INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 EDITION

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus DECEMBER 2019

VOL. 9 NO. 12 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

State of the City Longview Arboretum

plus Stars over Longview Heartisans Milestones

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table of contents

infinitieplus

Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Keith Griffin and Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt

ViAnn Sawyer and Diane Honey

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Mayor Mack Speaks at State of the City

Longview Mayor Andy Mack delivered his annual state of the city address in a fashion tailored to grab his listeners' attention and make clear the meaning of the oration.

"Welcome," he said. "Thanks for being here for my fifth annual state of the city address. For those of you who have been here before, you know I have tried to change it up each year to keep your attention and keep you wanting to come back." He then outlined how there had been little to speak on at his first yearly speech because he had not been in office long enough to have achieved much to discuss.

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Congratulations to the 2020 Stars Over Longview

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Heartisans Celebrates Milestones

12 Marian Mack and Mayor Andy Mack

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Mitchell Austell, Natalie and Nicholas Lopez

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• Dr. Darla Baggett • Mary Greenwaldt • Amber Hobbs • Jennifer Teague Jackson • Chandalyn Lewis Jenkins • Gay Kirkland • Kelly Kinsey Overby • Caryn Pepper • Erika Rader • Mica Sterling • Mary Lou Stuckey • Melissa Sutton

Heartisans celebrated 5 years of serving the community and 3rd year of graduating work-ready or college bound women. For the area’s luckiest ladies, Heartisans is a source of job training for chosen careers leading to successful, secure futures Longview Arboretum Blossoms

It was a Saturday for the ages as the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center (LANC) opened its verdant gates to the public. Visitors from across East Texas came to savor the long-awaited debut.

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table of contents

From the Editor

S

o many great and wonderful things happened in Longview this year. As the year comes to an end and rolls into a new one, we have brought you stories that will continue to have an impact in our city and region for many decades to come. Most important of all, future generations will still be talking about it in Longview, East Texas, Texas and hopefully globally. What am I talking about-the one and only Longview Arboretum and Nature Center (LANC) that opened its majestic, blooming gates in November. Please read the story from page 12 of infinitieplus magazine.

It was Business before Hours at Arabella of Longview.

Despite the chilling cold, businesses came to network with others. In addition, there were welcomed to a Texas-size breakfast with all the trimmings; fruit trays, scrambled eggs with sausage, tortilla, assorted teas, coffee, juices and water to wash it all down.

Arabella Longview, Executive Director of Independent Living Jeremy Burns opened the event with a prayer thanking God for the day and prayed for His blessings for the remaining hours of the day. Please see story from page 10. There is more.

Today's chili aficionados add beans, beef, turkey, venison, tofu and whatever else is needed to make their fares wholesome and sumptuous.

This year's HEARTIS Longview 2nd annual cook-off assembled a dozen chefs for friendly but fierce competition in a showdown witnessed and sponsored by local vendors along with families and friends. See story on page from page 14.

There are more stories in this magazine. Please take the time to read the stories and we look forward to serving you again in 2020.

Rolin and Lisa McPhee, Cindy and David Willard

Laura Fish, Kimberly Fish, Mike Fish and Dr. Mel Fish

Tim Bryan and Kristen Ishihara

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy.

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From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe 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 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

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birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding support. support. 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, we we we 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 a aLevel aLevel Level IIIIIINICU. IIINICU. NICU. For For For 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.

Infinitieplus magazine is a proud member of Cody Campbell and Suzanne Tuma

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

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State of the City

State of the City

Mayor speaks on State of the City B y J o y cel y ne F adoj u timi

L

ongview Mayor Andy Mack delivered his annual state of the city address in a fashion tailored to grab his listeners' attention and make clear the meaning of the oration.

"Welcome," he said. "Thanks for being here for my fifth annual state of the city address. For those of you who have been here before, you know I have tried to change it up each year to keep your attention and keep you wanting to come back."

He then outlined how there had been little to speak on at his first yearly speech because he had not been in office long enough to have achieved much to discuss. In the second year, he described how he focused on noteworthy individuals.

In the third year, he went from table to table and credited all attending businesses for their civic support. Last year was special. Children from all twelve grades of four local school districts revealed their thoughts and suggestions on how Longview could become a better place for all. Mack also acknowledged it is getting harder and harder every year to top the previous year's speech. But wait, there is more.

Mack discussed how in his younger days; students were terrified when teachers used the words "pop quiz." He also made it clear that these two dreaded words compelled students to be ready for such tests simply because they did not know if and when to expect them. It led to them being like Boy Scouts and canned apples--always prepared and being prepared gives you the "opportunity to shine."

Furthermore, he explained how finishing school at first gives young people the misconception they are finished with tests and quizzes and other such unanticipated hurdles. "The tests and challenges definitely continue. They just aren't as easily graded anymore," he said. "Sometimes they take years to play out. How we respond to these opportunities can shape our personal histories, and some of these decisions can impact our community history as well."

Hence, he correlated his address to the signif-

icance of Longview’s up upcoming sesquicentennial. The term "sesquicentennial" is kind of hard to spell and say, so he revealed it will simply be called, “Longview 150.” Multiple organizations are already in partnership setting up special events and celebrations of this milestone.

Moreover, Mack pointed out that a pop quiz was in the offing right then. It would be online, so there would be no problem with the audience looking at their cell phones.

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The pop quiz went off flawlessly with max participation Try them here.

1. Who was the founder of Longview?

Phillip Austin Pegues Ossamus Hitch Methvin

James Stephen Hogg Franklin Lucilius Whaley

2. Longview has grown since 1870. How many square miles is it now?

48.7 55.9 59.2 64.4

3. Excluding the railroad, what’s the oldest existing business in Longview? R Lacy Services (1930) Texas Eastman (1952) Gans and Smith Insurance Agency (1889) LeTourneau University (1946) 4. What was the first car dealership in town? City Garage Longview Motors Fredonia Automobile Lively Carriage 5. What was the first bank? F.J. Harrison and Company First National Bank Longview Bank and Trust East Texas State Bank 6. We have had several hospitals in town over the years, do you know which one was the first? The Longview Sanitarium Hurst Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital Markham Sanitarium Gregg Memorial Hospital Harmon General Hospital 7. What year did Eastman Chemical open? 1936 1948 1952 1970 8. What was the original business in the Petroleum building when it was built? Longview Daily News Big Inch Oil Methvin Enterprises Downtown Auto Park 9. What was the City’s budget in 1970? $4,539,852.40 $9,475,189.74

$21,851,726.00 $43,758,518.42

10. How many homes or businesses were damaged in the storm event that hit Longview on May 8, 2019?

136 313 631 1,331 www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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11. One of the tools that we use to help respond to citizen requests is an app called CitySend. What was the most often requested service this past year on CitySend?

Potholes (430) Traffic Lights (121) Street Lights

(121) Bulky Items – Trash (744) 12. When was Lake Cherokee built?

1948 1953 1961 1972

13. Communication is very important to the City. What was the most viewed post by city-related social media account?

Dancing Lamb – Animal Shelter Area 51 – Animal

Shelter May 8 Storms – City of Longview Fourth of July Fireworks – Maude Cobb Recently, Longview been making quite a few improvements to our parks.

14. Which of the following park improvement projects did NOT get constructed within the last year?

New shade canopy at Spring Hill Park Jack Mann

Splash Pad Additions Arboretum and Nature Center New Skate Park 15. What is the current name of what was once called “City Park”?

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COVER STORY

Teague Park Stamper Park Timpson Park Heritage Plaza

16. How many continuous miles of trails will we have when the Guthrie Trail extension is completed?

4 8 10 26

At this point, Mack expressed his appreciation to LEDCO and TxDOT for funding the great project that will connect Paul Boorman Trail to Cargill Trail and serve as a great new asset for Longview.

17. How much traffic passes in front of Teague Park on Hwy 80 each day?

1,248 8,196 13,852 23,959

18. Longview’s 234 police employees. How many police employees did we have when their current building opened in 1977?

16 37 82 128

19. How much funding did TxDOT grant Longview and Gregg County area as part of the 2020 Unified Transportation Program? $14 million $48 million $146 million

$282 million Mack explained TxDOT funding boost: “There has been an increase of $103.9 million from the 2019 program. This includes funding for widening Hwy 42, widening FM 2206 (Harrison Road), widening FM 2275 (George Richey Road), widening US 271 and Loop 485 around Gladewater, and a complete reconfiguration of the interchange at I-20 and Hwy 31,” in tandem.

20. What is the traffic count on I-20 at Hwy 31?

19,198 25,423 36,397 41,650

21. Longview over the past year. Which of these things did NOT happen past twelve months?

Longview Lobos football wins state championship

(December 2018) Arts!Longview earns a Culture District designation

(September 2019) * Dollar General Distribution Center holds their grand opening (July 20, 2019) East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy

opens (August 2018) Great Texas Balloon Race hosts a music-syn-

Barksdale Federal Credit Union: Front Row: L-r: Dale Bickham, Regional VP; Murphy Shelton, Internal Audit VP; Patrick Gullant, CEO/President. Second Row: Rose Suire, Human Resources, VP; Allison Dipoye, Marketing VP; Sheila King, Skyline Branch Manager; Melissa Couch, Business Development, VP.

Councilwoman Nona Snoddy and Dietrich Johnson

LONGVIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: L-r: John Martin, Kelly Overby, Wayne Mansfield, David Cowley, Diana Velazquez and Amanda Hlozek

Pine Tree ISD: Jack Irvin, Asst. Super. Dr. Valerie Baxter, Superintendent Steve Clugston and Donna Pruitt

Mayor Andy and wife Kelly Mack

LISD Asst Super Dr. Jody Clements and Super. Dr. James Wilcox

Greg Colquitt

Tim Ingram and Paul Halloway

City Councilmen Steve Pirtle and Ed Moore

Texas Bank & Trust: Snr. Exec. VP Shane Best and Exec. VP Gary Taylor

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Libby Bryson and Julie Woods

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Dr Mack Hansen and Mayor Andy Mack

Charlotte Davis and Charlene Ingram

Pres. Kelly Hall and TB&T CEO/ Vice Chairman Rogers Pope Jr.

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Police Chief Mike Bishop

Brad Bunt meets Councilman Wray Wade

Jessica Lightle and Christian Cavazos

Officers James Bray and Chris Dotson

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chronized Balloon Glow, the first time that has ever been done in the United States. (July 2019) LeTourneau University students win first place in the

Engineering World Health international competition (October 2019) ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ ARE ON PAGE 16.

Mack narrated to his audience how opening up visibility of beautiful Teague Park, with its lovely pond, green terrain, and veterans' plaza would greatly enhance the Longview vista to motorists on Highway 80. Adding yet more features to the park would make this local gem even more alluring, he observed. He suggested there would no better time than the present to become a sponsor of the next Go-Giver Gala to improve Teague Park, which has been a local point of interest since 1973. The next gala will be in January 2020, so there is still plenty of time to get involved.

Following this further, Mayor Mack gave a review of significant events that have positively impacted Longview in 2019. "The list of great things happening in Longview could go on and on. I hope you enjoyed the pop quiz as we looked at Longview's history," he said. "As I mentioned earlier, the tests don't end. We just give them different names."

He concluded by expounding on how unforeseen obstacles of all sizes are certain to be encountered as we travel our individual and collection journeys. He advised his listeners to be ready, to expect the unexpected. Preparedness is key to sailing through the tough unexpected times. "I think this happens when we invest time, energy and resources into shaping our community for the future, not just accepting the status quo," he said. "I believe we have a history of embracing those challenges, and I know we have many more opportunities in the future."

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

LRMC announces

2020 Stars Over Longview honorees

L

ongview Regional Medical Center and the Women’s Advisory Council are pleased to announce and congratulate the 12 dedicated and compassionate women who were nominated and selected as the honorees for LRMC’s 2020 Stars Over Longview Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon.

The honorees will be recognized at the 20th annual Stars Over Longview Awards Ceremony and luncheon on Thursday, January 9, at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 12 p.m. January 9.

The 2020 Stars Over Longview are: • Dr. Darla Baggett • Mary Greenwaldt • Amber Hobbs • Jennifer Teague Jackson • Chandalyn Lewis Jenkins • Gay Kirkland • Kelly Kinsey Overby • Caryn Pepper • Erika Rader • Mica Sterling • Mary Lou Stuckey • Melissa Sutton “Longview Regional’s Stars Over Longview program is unique to our community because it brings light to those who are making a difference behind the scenes,” said Libby Bryson, Director of Marketing for Longview Regional Medical Center. “This year more than 50 women were nominated from the community. Each nomination is a wonderful story telling of the many ways these women are helping influence the future of Longview and the women who call Longview home The 2020 keynote speaker is Longview native fashion design Brandon Maxwell. Surrounded by immaculately dressed women from a young age, Maxwell was captivated by the women who passed through the boutique where his grandmother worked in Longview.

He went on to study photography at St. Edward’s University in Austin and began assisting stylist

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Fabulous Females Feted

Heartisans celebrates milestones, graduates B y J o y cel y ne F adoj u timi

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

Deborah Afshani in 2009, followed by Edward Enninful, and then Nicola Formichetti in 2010. His hallmark style of sharp tailoring and sculptural details are apparent in his namesake collection. His brand is worn by many iconic women, including Michelle Obama, Meghan Markle, Oprah, Blake Lively, Jane Fonda, Queen Rania of Jordan and Tiffany Haddish.

“Stars Over Longview highlights the exceptional women who impact our community,” LRMC CEO Casey Robertson said. “This event was created so that LRMC could take time to recognize the amazing efforts of women in our community – through their time, talents and generosity of motivating others to by their service, to serve in our community.”

Ticket sales began Monday, November 11. Individual tickets are $30; tables of eight are available for $240.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (903) 5537400, (cash, check and credit cards accepted). For more information, visit www.LongviewRegional.com.

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eartisans celebrated 5 years of serving the community and 3rd year of graduating work-ready or college bound women. For the area’s luckiest ladies, Heartisans is a source of job training for chosen careers leading to successful, secure futures. Participating women already have the ability and inclinations, but thanks to Heartisans they now also have the training/preparation opportunity to turn their dreams into reality to the benefit of themselves and their families. Higher education is often an essential part of the vocational path.

This program provides hands-on job and soft skill training to make it possible for participants to be job-ready when they complete the curriculum.

Heartisans also provides opportunities for networking among locals to achieve the necessary social, physical and spiritual needs attainable through cooperative interaction. As such it gives its students a local

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Marti Sticklan, Jules Rachaels and Julie Lynn Ashley

resource to "Serve In Love" via their now-developed gifts and talents, which are molded into a vehicle manned by community volunteers as a financial blessing for the community.

Julee Rachels, CEO and Founder, describes Heartisans journey thus: “It has been amazing. We have been really blessed because we kept God in the details,” she said.” It is truly God who has kept us all along.”

Renne’ Robertson, president of the board couldn’t agree more. “This is our third graduation.

It is amazing to see what God has done,” she said.

“Heartisans represents the body of Christ in Longview because our partnerships-diverse churches and people who support us.”

Heartisans is located at 112 W. Methvin St., Ste. C, in Longview, Texas. Visit their shop to purchase diverse items from cookie mixes, candles to Tshirsts. Contact them at 903.431.1188 or info@heartisansmarketplace.com

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Longview Arboretum Blossoms

Savannah and Adam Graves

Mark and Jamie Robinson and Family

Kimberly Fish, Jeanine Folzenlogen and LaRue Guice

Chuck Tomberlain

Laura Hill

B y J o y cel y ne F adoj u timi

I

t was a Saturday for the ages as the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center (LANC) opened its verdant gates to the public. Visitors from across East Texas came to savor the longawaited debut. Much more than a beautiful green nature walk, LANC has 12,000sqft hauntingly lovely venue for weddings, parties of all kinds, company business assemblies and other types of gatherings. During cold weather it is heated. The vista is intoxicating and was spiced by live music stationed throughout the gardens.

Words do scant justice to the scenic views.

They need to be experienced in person. One of the several bridges spanning running streams overlooks an equally beautiful pond meant as a backdrop for weddings, pictures, picnics and sundry events.

Gregg County Judge Stoudt was taken with the breathtaking vista.

“This is a wonderful place,” he said. “It takes a lot of extraordinary people to make something like this happen in Longview. A community is as good as the people want it to be.”

LANC board member/treasurer Ken Griffin could not have agreed more. “I am amazed at what individual donors have given, not to mention companies who have given lots of material to LANC,” he said.

Stoudt went yet further in describing how Longview has accomplished so much in providing its people with this delightful attraction. “This is an outstanding example of what people want the community to be. This is quite impressive from where it started,” he said. “This is for families both young and not so young, for [other] cities around Longview and Gregg County for many generations to come. This is what attracts people to destinations and cities. We have it right here in the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center.” There is more.

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Dan Darr, Lori and Steven Bell

Robin Hood and Donna Willett

Rotarians Raina Tachias, Joycelyne Fadojutimi, Mindy Stephens and Lisa Hugman

David Wright

Furthermore, his honorable commented on how such an alluring landmark will be an incentive to bring visitors, new residents and businesses to the Longview area.

The LANC has already attracted and hosted various visitors like master gardeners, the Bonsai

Longview Arboretum And Nature Center

Leonardo Vera of the Bonsai Society and Family

Steven Chamblee, Natalie Rabicoff and State Rep. Bryan Hughes

Hunter Hilburn

Angel donated by Jeanine Folzenlogen

Society, families and assorted regional visitors who may not have come if not for the LANC, but who now have vowed to return.

Did I mention that LANC is hosting “Name the Angel” contest. For more information please visit www.longviewarboretum.com.

Gregg County Judge Stoudt and LANC treasurer Ken Griffin

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

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“Wish you a happy, safe Christmas season and a prosperous and healthy year ahead”.

County Judge

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Chili Cook-Off Sizzles B y J o y cel y ne F adoj u timi

Tim Bryan and 1st place winner, Julie Rucker

Luke Miller

Judge Tim Bryan

William McWhorter and 2nd place winner, Trista Bills

savory concoction they dubbed Nurse McGee's Chili.

"She worked hard on it," said Reed. "She stayed up all night to finish this chili. I believe we will win." There was even a delightful white chili in the contest.

With full bellies, judges Luke Miller, Tim

C

ook-off events started back in 1949 when Pillsbury held its inaugural bake-off in New York City. It was not long before chili entered the competition when in 1952 the first documented chili cook-off took place at the Texas (where else) State Fair. 2 Chili cook-offs nowadays are not only common but are a serious enterprise with lucrative prizes at stake. Expert, eager and ravenous chefs and consumers compete on the local to national level to determine who wins the right to advance to the World's Championship Chili Cook-Off, and the ingredients are surprising in their diversity.

Today's chili aficionados add beans, beef, turkey, venison, tofu and whatever else is needed to make their fares wholesome and sumptuous.

This year's HEARTIS Longview 2nd annual cookoff assembled a dozen chefs for friendly but fierce competition in a showdown witnessed and sponsored by local vendors along with families and friends. Highland Pines' Candice Reed and Carla Reeves described the long, laborious efforts that made possible a

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Mike and 3rd place winner, Rex Fennell

Bryan and William McWhorter tried out all twelve entries, and selected three winners. First place went to Julie Rucker of Hearts Way Hospice. Second place was Trista Bills from D&H Insurance. Rex Fennell and Luke Miller won third place.

Texas Bank and Trust VisaÂŽ

William McWhorter judges Chili Contest

HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS

Candice Reed and Carla Reeves

Pick up today at any TB&T location!

hj

Downtown | North Longview | Pine Tree

Pots of Chili

Purchase fee of $3.00. Monthly inactivity fee of $2.95 after 12 consecutive months of inactivity.

Lost/stolen replacement card fee of $5.00. Visa Gift Card is issued by MetaBankÂŽ, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Card can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the U.S. No cash access.

MEMBER FDIC

Trista Bills and Tracey Shappell TBT IPM Holiday Visa 2019.indd 1

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10/29/19 6:13 PM

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COVER STORY Quiz Answers 1. Longview was founded in 1870 by O.H. Methvin. One hundred and fifty (150) years ago, OH Methvin provided 100 acres for a new town to be constructed along the railroad. As the story goes, they stood from the top of Rock Hill and said “That’s a long view.” Those original 100 acres are now our downtown central business district. From those original 100 acres, Longview is now almost 36,000 acres.

2. 55.9 miles 3. Gans and Smith Insurance was founded in 1889

by JR and TE Clemmons 4. The First “Horseless Carriage Dealer” in Longview was City Garage, located at the northwest corner of Tyler and Green which was founded by John Garland Pegues. On August 2, 1915 Ford Motor Company approved a factory sales agreement in the name of J. Garland Pegues. It later became the J.G. Pegues Ford Motor Company and in 1946 became the Pegues-Hurst Motor Company.

5. Longview’s first private bank was F.J. Harrison and Company.

6. "Hurst Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital."

7. Eastman was opened in Longview in 1952 8. It was built in 1953 as the Downtown Auto Park, which was a parking garage.

9. In 1970, the City of Longview’s general fund budget was $4.5 million, which in today’s dollars would be around $30 million.

10. 10. 313 homes and businesses damaged by the straight-line wind event on May 8.

11. Bulky Items – Trash (744) 12. Lake Cherokee was built in 1948 13. Dancing Lamb- Animal Shelter 14. New Skate park, but only because it hasn’t been constructed YET. 15. Stamper Park was originally known as City Park. The adjacent Womack Field was the home of the Longview Lobos football team until the new high school was built. Stamper is one of several parks that is slated for improvement thanks to the November 2018 bond election.

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City staff have held several neighborhood meetings to get input for these park updates.

16. 10 miles 17. 23,959 18. 82 19. $282 Million 20. 41,650 21. East Texas Advanced Manufacturing Academy opens (August 2018)

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Lovely Spaces and Places

Longview Arboretum slates

Holly Days for Dec. 2nd

O

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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

rganizers at the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center have many reasons to celebrate this month; the fantastic community response to the Nov. 2nd grand opening of the Longview Arboretum which welcomed almost 3,500 guests to discover the gardens and, now, a few weeks later, the grand opening of their unique gift shop inside the Visitor and Nature Center. The Gifting Tree, a branch of Heartisan’s Marketplace in partnership with the Longview Arboretum, opens its doors to shoppers Monday, December 2nd at 5pm, and features carefully curated garden-themed gifts. This partnership between the mission of Heartisan’s Marketplace and the discovery of the Arboretum brings two visionary groups together for the shopping pleasure of their guests.

In addition to the fun of discovering what treasures are behind the glass doors inside the Longview Arboretum’s Visitor and Nature Center, 706 West Cotton Street, members and guests of the Longview Arboretum are invited to go beyond the gift shop and discover “Holly-Days in the Gardens,” a firstever event welcoming guests to tour

the Arboretum after dark. There is a $5 per person admission fee; which includes the nighttime tour of the gardens and a special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus is the holly berry on top of this visit. This debut is the beginning of a tradition between the couple from the North Pole and the Longview Arboretum. Hot chocolate, cider and brownies are complimentary with admission fee. Flashlights and warm jackets are encouraged.

Children of all ages invited.

(If raining, Santa will park his sleigh inside the LANC’s Event Hall, at the Visitor and Nature Center.)

Monday, December 2, 2019 6-8pm 706 West Cotton Street General Admission from 6-8p, $5 per person; includes hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at a special place inside the gardens. *No charge to browse the Gifting Tree Shop inside the Visitor and Nature Center Heartisan’s Marketplace is hosting a “Ladies Night Out” the same date/time as the Holly-Day in the Gardens event, so guests can visit both locations during the same Monday evening.

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Grubs Up

Lifestyle

Arabella of Longview

Dress up drab desserts

holds Business

D

Before Hours

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rabella of Longview Independent Living: “The Five Star Senior Living -The Lone Star Way” held a Before Hours Business Mixer. Despite freezing cold, businesses arrived to meet a Texas style breakfast: Scrambled eggs marbled with sausage, diverse juices, coffees, teas, fruit trays and more to start the morning like a champion Texan. Executive Director Jeremy Burns welcomed everyone this Texas-sized facility with 152 independent living apartments, 58 assisted living and 5 memory care spots. “If you no longer want to mow your lawn, but you want to travel, this is the place for you,” said Cody Campbell Assisted Living and Memory Care Executive Director. “Our residents get to experience the best life has to offer in Longview and Gregg county. We have the ability to take care of you for all of your life.”

John Nustad

Nekeita Fluellen and Kelly Hall

Jeanette Schwindt

Paula Prince, Jeremy Burns and Nekeita Fluellen

Linda Fullman

Tisha Turnham and Kayla Tems

ecadent desserts are often the culmination of family meals or meaningful social occasions. Dessert signals the end of special events and lets guests know it is now acceptable for them to plan their exits. Party hosts should not feel pressured to bake or create elaborate desserts.

Some guests may even bring their own homemade desserts as tokens of appreciation to offer their hosts. However, for those who want to ensure there is dessert available in the event company does not bring a cake or box of cookies, the following are some ways to dress up store-bought treats to make them look like impressive desserts.

Gourmet ice-cream sandwiches: Purchase ready-made cookies in your favorite varieties as well as a flavor of ice cream that coordinates with the cookies (chocolate and mint works well).

Allow the ice cream to soften slightly, then spoon a bit onto one cookie and sandwich the ice cream with another cookie. Place the sandwiches back into the freezer to harden and set before serving.

Decadent drizzle: Any dessert can look like a professionally concocted confection with a creative display. Drizzle chocolate or raspberry syrup on the plate before placing your slice of cake or pastry. Top with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar.

Shaved chocolate: Turn an ordinary brownie or sundae into something

Judge Tim Bryan and Attorney Kristen Ishihara

Cody Campbell and Suzanne Burns

stunning with shaved chocolate. Run a vegetable peeler along the side of a favorite bar of chocolate to create a garnish.

Warmed up: Heat any store-bought pie before serving and top with fresh whipped cream.

Your guests will swear it’s homemade.

Jeremy Burns and William McWhorter

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Second Chance

Second Chance

Make a second wedding stand out

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Don’t feel boxed in by old-school etiquette. Rules have relaxed with regard to weddings. Many couples put their personal imprints on their weddings and do not feel the need to conform to outdated expectations. You don’t have to skip all of the frills of a first wedding the second time around or head to the local courthouse and pass on another big wedding. Do what feels comfortable to you, whether that means throwing a big party or hosting a smaller affair.

ouples planning to get married do so with the intention of spending the rest of their lives together. Few couples exchange rings thinking divorce or the loss of a spouse is in their future, but some marriages do end. Happily, that reality does not prevent many people from seeking happily ever after once again. A recent study from the Pew Research Center found that many people who were married before are deciding to take the plunge a second time. Four in 10 new marriages in the United States now include one partner who was married before. Roughly 42 million American adults have gotten married a second time Ñ up from 22 million in 1980. The Pew study also discovered that more men than women are likely to get remarried.

Around 65 percent of previously married men have a desire to remarry, compared to 43 percent of previously married women. Men and women about to get married for a second time can consider the following tips to help make the day one to remember forever.

Let past experience serve as your guide. You’ve been married before and can use that to your advantage.

It’s likely you know what worked for the wedding the first time around and which things you probably could have changed or done without. Maybe you were stressed about having everything go perfectly or feeling like you had to put on a show for guests.

As a more mature person this time around, you no doubt realize that sharing this special time with the ones you love is the most important wedding component of all.

Recognize that a second wedding is in no way less important than the first. Couples should remember that this is still the first wedding for the two of them as a couple and it should be seen as just as special as any other wedding celebration. It’s easy for men and women marrying for a second time to be hard on themselves, especially when thinking ahead to the gifts that were given and the money spent by guests for their first marriage.

But a new relationship and love is worthy of a good party. Friends and family who are supportive of you shouldn’t have reservations about helping you celebrate.

Be open-minded with your wardrobe. Let the formality of the event and the time of day when you’re getting married influence what you will be wearing instead of perceived etiquette or family notions. It’s acceptable to wear white again if you so desire. Plus, more mature couples have a sense of what makes them look good, rather than opting for trendy outfits.

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Above all, have fun. Couples know what to expect the second time around, so stress usually doesn’t stem from the unknown. You may feel more relaxed at a second wedding, so let that ensure you have a great night.

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Health

Health

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ge Impacts Sexual Health

People age 55 years or older account for one-quarter of all Americans living with HIV, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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ging brings about many changes in a person’s body. Some of these changes, such as hair becoming gray and/or white, are widely known, while others may come as a surprise to people who have only begun to experience them. It is normal for sexual desire and other issues affecting intimacy to change as a person ages. However, that doesn’t mean that seniors’ sex lives need to cease or change dramatically. Remaining open to ideas and continuing to communicate with one’s partner can keep couples’ relationships going strong well into their golden years.

The National Institute on Aging offers that certain normal physical changes can impact intimacy. These bodily changes may be hormonal. Women who have gone through menopause may discover physical changes to their vaginas, including a shortening and narrowing of this part of the body. Stiffness and less lubrication also may occur in this area, impacting their comfort and enjoyment. As men get older, their ability to have and keep an erection may diminish.

Sexual issues are sometimes a byproduct of illness or certain prescription medications. Chronic

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pain, arthritis, surgery, and even incontinence also can impede intimacy. These are largely treatable conditions, but patients must be willing to first open a dialogue with their physicians Communication Couples are urged to talk about their intimacy goals.

One person may not be fully aware of a partner’s desires. Other issues can be addressed as well. Discuss any discomfort or sexual problems that can affect the relationship. Couples can bring situations to light so they can manage their issues together. This can bring about a mutually acceptable solution that benefits both partners and prevents one from suffering in silence.

Overall Health Paying attention to overall health can positively impact sexual intimacy. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress in your life can help in your daily life and in the bedroom. Speak with a doctor if a

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particular medication is impacting your health in a negative way. There may be another, less invasive option you and your physician can explore.

Think Creatively Intimacy is more than just intercourse. Intimacy may include touching, closeness, fantasies, role playing, and much more. The Mayo Clinic says people can help their partners understand what they want from them. Discuss something that seems exciting and find a way to include it in your sex life if both partners are willing.

Play Safe Seniors who are single can broaden their horizons and resolve to get out and meet new people.

However, when the time comes to engage in sexual activity, seniors should be smart about it, regardless of their age. People age 55 years or older account for one-quarter of all Americans living with HIV, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2013, people age 50 and over constituted more than 27 percent of new AIDS diagnoses. Older adults are also at risk of other sexually transmitted infections. Condoms may seem like something for younger people to worry about, but they’re a necessity for older adults as well.

Sexual health is something seniors think about as the years pass. Remaining healthy, engaged and communicative with a spouse or partner can ensure couples enjoy sexual intimacy for as long as possible.

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With this Ring

With this Ring

Wedding Rings: Symbolic Gestures of Commitment

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ouples adhere to many traditions on their wedding days, including the exchange of wedding rings. Wedding rings symbolize the union of two people and their pledge to remain faithful to each other.

No one is exactly sure just when the tradition of exchanging wedding rings originated, but some say it can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when the oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings was made. Reeds growing along the Nile were twisted and braided into rings and given during betrothal ceremonies. The round ring symbolized eternity, and the hole within the center meant a gateway to things unknown. Since reeds were not very durable, soon ivory, leather and bone were used to create wedding rings.

As new lands were explored and territories expanded, traditions from one culture were adopted and modified by other cultures. The same is true with wedding rings.

According to the Diamond Source, wedding rings were adopted by Romans and incorporated into Western symbolizing love. wedding ceremonies. Romans’ rings were highly These rings were made of iron and called Anulus decorated, and some historians believe wedding rings Pronubus, or betrothal ring. were given to represent ownership over brides instead of Rings have been simplified since those days and

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ultimately made of many materials.

Throughout history, wedding rings were worn on various fingers and even both hands, whereas many married people in Western cultures now wear their we d d i n g ri n g s on the left hand and on the fourth finger. Romans once believed that this finger contained a vein, called the Vena Amoris, that ran directly to the heart. Though that is not true, the tradition has prevailed.

Other legends say that, when blessing a Christian marriage, priests would bind the marriage by saying, In the name of the Father,

the Son, and the Holy Spirit, simultaneously touching the ring to the recipient’s thumb, index finger and middle finger, before slipping it on the fourth finger while saying, Amen.

Another theory on ring placement is that wedding rings are worn on the ring finger because that finger isn’t used as much as the rest of the hand, ensuring delicate ring materials won’t be damaged.

Ross Simmons Jewelry states that gold is still the most popular metal choice for wedding rings, but couples are opting for some other metals that are more durable. Platinum is popular not only because it is long-wearing, but it also tends to be the most expensive. It’s also a dense metal and can feel heavy in hand.

Tungsten carbide is another durable metal that has grown in popularity in recent years. These rings cannot be cut and resoldered, which means it’s important to size the rings correctly the first time. Titanium is both lightweight and durable, and it’s popular because it is hypoallergenic, making it practical for those with allergies to other metals.

Wedding rings continue to serve as symbols of a couple’s vows and union. Much like the marriage itself, they are designed to last the test of time.

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Cover Story

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Diamonds Dazzle and Delight

Jim Bartlett

part from the bride herself, the only precious jewel more closely associated with the institution of marriage is the sparkling diamond she wears. It takes something as lustrous as this to adequately represent the sacred union of husband and wife, and for both of them on their wedding day their rings say every bit as much as the vows they recite.

Mary Ann Rutledge has known Jim Bartlett for more than forty years--ever since he started in the jewelry profession. This close, trusting familiarity means she trusts him in his chosen profession to the point that only he receives her business as she goes to him to have her sparkling gems repaired and to buy new ones.

"I can work with him, but not only that, I trust him," she said.

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Cover Story

Mary Ann Rutledge and Jim Bartlett

This makes him a prized resource for Rutledge because she owns a large collection of precious gems.

"I have catalogued my jewelry," she says. "I have many different gems, and some come directly from South Africa."

At the time she gave this interview she was actually at Bartlett's Fine Jewelry shopping for the holidays, but not for anyone else.

"I [just] bought a ring. It is a Christmas present from me to me," she said. "This way I get what I want and when I want it."

Rutledge was there taking advantage of Bartlett's day gem trunk show. He holds this sale to ensure beautiful jewelry is obtainable for all.

"We really, really want to help people find what expresses what they want to express," he said. "Our jewelry is heirloom-quality pieces that will be handed

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Darlene Davis, Amy Canton, Jim Bartlett, Tammy Moyes, Garrett Hortman, Caitlyn Young and Mary Ann Rutledge

down to children and grandchildren for generations to come."

Still, his business revolves mainly around marriage.

Engagement and wedding rings are the mainstay.

"We want a woman to come in and find what she

wants because it is her day," he said. "We want people to come here because they are gifting us, and we find joy in being a small part of their celebration."

Most of these ladies doubtless look at him as more than a small part.

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The Rings WHY DIAMOND RINGS?

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iamond engagement rings are presented as tokens of love and affection during wedding proposals. The majority of first-time brides will receive a diamond ring, with surveys indicating only 13 percent opt for another gemstone.

Jim Bartlett of Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry said, “The qualities of diamonds is what makes it the number choice for engagements rings. Diamonds and love go together. They last forever. Come and check out the array of diamonds in our store. We will be happy to serve you in any way we can.”

Researchers from Emory University determined that the average price for a diamond ring is roughly $2,500. However, grooms can spend much more. Diamonds have symbolized eternal love for centuries, perhaps since they were first discovered in India more than 2,000 years ago. The ancient Greeks actually thought diamonds were tears of

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infinitieplus magazine the gods, while ancient Romans believed diamonds were splinters from heavenly stars.

The hardness of diamond contributes to its suitability as a gemstone. Because it can only be scratched by other diamonds, it maintains its polish extremely well. Unlike many other gems, it is well-suited to daily wear because of its resistance to scratching—perhaps contributing to its popularity as the preferred gem in engagement or wedding rings, which are often worn every day.

JEWELRY

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

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2019

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The journey of love marriage family DECEMBER 2019

ARBORETUM HOLLY DAYS

Do not miss it

SECOND WEDDING

Making it stand out AGE AND SEX

The impact of Father time

WEDDING RINGS

Diamonds history ARABELLA

Live life to the fullest

Here to serve

Jim Bartlett

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