infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus September 2022

VOL. 12 NO.9 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Student loan forgiveness is here.

Komatsu expands its Longview, Texas facility LRMC Uses New Technology to Enhance Maternal and Fetal Safety

Dr. James

Wilcox LISD receives “A” rating, disburses $1.8M to teachers

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Editor's Note Hello Everyone, Welcome to the month of September. We are only 2 months away from Thanksgiving and 3 months from Christmas. The kids have gone back to school with no masks. We hope it stays that way, but we know that nothing stays the same. Life is constantly changing beyond what some of us can handle.

But again, life is always evolving. New things work up our fancy while old things just bore us. Please check out the stories in this edition, Longview Independent School District (LISD) started this school year with exceptionally high notes. The consecutive award winning Big Green Marching Machine bellowed out its wolf pack notes while Viewettes kicked them up to a back-to school exhilaration at the Lobo coliseum back to school convocation.

However, the most important notes came from the current Longview Incentive for Teachers (LIFT).

Dr. James Wilcox put the naysayers in their place with this designation.

“Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas.

Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an A with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.

The data speaks for itself.”

Another story we brought you is about college loan scams. As student loan holders navigate the new forgiveness program, con artists will undoubtedly be there to take advantage of any confusion. It happens with any big government initiative, including the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, eviction moratorium and pandemic relief programs. Always be sure to do your research before sharing any personal information.

There is more and we hope that you will read all of the magazine.

We look forward to serving you again in October by God’s grace.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi, 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

For advertising Email: joy@infinitieplusmag.com www.infinitieplusmag.com 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 2022. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

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

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

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

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VOLUME 12 | ISSUE 9

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

Education

UT Tyler Names Dr. Rodney Ellis as Longview University Center Director

T

he University of Texas at Tyler announced the appointment of Dr. Rodney Ellis as director of the UT Tyler Longview University Center.

For 28 years, Ellis has worked in higher education in the states of Georgia and Louisiana.

Most recently, he served for nearly nine years as professor of education and chancellor on the

Shreveport, Louisiana, campus for the only historically black college and university system in the world and chancellor of the technical and community college with the largest geographic service area in Louisiana.

“Dr. Rodney Ellis brings extensive knowledge and experience in higher education leadership and community engagement to his role as director and is devoted

to working closely with faculty, staff, students and the community to expand the resource opportunities the Longview University Center offers to the greater Longview community,’’ said UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. Ellis was chancellor of Southern University at Shreveport, chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical and Community College and provost/ex-

ecutive vice president for academic and student affairs at Atlanta Technical College. In those roles, he led all operations including academic affairs, workforce development, institutional effectiveness and research, student affairs, financial and facility services, institutional advancement, and community partnership development.

Contd. on Page 20

IN IS STA SU N E! T

s t n e t n o C

Michael Tubb and Ginnia Northcutt attend convocation

Head Coach John King and LHS Head of School James Brewer at convocation

In Every Issue

Spotlight

3

Education

7

Inspiration

8

Cover Story

Teacher Vivian Okereke, Principal Nikita Mumphrey and Teacher Aleli Antommarchi from Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy talk about school, students, and success.

14 Health and Wellness 16 Business and Finance 23 Puzzle

LRMC CEO Steve Gordon talks new tech, maternal/fetal safety

Texas Bank and Trust will donate $4.00 to your

school for every new

card issued!

www.texasbankandtrust.com MEMBER FDIC

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EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

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About the Cover LISD earned TEA’s “A” rating with 53 distinctions. “The distinction money goes to everyone on the campuses. I am very happy first of all for our students and their level of achievement. I am proud of our classroom teachers and principals who lead the campuses. Regardless of the naysayers, we can be

a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed.

We are the only large school district that made an A with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.” Wilcox concluded, “The data speaks for itself.”

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5

Inspiration

STUDY THE SCRIPTURES

By GLENN MILLER

G

OD’S WORD: "Let the Word of Christ dwell within you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." – Colossians 3:16

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It's often been said that God's Word is the moral compass we need to live ethically, honestly, and lovingly. As believers, when we're studying and applying God's Truth in the scriptures, when can see what is right from wrong, what is truth from fiction, what is loving from that which is cruel, what is profitable for us from that which is foolish, and that which is noble from that which is cowardly.

Having developed a habit of purposefully reading and reflecting on God's Word each morning has made a real difference in the course of my day. It is, however, still my choice as to whether I choose to digest God's Word each day and, quite frankly, some mornings find me without the time to do so. But what I've found on those days I miss is that throughout the rest of the day, I feel something is missing; a feeling like I forgot to put on my pants.

As a small child, I remember waking up each morning to find my Dad reading his Bible on the edge of his bed before going downstairs to breakfast. I'd watch him as he’d open his Bible to where he had left off the

day before, read a few pages, and then close his eyes in silent prayer.

(I now find myself wondering how many thousands of days he was praying for me!) This was about a 15-minute ritual every morning and it was as much a part of my own morning ritual as his. In fact, it wasn't until I went away to college and lived in a dorm did I begin to see that all men didn't start their day the same way. For me, it was something I thought all men did as regular as shaving and brushing their teeth.

Dad never thrust a Bible in my face nor told me to read so many pages before I could go out and play. Dad never presented me with a lectionary of daily Bible verses to ponder. Dad simply showed me the importance of The Living Word by displaying his own love for it. As I grew older, he and I would share thoughts and reflections about scripture. Up until the time of his death over

20 years ago, he and I loved the times we'd get together and talk about the Word. His knowledge of scripture was applicable, revealing, encouraging, and more often than not, thought-provoking. But above all, I marveled (and still do today) at his love for the Word and the way he wove it throughout his life. Just before he died, I gave me his set of The Interpreter’s Bible that have his notes of teaching decades of Sunday school embedded throughout.

By studying and being still enough to hear God's Word speaking to us and giving us comfort, direction and strength to persevere, we stand to grow in experiential knowledge of God. We stand to grow in strength, wisdom, character and conviction.

Francis Bacon perhaps said it best. "Some books are to be read slowly and thought upon while others are to be chewed and digested!"

Bon Appetit, my friend!

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Cover Story

Cover Story

BACK TO SCHOOL KICKS OFF ON HIGH NOTES Longview Independent School District receives “A” rating, disburses $1.8 million to teachers S TORY AND P HOTOS BY J OYC ELY N E FA DO J UTIM I WWW.INF INITIE P LU S M AG .CO M

L

ongview Independent School District (LISD) started this school year with exceptionally high notes. The consecutive award winning Big Green Marching Machine bellowed out its wolf pack notes while Viewettes kicked them up to a back-to school exhilaration at the Lobo coliseum back to school convocation. However, the most important notes came from the current Longview Incentive for Teachers (LIFT).

Longview ISD Superintendent, Dr. James Wilcox without much ado thanked all staff members for their painstaking efforts saving the best news for last. In addition, he told his audience about Zig Ziglar’s famous quote. Ziglar an author and motivation guru was a member of First Baptist in Dallas.

Ziglar at one time was the highest tither in his church. He once told the congregation, “Money isn’t everything, but it ranks right up there with oxygen.” LISD handing out a total of $1.8 million to passionate, innovative, and inspiring teacher leaders is bound to breathe some change into their

8

Bramlette ES STEAM Academy teachers show off their LIFT checks, Principal Nikita Mumphrey looks on Contd. on Page 10

JL Everhart Principal Dr. Crystal Locke and her teachers at Convocation

families, City of Longview, and Gregg County economy.

Furthermore, Wilcox announced the biggest news of the school year - LISD received an “A” rating from Texas Education Agency, (TEA). TEA recently released the 2022 A–F

accountability ratings for districts and campuses. This is the first to be issued since 2019 as a result of two years of COVID-related pauses. According to TEA, 18% of high-poverty campuses in Texas were rated an A, proving that demographics do not equal destiny.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Dr. James Wilcox speaking at LISD Convocation

“Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an "A" with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.”

“The data speaks for itself.”

-Dr. James Wilcox, Longview ISD Superintendent

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Judson STEAM Academy Cheerleaders at Convocation

The 2022 accountability system used 3 domains: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gap to evaluate districts’ performance. Districts and campuses received A, B, C or not rated for scoring less than 70.

Wilcox is thrilled for the designation. He discussed several reasons why LISD received TEA’s “A” designation. They include: • Hiring the right teachers, principals, and pioneering leaders.

• Paying teacher and staff more than other districts.

• • •

•

Going above and beyond for students and parents.

Having advanced and state of the art programs for a diverse student population.

Starting young students very early on the right path in LISD East Texas Montessori Prep Academy.

Maintaining International Baccalaureate certification on all campuses.

More importantly, LISD earned 53 distinctions. “The distinction money goes to everyone on the campuses. I am very happy first of all for

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Cross section of teachers at Convocation

Forest Park Magnet School Principal Ryan Carroll with a thumb up at Convocation

our students and their level of achievement. I am proud of our classroom teachers and principals who lead the campuses,” Wilcox said. “Regardless of the naysayers, we can be a quality district in all of east Texas. Anyone who looks at the data will be impressed. We are the only large school district that made an A with the diversity that we have - 84% low socioeconomic students, and we still provide quality education for all students.”

Wilcox concluded, “The data speaks for itself.”

Some other LISD accomplishments include: • • •

• •

Offering IB program at no cost to all students.

Has the largest free Montessori campus in the nation.

Adopted dual language, STEAM, and Montessori programs on their campuses at no cost to parents.

Has the #1 high school in east Texas according to US News and World Report.

Longview High School

•

•

•

scored 7 out of 7 distinctions designation.

Received an “A” rating on its financial rating with a score of 96 according to Financial Integrity rating System of Texas.

Remains the only school district in east Texas to close the gap with Spanish speaking population.

The only district in the region with a state-of-the-art meat lab, and several other innovative programs to mention a few.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Longview ISD educators talk LIFT big bucks S TORY AND P HOTOS BY J OYC ELY N E FA DO J UTIM I

|

WWW.IN FIN ITIEPLU S M AG .COM

Stacey Gaskin Stacey Gaskin, a recipient of the LIFT check was born into a family of teachers. “I used to play school as a little girl,” she said. “I absolutely love teaching.” She does indeed.

She is in her 29th year and currently teaches Pre-K and Kindergarten at the East Texas Montessori Prep

Academy. “I love to lay that strong foundation my students need to be successful in other grades,” said Gaskin.

Gaskin was not expecting any LIFT check because this is the first year her school was included. She is very happy about the inclusion.

“I feel blessed, honored and appreciated because I was

Aleli Antommarchi

Vivian Okereke

Nikita Mumphrey

Aleli Antommarchi teaches 4th grade at Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy. She was one of the teachers who received a LIFT check at the convocation.

She is thrilled with this financial recognition. “This is a way to say to exceptional teachers, we see your hard work and we value it,” said Antommarchi. “This last year had been very hard and trying so when we are recognized financially, it makes it all better and worthwhile.”

She has plans for her check- take her family on vacation.

Another Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy LIFT recipient, Vivian Okereke loves teaching. She did not want to go into a profession just to make money hence, she chose education. Okereke collaborates with her teammates for best student educational outcomes.

Besides working in partnership with other teachers, she collects data to understand what she needs to do for her students to reach their fullest potential. Teaching has its financial rewards after all.

According to Okereke, she will use her LIFT check to pay down debts and take a vacation.

Nikita Mumphrey is the principal at Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy. She attributes the secret of her campus success to the staff. She describes them as “great people with the same goals -work collaboratively for student achievement.” “They are my dream catcher, they feel my passion, they focus on students success,” she said. “The teachers on this campus are very innovative.

I could not do what I do without them.”

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Principal Nikita Mumphrey giving out LIFT checks at convocation

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not anticipating getting any check,” she said. She plans to use her LIFT check to pay part of her daughter’s upcoming master’s degree program. Gaskin praised her fellow teachers saying, “Most teachers go out of their way to make sure that their students are successful.”

Moreover, Mumphrey says no contribution is too small and insists that everyone is important.

Hence, their collaboration yields a synergy that carries into their work/teaching that results in student success. Leading by example is one of her strengths. She views Bramlette Elementary STEAM Academy as a learning community with high expectations for students. “It is exciting to be on our campus because it is all about the kids.”

In addition, she plays a big role in assisting teachers and staff sharpen their skills, perfect their craft and became accomplished teachers. Her enthusiasm is extremely obvious and contagious in tandem.

Mumphrey pours herself into her campus. “When students win, teachers win. When teachers win, the principal wins,” said Mumphrey who believes everyone is destined for perpetual greatness.

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13

Cover Story Education

Business Health and and Wellness Finance

Longview Regional Medical Center Uses New Technology to Enhance Maternal and Fetal Safety

T

Here’s how to avoid scams

T

By MICHELLE AGBAYANI MILLS

he childbirth team at Longview Regional Medical Center is now using an artificial intelligence-based maternal-fetal early warning system called PeriWatch Vigilance to enhance patient safety during labor and delivery. The system continuously monitors maternal vital signs, fetal heart rate, contractions, and labor progression to help clinicians quickly identify any concerning developments for faster intervention.

Longview Regional delivers more than 2,000 babies each year. Dr. Charles Newlin, MD, OBGYN, chief of Longview Regional OB/GYN, indicates this new technology is an important resource to support maternal/fetal health and safe deliveries.

“Every delivery is unique so the health and well-being of every mom and baby is our priority during childbirth,” says Newlin.

“While most births happen without complication, there are some inherent risks in the delivery of a newborn. This new technology adds another layer of protection throughout the labor process to help our maternity team recognize, prevent, and respond to avoidable complications.”

Through pattern recognition, the technology can also pinpoint opportunities for overall improvement based on

14

Student loan forgiveness is here.

LRMC CEO STEVE GORDON

consolidated data from multiple births. As the maternity team reviews trends and identifies areas where improvement is possible, the hospital can use that information to develop protocols that further increase safety and may lead to better outcomes for mothers and babies.

“By investing in this technology, Longview Regional Medical Center is making labor and delivery safer for mothers and babies,” said Steve Gordon, Chief Executive Office of Longview Regional Medical Center. “Our physicians and nurses are highly skilled medical professionals and excellent caregivers, and they appreciate the use of technology to support their work, especially when it helps keep our patients safe.”

To learn more about Longview Regional Medical Center childbirth services or to find a physician, visit www.

CHARLES NEWLIN MD FACOG

longviewregional.com or call 903758-1818.

Longview Regional offers a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox from a trusted medical source. www. longviewregional.com for sign-up page on hospital website.

About Longview Regional Longview Regional Medical Center is your community healthcare provider; a 224-bed facility. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We're 180 physicians and healthcare professionals strong, and qualitydriven, nationally recognized for chest pain and stroke care, and dedicated to great patient service, with multi-specialty clinical expertise. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.

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he Biden Adminstudent loan relief, make government websites, such to legitimate agencies or istration recently sure the claims are real as ED.gov and studentaid. programs. announced that • Think something seems first. During the COgov, for information. the federal gov- • Never pay money for a suspicious? Reach out VID-19 pandemic, BBB ernment will canreceived many reports free government pro- to the agency directly. cel up to $20,000 of Federal of hacked social media gram. Scammers often If you have any concerns student loans per person. accounts being used to trick victims into paying about an alleged governMillions of Americans will representative's spread government imfor free government pro- ment be recipients of the student postor scams. grams – or they claim you legitimacy, hang up the loan debt relief; unfortuRead more on BBB. can get additional ben- phone or stop emailing/ nately, this creates an excelefits, faster benefits, etc., texting. Then, report the org about scams targeting lent opportunity for scamfor a fee. A real govern- suspicious calls or messag- recent college graduates mers. See the recent warning ment agency will not ask es. Then, find the official and government impostors. about student loan forgivefor an advanced process- contact information (look Get further insight by readness scams. ing fee. These are all red on ED.gov and studen- ing BBB’s tips on loans and As student loan holders taid.gov or other official credit repair services. flags of a scam. navigate the new forgiveness • Be wary of out-of-the- sites) and call to verify.

If you’ve spotted a stuprogram, con artists will unblue calls, emails or text • Be careful, even if the dent loan forgiveness scam doubtedly be there to take messages claiming to be information comes from (whether or not you’ve lost advantage of any confusion. from the government. In a friend. Even if a close money), report it to BBB. It happens with any big govgeneral, the government friend or family member org/ScamTracker. Your reernment initiative, including will not contact you using you trust sent you the port can help others avoid the COVID-19 vaccine rollthese methods unless you information regarding falling victim to scams. out, eviction moratorium grant permission. and pandemic relief pro- • Watch out for grams. Always be sure to do phony govern903.291.0020 your research before sharing ment agencies or 1408 Lago Trail any personal information. programs. If you Longview Tips to avoid student loan speak to someone heartis.com forgiveness scams: claiming to be a • Get to know the terms of government repAssisted Living and Memory Care Community your student loan and resentative who is the relief program beoffering you stufore acting. Always do dent loan relief, your research before shardo some research ing personal information. before you agree Be sure to understand the to anything. Scamins and outs of your spemers often make cific loan, as well as how up look-alike govstudent loan relief impacts ernment websites you. Go straight to official that sound similar www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | September 2022

15

Business and Finance

Business and Finance

Komatsu expands its Longview, Texas facility 56,000-sq. ft. building to house office, employee center and customer experience center

T

o upgrade and consolidate multiple functions into a single location, Komatsu is building a significantly expanded office and administration building on its manufacturing campus in Longview, Texas, U.S. Last month the company broke ground for the new 56,000-squarefoot building at 2400 S. MacArthur St. and is targeting a move-in date of December 2023.

“We value our partnership with the city of Longview and this investment is a reflection of Komatsu’s commitment to the southside of the city,” said Jesse Dubberly, general manager of Longview operations for Komatsu. “With new investments in this campus of close to $100 million, our goal is to continue to demonstrate that we are a solid community partner that offers good, family-sustaining jobs.

By taking functions that were

16

spread across six buildings and consolidating them into one new energy-efficient facility, we are constructing a building that is designed to not only better serve our existing workforce, but is also sized for our future growth,” concluded Dubberly.

In addition to office facilities for up to 230 people, the new building will house an employee center which includes a café, marketplace, indoor and outdoor seating, multipurpose room and Komatsu store; and a facility care center maintained by the Environmental Health and Safety department that will provide an audiometric booth, first aid room, mother’s room and direct access for emergency vehicles in the event of an emergency. There will also be a Komatsu Customer Experience Center showcasing both Komatsu’s legacy and ingenuity.

Both the general contractor, Transet Co., and the engineering firm, Johnson & Pace, are local Longview firms. The architectural design team for the project is

Arkansas-based Polk Stanley Wilcox.

With design and manufacturing responsibility for Komatsu’s electrical drive and SR (Switch Reluctance) hybrid drive systems for the company’s electric drive wheel loaders, the Longview campus also supports Komatsu’s global mining business through manufacturing assembly of other key parts and modules for electric rope shovels, rotary and track drills, trucks for surface mining, and underground hard rock mining trucks and wheel loaders. Komatsu will also soon begin a project to expand the facility’s motor shop.

Designated a “mother plant” within the network of Komatsu’s global facilities, the Longview facility has research and development, design and manufacturing capability on one campus. Mother plants are tasked with strengthening the production competitive edge of their plants as well as those of their “child plants” that manufacture the same models.

The Longview facility’s new

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fabrication building, which was completed in 2021, was recently awarded first place in this year’s TEXO Distinguished Building Awards competition.

The award was for the category General Contractor – Industrial / Warehouse Over $5M. Komatsu’s Longview operation is currently hiring for a number of positions. Interested applicants should visit komatsu.jobs to learn more and apply.

About Komatsu Komatsu develops and supplies technologies, equipment and services for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial and forestry markets. For a century, the company has been creating value for its customers through manufacturing and technology innovation, partnering with others to empower a sustainable future where people, business and the planet thrive together. Front-line

industries worldwide use Komatsu solutions to develop modern infrastructure, extract fundamental minerals, maintain forests and create consumer products. The company's global service and distributor networks support customer operations to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance.

To learn more, visit www. komatsu.com

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17

Tips for grilling

Grubs Up

the perfect burger

H

amburgers are a staple at backyard barbecues.

Though burgers are a relatively simple food, mastering the technique to grill burgers is no small feat, as there is more to great grilled burgers than simply firing up the grill and dropping down a patty.

 Choose fresh ground beef

that has a decent percentage of fat. The fat-to-lean meat ratio should be around 20 percent fat to 80 percent meat. Spend a little more to get freshly ground meat that has not been previously frozen.

 Don’t overwork the burgers

with a lot of handling. This will warm up the fat in the burger, which causes it to emulsify and could make the meat rubbery.  Reconsider adding a lot of herbs, spices or add-ins to the burgers, as such items can detract from the flavor of the meat. Extra herbs and spices also may require extra mixing, which can lead overhandling.  Push a dimple into the top of the burger, which will help prevent the burger from expanding upward and out while cooking and rounding out in

the process. The dimple will keep the top of the burger flat, which facilitates easy topping.

Make sure the grill is hot.

Burgers do well with high heat and will cook relatively quickly.  Resist the urge to push down on the patty with your spatula. This will cause the juices to spill out and may result in a dry, tough burger.  Let burgers rest before serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout and makes for a moist and tasty first bite.

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19

Brain Teaser

Education Contd. from Page 4

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Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level.

Subject: HISTORY (e.g., He led expeditions that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. Answer: Hernan Cortes.)

Dr. Rodney Ellis

ibility in class scheduling while earning their UT Tyler degree. Longview University Center also works in partnership with Kilgore College to provide seamless pathways for students with dual credit and associate degrees to earn UT Tyler baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate degrees.

For more information, visit uttyler.edu/luc.

With a mission to

improve educational and healthcare outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs to 10,000 students. UT Tyler recently merged with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (now known as UT Tyler Health Science Center). Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center

(HSC) and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified

by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and

by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.

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FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. Which battleship was not raised after being sunk at Pearl Harbor?

Answer________ 2. Adolf Hitler was born a citizen of _____.

Answer________ 3. He was proclaimed “El Libertador.”

Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL 7. Name the first company to issue stock.

Answer________ 8. This captain sailed 4,000 miles in a small boat to reach safety on the island of Timor.

Answer________ 9. His predecessor was Sun Yat-sen.

Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL 4. Who was the most famous prisoner held at Devil’s Island?

Answer________ 5. When first elected prime minister, whom did Winston Churchill replace?

Answer________ 6. What was the date “... which will live in infamy”?

Answer________

SCORING: 18 points - congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points - honors graduate; 10 to 14 points - you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points - you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points - enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points - who reads the questions to you?

Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS: 1. Arizona. 2. Austria. 3. Simon Bolivar. 4. Captain Alfred Dreyfus. 5. Neville Chamberlain.

6. Dec. 7, 1941. 7. Dutch East India Company. 8. Captain William Bligh. 9. Chiang Kai-shek.

Over his career, he has secured nearly $50 million in federal grant funding and nearly $20 million in private sector/nonstate funding and resources to support programs and services.

Ellis was appointed to the White House Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 2018 and as civilian aide to the secretary of the army for North Louisiana in 2019.

Ellis earned a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from the University of Georgia, Master of Science in judicial/legal administration from Auburn University at Montgomery and Bachelor of Arts in political science from The University of Alabama. He is also, a certified economic developer trainer by the Technical College System of Georgia and certified nonprofit manager

by The Advancement Executive Network and the Technical College System of Georgia.

The Longview University Center offers the entire Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum, allowing Longviewarea students to experience reduced travel expenses and greater flex-

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With this Ring

PETS IN WEDDINGS

ets play important roles in their owner’s lives and are increasingly included in more activities, such as vacations, dining out and even weddings. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters says more couples are customizing their wedding celebrations and bridal parties to include pets. Dogs and cats are turning up in wedding photos as well as trips down the aisle. Some pets even serve as ring bearers. Before giving your pet a job for the wedding, consider his personality and temperament. How does the pet react around crowds? A dog or cat accustomed to a quiet home may behave differently when placed in a room full of excited people. In addition, confirm that pets are allowed inside your ceremony space.

Certain venues may not allow animals that are not service dogs. Make sure to inform guests that an animal will be present, so those with allergies can take precautions. If it isn’t practical to have animals in the ceremony, give them a primary spot in wedding or engagement photos.

Factors to consider before including Fido in your wedding Pets are full-fledged members of many families and even, apparently, families-tobe. In its 2016 American Wedding Study, Brides magazine found that 8 percent of wedding ceremonies included pets. While the couples of yester-year might have left Fido at home, many of today’s couples want their four-legged friends to be there

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on their big day. Though no studies to date have examined which animals are most likely to make an appearance at couples’ nuptials, it’s fair to assume that dogs, which tend to get out of the house more than most other types of pets, are the most common furry bridesmaids, groomsmen or ring bearers.

Before including dogs in their wedding plans, couples may want to consider a few factors to ensure asking Fido to be there come the big day is what’s best for couples, their guests and, of course, their beloved pooches.

Eligibility

Some venues do not allow pets that are not documented assistance animals on the premises. Confirm a venue’s pet policy before purchasing any wedding day attire for your dog. Couples who are intent on including their pets in their wedding ceremonies should only consider pet-friendly facilities, which may be hard to find. Couples who plan to take a limousine to and from their wedding also should confirm that the cars allow pets before booking.

Personality

No two dogs are the same. Some dogs might love people and attention, while others might prefer one-on-one time with their owners. Dogs that are sociable and unaggressive may make perfect additions to wedding ceremonies, while animals

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that exhibit anxiety around strangers or seem uncomfortable in noisy settings should be kept out of the ceremony.

Health

Dog owners also must consider their pets’ health when deciding whether or not to include them in the wedding ceremony. Couples who bonded over a love of their dog may really hope to include their furry friend in the festivities but should not do so at the expense of the animal’s health. Outdoor wedding ceremonies under sunny skies may produce potentially unhealthy conditions for certain breeds or older dogs. Dogs that have difficulty getting around may need a red wagon (and attendant) to make the rounds at the wedding.

Assistance

Couples will be busy on their wedding days, so they may need to arrange for a caretaker to look after their dog during and after the ceremony. Asking a guest or guests to play this role may be asking too much, as guests will no doubt want to celebrate without having to take care of a dog. A professional pet sitter might work, but that can be costly, as couples must pay for the sitter and will likely need to pay for the sitter to have a seat and a meal during the reception. Dogs can make great additions to weddings, but couples must consider a host of factors before deciding to have Fido join them as they tie the knot.

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With this Ring

With this Ring

How to host

a casual wedding

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eddings tend to be formal affairs, but there are no laws prohibiting happy couples from hosting more casual affairs. In fact, many couples confronted with the rising costs of tying the knot are doing just that.

According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 exceeded $35,000, and that price tag does not even include couples’ honeymoons. Some couples may not have the means to finance such lavish affairs, while others may want to save for larger expenses, such as a house, while still being able to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends.

Casual weddings can provide that opportunity.

However, while casual weddings are less formal, couples will still need to keep some things in mind to make their ceremonies and receptions both fun and memorable.

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Let guests know the wedding will be casual.

Perhaps the most important thing couples can do when hosting a casual wedding is inform their guests that the ceremony and reception will not be formal affairs. Be as specific as possible regarding the dress code so guests don’t feel embarrassed if they overdress.

Don’t abandon tradition entirely.

Couples hosting casual weddings may not feel beholden to all the traditions associated with more formal affairs, but that does not mean tradition should be abandoned entirely. For example, fathers-of-thebride may still hope to share a spotlight dance with their daughters, while siblings or friends may still hope to serve as bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just because a wedding is less formal does not mean it has to be completely void of tradition, especially those traditions that can let couples closest loved ones know how much they are loved and appreciated.

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Create your own traditions.

Embracing some tradition does not mean couples cannot simultaneously create their own wedding traditions. Guests at casual weddings will likely be expecting something different than they’re used to, so couples should not hesitate to provide that. Couples should strive to keep things tasteful but not shy away from unique ideas that fit into the casual theme.

Plan to feed guests.

While couples having casual weddings may choose to have their receptions somewhere other than banquet halls, they should still plan to feed their guests. Some guests may be traveling and staying in hotels to attend the wedding, and it’s a nice gesture to show

appreciation for their efforts by providing them with a meal. A meal also offers a great chance for guests to mingle with the married couple and fellow guests.

Something simple like a backyard barbecue or a catered meal at home fits nicely with a casual setting.

Don’t overlook logistics.

Small details, like transportation, parking and lodging will still need to be arranged. If hosting guests at home after the ceremony, make sure guests will have ample places to park their vehicles. In addition, make the same efforts regarding lodging for guests that you would if planning a formal wedding, as out-of-town guests will still need a place to sleep.

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Make proposals special and successful

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marriage proposals is a couple’s first official step toward the altar. Tradition dictates that men pop the question, with their surprised and hopefully soon-to-be-fiances’ ultimately deciding if wedding bells will be on the horizon.

Proposing marriage can be nerve wracking.

However, if the time seems right and love is in the air, popping the question can be exciting.

Regardless of who is proposing marriage, the following strategies can help make proposals memorable and successful.

Choose a sentimental location

Couples will remember the proposal for the rest of their lives. So choose a proposal location that has sentimental connections. Think about where the first ÒI love you was uttered or where a first date occurred. These can be prime locations to pop the question.

Note her style

Engagement rings play a big role in many couple’s proposals. One person’s style is not necessarily what his partner will like. Bigger isn’t always better. Rather, choose a ring that reflects your partner’s preferences and personality.

Take your partner jewelry shopping and see which types of jewelry he or she is most drawn to. Certain preferences can serve as a jumping off point for ring designs.

Turn the tides

An old Irish tradition known as The Lady’s Privilege was established in the fifth century by a nun named St. Brigid. She decided to create an opportunity for women to propose marriage. This day fell on every leap year, February 29. Centuries later, women can still use this tradition as the impetus to take the marriage reigns into their own hands. But women need not wait for the next leap year to propose.

Many women view proposing as an empowering action that is tied to the evolving view of independent women. Couples are negotiating more in the marriage process, and the dissolution of commonly held practices is occurring more often.

Ask for the family’s blessing

Men no longer need to ask their girlfriends’ fathers for permission to wed their daughters. However, asking your partner’s family for their blessing is a sign of respect and can add a romantic and heartfelt touch to the proposal.

Capture the moment

Though we live in an age when every moment of people’s lives is documented with videos and photographs posted to social media, proposals still stand out as extra special moments. Hire a professional photographer to discreetly capture the proposal and your partner’s reaction so it can be cherished for years to come.

A wedding proposal is a special moment in couples lives together. It can be made even more special by following some guidelines.

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Wedding flowers becoming larger

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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

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ove over bouquets and centerpieces. Flowers are taking over weddings in a big way. While wedding trends come and go, flowers will always have a place at the wedding table. Many modern couples are opting for statement pieces with their flowers to rival the big and bold ideas they’re incorporating elsewhere into their occasions, such as in cakes and clothing.

Floral chandeliers

There’s no need to worry about seeing over table centerpieces or flowers getting in the way of photo moments. Florists can hang flowers from beams over tabletops to increase visual impact, whether as individual baskets, single stems, or floral swags. Think about a large installation that forces guests to look up into a sea of greenery and flowers. The smell and the sight can be breathtaking.

Welcome wreaths

Why should wreaths only be reserved for front doors and holiday decor? A welcome floral wreath can be placed by the entryway to a chapel or reception hall with a heartfelt sentiment that shows guests how much they’re appreciated.

Fairy-tale flowers

A floral curtain of hanging flowers can line a chuppah or drape the altar in beautiful blooms.

Couples who would like a fairy-tale entrance also can make their debut as a couple by coming through a flower curtain at the reception.

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than life

Dance floor blooms

Who says flowers have to be overhead or on a table? With a plexiglass dance floor, or one made from some other transparent material, flowers can be underfoot, creating a magical floral carpet. Floral necklaces Brides needn’t carry their bouquets, they can wear ethereal and whimsical floral pieces around their necks or on their waists instead. Couples are urged to speak with their florists about the innovative ways they can make flowers an even more awe-inspiring component of their weddings.

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Factors that can affect the length of your engagement

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ach year, millions of couples around the world tie the knot. But before couples walk down the aisle, the proposal to get married must take place.

There is no perfect answer, and engagement length typically depends on personal preference and the needs of the couple.

A number of factors affect the length of a couple’s engagement, and couples should not feel as if they need to hurry down the aisle. For example, couples who will be financing their own weddings may need a longer engagement than those whose parents will be chipping in. Others may prefer a shorter engagement if they are financially stable and prepared to tie the knot.

Couples in their late 30s may feel the tug of a biological clock and want to ensure there is ample time to get married and have children. A shorter engagement can facilitate that.

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Some couples may have little choice in the matter, as the length of their engagements may be dictated by the availability of their favorite venues.

Military deployment, work commitments, medical issues, or travel responsibilities also may affect the length of an engagement.

Couples generally are advised to stick with what feels right to them regarding the length of their engagements

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Five great reasons to take engagement photos 1.

2.

3.

Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photographers. Spending time with the photographer gives the couple an opportunity to develop a rapport with their photographer. If couples and their photographer don’t click, it gives couples a chance to find someone else to take their photos.

An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. An engagement photo shoot is an ideal time to spend an afternoon in a special location focusing on each other without wedding planning An engagement shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike.

4.

5.

The bride and groom have save-the-date or social media photos. Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-date cards or social media postings (check with the photographer for licensing agreements).

Engagement photography gives couples plenty of opportunities to experiment with different locales, which may not be possible come the wedding day.

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Pets in

Weddings

5

great reasons to take engagement photos

How to host

a casual wedding Make proposals special and successful Wedding flowers becoming

larger than life

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THE JOURNEY OF LOVE MARRIAGE FAMILY