APRIL 2020 infinitieplus magazine

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus April 2020

VOL. 10 NO.4 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

w e i v g n o L l a i n n e

t n e c i u q s e S Junior League

Pine Tree High School

Texas Bank & Trust

ll a B

East Texas Baptist University

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Table of Contents

Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Cover Story

COVER STORY

Get personal with GE CafĂŠ Kitchen Appliances

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After the local Junior League put on a world class ball to celebrate the city's sesquicentennial its chairperson, Melanie Northcutt-Crocker was clear on whom to thank and recognize for the success of Longview 150.

"My co-chair, Lori Danielson, and I were approached by Laura Hill with the City of Longview over two years ago to serve on the city's 150 committee," she said. "Laura really wanted someone to host THE event of the year, so we volunteered the Junior League to get the job done! With the help of our amazing committee we believe we pulled off a once in a lifetime event that will always be remembered."

Distinct by Design

We are known for Stone, but we do much more!

4523 Judson Rd. Longview, Texas 75605 903-663-3344 | www.stone-works.net

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Sheena and Michael Shirley

Bethany and Shawn Hara

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Ron Hefley and Dionne Lott

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Laura Hill, Leisha Kidd-Brooks, Angie Shepard and Karen Bonds

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Longview Texas Sesquicentennial Ball Chair Melanie Northcutt Crocker and Co-Chair Lori Danielson

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Keith Bonds

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Jordan and Michelle Miller

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April 2020

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Editor's note

W

ow! What a year and how things can change so fast.

We started out celebrating a great year with the Chamber of Commerce in January. Then, February showcased more events including the Longview Sesquicentennial Ball. However, March marched in with the coronavirus 19 and everything changed. Bars, gyms, restaurants and schools received the Governor’s executive order to shut down till April 3rd.

Keep the faith Longview. This too shall pass. Meanwhile, carefully follow CDC instructions of how not to spread or get the virus. We encourage you for your reading pleasure to check out all the pages of the April magazine. Junior League did a fab job on the ball. Read the story from page 6. See some of the people who attended the ball from page 8.

Wait, there is more.

Longview Mayor, Dr. Andy Mack has a column on page 13. Read it for yourself. And the sesquicentennial continues with Texas Bank and Trust plus Julie Woods Real Estate Co. commemorating Longview 150 with iconic and artistic balloons from page 14.

In addition, the Addams Family had an amazing show at East Texas Baptist University. See story from page 16. Despite the dampened spirit due to the coronavirus, Pine Tree ISD students continue to excel. Read about Naftali Barrios who nabbed a gold medal in arts from page 18. The Easter story is on page 19.

Be safe everyone! Thanks for reading and have the most glorious Easter.

Death could not hold him. He has Risen from the dead and He is Lord!

FLIP MAGAZINE.

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers Kimberly Fish Zig Ziglar Shea Vogel

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.

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4

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The Addams Family

2901 2901 2901 N.N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • •Longview, Longview, • Longview, TXTX75605 TX 75605 75605 • •903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • •LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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April 2020

Cover Story

Cover Cover Story Story

the quintessential ball Junior League executes

“We have incredible "woman power," and knew if anyone could do it, the League could… can't even take a guess as to how many hours that our committee put in… was being worked on continuously for almost two years.”

- Chair Melanie Northcutt-Crocker and Co-Chair Lori Danielson B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

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After the local Junior League put on a world class ball to celebrate the city's sesquicentennial its chairperson, Melanie NorthcuttCrocker was clear on whom to thank and recognize for the success of Longview 150.

"My co-chair, Lori Danielson, and I were approached

by Laura Hill with the City of Longview over two years ago to serve on the city's 150 committee," she said.

"Laura really wanted someone to host THE event of the year, so we volunteered the Junior League to get the job done! With the help of our amazing committee we believe we pulled off a once in a lifetime event that will always be remembered."

Danielson concurs. “First of all, we were very honored to be asked to host this once-in-a-lifetime event for our city,” she said. Since, 150 years is such a big deal and the next major milestone won't happen for 50 more, we really tried to think of ways to make this party unique while keeping the focus on celebrating our rich history and wonderful citizens.”

It was hard work than one could fathom. However, anyone who attended the ball would absolutely attest that it was extraordinaire. Co-Chair Danielson gives the reader an insight on how it happened.

“Melanie and I started the early planning in May of

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2018. We began placing chairs for 11 different subcommittees and held our first general interest meeting in September of 2018. From that group of both active and sustaining members of the League, we created a committee of 45 women who saw the Ball through to completion,” she said. “I can't even take a guess as to how many hours that our committee put in as a whole, but one part or the other was being worked on continuously for almost two years.”

So, the Committee went to work and apparently did so tirelessly for two years to plan for a celebration never before seen in Longview. They arranged for it all, including hot air balloons for Maude Cobb Activity Center, catering, florals, decor and everything else needed. The convention center never looked better.

Seeking out significant personalities was another accomplished quest.

Concentrating on "those who put Longview on the map" the ladies identified and invited VIPs. "We are so thankful for all who were able to attend and/or send a video, but what a treat having Texas Governor Greg Abbott join us!"

There were also historic re-enactments as the Longview and Pine Tree Theater Departments recreated major Longview themes in period costumes after singer Lacy Barron opened with her beautiful rendition of the national anthem. |

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April 2020

Lori Danielson and Melanie Northcutt Crocker at the Ball

Next, came a massive birthday cake that was presented to the city a stunning creation of Edible Art. This huge massive, artistic yet delectable cake was a delight to the eyes and cameras for photo opportunities.

However, it was not partaken of until after the assembly joined in singing Happy Birthday!

The entertainment went on as guests danced late into the night to the flawless music of The Pictures and The Spazmatics. All this led up to recognition of the host of civic-minded and unselfish sponsors who made the event possible. There was never any question within the Junior League that this evening would be all it was.

"We have incredible "woman power," and knew if anyone could do it, the League could," Crocker said.

"We are also celebrating our 80th birthday this year and thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to give our beloved city a fabulous birthday ball."

Proceeds from the event went back to the Junior League to be used for its programs: School Supply Train, Poverty Conference, and Girl Talk. But that is not all the League is doing for the sesquicentennial www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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celebrations. There is more.

According to Danielson, two members of their committee, Ashley Perkins and Kelly Belt chaired the 150 Passport Program. “They coordinated with local businesses over a two-week period to provide free and educational events to elementary aged children to learn more about Longview,” she said. “We will also have a float in the upcoming Grand Sesquicentennial Trek Parade later this year.”

The time Crocker and Danielson have spent with the Junior League prepared them well for organizing the over the top sesquicentennial ball. "I am currently serving my 10th year in the League. I am a past president and my placement this year is co-chair of the Longview Sesquicentennial Ball," she said. "Lori is also serving her 10th year. She is my past executive vicepresident, and her placement this year is co-chair of the Ball as well."

The 1,200 guests would agree that the Sesquicentennial Ball was in one word, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Debbie Fontaine’s artistic cake

OH Methvin

Melanie Northcutt-Crocker

Richard and Carol Manley

Corey and Aliceson Howell

Rebekah Rogers and Ashton Patterson Blair and Forest Williams

Derecko Burton and Kelley Moses

Carol Sanders and Jeanette Centers

Bella Howerton and Raina Tachias

L-r: Lacy Barron, Melanie Northcutt-Crocker, Pastor Travis Stinson, Lori Danielson, Mayor Andy Mack and Natalie Lynch

Mayor Andy Mack, Governor Greg Abbott, Dr. Spencer Mack and Kelly Mack

Introducing a new way to save!

PAY IT FORWARD

Carolyn and Mike Northcutt

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Nelda Strong and Aliceson Howell

Delcine and Wade Johnson

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Small change making a big difference L-r: Steve Hill, Chris Tucker, Michelle Miller and Kirk Weindorff

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Eva and Jack Welge

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Texana ad.indd 1

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12/10/2019 10:46:54 AM

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Cover Story

Cover Story

Gai and Randy Bennett

Cathy Cace hugs Gov. Gregg Abbott

Jerry and Wife Marhta Camp shows off the Longview 100 year bell her mother passed on as a legacy

Keith and Pamel Mcintosh

Lori Osborne, Breneda Mathis and Nancy Watters

Jenna and a Richard Yeakley

Kevin and Janet Simons

Cole and Kendal Tomoberlain

Joe Bob and LouAnn Joyce

State Rep. Jay Dean and Judge Bill Stoudt

Leeah and Matthew Joseph

Jennifer Harper and Greg Colquitt

Kristin and Geoffrey Hoover

Heather Hale and Chris Tucker

Reggie and Anissa Centers; Karen and David Wright; Mayor Andy Mack and Wray Wade.

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Ad

Steve and Laura Mills

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Dan Droege and Flecia Woods

Shawn Hara and Laura Hill

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Laney and Patricia Newman

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Community Connections

Mayor's Column Dear Lobos, We are celebrating a big year for Longview: our Sesquicentennial. It is so exciting to be the Mayor during Longview’s 150th birthday.

It is a little hard to imagine that 150 years ago, a guy named OH Methvin sat on a hill in the center of Longview and said, “Wow, what a Long View. I think I’ll build a town. This looks like a great place to call home.” So, he bypassed Planning and Zoning, all the inspectors, the engineers, permitting and didn’t get a single red tag throughout the whole process. And then he said, “Longview is the easiest place to develop I’ve ever built in”.

Mr. Methvin must have been quite dynamic. He convinced the railroad to come to town, lay their track at the base of his hill, and proceeded to build Longview around it. With the train came people, and the town grew. People built homes, schools, churches, roads and bridges and eventually even underpasses under the railroad.

And at some point, some not as smart people came along, and they drove their trucks into the railroad underpasses. Now, I don’t want to dwell on those “not smart” people, but just in case please stop driving your trucks into the Green Street Bridge. Stop it.

Just stop it. It’s a low bridge, you won’t fit. Your picture will end up on the news and social media. You’ll feel embarrassed, your truck will get ruined, but our bridge will be just fine.

Moving along…many amazing people have helped build and shape our Longview community over these past 150 years. Some people started businesses, some established farms, some opened stores, some built huge industries, some dug water wells, some dug oil wells, some built hospitals and some built banks. And then came along gangs of people, who were not from around here, who robbed those banks. In fact, the famous Dalton Gang made their way through Longview as part of their string of robberies. Fast forward several years, we now have museums and a festival called “Dalton Days” reenacting how the people of Longview stood up for themselves and told those gangs “not in our town”.

Like any city, Longview has had some bright spots and some low spots. We’ve had stories of boom and bust.

We’ve had injustice, and champions fighting for justice.

We’ve had people serve their community here, and fight for their country around the world.

We’ve had inventors, scientists, entrepreneurs, co-

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medians, and athletes. We’ve had dentists like Dr. Bill Bussey set world records in hot air balloons. We’ve had singers like Neal McCoy who “Give us that Wink”, and Academy Award winning actors – like Forrest Whitaker and Matthew McConaughey - who likes to say “alright, alright, alright”. We’ve grown designers like Brandon Maxwell who dress Lady Gaga and star in “Project Runway”.

And did you know that Miranda Lambert was born in Longview, Texas?

We have also raised many famous athletes like Trent Williams, Bobby Taylor, David Wesley, Chris Davis, Chris Ivory and James Street – just to name a few.

We even have Governor Abbott, who before he took the oath of office as the chief executive of Texas, used to push me into the creek on Hoyt Drive when we were kids as he grew up right here in Longview.

As a matter of fact, we were lucky to have Governor Abbott come to our kickoff celebration for Longview’s 150 Ball. One of the main reasons the Governor wanted to be here was because his father, Roger, was one of the Emcees at Longview’s 100th Birthday. To be able to say they both spoke at celebrations for Longview’s birthday 50 years apart is pretty cool. What a neat family tradition.

Through it all, we’re a collection of people, from many different backgrounds, professions, creeds, and walks of life. But we all have this place called Longview as part of our shared history. I am proud Longview has been part of my story.

So, whether you just moved here, you lived here once upon a time, or you’ve been here since before sliced bread or electricity like the Northcutt’s, McWhorter’s, and Methvin’s, thank you for being part of our story. You all could choose anywhere in the world to live and you chose Longview. I am so thankful for those who chose Longview long ago and those who choose Longview today.

Together, let’s continue to build our town and our shared history as #onelongview.

Study hard, have some fun and say your prayers, Andy

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance

TB&T banks on aerial celebration of 150 years

Wedemeyer from 1982. The panels are embossed with scenes depicting Longview's history as a rural community in Deep East Texas's cotton and timber belts, on through the oil boom, and concludes with visions of the city's present status as a regional hub of commerce and culture.

TB&T originally introduced the monument with its 103-foot flagpole as part of the bank's 25th anniversary celebration in 1983.

TB&T Vice-Chair and CEO Rogers Pope, Jr. strikes a pose with bank’s balloon

T

exas Bank & Trust (TB&T) is taking off into Longview's sesquicentennial celebration by unveiling its new and novel contribution to the city's alreadyrenowned metal balloon sculpture display. The display is called THE BIG REVEAL, and TB&T Vice-Chair and CEO Rogers Pope, Jr. oversaw its unveiling in front of the main bank entrance on Green Street.

"We at Texas Bank and Trust are very happy to be part of our city's sesquicentennial celebration," he said. "We are also excited that this balloon depicts the bank's presence and main vision in our new cultural arts district."

After seven months of preparations and planning the six-foot sculpture is visible from all four corners of the downtown intersection. The unveiling was a major event.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments and visited the bank's historic flagpole base in front of the property. Newly restored for the 150th anniversary, the hexagonal limestone base with six high relief bronze panels is a creation of local sculptor Henry

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Artist Micah Ruland and Rogers Pope Jr.

Designer Holly Forbes, Micah Ruland, Arts Longview! President Nancy Murray and TBT Vice-Chair and CEO Rogers Pope, Jr.

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Senior VP and Advertising Manager Lori Osborne and Snr. VP Jennifer Harris of Texas Bank and Trust

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Lifting up

Longview, Texas

T

B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

here are so many things a city can do for her milestones of 50- or 100-years birthday. For Longview, her current milestone is sesquicentennial. So how do you celebrate Longview’s 150th birthday? There are many celebrations and commemorations such as the Longview Ball.

Lindsay Loy, executive director of Gregg County Historical Museum (GCHM) explained that the Museum looked at other cities who have had similar celebrations to Longview’s sesquicentennial like Fort Worth, San Antonio and many others. Each city had their icons. Hence, GCHM concluded, that the best icon to represent Longview was the Balloon. “We chose the balloon because it is a good representation of Longview,” Loy said.

“The balloon has enough space so people can be creative with their artwork.”

It is no wonder these balloons are iconic and artistic.

Julie Woods of Julie Woods and Associate Real Estate Company joined other businesses in donning her office with a balloon. “We thought it would be a nice way to support the Gregg county Historical Museum and commemorate Longview’s 150th birthday, “ she said.

“Longview has been so good to us and we just wanted to celebrate alongside her in 2020.”

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Real Estate Tycoon Julie Woods and Artist Micah Ruland

L-r: Real Estate Titan Julie Woods, Randy and Ann Brogoitti, Jan Johnson, Erin Brogoitti, Dr. Quentin Woods and Jordan Johnson

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Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Addams family becomes von Trapps B y J o y cel y ne F adojutimi

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part from being kooky, mysterious and creepy, they are now melodic. The Addams family showed their musical inclinations in a recent performance at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU.) From February 27 to March 1. the now-rhythmic clan serenaded in the Memorial City Performance Center in downtown Marshall.

An ETBU-record 1700-plus music and theater lovers attended during the show's run.

Drawing on the legacy of the iconic 1960s sitcom, this new Addams Family bases its style on the TV show's inclination for the gruesome but exhibits it through "ghosts" of significant persons from the family's past.

Despite the cast's zany, esoteric style ETBU theater professor Joshua Scott finds truth and credibility in the show's scripts and lyrics.

"The controlling idea that we championed from the beginning of the production process intentionally colors every single facet of the show: a family grows in faith when it wins over deceit," he said. "The story's counter idea is both just as powerful and truthful as its controlling idea: doubt destroys relationship, community and family when lies are championed over truth. These sentiments are echoed over and again in the Word of God." This musical production ran on Broadway from 20102011, where it proclaimed the themes of family, love, truth and forgiveness. During rehearsals, Scott was careful to replicate the professional style for preparing for shows. He emphasized the creation of meaningful characters and displaying how they react, how they respond, and how they come together as a unit. Music education major Caitlyn Bonnett portrayed Morticia. She brilliantly molded her character around this theme.

"What makes this show truly unique is the characters," she said. "Every single character, including the ancestors, made the show interesting. Playing Morticia has stretched me as an actor. Tapping into how dark she is was harder than I thought it would be. but director Scott encouraged each of us to make decisions as actors instead of making the decisions for us."

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The Adam's Family

The Adam's Family

hope it will be obvious to those watching that being courageous and searching for truth in spite of darkness are Kingdom ideals worth fighting for," said director Scott.

"Ultimately it's just like the opening number states, 'Family first, family last, and family by and by.'"

The Adam's Family

Students and faculty commenced rehearsing back in October, and therefore had plenty of time to hone their performance to perfection. This included lovely scenery, eye-catching costumes, and original, flawlessly executed choreography against a backdrop of Tony Award-nominated music. The final result was a smashing success.

"The Addams Family has one of the most complicated musical scores I've ever had to sing in a show," said theater education major Elaina Berry. "The choreography has also been a challenge for us, but there is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment you get when you conquer a challenge. I hope when people walked away from this performance they were thinking about families and the love they share on a deeper level."

This was the first event held in the Memorial City Hall Performance Center since its recent renovation. Originally built and opened in 1907 the sprawling building once included city administrative offices, a municipal auditorium and courtrooms. It is now a performing arts center that also houses the Harrison County Veterans Museum. Theater arts major Codi Arndt sees the use of this venue as an indication that ETBU theater and music is embarking in a new and serious direction. He anticipates that this and hard work will attract new talent for all ETBU departments.

"By the time our story plays out, we as an artistic team

The Adam's Family

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ATM National, LLC. is the sole owner of the Allpoint® Brand Mark and all trade uses, designations or registrations owned or hereafter incorporated in the Allpoint® Brand Mark. ATM National, LLC. shall retain all ownership rights to the Allpoint® Brand Mark and shall have all authority to require proper usage and maintenance on all signage applications at the Participant’s expense.

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The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of the Allpoint® logotype and design in a rectangle box. None of these elements may appear separately or be altered in any way.

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This Graphic Standards section of these Operating Rules h facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Mark on all S Terminals, signs, marketing materials and other communic LLC. must approve in writing any deviation from these stan Rights and Requirements

ATM National, LLC. is the sole owner of the Allpoint® Bra uses, designations or registrations owned or hereafte Allpoint® Brand Mark. ATM National, LLC. shall retain all Allpoint® Brand Mark and shall have all authority to requ maintenance on all signage applications at the Participant’s

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The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of the Allpoint® logo rectangle box. None of these elements may appear sepa any way.

Approved Color Versions of the Allpoint® B

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TBT IPM GoSeeDo fam bikes 2020.indd 1

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Arts and Culture

Community Connections Spiritual

Pine Tree Neftali Barrios

nabs Gold Medal

Explore the true meaning

of Easter

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P

ine Tree High School junior, Neftali Barrios, won a Gold Medal for the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. His digital art, titled "Intergalactic," along with the other artworks created by the nation's most outstanding teenage artists, will be on display at Parsons School of Design in NYC, May 29thJune 14th. He will also receive an award at Carnegie Hall. The final, gold medal winning piece is titled "Neftali final piece."

More than 320,000 works of art and writing was submitted to the 2020 Scholastic Awards. Neftali's art was selected by some of the foremost leaders in the visual and literary arts for excellence in originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Only 3,000 works received a National Medal, which places him within the top 1% of all submissions.

Since 1923, the Awards have celebrated teen artists and writers from across the country. Neftali will join the ranks of celebrated alumni like artists Andy Warhol, writers Sylvia Plath Stephen King and Truman Capote; and filmmaker Ken Burns who also won this award as teens. Elizabeth White is his teacher.

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

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HE IS RISEN

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April 2020

unnies and baskets, chocolates and candies.

It’s that time of year when parents scramble to ensure their children wake up to a trove of treats, and families decide on who is serving the lamb dinner this year.

These are some of the familiar Easter traditions, but much more is involved with the holiday than egg hunts and brightly adorned bonnets. For the Christian, it is important to delve into the true meanings behind Easter and let those discoveries help shape celebrations.

Easter, above all, is a religious commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the culmination of the holy period known as Lent, and it the most significant date on the Christian liturgical calendar.

Jesus Christ was the Son of God, who fulfilled the prophesies that he would give his own life for his people so they could enjoy eternal life after their own mortal bodies perished. Easter, from Jesus’ very own words, marked a new covenant for the faithful.

According to scripture, Jesus was enjoying the Passover dinner when he sat down with his disciples.

Understanding that this would be his last earthly meal and that someone close to him would betray him, he took bread and gave thanks to God for it. He broke the bread and said it was his body that should be given up so sins would be forgiven. He did a similar gesture with wine, indicating that it was his blood that should be shed as a sacrifice for all. Christ instructed the disciples to do the same ritual in the future in memory of him.

Jesus was subsequently betrayed and turned over to the authorities. He was sentenced to crucifixion and perished on the cross. His body was cleansed and placed in a tomb sealed by a stone. His followers were unaware of the miracle that would ensue in the days to come.

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On Easter Sunday, the tomb was discovered open and empty. Jesus had risen from the dead, providing irrefutable proof that he was the Son of God. In turn, Jesus fulfilled all he was born to do and preached.

Easter did not always symbolize Christ’s resurrection when it was first celebrated. It was once a pagan ritual of renewal and birth. However, when early missionaries began spreading Christianity’s message, the holiday falling around the time of Christ’s actual resurrection was adopted to commemorate the religious miracle.

Today it stands as a testament to ultimate sacrifice and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Jesus Christ.

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Wedding Business

Tips on Saying Yes to

Wedding Business

Reputable Wedding Vendors

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B y M echele A gba y ani M ills

or some, Valentine’s Day is more than flowers and chocolate. For approximately 10 million people it means a ring and a life changing question. Wedding season is right around the corner and in 2019, more than 150,000 couples turned to Better Business Bureau for inquiries regarding their wedding day. Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas (BBB) reminds consumers that doing thorough research before choosing a wedding vendor can save stress, worry, and money.

Last year,1,173 consumers filed complaints with BBB regarding wedding vendors. Complainants tell BBB they ordered products like wedding dresses and wedding favors with the expectation that the products would arrive in time for the wedding, but found there were delays in delivery, without an acceptable refund or other recourse.

Choosing the right wedding vendors can play a pivotal role in the success of your big day. Likewise, choosing a poorly run or dishonest business can ruin your big day.

BBB proposes that newlyweds consider the following when planning for their special day:

• WEDDING SERVICES: Research the vendors. Before you fall in love with any vendor, check its availability for your wedding date.

Go to bbb.org to read verified Customer Reviews and complaint history. Ask the business ahead of time what their plan is for delivering their product on time and get three bids before saying “yes.”

Double check prices and unexpected fees.

• CATERING: Some caterers, hotels or reception venues charge extra for “plate splitting,” “cake-cutting” or “corkage” fees, especially if you bring in a cake or alcohol purchased from another source. Ask if any fees apply beyond the cost per person, gratuities or room rental, if applicable.

• WEDDING DRESS Dresses that don’t measure up. Brides have complained to BBB about bridal shops ordering the wrong sizes and colors of gowns as well as dresses that arrive too late for timely alterations. Make sure your order specifies new merchandise, sized to fit you and your bridesmaids. Call the shop to remind the staff of your schedule if you don’t hear by the promised time.

• WEDDING TRANSPORTATION Wedding transportation problems. Common complaints about limousine service include poor customer service and rigid cancellation policies. Get everything in writing and never pay the entire amount in advance.

• MUSICIAN Musician switch. Never rely solely on a website, demo tape or phone conversation when hiring a band or other music service. Find out where you can hear the musicians play before you hire them. Ask who will actually perform at the reception and get a written commitment from the band or musician, including the amount of time they will play and costs for additional time.

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• PHOTOGRAPPHER Photographer issues. Common complaints about the photographer include not showing up for the wedding and failing to deliver pictures until months after the wedding. Find out when and how pictures will be delivered, if there’s an option to receive images on a flash drive, length of time available to choose the desired photos and who will own the rights to share, distribute and print the images.

• FLORAL CHANGES Floral changes. Fresh flowers are a perishable commodity and the final bouquet or arrangements may need to change depending on what’s available on the wedding day. Make sure you spell out a minimum size or number of stems in each bouquet. Ask how the florist will handle any last-minute substitutions and charges especially if the value of the flowers actually used is different from the agreed-upon amount.

• WEDDING INSURANCE Consider purchasing wedding insurance. Wedding insurance can cover a range of prospective problems including vendor no-shows, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, travel delays and more. Many policies start at $200 and can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

• BRIDAL GOWN PRESERVATION Bridal gown preservation. Some bridal shops and other businesses sell bridal gown preservation packages including cleaning and a storage box. Many of these packages are no more than regular dry-cleaning and a cardboard box that may not be acid-free.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, call BBB at 903-581-5704 or report it via BBB Scam Tracker.

Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas

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Mind Soul and Body

Mind Soul and Body

How COVID-19 is transmitted

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OVID-19, the novel coronavirus that was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in mid-March 2020, has claimed thousands of lives across the globe. Though the WHO insisted during a press briefing declaring COVID-19 a pandemic that the virus could be suppressed and controlled, Director-General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described what he felt were alarming levels of inaction in regard to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Understanding COVID-19, including the threat it poses and how it is transmitted, is of the utmost importance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is still much to learn about COVID-19, including how it spreads.

However, the CDC notes the following are some ways that researchers, as of March 2020, feel that the virus is transmitted.

Person-to-Person Researchers who have studied the virus feel that it is spread mainly from person-to-person. People who are within six feet of one another may spread the virus through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those who are nearby or potentially be inhaled into the lungs.

The CDC notes that the virus is contagious, and that people might be most contagious when they are at their sickest. Symptoms of COVID-19 include

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difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face. Additional symptoms may be associated with COVID-19 as researchers learn more about the virus, and people who experience anything unusual should discuss their condition with a physician immediately.

Researchers also suspect that the virus may be spreading through people who are asymptomatic. So even people who do not feel sick or exhibit signs of sickness may unknowingly have the virus, potentially making them capable of spreading it.

Contact with Surfaces The CDC notes that researchers do not suspect that contact with contaminated surfaces or objects is the main way the COVID-19 virus is spreading.

However, the CDC also notes that it may be possible for people to get the virus by touching surfaces of objects that have the virus on them and then touching their own mouths, noses or possibly their eyes. The relative infancy of COVID-19 means researchers have yet to fully understand how the virus is transmitted.

Understanding COVID-19 also involves staying up-to-date on local announcements about the virus and adhering to any restrictions government officials put in place. People living in or near areas where others have been diagnosed should follow all protocols put in place by the government to reduce their own and their neighbors’ risk of exposure to the virus. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.cdc.gov. TF204938

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Beautiful Brides

Wedding Business

wedding cake

Make a statement with your

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

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

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

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

Megan DeBauche Photo by Callie Dawn Photography

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

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

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

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Beautiful Brides

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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

Megan DeBauche

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Beautiful Brides

Beautiful Brides

Megan DeBauche Photo by Callie Dawn Photography

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Megan DeBauche

Phillip DeBauche

Photo by Callie Dawn Photography

Photo by Callie Dawn Photography

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Engagement ring

buyer’s guide

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edding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born. While couples remember the sentiments and the style of their engagements forever, the engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated.

Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed.

Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open anytime jewelry is mentioned.

Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also

cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others.

Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge.

In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone.

Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Jewelers will often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process is that much easier.

Female marriage and lifestyle trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JEWELRY

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

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2019

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April 2020

Engagement Ring

Buyers Guide

Female Marriage and

Lifestyle Trends

Megan DeBauche

Tips on Saying Yes to Reputable

Wedding Vendors

Making a statement with your

wedding cake

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