INFINITIEPLUS MAGAZINE by infinitieplus magazine

Living life beyond plus one

infinitieplus June 2020

Tammy Gibbons

VOL. 10 NO.6 Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Serves the Lord God And Community

Longview Arboretum Carboretum

Debbie Fontaine Pâtissier Icon Edible Arts

CEO Robertson Moves to Sadiant Health

SOCIAL DISTANCING New Home Trends FATHER’S DAY GIFTS FOR DADS LRMC COVID SELF-CARE

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE

Inspirational

YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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

Failing is not Fatal B y D r . M i c h a e l G u i do

or years Thomas Edison tried to perfect a long-lasting storage battery. During this time, he conducted thousands of experiments that were unsuccessful. One day one of his employees came to him and said, “Isn’t it a shame that you have wasted all of this time? All of the tremendous labor and time that you have spent on this project has not achieved any results that are worthwhile or will work.” “I’ve got plenty of results,” said Edison. “You see, I’ve discovered several thousand results that won’t work!” To his credit, Edison was able to look at what he was doing as a way of learning and solving problems. When he failed, he did not look at it as final. He looked at it as a steppingstone to success. How fortunate is that person who can see beyond the moment of defeat to the joy of victory! Failing at something does not make you or mean that you are a failure!

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Often, we fail to see God at work in what we are doing. We look for the approval of others believing that our rewards come from them. Scripture reminds us, however, to define success in terms of being faithful to God and what He has called us to do. God rewards us for what we accomplish in His name as well as being faithful to Him, for doing what He calls us to do even when we fail in the eyes of the world. Struggling through difficult days and trying times proves that our trust is in God and that we look to Him for our rewards. “Fear not, I will strengthen and help you.” Prayer: It is natural, Lord, to want the approval of those around us. Often, we think that they are the final authority. Remind us that they are not and that we labor for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Scripture for Today: Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 |

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June 2020

Table of Contents

Body Soul and Spirit

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Longview BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Cover Story Hello Longview, we hope everyone is doing well while praying for everyday safety which is the most important of all. Please, remember to take the necessary health precautions for your sake and especially for the sake of others. Now more than ever, we need to be our brother’s keeper. It is on this note that we brought you the story of Tammy Gibbons who works at Spring Hill State Bank. During this pandemic, she has been making beautiful face masks and donating the sales funds to nonprofits in Longview. She grew up in a family situation that compelled her to learn early on the value of hard work and independence. She started working for a living when she was just fifteen. Please get to know Ms. Gibbons through this story from page 8. The next good read is ‘Failing is not Fatal.” During these times we are experiencing, it is important to know there is nothing wrong with failing. It is in failing that we learn in order to achieve

Police Officer Chris Bethard

success and progress. The story is on page 3. In addition, Doug Luckett, Longview Regional Medical Center interim CEO is reaching out to the community. He is thanking everyone for their kindness to our hospital heroes at the frontlines of the pandemic. Be sure to read his piece on page 5. The rest of the magazine is chock full of local stories from CEO Casey Robertson, Father’s Day gifting to modeling new homes for social distancing. Can you believe that? Check it out on page 20. Finally, flip the magazine and read about Debbie Fontaine, the brains behind Edible Arts. It is an endearing story. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you in this medium. By God’s grace, we look forward to serving you again in July. May the Lord bless you and keep you now and always. Amen!

Police Officer Shannon Purdue

Cars Social Distancing

Publisher / Editor Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Photography Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Graphic Designer Kuneho Designs

Contributing Writers Doug Luckett Andy Mack Kelly Hall Kevin Hood Colt Edwards Terri Hodge Steve Clugston Dr. Michael Guido

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.

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 6 Longviewites having a good time at Carboretum

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COVID-Safe Care B y In t e r i m CE O , D o u g L u c k e t t

he COVID-19 pandemic has made it crystal clear just how much communities rely on their local hospitals and also how much we rely on you. During the past few weeks, we’ve felt an outpouring of support and we are grateful to everyone who has delivered a meal, sewn a facemask, left a card, a sign or a chalk drawing, or who has just reached out to one of our caregivers and support team to say – thank you. Thank you for doing that. Longview Regional Medical Center is used to responding in times of crisis. But, this pandemic is unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. And, we know it has created anxiety for many people, especially when it comes to seeking healthcare services. So, we want you to know two things. First, you can count on us to maintain a safe environment for patients and employees. We are taking extraordinary measures – going above and beyond all of our normal efforts to keep our hospital and clinDoug Luckett ics clean and safe – because if you need healthcare, we want you to feel confident and to know you are protected. We are screening everyone who comes into the hospital, providing facemasks and other personal protective equipment to staff and patients, rearranging our environments to enable social distancing, and, in the event we ever do have any patients with COVID-19 at the hospital, we are caring for them in an area that is separate and isolated from the rest of the hospital. Of course, our cleaning staff is disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and doing a terrific job of keeping the

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Longview Regional and Regional Clinics clean. We also want you to know that if you have sudden symptoms that may indicate an emergency health concern, you can – and you should – seek immediate medical attention. Tragically, people with serious emergencies, including heart attacks and stroke, are waiting too long for medical care. Getting fast medical treatment could be the difference between life and death – so please, don’t ignore or rationalize the signs of a health emergency. Call 911, come to the hospital, and get the help you need. The same goes for chronic conditions and even routine healthcare needs. Many of our doctors offer telehealth visits for those who prefer not to come into the office. But, if an in-person visit is required, we are keeping our offices safe – so you can visit your doctor, if needed. I am so proud of our team and the way they have stepped up to this new normal. I’m also proud of everyone in our community who has stayed home to help flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19. Standing together we have seen how powerful our human connection really is. So, keep standing together – but stay six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. Tell someone how much you appreciate them. And, if you need healthcare, please don’t be afraid. We are here and prepared to care for you, and also to keep you safe. Doug Luckett is the interim chief executive officer at Longview Regional Medical Center.

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June 2020

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

Lori Holyfield Ball Lori Holyfield Ball Crista Black

Crista Black

Sharon Bradley

Sharon Bradley Mary Collier

Get personal with GE Café Kitchen Appliances Distinct by Design

Mary Collier Carmela Davis

Gerrie Forbis Carmela Davis Carol Manley Gerrie Forbis

Dawn Martin Carol Manley

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams

Dawn Martin

Mary Morris

Pamela Mercer-McWilliams Julie Woods Mary Morris

Celebrating 18 Years Julie Woods

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

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Celebrating 18 Years Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey Bundles Bundles Bundles of joy. joy. joy. Doors Openof atof 11:30 a.m. Thursday, 11,at2018 Ceremony andJanuary Luncheon begin noon It’s It’s It’s what what what we we we deliver. deliver. deliver. Maude Cobb Activity Center

Speaker: Joyner-Kersey 100 Jackie Grand Blvd. • Longview Complimentary valet parking will be available.

Doors Open atout 11:30 a.m. From From From the the the day day day you you you find find find out out to to the 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

Ceremony and Luncheon begin at noon than than than your your your and and and your your your baby’s baby’s baby’s health health health and and and well-being. well-being. well-being. This This This isiswhy 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 Ticket Information birthing birthing birthing suites, suites, suites, childbirth childbirth childbirth classes classes classes and and and breastfeeding breastfeeding breastfeeding 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, Maude Cobb Activity Center Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table ofsupport. 8support. we wewe offer offer offer perinatal perinatal perinatal services services services that that include include include maternal-fetal maternal-fetal maternal-fetal medicine medicine specialists specialists specialists and and and aaLevel Level a Level IIIIIINICU. NICU. III NICU. Tickets will be available for purchase beginningmedicine 100 Grand Blvd. •that Longview

November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For ForFor more more more information information information about about about our our our labor labor labor and and delivery delivery delivery services, services, services, visit visit visit LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby. LongviewRegional.com/baby. Complimentary valet parking will beand available. Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

Ticket Information

Speaker: Jackie Joyner-Kersey

Olympian & Greatest Female Athlete Individual Tickets $30.00 • $240 for Table of 8 of the 20th Century 2901 2901 N. N.Fourth N. Fourth Fourth Street Street Street • • Longview, Longview, • Longview, TX TX75605 TX 75605 75605 • • 903-242-3490 903-242-3490 • 903-242-3490 • • LongviewRegional.com LongviewRegional.com • LongviewRegional.com Tickets will be available for purchase2901 beginning November 1, 2017. To purchase, call Longview Regional For additional information on this event visit LongviewRegional.com. Medical Center’s Marketing Department at 903-553-7400.

Congratulations to the 2018 Stars Over Longview

4523 Judson Rd. Longview, Texas 75605 903-663-3344 | www.stone-works.net7 www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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Cover Story

Tammy Gibbons:

Local lady manages money, charities Uses her time, talents and treasures to her Lord and Savior by serving people B y J o y c e l y n e F a doj u t i m i / i p l u sm a g . c om

ike many empty nesters, Jeff and Tammy Gibbons enjoy travelling and fellowshipping with loved ones. As they approach their 37th anniversary in August they stay busy with road trips, cruises, beach vacations and quality time with sons Justin, Jordan, and Joey. Their six grandchildren also take up a great deal of time. Tammy calls them her "grand blessings." She grew up in a family situation that compelled her to learn early on the value of hard work and independence. She started working for a living when she was just fifteen. She loved her parents, but they did not always make the right choices. They wanted the best for their children, but their ways of doing so were not always the right ones. "There was a time when I was in high school that both of my parents were in prison," she says. "My grandparents gave up about a year and a half of their lives to move to Longview to take care of me, my sister and our brother." Obviously, her grandparents did a great job. "They took us to church, made sure we studied hard, got good grades, and provided a safe and loving home for us," she says. "We struggled, and money was tight, but we knew we were loved and prayed for every single day." Moreover, Tammy picked up on the value of education, starting out by earning an associate

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degree in accounting from Kilgore College. She further prepared for a career in banking by pulling down Foundations of Banking, Commercial Lending and Consumer Credit diplomas from the American Institute of Banking. She also spent two years studying at the Independent Bankers Association of Texas' Bank Operations Institute and took and attended a number of additional courses and seminars. Like many highly successful businesspeople, she started working early and modestly. She worked as a babysitter, waitress, in a clothing store and other odd jobs before being hired as a part-time teller at Spring Hill State Bank in September 1980, becoming a full-time employee after eighteen months. Her skill and industry were obvious, and she rapidly scaled the ladder of success, becoming a commercial loan teller, then a loan operations officer, then a loan department manager vice-president and finally branch manager of the bank's Hollybrook location when it opened in March 2004. But that is not all. In October 2005, she returned to the bank's main location as its vice-president and cashier. Moreover, in January 2010, she moved up to the post of senior vice-president. In September she will celebrate her 40th anniversary with Spring Hill Bank. "I manage human resources, information technology, and assist in many other areas of the bank," she says." This is the best bank to work |

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June 2020

Tammy Gibbons

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June 2020

Cover Story

for, and I do have the best boss in Les Mendicello, president/CEO." Although Tammy grew up determined to improve on her childhood, she was not certain what vocational path. At first, she doubted her own ability as far as banking was concerned, but once she tried it, she loved both it and her co-workers. Her Godgiven work ethic and skill have made her a great success. For her, a typical day is spent working with such human resources-related matters as computer problems and networking. Her job is constantly evolving, and her ability to adapt to change is vital. "Every day is something new and a challenge. I

Cover Story love working with people and helping them understand why we do something," she says. "Trying to find ways to teach and train that way sometimes is a challenge but rewarding in the end." Furthermore, the banking industry's inclination to constantly change makes Tammy's ability to adapt a priceless asset. All banks are held responsible for following endless regulations that ensure customers are served in a scrupulous, competent manner. It is important to note, banks are frequently audited and examined. For this reason, Tammy employs a hands-on approach with her customers, working closely and directly with them to the point that when they call her, they get her on the phone, not an answering machine. This is the bank's quest--keeping up with regulations and providing one-on-one, expert, profitable interaction with customers in order to live up to its mission statement, "Keeping service friendly and banking personal." "We have officers and employees ready to meet one-on-one with our customers and potential new

I manage human resources, information technology, and assist in many other areas of the bank. This is the best bank to work for, and I do have the best boss in Les Mendicello, president/CEO. We have officers and employees ready to meet one-on-one with our customers and potential new customers. We pride ourselves on trying to provide the best service possible, especially during these trying and challenging times."

– Tammy Gibbons

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June 2020

customers," she says. "We pride ourselves on trying to provide the best service possible, especially during these trying and challenging times." There is more. Without a doubt, there is a mighty power behind her success and earthly journey. Tammy's faith in Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, who died for each of us to give whoever believes, the gift of eternal life, is her greatest asset. Following the principles and guidance of her Lord and Personal Savior gives her an unerring pathway to honest success in her chosen calling, and equally benefits her customers as they deal with someone, they have confidence in and can trust. As a member of Longview's Lifepoint Church she regularly fellowships in prayer and worship, and her righteousness is unmistakable. "I am a believer and know that my Lord and Savior died for each of us to give us the gift of spending eternity with Him," she says. "I believe that God put each of us on this Earth to do some specific things, and that is to tell others about Him, to live a life that honors and glorifies Him, and to help All Female Bankers: L-r: Terri-Lyn Hodge, Carol Lee with Tammy Gibbons and Johanna Hodges others through the crazy season of life we all experience on a daily basis." Prior to joining LifePoint Church, Tammy and her family were members of New fellow parishioners, but to all of Longview's Beginnings Baptist Church (NBBC), where she residents both as a church member and through personally encountered the Lord God and Creator of civic betterment organizations. the heavens and the earth. “While at NBBC, I came Hence, she is a board member of the Greater to know the Lord and know that He loves me more Longview United Way. Also, as a member of than anyone else could. I trusted Him as my Savior,’ the Zonta Club of Longview, she is delighted to she said. “Without the Lord in my Life, I am nothing. participate in its annual Prom Boutique, helping I still love NBBC, have many friends there, but my hand out hundreds of free (and beautiful) prom heart is at Lifepoint. I know, I have a purpose there. dresses to young ladies who otherwise would have We are all churches with a common purpose. It is nothing suitable to wear to their high school proms. not about events that we can have. It is about loving "It's a special moment when you help that girl find God with all our heart, soul and mind…loving our that perfect dress and just see the light in her eyes," neighbor as ourselves.” Tammy says. Indeed, as a member of her church's As a member of the East Texas Chapter of management team, she toils to give back to the Financial Women of Texas (FWIT) she helps community by meeting the needs not only of her organize women who work in the financial arena www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

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June 2020

Cover Story so, they can achieve prosperous, fulfilling careers in many areas. Ladies in this organization exchange ideas, experiences, and interests to advance not only their own success, but the lives of women in general. FWIT encourages ladies to embark on careers in finance, and promotes improvements in methods of professional development, leadership skills, education, and the training of women in finance. Her credentials for this mission are the best. "I am a graduate of the 2010 class of Leadership Longview and had the chance to learn about many opportunities to give back in Longview," she says. "Because of Leadership Longview I became a loaned executive for the Greater Longview United Way." What is more, Tammy's day job is an avenue toward her dedication to helping others. Her employer, Spring Hill State Bank supports Spring Hill ISD, Keep Longview Beautiful, the Longview Arboretum, American Heart Association, Junior League of Longview, Greater Longview United Way, Zonta Club of Longview, Longview Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Down-Town

Cover Story Live, Wine Swirl, SeeSaw Children’s' Place, LMFA, Hearts Way Hospice, East Texas CASA, Financial Women in Texas, Longview 150 Celebration, Education by Design, Newspaper in Education and other organs striving to make Longview, Texas a better place. Although Tammy stays very busy, she keeps an eye out for a less-hectic future. "I know I won't be working forever, and one day I will retire," she says. "That won't be anytime soon, as I believe I still have many years to give to the bank and my community."

I am a believer and know that my Lord and Savior died for each of us to give us the gift of spending eternity with Him. I believe that God put each of us on this Earth to do some specific things, And, that is to tell others about Him, to live a life that honors and glorifies Him, and to help others through the crazy season of life we all experience on a daily basis." –

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Tammy Gibbons

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June 2020

TAMMY GIBBONS AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Ms. Gibbons makes masks and donates proceeds to local nonprofits.

This simple, unselfish declaration of life, is mirrored in how she works mainly in the background in her endeavors, rarely drawing attention to herself, and dodging recognition. Her commitment to others' well-being again shone forth when the coronavirus pandemic arrived in East Texas. Tammy sat down and began sewing face masks for her family, friends, and co-workers. She refuses to sell these masks, giving them away in bunches to those who have seen her offer on Facebook. Any contributions she has received for her masks she donates back to community charities. "I was watching all the news coverage, hearing about so many losing their jobs, families struggling to get food...that have never really struggled before," she says. "I made the decision then to donate most of any donations back to help with those in need of food." Most of these re-donations have gone to the foster children at the Gregg County Rainbow Room, and to Longview Community Ministries. Her many God-given talents have blessed so many others. She has no doubt this is what her Creator had in mind when He blessed her with all her skills. "We all have gifts and talents and are called upon to use them in a way that pleases the Lord and allows Him to multiply," Tammy says. "What started out as an opportunity for me to give back to the community the gift of my talent to sew 'just a few www.facebook.com/InfinitiePlusmagazine

Ms. Gibbons makes masks and donates proceeds to local nonprofits.

"I was watching all the news coverage, hearing about so many losing their jobs, families struggling to get food...that have never really struggled before. I made the decision then to donate most of any donations back to help with those in need of food." –

Tammy Gibbons

masks' has turned into a blessing of being able to help others by the generous donations of those who received masks from me." If just one more baby needs a toy or a place to sleep, Tammy Gibbons will see to it.

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Spirit Soul and Body

Cover Story

Sadiant Health expanding with new CEO Casey Robertson Former hospital CEO joins on-demand staffing network to expand the use of its app and web-based platform nationwide B y J o y c e l y n e F a doj u t i m i / i p l u sm a g . c om

adiant Health, the leading ondemand healthcare staffing network, has appointed former Longview Regional Medical Center chief executive officer (CEO) Casey Robertson its new CEO. Salient co-founder and ex-CEO Sarah Snetzer has moved on to the position of president and is pleased with her replacement. "I'm delighted that Casey has joined the Sadiant executive team while we enter an exciting time of expansion," she said. "Casey brings a depth of healthcare experience we want as we work to grow both our clinician and healthcare facility base. We've accomplished a lot in the early stages of the company, and we know Casey will take us to the next level so we can continue to improve the lives of the clinicians, schedulers and patients we serve." Since its inception in 2016, Sadiant has concentrated on resolving major issues affecting healthcare facilities and their clinicians. Using a web- and app-based staffing network called the Sadiant Solution, the network provides on-demand availability to competent, fully vetted clinicians, thereby expanding the float pool of accessible medical professionals. As part of the Sadiant team, these clinicians are given W2 benefits, but also receive full flexibility, higher pay, and comprehensive career support. As the company has expanded, it has gained a reputation as a top integrated staffing

network for healthcare facilities all across Texas. Its clinicians work shifts throughout North, Central and East Texas. Robertson is upbeat about his promotion and excited about his coming contributions to its effectiveness. "The Sadiant Solution is just what healthcare facilities need today--on-demand staffing that is reliable and fast," he said. "We have a tremendous opportunity to improve staffing shortages, nurse morale and patient care--all with a streamlined solution that healthcare administrators crave. I am thrilled to join this talented team and look forward to expanding our clinician base and technology capabilities so we can serve even more providers across the country." Robertson previously served as Longview Regional Medical Center's (LRMC) CEO. In this capacity he directed major upgrades in the hospital's cardiac, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and orthopedic service lines. He accomplished these improvements by partnering with the medical community throughout East Texas. Prior to his LRMC assignment, he worked as CEO of Lufkin's Woodland Heights Medical Center, where he supervised this region's first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He has also worked in administrative roles in medical facilities in Alabama and Florida. He prepared for his career by pulling down a master's degree in psychology from Texas A&M, and a master's degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University.

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Casey Robertson

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June 2020

Community Connections

Community Connections "I like the idea of Carboretum. They got creative, and voila!" she said. "I am very excited for this event. It shows corona can't keep us down." As carloads of music lovers arrived, local defense lawyer and Arboretum volunteer Val Jones noted that while it may be presently impossible to convene a jury trial, Longview can still provide its people with an enjoyable social life. Another Arboretum volunteer, Laura Jones, added that she was delighted to be part of the production. "I am helping the Hugmans to put up a nice evening for our community," she said. Local policemen were also there both to oversee and listen. Officer Chris Bethard was thrilled by the turnout and the splendid entertainment but was keeping a close on matters of safety. "I am very excited for this evening," he said. "We are very prudent. We are doing the best we can with what we have. I wish we could get together like normal." Fellow patrolman Shannon Purdue seconded

Cars social distancing at Carboretum

Longview Arboretum Board Member, Ann Hugman and Volunteers Lt to rt Patricia Newman, Heather Hall, Lisa Hoaten and Laura Jones

Carboretum gives Corona a back seat Longview Quartet exceed expectations, ease pandemic doldrums

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are here, and we are ready to help. Always Texas Strong.â&#x20AC;?

B y J o y c e l y n e F a doj u t i m i / i p l u sm a g . c om

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has shut down what was known as social life across the globe, but in Longview Texas; Ann Hugman, Longview Arboretum and Nature board member, and her volunteers came up with a brilliant idea dubbed Carboretum. They sidestepped COVID-19-induced restrictions. It was a concert version of a drive-in movie. The Longview Quartet, four enterprising music makers gave residents something melodic to look forward to despite health danger limitations. It is important to note, attendees and their cars adhered to the social distancing and other health pro-

tocols laid out by Department of State Health Services ((DSHS). For this reason, cars could only park in every other parking space. Yellow cones designated off-limits spaces. In addition, there was a sanitation station, and Hugman noted the Potties provided individual privies to patrons. As a matter of fact, the breezy 80 degrees temperature was welcoming. Hence, some attendees enjoyed the concert from inside their cars with rolled down windows while others sat in lawn chairs in front of their vehicles throughout the two-hour event. Everyone who came absolutely loved the show. Assistant District Attorney Lisa Hugman spoke for everybody.

As community bankers, we acknowledge our responsibility to invest in the communities we serve with our time, talents, and financial resources so that Texas remains a vibrant place for families and businesses to grow and prosper. Our call to serve has never been greater.

www.texasbankandtrust.com

MEMBER FDIC

TBT IPM Tex Strong Volunteers.indd 1

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4/29/20 2:14 PM

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Community Connections

Longview Quartet: Renee Ward, Julia Hector, Pam Martin and Shane Almendarez

Jim and Anne Hugman

Lisa Hugman and Chris Webb

Steven and Lori Ball with Niece Ainsley

Jim Hugman and Johnny Griffith

Johnny Griffith and Kimberly Fish

this endorsement of the free concert. "This event is to get people out and to give them something to do, which is really very nice," he said. This motive was clear and welcomed by the audience. Attendee Lori Ball came, along with husband Steven and three-year-old niece Ainsley. "I think this is good," said Lori. "I am glad to be here." Best of all, three food truck served up delicious, delectable food, sweets and drinks. As each number concluded, some patrons clapped, and others honked their horns, but there was more to this two-hour production than music. It started at 6:00p.m., and before its 8:00 p.m. conclusion, Arboretum Executive Director Steve Chamblee called forth Fish, MD; Jim Hugman and Dan Darr to his make-shift podium. When these three gentlemen got there, Chamblee announced the Sexy Legs contest. Everyone busted out in laughter . Anyone who knows Chamblee can hilariously imagine what ensued. It was pure fun, especially when he, Chamblee entered his own legs for the contest. What a way to close the first event in the ROOTS series. "From our opening day we've known that Longview

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Dan Darr and Jim Hugman at the Sexy Legs Contest

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COVID-19 greeting Kimberly Fish elbow bumps Patricia Newman

loves to hear live music inside the Arboretum," said Chamblee. "It's the acoustic of trees, the softness of the lawn, and the cooler temperatures in the evening that create the perfect recipe." It is important to note, tickets for Arboretum events can be purchased at the website http://www. longviewarboretum.org or onsite on the evenings of events. This website also provides a full calendar of musicians to follow in the ROOTS series. Standard adult admission is $10. In accordance with social distancing requirements patrons should bring picnic blankets, folding chairs, and coolers to the Great Lawn. The website also outlines how Heartisans Market has

Patrons in front of their vehicles

Dr. Mel Fish at the Sexy Legs Contest

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June 2020

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Police Officers Chris Bethard and Shannon Purdue

uploaded most of the Gifting Tree's merchandise. Customers can shop from home for garden-oriented merchandise or browse from Wednesdays through Saturdays in the Nature and Garden Center. Of note to nature lovers and (especially) children, the beehive at the Gifting Tree is soon to become an active hive so that customers can watch bees at work through a window. Equally important, the Southern Living Company is so enthusiastic about Longview Arboretum that it has donated $100,000 worth of plant material to create a 3/4-acre shade bed stocked with native and hybrid trees. This will add to the volunteer-built flower beds, pathways and labyrinth that are already providing a wonderful nature experience.

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Business and Finance

Father's Day Gifts

Home Design

for the modern Dad

VID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action: work, entertainment and shops and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again. Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce. Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture

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to create a much-needed escape. Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key. Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your decor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost. Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time. |

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June 2020

ather’s Day is a chance for people to show the special men in their lives just how much they are loved. Though it was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, it was not until decades later that President Richard Nixon made honoring fathers a nationwide holiday in the United States. While there are many different ways to honor dads, it has become customary to offer gifts and other tokens of affection. According to History.com, Americans now spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s Day gifts. Many modern fathers are more involved in their children’s lives and around the house than their own fathers were. Gifts that cater to today’s well-rounded dads are sure to be appreciated. Cool duds: Modern dads are fashion-forward and might enjoy a piece of clothing or a gift card to their favorite retailer. If you know a store where Dad loves to shop, stop in for some inspiration. Pampering products: Mom is not the only one who likes to indulge in some pampering from time to time. Put together a carefully curated basket of men’s grooming products or purchase a set from a bath and body store like Lush. Fitness finds: If you have not already gifted the special man in your life with a fitness tracker watch, now is the time to do so. Such a watch will tap into his love of gadgets and provide some utility as he tries to be as healthy as possible. Cookbooks: The stereotype that dads are hopeless in the kitchen has long since been refuted. Many men are top-notch home chefs and will appreciate some

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new recipes to try. Combine the cookbook with a new culinary tool, like a cast-iron skillet or a mandoline slicer, so he can try out his skills right away. Support the team: If Dad is a sports fan, find a baseball cap or a jersey of his favorite team/player. Many sports stores only carry inventory for local teams. If Dad supports a team in a different state or country, do your shopping online at a site like Fanatics.com. Craft beers: The craft beer movement has expanded exponentially in recent years. Visit with a local brewer and purchase bottles or growlers of a favorite brew. If you know the flavor profile that Dad favors, find a beer that suits that preference while also giving some new varieties so he can put together his own flight. This Father’s Day delve deeper to find gifts that a dad will truly love even if he seemingly has it all.

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June 2020

Above all, community improvements are making her more and more prosperous. This is a trend she foresees as promising in making Longview an increasingly better place to live, work, and worship. A community united in accomplishing a goal will indeed live long and prosper. She cites how when word came out that local police and firefighters were using worn-out unsafe protective vests, local residents conceived of and carried out the Back the Blue campaign, raising $70,000 to purchase safe, new protective gear for firemen and patrolmen. Similarly, Debbie also notes how the splendid array of dining establishments along Loop 281 came about as a result of how the Longview Economic Development Council teamed with city leaders and various civic organizations to both purchase land for the eateries and to fund Kilgore Junior College's and local high schools' hiring of relevant instructors so that local culinary-minded students can now attend their preferred courses here rather than relocate to campuses in Dallas, Houston, Austin and other distant locales. "When new hotels and restaurants were scoping us out for the first time in decades, and asked if we had butchers, line cooks, hostesses, trained culinary management, Longview, Texas was prepared," she says. For Debbie, a typical day is busy, hectic, and fulfilling. Her dedication to her employees is unmistakable as she strives to diversify, grow and therefore be able to raise salaries. Her business has expanded to the point that with all the emails, phone calls, sundry messages, and website orders she can no longer manage it alone. Her enterprise is a true group-oriented labor of love. "No one [person] can keep up with all the incoming questions and orders any longer," she says. "It is a team effort to get all avenues of communication answered." This includes how she trains her workers to interact with customers. She instructs them to treat all customers with respect and consideration but does not tolerate anyone disrespecting her employees. Although they consider themselves artists because of the lovely confections they create, they do not work alone and/or in back rooms like most artists. Debbie realizes Edible Arts'

customers provide her and her staff's paychecks and treats them with according consideration...and expects the same in return. " Yo u d o n o t disrespect, talk down to or just be downright rude to Edible Art Design Team members," she says. "This team have spent years training as culinary artists and have had to learn customer service." What she loves most, though, about her calling is how her creations all Longview Sesquicentennial Cake have beautiful stories behind them. Whether it is a marriage, graduation, birth, anniversary, birthday, or some other blessed event every Edible Art cake or cookie is the result of a special occasion. The only aspect of her profession she finds disagreeable is occasionally having to turn down a potential client, generally because they wait too late to make an order, and there is no time to move someone's last-minute request to the front of the line. "We are not going to short cut other designs that

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have been planned for weeks\ months," she says. Again, her Christian faith has always been (and remains) the main factor in her life and careers. She prays and reads her father's Bible, banishing fear and temptation from her daily activities. She stays humble, kind and on the straight and narrow by looking to her father's righteous example. "Some ask themselves, 'What would Jesus do?'" I ask myself, 'What would my rock, my daddy do or say?'" Hence, her dedication to maintaining a Biblical attitude extends to her interaction with those who have negative personalities. She sees those who are hurting after having a bad day (or maybe a bad year) as needing someone willing to offer a sympathetic ear and perhaps a shoulder to cry on. She realizes that persons who constantly complain, put others down, and put themselves down are suffering. She keeps her promises to pray for them, and once they have put away their self-pity and bitterness, she invites them to "come run with me." In her, they have a true, Christian friend. This is reflected in the list of her more recent community

involvement activities. She has chaired the city's Culinary Arts Advisory Commission, served on the President's Advisory Council at LeTourneau University, on the steering committee of Partners in Prevention, as a Forever Friends mentor, the Kilgore College Culinary Advisory Committee, and the Longview CATE Advisory Committee. Through these organizations, she seeks to make her

We seek to make Longview a little sweeter. Once we get through the COVID-19 stall, we will move forward to find more sweet opportunities to help our community." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Debbie Fontaine adopted hometown a true bed of roses. Such efforts and dedication are evident despite the restrictions and limitations brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. "We seek to make Longview a little sweeter," she says. "Once we get through the COVID-19 stall, we will move forward to find more sweet opportunities to help our community.â&#x20AC;? For these reason she aspires to keep Edible Arts growing both to give the city a sweeter reputation and to create jobs. Last year she purchased and outfitted a mobile commercial food truck that enables her to participate in more community functions. This essentially gives her a second location without the need for buying additional property and kitchen equipment. Debbie Fontaine's chronicle is a testament to how she used her faith, sterling examples, natural propensity for business and art, and an unflinching work ethic to overcome a difficult childhood and become a pillar of her community. Longview, Texas would be a very diminished place without her. "With hard work you can make a living following your passion and listening to your heart," she says. "All of us has a little light. Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!" Hers is blazing.

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Texas Fruit Tray

me all the things I did not want in this life, and the many goals I strive for today." She cites three major life lessons she learned from her parents: 1. The power of one. You have the power to love yourself and change someone else's destiny. 2. The past does not equal the future. Those who use negative experiences from the past as an excuse why they cannot accomplish their goals today are excuse makers and not dream builders. Negative life experiences are the strongest, most unshakable, rock solid foundation upon which to BUILD your dreams. You must let go of the past. God is waiting to construct your masterpiece. 3. You can do anything when you believe. "This little light of mine! Am gonna let it shine. Let it shine!" It is important to note, Debbie's first major step into her successful adult life was through education. It was another lesson in self-determination as she majored in business administration at the University of Texas, and a minor in marketing. Her parents had been unable to afford college, but she worked her way through. Aided by a scholastic scholarship from Brookshire's Grocery Company, she toiled at two jobs fifty to seventy hours weekly to pay her tuition. She did not stop here, either.

In addition, she has taken business courses at Kilgore College, QuickBooks classes, and Wilton Instructor training courses. Every other year she attends educational culinary seminars, workshops, or conventions in order to keep up with constantly changing trends. In 2019, she and her design team journeyed to Las Vegas for the International Baking Industry Exploration. This expo showcases the latest baking technology, and explores equipment, ingredients, supplies, and business solutions. It is a vital resource for maximizing culinary success. Her present vocation is the successful culmination of the five jobs she has held. Equally important, at fifteen she started out as a dishwasher/cake decorator at the Brookshire's in Monroe, Louisiana. Her eleven-year career with Brookshire's brought her to Texas when she transferred to Tyler to help open the company's first bakery operations plant. Her positions with the grocery company were cashier, office cashier, night stocker, grocery manager, and as the company's first-ever female assistant store manager. "The time at Brookshire's gave me a priceless education on how to run a multi-million-dollar business, and to see your college textbook education come to life," she says. Correspondingly, while still with Brookshire's she attracted the attention of a corporate headhunter, who hired her for her seven-year stint with Western Merchandisers/Tower Records and Hastings. Her position here came with corporate board meetings, travel, meeting celebrities, researching numbers and management with performance-wrought bonuses. This period taught her the value of well-orchestrated teamworking...how competently led and motivated teams can meet virtually any goals set before them. "One last thing about this job, other than meeting Garth Brooks, is that it brought me to a place I had never heard of...Longview, Texas," she says. It was her final fling at corporate America. This was when she met and married her husband and had their daughter. "I didn't want a daycare to raise her, so I became a stay-at-home mom for five years," she says.

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When new hotels and restaurants were scoping us out for the first time in decades, and asked if we had butchers, line cooks, hostesses, trained culinary management, Longview, Texas was prepared."

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Debbie Fontaine She next tried her hand with Mary Kay Cosmetics, aiming for it to be a part-time job to boost family income while raising Mykala. It turned into something else entirely as her innate skill led to such soaring sales that she won a car, met Mary Kay Ash in person, and became a sales team director. Although it is no longer her full-time occupation, Dessert Bar she still dabbles profitably and personally in Mary Kay products, but she now has another profession that keeps her busy. For the past thirteen years she has operated Edible Art Specialty Cakes and Cookies. This is an outgrowth of her love of art...a passion that led her to pull down an associates of arts degree. Her lifelong fascination with art and drawing follows her to this day, but in her younger years she was not sure it could become a profitable vocation. "My second year in college a counsellor encouraged me to leave art and go into business because [otherwise] I would become a starving artist," she says. "I listened, did what others wanted for decades. I do wish I could find that counsellor and thank him for steering me into business, but also let him know artists don't have to starve." The notion of pursuing a full-time career in art occurred to Debbie during her stay-at-home period. At age thirty-three she had had her only child, Mykala,

and was utterly devoted to her daughter. It was this total motherly dedication that steered her to produce beautiful culinary creations. The idea of her business was born when she ordered cake and cookies for her daughter and the name was misspelt plus her disappointment with the color and design. This is the reason why once. her little girl started kindergarten, Debbie determined to commence producing cookies, cakes and pastries that were not only delicious, but beautiful to behold. "I made it my mission to find a building to open a studio to produce edible art so I could continue to make Mykala my #1 priority," she says. "I never wanted to miss anything throughout her educational years. It worked!" Again, Debbie knew her latest career would be a challenge. Still, she has what she calls "a fighting passion to survive" in business. It has always led her to not only survive but prosper. She calculates how many cookies she must sell to offset her business expenses. Although she freely admits starting and sustaining her small business has been the hardest work of her careers, she is like so many others who have succeeded in this field...determined to survive and grow through sheer effort and competence. She also realizes hard physical work will never pay off without equally hard mental effort. "You never turn your brain off," she says. "Mine is in overdrive all the time." Disinterested in renting or leasing, she purchased a site for her bakery at 504 West South Street (a former tavern) and transformed it into Edible Art. By owning the property, she is able to use equity for such various aspects of business as expansion, purchasing new equipment, and paying off higher interest rate debit. Furthermore, since she owns the site, there is no monthly overhead. Business owners who rent or lease their locations are at the mercy of their landlords.

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Dessert Bar

She thanked him but stuck to her guns...she did not date employees. He figured she was worth giving up his job. But that is not all. "He gave his two-weeks' notice. We went on that lunch date, and twenty-five years later Tim is still a nerd, a geek and one of the most intelligent men I know," she says. "Tim is the foundation of our family, the best father, the greatest supporter, and the best friend a Cajun girl turned Texan could ever have dreamed of." Debbie credits her late parents, Rock and Charlotte Robinson, for steering her onto her profitable life's journey. Charlotte was only sixteen when she gave birth to Debbie, but she took the responsibilities of parenthood seriously. She taught her daughter to be independent, courageous and to never shrink from a challenge, telling her, "You can do anything when you believe." "Ovarian cancer took her a few years ago," Debbie says. "I will forever be grateful she was here to enjoy Mykayla and see Edible Art established." She describes stepfather Rock Robinson as a "gentle giant" who married into the family of this "untrusting, angry and lost kid." His powerful Christian faith was a great influence, and he encouraged her to associate with people who struck her as positive role models whom she would like to be like, and to stay away from "negative folks who always complain without [offering] solutions."

My second year in college a counsellor encouraged me to leave art and go into business because [otherwise] I would become a starving artist. I listened, did what others wanted for decades. I do wish I could find that counsellor and thank him for steering me into business, but also let him know artists don't have to starve." - Debbie Fontaine

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By the same token, he was a great example of how striving to be your best is a sure route to success. Also, he carefully respected her wishes on family matters. "He asked if he could adopt me. I could not believe he actually wanted me. No one else did," she says. "I did not trust enough to say yes, so he patiently waited. "She watched as her mother responded to Rock's blessed influence, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Personal Savior. There is more. "My parents together brought me out of the darkness of being an unwanted, abused child born to a teenaged mother. We overcame challenges as a family and moved forward," she says. "I credit mom and dad for teaching

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Debbie Fontaine: PĂ˘tissier Icon Makes Longview Sweeter; Places Faith, Family, and Food first B y J o y c e l y n e F a doj u t i m i

lthough Debbie Fontaine started out life in West Monroe, Louisiana a family situation sent her to Longview, and here she stays. She and husband Tim Fontaine were married 25 years ago. They met while she was visiting Longview, and now have a twenty-two-year-old daughter, Mykayla, who just graduated from Texas Tech University with a master's degree. Debbie's arrival to Longview, Texas was a blessing both to her and East Texas. "I was supposed to be passing through Longview on an internal theft investigation. The investigation did not take long after researching the numbers, cover-up, and loss of inventory. Upper management employees were found guilty and let go immediately," she says. "While on assignment in East Texas, my dad had a heart attack in West Monroe. My mom needed me due to my dad having a ten-week fight for his life, which he survived." Western Merchandisers, who owned the Longview store in question (Hastings,) allowed her to stay on after the management shake-up. She spent the next ten weeks driving back and forth between Longview and West Monroe. Despite being stretched so thinly, she oversaw Hastings so expertly that it commenced turning out record

profits, consequently, Western Merchandisers requested she stay as interim manager. 0She was putting down roots. Meanwhile, her Tim was a regular customer, coming in frequently to browse among the Dungeons & Dragons games and the comic books. He invariably gave her his opinions on how she could run the store better, but his motives were far from business-related. "He asked employees so many questions about me. He knew more about me than I did myself. Freaky, right?" she says. "Something I did admire was how intelligent he was, and his vocabulary. My gosh, I had to look up words just to understand what he was talking about." Furthermore, she was not the only one who took note of this promising computer geek. An assistant manager hired him to oversee the Book and Music department. It took Tim two years, but he finally asked Debbie out on a date, which she declined because she did not date employees. She then received a lovely rose bouquet with a card that read, "From someone who cares." Thinking it was from a specific ex-boyfriend she called and thanked her former paramour, who took full credit for the gift. A couple days later employees corrected her misconception, and told her Tim sent the flowers. Rolling out Longview Sesquicentennial Cake designed by Edible Art

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Engagement ring buyer’s guide

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. Take time to learn about each of the four Cs so you can make an informed decision.

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.

edding planning often begins moments after couples get engaged. Shopping for an engagement ring can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. But there are ways to make the process go as smoothly as possible. ¥ Listen carefully anytime jewelry is discussed. It is also perfectly fine to ask for your future spouse’s input, particularly if you’ve already spoken about marriage. 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.

Wedding cake: Make your statement

A rising trend in cakes is to cover a white or naked cake with translucent glaze tinted in the couple’s wedding colors. Statement tiers also are popular. Couples set the cake apart with elaborate designs

Find a jeweler with whom you feel comfortable and believe you will get the best value for your money. Jewelers often do whatever is necessary to make their customers happy, so don’t be afraid to ask for customization. Engagement ring buyers may also want to consider gemstones other than diamonds. When shoppers are prepared, the engagement ring-buying process much easier.

Hand-painted tiles on a cake are another way to add panache. Sometimes a statement comes by way of texture. An allwhite cake can be dressed up with ruffles, lace, embossing, and 3-D rosettes cake designs. ¥ Couples may opt for darker hues on their cakes and even a black tier. Statement cakes can really say something about the couple getting married.

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

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June 2020

Debbie Fontaine

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Engagement Ring Buyer's Guide and

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