February/March 2024 • Volume 19 - Issue 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Best Little Toy Museum in Texas Prairie Tails Dog Park Dr. Stuart Johnston Daphne Babcock When reading digital edition on smart devices or your computer, tap or click to activate QR Code links. PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WYLIE, TX PERMIT# 63
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Hello and Happy New Year! As is usual in Texas, we have gone through all four seasons of weather since Jan. 1. Have you been to The Best Little Toy Museum Tina Stelnicki in Texas? Wow! I will need to add this to my Wylie Chamber CEO weekend plans sometime soon. I hope you will too. It will be entertaining to see the additions Stephen makes. He has big ideas for a lot more fun at this attraction – and it’s right here in Wylie, Texas. If heading outdoors with your pooch is in your plans, oh my goodness, head over to the new dog park. City staff has done an outstanding job bringing such a fun addition to our community. Be sure to read the first-person (er … first-pup) account about the grand opening. The articles from Wylie ISD and Collin College continue to highlight outstanding people and their stories. The Chamber is planning a busy and exciting year with Daphne Babcock at the helm. Watch the Chamber’s online event calendar for upcoming activities, and be sure to take a look at this issue’s calendar of community events. We appreciate the ongoing investment and support of our advertisers. In addition to our exciting and informative stories, I hope you will take time to read the advertisers’ information, including the DFW Pools and Spa feature article. Spring will be here before we can blink, and I look forward to diving into a beautiful pool sometime soon. I also look forward to diving head first into this new year!
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| February/March 2024
CONNECTION 307 N. Ballard Ave. | Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804 | info@wyliechamber.org www.wyliechamber.org
PROFILE OF SUCCESS 4
DFW POOLS & SPA
WYLIE CHAMBER CEO Tina Stelnicki, IOM ADVISORY BOARD Jan Arrant Ian Halperin Craig Kelly Heather Darrow Mark Saldaña ADVERTISING SALES Mary Ann Olson, IOM CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Hiney CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Judy Truesdell Donnita Fisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jan Arrant Donnita Fisher Ian Halperin Mark Saldaña Nora Kelly Krisleigh Hoermann
CONNECTION
The CONNECTION Magazine ©2024, Wylie Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. The CONNECTION is published bimonthly and mailed free of charge to over 33,000 households and businesses with an estimated readership of over 80,000 in the Wylie area. The PROFILE OF SUCCESS cover with feature article is a paid advertising placement.
COLUMNS
For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact the Wylie Chamber at 972-442-2804 or adsales@wyliechamber.org. All are welcome to advertise, Chamber membership is not required. Share comments and story ideas with Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac. com. Additional copies are distributed to our advertisers and high traffic local city offices. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. Information published in The CONNECTION is the opinion of the sourced authors. The Wylie Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in The CONNECTION Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors. Additional copies are available at the Wylie Chamber office. Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue it was stolen by the Grinch, but we are happy to report, he returned it! It's back in this issue! NOTE: The first person to correctly locate the butterfly and send an email to adsales@wyliechamber.org wins a The CONNECTION Magazine t-shirt!
(It's not this one!) Occasionally we make a mistake. Let us know if you find one so we can correct it. We love your feedback - send comments to info@wyliechamber.org. Story ideas are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for “Connecting” with us!
FEATURES
BEST LITTLE TOY MUSEUM 6 IN TEXAS
CONNECTION 10
CALENDAR
11
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
12
CITY OF WYLIE
15
WYLIE ISD
16
COLLIN COLLEGE
19
YOUR HEALTH
Local February/March Events Grants Build Community Through Reading Prairie Tails Dog Park Success was in the Signs Daphne Babcock Dr. Stuart Johnston
20 YOUR MONEY
Social Security Changes
"Be of love a little more careful than of anything." ~ E. E. Cummings
Wylie Chamber of Commerce
307 N. Ballard Ave. • Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804 • info@wyliechamber.org
www.wyliechamber.org A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
ON THE COVER: The Hentschel Family of DFW Pools & Spa
4
Photo by Anne Hiney
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
CONTENTS
February/March 2024 • Volume 19 - Issue 1
www.wyliechamber.org | 3
DFW Pools & Spa wants to be invited to your pool – Don’t worry, they’ll take care of everything! Wylie pool company offers complete service, treats customers like part of the family
R
ob Hentschel started cleaning pools when he was 18. He learned how to maintain and take care of pools from his dad, who owned a pool company. Rob was ready to take DFW Pools and Spa to the next level. Now, along with his wife Kristi, Rob owns and operates DFW Pools and Spa. That feeling of family is something they bring to their customers every day. “We are family-owned and operated.” Rob said. “We are definitely a hands-on ownership.” The Hentschel’s son, Jayton, was the first employee. Now younger son, Tanner, is also a pool technician. “Our goal as a company is to create relationships that last. We know all our customers by their first names, and they have our personal cell phone numbers. Our pride is our level of service. When we are blessed to take care of any of our clients, we treat their job as if we were working on our own project at home.” Customer service is a lost art, Rob said. DFW Pools and Spa prides itself on “being on time, being respectful, treating every job as if it’s the only one you have, and your livelihood depends on it.” DFW Pools and Spa has a quality team of repair and renovation technicians. “Our technicians are experienced and offer the same first-class service our customers deserve,” he said. “Our technicians are known as the best of the best in DFW.” DFW Pools and Spa is a full-service pool company doing repair, renovation, leak detection, and cleaning. They also have a new pool build department.
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The company provides plaster service, laying waterline tile, fixing, or replacing coping stones, leak detection, water features, equipment upgrades, drainage and anything that is necessary to take care of the client's back yard. All DFW Pools and Spa technicians are licensed and certified. “Service is important to us,” Rob said. “We want to exceed our customers’ expectations.” Repair technicians Jesse and Cody met Rob at a parts warehouse. The three started a small conversation and then quickly found out they shared the same company traits that DFW Pools and Spa offers. “Their work ethic and how they conduct themselves is out of this world,” Rob said. “They won’t walk away from a job unless it’s done right. Bringing aboard these technicians was one of the best decisions I’ve made for our company.” In the fall and winter, techs only work four days a week. “It’s important to take care of our employees so they can take care of our clients,” he said. “When you talk to our team, you will quickly recognize that you are in the right hands. We don’t just preach quality of life; we make it happen.” With clients all over the DFW Metroplex, DFW Pools and Spa specializes in HOA community pools, apartment pools, townhome community pools and residential pools. “Our techs are required to skim leaves, brush the pool plaster, clean skimmers, vacuum the pool, maintain pool equipment and provide plus balance chemicals,” Rob said. “They can replace or repair all equipment, remove current plaster and replaster, replace tile, spray deck around pool, coping stones, skimmer repair/replace,
drain repair/ replace, plaster patch, acid wash and everything your pool needs.” One of the company’s mottos is “doing the little things the right way,” Rob said. “We want to continue our reputation of being the pool company that offers not only the highest quality of craftsmanship but delivers it with a never-before-seen level of service to each client,” he said. DFW Pools and Spa also believes quality pool maintenance shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. “We believe that keeping your pool clean and well maintained shouldn't break the bank,” Rob said. “That's why we offer competitive pricing and will explain each step and cost involved. We are seasoned and experienced and can handle any job.” Although they service pools throughout the Metroplex, DFW Pools and Spa is based in Wylie. HOAs and management companies, as well as individual pool owners, are welcome to contact DFW Pools and Spa at 214-308-8855, office@dfwpoolsandspa. com or via the website dfwpoolsandspa.com. •
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dfwpoolsandspa.com "Rob and his crew have been amazing to work with! I have sent him several of my homeowners and they all have nothing but great things to say about Rob. His patience and ability to see someone's vision is above and beyond what most companies offer. Thank you Rob! I look forward to making more families dreams come true!" ~ Sally M. A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
www.wyliechamber.org | 5
By Donnita Fisher
The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas
is Right Here in Wylie
Army Vet Displays 20,000+ Toy Collection
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S
tephen Gardner wants you to come over and play with his toys. Well, you can play with some of them. Others you can just ogle, laugh, drool, and “ooh and ahh” over. Stephen, 49, is the owner, curator and tour guide of The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas, located at 3509 Aztec Trail in Wylie. Opened since early 2023, the toy museum is a treasure trove of collectibles with some movie memorabilia, video games and a whole lot of other fun stuff. For the admission price of $10 for adults and $5 for kids (ages 4 to 12,) you can play pool and video games and peruse Stephen’s collection of pop culture items from the age of television and movies. Starting with Laurel and Hardy dolls – maybe action figures? Memorabilia? Figurines? Commemoratives? All of the above? – column after column in the three back rooms of the 1,600-square-foot building are filled with your favorite characters, heroes, heroines, villains and victors. There’s Snow White and Dorothy and their sidekicks, the cast of “Cobra Kai,” Harry Potter’s world, “The Brady Bunch,” Pee Wee Herman, “I Love Lucy,” Steve Austin, the universe of “Stranger Things” and oh so much more. The scenes are laid out chronologically from the early days of television to today. One room is dedicated to Marvel and DC characters. Visitors seem to like the collection, Stephen said, but there isn’t one item that most people get wide eyed over. “I’d say there really isn’t one piece but rather it’s the volume of pieces that I have along with the range of movies and TV shows covered in my collection,” he said. “There are close to 20,000 pieces displayed, representing hundreds of shows.”
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
To give visitors an incentive to linger, Stephen offers a scavenger hunt card. Find all 20 characters on the card and you’ll leave with a prize. (Don’t worry, you can keep your phone handy to look up the names you don’t recognize. Sure, we all know Darth Vader but do you remember Miguel Diaz or Dr. Smolder Bravestone? How about Vecna or Wilson?) “The scavenger hunt is just a fun way to explore the toy collection,” Stephen said. “Participating in the hunt forces you to really look at all of the displays, toys.” Walking in, visitors are greeted by a gaming room. There’s a pool table, and three walls are lined with classic video games. Playing is included in the price of admission. Unless you want a Super Ball … (remember those?) … that’ll cost you a quarter. Video games include PacMan, Ms. PacMan, Centipede, Mortal Kombat, Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Tron. And of course, the museum is home not only to video games, but all manner of collectibles inspired by the iconic “Star Wars” films. “Star Wars” takes up a lot of space in the museum – so much that Gardner is opening a new area to handle his “Star Wars” collection. And, the Army veteran admits, Luke Skywalker and the gang may have started his fascination with toys and collecting. “I didn’t collect toys as a kid,” he said. “Of course, I had toys but I played with them and after I played with them, well, they weren’t in the best shape. ‘Star Wars’ toys were my favorite.” But his own favorite item in the museum isn’t a toy. “I have an original ‘Star Wars’ poster that I have managed to get most of the starring cast’s autographs on,” he said. (He also has a Storm Trooper uniform. (Or is it costume? Oh well, those guys were tall!) continued ~
www.wyliechamber.org | 7
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Originally from Chicago, Stephen said his family “moved around a bit before landing in Plano” when he was 15. After graduating from Plano East, he joined the Army. He served from 1993 to 2021, first in active service and then in the National Guard. That’s when the collection began and it has just continued. When he moved to Wylie, it didn’t take long for his stuff to outgrow his upstairs space at home. “I buy the toys from anywhere I can find them,” Stephen said, “big box stores, online stores, estate sales, flea markets, antique stores, toy conventions, etc. I buy the toys from anywhere I can find them. And I do accept donations. I have already had a few customers donate items to the museum.” To prepare for his Army retirement, Stephen went to law school at the UNT Dallas College of Law. “I went to law school but then I missed taking the bar the first time because of Covid,” he said. “I missed it the second time because of the ice storm of February 2021.” By that time retirement was closer and, Stephen said, when he started looking at the numbers, he realized he could make it without becoming a lawyer. “I felt that the toy museum would be a great way to spend my free time by sharing my collection with the public,” he said. Stephen’s step-dad, who lives in LaPorte, In., gave him the idea for the museum after seeing the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum near there. “This guy turned his two-
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Practice Areas story garage into a museum for all his superhero figures,” Stephen said. “The front even looks like the Hall of Justice.” Stephen had the space for the facility on his property, so the Best Little Toy Museum in Texas was born. “Since I had the land, I decided to build to showcase the collection,” he said. Although the museum has only been open a few months, Stephen said he already needs to build on. Eventually, he said, he’d like to add party rooms and expanded gaming, meeting areas. Museums featuring collections like Stephen’s vary from collector to collector, he said. “Every toy collector is different. Some collect only one type of toy while others collect many kinds. Some keep all their toys in their original unopened packages, while others open and display the toys. It’s whatever makes the collector happy. “I have been to several toy museums, and what I like to see is the variety of toys and how they are displayed,” he said. “To me, presentation is key to a good toy collection.” That, Stephen said, is what he has tried to do with his collection. The Best Little Toy Museum in Texas is located at 3509 Aztec Trail in Wylie. It's open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, find the museum on Facebook, TikTok, You Tube or Instagram, or visit the website at thebestlittletoymuseumintexasc.godaddysites. com, or email Stephen at TMiNT3509@gmail.com. •
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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CALENDAR February/March
Feb. 10: In-Sync Exotics Valentine's Panthers, Pumas, & Pancakes. Join us for coffee, juice, fruit, yogurt
and all-you-can-eat pancakes! Afterward, take a self-guided tour around the sanctuary. From 7 - 10 a.m. at 3430 Skyview Dr., Wylie. Suggestion Donation: $25-Adult, $15-Kids (4-12), Under 4-FREE! Purchase tickets at: https://weblink.donorperfect. com/ValDayPancakes
Feb. 12: X-Treme Green Event. The City of Wylie and Community Waste Disposal are pleased to provide RESIDENTIAL collection and disposal services for: household hazardous waste, electronics, household metal appliances, automotive tires, and document shredding. Brush and bulk items not accepted. Service for Wylie residents only. Bring your most recent City of Wylie utility bill (water, trash collection, and/ or sewer) which will be reviewed at the event, along with a valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID. From 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 949 Hensley Ln., Wylie. (behind Founders Park). Info: https://www.wylietexas.gov/departments/utility_billing_ (water_bill)/x-treme_green_event.php March 1-3 & 8-10: Wylie Acting Group presents
It Happened on Route 66! Get your kicks on Route 66!
America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955. With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, a geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone. Theatre location: 205 Industrial Ct. #200b, Wylie. Tickets: https://www.wylieactinggroup.org
Stay on tracnokw! Apply and register for spring classes.
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| February/March 2024
Smith Public Library:
300 Country Club Rd., #300, Wylie WylieTexas.Gov/Library
Special Events:
Friends of the Library Bookmark Contest: Feb. 1 - March 16 Calling all artists! Winners from 5 different categories will have their design printed and distributed at the library. Visit the Friends of the Library page for more information and entry forms. African Stories: Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. Storyteller Toni Simmons wraps her audience in African folklore and African American history through the use of rhythms, songs, and audience participation. Cello Concert: Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Chase the winter blahs away with the rich sounds of the cello performed by Christina Null in the Library Foyer. Everyone is welcome; no registration required. Financial Workshops with Allstate: Join Alice Sundberg, personal financial representative, to learn all about these important topics. Registration is required. Space is limited. Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. - Estate Planning Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. - Tax Planning Leap Day Game Night: Feb. 29 at 5:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of board games! Come learn some new games or replay some of the classics. Community Culture Fest: March 23 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Collin College Wylie Conference Center. Enjoy performances, demos, art and crafts and more reflecting various cultures in North Texas. Presented by Smith Public Library and Collin College Wylie Library. Everyone is welcome.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION by Krisleigh Hoermann
Building a Stronger Community Through Reading
More than 20 years later, Wylie ISD Education Foundation and its corporate sponsors support education to make a profound impact in the community
H
ermione Granger’s heart would break.
The fictional character from J.K. Rowling’s novels was often mocked for being so bookish, but it was her well-read nature that got Harry and Ron out of trouble almost every time. Today, she would be mostly alone. A recent study from Pew Research Center found that U.S. children don’t read like they did in previous generations. Enter Lauren Kessel, assistant principal at McMillan Junior High in Wylie ISD. In her previous role as a seventhgrade English Language Arts and Reading teacher, she found half of her classroom did not like reading. Kessel decided to expand her classroom library, integrating more comic books and graphic novels to be easily accessed and read by her students. Thanks to a grant from Wylie ISD Education Foundation, she provided her students with new books and inspired a love for reading. “Having graphic novels as an option in my classroom library opened the door for all students to become readers no matter what their opinion of reading is or their ability,” Lauren said. “The goal was to get the right books that students want in their hands so their world opens up, and the funding of the grant made it possible.” This grant brought her students together to learn, share, and grow. Lauren is one of many educators who have applied for grants. RLK A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
Engineering, a longtime supporter of the Foundation and Wylie Chamber of Commerce member, funded the grant and saw it as an opportunity to support education while building a stronger community and future workforce. “Corporate supporters are an integral part of building the community through our schools,” said Windi Fuller, executive director of Wylie ISD Education Foundation. “Their dedication to empowering students will help them become solid corporate citizens in the future.” Powered by the generosity of its donors, the Foundation has empowered educators, fueled learning and discovery, and supported students and their families by funding more than $2.3 million in grants and scholarships since 2002. Many of these funds are earned through its annual Boots ‘N Barbecue gala, where supporters, like PBK, Pogue Construction, Tibbals Family Foundation, Lynes Family, The Wylie News, Park Place Dealerships, RLK Engineering, and many more come together to give back to students and educators. To learn more about Wylie ISD Education Foundation and how you can make a meaningful impact in Wylie ISD, please go to wisdfoundation.org. •
Boomtown Sponsor
www.wyliechamber.org | 11
Prairie Tails Dog Park Nora’s Tale by Nora Kelly
Jan. 11 was a day I have wagged about for weeks! We have walked the Municipal Complex trail many times, often barking at the workers digging holes. All I could do was stare through the chain link fence, wondering what it would be like to roam this doggy wonderland being built just for me. I’m Nora, the Border Collie, and today was the big day for the grand opening of Wylie’s Prairie Tails Dog Park. As I jumped out of the car in the Smith Library parking lot, I saw over 100 people and their furry friends gathered for this much-anticipated occasion, transforming an ordinary day into a tail-wagging celebration. City Manager Brent Parker welcomed the humans and, of course, the VIPs of the day - me and all my friends. Parks and Recreation Director Carmen Powlen thanked the City Council, Parks and Recreation Board, architects, and contractors who made this canine paradise possible. Mayor Matthew Porter congratulated the Parks and Recreation team for crafting and maintaining a beautiful haven for us, the community’s four-legged residents. I was so proud and surprised when I was selected to accompany Mayor Porter and Mayor pro tem Forrester, along with my furry friend Bentley, to be a part of the ceremonial first dog release to officially open the Prairie Tails Dog Park. The gate to the big dog paddock opened, and I was finally on the other side of the fence, standing inside the park! Cheers and barks echoed as we were let go and set free to roam, marking the beginning of a new era for canine joy in Wylie. The Prairie Tails Dog Park features three paddocks spanning nearly 4 acres – one for small dogs and two for larger ones like me. Shade pavilions and dog washing stations add a touch of luxury, and for agility enthusiasts, ramps, tunnels, and jumps offer endless playful possibilities. Security lighting ensures our nighttime adventures are just as safe and enjoyable since we can come to play daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. While we were running around meeting other friends, our humans talked about the park’s winding walkways, many trees, and shade structures to help us stay cool during the hot summer. The park, located on the east side of the Municipal Complex parking lot, has plenty of accessible parking spaces and quick access to the trails throughout the 300 acres of surrounding parkland. As the sun set on this memorable day, I left the grand opening with my paws tingling and my tail held high. I can’t wait to return often, chasing frisbees, making new friends, and reveling in the joy shared with our human companions. Prairie Tails Dog Park isn’t just a park; it’s a place where wagging tails and happy barks create moments that linger in our hearts.
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A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
www.wyliechamber.org | 13
WYLIE ISD
Success Was in the Signs by Ian Halperin
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
Photo courtesy of Wylie ISD.
T
eaching today is certainly a fulltime job, especially in Wylie ISD where clubs and extra-curricular activities often keep teachers (and students) on campus after the school day has ended. But that doesn’t keep some industrious staff members from finding ways to work a “side hustle” to supplement their income. For Wylie East’s Kristie Smoot, that opportunity comes in the form of owning and running Yard Card Queen – Wylie. When COVID closed down schools in the spring of 2020, Kristie was looking for a way to supplement her income. As a single mom with a son about to reach driving age, her goal was relatively simple: pay for a more reliable vehicle. And of course, it started with a Zoom call. “I had a colleague in education who had just started a yard sign business, and this was an opportunity to get on the ground floor with her,” said Kristie. “So I sort of fell into it, but it just exploded. It really was a blessing.” Yard Card Queen now has 113 affiliates in 25 states including Hawaii. With an initial investment of $2,200 she purchased enough letters to spell “Happy Birthday” in three colors and 30 graphics. The average display costs $95 and is posted for 24 hours. She now has 500 individual letters in various colors and fonts and more than 1,000 graphics. Growing her business has taught her new skills like managing inventory and product investment and, as a marketing and principles of business teacher, the lessons she’s learned translate directly into her classroom. “When we talk about entrepreneurship and the pros and cons of running your own small business, I share my firsthand experience from Yard Card Queen -Wylie,” Kristie added. She averages 20 signs per month and usually does her sign placement in the evenings. Her busiest time is around graduation when her requests can be up to nine a day. To keep up, she works both before and after school. She also brings her son on as a freelance employee to help with setups and pickups. Kristie said she is very careful to avoid any conflict of interest between her business and her duty to Wylie ISD.
Kristie Smoot shows the signs of her success.
As an employee of the district, she cannot be an approved vendor; however, she is able to book jobs through booster clubs and PTAs. She doesn’t advertise, relying on word of mouth and social media from clients to help grow her business. Kristie offers some advice to other teachers (or anyone) considering a side hustle: 1. Set an income goal each month. Be realistic and make sure it doesn’t interfere with your teaching. 2. Determine how much time you are willing to devote to it. It has to stay a side job. 3. Be OK with turning down business if needed. It’s OK to say “no”to a job if it conflicts with #1 and #2. 4. Have fun! Be EXTRA! Although Kristie stresses the importance of remembering that the side hustle is just that – a side job that doesn’t interfere with your “real job” – it can be a great way to earn additional income, support a hobby, or chase a dream. • www.wyliechamber.org | 15
COLLIN COLLEGE
New Chamber Board Director Has Bird’s-Eye View of the Future By Mark Saldaña
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| February/March 2024
Photo by Sara Carpenter, Collin College photographer
T
he Wylie Chamber of Commerce welcomed its new board chair, Daphne Babcock, in January. She serves as the Collin College Dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce Programs at the Wylie Campus, and unlike her favorite hobby, public service is no flight of fancy for the Collin College dean. Daphne served on the chamber’s board-at-large for two years. She has been working at Collin College for 24 years, serving first as a full-time faculty member, and then making her way up to administration. She enjoys giving back to her community in a variety of ways and, as busy as she is, she tries to set aside some down time for her bird-watching hobby. “I love learning about birds and practicing bird photography. I find birds intriguing because of their various shapes, sizes, and colors,” Daphne said. “Their diverse habitats make them fascinating subjects to study and photograph.” About nine years ago, realizing the need for practice, she purchased her first professional camera before going on a trip to Alaska. As time has progressed, she has become highly conscious of lighting, color, and background of her bird photos. “When trying to capture a great photo of a bird, it’s important to be calm, perceptive, and aware of your surroundings,” Daphne said. “Sometimes, when I am editing my photos, I look at them and ask myself if the lighting was proper enough, or if the shutter speed was fast enough or too slow depending on the situation.” She tries to take advantage of any chance to go outdoors and take magnificent photos of birds in their natural habitats. Not only does it take her out of her everyday
Daphne Babcock, Collin College Dean of Academic Affairs and Workforce Programs.
lifestyle, but it also provides her the opportunity to spread knowledge by sharing sightings, which helps advance bird science and conservation. In the future, Daphne wishes to contribute to her community by volunteering at a senior citizen center. She hopes to take those who share her interest with her on her bird-watching trips to show them how and why she does what she does. “I find that giving back to my community is so rewarding, especially when you can share a passion of yours with others who have similar passions, no matter what age group,” Babcock said. • To apply or register for classes at the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie. For more information about Collin College, visit our website www.collin.edu.
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Surgeon Answers Call of Duty by Jan Arrant
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Photos courtesy of Dr. Johnston
urgeons like Dr. Stuart Johnston must be problem solvers with a knack for keeping calm under pressure – skills that have also distinguished Dr. Johnston as a U.S. Army Reserve colonel who’s served in combat zones around the world. Currently the Medical Director of Trauma at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Dr. Johnston always knew he wanted to be a surgeon for one reason. “I saw it as a hands-on way to help people,” he said. Three decades ago, Dr. Johnston enlisted in the Reserves to help pay back the expenses for his medical education. He wasn’t supposed to be called to active duty, but that all changed on Sept. 11, 2001, when the U.S. was attacked by terrorists. “Since then, I’ve been deployed eight times,” Dr. Johnston said. “I’ve been to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Bosnia when they were all combat zones.”
Dr. Stuart Johnston
Healing War Victims In Afghanistan, he was based just 6 miles from the Pakistan border. He said they took daily rocket fire from terrorists. “The injuries we saw were from heavy military trauma,” he said of the MASH-like surgical hospital where he was stationed. With two operating rooms set up inside a shared space, he found the close quarters challenging at first, but he soon discovered he and the other surgeon could talk and collaborate when needed. During that deployment, one of his roommates was killed in the line of duty. That colleague, a nurse, had cared for an Afghan burn patient who made a touching tribute that sticks with Dr. Johnston to this day. “He was barely able to hold a pen because of his burns, but the patient wrote a note to the fallen soldier’s family to thank them for everything the nurse had done to care for him.”
Humanitarian Help The last deployments, at a base in Honduras, were quite different. Dr. Johnston took part in a humanitarian mission in Central America, working with physicians to provide surgical help, along with equipment and supplies. “That was the best thing the army’s ever done for me,” A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
he said. “I learned a lot from them. It gave me a whole new perspective on how spoiled we are here in the U.S.” Dr. Johnston said it was his most gratifying deployment because the people were so appreciative.
Benefits of Service Dr. Johnston credits the Army with advancing his education and leadership skills, while also introducing him to a network of surgeons and providers from around the world on whom he can call at any time. He’s also grateful to his practice partners, who had to take extra calls and cover his patients while he was away, and to Methodist Richardson’s administrators for seeing the value of his service and allowing him to do it. But Dr. Johnston said the most credit goes to those back home. He said he would never have been able to do this without the support of his wife. “The one back home worrying has the harder job,” he said. As for what the future holds, Dr. Johnston said he may get out of the Reserve in the next year or so, but right now there’s a critical shortage of trauma surgeons. He is a true servant leader who answers the call of duty, whenever it comes. • Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.
www.wyliechamber.org | 19
YOUR MONEY
What's New for Social Security? Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT
W
hether you’re applying for Social Security in the future or currently receiving benefits, there are some important changes to earnings limits, Medicare premiums, and other differences to keep in mind. Ready to learn more? Read on.
Are Medicare Part B premiums affected?
Ready for a cost-of-living (COLA) increase?
Social Security recipients will see a $9.80 increase in Part B premiums. But first-time enrollees and Medicare beneficiaries who earn $206,000 or more in 2024 may pay a higher premium.
That's right! Due to an increase in the Consumer Price Index, the Social Security Administration has made a 3.2% COLA Adjustment.
How much do I need to earn for one Social Security ‘credit’?
What about tax caps? Employees everywhere will be happy to hear that the cap on wages subject to Social Security withholdings has increased to $168,600.
Any change to earning limits? If a working individual starts receiving Social Security payments before full retirement age, the Social Security Administration will deduct $1 in benefits for each $2 that person earns above an annual limit. In 2024, the income limit is $22,320. During the year in which a worker reaches full retirement age, Social Security benefit reduction falls to $1 in benefits
20 |
for every $3 in earnings. For 2024, the limit is $59,520 before the month the worker reaches full retirement age.
| February/March 2024
For 2024, you’ll need to earn $1,730 to earn one “credit” toward Social Security and Medicare, up from $1,640 in 2023. What remains the same? You can only earn four credits each year, and you must earn at least 40 credits in order to qualify for benefits. For many, Social Security may be an important source of income during their “second act.” If changes to Social Security give you pause or make you question if you are making the most of your benefits, a qualified financial professional may be just the person you need to help you realize your retirement strategy’s full potential. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.
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