Wylie CONNECTION Magazine March/April 2022

The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce

Your Window to Wylie

20 Years

And Counting

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

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Hello Spring!!

March/April 2022 • Volume 17 - Issue 2

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

Please Recycle This Magazine After Reading!

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Welcome to our spring issue of the CONNECTION Magazine!

Ahhh spring. When the winter clouds part and the sun returns to the area to welcome the blooming flora and fauna, and people begin to emerge from their winter (February) cocoons to start doing things! This year it looks like doing fun things outdoors might be allowed again, so start planning today with a quick look at the CONNECTION calendar inside.

After that, take a moment to peruse the pages as we bring you some fantastic stories about local people and organizations, working daily to make Wylie a “Great Place to Work and Live.”

From the “We knew you when” file: Happy 20th birthday to Gateway Community Church in Wylie! It seems like just yesterday that a new church came to town and began meeting at Smith Elementary in Wylie. Now 20 years later, there is a beautiful church facility on Country Club called Gateway Community Church – A Fun Place to Learn About God. We are fortunate to have been here to watch the growth, and we wish everyone at Gateway all the best and many more.

Along with our fantastic departments, we have some spring cleaning tips everyone can use. Don’t forget to look for the QR Codes in the magazine, as they are a source of great information and opportunity. The one to the right links to the full Wylie Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory right at your

future

Educator

fingertips – or in your phone. If you are in need of any service or business connection – or you want more information on any of our CONNECTION Member/Advertisers – roll over the QR Code for their contact info.

Enjoy the spring in the air, and we Wylie Chamber President hope to see you outside somewhere.

Make sure you wave to CONNECTION magazine sales director Melissa Irvin if you see her around town; she might have a new CONNECTION T-shirt to give you if you do!

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

LINK TO CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP LISTING PAGE

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CONTENTS

March/April 2022 • Volume 17 - Issue 2

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 page 16 in the Cox Elementary photo. Happy butterfly hunting!!

PROFILE OF SUCCESS 4

GATEWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH Celebrating 20 Years

CONNECTION FEATURES 6

BIRMINGHAM TRUST HISTORIC HOMES

CONNECTION COLUMNS 9 10

PERENNIALS FOR YOUR GARDEN

13

CALENDAR

15

COLLIN COLLEGE

16

WYLIE ISD

19

YOUR HEALTH

20

YOUR MONEY

CITY OF WYLIE

Mayor Porter's State of the City Update Local Events

Shamrock Fest

New WEHS Woodshop Spring Cleaning

Retirement Preparation Mistakes

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!

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: Shawn and Pastor Blake Switzer of Gateway Community Church.

Photo by Greg Folkins Photography

6 www.wyliechamber.org | 3

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Join us for

Easter Services April 17 at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

PRESENTED BY GATEWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Photos by Greg Folkins Photography

Connecting People to God and Each Other “From the moment I first stepped through the doors of this church, it felt like family.” This is the type of comment members of Gateway Community Church hear often. Dr. Blake Switzer and his wife Shawn launched Gateway as a mission of First Baptist Church of Garland in 2001. We sat down with Pastor Blake to get to know him and Gateway better.

Why does being a part of a church family matter?

These past couple of years have reminded us how much we need connections with one another. In addition to finding a place where they can grow closer to God, people are looking for a place where they can build deep and meaningful relationships.

The church provides a great place to love and be loved.

All of us are broken in some respect. Some view church as a place to hide your scars and insecurities, but I view church as a place to be transparent with one another. After all, Jesus Himself said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a work in progress, but I’m thankful that God puts us in the community so we can help each other grow.

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What led you to start Gateway?

When you find something good you want to share it.

When I came to know Christ as a high school student, I discovered that He filled what had been missing in my life. I found such peace and joy that I wanted to share the good news with others. I also discovered how amazing authentic relationships can be, and I wanted people to experience that as well.

Early in my ministry, the thought of planting a new church wasn’t on my radar at all.

Shawn and I drove from Garland to an event at Southfork Ranch in 1999 and I saw all the new homes sprouting up in this area.

My first thought was, “I wonder where all these new families will go to church.” One thing led to another, and we had our first public worship service Feb. 4, 2001.

It's been exciting to see the growth that has occurred since then. After meeting in schools for nine years, we built our first building in 2010. Within a couple of years, we added temporary buildings for our children and youth before completing a 33,000-square-foot addition in 2017. I love seeing the church grow because it means we are impacting more lives.

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What do you love about being a part of the local community?

It has been exciting to watch our community grow and to see Gateway grow alongside it. Our family moved from north Garland to Wylie in 2004 when most of FM 544 was a giant corn field. Country Club Road, which is where the church is located, was a lightly traveled two-lane road. Now it is six lanes and has become a major thoroughfare for this part of Collin County.

Both of our girls began their school careers in Wylie ISD and graduated from Wylie High School. We have been blessed with wonderful leaders, administrators, and teachers.

I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many of the leaders in this area through my involvement in different organizations, and I love living and leading a church in such a family-oriented community.

fail as a church planter. Next to my personal relationship with God, cultivating a deep relationship with my wife and our two daughters has always been my highest priority. I’ve tried to never let work, even when it is “God’s work,” supersede my family.

Another lesson I’ve learned is that God doesn’t operate on my timetable. I had big dreams of how quickly the church would grow and develop, but it took longer than I thought. I could tell you story after story of when God showed up at what seemed like the final hour. Our experience planting Gateway has helped us learn to trust God more.

What do you hope to see in the next 20 years?

“Never let work, even when it is God’s work, supersede your family.”

What makes Gateway unique?

I don’t know if it really makes us unique, but I can tell you some of the things we hear most often.

People talk about the warmth they feel when they walk through our doors. That starts with the fact that our people are some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet. My wife, Shawn, and I also love to greet people on Sundays, and she has aptly been described as “the heart of Gateway.” Shawn is one of the kindest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet.

She has done an amazing job helping us create an environment that puts people at ease. We want to help people feel as comfortable as possible so there are no unnecessary barriers to connecting with God on a deep, personal level.

Something else people tell us often is how much they appreciate the messages being rooted in Scripture. I try to be as engaging as possible and to use humor and real-life stories when I speak, but I’m wasting my breath if I’m not teaching directly from the Bible. We frequently hear how much people appreciate that.

What are your biggest life lessons since starting the church?

I can think of several, but I’ll give you two. The first is the importance of investing in my family. Planting a church is hard work and requires sacrifices from the entire family, but I decided from day one that if I had to fail as a church planter or as a husband/father, I would A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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It’s hard to say exactly what our church will look like in 20 years, but I know our passion to connect people to God and each other will never change. I’m sure our strategies will change, but we will never stop asking God to work through us to transform lives.

I want to see Gateway continue growing alongside our community. I want to see people coming to know Jesus in a personal way. I want to see those who struggle with brokenness finding freedom and wholeness. I want to see marriages strengthened and restored. I want to see young children and high school students loving God passionately.

I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I do know that Gateway will be here, and we will be a significant part of what happens in this community over the next 20 years. We hope you will join us for the journey!

Sundays at 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 a.m.

2201 Country Club Rd. Wylie, Texas 75098 972.429.0400

GatewayOnline.org

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Photos courtesy of Wylie Historical Society & Jon Lewis.

By Deonna Osborn

Birmingham Family Legacy Continues to Support Education, Preserve Wylie History

T

he Birmingham family has been a staple of Wylie culture and a cornerstone of its history since the city’s original settlement. Thomas Franklin (Frank) Birmingham helped found the Wylie Independent School District in 1901.

In October of 1911, tragedy struck Frank and Hattie Birmingham as their son passed away from typhoid fever. In his honor, Frank and Hattie founded the Franklin Ovid Birmingham Memorial Land Trust (Birmingham Trust,) conveying seven tracts of land totaling around 738 acres. All monies are directed toward Wylie ISD to enhance existing programs such as Manual Training and Domestic Economy (1940 Trust.) In 1937, they purchased land and donated it for a manual trades building. In 1948, the Birminghams donated $100,000 to build a new high school that would later bear Frank Birmingham’s name. That school was located on South Birmingham Street and is now a portion of the property housing R.F. Hartman Elementary School. A few years later, Frank and Hattie donated an additional two tracts of land totaling 168 acres to the Birmingham Trust for the creation of a second trust (1950 Trust) aimed at enhancing existing programs in the areas of Advanced American History and Advanced Chemistry.

The Birminghams had two other children: Edward Louis Birmingham (1893-1911) and Marjorie Elsie

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Birmingham (1896-1921). They were known among friends and family as Louis and Elsie. Interestingly, all three Birmingham children went by their middle names.

Three homes in the heart of historic downtown Wylie have been owned by the Birmingham Trust, and each carries its own journey and its own storyline. The renovation of all three has allowed for preservation of the original integrity of the homes while encouraging thriving business to be conducted within the century-old walls and throughout the constantly evolving downtown Wylie.

The three houses were purchased by the Trust at various times from January 1989 to January 2002.

The largest of the homes was the first to undergo a major facelift. Located at 301 N. Ballard, it is a Queen Anne Victorian-style home located on three lots.

Thomas Brown, another community pioneer, secured this homesite in 1888 along with approximately 31 additional acres as a homestead for himself and his future bride, Martha (Mattie) J. Housewright.

The ornate and intricately original home boasts six rooms downstairs and one large room upstairs, highlighted with a variety of materials and an unusually asymmetrical floorplan and roof pitch. Mr. Brown passed away a mere two years following completion of the home, but Mrs. Brown continued living there until her passing in 1922. When renovations began in the

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summer of 1989, the Trust employed Harvey Moore, the first of the Birmingham scholars* who had since gone on to become an esteemed architect. He assisted the Trust as it worked hard to restore intimate details of the home, while retaining its original feel. The renovation included finishing out the upstairs, as well as the addition of a bathroom and kitchen.

The 301 property, or the “big house” as it is often called, was utilized by the community and as an event venue through most of the 1990s. It was also the location of Wylie High School’s Senior Tea through the 2000s. The home was sold to the City of Wylie in 2014.

Interestingly enough, the funeral of Jim Davis, the actor perhaps most well known for playing Jock Ewing on the hit series “Dallas,” was held at this historic location upon his death in 1981.

The smallest of the homes is located at 100 W. Jefferson and is frequently referred to as the “Brown Cottage.”

Renovation construction spanned from September 2018 to February 2020. This home is believed to be one of the oldest in Wylie, having been built and inhabited in 1889

by Thomas and Mattie Brown as a part of the Brown and Burns addition. In 1903, the “little white house” was moved from its original location on Ballard Avenue to its present location on West Jefferson. Mr. Brown and Mr. Birmingham were both initial aldermen, or councilmen, as the city government formed. It is also of note that Mrs. Brown was Mrs. Birmingham’s aunt, so the familial connection ran deep. The home is a Folk Victorian and is currently utilized as headquarters for the Trust.

The last of the houses sits at 307 N. Ballard.

This property is the most modernized of the three, primarily because it was completely torn down and rebuilt in the 1920s. It was owned by the same family since the 1940s and then later purchased by the Birmingham Trust. During 2020, Reising and Reising Construction completed the restoration of this beautiful home which was purchased from the Trust by the Wylie Chamber of Commerce, and now serves as its headquarters.

Each property carries with it an important piece of history, both for the Birmingham Trust and for the City of Wylie. The properties string together in commonality as a preservation of “Old Wylie,” yet they also allow visitors and citizens a glimpse into the local bloodlines that run deep and those that have contributed to making Wylie great.

The Birmingham family legacy falls into these categories: During the 2021-2022 school year, the A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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Birmingham Trust contributed $648,000 to Wylie ISD. Since recorded inception (1940-1942 has no records with which to calculate gifts), the Trust has given $16,099,321. These funds are divided between the 1940 Trust, which provided funds in the areas of Manual Training and Domestic Economy, and the 1950 Trust, which provided funds for furtherment in the areas of Advanced American History and Advanced Chemistry.

Whether through gifts of service, land, or money, the Birmingham family has indisputably supported the Wylie community and Wylie Independent School District for over a century. It is always a worthwhile venture to take a moment and view history from a different perspective in order to know how far we have come and look forward into the exciting future ahead for our community. •

*The Pearl Birmingham Scholarship program, another legacy of the Birmingham family that supports Wylie ISD, is separate from the Trust. It was established in 1947 by Frank Birmingham to comply with a request by his sister, Pearl Birmingham, who died in 1946. The scholarship program is managed by the WISD Board of Trustees. Annually, it awards an equal number of scholarships to each high school.

Photos by Anne Hiney.

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

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Sun-Loving Perennials for Your Garden

P

by Flora Mae

erennials are popular because they can bloom again season after season.

However, they are not completely maintenance free.

To grow successfully, perennials need to be divided regularly, cut back, fertilized, and pruned. With the proper care, they can be a beautiful addition to any yard or garden.

Ready to give perennials a try?

Here are a few favorites.

Lantana

Known for its clusters of small, bright flowers that can bloom in yellow, orange, white, red or purple, lantana is a very popular Texas plant.

While it has vine-like characteristics, it is classified as a shrub. Lantana is a fragrant plant; however, its fragrance is not for everyone. It attracts butterflies and pollinators, can grow to 6 feet high and wide, and is relatively low maintenance. It can also be toxic to kids and pets, so plant with care.

Salvia Greggii

This evergreen shrub is also known as “autumn sage,” and is a popular choice for lawns and gardens in the southwest. The foliage is lightly aromatic, and it remains a soft, medium green yearround. Salvia greggii is resistant to drought, heat, insects, and diseases.

The fragrant flowers are known to attract hummingbirds, and they are available in a full rainbow of colors.

Blackfoot Daisy

These mounded perennials have large, flat white petals and lemon-

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yellow centers; you can almost see them smiling up at you. Blackfoot daisies are prized for their classic appearance and honey-scented blossoms. Their growth pattern is low and bushy, making them a perfect filler for small spaces that need a touch of light and color.

Yarrow

Yarrow has clusters of small flowers that come in a variety of colors. It is an herbaceous, flowering perennial found in flower and herb gardens, having herbal and medicinal uses. Yarrow will bloom from early summer to early fall and is popular as a cut flower, lasting for weeks in a vase. It is easy to care for, needing full sun and growing in a variety of soils. Yarrow can be divided every two to three years.

Bee Balm

Like its name suggests, bee balm attracts bees, as well as other pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. It is a perennial in the mint family that grows to be about 30-36 inches tall and blooms with red to wine-colored flowers from June to August. To keep it healthy, fertilize bee balm in its growing season, and divide it every two to three years in the early spring. Be sure to plant it immediately. It thrives in full sun with an even amount of moisture. Water every few days.

Texas Gold Columbine

Unlike the majority of its columbine relatives, this bright yellow perennial is wonderfully heat tolerant. The Texas gold columbine boasts a bluish green foliage with large, cup-like blossoms. The flowers will really stand out as an eye-

catcher in your landscape, due to the long, graceful spikes that extend from the main petals.

Black-Eyed Susan

An easy-to-grow, classic perennial is the black-eyed Susan. It produces daisy-like yellow blooms summer through fall, growing up to 2 feet high and wide. It tolerates heat and dry conditions. Spent blooms should be deadheaded (trimmed off) every two weeks to prolong the blooming season. Divide in the spring as needed. Once established, it only needs water once or twice a week.

Texas Rock Rose

A popular accent plant, Texas rock rose has small, pink hibiscus-shaped flowers. It grows 1.5 to 4 feet tall.

It is drought tolerant and not picky about soil type. This perennial rose bush blooms spring through fall. A layer of mulch should be added to protect it through the winter and it can be pruned to keep it more compact in size.

Fall Aster

As its name suggests, fall aster blooms in the fall, from late September to the first frost. It has medium violet-blue flowers, prefers sunny locations, and is drought tolerant. It grows in a mound shape of about 2-3 feet wide and 1-2 feet tall. Fall aster is appreciated for being disease- and pest-resistant.

It is easy to divide and should be thinned regularly to control the spread.

With some planning and care, you can create a perennial garden that will enhance the beauty of your home for years to come. •

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im F o H d

CITY OF WYLIE

Happenings at Home - State of the City The drone of the Wylie Pipes and Drums Corp sounded and the joint Honor Guard comprised of members from Wylie Fire Rescue and Wylie Police Department entered the Collin College Event Center to post the colors, signaling the start of the State of the City Address. The packed room stood at attention as Pastor Jake Vicknair from New Hope Christian Church led the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance

by Representative Candy Noble.

Mayor Matthew Porter then took the stage to deliver his annual update on City projects, activities, and milestones over the past year at the special Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

After thanking those in attendance, he began the speech looking at Wylie’s tremendous growth of 40% over the past decade, bringing Wylie’s current population to just over 60,000 residents. The 560 residential permits issued last year reflect our continued growth.

Porter reiterated that planning for quality development on the City’s remaining land was a high priority with an update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a document that captures the community’s vision for growth, development, and preservation, and acts as a guidebook for decision-makers. He thanked the

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by Craig Kelly

planning committee for their hard work and dedication to the project and encouraged those in attendance to get involved in the process.

Following praise of City Staff and the public for their response to the most recent winter storms, Porter touted an 11% drop (8 cents) in the tax rate over the last four years. He noted the City Council decreased taxes 2.8 cents to .64 cents per $100 assessed valuation this past year. Citizens can get a snapshot of where property taxes go and how they are spent using the Property Tax Calculator at WylieTexas.gov/Budget.

Future projects then took the center stage including the passage of three bond proposals last November focused on improving infrastructure in neighborhoods, on city streets, and throughout our Historic Downtown. Porter thanked the 14-member Citizens Bond Committee and community groups that helped shape the $51 million package the City Council finalized and presented to the public. For a complete look at the bond program go to WylieTexas.gov/Bond.

Traffic due to growth is always a challenge, and those in attendance were no doubt happy to hear about intersection

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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P p h q m r $ b F e

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improvements at Country Club Road/FM 544, McCreary Road/ FM 544, and Brown Street/Hwy. 78. Watch for reconfiguration of through lanes and additional turn lanes. Eubanks Lane. from Hwy. 78 to the North Texas Municipal Water District entrance drive is also scheduled to be widened and reconfigured.

Porter then provided an update on $6.6 million of special projects paid for by excess funds, one-time expenditures that have no impact on the tax rate. Headlining the list are two quality-of-life items that citizens have been asking about for many years, two splash pads and a dog park. A Senior Center remodel, two new Quints (fire trucks) and a fire utility truck, $600,000 in sidewalk repairs, drainage upgrades, library book sorter, and Lifepak 15 heart monitors round out the list.

Follow Facebook.com/WylieTexas for ongoing updates on these exciting projects.

Despite COVID over the last two-plus years, Porter reported that sales tax receipts topped $15 million, up 18% from 2020.

Driving sales tax numbers are the many new businesses that have, or plan, to call Wylie home. The list was long, but highlights include, Dutch Brothers Coffee, Wild Fork Foods, Pei Wei, Hillside Fine Grill, New York Pizza & Pints, Chipotle, and Fuel City.

A positive downward trend is the Crime Rate, and Porter reported that Wylie’s dropped by 12% in 2021, a 10% decrease. He thanked the outstanding work of the men and women of the Wylie Police Department. Not to leave out Wylie Fire Rescue, he gave an update on the construction of Fire Station #4, scheduled to open in late spring with a large community celebration. Station #4 will serve the west side of town and goes a long way in helping maintain the city's ISO-1 Insurance Rating status.

Following an update on the rollout of our new water meters and WaterSmart software, several Parks projects, a recap of many City awards, and our partnership with the Wylie Independent School District, Porter ended his State of the City with a call for residents to get involved in their city.

Consider applying for Boards and Commissions at WylieTexas.gov/Boards, view streaming video of Council meetings and agenda packets at WylieTexas.gov/Agenda, and watch Facebook live Mayor updates 2 p.m. the Friday after Council meetings.

Watch Mayor Porter’s presentation in its entirety at Facebook.com/WylieTexas.

LINK TO FACEBOOK VIDEO OF MAYOR PORTER'S PRESENTATION A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

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www.wyliechamber.org|| 11 www.wyliechamber.org

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March/April

Smith Public Library

March 23-26

4:30 p.m. Legos! Puzzles! Games! Movies! Fun for the whole family. All ages, no registration required.

Story Hikes: Kids & families read while you walk the trail behind the library. Spring Break Story Hike: March 4th - 11th. Bunnies! Story Hike: April 8th - 18th

Family Fun Fridays: March 25th & April 22nd at 3:30-

Wylie FFA Show & Sale:

Location: Wylie Ag Barn, 1301 Hensley Ln., Wylie. Schedule of events & more info: www.facebook.com/WEFFASC

March 24

April 16 In-Sync Exotics Easter Egg Hunt: Join

the Big Cats at In-Sync Exotics for a fun filled celebration.

Face Painting, Bounce House, Online Auction & Raffle, & Games! Gates open at 11 a.m. Bring your basket – no plastic grass please. Location: 3430 Skyview Dr,. Wylie. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for kids (4-12), under 4 free. Prepurchase tickets at: weblink.donorperfect.com/EasterISE; For more info visit: fb.me/e/1fQBvEeru

April 22-24 & April 29-May 1 The Beverly Hillbillies:

Performance presented by the Wylie Acting Group. Location: 205 Industrial Ct. #200b, Wylie. Showtimes & tickets available at www. wylieactinggroup.org

Wylie Rec Center Register at: www.wylietexas.gov/activities/index.php

CALENDAR

ShamrockFest: Enjoy live music, a DJ, cornhole tournament, henna artist, cartoonist, airbrush tattoo stations, zipline, maze and bowling inflatables, and much more. Free and open to the public, festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the campus courtyard.

Location: 391 Country Club Rd., Wylie. www.collin.edu/ campuses/wylie

Parent's Night Out: March 18, 6 - 10:30 p.m. Ages:

4 - 12 yrs. Go out while your kids have fun at Wylie Rec. Activities include supervised crafts, games, rock climbing, pizza for dinner, and a movie. Wear closedtoe shoes and comfortable clothing. Kids are divided into age-appropriate groups. If your child has dietary restrictions, please pack a dinner. Fee - $15 Art Your Walls: March 19, 6 - 8 p.m. Ages: 6+ yrs.

Follow easy, step-by-step instructions that boost artistic confidence and enhance fine motor skills. Parent participation requires. Register per person. Refreshments & materials provided. Dress to mess. Class fee - $19.

Paint Your Pet: March 26, 6 - 9 p.m. Ages: 18+ yrs.

Celebrate your four-legged fur-baby. Turn a photo of your beloved pet into a painted portrait. Email photo of your furry friend after registration to Recreation@WylieTexas.

Gov. Register by 3/19. Refreshments & materials provided. Dress to mess. Class fee - $29

Creating healthy smiles for the whole family!

General Dentistry for Adults and Children Jonathan Cantrell DDS & Sarah Cantrell DDS

Wylie, TX 75098

972-442-9139 A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication

Park Blvd.

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www.cantrellfamilydentistry.com www.wyliechamber.org | 13

COLLIN COLLEGE

Celebrate Irish Culture at Collin College’s ShamrockFest

Y

ou may be able to visualize the cerulean blue water and vibrant green grass of Ireland’s coast and countryside when you listen to three Collin College students playing Irish jigs, reels, and polkas at the inaugural Wylie Campus signature event — ShamrockFest. Free and open to the public, festivities will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 24 in the campus courtyard located at 391 Country Club Rd. Enjoy a DJ, cornhole tournament, henna artist, cartoonist, airbrush tattoo stations, zipline, eliminator, maze and bowling inflatables, and much more.

Perseus, Cyrus, and Justus Aryani are looking forward to sharing their talent on the Irish fiddle, tin whistle, wooden flute, and Uilleann pipes, which are like Scottish bagpipes but instead of blowing air into the instrument you pump air in with your elbow.

The musicians are sons of Wylie Campus-based Economics Professor Gian Aryani, who teaches dual credit classes, and share Irish ancestry from their mother’s side of the family.

“Collin College is one of the best community colleges in the nation,” Gian said. “My wife and I decided to send our kids to Collin because of the quality professors who are my colleagues.”

Twenty-year-old Perseus who plays the Irish fiddle, graduated with a Collin College associate degree this summer and is studying neuroscience at The University of Texas at Dallas while continuing to take science classes at the college to prepare for a career in the medical field.

“I appreciate the small classes and the time the professors have for their students,” Perseus said. “They care about me and my education.”

According to Perseus, the majority of Irish music was learned and shared without being written down.

“It is exciting to play melodies passed down through generations. You get a feeling of community when you play these fun tunes. The nice thing about Irish music is that anyone can learn it.”

Seventeen-year-old Cyrus and 15-year-old Justus started taking dual credit classes in Fall 2021. They both 14 |

Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.

by Heather Darrow

Cyrus, Perseus, and Justus Aryani

recently took an online music appreciation class.

Cyrus, who plays the Irish tin whistle and flute, is considering earning a business degree and teaches tin whistle lessons.

“I love playing these instruments because music is a way to connect with people,” Cyrus said. “Collin’s dual credit classes are also a great way to connect with other students, and they provide a jump start in a friendly, affordable environment for any motivated high school student.”

Justus is pursuing an Information Systems Cybersecurity Associate Degree and considering earning a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity degree at the college. He plays the Irish tin whistle, but his favorite instrument is the Irish Uilleann pipes. He said it is one of the few instruments you only find in Irish music.

“Collin has great courses and professors, and dual credit classes allow you to get the feeling of what higher education can offer before you graduate from high school,” he said.

If there is inclement weather, ShamrockFest will be moved to the conference center in the Student Center. • For more information, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/ wylie or email ShamrockFest@collin.edu.

| March/April 2022

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WYLIE ISD

New WEHS Facility: NOT YOUR FATHER’S WOODSHOP

Students in the WHS architecture practicum class tour the construction project at Watkins Elementary.

by Ian Halperin

16 |

Photos by Ian Halperin

W

alking through the new 4,500-squarefoot woodshop at Wylie East High School, you notice that computers are almost as common as table saws. As part of Wylie ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, students enrolled in the Architecture and Construction pathway learn on today’s industry-standard software as well as power tools familiar to craftsmen of past generations. These programs are designed to help meet the industry’s demand for skilled laborers, especially in the North Texas region.

CTE teacher George Matthews has been leading the program at Wylie East for seven years and has seen the program grow, especially now with the new space.

“We get a variety of students in the program. Some are looking for options other than college,” said Matthews. “A lot of them watched their dad and uncles work with tools while they were growing up. They all like working with their hands.”

The carpentry program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities related to constructing, installing, or repairing structures and fixtures made of wood. This program of study may also include exploration into installing, dismantling, or moving machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.

The construction courses help with projects around the school as well as creating items for auction or personal use. The program also includes HVAC courses specific to the trade; these students come out with a wealth of knowledge, ready to enter the workforce or continue with their education.

Like her counterpart, WHS CTE teacher Sherri Olivares has watched the profession move from T-squares and pencils to the latest in computer design software.

“Students walk into my Principles (first year) class knowing very little about architecture and leave designing their own house,” said Olivares. “Most of what they do know, they learned from playing SimCity or Minecraft.”

WEHS CTE teacher George Matthews helps A.J. White with a project in the new woodshop at East.

The Architectural Design program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with developing, engineering, and designing building structures and facilities. This includes exploration into collecting and interpreting geographic information, researching and preparing maps, and interior design. Students in the architecture track are exposed to many different styles and levels of design including residential and commercial.

Both these programs provide students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications including the OSHA safety certificate and REVIT architectural design professional certification, meaning they are one step closer to being “career ready.”

The fourth year of both programs is a practicum that requires students to get on-the-job experience.

Thanks to the numerous construction projects currently underway in the district, students have had a frontrow seat to the process, from dirt moving to the final walkthrough.

Both Matthews and Olivares are looking for companies interested in partnering with their programs, particularly companies with construction, design, or drafting teams.

This does not need to be an employment opportunity, as students need field trips and job shadowing. Please contact Jason Hudson, Jason.Hudson@WylieISD.net.

While technology has advanced, one thing hasn’t changed in the woodshop … there’s still lots of sawdust. •

| March/April 2022

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2/25/22 12:45 PM

YOUR HEALTH

Spring Cleaning: WHERE VIRUSES AND OTHER GERMS CAN LURK IN YOUR HOME Provided by Methodist Richardson Medical Center

Pet Bowls

T

he pandemic takes spring cleaning to the next level, as we worry about how viruses and other germs can be tracked into our homes.

Contaminated surfaces aren’t the primary mode of transmission for coronavirus; it’s still person to person through respiratory droplets. However, getting serious about household cleaning can protect you from all kinds of germs, mold, and other disease-causing microbes.

To get rid of these germs, you need to know where to find them.

Most of us are on high alert when we touch grocery carts or gas pumps, but viruses can be just as prevalent at home.

When you touch these germ-ridden surfaces and then touch your face, you could get sick, said Shantala Samart, MD, infectious disease specialist with Methodist Health System. “Illnesses can vary from a mild respiratory infection to a, more rarely, serious gastrointestinal infection,” she said.

Germs can be found on countertops, in kitchen sinks, on faucet handles, and other frequently touched areas.

Here are other spots where you’re likely to find the highest concentration:

Kitchen Items

Sponges, dish rags, sinks, cutting boards and coffee pots are among the biggest hubs for germs.

“These hot spots are reservoirs for E. coli, salmonella, molds and yeasts,” Dr. Samart said. “It is recommended to wipe down these surfaces daily and wash cutting boards after each use.”

Sponges are hard to clean. Microwaving or boiling them might cut down germs, but it’s recommended they be replaced frequently.

Toothbrush Holders

These can carry high levels of coliform and staphylococcus bacteria, thanks to their proximity to the toilet, Dr. Samart said. “It is recommended to wash them once a week.”

That can be done using soap and water or disinfectant wipes.

18 |

“High amounts of mold, yeast, and coliform bacteria can be found in pet bowls,” Dr. Samart said.

The CDC recommends washing these dishes regularly, preferably in the dishwasher because the kitchen sink could cause cross-contamination.

Cell Phones

Think of your smartphone as a petri dish carrying dangerous bacteria, including influenza, E. coli, and a number of coronaviruses.

“Cell phones are one of the most germ-ridden things we touch every day,” Dr. Samart said. “Studies show they can carry 10 times as many bacteria as a toilet seat.”

Make it a habit to wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth and consider using one of the newer UV light cleaning products, if the phone manufacturer allows

Money

“Cash, in particular, can be covered with bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus,” Dr. Samart said.

She advises everyone to stick to contactless forms of payment, such as credit cards and mobile apps. But if you have to handle cash, be sure to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands and avoid touching your face afterward.

Personal Belongings

Items, such as keys and sunglasses, are also easily contaminated and should be regularly cleaned with disinfectants.

The CDC recommends wearing gloves and cleaning a surface with soap and water before using a disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Use disinfectant solutions with at least 70% alcohol. In a pinch, you can use diluted bleach mixtures (1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water).

“This pandemic has been a big reminder about the importance of regularly washing our hands and cleaning high-touch surfaces to protect ourselves and our family members,” Dr. Samart said. •

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.

| March/April 2022

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2/25/22 12:45 PM

YOUR MONEY

Retirement Preparation Mistakes WHY ARE THEY MADE AGAIN AND AGAIN? Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT

M

uch is out there about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Aside from these blunders, some classic financial missteps plague retirees.

Calling them “mistakes” may be a bit harsh, as not all of them represent errors in judgment. Yet whether they result from ignorance or fate, we need to be aware of them as we prepare for and enter retirement.

Timing Social Security. As Social Security benefits rise about 8% for every year you delay receiving them, waiting a few years to apply for benefits can position you for higher retirement income. Filing for your monthly benefits before you reach Social Security’s Full Retirement Age (FRA) can mean comparatively smaller monthly payments.

Managing medical bills. Medicare will not pay for everything. Unless there’s a change in how the program works, you may have several out-of-pocket costs, including dental and vision.

Underestimating longevity. Actuaries at the Social Security Administration project that around a third of today’s 65-year-olds will live to age 90, with about one in seven living 95 years or longer. The prospect of a 20or 30-year retirement is not unreasonable, yet there is still a lingering cultural assumption that our retirements might duplicate the relatively brief ones of our parents.

Withdrawing strategies. You may have heard of the “4% rule,” a guideline stating that you should take out only about 4% of your retirement savings annually.

Some retirees try to abide by it.

So, why do others withdraw 7% or 8% a year? In the first phase of retirement, people tend to live it up; more free time naturally promotes new ventures and adventures and an inclination to live a bit more lavishly.

Talking about taxes. It can be a good idea to have both

taxable and tax-advantaged accounts in retirement.

Assuming your retirement will be long, you may want to assign this or that investment to its “preferred domain.”

What does that mean? It means the taxable or taxadvantaged account that may be most appropriate for it as you pursue a better after-tax return for the whole portfolio.

Retiring with debts. Some find it harder to preserve (or accumulate) wealth when you are handing portions of it to creditors.

Putting college costs before retirement costs. There is no “financial aid” program for retirement. There are no “retirement loans.” Your children have their whole financial lives ahead of them.

Retiring with no investment strategy. Expect that retirement will have a few surprises; the absence of a strategy can leave people without guidance when those surprises happen.

These are some of the classic retirement mistakes.

Why not attempt to avoid them? Take a little time to review and refine your retirement strategy in the company of the financial professional you know and trust. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.

20 |

| March/April 2022

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TRUST

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The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce

MATTERS