INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE

infinitieplus April 2022

VOL. 12 NO.4 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Longview

Means Business

Stoneworks Chamber Mixer Inspiration

Rotary Club of Longview

Workplace Trends

Puzzle

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Business

Education Editor's Note

Stoneworks Chamber Business Mixer was a hit

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

S Chef Michael Reyes, passionate about food and cooking at Stoneworks Chamber Business Mixer

toneworks, a Longview Chamber of Commerce member recent business mixer was an expected smashing success. Stoneworks’ business mixers never disappoint. Hence, the

mixer that was supposed to start at 5:30pm was packed by 5:00pm.

Jason Stone, owner of Stoneworks located at 4523 Judson Road is known for using his outside kitchen to demonstrate a harmonious outdoor living experience. From

his custom fire pits, bar, various fireplace styles to pergolas and more, attendees have many ways of making themselves comfortable with plentiful delicious and delectable cuisine with numerous beverages to wash it down or quench their thirst.

Contd. on Page 8

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This This This isiswhy is why why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such asasprivate as private private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support.

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Longview Museum of Fine Arts Sherry Giryotas Exhibit

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Call on our team of banking advisors who make it their business to understand yours.

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For For For more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

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2901 2901 2901 N.N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • •Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • •903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • •LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | April 2022

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s t n e t n o C

Education Editor's Note Happy Easter to everyone. We at infinitieplus magazine appreciate your readership in hardcopy and on social media platforms.

We thank the Almighty God for the ebbing of COVID-19 virus. Wearing masks has lessened and we are slowly going about our business as usual.

Stoneworks Chamber Business Mixer was a hit.

Meet Chef Michael Reyes do his thing at the Mixer. Please read the story and see the photos from page 3.

First and most, be sure to read the inspiration page titled Grande Pike with a Side of Humility written by Glenn Miller. The story is on page 7.

In this edition of

infinitieplus magazine, we brought you the story of the oldest Gregg County service organization, the Rotary Club of Longview, and Young Professionals of Longview business mixer. Please read the story from page 10.

With COVID-19 came so many changes in the workplace. Please read the story about Workplace awareness: Trends in 2022 from page 16 to keep current with all that is going on.

Check out the puzzle and more importantly a recipe for a succulent Easter lamb recipe for the family.

Thank you for reading. We look forward to serving you again in June by God’s grace.

Thanks for all you do and blessings always.

Have a glorious Easter.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Publisher

Proud member of:

The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Keisha Standley Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Sydney McBride Mechele Agbayani Mills Glenn Miller

OUR MISSION

Steve Butler and Dave Jochum

Features

To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes

OUR VISION

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities.

Submission Deadline: The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed.

The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2022. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

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Brenda Vozza, MD; and Karl Kilgore

Sophia Sators and Jose Sanchez

In Every Issue Spotlight 3

Business

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Inspiration

16 Business and Finance 20 Puzzle Rhoda Steber

5

Cover Story: Longview means business

21 Grubs Up

Chef Michael Reyes, passionate about food and cooking at Stoneworks Chamber Business Mixer

About the Cover

P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 https://twitter.com/infinitieplus Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 4

4

Jon Cromer, Hon. Judge Bill Stoudt, and William McWhorter

Barbara Biggs and Linda Voyles checking out Chef Reyes delectable meat. Be sure to get the meat.

Stoneworks, a Longview Chamber of Commerce member recent business mixer was an expected smashing success. Stoneworks’ business mixers never disappoint. Hence, the mixer that was supposed to start at 5:30pm was packed by 5:00pm. Jason Stone, owner of Stoneworks located at 4523 Judson Road is known for using his outside kitchen to demonstrate a harmonious outdoor living experience. From his custom fire pits, bar, various fireplace styles to pergolas and more, attendees have many ways of making themselves comfortable with plentiful delicious and delectable cuisine with numerous beverages to wash it down or quench their thirst.

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5

Inspiration

Grande Pike with a Side of Humility

Get personal with GE Café Kitchen Appliances Distinct by Design

By GLENN MILLER

G

We are known for Stone, but we do much more!

4523 Judson Rd. Longview, Texas 75605 903-663-3344 | www.stone-works.net

OD’S WORD: “He who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12 For those who know me well will attest to the fact that I am a little confident of myself.

I realize that I’m not the mosttalented person on the planet, but I recognize that I am talented in certain ways. I realize that I’m not the smartest cookie in the jar but see myself with enough intelligence to hang with just about anyone. I realize that I’m not so good-looking that I’m on magazine covers or women swoon in my presence but I have to admit that…..well, at least I’m not on magazine covers! Yes, I’m a little on the confident side, and from what I learned the other day, perhaps a little too confident.

Me and my big-headed ego were in the drive-through at Starbucks the other day when the voice from the box appeared to my ears to be schmoozing me, even calling me “Sweetie” and “Hon.”

No doubt they have surveillance cameras and could see who they were talking to, I thought. So my inflated ego and I made our way up to the window where there was this very attractive young collegeage girl ready to take my money and give me my “Grande Pike”.

Never mind that this young lady was young enough to be my daughter, her smile and the way she looked into my eyes convinced me that this old dog still had it.

She even appeared to want to make herself more appealing to me by running her fingers through her hair and adjusting her bangs.

At this point my ego was fully

validated when, in one second later, it would be deflated and put in check. As she was fixing her hair, she said, “Hold your head still. I see my reflection in your sunglasses and I need to fix my hair!”

It wasn’t my good looks or my charm or my wit…it was my mirrored aviator sunglasses!

As I drove away, I recalled the words of Jesus, reminding me that “he who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Nothing like Grande Pike with a side of humility first thing in the morning!

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Contd. from Page 3

Moreover, Chef Michael Reyes pulled out all the stops with his fresh-made pizza on the spot.

Attendees had the opportunity to watch him, and his assistant Victor Sandreschi roll out the dough and prepare the pizza with some delectable meats.

And, he did have handcrafted pepperoni for variety. Every ingredient was fresh including his large green leafy basil.

Furthermore, while mixing and mingling for new business, attendees indulged in wine, beer supplied by R&K Distributors and Giglio Distributors. But wait, that is not all.

Victor Sandreschi rolls it up with Chef Michael Reyes at Stoneworks Chamber Mixer

Toby Senn

Brenda Vozza, MD checking out a grill at Stoneworks Mixer.

Dave Joachim standing in front of a fire place at Stoneworks Business mixer

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Most importantly, those not acquainted with Stoneworks had the opportunity to visit the show room and take a private tour checking out the lighting, flooring, cabinets, appliances, granite, marble, iron works, stone works, hardware, spas, firepits, iron doors, plumbing fixtures, bathtubs, BBQ grills and more.

For example, Brenda Vozza, MD, and her husband Karl Kilgore were looking at a grill and considering buying it. Others enjoy their first time visit to Stoneworks showroom and discover Stoneworks is more than stone.

L-r: LaRon Chadwick, Latosha Morgan and Dominique Ingram

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Rotarians and Young Professionals socialize

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

T John Greenwaldt talks about Rotary

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he Rotary Club of Longview, put on a mixer to get acquainted with the Young Professionals of Longview, vice versa. The event was held at Pine Crest Country Club and was an open invitation for the Young Professionals to join up and become Rotarians themselves. It would be a smooth, locally desirable union since both organizations are dedicated to community service.

William McWhorter is already a member of both organizations. He opened the event by telling the audience about the fundamentals of the Rotary Club of Longview mission.

Its efforts include putting out the American flags that decorate Longview on national holidays and assisting the East Texas Food Bank with monthly food distribution to this area's less fortunate families.

The Rotary Club of Longview is Gregg County's original and oldest service club, currently 102 years old.

Rotary works as an international organization of business and professional leaders who supply humanitarian services and foster high ethical standards, peace, and goodwill throughout the areas it serves. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians working in more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries.

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Rotary Club of Longview rings the bell

Whitney Wilson, Jennifer Kissinger and Nikki Clarky

Rotary Club of Longview President Jon Cromer welcomes Young Professionals of Longview and talks about the why of Rotary.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Rotary Club of Longview has a long, distinguished record of work in its community, making Longview a better place for all its residents, living up to Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self."

Rotary's weekly meetings provide a forum for the

discussion and implementation of ways to address the needs of the underprivileged both here and abroad. The club lives and works in accordance with the philosophy of "Rotary Serving Humanity." The Rotary Club of Longview is deeply involved with the following causes:

•

•

Supporting the global eradication of polio, giving children the best possible chances of survival and mobility.

Assisting in supplying clean drinking water to underdeveloped countries.

William McWhorter talks Rotary

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Rotarians Jim Hugman , Terri Deike and Patricia Newman attend Rotary Mixer

Rotarians Jon Cromer, the Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt and William McWhorter attend Rotary/ YPL Mixer

•

YPL member Jimmy Su at the Rotary/YPL Mixer

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Supplying dictionaries to local elementary students, and scholarships for promising high school seniors.

• Providing food assistance to hungry children and their families in Longview.

• Supporting multiple nonprofit organizations in making Longview and the rest of the world a better place.

Among Longview Rotary's

more recent efforts is an international project to provide underprivileged children in Guatemala with medicine to control helmenthic infections.

This includes the construction, staffing and equipping of a stateof-the-art hospital in northern Guatemala.

Rotary International oversees youth exchanges, educational exchanges, scholarships, and innovative training for youth leaders worldwide.

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I learned about how much of an impact Rotary can have not only in their community, but worldwide as well. I definitely could see myself joining the Longview Rotary because I can see the way they make an impact for others. Knowing I could help make a difference with others who have the same goals-is very encouraging.

Brittany Cleveland, Young Professional of Longview, and Realtor at Sugar Magnolia Properties.

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Business and Finance

Workplace awareness:

Trends in 2022

By MECHELLE MILLS

W

orkplace culture has changed dramatically over the last couple of years.

Employees have become more vocal about their dissatisfaction with their working environments, and many have resigned for varied reasons. This phenomenon, called The Great Resignation, a phrase coined by a business management professor, is expected to be one of the most prominent workplace trends in 2022. While widespread resigna-

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tion has captured headlines, it's only These changes represent the one of many trends that will shape dawn of a new era in the workplace, the office space in the year to come. and for people thinking about making a change, a time to prepare for Workplace trends of 2022 an unprecedented year to come.

The global workforce is chang- BBB looks at some of the workplace ing at a rapid pace. Technology im- trends predicted to be the most provements and flexible work envi- prominent in 2022. ronments are allowing a paradigm shift in how people work. This is The Great Resignation causing uncertainty for some peoThe Great Resignation has ple, but it also presents opportuni- caused concern among business ties for employers as well as people owners. Employees are resigning in looking for work. droves to pursue better opportuni-

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Business and Finance ties, leaving business owners scrambling to find solutions.

In 2021, 3.9 million employees were resigning per month on average, and this trend is likely to continue in the year to come, as more and more people realize they don't have to tolerate poor working conditions or be in a position where they don't feel they are able to make a valuable contribution to the company.

Workers now expect a certain level of fairness and equality from their employers. They want to feel valued and appreciated, and don't want to sacrifice their personal lives for their jobs. The current climate has forced many business owners to reevaluate their workplace culture and adapt in order to retain their best employees.

Increased automation of managerial tasks One of the biggest workplace trends expected to take place in 2022 is the automation of managerial tasks such as scheduling, approving reports, and monitoring direct reports’ completion of tasks. Automation has been used to increase productivity over the last few decades, and in the wake of the pandemic, it is being employed even further, particularly when it comes to managerial duties.

With more tasks being automated, employees can shift their focus to more valuable projects. Businesses facing staffing shortages can also benefit from automation, which allows them to maintain a similar work output with fewer employees.

Employees still prefer hybrid work models After the workplace changes brought on by the pandemic, many

people are looking for jobs that offer a better work-life balance. In particular, they are gravitating towards hybrid work models, where they can work at home on some days and in the office on others.

In fact, not only do 83% of workers prefer a hybrid work model, but 63% of high-growth companies have already adopted a hybrid workforce model.

Hybrid work models are not without their challenges, however.

They require a lot of communication, and they can be challenging to manage.

Returning to the office will be a reality for struggling businesses While hybrid work models may be the popular choice for employees and a growing number of businesses, a return to the traditional office will likely be a reality for many struggling companies in the year to come.

Many businesses simply don't

have the necessary resources to maintain hybrid or remote work models, despite employee preference. Depending on the situation, employees may be asked to come back into the office, which may lead to even more resignations.

However, there are benefits to returning to the traditional office setting, including increased productivity and being able to collaborate with other employees in person.

Increased emphasis on employee well-being Whether or not companies return to the office, one final workplace trend that is expected to take precedence in 2022 is an increased emphasis on employee wellbeing.

By prioritizing their employees’ happiness, employers will improve their chances of attracting and retaining a talented workforce. This trend may translate into remote work, flexible work hours, and increased benefits, such as paid time off and paid training.

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Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

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Cover Story Personal Finance

Tis the Season for Door-to-Door Solicitations

By MECHELLE MILLS

S

unshine and warmer temperatures mean door-todoor solicitors have started hitting the pavement.

Marketing everything from solar panels and other energy solutions, alarm systems, handyman work, and even charitable organizations, door-todoor salespeople typically hit the pavement through the end of September.

Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) urges consumers to make smart and safe decisions when answering the door to a salesperson.

If visited by a door-to-door sales representative, BBB advises the following: Deal with local companies.

Not only is this beneficial for our local economy, it helps ensure

that the company is accessible should you need them to return to fulfill a warranty or for other reasons.

Read and understand contracts before signing.

Get transaction details, including verbal promises in writing.

Include start and completion dates in the contract. Never sign any contract that has blank spaces.

Pay with a credit card.

Take advantage of the consumer protections provided by using a credit card. Never pay in full (unless the job is completed), and never pay in cash.

Remember the “Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule.”

The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives

consumers three days to cancel purchases of more than $130 that are made in their home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business.

Always get a receipt.

By law, the company must give consumers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

Seek at least three bids.

Getting several proposals from prospective contractors based on the same specifications, materials and labor needed to complete the project gives you a better idea of what reasonable price is.

Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics.

A reputable seller will give you time to think through the deal and make an appointment

to return at a later date.

If they don’t want you to do any research on them or their product or service, you may want to spend your money elsewhere.

Be Safe.

Never invite anyone you don’t know into your home. If the salesperson refuses to leave and/or if you feel threatened, call the police immediately.

It’s also important to note that some cities do require a permit and may have other solicitation regulations regarding door-to-door salespeople.

Go to BBB.org to look up online marketplace business profiles, file a complaint, or write a customer review. Visit BBB Scam Tracker to research and report scams.

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Grubs Up

Puzzle

for Easter Sunday dinner

E

aster Sunday dinners are a tradition in many families. Though the COVID-19 pandemic forced families to alter that tradition in 2020, and could very well do so again in 2021, it is worth noting that Easter takes place in April this year. In many areas, April weather is warm enough to enable al fresco dining, potentially opening the door for families to celebrate together in small groups. Perhaps no food is more closely associated with Easter than lamb.

Slow-roasted Shoulder of Lamb with Cumin Seeds Serves 8-10

• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds • 1 whole shoulder of lamb on the bone (7-8 lbs.)

• Salt and freshly ground pepper • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling For the cumin gravy: • 1-pint homemade lamb stock • 1to 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground Roux (optional) Warm the cumin seeds lightly in a pan, then crush them using a pestle and mortar. Score the skin of the meat in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Transfer to a roasting tin. Sprinkle the meat with salt, pepper and the ground cumin seeds and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 6-7 hours at 275 F, this gives a delicious, juicy, succulent texture. Transfer to a serving dish and leave in a warm place while you make the gravy.

To make the cumin gravy, spoon

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the fat off the roasting tin. Add the stock to the remaining cooking juice.

Boil for a few minutes on top of the stove, stirring and scraping the tin well to dissolve the caramelized meat juices (a small whisk is typically ideal for this). Add the ground toasted cumin. Thicken with a little roux if you like. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Pass through a sieve and transfer to a gravy boat.

Carve the meat into thick slices so that everybody gets some crushed cumin seeds. Serve

with the cumin gravy and crusty roast potatoes. Note: For Lamb Roast with Coriander: Substitute coriander seeds for the cumin seeds, both for roasting the limb and flavoring the gravy. Alternatively, use a mix of cumin and coriander seeds. Note: A shoulder of lamb is much trickier to carve than a leg, but it is so sweet and juicy that is certainly worth the struggle.

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Wedding Business

wedding cake

Make a statement with your

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

www.stone-works.net (903) 663-3344 SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

B

rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like.

Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

• According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings. ¥ Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. ¥ Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

• Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. ¥ Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs. ¥ Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging.

• Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes even a black tier or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.

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Getting here to there on your wedding

Y

ou have planned the date, met with the officiant, decided on what to wear, and booked the venue. But how are you going to arrive in style? Arranging wedding transportation can be tricky, even if it seems like it is a relatively minor detail. However, getting not only the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the bridal party and guests, from point A to point B and even point C is often a taller task than it seems.

If the wedding will be held during prom or graduation season, couples may want to reserve vehicles even earlier due to high demand. While rented transportation is not necessary, it is a luxury many couples prefer, as it allows them to leave the driving to someone else. Generally speaking, hired cars will pick up the bride and groom separately before the ceremony; otherwise, they will arrive to the ceremony by other means and then utilize a limo or other vehicle afterward. The transportation will then take the married couple and typically members of the bridal party and immediate family to the reception venue And since the limos will leave after the reception drop off, some other form of transportation will be necessary to take the couple and whomever else rode to the reception

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www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

Flowers and their various meanings Calla lily symbolizes magnificence and beauty, as well as purity and innocence. That is why Calla lilies are often the flower of choice in wedding bouquets.

F

lowers can represent various emotions. Flowers play a prominent role in many weddings and holidays. Shoppers can look to various blooms to send the right message to that special someone in their lives. In fact, each type of flower conveys its own unique message. ProFlowers and Pickup Flowers note that the following are some popular blooms and the messages those flowers are traditionally associated with.

back home (or to the airport).

Budget also will dictate if transportation is provided for other guests. The majority or guests will drive their own cars to the wedding.

However, if the ceremony and reception site are far apart or if the journey is arduous and out of the way, some well-meaning couples will arrange for transport Pricing out different options can yield the most cost-effective route, which very well may be a school or charter bus instead of several limousines. Couples can start the process by asking their reception venue for transportation recommendations. Or if there are hotel accommodations after the party, the hotel may have connections or offer shuttle services.

April 2022

Amaryllis: This flower is symbolic of splendid beauty and can be used to indicate worth.

Aster: The aster symbolizes patience, elegance, and daintiness.

Calla lily: This bloom symbolizes magnificence and beauty, as well as purity and innocence. That is why Calla lilies are often the flower of choice in wedding bouquets.

Carnations: These are one of the most popular flowers in the world and are generally

symbolic of love and fascination.

Daffodil: Daffodils symbolize regard and chivalry. They also can be indicative of rebirth, new beginnings, and eternal life. A single daffodil can signal misfortune, while a bunch expresses joy and happiness.

Gerbera daisies: With large, beautiful blooms in a wide assortment of vibrant colors, gerbera daisies are a favorite flower for cheerful sentiments.

Gladioluses: These tall, striking flowers are eyecatching and make great gifts for significant others. The gladiolus symbolizes honor, infatuation, and strength.

Iris: Irises represent faith, hope and wisdom and are cherished for their big, beautiful blooms.

Peony: This flower, which resembles a rose, symbolizes

a happy life, happy marriage, prosperity, and good health.

Rose: Roses symbolize love in its various forms, and different colors of roses symbolize different things. For example, yellow roses represent care and friendship, while pink roses are given as a token of admiration.

Choosing a flower that best represents the feelings gift-givers want to convey can incorporate even more meaning into a bouquet or basket.

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9 5

‘Plus One’ etiquette for wedding guests

M

aking a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task. Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invitation, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those

with budgets in mind.

According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70. However, catering costs will vary depending on the reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place.

When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a “plus one” to the occasion. As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set-in stone.

Any guest who is married

It’ typically standard to invite a couple to the wedding, even if you’ve never met the spouse.

This often comes up when inviting work friends, according to Vogue magazine. Even if you have never interacted with a coworker’s spouse, etiquette dictates that all married guests be allowed to bring their spouses along.

Any guest who is engaged or is in a serious long-term relationship It can be challenging to know the relationship status of everyone who will be invited to the wedding, but chances are you’ll have a good idea of those people closest to you. Include a plus one for guests who are engaged or in long-term relationships.

Consider guests who may not know others

Weddings often are times when childhood friends reconnect, or people who haven’t seen each other in a while come together. If there’s a good chance someone who is single and is invited to the wedding may not know anyone else there except the couple, extend a plus one as a courtesy.

Include the wedding party

All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing a date to the wedding.

Apart from these guidelines, couples can establish any other rules, such as no plus ones for guests under a certain age or those who are not in serious relationships.

The Knot also says it is polite to find out who the plus one will be so that wedding reception seating cards include that person’s name instead of and guest. ully consider wh

Couples need to caref

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ded the option to ich guests will be exten

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Wedding Business

Tips on Saying Yes to

Wedding Business

Reputable Wedding Vendors

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By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS

or some, Valentine’s Day is more than flowers and chocolate. For approximately 10 million people it means a ring and a life changing question. Wedding season is right around the corner and in 2019, more than 150,000 couples turned to Better Business Bureau for inquiries regarding their wedding day. Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) reminds consumers that doing thorough research before choosing a wedding vendor can save stress, worry, and money.

Last year,1,173 consumers filed complaints with BBB regarding wedding vendors. Complainants tell BBB they ordered products like wedding dresses and wedding favors with the expectation that the products would arrive in time for the wedding, but found there were delays in delivery, without an acceptable refund or other recourse.

Choosing the right wedding vendors can play a pivotal role in the success of your big day. Likewise, choosing a poorly run or dishonest business can ruin your big day.

BBB proposes that newlyweds consider the following when planning for their special day: • WEDDING SERVICES: Research the vendors. Before you fall in love with any vendor, check its availability for your wedding date.

Go to bbb.org to read verified Customer Reviews and complaint history. Ask the business ahead of time what their plan is for delivering their product on time and get three bids before saying “yes.”

Double check prices and unexpected fees.

• CATERING: Some caterers, hotels or reception venues charge extra for “plate splitting,” “cake-cutting” or “corkage” fees, especially if you bring in a cake or alcohol purchased from another source. Ask if any fees apply beyond the cost per person, gratuities or room rental, if applicable.

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• WEDDING DRESS Dresses that don’t measure up. Brides have complained to BBB about bridal shops ordering the wrong sizes and colors of gowns as well as dresses that arrive too late for timely alterations. Make sure your order specifies new merchandise, sized to fit you and your bridesmaids. Call the shop to remind the staff of your schedule if you don’t hear by the promised time.

• WEDDING TRANSPORTATION Wedding transportation problems. Common complaints about limousine service include poor customer service and rigid cancellation policies. Get everything in writing and never pay the entire amount in advance.

• MUSICIAN Musician switch. Never rely solely on a website, demo tape or phone conversation when hiring a band or other music service. Find out where you can hear the musicians play before you hire them. Ask who will actually perform at the reception and get a written commitment from the band or musician, including the amount of time they will play and costs for additional time.

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• PHOTOGRAPPHER Photographer issues. Common complaints about the photographer include not showing up for the wedding and failing to deliver pictures until months after the wedding. Find out when and how pictures will be delivered, if there’s an option to receive images on a flash drive, length of time available to choose the desired photos and who will own the rights to share, distribute and print the images.

• FLORAL CHANGES Floral changes. Fresh flowers are a perishable commodity and the final bouquet or arrangements may need to change depending on what’s available on the wedding day. Make sure you spell out a minimum size or number of stems in each bouquet. Ask how the florist will handle any last-minute substitutions and charges especially if the value of the flowers actually used is different from the agreed-upon amount.

• WEDDING INSURANCE Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover a range of prospective problems including vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more. Many policies start at $200 and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

• BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION Bridal gown preservation. Some bridal shops and other businesses sell bridal gown preservation packages including cleaning and a storage box. Many of these packages are no more than regular dry-cleaning and a cardboard box that may not be acid-free.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call BBB at 903-581-5704 or report it via BBB Scam Tracker.

Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas

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Engagement ring

buyer’s guide

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edding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born. While couples remember the sentiments and the style of their engagements forever, the engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated.

Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed.

Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open anytime jewelry is mentioned.

Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also

cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others.

Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge.

In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone.

Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Jewelers will often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process is that much easier.

Female marriage and lifestyle trends

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arriage has evolved through the years and particularly in recent decades. From getting married later to cohabitating and even marrying themselves (yes, it’s a real thing), here are some interesting marriage and lifestyle trends affecting women.

Pushing off marriage The U.S. Census Bureau says in 2017 the median age for a first marriage for women reached 27.4 years. Many men are staying single longer than they did in the past, and women are following that trend. In the United States, marriage has declined the most for those with high school diplomas or less education.

Sharing a home The number of Americans living with an unmarried partner reached roughly 18 million in 2016, according to Pew Research. Although people who cohabitate are often younger than age 35 and not all such people are romantically involved. Cohabitation is also rising quickly among Americans age 50 and older.

Sologamy In recent years, sologamy, or the act of marrying oneself, has gone from being a clever party

idea to a bona fide trend, according to Brides magazine. Marrying oneself is a demonstration of pride in being an independent woman. Still, it’s not expected that sologamy will reach the popularity of traditional marriage.

Finding love online The growth in online dating continues to flourish. Mobile dating apps are driving increasing figures. Pew Research says that many women view online dating positively and find it is a good way to meet people.

First-time mothers The average age of first-time mothers is rising and the percentage of teenage mothers has dropped, at least in the United States. As of 2014, the average age for having a baby for the first time had risen to 26.3, according to NPR. Lifestyle and marriage trends continue to evolve, particularly in regard to women.

From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning.

JEWELRY

BartlettFineJewelry.com The Village Shopping Center 2002 Judson Road, Suite 101 Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 758 . 4367

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‘Plus One’

etiquette for wedding guests

Engagement ring buyer’s guide Getting here to there on your wedding

Flowers and their various meanings

Making a statement with your

wedding cake

Tips on Saying Yes to Reputable Wedding Vendors

Female marriage

and lifestyle trends

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE The journey of love marriage family