Wylie Connection Magazine April/May 2012

Please Recycle This Magazine After Reading!April/May 2012

Wonderful Women’s Issue!Happy Mother’s Day

Taylor & Son BuildersBuilding Your Dreams

www.wyliechamber.org • 1

OMNIKEY REALTY

• Low Management Fee • Rate Analysis • Direct Deposited Rent • Extensive Marketing • Customizable Management • 24 Hour Availability• Vendor Negotiations and Discounts • Online Tenant Payments• Property Maintenance and Walkthroughs• Online account for all management information including statements, documents, and more.

Affordable Property ManagementAll Your Buying, Selling and Leasing Needs

972.480.8280 www.OmniKeyRealty.com245 Cedar Sage Drive Suite 250 • Garland, Texas 75040

FREEFirst Month’s

Management Fee Mention Code CONN412

OMNIKEY REALTYexp. 6/30/2012

OmniKey Realty offers full service residential and commercial property management. We help you maximize your profits without sacrificing service at extremely low pricing with no hidden fees.

TX LIC# 0560726This is not an attempt to solicit anyone currently represented by a real estate broker.

Located in Firewheel Mall ®

214.402.2346 alarconcg.com

MORE THAN JUST CONSTRUCTION, A VALUABLE PARTNERAlarcon Construction Group understands the needs, functionality and purpose of every construction project. For that reason, we tailor our services to meet the demands of every project individually.

10346 Bel Aire Dr.Dallas, TX 75218

Residential Remodeling and Rehabilitation Additions Bathrooms/Kitchens Flooring Roofing Painting Fencing

Fromrenovationstoground-upconstruction,AlarconConstructionGroupensuresthateveryprojectiscompletedwiththeappropriateattentiontodetail.Weworkwithinanybudgetandmaintaindirectlinesofcommunicationwitheachclienttoensurethebestcustomersatisfaction.

Commercial Construction FinishOuts Design/Build Warehouse/Industrial Retail Restaurants

2 • The CONNECTION •April/May 2012

Sun - Thur: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri & Sat: 11 a.m. - 1 1 p.m.

Visit our Rockwall Location3084 N. Goliad 972-722-4866

NEWGluton FreeCrustAvailable!

158 W FM 544, Suite 132 - Murphy, TXBYOBwww.mogiospizza.com

972-423-8100

(up to 3 stuffings)

LUNCH SPECIALS

• Lunch Pizza (up to 3 toppings)• Any Sandwich With Chips• Any Pasta with Cheese Bread• Lunch Calzone or Stromboli • Soup, Salad & Bread• LUNCH 1 Topping Pizza • • • $3.99

Mon - Fri11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Includes a Salad

Try our Manager’s Specials All Day, Every Day!

WE DELIVER!

• Pizza • Pasta • Calzone • Stromboli • Buffalo Wings • Sandwiches • Salads • Soups

Valid thru 5/31/12Not valid with manager’s special.

Not valid with any other coupon or special.





5th Anniversary Sale

“I’ve had pizza all over the world - New York, Chicago, even Italy - and none of it has been any better than Mogio’s!”

2 Medium2 Topping Pizzas

$14.99Dine in, Carry Out or Delivery

Low Carb &

Whole Wheat Pizzas

Voted Best Pizza ~ 3rd Year Running!

+ taxAny Purchase

of $25 or More(Tax & Gratuity Excluded)

Total Bill(Tax & Gratuity Excluded)

Welcome to Wylie!• Infrastructure Participation• Relocation Grants• Tax Abatement• Waiver of Development Fees• State of Texas Grant Programs• Expedited Permitting Process• Chapter 380 Agreement• Sales Tax Rebate Program• Industrial Revenue Bonds

Please contact the WEDC office to discuss how we can assist you in your business relocation/expansion.

Wylie Economic Development Corporation972.442.7901 | www.wylieedc.com

www.wyliechamber.org • 3972.429.4311 www.mywyliedentist.com520 W. Brown Street, Suite A, Wylie, TX 75098

Dedicated ToYourOralHealth

Providing GentleDentalCare

Creating BeautifulNatural Results

NewPatientSpecial: $50 OFF Any Procedure

Ask our office manager for details!

WESTGATEDENTALCREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES

Dr. Nathan MuainaVoted 2012’s BEST WYLIE DENTIST

by Wylie News Readers!


Rob Hunter of Ballard School of Perform-ing Arts.

(972)429-9090www.TSO.com

WylieEyeCenter

•ComprehensiveEyeExamination•TreatmentofEyeInfectionsandDryEye•DiagnosisandTreatmentofGlaucoma•LASIKEvaluationsandManagement•ContactLensFittingforAllAges•GasPermeableContactLensSpecialist

It’s hard to believe our second anniversary is already here! We’re growing at an astounding rate – we’ve added and plan to add even more cutting edge equipment to

provide first-class eye care. Each year, we aim to increase our frame selection by 20%. Our first year we added designer frame lines such as Gucci, Juicy Couture, and a dedicated titanium line. Last year we were excited to announce adding Oakley and Bebe, as well as expanding our more affordable frame lines. Stay tuned this summer as we bring in a new designer line and a new sporting line. Is there anything you want to see specifically? Please don’t hesitate to give us your recommendation. We want to carry what you like best!

As our office grows, so does our staff. Since last year, we’ve grown by five to help facilitate your care. Kasey is the new voice on the phone – she will greet you with a warm smile as she checks you in for your appointment. Rachel is our new medical technician and contact lens specialist - she’ll take excellent care of you as she gets you ready to see our doctors. Our new, highly energetic and enthusiastic optician is Christina – she has excellent taste in eye-wear. Renira is our new insurance expert – she is on hand to help answer any benefits questions you may have. Finally, Dr. W. Patrick Parks has joined Dr. Anderson to help ser-vice the ever growing demand for eye care. He comes to our office with great expertise and shares

Growing to Serve WylieDr. Anderson’s passion for vision and will be sure to explain your eye care needs in depth. Our new-est addition is the tini-est - we celebrated the arrival of Dr. Anderson’s first baby – a happy and healthy, baby boy!

A new benefit of our growing staff is the ability to have a “Staff Community Service and Team Bonding Day.” This last winter, we spent one morning volunteering at the Wylie Christian Care Center and that afternoon

bowling in a friendly competition. Thank goodness we’re better at caring for your eyes than knocking down pins!

It is evident that our success as a business is highly due to the support from the Wylie community. Wylie and its’ surrounding areas continue to be a very unique and spe-cial place to live and work. We are very thankful to the community and our patients for voting us as Wylie’s Best Optometrist in the Wylie News. It is our commitment to help everyone see their best!

Please call to schedule your appointment at 972-429-9090. Open until 6 p.m. and every first and third Saturday.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Beth Anderson & Dr. Patrick Parks

Dr. Anderson & Family

117N.BallardAve.InHistoricDowntownWylie

Photo by Debra Helmberger Photography


On The Cover

PROFILE OF SUCCESS 8 | TAYLOR & SON BUILDERS Building Your Dreams

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 4 | WYLIE EYE CENTER Dr. Beth Anderson & Dr. Patrick Parks

8Ph

oto b

y Ann

e Hin

ey.

14

Taylor & Son Builders: Sam Taylor, Chris Funk and Gary Taylor

WylieEyeCenter

FEATURES10 | THEWOMENINBLUE

12 | JODIELAUBENBERG

14 | HAPPYMOTHER’SDAYPHOTOS

16 | MINDYMANSON

18 | AUDREYLEGATOWICZ

20 | COMMUNITYCALENDAR

24 | FLOWERGALS

26 | DESSIEHAKER

28 | ILOVEMYMOMBECAUSE...

CONNECTIONS30 | YOUPLAYLIKEAGIRL

34 | WELLNESSFORWOMEN

36 | WELCOMENEW CHAMBERMEMBERS

38 | SUPPLEMENTALRESEARCHAT COLLINCOLLEGE

40 | COMMUNITYORGANIZATIONS

44 | HOWTOHELPYOURPARENTS MANAGE

April/May 2012 • Volume 7 - Issue 2


A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication 250 S. Hwy. 78 | Wylie, TX 75098

Telephone: 972-442-2804 Fax: 972-429-0139 www.wyliechamber.org • [email protected]

CHAMBER PRESIDENT Mike Agnew

ADVISORY BOARD Marcia Coker Aimee Nemer Denise Vice Tina Stelnicki Craig Kelly ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Becky Lindstrom ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Anne Hiney CONTRIBUTING WRITERs Jamie Engle Lori C. Villarreal Craig Kelly Brenda Byboth Moria Walton LaDawn Fletcher Marcia Coker Dr. Cheryl Cowan Mark Robinson

For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine

please contact Becky Lindstrom at 214•228•5844 or [email protected].

Story ideas should be submitted to Anne Hiney [email protected].

The CONNECTION is published bimonthly by the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. It is mailed free of charge to over 31,000 households in the Wylie/Sachse/Murphy/Lavon area and more than 1,000 copies are distributed to local businesses. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. Information published in The CONNECTION is the opinion of the sourced authors. The Wylie Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in The Connection magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.

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

Occasionally we make a mistake. Let us know if you find one so we can correct it. We love your feedback - send comments to [email protected]. Story ideas are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for “Connecting” with us!

Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue we hid the butterfly on page 12 in the Murphy Marketplace photo.

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

[email protected] • www.wyliechamber.org

Welcome to a Celebration of Women!As the only male on staff at the Wylie Chamber and the CONNECTION

Magazine, I am truly happy to welcome you to another issue of the CONNECTION that highlights some of my favorite people…those who step for-ward to put the target on their back and lead this community in a positive direction.

This issue focuses on a few of the wonderful women in the area who repre-sent us in Austin, manage our City, run our local businesses, and keep us safe. Plus a couple who are just wonderful in general. They are part of the reason why our region is still moving forward in the most difficult headwinds and their positive impact on this community is felt daily.

They say in sports, the best referees are the ones you don’t notice. In terms of leadership, the best leaders are the ones you see simply as leaders, not male, female or otherwise. We are proud of the leaders in this area and appreciate their contributions to our overall comfort and success.

This being the April/May issue, there is a widely celebrated day in May in which we honor our Mothers for their love, sacrifice and commitment to mak-ing us better people. We had a few of our local school kids pay homage in a section titled “I love my mom because…” It is a great piece and gives an amazing insight to how our children see their mother’s and the impact they have on their lives.

Take some time to look through this issue and enjoy the smile it brings to your face. In the interest of celebrating Mother’s Day I have a few of my own:

I love my Mom because……she taught me to respect others as I would want them to respect me. In

doing that she challenged me to be a better person to this day.…she never looked in my closet or under the bed when I said I had cleaned

my room.…she showed me that strength was not about the size of a person, but the

size of their heart and convictions…she was my most honest critic and favorite audience. If mom was happy

then you had done something worth being happy about.… three words – Chocolate Chip Cookies!We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Thank you to all who work daily to make this a great place to live and thanks to all mother’s for caring and not looking under our beds.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom. I love you.

FREE ESTIMATESCall Herb or Verna Whitaker at

972-670-9749

• Mowing, Edging, Line Trimming & Blowing• Basic or Complete Year-Round Service Program - Weekly or By-Weekly• Flower Beds & Gardens - Mulch Installation• Tree & Shrub Trimming • Spring & Fall Clean-Ups• Licensed & Insured • Locally Owned & Operated

NO JOB’STO SMALL!

Coupon Expires5/31/12

LAWN CARE

LAWN CARE

ELECT

GILBERT TAMEZ, SR.WYLIE CITY COUNCIL PLACE 4

VOTE MAY 12TH

EARLY VOTING STARTSAPRIL 30TH - MAY 5TH

[email protected]

Political ad paid for by Gilbert Tamez, Sr. for Wylie, Texas City Council, Place 4 Campaign, Gilbert Tamez Sr., Treasurer.

972-429-4677www.southwesternchiropractic.com

Techniques and Treatments commonly used:Diversified (Traditional) Gonstead

Cox Decompression Technique Activator

Thompson Drop Table Technique Impulse Instrument Adjuster

ART (Active Release Technique) Applied Kinesiology

Acupuncture/Dry Needling Electrical Stimulation

Intersegmental Traction (Roller Table) Cold Laser Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy

2610 W. FM 544, Suite 200, Wylie, TX 75098

Moving in June to our new location, 114 S. Jackson Ave.,

in Wylie across from Olde City Park

Dr. Shad R. Reif, D.C. with his staff.

Voted Best WylieChiropractor!

by Wylie News readers


Dreams can come true!They just need a little help!

Take a moment and think about those dreams you have for your home. What do you see? People gathered around the kitchen island. The family settling in to catch a movie in the media room. Children frolicking on the plush carpet.Those dreams are not about rooms — they are about living. Rooms are about stuff and storage. Dreams are about people and life. At Taylor and Son, we don’t design rooms — we build living spaces because that is what dreams are made of!

Why Taylor and Son?Taylor and Son is a third generation, family owned business dedicated to making your dreams a reality. Our staff listens to your story and digs to discover what you really have in mind. They listen, think, imagine, and weave together pieces and colors, products and styles to make your dream a reality.

The Taylor and Son Story?The closeness of this family is the secret to their success. The children grew up visiting their father’s job sites. They experienced the joy of watching dreams be realized.Charity, daughter and lead designer, remembers: “Our dad was a builder, so we grew up watching projects develop. It was exciting to see the changes. Those memories inspired me to major in design. Because we have such fond memories of a loving home, we really enjoy helping people realize their dreams for their own home. We really put our hearts into the creation of living spaces. It’s something that we love to do because it’s always been such an important part of who we are.”


214-919-3200403 S. Hwy. 78Wylie, TX 75098

www.TaylorAndSonDFW.com

The Taylor and Son Difference?We at Taylor and Son are committed to giving you the living space you’re dreaming of right now. Whatever size project you have in mind — building a mansion or carpeting your den — Taylor and Son brings their unique blend of inspiration and experience to ensure that the end result surpasses your expectations.Our team works together on every detail from start to finish. The three partners personally oversee every project to meet the needs of our clients in regards to quality, timeliness, and budget.

• Carpet

• Hardwoods

• Cabinets

• Granite & Silestone

• Media Rooms

• Room Make-overs

• Home BuildingStop by our showroom. Enjoy a cup of coffee. Take the first step in realizing your dream.

Finally, someone who gets it!

Expect to be Amazed!1. Expect exactly what you had

in mind when you dreamed of this living space.

2. Expect an easy process that helps you make the decisions that result in the outcome you desire.

3. Expect a team that is accessible, knowledgeable, and can deliver exactly what you had in mind.

4. Expect on-time delivery and complete satisfaction with your new living space.

Expect it to be Amazing!


Some people work at a job all their life, but the truly blessed can’t think of any other career they’d rather have. That’s when a career has become a calling.

Although police officers Adana Barber (Murphy PD), Crystal Morris (Sachse PD) and Donna Valdepeña (Wylie PD), all came to their careers in different ways, they agree there’s no place else they’d rather be.

Murphy PD“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Murphy Lt. Adana

Barber said. “I like everything about it.” Lt. Barber didn’t always know she wanted to be a police officer; in fact, her degree is in business. “I had a lot of things I wanted to do and being a police officer was one of them,” she said. “It wasn’t until after my sis-ter’s suggestion that I decided to try it. After that, everything just fell into place.”

Lt. Barber’s law enforcement career started in Garland in 1987. Next she went to Rowlett before coming to the Murphy Police Department in 2004. She started as a patrol officer and in 2006 was promoted to sergeant, then lieutenant. She’s been with Murphy PD for eight years. As a lieutenant, Barber over-sees operations. “What don’t I do?!? I do a bit of everything.” she said. “ I get things moving and get them done.”

She added, “I like that we’re a small department. It’s more fun, and more like a family. That means counseling and dis-cipline are part of the job too. Plus, I get to listen to citizens –

sometimes they’re angry, but they can be happy too.”

Another thing Lt. Barber enjoys about being a police officer is that every day can be different. “You may be doing the same things, but every day is different too. You never know how a call or situation is going to work out; you never know what you’re going to encounter,” she explained. “I like dealing with people and I like going and doing, not sitting. Being a police officer is a perfect job to do just that.”

Sachse PDBeing mobile is part of the draw for Sachse police officer

Crystal Morris.

“What I love about Sachse is it’s small enough but big enough,” Officer Morris said. “You have a chance to get out and see the whole city; you’re not stuck in one area like in larger cities.”

Since she was about 16-years-old, Officer Morris knew she wanted to be in law enforcement. It wasn’t a career she pur-sued immediately, however. It was a mid-life career change.

Officer Morris attended the Collin County Sheriff Department’s police academy part time while working full time at another job. She graduated in 2007, but it wasn’t easy to find a job.

In 2009, she was considering abandoning the idea of getting her shield when a friend told her the Sachse Police Department was hiring.

The Women in BlueNo higher calling for these Wylie, Sachse, Murphy police officers

By Jamie Engle

Lt. Adana Barber Ofc. Crystal Morris Sgt. Donna Valdepeña


“I was about ready to give up because it was taking so long to find a job,” Officer Morris said. “But then I got the call from Sachse PD and everything fell into place. It’s been all downhill since then.”

Although Officer Morris wanted to be a police officer since high school, she said she probably got a lot more out of the career by waiting to pursue it later in life.

“Now that I’m older and have more life experiences, I realize how much more I can help people,” Officer Morris explained. “Every call I think, ‘how can I fix it, how can I make it better?’ I know I can’t every time, but maybe I can change a life, or help someone become a better person, or help them understand something new.”

Wylie PD“It’s a tough job but extremely rewarding. I like the number of

people that I can reach out and help. Some days it’s extremely hard because of all the things you see, but if you work hard and give 100 percent, you can make a difference,” Sgt. Donna Valdepeña said.

Sgt. Valdepeña is a shift patrol sergeant with the Wylie Police Department. She’s been with the Wylie PD for 8.5 years, first as a patrol officer then as a School Resource Officer (SRO). Her next assignment was as a detective in the Crimes Against Persons unit before becoming a SRO Sergeant. As a SRO Sergeant, she started the Citizens Police Academy and the CPA Alumni Association. In addition, she was involved in the crime prevention and neighborhood watch programs and National Night Out for several years, as well as acting as Wylie PD’s Public Information Officer.

“The best thing about Wylie is always going to be the “family feel” of Wylie,” she said. “We have around 43,000 people now, yet Wylie can be that large and still have a small town feel. I know a lot of people and I really like that.”

Contributing to that small town feel is how people pull together in times of crisis, Sgt. Valdepeña added.

“I was here during Hurricane Katrina and that was a huge impact,” she said. “I saw the city, police department, fire depart-ment, public works – everyone! - come through to help people they didn’t know. When someone’s house burns down, or a child passes away or is killed, the community comes together to help. It’s a Wylie thing, and that’s really special to me.”

All in the FamilyDepartment camaraderie and a family atmosphere were

highly ranked by all three women.

“Murphy PD’s camaraderie makes it a fun place to work. It’s more enjoyable than anywhere else I’ve worked.” Lt. Barber said.

Being able to laugh is an important part of the job to Officer Morris. “Everyone gets along well,” Officer Morris said, “For all we do, it’s also laid back. It’s not like a typical job; we can cut up with people, do the job, then be yourself.”

Sgt. Valdepeña didn’t think she’d find the same close-knit fam-ily she had as an Alabama State Trooper, but said she’s found all

that and more at the Wylie PD. “We’re all close to each other. You lay your life on the line for another officer, so how can you not have camaraderie and closeness?” Sgt. Valdepeña said.

Lt. Barber added, “You take care of your own. Somehow this very eclectic mix of people comes together and rallies together; we complement each other, which makes you feel good. It’s really a culture, a way of life.”

For young people thinking of pursuing a career in law enforce-ment, the women highly recommend getting involved in Police Explorers, a program introducing teenagers to law enforcement careers. It’s offered by the Boy Scouts through Murphy PD and is open to males and females.

“The best thing is to get involved and see what it’s like. It can be boring, and it’s not exciting every day. But at the end of the day, if you can look forward to coming to work every day, and focus on the good you can do and the people you can help, it makes it all worth it,” Lt. Barber said.

When you see a police officer, be sure to thank them for all they do to protect and serve the community. •

photos by Anne Hiney & Craig Kelly


By Lori C. Villarreal

What does Texas House State Representative Jodie Laubenberg have in common with you and me? As a mom, a homemaker and a professional, Jodie has

learned to juggle it all. Her political career started ten years ago while her two children, David and Liz, were in high school. She has made her family a priority, been an active member of her community, and managed to be involved in areas of her own personal interest.

Jodie and her husband, Bob, have been residents of Parker for 15 years. Their children remain in the area and are living independent lives having both graduated from university. The Laubenbergs have three…four…five…sometimes up to seven rescued dogs.

Jodie never expected to run for office. Politics was a passion for her and she helped organize a lot of campaigns. She was involved in local issues and became a member of the Parker City Council. When the popula-tion growth caused Collin and Rockwall Counties to acquire two new House seats Jodie encouraged a few others to run. She says, “When they did not express an interest I decided to give it a shot”. Jodie has been the Republican Texas House State Representative for the Northern and Eastern areas of Collin County and all of Rockwall County. She has served five, two-year terms and is unopposed in her upcoming election.

Being a mother, wife and politician got tough at times. “As a woman in politics, you don’t give up the mom and wife part. You are still needed to wash the jeans – tonight. The house

still needs tending and the kids need their mom”. The juggling wasn’t always easy and life throws all kinds of unexpected messes in the way. She shares, “Don’t let perfection get in the way of living. Life is an adventure. Have fun and find that adven-ture for yourself.” Jodie has found her adventure in her family and by participating in government for the betterment of her community.

Getting involved at the State level has allowed Jodie to see issues from the State and Federal perspective. “Folks think government is the answer to every problem. When we turn things over to the government we allow them to take responsibil-ity away from the resi-dents”, states Jodie. She

continues, “Community should take care of itself. At the end of the day, an individual has to take responsibility for his/her actions. Washington can’t help as effectively or as permanently. Our community has demonstrated that we can take care of our own during crisis. Our local not-for-profits serve our residents but also expect individual accountability”.

Jodie sits on the Public Health Committee and the Human Services Committee. She agrees the issues of heath care are a “big, scary, complicated mess”. With

this mess taking up a third of the current budget and potentially growing she is determined to have a voice in the process.

Jodie shares, “I love what I do.” She plans to remain in poli-tics as long as she is voted in by her constituents and while she feels she is making a difference. She expects to be active and involved and plans one day to be juggling grandbabies. •

JodieLaubenberg

photos courtesy of Jodie Laubenberg

Jodie Laubenberg with her husband Bob.


PARKER ROADVETERINARY HOSPITAL

28 Years of Dedicated & Caring Serviceto Wylie and the Surrounding Area

FULL SERVICE MEDICAL & SURGICAL CARE

SMALL ANIMALS & HORSES5000+sq.ft. Hospital Facility

• IN HOUSE COGGINS LABORATORY • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Dr. Kerin Dr. WallisDr. Abraham

One mile north of Downtown Wylie2nd Veterinary Hospitalon Parker Rd.(Next to the Water Tower)

Parker Rd. Vet. Hosp.

FM 544 Hwy 78

FM 1

378

Brown St.

Parker Rd.

Bal

lard

St.

Park Blvd.Water Tower

N

www.parkerroadvet.com

707 Parker Rd • Wylie • 972-442-6523

NEW FACILITY OPENING SOON!Highest Standards of Professional Service

✔ AUTO

✔ LIFE

✔ BUSINESS

✔ HOMEOWNERS

(972)442-3505 Fax: (972)442-3885

[email protected] Calloway • P.O. Box 40 • Wylie, TX 75098

www.wylieinsurance.com

Standing left to right: Erica Baylor, John Yeager, Debbie CooperSeated left to right: Kylie Reising, Cathy Jonson

WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Check With Us For All Your Insurance Needs

“Serving You Since 1898”

JOHN YEAGER, CIC

Aaron MillerAttorney

Plano Office101 E. Park Blvd., Suite 600

Plano, Texas 75074(By Appointment Only)

Wylie Office250 S. Hwy. 78

Wylie, Texas 75098(Principal Office)

(214) [email protected]

www.aaronmillerlaw.com

ESTATE PLANNING• Wills• Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Family Legacy • Appointment of Guardians • Healthcare Documents

ELDER LAW• Asset Protection• Medicaid Planning• Medicaid Applications• Veterans Benefits (A&A)• Lady Bird Deeds • Miller Trusts • Asset Preservation• Planning for Disability

Two Convenient Locations

14 • The CONNECTION • April/May 2012

Happy Mother’s Day

12 3

4

56

7

8

910

11


To celebrate Mothers Day we asked city and school leaders and staff to share a photo of themselves with their mom from their childhood. Thank you so much to all who took the time to send us a photo and a special thank you to Aimee Nemer, Craig Kelly, Marcia Coker and Denise Vise for your assistance! Recognize anyone? Just for fun, can you tell Who’s Who? Here’s a list of everyone pictured.

Aimee NemerBarbara GossBecky AyersBilly GeorgeBrandy SchneiderCarole EhrlichChief Randy Corbin

12

13

14

15

16 17

18 19

20 21Craig KellyDiane CulverRenee TruncaleJonathan SlaterKim LenoirKristen RobertsLinda Bantz

Lynn FagerstromMark TimmMike FelixPat McMillanStacie GoochStacy BuckleySusan Craig

You’ll find the answers on page 43!


Mama Bear” in popular culture describes a loveable, caring and nurturing mother that is tough, aggres-sive and protective when needed. A mama bear takes

responsibility, leading by example, teaching, mentoring and encouraging. City of Wylie’s City Manager, Mindy Manson, demonstrates many of the traits and characteristics of a mama bear in both her private and professional life.

Mindy joined the team in 1995 as Assistant to the City Manager. She currently serves as City Manager, and is often considered the CEO of Wylie. Just as the CEO of a corpora-tion manages the day to day operations of the business, she is responsible for overseeing the day to day administrative opera-tions of the City of Wylie, including staffing and preparation and execution of the budget. Mindy implements and administers the policies established by the City Council and ensures the execu-tion of their goals, mission, and vision, while making recommendations con-cerning policies and programs. The City Manager is appointed by, and answers directly to, the Mayor and City Council, a seven member body.

“Mindy is the ideal leader for the City of Wylie and continues to show her unwavering commitment to our city’s success,” says Mayor Eric Hogue. “Reporting to seven different bosses is not an easy job, yet she continues to successfully lead our staff of 300 employees.”

One of the biggest challenges of her job is that every service the City provides is the number one priority of at least one citi-zen, if not thousands. Meeting service expectations and man-aging the budget has become even more difficult over the past few years in light of the down economy. Mindy tries to ensure that employees understand the challenges and goals, and works to equip staff with the knowledge, tools, and training they need to carry out those goals, while striving to support her team in every way she can.

“She nurtures and loves this City to the point of taking responsibility for the successes and failures of her cubs (staff),” says Wylie Fire Rescue Chief Randy Corbin. “Manners, respect, discipline, telling you ‘no’ when you need to be stopped, a stra-tegic throat-clearing in a touchy situation…that’s the way Mindy leads Wylie…all the care of a doting mother, and the first to straighten you up when necessary.”

Mindy has grown with the City of Wylie over the past 17 years watching the population explode from 9,000 to more than 42,000 people. “From the very beginning I was impressed with how much the City had been engaged with long term planning,” she said. “I have documents in my office from the early 60’s that outline the water, sewer and street needs to accommodate future growth. And while there will always be critics, Wylie has done a great job in planning for and delivering essential public services.”

“It is tremendously rewarding to see the reality of a neighbor-hood park filled with families that I can remember first seeing as a conceptual drawing; shopping locally for something that we previously had to travel to Plano or Garland to find; and seeing

community events like “Boo on Ballard” thrive. Wylie has managed to keep its character despite the growth and I believe this is attributable to the people that are attracted to the quality of life that is found here.”

While Mindy is dedicated to her pro-fession, her passion lies with her fam-ily. “It’s a tough balance (work) and I have missed my fair share of family events over the years, but regardless, my family’s happiness and well being is more important than any work event.”

Manson has been married to Bin for 30 years, and has two chil-dren, Andrew 25, and Kate 22.

Her son Andrew recalls, “Since my sister and I were little kids, our mother took us to have donuts for breakfast every Friday morning. What started as a reward for good behavior, evolved into a tradition that lasted at least until I graduated from high school. It’s a simple metaphor: just like everything else in our beautiful mother’s life, her dedication was extraordinary, espe-cially when it came to something her family loved. What’s more, I’m not even sure she likes donuts that much. What a trooper!”

Community Service is also an important part of Manson’s commitment to the community. She currently serves as President of the Board Directors for Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County; is a member of the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Advisory Board; and is involved in the Wylie Independent School District Mentoring Program.

Chances are you won’t hear Manson roar, but more likely offering a word of encouragement, providing a needed nudge, or bringing new thoughts and ideas to the table. •

Mindy Manson

“

by Craig Kelly

Photos by Craig Kelly

City Manager Mindy Manson is joined by Student Mayor for the Day Brittanie Henry and Mayor Eric Hogue on the Dais.



AudreyLegatowicz

Hers is an Ancient Craft

and describes it as her “fiber fix” for the day! Among the sev-eral looms she owns is a large Swedish model which currently sports a sea of blues and other colors waiting to be woven into a custom shawl for a website customer. Describing the pro-cess is complicated; actually seeing the loom with its myriad of beams, threads, wires and mechanics is mind-boggling. The long threads running along from the back beam to the front of the loom are the warp – and take considerable time to pre-pare. Once you are “warped to weave” – and Audrey is -- then the other direction, the weft, is readied. Hundreds of threads are carefully and artfully worked into the loom. Finally, once the loom is prepared, Audrey enjoys the thrill of actually creating projects. She emphasizes the quiet feeling of spirit that hand-made things possess, and she enjoys making all kinds of projects.

Audrey’s wearable art includes a dazzling array of hand dyed and hand woven scarves, hats (“a hat for every head!”) shawls, purses, jewelry and wall-hangings. She uses recycled men’s ties, weaving them into purses – a favorite among customers.

Audrey also utilizes her own hand-felted wool for clothing, scarves and wall hangings. Touching the wool, Audrey notes that merino wool is best and softest for this type of project. She gets most of her mohair and wool from sheep and goats at a small farm in east Texas. Holding a beautiful smaller wall hang-ing, with wool, mohair details and threads running through it, Audrey describes it as a “Texas Lamb-scape”!

Equally impressive are the much larger unfinished pieces upstairs. She recently finished a huge commissioned piece for the Renaissance Hotel in Dallas.

If you want to see Audrey’s products in person, she will be attending the upcoming Bath House Cultural Arts Spring Art Mart, (521 East Lawther Drive, Dallas) April 27-29, 2012.

And if you are having trouble reading this article, go to Audrey’s website and order the “Baby Boomer” necklace. A beautiful beaded necklace, complete with its own magnifying glass!

Audrey currently promotes her art via art shows and her web-site at www.audreylegatowicz.com. •

Visiting the home of Sachse resident Audrey Legatowicz is to enter into fabric and fiber nirvana! Not only does Audrey often spin her own threads, she

dyes her own yarns, weaves fabric and fashions beautiful cloth-ing, jewelry, and accessories.

Audrey’s love of fiber art began by taking an adult education class. Beginning on a small table loom, she has not only taught herself more about this ancient craft, but taught others, shared her considerable abilities with school age children and takes her lovely products to area craft shows. Audrey recently helped her grandson weave a rag rug for his room!

Audrey moved to Texas in 1980. She became very active with the Friends of the Sachse Public Library and several spinning & weaving guilds. She taught Fiber Art for 8 years at the pres-tigious Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet High School, which she said was hugely rewarding! Audrey has done presentations for the Dallas Museum of Art, and for about 20 years she con-ducted educational presentations for the Plano Independent School District. She demonstrated primarily for 4th grade Texas history students, showing them how to make fabric from raw materials; first spinning the thread, then weaving the fabric. Most children have never considered the amazing process of how early settler’s produced fabric.

Just back from the Chicken Farm Art Show in San Angel, Audrey unloads her Ashford Spinning wheel and demonstrates how to take raw wool – dyed herself – and spin it into either thick or thin threads, depending on tension and other factors. Audrey has been weaving for her own business since 1981, and is still available for private lessons or demonstrations.

Her crafting area is bursting with beautiful colors, fabrics and fibers. Showing a bag of mohair and wool, she touches it

by Brenda Byboth


. .


WYLIE’S RITA AND TRUETT SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTSLocated at 300 Country Club Rd., Bldg. 300, Wylie, TX For additional information on any of these programs, please check our website www.wylietexas.gov>Departments>Library or call 972-516-6250 Storytimes: FamilyStorytime(allages): Tues.at6:00p.m. ToddlerTime(ages1-2): Wed.at9:00&9:45a.m.;Fri.at11:30a.m. BigKidStorytime(ages3-5): Wed.at10:30&11:15a.m.&Thur.at1:30p.m. Babies&Books(ages0-1): Fri.at11:00a.m.Storytime Themes: WeekofApril2 SillyStories-S WeekofApril9 YummyformyTummy-Y WeekofApril16 Quiet&Loud-Q WeekofApril23 Umbrella-U WeekofApril30 Cows-C WeekofMay7 Mom,Mommy,Mother-M NOTE: There are no storytimes from May 12, 2012 through June 2, 2012 as we prepare for summer reading club. Storytimes will resume the week of June 4, 2012.

Computer Classes: Held WeeklyComputer classes that includeWord,Excel,Basics ofComputers andmore are offeredweeklyintheComputerLab.Allclassesarefreeandregistrationisrequired.Registrationopenstwoweekspriortothestartofeachclass.Formoreinfo.and/ortoregistervisittheHelpDesk,call972-516-6250option3oremaillibraryclasses@wylietexas.gov.English Conversation ClubPractice speaking English in a casual, small group setting. Participants must alreadyreadandwriteEnglish.Springsessionregistration isclosed.Thefallsessionwillstart inSeptember.ContacttheAdultServicesDepartmentformoredetails.Wagging Tales: Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.BeginningreadersareinvitedtopracticetheirreadingskillswithAbbytheCollie.AbbyisaDeltaSocietytrainedpetpartnerandwillbeintheStorytimeRoom.Ticketsarerequiredandaregivenoutfreeonafirstcome,firstservedbasisontheafternoonoftheprogram.Friends of the Library Meeting: Apr. 19 & May 17 at 6 p.m.TheFriendsoftheSmithPublicLibrarymeetintheConferenceRoom.4th Monday Book Club: Apr. 23 & May 21 at 6:30 p.m.The4thMondayBookClub(ages18andup)meetsat6:30p.m.intheConferenceRoomtodiscussthismonth’sbookselection.Apr. 23rd-Girl with a Pearl Earring byTracyChevalier.May 21st-The Prince and the PauperbyMarkTwain.BeTween Book Club: Apr. 26 & May 24 at 6 p.m. Neverjudgeabookbyitsmovie.4thand5thgradersareinvitedtodiscussdifferentbooksthathavemovieadaptations.Thefirst25kidstosignupwillgetafreecopyofthebookcourtesyoftheFriendsoftheLibrary.Apr. 26th - Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick RulesbyJeffKinneyMay 24th - Mr. Popper’s PenguinsbyRichard&FlorenceAtwaterBooked on Fridays: Apr. 13 & May 11 from Noon - 1:30 p.m.SecondFridayeachmonth(ages18andup)Bringyourlunchanddropinbetweennoonand1:30p.m.forfunreadsandlightconversation.Apr. 13th-Bet MebyJenniferCrusieMay 11th-Portrait of a SpybyDanielSilvaGED Classes: Apr. 3, 10, 17, 24 & May 1, 8 15 from 5 - 8 p.m.Classeswillmeet every Tuesday throughMay, following the same holiday schedule asWylieISD.AllclasseswillbeheldintheConferenceRoomandnoregistrationisrequired.NOTE: May 15 is the last day for GED classes until school starts back in the fall.My Very Own Book Club: Apr. 18 & May 16 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.Meetsevery3rdWednesday.1st,2nd&3rdgradersareencouragedtoreadthebookontheirowntimeandthencometothemeetingfordiscussionandacraft.Thefirst20kidstosignupattheChildren’sDeskwillgetafreecopyofthismonth’sbookselection.Apr. 18th-Bringing the Rain to Kapiti PlainbyVernaAardemaMay 16th-The Relatives CamebyCynthiaRylantTeen Career Fair: Apr. 14 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Lookingforasummerjob?OutofSchoolandneedmoney?JoinlocalbusinessesatTheSmithPublicLibraryApril14thfrom11a.m.-1p.m.Businesseswillbegivingoutinforma-tiontoworkingageteensabouttheircompany.Allteens16-18welcome.Comedressedininterviewattireandbringaresume.Crafter’s Swap: Apr. 16 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Doyouhaveany left over craft items?Bring your itemsand swap for somenewones.Itemsmaynotbesold.Vendorsarenotallowed.

APRIL EVENTSApr. 13th-Murphy Moonlight Movies presentsFurry Vengeanceat8p.m.attheMurphyCommunityCenter, 205N.MurphyRd.,Murphy,TX75094. Free event spon-soredbyMurphyCommunityDevelopmentCorporation.Formore info.,pleasecontacttheMurphyCommunityCenterat972-468-4444oremailrecinfo@murphytx.org.Apr. 14th-Sachse’sGreat American Cleanup/Arbor Day Celebration. Joinothervolunteers throughoutSachsetohelpoutandgivebacktoourcommunityat9a.m.attheCityHallAmphitheater,3815BSachseRoad.Prior to thestartof thisevent,MayorMikeFelixwillgiveanArborDayProclamation.Freegifttreeswillbehandedoutonafirstcome-firstservedbasisincelebrationofArborDay.CallParks&RecreationDept.tosignupyourgrouptovolunteerat469-429-0275.Volunteerswillbeprovidedwith lunchafter-wardsandentertainmentbytheDaughterJudyBand.www.cityofsachse.com/parksApr. 14th - Celebrate Nature Spring Festival at the Heard Natural ScienceMuseum&WildlifeSanctuary.9a.m.-5p.m.Visitheardmuseum.orgforeventdetails.Apr. 20th - Tri-Chamber Golf Tournament - see page 42 for details.Apr. 20th & 21st -TheWylieActingGroup forChildrenpresentsCharlotte’s Web in the auditorium at Wylie East High School. Friday, April 20th - 7 p.m. andSaturday,April21st-3p.m.and7p.m.Forticketinfo.gotowww.wagforchildren.orgorcontactinfo@wagforchildren.org.Apr. 21st -Plano Symphony Orchestra 2011/2012 seasonwill concludewith aperformance featuring “Finlandia” and international competition award-winning violinist,MariuszPatyraat8:15p.m.atSt.AndrewUnitedMethodistChurch,5801WestPlanoParkway inPlano.Reservedseating ticketsstartat$9;add$2at thedoor.Groupandstudent rates available. To order, call the Plano SymphonyOrchestra Ticket Office at972-473-7262orvisitwww.planosymphony.org.Apr. 22nd-Earth Day -dosomethinggoodforourplanet! www.earthday.org/2012Apr. 23rd -The Taste of Wylie benefiting theWylieChristianCareCenter from11a.m.-1:30p.m.attheWylieBaptistChurchSpecialEventsCenterat200N.BallardAvenue indowntownWylie.Samplefoodfrommorethan25restaurants! Inadditiontosamplingscrumptiousdelicacies,“TheTasteofWylie” includesaliveandsilentauctionofdonateditems.TITLESPONSOR:Women’sLinkCenterofWylie-AMedicalCenterofPlanoFacility.PurchaseticketsatthedoororinadvanceatAmericanNationalBank-Wylie&Sachse,CapitalOneBank,ChaseBank-Wylie,ViewPointBank-Wylie,InwoodNationalBank-Wylie.Formoreinfo.contactSandyNelsonat972-742-8999.

MAY EVENTSMay 6th - Pedal Car Races in Historic Downtown Wylie Sponsored by BallardStreetCafe.Racedayregistrationstartsat1p.m.–racesstartat2p.m.Ages2-5.$10EntryFee(includesT-shirtwithregistration)Winnerswillreceivetrophiesin2agebrack-ets(2-3&4-5).ProceedstobenefitWylieAreaSpecialOlympicsandthepromotionandbeautificationofDowntownWylie.May 10th - Sachse Sampler & Expo at the First United Methodist Church ofSachsefrom5:30-8p.m.TheSachseSampler&Expobringstogetherthebestoffer-ings of area businesses and restaurants. Enjoy a great plate of food while shoppingaroundwithlocalbusinessandretailvendors.$1Admission,children2&underarefree.May 11th -Throwaway Ponies3rd Annual Golf Tournament at BuffaloCreekGolfClub,624CountryClubDr.,Rockwall,TX.SigninstartsatNoon,shotgunstartat1p.m.$100/golferor$360 for team.Dinner&auction follows. Included forgolfers,$25ofothers.Infoatwww.throwawayponies.org.May 12th-Sachse’s Movie in the Park.ComecheckouttheNEWamphitheaterand seePuss in Boots. Popcorn and drinkswill be served.Dress up as your favoritefairytalecharacterandenterintothecostumecontesttowinaprize.8p.m.atCityHallAmphitheater,3815BSachseRoad,Sachse.TX.www.cityofsachse.com/parksMay 12th - Ropes Course Tree Top Adventure Day - at the Heard NaturalScienceMuseum&WildlifeSanctuary.1-5p.m.Registrationrequired-Visitheardmu-seum.orgforeventdetails.May 12th-Local Election Day (Early voting: April 30 - May 5) May 18th-Murphy Moonlight Movies presentsThe Karate Kidat8:30p.m.attheMurphyCommunityCenter, 205N.MurphyRd.,Murphy,TX75094. Free event spon-soredbyMurphyCommunityDevelopmentCorporation.Formore info.,pleasecontacttheMurphyCommunityCenterat972-468-4444oremailrecinfo@murphytx.org.May 19th-GOLF4KIDS Tournamentbenefitingthe“Food4Kids”programwiththeNorthTexasFoodBank.8a.m.tee-timeatWoodbridgeGolfCourse,7400CountryClubDr.,Wylie, TX 75098. Sponsored by First UnitedMethodist Church of Sachse. Go towww.sachsefirst.net/site/dbpage.asp?page_id=140004001&sec_id=140001121forinfo.May 19th-Bird of Prey Photography DayattheBlacklandPrairieRaptorCenter–A rareopportunity tophotographhawks, falconsandowlsupclosewhilepositioned/perchedinnaturalsettings.7:30-11a.m.forbestlightandminimumheatatBrockdaleParkatLavonLake (Lucas,Texas)crossstreets:LucasRoad (FM3286)&BrockdaleParkRoad.Registrationisopennow.Spaceislimitedtothefirst200registrantsat$20per person. Go to www.bpraptorcenter.org and use the Donation Page for payment.Registrationcloses5/16/12.Pleasetype“BPRCPhotoDay”intheCommentsSection.May 28th-Memorial Day School HolidayMay 29th-Texas Primary Election Day


Zombie Prom: Apr. 28 from 8 - 11 p.m.TheSmithPublicLibrary ishosting itsfirsteverZombieProm for6th-12thgraders--thelivingdeadnever lookedsogood!Dancing,DJ,Crafts&prizes!Ticketsavailableat thedoor:Zombies(comeincostume&makeup)$3.00/Humans(comeasyour“undead”self)$5.00.Snacksavailablefor$1apiece.Comic Book Day: May 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Joinus fora fun-filleddaycelebratingAmericanandJapanesegraphicnovelsandani-mation.SpecialguestsincludeViperComicsandSonnyStrait,illustratorandvoiceactorbestknownasKrillinfromDragonBallZ.

CHAMBER of COMMERCE EVENTSWYLIE www.wyliechamber.org 972-442-2804Monthly Luncheons:4thTues.ofthemonthat11:30.Checkthechamberweb-sitefordetailsonlocation.Makereservationsonlineatwww.wyliechamber.org.Apr. 24th-StateoftheDistrictpresentationbyDr.DavidVinson,WISDSuperintendent.May. 22nd-StateoftheChamberpresentationbyMikeAgnew,ChamberPresident.

Every WednesdayBusiness Card Exchange: Networkandpromoteyourbusinessfrom8-9a.m.atWoodbridgeGolfCourseclubhouse,7400CountryClubDr.,Wylie.Chambermembersandnon-memberswelcome.

Apr. 20th - Tri-Chamber Golf Tournament - see page 42 for details.

SACHSE www.sachsechamber.com 972-496-1212Monthly Luncheons:2ndTues.ofthemonthfrom11:30a.m.-1p.m.atNorthplaceChurch,27093rdStreet,Sachse.$15-Members,$20-Non-members.Register&payonline.Apr. 10th-NetworkingLuncheonsponsoredbySearchingforaStarFoundation.May 8th-NetworkingLuncheon-checkthechamberwebsitefordetails.

MURPHY murphychamber.org 972-805-3749Monthly Luncheons:3rdTues.of themonth.NEWLOCATION:MurphyActivityCenter,201NorthMurphyRd.(acrossfromCityHall,intheformerMurphyFitnessCenterbuilding).Doorsopenat 11:30a.m., buffet lineopensat 11:45a.m., speakerspresentatnoon&meetingadjournsat1p.m.R.S.V.P.by11:59a.m.theFridaybeforetheluncheontoreceivethespecialmemberrateof$15.AfternoononFriday,costis$20foreveryone.Gotowww.murphychamber.org/payment.phptoprepayorcall972-805-3749forreservations.Apr. 17th & May 15th - Monthly Luncheon

Every ThursdayBusiness Card Exchange: JointheMurphyChamberofCommerceforaBusinessCardExchangefrom8-9a.m.atElke’sMarketCafeinat158FM544,Suite118.Opentomembersandnon-members.•

To submit your community event to the JUNE/JULY calendar send an e-mail to [email protected] no later than May 15th. Please include contact name, date(s), time(s), location, a publish-able phone number, e-mail and/or web site for information. Only events that are open to the public (no “members only” events) are eligible, as space permits. THANKS!

Submit Your Event to the Calendar!

FREE Ladies Self Defense ClassSaturday, April 21st & May 19th

9:30 - 11:00 a.m.A Community Service offered by Wylie Karate

1234 Parker Rd., Wylie

214-293-8057 wyliekarate.comCall to reserve a spot, space is limited.


WHY JEANIE?Her Proven

Sales Success#1inpre-ownedhomesalesinSachse3years

running!

Onaverage,mylistingssellfor98%of

listprice.

2008RealtoroftheYearatLake

CitiesAssociationofREALTORS

2008SpiritofSachseAwardRecipient

GraduateofRealEstateInstitute

2009ColdwellBankerInternationalDiamondSocietyProduction

Award

#9inindividualproductionoutof375atColdwellBankerApex,REALTORS

CertifiedHomeMarketingSpecialist

AccreditedBuyersRepresentative

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

JEANIE MARTENColdwell Banker Apex Realtors4908 Maple Shade Ave. • Sachse, TX 75048972-588-8363 • www.jeaniemarten.com

Your “Out-the-Door” ChecklistSpring is undoubtedly the prettiest time of the year to be in real estate! Green grass, spring

flowers and pleasant temperatures all make home shopping a pleasure. Inventory is rising, and buyer activity has been rising to match, so we have been showing and showing and showing!

How should a Seller prepare for showings? First and foremost, be ready all the time. This isn’t as hard as you think. Once you have completed the initial curb check: neutralizing, de-cluttering and staging; then it is just the maintenance cleaning and the “out-the-door checklist”.

Below is an out-the-door checklist that I discuss with all my Clients. • Cookies hot out of the oven, and on the counter with a note to the Buyers to enjoy! This

is only on the weekend or evenings when the Seller’s have time and plenty of warning. This makes the house smell amazing and keeps the Buyers in your kitchen longer.

• If cookies can’t be baked, then Stop and Sniff! What does the house smell like? This is a gut check so be as unbiased as you can. Clean and baking scents are best; no floral or perfume-y scents. And don’t use the puffer things … they freak out the Buyers and Agents.

• Strategic lighting. You don’t need to light up the house like a Christmas tree, but make sure the kitchen and baths are bright. Use lamps in the other rooms to create warmth.

• Blinds are open.• Beds are made and laundry is put away.• Dishes are put away and kitchen is clean.• Background music is on.• Storm doors are unlocked.• Toilet lids are closed.• Animals are crated/secured or better yet, loaded in the car with you.• Animal bowls and paraphernalia are put away.• Carry the trash out with you as you go.If you are still asking why should we do all this, let me show you a house that is ready and

one that is not. You can see, hear, smell and feel the difference.



O n one corner of ever-busy Ballard Street stands a familiar sight: the Wylie Flower and Gift Shop. This staple of Wylie life is a veritable forest of lush green-

ery, fragrant blooms, and stunning handmade arrangements. However, founder Martha King recalls, it wasn’t always that way. Over half a century ago, the sprawling store local girls wandered through for homecoming corsages was at the oppo-site end of the street in what even the owners referred to as a “cramped little half-store”. Their first Valentine’s Day, they sold only one dozen roses. Compare that with today’s store. When one sees that they sold 130 dozen roses this V-day alone, one can only guess there’s something magic in the water for Martha’s daughter and current owner Pam Wells.

When Pam bought the store from mom back in 1994, she became only the latest in a long line of lady florists. The family traces flowering work back at least five generations of moms, and their roots in Wylie are just as deep. Considering that their ancestors helped found the city, it’s really no wonder that as a child, Pam had the run of the town. “I was a clean little street urchin,” Pam laughed in an interview. “But they were different streets back then.”

When Pam was born, the family already owned their “half-store”, and as a little girl, Pam reportedly spent a great deal of time wandering the shop and the streets of Wylie. “Everyone knew everyone then,” she explained. “It was a different world.” Both the city and the family business were in her blood, and at the tender age of 12, she took the reins of a new gift shop her parents founded on the other side of Wylie.

Pam’s mother Martha proudly claims that her daughter ran the store expertly, though like any mother would, she made cer-tain that the next-door business owners checked in on the store prodigy now and again. It was here that Pam began learning the

skills that would eventually lead her into a career as an expert florist and entrepreneur. Yet for a while, this did not seem likely to happen. Taking over the family business was not what a col-lege-aged Pam had in mind.

“I went to school to be a lawyer,” Pam recalls with a laugh. “I studied marketing and practiced law…I didn’t think I wanted to work with flowers.” Locals can thank their lucky stars that Pam found arrangements and not arraignments a better career in which to raise her son Cole. He now works in the shop along-side mom, adding yet another generation to the tradition. Today, everything from weddings to school functions dot the calendar at the shop.

Though Pam no longer needs nearby store owners checking in on her, when the store expanded, they included a large selec-tion of gifts very reminiscent of the little shop young Pam used to run. But while the traditions of the generations are evident, they are masterfully offset by a keen forward-thinking sense of what lies ahead. Pam constantly reminds customers that special orders are not an issue. If she does not have what they need, she will find it for them.

So what is that something in the water that leads to such success? The answer comes when I ask Pam why she cares so much about her customers. “This isn’t just a job,” she says with a smile. “This is home. That’s what it’s about.” Love just grows abundantly for these flower gals, and will apparently continue to do so. •

FlowerGals

Generations of Florists Keep Wylie Blooming

Martha King and Pam Wells

phot

o by A

nne H

iney

by Moriah Walton


WYLIE KARATE

WYLIEKARATE.COM214-293-8057

[email protected]

Summer Martial Arts Day CampGreat Constructive Alternative to Summer Daycare

•Makeyourchild’ssummeracombinationoffunandlearningwhilelearningtheABC’soflife:Attitude-Behavior-Character.•DailyActivities:MartialArtsClasses,OriginalMartialArtsGames,MartialArtsSkillEnhancementActivities,OutdoorMartialArtClassesandStrangerDangerAwareness•12WeekProgram:Monday-Friday,June4thruAugust24•Limitedenrollment,signupearlytoreserveyourplace•Contactusformoredetails

Evening Classes Now Open!•OneMonthFREETrialClassforFirstTimeStudents•ReceiveaFREEKarateUniformwhenyoupayforyour2ndmonthforFirstTimeStudents

1234 E. Parker Rd., Wylie, TX 75098

[email protected]

www.JonesPros.com

Computer Repair: All Brands & Models! • Apple and PC Service • Networking and WiFi • Printers and Copiers • iPhone/iPod/iPad Repair • Audio/Video for Home or Business • Video Surveillance and Monitoring • Home Theatre Systems • Telephone Systems • Gaming Systems • And so much more!

Dallas Jones

Searchingfor a Star

AUDITIONS

searchingforastar.org 972-429-0047

Visit the Searching for a Star website, www.searchingforastar.org

and click on Contest Info for a downloadable registration form.

Fill it out, and bring itto the audition!

9 $10 nonrefundable audition fee.9 Sing a cappella or bring a music track to sing along with for audition.9 24 contestants in each age group will advance to the competition rounds.

April 28, May 5 & May 12To audition, singers must be lined up before 5 p.m. Auditions begin at noon and continue until all singers perform.

Auditions are First Come - First Served.

Ballard School of the Performing Arts

130 N. Ballard Ave. Wylie, TX 75098

Open CompetitionAge Groups:

8 - 1011 - 1415 - 18


ThelmaO’DessaHaker

Her friends call her Dessie!

If there is another resident of Murphy who has lived here for more than 50 years, that will be surprising news to Dessie Haker and her family.

Mrs. Haker still calls the house she moved into with her late husband and teenage daughter in 1962, home, even though her view from it now is markedly different. As evidence that Murphy is no longer the sleepy town it was then, across from her homestead there is now a six-lane highway that transports the thousands of newer residents to places within the city that did not exist 50 years ago, and to destinations beyond.

Business is thriving in Murphy and Mrs. Haker is a part of a shrinking population of residents who can actually recall when it was not so robust.

“We only had one little store at the corner of Murphy Road and 544,” says Dessie. “And there was the Baptist church,” she added. She is amazed at the shopping now just minutes away.

At 90, Mrs. Haker is spirited and indepen-dent. Her friends and loved ones know her for her delicious carrot cakes and Italian cream cakes, which Mrs. Haker still bakes on occasion. Her skill in the kitchen has always been sought after. She worked in the school cafeteria for a while, and she also pre-pared food for Dr. (Ted) Trimble’s patients at his hospital in Wylie. Until a few years ago, it wasn’t unusual for Mrs. Haker to make multiple cakes to share.

The Murphy Mrs. Haker remembers best, and most fondly, can be described as quiet and simple. In the 60s, when the

Haker family arrived, the population of Murphy was less than 200 people. Her husband Otto, who died in 1994, made his liv-ing farming the 100 acres they lived on.

The Haker’s daughter Margaret, graduated from Plano high school and has made her home here as well. Margaret and her

husband, share her mother’s amaze-ment at the change to their adopted hometown. Their front-row seat to the population explosion has allowed them to see their sleepy town of 200, they moved to so many years ago, evolve into a major economic engine—the current population exceeds 18,000.

Growth and change keep coming to Murphy, and Dessie Haker takes it all in. For her 90th birthday, the city of Murphy honored her with a proclama-tion and her family threw her a party. The accolades are not easy for her to accept, but everyone appreciates the perspective of the small fraternity of residents who “remember when--.”

The sweet life of a smaller, simpler Murphy is now experienced through the recollections of the few remaining long-time residents like Dessie Haker—and captured in bites of homemade cake made by her hands. •

photos provided by Margaret Smith

by LaDawn Fletcher

Mrs. Dessie Haker with daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Jim Smith.


Christy Lewis, M.S., LCSW, BCN, IM-C

North Dallas Biofeedback and Counseling Clinic - NDBCCNEW: Parenting Skills Summer Workshop

For more information (esp. workshop dates and times) contact us at

214-232-9862 or www.cbiofeedback.com

Is your child having difficulty managing his/her behavior in school and at home? Is it a challenge for you or your child to focus and concentrate? Do you suspect your child might have ADD/ADHD, anxiety, or depression? Do you need help with your own feelings of anxiety or depression? We can help!

NDBCC Personalized Services that create positive, lasting changes for children, teens, and adults include: • Biofeedback/Neurofeedback/Brainmapping – to retrain nervous & endocrine systems to achieve balance • Counseling for depression, severe anxiety (OCD, PTSD), and general stress management• Managing chronic pain symptoms, including headaches• Behavior Modification • NEW: Parenting Skills Training – Summer Workshop Series in Wylie • NEW: School Readiness Assessments including Kindergarten • NEW: Educational Parent Consults (public & private) for ARD/504/RTI meetings• NEW: Classroom Management Training for new and existing teachers – Summer Workshop Series

Christy Lewis, M.S., LCSW is a Board Certified Neurofeedback specialist through BCIA. Christy holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UTA. She has a combined 15 years of experience in several clinical and medical settings and has offered career/life coaching for an additional 11 years.

Angela Behymer, M.Ed. is a teacher/educator with additional certifications in early childhood, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Gifted Education. She has over 16 years of experience working with children, parents, and mentoring other teachers in both public schools and the private sectors.

Two office locations serving Addison, Plano, Wylie and surrounding communities

214-763-8855www.WilliamsLawns.comTiry Williams - Owner

• No Contract • Free estimates• 10% off All First Time Service

Get to Know Your Local Guy


I love my mom because...Wylie Preparatory Academy 1st grade...sheisfuntoplaywith....sheisniceandgreat....sheissweetandloveubll....shesnise....sheissmart....shetackscareofme....shedoesdishisandsheissweet....shedoesfunstuffforme....shebelevesinelfs!...shecooksthebestfood....sheiskindandcute....sheisniseandsheispritte,shevetastik,sheiscool....sheletsmedofunstufflikeeatsnaksandgotopartys....sheiscaringandlovingandisalwayshuggingmeandkissingmewhenImsad.Sheisverykindandbeatufulontheinsideandoutside.

...sheisamazingandsheisnicetome!

Wylie Preparatory Academy 5th grade...Ihaveacloserelationshipwithmymother.EventhoughshehaspassedawayIstilllovehernomatterwhat.Shewasverykindandsweet.Shewasajoytobearound.Whenever Ineed to talk tohershealways listens.Everydaywealwayshadfun.Iloveherwithallmyheart.Shewillalwaysbethereformeingoodtimesandbad.IloveherandIknowshedoestoo.

...she is very kind.She is also great at home schoolingme.Mymomalso isawesomeatcooking.

...shehelpseverybodywithneeds.Shecooksandshetakescareofeverybody.Shehelpsmewithmyhomeworkandshe is lovingandkind.She is fun tomessaroundwith.Sheistruthful.Sheshowsthefruitofthespirit.

...sheisagreatcook,loving,kind,nice,andtherearemanyotherthingstolistbutitwouldtakeupmanypages.

...sheisawesome,sheisnice.(Ireallylovemymommorethananyonecouldimagine.)Butmostofallshelovesmenomatterwhat.

...shelovesmeandcaresforme.Ilovemymomverymuch.

...shehelpsmewithhomework.WhenIgetsadshealwayscomesandtalkstome.IfIneedtogoseeorridemyhorseshewilldrivemethere.AlwayshelpsmeifIneedhelp.IfIgetsickshewillhelpmefeelbetter.

...sheadoptedme.Shewentthroughallthetroubletogetmeandmybrother.

...she isalwayshelpingme,andencouragingmetodomybest ineverything.Shealwaysgivesherallintoeverything.Shealwaysfindsawaytocheermeupandlovesmeunconditionally.

...shetakescareofme,andshehasalwaystriedtoteachmerightfromwrong.She has been the bestmom I could ever have. She takesme to very funthingsandthatisawesome.Sheisthegreatestmomakidcouldhave.

...sheisoneofakind.Sheislikenootherandhasthespiritofarainbow.SheisalwaysthereformeanddoeseverythingshecantokeepusalovingChrist-likefamily.She’salwaystherewhenIgotobedandwakemeupinthemorn-ing.WhenshesingsonSundaysandmakesusdinnereverynight italwayswarmsmyheart.

...shecooks,cleans,andgivesmehugs.Shekeepsmelaughing.

...sheprovidesmeagoodChristianbasedhomethatlovesme.Shealsomar-riedagoodhusbandsoIalsohaveanexcellentdad.Bothmymomandmydad really supportmeandencourageme todomybest in sports, life, andevenhelpmestrengthenmyrelationshipwithGod.

...shesupportsmeinmymanydreamsandsacrificeshertimetohelpothers.

...shealwayshelpsme.Iwillneverforgethowmymomisalwaysthereforme.Ilovemymomsomuchbecauseshewillnotbemadatmetoomuch.

...shelovesmenomatterwhat,anddoesthingsformeandshecaresforme.WhenIamsicksheisthere,whenIamhurtsheisthere.Shecomestoallmysportsgamesandworkshardaroundthehouse.

...she cares aboutmy feelings if I am sad, she can feelthat, and she tries to cheer me up, by asking what’swrong, talking it out,andgivingmeapedicureor takingmetomyfavoriterestaurant....shetakescareofmeandgivesmefood.Shefeedsmeandshe’sjustanawesomemom....she cooks, helps with homework, cleans the house,andlovesme.Sheisveryveryveryniceandfunny.Shekeepsmeaccountable.Shehelpsmeand lovesmeandwillneverstop....she is caring and helpful. She has gone through a lotbut she is still strong.She is thoughtful andprettyand Iloveheralot!...shegivesmemanyblessings,andshelovesme....sheraisedmeinChrist.Sheisreallyunderstanding,weshare many characteristics including: my short temper,mydetermination, and loyalty.Theproblem inmy familyisalmostallofushaveashorttemperanddetermination.(Somaybe I got it from both parents?!)MymomworksreallyhardandthatisoneofthemostimportantreasonsIloveher.

Sachse’s Armstrong Elementary - 4th grade...ifitweren’tforherIwouldn’tbehere....sheisamazing,shecooks,shecleans,shegetsmeoutoftrouble,shehasgreatfeelings,shehasgreatideaslikelet’sgotoSixFlagsonschooldays.

...shecleansthehouse,doesthelaundry,andcooksfood.

...whenshemakeshamburgers theyarereallygood.Shemakesanamazingbreakfast.

...shehelpsmewithproblems,cooksmydinner,shehasfunnyjokes,shehasalwayskeptmehappy,andsheisalwaysinagreatmood.

...sheworkshardforourfamily,caring,kind,andnevergivesup.AndIlovehermorethananything,andshebrightensupmydaywithhersmile.Shemakesmehappyandthatisafact.

...she’shonest, lovable,sweet,caringandlovesherwholefamilyasmuchasshelovesme.

...sheisthecoolest,funniest,mosthelpfulmomanyonecouldeverhave.Shehelpsmewithhomework.

...shetookcareofmewhenIwasaninfant.Shechangedmyclothes.Shefedme.Shegotthingsforme.Mostofallshehadloveforme.

...shehelpsmethroughmylifeandmyproblems.Mymomalsogavebirth tomeandspoilsme.

...sheisthoughtfulandalwaysputsmeandmybrotherfirstbeforeherself.

...shecaresaboutme,shebuysmecoolthings,shekissesmegoodnight.

...shecaresaboutothers.Sheisthebestpersonyoucouldeverknow.

...shegivesmehugsand lotsofkisses.Shecooksmydinner too.One thingthatisthebestaboutherisbecauseshemakesmydayhappier!

...shedoessomuchformeandmysister.

...shedoeseverything forme,when Iamscaredshecomfortsme,she lovesmeandIloveherbecausesheismymomandshealwayswillbe.

...she is oneof a kindand shedoesmy chores, letsmeplay, and lovesmesomuch. Iwouldneverwish foranotherone.Sheglows likeanangelandshineslikethesun.Bestmomever.

...whenIwantsomethingshealwaysgetsitevenwhenmydadsaysnosonowIhavealotoftoys.

…shemakesmefeelsafeatnight.…shetakesmetobaseball.…shegavemelifeandmakesmylife“good”.…sheletsmebakecookiesandcakewithher.…she’sbeenbymyside,raisesmoneyanddoesn’tmindtakingcareofme.…sheistheonlyoneofherhumankind.…sheputmeinsoccerandletmeinfootball.

Drawing by Ali, Wylie Preparatory Academy, 1st Grade.

We asked a few fantastic kids to complete the following sentence!

Thanks kids - we love you too!


…she singsme a special song at night “as long as I’m livingmy daughteryou’llbe”.

…sheprovidesmesheltersomyfamilycanlive.…sheleavesherjobjusttoseemedosomething.…shegivesmefoodsoIcaneat.…sheisrespectfulwithme.…she helps me through rough times and gives me company when shesticksclose.

…shemakesmefeelcomfortablewhereverIgo.…whennobodyisaroundshehelpsmewithmyhomework.…sheistheonlyonewhohugsmetight.…sheistheonethatpracticallymakesmylifegoon.…she’senergeticandagoodcook.…withoutherIwouldbelost.…sheteachesmeaboutGod.…shegivesmeeverything.…shecares,notjustformebutforeveryone.…sheissweetandlovingandalwayscaresaboutmeandmysister.…sheiscrazy,funny,coolandweird.…sheneverdiscouragesme.…sheishelpfulandprotectsme.…shealwayshastimeforme.…sheprotectsme,lovesmeandtalkstome.…shehelpsmewiththeproblemsIhave.…sheisbeautifulandhelpful.…shealwayslistenstome.…sheissweettome.…shemakesgooddinner.…shetakesmeeverywhereIwanttogo.…sheiskindandsweetandwoulddoanythingtomakemesmile.…shelovesmeevenwhensheismad.…sheisalwayshelpingmewithmychores.…sheletsmedoalotoffunthingsandgotmeamembershiponroblox.…ifIamillorsomethingiswrongsheisthere.…sheisloyalandhonestandbuysmeskylanders.…sheworks2jobsandsacrificessomuchforme.

Murphy’s Miller Elementary - 3rd grade…shealwaysperseveres…andsometimesdoesmychores…butnotmysis-ters.Shescratchesmybackbecauseshehaslongnails.

…shemakesmefeelinheavenallthetime.…shegetsmyclothesoutforschoolandplaysgameswithmeandmysister,likeCandyLand,Yatzy,andKizmet.

…whenImakeheracardshesays“ohhthisissogood!!!”andwhenwegototheBoilingCrabsheletsuspickwhatwewant.

…she teaches me Vietnamese language and gives me a red envelope onNewYear’sDaywithmoneyinitanddoesn’tletthedragonseatit.

…shecallsmeminime, lovestoplaykickballandsheisalawyer…shehaswoneverycase!

…shegivesmemedicinewhenIneedit,makessureIamnotboredandhasasalon.

…shehasanopenmind, ishumble, trustworthyand funny.She is ready tohelp,descriptive(whenshegoesdeepintosomesubject)andcool.

…shecooksreallygoodfood(thatisafact!)andtriestospendasmuchtimewithmeasahomemomwould.

…sheisverygoodathomeworkandhelpsmewhenIgetstuck.…sheisverygenerousanddrivesmetoschooleveryday.…sheisonesmartcookie!…she letsmeget toys, have friendsover, getPokemoncards,waterguns,tucksmeinbedandletsmebuywaterblades.

…in sickor in health, in badorworse, Iwill always lovemymombecausehowshelovesmefirst.

…sheteachesmenewstufflikemath,reading,grammar,scienceandcursive.…shetakesmetoherworkandmakesmefeelbetterwhenIhaveareallybadday.

…sheissokindandevenboughtmea$60legoset.ShealsotaughtmetospeakHebrew.

…shenevergetsmadatmewhenImakemistakes.…she buys me good clothes, cooks good food…and the BEST of all isbecause

...she loves me!

972-442-6495

Little Stars...

Bright Futures!

The

CORNERSTONEPrivate School

RN On

Staff!

CurbsideService EscortTo & From

Class!

Brown St.

Birmingham

Ballard

Hwy 78

FM 544

120 S. Birmingham - Wylie

We serve

healthy

breakfast,

lunch &

snacks!

www.TheCornerstonePrivateSchool.com

Give your children an educational advantage!

Our curriculum begins in our infant room and continues through Pre-K featuring foreign languages, music, music lessons for our school aged children,

computer training, amazing athletes and Tiny Danzerz®.

Thanks kids - we love you too!


CONNECTION

For more than a century Wylie ISD has encouraged and supported girls athlet-

ics. Whether it was through a physical education class or an organized sport, the dis-trict has continued to foster an environment of fun and fit-ness for aspiring female ath-letes. The type of activity may have changed over the years, but not the attitude for success and hunger to be a champion.

Prior to Wylie ISD’s establish-ment in 1901, many female ath-letes played “lifetime sports” or individual sports such as ten-nis, golf and croquet. Organized team competition was not avail-able in the District until 1910 when Wylie women became inter-ested in a newly developed recreational sport called basketball. The District still proudly displays a photograph of the female students of 1910 posing with a basketball. In the eyes of those pictured, you can see the joy of participation and a glint of competitive spirit.

Today, girls still enjoy basketball, golf and ten-nis, but the opportunity for additional competi-tive activities to chal-lenge them both physi-cally and mentally is much broader. Softball, volleyball, soccer, golf, cross country, powerlift-ing and track have pro-vided new venues for girls to express them-selves as athletes and establish teams spirited for winning.

“We have great coaches throughout the district who care very much about making our girls’ athletics program extremely successful,” said Jennifer Roland, Wylie ISD Assistant Athletic Director. “We are constantly looking at ways to grow the program and attract more female athletes.”

The proof of the District’s commitment to the girls’ athletic program lies in the results of several teams at both Wylie High School and Wylie East High School.

Since 1995, the Wylie High School Lady Pirate Softball team has made it to post-season play, including going three rounds deep in the State Playoffs in 2011. The Lady Pirate Volleyball team also went to the State Playoffs in 2011 and the Lady Pirate Basketball team advanced to post season play in both 2011 and 2012. The school’s girls track team captured the dis-

trict championship in 2009 and finished as runner-up in 2010, sending several individuals on to the State Track Meet in Austin, Texas. In addition, several female lifters, on the Wylie High School Powerlifting team, advanced to the State Meet in Austin this year, a major accomplishment for females competing in a male oriented sport.

Wylie East High School is also cultivating success in just its fourth year of existence. The school has three outstanding female athletes in Sarah Scott, Maddie McCrary and Marissa Gentry.

Scott, a sophomore, has advanced to the State Cross Country Meet for the past two years finish-ing in the Top 25 in 2012. McCrary, also a sopho-more, qualified for the Regional Meet in golf last year and is on pace to contend for a repeat regional trip this year. Gentry placed third at the Region 6, Division I Powerlifting meet, miss-ing a shot at state by one place.

However, success doesn’t come without challenges. Low participation due to co-curricular conflicts or

You Play Like a Girl!Female Athletes in Wylie ISD Strut Their Stuff on the Track, Court and Field of Battle

by Marcia Coker

Education

1910 Wylie Women’s Basketball Team

Alisa Hamilton

Taylor Bowers


club sports often pulls potential female athletes away from high school sports.

“We sometimes see a drop in participation of female athletes in eighth grade, and again in grades 11 and 12, due to their interest in other activi-ties and organizations,” com-mented WISD Athletic Director Kyle Craighead. “This is due in part to the amount of time co-curricular activities such as band, drill team, school clubs and organizations require. Coupled with the increas-ing academic rigor expected of students, it doesn’t leave much time in the day to par-ticipate in a sport.”

Club sports, such as soccer, conflict with current University Interscholastic League (UIL) scheduled sports making it diffi-cult for a female athletic to participate in both club and UIL sanctioned sports. Athletes who are skilled at the sport are often asked to choose between club sports and UIL sanctioned school sports with many opting for club sports because col-lege recruiters often scout club teams for potential college athletes.

Another obstacle may be the competition Wylie ISD ath-letes face throughout the year. The District competes against Districts and athletes that have professional one-on-one train-ing in the “lifetime sports” such as golf and tennis. In addition, city recreation departments, junior youth leagues and country clubs offer developmental and competitive programs which

greatly enhance not only the skill level but the exposure to competition.

”Our girls, who may have just picked up a racket, will face opponents who have had years of training,” Roland noted.

Despite all this, Wylie ISD remains positive and proud of its girls athletic program and pledges to continue to develop and train aspiring athletes. This is evident in the District’s com-mitment to introducing sports to female athletes in middle school. Currently Wylie ISD offers volleyball, basketball, cross country, track at the junior high level. •

Photos by Sheila Haynes, freelance photographer, - courtesy of Wylie ISD.Andrea Nwachukwu

Kylie Nodorft

32 • The CONNECTION •April/May 2012 www.the350project.net SHOP LOCAL! www.discoverwylie.com


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

201 N. Ballard St.Suite 101

Wylie, TX 75098972-429-3500

✿ A place where crafters will realize more in profits than expenses

✿ A place where God-given talents are showcased in specially crafted gifts for your shopping pleasure

On Facebook at The Crafter’s Co-op

$5 OFFa $25 purchaseMay not be combined with other coupons.

Expires 5/31/12

$3 OFFa $15 purchaseMay not be combined with other coupons.

Expires 5/31/12

LLC

[email protected]

201 N. Ballard Ave., Ste. 100, Wylie

www.WylieArtGallery.com

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

Oil Painting Classes

Every Tuesday - 11:30 a.m. with Andrew Wages

Drawing Classes

Every Thursday

Call or Email toRegister Today!

Children’s Classes – Saturdays 1-3 p.m.

All Art Classes are only $20

www.the350project.net SHOP LOCAL! www.discoverwylie.com

104 N. Ballard AveHistoric DowntownWylie, Texas 75098

Debbie Scoggins - Owner972-429-3538

[email protected]

Present this ad for 20% OFFone regularly priced item.

exp. 5/31/12

FURNITURE EXPRESS

469-569-5930• Living Rooms • Dinettes• Bedrooms • Accessories

50% OFFRetail Prices With this ad. Expires 5/31/12

$99 Twin Orthopedic

Mattress

207 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie, TX 75098

Breakfast Served All DayAll You Can Eat Catfish Anytime

Monday - Friday $5.99 Lunch Specials

972-442-0453 112 N Ballard Ave., Downtown Wylie

www.ballardstreetcafe.net

Voted Best Home Cooking,

Breakfast and Chicken Fried Steak!by Wylie News Readers

Open 7 Days a Week Monday-Saturday

6:00 am to 8:30 pm Sunday

7:00 am to 2:00 pm

Shop

Wyl

ie’s

Dow

ntow

n M

erch

ants


CONNECTION

Wellness for Womenby Sheryl Cowan, MD

We women are often pulled in many directions. Aging parents, work, children, and home responsibilities take away from finding time to take care of ourselves.

While it is easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own, it’s time to take charge of your health and follow these steps to live a happier, healthier life.

Get an annual exam. Having an annual exam is a good time to get back in touch with yourself and prioritize what is important. This is a time to screen for high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, anxi-ety and depression, addictions, skin cancer, breast cancer, and other health conditions. Early detection is the key to treatment.

Exercise. Exercise helps reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. It reduces stress and depression, increases energy, and helps you attain and maintain a healthy body weight. If you don’t exercise now, put on a pair of sneakers and take a short walk down the street and back today. The American Heart Association recommends that women exercise for 30 min-utes five or more days a week, but doing something — any-thing — is better than doing nothing. Train for a 5K run or other community event. Walk around the building while kids participate in their activities. You are the one setting the example for your family and those are the lessons they will take with them for their lifetime.

Eat healthy. Eat a well-balanced diet and forget about the latest and greatest fad diet or supplement. The calories you take in (eat) versus the calories you burn off (exercise) equals your weight. It’s a simple equation. Many women say “But I don’t eat that much.” Did you know that eat-ing just 100 extra calories a day will cause you to gain 10 pounds in a year? One pound is 3,500 calories. Use a smart phone app like Lose It! or web pages like myfitnesspal.com and Livestrong.com to find out how many calories you should consume. Then track your progress.

Learn to say “no.” Prioritize. Make time for what is important. Avoid a frenetic, over-committed schedule. Say “yes” to what you want to do and “no” to what you’d rather avoid. No need to make excuses or explain why you can’t or don’t want to do something. Be grateful you have been asked to participate and don’t feel guilty about your response. For every time you say “yes” to a committee or project, you are saying “no” to family, exercise, or down-time to renew.

Avoid risky behaviors. Stop smoking. Stop smoking. Stop smoking. Lung cancer kills more people in the U.S. than any other cancer. It is a horrible disease that robs your body of oxygen and life. Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day doubles your risk of heart attack and doubles your risk of stroke. I often tell patients “It’s not dying of a heart attack or stroke I worry about, it’s living with one.” If you choose to drink alcohol, women should limit their intake to seven alco-holic equivalents per week or less. An alcoholic equivalent is one 12-ounce can of beer, one 4-ounce glass of wine, or one shot of liquor. Anything more than seven in a week is con-sidered at-risk drinking. Most women in my office choose to cut back their alcohol intake if they know they are at risk for alcoholism and other adverse effects from alcohol consump-tion. Get professional help if you or a loved one is an at-risk drinker. And buckle up. No matter how short the drive, wear your seat belt.

Pay attention to your mental health. Good men-tal hygiene is an important part of a woman’s overall health. Stress, anger, and other emotions can affect your body physically. Recurrent headaches, fatigue, heart palpitations, stiff neck and shoulders, irregular bowel habits, and fre-quent pain or illnesses may be a sign. Be candid with your physician if you think anxiety or depression may be contrib-uting to your symptoms. These emotions can deplete vital neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in our body. It can be treated with medications that are nonaddic-tive and non-habit forming. A low serotonin or norepineph-rine level is no different than, for example, iron-deficiency anemia. We need to replete our body of these substances to restore us to maximal health.

Make a promise to yourself and your family to take steps toward a healthier life today. It’s your time. •

Sheryl Cowan, MD, is an independently practicing, board-certified family medicine physician on the medical staff at Methodist Richard-son Medical Center. She attended the University of Tennessee in Memphis and completed her residency at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in South Caro-lina. Her office is located at 403 W. Campbell Road, Suite 103, in Richardson. To find a physician on the Methodist Richardson Medical Staff, call 972-4 DR LINE (972-437-5463).Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medi-cine. The physicians on the Methodist Richardson Medical Center medical staff are independent practi-tioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

Health


501 Woodbridge Parkway

Now Accepting New Patients501 Woodbridge Parkway, Wylie, TX 75098

A Few of the Services We Offer: • Same day sick visits • 24 hour medical advice • Free prenatal visits • Routine Well Child Care • School, daycare and camp physicals • Newborn care • Immunizations • ADHD screening and treatment • Asthma management • Hearing and vision screening

972-442-2300www.pawylie.com

Grace Khouri, MD Rachel Souers, MD Sandy Nunley, CPNPBetsy Dehart, CPNP Nicole Lanman, MD Amy Richardson, MD

Hospital Affiliation: Children’s Medical Center - Dallas Children’s Medical Center - Legacy

Insurance:We accept most insurance plans. For further assistance, speak with our office staff, visit our website (www.pawylie.com) or check with your insurance provider.

®

Discover the lighthouse difference.

CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE OF WYLIE3465 FM 544, Wylie • 972-442-3100

www.childrenslighthouse.com/wylie

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

• self-control• honesty• integrity• friendship• responsibility• accountability• pride• positiveself-esteem• citizenship• compassion

• languagedevelopment

• listeningskills• identification&classification

• numbers&concepts

• songs,puppets&fingerplays

• creativeart

• literature• vocabulary• mathreadiness• languagearts• music&puppets• phonics&listening• writingskills• computers• creativeart• socialstudies

charactervalues

preschoolcurriculum

pre-k/kindergartencurriculum

CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE OF ROCKWALL3309 Goliad, Rockwall • 972-771-3330

www.childrenslighthouse.com/rockwall

®


CONNECTIONWelcome New Chamber Members!

www.wyliechamber.org250S.Hwy.78Wylie,TX75098972-442-2804

Slacker’s GrillCraig Cosgrove972-571-6246

Clark Bookkeeping and Tax ServiceDan Clark469-814-0080www.clarkbkt.com

First Light Home CareKevin Stewart972-863-2273northdallas.firstlighthomecare.com

EMS Barcode SolutionsEric Sutter972-535-5555www.emsbarcode.com

Auto Glass By JerryJerry [email protected]

Collin County Commissioner Cheryl Williamswww.collincountytx.gov972-548-4632

Bearfoot Lodge Private SchoolJeanne Estes972-429-1100www.bearfootschools.com

Dempsey PhotographyKathleen Dempsey214-837-4125www.dempseyphotography.net

Whitney Solutions LLCWilliam Whitney III1-866-923-1942www.whitneysolutions.com

Trinity Merchant GroupJosh Rangel214-708-4164www.trinitymerchantgroup.com

OmniKey Realty LLCLeah Slaughter972-480-8280www.omnikeyrealty.com

River Oaks ApartmentsNiki Davis972-442-1800riveroaksapt.com

Allen Funeral HomeJones Fay972-442-2234www.allenfuneral.com

Chamber of Commerce

DeMAXio Merchant Services, Inc.Craig Crawford214-228-0892www.demaxio.com

Made to Last Home InspectionsJim Adams469-441-4001www.madetolastinspections.com

Russell Cellular, Inc.Cassie Jenkins972-442-1140www.russellcellular.com

The Summit ChurchPastor Randy Hill972-578-9999www.summitchurchwylie.org

Professional Plumbers GroupR C Ottwell, [email protected]

❋ Full service mowing❋ Weekly or bi-weekly❋ Tree & shrub planting❋ Flower installation❋ Mulching❋ Fertilizing❋ Weed prevention❋ Spring & Fall clean up❋ Operated out of Wylie, TX FREE ESTIMATES

Call Roland or Shel Parker

(214)202-286715% OFFAny first time service.

Expires 5/31/12#PLL

$10 $10

$10 $10

Wylie Vision CareCraig schacherer, O.D.

303 S. Hwy 78, #203, Wylie, TX 75098

Eye Exams, Glasses, Contact LensesPresent this ad for $10 off your bill.

(972)442-2020

Reverend Chris Everson tees up at the recent Tri-Chamber Mixer held at Top Golf in Allen.


murphychamber.org120E.FM544Ste.72PMB157

Murphy,TX75094972-805-3749

Best Quality PlumbingChuck Ononogbu214-664-8090www.bestqualityplumbing.net

Lange AudioDon [email protected]

Murphy Crossing Dental CareAlly [email protected]

Clark Bookkeeping and Tax ServicesDan Clark469-814-0080www.clarkbkt.com

OmniKey Realty LLC Lea Slaughter (972) 480-8280 www.omnikeyrealty.com

North Pointe Church of Christ Tom Withrow (972) 675-8500 northpointecofc.org

Nationwide Insurance Jeff Bickerstaff (972) 231-6903 x115www.nationwide.com

Cao & Knauer CPA’s Fred Knauer (214) 233-0550caoknauercpas.biz

www.sachsechamber.com29245thStreet

Sachse,Texas75048972-496-1212

Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral HomeMichael Frick (972) 414-5050cwsfuneralhome.com

Interstate All Battery Center Jeremy Mayhew (972) 429-7847www.ibsa.com

Meritage Homes - Heritage Park Suzanne Via (469) 286-6353www.meritagehomes.com

Prosperity Bank Yolanda Martinez (972) 530-7999www.prosperitybanktx.com

Say it with Sugar Cake ShopMelanie Borges (972) 442-3613sayitwithsugar.com

FREE 30 DAY TRIAL MEMBERSHIP - A $100 VALUE!

Adult Kickboxing • Pre-K Classes • Family Martial Arts

KARATE& KICKBOXING

• Relieve Stress & Improve Fitness• Build Confidence & Self Esteem• Academic Achievement• Weight Control• Self Defense• Self Discipline• Quick Results• Recommended by Doctors & Teachers

Give us 30 Days and we will Increase your Child’s

CONFIDENCE - Guaranteed!

Valid on 1st Visit Only!

FreeUniform

to First 25

Callers!

New Students Only

JOSE SANTAMARIA’S

Since 1966

972-918-9994www.StartKarate.com

Hablamos Español

Ages 5 & 6 Ages 7 & Up

Pharmacist & Mother of Two! Offer valid thru May 31, 2012

Two Convenient LocationsWylie, TX 972-523-2767 And in Garland at 6246 Broadway Blvd., Suite B, Garland, TX 75043

Since 1966

Mention

this Ad!


CONNECTIONCollege

Spirulina is a dietary supplement made from blue green algae found in lakes and claims have stated that it could end world hunger and possibly be used to treat every-

thing from HIV/AIDS, cancer and just about every ailment under the sun.

According to Dr. Amina Tassa, professor of biology at Collin College, there are tribes in Africa that grow and cultivate spirulina in lakes. They use spirulina for their primary source of sustenance. It keeps them alive and it keeps them healthy. It is chockfull of vita-mins, electrolytes and nutrients. It is called a “superfood” and “the food of the future.”

Dr. Tassa was culling through vitamin options for her children when she noticed how many consumers were spending an extraordinary amount of money on supplements, many of which claim a variety of healthy benefits and just as many are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr. Tassa wondered: “Do these supple-ments do what they claim?”

Through a Center for Math and Natural Sciences (CASMNS) project, maybe she could find out.

“People spend millions and billions of these supplements worldwide. Who knows what, if any, effect they might have,” said Dr. Tassa.

“We wanted to see if supplements can keep you well, pre-vent illness or shorten the length of an illness. One way it might do this is the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria in the body,” said Marcus Shanks, the 34-year-old Collin College student. He plans to transfer to The University of Texas at Dallas in the fall and eventually be a researcher in biomedical field specializing in neuroscience.

Recently, Shanks was chosen for one of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He will work in a research lab for 10 weeks during the summer.

The stage was set for students, Shanks, Kaela Schreck and Dr. Tassa to put supplements to the test, including spirulina.

According to Shanks, they plated different bacterial strains. Then they applied filters soaked in a solution containing ground-up pills of spirulina, olive leaf, oregano oil and echinacea to the bacteria.

Over the next couple of days, the research group looked for zones of inhibition around the different bacterial strains – a clear zone in the petri dishes where no bacteria had grown thus indicating the supplement had a direct antimicrobial effect.

As there are a number of variables, the research project gave preliminary results. In fact, spirulina had no direct antimicrobial effect on all strains. However, the olive leaf had an antimicrobial effect on staphylococcus. Finally, Oregano oil prevented staphy-lococcus and streptococcus from growing.

“Anyone can claim nutritional supple-ments have antimicrobial effects and can boost your immune system,” Schreck said. “It was interesting to see how it does work and seeing which supplements worked and which ones didn’t. It’s funny the most expen-sive one didn’t affect any of the bacteria.”

Although the results were preliminary, it doesn’t mean that the experience was with-out merit. Most undergraduates do not get the opportunity to do research. Depending on the college or university, a student might not meet their professor at all.

“Frankly, it was the opportunity to do independent research and work closely with one of the professors,” Shanks said. “At Collin College, you get the benefit of small classes anyway. My biggest class right now is 20 people as opposed to a univer-sity where it could be several hundred, and you might not talk to the professor, instead dealing with teaching assistants.”

Schreck is an 18-year-old psychology student with plans on transferring to the University of Texas in the fall to pursue her

advanced degrees.

“I thought it was a great experience,” she said of the CASMNS project. “I love science even though I’m not going into a natu-ral science field. It was a learning experience to be involved in this research project. What 18-year-old gets to do that? Not to exaggerate, but the amount of knowledge that Dr. Tassa has on these concepts is overwhelming. Just to keep up with the con-versation, you had to read 10 journal articles.”

The concepts and skills learned by Schreck and Shanks will prove valuable as they transfer and achieve masters and doc-toral degrees. That was part of the appeal of the project for Dr. Tassa. The experiment was “easy and fast” and it allowed her to introduce biotechnological concepts to the students, but also how to approach a scientific problem, to plan experiments, to present and defend the results.

“I learn with my students every day,” Dr. Tassa said. “In class they have questions that challenge me. It keeps my brain alive. Doing research with bright students keeps me going. I was a researcher for many years and I miss it. I’m glad I can do it at Collin College.” •

Photo by Nick Young/Collin College

Supplemental Research at Collin Collegea Center for Math and Natural Sciences (CASMNS) project

By Mark Robinson

Kaela Schreck (left) and Marcus Shanks put several dietary supplements to the test recently seeing if they stopped or slowed the growth of bacteria. The research was at Collin College through the Center for Math and Natural Sciences (CASMNS).


Family Owned & Operated inWide Awake Wylie Since 1986

www.HargraveCustomFoundationRepair.com

Call for a FREE Estimate972-442-5000

HARGRAVE CUSTOM

FOUNDATION REPAIR

Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau

Member of Foundation Repair Association

• Steel Pipe Piers - Provide Trouble-Free Stability for the Lifetime of Your Home• Drainage Correction• Lifetime Transferrable Warranty• Fully Insured & Bonded

Treatment/Management of All Eye Conditions and Disorders

One Hour Eyeglass ServiceFree Adjustments and CleaningsSpanish Speaking Staff

EXAM andEYEGLASSES

With the mention of this ad. (Expires 5/31/2012)

Murphy Rd.

Sachse Rd.

Hwy. 78

To Wylie

>

< To Garland

Ben

Dav

is R

d.

SACHSE

5001 Ben Davis Rd. • Sachse, TX 75048

We are happy to explain your Vision or Medical Insurance.

SACHSE FAMILY EYE CLINIC, PLLCThe biggest difference is we care, You’ll SEE

(972)675-9626

Visit Sachse Family Eye Clinic or sachseeyes.com where YOU are treated like FAMILY.

sachseeyes.com

The first eye clinic in Sachse, proudly serving Sachse and the surrounding communities since 2001.

(Restrictions may apply)

$99.00


CONNECTION

American Legion Hale-Combest Post #315 Wylie, Texas meets the 2nd Saturday ofeverymonthat 10a.m.atEastForkMasonicLodge,508ParkerRd.,Wylie,Texas.Formoreinfo.contactDonLangeat214-232-9662orfindusonFacebookatAmericanLegionPost315.

Christian Care Centerhelpsthose inneedbyproviding temporaryhelpwith food,clothes, rent,utilities,schoolsuppliesandhouseholditems.TheCenterreceivesno government assistance, is run by volunteer workersand issupportedby localchurches,businesses,schools,civic organizationsand individuals. It’s always in needofcannedmeats,peanutbutter,jelly,cereal,fruitandtomatoproducts,andmonetarydonations.Todonateorvolunteer,contacttheChristianCareCenterat972-442-4341.

Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Boys 6-17can join a pack or troop, chartered by a local organiza-tion. Groups meet at various times for campouts, sportsactivities, community involvement andmanyother excitingadventures. Contact [email protected].

Dyslexia Advocates of Wylie is a ParentSupport Group for parents of dyslexic children. Go towww.dyslexiaadvocatesofwylie.comformoreinfo.

Equest provides therapeutic sports riding classesandhippotherapytoover200childrenandadultswithalltypesof physical, mental and emotional disabilities. For moreinfo.call(972)412-1099orvisitwww.equest.org.

Exchange Club of Murphy is a volunteerservice organization for people who want to serve theircommunity, develop leadership skills and enjoy newfriendships. Programs include: Child Abuse Prevention,Americanism,CommunityServiceandYouthActivities.Wemeetthe2ndand4thTuesdayofeverymonthfromnoonto1p.m.atCountryBurger,104N.MurphyRd.,Ste.210,Murphy,TX75094.www.exchangeclubofmurphytexas.org

Friends of the Sachse Library meets the4thTuesdayofeachmonthat7p.m.attheSachseLibrary,3815SachseRoad.Contact theSachsePublicLibrary formoredetailsat972-530-8966.

Garland Quilt Guildmeets the 1stTuesday ofeachmonthatFirstPresbyterianChurch,930WestAvenueB, inGarlandat7p.m. (exceptDecember)Locatedat thecornerof9thStreetandAvenueBinGarland.Formoreinfovisitwww.garlandquiltguild.com.

Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc.presentsaFreeGenealogySeminaron the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at theW.O.Haggard LibraryProgramRoom,2501CoitRoad, Plano. Public iswelcome. For info. visitwww.GenealogyFriends.org,

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center isanon-profitorganizationdedicatedtotherescueofexoticfelines.Visitwww.insyn-cexotics.comformoreinfo.OpenSaturdaysandSundays,11a.m.-6p.m.972-442-6888.

Habitat for Humanity ofSouthCollinCounty,Texas works to create partnerships to provide decent,affordable homes for deserving families while buildingfoundations for community. For info. about how to getinvolvedgotowww.habitat-scc.org.

MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachseisanon-profitsupportgroupfor stay-at-home moms and their chil-dren. Activities include monthly meet-ings with guest speakers, play groups,parkdays,MOMSNightOut, field tripsand more. We participate in serviceprojects to benefit children in the com-munity.Pleasevisitmurphysachsemom-sclub.webs.comforfurtherinfo.

Moms & More all caretakers,whetheryouareaMom,Dad,Aunt,Uncle,GrandparentorNannyarewelcome.WeacceptmembersfromWylieandthesurroundingcommunitiesandhavemanyactivitiesforchildrenandtheircaretakers.Wemeetthe1stThursdayofthe month. Contact us at [email protected] orformoreinfo.gotowww.wyliemomsandmore.org.

N Cupids DefenseNCD(a501(c)(3))isdesignedtohelpmarriedcouplesdealwithvariousissuesthatarisethroughouttheirmarriage.E=MC²-EncourageandMentorMarriedCouples throughChrist. Visit ncupidsdefense.orgor contact Teniqua Williams at [email protected].

Relay for Life - Wylie/Sachse/Murphy is the local event supporting the American CancerSociety’s fight against cancer. April 27, 2012 at ShafferStadiuminWylie.Gotowww.relayforlife.org/wylietxoronFacebook at Relay For Life of Wylie/Sachse/Murphy formoreinfo.

Sachse Historical Society meets the 3rdSaturday of the month, 9:30 a.m., Sachse HistoricalMuseum, 3033 6th Street. Museum is open for visitorseveryTuesdayfrom10a.m.-1p.m.andbyappointmentforvisitorsandtours,972-495-1231.Visitwww.sachsehis-toricalsociety.orgformoreinfo.

Sachse Lion’s Club meets the 3rdTuesday ofthemonthat6:30p.m.atSteakKountry,7010Highway78inSachse.TheLion’sClubparticipatesinseveralfundrais-ers throughout the year, including theSewell Elementarypancake breakfast, where half of the proceeds go backto the Sewell PTA, and the turkey leg food booth at theSachse Fallfest. The funds raised benefit several orga-nizations including the Blind Leader Dog program andAir Challenge, a program that takes disabled childrenfor airplane rides. They also support the Vision ImpairedOlympics summer camp for kids and assist with buildingHabitatforHumanityhomes.

Sachse Pet PalsvolunteerorganizationworkswithSachse Animal Control to enhance adoption rates andhelpwithpetmedicalexpensesonafinancialneedbasis.ContactPeggyStrongat972-495-9645formoreinfo.

Tr in i t y Tra i l Preser vat ion Association (TTPA) is anall-volunteer organiza-tionthatmaintainsthe26mile longequestrianandhikingtrail on the Corps of Engineers land along Lavon Lake.TTPAnetworkswith other trail riders, sponsors trail ridesandcookouts,hostsquarterlymeetingswithspeakersonhorse-related issues, holds family type activities such asscavengerhuntsonhorseback, funpoker ridesandedu-cationalclinics.www.trinitytrailriders.org

WASA (Wylie Advocates for Senior Activities, Inc.)Joinustopromoteandsupportthe

growth of senior activities in theWylie area.Wework toraisefundstooutfittheSeniorCenter,provideasafeandsenior-friendly environment and home base for classes,meetings, lessons, fellowship and community-beneficialactivities. WASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit [email protected].

Wylie Friends of the Librarymeetsthe3rdThursday of each month, 6 p.m. at the Rita and TruettSmith Public Library, 800 Thomas, in the BluebonnetRoom,972-442-7566.

Wylie Is H.O.P.E (HelpingOtherPeopleEveryday)workstomakeadifferenceinourcommunitybyhelpingotherpeople. We support the Wylie ISD school supply drive,Reach for a Star Christmas gift drive, Relay for Life ofWylie/Sachse/Murphy and other local efforts to help oth-ers. Contact us at [email protected] and find usonlineatwww.WylieIsHope.comandonFacebookatWylieIsH.O.P.E.(HelpingOtherPeopleEveryday).

Wylie Lions Club meetsthe2ndand4thThursdayof themonthatAmericanNationalBank inWylieat noon.AnyoneinterestedinbecomingaLioniswelcometojointhegroupforlunch.CallAdaMooneyformoreinfo.at972-771-5551.http://thewylielionsclub.org

Wylie Evening Lions Club meetsthe1st&3rdThursdaysofthemonthatAmericanNationalBankinWylieat 7 p.m. Contact Carl Bodine at 469-951-4344 for info.wylieeveninglionsclub.org

Wylie Rotary ClubmeetsweeklyonThursdayat12 noon at theWoodbridge Country Club. Contact BryanBrokaw:[email protected].

Wylie Tea Partymeets the lastThursdayofeachmonth,7p.m.atTasteofHome,302N.Ballard,inhistoricdowntownWylie.http://75098.commonsensetexans.net

Wylie Wisecrackers is a Toastmasters clubservingWylie, Sachse,Murphy, and Lavon,meets everyWednesdayfrom6:45p.m.-8p.m.atAmericanNationalBankinWylie:301S.Hwy.78.Allarewelcome.Memberspractice effective public speaking techniques, gain valu-able leadershipexperience,and, thus,gainpersonalcon-fidence.www.wylie.freetoasthost.com.

Wylie Women’s LeagueMeetsthe1stThursdayof eachmonth. Contact Cathy Hanson at 972-442-7495 [email protected].

Wylie Woodworkers Club meets the 4thThursday of everymonth from 7:30 -Whenever! p.m. at2814W.FM544,oneblockeastofTarget.Opentoallskilllevelsofwoodworkers,comeshareandlearnaboutwood-working. Bring your projects for SHOW & TELL or justshowupandhave fun talkingabout sawdust -Nomem-bership required!! Contact Scott Goldberg at (972)[email protected].•

Community OrganizationsCommunity


From Foot Pain

North StarFoot & Ankle Associates, P.A.

Step Away

MEDICARE & MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED3600 North Star Rd., Suite 140, RichardsonBy Walgreens at Renner & North Star

972-480-0072Fax: 972-480-0073

Dr. R. Jeffrey Doyle, DPM

• Achilles Tendon• Ankle Instability• Ankle Sprains• Arch Pain• Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle• Athlete’s Foot• Bunions• Burns• Charcot Arthropathy• Corns & Calluses • Custom-Made Orthotics

• Diabetic Care• Flat Feet• Foot Drop• Fractures• Fungal Toenails• Gait Evaluation• Ganglion Cysts• Geriatric Foot Care• Gout• Hammertoes• Heel Pain/Spurs• Infections

• Ingrown Toenails• Injuries• Limb Length Discrepencies• Neuromas• Neuropathy• Plantar Fasciitis• Poor Circulation• Warts• Wounds

$40 OFFYour Initial Visit

Includes Consultation & Complete Examination

UNINSURED

PATIENTS

North Star Foot & Ankle AssociatesRichardson • 972-480-0072

With this coupon. No cash value. Not valid with other offers. Offer expires 5/31/2012

www.northstarfoot.com

Wylie Printing &

Office Supply

• Competitive Pricing on Color Printing• Copier Service up to 36”• Signs and Banners• Computer Repair

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Professional Full Service Printer& Complete Business Service Center

972-442-2111Public Fax: 972-442-1882

[email protected]

300 S. Hwy 78, Ste. 100, Wylie

excellentservice.Completely

www.firestonecompleteautocare.com

M-F: 7am-7pm, Sat: 7am-7pm, Sun: 9am-6pm

972-941-83702961 W. FM 544

Next to Collins Bros. Jeep in Wylie

Standard Brake Servicewith Lifetime Parts Warranty

$50OFFService includes: resurface rotors,

inspect brake components, install new Wagner® Thermo-Quiet brake parts

Most vehicles. Save off regular price.

Shop supply charges in the amount of 6% of labor charges will be added to invoices greater than $35. These fees will not exceed $25 and represent costs and profits. Shop fees not applicable in CA or NY. Offer available at participating stores only.

Expires 5/31/12

Standard Oil Change$10OFF

Install new oil filter, refill up to 5 quarts Kendall® synthetic blend motor oil

Most vehicles. Save off regular price.

See store for complete description and details. Redeem this coupon at your participating Firestone Complete Auto Care store. Not to be combined with another offer on same product or service and not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Offer void where prohibited.

Expires 5/31/12

2961 W. FM 544Wylie, TX

2961 W. FM 544Wylie, TX

Most vehicles. Per axle. See store for complete service description and details. LIFETIME parts warranty on brake shoes and disc pads. 12 month, 12,000 miles labor warranty. See store for copy of nationwide limited warranty. Redeem this coupon at your participating Firestone Complete Auto Care store. Not to be combined with another offer or service and not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Offer void where prohibited.

Shop supply charges in the amount of 6% of labor charges will be added to invoices greater than $35. These fees will not exceed $25 and represent costs and profits. Shop fees not applicable in CA or NY. Offer available at participating stores only.


Friday, April 20, 2012 1 p.m. Shotgun Start

Woodbridge Golf Club7400 Country Club Dr. • Wylie, TX 75098

Register online atwww.sachsechamber.com

Individual: $125 or Foursome: $400Includes greens fees, lunch, dinner,

golf cart & range ballsFour Person Scramble Format

Contact Barry Young at 972-985-2066 or [email protected] for sponsorship information.Contact Mike Agnew at [email protected] or 972-442-2804 for general information.

Tri-Chamber Golf Tournament

Ace Sponsors Schedule of Events10 a.m. - Throw ‘n’ PuttNoon - Registration, Driving Range, Lunch sponsored by the Parliament Group, Putting, Chipping & Longest Drive Contests

1-6 p.m. - Shotgun Start, Poker Run, Putt-putt Tournament

6 p.m. - Steak Dinner from Outback Steakhouse Contests, Awards & Prizes

Contests include: Hole in One, Closest to Pin, Longest Drive, Poker Run, Putting ContestTrifecta! A Trifecta Ticket buys into three:

Choose a combo of contests, mulligan packages or raffle tickets for just $20!

Raffle Items & Live Auction

Farmers ElectricCooperative


7

2 0 0 9

We GladlyAccept

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

Who’sWhofrompage14&151- WylieFireRescueChiefRandyCorbinwithhismomDorothyBrand2- CityofMurphyHRDirectorStacyBuckleywithhermomDianaRamsower3- WhittElementaryPrincipalJonathanSlatenwithhismomJoyceSlaten4- ArmstrongElementaryPrincipalBeckyAyerswithhermomGraceBurkarth5- WylieCitySecretaryCaroleEhrlichwithhermomJeanMarieGallagherSmith6- MurphyParks&PublicWorksDirectorKimLenoirwithhermomShirley

AnnSproulMcAdams7- CityofSachseCityManagerBillyGeorgewithhismomBarbaraRussell8- CityofSachseMayorMikeFelixwithhismomJoanLoicano9- Murphy Community & Economic Development Director Kristen Roberts

withhermomTeriRoberts10- CityofWylieFinanceDirectorLindaBantzwithhermomMabelGreb11- SewellElementaryPrincipalSusanCraigwithhermomRoseKistler12- CityofSachseCouncilwomanPatMcMillanwithhermomKathrynMcMillan13- WylieISDSchoolBoardPresidentStacieGoochwithhermomAnnWilliams14- CityofSachseCouncilmanMarkTimmwithhismomGailTimm15- CityofWylieHRManagerLynnFagerstromwithhermomSydneFerrara16-SachseHighSchoolAssistantPrincipalBrandySchneiderwithhermom

LindaMeek17- CoxElementaryPrincipalReneeTruncalewithhermomJacquelynInstine18- CityofWylieCouncilwomanDianeCulverwithhermomSandraDaniel19- CityofWyliePublicInformationOfficerCraigKellywithhismomEstherKelly20- WylieISDSchoolBoardTrusteeBarbaraGosswithhermomPatCherry

andbrothers,Calvin&Roger21- MurphyCitySecretaryAimeeNemerwithhermomVenusEspindola


CONNECTION

How to Help Your Parents Manage

provided by Jal Dennis Group

Money

It’s a decision most adults dread: having to take over the financial and day-to-day living decisions for parents who can no longer manage on their own. When caring for your

parents, you may need to plan on three levels: managing finances, making health care decisions, and making sure their daily household needs are met. Finding qualified experts who can advise you in these areas may make it easier to manage the situation.

ManagingFinances

If your parents currently are able to communicate, try to initi-ate a conversation about how they would like their money to be managed. Rather than telling them what to do, be clear that you would like to help and to make sure that their wishes are met. Access to bank and brokerage statements, insurance policies, and other financial documents may help you to safeguard your parents’ assets.

If your parents work with a financial advisor, try to arrange a joint meeting where all parties can review the situation. If you pay your parents’ bills and manage their checkbook, arranging for direct deposit of Social Security or pension ben-efits, as well as electronic delivery of recurring bills, could expedite the process.

ArrangingforHealthCare

If your parents are mentally competent, ask them about con-sulting a lawyer who can draft a health care proxy, a legal docu-ment designating you (or another person) to make decisions

about medical care when they are no longer able to do so. If your parents have opinions about end-of-life care, their wishes can be incorporated into a living will, another legal document.

Even without these documents, the medical establishment is likely to look to you or other siblings to make decisions about health care, which could include arranging for long-term care or making end-of-life decisions. As part of this process, deter-mine the type of medical insurance that your parents have and what it covers.

OverseeingDailyLivingActivities

If your parents are able to remain in their home, you may need to consider helping them to manage medication, to con-duct daily tasks such as bathing or meal preparation, and to make arrangements for assistance with household chores. A visiting nurse and home care agency may provide assistance in these areas.

You may want to consider consulting a Professional Geriatric Care Manager, a professional who may help arrange for home care, provide crisis intervention, and help you identify solu-tions to potential problems. You can learn more at www.care-manager.org.

Managing a parent’s affairs can be complicated, but arranging for support from qualified people may help you care for parents in a way that meets their needs and does not create too much stress on you. •

Art NailsProfessional Nail Care

for Women & Men

972.429.6315401-C Hwy. 78 N., Wylie

www.ArtNailsWylie.com

Mon-Fri: 9:30am - 8pmSaturday: 9am - 8pmSunday: 12 noon - 6pm Walk-Ins Welcome

Eyebrow WaxingDan [email protected]

972-429-0603205 S. Ballard Ave.

Wylie, TX 75098www.JalDennis.com

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

TRUSTMATTERS

THERE ARE NODO-OVERS AT RETIREMENT.