2022 Fall Hewitt Express

Calendar of Events

OCTOBER

1 Running for Readers | Hewitt Public Library 200 Patriot Crt, Hewitt TX 76643 | 8:00-11:00 a.m.

1 Hewitt’s National Night Out | Warren Park in Hewitt | 6:00-9:00 p.m.

5   Membership Orientation | Hewitt Public Safety Facility | 100 Patriot Court | Hewitt, TX 76643 9:00 a.m.

6 Ribbon Cutting for Waco Texas Sports & Social Club | 421 S 11th St. in Waco | 5:00-6:00 p.m.

12  GHCoC Board Meeting | 12:00 p.m.

20   Business After Hours hosted by Pickup Outfitters 4535 W. Waco Dr. | 5:00-7:00 p.m.

25 Ribbon Cutting for Digital Media Butterfly Celebrating 10 Years | 200 W. Hwy. 6, Ste 315 4:00-5:00 p.m.

25 Business Luncheon & Networking presented by Chris Hoke with Social Media Cowboys Aloft Waco Baylor | 900 S. 11th | 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

26 Ribbon Cutting for Interim Healthcare Homecare and Hospice | 6801 Sanger Ave., Ste. 260 4:00-5:00 p.m.

28 Hewitt’s Spooktacular Halloween Bash presented by Incommons Bank & The City of Hewitt | Warren Park | 450 S. Old Temple Rd. 6:00-8:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER

1 New Custom Annual Package Sponsorships & Advertising Space Available for 2023! Contact Kacie@hewittchamber.com

3 Coffee with the President | Common Grounds 7608 Woodway Dr. | 9:00-10:00 a.m.

9 GHCoC Board Meeting

15   Business After Hours hosted by Visiting Angels & Stoney Brook | 151 Royal Ln. in Hewitt 5:00-7:00 p.m.

17 Sip N’ Shop hosted by the Greater Hewitt Chamber & Female Executives of Waco | The Edison at Castle Heights | 2601 Franklin Ave. in Waco 4:00-7:00 p.m.

TBD  Business Networking & Education Luncheon

DECEMBER

TBD Hewitt’s Christmas Tree-lighting Celebration TBD Business Networking & Education Luncheon

23/26 Greater Hewitt Chamber office closed For current details on events, visit HewittChamber.com

To advertise in the Hewitt Express, or for more information, call 254.666.1200. Issues are published in January, April, July and October.

Greater Hewitt Chamber Executive Director | Alissa Cady | alissa@hewittchamber.com

Communications Coordinator | Kacie Birkes | kacie@hewittchamber.com

Social Media & Membership Coordinator | Jake Smith | jake@hewittchamber.com

HewittChamber.com

ByDesignWaco.com

| 3

Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.

“ “

Tips to maximize your GHCoC membership

BY ALISSA CADY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Getting involved in the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce (GHCoC) can be beneficial for your entire business and can further your involvement in your local community. It offers opportunities to build connections, advertise your business, and provides support to help your business’ continued growth.

In order to maximize your experience, we wanted to offer a few tips to help you increase your involvement:

1. Review your online business listing at HewittChamber.com. As a member of the Chamber, you will be added to our business directory as a reference, and you will be able to review the online directory to get familiar with your fellow Chamber members.

2. Set a goal of attending a Chamber luncheon, breakfast or Business After Hours event to meet three new contacts. Chamber luncheons will often provide a time for members to present a “business commercial” where they can stand and introduce themselves, and present a quick “elevator speech”.

3. Stay in the know! Follow the Chamber on Twitter (@HewittChamber), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/GreaterHewittChamber) and follow the Chamber on Instagram (@theGreaterHewitt Chamber). Following us on social media and reading our weekly e-bulletin are the best ways to stay plugged in to what is going on.

4. Download the MemberPlus app where you have the ability to refer business to fellow members, view our calendar, submit job postings and special offers and register for luncheons, workshops and breakfasts!

5. Take advantage of advertising with the Chamber. Through your membership, you have the ability to advertise in any of our five publications each year or through our ongoing digital advertising opportunities.

6. Have your business highlighted in the next Hewitt Express magazine by emailing your logo and 100 words introducing your business to the Chamber membership and the greater Hewitt community.

7. Host a complimentary ribbon cutting ceremony. The Chamber would love to celebrate your membership by hosting a ceremony to honor your membership.

8. Get involved with hosting our signature events— from the Christmas Tree Lighting to Dog Days to our annual golf tournament—the best way to get involved with the Hewitt Chamber Community.

Have more questions about how to get involved?

Contact Alissa Cady at alissa@hewittchamber.com Now...we hope to see you at the next Chamber event!

GHCoC offers opportunities to build connections, advertise, and provide support to help your business’ continued growth.

sh ou ld n’t feel l ike a cu rse.

Sneezing and coughing are just normal parts of life—unless you suffer from incontinence. To get Better, you need care that’s as compassionate as it is comprehensive—which is just what you’d expect from us. Don’t let embarrassment or uncertainty stand in your way. Text BETTER to 254.239.0780 to download a free treatment guide.

What fills your bowl?

BY CHARLIE TURNER, FORMER MAYOR, CITY OF HEWITT

Most of my working life, I have heard that in order to succeed, one must have a plan listing a host of tasks to be completed for success. A plan is a wonderful thing, but it should include a “To Do list”—which will ensure a focus on what is to be completed to enhance the plan. A To Do list is not a concrete foundation, but more a blueprint of a building that should suggest what may be built. Well thought-out blueprints are not necessarily the only way to complete the job. Like any other plan, blueprint or foundation, the main focus is to succeed. There is an old saying that the only constant in life is change, and this is true. Even blueprints that are carefully drawn, reviewed by an architect, and double checked by the construction crew have to make allowances for change, because change may come from the situation, materials needed, weather conditions or people simply changing their mind. Most people have had a job that began as a wonderful experience, only to have people or places change this situation into a job that is totally intolerable. Success is not merely measured by a To Do list. Many have failed because the work zone was not properly structured, equipped, positioned and prepared for the job at hand. Having a proper work zone allows a person to make divisions in their life, keeping in mind that a kitchen contains soap

and water, but is not conducive to washing a car. One tries to select a place which will include everything necessary to accommodate the work environment—a classic example is working from home. Many have failed miserably to do a good job and support a career by working from home (or another location) which was not thought out, researched and inspected properly to accomplish the job. One may have a home that is very conducive to a great family life, but because home is a place for enhancing, sustaining and continuing to create memories does not guarantee work success. There is a reason you have a home and a place to go to work. Some people function much better in a home environment to do their work, while others find home to be the most difficult place to accomplish work. Work zones are for work and not a social place to visit.

A story once told of a large empty glass bowl beside five containers ranging in size from large to small with a note attached that read, “IS THE BOWL FULL?” A young man about to begin his work career promptly thought, “No, it is not full.” Looking into the largest container, he retrieved golf balls and placed as many as possible in the glass bowl. He then read the note again, and once again thought ‘No, it is not full.’ From the next container, he retrieved ping-pong balls to fill gaps within the bowl, which was still not full. The third container filled with marbles allowed the young man to fill more gaps in the bowl. The fourth container filled with sand provided smaller grains to fill smaller holes as the young man contemplated the note’s question, but again the answer was ‘No.’ The last and smallest container was a jar of water, so he poured the contents in...which did indeed fill the bowl.He imagined this bowl and its contents to be his life, but there was a question of what is really important. The golf balls represent the big events in your life (getting married, having children, buying a home and caring for a family). For a successful life, marriage, career or any other venture, you must always remember to not let the little things fill in so much of your time that you lose the big things. Do not let life’s little distractions sidetrack you from achieving your goals. Do not be so rigid that you cannot adapt to change. Do not clutter your life with everything that the world tells you is so important as to make you miss what is valuable to you.

Sleep Inn & Suites®

be a restful one.

we believe that every

Are you a Friend of the Library? Join us!

BY WAYNETTE DITTO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTORY, HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Friends of the Library groups greatly benefit libraries through fundraising projects, volunteer support and advocacy efforts in the community. Friends can be a voice for the library, as well as extra brains and hands to help with programs, projects and other efforts.

A historical look at the first Friends Group notes that it was founded in France in 1913 to support the National Library of France. In 1927, the Group was recognized as a public utility. The first Group that used the name “Friends of the Library” in the United States was in 1922 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The first year saw this Group raise $365 through membership fees to purchase books. Also in 1922, another group was founded in Syracuse, New York. The first U.S. Friends academic Group was formed at Harvard in 1925. Other educational friend groups were formed by 1930 at Columbia, Yale, Prince ton and Johns Hopkins. Friends groups were vital in helping library ser vices continue during the Great Depression.

tasks. They meet monthly on the first Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the library. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Current board members are Ann Schiltz, President; Eddie Sincerney, Vice President; Delores Sincerney, Treasurer; Laura Beaty-Burke, Secretary; and Membersat-Large Kathy O’Neil, Jean Anne Plemons and Sally Goldman.

In March, Friends held a spring auction fundraiser (with your generous donations of baskets, wreaths or purchased items), and held a book sale in May. These two events netted the library over $3,000, funds used to enrich HPL offerings above budgeted items. In 2018, the Friends group purchased phase one of the musical garden, and completed it with phase two in 2020—raising ap proximately $10,000 for this unique feature in the garden. Children of all ages enjoy it during their visits.

Friends of the H.P.L. is a self-run, non-profit organization that raises funds to supplement the library’s operating budget by providing materials and programs that enhance the library’s services.

By 1959, there were 400 groups in the U.S. By 1973, there were around 1,000 Friends groups with over 100,000 members. In 1979, the Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) was founded to help develop more Friends groups around the country. By the time of the formation of FOLUSA, there were 2,000 Friends groups and around 500,000 members. I could not find an accurate count of the number of Groups in 2022, but I estimate there are now over 6,000 groups and 1,000,000 members.

Although local residents established the Hewitt Public Library, the official “Friends of the Hewitt Public Library” was founded on March 26, 2007 with a 501(c)(3) tax exemption status. Friends of the H.P.L. are a self-run, non-profit organization that raises funds to supplement the library’s operating budget by providing materials and programs that enhance the library’s service. They also volunteer for a variety of fun activities at the library, and use their talents and skills to help with literacy programs, craft activities, gardening, children’s programs, tutoring, helping with special events and many more essential

Friends of the H.P.L.’s membership drive started in September. There are many membership levels, — from $10 up to $1,000 for a lifetime membership. Five lifetime members have special markers in the butterfly garden.

We appreciate everyone that works to provide the Hewitt Public Library with extra support. Friends have one primary function—raising money for the library and advocating for library services—sometimes as simple as encouraging individuals to become a Friend of the Library. The funds collected from membership could help support library programs by supplying materials, pay ing speakers’ fees, providing refreshments at programs, or boosting the spending budget for books, DVDs and other materials.

How can you help?. Use HPL’s services, materials and programs. Attend a Friends’ event. You might also consider joining or donating your time to HPL’s Friends group, or just say a simple Thank You!

TEMPORARY& DIRECT HIRE.

In order to ensure the perfect work placement, our personnel service does our best to match specific types of jobs with employees who have the desired skill set. We have job counselors on site who are consistently interviewing candidates, which allows us to choose from a large employee base. We can be your temporary staffing company as well as your source for permanent and as-needed positions.

WAREHOUSE

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL

(9675)

717 Jewell Dr. Waco, Texas 76712

Imperial and Jewell Drive)

Celebrating 75 Years of Midway

Celebrating 75 Years of Midway

Since 1947, Midway ISD has carried out its mission of excellence in education through a strong history of success in academics, competitive athletics and award-winning fine arts. The 2021-2022 academic year marked the district’s 75th anniversary, and in honor of this milestone year, a new symbol of panther pride was unveiled.

The design of the Midway Panther has changed several times since first appearing a basketball jump circle in 1954. As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations, the district launched a brand new design for the next era. The new panther was developed with community input and has been custom-created for Midway ISD to proudly represent Panther Nation for years to come.

Looking back on 75 years of Midway history, the impact of support for our district has been key to successful progress, and Midway ISD looks forward to continuing to link arms with our community to serve students and their families for the next 75+ years!

SCHOOL

PANTHER ‘M’ LOGOMARK

Full Color

Black

Panther Head ‘M’ & Panther Face ‘M’

Fran Ostrom Class of 1974

Melora Roach - Midway Middle School

Melora Roach has been an educator for the past 27 years, formerly at Wood gate Intermediate, then relocating to Midway Middle during expansion and campus changes. Although she has worn many hats, she has taught sixth grade reading throughout her entire career. One of her favorite novels to teach to students is “Becoming Naomi Leon” because there are so many valuable learning moments in the book. In August 2018, Roach became a certified yoga instructor. She also enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is currently involved in her church, Journey Lorena and its Brothers for Others ministry.

Susan Whitley - Speegleville Elementary

Susan has considered it a true joy to get to know students and their families for the past 36 years. She has taught at Midway ISD for 14 years, primarily in first grade, but in 2021, she moved to Pre-Kindergarten to help Midway’s youngest learners build strong foundations. She moved to Texas from Indiana to attend Baylor University and stayed because of her love of the Waco community. She and her husband have three sons and two grandchildren. When Susan is not helping children grow their knowledge, she can be found in her garden, reading or traveling.

Amber Wilhite - Midway Middle School

Amber is blessed to spend her days teaching English to eighth graders. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family and pets, working in her yard, and of course, reading. During the pandemic shutdown, Amber took up her old hobby of playing the piano. Her husband, David is a Professor of Theology at Baylor, son Charlie is a freshman at Baylor, and daugh ter Rena is a junior at Midway High School. The Wilhite family attends Calvary Baptist Church in Waco. Mrs. Wilhite’s favorite thing about teaching without a doubt is her students!

Happenings

Bel-Tex Soft Wash

Accurate Roof Systems specializes in residential and commercial roof repair, replacement and preservation. We have been family-operated since 2007, and are licensed and insured to serve all of Texas and Oklahoma with a wide range of roofing services. We are highly skilled and capable of handling any project—from a minor roof leak to a complete roof replacement or restoration! We are a second-to-none roofing company that provides services such as TPO roofing, silicone roof coatings, R-Panel, standing seam, architectural shingles and solar. We have a 4.9-star Google rating with over 95 reviews, and we are Google Guaranteed. Therefore, you are secure that your residential or commercial roof will be done “Accurately.” Contact Justin Fogle at 254-715-4562 today!

Bel-Tex Soft Wash strives to be the best in customer service. We do not wish to retire from every job we do and become spiritually bankrupt at the end of the day. Our core values are givers gain and building relation ships. We want to give you our time, knowledge, and respect as we de termine the best course of action for the exterior surface cleaning project you may wish to have done. We want to ensure you know all of the options and pricing as well as all the possible results before we bring any equipment to your home or place of business. I, John Nance as the owner try to drive home positive attitude and pro fessionalism throughout all of the staff and employees. So when thinking of any kind of pressure washing, soft washing, and/or acid washing, think of us. We will make sure you receive more than what you paid for while giving a cleaner than expected wall, roof, driveway, window, parking lot and solar panels. Call (254) 217-6607 for more info.

Kasper Creations offers lifestyle photography focused on connection, relationships and people’s personalities through beautiful imagery. Whether you need newborn, family, senior or proposal sessions, we’re ready to customize the session for you. Family time is precious, but we don’t always get a chance to savor the small moments that mean so much. As a wife and mother of two, Katelyn knows sometimes life catches you by surprise, you have to convince a family member to take photos, or you have to wait for children to feel comfortable enough to show their personality. The best part of a session is seeing a couple, family or senior walk away with smiles because they got to focus on the moment and who they are indi vidually and together. These are the moments we treasure and photo graph for you. Find out more at www.kasper-creations.com.

Melissa Harrell

Brad

We

and

“To

is

and

Douglas Adams

Looking for a unique venue for your next event?

Reserve Hewitt’s Creekside Amphitheater!

Looking for a unique location to host your next concert, performance or event? Check out the Creekside Amphitheater in Warren Park, located at 450 South Old Temple Road in Hewitt. The surrounding park offers 36 acres of land with mature trees, plenty of open green space and a nearby pavilion. Creekside Amphitheater is able to host a variety of mid-sized events, but is charming enough to accommodate more small and private gatherings. Seating is comprised of 42 stone benches to comfortably seat 120+ guests. A large concrete apron in front of the stage allows for placement of chairs or other seating during small er events. In addition, there are four electric and water hook-ups for food trucks and/or other vendors. We would love to help you plan your next event at this beautiful and very special location. For more information, contact Linda Fish at (254) 296-5698.