TYLER COC MEDICAL ROAD SHOW DR. BRENDA KAYS PRESIDENT OF CHANGE
EAST TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICTS BUMP SALARIES
UTT SBDC VIRGEL CONNER GRABS AWARD
From Oil Capital to Renaissance City: Ronnie Spradlin Leads the Transformation Plus Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County offerings
Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars
By BCP STAFF
If someone contacts you unexpectedly and tells you to buy gold bars and hand them to someone (anyone!) to “protect your money,” you’ve spotted a scam. Instead of doing what they say, stop. Want to know how these scams work and how to avoid them? Read on. You might get a message, email, or call saying your bank account or computer was hacked. Or they say your name and Social Security number are linked to crimes. To gain your trust, they say they’re govern-
ment agents or law enforcement (they are not) — and then they pressure you to act fast. To “protect your money,” they tell you to buy gold bars and hand them to someone. Or they say to move your money to a “secure government” account or withdraw cash and give it to someone to “keep it safe.” But those are all scams.
In fact, no one from the government will ever tell you to buy and deliver gold bars, move your money, or give cash to anyone. If someone does, that's a scammer.
To help you spot the scam, here are some things to listen for:
“Buy gold bars and hand them to someone” is a scam. It doesn’t matter who they say you’re giving the bars to. Don’t give bars to a courier, and don’t deliver them. It’s a scam.
“Move your money to protect it” is a scam. Nobody legit will tell you to protect your money by transferring or withdrawing it from your bank or investment accounts. But scammers will.
“Withdraw cash and give it to [anyone]” is a scam. Always. Every time. It’s a scam.
If you hear any of these, stop. Hang up. Delete the email. Stop texting. Block their number. Tell someone you trust what happened, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud. ftc.gov.
www.texasbankandtrust.com
Hello ipm family and friends. Welcome to August. We hope that everyone is doing well and staying cool from the Texas sweltering summer heat. In this edition, you will find the story of Ronnie Spradlin. He is an epitome of hard work. He started working Saturdays and summers at age twelve at his grandfather’s lumber yard weighing nails and sweeping floors. Get to know more about this man of the people from page 6.
Moreover, the story of Dr. Brenda Kays is fascinating. She has dedicated her life to educating people one student at a time. Flip this magazine and read about a woman who broke glass ceilings and is redefining success one student at a time. But wait, that is not all.
New school year, new benefits, and better salaries for our educators even though their work is priceless. Thanks educators and their staff. The two largest school districts in the region, Longview and Tyler independent school districts raised their teachers and staff, bumping up their salaries. The stories are from page 12. Last but not the least comment is about Alzheimer’s illness that is on the rise with no abatement. The good news is – there is all sorts of help and how one can actually dodge this dreadful illness. Read the story from page 20.
We hope that you will read all the stories in this issue, and we look forward to serving you again in September by His grace.
Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D.
LT Class 22 - The Best Class Ever. “Double Deuce.”
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Agbayani
Guido
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Ronnie Spradlin works hard as mayor of Kilgore, and for him it is nothing new. His story is a clinic on how to earn fruits from labor and doing it very well. Also on the cover is Tyler Chamber of Commerce medical Committee tour to a nonprofit organization, Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County has been gently but steadily and progressively working to achieve its aim to “provide life-changing support to people living with dementia and their caregivers.”
His strong bond with Kilgore and its residents fuels his ongoing commitment to serve. He deeply values each individual and is continually inspired by the community’s drive to improve.
Story by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI www.infinitieplusmag.com
Ronnie Spradlin works hard as mayor of Kilgore, and for him it is nothing new.
His story is a clinic on how to earn fruits from labor and doing it very well. He matured under the influence of very industrious parents, and now he makes working hard his main concern. He grew up watching his father serve on church committees, for schools and various non-profits, including the Kilgore Independent School District’s board of directors and thirty years as a Kilgore College Trustee. After serving as a Kilgore College Rangerette, his mother taught her four boys the value of staying busy by
being a room mom and taking them to various and assorted activities. Civic involvement was always a major aspect of their lives.
“I saw my family start out from a meager beginning,” he says. “I was brought home from the hospital to a threeroom apartment over the lumber yard. I saw my family work hard, scrimp and save to provide a better life for their boys.”
He had a grandmother who faithfully oversaw her brood’s weekly church attendance, and equally faithfully spreading out before them a sumptuous Sunday dinner. The Sabbath was time for family interaction and love, but weekdays were devoted to the family business–East Texas Lumber.
“I started working
Saturdays and summers at age twelve, weighing nails and sweeping floors,” he says. “I learned to drive a forklift before I drove an automobile. It was the only place I ever worked my entire life.”
Although his mother was a Longview native, it was only natural that Ronnie matriculated strictly through the Kilgore school system,
graduating from Kilgore College and serving as a Rangerette manager. He even accompanied the Rangerettes on a sixteen-day tour through Hong Kong, Macao, and Korea.
Still, it was the family business that was his true calling. He finished his college education by pulling down a finance degree from the University of Texas at Tyler
while still working at the lumber yard after school, on weekends and holidays. There was never any doubt about his career.
“After graduating in 1979 I came to work full time,” he says. “My dad retired in 1983, and I bought the business from the family in 1983. I ran East Texas Lumber until I retired and sold it in 2022.”
It is important to note, his long tenure as a buyer and seller of wood has not stopped him from working hard and long in the service of his beloved city, Kilgore, Texas. Being a public servant has seen him participate and serve several civic organizations including the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation which he helped to create, serving as its president four times, president of
“I saw my family start out from a meager beginning. I was brought home from the hospital to a threeroom apartment over the lumber yard. I saw my family work hard, scrimp and save to provide a better life for their boys.”
- Mayor Ronnie Spradlin
the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, Kilgore Boys and Girls Club, and on numerous church committees.
It was all a build-up and preparation for his move into the position of mayor.
“After four years on the [city] council I ran for mayor for the first time,” he says. “I am serving my fifteenth year as mayor, having run nine times.
Next May I will complete my 20th year on the Kilgore City Council.”
It is a long-running community joke that Kilgore does not have an office for its mayor, but this has not stopped Spradlin from serving his community with skill and effectiveness no matter where he interacts with the residents.
“I usually meet and talk with my constituents in either one of two places,” he says.
“It is usually the milk aisle at Brookshires or the milk aisle at Wal-Mart.”
Furthermore, he spends most of his time interacting with locals updating them with what is happening in their city and what they can next expect from their local government. According to Spradlin, his voters have many varied perspectives and interests in
civic matters. Hence, he briefs them on local parks and trails; police, fire and EMT services, youth facilities and right on down to when potholes will be filled in.
or appreciated,” he says. “I feel like my presence makes organizations and people feel like the city cares about them.”
The effects of his public work extend even into Sunday worship as he tries to attend at least ten churches yearly to further extend his influence on the well-being of as many people as possible. He has issued more than 300 proclamations to keep his electorate well-informed on various community milestones and accomplishments.
Importantly, he has volunteered at Project Graduation for thirty-five years and Junior Achievement fifteen times. His life of community service speaks for itself. For many years he has sat on the board of Kilgore National, spent four years as president of the Community Development board, and the past few years on the Gregg County Appraisal Review board.
But wait. That is not all.
In 1990. Spradlin was named Citizen of the Year, and in 2007 he was recognized as a UT-Tyler Distinguished Alumnus. He performs inperson walking history tours downtown, enthusiastically providing an oral chronicle of the city.
“I am known for dressing up for events and festivals,” he says. “I have worn a top hat in the Christmas parade fourteen years in a row.”
“I try to be at any event happening in Kilgore where my attendance is expected Contd. on Page 10
Serving his citizenry as mayor is his passion. He loves speaking to Boy Scout troops, to Lion’s and Rotary clubs, senior citizens, and tourists, sharing news on where Kilgore has been, is now and where it is going. His deep attachment to Kilgore and its people is a driving force, motivating him to ongoing and determined
efforts on their behalf. He never loses sight of how important everybody is, and the way Kilgore’s people are so incredibly positive about making it an even better place via constant improvements in general is a great blessing to his own efforts in this direction. Since he, the mayor, and the city council receive no salary for
their services there can be no doubt as to the sincerity of their intentions. It can be a savory mission.
“I love to try the specialty in each family restaurant in Kilgore,” he says. Most downtown restaurants know what I'm getting as soon as I enter–although I do switch up my ice cream flavors now and then.”
“I started working Saturdays and summers at age twelve, weighing nails and sweeping floors. I learned to drive a forklift before I drove an automobile. It was the only place I ever worked my entire life.”
- Mayor Ronnie Spradlin
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Spradlin even (and somehow) finds time to pursue his love of the outdoors. He eagerly jets down frigid snow slopes; he kayaks and expertly white-water rafts. In addition, he savors gardening by taking care of the planters at city hall and a couple other businesses. He even keeps honeybees and is addicted to whole milk.
“You can see me most days with my half gallon of Horizon milk in hand,” he says. “Most council meetings I drink the entire half gallon.” Spradlin loves his city and everything it has to offer, people and all.
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In the course of its monthly July scheduled school board meeting, the Tyler Independent School District’s (TISD) Board of Trustees approved its Budget and Compensation Structure for 2025-2026, instituting significant payroll increases reflecting the recent passage of House Bill 2 by the Texas Legislature.
This new legislation provides $8.5 billion to fund public education throughout the state by financing both teacher pay increases, and substantial formula boosts to assist educators and their efforts throughout the Lone Star State.
TISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford trumpets the positive effects that will result from this educators’ financial boon.
“We’re incredibly appreciative that the legislature was able to get House Bill 2 across the finish line,” he said. “This means a $2500 or even $5000 raise for many of our teachers in Tyler ISD, which is a major step forward in valuing their work and commitment.”
The new plan’s specifics are as follows:
• Starting salaries for certified teachers will jump by $1500 to $52,000.
• Teachers with 1 year experience will receive a $1500 raise despite not being funded by HB 2.
• Teachers with 2 years’ experience will receive a $1000 raise even though not funded by HB 2 or included in prior pay scale increases.
• Teachers with 3-4 years’ experience will receive a $2500 raise, which is provided by HB 2.
• Teachers with 5+ years’ experience will receive a
By MICHAEL GUIDO
$5000 raise, provided by HB 2.
• Moreover, TISD approved the following pay increases apart from those funded by HB 2:
• 3% increase of the midpoint of the pay grade for professional employees.
• 5% increase of the midpoint for clerical and manual trades employees.
Employees already covered by the TISD teacher pay scale although not classified as certified teachers under HB 2 will get salary increases outlined by the district’s existing compensation structure.
Awelfare worker, visiting in the home of one of her clients, discovered a crippled child that had never gone to school because he was unable to walk. Her compassionate heart was deeply touched by his condition, and she decided to do something out of the ordinary for him.
Initially, she took him to a distinguished orthopedic surgeon who performed several procedures to correct the problems in his legs. Then a podia-
trist corrected the problems with his crooked feet. Little by little he learned to walk and run and play. He also learned to read and write and made enough progress to attend school with his friends.
One day, in telling this story to a group of her friends she said, “He is now a grown man. And I want you to tell me where you think he is and what he is doing.”
“No,” she said with tears in her eyes. “He is now in prison serving a life term for murder. You see, we spent all of our time in teaching him how to walk and run, read and write, but we did not teach him where to walk and what to read and who he should communicate with.”
David prayed, “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.”
After a few moments her colleagues began to reply: “A doctor?” asked one. “No,” she responded. “A minister?” wondered another. “No,” she replied. “I know,” said a third, “a welfare worker because of your influence on his life.”
Visit us at: SowerMinistries.org
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / www.infinitieplusmag.com
In keeping with its growing expectations and demands for success from its educators and their students, the Longview Independent School District (LISD) has increased compensation for its teachers and staff. The previously approved raise increases sets the new minimum pay for teachers at $55,000. In addition, the LISD Board of Trustees has given the green light to a newer pay plan for the 2025-2026 school year.
Hourly staff with pocket a 3% increase, and administration professionals will take home a 2% raise. Librarians and registered nurses will receive a $1500 boost. It is important to note, this is a $714,259.46 investment in LISD staff. There is more.
In June, the LISD embraced the new tiered, experience-based pay structure:
• $1500 raise for new teachers.
• $1535 raise for secondyear teachers.
• $2500 raise for teachers with 3-4 years’ experience.
• $5000 raise for teachers with 5+ years’ experience. Additionally, $1000 supplemental stipends will
be paid to teachers with master’s degrees, and $1500 for those with doctorates.
The highest-paid teachers will now be making upwards of $100,000. LISD Chief of Human Resources Officer Shalona McCray outlined the anticipated positive results of this increased compensation.
“We are excited to go into the year able to give everyone a raise,” she said. “These targeted increases, layered on across all roles, reflect our commitment to fairness and to honoring the work happening
in classrooms, libraries, nurses’ offices and every support role.”
Furthermore, the board’s decision helps make Longview ISD a more appealing workplace and directly supports student success by retaining experienced, qualified teachers to ensure consistent, high-quality education.
Moreover, this pay hike supports Longview ISD’s goal of staying competitive in attracting top talent by prioritizing staff appreciation, ultimately fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
Safe and stored: How to choose the right storage facility
Choosing a storage facility isn’t just about space - or costit’s about trust. Before handing over your valuables, take time to research, ask questions, and understand the fine print. A little homework now can save you a lot of heartache later.
By MECHELE MILLS
Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or simply seeking extra space, selecting the right storage facility is crucial to safeguarding your belongings. The self-storage industry has seen significant growth and changes in recent years, so making an informed decision is more important than ever.
Industry Overview
As of 2024, the U.S. selfstorage industry boasts over 52,000 facilities, generating approximately $23.6 billion in annual revenue. Texas leads the nation with more than 5,500 facilities, reflecting the state's high demand for storage solutions. And demand remains high with occupancy rates near 90% nationwide. While storage facilities offer convenience, be mindful of the issues reported by consumers, including:
Unauthorized access and theft:
Instances of breakins and stolen items have been reported, with some customers alleging inadequate security measures.
Pest infestations:
Grievances about rodent and insect infestations leading to damaged goods are not uncommon.
Billing disputes:
Sudden rent increases and unexpected fees have led to customer dissatisfaction and disputes with storage facilities.
Insurance challenges: Some customers have faced difficulties with insurance claims, particularly when policies are sold through the storage facility itself.
To ensure a positive storage experience, BBB recommends the following:
Research and compare:
Obtain written estimates from multiple facilities. Inquire about all potential fees, including administrative costs, late payment penalties, and charges for additional services like climate control or insurance.
Assess security measures:
Choose facilities equipped with robust security features, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and on-site personnel. Ensure that the facility maintains a secure environment to protect your belongings.
Understand the contract:
Carefully review the rental agreement. Pay attention to terms regarding rent increases, access hours, termination policies, and liability clauses. Ensure that all verbal promises are documented in writing.
Physically inspect the unit:
Verify insurance coverage:
Determine whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers items stored off-site. If not, consider purchasing insurance through a reputable thirdparty provider. Be cautious of insurance policies offered directly by storage facilities and understand the terms and coverage limits.
Before signing a contract, visit the facility to inspect the unit for cleanliness, structural integrity, and signs of pests. Confirm that climatecontrolled units maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
Monitor your account on a regular basis:
Check your billing statements regularly to ensure accuracy. Set reminders for
payment due dates to avoid late fees or potential loss of access to your unit. Make sure you are up to date on your payments. You don’t want your storage unit to be labeled “abandoned” and put up for auction.
Stay informed. Staying vigilant and informed can help you avoid common pitfalls associated with self-storage rentals. Go to bbb.org to find a trustworthy storage facility near you.
Virgel Conner, a senior business adviser at The University of Texas at Tyler –Longview Small Business Development Center, received the 2025 North Texas SBDC Network’s “State Star” award.
The annual award recognizes exemplary performance by Texas business advisers in the SBDC program. Conner will be honored at the national SBDC conference in September.
“This is the highest honor a SBDC business adviser can receive, and Virgel is so deserving. His passion, innovative spirit and tireless commitment have helped countless entrepreneurs turn their dreams into thriving realities,” said Day Shelmire, center director. “The announcement goes hand in hand with our UT Tyler-hosted center being named SBDC of the Year in 2024, and two of our clients being recognized this year by the US Small Business Administration.”
Conner holds more than
21 years of experience in the program. He has served small businesses across three North Texas SBDC field centers, most recently joining the UT Tyler – Longview SBDC in 2019.
The UT Tyler – Longview SBDC provides expert advice and consulting services to small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them start and grow successful businesses in Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Upshur and Rusk Counties.
To learn more, email Shelmire atdshelmire@ uttyler.edu, or visit: uttylerlongviewsbdc.org.
Story by JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI
The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Medical Committee took its road show to a non-profit organization, Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County. Chamber President Henry Bell, Chief Operating Officer Grant Bell, Regional Director, Marketing and Clinic Operations Jess Mowery; UTT Associate Vice President for Government Relations Courtney Smith and many others were in attendance.
The organization’s Marketing and Education Coordinator, Rebecca Smith, spoke to the audience and made clear their goal - to “provide life-changing support to people living with dementia and their caregivers.” “We are just scratching the surface of the need,” she says. “We want to be able to grow to serve more and more clients as the cases increase.”
The Alliance serves approximately 1200 clients/patients annually, with half being return patients and half are newcomers. Since Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cause irreversible damage, some clients die yearly. Hence, the Alliance provides memory screenings,
case management, respite services, counselling and monthly support groups for caregivers, training for caregivers, a Day Club program and assistance to patients in the early stages of dementia. This is a vital resource since, according to Smith, a conservative estimate of dementia victims who will need help in the near future is 4500.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides the sobering, tragic figures that six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. Even more, one of every three seniors that die annually are dementia patients. So far in 2025, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have cost the nation a whopping $321 billion. Barring advances in effective treatment this could balloon to $1 trillion by 2050. Alzheimer's already kills more people than breast and prostate cancer put together. This dire situation is especially relevant to East Texas region. According to UT Health Northeast the incidence of Alzheimer’s is slightly above the national average in Texas, and even higher here in East Texas.
“Sadly, a majority of our cli-
ents don’t come to see us until the dementia has progressed significantly and they are in crisis mode,” Smith says. “It kills me when I ask seniors if they would like to do a free, tenminute memory screening, and they back away saying, ‘Oh no, I don’t want to know.’ I do understand it’s a scary prospect, but getting a regular memory screening is a great way to catch Alzheimer’s or other dementia in the early stages. When you start interventions early, you can better insure a good quality of life for as long as possible.
Memory screenings are especially crucial for those who have already noticed one or more of the ten symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Memory loss that disrupts one’s daily life. Simply forgetting why, you walked into a room is probably nothing to worry about, but people who constantly repeat themselves, become dependent on post it notes to achieve daily functions, or need someone else to remind them of things, however, is worrisome.
Other ominous developments are difficulty in problem solving, and performing func-
tions such as going to familiar places may indicate early onset and should be professionally diagnosed. Being confused by time beyond merely having trouble keeping track of dates, difficulty in comprehending visual images and spatial relationships, difficulty speaking, reading, and writing, misplacing familiar objects and being unable to retrace steps are all causes for concern.
Making flagrantly poor decisions and/or judgement, unwise financial moves, neglecting personal hygiene, withdrawal from social functions, and changes in mood and personality should all be examined.
Smith explained that a memory screening is not a drastic, intimidating procedure, and can even be taken online. They consist of a simple list of questions and assignments that evaluate memory, command of language, thought processes and additional brain functions compose the evaluation, and can determine whether further examination is needed.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America describes how “four tests meet accepted cri-
Alzheimer’s disease is slightly above the national average in Texas, and even higher in East Texas - UT Health Northeast
teria for use as a screening instrument: effective, easy to administer and validated by research. They are the General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), MINICOG, Memory Impairment Screen (MIS), and Brief Alzheimer’s Screening (BAS.)
Testing is also available locally from the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County by appointment. Those who give the tests will review the results with the person being screened and recommend whether the tested person should undergo further examination by physicians or clinicians. Results of these screenings are strictly confidential. The participant will be given his/her test results to present to healthcare professionals at additional examinations and to be placed in medical files. Such memory screenings do not specifically diagnose conditions and cannot replace person-to-person consultation with a doctor.
According to Smtih, an additional objective of the Alzheimer’s Alliance is the well-being,
emotional state, and training of caregivers. The National Institute of Health reports: “Levels of psychological distress and stress are significantly higher, and levels of self-efficacy, subjective well-being, and physical health significantly lower in dementia caregivers than in other caregivers. These differences are even higher when compared with non-caregivers.”
“We see caregivers carry a huge burden of guilt, and many exhaust themselves,” Smith says.
Despite the heartbreaking prevalence of dementia cases, Smith reports medical research is producing highly effective tools to combat this disease.
“I’ve seen research that [indicates] that experts believe 40% of cases can be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes,” she says. “Taking care of yourself is so important for your brain.”
For additional information on the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County and how to use its resources, visit alzalliance. org.
It is important to recognize that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Many conditions contribute to dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term that alludes to various conditions arising from damage to brain cells that affect the cells ability to communicate. This damage can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and his or her behavior and emotions, says the Alzheimer’s Association. There are several types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of them. The symptoms of dementia include:
Problems with daily routine activities
• Memory loss that can include both short-term and long-term memory issues
• Difficulties with thinking,
problem-solving or language that are severe enough to impact daily activities
• Changes in mood or behavior
Symptoms of AD can overlap with other types of dementia. However, unlike other dementias that may affect only one part of the brain, AD generally affects most of the brain. The most common early symptom of AD is difficulty remembering new information. That’s because AD typically affects the part of the brain associated with learning first, says the Alzheimer’s Association. As the disease progresses, which is bound to do because it is degenerative, symptoms become more severe. Disorientation, confusion and behavioral changes may become more pronounced. Over time, even speaking, walking and swallowing can become difficult
due to changes to the brain.
Importantly, the National Institute on Aging explains that abnormal buildup of proteins known as amyloid plaque and tau tangles are implicated in dementia occurrence. People with AD also may experience a loss of connections between neurons in the brain. Neurons are responsible for transmitting messages between different parts of the brain, and from the brain to muscles and organs in the body.
Moreover, AD is not the only type of dementia. Here is a look at some lesser-known forms of the disease.
• Vascular dementia: After AD, vascular dementia is the next most type of dementia. Vascular dementia occurs when there is trouble with the blood supply to the brain, which often occurs after a stroke.
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies: This dementia is linked to the presence of Lewy bodies, which are clumps of proteins in the brain. Symptoms of this dementia mimic both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which can make it hard to diagnose.
• Frontotemporal dementia: This dementia affects the frontotemporal lobes, impacting language, thinking and behavior.
• Mixed dementia: This occurs when two or more dementias are happening at the same time. AD and vascular dementia usually are responsible for mixed dementia. A visit to the doctor is warranted whenever personality, memory and language issues are present.
The Alzheimer's Association and the Mayo Clinic recommend these strategies to help reduce dementia risk.
• Reduce risk for heart disease. Some autopsy studies show that as many as 80 percent of individuals with AD also have cardiovascular disease. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels may, in turn, help individuals reduce their risk for AD.
• Eat a balanced diet. Many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein coming from sources containing omega-3 fatty acids.
• Embrace physical activity. Regular physical activity may lower the risk of AD as well as vascular dementia. Exercise can boost blood and oxygen
flow in the brain.
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help maintain brain health and reduce the risk for various diseases.
• Avoid head injuries. Always wear protective safety equipment when participating in sports or while riding motorcycles or other motorized vehicles
• Maintain social connections and activity. A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as people age might lower the risk of cognitive decline as well as AD.
• Keep a healthy weight. Manage weight through diet and exercise. Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid a dementia diagnosis, certain lifestyle changes may help people reduce their risk.
Men and women share various health concerns. However, certain health issues affect women differently and more frequently than men. In addition, certain health conditions, such as cervical cancer, are exclusive to women.
Women who want to take charge of their health can recognize that various conditions and diseases are more common than others. The following are five
common and notable health issues affecting women today.
Heart disease:
Heart disease affects more than 60 million women in the United States and is the leading cause of death for women. Heart disease can affect women of all ages. Despite this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says only 56 percent of women recognize the prevalence of heart disease. In addition, it's important to note that most women between the ages of
40 and 60 have at least one or more risk factors for heart disease and likely do not even realize it.
Breast cancer:
Routine mammograms and other breast cancer screenings can help women detect breast cancer at its earliest stage when it is most treatable.
Cervical and ovarian cancer:
Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, which is part of the lower uterus, while
ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Pap smears can detect cervical cancer, but currently there is no screening test for ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam and ultrasound or other imaging may be recommended if doctors suspect the presence of ovarian cancer.
Reproductive health issues:
The Orlando Clinical Research Center says that
reproductive issues can have a major affect on women's quality of life and overall health. Some common issues include uterine fibroids, gynecological cancers, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Pain, heavy or irregular periods and other discharges may be symptoms of these types of conditions.
Mental
Rates of anxiety and depression are higher among women than men. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that, from the time a girl reaches puberty until about the age of 50, she is twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder as a man.
Recognition of the most common health issues to affect women can help them get the care they need to live long, healthy lives.
Individuals have to juggle many different responsibilities on a daily basis. Those who own businesses, work fullor part-time jobs, have children, spouses or partners, or aging family members that require assistance, will often find they are pulled in different directions. In many cases, business/work takes priority over family time because people rely on their business/jobs for the income that funds their lifestyles. Rather than jeopardizing that income, certain individuals will make time concessions that favor business/ employment over personal relationships and family time. Learning to balance work and life better may come from following these tips.
1. FIND MORE TIME.
While there’s no way to add extra hours to the day, you can
add extra hours to your schedule. One way to do so is to wake up earlier or stay up later. Some people prefer the quiet time to get things done while others are asleep. If you can afford to shave an hour from your sleeping schedule (provided you already are getting enough), this approach can make a significant difference.
2. LIMIT DISTRACTIONS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. Schedule tasks that require your utmost concentration when others are not around. Perhaps this means coming into the office during off-peak hours or waiting until a spouse or the kids go to their respective places of work or school before you start on things that require greater concentration.
3. FIGURE OUT YOUR HOME PRIORITIES. Schedule your home priorities just as you would work meet-
ings and other responsibilities.
4. MAXIMIZE YOUR PTO.
Chances are you are entitled to a certain number of days off. Do not squander the opportunity to use these days. It will not make you a hero if you give up on time off. Map out priorities for the next couple of months and see where your time away from work will be needed. Then utilize PTO for these events as well as vacations.
5. END WORK AT A CERTAIN TIME.
There is a saying that Work expands to fill the time allotted. It’s easy to let work infiltrate home time.
Finding work-life balance can take time and require breaking established habits, but it is one way to reduce stress and feel more personally satisfied.
Many people see their careers as one of their defining characteristics. Work is undoubtedly a major component of life for most people from the time they leave school to the day when they retire. And a growing number of adults value work so much that they pivot themselves to second careers. A phenomenon known as Unretirement occurs when people who have previously retired return to the workforce for various reasons. According to a recent Retirement Saving & Spending Study from T. Rowe Price, around 20 percent of retirees are working either full- or parttime, while 7 percent of study respondents are looking for employment. A second trip around the employment block can involve an entirely different line of work.
The following are some things to look for in a second act.
• Flexibility: Choose a career path that enables you to set your own schedule or possibly work part-time if that is your preference. This way you can still reap some of the benefits of retirement, including the flexibility to travel.
• Social interaction: Adults may lose daily opportunities to be social when they retire, which can compound feelings of isolation common among retirees. Consider a second career that lets you interact with a number of people and continue to build relationships and a good network.
• Personal passions: Reflect on what you might do for work if money were no object. This may help you narrow down new opportunities that are in line with your interests and passions. A former graphic artist, for example, may decide to teach design to young people.
• Nonprofit opportunities: Many retirees spent years in high-stress corporate environments where bottom lines may be more important than the bigger picture. Shifting to a career in the nonprofit sector can be a personally fulfilling job that utilizes skills learned in the corporate world.
• Consulting or contract work: If you’re a retiree who loved your job, you might want to have a second career as a consultant or contractor in the same field. A number of retirees ultimately explore second careers. Finding a match may be easier than one could have imagined.
From 2003-2004 Kays was at the University of North Texas at Denton, working in Graduate and Undergraduate Curriculum Design, and Advanced Facilitation Strategies and Leadership. From 2003-2008 she was at Wayland Baptist University in Wichita Falls, serving in Graduate and Undergraduate-Educating Students from Diverse Backgrounds/Multicultural Education and Microcomputer Applications in Education. There is more.
Back in 1999-2005, during her time at Vernon College she also worked in EMT Train the Trainer. Also, during this period (starting in 1997) she was Program Coordinator and Faculty Substance Abuse counsellor, and from 1997-2000 was Correctional Officer Diversity Training. This past May 16 was her 40th anniversary as a community col lege educator. Her career path is
one born of necessity that turned into a passion.
As a newlywed with empty pockets and a not-particularlyin-demand bachelor’s degree in psychology she applied for a job at Vernon Regional Junior College’s Sheppard Air Force Base campus. She glowed with an air of competence and was immediately hired.
“I didn’t necessarily choose the mission of community colleges, but it certainly chose me,” she says. “It got into my DNA, and I have never looked back.”
Community colleges are post-secondary institutions providing their students with second, third, fourth and even fifth chances for successful higher education. Until recently the only portion of the populace that usually sought post-secondary education was the uppermost classes.
tive Counsel, board president for the Texas Association of Community Colleges, the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement, the Rural Leader Learning Community, is board president for Arts!Longview, and is a member of Rotary International.
new and vital resource for those needing post-secondary studies. It serves as a great equalizer, providing access to vocational opportunities to many who otherwise would be condemned to
“Every day of my career I’ve
witnessed firsthand that we, as community college educators, change lives daily,” she says. “It is both a tremendous responsibility and an extraordinary privilege.”
Furthermore, she recommends that others seeking a sense of accomplishment in improving the lot of others would do better to not try and follow in her footsteps, but to walk beside her and let her guide and support them throughout their learning processes.
Moreover, her work in this field led her to launch and brilliantly direct Origins of Success as a career-coaching and consulting resource to help its customers learn to “love their Mondays” and to further advance the growth and nurturing of up-and-coming post-secondary teachers and advocates. Still, she never forgets to give credit where it is due.
“My faith is grounded in a personal relationship with God,” she says.
Dr. Brenda Kays’ incredible career as a community college educator in Texas and North Carolina is a forty-year testament to her love of providing scholarly training as a means for her endless list of students to achieve success and solvency. Prior to her being hired as Kilgore College president she was the ninth president of Stanly college–the first woman to serve in those positions. She pulled down her doctorate in applied technology, training, and development from the University of North Texas.
Her shadow has successfully fallen on a seemingly endless procession of institutions of higher learning. She has a master’s degree in counseling from Midwestern State University and is even a licensed professional counsellor. She is a member of the Board of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Execu-
In the autumn of 2021, the Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dade Phelan appointed her to the Texas Commission on Community College Finance, leading directly to the passage of House Bill 8, that allocated more than $683 million in funding for an effective outcomes-based model for Texas community colleges. Importantly, Dr. Kays is noted for her expertise as a vocational and technical educator. In 2023, this led to her serving as a special advisor to the Texas Commission of Higher Education’s project to create and implement a program for the implementation and supervision of workforce development opportunities and initiatives statewide.
In addition, her brilliance in coalition and partnership building led to her working in various capacities with the city of Kilgore, the Laird Foundation, the Christus Healthcare System, and with Kilgore College. Her collaboration with these entities resulted in $30 million in funding for the Health Science and Education Complex.
And Dr. Kays is not done. At least not yet.
By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI /INFINITIEPLUSMAG.COM
P hotos by VIZCRE8VE MEDIA
Although Brenda S. Kays now serves excellently as president of Kilgore College, her career path has been a long and winding road to vocational success for herself and many others. She and husband Dennis A. Kays have just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and are still on their honeymoon. They are a very welloiled machine when it comes to careers. Still, she has had other prime examples.
While growing up in Wisconsin, she saw in her parents two magnificent influences on how to succeed and improve the lives of others. Her mother Alice Mae Olsen Zahn worked as a licensed vocational nurse and medical underwriter for a major insurance company. Her father O. Thomas Zahn was a parochial schoolteacher and principal who toiled summers as a finish carpenter, and on autumn weekends parking cars at Lambeau Field. Both parents faithfully and successfully sought to make ends meet as they showed how a “side gig” can be the norm rather than the exception. She still lives by this splendid attitude.
“My mother and father taught me the value of hard work, resiliency and self-sufficiency,” she says. “They challenged me to set high expectations for myself and my life.”
From the very beginning of her trek down the path to vocational success she has excelled at everything she does, earning:
• Ed.D. from the University of North Texas at Denton
• Major in Applied Technology, Training and Development
• Minor in Computer Education & Cognitive Systems, Distance Learning Emphasis
• M.Ed. from Midwestern State University at Wichita Falls: Major: Counseling
• B.A. from Midwestern State University at Wichita Falls, Major: Psychology, Minor: Sociology.
Since 2016, Dr. Kays has served in exemplary fashion as president of Kilgore College, brilliantly overseeing this educational institution as it serves twenty independent school districts, four counties with their 224,369 residents. The college currently enrolls 2625 full-time credit students with a 5886-credit headcount and 2128 non-credit, a budget of $67.5 million, 146 fulltime faculty and 152 adjunct faculty, 171 additional employees and a geographical service area
of 1784 square miles.
From 2011-2016, she worked as president of North Carolina’s Stanly Community College, expertly supervising its service to the 60,000 residents of Stanly County and 1587 full-time students with a 4188-credit headcount and 5525 non-credit headcount, a budget of $26.3 million, eighty-five full-time faculty and 200 adjunct faculty, 105 additional employees and a 404-square mile service area.
The years 2008-2011 saw her in the position of vice-president of student learning and success for Guilford Technical Community College in North Carolina, as well as its chief instructional and student services officer. She oversaw this third-largest community college in North Carolina as it worked for the betterment of the county’s 506,610 residents, 11,602 full-time students with a 109,429-credit headcount and 45,000 non-credit, a whopping total budget of $85 million, 425 full-time and 820 adjunct faculty, 576 additional employees, and a service area of 658 square miles.
From 1985-2008 we find her filling the position of Dean of Instructional Services at Texas’ Vernon College, supervising its service to 186,218 residents in its twelvecounty service area, 1000 full-time students with a 3000-credit headcount and 6000 non-credit, overall budget of $22 million, eighty full-time faculty and seventy-five adjunct faculty, 246 additional employees and a service area of 10,454 square miles. From 20032008 she also worked as the school’s Chief Academic Officer. But wait. That is not all. Her teaching credentials are equally impressive. From 20132020 she was in charge of Ballantyne, North Carolina’s Program in Community College Leadership, Teaching/Learning & Student Success, and Student Services. In 2009-2011 she was in Jamestown, North Carolina, working in its Introduction to Human Service Technology. In 2008 she served a stint in Wichita Falls’ Midwestern State University’s program for Communication Skills for Human Resource Development. It goes on and on.
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