal School offers 2, 3 or 5-day classes for students 18
months to 5-years. A Bridge/Kindergarten class is also available. 2021-
2022 registration will begin on Tuesday, February 9 th at 8 AM for new
families and continue each day during school hours until all the positions
have been filled.
School hours are Monday-Thursday 9 AM till 2 PM and Friday 9 AM till 12
noon. The program is open to all children, regardless of race, nationality
or faith. For questions, contact Lynda at 281-463-1912 or email school@
stcuthbert.org.
For more information, visit stcuthbert.org/school/about. St Cuthbert
School is NAEYC accredited.
Happy
Valentine’s
Day!
February 2021 | Villages of Cypress Lakes

HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
COVID POLICY:
All Harris County Public Library locations will remain closed to the public
at this time
HCPL No-contact Curbside Holds Pick-Up is now available at ALL HCPL
branches.
HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER
A WIDE ARRAY OF ONLINE SERVICES:
• Use HCPL Wi-Fi service while maintaining social distancing with HCPL’s
Drive-up Wi-Fi
• Download ebooks and audiobooks, stream movies, research and learn
at www.hcpl.net
• Attend an HCPL program or story time online through Facebook or
YouTube
• Check your account to renew loans or request books
• eBooks, comics or graphic novels through OverDrive
• Stream classic films, indie cinema and award-winning documentaries
on Kanopy
• Listen to audiobooks through RBDigital or OverDrive
• Read along and play with picture books on TumbleBooks
• Ask us a question via chat on Ask a Librarian
• Get book recommendations via Book Hunters
If you do not have an HCPL library card, you can get instant access to all
HCPL’s digital materials including ebooks, streaming movies and research
tools with an iKnow Digital Access Card.
STEVE TOUCHY
Attorney At Law
Serving Businesses and Families Since 1983
Copperfield/Cypress
• Wills • Trusts • Probate
• Divorce • Employment
• Adoption • Consumer Law
• Incorporation • Collections
• Partnership • Liens
• Real Estate • Commercial Law
281-858-0700
stevetouchy@yahoo.com
15840 FM 529, Suite 280
Houston, Texas 77095
Located in the Chase Bank Building on FM 529
HOW DOES CURBSIDE HOLDS PICK-UP WORK?
Here’s how it works: When you receive notification that your holds are
ready for pick-up, call your HCPL pick-up location. Please have your
library card number and PIN handy. You will be given a pick-up time and
instructions for curbside pick-up (These may vary slightly from branch to
branch). When you arrive at the library, follow the instructions you were
provided over the phone. You may be asked to show your library card or
other form of ID for verification.
Note: Library staff will not be able to take your returns during curbside
pick-up, please put them in the book drop. For your safety and that of
HCPL staff, curbside pick-up may be temporarily suspended during bad
weather.
NATIONAL LIBRARY LOVER’S MONTH
The entire month of February is dedicated to the people who love whole
buildings devoted to the reading, housing organizing, categorizing, finding,
studying and otherwise loving books. It’s National Library Lover’s Month!
Libraries provide so much more than a place for us to enjoy great novels
or to discover amazing adventures and untold history. Yes, they help us
ace our research papers and provide a quiet space to study, but they do
so much more.
For preschoolers, libraries entertain them with theater and hands-on
activities exposing them to music, art and their first friendships. Many
communities rely on their libraries for meeting space for public forums,
socials, fundraisers and classes.
Libraries lend not only books but music and movies. Rotating art displays
give local artists exposure to the community. Larger libraries provide
preservation services, preserving some of the most treasured books,
periodicals and documents for future generations.
Continue enjoying your library, but consider volunteering your time, too.
If you don’t have a library card, it’s never too late! Visit your library to get
one! Use #NationalLibraryLoversDay to share on social media.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
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Villages of Cypress Lakes | February 2021 7

CREATE A LIGHT JAR
Get Mason jars, mayo or pickle jars or even some vases
and I use the battery operated string lights to make
“normal” decorations. In one, along with the lights,
I have the glass beads you can get at the dollar store
in many colors, in another I have seashells we got in
Galveston. I am sure you can find something that would
match your own home and style to place in these.
So if you are like me and just need that pick-me-up of
some bright twinkling lights once the decorations are
all down, make one or more of these and have them
year round!
From the KPC Editor
ICONIC FIGHTER JET TO BE REFURBISHED AND UNVEILED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 521
“ONE MORE MISSION” - COATING SOCIETY OF HOUSTON MEMBERS TAKE PROJECT TO COMPLETION
On July 29, 1984 American Legion Post 521 received a F4D Fighter Jet from the Air Force Reclamation Center and dedicated it to all POW’s and MIA’s
from all wars and conflicts involving the United States of America. Recently, the Post reached out to the Coating Society of Houston for assistance in
refurbishing this iconic piece of memorabilia, which was showing extreme decay due to local weather conditions.
“We have been working getting this plane restored for several years and were finally able to find a group that was willing to donate their time and
materials to helping us,” said Joseph Thomas, 22 nd District Commander of the American Legion Department of Texas.
8
February 2021 | Villages of Cypress Lakes

NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is National Black History Month, also known as National
African American History Month, a time for all Americans to celebrate
the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role
in American history.
Other countries, including Canada and Great Britain, have also set aside months
to honor black history. The month of February was chosen to coincide with
the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and noted civil rights advocate
Frederick Douglass. The first record of Africans arriving in North America is
dated 1619, when a privateer ship carrying “twenty and odd” Africans landed
at Point Comfort, Virginia, which is now modern-day Hampton, Virginia. The
Africans were traded as slaves in exchange for provisions.
African-American’s impact our society throughout history and in numerous
ways. Here are just a few prominent individuals we honor this month:
• Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American appointed to the
Supreme Court. We recognize Thurgood Marshall every year on National
Maryland Day.
• George Washington Carver developed over 300 products from peanuts.
Celebrate George Washington Carver and his contributions to the peanut
industry on National Peanut Day.
• Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to U.S.
House of Representatives.
• Rosa Parks helped initiate the Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give
up her seat on the bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Celebrate Rosa Park on
Rosa Parks Day and learn more about her contributions to the Civil Rights
Movement.
• Louis Armstrong is widely known as a jazz pioneer. Information about
Louis Armstrong can be found in November on National Louisiana Day.
• Colin Powell is a 4-star General who became Secretary of State. Colin
Powell dedicated the Buffalo Soldier monument at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas, establishing the first Buffalo Soldiers Day.
• Barack Obama was elected the first Black President of the United States.
Black History Month was created by twentieth-century historian
Carter Woodson, who believed black Americans were not adequately
represented in the study of American history. Carter Woodson hoped
for the day when black history would be accepted as a part of American
history. Formerly known as Negro History Week, Black History Month was
officially declared by President Gerald Ford in 1976.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY
National Freedom Day, always observed on February 1 st , celebrates
freedom from slavery. It also recognizes that America is a symbol of
liberty. It honors the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and
Senate resolution that later became the 13 th Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution. President Lincoln signed the Amendment outlawing
slavery on February 1, 1865. It was not ratified by the states, however,
until later on December 18, 1865.
On this day many towns have festivals and celebrations. Others reflect
on the freedoms that the United States honors as well as reflect on and
appreciate the goodwill of the United States. For many years, wreath
laying at the Liberty Bell has also been a tradition to mark National
Freedom Day. Use #NationalFreedomDay to post on social media.
A former slave by the name of Major Richard Robert Wright, Sr. created
National Freedom Day. Major Wright was looked upon as a great leader
in the community. It was believed by Major Wright, that this day needed
to be celebrated.
Because of Abraham Lincoln’s signing the 13 th Amendment outlawing
slavery on February 1, 1865, February 1 st was chosen as the day for
National Freedom Day. On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed
a bill proclaiming February 1 st as the first official National Freedom Day
in the United States.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
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Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Savings vary. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire
and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Texas Lloyd’s, Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Vehicle and
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87877
Villages of Cypress Lakes | February 2021 9

Cream Cheese Brownies
You could make this on National Cream Cheese Brownies Day February 10th!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
5 tablespoons shortening
1 cup white sugar
3 eggs
3 tablespoons cream cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Cream Cheese frosting - optional
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 9 inch square baking
pan.
In top of a double boiler, melt chocolate chips and shortening, stirring
frequently until smooth. Pour into a large bowl and mix in sugar, cream
cheese and eggs. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually mix in flour,
baking powder and salt. Fold in almonds and pour the batter into pan.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until toothpick inserted
near the center comes out clean. Let cool in pan before cutting into bars.
Add Cream Cheese frosting if desired.
Source: allrecipes.com
Rich Banana Bread
You could make this on National Banana Bread Day February 23rd!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 medium bananas, sliced
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a
large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla,
mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt, stir into the butter mixture
until smooth. Finally, fold in the sour cream, walnuts and bananas. Spread
evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted
into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool loaf in the pan for 10 minutes
before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Source: allrecipes.com
10
February 2021 | Villages of Cypress Lakes

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GARDENING TIPS FOR FEBRUARY
FLOWERS
• Plants to set: Alyssum, Calendula, Canterbury Bells, Carnations,
Columbine, Cornflower, Daisies, Delphinium, Hollyhock, Larkspur, Lobelia,
Nicotiana, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox (Louisiana), Shrimp Plant, Snapdragon,
Stock and Verbena.
VEGETABLES
• Plant beets, broccoli (plants), brussel sprouts (plants), cabbage (plants),
carrots, cauliflower (plants), celery, chinese cabbage (plants), chives
collards (plants), endive, kale, lettuce (leaf and head), mustard, onions
(plants), parsley, garden peas, radishes, rutabagas, spinach, tomato
(seeds) and turnips.
TREES AND SHRUBS
• Finish all transplanting, get everything in the ground for a good spring
spurt of growth. Transplant balled and burlap, container-grown, bare-root
deciduous evergreen trees, shrubs, roses and vines while still dormant.
• Finish pruning roses. Weed and cultivate lightly all beds. Replenish
mulch as needed.
• Control early spring insects like thrips on glads and aphids on young
tender growth. Spray with Malathion, Diazinon or Orthene.
• At the end of February: peach, apple and pear fruit must be thinned to
insure quality production at harvest.
• Give groundcovers a haircut. They will spread faster.
• Divide daylilies, daisies and other perennials now.
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NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH
During National Bird Feeding Month in February, keep the bird feeders
filled and your binoculars ready.
Bird watching and feeding have become a popular hobby. By providing
basic shelter and seed, hobbyists watch from their windows or along
trails.
Helping Build
Businesses &
Bring Communities
Together since 1979
YOUR AD COULD
BE HERE!
• Be sure to feed regularly and place your feeder away from predators.
• Set binoculars near the window for best viewing.
• Obtain a bird book for identifying new species.
Fill up the bird feeder or add one this month. In 1994, Congressman John
Porter established February as National Bird Feeding Month due to the
harsh conditions endured during one of the coldest months of the year.
Use #NationalBirdFeedingMonth to share social media.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com
Local Subdivision Newsletters reaching over 100,000 homes
Visit our website for a full price list or call our office today!
Krenek Printing
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSLETTERS LLC
281-463-8649
www.KrenekPrinting.com
Villages of Cypress Lakes | February 2021 11

GET YOUR
HEART BACK TO
WHAT MAKES IT
REALLY BEAT
HEART ISSUES SHOULDN’T WAIT.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR.
Staying on top of your heart health has never been more important. If you are at high risk for
heart disease or are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, it’s time to see your doctor. At
Memorial Hermann, our network of affiliated cardiologists offer proactive assessments and
personalized plans to help keep risk factors in check. And with enhanced safety measures in
place at all of our facilities, you can get the care you need with peace of mind.
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
memorialhermann.org/heart
12
February 2021 | Villages of Cypress Lakes