infinitieplus magazine by infinitieplus magazine

infinitieplus December 2021

VOL. 11 NO.12 LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

President Delcine Johnson Honored

Husband Wade lends support

Christmas Message

Baleigh and Luke

State of the City

Longview Pickleball Club Symphony

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Table of Contents The Magazine for Living Life Beyond, Plus One… Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi, PhD Photography Keisha Standley Joycelyne Fadojutimi Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs Contributing Writers Dr. Michael Guido Sydney McBride Mechele Agbayani Mills Debi Johnston

OUR MISSION

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

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. P. O. Box 12473 Longview, Texas 75602-2473 https://twitter.com/infinitieplus Phone: 903.918.7706

VOLUME 11 | ISSUE 12

THANKS for being here for us The best of wishes and our GRATITUDE too, as we pause to remember excellent ADVERTISERS, COMMUNITY PARTNERS and READERS like you:

Longview Regional Medical Center Texas Bank and Trust R&K Distributors Spring Hill State Bank Stone Works Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry Trina Griffith Real Estate Co. Hon. Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt HEARTIS SENIOR LIVING Christus Good Shepherd Health System Longview Symphony

May the miracle of our Savior’s birth bring you Hope and joy this Christmas and always.

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LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Inspirational Inspiration

Table of Contents

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE “God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not— to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 NIV

hat is the message we should send to loved ones at Christmas? Perhaps we should take our cue from the message God was sending to us in sending His son Jesus. That the savior of the world came to us as a helpless baby, born in a stable to parents who were travelers without a place to stay and in dire circumstances speaks volumes. The message that God appears to be sending in the circumstances of Christ’s humble birth is that God cares about the lowly and that no matter how humble the circumstances, we can live a godly life. Remember that wise men came to offer gifts to this humble, helpless child. God chose the humble and lowly things of this world to demonstrate his love for all of mankind.

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LONGVIEW BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Beverly Rutland and Toni McCoy

And it’s not as if God has any animosity for the rich or famous; it’s just that the rich and famous shouldn’t think they are somehow more important in the grand scheme of things than the poor unknowns who make up the vast majority of the people who have ever lived. Perhaps the Christmas message is simply that God cares for all of us, but that there is a special place in his heart for the lowly and downtrodden..

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Jonathan Greifenkamp, MD; and Natalie Rabicoff

Tammy Gibbons and President Les Mendicello

CEO Rogers Pope. Jr. and President Delcine Johnson

Tye Jackson and Les Hassell

Breneda Mathis

Gabriela Orgeron, MD

President Delcine and Allison Johnson

Natalie Lynch

Libby Bryson and Jessica Lightle

Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop, City Councilman Steve Pirtle and Assistant Police Chief Anthony Boon

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State of the City Longview Mayor talks

State of the City “The state of Longview is great. We weathered the storm, and we are moving forward together.” Longview Mayor Andy Mack, DDS

Story and photos By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

ayor Andy Mack’s 7th State of the City address coming out of a pandemic was packed. Businesses gathered to hear him speak on what is happening in the city. Mack worked hard on keeping his audience on their toes with questions and answers that requires the use cell phones. His questions hinged on decisions, choices people and City Hall make and its impact. He demon-

Marion Mack, Mayor Andy Mack, DDS; Kelly Mack, Drs. Spencer Mack Hansen, Baleigh Trull, Madison Mack, and Andrew Hansen.

strated with questions and answers from the audience that decisions and choices impact people positively or negatively. Fortunately, City

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt and Mayor Andy Mack

hall decisions in most part have been constructive and contributed to the growth and quality of life in Longview. Continued on Page 16

MJEWELRY ERRY

CHRISTMAS Bundles Bundles Bundlesof of ofjoy. joy. joy. It’s It’s It’swhat what whatwe we wedeliver. deliver. deliver. from all of us at From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out out totothe to the 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 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 is why why we wewe provide provide provide extra extra extra amenities amenities amenities such such such asasprivate 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. III NICU. 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.

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

2019

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 | https://twitter.com/infinitieplus | infinitieplus | December 2021

Cover Story

Delcine Johnson:

Nabs Distinguished Citizen Award Helps Boy Scouts uphold noble tradition By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE

he East Texas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America has a long, noble history of service to others as a means of not only helping those in need but learning to be a better citizen by assisting others. For more than a century, Longview Scouts and their Scout Leaders have dedicated themselves and their work ethic to laboring with those in need and doing so with sincerity and compassion. With all this in mind, Longview as a community came together to honor Delcine Johnson, an unselfish, devoted individual who gives her time, talents, and treasures to benefit Longview and east Texas. Her committment to making Longview a better place to live, work and worship through her ongoing support of many civic organizations has definitely improved the quality of life for all who reside in Gregg County. The East Texas Area Council of Boy Scouts of America has recognized her efforts hence, they presented her with her their 2021 Distinguished Citizens Award.

JP and Sydney Anderson, Debbie and Edward Williams; Wade Johnson, Allison Johnson; Gabby Guess, Michael and Nathan Johnson; Laura and Tullos Williams; Tullos and Linda Williams; Not photographed: Ben and Ashley Johnson.

She and Wade manage Johnson & Pace where she currently serves as president, managing daily matters of the company that seeks to create and expand a positive and productive local environment. She was instrumental in building and establishing this thriving engineering, architectural and surveying operation while simultaneously raising six children and helping any and everyone who approached her seeking help. Her business success has reached the point where she recently purchased a new local company--Rumors. Continued on Page 10

Make sure your heart’s in the right place. Now Open

And in the right hands. Boy Scouts present the colors

Her father made a career of the U.S. Army, so Delcine led a traveling lifestyle until her father retired and settled in Gilmer while she was in elementary school. After graduating from University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in Business, she followed her

career to Ft. Worth. However, it did not last long. She returned to East Texas and settled with husband Wade Johnson in Longview. The couple have six children: Sydney, 32; Allison, 26; Benjamin, 24; Michael, 22; Nathan, 18; and sixteen-yearold Daniel.

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Our exemplary cardiac care team and physicians give your heart world-class care right where you need it, here at home. • Premier, comprehensive cardiovascular care for our family of East Texas patients. • Expedited, often same-day, diagnosis and treatment planning. • Cardiac rehabilitation to help you return to an active lifestyle, quickly. • Advanced technology, imaging and therapies, right here in Longview.

Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery & Electrophysiology Keep your heart healthy – take our FREE heart assessment test at CHRISTUSgoodshepherd.org/HealthyHeart or call us for an appointment at 903.606.DOCS.

21-1622

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Cover Story She is livid with enthusiasm for this new venture but does not let it keep her from family matters. She has always actively participated in her children’s school events. For example, she has served with the PTA, worked football, and basketball concessions, besides organizing and presenting the Longview High School senior celebration for many years. It is important to note, Delcine and her circle of friends are the heart and soul of the Booster Club. Delcine loves Longview and its people. Therefore, she strives to create a sense of unity that will incite locals

Cover Story to work cooperatively and make Longview even better. Furthermore, she chaired American Heart Association local chapter and the Go Red for Women. Even more, she has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club Board of Governors and served on the Longview United Way Board. She has toiled in sponsoring non-profit events and organizations such as: Buckner International, the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts,

"Her smile is what does it for me. On the day Delcine will meet her maker she will hear, 'Well done.'" - Wade Johnson Crowd applaud President Delcine Johnson of Johnson & Pace as she receives the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Good Turn Award.

Great Texas Balloon Race, Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview Symphony, the citywide Fourth of July celebration, Newspaper in Education, and numerous and assorted foundations. Delcine sets a fine example to be followed. Executive Director of Tyler ISD Foundation Suzette Farr collaborated with her as executive director of the East Texas American Heart Association, and is impressed with Decline’s dedication to energetic, effective service to others. Continued on Page 12

Texas Bank and Trust Visa® Holiday Gift Cards Pick up today at any TB&T location! Additional Visa gift card designs available. www.texasbankandtrust.com Purchase fee of $3.00. Monthly inactivity fee of $4.95 after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Lost/stolen replacement card fee of $8.00. Visa Gift Card is issued by MetaBank® N.A., 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

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Cover Story "My mum is selfless. She is always present in our activities. She is an uber mother taking us everywhere. My mum is much more. She has set a foundational example for us to follow."- Allison Johnson

President Delcine

Johnson

"Delcine jumped in to chair the American Heart Association's annual Go Red for Women luncheon," said Farr. "I am humbled and grateful. Delcine saved countless lives in East Texas while inspiring so many." Daughter Allison could not agree more. "My mum is selfless. She is always present in our activities," she said. "She is an uber mother taking us everywhere. My mum is much more. She has set a foundational example for us to follow."

Husband Wade favorably points to his wife's eagerness to be a doer, and her beautiful personality. "Her smile is what does it for me," he said. "On the day Delcine will meet her maker she will hear, 'Well done.'" She loves doing everything she does. Being recognized for it is strictly a bonus. She would toil for the sake of others even if nobody ever heard about it. "I just do this because it is who I am," she said.

When life slows down, The beauty of what matters most comes into focus. With heartfelt gratitude for the support this community has shown us this year. I wish everyone a blessed and healthy holiday filled with love and friendship.

County Judge e

Bil

St Stoud 12

Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt

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Community Health Longview Regional expands heart services Unveils new $4.4M Electrophysiology Lab By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE

ongview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has cranked up its brandnew, state-of-the-art $4.4 million Electrophysiology Lab with a well-attended ribbon cutting. This 7000-square-foot facility features all the latest technologies concentrating on minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat various cardiovascular conditions, including irregular heartbeats and L-r: Dr. Rajeev Singh, Dr. Jorge Massare, Dr. Charles Crumpler, Dr. Gabriela Orgeron, arrhythmias. This expansion is part Dr. Rodney Henry, Dr. Jonathan Greifenkamp and CEO Steve Gordon. of an overall enhancement program in keeping with LRMC's philosophy of continually updating and improving its services in general. Prior to the ribbon cutting LRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Gordon thanked all in attendance for their presence and support of the hospital's continuing campaign to advance its cardiac services.

“Longview Regional Medical Center remains committed to enhancing the cardiac care we provide to our community. We are committed to bringing high quality, advanced cardiac care to the East Texas region. Our new Electrophysiology Lab is another service that will allow us to continue to offer unparalleled care to our community.” Steve Gordon, Longview Regional Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer. Continued on Page 14

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Community Health

“We are proud to unveil our new Electrophysiology Lab at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Longview Regional Medical Center. The new Electrophysiology Lab allows us to offer more comprehensive and advanced cardiac services in this community, so that our patients can receive the best care available without having to leave the East Texas area.” Dr. Jonathan Greifenkamp, Longview Regional Medical Center Interventional Cardiologist. Officer.

"Today we celebrate our cardiac advancements and milestones to our Heart and Vascular Institute at Longview Regional Medical Center," he said. "As a healthcare provider for East Texas, Longview Regional Medical Center's goal is to provide state-ofthe-art healthcare, including cutting edge and technologically advanced cardiac care right here in Longview." Gordon then recounted the LRMC Heart and Vascular

Institute's long, successful history, starting with how, more than thirty years ago, Dr. Rodney Henry and Dr. Charles Newkirk, pioneered heart healthcare in Longview, making it possible for the city's residents to receive sterling cardiac treatment without having to travel to faraway hospitals. He pointed out how local cardiac treatment has never stopped improving, adopting new procedures and technology as quickly as they become available.

903.291.0020 1408 Lago Trail Longview heartis.com

Assisted Living and Memory Care Community

Dr. Jorge Massare explains the new lab

"Longview Regional Medical Center has brought many firsts to East Texas while keeping excellent and compassionate care at the forefront," said Gordon. "We are gathered here at this moment to celebrate the incredible milestones of innovative advancements in cardiac care." Including: • The Center for Vein Care, opened in 2010. • First off pump beating heart surgery in 2011. • Heart and Vascular Institute, opened in 2012. • First TAVR procedure, 2015. • First Watchman procedure, 2018. • First Mitraclip procedure, 2019. • Multimillion-dollar Electrophysiology Lab Expansion, 2021.

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Longview Regional Medical Center’s new $4.4M Electrophysiology Lab

“We are honored to play a role in advancing cardiac care in East Texas. We take great pride at Longview Regional that our heart care program ranks among the best in the state and nation. This expansion and introduction of our Electrophysiology Lab further enhances the care and overall experience we provide to our patients.” CEO Steve Gordon, Longview Regional Medical Center.

"It is because of our cardiac and cardiovascular team's expertise, cardiac innovation, compassion and committment to providing quality patient outcomes, right here in Longview, that I can stand before you and tell you that this team remains vested in our community and to providing the utmost care for all their patients, treating them as if they were family," said Gordon. Dr. Johnathan Greifenkamp, a Longview native and treasured member of the LRMC cardiology team, then spoke, thanking everyone for coming, and giving a brief chronicle of the hospital's cardiology team. "This cardiology team started when I was twelve years old," he said. "My family did not have to travel outside Longview to get treatment because it is right here in Longview at Longview Regional Medical Center." In addition, Griefenkamp favorably commented on the LRMC emphasis on teamwork when it comes to saving lives. The highly skilled cast of physicians and specialists work together brilliantly. "We provide top tier, top level care for our patients," he said. "I appreciate the administration, I appreciate the faith the community has in what we do, and I appreciate my colleagues who push to the limits on education and staying on top of cutting-edge treatments."

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State of the City

Business and Finance

History of Christmas colors Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as blue and white symbolizes Chanukah.

Mayor Andy Mack and Julie Woods

Tim Spraggins and Dan Droege

For example, the decision to improve the trails in the city contribute not only to the health and wellness of local citizens but profitably impact economic development. Besides tax cuts, companies look into quality-oflife for their employees. Hence, the trail decision paid off handsomely as a private and public partnership. Other examples include the recent expansion of Longview Regional Medical

Troy Moore, Community Bank President and Jay Mitchell, First Vice President both of BancorpSouth.

Aliceson and Jim Wallace

Center Electrophysiology Lab and CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System North Park expansion. Furthermore, LEDCO was also recognized for bring GAP Inc. to Longview. Mack informed the audience that 1 million pieces of clothing ships from GAP Inc distribution center in Longview to various parts of the world. Another recognition went to

the City, Gregg County, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System, and the state of Texas for coordinating the COVID-19 vaccine hub that saved many lives. In addition, Mack acknowledged the impeccable work of Longview Firefighters who vaccinated the elderly and prevented COVID-19 contagion from decimating the senior population.

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Many people may not get in the holiday spirit without decorations and all the trimmings. Chances are strong that if you have containers full of items just waiting to see the light of day again this holiday season, those items are red or green or some combination thereof. Red and green have become the traditional colors of Christmas, just as blue and white symbolizes Chanukah. But how did this color palette come to evolve? Just like many traditions of Christmas, the red and green scheme has origins that pre-date the Christian celebration. Christmas has borrowed from many of the customs of winter solstice celebrations of ancient peoples, including the Celts. Ancient Celtic people revered holly plants, believing they brought beauty and good fortune in the middle of winter, a time when the landscape is normally bleak and holly plants thrive and stand out. Celts would regularly bring in sprigs of holly and decorate their homes with the plants, which feature shiny, serrated leaves and bright, red berries, as a way to guarantee a prosperous new year. Holly also came to be associated with the crown of thorns Jesus Christ was forced to wear during his crucifixion. The custom of using red and green continued into the 14th century. Dr. Spike Bucklow, a research scientist at the University of Cambridge, says red and green also were used to paint medieval rood screens, which were partitions installed in churches to separate the congregation from the priest and altar. Dr. Bucklow notes that Victorians also extended the

association of these colors as a physical boundary to another boundary: the marking of the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one at Christmastime. While red and green had associations with Christmas in early times through holly and other sources, the connection was perhaps best solidified thanks to a man named Haddon Sundblom. Sundblom was an artist commissioned in 1931 by the Coca-Cola company to create an image of Santa Claus for the company’s upcoming holiday ads. Until this point, versions of Santa were rarely consistent, with his clothing vacillating between green, blue and red. He also wasn’t the plump, jolly fellow associated with Christmas as we know him today, but rather thin and elf-like. Sundblom portrayed him as a chubby man wearing red robes, likely as a nod to Coca-Cola’s own red logo, even though the company denies the connection. Santa was featured in front of a green background. The ads proved popular and Sundblom’s Santa became the preferred depiction. Santa’s red robes perfectly complemented the green background and other green components of the holiday, such as Christmas trees and holly, that already had been solidified as Christmas imagery. Color plays a strong role in creating Christmas nostalgia. Red and green are put on vivid display throughout the season.

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Business and Finance

ADVANTAGES OF

SHOPPING LOCAL

esidents of a given town or city are often encouraged to support local businesses by looking to these firms to fill their needs. Small businesses are not just integral parts of communities, employing millions across the country, they also are operations that fund the very communities they service. Efforts to promote shopping local appear to be working. According to the Commonwealth Financial Group, over the last several years there has been a shift in consumer purchasing behavior marked by a preference among consumers to support locally owned shops and stores over big-box retailers and even online shopping. The following are some key reasons why shopping locally not only benefits small business owners, but also the communities they call home and the customers they serve.

Personal connection:

Knowing the people behind a business facilitates a connection not easily achieved with other companies. Customers may celebrate when a favorite business succeeds and look to spread the word about that business because they feel like they played a positive role in its success. Shopping locally has gained momentum and is fueled by the many advantages to supporting local businesses.

More money stays in the community:

According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the community. Conversely, only 43 percent of every $100 spent at a chain retailer stays in the community.

Job creation:

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies says local businesses create the majority of economic growth. They employ millions of Americans by creating roughly two-thirds of private sector jobs. Local business owners also tend to hire people who represent the demographics of the communities where the business is located, which may include historically underserved populations.

Diversity of products:

Local stores tend to diversify their products and services to meet the needs of the local communities, whereas chain stores often stock their shelves based on national demands.

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Personalized service:

A small business owner may be more inclined to go to great lengths to make customers happy because the long-term success of the business depends on customers becoming repeat customers.

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Community Sports/Health

LRMC, Pickleball Club hosts athletics, assists Longview to stay active

Justin Eberhart shakes hand with LRMC CEO, Steve Gordon on the inaugural Longview Regional Open solidifying a partnership between LRMC and Longview Pickle Ball Club

By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI / INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE

ongview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) has teamed with the Longview Pickleball Club. This partnership was celebrated at a dedication and grand opening tournament of the new and improved local pickleball courts at Guthrie Park near the old K Mart. These new sporting venues were formerly tennis courts. This is

all in accordance with the LRMC mission statement: "It is our mission at Longview Regional to help our community live healthier lives." LRMC Chief Executive Officer Steve Gordon meticulously described the new sports arena's intended function. "Our mission aligns with what the Longview Pickleball Club is accomplishing, both through helping its members stay active [by] playing

the game they love, and also fostering the interaction and camaraderie they enjoy through friendly competition," he said. "Beyond our mission as a healthcare provider, Longview Regional is also a proud member of this community." Gordon's outlining of this new complex and its implications went on and on as his upbeat approach to furthering Longview's healthcare

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was evident. "We strive to support and promote what a great community we have in Longview. The improvements the Longview Pickleball Club has made to their facility will continue to attract future events," he said. "The inaugural Longview Regional Open will attract dozens of players and spectators from surrounding areas who will spend one or two days and nights in our community, supporting our local businesses and hotels. We are proud to partner with the Longview Pickleball Club and look forward to future growth and benefit for our community." Although new to many, Pickleball is one of America's fastestgrowing sports. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports 3.3 million Americans play the game. Although enjoyed by enthusiasts of all ages, it is a favorite among the 55-and-older crowd because of its minimal impact on knees, shoulders, and hips. Longview Pickleball Club member Dustin Eberhart describes how the Longview chapter started out in 2020 with thirty or forty members. It now has more than 130. Club members originally started playing their pastime at Guthrie Park's tennis courts early last year, and formerly organized the club last summer. Eberhart explained how the tennis courts needed repair. That is when the Longview Pickleball Club began a

Andrew Stevens repres ents Rocking Creek Ranc h as Pickle

fundraising campaign in cooperation with LRMC. The results were resurfacing the courts, installing six permanent nets, new wind screens and signage. "We were looking for a strong community partner, and Longview Regional Medical Center was the perfect fit to partner with us," said Eberhart. "Both of our organizations are committed to working together to benefit our community through health and wellness." Furthermore, Eberhart reports participants came from Loui-

Ball Sponsor

siana, Dallas, Paris and from throughout Northeast Texas bring in three hundred players and spectators. "We are extremely thankful and appreciative to Longview Regional Medical Center for partnering with us on this project for our community," said Eberhart. To learn more about Longview Regional Medical Center, visit the hospital’s website at longviewregional.com. To learn more about the Longview Pickleball Club, visit www.facebook.com/LongviewPickleballClub

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Grubs Up

Grubs Up Community Connections

Orange spiced cake with berries M

Many cakes lend themselves well to the Bundt form, and that includes this Orange Spice Cake With Berries from Classic Stars Desserts (Chronicle Books) by Emily Luchetti.

Serves 10 Cake

Butter for the pan 3 tablespoons fine dried breadcrumbs 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Grated zest of 2 oranges 3/4 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger 8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature 11/2 cups granulated sugar 3 large eggs

Glaze

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 11/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 pint raspberries (about 2 cups) 1 pint blueberries (about 2 cups)

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Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter a 10inch Bundt pan and dust with the bread crumbs, tapping out the excess. Sift together the flour, white pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, baking soda, and baking powder onto a piece of parchment paper or into a bowl. Add the salt and set aside. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir together the milk, lemon juice, orange zest, and ginger and set aside. Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Reduce the speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing well after each addition. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Invert a platter on top of the pan and then invert the plate and pan together. Lift off the pan. To make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, orange juice, and lemon juice over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Brush the glaze on the cake. It will seem like a lot of glaze, but the cake will absorb it. Let the cake cool to room temperature. Slice the cake and serve with raspberries, blueberries and cream, if desired. Note: Experiment with other berries for the holiday season, such as sugar-dusted cranberries.

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How to host a

I Do

socially distant

wedding

Stream the wedding online.

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

Stream the wedding online for those guests who won’t be in attendance. By the end of 2020, millions of people had already attended weddings via platforms like Zoom, so loved ones may be experienced virtual guests by the time couples walk down the aisle in 2021.

www.stone-works.net

Pare down the in-person guest list.

(903) 663-3344 SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS

t’s likely that few people heard of social distancing prior to 2020. That changed as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe and the world found itself in the midst of a deadly pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as keeping a safe distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people who are not from your household. Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than at the altar, where many couples still tied the knot, albeit in scaled back ceremonies that adhered to social distancing guidelines in their communities.

Couples who planned large weddings prior to the pandemic can still invite all of their loved ones to witness the festivities online but pare down the in-person guest list to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Plan a party for down the road.

Couples can still celebrate their nuptials with family and friends down the road. Plan a postpandemic reception and let guests know you will fill them in on the details once social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

Spread the socially distant word.

Let guests know what they are in for should they decide to take part in the festivities.

www.facebook.com/ForeverAfterWedding December 2021

Luke Mack, Brooks Welborn, Dani Welborn and Spencer Mack Hansen

Haley Taylor, Devin Rodgers, Baleigh Trull, Luke Mack, Jordan Jenkins, Stephanie and Sean Pauelek

Andrew Hansen, Scyelar Hirsh, Baleigh Trull, Luke Mack, Spencer Mack and Madison Mack.

Blake Matthews, Paige Simons, and Madeline Matthews

Cullen Roach, Sean Pauelek, Tyler Baum, Damian Barletta, and Kenny Nguyen

Andrew Hansen, Spencer Mack, Madison Mack, Baleigh Trull, Luke Mack, Kelly and Andy Mack

Scyelar Hirsh, Baleigh Trull, Luke Mack, Spencer Mack and Madison Mack.

Haley Taylor, Baleigh Trull and Devin Rodgers

Baleigh and Luke

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“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22 NLT

Peggy Vaughan, Sally Lackey, Dawi Wellborn, and Ahnalee Cristello

Congratulations

Patty Wright, Tracy Welborn, Carla Stringer and Kelly Mack

Ernie Teste, Luke Mack, Baleigh Trull and Linda Teste

“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18, NLT

Luke Mack, Rusty Trull and Baleigh Trull

Drs. Luke Mack, Baleigh Trull and Andy Mack

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Baleigh & Luke By JOYCELYNE FADOJUTIMI

uke Mack is an Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Resident at LSU Health Shreveport. He studied Dentistry at the University of Texas Health School of Dentistry in Houston. Luke is an Aggie. He received his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M. Baleigh Trull is a General Dentist at Longview Dental Care. She has worked at St. Clair & Massey Orthodontics. Baleigh studied Nutritional Sciences / Biology and Chemistry at Texas Tech University. Then, she studied at the famed University of Texas Health School of Dentistry in Houston. Prior to attending college, she graduated from Whiteface High School. Baleigh lives in Longview and is from Morton, Texas. Luke’s dad, Mayor Andy Mack, DDS; is thankful for many fabulous and great happenings in the Mack’s family. His beloved son, Dr. Luke Mack is engaged to be married to Dr. Baleigh Trull. One of his greatest joys is looking forward to Luke’s relocation next year to practice surgery in Longview with him. “This holiday season, we have so much to be grateful for, indeed,” he said.

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Drs. Luke Mack and Baleigh Trull

Rusty and Misty Trull; Baleigh Trull, Luke, Kelly and Andy Mack

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Christmas Day is the most popular day to get engaged

ccording to the 2020 WeddingWire Newlywed Report, more couples who were married in 2019 got engaged on Christmas Day than any other day during the year. Christmas Eve was the second most popular day to pop the question, while the Sunday before Christmas Eve came in fourth (New Year’s Day rounded out the top three). The appeal of Christmastime proposals helped make December the most popular month to get engaged, as more than 19 percent of couples who married in 2019 got engaged in the final month of the year. July proved the second most popular month to pop the question, as 9 percent of couples

who wed in 2019 reported getting engaged in July. Tradition still has a place in wedding proposals, as 84 percent of proposers reported asking on bended knee, while 65 percent acknowledged asking parents’ permission prior to popping the question.

How to find your

wedding florist

eddings join the lives of two loving individuals so they can share their future with one another. Various elements help make weddings both momentous and magical. Floral arrangements are key components of wedding themes, as they help to establish ambiance at both the ceremony and reception. It is essential for couples to spend time vetting potential florists to find one who will produce their desired vision at a price that fits their budget. These guidelines can make the process go more smoothly.

Establish your theme early on. Floral arrangements will complement and enhance other elements of the wedding, including color scheme and the wedding theme. Bring swatches and photographs to consultations. It is easier to explain color palettes to a florist with

examples in hand.

Create a list of desired items. Florists may sell items a la carte or have packages of common floral pieces for wedding celebrations. Go easy on aroma. Tread lightly when selecting blooms that have strong aromas. They may be beautiful, but many people are sensitive to smells. Explain your budget. Research the average cost of floral arrangements and let the florist know what you can afford. This can help the florist narrow down options or make substitutions that fit your theme and your budget.

From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning. JEWELRY

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

2019

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December 2021

Social Distance Weddings Christmas Day:

Popular for engagement

How to find your

Wedding Florist

Baleigh & Luke

are soon to be Mr. and Mrs.

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The journey of love marriage family