Ip august 2017 by InfinitiePlus

VOL. 6. NO. 8

AUGUST 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Marketing / PR

6 Melanie earned her real estate license, worked hard for four years and won her broker’s license. She and her husband Matt, then formed Sugar Magnolia Properties in February 2017. The name “Sugar Magnolia” comes from Matt’s love of the Grateful Dead musical group, and Melanie’s passion for the South. Sugar Magnolia strives to provide its clients with a mutually profitable and worry-free business experience while focusing on sparkling ideals of kindness, integrity, negotiation communications; and follow-through. Cover Photo by Sam Smead Photocreative Samsmead.com 903-758-3900

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t is unbelievable we are going back to school soon. The summer has quickly gone by and we are headed almost into the holiday season. Infinitieplus magazine is always grateful to advertisers and readers who without them, this service we render to the community will not be possible. Moving to this edition, Melanie Northcutt Crocker is our cover story. Her beautiful cover picture was taken by the magical cameras of Sam Smead Photocreative. Melanie is a topnotch real estate broker and; Founder and President of Young Professionals of Longview (YPL). She is married to her Sweetheart Matt. Please read all about Melanie from page 6. Charles Tomberlain Insurance Agency and Sugar Magnolia Properties pooled their efforts and resources to host a combination July Fourth–Customer Appreciation party. See full story from page 10. One of the answers to retirement is to stop worrying about social security. See story from page 20. Weight loss is often on our mind. Read how to keep those excesses at bay from page 22. Longview has many home builders and real estate brokers. Check out top home trends from page 24. Longview’s Leah Rosson of Young Hero Warriors took up the cause of reaching out in love and comfort to the families of our late warriors. These grieving Americans are known as Gold Star Families. Read about her work and those who help her to make it happen from page 26. There are many other stories in infinitieplus magazine. We hope you enjoy all the stories. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve. We look forward to serving you again in September.

The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine are copyrighted 2017. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus or its advertisers. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi Keisha Roland

Creative Director Juvelin Aripal

Contributing Writers Kelly Bell Keisha Roland James Woodard Mary Hunt Marilynn Preston Diane Dimond Tom Margenau

Distribution

Teddy Larose Rachel Larose

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.

For Advertising Contact

Joycelyne Fadojutimi jfadr@infinitieplus.com 517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.infinitieplus.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitePlus magazine

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 8 |

august 2017

Bundles Bundlesof ofjoy. joy. It’s It’swhat whatwe wedeliver. deliver. From From the the day day you you find find out out toto the the day day you you deliver, deliver, there’s there’s nothing nothing more more important important toto Longview Longview Regional Regional Medical Medical Center Center than than your your and and your your baby’s baby’s health health and and well-being. well-being.This This is is why why wewe provide provide extra extra amenities amenities such such asas private private rooms, rooms, spacious spacious birthing birthing suites, suites, childbirth childbirth classes classes and and breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. And And if you if you and and your your newest newest addition addition need need a little a little extra extra help, help, wewe offer offer perinatal perinatal services services that that include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine specialists specialists and and a Level a Level III III NICU. NICU. For For more more information information about about our our labor labor and and delivery delivery services, services, visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby.

2901 2901 N.N. Fourth Fourth Street Street• Longview, • Longview, TXTX 75605 75605• 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490• LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine | www.infinitieplus.com | infinitieplus | august 2017 5

COVER STORY

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

ongview has produced some entrepreneurs as skilled and successful as Melanie Northcutt Crocker. Her drive to succeed is boosted by endless energy and a focus to achieve. Both lead unerringly to success. After graduating from Pine Tree High School in 2002, she moved on to Stephen F. Austin University and took her Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) in 2006. Returning to Longview, she was driven not only by her quest for personal accomplishment, but a determination to make her hometown a better place for everybody. Striving to create a proactive, cohesive and community-oriented culture among other young local professionals, she has established herself as a top real estate broker. She calls her company Sugar Magnolia Propertiesa trusted, admired and profitable. Crocker credits her parents, Mike and Glenda Northcutt from Kilgore Texas for setting examples that led her to a productive career. Mike has spent nearly 50 years as a drafting instructor at Kilgore High School. while Glenda and her husband Jim Hughes have always supported and encouraged her in her many endeavors. Even as a little girl, Crocker showed the determination, self- confidence and ability to achieve her goals as she spent kindergarten through 6th grade in Kilgore schools. When Glenda re-married in 1997, she relocated to Pine Tree, where Melanie quickly made herself conspicuous via her red, white and blue shirt and shorts outfit among a student body almost exclusively clad in bell bottoms and ying-yang garb. The huge bow in her hair stood out like a flag, and her new classmates immediately took notice of this young lady they could see was someone special. She fit in with them perfectly. Melanie spent the next half-decade running for various posts and joining student organizations. She was never elected, and did not make the drill team, but never let these setbacks deter her from her lofty aspirations for both then and the future. She even pursued theater, auditioning for every female part available, and being selected for woman #5 in The Music Man, and as one of the orphans in Annie. It was a great learning experience as she realized the value of perseverance, confidence and how important it is to not let oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ego become too large. She also made some great lifelong friends. Before enrolling at SFA, she graduated from Kilgore College, joining Alpha Chi Omega sorority and becoming a Sigma Nu White Rose. After pulling down her BBA in marketing and management she spent a summer in Nacogdoches where a blond young Alabama native named Matt Crocker. Crocker had just returned to his native Nacogdoches after serving in the United States Navy. After a seven-year courtship, Matt proposed after a supper at Johnny Caceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood Restaurant. The cottontops married September 2013.

Melanie Northcutt Crocker receiving 2017 Stars over Longview Award from LRMC CEO Casey Robertson.

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COVER STORY

They liked Nacogdoches, and spent the next couple years there while Melanie worked for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, one of SFA’s top recruiting companies for its new graduates. Her experiences with this firm were unforgettable for good reasons. She wound up washing cars in her business suit and panty hose while tracking stolen vehicles throughout Nacogdoches County, all the while hoping to get hired as a drug rep for a pharmaceutical company. She looks upon those two years as a boot camp for her looming business career. According to Melanie, it taught her accountability, the value of teamwork and how to lead others. More importantly, she learned how to set a prime example for her employees, to be patient and efficiently manage a business team. There is more. In 2009, she talked Matt into moving to Longview. He had a job in a Pennsylvania oilfield, and needed to be close to an airport. At that time Melanie was looking for a new job, and suspected her familiar beloved hometown, Longview was a good place to seek employment. It is a city that supports ambitious young people, and she felt excited about her prospects. She also yearned to make her hometown a better place for all. Building a career in Longview she imagined would help do both. She soon found work as the training coordinator for the Kilgore College Small Business Development Center. It was the perfect spot to settle into a profitable routine while learning from the best in the field. As an up-and-coming twenty-five-year-old, she absorbed vital knowledge from her experienced supervisor, Brad Bunt, and co-workers; Virgil Conner and Ken Estes. But that is not all. Melanie began to make the acquaintance of people who would figure in her developing business career. She completed the Longview Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, and then joined Junior League of Longview, rising to become its president. Her next move was to start and launch the non-profit organization Young Professionals of Longview (YPL,). YPL is dedicated to: *Developing and cultivating a vibrant, productive young local professional community *Creating opportunities for business growth, community service, personal enrichment and social activities *Connecting members and enhancing their overall professional experience. YPL has brought together hundreds of young professionals who are well-prepared for successful futures in business and community service. In 2013 newlywed Melanie followed her mother’s lead and earned her real estate license, worked hard for four years and won her broker’s license. She and Matt then formed Sugar Magnolia Properties in February 2017. The name “Sugar Magnolia” comes from Matt’s love of the Grateful Dead musical group, and Melanie’s passion for the South. Sugar Magnolia strives to provide its clients with a mutually profitable and worry-free business experience while focusing on sparkling ideals of kindness, integrity, negotiation communications; and follow-through. Sugar Magnolia Properties is a boutique-style real estate firm that concentrates on providing exceptional service to its clients while offering wholesome, old-fashioned hospitality without specializing in size and location of properties, but rather covering the whole field. The Crockers are careful to always put their clients’ needs first from initial contact to closing. They always seem to make close friends of those they serve. Sugar Magnolia Properties aims to be a one-stop business for buying, selling, design, staging and decorating in addition to creating an extensive referral list of the best lending, serving and professional contacts in the Longview area. Melanie seeks

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to further expand her goal of serving her community through her long list of community involvement organizations: * Junior League of Longview, president * Young Professionals of Longview, president/ founder * Longview 20/20 * LeTourneau PAC * Longview Regional Medical Center’s Women Advisory Council * Keep Longview Beautiful board of directors, 2015-2017 * City of Longview Main Street Advisory Council, 2010-2017 * Leadership Longview alumnus, class of 2011 * Longview/Greggton Rotary, 2015 * Longview Board of Realtors * Texas Board of Realtors * National Board of Realtors * Association of Junior League’s International * Buffini and Company Real Estate Peak Producer Awards and Achievements: * Longview Regional Medical Center Stars Over Longview recipient, 2017 * Longview Chamber of Commerce 2013 Emerging Leaders of Longview Award recipient * Multi-Million Real Estate Producer and Top Producer of 2014, 2015 and 2016 * Texas Bank & Trust People Who Make a Difference, January 2016 Melanie believes in the Zig Ziglar philosophy that, “You can have everything in life you want if you help enough other people get what they want.” For more information on Sugar Magnolia Properties please call (903) 736-8207 or write Melania@SugarMagnoliaProperties.com.

Founder and President of Young Professional of Longview Melanie Northcutt Crocker. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

BUSINESS AND FINANCE Delightful music helped everyone’s digestion as Noonday Band belted out joyful noise. “Mark Nix and Noonday Band did a wonderful job,” said Tomberlain. “We really appreciate them rocking out in the summer heat. Despite the patriotic flavor of the event, there was a capitalistic inclination, too. “We are coming up on our 60th [business] anniversary, and we owe everything to our wonderful clients,” said Tomberlain. “We know people have a lot of options when it comes to insurance, so we cannot thank them enough for choosing a local agent like us to handle their business.” Cole Tomberlain’s grandfather Charles founded Charles

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

AND KEISHA ROLAND

harles Tomberlain Insurance Agency and Sugar Magnolia Properties pooled their efforts and resources to host a combination July Fourth--Customer Appreciation party. Such patriotic imagery as American flags, red, white and blue table cloths; balloons and candles merged with insurance agency-supplied material like tents to shelter attendees from the East Texas July sun plus the Tomberlains’ treat truck provided a slice of patriotic Americana that would have delighted the founding fathers. All this came together in a parking lot behind Silver Grizzly. There was a great turnout for this first-ever Independence Day extravaganza to be hosted by these two businesses. Families brought their own goodies-filled coolers and set up for a good time while their children blew soap bubbles and played ring toss. “We were very happy with the turnout for the first year,” said insurance agency principal Cole Tomberlain. “We always learn a lot when we do a new event, and this one was not any different. Next year, we will do a better job of promoting the event. There were a couple of clients that did not see the Facebook post, and we hate we missed them.” Randy Lott assisted Tomberlain as he toiled over the smoking grill. Sumptuous hot dogs, hot links, drinks and cookies kept all happy, hydrated and filled. 10

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Kendall Tomberlain and Morgan Strong

Marissa Elliott, Ashley Cox

Dionne and her husband Randy Lott

Melanie Crocker with her parents Glenda and Jim Hughes

Amy Yoder, Madison and Belinda Bennett

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Chelsea Cace and Lindsey Eberhart

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Myrna Estrada and Victoria Escobar

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE Tomberlain Insurance Agency in 1958. Its objective has always been to supply its clients with the best possible insurance protection, offer quality products, and the best of service and guaranteed value. The aim is to provide the best possible overall insurance solution for families and businesses. The evening concluded with Tomberlain Insurance and Sugar Magnolia Properties staging traditional July 4th fireworks display that lit up downtown Longview. “We would really like to thank the city of Longview for the wonderful Fourth of July festivities and incredible fireworks show,” said Tomberlain. “It was nice to have our event in conjunction with the great things they planned. We would like to thank the Silver Grizzly for their wonderful hospitality as well.” For more information on Tomberlain Insurance please call (903) 753-2609 or visit www. tomberlain.com

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Joanna & Rae Burrows

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI Randy Lott and Cole Tomberlain

Pam Holden, Kimberly Pilgrim, Morgan Strong, Babette Tomberlain, Joanna Burrows, Karen Wright and Paula McCauley

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he Longview Chamber of Commerce (COC) has pulled down its second straight Five-Star Accreditation. Here is how they did it: The United States Chamber of Commerce considered: * Local COC’s record of sound policies * Effective organizational procedures * Positive community impact before bestowing this honor on the local chamber. This accreditation resembles the Baldridge Quality assessments and ISO 9000 in that it is a self-review process, and places the Longview COC in the top 1% nationally. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

U.S. COC accreditation is the only such program, defining aptitude in chamber planning and points out how COCs make significant, positive impact toward beneficial change in their communities. This program aims to promote ongoing expertise in the COC industry and foster ongoing national pro-business excellence. This recognition establishes high quality, expertise and powerful, profitable leadership accomplished by state and local COCs. “Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy, and for positively influencing action in their community,” said Raymond P. |

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Yowle, IOM, CAE, vice-president, Federations Relations and Institute for Organization Management. “We applaud these organizations for advancing the principles of free enterprise.” This accreditation is the sole national program recognizing COCs for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. The only way to accomplish this ranking is to meet numerous minimum standards in operations and programs such as areas of governance, governmental affairs, and technology. The comprehensive self-review process can stretch out to six to nine months.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE “I am honored that we are recognized as a five-star chamber. The accrediting board highlighted several areas that were considered excellent. These are a few that really made me proud,” said Longview COC President Kelly Hall. “The chamber does an excellent job of recognizing its volunteers. The chamber recognizes the benefit that its members value most, the Sensible Solutions program, and the chamber is commended for making plans to insure this program remains valuable and relevant, moving forward. The chamber is commended for its excellent grasp the impending factors that will seriously impact the chamber in the next three to five years, as well as preparing ahead for these issues. YOUR chamber will continue to strive for excellence, and

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mold programming needs to meet the needs of our customers...OUR MEMBER INVESTORS!” Local chambers are graded as three-star, four-star or five-star. State chambers are labeled as Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. Final determinations are arrived at by the Accrediting Board, made up of U.S. Chamber board members. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s foremost business federation, representing the interests of over three million businesses and firms of all sizes, sectors and regions, along with state and local COCs and industry associations. Last year, Longview’s staff, board and volunteers toiled long and tirelessly to complete the accreditation

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process. Their main objective was to achieve competency in nine core areas ranging from finance to facilities. The five-star rating demonstrates the fruit of these labors. Still, it is essentially a community-wide, team accomplishment. The Longview COC is considered the main business resource in Gregg County. This member-driven organization carries out ongoing assessments of the needs of local businesses, their owners and executives. The overall motive is to create and deliver strategic business solutions COC members need. Success in this endeavor will make for a positive impact on the Longview Trade Area. For more information, please visit http://www.LongviewChamber.com.

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By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

hambers of commerce statewide recently came together at the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Annual Excellence Awards. This convention recognizes organizations that have achieved exemplary efforts in marketing, communications and media outreach. The seven award categories are Social Media Marketing and Communications, Brochures, Chamber Maps, Magazine or Community Guides, Print/Electronic News, Outstanding Chamber Website, and Outstanding Traditional Marketing Campaign. Longview’s COC won the award for having the best brochures, winning second place for its Membership Application Brochure. Page Michel serves as TCCE vice-chair of communications, the division that oversees the decision process. He was clear on why Longview was honored. “This competition brings out the best of the best from chambers of commerce in Texas,” he said. “The process is rigorous and quite competitive given the number of entries and the exceptional work presented by each. Rest assured this year’s winners demonstrated their best. A victory tonight truly indicates the Longview Chamber of Commerce is the best in 2017 in Brochures.” Longview COC earned its recognition from a field of more than 200 entries evaluated by expert panels in specific fields. RaDonna Hessel serves as CEO of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and as this year’s TCCE Board Chair. She stated clearly Longview COC’s deserving status. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

“This honor demonstrates the incredible work done by the Longview Chamber of Commerce organizationally and in the community,” she said. Hessel went further in declaring Longview’s lofty accomplishment. “The chamber is often the voice of the community promoting the organization, the members and the community as a whole,” she said. “By winning this award the Longview Chamber of Commerce can be held up as an example of the best at promoting the chamber, its businesses and providing excellent information to people in Longview.” Another TCCE representative, Aaron Cox, clearly distilled the basic essence of the traditional objectives of all chambers of commerce. “Chambers of commerce are the voice of business, and quite often of the communities they serve,” he said. “This highly competitive process demonstrates how these organizations fulfill this task with excellence daily, often with little or no accolades. This award demonstrates the exceptional work carried out by the Longview Chamber of Commerce, and provides well-deserved recognition.” Established in 1908, the TCCE is the professional staff of chamber of commerce executives and professional staff in the state of Texas. It is the longest-lasting association of chamber of commerce executives in the country. As a non-profit 501(c)(6) operation the TCCE serves its membership by providing excellence in professional development, networking, resource and idea exchange opportunities and grassroots advocacy information and coordination. TCCE uses publications and various resources to supply operational guidance and leadership to chambers of commerce statewide.

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august 2017

GLOBE-TROTTING

By MARY HUNT

love to travel, which has become one the best unintended consequences of my life as a writer, speaker and blogger. Travel always involves challenges. That’s why I have adopted an attitude that no matter how well I’ve planned, if something can go wrong, it probably will. And if it doesn’t, I consider that a travel bonus. Over the years, I’ve collected a bunch of great travel tips — some fun, some crazy, but all very useful, 16

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if only to avoid a headache or two. ROLL; DON’T FOLD. Instead of folding your clothes, roll them tightly. They’ll take up less space in your luggage, and that can save you from having to pay extra baggage fees. SCAN EVERYTHING. Before you leave, scan the front and back of every item in your wallet, including your passport. Email the images to yourself. Now you’ll always have a digital copy handy, in case you lose something. This will not be a substitute for your passport, ID or credit cards, but you’ll

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have the pertinent information you need to keep going. EMPTY BOTTLE. Bring along an empty water bottle. Once you clear security, fill it up and you won’t have to pay $5.95 for a bottle. Refill as necessary during your trip. Just make sure it’s empty before you pass through security on your return. NOTHING LEFT BEHIND. Make this the first thing you do when you walk in your room: Take a hand towel from the bathroom and spread it out on the desk or countertop. This becomes the de www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

facto place for all of your things that you have a place for at home. Put your room key, car keys, sunglasses, rechargers, wallet — everything — on the towel. Now everything is visible and in one spot, rather than scattered about the room. As you come and go, return these items to their place on the towel. When you’re ready to check out, there’s no searching and nothing left behind. SECRET USB PORT. If you should happen to forget (or lose) the wall plug for your phone charger, check the back of the TV in your hotel room. These days, most have a USB port in which you can recharge your phone or other device. CHARGERS TO LEND. If you lost or forgot the charger for your computer or phone, go to the front desk. There will be a huge variety that others have left behind. You should be able to borrow the one you need. HAND-WASHING. Need to wash underwear or other clothing items? Shampoo is the perfect substitute for detergent. It’s great for getting out a grease spot, too. After all, that’s what shampoo is made to do — remove grease from hair. TRAVEL SAFE. A travel mug makes a great travel “safe.” If you must leave small valuables in your hotel room, pop them into the mug. It will be fairly inconspicuous and an unlikely target for thieves. SIGN THE DOOR. When you leave your hotel room, even if for just a few minutes to get something to eat, place the “do not disturb” sign on the door. It will appear to housekeeping and others that you are in the room for as long as the sign remains. This adds www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

a layer of security should you leave your computer or other valuables in the room. ALWAYS COMPARE. When booking air travel, always use a flight-comparison website. There are several, such as Skyscanner and Kayak. These sites help you find the best airline and cheapest price for your dates and routes. But do not book your flights through these sites. Instead, delete your browser history, and then book directly with the airline. This way, if you have a flight cancellation

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or other problem, you can rebook right there at the airport (or train station, bus station, etc.) through customer service. If you’ve booked your tickets with an internet travel site, good luck. You’re going to need it. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually.

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BODY, MIND AND SOUL

By DIANE DIMOND

hile passing two people on the street the other day, I heard one say: “I don’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s a psychopath or a sociopath — or both!” I’m no expert, but from what I’ve learned studying crime and personality disorders, I don’t think one person can have both of those qualities. How can you tell if a certain someone in your life is just annoying or has a diagnosable condition? Here’s a quick primer. Both psychopathic and sociopathic behavior traits are categorized under antisocial personality disorder, or APD, by the American Psychiatric Association. But when you dig deep, there are some profound differences. Psychopaths can be diagnosed with a brain scan. The portion of their brain that determines impulse control and emotions is underdeveloped. The condition has been shown in studies to be both genetic and caused by nature. Sociopaths have a normal brain, but studies show because of childhood trauma, like physical, emotional or sexual abuse, their behavior stems from the way they were nurtured. A Vancouver doctor named Robert Hare devised a widely accepted checklist test to determine whether a person is a true psychopath. The test was designed to be given to criminals or those suspected of a crime and is administered by qualified experts. What do they look for? Psychopaths are charming and glib and experts at faking emotions. Symptoms include lacking emotional attachment to others or empathy. Psychopaths are cunning and devious, but because they are usually so charismatic, they are often able to hide their manipulative ways. They are known to feel no guilt for their actions, be sexually promiscuous and not 18

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be able to accept responsibility for their actions, as well as thinking very highly of themselves and having short-term marriages. They likely got in trouble with the law at a young age and have trouble controlling negative behaviors. All this said, they are usually welleducated, hold steady jobs and often appear entirely normal. Sound like that problematic person in your life? If not, maybe that person is a sociopath. A sociopath shares some of the psychopath’s behaviors described above, especially the manipulative, emotionless behavior, as well as lying, lack of shame and inflated ego. But sociopaths are known to be driven by spontaneous outbursts of violence. They are often nervous and easily agitated. Children who torture animals or defenseless people are often considered sociopathic. They tend to have a huge sense of entitlement and believe others should provide them with what they want. They are not capable of caring

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about others and only motivated by getting what they want. When confronted with their bad deeds, they frequently respond with a cold blank stare. “The thing with sociopaths is that we are largely unaffected by fear,” one unidentified person diagnosed with APD wrote in a Psychology Today article titled “Confessions of a Sociopath.” “I have never killed anyone, but I have certainly wanted to,” she wrote as she revealed details of her troubled childhood and her grown-up thoughts of homicide. “I am not motivated or constrained by the same things that most good people are,” she confesses. But she also says, “I may have a disorder but I am not crazy.” This woman described as an accomplished attorney and an active member of her church. The truth is, psychopaths and sociopaths are all around us. It’s a safe bet that you work with one, live close to one or are related to one. They cannot be cured, but they can reign in their behaviors. Many appear to live a normal life. There is disagreement among mental health experts over which has a higher likelihood to commit a violent crime. Some of the most infamous serial killers have displayed the characteristics of a classic psychopath. Three examples: Ted Bundy (at least 36 victims); the “Killer Clown,” John Wayne Gacy (at least 33 victims); and the man who called himself “the BTK Killer,” Dennis Rader (10 victims). One could study thousands of serial killer cases and find many more with psychopathic tendencies. But some in the medical field say volatile and angry sociopaths are more dangerous, since they often act out in unpredictable and impulsive ways and give in to instantaneous gratification more easily. However, those very behaviors can also mean they are more likely to be caught after committing a crime, because their actions can be sloppy and spontaneous. This leaves the impression that they are the most prone to crime. But realize this: When a psychopath commits a crime, it is likely to have been well-thought out and executed in an organized and careful fashion, so as to elude arrest. For my money, the crafty psychopath’s ability to conceive and carry out heinous crimes — like serial murders — without a shred of remorse wins the title of most frightening. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

To find out more about Diane Dimond, visit her website at www.dianedimond.com. Her latest book, “Thinking Outside the Crime and Justice Box,” is available on Amazon.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By TOM MARGENAU

’ve written about this topic before. But I just have to do it again. If my emails are any indication, it seems as if 90 percent of senior citizens in this country are worried sick that they are losing out on Social Security benefits, or making decisions that result in dramatically reduced monthly checks from the government. And in almost all the cases I encounter, their worries are ill-founded. I started working for the Social Security Administration in 1973. And my mentor was a guy who was with the agency almost from its inception in 1935. He retired in about 1980, and I retired in 2005. 20

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And in all those years, neither one of us ever met a Social Security recipient, or a potential beneficiary, who worried one little whit about getting the most out of his or her monthly benefits. “Maximizing” one’s Social Security was just not part of the lexicon. The majority of seniors signed up for their retirement benefits at 62. Some waited until 65 (the full retirement age for the first six decades of Social Security’s existence). A very few people, and I mean a VERY FEW, waited until age 70 to start their benefits. But then two things happened. In the late 1990s, some unintended loopholes grew out of a new law that allowed senior citizens over age 66 to work without any reduc-

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tion in their benefits. Those loopholes became known as “file and suspend” and “file and restrict.” They have been discussed ad infinitum in this column and will not be explained here again, other than to say that, in a nutshell, they allowed retirees to collect dependent spousal benefits on a husband’s or wife’s Social Security record while delaying their own benefits until 70. Congress eventually recognized these loopholes violated the basic tenets of the program and closed them. Or to be more precise, they immediately closed the “file and suspend” provisions and put a time clock on “file and restrict.” Only people turning 66 before January 2020 can still jump through the www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

spousal benefit loophole. The bigger thing that happened is that financial planners discovered a new and huge market: greedy geezers! They lured them into seminars with come-ons like this one I just got in the mail this week: “You could be missing out on thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits!” Because of them, the term “maximizing your Social Security” became the catchphrase for a generation who 40 years earlier were chanting “make love, not war!” Now they are crying, “Make money, not love!” I mean, who needs sex, drugs and rock and roll when you can have a bigger Social Security check? Let’s look at just a couple of the emails I got this week from seniors who are caught up in all this hoopla about maximizing benefits. Q: I signed up for my Social Security when I was 66 years old. That was 10 months ago. I am getting $2,225 per month. Now I just learned that I could have maximized my Social Security by filing for wife’s benefits on my husband’s record and saving my own until age 70 when I would get higher benefits. He is 73. He started his benefits at age 70. He gets $2,850 per month. So now I’d like to cancel my retirement claim and then file for wife’s benefits. I understand I can get half of his, or $1,425. Can I do this? And how do I do this? A: Well, yes you can do this, although not at quite the money amounts you think. And you really should think long and hard before jumping on this maximizing bandwagon. I mean, you and your husband www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

are already getting over $5,000 per month in Social Security benefits. That is far more than the average Social Security beneficiary can even dream about. But if you are intent on squeezing every last nickel out of your Social Security piggy bank, here is what you should do. Make an appointment to talk to someone at your local Social Security office. Tell them you want to withdraw your retirement claim. (You have up to 12 months after your benefits start to do that.) You will have to repay all the benefits you’ve already received. That sounds to me like you’ll be writing the government a check for $22,250. After you withdraw your retirement claim, you will then turn around and file a claim for wife’s benefits on your husband’s account. But you won’t get half of his current benefit. You’ll only get half of his full retirement age rate. I’m guessing that’s about $2,150. So, your share of that is $1,075. You can claim up to 6 months’ worth of retroactive spousal benefits. Once you make that swi-

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tchover, you will keep getting $1,075 per month, until you turn 70. At that point, you would refile for your own retirement benefits, and get 132 percent of your basic rate, or about $2,900 per month. Good luck with all that! Q: Both my wife and I are about to turn 62. We went to a seminar about maximizing Social Security benefits. I was told that I could file for husband’s benefits on my wife’s record and then save my own until age 66. But the Social Security people said I can’t do that. Are they right? We are worried that we are missing out on Social Security benefits that everyone else is getting. A: The Social Security people were right. If you are under your full retirement age, the law says you must file for your own retirement benefits. And the loophole mentioned at the beginning of this column, the one that let people 66 and older file spousal benefits while delaying their own benefits until 70, closes before you reach your full retirement age. So now you are your wife simply have to make one of three Social Security decisions. Do you want reduced retirement benefits at 62, or some other age between 62 and 66? Or do you want full benefits at age 66? Or do you want to wait until age 70 and get 132 percent of your full retirement age rate? If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@ comcast.net.

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august 2017

BODY, MIND AND SOUL

By MARILYNN PRESTON

’m going to skip over the obesity statistics for the moment. Let’s just sum it up by saying that every third person in the country is trying to lose weight. It’s not on everyone’s mind — some folks are joyfully roasting chocolate-covered marshmallows over campfires — but with so many millions of American’s dieting, you get tons of people who lose... lose... and then they plateau. The needle gets stuck. In spite of your best behavior — eating real food and smaller portions, exercising more — suddenly, your body simply stops losing weight. It’s a very common problem. Also, very frustrating. Oh Lordy, what’s happening? 22

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BODY, MIND AND SOUL The first thing to know is that plateauing is normal, not personal. You might as well accept it and stick with the program. Attitude matters. You need patience and understanding. Your body is a complicated organism. It can resist change and hold onto additional weight you’re trying to lose. Best spin to put on it? Your body is temporarily at rest, getting ready and stronger for the next set of challenges. Meanwhile, your most personal trainer is offering a few strategies to help get you over the hump, past the slump, beyond the plateau. 1. TRAIN HARDER, NOT LONGER. Don’t let this one scare you. Interval training — also known as HIIT, for high-intensity-interval-training — isn’t just for big-time competitive athletes who want to knock it out of the park. It’s for all mortals who want to see that needle on the scale slide south to a lower, lighter number. To encourage that miracle, do something bold: Pick up the pace of your workout. Make it more intense, for short periods of time. You can do it in a general way: e.g., hike up hills instead of walking on the flats. Or you can do it in a specific way: e.g., pedal a stationary bike at a casual pace for several minutes and then go as fast as you can — harder! harder! — for 30 seconds. Then back off to an easy pace for 90 seconds... and then max out again for 30 seconds... and repeat for six or eight cycles. There are many formulas out there, waiting to be discovered. Interval training is one of the hottest trends in fitness today and an excellent way to reboot your weight-loss program. It’s also a great way to make your workouts much more efficient in a lot less time. (Another miracle. You’re welcome.) 2. LIFT WEIGHTS AND LOVE IT. Another way to power through a weight-loss plateau is to start lifting weights and building muscle. The more muscles you have, the more calories you’ll burn. But you can’t simply walk, run or bike more to

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build muscle. You need to get involved in a smart, targeted strength-training program, using weights, machines, resistance bands or your own body weight. (Hello, yoga.) Find a way to make it fun, or at least tolerable. That’s the key to sticking with it. Routines that feel like a grind rarely last. Focus on proper technique. Learn to lift with awareness, in alignment, without stressing your joints or screwing up your back. Join a class; buy some time with a trainer; read a book. And breathe! That’s crucial. So is getting involved in a safe routine that delivers a strong flexible body that’s in balance front to back, top to bottom and side to side. 3. ADD SOMETHING NEW. A body that isn’t losing fat anymore — even though you’re eating well and exercising regularly — is a body that will benefit from a wake-up call, a surprise, a shock with benefits. Why? Because when you call on your body and mind to do something new, to move in different ways, it burns more calories than it’s used to burning. That’s why cross-training — doing a mix of sports instead of

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focusing on just one — is a well-known way to jumpstart continuing weight loss. So add something that is challenging and new. Zumba? Soul Cycle? Aerial dancing? That will fire up the engines that move us over obstacles, into action and back for another round of weight loss, if that’s your goal this summer. And don’t forget to spend some quality time with friends and family around the campfire, chocolatecovered marshmallows and all. ENERGY EXPRESS-O! PLATEAUS ARE RESTS ALONG THE WAY “Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson Marilynn Preston is the author of Energy Express, America’s longest-running healthy lifestyle column. Her new book “All Is Well: The Art {and Science} of Personal Well-Being” is available now on Amazon and elsewhere. Visit Creators Publishing at creators.com/books/all-iswell to learn more. For more on personal well-being, visit www.MarilynnPreston.com.

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august 2017

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By JAMES WOODARD

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“Get the loan you need for the home you want.”

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fter 45 years of writing this column, this is my last submission. It focuses on new home design trends evolving this year. Every year we see new design trends becoming dominant in housing. Here are key trends we will see during this year. Velvet, jewel tones, white marble and built-in bars are forecasted to be the biggest home design trends for 2017, according to the latest Zillow Digs Home Trend Forecast, a report combining data from a survey of interior design experts. “Interior design in 2017 will be about bringing warmth and comfort into the home,” says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow home design expert. “Homeowners will start to shy away from overly industrial designs that feel stiff or cold. Instead, they will incorporate plush fabrics like velvet and rich jewel tones into their home to make it feel more approachable and welcoming.” The report pointed out why velvet is a growing trend in home designs. “Velvet is expected to make a big splash in interior design this year. Look for velvet fabrics and textures to weave their way into anything from throw pillows to upholstered couches and curtains. “Saturated colors like emerald green or sapphire blue will take center stage in 2017. From artwork to furniture, these vibrate hues will be popping up everywhere, bringing life and richness to homes.” Marble surfaces will also become more common in new home designs during 2017. “Marble, especially in shades of white and light gray, will be one of 2017’s biggest design trends. Experts predict marble to become an increasingly popular material for countertops, flooring and tabletops, as well as in everyday household items like serving platters or vases.” Dear readers: It’s been a fascinating ride over the years. I started writing this column in 1971, focusing on real estate news and trends. All things seem to have a natural point of conclusion. This is my time. There have been many changes in the real estate market during those decades. I’ve tried to update you with the changes that were most interesting and useful to you as a homeowner or prospective owner. Changes will continue, and I now wish you the very best in following those changes and acting on them when the time is right. — Jim Woodard

Dan Droege

Your Home Loan Expert

Call (903) 757-4000 Email ddroege@fbtet.com

The mortgage experts at First Bank & Trust East Texas have been helping friends move and remodel for more than 60 years. We offer great rates on mortgage loans and the technology to make your next move simple and quick.

2395 H.G. Mosley Pkwy | Longview

Check out our financial calculators and apply online at fbtet.com.

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august 2017

FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

Young Hero Warriors and Volunteers

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

AND KELLY BELL

t is easy to become detached from the brutal reality of armed conflict in this era of mass, computerized media. The images come from far away on two-dimensional television and 26

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computer screens that provide a sanitized, impersonal view of the horrid human institution of war. Long ago Union General W.T. Sherman called it “hell.” Few have ever questioned his first-hand-experience-seared description. We do have such events as Veterans’ Day to remind us to honor those, living

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and gone, who served to secure the fruits of freedom we all savor. The bond between soldiers is powerful and enduring as they regard each other as brothers and sisters fighting desperately to curb the ghastly excesses of terrorism. These heroes are menaced by friendly fire, training misadventures and in www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

endless clashes with fanatical, hateglutted foes. Fallen defenders of faith and justice have left behind heartbroken spouses, parents, children and other loved ones left in mourning by ultimate sacrifice. For this reason, Longview’s Leah Rosson of Young Hero Warriors took up the cause of reaching out in love and comfort to the families of our late warriors. These grieving Americans are known as Gold Star Families. There is a daily steady stream of returning troops who make it safely back to home, hearth and civilian careers, but far too many do not. For the relatives and friends of the fallen, life is never the same. There are avenues of assistance. Snowball Express Mission seeks to honor this country’s service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11. Humbly and lovingly working to ease the suffering of bereaved loved ones by creating avenues of future success for their children and to use joy, friendship and communal healing by connecting grieving families with each other. Working nationally, Snowball Express provides comprehensive support programs focusing on ease of transition and connection to community resources. This makes it easier to achieve healing, wellness, peer engagement, education and personal/professional development programs. One of the movement’s events is the Walk of Gratitude. Snowball Express board member Rich Mentemeyer points out that attendees have not only lost heroic loved ones, but bread winners. Snowball Express reaches out to these families to insure they receive every kind of support they need, and www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Young Hero Warrior Andrew Dudley zip-lining at Thomas Falls Zip Line and Outdoors Adventures.

Young Hero Warrior Austin Yager zip-lining at Thomas Falls Zip Line and Outdoors Adventures.

Leah Rosson helps Young Hero Warrior Andian Dudley with his canoe.

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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

Stan and his wife Debbie Thomas owners of Thomas Falls Zip-Line Outdoors and Adventures.

Todd and his wife Brooke Long

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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY that their lost soldiers will never be forgotten. As a retired Air Force officer, Mentemeyer well understands the vital nature of this mission. “The children are the ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he says. When Snowball Express holds the Walk of Gratitude, American Airlines (one of the biggest sponsors) flies in families free of charge. During the Walk, children write letters to their fallen military parents, then place the notes inside balloons that are released to soar. The children like to think the missives are carried to their fallen military heroes- mothers and fathers. Furthermore, during the Snowball Express Christmas celebration Anatole Hotel in Dallas provides free accommodations to attending families. For more than a decade, this mission statement has held true--providing hope and new, happy memories to the children of the U.S. military’s fallen troops. These youngsters are treated to sporting events, dances, amusement parks and other delightful activities. Last year, more than 1800 families showed up for the four-day extravaganza of food, fun, friendship and support. “Teens get healing by being around all the other kids who have lost a military parent,” said Mentemeyer. One widow described to Mentemeyer how her brokenhearted daughter, who had been undergoing therapy for three years, suddenly bonded and responded to other kids during the Christmas event. The heartwarming stories go on and on. Lincoln, Nebraska resident Mary Jo Yager was on hand at Thomas Falls in Diana for a Snowball Express event this July. She is retired from the Army, but a suicide bomber in Iraq killed her husband and some of his comrades in 2007 with IED. Their sons were aged two and four at the time. She and her children were among those American Airlines flew to the event. Her son Austin, now in the 9th grade, made clear how he benefitted by attending. “Every Gold Star family should come to the events so they can enjoy the fun with others,” he said. “We take good care of my mom, and she takes good care of us.” Rosson, too, was passing through a difficult period when she attended her first Snowball’s Walk of Gratitude. The moving nature of the event made her realize her calling was to help others. “There is nothing they can do to replace a parent,” she said. “All we can do is to give them each other.

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Rosson is delighted with the support East Texans have lavished on this healing movement, especially those from Longview. “This community is so amazing. I have had every need met for this event,” she said. “I do not know if you will find this type of generosity somewhere else.” Rosson realizes her own trials are insignificant compared to those being endured by these children. “God has blessed me during some of the worst times in life,” she says. “These kids are the legacy of our warriors. It is up to us to nurture these kids and keep their spirits up.” She has an empathy with these children because of her and their shared trauma. Someone who has

never had to endure such soulkilling loss can have a hard time comprehending the pain felt by its victims. These children can let their guards down and share their pain and healing with each other. She has made it her goal to bring Gold Star families together yearly to Thomas Falls and other east Texas venue or three days of fun, bonding and mutual support. Seventeen miles north of Longview, Thomas Falls features many delightful points of interest. There is a zip line, lake, mud run and an endless assortment of games. The Blues Sky Ahead and other caring community businesses and citizens make it all possible through their financial and various sponsorships.

Sponsors of this year’s event include: * Sam Satterwhite of Satterwhite Log Homes * Steve Graff, president of Heroes on the Water * Richard Rhea, president of Combat Warriors * Justin Mayfield of J&N Construction * Tomberlain Insurance * Thomas Falls Zip Line Canopy Tours * Rotolo’s Pizza * Becky Whiteneck and Judson Lion’s Club * Chuck King of Chick Fil-A * Ann Kroeger, triple Creek * Blue Skies Ahead and many others.

Highlights of Thomas Falls

Young Hero Warriors and Volunteers arrive at Thomas Falls Zip-Line Outdoors and Adventures for a treat organized by Leah Rosson and sponsors.

Highlights of Thomas Falls

Underground spring feeds this lake at Thomas Falls.

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Highlights of Thomas Falls

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august 2017

GRUBS UP

BRAIN TEASERS

• Low Fat Yogurt • Granola • Dole Jarred Slice Peaches • Mint

Take this Super Quiz to a Ph.D. Score 1 point for each correct answer on the Freshman Level, 2 points on the Graduate Level and 3 points on the Ph.D. Level. Subject: LITERATURE The title is given. Complete the quotation with one word. (e.g., “Heart of Darkness”: “The mind of man is capable of ______.” Answer: Anything.)

In a cup or glass jar alternate layering yogurt, granola and chopped peaches

FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. “Jane Eyre”: “Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian _____.” Answer________ 2. “Pygmalion”: “Happy is the man who can make a living by his _____.” Answer________ 3. “Catch-22”: “Clevinger was one of those people with lots of intelligence but no _____.” Answer________ GRADUATE LEVEL 4. “Great Expectations”: “We need never be ashamed of our ____.” Answer________ 5. “Of Human Bondage”: “People ask you for criticism, but they only want ___.” Answer________ 6. “Macbeth”: “Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep ____.” Answer________

Top with mint and serve immediately.

PH.D. LEVEL 7. “The Great Gatsby”: “I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender _____.” Answer________ 8. “Alice in Wonderland”: “Who in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great _____.” Answer________ 9. “Pride and Prejudice”: “Angry people are not always _____.” Answer________ SCORING: 18 points - congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points - honors graduate; 10 to 14 points - you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points - you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points - enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points - who reads the questions to you? Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS: 1. Duties. 2. Hobby. 3. Brains. 4. Tears. 5. Praise. 6. Desires. 7. Curiosity. 8. Puzzle. 9. Wise.

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Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Dole Jarred Sliced Peaches Fresh Basil Salt and pepper to Taste Balsamic Vinegar

Arrange alternate slices of mozzarella and peaches. Sprinkle fresh basil, season with salt and pepper to taste Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. 30

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