infinitieplus magazine

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus January 2020

VOL. 10 NO.1 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Celebrating A Great Year

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Table of Contents

infinitieplus

Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Savannah Humphrey

Thomas and Cynthia Hellen

Dorothy Khoury

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Chamber of Commerce Celebrates A Great Year

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Cynthia Hellen Starts a New Chapter

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Circle of Red holds Quarterly Social

13 Greg Colquitt and Karen Partee

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Lisa Hugman

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The Longview Chamber of Commerce and Longview Economic Development Corporation invited Chamber members to the Holiday Open House. Boss Crane was the Presenting Sponsor and Gill Electric the Gold Sponsor. Besides good food, assorted beverages, seeing old friends and making new ones, the pot was sweetened with a visit from North Pole.

Yes! You read it right. Santa Flavious and his Elf Joshua showed up unannounced. By the way, adults believe in Santa Claus.

Many people took photos with him and others whispered into his ear their Christmas wishes.

After thirteen years at the helm of Belcher Center, Cynthia Hellen kissed LeTourneau University goodbye. She will be heading the new founded ArtsLongview.

Trina Griffith and Company Real Estate hosted the American Heart Association Quarterly Social. This event brings together the many supporters of the American Heart Association Longview to celebrate the success and momentum for the 2020 Longview Go Red for Women.

Congratulations 2020 Stars Over Longview

• Dr. Darla Baggett • Mary Greenwaldt • Amber Hobbs • Jennifer Teague Jackson • Chandalyn Lewis Jenkins • Gay Kirkland • Kelly Kinsey Overby • Caryn Pepper • Erika Rader • Mica Sterling • Mary Lou Stuckey • Melissa Sutton

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Editor's note Scott Caron, Dan Droege, Keith Bonds and Ingrid Self

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Publisher / Editor

s time strings the past, the present and the future; questions can be asked of every individual, group and organization in the community- what have these individual entities done to promote or destroy or do nothing to foster the well being o the community or environment where they live. Organizations private or public promote the well-being of their community if it does not practice the zero-some game, but acknowledge that everyone counts despite socio-economic, cultural and physical differences. The opposite is the case for those who instantly or gradually destroy the well-being of those in their community. The third group can be likened to those in events who slept off having neither a recollection of the time nor activities of the occasion.

The past cannot be reproduced with the same experience. However, the future through careful planning with human faces and humane decisionmaking can ameliorate the activities of the future for a richer quality of life in our community.

Infinitieplus magazine therefore heartily says THANK YOU for the memorable and worthy activities of 2019 such as: *LRMC Stars over Longview *Keep Longview Beautiful Golf Tourney * Blue Jeans and Ball Gown *AHA Go Red for Women *The Great Texas Balloon Race *Spring Hill ISD Legacy Event *Longview ISD Lamp Lighters *Martin House CAC Bags, Boots and Bingo *St. Mary’s October Fest *Christus Good Shepherd Foundation Gold Rush * Education by Design “Too Short to Fail” Fund Raiser *Grand Opening of Longview Arboretum and Nature Center and much more. We appreciate all advertisers and we are indebted to our readers.

Lastly, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to do what we do. We look forward to serving again in 2020.

Belinda Bennett and Cody Campbell

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Kevin Hood and Kay Oney

Libby Bryson and Paula Loden

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers Kimberly Fish Zig Ziglar Shea Vogel

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.

517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.iplusmag.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitiePlus magazine

Delcine Johnson and Suzette Farr

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 1

Infinitieplus magazine is a proud member of 4

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Business

Celebrating A Great Year:

Business

Scott Shellhorse

Amy Fite Patricia Newman and Dona Parr

John Nustad and Dan Droege

Bianca Adams

Chamber of the Year Award.

Cultural Arts District Designation.

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L-r: Sharon Hardaway, Kelly Overby, Amanda Hlozek, Rhea Ann Teague and Diana Velasquez

Billy Rumpel, Cody Campbell and Melinda Bennett

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bullock

he Longview Chamber of Commerce and Longview Economic Development Corporation invited Chamber members to the Holiday Open House. Boss Crane was the Presenting Sponsor and Gill Electric the Gold Sponsor.

Besides good food, assorted beverages, seeing old friends and making new ones, the pot was sweetened with a visit from North Pole. Yes! You read it right. Santa Flavious and his Elf Joshua showed up unannounced. By the way, adults believe in Santa Claus. Many people took photos with him and others whispered into his ear their Christmas wishes. Check it out in pictures and thanks for reading.

Jordan and Michelle Miller

President Kelly Hall and Jill Alley

Courtney and Cody Gill with Alayna Gill and Juul Kieren

Introducing a new way to save!

PAY IT FORWARD

Small change making a big difference Scott Shellhorse and Kelly Overby

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Donna Sharp and Kathy Rae

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Santa Flavious and Joshua the Elf at the LEDCOCOC Christmas Open House

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Carol and Richard Manley with Suzanne Brown

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12/10/2019 10:46:54 AM

Body Soul and Spirit

Arts and Culture

Cynthia Hellen

moves on to Arts!Longview

B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

RoJon Cromer and Cynthia Hellen Jennifer Harris, Greg Colquitt, Cynthia Hellen and Karen Partee

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Rhonda Bullard and Cynthia Hellen

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t has been fourteen years since Cynthia Hellen became senior director of LeTourneau University’s (LETU) S.E. Belcher Chapel and Performance Center. Her tenure came to an end in 2019 and she moved on to something new.

“We have presented an average of fifteen shows a season for the last thirteen years, along with twenty or more rental events per year,” she said.

“A countless number of people have experienced a performance or other event at Belcher Center throughout the years, and there is no other venue like it.”

LETU President Dr. Dale Lunsford left no doubts as to Hellen’s accomplishments and value to the university.

“The Belcher Center has become one of Longview’s most valuable treasures, and Cynthia deserves much credit,” he said. “It is difficult

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today to imagine Longview without the beautiful Belcher Center, and it will be difficult for all of us to think of the Belcher without Cynthia.

I will miss her daily presence on our campus.”

Earlier this year, Hellen was pivotal to the Arts!Longview task force that established the city’s cultural designation. The public reception in her honor at the Belcher Center lobby drew friends and arts connoisseurs who bade Hellen goodbye and wished her well in her new position as executive director of Arts!Longview.

The Arts!Longview office is located at 213 N. Fredonia Street, Suite 210, Longview, TX 75601. For more information on Arts!Longview, please visit the website at https:// artslongview.org/.

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Circle of Red Quarterly Social sponsored by Trina Griffith & Company Real Estate

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his event brings together the many supporters of the American Heart AssociationLongview to celebrate the success and momentum for the 2020 Longview Go Red for Women Luncheon.

Trina Griffith, Delcine Johnson, Belinda Bennett, Melinda Randall, Donna Willett, Kathryn Davenport, Cody Campbell, Olubadewa Fatunde, MD: Tucker Dudley, Kim Griffith Cline, Al Horaney, Shirley Holloway, Mary Murdoch, Paula Loden, Savannah Humphrey, Suzette Farr and Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PHD not pictured above.

Al Horaney

Ad

Melinda Randall, Libby Bryson, Trina Griffith, Carolyn Northcutt and Delcine Johnson

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Community Connections

Community Connections

TEXAS BANK & TRUST OMNIClub

Christmas Open House

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exas Bank and Trust OMNIClub Christmas Open House never disappoints. The guests can look forward to a valet parking, scrumptious delicacies fit for royalty and an unmatched ambiance. And that is exactly what happened.

Check it out in pictures.

Dorrie DeLand and Breneda Mathis

Scott Luke, Jennifer Harris and Branden King

Lori Osborne, Tammy Gage, Sherry Gibbon and Karen Partee Cherith Hendrich - The Harpist

Jennifer Harris, Greg Colquitt, Cynthia Hellen and Karen Partee

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

Lucinda Hamilton, Dorothy Matthews, Nancy Salmon, and Peggy McMillan

Mary Murdoch, Tammy Gage, Maurita Myers and Shirley Holloway

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Gayla Morrow

Marilyn Pilz and Cris Howard

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Community Connections

LRMC announces

2020 Stars Over Longview honorees

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Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver.

From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe tothe the day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important totoLongview toLongview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being.

This This This isiswhy iswhy why we we we provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such asasprivate asprivate 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.

And And And if ifyou ifyou you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need a alittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we we we offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. 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.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

ongview Regional Medical Center and the Women’s Advisory Council are pleased to announce and congratulate the 12 dedicated and compassionate women who were nominated and selected as the honorees for LRMC’s 2020 Stars Over Longview Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon.

The honorees will be recognized at the 20th annual Stars Over Longview Awards Ceremony and luncheon on Thursday, January 9, at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 12 p.m. January 9.

The 2020 Stars Over Longview are:  Dr. Darla Baggett  Mary Greenwaldt  Amber Hobbs  Jennifer Teague Jackson  Chandalyn Lewis Jenkins  Gay Kirkland  Kelly Kinsey Overby  Caryn Pepper  Erika Rader  Mica Sterling  Mary Lou Stuckey  Melissa Sutton “Longview Regional’s Stars Over Longview program is unique to our community because it brings light to those who are making a difference behind the scenes,” said Libby Bryson, Director of Marketing for Longview Regional Medical Center. “This year more than 50 women were nominated from the community. Each nomination is a wonderful story telling of the many ways these women are helping influence the future of Longview and the women who call Longview home The 2020 keynote speaker is Longview native fashion design Brandon Maxwell. Surrounded by immaculately dressed women from a young age, Maxwell was captivated by the women who passed through the boutique where his grandmother worked in Longview.

He went on to study photography at St. Edward’s University in Austin and began assisting stylist Deborah

Afshani in 2009, followed by Edward Enninful, and then Nicola Formichetti in 2010. His hallmark style of sharp tailoring and sculptural details are apparent in his namesake collection. His brand is worn by many iconic women, including Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, Oprah, Blake Lively, Jane Fonda, Queen Rania of Jordan and Tiffany Haddish.

“Stars Over Longview highlights the exceptional women who impact our community,” LRMC CEO Casey Robertson said. “This event was created so that LRMC could take time to recognize the amazing efforts of women in our community – through their time, talents and generosity of motivating others to by their service, to serve in our community.”

Ticket sales began Monday, November 11. Individual tickets are $30; tables of eight are available for $240.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (903) 5537400, (cash, check and credit cards accepted). For more information, visit www.LongviewRegional.com.

2901 2901 2901 N.N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • •Longview, Longview, • Longview, TXTX75605 TX 75605 75605 • •903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • •LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Business

Business

Best Buys For The New Year: 2020 below-market cost.

Theater tickets: January and February are not especially busy seasons for theaters, which means there will be greater opportunity to get discounted seats for many popular shows.

Linens and bedding: John Wannamaker was a retail entrepreneur and had a few department stores in New York and Philadelphia. Wannamakers held the first white sale in 1878, and since then many stores have continued the tradition. January is a great month to buy towels, sheets, bedspreads, and more at a discount.

Motorcycles: Riding a motorcycle is a fair-weather hobby, and retailers are aware of this. The easy riders of tomorrow might be able to find great deals today.

Video games: Those who haven’t purchased their fill of video games for the holidays can benefit from post-holiday drops in price.

Furniture: Many furniture manufacturers begin to churn out new inventory in February, so last season’s items will need to move quickly. Shoppers can often negotiate some good deals now and upgrade their homes decor.

Wedding-related services: Couples who don’t mind the chilly weather can enjoy steep savings by hosting their weddings in January. Spring and summer are by far the more popular seasons to tie the knot, but reception halls, musical acts, florists, and other vendors may heavily discount their services in winter.

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Shop now for show tickets, boats, linens, and wedding services.

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mart shopping involves making budgetfriendly purchases. Never paying full price is a mantra shoppers can follow to help keep their finances in check. In addition to coupons and other discounts, shoppers can usually score deals based on which time of year they shop for particular items. Each year, various consumer resources offer advice on the best time to buy certain items.

The beginning of the year is often an ideal time to purchase certain items. Consumers who take advantage of sales offered at the start of the new year can save substantial amounts of money. Now that the holiday season has passed, consumers can begin to find deals on items for themselves.

Clothing: Post-Christmas sales are booming, and stores are looking to sell what’s left of their inventories to make room for spring and summer selections. Even

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though the weather outside is still cold, sweaters, pants, coats, and more are usually available at a discount come January. It may take some digging through the racks, but there’s an excellent chance to discover some great items. ¥ Boats: Wintertime is boat show season, but it’s also the offseason for boaters who live in cooler climates. These factors combine to make it easier and less expensive to find a new boat. According to boatbuying retailer Boatline, consumers can probably get one of last year’s models at a good price.

Air conditioners: If the warm-weather season was particularly steamy this past year, it might be time to revamp the HVAC system or invest in some new portable units. Bankrate offers that the first few months of the year are prime times to shop for air conditioners. While you may not get the latest model, it’s likely you can find a reliable unit at

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Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture soaring in Longview

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ven though Longview is not the hometown of Pablo Piccasso (Malaga, Spain) Rome or France, the Historical Museum and Longview ArtWalk were teeming with people. Longview is changing with more people interested in the arts. Even more, it is drawing artists, vendors and visitors from other east Texas towns.

For these reasons, ArtWalk experienced crowded streets and ambience like never before. In the Longview spirit of hospitality, Downtown businesses such as the Copper Retreat and Sugar Magnolia Real Estate Company provided delectable hors d’oeuvres, wine or water for the crowd.

Hazel Howell, Debbie Oberthier, Joanna Burrows, Ti Laster and Rhonda Bullard

Delectables and Wine

More Free Food Gai Bennett and Melanie Northcutt Crocker at the Gregg County Museum

Charlotte Davis and Charlene Ingram

Sweater from Morgan Abbigail

Cole and Kendall with Liam Tomberlain

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World of Wonder Table Stying in Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Sampling Goodies

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Longview Symphony Table

Edelman’s Table

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Gregg County Historical Museum Table

Longview Ballet & Theatre Table Setting

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YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE Back row: LRMC COO Travis Sisson, CEO Casey Robertson, Bernie Martinez, Garrett Adkins and Cathy Fabiani, Clinical supervisor pediatric and nursery. Front Row: Robin Smith, Labor and delivery supervisor; Kelly Chambliss, Maternal child director; Janelle Martinez and Lacy Adkins.

viders, insurance and various relevant government agencies that provide needed services and information. Little Sam did not make it, but this does not have to be the case with all at-risk babies...or their loved ones.

"Saying goodbye to Sam was one of the hardest things we have ever done," says his father. "Allowing our children and parents one last snuggle, bathing him, laying him in bed and then walking out knowing we would never hold our child again nearly broke our hearts."

It had a positive side, though. It was the inspiration for Team SAM annual fundraiser. It provided funding for Cuddle Cots for both Longview hospitals. A Cuddle Cot is a cooling mattress that stops a baby's body's deterioration. It can be placed in

both baby beds and baby carriages, allowing parents to spend extra time with their newborns before their funerals. Time for hugs, kisses and long last looks.

With these, hospitals give grieving parents and family members a little extra time with their bundles of joy.

The Cuddle Cot is an eight-pound device that looks like a crib. It has a refrigeration unit under the mattress, slowing decomposition. Without this device, deceased babies would have to be stored in a morgue, giving grief-stricken parents little access. In this scenario, the parents are often told they would not want to see their babies, giving the misconception they look grotesque or monstrous.

Like little Sam, the Cuddle Cot is a blessing.

january 2020 14 www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

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

imagine how precious it would have been to have even more time with our twins." "It's scary whenever you're holding your baby that's passing away, and if you keep them for a period of time things happen and they start to change colors," she said. "It's just really devastating, and that's not helpful, to be able to see your baby like that, but you still want to have that time with them, so the ability to have the Cuddle Cot is amazing because it keeps them looking like they're asleep," said Atkins.

So, when Janelle Martinez who had also lost their infant son Sam, messaged her about partnering with them to raise funds for Cuddle Cots, “it was a no brainer.” She immediately went to work raising money to purchase Cuddle Cots for other families in need. Bereaved families now have time to take photos, memorize every contour of their deceased little ones, to make the trip to hospitals and to have a few opportunities for memories. Lacey even compiled a list of suggestions to be used to assist grief-stricken families.

• • •

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•

• •

Move into a private bereavement room to give parents time and privacy with their baby.

Flesh-on-flesh time to give parents the physical contact with their newborn that we all crave.

The chance to take multiple photographs. Although it may sound peculiar and even morbid, many parents who do not do so regret it for the rest of their lives. Pictures of tiny hands, toes and faces can be included in family albums. The Cuddle Cot will provide time to call in a professional photographer.

Encourage parents to bathe their baby even if the mother is so weak, she can hardly stand. Roll a table tub up to her so she can perform this vital bonding activity while seated.

Give the family the blankets and clothes worn by their baby. Encourage them to store the garments in a Ziplock bag to preserve the precious scent all babies have.

Provide nice clothes for the baby's burial. Thread of Love manufactures clothing for premature and micro-premature infants.

The baby's hand and footprints on a special certificate, and also an ornament to the blessed event. Such decorations make ideal Christmas ornaments/memorials.

• Hand and foot molds so that mothers and fathers can hold their baby's hand.

• Hope Mamas box, so she can leave the hospital with something tangible in memory of her baby, and as a resource for a support group for grieving mothers.

Lacey and Garrett continuously express their gratitude for Longview Regional Medical Center and the work it does. Seeing such young lives depart is a study in emotional hardship, yet this hospital's staff keeps on making it as bearable as possible for heartbroken couples.

"The work you do changes lives, and it most certainly changed ours," she said. "You will never know how precious you are to all of us. Thank you for being His hands and feet."

Bernie and Janelle Martinez with Lacey and Garrett Adkins at Cuddle Cot donation event at LRMC.

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JANELLE AND BERNIE MARTINEZ STORY B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi / iplusmag . com

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amuel James Elliot Martinez survived his own difficult birth on August 15, 2016. His parents silently listened to how their baby's future was problematical and perilous. He was born hard of hearing and legally blind.

He had microphthalmia in his permanently closed right eye. He had a hard time breathing and showed little inclination to eat. Still, like all newborns, he was just plain precious, and radiated a fierce determination to survive. For those closest to him, this was his greatest asset.

"Janelle and I and the [other] kiddoes were like, 'OK, no problem. Let's just love Sam whatever the challenges," said Bernie Martinez, Sam’s father. "We loved Sam, and all of our friends and family and the entire community of Diana and abroad did as well."

Almighty God guided little Sam and his loved ones through the highs and lows of his challenging infancy. This little trooper was never alone as those around him shared in the glory of his accomplish-

ments. They took heart from his fighting spirit, and as he learned to smile through all the hurdles, they smiled, too. He set an example for his healthcare providers as they sought answers to his problems and singled out the best facilities for his care.

"Sam allowed us to see a world we would not have seen otherwise," said Bernie. "Which brings us to the Team SAM Foundation."

Team Searching Always for Miracles (SAM) is the legacy of this tiny titan who went on to be with his Lord two years ago. His loved ones seized on his heroic example to establish an initiative that would make Sam's life a positive influence on other less-fortunate little ones. Sam's mother, Janelle, is a registered nurse with a magic touch, and this made it easier for her to interact with her son's doctors and sundry caregivers and realize not all parents are strong enough to handle such a loss.

"Google and YouTube can only get you so far, and sometimes those resources are not available," she says. "Living life with a medically challenged child becomes an extremely difficult road to navigate."

The Team SAM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy group tasked with assisting delicate newborns and their families. SAM Foundation provides assistance in finding the best healthcare pro-

Bernie Martinez speaks of Sam. Wife Janelle looks on.

Couple already donated a Cuddle Cot to Christus GSMC.

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LACEY AND GARRETT ADKINS STORY B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi / iplusmag . com

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acey and Garrett Adkins know the meaning of sorrow. The loss they suffered is every parent's nightmare, but it could have been even worse had it not been for Longview Regional Medical Center. For the Garretts, though, the trials were something to be survived, and Lacey has made it clear how.

"For 1,126 days, my husband Garrett and I prayed for the Lord to bless us with a baby," she said.

"We tried countless fertility medications, treatments and procedures."

After three failed IUI's they tried an IVF, and finally had a successful beginning. Lacey soon learned she was carrying twins, a boy and a girl to be named Rylan Kyle and Sidney Kate, and at first there was every cause for optimism. The first twenty weeks went smoothly, then there was a sudden change.

Baby Ryan Kyle's water suddenly, unexpectedly and prematurely broke.

"We were so unsure what our journey was going to look like from that point forward, but we knew no matter what that we were going to give the glory to God," Lacey said.

A highly skilled birthing team stood by in case of an early delivery, but hopes were that the babies would not come for many more weeks. Multiple specialists and neonatologists were honest with the Adkins, informing them of the situation's critical nature while simultaneously reassuring them. After all, every birth is a miracle. It was a hopeful situation into which cold reality harshly intruded.

"The slight chance of hope is what held us together when we felt like the chance of healthy babies was ripped out from under us when my water broke," Lacey said. "The next three weeks were a blur of tremendous fear, tears and hope."

On 28 December 2017, she began having contractions that the doctors could not stop. As they tried to administer an epidural, Lacey's son came into his new world way too early. At twenty-three weeks he had barely made it to the stage doctors call

Lacey and Garrett Adkins donate a Coddle Cot to LRMC.

"viability." His mother had not yet completed her prenatal studies, taken a birthing class or devised a birthing plan, and here she was being hurried into an operating room.

"I cannot even begin to describe what it was like being rushed into an operating room full of nurses and doctors," Lacey said. "I immediately began to cry, knowing this would be the first and last time to see my babies that we fought so hard to bring into this world."

january 2020 10 www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding

After just two hard pushes, Lacey brought forth Rylan Kyle. He was tiny but beautiful. Hopes for Sidney Kate's birth to be delayed until a later, safer date was dashed as she began to slowly emerge feet first. A c-section would be required, so Garrett reluctantly left the birthing theater, and the medical teams applied an anesthetic to his wife and commenced massaging her arms soothingly.

"I truly felt like I was surrounded by angels," she said later.

After the new mother regained consciousness, she cross-examined her caregivers about her children. Rylan Kyle weighed one pound and eight ounces. Sidney Kate came in at one pound, four ounces. Apart from being so small, they were perfectly formed, even their hair, eyelashes and fingernails were in place. Their lung development was the main concern, especially for Rylan Kyle. He had been without amniotic fluid for three weeks. Despite the babies' delicate condition, their parents were already praising and thanking God for this blessed event.

Unfortunately, Rylan Kyle's tiny lungs were too underdeveloped, and he went home to Jesus just seven hours after delivery. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staff allowed his family to enter and gather around and pray as angels carried little Rylan Kyle into Jesus' arms.

"During that time that we held our perfect baby boy, time stood still," Lacey later said. "Nothing else in the world mattered except for loving on our baby boy and holding onto hope that our baby girl would be okay."

For five days, Sidney Kate fought for her life, but on 2 January 2018 she, too, went home to Jesus. Once again, time stood still as nurses turned off machines and Sidney Kate's incubator. Along with her brother, she entered the “Pearly Gates.� For their mother, it was a wake-up call as to the wrenching emotions and outright heartbreak with those who work in labor and delivery and in NICUs. "I know that all of you in labor and delivery and in the NICU have to deal with infant loss far too often," she said. "I cannot imagine what this does to your emotions, and how you must have to protect your hearts so that you can continue to come to work each day and change lives."

Lacey saw how stricken her medical providers were when Rylan Kyle and Sidney Kate slipped away.

The doctors and nurses encouraged the grieving parents to bathe their tiny ones to give them physical contact and bonding, and to take photos as souvenirs of a blessed event. The five days separating the twin losses gave Lacey time to make certain preparations for Sidney Kate's departure.

"When we delivered, I had never even heard of a Cuddle Cot. It wasn't until I became immersed in the community of grieving Mamas that I realized such a thing existed," she said. "I couldn't help but

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Sorrow Leads to New Hope Cuddle Cot to comfort grieving parents: Families of at-risk newborns receive support

"

Saying goodbye to Sam was one of the hardest things we have ever done. Allowing our children and parents one last snuggle, bathing him, laying him in bed and then walking out knowing we would never hold our child again nearly broke our hearts."

-Bernie Martinez 8

A picture of a Cuddle Cot.

LRMC CEO Casey Robertson and Marketing Director Libby Bryson present flowers and cards to the Martinez and Adkins families.

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Heads bowed in prayers before Cuddle Cots donation event.

CEO Robertson thanks the families for their emotionally moving stories and courage and promises to use Cuddle Cots for other families.

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Lisha and Alex Mack

Judd and Nancy Murray

Kelly Mack working hard in the kitchen Irene Mirotta Dowling; Joe and Olivia Lopez; with Christian Bennett

Dr. Kelly Mack

Patti and Dr. Kelly Mack with Julie Mack

Dr. Frank and Laurie Tibiletti

Chelsea Cace, Dr. Frank Tibiletti and Adrianne Baumgardener Tiffany Jehorek

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‘Love never dies’

“W

Adrianne Baumgardener and Lisa O’Rear

e are just blessed that our son, Christian Bennett has found the love of his life, Michaela Mirotta. The Scripture says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD,” Proverbs 18:22 NAS. We pray that God will bless them as they embark on their new life. We are also happy that he has someone to give his life to and hers to him. “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and t h e y become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 NIV. “We are thankful to our family and friends who are helping us celebrate the marriage of Christian and Michaela.” - Belinda Bennett

Dr. Ben and Julie Mack

Alex Mack and Christian Bennett

Arielle, Madison, Belinda, Christian, Marshal, and Dalton Bennett with Michaela Mirotta Derek and Adrianne Baumgardener Belinda, Christian and Marshal Bennett with Michaela Mirotta

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Arielle Bennett, Michaela Mirotta and Madison Bennett

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What to consider when shopping for rings

E

ngagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future.

A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases. In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence.

Know your settings. How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles.

Get the desired cut. A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to mar-

quise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price.

Know ring metals.

Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Platinum costs considerably more than gold or silver but is long-lasting.

Investigate personal style. Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces. Jewelry stores are in the business of developing relationships with their customers.

When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

Taking a hands-on invitation approach

I

nvitations are a key component of wedding planning. It sets the tone for a wedding, gives guests an idea of whether it is formal or casual, offers clues to the theme and conveys important information about the festivities. While it was once common to work with a specialized printing couples tying the knot now have more options. Due to computer and internet access, and user-friendly design applications, it’s easier than ever to design high-quality wedding invitations. According to the wedding industry survey site TheWeddingReport.com, the average price for 150 invitations and response cards is $245. To maximize efficiency and come away with wedding stationery they will love, couples can employ the following tips and techniques. Start with the paper The heavier the stock, the more luxurious the invitations will feel.

Quality stock also costs more. Engraving and letter-

Couples have many options to design and produce their wedding invites. press Engraving and letterpress techniques are an art form and create unique wedding invitations.

Printing companies Options abound in regard to in-store and online printing companies.

At-home printing One of the more accessible invitation production methods is at-home printing.

Couples have many different options when designing their wedding invitations, and some may even be able to design and produce their own.

JEWELRY

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

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2019

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The journey of love marriage family January 2020

The

Bennetts

Love Never Dies

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