Wylie CONNECTION Magazine May/June 2024

Changes are in full swing this spring at the Wylie Chamber and CONNECTION Magazine!

We are excited to announce our new name – The Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce! The change is meant to better represent our membership being from a wider area, and to recognize the value that all of our members bring to the organization. We have introduced a new logo to reflect our new focus as well.

The Chamber is currently updating and refreshing many of its programs to better serve member businesses, both large and small. Some programs will continue with the same format; however, this new logo and name change reflects the spirit of optimism, growth, and forward momentum that will define the Chamber's mission and vision for the future.

The other major change you may have noticed on the cover is that this is our last issue of The CONNECTION Magazine. We say "so long" for now, but we will see you again this fall in the Wylie Area Chamber CONNECTION - Membership Directory & Community Resource publication. So it's not really a "goodbye" ... merely a "see you soon!" •

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

307 N. Ballard Ave. | Wylie, TX 75098

972-442-2804 | info@wyliechamber.org www.wyliechamber.org

WYLIE CHAMBER CEO Tina Stelnicki, IOM

ADVISORY BOARD

ADVERTISING SALES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jan Arrant Ian Halperin

Craig Kelly Mark Saldaña

Mary Ann Olson, IOM

Anne Hiney

Judy Truesdell Donnita Fisher

Jan Arrant Donnita Fisher

Ian Halperin Mark Saldaña

Judy Truesdell Craig Kelly

The CONNECTION Magazine ©2024, Wylie Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. The CONNECTION is published bimonthly and mailed free of charge to over 33,000 households and businesses with an estimated readership of over 80,000 in the Wylie area. The PROFILE OF SUCCESS cover with feature article is a paid advertising placement.

For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact the Wylie Chamber at 972-442-2804 or adsales@wyliechamber.org. All are welcome to advertise, Chamber membership is not required. Share comments and story ideas with Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac. com. Additional copies are distributed to our advertisers and high traffic local city offices. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. Information published in The CONNECTION is the opinion of the sourced authors. The Wylie Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in The CONNECTION Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors. Additional copies are available at the Wylie Chamber office.

Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue it was on page 19.

There are lots hidden in this issue! Can you find them all?

The first person to correctly locate ALL of the butterflies (like the one below) and send an email correctly stating how many and where they are to adsales@ wyliechamber.org wins a The CONNECTION Magazine t-shirt and a $50 gift card!

Hint - not all are small & include this one! 

Occasionally we make a mistake. Let us know if you find one so we can correct it. We love your feedback - send comments to info@wyliechamber.org. Story ideas are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for “Connecting” with us!

307 N. Ballard Ave. • Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804 • info@wyliechamber.org www.wyliechamber.org

Photo by Craig Kelly

By Donnita Fisher for Wylie Parks & Recreation

Pirate Cove Playground

Pirate Cove will Continue Welcoming Children with New Inclusive Equipment Replacing Wooden Structure

From the mind of a mom to the vision of volunteers to the reality of a community, Pirate Cove Playground has always been about the play.

In the early 2000s, Anne Hiney was the mom of a pre-kindergartner and a member of Wylie’s Parks and Recreation Board. While Wylie had a few small playgrounds, Anne found herself driving her son to nearby communities that offered bigger and better play areas. She decided Wylie needed a grand playground of its own and got to work.

Anne recruited fellow mom Judy Williams and several others to help, formed a non-profit group called the Blackland Prairie Playground Foundation, and started looking for donations and grants and planning fundraising events. They hired a firm specializing in community-built playgrounds, talked to kids about what they wanted and, with the kids’ input, the playground was designed and the money-raising began.

“I honestly had no idea what that one ‘yes’ would bring to our lives! I’m so thankful Anne recruited me along for a ride I’ll treasure forever. That ‘yes’ knitted me and our family to this community and I’m so humbled and amazed at the beautiful legacy we created,” Judy said.

The group held lawn mower races, a haunted house and night golf tournaments, sold fence pickets and

ceramic tiles emblazoned with names and handprints, and spent the next three years fundraising the $125,000 needed to build.

Anne, as a member of the parks board, knew there was some open space at Founders Park – then just a single baseball diamond – and the Wylie council agreed.

In April 2005, hundreds of volunteers converged on the park, and the playground was built in about a week. Many of those in the community from Wylie High students to companies to children to churches to chamber of commerce members came together to work on the project.

“While I was a member of the Parks and Recreation Board, I saw an opportunity to create a truly unique playground for Wylie and surrounding area families,” Anne said. “I recruited family, friends and complete strangers. We set up committees and we established the foundation. It was a three-year-long labor of love to bring it to life, from the initial meetings with students to gather their ideas to the week-long building by hundreds of volunteers.”

And Pirate Cove Playground was born.

“Many generous hands contributed to the building of the original structure,” Wylie Parks and Recreation Director Carmen Powlen said. “The care and support for play in Wylie is made apparent by the recalled memories and hundreds of names inscribed on the fence pickets

and plaques throughout the space.”

The Blackland Prairie Playground Foundation kept up the maintenance of the wooden structure for 10 years, then the city took over. According to information from Wylie Recreation Supervisor Julie Pannell, the city budgets $50,000 annually for the upkeep of Pirate Cove as compared to just $11,500 for other large playgrounds.

“In 2016 the City began replacing older play structures around the city with modern, more inclusive amenities and improved safety features, including Olde City Park in downtown Wylie,” Julie said. “Due to time and heavy use, the maintenance needs of the wooden structure at Pirate Cove increased. Plans to update the playground began in 2022.”

To replace the wooden structures with more durable wood-look plastic pieces would cost the city about $1 million. However, while that option would meet safety and maintenance issues, it was cost prohibitive and still didn’t include making the playground more inclusive by replacing the ground surface and including more accessible play structures.

“We always knew it would need to be replaced at some point. I couldn’t be more proud of our playground, but it’s time to welcome a new one to the community. I’m excited the City of Wylie is choosing to continue with the Pirate Cove theme and to expand on the inclusivity of the playground, and I can’t wait to see it finished,” Anne said.

In December 2023, the Wylie council approved $678,482 out of the city’s 4B sales tax revenue fund to build the new structure.

The aging wooden playground will be replaced with upgraded materials including a smooth, poured-in surface that will be colored to look like the ocean and sand. This surface is wheelchair accommodating and shock absorbing.

There will be a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, and the pirate ship theme will still be seen in the main structures. A sensory tunnel, a roller slide and an inclusive swing set are also incorporated.

The new design has received “playground for all” allinclusive certification through a third-party review by Let

"The people who help us play make a great difference in our lives. " ~ Fred Rogers

Kids Play, an accessibility consulting firm. Let Kids Play, according to the Play and Playground Encyclopedia, works with groups to design play spaces for all children regardless of age or ability.

The new playground will be built north of the current Pirate Cove, which will continue to be open during construction. When the new playground opens, the old structure will be disassembled. Construction is expected to be completed sometime this summer.

“Like many other families, this was my kids’ favorite playground when they were little. The city is considering the best possible ways to creatively and humbly honor the love, time, and history of the iconic original communitybuilt playground,” Carmen said.

Other plans for Founders Park, located at 851 Hensley Lane near Wylie Stadium, include improved parking, upgrading field conditions and adding other amenities.

In addition to the playground, Founders Park includes restrooms, a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, pavilions, a walking trail, game and practice fields and concessions stands during sports seasons.

Park updates can be found on the city’s parks and recreation website, www.wylietexas.gov/parks. •

Scan the QR code to view aerial footage of Pirate Cove Playground and the surrounding area of Founders Park. Drone video courtesy of Ken Irvin with irvintech.com.

NEW PIRATE COVE PLAYGROUND LOCATION

"The structures may change but Wylie's sense of community remains strong. We know families will fondly remember the original playground while playing at the new Pirate Cove."

~ Anne Hiney

Pirate Cove Playground construction was held in April of 2005.

Aerial Photo by Ken Irvin, irvintech.com

Photos courtesy of Pirate Cove Playground volunteers

by Judy Truesdell

Your Window to Wylie

SOLONG

from The CONNECTIONMagazine(fornow)

Mike Agnew had the idea for The CONNECTION Magazine in the shower.

Don’t worry; this isn’t about to turn salacious. Mike, who was president of the Wylie Chamber of Commerce at the time, had been trying to think of ways to meet staffing and member promotion needs, and a magazine that “connected the dots” seemed like just the thing.

His notes from that day in 2005 still have water marks from the shower.

“I had to get the idea approved by our board, so I presented it to the members in the Wylie Community Room in the American National Bank of Texas,” Mike recalls. It didn’t take much convincing; all agreed that there was benefit in launching a publication that would connect businesses and community events to Wylie-area citizens, especially the over 25,000 new residents, who were “right turners,” as Mike called them. These were folks who worked somewhere other than Wylie during the week, and on weekends just “turned right” to their familiar work area for food, fun, and services. “We needed to make them aware of the things in their own backyard.”

The mission included introducing right turners to the great community events produced by the Chamber, Wylie Downtown Merchants Association, Wylie ISD, and the City of Wylie. “Along the way, we highlighted the many Chamber members who could provide quality service without leaving Wylie.” The CONNECTION also profiled many of the men and women who made Wylie, and soon Sachse and Murphy, the outstanding communities they are to this day.

The first issue rolled off the presses and into mailboxes in September 2006. It was delivered to 24,000 homes and contained 24 pages of information. The CONNECTION’s original staff included Mike as editorial director; Becky Lindstrom, advertising director; Anne Hiney, graphics and photography; and a writing staff of only four: Susan Dacus, Marcia Coker, Jeff Ellis, and a then-Wylie High School student Sadie Byboth, who wrote the magazine’s first community leader spotlight: a two-page story about Wylie business and service pioneer, Rita Gallagher Smith.

Through the 18 years that followed, The CONNECTION was on hand for every community milestone and continued to shine the spotlight on outstanding civic leaders. A complete list would require a whole issue – or two – but some significant events include groundbreaking and opening of Super Target, Kroger, Garnet Hill Rehabilitation and Skilled Care, B&B Theatres Wylie 12, and Collin College’s Wylie campus; the celebration of Wylie Fire Rescue’s 100-year anniversary; Night to Unite; and President George W. Bush’s visit to the new elementary school named for him.

Some stories profiled such noteworthy locals as Mayor Eric Hogue, a magician who traveled to our nation’s capital to secure art status for magic; attorney Deb Matern; Harry Tibbals; Raymond Cooper and the Wylie Community Christian Care Center; Rob Hunter and Searching for a Star; Bryan Brokaw; Wylie Fire Chief Randy Corbin and Murphy Police Chief G.M. Cox; local writer Tracy Lawson; stand-up Christian comic Jason Earls; Jal Dennis; and the Lutz Family. However, some feature stories were a little offbeat, spotlighting folks who otherwise might not have attracted public notice, such as Tom Noe, a telescope maker; RJ’s Boot, Shoe and Saddle Repair; Joseph York, who restores books; balloonist Dennis Gibbons; and 102-year-old Gladys Foster. Features focused on the arts, including the opening of Wylie Art Gallery; Wylie Acting Group; jazz musician Ray Baker; Dance Company of Wylie; and Wylie Arts Festival. Organizations such as In-Sync Exotics; Wylie Lions Club; Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork; Wylie Historical Society; Wylie Police’s teen P.O.L.I.C.E. Club; and The Coventry Reserve received publicity, as well as businesses that make up the very foundation of the city, such as Wylie Flower and Gifts and Wylie Insurance Agency.

As The CONNECTION continued to go to press, historical accounts highlighted Wylie’s past, such as the history of Wylie’s relationship with the railroad, The Birmingham Family and its legacy, and a history of downtown Wylie and the businesses that started it all. And when Covid reared its ugly head, the CONNECTION kept spirits up with articles about self-care, home improvement, state parks and other outdoor activities, home school help, and Covid-related resources.

Each year, the Chamber teamed up with the local economic development corporations to publish a

recap of the new businesses and services that came to town during the year ending and new ones headed to town(s) in the year ahead.

Mike reminisces a bit, reminding himself and the rest of us about some of the people who kept the magazine moving forward, and the fun they had along the way.

“Anne Hiney was the rock of The CONNECTION and the continuity you have to have to produce something like this for 18 years,” he says. “She is the only graphic designer we ever had and worked on it longer than anyone. She put her heart in it for 18 years and put up with me for that long as well! We couldn’t have done it without her.”

Anne said, “I’ve been so fortunate to have had this opportunity to work with the Wylie Chamber of Commerce to bring The CONNECTION Magazine to our community. When Mike Agnew and I discussed it, I couldn’t have imagined that we would have such a successful run … nearly 20 years!”

The editorial board, which started with Jeff Ellis, Susan Dacus, Lori Whitten, Monica Vehige, Dena Davis and Mark Witter, and rotated in other community-minded contributors over the years, was instrumental as well. “I loved the editorial board members we had through the years and always considered The CONNECTION Editorial Board meeting my favorite as president of the chamber,” Mike notes. “The story ideas and creative energy sparked from those meetings should be bottled and sold. Craig Kelly with the City of Wylie and Marcia Coker, formerly with Wylie ISD, served the longest tenure, but the many different people who rolled on and off that board generated the stories that made it worthwhile.”

No magazine or other publication gets produced without funding, and Mike also reflects with gratitude on early and faithful advertisers. “I will always be grateful to Jal Dennis of the Jal Dennis Group and Monica Vehige and Jan Arrant of Methodist Richardson Medical Center, as our first and longest-running advertisers. They believed in us before we did, and they never left.”

The CONNECTION provided some lighthearted moments for its readers as well. Remember the butterfly that debuted on the first-ever cover, and was then hidden in each issue? (That was an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, btw, which was captured photographically on a Texas Sage Bush in Wylie.) “I loved trying to find the butterfly,” Mike says. “I loved it more when other people found it without prompting.”

He remembers an upside-down issue (hopefully not as terrifying as the “upside down” in TV’s “Stranger Things”) and the Halloween/Thanksgiving issues in which Anne decorated all the ads for the season. He loved the issues devoted to the Wylie Championship Rodeo and admits a love/hate relationship with his own every-issue “blurb.”

WEAREYOUR FINANCIALTEAM

So it will be goodbye to the magazine that’s been connecting the dots for Wylie-area merchants and citizens for 18 years, but the Chamber, its members and the community won’t be out of touch. A Business Directory and Community Resource publication will be produced this fall. This publication will put the spotlight squarely on Chamber members and the community. In the next phase of updates, we anticipate launching a website that will continue to spotlight service providers, background stories about Wylie Chamber members, and personal tidbits that will be of interest to those who click. The increased digital presence will keep up with the times and the manner in which so many Americans now get their information, especially younger business owners and residents.

Anne Hiney said, “I am looking forward to the next phase of the publication; this isn’t goodbye – more like see you soon!”

Wylie Chamber CEO Tina Stelnicki said, “We are saying goodbye to The CONNECTION magazine in order to create new effective and valuable programs, publications, and events that will shine a brighter spotlight on our Chamber member businesses. We are thankful for all the advertisers, readers, writers, and staff who made this publication the connecting mechanism for so long.

We look forward to continuing to find ways to connect the business community with the community at large because both make Wylie and the area a special place to call home.”

In the first issue of The CONNECTION, in a message from Mike, Becky, and Anne, the trio reminisced about playing connect the dots as kids. “In this, our first issue, we will begin to connect the dots between Wylie, Sachse, and Murphy. We’ll draw stories from dot to dot in our features and columns, and over time we hope The CONNECTION will become something that helps bring the individual communities closer for the benefit of all.”

Mission accomplished.

Keep your eye on the Wylie Area Chamber of Commerce as we develop new avenues to be the connecting force that keeps citizens, businesses, and services connected and make this portion of Collin County one of the best and fastest growing around! •

State of the City Projects Take Center Stage

More than 200 people gathered on March 26 at Collin College Wylie for a special Chamber of Commerce luncheon as Mayor Matthew Porter presented the annual State of the City Address.

State of the City Highlights:

The address opened with a video highlighting the City’s commitment to serving the citizens of Wylie. Several City employees expressed how the City’s motto, “One City, One Team,” embodies the spirit of City departments working together to help make Wylie a great place to call home. Employees thanked Wylie citizens for their support and contributions to the community.

After recognizing the valued partnerships and close working relationships with the many community organizations and entities represented in the room, Porter discussed the impact inflationary pressures and Wylie’s growth of more than 40% over the last decade (current population 63,000) have had on the budget. He thanked the City Council and City staff for working through the challenges and moving forward with projects while lowering the tax rate.

The current tax rate of $0.5388 represents a decrease of 3 cents from the previous rate of $0.5623 per $100 assessed

by Craig Kelly

valuation a drop of 25 cents, or a 31% decrease over the last seven years. Visit WylieTexas.gov/Budget to view the Property Tax Calculator to see how your property taxes are divided between entities and how the City spends its portion.

The transition from a third-party emergency medical services provider to an in-house EMS system had one of the largest impacts on the budget. The estimated initial cost is $3.3 million, on top of last year’s investment of staffing and opening Fire Station #4. The move marks a significant and strategic shift in Wylie Fire Rescue’s emergency medical services delivery and ensures a more responsive, accountable, and locally tailored approach to our emergency medical services. Porter said the move improves the overall well-being of our community.

Porter had much to say about Wylie roads and infrastructure. “The temporary inconvenience of construction will improve mobility in the years to come.” With drone footage of the projects displayed on three large screens, he updated the audience on Stone Road,

McMillan Road, Eubanks Lane, Park Boulevard, Park Boulevard extension, FM 544 South, the intersection of FM 544/Country Club Road, the Ballard Street water tower, and historic downtown improvements. Porter said the City alone has invested more than $60 million in roadway projects, not including county or state funds. Updates on infrastructure projects can be found at WylieTexas.gov/Projects.

Quality-of-life projects also took center stage, with updates on the two splash pads set to open this summer (Community Park and Municipal Complex), upgrades to playing fields at Founders Park, Senior Center (now known as the Community Park Center) renovations, and the new Pirate Cove Playground also opening this summer. Porter was excited to talk about two projects that recently opened, including the Prairie Tails Dog Park located near the Smith Library and the pickleball courts in Community Park.

Porter closed the speech by challenging those in attendance to serve on boards and commissions. “You make Wylie a great place to live, and I encourage you to get involved and stay informed about your city government.” Go to WylieTexas.gov/Boards to register to serve.

Go to Facebook.com/WylieTexas to view Mayor Porter’s State of the City Address in its entirety, including updates on economic development and new restaurants and retailers.

May 11: In-Sync Exotics Mother's Day Pancake Breakfast. Join us for coffee, juice, fruit, yogurt and all-youcan-eat pancakes! Afterward, take a self-guided tour around the sanctuary. From 7 - 10 a.m. at 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie.

Suggestion Donation: $25-Adult, $15-Seniors & Kids (4-12), Under 4-FREE! Purchase tickets at: https://weblink.donorperfect.com/MomWantsPancakes

May 11: Local Garden Tour. Fundraiser for the Friends of the Library benefitting the Smith Public Library garden. Make your donation and receive a map of participating local gardens on the day of the tour at the library (300 Country Club Rd., Bldg. 300, Wylie.) Tour at your own pace in your own vehicle. Learn tips and trick from experienced gardeners and have fun! Lettuce Grow Together will be selling premium quality flowers. From 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Make donation: https://bit.ly/GardenTour24

May 10-12: Allen Arts Festival. Annual Fine Arts Festival, also featuring a wine walk, music, activities for all ages!

Location: Watters Creek, 840 Watters Creek Blvd, Allen. More info: https://allenartsalliance.org/events/

May 17-19: Wildflower Arts & Music Festival. Festival programming includes five main performance stages featuring national, regional and local bands, the family-friendly WF! Kids, the WF! Eats & Drinks, the WF! Marketplace, and Performance Row showcasing strolling entertainers, buskers and acrobats. Wildflower! also features a Battle of the Bands contest, the Budding Talent Vocal Competition, Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest, Art Guitar Auction and much more. More info: https://wildflowerfestival.com

Smith Public Library: 300 Country Club Rd., #300, Wylie

Summer is here and there will be so much to do at the Library! Please see our website for full details: WylieTexas.Gov/Library

Summer Kickoff Party - Fri., June 7: 9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Inflatables, foam party, trains, The Perot TECH truck, and more! Free and brought to you by the Library and Wylie Recreation.

Summer Reading Challenges - Mon., May 20 - Sat., August 3

KIDS & TEENS: Read 10 hours or 25 books.

Submit your log and get a free book + a chance to win one of the grand prizes. See our website for full details: WylieTexas.Gov/Library

ADULTS: Read or listen to 3 YA or adult-level books.

Submit your log electronically in Beanstack. Your first log earns a vintage-style metal key chain & all logs will be entered into the grand prize drawings.

Adult Summer Programs (Reservation Required)

The Versatility of Tea: Tues., June 4 @ 6 p.m.

Intro to Bluegrass Music: Thur., June 6 @ 6 p.m.

Fire Safety: Thurs., June 13 @ 5:30 p.m.

Solving Family Mysteries with DNA: Tues., June 18 @ 6 p.m.

Anime Watch Party: Tues., June 25 @ 6 p.m.

Game Night: Thurs., June 27 @ 5:30 p.m.

Paper Quilling: Sat., June 29 @ 10:30 a.m.

Game On - D&D For Grownups: Tues., July 9 & 23 @ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Diamond Painting: Wed., July 17 @ 5:30 p.m.

Check Mate - Chess Night: Thur., July 25 @ 5:30 p.m.

Crime Time Author Panel: Sat., June 22 @ 2 p.m.

Number’s Up - An Escape Room Mystery: Sat., July 20

Legacy … The Wylie Way

by Ian Halperin

In 1901, Wylie community leader Frank Birmingham helped create the Wylie Independent School District. He served as the first Wylie ISD school board president and helped finance the construction of Wylie’s first high school, Birmingham High School. Today, Mr. Birmingham’s name graces an elementary school as well as a street in Wylie. His legacy is firmly ingrained in our community.

Names like Whitt, Draper, Cooper, Smith, Cox, and many others serve as reminders of those who helped create the Wylie ISD we know today. Their hard work and dedication to our schools are celebrated as we continue to create new chapters in our history.

“In Wylie ISD, we are intentional about what we do. Our legacy isn’t

just about

what we stand

for; it’s about the

positive

impact

we make on others,”

said Dr. David Vinson, Wylie ISD superintendent. “It’s about the values we promote and those who aspire to replicate our legacy. We strive to be remembered and revered in the hearts of all we serve, from our students and staff to our families and community.”

legacy. The Wylie Way Awards were created as part of the district's character education program as a way to recognize those individuals and groups that made a difference, not just for what they do, but for what they stand for and how they impact others. Since August 2012, the district has presented The Wylie Way Award to deserving individuals and organizations who exemplify the Wylie Way and continue to leave a legacy for others to follow.

Wylie ISD officials believe that preserving our legacy is vital as we continue to grow. We must honor our past while working to incorporate new stories into our history. The theme for the 2024-2025 school year is legacy, and as we construct three new campuses, the community will be invited to be part of shaping new legacies for the district along with these schools.

Part of the land purchase agreement for the new elementary school is that it be named after the Kreymer family. The school board will consider names for the new intermediate and junior high next year. Other aspects including school mascot, colors and songs will be determined with input from students and families who will attend the new schools.

And while naming a school is a high honor, there are other ways the community can honor and celebrate a

“As we look ahead to the future, we want to make sure we do not lose sight of where we’ve come from, said Dr. Jacob Day, Wylie ISD board president. “People are drawn to this school district and community because of our shared values and rich history. By keeping our roots strong, we're paving the path for an even better tomorrow.”

The district wants to hear your stories about the people who have left a legacy in your life or the life of your child. Please email communications@wylieisd.net and be sure to include your contact information.

“When you think of a legacy, we think about the lasting impact of actions, values, or creations that shape future generations,” added Vinson. “There are so many people who helped shape and inspire our students, staff, and the Wylie area throughout our 100-year history. It is important that we learn their stories and share them with future generations.”

Photo courtesy of the Wylie Historical Society.

The old red brick school on S Birmingham St. Built by the Birmingham family; 1947.

Introducing the New Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College:

Insights from Engineering Student

by Mark Saldaña

The Collin County area now hosts the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College, offering local students and beyond a remarkable opportunity to pursue an engineering degree from a top-tier university while saving substantially on tuition and fees.

Reflecting on her educational journey, Ainsley Barnett, a former student at Plano West Senior High School and Collin College's dual-credit program, shares her perspective on the academy and her experience.

“Without a doubt, I would have applied to and attended the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College if it was available,” Ainsley said. “Because Collin College wasn’t an option, I attended the Engineering Academy at Dallas College. When I attended Collin College through Plano ISD’s dual credit program, I had amazing professors.”

the distinctive advantage of taking classes taught by Texas A&M faculty at the Collin College Technical Campus in Allen, adjacent to the Allen ISD STEAM Center.

Beyond academic advantages, being part of the academy fosters a strong sense of community among students.

Engineering student, Ainsley Barnett.

“Instead of a 200-person lecture hall, my professor and teacher assistants knew us all by name, and we were a close group,” Ainsley said. “I got to know everyone, and we had a Discord together where we would help each other with school, chat, or even text frantically during the football games. That was amazing in itself; however, when I transitioned to College Station, I also had an immediate connection with the other students who went through the same program. It was like a built-in friend group.”

The academy offers students the opportunity to pursue any of the 22 majors offered by the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. Successful applicants are admitted directly to the Texas A&M College of Engineering, complete their foundational coursework over two years at Collin College, and then finalize their degrees at the main campus in College Station. Barnett highlights the benefits of starting at a community college, emphasizing the smoother transition to college life, cost-effectiveness, and smaller class sizes.

“My brother is a year ahead of me and an Industrial Engineering student at Texas A&M,” Ainsley said. “My family had the cool experience of seeing the difference between having him go straight to College Station and then me going into the academy program. Financially, it was the best decision for me. The cost difference between my brother's freshman year and mine was roughly $20,000.”

Students in the Engineering Academy undertake core curriculum and engineering courses at Collin College, with

Ainsley attributes much of her readiness for internships and practical application of engineering skills to her time in the academy. With plans to graduate in Spring 2026 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and a safety engineering certification, she underscores the invaluable knowledge gained from her Texas A&M engineering courses.

“Being able to learn in such a high-caliber engineering program will provide essential knowledge for me to be successful in my career goals,” she said. “I’ve already learned so much from my engineering courses at Texas A&M.”

If you are interested in engineering and would like to attend the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College, the program is accepting applications for the fall through June 15.

For more info. about the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College visit www.collin.edu/tamuengineering.

For more details about Texas A&M Engineering Academies visit https://engineering.tamu.edu/academics/academies/ index.html. •

Photo by Sara Carpenter, Collin College photographer.

Methodist Richardson Medical Center:

A Decade of Excellence in Patient Care

by Jan Arrant

Methodist Richardson Medical Center is marking a significant milestone this year, as it celebrates a decade of providing exceptional healthcare to the communities it serves. Since the campus on the corner of President George Bush Turnpike and Renner Road opened in 2014, Methodist Richardson has evolved from a regional hospital into a comprehensive medical center, continually expanding its services and facilities to meet the growing needs of Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, Plano, and beyond.

“Over the past decade, Methodist Richardson has undergone remarkable growth, with this facility expanding by more than 250,000 square feet,” said Ken Hutchenrider, president of the hospital. “This expansion reflects the hospital's commitment to enhancing patient care and improving access to advanced medical treatments and services.”

In 2019, MRMC added two new floors featuring allprivate patient suites. This upgrade not only enhanced patient comfort and privacy but also allowed the hospital to accommodate a greater number of patients while maintaining high standards of care. The fifth floor was originally shell space, but by fall of this year, it will bring 75 additional beds for patient care and another 250 jobs to the area.

One of the most notable advancements in Methodist Richardson’s journey occurred earlier this year, with the completion of an extensive emergency room expansion. This project more than doubled the hospital's trauma capacity, positioning Methodist Richardson as a Level III Trauma Center. Additionally, Methodist Richardson has achieved recognition as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. What do these designations mean to you? “It means you can be confident that we can care for you and your family, in any emergency,“ added Hutchenrider. “The expanded emergency room not only enhances our ability to respond to medical emergencies promptly, but it also ensures that patients receive the highest level of care during critical moments.”

With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled medical professionals, MRMC is equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies with precision and expertise. The hospital has nine operating rooms and daVinci surgical robots for minimally invasive procedures.

Beyond emergency and critical care services, Methodist Richardson continues to add specialties and services to address the diverse healthcare needs of its community. From advanced surgical procedures to comprehensive diagnostic imaging and renowned cancer care, Methodist Richardson remains at the forefront of medical innovation, striving to provide patients with the best possible outcomes.

As Methodist Richardson celebrates its 10th anniversary, it looks back on a decade filled with accomplishments, growth, and most importantly, a steadfast commitment to compassionate patient care. The hospital's journey from a regional medical center to a leading healthcare institution is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its staff, physicians, and leadership team.

Looking ahead, Methodist Richardson remains committed to its mission of improving and saving lives. “With a continued focus on innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care, we are poised to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Richardson and the surrounding areas for many years to come,” added Hutchenrider.

Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated healthcare to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Twelve hospitals proudly carry the Methodist Health System brand, as owners or through affiliation. More than 50 Methodist Family Health Centers and Methodist Medical Group specialty physician office locations are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org. •

Photo courtesy of Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

3 Estate Challenges for Blended Families

Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT

Preparing your estate can be complicated, and if you're a part of a blended family, estate decisions can be even more complex and nuanced. Blended families take on many forms but typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Here are a few case studies to help illustrate some of the challenges.

Case Study #1: Children From Previous Marriages

Simple wills often are structured to leave all assets to the surviving spouse. If your estate strategy relies on this type of will, you could risk overlooking children from previous marriages. Also, while it's unsettling to consider, the surviving spouse can end up changing a will without proper measures put in place.

When new children join a blended family, estate strategies can get even more complicated. But with a well-structured approach, you can direct how to distribute your assets.

Case Study #2: When One Partner Has Significantly More Assets

While the divorce rate has been trending lower, the number of remarriages (second or more marriages) has increased. One person entering into a new marriage may have more assets than their spouse, given that 40% of all new marriages are remarriages for one or both spouses. An estate strategy can help ensure that your assets pass down according to your wishes.

Case Study #3: Traditional Trusts May Not Be Enough

In blended families, a traditional trust is a good start, but it may not go far enough. One possible solution is to create three trusts (one for each spouse, in addition to a joint trust) to help address different scenarios.

Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional familiar with the rules and regulations.

Starting the Process

Blended families are pretty common these days. If you're in that position, it's important to remember that you can create an estate strategy to address your specific situation. The first step may be an estate document review. If you have any estate planning questions feel free to reach out to us at the Jal Dennis Group. •