Fall 2017 Hewitt Express Magazine

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HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 3

101 THIRD STREET P.O. BOX 661 HEWITT, TEXAS 76643 254.666.1200 To advertise in the Hewitt Express, call (254) 666-1200.

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

CHAMBER STAFF

Executive Director Alissa Cady alissa@hewittchamber.com Communications Director Laura Beaty laura@hewittchamber.com

2017 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President • Ian Dawson Vice President • Adam Price 2nd Vice President • Scott Hedges Secretary • Cassie Thomas Treasurer • Lindsey Skinner, CPA, CFE, CGMA Past President • Jeff Stubbs

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Diana Crow Gregg Dungan Mary Ellison Wayne Gartman Nancy Gupton Anna Hoffman Jean Ann Hoover Dan Ingham Loni Jones

Jennifer Kampermann

Carlena Lesso Regina Martinez Donna Muhlman Jeff Nunes Suzi Pagel Lori Robb Andrew Smith Davis Thigpen Frank Thomas Chris Watkins

2017 HONORARY MEMBER Adam Miles

LIFETIME BOARD MEMBER John Holder

Fall, it's nice to see you again.

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Signature Workshop Luncheon: Reach Beyond the Boundaries featuring Brian Townley & Tanner McElroy • The Pavilion in Woodway • 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The Behringer Group, LLC Ribbon-Cutting • 700 Franklin Ave. in Waco • 11:15 a.m.

Window Genie of Waco Ribbon-Cutting • 724 W. Waco Drive in Waco • 11:15 a.m.

Small Biz Resource Workshop • Hewitt Public Library at 200 Patriot Court Open to public/no cost to attend • 8:00–9:30 a.m.

Ocean Nails & Spa Ribbon-Cutting • 9107 Chapel Road • 11:15 a.m.

Bryan Carter Farmers Insurance Agency Ribbon-Cutting • 404 Sapphire in Hewitt 11:30 a.m.

Creekside Spooktacular at Warren Park presented by Regent Care Center and City of Hewitt • Warren Park • 6:00–8:00 p.m.

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Greater Hewitt Chamber New Member Coffee with The President Home2 Suites Waco by Hilton • 8:00–9:00 a.m.

Clay Pot Ribbon-Cutting and Business After Hours • 416 Franklin Ave. in Waco 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Sip ‘N Shop with the National Association of Female Executives • Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway • 4:00–8:00 p.m. • $5 per person entry fee Networking Luncheon with Robinson Chamber and McGregor Chamber Hampton Inn & Suites Waco South • 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 1 Portraits & Pancakes Member Appreciation Event • SpringHill Suites Woodway 8:30–9:30 a.m.

9 Hewitt Christmas Tree Lighting • Hewitt Public Library • 5:00–7:00 p.m. ©2017 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Mention of commercial products, processes, or services in the Greater Hewitt Chamber Express magazine cannot be construed as an endorsement by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce.

hewittchamber.com

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Aspiring Future Leaders Academy looks forward to partnering with your family to ensure that social and educational needs are being met. At AFLA, we strive for excellence in every area as a nurturing environment for all children to have an opportunity to grow. Our goal is to provide an exemplary learning experience for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Families are an important part of their children’s lives and education—your input and voice is a vital part of our program. Of utmost importance is the well-being of children in our care, above our obligations to other constituencies. Aspiring Future Leaders is committed to professional development of staff and volunteers. For more information, visit AspiringFutureLeaders.org or call (254) 224-6704.

Carpenter & Croft, PLLC is a law firm dedicated to helping you avoid mistakes you can’t afford to make by providing you with legal services you can afford.

Our practice areas include wills, probate, trusts and estate planning, residential and commercial real estate, construction, water issues, contract drafting and negotiation, and business matters, including entity formation. Our goal is to take the stress out of seeing a lawyer and provide you with cost-effective legal services. Visit us online for more information at Carpenterandcroft.com or give us a call at 254-300-7909. We’d love to serve you!

At Compleo Physical Therapy & Wellness, we provide a doctor of physical therapy, registered dietitian, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a personal trainer for a multi-disciplinary approach to health and wellness. We service all orthopedic populations in Central Texas—adolescent to adult. Our BSPTS Schroth-certified scoliosis physical therapist brings cutting edge scoliosis treatment options to the Hewitt/Waco area. She also has deep experience as the Texas Children’s Hospital Chronic Pain physical therapist. Visit us at compleowaco.com or call (254) 892-4957 to find out how we can help you become your best self. Are you Compleo?

Located in the heart of Waco, Gym UP is a private women-only training facility.

We opened our doors January 2015 with the goal of inspiring women and changing lives. We provide a safe, clean, indoor fully-equipped facility, and we have several classes (as well as personal training) to choose from. All of our staff is dedicated to helping and assisting you with YOUR goals and making sure you reach them. We also offer meal prep through our sister company Fuel UP. Order portion-controlled, fresh and healthy balanced meals at www.uniquelypositive.com/products/fuelup and pick up your meals from the gym on Sundays. For more information, please visit UniquelyPositive.com/or call (254) 749-9418.

NEW MEMBER

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Andrews CPA, PLLC provides outsourced accounting solutions for growthminded businesses. The basis of our suite of services are the traditional accounting functions such as bookkeeping, payroll, and tax compliance. We take things a step further by acting as your proactive, trusted advisor. We want to work with you throughout the year to help you achieve your goals for your business! We can help you with budgeting, cash flow projections, proactive tax planning, KPIs/metrics, expense management, invoicing, etc. as we act as your Virtual CFO. Give us a call today at 254-863-8830 and let us show you what Andrews is all about.

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Stiba Wealth Management was founded to assist our clients in every aspect of their financial lives. Our mission is to provide the most personal service available in hopes of earning a reputation for excellence in our industry. For each of our clients, we strive to help create financial stability and to provide financial confidence. Stiba Wealth Management is a comprehensive financial services firm committed to helping our clients improve their long-term financial success. Our customized programs are designed to grow, preserve and conserve our clients’ wealth by delivering a high level of personalized service and expertise. Should you have any questions or would like more information on our firm, contact us by calling (254) 399-0212 or visiting Stibawmg.com.

Are you positioned to succeed, or do you want to become part of the statistics that show 8 out of 10 small businesses fail in the first 18 months, and 50% in the first 5 years? Sweet Success Business Coaching is here to help small business owners succeed! If you need to overcome obstacles in your business, need some guidance, or you've hit a plateau and want to move on to the next level, SSBC is here for you. Options available are: Individualized 1-to-1 or Group Coaching, VIP Day, Roadmap to Success, workshops, etc. Let’s all THRIVE! Facebook.com/sweetsuccessbusinesscoaching, or call (254) 340-4427.

Waco Home Organizers is a full-service organizing company founded by Holly Southerland to help families and business-owners declutter, organize and design. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2007, moving to Waco in 2008 with eight years part-time and two years full-time organizing, Southerland launched a team of organizers in Waco—now offering private and corporate relocation services, "power hour" sessions for business-owners to focus and accomplish tedious tasks, and monthly paper-organizing workshops in WHO's Woodway office. Waco Home Organizers specializes in functional organizational design with an eye for aesthetics. Providing in-home services as well as workshops that address the needs of various life stages, the WHO team is eager to come alongside large or small projects with vision and compassion.

Learn more at WacoHomeOrganizers.com.

Window Genie of Waco is a leader in home services and is dedicated to providing you with the best customer service around. We specialize in an array of services: Window Cleaning, Window Tinting, Gutter Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Holiday Lights and more for your residential and commercial needs.

You can feel safe knowing our team of field technicians are fully trained, insured, and bonded. We proudly service all of McLennan County. Visit our website at www.waco.windowgenie.com for more information, or email or call Corey Witt at cwitt@windowgenie.com/(254) 300-2552 today to book your free estimate.

NEW MEMBER

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At the Hewitt Church of Christ, we are more than a church, we are family.

We are a simple people trying our best to follow God as we strive to be man and women of faith. Our worship times are as follows: Sunday morning Bible study is at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship at 10:30 a.m. We meet on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. for a short time of devotion. Our midweek study is on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Please feel free to come as you are, we don't have a dress code. We care more about your heart than anything else. May God bless you.

Faith central to T&M Contracting

by Laura Beaty, Communications Director, Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce

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ooking around the room as you walk into the office of T&M Contracting on Hewitt Drive, you may notice the soft lighting, you may enjoy the quality craftsmanship, you may appreciate the relaxing tones. But most likely, your eyes will come to rest on a verse written on the wall above administrative assistant Tish Pope’s desk: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

In speaking with Matt Juntunen, the owner and founder of T&M Contracting—named after wife Tiffini and himself— it is evident that his faith plays a central role in how he has grown his business, from the company’s first job repairing wood rot to major remodeling and custom jobs, including new home builds.

“We focus on doing a job right and with integrity so that hopefully, you’ll call us the next time you have a home project,” said Matt. “And a lot of our customers do, we have a lot of repeat business.”

This philosophy and commitment to high-quality work has seen the company grow over the past seven years with over 600 jobs—from replacing roofs to remodeling kitchens, to more personalized jobs like a Hobbit-themed “man cave” the company just completed.

Even with its growth, however, no one is made to feel like a number, as being locally-owned and operated has allowed the company to maintain a professional and personable client experience.

“It’s important to me to go to every job site, shake hands, get to know the customer and get it right. We ultimately want people to be happy in their homes,” said Matt. “By building relationships with our customers, we have had slow and steady growth, one quality job at a time.”

Born and raised in McLennan County, Matt worked briefly in the sheet metal field before becoming an independent insurance adjuster. Knowing how insurance adjusters approach claims has enabled Matt to better Continued on next page...

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serve T&M Contracting clients—from spotting opportunities to save money to being able to alert homeowners of potential holes in their insurance coverage.

While he found success in the insurance industry, Matt’s love of construction, his faith in God and a desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives inspired him to establish T&M Contracting.

“My favorite thing about what we do is that we make life easier for people,” said Matt. “I’m especially passionate about making homes safer, whether it’s nurseries and playrooms, or making a house work better for someone with disabilities.”

Helping people who have specific needs hits close to home for Matt, as his father was paralyzed from the chest down in 2009 due to a surgical error.

“After going through that with my dad, I’m able to approach projects thinking about how a person with different needs will actually move through the house. Where will they put their weight on a counter? Does the height of the cabinets work for them? Is the doorway wide enough? There are so many details to consider, and I’m blessed to be able to help in thinking these things through with our clients,” said Matt.

The team at T&M Contracting works closely with all clients—from sharing boards on Pinterest to get a feel for the specific styles a client likes, to looking at lighting options

Matt, Tiffini and Camron enjoyed a beach vacation this summer in Destin, Florida.

“ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” and cabinet hardware together, to finding creative ways to give someone the look they want while staying within budget.

“We think about jobs for the long-term,” said Matt. “From a structural standpoint, we are old-fashioned in making sure a home is very solid from the walls out. The fun part is the aesthetics, especially since every customer is different.”

Attention to detail, versatility and commitment to quality is what sets T&M Contracting apart from competitors and has allowed for its steady growth. The company takes on a variety of jobs including tackling to-do lists of handyman projects around the house for people with hectic schedules, landscaping and home-building. But the main focus for the business remains residential roofing and remodeling, especially in the greater Hewitt and Woodway communities.

Taking business inspiration from financial leaders like Dave Ramsey, T&M Contracting has also been debt-free for six of its seven years in business.

In his free time, Matt enjoys playing piano, guitar, drums and trumpet, and spends quality time with his wife Tiffini (a

teacher and cheer coach in Bruceville-Eddy) and their 12-year-old son. Most weekends revolve around sports and cheer, and the family enjoys hosting get-togethers with friends and family, and taking vacations to the beach.

When asked what the future holds for T&M Contracting, Matt says his focus remains on steady growth one job at a time, while staying committed to continually improving across the board—from how he interacts with subcontractors, employees and clients to how he deals with mistakes.

“I’m always asking what can I do better,” said Matt.

“What this business has taught me is that there’s nothing God can’t give you. No one’s perfect, you make mistakes, but with God’s grace, you fix them. At the end of the day, you just have to have faith, do your best and take care of people.”

Call T&M Contracting at (254) 224-6161 or visit their website at www.mytmcontractor.com.

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In the kitchen with Enjoy these Fall favorites, courtesy of George's. Have George’s cater your holiday gatherings or book a party at their Banquet Hall on Speight by calling (254) 753-1421, or at their Hewitt Drive location by calling (254) 420-2060. Be sure to visit their website at GeorgesRestaurant.com.

Sweet Potato Casserole Serves 12 3 lbs. fresh sweet potatoes 2/3 cup light brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. nutmeg 1/8 tsp. ground ginger (optional) 1 Tbsp. honey ½ lb. butter (2 sticks) at room temperature ¼ cup half and half or heavy cream ½ tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. salt 1 bag Jet-Puffed mini marshmallows

Fudge Pie Serves 6-8

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake potatoes for 45 minutes. Let cool slightly, then peel off outer skin completely. Add sweet potatoes to mixer bowl with all other ingredients and mix on low until combined and smooth. Pour into greased 9” x 13” casserole dish and top liberally with marshmallows. Heat casserole for 20 minutes at 400, and then broil on high setting until marshmallows are slightly browned and puffy.

(Can also make casserole ahead and cool without marshmallows on top). To reheat cooled casserole, top with marshmallows and place in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 6 Tbsp. cocoa powder 1½ cups sugar 3 eggs ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ Tbsp. vanilla 1 uncooked 9" pie shell Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa, sugar and flour. Add butter and vanilla to and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time; mix for an additional 2 minutes. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let pie cool completely overnight in refrigerator. To serve, heat each slice in microwave for 1-1½ minutes (or until hot and slightly gooey). Serve as is, or top with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup.

Macaroni Bites Makes approximately 50 bites ¾ lb. Pepper Jack cheese, grated ¾ lb. Cheddar cheese, grated 4-8 oz. dried bread crumbs 1 can diced green chiles (small) 1/3 lb. diced bacon, cooked and drained ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ Tbsp. sugar 1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked, drained and cooled ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

Mix all ingredients thoroughly, except for whipping cream. Once other ingredients are wellblended, add cream. Form into a large round ball and let cool in refrigerator overnight to firm up. Preheat canola or vegetable oil in large skillet to 325-350 degrees. Make 1" (approx) balls with mixture, using an ice cream scoop or teaspoon. Drop into hot oil and fry until golden.

Drain on paper towels, serve and enjoy!

HEWITTCHAMBER CHAMBEREXPRESS EXPRESS••111 HEWITT 1

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It’s easy to get settled into a comfort zone—where safety prevails and risks are held at bay.

Brian Townley and Tanner McElroy have created a program designed to help identify what might be holding you back from moving in a direction of being more fearless and taking more chances—chances that could result in life-changing decisions. Townley and McElroy will drive home a powerful message and encourage you to take more risks in pursuit of bigger dreams that may seem so far away when sitting on the bench.

October 10, 2017 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Pavilion in Woodway

$15/member • $20/non-member $110/table of 8

Brian Townley is an international speaker who has shared his leadership message in 47 states and 26 countries. He has published two professional development books, in addition to creating a leadership-based DVD with Emmy Award-winning journalist Brandon Lee. Tanner McElroy is known to many for his talents as a pitcher for the Texas Rangers and Texas Tech University. He is also the author of the novel and screenplay, War of Wings.

Register for this powerful workshop at HewittChamber.com/Events Brian Townley Tanner McElroy

We Specialize In Returning You Home At Baylor Scott & White Rehabilitation Center – Waco, we provide rehabilitation services you can trust, close to home. We provide the most comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) services between Dallas-Fort Worth and Georgetown, Texas, with a proven history of admitting patients earlier than other providers, taking care of more complex patients and returning a greater percentage of patients home. Specialized programs—including Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Rehabilitation—focus on improving function and restoring independence through compassionate, individualized care. From the moment you enter our doors, we partner with you and your family to plan for your successful discharge.

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

We treat your pets like the treasured family members they are.

Call us today! Appointments preferred. Drop-offs welcome.

254-666-5050

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Tips for choosing an Assisted Living facility Identify your loved one's specific need When considering an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one, you may be experiencing difficulties in your daily living schedule—trouble with managing medications, preparing meals, yardwork or in need of assistance with bathing and dressing.

It may be time to start searching for a community to move to.

Get out and visit places Make of list, and ask around for recommendations. Call and speak to the marketing director and set up a time to tour. Seeing firsthand what the building looks like is important, but also take time to visit with current residents to get their opinion. Ask them what they think of the community. What do they like/dislike? Are they happy living there? Would they recommend it?

Find out what sets each Assisted Living/ Memory Care Community apart from others While every assisted living and memory care community is regulated by DADS (Department of Aging and Disability), the types of caregivers hired to care for residents can vary. Find out if there is a licensed nurse working in the building, ask if they hire certified nurse’s aides (CNA) and medication aides (CMA), ask what type of training the staff is required to have to ensure they are qualified to work with seniors.

Call Stoney Brook of Hewitt Assisted Living and Memory Care at (254) 420-1400 today for a tour to see how we can enrich the life of your loved one.

Retiree Brain Drain Combating the Loss of Older Workers Across America, 10,000 baby boomer workers retire every day, leaving a business void of leadership and skills expertise called “brain drain.” Many of these senior workers are family caregivers who would like to continue working. Below are ways many older workers and companies are negotiating a win-win in the workplace.

• Adjust work arrangements Consider compressed workweeks, job-sharing and part-time hours.

• Pair senior employees with emerging leaders Over a few years, seasoned workers can mentor younger successors.

• Hire back retirees as project-based consultants Experienced work veterans can hit the ground running and value the adaptable hours and opportunity to stay engaged.

Right at Home Central Texas is a leading provider of in-home care and assistance, helping seniors live as independently and actively as possible.

For information on our services, visit our website at www.rahcentex.com or call (254) 399-0788.

Tips for finding and working with a reputable graphic designer Ask colleagues and/or friends who they would recommend, contact a local printing company or a Chamber of Commerce Contact the designer, let them know what you need, ask how they charge for their work, decide if their rate fits your budget and if you like their communication style (very important). Ask if they have a website and review it. Viewing their style will let you know if they can handle what you’re looking for.

What to bring to your first meeting If possible, bring samples of colors/fonts/layout styles you like for the designer to get a feel of what it is you prefer. A good designer will ask a lot of questions to determine exactly what your preferences are before they begin—both to meet your design goal on the first try, and to save you money on their time/design fee. Ask as many questions as you’d like, too.

Be honest with your likes/dislikes If you’re not 100% happy with something on the first draft, let them know! Their goal is to create something you like and can use for a long time.

If you’re happy with your experience, refer others to them!

Call By Design at (254) 420-1880 today with any questions you may have, or to chat about your design needs. By Design is located on the sixth floor of the American Bank Plaza located on the corner of Highway 84 and Highway 6 in Waco.

By Design is proud to design and produce the Hewitt Chamber Express you're holding and the award-winning Hewitt Chamber Directory.

Have a question for an expert? Get it answered! Call 254.666.1200 or email laura@hewittchamber.com and your question may be featured in the next issue.

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Hewitt Happenings

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1 Greater Hewitt Chamber Executive Director Alissa Cady (right) presents an award to Alee Walker in appreciation of her se Police Chief presents new K-9 dog to Hewitt City Council • 4 DISC luncheon, hosted by MCC Corporate Training was held on City of Hewitt's Caz Muske enjoy a moment at the Breakfast Workshop held on July 19 • 8 Dancers enjoy National Night Out After Hours held on August 3 • 11 Hewitt Police Chief Jim Devlin accepts a proclamation celebrating National Night Out from Business After Hours held at Stoney Brook on July 27 • 13 Waco Home Organizers ribbon-cutting held on August 3

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Visit hewittchamber.com for more information on events like these!

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erving 10 years on the Greater Hewitt Chamber Board of Directors. • 2 Compleo ribbon-cutting held on July 11 • 3 Hewitt n July 11 • 5 Andrews CPA ribbon-cutting held on June 22 • 6 LEAD Explosion event held on June 29 • 7 Alissa Cady and t at Hewitt Park on July 29 • 9 National Night Out block party held on August 1 • 10 Guests enjoy the Kiwanis Business m Hewitt Mayor Travis Bailey at the kick-off on July 29 • 12 Melanie Crain (left) and Anna Hoffman enjoy Right at Home's

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Things that go bump in the night

by Charlie Turner, Ambassador, Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce

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s Autumn comes, we prepare for the arrival of hobgoblins, witches, ghosts and assorted superheroes at the front door with their message of “Trick or Treat!” Each generation wonders how the last one could be so afraid of "things that go bump in the night”—not realizing that today’s cars insulate the traveler from the sounds of an outside world. From the book Cotton Bales, Goatmen, & Witches Legends from the Heart of Texas by Bradley T. Turner, enjoy these scary stories of what goes bump in the Hewitt night.

The Animal House

to legend, the shack’s resident sharecropper lived in the tiny house during the Great Depression, where he ate little and smoked often as he tended his crops day and night. Time passed, but year-after-year the crops failed to produce and, having lost everything, the sharecropper disappeared one weekend and was never seen again. Some neighbors said he skipped town to avoid his debts while others said he committed suicide along the banks of Castleman Creek. Whatever happened, tradition says that some nights around harvest time, witnesses see the flickering of his kerosene lamp in the clump of small trees and smell his tobacco smoke in the air.

There once stood a meager home at the dead end *With the current patterns of development, it is of West Johnson Street, alongside the railroad likely that this location will be used for residential in Hewitt, Texas. According to legend, the ...curious locals or commercial purposes in the approaching original homeowner loved, housed, and fed years. investigated the dozens of feral and domesticated animals at the location. Most renditions of the thick patch of The Hermit of the Woods* legend include that the homeowner lived vegetation and alone and considered the animals his/ reported finding The Legend of the Hermit of the Woods is her companions. Neighbors claimed that set along a strip of chaparral southeast of a hut surrounded even bobcats and mountain lions had Lorena. The folktale centers around numerous by hundreds of appeared around the old shack along the encounters with a raggedy hermit, armed fleshless animal tracks. Eventually, the owner died and with a club. During the late nineteenth bones. the house fell into disrepair, but some century, locals reported being chased by residents affirmed that the animals a hairy mad man dressed in tattered, continued their sporadic callings. As threadbare apparel. Initial reports believed the years passed, Hewitt grew into a series of developed the hermit to be a ghost, because he often only appeared neighborhoods and the Animal House was razed; but at night or daybreak. Soon after the filtering frequent even today, contemporaries intermittently report seeing reports, several curious locals investigated the thick patch unique animals visit the old grounds. of vegetation and reported finding a hut surrounded by hundreds of fleshless animal bones. According to legend, * the vagrant was an escaped convict who had broken off of The Sharecropper a chain gang while working along the Missouri, Kansas, Between the Hewitt Post Office and Spring Valley Road, and Texas (M.K.T./Katy) rail lines. The fate of the hermit adjacent to where Ritchey/Ritchie/Richie (spelled remains a mystery. differently on different signs) intersects with Hewitt Drive, * A version of this legend appeared in the April 8, 1893 edition in Hewitt, Texas, stands both a small and large array of of the Dallas Morning News. A full reproduction of the trees in the center of an old field. At the site of the smaller article also appears in Chad Lewis’ Hidden Headlines of thicket, a jumble of rotted planks trace an old shack’s Texas: Strange, Unusual, and Bizarre Newspaper Stories, foundation and it is here where the legend of the Share1860-1910. cropper began during the mid-twentieth century. According

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Trick or Treating Costume Contests | Bounce Houses | Games Storytelling | Face Painting | Crafts Pokey O’s | Hot Dogs by Hewitt Lions Club Cupcake Walk | Much More!

Midway High School • 761-5650 8200 Mars Dr • Waco 76712 Principal: Alison Smith Grades 9-12 Midway Middle School • 761-5680 800 Hewitt Dr • Hewitt 76643 Principal: Dr. Herb Cox Grades 7-8

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Visit MidwayISD.org

Woodgate Intermediate • 761-5690 9400 Chapel Rd • Waco 76712 Principal: Dr. Aaron Peña Grades 5-6 River Valley Intermediate • 761-5699 4750 Speegleville Rd • McGregor 76657 Principal: Sarah Holland Grades 5-6 Castleman Creek Elementary • 761-5755 755 South Hewitt Drive • Hewitt 76643 Principal: Dr. Mandy Johnson Grades PK-4 Hewitt Elementary • 761-5750 900 Panther Way • Hewitt 76643 Principal: Christy Watley Grades PK-4 South Bosque Elementary • 761-5720 #1 Wickson Rd • Waco 76712 Principal: Stacey Voigt Grades PK-4 Speegleville Elementary • 761-5730 101 Maywood • Waco 76712 Principal: Christopher Eberlein Grades PK-4 Spring Valley Elementary • 761-5710 610 Spring Valley Rd • Hewitt 76643 Principal: Jay Fischer Grades PK-4 Woodway Elementary • 761-5740 325 Estates Drive • Woodway 76712 Principal: Beth Olson Grades PK-4 Alternative Education Center •761-5678 901 Old Hewitt Rd • Waco 76712 Administrator: Tammey Harlan DAEP: Age 6 – Grade 12 (Separate Facilities) Success Lab & Pep Program located at MHS

HELPFUL M.I.S.D. LINKS • http://MidwayISD.org • http://MidwayPanthers.org • http://pnn.midwayisd.org/PNN • Campus meal menus • http://www.midwayisd.org/domain/11

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 23

778 Sun Valley Blvd.

Hewitt, TX (254) 732-9823

Convenient loca�on.

Comfortable rooms.

First-class ameni�es.

Minutes away from Baylor University, McLane Stadium, Fixer Upper’s® Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Dr Pepper Museum and Cameron Park Zoo. Conveniently located just off I-35 between Aus�n and Dallas.

Stay at Ramada in Hewi�, and experience Southern hospitality at its finest.

24 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

Dates to remember Thursday, October 19, 2017 Hewitt Public Library Small Business Resource Workshop • 8:00–9:30 a.m. • Hewitt Public Library Learn about the many Library resources available for small business, including meeting space, marketing research, printing and much more! Light breakfast will be provided. There’s no cost to attend, and the event is open to public. RSVP to laura@hewittchamber.com.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Greater Hewitt Chamber Scholarship Deadline • Applications due in the Greater Hewitt Chamber office by 5:00 p.m. • Mailed applications must be postmarked by November 1 The Greater Hewitt Chamber Scholarship Fund has awarded over $50,000 to local students since 2008, and the Chamber is currently accepting applications. Students are eligible to apply if they are a Midway High School Senior OR if they are a senior whose parent/guardian is employed by a current member of the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce. If unsure if the parent/ guardian’s employer is a current member, please contact the Chamber by calling (254) 666-1200. Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, citizenship, community and school involvement. Applicants will be chosen based upon a combination of their financial need and merit.

Saturday, December 9, 2017 Hewitt’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Hewitt Public Library • 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Hewitt’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting is a fun event for the whole family. The tree lighting ceremony will feature a woodwind quintet and the Spring Valley Elementary third grade music class. Everyone is encouraged to come enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, games and more. Santa will also be there, along with fun photo opportunities, so bring your camera for pictures! You will also have the chance to bid on decorated trees and gift baskets in a silent auction to benefit the Hewitt Public Library. Waco Marines will also be on-hand to collect new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 40th Anniversary Greater Hewitt Chamber Banquet • Waco Convention Center Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

Join in the festivities as the Greater Hewitt Chamber celebrates its 40th anniversary at its annual Membership Banquet featuring keynote speaker Walter Abercrombie, former Baylor running back and retired NFL player. This is a popular event with an average attendance of 500, with tickets on sale now at HewittChamber.com for $60 each or $470 for a table of eight. The event will begin with live music, followed by a catered dinner (with plenty of time for networking). Program will include a brief speech from the outgoing and incoming Chamber presidents, as well as business awards and a scholarship presentation, followed by the keynote speaker. The event will conclude with luxury prizes.

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 25

The Hewitt Lions Club has adopted Hewitt Elementary!

The club looks forward to serving the school with a variety of projects including: • school supply drives • free vision screenings • support for new playground If you have a heart for service, we need you. Learn more by visiting HewittLionsClub.org or by joining us every 2nd and 4th Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at IHOP on New Road in Waco.

26 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

VFW POST 6008 WELCOMES YOU TO HEWITT Serving Friday night meals for a minimal donation (call 254-666-6008 for meal specials) Hall rentals • Annual/Life memberships available Get on our email list for notification of special events VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES

HERE TO SERVE VETERANS OF THE GREATER HEWITT AREA

725 Sun Valley Blvd. (next to DQ) • I-35 @ Exit 328

254-666-6008

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 27

Service Spotlight F

or fifty years, Caritas of Waco has been a major provider of urgent services to people in need in our community.

The organization serves approximately 125 families a day through its food pantry, and offers other relief assistance such as helping to keep utilities turned on, keeping people in their homes, providing clothing to families and otherwise helping to stabilize extremely difficult situations for low income individuals. In addition, Caritas offers “case management” services that bring together professional staff with families who desire to break from poverty by furthering their education, securing meaningful employment and otherwise becoming more self-sufficient and less reliant on non-profit service organizations. Staff and families jointly plan out key steps to be taken to achieve these positive outcomes. As a result of this program, numerous lives have been transformed and brighter futures have been created. The Caritas motto of “Beyond Hunger to Hope” is vividly carried out through case management.

In addition, “Hidden Treasures by Caritas” thrift stores operate in two locations and offer the community outstanding bargains on gently used clothing, furniture, household items as well as collectibles and antiques. Proceeds from the stores help support the operations of Caritas and its programs.

Caritas is a community-based non-profit that depends on donations of funds, volunteer time and clothing/household goods in order to continue its operations. Individuals (or groups) that would like to volunteer at Caritas may contact the Volunteer Coordinator to make arrangements to help in our food pantry, warehouse or thrift stores. Donations of clothing and household items may be taken to the Hidden Treasures store at 3912 Bosque Blvd. (Fairgate Shopping Center) or contact the Caritas main office to arrange for a pick-up. Finally, financial gifts may be sent directly to Caritas at 300 South 15th Street in Waco (76701). For additional information, call 254-753-4593, visit our website at www. caritas-waco.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“W

hen I walked in, I was completely broken. The first words I heard were, ‘What can we do for you?’

CWJC was the perfect place to be rebuilt. I’ve been able to move forward, and I’ve been able to realize that I am valuable. Absolutely everything that has changed in my life for the better is because of the impact that CWJC had.”

—Suemi, CWJC alumni 2012 That is the mission of CWJC—to help women grow spiritually, personally and professionally. We hear stories just like Suemi’s on a regular basis from the women who go through our program.

The variety in the curriculum we teach allows us to work with women throughout the community. We offer a combination classroom/online GED program at our center.

Volunteer tutors are available to help those who are trying to obtain their GED. Our Career Track which includes computer skills, online applications, resumé writing, interviewing preparation, and mock interviews is taught in other non-profits in the community. The classes we teach in the McLennan County Jail allow us to build relationships with incarcerated women so they have a positive influence when they are released. Our involvement with these women has reduced the recidivism rate in the jail. Bible study is a part of each component of our program because faith in God is where our women find hope and the ability to believe in themselves.

CWJC is a volunteer-driven ministry. Volunteer hours are very flexible. We welcome any woman who needs our services. For more information, please call 254.757.0416, visit our website at www.cwjcwaco.org. or find us on Facebook/Christian Women’s Job Corps of McLennan County.

28 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

NAFE & Hewitt Chamber of Commerce proudly presents

2017 SIP ‘N SHOP THURSDAY

Nov 9th 4-8 PM

@

CARLEEN

BRIGHT

ARBORETUM

COMPLIMENTARY SHOPPING TOTE TO FIRST 100 ATTENDEES CELEBRATE IN STYLE AT THE BAYLOR CLUB! CONTACT THE PRIVATE EVENT DEPARTMENT TO LEARN MORE.

$5 Entry Fee at Door

BAYLOR CLUB | 254-710-8080

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

Richard Kruger, Agent 7213 New Sanger Rd. Waco, TX 76712 Bus: 254-776-4593 richard.kruger.pkib@statefarm.com

It can also provide for today.

I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ®

Are you a Greater Hewitt Chamber member? Do you like saving money? Do you want to reach more customers in 2018?

If you answered yes, then we have great news! The Chamber offers Customized Advertising Packages tailored to your business’s unique marketing needs with payment plans to fit every budget.

Please visit HewittChamber.com/CAP to learn more, and call the staff at 254.666.1200 with any questions!

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 1203087.1

HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS • 29

814 Majes�c Drive Hewi�, TX 76643 (254) 666-5656 RoyaltonVillage.com myhome@RoyaltonVillage.com Spacious 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, duplexes, townhouses and homes from 700 to 1700 square feet with 8 different floor plans.

Our ameni�es include: • Two reserved covered parking spaces • 24-hour emergency service • Fireplaces • Washer/Dryer hook-ups • Two car garages (houses only) • Extra storage space • Fenced-in backyards • Large walk-in closets • Single and double pa�os • Solar-screened windows • Midway ISD

Let us treat you like royalty!

Visit hewittchamber.com for the latest news and events in Hewitt!

LOOKING FOR NEW CUSTOMERS? They’re new to your neighborhood. They have money to spend. They need your business.

We open doors for you!

Contact your local Territory Sales Developer,

Midge Norris

Midge.Norris@welcomewagon.com or call 800-737-4859 ext 1103.

www.welcomewagon.com

30 • HEWITT CHAMBER EXPRESS

GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER • BUSINESS MEMBER APPLICATION Joining is easy! Simply register and pay online at HewittChamber.com/Join If you’d prefer, simply detach and mail this application and dues to Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 661, Hewitt, TX 76643.

Business Name:

# of Employees

Primary Contact Name/Title: Email: Physical Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Mailing Address: City: State: Zip: Website: Facebook Page: Business Category Listing: Business Profile (please give us a brief description of your business and the services you offer):

The Chamber will work hard to refer business to you. Please describe your ideal customer client/patient: I heard about the Hewitt Chamber from: BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP:

Payment Method:

Non-business–$79 14-50 Employees–$254 $57 for each additional listing Online

0 Employees – $206 51-299 Employees–$291

Call with credit card

1-13 Employees–$221 300+ Employees–$334

An enclosed check

I'd like to learn more about (check all that apply):

Becoming an Ambassador Serving on a committee Event sponsorship Print advertising Digital advertising Other: I understand that I will begin receiving full member benefits good for one year after my dues have been received and the board approves my application.

Signature: Date:

254.666.1200 alissa@hewittchamber.com

laura@hewittchamber.com

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID

P.O. Box 661 Hewitt, Texas 76643

Permit #65 Hewitt TX