infinitieplusmag May Edition

infinitieplus

Inspiration

When silence Is Golden

LRMC Donates to

Longview

Community Ministries

Renovated

Shows New Look

Mayor

ANDY MACK,

Changing of the guards

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

By JIM KREIDLER/ FTC CONSUMER EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Before you spend money on that celebrity-endorsed premium cookware, weight loss product, or can’t-miss money-making opportunity, pause. Take a breath. Are you sure a celebrity or influencer is really endorsing that product or program? Maybe a scammer is behind that online ad. Scammers are using fake celebrity and influencer testimonials and endorsements — complete with doctored video and audio that seems like the real thing — to generate buzz and profits.

“But it looks and sounds real, so it must be true,” right? Not so much. The technology to make fake endorsement

videos is improving all the time. Your best bet is to do some research on your own. Before you click and buy, follow this advice:

Check out that celebrity or influencer testimonial. Search online using their name, the name of the company or product, and words like “scam” or “fake.” See what others are saying. Resist pressure to commit quickly. Scammers want you to act fast, and the ad might say it’s a limited time deal. But it’s not true. They just don’t want you to do any research or think it through.

Know the investment risk. If anyone says you can earn a lot of money on an investment with little or no risk, don’t buy into the hype. Investments always involve risk — there are no guaranteed returns. Visit Investor.gov, a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website, for more advice on investing and avoiding fraud.

Have you spotted a bogus celebrity endorsement? Report it to the FTC.

Ask your health care professional about dietary supplements. The government doesn’t review or evaluate supplements for safety or effectiveness before they’re put on the market. Even a natural supplement can be risky depending on your health and the medicine you take, and your doctor knows your health better than a celebrity.

GREETINGS

HEARTISANS RIBBON CUTTING

TOP TALK

Hello infinitieplus magazine Family and Friends,

We hope all is well with you as we run life’s race.

First things first. Thanks to our advertisers who make this publication possible at no charge to the public.

Secondly, thanks to our readers and followers on social media. We appreciate you very much.

Big and new things are happening all around us, and we are extremely excited

Please check out Mayor Andy Mack exit interview. He says, “It has been an incredible 18-year ride. I have no political plans. There are still many things to be done and I plan to be part of Stay tuned everyone.

On our Women Today cover is Melissa - what an uplifting story. She busted the “Woe is me, my childhood was so bad, and this is why I am ??? reason. Thank you, Melissa, for all you do out of love. We love your trust in the Lord and the advice you have for young women.

Other stories include Julee Rachels founder of Heartisans and their latest project – transitional housing for women.

Then, we have ArtsView Children’s Theatre with 2024 Leadership Longview Class upgrades.

There is a Mother’s Day Brunch recipe and When Silence is Golden for inspiration.

Check out the rest of the magazine and we look forward to serving you again in June by God’s grace.

Happy Mother’s Day Everyone

oycelyne Fadojutimi, Ph.D. Publisher

The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD

Graphic Designer

Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers

Glenn Miller

Mechele Agbayani Mills

Dr. Michael Guido

OUR MISSION

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 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.

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Longview, Texas 75602-2473

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Phone: 903.918.7706

Money Matters

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

Cover Story

Changing of the Guards

Arts and Culture

Renovated ArtsView shows new look

Community Connections

Heartisans:

Building Community

Inspiration

When Silence is Golden

Health and Wellness

LRMC Donates to Longview Community Ministries

Grubs Up

Mother's Day Brunch: Grilled pork chops 'n' peaches

Mayor Dr. Andy Mack and his city are bound tightly together. He spent nine years as a councilman, then won the mayor's office, serving another nine. Born and raised in Longview, he has deep Gregg County roots, and they will keep growing and spreading even after his 18-year tenure ends. "It has been an incredible eighteen-year ride. I have no political plans. There are still many things to be done, and I plan to be part of it," he says. "When you spend as much time [in a capacity] as I have spent you cannot just walk away. There's too much to be done. This is the end of a chapter and not the end of the book.” Stay tuned! 03 08 16 18 20 21 23

VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 05

Paula Loden and President Les Mendicello

Julee Rachels and Evie Henson

Judy Haley and Linda Voyles

Kathryn Pedroza, Vincent Purvis and Anna Scott; 2024 Longview Leadership Class Members and Overseers of ArtsView Class Project Nancy and Nicholas Gonzales of Visionz Auto Salon, the company that tinted ArtsView windows

Beauty and Wellness

Bad

any women go to great lengths in the name of beauty. But not every beauty tip or practice is beneficial. Women may be tempted to repeat bad beauty habits when they get the desired results, but doing so can put their bodies at risk. Turning a blind eye to these habits is never a good idea. In fact, recognizing potential beauty pitfalls and how to avoid them can promote longterm health, and nothing is more beautiful than that.

Failure to drink enough water. One of the most effective ways to nurture skin comes right out of the tap in the kitchen sink. When

people forget to drink adequate amounts of water, loss of fluids can result in dry skin that may have a tired, faded look. Even subtle wrinkles may become more pronounced as a result.

Getting tan from the sun or tanning beds.

A warm, golden glow is a hallmark of long days spent in the great outdoors. Dermatologists warn that ultraviolet rays that come from the sun or tanning beds can be very harmful to the skin, even if you do not burn. Premature aging and skin cancer are two risks.

Using dirty makeup brushes. Cosmetics can completely transform appearance, often

with minimal effort. By failing to clean brushes after frequent use, women are potentially exposing themselves to bacteria and other microorganisms that congregate on brushes and applicators.

Taking hot showers.

While this may be more of a concern in winter, when a steamy shower is the perfect way to chase away the chill, water that is too hot can remove a layer of the protective oils on skin and hair. Moderate the temperature instead. Some women may benefit from changing their beauty routines.

When faced with making a significant purchase, or even financing an unexpected emergency expense, consumers are tempted turn to credit to pay for the goods or services. While credit utilization maintains an important place in building a strong financial reputation, it can quickly put a person underwater financially, and interest fees can increase the price of big-ticket items by a significant amount.

Know exactly what you have. At any given time, they may not know whether the money they’re making is actually covering all of the bills, and how much money, if any, is left over. Spend a few months

cataloguing all credits and debits to your accounts.

Know your goal and price. Estimate on the high side of expenses so as not to go over budget. Treat a big-ticket item just like a utility bill.

Create a separate expense account. When all of your funds are together in one bank account, it is

easier to spend the money on other purchases rather than the larger one in mind.

Review your budget periodically. Figure out if there are areas where you can cut back and allocate more money to your overall savings or the special savings for the big-ticket item.

Time the purchase right.

In addition to only buying when you have the money saved, you can look at the calendar to figure out the best time to make that purchase. Does your state or province offer a sales tax holiday? Some simple financial planning can help people save and budget for big-ticket items more readily.

903.663.0061

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

Mayor Andy Mack exits city hall says, “It has been an incredible 18-year ride. I have no political plans. There are still many things to be done and I plan to be part of it.”

By JOYCELYNE

Mayor Dr. Andy Mack and his city are bound tightly together. He spent nine years as a councilman, then won the mayor's office, serving another nine. Born and raised in Longview, he has deep Gregg County roots, and they will keep growing and spreading even after his 18-year tenure ends.

"It has been an incredible eighteen-year ride. I have no political plans. There are still many things to be done, and I plan to be part of it," he says. "When you spend as much time [in a capacity] as I have spent you cannot just walk away. There's too much to be done." He is leaving without regrets because the time he spent in his offices were full of accomplishments he strove for out

of his flagrant love of Longview and its residents. “I never did one thing that was self-serving,” he said. “Never once did I do anything to benefit me or to someone close to me.”

"My philosophy has always been, you have to do the best you can in the circumstances you find yourself, with all the tools that you have at the time," he says.

Contd. on Page 10

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FADOJUTIMI Photos courtesy of City of Longview

Nonetheless, his biggest concern is lack of good people wanting to get involved in city politics. “No-one wants to be scrutinized, misquoted and have half-truths printed about them and have to defend themselves,” he said. “And that is a shame. The media is pushing people away from wanting to do a good job.”

The result he said is, “The city is left with career politicians, people who want to build or pad their resumes. Both of these groups are self-serving,”

Clearly, Mack recollects his naysayers. “People said, ‘I couldn’t do the job because I have a fulltime job and others said, I couldn’t do it because I am not a businessman.’ And neither can be further from the truth.”

When his political life was in its infancy, many voices opined that he was unsuitable because he was busy with his surgical practice and had no experience as an urban businessman. Few took into account that his clinic is very much a business and that taught him to be an entrepreneur. He also proved that he was quite able to spend ample time in both the operating room and city hall.

"I have attended countless ribbon cuttings, fundraisers, answered phone calls, all because I am dedicated to the city," he says. "The city did not suffer. My business did not suffer. Everything I did, I did for the glory of God."

Like most successful men, Mack has a great woman at his side. Wife Kelly was with him as he prayed for direction before embarking on his political journey even though she had reservations. Contd. on Page 12

Mayor Andy Mack and current City council members

Councilman Andy Mack, MD starting his 18-year service to Longview

Mayor Andy Mack and his scholarship recipients

Mayor Andy Mack and City Council members

"I felt this is what God wanted, and she supported me all the way," he says. "She is my anchor. I could not have done it without her. She has always been there for me."

So, when the COVID 19 contagion gripped the world including Longview, it clearly dawned on Mack that he has been called for a time such as this. The Lord knew four years ahead that the contagion would lead to misinformation with deadly consequences.

Mack never stops to credit his family, clinical staff, and Juile Woods.

"I am very thankful and grateful to my wife Kelly, my children and Julie Woods," he says. "My office staff supported me, making sure I was in the right place at the right time."

Mack's wife is both the apple of his eye and his right hand. He is delighted he has her and is fully aware of her worth to his career. Still, she is relieved the end is in sight.

"Kelly has been my rock at all times. She keeps me in my place and lets me know when I am not in the right lane," he says. She is glad it is coming to an end."

Besides family, social media played an important role in his service to Longview. “I could not have done it without Julie Woods running my social media. Social media proved to be an invaluable public platform in this process,” he said.

According to Mack, he used social media to inform and interact with citizens.

City councilman Dr. Andy Mack with other council members

Mayor Andy Mack and Fire Chief JP Steelman

Mayor Andy Mack talks COVID-19

Mayor Andy Mack celebrates city- wide July 4th

“We are not hiding anything. If you keep people informed and involved, they will know what is going on,” he said. “We used it (Facebook), to bring people together and I like bringing people together whether it is through the book club, Facebook, employee and community recognitions that we did, all of these things are important for bring the community together.”

Following this further, Mack stressed the importance

of community engagement. “Community is built on relationship and trust. Community is important for us to positively move forward. I was born and raised in Longview. Longview has and will always be my hometown.”

In addition, unity is paramount to Mack. “It is all ONE Longview. Not north, east, west, or south. It is ONE Longview. It is important that we erase all these divisions, Mack said. “I preach ONE Longview because what is good for

the north is good for the south, and vice versa. When one benefits, we all benefit. Iron sharpens iron.” Hence, he promoted ONE Longview, Shop local, and Help your Neighbor initiatives.

"It is all ONE Longview. Not north, east, west, or south. It is one Longview. It is important that we erase all divisions," he says. "I preach ONE Longview because what is good for north is good for south, and vice-versa. When one benefits, we all benefit."

On the other hand, Mack stressed three topmost priorities that marked his service to the city.

1. Non-smoking ordinance when he was on city council

2. Lear park that put Longview on the map for sports tourism

3. Reorganization of Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO). The reorganization steered LEDCO and the city

down to a profitable path.

Subsequently, LEDCO’s successes include GAP, AAON, Dollar General and most recently, the $1.2 Billion Eastman capital investment deal to mention a few. All these LEDCO successes have already created thousands of jobs for locals with more on the horizon.

For these reasons, he prays for

his successor, and makes it clear he will not fade from sight after vacating the mayor's office. He loves Longview and its people far too much to stop serving.

"This is the end of the chapter, but not the end of the book," he says. "I will not rest until we have something on I-20."

Stay tuned.

Mayor Mack recognizes baseball champs at city hall

Go-Giver Gala: Social media guru, Julie Woods and Mayor Andy Mack Tim Wiseman and Mayor Mack

The Horaneys and Mayor Mack

Mayor Andy Mack attends ribbon cutting

The Popes and Mayor Mack

Arts and Culture

Renovated shows new look

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

When the need for a new executive director of ArtsView

Children’s Theater arose in 2021 Nathaniel Olson reached out and snatched it. Creating masterpieces is his career, whether on stage or in the kitchen. He had been volunteering at ArtsView since 2007, finding time for it despite his busy schedule as a chef. He holds a degree in patisserie and baking, has run his own business and written grants for ETCADA.

"Theatre has always made me happy," he says. ArtsView is my happy place, and we hope it becomes your children’s happy place and yours as well

After three happy years in his position Olson is overseeing a $24,000 grant from the Texas Arts Commission towards financing the children’s theater's upgrade. He applied to Leadership Longview's (LL) 2024 class for further assistance via their class project. It was his third such request, and this one went through. There was a stipulation that ArtsView match their grant, which LL happily did,

but did not stop there. LL kept working on funding, bringing in many in-kind gifts until the total reached $90,000. Olson is terribly grateful for this assistance.

"If we had had to do this on our own, we could not have done it. We are beyond excited, and profoundly grateful to Leadership Longview for choosing us as their class project this year," he says. "Their commitment to the community and passion for supporting children’s programming have been instrumental. Thanks to them, we've been able to significantly expand our lobby, transforming it

into a spacious and welcoming area for our patrons."

No longer do theater goers have to wait outside regardless of the weather until shows start. Now they have a roomy, comfortable interior waiting area. Apart from increasing attendance, this improvement makes for more opportunities for East Texas children to interact with high-quality artistic productions.

New Vintages Custom Construction expertly rebuilt the facility, bringing to life this vision for Longview residents, especially its children. The theater staff can hardly wait to get started.

Other renovations include” Lobby with LED lighting, new and upgraded flower beds with real plants and flowers, Green room, prop storage and a new mural.

“ Our tiny ugly lobby has been transformed,” said Olson. “Our lobby is now incredibly bright, inviting, welcoming and fun.

Kathryn Pedroza is a newcomer to Longview. She attended LL Class of 24 in order to learn more about her new home, and meeting people who are unselfishly dedicated to making the city a better place is a great way of doing this.

"I learned so much about

Longview, how it operates, what is here, what makes it great, and also learned lots of leadership lessons and skills that will help both in my personal and professional life," she said.

Pedroza went further in her praise of the new and improved facility, and why she and so many others eagerly participated in its rebirth.

"After hearing about all the other wonderful non-profits in Longview

we just felt that we could truly help out with ArtsView, and all of us loved its mission," she said. "Some of our class either have kids who are in the programs or were in them themselves, so it was an easy choice."

Apart from learning so much about the community Pedroza was delighted to make thirty new friends who “have connections and resources that can benefit us all."

Longview Chamber of Commerce CFO Dace Jochum could also see the advantages of this sterling new civic improvement, and how the LL class of 2024 made it possible.

"Since 1981, Leadership Longview has been developing leaders, introducing them to the community and giving them an opportunity to give back by adopting a project for a local charitable non-profit," he said. "The class did a fantastic job, and we are grateful to Nathan Olsen for allowing us the opportunity to assist in getting this job done."

Nathan Olson, ArtsView Executive Director

Karen Partee and Aaron May

ArtsView Lobby

Page Feldhauser and Nathan Olson

2024 LL Class cuts ribbon for ArtsView project

Community Connections

HEARTISANS: BUILDING COMMUNITY

Heartisans village is a safe, affordable transitional housing for women

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

www.infinitieplusmag.com

According to Zumper.com, the average cost of renting any decent place in Longview is $1050.

And here comes Heartisans’ Village Transitional Housing, with an average cost of $450 for a nice, safe, and furnished duplex. According to Julee Rachels, founder

of Heartisans, this rent includes utilities.

Rachels was filled with joy for the momentous Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting of Heartisans Village, comprising of 10 duplexes on Nikki Court located across the street from their Alumni Resource Center.

District 5 Councilwoman, Michelle Gamboa and Precinct

2 County Commissioner Ray Bostick, Jr. attended the event with Heartisans’ volunteers, friends, and well-wishers. Gamboa and Bostick read the proclamation from the honorable Gregg County Judge, Bill Stoudt. Longview Chamber of Commerce Reach

Team Members, Linda Voyles and Linda Whitehead read Mayor Andy Mack’s proclamation and presented

the Chamber plaque to Rachels, respectively. Rachels made clear the purpose of Heartisans’ Village. “This is the answer to women staying in the community, “ she said. Women who have completed the Work Readiness Program are encouraged to apply to live

in the Village. “Graduates can live here for up to 2 years. This plan gives them the opportunity to work and save money towards buying their own homes.”

Furthermore, Rachels used the opportunity to introduce Heartisans’ new executive director, Evie Henson.

Rachels thanked volunteers, the crowd who came to support Heartisans

There are many reasons for Heartisans to rejoice. It is important to note, ninetyfive out of 180 women in Heartisans’ program have entered the workforce.

Heartisans is a nonprofit organization helping women transform their lives with self-sufficiency one woman at a time. For more information, please call 903431-1188.

Councilwoman Michelle Gamboa reads proclamation

Commissioner Ray Bostick reads proclamation

Founder Julee Rachels speaking at Heartisans’ ribbon cutting

Linda Voyles reads Mayor Mack’s proclamation Heartisans cuts ribbon

Linda Whitehead presents Chamber plaque to Julee Rachels

WHEN SILENCE IS GOLDEN

By DR. MICHAEL GUIDO

He was a new Christian.

But it didn’t matter: he wanted to be a witness for the Lord and let everyone know how grateful he was for his salvation.

On the final night of a revival meeting, he went to his pastor and asked if he could give his testimony. The pastor was pleased and said that he would call him to the platform when it was time for him to speak.

As the service progressed, George became rather nervous and

fearful of standing before a group of people he did not know. But he smiled, asked God for strength and peace, and looked forward to the time to share his story. Finally, his moment came. He walked boldly to the pulpit, placed his hands on each side as he had seen his pastor do on many occasions, and said, “Brethren.”

And that was it. His fear overwhelmed him. Not able to remember what he was planning to say, the only thing he could utter was, “Will you please join me in three minutes of silence to honor our beloved Savior.”

Our words of worship and witness need not be eloquent, only

Longview Regional Medical Center Donates To Longview Community Ministries

LRMC CONATED 1,764 Jars of Peanut Butter for Longview Community Ministries In honor of National Peanut Butter and Jelly day.

Longview Regional Medical Center hosted their second annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. This year’s drive was an inspiring display of community support and generosity, as Longview Regional Medical Center alongside members of the East Texas community successfully donated 1,764 jars of peanut butter to Longview Community Ministries.

sincere. A genuine Christian is the best proof of genuine Christianity. Standing to honor our beloved Savior may, at times, be the best thing we can do.

Prayer: Father, there are times when our lives speak so loudly that words are not necessary. May we realize, however, that in word or deed, we witness for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:7-12

"This campaign goes beyond the physical donation of food; each person who took time to donate peanut butter embodies a spirit of kindness, empathy, and community responsibility that defines our community here in East Texas," said Steve Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Longview Regional Medical Center.

According to Longview Community Ministries Executive Director Kristi Buckrell “peanut butter is a staple in our monthly food box because it packs a ton of nutrition, it is convenient and has a long shelf life.” She added, “peanut butter is one of the more expensive items we purchase from East Texas Food Bank to fill our monthly food box. We spend on average $1,000 monthly purchasing peanut butter and run out in three weeks.”

The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health.

Longview Community Ministries continues to see an increase in food boxes distributed each month. “ Longview Community Ministries distributed 1,426 boxes of food in February, which is up 55% from February 2023,” said Buckrell. “Longview Community Ministries is grateful to have community partners like Longview Regional Medical Center step up to help fight food insecurity in our community,” said Buckrell.

About Longview Regional Medical Center

Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) is your community

healthcare provider; a 224bed facility offering inpatient, outpatient, surgical and emergency services. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We're more than 550 providers and over 1,300 healthcare professionals strong. We are a Joint Commission accredited facility that is a Chest Pain and Stroke Center and also includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Our quality of care has been recognized by respected agencies and national accrediting bodies. LRMC grew its footprint in 2023 in the East Texas region by opening its first free standing emergency room, Longview Regional Emergency Center. We work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.

Business and Finance

Moving season is here: Tips on hiring a mover you can trust

April showers bring May flowers, but what do May flowers bring? Moving trucks! May is National Month, and that means it’s the beginning of the busiest moving season of the year. Whether it is graduating from high school or college, starting a new job, or receiving that highly anticipated acceptance letter, BBB reminds consumers to choose their mover wisely.

“The amount of moving activity increases drastically during summer months,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas said, “Unfortunately, that also means the potential of being taken by a fly-by-night company or by a company who holds your items hostage likewise increases.”

If you’re looking to make a move, BBB advises consumers to be aware of the following types of scams reported to BBB every year, including:

Fly-by-night movers.

Movers show up in an unmarked rental truck, rather than a clearly marked company-owned fleet truck and take off with your possessions. Only when you have arrived at your new residence do you discover your things didn’t make the journey with you.

Movers who hold your belongings hostage.

The move seems to be going smoothly, until you arrive at your new

home and the movers demand more money before releasing your items.

Scammers and fly-by-night operators won't be able to substantiate a good reputation. Ask for proof of license, insurance, and branded company materials.

Get it in writing.

Get three written estimates from different movers based on visits to your home. Though most professional movers do give quotes over the phone, it’s still a good idea to get written documentation of all the services you are receiving. If an estimate seems too good to be true, it likely is. If at any point the services change, whether on your part or the part of the professional, ensure that these changes are documented and understood by both parties.

Talk about the money. Find out how and when payment is required. Many companies require up to a 10% deposit to secure your moving date and require payment before your belongings are delivered. Find out what your payment options are and what method of payment is available. Let your bank know that you are in the process of relocating in the event they notice increased or unusual charges on your credit card.

Prepare for damage. Even though trustworthy movers are trained to handle your belongings and your home with care, it is difficult to move an entire household without at least some damage. Be sure to in-

quire about inadmissible and non-protected items, such as hazardous materials, jewelry, currency and others. Determine what is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy and what is/is not covered under your replacement valuation protection. If you are arranging for other workers to be in and out of your home, consider documenting the conditions before and after access, in the event any property damage takes place.

Protect your possessions.

Make sure that your mover provides full-value protection insurance for any lost or damaged possessions. Note that insurance is by the pound, so expensive items such as a flat-panel television may need additional replacement cost coverage in case they are damaged in transit. Find out what your household insurance will and won't cover during a move.

Take your valuables with you.

Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs, and important papers should be taken with you or shipped separately using a shipping service with tracking numbers and insurance.

Some "red flags" to watch for when hiring movers include:

• Movers who demand cash or a large deposit before the move.

• Company websites that have no address and no information about a mover's registration or insurance.

• Movers who claim all items are covered by their insurance.ing will tell you the same thing, but who wants to listen to them?)

Mother's Day Brunch Mother's Day Brunch

Grilled pork chops 'n' peaches

Grilled pork chops 'n' peaches

Seared on the grill, juicy peaches gain a caramelized char and become a mouthwatering match for succulent chops. Coating the pork with a marinade of garlic and cilantro results in supermoist meat.

Directions

• In food processor, combine garlic, cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; pulse until very finely chopped. Add soy sauce and pulse to incorporate. Transfer to large resealable plastic bag and add pork chops. Rub garlic mixture all over chops, seal bag tightly, and refrigerate until ready to grill, up to overnight.

• In same processor (do

not clean bowl), combine lime juice, sugar, red pepper, and 2 peaches, cut into quarters; puree until smooth. Can be refrigerated, covered, overnight.

• Prepare grill for direct grilling on medium-high.

• Cut remaining peaches into halves; grill 5 to 7 minutes or until grill marks appear, turning occasionally. Grill chops, covered, 5 to 6 minutes or

until cooked through (145 degrees F), turning over once. Grill green onions 3 minutes or until softened, turning occasionally. Serve with sauce.

Seared on the grill, juicy peaches gain a caramelized char and become a mouthwatering match for succulent chops. Coating the pork with a marinade of garlic and cilantro results in supermoist meat.

Mystery shopping, (fake) checks, and gift cards

By ANDREW RAYO/CONSUMER EDUCATION SPECIALIST

If you’re looking for a new job, getting paid to shop might sound like a dream. Companies hire mystery shoppers to try products or services and share experiences about things like buying or returning something, or their overall customer experience. But while some mystery shopping jobs are legitimate, many aren’t. So how do you spot the scams?

In many mystery shopping scams, a scammer pretending to be from a well-known company “hires” you to be a mystery shopper. They send you a check (it’s fake) and say to deposit it to

buy gift cards from the store and keep the rest as pay. Then, they ask you to give them the numbers on the back of the cards. But it’s all a scam. The scammer gets the money you put on the gift card while the bank will want you to pay back whatever you spent.

If you’re considering a mystery shopping job, here are ways to spot and avoid scams: Research the job first. Search online for the name of the company or person who’s hiring you, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what others are saying.

Never agree to deposit a

check to buy gift cards and send the numbers back as part of a mystery shopper job — or any job. Only scammers will say to do that. It can take weeks for a bank to figure out that the check is fake. By that time, you’re stuck repaying the money to the bank. Don’t believe guarantees that you’ll make lots of money. Only scammers make these guarantees. Mystery shopping jobs are usually part-time or occasional work — not something to replace a full-time job.

In addition, she uses her time, talents and treasures to volunteer and sponsor various events in Longview including: The City of Longview Unity and Diversity Honors Luncheon, Martin House Boots, Bags and Bingo; Perlas Y Tiaras Gala For Latinas That Overcame Hardships, Education by Design, Basketball Club Foundation, NETX FCA and Spring Hill Assembly of God. Somehow, she manages to handle all these super worthy causes while also making time for purely enjoyable pursuits.

"I love family gatherings, dancing, singing, working out and just doing things to bring smiles to others' faces," she says. Her greatest motivation is not only breaking her family's long history of poverty, but to make sure she does the same for others. She is determined to ensure as many as possible will not have to grow up under others' roofs or no roofs at all. The eternal American dream of home ownership is something she toils to bring to as many as she can. Her labors have not gone unnoticed.

Through the years she has earned accolades by NAHRAP, North DFW Real Producers, D Magazine, 360 West and Top Ten of C21JFC. Latina business owner that she is, she eagerly serves on the board of the Century 21 Advisory Council and the Longview Hispanic

Business Alliance. Her devotion to her clients has won her a Centurian Award, Pinnacle Quality Service Award, and the President's Quality Service Award. Furthermore, she sits on the boards of Realtors TREPAC Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. She has words of wisdom for the next generation of young women entrepreneurs.

"Create the life that you want by setting goals and visualizing them as completed for yourself each year," she says. "Have faith to know God can give you the strength and resources regardless of where you're coming from through the power of prayer and by serving others with love."

Melissa backs up her advice with divine words, "Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Mathew 7:7-8.

Then there is: "Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Melissa’s accomplishments are embedded in her trust in God and positive self-image.

"I never saw myself as a victim or a child of less. My focus remained in one fact- I will be whoever I want to be because God has so much more of a purpose for me," she says.

by Michael Cavazos

"I never saw myself as a victim or a child with less. My focus remained in one fact- I will be whoever I want to be because God has so much more of a purpose for me," - Melissa Sanches

Photo

MELISSA SANCHES:

THE TRIUMPHANT BUSINESS EXECUTIVE

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

Melissa Sanches is such a brilliant woman that she started attending Kilgore College even before graduating from Pine Tree High School. It was not an easy trip.

Today, Melissa is very accomplished despite coming from an indigent single parent home. Her mother Cindy Golden raised Melissa and her siblings who despite mental illness did her best. They endured homelessness, living with family members, in homeless shelters and passing through eight housing apartment complexes. But that is not all.

.Melissa spent some time with her father in Mexico when she was thirteen and was there for his funeral when he was murdered. Her success in adult life is a testament to her drive, competence, and industry, as she and her younger siblings are testaments to the success that comes from strong work ethic.

Her sister Monica Golden is twenty-two months younger and works in upper management with J.P. Morgan.

Brother Juquin Gallardo is nine years younger and has mental health disorders and is under her tender support. Brother Carlos Campozano is sixteen years younger and works with unselfishness and skill as a personal trainer.

Melissa herself has worked since 2012 as a bilingual realtor. She considers it a privilege to guide her clients through the complex processes of buying, selling, and investing in land throughout East Texas. Helping others realize their lifetime goals is her passion. Her educational background prepared her for this calling.

After graduating from Kilgore College with an associate degree in psychology she moved on to the University of North Texas and pulled down a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both degrees with honors. This training taught her not only how to best care for her brother, but how to deal with others in making serious, lifetimeaffecting family decisions.

In addition, she finds time for physical fitness. "I've always been pretty flexible," she says.

"I still do yoga and bootcamp/ workout pretty regularly. I was in competitive dance in junior and senior high school, and swing dancing, Latin and hip-hop."

She credits several significant, praiseworthy women for steering her down the straight and narrow. When asked who has had the greatest impact on her life she answers quickly and with conviction:

"The were many strong women mentors at different points in my life. Mrs. Russell in junior high and high school, Mrs. Tallavera and Bindy Tice at Kilgore College, Phyllis Wolper and Miogene Alexander with Real Estate."

Although she has called the East Texas communities of Union Grove and Gilmer home, her heart is in Longview. Her core business and civic engagements are in her beloved city of Longview. Hence, she is a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview Connections, Longview Hispanic Business Alliance and LAAR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Melissa Sanches

Photo by Michael Cavazos

Melissa Sanches

THE TRIUMPHANT BUSINESS EXECUTIVE