Spring 2022
Hewitt Park is a great place to walk!
5 Hewitt is a great place to live 13 HPL recognized with national award 18 MISD’s Students of the Year IN EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events | New Member Spotlights | Hewitt Happenings
TEMPORARY &DIRECT HIRE.
In order to ensure the perfect work placement, our personnel service does our best to match specific types of jobs with employees who have the desired skill set. We have job counselors on site who are consistently interviewing candidates, which allows us to choose from a large employee base. We can be your temporary staffing company as well as your source for permanent and as-needed positions.
PROFESSIONAL WAREHOUSE OFFICE/CLERICAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL
NIKKI ROMANO OATES Locally Owned & Operated
399-WORK (9675) JobLinktx.com
717 Jewell Dr. Waco, Texas 76712 (off Imperial and Jewell Drive)
Calendar of Events 6
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Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right. —BEATLES
APRIL
MAY
Civilian emergency training & luncheon with Hewitt Police Chief, James Devlin | 100 Patriot Court in Hewitt | 11:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
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HOT Goodwill Industries, Inc. Business After Hours | 1700 S. New Road | 5–7 p.m.
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HOT Goodwill Industries, Inc Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | 690 Sun Valley Blvd | 9–10 a.m.
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GHCOC Board Meeting
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Champions Salon and Barber Business After Hours | 6706 Woodway Drive
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Computers N’ Stuff Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 3901 West Waco Drive | 5–6 p.m.
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Easter Egg Hunt presented by Educators Credit Union 801 S. Hewitt Drive | 9:30 a.m.
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GHC Board Meeting Luncheon TBD
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Girl Scouts of Central Texas Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | 3700 W. Waco Drive | 5–6 p.m.
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Coffee With The President | Common Grounds Woodway | 7608 Woodway Drive | 9–10 a.m.
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BAM Builders Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Parade of Homes location in Hunton Estates off Old Robinson Road | 612 Lindsay Lane
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Luncheon with Vanessa Reyes on Cyber Security: Russia-Ukraine Cyber Conflict and Its Domestic Effects | Location TBD 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
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JUNE 4
GHC Shredding Event Time/Location TBD
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GHC Board Meeting
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SpringHill Suites Woodway Business After Hours | 200 Colonnade Parkway | 5–7 p.m.
TBA GHCOC Monthly Luncheon & Networking
For current details on events, visit HewittChamber.com
Nacho Daddy Car Show & Concert presented by HEB | Warren Park | 450 S. Old Temple Rd. 10:00 a.m.–2 p.m.
hewittchamber.com
To advertise in the Hewitt Express, or for more information, call 254.666.1200. Issues are published in January, April, July and October. Greater Hewitt Chamber Executive Director | Alissa Cady | alissa@hewittchamber.com Communications Coordinator | Kacie Birkes | kacie@hewittchamber.com Social Media & Membership Coordinator | Misti Smith | misti@hewittchamber.com
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 3
©2022 Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Mention of commercial products, processes, or services in the Hewitt Express cannot be construed as an endorsement by the Greater Hewitt Chamber of Commerce • Design Kim Giles, ByDesignWaco.com
BUSH’’S,
A Family Tradition
4 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
Hewitt–A Great Place to Live CHARLIE TURNER, MAYOR OF HEWITT, TEXAS
I
n mid-July of 1977 on a two-lane Farm-toMarket road (FM1695) filled with potholes, no street lights, no stop lights (and very little traffic control), my wife Brenda and I drove from Woodway over to a small rural community named “Hewitt” where we had purchased our first new home. Hewitt did not have a grocery store at the time, therefore, a journey back to Woodway to visit Piggly Wiggly was a necessity. If Piggly Wiggly did not have what we needed, the other alternative was a trip into Waco. The early Hewitt community supported a common building shared by Hewitt City Hall and the Hewitt Volunteer Fire Department—equipped with two small grass rig trucks to fight any fires reported. This building’s origin came as a result of a resident’s home that had burned down, with its owner realizing the need for a fire department—and donating his now-vacant property as a construction site for the new fire department. Hewitt’s geographical layout rests on both sides of the railroad track—dividing the community into a west/east division. Lacking any overor underpasses, trains would block traffic for various periods of time. Police protection, community services (including building inspections for home occupancies) was handled by one man and his assistant. The town’s privately-owned local water system had issues due to limited supply and storage for use in fighting fires. Struggles were many as solutions came slowly to resolve the challenges of a growing community becoming a city. As is the progression of all cities, Hewitt began to grow, with increasing demands of an expanding population. Growth and young families created an environment
Hewitt today
Hewitt, 1928 that created the opportunity for profit, homes, jobs, family needs, and business creation. Today’s housing market is nothing like it was in the early days of Hewitt. Housing has reached an all-time high with demand creating a healthy market for home-ownership. Long gone are the days of a single grocery store. Hewitt today has several grocers, physicians, health clinics, auto part storse, retail chains, restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, and professional services. Land has become a valuable commodity. The ability to secure large tracts for living quarters and commercial businesses continues to diminish as properties are bought and built upon. As the opportunity to secure such land diminishes, prices continue to rise, creating profitability for owners. Hewitt, unlike other small cities, has a very active Chamber of Commerce that promotes, encourages, and acts as a liaison between the citizens of Hewitt and its businesses. Active chambers attract new businesses to supply goods and services for residents. A city’s growth is a slow process, which takes many years to evolve from a flat blackland prairie into a thriving city. Hewitt is geographically located within a one-hour drive to some of Texas’ top healthcare facilities, museums, music programs, libraries, sporting events and more. Hewitt’s Midway ISD students receive public education to prepare them for a lifetime career. Baylor University and McLenContinued on page 20... HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 5
We’re here to help you make it
home. home
Our Chapel Road Lending Team
Carol Pilant
It doesn’t matter if it’s a new home purchase, home construction or an improvement project, the lending team at Community Bank & Trust can help you with a loan that matches your vision. Whether you’re working with a builder to construct your dream home or purchasing an existing home, the way we start the loan process is the same as it’s been for almost 70 years. We still get to know each customer personally—exactly what you’d expect from the oldest locally owned independent bank in Waco. Call us today at 254.753.1521 or apply online at cbtwaco.bank by clicking the LoanLink button.
Member FDIC
Steve Fischer
cbtwaco.bank
stay well-rested At our Sleep Inn & Suites® hotel, we believe that every journey should be a restful one. Through a dreamy palette of warm colors, soft lighting, nature-inspired designs and modern furnishings, our hotels are designed with relaxation in mind. Plus, ease into the day with a complimentary hot delicious breakfast, high-speed WiFi and a trip to the pool and/or fitness center. • Modern and stylish guest rooms • Free Morning Medley breakfast • Free WiFi
• Swimming pool • Whirlpool • Business center • Pet-friendly rooms
Dream Better Here®
Book your room with us at choicehotels.com/tx976 6 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
Sleep Inn & Suites Hewitt South Waco 209 Enterprise Boulevard Hewitt, TX 76643 254.420.3200
KIM GETS IT SOLD
Serving Waco, Gatesville, Serving all ofPlano Central Temple, andTexas Denton
254-300-7600 254-400-8900 KIM FOWLER TEAM Each office independently owned and operated.
WACOLUXURY.COM
Gold S TA R
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8 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
stretch better, walk better,
Don’t let pain slow you down. We diagnose and treat all sports-related injuries and provide expert orthopedic services for athletes and nonathletes alike. Find a specialist and move like you used to. BSWHealth.com/SouthwestSportsOrtho 254.741.1400
Team physicians for Baylor Athletics
140 Hillcrest Medical Boulevard Waco, TX 76712
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 9 Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians are employees of Hillcrest Physician Specialties, a member of Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2022 Baylor Scott & White Health. 20-WAC-425505 AM
HERE FOR EVERY SEASON OF YOUR LIFE.
PROUDLY HOUSED UNDER THE KELLY, REALTORS BROKERAGE
GET TO KNOW US At Kelly, Realtors we are community-oriented and put the needs of our clients first. A small-town feel with global connections, we aim to help individuals by providing a seamless real estate experience, so they can get back to living their lives sooner. Our residential agents are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to help you buy or sell a property.
(254)741-1500 1229 N Valley Mills Dr. Waco, TX, 76710
Experience
Face-To-Face Banking TM
AmBankWaco.com 10 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 11
We are your “one stop shop” for all of your Real Estate related needs.
Brad & Melissa Harrell
Integrity, Experience, Competence WE DO REAL ESTATE DIFFERENTLY...ASK US HOW! R E S I D E N T I A L · C O M M E R C I A L · FA R M & R A N C H LUXURY · LAND · INVESTMENT · DEVELOPEMENT
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12 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
HPL recognized with national honor WAYNETTE DITTO, DIRECTOR, HEWITT PUBLIC LIBRARY
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he oldest and most respected professional library publication, Library Journal, named your very own Hewitt Public Library (HPL) an “American Star Library” in 2021. Among the more than 5,846 public libraries assessed for 2021, the top performers —“Star Libraries”— are assigned three, four, or five stars, much like Michelin Guide ratings. The result is a shortlist of public libraries nationwide that demonstrate the highest level of engagement with their communities. The 2021 Star Libraries are scattered across 40 states, and 2021 Star Library status was awarded to 261 libraries nationwide. The LJ Index of Public Library Service reviews data on all public libraries across the country and narrows their selection down to the top libraries that are delivering exceptional service. America’s Star Libraries offers an overall indication of how a library’s performance stacks up to peer libraries, taking into account such measures as computer usage, circulation, program attendance, and library visits. The three-star distinction places the Hewitt Public Library among the top 4.6 percent of all public libraries in the United States! The 2021 scores and ratings are based on the fiscal year 2019 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Public Library Survey. “Receiving a star rating is a testament to the important role HPL plays in making Hewitt such a vibrant community and to the innovative, hard-working staff who bring a wide array of programs, materials, and services to the citizens,” said HPL Director, Waynette Ditto. “Hewitt Public Library is an outstanding library, and we are very proud to be recognized by Library Journal. HPL is incredibly receptive to our community’s needs, and this award highlights that we are doing things right. We pride ourselves for leading in community engagement,” she added.
National Public Radio and other media outlets have reported on how across the country, libraries have seen demand skyrocket for their electronic offerings. Our Hewitt community is no different, with historic highs for digital checkouts during the past 18 months. HPL’s library cardholders enjoy access to more than 50,000 e-books, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, and magazines. Mayor of Hewitt, Steve Fortenberry said, “Congratulations to Waynette Ditto and HPL staff in earning the Top Performers ‘Americas Star Libraries’ for 2021”. Former United States First Lady, Laura Bush once said, “I have found that the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” Fortenberry added, “The Hewitt Library plays so many important roles for our local and surrounding communities. We can’t say enough for the continued dedication shown by Waynette and staff.” “Our national recognition is the result of the continued care and investment in our Hewitt Public Library by the Hewitt City Council, City leaders, Friends of the Hewitt Public Library, as well as the work of the library board and contributions of many donors, volunteers, and our talented staff. Being a Star Library is a great honor, and we will continue to strive for excellence,” Ditto said. Find details about the 2021 ratings on the Library Journal website libraryjournal.com/section/starlibraries. Library Journal is a trade publication for librarians, founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey, inventor of the Dewey decimal system.
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 13
778 Sun Valley Blvd. Hewitt, TX (254) 732-9823
Convenient loca�on. Comfortable rooms. First-class ameni�es. Minutes away from Baylor University, McLane Stadium, Fixer Upper’s® Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Dr Pepper Museum and Cameron Park Zoo. Conveniently located just off I-35 between Aus�n and Dallas. Stay at Ramada in Hewi�, and experience Southern hospitality at its finest.
14 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 15
16 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
Monica Riegel
Wendi Singletary
Analise Sandager
Susan Whitley
Kailyn Conrad
Kristiana Reinhardt
CASTLEMAN CREEK ELEMENTARY
HEWITT ELEMENTARY
SOUTH BOSQUE ELEMENTARY
SPEEGLEVILLE ELEMENTARY
SPRING VALLEY ELEMENTARY
WOODWAY ELEMENTARY
Beth Ann Allison
Melora Roach
Whitney Humphrey
Amber Wilhite
Julie Cantwell
Molly Sanders
RIVER VALLEY INTERMEDIATE
WOODGATE INTERMEDIATE
MIDWAY MIDDLE
MIDWAY MIDDLE
MIDWAY HIGH
MIDWAY HIGH
2022 CAMPUS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
FIND YOUR HOME AT MIDWAY ISD APPLY ONLINE WWW.MIDWAYISD.ORG/JOBS Teachers Nurses Class Aides Office Assistants
Maintenance Custodians Food Service Bus Drivers
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 17
2021 – 2022
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Student of the Year Austin Lewallen • Woodway Elementary
Austin is the daughter of Joshua and Melissa Lewallen. She is the youngest of the Lewallen girls, and keeps her two older sisters on their toes. Her smile and personality light up any room she walks into. Excelling in school from the start, she has been a great inspiration to her family and friends. With the help and support from her grandparents, Greg and Roxann Lewallen of Woodway, Austin is able to participate in many activities. Her interests include reading, soccer, running around the neighborhood with her gang of friends, and country music. She loves the outdoors and exploring God’s creation with family, camping, fishing, and collecting insects. She is as big-hearted and sweet as she is tough and resilient, and looks forward to her future at Midway.
Sadie Webb • South Bosque Elementary
Sadie is a fourth grade student in Mrs. Brown’s class, and is a member of the Kindness Club, Harris Creek Baptist Church, HOT Soccer (her team won the North Texas State Championship this year!) Premier basketball, and is a cheerleader.
Delaney Tomlinson • Speegleville Elementary
Delaney’s awards are many: Principal’s Award, Kindness Award, Gold Medalist in music theory, plus piano and voice lessons. She enjoys singing at Assisted Living facilities and fundraising for the Humane Society. She is a straight A student who loves learning and innovating. As a member of the Gifted and Talented program, she is learning how to channel her innovative spirit into practical uses—such as creating a food truck and making her own board game. She is a kind, caring, encouraging friend to all students, faculty and staff at Speegleville Elementary. She is currently working on raising money for the school’s library to ensure that those who come after her have access to books that are in good condition. She loves reading, but her real passion is music. She aspires to use her voice to encourage and lift up others.
Kayshev Kakakia • Spring Valley Elementary
At age 11, Kayshev is already an entrepreneur! ‘Little Bone Bakery’, a dog treat business he started during COVID, continues to be his passion. Son of Hiral and Vishal Kadaka, Kayshev is a high achiever, well-mannered, very kind and an well-rounded student, per his teacher. Kayshev enjoys math, science and competitive sports. He has been learning Indian classical music for four years, along with reading and writing in his native language (Gujarati) for the past two years. In his free time, Kayshev likes to learn card tricks and enjoys beat boxing. Kayshev wants to start a chess club at Spring Valley Elementary. 18 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
Jermier Bryant • Castleman Creek Elementary
Jermier Bryant is a 5th grade student at CCE who loves to draw and aspires to be an artist one day (he has an Instagram page with some of his favorite drawings). He also enjoys music, dancing, football and he collects football trading cards. Jermier rarely meets a stranger and always becomes the life of any party. If you are having a bad day, Jermier is the boy to go to. He will be your biggest cheerleader. He does everything in his power to encourage and assure you that everything will be just fine. He is respectful, kind, funny, artistic, positive, inspirational, supportive, outgoing and is constantly trying to bring a smile to anyone’s face. His favorite thing to do at home is relax while spending time with family.
Kyleigh Rivera-Sotelo • Hewitt Elementary
Kyleigh is a 5th grader at Hewitt Elementary, and is involved in the Kindness and Compassion Club. Her hobbies include archery, art, and reading in her free time. Kyleigh is a leader and is a good friend to others. She is a sweet, kind, respectful and caring young lady. Her favorite subject is math, and she loves to learn more about how technology works.
Brock Deleon • Woodgate Interrmediate
Brock is a dedicated student and friend, and is extremely focused once he sets his sights on accomplishing a goal. He’s sweet, funny, artistic and talented. His hobbies include drawing, building Legos, and hanging out with his friends and family. He loves helping people and his compassion for others is unmatched. Brock has been an ambassador for his school and has been part of the GT program for the last four years. He is currently serving on the Principal’s Cabinet and is a straight A student. Brock’s extracurricular activities include competing at a higher level in football, basketball, and soccer. He has played tackle football for the past two years, and is part of a successful travel 7on7 team. He’s been chosen to play on select basketball teams, and he has played competitive soccer for the last seven years—allowing him to travel, meet new people, and giving him the opportunity to compete at the next level of competition. He is a leader and captain and is always looking for his next opportunity to make a difference.
Griffin Polnick • River Valley Intermediate
Griffin is the son of Benjie and Kimberly Polnick. He has the unique ability to connect with his peers and teachers alike, and he makes a positive impact on his campus. He is an advocate for others, and speaks out against bullying. He constantly encourages and builds others up, he is selfless, and wherever he goes, people flock to him. Griffin is a member of Harris Creek Baptist Church. He is a well-rounded student and athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. He has been a part of Midway All Stars and has contributed to several season championship teams. He participates in UlL and is a member of the 6th grade boys’ choir. Continued on page 20... HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 19
2021 – 2022
Student of the Year, continued Christian Quetz • Midway Middle School
Christian plays soccer and track at Midway. He is a percussionist in band and has been involved in the Midway Avid Program for the past two years. Christian spends his free time outdoors playing soccer, and eventually wants to pursue a career in medicine where he can help others. He is extremely caring and is always looking for ways to be kind to those around him.
Heidi Quang • Midway High School
Heidi’s accomplishments are many: National AP Scholar, National Spanish Exam gold and silver medal-winner, three-time UIL State Solo and Ensemble Division I rating winner, UIL Cross-Examination Debate State Qualifier, and 2019-2020 Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition Winner (cello). She is the also the Principal Symphony Orchestra cellist, varsity debate team captain, on the UIL academics math team, a member of the Spanish Club/Spanish National Honor Society and computer science clubs. Heid enjoys physics as well. She volunteers for “Music for Heroes” at Doris Miller Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and is praise team cellist at Korean United Methodist Church. Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar is a fun and vibrant Louisiana Restaurant that provides a game day atmosphere perfect for watching any game or celebrating any event! 5601 CROSSLAKE PKWY, WACO, TX 76712 | (254) 732-9200 | WALK-ONS.COM
Hewitt–A Great Place to Live ...continued from page 5
nan Community College offer higher education opportunities for the citizens of Hewitt. The City of Hewitt support a phenomenal city library, fire department, police department, parks and recreation, utilities and numerous churches of many denominations. The challenge to become a major city in McLennan County has been conquered for Hewitt. It is now the second largest community in McLennan County, 20 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
and has been listed in Money Magazine as one of the top places to live in the state of Texas (and the U.S.) Hewitt is a great place to live. It now offers opportunity to own a home of value that will return an investment greater than the purchase price. From rural blackland prairie to a thriving city, Hewitt is a wonderful place to raise a family and share a successful life.
Looking for a unique venue for your next event? Reserve Hewitt’s Creekside Amphitheater!
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ooking for a unique location to host your next concert, performance or event? Check out the Creekside Amphitheater in Warren Park, located at 450 South Old Temple Road in Hewitt. The surrounding park offers 36 acres of land with mature trees, plenty of open green space and a nearby pavilion. Creekside Amphitheater is able to host a variety of mid-sized events, but is charming enough to accommodate more small and private gatherings. Seating is comprised of 42 stone benches to comfortably seat 120+ guests. A large concrete apron in front of the stage allows for placement of chairs or other seating during smaller events. In addition, there are four electric and water hook-ups for food trucks and/or other vendors. We would love to help you plan your next event at this beautiful and very special location. For more information, contact Linda Fish at (254) 296-5698.
Go make some memories. We’ve got the financial services you want and need to keep your life moving.
Relax. Breathe deep. Take in the moment. GENCO has the Mobile Financial Services to meet your needs! When it comes to finding a local, personalized financial institution, make the smart choice F Mobile Banking App F Online Banking F Online Bill Pay F Card Secure F Text Banking F Text Fraud Alerts F Text Notification Alerts …Plus, A Whole Lot More!
www.facebook.com/GENCOFCU | Waco | Lufkin | Woodway/Hewitt Lorena | Bellmead/Lacy Lakeview
www.gencofcu.org | Insured By NCUA | 254.776.9550
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 21
THANK YOU FOR MAKING US WACO’S #1 VET Serving our community since 1983.
We treat your pets like the treasured family members they are.
Call us today! Appointments preferred. Drop-offs welcome.
254-666-5050
22 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
Service Spotlight
O
ne out of every seven patients in hospitals is in need of a blood transfusion. There is no substitute for human blood. Carter BloodCare is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that operates on behalf of patients in 50-plus Texas counties—14 of those in Central Texas. With the support of volunteer blood donors, Carter BloodCare is the primary provider of blood and transfusion services to more than 13 hospitals and healthcare facilities in Central Texas, including Providence, Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest and Olin E. Teague Veteran’s Medical Center. The blood center is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, accredited by AABB, and is a member of America’s Blood Centers. As your community blood center, Carter BloodCare understands the importance of maintaining a steady community blood supply. Hosting a blood drive allows your employees and the community to participate in one part of saving the lives of patients at our local hospitals. Each unit collected at your drive can save three lives. Without consistent donations coming in, there is no way to provide life-saving blood transfusions, so every donation counts. Are you ready to #GiveForLife? We are asking local businesses, churches and organizations to give life to our community by hosting a blood drive. Your support will make a difference by giving someone’s loved one a chance to enjoy that next special life moment. Visit www.carterbloodcare.org/givelife to see the stories of inspiration from a blood donor or a recipient. To schedule a blood drive and impact countless lives all over our community, call Clinton McCoy at (254) 366-9822 or Vickie Carpenter at (254) 855-7244. To learn more about Carter BloodCare, or to find a donor center near you, visit www.carterbloodcare.org.
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henever a Lions Club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better. That’s because we help where help is needed—in our own communities and around the world—with unmatched integrity and energy. When it comes to meeting challenges, our response is simple: We Serve. In 205 countries, in hospitals and senior centers, in regions battered by natural disasters, in schools and in eyeglass recycling centers, Lions are at work—helping, leading, planning and supporting. Because we’re local, we can serve the unique needs of the communities where we live. And because we’re global, we can address challenges that go beyond borders. The Hewitt Lions Club was founded in 1982, and we’ve been serving the greater Hewitt area since that time through awarding scholarships to local students, partnering with other local organizations like Caritas and Habitat for Humanity on service projects, and enabling students with special needs to attend a weeklong summer camp at Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville at no cost to the camper’s family. In 2017, we were fortunate to purchase a WelchAllyn SPOT vision screening device—a handheld portable device used to quickly and easily detect vision issues on persons from 6 months of age through adults. Our club's goal is to ultimately provide free annual vision screenings for each student in Midway ISD. We are always seeking like-minded folks to join in our efforts to serve the community. If you have a heart for service, we need you! With seven different membership types, we have something for everyone—from those with a little extra time on their hands to those with a jam-packed calendar. Visit HewittLionsClub.org for membership types and an application to join.
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 23
Hewitt Happenings
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Special thanks to Raising Cane’s on Hewitt Drive for sponsoring Greater Hewitt Chamber’s 2022 ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
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1 CARQUEST of Hewitt’s ribbon cutting held in January 2 Judge Ryan Luna celebrates his recent ribbon cutting at the McLennan County courthouse 3 GHCOC networking luncheon for members, with guest speaker Ragan Patterson 4 GHCOC Ambassador Kickoff celebration held at Common Grounds in January 5 Triple B’s Smokehouse and Grill in Hewitt celebrates its ribbon cutting in January 6 Turner Brothers Real Estate celebrates its sponsorship of the recent GHCOC annual banquet 7 Bancin Business Services enjoys a great turnout for its ribbon cutting held in March 8 Heartis Waco hosted GHCOC members at its March Business After Hours 9 Jenn Snider with Neat as a Pin was the featured guest speaker at GHCOC’s February Networking Luncheon 10 Atwoods of Hewitt opens its doors to the public with its recent ribbon cutting 11 GHCOC’s board met for its annual January planning meeting at SpringHill Suites in Woodway 12 GHCOC staff Alissa Cady and Kacie Birkes enjoy a March Networking Luncheon presented by BeaconPay Solutions with Ken Noble 13 Halcyon Home celebrates with a large crowd at its ribbon cutting held in late March 14 Celebrating its brand new location on N. Highway 6 is staff and guests who turned out to enjoy Landscape Supply’s ribbon cutting held in March 15 GHCOC board members enjoy leadership networking held at Heartis Waco 16 GHCOC Executive Director Alissa Cady enjoys a photo op with Michael Wyatt as part of his Board Member Spotlight
HewittChamber.com Hewitt Chamber Express | 25
Texas native and realtor Mindy Price is a mother to two adorable children, and married for 6 years. Family is very important to her. She finds joy in helping clients navigate their journey of buying or selling their home, and takes delight in serving the community of Waco and surrounding areas. Minday serves with Waco Association of Realtors, Greater Hewitt Chamber and McGregor Chamber. To reach Minday, call (281) 734-4965. Turner Brothers is the only full-service real estate company offering residential, commercial and property management brokerage services in Central Texas. We exceed expectations by delivering responsive solution-oriented communication and putting forth consistent unmatched effort. Turner Brothers Development is a local leader in urban redevelopment—with over 1 million square feet of commercial and residential space redeveloped over 25 new construction and adaptive re-use projects including Tinsley Square, Altura Luxury Lofts, The Lofts at Franklin Square, UParks Village, West Bay and Union Hall. For more information, visit tbretexas.com or call (254) 759-8027. Twisted Bubble Station is the brand new boba tea shop in town! From perfect powder bubble teas to bubble teas, mix and match flavors and boba types to craft your perfect drink. We have tapioca pearls, bursting boba, jellies and crystal boba in several flavors. Self-service kiosks are available, but our friendly staff is eager and willing to help. Enjoy our freshly-cooked “bubble” waffles, wrapped and stuffed with ice cream and toppings, too. Visit us at 1213 S. Hewitt Drive or call 254-300-4241. 26 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
NEW MEMBER
“The overall mission at CENTURY 21, Icon of going above and beyond for our clients fits right in with my focus of building business plans, setting goals, delivering quality service and the best experience possible,” said Aaron Tucker, “We look forward to leveraging everything the CENTURY 21 brand has to offer to have an even greater impact on people’s lives and the communities that we are blessed to serve.” CENTURY 21, Icon opened in December 2021. Aaron and his team are already having an impact on people’s lives, and are looking for relentless sales professionals to join his growing real estate company. He invites area residents looking for a new career, or industry professionals looking for a new home to visit 1512 Lake Air Drive, Suite 117 in Waco, or to call (254) 633-2121.
SP TLIGHT
Welcome to Athletico-Hewitt, located on Hewitt Drive next to Dunkin Donuts. We offer a large variety of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and Workers’ Compensation services provided by our experienced clinicians who are passionate about helping you reach your goals. Personalized treatment plans are created specifically for each patient with focus on eliminating pain and reducing risk of future injuries. Athletico, also leverages third-party patient outcome reporting to provide measurable data on each patient’s progression throughout the course of treatment. Our clinic offers convenient hours, including early mornings and later evenings as well. Visit Athletico.com to learn more about our expertise and areas of available treatments.
YOUR IDEAL SETTING FOR
CONFERENCES, MEETINGS AND EVENTS.
SINCE
2012
PAVI LI ON AT T H E A R B O R E T U M
The award-winning Carleen Bright Arboretum offers a variety of indoor and outdoor locations for holding your next event. The high-speed internet access, full AV capabilities, flexibility of bringing in outside caterers and the unparalleled scenery makes the Carleen Bright Arboretum the perfect venue for all your event needs.
DISCOVERWOODWAY.COM
254-399-9204
Life Tips from a Busy Mom ALISSA CADY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREATER HEWITT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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ave you ever wondered how working moms carry on day in and day out? Typical comments we receive are, “I just don’t see how you do it,” “What’s your secret?”, “You sure have your hands full,” or “I can’t even imagine life in your shoes!” Before revealing the inside scoop, let’s review a day in the life of a working mom. First, she’s already thinking about the long list of household and office To-Dos before her feet ever touch the floor. Shopping, cooking, cleaning and building relationships are on one end of the spectrum—with appointments, deadlines, management and presentations on the other. Her mind never shuts down.
Tip #1: Positivity and Confidence Embracing your own uniqueness and remaining positive are empowering, and both aid in building confidence to create daily victories. The world may not realize your children had a cereal fight during breakfast, or a meltdown in the car because of opposite tastes in fashion. Characteristics such as the above play an important role in leadership development for both the professional environment and the instillation of core family values.
Tip #2: Organization “If you fail to plan, then you are planning to fail” is one of my all-time favorite quotes by Benjamin Franklin. I’ve found that by planning our family’s day in advance, the morning rush is alleviated and we’re one step ahead in conquering the day. Checklists and preparation will help to properly schedule appointments and meetings. 28 | Hewitt Chamber Express Spring 2022
• Lay out clothes • Review daily planner • Pack lunches • Label lunches, backpacks, blankets, etc. • Complete homework • Load the car • Story time • Laundry • Baths and bedtime • Weekly Drop-off and Pick-up schedule organization • Confirm appointments Catch up on school communication and personal errands during lunch hours in order to spend more time with family on the weekend. Consistent routines and time management skills will begin to develop when systems are put in place. Keeping organized throughout the day is simplified when re-prioritizing occurs as tasks are checked off the list.
Tip #3: Balance and Gratitude Watch for opportunities to save time and prioritize tasks by their level of urgency. Adapting quickly and having back-up plans in place can transition a worst-case scenario situation into strengthening your character. I’m extremely fortunate to have a local family support system that caters to our eventful lifestyle. Show your appreciation by keeping family and work separate. It’s comforting to realize there’s not a right or wrong way to tackle your day—it’s what works for you and your family. Remember to breathe, and that the idea of achieving perfection is not realistic. Just keep going...you’ll be fine.
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