Hewitt Chamber Winter Express 2021

Winter 2021

Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab

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MHS band student gets “drafted”

Mayor offers helpful tips on the largest investment

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Get to know your Midway ISD teachers

IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events | New Member Spotlights

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 1

Hewitt Happenings

Greater Hewitt Chamber 2021 Events

For current details on events, visit HewittChamber.com

*All initiatives and dates are TBD and subject to change at any time due to COVID-19. Other past events to be on the lookout for include GHCOC co-hosted Business After Hours, Ambassador Mixers, Hewitt Public Library’s (HPL) Hero Day, HPL’s Running For Readers, Woodway’s Wine Tour, HPL’s Dog Days, HPL’s Splash Day, Hewitt’s National Night Out, Stop The Bleed Emergency trainings, Easter Egg Hunt, Hewitt’s Christmas Tree Lighting

Q1 GHCOC INITIATIVES

Q3 GHCOC INITIATIVES

Student of the Year

Express Classic

Operation Thank You

Membership Orientation

Membership Drive

Shred Day

Scholarship Winner recognition

Business Education & Networking Luncheon

Business Awards recognition

Coffee With the President

Membership Orientation Shred Day

Q4 GHCOC INITIATIVES

Business Education & Networking Luncheon

Sip N Shop with National Association for Female Executives

Q2 GHCOC INITIATIVES

Creekside Spooktacular presented by Incommons Bank and The City of Hewitt

Nacho Daddy Car/Bike Show & Concert presented by HEB

Strategic Planning

Annual Membership Banquet presented by Cen-Tex Roof Systems

Small Business Saturday Campaign

Lead Explosion with Women of Waco

Food For Families with KWTX and Caritas

Membership Orientation

Toys For Tots

Sherd Day

Coat Drive

Business Education & Networking Luncheon

Stuffed Animal Drive with The Exchange and Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers

New Member Appreciation

Tech Breakfast with Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber

Volunteer Rewards Celebration Business Education & Networking Luncheon

hewittchamber.com

To advertise in the Hewitt Express, or for more information, call 254.666.1200.

Issues are published in January, April, July and October.

Greater Hewitt Chamber Executive Director | Alissa Cady | alissa@hewittchamber.com Communications Coordinator | Kacie Birkes | kacie@hewittchamber.com Social Media & Membership Coordinator | Austin Early | austin@hewittchamber.com

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 3

©2021 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Mention of commercial products, processes, or services in the Hewitt Express cannot be construed as an endorsement by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Design Kim Giles, ByDesignWaco.com

MHS band student “drafted” to professional performance group SUBMITTED BY MIDWAY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

B

rett Smith has been obsessed with marching band

I don’t think he

and with Drum Corps International (DCI) since he

realizes the positive

first stepped onto Midway’s field as a freshman band

effect he has made

member, literally counting the days from the last football

on this band, and

game in December to when summer band starts. He is

on me. I know that

never as truly happy as when he is on the practice field

on my bad days,

in summer heat, marching up to 10

“This is the musical equivalent hours a day. It is his true joy. At the of being drafted to play for MLB, end of Brett’s Junior year, he audiNBA, NFL or NHL. It’s an tioned and became brass co-captain incredible accomplishment of Midway’s Marching Band. and a huge honor.”

From Brett’s freshman year after his friend and bandmate Devon Walker was killed,

Brett and his parents

his energy and enthusiasm helps me get back on my feet and dig even deeper to progress this program. My life has been enhanced by knowing this young man, and I will never forget the impact he has had on the Midway band or on me personally.”

When Brett got his first callback from DCI, she was

I knew the Midway marching band was very special.

moved to tears listening to his audition video, as was I.

They are incredibly close and truly are a tight-knit family,

He auditioned for the Texas Crossmen and received a

but I had no idea how special it was until Pam Hyatt

callback, but was cut in final auditions. Pam never let him

Brett Smith

took over as its director.

give up, and Brett continued his auditions for the Madison

There are no words to

Wisconsin Scouts. He received a callback and flew to

describe her impact

Indianapolis the weekend before Christmas for final

on not only 120+ band

auditions—where he was offered a contract!

members, but on my son.

She is never too busy

for DCI training. He has worked at Raising Cane’s in

for any student or parent

Hewitt since he was 16, and he pays for all of his airfare,

who may need encour-

parking, gas, and Uber for travel back and forth each

agement or guidance.

month. DCI is very expensive. We have raised $4,600

When Brett was in doubt

for monthly training, plus the cost of DCI’s summer tour.

about auditioning for

Brett was able to raise all but $1,300 of this from dona-

DCI (after obsessing over

tions from his band community, family and friends who

it for three years), Pam

have watched his dream turn into reality.

Each month, Brett flies to Indianapolis or Wisconsin

immediately stepped in to give him the push he needed

to fulfill his dream of becoming a contracted member of a

May 17, 2020, starting their nationwide tour immediately

world class drum and bugle corps.

the following month. Sadly, DCI cancelled its international

tour this summer, due to the Coronavirus. Fortunately,

Here is what she wrote about Brett: “His passion

The Scouts were scheduled to start Spring training

and talent in music has been an inspiration to me. He

however, the Scouts extended Brett’s contract for next

has made an incredible impact on the Midway Band. The

season into 2021.

progress we have made over the time I have been here has

been catalyzed by his drive to make this program better.

being drafted to play for the MLB, NBA, NFL or NHL.

4 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2021

Brett’s accomplishment is the musical equivalent of

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7...

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MHS band student drafted ...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

There have only been two Midway seniors to make it

since 2008—Cooper Johnson and Brett Smith. There

University of Utah and the University of North Texas

have been other Midway students to make it during their

(UNT). He plans on attending UNT this fall to major in

Brett was accepted to the University of Oregon, the

Freshman year in college as

music education and to march for the

well, too. Two I know for sure

Green Brigade marching band. I can’t

are Caden Glick and Trent Scott.

think of a better testament of what Pam

It’s an incredible accomplish-

Hyatt has meant to Brett than to have

ment and huge honor. Without

him to decide to major in music educa-

Pam Hyatt and the incredible

tion, and one day inspire others as she

music program she has put to-

has inspired him.

gether, these young men might not have had the courage to even try. I know for a fact that if it wasn’t for her, Brett wouldn’t have had the confidence to try. Now look at him!

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 7

The largest investment CHARLIE TURNER • MAYOR, CITY OF HEWITT

W

ithout a doubt, buying property is one of the largest decisions you may make during your lifetime. Is this purchase a dream home? Or perhaps a rental supply of income to supplement other earned income? Regardless of the reason to purchase, pitfalls regarding restricting property usage remain the same. In today’s market and growing population, there are more restrictions placed on the usage of property by homeowners’ associations, governmental ordinances and deed restrictions than ever. Those who purchase property believe that they have the right through ownership “to do what I want to with MY property, and no one has the right to stop me!”

A detail that should not be overlooked without consideration is the lure of an extra-large corner lot—much larger than non-corner lots—represents a perceived bonanza for their children’s future playground. Unfortunately, once the homeowner has lived in the home for awhile, the truth is discovered...the larger yard is not for family use, but in fact, is a double front yard. Aesthetically, a larger corner yard may give the impression to fellow neighbors of a smart purchase, but in reality, a corner lot produces double “setbacks.”

The purpose of a setback is to ensure that enough distance exists from the home to the street for easements and line-ofsight to motor vehicles. Should the new homeowner wish to construct a fence or any other type of structure to protect his property, the setback prevails to divide the maintenance of a front-to-backyard ratio. New homes built within any city may also be restricted to allow for an easement at the back of the yard as well. The backyard easements generally allow utility power lines and poles to be placed on the property for consumer use. Homes near a water source—such as a creek, pond or river—may have additional restrictions that are referred to as “floodplains.”

Floodplains restrict and prohibit where buildings may be built near water sources due to of flooding, soil percolation and infiltration allowing erosion of the soil, which may affect the stability of the foundation of any structure located on the property.

Floodplains also determine if financing of structures may be obtained, as well as the cost and total amount 8 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2021

of insurance coverage that may be purchased. Flood insurance is a separate policy that must be purchased through commercial property insurance companies underwritten by the U.S. Government. If such insurance is necessary, the proximity of a structure near a water source that is to be insured will determine the rates charged for such insurance. In some cases, a homeowner may not realize that deed restrictions on the property being purchased may prohibit additional construction of structures, business ventures, livestock or the number of families that may dwell in the house. The property owner may also not realize that a swimming pool creates responsibility through city ordinances mandating fence structures around the pool, increased personal liability coverage, and maintenance of water quality for those wanting to take a swim. Any trees or plants, such as cactus or thorn-producing shrubs on the property may also increase the need for additional liability coverage.

The first paragraph referenced the “right to use my property as I see fit!” If this thought prevails then after the purchase of a home, building or raw land, your neighbor could take advantage of the situation by changing the use of adjacent property to start a pig farm, skunk pelt manufacturer, garbage landfill or some equallyoffensive venture. When purchasing land, structures or other similar assets, remember that restrictions, ordinances and requirements are in place to guarantee that property values will remain high and desirable for resale, should such future need arise. The purchaser should always select a licensed and reputable realtor who can guide them through the process of purchasing that most desirable investment.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 9

enjoy the opportunity for a fresh start 254.405.6162 • www.camillejohnson.com

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Meet our newest staff member Austin Early, Membership & Social Media Coordinator

A

native of Palmyra, Virginia, Austin graduated from The Blue Ridge School before heading to

Here for you!

Austin moved to Waco in October 2020 and enjoys exploring outdoors around the local commu-

Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.

nity. He can often be found running on the

While at Gordon, Austin earned a degree in

Baylor University Campus or in Cameron

Business Administration while competing

Park. He is excited to apply his knowledge

as a member of the men’s lacrosse team. Upon

of social media and digital advertising to

graduation, Austin returned home to central

serve the Hewitt business community.

Virginia and began work with Fleet Richmond as Digital Marketing Coordinator. He also served as Head Coach for FCA Lacrosse Richmond.

E-mail: Austin@Hewittchamber.com Office: (254) 666-1200 Cell:

(434) 989-3476

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 11

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Your Dream - Our Passion Farm | Ranch | Investment | Recreation | Development 12 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2021

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Get to know your MISD teachers CHRISTY GLASER • SPEEGLEVILLE ELEMENTARY Christy has spent the past 16 years in education—all at Midway. She is the the lucky mom of two boys, both of which attend Midway ISD. Christy is raising them with most supportive teacher husband. She spends most of her time watching my boys play football and baseball.Her favorite moments happen daily when her students walk into the classroom ready to learn, and walk out knowing they are loved and supported so very much. She loves getting to know each other and reflecting on how much she and her students have grown academically and as a small family.

MANDY OCHOA • CASTLEMAN CREEK ELEMENTARY Mandy is the ESL teacher and facilitator at Castleman Creek Elementary. She just completed her 13th year in education, with the last 6 years at Midway ISD. She is a proud 1996 graduate of Midway High School, and her hobbies include reading, cooking, bird-watching and crocheting. Outside of school, she enjoys serving as the co-director of VBS at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. She and her husband have a 7 yearold son, Ryan, who is also a student at Midway. One of her favorite classroom projects is her annual cultural traditions research project with 4th grade English-learners— a wonderful way to involve and engage the families of her students. As students learn about each other’s backgrounds and cultures, they begin to make connections across cultures—recognizing that even though we all come from different backgrounds, we aren’t that different after all.

JOSH DIETERT • MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL Josh Dietert recently finished his fourth year of teaching, all at Midway High School.

He currently teaches AP Calculus BC and Pre-AP Algebra II, and loves getting to engage with students outside of the classroom—particularly at football games with Blue Crew. One of his favorite things about teaching is developing meaningful relationships with students and seeing how they succeed after graduating. Josh is actively involved at Highland Baptist Church in Waco and enjoys running, cycling, and camping when not in the classroom.

HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 15

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Lazy Days Pool and Spa is committed to providing customers with quality service and products in the greater Waco area and all surrounding communities. As an authorized dealer, Lazy Days Pool and Spa proudly offers a variety of hot tub options for Bullfrog Spas, Marquis Spas, Nordic Hot Tubs and Sunbelt Hot Tubs.

Also available are pool and hot tub supplies/accessories. Let’s talk about how the perfect hot tub can help improve your health and overall wellbeing. We are here to make your shopping experience enjoyable and fulfilling. When you shop with us, you become family.

Contact Lazy Days Pool and Spa today at 254.732.0289.

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NEW MEMBER

Ascend Ironworks serves Central Texas with interior and exterior ornamental ironwork products. The business began in 2018, but we have over 20 years in the industry and are a third generation ironworks company. As a local business, we thrive on working in tandem with our customers—bringing your personalized ideas to life, while upholding the integrity and quality of our finished products. It is our goal with each project to exceed our customers’ expectations. We give respect to the legacy of this handcrafted trade, while incorporating modern technology and added specialties. We offer driveway gates, fencing, railings, gate operator installation, welding repair, portable welding and CNC plasma cutting. Contact us at 254.252.7177; by email to contact@ascendiron.com or online at www.ascendiron.com.

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Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2020 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

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1 Essential Rejuvenation Spa receives an official Mayor’s Proclamation from Mayor Charles Turner 2 The Classics III get ready for a sound check 3 D1 coach Greg Garrett coaching rookie Christian through football drills 4 Double Sky ribbon cutting ceremony in downtown Moody 5 Midway Little League hosts fall baseball season at Granger Fields 6 Hewitt City Council members Micahel Bancale and Steve Fortenberry join staff and board members at the Halloween Bash 7 Nacho Daddy Car Show & Concert’s Best of Show award presentation 8 GHCoC President Jeff Nunes thanks Marcos with Mexicano Grille for catering the Board of Directors Strategic Planning meal 9 Halloween Bash sponsor Incommons Bank staying warm 10 D1 Waco hosts a Family Glow-in-the-Dark bootcamp 11 Bulldog Auto Detailing sets up at Nacho Daddy 12 Officers show support at Nacho Daddy by helping ensure a safe event 13 Mamadou with Visiting Angels drops off candy donations 14 Arthur Murray Dance Studio’s Bryan and Stephanie Tate give spectators a show while waiting in line at the Halloween Bash 15 Brian Black with Farmers Insurance makes a donation to the Halloween Bash 16 GHCoC staff and volunteers work the Nacho Daddy Car Show at The Exchange 17 Your CBD Store’s ribbon cutting event 18 Hewitt Florist’s Erin and GHCoC’s Alissa Cady show off the florist’s donation to a ribbon cutting event 19 Mary Ellison with Cen-Tex Roof Systems drops off a candy donation 20 Kennedy Cady and Presley Birkes enjoying the fire truck booth at Nacho Daddy 21 Andy’s Frozen Custard joins GHCoC at the Halloween Bash 22 Ascend Ironworks drops off prizes and candy 23 Clint Allen State Farm Insurance at Nacho Daddy 24 Curbside prep for the Halloween Bash 25 GHCoC staff stop by Power108 Radio to share community news 26 City Council member Michael Bancale and GHCoC President Jeff Nunes at Essential Rejuvenation Spa’s ribbon cutting 27 Action Fire Pros staff receive the “Best Decorated Booth” award from Hewitt’s Curbside Halloween Bash 28 BS&W Medical Center–Hillcrest’s Lori Robb donates candy for the Halloween Bash.

28 | Hewitt Chamber Express Winter 2021

Looking for a unique venue for your next event?

Reserve Hewitt’s Creekside Amphitheater!

L

ooking for a unique location to host your next concert, performance or event? Check out the Creekside Amphitheater in Warren Park, located at 450 South Old Temple Road in Hewitt. The surrounding park offers 36 acres of land with mature trees, plenty of open green space and a nearby pavilion. Castleman Creek creates a beautiful backdrop to the Amphitheater and serves as the northern border of Warren Park. The unique architecture of this facility compliments the surrounding natural area, and makes an impressive statement to park visitors. Creekside Amphitheater is able to host a variety of mid-sized events, but is charming enough to accommodate more small and private gatherings. Seating is comprised of 42 stone benches to comfortably seat 120+ guests. A large concrete apron in front of the stage allows for placement of chairs or other seating during smaller events. In addition, there are four electric and water hook-ups for food trucks and/or other vendors. We would love to help you plan your next event at this beautiful and very special location. For more information, contact Linda Fish at (254) 296-5698.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING US WACO’S #1 VET Serving our community since 1983.

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32 | Hewitt Chamber Express Fall 2020