VOL. VOL.6. 6.NO. NO.54
LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE
MAY APRIL2017 2017
LONGVIEW’S OWN BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FUN PAGE
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EDUCATION
It was a beautiful evening as thirteen outstanding teachers were honored in the 17th annual Lamplighters banquet. There were tears of joy, warm laughter, delighted amazement and pleasant surprise as attendees listened to student essays applauding the Longview school district’s best teachers.
Can you score up to the Ph.D. level with our Super Quiz? It’s all about Cats and Dogs!
C O V E R
S T O R Y
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As a child in Gilmer, J.P. Steelman watched his father dedicate himself to 40 years as a volunteer fireman. It is a heady and adventurous calling, and by the time he was in the second grade, Steelman knew it would be his own life’s work, too. Meet Steelman, chief of the Longview Fire Department.
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Face it: People are living longer than ever before, and health care costs are climbing higher every year. Prepare today for what you might need tomorrow.
Fourteen child entertainers, 20 background dancers, a stage crew of five, a silent auction committee, decorations committee, photographers, video, light and sound engineers, and a host of entertainers and support cast. All of these make for a groovy — and financially successful — “Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns” fundraising event by the the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
To honor that Special Lady (or ladies) in your life, how about a brunch fit for a Queen? Seared on the grill succulent pork chops and peaches. And yum-yummy banana pudding cupcakes. may 2017
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18 FOCUS ON COMMUNITY
30 GRUBS UP
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
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EDITOR’S NOTE The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One . . .
M
eet our own Fire Chief J.P. Steelman in this May edition of infinitieplus magazine. Infinitieplus learned so much about his department. True, they fight fires but they do more than fighting fires. For one thing, fire fighters are in the best physical shape than the average citizen because of the nature of their work — climbing, lifting, running, rescuing and much more. Learn about our Fire Chief, his love for family, work and community on page 6. The recent CASA Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns fundraiser once more drew Gregg County Celebrity Judges and Attorneys such as Judge Alphonso and wife Attorney Melissa Charles; Judge Tim Womack and Municipal Court Judge Donna Blalock. Again, Tomberlain and Bonnie Farinella snatched the first prize in the Silver category. But there was an upset for the Gold. Newcomer Leisha-Kidd Brooks and his seasoned partner Steven Collins nabbed first place in the Gold category. Congratulations to everyone in the production. Please read all about it on page 18. Longview Independent School District Foundation Lamplighters’ annual event was no different. It drew a diverse crowd, raised more funds than the previous year and had everyone seating at the edges of their seats. Students’ essays were emotionally moving. Thank you, teachers, for going above and beyond in your impartation of knowledge. See story on page 12. Business and Finance section is trying to help us get our financial house in order. Read about financial prep for a better tomorrow on page 24. There is more in this edition. From history of Mothers’ Day to a great recipe for the special woman in your life and more. Read it all. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve through this medium. Happy Mothers’ Day, Everyone!!!
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Marketing / PR Keisha Roland Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Keisha Roland Creative Director Cris Bell Contributing Writers Suzanne Brown Jackie Gingrich Cushman Joycelyne Fadojutimi Mary Hunt 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
Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 5
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
“J.P. Steelman has the qualities of a fire chief any city needs. He is compassionate, caring and has a heart for people. He loves what he does and it shows in the way he runs the Fire Department. He is energetic and fun to be around. Longview couldn’t ask for a better fire chief.” – Mayor Andy Mack
By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
L
ongview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman grew up in a world that became a beloved avocation. As a child in Gilmer, he watched his father dedicate himself to 40 years as a volunteer fireman. It is a heady and adventurous calling, and by the time he was in the second grade, Steelman knew it would be his own life's work, too. Preparing through education he earned an AAS degree in Fire Protection from Kilgore College, became Executive Fire Officer of the National Fire academy of Emmitsburg, Maryland, a distinction held by just 2%
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of fire service workers, became Fire Service Executive Officer at Texas A&M University, and earned the status of Certified Fire Officer from the Texas Association of Fire Chiefs. He is still working on continuous development through continuing education, seeking various state-level certifications. His is an old, honored profession that he loves and takes very seriously. There is no mistaking the fulfillment it brings him. "Being a member of the fire service is both a very rewarding and personally fulfilling career," he says. "It is a totally ‘service-oriented' career and one that requires you to constantly place the needs of others ahead of your own.” c
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COVER STORY
“To be successful in this profession it certainly helps to have a 'servant's heart' from a biblical perspective." Starting out as a volunteer firefighter in 1985 impressed on him the danger of his vocation, and the need for continuing education to assure his services to the communities he serves will always be the best he is capable of providing. He sees himself more of a perpetual student rather than a well-groomed professional. This is a wise and healthy attitude for one in a line of work that typically sees approximately 100 firemen killed in the line of duty yearly. He has been with the Longview Fire De-
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partment since 1990 and has been climbing career and fire engine ladders ever since. In 2007, he was promoted to battalion chief. "Becoming Chief of the Department wasn't really a set goal even though I had gained some outside fire chief experience while continuing to serve as a volunteer in the Gilmer Fire Department in service to my hometown," he says. The operational field of the Longview Fire Department consists of 161 firefighters who work 24-hour-on/48-hour-off shifts. Daily the department will staff-up eight fire stations and 19 frontline units throughout the city. These are composed of seven engine
Chief Steelman with Judge Bill Stoudt | infinitieplus | www.infinitieplus.com at the recent Unity Awards Banquet.
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COVER STORY
companies, three ladder truck companies, five ambulances, two battalion chiefs, one fire prevention officer, and one shift training officer. These elements respond to an average of 53 calls daily. In 2016, the department handled 17,777, including about 11,000 patient transports to local hospitals. Despite these emergency services, station crews also handle such non-emergency work as continuing education training, pre-fire planning of local target hazard buildings, company-level fire safety inspections of the city's 5000plus commercial occupancies, and routine maintenance of Longview's 3700-plus hydrants. The Longview Fire Department committment to public safety leads it to work closely with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Division of Emergency Man-
agement, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Insurance Service Office. Managing the department's $19 million operating budget is another ongoing chore the local fire department handles with expertise and honesty. Another $8 million goes annually to the operation and upkeep of the local Emergency Medical Transport Function. Despite all the demands and challenges Steelman has come to passionately love his job and Longview. "Our personnel are constantly 'thanked' by our community for doing what they do," he says. "I have always been very quick to essentially return these 'thanks' in that I've always been appreciative that the community trusts us with such a high degree of responsibility for their ultimate safety and well-being." If there is anything about his career that Steelman finds disagreeable, it is the unavoidable exposure to death. c
“Chief J.P. Steelman is a professional man. I work with him closely. East Texas and Gregg County is lucky to have him.� - Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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COVER STORY
“Chief J.P. Steelman is one of the In every aspect, he is passionate As fire chief, he has sought to possible and making
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COVER STORY
e most dedicated people that
I
have had the privilege to be associated with.
about the fire service and the public safety of
Longview
and
East Texas.
consistently improve the department by providing the best equipment sure the firefighters are well-trained to meet the challenge of emergency situations.�
— City Manager David Willard
He and his brother firefighters find it impossible to get used to this part of their vocation. Although they do their best to keep it away from those they rescue, it is simply impossible to save everybody. "In the world of emergency services, death is often very unnatural and reveals the uglier side of humanity," he says. "As professionals most learn to cope with it and process it each in our own way." Still, the personal, emotional rewards of
having the public trust them with its safety is a fringe benefit few professions make possible. Steelman's wife Becky, RN has spent 28 years helping others at Good Shepherd Medical Center. She and their children Jay (24), Sydnee (21), Erin (21), and Sophie (17) know what it is like to have parents dedicated to helping others. Both parents are marvelous role models for their children and the community. Steelman and his family are members of Alpine Church of Christ.
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3/30/17 4:55 PM
EDUCATION By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
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Sharon ongview Independent School District (LISD) Foundation Executive Director Kay Ray has earned the plaudits heaped on her by LISD Foundation Board President Nell Ward. Both women also toiled mightily with various volunteers to make sure the Foundation and Annual Lamplighters extravaganza was a great success. Along with Foundation board members Kim Holcomb and Alex Waltrip checking in guests to International Baccalaureate students Mary Henderson, Ebee Ward, Anna Ward and Kate Darby directing attendees to the right places, everything went smoothly. It was all done against a background of beautiful music played by LISD student Isabella and her sister Josephine Cowart. Do not be mistaken, the Cowart sisters are extremely talented. Isabella is a Longview High School student. She played at the famous Carnegie Hall this year. Her sister, Josephine is an 8th grader at Trinity but will transfer to Longview High School next year. The 17th Lamplighters banquet was a whirlwind of positive emotions that made it the most successful of all these extravaganzas. Ward explained why. “We are doing the raffle first,” she said. “Then we showcase the students who happen to be the reason for this banquet.” Besides the raffle, Forbes and Butler Visual Communications pulled down recognition for crucially supporting the Foundation and designing the annual Green Out tee-shirts. In addition, David and Sharon Cotham and the late Jeremy Cotham were honored for donating part of the sales of the Friday Night Howl Book. Mere words fail to convey the uplifting success of this evening that saw those in attendance brought to tears of joy, warm laughter, delighted amazement and pleasant surprise as they listened to student essays applauding the school district’s best teachers and their selfless quest to prepare young minds for successful futures. There were more of these expert and loving instructors than could be recognized in one evening. Ray was surprised and delighted at the banquet’s untouched success. It was carried off flawlessly, but Ray was careful to spread the credit around to all involved. She did credit every sponsor many donors, the Board and volunteers. In addition, her husband John Ray helped in numerous ways. “Kay Ray is a great leader,” said Ward. “She is the perfect organizer you want to work with.” Furthermore, this year, the LISD Foundation shelled out grants ranging from $100 to $2500 to Great Rewards for Great Ideas Grant Program recipients who had created innovative classroom projects that will improve the quality of education received by all students in the district. In this, the 22nd anniversary of the Great Rewards for Great Ideas program $49,605.93 was requested in 26 grant applications. The Foundation paid out $30,518.56 in grant money for 18 grants. The Foundation also provided $24,110.41 in elementary grants, and another $6408.15 for five secondary grants. Since the Great Rewards for Great Ideas Program started in 1996, the Foundation has given out $656,613.20 to 644 grants which furthered y lementar Grader the LISD academic programs such as music, art, technology, counselE e r a ing/guidance, career education, health/physical education, and character ins, WWoods, 5th l l o C Kendra Farrah education programs. honored by It was a beautiful evening. 12
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ool Middle Sch n o s d u ran, 8th Grader ler, J
Fow y Emily T red b Hono
Mrs. Faulks has helped me to be a leader, encouraging me to be a better person and motivating me to improve my grades. She reminds me to put my work first (to) make all A’s. She motivates me to study and work hard so that I can make better grades. She thinks I can go to college (and) become an astrophysicist. Mrs. Fowler is a once in a lifetime teacher
who inspires me to strive and fulfill my goals. I love that she is a unique teacher who is trustworthy. She has taught me so many wonderful things, but most (of all) to be dedicated and hard working.
n Elementary e e u Q c M nGrader ohnsto immons, 5th J , s Shelia Faulkontrez S honored by Dem
Mrs. Collins is the best! She has high expec-
tations for all of her students. She really inspired me to do better than what I thought my best was. She is smart and found a way to teach me so that I could understand. Once I achieved it, she continued to encourage me to learn more and do more. - Farrah Woods Since I met Mrs. Collins in 5th Grade, my life changed. She brought the best out of us; she gave us a hand, opened our minds, and touched our hearts. From that day forward, I believed in myself. I now know what I am capable of, and I know I can achieve what I put my mind to. - Dianna Soto
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lementary
, Ware E, Longview High School s n i l ol o, Senior C a r d Ken na Sot honored by Dian
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Ward Elementary h t u o S , mas rres, 5th Grader l e D o do Everarby Yadira T red hono
EDUCATION
My inspiration is Mr. Delmas. When I had Mr. Delmas in first grade, he taught me so much. He always told us to try our best to earn better grades. If we had passed a test, it didn’t mean that we were finished. Mr. Delmas told us we had to aim for a 100! Helping me behave is how Mrs. Streetman has helped me. She has changed me in a way that no other teacher has changed my behavior. She taught me right from wrong. More than anything, she has taught me how to be a better student and a better person.
art Elementary h r e v E . ez, 5th Grader n, J.L
u etmar Rodrig e r t S Amy ecto honored by H Longview HS , s m a Williester, Senior c M r Pam Mercdeby Abby J honore
Mercer has been a whole “play” in my life, one I wouldn’t
mind performing again and again. I will always remember her stories and how brave she is . . . I always see how proud she is of us . . . I wouldn’t be where I am today as a person and actress without my director, my teacher, my second mother, my best, my Mercer.
Mrs. Rettig isn’t just
l High Schoo w e i v , Long lbert, Senior
tig ejah Co t e R n Sharo had d by K honore
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a teacher; she is an awakener. Only a few teachers see their opportunities to help students beyond teaching a subject, and only a few aren’t afraid to act upon those opportunities. Mrs. Rettig took that opportunity with me. She taught me to dream big and live with hope. To the world, she is just a person, but to me she is a hero, a friend, a guide, and an inspiration to look up to every day. |
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EDUCATION Mrs. Spady was a great teacher. She always ex-
plained her lessons to the fullest and never even left out one detail. She was always ready and prepared to teach no matter what the scenario was. Mrs. Spady also helped me out when I was feeling down; some days when I came to school, I would just want to bundle up and cry. Thanks to my very special superwoman, my Mom, Christie Shobert. She cares for her students as if they were her own, tries to make math fun (we all know that’s a task), keeps a positive attitude, and makes times to spend with her own children.
dle School d i M r e t s ert, 8th Grader rt, Fo
obe rie Shob h S i t s i Chr ve red by A
te Elementary t e l m a r B 5th Grader dy,
hono
Spa a Traore, a r d San by Fatim nored ho
Mr. Thompson has inspired me to come to school every day and learn. Now I love learning. In our history class we have great conversations about history and the effects of events around the world. Mr. Thompson makes history seem so real that I feel like history has affected me. Mr. Thompson has inspired me so much that I hope to go to college and become a historian.
God made Ms. Massey for a galaxy of reasons, but the reason I love the most is that she “gets” me. She is a spectacular lady who just wants to teach kids to love learning and watch them have fun while doing so. Ms. Massey is the Queen of Fun! That girl’s got joy in the bag and it’s written all over her. She puts pep all in our steps!
ementary
Hudson El ifth Grader , y e ass ie Mayes, F M e c Constanored by Magg
Early Graduation HS w e i v g n o n, L a, Sophomore
so a Tavit p m o Barry Th by Salomu ored
hon
hon
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EDUCATION
Leslie Novy, Sharon Boles and Daryl Boles
y, Principoaoll e r h mp Elementary Sch u M a Nakit Bramlette
Susan and Jell Williams Dr. Jody Clements
al
, Prinicewip High School r e Brew Longv James
Sherry Lee
al
Kim Holcomb and Alex Waltrip
Staci Killingsworth, Ted Beard and Shan Bauer 16
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PrincipPEP School , n o Wils Hudson
Mary Henderson, Ebee Ward, Anna Ward, and Kate Barby |
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illiams Elementary W . E . d e son, 5th Grader ms, N
EDUCATION
illia Thomp W e n Dion Trevon onored by h
Dr. Dionne Williams inspires me to do my best
in the classroom. She knows that I am smart and that I should do my best in class. She always encourages me. She never steers me wrong. Dr. Williams always gets me on the right path. Laughs. Motivation. Light. All these things come to mind when I think of Mrs. Weaver. She has the power to motivate her students to do better even when everything seems dark. She certainly believes that if a person is not willing to learn, no one can help him, but if he is determined to learn, no can stop him.
Award presented by Leah Hickman
Middle School k r a P t s , 8th Grader , Fore
ver Vasquez a e W Kamala Julisa onored by h
Griselda, Hector, Adrianna and Lalo Rodriguez
Nell Ward
John and Kay Ray John and Kay Ray
April Robbison, Cordaysha Simmons, Jarvis Melton and Demontrez Simmons www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY
By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
T
he Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recently held their annual fund-raiding Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns banquet to fund ongoing efforts in support of abused and neglected East Texas children. More than 700 tickets sold to the event which is a yearly testament to CASA’s committment to the safety and welfare of its children. Show Director Amy Canton was delighted with the evening’s turnout and financial success. Canton made it clear why the event keeps growing. “People tell their friends what a great time they had. I know it has a lot of great buzz around town, and people talk to me about it for months after every year,” she said. “We try to keep it fresh each year by switching up the theme, the show and the overall look.” CASA’s work is vital to the children of Rusk, Upshur and Gregg counties. Many youngsters would simply fall through the cracks were it not for CASA speaking on their behalf. Many Child Protective Services representatives simply do not have the time to handle every case one-on-one. Judges know that by assigning CASA they can insure every unfortunate child has a voice and a chance to escape bad situations. Safe, loving foster homes await battered and neglected children once a CASA is assigned.
Donna Blalock, Municipal Court Judge and Steven Collins, Pine Tree ISD 18
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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY These advocates also train child-help volunteers. All this is expensive, costing about $550 per case. The yearly banquet is the main reason that over the past six years almost 450 in-need children have been assigned an advocate. No one is more critical to this success story than Amy Canton. “I make time to do this because I know my efforts pay off in a big way,” she said. “I am so blessed to have a husband who supports all the volunteer work I do. I really love all that I do for this show, the friends I have made and the many hours of practice and planning it takes to pull off a show this size.” There is more. The program is indeed a varied and delightful display of talent. This year’s production featured 14 child
entertainers, 20 background dancers, a stage crew of five, a silent auction committee, decorations committee, photographers, video, light and sound engineers, and additional entertainers and support cast. The set-up, dress rehearsals and room preps are time-consuming, demanding and expensive, but it all gets done. Canton’s fulfillment is apparent. “I couldn’t be prouder of the show,” she said. “Everyone danced their hardest and had such great attitudes through our really long day. Seeing it all come together is always the best day of the year for me.” c
Gold Category First Place Winner: Leisha Kidd-Brooks, City of Longview Health Department and Steven Collins www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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FOCUS
ON COMMUNITY The show’s dancers are an especially vital part of the program. They are selected for their willingness to work hard and collaborate as a team. Starting in December, the choreographers devise themes, songs and choreography. Starting in January the dancers practice once weekly, and twice weekly starting in March. Off-stage the dancers urge their friends, families and various acquaintances to help promote the event on social media. This year there was a Facebook posting. An added treat was Judge Tim Womack’s Bank Galaxy. The audience was surprised and delighted at how entertaining was this part of the show. That is not all. CASA Executive Director Shelley Smith was delighted and grateful for the show and those who made it possible. “East Texas CASA is so grateful to all the volunteers that make this show happen. It takes our staff, board, committee members, dancers, choreographers, photographers, production and lighting teams and of course Amy Canton to pull it all together,” she said. “We work diligently to insure that it’s not just a fundraiser, but an event that the community enjoys and finds entertaining. This year set new records for us with the amount of silent auction items collected, tables sponsored and overall attendance. I know that our funds raised will probably hit a record as well once all are collected.” In 2016, 266 children from Gregg, Rusk and Upshur counties had to be removed from their homes. East Texas CASA provided advocates for 177 of these children. The goal is to serve 100% of children removed from unhealthy situations in this area while also speaking for them in the court system. The Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns banquet raises the funds that makes this support possible. This is the CASA mission.
Greg Colquitt, Citizens National Bank, and Kayla Bonina, Fitness Coach
CASA JUNIOR DANCERS
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FOCUS
ON COMMUNITY
Attorney Ralph Pelaia CASA Executive Director Shelly Smith
Julie Wood, Julie Woods & Assoc. Real Estate and Ross Morgan
Mike Spencer, Upshur Co. Commissioner and Miriam Hill, HillTex Insurance Agency
Gold Category 2nd Place Winner: Judge Tim Womack and Amy Canton, Longview Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to winners: Gold Category 1st - Steven Collins and Leisha-Kidd Brooks 2nd - Judge Tim Womack and Amy Canton 3rd - Judge Alfonso Charles and Melissa Charles Silver Category 1st - Cole Tomberlain and Bonnie Farinella 2nd - Ross Morgan and Julie Woods 3rd - Greg Colquitt and Kayla Bonina www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine
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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY
Barbara Husbands, Judge Rebecca Simpson and Robin Shuttlesworth
Libby Bryson and Valerie Brooks
Alfonso Charles, 124th District Judge, and Melissa Charles, Law Office of Melissa Charles
Patricia and Laney Newman
Drew Woodfin, HydraPrime Calibration & Inspection and Jackie Woodfin, Upper Room Health & Fitness
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Cole Tomberlain, Tomberlain Insurance, and Bonnie Farinella, The Dance Studio Courtney and Cody Gill
Jim Bartlett, Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry, and Rachel Brabham, Dottie Hunt Studios
duo champs who grooved for a cause:
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• Tim Womack, 307th District Judge Amy Canton, Longview Chamber of Commerce • Alfonso Charles, 124th District Judge Melissa Charles, Law Office of Melissa Charles Law • Jim Bartlett, Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry Rachel Brabham, Dottie Hunt Studios • Mike Spencer, Upshur Co. Commissioner Miriam Hill, HillTex Insurance Agency • Greg Colquitt, Citizens National Bank Kayla Bonina, Fitness Coach • Donna Blalock, Municipal Court Judge Steven Collins, Pine Tree ISD • Cole Tomberlain, Tomberlain Insurance Bonnie Farinella, The Dance Studio • Julie Wood, Julie Woods & Assoc. Real Estate Ross Morgan • Leisha Kidd-Brooks, City of Longview Health Department Steven Collins, Pine Tree ISD • Drew Woodfin, HydraPrime Calibration & Inspection Jackie Woodfin, Upper Room Health & Fitness Announcers: Judge Becky Simpson and Tim Bryan, Justice of Peace. Entertainment Provided by: Galaxy Dance Judges: Judge Lauren Parish, Michele Wood, Mayor Andy Mack and Fire Marshal Johnny Zachary Special Thanks to Tena Vogel Dance & Dottie Hunt Studios
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Prepare Today for What You Might Need T O M O R R O W By Mary Hunt
“Get the loan you need for the home you want.”
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Face it: People are living longer than ever before, and health care costs are climbing higher every year. Which brings me to the subject of long-term care. You might assume it’s just about nursing homes, but it refers to more. Long-term care means getting the assistance you need at home as well. You could live to 100 and never need long-term care. You could end up needing assistance in daily living long before retirement, or you could fit somewhere in between. Maybe your knees go. Or your eyes. Or you become a little too forgetful. No one likes to think about it, but the human body is not built to live forever. You need to be informed and prepared. Long-term care insurance usually covers the costs for care that aren’t picked up by regular health insurance or Medicare. If you need assistance to properly feed, clothe
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.
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or bathe yourself, long-term care insurance could pay the bill, depending on the type and amount of coverage you buy. But because it’s expensive, long-term care insurance isn’t typically a product lower-income individuals are able to afford. If you’re middle-class, you’re likely to be hit the hardest by the high cost of long-term care because you’re likely to spend most of your assets if you require extended long-term assistance. You may not qualify for Medicaid assistance, yet paying your own bills for long-term care could break you. If you’ve got a lot of dough (assets of $1 million or more), you can probably pay for your own longterm care from savings and investments, although you might want insurance anyway to preserve your estate for your kids or grandkids. If you fall into this category, make sure you are working with a reputable financial planner who can assist you in setting up your finances so you are not bombarded by taxes and inflation. More than likely, you need a variety of investments and insurance policies working together for you. If you need a referral for a reputable financial planner, I recommend you look for a fee-only professional in your area. The National Association of Personal Financial Planners website is a good place to locate an advisor. If you opt for long-term care insurance, plan on paying dearly over many years for coverage you may or may not ever use. That’s the way insurance works. If you don’t think there’s any way that you’ll be able to afford the premiums, all is not lost. Perhaps some of these options will work in your situation to help you fund your long-term care needs: • Save enough money during working years to pay for your care. Start now! • Endeavor to remain healthy enough so as not to require outside care. Fire up the treadmill; join a gym. • Pay to live in an assisted-care community, which may include some personal assistance along with room and board. Shop around. —Look for other sources of funding, such as a life insurance riders or reverse mortgage.
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
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SPECIAL CELEBRATION
Y
er’s favorite flower. The carnations were to be worn by sons and daughters in honor of their own mothers, and to represent the purity of a mother’s love.
ears after she founded Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis was dining at the Tea Room at Wanamaker’s department store in Philadelphia. She saw they were offering a “Mother’s Day Salad.” She ordered the salad and when it was served, she stood up, dumped it on the floor, left the money to pay for it, and walked out in a huff. Jarvis had lost control of the holiday she helped create, and she was crushed by her belief that commercialism was destroying Mother’s Day. During the Civil War, Anna’s mother, Ann Jarvis, cared for the wounded on both sides of the conflict. She also tried to orchestrate peace between Union and Confederate moms by forming a Mother’s Friendship Day. When the elder Jarvis passed away in 1905, her daughter was devastated. She would read the sympathy cards and letters over and over, taking the time to underline all the words that praised and complimented her mother. Jarvis found an outlet to memorialize her mother by working to promote a day that would honor all mothers. On May 10, 1908, Mother’s Day events were held at the church where her mother taught Sunday School in Grafton, West Virginia, and at the Wanamaker’s department store auditorium in Philadelphia. Jarvis did not attend the event in Grafton, but she sent 500 white carnations, her moth-
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Spreading the Word
Mother’s Day quickly caught on because of Jarvis’s zealous letter writing and promotional campaigns across the country and the world. She was assisted by well-heeled backers like John Wanamaker and H.J. Heinz, and she soon devoted herself full-time to the promotion of Mother’s Day. In 1909 several senators mocked the very idea of a Mother’s Day holiday. Senator Henry Moore Teller (D-CO) scorned the resolution as “puerile,” “absolutely absurd,” and “trifling.” He announced, “Every day with me is a mother’s day.” Senator Jacob Gallinger (R-NH) judged the very idea of Mother’s Day to be an insult, as though his memory of his late mother “could only be kept green by some outward demonstration on Sunday, May 10.” This didn’t deter Jarvis. She enlisted the help of organizations like the World’s Sunday School Association, and the holiday sailed through Congress with little opposition in 1914. The floral industry wisely supported Jarvis’s Mother’s Day movement. She accepted their donations and spoke at their conventions. With each subsequent Mother’s Day, the wearing of carnations became a must-have item. Florists across the country quickly sold out of white carnations around Mother’s Day—newspapers told stories of hoarding and profiteering. The floral industry later came up with an idea to diversify sales by promoting the practice of wearing red or bright flowers in honor of living mothers, and white flowers for deceased moms.
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SPECIAL CELEBRATION
Too Commercial
Jarvis soon soured on the commercial interests associated with the day. She wanted Mother’s Day “to be a day of sentiment, not profit.” Beginning around 1920, she urged people to stop buying flowers and other gifts for their mothers, and she turned against her former commercial supporters. She referred to the florists, greeting card manufacturers and the confectionery industry as “charlatans, bandits, pirates, racketeers, kidnappers and termites that would undermine with their greed one of the finest, noblest and truest movements and celebrations.” In response to the floral industry, she had thousands of celluloid buttons made featuring the white carnation, which she sent free of charge to women’s, school and church groups. She attempted to stop the floral industry by threatening to file lawsuits and by applying to trademark the carnation together with the words “Mother’s Day,” though she was denied the trademark. In response to her legal threats, the Florist Telegraph Delivery (FTD) association offered her a commission on the sales of Mother’s Day carnations, but this only enraged her further. Jarvis’s attempts to stop the florists’ promotion of Mother’s Day with carnations continued. In 1934, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp honoring Mother’s Day. They used a painting colloquially known as Whistler’s Mother for the image, by artist James Whistler. Jarvis was livid after she saw the resulting stamp because she believed the addition of the vase of carnations was an advertisement for the floral industry. Jarvis’s ideal observance of Mother’s Day would be a visit home or writing a long letter to
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your mother. She couldn’t stand those who sold and used greeting cards: “A maudlin, insincere printed card or ready-made telegram means nothing except that you’re too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone else in the world.” She also said, “Any mother would rather have a line of the worst scribble from her son or daughter than any fancy greeting card.”
Going Rogue
Jarvis fought against charities that used Mother’s Day for fundraising. She was dragged screaming out of a meeting of the American War Mothers by police and arrested for disturbing the peace in her attempts to stop the sale of carnations. She even wrote screeds against Eleanor Roosevelt for using Mother’s Day to raise money (for charities that worked to combat high maternal and infant mortality rates, the very type of work Jarvis’s mother did during her lifetime). In one of her last appearances in public, Jarvis was seen going doorto-door in Philadelphia, asking for signatures on a petition to rescind Mother’s Day. In her twilight years, she became a recluse and a hoarder. Jarvis spent her last days deeply in debt and living in the Marshall Square Sanitarium, a nowclosed mental asylum in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She died on November 24, 1948. Jarvis was never told that her bill for her time at the asylum was partly paid for by a group of grateful florists.
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Actor-Producer to Keynote Business Awards Luncheon The Longview Chamber of Commerce is excited to have David A. R. White slated as the Keynote Speaker at this year’s Small Business Awards Luncheon. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 9, at Maude Cobb Convention Center. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch. David A.R. White is a storyteller by nature and while he tells many stories through his acting, producing and filmmaking, a greater one encompasses them all: the calling of God on each of our lives. David has been building his career in the Film industry for more than 20 years, and in doing so he has learned a few things about following a God-given dream. Though he has many credits to his name, David’s career hit new heights in 2014 with the release of his film, God’s Not Dead, in which he also starred. It became one of the most successful independent faith-based films of all time, making his studio, Pure Flix, the most successful Christian film production company in the industry. - Suzanne Brown
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GRUBS UP
Seared on the grill, juicy peaches gain a caramelized char and become a mouthwatering match for succulent chops. Coating the pork with a marinade of garlic and cilantro results in supermoist meat. D I R E C T I O N S
Ingredients 1 box vanilla cake mix 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 1 1/2 c. cold milk 1 c. sweetened condensed milk 1/2 c. chopped bananas 2 c. heavy cream 1/4 c. powdered sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla sliced bananas, for garnish Nilla wafers, for garnish
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D I R E C T I O N S
• In food processor, combine garlic, cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper; pulse until very finely chopped. Add soy sauce and pulse to incorporate. Transfer to large resealable plastic bag and add pork chops. Rub garlic mixture all over chops, seal bag tightly, and refrigerate until ready to grill, up to overnight. • In same processor (do not clean bowl), combine lime juice, sugar, red pepper, and 2 peaches, cut into quarters; puree until smooth. Can be refrigerated, covered, overnight. • Prepare grill for direct grilling on medium-high. • Cut remaining peaches into halves; grill 5 to 7 minutes or until grill marks appear, turning occasionally. Grill chops, covered, 5 to 6 minutes or until cooked through (145 degrees F), turning over once. Grill green onions 3 minutes or until softened, turning occasionally. Serve with sauce.
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Preheat oven to 350° and line a cupcake with cupcake lines. Bake cake mix according to cupcake package instructions. Let cool completely. Make pudding: In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding, milk and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk until thickened, about 5 minutes. Fold in chopped bananas. Make whipped cream: In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla and beat with a hand mixer on high until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Alternatively, you can beat the cream in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.) Using a paring knife, cut small wells out of cooled cupcakes. Fill with banana pudding, then top with whipped cream. Garnish each cupcake with a banana slice, a Nilla wafter, and Nilla wafer crumbles.
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FUN PAGE
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: DOGS AND CATS (e.g., Which big cat runs the fastest? Answer: Cheetah.) FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. What cat disappeared slowly, with his grin the last to go? Answer________ 2. What comic-strip family had a dog named Daisy? Answer________ 3. What comic-strip dog battled the Red Baron in his Sopwith Camel? Answer________ GRADUATE LEVEL
4. In which novel was a large dog shot in the wilds of Dartmoor in England? Answer________ 5. What breed of cat originated on the Isle of Man? Answer________ 6. What type of dog derives its name from the French word “terre,” meaning “earth”? Answer________ PH.D. LEVEL
7. What was the “feline” stage name of singer Yusuf Islam? Answer________ 8. Who wrote “Tyger! Tyger! Burning bright, In the forests of the night”? Answer________
Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.
Answers: 1) German, 2) Versatile, 3) Powerful, 4) Slice, 5) Footwork, Steffi Graf
ANSWERS 1. The Cheshire Cat. 2. Bumstead family. 3. Snoopy 4. “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” 5. Manx cat. 6. Terrier. 7. Cat Stevens. 8. William Blake. 9. It can’t bark normally. 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?
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