Wylie CONNECTION Magazine May/June 2022

May/June 2022 • Volume 17 - Issue 3

Your Window to Wylie

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WYLIE

IS NOW

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The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce

the corner!

Summer FUN is just around

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication Digital Version: www.wyliechamber.org

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Welcome to another issue of the Connection Magazine, your “go-to” for all things happening in the Wylie area!

This issue is not quite the summer issue, but more like the “pre-summer” issue. We’ve armed you with some answers to the question you’ll no doubt get from your kids soon: “What’s there to do?”, sometimes preceded by “I’m bored.”

If you get that question, you have our permission to throw this magazine their way because this Connection pre-summer issue will provide them with a few suggestions to fill their time.

For instance, as you read through this issue, you’ll find out about pickleball, the newest craze in outdoor fun. Doesn't matter if you are sweet or sour, just get the ball over the net and have a good time.

Our schools don’t rest in the summer; instead, WISD offers a wide variety of camps to help kids while away the summer hours while learning a few things. Whether it's athletics, theater, music or STEM camps, there are fun and affordable options for students of all ages.

If you want to work on your mind and body, Collin College has kinesiology classes that are truly hands on. Details inside.

The oldest church in town – First Baptist Church Wylie – is changing its name. In the cover feature, we hear from Pastor

Kris Segrest about what led them to become The Cross Church.

Don’t forget to scan the QR codes in the magazine, as they are a source of even more great information about our Connection advertisers. If you need any service or business connection, the one Wylie Chamber President below this message takes you to the full Wylie Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory right on your phone.

As always, we hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you! Happy almost summer!

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2 |

| May/June 2022

CONTENTS

May/June 2022 • Volume 17 - Issue 3

CONNECTION A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication 307 N. Ballard Ave. | Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804 | info@wyliechamber.org www.wyliechamber.org

WYLIE CHAMBER PRESIDENT ADVISORY BOARD

ADVERTISING SALES CREATIVE DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Agnew Jan Arrant Ian Halperin Craig Kelly Heather Darrow Stacie Smith Melissa Irvin Anne Hiney Judy Truesdell Donnita Fisher Deonna Osborn Jan Arrant Craig Kelly Ian Halperin Heather Darrow PHOTOGRAPHY Anne Hiney Nick Young

For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact the Wylie Chamber at 972-442-2804 or adsales@wyliechamber.org.

All are welcome to advertise, Chamber membership is not required. Share comments and story ideas with Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac.com.

Digital edition available online at www.wyliechamber.org

The CONNECTION Magazine ©2022, Wylie Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. The CONNECTION is published bimonthly and mailed free of charge to over 25,000 households and businesses with an estimated readership of over 75,000 in the Wylie area. The PROFILE OF SUCCESS cover with feature article is a paid ad placement.

Additional copies are distributed to our advertisers and high traffic local city offices. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. Information published in The CONNECTION is the opinion of the sourced authors. The Wylie Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in The CONNECTION Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.

Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue it was hidden on the Front Cover. Happy butterfly hunting!!

NOTE: The first person to correctly locate the butterfly and send an email to magnew@wyliechamber.org wins a The CONNECTION t-shirt!

(It's not this one! )  Occasionally we make a mistake. Let us know if you find one so we can correct it. We love your feedback - send comments to info@wyliechamber.org. Story ideas are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for “Connecting” with us!

PROFILE OF SUCCESS 4

THE CROSS CHURCH

formerly First Baptist Church Wylie

CONNECTION FEATURES 6

PICKLEBALL with Jason & Ally Otts

CONNECTION COLUMNS 10

CITY OF WYLIE

13

CALENDAR

15

COLLIN COLLEGE

16

WYLIE ISD

19

YOUR HEALTH

20

YOUR MONEY

Making Memories on the Fields Local May/June Events Kinesiology Classes Summer Camps Weekend Warriors

Roth IRAs

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WYLIE

IS NOW

Wylie Chamber of Commerce

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

www.wyliechamber.org A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

ON THE COVER: First Baptist Church Wylie is now The Cross Church.

4 www.wyliechamber.org | 3

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WYLIE

IS NOW

THE CROSS CHURCH PRESENTED BY THE CROSS CHURCH.

T

HE CROSS CHURCH has been impacting Wylie, surrounding towns, and places around the world for nearly 152 years. It began in 1870 when a small group of rural residents started a church called The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Nickelville. The church became The Missionary Baptist Church of Wylie at the turn of the century, moving from Nickelville to its present location. Relocating to be near the railroad depot enabled the church to reach and serve more people in this emerging community of Collin County. The name was updated again in 1942 to become The First Baptist Church Dr. Kris Segrest (“Pastor Kris”) of Wylie, and in April 2022, First Baptist Church of Wylie became The Cross Church. While much has changed across the decades, from attire, to worship style, building improvements, location, and even name updates, the mission of The Cross Church remains the same – removing barriers to spread God’s fame by making disciples of all people.

The congregation believes God gave the church a new name because He is expanding their assignment. “In the last 17 years, this church has shifted from serving almost exclusively Wylie to becoming a regional church.

People from at least four counties and over 30 cities 4 |

| May/June 2022

attend worship services here every weekend,” said Dr. Kris Segrest (“Pastor Kris”), lead pastor of The Cross Church. “In fact, nearly half of the people who attend the church live in cities other than Wylie.”

Perhaps most notable in the name update is the removal of the “Baptist” identifier. Pastor Kris said the decision to remove Baptist from the church name was made after reviewing research as well as direct feedback from church members and visitors who indicated negative connotations associated with the Baptist label, especially among non-churchgoers, kept themselves and/or people they invited from visiting the church.

However, it is important to be clear that The Cross Church is not moving away from its Baptist roots. “We are not changing our doctrine,” Pastor Kris said. “Nor are we becoming a non-denominational church. But we have come to realize that denominations are man-made institutions and have become a barrier to some who might otherwise visit the church.” Pastor Kris said the church is not leaving the Southern Baptist Convention, and it will continue to invest in impactful mission efforts such as the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program.

As the church launches into a new era of spreading God’s fame through The Cross Church, the updated name will be introduced to members and guests through a process of updating signage, publications, and other media. During the transition, you may see First Baptist Church Wylie or The Cross Church, or some combination of both names, across different elements for some time.

In addition to changing its name, the church will also be updating the front of its main building to better reflect the style of the church and to represent more clearly what the church is all about. “I often joke that our church building is like a mullet,” Pastor Kris said.

“Business in the front and party in the back. But in all seriousness, our building is confusing when it comes to inviting people to experience who we really are on the inside.”

Pastor Kris went on to say that another deterrent to people coming to the church is the church’s architecture. The church has learned that architecture resembling institutions, like court houses, is intimidating and discourages some from entering the front door. “We heard words like ‘judgmental,’ and ‘dated,’ when we asked what people thought when they saw the front of the building,” said Pastor Kris. “Some even said it looked like an old church that isn’t open anymore. We want to make sure that people know the church is open and they are welcome here.”

Not only will the renovated front door better reflect what The Cross Church is all about, but it is also the next phase of a master plan that was considered and approved in 2016 after the steeple of the church was damaged by the hailstorm. Church leadership together with staff and church members who attended workshops assisted in the decision to incorporate a cross in the new design. The current target date for completing the building project is by the end of 2022.

“The Bible instructs us to boast in nothing except the cross of Jesus Christ,” Pastor Kris pointed out. “And so, our name and our building will now both prominently reflect that which we have been instructed to hold above all else. We hope that more people will now come and see who we are as a church and be introduced to Jesus.”

“We understand that over the 150-plus years that this church has been here,” Pastor Kris stated, “there have been people before us who have worked hard, faithfully served, and sacrificed to make sure that the church remained to serve this community and reach people for Christ. So, we recognize and are grateful to those who came before us. However, we also recognize that the best way to honor the past is to secure our future. We believe that what we’re doing here and now will ensure that this church remains a cornerstone of not just Wylie but all of Collin County and beyond to serve and reach people regardless of denomination or geography for generations not yet known.” • A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

Contemporary:

Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Sundays at 9:30 & 11 a.m.

Traditional:

Sundays at 9:30 & 11 a.m.

Spanish:

Sundays at 11 a.m.

100 North First Street Wylie, Texas 75098 972.442.2261

THECROSS.COM www.wyliechamber.org | 5

Jason Otts is in a Pickle 66| |

| May/June May/June2022 2022

Photo by Anne Hiney

PICKLEB

It's a Big Dill for Jason & Ally Otts!

by Deonna Osborn Jason & Ally playing at the Texas Open Pickleball Tournament.

J

ason Otts, husband, father of four, and local Realtor, has introduced the Wylie community to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country – pickleball. His family enjoys playing this unique game together, particularly his oldest daughter Ally.

He also has taught his Keller Williams team the game of pickleball, and many members have introduced the game to their own families.

Pickleball began in Washington State in 1965 with three dads whose kids were bored with their typical summertime activities. The game quickly evolved from the original homemade equipment and basic rules and rapidly gained traction throughout the United States and internationally. Interestingly, popularity grew much more quickly in areas of the country with larger retirement populations, such as Florida. More and more older adults began to play and enjoy the game, which provided an excellent form of exercise with low joint impact, as well as simple, easy-to-understand rules.

This popular game is now played with wooden paddles and a ball that has a Wiffle ball feel but is a bit smaller. Tournaments have begun to pop up around the country and locally.

Jason initially became exposed to the game in 2018 when he bought a vacation home in Arkansas and watched several seniors playing a tennis-like game on a court. He struck up a conversation with a couple of the

Photo courtesy of Jason Otts

BALL older gentlemen and soon engaged in his first game of pickleball using borrowed equipment. Jason likes to tell unashamedly that he was beaten during those first games by an 80- and 85-year-old, making him fall in love with the game even more. It made him realize pickleball is one of the few sports that relies more on strategy than athleticism, allowing folks of every age to participate.

Jason and his 16-year-old daughter Ally began playing at approximately the same time. USA Pickleball hosts 11 regional tournaments and supports and sanctions over 200 tournaments annually throughout the United States. Jason said he regularly plays in four to five tournaments each year. “One of the aspects I like best about the game,” he said, “is meeting people that were strangers that become friends because you are bonding over the love of the game.” Jason and Ally have played in multiple tournaments together, recently taking gold in the father-daughter duo category at the national indoor tournament in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

He began teaching other community members last year and currently provides instruction to several kids. Ally aspires to begin a pickleball club at Wylie High School.

Tennis companies such as Penn, Head, and Franklin have begun offering sponsorships to professional pickleball players. In addition, there is discussion of bringing the game to college campuses and even continued...

Wylie Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce Publication Publication AA Wylie

www.wyliechamber.org|| 7 www.wyliechamber.org

Gold Medal Winners at the Spa City Classic Tournament.

incorporating it into the Olympics in the near future.

In fact, the International Federation of Pickleball is pursuing efforts to have the game featured in some manner at the Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

Although the game can be played in the street by taping off a court and using a portable net, traditional tennis courts are frequently modified. A pickleball court is smaller than a standard tennis court. Many local cities have erected courts through their parks and recreation departments. The City of Wylie has three pickleball courts. Other neighboring cities have embraced the game with open arms, using tournaments to raise money for their parks and recreation departments and erecting as many as 12 courts. Some local neighborhoods, such as Sage Creek in Wylie, have set aside weekly lessons and playing time in order to expand and accommodate for play. Jason regularly participates in the Sage Creek events, teaching and mentoring new players, ranging in age from 13 to 80.

He mentioned one family with children as young as 8, who love coming out to learn because it is a sport in which they can all participate and play at all levels.

Jason said he feels there are many life skills learned from the activity. “Leadership is at the top of the list of these skills learned,” he said. Through his volunteering at tournaments and instruction, he is reminded of the value of mentoring youngsters and the example that is set at every engagement — both on and off the court.

The social influence of a leader is vital at multiple levels. This can be seen when coordinating courts, playing in a game, or even in fostering friendships.

Another important life skill fostered through pickleball is sportsmanship. Although there is much crossover between the games of racquetball and tennis, there are many sportsmanlike features that are unique to pickleball. For example, instead of high-fiving, paddles are tapped. If a game is completed with one opponent scoring zero points, it is said that player “got pickled.” Learning how to have fun and making 8 |

| May/June 2022

COME JOIN THE FUN!!

Gold Medal Winners at the Lisa Marek Memorial Tournament.

friendships of varying ages and backgrounds is another life skill Jason said he finds invaluable in his pickleball journey. Through the mutual love of the game, he’s seen a teenager and a senior play doubles and share a success, creating a moment unattainable by arguably any other sport. The two individuals are only related through pickleball, but they have learned to rely on each other through the match and volley to one another throughout the course of the game. For at least the duration of the game, they are equals.

Several theories and rumors exist as to how the sport obtained its name. Perhaps the most widely held is that it was named for the inventor Joel Pritchard’s dog, Pickles. Another theory is that the name of the game originated after Joe’s wife said it reminded her of a pickle boat. With a pickle boat, the crew is chosen from the leftovers, lending itself to a mixture of all types of people.

Pickleball is undoubtedly a sport unparalleled, from its name to its execution to its ability to last a lifetime.

Jason Otts has rolled out the red carpet for this game in the Wylie community, acting as an ambassador to the USA Pickleball Association and a leader in the sport.

He has also exhibited true leadership in giving back, not only to the game but to the community through all those he meets as he encourages others to become active and involved in family fun. •

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CITY OF WYLIE

Making Memories on the Fields Next time your child stands in the batter’s box, scores her first goal, catches the game-winning touchdown, or makes a new friend on the field, don’t forget the team behind the games that make it possible for these moments to happen. The 19 members of the Wylie Parks and Recreation Maintenance crew work hard each day to maintain and prepare 117 acres of athletic fields located primarily at Founders Park and Community Park.

Every Parks Maintenance team member plays a part in readying the fields, but sports field tech Aaron Clampitt takes it personally. During the interview and photo session, one of the crew members commented, “He thinks he owns the fields.”

A positive comment reflecting the dedication and care and pride he takes, along with the whole Parks team, knowing the importance of quality fields to the coaches, participants, and spectators.

The 24 soccer, baseball, softball, and football fields host approximately 3,800 games a year, with more than 20,000 total participants, not counting those in attendance rooting on their favorite players. The high demand for Wylie sports fields means there is no shortage of maintenance and preparation to ensure a great playing experience.

“It’s gratifying to look out on a busy weekend and see the hundreds of kids and families making memories on ‘our’ fields,” said Parks Supervisor Rico Govea. “I am thankful that we can be a small part of what makes Wylie a great place to live and play.”

Making fields playable begins with year-round treatment of the turf including fertilizers and pre- and post-emergent weed applications, irrigation installation and maintenance, aeration, seeding, and mowing, oftentimes twice a week during peak season. Daily activities during the season include striping, dragging the infields, and maintenance of fencing, dugouts, and other facilities. There’s also trash to empty and bathrooms to be cleaned.

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by Craig Kelly

| May/June 2022

The work doesn’t stop with the sports fields. The City of Wylie has 648 acres of parkland and open space, across 34 parks.

There are 17.8 miles of trails, 19 playgrounds, 11 pavilions, a skate park, a disc golf course, a cricket pitch, sand volleyball courts, and tennis courts. The crew of 19 is also responsible for the maintenance and plantings of medians on Hwy. 78, FM 544, Brown Street, and other divided roads. The parks crews also plant seasonal color at locations throughout the city including municipal buildings and historic downtown Wylie.

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

They are proud to be a part of projects like the Veteran’s Memorial in Olde City Park and the Library Garden behind the Municipal Complex along the walking trail. Parks crews have also been directly involved in several playground replacement projects, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Wylie has added five parks over the past five years with future plans for more.

Parks Supervisor Archie Whitt and Rico have each been with the city for 21 years. Rico joked that he was the senior member because he started the day before Archie since his paperwork was processed faster. They both praised the talented, passionate team they call family, who wear many hats and “do an incredible job with all the crew have on their plate.”

The sense of family and camaraderie among the parks crew was evident during the interview as the guys laughed and joked telling stories about their work and co-workers. One such story about their boss Parks Manager Brent Stowers, who was unable to attend the interview, gives the team motivation and inspiration. Brent started as a summer intern many years ago and worked his way up to manager after gaining experience and knowledge on many levels.

Archie’s roots in Wylie’s parks go back to 1980 when his family moved to the city. He remembers playing on the old merry-goround in Kirby Park as a child. In 2005, after a tree took it out, he made a promise to himself that he’d replace it because it held so many memories. He followed through on that promise and a generation of new kids, including his two daughters, have laughed and played on the merry-go-round in Kirby Park. He hopes future children experience the same joy. Archie joked

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

that it’s still his job to inspect the playgrounds and perform quality control checks on the equipment, including the merrygo-round.

The Parks and Rec Maintenance crew hope you have a great time playing and visiting Wylie parks. Watch for future projects including two splash pads on the East and West sides of town and a dog park near the Municipal Complex. Get more details on Parks and Recreation opportunities, and specific park amenities at WylieTexas.gov/Parks.

648 Acres of Parkland & Open space 34 Parks 17.8 Miles of Trails 19 Playgrounds 24 Sports Fields 3,800 Games Played a Year

www.wyliechamber.org | 11

12 |

| May/June 2022

18th Annual Wylie 500 Pedal Car Race: Kids ages 2-5 select a pedal car provided by local merchants and race 500 inches down Ballard Avenue. Location: Ballard Ave. in historic downtown Wylie. Schedule: Ages 2-3 – Check-in 1 p.m. & Race Start Time 2 p.m.; Ages 4-5 – Check-in 2 p.m. & Race Start Time 3 p.m. Registration: www.eventbrite.com/e/289708133827

May 2

Taste of Wylie: Sample a variety of foods from local

restaurants and food trucks while supporting area food pantries.

Location: Olde City Park in historic downtown Wylie. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Limited Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/303045064947

May 7 Mothers Day Pancake Breakfast: Support the big cats at In-Sync Exotics and enjoy All You Can Eat pancakes!

Location: 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie. 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Info: www. insyncexotics.org/events/ May 7

Spring Pottery & Garden Sale at Coventry Reserve: Come shopping & support the non-profit's life enrichment program for adults with special needs. Location: 2004 Parker

Rd. in St. Paul. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Info: www.coventryreserve.org

May 14

BBQ on Ballard: Wylie's newest event - Pitmasters will square off in a good old-fashioned, people's choice, BBQ contest sanctioned by Outlaw BBQ Association. Location: Olde City Park in historic downtown Wylie. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Tickets are limited: www.eventbrite.com/e/289805685607

May 30

Wylie Veterans Memorial 12th Annual Salute to Heroes: Join the American Legion Hale-Combest Post #315 Wylie at 11:30 a.m. Additional activities include a Half-Staff

Flag Ceremony at 7:45 a.m., and Flag Retirements by Boy Scout

Troop 78/FBC Wylie from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Location: Olde City Park in historic downtown Wylie. Info: https://fb.me/e/1vdUVPndO

June 3, 4 & 5 The Complete Abridged works of William Shakespeare: By the Wylie Acting Group. Location: 205 Industrial Ct. #200b, Wylie. Tickets: www.wylieactinggroup.org

June 12

Big Cat Birthday Bash: Support the big cats at In-Sync Exotics and enjoy cake & ice cream, games & activities, raffle & silent auction! Location: 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Event times & info: www.insyncexotics. org/events/

June 17-19 & 24-26

The Carol Burnett Show:

By the Wylie Acting Group. Location: 205 Industrial Ct. #200b, Wylie. Tickets: www.wylieactinggroup.org

June 25 Wylie Jubilee – Bluegrass on Ballard: Head

downtown for all-day fun, including top bluegrass bands, artsand-crafts vendors, giant car show, a chili cook-off and great food. Location: Ballard Avenue, Wylie. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Info: discoverwylie.com/events/wylie-jubilee-bluegrass-on-ballard/

May/June CALENDAR

May 1

Wylie Recreation & Smith Public Library Summer Kickoff: June 3rd, 9 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Join us for outdoor games, summer camp instructors meet-n-greet, activity info. & sign-ups, inflatables, free In-N-Out burgers (while supplies last) & more! Location: Wylie Rec Center, Courtyard, 300 Country Club Rd., Bldg. 200, Wylie. Visit www. wylietexas.gov/library.php for more info. on summer events.

Spring To-Do List: Allison Wilson Financial Advisor

Sherry Snodgrass Office Manager

Stephen Wilson, CFP® Financial Advisor

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A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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Scan to meet Allison and find out how easy it is to schedule a complimentary consultation. www.wyliechamber.org | 13

COLLIN COLLEGE

Want to Improve Your Health?

TAKE A KINESIOLOGY CLASS

by Heather Darrow

14 |

| May/June 2022

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

S

tudents in Kristin Wagner’s kinesiology classes learn how often adults should exercise each week and develop the skills, discipline, and correct techniques to meet or exceed those goals.

“Every 40 seconds one person in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease according to the CDC,” said Kristin, a Collin College adjunct kinesiology professor. “It’s a shocking statistic, but heart disease is still the leading cause of death for Americans, and much of it is preventable.”

Kristin explained that kinesiology classes can benefit all students, even the ones who are not going into her field of expertise. Her students agree.

An Intermediate Weight Training student, Hassaan Arien plans to transfer to a university to earn a business economics degree, further his Adjunct Kinesiology Professor Kristin Wagner (right) teaches weight training skills to Collin real estate career, and help others as a business College students (left and clockwise) Audrey Brassfield, Hassaan Arien, and Liam Davis in the consultant.

CougarFit fitness center at the Wylie Campus.

“I need to feel healthy to be productive and Kristin hopes that her students will continue to be motivated,” Hassaan said. “This class helps me get active throughout their lifetimes. that morning push and gives me a drive for the rest of “Physical activity is one of the most important the day. The professor teaches you how to work each ways you can take care of yourself, and we have great muscle group, and you are with other students so you facilities on the Wylie Campus,” she said. don’t feel out of place like you could in a gym.”

The Wylie Campus is home to the CougarFit fitness Students Audrey Brassfield and Liam Davis are both center which offers programs in fitness, recreation, taking the Beginning Weight Training class. Audrey and intramural sports. The facility has a wide range plans to transfer to a university to earn a Christianof equipment including ab, upper, and lower body based counseling degree. machines, free weights, squat racks, treadmills, and “When you develop a habit to work out in the pull-up bars. The multipurpose room contains yoga and morning it sets you up for the rest of the day,” Audrey medicine balls, yoga mats, and kettlebells. Students, said. “It’s a discipline that helps with whatever you do. faculty, and staff can use the equipment for free, and Professor Wagner is very encouraging and explains students can also receive free personal training. things. She creates a space where it doesn’t matter This fall the Wylie Campus will offer a variety of where you are physically and tailors the class to you.” kinesiology classes including Beginning Weight Training, Liam plans to transfer to a university, earn a degree in Intermediate Weight Training, Introduction to Physical game art, and become a lead game designer.

Fitness and Wellness, Concepts of Physical Fitness, Beginning Hatha Yoga, Personal/Community Health, “I really like working out,” Liam said. “The professor and Intermediate Hatha Yoga. • has broadened my horizons with weightlifting and gives tips so you can pursue your own goals. This class To register for kinesiology classes at the Wylie Campus is a nice environment for beginners, and it gets me up, or for more information about the campus, visit www. ready, and energized for my other classes.” collin.edu/campuses/wylie.

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www.wyliechamber.org | 15

WYLIE ISD

Wylie ISD Offers Cure for Summer Boredom

by Ian Halperin

C

“Summer on Stage will be packed with exciting ries of “there’s nothing to do!” will soon workshops including Basics of Tap, Music and Sound be heard in homes as Wylie ISD’s summer Design, Vocal Work for Musical Theatre, and more,” said vacation begins at the end of May. Parents Polly Harrison, WHS theatre need look no further teacher. “In addition to classes than the two Wylie ISD high taught by experts, there will schools for help with fun, be four different productions affordable summertime activities. staged for in-person audiences.”

Schools will once again be offering summer camp programs Both programs are open to all in everything from athletics and Wylie ISD students and will run theatre to band and STEM. from May 31 to June 4.

For those looking for sports Musicians will also have a camps, Wylie High will host summer band camp. The camp Camp of Champs its annual “Camp of Champs,” is hosted at Wylie East HS from and Wylie East will again offer June 6-10, 8 a.m. to noon each “Raider Nation Camps.” Both day. Students will be taught camps run from May 31 to June by outstanding district staff 23, depending on the sport. Each members leading sectionals sports program runs four days, and guest band directors from Monday through Thursday. Both around the DFW Metroplex. camps are open to all students It’s an outstanding week of currently in grades three through music-making and great fun eight, regardless of feeder that includes a trip to Strike & pattern.

Reel and a concert. It is open to all Wylie ISD and Lovejoy ISD “Our summer athletic programs STEM Camp students entering grades seven give students a chance to have through nine. fun while improving their skills,” says Wylie ISD Athletic Director STEM students will get their Kyle Craighead. “Plus it provides chance to explore, create and an opportunity for our younger learn at their camp, held this students to meet our high school year at Wylie East. STEM will coaches.” have theme days for each major type of engineering (robotics, Sports camps are led by Wylie computer, mechanical, civil, and ISD coaches, and each session aerospace). Students will have costs $75. Both high schools a daily project (that they can are also offering a strength and Summer on Stage take home) along with center conditioning camp. rotations with hands-on experiments.

For those looking to hone their acting and stage The camp is open to incoming first- through fourthskills, the popular “Summer on Stage” and “Summer graders and is staffed by CTE students and teachers on Stage Jr.” camps are back. The junior program is from East. designed for rising third-grade through sixth-grade students who want to explore theatre and participate in For more information on all the summer camp a performance. The full program is for students who will opportunities, including costs and schedules, check the weekly WCN Newsletter or Peachjar. • be in seventh through 12th grade next school year.

16 |

| May/June 2022

Photos courtesy of Wylie ISD

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YOUR HEALTH

Words of Wisdom for Weekend Warriors

by Jan Arrant

W

eekend warriors often spend their Saturdays and Sundays catching up on the workouts and household chores they neglected during the week.

The trouble is, punctuating a sedentary lifestyle with bursts of physical activity may be more than their bodies can handle, said Adam Hines, MD, orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

“They may be less physically fit than they realize,” Dr. Hines explained. “So when they try to exert themselves on the weekends with sports or other activities, they end up putting themselves at risk.”

Dr. Hines offers some tips on how to treat and avoid some of the most common injuries suffered by weekend warriors.

SHOULDER BURSITIS Bursitis involves the chronic inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning and reduce friction around the joints. This painful condition can affect the hips, elbows, knees, and even the base of the big toe, but one of the areas most affected is the shoulder.

“Shoulder bursitis tends to be seen in people who increase their overhead activity more quickly than they should,” he explains. “They have pain in the front or the outside of their shoulder. And it worsens with overhead lifting or just raising their arms overhead.”

How to avoid it: • Recognize your limitations • Learn and adopt the proper posture or technique for your activity • Ease into new exercises or activities • Make time for physical fitness throughout the week

REPETITIVE STRESS Any overuse and overextension of the muscles and joints can cause repetitive stress disorders like tendonitis.

Tennis elbow occurs when stress overloads the tendons in your elbow joint. And it isn’t limited to athletes, Dr. Hines adds.

“Any increased activity with the wrist and hand, if it’s constant and repetitive, can cause tennis elbow — even if it’s light activity,” he said.

Runners are prone to shin splints, bone-deep 18 |

| May/June 2022

inflammation that results from overworked muscles and tendons in their legs.

“The muscles are constantly pulling on the bone, which causes inflammation of the periosteum, a type of connective tissue found on the bone,” Dr. Hines said.

Shin splints are often the result of repeatedly pounding the pavement, failing to stretch ahead of time, or wearing the wrong kind of shoes.

How to avoid it: • Stretch your muscles before exercise • Try adding variety to your workout routine • If high-intensity exercise such as running causes pain, scale back the duration and intensity of your workout • Wear the right footwear for your activity • Exercise on a more forgiving surface, such as grass or an indoor track

SPRAINS & FRACTURES For the most part, these types of injuries are hard to ignore, inducing swelling and intense pain. Accidents happen, even among seasoned athletes and professional handymen. So don’t tough it out when you overdo it. For injuries like sprains and fractures, it’s important to see a doctor immediately, Dr. Hines said.

“If you are unable to put weight on your ankle, you really should see your physician so that you can get X-rays and have an evaluation,” he said.

A good indication that you need medical help is if the pain worsens or holds you back in your daily activities.

How to avoid it: • Make sure old injuries are healed before exerting yourself again.

• Safeguard ankle ligaments by stretching, warming up, and wearing shoes that match the activity.

• Use ladders on a firm, level surface. Keep at least two hands and one foot — or vice versa — on the ladder at all times. Move the ladder as needed instead of overreaching.

Finally, don’t be discouraged by Dr. Hines’ words of warning. He emphasized that being active is a good thing, so long as you don’t overdo it. • Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

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YOUR MONEY

Roth IRA Conversions WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT

I

f you own an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), perhaps you have heard about Roth IRA conversions. Converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA might be a sound financial move depending on your situation.

But remember, this article is for informational purposes only, not a replacement for real-life advice. A professional should be consulted before attempting this type of strategy. Tax rules are constantly changing, and there is no guarantee that the tax treatment of Roth or Traditional IRAs will remain the same as it is now.

Also, Roth conversions have come under much scrutiny during the past few years. Congress has considered legislation that would prevent high-income Americans from Roth conversions. While no action has taken place, it is possible that Roth rules may change in the future.

Why go Roth? Every Roth IRA conversion is based on a belief: the belief that income tax rates will be higher in the future than they are now. If you hold this belief, then you may want to consider a Roth conversion.

Once you are 59½ and have had your Roth IRA open for at least five calendar years, withdrawals of the earnings from your Roth IRA are exempt from federal income taxes. In addition, once five calendar years have passed, you can withdraw your Roth IRA contributions tax-free and penalty-free.

Under current I.R.S. rules, if you are the original owner of a Roth IRA, you never have to make mandatory withdrawals from your account. And you can make contributions to a Roth IRA if you continue to have earned income.

Currently, if your federal tax filing status is married filing jointly and your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $204,000 or less, you can contribute a maximum of $6,000 to your Roth IRA, $7,000 if you’re age 50 or older. The maximum contribution is also available to single filers with an AGI of $129,000 or less. Depending on how high your AGI is, the amount you can contribute may change.

Why not go Roth? There are many reasons, but here are two to consider: you must be prepared for the taxable event and time may not be on your side.

A Roth IRA conversion cannot be undone. The I.R.S. regards it as a payout from a traditional IRA prior to that 20 |

| May/June 2022

money entering a Roth IRA, and the payout represents taxable income. That taxable income stemming from the conversion could have tax consequences in the year when the conversion occurs.

In many respects, the earlier in life you convert a regular IRA to a Roth, the better. Your income may rise as you get older; you could finish your career in a higher tax bracket than you were in when you were first employed. Those conditions relate to a key argument for going Roth: it is better to pay taxes on IRA contributions today than on IRA withdrawals tomorrow.

On the other hand, since many retirees have lower income levels than their end salaries, they may retire at a lower tax rate. That is a key argument against Roth conversion.

If you do go Roth, your heirs may receive tax-free distributions. Lastly, Roth IRAs can prove to be very useful estate management tools. If I.R.S. rules are followed, Roth IRA heirs may end up with a tax-free inheritance from the account. In contrast, distributions of inherited assets from a traditional IRA are taxed.

Under the 2019 SECURE Act, most non-spouse beneficiaries of a Roth IRA are required to have the funds distributed to them by the end of the 10th calendar year following the year of the original owner’s death. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.

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