September/October 2021 • Volume 16 - Issue 4
WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY When reading digital version on smart devices or your computer, tap or click to activate all QR Code links.
Landon Winery 9/11 - We Will “Never Forget” Community Events
LINK TO NEW VIDEO FROM CHAMBER PRESIDENT PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WYLIE, TX PERMIT# 63
The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce
Your Window to Wylie
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A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication Digital Version: www.wyliechamber.org
Please Recycle This Magazine After Reading!
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Fri: 9/17 & Sat: 9/18
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★ FAMILY FUN! ★ ★ Vendors ★
A two-night UPRA sanctioned Rodeo held at the Wylie ISD – F.O. Birmingham Agricultural Center in Wylie, that brings the sights, sounds, and the competition of western culture to the community. A family friendly event that has fun for all ages!
Sponsorship Levels Available to Promote Your Business
Visit www.wyliechamber.org for more information.
TICKET PRICES: General Admission
Adults: $15, Children (4-12)/Seniors (62+): $5 Children 3 & Under: FREE Family Pack (2 Adults, 2 Children): $35
RESERVED SEATS:
Includes Reserved Seat, Peanuts & Beverage Service
Adults/Seniors/Children (4 & over): $15+ Plus General Admission ticket purchase
Group RATES: Adults: $10, Children/Seniors: $3 Purchase of 10 or more tickets in one transaction required Hosted By
Gates Open: 6:30pm ★ Grand Entry: 7:45pm ★ Rodeo Begins: 7:50pm CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR LATEST DETAILS!
wyliechamber.org 2 | THECONNECTION | September/October 2021
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As the kids get back into the routine of school, take time to plan for your child’s future.
COMMUNITY
Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation to discuss saving and investing options for your child’s education and beyond.
WEALTH ADVISORS LIFE WELL PLANNED.
972-521-8282
109 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie, TX 75098 www.RaymondJames.com/CWA @CWA.RaymondJames Scan to learn more about the team at CWA.
©2021 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Community Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Go BACK TO SCHOOL with CLEAN TEETH!
General Dentistry for Adults and Children
Jonathan Cantrell DDS & Sarah Cantrell DDS
McMillan Rd.
Park Blvd.
McCreary Rd.
FM 544
972-442-9139 www.cantrellfamilydentistry.com A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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WYLIE
W. Brown St.
. 78 Hwy
Ballard Ave.
Parker Rd.
Country Club Rd.
Parker Rd.
N
456 Country Club Rd., Suite 104 Wylie, TX 75098
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Welcome to the start of fall in Wide Awake Wylie! OK, so the temps are still in the 90s and there are absolutely no leaves falling unless pushed, but fall is right around the corner. As the calendar pages turn to September, we welcome the return of cherished community events we were forced to miss last year. We invite you to peruse the following pages as we present you a Window to Wylie. A Window to Wylie would not be complete without a look at Wylie’s oldest business. We catch up with John Yeager, Kylie Reising, and all the great folks at Wylie Insurance Agency. They say the agency is 123 years old, but it doesn’t look a day over 110. We also look at the winery in downtown Wylie. You may not know it, but Landon Winery celebrates four years smushing grapes in Wylie, and we check in to see how things have fermented with Kim DeFoe and owner Bob Landon. The City of Wylie checks in to highlight new artwork coming to town. Just flip through a few pages to see the planned Fire Station 4 9/11 memorial piece. Titled “Never Forget,” the piece honors the 343 firefighters and paramedics lost on 9/11.
future
Educator
We look through the window to the stars as we meet an adjunct history professor and author at Collin College who brings plenty of insight to the amazing dangers of space travel. Wylie Chamber President The window clears a bit as we look at the many fall festivals and fun events coming in the next few months. From the Wylie Chamber Rodeo in September (Sept. 17 & 18) to BBQ on Ballard in October (Oct. 2), you have many great events to attend right here in your own backyard. Make sure to check your Community Calendar on page 13 to begin making your weekend plans. Finally, don’t forget to take a quick look at the many local advertisers featured in this issue. The current business comeback is going slowly, so please remember neighborhood restaurants, retail, and services, and let’s help our local businesses thrive. As always, we hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. •
future
Dental Hygienist
future
Police Officer
FIND YOUR FUTURE More than 100 academic & workforce degrees and certificates Explore the possibilities at collin.edu
4 | THECONNECTION | September/October 2021
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CONTENTS
September/October 2021 • Volume 16 - Issue 4
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication 307 N. Ballard Ave. | Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804 | info@wyliechamber.org www.wyliechamber.org
YLIE CHAMBER PRESIDENT Mike Agnew W ADVISORY BOARD Jan Arrant Ian Halperin Craig Kelly Heather Darrow Stacie Smith ADVERTISING SALES Melissa Irvin CREATIVE DIRECTOR Anne Hiney CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Judy Truesdell Donnita Fisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Donnita Fisher Jan Arrant Craig Kelly Ian Halperin Heather Darrow Julie Taylor PHOTOGRAPHY Ethan Good Nick Young
For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact the Wylie Chamber at 972-442-2804 or adsales@wyliechamber.org. All are welcome to advertise, Chamber membership is not required. Share comments and story ideas with Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac.com.
Digital edition available online at www.wyliechamber.org
The CONNECTION Magazine ©2021, Wylie Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. The CONNECTION is published bimonthly and mailed free of charge to over 25,000 households and businesses with an estimated readership of over 75,000 in the Wylie area. 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.
CONNECTION
PROFILE OF SUCCESS 6
WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY
CONNECTION FEATURES 8
LANDON WINERY
CONNECTION COLUMNS
10
CITY OF WYLIE
"Never Forget" 9/11 Memorial Artwork at Wylie Fire Station 4
13
CALENDAR
15
COLLIN COLLEGE
18
GET INVOLVED WITH THE WYLIE CHAMBER
19
FEATURED WYLIE CHAMBER MEMBERS
Local Events
Keeping History Alive
20 YOUR MONEY
The Wall of Worry
Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue it was hidden on page 20 on the $20 bill. Happy butterfly hunting!! NOTE: The first person to correctly locate the butterfly and send an email to magnew@wyliechamber.org wins a The CONNECTION t-shirt!
(It's not this one! ) Occasionally we make a mistake. Let us know if you find one so we can correct it. We love your feedback - send comments to info@wyliechamber.org. Story ideas are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for “Connecting” with us!
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. ~ Jim Rohn
Wylie Chamber of Commerce
307 N. Ballard Ave. • Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804 • info@wyliechamber.org
www.wyliechamber.org A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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John Yeager with daughter, Kylie, and grandsons, Bryson & Brady Reising .
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Cindy Hampton, Cathy Jonson, John Yeager, Chelsea Paredes, Debbie Castillo and Kylie Reising
WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY
A
bout 123 years ago, Wylie Insurance Agency opened its doors. The company was founded in 1898 and its ownership reads like a “Who’s Who” of Wylie history with names like Housewright, Gallagher and Smith. John Yeager purchased the agency in 1973. “We’re the oldest business in Wylie,” Yeager said. “That’s special, I think. It means we’ve been doing something right, taking care of our customers.” The business has had several locations – from a home-based business to a hardware store to downtown storefront space to bank offices to its current standalone building at 201 Calloway. The company has been at the Calloway location since 1985. Wylie Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency. An independent insurance agency can offer its customers a choice when it comes to insurance companies and insurance options. “We represent our customer and not the insurance company,” Yeager said. “Many agents only represent a single company and cannot offer alternatives. We are
not employees of the insurance company. You are our client and we will do what is in your best interest.” Every type of insurance – from auto to life to business to homeowners – can be found at Wylie Insurance. The companies represented are all A rated for financial strength and service. Some of the property casualty companies represented include Travelers, Safeco, State Auto, Kemper, Progressive and Foremost. Lifehealth companies include Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana and Cigna. Providing the best service possible to the people of the Wylie community and the surrounding area is important, Yeager said. Primarily serving Wylie and the surrounding area, Wylie Insurance Agency can also provide services for the DFW Metroplex and the entire state. “I like getting to know the customers and their families,” he said. “They aren’t just numbers, they are friends of mine. We develop personal relationships. They aren’t just policies.” Yeager holds the Certified Insurance Counselor professional designation. The agency staff is all licensed insurance professionals. They complete many
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VOTED WYLIE’S BEST INSURANCE AGENCY 10 YEARS IN A ROW! hours of continuing education training to keep them “knowledgeable and current with ever-changing insurance rules and regulations,” Yeager said. The agency’s commitment to community is strong and ongoing. A charter member of the Wylie Economic Development Board formed in 1990, Yeager continues to serve on the WEDC board. He also serves on the Wylie Community Christian Care board. His daughter, Kylie Yeager Reising, is a co-owner at the insurance agency and serves on the Wylie Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “Involvement is important for the community and for the business,” Yeager said. “It’s our way of giving back to the community.” Wylie Insurance customers recognize the company’s commitment to service and community. Members of the community have voted Wylie Insurance Wylie’s Best Insurance Agency for 10 years in a row. They were also recognized as a 4Most Community Business Partner by the Wylie Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp. Other than just his time with Wylie Insurance, Yeager, himself, has history in the area, too.
He grew up in Nevada and graduated from Community High School. His father, A.P. Yeager, owned Wylie Locker Plant, a meat processing plant that was located near the corner of Ballard Avenue and Marble Street, currently occupied by Wylie Eye Center. Yeager’s late wife, Patty, was born a Kreymer, another family that has been in Wylie for generations. After high school, Yeager graduated from the University of North Texas. He worked for five years in Dallas and four years in Houston for a major insurance company but said he “always wanted to get back to this area.” Both Kylie and her sister, Kamber, are graduates of Wylie High School and the University of North Texas. Kamber is a CPA with Rent-A-Center in Plano. Kylie has two sons, Brady, 16, and Bryson, 14, and they will be the fifth generation of their family to graduate from Wylie ISD. “Who knows,” Yeager said “They may become the third generation to work in the business.” Wylie Insurance Agency welcomes the opportunity to serve you and show you what exceptional service is all about. For auto, homeowners, business, life and health insurance, give them a try. •
Check with us for all of your insurance needs. ✔AUTO ✔HEALTH ✔LIFE ✔BUSINESS ✔HOMEOWNERS WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. WINNER BEST OF 2021
Highest Standards of Professional Service
CS
WINNER & media
info@wylieinsurance.com 201 Calloway • Wylie, TX 75098 A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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“Serving You Since 1898” JOHN YEAGER, CIC
(972) 442-3505 Fax: (972) 442-3885
www.WylieInsurance.com www.wyliechamber.org | 7
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Make Time for by Julie Taylor
Wine! o
ne of the best-kept secrets of Wylie is nestled downtown on the corner of Ballard Avenue and West Oak Street. Landon Winery opened its doors at 103 N. Ballard Ave. in April 2017. In just four short years, Landon Winery has become a staple in Wylie, supporting the Downtown Merchants Association and the Wylie Economic Development Corporation, and sponsoring events such as the Sip and Shop in downtown Wylie. The Sip and Shop is held twice a year. Landon Winery provides food and drink outside participating shops as customers browse what downtown has to offer. “It’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy an evening out in downtown Wylie,” said Kim DeFoe, Landon Winery manager. “It’s a good way for people to see all the shops we have here. We have a great turnout when we hold this event.”
Photo by Ethan Good
In addition to the Sip and Shop, Landon Winery holds monthly tasting events that are paired with local vendors, such as Bold BBQ, Tiff’s Treats, Nothing Bundt Cake, and cupcake and popcorn vendors, and movie trivia nights. “They’re always a great hit with our customers,” Kim said. “The events always sell out.” The winery also holds winemaker dinners once a month, where the wine is paired with fine dining provided by a different chef each month. Recently the winemaker dinner attracted 76 people to Wylie, each of whom paid $100. Kim said the winery is planning an intimate, luxurious eight-course winetasting dinner this fall. “The maximum number of guests will be set to 16, so it will be a small intimate setting,” she explained. Other past events include paint on boards, where customers painted on wine barrel staves, paint on wine glasses, and yoga and wine.
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The COVID pandemic affected many businesses, but Landon Winery had a pandemic plan in place and only had to shut down for six weeks. The winery offered virtual tastings and home wine delivery, said Bob Landon, owner. “Customers come by and pick up their wine, or they can have it delivered, and then we hold a virtual wine tasting online and suggest food that would go well with the featured wine of the month,” Bob said. In fact, the winery was able to expand next door to 101 N. Ballard Ave., offering a large enough space for rehearsal dinners, weddings, showers, receptions, and endof-life celebrations. Kim said the space features a winding staircase and a large open area for seating or dancing, as well as private restrooms. In the main tasting room, wine tasting is available at any time during operating hours. The winery also has an upstairs lounge for private parties. The winery encourages customers to join its Wine Club, which includes perks such as 20% off all purchases (including wine, retail purchases and the Small Plates Food menu), Wine Club pick-up parties, and access to members-only promotions and events. Club members also enjoy first access to new wines. Membership in the Wine Club is free, and within the club there are five tiers to choose from – Sweet Club, White Club, Mixed Club, Red Club, and Premium Club. Premium members enjoy three bottles of Barrel Reserve wines delivered twice a year. The winery also has Wine Down Wednesday every week, which features half-price bottles of wine consumed on site. The winery releases new wines every other month. “We’re one of the largest wineries in the state and the country,” Bob said. Landon’s passion for wine making began in his seventh grade science class in the small town of Canton, Mo., when he was taught to ferment grapes into wine. “It was such a fascinating process,” he said. “I asked
Photos courtesy of Landon Winery
an Good
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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my parents if I could try it at home in our garage. To my surprise, my dad being a Southern Baptist preacher, they agreed.” His passion for wine making may have been inherited, Bob said; his grandfather, who came from Germany, had his own vineyard and produced his own wine. “In Germany, people often made their own wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks,” he explained. “My grandfather mentioned to me years later he was surprised I never noticed that his iced tea had bubbles in it.” Bob’s interest in making his own wine grew into a passion over the years. He continued to make his own wine in his basement until he decided to leave the corporate financial world 16 years ago and open his own winery. He opened the first Landon Winery in McKinney and has since added wineries in Greenville, Wylie, Coppell and Grapevine. The Greenville location, a 50,000-square-foot distribution center, was built in 1939 and is the main production facility. “The business continues to expand over the years, and we have more than doubled our production,” Bob said. Kim said events are held at all five locations on a monthly and weekly basis. “All five locations support each other. We make our best effort to use local vendors for our events. For example, I asked Bold BBQ to come out to an event at one of our other locations, and it was great. It gave them exposure to that area, as well as helped us with our event.” Landon Winery is located at 103 N. Ballard Avenue. It is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 11 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit their website at landonwinery. com to learn about upcoming events and to join the Wine Club. The winery can also be contacted at wylie@ landonwinery.com or 972-442-0155. •
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CITY OF WYLIE
Wylie Will Never Forget
by Amber Hamilton
“A couple of hours later when both of the towers had fallen, it hit home that the world I lived in would never be the same,” said Capt. Andrew Johnson. The world was never the same for anyone after Sept. 11, 2001. This was the day the World Trade Center in New York City collapsed after being struck by two hijacked commercial planes, killing over 2,700 people. Three hundred fortythree of those people were firefighters. As the 20th anniversary of that day approaches, Wylie is helping ensure the lives lost that day are not forgotten. In August, after months of submissions and discussions, the Wylie Public Arts Advisory Board, Wylie City Council, and a selection panel chose the final art submission titled "Never Forget." The piece will pay homage to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. The artwork will be permanently displayed at Fire Station 4 currently under construction off McMillan Road and scheduled to open in spring 2022. “I have a daughter that was not alive when 9/11 happened,” said Capt. Johnson, a 10-year veteran of Wylie Fire Rescue and a member of the selection panel. “When she drives by she’ll know what it is, and that’s what I wanted.”
Capt. Johnson’s involvement in the fire station’s public art piece was happenstance. He overheard discussions about a potential sculpture and mentioned to Fire Chief Brandon Blythe that the theme should have something to do with 9/11. Chief Blythe agreed. From a young age, Capt. Johnson knew he wanted to be a firefighter. That decision was solidified for him on Sept. 11, 2001, when he watched, along with fellow classmates, as the Twin Towers burned. He recalls watching footage from that day and hearing the din of continuous beeps from Personal Alert Safety System devices. Firefighters wear these devices that beep when motion goes undetected for a prolonged period of time. Capt. Johnson thought, “There’s a lot of dead firefighters in there.” For Capt. Johnson, "Never Forget" is a way to pay tribute to those firefighters who gave their lives. “People say this is the greatest loss of life we’ve ever experienced,” he said. “What if it wasn’t the greatest loss of life but the greatest rescue of all time? How many of those people wouldn’t have made it out, and how many more would have died?” Terrence Martin, a Sacramento-based artist, is the one bringing the tribute to life. The artwork will imitate the iconic look of the Twin Towers with two, mostly-hollow, aluminum
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columns that feature a water and light element along with a unique sensory experience. “I don’t want people wondering what the message we’re trying to get across is,” said Martin. “It works from a distance, but when you get up close you realize there’s much more to see and feel.” The artwork will feature an actual piece of the towers placed in each aluminum tower. A piece the viewer can touch as an interactive component Martin is calling the “Window of Remembrance.” An outline of the Maltese cross will be laser-cut into each column which will act as the "window" for visitors to reach in. According to Martin, many pieces of the towers were originally housed in New York at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The particular piece Martin is using for his sculpture was donated by fellow artist, Jim Galluchi, who also submitted a proposal for consideration. “The whole experience is topped off with the fact that you can reach into the center of the sculpture and touch a piece of the World Trade Center,” said Martin. “Usually it’s a visual
component that yields emotion, but when you can combine that with a tactile experience, to me that drives the concept to an ultimate level.” Along with the “Window of Remembrance,” the artwork will feature all 343 names of the firefighters, who lost their lives, laser-cut into the aluminum. From a distance, the names will mimic the windows of the towers. At night, the inside of the sculpture will be illuminated with a red-orange glow, representing fire. “Normally it would take a song that reaches a lot of people or a movie, but as an artist you’re able to do this for years on end, touch strangers and you’re not even there,” explained Martin. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to leave that legacy behind and provide that for people for many generations to come.” In the early 90s, Martin lived in New Jersey for a stint, just across the Hudson River. He would often travel to New York City and take the train into the basement of the World Trade Center. He describes the experience as wild and awe-inspiring. “It’s not something you forget and it really gives you more motivation to share that experience, in some way, with people,” said Martin. He also recalls seeing the towers sway in the wind some days, being struck by the majesty of it all. Martin is experiencing what some may call a "full-circle moment" having lived near New York City and being a frequent visitor to the towers, and now building a replica sculpture that will be a memorial for 9/11.
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“There will be a point in time where there won’t be many people left that have experienced the towers,” said Martin. “A lot goes around in my mind when I think about that day and my experience there, and I’d like to think about how those experiences played a part in my design and the final acceptance of this piece.” The piece will debut spring 2022 when Fire Station 4 is scheduled to open.
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Experience the Art of Wylie today! Take a self-guided tour of Wylie’s 12 unique installations.
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September/October 9/11 Memorial Service This year will mark 20 years
9/17&18 Wylie Championship Rodeo Gates open at 6:30 p.m, Kids Arena Events (Calf and Boot Scramble) 7 p.m., Grand Entry 7:45 p.m., Rodeo Begins, 7:50 p.m. Pre-Sale tickets are available online (wyliechamber.org) or available at the gate the night of the event. fb.me/e/2tmcoo5sC
9/25 Murphy Maize Days at Murphy Central (550 N.
Murphy Rd., Murphy, TX 75094) from noon-9:45 p.m. There will be live music all day, great food, drinks, market vendors, kid zone, and much more! maizedays.com
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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10/2
BBQ on Ballard Up to 25 pitmasters will square off in a good old-fashioned, best-tasting, BBQ contest. Come hungry from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and help us crown a winner by taste-testing and voting for your favorite barbecue. Tickets are limited. fb.me/e/7eRoCXsoW
10/23
Sachse Fall Fest 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Heritage Park, featuring over 100 arts and crafts, business, and non-profit vendor booths, food vendors, live music from our entertainment stage, Kids corner, Touch-a-Truck, and more. www.sachsefallfest.com
10/26 Night of Spooks Second
Players Productions are putting on a family friendly shop of curiosities show at the Smith Public Library! Entry is a $10 gift per family. Reservations recommended. Also enjoy trick or treating, Halloween crafts and a scavenger hunt in the library. www.wylietexas.gov/library.php
CALENDAR
since the horrific events of 9/11. Wylie Fire-Rescue and Wylie Police are holding a memorial service in Olde City Park to remember those lost and to fulfill a promise we made all those years ago, "Never Forget". 8-11 a.m. – Memorial Service with guest speaker Darin Kinder; 8 p.m. – Viewing of "9/11" fb.me/e/1u5wVQTX7
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check out these local wylie businesses we work with on social media
website design | social media marketing greatscottsites.com/flyer
Ethan Good Photography 972-922-2469 EthanGoodPhotography.com 14 | THECONNECTION | September/October 2021
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COLLIN COLLEGE
Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes to Bring History to Life
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ometimes it takes a tragedy to fuel a miraculous journey. According to historian Ryan Walters, astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee gave their lives on Jan. 27, 1967, to pave the way for America’s first trip to the moon. “Something sparked, and the spacecraft just ignited like a blow torch,” said Ryan, author and adjunct history professor at Collin College. “The temperature rose to 1,200 degrees within about five seconds. They were trapped. The fire began spilling outside the spacecraft and blew the technicians all backwards, and they were brave enough to put the fire out. That’s how the Apollo program started.” Ryan spent nine months working on his book, “Apollo I: The Tragedy that Put Us on the Moon.” Based at Collin College’s Wylie Campus, he teaches a U.S. History Survey class which includes a lecture on the space race. “Those astronauts were the bravest of the brave, working on top of a rocket with millions of pounds of explosives that could blow up at any second,” Ryan said. “They were former military test pilots who knew when they climbed into an airplane that it might be their last time. I wanted to write a positive book and keep their memories alive so people could understand how important it was. We’ve accomplished so much, but it took a tragedy to do it.” According to Ryan, President John F. Kennedy set a 1960s deadline for the U.S. to land on the moon, and without that fire, astronauts A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin would not have taken those famous first steps on the lunar surface in 1969. “This was the most complex machine man had built at that time,” Ryan said. “The fire showed us what was wrong. This tragedy gave NASA the opportunity to do their investigation and design safer spacecrafts.” In his book, and in the classroom, Ryan explains the politics and historical dynamics behind the Apollo program. His students learn about the Cold War and Vietnam and hear accounts from people who worked at NASA as well as stories from astronauts’ relatives. “The 1960s was a chaotic decade with Vietnam and racial protests, but at the same time we were still able to land on the moon not once but twice before 1970. I think the country should be proud of that, and I talk about it in my class.” Ryan said he is not the only professor at the college who enriches lectures with travel tidbits, current events, and research. “All the professors at Collin College are top notch. They are scholars,” said Ryan, who watched the Columbia shuttle launch in 1997 and traveled to Normandy and Vietnam.
Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.
by Heather Darrow
Historian Ryan Walters is an author and adjunct history professor at Collin College.
The past continues to meld into the present as history unfolds before our eyes with the first commercial space flights, and those who will follow in their wake, rocketing away from earth into new frontiers. For Ryan, helping students see that continuum is the whole point. “History is not about memorizing dates,” Ryan said. When I teach history, I make it relevant to the present because history affects you every day of your life.” •
To apply and register for Collin College classes at the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie. www.wyliechamber.org | 15
8/27/21 4:30 PM
WYLIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Network Your Business at an Upcoming Event VISIT WWW.WYLIECHAMBER.ORG FOR DETAILS
OCTOBER
10.7
THE
nge a h c x E
Join us for our weekly Business Card Exchange every Wednesday at 8 a.m. at the Smith Public Library, 300 Country Club Rd., Wylie, TX. Bring yourself and invite friends for free coffee and networking in a casual, friendly environment while promoting your business. Virtual attendance option available.
Join us monthly for a fun, after work, networking social event bringing together young, working professionals to socialize, network and gain insight into the business community. The group is geared towards those 21 – 35; however, everyone is welcome to attend, especially if this group is in your target market.
CHAMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON September 23 Featured Speaker: Texas State Representative Candy Noble Sponsored by: CoServ
WWW.WYLIECHAMBER.ORG
Go to www.wyliechamber.org for more info and to purchase tickets. Check website for Oct. 26 info
October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 Tuition is $100 as an introductory focus group pricing.
16 | THECONNECTION | September/October 2021
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SAND & GRAVEL 5390 Pleasant Valley Rd., Sachse
Edmondson Law, PLLC
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303 S. Jackson Avenue, Suite 200 Wylie, Texas 75098 o. 972.442.8326 | f. 972.442.8227
wylietxlaw.com A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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• Facial Rejuvenation • Facial Cosmetics • Facial Surgery Proudly Serving the Cities of Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Garland, Richardson, McKinney, Lavon, St. Paul, Lucas, Parker & Other Communities Within & Around Collin County
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2300 FM 544, Suite 240 Wylie, TX 75098 www.wyliechamber.org | 17
8/27/21 4:30 PM
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N
y 78
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One mile north of Downtown Wylie (Next to the Water Tower)
311 N. Ballard Ave., Ste. 101, Wylie, TX 75098
Dr. Kerin
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• Mowing, Edging, Line Trimming & Blowing • Flower Beds & Gardens - Mulch Installation • Tree & Shrub Trimming • Spring & Fall Clean-Ups • Locally Owned, Operated & Insured
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18 | THECONNECTION | September/October 2021
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LINK TO FULL CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP LIST
APARTMENTS Rustic Oaks Apartments Diana Barbosa 401 Fleming Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-2221 www.rustic-oaks.com
Villas at Wylie Kelly Penney 600 Woodbridge Pkwy. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-6665 www.villasatwylie.com
Bachon Townhomes, LP Jay Oji 505 Fleming Ct. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 461-9933 www.sdcus.com
The Mansions of Wylie Active Adult Laura Beth Teel 300 McCreary Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (469) 440-9120 www.MansionsWylie.com
Parc at Wylie Apartments Jerri Dunham 1315 W. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 (469) 786-0107 www.parcatwylie.com
Seventy 8 & Westgate Misty Miller 960 S. Westgate Way Wylie, TX 75098 (214) 891-9181
www.seventy8westgate.com
Olympus Woodbridge Mandy Tucker 7700 Cody Lane Sachse, TX 75048 (469) 888-4137
www.olympuswoodbridge.com
ASSISTED LIVING Oxford Glen Memory Care at Sachse Kimberly Twomey 4546 Bunker Hill Rd. Sachse, TX 75048 (469) 814-9162 www.oxfordatsachse.com
New Haven Assisted Living & Memory Care Loran Perry 800 W. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 (469) 925-0654
www.newhavenassistedliving.com
Featured Chamber Members
Anchor of Hope Hospice Joanna Razowski 7708 San Jacinto Place, Unit 100 Plano, TX 75024 (214) 490-4387
Waterbrook Bible Fellowship Jeff Denton 507 Thomas Dr. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 429-7815
Garnet Hill Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Sherry Higgins 1420 McCreary Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-6776
First Christian Church of Wylie Don Hawkins 701 E. Stone Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-5721
www.anchorofhopehospice.com
www.garnethillrehab.com
CEMETERY Lake View Cemetery June Nance P.O. Box 100 Lavon, TX 75166 (972) 853-0808
www.lakeview-lavon.com
Sunflower Cemetery Services, LLC Kirstin Dodd P.O. Box 1941 Wylie, TX 75098 (214) 241-4158
www.sunflowercemeteryservices.com
CHURCHES First Baptist Church of Wylie Kris Segrest 100 N. First St. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-2261 www.fbw.church
Gateway Community Church Blake Switzer 2201 Country Club Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 429-0400 www.gatewayonline.org
New Hope Christian Church Keith Spurgin 1100 W. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 429-0868 www.newhopechristian.org
St. Anthony Catholic Church Tony Densmore 404 N. Ballard Ave. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-2765 www.saint-anthony.com
Wylie United Methodist Church Dean Libby 1401 Country Club Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-5835 www.wylieumc.org
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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www.waterbrook.org
www.fccwylie.org
Liberty Private School Christy Peterson 1435 E. FM 544 Wylie, TX 75098 (469) 969-0323
www.libertyprivateschool.com
Primrose School of Wylie Deepak Madhav 1615 W. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 www.primrosewylie.com
EDUCATION
Biker Church Wylie Texas Annie Young 303 S. Hwy. 78, Ste. 103 Wylie, TX 75098 (214) 283-0620
Wylie Independent School District David Vinson P.O. Box 490 Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 429-3000
www.bikerchurchwylietexas.com
www.wylieisd.net
Unity Spiritual Center Kim Andrews 5502 Ben Davis Rd. Sachse, TX 75048 (443) 799-0263
Wylie Preparatory Academy Kristi Shaw 4110 Skyview Ct. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-1388
unitysachse.org
www.wylieprep.com
River Stone Cowboy Church Jay Smith 3800 Troy Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 454-0214
Collin College Jennifer Clay 391 Country Club Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 758-3800
www.riverstone.org
www.collin.edu
Trinity Friendship Baptist Church Raymond Perry 840 E. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-3414
ICODE Murphy Wylie Adi Mehta 3400 W FM 544 Wylie, TX 75098 (214) 215-4255
www.trinityfriendship.org
DAYCARES Premier Learning Center of Wylie Melissa Ingram 640 W. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-6186
www.premierlearningcenter.co
Kids Unlimited Early Care & Education Kim and Larry Gray 620 W. Brown St. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-4407
www.kidsunlimitedwylie.com
Goddard School of Wylie Imran Khan 1520 Park Boulevard Wylie, Texas 75098 (972) 521-1533
www.goddardschool.com/ dallas-fort-worth/wylie-parkboulevard-tx
icodeschool.com/murphy116/
Red Door Dance Academy Marisa Mailhes 125 Hooper Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 836-6733 www.DanceRedDoor.com
FUNERAL HOMES Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home 2925 5th St. Sachse, TX 75048 (972) 414-5050
www.eastgatefuneralhome.com
Allen Funeral Home, Located in Wylie Liz & Danny Allen 508 Masters Ave. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-2234 www.allenfuneral.com
MOVING & STORAGE Moving Forward - TX Delvin Dupuy Wylie, TX 75098 (469) 562-1994 Movingforward-tx.com
Dallas Moving & Storage, LLC Red Byboth 106 N. Birmingham St. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-1010 www.dallasmoving.com
Oncor Electric Delivery Barry Young 7309 Frankford Rd. Dallas, TX 75252 (972) 985-2066 www.oncor.com
Wylie Northeast Water Supply Corp. Amanda Horst P.O. Box 1029 Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-2075
www.wylienortheastwater.com
RightSpace Storage Cryselda Ramirez 3475 W FM 544 Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 429-6230
www.rightspacestorage.com
PET SERVICES Pawmiere Mobile Pet Spa Megan Mertes (469) 636-8152 pawmieremobilepetspa.com
Sadie’s Sitting Service LLC Mignon Morse Wylie, TX 75098 (214) 405-6465 www.facebook.com/ sadiesittingservice/
PetSuites - Dallas Murphy JoAnn Dodson 415 E. FM 544 Murphy, TX 75094 (469) 409-1065
www.petsuitesofamerica.com/ locations/texas/murphy/#intro
Double H Pet Sitting Hope Osborn Sachse, TX 75048 (469) 503-7144
CoServ Donna Wood 7701 S. Stemmons Fwy. Corinth, TX 76210 (940) 321-7800 coserv.com
VETERINARIANS Parker Road Veterinary Hospital, P.C. Chuck Kerin 707 Parker Rd. Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 442-6523 www.parkerroadvet.com
Sachse Veterinary Hospital Steve Pirkey 4730 Ranch Rd. Sachse, TX 75048 (972) 442-4441 www.sachsevet.com
Lake Lavon Animal Hospital Michael Lamping, DVM 456 N. Country Club Rd., Ste. 110 Wylie, TX 75098 (972) 429-7901
www.lakelavonanimalhospital.com
www.doublehpetsitting.com
UTILITIES Atmos Energy Eva Hummel 1310 State Hwy. 66 Garland, TX 75040 (972) 485-6226
Southfork Animal Clinic Dr. Hector Carbonell 1101 N. Murphy Rd. Murphy, TX 75094 (972) 424-2677 www.southfork.vet
www.atmosenergy.com
Farmers Electric Cooperative Jim Nimmo 2000 IH-30 East Greenville, TX 75402 (903) 455-1715
www.farmerselectric.coop
972-442-2804
Visit us today at www.wyliechamber.org for information about the benefits of becoming a member. www.wyliechamber.org | 19
8/27/21 4:31 PM
YOUR MONEY
The Wall of Worry YOU'VE GOT PLENTY OF CHOICES THESE DAYS Provided by Trace Dennis
H
ave you ever heard the Wall Street expression, "markets climb a wall of worry?"
It's the idea that financial markets are constantly on edge. Traders fret about how long a market rally can continue before it runs into trouble. Worry shifts from one news event to the next as traders attempt to build a case whether it's time to go "risk-off" with a portfolio strategy. If you're looking for something to worry about, you've got plenty of choices these days: The Delta variant, inflation, jobs, vaccines, Fed policy, taxes, unemployment, and so on. There's no shortage of headlines to help boost investors up the wall. But by early August, the Standard & Poor's 500 index
notched its 42nd record closing of 2021. And while past performance is no guarantee of future results, it's important to keep in mind the S&P 500 has moved higher despite the wide range of economic and financial concerns. Our role as financial professionals is to help guide and equip clients with the tools they need regardless of what news "worries" the financial markets. We work with professionals who monitor the economy and interpret how the recent news may influence the overall trends. If you find yourself worried about the financial markets, please reach out. We'd welcome the chance to hear your thoughts. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.
20 | THECONNECTION | September/October 2021
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HYATT PLACE DALLAS/GARLAND/RICHARDSON 972-414-3500 5101 North President George Bush Highway Garland, Texas 75040
www.hyatt.com
We have 153 guest rooms and over 12,000 square feet of ballroom space. Book and stay at the Hyatt.
To book contact our sales office at 972-414-3500 or email dfwzb.rfp@hyatt.com
INCENTIVES
• Complimentary guest room day before and day of event. • 20% discount on Menu • Triple World of Hyatt Event Planner Points • Complimentary chef's choice dessert or champagne toast. • Bridal Dressing Room for the day of the event.
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Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, 2020
972-429-0603
601 Commerce St., Wylie, TX 75098
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Call Today For Assistance With Enrollment And Supplemental Insurance Plans! DEMOND DAWKINS
8/27/21 10:43 AM
The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
