IP Magazine October Issue by InfinitiePlus

VOL. 6. NO. 10

OCTOBER 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

6 His shirttail seldom hits his back as he helps patients solve problems, works on operational issues, designs promotional materials, negotiates contracts, makes trips to Austin and Washington D.C. to confer with potential leaders, and meets with local and state officials from various healthcare and social services to hammer out solutions for assorted problems that bedevil patients.

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irst, we want to thank our community for their support. To all of you, our readers and advertisers, we say thank you. We express our sincere gratitude to our advertisers who without them, the production of infinitieplus magazine will not be possible every month. October cover story is Wellness Pointe Chief Executive Officer, Chad Jones. Local health management expert Chad Jones had an early start when it came to learn how to evaluate and react to a situation. His parents taught this to him. Please read full story from page 6. Greater Longview United Way (GLUW), recently held their annual kick-off event. We brought you photos and details of how GLUW is impacting lives in the area. Read full story from page 14. But that is not all. I wonder how many people get sick and tired of being sick and tired-oxymoron right-you got it!!! Nonetheless, burnout is a problem in our country. Hopefully, we want to learn how not to burn out. Read about “Quenching your burnout,” from page 20. We have had Hurricane Charlie in 2004, Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005; Irene in 2011, Matthew in 2006, Ike in 2008, Hermine in 2016, and Irma plus Harvey this year. They even named one Matthew, a disciple of Jesus Christ and writer of the gospel of Matthew in the Christian scripture. If you are like me, you wonder who names these storms and what is the method they use in coming up with the names. This is the reason why we brought you an article “Who gets to name these storms” from page 22. Ah, one of my favorite pages is about food. Read how to “Throw the ultimate tailgate party” on page 30. You will never be the same. I promise. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to serve. We look forward to serving you again next month.

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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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

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 10 |

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

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COVER STORY

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

ocal health management expert Chad Jones had an early start when it came to learn how to evaluate and react to a situation. His parents taught this to him. Jones with his two older brothers grew up in a faithful Christian household in Upshur County. The value of hard work and of the almighty dollar were lessons he has never forgotten. His father was a mail

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carrier, and his mother ran her own business. Chad worked for her, learning from both her and his school instructors. The lessons his mom taught him about data manipulation and graphic design serve him to this day. Jones’ first degree was in Cardiopulmonary Science leading him to his early career as a Registered Respiratory

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Therapist. However, he soon nabbed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from LeTourneau University. He then moved on to Texas A&M, where he pulled down a master’s in business administration. Despite taking these impressive credentials in business, Jones felt the call to pursue a career in healthcare. “Healthcare always appealed

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COVER STORY

to me, so I started college as a pre-med, and somewhere along the way got some advice to see what a doctor’s life is like, so I switched to cardiopulmonary science,” he says. “That degree landed me at Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC), as a registered respiratory therapist.” Working in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit was a fulfilling role for him as he successfully treated critically ill patients. Although he greatly enjoyed working with the splendid doctors at LRMC, he eventually decided a physician’s life was not his calling, and he never returned to pre-med studies. Still, his love for the field of healthcare and his capacity for management and data analysis gave him a place in this vocation. In fact, he had started in this direction years earlier. One of his 6th grade teachers, Ray Chitwood, was a major influence in turning him around academically, transforming him from mediocrity to excellence. “In the first six weeks of Chitwood’s class he challenged and encouraged me and gave me an opportunity to do better,” says Jones. “My lowest grade those six weeks was a B, and since then I’ve only twice made less than an A. Chitwood truly changed the trajectory of my life.” After commencing his career in medical management, Jones climbed the ladder of success, advancing from frontline clinician to department manager to director over several departments. LRMC CEO Vicki Romero was impressed by this 8

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hard-working young manager of medical matters, and realized his potential. “Chad, you obviously know what you are doing, and it’s fine that you can do it, but you can do a lot more,” she told him. “You just have to finish your education, and if you’ll do it, I’ll help you.” He describes how she “gave me a lot of support through college,” and even after she moved on from LRMC, she remained a stalwart supporter of his success story to the point that he continues to stay in touch

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with her and keep her apprised of his successes and how he credits her for them. When Jim Kendrick took over as CEO at the hospital he, too, saw Jones’ potential and promoted him to his first administrative position, helped him through grad school and heartily recommended him to be accepted as CEO of Wellness Pointe. He remains a friend and mentor among many such co-workers who have been impressed with Jones and supported his endeavors. For him, every day is an

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enjoyable challenge. His shirttail seldom hits his back as he helps patients solve problems, works on operational issues, designs promotional materials, negotiates contracts, makes trips to Austin and Washington D.C. to confer with potential leaders, and meets with local and state officials from various healthcare and social services to hammer out solutions for assorted problems that bedevil patients. “This is probably the best thing about my job,” he says. “Every day is different and full of challenges.” The facility he now oversees, Wellness Pointe, is the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Northeast Texas. Last year, the facility treated almost 17,500 patients. These are people who need

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medical attention from a clinic that will see them regardless of whether they have insurance or a great deal of money. The treatments offered include: • Obstetrics • Gynecology • Pediatrics • Family medicine • Optometry • Dentistry • Behavioral health counseling • Substance abuse counseling and • Psychiatry. There is a place for everyone as Wellness Pointe even serves as Gregg County’s WIC administrator and provides services for • HIV prevention • Parent engagement • Youth development • Youth substance abuse counseling. Wellness Pointe will take: • Medicaid • Medicare • Most private insurance Offers a sliding fee discount based on individual patients’ ability to afford. “In general, I love the challenge of healthcare,” says Jones. “This is one of the most dynamic industries right now, and is changing almost daily. I absolutely love being able to provide such a wide range of services to the patients we serve.” Seeing to it that impoverished and insurancebereft persons have access to adequate healthcare is its own reward for him. His skill at conceiving and implementing new services and procedures is a blessing to Wellness Pointe patients. Jones never rests, because he wants better and comprehensive healthcare for patients. For instance, in 2015, he oversaw the launching of the clinic’s optometry and optical department. Wellness Pointe was only the third Federally Qualified Health Center in Texas to provide this service. Prior to this, local Medicaid patients often had to wait 6 to 18 months to visit an optometrist. Unlike other facilities that, when backlogged with appointments, will turn away new patients, Wellness Points never stops taking in newcomers. By join forces with other health-oriented organizations, this clinic also presents new and innovative collaborations that

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY provide additional services to patients. All of this, is the perfect situation for a caring, competent chief executive officer like Jones. “Being involved in people’s healthcare is rewarding in general, but being able to help make healthcare available to people who otherwise might struggle to find care is even better,” he says. He sees healthcare management as an ideal career path for young people. Jones urges those who are drawn to this vocation, who love a challenge and are confident in their ability to grab this lifestyle of helping others stay hale and happy. He states that hard work creates opportunities, and that learning new things will always be a great help down the road. He also advises up-and-comers to never hesitate to accept assistance when needed. “When you think you are stuck and somebody offers to help, let them,” he says. “Nobody can make it alone. Take the opportunities that present themselves even if you aren’t sure exactly where they are leading.” Jones points to how healthcare and healthcare management are fields that will never become obsolete. Although he describes it as a “nervous industry,” he also (correctly) describes how people will always need healthcare, and somebody should make it available. He also makes it clear that his vocation is a grueling one. During his college days as a working student, it was not unusual for him to get by on three to four hours of sleep per night. Spending time with his family, helping kiddoes with homework, getting them cleaned up and off to bed were all chores he had to attend to before studying until the small hours. He would be up and off to work before 8:00 a.m. “Balancing the demands of work and life is difficult, but worth it,” he says. Jones even finds time for community involvement. His civic services include: • Board member, Texas Association of Community Health Centers • Board president, Education by Design • Board member, American College of Healthcare Executives, East Texas Chapter • LeTourneau University Presidents Advisory Council member

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• Provider Committee Member, Women’s Health and Family Planning Association of Texas Furthermore, he oversees Wellness Pointe’s community involvement efforts as the clinic collaborates with various healthcare providers and non-profit organizations to facilitate meeting community needs and helping locals navigate the often-confusing network of area resources. He is very clear on how to achieve success in healthcare management and life in general. “Since somebody helped you, somebody believed in you, somebody invested in you, it’s your responsibility to do just that for somebody else,” Jones says. “Look for people where you see a spark of potential, and do what you can to kindle that. Sometimes it’s just a word of encouragement or some guidance, but take the time to do it.” He is happily married to Raye Jones with children: Alyssa Jones, Melia Jones, Kyler Light, and Daxin Light. To learn more about Wellness Pointe, please visit www.wellnesspointe.org.

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FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

is what the Greater Longview United Way is all about. We’re uniting the caring power of our community, working with many others to create real and lasting change. The most familiar example of this collaborative spirit is the annual fund-raising campaign, in which hundreds of volunteers generous with their time, and thousands of businesses and individuals generous with their pledges, are working hard to empower the United Way to exceed its ambitious goal. How do you give away hundreds of thousands of dollars?

It’s not as easy as you might think. The Greater Longview United Way takes its stewardship very seriously. After all, thousands of generous donors trust us to make sure that their dollars are used to make people’s lives better. These gifts are truly investments in our community’s future. So we work year-round with the agencies that receive funding through the United Way. The Greater Longview United Way works with more than 400 volunteers to contact thousands of local businesses and individuals during its annual fundraising campaign. While the campaign is

in high gear during September and October, hundreds of businesses will give their employees an opportunity to learn about the needs of our community and the ways they can help by supporting the programs of the GLUW. Company campaigns often become opportunities for team-building and morale boosting, as employees work together to achieve a goal and improve the lives of their neighbors. The annual fund-raising campaign fuels the activities of the Greater Longview United Way, its initiatives and its programs throughout the coming year.

The campaign is about much more than dollars; it is about people caring for each other and about each other. Similarly, the United Way is about much more than just raising money; it is about improving and advancing the common good. The dollars raised during the campaign make it possible for the Greater Longview United Way to achieve their ambitious goal of creating sustained improvement in the quality of life for all who live in the Greater Longview area. Their programs include: Family Wize: 80 million people in the United States are uninsured and underinsured. In the last two years, 40% of the U.S. population either did not buy medicine they needed or reduced the required dosage because of the high cost! Health care is one of the top concerns for people in our community. Greater Longview United Way is committed to helping increase access to affordable heath care and getting everyone the medicine they need. Many people who live and work in our community struggle to pay their bills and have to choose between getting the medicine they need and paying for food, rent or utilities. We are pleased to partner with Family Wize to offer this important free prescription discount card program to help everyone in our community.

Wendy Leonard and Brenda Bay-Bevis

Eastman Chemical officers; Denise Clark and Pete Lamothe

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Mark Mauritzen, Jannina Moncano, Priscilla Rios and James Morrison with HOLT CAT Longview

Centerpoint Energy officers Cynthia Meshell, Sarah Wright and Glenda Jackson

Greater Longview United Way Community Impact Coordinator LaDelle Kay

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Longview Regional Medical Center CFO Anthony Brooks |

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Texas Bank and Trust officers Karen Partee, Dorrie Deland, Lori Osborne, Tammy Gage and Sherry Gibbon www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Greater Longview United Way Executive Director Donna Sharp

Longview Transit group; Kendrick Webb, Tequita Mumphrey, Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Beth Chappell, Scott Lewis, Debra Davis, Chris Holt, Elo Jean Baptiste, and Finney Alveraz

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HUMOR

By ROBERT GOLDMAN

ou’re tired, ambivalent, stressed, cynical and overextended. Are you in love, or are you burned out at work? It could be love, but according to a recent “Smart Living” article by Kenneth R. Rosen in The New York Times” the correct answer is behind door No. 2 — burnout. According to data from the General Social Survey 20

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presented by Rosen in “How to Recognize Burnout Before You’re Burned Out,” 50 percent of respondents were consistently exhausted because of work. (That percentage would have to be even higher, I think, if the poor devils conducting the survey were included in the results. Imagine how quickly you’d be burned out if your job was to knock on doors across America, asking people if they wanted to take a nappy-poo?)

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While burnout was once applied exclusively to health care and public safety workers, you’ll be happy to know that the malady has “been expanded to workers who are now part of a more connected, hyperactive and overcompensating work force.” To spell it out, they’re talking about y-o-u. “We got lost in this idea is the only way to be productive is to be in the go-go-go mode,” explains Emma Seppala at the www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. “We’re shooting ourselves in the foot.” This is a diagnosis you should share with your manager. Or you could just shoot him in the foot. For workers who are so burned out they don’t know why they’re burned out, Rosen provides a list of “common work stressors,” including overcoming challenges associated with new software, unrealistic deadlines, unpredictable schedules and “interpersonal demands such as interactions with colleagues or customers.” Some of these stressors you have already resolved. You have avoided the IT department’s latest software upgrade and now do your work with an abacus and a box of crayons. As for “interpersonal interactions with colleagues and customers,” those have been reduced to almost zero. It’s amazing how much useless chit-chat you can avoid when you unplug your computer, turn off your phone and circle your desk with 200 feet of yellow, plastic tape reading, “CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS.” Can you do more? According to the experts, here are five ways to douse your burnout: 1. “Focused breathing, which can tap into your parasympathetic nervous system to help you reduce or manage stress.” Or even better, stop breathing all together. Let’s face it, breathing takes a lot of work, and it’s really hard to see the benefit of it. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

2. “Frequent breaks, preferably five-minute breaks for every 20 minutes spent on a single task, or sitting at your desk.” Twenty minutes on and five minutes off is good. Five minutes on and 20 minutes off is better. Five minutes on and the rest of the day spent drinking Mad Dog Margaritas at the Kit Kat Klub is best. 3. “Ergonomic chairs and desks, like a sit-stand arrangement, or even a small plant in your office.” Yes, and when you request the new furniture, also order an ergonomic mattress. Explain you’re going for a sit-stand-laydown arrangement. A small plant is also fine. Be sure to give it a name and take it to lunch. Go for a plant that fits your specific office environment, like an “atropa belladona,” or Deadly Nightshade. 4. “Periodically working out of the office enables you to try working from a quiet and contemplative space in which creativity may grow.” Forget growing creativity. You want a place so quiet and contemplative that moss |

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will grow. Considering the atmosphere at your work, an appropriate out-of-office location would be Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp. It will feel quite similar to your office and will definitely be quiet, at least, until an alligator starts gnawing on your leg. 5. “A trusted mentor at work with whom you can discuss and strategize other ways to deal with work-related issues.” This could help, but it is difficult to find a senior manager who is interested in helping you improve your job. Mostly, she or he will be interested in eliminating your job, which, you have to admit, would solve a lot of your stress at work. However, you combat burnout, you are encouraged to “find some humor in life.” You won’t find it in this column, unfortunately, but there are other places to look. Psychologist Christina Maslach insists that “everything in life is way better if you’re connected to other people.” Maybe, but considering the people in your workplace, I think you’ll be much happier being connected to your plant.

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SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY

By KATIEDID LANGROCK

he day after Hurricane Irma pounded Florida, I heard a story about a woman who had gone into labor and been unable to get to the hospital. A 911 dispatcher had to talk her through birthing the baby at home. She named the child Irma. 22

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SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY It got me thinking, who are these incredibly lucky dukes and duchesses designated to name storms? Who are these masters of moniker who bear the gift of naming that which brings so much pain and destruction to our shores? Is there a lottery system to become a storm namer? Do you have to be a hurricane heir, with the honor passed down through your bloodline? Or can you earn it through receiving a doctorate in high winds nomenclature? Modifying monikers at 180 miles per hour? No matter the level of birthright or education required to become one of these fortunate creatives behind the latest hurricane handle, I have just one true hope: Let them be as petty in real life as they are in my head. Because the way I see it, some old lady named Irma stole the last loaf of pumpernickel bread out of the shopping cart of a storm scientist with a doctorate in trending names, and there we have it, Hurricane Irma. That, my friends, is power. If you don’t want your name to wind up being associated with mass flooding and flying roof tiles, maybe next time, you don’t cut in front of someone at the grocery checkout aisle and steal his bread. When I was in third grade, I learned the power of names. We were in computer class, and once again, my entire family had died on the Oregon Trail. The disappointment of losing was increased by the fact that in the beginning of each game, you had to name your family members, and I, like everyone else, would always name them after my best friends. Then one day, it hit me. If these Oregon Trail family members were always going to die from snakebites and diphtheria, why was I naming the characters

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after my friends? I wore a huge smile on my face as I typed in the names of my class bullies and arch-nemesis at the start of a new game. And I still smile as I remember the joy that day when I yelled across the computer room, “Amy! You just died of dysentery!” Petty? Yes. Immature? Absolutely. Deliciously fulfilling? One hundred percent. I like to think that is exactly how it is for the folks naming our most horrific storms — that there is an element of revenge. I like to think that the scientist with the stolen pumpernickel came storming into his office of fellow storm-watchers, throwing both doors open at once and barking out, “Pull down the I names!” In my head, the new kid in the office, the recent graduate they are all still hazing and forcing to make coffee, ran over to the wall and pulled down the whiteboard from the ceiling that contained the I names. And the pumpernickel-less scientist regaled his colleagues with tales of the turmoil in the checkout line. “It gets worse,” I imagine he told them. “We were in the self-checkout line, and she couldn’t even figure out how to swipe the

barcode, so I had to help her swipe the code on the pumpernickel bread that this Irma had stolen from me!” By a show of thumbs-up or thumbs-down, it was decided whether Irma belonged among the possible names of hurricanes and tropical storms. If you’re one of these namers, everyone who has ever hurt you, gotten under your skin or made you angry has a chance of receiving the ultimate retribution: a storm name. Then, before the new hurricane season begins, I like to think the team members engage in their own form of March Madness. They take down all the lists of names and pin them up against one another. The scientist wronged by Irma has to battle against the scientist who always felt a kinship to the six-fingered man and wanted revenge on Inigo Montoya. An intense tournament of storytelling follows, with each person stating all the ways in which he or she was wronged, until the group comes to a consensus on who deserves to be the name of destruction more. Hurricane Irma was awful. The idea of petty scientists made cleanup a little easier. IN IS STA SU NT E!

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By CLIFF ENNICO

I was downsized from a corporate job about a year ago. I have never run my own business before, but I am realizing now there is no future for me in corporate America (I am over 50 years of age), so I am looking at entrepreneurial options. My outplacement firm recommended that I consider buying a franchise. The problem with franchises, though, is that the only really good ones are too expensive. I was approached recently by a franchise that’s just getting off the ground. It’s a restaurant concept founded by an awardwinning chef. The problem is that the franchise has no franchisees yet. I would be the first. How do you evaluate the risks in a franchise when you can’t talk to other franchisees?” It used to be that franchise developers would open and run at least 20 or 30 outlets before selling their concept to franchisees. Not anymore. These days, anyone with a franchise concept and the money necessary to register with the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, is launching a franchise. As 24

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with any new venture, the buyer must beware. Here are some things to think about before you commit your time and money: Is the franchise properly registered? About a dozen states require franchises to register with a state government agency (usually the attorney general’s office) before they legally can offer franchises to in-state residents. If you are living in one of these states, you should ask the franchise owners whether they are registered and get ahold of their registration documents (these are often more detailed than the franchise disclosure document on file with the FTC. If you are in a registration state and the franchise is not yet registered there, do not do anything until it is. Do the people running the business know what they are doing? Just because someone is a brilliant chef does not mean he knows how to run a successful restaurant. Spend lots of time speaking to the franchise management team members, and ask some tough questions, such as: — Do they have in-depth knowledge of the restaurant business? — Do they understand how

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franchises work? — Have they worked with similar types of restaurants before? (If this is an upscale restaurant concept and the management team has only worked with fast-food franchises, head for the hills. Pay especially close attention to the franchise’s real estate team — the people who will help you select the location for your first restaurant. Successful restaurants are all about location, location, location, and many restaurants with poor locations fail even though the food’s terrific. Is this a trendy restaurant concept? Beware of restaurant fads. Five years ago, everyone was opening soup kitchens. Two years ago, it was cupcakes. If the restaurant’s claim to fame is based solely on a limited number of menu items, it will probably have trouble adapting once the fad passes. Will the concept fly in your www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

part of the country? Certain restaurant concepts work only in certain parts of the country. People in northern states do not consume fruit smoothies the way they do in the Sunbelt, especially during the winter months. If the franchise menu items are inexpensive, it will probably not do well in high-rent parts of the country (like the Northeast), where it will have to sell thousands of items each week just to cover monthly expenses. And forget about selling highconcept, spicy ethnic cuisine in “meat and potatoes” parts of the country (you know what they are: Will the franchise bend its rules? Since the franchise management team knows as little about the business as you do,

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team members should not enforce franchise restrictions too narrowly. You should be given the opportunity to bend, if not break, the rules if you think it’s necessary for the franchise to succeed in your territory. Can you sign up for a huge territory? You correctly point out that you will need to be a gambler to buy this franchise. If you’re going to gamble, go for the highest stakes possible. Do not accept a small, limited territory defined by a handful of ZIP codes. Buy the masterfranchise or area-development rights for your entire state or region. By doing so, you accomplish two important goals: — Minimizing the risk of failure, as chances are there are at least

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one or two places in your state where the franchise concept will actually work. — Becoming immensely wealthy if the franchise concept takes off and becomes hugely popular. Just remember that you will be selling franchises to others in your state and will share responsibility with the franchise if the concept flops. Know Yourself. To succeed with this franchise, you must be fiercely independent, highly entrepreneurial, persistent and aggressive. If you need lots of support and hand-holding from a franchise or fear taking risks of any kind, look for an established franchise with a proven concept.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

By TOM MARGENAU

sure am glad President Trump isn’t considering me to be the new head of the Social Security Administration. What a thankless job! As about 10,000 people retire every day, and as thousands more file for disability and survivor benefits, the agency’s workforce keeps dwindling. And it’s going to get worse. Trump considers it his mandate to shrink the size of government. Of course, almost every Republican legislator thinks the same. And since they are now running the country, the federal government, including SSA, is going to shrink.

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I’ve made this following point many times in this column. So many Americans claim they want smaller government. But if my emails are any indication, what they really mean is they want smaller government for everyone else — but not for themselves. Here is an excerpt from an email I got yesterday. “I cannot believe that Obama changed a law that would deny me the right to claim Social Security benefits off of my wife’s account while letting my own retirement continue to grow. I just hope Trump corrects this travesty while he’s also kicking all those deadbeats off of the disability, welfare and food stamp rolls!” See what I mean? “More for me, but less

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for all those other people” is the mantra for so many Americans. President Obama didn’t change a law. But his administration did appropriately close a loophole that allowed mostly wealthy senior citizens to claim dependent spousal benefits on their husband’s or wife’s Social Security record while they delayed taking their own benefits until age 70, at which point they would get a 32 percent bonus added to their retirement checks. I have written many times how allowing someone who had a job and qualifies for a Social Security pension to claim benefits as a “dependent” husband or wife on a spouse’s Social Security account was a mockery of the basic tenets of Social Security. And it was costing the federal government tens of billions of dollars per year in extra payouts. If this guy really thinks that Trump is going to reopen that loophole while he’s “kicking all those deadbeats” off the government dole — well, I’ve got a wall across the southern border of this country that I’d like to sell him! OK, enough smarminess on my part. But my point still holds. So many people (oftentimes hypocritically) think the government is too big and needs to be shrunk in size. Well, it’s happening. The Trump administration has ordered the Social Security Administration (and almost all other government agencies) to downsize. At SSA, early retirement incentives have been offered to about 15,000 employees. That’s one-fourth of the agency’s total workforce of 62,000. That’s going to mean the closure of more local Social Security offices, which means fewer people available to answer the thousands of calls the agency gets every day. By far, the No. 1 complaint I hear from my readers is the overly long wait times when they call SSA’s 800 number. Well, all I can say is: Get used to it. And the disability side is an even bleaker tale. It takes SSA almost three months to process a claim for disability benefits. About 65 percent of those first-time claims are denied, which means there are hundreds of thousands of people who file appeals. Currently, more than 1 million people are waiting for a disability hearing in front of an SSA judge. The average wait time for that hearing is more than 600 days. Those numbers can only get www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

worse as SSA’s budget and workforce drop. And if you think that these Trump cuts will merely be reversing all the growth in government that happened during the Obama years, you’re wrong. Between 2010 and 2016, SSA’s budget dropped by more than 10 percent. During that same period, its beneficiary base went up by 12 percent and its fixed costs increased by about $300 million each year. And if you also think that SSA, just like any other government agency, has a bloated administrative budget that could stand some trimming, well, think again. Out of every dollar collected in Social Security taxes, less than one penny goes toward running the agency that maintains earnings records for almost every American and pays monthly benefits to 1 out of every 6 Americans. When I started working for SSA in the early 1970s, I was one of about 82,000 relatively happy and proud employees working for one of the bestrun government agencies. SSA consistently won awards for public service and administrative responsibility. As one of my co-workers always said, “SSA is an honorable institution engaged in a noble public purpose.” Local Social Security offices were well-run, clean and efficient. They were pleasant places to work and pleasant places to visit. I was able to take the time to not only explain complicated Social Security but also to simply chat with people and ask them how their days were going. I always kept in the back of my mind that even though this was just an everyday job for me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the customer I was dealing with. Unfortunately, now it’s a different world and a different SSA. With reduced staff and resources, it’s all about numbers, efficiency and time management. You must call to make an appointment and then wait weeks for that appointment. Then when you get to the office, it’s “take a number and sit down and wait until you are called.” And sadly, the SSA rep you finally get to talk to has neither the training nor the time that I had. I’m going to stop. I know these are the musings of an aging codger pining for “the good old days” that are simply gone. And certainly they are never going to come back if we continue to cut the budget and gut the staff of an “honorable institution engaged in a noble public purpose.”

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october 2017

SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY

SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY very moment to bring some cheer to yourself and others? For one thing, you can write a check of any size to a charity that’s helping the recovery effort. Charity Navigator (https://www. charitynavigator.org) can help you choose a reliable nonprofit, but so can someone you know who’s working at a food pantry in Houston. Volunteering your time is another way to be generous, but here’s a reminder: We’re all connected. If you can’t travel to Texas or Florida, you can help the needy right in your own hometown. Feed the hungry. Build playgrounds for kids. Work for justice and peace. You’ll be flooded with good feelings, and the whole planet will benefit. SHIFT YOUR BRAIN. When your left brain is an overthinking mass of jitters, shift to your right brain and let your creativity flow. Draw a picture that expresses whatever emotion is haunting you. Relax

By MARILYNN PRESTON

isaster distress is all around us, and of course it takes a toll on our personal well-being. You probably escaped the high-water horrors of Hurricane Harvey and the massive monster that is Irma, but there’s no getting away from the images and reports of death and destruction in Texas, in the Caribbean, in Mexico and Florida, devastation on such a crushing scale, it sinks our spirits 28

october 2017

just thinking about it. Flattened houses, floating cars, entire communities destroyed, overcrowded shelters turning families away: day after day of horrifying stories about people trapped, lives lost, everything gone, starting over amidst the rot, the mold, the stink, the suffering. No wonder I don’t feel like writing a column about eating your greens. So let’s review some strategies for feeling better in bad times,

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into a favorite poem that inspires courage, and then write one of your own. Sit quietly and breathe deeply, knowing disturbing thoughts may arise: And when they do, don’t judge or criticize. Simply return to your breath and calm the mind so that balance returns. TALK TO SOMEONE. When you’re feeling anxious (thinking, “What if my child was swept away by a flood?») — it often feels good to talk about your fears to a loved one, friend or trained therapist. Other people can’t resolve your worries, but letting them fester — buried, denied, unspoken — magnifies them. Don’t expect answers. Just talk it out, and know that being listened to, over time, will calm your fears and help you feel whole again. GROUND YOURSELF IN JOY. In times of trouble, it’s OK to do something that makes you happy. In fact, the psychologists

because the human spirit is hardwired to rise above the miseries and make the most of the lives we’ve been given. That’s how our sense of personal well-being returns, because we practice resiliency:

WRITE STUFF DOWN. No matter how miserable you might feel during the day, at night, before you go to bed, jot down three or five or 10 positive things that happened to you during the day. Reread it in the morning. Your mind attaches to the negative. It’s not your fault; it’s how we survived living in caves and running from animals who thought we were delicious. Now, we have to hunt around and remind ourselves of the good stuff: your 7-11 isn’t out of water; your partner praised your potato salad; your child passed his algebra exam. Some people call this a gratitude journal. I call it disaster relief. ENERGY EXPRESS-O! SETTLE INTO YOUR SERENITY “God, grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” — Reinhold Niebuhr

TAKE ACTION. You already know this: Doing good makes you feel good. Sitting around and binging on depression helps no one and does nothing to make things better. So, what can you do this www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

of positivity tell us it’s a good thing. Go bowling, if that’s what brings you joy. Find a way to be in nature: walking, swimming, paddling. Take a day off not to be sick, but to boost your sense of well-being. Imagine that! You’re not denying. You’re not ignoring. You’re doing the carpe diem thing. You›re seizing some moments for yourself so you can recharge, restore and renew. The world is fragile and unpredictable, but we humans can get stronger and healthier, moment by moment. One chapter in my new book is all about unconditional happiness. Just saying...

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october 2017

GRUBS UP

BRAIN TEASERS

Throw the Ultimate Tailgate

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pounds chicken wing pieces cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce cup butter, melted blue cheese dressing celery sticks

Heat oven to 450 F. In foil-lined pan, bake wings 30 minutes until crispy, turning once. In bowl, combine sauce and butter. Toss wings in sauce to coat completely. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

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: AMERICANA (e.g., What was the name of America’s first grocery chain? A&P.) FRESHMAN LEVEL 1. What were the first names of Abbott and Costello? Answer________ 2. What award ceremony has the ritualized request “The envelope, please”? Answer________ 3. What was the profession of Ansel Adams? Answer________ GRADUATE LEVEL 4. Who did Jack McCall murder? Answer________ 5. “Alcatraz” is the Spanish word for ____. Answer________ 6. What is the U.S. Navy’s official service song? Answer________

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pounds ground beef large onion, chopped can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes in puree can (15-19 ounces) kidney beans, undrained cup Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce packages (1 1/4 ounces) chili seasoning mix shredded cheddar cheese (optional) scallions (optional) sour cream (optional)

PH.D. LEVEL 7. What was the northern terminus of the Chisholm Trail? Answer________ 8. Who led Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys? Answer________ 9. What type of creatures are Archy and Mehitabel? Answer________ SCORING: 18 points - congratulations, doctor; 15 to 17 points - honors graduate; 10 to 14 points - you’re plenty smart, but no grind; 4 to 9 points - you really should hit the books harder; 1 point to 3 points - enroll in remedial courses immediately; 0 points - who reads the questions to you? Super Quiz is a registered trademark of K. Fisher Enterprises Ltd. © 2017 Ken Fisher North America Syndicate Inc.

ANSWERS: 1. Bud and Lou. 2. Academy Awards. 3. Photographer. 4. Wild Bill Hickok. 5. Pelican. 6. “Anchors Aweigh.” 7. Abilene, Kansas. 8. Ethan Allen. 9. A cockroach and a cat.

Football season is back, and that means it’s time to stock up on all the tailgating essentials. Nailing the food lineup is key because few things can ruin a good game like getting “hangry” before kickoff. This year, kick your game up a notch with simple tailgating recipes that bring the perfect blend of flavor and heat. These easy recipes will get you enjoying the festivities in no time, whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or home gating on your couch. No matter which team you and your friends are rooting for, there’s one thing that all football fans can agree on: wings are the MVPs of game day. Wings have been holding the line ever since 1964, when Frank’s RedHot was the key ingredient in the first-ever Buffalo wings. After all these years, there’s a reason wings keep their defending champ status: they’re easy to make and a surefire way to deliver that classic Buffalo flavor. Just bake the wings for half an hour to get that crispy coating, toss with your two-ingredient buffalo sauce and you’re all set. Serve them up with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks and you’ll be on your way to the ultimate tailgate. In order to make sure you’ve got the win locked in, have more than one play in your back pocket. Turn to another tried-and-true, one-pot classic: chili. Don’t overthink it - all you need to do is brown some ground beef, add some onion then crushed tomatoes, beans, hot sauce and seasoning. All you need is 15 minutes to build flavor and you’re good to go. Even easier, let your slow cooker do the work. Finish it off with shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream and more hot sauce, and you’ll have the hearty chili you need to keep the tailgate going strong. Enjoy your chili on its own or spoon it on top of hot dogs, nachos and whatever else you have on your plate. For more tailgate tips and great-tasting game day recipes, visit franksredhot.com/ recipes.

In large, nonstick pot, cook beef until browned. Add onion; cook 3 minutes. Drain. Stir in tomatoes, beans, sauce and seasoning mix. Heat to boiling. Stir often. Simmer, partially covered, 15 minutes, or until flavors are blended. Stir often. Garnish, as desired, with shredded cheddar cheese, scallions and sour cream. Source: Family Features and Frank’s RedHot

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october 2017

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