FYI

Cy-Fair native helps those hit by hurricane

Michael J. Berger, a 1994 graduate of Mount Carmel High School and a Navy Petty Officer, Second Class, was part of the Seabees unit that helped provide disaster response support in New Jersey and New York in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The group helped out federal, state and local officials in disaster recovery efforts.

The first mission for the Seabees was to help clear tons of debris from Seaside Heights in New Jersey. The team also removed more than 80 cars, boats and other large objects that had been displaced during the storm.

In addition to the cleanup, the team also aided in a de-watering project that helped local authorities gain access to water and gas lines for repair and to get to roadways that had been inaccessible because of sink holes and storm damage.

The Seabees also cleaned up a World War II Veterans Memorial in time for a Veterans Day celebration on Staten Island.

A team of 25 Seabees worked to clean up the Breezy Point area on Staten Island.

The Seabees are now in Gulfport, Miss., after spending eight months in Afghanistan. The group continues to train in preparation for their next deployment in less than a year.

Livestock show, rodeo cookoff scheduled

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s 24th annual Barbecue and Chili Cookoff is scheduled to be held Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26-27 at Traders Village in Houston.

The event will start at noon both days.

According to a press release from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, “The Cy-Fair Go Texan Subcommittee dishes up two days of spicy chili, barbecue, brisket and chicken to benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Saturday’s competitions include Jackpot Pinto Beans, Junior Chili, Jackpot Chili and Fajitas. Sunday will feature entries looking to be named the best in Chicken, Pork Ribs and Brisket categories.”

A parking lot will be available for $3.

The event will be held at Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Road, Houston.

For more information, visit www.tradersvillage.com/houston.

Cy Ridge grad completes basic training

Air Force Airman Charles White, a 2010 graduate of Cy Ridge High School, recently completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

White completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills, according to a Joint Hometown News Service press release.

White earned four credits towards an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

White is the grandson of Lois McFarland of Tallahassee, Fla.

Panamanian art expo visits Cypress library

The Northwest Branch Library recently held a Panamanian Children Traveling Art Expo.

According to a library press release, children were given the opportunity to learn about Panamanian culture in the comfort of their home library.

The event was hosted by Nidya Pitti Granadino, who brought art from the children of Panama and showed off various artifacts from her home country.

For more information about upcoming events at the Northwest Branch Library, visit the events calendar at www.hcpl.net/location/northwest-branch-library.

The Northwest Branch Library is at 11355 Regency Green Drive, Cypress.

For more information about the library, call 281-890-2665.