Cypress Church Student Ministries Hold First Yule Ball

Students from High Schools and Junior High Schools in the Cypress area held their first ever “Yule Ball” at Cypress Church this year.  The event was complete with a “white elephant” gift exchange and a display of awkward family photos. Some students wore fancy dress-up attire and others came dressed in their favorite “ugly” sweater.

The event was organized by a committee of students under the leadership of Pastor Stan Markowski. It marked the culmination of an exciting year of service, fun, fellowship and growth.

The Cypress Church Student Ministries meet weekly on Tuesday evenings and also hold many special events. All Jr. High and High School students are welcome to join in the fun. Service activities include helping feed homeless area residents in partnership with the Cypress Church Knights of the Holy Grill.

The Church also sponsors camping trips to Hume Lake in the Sierras, dodge ball tournaments, scavenger hunts and much more. Students study the Bible and learn about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Information about Cypress Student Ministries is available on Facebook or call (714) 952-3001. The Cypress Church website is located at: http://www.cyprresschurch.net/

Photo Caption #1 (top): Students from local area High Schools and Jr. Highs held their 1st annual Yule Ball at Cypress Church complete with an ugly sweater contest and white elephant gift exchange.

Photo Caption #2: The 1st Annual Cypress Student Ministries Yule Ball was held during December at Cypress Church. The students meet regularly on Tuesday evenings throughout the year and are involved in community service, Bible study, camping trips and many other exciting activities.

Cypress Church Invites the Community to Christmas Eve Services

Celebrate the True Meaning of the Season on Christmas Eve at Cypress Church:

Lights, trees, caroling, cookies, hot chocolate, parties and TV specials - we all have our favorite holiday traditions without which Christmas would not be the same. While we love these traditions, sometimes they can obscure what Christmas is all about. Break through all of that holiday clutter and achieve a meaningful Christmas this year!

The community is invited to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas on December 24th at Cypress Church.  The Worship Team will be hosting an inspiring evening full of traditional Christmas carols as well as contemporary worship music.

There will be three candlelight Christmas Eve services at 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 24, 2012. For many, experiencing a meaningful Christmas is hard because of its commercialization. Shopping sprees and the much-anticipated holiday gift exchange that is intertwined with Christmas have overshadowed the birth of Jesus.

Pastor Mike McKay of Cypress Church explains that there is much more to the holiday season. “Christmas…” he says, is a time to “…gain a greater understanding of who Jesus is, what is significant about Him, and what knowing Him in a personal way can allow us to reach – hope, peace, joy, and love.”

Cypress Church Worship Leader Nathan Baldwin has a great evening in store for the community. He will be joined by Worship Team members Laurie Fieger, Jeff Sisil, Suzanne McElderry, Garrick Fieger and a host of vocalists and musicians to share the true meaning of the season.

Join the Cypress Church family on Christmas Eve for a time of lighting candles, singing hymns and Christmas carols and a message from God’s Word. The Worship Team hopes that sharing this special evening together will be part of your family’s tradition this Christmas season.

Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View Street. Childcare for children from nursery school thru kindergarten will be available at the 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services. The Church holds weekly worship and Bible study on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Their main campus is located close to Buena Park, Garden Grove, Anaheim and all of northern Orange County. Information is available at (714) 952-3001 or visit the church online at: http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Photo Caption #1: Pianist and vocalist Suzanne McElderry will be part of the Cypress Church Worship Team for Christmas Eve services at 4:30, 6:00, and 7:30 p.m. on December 24th.

Photo Caption #2: Cypress Church invites the community to discover more about the true meaning of the holiday season with vocalist Laurie Fieger, instrumentalist Jeff Sisil and a host of other musicians on Christmas Eve.

Photo Caption #3: Nathan Baldwin, Pastor of Worship Arts at Cypress Church (far right), has a great evening of Christmas music in store for the community on Monday, December 24.

Cypress Church Welcomes New Worship Leader Nathan Baldwin

The Holiday season is a time for giving thanks and the Cypress Church family is very thankful that Nathan Baldwin has come on board as their new Pastor of Worship Arts. Nathan was officially welcomed by the congregation on November 25th when he led Sunday worship for the first time at Cypress.

Nathan joins the Cypress Church leadership team along with his wife Kim and their daughters Alison and Emily. As a worship leader, song writer, studio musician and church consultant, Nathan has more than ten years experience in full-time ministry. He has led worship for camps and conferences with the praise/worship band “The Bronco Project” as well as with his new band “Grace Exchange.”

Baldwin has college level training at both Hope International University. He has previously served in ministry positions at High Desert Church in Victorville, Oasis Church in Redlands and Olive Drive Church in Bakersfield.

“December Hymns – EP” is Nathan Baldwin’s latest album and it is available on iTunes. When asked what he would name his autobiography Nathan replied: “Grace can change anyone!”

Jesus is “the reason for the season” and Cypress Church invites the entire community to join them for Christmas Eve services on Monday, December 24, 2012 at 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Cypress Church main campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View Street. Information is available by phone at (714) 952-3001 or online at www.cypresschurch.net/. Cypress Church serves the cities of Cypress, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Anaheim, Seal Beach, La Palma and the surrounding area. Sunday services are held at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Photo Caption #1 (top of page): Nathan Baldwin has recently been selected as the new Pastor of Worship Arts for Cypress Church.

Photo Caption #2: Pastor Mike McKay of Cypress Church (far left) welcomed Worship Leader Nathan Baldwin and his family on Sunday November 25th.

Photo Caption #3: Pastor of Worship Arts Nathan Baldwin led the congregation in singing “Our God is Greater” at Cypress Church.


Get Nathan Baldwin's album "December Hymns - EP" on iTunes at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/december-hymns-ep/id576447784

Cypress Church Volunteers Build Home for Needy Family

Early this summer a team of volunteers from Cypress Church travelled on a six day mission trip to serve disadvantaged residents in the Ensenada, Mexico area. There were ten Orange County residents in the group from three different families. The mission trip was led by Dan Punkay and Justin McElderry. Other participants included Lori, Andrew and Natalie Punkay; Suzanne, Eliana, Vivian and Cael McElderry; and Tom Frank. All age groups from elementary school to adults were represented.

This is the sixth year that volunteers from Cypress Church have partnered with YUGO Ministries to assist the community of Lomas Bonitas. This neighborhood is located in the mountains on the edge of Ensenada.

The community of Lomas Bonitas is unique in that the residents are immigrants from southern Mexico. There is no running water or natural gas service. The local wage is about $6.00 for a full day of labor. The roads are dirt and in very poor condition. While the parents are working, local pastors Juan and Karina Ambrocio provide programs for the children in town.

Most families do not own homes, but live in one room structures provided for them by the local church, “Centro Cristiano Jehova Jire,” and Yugo Ministries. This year the Cypress Church team partnered with a family of three who were in need, helping them build a small home, complete with a full roof. The family’s previous home was particle board with a tarp over the top. In addition to building, the volunteers also assisted with a neighborhood feeding center for children.

Andrew Punkay gave the Wednesday evening sermon in Spanish at “Centro Cristiano Jehova Jire.” When asked to describe the focus of this trip, Cypress Church Associate Pastor Takeshi Takazawa stated: “This ministry effort is specially designed for volunteers to work together as a family unit to serve people in need and develop relationships.”

Yugo Ministries has been taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Mexico since 1964. They train and host youth, adult and family teams from the U.S. and Canada to work in cross-cultural evangelistic, construction, and mercy ministry efforts.

Cypress Church partners with missions organizations around the globe to spread the Good News about Jesus Christ to the world with actions as well as words. This summer other teams from the Cypress area have traveled to Ecuador, India and New Orleans to assist needy individuals and families.

Information about global mission opportunities is available at (714) 952-3001 or email: info@cypresschurch.net. The Cypress Church campus is located at 6143 Ball Road just east of Valley View. Worship services are held on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Bible studies and activities for all ages are available. The church website is located at: http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Photo Caption (Top) #1: Families from Cypress Church working alongside their counterparts in Lomas Bonitas, Mexico to build a new home.

Photo Caption #2: Ten Orange County residents ranging from grade school age to adults assisted local residents and YUGO Ministries in Mexico this summer.

Photo Caption #3: A needy family in Mexico has moved from a living under a tarp to a new home as a result of volunteers from Cypress Church serving others in the Name of Jesus.

Tonny Okello and Mary Akor are 2012 Cypress 10K Winners

City of Cypress Announces 2012 5K &10K Run/Walk Winners:

The 31st Annual Cypress 5K & 10K Run/Walk was held on Saturday, July 28th and attracted 1734 participants from 16 states, 262 more than last year. The weather was perfect and the flat and fast course attracted many talented runners.

The City would like to thank the numerous volunteers who, year after year, help to make this an amazing event. Special thanks also goes out to our sponsors, who helped make the Run a great success!

Media Sponsor: JACK FM; News Enterprise & Event News 

Principal Sponsor: Bandai Foundation; Runner’s High

Gold: American Rentals; Golden Spoon; Manhattan Beachwear; Mitsubishi Motors; Southland Credit

Union; Yamaha Motor Corporation

Silver: Crystal Geyser Water; Dr. Jeff Roth from Healthcare Partners – Race Doctor; Residence Inn Cypress/Los Alamitos

Bronze: Value Options

We would also like to congratulate this year’s winners:

5K Race - Men

Place - Athlete Name -                               Finish Time
1 Sean Brosnan -                                         14:43
2 Juan Valencia, South Gate -                      16:16
3 Juan Morales, Huntington Beach -             16:19

5K Race - Women

Place - Athlete Name -                               Finish Time
12 Ashlee Powers, Newport Beach -           17:36
23 Whitney Tawney, Long Beach -              18:22
27 Kendall Bruton, Long Beach -                 18:30

10K Race - Men

Place - Athlete Name -                               Finish Time
1 Tonny Okello, Culver City -                      29:32
2 Christian Hesch, North Hollywood -         29:39
3 Jordan Chipangama, Flagstaff, AZ -          29:44

10K Race - Women

Place - Athlete Name -                               Finish Time
11  Mary Akor, Hawthorne -                       33:55
12 Natasha Labeaud, San Diego -               34:06
16  Tanya Zeferjahn, San Clemente -           35:09

For more race results please go to:  http://www.cypressrec.com

For more information, please call Cypress Recreation & Community Services at
(714) 229-6780.

The above information was released by Jenni Worsham of the City of Cypress, Recreation and Community Services Department.

Information about the Cypress Community Festival is available at: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo credit: Create and Capture Photography: http://www.createandcapturephotography.com/

Photo Caption #1: The winning Cypress 10K men’s runner for 2012 was Tonny Okello of Culver City.

Photo Caption #2: The Cypress 10K women’s winner for 2012 was Mary Akor of Hawthorne.

 Photo Caption #3: The 2012 men’s winner of the Cypress 5K race was Sean Brosnan.

Photo Caption #4:  Ashlee Powers of Newport Beach won the 31st annual women’s Cypress 5K race.

Free Fat Chili and a Model T Fire Truck Take Top Honors at 2012 Cypress Festival

Make the Chili and they will come - They came! Hundreds and hundreds of chili tastin’ folks arrived at the 32nd Cypress Community Festival held Saturday, July 28th at Oak Knoll Park.

It was a typical California sunny day and the temps were hot at the chili cookoff event. Starting at 12 noon, Taster’s choice ballots were sold for $4 that included a pencil, ballot, plastic spoon, and a taster’s choice judge ribbon and button.

According to Brian Sunley, chili cookoff Chair, over 1,500 taster’s choice ballots were sold. And there were 30 chili-making cooks registered and 11 salsa makers entered that made up this year’ s cookoff.
Around 4:30 p.m. the chili cookoff awards presentation started with the taster’s choice 1st prize going to Free Fat Chili. The 2nd prize went to C&C Chili. Third prize was given to Uncle Ron’s. The best chili by an attorney went to Ernie Nishii.

The best decorated booth award was presented to Blazin’ Bail Bonds and they also won for the best chili by a rookie. The best chili by a high school booster was given to Cypress High School Football. The best chili made for the fun of it award was given to the Class of ’81. And the best salsa award went to Krazy Kelly.

Many people also enjoyed checking out the numerous classic cars and vehicles that made up the 17th Annual Car Show. Close to 100 vehicles were featured and admired. The Best of Show award was won by Carl Laski, owner of a 1917 Model T Fire Truck. And the Sponsor’s Choice award was given to Pat Sulferino, owner of a 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe. Complete Festival information is available at: http://www.cypressfestival.com.

Photo Caption (Top) #1: Free Fat Chili was awarded the “Tasters Choice” at the 2012 Cypress Community Festival

Photo Caption #2: Best of Show award in the 2012 Cypress Car Show was won by Carl Laski’s 1917 Model T Fire Truck.

Photo Caption #3: A 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe owned by Pat Sulferino received the Sponsor’s Choice award at the Cypress Festival Car Show on Saturday July 28.

Abbey Road Beatles Tribute on August 4 in Cypress

On Saturday, August 4 Abbey Road – A Tribute to the Beatles will be performing in Cypress! With their tight harmonies, flawless note for note renditions of Beatles hits, custom–tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to every detail, Abbey Road has honed their show to become one of the most musically and visually satisfying Beatle tribute acts in the world. Abbey Road recreates the magic, music, wit and charm of the Beatles, including the Fab Four’s cheeky personalities, familiar onstage banter and patter between songs.

The Cypress Concerts on the Green begin at 6:00pm and are free to all in attendance and are held at the Cypress Civic Center Green at 5275 Orange Avenue, two blocks west of Valley View Street.

Free parking is available at the Civic Center parking lot.  Handicapped parking is provided behind the Cypress Branch Library near the concert site. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, picnic blankets and other outdoor accessories to help enjoy music under a canopy of shade trees. Please do not set up any chairs or blankets before Friday at 2:00pm.

Refreshments are available from local community service organizations for a small charge.    Patrons are reminded that no alcoholic beverages are allowed on City property. For more information contact the Cypress Recreation and Community Service at (714) 229-6780.

Bicycle Maintenance and Training Ride on August 4th

Time to bring the old bike out of the garage, dust it off, and fill up those tires. Team Cypress Church invites you to join them for a bicycle maintenance and training ride on Saturday, August 4, 2012 starting at 11:00 a.m.

Our team of seasoned bicycle riders will be set up in the Cypress Church parking lot to help you air up your tires, lube your chain, and also take care of some minor bike maintenance to help you get pedaling again.
After everyone has their bikes ready to roll, the team plans a short training ride. Please note that all riders must wear a helmet regardless of age.

Team Cypress Church has many activities of interest to area cyclists. If you are on Facebook you may join the Team Cypress Church Cycling Ministry group at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/341205513054/
For additional information about our Bicycle Maintenance and Training Ride you may contact Gerald Torres at (714) 329-8588 or email: 1bikeking@gmail.com.

The Cypress Church main campus is located at 6143 Ball Rd. in Cypress, CA 90630. Sunday services are at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Church information is available at  (714) 952-3001 or visit the website at: http://www.cypresschurch.net/

Reallyshooo Kids Review Brings Joy to Cypress Festival Stage

The Corral Stage at the Cypress Community Festival will feature the Reallyshooo KidsReview. Music teachers Billy and Ellen Makuta believe music is the universal language of the world. Together they bring an education of the joy of music called the Reallyshooo KidsReview to children of all ages.

Using many different percussion instruments, such as drums, sticks, maracas, triangles, a gong, an accordion, and a real Louisiana frottoir (a washboard or rub-board), the Reallyshooo KidsReview will invite children to participate in a cute sing-along called the Flea-Fly-Flo song.

The Makita’s have performed at various Boys and Girls Clubs and they have appeared at the John Robert Powers Arts Academy. They have also entertained at the St. Jude's Children’s Hospital in Memphis and, just recently, they brought their Review to the Long Beach Bayou Festival.

Part of their interactive performance will include a Mardi Gras style parade. Children, and sometimes adults, will march into action while playing with a percussion instrument to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In”.

Plan to catch the Reallyshooo Kids Review starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday July 28 at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Avenue, Cypress. More details on the Reallyshooo Kids Review can be found on Myspace and questions can be directed to Reallyshooomusic@aol.com or by calling (760) 329-1763.

Before and after the Review, Festival goers will have a chance to enjoy the Kids Fun Zone, vintage car show and chili/salsa contest along with all the other family-friendly fun. For complete Cypress Community Festival information you may visit: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption: The Reallyshooo KidsReview will invite children to participate in a cute sing-along called the Flea-Fly-Flo song at the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday, July 28.

Family-Friendly Cypress Festival Features Kid's Fun Zone

The Kid's Fun Zone, a favorite of families with kids twelve and under, will be bigger and better than ever before at this year's Cypress Community Festival, to be held on June 28 along with the Cypress 5k/10k Run/Walk.

Colorful inflatables and kid-safe small rides can be seen by children (and their parents) from all over the Festival Grounds. Fun and laughter infect kids of all ages!

Three new activities this year will attract older kids: a four-person bungee trampoline, a laser-tag arena and a wrecking ball war!

Tickets and wrist bands are available at the entry to the Fun Zone.

This year, the Cypress Festival will again be held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. The Festival grounds will open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Cypress Kiwanis will serve a pancake breakfast on the patio of the Community Center beginning at 7 a.m. For more information, including an updated schedule of live stage entertainment, visit http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption #1 (Top): The Kid Fun Zone at the Cypress Community Festival will feature a mechanical bull.

Photo Caption #2: “Go climb a rock…” at Oak Knoll Park on Saturday, July 28 from 9am to 5pm.

Photo Caption #3: The Kid's Fun Zone, a favorite of families with kids twelve and under, will be bigger and better than ever before at this year's Cypress Community Festival.

For information about rides like this for your event you may visit: http://www.elitespecialevents.com/

Festival Sponsors to be Honored at Chamber Mixer on July 26

The Cypress Chamber of Commerce, in association with Cypress College, will host the annual Cypress Community Festival Mixer at the college from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26. The mixer, presented by VANS, serves as a prelude to the annual Cypress Community Festival which will be held this year on July 28th at Oak Knoll Park.

What started out as a very small community festival 32 years ago to celebrate the city's incorporation has turned into Orange County's largest one-day event. As many as 30,000 area residents attend the admission free event.

Festival attendees are treated to a Kiwanis Club-sponsored pancake breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m. The 5K and 10K Walk/Run begins at 7:30 a.m. There are exhibit booths, arts and crafts, food and games, a classic car show, an award-winning chili cook-off and salsa contest and spectacular entertainment on four stages throughout the day.

Cypress Community Festival sponsors will be honored at the Mixer. The official Cypress Community Festival Sponsors for 2012 are:

Platinum Sponsors: Aleshire & Wynder, LLP; Consolidated Disposal Service; Event News; Go Country 105 FM; News-Enterprise; Orange County Breeze; UnitedHealthcare; Yamaha Motor Corp USA.

Gold Sponsors: Celebrations Party Rentals; Southland Credit Union; Warland Investments Company.

Silver Sponsor: Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks

Bronze Sponsors: Knott’s Berry Farm; West Anaheim Medical Center / La Palma Intercommunity Hospital

Patron Sponsors: Bikeland of Cypress; Bowman Real Estate; Chick-Fil-A; Courtyard by Marriott; Cypress Church; The Family Plumber; George & Lynn Pardon; Salon 25; Southern California Edison

Contributing Sponsors: Bob & Jean Koehler; Costco; Cypress School District; Maderas Steak & Ribs; Savanna School District

For information about becoming a Sponsor please email: sponsors@cypressfestival.com or call (714) 886-9749

Additional Festival information, applications, forms and history are available at http://www.cypressfestival.com/. There is a $5 charge for the mixer.

Face-Painting Clowns and Roaming Stilt-Walker Multiply Fun at Cypress Festival

Watch for Festival favorites Dizzy Darla and Silly Susan while you're walking the Festival Grounds on Saturday, July 28.

Dizzy and Silly will return triumphantly to paint faces and twist balloons and generally prompt laughter and glee. Dizzy Darla has been at each and every Cypress Community Festival for eight straight years!

Along with the two clowns — and standing far above surrounding crowds! — will come Patrick, a stilt walker sure to amaze and confound while defying gravity and calling out oohs and aahs from those nearby.

This year, the Cypress Festival will again be held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. The Festival grounds will open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Cypress Kiwanis will serve a pancake breakfast on the patio of the Community Center beginning at 7 a.m. For more information, including an updated schedule of live stage entertainment, visit: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption: Dizzy Darla and Silly Susan will return triumphantly to paint faces, twist balloons and generally prompt laughter and glee at the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday, July 28.

Cypress Mayor Bailey Welcomes Community to Upcoming Cypress Festival

The 32nd Cypress Community Festival is set for Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Oak Knoll Park in Cypress, CA. Mayor Doug Bailey of Cypress has issued a welcome message inviting the community to attend this signature event for the City of Cypress. In his message for 2012 Mayor Bailey stated:

Welcome to the annual Cypress Community Festival.  The Festival has been a highlight event of the year for the past 32 years, drawing thousands to the City of Cypress.  The 2012 Festival will be no exception in being an exciting gathering with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

It is my pleasure and honor to serve as the Mayor of the City of Cypress.  Despite challenges facing our State and Nation, our City continues to be a thriving community that is well-managed, fiscally sound, and safe to call home or conduct business.  We have beautiful residential neighborhoods, well-kept streets and parks, outstanding recreation programs, and a world class business community that is unparalleled in the region.

What a great opportunity the Community Festival offers for us to gather to celebrate the success and hard work our community members, volunteers, service groups, and sponsors have invested that makes Cypress a great community.

Our Community Festival is one of the largest single day events in Orange County.  Residents and business community leaders come out to support this event every year, celebrating the past, present, and future of Cypress.  This would not be possible without the partnership of our community stakeholders, business community, event sponsors, Chamber of Commerce, and elected officials.

Organizing an event of this magnitude is a task that requires focus, dedication, and hard work.  The Festival would not be possible without the volunteers who give their time; support of the event sponsors; and the coordinated efforts of our service groups, Chamber of Commerce, and City staff to make the Festival a reality.
The Cypress City Council and I would like to express our gratitude to each and every individual who volunteers at the Festival for their hard work and dedication to our City.

The Festival is a fun-filled day kicking off in the morning at 7:30 a.m. is the City’s 5K/10K run and 5K non-competitive walk.  The run course makes its way through beautiful Cypress neighborhoods, finishing in front of our picturesque Civic Center.  The run features electronic timing, $3,500 prize money for the 10K run, and age division awards for all races.  The Kiwanis Club will be serving a delicious pancake breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  A Challenger Baseball Game will take place at 9:00 a.m., and the Cypress Youth Baseball vs. Cypress Girls Softball Game will take place at 11:00 a.m.

The Community Festival features family-friendly entertainment, with many rides and games for the kids to enjoy.  Parents can shop at vendor booths and enjoy the annual classic car show, chili cook-off contest and salsa contest.  There will be many food vendors serving various dining options to suit every taste.  Local non-profit organizations will also participate to share information about their services available to the community.  Music and dance is also a big part of this celebration.  Live entertainment will take place throughout the day on three stages, featuring Peter Brandon, Brewer Boys, Chris Anderson Band, and DJ Ginny Harman from Go County 105 FM.

On behalf of my City Council colleagues, I would again like to extend our sincere gratitude to the volunteers, community organizations, businesses, the Festival Board, and the following Festival sponsors for making this event possible:

• Platinum Sponsors: Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, Consolidated Disposal Services, The Event News/New Enterprise, Go Country 105, Orange County Breeze, Yamaha Motor Corporation, UnitedHealthcare

• Gold Sponsors: Celebrations Party Rental, Southland Credit Union, Warland Investment Company

• Bronze Sponsors: Forest Lawn Memorial Parks, Salon 25, Knott’s Berry Farm, West Anaheim Medical Center/La Palma Intercommunity Hospital

• Patron: Bowman Real Estate, Chick-fil-a, Courtyard Marriott, Cypress Church, Cypress School District, George & Lynn Pardon, Savanna School District

• Contributor: Costco, Bob & Jean Koehler, Madera Steaks and Ribs

Sincerely,
Douglas A. Bailey, Mayor
City of Cypress, CA

Photo Caption: Cypress Mayor Doug Bailey invites the public to attend the 32nd Annual Cypress Community festival to be held at Oak Knoll Park on Saturday, July 28. Festival information is available at: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Tremor to Send Classic Rock Quake through Cypress

Tremor is a fitting name for a young band just starting to make waves.

In the age of electronic music, it’s not every day you’ll find a group of young teenagers shirking the music of their peers and hearkening back to the roots of rock and roll. Even though the classic rock they love hit record players in the 70s and 80s, Tremor is a high school rock outfit that prefers to play songs from that era.

Why Creedence and not Creed? Why Beatles over Bieber? Real musicians want to play real music, and these budding rockers take their craft seriously. Since they’re striving for excellence in instrumentation, who better to learn from than the greats?

Completely driven and motivated to eventually be professional musicians, this young band is on their way. Touring many summer festivals this year, from the Del Mar Fair to the OC Fair, Tremor is a band with a plan – a plan to master each level of musicianship with skill and precision. This five-piece plays classic rock cover songs to enthusiastic crowds, tightening their stage presence and evolving their sound, and they’re in the process of working on original material.

And it’s not their parents directing their choice of music! For being barely 15, these teens are bringing back rock and roll all on their own. Catch them at the Cypress Community Festival July 28th at 12:30 p.m. on the Outpost Stage. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tremorofficialband.

The Cypress Community Festival will be held at Oak Knoll Park at 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. The Cypress Kiwanis will be on site serving a hot pancake breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. on the Community Center patio. The Festival grounds open at 9 a.m. following a flag ceremony, the singing of the National Anthem and brief remarks from Cypress City officials. There will be continuous entertainment until 5 p.m. on four stages. Information is available at http://www.cypressfestival.com/.

Photo Caption: Tremor is a fitting name for a young band just starting to make waves and they will send a classic rock quake through Cypress on July 28th at Oak Knoll Park.

Ginny Harman to Emcee Cypress Community Festival

The Cypress Community Festival welcomes Country Radio Personality Ginny Harman of Go Country 105 FM as our featured emcee. Ginny hosts a local country music radio show every weekday evening. She will be making introductions and sharing her crowd-pleasing commentary on the Main Stage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 28, at Oak Knoll Park.

Harman is well-known to country music radio listeners both in Southern California and across the entire USA. She has been on the air in Milwaukee, Nashville, Fort Myers, Phoenix and the Inland Empire.
Words like smooth, rich, warm, friendly, articulate and approachable fit Ginny. In addition to broadcasting, she has worked in voice-over and live theater. Off-mike, she enjoys charity work, riding her Harley and hanging out with her cats.

The Festival welcomes back our Official Platinum-level Sponsor Go Country 105 FM. Be sure to look for Go Country's booth at the Festival so that you can stop and say, “Thank you!” for their participation. Listen online at: http://www.gocountry105.com/

The 2012 Cypress Community Festival will be held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. The day begins with a Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast starting at 7:00 a.m. The Cypress 5K and 10K walk/Run begins at 7:30 a.m. and the Festival grounds open at 9:00 a.m. For more information, visit the Festival website at http://cypressfestival.com/.

Photo Caption: Country Radio Personality Ginny Harman will emcee Main Stage events at the Cypress Community Festival set for Saturday July 28 at Oak Knoll Park.

The Altar Billies Slotted To Rock Socks Off At Cypress Festival

The Altar Billies are not a band you can listen to passively and nonchalantly. This seasoned and prolific rockabilly band blasts the audience with an explosion of sound that can only be described as infectious.

Part country, part psychobilly, part punk and full toe-tapping fun, the Altar Billies are a twangy recreation of lead singer Mike Stand’s 80s punk band the Altar Boys. Playing revamped Altar Boys songs in the new millennium with a fresh kick to their steps, the Altar Billies compel any listener to pick up their boots and kick some sawdust around. Fast-paced, rollicking, and roving through various styles of music, there’s a dance in every song.

Based in Orange County, the Altar Billies just released their first self-titled full-length album as a group through Mildred Studios. The 11 tracks are solid and powerful, infused with a rich heritage of hootin’, hollerin’ and hailin’, churning from a deep, raw place of passion. On stage, the all-consuming fire of the band’s three members fuels their energetic performances.

Their descriptive tagline “Gut level hillbilly rebels” sums up the intensity of this act. Listening to their music might just punch you in the gut - In a good way. Be sure to watch them blaze through the Cypress Community Festival on July 28th. They’ll be playing on the Outpost Stage at 11:15 a.m. You can also find them online at https://www.facebook.com/altarbillies.

The Cypress Community Festival will be held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. Cypress Kiwanis will be on site serving a hot pancake breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. The Festival grounds will open at 9 a.m. following a flag ceremony, singing of the National Anthem and brief remarks by Cypress City officials. Festival information is available at: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption: The Altar Billies are slotted to rock the socks off the crowd at the Cypress Community Festival on July 28th at Oak Knoll Park.

Roadhouse Band Offers Blues and Rock to Chili Tasters and Car Lovers

Snuggled in with smoking hot chili, tongue-tingling salsa and spit-polished classic and muscle cars, the stage in the Chili Cook-off and Car Show area of the Cypress Community Festival will serve up the Roadhouse Band from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Festival Day, Saturday, July 28.

This local Orange County music group — made up of four friends who met more than 25 years ago at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove — combines blues tunes and classic rock for a maximum mix of dancing and listening pleasure. The group has played many SoCal clubs and venues, most recently at Original Mike’s Restaurant and the Orange Street Fair.

The four band members are passionate about music that covers more than 30 years. The lead guitarist is Kurt King, backed up by Steve Mills. Brian Bevilacqua plays bass. Tony Schirner keeps the beat on drums.
Each year the band’s popularity grows with its Cypress Festival audience.  This year you can expect to hear great tunes like "Mustang Sally," "Brown Eyed Girl," and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." The Cypress Community Festival is pleased to welcome Roadhouse back to our Chili and Car Show Stage.

The Cypress Festival will be held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. For more information, visit the Cypress Community Festival website at http://www.cypressfestival.com/.

Photo Caption: The Cypress Community Festival Chili Cook-off and Car Show area will serve up the Roadhouse Band from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Festival Day, Saturday, July 28.

Local Teens to Invade the Cypress Festival

You've seen them on YouTube and Myspace, now you can catch “Chaos Invasion” performing live at the “Outpost” Stage on Saturday, July 28 at the Cypress Community Festival. The Festival is held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. in Cypress.

Chaos Invasion band members Zach Chen, Zoe Chen, and Sammy Soto met at a local music school where they learned and developed their musical talents. After a few years and a few different "music school" bands, they decided it would be fun to form their own band.

Since the band's debut at a local school talent show with its own version of “Time is Running out” by Muse, Zach and Zoe and Sammy have built an impressive set list under the guidance of their parents. Their current set list includes: “Take Me out,” “Eye of The Tiger,” “Time is Running Out,” “Living On a Prayer,” “Adam's Song,” and “I love Rock and Roll.”

Chaos Invasion has played at school carnivals, city fairs and birthday parties — for more details visit http://www.chaosinvasion.net/.

Continuous entertainment from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. will fill four stages during Festival Day. Be sure to check out the Cypress Community Festival website at http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption (Top): You've seen them on YouTube and Myspace – now catch “Chaos Invasion” performing live on the “Outpost” Stage at the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday, July 28.

Photo Caption: Chaos Invasion band members Zach Chen, Zoe Chen, Matthew Cesena and Sammy Soto met at a local music school where they learned and developed their talents.

Nicole Werner to Open Cypress Festival with National Anthem

Local voice teacher Nicole Werner has been selected to sing the National Anthem at the Cypress Community Festival. Described as a “diminutive charmer with powerful pipes,” Nicole Werner has proven herself the consummate triple threat in musical theatre productions and concerts throughout the country.

Nicole is the lead vocalist with the Cypress Church Worship Team. She grew up in northwest Orange County where she attended Los Alamitos High School and the Orange County High School of the Arts. She studied performing arts at UC San Diego and received an MFA in Musical Theater from San Diego State University. This is the only graduate program of its kind in the nation equipping artists to both perform and teach at the university level.

Her performance credits span the spectrum of musical and theatrical talents. She “dazzled” in 42nd Street as Peggy Sawyer, starred as the title role in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at South Bay Civic Light Opera and played Olive in San Diego’s regional premiere of Putnam County Spelling Bee. She has served as a guest artist with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra since 2006 and has sung throughout Los Angeles with jazz groups Odyssey Tango Trio and Blue Coral.

Most recently, she traveled to the East Coast to sing with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra.  She also has had the great honor of recording a new musical demo with the legendary Golden Age composer Hugh Martin.  She works as a choreographer and director for university, public school, and professional productions and teaches voice and musical theatre at Orange County Song and Dance and in her private studio. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and The National Association of Teachers of Singing. More information about Nicole is available online at: http://www.nicolewerner.net/

The opening ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. on Festival Day will include the Flag Salute with a color guard from the Boy Scouts of America. The public is invited to attend this free event at Oak Knoll Park on Saturday July 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Festival information is available online at: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption (Top): Voice teacher Nicole Werner, who sings regularly at Cypress Church, has been selected to lead the National Anthem at the opening ceremonies for Cypress Community Festival on July 28th.

Caption: Nicole Werner’s performance credits span the spectrum of musical and theatrical talents. She “dazzled” in 42nd Street as Peggy Sawyer and starred in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella at South Bay Civic Light Opera.

Cypress Kiwanis Flipping Flapjacks at Oak Knoll Park

Got a man-sized (or woman-sized) appetite and a hankering for flapjacks?

The annual Pancake Breakfast will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. in Cypress. The last flapjack will be plated at 11 a.m.

Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Cypress, this event has become a traditional  kick-off for the Cypress Community Festival, a bridge from the Cypress 5k/10k Run/Walk that ends in front of the Civic Center a short saunter west on Orange Ave.

Dozens of volunteers will be on hand to serve you with a smile and get your Festival Day off to a great start.
The Kiwanis ask just five bucks for “all-you-can-eat” flapjacks along with a sausage, coffee and more, and all for a great cause.

Net proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast are donated to Club-supported charities, including meals delivered to home-bound seniors and Red Ribbon Week anti-drug activities for school children.

The Cypress Kiwanis Club officers for 2012 are: George Hallak, President; Jay Sondhi, President Elect; Leon Kapczysnki, Treasurer; Lydia Sondhi, Secretary; and Mike Fields, Immediate Past President.

Information about Kiwanis of Cypress is available online at: http://www.kiwanisclubofcypress.org/ or you may call George Hallak at (714) 821-4542. Information about the Cypress Community Festival is available at http://www.cypressfestival.com/.

Photo Caption (Top): Got a man-sized (or woman-sized) appetite and a hankering for flapjacks? Come to the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, July 28 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Oak Knoll Park in Cypress.

Photo Caption: The Kiwanis ask just five bucks for “all-you-can-eat” flapjacks along with a sausage, coffee and more, and all for a great cause. Dozens of volunteers will be on hand to serve you with a smile and get your Festival Day off to a great start.

Photo Caption: Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Cypress, the annual Pancake Breakfast event has become a traditional kick-off for the Cypress Community Festival to be held on July 28th this year.

Chris Anderson Group to Light up Cypress Festival Main Stage with Soulful Blues and Rock 'n' Roll

The Chris Anderson Group, also known as CAG, will rock out on the Main Stage of the Cypress Community Festival at High Noon on Saturday, July 28. This trio thrills audiences with their blues, soul, and rock ’n roll music.

You’ll hear Chris Anderson singing and playing his guitar. Rich Smith also sings and plays the drums, and Mike Casper is their bass guitar player and backup vocalist.
Influenced by Chicago, Memphis and Texas style blues along with rock, soul and reggae, CAG’s live shows excite and electrify audiences.

In February of 2012 CAG was selected as winners of the Anaheim Ducks OC/LA Concert Series. Bands from all over the greater Southern California area participated in this contest which began in October 2011. After the final fans voting tally CAG took home the Grand Prize.
As a direct result of that win, CAG performed at the Second Annual “Rivalry Hold 'em Poker Challenge” in March 2012.

CAG loves to perform and currently play eight to ten shows per month at many Orange County and Southern California venues, such as Taps in Brea, Stubrik’s in Fullerton, and Lucille’s restaurants. Whether they are playing original material or cover tunes, their live shows are always lots of fun!

For complete information about the Cypress Community Festival you may visit: http://www.cypressfestival.com/

Photo Caption (Top): The Chris Anderson Group, also known as CAG, will rock out on the Main Stage of the Cypress Community Festival at High Noon on Saturday, July 28.

Photo Caption: CAG’s live shows excite and electrify audiences. Their music style has been influenced by Chicago, Memphis and Texas style blues along with rock, soul and reggae.

Photo Caption: Bass player and vocalist Mike Casper and the Chris Anderson Group will entertain Cypress Festival crowds on Saturday July 28 at Oak Knoll Park.

Dancers bring “A Touch of Polynesia” to Cypress Festival

Rose Cason, director and choreographer of “A Touch of Polynesia,” and her colorfully-costumed dancers bring the exotic dances of central and southern Pacific Ocean indigenous peoples to Oak Knoll Park in Cypress.

The colorful costumes reflect the beautiful colors of nature found in Polynesia.

Polynesia embraces more than a thousand islands separated by hundreds of miles of open ocean but united by culture, including dance styles like the hula from Hawaii and Tahitian dance from French Polynesia. Dancers use their arms and hands as a way of communicating through dance.

Both Polynesian men and women dance as a social activity, but the choreography for males and females often differ strikingly.

Come and enjoy “A Touch of Polynesia” performing dances from Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand on the Cypress Festival main stage at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 28.

The Festival is held at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress. For more information, visit the Festival website at http://www.cypressfestival.com/.

Photo Caption: Enjoy exotic dances of the Pacific Islands performed by “A Touch of Polynesia” at the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday July 28.

Photo Caption: “A Touch of Polynesia” will demonstrate dances from Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 28 at Oak Knoll Park in Cypress.

Photo Caption: The colorful costumes of Rose Carson’s “A Touch of Polynesia” dancers reflect the kaleidoscope of beautiful shades of nature found on faraway islands.

Cypress Church Brings Help to a Hurting World

God has a life-journey mapped out for each one of us us and He has custom built into us abilities, talents, gifts, passions, desires, dreams, and interests to engage as part of His specific plans. "We are seeking out ways to help the needs in Cypress and the eleven cities that surround it," says Pastor Mike McKay about the church’s desire to help the poor. "We have also looked beyond our borders, connecting with local churches and organizations in different countries to give some tangible expressions of God*s love."

The theme at Cypress Church for 2012 is: "It's Your Serve." This summer members of the Cypress Church congregation are fanning out to serve others around the globe. Chante Longshore is training in Indiana during June and will then tour the East Coast with an evangelistic singing team. J.P. Delmundo has recently gone to Hawaii and will be serving with the The University of Nations (also known as YWAM - Kona). Our Mexico team, which includes the McElderry and Punkay families are building a home for a needy family in Mexico this June.

In early July, Jessica Bujarski will be serving as an intern in Ecuador. On July 16th she will be joined by a team of 15 including the Peterson family and volunteers from four Orange County churches to assist the Waodani Tribe by holding a jungle style Vacation Bible School.

Cypress Church Senior Pastor Mike McKay and his wife Kristi will lead this year's India team. They will travel to the Andhra Pradesh region to minister to orphans and take food to a leper colony. 25 high school students from the congregation will travel to New Orleans starting on July 21 to work with Urban Impact Ministries and Castle Rock Church.

Cypress Church is committed to serving people all around the globe and in our local area in the name of Jesus and the community is invited to participate. There are many opportunities available to volunteer for projects overseas, in other parts of the U.S.A. and also in Cypress and the surrounding cities.

If you want to learn more about missions, receive training in cross-cultural ministry, or desire to get involved in Cypress Church Global Outreach Ministries, please call (714) 952-3001. Cypress Church is located at 6143 Ball Rd. in Cypress, just east of Valley View. Sunday worship services are held at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Photo Caption #1: A team of 15 volunteers from Cypress Church and three other congregations will depart for Ecuador on July 16th to assist the Waodani Tribe by holding a jungle style Vacation Bible School.

Photo Caption #2: Cypress Church has teams serving others all over the globe. J. P. Delmundo is working with the University of Nations in Hawaii.

Photo Caption #3: 25 high school students from Cypress Church will travel to New Orleans starting on July 21 to work with Urban Impact Ministries and Castle Rock Church.

Sabrina Lentini to Shine at Cypress Festival

A magnetic performer, Sabrina Lentini pulls her audience into her passionate and heartfelt music, plumbing depths greater than seem possible for a singer/songwriter too young to drive.

Sabrina has star power!

It takes many people a long time to find their path in life, or have the courage to embrace it, but it’s utterly apparent that young Sabrina is already being true to hers. As a singer and songwriter who plays the guitar, ukulele and keyboard, Sabrina expresses herself in a unique style that incorporates the raw heart of folk, the zest of rock and roll, and the charm of pop.

A guitar and her voice is really all Sabrina needs to inspire an intensely alive feeling in her listeners, yet her many channels of creativity reflect her numerous talents. Lentini is the lead singer in the band “Sabrina and the Minor After Shock," the youngest act to have ever headlined at the Galaxy Theater.

Last fall, Sabrina appeared on The HUB Network series called “Majors and Minors,” a reality TV show chronicling the journeys of twelve talented young musicians chosen out of a pool of 40,000. Her music has attracted the endorsement of Daisy Rock guitars, and she recently released her first single on iTunes, “Case of the LaLa’s.” Having already written dozens of songs, she is now working on a full-length album.

This young woman shines with a brilliance beyond her age, and her authenticity will leave you wanting more. Sabrina will perform at the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday, July 28th. Come experience her music on the Outpost Stage at 10:30 am, and find her online at: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSabrinaLentini

Admission to the Cypress Community Festival is free to the public. The Festival grounds are at Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA. The day begins at 7:00 a.m. with a pancake breakfast followed by the 5K 10K Walk/Run at 7:30 a.m. Vendor booths and rides open at 9:00 a.m. Complete information is available at http://www.cypressfestival.com/.

Photo Caption: Sabrina Lentini shines with a brilliance beyond her age and her authenticity will leave you wanting more. Experience her music at the Cypress Community Festival, Saturday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. at Oak Knoll Park.

Climb Aboard Peter Brandon's Song-Filled Heartfelt Ride

Country entertainer and songwriter Peter Brandon will perform on the Cypress Community Festival Main Stage at 1:30 p.m. Brandon, a well-established musician and true showman, has so far produced three studio albums and many recordings. Brandon's live shows are full of energy and surprises — his songs yank the audience along an emotional roller coaster that connects in a very genuine way.

The title track of Brandon's second album, "Drive Real Fast," was a career breakout. The single received national radio airplay and was nominated for many awards including an LA Music Award for Song of the Year. It was also featured in many NASCAR Sprint Cup race commercials and in partnerships with fourteen-time Funny Car Champion John Force.

Beyond his many concert appearances, Brandon cherishes chances to reach out to help those in need together with organizations that include Finally Home Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, OC Walk to Remember, GINA for Missing Persons and John Force's ChiPS for Kids.

"There is nothing like the thrill of performing live and sharing my music with others," says Brandon. "I have a great group of friends that have a blast making music together. The fun we have on stage really shines through to the audience, because it is sincere and genuine. We love what we do, and I think it shows."
The Cypress Community Festival will open at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday, July 28, on the grounds of Oak Knoll Park, 5700 Orange Ave. (west of Valley View St.) in Cypress.

For more information, visit the Cypress Community Festival website at http://www.cypressfestival.com/ or email info@cypressfestival.com. To discover more about Peter Brandon visit: www.peterbrandon.net/.

Photo Caption #1: Country entertainer and songwriter Peter Brandon will perform on the Cypress Community Festival Main Stage at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28.

Photo Caption #2: Peter Brandon's live shows are full of energy and surprises - his songs yank the audience along an emotional roller coaster that connects in a very genuine way.

Photo Caption #3: Country western artist Peter Brandon with fans at the Cypress Community Festival. "There is nothing like the thrill of performing live and sharing my music with others," says Brandon.