Spring 23 Express

12 23 Midway Student of the Year winners

Midway Teacher of the Year winners

HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY GOES MOBILE

C O N S I S T E N T

C A R E G I V E R S

O n e o f t h e m a n y r e a s o n s w h y o u r c l i e n t s a r e s o h a p p y i s b e c a u s e w e

s p e c i f i c a l l y m a t c h o u r c a r e g i v e r s w i t h t h e i r c l i e n t s o n a p e r m a n e n t b a s i s

T h a t c a r e g i v e r y o u r m o m l o v e d y e s t e r d a y ? S h e w i l l b e b a c k a g a i n t o m o r r o w .

A n d t h e n e x t d a y . A n d t h e n e x t w e e k .

" W o r d s c a n n o t e x p r e s s h o w g r a t e f u l m y f a m i l y i s t o h a v e f o u n d t h i s g e m i n h o m e c a r e . . . " - c u r r e n t c l i e n t

N o l o n g - t e r m c o n t r a c t s , n o o b l i g a t i o n s , j u s t o l d - s c h o o l p e o p l e - f i r s t b u s i n e s s .

F e e l f r e e t o r a i s e y o u r e x p e c t a t i o n s w h e n i t c o m e s t o H o m e C a r e .

G i v e u s a c a l l f o r a f r e e c o n s u l t a t i o n . W e ' d b e h o n o r e d t o m e e t y o u ! (254) 242-0772

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Introducing Hewitt’s new mobile library!

BY WAYNETTE DITTO, DIRECTOR/HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) recently awarded funding to the Hewitt Public Library (HPL) under its Special Projects Grant program. HPL will provide mobile outreach programs beginning this Summer. The $52,000 award will fund the new vibran green “HPL on the GO” trailer to be used throughout the community. Direct-delivery outreach services are (and continue to be) an integral and vital part of libraries nationwide. For over 100 years, mobile outreach has served rural, urban, suburban and tribal areas, bringing access to information and life-long learning resources to all communities. This project is just one of 42 made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. “TSLAC is proud to support public libraries throughout the state as they deliver critical information services to their communities that support education, access to technology, and workforce development,” said TSLAC Director and Librarian, Gloria Meraz. TSLAC awards competitive grants annually as funding allows. For the 2022 fiscal year (September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023) TSLAC has awarded approximately $1.18 million in competitive grants, including 17 Special Projects grants—which support programs seeking to expand library services to include all members of a library’s community, including populations with special needs. “The funds provided by our federal partners allow libraries to respond to local needs and bring a wide array of resources and services to Texans,” said Meraz. “Funding for Hewitt Public Library’s trailer will allow staff to deploy programs and services directly to Hewitt businesses, schools, nursing facilities, and parks,” added Waynette Ditto, HPL’s Director.

“Bookmobiles” and their variations, such as trailers, passenger vans and book bikes, are an important and perhaps truest form of library outreach, as they bring the library to the people. From these outreach vehicles, staff can create library cards, circulate materials, do small crafts, distribute library and partner publications, give away free books/library swag, and many other engaging activities. HPL will be able to go to school-sponsored events, community events, as well as local block parties.

Through donated books, HPL can go into a community and deliver books to the areas that need them most. HPL on the GO will be loaded with tents, tables, chairs, books and computers, and in years to come, the trailer will be a full-service mobile branch of the library to provide programming and all types of materials for patrons of all ages. It will be equipped with a TV and display monitor to allow patrons to enjoy programming and other media outside the trailer.

Check the City of Hewitt’s website calendar for the new trailer’s ribbon-cutting ceremony coming in the next few months.

We believe the statement: “It is, after all, not the few great libraries, but the thousand small ones, that may do most for the people.” This describes HPL, and we can’t wait to move forward with HPL on the GO!

Each issue of Express magazine will feature an article submitted by a member of the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Watch for more great info in future issue!

Time for financial spring cleaning

BY SHAWNA BRADFUTE, EDWARD JONES

Now that we’ve put winter behind us—at least on the calendar—it’s time to think about sprucing up our homes, inside and out. But it also may be time to do some financial spring cleaning.

For starters, dust off your investment strategy. Over time, your circumstances and risk tolerance can change, and these changes may lead you to re-examine your future financial and investment decisions.

Next, think about “de-cluttering” your portfolio by possibly getting rid of some duplicate investments, and using the proceeds to expand your investment mix.

And it’s also important to organize all your financial documents, whether they’re on paper or in electronic form.

Finally, just as you remove dangers around your house, you’ll want to explore strategies to help ensure you’re protecting your loved ones from financial threats.

Spring cleaning can pay off in a cleaner, safer home environment and in helping keep your financial strategy working hard for you.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Shawna Bradfute, your Edward Jones financial advisor 6403 Cobbs Drive • Waco, TX 76710 • (254)776-2223. Member SIPC

778 Sun Valley Blvd. Hewitt, TX (254) 732-9823

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M a n y o f o u r v e t e r a n s c a n n o w r e c e i v e o u r s e r v i c e s a t n o - c o s t t o t h e m a s w e a r e a n I n - N e t w o r k P r o v i d e r w i t h t h e V A . W e a r e s o e x c i t e d t o n o w b r i n g o u r t o p - l e v e l c a r e o f h o m e c a r e s e r v i c e s t o o u r l o c a l v e t e r a n s .

I f y o u k n o w a v e t e r a n d e s e r v i n g o f t h e b e s t i n - h o m e c a r e , w e w o u l d b e h o n o r e d t o m e e t t h e m . F e e l f r e e t o r a i s e y o u r e x p e c t a t i o n s w h e n i t c o m e s t o H o m e C a r e .

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Student of the Year

Emma Park • Castleman Creek Elementary

Emma is the daughter of Moises and Hannah Park. Emma was born and raised in Massachusetts but is a Texan at heart, and the oldest of four girls. At a young age, she developed a thirst for travel, with grandparents in Japan and Bolivia. She has a deep appreciation for different cultures and languages, and takes deep pride in her Korean and Hispanic heritage. She is an active member of Korean Church of Waco. Emma is a natural caretaker, eager to serve others in real and meaningful ways. Though seemingly shy and wise beyond her years, she is still a child at heart with interests like K-Pop and anime. Her additional hobbies include baking, reading, writing, violin, and soccer.  She is a member of the GT program and participates in UIL. She aspires to be a Special Education teacher, just like her mom.

Meredith Bennett • Chapel Park Elementary

Meredith is the daughter of Douglas and Holly Bennett. She is the third born of four children in the family. She is enjoying her first year as a 5th grader at Chapel Park. She has enjoyed making new friends, participating in the school’s spelling bee, and CPE’s 5th-grade book club. This fall, Meredith was a cheerleader for the Hewitt Broncos, where she won the Good Attitude Award. She has just finished a season of playing basketball with Midway Premier League. As a follower of Christ, she is active in youth ministry and the altar server ministry at St. Jerome Catholic Church. In her free time, she loves modeling, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Meredith is a dedicated student who loves learning, is helpful, and is kind.

Lawson Copp • Hewitt Elementary

Lawson is the son of Jody and Melissa Copp. He was the September 2022 Student of the Month at Hewitt Elementary, 2022 Make-A-Wish Recipient, and February 2019 Student of the Month at Woodway Elementary. He met Chip and Joanna Gaines (and Tim Tebow) as his family was built a fully-accessible home that aired on HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” in January 2018. Lawson is a member of Hewitt Elementary’s 2022-23 Kindness Club, an athlete in Rise Adaptive Sports in Dallas and No Limitations in Waco, and Challenger Little League baseball. He attends Texas Lions Camp and Camp Blessing Texas as a camper during the summers, and attended a basketball camp at Texas A&M University for disabled athletes called “Buzz’s Bunch”.

Berkley Turk • Park Hill Elementary

Berkley is the daughter of Kelsey and Jon Turk. She is a Park Hill recipient of the Respect Award, and multiple Character Awards. Berkeley serves as a School Ambassador and competes in UIL Academics. Her community activities include ballet at Ignite Dance and community service picking up trash.

Jeanelle Hammond • South Bosque Elementary

Jeanelle is a sweet, dedicated and the results-oriented daughter of Harriet Oppong and Oswald Hammond of Woodway. The youngest of the Hammond family, she has been an inspiration since birth. Her focus and commitment in accomplishing tasks is outstanding. A few of Jeanelle’s awards include Spelling Bee, Ready Writing, Honesty, Honor Guard award and more. A longtime member of the GT program (from multiple states), she is leading South Bosque’s “Weave It Wednesday Passion Project” that weaves mats from plastic bags for the homeless. She loves to play the violin, sing, and read challenging books. She is committed to go to Harvard and fulfill her aspiration of becoming a neurosurgeon. Jeanelle absolutely believes in hard work and dedication!

Kaitlyn Lovorn • Speegleville Elementary

Kaitlyn Lovorn, daughter of Allyn and Tonya Lovorn of Waco, is a 5th grader and is involved in the Tech Tribe, Library League, KSPE News Crew, and was a member of four Academic UIL Teams. She is a leader at her school and a straight-A student that loves learning about animals and doing science experiments. She is very inquisitive and is always curious about how the world works. Outside of school, Kaitlyn is involved in the Youth Chorus of Central Texas and has studied piano and music theory since Kindergarten. Last summer, she was selected to be a member of the Texas Choral Directors Association’s Elementary Honor Choir. Kaitlyn is a great big sister to two siblings and is a friend to everyone.

McKenzie Bennett • Spring Valley Elementary

McKenzie is kind, respectful, outgoing, joyful, and a friend to everyone. She enjoys church, sports, agriculture, serving others, and spending time outdoors. She loves showing sheep through Midway Jr. FFA and raising her goats and chickens at home.  McKenzie also volunteers with her family’s JMB Fishing Foundation—serving children and families experiencing childhood cancer and other illnesses. She has received SVE’s Kindness Award and the “Purposeful People” Award. McKenzie aspires to be a Game Warden, as she loves all things outdoors! McKenzie is a leader and has a huge heart for others. She is always looking for her next opportunity to help make the world a better place!

Brighton Boyd • Woodway Elementary

Brighton Boyd is the daughter of Lee and Kristy Boyd, and she is pure joy. She lights up any room she walks into with her sweet smile and dimples. She is a leader, kind, caring, and radiates happiness to everyone around her. She has worked incredibly hard to overcome dyslexia and to become a great reader and all-around student. Brighton loves being active and plays select soccer, basketball, and gymnastics. She was chosen for the listening skills UIL team this year and loved competing. She is also a member of the Purposeful Panthers leadership team at Woodway. Brighton loves school, being with her friends and animals. She always gives 100% effort at anything she does and is so honored to be the 2023 student of the year for Woodway Elementary.

Student of the Year, continued

Jayla Elise Stewart • Midway Middle School

Jayla is the daughter of James Stewart Jr. and Ebony Stewart. She is a First Chair Alto TMEA Region 8 MHS Choir member and Texas Science & Engineering Fair State Finalist. Her school activities include choir, dance, volleyball, basketball, track, FFA, and STEM club. She is a member of Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church and serves on the Praise Dance Team and sings in the church choir. Jayla aspires to attend Texas A&M or Texas Tech to become a veterinarian.

Eduardo Abad Zavala • River Valley Middle School

Eduardo is the son of Norma Zavala and Constantino Romero. Eduardo has placed first in UIL Number Sense for three years in a row. He is part of the District Championship 7th grade soccer team and soccer club. He also runs track and placed first in the 1600- and 2400-meter run for 7th grade. Eduardo serves the community as a Goodwill ambassador.

Cara McMillan • Midway High School

Cara is the daughter of Aaron and Kimberly McMillan. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, National Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, and she is active in the MHS Spanish Club, UIL Literary Criticism Team, Varsity Golf team, and Debate team for Policy and Congress. She is a four-year Spirit of Midway recipient, 2022 Teen Leadership Waco graduate, and an active community volunteer in the National Charity League. Cara frequently volunteers at Mission Waco and is an active member of her church, First Baptist Woodway. She has a heart for missions, the arts, and languages. In the future, Cara plans to attend either University of Pennsylvania, Notre Dame, or the University of Texas to double major in International Economics and East Asian Studies.

Thank you...now onward and upward!

Midway Parents,

I cannot adequately express how touched I was by the warm welcome to our Midway campuses recently. I met the most extraordinary students and became reacquainted with staff members I haven’t seen in a decade! I gratefully received welcome cards, emails, and even my favorite snacks.

Schools are a reflection of the community which they serve. While visiting our schools, I have been impressed with the quality of instruction, care of the teachers, thinking of students, enthusiasm of leaders, and beauty of our facilities. All of this is either made possible (or supported) by the communities that encourage and enable our schools. Thank you for being strong partners in the education of Midway’s young people.

Love is the greatest leadership trait one can exhibit—not some fanciful version of love found in animated movies—but love that has high hopes and expectations for those being led, with ample accountability and grace to make those expectations become a reality. I intend to show this love with a servant’s heart that articulates high expectations and provides all the support needed to achieve them. We’ll do what is best for each and every student, and we will strive to ensure all students reach their fullest potential. This work is energizing, and I look forward to us accomplishing it together.

Onward and Upward,

Dr. Chris Allen Superintendent of Schools, Midway ISD

Midway ISD Superintendent

Chris Allen enjoyed meeting students on numerous campuses

254 - 400 - 8900 Serving Waco, Gatesville, Temple, Plano and Denton

Get to know your Midway Teachers of the Year

Di Copeman • Spring Valley Elementary

Di Copeman is a fourth grade math and science teacher at Spring Valley Elementary. She is in her fourth year of teaching at Midway ISD and loves collaborating with her Baylor teaching associates, who provide small group math instruction in her classroom. Through innovative, hands-on lessons, she creates an atmosphere of curiosity and creativity in which students take the lead. Outside the classroom, she simply could not be prouder of her husband, Wade Copeman, who was named Teacher of the Year at Midway Middle School. Together with their three children, the Copemans love cheering on their Midway Panthers at fine arts, sporting, and FFA events.

Wade Copeman • Midway Middle School

Wade Copeman is currently a coding and computer science teacher at Midway Middle School, and this is his seventh year of teaching, after choosing the profession as a second career. He has been at Midway for four years, starting at Woodgate Intermediate as a math teacher before transferring to the middle school. He loves coaching youth sports, attending Baylor events, woodworking, playing board games, and video games. He says, “If there is a score being kept, I’m in!” He is a husband and father to an amazing family. His wife, Di is also a Midway teacher, and together they have three amazing children. His favorite part of being a coding teacher is getting to know his students through their project content choices.

Kathryn Owens • South Bosque Elementary

Kathryn Owens has been singing her way through second grade at South Bosque for the past three years in Midway ISD. Anything can be taught through a song! As a native Texan, she has previously worked in Uvalde, Lubbock, and São Paulo, Brazil before landing in Waco. Her favorite subject is math, because it’s the same in every language. When she is not in her classroom teaching, you can find her baking, practicing her Portuguese, or on the beach with her family!

Jonathan Sides • River Valley Middle School

Jonathan Sides is a seventh grade science teacher at River Valley Middle School. He has spent six years in education, and this is his fourth year at Midway ISD. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys disc golf, 3D printing, and spending time with his wife, Carol and their three children, Finn (4), Arthur (2), and Bonnie (8 months). Every year, his favorite activity is frog dissection because he says it’s always so fun to see students really explore body systems and get their first taste of a serious science lab!

We will feature other Teacher of the Year winners in future issues, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Congrats to Midway ISD Teachers of the Year

Hewitt Happenings

in February 11 Massimo DiCampli of DiCampli’s Ristorante donates to the GHCoC’s annual banquet auction 12 It was a full house at GHCoC’s annual banquet held at The Base near Extraco Events Center in January

Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2023 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

1 GHCoC’s Ambassador Kickoff at Slow Rise 2 GHCoC celebrates with Mac’s Fry House at their recent ribbon cutting 3 New GHCoC members enjoy an orientation session in February 4 GHCoC board member Ken Nobles of Noble Leadership Solutions enjoys his Board Member Spotlight interview recently at Star 104.9 radio 5 Members enjoy socializing at January’s Business After Hours sponsored by Locals Love Us 6 “Angels” from the Midway Choir lead Christmas carols at the Hewitt Christmas Tree Lighting held in December 7 GHCoC’s Jake Smith thanks Stephanie Tolbert with Fluff Wash and Fold for volunteering her time recently to distribute the Chamber’s annual membership directory and January issue of the Chamber Express magazine 8 Star 104.9 radio interviews Kathryn Crouch of Sedona Staffing for her GHCoC Board Member Spotlight segment 9 GHCoC staff and McGregor Chamber staff enjoy a joint luncheon at Republic Gun Club 10 Texas Document Solutions celebrates at its ribbon cutting

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REGISTER. VOTE. LOVE.

1. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

2. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES

3. SEE WHO THE LOCALS LOVE

5 benefits of joining your local Chamber

Achamber of commerce is an integrated business network that works toward the common interests of small businesses in local areas across the United States. Your local chamber of commerce can offer visibility, credibility, support, and more for your new or growing business.

Here are five reasons why joining a chamber can be the best thing you do for your business — and how to sign up for your local chamber.

It helps you make business contacts

When you decide to join a local chamber, you automatically open up yourself—and your business—to a network of potential partnerships. Business contacts from your local chamber could become the supportive community you turn to one day for assistance (or vice versa). In addition, your new business contacts may be the people who serve as your sounding board for new ideas, come up with solutions to internal business problems, and even partner with you on a new endeavor.

It increases your credibility

Belonging to a chamber gives your business a leg up compared to those who are not members. A company with this level of credibility becomes desirable to consumers, increasing the likeliness they’ll seek out your goods or services in the future. Compare belonging to a chamber as you would having a college degree when applying for a job; it tells your future employer—or

consumer—you know what you are doing.

It expands your network

As your local chamber continues to grow, so will your network. The chamber will hold networking opportunities—usually monthly—allowing you to get to know community members, fellow business owners, and other professionals in your industry. Every event will allow you

to make new connections and foster additional exposure for your business. Your company’s relationships and possible expansion through a local chamber network will often be unmatched.

While your company’s positive perception increases, so will your profits as you establish credibility and brand recognition within your industry.

It provides key business resources

Your local chamber can make a great marketing resource for your company via avenues (like this magazine), website, social media, and more. In addition to networking events, chambers often hold events, such as “lunch and learn,” where members can pick up new skills or techniques. These types of events can offer resources for advancement for all your employees.

It supports your professional development

Most chambers of commerce host events and training sessions geared toward professional development. By providing these opportunities for your and your company’s growth, the chamber creates an avenue for you to improve skills and gain knowledge without breaking your budget. Taking advantage of the chamber’s professional development opportunities will help your business make necessary changes, share its expertise with others, and grow.

Reprinted from uschamber.com, October 2022

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What is a Chamber of Commerce?

A chamber is a local association formed to promote and protect the interests of the business community in a particular place. Chambers have local businesses as members who elect a board of directors to set policy for the organization; the board then hires a director and staff to operate the chamber. Each chamber operates separately, but may form regional partnerships and/or join state, national and international bodies.