The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce
WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY Jason Earls Barrett Phillips Music Classes at Collin College PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WYLIE, TX PERMIT# 63
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August/September 2020
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A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication Online Version: www.wyliechamber.org
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COVER PROFILE OF SUCCESS 6 Wylie Insurance Agency
Cover Photo by Ethan Good
6 Wylie Insurance owner, John Yeager, with his daughter Kylie Reising, and grandsons Brady and Bryson.
CONNECTION FEATURES 8 Jason Earls 12 Barrett Phillips CONNECTION COLUMNS 14 HIGHER EDUCATION
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CONTENTS
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August/September 2020 • Volume 15 - Issue 4
On The CONNECTION Cover
Harnessing the Power of Music
HEALTH The Doctor Will See You (Virtually) Now EDUCATION Social-Emotional Support While Learning at Home MONEY Before You Claim Social Security
!
12 A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained. ~ Walt Disney
www.wyliechamber.org • 3
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Welcome to another issue of the Connection magazine. Rest assured that this issue has been sold, written and printed using all of the recommended hand-washing, mask-wearing and social distancing. Wylie Chamber President With those boxes checked, please explore the following pages with an eye to being entertained. We highlight comedian Jason Earls and singer Barrett Phillips; both are performers who bring some happy to the area. They are needed now, more than ever. We have our usual Connection columns with some tips for visiting your doctor virtually, support suggestions for learning/teaching at home, and things to consider before claiming your Social Security. The oldest business in Wylie, Wylie Insurance Agency, is our cover profile for this issue. We appreciate their long-time dedication to serving the community. Finally, as you read the great stories in this issue, please make note of our advertisers. They are all local and battling to outlast the COVID and keep providing services to our area. Give them a shot to be your business; it might be the best “Connection” you can make. Hang in there and thanks for reading. •
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VOTED WYLIE’S BEST INSURANCE AGENCY 9 YEARS IN A ROW! sional designation. The agency staff is all licensed insurance professionals. They complete many 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 eight years in a row. They have also been 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, 15, and Bryson, 13, 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. • A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
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www.WylieInsurance.com www.wyliechamber.org • 7
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Jason Earls: Stand-Up Guy
Local Christian Comic “Makes You Laugh to Help You Live” By Judy Truesdell
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t all started when Jason Earls performed a comedy monologue as part of his Mr. Virginia University audition. Everyone laughed. “I didn’t win, but the next day on campus, a guy with a brassy New York tone yelled my name and said, ‘Last night I was mad and frustrated and didn’t feel like laughing at all, but when you came out on stage, I couldn’t help it!’ I said to myself, ‘Yup. That’s what I want.’ I always wanted to help people more than just making them laugh.” He describes his act as Christian comedy, but not “corny.” Starting out, when he looked at others performing quality comedy, he didn’t see an abundance of Christian material, and realized that, because he is a Christian and dedicated to his community, it was inevitable that he should fill that void. He didn’t, however, start out in the safer environment of churches; he went straight to mainstream comedy clubs. “If I was going to carry the title of comedian, I wanted to represent that title well,” Jason says. “That’s why I decided to start cutting my teeth in comedy clubs. In order to make people in clubs laugh, you have to possess a certain sharpness and skill.”
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Jason has those attributes and more. His likable persona and good solid material have garnered bookings and experiences that are not only gratifying to him as a performer, but heartwarming to him as a Christian and a human on the planet. For instance, he performed at a school in a village in Ghana, Africa, where kids were packed so tightly that they were standing outside on top of each other, looking through the windows. “To hear those students, who don’t have much of anything, bellow out in laughter was incredible,” he remembers. “It continues to rest in my soul.” Jason was booked for an event at a Virginia resort for which he had been given no details except “for the military.” It turned out to be a small, intimate Special Forces group. “I can’t explain the honor … just to be able to give back to the men and women who serve our country at such an intense level. No words … ” He performed in front of a group of 18 to 19 year olds who’ve aged out of the foster care system and had no family, and, in Japan, he performed at a military base. “To see the gratitude and enjoyment from the soldiers and their families was awesome.” He was asked back another two times.
The Jason Story Jason was born and raised in Portsmouth, Va., and graduated from Virginia State University in 1999. He moved to Texas to attend grad school at Dallas Theological Seminary, moved back home briefly to marry Terri, “the woman of his dreams,” and then moved back to the Dallas area. “I actually bought Terri’s wedding ring by doing standup comedy,” he says. “Once we moved to Dallas, I began to pursue and grow as a comedian.” He launched full time in 2006, performing material that, while not necessarily Christian, was “clean.” Later that year, he was offered a pastoral staff position in Seattle, one of the perks of which was a flexible schedule that would accommodate his performance calendar. He was named Seattle’s Best Comedian. In 2011, he was offered another flexible pastoral job, and returned to North Texas, this time settling in Murphy. By this time, he and Terri had five kids and another one in progress. Since 2016, he has made his living as a comedian. Jason doesn’t always play it safe. “When I look at the scope of Christian comedy, it’s always been done from a position of safety,” he said. “Great comedy isn’t always safe. It has an edge to it that challenges an audience to get out of their comfort zone and view life from a different perspective. That’s why I’ve started venturing out into that unsafe space to gently nudge audiences who, like sheep, don’t like to be nudged.” He says his material doesn’t lack integrity, but it does touch on some adult themes – and “is NOT corny.” The tragedy he refers to as “this lady named Rona,” has A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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caused him to cancel live performances for the immediate future, but he produced the “Laughter in Place” a virtual comedy tour with various dates. He also has created a variety of GIFS, which he notes seem to be the “new language of today.” With over 8 million views, it would seem he’s right. He is also active on Instagram and Facebook; a weekly social media schedule (and all the other information anyone could need) is featured on his website, JasonEarls.com. He and his wife have a joint venture as well. “Since I have six kids and a wife who seems to be head over heels in love with me, a lot of people have asked us for marital and family guidance. As a result, we’ve created marriage content called ‘Marriage DNA.’” When there isn’t a pandemic under way, they speak at seminars, conferences, and retreats.
Comedy in Wylie Jason said he believes in this area so much that, as president of the national Christian Comedy Association, he brought the national conference, usually held in big cities like Los Angeles, Nashville, and Atlanta, to Wylie in 2019 for Wylie Comedy Night. “Our community united and laughed together for four days in Wylie,” he says. “We experienced the treat of some of our nation’s best clean and Christian comedians, along with the publicity and resources that come from hosting a national conference.” The comics were able to experience the love of “small town Texas” when some of the downtown Wylie venues were transformed into comedy clubs for the week. The pandemic has caused the conference to be canceled for 2020, but he hopes to bring it back in years to come. He and his family love living in the area. “It’s not the big city where we’re in the hustle and bustle, but it has enough ‘jump’ to where we can smile and nod our heads and say, ‘Yup, this is where we live.” Their six kids are named Aaron, Alexandria, Alicia, Andrew, Achim, and Aniyah. “That’s my first time making straight A’s,” their father says. “Regardless of the accolades that I ever receive from performing, my family is my greatest accomplishment (not MY accomplishment, but HIS.)”
What keeps him moving and creating? “The bird that’s made a nest outside my bedroom window has no clue how much it motivates me every morning to hear it singing. That bird has NO CLUE of how many videos or how much content I’ve written based on the motivation of its chirping. In the same way that bird chirps, God has placed comedy inside of me. Ultimately the more I do what I’ve been created to do, the more it motivates people in ways I will never know. “I think part of helping people is to first of all be able to do what God has placed you on earth to do. A bird has to sing, a lion has to roar, and a Jason has to talk and make people laugh.” • www.wyliechamber.org • 9
8/7/20 9:02 AM
A Good Time for Making a Few Home Improvements By Jeanie Marten
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re spending more time at home than ever before – and taking a closer look at our homes as well. Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Company, and Sherwin-Williams are some of the businesses that have profited during the pandemic. Tractor Supply stock rose 69% in the last few months. Lowe’s exceeded its first-quarter earning projections with most shoppers being “do-it-yourself-ers.” Home Depot shoppers tend to be a combination of DIY enthusiasts and those seeking professional services, and fewer people were excited about welcoming workers into their homes during the pandemic, causing HD to remain in a neutral position. Sherwin-Williams saw a 26% stock gain in recent months.
One other cool statistic is that Scotts Miracle-Gro and Ortho products have seen 30-50% increases in sales this year so far. That is a lot of gardening! Check out some of my gardening pics … this has always been my Zen activity, and this year my entire family has helped – and will benefit! Sean and I built a cinder block strawberry patch, and David helped me bring home my asparagus water trough from Tractor Supply along with seven bags of rocks and 20 bags of potting soil. Both of those projects are long-term commitments, but my family is looking forward to the rewards.
Since many homeowners are tackling their own home improvements, I started thinking about some tasks that the average DIYer can undertake. Get that painting on! Sherwin-Williams is my go-to paint company. These people know what they are doing with one-coat products and advice on the best product to use on each surface. Swap out the hardware on your doors and cabinets. Change out light fixtures and fans for the most dramatic visual update you can make besides paint. Get outside and update that landscaping. It is sweaty work, but it is also all about your curb appeal or backyard oasis (and who couldn’t use some vitamin D right now?). Seek professional help for patio additions, outdoor kitchens, and pools. Also steer clear of major plumbing and electrical jobs, and keep in mind that all of the cities reached by this magazine require permits for these projects. I prefer to let the professionals handle fencing, but the skills and tools needed are pretty minimal if you want to tackle it yourself.
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www.MartenRE.com 10 • The CONNECTION • August/September 2020
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www.wyliechamber.org • 11
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Barrett Phillips He was Born to Entertain! By Donnita Fisher
Photo by Ethan Good.
B
arrett Phillips can’t remember a time he didn’t want to be singing. “My first time performing in front of an audience was in the pre-school church choir,” the 22-yearold said. It was the start of what Barrett knows will be a lifetime of crooning and, hopefully, a career. “My end goal is to be able to use my singing in my career,” he said. “Whether that be as a full-time worship leader, in fulltime musical theater or a recording contract.” Barrett was booked as the entertainment for the Murphy Veterans Tribute Gala planned for September. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of that event this year, but when it’s rescheduled, Barrett will be there singing away. “I do all kinds of shows,” he said. “I do restaurants, wedding receptions, birthday parties, galas, ambient dinner music, boutiques … pretty much if someone needs live music, I can be there!” The second son of Wylie residents Scott and Lori (Caskey) Phillips’ four boys – Gus, 25, Barrett, 22, Grayson, 18, and Gage, 17, Barrett said his brothers have always supported his musical inclination. “My brothers and pretty much everyone I have known – for the most part – have supported my singing,” he said. Barrett’s younger brothers, his mom, and his maternal grandfather all sing, too, Barrett said. “I can’t recall ever being bullied, but my whole life I’ve been an athlete as well, and I don’t think I’m the type to be bullied,” the 6-feet-2-inch-tall Barrett laughed. “I’ve been raised to stand up for myself and to be confident, so I think potential bullies see that and move on.” From the first kids’ chorus at First Baptist Church Wylie,
Barrett followed his love of music to the Collin County children’s chorus. As a second grader he was a founding member of the chorus and contin- Barrett playing the title roll in the Wylie HS ued to sing and take vocal musical production of Shrek lessons for the next 10 years. “I can’t give the Children’s Chorus of Collin County enough credit,” Barrett said. “They helped me in every way possible. I honestly don’t know where to start or how to put it into words. Every aspect of being a musician I learned there. “I learned to blend with a choir so my voice doesn’t stick out, confidence, vowel shapes, pitch matching. I made friends. “Honestly, the CCCC helped me in ways that have nothing to do with vanilla singing. I learned how to lead people as well. I was a section leader in the choir, and I helped my fellow singers to sound like a group and get the notes right. … I could probably write a book on my experiences there.” Practicing on one’s own “is fine and dandy,” according to Barrett. “But in my experience, the most growth I have ever had as a singer has been through choir and voice lessons. I still take voice lessons to this day. “If you are a young person who wants to sing, join a choir outside of school along with your school choir. Also learn either guitar or piano – preferably both! There is no one in the world who regrets learning to play an instrument.” After graduation from Wylie High School in 2016, Barrett graduated in 2018 from the University of Mary
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Hardin Baylor, earning a degree in organizational leadership. He combines his singing with his leadership skills every week as the worship leader at Invincible Church where his dad is the pastor. “I wouldn’t call leading worship a performance though,” he said. “At church, I am essentially just worshiping the same as everyone else in the congregation. I’m just leading and pushing the song along. When I’m leading worship, I’m not worried about how I look or how I sound or if people are enjoying the music. I want to do my best in and out of church, but when leading worship, I am just worshiping with everyone else. “I assume that God will use me in the way He wants, and my job is to just worship Him from the stage. Now any other gig, oh boy! It’s all about reading the room!” During a show, Barrett is an entertainer and he wants people to enjoy performance. “I have to be on my toes the entire time,” he said. “I’m playing a request. I’m making conversation with the regulars. I’m making sure the songs I’m playing are age appropriate for everyone in the venue.” During his senior year, Barrett discovered musical theater. He played the title role in the musical “Shrek.” After doing choir “his whole life,” he said he had “zero interest in musical theater” but then “Shrek” came along and now he enjoys musical theater the most! Since 2016 he has appeared in productions as Pirelli in “Sweeney Todd” and Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast” and has directed the music for a production of “Suessical the Musical Jr.” “I love musical theater,” he emphasizes. “I enjoy singing musical theater the most.” Barrett has also spent some time on the Wylie Opry stage and at other opries. “Opries are a unique venue, for sure,” he said. “For the most part, the genre is country with some old classics thrown in. It’s really a unique experience getting to perform with a live band in front of a live audience that is there for the music, not necessarily who is performing.” The Wylie Opry is really run well and the Opry’s house band – the Texas Legends – “is one of the best bands I have ever heard and performed with,” Barrett said. Anyone who wants to sing or wants to hear good music or see wonderful entertainment should go to local opry shows and community theater productions, Barrett advises. “Opries and community theaters are some of the most welcoming and friendly venues in the world,” he gushed. “I encourage everyone that is interested in musical theater to audition for a show next year. (Theaters are closed until 2021.) Same goes for people who enjoy country music. Please go to the Wylie Opry! They are incredibly welcoming.” • A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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www.wyliechamber.org • 13
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Higher Education
Harnessing the Power of Music with Classes at the Wylie Campus
E
mbraced by young and old, it comes in many forms, can completely change your mood, and even inspire you. No matter which genre you prefer, music’s power is undeniable. “Music can express all of the shades of emotion,” said Dr. Olga Amelkina, Collin College Wylie Campus music professor. “You can hear a melody and find that is exactly how you feel, but if someone asks you to explain it you might not be able to express it in words. Music is a language that allows us to communicate without having to say anything.” According to Dr. Amelkina, an award-winning classical guitarist and composer who has been instructing music students for 15 years, teaching music is incredibly rewarding. She said she cannot wait to teach students at the new Wylie Campus. “I love inspiring students and helping them discover their own voices in music,” she said. “You have to find different approaches to inspire each student, and that’s why it is so interesting to teach.” Housed in the student center, the 2,300-squarefoot music rehearsal room features high ceilings and a Steinway grand piano as well as additional Steinway products. This music area also includes a piano lab, a large instrument storage area, teaching studios for smaller chamber ensembles, and seven practice rooms with sound insulation technology, allowing students to practice without disturbing others. Students can choose from a robust list of music offerings ranging from classes designed for those who have never taken a music class to experienced musicians who plan to pursue music careers. Classes range from music appreciation to performance classes and applied lessons that offer one-on-one instruction in the instrument of your choice. In addition to woodwind and cho-
Photo by Nick Young, Collin College photographer.
By Heather Darrow
Ana Clara Pereira, dual credit student, plans to attend the Wylie Campus in the Fall of 2020.
rale ensemble classes, this campus will offer a New Music Ensemble class. Open to any instrument, the class focuses on performing music from the 20th and 21st century and offers students the opportunity to compose music. Wylie High School graduate Ana Clara Pereira is looking forward to taking the New Music Ensemble class as well as other courses at the Wylie Campus. “The Wylie Campus is close and convenient,” said Pereira, who plans to transfer to a university to earn a law degree. “It is only 10-15 minutes from my house. I plan on studying flute and cello and taking applied lessons with professors.” A former Collin College dual credit student, Pereira has taken music classes since she was 4 years old. “I love music because there is so much you can do with it,” Pereira said. “You can play something really old, or recent, or a cool jazzy tune. It’s a whole different style of expressing yourself. Taking classes at the Wylie Campus is a great way to stay close to home at a nice price, and the education is amazing.” To learn about music classes at the Wylie Campus, contact Dr. Amelkina at oamelkina@collin.edu. For more information about Collin College music classes, visit www.collin.edu/department/music. For more information about the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin.edu/campuses/wylie. •
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Health
The Doctor Will See You (Virtually) Now
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he COVID-19 pandemic has affected so much of our daily lives. And it may affect something you haven’t thought about: your next trip to the doctor. Visiting your doctor virtually is convenient, and in many circumstances, it may be the safest way to seek routine medical care. But when you aren’t face-to-face in the same room as your physician, clear communication is more important than ever. Your doctor may be the medical expert, but you are the expert when it comes to your body and health care preferences. So, now more than ever, it’s vital to be your own advocate. Denise Johnson, MD, a family physician on staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, lists five ways to get the most out of your next (or maybe first) telemedicine visit. 1. DO RESEARCH If you’ve been diagnosed with a health condition, educate yourself about your disease. Learn what you can from reliable sources, such as the U.S. National Library of Medicine or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can use what you’ve learned to guide the conversation with your doctor. “Look for evidence-based information,” Dr. Johnson advises. “You can also use known health systems’ websites, such as Methodist HealthSystem.org to build your knowledge.” 2. KEEP A LIST Keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you’re taking, including names and dosages. “If you have diabetes, have recent home glucose readings available,” Dr. Johnson says. “If you have high blood pressure, have blood pressure readings available. Consider checking your temperature and weight as well.” 3. KNOW YOUR DIGITAL PREFERENCES When you schedule a virtual appointment through Methodist NOW or another telemedicine service, the support staff can help by asking you a series of questions A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
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By Jan Arrant
to determine which teleconferencing app or platform is most familiar to you. If you’re uncertain about new software, it might be good to have a trusted friend or relative help you set it up, Dr. Johnson suggests. 4. ASK QUESTIONS It is your right and responsibility to be informed about all aspects of your medical care. If you are unsure about any treatment, medication or recommendation, ask your doctor to clarify. “Consider having your questions written ahead of time,” Dr. Johnson says. 5. KEEP YOUR OWN RECORDS Even a brief appointment with your doctor can involve a lot of information. Keeping your own records of conversations and instructions helps eliminate confusion later. Here are some of the things your doctor can treat via virtual care: Acne Nausea Allergies Pink eye Constipation Rash Cough Respiratory problems Diarrhea Sore throat Ear problems Urinary problems Fever Vomiting Flu Insect bites Headache And more Ultimately, Dr. Johnson says, telemedicine is an innovative way to approach health care. “Patients will receive the same competent and compassionate care, just without the hands-on physical exam of a face-to-face clinical experience,” she says. “Primary and specialty care are at your fingertips in the comfort of your home.” Telemedicine may be convenient, but it’s not the right call for emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, you should never hesitate to call 911 for help. • 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 • 17
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Education
Social-Emotional Support While Learning at Home
Designate a Workspace Set aside a space and materials for remote learning. This will help your student develop posture of attentiveness in that space.
Use an Emotional Check-In Tool Use a rating scale, like a 1-10 scale, to talk about negative or positive feelings, especially before or after your learner's area of challenge, and track the ratings over time.
Create a Schedule Predictability and stability give learners a feeling of safety and support. Try to create a home schedule with your remote learner and post it in a communal area.
Reach Out to Your School Do not hesitate to reach out to your learner's teacher, counselor, nurse, and administration. They are here for you!
Exercise Daily The school day is filled with opportunities to run, walk, jump, and play. Create times to exercise throughout the day and make movement fun by playing games or using platforms like Go Noodle!
Connection Time Make sure your learner is connecting with other children by scheduling video calls with classmates or signing your learner up for digital experiences, like craft times and book clubs that promote peer-to-peer interaction.
Name Feelings Practice naming your emotions and building emotional literacy using words beyond "happy, mad, or sad." Increase your learner's emotional lexicon by practicing finding new feelings words each day.
Families in our community know that Wylie ISD provides a world-class education in modern, well-equipped schools with caring, confident teachers in every classroom. That commitment to excellence does not just begin and end in academic success for all students. As a district, Wylie ISD fosters social and emotional health that builds positive relationships and encourages responsible decision-making. Through programs like The Wylie Way, they have created a system to meet these needs and keeps all students focused on personal success. When the state ordered all Texas schools closed last spring, the district knew that they needed to help ensure that Wylie families had the tools and techniques to ensure that these vital lessons would continue. Through the district’s comprehensive socialemotional learning (SEL) program parents can find the tools they need to help their child be successful while learning outside the school setting. Experts define SEL as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” “In Wylie ISD, we teach to the whole child, no matter where the child is learning - remotely or on campus,” said Shari Halpin, a certified school counselor and Wylie ISD’s SEL Coordinator. “Especially in unprecedented times, we are committed to providing the social and emotional support to help all our students thrive. It’s the Wylie Way!” As the school district and parents consider back-to-school plans, and remote learning becomes an alternate schooling option for the fall, preparing to support your learner’s social and emotional health is vital to a successful beginning to an unprecedented new year. Whether in-person or remote, your school district is here to ensure your student’s success as we head into the new school year. Parents are encouraged to use these resources when school begins in the fall, no matter which learning option parents choose for their children. “We understand that Remote Learning can cause some stress for students and parents, but there are some simple steps you can take to help ensure success,” added Halpin. More SEL resources, tips and tools are available at www.wylieisd.net/sel and www.facebook.com/wyliewaysSEL/
18 • The CONNECTION • August/September 2020
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Money
Before You Claim Social Security
A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits.
W
Provided by Trace Dennis, CMT ®
hether you want to leave work at 62, 67, or 72, claiming the retirement benefits you are entitled to by federal law is no casual decision. You will want to consider a few key factors first.
How long do you think you will live? If you have a
feeling you will live into your 90s, for example, it may be better to claim later. If you start receiving Social Security benefits at or after Full Retirement Age (which varies from age 66 to 67 for those born in 1943 or later), your monthly benefit will be larger than if you had claimed at 62. If you file for benefits at FRA or later, chances are you probably worked into your mid60s, are in fairly good health, and have sizable retirement savings. If you really need retirement income, then claiming at or close to 62 might make more sense. If you have an average lifespan, you will, theoretically, receive the average amount of lifetime benefits regardless of when you claim them. Essentially, the choice comes down to more lifetime payments that are smaller versus fewer lifetime payments that are larger. For the record, Social Security’s actuaries project that the average 65-year-old man to live 84.0 years, and the average 65-year-old woman, 86.5 years.
Will you keep working? You might not want to work too much, since earning too much income may result in your Social Security being withheld or taxed. Prior to Full Retirement Age, your benefits may be lessened if your income tops certain limits. In 2018, if you are aged 62 to 65, receive Social Security, and have an income over $17,040, $1 of your benefits will be withheld for every $2. If you receive Social Security and turn 66 later this year, then $1 of your benefits will be withheld for every $3 that you earn above $45,360.
Social Security income may also be taxed above the program’s “combined income” threshold. (“Combined income” = adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + 50% of Social Security benefits.) Single filers who have combined incomes from $25,000 to $34,000 may have to pay federal income tax on up to 50% of their Social Security benefits, and that also applies to joint filers with combined incomes of $32,000 to $44,000. Single filers with combined incomes above $34,000 and joint filers whose combined incomes surpass $44,000 may have to pay federal income taxes on up to 85% of their Social Security benefits.
When does your spouse want to file? Timing does matter, especially for two-income couples. If the lower-earning spouse collects Social Security benefits first, and then the higher-earning spouse collects them later, that may result in greater lifetime benefits for the household.
Finally, how much in benefits might be coming your way? Visit SSA.gov to find out, and keep in mind that Social Security calculates your monthly benefit using a formula based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you have worked for fewer than 35 years, Social Security fills in the “blank years” with zeros. If you have, say, just 33 years of work experience, working another couple of years might translate to a slightly higher Social Security income.
A claiming decision may be one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. Your choices should be evaluated years in advance – with insight from the financial professional who has helped you plan for retirement. • Trace Dennis may be reached at 972-429-0603 or tracedennis@jaldennis.com.
20 • The CONNECTION • August/September 2020
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Investing doesn’t have to be
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Derek Draper, Jal Dennis, Trace Dennis, Demond Dawkins Sarah Kalaj, Julia Thorman, Rhonda McDowell, Kristi Denham, Regina Smith
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The Connection Magazine, Wylie Chamber of Commerce
High Steaks
