infinitieplus magazine by infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus January 2024

Rogers Pope, Jr.

Vice Chairman/CEO Texas Bank and Trust Company and

Judy Lewis

KOMATSU Bankrolls nonprofit Organizations and Turning full Retirement Age Consider filing for Benefits this month How Robocallers Get your phone number

Four reasons to shop small versus big box

VOL. 14 NO. 01 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Plus

New Year New weight loss scams

Looking for God in 2024

Chase the chill away with

hot soup FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Community Business

Four reasons to shop small versus big box

he importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated. Though national chains often garner publicity, local businesses are equally, if not exceedingly, worthy of attention. Here’s a deep look at why small businesses are so vital, and why consumers should direct more of their purchasing power to local companies. 1. Autonomy and diversity The layout and offerings and look at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. On the other

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy. It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver.

hand, an independent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community they serve. 2. Local hiring strategy Certain big box retailers will hire local residents but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area something that keeps more resources and money in the community. 3. Adaptability and change Local businesses can move

more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change. Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape, meetings, and updates to corporate policies. 4. Investing in the town Shopping at locally owned businesses rather than big box retailers keeps more money in the community. This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes. The funding helps keep police,

fire and school departments functioning properly. The benefits of a thriving small business sector are numerous. Consumers can do their part by patronizing these firms more frequently. .

LET'S GET YOUR HOME

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Editor's Note Hello infinitieplus magazine readers, Our hope is that you had a very merry Christmas, and you are ready to tackle 2024. It is in this vein that we wish everyone an abundant, joyful, peaceful, spectacular, and prosperous 2024. The year 2023 was certainly better than 2022 till inflation started to creep in with high prices that drove daily necessities out of reach for many of our fellow citizens. But you know what, we can take heart because it is a global inflation brought on by all the COVID-19 shutdowns. The stories in this issue include the cover story - Texas Bank and Trust and their annual signature program, OMNI Party for their customers. Another heart-warming story is about KOMATSU bankrolling several non-profit organizations in Longview. In December, they gave grants to Education by Design, Longview, Texas. Education by Design is an education non-profit that tutors, mentors, and coaches low to moderate income underserved students from single parent homes. Other recipients of KOMATSU grants are Longview Museum of Fine Arts, and Heartisans. But wait, there is more.

Table of Contents Longview Independent School District, Foster Middle School Schrundagale Griffith: Star teacher exemplifies passion, dedication, shines in classroom and beyond is a must read. FLIP THE MAGAZINE AND READ ABOUT THIS INSPIRING EDUCATOR ON WOMEN TODAY. We cannot leave out our inspiration page with the headline “Looking for God in 2024.” Be sure to check out this page on how to find the Almighty God and make Him part of your daily life in 2024. There is more. Another report is about Turning Full Retirement Age in 2024. You need to consider filing for benefits this month. This story and how to file is in this edition. We are looking forward to a great year, authoring stories about people and businesses that do extraordinary feats in our community that often times go unreported. Once again, we want to thank you for your support. Check out our brand-new interactive website at www. infinitieplusmag.com. We look forward to serving you again in February.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D. Publisher

Proud member of:

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

For advertising Email: joy@infinitieplusmag.com www.infinitieplusmag.com

P6 - College pays dividends

Features

P22 - BBB Scam-free ‘24

In Every Issue Spotlight

OUR MISSION

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

Women Today Inspiration

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 2024. 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. P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 www.infinitieplusmag.com Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 01

P3 - Eat, Drink, Shop LOCAL

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Business and Finance Puzzle Grubs Up Community Connections Stephanie Jehorek, Longviews Museum of Fine Arts, thanks KOMATSU Longview, Texas for their financial support.

Education

CHECK PRESENTATION: Shingo Asano, GM KOMATSU Longview Operations, Jesse Bubberly, GM KOMATSU Longview Operations with Education by Design Board of Directors, Dr. Valerie Baxter, Donna Blalock and Allyson Bailey

About the Cover

Texas Bank and Trust OMNI party gives the bank an opportunity to thank loyal customers. The customers themselves enjoy the service, food, visiting old friends and making new ones. In addition, attendees have casual and intimate conversations where one can learn and garner some wisdom. For example, Judy and her husband Ed Lewis have been married for 60 years. Moreover, they are still so much in love with each other after six decades of living in the same home. In a society where according to statistics 50 percent of marriages are doomed to fail, one would want to hear from Judy and Ed Lewis. She has only two pieces of advice on how to always be in love and committed to your spouse: Start with the right person and both of you must put God first in everything. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | January 2024

Body. Mind. Soul

Education

Education continues to provide sizable return on investment

recent report from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University revealed just how valuable a college degree continues to be. As tuition costs at many colleges and universities rise and families wonder if investing in a college degree is as wise as it once was, the CEW report can reassure parents and their children that a college degree remains a valuable asset that pays significant financial dividends over the long haul. According to the CEW report, adults with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $2.8 million during their careers. By contrast, adults with a high school diploma earn an average of $1.6 million over the course of their careers, while those without a diploma earn $1.2 million in their lifetimes. One key consideration for individuals concerns when education may not provide the expected financial return. Though people pursue advanced degrees for a variety of reasons, including the potential to earn more money over the course of their careers, the CEW study found that the average person with a master’s degree earns $3.2 million in their careers, or just $400,000 more than someone with a bachelor’s

Benefit of making

New Year’s resolutions

t the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is customary to sip a glass of champagne and toast to the new year. Many people use the dawn of a new year as a time to create a list of resolutions that reflect positive changes, they hope to make in the year ahead. Between 40 and 45 percent of American adults make resolutions each year, according to the health and wellness group Proactive Mindfulness. Resolutions may seem silly to some, but there are several positive reasons to make them.

Resolutions provide practice setting goals.

degree. Though $400,000 is a significant sum of money, given the cost to obtain a master’s degree and the work required to earn it, some individuals, particularly those who would pursue such a degree solely to improve their earning potential, may not deem the investment worth their time or money. That’s a consideration for people given the average cost of a master’s degree, which the Education Data Initiative reports is slightly more than $66,000. Field of study is another consideration for individuals curious

about the return to expect when investing in education. The CEW report found that the median career earnings among individuals with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and engineering is $3.8 million, while individuals with a bachelor’s in education earn slightly more than half that amount ($2 million). As the cost of higher education continues to rise, parents and students about to enter college should know that obtaining a college degree remains a worthy pathway to earning more money over the course of one’s life.

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Goal setting is an important component of life. Goals are key because they provide general direction in life. A goal is a map that can give you an idea of where you are heading and what path you need to take to get there, according to the selfimprovement guide Success Consciousness. Resolutions can be fun, low-pressure goals. Think of them as dress rehearsals for bigger life changes.

Resolutions offer time for reflection.

Too often people are rushing through daily life without stopping or slowing down to truly assess the impact of their actions. Resolutions help you reflect

on the past, present and future, figuring out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.

Resolutions can serve as a catalyst for positive change.

When something isn’t working with your routine, personal health or relationships, resolutions can serve as the catalyst that ultimately rights the ship.

Resolutions can promote self-esteem and empowerment.

Making resolutions and keeping them can provide a sense of accomplishment that comes with goal setting and following through. Resolving to lose five pounds and then seeing the proof on a scale can be a powerful motivator that compels you to make other self-improvements. Accomplishing small goals also can boost self-esteem. Resolutions are often made at the dawn of a new year. These efforts can provide the motivation and direction people need to make positive changes in their lives. out what has been working and what may need to be changed to provide a boost, according to the wellness resource Alternative Daily.

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Business and Finance

Texas Bank and Trust OMNI party a hit

IP STAFF REPORTS

MNI party, the annual Texas Bank and Trust brunch for its clients never disappoints. Thanks to nice weather, good food and great experiences, the party was jammed packed. Bank officers went round the tables visiting and serving invited attendees.

OMNI party gives the bank an opportunity to thank loyal customers. The customers themselves enjoy the service, food, visiting old friends and making new ones. In addition, attendees have casual and intimate conversations where one can learn and garner some wisdom.

Amber Elrod on the harp

Molly Coker, Jane Henry and Dandeeann Coker

Business and Finance For example, Judy and her husband Ed Lewis have been married for 60 years. Moreover, they are still so much in love with each other after six decades of living in the same home. In a society where according to statistics 50 percent of marriages are doomed to fail, one would want to hear from Judy and Ed Lewis. She has only two pieces of

advice on how to always be in love and committed to your spouse. 1. Start with the right person 2. Both of you must put God first in everything She testifies that despite the challenges of life you will be together with your spouse, till death do you part, once to you adhere to her 2 pieces of advice. It is working for Judy and Ed Lewis.

Lynn Smith and Pamela Armstrong

Maurita Myers and Heather Mitchell

Delicious Hors d’oeuvres

Karen Partee and Lori Osborne

Raenell Craft and Sherry Gibbon

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Maurita Myers. Heather Mitchell, Jennifer Harris, Sheri Parish and Stacy Cammack

Sabrina Dickerson of Texas Bank and Trust serves snd chats with Judy Lewis and her friend Barbara Rossman

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Inspiration

Business and Finance

How are robocallers getting your phone number? By ANDREW RAYO

D Looking for God in 2024 By DR. MICHAEL GUIDO

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell me when to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.” Psalm 139:3 “The Lord says, “‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’” Psalm 32:8 “Because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us from the

beginning and all things happen just as He decided years ago.” Ephesians 1:11

Prayer: Grant us wisdom, give us faith, increase our trust, and watch over us each day, Father, as we seek “The Lord will work out His Your plan for our lives. plans for my life – for Your faithful May we follow You always. love, O Lord, endures In Jesus’ Name, Amen. forever. Don’t abandon me, for Scriptures: You made me!” Psalm 138:8 Psalm 139:3: Psalm 32:8; “Seek His will in all you do, Ephesians 1:11; and He will direct your paths.” Psalm 138:8; Proverbs 3:6 Proverbs 3:6.

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oes it ever feel like you’re getting more robocalls than calls from actual humans? Illegal robocalls aren’t just annoying — they’re also often scams. But you might be wondering — how did they get my number in the first place? Sometimes robocalls are random. But sometimes, a company tries to trick you to get your information and sells it. That’s what the FTC says happened with lead generation company Response Tree LLC in a settlement announced today. People looking for a quote to refinance their mortgage gave the company their name and number. But instead of giving quotes, Response Tree took people’s information and sold it to telemarketers making illegal robocalls about things like fake auto warranties, solar panels, hearing aids, and Social Security disability services.

Here’s what to do to avoid and report robocalls and scams: 1. Protect your personal information. Before you enter your personal information on a website,

research it. Search the name of the site plus “complaint,” “review,” or “scam.” 2. Read the fine print. Some websites might have small disclaimers that say if you click a link or check a box, you’re agreeing to having your information collected and sold to other companies. 3. Know your rights. A robocall trying to sell you something is illegal unless the company has your written permission to call you that way.

4. Report illegal robocalls. Reporting helps law enforcement and investigators stop illegal robocalls. Report them at DoNotCall.gov. For more advice on how to stop unwanted calls, check out ftc.gov/calls. Also, learn about Operation Stop Scam Calls, the FTC’s latest joint effort with federal and state law enforcement partners in the fight against robocalls. Andrew Rayo is FTC Consumer Education Specialist

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Community Connections

KOMATSU, Longview, Texas bankrolls nonprofits:

Changing lives with grant donations Story and photos By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

www.infinitieplusmag.com

OMATSU in Longview, Texas is extremely interested in the community where it is located. KOMATSU employs hundreds of locals in its expanding facilities. But that is not all. Recently, KOMATSU gave grant funding to 3 nonprofits in Longview. The first non-profit was

Heartisans Marketplace. Heartisans provides resources for homeless or underserved women with opportunities to access higher paying jobs and education, moving them to self-sufficiency. Heartisans’ mission “is to lift up these women and provide a place for job and life skill training, career and highereducation opportunities, and healthy relationships through our Work-Readiness

and Alumni Programs.” Julee Rachels, CEO and Founder of Heartisans was very elated to be a recipient of $20K. “This is wonderful,” she said. We will apply this fund towards our transitional housing project.” Education by Design, the second non-profit was a recipient of $15K. Education by Design Longview, Texas is a non-profit organization that tutors, coaches and mentors academically struggling, underserved students

for academic success. Hence it is involved with schools, students, parents, and teachers. In addition, Education by Design is committed to underserved youth and adult indigenous leadership training for re-developing blighted communities. Education by Design is overly excited to be a recipient of KOMATSU’s generosity in giving back to the community where they do business. Dr. Valerie

KOMATSU bankrolls Heartisans Marketplace

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Exec. Dir. Tiffany Jehorek is happy to receive grant funds from KOMATSU on her birthday, Michael Clark tells the audience

CEO and Founder of Heartisan Marketplace, Julee Rachaels thanks KOMATSU

Dr. Valerie Baxter Education by Design Board Member thanks KOMATSU for their grant donation and explains what Education by Design does- assisting underserved students to achieve academic excellence

Baxter, Assistant Superintendent of Schools at Pine Tree ISD and a Board member of Education by Design thanked KOMATSU for supporting education. “We are incredibly grateful to have KOMATSU in our community. They not only employ people in Longview, but they are also interested in the well-being of the community where they do business,” she said. “This is corporate responsibility at it best.” The 3rd nonprofit to receive KOMATSU funding was Longview Museum of Fine Arts, LMFA. Executive director Stephanie Jehorek and Michael Clark, a board member, were elated to receive $10K. “I am very excited that KOMATSU is interested in Arts and Culture,” said Jehorek. “Best of all, the funds will enable us to offer enrichment programs to our community. We are simply happy to have KOMATSU in our city”

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Business and Finance

New year, new weight loss scams

By ARI LAZARUS

cammers follow the headlines — and the seasons. As the new year rolls around, we’re sure to hear lots of “new year, new you” advertising around health and fitness products. But some of those promotions are just scams out to get your money. Here’s how to spot them. Scammers often post ads online for things like weight loss pills, patches, or creams. The ads sometimes look like news reports about a “miraculous” new product to help you lose weight without dieting or exercising. (Except it won’t.) Scammers might even steal logos from real news organizations to make their posts seem more real. If you take the next step and check out the reviews, you might find positively glowing ones. Scammers often write these review themselves or pay others to do it. Same with those dramatic “before” and “after” pictures: Scammers often use stock or altered photographs, not photos of people who used what they’re trying to sell you.

De cisions in Giving

By ZIG ZIGLAR

quote with permission from a letter he sent to his grandchildren my friend, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones:

On giving: "Never give to get, give because you have received. Giving is like a muscle. To be strong, you have to exercise it, and to grow as a person, giving is the exercise. You can't really enjoy anything without sharing it. This includes your faith, love, talents, and money. Someday, you'll discover we never really give, we're only returning and sharing a small portion

Scammers will say just about anything to get you to buy their weight loss or fitness products. To spot the scams, keep an eye out for these common false promises: 1. If someone says you don’t have to watch what you eat to lose weight, that’s a scam. 2. If someone says using their product helps you lose weight permanently, that’s a scam. 3. If someone tells you that, to lose weight, all you have to do is take their pill, that’s a scam. 4. If someone promises that you

of what we've received." On decisions: "The more decisions you make, the more tremendous your life will be. Don't wait for the right time, do something now, today. Don't worry about big decisions, make many little ones, and the big ones will seem little. Your job is not to make the right decision as much as to make one and invest your life making it right. "You only have two big decisions in LIFE. Your marriage and your work. Don't look for what you

like to do. Find something that needs to be done and prepare to do it. You'll discover the joy of doing something that ought to be done while others are wasting their lives searching for something they would like to do. Don't waste time looking for a better job. Do a better job, and you'll have a better job. "Your marriage: Someday, you'll meet someone to love and share their life with you. Love between a man and woman is second only to the love of God, but there is one big

difference. God's love never changes, while our love is very changeable. So, please, remember commitment in your marriage is more important than love. Commitment will save your marriage when your love dies, or until it lives again. If we follow Charlie's advice, we'll all have something to smile about.

can lose 30 pounds in 30 days, that’s a scam. 5. If anyone says their product works for everyone, that’s a scam. Spot one of these scams? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. To learn about healthy eating, visit nutrition.gov, ChooseMyPlate.gov, or the Weight Management & Healthy Living Tips from the National Institutes of Health. Ari Lazarus is FTC Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

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Business and Finance

Turning Full Retirement Age in 2024? Consider Filing for Benefits This Month

By TOM MARGENAU

write a column similar to this one every January. But I don't mind plagiarizing myself because it contains a very important message for people planning to retire in 2024. January is a critical month for the hundreds of thousands of potential Social Security beneficiaries who are reaching their full retirement age in 2024. The important message: All of them should at least consider the possibility of filing for their benefits this month, even though they may not be reaching their retirement age until later in

the year. Please note that if you want to delay filing for your Social Security benefits until 70 to get the "delayed retirement credit" of about 30% added to your monthly benefits, then you should forgo the procedure discussed in this column. Also, if you're one of those people who absolutely insists on waiting until your FRA to file for benefits, then forget this column's message. But if you are open to the possibility of increasing your benefit payout for 2024, you may want to consider filing for benefits in January.

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The reason for this early filing time frame has to do with some quirky and complicated features of Social Security's earnings penalty provisions. Those provisions generally keep seniors who are still working off Social Security's rolls until they reach that magic full retirement age. The law essentially says if you are over 62 but under your full retirement age and are still working full time, you are not eligible for Social Security. Specifically, the rules require that the Social Security Administration deduct $1 from

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any retirement benefits you might be due for every $2 you earn over $22,320 in 2024. However, the rules say that once you reach your full retirement age, you are due full Social Security benefits even if you are still working, no matter how much money you are making. Let's follow an example. Let's say Ed was born in December 1957, which means he'll reach his full retirement age of 66 and six months in May 2024. And let's further say Ed generally makes about $80,000 per year and he plans to continue working indefinitely. Based on the earnings penalty rules I briefly outlined above, Ed figures he must wait until May (his full retirement age) to begin collecting his Social Security benefits. As I said, at that magical point the earnings penalty rules no longer apply, and he can get his Social Security. And prior to that, he's making way more than the $22,320 income threshold. But here is why Ed should check into applying for Social Security in January. Congress set up a more lenient earnings threshold for the year you reach your full retirement age. Specifically, it says you can earn up to $59,520 between January and the month you reach your full retirement age and still get Social Security benefits. And even if you earn more than $59,520, you lose only $1 from your benefits for every $3 you ex-

ceed that threshold. Let's say Ed is going to make about $27,000 between January and April (i.e., before he reaches the magic age of 66 and 6 months in May). That's under the $59,520 threshold for 2024, which means Ed is due benefits beginning in January. He does NOT have to wait until May to apply for his Social Security checks. But there is a bit of a catch. By starting his benefits in January, Ed will be accepting a slightly reduced amount. (Benefits are reduced roughly one-half of 1% for each month they are taken before full retirement age.) If Ed's Social Security benefit at full retirement age is $2,500 per month, let's look at his options. Ed's first option is to wait until May to start his Social Security benefits. He'll get $2,500 per month for seven months or $17,500 for the year 2024. Ed's second option is to file for Social Security in January. Starting his benefits slightly early, his monthly rate is reduced to about $2,450. That comes out to $29,400 in total benefits for the year 2024. The downside to option No. 2 is his ongoing monthly benefit rate will be $50 less than what he would have been getting in option one. But because he'd be getting about $11,900 less in 2024 benefits in option No. 1, it would take Ed a long time to make up that loss with his extra $50 per month in ongoing benefits. Even if Ed was going to make more than the $59,520 income threshold between January and April, he only loses one dollar in Social Security benefits for each three dollars he exceeds that amount. So,

he still might come out ahead by filing in January. Here is a quick example using that scenario. Let's say Ed will make $65,000 between January and April. That's $5,480 over the $59,520 limit. And one-third of that excess, or $1,827, must be deducted from his 2024 benefits. But he would still get $27,573 in benefits for the year. That's still way better than the $17,500 he would be due by waiting until May to file for his Social Security. Please note that this strategy generally only works for those who turn full retirement age in early- to mid-2024 and whose earnings prior to reaching FRA are at least close to the $59,520 limit. In other words, if you will make a lot more than $59,520 before your full retirement age, or if you reach your FRA later in the year, you should probably just wait until your FRA month to file for your Social Security benefits. I know these rules are complicated and the math in the examples above might be difficult to follow. But my overall message is easy to follow: If you're reaching your full retirement age in early- to mid-2024, you might want to talk to a Social Security representative sometime this month to find out if it's to your advantage to file for your benefits to start in January. One word of caution. Many readers in the past told me that when they tried to file in January, Social Security Administration representatives told them they could not do so. Sadly, far too many SSA agents are unfamiliar with how these rules work. If you run into the same problem, ask to speak to a supervisor.

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Chase the chill away

with

Grubs Up

hot soup

amburgers Few things beat a hot meal on a cold day. Stews and casseroles can fit the bill in such situations, but soup is a go-to solution when looking to warm up. This recipe for can be served as an appetizer or light meal. The crispy tortilla strips included in the recipe add extra texture to a delicious dish.

Tortilla Soup SERVES 4 • • • • • • • •

4 corn tortillas, freshly made or a few days old 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus extra for frying 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 14-ounce can plum tomatoes, drained 4 cups chicken stock Small bunch cilantro Salt and ground black pepper

Using a sharp knife, cut each tortilla into 4 or 5 strips, each measuring about 3Ú4 inches wide. Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 3Ú4 inch into a heavy frying pan. Heat until a small piece of tortilla, added to the oil, floats on the top and bubbles at the edges. Add a few tortilla strips to the hot oil and fry for a few minutes, until crisp and golden brown all over, turning them occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a double layer of paper towels. Cook the remaining tortilla strips in the same way.

Heat the 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large, heavy pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spatula, until the onion is soft and translucent. Do not let the garlic turn brown or it will give the soup a bitter taste. Chop the tomatoes using a large, sharp knife and add them to the onion mixture in the pan. Pour in the chicken stock and stir well. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the liquid has reduced slightly. Chop the cilantro. Add to the soup, reserving a little to use as a garnish. Season to taste. Place a few of the crisp tortilla pieces in the bottom of four warmed soup bowls. Ladle the soup on top. Sprinkle each portion with the reserved chopped cilantro and serve.

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Brain Teaser

Education

UT Tyler School of Nursing student graduating on 72nd birthday fulfills dream, earns college degree

ary Ruth “Ruthie” Graham, a School of Nursing student at The University of Texas at Tyler, graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing on her 72nd birthday. “I’d wanted to complete college all of these years, and this was my opportunity,” said Ruthie. “I knew it was my time.” Ruthie’s earliest memory of being a nurse is dressing up when she was six years old, complete with a white dress and cap. Twelve years later, she graduated high school, married Richard Graham, and helped him through his bachelor’s degree and Officer Candidate School. During his nine years of active duty as a fighter pilot in the Navy, Ruthie gave birth to four children. She formed a bond with her bedside nurses and aspired to help other women as they had helped her. She earned her RN license in 1994 and worked for 13 years in labor and delivery—while also helping her children obtain their degrees, including one RN license, four bachelor’s and two master’s, with one currently in pursuit of her PhD. “I saw my kids pursue their educational goals, and it inspired me to do the same,” Ruthie said. “They taught me that

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it was possible, that it could be within my reach too. I genuinely believe that anyone can complete college if they attend class and put their mind to it.” She began her bachelor’s degree in 2016, taking one class per semester as she helped homeschool three of her six grandchildren. “UT Tyler made the program very accessible,” Ruthie said. “I was able to take my classes from anywhere—in a camper, on a cruise ship, in my office or even lying in bed. I couldn’t have done it if the program wasn’t so flexible and the professors so

understanding.” On Dec. 8, Ruthie walked across the stage to receive her diploma. “We are truly honored to celebrate Ruthie Graham's extraordinary achievement,” said Dr. Barbara Haas, School of Nursing dean. “Her journey speaks to the power of determination and the pursuit of lifelong learning. She exemplifies the spirit of tenacity needed to achieve one’s dreams.” One of Ruthie’s favorite quotes is, ‘She believed she could, so she did.’ “Keep going forward, one step at a time, and you’ll never regret where you end up.”

President Calhoun and Mary Ruth Graham

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Business and Finance

How to increase your fraud immunity in 2024 In this day and age, you can’t afford to make mistakes. Taking preventive measures before providing personal or payment information is well worth the time and effort to lower your chances of becoming a fraud victim.

make themselves pass as friends or relatives and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you see on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.

By MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS

he loss of money, personal information, and perseverance of scammers continue with online purchase scams as the riskiest of scams. BBB recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list and the weight loss and financial goals to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free.

Resolve to be cautious with email.

Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization (even BBB!). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.

Resolve never to send money to strangers. If you

haven't met a person face-to-face, don't send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a pre-paid debit card or CashApp. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable, and once it is sent, there's no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move, think the situation through. Don’t fall for it!

Resolve to do research before making online payments and purchases.

Research the retailer before entering payment information when shopping online, or if asked to pay online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the

company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server (https://.... com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained?

Mechele Agbayani Mills is President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas

Resolve to use my best

judgment when sharing my personal information. Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share financial information, birthdate, address, Social Security/Social Insurance number, or Medicare number with an unsolicited caller.

Resolve to be social media smart. Use privacy settings on

social media and only connect with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile, and never reveal your address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to

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Business and Finance

Want to succeed in business? Ask an FBI agent By ROBERT GOLDMAN

he way your manager treats you is a crime. Might as well treat them the exact same way. Thinking of your mildmannered manager as a major crime boss may seem a tad paranoid, but it does open you up to a world of relationship advice that you can't get from even the most brilliant career gurus, like me. Or so I realized when I read "An Ex-FBI Agent Explains how to Recognize the Power Dynamics in a Room," a recent article by Stephanie Vozza in Fast Company. The ex-FBI agent in question is Chip Massey, the co-author, along with Adele Gambardella, of "Convince Me: HighStakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results in Any Business Situation." "The key is forensic listening," says agent Massey, which he defines as "the art of finding and listening to clues." And clues are just what you need when dealing with a criminal mastermind like Tony Soprano, or — wait for it! — your manager. Fortunately, you don't need

You might also note if anyone ducks under the conference table when you enter the room or gets up and leaves once you sit down. If someone who is standing starts rocking back and forth on the balls of their feet, this is highly significant. Agent Massey says it indicates "they are getting ready to move away from you." I say, don't overanalyze. Yes, it could simply mean that "they need to get somewhere else," but that somewhere else could be the bathroom.

Clue No. 3: THEMES AND WORD CHOICES to be a Clarice Starling or a Fox Mulder to crack this case. Here are four clues that will make the difference between getting to the top with your head in the clouds and going to the bottom with your feet in cement.

Clue No. 1: EMOTIONS

"When you walk into a meeting," says agent Massey, "look for a display of emotions." For example, finding the chief financial officer, sitting in the corner, weeping unconsolably, is definitely a clue that something is amiss. Alternately, if the CFO is studying their spreadsheet

and giggling uncontrollably, and the CEO won't look at you, the something that is amiss is sure to be your career. Another round of layoffs is about to be announced, and your name is leading the list. You are also advised to determine if there is "a definite alpha person in the room." This will either be your boss or the person bringing the donuts. If you find yourself surrounded by betas, release your inner alpha. Start assigning blame to everyone who isn't you. Make it clear that, going forward, your job will be to make sure they do

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their jobs, thus assuring you have nothing to do. Your Alpha moment won't last forever, but while it's there, make sure the boss sees you taking charge, and even more important, make sure you get the Bavarian custard doughnut with chocolate frosting.

Clue No. 2: BODY POSITIONING

In a big meeting, pay attention to how others are positioned relative to you: "are they sitting squarely before you or are they aligning themselves away?"

Agent Massey advises you to "listen for jargon or buzzwords." Common business buzzwords that may be important to you and your career are "loser," "waste of space," "big dud," "constant problem" and "I don't know why we ever hired them in the first place." While listening to what is said, pay attention to what is not said. If no one asks about your goals for the coming year, it may be because no one thinks you'll be employed in the coming year. If no one talks about the branch office in Slovenia, it's because that's where the company plans to send you. (They have excellent doughnuts in Slovenia. You'll love it.)

Clue No. 4: VOICE

What people say is important, but not as important as how they say it. Is your boss a loud talker or soft talker? A fast talker or a slow talker? Do they frequently break out in song, crooning their way through "I Knew You Were Trouble" or any of the other 50 breakup songs in the Taylor Swift songbook? If a loud talker starts whispering, you know you're in trouble. If a slow talker starts jabbering away, you know the trouble is even worse than you thought. If your boss segues into "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together," break out your ukulele and strum along. Your career is over, and what happens next — I haven't got a clue. Bob Goldman was an advertising executive at a Fortune 500 company. He offers a virtual shoulder to cry on at bob@bgplanning.com. To find out more about Bob Goldman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www. creators.com.

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MONEY TALKS

8 Ways to jump-start the New Year

extraordinarily high. So consider this a suggestion that will at least get you thinking about how your current mortgage situation compares with what is currently available. Rates do drop, and they could start doing that again in 2024. And when they do, you'll be ready to make that inquiry.

No. 7: List assets and liabilities.

By MARY HUNT

eeling a little sluggish? Well, perk up, my frugal friend! Here are eight ways to get a jump on 2024.

No. 1: Get your credit reports

Annualcreditreport.com offers the most reader-friendly format, and your personal credit reports from each of the big three credit reporting agencies are free, once every 12 months. You can order online at www. annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228. You can also purchase your credit score for a small fee. Check your reports carefully to make sure all the information is true and correct. Caution: As you go through

6 WOMEN TODAY

the process, remember that by federal law you are entitled to your free credit reports. You will be offered lots of purchase opportunities, but just keep saying no to working your way through the process! This will not cost you a penny.

No. 2: Call your insurance companies.

If you have homeowners, renters and/or automobile insurance, call those companies this month. Ask if you qualify for any additional discounts. Perhaps your youthful drivers now qualify for good-grades discounts, or you've moved to a new zip code. Prod the agent to help you discover how to reduce your premiums. Consider taking this

even further by calling several competing companies to get their quotes. Should you find a lower quote, but you are happy with your current company, ask if they will match the quotes you just received from its competitor. You may be pleasantly surprised! And if not, consider making the move.

No. 3: Investigate PMI.

If you bought your home with less than 20% down, you are probably paying a lot for the dreaded private mortgage insurance (PMI), not to be confused with mortgage insurance, which is not even closely related to PMI. Once your equity reaches 20% of the current market value, you should

JANUARY 2024

be able to dump your PMI. Call your lender to find out. Those horrible PMI premiums could be $1,000 or more per year buried in your monthly payment.

No. 4: Find a free checking account. Many credit unions offer free checking with few, if any, conditions, or limitations. If you're paying for access to your own money, change banks. If you are comfortable with online banking, go to bankrate.com and search "free checking account." Prepare to be surprised by how many choices you have.

JANUARY 2024

No. 5: Open a savings account. If you don't have one, get one. Find a bank or credit union with low minimum requirements. Or refer to No. 4 above. You can also open an online savings account that is fee-free.

No. 6: Consider refinancing your mortgage.

Call your current lender to inquire about refinancing. But before you make the move, compare the total payback, not just the monthly payment, with what you have already. Granted, as I write, mortgage rates are

This is known as one's net worth and it is simply the amount of money you would have left if you sold everything you own and paid off everything that you owe. Think of this as an academic exercise — no emotion, no guilt or angst. Simply list everything you own (assets) and everything you owe (liabilities). Next, assign a realistic dollar value to each entry. Subtract your liabilities (debts) from your assets to determine your net worth. Write down that number, even if it is negative. Determine that one year from today you will do this same exercise and then compare.

No. 8: Clean up your devices. Your computer needs to be cleaned out and tuned up regularly. If it's sluggish and behaving badly, you can be sure your cache is jam-packed with extraneous files, your hard drive is fragmented, and your entire system is in desperate need of a good cleanup. Check online for housekeeping instructions for your specific device.

WOMEN TODAY

COVER STORY Longview ISD Superintendent, Dr. James Wilcox, is very delighted about Ms. Griffith’s accomplishments and proud to have her as a citizen of the great and awesome Lobo Nation. He lauds her exceptional educational diligence; hence, she sets an extraordinary standard for the whole district. In addition, Grifith demonstrates her passion and

COVER STORY "I like to empower and build up my students. I love it when the 'light bulb' goes off. I like to celebrate student accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. I like to teach students good speaking skills." – Schrundagale Griffith, Region VII Teacher of the Year.

Family supports Ms. Griffith Family supports Ms. Griffith

Photo credit: Marco De La Cueva, TASA Photo credit: Marco De La Cueva, TASA

By handing her life and vocation over to Christ she avoids having others' expectations limit her in any way. Griffith seeks her Lord's will, and faithfully follows hence, she realizes she does not have to be everything to everybody. She carefully lives by Jesus' words quoted in John 10:10: I have come that they may

Dr. James Wilcox, LISD Superintendent supports Ms. Griffith

Ms. Griffith with other honorees Photo credit: Marco De La Cueva, TASA

4 WOMEN TODAY

Photo credit: Marco De La Cueva, TASA

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dedication when she said, "I like to empower and build up my students. I love it when the 'light bulb' goes off. I like to celebrate student accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. I like to teach students good speaking skills." Her drive for educational excellence is so overpowering that she took it as a compliment when her classmates called her a nerd. "I am a quirky, fun-loving person who loves to read," she says. "I have varied interests and love to explore them all." JANUARY 2024

her students. Trial and error and productive struggle enables students learn on the highest level because they study in an environment that is safe and nurturing. "I want children to know it is OK to make mistakes when we learn something new, and not be afraid to try," she says. Thanks to her they know this very well.

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Congratulations Ms. Griffith

Photo credit: Marco De La Cueva, TASA

have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. "I don't want my life to look like everyone else's" she says. "I am fearfully and wonderfully made and bask in who I am," she says. "Praise God for His abundance." Furthermore, her love of learning through exploration and discovery is something she expertly, crucially passes on to

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WOMEN TODAY

COVER STORY

Schrundagale Griffith: Star teacher exemplifies passion, dedication, shines in classroom and beyond

“I pride myself in helping students discover the joy of learning through exploration and discovery, trial and error, and productive struggle. My philosophy is that all kids can learn on higher levels when they are in a safe and nurturing environment. I want children to know that it is ok to make mistakes when we learn something new and not be afraid to try.”- Schrundagale Griffith, Region VII Teacher of the Year By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

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lthough Foster Middle School teacher Schrundagale Griffith concentrates on teaching her 6th grade students math, she has credentials that span a

wide range of academia. After graduating from Longview High School in 1991, she moved on to Kilgore College as an accounting major and pulled down an associate of applied science degree. Her next stop was

LeTourneau University, where she took her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She then headed for Texas A&M to major in educational leadership and earn her master’s in education.

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Schrundagale Griffith in action teaching Math.

Despite staying so busy accumulating such an impressive collection of scholastic credentials, she found time for adventures in many other fields. Below are 4 things people do not know about Ms. Griffith: 1. She appeared with Denzel Washington in his movie, The Great Debater. 2. She met LeBron Raymone James Sr., #23 for the Los Angeles Lakers at the London Olympics while sharing her faith. 3. She was a National Speech Champion in college. JANUARY 2024

4. She competed and won honors in Persuasive Speaking, Informative Speaking, and Debate. Here are three favorite things she likes to do with her students: 1. I like to empower and build up my students. I love it when the ‘light bulb’ goes off. 2. I like to celebrate student accomplishments inside and outside the classroom.

3. I like to teach students good speaking skills. Griffith brought 2 decades plus years of experience to Longview ISD Foster Middle School. Prior to joining Longview ISD, she was a math teacher and interventionalist at Hallsville Junior High School. Her dedication to academic distinction is second to none and has been recognized as such with numerous awards including: 1. The "You Rock!" Award from the Junior Honor Society 2. "Peltier Outstanding Teacher" Award 3. Ellen's "Kleenex: Nominate Your Incredible Teacher" Award in 2021. 4. Foster Middle School Teacher of the Year 2024 5. LISD Teacher of the Year 2024 6. Region 7 Teacher of the Year 2024 7. Finalist - Texas Teacher of the Year 2024 Photo by Joycelyne Fadojutimi

WOMEN TODAY

WomenToday January 2024

8 Ways to jump-start the New Year

Schrundagale Griffith: Star teacher exemplifies passion, dedication, shines in classroom and beyond

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