Wylie CONNECTION Magazine July/August 2022

July/August 2022 • Volume 17 - Issue 4

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The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce

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Your Window to Wylie

COLLIN COLLEGE When reading digital edition on smart devices or your computer, tap or click to activate QR Code links.

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WYLIE, TX PERMIT# 63

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Looking at a Little Local History

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Professors Making History

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

Please Recycle This Magazine After Reading!

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To take a free heart risk assessment visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/HeartHRA or call 877-637-4297 for a physician referral.

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 Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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Welcome to another HOT summer in Wylie, TX! Summer started early here in Southeast Collin, and it looks like the 100-degree heat will be our neighbor for a while.

On days like this it is best to stay in the A/C and catch up on some reading. No better place to start than the Connection Magazine, and the history-themed issue is the perfect way to catch up on the history of the place where we all work and live.

Have you ever wondered what it was like in Wylie before the year Y.A. (“You Arrived”)? There was a downtown, but it was a little different than the current version, and train tracks were more important than Hwy. 78. We look back at the downtown experience over the years, and we learn more about the organization dedicated to making sure we always remember: the Wylie Historical Society.

We also look at the history of Wylie Fire Rescue. Before they were ISO-1 rated, they were all volunteer! The Wylie Chamber of Commerce has been a part of the Wylie landscape since 1977, and while the history has been shorter, the impact has been great.

Our featured cover advertiser, Collin College Wylie, is back and jumps into the issue’s theme, highlighting its history professors, students, and classes. Long-time partner

Methodist Richardson Medical Center has a story on the history of MRMC in the area, and a historythemed issue wouldn’t be complete without a look at the impact that a local scholarship fund has had on the community and its student recipients.

Wylie Chamber President It is a quick-but-thorough look at the pieces of the past that make up the present and future of Wylie. We appreciate those who came first and paved the way for the history that we now create every day.

As always, we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. •

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CONTENTS

July/August 2022 • Volume 17 - Issue 4

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

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 Judy Truesdell Anne Hiney Nick Young Sara Carpenter

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 page 20. Happy butterfly hunting!!

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

COLLIN COLLEGE

History Classes Illuminate The Present Through The Lens of The Past

CONNECTION FEATURE

History of Wylie Beats in 6 the Heart of Downtown

CONNECTION COLUMNS 10

CITY OF WYLIE

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CALENDAR

14

WYLIE ISD

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YOUR HEALTH

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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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YOUR MONEY

History of Wylie Fire-Rescue Local July/August Events Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship History of Methodist Richardson Medical Center

45 Years in the Community Buying I Bonds Direct from the Treasury

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. ~ Confucius

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: Collin College, Wylie Campus Professors.

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

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COURTESY OF COLLIN COLLEGE

History Classes Illuminate The Present Through The Lens of The Past

By Heather Darrow

J

ordan Scrantom plans to become a physical therapist. A soccer player who has recovered from many injuries, her goal is to show patients that she understands what they are going through as she helps them heal. The past is already impacting Jordan’s future, but she gained a deeper appreciation of the value of that concept in her Collin College history classes.

Jordan enjoyed Dr. Krystal Humphreys’ U.S. History 1301 class so much that she signed up for her U.S. History 1302 honors class the following semester.

“I like the way she structures the class,” Jordan said.

“You don’t have to memorize information. You can 44 ||

Photo by Sara Carpenter, Collin College photographer.

just learn.”

In her honors class, Jordan selected a topic relating to American History from 1865 until the present day.

“My mom is from Germany, and I wanted to incorporate her history,” Jordan said. “My project was on America’s view of the Holocaust and what we did and didn’t do. During the Holocaust, we got frustrated about how the Jews were treated, but I saw the hypocrisy in how we treated the Japanese after Pearl Harbor. Seeing how we got to where we are today is interesting. Now I know that what happened in the past can influence what we do in the future.”

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Historians are Storytellers Dr. Krystal Humphreys discovered her love of teaching in graduate school.

“The minute I stood in front of a class I knew that was what I wanted to do. I love to tell stories, to talk and read about the past, and to see how our present is reflected in the past.”

Krystal’s interest in history flourished with the western historical novels her grandmother sent her. Her research focuses on the social and cultural history of everyday people of the past – the lives of Americans. She is one of two full-time history faculty members, along with adjunct professors, who teach at the Wylie Campus.

“The department is small, so students are taking classes with the same people,” she said. “There is a lot of continuity, and I really enjoy getting to know the students.”

Krystal said she knows many students may be afraid to take a history class, especially an honors history class, but she believes they will become fans of the discipline because of the interesting stories.

“History is about understanding what happened and what we see going on in our lives today. My honors classes focus on helping students understand what it means to be a historian and teaching the historical process while we are learning the story,” Krystal added.

“Bowling alleys wouldn’t allow certain races to bowl at all or at the same time, and it was the union that broke that down,” he explained.

This spring Ryan and history students made their own mark on the college’s history when they founded the Collin College History Club. They plan to start a movie night and a podcast that features talks that coincide with important dates, anniversaries, and milestones in American history as well as events that are taking place on Collin’s campuses that have a connection to history.

“I take an enormous amount of pride in staying on top of what is going on in the field and making sure that what students get out of class is not only on par with what is taught at universities but is the latest information. My peers also have the same priorities, and that sets Collin apart,” Ryan said.

For more information about the Collin College History Club, visit https://collin.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ history. To register for a history class at the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie.

History’s Practical Applications Wylie Campus History Professor Dr. Ryan Pettengill will be the first to tell you that he teaches practical knowledge that students can apply in their future careers.

“As much as I want my classes to stay with students so they can use them as a road map, I know the details will get fuzzy,” Ryan said. “However, I hope the academic goals, such as writing a cohesive paper in an effective and efficient way, will stay with them. These academic goals will translate to junior- and senior-level courses and are marketable skills that 21st century jobs require.”

Like Krystal, Ryan’s grandmother ignited his interest in history. Raised in Oxford, England, she grew up during World War II. “As a 13- or 14-year-old, I remember her telling stories of bombing raids. At night at the height of the Battle of Britain she could see London burning from Oxford. I’ve always loved hearing and telling stories,” said Ryan, echoing his colleague’s sentiments.

An author who has conducted research at George Washington University, Ryan’s book “Communists and Community: Activism in Detroit’s Labor Movement, 1941-1956” was published in 2020. His students benefit from his research.

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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Collin College Wylie Campus

REGISTER NOW Fall classes begin Aug. 22 www.collin.edu

www.wyliechamber.org |• 55 www.wyliechamber.org

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History of Wylie Beats in the Heart of Downtown

Trade Days in Wylie

by Judy Truesdell

t was Friday night, July 13, 1923. Wylie citizens had gathered on Ballard Avenue to visit and shop for groceries and dry goods. Suddenly, at 7:40 p.m., streetlights blazed; electricity had come to town. Did the shoppers cheer? Or did they shield their eyes from the harsh glare?

Walking along Ballard today, if you squint your eyes as those long-ago shoppers may have, it’s not hard to imagine the street as a dirt road with horses tied to hitching posts. A sense of history has been painstakingly maintained in downtown Wylie in the names on the buildings, the careful color and material regulations of the Downtown Historic District, and events hosted by the City of Wylie and the Downtown Merchants

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Association, celebrations that continue to draw people to the city’s heart, still a thriving downtown area.

It’s impossible to turn back the clock and trace the history of downtown Wylie without a nod to the railroad. When the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad Company finalized plans for its tracks in this part of Collin County, visitors and railroad workers came to town, and businesses moved in to accommodate them.

The town of Wylie officially incorporated Nov. 8, 1887, and the area became even more active when the second rail line, St. Louis and Southwestern (Cotton Belt) arrived on the west side. One of the first businesses downtown, Brown and Burns Mercantile, entered into an agreement with the Cotton Belt to provide groceries

Cotton Gin

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Johnston Clothing Manufacturing Co.

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The Wylie Saloon

The Telephone Exchange

and other goods for the workers. W.B. Cannon & Co., Housewright Furniture, the Taylor-Birmingham Company, and Daniels Hotel also opened for business.

By 1890, Wylie had a population of less than 250, but it had a furniture store, hardware store, dry goods store, and barber shop. It was around this time that the city garnered a reputation for being somewhat wild and rowdy; railroad workers came to town with money to spend, and soon five saloons and a billiard hall opened, their owners happy to provide outstretched hands for some of that cash. Some citizens were less than delighted about the wildness and voted in 1891 to close the saloons down. In 1893, however, the barrooms were voted back in, and a new marshal was elected to make sure things didn’t get out of hand. Marshal Hamilton Pate “Peanuts” Howery locked up many a rowdy roustabout in his jail, and this proved an incentive for everyone to settle down a bit. The other businesses, however, had no reason to curtail their hours; many stayed open late, possibly inspiring the town’s nickname, “Wide Awake Wylie.”

Not all the business was downtown, but Ballard and surrounding streets benefitted from the new prosperity of onion and cotton farmers. Able to ship their crops on railroad cars, farmers found themselves with additional income to purchase extra items, and downtown commerce increased. The first bank in town, First National Bank, opened in 1896, and, by 1900, Wylie had five cotton gins. Wylie became famous for its sweet white onions, earning the city the honor of being “Onion Capital of the World,” and an onion shed was located downtown near the Santa Fe tracks. Despite the fame of the onion, cotton was the leading crop, with schools scheduled around the growing season so children could help out in the fields. Farmers also grew wheat and other crops.

Kreymer & Gallagher brothers in the First National Bank

After electrical service came to town in the 1920s, Ballard Avenue was graveled, and a water well was drilled to provide water for the community. The Depression hit in 1929, and Mayor David Walker Click took steps that prevented Wylie from taking the hit many cities suffered. For instance, he was instrumental in bringing Bigsby Movie Theater to the south side of Ballard. In those early days, a quarter would pay for a movie and a bag of popcorn – and put some change back in the movie fan’s pocket. More critical to Wylie’s Depression survival was the relocation of Johnston Clothing Manufacturing Company, previously located in Garland. Mayor Click, whose “day job” was Johnston salesman, persuaded the owners to move the company’s factory, sales office, and general administration offices to Wylie. Johnston had an annual payroll of $150,000 and hired 100 new employees. J.R. Story ran a sewing plant that was part of the company, and clothing was sold nationwide with outlets not only in Dallas, but also in New York City, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Atlanta, Chicago, and Charlotte. Even Neiman Marcus was one of Johnston’s customers. Johnston held the honor of being the largest industry in Wylie for many years.

Other businesses in downtown Wylie in the 1930s and ‘40s included (on the side that is now home to Wylie Flower and Gifts and Shoemaker & Hardt), E. Housewright Grocery; Housewright & Hammett Hardware and Furniture Store, which featured a funeral home in the back; Holloman’s Drug Store; Tom and Lillian Corzine’s Café; Hicks Grocery Store; S.H. Hillis and Son Grocery; H.C. Click’s Dry Goods; C.C. Fawcitt Drug Store; Ed Spurgin’s Barber Shop, which housed Pat Miller’s Cleaners in back; and the medical office of Dr. Percy Franklin Brooks. Across the street (on the Wylie continued ~

Train Engine

Wylie Post Office A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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Eye Center and Ballard Street Café side), were C.M. Gallagher Dry Goods; Foster Grocery; Jess Callaway Hamburgers; S.M. McDonald Auto; Bob Gallagher Café; the telephone company where operator Gladys Bowman routed calls; the medical office of Dr. George Pembert Maynard; First State Bank; and the post office, where Postmistress Della Duncan sorted the mail.

In 1948, football fans gathered upstairs at Housewright & Hammitt to see the SMU vs. Notre Dame game on Wylie’s first television, a 7-inch, black-and-white set owned by Louis Hudson. The late Rita Gallagher Smith, for whom the Rita & Truett Smith Public Library is named, was the daughter of Claude M. and Anna McNally Gallagher. She worked in her father’s dry goods store, which he had purchased from previous owners Jack Taylor and Frank Birmingham when they moved to Tulsa.

Accounts were paid once a year after the crops were gathered.

Wylie Historical Society

The downtown area has continued to grow and thrive, and one Wylie organization is dedicated to keeping its history and spirit alive. The Wylie Historical Society (WHS) was formed in the mid-1980s.

According to current president, Jennifer Wakefield, the group was casual. “While they were very active at the time, it was an informal group of local history lovers, but they didn’t create a legal entity. After several of The Stone family house, aka. Stonehav those key people moved away, (above) and after being moved. the group faded for a while.”

In 2011, however, several people who had belonged to that first group became concerned about the vulnerability of Stonehaven, the Stone family house at 1400 S. Ballard. It had been vacant for over 50 years, Jennifer said, and the family had long left the area. The Stone family had gone through the process of applying for Recorded Texas Historic Landmark status in 1992, but the house sat empty and deserted on

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All photos courtesy of Wylie Historical Society.

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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the corner of Ballard and Alanis. “Determined that this Landmark should not continue on the course of desolation, the group set about to find the Stone family and see what could be done to better preserve this house,” Jennifer said. In the meantime, the group took the necessary steps and became a legal 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.

In 2015, developers, city officials, and WHS worked together to restore Stonehaven and gently move it 400 feet north, making it the centerpiece of the Stone Ranch Development and enabling the widening of Alanis.

Since then, WHS members have engaged in many projects dedicated to the preservation of Wylie’s history, including pursuing state markers for the City of Wylie and Wylie Cemetery, researching buildings for the Collin County Historic Asset Survey, creating the Wylie Historic Downtown Walking Tour brochure, partnering with the Smith Library to begin Oral History interviews, and digitizing copies of early Wylie newspapers.

Current and upcoming projects include more Oral History reviews, a “Highlights of Wylie History” pop-up exhibit, Historic Sites of Wylie interactive online map, restoration of founder Col. W.D. Wylie’s piano, restoration of the Housewright Store Christmas Dolls, and continued restoration of the Stone family house.

“We are planning an event in November to mark Wylie’s 135th birthday,” Jennifer said.

“More on that in the coming months!”

WHS meets the third Tuesday of each month, with the location being somewhat fluid due to Covid concerns. Although it’s open to everyone, membership is encouraged; dues support the group’s causes. Visit w y l i e h i s t o r i c a l s o c i e t y. o rg to join, see where WHS is house, aka. Stonehaven – before meeting, and stay up to date on being moved. the group’s activities.

In addition to Jennifer, WHS officers include Vice President Jon Lewis and Secretary/ Treasurer Alexis Tapp. Directors are Kirstin Dodd Eugene Hauptmann, Bob Heath, Larry Taylor, and Karla Warborg.

“We welcome stories, photos, letters, and artifacts of all periods in Wylie area history (and we can help digitize those),” Jennifer said. “Because the story of Wylie continues!” •

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CITY OF WYLIE

A History of Service; The Next Chapter A strong sense of community and volunteerism has been a part of Wylie’s fabric since its founding in 1886, and the humble beginnings of the Wylie Fire Department (WFD) demonstrate this spirit. It began as neighbors helping neighbors — citizens leaving their fields, hardware stores, shops, banks, and the railroad to respond and assist a friend or family member when a fire broke out. No training, special tools, or funds, simply a call to be there for one another, a call to service. As the community grew and more industry came to town, these volunteers recognized the need to formally organize and began asking the City to help with funding for fire equipment.

The beginnings of WFD can be found in a few simple, oneline City Council minute entries penned in July, August, and September, a century ago. On July 17, 1909, the City Council made a motion that a fire pump be purchased and mounted on a wagon for the purpose of building a new fire machine.

The Council then appointed the first fire company officers on Aug. 4, 1909. That same day the Council exempted the “fire boys” from the street tax. On Sept. 1, 1909, the Council purchased two buckets and an ax for the fire machine. On Jan. 9, 1912, an ordinance passed creating the office of the Fire Marshal.

The spirit of volunteerism that protected Nickelville and Wylie in the early days continued through the decades. In 1993 Jim Lynch was hired as the first paid fire chief. Later that year, Ronald Sims, Jeffrey Scribner, and Jeff Henderson were hired as the

by Craig Kelly

first full-time firefighters. While nearly all of the responders today are fully paid professionals, the spirit of service lives on in the “neighbors helping neighbors” legacy. Those civic-minded individuals from decades back have set the ideal for service by WFR that remains in existence today.

On May 13, 2022, Wylie Fire Rescue started a new chapter in its history with the grand opening and commissioning of Fire Station No. 4 located on the west side of town on McMillen Drive near McCreary Road. Mayor Matthew Porter, joined by City Councilmembers, Chief Brandon Blythe, City Manager Brent Parker, members of Wylie Fire Rescue, and the community, ceremonially uncoupled a hose marking the opening of the station.

The following day, thousands of people attended the open house and many participated in a traditional push-in ceremony of Wylie’s newest fire truck, Quint 144. The tradition dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. When returning to the station after a call, the horses couldn’t easily back the equipment into the bay so firefighters would

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disconnect the horses and push the equipment back into the station themselves.

Fire Station #4 is also home to Wylie’s newest public art project "Never Forget," a sculpture by Sacramento-based artist Terrence Martin. The iconic aluminum structures pay homage to the 343 first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 and contain actual pieces from the World Trade Center that people can reach in and touch. Names of first responders who gave all are laser-cut into the material, along with the image of a kneeling firefighter. Visitors are encouraged to stop by this very moving piece of art.

From its humble beginnings in 1909, more than a century later Wylie has grown into a recognized, dynamic, progressive department equipped to respond to almost any emergency that threatens lives and property. The City of Wylie made history in 2001 when WFR became the smallest department in the nation to obtain a class 1 rating (highest possible) from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a very high honor considering less than one percent of more than 47,000 cities in the country have earned this rating. The department also features several recognized, regional, specialized operations teams including our swift-water rescue/dive team and hazardous material team.

Under the direction of Chief Brandon Blythe, WFR continues to grow. With the addition of station #4 opened in May of this year, WFR operates four full-service fire stations and serves approximately 60 square miles of Southeast Collin County, including contracted service to the City of St. Paul, while maintaining the ISO Class 1 PPC rating.

The legacy of service provided by WFR over the past 113 years remains the same -- neighbors rushing to help each other, caring deeply about the outcome, and helping people get back to normal by investing their sweat, tears, and even blood if necessary.

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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In-Sync Exotics Watermelon Toss: Support the big cats by joining us to watch them enjoy receiving yummy watermelons! 1 - 3 p.m. Location: 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Event & ticket info: www.facebook.com/ events/985083608814464

July 16

Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic: City of Wylie Animal Services with Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) mobile vaccine clinic. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Location: 949 Hensley Ln., Bldg. 100, Wylie. Info: https://fb.me/e/2CrlpsHhH

Aug 6 WISD Back to School Fair: Free backpack, school supplies & uniform assistance for enrolled Wylie ISD

students with documentation of one of the following to qualify: Active Military, Free/Reduced Lunch, Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, Social Security Benefits, Disability Benefits, Unemployment Benefits. Free haircuts (courtesy of The Full Spectrum Salon) & immunizations (with shot record & insurance). 8 - 10 a.m.

Location: The Cross Church Event Center, 200 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie. For more info contact: Joley.Martin@wylieisd.net.

Aug 19 -28 Bye Bye Birdie presented by Wylie Acting Group: A rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his

"farewell" television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted! Location: 205 Industrial Ct. #200b, Wylie. Event & ticket info: www.wylieactinggroup.org

Aug 20 In-Sync Exotics Pancake Breakfast: Join us for an all you can eat pancake breakfast from 7 - 10 a.m. to support the big cats! Location: 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Event & ticket info: www.facebook.com/ events/5071657722919193

Wylie Recreation: July is National Park & Rec Month. We list below a few Special Events that are planned; visit website for details, registration & fee information. www.wylietexas.gov/parks.php July 15 Nerf Wars July 23 Black Light Climb & Game Night July 29 Night Owl Lock-In Adventure Aug 8 Paint Your Pet Aug 12 Parent's Night Out

Senior Recreation Trips: For ages 55+ Participation is limited and registration required.

July 23 Dallas Farmers Market Aug 4 The Foodies - Fat Chicken Aug 11 TrainTopia - Museum of the American Railroad Aug 25 Best Maid Pickle Emporium

Smith Public Library: Ongoing Summer Fun Programs. Check website for details & full listings of activities for all ages. www.wylietexas.gov/library.php

July/August CALENDAR

July 9

July 9 Asia Pop Meetup July 12 Homesteading: Chicks, Bees & More July 16 Cupcake Challenge July 29 Harry Potter's Birthday Party

SAVE THE DATE FRI Sept. 9 & SAT Sept. 10 www.wyliechamber.org

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WYLIE ISD

Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship

by Ian Halperin

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Photo courtesy of Wylie ISD

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or 75 years, a unique scholarship program has provided substantial financial assistance to seniors in Wylie ISD. The Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship Fund was established in 1947 by T. F. Birmingham to comply with a request by his sister, Pearl Birmingham, who died in 1946. In her will, Miss Pearl left 1,000 shares of common stock in the Standard Oil Company to support the scholarship fund.

“In 2023, Wylie ISD will recognize the 75th class of Birmingham Scholars, and we want to do it big,” said Dr. Stephen Davis, Wylie ISD executive director of secondary education. “Wylie ISD would like to recognize all Birmingham scholars from 1948 to 2023 to honor the historic legacy of the Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship.”

Miss Pearl, as her friends and students knew her, spent most of her life teaching school. She began her teaching career in Wylie where she taught first and second grades. Miss Pearl has been described as having been a "very quiet, unusually kind and pleasant person from a more than generous, happy, and religious family." In her will, she specified that the stock profits go to support an annual scholarship to be given to an outstanding Wylie High School graduate. The program was expanded to include Wylie East in 2012.

The first recipient of the Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship was the valedictorian of the Class of 1948, Harvey Moore. Moore, a successful architect, received $1,000 for four years of college study. While in college, he received payments of $25 per month.

While that first $1,000 scholarship was considered to be a most generous one, the amount of the award has increased during the years, as has the number of recipients. This has been made possible as a result of the Birmingham investment program. This year, both Wylie ISD high schools awarded an equal number of two-year scholarships. Currently, the program provides three $7,500 scholarships and seven $5,000 scholarships at each high school.

WEHS Assistant Principal Angela Arp was a 1996 recipient when she graduated from Wylie High.

Congratulation to the Class of 2022, Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholars!

“Being a Birmingham Scholar is a tremendous honor, for you are forever part of a family,” said Arp. “This family represents the commitment to academics and good moral character, values that are held with high regard in the Wylie community and exemplify the legacy of Miss Pearl Birmingham. Each year, I am so proud to see new scholars join the family, as this is a common thread that we will always share.”

Selection of the scholarships winners is based on the following: A. the student's academic ranking, B. the student's SAT, ACT, and other achievement test scores, C. submission of an autobiography by the student, and D. a personal interview with school superintendents (or their representatives) from Collin, Dallas, and Rockwall counties.

The Miss Pearl Birmingham Scholarship Fund and guidelines are managed by the Wylie ISD Board of Trustees. The income for the Miss Pearl Birmingham scholarships is currently provided by the interest earned from a trust fund created by the sale of the oil stock, which is in excess of $2 million. • If you have been recognized as a Birmingham Scholar, please visit the website https://bit.ly/birminghamscholars and fill out the survey so you may be contacted about the celebration.

For questions, contact Stephen Davis at stephen.davis@wylieisd.net or 972-429-3013.

6/24/22 9:36 AM

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6/24/22 9:36 AM

YOUR HEALTH

From Humble Beginnings METHODIST RICHARDSON MEDICAL CENTER BECOMES A DESTINATION FACILITY

by Jan Arrant

F

rom its humble beginnings in 1963, Methodist There were more changes in 2003, when the 10-year Richardson Medical Center, known then as Spring affiliation with Baylor Health Care System ended. The Valley Hospital, has perhaps become more than facility was renamed Richardson Regional Medical its founding fathers ever could have imagined.

Center. The name changed, but the growth continued, Methodist Richardson now spans two campuses, as the Physician Pavilion opened on the Bush/Renner offering highly specialized campus in 2004, followed care that is drawing by the new Richardson patients from across Cancer Center and a new Texas and the country.

Emergency Department in “We’re proud to serve 2008. our communities and The following year, beyond,” said Methodist Richardson Regional joined Richardson President Ken the Methodist Health Hutchenrider, FACHE. System, changing its name Let’s go back to see to what it is today, Methodist how it all started. In 1958, Richardson Medical Center.

Richardson had about RHA officially sold the 15,000 residents. The city hospital to Methodist in determined there was a 2011, ending the city’s growing need for a community hospital, 45-year ownership. which led to the creation of the Richardson In April 2014, the Hospital Authority (RHA). Seven years all-new $120 million later, Spring Valley Hospital opened with hospital opened at the 35 beds and 10 physicians. It later became intersection of George Methodist Richardson Medical Center over the years.

Richardson General Hospital, but financial Bush and Renner losses forced the owners to sell. Seeing great opportunity, Road. Within three years, the hospital was adding on the city bought Richardson General in 1966. again. An $85-million expansion in 2017 added two Residential growth boomed in the 1960s and ’70s, more patient care floors, a third cardiac catheterization prompting RHA to acquire 60 acres of land on Campbell lab and a ninth operating room.

Road for a new hospital. In 1975, with a budget of $9.7 The hospital has also added more specialties along million, they broke ground on a 100,000-square-foot the way, including advanced cardiovascular services facility. Named for a Dallas businessman, B.B. Owen and complex gastrointestinal services. In fact, in 2018, Memorial Hospital opened two and a half years later. the Joint Commission awarded the hospital the Gold The hospital thrived and continued under the Seal of Approval for liver and pancreas cancer care. The direction of the Richardson Hospital Authority until designation was the first in the nation.

1993. That’s when it became an affiliate of the Baylor The growth continues this summer, as the hospital is Health Care System and changed its name to Baylor set to break ground on a $45 million expansion to the Richardson Medical Center. That same year, the Cancer emergency department, lab and pharmacy.

Center opened, along with a physician office building.

Hutchenrider added, “The focus of this hospital has By the year 2000, Richardson was no longer a bedroom always been about providing compassionate, quality community, but rather a significant employment center healthcare for the communities we serve, and as those thanks to the Telecom Corridor. In 2002, RHA bought 20 communities expand, we must be diligent to stay ahead acres of land at the southeast corner of Renner Road and of the healthcare curve.” • the President George Bush Highway. This tract of land Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, but it would later Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not become the bustling Bush/Renner campus. employees or agents of Methodist Health System.

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6/24/22 9:36 AM

CHAMBER NEWS

Wylie Chamber of Commerce STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 45 YEARS

by Deonna Osborn

T

he Wylie Chamber of form in 2009. This popular Commerce, currently event corrals individuals from over 425 members Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, Garland, strong, stands as a piland other surrounding areas, lar of information and service to providing an opportunity, not only for businesses to support Wylie and surrounding communithe community, but also for ties. Members range from home participating members, students, services to professional busiand other citizens to volunteer nesses to restaurants. As the priside by side as families gather for mary business organization for wholesome Wylie-style fun. the City of Wylie, the mission of the Chamber is “to promote and Recently, the Chamber support Wylie Chamber memhosted its 2nd Annual Women’s bers while contributing to the Conference and it has partnered growth and quality of life in our with Collin College to offer community.” customer service classes. “The people are the assets,” Mike Originally established in 1977 said. The Chamber is committed as the Wylie Area Chamber of to providing new development Commerce, the organization opportunities for its members and started with a nine-member board the community it tirelessly serves. of directors and a handful of Chamber's original downtown location was where Hair members. The physical location Wylie As a tight-knit, diverse, and Society salon is located today. has changed three times over welcoming group with a family the course of its 45-year history. feel, all member businesses A 1987 amendment altered the rally for each other to do well. official name to Wylie Chamber That’s something that makes of Commerce, and the entity this Chamber unique. The began to morph into its current organization also provides many form. Today, the Chamber boasts valuable resources for every a healthy 15-member board member of the community. The of directors and has retained website lists member businesses, the same chamber president Several past Board Members celebrating the Chamber's 30th recommendations for services, since 2004. Surrounding city Anniversary in 2007: Brian Miller, Bill Bonney, Red Byboth, and even a one-stop-shop Melissa Crabtree, Chuck Flesch, Ray Mullins, Lori Whitten, Toni membership has grown as Wylie Young, Dr. H. John Fuller, Denise Holthaus, Sam Satterwhite, reference to many of the business continues to prove itself a viable Sara Holsted, Raymond Cooper, Marcia Coker, Ken Lane, Betty websites. Wylie is home to many and attractive area for commerce. Poe, Dr. Chuck Kerin & Marvin Fuller. unique businesses, some of which citizens may not even be aware of; explore the The Chamber hosts several events throughout the website to discover these local treasures. In addition, year and, as Chamber President Mike Agnew recently the Chamber staff always welcomes phone calls and pointed out, “We have evolved with changing times.” emails with any questions about a local business or The organization’s oldest event is the annual banquet. service, and is happy point you in the right direction.

In the Chamber’s nearly 45-year history, 42 banquets have taken place. The second-oldest tradition, and The Wylie Chamber of Commerce welcomes your perhaps one of the best known, is the 28-year-old Wylie questions and looks forward to letting you know how Championship Rodeo. Originally started in 1994 as you can get involved. Give them a call at 972-442-2804 a ranch rodeo consisting of local ranches bringing in or visit the website www.wyliechamber.org and check cowboys to compete, it changed into its championship out all the ways the Chamber can help! • 18 |

| July/August 2022

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6/24/22 9:36 AM

YOUR MONEY

How to Buy I Bonds Direct From the Treasury A SHORT GUIDE

W

Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT

ith inflation hovering near 40-year highs, some investors are looking for alternative ways to weather the storm. For many, a Series I Savings Bond is just the ticket. I Bonds give investors a rate of return plus inflation protection and are backed by the U.S. government.

I Bonds are pretty simple to set up. You can go to TreasuryDirect.gov and open a free account to purchase these federally backed securities directly from the U.S. Treasury.

Here’s how to get started.

Gather your info. Make sure you have the following close at hand: your taxpayer identification number, current address, checking or savings account information, and email address.

Go to Treasurydirect.gov's account creation page.

Navigate to the bottom of the page and select “Apply Now” on the left. This will begin your account creation journey. Next, you will choose between an Individual or Entity account. Select Individual account type (it’s the default option) and click “Submit.”

Enter your info. Using the information gathered in step 1, fill in the fields requested and check the box at the bottom to certify your Taxpayer Identification Number. Click “Submit.”

Select a personalized image.

Take some time here to select an image and caption you will remember. Think of this as a visual password for your account. Click “Submit.”

Secure your account.

Select your password and security questions on this screen. Make sure the answers to your security questions are impossible to guess but easy to remember. Click “Submit” to move to the final step.

Check your email. Finally, look for your TreasuryDirect account number in your email. You’ll need this to log into your account later.

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You can begin purchasing I Bonds now that you’ve created your account. Here are a few things to keep in mind. I Bonds earn interest for 30 years unless you cash them in. You can do this after a year has passed from the time of purchase, but you'll lose the previous three months of interest. However, there is no penalty if you let them mature for five years or more. The maximum amount you can invest is $10,000 total per calendar year.

Questions about I Bonds, or anything else financial?

Feel free to reach out anytime. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.

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Beginning in 2008, YOUR legacy became our priority.

2022

972-429-0603

www.jaldennis.com

601 Commerce St., Wylie, TX 75098

2008

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

Financial Planning, Investment Management, Retirement Planning & More

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The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Our history is rooted in family legacy.