infinitieplus magazine December issue by InfinitiePlus

VOL. 6. NO. 12

DECEMBER 2017

Congratulations to to the the 2018 2018 Stars Stars Over Over Longview Longview Congratulations Shalonda Shalonda Adams Adams

Lori Holyfield Ball

Lori Holyfield Ball Crista Black

Crista Black

Sharon Bradley

Sharon Bradley Mary Collier Mary Collier Carmela Davis

Gerrie Forbis Carmela Davis Carol GerrieManley Forbis

Dawn Martin

Carol Manley

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams

Dawn Martin Mary Morris

PamelaJulie Mercer-McWilliams Woods Mary Morris

Celebrating 18 Years Julie Woods

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Celebrating 18 Years Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon Maude Cobb Activity Center 100 Grand Blvd. • Longview

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon Ticket Information Maude Cobb Activity Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 Center for Table of 8 Tickets100 will Grand be available for•purchase beginning Blvd. Longview

November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional Complimentary valet parking will be Medical Center’s Marketing Department at available. 903-553-7400.

Ticket Information

Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey

Olympian & Greatest Female Athlete Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table of 8 of the 20th Century Tickets will be available for purchase beginning November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For additional information on this event visit LongviewRegional.com. Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

Congratulations to the 2018 Stars Over Longview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

TAble of Contents

15 22

Kelly Overby Joins Texas ACT

Check out the

Christmas Special Edition

featuring:

• • 16• •

Sounds Of The Season The History Behind The Three Wise Men World Christmas Traditions and more

Mayor Andy Mack inspires change. Visits the homeless ON THE COVER on their own turf. Says, “Give a little, give a lot to the GoCongratulations Giver Event gala to support putting the to Dan Kim homelessand back to work and into homes Droege, the 2016 once more.” Mack is thankful because Distinguished Longview is a wonderful community Citizen “Good that gives and gives to make life better Turn Award” for the less fortunate. He reminds us Honorees. that we could be in the same situation and would up as well. See Story onlike Pagea-hands 6

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34 Dan and Kim Droege with Ryan and Elizabeth Baumgardner

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Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi ow, it is December. It is Christmas again. The new year, 2018 is just a few weeks away. Merry and Glorious Christmas to every one of our readers in advance. Despite all the shopping and gift giving, Christmas is about Jesus, God’s Messiah and Savior who took on flesh to save mankind. To this end, infinitieplus brought you, the readers Christmas stories and information that will gladden your heartsright from the very first pages of the magazine. This means our cover story though very important is way back with the other stories. All the same, our graphic designer, Juve made sure every page is exuding Christmas. In this edition, we brought you the story of Mayor Andy Mack who is inspiring change by visiting the homeless on their own turf -on the corners of Longview where they sleep. Mack is asking Longview citizen to help with the Go-Giver gala that will enable himand the Homeless Taskforce get the homeless back to work and into homes once again. The story is from page 16. Many kudos to Heartisans Marketplace, a non-profit organization that is changing lives one woman at a time. Please read about their incredible and laudable work from page 22. Then, there is the story of Krys Bronk who uses her Ph.D. in Chemistry in various ways. The story is from page 32. There is more. We hope you will take the time and read through all the articles. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you through this medium and we look forward to next year. Gregg County Judge Bill May the Joys of Christmas abide in your hearts this Stoudt at the Droege’s season and always.

Award Ceremony

Marketing / PR

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi Keisha Roland

Creative Director Juvelin Aripal

Contributing Writers James Woodard Mary Hunt Marilynn Preston Diane Dimond Tom Margenau Robert Goldman Marilyn Willison Malcolm Berko Elizabeth Stark

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

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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VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 12 |

december 2017

SWEDEN: ‘GOD JUL!’

Most people in Scandinavian countries honor St. Lucia (also known as St. Lucy) each year on December 13. The celebration of St. Lucia Day began in Sweden, but had spread to Denmark and Finland by the mid-19th century. In these countries, the holiday is considered the beginning of the Christmas season and, as such, is sometimes referred to as “little Yule.” Traditionally, the oldest daughter in each family rises early and wakes each of her family members, dressed in a long, white gown with a red sash, and wearing a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles. For the day, she is called “Lussi” or “Lussibruden (Lucy bride).” The family then eats breakfast in a room lighted with candles. Any shooting or fishing done on St. Lucia Day was done by torchlight, and people brightly illuminated their homes. At night, men, women, and children would carry torches in a parade. The night would end when everyone threw their torches onto a large pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire. In Finland today, one girl is chosen to serve as the national Lucia and she is honored in a parade in which she is surrounded by torchbearers. Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day, as her name, which is derived from the Latin word lux, means light. Her feast day is celebrated near the shortest day of the year, when the sun’s light again begins to strengthen. Lucia lived in Syracuse during the fourth century when persecution of Christians was common. Unfortunately, most of her story has been lost over the years. According to one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by a Diocletian for her Christian beliefs. Others say she may have plucked her own eyes out to protest the poor treatment of Christians. Lucia is the patron saint of the blind. hristmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention of the 1860s. Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both

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secular and religious traditions from around the globe. Discover the origins of Christmas traditions from around the world, like the Yule log, caroling and how Christmas is celebrated “Down Under.”

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FINLAND: ‘HYVÄÄ JOULUA!’

Many Finns visit the sauna on Christmas Eve. Families gather and listen to the national “Peace of www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Christmas” radio broadcast. It is customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members.

NORWAY: ‘GLEDELIG JUL!’

Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. The ancient Norse used the Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. “Yule” came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth. Ever wonder why the family fireplace is such a central part of the typical Christmas scene? This tradition dates back to the Norse Yule log. It is probably also responsible for the popularity of log-shaped cheese, cakes, and desserts during the holidays.

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december 2017

MUSIC CREATES AN ATMOSPHERE FOR WORSHIP

TO CUSTOMERS, TOOUR OURVALUED VALUED CUSTOMERS, NEIGHBORS FRIENDS NEIGHBORS AND AND FRIENDS Wishing you and yours a happy holiday Wishing and yours a times, happygood holiday seasonyou filled with good season filled with good times, good friends and good memories.

friends and good memories.

We thank you for your support this past year.

WeYou’ve thankdelivered you for your support past year. us nothing butthis kindness, You’ve delivered us nothing but kindness, andwe wehope hope we’ve we’ve done forfor you. and donethe thesame same you.

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The angels sang a song in words the shepherds could understand. When you think about all that God has done in fulfillment to His promises, in response to your needs, in demonstration of His love for you – it makes even the tone deaf want to sing forth in worship and praise! Charles Spurgeon once said, Decorating evergreen hadyou always "When your heart is full oftrees Christ, want to sing." been partmusic of thewill German winter solstice Nota all facilitate godly worship. But as tradition. The first trees” of explicitly you rediscover the “Christmas treasure in many these decorated and named after the Christian precious songs that have fallen by the wayside in our holiday, appeared Strasbourg, in Alsace – you can pop culture – andin even in some churches find breaking spontaneous in theyourself beginning of the out 17thincentury. After moments of worship. 1750, Christmas trees began showing up in Recently, myGermany, family alland gathered around other parts of even more so the afterpiano before when bedtime to sing a chorusvon of each of our favorite 1771, Johann Wolfgang Goethe Christmas hymns. When you hear a carol visited Strasbourg and promptly included at a church or even in the store, pause and sing along, and allow Christmas tree is his novel, The Suffering your mind to zeroIninthe on 1820s, the message. Fill your home of Young Werther. the first with carols of Christmas, and you can enjoy German immigrants decorated Christmas spontaneous moments of worship throughout the day! trees in Pennsylvania. After Germany’s The angels showed and sang the glory of God. Prince Albert married Queen Victoria, he Without a clear picture of God’s rescuing, introduced the Christmas tree tradition forgiving love, we cannot fully comprehend the to England. In 1848, the first American glory of the gospel.

GERMANY: ‘FROEHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN!’

newspaper carried a picture of a Christmas tree and the custom spread to nearly every home in just a few years.

MEXICO: ‘FELIZ NAVIDAD!’

In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought a red-and-green plant from Mexico to America. As its coloring seemed perfect for the new holiday, the plants, which were called poinsettias after Poinsett, began appearing in greenhouses as early as 1830. In 1870, New York stores began to sell them at Christmas. By 1900, they were a universal symbol of the holiday. In Mexico, paper mache sculptures called pinatas are filled with candy and coins and hung from the ceiling. Children then take turns hitting the pinata until it breaks, sending a shower of treats to the floor. Children race to gather as much of of the loot as they can.

ENGLAND: ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS!’

An Englishman named John Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations. At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, a German who immigrated to America in 1850. Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would

This is how they are often described: The gifts seem quite strange to give to a ba Gaspar (or Caspar), who has brown hair and a brown had the following meanings: Frankincense: is sometimes used in wors beard (or no beard!) and wears a green cloak and a gold Churches and showed that people would wor crown with green jewels on it. He is the King of Sheba. called sinck tuck, which features European, Central American, UKRAINE: the Frankincense to Jesus. a dowry. To save themGaspar from beingpresents sold Gold: Kings parties with dancing and theis associated and South with American nations.and Jesus by their father, St. Nick left each of the ‘SROZHDESTVOM exchanging of of gifts.Kings. St. Francis of Assisi created the Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard three sisters gifts of gold coins. One first living nativity in 1224 to went down the chimney andwears landed ina gold cloak. HeKRISTOVYM!’ and is Ukrainians the King of Arabia. Melchior Myrrh: is a perfume is put onto dead bo help explainthat the birth of Jesus prepare a a pair of shoes that had been left on the GREECE: ‘KALA followers. presents the Gold to Jesus.traditional twelve-course meal. A them smell nicehis and showed that Jesus would hearth. Another went into a window CHRISTOUYENNA!’ family’s youngest child watches and into a pair of stockings left hanging who has black skin and a black beard (or no or sins. Balthazar, In Greece, die manyfor people through the window for the by the fire to dry. JAMESTOWN, believe in kallikantzeri, to appear, The goblins gifts are also all things that come from beard!) and wears a purpleevening cloak.starHe is thea signal Kingthatof Tarse that appear to cause mischief VIRGINIA the feast can begin. and Egypt. Balthazar presents the gift of Myrrh to Jesus. FRANCE: ‘JOYEUX during the 12 in daysArabia. of Christmas. According to reports by

NOËL!’

In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles, which means “the good news” and refers to the gospel. In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year’s harvest. hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else in the room, behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society. Plum pudding is an English dish dating back to the Middle Ages. Suet, flour, sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are “plum,” meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake, and topped with cream. Caroling also began in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money. In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. In Scandinavia, similarminded children leave their shoes on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to legends about Saint Nicholas. One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for

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CANADA

Most Canadian Christmas traditions are very similar to those practiced in the United States. In the far north of the country, the Eskimos celebrate a winter festival

Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, St. Basil’s Day.

CENTRAL AMERICA

A manger scene is the primary decoration in most southern

Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. Nog comes from the word grog, which refers to any drink made with rum. www.historychannel.com

ITALY: ‘BUON NATALE!’ Italians call Chrismas Il Natale, meaning “the birthday.”

AUSTRALIA

In Australia, the holiday comes in the middle of summer and it’s not unusual for some parts of Australia to hit 100 degrees Farenheit on Christmas day. During the warm and sunny Australian Christmas season, beach time and outdoor barbecues are common. Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, exchanging gifts and either a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or barbeques. |

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Wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and a properous year ahead. Wish you a happy, healthy holiday season www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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december 2017

World Christmas Traditions

of the typical Christmas scene? This tradition dates back to the Norse Yule log. It is probably also responsible for the popularity of log-shaped cheese, cakes, and desserts during the holidays. GERMANY: ‘FROEHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN!’ Decorating evergreen trees had always been a part of the German winter solstice tradition. The first “Christmas trees” explicitly decorated and named after the Christian holiday, appeared in Strasbourg, in Alsace in the beginning of the 17th century. After 1750, Christmas trees began showing up in other parts of Germany, and even more so after 1771, when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe attention. On one occasion centuries earlier, “After visited Strasbourg and promptly included a Christmas tree the people, the king appointed singers to is hisconsulting novel, The Suffering of Young Werther. In the 1820s, walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD the first German immigrants decorated Christmas trees and praising him forGermany’s his holy splendor. This is what they in Pennsylvania. After Prince Albert married Queen Victoria, introduced theLORD; Christmas tradition sang: ‘Givehethanks to the histree faithful love to England. In 1848, the first American newspaper carried endures forever!’” (2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT). Ifa we picture of a Christmas tree and the custom spread to nearly all let praise precede our battles, we’d experience more every home in just a few years.

Story By DR. GLYNN STONE

Senior Pastor, Mobberly Baptist Church ow fun to hear holiday music this time of year. Although, it seems we can get inundated by seasonal music, we are in danger of not hearing it at all! The next time you hear a seasonal song, stop to see if it’s about a holiday or a holy day. Christmas in the heart puts Christmas in the air. That’s why singing Christmas carols (not just holiday songs) takes us back to the original nativity, like that angelic choir who composed and sang the first anthem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14) Imagine that sound – a myriad of angels singing, in perfect harmony – making the dark skies come to life with the glow of God’s grand presence and the glory of His promise. It was a promise the Jews had been longing to hear, and what everyone in the world, even today, needs to hear – Jesus Christ the Messiah was coming to earth to save people from their sins! The greatest announcement in all the world, for all time was put to music! There are a few reasons why.

Needless to say, the radiating glory of God stopped those shepherds in their sandals! They may have been nodding off or simply not paying much

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Wishing you joy and happiness this holiday season.

supernatural victories!

attention, but suddenly, the angels had captured their attention. God can use music to capture our attention, too. That’s why I love our church’s Christmas Eve service, as the glorious sounds of His children singing His praises fill the air. Some people get scared of singing or even being a part of a big crowd, but the angels’ music actually dispelled the shepherds fear. Music that praises God can actually change your attitude as it captures your

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MEXICO: ‘FELIZ NAVIDAD!’ In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought a red-and-green plant from Mexico to America. As its coloring seemedsang perfect for the holiday, the The angels a song innew words the shepherds plants, which were called poinsettias after Poinsett, could understand. When you think aboutbegan all that God appearing in greenhouses as early as 1830. In 1870, New York has done in fulfillment to His promises, in response stores began to sell them at Christmas. By 1900, they were a to your needs, inholiday. demonstration of His love for you universal symbol of the it makes even the sculptures tone deafcalled wantpinatas to singareforth In –Mexico, paper mache filledin with worship candy andand coins and hung from Spurgeon the ceiling. once Children praise! Charles said, then“When take turns hitting the is pinata until it breaks, a sing.” your heart full of Christ, yousending want to shower ofNot treats to the floor. Children race to gather as much all music will facilitate godly worship. But as of of the loot as they can.

you rediscover the treasure in many of these precious songs that have fallen by the wayside in our pop ENGLAND: ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS!’ – andnamed even John in some churches you can Anculture Englishman Calcott Horsley –helped to find yourself breaking out in spontaneous moments of popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards whenworship. he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting the late 1830s. Newly Recently, my family allingathered around the piano efficient post offices in England and the United States made before bedtime to sing a chorus of each of our favorite www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2

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6 Christmas hymns. When you hear a carol at church or even in the store, pause and sing along, and allow your mind to zero in on the message. Fill your home with carols of Christmas, and you can enjoy spontaneous moments of worship throughout the day! The angels showed and sang the glory of God. Without a clear picture of God’s rescuing, forgiving love, we cannot fully comprehend the glory of the gospel. We all could learn much about God’s glory from the great hymns of Christmas. Perhaps we all should keep a hymnal nearby. Hymns can emotionalize and personalize our doctrine. Let your heart beat to the rhythm, let your mind meditate over the message, and let the theology soak into your soul. (For example, Charles Wesley’s “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” contains a powerful affirmation of Jesus Christ: “veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.”) It’s not Christmas without CHRIST! The Scottish immigrant preacher and U.S. Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall put it this way: “Christmas is the beginning of Christianity and a second chance for us all.” Christmas is not just a day of the year. It’s also a condition of the heart. The angel did not command the shepherds to go to the nativity scene, but they willfully went! They had a choice. So do you. In calling us to glorify God, He is also inviting us to enjoy Him!

december 2017

If you do not currently have a church home, I would like to humbly invite you to enjoy a Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Mobberly Baptist Church. Our Longview campus will host Christmas Eve services at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. We’ll also host a service at the Marshall Convention Center at 6 p.m., on Christmas Eve. We’d love to join you in worship as we celebrate this holy day!

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The History The

fter Jesus was born, Wise Men came to look for Him, probably from an area which is now in either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia or the Yemen. Although they are often called the ‘Three Kings’, the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they were kings. One theory is that they might have been Kings of the Yemen, as during this time the Kings of Yemen were Jews. Three is only a guess because they brought with them three gifts: but however many there were of them, they probably would have had many more servants with them. They were definitely men of learning. They were certainly men of great learning. The word Magi comes from the Greek word ‘magos’ (where the English word ‘magic’ comes from). Magos itself comes from the old Persian word ‘Magupati’. This was the title given to priests in a sect of the ancient Persian religions such as

Wise men still seek Him.

Zoroastrianism. Today we’d called them astrologers. Back then astronomy and astrology were part of the same overall studies (and ‘science’) and went hand in hand with each other. The magi would have followed the patterns of the stars religiously. They would have also probably been very rich and held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren’t from their country or religion. They had seen an unusual new star in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a special king. Herod asked the Wise Men to find Jesus and tell him where he was, not so he could go and worship him as he said, but so he could kill him! He thought that Jesus sounded like a new King that could come and take his power away. When the Wise Men found Jesus and Mary, they gave their gifts to him. When the wise men were about to go to Jesus tell Herod where were After was born, WiseJesus Menwas, camethey to look for warned Him, now innot either Iraq,out Iran, inprobably a dreamfrom notan to,area so which Herodiscould carry hisSaudi Arabia or the Yemen. Although they are often called the 'Three horrible plan. Kings', the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they This is how they are often described: were kings. One theory is that they might have been Kings of the Gaspar (or Caspar), who has brown hair and a Yemen, as during this time the Kings of Yemen were Jews. Three brown no beard!) and wears a green cloak is onlybeard a guess(or because they brought with them three gifts:and but a however gold crown jewels it.probably He is thewould Kinghave of manywith theregreen were of them,on they had many morepresents servants with them. Sheba. Gaspar the Frankincense to Jesus. They were definitely men of learning. They certainly men Melchior, who has long white hair andwere a white of great learning. The word Magi comes from the Greek word beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the King of Arabia. 'magos' (where the English word 'magic' comes from). Magos Melchior presents the Gold to Jesus. itself comes from the old Persian word 'Magupati'. This was the Balthazar, who in hasa sect black skinancient and aPersian black beard (or title given to priests of the religions no beard!) and wears a Today purplewe'd cloak. Hethem is the King of such as Zoroastrianism. called astrologers. Back and thenEgypt. astronomy and astrology were part theMyrrh same to Tarse Balthazar presents the giftof of overall studies (and 'science') and went hand in hand with each Jesus. other. The magi would have followed the patterns of the stars The gifts seem quite strange to give to a baby, but religiously. They would have also probably been very rich and they had the following meanings: held high esteem in their own society and by people who weren't Frankincense: used in worship in from their country is or sometimes religion. Churches and showed thatnew people worship Jesus. They had seen an unusual star would in the sky, and knew that it told of the birth of a special Wise Men Gold: is associated with king. KingsHerod and asked Jesus the is the King find Jesus and tell him where he was, not so he could go and oftoKings. worship himisasa he said, butthat so he killdead him!bodies He thought Myrrh: perfume is could put on to that Jesus sounded like a new King that could come and take his make them smell nice and showed that Jesus would power away. suffer andthe dieWise for Men or sins. When found Jesus and Mary, they gave their giftsWhen are also things that about cometofrom of giftsThe to him. theall wise men were go toeast tell Herod whereinJesus was, they were warned in a dream not to, so Herod Israel Arabia. could not carry out his horrible plan.

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY there off and on for four years. “I got tired of being laid off and called back to work, so I quit and went into mechanic work,” he said. Taking a job in an Ore City transmission shop he lived happily with his wife and step-daughter. Then the sky fell on him. He tells how a transmission dropped on his head and knocked him cold. He spent a lengthy period at Longview Regional Medical Center, almost dying eight separate times. After he was finally released, he moved into a nursing home, and things started going downhill. His roommate who shared the bill with him was 15 years older. He died while David was hospitalized. During his time recuperating in the nursing home, the mobile home burned, and David found himself suddenly homeless. He did have a job for a while at Longview’s Western Transmissions following his hospital release, but he fell and re-injured his head. This latest injury sent him to Good Shepherd Medical Center for treatment after which he started having seizures following this last mishap.

“I know Longview has a big heart. A heart for helping others. Well it is time to step up for those less fortunate, for those who want, need, and deserve a chance. Now is our time. Give a little, give a lot. Whatever you give will be appreciated by someone who needs it.” - Mayor Andy Mack By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

omelessness is an ongoing problem in our country and in our city Longview, Texas. The tragic statistics of homelessness in the USA and Longview are undeniable. However, there are many organizations and people working to end this heartbreak both here and in our nation.

december 2017

Again, this homeless saga is one that touches us right here in Longview. For instance, David Brent Schaefer started out with a happy, promising childhood. Born in Ft. Worth on November 22, 1959 he was raised by a father who worked as a policeman in Arlington, and a mother (who is still alive) and a lifelong nurse. His father also ran an auto body shop side gig. After the family moved to east Texas, David loved frequenting Lake

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O’ the Pines with his Dad while living in Ore City. “Dad built a smoker that could smoke a whole deer. That was how big that thing was,” said David. “We fished and hunted whenever the season came around.” David even once, won third place in a KYKX Radio Bass Tournament. He graduated from Ore City High School, and inherited his father’s automotive skills. After getting married in 1980, he went to work for Lone Star Steel, toiling www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Mayor Mack shakes hands with Huey Smith. Scott Able looks on |

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december 2017

COVER STORY

According to David, apart from his elderly mother who lives in Brownwood, Texas and a brother who has recovered from addiction to illegal drugs, he has no close relatives. According to David, his other siblings were killed in a car crash many years ago. “I never thought anything like this would happen to me. My toes have been cut off due to bad circulation, but life goes on,” he says. “There is just no way of knowing how life will turn out like this, and no one wants to help me.” It could be said, like Job, he has not let life’s misfortunes shake his faith in and devotion to God. In his younger days, he was always in church on Sundays

and Wednesdays. “I do not worry about what the days bring. Whatever the Good Lord wants it to be, that’s what it is going to be,” he says. David does not get angry at former friends who see him and avoid him. For example, he regularly sees an acquaintance who is divorced and is now seeing a lady friend on the southside of Longview. When this man drives his pickup past David sitting in his makeshift home on Mobberly Avenue, David always waves even though this ex-friend never waves back. David describes how he has been sleeping outside periodically for the past two years. He bundles his few worldly possessions in a bag and uses it for a pillow.

“If we want to help… truly help our homeless population, then it is time to put our money where our mouth is. The Go Giver Gala is just that. All proceeds from this event will go directly to helping the homeless in Longview, Texas” – Mayor Andy Mack.

David Schaefer, Huey Smith and Scott Able pose for a photograph with Mayor Mack.

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He says he is willing to perform any kind of work to end his homelessness, but also has mixed emotions about responsibilities. If nothing else, his life is free and uncomplicated. Granted there is no order or expectations, he looks at it as a not-so-bad existence. It is important to note, David has an act for cleanliness. He picks up litter on Mobberly Avenue and says he does not like unclean environments. “I do not miss paying bills even though I sleep outside,” he says. “I am free to come and go as I please even though I have no home to go back to at the end of each day. I like working, so I would still like to work.” Mayor Andy Mack who have personally visited and talked with the homeless population on several occasions is ready with the help of generous citizens do something audaciously creative that will put the people who want help back on their feet and in their own homes once more. population. The Go-Giver Gala event is slated for Saturday January 6, 2018 at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grande Boulevard. Attire is Texas Cocktail Chic. To sponsor tables, buy tickets or need any information about the Gala, please visit longviewtexas. gov. Better yet, call Ms. Julie Brogoitti at 903.987.9944 I know Longview has a big heart. A heart for helping others. Well it is time to step up for those less fortunate, for those who want, need, and deserve a chance. Now is our time. Give a little, give a lot. Whatever you give will be www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Mayor Mack assures Scott Able that help is on the way.

“Be thankful that we live in this wonderful community that gives and gives and gives. Remember, this could be you or this could be me in this same situation. Wouldn’t we appreciate this same help,”- Mayor Andy Mack appreciated by someone who needs it. Mayor Andy Mack

Homelessness in America

A recent 2016 report from Social Solutions, a data tracking organization indicates there are 564,708 homeless people in United States. They were living and sleeping in cars, on streets, homeless shelters and in subsidized transitional housing during a one-night nationwide survey last January. These shocking statistics |

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are supported by others just as distressing. Of that total number, 206,286 were in families, 358,422 were solitary, and a full quarter of the number are children. The stats go on, but remain tragic. There are 83,170 (15%) who are listed as “chronically homeless.” This term describes someone who is disabled and has been homeless for at least a year, and those who are disabled and have endured at least four homeless episodes totaling at least twelve months during the past three years. Families of at least one adult member that meets this

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COVER STORY

description are also regarded as chronically homeless. The National Alliance to End Homelessness describes it this way, “While people experiencing chronic homelessness make up a small number of the overall homeless population, they are among the most vulnerable. They tend to have high rates of behavioral health problems including severe mental illness and substance abuse disorders, conditions that may be exacerbated by physical illness, injury or trauma.” A tragic 8% of homeless persons are veterans. This constitutes 47,725 people. Fortunately, this is a 35% decrease since 2009. These homeless veterans

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have served in conflicts dating back to World War II. Washington D.C. has the highest incidence of homeless vets with 145.8 per 10,000 residents. Forty-five percent of these vets are black or Hispanic. While just 10% of all homeless vets are women, this rate is rising. Because of poverty, overcrowding in government housing projects and a lack of support networks there are 1.4 million veterans in danger of becoming homeless. Statistics and research indicate vets from the late Vietnam War period and immediate post-Vietnam War period are the ones in the greatest danger of becoming homeless. War-related disabilities and disorders are major contributing factors to veteran homelessness. these conditions include crippling war wounds, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety and chemical addictions. At the same time, five hundred and fifty thousand unaccompanied single youth aged 24 and younger have endured at least one homeless episode lasting longer than a week. Approximately 380,000 of this

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group are 18 or under. Accurately numbering homeless children is especially difficult. As the National Alliance to End Homelessness explains, “Homeless youth are less likely to spend time in the same places as homeless people in an older age range. They are often less willing to disclose that they’re experiencing homelessness, or may not identify [themselves] as homeless. They also may work harder to blend in with peers who aren’t homeless.” That is not all. Equally important, one hundred and ten thousand LGBTQ youth are homeless in America, and comprise one of the most vulnerable homeless populations. A significant percentage of these youth live in communities that do not accept them because they are LGBTQ. These children make up 20% of the nation’s runaways. They take to the streets because of family rejection, abuse and neglect. They are also much more likely than heterosexual runaway youth to be victims of sexual assault. Worse yet, they are also twice as likely as heterosexual homeless youth to commit suicide. Still, homelessness is mainly a problem for America’s society’s older citizens. Half the homeless population is aged 50 and older. Because of their ages, these people typically face additional age-related health issues. They are more prone to injuries from falls, to suffer cognitive impairment, vision and hearing problems, major www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Mayor Mack visits Homeless David Schaefer. Huey looks on

depression and such chronic conditions as diabetes and arthritis. There are 830,120 beds available in various housing projects. About half of these are set aside for the homeless, including: Emergency shelters that provide temporary or nightly shelter beds to people experiencing homelessness. Transitional housing that provides homeless people with up to 24 months of housing and supportive services. Safe Havens that provide temporary shelter and services for hard-to-serve individuals. The rest of these beds are set aside for recently homeless populations. Rapid Rehousing supplies short-term shelter and medium-term rental assistance, housing relocation and www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

stabilization services to formerly homeless persons who are again homeless. Permanent Supportive Housing offers long-term housing with supportive services for formerly homeless, disabled persons. Permanent Housing provides housing both with and without supportive services, but does not require its patrons to be disabled. According to Salvation Army, there are several reasons why people are homeless. They include: Poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, poor physical or mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, family and relationship breakdown; domestic violence, physical and/or sexual abuse. Again, Salvation Army gives reasons for youth homelessness. |

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They include: Conflict or breakdown in family life; sexual, physical and emotional abuse in the home; lack of access to employment opportunities or insufficient income to pay rent and living costs; rising housing costs and the inaffordability of the rental market; difficulties in accessing income support payments and absence of support when in, or moving from, State Care; drug and alcohol issues; mental health issues, overcrowded living conditions or death of a parent. The tragic statistics of homelessness in the USA and Longview are undeniable. However, there are many organizations and people working to end this heartbreak both here and in our nation.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

ecky Calvin was one of many permanently uprooted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Unwilling to return to the scene of the disaster, this single parent set up shop in Longview, and for a while it seemed her new life was on track. Then she lost her job. When her savings ran out, she still had not found employment, and became homeless. “Some people think if you are homeless you are responsible or [are] using drugs,”

she said. It is not [always] drugs or alcohol. Sometimes you just fall on hard times, and this is exactly what happened to me.” She was living at the Women’s Homeless Shelter when she learned about the Heartisans Marketplace. She immediately seized this opportunity and saw the fruits of her labor grow and grow. She now lauds Heartisans daily. “It helps you with your GED, teaches you budgeting, parenting and anything else you need to get back on your feet again by helping you work out all the hinderances that are holding you back,” she said. “The program puts you on your way to success.” Apart from educating its members, Heartisans points its graduates toward promising vocational leads. Ms. Calvin currently works and loves her job with Longview Regional Medical Center, where she works as a patient ambassador. Hers is one of many Heartisans’ success stories. Heartisans receives assistance from local organizations including Zonta Club of Greater East Texas.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Amanda Walden, Amanda Owens, Barbara Readinger, Becky Calvin, Jessica Owens, Lisa Harris, Melinda Moody, Vanessa Powell, LaRaslum Williams, Melinda Alvarez, Christa Black, Renee Robertson, Heartisans president, and Julee Roberts, Heartisans CEO at recent graduation.

General Antique Show Chair for the Zonta Club of Greater East Texas Susan Kay Smith is already laying plans for next March’s antique show, whose proceeds go to helping indigent women and children. Smith and her sister Zonta members put all their efforts into the antique show as it assists women and their children to lead productive, fulfilling and independent lives. Heartisans and Zonta are true blessings for women in Longview. There is more about Heartisans. When Julie Harris arrived at Heartisans Marketplace in February 2016, she figured it was another temporary stop on her vocational odyssey. After trying her hand at cosmetology, logistics work and attending dental hygiene school, she was again unemployed. Even in this latest career possibility, it took a while for her to find her groove. After three months of career training, the 43-year-old Harris found her calling when an aptitude test revealed her proficiency as an archive specialist with KSA

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Engineers. However, she is currently enrolled at Kilgore College and pursuing a program she admits she loves – communications. “I’d tried all kinds of things, but couldn’t find my place, but Heartisans helped me find the direction I’m supposed to go in,” she says. “I believe that there are people in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime, and I expect Heartisans to be part of mine for a lifetime.” Heartisans has just celebrated its third anniversary at Longview’s First Baptist Church with a commencement ceremony for Harris and another 26 program graduates. It is fitting it was at a church, for it was a semi-religious experience for those involved. God is indeed using Heartisans to uplift the lives of women in and around Longview and the nation. Heartisans CEO Julee Roberts founded this organization with the objective of assisting unemployed and underemployed women acquire the specialized job training required for them to embark

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

on fulfilling, productive careers and their God-given destinies. This nonprofit group also sells volunteer-produced artisan products from its Methvin Street storefront. This assists in funding the training curricula. The local Zonta Club recently provided a $5000 grant to Heartisans. Zonta’s Publicity Chair Martha Glasglow, left no doubts about her organization’s motives in presenting this vital financial support. “Our [Zonta’s] goal is to identify local needs in the community, and give to organizations helping women who need a hand up, not a handout,” she said. “Heartisans matched up with what we want to do. They are helping young women who are homeless, on the street or who are having a hard time in their lives.” Best of all, this perfectly fits Heartisan’s objectives. “I wanted women to have jobs and be able to support their children, and didn’t have a clue what that looked like [when we started,] Roberts said. “We learned as we went.” According to Roberts, community support is imperative to Heartisan’s success. The network’s expansion has seen it grow to 50 volunteers working in its store and craft studios. These are overseen by a tenmember board.

Becky Calvin, Dasia Eisenhauer, Danielle Eisenhauer and Kamiya Neal

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Furthermore, the marketplace has also just hired its first paid employee as Program Director LaRaslum Williams. She supervises job training. Hence, Roberts envisions Heartisans’ expansion as just getting started. There’s still that gap [in available services,] and we’re the only ones filling it,” she says. “That’s why we keep doing this.” Melinda Alvarez completed the courses last January. She is now pursuing a career with Mr. Cooper Mortgage Company. She credits Heartisans for her success. “It is overall life-changing. Heartisans is by far a blessing, and I am so grateful to have been, and still be a part of, my Heartisans family. My goal is to put God first and help support my family, and I am doing that now.” Success is evident. Presently 100% of all Heartisans graduates are employed or in school after having completed three to six months of training. Roberts relates that the friendships and relationships she develops with her students do not end with graduation. “We don’t drop them when they get a job,” she says. “We know what their career paths need to be, so we look to the community for those jobs. I just have a different network than they do.”

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Heartisans’ President Renee` Robertson tells of how the program has rescued one woman from homelessness, and enabled another (with five children) to free herself from the need for government assistance. The initiative focus has shifted from merely getting started to sustain this already-established record of success. “We are growing so much that we are now putting the infrastructure in place to make sure we are around for a long time,” she said. The commencement was an intense, joyful, emotional event. Some graduates wept with delight over their success and newfound hope. Some spoke of Roberts’ positive influence on their lives. Roberts was not upset when some graduates had to miss the ceremony because they were at their new jobs. Some are already working at local schools, at Longview Regional Medical Center, Convergys and in other capacities. For more information on Heartisans please visit www.heartisansmarketplace.com. It is a volunteerdriven 501(c)(3) non-profit. It partners with the Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) as an ACT Career Ready 101 site. Women are referred to the program by other local non-profits, churches, social groups and the community.

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december 2017

INSPIRATION

By ZIG ZIGLAR

uch to the dismay of my wife, I am a boxing fan. Yes, I recognize that it is cruel. The prime objective is to inflict hurt and even injury on the opponent. But there is something compelling about it, and as a matter of fact, I boxed a couple

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of years when I was in school. Whether you are a fan or not, chances are good you probably admire a boxer like George Foreman, who is striking a blow for “the old geezers” with his marvelous attitude. The most unusual fight to ever take place easily occurred in the ‘30s. In this “fight,” C. D. Blalock was knocked out in an unheardof twist of events. Blalock took a swing at his rival, but ended up

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hitting himself because his punch missed the intended target and collided with his own face. Blalock staggered and then fell down for the count. Historically speaking, he became the first and only prize fighter to score a knockout against himself. Please don’t ask me to explain how that happened — I don’t have a clue. But, according to a report in “The Citizen,” it actually happened. Strange story? Yes, but perhaps there is a strong message here for each of us. How many times do we self-destruct by losing our temper, consistently being late, forgetting important appointments, neglecting to care for our health or being rude to people who genuinely love us and, for that matter, to strangers? All of these are self-destructive behaviors and bring nothing but grief and turmoil. The Golden Rule still works. Treat other people like you want to be treated, and you dramatically reduce your chances of self-destructing. Take this approach, and I will see you at the top! www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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

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

BODY SOUL AND SPIRIT

By MARILYNN PRESTON

ormally, reporting on the art and science of happiness makes me smile. Why? Because happiness turns out to be a learnable skill, unlike, in my case, navigating Facebook. Not every one of us will live a happy life, and none of us can be happy every moment, but for many women and men who struggle with unhappiness, the battle ends when you fully realize, “You know what? Happiness is a conscious choice.” Or at least you can choose to be happier, and that’s why we have a 24/7, on-demand, make-mejoyful-now happiness industry in

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America that includes thousands of happiness apps, books, adult beverages, retreats and happiness experts, not to mention assorted support animals. Happiness is a booming business, and I consider it my business because happiness is rooted in the mind-body connection. That’s the beautiful takeaway from “The Molecules of Emotion,” a landmark book written in 1997 by Candace Pert. In her pioneering research, this hardcore, renowned neuroscientist with the National Institutes of Health proved that when you experience a deep sense of emotional well-being — through

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yoga, meditation and mindfulness — your entire body gets bathed in “bliss chemicals” (endorphins) of your own making. And what else gets these bliss chemicals flowing? Well, that’s where we jump to the work of British journalist Ruth Whippman, the author of “America the Anxious: How Our Pursuit of Happiness Is Creating a Nation of Nervous Wrecks.” She wrote a commentary in The New York Times recently called “Happiness Is Other People,” based on years of researching and writing her book. There’s too much focus on happiness as “an internal, personal quest, divorced from other people,” she writes. Americans are engaging in the pursuit of happiness in larger numbers than ever, but she believes they are going about it in the wrong way. “The idea that happiness should be engineered from the inside out, rather than the outside in, is slowly taking on the status of a default truism,” she complains. Resist, she says. This approach to happiness is leading people to “a journey of self-discovery,” Whippman warns, “with the explicit aim of keeping each person locked in her own private emotional experience.” Whippman condemns that www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

approach as an “isolationist philosophy,” one that is shifting people away from spiritual practice “as a community-based endeavor to a private one, with silent meditation retreats, mindfulness apps and yoga classes replacing church socials and collective worship.” “Forget the meditation app,” her article advised. “Self-help gurus urge us to look within, but joy in life is elsewhere.” Oh, really? You’ve got an important point to make Ms. Whippman — and I’ll make it for you in a moment — but it’s a mistake to ignore the importance of meditation apps, mindfulness and, God forbid, yoga. It’s misleading, and, yes, it made me unhappy. The path to personal happiness, to connecting with others, begins

with self-discovery. Mindfulness and meditation aren’t the enemy. They’re focusing skills to help us quiet the mind and open our heart. When you know and accept yourself, you are more open to knowing and loving others. So it’s not either-or. It’s both, with happiness coming from a journey of self-discovery and a recognition that connecting with other humans is a huge part of human happiness. “Our happiness depends on other people,” Whippman writes, though the italics are mine. “Study after study shows that good social relationships are the strongest, most consistent predictor of a happy life.” “Neglecting our social relationships is actually shockingly dangerous to our health,”

Whippman goes on. “A lack of social connection carries with it a risk of premature death comparable with that of smoking and is roughly twice as dangerous to our health as obesity.” That’s a wow, isn’t it? “The most significant thing we can do for our well-being is not to ‘find ourselves’ or ‘go within,’” she concludes, running off the rail. “It’s to invest as much time and effort as we can into nurturing the relationships we have with the people in our lives.” Ruth Whippman is making a crucial point about happiness. But I think she misses the mark when she ridicules “going within.” Do both, and if you need a happiness app to get you to your cushion 10 minutes a day, that’s good, too. IN IS STA SU NT E!

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By MALCOLM BERKO

Dear Mr. Berko: I bought 75 shares of Lockheed Martin in late 2016 at $260 a share after reading your column praising the stock. You said that it had good dividend growth and that revenues and profits would continue to grow at an uninterrupted pace. I also remember that in some other column, you claimed that wars and the “expectation of hostilities” are very profitable for business. For some reason, the government is stopping the manufacture of the F-35 fighter plane indefinitely. Why? What’s wrong here? Is Lockheed going to lose this contract? I am a little nervous about this and need to know whether you think I should take my short-term profit. — FP, Rochester, Minn.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Dear FP: Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT-$312), with $50 billion in revenues, is the world’s largest defense contractor. LMT derives 65 percent of revenues from the U.S. Department of Defense, 15 percent from other U.S. government agencies and 20 percent from foreign military programs. War is a wonderful business for LMT. And it’s a super repeat business because planes wear down and get shot down and must be replaced, or they become damaged and new parts have to be procured and installed. It’s estimated that the government will spend over $1.4 trillion in the next 20 years to maintain its fleet of F-35s. That’s a hugely profitable maintenance contract. Meanwhile, production wasn’t stopped; shipments were halted temporarily, but they have recently resumed.

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One problem is the F-35’s sticker price and sloppy cost overruns. The other problem is that the Trump administration was furious at the cost increases and threatened to kill the program. In 2011, Lockheed contracted with the Pentagon to build 2,400 F-35s at a cost of $49 million a copy, but thanks to 28 superlobbyists on LMT’s payroll — plus multiple millions in “jam money” given to 37 members of Congress (also on LMT’s payroll) — the cost of an F-35 had zoomed to $136 million by 2016. Lockheed’s corrupt influence-peddling, using taxpayer dollars to line the pockets of flagrantly crooked congressmen, is why the cost of an F-35 exploded by $87 million in five years. Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who publicly detests most congressmen for their lack of probity, remarked that most members of the House and Senate climax when a lobbyist brings a briefcase to a dinner meeting. Few of us realize how culpable and venal members of Congress can be. Even without the scalawags in three-piece suits or their distaff side cuties in skirts and very high heels, LMT should grow faster than other defense firms — thanks to the F-35, with which no other fighter can compare, and to an impressive turnaround at Sikorsky. Sikorsky, owned by LMT, is the leader in commercial and military helicopters. Meanwhile, international F-35 sales were given the green light by Congress. As of August, LMT had delivered 235 of these flying beasts to our allies — namely, Japan, France, Great Britain, Israel and even Saudi Arabia. These sales, including maintenance and parts, account for 25 percent of LMT’s revenues. That amount should increase to 30 percent as more conflicts around the globe are instigated with the help of the CIA and American nongovernmental organizations. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Don’t you dare sell your LMT. Rather, buy 25 more shares, and definitely hold them indefinitely. The Trump administration asked LMT to reduce the cost of producing an F-35 by 20 percent by 2019, and when LMT is successful, the Pentagon will compensate it with lucrative no-bid contracts totaling billions of dollars for electronics and missile systems. Management expects a 23 percent improvement in net profit margins (to 9 percent) in the next four years and revenues of $61 billion in the same time period, up from this year’s $50 billion. By 2022, the number of LMT’s outstanding shares should fall from 440 million to 240 million. And some analysts expect a $12 dividend on earnings of $22 a share by 2022. Give management a gold star. If those numbers come close to panning out, LMT shares could trade in the high $500s. I do hope you’re reinvesting the dividend, which has increased for 15 years in a row. Isn’t war wonderful? Please address your financial questions to Malcolm Berko, P.O. Box 8303, Largo, FL 33775, or email him at mjberko@yahoo.com.

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december 2017

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

rys Bronk, Ph.D. spent a long time preparing for her career. She took her bachelor’s of science in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Her major emphasized polymers, and this was an indication of the trail she would follow. During her high school years, she spent summers in that region and was familiar with the campus. Also, her major was one of the school’s specialties. “The chemistry program was one of just four in the country that offered the American Chemical Society Polymer option at that time,” she says. Her next stop was New Orleans, where she attended graduate school at Tulane University. Four years later, her graduate instructor accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. His students (Bronk included) loaded up their laboratory and relocated to Massachusetts. A year later, she nabbed her Ph.D. in chemistry. Refusing to stop learning, she continued her education. She attended Drexel University where she earned a graduate level

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certificate in toxicology and industrial hygiene. Being married to her career means she remains a bachelorette while she works at her position of product stewardship and regulatory chemist for Westlake Chemical. Although she trained exhaustively for this specific line of work, the positions she has held were not part of her original plans. “My original intent of going to graduate school was to become a professor, to teach,” she says. “My first position out of graduate school was a one-year contract to teach at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. As much as I enjoyed the interaction with students, the other aspects of professor life did not appeal to me.” She next spent time as an analytical chemist at a chemical demilitarization laboratory where

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she neutralized excess mustard gas and nerve agents for the military. In addition, Bronk worked as a research chemist for the Department of Energy. It was here that she first worked www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

in health and safety and assisted OSHA in determining various safety regulations. For the past four years, she has worked for Westlake Chemicals because, “Westlake wanted a Ph.D. holder who could read regulations. I fit that description.” Bronk spends her days mainly in correspondence and data analysis as she works with sales, technical service and logistics people from all over the world. Furthermore, she deals with customer requests for information on such things as food contract compliance statements. She finds her daily routine demanding yet fulfilling to the point that she says there is really nothing about her career she does not like. Being a key link in the FDA code of federal regulations and following it to the letter, is a heavy responsibility. Nonetheless, she finds it a rewarding task. Bronk was raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm. Consequently, she has a strong work ethic since her childhood days. “It is satisfying to know that the products that are produced are vetted with regards to the FDA code of federal regulations, and I am a key part of that process,” she says. Bronk recommends that today’s young people seriously consider entering her field because of the growing importance of product stewardship. Protecting consumers is rewarding both personally and financially. The best first step toward entering this field is to research which universities offer courses and majors in product stewardship. Also, studying the www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

physical sciences is a promising route in this direction. Still, Bronk makes it clear that hard work is absolutely vital for those following her example. Importantly, being willing to work in other, related capacities is a good idea before pursuing this profession full-time. “This is not a career that one starts into. Most product stewards I know wandered into it like I did,” she says. “It’s a bit of a newer profession made up of many backgrounds, but one basic need-a unique perspective of science and law. It’s a hard combination to find.” But that is not all. Patience is another desired trait. It took Bronk many years to reach her current position. Taking time to accumulate considerable knowledge and experience is something prospective employers closely examine when deciding which candidates have consistently exhibited the competence required to be successful in this field so vital to public well-being. Some product stewards do not even land jobs in this sector until after they have retired from other careers. “My parents had full-time jobs on the family farm,” she says. “I started working as soon as my feet could reach the pedals on the tractor.” Doctorate degree is a sign of her industry and dedication, and the firms that hired her were impressed by this. They correctly took this as an indication she was somebody who knew how to get things done. “I take advantage of all the digital tools I can to move myself and my organization at Westlake forward,” she says. “The more that |

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the group succeeds, the more I succeed.” Bronk’s tireless toils on behalf of others is not limited to her professional career, either. She sits on the East Texas CASA board of directors, and on the Longview Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. For her, helping local neglected and abused children has its own reward. While still in Wisconsin, she had family members go through the foster care system. For this reason, she loves being the eyes and ears of local judges in child welfare cases when Child Protective Services representative may be seriously overworked. She is deeply involved in the annual CASA fundraiser Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns. More than this, a desire for local beautification led her to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Her work on behalf of its aesthetic appeal makes it clear how deeply she loves Longview, her adopted home town. “I truly enjoy a stroll through a beautiful garden or park to take pictures, as I am a hobbyist photographer,” she says. She is also a member of Young Professionals 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 overall professional experiences. Bronk’s endless interests are a blessing to those around and the city of Longview.

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Carol Carol Initials Initials Christmas Christmas Trivia Trivia

28. Jolly Old St. Nicholas (lean your ear this way) 28. Jolly Old St. Nicholas (lean 29. Good King Wenceslas your ear this way) (looked down, on the Feast of 29. Good King Wenceslas Stephen) (looked down, on the Feast of 30. Up On The Housetop Stephen) (reindeer pause. Out jumps good 30. Up On The Housetop old Santa Claus) (reindeer pause. Out jumps good 31. (Jingle bell, jingle bell) Jingle old Santa Claus) Bell Rock 31. (Jingle bell, jingle bell) Jingle 32. (I'll Have A) Blue Christmas Bell Rock (without you) 32. (I'll Have A) Blue Christmas 33. Way Up North Where The Air (without you) Gets Cold (Little Saint Nick) 33. Way Up North Where The Air 34. Sleigh Ride (Just hear those Gets Cold (Little Saint Nick) sleigh bells ring-a-ling, ting, ting, 34. Sleigh Ride (Just hear those ting-a-ling) sleigh bells ring-a-ling, ting, ting, 35. CTTMPRPPP ting-a-ling) Little Drummer Boy 35. CTTMPRPPP (Come, they told me, pa rum Little Drummer Boy pum pum pum) (Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum)

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19. (I'm Dreaming of a) White Christmas (just like the ones (I'mtoDreaming I19. used know) of a) White Christmas (just likeSong the ones 20. The Christmas I used to know) (Chestnuts roasting on an 20. The open fire;Christmas Jack FrostSong nipping at (Chestnuts your nose) roasting on an openIt'sfire;Beginning Jack Frost at 21. To nipping Look a Lot your Christmas nose) Like 21. OIt'sLittle Beginning Look a Lot 22. Town ofToBethlehem Like Christmas (how still we see thee lie) 22. Winter O LittleWonderland Town of Bethlehem 23. (how stillbells we ring, see thee lie) (Sleigh are you 23. WinterInWonderland list'nin'? the lane snow is (Sleigh bells ring, are you glist'nin') list'nin'? the lane is 24. I'll BeInHome For snow Christmas glist'nin') 25. We Wish You A Merry 24. I'll Be Home For You Christmas Christmas (We Wish A Merry 25. We Wish You A Merry Christmas) Christmas 26. I Heard(We TheWish BellsYou OnA Merry Christmas)Day Christmas 26. Frosty I HeardThe TheSnowman Bells On (was a 27. Christmas jolly, happyDay soul) 27. Frosty The Snowman (was a jolly, happy soul)

He went on to draw Santa for an additional 30 years. How many of these Christmas songs can you identify using just the initials of their starting phrases? How many of these Christmas songs can you identify using just the 1. HYAMLC initials of their starting phrases? 19. IDOAWCJLTOIUTK 2. 20. 19. CROAOFJFNAYN IDOAWCJLTOIUTK 1. TFNTADS HYAMLC 3. GRYMGLNYD 21. 2. TFNTADS 20. IBTLALLC CROAOFJFNAYN 4. 22. OLTOBHSWSTL 3. ICUAMC GRYMGLNYD 21. IBTLALLC 5. SNHNAICAIB 23. 4. ICUAMC 22. SBRAYLITLSIG OLTOBHSWSTL 6. OTFDOCMTLGTM 24. IBHFC 5. SNHNAICAIB 23. SBRAYLITLSIG 7. 25. WWYAMCWWYAMC 6. DTHWBOHFLLLLLLLL OTFDOCMTLGTM 24. IBHFC 8. 26. IHTBOCD 7. YBWOYBNC DTHWBOHFLLLLLLLL 25. WWYAMCWWYAMC 9. JTTWTLHC 8. YBWOYBNC 27. 26. FTSWAJHS IHTBOCD 10. YKDADAPAVCACADAB 9. JTTWTLHC 28. 27. JOSNLYETW FTSWAJHS 11. ISMKSCUTMLN 10. YKDADAPAVCACADAB 29. GKWLDOTFOS 12. CSBSDIHS 28. JOSNLYETW 11. ISMKSCUTMLN 30. UOTHRPOJGOSC 13. HTHASGTTNK 29. GKWLDOTFOS 12. CSBSDIHS 31. JBJBJBR 14. GGROBAR 30. UOTHRPOJGOSC 13. HTHASGTTNK 32. IHABCWY 15. OHNTSABS 31. JBJBJBR 14. GGROBAR 33. WUNWTAGC 16. AIWFCIMTFT 32. IHABCWY (LSN) 15. OHNTSABS 34. JHTSBRTTT (LSN) 17. DTTSIAOHOS 33. WUNWTAGC 16. AIWFCIMTFT 35. 18. WTKOOA 34. CTTMPRPPP JHTSBRTTT 17. DTTSIAOHOS 35. CTTMPRPPP 18. WTKOOA www.facebook.com/IPmagazine2 www.infinitieplus.com

December 2016

december 2017

December 2016

Reindeer (You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Reindeerand(You knowandDasher Comet Cupid Donnerand Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, and Blitzen) Comet andMommy Cupid and Donner 11. I Saw Kissing Santa and Blitzen) Claus (underneath the mistletoe 11. Inight) Saw Mommy Kissing Santa last ClausSilver (underneath mistletoe 12. Bells (Citythesidewalks, last night) busy sidewalks, decked in 12. Silverstyle) Bells (City sidewalks, holiday busyHark sidewalks, decked in Sing 13. The Herald Angels holidaytostyle) (Glory the newborn King) 13. Grandma Hark The Herald 14. Got RunAngels Over Sing By to the newborn King) A(Glory Reindeer 14. Oh Grandma Got Run 15. Holy Night (the Over starsByare A Reindeer brightly shining) 15. All Oh IHoly (the stars Isare 16. WantNight For Christmas brightly shining) My Two Front Teeth 16. All I Want Christmas Is 17. Jingle BellsFor(Dashing My Two Front Teethin a one-horse through the snow, 17. Jingle Bells (Dashing open sleigh) through the snow, a one-horse 18. We Three Kingsin(of Orient open sleigh) Are) 18. We Three Kings (of Orient Are)

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INGREDIENTS:

23 23

Answers 1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Answers Christmas 1. HaveFirst Yourself Merry Little 2. The Noel a(the Angels Christmas did say) 2. (the Angels 3. The God First Rest Noel Ye Merry, Gentlemen did (Letsay) nothing you dismay) 3. Rest Upon Ye Merry, Gentlemen 4. God IIt Came A Midnight (Let Clearnothing you dismay) 4. Came Upon A Midnight 5. IIt Silent Night (Holy night, all is Clear clear, all is bright) 5. Silent12Night night, all is 6. The Days(Holy of Christmas clear, is bright) (On theallfirst day of Christmas, 6. Days myThe true12love gaveof toChristmas me) (On the The first Halls day of(with Christmas, 7. Deck boughs my true Fa loveLagave to La me)La La of holly. La La 7. La Deck La) The Halls (with boughs of La LaIs La La LaToLa 8. holly. SantaFaClaus Coming La TownLa)(You'd better watch out, 8. Is Coming To youSanta betterClaus not cry!) Town out, 9. Joy(You'd To Thebetter World watch (the Lord you has better come) not cry!) 9. To The The WorldRed-Nosed (the Lord 10.JoyRudolph has come) 10. Rudolph The Red-Nosed

sauce. sprinkle with chopped herbs. Serve pull apart with marinara 3. After removing pull-apart from the oven, brush with butter and above. Bake for 15 - 17 minutes, or until golden brown. a cookie sheet in a Christmas tree form as shown in the photos square. Make a ball with the dough, sealing the edges. Place on 2. Add one tablespoon of the cheese mixture to each dough shredded cheese. Mix well. 36 equal squares. In a small bow, combine cream cheese and to a 10 x 15 inch size. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 1. Heat oven to 400°. Lay pizza dough on a work surface and stretch

DIRECTIONS: • 1 cup warmed marinara sauce for dipping • 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil and rosemary • 1 clove garlic, minced very fine • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend shredded cheese • 4 oz, or half brick, cream cheese grain or Pillsbury® refrigerated regular pizza crust • 1 can (13.8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated artisan pizza crust with whole

1. Name the department store that created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 2. What best-sellingstore Christmas song ofRudolph all time? 1. Nameisthethedepartment that created the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 3. Why is Christmas celebrated on Dec. 25? 2. What is the best-selling Christmas song of all time? 4. In what year did the "How theonGrinch Stole Christmas" cartoon first air? 3. Why is Christmas celebrated Dec. 25? 5. Which U.S. president was the first to decorate a White House 4. In what year did the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" cartoontree? first air? 6. Where does the poinsettia plant get its name? 5. Which U.S. president was the first to decorate a White House tree? 7. thethe U.S. start theplant tradition of lighting 6. When Wheredid does poinsettia get its name? a nation Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.? Which president started this tradition? 7. When did the U.S. start the tradition of lighting a nation Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.? 8. Whenpresident do the 12started days ofthisChristmas Which tradition?begin and end? 9. TRUE or FALSE: The song, "The Twelve Daysand of Christmas," was created as a coded reference 8. When do the 12 days of Christmas begin end? to important articles of the Christian faith. 9. TRUE or FALSE: The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was created as a coded reference 10. Name thisarticles famousofCivil cartoonist to important theWar Christian faith.who first drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly in 1862. He went on to draw Santa for an additional 30 years. 10. Name this famous Civil War cartoonist who first drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly in 1862.

Answers 1. Montgomery Ward created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Answers 2. "White Christmas" is the best-selling Christmas song. 1. createdRoman Rudolph the ofRed-Nosed Reindeer.sun" and the birthday of the Iranian 3. Montgomery Dec. 25 was Ward the ancient "birth the unconquered 2. "White Christmas" is the best-selling song.solstice and embodied the Roman Catholic "Sun of Righteousness." It was also closeChristmas to the winter 3. Dec. 25identification was the ancient Roman of the unconquered Church's of God's son"birth with the celestial sun. sun" and the birthday of the Iranian "Sun of Righteousness." was also close to theinwinter 4. "How the Grinch Stole ItChristmas" first aired 1966.solstice and embodied the Roman Catholic Church's of God's son with 5. Franklinidentification Pierce, our 14th president, wasthethecelestial first to sun. decorate a tree in the White House. 4. "Howname the Grinch first aired 1966. to Mexico, who brought the plant back 6. The derivesStole fromChristmas" Dr. Joel Poinsett, U.S.inambassador 5. the Franklin ouryears 14thago. president, was the first to decorate a tree in the White House. to U.S. Pierce, over 100 6. The namePresident derives from Dr.Coolidge Joel Poinsett, U.S.theambassador Mexico, who brought the plant 7. In 1923, Calvin started tradition of to lighting a national Christmas tree.back to The the U.S. overof100 years ago. 8. 12 days Christmas begins on Christmas Day and ends on Jan. 5, on the eve of the Epiphany. 7. In 1923, President Calvinof Coolidge started tradition of lighting a nationalelements Christmas tree. "The Twelve Days Christmas" wasn'tthea coded reference to important of Christianity. 9. FALSE: 12 days Christmas Day and ends on Jan. 5, on the eve of the Epiphany. 8. 10.The Thomas Nastof drew Santabegins Claus on forChristmas Harper's Weekly. 9. FALSE: "The Twelve Days of Christmas" wasn't a coded reference to important elements of Christianity. 10. Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly.

december 2017

Christmas is almost here, and I’ve got one more treat that I just had to share. This adorable Christmas tree is a quick and easy appetizer that everyone will love and takes just minutes to make. I used Pillsbury pizza crust, cut in equal squares to make the bread. For my tree, I used the Pillsbury’s artisan crust to make it a little more healthy. But you can also just use the regular pizza dough, or even homemade pizza dough. I also stuffed the little dough balls with cheese before forming the dough into the shape of a Christmas tree. My son was a big help with this tree too. After I spooned the cheese filling onto each piece of dough, he helped me form the balls and arrange the dough on the cookie sheet. After baking it, I brushed my tree with melted butter and minced garlic and then sprinkled it with freshly chopped basil and rosemary. It was so easy!

MentalMUSCLE Muscle MENTAL Mental Muscle

By ANGIE MCGOWAN

just for fun JUST justFOR forFUN fun

GRUBS UP

december 2017

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