April infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus APR. 2019

Tim and Tina Bryan

United By Sacred Text Plus

Spring Hill ISD Generosity Id. Theft Blue Jeans & Ball Gowns And

Cash Stash Easter Dinner Willie Nelson

VOL. 9 NO. 4 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Congratulations Congratulations toto the the 2018 2018 Stars Stars Over Over Longview Longview Shalonda Adams Adams Shalonda

Lori Holyfield Ball Lori Holyfield Ball Crista Black

Crista Black

Sharon Bradley

Sharon Bradley Mary Collier

Mary Collier Carmela Davis

Gerrie Forbis Carmela Davis Carol Manley Gerrie Forbis

Dawn Martin Carol Manley

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams

Dawn Martin

Mary Morris

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams Julie Woods Mary Morris

Celebrating 18 Years Julie Woods

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

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Celebrating 18 Years Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey Bundles Bundles Bundles of joy. joy. joy.

Doors Openof atof 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, 11,at2018 Ceremony andJanuary Luncheon begin noon It’s It’s It’s what what what we we we deliver. deliver. deliver.

Maude Cobb Activity Center

Speaker: Joyner-Kersey 100 Jackie Grand Blvd.

• Longview Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Doors Open atout a.m.

From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out to11:30 tothe tothe the day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important totoLongview toLongview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center

Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being.

This This This isiswhy iswhy why we we we provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such asasprivate asprivate private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious Ticket Information birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support.

And And And if ifyou ifyou you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need a alittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, Maude Cobb Activity Center Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table ofsupport.

8support. we we we offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. Tickets will be available for purchase beginningmedicine 100 Grand Blvd.

•that Longview

November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For For For more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

LongviewRegional.com/baby.

Complimentary valet parking will beand available.

Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

Ticket Information

Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey

Olympian & Greatest Female Athlete Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table of 8 of the 20th Century 2901 2901 N.N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • •Longview, Longview, • Longview, TXTX75605 TX 75605 75605 • •903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • •LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com Tickets will be available for purchase2901 beginning November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For additional information on this event visit LongviewRegional.com.

Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

Congratulations to the 2018 Stars Over Longview

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

editor’s note

table of contents

infinitieplus

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Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

6

Les and Cathy Mendicello

Cover Story

Publisher / Editor

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Marketing / PR

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

14 generosity

Photography

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Sho Labaco

Contributing Writers

24 CASA to present Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns

26 build a cash stash

Zig Ziglar Mechele Mills Bob Moos Mary Hunt

Submission Deadline

The first of every month prior to month of issue. infinitieplus magazine is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes since the publishing of this issue. At the time of publication, to the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate though not guaranteed.

I

For Advertising Contact

Joycelyne Fadojutimi joy@iplusmag.com

28 Tina Ann Moody-Bryan has a family history of success in business. Her father, George W. Moody, mother Carolyn Johnson and step father, Buzz Johnson set sparkling examples of how to prosper in a capitalistic society.

Hard work, determination, perseverance, faith, family, the right people/customers are crucial for success. The Sacred Text brought Tim and Tina together. Que Sera, Sera!.

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grubs up EASTER DINNER

517 Mobberly Avenue Longview, Texas 75602 www.iplusmag.com www.facebook.com/ InfinitePlus magazine

n this edition, we are excited to bring you the story of Tim and Tina Moody-Bryan who were united by the Sacred Text. Every married couple have an exceptional story of how destiny brought them together.

Theirs is a unique account of how a preacher’s son met the young Gospel singer. But that is not all.

Read about how and why Tim became Gregg County Justice of the Peace Pct. 2. There is more.

If you have gone into The Butcher Shop to purchase food, you will agree that whatever you purchased was the best in town.

From cookies, cakes, pies to the famous hamburger or their latest additions to the menu, we always go back for some more because it is just that good. Period!

What makes Butcher Shop a destination is the care and originality of all the recipes used

Joycelyne Fadojutimi

30 April Fool’s Day has a lengthy history

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in the cuisine. Everything is made on the spot. For example, they cut their own fries, pickles, ground their own beef for hamburgers and chili, bake their own buns, cakes, pies and anything else you see there. Tina has kept it the way her father who founded Butcher Shop with his partner did- made from the scratch. And that is it!

Besides our cover story, we are alerting the reader about identity theft. Unfortunately, our great state of Texas ranks 5th in reported identity theft. You can protect yourself and loved ones from identity theft. Read the story from page 16.

Also, Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of East Texas are preparing their annual fund-raising event: Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns to be held April 6 at Maude Cobb Activity Center.

Please see story from page 22.

Then, we have the history of April Fools’ Day. Wow! what do you get when have a select group of people who did not get the memo that the calendar had been modified and the start of the New Year was now pushed back by three months? April Fools’ Day, that’s what. Relax and have fun with this narrative on page 30.

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 4

The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine are copyrighted 2019. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus or its advertisers. www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Tim and Tina Bryan United By Sacred Text Local judge serves and protects By

J o y cel y ne

T

Butcher Shop: Delectable destination

F a d oju t imi

By

T

im Bryan is clear on why he chose his life's work. Serving the public good comes naturally to him, so he entered law enforcement, using it as a stepping stone to a legal career.

"I love helping people," he says. "This is my community. I want to work to make it better any way that I can."

The son of a Baptist preacher, Bryan and wife Tina have "only four-legged children," Theirs is a serene, fulfilled life that started with his time as a law enforcement major at Tyler Junior College and cadet at the TJC Police Academy. While Tina runs a local restaurant, her selfless husband toils to insure Longview's safety, security and blind justice. His older brother does the same as a campus police officer at the University of Texas.

He honed his skills by earning a master's peace officer's license from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and from pulling down multiple certifications in training disciplines relevant to criminal investigation and law enforcement-related topics. His pedigree is impressive and keeps getting better.

"After being a public servant in this county for more than 20 years I decided to run for office when Judge Arthur Fort announced he was retiring," he says.

His new post is demanding. He never knows when or where he will be needed. He may be called out at two in the morning because someone has passed away. During such incidents he often has to confer and coordinate with first responders and meet with loved ones of the deceased.

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F a d oju t imi

ina Ann Moody-Bryan has a family history of success in business. Her father, George W. Moody, mother Carolyn Johnson and step father, Buzz Johnson set sparkling examples of how to prosper in a capitalistic society. The basics of hard work, determination, perseverance, faith, family and cultivating the right people/customers are crucial for coming out ahead in life and in one's career. Throughout her life, she looked on as her father and step-father expertly directed the businesses they owned, and how this helped not only them and their family, but the hundreds of employees who made it possible. Her father George Moody was a longtime banker.

Local continued on page 8

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J o y cel y ne

Tim Bryan

Morgan Strong |

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Butcher Shop continued on page 9

Tina Bryan

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Continued from page 6

Tim and Tina Bryan

Court hearings are called for such various matters as small claims, evictions or other cases under jurisdiction of the Justice Court. He may be called upon for Emergency Mental Health Detention Warrants that must be immediately signed, or for other deaths in which his immediate attention is required. In some instances, he must see to student truancy or when persons unexpectedly call or walk into his office for reasons that cannot wait. Still, it is all to his liking.

"Life deals great tragedy sometimes. What might be something simple to me might be the worst experience another person has ever had," he says.

"Sometimes with a calm head and simple direction, problems can be mitigated."

Sure enough, the gratitude he receives from those he has helped is a great reward in itself.

"Like anyone in any business I have repeat customers," he says. "They come to you because they

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Continued from page 7

trust you and know that even though the circumstances may be bad that they will be treated fairly."

Still, it is not all fun and games. It saddens him to see good people beset by bad situations. Considering that it is inevitable that he will occasionally deal with personal acquaintances he has to concentrate on applying the law impartially without letting his own feeling make any difference. Another drawback is how he is often called away from home and loved ones.

"There have been many missed meals and holidays where I am absent due to work," he says. "This profession is a sacrifice that my family deals with well."

His dedication is a blessing to the state of Texas. A full 90% of all cases heard in Texas courts are on the municipal or justice court level. The ability to have fair justice that is easily available is a central tenant of effective, successful jurisprudence. Regardless of whether a case concerns truancy, eviction, acquiring an occupational license or other such routine but vital matters, people need and have a right to easy access to speedy and effective court proceedings. Thanks to Tim Bryan the people in and around Longview can count on this crucial service, but for him it does not stop with the bench.

He works with Gregg County Crime stoppers, the Women Center of East Texas Fatality Review Team, Gregg County Bail Bond Board, the Veterans' Recognition Foundation, and other organizations dedicated to public well-being. This outside-thecourtroom work has opened the door to advancing his public service.

"I strive to be available and active in many community events," he says. "At first I did it because I wanted to be involved as an elected official in our community, but I have found that in doing so people feel free to call when they have a question or need something."

Such care and integrity provide his office with the credibility it needs to insure the community can trust its elected officials to serve them faithfully, effectively and whenever needed.

"I never want to be the elected official you only see six months before the election," he says. "I want to ensure that justice is served in our community, and we all work together to make sure Gregg County is a better place to live and raise a family."

It's working. |

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"He is a true, rags to riches story," she says. "He started out as a teller in Avinger, Texas, and at the time of his death he was president of White Oak State Bank."

Moreover, Tina Ann followed his lead and spent 20 years in banking. Her father was a profitable example, teaching her that self-confidence and the willingness to learn from others are vital to make it in the money market. Although he passed away seven years ago, she still hears from his former customers about how he positively impacted their lives by believing in them and giving them a chance financially. She wasted no time getting started.

After she graduated from Eastern Hills High School in Ft. Worth, her Daddy told her, "Either go to college or go to work." Since he had never attended college, she decided on this course.

"The college I chose to go to, was the University of Life and Hard Knocks," she says.

While she prospered in banking and as a musician in Dallas and Nashville, her father and business partner Spiro Majilas changed directions and opened a restaurant in Longview. They called it The Butcher Shop. In 2001 Daddy George asked her to return to East Texas and commence a new career. She jumped at the opportunity. Now she and her sister own the eatery, running it with their father's sister, Aunt Linda, who has been there 33 of the 36 years it has been open. The Butcher Shop has flourished to the point that it is now a local fixture and provides jobs for fifty to sixty www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Tim and Tina Bryan

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COVER STORY

COVER STORY

They come to you because they trust you and know that even though the circumstances may be bad that they will be treated fairly.

- Judge Tim Bryan employees. Tina Ann sets a splendid example of achieving success from hard work.

Open every day of the year except New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas, The Butcher Shop serves sumptuous fares from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and she has been part of every aspect of its smooth, savory function.

"I have been on both sides of the operation of the business," she says. "Now I mostly concentrate my efforts on the administrative side of the restaurant."

Simply feeding people is far from the only fulfilling part of what she does. Her employees, many of whom have been with her many years, are like family, and the faithful customers are more than just patrons--they are friends.

"When you serve as a local small business you are allowed to enjoy special times in both your customers' and employees' lives," she says. "I love that we have celebrated with both groups when their kids have been born, score the winning touchdown or even get married. We have also been saddened when we have lost employees or customers who are

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monetary donations," she says. "Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey showed us that life can change in an instant.

Many Longview businesses came together to donate goods and funds to aid those displaced by those events."

Despite her almostconstant work with and in The Butcher Shop, she does have other pursuits. She sings beautifully, and this is how she met husband Tim Bryan. Following her return to Texas, she commenced singing with a Southern Gospel group called Tender Mercies. Tim's father pastors a church in Tyler where Tender Mercies had just performed. After Tina Ann and the group returned to Longview, she realized she had left her Bible at the church. The preacher had known Tina Ann for years and sent his son to return the Bible personally. She had never met his son. She was hard at work in The Butcher Shop when he arrived.

"Tim brought me the Bible," she says. "We joke that I was in my fry girl clothes because I was working in the restaurant at the time and smelled like French fries."

Although she smelled great, Tim also liked what he saw. Predictably, their first date was at her restaurant, making it the site of yet another wonderful memory.

"After we got married in April 2002 at Gerald's in downtown Longview, we came and took pictures at The Butcher Shop," she says. "Not only so that we could have our wedding pictures there, but also [because] we had employees that had to work that day and wanted to see us on our special day."

It is easy to see why, Tina Ann keeps her beloved father in mind as she continues expertly following his tradition of culinary excellence in the community she cherishes.

"We love Longview, and will strive to make a difference for decades to come," she says.

I love during the holidays when our walls are filled with kids home from College wearing Baylor or Arkansas or UT shirts, or wherever they attend. They come home during the holidays and they want to eat a Bodacious BBQ on Mobberly Avenue, Pizza King on Marshall Avenue or our place, The Butcher Shop.

They want to eat at places that they can’t eat at in their college town. Why do they want to eat at Longview local businesses?

Consistency and fond family memories.

- Restaurateur Tina Moody Bryan

Tim and Tina Bryan

dear to us."

Providing food and memories during special events, whether they be sorrowful or blessed, helps keep this cherished business solvent and beloved by the city. Dedicated employees and faithful customers keep its doors open and grills popping. Especially during the holidays, when homesick college students return and are eager for something besides pizza and dorm food. Among other Longview dining establishments, The Butcher Shop gives them not only great meals, but fond memories.

Following this further, there are not many aspects of her job that Tina Ann dislikes. The sole drawback of how her employees are like family is how they sometimes leave. |

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Whether because they pass away or merely move on to other work, it hurts to lose loved ones.

"Restaurants are a lot of times a stepping stone for other dreams that people have," she says. "We do like it, however, when they return, and we see them catch the dream that they were chasing."

Even after they catch their dreams, though, they have to eat, and this is what makes The Butcher Shop such a vital part of the local scene, drawing former employees back for more than just a reunion. When they (and anyone else) do return, they are delighted to find everything just as it was when they left.

"My daddy hated going to a place and discovering that they had stopped serving a particular item that he liked," she says. "The burger and fresh-baked bun and everything that goes with it should be the same as what you got thirty years ago."

It is important to note, Tina Ann does not limit her public service to feeding paying customers, however. Several times weekly she donates food to local charities. Like any city, Longview provides many opportunities for public service, and she does not help only those she knows and are close to home.

"When tragic times have struck, we take pride in helping however we can. Whether food or www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance

Prepare Today for What You Might Need Tomorrow By

M ar y Hun t

F

ace it: People are living longer than ever before, and health care costs are climbing higher every year. Which brings me to the subject of long-term care. You might assume it's just about nursing homes, but it refers to more. Long-term care means getting the assistance you need at home as well.

You could live to 100 and never need longterm care. You could end up needing assistance in daily living long before retirement, or you could fit somewhere in between. Maybe your knees go. Or

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typically a product lower-income individuals are able to afford.

If you're middle-class, you're likely to be hit the hardest by the high cost of long-term care because you're likely to spend most of your assets if you require extended long-term assistance. You may not qualify for Medicaid assistance, yet paying your own bills for long-term care could break you.

If you've got a lot of dough (assets of $1 million or more), you can probably pay for your own longterm care from savings and investments, although you might want insurance anyway to preserve your estate for your kids or grandkids. If you fall into this category, make sure you are working with a reputable financial planner who can assist you in setting up your finances so you are not bombarded by taxes and inflation. More than likely, you need a variety of investments and insurance policies working together for you. If you need a referral for a reputable financial planner, I recommend you look

for a fee-only professional in your area. The National Association of Personal Financial Planners website is a good place to locate an advisor.

If you opt for long-term care insurance, plan on paying dearly over many years for coverage you may or may not ever use. That's the way insurance works.

If you don't think there's any way that you'll be able to afford the premiums, all is not lost. Perhaps some of these options will work in your situation to help you fund your long-term care needs: • Save enough money during working years to pay for your care. Start now!

• Endeavor to remain healthy enough so as not to require outside care. Fire up the treadmill; join a gym.

• Pay to live in an assisted-care community, which may include some personal assistance along with room and board. Shop around.

• Look for other sources of funding, such as a life insurance riders or reverse mortgage.

your eyes. Or you become a little too forgetful. No one likes to think about it, but the human body is not built to live forever. You need to be informed and prepared.

Long-term care insurance usually covers the costs for care that aren't picked up by regular health insurance or Medicare. If you need assistance to properly feed, clothe or bathe yourself, long-term care insurance could pay the bill, depending on the type and amount of coverage you buy. But because it's expensive, long-term care insurance isn't |

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LUMINARY

INSPIRATIONAL

Generosity and ‘Dennis the Menace’

I By

Z i g Z i g lar

’ll confess that “Dennis The Menace” is my favorite philosopher. Of all of the comic-strip characters, Dennis fills a need in my life -- namely, to be forced to think and encouraged to laugh.

A couple of years ago, a “Dennis” cartoon portrayed what many people would describe as a vivid picture of grace, which, Biblically speaking, is “the unmerited favor of God.” In this cartoon, Dennis is walking away from the Wilsons’ house with his friend and sidekick, Joey. Both boys have their hands full of cookies, and Joey asks the question, “I wonder what we did to deserve this?”

Dennis delivers an answer packed with truth.

He said, “Look, Joey, Mrs. Wilson gives us cookies not because we’re nice, but because she’s nice.”

An article published in the Houston Chronicle points out that “with the quick pen of an editor, my name could be replaced for Dennis and Mrs. Wilson could be replaced by God. The good which comes my way is not because I am good, but because God is good.”

We can take this one more step and say that many times we are the recipients of kindness and on many occasions gifts of significance, not because we’re good, but because the giver is good, as well as kind and generous. The interesting twist to all of this is the fact that the more kind and generous we are to others, the more people there are who will be kind and generous to us.

So, take to heart what Dennis is teaching us in this simple little cartoon and you’ll end up with more of the good things of life, as well as more pleasure and happiness to go along with it -- and I’ll see you at the top!

Generosity We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~ Winston Churchill

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Personal Business

Personal Business

Reported Identity Thefts: Texas Rank 5th in Nation

I By

M ec h ele M ills

n the latest Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) report issued by the Federal Trade Commission, Texas ranks No. 5 in the nation for the most reported cases of identity theft per 100,000 residents. The most common type of identity theft reported was credit card fraud.

Those aged 30-39 were the most heavily targeted group, making up approximately 26% percent of the total number of victims reporting their age in CSN. The most common way for credit card information to become stolen is through the telephone. Never provide personal information to anyone you don’t know, even if they claim you won a prize, grant or sweepstakes.

Another fundamental way to avoid falling victim to identity theft is to shred all documents which contain personally identifiable information. BBB invites consumers to bring documents to be shredded to Secure Your ID Day, which will be held this month at BBB office in Tyler.

In October, BBB will host another Secure Your ID Day in Longview.

BBB also advises consumers to have a document retention schedule. BBB offers the following suggestions: • Insurance documentation. Keep everything in a secure compartment for as long as you have the policy. Also, save any paperwork regarding unresolved claims/coverage.

• Keep utility, cell phone and similar bills only until you receive confirmation that your payment has been processed. The only exception to this is if you are self-employed.

Self-employed people should keep these records longer so they can prove any deductions on their tax forms.

• Keep all loan paperwork until you pay off the loan. Then shred everything except the

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Those aged 30-39 were the most heavily targeted group, making up approximately 26% percent of the total number of victims reporting their age in CSN. Keep the following items indefinitely: • All paperwork related to bankruptcy, inheritance and wills.

• Auditor's reports.

• House/Condominium records: It is a good idea to keep documents of expenditures related to house/condominium improvements. Capital purchases that improve or enhance the value of your home when you sell your property may lower your capital gains tax.

GRAPHIC STANDARDS

• IRA contribution records: If you made a nondeductible contribution to an IRA plan, such as a Roth IRA, keep your records to show that you were already taxed for this money.

For more information on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org.

To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, go to BBB Scam Tracker.

To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call BBB at (903)581-5704 or use BBB Scam Tracker.

Introduction This Graphic Standards section of these Operating Rules has been developed to facilitate the use of the Allpoint® Brand Mark on all System Cards, System Terminals, signs, marketing materials and other communications. ATM National, LLC. must approve in writing any deviation from these standards.

Go. See. Do. Rights and Requirements

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

document that proves you paid in full.

• Find out how much time your bank and/or credit cards give you to challenge incorrect statements. Keep them until you are no longer able to challenge them. This is typically between 60 days to one year after the mistake is made.

• Keep pay stubs for one year. Don't throw away your paycheck stubs until you receive your annual W-2 form from your employer. If everything matches, feel free to shred your pay stubs. Then, keep your W-2 forms for at least a few years.

• Keep bank statements and expired insurance policies for three years • Keep tax returns, canceled checks/receipts, and records for tax deductions taken for seven years. The IRS has six years to challenge your return if they believe that you underreported your gross income by 25 percent or more. |

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...and take us with you!

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The Allpoint® Brand Mark consists of the Allpo rectangle box. None of these elements may app any way.

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TBT IPM GoSeeDo fam on bikes.indd 1

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3/2/18 11:30 AM

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Blue Bash was a Blowout

T

he Spring Hill Education Foundation recently held its annual fundraiser.

Patti Miller, Foundation executive director was thrilled about the support that poured out from various sponsors and supporters of the district.

"Blue Out Bash 2019 was a huge success due to the generosity and support of our community, sponsors, friends and individuals," she said.

"We are most grateful to each of you for making this happen!! We could not do it without YOU!" According to Miller, the Foundation Board works tirelessly each year with the mission to provide SHISD teachers with grants to supplement funding for academic programs and initiatives that enrich student learning.

Tracy McCormack and Paula Loden

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Kyle Stephens, Wayne Noon, Patti Miller, Jodie Hilburn, Ryan Small, Nicole Bodenheimer, Lindsay Robinson, Leslie Paull and Natalie Lynch

Janette Rowan, Allyson Handy, Paula Loden, Amanda Arnold and Kristy Nevill of Spring Hill State Bank

Lynn and Kent Bryson

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Paula Loden and daughter Jennifer Branch

Coveted auction items

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Explore the true meaning of

Easter

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unnies and baskets, chocolates and candies.

It’s that time of year when parents scramble to ensure their children wake up to a trove of treats, and families decide on who is serving the lamb dinner this year. These are some of the familiar Easter traditions, but much more is involved with the holiday than egg hunts and brightly adorned bonnets.

For the religious, it can be important to delve into the true meanings behind Easter and let those discoveries help shape celebrations. Easter, above all, is a religious commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the culmination of the holy period known as Lent, and it the most significant date on the Christian liturgical calendar.

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

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

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

Jesus was subsequently betrayed and turned over to the authorities. He was sentenced to crucifixion and perished on the cross. His body was cleansed and placed in a tomb sealed by a stone. His followers

Lisa Fox, Felecia woods, Jessica Bates, Tracy McCormick, Lee Jordan, Becky Cooper and Teresa Boyd.

Ben and Deena Shelton, PhD.

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David and Karen Wright

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were unaware of the miracle that would ensue in the days to come. On Easter Sunday, the tomb was discovered open and empty. Jesus had risen from the dead, providing irrefutable proof that he was the Son of God. In turn, Jesus fulfilled all he was born to do and preached. Easter did not always symbolize Christ’s resurrection when it was first celebrated.

It was once a pagan ritual of renewal and birth.

However, when early missionaries began spreading Christianity’s message, the holiday falling around the time of Christ’s actual resurrection was adopted to commemorate the religious miracle. Today it stands as a testament to ultimate sacrifice and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in him.

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

CASA to Present

Signature Fundraiser “ I can’t wait to get my dancing shoes on and Samba for everyone this year! Steven and I are representing Team Brazil. Please, come and let us take you to Rio de Janeiro” - Municipal Judge Donna Blalock-Habinc ip ma g repor t

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ourt-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of East Texas are preparing their annual fund-raising event Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns to be held April 6 at Maude Cobb Activity Center. The name-dropping list of local luminaries is impressive.

• Municipal Judge Donna Blalock-Habinc • Longview Fire Department Chief Amy Dodgen • City of Longview Official Leisha Kidd-Brooks • Hollwarth Law Firm's Christina Hollwarth • Tyler Hudson of Pilar International • Jennifer and Marshall Jackson of Coldwell Banker/Lenhart Properties • Allstate Insurance Agent Jason Jones • Rolf Kotulla from the Longview Police Department • The REALty Show's David Shelton, • Attorney-at-Law Mary Lou Tevebaugh will all attend.

Entertainment will include dancing, projection lighting special effects and fire twirling. The evening's emcees will be Judges Tim Womack, Alfonso Charles and Jim Bartlett. Perfect Catering will cater the event's sumptuous meal that will precede live and silent auctions. The Maude Cobb Convention Center doors will be unlocked at 6:00pm and activities will commence at 6:30pm Blue Jeans and Ball Gowns is East Texas CASA's biggest fund-raising extravaganza. Last year, this attraction enabled CASA to provide volunteers for

approximately 100 abused, at-risk children. During fiscal 2018, there were 783 abused and neglected children in Department of Family and Protection Services custody.

These unfortunate youngsters came from Gregg, Rusk and Upshur counties. CASA assisted 467 local children through training volunteer advocates to serve as voices for these young children who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. Still, not every child in need was reached. Each one helped costs CASA $1425, and the goal is to rescue every young victim of mistreatment and abandonment.

Children entering the foster care system from homes no longer adjudged safe may be assigned a dedicated, compassionate volunteer called a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA.) Such volunteers are meticulously screened and trained prior to being assigned to represent children’s best interests in the child protection system.

Furthermore, the Advocates work with individual children or with one set of siblings at a time, enabling them to concentrate on sole individualized advocacy and attention. Besides rescuing these children from dangerous and unhealthy situations, these Advocates save taxpayer money and children’s futures by helping locate safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

For more information on how to become a CASA or on the program in general, please visit www.EastTexasCasa.org.

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I’ll do anything to help a child in need in our area who needs a safe place to live. This event has grown in the last three years since I’ve been a celebrity dancer and it just gets bigger each year!

I’m honored and proud to be a part of this fantastic event."

- Municipal Judge Donna Blalock-Habinc Donna Blalock-Habinc and dance partner Steven Lois

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BODY MIND AND SOUL

BODY MIND AND SOUL

Medicare: Caregivers to be in the know

Understanding what Medicare covers, as well as what it won’t cover, can save you time and spare you frustration when navigating the caregiving maze.

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he phone call can come at any hour. Your elderly parent has fallen ill and needs your help. If you haven’t gotten the call yet, chances are you will. About 70 percent of our parents will require some kind of personal care during their old age. Sometimes, the care will extend for years.

Caregivers often find themselves at wits’ end, careening from one crisis to another and having little time to confront the problem that cropped up yesterday, let alone tackle the one that just reared its head today. The challenges can quickly become overwhelming.

Having a working knowledge of Medicare may help you keep your balance and ensure that your parent, or other loved one, receives the appropriate care. Medicare doesn’t have to be a mystery. There are simple ways to get answers to your questions.

The best overview of the Medicare program is the official “Medicare and You” handbook. It’s mailed to all beneficiaries every fall and provides an up-to-date-description of all services and benefits.

It’s also readily available on Medicare’s main website, at www.medicare.gov.

If you have a particular question, you may want to visit with a Medicare customer service representative at 1-800-633-4227. Medicare also works closely with State Health Insurance Assistance Programs to provide free health insurance counseling. The Texas number is 1-800-252-9240.

Caregivers find Medicare’s secure website – www.mymedicare.gov – especially useful. After setting up a personal account for your parent, you can view the details of your elder’s coverage, track recent health care claims and keep up to date on preventive services your parent qualifies for.

Medicare can also help you locate the right

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health care providers for your parent. Its “Compare” web pages – at www.medicare.gov – are a good place to begin your search for a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, dialysis facility or physician that fits your parent’s needs.

Medicare can reduce many out-of-pocket medical expenses, but it doesn’t cover everything.

Understanding what Medicare covers, as well as what it won’t cover, can save you time and spare you frustration when navigating the caregiving maze.

Here are a few key points: Besides basic hospital and physician services and optional prescription drug benefits, Medicare

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covers home health care.

To qualify, a beneficiary must be homebound, under a physician’s care and in need of part-time skilled nursing care or rehabilitative services like physical therapy.

Medicare also helps pay for oxygen, catheters and other medical supplies that a doctor prescribes for home use. The same is true for medically necessary equipment like oxygen machines, wheelchairs and walkers.

Medicare covers skilled care in a nursing home for limited periods following hospital stays.

But it doesn’t cover longterm stays. Patients who need custodial care (room and board) must pay out of pocket unless they’re eligible for Medicaid or have private long-term care insurance.

Medicare pays for hospice care for someone with a terminal illness whose doctor expects will live six months or less. The hospice benefit also includes brief periods of respite care at a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home to give the patient’s caregivers an occasional rest.

Besides long-term nursing home stays, Medicare typically doesn’t cover regular dental care or dentures, regular eye exams or eyeglasses, and hearing exams and hearing aids. Likewise, it won’t pay for non-emergency ambulance trips ­­— unless a

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doctor certifies they’re medically necessary.

Money can quickly become a worry when managing a parent’s health care. If your parent lives on a limited income, you should check whether he or she qualifies for help with prescription drug costs or with other Medicare-related premiums, deductibles and copayments.

For help with drug costs, contact Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov or 1-800-772-1213 and ask about the “Extra Help Program.” For help with other Medicare costs, go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 and ask about the “Medicare Savings Programs.”

It’s common for caregivers to suffer from stress, loss of sleep, and poor health themselves. So it’s important to eat properly, get regular exercise and set aside some time each week to do something you enjoy. You can’t care for someone else if you don’t look after yourself.

Bob Moos is the Southwest public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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Business and Finance

Business and Finance

Eight Ways to Build a Cash Stash By

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aving money is a curious term with two meanings: to spend less, as in "I buy things on sale to save money," and to physically place money where it is safe from being spent.

That's fine, but here's the problem: It's easy to trick yourself into thinking that the meanings are the same. They are not, unless of course you stop by the bank to deposit into your savings the difference between what you would have spent had an item not been on sale. That would be a clever way to boost your cash stash this year and at the same time adjust your mindset on what it really means to save money. Here are eight more: TAX YOURSELF. Decide right now that you will tax yourself each time you make an ATM withdrawal. It might be $5 or $10. You decide. Whatever the amount, make sure you become a tough tax collector. No slacking, and no IOUs. IMPOSE A MORATORIUM. Select a specific denomination of currency, like the $1 or $5 bill, that you will no longer spend and will instead save. Forbid yourself from spending it. Get very strict. Why not go with the $5 bill? Your stash will grow so much faster if you absolutely refuse to spend any Abe Lincolns.

HOARD COUPON SAVINGS. Starting today, here's the plan: When you shop for groceries, ask the clerk to total your order.

Then, pay the full amount. Then, hand over the coupons and watch your total plummet. Since

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you've already paid, the clerk should hand back the cash equal to your coupon savings. If there's bank branch in the supermarket, open a savings account. It's easy to stop and make a savings deposit on your way out. Even if it's small, it all adds up.

RACK UP REBATES. They're coming back in a big way, as retailers want to make their products appear cheaper without actually reducing the price. They offer a rebate knowing full well that only a small percentage of consumers who buy the item will ever carry through. No matter how small the rebate or how complicated the process, promise you will not be among the lazy bunch. Apply for a rebate; follow up; and then stash those rebates as they arrive!

DRINK WATER. Pay yourself a bonus, like a dollar or two, each time you eat out and opt for water instead of a pricey beverage.

Don't slack on your obligation to pay up. And remember, no IOUs allowed.

MAKE A SWITCH. Opt to exercise outdoors instead of paying for a gym membership. Or decide to ride the subway instead of jumping into a cab. Identify a name brand you will leave on the shelf this year in favor of its store-brand equivalent. Stash what you would have spent.

GIVE IT UP. Pick one thing that you will sacrifice for a specific period of time, such as the coming year. Just cut it out. Stash the amount |

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It's easy to stop and make a savings deposit on your way out.

Even if it's small, it all adds up.

that you would have spent on the thing — regular manicures, French fries, gourmet coffee, cigarettes — into your savings container or account. You could always do your own manicures, swear off junk food or brew your own coffee. As for that smoking habit, just imagine all the dough you could put in your stash if you were to give it up.

TRICK YOURSELF. Whenever you write a check or make a withdrawal from the ATM, record the amount in your checkbook registry, but round up the number to, say, the next dollar. Then, deduct that amount from the balance. At the end of the month, reconcile and stash the "Oops!" overage.

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GRUBS UP

GRUBS UP

Fire up the smoker for

Easter dinner this year

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Pork Loin Roast with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze Serves 4 to 6 1 boneless pork loin roast (about 2 lbs.)

4 cups apple juice 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Rib Rub (see below) 1 cup hot pepper jelly

Additional apple juice for spraying

or much of the country, Easter Sunday typically falls during a time of year when the weather outside is still pretty chilly. But this year Easter falls on the third Sunday in April, increasing the chances that temperatures will be more spring-like and less reminiscent of winter.

Warmer temperatures on Easter Sunday means hosts tasked with cooking Easter dinner might be able to expand their culinary horizons and avoid the stove. Though they might not have considered it before, hosts might want to fire up their smokers to give their families something delicious and different to dine on this Easter Sunday. If the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse, electric smokers can typically be used indoors, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to confirm that.

Big meals are part and parcel for Easter Sunday, this recipe for Pork Loin Roast with Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze from Karen Putman and Judith Fertigo’s Championship BBQ Secrets for Real Smoked Food (Robert Rose) is a great way to take advantage of warmer Easter weather while still ensuring everyone has a full belly by the end of the meal.

close the lid and smoke, spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes, for 1 to 11/2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the pork registers 160 F for medium, or until desired doneness.

Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

1. Rinse pork under cold running water and pat dry. Place in a large sealable plastic bag and pour in apple juice.

Seal bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 12 hours.

Brown Sugar Rib Rub Makes about 31/2 cups 2

2. Remove pork from marinade and

pat dry. Discard marinade. Sprinkle dry rub over the surface of the meat, coating evenly. Set aside.

3. Prepare a fire in your smoker.

4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt

hot pepper jelly over medium-low heat. Keep warm by the smoker.

5. Place pork directly on the smoker rack, add wood to the coals and close the lid. Smoke at 225 F to 250 F, spraying with apple juice every 30 minutes, for 2 hours. Brush with hot pepper jelly,

cups packed dark brown sugar or granulated maple sugar 1/2 cup fine kosher or sea salt 1/4 cup sweet Hungarian paprika 1/4 cup chili powder 1/4 cup ground lemon pepper 1/4 cup granulated garlic 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried thyme In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, lemon pepper, garlic, black pepper, basil, and thyme.

Kristi Brian

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just for fun

easter word search

April Fool’s Day

has a lengthy history

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hat do you get when have a select group of people who did not get the memo that the calendar had been modified and the start of the New Year was now pushed back by three months? April Fools’ Day, that’s what. Although the tomfoolery that occurs each April 1 may not feel very old, April Fool’s Day traces its origins back several centuries. One legend states that April Fool’s Day originated in the 1500s and has remained a day for hijinks ever since. Prior to the 1500s, the western world relied on the Julian calendar to keep track of time. According to the Julian calendar, years began on March 25. However, since March 25 fell during Holy Week, the new year festivities were pushed back to the first day of April.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII decreed the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, which switched New Year’s Day from the end of March to January 1.

Many people were informed of this change, yet those who lived in rural areas or had not heard about the calendar change continued to celebrate the arrival of the new year on April 1. These people were mocked, and some people in the know would try to confuse people into thinking that April 1 was still New Year’s Day and they were receiving a New Year’s visit. From this tradition grew the one that is observed today, with people trying to fool unsuspecting individuals with all methods of pranks and trickery.

In France, jokes may have involved placing paper fish on the backs of the gullible. These poisson d’avril (April fish) symbolized a young, easily caught fish, tor someone who was easily pranked.

Others suggest April Fools’ Day is connected to pagan festivals celebrated during the change of seasons. On Hilaria, Romans would dress up in disguises. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day is connected to the vernal equinox,

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Willie Nelson

when people were fooled with unpredictable weather.

April Fools’ antics eventually spread outside of France to Britain, and then around the world. While pranks were once simplistic in nature, many are now more intricate. According to Snopes, a popular April Fools’ hoax dates back to 1957 when the BBC convinced its audience that spring would arrive early, and with it, an early spaghetti harvest in Switzerland.

Video showed peasant women harvesting spaghetti from trees, now that the ravenous spaghetti weevil, which had caused havoc to past harvests, was finally defeated. The station received scores of calls asking to view the harvest or inquiring how they could get a spaghetti plant.

In 1996, in the United States, the popular fast food chain Taco Bell convinced the public that it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and wanted to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. In 2016, the Texas state comptroller’s office announced that redback paper money would be reissued in the state for the first time since 1840 and it would feature Willie Nelson’s face on the $10 bill.

April Fools’ jokes have evolved throughout the centuries. Although the exact origins cannot be accurately pinpointed, the fun ensues nevertheless. |

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