infinitieplus Magazine

infinitieplus May 2023

VOL. 13 NO.5 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

LISD 1st Graders Go Global Chamber holds Reception

Four reasons to shop small versus big box

You Really Can Recover From Dumb Money Mistakes

Saying Yes to Saying No at Work

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Community Business

Four reasons to shop small versus big box

T

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 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. .

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Editor's Note Hello Everyone, We hope that you are doing well with your families and friends.

We are excited to bring you another edition of infinitieplus magazine.

In this issue we have a collage showing the places we have been and stories we have covered.

Our cover story is about Johnston McQueen, their international baccalaureate program and what they did for the module project. Please read about their 1st graders who took on the task of sending Marsha to school. Marsha is from Uganda, and she could not go school for lack of funds. Besides, girls like Marsha are not highly thought of in Uganda. It is not a big deal if she does not attend school because she is a girl. The 1st graders at Johnston McQueen took on this global project through Trevor Burgmann of We Help Two, a social enterprise. The students sold socks and sent Marsha to school. The story is from page 6.

Most of the people on the magazine cover are elected officials and businesses who attended the Longview Chamber of Commerce

Table of Contents Elected Officials reception. It is an annual event that gives businesses the opportunity to meet elected officials face to face and have discussions about whatever they think is important. Sometimes, businesses just want to say thank you to elected officials for their hard work on behalf of their enterprises.

But wait there is more.

Our Business and Finance pages are a must read. It is all about money, money and more money that benefits anyone no matter what your financial stage is in life. Check it out for some financial nuggets.

By the way, did I mention the grubs page? Please do not miss that recipe. There are still other interesting stories in this issue.

Flip the magazine and read about ZONTA, a service club that caters to all things women.

With that said, we wish all women a Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for reading. You can download the magazine on your phone from www.infinitieplusmag. com We look forward to serving you again in June by God’s grace.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi PhD 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 Shea Vogel Dr. Michael Guido

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

Steve Clugston and Dr. Rodney Ellis.

Features

In Every Issue Spotlight

OUR MISSION

Inspiration

OUR VISION

Business and Finance

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 2023. 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

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Gregg and Smith County Judges Bill Stoudt and Neal Franklin.

Women Today

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

VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 5

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Kristin Ishihara and Gai Bennett.

Puzzle Grubs Up Community Connections Cathy Cace and Suzanne Brown-Tuma enjoy Elected Officials Reception

Dr. Evan Dolive meets Congressman Nathaniel Moran

About the Cover

Our cover story is about Johnston McQueen, their International Baccalaureate program and what they did for the module project.

Marsha is from Uganda, and she could not go school for lack of funds. Besides, girls like Marsha are not highly thought of in Uganda. It is not a big deal if she does not attend school because she is a girl. The 1st graders at Johnston McQueen took on this global project through Trevor Burgmann of We Help Two, a social enterprise. The students sold socks and sent Marsha to school.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

LISD 1st Graders Go Global

J

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / WWW.INFINITIEPLUSMAG.COM

ohnston McQueen is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Authorized Primary Years Programme and a distinguished elementary school. The school is part of East Texas Advanced Academy in Longview Independent School District where students receive an exceptional education enhancing their opportunities for an

International Baccalaureate program in middle, high school and beyond.

Furthermore, Johnston McQueen 1st graders financially assisted Marsha Nsiimye in Uganda, Africa.

Research shows that IB students are encouraged and learn to think critically. They begin to solve complex problems at a young age leading them to develop strong academic, social, and emotional characteristics. IB

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Dr. James Wilcox

James Brewer

program is transdisciplinary – that is- it focuses, relates to, and goes across all subjects and to real life.

Hence, IB students are better in Math Literacy, Reading, Narrative and Expository Writing when compared to non-IB peers anywhere locally, nationally, or globally.

Johnston McQueen 1st graders paid Marsha's school expenses, which is the sole reason she was able to attend classes at all. LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox could not be prouder of his young scholar/philanthropists.

"The project they are doing at Johnston McQueen Elementary School is student-initiated," he said.

"Our students came up with this idea, and they wanted to reach out and help this student because they know that education is the way out of poverty."

Wilcox went further in his description of this wonderful

Cristi Scott

project by children barely old enough to go to school.

"Poverty is so widespread in that country," he said. "I could not be prouder of our students and the work of the IB instructors who created the environment that led to our children sharpening their minds. It shows the reach of the IB program and its lasting impact."

Wilcox also explained how this project is precisely what the IB is seeking to achieve--the sharpening of incredibly young minds in pursuit of noble aims. In this respect, IB is unquestionably best.

"This is why we are providing this education for students here in Longview--for them to see and say, 'I can make a difference. What I say and what I do is important.' It is important not only in their lives, but it is important in the lives of people around you. What a great lesson to learn from an early age."

Brandi Patterson

East Texas Advanced Academy's interim CEO James Brewer could not have agreed more.

"I am excited and very proud of our Johnston McQueen students, teachers and this Ugandan project," he said. "It is good to reach your community, state and the nation."

Brewer expounded on the magnitude of how the IB students' eagerness to help others from outside their own country is something to be treasured.

"When students begin to go beyond their borders, learning takes on a higher dimension. Students in IB learn that they can reach beyond the stars and be ready to lead in the near future," he said. "These young first graders demonstrated the ability to think independently, start and finish a project that helps a less fortunate person in another part of the world."

Contd. on Page 8

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Cover Story

Cover Story They reached out to Burgmann and decided to sponsor a student."

Considering how her students financed the program by selling socks online and convincing families and teachers to buy into the scheme, Patterson left no doubts as to the untouched success of her first graders' efforts.

"We are grateful that the whole school participated.

Families bought socks for stocking stuffers at Christmas, and so on and so forth," she said. "The first graders were enthused when they read the letter Marsha wrote, thanking them for their sponsorship."

First-graders Paris

Sheffield, McKenzie Bazaar, Amari Lewis, Connor Ford, Malachi Elliot, and Sebastian Bogenschutz used the following words to describe their feelings about sponsoring Marsha: "Happy, excited, spectacular and sweet."

IB teacher Melanie Villanueva was impressed with the project from the beginning and convinced her team to embrace it. This enthusiasm soon spread to the whole school and beyond as even parents got involved. The entire Johnston McQueen community plunged into the program and worked tirelessly to ensure its success.

Even, left-over socks were put to good use as the

Johnston McQueen ES Clothe

s Closet

Contd. on Page 10

IB Teacher Melanie Villanueva and Academic Dean with 1st graders: McKenzie Bazaar, Sebastian Bogenschutz, Connor Ford, Malachi Elliott, Paris Sheffield, Amari Lewis who sponsored Marsha in Uganda show off the socks they sold to finance her education.

Johnston McQueen Principal Cristi Scott is delighted with the results and impact of the Ugandan project and how it impresses on her students the blessing of how American children attend school free of charge and still get an excellent education.

"When they add their IB program to the equation they get to see and understand how blessed they are," she said. "They begin to get a global mindset of what is out there where students like Marsha have to pay to attend schools that

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may not even be as good as theirs."

Scott describes the work of assisting less-fortunate children obtain an education as "powerful and impacting," which is the main objective of the IB quest to teach U.S. students to be globally minded and strive to make a positive difference.

"When this project came up in their module, students had a choice of buying a well or sponsoring a child. Our first-grade class made the choice to sponsor a child close to their age," said Scott. "They worked

hard and made it happen."

Johnston McQueen IB Coordinator and Academic Dean Brandi Patterson is ecstatic over the success of the project and how it features student-teacher interaction in achieving success in a service action.

"This first-grade class had the opportunity to choose a community project or a global project. They chose a global service project," she said. "They partnered with Trevor Burgmann of We Help Two, a social service non-profit.

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Cover Story children donated them to their school's Clothes Closet to be used with other essentials to provide all students with such necessities as school uniforms, clothes, and toiletries. Furthermore, Clothes Closet sere the community. For example, a family lost everything in a house fire. The Clothes Closet assisted them with necessities to enable them start life all over again.

Burgmann of We Help Two was elated how Johnston McQueen project was able to assist Marsha.

We Help Two is a social nonprofit that has spent the past seven years working with the LISD, concentrating on digging wells and providing amputees with prosthetic limbs. Still, education is the goal,

Special Celebration especially in Uganda.

According to We Help Two website, single-teacher classes in Uganda may have as many as 150 students. Moreover, girls are often excluded from going to school.

Low and irregular salaries force many teachers to work additional jobs, meaning they are not always available to their students. We Help Two aims to rectify this situation by collaborating with U.S. schools, organizations, and persons to raise funding to provide adequate schooling, meals, and clothing in Uganda. Those wishing to participate in this operation should visit https://www.wehelptwo.com/.

Sponsors will be able to correspond with their sponsored children.

LET'S GET YOUR HOME

Make Mother’s Day special

E

ach and every day a new woman becomes a mother for the first time or all over again. Being a mother changes a person’s life in dramatic ways.

Mother’s Day is a great time of year to honor mothers and attempt to give back just a portion of the tireless love and devotion moms offer their children.

For those needing a little inspiration on treating their mothers in special ways, consider these ideas.

•

Make mom a breakfast in bed with her favorite morning treats.

•

Enjoy a movie at home with mom. Let her pick the flick and share her favorite film with you.

•

Agree to not bicker for the entire day, especially if you are prone to getting into arguments with siblings.

•

Put together a collage of photos from moments you have shared with mom or your family.

•

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•

•

Customize a coffee mug, tote bag or a blanket with a meaningful sentiment or photo.

Treat mom to a day off from her chores. Tackle all of the jobs she normally does for the family.

Pamper mom with a gift card for her favorite nail salon or massage therapy location.

•

Begin a charm bracelet tradition by purchasing a charm bracelet and a new charm each year that represents a meaningful memory you both shared.

•

Write a new email each day with an inspirational quote or special words of love for mom.

•

Tackle a task that she may not want to do herself, such as washing the exterior of her car and vacuuming the interior.

Mother’s Day gift ideas should come from the heart and can show mothers near and far how much they are appreciated and loved.

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Humor

Humor

Saying Yes to Saying No at Work

By ROBERT GOLDMAN

J

ust say no.

That's the message I get from Tea Angelos, the author of "Six Times You Should Say No at Work (and Exactly How to Do It)," a recent article in Fast Company.

Saying no is a new concept in the workplace, the exact opposite of the success philosophy that gave birth to the classic striver of ancient days, the "yes man."

Update the expression to the more modern "yes person," and you still have an object of ridicule — a source of scorn right up until the moment they are promoted to fat jobs with huge salaries at the tippy-top of the org chart.

Clearly, a balance between yes and no is needed.

Shall we take a look at Angelos' rules for when to say no? The answer is yes.

No. 1: The task interferes with your actual responsibilities "It's important to have a clear understanding of your actual responsibilities," our author writes. So true. Your belief that

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you were hired because of your good looks and superior fashion sense may not be correct. On the other hand, the task of detailing your manager's Tesla may not be one of your official duties.

The recommended response is "I would love to help, but I don't have the capacity at the moment." This allows you to set a boundary, but "shows that you're willing to help in the future when you have more capacity." This is likely to occur in the very near future, since saying no enough times will surely get you fired, leaving you with capacity galore.

with the addition of a future date that is more reasonable.

I suggest March 32, 2026.

No. 3: You're on leave Your manager should understand that no one wants to interrupt their vacation, but the suggested response — "I will be on leave then, so I won't be able to do that" — is weak.

I propose you add context, such as "I will be on leave then, so I'll be relaxing under a tropical sun, soaking in the turquoise waters of an island paradise, with no time for anything but deciding what color I want for No. 2: The deadline is the tiny umbrella in my next pina unrealistic colada."

Your manager may not If your manager objects, appreciate how much time is smooth things over when you required for you to start a project. come back, if you come back.

For example, you first must marshal the excuses required No. 4: You're being taken when you royally screw up the advantage of assignment. There is also the time "It's important to be honest you will need to compound a list about your workload and of the co-workers you will blame priorities," but it's also important when the job goes south. to "leave the door open for future "Unfortunately, that deadline opportunities to collaborate." will not be possible," is the Angelos' advice is to soften language Angelos recommends, a hard no with a comment like,

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"I'm unable to commit to that right now," which is hardly sufficient. I recommend you add, "because I am obscenely wealthy and do not need this job, which I only accepted to see what life is like for ordinary working slobs like you."

If your manager doesn't believe you, buy the company.

No. 5: You're asked to do something unethical/ unsafe "I'm not comfortable doing that" is the advised response. I recommend adding an explanation, as in "I'm not comfortable doing that, because it requires doing something very

risky and morally wrong: work."

There's no doubt that work is dangerous to your health and your well-being, which is why it's important to avoid it as much as possible. Playing "Naughty Bear" while pretending to work is perfectly safe and also characterbuilding. Plus, it teaches you the basic skills needed to succeed in today's business world, like the ability to dodge Behemothic Swords and Frozen Lamb Legs.

No. 6: You're not qualified (or the best qualified) to complete the task.

You are advised to say, "Thank you for thinking of me, but I don't think I'm the best

equipped to do this." I think it's important to also remind your manager why they are making a huge mistake in asking you to do anything.

"Do you know who you are talking to? Do you actually think I am capable of doing this project?

Have you forgotten how many times I've screwed up in the past?

Are you a complete idiot?"

And there you have it: the one question for which the only possible answer is a yes.

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Community Connections

Chamber holds Reception

William McWhorter, Linda Fullman and Spencer Sallee.

Jessica LaRue, Shelli Smith and Smith County Judge Neal Franklin

O

ne of the objectives of the Longview Chamber of Commerce is to recognize east Texas elected officials for the hard work and personal time they put into creating a better

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Congressman Nathaniel Moran and Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt

Longview and east Texas community. Hence, the Chamber puts on an Elected Officials Reception. This Chamber event connects business leaders to political leaders. Moreover, it provides opportunities to meet, greet and converse about policy issues that benefit the business

community thereby build a better and prosperous future.

At the recent relaxed, after 5pm Elected Officials Reception, Chamber members mingled with elected officials, enjoyed various delectable hors d’oeuvres washed down with assorted beverages ranging from wine, beers, and water.

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance

How to make your next home improvement project a success

Coming up with a budget and a plan will help you set realistic expectations B y M EC H E L E AG B AYA N I M I L L S

W

hether you are remodeling your home, making needed repairs, or sprucing things up to put your house on the market, consider the following before you get started.

Come up with a budget and stick to it.

Home improvement projects can get expensive fast. If you don’t want to break the bank, create a realistic budget to determine how much you can spend ahead of time. Be upfront with contractors you hire about how much you can spend on a project.

Think about the pros and cons of DIY projects.

If time and motivation are no problem for you, you may be able to tackle some basic home improvement projects on your own, but other projects may require further expertise. If you don’t have a background in construction, hiring a contractor to help with larger

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projects, such as plumbing, tiling, tree removal, exterior painting, and general remodeling, can save you a lot of headaches.

Give high priority to projects that keep your home clean and safe.

If your home needs repairs, take care of those projects first.

For example, you may consider fixing that leaky roof before doing something which is more cosmetic in nature. In addition, don’t forget to stay on top of regular home maintenance tasks to maximize the cleanliness and safety of your home.

Up the value of your home with a bathroom or kitchen remodel.

Remodeling your bathroom or kitchen can completely change the look and feel of your home, creating a space you enjoy being in - not to mention it can add quite a bit of value to your home. For largescale remodels, hire a contractor specializing in construction and remodeling services.

Improve energy efficiency.

Save money (and the environment) by improving your home's energy efficiency. Energysaving projects include checking and replacing the seals on all windows and ducts in your home, installing new windows, and looking into green energy options like solar panels.

Get multiple quotes from contractors.

When you are ready to start your home improvement project, get multiple quotes from several companies. Never be pressured into

hiring the first person you speak with. Use BBB’s free get a quote program to find a skilled contractor you can trust.

Properly vet contractors before you hire.

Even if the price is right, don’t hire a contractor before researching. Ask the contractor to provide references. Look up their name or company name online and pay close attention to any reviews or complaints from previous customers. Verify that the contractor is licensed and insured and get an estimate and contract in writing. Read contracts carefully before you sign them.

Think about permits.

For larger projects, you may need to pay for building permits.

Do your research ahead of time and understand that even if you hire a contractor, you may still be responsible for the cost of the permits.

Don’t get scammed. Stay

alert to any suspicious behavior by “home improvement specialists.”

Red flags include not putting things into writing, demanding upfront payment, unexpected price changes, high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited free inspections (that usually reveal the need for an urgent repair), and cash-only deals.

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Inspiration Cover Story

Inspiration Brain Teaser

FLESH AND DEMONS

By GLENN MILLER

GOD’S WORD: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” – Isaiah 61:1

N

related word, MATHETEUO, is a verb used several times, such as when Jesus instructs his disciples to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Pastor Jack’s words here, framed up by this definition as a verb, implies that we cannot convert a demon into a saint. Jesus never converted demons, He removed them from people and rendered them useless against His followers. He still does that today.

No matter how deep our faith is or how eloquent our prayers are, we cannot change the nature of the demon. But here comes the good news: Although we can’t cast out the flesh and we can’t disciple a demon, we CAN, by flipping this sentence, disciple the flesh and cast out demons. By discipling the flesh, we teach and train our flesh to submit to the authority of Jesus and bind our hearts, wills, emotions, and mind to the mind of Christ. Like-

wise, by casting out the demons in ourselves or in others, we cleanse our souls when we ask for and choose to be filled with the power and fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). When we do that, we usher in the FREEDOM that Jesus wants us to have; people are set from demonic oppression. Believers, once set free, are now empowered to bring Jesus’ freedom to others.

Jesus came so that all will be set free (Isaiah 61: 1-3). When we realize the meaning behind Pastor Jack’s quote, we stop trying to do things we weren’t meant to do in spiritual warfare and instead rely upon the power and perfect love of Jesus to set us free. And once free, come to the calling to help others realize this freedom.

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela

Download your electronic copy at

ot exactly a “feel good” title this morning, is it?

Regardless of the title, I’d like to share with you a poignant revelation and what I found to be thought-provoking insight. It came across to me while Sharon and I were recently preparing to teach a 4-week course at church called “True Freedom”, based upon Pastor and best-selling author Robert Morris’ book, TRULY FREE: Breaking the Snares That

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die to those desires and take upon themselves the robe of righteousness as we pick up our crosses and follow Jesus. We desire to cast out the flesh once and for all but we can’t.

That’s what Pastor Jack means here.

We can’t cast out the sinful nature of mankind BUT we can, through faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit, change our minds and TURN AWAY from our carnal desires (literally the definition of repentance) and live in His presence.

The fleshly temptations do not go away; we cannot cast them out, never to be a temptation again. But through the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit walking with us, we are made stronger to resist the temptations of the flesh.

The second part of the sentence is “You cannot disciple a demon”. In the New Testament, the Greek word MATHETES is used as a noun for the word disciple: student, learner, follower. A closely

So Easily Entangle”. (Thomas Nelson, 2015). In the teaching notes, I tripped upon a quote from Dr. Jack Hayford, noted pastor, theologian, author and founder of Church on the Way in Van Nuys, CA. Pastor Jack wrote, “You cannot cast out the flesh and you can’t disciple a demon.” I pondered and meditated on those words for some time and I’d like to share with you how the Holy Spirit caused me to unpack this quote.

Let’s first look at the first part, “You can’t cast out the flesh”. You

and I and the rest of humanity since the Garden of Eden live in a fallen world; a world where sin and temptation abide. The term “flesh” here and in scripture refers to our carnal nature to sin in an attempt to produce our own happiness, comfort, esteem or provision. To live in the flesh is to live outside the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Unfortunately, even the strongest Christians will find themselves at times going from one camp to the other and back again. But the redeemed and repenting Christian seeks to

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Grubs Up

Brain Teaser

5 ways to make your diet more nutritious

H

ealthy eating should be a goal all year long.

Choosing nutrientrich foods at the grocery store is a great way to accomplish that goal. The American Heart Association says research suggests the standard American diet is energy-rich (calorically heavy) but nutrient poor. Nutrient-rich foods are those that are high in minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that are vital for health without too much added sugars, sodium and saturated fat. Such foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein sources that can serve as the building blocks of a nutritious diet. These tips can make incorporating nutritious ingredients even easier.

1. Read nutrition labels The Nutrition Facts label included on items is a significant source of information. Consumers may

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only read the first few lines, but it is best to read the entire label before deciding whether or not to purchase a given product.

2. Choose more whole grains Whole grains are low in fat and high in fiber. They’re also a smarter source of carbohydrates because they contain complex carbs that keep a person feeling fuller longer.

Try to avoid products labeled as enriched, as they’ve had the germ and bran removed from the grain to produce a smoother texture, which means they need to be refortified with nutrients.

3. Eat dark, leafy greens Green vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and plantbased omega-3 fatty acids. Kale, spinach, and collard greens can be added to soups, stews, scrambled eggs, and salads for a

powerful punch of nutrition.

4. Pick pulses Pulses are essential to plant-based diets, but they also can be enjoyed by meat eaters. The Global Pulse Federation says pulses, which include foods like lentils and chickpeas, are rich in protein and fiber and low in fat. They also contain complex carbohydrates that take longer to break down.

Research shows pulses can lower blood cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and help with weight management.

5. Go with skim or low-fat dairy Dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D, but those nutrients may come at the cost of saturated fat. Choose reduced fat dairy options in recipes and when snacking. These are just some of the ways individuals can make their diets more nutritious.

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21

Business and Finance

Business and Finance

You Really Can Recover From Dumb Money Mistakes

388-2227. The National Federation for Credit Counseling is the credit counseling organization that I trust and recommend. If anyone can help you with this huge problem, these folks can. You can trust them. It's worth checking it out.

By MARY HUNT

D

uring the 13 years it took for my husband and me to get out the horrible debt mess of my creation, I learned how important it is to deal with mistakes as they happen so they don't morph into major setbacks.

No one is perfect. You're going to make mistakes, and when you do, you need to know how to react and what to do to minimize the damage.

UNDO IT You may have signed a contract too hastily or agreed to terms you now regret. Perhaps it was an impulsive purchase. You may be able to cancel the agreement or return the purchase for a refund. Move quickly to make every reasonable attempt to get out of it.

Assess your options. Not every mistake can be reversed, but most can be dealt with in some way, provided you act now. Carefully assess all of your options.

LEARN FROM IT Rather than burying yourself in guilt, take a look at what went wrong.

How could you have prevented this?

What can you do in the future to

make sure it doesn't happen again?

Making the first mistake is understandable. Repeating it is not.

Financial mistakes come in all sizes, from a bounced check to a whopping big mortgage. But no matter the error, if you don't deal with the mistake quickly, it will only get worse.

Here are the big mistakes I hear about most often:

new, $58,000 luxury car — together with 72 monthly payments, or worse, a lease. How did that happen? More importantly, how will you ever make all those $800 payments?

Whether you've made payments for a few months or a couple of years, it's likely the car is worth less than you owe. That complicates matters.

Still, you may have options: Refinance. If your car is a late model with fewer than 80,000 miles and you have a monster interest rate, you may be able to refinance at a lower rate. Call your credit union or bank or apply online at sites like Capital One Auto Financing and Rate Genius.

Sell it. If you owe more than the car is worth, you may have to get a loan for the difference so you can transfer the title to a new buyer. But you'll trade a huge car payment for a smaller payment you'll be able to pay off quickly.

TIMESHARE It seemed like a swell idea — buy the right to stay at a resort for a week each year for the rest of your life. But now the monthly payments, maintenance costs and property taxes for your timeshare are killing you, and you haven't been back since. You need to unload this, but how?

There are online listing sites such as RedWeek.com or Tug2.net where you can list your property for sale.

Or you may be able to get out of your timeshare contract altogether by hiring a timeshare exit company PAYDAY LOAN (an online search will turn up sevYou needed a quick fix. You wrote eral) to dissolve your contract. a $300, postdated check and they handed you $255 cash. Then someMONSTER AUTO LOAN thing happened and you did a repeat, All you really wanted was an oil and now you're caught in a major change. Instead, you left in a brand- bind. Things are way out of control.

Sell something. You have to come up with cash quickly. Figure out what you own that you can liquidate to begin paying off this huge debt you've created.

Know the law. Many of these payday loan outfits, I'm learning, do not adhere to state laws. If you can prove yours is breaking the laws of

the state where it is lending, threaten them. Then, negotiate to pay only the amount of money you actually borrowed, sans fees. It just might work.

Find support. A wonderful place on the internet may have just the information you need to fix your problem. Go to NFCC.org and click on "Get Started Online." Or call 800-

Download your electronic copy at

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HOME EQUITY LOAN It seemed like a great idea to tap the equity in your home to pay off debt, make home improvements or even take the kids to Disney World.

But now you're stuck with big payments on this home equity loan (HEL) with its adjustable interest rate for the next decade, at least.

Ouch!

Attack it. The damage is done.

You're in it now, and the sooner you can get out of HEL, the better. Double up on the payments if you can.

Don't fall back. If your equity loan is in the form of a line of credit, that money becomes available to be borrowed again as you pay down the debt. No matter how tempting, don't do it.

Refinance. Keep your eye on the rates and your home's market value.

You may be able to refinance your current mortgage and the HEL together into a new mortgage with a much lower rate.

I doubt if any of us will reach the level of perfection where we never make any financial mistakes. But I can tell you from my own experiences that they will become fewer and farther between. The secret is to quickly face up to the faux pas, fix it, learn the lesson, and then go on — wiser and hopefully not poorer for the experience.

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23

MONEY

MONEY

SEVEN FAST GROWING AND HIGH PAYING CAREERS FOR WOMEN Civil Engineer:

often have a love for the chemistry involved in medications. Pharmacists must be licensed and possess a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Pharmacists work in retail settings, but also in hospitals and clinics. The average annual salary for pharmacists is $98,000.

Nurse Practitioner:

Computer and System Information Manager:

The BLS predicts civil engineer jobs will grow by 11 percent by 2026. Civil engineers will be responsible for revamping aging infrastructure, including roads, dams, and bridges. An average salary is $67,000 per year.

A

fter a tumultuous year with many ups and downs, there may finally be a light at the end of the tunnel. Growing confidence that the worst of the pandemic may be behind us has led many people to

8 WOMEN TODAY

take inventory of their careers.

Women looking to change jobs soon may be exploring their options as they look for fulfilling, lucrative careers.

The following are some profitable, in-demand career options, courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Forbes.com.

Chief Executive Officer:

They are instrumental in both public- and privatesector industries. They are the top of the managerial food chain, and as such, command competitive salaries. A female CEO can expect to earn a median income of $90,000$95,000.

MAY 2023

Health care jobs are booming and in demand.

Working independently or in collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners provide primary care or specialize in various concentrations.

Nurse practitioners earn a median annual income of $98,000.

Pharmacist:

In addition to harboring a passion for providing quality health care to their communities, pharmacists

MAY 2023

A growing focus on inclusivity within STEM fields means now is a great time for women to pursue careers in these lines of work. Computer and information system managers plan, coordinate and direct the work of computer professionals while researching the latest trends in technology. Opportunities within this profession are expected to grow by 12 percent by 2026. Individuals in this field earn a median salary of $90,000.

Management Analysts:

Management analysts are brought in to find ways to make an organization more profitable or improve its efficiency. Travel and consultation may be likely, so those should be considerations. Management analysts earn an average annual income of around $75,000.

Software Developer:

Keeping up with the technological times means having up-to-date equipment and software. Software developers help to write code or design applications for company use. This is a quickly growing field in which professionals earn average annual salaries of $85,000.

High-paying, stable jobs are out there for women who are in the market for a career change or trying to decide which fields to pursue.

WOMEN TODAY

9

STYLE

Habits that affects Appearance YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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

W

ho doesn’t want to look and feel her best? Many 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 long-term health, and nothing is more beautiful than that.

is a hallmark of long days spent in the great outdoors.

Many women aspire to have a beautiful, tanned look and will spend hours in the sun or at tanning salons. 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.

WEARING DARK NAIL POLISH

Polishing nails can coordinate with style trends.

Women who regularly polish their nails with dark hues and FAILURE TO DRINK leave the color on too long ENOUGH WATER may find their nails become One of the most effective discolored, especially after ways to nurture skin comes right using less expensive polishes out of the tap in the kitchen sink. with powerful dyes. Change nail When people forget to drink colors and give nails time to adequate amounts of water, recover between applications.

USING DIRTY loss of fluids can result in dry skin that may have a tired, faded MAKEUP BRUSHES Cosmetics can completely look. Even subtle wrinkles may transform appearance, become more pronounced as a often with minimal effort. result.

By failing to clean brushes GETTING TAN after frequent use, women FROM THE SUN OR are potentially exposing TANNING BEDS themselves to bacteria and A warm, golden glow other microorganisms that MAY 2023

congregate on brushes and applicators. This bacteria eventually can spread into the beauty products themselves.

POPPING PIMPLES

The temptation to pop pimples is significant. The wellness resource Very well Health says popping pimples forces pore debris deeper into follicles, can make blemishes worse and increases the chances of developing acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Use a warm compress on pimples to speed up the natural healing process instead of popping them.

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. Bad beauty habits can compromise women’s appearance and their overall well-being. Some women may benefit from changing their beauty routines.

WOMEN TODAY

7

COVER STORY •

COVER STORY

Zonta Clubs have been established in local high schools Hallsville, Longview, Pine Tree, Spring Hill, and Trinity in order to hold

fundraisers, collect bras, hold bra packing parties and volunteer at Zonta events to earn service hours.

It is important to note that Spring Hill State Bank and Texas Bank and Trust are among Zonta's local supporters. In addition, other donations come in through Zonta-sponsored local events. Moreover, there are other sources of fundraising.

Gibbons said, “Our Funding letter is in process of being sent out to many businesses throughout Longview.

Funds raised will go toward Scholarships and Grants given back to our community.”

Most recently, the Club added a new fundraiser dubbed: Blooms and Butterflies. This

inaugural event recently took place at Teague Park. Dr. Darla Baggett and Ms. Nita Wylie chaired the event. It was remarkably successful and the Club plans to build it up, making Bloom and Butterflies, an annual community event and fundraiser. All the funds raised at Bloom and Butterflies go toward scholarships and grants.

Bloom and Butterflies was a hit thanks to God for a beautiful weather and local plant farms for their generosity in various ways. Better yet, several vendors displayed and sold their merchandise. The beauty of it all was having two giveback vendors: Kendra Scott will be donating 20% of all sales and Out of this World HB will be donating 20%.

Besides the butterflies,

Tequita Dudley, Patricia Hargett, Gloria Jackson, and Kathy Stoker

the blooms, the vendors, the crisp and clear day, Pine Tree ISD children’s choirs and other ensembles brought the event together giving it an energy that only comes from music thereby setting the ambiance for a successful event with more to come in the future.

Zonta makes it clear that this is just the beginning.

For this reason, Club President Gibbons declared, “ We believe this was a very successful event and look forward to it being bigger and better next year," For more information on all aspects of the Zonta Club of Longview please visit http:// zontalongview.clubexpress. com/.

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WOMEN WELLNESS 5

COVER STORY

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ZONTA WORKS FOR WOMEN

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A

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ccording to President Tammy Gibbons, Zonta Club of Longview is a service Club that works closely with Zonta International and Zonta District 10 to assist “Build a Better World for Women and Girls.” Gibbons gave the history and the mission of the Club. “The Zonta Club of Longview has been in effect for over 67 years and is dedicated to helping every woman live without fear of violence, have access to resources and decisionmaking positions and achieve her full potential,” she stated.

“Women in the local area face

many difficulties including domestic violence, trafficking, poverty, homelessness and the lack of education and training.”

In order to carry out their mission, the Zonta Club of Longview engages in several activities to achieve set goals.

For example, the Club hosts several service opportunities and events each year including a monthly project to collect needed items to donate to community agencies. They are but not limited to: • Birthday Boxes for the Rainbow Room supplying birthday cakes, plates, napkins, decorations, and

• • • • • •

more for children who otherwise might not have a party.

Canned food for Longview Community Ministries.

Christmas program at Heartisans Marketplace.

Transportation passes, handwarmers and blankets for Newgate Mission.

Easter Eggs for SeeSaw Children’s Place.

Toys for "Rebecca's Closet" for Martin House Childrens' Advocacy Center.

The Prom Boutique is held annually the fourth Saturday in February in which prom dresses, formals, shoes, Dr. Valerie Baxter, Anita Wylie, President Tammy Gibbons, Dr. Darla Baggett, and Chief Amy Dodgen

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jewelry, and accessories are given away.

The annual April Blooms and Butterflies plant sale at Teague Park.

The annual September Bunco event of the Pine Tree Independent School District.

Solicitation of sundry sponsorships and donations.

The Free the Girls project in which new and used bras are collected, packaged, and shipped worldwide for women to use in a business they have started to raise money for their families.

But wait, that is not all.

• In 2022 Zonta collaborated with VIEWpoint Community Center and Lifepoint Church to show the movie The Runners to the public free of charge.

• The Zonta Education Committee is working with the Women Center of East Texas to host a trafficking summit conference in Longview in October 2023.

• Zonta annually gives about six scholarships to high school girls and adult women returning to the

• •

•

workforce.

An annual $500 donation to Young Women in Public Affairs.

Two $5000 grants annually to local nonprofit community service agencies.

All these awards, donations and grants are handed out at the yearly Women of Achievement luncheon, to be held this year on May 18 in the Tuttle Road Holiday Inn. There is more.

Contd. on Page 4

WOMEN TODAY

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WomenToday May 2023

ZONTA

Works for Women Habits that affects Appearance p.07

Seven Fast Growing and High Paying Careers for Women p.08

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