Wylie CONNECTION Magazine December 2023/January 2024

Bring on the Holidays!

December 2023 / January 2024 • Volume 18 - Issue 6

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The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Jericho Village 5 Generations of Pirates Collin College in The Family A Tiny Family Miracle

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CONTENTS

December 2023/January 2024 • Volume 18 - Issue 6

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 CEO Tina Stelnicki, IOM ADVISORY BOARD Jan Arrant Ian Halperin Craig Kelly Heather Darrow Stacie Smith ADVERTISING SALES Mary Ann Olson, IOM CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Hiney CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Judy Truesdell Donnita Fisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jan Arrant Donnita Fisher Ian Halperin Mark Saldaña Max

The CONNECTION Magazine ©2023, Wylie Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. The CONNECTION is published bimonthly and mailed free of charge to over 32,000 households and businesses with an estimated readership of over 80,000 in the Wylie area. The PROFILE OF SUCCESS cover with feature article is a paid ad placement.

For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact the Wylie Chamber at 972-442-2804 or adsales@wyliechamber.org. All are welcome to advertise, Chamber membership is not required. Share comments and story ideas with Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac. com. Additional copies are distributed to our advertisers and high traffic local city offices. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. Information published in The CONNECTION is the opinion of the sourced authors. The Wylie Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in The CONNECTION Magazine.

Personal decisions regarding health, finance and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors. Additional copies are available at the Wylie Chamber office.

PROFILE OF SUCCESS 4

PAVLOV MEDIA

CONNECTION FEATURES 6 10

BUILDING JERICHO WYLIE GRINCH IS BACK!

CONNECTION COLUMNS 11

CALENDAR

12

CITY OF WYLIE

15

WYLIE ISD

16

COLLIN COLLEGE

19

Local August/September Events Wylie Arts Festival Legacy Five Generations of Pirates Family Shares Keys to a Successful College Career

YOUR HEALTH Family Adopts a Christmas Miracle

20 YOUR MONEY

Changing Unhealthy Behaviors

Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue it was hidden on page 6. Happy butterfly hunting!!

Friends are the family you choose.

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

(It's not this one!) 

~ Jess C. Scott 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

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

www.wyliechamber.org A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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ON THE COVER: Photo by Greg Glosser of Pavlov Media www.wyliechamber.org | 3

P

avlov Media’s story starts with wiring one off-campus residence at the University of Illinois in 1994. Since then, Pavlov Media has integrated itself as a fiber internet leader in business, apartments, and residential areas. As technology advances, Pavlov Media exceeds all consumers’ needs. This advancement includes areas where consumers need access to technology, such as education, employment, and health care. Pavlov Media's team takes pride in helping businesses evolve with their high-speed private networks and cuttingedge IT solutions. These business services include managed services, communications systems, and more.

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data thief were to try to steal information using “crimping,” which requires them to puncture holes in the cable, the glass cables would break, keeping your data safe.

Community Engagement: Pavlov Media's Sponsorship Highlights In addition to providing internet to businesses and homes, the Pavlov Media team is actively engaged in the community. They believe participating in different events is the best way to learn about the area and its residents. For example, Pavlov Media team members have participated in multiple events and are excited to continue to do more in the future. Some of their past events have included teaching children bicycle safety at Lavon’s Bicycle Rally, passing out candy at Lavon’s Trunk or Treat, working with the Lake Dallas’s Quarterback Club to help promote their sports team (Go Falcons!), and getting into the holiday season with Lavon’s Christmas Sip & Shop.

How to Get Pavlov Media’s High-Speed Fiber Internet Pavlov Media has connected thousands of homes in Central Illinois and Texas. If you live in one of these communities, you might have noticed Pavlov Media employees working in your neighborhood preparing the area for drilling and installation. Crews will connect these wires straight into each home to ensure your community has the best connection possible.

Pavlov Media’s fiber internet provides customers with up to 1 Gbps upload and download speeds, unlimited entertainment, unlimited data, and free installation, all with no contract.

In Lavon, residents can sign up now for Pavlov Media’s fiber internet. The company is growing and adding Corinth, Shady Shores, and Hickory Creek to its fiber network soon. If you are in one of these three towns, make sure to sign up for the Pavlov Media Interested List so you will be the first to know when fiber internet is available in your area. •

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A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

www.wyliechamber.org | 5

Building Jericho

‘URBAN VILLAGE’ HOUSING COMING TO WYLIE

By Donnita Fisher

I

n the biblical account, the children of Israel followed a plan and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down.

The organizers of Jericho Village-Wylie are hoping to bring some walls down as well.

Jericho Village-Wylie will be located on about 2.5 acres at the corner of West Brown Street and North Winding Oaks.

The development will feature a 38-unit “urban village” concept with a community center, playground and access to services offered by of Agape Resource & Assistance Center of Plano, the group building the complex.

The residences will be income-based rentals.

THE NEED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING “In Collin County, over 6,500 households are one crisis away from homelessness,” said Janet Collinsworth, Agape CEO and founder.

A 2023 study by the National Low Income Housing 6|

| December 2023/January 2024

Coalition ranks the DFW area third in the top 10 worst metropolitan areas for affordable housing with only 16 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income renters.

Janet shared that the median income in Wylie for ISD and municipal workers is $55,000. “According to HUD, these households should not pay more than $1,375 for all housing costs, including utilities,” she said.

The website point2homes.com lists the current average apartment rent in Wylie at $1,680 and the average rent for a single-family dwelling at $2,647, excluding utilities.

“It is difficult for those who protect and serve the Wylie community to actually live in Wylie,” Janet said. “Rent that is based on tenant income is economically attainable and affordable by those households.

“Jericho Village rents will be based on the Wylie area median income of $105,600 with 95 percent of the units

Agape in July 2021 “because of my tremendous desire available to households making 80 percent of AMI or less to see Jericho Village become a reality in my home and 65 percent of the units available to households making community of Wylie.”)

50 percent of AMI or less.”

Between 30 and 40 percent of the units will be available WYLIE STEPS UP for single women and single mothers and their children Janet had pitched the idea to other communities in Collin that graduate from the Agape program.

County, and while they seemed interested, Wylie stepped “The remainder of the units will be available to the Wylie up to be first, she said. community in need,” Janet said. “It will not be hard to rent Janet presented the Jericho Village concept to the the 38 units in Jericho Village. We receive requests every collaborative in September 2020. The group consisted of week asking when Jericho Village will be completed and representatives from local churches, the school district, available for renters.” the city of Wylie and other nonprofits. Renae Ollie, Wylie The concept for Jericho Village-Wylie is new. In doing deputy city manager, was in attendance. research for the project, Janet Following that presentation, said they had “not found another Renae asked Janet to present Jericho-type village but to us, it’s the Jericho Village vision to intuitive.” incoming mayor, Matthew Porter.

Wylie resident Fran Fisher He said he saw how Jericho agrees. Several years ago, she Village could benefit the people and a group of Wylie residents and community of Wylie and saw the need for something like he invited Janet to present the Jericho Village. concept of Jericho Village to the “Jon Bailey, Ronni Fetzer, Darin Wylie council in February 2021.

Reeves, Susan Shuler, Mary “The city council also saw a Warkentine, myself and others need for the project in Wylie I cannot remember recognized and the potential of Jericho the huge need in our community Village providing an innovative for those that were either at-risk solution for affordable housing of homelessness or others that and improved stability of the had become homeless,” Fran villagers,” Janet said. “They voted said. “We researched how to unanimously to support Agape in meet this need by looking at the development.” the old hospital and old nursing In February 2022, the Wylie home to start to address the Planning and Zoning Commission need. The costs were prohibitive, conditionally approved to but the vision remained. Later rezone the property to Planned we formed an organization Development – Multi-Family and of the faith community, local in March 2022, Jericho Village nonprofits, WISD and Wylie was unanimously approved by Police Department called the council.

Wylie Community Resource “Wylie really opened their arms Collaborative. proactively,” Janet said. “City “Kisha Voss of WPD shared leaders had already been looking with us that she knew of an for a solution for affordable organization that had a vision housing and poverty and saw of building an economically Agape Kids enjoying various activities, outings and events. that solution in Jericho Village. attainable housing community.”

A providential litany of events The resource group met with is why Jericho has been able to Janet, who outlined Agape’s progress. Most communities are vision. “The idea resonated not that accepting of the need for with the collaborative and thus affordable housing.” the two visions came together, Mayor Porter said the project and we started working with is an excellent opportunity for the community to bring Jericho Wylie.

“It’s something we can be Village to Wylie,” Fran said. (A proud of, and it’s an opportunity career social worker, Fran said to see government partnering she became an employee of A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

~continued www.wyliechamber.org | 7

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The development is designed to blend into and enhance the surrounding neighborhood, Janet said.

There will be nine two-story apartment buildings that resemble single-family homes. The 38 units will range from studio to three-bedrooms.

In addition to the community center and playground, plans call for a Agape Kids with supportive communit community garden, park benches and an outdoor patio and grill area.

“The community center will be a central gathering place for the villagers,” Janet said. “Areas inside the community center will include a bright colorful children’s area, a small fitness space, a computer lab, private counselor and advocacy offices, a multi-purpose community room and a warming kitchen adjacent to the community room with direct access to the patio area. All these spaces will encourage socialization and connection with other families and villagers within the community.”

Agape will provide caseworkers who will offer on-site workforce and family photos courtesy of Agape Resource & support services in hopes of giving the All Assistance Center, Inc. residents the chance to “attain and retain economic stability.”

“On-site support teams including social workers, education/vocation and budget coaches and counselors will facilitate vocational and financial education, job placement assistance, childcare, transportation, counseling and help with meeting basic needs so the Jericho Village families and children can be stable and remain safely housed and progress toward fulfilling, selfsustaining lives,” Janet said.

Funding for the project is about 60 percent from equity and 40 percent from mortgage debt. The $5.2 million equity Agape has raised to date for the project is “based on the participation and generosity of a wide range of supporters including funded corporate and philanthropic grants, donations from board members, individuals, faith groups, corporations, pro-bono professional fees, and in-kind donations of construction materials, equipment, and supplies.”

THE MISSION THAT MEETS THE NEED “Jericho Village will make it possible for not only Agape graduates to have safe, affordable housing, but teachers,

police officers, firefighters and the workforce of Wylie will be able to enjoy desirable, affordable homes in the city they protect and serve,” Janet said.

According to information from the organization, Agape’s “mission is to provide safe, stable housing and transformational services to situationally homeless single women, single moms and their children that empower them to move from crisis and poverty to fulfilling, self-sustaining lives.”

Almost 90 percent of women served by Agape are survivors of abuse, mmunity volunteers. domestic violence or trafficking. “Since its inception in 2013, over 75 percent of the women and families have graduated with higher income, able to live within their means and look forward to a life with hope for themselves and their children,” Janet said.

Jericho Village residents will go through a process similar to that of renting from a traditional facility.

There will be background checks and those with violent or sexual criminal pasts will not be allowed. Agape will also monitor for substance abuse.

And while there is no time limit for how long a resident can rent from the village, the goal is to establish stable, permanent housing, Janet said. To that & end, organizers will collaborate with Habitat for Humanity if permanent home ownership is desired, she said.

In addition to its walls coming down, Jericho, Israel, is one of the oldest continually occupied communities in the world. “The people of Jericho had to work together to protect their community, sharing what they had and supporting each other to overcome a multitude of adversities and tragedies,” Janet said. “We believe that same perseverance and community spirit will be uniquely present at Jericho Village-Wylie.”

Fran Fisher agrees. “The Jericho Village model is needed in communities all across the nation,” she said. “We believe that this self-sustaining model can be replicated nationwide. Nevertheless, it takes political will and time.

“Thanks to city leadership, Wylie will benefit from Jericho Village and can be a model for other larger communities to follow.”

Jericho Village-Wylie is expected to break ground in the first quarter of 2024 at 511 W. Brown St. For more information about Agape and Jericho Village, visit www. hope4agape.org. • A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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Story & photos by Max.

T

he Wylie Grinch is back, and he’s been stirring up trouble all over town! The Grinch first visited Wylie in 2022, entertaining the community with his over-the-top shenanigans at small businesses.

He wreaked havoc in local shops, even stealing a Christmas tree (ornaments and all!) from one location. His videos were featured on Discover Wylie, and locals enjoyed keeping up with his daily antics as they headed into the Christmas season.

The Wylie Grinch ended the 2022 holiday season by being picked up by the Wylie Police Department when he was found stealing the Christmas tree in Olde City Park.

His 2023 journey starts with him being released from the Wylie P.D., inspired to look for a real job and turn his life around. His job search will take him to the Wylie Fire Department, Wylie ISD, and nearly 30 local businesses (compared to just 14 businesses last year).

In 2022, the Grinch’s videos had well over 100,000 views on social media – and judging by the launch of this season’s first videos, it looks like he will easily surpass that number in 2023.

The Grinch first visited Wylie as a way to bring the community together and showcase all the amazing small businesses we have right here in town. With Christmas upon us, he wants to encourage citizens to shop Wylie first. The Grinch’s videos are a powerful way to increase visibility for local small businesses.

The Grinch content gets lots of engagement and

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| December 2023/January 2024

interaction on social media (last year, it had almost 8,000 engagements, another number that is sure to be surpassed this year). Social media interaction and engagement is a big deal for small businesses, and the Grinch is putting businesses front and center.

One social media commenter said, “My son absolutely loves watching the Grinch’s shenanigans around town.”

And he’s not the only one! Many people commented on the Grinch’s page that they were excited to have him back and can’t wait to see what he does this holiday season.

This year, locals will get to see the Grinch make mischief as he tries his hand at putting out a fire, substitute teaching, and even riding a horse in his quest to become a productive Wylie citizen.

The Grinch’s popularity has grown. When he was filming his videos for this year, he had to stop for photo ops with local fans in almost every business he visited. He hopes that as the program continues to grow, so will its impact on the community.

The Grinch will make one last stop in Wylie before heading back to Whoville, and that will be at the Wylie Christmas Parade on Dec. 3.

You can follow the Wylie Grinch on his Facebook page, or keep up with his antics on Discover Wylie. • @WylieGrinch @DiscoverWylie

Dec. 2: Wylie Arts Festival. Shop 'til you drop with 200 indoor

& outdoor arts & craft vendors. Free admission, food vendors, plus free kids activities. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cross Church Event Center - 200 N. Ballard Ave. in Downtown Wylie. Info: WylieTexas. gov/ArtsFestival

Dec. 3: Wylie Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting. A Wylie

tradition that travels through historic downtown Wylie. It concludes with Santa and the lighting of the official City of Wylie Christmas tree in Olde City Park. At 6 p.m. on Ballard Ave. Info: www.facebook.com/ events/844146557189571/

Dec. 8: CPKC Holiday Express Train. Visit Santa Claus and walk through the three-holiday train cars filled with wonder. The event is free, open to the public; no tickets are required. From 4 - 9 p.m. at the Oak St. rail road crossing on Birmingham Ave. Info: www. facebook.com/events/972233590545859/ Dec. 16: Victorian Christmas Market. Start a new holiday

tradition at the Brown House! Stroll the Victorian Christmas Market to shop holiday vendors, enjoy Christmas foods, Victorian carolers, crafts and more. Don't forget to visit the Victorian Santa in his workshop for photo opportunities. Free craft station and lawn games in the children's area. No tickets required! From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 301 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie. Info: www.facebook.com/events/1094981024776055/

Smith Public Library:

300 Country Club Rd., #300, Wylie WylieTexas.Gov/Library Story Hikes: On the trail behind the library. Head in one direction to read a story then turn around and head the other way to get a second story!

Holiday Story Hike: Dec. 21 thru Jan. 1 Treasure Hunts: Find all the hidden images in the children's area to win a small prize!

Holiday: Dec. 21 thru Jan. 1 MLK: Jan. 12 thru Jan. 22

Family Programs:

Learn All About Kwanzaa: Dec. 2 from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Join the Juneteenth Organization of Wylie as they demonstrate the history and elements of Kwanzaa.

Kids’ Winter Reading Challenge: Jan. 5 thru March 9 A fun/encouraging way for kids to read and track the number of books completed. Using a map as a reading log, every 5 books read on the "journey" earns a small prize!

Better Together Community Cookbook

Accepting Recipe Submissions until Dec. 30.

This cookbook project assembles recipes from Wylie and our surrounding communities, representing a wide variety of backgrounds and culinary contributions to come together in a publicly-accessible e-book. Submission are being accepted online or in person. Find more info at www.WylieTexas.gov/ Library or call 972-516-6250.

Happy Holidays!

December/January CALENDAR

Dec. 1 & 2: Coventry Reserve Christmas Open House.

Start your Christmas season with our Signing Stars, complimentary refreshments and the most beautiful and unique pottery pieces, perfect for those harder to shop for folks on your list! Join us Friday evening from 5 - 9 p.m. and all-day Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 2004 Parker Rd., St. Paul. Info: https://fb.me/e/65EbkAP3U

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CITY OF WYLIE

Wylie Arts Festival Leaving a Lasting Legacy

by Craig Kelly

Two hundred artists and crafters will share their handmade creations and unique items at this year’s Wylie Arts Festival.

Some are influenced and inspired by their faith; some treasure the family time each piece represents. All are dedicated to their craft, and all will bring unique treasures to the Cross Church Event Center on Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event is not only a great place to find that perfect gift, but it also has a lasting impact on the arts in Wylie.

Fifteen years and counting, the story of the Wylie Arts Festival began in 2009, with the first event held outdoors in Olde City Park. A beautiful December day welcomed larger-thanexpected crowds for the inaugural event. Attendees shopped a handful of vendors, enjoyed library storytelling, participated in cooking demonstrations, and enjoyed performances by local children’s dance groups.

City Secretary Carole Ehrlich and Public Information Officer Craig Kelly, working with the newly formed Public Arts Board, created the event with hopes to raise additional funds to install Public Art projects in Wylie. Since 2006, the City has dedicated 1% of capital improvement project fees to the Public Arts program, still there were several wanted projects with no funding source.

Hensley Lane that celebrates the bond between rescued animals and shelter staff, as well as those who adopt animals in need of forever homes.

The City Council recently commissioned several new sculptures for the Wylie Municipal Complex trail that celebrate the history of the Blackland Prairie and honor the indigenous people who cultivated the area years ago. In the coming months “Revery” by Katy Antill will be installed. “Sacred Fire” and “Ancestor’s Voice,” by Yoshi Wright, are currently in the planning/design stage.

We hope to see you in historic downtown Wylie this holiday season at the Wylie Arts Festival. Remember, it’s more than finding that perfect Christmas gift; it’s about creating a lasting legacy by supporting the arts in Wylie.

For more details on Wylie’s Public Art Program, including an audio and visual tour of our 13 public art installations, go to WylieTexas.gov/PublicArt. •

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Based on the success of the Arts Festival, the Public Arts Board, Carole, and Craig, worked with the Wylie Downtown Merchants Association to organize and manage vendor booths for Bluegrass on Ballard. A portion of sponsorship money from the Arts Festival and Bluegrass on Ballard, along with 100% of vendor booth fees, are allocated to the Public Art fund. More than $400,000 has been raised through both events over the past 15 years.

Event-funded art installations can be found throughout the City of Wylie.

(1) The 6-foot-3-inch bronze sculpture “Heroes of Wylie,” created by artist Sid Henderson, depicts a firefighter and police officer standing side by side. The piece was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2015, at the Public Safety Building, 2000 Hwy. 78.

(2) “Never Forget,” by Terrance Martin, pays homage to the 343 first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. The iconic aluminum structures that contain pieces from the World Trade Center people can reach in and touch, is located at Fire Station 4 on McMillan Road.

(3) Artist Robert Barnum created “Rescued,” an aluminum-andcorten-steel sculpture at the Wylie Animal Shelter on 12 |

| December 2023/January 2024

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A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

www.wyliechamber.org | 13

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WYLIE ISD

Five Generations of Pirates

by Casi Thedford

I

n 1924, the very first Bozman family member graduated from Wylie High School. Exactly 100 years later, in May, another member of the family will walk the stage – marking the fifth consecutive generation to earn a diploma from Wylie High.

Four of those five generations share their stories about attending Wylie High School. The only story missing is from the one who started it all – Lionel “Skinner” Bozman, a member of Wylie High School’s Class of 1924. Skinner passed away in 1978.

The second generation to graduate from Wylie ISD is represented by Skinner’s daughter, Betty (Bozman) Housewright. At the age of 96, Betty is the only one remaining from the Class of 1944.

She still remembers every one of her 23 classmates, even the ones who didn’t graduate because they were deployed.

“Noble Birket went off and was killed in the war,” Betty said. “The war had ended and he didn’t know it. They were chasing Germans out of Holland.”

When she attended Wylie ISD in the late ’30s and early ’40s, there was only one school and a shop building.

“The grade school and high school were together in one building,” she said. “There were two stories. Frank McMillan was in charge of the shop.”

Assistant business manager of the annual staff, assistant reporter for the school’s newspaper, The Pirate’s Log, treasurer of her class, a member of the basketball and softball teams, Betty was an active member of her class.

Representing the third generation to graduate from Wylie High School is Elaine (Clark) Schraplau. Wylie High was UIL Class 1A when Elaine graduated in 1965 with 42 in her class.

She recalls taking home economics, where she had to make a suit.

Like her mom, Elaine played basketball and was selected as class favorite her freshman year.

Kate (Schraplau) Hilgeman, Elaine's daughter, represents the fourth generation of WHS graduates in this family.

The campus that is now known as Burnett Junior High was once Wylie High School. Kate’s Class of 1996 was the last to graduate from that school building before WHS relocated to its current location at FM 544 and Woodbridge Parkway.

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

Wylie was 4A and there were 137 students in Kate’s graduating class.

“Classes are so big now,” she said. “Kids don’t know all of their classmates anymore. Most I graduated with, I’ve known since kindergarten.”

Just like her mom and grandmother, Kate played basketball in high school, along with volleyball and tennis.

She was in athletics and band her freshman year.

Kate was a member of the National Honor Society, was in the top 10 percent of her class, and was a Birmingham scholar.

Kate's daughter, Tanner Harris, will represent the fifth generation of Pirate alumni in her family, exactly 100 years after her great-great-grandfather received his diploma.

Tanner plays the French horn and the mellophone. Like her mom, she is a member of the National Honor Society.

In her fourth year at WHS, Tanner is still meeting people in her graduating class and reconnecting with friends from her past.

“It is crazy how many people I still haven't met and might never meet,” she said. “Many schools feed into Wylie High, making it possible to reunite with people I used to be close with.”

Now 6A, with 697 in the senior class, Wylie High School has grown significantly since Tanner’s great-greatgrandfather attended in the 1920s.

Wylie ISD has seen a lot of change over the last century, evolving from a single school building serving all grade levels to 20 different campuses today. However, amidst all this change, one constant remains: the enduring legacy of the Skinner Bozman family in Wylie ISD. • Photos courtesy of Wylie ISD.

www.wyliechamber.org | 15

COLLIN COLLEGE

Wylie Family Shares Keys To A Successful College Career

by Mark Saldaña

16 |

| December 2023/January 2024

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

F

amily, education, hard work, resiliency, and dedication are just a few words of many to describe the Appiah family. Rawlings Appiah Djomoah, a graduate of Collin College and Tracy Appiah, a current student at the Collin College Wylie Campus, are a father and daughter who reside in Wylie and are tremendously hard-working people with enough ambition to reach the stars.

The Appiahs immigrated from Ghana in 2010 and Rawlings prioritized education by attending Collin College while working fulltime and raising a family. The journey has not been easy for the Appiahs. Rawlings currently works as an overTracy Appiah with her father Rawlings Appiah Djomoah who also attended Collin College. night nurse at Richardson Methodist Hospital and not only holds a Master of Nursing to pursue college or not, they should definitely at least give degree but is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing at the it a try at Collin, because I think it is a great starting point to University of Texas at Arlington. whichever career you wish to pursue.”

“When we came from Ghana, I realized that education was Rawlings said that the combination of work, school, and the best option for me,” Rawlings said. “I worked at various time was a tough challenge while adjusting their lives in a places before going to school, and one thing that stuck with new country far from home. me is when you have a degree, or degrees, you have a more “It was very difficult for us to reach this level,” Rawlings secure job than someone who doesn’t have one.” said. “There were a lot of bumps on the road, but With Rawlings’ guidance and support for his daughter thankfully, now it seems like our feet are on the ground.”

Tracy, she is chasing her ultimate dream to become a For Rawlings, family is invaluable, so he makes it a neurosurgeon. She is currently pursuing an Associate of point to spend time with them by putting up decorations Science degree at Collin, and once that’s completed, she together during the holidays, cooking, and listening to plans to transfer to the University of Texas at Tyler’s preholiday music. • medical program and then, medical school. Her father says To apply or register for classes at the Wylie Campus, visit education is one of the best values he has passed down to www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie. his children.

For more information about Collin College, visit our website “I believe education is very important to one’s success,” www.collin.edu.

Tracy said. “I think that if someone is not sure if they want

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YOUR HEALTH

Family Adopts a Christmas Miracle Provided by Methodist Richardson Medical Center

W

eighing just 1 pound, 11.9 ounces, Perrin James Vance was one of the smallest preemies ever born at Methodist Richardson Medical Center. He was born last December, nearly four months early, to birth parents who made the difficult decision to put him up for adoption. The very next day, the adoption agency made the call that would forever change the lives of Brett and Stephanie Vance.

“Everybody else gets nine months,” said Brett. “We got the call and had a baby.”

Fast forward to June when the adoption became official in a courtroom filled with family and friends.

The joyful day was a long time coming for Stephanie and Brett, who had suffered through five miscarriages and several would-be adoptions that fell through. So last December, the newborn became their “Christmas miracle.”

“We believe this was all in God’s hands,” said Stephanie.

“If everything had not aligned the way it did, it would be an entirely different story.”

NO HESITATION

The Vances, who got married nine years ago, expected to have a houseful of children by now. But Stephanie’s five pregnancies ended in miscarriage, and their previous efforts to adopt stalled when the birth mothers changed their minds or chose another couple.

They’d been ready for a long time. That’s why Stephanie did not hesitate when the adoption agency’s director posed a question: “How would you feel about adopting a preemie?”

“Yes,” Stephanie said, then asked how many other families were in contention for this little boy.

“None,” she was told. “We knew you would be the ones.”

Years earlier, Stephanie had been a nanny for her cousins, one of whom was a preemie. She also has a nephew with cerebral palsy, a condition that often affects premature babies.

She told Brett the news, accurately predicting how he’d respond.

“I was very, very excited but cautious,” he said. “Perrin was so little and I was trying to wrap my head around that.

Like any parent, I was nervous. My life was changing right that very second.”

14 WEEKS IN NICU

When Brett and Stephanie began visiting Perrin in the A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

Brett, Stephanie & PJ Vance.

NICU, he was so tiny that Brett’s wedding ring could fit around his arm.

“They were here every day, every single day,” said Lilian St. John, MD, medical director of the neonatal intensive care unit at Methodist Richardson. “They had such kind hearts to welcome Perrin into their lives. I was touched by that.”

Initially, the couple couldn’t even hold their son. When babies are born so young, Dr. St. John explains, their skin is too fragile.

Throughout Perrin’s 14-week stay at Methodist Richardson, Dr. St. John kept his family apprised of everything. She answered questions, eased fears, and shared her expertise with honesty and optimism. Above all, she was there for the entire family.

“Dr. St. John was with us from the get-go,” Stephanie said.

READY FOR ADVENTURE

Perrin was released to go home within two weeks of his due date when he was able to maintain his body temperature and could finish his bottles without the aid of a feeding tube.

“There’s always a risk for developmental delays with micro preemies,” Dr. St. John said, “but he did so well and his head ultrasounds show no head bleeds. That’s very encouraging. I’m very hopeful.”

Perrin’s nursery reflects that positivity. On one wall is a forest with mountains, lovingly hand painted by Stephanie’s sister and mom. Crib sheets printed with planets, a solar system mobile, and a rocket laundry basket offer reminders of the huge universe awaiting this beloved little boy.

Adventure is waiting, PJ. • 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.

www.wyliechamber.org | 19

YOUR MONEY

Changing Unhealthy Behaviors Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT

D

espite the fact that most of us know the fundamentals of good health – exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol – changing existing unhealthy behaviors can be difficult. Want proof?

Look no further than the New Year’s Resolution, 80% of which fail by February.

Generally, negative motivations are inadequate to effect change. (“I need to quit smoking because my spouse hates it.”) Motivation needs to come from within and be positively oriented. (“I want to quit smoking so I can see my grandchildren graduate.”)

Goals must be specific, measurable, realistic, and time related. In other words, “I am going to exercise more” is not enough. You need to set a more defined goal, e.g., “I am going to walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week.”

Permanent Change is Evolutionary, not Revolutionary As a rule, individuals travel through stages on their way to permanent change. These stages can’t be rushed or skipped.

Phase one: Precontemplation. Whether through a lack of knowledge or because of past failures, you are not consciously thinking about any change.

20 |

| December 2023/January 2024

Phase two: Contemplation. You are considering change but aren’t yet committed to it. To help you move through this phase, it may be helpful to write out the pros and cons of changing your behavior. Examine the barriers to change. Not enough time to exercise? How could you create that time?

Phase three: Preparation. You’re at the point of believing change is necessary and you can succeed. When making plans it’s critical to begin anticipating potential obstacles. How will you address temptations that test your resolve? For instance, how will you decline a lunch invitation from work colleagues to that greasy spoon restaurant?

Phase four: Taking action. This is the start of change.

Practice your alternative strategies to avoid temptation.

Remind yourself daily of your motivation; write it down if necessary. Get support from family and friends.

Phase five: Maintenance. You’ve been faithful to your new behavior. Now it’s time to prevent relapse and integrate this change into your life.

Remember, this process is not a straight line. You may fail, even repeatedly, but don’t let failure discourage you.

Reflect on why you failed and apply that knowledge to your efforts going forward. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.

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