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infinitieplus August 2021

Dr. Cynthia Wise CEO East Texas Advanced Academies

Hooray for

Heroes Longview Wine Festival

VOL. 11 NO.8 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

And

CHRISTUS

Good Shepherd Breaks $35M Ground ETBU Regional Econmic Impact Plus

Avoid Disaster The Newly Minted Flecia and Dan Droege

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Body, Mind and Soul

Race for Dignity

The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One…

A New Day Begins at NorthPark

Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Dear Friends, Hi, my name is Arya Germanwala, and I am a student at Longview High School. I would love your support of Simple Bare Necessities Inaugural 5k Fun Run , “Race for Dignity” set for Saturday, August 21st at The Green. Simple Bare Necessities is a nonprofit t that I started in 2020 and it exists to enrich the lives of our community’s most deserving youth. The goal of Simple Bare Necessities is to provide personal hygiene products to children in need in the Longview Independent School District to promote dignity and self-confidence. Since its inception, Simple Bare Necessities has provided more than 2,000+ personal hygiene kits to students in the district. The success of our upcoming “Race of Dignity” is crucial to the ongoing growth of Simple Bare Necessities’ mission of providing hygiene products for our youth to give them a sense of security, dignity, and selfworth. With your help, together we can accomplish this mission of building the future success of our children, and therefore our country. The “Race for Dignity” is open to people of all ages from beginners to experienced runners, and all proceeds benefit Simple Bare Necessities and are tax-deductible. Please visit our website www.SimpleBarenecessities.org. With your generous sponsorship we can make a difference together and help create the much-needed awareness. I hope you will join me in giving back and making an impactful difference in the lives of one of Longview’s most deserving: our underprivileged youth. Thank you for your generosity.

Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Sydney McBride Mechele Agbayani Mills Debi Johnston

For advertising: contact Joycelyne Fadojutimi at joy@iplusmag.com OUR MISSION

To enrich the local-global community with the “just in time knowledge,” to assure future successes

Administration Chief Kevin Green, Brian Wilkerson Christus Good Shepherd EMS; EMS Section Chief Amy Hutton; Fire Chief JP Steelman, Todd Hancock, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd CEO. Gregg County Fire Marshal Mark Moore; Brian Marshall Deputy Fire Marshal and Shawn Salter, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd EMS

Contd. on Page 16

OUR VISION

To become an information oracle of functional and constructive reports that serves the needs of businesses and communities. 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. The entire contents of infinitieplus magazine is copyrighted 2021. Any reproduction or use in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. infinitieplus magazine reserves the right to edit and make appropriate modifications. The opinions published by contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of infinitieplus magazine or its advertisers.

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Table of Contents

A New Day Begins at NorthPark

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy. It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver. From From From the thethe day day day you you you find find find out outout to tothe to thethe day day day you you you deliver, deliver, deliver, there’s there’s there’s nothing nothing nothing more more more important important important to toLongview to Longview Longview Regional Regional Regional Medical Medical Medical Center Center Center 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 why is why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such as asprivate as private private rooms, rooms, rooms, spacious spacious spacious birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. support. And And And ififyou you if you and and and your your your newest newest newest addition addition addition need need need aalittle little a little extra extra extra help, help, help, we wewe offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and aaLevel Level a Level IIIIIINICU. NICU. III NICU. For ForFor more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby.

Hon. Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt and CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Jennifer Ware

Dr. Scott Fossey

CEO Todd Hancock

Dr. Stephen Littlejohn

Dr. Williams Hobbs

Exec. Dir. Susan Ward

Features 2

Body, Mind and Soul

7 Inspiration 8

Cover Story

Body, Mind and Soul

Hooray for Heroes

Education

Wise’s teaching career started with 12 years as a high school history teacher. She then took steps to becoming a principal, earning her Master of Education Administration degree and her principal’s certification. Her love for classroom teaching did not blind her to the realization that as a principal, she was in a better position to positively impact the lives of whole student bodies, and not limiting her influence to the confines of individual classrooms. She took the job of assistant principal with DeSoto ISD, working in this capacity for 9 years. Wise’ chance to become a fully-fledged principal came when Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox hired her as principal of struggling Jodie McClure Magnet School.

2901 2901 2901 N. N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • • Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • • 903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • • LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Inspiration

Avoid Disaster By DR. MICHAEL GUIDO

hat do you mean?” asked his mother. “Well, I got three days behind in my prayers and when I heard the thunder and saw the lightning, I prayed really hard and got caught up and now I’m not afraid.” We all allow “gaps” to develop in our prayer life. When things are going the way we want them to go and there are no serious problems to deal with, it’s easy to “let up” on the time we spend with God in prayer. This life style is not uncommon. In fact, the Psalmist came to the same conclusion when he wrote, “But as for me, it is good

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to be near God.” We have all met people in life that keep everyone at a distance. Whether they don’t want to know us or they don’t want us to know them may never be clear. But we feel the separation and there is not much, if anything, we can do about it. So, we move on. But with God, it is different. We can get as close to Him as we desire. In fact, we all know that drawing close to God is something that He wants us to do. His gracious invitation “come to me” is always available. Life is like an “incline.” If we are not walking upward toward Him, we are slipping downward and away from Him. My mother once said to

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me, “Larry, if you are not as close to God as you once were, you are the one who has moved.” And she added, “If you draw close to Him, He will get closer to you.” God not only waits for us to come to Him, but constantly calls: “Come to Me.” Prayer: Lord, may we feel Your presence each moment of every day and stay closer to You than our best friend. Help me to make You my “best friend.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Scripture for Today: But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. Psalm 73:28

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Cover Story

Dr. Cynthia Wise: Creating Equal Playing Field for Disadvantaged Students

Dr. Cynthia Wise

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI WWW.IPLUSMAG.COM

r. Cynthia Wise uses Mother to Son poem by Langston Hughes to sum up her educational altruistic mission. “Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor, Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light.

So, boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps 'Cause you find it kinder hard. Don't you fall now-For I'se still going', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.” Family is central to Dr. Cynthia Wise. She has five children and "a host" of grandchildren. She showers them with adoration, and the pride she feels for their accomplishments is literally tangible. "They are hard-working individuals who: 1. Love God and have respect for mankind. 2. Love their parents and each other. 3. Have excellent work ethics," she says. "This had been instilled

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in my grandchildren as well. Whether they choose college, career, or a military path, they, too, are encouraged to live by these principles." She recalls the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he advised his followers: "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted, or as Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of Heaven and Earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'" In addition, her parents were marvelous examples on how to live a full, magnanimous life. Her mother, Gracie Foster wanted to be a teacher. She was nicknamed “Ladybug,” be-

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cause among other things she was a “Leading Lady,” until the day she passed on to glory. LADY BUG MEETS SOLDIER AND PENTECOSTAL MINISTER Gracie Foster met Robert Earl Brown Sr. her future husband and Father of her 3 children while he was stationed at Fort Lee Army Base in Virginia. Besides being a soldier, he was a Pentecostal minister. Foster was enrolled at nearby Virginia State College, where she was studying to be a teacher. After their marriage, she stopped her education and accompanied her husband around the world as an Army wife, even though this international lifestyle was an unusual one for Americans and especially for African Americans in that era. Cynthia’s mother and father

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found time to have three children- two boys and she was in the middle. However, they suffered terrible heartbreaks; both of Cynthia's brothers died young. One passed away aged forty-nine, and the other was just twenty-six. Their mother would tell her, "You cannot choose your family, but at the end of the day family's all we have as long as we are there for each other." Her extended family was a large one. They were essentially brothers and sisters to her, an only child. On those occasions when they were together their love for each other bonded them. Even today, with Cynthia here in Texas, and her cousins in Virginia and New York City, they still organize family reunions.

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Cover Story

Cover Story "There are people in this community whom I count as being part of my extended family because they treat me as such: Phil Atkins, Dorothy Brown, the Flowers, and Dr. and Mrs. Duncan, just to name a few. Longview is home for me. I am very, very blessed." -Dr. Cynthia Wise, Chief Executive Officer, East Texas Advanced Academies.

Dr. Cynthia Wise

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"I don't get to attend very often because my mother, father, brothers and grandparents are all in glory, and quite frankly it's hard for me to return, and I'll leave it at that," she says. Nonetheless, life now revolves around Longview and what she calls her "Longview community family and Longview ISD family." To her, close friends are the same as blood relatives. "There are people in this community whom I count as being part of my extended family because they treat me as such," she says. "People such as Carrol Greenwaldt, Jared Lewis, Jerry Freeney, Sharon and Phil Atkins, Dorothy Brown, the Flowers, and Dr. and Mrs. Duncan, just to name a few." Her close ties with the Longview Independent School District (LISD) and its personnel are another source of Cynthia's close relationships. When they need help, she is there for them, they know they can count on her. In essence, Longview is her family. "Longview is home for me," she says. "I am very, very blessed." Despite her total devotion to her

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city and its people, for Cynthia’s her faith is number one. Her parents and grandparents taught her that devotion to the Holy Trinity is the only path to true fulfillment and salvation. This guidance and direction from her Lord were vital as she matured in a complex world. Following her father’s death, her mother moved to New York City in search of greater vocational opportunities. Hence, Cynthia grew up alternating between living with her mother in New York, and her grandparents in Virginia. "The experience of navigating two worlds and being exposed to different cultures would serve me well later in life," she says. "Although I attended schools in New York, I graduated from high school in Petersburg, Virginia." After high school she moved on to Saint Paul's College, a historically black Episcopalian school. It was here that she was baptized and confirmed as an Episcopalian. She earned a Presidential Fellowship, allowing her to attend Ohio State University where she

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studied public administration, pulling down a Master of Public Administration degree in just two years. Her desire was to serve as a city manager. While still at Ohio State she met and married a Texan and had his children. "I'm a transplanted Texan, and loving it," she says. Her family ties are so strong that she has incorporated them into her professional life. During the time she served as principal of Ned E. Williams, she started an annual grandparents' luncheon. She has the greatest respect and admiration for those who are raising their grandchildren. Because of typical age and health issues, it is a formidable task for anyone taking over child-rearing for their adult children. "Many times, they do not think they will be able to find the strength, but somehow God gives them the strength they need to push forward," she says. Dr. Wise’s own resume is a testament to her own strength, determination, and dedication.

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Cover Story EDUCATION Doctor of Education Administrative Leadership, Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Master of Education Administration, Southeast Oklahoma University, Durant, Oklahoma. Master of Public Administration, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Bachelor of Science, Saint Paul's College, Lawrenceville, Virginia (HBCU.) PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS/ RECOGNITIONS/AWARDS Better Living for Texans (BLT) Program Area Committee Member, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, 2021. Texas Outstanding Administrator 2014, Texas Association of Black School Board Members. Region VII Title I High Performing and High Progress School, 2014-2018. Nominated TEPSA Distinguished Principal. Parent-Teacher Association--Life Member. National Center for Educational Achievement Award, 2010. Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Dallas. ADVOCATE FOR CHOICE One of her reasons for leading such an impressive, accomplished life goes back to her early childhood, when she wanted to be a lawyer. She

was so skilled at presenting logical, persuasive arguments that family members would say she was a natural born attorney. Yet, when she reached college, she felt led to pursue a career in education, which was considered a stable, acceptable profession for minorities. Regardless of whether she would be lawyer or a teacher, though, her objective was to help others.

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"My dream as a lawyer was to use my law degree to help others," she says. "Now, as an educator, I'm doing the same thing, but on a different platform.” Another reason is her destiny. As back as 1983, Wise wrote her Master of Public Administration degree thesis titled, “Vouchers Boom-orBust,” at Ohio State University. She

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presented this paper to law students and the faculty. As a harbinger of education success, she was finding ways for parents and students, from underprivileged backgrounds, to have an opportunity to go a better school. Dr. Wise currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of East Texas Advanced Academies (ETAA).

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This is a non-profit organization dedicated to managing six in-district charter schools in the Longview ISD. East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, Bramlette STEAM Academy, Johnston-McQueen Elementary, J.L. Everhart IB Elementary, Ware Montessori Academy, and Forest Park IB Magnet School make up this network. ETAA was created

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as part of Senate Bill 1882, which paves the way for school districts to work in tandem with non-profit organizations to improve student performance. "My role as CEO is an extension of my prior role as a successful principal of various inner-city campuses," she says. "To ensure that all students within ETAA's network experience academic and social/ emotional success through the faithful implementation of my Culture Conscious Campus (CCC) model. CCC is a comprehensive model that I created. It encompasses four aspects of school culture to deliver exceptional outcomes for students." Wise’s teaching career started with 12 years as a high school history teacher. She then took steps to becoming a principal, earning her Master of Education Administration degree and her principal’s certification. Her love for classroom teaching did not blind her to the realization that as a principal, she was in a better position to positively impact the lives of whole student bodies, and not limiting her influence to the confines of individual classrooms. She took the job of assistant principal with DeSoto ISD, working in this capacity for 9 years. BUILDING ON CONSECUTIVE TRAILBLAZING SUCCESSES Wise’ chance to become a fully-fledged principal came when Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox hired her as principal of struggling Jodie McClure Magnet School.

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Cover Story

Cover Story During her tenure at Jodie McClure, the school improved from the Texas Education Agency Needs Improvement grading to becoming a Recognized campus. When the LISD closed Jodie McClure and transferred its pupils to new Ned E. Williams Elementary, Dr. Wise came along as the school's first principal. Her influence was unmistakable and drastic as her students far exceeded the state's academic expectations. Ned E. Williams became an "A" school. Most important of all, it became the highestperforming predominantly African American school in Texas. Wise was so effective in guiding her student body to academic success that Texas Education Commissioner Dr. Mike Morath sent Deputy Education Commissioner Martin Winchester to visit the school and see first-hand why it was being held up as a shining model of success. All the time Dr. Wise was principal at Ned E. Williams, she managed to simultaneously serve as principal of Bramlette Elementary. She was just getting started. She moved on to the position of principal of another struggling school--Forest Park Middle School, where she spent another year as principal of two

schools. Her two years at Forest Park saw it improve from earning 1 STAR Distinction to 5 STAR Distinctions. After her first year in these capacities, Bellwether Education Partners visited Forest Park to see what was behind all the accolades it was earning. Dr. Wise meticulously outlined her methods so that Bellwether officials could see her schools were models of excellence to be held up as examples to be copied to ensure widespread student success. This led her to organize the CCC. With the subsequent passage of SB 1882, the ETAA came into existence. For her, it was all in a day's work. "My day consists of meetings with various stakeholders to ensure that the overall vision and mission of ETAA is being met," she says. "I visit campuses and meet with principals to review data and to implement action plans for student success." This collaboration also enables her to work with faculty both at the schools and in board meetings to update board members and higher-level administrators on various scholastic matters. Furthermore, she provides her teachers with training to review the CCC model and the central tenets of the Wise Instructional Framework. "I meet weekly with my curriculum department to ensure that the instructional practices that they observe match the rigors of the TEKS," she says. She loves how her status as an educator permits her to play a vital role in young minds receiving quality education, which she regards as a civil rights issue. She works to achieve

what she perceives as a moral and legal commitment to bring out children’s positive attributes that already exist in them. The vital aspect of this objective is crystal clear to her. "We all know that the number of prisons built in this country is predicated on fourth grade reading scores," she says. "By ensuring the students have access to a quality education we are not only improving their lives, but the community as well." However, she is concerned that many people harbor opinions that could hamper young minds in receiving quality schooling. She sees this as another challenge of her profession to be faced and overcome. "I think that oftentimes people’s egos get in the way, and they forget that it's not about us," she says. "It's ultimately about the children and working together to ensure that they are successful." As a PK (preacher's kid) she also has a firm grasp of how Christianity's emphasis on selfless service to others is in line with her focus on education. Her faith was the guiding light throughout her higher education. By leaning on the Holy Spirit for support, she pulled down one academic prize after another and ended up marrying a baptist minister. This, too, was a learning experience for a young couple guiding a large congregation. "Unfortunately, the marriage didn't work out," she says. "The fault was not with God, but with us." In true Christian fashion she bears no grudges against her ex-

husband but remains his friend and sister in Christ. "If I cannot forgive my fellow man, then how do I expect God to forgive me, a human being who, like all others, has a multitude of sins?" she asks. DR. CYNTHIA WISE EDUCATION ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS/ ACHIEVEMENTS Jodie McClure Magnet ES from Needs Improvement to Recognized School. Ned E. Williams ES turned it into an “A” school and highest performing predominantly African American school in Texas. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath sent Texas Education Deputy Commissioner Martin Winchester and held it up as a model of success. Ned E. Williams maintained the maximum of 6 STARS Distinc-

tion under Dr. Wise. Forest Park Middle School moved from 1 STAR Distinction to 5 STAR Distinctions. Bellwether Education Partners, a “national nonprofit focused on dramatically changing education and life outcomes for underserved children.” and several campuses across the country visit Dr. Wise to hear firsthand how she is turning failing schools with low socioeconomic population schools into star studded, high performing academies. East Texas Advanced Academies formed. Her entire life's mission revolves around helping others, young and old. She loves being her brother's keeper and uses her career as the vehicle to accomplish her unselfish, loving goals. "I've done this by working in education and ensuring that students regardless of their background receive a world-class education," Wise says.

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

Dr. Cynthia Wise

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Community Body, Mind and Connections Soul

Community Body, Mind Connections and Soul

New Day Dawns at NorthPark By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

HRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System has significantly expanded its NorthPark campus through a multi-year, $35 million investment to insure the people of Deep East Texas have access to medical facilities that keep up with advancing technology. The facilities are being called CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital-NorthPark, and the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Hancock can hardly wait to get started. "CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital--NorthPark will transform how we serve our community and our patients in north Longview," he said. "There is absolutely nothing else like this in Longview. We are creating the first of its kind in Longview--an entire campus dedicated to orthopedic care." Established to be completely patient-centered, this brand-new campus will provide care, convenience, and easy access to a never-beforeseen degree. Every aspect of the healing process will be seen to at this one centralized location, including initial physician exam, diagnostic imaging, surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery. This great leap forward in medical care and technology will kicked off with a 3313 Good Shepherd Way. CHRISTUS Health adminis-

trators, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, doctors, nurses, and sundry related associates attended this event along with civic and regional leaders. Construction on this 27,000-square foot facility is slated to commence mid-August, with the CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute scheduled to open in the autumn of 2022. The CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital--NorthPark will open its doors in the spring of 2023. The surgical hospital will contain patient rooms, six state-of-the-art operating theaters, and an expanded clinical area. In keeping with its name, the surgical hospital will concentrate on orthopedics and sports medicine, mainly through its ability to provide a wide range of outpatient procedures, and overnight stays, too. " Orthopedics is just the beginning," said Hancock. "As we look to the future, I foresee growth opportunities with even more physicians and additional specialties." Originally opened in 2014, the NorthPark campus presently houses CHRISTUS Good Shepherd's Emergency Center, Imaging Center (providing Open MRI/CT and x-ray) and Orthopedic Lab. It also contains the administration offices of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Obstetrics/Gynecology, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Pediatrics, ENT Associates of East Texas, and Longview Orthopedic Clinic Association.

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institute allows us to further that mission, to help people live healthier, more impactful lives." The crucial nature of the IHL within the new CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute cannot be overestimated. Its fitness floor, personal training, multi-fitness studio and aquatics center (which includes a lap pool, cold therapy plunge, whirlpool, and resistance pool) will be available for members along with being integrated into the pa-

tient journey from beginning to end. "What we've designed is an advanced campus of orthopedics and sports medicine excellence," said Hancock. "We are bringing the best clinical experts together in this state-of-the-art center to produce the best possible healthcare outcomes for patients. Whether it's playing with grandkids or playing eighteen holes of golf, this is all designed to return our patients back to the activities they love."

NEW DAY BEGINS AT CHRISTUS GOOD SHEPHERD NORTHPARK: CEO Todd Hancock, The Honorable Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt, Physicians and other dignitaries break $35 Million ground Photo By GRACE JACKSON /VIZCRE8VE MEDIA /903.309.3611

The structure currently housing the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Institute for Healthy Living (IHL) is being totally overhauled to become the new CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute (COSMI.) This new facility will provide orthopedic and sports medicine specialists across the total continuum of care the opportunity to practice and collaborate in one centralized location. The 75,000-square foot, multi-story building will provide patients the opportunity to receive treatment from world-class orthopedics and sports medicine specialists, along with outpatient therapy and rehabilitation, human performance, |

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medically integrated fitness, musculoskeletal radiology, and the IHL. The COSMI will employ thirteen CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic doctors and advanced practice clinicians specializing in orthopedics, sports medicine, and podiatry. This enlarged treatment space will feature forty exam rooms, three minor procedure rooms, and onsite diagnostic imaging. "This facility will provide patients with access to the specialists they need, as well as services and expertise they can't get anywhere else, which demonstrates our committment to serving this community and the Northeast Texas region," said CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic President Dr. Steven Keuer, MD. "Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, and this www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Hooray for Heroes

HOORAY

HEROES

Local business honors law enforcement

great success, but a foregone conclusion in light of the police and fire departments’ sterling recent performances. For one thing, Hooray for Heroes Parade was very appropriate in light of how the city’s police and firemen use their own, department vehicles as escorts and for safety during sundry parades and for funeral processions. “At a time when our communities and country are in upheaval, we need to remember to thank the GOOD law enforcement officers for doing their GOOD work,” said Julie Woods. “They have been essential employees through this entire COVID-19 crisis and deserve an ‘Atta boy and Atta girl.’” Longview Mayor, Dr. Andy Mack put it succinctly. “There will probably never be a time in any of our lives where we face the eminent danger our police and firefighters face. It may not happen today or tomorrow

Sheronda Baker with Walmart passing out Patriotic Bomb Pop popsicles!

By JOYCE LY NE FADO J UT I M I

he build up to this year’s local Independence Day celebration was significantly patriotic. It included a parade in sincere appreciation for Longview’s police officers and firefighters. This event dubbed Hooray for Heroes is the brainchild, of Julie Woods President and CEO of Julie Woods and Associates Real Estate Firm. The parade procession included grateful local residents who jumped at this opportunity to express their gratitude to the city’s most vital public servants.

Moreover, participants who did not have time to decorate their cars were in good hands because Longview Public Library Youth Service Supervisor Jenna Yeakley and her volunteers donned such vehicles

for the parade at Longview Public Library parking lot. It is important to remember that local law enforcement is of the essential services everyday, 24/7, 365 days in the year. As a matter of fact, the work very long hours doing more than a fair share of essential service in these unprecedented times. In this case, the COVID-19 epidemic has forced police to take on more than their usual workload, and they have done this gladly and efficiently without any decrease in their ongoing toils to ensure public safety. In the same fashion, the Longview Fire Department found time to test 685 inmates in the Gregg County jail, and 2389 local nursing home residents for COVID-19. In like manner, Longview police officers, were on hand to protect peaceful protesters, and not only from potential violence - they provided the demonstrators with cool bottled water in the sweltering East Texas heat. All this considered, the appreciation parade was not only a

Mayor Andy Mack and LHS Viewette Elle Woods

Longview Police Officers Johnny Lyons and Luke Altman

Battalion Chief Michael Wylie and Section Chief of Training Andy Parker

Longview Police Officers Misty Ryan and Maira Villela From left to right: Cody Taylor, Sloan Rodberg, Eric McKnight, Kris McMillen, Bubba Perry, Dusty Burks, George Glenn and Eddie Haywood.

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Hooray for Heroes or the next day, but it will happen,” he said. “And when it does, and their live lives are on the line, be thankful for the job they are doing. I know I am, and I pray for them daily. The sacrifices both they and their families make do not go unnoticed. Thank you both Police and Firefighters for keeping Longview safe.”

From left to right: Robert Collins, Trent Montgomery, Justin Cameron, Ryan Nicholson, Assistant Chief of Operations Brian Jones, NAME, Kyle Sands, and James Cooper.

“There will probably never be a time in any of our lives where we face the eminent danger our police and firefighters face. It may not happen today or tomorrow or the next day, but it will happen. And when it does, and their live lives are on the line, be thankful for the job they are doing. I know I am, and I pray for them daily. The sacrifices both they and their families make do not go unnoticed. Thank you both Police and Firefighters for keeping Longview safe.” - Longview Mayor, Dr. Andy Mack

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August 2021

Education

East Texas Baptist University makes

significant impact on the regional economy By SYDNEY MCBRIDE

s a Christcentered university, East Texas Baptist is focused on fulfilling its primary mission of educating students by integrating biblical faith and learning to prepare graduates to be Christian servant leaders in the communities God calls them to serve. In servicing this mission, an Economic Impact Report has concluded that East Texas Baptist University has a profound economic impact on the region’s economy. A recent study concluded that East Texas Baptist University contributes $63,185,453 to the local economy. The economic impact study revealed that East Texas Baptist University produced $46,232,131 in direct spending and $16,953,322 in induced spending. Direct spending includes money spent on employee salaries and benefits, capital projects, university purchases, as well as student and visitor spending in the community. Induced spending is defined as employment and

expenditures provided by local industries as a result of the direct spending of East Texas Baptist University. East Texas Baptist President, Dr. J. Blair Blackburn reflected on the University’s economic impact: “ETBU shares a vision for economic development through collaborative partnerships with local and regional business, industry, and education,” he said. “The University invests in the area economy to advance the community forward in creating employment opportunities, developing our workforce, and retaining talented people in our City and County. We strive to ensure that our faith integrated with our work adds value to the quality of life in East Texas as we unite hearts and minds for the betterment of our citizens and our community.” East Texas Baptist University is

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one of the largest employers in Harrison County, and a student enrollment growth of over 33% in the last six years has prompted the construction of new facilities

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August 2021

on campus and revitalization in downtown Marshall. The renovation of existing learningliving space and the construction of new educational facilities

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results in an infusion of money in the local economy. Presently, ETBU is investing over $500,000 to restore the Marshall Grand’s 8th floor Grand Hall (formerly the Hotel Marshall’s Rooftop Garden), a large banquet hall space for University and community events. The upcoming construction of ETBU’s Great Commission Center and home to the Fred Hale School of Business will be a catalyst for the local economy with an investment of over $8,000,000 into the city of Marshall and Harrison County. Construction tradespeople and building resource/service businesses from across the city and region will partner with ETBU in creating this magnificent multipurpose facility for academic learning, business and entrepreneurial leadership training, career development, and missions/ministry. East Texas Baptist University is proud to be located in Marshall,

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Texas and aims to be a good neighbor through service and care for the citizens of the community. ETBU demonstrates care to the community as faculty, staff, and students participate in community life, including service in local schools and churches. “ETBU students, faculty, and staff make an impact in the community in a multitude of ways as they serve alongside other citizens in local schools, congregations, and other nonprofit agencies,” Dr. Blackburn added. “The University also makes an impact through institutional programs including our Neighborhood Renewal Initiative and as students serve through the Great Commission Center. Our service to the community is part of our identity, but ETBU’s notable economic contribution makes a significant impact on the region.” The economic impact study was commissioned by the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) and was conducted by economics professor Mark Paul Gius, Ph.D. of Quinnipiac University.

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August 2021

I Do

"I sat down one night and asked God to find me someone who has a kind and loving heart, and someone I could have fun with for the rest of my life. God gave me that and so much more in Dan." – Flecia Droege roege

Flecia and Dan D

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Dan and Flecia Droege

"I love teaching young people," she says. "Watching their minds grow and forming relationships that last forever is very special to me." Their love of the Lord is the main driving force of their unselfish, serving lives. Their faith has served as a bridge over troubled waters for them and has impressed on them the total value of their relationships with God and with each other’s. Following her divorce, Flecia took a Christian-oriented

Divorce Care course at her church. The preacher/instructor urged his students to be specific about their needs when they pray. She was. "I sat down one night and asked God to find me someone who has a kind and loving heart, and someone I could have fun with for the rest of my life," she says. "God gave me that and so much more in Dan." Dan and Flecia are passionate about serving their community

by working with various civic organizations aiming to make Longview a better place. They are highly active in the Great Texas Balloon Race and the One Hundred Acres of Heritage as it identifies and brings events to town. "Dan and I are planning on having fun together, going on many adventures and laughing and smiling all the way," she says. "We are excited to spend the rest of our lives together."

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I Do

Lovers share passion for each other and Longview

Not even the pandemic could keep them apart By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

an and Flecia Droege were already slightly acquainted because they lived in the same community but had never really met and gotten to know each other. After her marriage ended in front of a judge, she was rearranging her life, and he popped into the picture. "Soon after my divorce, my friends were encouraging me to meet him because they said he is such a good person," she says. "At the same time his friends were encouraging him to ask me out, but honestly it was not the right time for either of us." During a Christmastime ski trip to Winter Park, Colorado with her daughters she posted some photos on Facebook. Dan responded with a message telling her he had learned to ski at Winter Park, and in the ensuing exchange of texts he asked if she would like to go out to lunch with him in Longview. At the time she was living in Frisco but was coming to Longview to visit a friend. She and Dan met up on 29 December, intending to watch the Dallas

Dan and Flecia Droe

Cowboys play. He picked her up, but they became so involved in getting to know each other that they forgot to watch the game. They went on dates for the next eight days until she had to return to Frisco. We began seeing each other each weekend, and then everything shut down for COVID," she says. Not even the global pandemic could keep them apart. Their blended family includes four grown children who are as kind and loving as their parents, and whom their parents are unspeakably proud. Of course, this brood is happiest when it is together. Dan earns his living by doing something he loves--helping others establish and expand their own businesses or getting the homes of their dreams. He has been doing this for thirty-seven years. He has been president of several banks. Currently, he is senior vice-president of Austin Bank. Flecia, meanwhile, has spent the last twenty-five years as a teacher, mostly with the Spring Hill Independent School District.

Dr. Shelby Droege, Dr. Dylan Droege, Dan and Flecia Droege; Elyse and Nicole Woods

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Wedding Business

wedding cake

Make a statement with your

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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rides and grooms may pour over every detail of their weddings, but few components of the festivities may be as fun, especially for foodies, as deciding what the wedding cake will look like. Couples who want to deliver show-stopping visuals often express some measure of their creativity and personalities through statement wedding cakes. Apart from clever cake-toppers, here are ways to stand apart when dessert is served. • According to the Perfect Wedding Guide, a rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. This artistic expression can be especially stunning in boho-chic weddings. ¥ Statement tiers also are popular. The cake may be traditional in nearly every way, but couples then set the cake apart by featuring an elaborate design or a different hue in one tier. ¥ Martha Stewart Weddings advises that more than just color can be used to make a statement. Lifelike sugar flowers can really set cakes apart.

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

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• Capitalizing on the trend of edgier weddings, couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes even a black tier or nontraditional geometric shapes to the cake itself. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married. Much like other wedding elements, cakes provide a window into the minds of happy couples.

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Engagement ring

buyer’s guide

edding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Once a ring is presented, a new chapter in a relationship is born. While couples remember the sentiments and the style of their engagements forever, the engagement ring serves as the lasting symbol of that momentous occasion. Choosing the right engagement ring is complicated. Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed. Getting an idea of which style of jewelry the love of your life prefers requires keeping your eyes and ears open anytime jewelry is mentioned. Have a good idea on the shape of the stone. All gemstones need to be cut in particular ways so that they reflect light and sparkle. Stones are also

cut in specific shapes that provide the overall form of the stone. These include round, princess, emerald, oval, marquise, and pear, among others. Know all the specs. Buying an engagement ring means being armed with a lot of knowledge. In addition to shape, there are the four Cs to consider. These refer to the stone’s cut, carat, clarity, and color, and will determine the financial value of the gemstone. Shop around. Not all jewelers are the same, and you want to find one with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Jewelers will often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process is that much easier.

Female marriage and lifestyle trends

arriage has evolved through the years and particularly in recent decades. From getting married later to cohabitating and even marrying themselves (yes, it’s a real thing), here are some interesting marriage and lifestyle trends affecting women. Pushing off marriage The U.S. Census Bureau says in 2017 the median age for a first marriage for women reached 27.4 years. Many men are staying single longer than they did in the past, and women are following that trend. In the United States, marriage has declined the most for those with high school diplomas or less education. Sharing a home The number of Americans living with an unmarried partner reached roughly 18 million in 2016, according to Pew Research. Although people who cohabitate are often younger than age 35 and not all such people are romantically involved. Cohabitation is also rising quickly among Americans age 50 and older. Sologamy In recent years, sologamy, or the act of marrying oneself, has gone from being a clever party

idea to a bona fide trend, according to Brides magazine. Marrying oneself is a demonstration of pride in being an independent woman. Still, it’s not expected that sologamy will reach the popularity of traditional marriage. Finding love online The growth in online dating continues to flourish. Mobile dating apps are driving increasing figures. Pew Research says that many women view online dating positively and find it is a good way to meet people. First-time mothers The average age of first-time mothers is rising and the percentage of teenage mothers has dropped, at least in the United States. As of 2014, the average age for having a baby for the first time had risen to 26.3, according to NPR. Lifestyle and marriage trends continue to evolve, particularly in regard to women.

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

2019

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August 2021

Engagement Ring

Buyers Guide

and

Lifestyle Trends

Making a statement with your

wedding cake

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE THE JOURNEY OF LOVE MARRIAGE FAMILY

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