Nov/Dec 2011 Wylie CONNECTION Magazine

EYEronman

Dr. Craig Schacherer

November/December 2011

Love Your Veterans Wylie Art Fest School Bonds Progress Christian Care Month Please Recycle This Magazine After Reading!

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Dr. Justin Barnett OD Sports Vision Specialist Introducing the Sports Vision Institute featuring the newest technology for training the visual systems from Nike®.

SPARQ Vapor Strobe glasses and SPARQ SST. SPARQ Vapor Strobe glasses have lenses that alternately strobe to permit only intermittent glimpses of clear vision, while the rest of the time the lenses are fogged, not allowing the athlete to see. The flickering effect the athlete sees, forces the perceptual visual mechanism to process less information Nike® Vapor Strobe glasses. thereby training the athlete to react or respond faster and/or more accurately.

SPARQ SST incorporates all the latest 3D technology, touch screen technology, and vision training techniques into one user friendly platform.

Binocular vision (how the eyes work together), depth perception, peripheral vision, ability to focus, and other areas can all be trained using the SST.

Dr. Barnett wearing Nike®’s new SPARQ Vapor Strobe glasses.

We have been proud to provide the most advanced and comprehensive eye care available and will continue to be at the forefront of eye care. In 2010, we welcomed a new physician to our growing practice, Dr. Joy Lam OD. Our growing staff and the addition of the Sports Vision Institute has added another level of care available to the Sachse, Wylie and Murphy areas. We thank you for entrusting your care to us and we look forward to caring for you for many years to come.

Sachse Eye Associates 5120 Highway 78, Suite 700, Sachse, TX 75048

Murphy Eye Associates 231 E. FM 544, Suite 707, Murphy, TX 75094

972-530-2020

www.SachseEye.com www.wyliechamber.org • 1

2 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

FROM HIGH TECH TO INDUSTRIAL...

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Wylie Economic Development

www.wylieedc.com | (972)442-7901

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4 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

On The Cover

November/December 2011 • Volume 6 - Issue 6

PROFILE OF SUCCESS 8

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Photo by Anne Hiney.

8 Dr. Craig Schacherer, OD

DR. CRAIG SCHACHERER, OD VISION SOURCE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 4

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

FEATURES 10 12 14 16 18 21 24

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HEROES WYLIE ISD BOND UPDATE WYLIE MASON’S ANNIVERSARY CHRISTIAN CARE MONTH REACH FOR A STAR WOODMEN OF THE WORLD

10

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

CONNECTIONS 26 29 32 33 34

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WYLIE ARTS FESTIVAL SHOP CLOSE TO HOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS COLORING CONTEST WINNERS

36 38 43 44

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WATER RESTRICTIONS WINTERIZE TO SAVE MONEY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS HAS WALL STREET LEARNED?

METHODIST RICHARDSON MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY www.wyliechamber.org • 5

The temperature is changing – it’s definitely cooler than August let’s put it that way – and the Halloween decorations have been put up for another year.

You will now notice, if you haven’t already, that the Christmas commercials have started on TV and the Christmas decorations have begun to make their appearance in every retail outlet around town. We are quickly coming to the heart of the Holiday Season!!!

For the next 2 months we will begin to warm up the Holiday Machine. You know the Machine of which we speak – the machine that produces mailing lists, gift lists, cooking lists, invitation lists and a list to keep up with the lists, while driving us to drink more eggnog than is humanly possible. The Machine keeps us so active during this “Holiday” that we need a vacation after it is over, just to recover.

The Machine plans, to the minute, every Holiday event we can fit into a basic 2 month time frame, from the seating arrangement at Thanksgiving (They can’t sit next to each other? They got Divorced!?) to the exact ingredients in a Fuzzy Navel and whether or not we count down from 10 when we are watching New Year’s Rocking Eve from Times Square, or wait an hour just to be accurate.

The Machine puts us on the roof, taking our life into our hands, to put those twinkle lights just so, and then drives us to our local home center to find that last strand, since somehow the one we purchased last year only lasted one week. Editor’s Note: Is it logical or logic out-of-whack if you want to put up your Christmas lights the day after Halloween – just so you have a longer time period to have them up before you have to start thinking about taking them down?

The Machine turns us all into Martha Stewart as we search for a green bean recipe that has been in the family since the invention of green beans, or drive to East Texas on a weekend to get the perfect pine greenery to put in the center piece on the kitchen table (true story).

The Machine is responsible for making it “A Holiday to Remember” as we line up the perfect food, gift, visiting and decorating experience for the whole family. From making sure we watch the perfect holiday movies (personal favorite being Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby or Polar Express), take the best neighborhood holiday light tour or the Google Map Reunion Tour we go on each year to see friends, family and neighbors in the exact time frame we have allotted (The Rolling Stones don’t move from town to town with such efficiency!).

This could just be a snapshot at our house, but I have heard many similar holiday stories from friends and family that fit that same story line.

Ultimately, we run around like chickens with our heads cut off because we are chasing that warm fuzzy holiday feeling we felt as kids. The Machine, with all of its moving (and breaking) parts, is designed to re-create the joy we feel each year and the lifting of spirits the occasion creates.

The Machine however, doesn’t create those emotions, but just enhances what is already there. We enjoy this season because it is the one time of the year our main focus is to put others before ourselves. All of the tinsel, food, decorations, movies and gifts are designed to make those we love feel that love everywhere they turn. The people we love are THE most important part of the Machine.

This season, let’s all agree to take the Machine down a couple of notches and focus on what truly makes the Holiday a special time – our family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Once the decorations have been put back in the attic, the wrapping paper thrown away (recycled!!) and all of the food has been eaten they will still be here looking to take on a fresh new year. The best gift we can give them is love and appreciation through the entire year.

We hope you and yours have a warm and fuzzy Holiday Season. Make sure you drive the Machine and don’t let the Machine drive you!

6 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication 250 S. Hwy. 78 | Wylie, TX 75098 Telephone: 972-442-2804 Fax: 972-429-0139 www.wyliechamber.org • info@wyliechamber.org

CHAMBER PRESIDENT

ADVISORY BOARD

Susan Dacus

Aimee Nemer

Monica Vehige

Tina Stelnicki

Craig Kelly

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Agnew

Becky Lindstrom Anne Hiney Lori Villarreal

Moriah Walton

Marcia Coker

Melanie Davis

LaDawn Fletcher

Mary Katherine DeBardeleben

Craig Kelly

Kevin Finnell

Jerry Barrera

For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact Becky Lindstrom at 214•228•5844 or blindstrom@wyliechamber.org.

Story ideas should be submitted to Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac.com.

The CONNECTION is published bimonthly by the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. It is mailed free of charge to over 31,000 households in the Wylie/Sachse/Murphy/Lavon area and more than 1,000 copies are distributed to local businesses. 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.

The “Profile of Success” cover photograph and feature article, as well as the “Business Spotlight”, are paid advertisements.

Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue we hid a total of eight butterflies - one on the cover and then on pages 12, 15, 18, 23, 26, 37, and 42. Did you find them all!?!

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!

Wylie Chamber of Commerce • 250 S. Hwy. 78 • Wylie, TX 75098 Office: 972-442-2804 • Fax: 972-429-0139 info@wyliechamber.org • www.wyliechamber.org

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www.wyliechamber.org • 7

EYEronman Dr. Craig Schacherer

Nearly forty years ago,

Craig Schacherer had his first eye exam. Nearly thirty years ago he watched, on TV, the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon for the first time. Little did he know these two events would change the rest of his life.

We sat down, with Dr. Schacherer, to help everyone get to know our local EYEronman a little better.

Q:

How long has your office, Vision Source, been open?

Dr. Schacherer: I opened it up in August of 1989, so twenty-two years. I really liked the small town feel of Wylie. I grew up near a small town, in Iowa, with a population of around a thousand people so the atmosphere really appealed to me.

Q: Have you always been at your current location?

Dr. S: I was originally located in the professional building

next to the old hospital. After the Mother’s Day Tornado in ’93, I had to relocate to my current location in the office building between Sonic and American National Bank.

Q:

What was it, about your first eye exam, that sparked your interest in becoming an Optometrist?

Dr. S: I was just in the third grade and I was mesmerized by the equipment that the doctor was using. At the age of eight, all I could think about was how cool it would be to play with that equipment all day long. I picked up my glasses a week later and could not believe how much better I could see. After leaving the 8 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

office, I remember stepping off the curb and feeling as if I was going to fall about three feet to the street. My brain had not adjusted yet so my perception was way off.

Q: What types of services do you provide?

Dr. S: Other than surgery, we basically do everything else.

The majority of what we do is glasses and contact lens exams.

I look at every prescription as being customized to each individual. In some cases simple reading glasses will work the best, while other times it may take multiple pairs of glasses to solve all the person’s needs. With contact lenses, there are several different options. With all the different brands and types, we can usually find something that works.

We also treat people for eye injuries and infections. About once a day we will have someone that needs to be seen for an infection or they have something stuck on their eye. We see a lot of people that need to be followed for diabetes or glaucoma. We have an instrument, called the Optomap that allows us to do a great job of monitoring these conditions.

The optical area is equipped with a complete lab so we can take care of glasses adjustments and repairs. For those emergency types of situations, there are times when we can even complete your new glasses in under an hour.

Q: How do you help someone with a difficult prescription?

Dr. S: I like it when someone comes in with an issue that

their previous doctor could not fix. So the first thing I would do is, not do what the previous doctor did. The next step would

be to think outside the box. Sometimes doing the opposite, of what makes sense, is just what the doctor ordered.

Q: Do you see kids?

Dr. S: Yes, I do. I have done exams on kids under a year old and I have done exams on kids in their mid 90s.

Q: Typically how long does an eye exam take?

Dr. S: When we do the Optomap Retinal Exam, the exam

will only take about thirty minutes. If the patient chooses to be dilated, it will take at least fifteen minutes longer.

Q:

I always seem to be confused about my insurance coverage. What do you do to make things easier to understand?

Dr. S:

We try and get all your insurance information when the appointment is made. Then we will verify the benefits before the patient arrives for the exam. If there is a problem with the verification we will have time to work things out before the exam time. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies is not a 100% fool-proof process. But, we try to be as insurance friendly as possible.

Q: What do you think of my “you must be crazy” look?

Dr. S: It frightens me!

Q: How did you get interested in doing triathlons?

Dr. S: The first race I saw was the 1982 Hawaii Ironman. It

is famous because Julie Moss was passed less than fifty yards, from the finish, and ended up second. I was fascinated by the event and knew I would do one someday. However, it did take me twenty-three years to finally get around to doing my first triathlon. You can see a clip, of the 1982 Ironman, if you Google “Julie Moss Ironman”.

Q: What is next on your racing calendar?

Dr. S: I did my third Ironman last May so I will not be doing

one in 2012. I’ll be concentrating on the shorter races to try and get faster. I plan on doing an Ironman again in 2013. In December I will be running the White Rock Marathon, but I am going to complete it in an unconventional manner with the hopes of setting a world record.

Q:

What is new and cool in the field of Optometry these days?

Dr. S: The neatest thing would be some

new spectacle lenses called Izon. A scan is done, of your cornea, and then these measurements are integrated into the design of the prescription lenses. The scan readings create a more precise prescription. Patients will describe their vision, with the Izon lenses, like watching High Definition TV as compared to watching regular TV with their old lenses.

Q: What is the best thing I can do to keep my eyes healthy?

Dr. S: The number one thing would be to have an annual

exam. Just like any disease process the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat. So an annual exam may catch something before it is causing any symptoms. The second thing, I recommend, is to eat the brightest colored fruits and vegetables. The brighter colored foods have more of the nutrients needed for the eyes. For example, a mango is better than a banana and a sweet potato would be a better choice than a russet potato.

Q:

OK, enough about Optometry. I want to hear about this crazy triathlon stuff.

Dr. S: I enjoy answering questions about triathlon as much as Optometry. I love it when people give me the “you must be crazy” look when I answer their questions about triathlon.

Especially, when I tell them the distances in an Ironman.

Q: What are the Ironman distances?

Dr. S: You have to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run

26.2 miles. For your time to be official, you have to finish within seventeen hours.

Q:

And what exactly is this unconventional manner?

Dr. S: I can’t tell you.

Q: What? Why not?

Dr. S: Only two people know about it. It is one of those

things where I feel that the more people that know about it, the less likely it will happen.

Q: Will you let us know after the race?

Dr. S: I will most definitely let you know. Especially, if I get the record!

Q:

Thanks for sitting down with us and good luck with the marathon.

Dr. S: I appreciate it and I enjoyed the interview. •

Dr. Craig Schacherer, OD VISION SOURCE 303 S. Hwy. 78, Ste. 203 Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2020 www.visionsource-schacherer.com www.wyliechamber.org • 9

The Triumph Book: HEROES is an important and landmark book written by Wylie resident and personal historian, Melanie Davis. It captures the first-person accounts of veterans spanning the last 70 years, from World War II up until our current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Melanie says, “I compiled the stories for The Triumph Book: HEROES as a way to raise awareness and appreciation for all that our veterans have done for us. I have found that veterans are those who have the greatest love for our country, because they have sacrificed the most for it. While not everyone will have the opportunity or challenge they had to serve, we can all develop a greater appreciation for our great nation vicariously through their storytelling.”

The Triumph Book: HEROES literally starts with a bang as the first sentence begins, “Well, there goes my legs!”

Travis Greene lost both his legs in an IED explosion, Travis Green - Iraq War Veteran along with all the members of his platoon standing more than numbers and statistics to awaken beside him, but it is a story of the kind of compassion, sympathy and even overcoming and triumph as passion that it takes to make a difference. It he went on to compete in the takes stories: putting a face, a name, and a Warrior Games and develop a life to the challenge or tragedy.” Melanie says sports program for all those that as she wrote the conclusion of HEROES, who are disabled in his comCalvin J. Spann - Tuskegee Airman she realized that this book can launch a munity. Another veteran feanational campaign to raise awareness called tured in The Triumph Book: HEROES is Calvin J. Spann, an origi“Love Your Veterans”, which is designed to enact a much nal Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot. His story shows the daunting needed cultural change in the appreciation of our veterans, experiences and odds he overcame to become one of the greatand to meet the most critical needs of our veterans through the est fighter pilots to ever fly the skies above Europe. activities and programs overseen by Love Your Veterans which include programs addressing their two biggest challenges: PTSD Melanie shares that as she interviewed veterans for this and Unemployment. book, she discovered that they are facing extreme challenges to which our society is largely oblivious; which is a tragedy One of the initiatives of “Love Your Veterans” is The Triumph because veterans have literally been willing to give their lives Program: Overcoming PTSD which Melanie co-authored with for us. Many still fight battles even after they have left the war Matthew Brown, one of the veterans featured in HEROES who as a result of their experiences. Many of the stories in HEROES was shot on Veterans Day during the Invasion of Fallujah. He highlight the struggles of our veterans dealing with such issues was disabled and went through the worst PTSD symptoms, as PTSD, disability, unemployment, homelessness, and veteran overcame them, and became a powerful spokesperson about suicide. Although these stories depict the challenges of our vetthe condition. The Triumph Program: Overcoming PTSD helps erans, they are also full of heroism and triumph! veterans put their past horrors on paper, work through the anger, survivor’s guilt and fear that PTSD brings, finding purMelanie expresses, “To truly understand or appreciate the pose and meaning in the experience of war as they write their difficult human conditions our veterans face, it requires much 10 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

extremely important stories for the benefit of our nation as well as their brothers and sisters in arms.

Another important program of “Love Your Veterans” addresses veteran unemployment which has reached as high as 29%. After spending years becoming expert machine gunners, infantrymen, etc. and protecting us from our enemies, veterans return home to be treated as unskilled workers because their expertise doesn’t translate well into the civilian world. This means they obtain low-paying jobs, if they find one at all.

“H.O.N.O.R. (Helping Our Neighbors Overcome and Rebuild) Mentoring” is a program which will work closely with youth support non-profits across our country to employ literal armies of veterans who can give at-risk kids real heroes, the love and attention they lack, and the information they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives. The veterans will also work with parents and families of the youth. Mentoring is proven to be the most powerful tool for change in a child’s life and no other mentor can gain the trust of these children so easily, while at the same time becoming a highly effective role model, as our real heroes! (Currently partnered with The Texas Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs who plan to use the program state-wide.)

As we employ veterans to win the wars on our own soil, the improvements to our nation and society can be profound.

With the reduction of gangs, violence, abuse and suffering, “H.O.N.O.R. Mentoring” will create a generation of youth prepared to lead our country and be economical as the savings from incarceration, violence and destruction can far outweigh the salaries veterans are paid. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Calvin Spann is the spokesperson for “Love Your Veterans”.

Melanie says, “We are working hard to develop and implement the programs of “Love Your Veterans”, but need funding to take them to the next level. With some of the most innovative and effective solutions for PTSD and unemployment, “Love

Your Veterans” is poised to have an effect on the lives of hundreds of thousands of veterans and their families. The Triumph Book: HEROES alone can have an impact on every single veteran as well as active military and their families. These stories provide a map or example for those in the throes of war, PTSD and other challenges, shared by those who have been there, as well as by raising awareness and appreciation in the hearts of our civilians, which can change everything!

You can watch a video online about The Triumph Book: HEROES and learn more about all of these initiatives at the website – www.LoveYourVeterans.org.

You can also purchase a copy of the book, due out 11/11/11, with proceeds going to support the cause. • Melanie Davis

Photos provided by Melanie Davis

www.wyliechamber.org • 11

Wylie ISD

By Marcia Coker

Getting Better All The Time!

Updates on the much needed, bond approved, school improvements

T

wo years ago this month, the Wylie ISD voters approved Proposition Two of a bond election that would fund much needed renovations, construction and upgrades for six of its aging campuses: Akin, Birmingham, Burnett, Harrison, Hartman and Achieve Academy. As of today, all the projects are completed, except for specific items still under warranty. And what a difference these changes have made in the lives of Wylie ISD students.

Rolled out in three phases, some of the results were seen as early as August 2010.

Gymnasium floors were replaced at Birmingham AFTER BEFORE

and Hartman elementary schools. Hartman had carpet replaced, door frames Harrison’s New Bleachers repaired and significant lighting upgrades throughout the school and gym. Harrison also received a gym lighting upgrade, but a more notable enhancement came in the form of new telescoping bleachers that replaced the school’s original wooden bleachers.

When Phase II began, in the fall of 2010, it specifically targeted two major projects: significant repairs and renovaAFTER BEFORE

tions at Burnett Junior High and the construction of the NEW Achieve Academy. More than one third of the approxi- Burnett’s New Lockers mate $25 million was allocated to updating, upgrading and upsizing Burnett Junior High. The school received a choir room addition, new locker/dressing rooms and replacement of the roof and sprinkler system. The school now also has a larger, modernized kitchen, including two full-service lines and a new glassed-in “Grab and Go” serving line.

“The locker rooms and the cafeteria are probably the most radical improvements made to our campus that positively impact our students daily,” said Burnett Principal Dr. Justin 12 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Terry. The transition time from P.E. or athletics to lunch to other classes is shortened and less congested. The kids love it.”

AFTER BEFORE

Adjacent to the flurry of activity happening at Burnett, construction began on the disBurnett’s New Cafeteria trict’s newest campus, Achieve Academy.

Formerly the Special Programs Center, Achieve is a unique school that serves four distinct populations; Transitions to Life, BAU, Choice High School and the DAEP. Originally housed in

Achieve Academy deteriorating, 30 plus year-old portables where Achieve students and staff often shared cramped classrooms and combined grade levels or programs to keep up with the steady student growth of the district. Sometimes, they did without resources because the portables structurally could not accommodate expansion.

BEFORE The new building, however, was designed to allow each of Achieve’s programs to operate independently Achieve’s New Computer Lab insuring the educational success and safety of each student. In addition to several computer labs, Achieve has

AFTER

a state-of-the-art science lab complete with a separate chemical storage room, eye wash, shower and a hood for hazardous materials. It also has a fenced outdoor basketball court, recreBEFORE

Achieve’s New Science Lab

ation area, a functioning kitchen/apartment set-up for the Transitions to Life students and gymnasium.

“Something as simple as having a gymnasium for AFTER

Achieve’s New Transitions to Life Classroom

physical activities or therapy, especially during inclement weather, does wonders for student achievement,” said Lynne Tinsley,

“The remodel to the main entrance has made a huge impact with providing a safe environment for our students and staff,” commented Harrison Principal Dr. Kim Gilmore. “Now visi-

Harrison’s New Main Entrance

tors are visible upon entry and are guided to a main check-in area for clearance.”

In addition, students Harrison’s New and staff at Harrison also Choir Room now enjoy a new choir room, computer/meeting room and upgrades in electrical, roofing and HVAC components.

But despite the temporary closures or displacements during these construction phases, students and staff members are so grateful for results.

“Without the foresight of administration and the faith of the voters, none of this would be possible, especially in today’s economy,” said Superintendent David Vinson. “More importantly, our students, our immediate customers, are reassured that in THIS district, they come first!” • Photos provided by Wylie ISD.

Principal of Achieve Academy.

Mrs. Tinsley’s experience and insight was instrumental in the plan- Achieve’s New Gym ning of classroom space.

“In the portables, it was challenging to provide targeted learning when students of varying grades or programs had to share classrooms,” she added.

“This new building allows us to separate student groups by their appropriate age, grade level, behavioral and special education needs.” The district held an open house and dedicated the building in a special ceremony on October 16, 2011.

Any parent who has had a child eating lunch at 10:30 in the morning or as late as 1:30 knows how significant having a second serving line can be. Phase III provided feature upgrades to cafBirmingham’s New eterias at elementary Cafeteria campuses that weren’t originally designed with multi-serving lines. Akin, Birmingham and Hartman got complete kitchen/cafeteria make-overs including two serving lines, updated refrigerator/freezers/baking units and enhanced safety features. Hartman also received additional restrooms, a sound system and electrical upgrades in this round of construction.

Equally noticeable was the complete remodel of the main entry at Harrison Intermediate. The former layout posed some security concerns, especially when visitors entered the campus.

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www.wyliechamber.org • 13

Wylie’s East Fork Masonic Lodge Celebrates It’s 125th Anniversary Photo courtesy East Fork Masonic Lodge.

By Jerry Barrera

Officers 2011-2012: Front Row: Jeff Forrester - Tiler, Don Smith Jr. - Sn.Deacon, Robert Wilkinson - WM, Cliff Martin - Treasurer, Jerry Barrera - Marshall, Middle Row: David Anderson - Master of Ceremonies, Ron Lawrence - Musician, Cliff Smith - Senior Warden, John Simmons - Secretary, Billy Meeks - Jr. Warden Back Row: Ken Carpenter - Jr. Deacon, Denny Henson - Senior Steward, John Garrett - Junior Steward. Not in picture: Stephen Thompson - Chaplain

he Wylie East Fork Masonic Lodge #650 will be celebrating its 125th Anniversary on January 14, 2012. The Masonic Lodge has been in existence since January 1887 and has preserved the historical records, minutes and much early memorabilia. This Lodge was charted by Wylie pioneer Dr. George C. Kreymer and his preserved historical documents and minutes provide a glimpse into the past and provide valuable information for East Fork’s historical events lectures each month. East Fork Masonic Lodge is actually 6 months older than the City of Wylie and was originally part of the early Nickleville community. This 125th celebration will be attended by many officers from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas with representatives from the appendent Masonic bodies including Hella Shrine Temple, Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies and Dallas York Rite Bodies.

All Collin County and surrounding Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star, Rainbow and De Molay Chapters are invited to join us for this celebration at Wylie East High School starting at 6 p.m. with dinner being served at 7 p.m.

14 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Photo by Anne Hiney

T

Dr. George C. Kreymer

A guest speaker will give a brief history on the formation of East Fork Masonic Lodge as well as how Masonry influenced the early settlement and growth of Texas. This gala event will include dinner and music provided by the Wylie High School Choir and Jazz Band. The young ladies of the Princeton and Plano Rainbow Chapters will serve as ushers and assist everyone with seating.

East Fork Masonic Lodge #650 has its Monthly Stated Meeting on the first Tuesday (7 p.m.) of each month. All guests are encouraged to come on those days for meeting and enjoying fellowship with lodge members, asking questions, seeing our Lodge and enjoying a full course dinner starting at 6 p.m.

For more information about the East Fork Masonic Lodge visit http://eastforklodge.org. •

East Fork Masonic Lodge is located at 508 Parker Rd., Wylie, TX 75098.

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www.wyliechamber.org • 15

November is Christian Care Center Month

by LaDawn Fletcher

L

ong-time volunteer Kathleen Moore was there when “Wylie has really supported this over the years,” says Moore. the doors of the Wylie Christian Care Center opened That assistance extends beyond Wylie as well. Southview on “the coldest day of January” in 1987.

Christian Church in Dallas County is a consistent contributor.

The facility provides food and other assistance to families in Wylie ISD students are holding their annual food drive this the area. Since opening day, the all-volunteer staffed Center month. In addition to the students’ efforts, the Wylie, Sachse has been open every week, providing necessities to families in and Murphy Chambers of Commerce are having a contest to see the area. Twenty-four volunteers, like who can collect the most Moore, make sure that operations run cans of chili for the Center. smoothly.

Raymond Cooper has Christian Care Center is a collaboraserved as chairman of the tion of ten area churches: Copeville Center for more than 15 Baptist Church, First Baptist Wylie, years. “I came on board First Christian Wylie, In Jesus Name shortly after the tornado Pentecostal Church, Lavon Baptist blew the roof off in 1993, Church, First Assembly God of Wylie, and I haven’t left,” he said Lavon Assembly of God, St. Anthony’s with a chuckle.

Catholic Church Wylie, and Wylie For the coming year, they United Methodist.

Jesus said the poor will always be among us, but over the last three years, the volunteers have seen an uptick in need that mirrors the downturn the rest of the country is experiencing.

“We are seeing people who lost their jobs,” says Moore.

“Some days we’ll have 24 fami- Top: Akin Elementary Students collect can goods for the Christian Care Center. Bottom: Christian Care Center buildings on Ballard. lies that come in for food.” expect to do the same kind of work, just more of it. “We try The Center is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to help out wherever we can, mostly with food, but also with from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. clothes and small amounts of money for people in need,” says On average, 15 to 25 people come on those days.

Cooper.

The bright spot for the Center is that donations have kept The Christian Care Center operates on the principal of neighup with demand. “We get low on some foods but somebody bors helping neighbors. It has good volunteers, many of whom will bring something in.” The Center buys butter and eggs, but have worked with them for years. It also has individuals and everything else is donated. organizations that regularly donate food and other items to be shared with the community members who need it most.

To meet the ever increasing demands of the community, the Care Center has built a new storage facility next door.

The fast approaching holiday season will bring their work The 24th Annual Wylie Christian to the forefront once again. While the Christian Care Center Care Bake Sale will be held on does not provide a Thanksgiving meal, they do have a special American National Bank Wednesday, November 23rd.

Christmas meal for those who need it. ‘ Wylie & Sachse As always, monetary and food donations are welcome. All The bake sale is sponsored by Capital One - Wylie kinds of food items are appreciated, but for those who would area churches and will be held Independent Bank - Lavon like to contribute specifically what is needed, the Facebook page at local participating banks: of Wylie Christian Care Center is updated regularly with a list of Inwood National Bank - Wylie To volunteer or donate homeitems that are low or depleted.

Texans Credit Union - Wylie baked goods, please call Amy The Wylie Christian Care Center is located at 606 South Nap at (214)863-5844 or Betty Viewpoint Bank - Wylie Ballard Ave., Wylie, TX 75098. Thank you for your support! •

BAKE SALE LOCATIONS:

Lutz at (972)429-5521.

16 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Christian Care Center photo by Anne Hiney. Student photo provided by Wyie ISD.

A Few of the Services We Offer:

• Same day sick visits • 24 hour medical advice • Free prenatal visits • Routine Well Child Care • School, daycare and camp physicals • Newborn care • Immunizations • ADHD screening and treatment • Asthma management • Hearing and vision screening

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For further assistance, speak with our office staff, visit our website (www. pawylie.com) or check with your insurance provider.

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www.wyliechamber.org • 17

Reach for a Star

By Lori C. Villarreal

REACH FOR A STAR

by Lori Villarreal

R

each for a Star, formerly a City of Wylie run program, has a long history of playing Santa for hundreds of Wylie residents. This year Wylie is H.O.P.E. has taken the lead in this annual effort. In a year of transition the board of Wylie is H.O.P.E. has set a lofty goal to ensure 750 individuals have a special Christmas.

Wylie is H.O.P.E. was formed by caring citizens who recognize that volunteerism and community partnership can make a difference by Helping Other People Everyday (H.O.P.E.). President and Wylie resident, Candy Arrington reveals, “The more one becomes involved in their community the more one sees the need.” To meet the need this holiday season Arrington, with an army of over fifty volunteers, started in October accepting applications and interviewing families to determine eligibility for program participation. Wish lists for each child and family include toys and clothing. Six items are listed on stars hanging on strategically placed trees where families can pick one - or three - up for adoption.

Historically, Reach for a Star has served about 500 youth ages 0 to 16 years of age. Arrington reports, “There is no lack of eligible families”. By increasing this gift giving another 250 the residents in Wylie will need to come through in a big way.

This is an opportunity for parents to demonstrate caring behavior, encourage children to adopt a family with kids their age and make a special trip to buy for your “Stars”. Area churches and local companies can follow the lead of Wylie Elite, Wylie United Methodist Church, and The Refuge Church who adopt a number of “Stars” at a time.

Wylie is H.O.P.E. has committed to adopting any “Stars” that are not cared for by the December 9th due date. This is a costly

commitment so the more community support from residents and businesses, the more focused they can stay on playing Santa. No one involved wants a disappointed child on Christmas morning.

The most popular locations to find trees covered in “Stars” are at the City of Wylie Recreation Center, Smith Library, City Hall, Wylie’s WalMart, American National Bank, Inwood Bank and Great American Storage. “Stars” are available for adoption until December 9th and gifts are due at City Hall by December 14th. Tree and drop-off locations will grow, so be sure to check www.WylieIsHope.com for listings.

If you are interested in helping but the idea of adopting a child’s “Star” is overwhelming, here are a few other ways you can help: • Send money or gift cards (WalMart, Target, Kohl’s) to Wylie is H.O.P.E. at P.O. Box 2556, Wylie, TX 75098.

• Donate new, unwrapped barbies, bikes, soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, scooters, board games.

• Volunteer a set of working hands to sort, stuff and more by contacting reachforastar@wylieishope.com.

• Go in with your neighbor/friend and adopt one together.

As you are scrambling around this holiday season - making a list and checking it twice - Reach for a Star. Remember that little spot of light is a child who could use a bit of attention this Christmas. Make it a point to give H.O.P.E. Visit www.

WylieIsHope.com for more information about the organization and how you can get involved. • Photo by Candy Arrington.

18 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

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20 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

WOODMEN of the WORLD J

by Kevin Finnell

anuary 1, 2011 began a new era in Wylie’s history when Woodmen of the World chartered a new fraternal lodge in Wylie. The two have had a long, on-going relationship for over a hundred years; in fact, the “WOW” at the top of the two-story building at the intersection of Oak and Ballard Street was the Woodmen of the World’s first lodge hall in Wylie.

It seems every town had a fraternal organization at the turn of the century and the WOW lodge hall was the town peoples’ focal point for gatherings and social activities.

older cemetery glance over and notice how many old tree trunk looking headstones of fraternal members you see. This benefit is no longer offered and was in fact ended in the late 1940s after hand carving of the headstones was no longer fashionable and became too expensive.

Woodmen of the World is proud to have a history of patriot involvement. In 1847, after WWII, Woodmen of the World set up a trust in order to provide funding for flags to be presented to schools, churches, and various other non-profit groups such as ROTC, Veterans Groups and Boy and Girl Scouts Turn of the century Woodman lodge hall. of America. Although Woodmen of the World has updated their activities and benefits to fit with today’s families and lifestyles, we have not forgotten the imporKevin Finnell, Lonita Finnell - Vice-President, Loyal Stubbs - Secretary, tant things such as Love for God, Country and Family.

Darlene Starc - Treasurer, & Daniel Sibert - President.

The local Wylie lodge has already helped several organizaWoodmen of the World is a fraternal benefits society that is tions with contributions of time and money. The lodge donated owned by each man and woman who has a WOW insurance the flag pole for the Wylie Veterans Memorial and twice annuproduct. ally continues to donate new flags. We have also In addition to protecting famidonated flag sets for the Wylie FFA and both Wylie lies through annuities and life High School and Wylie East High School ROTC insurance products during times groups. of loss, Woodmen of the World, For information on Woodmen of the World check at that time, had two main fraout our website at www.woodmen.org. Kevin ternal benefits. Their main focus Finnell is the local representative and can be conwas providing for widows and tacted at (214)914-6770. Our motto is “Woodmen orphans and providing beautifully of the World - with you through LIFE.” • hand-carved headstones to mark Photos by Anne Hiney & Kevin Finnell. the final resting places of those members who were deceased. To accomplish the task of providing for widows and orphans the members came together and pooled their resources. In 1932, outside Sherman, Texas, a house was organized and paid for by the efforts of four member women. The home took care of widows and Hand carved wooden headstone. children of deceased members at no charge. The home was on 350 acres and completely self sufficient. The home still stands today, but was closed in 1974.

A second benefit of being a Woodman of the World lodge member was that the deceased member’s family did not have the further financial burden of providing a headstone. Woodmen of the World provided a choice of several hand carved headKevin Finnell installing a new American Flag at the Wylie Veterans Memorial assisted by Charles and Rebecca Flesch and Scott Kelsh. stones, as ornate as the family wanted. Next time you drive by an www.wyliechamber.org • 21

WHY JEANIE? Her Proven Sales Success #1 in pre-owned home sales in Sachse 3 years running!

•

On average, my listings sell for 98% of list price.

•

2008 Realtor of the Year at Lake Cities Association of REALTORS

•

2008 Spirit of Sachse Award Recipient

•

Graduate of Real Estate Institute

•

2009 Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Production Award

•

#9 in individual production out of 375 at Coldwell Banker Apex, REALTORS

•

Certified Home Marketing Specialist

•

Accredited Buyers Representative

Thank You!

Thank you Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Lavon and all of our clients for the best year that the Marten Team has ever had!! The last several years have been so very challenging for the real estate markets but our team is a testament to the fact that first and foremost, real estate is local and you either change or get left behind.

Thank goodness that California real estate doesn’t affect Texas at all, but real estate is even more local than that, literally down to the neighborhood level. The media over the last several years has been so negative, mostly because it is based out of areas (East and West coasts) that are seeing massive depreciation. Texas just hasn’t been affected the same way, however, our attitude about the issue can really be a game changer. Please take just a minute to ponder the difference between your home and an investment property. Home is where you hang your hat, raise a family and put down roots. Those sound like clichés to some but to me, that is the American dream.

Real estate agents that don’t change and adapt to this market are going to be left behind. We made some significant changes to how we do business at the beginning of this year and they have really paid off for us, but most of all for the clients that we have served. Change is good!

One last thought about giving back to our community as we approach the holiday season. We have always shown our thankfulness by supporting our local charities, but this year I want to spotlight the two organizations that we love the most. The first is the Wylie Christian Care Center, which supports the region with their food pantry and clothing collection. For years we have worked through the Sachse, Wylie and Murphy Chambers with food challenges. Many of you remember the Tuna, Mac-n-Cheese Smack-down and PB&J challenges. Right now we are collecting Chili, so if you find yourself blessed and wanting to help, please bring a can or two of Chili to any of the Chambers (Sachse needs to win this time so call me and I will come pick it up from you….hehehe!). The second organization is a new charity for us this year. It is the Plano Children’s Medical Clinic with its new location in Wylie. The clinic provides primary medical care for children on Medicaid, CHIP or that simply have no insurance at all. The clinic is a non-profit organization in need of monetary support as well as baby toiletry supplies. For more info. call Jenna Lawson or Susan Shuler at 972-801-9689.

Thank you again and we wish you the happiest of holidays!

EQUAL HOUSING

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JEANIE MARTEN Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors 4908 Maple Shade Ave. • Sachse, TX 75048

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www.wyliechamber.org • 23

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Thru Jan. 29th - 6th Annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs –

Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and eight new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s nature trails. The exhibit always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. Don’t forget it also provides a unique family outing during the holidays! www.heardmuseum.org

Nov. 12th - Wylie Area FFA Supporters Car Show at Wylie East High School, 3000 Wylie East Dr., Wylie. Gates open at 9 a.m., judging begins at 12 Noon.

Nov. 12th

- X-treme Green Event, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Wylie Public Safety Building (Old City Hall), 2000 Highway 78 North. The City of Wylie and Community Waste Disposal are excited to announce the X-treme Green Event for the disposal of residential household hazardous waste, electronics, household metal appliances, automotive tires and document shredding. Please be aware that brush and bulk items will not be accepted.

Nov. 19th - In-Sync Exotics 3rd Annual Tiger Trot! Join us for the 1 Mile Walk (Dogs are welcome!) / 5K Fun Run event at the Oak Point Amphitheater for great exercise, music, food, and fun for all! Proceeds benefit the big cats at In-Sync. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oak Point Amphitheater, 2801 East Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano TX 75024.

Nov. 19th - Relay For Life of Wylie/Sachse/Murphy’s Holiday Bazaar Rally at the Bart Peddicord Community Center in downtown Wylie, 100 W. Oak St. from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. We will have portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus - one digital image per family with at least a $25 donation. There will also be teams with the following fundraisiers: balloon art, Scentsy, face painting, jewelry, Eee Pad Raffle and more.

Nov. 20th - Children’s and Youth Choruses of Collin County will perform at 6 p.m. at the Wylie United Methodist Church, 1401 FM 1378. This concert kicks-off the Fifth Anniversary Concert Series. It will feature the Children’s Chorus of Collin County, grades 4-6 as well as the Youth Chorus of Collin County, grades 7-12. The title of the Holiday concert is, ‘Masters In This Hall’, a concert of holiday music which reflects some of the all-time favorite choral music that has been sung through the ages. Admission is free, however, donations will be accepted. Additional information can be found at www.

ChildrensChorusOfCollinCounty.org or by calling 972-618-4536.

Nov. 24th - Sachse High School Class of 2015 invites you to participate in the 8th Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, 8:00 a.m. at Sachse High School. There will be a one-mile and three-mile walk/fun run and proceeds benefit the Class of 2015 senior activities. The event will be held rain or shine. For more info., please email shsclassof2015@ verizon.net. See you bright and early Thanksgiving morning!

Nov. 26th - Come out and see the In-Sync staff give thanks to our residents with lots

and lots of turkey!!! Children 13 and under can participant in a cookie decorating contest to win a prize (prizes based on age groups) Free arts and crafts for kids! Admission: Adults (13-64) - $10; Child (4-12) - $7; Seniors (65+) - $7; Under 4 - Free. 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie.

Go to www.insyncexotics.com for more info.

DECEMBER EVENTS Weekends thru Dec. 23rd

- In-Sync Exotics Christmas Lights Tours - We will host evening tours on Fridays and Saturdays, starting after Thanksgiving and running through 12/23! Come see the cats, while walking through a winter wonderland of lights, and enjoy hot chocolate! 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie, www.insyncexotics.com.

Dec. 1st - Sachse City Council and staff invite you to the annual Christmas tree lighting in the City Hall rotunda at 6:00 p.m. The Sachse High School Madrigal Singers will perform songs of the holiday season, and following the tree lighting, join us at the Library at 6:30 p.m. for a special story time with Santa. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Santa will read a special story and then visit with the children. There is no charge for this event. For more info. please call the Library at 972.530.8966 or Denise Vice at 469-429-4771.

Dec. 1st - City of Murphy Christmas in the Park from

5 - 8 p.m., (fireworks at 7:45) at Murphy Municipal Complex, 206 N. Murphy Road. Admission is free. Please bring a new unwrapped toy for our annual Toy Drive benefitting the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center. Enjoy live reindeer, crafts in Santa’s Workshop, caroling by local choirs, pictures with Santa and in our huge Winter Snow Globe! Food and Drinks will be for sale in Santa’s Café.

Shuttle Parking available at Tom Kimbrough Stadium and Murphy Marketplace.

Dec. 1st, 2nd & 4th

- The Vocal Majority Chorus presents “A Dickens of a Christmas” - a humorous and modern twist on A Christmas Carol to be performed at the Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, Texas 75082, go to www.vocalmajority.org for ticket info.

Dec. 2nd - Daddy/Daughter Dance hosted by Sachse Parks & Rec. OK girls, put on

your dancin’ shoes and get ready for a night of fun, games and activities, music, dance, and snacks. This event is a great way for young women to strengthen their relationships with their fathers. A picture will be taken and given to each couple to remember this occasion. All ages welcome. From 7 - 9 p.m. at the Sachse Senior Activity Center, 3815 A Sachse Road. $15 per couple. www.cityofsachse.com/parks.

Dec. 3rd - The Sachse Firefighters Association hosts Pancakes with Santa. Drop by Fire Station No. 1, at 5805 Bryan Street, between 8 and 11 a.m. and the firemen will cook allyou-can-eat pancakes and sausage, plus orange juice, milk and coffee for $5.00 per person.

Parents are welcome to bring your camera and take pictures with Santa or pictures with the fire truck. Please contact Chris Hall at 469-429-9810 with any questions.

Dec. 3rd - Wylie Arts Festival in Olde City Park, Downtown Wylie. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m. and Tree Lighting at 7:00 p.m. See page 26 for details.

Dec. 3rd

- The Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s Holiday Bird Buffet. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Gates open at 9:45 a.m. Bring a picnic lunch and relax by Lake Lavon while enjoying hands-on discovery activities for all ages about feeding backyard birds. Learn how to build a feeder. Materials supplied for starter kits to assemble and take home - using fruit, nuts, seeds, logs, string and many other readily found/available items. Directions and recipes provided for each participant. Bird Walks - prairie and woods. Spy on feeding stations!

See which birds eat where. Raptors of Texas - Meet the Raptors of Blackland Prairie Raptor Center at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. 1625 Brockdale Park Road - Brockdale Park at Lake Lavon (Lucas, Texas) cross streets: Lucas Road (FM 3286) & Brockdale Park Road.

Admission: Adults - $3; Children 3 - 12 years - $1.50; under 3 years of age are free. Go to www.bpraptorcenter.org for more info. or call 469-964-9696.

Dec. 4th - Relay For Life Wylie/Sachse/Murphy Survivor & Caregiver Holiday Tea and ornament exchange from 3 - 5 p.m., sponsored by Taste of Home and Survivor Committee.

Please RSVP by Nov. 25th to RFL.wsm.survivorchair@yahoo.com.

Dec. 4th - Love Your Veterans Variety Show to benefit www.loveyourveterans.org, Wylie American Legion Post 315, www.soldiersangels.org and trees-4-branches.org at Wylie East High School, 3000 Wylie East Dr., Wylie. Sponsored by the Wylie East High School JROTC and Majestic Ballroom & Dance Center. More info. and tickets available at www.loveyourveterans.org. To donate or volunteer contact Belinda Hockett at belinda@loveyourveterans.org or 214-755-9359.

Dec. 5th - Drive through Toy Drive – Murphy Fire Department from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Dec. 9th & 10th - T’was the Night Before Christmas presented by the Wylie Acting

Group of Children. Dec. 9th at 7 p.m., Dec. 10th at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at New Hope Christian Church, 1100 W. Brown St., Wylie. Ticket info. online at www.wagforchildren.org.

Dec. 10th - City of Sachse Christmas Parade. Calling all school bands, choirs, dance groups, scout troops, and organizations in Sachse who want to join us and march in Sachse’s annual Christmas Parade. We will meet in the Hudson Middle School Parking lot for the line-up. Line-up – 8:30 a.m., Parade Begins at 9:30 a.m. To register a float call Denise Vice at 972-495-1212 or Cynthia Wiseman at 469-429-0275. Parade Route: Miles Road from Hudson Middle School to the Municipal Complex

Dec. 10th - Cookies with Santa in Sachse. Come join Santa for cookies, hot chocolate and entertainment. Bring the kids and let them tell Santa what they want for Christmas.

Bring your canned goods and non-perishable food items to be collected and donated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Everyone will receive a raffle ticket that will be entered into prize drawings that will be held throughout the event. The last drawing will be called at 11:00 a.m. Santa will see children until 11:30 a.m. And, back by popular demand, the Sachse High School Madrigal Singers will be performing at our new amphitheater, as well as other local choirs. This year we’re adding some exciting new events including hair painting by Sports Clips and activities by Smile Magic Dental and Braces. Yogurt-UR-Way will be our main sponsor for the event with an attraction that everyone is sure to enjoy. Visit the City’s website for more information at www.cityofsachse.com/parks. Ages: 10 and under to see Santa. Activities will begin following the Parade at the Sachse City Municipal Complex and Amphitheater, 3815 B Sachse Road. Free event!

Dec. 17th - 19th - Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary Holiday Trail of Lights. Escape hibernation! Bundle up your family, get out of the house, and experience the most unique holiday lighting display in North Texas. See thousands of holiday décor and lights-many synchronized to holiday music-along a half mile Heard nature trail. Familyfriendly entertainment and treats will complement the holiday atmosphere. Have a photo taken by the professionals at Clix Photography with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. Enjoy hot beverages and treats sold by Coffee N Cream (Sat. & Sun.) and Whole Foods Market (Mon.) 6:30 - 9 p.m. Online tickets are only $7 for adults & seniors and $4 for kids 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Purchase tickets at the door for $2 more per ticket. Tickets will be available beginning Dec. 1st. www.heardmuseum.org Dec. 18th

- Plano Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays” concert features William Park, famed in part for his performances in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

PSO also welcomes the Plano Civic Chorus and the Younger Generation chorus at 4:00 and 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 5801 West Plano Parkway in Plano.

Reserved seating tickets start at $9; add $2 at the door. Group and student rates available.

To order, call the PSO Ticket Office at 972-473-7262 or visit www.planosymphony.org.

WYLIE’S RITA AND TRUETT SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS Located at 300 Country Club Rd., Bldg. 300, Wylie 972-516-6250

Story Times: Family Storytime:

Toddler Time: Big Kid Storytime: Babies & Books:

Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesdays at 9:00 & 9:45 a.m.; Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 & 11:15 a.m.

Fridays at 11:00 a.m.

Wagging Tales: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29 and Dec. 6, 13 - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.

Allen, Wylie - from 8 - 10 a.m. cost is $4.50 per person. www.wyliewl.org

Beginning readers are invited to practice their reading skills with Abby the Collie. Abby is a Delta Society trained pet partner and will be in the Storytime Room. Tickets are required and are given out free on a first come, first serve basis on the afternoon of the program.

24 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

The Friends of the Smith Public Library meet in the Conference Room.

Dec. 3rd - Wylie Women’s League Pancakes With Santa at Fire Station #3, 210 N. W.A.

Friends of the Library Meeting: Nov. 17th & Dec. 15th at 6 p.m.

Wylie Flower & Gift (972) 442-5837 129 N. Ballard Ave.

SACHSE’S SENIOR CENTER EVENTS Located at 3815 Sachse Rd., Building A, Sachse 972-495-6282

Special Events

Nov. 15: 9 a.m. - Brunch with JJ Ortiz, Universal American Medicare - HMOs Nov. 16: 10 a.m. - Thanksgiving Potluck, entrée by Autumn Leaves

Downtown Wylie

Nov. 17: 11:30 a.m. - Lunch & Learn, Medifast Center Nov. 29: 11:30 a.m. - Lunch & Learn, Ham & Beans w/ Cornbread & Coke Floats, Reliant Home Health, Gary Morgan Nov. 30: 9:45 a.m. - Jacob’s Reward Fiber Farm in Parker & Lunch Dec. 2: 11:00 a.m. - Lunch & Learn with Carey Marr, RN, Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements Dec. 5: 6:30 p.m. - Sachse High School Winter Concert Dec. 7: 9:30 a.m. - “ICE” show at the Gaylord Texan - $20 Dec. 21: 10 a.m. - Christmas Potluck, Winters Park, Holly Merry Miller “Harpest” & Santa Dec. 30: 1 - 3 p.m. - Happy New Year Party 2012

CHAMBER of COMMERCE EVENTS WYLIE

www.wyliechamber.org

Monthly Luncheons:

Order Your Holiday Arrangements Today!

www.wylieflowershop.com

972-442-2804

Nov. 15th - Christian Care Week Kick-off Luncheon at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Featured Speaker: Mr. Raymond Cooper of the Wylie Christian Care Center. You must RSVP to the Chamber office to attend this luncheon. To make a reservation please call the Chamber office 972-442-2804 or e-mail: info@wyliechamber.org. There will be no online pre-purchase for this luncheon. Please bring canned goods to the luncheon to donate to the Christian Care Center. Complimentary Luncheon Vouchers will not be accepted for this luncheon. All proceeds benefit the Christian Care Center. In order to collect all luncheon monies in a timely fashion, so we can quickly make the donation to the Christian Care Center, please make every effort to pay at the door. $15.00 with a donation of 5 canned goods; $20.00 Without donating canned goods; $25.00 (at the door) if No RSVP and no canned goods. We accept cash, check and credit cards; including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. No December Luncheon - Merry Christmas Everyone!!

4th Monday Book Club: 6:30 p.m.

Every Wednesday Business Card Exchange:

BeTween Book Club: Dec. 1st from 5 - 8 p.m.

SACHSE

Booked on Fridays: Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Church, 2709 3rd Street, Sachse. $15 - Members, $20 - Non-members. Register & pay online.

Dec. 13th - Check the Sachse Chamber website for details.

Nov. 19th - 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. featuring Mary Kay - Nicole Powers, Scentsy - Niloufer Watkins, Premier Designs - Nicole Broeckel, and Pampered Chef - Jessica Douglas

The 4th Monday Book Club (ages 18 and up) meets in the Conference Room Nov. 21st - Planning Session. No December meeting.

Never judge a book by its movie. 4th and 5th graders are invited to discuss different books that have movie adaptations. This month’s selection is Peter Pan. The first 25 kids to sign up get a free copy of the book courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Second Friday each month (ages 18 and up) Bring your lunch and drop in each second Friday of the month between noon and 1:30 p.m. for fun reads and light conversation.

Nov. 11th - Notorious by Nicola Cornick, Dec. 9th - Lookin’ Back, Texas by Leanna Ellis.

Network and promote your business from 8 - 9 a.m. Woodbridge Golf Course club house, 7400 Country Club Dr., Wylie. Chamber members and non-members welcome. Last one of the year: Dec. 14th.

www.sachsechamber.com

972-496-1212

Monthly Luncheons: 2nd Tues. of the Month at 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Northplace

GED Classes: Nov. 1, 8, 15 & 29 and Dec. 6 & 13 5 - 8 p.m.

Community Coffee: The last Friday of the month, 8 - 9 a.m., at Sachse Christian Church, 5005 Ben Davis Road, Sachse.

My Very Own Book Club: Nov. 16th from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Monthly Luncheons:

Classes will meet every Tuesday through December, following the same holiday schedule as Wylie ISD. All classes will be held in the Computer Lab and no registration is required.

My Very Own Book Club will meet every 3rd Wednesday. 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders are encouraged to read the book on their own time and then come to the meeting for discussion and a craft. The first 20 kids to sign up will get a free copy of this month’s selection A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting. My Very Own Book Club will not meet in December but will reconvene on January 18, 2012. The first 20 kids to sign up will get a free copy of January’s selection Snowmen by Caralyn Buehner.

Doll-A-Bration: Doll Crafts and Showcase: Nov. 14th from 4 - 7 p.m.

Calling all collectors! Let your dolls strut their stuff at our Doll-A-Bration! Whether resin or vinyl; Pullips, Barbies or BJDs, all collector and play dolls dressed in family-friendly attire are welcome in our showcase. Even if your doll’s a bit shy, owners ages 8 and up are invited to bring one in for sizing as you learn how to make doll-sized bead jewelry and no-sew fabric crafts. Children under the age of 8 accompanied by an adult are invited to make a paper doll in the Story Time Room. Please pick up or print out Guidelines and a Display and Exhibit Release Form from our website before the event

National Novel Writing Month - Nov. 1st - 30th

Come Write In! November is National Novel Writing Month when all aspiring novelists are challenged to draft a book in 30 days. In addition to checking out our writing resources and open spaces, writers and writing groups are invited to use the Conference Room during the dates and times below. Conference Room use is shared and first come, first served.

Tuesday, Nov. 1: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 12: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 19: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 30: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Holiday Concert: Dec. 8th at 6:30 p.m.

Listen to the sweet sounds of Wylie ISD’s flute choir as it performs music sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

MURPHY

murphychamber.org

972-805-3749

3rd Tues. of the Month at 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Community Room at the Murphy City Hall Complex, 206 N. Murphy Road, Murphy. R.S.V.P. by 11:59 a.m. on the Friday before the luncheon for discounted prepayment rate of $15 for members; $20 for non-members. After Noon and at the door on Tuesday, the charge is $20 for everyone. Go to www.murphytx.org to prepay or call 972-805-3749.

Nov. 15th - Guest speaker: Becky Schrader is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. Holiday dinner catered by Taste of Home.

Dec. 13th: Check the Murphy Chamber website for details.

Every Thursday Business Card Exchange: Join the Murphy Chamber of Commerce for a Business Card Exchange from 8 to 9 a.m. at Saxbys in Murphy Marketplace, 227 E FM 544, north side of FM 544, next to Tokyo Hayaci). Open to members and non-members. •

Submit Your Event to the Calendar!

To submit your special event to the January/February community calendar send an e-mail to theconnection.anne@mac.com no later than December 15th. Please include contact name, date(s), time(s), location, a publishable phone number, e-mail and/or web site for information. Only events that are open to the public (no “members only” events) are eligible, as space permits. THANKS!

www.wyliechamber.org • 25

Wylie Arts Festival

By Craig Kelly

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 3rd, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Parade at 5:30 p.m., Tree Lighting at 7 p.m.

Photo by Anne Hiney

T

he City of Wylie, the Public Arts Advisory Board, Garnet Hill Rehabilitation and Skilled Care, and Methodist Richardson Medical Center are proud to present the Wylie Arts Festival, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in downtown Wylie’s historic Olde City Park. Shop for fine art and handmade crafts with more than 90 vendors; listen to the sounds of the season; and enjoy festive foods. Admission is free.

Coventry booth at the 2010 Wylie Arts Festival featured handmade ceramic items from local special needs adults. www.coventryreserve.org

90 Arts & Craft Vendors The Wylie Arts Festival is the perfect opportunity to make a dent in your Christmas list or simply treat yourself. Stroll through the art and craft trails in Olde City Park and shop from more than 90 vendors, hand-picked by the Arts committee to ensure a diverse and unique selection of quality handmade fine art and craft items. From jewelry and home décor to clothing and paintings, plus gift items you will not find anywhere else, there is definitely something for everyone. And if that’s not enough, stop by and discover the many shops in downtown Wylie lining Ballard Avenue.

Featured Artist

Laurel White Drennan

When Laurel heard that the Arts Advisory Board was looking for submissions to represent the Arts Festival and be featured on the t-shirts, she jumped at the chance. Laurel says she is always looking for ways to challenge herself creatively, and the festival theme, “Light Up The Arts” was the perfect opportunity.

Laurel started her art career as a sculptor, moved into oldschool sign painting and then focused on residential murals.

She currently works as a full-time air brush artist for Graffixx Inc., a company in Tyler, TX, that creates school graphics and murals. Laurel’s murals can be found throughout the state of Texas.

Laurel says she does not specialize in any particular medium and loves colored pencils, paint, pastels, crayons and marker equally… anything that makes her become creative.

26 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Festive Foods Historic downtown will be filled with more than just the sights and sounds of the holidays on December 3, the smell of festive food will be in the air. Choose from your favorite fair foods including funnel cakes, kettle corn, turkey legs, corn dogs, tater twisters, sausage on a stick, and funnel fries. Or savor the brisket sandwiches, catfish, quesadillas, jambalaya, tacos, beans and rice, baked potatoes and more. Desserts? You will have to stop by and check out the selection.

Sounds of the Season The children’s area will feature one of the largest selections of inflatables in the area including bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses. The Wylie FFA will provide a petting zoo and pony rides. Storytimes will be scheduled throughout the day hosted by the Smith Public Library. Sit down on a bale of hay, or blanket, and enjoy puppets, activities and storytelling. Kids can also make sand art, have their face painted, or interact with the roaming magician.

Community Art One of the more unique and much anticipated activities at this year’s festival is the 5 foot by 18 foot Community Canvas.

Kids of all ages will have the opportunity, under the supervision of an artist, to help create a masterpiece. This unique, colorful, community art piece will be hung in the Wylie Recreation Center for all to see. Art work by Wylie Independent School District students, created with the theme “Light Up The Arts”, will also be on display.

Performances Throughout the day elementary school choirs, dance groups and local musicians will be performing on stage in Olde City Park. Kids singing Christmas carols, or three year olds dancing to “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” will bring a smile to anyone’s face. New to this year’s event are roaming vocal and instrumental musicians performing at various times and locations throughout the park.

Parade & Tree Lighting The tradition continues at 5:30 p.m. with the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade, sponsored by First Baptist Wylie and the Downtown Merchants Association. Top off the evening with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. featuring Mayor Eric Hogue’s reading of The Night Before Christmas and music

by The Daughters of Higher Mark. This thirty member, all female choir, will lift their voices and usher in the Christmas season.

For more details on the Wylie Arts Festival, Festival of Lights Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, go to www.wylietexas.gov. •

www.wyliechamber.org • 27

Wylie Eye Center Welcome Dr. W. Patrick Parks!

Wylie Eye Center, TSO is pleased to announce the addition of another doctor, Dr. W. Patrick Parks. Dr. Parks has trained and accrued experience in everything from comprehensive eye evaluations to providing urgent trauma care. He’s also adept at treating infections and consulting with patients regarding surgical operations. We now have two great doctors on board, and whether you see Dr. Anderson or Dr. Parks, we are sure you will have a first-class experience.

Dr. Parks studied biology & premedical science at the University of Georgia from 1991 to 1995.

He then earned both a bachelors degree in Vision Science and his Doctorate degree in Optometry at Nova Southeastern University. Recognizing his high academic achievements, he was elected to the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society.

During his college years, Dr. Parks worked as an ophthalmic lab technician and optician. This included complete ophthalmic lens fabrication, production equipment maintenance, and optical dispensing. Upon graduating, he received recognition with an Excellence in Ophthalmic Dispensing Award from Essilor, a

• Comprehensive Eye Examination • Treatment of Eye Infections and Dry Eye • Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma • LASIK Evaluations and Management • Contact Lens Fitting for All Ages • Gas Permeable Contact Lens Specialist 28 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

world-leading lens manufacturer. His experience as an optician gives him insight into patients’ unique visual needs that other optometrists may not possess.

Dr. Parks has completed a series of clinical rotations including experience in advanced studies of glaucoma therapies, LASIK co-management, and treatment of ocular disease. His training also afforded him extensive knowledge in contact lens management, including the more challenging clinical cases.

In his spare time, Dr. Parks enjoys digital photography, cooking, and classic German cars. He most enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Renira, were high school sweethearts and have many stories to tell of their journey from small-town Georgia to Wylie. Dr. Parks’ family has called Wylie their home for five years and he’s excited to move his practice family here, too.

Please join us for an Open House to welcome Dr. Parks to the Wylie Eye Center, TSO, on Sat., Dec. 3rd at noon. Enjoy door prizes and treats from Say It With Sugar!

Wylie Eye Center, TSO is a full service eye care center located in Historic Downtown Wylie. Call us at 972-4299090 to schedule your appointment.

Open Monday – Friday and every first and third Saturday of each month.

Remember to use your flex spending before the end of the year!

(972)429-9090 www.TSO.com 117 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie

Gift Shopping Close to Home

Shopping CONNECTION

With Your Local Small Businesses This Holiday Season

I

By Moriah Walton

t’s that time of year: the holidays are upon us! Along with the lights and cards, it is time to pull out our gift lists. But this year, instead of heading for the big-box, big-name stores, why not check out the excellent local shopping scene?

Below are just some of the wonderful shops, stores, and boutiques in the local area.

Downtown Wylie Area

Located on Ballard Street in Historic Downtown Wylie, Shoemaker and Hardt is my personal first stop when I start shopping for gifts. This delightfully eclectic place is not only a coffee shop; it also has an old-fashioned candy counter, as well as a sprawling collection of antiques and interesting gift ideas. From classic toys, like marbles and slingshots, to unique accessories and décor, this store has it all for all ages. If you cannot decide what to buy, then you can always purchase a gift card.

This also makes the perfect gift for any coffee-lovers on your list, as Shoemaker and Hardt’s assortment of drinks and sweets rivals all of the chain coffee shops in town.

Rick’s Home Store is brimming with rustic charm. They specialize in home furniture and décor, but also offer ladies accessories and gifts, as well as delicious Twisted Pepper Co. products.

Carroll Jewelry and All Gussied Up are conveniently located together in the same shop. Mike Carroll offers a beautiful selection of jewelry to purchase, as well as custom pieces and repair services while All Gussied Up has a great selection of ladies clothing and accessories.

Mi Amor Boutique is perfect for the trendy members on your list. The husband and wife team who operate the store are always up on the latest fashions and stock their store accordingly. The modern boutique boasts a wide collection of outfits and accessories that will make any fashion-forward woman or girl’s Christmas.

Say it with Sugar Cake Shop is ideal for those who like to give baked goodies at the holidays. The bakers have been featured on the Food Network Challenge, and their selection of custom cakes, cookies, and other desserts make truly sweet gifts indeed.

Ballard Street Music Company/School of the Performing Arts is the place to go for performers and music-lovers. Whether you want a gift certificate for a semester of dance for your niece, music lessons for your son, or a top-quality instrument or sheet music for your best friend, you will find what you need here. And if you cannot find what you are looking for, the friendly and knowledgeable staff can often order it for you.

If you are looking for a gift with a personal touch, the newly opened Crafter’s Co-Op is a treasure trove of hand crafted

items created by locals. The Co-Op is located in the front corner of the “Q” building at the intersection of Jefferson and Ballard, which is also where you will find the Wylie Art Gallery. The Gallery features a nice variety of affordable original works of art in styles ranging from impressionistic to modern, including photography, sculpture and ceramic pieces from Coventry Reserve.

Candy and Jam Antiques and Collectibles is situated just down E. Oak Street. As an antique and resale shop, their stock is ever-changing, so you always have a chance to find something new and unique. Depending on what you are looking for, there is also the likely chance that you will find a great deal on it.

Murphy Area

Unique Fashions, located at FM 544 and McCreary, offers a great collection of new and trendy fashions for women and men. Brands they carry include, but aren’t limited to, Miss Me, True Religion, Rock Revival, Rebel Spirit, Salvage, Mek, Affliction, and Sinful. Accessories and shoes are available as well.

En Fuego Tobacco Shop is a father and sons owned cigar and pipe tobacco shop located in the Murphy Market Center. Featuring a nice selection of cigars and tobaccos, En Fuego also offers a lounge where “the guys” can come hang out, watch a ball game and share their passion for cigars.

Classic Gardens and Landscape Co. is just the place to shop for the outdoorsy or more eco-conscious friend or family member. The store can be found right off 544 in Murphy, and boasts a wide variety of plants and gardening accessories for everyone from the first-time houseplant owner to the orchardgrowing professional gardener.

Can’t decide what to buy?

Do you have a “hard to buy for” friend or family member??

Wylie Flower and Gift in Downtown Wylie can send the perfect holiday table arrangement or bouquet to that person who has everything! Remember... Shop Local! •

www.DiscoverWylie.com www.wyliechamber.org • 29

Wylie Lions Club Thanksgiving Turkey & Ham Sale

Sachse Police Department Collects Toys & Food For Needy Families The Fraternal Order of Police Toy and Food Drive will deliver toys and food to needy Sachse families for the 13th year. The Sachse Police Department collects new, unwrapped toys, nonperishable food items, and monetary donations to help families have a better Christmas. Residents may bring donations to the Public Safety Building, 3815 Sachse Road, Building D, any time between November 21st and December 16th. If you have questions, or if you know of a family in need, please contact Officer Oliver at 972.495.2271, ext. 1222.

30 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

The Wylie Lions Club annual Fried and Smoked Turkey and Smoked Ham sale is going on thru Nov. 17th. Turkeys (12-14lbs.) can be ordered either fried (with a creole butter or spicy injection) or smoked for $40. Smoked hams (9-11lbs.) are $45. All proceeds benefit our local community. Cooking and pick-up will be on Nov. 21st & 22nd. Go to http://thewylielionsclub.org to print an order form. Contact Natalie Daniel at natalie@all-pestsolutions.com or 972-442-1169 for more info. or to place your order. Thank you!

Look Younger - Feel Younger - Live Younger YOGA Belly Dancing ZUMBA Fitness Boot Camp

Nu Skin and Pharmanex antiaging products & supplements Anti-oxidant Scanning Weight Management “The Difference Demonstrated” Call for an appointment

Want to change the way you age?

Contact Charlotte at 214•282•9058 121 N. Ballard Ave., Downtown Wylie

www.emeraldlotus.com

SUN LOUNGE TANNING STUDIO

Now Available!

Red Light Therapy

• Anti-Aging • Firming & Toning • Collagen Replacing To learn more about the benefits of Red Light Therapy go to

www.beautyangel.us

Tues-Thurs: 10am-6pm Fri-Sat: 10am-5pm

the crafter’s co-op THE place to buy and sell crafts ✿ A place where crafters will realize more in profits than expenses ✿ A place where God-given talents are showcased in specially crafted gifts for your shopping pleasure ✿ A place for quality gifts at affordable prices ✿ A fun gathering place so don’t miss it!!!

972-429-3500

201 N. Ballard St. Suite 101 Wylie, TX 75098

On Facebook at The Crafter’s Co-op

www.WylieArtGallery.com

Tues - Sat 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

LLC

Call or Email to s e s Register Today! s a g ClWages 2:30 p.m. . n i t n .p.m ai ew OilhPArtist Anyd-r 11:30 a.maturdays 1-3

972-941-8181 120 N. Ballard Ave. • Wylie

www.sunloungewylie.com

Wit y Tuesda s–S 214.693.9518 lassee only $20 C Ever s ’ en sses ar r d l i wylieartgallery@yahoo.com Ch Art Cla All 201 N. Ballard Ave., Ste. 100, Wylie

Monday-Friday Lunch Special - $5.99

Happy Holidays “Thanks to all our customers for choosing us as one of your favorite dining experiences!”

www.the350project.net

(Includes Entree with 2 Vegetables)

Mon. - Chicken Fried Steak Tues. - Grilled Chicken Breast Wed. - Pork Roast Thurs. - Chicken & Dressing Fri. - Meat Loaf

Breakfast Served All Day Open 7 Days a Week

Mon. thru Sat. - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday - 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

972-442-0453

112 N. Ballard Ave. in Downtown Wylie

www.ballardstreetcafe.com

SHOP LOCAL!

Shop Wylie’s Downtown Merchants

ageLESS at any AGE

www.wyliechamber.org • 31 www.discoverwylie.com

CONNECTION Chamber Welcome New Chamber Members! www.wyliechamber.org 250 S. Hwy. 78 Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804

murphychamber.org McDermott Networking, LLC Michael McDermott 214-741-5150 mcdermottnetworking.com We apologize for not listing McDermott Networking’s website in our last issue.

PFS Investments Brad Benton 214-906-4119 www.primerica.com/bradbenton Priceless Memories Scrapbooking Retreat Rita Barnhart 972-978-4538 pricelessmemoriesretreat.com Fast Pace Courier Services Corey Parker, Sr. 214-431-7765 www.fpcourier.info Better Design Resources Bryan Rogers 214-773-6460 BetterDesignResources.com Chick-fil-A Murphy Matt Webber 972-509-2700 www.chick-fil-a.com All Around Girl “In A Jam…Call Pam” Pam Arnell 469-585-1457 pamarnell@yahoo.com Allstate Brunk Insurance Agency Steve Brunk 972-442-5225 www.allstate.com/brunk ACS Surveillance Alim Chishti 214-727-0807 www.acssurveillance.com

32 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Double Throw Down BBQ Ken Swayze 972-880-1974 dtdbbq.com

120 E. FM 544 Ste. 72 PMB 157 Murphy, TX 75094 972-805-3749

Villa Vinci Flamur Derguti 972-429-4799 www.villavincitx.com

Detroit Custom & Collision Automotive Carman Rayner 972-530-9237 www.DetroitCustomandCollision.com

CENTURY 21 The Castle Company David Barnhart 972-442-7508 www.century21castle.com

ACD Learning Solutions Allen Krom 2972-768-6073 www.acdlearningsolutions.com

Desired Glamour Amanda Peterson 214-605-7945 DesiredGlamour.com

All Around Girl Pam Arnell 469-585-1457 pamarnell@yahoo.com

The Crafter’s Co-Op Terry Lancaster 972-429-3500 thecrafterscoop1@gmail.com

Don Dennis Massage Don Dennis 214-450-7199 www.dondennismassage.com

Mi Amor Boutique Debbie Scoggins 972-429-3538 www.miamorboutique.com

HD Remodeling Ed Williamson - Sales Consultant 214-244-4271 www.hdremodel.com

A Healing Art Massage Darci LaBonte 469-500-7775 ahamassagedarci@gmail.com

Jose Santamaria’s Karate & Kickboxing Jose Santamaria 972-918-9994 www.startkarate.com

Delight Your Scents Niloufer Watkins 469-286-7891 www.delightyourscents.com

Orchard Park of Murphy Matt Johnson 469-619-5418 www.opmurphy.com

Walton CPA Twilla Walton CPA, JD 972-200-7335 www.waltoncpa.com

www.sachsechamber.com

Emma Age - 4

2924 5th Street Sachse, Texas 75048 972-496-1212

Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe Elizabeth Blanford 972-495-7969 www.lizziebeesflowershoppe.com

Jose Santamaria’s Karate & Kickboxing 972- 918-9994 www.garlandkickboxing.com

Faith Baptist Church Pastor Gregory Kelley 972-530-0994 www.faithibc.org

Pursuit Christian Fellowship Pastor Rick Wood 972-495-1327 thepursuitdallas.com

White Tiger Martial Arts Kerri Devine 972-530-3737 www.mywhitetigermartialarts.com

Coloring Contest Winners!

Thank you to all the kids who entered our Halloween Coloring Contest - you all did a great job. It was hard to decide, but these three are the entries chosen as the scariest from each age group. Congratulations!!

Ben - Age 6

Daisy - Age 7

www.wyliechamber.org • 33

CONNECTION Health Service makes us SHINE Methodist Richardson Medical Center Auxiliary

By Mary Katherine DeBardeleben

T

hanks to the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Auxiliary — a powerhouse of volunteers and fundraisers — the hospital is able to bring even more enhanced care to the community.

The Auxiliary is dedicated to service. In one month alone, its 211 volunteers served 3,643 hours, equaling the work of 21 full-time employees at a value of $78,220. That service freed up time for staff members to spend with patients and financial resources for advancing hospital services.

Their time may also include hours spent outside the hospital halls, organizing fundraisers, collecting children’s books for the emergency department waiting room, or sewing cough pillow covers and prayer shawls for patients.

AN ARMY OF LOVE: At last year’s volunteer banquet, the Auxiliary celebrated a year of service together.

NO STEALING COOKIES HERE!: The bake sale crew sold tasty treats to support hospital services.

Time well spent

“We are probably the only auxiliary in North Texas that has our service schedule set up the way we do,” Methodist Richardson Auxiliary President Jane Seiboldt says.

Each volunteer commits to at least one four-hour shift a week. Every hour, the volunteer rotates responsibilities.

“I would not be here if they told me I’d be at a desk for four hours,” Seiboldt says, laughing. A shift may be as diverse as pharmacy and flower deliveries, serving at an information desk, or assisting in the surgery waiting room.

In the midst of service, the volunteers form strong friendships. “We are a family,” Seiboldt says. “Since we’re on the same shifts every week, we have lifetime friends. We are an eclectic group of retired people, professionals, college students, and young parents. It’s a nice group of interesting people who believe in serving others.”

The fun in fundraising

The Auxiliary also fundraises for the hospital, hosting bake sales, jewelry sales, and during National Nurses Week, a uniform sale. And if you step into Medical Plaza I, you can’t miss the aroma of delicious popcorn for sale, the proceeds from which go straight to the hospital.

The formation of future auxilians also rests with the Auxiliary, which recruits and works with Junior Volunteers. These teens learn to serve using their talents — for example, playing the piano in the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center lobby — and how to plan philanthropic events. This summer, the teens organized a gift basket raffle and Bunco night, bringing in $2,500 for the hospital. • 34 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Thank you! Your gift kept giving

Last year, your donation to the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation made a difference.

It took aim at breast cancer, bringing tumortargeting brachytherapy to the Methodist Richardson Cancer Center. It brought a robot — the da Vinci® Surgical System — into the operating room, enhancing precision and reducing pain, scarring, and recovery time for patients. And it got needed medical care to uninsured and underinsured men and women in Richardson.

“Contributing to Methodist Richardson improves the health of the community,” Foundation Director Ann Bartnik says. “It allows us to not only offer great programs and great equipment at two hospitals, but it also allows us to offer care for patients in their greatest time of need. Every gift matters.”

To include the Foundation in your tax-deductible end-of-year giving or to get involved, visit our website at www.MethodistHealthSystem. org/RichardsonFoundation or call Ann Bartnik at 972-498-7678.

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www.wyliechamber.org • 35

CONNECTION Water Drought Conditions and Stage 3 Water Restrictions Due to the severe drought conditions the North Texas Municipal Water District has requested that cities initiate Stage 3 of their Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan.

Wylie Water Conservation Plan: Landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems is limited to once every two weeks between November 1 and March 31 according to your trash day. An exception is allowed for landscape associated with new construction that may be watered as necessary for 30 days from the date of the certificate of occupancy, temporary certificate of occupancy, or certificate of completion.

WATER ON YOUR TRASH DAY IN WYLIE Monday

Tuesday

11/07/11 11/21/11 12/05/11 12/19/11 01/02/12 01/16/12 01/30/12 02/13/12 02/27/12 03/12/12 03/16/12

11/01/11 11/15/11 11/29/11 12/13/11 12/27/11 01/10/12 01/24/12 02/07/12 02/21/12 03/06/12 03/20/12

Wednesday Thursday

11/09/11 11/23/11 12/07/11 12/21/11 01/04/12 01/18/12 02/01/12 02/15/12 02/29/12 03/14/12 03/27/12

11/03/11 11/17/11 12/01/11 12/15/11 12/29/11 01/12/12 01/26/12 02/09/12 02/23/12 03/08/12 03/22/12

Friday

11/11/11 11/25/11 12/09/11 12/23/11 01/06/12 01/20/12 02/03/12 02/17/12 03/02/12 03/16/12 03/30/12

• No hosing of paved areas, buildings, or windows. (Pressure washing of impervious surfaces is allowed.)

• No operation of all ornamental fountains or other amenity impoundments using treated water.

• No washing or rinsing of vehicles by hose except with a hose end cutoff nozzle.

• Prohibit using water in such a manner as to allow runoff or other waste.

• Foundations, new landscaping, new plantings (first year) of shrubs, and trees may be watered for up to 2 hours on any day by a hand-held hose, a soaker hose, or a dedicated zone using a drip irrigation system.

• No hydroseeding, hydromulching, and sprigging.

• Existing swimming pools may not be drained and refilled (except to replace normal water loss).

• Rain and freeze sensors and/or ET or Smart controllers required on all new irrigation systems. Rain and freeze sensors and/or ET or Smart controllers must be maintained to function properly and may operate without restriction.

• Prohibits the planting of cool season grasses such as rye grass or other similar grasses (except for golf course and public athletic fields).

36 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

• Please be aware that golf courses may water greens and tee boxes without restrictions and public athletic fields used for competition may be watered twice per week.

For more information go to www.ci.wylie.tx.us

Murphy Water Conservation Plan: During the entire Stage 3 period, which runs from Nov. 1 to March 31, customers may use sprinklers or irrigation systems twice monthly for yard watering, generally on alternating Thursdays for the three zones in the City. The zones are clearly divided: North of FM 544, Zone 1 is east of Murphy Rd., Zone 2 is west of Murphy Road, South of FM 544 is Zone 3.

Note: All schools, City facilities, businesses, homeowner associations, and non-residential facilities will follow the Zone 3 watering schedule.

MURPHY WATER DAY IS: THURSDAY MONTH NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR ZONE 1 3 & 17 1 & 15 5 & 19 2 & 16 1 & 15 ZONE 2 3 & 17 1 & 15 5 & 19 2 & 16 1 & 15 ZONE 3 10 & 24 8 & 22 12 & 26 9 & 23 8 & 22 Stage 3 is being implemented because of the lingering drought and a critically short water supply. That’s why active enforcement of these restrictions will be increased to roundthe-clock patrolling. Warnings will not be issued and citations will come with significant fines for each violation. To lessen the chance of an inadvertent violation, residents are encouraged to turn off automatic or timed irrigation controllers and use the manual watering feature during Stage 3.

In addition to the watering restrictions, hydroseeding, hydromulching, and sprigging of any grass species is prohibited.

Planting or watering of any cool season grass species such as ryegrass is also a violation. Existing swimming pools may not be drained and refilled except to replace normal water loss.

However, permits to construct new pools may continue to be issued and the pools may be constructed and filled with water.

Hosing of paved areas, buildings, or windows is not allowed, but pressure washing of impervious surfaces is allowed. Also prohibited are the operations of all ornamental fountains or similar amenities that use treated water as well as washing or rinsing of vehicles by hose unless a shut-off nozzle is attached to the hose.

Nevertheless, there are some allowances in Stage 3. For example, foundations, shrubs and trees may be watered up to two hours any day by hand-held hose, a soaker hose, or a dedicated zone using drip irrigation systems.

For more information go to www.murphytx.org

SASHA

LOVES RMH Dallas

Sachse Water Conservation Plan: Residents’ designated day for watering is the day their recycle is picked up. If you are uncertain which day, please refer to the map at www.cityofsachse.com for your recycle pick up area.

Find your location, the day of your pickup, and whether you are in the yellow or blue zone. Then refer to the calendar (also at www.cityofsachse.com) for the recycle pick up schedule. If you are located in a yellow zone, the weeks shaded in yellow are your week for recycle pick up and you are allowed to water on the day that your recycle is picked up during that week. If you are in the blue zone, you will water on the day of your recycle pick up during the weeks shaded in blue. These are the only days you are allowed to water.

If you have any questions about watering, please contact Public Works at 972.495.7600.

DALLAS

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Other restrictions associated with Stage 3:

• Cars can only be washed using a hose with a shutoff nozzle.

• Pools can only be replenished, not drained and refilled.

• Fountains must be turned off unless they use recycled water.

The severity of the summer drought has left NTMWD no choice but to implement Stage 3. Demand is projected to exceed supply as Lake Lavon, the main source for water, is less than 45% of its conservation pool. Because of zebra mussels, NTMWD cannot pull from Lake Texoma until its water temperature reaches below 54 degrees, a source which normally supplies our area with 28% of our water demand.

For more information go to www.cityofsachse.com •

FUNDRAISER

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 proceeds to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

For more info, or to join this campaign contact Niloufer Watkins at nilouferw@delightyourscents.com www.delightyourscents.com/p/ronald-mcdonald-house-scentsy-buddy.html Fundraiser is ongoing until February 15, 2012. *The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) exists to serve and sustain families when serious illness or injury strikes the most cherished part of their lives, their children. RMHD is the only organization that provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious illness or injury at a Dallas area hospital. In an effort to lessen the burden, reduce stress, keep the family intact, and enhance the quality of life for these families, the RMHD provides affordable housing in a caring home-like atmosphere.

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CONNECTION Home

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1. Inspect your furnace. Before you turn on that furnace for

2.

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4.

5.

6.

H AV E YO U T R I E D U S Y E T ?

7 2009 We Gladly Accept

38 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

7.

the first time this winter, have an HVAC professional come check it out and give it a tune-up. They’ll make sure your furnace is running efficiently and safely. During a furnace inspection the HVAC pro will likely do the following: a safety check for carbon monoxide, clean and replace air filters, check blower operation, clean motor and fan, inspect gas piping to furnace. A furnace inspection will set you back $100 or more, but the energy savings and your family’s safety is well worth the investment. You might get the bad news that you need to replace the entire furnace. If that’s the case, take advantage of federal tax credits for new furnaces, which cover 10% of the cost, up to $500. This credit expires Dec. 31, 2011. Go to www.energystar. gov for details.

Clean and inspect heating ducts. While the HVAC pro is at your house inspecting your furnace, have them do the same to your heating ducts. Studies have shown that up to 60% of heated air escapes from ducts before making it to the vents. That’s a lot of money leaking out of your pocket. The HVAC pro can check for any leaks in your air duct system and then take steps to seal them.

Trim nearby trees. If you have any tree branches hanging near your roof, windows, or driveways, trim them back. Snow and ice will weigh them down and possibly cause them to break.

Reverse ceiling fans. Most people don’t know that you can use your fans during the winter to keep your house warm. On every ceiling fan there’s a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the blades. Don’t forget to switch it back again when it starts to warm up!

Block air leaks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. To find those leaks use the Black and Decker Thermal Leak Detector. You’re likely to find drafts underneath doors and near windows. If you find a leak underneath your door put a draft snake across the bottom of it. A simple rolled up bath towel will work. If you have leaks near your windows, get some weatherresistant caulk and caulk them from the outside. You can use weather stripping as well. Other places you might want to check for leaks are where pipes and wires exit your foundation.

Replace your furnace filter regularly. Regularly change your furnace’s filters throughout the winter. A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency, and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. You might consider replacing your disposable filters with reusable electrostatic or electronic ones. You just have to give them a monthly wash, and they’re good to go another round.

Install storm doors and windows. Storm doors and windows can increase energy efficiency in your home by 45%. You

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install storm doors and windows on the outside of your regular doors and windows. Federal tax credits are available to help offset the cost of purchasing them.

8. Check your insulation. Simply adding more fiberglass insulation in your attic can boost the energy efficiency in your home. You need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic.

If your insulation falls short, just add another layer of the pink or yellow itchy stuff. If you’re adding new insulation to your current insulation, make sure the new insulation doesn’t have a paperbacking. The paper acts as a vapor barrier and can cause problems for you down the road.

9. Wrap your pipes. Insulating your pipes reduces heat loss and can raise hot water temperatures delivered through your pipes, which allows you to reduce the heat on your boiler. That will save you money on your gas bill. And, by making your pipes energy efficient, you also don’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on the shower, which helps conserve water and time. Wrapping your pipes with insulation will also help prevent your pipes from freezing during those long cold nights. You can get pre-slit pipe foam at the hardware store. Simply cut the foam to the length you need, wrap it around the pipe, and fasten it in place with duct tape.

10. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Winter sees an uptick in the number of home fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning because people are running their furnaces and boilers overtime in order to keep warm. To keep your family safe, check the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change them if needed.

11. Prepare a 72-hour kit. During a big ice storm your house could lose power for several days. And the roads, covered with a layer of ice, make it treacherous to drive. It’s beneficial to have a 72-hour kit stocked with food, water, and other supplies. You can buy pre-made 72-hour kits online or at most camping and outdoor stores. Better yet, save some $$ by making your own 72-hour kit.

12. Get your chimney inspected. Before you start roasting chestnuts on an open fire, have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney. Thousands of fires each winter originate in chimneys. A chimney sweep can check the structure of your flue and remove any combustibles or obstructions in your chimney.

13. Wear a sweater. One of the easiest ways to lower your energy bill is to harness your inner Jimmy Carter by putting on a sweater while you’re in the house. A heavy sweater adds about 4 degrees of warmth to your body. If you set your thermostat to 68 degrees and wear a sweater, your abode will feel like a balmy 72. Nice!

14. Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams occur when water backs up and freezes near the edge of the roof. The ice continues to build up and eventually forms “dams” that block the path of melted snow from your roof. Water starts pooling in mini reservoirs and begins to seep into your house, causing water damage. To prevent ice dams, clean out the dead leaves and other gunk in your gutters so water can drain freely. •

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40 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Discover the lighthouse difference.

CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE OF WYLIE

3465 FM 544, Wylie • 972-442-3100 www.childrenslighthouse.com/wylie

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Our mission at Childrens Lighthouse is to provide safe, quality, loving care and educational services. We aspire to promote the positive development of young children in all areas of growth including social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. We commit to the most comprehensive educational materials available - ABEKA. Childrens Lighthouse offers age-appropriate classrooms for optimal learning. Our ® nurturing environment is designed to foster security and happiness.

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pre-k/kindergarten curriculum • • • • • • • • • •

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www.wyliechamber.org • 41

New Hope Christian Church Christmas Services: Friday, December 23rd 7:00pm Saturday, December 24th 4:30pm & 6:00pm Regular Sunday Services 9:30am & 11:00am

Come Home to Christmas at Wylie United Methodist Church Living Nativity & Display December 18th at 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 1100 W. Brown St., Wylie, TX 75098

www.newhopechristian.org Rediscover the True Meaning of Christmas Sundays in December – 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – 4:00 & 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Morning Family Worship – 11:00 a.m.

5 p.m.

Featuring Christmas Pageant for Young Families with Children, and Cookies

7 p.m.

Traditional Worship with Communion

11 p.m.

Traditional Worship with Communion

Keeping the Christ in Christmas

2201 Country Club Rd Wylie, TX 75098

972.429.0400

“A Fun Place to Get Serious About God”

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1401 N. FM 1378 at McMillen, Wylie

972-442-5835

www.wylieumc.org

New Message Series:

“X Mess” touching heaven changing earth

Relatives, Travel, and Shopping may leave you spinning.

Sundays, Dec. 4th - 25th

CELEBRATE WITH US

www.wyliechristmas.com

Christmas Eve: Sat., Dec 24 - 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

7520 Woodcreek Way, Sachse, TX 75048

Christmas Day: Sun., Dec. 25 - 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

New Years Day: Sun., Jan. 1 - 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

Journey to Bethlehem Drive-Thru Nativity

www.fbcwylie.org

100 N. 1st Street, Wylie, Texas 75098

972-442-2261

42 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

Saturday, December 3rd 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Live actors and animals help bring the Christmas story to life!

Corner of Parker & Spring Creek, www.firstmethodistplano.org

Community CONNECTION

Get Involved With Our Local Organizations American Legion Post 315 meets the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at East Fork Masonic Lodge, 508 Parker Rd., Wylie, Texas. For more info. contact Don Lange at 214-232-9662 or find us on Facebook at American Legion Post 315.

Christian Care Center

helps those who are down on their luck by providing temporary help with food, clothes, rent, utilities, school supplies and household items. The Center receives no government assistance, is run by volunteer workers and is supported by local churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations and individuals. It’s always in need of canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, fruit and tomato products, and monetary donations. To donate or volunteer, contact the Christian Care Center at 972-442-4341.

Dyslexia Advocates of Wylie

is a Parent Support Group for parents of dyslexic children. Go to www.dyslexiaadvocatesofwylie.com for more info.

Exchange Club of Murphy is a volunteer service organization for people who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships. Programs include: Child Abuse Prevention, Americanism, Community Service and Youth Activities. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Country Burger, 104 N. Murphy Rd., Ste. 210, Murphy, TX 75094. www.exchangeclubofmurphytexas.org Friends of the Sachse Library

meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Sachse Library, 3815 Sachse Road. Contact the Sachse Public Library for more details at 972-530-8966.

Garland Quilt Guild

meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at First Presbyterian Church, 930 West Avenue B, in Garland at 7 p.m. (except December) Located at the corner of 9th Street and Avenue B in Garland. For more info visit www.garlandquiltguild.com.

Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc. presents a Free Genealogy Seminar

on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at the W.O. Haggard Library Program Room, 2501 Coit Road, Plano. Public is welcome. For info. visit www.GenealogyFriends.org,

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center is a non-profit organization

dedicated to the rescue of exotic felines. Visit www.insyncexotics.com for more info. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 972-442-6888.

MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachse

is a non-profit support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Activities include monthly meetings with guest speakers, play groups, park days, MOMS Night Out, field trips and more. We participate in service projects to benefit children in the community. Please visit murphysachsemomsclub.webs.com for further info.

Moms & More all caretakers, whether you are a

Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent or Nanny are welcome. We accept members from Wylie and the surrounding communities and have many activities for children and their caretakers. We meet the 1st Thursday of the month.

Contact us at Diva@wyliemomsandmore.org or for more info. go to www.wyliemomsandmore.org.

MOPS of Sachse/Wylie/Murphy Mothers of Preschoolers meet at Park Lake Church at 3702 Sachse Road in Sachse on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays (September-May) from 9 - 11:30 a.m. Mothers with children from birth through kindergarten are invited. Childcare is included with semester MOPS dues. To RSVP or for more information call Park Lake Church at 972- 414-0600, e-mail mops@parklakechurch.com, or visit www.mops.org.

N Cupids Defense NCD is designed to help mar-

ried couples deal with various issues that arise throughout their marriage. E=MC² - Encourage and Mentor Married Couples through Christ. Visit ncupidsdefense.org or contact Teniqua Williams at info@ncupidsdefense.org for more info. and a schedule of events.

Sachse Historical Society meets the 3rd Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m., Sachse Historical Museum, 3033 6th Street. Museum is open for visitors every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and by appointment for visitors and tours, 972-495-1231. Visit www.sachsehistoricalsociety.org for more info.

Sachse Lion’s Club

meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Steak Kountry, 7010 Highway 78 in Sachse. The Lion’s Club participates in several fundraisers throughout the year, including the Sewell Elementary pancake breakfast, where half of the proceeds go back to the Sewell PTA, and the turkey leg food booth at the Sachse Fallfest. The funds raised benefit several organizations including the Blind Leader Dog program and Air Challenge, a program that takes disabled children for airplane rides. They also support the Vision Impaired Olympics summer camp for kids and assist with building Habitat for Humanity homes.

Sachse Pet Pals volunteer organization works with Sachse Animal Control to enhance adoption rates and help with pet medical expenses on a financial need basis.

Contact Peggy Strong at 972-495-9645 for more info.

Tr ini t y Trai l Prese r vat ion Association (TTPA) is an all-volunteer

equestrian organization that maintains the 9 mile long trail on the Corps of Engineers land along Lavon Lake. TTPA networks with other trail riders, sponsors trail rides and cookouts, hosts quarterly meetings with speakers on horse-related issues, holds family type activities such as scavenger hunts on horseback, fun poker rides and educational clinics. www.trinitytrailriders.org

WASA (Wylie Advocates for Senior Activities, Inc.) Join us to promote and support the

growth of senior activities in the Wylie area. We work to raise funds to outfit the Senior Center, provide a safe and senior-friendly environment and home base for classes, meetings, lessons, fellowship and community-beneficial activities. WASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Contact us at 972-442-1971 or wasainc34@gmail.com.

Wylie Friends of the Library meets the 3rd

Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. at the Rita and Truett Smith Public Library, 800 Thomas, in the Bluebonnet Room, 972-442-7566.

Wylie Is H.O.P.E

(Helping Other People Everyday) works to make a difference in our community

by helping other people. We support the Wylie ISD school supply drive, Reach for a Star Christmas gift drive, Relay

for Life of Wylie/Sachse/Murphy and other local efforts to help others. Contact us at wylieishope@yahoo.com and find us online at www.WylieIsHope.com and on Facebook at Wylie Is H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday).

Wylie Lions Club

meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at American National Bank in Wylie at noon. Anyone interested in becoming a Lion is welcome to join the group for lunch. Call Ada Mooney for more info. at 972-771-5551. http://thewylielionsclub.org

Wylie Evening Lions Club

meets the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at American National Bank in Wylie at 7 p.m. Contact Carl Bodine at 469-9514344 for info. wylieeveninglionsclub.org

Wylie Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 12 noon at the Woodbridge Country Club. Contact Bryan Brokaw: bryan.brokaw@edwardjones.com for additional info.

Wylie Tea Party meets the last Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Taste of Home, 302 N. Ballard, in historic downtown Wylie. http://75098.commonsensetexans.net Wylie Wisecrackers is a Toastmasters club serving Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, and Lavon, meets every Wednesday from 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m. at American National Bank in Wylie: 301 S. Hwy. 78. All are welcome. Members practice effective public speaking techniques, gain valuable leadership experience, and, thus, gain personal confidence. www.wylie.freetoasthost.com.

Wylie Women’s League Meets the 1st Thursday of each month. Contact Cathy Hanson at 972442-7495 or wyliewl@ymail.com for more info. www. wyliewl.org •

FREE Ladies Self Defense Class Saturday November 19th 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Saturday December 17th 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Offered by Wylie Karate 1234 Parker Rd., Wylie 214-293-8057 wyliekarate.com

Call for more details. www.wyliechamber.org • 43

CONNECTION Money Has Wall Street Learned from 2008?

Some market bears think very little has changed. They could be right.

Provided by Jal Dennis Group

M

emories of 2008 are still fresh: The credit crisis; the collapse of Lehman Brothers and Washington Mutual; the federal takeover of Fannie and Freddie; the market downturn.

There’s little doubt Wall Street would like to erase it all from its conscience, and maybe it has.

Part of the anger of the Occupy Wall Street movement comes from the perception that nothing has changed. While the DoddFrank Act (designed to make the financial system more accountable and transparent) is now taking effect, the Volcker Rule (intended to stop banks from trading for their own accounts) may be watered down or put off.

Beyond that, the U.S. economic recovery from the Great Recession has sputtered and made people question the recent bullish sentiment.

Stocks have rebounded strongly since 2009, but there are still many factors to worry about; this may lead to a little contrarian thinking.

This bull market may be a diversion from a secular bear market. For most of 2011, the S&P 500 has been above 1,200 (a great rebound from the March 2009 low of 676).

What was behind that? The short answer: a weak dollar. We haven’t exactly had a boom economy in that time frame.

Some analysts look at Wall Street right now and see a rerun of the 1970s, when you had momentous rallies masking a bear market that went from 1967-82.

In addition, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco are concerned about the possibility of a generational sell off; a potential market “headwind” for 10 or 20 years stemming from greying Baby Boomers getting out of stocks as they get closer to retire44 • The CONNECTION •November/December 2011

ment, countered only partly by overseas investment.

What has changed on Wall Street since 2008? Perhaps not much. The general perception that the CEOs of the big investment banks and mortgage companies whose thoughtlessness contributed

to the Great Recession met with no real consequence seems to be taking hold, as evidenced by the Occupy Wall Street movement.

By the way, remember the furor directed at risky derivatives trading? In September 2011, the Comptroller of the Currency had recorded an 11% year-overyear increase in derivatives investment in the banking industry. Banks now hold almost $250 trillion of the contracts.

A truly severe punishment of Wall Street would come at a dear price for Washington. Some of the biggest names from Wall Street (and the real estate sector) have also been major lobbyists and campaign contributors. According to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, the National Association of Realtors has contributed more than $40 million to federal-level political cam-

paigns since 1989; Goldman Sachs has contributed almost $36 million since then, and Citigroup nearly $29 million.

The financial, insurance and real estate industries have collectively spent over $4.6 billion in lobbying efforts since 1998.

What is happening with the recovery?

Not much. While unemployment is above 9%, underemployment is the real story – in September, 16.5% of Americans worked less than 40 hours a week. No wonder homes sit on the market and consumer spending increases mostly in response to rising food and energy prices.

Wages even retreated 0.2% in September and incomes fell 0.1% - the first monthly decrease in income since October 2009. Assorted 2012 forecasts see slow or slowing growth in various European and Asian nations.

Is there a bright side for Wall Street?

Actually, there could be. The European Union is making decisive moves to address its debt crisis. Indicators still show that our economy is growing, not contracting; September was the best month for U.S. retail sales since March.

Many analysts think that the Dodd-Frank regulations will discernibly impact the Wall Street mindset. Lastly, the strength and duration of seemingly every major bull market has been questioned by the bears; history may record that a secular bull market began in 2009, after all.

Only time will tell. Over time, the stock market has faced some great challenges – and risen to meet them again and again.

This time around, the hope is that Wall Street’s behavior (and behavioral assumptions) won’t sabotage the rally. • Jal Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or jal.dennis@lpl.com.

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