INFINITIEPLUS MAGAGINE

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus November 2020

VOL. 10 NO.11 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Giving Thanks Expressing Gratitude, Spreading Good Cheer.

Casa Flora Flower Power

Jill Alley Banking Icon

Andy Burnfield Family Finances

Stars of Texas Fall Celebration

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Inspiration

Connect with

FAITH

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The following are just a few ways to be more faithful in honor of this event.

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this season

eading scripture can be an integral part of participating in one’s religion and bringing a faithful community together. Scripture is an essential component of weekly faith services, but the Bible can be embraced any day of the week.

Many may be surprised to discover that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt first declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week in 1941. National Bible Week encourages people to read the Bible or listen to its verses. The event is sponsored by the National Bible Association and the US Catholic Council of Bishops. National Bible Week 2019 marks the 78th commemoration of the event.

The timing of National Bible Week was perhaps intentional. The end of November marks the beginning of the season of thanks, faith and family. It’s a time of year full of community- and family-centric holidays. Incorporating faith into the mix can make the celebrations even more complete.

• Pair youth with older adults and encourage them to read Scripture passages together.

• Attend a religious service one or more times during National Bible Week and throughout the holiday season.

• Choose a favorite piece of scripture and share with others why it is so meaningful to you. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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• Get a head start on the Christmas season by rediscovering Biblical passages that refer to the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Share God’s word in social media or exemplify it by being more patient, loving and supportive of people in your community.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1.

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November 2020

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Editor's Note

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The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

ello Longview and our online readers. We hope you are doing well as you navigate the pandemic times. October turned out to be an incredible month. The month of October was incredibly fabulous because Julie Woods asked me to join her team of Casa Flora “petal it forward,” program. I had an amazing time watching people’s faces and trying to capture their emotions with the camera.

Thanks to all the volunteers who put the bouquets together and others who volunteered to “petal it forward.” Please, check out the designers behind the scenes who design the beautiful and fragrant flowers you receive for various occasions. So, when you think of flowers for any occasion, think Casa Flora.

Table of Contents

infinitieplus

Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Mechele Agbayani Mills

For advertising: contact Joycelyne Fadojutimi at joy@iplusmag.com

Casa Flora designers

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Diane Pearson

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Wendy Hood

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Jaleesa Hatchett and Judy Hoffman

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Chief Mike Bishop and Karen Grisham

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Dr. Blake Williams, Chloe Dunn and Fmr. Gov. Rick Perry

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Julie Jordan, Kira Boles, Fmr. Gov, Perry, Lori Valenti, Jenna Bouroughs, and Berenice Juarez

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Clay Kitchens

Sondra Crawford

OUR MISSION

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

OUR VISION

Karen Pritchett

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities.

Patty Fair

Jamie Taylor

In addition, we brought you the story of East Texans for Liberty’s Stars of Texas Celebration. The 47th governor of Texas and 14th Secretary of Energy Rick Perry was the star guest. Other celebs included Country music legend Neal McCoy; several federal, state and county elected officials plus other luminaires. The story is from page 10. But wait, there is more.

This is Thanksgiving month, and several businesses are thankful for the season. From the honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, Mayor Andy Mack, President Delcine Johnson of Johnson & Pace; Longview Banking Center President for Prosperity Bank Allyson Bailey; Dr. James Wilcox, Longview ISD superintendent to Transet Company President Chris Tucker, they stated their gratitude. The story is from page 16.

Please read other stories in the magazine. Flip it and as always, we look forward to serving you again by God’s grace in December. Thanks for your support.

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 2020. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

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Dan Droege, Fmr. Gov, Rick Perry and Flecia Woods

Cathy Reed, Fmr. Gov. Rick Perry and Becky Moore

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 11

Happy Thanksgiving From all of us at infinitieplus magazine www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Keith and Ashley Lloyd

911 NW Loop 281 211 Suite 24 Longview, Texas 75604 www.iplusmag.com Phone: 903.236.0406

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Fmr. Gov. Perry and State Sen. Bryan Hughes

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Cover Story

Cover Story Community National Connections Heroes

November 11: A day

to honor all Veterans

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Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

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

This This This isiswhy 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.

And And And ififyou you if you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need aalittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we wewe offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and aaLevel Level a Level IIIIIINICU. NICU. III NICU. For ForFor more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

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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 | www.iplusmag.com | infinitieplus | November 2020

he month of November is a special time for the nation’s veterans.

While Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers and service people, Veteran’s Day, which takes place each November, is an opportunity to commemorate the efforts of all who have been in the armed forces, with a special emphasis on living veterans.

While people are encouraged to thank veterans throughout the year, Veteran’s Day is a particularly poignant time to show your appreciation for the men and women of the military.

Veteran’s Day takes place on November 11 and marks an important moment in history. On November 11, 1918, World War I, known at the time as The Great War, unofficially ended when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, took place between Germany and the Allied nations on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. World War I ended on paper when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. In November 1919,

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President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. However, after subsequent wars, including World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ service organizations lobbied for Armistice Day to be revised so it would be more inclusive of all veterans. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to strike the word Armistice from the holiday’s name in favor of Veterans.

Since then, November 11 has been known as Veterans Day and has honored veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October for roughly seven years under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating certain national holidays on Mondays.

But since November 11 bore such significance, many states disapproved and continued to observe the holiday on November 11.

In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed legislation to return the observation of Veterans Day to November 11 beginning in 1978. Should the day fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively, according to History.com. The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate its veterans.

Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and France also commemorate the veterans of World War I and II on or near November 11 as Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Jill Alley:

Community Event Fun Fest Event Council, and with chamber of commerce programs. She even found time to serve as a chamber president. She is now in closely with Leadership Longview as a community leadership learning experience.

"Because I've only been in Longview a short time, I feel it's critical [that] I learn as much about the city, the local government, business, and citizens as possible," she

A banking icon

"Because we are not for profit, we return all our earnings back to our members in the forms of lower rates on loans, higher deposit rates, and superior products and services. We also pay an extraordinary dividend to our members."

"I've been with Eastman Credit Union for twenty years, and just relocated from Tennessee to Texas last September as the director, Texas Region. Eastman Credit Union is expanding our footprint in Texas, and I'm here to assist with that effort."

– Jill Alley, Eastman Credit Union Director, Texas Region.

B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

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ill Alley was just six years old when her parents died. Her father went first, by heart attack. Six months later her mother lost her battle with cancer. Jill's older, eighteen-yearold sister took over the family and raised her three younger siblings. Nonetheless, the family still struggled with the specter of cancer.

Jill's older sister (and surrogate mother) succumbed to the disease at age forty-six. Five years later it killed their brother, also forty-six. Jill takes the tragic lessons of her family history seriously. Hence, she keeps abreast of her health.

"I've had generic testing which found me to be negative of the BRCA1 mutation, but my younger sister was positive," she said. "She had prephilatelic surgeries to prevent the disease."

She did not let her bloodline's predilection for malignant illness deter her from pursuing her chosen career of banking. After attending East Tennessee State University, she dived into her vocation with great enthusiasm and excellence. Apart from taking a very few years off to work as a stay-at-home mom, she has spent her entire adult life in banking. Starting out as a humble teller, she earned promotions to head teller, member service repre-

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sentative, branch manager and director.

"I've been with Eastman Credit Union for twenty years, and just relocated from Tennessee to Texas last September as the director, Texas Region," she says. "Eastman Credit Union is expanding our footprint in Texas, and I'm here to assist with that effort."

Aside from her natural inclination to do her best at whatever task she tackles, Jill is passionate about the traditional credit union mottos, "not for profit, not for charity, but for service" and "people helping people."

Eastman Credit Union has always pursued this objective, and it comes naturally to Jill. For her and Eastman Credit Union, helping their customers is more important than pleasing stockholders.

"Because we are not for profit, we return all our earnings back to our members the forms of lower rates on loans, higher deposit rates, and superior products and services," she says. "We also pay an extraordinary dividend to our members."

Presently, with just two branches and a mortgage lending center Eastman Credit Union's Texas footprint is small, but it does have approximately 16,000 members in Gregg and Harrison counties. Its current assets are nearly $6 billion, and it has more than thirty branches

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Jill Alley

nationwide. It is one of the top 100 largest credit unions in the country. But, wait. That is not all.

Eastman Credit Union will open a state-of-the-art multi-level facility on Loop 281 next June as part of its expansion focus in the Texas market. For Jill Alley it is all a labor of love.

"I feel so fortunate to work for such an amazing organization. Our employees are valued and appreciated and, like the service we provide to our members, our employees are treated just as well," she says. "I can honestly say that in the twenty years I've worked for Eastman Credit Union, there's not been one day I've dreaded going to work."

Jill's devotion to helping others also shows in her community involvement activities. Even before coming to Longview, she worked with Meals on Wheels,

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says. "In order to create a strategy for success in growth for Eastman Credit Union, I need to know what the community needs and what our members and potential members are looking for."

In Jill Alley's case, success and service are family traits. She and husband Tommy have been married sixteen years, and their blended family is a study in the American Dream. Twenty-nine-year-old Tori lives in Longview and works for Health Fitness inside Eastman Chemical Company. Jenna, twenty-six, is a registered nurse in Boulder, Colorado. She and her husband are expecting the family’s first granddaughter, Blakely Ann, this month. Jenna's twin brother Phillip lives in Los Angeles and works as an aerospace engineer. Twenty-fouryear-old Tanner lives in Dayton, Ohio where he works at that city's Air Force base. He also coaches high school basketball. His identical twin Tucker lives in Kingsport, Tennessee and works for a group insurance provider.

This clan blesses a wide geographic area.

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Cover Story Connections Community

Cover Story Community Connections

GOP stars shine in East Texas B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

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ilmer's Flyin’ Feathers ranch was the venue for this year's East Texas For Liberty-sponsored Stars of Texas Fall celebration. It started with an invocation by Master of Ceremonies Reverend Keith Rothra, who is the former chair of the Gregg County Republican Party.

It was a stupendous blow-out as country music legend Neal McCoy led the assembly in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before. Dr. Blake Williams next led in the Texas pledge and Neal McCoy belting out the Star-Spangled Banner. East Texans for Liberty Executive Director Stacy McMahan followed suite with a formal welcome to all in attendance. In addition, Detrease Harkley from Trump Campaign was a speaker.

Keynote speakers included State Senator Patrick Fallon, State Senator Ryan Hughes, and Congressman Louie Gohmert, but the Sam Khoury and main personality that evening was Judge Scott Stevens

Marty Rhymes and Keith Rothra

Front: Desiree Watts, Stacy McMahan, Tina Moody Bryan and Darlene Rappazzo

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Former Gregg County Republican Party Chair Tracy and Donna Vincent Gregg County Justice of the Peace Tim & Tina Bryan State Senator Bryan Hughes Casey Johnson, Longview Bridge and Road Douglas Edwards Conterra Network Mike & Alisha Nolte, Flyin’ Feathers Ranch Republican Party of Harrison County Chair Lee & Virginia Lester Upshur County Chief David Hazel Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt 14th Secretary of Energy and 47th Governor of Texas Rick Perry Congressman Louie Gohmert State Senator Pat Fallon Representative Cole Hefner Representative Matt Schaefer Jamie Baker Former Gregg County Republican Party Chair & Pastor Keith & Barbara Rothra Bob Hallmark, Channel 7 Joycelyne Fadojutimi, infinitieplus magazine Perfect Catering ABC Printing Office Depot A1 Trophies Sign Pro R&K Distributors Michael Ryan and Kristi Boller Chris and Amy Bylstone

East Texans for Liberty Team In Loving Memory of Richard Farrow and Ross Kecseg

The Rappazzo Family: John, Darlene, Anthony and Annaliese

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Back Row: Thomas Wood, Marty Rhymes, Joyce Dolle, Louie Rick, Tammy Blair, Jim Blair, John Rappazzo

the 47th Texas Governor Rick Perry, who also served as the 14th secretary of energy. Posing for photographs with attendees, Perry hooked up with some old friends, and made a few new ones. For East Texas Republicans it was a starring night of stars. But wait, there is more.

District 7 State Representative Jay Jean was there along with Gregg County Republican Party Chair Mar-

County Judge

Bill

Joyce and Constable Gene Dolle

ty Rhymes who is also the At the end, Hughes gave the benediction. The evening was a precursor for yet more delightful gets-together.

East Texas for Liberty has scheduled a chili cook-off for February 27 at Flying Feathers. It will commence at noon. Aside from a live band there will be a raffle of high-quality guns at $100 per ticket. Sponsorships are available at $500 for silver, $1000 for gold, and $2500 for platinum.

For more information please call Stacy McMahan at (903) 500-2292 or Tracy Vincent at (903) 649-3882.

I would like to like to wish everyone in Gregg County a Thanksgiving Day that is wonderful in every way.

May it bring all the best to your table and an abundance of good fortune to last the whole year through The Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt

Stoudt www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Paid for by Bill Stoudt campaign

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Andy Burnfield

talks Family, Finances, Leadership Longview

Andrew Burnfield

"If I can help guide a family, walk with them through the challenges it takes to recover, and help someone meet their goals and dreams...that seems like a worthy pursuit.� - Andy Burnfield.

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ndrew Burnfield is a midwestern transplant. As a single parent he faithfully divides his time between his career and children, Amelia, ten, and three-year-old Sullivan. His, is a family accustomed to working for a living.

The son of a farmer, his earliest memories are of riding with his father and grandfather in a combine, harvesting corn and wheat. It was an excellent means of teaching him how to take care of himself, but his compassionate grandfather made sure Andrew also learned to care for those around him. Besides tilling the land, his grandfather was a missionary.

"He spent time almost every year serving as a missionary around the world," Andrew says. "He taught me that if you love people, you show it through service to them."

Andrew's parents also worked hard in the mission field, serving in a variety of roles. Presently they partner with small rural churches that cannot afford to hire full-time pastors. Andrew grew up watching his parents, through sheer hard work, support themselves and their children despite difficult economic times. Although they were never rich, they and their children got by and were content with what they did have.

"Work hard, persevere, suffer well. My parents had what many would complain is a hard life, but I have never heard them complain," he says. "We were content.

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We had a happy life."

Faith in God was key in their household, and He always provided for them. Andrew's parents' faith in their Savior was total and rare in its intensity, and they gave their kiddoes a happy childhood despite the ever-present specter of financial difficulties. They worked hard, and always had enough.

Theirs was a big clan, too. At family get-togethers it was not unusual to have twenty to twenty-five first cousins present in addition to him and his four siblings. With so many people taking care of each other, he learned early the lesson that it is one's Christian duty to be kind and caring to others. Now that he is a single parent, he manages his home on a single income, and finds extra time for his children’s needs. Besides running his small business, he helps with homework (and homeschooling during the COVID-19 shutdown,) juggling drop-off and pick-up schedules, work appointments, networking events, and other responsibilities.

"Somehow I manage to stay afloat most of the time," he says. "I'm trying to suffer well and find joy in the midst of the storms."

After starting his higher education at Kilgore College, he moved on to Texas A&M, where he pulled

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November 2020

have already slipped up, he is able and ready to assist them in recovering.

"If I can help guide a family, walk with them through the challenges it takes to recover, and help someone meet their goals and dreams...that seems like a worthy pursuit," he says.

He does not see himself as having climbed the ladder of success but is still clinging to the bottom of that ladder. He attributes his success to his being "not smart enough to give up." Working in sales is always a challenge, especially in the finance industry. By staying in close touch with friends in similar businesses, he gleans information that assists him in his own career. He has learned that two heads are indeed better than one.

"There is very little more difficult than waking up each morning, looking in the mirror and knowing success or failure depends solely in the person in the mirror," he says.

Being self-dependent forces all those in Andrew's position to be the best they can be, always a great asset in business. He has to depend on himself mentally and

down his Bachelor of Science degree. Since then, he has worked as a registered principal and an investment advisor with Registered Principal, Investment Adviser Representative with Primerica Advisors and Mortgage Loan Originator with Primerica Mortgage Primerica Mortgage. Typically, he chose a financial career with an eye toward helping others. After personally experiencing the consequences of poor financial decisions in his younger days, he learned from his mistakes and now uses his honed skills to insure others do not make wrong money moves, or if they

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Cover Story

Cover Story Community Connections

emotionally and sometimes, be his own coach and mentor. He seems to be doing a great job.

Getting up each morning at 5:30 he prepares his and his children’s breakfast, feeds and gets them ready for the day. Everyone is out of the door by 7:15am. He drops Amelia off at Pine Tree Middle School, Sullivan at day care. From that point until about 10:00 am, he spends time making business calls and with clients downtown at Grizzly Expresso before returning to his home office for paperwork and yet more phone calls. After lunch (usually with at least one client) it is back home for more paperwork and calls. Following a mid-afternoon jog or bike ride, he picks up the children about 4:00 or 5:00pm, helps Amelia with homework, prepares an evening meal, and gets the youngsters off to bed. Even then, his workday is not always through. Sometimes, he has remote appointments after the little ones are asleep.

His drive is always to make life better for others.

"I love helping people see they can succeed and meet their goals financially," he says. "I get to guide families every day on their journey to financial freedom."

As in all businesses there are those who do not show for appointments, lie about their situations, and do not follow through on their commitments. Aside from this aspect of his career, though, he loves what he does for a living. Furthermore, he does not limit himself to working solely at his vocation.

Since 2018, he has been the Texas PTA's directorat-large, was president of the Pine Tree PTA from 20172018, vice-chair of the class 2018-2020, and presently serves as program chair. Then, there is his association with Leadership Longview (LL.) "Leadership Longview is an essential program for anyone who wants to get involved in the community of Longview," he says. "The program is so much more than just a leadership development program."

He describes the program as "networking on steroids and the best job resume`-building tool that I know of in this area." He champions how LL enables its members to get in contact with influential persons and community leaders from throughout the local infrastructure quickly and productively. Furthermore, he credits how LL class members remain lifelong, productive friends who otherwise would never have met each other. The program awakens its participants to their own potential

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"Leadership Longview is an essential program for anyone who wants to get involved in the community of Longview. The program is so much more than just a leadership development program."

– Andy Burnfield and opens up opportunities for both personal careers and community engagement.

"The current curriculum is great," he says. "The class project is a real-world hands-on development tool that forces the class how to work as a team and tackle all kinds of issues."

Leadership Longview has presented Andrew with many profitable personal and business opportunities and taught him how all sectors of the community can collaborate for Longview's overall good. As a matter of fact, LL taught him how hard and selflessly many of his fellow residents’ work for Longview, Texas and what a positive difference they make. He sees it as the quickest, most effective means for anyone to help the community.

Equally important, whether students wish to grow business connections for networking purposes, to bring about social change, or just meet and benefit from new acquaintances, LL is the avenue for accomplishment.

He tenaciously served LL in various capacities. Hence, he nabbed Leadership Longview Alumni of the Year.

The program's planning team never ceases striving to improve the effect of its impact. For the city of Longview, this makes for a brighter future.

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November 2020

Petal it Forward

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By Joycelyne Fadojutimi / iplusmag.com

he Society of American Florists (SAF) specializes in using floral arrangements to spread beauty and appreciation for it. Giving and receiving beautiful flowers is as time-honored American tradition.

Flowers can convey messages such as "I Love You," "I'm Sorry," "Congratulations," or "I'm Going to Miss You." They can revive drooping, sorrowful spirits, celebrate friendship, and console those who have suffered loss. Although flowers have had different meanings at different places and times, there has always been one common theme--they make a positive impact.

Vickie Slover owns and operates Casa Flora, and she looks the part. Her smile is as beautiful as her merchandise. For the past five years, thousands of floral industry operations nationwide have participated in an October program they call Petal It Forward.

This is the SAF's customer appreciation/goodwill initiative in which members hand out two bouquets to unsuspecting, surprised strangers, and encourage them to keep one and give away the other to equally surprised person. It is a powerful means of emphasizing goodwill, spreading cheer, and expressing love that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.

The social distancing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is making this year's Petal It Forward even more crucial than usual. The Kaiser Family Foundation has released the results of a July 2020 tracking poll that indicates a full 53% of American adults believe the epidemic is negatively affecting their mental health.

Science has shown that flowers cut stress and anxiety while raising peoples' spirits. No wonder Casa Flora is giving back to Longview to cheer up local citizens.

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Anita Sandifer, Vickie Slover and Teresa Cosper

Since its 2015 inception, Petal It Forward has been carried out as a flexible, highly customizable operation.

This year Casa Flora distributed 500 bouquets to pleasantly surprised local residents who reacted with pleased shock, joy, gratitude, and teary eyes.

Several volunteer teams took to the streets and gifted unsuspecting citizens with Casa Flora flower bouquets.

For example, Julie Woods of Julie Woods Real Estate Company with Jaleesa Roberts assistant team captain stopped at Gregg County Courthouse and gifted several gate keepers who have to listen to citizens gripes plus Judy Hoffman in housekeeping who keeps Courthouse clean, spotless and germ free.. Ms. Woods team gifted the bouquets at the Fire station, Longview Police Department, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, Silver Grizzly Expresso, Broughton Recreation Center to Sondra Crawford who turned around and gifted the bouquets to 2 ladies who walked in to vote, saw what was happening and wanted the bouquets themselves.

Even more, one of Wood’s team members ran into Hoffman the following day. Hoffman narrated how her children were amazed and did not believe that total strangers walked up to her, gave her 2 flower bouquets, one for herself and the other to give to anyone who needs cheering up.

"I like random acts of kindness," Slover said. "I also wanted to gift our first responders in particular because of all that they have done in this COVID-19 era."

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

GivingThanks

Expressing Gratitude and Joy

B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

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ho knew the COVID-19 pandemic will still be here? In infinitieplus magazine May edition, we headlined a postpandemic story where elected officials, business leaders, medical and education practitioners plus clergy gave their take on a post pandemic future with the hope that it will soon be

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a thing of the past. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and people are still masked up- a stark reminder that COVID has killed 223k Americans and 18K fellow Texans as of this writing.

Nonetheless, society has moved move on while learning how to navigate through unprecedented times? Hence, we reached out again to leaders to find out what they are thankful for this season.

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Gregg County:

The Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt His Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt is thankful and grateful for the people of Gregg County. “They have been asked to do a lot since the pandemic started. The people in Gregg county have handled COVID-19 with dignity and I appreciate them.”

In business, location is chief. Consequently, Judge Stoudt is thankful for Gregg County’s location.

“Geographically, Gregg county is in an advantageous location making it a great place to live, go church, go to school. It is a wonderful place to raise families.”

Alice Walker said, “Thank you is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot.

Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.”

Hence, Stoudt in these unprecedented times, expressed his gratitude for Gregg county citizens when he said, “I am very grateful for the people of Gregg County. The overriding thing that I hear is everybody wanting to live in peace and harmony and that is a good virtue for the community.”

In the end, the honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt is personally very thankful for his pride and joy- his new grandson.

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City of Longview:

Longview Texas Mayor Andy Mack Mayor Andy Mack is thankful for the City’s health and economic recovery. “We are thankful that we are seeing recovery from this pandemic. We are seeing economic recovery, hospital recovery and a decrease in our number of positive cases. We are not seeing as many deaths from this COVID-19 as we had in the past. Although any and all deaths are tragic – I am thankful those numbers are slowing.”

Personally, Mack is thankful for Longview, love, community, and peaceful disagreement.

“I am thankful that I live in a City where we love each other even though we disagree at times. I am thankful that no disagreement will be big enough to separate us as a community; because we are compassionate, caring, kind and we have empathy toward others.”

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Longview Independent School District

Johnson & Pace Incorporated: Engineering, Architecture, and Surveying Services.

President Delcine Johnson According to President Johnson, Johnson & Pace is thankful for every single day this year. Most importantly, they appreciate their employees. “We are so thankful for our employees and their patience as we all learned how to navigate through this year. They have done an extraordinary job! We are also thankful for being able to work continually and not have to make those hard decisions to downsize or close. I believe we have come through it stronger.”

On a personal note, President Johnson is, “abundantly thankful for my dear husband, Wade, and our children. They have gone through this year like soldiers. They have adjusted and never complained. I am also thankful that I have my parents live close to me. I can assist them with any of their needs to keep it as normal as possible.”

People fell sick and recovered and others have succumbed to the virus. Thus, Johnson is thankful for health, life and even staying home on weekends because there are no fundraisers or the annual weekend events to attend. The new normal- stay at home weekends has its merits. “Well, I guess I can honestly say I am thankful for being homebound on the weekends – my pantry is so organized and there is a lot of purging happening!”

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James Wilcox, EdD, LISD Superintendent Schools are open and students are learning. Longview ISD besides being Gregg county’s third largest employer ranks high in many areas. The district boasts of quality education from their Montessori School to varied distinctive programs targeting students from all economic backgrounds.

It is important to note, their students have gained college admissions to Ivy league schools. They have a terrific football team (State Champs) and one of the best marching bands in the nation dubbed the Green Marching Machine with 68 UIL consecutive wins. Dr. James Wilcox, Longview ISD superintendent is quick to credit people for the various successes.

“Speaking as superintendent, I think Longview Independent School District is most thankful for the many amazing people that make us who we are. At every level — from our longest-tenured teacher to our youngest preschool student — Longview ISD is rich with an amazing assortment of incredible people, people who make us THE destination district for the greater East Texas area.

While our many excellent programs and achievements certainly speak for themselves, none of it is possible without our tremendous students, staff, families, and community. Longview ISD is great because our people are. And for that, the board and administration are so thankful.”

Despite COVID19, families will still gather for the Thanksgiving feast. In the spirit of gratitude, friends will invite friends who can’t travel to come and share in the bounty of food, friendship, love, and thankfulness. Wilcox is no different. “ Personally, I am very thankful for my family, friends, and colleagues. During these difficult times, I am also certainly thankful for my health and the health of my loved ones. And of course, I am also immensely grateful to be just a small part of what I believe is the best school district east of Interstate 45. I love Longview ISD, and I am thankful for all the love it shares with me in my life.”

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November 2020

Prosperity Bank

Allyson Bailey, Banking Center President Banks are important to everyone especially small business. COVID-19 brought banks and their business customers even closer. Allyson Bailey, Banking Center President graciously answered questions about Prosperity Bank and their customers.

How did your bank assist local businesses/customers navigate these unprecedented times?

Our bank was one of the very few who only closed their lobby to customer access originally, as required by the governor, for a few weeks. We continued to operate our drive-thru, ATM, online banking, and accept inperson customers by appointment during that time. We reopened out lobbies to customers (with social distancing and cleaning guidelines in place) as soon as possible after those initial few weeks, and we have been open and available to all of our customers ever since. We also made adjustments to our online banking capabilities, allowed exceptions to some of our “in-person” policy requirements (i.e. purchasing cashier’s checks, etc.), increased our customers’ ability to utilize mobile deposit, and found creative ways to allow customer to sign loan documents, new account documents, etc. via our drive-thru if they were not comfortable coming inside.

Our bank, as a whole, provided a total of over $1.4 billion in SBA PPP Loans to over 12,000 of our business customers. Our Longview banking center, alone, was able to provide a total of over $1.9 million to our small business customers in the form of SBA PPP loans, and we are currently working closely with our customers to help guide them through the “ever-changing” forgiveness application process. Since we have only 1 lender and 1 lending assistant here in our Longview location, I believe this speaks volumes to the dedication and devotion we have to our customers!

What is your banking center thankful for despite the challenges of COVID-19?

We are thankful for our absolutely amazing employees and wonderful customers for being so patient, flexible, un-

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derstanding, and accommodating during these challenging times. While there have been so many opportunities for our employees and customers to lose faith, undergo undue stress, and possibly even just give up, they have remained steadfast and resilient throughout all of the challenges.

Though we know the challenges of COVID 19 are probably still not over, we continue to strive for success, excellent customer service, and community involvement the same as before, if not more than that!

Transet Company

Chris Tucker: Owner and President Transet Company is a Longview-based contracting firm.

They offer general contracting, construction management, and design/ build services. With a bonding capacity in excess of $60,000,000 infinitieplus magazine reached to Transet and asked how they are navigating this unprecedented time. Without mincing words, Owner and President Chris Tucker responded to our two questions thus: What is the TRANSET Co. thankful for in this extra-ordinary time?

In this extra-ordinary time, we are thankful for our outstanding team. Each member has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of our clients, contractors, and one another. Every day brings new challenges, and our crew is proactive to face these obstacles head-on.

Our secret weapon is our remarkable team! You can have all the right systems established, but if you do not have the right team to execute them, then you do not have a thriving business.

What are you personally thankful for with this unparalleled Thanksgiving?

We are thankful to live and work in the community of Longview, Texas. During these strange times, we have seen our community rediscover what it truly cares about…People. Our community has come together during this time of uncertainty in an exceptional way, and the compassion that has poured out of each member has been astounding to witness.

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Community Connections

Community Connections

Make the most of gameday

F

ew things are more exciting and festive for sports fans than gathering with close friends to cheer on a favorite team.

Having good food nearby is essential when hosting sports fans for a big game.

Establish the atmosphere Make the party area more festive by incorporating team colors. Feature these colors on serving bowls, plates, pennants, balloons, and more.

Choose fan-favorite foods

Game day menu options can include anything from finger foods to more elaborate appetizers to main courses. Consider favorites like chicken wings, sliders, mozzarella sticks, and deli sandwiches.

Don’t forget desserts

Desserts are an item you can delegate to guests.

If you want to prepare your own desserts, small and portable items are easier to manage and cut down on the mess while fans are cheering.

Create a viewing location

Guests will want an unobscured view of the game, and this may require moving around some furniture. Tune several televisions to the same channel so guests moving around for food or to use the restroom won’t miss any big plays.

Game day beverages

Beer and soft drinks are staples of sports-related entertaining and may be all you need to have on hand. In addition, have water and other nonalcoholic options at the ready. An easy way to ensure drinks are cold is to plug the kitchen sink and fill it with water

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and ice. Place beverages inside and keep cups nearby.

When the party ends, simply pull the plug and let the water drain out. Gameday entertaining is very popular. Sports fans can’t wait to gather, root for their teams and socialize with friends.

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Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving Feast

Prepare a delicious turkey for your

Thanksgiving dinner

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urkey can be cooked in various ways, but roasting might be the most popular method used by Thanksgiving celebrants. This recipe for Herb-Roasted Turkey from Yolanda Banks Cooking for Your Man (Broadway Books) produces a mouth-watering bird that’s sure to make a lasting impression this Thanksgiving.

garlic cloves in the pan around the turkey.

5. Continue to roast the turkey for about 11/2 hours, basting with 1/2 cup of broth every 30 minutes.

Remove the foil from the turkey breast. Continue to roast the turkey, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes, about 1 hour longer, until it’s golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 F. Transfer the turkey to a platter and brush with 1 tablespoon of the herb butter. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Herb-Roasted Turkey: Serves 10 12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped, plus 4 whole sprigs 1 large sprig fresh rosemary, leaves chopped, plus 2 whole sprigs 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus 4 whole sprigs 15 leaves fresh sage, chopped, plus 3 whole leaves 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the turkey 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for the turkey 1 15-pound turkey 1 lemon, quartered 8 shallots, peeled and halved 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock 2/3 cup dry white wine 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped sage, salt, and pepper, and mix well.

2. Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 450 F. Sprinkle the main cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the whole sprigs of parsley, rosemary and thyme and the sage leaves into the cavity. Add the lemon, 4 shallot halves and half of the garlic cloves.

3. Starting at the neck end, carefully slide a hand between the skin and the breast meat to loosen the skin. Spread

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November 2020

3 tablespoons of the herb butter over the breast meat under the skin. Tuck the wing tips under the skin and tie the legs together to hold the shape. Season the turkey generously all over with salt and pepper.

4. Place the turkey on a wire rack set in a large roasting pan. Rub 4 tablespoons of the herb butter over the turkey. Roast about 30 minutes, until golden brown, and reduce the heat to 350 F. Baste the turkey with 1Ú2 cup of the broth. Cover only the breast area with a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Scatter the remaining shallots and

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6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots and garlic from the roasting pan to a plate. Transfer the pan juices to a medium bowl, then skim off and discard the fat. Set the pan over two burners on medium-high heat. Deglaze the pan with the wine and 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until it’s reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Pour the sauce into a large measuring glass. Add the degreased pan juices, and broth, if necessary, to equal 3 cups of liquid.

7. Blend the flour into the remaining herb butter until combined. Pour the broth mixture into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Gradually whisk in the herb-butter mixture. Add any accumulated juices from the turkey platter and boil until the gravy thickens enough to coat a spoon, whisking occasionally, about 6 minutes. Add the remaining shallots and garlic to the gravy and simmer for 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Serve the turkey with the gravy.

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Congratulations With this Ring toto the Congratulations the 2018 2018 Stars Stars Over Over Longview Longview

How to host a casual wedding

Community Connections

Shalonda Adams Adams Shalonda

Lori Holyfield Ball Lori Holyfield Ball Crista Black

Crista Black

Sharon Bradley

Sharon Bradley Mary Collier

Get personal with GE Café Kitchen Appliances Distinct by Design

Mary Collier Carmela Davis

W

eddings tend to be formal affairs, Gerrie Forbis Carmela Davis

but there are no laws prohibiting happy couples from hosting Carol Manley more casual affairs. In fact, many couples confronted Dawn Martinwith the rising costs of tying the knot are doing just that.

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams According to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in 2016 exceeded Mary $35,000, and that price tag doesMorris not even include couples’ honeymoons. Some couples may not have Julie the means to finance such lavishWoods 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.

Gerrie Forbis

completely void of tradition, especially those traditions that can let couples closest loved ones know how much they are loved and appreciated.

Dawn Martin

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.

Carol Manley

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams Mary Morris

Celebrating 18 Years Julie Woods

Thursday, January 11, 2018 Plan to feed guests.

Celebrating 18 Years Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey

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 Doors Open at 11:30 a.m.

Let guests know the wedding will be casual. guests may be traveling and staying in hotels to attend Ceremony Luncheon begin can at noon Perhaps the most and important thing couples do the wedding, and it’s a nice gesture to show appreciation when hosting aMaude casual wedding is inform their guests for their efforts by providing them with a meal. A meal Cobb Activity Center that the ceremony and reception will not be formal also offers a great chance for guests to mingle with the 100 Grand Blvd. • Longview affairs. Be as specific as possible regarding the dress code married couple and fellow guests. Something simple Complimentary valet parking be available. like a backyard barbecue or a catered meal at home fits so guests don’t Doors feel embarrassed they will overdress.

Open atif 11:30 a.m.

Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon nicely with a casual setting.

Ticket Don’t abandon traditionInformation entirely.

Maude Cobb Activity Center Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table Couples hosting casual weddings may not feel of 8 Don’t overlook logistics.

Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Small details, like transportation, parking and beholden to all theGrand traditions associated with more 100 Blvd.

• Longview November 1, 2017.

To purchase, call Longview Regional lodging will still need to be arranged. If hosting guests formal affairs, but that does not mean tradition should Complimentary valet parking will be at available.

Center’s Marketing Department 903-553-7400. at home after the ceremony, make sure guests will have beMedical abandoned entirely.

For example, fathers-of-theample places to park their vehicles.Speaker: In addition, make bride may still hope to share a spotlight dance with the same efforts regardingJackie lodging for guests that you their daughters, while siblings or friends may still hope Joyner-Kersey wedding, as out-of-town to serve as bridesmaids or groomsmen. Just because Olympian & Greatest Female Athlete Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table of 8 would if planning a formal of the 20th Century guests will still need a place to sleep. a wedding is less formal does not mean it has to be

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey

Ticket Information

Congratulations to the 2018 Stars Over Longview

Tickets will be available for purchase beginning November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For additional information on this event visit LongviewRegional.com.

November 2020 Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

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I Do

I Do

Precautions: Keeping wedding guests safe during the pandemic

H

appy couples planning to tie the knot in 2020 confronted a challenge they likely never saw coming. While many couples fear inclement weather on their wedding days, 2020’s prospective brides and grooms had to contend with something far more fearful than rain clouds.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus that began in the winter of 2019-20 and was ultimately declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization put many couples’ wedding plans in peril. In an effort to stop the spread of the virus and protect those most vulnerable to it, governments across the globe placed restrictions on social gatherings, including weddings. Those restrictions prompted some couples to postpone their nuptials until 2021, while others tied the knot at considerably smaller ceremonies than they initially planned for.

Couples planning to tie the knot in the months ahead can still do so, but the WHO recommends they take certain precautions as they organize their ceremonies and receptions.

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Confirm local regulations.

Restrictions related to COVID-19 differ greatly by region. Areas that were not hit hard by the virus may not have as many restrictions in place as those that were devastated by the outbreak. In addition, cities or regions whose responses to the virus have been successful may have relaxed restrictions more than areas that are still struggling. The WHO notes the importance of checking local guidelines prior to planning an event, and that’s especially important for couples who hope to get married in towns or cities where they do not currently reside.

Keep guests up to date about precautions.

Include detailed information about the safety measures that will be implemented during the wedding on your wedding website. Insert a card detailing this information into your invitation envelopes as well so all guests know what to expect when they accept the invitation. In addition, remind guests of the safety precautions throughout the ceremony.

Provide sanitary supplies.

Make sure hand sanitizer, soap, water, and masks are readily available for all guests. Social distance markers also can be placed on the ground throughout the venue to make it easy for guests to stay six feet apart from one another.

Choose an outdoor venue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the COVID-19 virus

spreads very easily through person-to-person contact and that the risk of spreading the virus is greater when spending time indoors. Couples can mitigate some of that risk by tying the knot outdoors and then hosting an outdoor reception where tables are kept at least six feet apart. Weddings will be different until the world puts COVID-19 in its rearview mirror. In the meantime, it’s up to happy couples to keep their guests safe come the big day.

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wedding cake

Make a statement with your

B

rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like.

Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes.

Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served.

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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

• According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings. ¥ Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. ¥ Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

• Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. A bride and groom may be inspired by a European vacation or the stained-glass effects of religious windows and want to add that feel to the tiers of the cake. ¥ Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. Even an all-white cake can be dressed up with interesting textural effects. Ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes are different textural components that can be incorporated in cake designs. ¥ Couples also may want to tell their unique stories with cake. Individual tiers designed to reflect various milestone moments from the couple’s relationship can be quite engaging.

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• Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes even a black tier or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.

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Female marriage and lifestyle trends

Wedding rings are symbolic gestures of

M

Commitment

C

ouples adhere to many traditions on their wedding days, including the exchange of wedding rings. Wedding rings symbolize the union of two people and their pledge to remain faithful to each other.

No one is exactly sure just when the tradition of exchanging wedding rings originated, but some say it can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings was made. Reeds growing along the Nile were twisted and braided into rings and given during betrothal ceremonies. The round ring symbolized eternity, and the hole within

the center meant a gateway to things unknown. Since reeds were not very durable, soon ivory, leather and bone were used to create wedding rings.

As new lands were explored and territories expanded, traditions from one culture were adopted and modified by other cultures. The same is true with wedding rings. According to the Diamond Source, wedding rings were adopted by Romans and incorporated into Western wedding ceremonies

arriage has evolved through the years and particularly in recent decades. From getting married later to cohabitating and even marrying themselves (yes, it’s a real thing), here are some interesting marriage and lifestyle trends affecting women.

Pushing off marriage The U.S. Census Bureau says in 2017 the median age for a first marriage for women reached 27.4 years. Many men are staying single longer than they did in the past, and women are following that trend. In the United States, marriage has declined the most for those with high school diplomas or less education.

Sharing a home The number of Americans living with an unmarried partner reached roughly 18 million in 2016, according to Pew Research. Although people who cohabitate are often younger than age 35 and not all such people are romantically involved. Cohabitation is also rising quickly among Americans age 50 and older.

Sologamy In recent years, sologamy, or the act of marrying oneself, has gone from being a clever party

idea to a bona fide trend, according to Brides magazine. Marrying oneself is a demonstration of pride in being an independent woman. Still, it’s not expected that sologamy will reach the popularity of traditional marriage.

Finding love online The growth in online dating continues to flourish. Mobile dating apps are driving increasing figures. Pew Research says that many women view online dating positively and find it is a good way to meet people.

First-time mothers The average age of first-time mothers is rising and the percentage of teenage mothers has dropped, at least in the United States. As of 2014, the average age for having a baby for the first time had risen to 26.3, according to NPR. Lifestyle and marriage trends continue to evolve, particularly in regard to women.

From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning.

JEWELRY

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

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November 2020

INSIDE:

Keeping wedding guests safe during the pandemic

Make a statement with your wedding cake Wedding rings are symbolic gestures of commitment

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