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Vol. 29

N E W S December 5, 2019

Pastor State-ordered study finds STAAR not too Homer hard for young readers Rockmore

and Red Oak Baptist Church invites you to Musical Sunday.

Police Officer Rodney Eubanks See Page 7

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

See story on Page 5

See Story Below

See story on Page 15

Cuddle Cot comforts grieving parents

education spotlight

Pine Tree High School

Back row: LRMC COO Travis Sisson, CEO Casey Robertson, Bernie Martinez, Garrett Adkins and Cathy Fabiani, Clinical supervisor pediatric and nursery. Front Row: Robin Smith, Labor and delivery supervisor; Kelly Chambliss, Maternal child director; Janelle Martinez and Lacy Adkins.

Samuel James Elliot Martinez survived his own difficult birth on August 15, 2016. His parents silently listened to how their baby’s future was problematical and perilous. He was born hard of hearing and legally blind. He had microphthalmia in his permanently closed right eye. He had a hard time breathing and showed little inclination to eat. Still, like all newborns, he was just plain precious, and radiated a fierce determination to survive. For those closest to him, this was his greatest asset. Contd. on Page 2

Fabulous Females Feted State-ordered

Heartisans celebrates milestones, graduates study finds By J o y c e l y n e

Fadojutimi

Coolton Munoz and Nikema Williams Page 9

Heartisans Founder and CEO Jules Rachels, President of the Board Renee’ Robertson with graduates

The Public Safety Communications Division along with the Longview Police Department and Longview Fire Department are holding a joint hiring event at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. To see candidacy requirements, view all current City of Longview job opportunities, apply for a job, or sign up for job alerts, visit www.LongviewTexas. gov/Jobs.

Christmas Parade Rolls Through Downtown Longview Dec. 5

Contd. on Page 3

Contd. on Page 15

Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church invites community to Annual Musical Sunday Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church located at 2717 S. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard in Longview Texas will present Family Choir Annual Musical Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Reverend H.C. Rockmore Sr., Pastor of Red Oak Baptist Church and his entire congregation invites everyone to please join them for a joyful time in the Lord.

STAAR not too hard for young readers

Contd. on Page 5

GIFT CARDS

Not for paying taxes Gift cards may be a popular holiday gift for family and friends, but don’t be tricked into believing they are a way to pay taxes. During National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS urges taxpayers to protect themselves from fraud. Thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. See Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts on IRS.gov for more details.

COMMUNITY NEWS

December 5, 2019

Cuddle Cot comforts grieving parents

December 5, 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS Christmas Parade continued from page 1

Celebrate the “Songs of the Season” at the 2019 Longview Ambucs Christmas Parade at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, in downtown Longview. The Longview Ambucs Christmas Parade is hosted by the Longview Main Street program in conjunction with One Hundred Acres of Heritage, and is sponsored by Peters Chevrolet Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat. Starting at the intersection of Green Street and Whaley Street, the parade route travels west along Whaley Street, turns south onto Horaney Street, turns east along Methvin Street, and concludes at the intersection of Methvin Street and Green Street. Several downtown streets will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Families of at-risk newborns receive support By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

“Janelle and I and the [other] kiddoes were like, ‘OK, no problem. Let’s just love Sam whatever the challenges,” said Bernie Martinez, Sam’s father. “We loved Sam, and all of our friends and family and the entire community of Diana and abroad did as well.” Almighty God guided little Sam and his loved ones through the highs and lows of his challenging infancy. This little trooper was never alone as those around him shared in the glory of his accomplishments. They took heart from his fighting spirit, and as he learned to smile through all the hurdles, they smiled, too. He set an example for his healthcare providers as they sought answers to his problems and singled out the best facilities for his care. “Sam allowed us to see a world we would not have seen otherwise,” said Bernie. “Which brings us to the Team SAM Foundation.” Team Searching Always for Miracles (SAM) is the legacy of this tiny titan who went on to be with his Lord two years ago. His loved ones seized on his heroic example to establish an initiative that would make Sam’s life a positive influence on other less-fortunate little ones. Sam’s mother, Janelle, is a registered nurse with a magic touch, and this made it easier for her to interact with her son’s doctors and sundry caregivers and realize not all parents are strong enough to handle such a loss. “Google and YouTube can only get you so far, and sometimes those resources are not available,” she says. “Living life with a medically challenged child becomes an extremely difficult road to navigate.” The Team SAM Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit advocacy group tasked with assisting delicate newborns and their families. SAM Foundation provides assistance in finding the best healthcare providers, insurance and various relevant government agencies that provide needed services and information. Little Sam did not make it, but this does not have to be the case with all at-risk babies...or their loved ones. “Saying goodbye to Sam was one of the hardest things we have ever done,” says his father. “Allowing our children and parents one last snuggle, bathing him, laying him in bed and then walking out knowing we would never hold our child again nearly broke our hearts.” It had a positive side, though. It was the inspiration for this year’s Team SAM annual fundraiser. It provided funding for Cuddle Cots for both Longview hospitals. A Cuddle Cot is a cooling mattress that stops a baby’s body’s deterioration. It can be placed in both baby beds and baby carriages, allowing parents to spend extra

time with their newborns before their funerals. Time for hugs, kisses and long last looks. With these the hospitals give grieving parents and family members a little extra time with their bundles of joy. The Cuddle Cot is an eight-pound device that looks like a crib. It has a refrigeration unit under the mattress, slowing decomposition. Without this device, deceased babies would have to be stored in a morgue, giving grief-stricken parents little access. In this scenario, the parents are often told they would not want to see their babies, giving the misconception they look grotesque or monstrous. Lacey Adkins and her husband lost their infant twins in December 2018. The Adkins joined the Martinez family and donated a Cuddle Cot to Longview Regional Medical Center in memory of their loved little ones. “It’s scary whenever you’re holding your baby that’s passing away, and if you keep them for a period of time things happen and they start to change colors,” she said. “It’s just really devastating, and that’s not helpful, to be able to see your baby like that, but you still want to have that time with them, so the ability to have the Cuddle Cot is amazing because it keeps them looking like they’re asleep,” said Atkins. She knows the pain of such a loss and empathizes totally with others who share this agony. “That’s the thing I’ve heard most from grieving moms, is that they regret not having the time to spend with their child or taking any photos,” she says. “It seems super weird and morbid at the time, but honestly that’s what you cling to in those years after you’ve lost your child.” Like little Sam, the Cuddle Cot is a blessing.

“This is a tremendous asset. On behalf of Longview Regional Medical Center, we thank you. We are so grateful for your donation.” Longview Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Casey Robertson

Bernie and Janelle Martinez with Garrett Adkins and Lacey Adkins.

Barricades will be placed around an approximate eight-block staging area east of Gregg County Court House and the 300 block of E. Methvin Street. Access to the outdoor drive-through locations of Texas Bank and Trust will be permitted until 6 p.m. Drivers should use extra caution when driving near the parade route and staging area. Most downtown streets should re-open later that night; however, some limited street closures will remain in effect to accommodate the Christmas at the Courthouse event on Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information about the Christmas Parade or other Longview Main Street efforts, please visit LongviewTexas. gov/MainStreet or call 903239-5538.

One of the most common questions of persons who are in the One of themidst mostofcommon questions whoHow are in the grief is some variationofofpersons “how long?” long will midst of grief ispain some variation ofbefore “howI long?” longlike willI did this last? How long am able How to function this pain last? How long before I am able to function like I did before? How long before I stop crying whenever someone before? How long before I stop crying whenever someone mentions the name? mentions the name? We think sometimes thinkas ofagrief as a condition - an illness V. Stanmore Director We sometimes of grief condition - an illness that that V. Stanmore Director has to run a course. particularWith course. With or a cold flu,can we take can take has to run a particular a cold flu,or we that in a we few will days recover. we will recover. Webe will be back to normal. Allsigns signs of of comfort that comfort in a few days We will back to normal. All the be illness will be merely a memory. the illness will merely a memory. Grief is not or an aillness or a disease. It is a transition.We do not better.We We Grief is not an illness disease. It is a transition.We do not getget better. reconstruct in of thethe faceloss. of theWe loss. We learn to live with that loss.Grief Grief is is aa reconstruct our lives inour thelives face learn to live with that loss. difficult journey. We may experience allof sorts of emotions - guilt, anger,sadness, sadness, difficult journey. We may experience all sorts emotions - guilt, anger, loneliness to name may find it difficult to concentrate, distressedby by so so loneliness - to name a- few. Wea few. mayWe find it difficult to concentrate, distressed many We memories. We may hurt physically, less than best. may many memories. may hurt physically, feelingfeeling less than our our best. It It may the we waysbehave. that we We behave. Wefind mayourselves find ourselves avoiding othersororangry angry influence theinfluence ways that may avoiding others the normal of may life. We may struggle withfaith, our faith, trying sortout outall all at the normalatirritants ofirritants life. We struggle with our trying to to sort our whyto this had to happen. our questions ofquestions why thisofhad happen.

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Publisher/CEO Joycelyne Fadojutimi Contributing Writers Jim Hightower Mechele Agbayani Mills Rusty Wright Teresa Hoffman Rusty Wright Molly Sabatino Graphic Artist Sho Labaco

The entire contents of the East Texas Review are copyrighted 2019. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Publisher welcomes input from the public. You may write or e-mail your comments. East Texas Review reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of East Texas Review or its advertisers. Submission Deadline - Every Friday.

OPINION

December 5, 2019

WHAT WOULD IT COST TO BUY THE 2020 ELECTION America’s wealthiest billionaires buy a national election at $100 a vote — and still make money.

votes. We can safely assume that Bloomberg would need at least that 63 million. At $100 a vote, a victory in November 2020 would run Bloomberg $6.3 billion. Bloomberg is currently sitting on a personal fortune worth $52 billion. He could easily afford to invest $6.3 billion in a presidential campaign — or even less on a primary. Indeed, $6.3 billion might even rate as a fairly sensible business investment. Several of the other presidential candidates are calling for various forms of wealth taxes. If the most rigorous of these were enacted, Bloomberg’s grand fortune would shrink substantially — by more than $3 billion next year, according to one estimate. In other words, by undercutting wealth tax advocates, Bloomberg would save over $6 billion in taxes in just two years — enough to cover the cost of a $6.3 billion presidential campaign, give or take a couple hundred million. Bloomberg, remember, wouldn’t have to win the White House to stop a wealth tax. He would just need to run a campaign that successfully paints such a tax as a clear and present danger to prosperity, a claim he has already started making. Bloomberg wouldn’t even need to spend $6.3 billion to get that deed done. Earlier

this year, one of Bloomberg’s top advisers opined that $500 million could take his candidate through the first few months of the primary season. How would that $500 million compare to the campaign war chests of the two primary candidacies Bloomberg fears most? Bernie Sanders raised $25.3 million in 2019’s third quarter for his campaign, Elizabeth Warren $24.6 million. Both candidates are collecting donations — from small donors — at a $100 million annual pace. Bloomberg could spend 10 times that amount on a presidential campaign and still, given his normal annual income, end the year worth several billion more than when the year started. Most Americans don’t yet believe that billionaires shouldn’t exist. But most Americans do believe that America’s super rich shouldn’t be able to buy elections or horribly distort their outcomes. But unfortunately, they can — or at least, you can be sure they’ll try.

AMERICANS LOVE CBD, BUT IT’S A WILD WEST Tens of millions of Americans use CBD products. Most don’t realize it’s entirely unregulated. By Paul Armentano

One in seven Americans say they use CBD products, according to Gallup. The rising popularity of these products — which range from oils and gummies to topical salves and most everything in between — is staggering, especially when one considers that much of the public had never even heard of CBD two or three years ago. CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of over 100 distinct compounds found in the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, it is not significantly mood-altering. Instead, many consumers believe the compound helps treat pain, anxiousness, and other ailments. But Americans’ exuberance for CBD could well be short-lived. That’s because many products currently marketed under the CBD banner are of low or variable quality. Back in 2017, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that only 31 percent of commercially available CBD products contained percentages of cannabidiol that accurately reflected the products’ labeling. Since then, little has changed. An October 2019 analysis of 30 leading CBD products by the watchdog group LegitScript.com reported that two-thirds possessed significant deviations in CBD content from what was advertised. Typically, these products contained far lower percentages of CBD than the manufacturer promised — a finding that is woefully consistent with prior analyses.

Investigators also reported that some of the products evaluated in the LegitScript analysis tested positive for either solvent residue or elevated levels of heavy metals — findings that are also similar to those of prior reports. Other analyses have identified even more problematic issues. Some CBD products, for instance, have tested positive for the presence of THC, the primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis, despite being advertised as “THC-free” — an oversight that could cost customers their jobs if they fail a drug test they expected to pass. Most concerning, some CBD products have tested positive for added psychotropic adulterants — such as dextromethorphan or synthetic cannabinoid agonists. Exposure to these latter agents, typically found in illicit so-called “synthetic marijuana” products like Spice, can lead to serious health consequences. All this is rapidly creating a “buyer beware” environment for consumers — and potentially placing them at risk. This situation persists because the federal government — and the Food and Drug Administration in particular — doesn’t regulate either the manufacturing or testing of these products. Despite the presumption of most Americans, the commercial CBD market is entirely unregulated by the FDA. This is because, until recently, federal law defined all cannabis-derived products as illicit. Now, the FDA and other agencies

STATE/NATIONAL

IRS stresses data protection By Richard Sanford

By Sam Pizzigati

Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York’s mayors since 1942, hosted billionaire Michael Bloomberg for three terms. The first of these terms began after Bloomberg, then the Republican candidate for mayor, spent an incredible $74 million to get himself elected in 2001. He spent, in effect, $99 for every vote he received. Four years later, Bloomberg — who made his fortune selling high-tech information systems to Wall Street — had to spend even more to get himself reelected. His 2005 campaign bill came to $85 million, about $112 per vote. In 2009, he had the toughest sledding yet. Bloomberg first had to maneuver his way around term limits, then convince a distinctly unenthusiastic electorate to give him a majority. Against a lackluster Democratic Party candidate, Bloomberg won that majority — but just barely, with 51 percent of the vote. That majority cost Bloomberg $102 million, or $174 a vote. Now Bloomberg has announced he’s running for president as a Democrat, arguing he has the best chance of unseating President Trump, whom he describes as an “existential threat.” Could he replicate his lavish New York City campaign spending at the national level? Could he possibly afford to shell $174 a vote nationwide — or even just $99 a vote? Let’s do the math. Donald Trump won the White House with just under 63 million

December 5, 2019

are playing catch up, with the federal regulators estimating it could take years before the FDA finalizes rules governing the commercial CBD market. This intransigence is no longer acceptable. Currently, the heavy burden of overseeing the CBD marketplace falls solely on state regulators in jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis use. But these regulations are not consistent from state to state and are often far from comprehensive. Further, state-specific regulations typically only govern CBD products that are sold in licensed dispensaries or retail outlets that exclusively sell cannabis products. They may not cover products sold online or at gas stations, which are subject to virtually no oversight. Congress facilitated the growth of the commercial CBD market by passing legislation in 2018 that, for the first time, recognizes the production and distribution of certain hemp-derived CBD products. But without federal rules, standards, and oversight, this new market is a wild west — rife with questionable players hawking low-quality or even fraudulent products upon a largely unsuspecting public. The tens of millions of Americans soliciting this market deserve better. It’s time for federal officials to set appropriate standards to govern this industry — so consumers can be assured, once and for all, they are getting what they pay for.

With the approach of the holidays and the upcoming tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry will again sponsor a nationwide campaign December 2-6 urging people to better protect their sensitive tax and financial data. The initiative will highlight simple steps taxpayers can take such as using antivirus software and strong passwords — point out common tactics used by identity thieves to target taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals. It will also focus on specific threats to businesses and to tax professionals, both of whom are increasingly plagued by crooks. Clay Sanford, an IRS spokesman, said one of the most common ways thieves steal your personal or work information is by simply asking for it. “They go to great lengths to appear as a trusted company— maybe your bank or your favorite online retailer,” Sanford warned. “Be sure to

examine emails carefully, and if you get these types of ‘phishing’ emails on your phones or computers, just delete them.” Since forming the Security Summit partnership in 2015, the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry have made significant inroads into tax-related identity theft. Learn more about their efforts and their progress at IRS.gov. While the Summit partners continue to improve their internal defenses, more help is needed from taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to better protect the data that identity thieves need to file fraudulent tax returns. Increasing public awareness about

people’s role in protecting their own data is a critical part of the Security Summit efforts. Partners launched the “Taxes. Security. Together” awareness campaign in the fall of 2015. Tax professionals can also keep track of alerts, awareness efforts and security news at “Protect Your Clients, Protect Yourself” on IRS.gov.

State-ordered study finds STAAR not too hard for young readers By Aliyya Swaby/Texas Tribune Were the reading and writing passages on standardized tests that Texas elementary and middle school students took this spring too challenging for their grade levels? Likely not, University of Texas at Austin researchers said in a report released Monday. But they struggled to determine whether the questions and answers for those tests and several others were too hard. A heated debate over the standardized tests sprung up during this year’s legislative session, when a coalition of education advocates resurfaced years-old studies showing that test passages were written one to three grades above elementary and middle schoolers’ grade levels. The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, known as STAAR, are high stakes: Student scores on the unpopular test are a key factor in determining whether students can graduate and how schools are rated. Advocates brought their concerns to state education officials and later to lawmakers, arguing Texas should reconsider using the test results to penalize students and schools. Instead of making a decision, lawmakers punted the question to academics for an independent ruling. Monday’s report is the first of a twopart study. It analyzed three things for standardized tests that third through eighth graders take: the difficulty of the reading and writing tests’ passages, the difficulty of questions and answers on all tests across five subjects, and the tests’ alignment to what the state expects students of each grade to learn. University of Texas at Austin researchers concluded that the vast majority of passages in the 2019 reading and writing exams fell within or below the test’s grade level — appearing to contradict the earlier studies. And they found most of the tests and their questions

aligned with what the state expects students to learn in each subject. But the researchers struggled to determine whether the test questions were too challenging for students. They concluded that analyzing the complexity of the test questions “in a reliable manner for this report is not possible.” Educators and parents have lobbied for years to lower the stakes attached to the STAAR, calling it an inaccurate measure of whether students are learning. State lawmakers from both parties subsequently voted through legislation to drastically reduce the number of required exams and shorten the length of some of them. In 2019, just 48% of Texas students scored at grade level or above on reading or English exams. And 38% scored at or above grade level for writing. Texas Education Agency officials, who fiercely defended the test earlier this year, are taking the results from the UT

study as a clear win. In a statement also released Monday afternoon, the agency said it was “pleased with the report’s findings” that found the assessments are “appropriate to students’ grade level.” When the debate first came to light, in a February Texas Monthly article, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath sent a letter to lawmakers saying the old studies had used a formula that was “inappropriate” to judge whether STAAR exams are written on grade level. Monday’s study used several different methods to judge whether the passages landed within or below the appropriate range for the test’s grade level. It found that 86% to 97% of passages did. But not enough research exists to let the researchers determine whether the test questions were written at an appropriate level, according to the study. The second half of the study will analyze the spring 2020 STAAR exams.

Always Best? (Part 1 of 2) When You 6 gospel SPOTLIGHT spotlight 6 GOSPEL Need It The Most By Carey Kinsolving

Psalm 23 speaks of the Lord leading his people in paths of righteousness. A “When you have a baby December 5, 2018 2019 August promises 2, biblical proverb sister, and sometimes you that the Lord will direct trick her, then God will not the paths of those who aclike that,” says Victoria, 8. knowledge him God in all their faith, is Baby sisters seem to ways (Proverbs 3:6). have radar for discovering with them. Doing good or evil begins they’ve been duped — at Just as we with with the decisions make. least my baby sister did. Biblical Paths, the directions we Parents also possess this travel in life, start with pathcharacters same radar, as Katelyn, 8, Discipline” is discipline is likewise are helpful in ways in the Whatevcan testify: “I was a faking andbrain. alltopeople word that is pregnant with meaning. training people be er we fix our minds on will sick, and I got grounded for since, God pregnant with There are a variety of autonomous, influence our selfbrain’s paththree weeks. I got in trouthe plight that they were facing in goes before meaning. We can practices which might restrained members ways and our life’s paths. ble with my dad, and that’s public disgrace and certain small town us, stands The results of a 17-year use the expression be termed “disciplines,” of society, but many bad.” study in the journal Science spiritual shunning. But instead of us, will Katelyn, your“being life will disciplined” be to such as fasting, praying, of us haveby forgotten reported come that 5.7in percent much more about peaceful and worrying the public perception, and of mean that one shows and obedience, which how to dowho these youths watched less fun if you do the right thing. Joseph and self-restraint Mary decidedand to trust clean after has deepen our spiritual things, which why than one hourisofup television Take a tip from Keeleigh, in God’s promise. Would it be far us when a day committed aggresregulated lives and help us having a spiritual 11: “If you do right all the his or her sive acts against others in fetched to believe that they did so due develop the proper and time, you won’t get in life introusuch a way that mentor or necessary guide subsequent years. That figto the greatest promise, with ble, you won’t get fussed willOver perform there is at, order“God and that self-restraint in the is important. ure jumped to 22.5 percent and you will have more fun. us!” works through us. God can one’s life is productive. spiritualmarvelous realm. Selfthefor coming weeks, those who watched one That The means you willChristmas make Biblical story reminds us work through people today to bring much for children: Good oran bad? alsoTootalk oftelevision time restraint is such wetowill examine three hours a ajoy day to and God happy andWe havecan a betthat God is not only with us but God seeks those who are 28.8 percent for those who disciplined” to “fun” important character variety ofanxiety. spiritual it’ll be grief/ Toexperiencing the law real life, the ended few ter relationship “being with Him.” watched more than toDoing save us. Aren’t we still need of God’s TheBut Promise offor Jesus has echoed for three whenin Parker andthat a relief/ the right meanthing that one isBonnie being trait without itit’s death disciplines, including hours a day. Clyde Barrow drove into Bonnie and Clyde.” and having fun punished may sound by redemption? During this season we call centuries us in the Great Commission “I external life becomes chaotic. meditation, fasting, about this: You Youwith don’tyou havealways, to be a to Think a aware hail of bullets fired by am contradictory, the Bible Christmas,but if we are not of God’s the very end of the forces or agents. Parents People who cannot praying, are whatand you study, think. Parents calls this fun state “bless- lawmen waiting in ambush bank robber to know that presence and our human predicament, age.” (Matthew 28:20) Though hetelevision may a who consider discipline restrainthe themselves findwages as well as simplicity, Bible says, “The along children a tree-lined Louisiana ed.” Many people think fun their benign babysitter should we inevitably find ourselves lost. We are have ascended into heaven shortly after road. of sin addicted is death.” to We’ve all comes when they in anbreak attempt to help themselves service and think again. Children at times lost in our grief over deceased before herdrugs, death, earned those wages. Many rules. Many movies this statement, His spirit and His presenceare themdepict developShortly that selfincarcerated, and submission. Reflect vulnerable to the strangtimes, the second part of Bonnie Parker gave a poem lawless people having all loved ones, restraint financialor struggles or broken remain. Therefore, whenever we discipline withouttruly the material on areas of your own to her mother, which proved that scripture is not quot- ers who invade your home the fun. relationships. If we seek to find joy and servesustain food to the hungry, visityou the need afflicted is necessary for Here’s resources where to television. Doing “but the gift of God life is through to be prophetic. how ed: to Remember which the movie peace in material goods, we may even or incarcerated, comfort the bereaved or right begins by thinking them to function well. their lives. be more disciplined. eternal life The in Christ Jesus the poem ends: “They don’town “Bonnie and Clyde”? Robfeel banks lost inlooked the mentality of the share the good6:23). news ofright. Jesus, we revisit they’re tough or des- our Lord” (Romans bing like so think In aconsumer spiritual context, religious disciplines –If Christopher Simon Memorize “For They know to the law Bonnie had known sec- God much fun itself. in the movie. In perate./ season Our world today seems and more fullythe realize with this us.truth: When as he thinks in his heart, so alwaysnarcissism wins./ They’ve been ond she might struggle with unparalleled and we half, serve and lovehave others, is as if God is he”it(Proverbs 23:7). avoided a life of crime. shot at before/ But they do “Whoever loves knowledge, self-absorption. Our anxieties may loves reach discipline serves and love through us.this God with us Ask question: If you “Doing what is right is not ignore/ That death is feed on a diet television new heights within us the if but we are focused on whoever hates correction is stupid.” is more whatonce God does for us,of but always bestthan because wages of sin. whatGod aredoes you anything other than “God with us.”they’ll Both instead it first is NIV a time, completion of what do it the you violence, “Someday go you —Proverbs 12:1 prone to do? down together/ And they’ll almost can’t stop doing it,”

HOME FRONT

December 5, 2019

God is with us By Michael A. Guido, D.D.

We are all grateful for our “first responders.” They save lives, bind wounds, bring food, give clothing, provide shelter and restore power. They have become our “rescuers.” And, indeed, they fulfill a critical role. But as Christians, when we face a time of trial or tragBedy, y Dwe r .have G aOne r y who H i has l l ibeen a r dwaiting for us to call upon Him when we need help. He is always waiting for an opportunity prove Hisus! power whenever we face a odto is with It is comforting difficult situation. to consider the powerful and One morning, about four o’clock, Peter was in seripeaceful ofwere Godin in ous trouble. He and a fewpresence of his friends a small boat far fromour shore when aand fierceinstorm world, our arose lives,out of nowhere. Fearing for all their lives became even especially in view that is they broken in our more frightened when they saw what they thought was world. The occasion of Christmas is filled a ghost. They screamed in terror. And over the howling with also anxiety, and inbeing the midst wind joy, camebut a stern voice that said, “Stop afraid.” ofIt both Godassuring is withthem us. that there was no reason was Jesus forIn them fear for their lives because He was theto Biblical Christmas story wethere to save them when they needed Him the most. read about how an unmarried and “If it is really you,” said Peter, “tell me to come to virgin Mary receives a hopeful message You – let me walk on the water!” “Certainly,” said Jesus, of“come salvation from Godtovia theHe Angel on. You’ve nothing fear!” got out of the boat, felt the and the waves, lost His faith and beGabriel. Inwind delivering the message, gan to sink. He shouted, “Save me, Lord,” and Hebut did. Gabriel acknowledges her human fear It is never the eloquence or length of our prayer that proclaims her heavenly favor. He explains counts, but our simplicity and sincerity. It is never a forhow whoHe was just to a our teenager, mulaMary, but our faith. will likely always come rescue if will become pregnant by the Holy we call on Him in a faith that believes in Him.Spirit Lord, we do indeed believe power andPrayer: give birth to God’s son. SheinisYour told to and Your Increase our faith whenever name thepromises. child Jesus, which means God we doubt. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. saves. Furthermore, she is made privy Scripture for this week: Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD, toforthe fact Jesus, thethose Sonwho of God, will no one isthat faithful anymore; are loyal have reign over the Jacob forever. vanished from thehouse human of race.

GOES before us, stands by us

(Luke 1:26-35) Understandably, she must have been rejoicing but also anxious. In similar fashion, Joseph, who had pledged to be married to Mary was approached by an angel with a message from God. The angel communicates with Joseph through a dream and exclaims the Good News concerning Jesus. Prior to the angel’s intervention, Joseph had learned of Mary’s pregnancy and was planning to end the relationship quietly so as to avoid disgracing Mary publicly. Who could blame him for after all, he knew that the child she was carrying was not his. Just as with Mary, the angel’s message included the revelation of a conception by the Holy Spirit and the promise of Jesus who would be the savior of the world. (Matthew 1:1823) Perhaps, Joseph was fill with joy and apprehension. Imagine Joseph’s and Mary’s plight and how the community might have already been gossiping concerning the indiscretions of the young couple, or at least the young unmarried Mary. Oh, how people love to gossip. Can you imagine the talk around town in Nazareth? I suppose that Joseph and Mary needed some good news for

“

Joseph and Mary were able to hear the through us. Perhaps, our anxiety is less 10. bury them by side./ message of God and receive theside peace of To says andCecile, our joy increased when our priority is God by acknowledging that no matter how on “God with us.” What if this Christmas difficult the task ahead, “God with us.” you looked for ways to experience the The Biblical Christmas story exhibits promise of Immanuel by exercising what God can do through us. Immanuel what is really meant by “God with Us.” ANSWERETH is a perfect description of the incarnation. Joseph and Mary received the promise of DELIVER DESPISETH God became flesh and dwelt among us. Immanuel, but I don’t believe this promise DESTROYETH But did God merely come to earth in order was fully realized by them until they DWELL to point usEXALTETH to salvation in heaven or for decided “God is with us.” And when this FINDETH GATHERETH redemption of human condition? This promise became reality, the world was GOETH motif of “God with us” is not unique to transformed. INCREASETH the GospelLABOURETH accounts of the incarnation Merry Christmas! LEAVETH LOVETH in fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. Dr. Cary Hilliard is Vice President, MAKETH Throughout the Old Testament we see PERCEIVE Poverty Solutions, House of Disciples. PRESERVE God’s people such PURSUETH RECEIVE as Abraham and REFUSETH REJOICETH Sarah, Moses, REWARDETH Gideon, Deborah, SEEMETH 6 E. Pittman St. Longview, TX 75602 | 903-758-9532 TRUST Ruth, David, TURNETH Sunday School 9:45a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00a.m. Jeremiah,UNDERSTAND Haggai, WALKETH Pastor Jerry Stanmore etc., are reminded that as they proceed through life by

Longview Full Gospel Holy Temple

Longview Police. The few encounters I have where people just believe the Police are there to harass or bother citizens have been far and few between.

Name of Officer: Rodney Eubanks Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Tyler. Home town: Tyler, Texas

As a Police officer, what do you want your legacy to be. I would like my legacy at the end of my career to be that I was always approachable, honest, and someone people felt comfortable approaching for help or advise.

Prior job experience if any: Retired from the U.S. Army after 21 years as an Infantryman. How do you feel when you put on your uniform each day? When I put on my uniform each day, it makes me feel accountable for my actions. I know that it the uniform is a symbol of the Longview Police, and that my actions either good or bad reflect how the Department is seen. People don’t often understand how hard police officers work to keep citizens safe, what inspired, you to become a protector of the community and can you tell us if any daily risks you’ve seen or experienced. After spending my adult life serving the United States in the Army, it only felt natural to want to continue to serve in-my local community. I originally enlisted into the Army, to bypass the requirements for college to enter into the Texas Highway Patrol, but life happened and I ended up making it a career. What is a misconception you have seen that the public have about the Police? The citizens of Longview for the most part seem to be very supportive of the

306 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Longview, TX 75602 • 903-753-1774

Sunday School 9:00a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30a.m.

2717 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Longview, TX 75602 | 903-757-6440

Pastor H.C. Rockmore

Sunday School 9:45a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00a.m.

2101 W. W. Marshall Marshall Ave., Ave., Longview Longview 2101 903-759-1401 | www.highridgelv.com 903-759-1401 | www.highridgelv.com

Pastor Tim Ingram

First Service: 9:00 am FirstService: Service:10:30 9:30 am am 2nd 2ndService: Service:12 11:00 am 3rd Noon

• @EastTexasReview E a s t Te x a swww.facebook.com/EastTexasReview Review • @ e t r _ n e w s p ap e r 2 5• •www.EastTexasReview.com w w w. E a s t Te x a s R e v i e w. com • @ E a s t Te x a s R e v i e w

Police Office Rodney Eubanks

What was one of your toughest days on the job. One of the toughest days on the job would be a call for a gunshot victim, who turned out to be only three years old. The young child had found an unsecured handgun in the house she was in, and accidently shot herself It made an impact on me, just because I had a son that was only a few years-older than that at the time. I could only imagine the loss the parents felt for the child. How does your family feel about you being a police officer? My family has always been very supportive of my career decisions and backs me up on everything. Police officers work long hours and the work is very stressful, how do you like to relax? During my off time I enjoy playing golf, hunting, fishing, or just hanging out an trying not to think about the pressures of the job.

December 5, 2019

SCHOLARLY PIRATES BYPASS TITANS By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

During the Holiday Season more than ever Our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our service to the community possible It is in this spirit, that we sincerely and humbly say THANK YOU, GRACIAS, MERCI, GRAZIE We look forward to many years of service

From all of us at East Texas Review Newspaper

Coolton Munoz and Nikema Williams

Pine Tree Independent School District senior Coolton Munoz and junior Nikema Williams are both ardent athletes on their school’s football team. As Pine Tree Pirates they take their athletics very seriously but are far from onedimensional. Their approach to the classroom is equally determined and competent. Their intelligence and quick

thinking have paid off on the gridiron and in the recent robotics competition versus the Trinity School of Texas in Longview. They both credit their critical thinking and analysis skills for their triumph in this cerebral contest. Munoz is anticipating majoring in computer science at Texas A&M, while Williams is shopping for the school that will give him the best

education in mechanical engineering. He is leaning toward being a Texas Christian University Horned Frog. “Since I was a little boy, I always wanted to do this--speaking of robotics-but they picked only mostly Gifted and Talented students,” Williams says. “So, when I finally came to high school and found out it is an elective, I jumped in.”

We have just enough time before...

Newspaper Fun! December 5, 2019

www.readingclubfun.com

The Gift of Giving Fill in the missing vowels to name items that you can use to decorate or make your gifts:

Gifts You Can Make

recipe

R __ B B __ N S E O

A I

O A

A U

I O

S P __ R K L __ S

C __ L __ R __ D

Gifts to make - by computer or by hand: The Bird 1. if you have photos or postcards from a in the Tree trip, you can make a travel ______ 2. think of a theme (like ‘winter fun’), make a crossword or word search ______; roll it up and tie it with a ribbon 3. make ______ for photos or drawings 4. tie together pieces of cardboard or buy a ______ in which to put photos, school papers 5. write tales and make drawings, print them out and make them into a book of ______

Kinds of Gifts Coolton Munoz, Nikema Williams and Teacher Samantha Szyloski

B __ T T __ N S

helping

hand

pres

ents

1. ask a new classmate to an event 5 2. offer to sew, repair items or to shovel walks ship 3. tell jokes, amusing friend tales, share comics 4. listen, talk, put groceries 8 away, have tea 5. sing or play an instrument music 6. water plants, help with pets 7. thoughtful items that people need 8. lets someone choose his own gift

ter

laugh

time

Not everyone likes to make gifts. Sometimes we just run out of time or our budgets are small. Here are gifts that you can “put together.” Think about items that go well together – for example, a movie rental coupon and popcorn – then buy or gather them together. Next, find a box, bag, basket, tin or other container to hold your gift. Add a bow or card.

Bathder Pow

I make wrapping paper by decorating paper bags!

puzzle

8 bookmar

calendar I’m making all of my gifts by hand.

I’m going to paint, glue and make a big, fun mess on the kitchen table!

GLUE

pen glue ruler string pencils photos scissors

Some people just don’t want or need any more stuff. So, think about giving them a gift in “name only.” You can let them know about the gift with a card! This list will get you thinking. Can you match up my ideas? 2

4 6

Put-Together Gifts

coloring

No More Stuff! Gifts in Name Only!

Hey Chatter, how about this idea?

6. decorate any plain paper to create writing paper or ______ 7. make your own pictures for each month (or find printable forms on your computer) to make a yearly ______ 8. create _______ by decorating paper or cardboard strips with cartoons, stickers or poetry so friends can track their reading 9. write your family’s favorites on index cards, put in a small box or bind together to form a ______ file or book 10. draw “outline” pictures to make a ______ book for a younger brother or sister; add markers or crayons to this gift

Gifts show joy and caring. It takes time to think about gifts and to make, buy and wrap them. A present tells people that they are important to you. It also makes you feel good when the people receiving your gifts smile as they open or enjoy them! 1 There are many kinds of gifts! Read the clues to fill the puzzle:

P __ P__ R

journal

frames

3 ies

scrapb

ery

stor

Y __ R N

S T __ C K __ R S

ook

station

One deas I n e z Do

1. to be planted in a schoolyard or park 2. money for kids to go to A. money for research school or college and health care 3. to pantries or soup kitchens B. food or groceries 4. to families in need in other countries to C. cows, chicks, goats feed themselves or start businesses D. tree, bush, flowers 5. donation to keep people E. heating oil warm F. scholarship or fund 6. to children’s hospitals Dear Peak, Look! y e n A o do na tio n has been m made in your nam e. A duck has been gi caring ven to Nice! a family starting a farm.

1. coloring or puzzle books; crayons or pencils 2. tea bags, coffee, cookies 3. jar of jelly, cheese, crackers 4. car wash, polish, sponge or mitt, bucket 5. pine cone bird feeders, bird seed 6. ink pads, rubber stamps, paper 7. golf balls, tees, score cards 8. hot chocolate packets, marshmallows 9. soaps, bath powder, wash cloth 10. pears, apples, oranges, grapes 11. model cars, planes, trains; paints and brushes 12. nuts, spicy snacks, chili mixes

ice

Sp Coffee Blend

y da oli a H e T

Chatter and I are teaming up to make all of our holiday gifts this year. I’m using my computer to help. I will write stories and recipes, draw pictures and then print out my work. Next, Chatter will decorate the pages and bind them into books or make other fun items. We can’t wait to start!

Building things is a favorite pastime of his, and he also excels in math and science. Like his colleague Munoz, he breezed through the robotics competition because of his skills at problem solving, communicating and completing tasks. Munoz’s and Williams’ ability to adapt in the middle of procedures was essential in the competition. “Because we are a good team, we were able to beat Trinity School of Texas,” says Munoz. “We felt pretty good about our win.” They are also experts at time management as they find time for both football practice and educational pursuits. “We have second period to study, so we used it and prepared for the competition after we got the idea of what it would be like,” they said. “We know what to build and learned to adjust during the competition. That is how we won.” They named their prize-winning robot CHAMP, in honor of their victory under the supervision of robotics teacher Samantha Szydloski. Munoz and Williams realize football is not a guaranteed route to success, but a successful education is a virtual assurance of a stable, secure future. Neither suffers from working hard both on the football field and in the classroom.

Kids: color stuff in!

So you me item mig ht n s eed :

December 5, 2019

...the holidays to make our presents.

Newspaper Fun!

I’ve got it...errr... almost!

The holidays are full of excitement. People often share their joy with others by decorating their yards, homes and hearths. Colored lights shine from tree branches. Garlands and wreaths grace doors. Plants and flowers are brought inside to brighten and beautify rooms. Delicious 5 smells of baking cookies and breads from the kitchen are created by spices taken from plants and trees. Plants are an important part of holiday time celebrations!

Sugar

Inside and Outside the House

wintergreen peppermint cinnamon chestnuts chocolate 9

wheat plums anise sugar sage 10

In the Kitchen

Holiday Symbols! Read the clues below to fill in the crossword with symbols of Christmas!

Ooooh, these cinnamon sticks smell wonderful! 11. root with a spicy taste; used for breads, cookies 12. used for scent and taste in stuffing and with meats 13. from the red-brown bark of a tree; ground into powder for drinks, cookies 14. reddish-purple fruits from tree; used in cakes, pudding 15. from the bean of cacao tree

1. gift bringer 2. heavenly messengers 3. large burning chunk of wood 4. town where Christ was born 5. ring in Christmas with these 6. kind of tree decorated at Christmas

vanilla nutmeg ginger almonds cloves

Whew. The last holiday chore on my list is to decorate my nest. Can you help me find the evergreen branch, then the holly with berries? After that, go to my nest. No backtracking, please!

7. carried the Kings everg reen 8. people kiss under this 13 9. three of them brought gifts 16 bells 10. tree decorations 11. lighted to show warmth and joy 15 12. ring of greens 13. marked the place in the sky em 14. birthday of Jesus Christ hleh t What Plant is This? e B 15. songs of the season Use these letters 16. written holiday greetings to spell the name. 17. plant that brightens holidays t a n o e

s a Clau

Sant

yule lo

Hark!

8 candle carol

star

King

14 17 This plant used to brighten the holidays is native to Mexico. The “flowers” are actually leaves! __ p __ __ i __ __ s __ t__ __ __ i __

Hark!

Can you fill in the names of the instruments that are missing from the lines of these Christmas songs?

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing...

Is it #3 6 and #7? Huh? Huh? Is it #6 and #8? Is it...

Hmmm... which way do I go? cards

11 12

Can you help Starlight, the elf, stuff the cookie into the stocking?

I want to find two matching wreaths to decorate my doors. Can you find and circle two identical wreaths for me? 3

Christmas is Coming!

Stuffing the Stocking!

Two Just Alike! 2

ornam Christmas is coming! Every ents wreath s a tm s i r h day there is something to C e 1 do to get ready for the mistleto an gels camel holidays. I just finished s making Christmas cards 2 with photos on them for my family and 5 6 friends. Right now I am hanging this 4 wreath I made on the barn door. Symbols of the holidays are all ia poinsett around us – candles show light and warmth, and bells joyously peal. 10

Someone in India W R __ __ T H decorated this banana tree for the holidays! M I __ T L E __ O E 1 Match the clues below to the plants! Then, fill in the blanks to spell the names. 1. a large one is cut and blessed; it is lighted and kept burning 5 2. blooms at Christmas; S T R __ __ T __ E E can be red, pink or white 3. green leaves, white berries; custom says people kiss under this P __ I N S E __ __ I A 8 4. round, made from evergreen branches; decorated with red bows, pine cones 5. decorated with lights, ornaments, star 6. placed as bedding in a manger or made into ornaments for the tree Y __ L E L O __

Plants at Christmas Time!

1. nuts from trees, used in making marzipan candy – a sweet paste that is shaped and colored to look like fruits, vegetables and toys 2. licorice gets its flavoring from this plant 3. buds from a bush; have a spicy taste and scent; hang an orange from a ribbon and push these into it for a nicely scented decoration 4. from a bean in a pod on a vine; used in puddings 5. has a “cool” taste; used in candies; grows in U.S. and Canada 6. ground into flour; used for cookies, cakes, gravies 7. used in candy canes, tea; thought to help settle the stomach 8. comes from cane; used for icing, lollipops 9. in pods hanging on trees; in some places, street vendors roast and sell these to eat while still warm 10. hard little seeds ground into powder - shake on eggnog

Color in everything.

Fill in this puzzle about the parts of plants that we use in our kitchens!

T G W E A U R T O S A T

www.readingclubfun.com

Many voices and musical instruments are used to create all the beautiful carols that we hear everywhere.

1. I played my __________ for Him pa rum pum pum pum I played my best for Him pa rum pum pum pum 2. With little tin __________ and little toy __________, Rooty-toot-toots and rummy-tum-tums, Santa Claus is coming to town.

3. It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, to touch their __________ of gold; 4. Jingle __________, jingle _________, jingle all the way!

Decorating for the Holidays ‘Naturally!’

Do you know where the spices we use come from? How about the nuts and oils?

Kids: color stuff in!

December 5, 2019

Study the shapes and shadows of these Christmas symbols and decorations. How many can you name? 2

Christmas Shapes and Shadows

5 3

12 4

7 11

www.readingclubfun.com

Newspaper Fun!

Kids: color stuff in!

December 5, 2019

...hope to hear jingling on the rooftop!

Christmas is almost here and we...

...eggnog and to use peppermint in cocoa.

We like to grate nutmeg on top of our...

Happy New Year, everyone!

Newspaper Fun!

It’s a great time for new beginnings.

Happy New Year!

rate celeb

New Year's Day is a wonderful time. This first day of January and of the new year is a time to remember the past, to celebrate, and to hope for a happy, healthy future. 1 In the U.S., some people have parties or attend church services at midnight. Others go to Times Square in New York City to listen to music, enjoy the crowds and wait for the magical stroke of midnight. In other countries people exchange gifts or open their homes to neighbors or visitors. Many people honor parents or relatives and try to pay all their debts so they will not owe anything at the start of the new year. I’m full of energy and New Year's Day is a time to think back – and ahead! ready for the new year!

1. _______________________ 2. _______________________

Now list 2 things you think will be important next year. 1. _______________________ 2. _______________________

can mean a fresh...

Follow this color key to find out! Y = Yellow (or gold) B = Blue

A New Year...

Y B Y Y B B Y B Y B Y B Y Y Y B Y B Y Y Y B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B Y

gift

resolutio

Janua

new

calend

midnight

10. people getting together to have a good time 11. to honor or praise something 12. instrument, makes a loud noise 13. condition of your body and mind 14. twelve o’clock at night 15. first month of the year

V P X B A S P W P X N I U T

visits horns

I U L P S F F Y A Z Y E I T

S C Z G S I X I H G R O H B

I H J Z C R E O R K B O S R

future cheers

T E H C Q E K G G S R A E J

S E Y H O C M R O N T L N K

P R E I N R E R S P Z D D A

E S C E E A M B V E K Q A H

parade first day

B B B Y Y Y B B B B Y Y B B B Y B B B B B B YY B Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y B Y Y Y Y B Y B Y Y B Y B Y B B B B B Y Y B B B B B B Y Y B B B B B B

B B

horn

G X W K R E A N K R Y G Z D

11 1 2 10 3 9 8 4 7 6 5

Heartisans celebrated 5 years of serving the community and 3rd year of graduating work-ready or college bound women. For the area’s luckiest ladies, Heartisans is a source of job training for chosen careers leading to successful, secure futures. Participating women already have the ability and inclinations, but thanks to Heartisans they now also have the training/preparation opportunity to turn their dreams into reality to the benefit of themselves and their families. Higher education is often an essential part of the vocational path. This program provides hands-on job and soft skill training to make it possible for participants to be job-ready when they complete the curriculum. Heartisans also provides opportunities for networking among locals to achieve the necessary social, physical and spiritual needs attainable through cooperative interaction. As such it gives its students a local resource to "Serve

W L Q M G C O A B E L R S Y

B Z P V E E I Y L J J V F U

G N A R T R E N T E G U G G

W G R D W S S E U C T X O Q

memories firecrackers

Marti Sticklan, Jules Rachaels and Julie Lynn Ashley

announces 2020 Stars Over Longview honorees

Everyone’s having fun! Can

E T S I P K R B H A N S Z V

In Love" via their now-developed gifts and talents, which are molded into a vehicle manned by community volunteers as a financial blessing for the community. Julee Rachels, CEO and Founder, describes Heartisans journey thus: “It has been amazing. We have been really blessed because we kept God in the details,” she said.” It is truly God who has kept us all along.” Renne’ Robertson, president of the board couldn’t agree more. “This is our third graduation. It is amazing to see what God has done,” she said. “Heartisans represents the body of Christ in Longview because our partnerships-diverse churches and people who support us.” Heartisans is located at 112 W. Methvin St., Ste. C, in Longview, Texas. Visit their shop to purchase diverse items from cookie mixes, candles to Tshirsts. Contact them at 903.431.1188 or info@ heartisansmarketplace.com

Longview Regional Medical Center

you find and circle the “New Year” words below in the puzzle?

visit

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi

party

bells

old

New Year’s Search

It’s New Year’s Eve! Help Star find her way to the clock and then to the fireworks!

health

toast 6

Read the clues to fill in the crossword: 1. hollow, metal objects that ring when struck 2. beginning, for the first time 3. pleasing sounds made by voices or instruments 4. to call on or stay with someone 5. present, something given 6. chart of the months, weeks and days of the year 7. promise or decision 8. raise glasses to drink in honor of a person or thing 9. aged, time gone by

Midnight Fun!

music

Q Z A Q J L Y W U U L V P S

K J D I I G M Y R U L B V C

P H E F A T H E R T I M E E

A Y M C P G Z A G Y R I E H

Longview Regional Medical Center and the Women’s Advisory Council are pleased to announce and congratulate the 12 dedicated and compassionate women who were nominated and selected as the honorees for LRMC’s 2020 Stars Over Longview Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon. The honorees will be recognized at the 20th annual Stars Over Longview Awards Ceremony and luncheon on Thursday, January 9, at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 12 p.m. January 9.

U K U D K U Z R N F O I E Z

Father Time Baby New Year

B B B B B Y Y B Y Y B Y B B Y B B Y Y B B B Y Y B Y B Y Y Y B B Y B BY Y B B Y B B Y Y B Y Y B B B B Y Y B B B Y B B B Y Y B Y B B

List 2 things that you will remember about this year!

Heartisans celebrates milestones, graduates

Yawn...I’m so worn out!

Let’s Celebrate!

COMMUNITY NEWS

Fabulous Females Feted

Kids: color stuff in!

December 5, 2019

www.readingclubfun.com

December 5, 2019

The 2020 Stars Over Longview are: • Dr. Darla Baggett • Mary Greenwaldt • Amber Hobbs • Jennifer Teague Jackson • Chandalyn Lewis Jenkins • Gay Kirkland • Kelly Kinsey Overby • Caryn Pepper • Erika Rader • Mica Sterling • Mary Lou Stuckey • Melissa Sutton. “Longview Regional’s Stars Over Longview program is unique to our community because it brings light to those who are making a difference behind the scenes,” said Libby Bryson, Director of Marketing for Longview Regional Medical Center. “This year more than 50 women were nominated from the community. Each nomination

is a wonderful story telling of the many ways these women are helping influence the future of Longview and the women who call Longview home.” The LRMC Women’s Advisory Council (WAC) is comprised of 20 local businesswomen, community volunteers and activists. Each year council members tirelessly pour themselves into the selection process and continue to take a great amount of pride in annually presenting these women as Stars Over Longview with a formal Luncheon Awards Ceremony. “I chose to call Longview home in 1983 and have embraced this fine city since that time,” said Caryn Pepper, a 2020 Stars Over Longview honoree. “I have looked for opportunities to serve our beautiful community and I am truly honored to be recognized by the LRMC Women’s Advisory Council in this way. I love Longview! Go Longview!” The 2020 keynote speaker is Longview native fashion design Brandon Maxwell. Surrounded by immaculately dressed women from a young age, Maxwell was captivated by the women who passed through the boutique where his grandmother worked in Longview. He went on to study photography at St. Edward’s University in Austin and began assisting stylist Deborah Afshani in 2009, followed by Edward Enninful, and then Nicola Formichetti in 2010. His hallmark style of sharp tailoring and sculptural details are apparent in his namesake collection. His brand is

worn by many iconic women, including Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, Oprah, Blake Lively, Jane Fonda, Queen Rania of Jordan and Tiffany Haddish. “Stars Over Longview highlights the exceptional women who impact our community,” LRMC CEO Casey Robertson said. “This event was created so that LRMC could take time to recognize the amazing efforts of women in our community – through their time, talents and generosity of motivating others to by their service, to serve in our community.” Tickets are on sale, for $30 each or $240 for a table of eight. Tickets are available for purchase by contacting 903-553-7400, (cash, check and credit cards accepted). For additional information, visit www. LongviewRegional.com.

About Longview Regional Medical Center:

Longview Regional Medical Center is your community healthcare provider; a 224-bed facility. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We’re 180 physicians and healthcare professionals strong, and quality-driven, nationally recognized for chest pain and stroke care, and dedicated to great patient service, with multi-specialty clinical expertise. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.

COMMUNITY HEALTH Diabetes is a killer that afflicts multitudes, although many live for years and even decades with the disease. The effects can be lethal, but generally there are symptoms that tip off those with type 2 diabetes that they have the affliction even though they can be mild to the point of going unnoticed. Common symptoms include: • Frequent urination, Chronic thirst, Feeling very hungry despite eating, Fatigue, Blurred vision • Cuts and bruises that are abnormally slow to heal, Noticeable weight loss even though the patient is actually eating more (Type 1). Tingling/pain/numbness in hands and feet (Type 2) According to the American Diabetes Association, the medical community is committed to helping the millions of Americans who already have and are at risk of this illness. Education is a prime treatment. Informing the whole world about diabetes, its causes, effects and treatments is the purpose of the following questions and answers. What does excess weight have to do with diabetes? As is the case with many physical ailments being overweight is a major factor, but there are other aspects to consider. Person’s amount of physical activity, family histories, ethnicity and age must also be taken into account. Too many are under the misconception that weight is the sole cause of type 2 diabetes, but many type 2 sufferers are either only slightly overweight or not overweight at all. Still, dietary habits are significant. Does eating sweets and sugars cause diabetes? Any diet high in calories (including sugar) contributes to weight gain, which is certain to place one at risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is determined mainly by genetics, lifestyle and other, unknown

and AIDS combined. Being diabetic nearly doubles the risk of heart attack. On the plus side diabetes is an illness that can be managed. DIABETES PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT: FROM HELEN DANIELS, MD Two primary things determine the development of anything in life – GENETICS and ENVIRONMENT. While we can do nothing to change our genetic predisposition to diabetes, we HELEN DANIELS, MD can do our best to decrease our risk and/ or delay onset of disease by optimizing our ENVIRONMENT, that is, optimizing the bodies in which we live. LIFESTYLE CHOICES will dictate this and only we can determine this. Here are some goals to aim for in the path to prevention. LOSE excess body FAT, and in particular belly fat. Being overweight or obese are major By Joycelyne Fadojutimi risk factors for diabetes. factors which precipitate the MAINTAIN CALORIE disease, but not by sugar intake. CONTROLS – with a high Do sugary beverages trigger proportion of lean meats , fish , diabetes? vegetables and fruits in smaller Research indicates that portions, while avoiding food drinking sugary beverages high in carbohydrate contents, is indeed a cause of type saturated fats and processed 2 diabetes. The American foods. At each meal or snack Diabetes Association there should be a combination recommends avoiding sugarof protein, healthy fat and fiber. sweetened drinks in order DRINK WATER. Replacement to head off type 2 diabetes. of high calorie sugarFurthermore, sugary drinks sweetened drinks which have also boost glucose (also known no nutritional value with water as blood sugar) levels by significantly reduces diabetes containing several hundred and obesity. calories per serving. ENGAGE in regular A single 12-ounce can PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. of regular soda contains Current recommendations are approximately 150 calories and for 150 minutes of moderate 40 grams of carbohydrates--in exercise, such as walking, other words the same amount weekly. as in ten teaspoons full of sugar! DE- STRESS. High levels Sugar-sweetened beverages of stress induce hormones include such drinks as: Regular that predispose to the soda, Fruit punch, Fruit drinks, development of diabetes. Energy drinks, Sports drinks, Find time to relax daily. Sweet tea and other sugary Get a good night’s SLEEP. drinks. Chronic sleep deprivation and/ As a disease, how serious or poor sleep quality increases is diabetes? risk for diabetes. Know the warning sings Every year diabetes kills ( increased thirst, urination , more people that breast cancer

Diabetes: What to look for and what to do

December 5, 2019

hunger, weight loss, itching) and see your doctor for an ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM which will also include screening labs for common diseases. Diabetes Management Should diabetes develop, all hope is not lost. Your doctor in conjunction with you, will develop an individualized patient centered approach to the treatment of your disease with an array of meds available, Your goal is to KNOW YOUR NUMBERS and to start and maintain the lifestyle changes previously outlined in order to get to those targets. Here are some numbers to know. Glucose Levels: While blood sugar levels are individualized, the ADA recommends the following target for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes Hb A1C <7% or an average glucose reading of 154 mg/dl Fasting blood sugars of 80-130 2-hour Post meal sugars of <180 BP goal of < 140/90 Cholesterol levels. Improve your cholesterol profile. Bad cholesterol ( LDL ) targets no longer apply, however obtaining values of < 100 with improved good cholesterol ( HDL ) levels of > 40 are preferred. The current standard of care recommends use of a lipid lowering agent or statin in all diabetics, regardless of how good the cholesterol profile is, due to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. The American diabetic association (ADA) recommends that you be SMART, that is, that you set Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Relevant Time-bound goals. It’s your destiny that hangs in the balance and attaining well planned, timely, worthy goals leads to freedom. And as always be forever in pursuit of YOUR ULTM8 IDL.