EAST TEXAS REVIEW NEWSPAPER by infinitieplus magazine

Let every living, breathing creature praise GOD! Hallelujah! Psalm 150:6 MSG

The community COMMUNITY . GOSPEL . BUSINESS . EDUCATION . HEALTH . POLITICS . OPINION Complimentary Copy

Vol. 29

LaDawn Ingram and Asst.Chief Kevin Green Attend Leadership Longview Alumni Event

East Texas Baptist University Talyor Singleton Nabs ICUT/CIC Scholarship

See Page 4

See Page 7

IT Classes set to begin

Registration underway for Google IT Support Professional Certificate classes beginning in October. Kilgore College will offer a series of five workforce development courses that lead to the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Upon completion of each course, learners will earn course completion badges for display on their LinkedIn profiles. To register for courses, contact Jana Campbell at (903) 236-2021 or jcampbell@kilgore.edu.

UT Tyler seeks participants The University of Texas at Tyler is seeking participants for the Born to Read program, which promotes early childhood literacy in East Texas. See Page 11

September 24, 2020

Early Voting East Texas Tuesday, Oct.13th to Baptist University Friday, Oct.30th Mylan Your Vote Shed Counts Nabs VOTE ICUT/CIC EARLY Scholarship

Leadership Matters See Page 3

See Page 7

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi /ETR

Leadership has many definitions depending on the author. Besides, there are various leadership styles for different personality traits and organizations. From transaction, transformational, laissez-faire, authentic, participative, servant leadership to emotionally intelligence, leadership is key. Leadership Longview Alumni: Olivia Secord Giddings, Amy Hollins and Brittany Cook

COATS FOR KIDS Longview Community Ministries slates coat drive

Do not miss out IRS mailing special Economic Impact Payment letters to nearly 800,000 Texans See Page 3

Technical jargon blurs internet speed, performance and information

COVID impacts sound of silence

Tyler ISD educates, nourishes

By Joycelyne Fadojutimi /ETR

Studies indicate untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia, falls and worsening hearing loss. Contd. on Page 11

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Register to vote deadline looms Secretary Hughs Marks National Voter Registration Day, Urges All Eligible Texans To Register To Vote By October 5th

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Faculty group demands COVID-19 report Faculty group urges governor to require universities to publicly report COVID cases on campuses

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Two East Texas Baptist University students receive Presidential elections: ICUT Scholarships Voting deadlines looms Contd. on Page 11

Early voting Tuesday October 13th to Friday October 30th See Page 7

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Community news

S eptember 24, 2020

S eptember 24, 2020 COVID-19 REPORT continued from page 1

The Texas Faculty Association (TFA) urged Gov. Greg Abbott to use his emergency powers to order Texas colleges and universities to publicly report each week the numbers of positive COVID-19 tests and deaths among faculty, staff and students at each university campus or facility. “This information is crucial to faculty and their families across the state. They are risking their health every day, working on campuses, and they are entitled to this information,” said TFA President Pat Heintzelman, an instructor at Lamar University in Beaumont. She said many colleges and universities have refused to release this information to faculty members who have requested it. REGISTER TO VOTE continued from page 1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 @ 6:00pm cst

AUSTIN – Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs today invited all eligible Texans to celebrate and participate in National Voter Registration Day (https:// nationalvoterregistrationday.org/) by ensuring they are registered to vote (https://www.votetexas.gov/register/ index.html) ahead of the October 5th voter registration deadline for the November 3rd election. With two weeks until the deadline, the Secretary issued a final call to action to voters, community leaders, and elected officials to encourage their fellow Texans to register and prepare to vote in the upcoming election. “An active and engaged citizenry plays an essential role in ensuring the continued Do not miss out continued from page 1

AUSTIN – The Internal Revenue Service is mailing 796,525 unique letters to people in Texas to encourage them to see if they’re eligible to claim an Economic Impact Payment this year. Going out to about 9 million people nationwide, the letters are for those persons who typically aren’t required to file federal income tax returns but may qualify for an Economic Impact Payment. The letter urges recipients to register at IRS.gov using the special Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool before the Oct. 15 deadline in order to receive a payment by the end of the year. “The letters are being sent to people who haven’t filed a return for either 2018 or 2019 or already registered with the IRS,” said Clay Sanford, an IRS spokesman. “These are people who may not have had to file a tax return because they appear to have very low incomes based on Forms W-2, 1099 or other third-party statements available to the IRS.” Officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A, the letter is in English and Spanish and includes information on eligibility criteria. If they haven’t done so already, this letter urges eligible individuals to register using the free Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool, located

Community news “If a faculty member submitted a public information request, the information would be too old to matter by the time it was released,” she noted. Heintzelman pointed out that the state now requires school districts to publicly report the number of confirmed COVID infections on their campuses each week. “University faculty, staff and students need the same kind of data. Like some public school teachers, many have underlying health conditions that increase their risk. They need to know how widespread this disease may be on their campuses,” she said. “The governor can work through either his appointees on the Higher Education Coordinating Board or his appointees on separate

university governing boards to accomplish this goal. He obviously wants university campuses to be open while the coronavirus pandemic remains dangerous. So, the least he can do is see to it that university administrators provide public information about COVID-19 infections in a timely manner.” Heintzelman said the Texas Faculty Association also is asking the governor to urge private universities to publicly provide the same information for their campuses. “The Texas Disaster Act requires the governor to protect the health and safety of Texans during emergencies, and we don’t believe Gov. Abbott has done all he can to protect the people who teach, study and work at Texas universities,” Heintzelman added.

well-being of our democracy,” said Secretary Hughs. “Ahead of the November election, I encourage all eligible Texans who have not already done so to register to vote by October 5th so that they can help shape the future of the Lone Star State.” As of this month, there are 16,617,436 registered voters in Texas — a new state record. Texans should begin by checking their registration status on the Texas Secretary of State’s website on the “Am I Registered?” page. (https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/ MVP/mvp.do) If you have moved to a new address within the same county or have changed your name, you can update your information online. (https://txapps.texas. gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager)

Eligible Texans who are not already registered to vote may complete and print a voter registration application here, (https://webservices.sos.state.tx.us/ vrapp/index.asp) or request an application from their county elections administrator. Once completed, eligible Texas voters should submit the application to the county voter registrar (https://www.sos. state.tx.us/elections/voter/votregduties. shtml)in their county of residence. Completed voter registration applications must be postmarked by October 5th in order to be accepted. Voters with questions about how to cast a ballot in the upcoming November 2020 General Election can call 1-800-252-VOTE or visit VoteTexas.gov (https://www. votetexas.gov/) for more information.

only on IRS.gov. To help address fraud concerns, a copy of the letter is also available on the IRS website. The IRS cautions that receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility. An individual is likely eligible for an Economic Impact Payment if they: •are a U.S. citizen or resident alien; •have a work-eligible Social Security number; and •can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return. Sanford said eligible individuals can receive up to $1,200, and married couples can receive up to $2,400. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child. For more information on eligibility requirements, see the Economic Impact Payment eligibility FAQs on IRS.gov. People who are eligible should not wait to receive a letter and should register now. Alternatively, people can wait until next year and claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021. Those unable to access the Non-Filers tool may submit a simplified paper return following the procedures described in the Economic Impact Payment FAQs on IRS.gov.

VOTING DEADLINES continued from page 1

Unsure if you are registered to vote? Check your status with the Secretary of State’s ‘Am I Registered?’ application! If you are not registered, you must do so by Monday, October 5th in order to vote in the November 3rd election. • You can request a voter registration application from the Texas Secretary of State, your County Registrar, or other sites. Eligible to vote by mail? Request a mail-in ballot from the Texas Secretary of State. In order to be eligible you must: • be 65 years or older; • be sick or disabled; • be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or • be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible. Remember, your request for a mail-in ballot must be received by Friday, October 23rd. Your completed post-marked ballot must be received no later than 5pm Wednesday, November 4th. If you choose to deliver your mail-in ballot in person, it must be received by your county no later than 7pm Tuesday, November 3rd. In-Person Voting Dates Early Voting Dates: Tuesday, October 13th to Friday, October 30th • During early voting you may vote at any polling location in your county! General Election: Tuesday, November 3rd • If your county participates in the County Wide Polling Place Program (CWPP) you can vote at any location in your county. If not, you must vote at your designated precinct location- you can find this information using the Texas Secretary of State’s ‘My Voter Page’. This page will be updated with voting site two days before the general election.

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

Community news

COATS FOR KIDS continued from page 1

Longview Community Ministries announces its annual COATS FOR KIDS event to be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 8a.m.-12p.m., at Longview Community Ministries. We are asking the public to please donate new coats only to participating cleaners until October 31st. The following is a list of participating cleaners: Alpine Cleaners, Dry Clean Super Center, McClendon Cleaners, Sno-White Laundry, and Village Cleaners. These items should be delivered to Longview Community Ministries by October 31st. Any school aged child needing a coat should come to Longview Community Ministries anytime between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on November 14th. We will have a drive thru distribution in the rear parking lot of our building, Children must be present and accompanied by an adult. For more information about COATS FOR KIDS please visit our website www.longviewcommunityministries.org. Longview Community Ministries programs include: The Food Box, the largest food pantry in Longview feeding over 3,100 people over 21,000 meals monthly; Brown Bag, a monthly

grocery delivery to homebound and elderly citizens; Meals With Love, hot meals delivered to persons daily by volunteers. Coats for Kids, takes place in November, giving the city’s underprivileged children the opportunity to receive a new coat or jacket; Family Crisis Service Center and Learning Lab, trained volunteer caseworkers, supervised by LCM staff, offer compassion to families in crisis, providing food, rental assistance, prescription assistance, medical screenings, transportation assistance for medical appointments, and utility assistance. LCM’s Learning Lab offers classes in money management, job skills, utility assistance, typing, internet basics and much more. “Longview Community Ministries is a non-profit, tax-exempt public benefit organization that serves to enable Longview congregations and groups to work together more effectively in the community through cooperative acts of service to assist persons in need regardless of race, religion or creed”

S eptember 24, 2020

Thank You

to those businesses helping at this time

Please visit us on the web at http://www.longviewcommunityministries.org/

Continued on Page 6

IS GOD ASLEEP

“

“Why?” asked the child. “Is God asleep?” Certainly not. Our God, the God Who created heaven and earth - and all that is in it and on it and above it - has promised us in His Word that He is always watching over us, day and night. We must never forget that He is “awake,” watching carefully and waiting patiently to guide and guard us. This One, this all-powerful God, who loved us and gave His Son to redeem us, is always available to meet our every need – every moment of every day! We often forget that God is constantly watching over us and caring deeply for us.

Leadership Longview Class of 2020-2021

Allyson Bailey, Prosperity Bank Banking Center President for Longview in her recent interview with infinitieplus magazine credited several factors for her success as a commercial lender. The training she received at Leadership Longview was at the top. She graduated from LL program in 2014. The lessons of this training program helped her further her banking career. She confidently stated, “I have my experience with Leadership Longview to thank for the majority of my own personal growth as a leader. I have no doubt that my success would not have happened without the knowledge, relationships, experiences and life lessons I learned when I went through the program.”

PHARAOH’S PROPHETIC DREAM

LEADERSHIP continued from page 1

Someone has to be responsible for delegating, supervising, and making sure the job gets done properly and in a time manner. Hence, leadership is sine qua non for all aspects of prosperity. One can study leadership in the university if they so wish, some learn it on the job as they ascend the corporate ladder. Better yet, others decide to serve their community and corporation in tandem by attending the award-winning Leadership Longview, (LL). For this reason, LL recently introduced the Class of 2020-2021 at the Wood Hollow Golf Course. Several Alumni were on hand to welcome the new class, pass on the baton and wish them well as they commence their one-year leadership training.

Psalm 23 speaks of the Lord leading his people in paths of righteousness. A “When you have a baby S eptember 24, 2020 August promises 2, 2018 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. By Michael A. Guido, D.D. knowledge him in all their Baby sisters seem to ways (Proverbs 3:6). have radar for discovering We are all grateful for our “first responders.” They Doing good or evil begins they’ve been duped — at save lives, bind wounds, bring food, give clothing, prowith the decisions we make. least my baby sister did. vide shelter and restore power. They have become our Paths, the directions we Parents also possess this “rescuers.” And, indeed, they fulfill a critical role. travel in life, same radar, as Katelyn, 8, Discipline” is discipline is likewise are helpful instart with pathBut as Christians, when we face a time of trial or tragways in the brain. Whatevcan testify: “I was faking edy, we have One who has been waiting for us to call a word that is pregnant with meaning. training people to be er we fix our minds on will sick, and I got grounded for upon Him when we need help. He is always waiting for pregnant with There are a variety of autonomous, influence our selfbrain’s paththree weeks. I got in trouan opportunity to prove His power whenever we face a meaning. We can practices which might restrained members ways and our life’s paths. ble with my dad, and that’s difficult situation. The results of a 17-year use the expression be termed “disciplines,” of society, but many bad.” One morning, about four o’clock, Peter was in seristudy in the journal Science Katelyn, your“being life will disciplined” be ous trouble. He and a few of his friends were in a small to such as fasting, praying, of us have forgotten reported that 5.7 percent of much more peaceful and boat far from shore when a fierce storm arose out of mean that one shows and obedience, which how to dowho these youths watched less fun if you do the right thing. nowhere. Fearing for their lives they became even self-restraint and has deepen our spiritual things, which isofwhy than one hour television Take a tip from Keeleigh, more frightened when they saw what they thought was a day committed regulated lives and help us having a spiritual aggres11: “If you do right all the his or her a ghost. They screamed in terror. And over the howling sive acts against others in time, you won’t life get in introusuch a way that develop the proper mentor or guide wind came a stern voice that said, “Stop being afraid.” subsequent years. That figble, you won’t get fussed It was Jesus assuring them that there was no reason there is at, order and that self-restraint in the is important. Over ure jumped to 22.5 percent and you will have more fun. for them to fear for their lives because He was there to one’s life is productive. spiritual realm. Selfthe coming weeks, for those who watched one That means you will make save them when they needed Him the most. Too much television time for children: Good or bad? We can also talk of restraint is such an we examine towill three hours a aday and God happy and have a bet“If it is really you,” said Peter, “tell me to come to 28.8 percent for those who “being disciplined” to important character variety of spiritual few it’ll be grief/ To the law real life, the “fun” ended ter relationship with Him.” You – let me walk on the water!” “Certainly,” said Jesus, watched more than three when Bonnie Parker and a relief/ But it’s death for Doing the right thing “come on. You’ve nothing to fear!” He got out of the mean that one is being trait that without it disciplines, including hours a day. Clyde Barrow drove into Bonnie and Clyde.” and having fun punished may sound by boat, felt the wind and the waves, lost His faith and beexternal life becomes chaotic. meditation, fasting, Think about this: You You don’t have to be a contradictory, but the Bible a hail of bullets fired by gan to sink. He shouted, “Save me, Lord,” and He did. forces or agents. Parents People who cannot praying, and study, are what you think. Parents calls this fun state “bless- lawmen waiting in ambush bank robber to know that It is never the eloquence or length of our prayer that who consider television a discipline their children restrain themselves find as well as simplicity, ed.” Many people think fun along a tree-lined Louisiana the Bible says, “The wages counts, but our simplicity and sincerity. It is never a forbenign babysitter should road. of sin addicted is death.” to We’ve all comes when they in anbreak attempt to help themselves service and mula but our faith. He will always come to our rescue if think again. Children are before herdrugs, death, earned those wages. rules. Many movies we call on Him in a faith that believes in Him. themdepict developShortly that selfincarcerated, andMany submission. Reflect vulnerable to the strangtimes, the second part of Bonnie Parker gave a poem lawless people having all Prayer: Lord, we do indeed believe in Your power restraint or discipline without the material on areas of your own to her mother, which proved that scripture is not quot- ers who invade your home the fun. and Your promises. Increase our faith whenever we which is necessary for resources to sustain where you needDoing to television. is through Remember the movie to be prophetic. Here’s how ed: “but the gift of God life doubt. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 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”? RobScripture for this week: Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD, right. A no small having a areMore than anyone welooked know they’re tough or des- ourdisciplines Lord” (Romans 6:23). –If Christopher bing banks so think for one is child faithful was anymore; those who loyal have In alike spiritual context, religious Simon Memorize this truth: “For difficult time He is for us.much We fun often “trade in the movie. In perate./ They know the law Bonnie had known the secvanished from thebeing humanquiet race. in always wins./ They’ve been ond half, she might have as he thinks in his heart, so church. Whispering in his ear, Him in” for lesser “gods” who BAKER LAND is he” (Proverbs 23:7). avoided a lifeloves of crime.knowledge, shot at before/ But they do “Whoever loves discipline his father said in desperation, cannot be trusted - the gods of Ask this question: If you LINEN “Doing what is right is not ignore/ CHARIOT That death is “Hush, this is where God money and power, prestige and thebut feed on a diet of television hates correction stupid.” always best becauseis once wageswhoever ofCORN sin. MAGICIANS lives. Be quiet when you are in worldly success. Even though the first time, you violence, what are you “Someday they’ll go you do it —Proverbs 12:1 NIV DISCRETE PERISH And they’ll almost can’t stop doing it,” prone to do? His house!” we turn to them often and trust down together/

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in them deeply, only the God who created us will always be faithful to us, strengthen and sustain us and never abandon us. In Him we are safe and ANSWERETH secure - day and night. DELIVER DESPISETH

DESTROYETH Prayer: Lord, help us to DWELL EXALTETH recognize that Your watchful FINDETH GATHERETH eye is carefully overseeing our GOETH lives with compassion. May we INCREASETH LABOURETH realize that You are meeting LEAVETH LOVETH each need. THANKS! In Jesus’ MAKETH Name, Amen. PERCEIVE PRESERVE PURSUETH RECEIVE REFUSETH REJOICETH REWARDETH SEEMETH TRUST TURNETH UNDERSTAND WALKETH

Scripture for Today: Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

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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bury them side by side./ To says Cecile, 10. DREAMS

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Community news

S eptember 24, 2020

LEADERSHIP continued from page 4

S eptember 24, 2020

me long before I believed in myself. Our Leadership Longview shirts this year say, ‘Leaders rise by lifting others.’ I cannot count how many Furthermore, Barker mused, “Leadership Longview is an opportunity to find yourself as a leader. It gives you the foundational knowledge of Longview’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. It gives you the confidence to jump in with two feet when you see something you can make better.”

It is important to note, Leadership Longview program and its curriculum extremely inspired Allyson in such a way that following her graduation, she assisted in reorganizing the program’s structure and objectives to make Leadership Longview even more effective. The new developments included increasing volunteers assigned to the monumental task of planning, facilitating, and executing the learning processes, which had taught Allyson that two heads are indeed better than one. “The more heads we have in the game with different ideas, thoughts, insights,

BUSINESS

Leadership Longview Alumni attend event welcoming Class of 2020-2021

Two East Texas Baptist University students receive ICUT Scholarships LaDawn Ingram, Dawn North, Allison Klewer-Hickman, Allyson Bailey, Andy Burnfield, Aaron Fatridge, Olivia Giddings, James Velde, Polly Maines, Linda Nelson Martin, Michelle Miller, and April Barker

connections, personalities, et cetera, the better the end result,” she says. “We created more of a committee structure for the planning team.” Another alumni who puts LL program on its rightful pedestal is April Barker, manager of recruiting and internal communications for KSA Engineers, which she calls, “an incredible company

that has afforded me the opportunity to do what I feel called to do--creating relationships and doing what I can to make peoples’ work lives great.” Here is what she said about Leadership Longview: “I owe my beautiful life, one I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams, to the Lord and to those who believed in

BUILD BACK BETTER

JOBS AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY AGENDA Joe Biden believes we cannot build back better without a major mobilization of effort and resources to advance racial equity across the American economy Ensure all small business relief efforts are specifically designed to aid businesses owned by Black and Brown people. Spur more than $150 billion in additional public-private venture capital and non-profit lending programs to minority-owned small businesses. Reform Opportunity Zones to Fulfill Their Promise. Ensure his housing plan makes bold investments in homeownership and access to affordable housing for minority families. Boost retirement security and financial wealth for minority families.

Visit joebiden.com/racial-economic-equity to learn more PAID FOR BY BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

Two East Texas Baptist University students, senior Mylan Shed and junior Taylor Singleton, have been selected to receive scholarships provided by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) Foundation and its national partner, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). Mylan Shed, a senior behavioral science major from Teague, Texas, was awarded with funding from the PACCAR Foundation, a private foundation that directs grants to United Way, universities, hospitals, and programs for the arts and education. “This scholarship is a blessing to me and my family,” Shed said. “I do not take it lightly that I have been awarded this scholarship and take immense pride in being chosen. To

see the blessings of God pour out onto my life, I can do nothing else but thank Him and thank those who thought that I was deserving enough to receive this scholarship.” Since 1985, ICUT Foundation Members have received annual grants from the CIC State Funds Endowment to provide United Parcel Service (UPS) Scholarships to every private college and university in the State Fund network. This year, Taylor Singleton was selected to receive support from the UPS Foundation. Originally from Friendswood, Texas, Singleton is a junior studying biology at East Texas Baptist University. “I came to ETBU to obtain an education and play college basketball while also furthering my walk with Christ,” Singleton shared. “Receiving this scholarship makes me feel accomplished because my hard work in school is not going unnoticed. This scholarship will help greatly with my books and any other supplementary materials and will provide an extra cushion for this school year. I can focus purely on my education.” Nationally, CIC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment, provided more than $1.6 million in student scholarships to make private colleges and universities more affordable and accessible to underserved students.

This year, the ICUT Foundation awarded $114,000 in CIC/UPS Scholarships to 38 students at private institutions across Texas. “Each year, these scholarships have a significant impact on the lives of deserving students,” ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn said. “Through our shared mission to provide every student with an affordable opportunity to earn a quality education, students across Texas are being equipped and empowered to pursue their aspirations through private colleges and universities. On behalf of ETBU, I am so thankful that our University is a member institution benefiting from the educational and financial support of PACCAR, UPS, ICUT, and CIC.” About the PACCAR Scholarship Program In 1951, PACCAR Inc. formed the PACCAR Foundation as a private foundation to direct grants to United Way, universities, hospitals and programs for the arts and education in communities where the company has a significant presence. Early in the 21st century, the PACCAR Foundation began to provide scholarships to students whose institutions ICUT Foundation members. The PACCAR Foundation can be found online at https://www. paccar.com/about-us/paccar-foundation/.

Technical jargon blurs internet speed, performance and information Navigating broadband connections can be a little tricky for the average person. Technical jargon can sometimes make internet connections appear more difficult than they seemingly should be. According to Xfinity, the phone and internet service provider, various components work together to make up the best conditions for internet usage. Upload speed, download speed, ping rate, and whether the internet is wired or wireless all play a role in establishing the master equation. In homes where internet is in constant demand, increased speeds are often necessary. Bandwidth Bandwidth refers to the volume of information per unit of time that the connection can handle. Internet connections with a lot of bandwidth can move more data at a faster pace than connections with less bandwidth. The tech information site LiveWire equates bandwidth to plumbing. Having multiple draws on the internet through movie streaming, playing video games, uploading photo files, etc., can slow or stop internet speeds, much in the same way turning on all the faucets in a home will reduce water pressure to

each. Too much demand on bandwidth that cannot adequately handle hat demand can cause lag and slow speeds. Upload, download and ping The abbreviation Mbps stands for megabits per second, or the rate at which data can be moved in a second. Data travels in two directions through the internet. There is information downloaded from the internet and information uploaded. According to Allconnect, a leading marketplace for comparing home services like cable TV, high-speed internet, energy, and more, downloaded information comes from a server in the form of images, videos, text, or music. Upload speed refers to the data that one sends from a computer to another device or server on the internet. Emails, multiplayer video games and video calling are examples of instances when upload speeds are important. Ping rate is another factor. Ookla, the global standard in network testing, says ping is the reaction time of your connection, or how fast you get a response after you’ve sent out a request. A fast ping means a more responsive connection, especially in applications where timing is everything, like gaming. Ping is measured

in milliseconds. Ping latency can cause a delay in the action of a game. That means your shots may be registered behind another player’s in fast-paced fighting games. Improve speed Improving an internet experience requiring fast speeds may involve making changes. Here are some handy tips: Use a hard-wired connection that involves an ethernet cord connected to a console or computer directly rather than WiFi. WiFi is convenient, but it almost always runs at lower speeds than a hard line. Shut down other programs or devices that may be eating up bandwidth while engaged in the desired activity. Test your internet speeds through a reputable third party rather than your internet company’s speed meter. Consider upgrading bandwidth if you find that your internet speed is continually lacking.

Community news

September 24, 2020

I’M STILL MAD ABOUT COVID-19. WE ALL SHOULD BE.

September 24, 2020

We needed a real pandemic response. Instead, we got lies, snake oil cures, and speculation on bleach injections.

By Jill Richardson | September 16, 2020 Today, I attended online classes all day and then curled up with the new Bob Woodward book, Rage. Rage is what I feel about the mishandling of COVID that led to all of my classes being online. Relatively speaking, I’ve got it good. I am financially secure, and I’m not at high risk for COVID. Of course, even a relatively good life right now is still impacted by the pandemic. I live in near total isolation, and university hiring freezes have devastated the academic job market. If it’s still bad in a year, I’ll be in trouble. Also, I’m single and at an age where a year of quarantine might mean I don’t meet the love of my life before I’m too old to have children. Still, compared to others, I can’t complain. I am alive and safe. My colleagues and students are not all equally lucky. This semester, the school

brought the students back, COVID rates spiked, and the school immediately canceled in person classes for two weeks. They’ve already canceled spring break. A few dorms are quarantined. Some students are attending school remotely from other countries, and their classes are all in the middle of the night for them. Whatever college experience our undergraduates dreamed of, this isn’t it. My own personal mental health strategy during COVID has been to block out most information that isn’t immediately relevant to me. Whatever is happening in the world, however bad it is, I need to focus on putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next right thing. If I’m focused on writing the next lesson plan or answering the next email, I’m not despairing about nearly 200,000 dead from COVID in the U.S. or the terrible job market. I’m grateful for my solitary walks to the park, the pint of Ben and Jerry’s in my freezer, and my cat. My world has become very small. I keep myself going by forcing myself to ignore the daily reality that we wouldn’t be here if our leaders had acted more responsibly. Bob Woodward documents and reveals that Donald Trump knew early on — in January and February — that COVID was going to be as bad as it is, and he didn’t take action.

Back then, there was still time to prevent the disaster we’ve been living in since March and the terrible choices we all must make: trading off between the economy, seeing friends and family, and attempting to stay healthy. \ How many people have died because of this incompetent leadership? How many more people have lost jobs because of it? How many students couldn’t attend college? How much suffering has this country faced because our president was told early on about an impending disaster and didn’t take the steps he should have to prevent it? Given the spread of COVID around the world, it’s unrealistic to assume that early action could have entirely prevented an outbreak in the U.S., but how much better off could we have fared if we got an earlier start, with a coordinated effort from the top? Instead we got a president speculating about injecting bleach, promoting unproven medications as a cure, telling the American people it’s like the flu, and spreading antiChinese racism. I’m willing to do my part to get through this pandemic with the rest of the nation, but if we’re doing our part, our leaders should do theirs too. Four years ago Trump told us we’d be sick of winning if he was president. The U.S. has the most COVID cases in the world and I am sick of winning.

Beware of corporate COVID propaganda CEOs say they’re cutting their own pay in solidarity with laid off or hurting workers — only, not really. By Jim Hightower COVID-19 has been a doubly-deadly disaster for millions of Americans, destroying both life and livelihoods. But one of the most heartening responses to the crisis has come from the least-expected place: corporate executive suites. This spring, numerous CEOs made headlines by showing some class solidarity. If we’re having to wallop our workers because of a pandemic, these bosses told media interviewers, the least we can do is cut our own salaries. Yes — all in this together! Only… not really. An analytical firm looked at the books of nearly all major U.S. corporations, finding that a mere fraction had made any cuts to senior executive pay. The few that did only made little nicks in the boss’s takehome, rather than real cuts. The trick is that the “sacrifices” only applied to official salaries. They are the tiniest part of a chief executive’s compensation, which mostly is made up of bonuses, stock options, etc. For example, United Airlines, which is presently zeroing out the paychecks of

36,000 workers, docked its CEO’s salary by nearly a third — which sounds like a real gesture, but that works out to less than three percent of the $22 million he’s getting in total pay. So middle-income workers get the boot, while the boss still has his job, gets more than $21 million in annual pay, and claims bragging rights for being an “ethical” corporate chieftain. The ethical crime here is not merely in the cynical fudging of numbers, but that even in this unprecedented time of national crisis, the elites who’ve converted capitalism into a system of plutocratic plunder still feel entitled to cheat. If a nation’s economic system doesn’t care about shared sacrifice in hard times and shared prosperity in good times, why should the majority who pay the price and are denied the gains care about that economic system?

education

S eptember 24, 2020 TYLER ISD continued from page 1

S e p t e m b e r 24, 2020

Like so many other young scholars, Tyler Independent School District (TISD) pupils have pencils, books and paper in their backpacks, but some TISD students carry other essentials. The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) ensures that young Tylerites have enough to eat on non-school days. “Food insecurities can affect a student’s ability to focus and comprehend information throughout the school day that can ultimately lead to poor attendance, lower grades, and even behavioral issues,” says TISD Executive Director of Student Support, Dr. Jennifer Jones. “Partnerships like the ETFB BackPack Program enable us to help alleviate some of these concerns so that children can focus on learning and

reaching their academic goals.” The BackPack initiative supplies food to children participating in free and reduced-price meal programs during the week, but who risk going hungry on weekends and holidays. Every Friday participating students, discreetly identified by their schools’ counsellors and who have parental permission, are issued bags containing wholesome, child-friendly meals of fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. From August 2019 through March 2020 the ETFB distributed 11,893 backpack meals to TISD students until the district closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. School officials report that had the school year continued until its scheduled conclusion in

May, more than 15,000 meals would have been issued. Even though the TISD is now employing both In-School Learning and Learn@ Home options, its students in both categories are eligible for the food program. Bell Elementary School counsellor Kimberly Collum reveals that during the past two years her school’s number of participating kiddoes has increased by more than 100. “This year we presented the opportunity to more of our families than we have traditionally identified in the past,” she says. “We are grateful to the East Texas Food Bank for helping to meet this need for our stu-

dents and families.” Presently the ETFB is holding its 30th Annual Pantry Raid in TISD schools and throughout the city to raise funding for the BackPack (and other) programs. For more information please visit www.EastTexasFoodBank. org/Pantry.

lifelong reader.” To register or for more information, contact Betty Rose, brose@uttyler.edu or 903.566.7016. Program sponsors include Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club, Carousel Publishing and UT Tyler K-16 Literacy Center. A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of

Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered to nearly 10,000 students. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News and World Report as a National University, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine, and Houston.

UT Tyler seeks participants continued from page 1

The University of Texas at Tyler is seeking participants for the Born to Read program, which promotes early childhood literacy in East Texas. Born to Read is designed for expectant mothers, parents and legal guardians of children up to 3 years old. The program starts in October 2020 and runs through May 2021. There is a $25 registration fee per family.

Discounts may be given for documented financial need. “Research indicates that a child’s success in school is determined long before he or she reaches the classroom,” said Dr. Kouider Mokhtari, UT Tyler K-16 Literacy Center director. “You are your child’s first teacher, and the Born to Read program gives parents the resourcesthey need to raise a

COVID impacts continued from page 1

Among all the implications the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the entire world, there is also the specter of hearing loss. Because of how social interaction has been curtailed, residents of senior living facilities are less in-touch with their family members. Such isolation can lead to depression and anxiety. Communications are also affected. “This has been a very difficult time, as senior facilities and individuals try to balance poor health outcomes related to COVID-19 versus poor health outcomes related to social isolation,” says Dr. Catherine Palmer, Ph.D, president of the American Academy of Audiology, professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and director of Audiology for the UPMC Health System. “We’ve seen many creative ways in which people are trying to continue to interact with the seniors in their lives.” Older adults who have successfully used hearing aids in the past are now using them less because they are interacting with others less. This reduced sound input to the brain can cause auditory deprivation, meaning individuals are perceived as not hearing as well and needing to use extra effort during vocal communication. “Family members and friends should encourage their loved ones to continue to use their hearing aids. There is always sound around us,” says Palmer. “Hearing aids require ongoing maintenance, and for some individuals their hearing aids may not be functioning well, or at all, and they may not be able to get to their audiologist

for routine care. If an individual continues to use their hearing aid when it is not working, it functions like an earplug-actually blocking sound.” Fortunately, many audiologists are now offering on-line tele-health appointments and curbside service to those who cannot safely visit a clinic. Also, some audiologists who submit to temperature checks and/or meet Center for Disease Control requirements are being allowed to visit patients in assisted living facilities. Furthermore, online service can often solve hearing aid problems. For those with less severe hearing loss, and who feel they can communicate adequately the use of masks or computer transmission may have stressed their hearing, aggravating mild loss to the point hearing is more significantly affected. In this case, patients should personally visit a clinic or find an audiologist who will visit them in person in order to increase hearing aid amplification and get assistance in day-today vocalizations. Studies indicate untreated hearing loss is linked to dementia, falls and worsening hearing loss. A study by John Hopkins School of Medicine established that persons with poor hearing are at greater risk of falling than those with normal hearing. Another John Hopkins study shows that those with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia. “Hearing is an important component of overall health,” Palmer says. “If you suspect any amount of hearing loss in yourself, a friend or family member it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible.”.

12 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

Community health 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

S eptember 24, 2020

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.